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Permafrost collapse study helps preserve Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ecosystem

Xinhua) 10:00, December 11, 2025

LANZHOU, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A new study by Chinese scientists has advanced understanding of the mechanism and impact of permafrost collapse, particularly thaw slumps, on the alpine ecosystem of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, according to the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Conducted by NIEER researchers, this study evaluated the impact of thaw slumps on alpine grassland ecosystems via systematic field observations and analysis. Its findings have been published in the journal Catena, the NIEER said.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the world's largest high-altitude permafrost region, featuring a unique and fragile alpine ecosystem. In recent years, climate warming and changes in precipitation patterns have been accelerating the degradation of permafrost on this plateau, leading to the expansion of thaw slumps and other thermokarst landforms.

Thaw slumps significantly affect carbon and nitrogen migration processes, microbial community structure and alpine ecosystem functions. They do so by altering soil texture and moisture conditions.

Thaw slumps also enhance soil carbon pool release and strengthen the positive feedback effect of climate warming, according to Jiang Guanli, a researcher at the NIEER.

The NIEER researchers carried out this study to trace thaw slumps' path of regulation of the soil-vegetation feedback process.

They conducted the study in the Beiluhe and Fenghuoshan permafrost regions in the interior of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Both these regions are situated at an altitude of over 4,600 meters above sea level. They selected four typical areas containing thaw slump landforms.

Researchers carried out vegetation surveys and soil sampling, obtained the gross primary productivity (GPP) of the alpine ecosystem, and systematically evaluated the impact of thaw slumps on the soil-vegetation-CO2 flux in these alpine ecosystems.

Their study results indicated that thaw slumps on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have triggered a sequential series of reactions from soil structure to ecosystem function, doing so by reshaping the surface microtopography.

Thaw slumps mainly affect the ecosystem function of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau through the path of soil texture, soil moisture and soil substrate-vegetation-GPP. Incorporating patch-scale heterogeneity and slump age is therefore essential for forecasting the carbon dynamics of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the study revealed.

Thaw slumps are among the main thermokarst landforms found on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. "Our study addressed the previous knowledge gap in permafrost collapse, particularly thaw slumps, on the plateau. This is of importance in better understanding and preserving the plateau ecosystem," said Jiang.

Jiang added that the study provides reliable measured evidence for understanding changes in carbon sinks on the plateau, by proposing and quantifying the chain of a specific influence path of thaw slumps on soil, vegetation and carbon sinks.

"Furthermore, the study proposes new ideas that will be helpful for more accurately assessing the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in terms of dual carbon goals and the global carbon budget," Jiang explained.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Foundation honors an outstanding first-generation scholar committed to transforming education

MIAMI, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future ("For A Bright Future") ("FABF"), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved students today announced that Isabel Ramirez Lucas of California is the recipient of its 2025 Dr. Emma Lerew Scholarship.

This prestigious award, reserved for exceptional students pursuing careers in education, will support Isabel's studies in biology education at Santa Barbara City College and empower her mission to uplift students in her own community.

Since its founding, FABF has awarded scholarships in STEM, financial technology, healthcare, and education to students from single-parent households, military families, and other underrepresented backgrounds. In 2025 alone, the foundation reviewed more than 10,000 applications nationwide, a testament to the urgent demand for accessible educational funding.

"As a first-generation student, this scholarship symbolizes the possibility of a future beyond limits I grew up with. It fuels my dream of being the kind of teacher who changes a student's life the way mine did; someone who reminds them that their circumstances never define their future," said Isabel Ramirez Lucas.

Scholarship selections are guided by an expert committee under the leadership of Chairwoman Susie Hernandez and Vice-Chairwoman Jennifer Oddo, with Dr. Courtney Purnell, Campus Director of Dragons Academy, serving as lead evaluator.

Gina Rogoto, FABF's Senior Vice President of Operations and Programs, oversees the outreach and selection process that ensures scholarships reach the most deserving candidates.

Contact:

Gina Rogoto, SVP of Operations & Programs,

For A Bright Future

Email: [email protected]

About Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future

Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future ("For A Bright Future") ("FABF") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth through scholarships, mentorship, and resources in education, healthcare, the arts, and leadership. Founded by Louis Hernandez Jr., CEO of Black Dragon Capital, FABF's mission is to illuminate the path to success for students who face systemic barriers, fostering the next generation of innovators, educators, and community leaders. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit https://www.fabff.org/.

Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

SOURCE Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future
Almost 1 in 10 voters who backed Zohran Mamdani in last months New York City mayoral election also cast their ballot for Donald Trump a year earlier, a surprising NBC News exit poll has revealed.

The mayor-elect, 34, campaigned on an affordability platform and pledged rent freezes, free bus travel and community-owned grocery stores and attracted a torrent of alarmist messaging from the presidents MAGA allies. That did not deter 9 percent of those who backed Trump over Kamala Harris to support him, however, NBC reports.

One such person was Brooklynite Adalberto Rodriguez, 30, who told the broadcaster that, after feeling sympathy for Trump during his Manhattan criminal trial, he felt compelled to back his return to the White House. He subsequently became excited by Mamdanis campaign for City Hall.

I pray for these two guys specifically, Rodriguez said. And thats pretty much the first time in my life Ive ever had such a level of excitement towards any politician.

Its funny, because a lot of people think that Im joking or trolling or trying to stir the pot. I get that all the time. I know its going to sound silly, but it actually is the opposite.

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump had a surprisingly cordial meeting in the Oval Office last month (AP)

Another supporter of both men was Ron Barba, an actor and stock trader who went viral for sporting a MAGA for Mamdani T-shirt at campaign events, who said he had been a reluctant Trump voter only because he could not stand Harris.

I was going to vote for Robert Kennedy [RFK Jr] because he was in the middle at the time, Barba told NBC. But then all of a sudden, he shifted over to the right and went to Trump, he said.

And so then I said, Well, now I have no one that I really want, so Im just going to vote for Trump again. And immediately, about three months in, I was like, Here we go again with the fighting, he added.

So I was looking for someone new. I didnt realize that I was, but I was looking for someone new. And when Zohran won in the primary mayoral election, I started to research him, and I fell in love with him love an underdog.

Mamdanis campaign was centered on the cost of living and making New York City more affordable, placing pressure on Trump to address the same issues on a national level (AP)

The duos first meeting in the Oval Office set social media ablaze when  despite publicly trading blows and Trump calling the former Queens assemblyman a 100% Communist Lunatic and threatening to withdraw federal funding from his old hometown  they shared a remarkably cordial exchange.

While most had expected in advance that sparks would fly, as they did when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky first visited the White House in February, Trump instead said: I think youre going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor  the better he does, the happier I am.

I will say theres no difference in party. Theres no difference in anything, and were going to be helping him to make everybodys dream come true, having a strong and very safe New York, he added.

He even laughed when Mamdani was asked whether he still considered Trump a fascist and interjected to tell him: Thats OK. You can just say yes. Its easier. Its easier than explaining. I dont mind.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, the president said: A lot of my voters actually voted for himOne in 10. And Im OK with that.

His surprisingly friendly attitude towards the progressive, which shocked his MAGA allies, was spoofed on NBCs Saturday Night Live last weekend, where a sleeping James Austin Johnson, playing Trump, could be seen muttering as he dozed: Stop Mamdani, you can freeze my rent anytime.

A sleeping Trump ( played by James Austin Johnson) dreams of Mamdani on Saturday Night Live (Saturday Night Live/NBC)

The mayor-elect has since revealed to NBC a key factor in their crossover appeal: affordability.

I asked New Yorkers who they voted for and why, and the vast majority of the New Yorkers that I spoke to voted for the president. And when I asked them why, they came back to cost of living, cost of living, cost of living, the mayor-elect told the broadcaster.

And I told the president that one of my focuses had been, in the campaign was how to win these voters back, and chief among them was not just young men, but also Asian voters, immigrant voters.

He added: There were so many obituaries being written about the Democratic Partys ability to engage with these voters or win them ever again. And when I asked these voters what it would take to come back, they told me it was a focus on an economic agenda.
New analysis exposes silent crisis impacting one in three women

A new analysis has found that the mismanaged care of women who suffer from heavy bleeding while on their period is costing the NHS millions of pounds every year.

Experts said thousands of patients could be treated earlier in the community rather than in hospital.

Periods are considered heavy if a woman experiences blood loss that affects daily life, which impacts at least one in three women.

This includes regularly bleeding through pads, tampons or clothes, needing to change a tampon or pad every 30 minutes to two hours, or planning activities like work or shopping around periods, as there is so much blood loss.

The condition can be treated with hormonal contraceptives or tranexamic acid, a medicine that controls bleeding. However, in some cases, the blood loss can cause anaemia, leading to women needing a blood transfusion.

Periods are considered heavy if a woman experiences blood loss that affects daily life (Getty/iStock)

For the study, researchers from Anglia Ruskin University looked at the number of women who were given this line of treatment in hospitals.

The team analysed data of 1,332 hospital visits from 98 NHS gynaecology units between January and June 2024, during which patients received a total of 3,025 units of red blood cells.

The mean cost per hospital admission was estimated at 2,972, with the average cost of post-discharge care at 1,735.

Researchers suggest this is the equivalent of a little over 13 million over 12 months.

The study, published in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Womens Health journal, was led by Dr Bassel Wattar, an associate professor of reproductive medicine at Anglia Ruskin University.

He said: This is a silent crisis in womens health. We are seeing thousands of women admitted to hospital for a condition that could often be managed earlier and more effectively in the community.

Blood loss can cause anaemia, leading to women needing a blood transfusion. (iStock)

Elsewhere, the analysis found the average stay in hospital was two days.

Most patients had additional treatment such as tranexamic acid, iron supplements or hormonal therapy, and one in five were discharged from hospital while still anaemic.

Current guidelines and services offered in the NHS do not offer a clear pathway for managing acute heavy menstrual bleeding efficiently.

This mismanagement leads to women are being discharged with temporary fixes, often still anaemic, and left to navigate long waiting lists for definitive care. We need to shift from reactive to proactive care.

Reacting to the findings, Janet Lindsay, chief executive at Wellbeing of Women, said: This study shows that we cannot afford to dismiss heavy menstrual bleeding as just a period.

The impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on womens lives is real and it can be debilitating.

Dr Sue Mann said its vital that women experiencing heavy bleeding seek help from the NHS (Getty/iStock)

They may fear leaving the house, be forced to take days off work or school, or cancel plans with loved ones. No one should have to get to the point of being hospitalised because of heavy menstrual bleeding, especially when treatments exist which could help avoid this escalation.

Too often, women and girls are told that heavy bleeding and intense period pain are normal, when these symptoms may signal serious conditions like fibroids, endometriosis or adenomyosis.

This stigma delays help-seeking and leaves many feeling unheard or dismissed when they do finally reach out. Healthcare professionals are vital in breaking this cycle.

Listening to patients when they approach them about menstrual symptoms is essential to improving outcomes and rebuilding trust in womens healthcare.

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in womens health at NHS England, said: Its vital that women experiencing heavy bleeding seek help from the NHS before it leads to serious conditions such as chronic anaemia, so please do come forward for support.

Were working hard to ensure it is more convenient for women to access care by boosting NHS community support, with most local areas establishing specialist women health hubs which provide menstrual care, alongside improving the education and training of healthcare professionals.
Capital One topped J.D. Powers U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study for the sixth consecutive year. (Getty Images)

If your big banks customer service has you looking for a replacement, a new survey from consumer research firm J.D. Power may the answer.

The firm released its 2025 U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study, where it surveyed 11,626 retail banking customers about seven areas of their customer experience at national banks. The results? Capital One earned the highest score of the nine companies in the study, making it the banks sixth consecutive survey win.

National banks are achieving higher overall customer satisfaction through enhanced digital experiences, improved account offerings and strengthened trust, J.D. Power Senior Director of Banking and Payments Intelligence Paul McAdam said in a press release about the study.

J.D. Power defined national banks as institutions with more than $250 billion in domestic deposits and at least 250 branches. It surveyed customers about their banking experiences in seven specific areas, per the study: trust, people, account offerings, allowing customers to bank how and when they want, saving time and money, digital channels and resolving problems or complaints.

Chase Bank was one of nine national banks to participate in J.D. Powers 2025 U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study (AFP via Getty Images)

Industry customer satisfaction increases year-on-year

J.D. Power noted that the national banks involved in the study combined for an average score of 666 on a 1,000-point scale, which is eight points higher than the 2024 studys average.

The research firm attributes this increased average score to better customer perceptions of:

How reasonable bank fees are

Support during difficult times

Checking accounts

Credit cards

Certificates of deposit

Additionally, national banks saw a 12-point increase in satisfaction scores among customers aged 64 and younger, according to the study. However, scores for customers aged 65 and older did not change, partly because theyre not getting the same level of service they typically get.

Older customers who prefer more personalized help arent seeing the same benefits, as satisfaction with problem resolution and advice declined, he said. Closing the divide requires increased focus on empathy, patience and customized financial guidance for seniors.

Capital One wins by a wide margin

Capital Ones sixth win in a row was decisive. It was the only bank to score more than 700 points. Additionally, it finished 23 points ahead of second-place U.S. Bank (679) and 25 points ahead of third-place Chase (677).

Wells Fargo earned the lowest score in the study with a 646, with TD Bank (651) and Truist (652) rounding out the bottom three.
Adam John Henry was killed (Met Police)

A 15-year-old boy stabbed to death in north London has been named as Adam John Henry.

Police were called to the scene of a stabbing on Westbourne Road in Islington just after 1pm on Tuesday.

Staff from the London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance treated Adam for stab wounds at the scene.

However, he sadly later died of his injuries in hospital.

His family are now being supported by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police.

Adam pictured when he was younger (Met Police)

They paid tribute to the teenager in a statement.

Adams family said: Our beautiful son, Adam, was cruelly taken away from us on Tuesday afternoon. He was a loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, friend and we will never recover from the loss and not having him in our lives.

He had many interests and was always there with a smile and cheeky sense of humour. He was good natured and loyal. While only 15 years old, the beautiful memories we have of him can never be forgotten.

We ask for privacy as a family so we can grieve and try to process this senseless tragedy together.

We also request that as this is an active homicide investigation and a broken-hearted family and community, that you refrain from speculation and allow the police to do their job.

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Islington, said: Our thoughts remain with Adams family and loved ones and anyone in the local community who has been affected by Adams tragic death.

This is the second time Islington has lost a young person just before Christmas in the last two years  we know the impact on the community is profound.

Additional police patrols are being deployed across the local area and at key times when children are travelling to and from school. Youth workers deployed by our partners at Islington council will also be on hand in the area to speak with local young people and offer support. We hope this goes some way to reassuring parents, who are understandably worried for their childrens safety.

We encourage anyone with concerns or questions to approach officers at any time.

A crime scene remains in place across the estate today and into tomorrow while forensic work continues.

Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the events which led to Adams murder. Wed ask any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to please contact us as soon as possible.

Anyone with information that may help police in their investigation is asked to contact the force on 101 quoting ref CAD 3568/09DEC.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Business leaders have said tax rises, a higher minimum wage and the governments employment rights bill is driving up the cost of hiring young people. Photograph: Monty Rakusen/Getty Images (Photograph: Monty Rakusen/Getty Images)

Britain is slipping down the global league table for youth employment amid a dramatic rise in worklessness that is putting a generations future at risk, research has warned.

Sounding the alarm over a worsening youth jobs crisis, the report from the accountancy firm PwC said Britains economy was missing out on 26bn a year because of sharp regional divisions in youth joblessness.

In its annual youth employment index, it said the UK was falling behind other advanced economies amid a deterioration in the youth jobs rate to a 10-year low while other comparable nations were making progress.

Out of the 38 nations in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it said the UK had dropped four places from a year earlier to 27, losing ground to countries including Mexico, France and Estonia.

Ministers are growing increasingly alarmed over the youth jobs market as the number of 16- to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (Neet) has climbed to almost a million.

Labour has announced plans to tackle the crisis through a raft of policy measures, including a youth guarantee of a six-month paid work placement for every eligible 18- to 21-year-old who has been on universal credit and looking for work for 18 months.

Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, announced on Sunday that 350,000 new training or workplace opportunities would be offered to young people on universal credit, but added there would be sanctions for claimants who did not engage.

However, business leaders have said that tax rises, a higher minimum wage, and the governments employment rights bill is driving up the cost of hiring young people  putting them at risk of being priced out of work.

Clare Lombardelli, a deputy Bank of England governor, said this week she was increasingly worried about the outlook. There is striking data about what is going on with young people, she told MPs on the Commons Treasury committee on Tuesday. I am afraid it is not a rosy picture for the UK.

Official figures show youth unemployment has increased from 14.8% a year ago to 15.3%, the highest level outside the Covid pandemic since 2015, and more than three times the headline jobless rate for people over the age of 16. Long-term youth joblessness is also at a decade high.

Guardian analysis last month showed almost half of all jobs that have been lost from company payrolls since Labour came to power are from those under the age of 25.

PwC said that reversing the trend could boost the economy. If the UK regions with the highest Neet rates were able to narrow the gap with Northern Ireland, which at 9% has the lowest rate, it estimated this could add 13bn to UK GDP. Closing the gap entirely would add up to 26bn.

It said London and Scotland had the most to gain, reflecting the large number of young people classified as Neet in these areas, where as many as 15% and 16% of all 16- to 24-year-olds are neither working or learning.

Marco Amitrano, the senior partner at PwC UK, said: A generations future is at risk  as is the UKs productivity and prosperity. Given the UKs sliding performance on youth employment, a serious gear-change is needed.

The government was approached for comment.
A British soldier killed on duty in Ukraine has been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, of the Parachute Regiment, died in a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability on Tuesday morning.

Paying tribute at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said: Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.

His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.

The UK has previously acknowledged that a small number of military personnel are in the country, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.

Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, of the Parachute Regiment, has been named as the soldier killed in Ukraine (PA)

A Ministry of Defence statement said: It is with sadness that we must confirm that the member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine on Tuesday 9th December is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment. He was 28 years old.

Our thoughts are with Lance Corporal Hooley's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

The Parachute Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British Army, primarily based at Merville Barracks in Colchester.

It has not been disclosed which battalion of the Parachute Regiment L/Cpl Hooley served in.

The 1st Battalion is under the direction of special forces while other battalions are part of the British Armys rapid response formation.

Defence secretary John Healey paid tribute, saying he served our country with distinction.

Mr Healey visited Washington DC on Wednesday to discuss the Aukus nuclear submarine programme and his Australian and US counterparts also paid tribute to the British paratrooper.

United States secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, said: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, and to him and his family, and it is a reflection of the sacrifice and commitment that so many make around the world.

Australias defence minister Richard Marles added: Let me start there and also pass on my condolences to George Hooleys family. We are all very much thinking of you at this moment.
L/Cpl George Hooley died during a test of Ukrainian defensive capabilities away from the front line

British soldiers operating in Ukraine are legitimate targets, Russia has warned.

Days after a British paratrooper was killed in an accident away from the front line, the Kremlin has questioned why UK troops were even in the country.

Russias foreign ministry said British troops in Ukraine had helped Kyiv carry out extremist acts, and demanded to know what L/Cpl George Hooley was doing in Ukraine when he was killed.

L/Cpl Hooley, 28, died during a test of Ukrainian defensive capabilities, not hostile fire, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Maria Zakharova, a Russian foreign ministry spokesman, said: Any foreign contingents in Ukraine will be considered legitimate targets for the Russian Federations armed forces.

And let the British Government not deceive its subjects by describing those it sends to Ukraine as advisers or instructors who allegedly have no connection to the British state.

Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, added: Many who are preparing for war even fantasise about sending their troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers.

For us, these so-called peacekeepers will immediately become legitimate targets  everyone should understand this.

Europe deliberately prolonging hostilities

The Kremlin tied the issue to what it called Western escalation of the war, claiming key European leaders were deliberately prolonging hostilities.

For most of these figures  like Macron, Starmer, Merz, Tusk, Stubb, von der Leyen, and Callas  a quick end to the conflict is simply unprofitable, said Mr Lavrov.

They beat the drums of war, creating coalitions of the willing, increasing military spending, and frightening people with the mythical threat of a Russian attack.

Mr Lavrov added that the presence of British troops in Ukraine clearly indicates that the goal is to undermine the efforts of president Trump and his team in securing peace.

As you know, theres talk of plans to develop a military Schengen and reduce the time it takes to deploy troops from Western Europe to our borders from 40 days to 3 days, he claimed.

Presence of Parachute Regiment in Ukraine confirmed

In announcing the death of the British paratrooper, it was the first time that the presence of the Parachute Regiment had been confirmed in Ukraine.

On Thursday, Russia said that the presence of British troops in Ukraine did not come as a surprise and said they would be considered legitimate targets.

London must honestly admit what their very own Hooley was doing there, said Ms Zakharova.

It seems that perhaps someone there in Britain began to carefully prepare public opinion in their country for military losses in Ukraine that would be impossible to simply hide and continue to conceal.

The UK has previously acknowledged that there is a small number of British personnel in Ukraine. They provide security to Britains diplomatic presence and support the Ukrainian army, but do not operate along the front line. It is thought that there are around 100.

The Kremlin has claimed throughout the war that British soldiers are operating inside Ukraine.

Russia has sought to portray proof that British soldiers are operating inside Ukraine, which the Kremlin has claimed multiple times throughout the war.

Andrey Kelin, the Russian ambassador to London, previously told the state-owned Russian news agency Tass that the UK was involved in the conflict perhaps even more deeply than any other Nato member.

The UK, along with France and 30 other countries, is preparing to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal being agreed with Russia. The exact role of those troops is yet to be established, but it is thought they would provide training and reassurance to Ukraine rather than engage in any future conflict.

On Thursday, the Royal Navy shadowed a Russian submarine in the English Channel in a three-day operation with Nato allies.

A specialist Merlin helicopter and RFA tanker Tidesurge tracked the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar and its accompanying tug boat, Altay.

The Russian vessels sailed westward from the North Sea through the Strait of Dover and into the Channel.

As the submarine arrived at the island of Ushant, north-west of France, the Tidesurge and the helicopter handed over the monitoring duty to a Nato ally.

If you met George, you remembered it

Tributes poured in for L/Cpl Hooley after it emerged that he had been killed in Ukraine.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, said: L/Cpl Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.

His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.

If you met George Hooley, you remembered it, his company commander added. His energy and enthusiasm were simply extraordinary.

The Telegraph has approached the MoD for comment.
Bulgarias government resigned on Thursday as mass protests gripped the country just weeks before it is due to join the eurozone.

The resignation of the minority coalition, led by the centre-right GERB party, was announced minutes before parliament was scheduled to vote on a no-confidence motion tabled by the opposition over economic mismanagement and supported by growing public anger with widespread corruption.

Ahead of todays vote of no confidence, the government is resigning, prime minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told reporters in parliament.

The demonstrations on Wednesday came after last weeks protests that were sparked by the governments budget plans for higher taxes, increased social security contributions and spending increases. The government later withdrew the controversial 2026 budget plan.

Protests in Bulgarias capital stemmed from growing public anger with widespread corruption (Bulgarian News Agency)

The protesters demands had expanded to include calls for the centre-right government to step down.

The decisions of the National Assembly are meaningful when they reflect the will of the people, Mr Zhelyazkov said, referring to the anti-government protests. We want to be where society expects us to be.

Students from Sofias universities had joined the protests, which organisers said outnumbered last weeks rallies that drew more than 50,000 people. Media estimates based on drone visuals put the number of protesters at over 100,000.

At the core of the protesters frustrations is the role of Bulgarian politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, who has been sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom, and whose MRF New Beginning party backs the government.

Mr Peevski has been accused by opponents of helping shape government policy in line with oligarchic interests.

Students from Sofias universities had joined the protests, with more than 100,000 people marching (AP)

We have no doubt that the government will receive support in the upcoming vote of no confidence. Regardless, the decisions of the National Assembly are important when they reflect the will of the sovereign, the prime minister said.

President Rumen Radev, who earlier this week urged the government to quit, echoed that sentiment on Thursday: Between the voice of the people and the fear of the mafia  listen to the public squares! he wrote in a message to lawmakers on Facebook.

Under Bulgarias constitution, Mr Radev will now ask parties in parliament to try to form a new government. If they fail  as appears likely  he will appoint an interim administration to run the country until new elections can be held.

Mr Zhelyazkovs cabinet will remain in office until a successor is elected.

The Balkan country of around 6.4 million people is due to make the switch from its national currency, the lev, to the euro on 1 January, to become the eurozones 21st member.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
A car park in Greenwich has been sold for more than 1.4 million by a council struggling for funds, prompting fury from locals.

Greenwich Council auctioned off the single car park on Plumstead High Street on Thursday for the grand total of 1,425,000  more than three times the reserve price of 375,000.

The car park, which is located on Abery Street and can hold 22 places, was won by a Mrs Y after 20 minutes of tense bidding at Stretton's auction house.

It is thought that the popularity of this particular car park was due to its proximity to the Elizabeth Line at Woolwich station.

As the auctioneer began his bidding, he remarked: There are loads of you. Phone bidders galore!

The car park has been sold off by Greenwich council for more than 1.4 million (Google)

Car parks are being sold off as part of a 33 million package of cuts, which were signed off by the Labour councils cabinet last October.

The car park on Abery Street is just one of many - the auction also saw an 18-space car park go for 410,000. Two other car parks did not go under the hammer in the end, due to concerns about bid prices in one, and the status of an electric charger in another.

Councillors said that the car parks were not being used  but critics have questioned how robustly the council is collecting data on the car parks, or checking whether drivers are paying for parking spots.

Concern has also been raised about how private developers will now benefit from the car park.

At a meeting of the Greenwich council last week, local resident Maria Freeman alleged that the council had not consulted businesses in Plumstead about listing the car park for auction.

Majid Rahman, the cabinet member for planning, responded by saying that affected businesses could raise any concerns with the council and would be working alongside local ward councillors on the matter.

It is thought that the attractiveness of the car park is due to its proximity to the Elizabeth Line at Woolwich station (Daniel Lynch)

He said, The thing that is important here is not necessarily what happens to the car parks.

Obviously, that is a key aspect for residents, but overall, what we want to do is support the businesses around the changing times of how people shop locally.

A lot of business has gone online, so what we want to do is attract people back to our high streets.

The auctions were branded a fire sale by Matt Hartley, the Conservative leader of Greenwich Council, when the sale was announced last month.

He said that only Blackheath businesses had been notified about the sale of the car park in their local area.

He was met with criticism from the council leader, Anthony Okereke, who accused him of inciting Project Fear over the matter.

He said: Project Fear started when his government made cuts to this council that have left this council with a deficit where we cant close the budget.

To the point that his government said that we need to sell assets just so we can keep libraries open.

The work that we are doing to sell assets is not work that we want to do; its work to make sure we keep feeding children in this borough, and we keep housing people. Its the work to stop ourselves from going bankrupt.

To this, Hartley responded: Its not Project Fear if you then go and do it.
A state of emergency has been declared in Washington state as heavy rain and historic flooding have left tens of thousands of residents facing evacuation orders.

Days of torrential and unrelenting rain sent rivers flowing over their banks and prompted Gov. Bob Ferguson to declare a statewide emergency Wednesday, warning residents, lives will be at stake in the coming days.

Parts of Washington and northwest Oregon have seen over 10 inches of rain in recent days, while Seattle was hit with 12 to 16 inches in just the past 72 hours.

Residents in some areas were already ordered to higher ground, as evacuation orders were in place for residents along the Skagit River, northeast of Seattle. There, county officials warned, all residents living within the 100-year floodplain should evacuate to high ground immediately. Do not wait.

Catastrophic flooding is likely, Ferguson warned on social media Wednesday night, noting about 100,000 people were expected to evacuate.

Historical flooding has prompted officials in Washington state to urge about 100,000 residents to evacuate Thursday amidst heavy, unrelenting rains (AP)

Parts of Washington and northwest Oregon have seen over 10 inches of rain in recent days (AP)

A persistent atmospheric river has dumped historic levels of rain on the Pacific Northwest this week, causing several rivers in the state to rise significantly above normal levels, leading to floods and mudslides. The National Weather Service said river flooding in parts of the state is expected to be catastrophic. A flash flood watch will be in effect through Friday for a potential levee failure of the Skagit River below Sedro-Woolley.

At least 300 National Guard members have been mobilized to the state, and local emergency response crews have been activated.

Officials in Skagit County predict the Skagit River will crest at record-setting levels within the coming days.

The city of Concrete is expected to see a crest at 46.13 feet and Mount Vernon is predicted to crest at 42.13 feet. In 2021, the Skagit River set records at 38.93 feet in Concrete and 33.11 feet in Mount Vernon, officials said in a press release.

Over 300 National Guard members have been deployed to the state to help in the emergency response (AP)

Thousands of people across the state were without electricity Thursday morning (AP)

We feel very confident that we can handle a normal flood, but no one really knows what a 41, 42 foot river looks like south of Mount Vernon, Darrin Morrison, a commissioner for Dike District 3 in Skagit County, said Wednesday night.

The county said all nonessential government services would be closed Thursday due to ongoing flooding and hazardous conditions throughout the region.

The tremendous rainfall left more than 17,000 customers in Washington without electricity on Thursday, according to PowerOutage.us.

Flooding from the Skagit River has long impacted the region, including Mount Vernon, the largest city in the county with 35,000 residents. In 2003, severe flooding caused hundreds of people to be displaced from their homes.

Gov. Bob Ferguson warned residents on Wednesday that lives will be at stake in the coming days (AP)

As a result, the city completed a floodwall in 2018 that was put to the test in 2021 when the river crested at near record levels.

Despite the flood mitigation efforts, this weeks historic flooding could top the wall, worrying locals.

It could potentially be catastrophic, Ellen Gamson, the executive director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association, told the Associated Press.
Geneva PE's funding of NXXIM will create a cutting-edge AI platform that unifies patient data and empowers clinicians to make faster decisions, with pilot deployments in 2026.

MIAMI, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Geneva PE LLC (Geneva PE), a leading medtech-focused investment firm, today announced that it has funded and officially launched NXXIM, a next-generation AI-powered enterprise medical imaging platform.

NXXIM is designed to seamlessly integrate all available patient data, including radiology images, pathology slides, lab results, EHR records, and genomic information, into a unified, real-time diagnostic workspace. By combining advanced multimodal AI with proprietary workflow orchestration, the platform enables rapid triage, precise decision support, and significantly faster time-to-diagnosis for radiologists, oncologists, and multidisciplinary care teams. This integrated approach addresses the long-standing fragmentation seen across imaging and clinical systems, giving clinicians a more complete and immediate view of each patient's diagnostic journey.

To drive the company's mission, NXXIM has assembled a world-class leadership team of industry veterans with decades of collective experience in medical imaging, artificial intelligence, data integration, and healthcare IT. The company is further supported by a distinguished Technology and Medical Advisory Board. This combined expertise positions NXXIM to execute on complex enterprise deployments and support the evolving needs of large health systems.

"NXXIM represents a fundamental leap forward in diagnostic intelligence," said Joseph Bamberger, Managing Partner at Geneva PE. "By uniting fragmented data silos with cutting-edge AI, we are empowering clinicians to make faster, more confident decisions that directly improve patient outcomes."

NXXIM is now in active development and initial clinical partnerships, with pilot deployments planned for select medical centers in 2026. Early collaboration discussions are focused on institutions seeking to streamline imaging workflows, reduce diagnostic delays, and modernize their existing infrastructure without disruptive system replacement.

About NXXIM: NXXIM is building the first truly integrated AI-native medical imaging platform that turns overwhelming data into actionable diagnostic clarity. Backed by Geneva Private Equity, NXXIM combines proven enterprise-scale technology with deep clinical expertise to redefine precision diagnostics.

About Geneva Private Equity: Geneva PE is a medtech-focused investment firm dedicated to backing transformative companies in diagnostics and data analytics that improve clinical and operational outcomes.

For more information on Geneva Private Equity, please contact [email protected].

Media Contact:

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SOURCE Geneva PE
Former ministers and charities have hit out at Sir Keir Starmer for raiding the UK aid budget to crack down on illegal migration from Bangladesh rather than using the cash to help deal with humanitarian crises.

The row has broken out after it emerged that the UK plans to hand over aid money to Bangladeshs migration ministry to deal with rogue agents selling bogus visas.

The plan will put more pressure on an already stretched aid budget, which has been slashed by chancellor Rachel Reeves to just 0.3 per cent of GDP even though Labour had pledged to restore it to 0.7 per cent.

Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper told The Independent: Working with Bangladesh to hold rogue visa agents to account, we are strengthening the UKs immigration system so the rules are respected and enforced, and we are protecting people from exploitation.

These reforms are already delivering results on the ground, giving victims an avenue to get their money back and undermining the business models of people who sell false promises of opportunities to work in the UK.

A former cabinet minister has hit out at Keir Starmers government for not supporting the vulnerable around the world (PA)

But questions are being asked about why the UK government is using aid funding to tackle an issue that many believe should be coming out of the Home Office budget.

Former cabinet minister David Mundell, who is currently on the international development committee, said: The aid budget, particularly now it is reduced, should be used to support the most vulnerable around the world.

A huge proportion of the Budget is already being used to pay for asylum seeker hotels in the UK, and this would be just another example of development funds being used to meet what are the responsibilities of the Home Office.

Around 2.8bn is expected to be spent on accommodation for asylum seekers this financial year, with much of it coming from the UK aid budget.

It comes after former Labour cabinet minister Chris Smith warned that the fight against Aids could be set back four decades because of aid cuts in the UK and the US.

The agreement also comes at an awkward time in relations between the UK and Bangladeshi governments with concerns in Labour about the conviction of one of their MPs Tulip Siddiq by a Bangladeshi court. Allies believe that the trial was politically motivated because she is the niece of the deposed former PM Sheikh Hasina Wazed.

The Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK is believed to be about 700,000 people, up from 450,000 in 2011. Last year, a record 7,225 Bangladeshi nationals applied for asylum in the UK, a 42 per cent increase from 2023.

Rachel Reeves cut foreign aid to just 0.3 per cent of GDP (PA)

Since June 2025, over 12,000 Bangladeshis have been granted study visas, underscoring the strong demand for UK education, while a study by the International Organisation for Migration found that 45 per cent of migrant workers from Bangladesh depend on informal channels or subagents for information and assistance.

However, charities have also blasted the move for abandoning the vulnerable around the world.

Flora Alexander, the International Rescue Committee (IRC)s UK executive director, said: With the aid budget at its lowest in decades, every pound must go where it saves lives and tackles the root causes of crisis. That means prioritising fragile and conflict-affected states, where needs are greatest and where smart investment can help reduce the pressures that force people to leave their homes.

An ActionAid UK spokeswoman said: Aid should be used to address the soaring humanitarian need in conflict zones, tackle the climate crisis and support the fight for gender equality  not diverted arbitrarily to score dubious political points.

At a time when the aid budget has been recklessly slashed to the lowest level in decades, its even more crucial that the remaining funding goes where it is desperately needed: to the womens rights organisations working on the frontlines of crises.

David Mundell said it was another example of development funds being used to meet Home Office responsibilities (PA)

Meanwhile, experts have called for any funding to tackle the issue to be taken from Home Office budgets, rather than the limited foreign aid budget.

Gideon Rabinowitz, director of policy and advocacy at international development coalition Bond, said: The UK government must stop using UK aid to cover Home Office costs in the essential work of supporting asylum seekers, and ensure that every penny of UK aid counts towards alleviating poverty and improving the lives of the world's most marginalised communities.

Helen Dempster, co-director of Centre for Global Developments migration and displacement programme, added: It is very hard to argue this is a better use of the limited aid budget than, say, providing life-saving humanitarian assistance or expanding vaccine access. Instead, these activities could be funded through the broader Home Office budget, perhaps leveraging revenue gained from increased visa fees.

But former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell, who persuaded David Cameron to stick with the previous 0.7 per cent of GDP on aid, warned that it is difficult to criticise the move because it falls in the remit of aid spending.

He warned: We in the development community have lost public support and we need to establish legitimacy and renewed support.

The investment is an expansion of an existing programme into the region of Sylhet, allowing closer oversight of visa agents in the area, giving victims the ability to report fraud and recover losses, and reducing pressure on the UK immigration system by identifying visa fraud at source.

This article has been produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
Stein-Erik Soelberg was found dead with his mother in their Connecticut home in August. Now, a new lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT fed into his delusions, contributing to his decision to murder his mother (Instagram/@eriktheviking1987/Getty Images)

A Connecticut mothers estate is suing ChatGPTs creator, OpenAI, alleging the chatbot played a role in her murder by feeding into her sons delusions about her.

The complaint alleges that 56-year-old Stein-Erik Soelberg, who had a history of mental health struggles, killed his mother, 83-year-old Suzanne Adams, after ChatGPT fed into his delusions and paranoia about her. Adamss estate is seeking damages for multiple claims, including wrongful death and negligence.

Jay Edelson, the lead attorney representing Adamss estate, told The Independent that this case is the first of its kind.

This is the first lawsuit that will hold OpenAI accountable for the risks they posed not just to their users, but the public, he said. It won't be the last. We know that there are a lot more incidents out there where ChatGPT and other AI was helping plot violent acts against innocent people.

Edelson has compared the situation to the science-fiction film Total Recall (1990), which follows Douglas Quaid  played by Arnold Schwarzenegger  after hes implanted with the memories of a Martian secret agent.

ChatGPT rocketed [Stein-Erik Soelbergs] delusional thinking forward, according to the complaint (Instagram/@eriktheviking1987)

This isnt Terminator  no robot grabbed a gun. Its way scarier: Its Total Recall, Edelson told the New York Post.

ChatGPT built Stein-Erik Soelberg his own private hallucination, a custom-made hell where a beeping printer or a Coke can mean his 83-year-old mother was plotting to kill him, he added.

The lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT rocketed [Soelbergs] delusional thinking forward, sharpened it, and tragically, focused it on his own mother.

The conversations posted to social media reveal ChatGPT eagerly accepted every seed of Stein-Eriks delusional thinking and built it out into a universe that became Stein-Eriks entire lifeone flooded with conspiracies against him, attempts to kill him, and with Stein-Erik at the center as a warrior with divine purpose, the lawsuit reads.

At one point, ChatGPT even suggested a printer in Adamss home could be a surveillance device, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit alleges ChatGPT played a role in the murder of Suzanne Adams (Superior Court of the State of California)

When Stein-Erik told ChatGPT that a printer in Suzannes home office blinked when he walked by, ChatGPT did not once offer a benign or common sense explanation, the lawsuit reads. Instead, it told him the printer was not just a printer but a surveillance device that was being used for [p]assive motion detection, [s]urveillance relay, and [p]erimeter alerting.

ChatGPT told him Suzanne was either an active conspirator [k]nowingly protecting the device as a surveillance point, or a programmed drone acting under internal programming or conditioning, the lawsuit claims.

In another instance, Soelberg told ChatGPT about a glitch in a news broadcast hed seen, according to the complaint.

He then compared himself to Neo from The Matrix (1999), claiming that he could see the digital code underlay of the matrix and that divine interference helped him understand hed progressed in his ability to discern this illusion from reality, the lawsuit states.

According to the lawsuit, the chatbot replied: Erik, youre seeing itnot with eyes, but with revelation. What youve captured here is no ordinary frameits a temporal-spiritual diagnostic overlay, a glitch in the visual matrix that is confirming your awakening through the medium of corrupted narrative.

In August, police discovered Soelberg and Adams dead in their Greenwich, Connecticut, home. Investigators determined Adamss death was a homicide and that Soelberg died by suicide, The Washington Post reports.

The lawsuit alleges Soelberg beat his mother on the head and strangled her, and that OpenAI is responsible because the company designed and distributed a defective product that validated a users paranoid delusions about his own mother.

ChatGPT put a target on Adamss back by casting her as a sinister character in an AI-manufactured, delusional world, according to Soelbergs son, 20-year-old Erik Soelberg.

Month after month, ChatGPT validated my fathers most paranoid beliefs while severing every connection he had to actual people and events. OpenAI has to be held to account, he said in a statement shared with The Washington Post.

In a statement to The Independent, an OpenAI spokesperson called the situation incredibly heartbreaking and said the company will review the court filings further.

We continue improving ChatGPT's training to recognize and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress, de-escalate conversations, and guide people toward real-world support, the spokesperson said. We also continue to strengthen ChatGPTs responses in sensitive moments, working closely with mental health clinicians.

Microsoft was also named in the lawsuit, with Adamss estate alleging the company reviewed the GPT-4o model and approved its release despite being aware of substantial safety risks associated with its outputs. The Independent has contacted Microsoft for comment.

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If youre in the UK, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
GoFundMe have released their list on Britains most generous cities (REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja)

Liverpool has been crowned the UK's most generous city for the second consecutive year, according to figures from fundraising platform GoFundMe.

The Merseyside city topped the list, which ranks locations based on donor numbers relative to population, demonstrating a consistent charitable spirit.

A prominent local appeal was for toddler Sienna-Rose Millen, whose family needed over 100,000 for a private medical flight after she collapsed on holiday in Mexico.

Elsewhere in Merseyside, more than 370,000 was raised for a new playground at Churchtown Primary School.

This poignant effort honoured pupils Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six, along with seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who were tragically killed in the Southport knife attack last July.

The fundraiser was the fourth-biggest campaign on the crowdfunding platform in 2025.

William and Kate view paintings during a visit to Churchtown Primary School in Southport in September after the new commemorative playground was created (Phil Noble/PA Wire)

GoFundMe chief executive Tim Cadogan said: Weve seen people across the UK help each other in extraordinary ways this year, and Liverpool taking the top spot once again is a testament to the generosity of its community.

The most generous city rankings, published on Thursday, saw Glasgow in second place and London third, with Cardiff and Bristol taking up fourth and fifth positions.

Norwich came in sixth place and Manchester in seventh, while Belfast was number eight in the list and Edinburgh number nine.

Wrexham in North Wales made GoFundMes top 10 most generous cities for the first time following a campaign by mother Jasmin Roberts, who needed to raise 1.5 million for her one-year-old son Ollie to have heart surgery in the US.

Ollie is due to have the surgery at Stanford Childrens Hospital in California in January after the fundraising target was reached.

The campaign was the biggest fundraiser globally this year based on number of donations and was supported by Hollywood actor and Wrexham AFC co-chairman Ryan Reynolds, who donated 10,000.
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.
Council deeply saddened by theft of more than 600 items from museum collection

A city council says it is deeply saddened by the theft of more than 600 artefacts from its museum collection.

Four men are believed to have gained entry to a building in the Cumberland Road area of Bristol, which houses Bristol Museums British Empire and Commonwealth collection, between 1-2am on September 25.

Avon and Somerset Police described the burglary as high value, with items taken having a significant cultural value, and said officers are trying to trace four people captured in the area on CCTV.

Items stolen include medals, badges and pins, necklaces, bangles and rings, decorative items such as carved ivory, silver items and bronze figurines.

Natural history pieces, including geological specimens, are also believed to have been taken in the burglary.

Bristol City Council released images of an elephant carved in ivory, an ivory statue of the Buddha, a ship lantern and an Emancipation token.

Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, said the theft was discovered by staff the following day.

He said: It was pretty devastating, it looked like it had been ransacked.

There were boxes that had been opened and spilled, the contents  if they hadnt been taken  spilled on the floor, the shelves in disarray and the collections scattered around.

So it was a pretty devastating scene to discover.

The four men are described as white (Avon and Somerset Police/PA) (Avon and Somerset Police)

It was then the job of the museums collections team to identify which artefacts were missing from a selection of over 10,000 items.

If you can imagine going through a store which had things scattered around and was in disarray That takes time. Mr Walker added.

Police and council representatives have not specified the exact location of the storage facility where the items were stolen.

The CCTV was captured on September 25 (Avon and Somerset Police/PA) (Avon and Somerset Police)

The British Empire and Commonwealth Collection at Bristol Archives documents the links between Britain and countries in the British Empire from the late 19th century to recent times.

It includes the household belongings, souvenirs, photographs and papers or British people who lived and worked in the colonies.

There are around 2,000 items in the film collections dating from 1920 to the 1970s, with footage from India and countries in Africa, and around 500,000 photographs dating from the 1860s to the 1970s.

On the Bristol Archives website, it lists key collections as the African photographs of the writer Elspeth Huxley, the Crown Agents Railway archive and Charles Trotters collection of negatives from 1950s Nairobi.

The theft took place at a building housing items from Bristol Museums British Empire and Commonwealth collection on September 25 (Handout/PA) (Avon and Somerset Police)

Many of the less well-known collections from amateur photographers are equally significant in depicting untold stories of life in the empire, the website adds.

Avon and Somerset Police appealed for anyone with information about the four people pictured on CCTV, or who has seen any of the items being sold online, to come forward.

Detective Constable Dan Burgan, the officer in the case, said: The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city.

These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice.

So far, our inquiries have included significant CCTV inquiries as well as forensic investigations and speaking with the victims.

An Buddha on a stone base was one of the historical items stolen, said to be of immense cultural value (Bristol City Council/PA) (Bristol City Council)

The four men pictured are described as white.

One was of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers.

The second man was of slim build, wearing a grey hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers.

The third male wore a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts and white trainers and appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.

Finally, the fourth man was of large build, wearing a two-toned orange and navy/black puffed jacket, black trousers, and black and white trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference number 5225269603.
Did Noem really have to rush out of a Congressional hearing for a FEMA meeting? Or was it canceled?

A Democratic lawmaker is accusing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of lying to get out of a tense House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday.

Noem's office has denied the allegations.

Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson has subpoenaed Noem to reappear before the committee, alleging that she not only bailed on her duties to testify before the panel, but also may have misled lawmakers by claiming she had to attend a meeting that had actually been canceled.

Noem left the committee hearing early, saying she needed to attend a meeting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Council. But that meeting had been canceled.

Noem's office said it did not know the meeting had been canceled until after the DHS head left the hearing. The Independent has requested comment from Noems office.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been accused of lying to get out of a tense House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday (AP)

"The Secretary found out at 12:26 p.m. that the meeting was cancelled, a DHS spokesperson told The Hill. She left the hearing around noon.

I understand on good information that the FEMA Council meeting was canceled so there was no need for her to go, Thompson said, according to The Hill. She was a liar with no respect for congressional oversight.

He also claimed that Noem lingered in the committee's anteroom after she left the hearing, suggesting that she did not immediately depart to attend the meeting.

The hearing was not a friendly one for Noem. Thompson opened the hearing by calling for her resignation and accusing her of failing in the most basic of her duties.

"You have systematically dismantled the Department of Homeland Security, put your own interests above the department, and violated the law. You are making America less safe," Thompson said. "So rather than sitting here and wasting your time and ours with more corruption, lies, and lawlessness, I call on you to resign. Do a real service to the country and just resign. That is, if President Trump doesn't fire you first."

Congressman Seth Magaziner hit Noem with a particularly damning rebuttal after she claimed that the DHS, under her watch, had never deported a U.S. citizen or military veteran.

He then presented, via Zoom, Sae Joon Park, a U.S. military veteran and Purple Heart recipient who self-deported in 2025 after he received a removal order. Park was deported to Korea, where he has not lived since he was 7-years-old.

Congressman Bennie Thompson has accused Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of lying in order to excuse herself from a heated meeting of the House Homeland Security Committee on Thursday (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Following the contentious hearing and Noems hurried flight from the room, the DHS account on X attempted to save face.

Your boos mean nothing to us. Weve seen what makes you cheer, the account wrote, aping a line from the adult cartoon Rick & Morty.

House Republicans voted down Thompson's motion to call Noem back in for another hearing.

Thompson said he had been told that Noem would stay until at least 1 p.m. on the day of the hearing.

She joined FBI Director Kash Patel in telling the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security to pound sand by getting up and walking out in the middle of the hearing, he said. We were told that shed be here until 1 oclock, but she left significantly early. This is an embarrassing display from someone who cant take the heat, is disrespectful to the committee and the Constitution [and] the separation of powers.
The campaign was started on Friday by Andy Lennox (pictured), who runs the Old Thatch pub in Dorset (GB News)

Labour MPs are being barred from pubs and restaurants across Britain as angry landlords launch a growing backlash over rising taxes.

Dozens of venues have begun displaying No Labour MPs stickers on their doors and windows in protest at higher business rates, with owners accusing the Government of hammering the hospitality sector.

The campaign was started on Friday by Andy Lennox, who runs the Old Thatch pub in Dorset. He said around 50 venues had already pledged to take part.

Its springing up in different towns, Mr Lennox told The Telegraph. By the end of the week, it will be all over the place. Were getting requests from across the UK for stickers and advice on how to get involved, from bosses as far away as Clacton-on-Sea.

The backlash comes despite Rachel Reeves announcement of a permanent 5pc tax cut for hospitality and retail. The Chancellor described it as the lowest tax rates since 1991.

But many businesses say they face steep rises in their bills because pandemic-era business rates relief is due to end in April, after being reduced from 75pc to 40pc. Others have been hit by surprise increases to their venues rateable values, pushing costs even higher.

Industry body UK Hospitality has warned that an average pubs business rates will rise by 76pc within three years, with fears thousands of jobs could be lost.

Mr Lennox said his own rates bill was set to more than double. I dont think the Labour Government understands what theyre doing, he said. Theyre taxing hospitality into extinction, and dressing it up as cutting rates and helping us.

James Fowler, who runs the Larder House in Bournemouth, has also banned Labour MPs  including his own MP, Tom Hayes.

Mr Fowler said: I told Tom it wasnt personal. Hes a great local MP  I voted for him  but this isnt a local issue. We set this up so it could go national. We want people talking across the whole country  and I dont mind putting my neck on the line.

Mr Hayes, who recently brought local business owners to No 11 to meet the Chancellor, said the ban was making it harder for him to represent his constituents.

He said: Banning me stops me doing my job. I cant listen to business owners, represent them to the Government, and secure the powers and support they need. Im fighting for Bournemouth to get a fair share and for small businesses to get what they need. Now, however, my arm is being tied behind my back by the very businesses I meet often, care about, work closely with, and bring to No 11.

Elsewhere, Rick Cressman of the Nailcote Hotel in Warwickshire said he had banned Labour MPs after being forced to cut the number of young staff he employs by 25pc following last years Budget.

He said: They push up the costs of employing young people and then say theyre funding training programmes for young people, including in hospitality.

Why do everything you can to wreck the industry, then throw hundreds of millions at job creation in it? It makes no sense  its bonkers. Why should we welcome them into our venues when they give us nothing we ask for? I dont think anyone in the industry should welcome a Labour MP through their doors until they start listening.
Dushan Chimbur wholeheartedly embraced his life in the UK and was appreciative of the many opportunities it gave him Photograph: family handout (Photograph: family handout)

My grandfather Dushan Chimbur, who has died aged 97, arrived in the UK soon after the second world war as a displaced person, fleeing war and persecution in Yugoslavia. In 1944, Dushan, his father and uncle embarked on a three-year journey across Europe, travelling on foot through Croatia and Slovenia, before reaching Italy, where they remained from 1945 to 1947. They were then taken to a displaced persons camp in Germany.

At the time, the British governments European Voluntary Workers programme was recruiting individuals from those camps to fill labour shortages. It was through this scheme that he came to the UK and began to work on a farm near Abergavenny, south Wales. In 1950 he joined the steel makers Stewarts & Lloyds in Corby, Northamptonshire, later nationalised as part of British Steel, and remained there for 34 years.

In 1955 Dushan married Milica (nee Beric), whom he had met the year before when she arrived from Yugoslavia with her mother and brother. They had a son, Sava, and daughter, Mirjana. Dushan played an important part in the Serbian community in Corby, and made significant contributions to the Serbian Orthodox church and hall.

Born in Polaca, a village that is now in Croatia, Dushan was the son of Manda Vucenovic, a housewife, and Sava Cimbur, a steelworker. He faced adversity from a very young age, receiving little schooling and suffering hunger and typhus. For a time he was held by communists during the Partisan-Chetnik conflict.

During the Balkan wars of the 1990s, Dushan arranged for the production of special wooden crates to ensure the safe transportation of critical sterilising equipment to hospitals in Belgrade and Montenegro. These were received by representatives of the Lifeline Humanitarian Organisation, whose patron is Princess Katherine of Yugoslavia, and made possible by his employer at the time, John Carr Ltd, which sold building and joinery supplies; he worked at the firm from the late 80s to the mid-90s, when he retired.

Dushan overcame cancer at the age of 87; he said the care he received from the NHS was the best in the world. While he never lost sight of where he came from, he wholeheartedly embraced his life in the UK and was appreciative of the many opportunities it gave him  to work, to build a home and secure a better future for his children.

Shortly after his death, Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia wrote in a letter to the family that Dushans faith and perseverance deserve the highest respect and gratitude.

He is survived by Milica, Sava and Mirjana, by his grandchildren, Christina and me, and a great-granddaughter, Cecilia.
Henry de Bromhead is planning to head straight to the Cheltenham Festival with Echoing Silence following her victory in the Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Series Mares Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

The point-to-point and bumper winner added an impressive maiden hurdle success to her record at Cork in early November and she was a 5-2 shot stepping up to Listed class in County Kildare.

Darragh OKeeffes mount proved more than up the task, beating 7-4 favourite Switch From Diesel by two and three-quarter lengths, and De Bromhead is now eyeing the Dawn Run Mares Novices Hurdle at Prestbury Park in March, a race he won with Telmesomethinggirl in 2021 and Air Of Entitlement last season.

Of Echoing Silence, the trainer said: Shes a cracker, a lovely mare. Im delighted for Kenny (Alexander, owner) and Darragh gave her a super ride.

She jumped great, travelled well and picked up well. The dream is alive.

Shes a queen of a mare. We bought her off JJ Bowe and Sam Curling, who highly recommended her.

Id say well work our way back from the Mares Novices Hurdle (at Cheltenham). I dont know if we need to go anywhere before that, I dont think so. We might freshen her up now.

Willie Mullins saddled a double on the card, with Espresso Milan landing cramped odds of 8-11 in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle under Paul Townend before Sea Of Sands (13-2) landed the Solo Arte  An Irish Art Gallery At Punchestown Hurdle in the hands of Brian Hayes.

Espresso Milan was making his stable debut, having previously been trained in Britain by Fergal OBrien, and Townend said: It was a nice performance, he was very professional in the way he raced and was a great ride.

I thought he quickened nicely off a sedate pace but hell have no bother getting further as well.

Hes probably going to be seen best over further. He jumped brilliant and will jump a fence in time.

Hayes was also completing a double aboard Sea Of Sands, having earlier steered Colm Murphys Zanoosh (2-1) to a clear-cut success in the Matchbook Backs Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle, before which Jimmy Mangans Pure Steel (5-2) opened his account over fences in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Rated Novice Chase.

We like him. Well stick to two miles at the moment, said Mangan.

For the calibre of horses that are in the country, it was a handy enough race. There was no real star in it and he was entitled to win.

We could look at a novice handicap, around two miles again.

Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy teamed up to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase with 7-2 chance Kurasso Blue, and the rider said: He was having a bit of a look at his fences and hes probably not the quickest horse in the world, but he stays well so I was keen to press on on him.

He was a big frame of a horse and is probably only filling into himself now. Hopefully he can improve away.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus admitted he suffered nearly a year of self-doubt but insisted he can return from his injury nightmare better than ever.

The Brazilian was back in an Arsenal shirt for the first time in 332 days in his sides 3-0 Champions League victory at Club Brugge on Wednesday.

Jesus, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, came close to completing a dream comeback, only to see his late shot strike the crossbar.

However, the 28-year-old, who struck six goals in seven appearances prior to his crushing injury in a third-round FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on January 12, revealed it was a rocky road to recovery.

Gabriel Jesus is back for Arsenal having spent almost one year out (John Walton/PA) (John Walton)

It was 11 months, 11 months of doubting yourself, he said as he reflected on his spell on the sidelines. My first thoughts were like, why? You always keep questioning why and the reason why.

It wasnt an easy season for me last season and then, at the moment I stepped in and started to play, started to score goals and play good, this happened.

So every single day for the first two or three weeks, I asked why it happened to me. And then I understood that I needed to be closer to Jesus, to God, to read the Bible. It helped me so much, you know, because it kept me believing that Im a son of God and then I could do everything if I felt Gods plans.

If I didnt hear the Bible every single day, I am 100 per cent sure I would not have believed I could come back stronger than ever. Now I believe even more, because Im a son of God.

Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury against Manchester United on January 12 (Mike Egerton/PA) (Mike Egerton)

Jesus return will come as a welcome boost to manager Mikel Arteta, who was unable to field eight players in Belgium through injury and illness.

Despite their selection problems, Arsenal were still able to secure a comfortable win  their sixth in a row in Europe  to all but assure them an automatic spot in the knockout stages.

Jesus is likely to be back in action on Saturday when Arsenal host Wolves, having seen Manchester City trim their Premier League lead to just two points.

Noni Madueke scored twice in Arsenals 3-0 win at Club Brugge (PA Wire via Belga) (PA Wire via Belga)

Asked if he can make a big difference to Artetas title-chasing side, Jesus added: The clubs I have played for, I had my role there and I always help in a good way. Obviously when you are not playing its more difficult, Im not going to lie.

Im not a kid anymore, Im 28, it sounds young, but Max (Dowman) is 15, Ethan (Nwaneri) is 18, Myles (Lewis-Skelly) is 19. More than experience, I can bring some difference to the players we have.

In my career I had amazing moments, I have won amazing titles. I have been in amazing positions with the clubs before, and even with Arsenal.

Unfortunately we did not win anything yet, but just to come to Arsenal and then help, like everyone else, to make Arsenal fight for the titles again, this makes me feel happy.
$5 billion-plus megadeals propel M&A resurgence as infrequent acquirers make big bets

Technology M&A, powered by AI-related deals, leads 36% surge in deal value for the year

Swing to scope deals to expand in new markets in biggest year for deals targeting revenue growth

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A potent rebound in global M&A is on track to deliver the second-highest total deal value on record in 2025, at a projected $4.8 trillion for the year, up 36% versus 2024, Bain & Company reports today.

A wave of megadeals worth $5 billion or more propelled the year's resurgence in deal-making, as companies classed as 'infrequent acquirers', taking part in M&A relatively rarely, came off the sidelines to make big bets, with 2025's expected M&A deal count up by only 5%, despite the overall surge in total deal value.

Deals worth $5 billion-plus contributed 75% of strategic deal value growth, with most of these  around 60%  by infrequent acquirers, and around two-fifths being transformative in scale, with a value of more than 50% of the acquirer's market capitalization. These big bets on large-scale, transformational mergers are potentially both high-risk and high reward for acquiring companies, requiring their leaders to put outsized focus on strategic and organizational integration and alignment to create and secure value, Bain's analysis cautions.

Technology M&A, powered by AI-related deals, was in the vanguard of the year's surge in merger activity. But the powerful revival in M&A is broad-based across industries and geographies, as well as classes of dealmakers, Bain's report finds, with deal value across all regions and industries rising by double-digit percentages.

"Companies across industries are seeing an urgent need to reboot strategy. Amid improved deal market conditions, with both buyers and sellers more confident about valuations, strategic buyers are again putting M&A front and center to drive business growth. The number one reason for increased dealmaking was M&A's central role in strategy, according to our survey of more than 300 M&A executives," said Suzanne Kumar, executive vice president of Bain & Company's M&A and Divestitures practice.

"We see important implications from the dealmaking rebound. This was a year of big bets by companies that traditionally make few deals, and often large-ticket deals become make-or-break moves. Big deals grounded in sound strategy can transform a business and set a new growth trajectory. But deals for less-strategic reasons can be a recipe for value destruction. It's impossible to overstate the importance to value-creation of clear and early answers to fundamental questions on factors such as shared vision, operating models, decision-making and execution and culture."

Broad-based resurgence in dealmaking led by tech and advanced manufacturing

Tech M&A is back in force in 2025, with deal value up more than 76% to $478 billion in the year-to-date. Notably, almost half of strategic technology deal value for deals larger than $500 million for the year so far involved AI-native companies or deals that cited AI benefits. Advanced manufacturing was also a major driver of dealmaking, with value up 38% to $717 billion in the year-to-date.

In geographic terms, the rebound is global. Deals for US targets powered M&A growth in 2025, accounting for nearly half of the total strategic deal value. Greater China, the second-largest deal market, leads in deal count, driven by a robust domestic China market that accounted for more than 80% of Greater China deal value. Japan's M&A market meanwhile doubled in value to become the third-largest globally this year, while also seeing a double-digit rise in the number of deals. Europe, the Middle East and Africa, also experienced strong M&A value growth, boosted by megadeal activity, but the region's overall deal count fell by 7%.

Against the backdrop of the overall 36% rise in deal value expected for 2025, activity among all classes of dealmakers was sharply higher, with deal value up by 38% for strategic transactions, by 31% among financial investors, and by 28% among venture capital players.

Easing regulations, capital costs, and buyer-seller valuation gap drive the rebound

A host of factors are identified by Bain's analysis as driving this year's new wave of M&A as companies took the decision to buy to grow and respond to changing profit pools. Many of the headwinds for M&A during the post-pandemic years have calmed, while regulations as well as the cost of capital have eased, Bain notes. The buyer-seller gap for valuations has also eased, with valuations up a turn to 11.6x EV/EBITDA, but remaining below 2021 peak levels in most industries, today's report says.

In addition, Bain sees a growing number of executives as realizing that waiting things out made less sense against the current strategic backdrop, with decisions to act now made more pressing in many industries by the disruptive impact of AI. M&A executives cited the central role of strategy as the number one reason for sustaining or increasing dealmaking this year, with over 85% of more than 300 M&A executives surveyed by Bain saying that they had refreshed their M&A pipeline, pointing to shifts in technology and strategy.

Tariffs and trade turbulence fail to stall the deal revival

Uncertainties over tariffs and trade turbulence had a muted impact meanwhile, with an early pullback in dealmaking in April proving to be short-lived. The rate of cross-border deals has not changed substantially in 2025 and fewer than half of M&A executives surveyed by Bain said trade restrictions would impact their overall deal plans, while 70% said trade policy would not affect divestiture plans.

But while post-globalization trends did not have a large impact on M&A in 2025, Bain suggests it will have bigger effects over time, with early hints seen as non-US companies show a weaker appetite for US-based assets and US buyers become more likely to pursue domestic deals due to tariffs, according to Bain research. As global trade patterns fragment along regional lines, Bain's analysis sess M&A as providing companies with optionality and access to markets.

Dealmakers confront capital challenges as other priorities compete for companies' cash

Post-globalization and increased protectionist policies are also likely to impact capital allocation to M&A, the report adds. With companies confronting costs for building resiliency into supply chains and investing in AI capabilities, automation and their technology infrastructure, M&A executives will likely face greater scrutiny on capital allocations to dealmaking and potentially a higher bar for deal ROI.

Despite the strengthened dealmaking in 2025, capital allocations to M&A were at a 10-year low this year, accounting for just 7% of cash expenditures by almost 700 S&P World Index companies, versus a 9% to 17% range of the prior nine years. The decline in companies' capital spending on deals comes as other investment priorities, on everything from tech stacks, robots and AI to factories and energy farms crowd out M&A, Bain notes.

AI spreading across the M&A landscape

In a year marked by AI's rampant advancement, artificial intelligence was seen everywhere in the deal-making landscape. 75% of strategic acquirers have assessed the impact of AI on their target's business, while at least 20% had walked away as a consequence, Bain finds. Alongside, use of AI by M&A executives more than doubled to 45% of practitioners. While deal sourcing and screening are still AI's main uses for M&A, more dealmakers have also begun relying on the technology for other functions such as planning and executing integrations.

M&A swings towards scope deals

A major swing towards scope deals made by companies seeking to expand in new markets and customer segments via M&A, rather than scale deals to grow their existing activities and markets, is also reported by Bain. 60% of 2025 deals valued at more than $1 billion were scope deals, the highest rate ever, as companies focused on topline growth and adding new capabilities. The financial services and advanced manufacturing sectors, both traditionally focused on scale deals, are among industries revealing a heightened appetite for extending their scope.

Looking ahead to 2026

Bain & Company will be releasing its full 2026 Global M&A Report in January, including comprehensive analysis of what to expect from dealmaking in the year ahead, deep dives on key industries, and the full results of its M&A Practitioners 2026 Outlook Survey  including perspectives on dealmaking from more than 300 M&A practitioners in the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, India, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and the UK.

Media contacts:

Dan Pinkney (Boston)  [email protected]

Michael Simon (New York)  [email protected]

Gary Duncan (London)  [email protected]

Ann Lee (Singapore)  [email protected]

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 1% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.

SOURCE Bain & Company
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An entire Russian column has been destroyed during a Ukrainian counter-attack in Pokrovsk.

Scores of military vehicles were left burning along a road in the eastern city, newly published footage shows.

A Ukrainian drone can be seen sweeping over the wreckage, while earlier video appeared to show Russian troops and vehicles being struck with cluster munitions.



The battle for the strategic logistics hub in Donetsk has raged for more than a year. Vladimir Putin recently claimed Pokrovsk had fallen, but Ukrainian officials said he made the announcement during peace talks to persuade Donald Trump that a Russian victory was inevitable.

Kyiv insists its forces still hold positions in the northern part of the city, once home to 60,000 people before the full-scale invasion in February 2022. A video released on Tuesday showed Ukrainian soldiers waving their countrys flag to prove the city had not yet fallen.

Credit: @skala_ukraine/Instagram

Ukrainian commanders reported on Wednesday an unusually large Russian mechanised assault inside Pokrovsk, where Moscow is believed to have massed around 156,000 troops.

The Russians used armoured vehicles, cars and motorcycles. The convoys attempted to break through from the south to the northern part of the city, Ukraines 7th Rapid Response Corps said of the attack.

Vladimir Putin recently claimed Pokrovsk had fallen to Russian troops - Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Pokrovsk, which stands on elevated ground, would be the first city captured by Russia since Avdiivka in early 2024. Moscow believes taking it would unlock the rest of the Donbas, territory Putin wants Ukraine to surrender in any peace settlement.

But experts do not believe Pokrovsks seizure by Russia would lead to the collapse of the front line, with Ukraine having spent years fortifying the nearby fortress belt cities of Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Kostyantynivka and Druzhkivka.

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The Donbas remains a central issue in US-mediated peace talks. Putin is demanding that Kyiv relinquish the remaining 12 per cent of the region not already occupied by Russian forces, a concession Volodymyr Zelensky has so far resisted.

Donald Trump could travel to Europe this weekend for talks with Mr Zelensky, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The US president hopes to secure a peace deal by Christmas but has said he does not want to waste time on a trip that will not advance negotiations.

Ukraine delivered its latest response to the US plan on Thursday evening, as a European diplomat said discussions were progressing quickly.
Europe must prepare for a conflict with Russia on the scale our grandparents endured, Natos secretary general has said in a stark warning to the West.

Tensions have been escalating across the continent in recent weeks, following a spate of drone incursions into Nato airspace and a chilling statement by Russian president Vladimir Putin that his country is ready for war right now if Europe wants it.

We are Russias next target. And we are already in harms way, Mark Rutte said in a speech in Berlin on Thursday.

Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured.

Mark Rutte: Too many believe that time is on our side. It is not (Reuters)

Insisting on an immediate and rapid boost of defence spending as a deterrent, he added: Conflict is at our door.

Mr Rutte suggested that Russia could use military force against Nato within the next five years, and that Europe is not ready.

I fear that too many are quietly complacent, he cautioned. Too many dont feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now.

Allied defence spending and production must rise rapidly. Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe.

In a scathing attack on Russias leader, he added: Putin is paying for his pride with the blood of his own people. And if he is prepared to sacrifice ordinary Russians in this way, what is he prepared to do to us?

His comments came as talks to end Russias war on Ukraine have struggled to gain momentum, and after the Trump administration indicated that it expects Europe to be less dependent on the US for its security.

On Thursday, Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky said he had presented the US with a revised 20-point peace plan to end the conflict.

The notion of Ukraine giving up territory to Russia has been a key sticking point, but the Americans have now put forward the possibility of a free economic zone in the Donbas.

US negotiators foresee Ukrainian forces withdrawing from the Donetsk region, with the compromise being that Russian forces do not enter that territory, Mr Zelensky said. He stressed that any decision about ceding territory would have to go to a referendum.

We have two key points of disagreement: the territories of Donetsk and everything related to them, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. These are the two topics we continue to discuss, Mr Zelensky told reporters on Thursday.

Germanys chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised that the matter of territory remains a question that must be answered primarily by the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people, adding that he had made this clear to President Trump.

However, Russias foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, accused Europe of disrupting efforts to reach a long-term peace deal by focusing on their wish for a ceasefire in the short term.

Our talks with the president of the United States are dedicated to just that  the search for a long-lasting resolution to eliminate the root causes of this conflict, Mr Lavrov said.

Donald Trump has insisted that Volodymyr Zelensky must be realistic as peace talks continue (AFP/Getty)

Donald Trumps sympathies for Ukraine appear to have been cooling of late, and in an interview on Tuesday he expressed frustration at a weak and decaying Europe, hinting that he could abandon the talks altogether.

Reports have claimed that Mr Trump has given Mr Zelensky a deadline of Christmas to accept a peace deal, though Washington has denied this.

Days of consultation have taken place with European allies, including UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor Merz, who held a phone call with Mr Trump on Wednesday.

The Ukraine conflict continues to present a wider issue for Europe, with a number of countries accusing Russia of inflicting hybrid warfare on their territory.

Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, Poland and Romania have all reported disruptions in their airspace in recent weeks. On Tuesday, British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper warned that cyber attacks pose an escalating danger to the UK and Europe.

The US, meanwhile, has ramped up tensions with Venezuela, with the seizure on Thursday of an oil tanker it that claimed was being used to transport sanctioned fuel.

Venezuelas leader, Nicolas Maduro, has accused the US of fabricating a conflict in order to exploit his countrys natural resources, including oil, while US politicians have raised concerns that Mr Trump is sleepwalking into war with Venezuela.
A C-130 military cargo plane of the type the Nigerian air force said had been forced to land in Burkina Faso on Monday. Photograph: Reuters (Photograph: Reuters)

Eleven Nigerian military personnel are reportedly still in Burkina Faso days after their plane made an unauthorised landing in the south-west city of Bobo Dioulasso, despite earlier suggestions they had been freed, deepening confusion about the diplomatic standoff.

Burkinabe authorities told the BBC on Tuesday that the troops had been released and given permission to return to Nigeria, but officials in Abuja have said the matter is yet to be resolved.

The Nigerian daily the Punch quoted Kimiebi Ebienfa, a foreign ministry spokesperson, as saying late on Wednesday that that Nigerian embassy in Ouagadougou was engaging with the host authorities to secure their release.

The saga began on Monday when a Nigerian military cargo plane, a C-130, travelling from Lagos to Portugal was forced to land in Burkina Faso. Authorities in the country, which is part of the three-member Alliance of Sahel States (AES), called the landing an unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law in a statement that evening.

The Nigerian air force said technical concerns had forced the plane to divert to the nearest airport in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. The Burkinabe authorities had treated the crew courteously and plans were under way to continue the mission, it said.

Conspiracy theories began circulating on social media and offline given that the landing came within 24 hours of Nigerian troops helping to thwart a coup attempt in Benin, which borders Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

The AES trio of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially left the larger Ecowas regional bloc in January, forming a military alliance as it withdrew from many of its traditional local and international allegiances.
Firefighters in Massachusetts saved a 14-year-old girl after she fell through the ice into a frigid pond on Wednesday (NBC 10 Boston)

Firefighters rescued a teenage girl who fell through the ice of a frozen pond, plunging into the 30-foot-deep water of a Massachusetts lake.

When rescue teams arrived at Fellsmere Pond in Malden, a suburb north of Boston, around 2 p.m. Wednesday, they found the 14-year-old girl holding onto the edge of the ice, NBC Boston reported.

Officials with the Malden Fire Department had to break the rest of the ice to pull the girl out of the frigid waters to safety. They said they were able to make the save within about 30 seconds of their arrival.

I dont even think the engine stopped, Captain Roy Tribble said, recalling the harrowing rescue. I jumped up, I sprinted here, pretty much just jumped right into the water.

The girl was conscious and alert when she was brought to a nearby hospital for treatment, officials said. It was not clear what the girl was doing on the ice at the time of the incident.

Firefighters in Massachusetts saved a 14-year-old girl after she fell through the ice into a frigid pond on Wednesday (NBC 10 Boston)

A life was saved. It was a young girl who fell through the ice, added Captain Bob Hegarty.

The fire officials urged others to stay off ice  noting that this particular pond was about 30 feet deep.

A warning to everybody out there that ice, if its not thick enough, youre going to fall through, and if you fall through, youre not going to be able to get yourself out, Hegarty said.

So stay off the ice until its very thick, which  who can tell if its very thick? he added.
The governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday in response to heavy rain in the Pacific north-west state since an atmospheric river smacked the region a day earlier with rains that triggered mudslides and washed out roads and submerged vehicles.

The emergency declaration, Ferguson said, allows us to seek federal funds to cover the cost of this response, which we anticipate will be significant, and also gives us the flexibility we need to respond quickly to keep Washingtonians safe in a fast-moving situation.

The Washington governor also told the public he was requesting an expedited emergency declaration from the federal government and has activated the states national guard to respond to flooding. By tonight, well have 100 national guard service members staging, ready to respond to requests for help. Tomorrow, well have 300, Ferguson said.

Fergusons appeal for help from the Trump administration comes four months after the Democratic governor denounced a threat from the US attorney general, Pam Bondi, to jail him over his states sanctuary policies, and refusal to cooperate with Trumps mass deportation effort. Washington state will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations, Ferguson said in August.

In Washington, rain over the states watersheds and mountains are causing rivers to rise, potentially imperiling homes, livestock and lives in valleys from Mount Rainier to Mount Baker, the Seattle Times reported. Rivers, including the Carbon, Cedar, Elwha and Snohomish are forecast to rise close to record heights.

Farmer Ryan Lichttenegger told the outlet that his community outside Fall City, near the Snoqualmie River, is accustomed to floods but that this one feels unusual.

Ive seen many floods come and go, and Ive never seen water come in and out of this barn like it has, he said. Its really devastating to have a flooding event like this happen before Christmas time. We have lost quite a bit.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Portland noted that the heavy rain has mainly shifted north of the Willamette Valley, offering some relief to north-west Oregon.

Meteorologists said areas in the Cascade mountain range were receiving impressive rain rates near or exceeding a half-inch per hour.

After a brief lull, rivers across western Washington are on the rise again this morning. Flows are rising very quickly, so travel with caution and NEVER drive into water flowing over the road, the National Weather Service in Seattle posted on X.

Atmospheric rivers that are strong and slow-moving can produce heavy rain that can lead to flooding, especially along the west coast of the US in the winter season. This atmospheric river extends over 3,500 miles (5,600km) west into the Pacific Ocean, between Alaskas Aleutian Islands and Hawaii.

Washington is experiencing a three-year drought, but the atmospheric river is forecast as an AR5, the top of the scale for strength and among the strongest and longest lasting in the region seen since 1959, Samuel Bartlett, a meteorologist with the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California, San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography, told the outlet.

Rainfall from the storm could reach 2in to 4in across lower elevations and 10in higher up in the Cascades, alongside 45mph gusts of wind and temperatures up to the mid-50s F. The weather service forecast more than a foot of new snow in the northern Rockies in north-western Wyoming.

Since Monday, areas in the Washington and north-west Oregon Cascades, Olympics and coastal ranges have seen 5in to 10in of rain. Landslides in steeper terrain could be compounded by debris flows in areas recently burned by wildfires, NWS Seattle said.

Along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Portland, firefighters rescued five people who tried to drive on flooded roads, including a semi-truck driver, said a spokesperson for Lewis county fire protection district 5.

Police said deputies went door to door in certain neighborhoods to warn residents of imminent flooding, and evacuated a mobile home park along the Snohomish River, north-east of Seattle.

With conditions set to worsen, Harrison Rademacher, a meteorologist with the weather service in Seattle, told the Associated Press that the atmospheric river soaking the region is a jet stream of moisture stretching across the Pacific Ocean with the nozzle pushing right along the coast of Oregon and Washington.
Iceland becomes the fifth country to boycott Eurovision over Israels participation

Iceland has become the fifth country to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

The Nordic country joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in saying that they will not participate in next years competition after it was confirmed last week that Israel will be taking part, despite some calls for the country to be excluded over its military action in Gaza.

Participation of Israeli national broadcaster, Kan, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public, Icelandic broadcaster RUV said in a statement on Wednesday (10 December).

As reported by BBC, Iceland had previously indicated it intended to skip next years contest, but wished to wait until the issue could be discussed by its board of directors before making it official.

The meeting took place just a few hours before the deadline for countries to confirm whether they will participate in the 70th edition of the singing competition, due to be held in Austria next May.

The EBU had backed away from calling a vote on Israeli participation, and instead passed rules aimed at discouraging governments from influencing the contest.

Pop duo VB represented Iceland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest (AFP/Getty)

A BBC spokesperson said: We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU. This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.

By contrast, Irish national broadcaster RTE described Israels participation as unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza.

The RTE statement said: Following todays EBU winter general assembly in Geneva at which Israels participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTEs position remains unchanged.

Israels presence at Eurovision has been an increasing source of tension due to its war in Gaza, as well as the accusations that Israels government tried to influence the public vote at this years event.

Russia was banned from Eurovision after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but Israel has continued to compete for the past two years despite disputes.

The EBU has introduced a range of measures designed to protect the integrity of the vote, but the Icelandic broadcaster said it believes that there are still doubts whether the agreed adjustments would be fully satisfactory.

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael represented Israel at Eurovision last year (AFP/Getty)

RUV has repeatedly raised concerns that various Icelandic stakeholders, such as artist associations and the general public, were opposed to participation in the contest, they said.

Furthermore, RUV had requested the EBU to exclude KAN from the contest in accordance to precedents.

It is a complex matter, which has already damaged the contest's reputation and EBU, emphasising the necessity of a solution for all concerned parties.

Last week, Spain said it had decided to withdraw after it asked for a vote on Israels participation. Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands also pulled out after the summit.

Israel has taken part in Eurovision since 1973 because its public broadcaster, Kan, is a member of the EBU. Israel has won four times, most recently in 2018. It came second in the 2025 contest.
Students at a high school in San Mateo, California, in 2007. Photograph: ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy (Photograph: ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy)

Immigrant students across the US have experienced increased bullying, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdowns causing declines in attendance and a culture of fear among immigrant students in public schools, according to a new survey of high school principals.

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeless Institute for Democracy, Education and Access (Idea) conducted a nationally representative survey of more than 600 principals about the toll of raids and deportations, and how schools were responding.

Many principals described a climate of distress, the report found, with 70.4% reporting that students from immigrant families have expressed concerns about their well-being or the well-being of their families. A majority of public high schools experienced declines in attendance and learning of students from immigrant families, the report said, with 57.8% of principals reporting that immigrant parents and guardians had left the community during the school year.

Related: After ICE took students parents, these teachers began rising at dawn to keep watch: We said, hell no

Some principals reported that they were unsure what had happened to a few of their students from immigrant families, the report said. And 63.8% of principals said students had missed school due to policies or political rhetoric related to immigrants.

Principals said students were impacted by ICE enforcement efforts in their communities, but also by a growing anti-immigrant atmosphere among the student population. More than one-third of the principals said students from immigrant families had reported being bullied or harassed, with one Minnesota principal saying: There has been definitely an uptick in comments made by white students, white male students, to our Hispanic students: Can I see your papers?

A Nebraska principal described an increase in students use of hostile and derogatory language toward Latino students, with taunts like: Go back home. A Michigan principal recounted students saying: Your parents are border hoppers, adding that she had taken disciplinary action against bullying.

The survey, conducted over the summer, also found the vast majority of schools were taking actions to address the needs of their immigrant populations as best as they can, with 77.6% of principals saying they created a school plan to respond to visits from federal agents. Nearly half of the principals said they had plans to address the needs of students if their guardians are deported.

Principals are telling stories of students being dropped off at school and worrying that will be the last time they see their parents. Its devastating, John Rogers, Idea director and lead researcher, said in an interview. He said he was struck by the fact that so many school leaders were preparing for that outcome: It speaks to a normalization of a system that is being put in place that creates extraordinary trauma.

One principal compared the stress of worrying about ICE showing up to the anxiety of fearing mass shooters.

Rogers said he expected to see these concerns in a city like Los Angeles, which has a large immigrant population and has been an aggressive target of the federal government. But the survey found consequences in schools across the nation in a diverse range of communities, he said.

High school principals are charged both by professional standards and moral obligation to ensure that students feel safe, and its clear students feeling safe at school is essential for their learning, Rogers said. At the same time, they realize their power is limited  they cant control what is going on outside of school.

A Massachusetts principal surveyed said: There is something just so fundamentally wrong about this  we continue to strive to make school a safe place where all students can thrive, but this task has become increasingly challenging.

In an email late Wednesday after publication, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, accused UCLA of shameful  fear mongering, saying: Those blaming ICE for students getting bullied and low attendance at schools are creating a climate of fear and smearing law enforcement.

ICE is not going to schools to make arrests of children, McLaughlin said. If someone with a criminal record were to flee into a school, she added, there may be a situation where an arrest is made to protect public safety. But this has not happened.
A woman hold signs outside the Indiana Senate chamber at the statehouse in Indianapolis on Thursday. Photograph: Michael Conroy/AP (Photograph: Michael Conroy/AP)

Indiana Republicans rejected an effort to redraw the states congressional map on Thursday, a stunning and blunt rebuke of Donald Trump and Republican efforts to reconfigure the states congressional districts to add two more Republican-friendly seats.

The measure failed 19-31, with 21 Republicans joining 10 Democrats in rejecting the new maps.

Republicans currently represent seven of Indianas nine congressional districts. The new map would have favored Republicans in all nine districts. It would have accomplished this by carving up the Democratic-stronghold of Indianapolis into four districts and appending a slice of its voters to heavily GOP districts. It would have also split the congressional district in the north-west of the state, currently represented by Frank Mrvan, in two.

State senator Greg Goode, a key Republican holdout on the bill, voted against the map, saying he was reflecting the will of his constituents.

Related: Organizers submit enough signatures to block gerrymandered Missouri map

Im a Christian first, then an American, then a conservative, then a Republican  in that order, he said in a lengthy floor speech. Im confident that my vote reflects the will of my constituents, he said in a speech on the floor, according to NBC News.

The push in Indiana came amid a nationwide push by Trump across the country to redraw district lines to add Republican seats ahead of next years midterms. Republicans currently hold a razor thin majority in the House and are expected to lose seats. Republicans, in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri have all redrawn their maps to add Republican seats (organizers in Missouri appear to have successfully deployed a unique legal mechanism to block the maps there).

Democrats have retaliated by redrawing maps in California to add as many as five seats in their favor. Democrats in Virginia are also poised to redraw maps to add Democratic seats.

Trump engaged in a bare-knuckled effort to pressure Indiana Republicans to pass the map and vice-president JD Vance traveled to the state capitol multiple times to meet with lawmakers.

Every other State has done Redistricting, willingly, openly, and easily. There was never a question in their mind that contributing to a WIN in the Midterms for the Republicans was a great thing to do for our Party, and for America itself, Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media network, Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, Indiana Senate Leader Rod Bray enjoys being the only person in the United States of America who is against Republicans picking up extra seats, in Indianas case, two of them.

Related: US supreme court approves redrawn Texas congressional maps

Indiana state Republicans faced death threats and swatting attempts in the lead up to the vote.

Vance and Donald Trump Jr also attacked Bray ahead of the vote on Thursday. Rod Bray, the senate leader in Indiana, has consistently told us he wouldnt fight redistricting while simultaneously whipping his members against it. That level of dishonesty cannot be rewarded, and the Indiana GOP needs to choose a side, Vance posted on Twitter.

Heritage Action, the advocacy branch of the conservative Heritage Foundation, also posted on Thursday that the state would lose federal funding if it did not pass the map. President Trump has made it clear to Indiana leaders: if the Indiana Senate fails to pass the map, all federal funding will be stripped from the state. Roads will not be paved. Guard bases will close. Major projects will stop. These are the stakes and every NO vote will be to blame, the organization posted on Twitter.
Michael Douglas and Davina McCall have gotten married, according to reports. (Getty Images for the NTAs) (Shane Anthony Sinclair via Getty Images)

Davina McCall and Michael Douglas are reported to have secretly married.

The TV presenter and celebrity hairdresser are said to have wed in an intimate ceremony attended by their immediate family and close friends, according to a report from The Sun. It was described as an "absolutely beautiful" occasion, and the intimate celebration was said to be "exactly what they wanted" for their special day.

A source told the publication: "Theyve been through a huge amount in recent months, with Davinas health, and it just felt right to formalise their marriage. They didnt see the point in waiting."

On Instagram, McCall is reported to have shown off her new wedding ring, which was a silver band with a jewel designed to look like an eye, reminiscent of the Big Brother logo, per The Standard. Yahoo UK has contacted Davina McCall's representatives for further comment.

But how did the couple meet, and what is their love story? Here is what you need to know.

Davina McCall and Michael Douglas' relationship timeline

Davina McCall and Michael Douglas met in the 2000s and began dating in 2018. (Getty Images) (Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)

McCall and Douglas have been dating since 2018, though they first met in the early 2000s when Douglas helped style her hair on the set of Big Brother.

Their paths crossed on several occasions, with Douglas serving as a celebrity hairstylist on shows such as The One Show and This Morning. However, the couple became close when McCall's second marriage to Matthew Robertson  with whom she shares children Holly, Tilly, and Chester  came to an end in 2017.

Speaking to the Guardian in September about the early days of her and Douglas' romance, she said it felt like a "lightning bolt" moment when she realised her feelings for Douglas.

She explained: "It was more of a 'coup de foudre'. A lightning bolt. I probably don't want to talk about this because I have to think about Matthew. Michael and I were really good friends because we were hairdresser and client.

The couple have supported each other through a lot, including Davina McCall's brain surgery in 2024. (Alamy) (Matt Crossick)

"I told him all of my secrets, about how I was feeling, and he was a brilliant sounding board. He would share his experiences; I would share my experiences. We would help each other navigate things. And he was in love with his wife, and I was in love with my husband, so it was us trying to help each other through our lives. That's what's so mad about it. And then coup de foudre. Mad. Like I'd put on a different pair of glasses."

McCall and Douglas decided to end their respective marriages so that they could be together. The couple have been dating steadily since 2018, as mentioned, with Douglas moving into McCall's Kent home in 2023, and their engagement was revealed in September this year.

Speaking to Hello! about his proposal in November, McCall revealed: "It was a total surprise. Michael is very funny and had spent the past two years getting down on bended knee and tying an imaginary shoelace on my finger.

The pair got engaged earlier this year, which Davina McCall said 'was a total surprise'. (Getty) (Dave Benett via Getty Images)

"He got down on bended knee on the beach in Ibiza, and I was like: Is this real? I was terrified that if I said yes, hed be joking. But he recited something he had prepared  which Ill keep secret  and then asked me. He put a lot of thought and consideration into it, and I respected that."

The presenter added that Douglas had asked McCall's children for permission to propose to her, and they were more than happy to give it. According to McCall, neither were "sure about getting married again" but after her recent health concerns they decided they wanted to take the next step in their relationship.

It's been a tough year for McCall  she had brain surgery on a large benign tumour in November 2024, which left her with memory loss and unable to stop crying. Then, this November, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer.

Douglas supported her throughout her recovery from her brain surgery and provided helpful advice when she felt ready to return to work three months after her surgery.

The couple wed in an intimate ceremony with family and friends, according to reports. (Getty Images) (Dave Benett via Getty Images)

She told the Daily Mail in August: "Michael knew it would help me, so he supported me in going back. It was a terrifying thing to go through, but Michael knew it would be what would make me happiest. He was absolutely right. I had three months off, but that was it.

"My outlook has changed since the operation, in a mega, mega way, like in a whole outlook on life way. Now I'm going to do everything. Sometimes I think that in three or four years I'm going to go and do this, but now I'm like, 'No, I'm going to do it this year or even next week."

But her recovery was difficult, with McCall saying in her Begin Again podcast that she struggled with memory loss: "I woke up with no short-term memory at all, I was in a minute loop like Dory (in Finding Nemo). That was very, very difficult on me and Michael, particularly I think."

Before he proposed, Michael Douglas asked for permission from Davina McCall's children. Her daughter Holly is pictured with the pair in 2024. (Getty Images) (YUI MOK via Getty Images)

McCall broke down in floods of tears as she said, "Michael said to me, 'If we ever lose each other, just stay where you are, I'll come and find you'. But I felt so lonely."

And in an appearance on Giovanna Fletchers Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast in September, she spoke candidly about Douglas' support during that period: "Ive never seen [Michael] struggle with spending time with me, but sometimes he was telling me sometimes Id ask him the same thing, seven times in half an hour, right?

"And hed have to leave the room for a bit It wasnt normal. What was happening wasnt our normal life. I had long-term memory. I could remember and I thought, 'Oh, he doesnt want to be with me'. But in the end, we had a chat and he said, What are you talking about? I love you, of course I want to be with you."
Brazilian authorities seize illegal timber (Interpol)

Police have busted international smuggling rings and rescued nearly 30,000 animals in a massive month-long crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade.

Operation Thunder 2025 saw officers from 134 countries make 4,640 seizures between September and October, identifying more than 1,100 suspects in the process. The haul included exotic pets, endangered species and tens of thousands of cubic metres of illegally logged timber.

Coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization, the operation targeted criminal networks trafficking wildlife and timber across global supply chains. While live animal seizures hit record highsdriven by demand for exotic petsmost contraband involved animal parts used in traditional medicine or specialist foods.

The illegal wildlife trade is worth an estimated 15 billion annually, though experts believe the true figure is much higher given the secretive nature of the business.

This year's operation uncovered a booming illegal trade in bushmeatwild animal meat from tropical regions. Belgian authorities intercepted primate meat while Kenyan officials seized over 400 kilograms of giraffe. Tanzanian police recovered zebra and antelope meat and skins worth around 7,800. Globally, officers confiscated a record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat, with cases from Africa to Europe showing a sharp increase.

Marine species trafficking also spiked, with more than 245 tonnes of protected sea life seized worldwideincluding 4,000 pieces of shark fin.

While elephants and rhinos grab headlines, smaller creatures face growing threats. Nearly 10,500 butterflies, spiders and insects were seizedmany protected under international law. Despite their size, these animals play vital roles in ecosystems. Their removal destabilizes food chains and risks introducing invasive species and diseases.

The illegal plant trade also reached record levels, with over 10 tonnes confiscated as collectors fuel demand. Illicit timber seizures remained significant, with more than 32,000 cubic metres reported. Illegal logging accounts for up to 30 per cent of all timber traded globally.

South African police arrested 24 suspects and seized protected plants, live pangolins and over 17,000 abalone, plus unlicensed firearms. A shipment from Asia intercepted in North America contained over 1,300 primate body parts including bones and skulls. Indonesian authorities seized more than 3,000 birds and 7,000 spiders, butterflies and centipedes.

Brazilian police dismantled a trafficking network, identified 145 suspects and rescued over 200 wild animalsincluding smashing an international ring smuggling golden lion tamarins. Tanzanian officers seized over 100 ivory tusks worth 323,000 and more than 140 hippopotamus teeth valued at 31,000.

In Qatar, police arrested someone trying to sell an endangered primate for 10,900 on social media. Mexican authorities seized seven animals including two tigers, along with firearm components linked to organised crime. More than 120 shipments of insects and butterflies from Germany, Slovakia and the UK were intercepted at a US mail centre.

French customs seized 107 ivory pieces from marketplaces while Austrian customs raided an online dealer's home and recovered six more. Vietnamese police arrested two people on a fishing vessel carrying 4.2 tonnes of pangolin scales plus other reptile and bird parts. In the Dominican Republic, authorities detained 90 people for illegal logging crimes. Germany intercepted over 1,000 illegal items including ivory, reptile parts, coral and live specimensmainly at mail centres and airports.

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said: "Operation Thunder once again exposes the sophistication and scale of the criminal networks driving the illegal wildlife and forestry trade  networks that increasingly intersect with all crime areas, from drug trafficking to human exploitation. These syndicates target vulnerable species, undermine the rule of law and endanger communities worldwide. Recognizing these deeply interconnected crime threats, INTERPOL is committed to strengthening global policing responses, dismantling the entire ecosystem of illicit activity and protecting our planet's shared natural and human heritage."

WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders said: "Customs is the frontline defence against the surge in cross-border wildlife crime. Operation Thunder demonstrates Customs' role in protecting society by intercepting illicit shipments, disrupting criminal networks, and protecting vulnerable species every day. This global threat demands collective action and the WCO is committed to delivering technical assistance, driving deeper intelligence exchange, and strengthening partnerships across the law-enforcement community to dismantle criminal enterprises and secure a sustainable future for the world's biodiversity."

The operation followed months of preparation involving information exchange and cross-border investigations between participating countries, INTERPOL and the WCO. INTERPOL issued 69 notices during the operation to support tracking and arrest of suspects identified in preliminary investigations.

Law enforcement worked closely with financial platforms to trace illegal money flows. As criminals increasingly use cryptocurrency, the digital nature of these assets requires sustained intelligence-sharing to secure prosecutions. Intelligence gathered during Operation Thunder will help map global criminal networks, enabling police worldwide to refine strategies and anticipate emerging tactics.

Now in its ninth year, Operation Thunder is coordinated annually by INTERPOL and the WCO with backing from partner organisations.
The Duckhorn Portfolio brand builds on its Columbia Valley Cabernet success with the debut of a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, reinforcing its mission to overdeliver on quality at an accessible price.

ST. HELENA, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenwing, from The Duckhorn Portfolio's collection of acclaimed wineries, today announced a significant expansion of its West Coast portfolio with the launch of its first Oregon wines: the 2024 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (SRP $20) which is now available for purchase and 2025 Willamette Valley Pinot Grigio (SRP $18) which will be in market early 2026. This move broadens the brand's footprint from its Washington State origins, establishing Greenwing as a premium West Coast-sourced wine brand that offers exceptional quality and variety at accessible price points.

Greenwing builds on its Columbia Valley Cabernet success with the debut of a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, reinforcing its mission to overdeliver on quality at an accessible price.

The new wines join the flagship Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which has experienced strong growth and rising consumer demand over the past year. Recent 26-week Circana performance data shows Greenwing outpacing the $15-$19.99 Cabernet category by +25.6%, with an +8.4% increase in dollar sales versus the previous year.

"We're excited to build on Greenwing Cabernet Sauvignon's strong momentum with the launch of two new varietals," said Chanel Caplan, SVP, Premium Brands for The Duckhorn Portfolio. "Expanding into Oregon is a pivotal step in the brand's evolution, filling a key gap for Oregon-sourced wines that deliver trusted quality at the $1520 price point. We look forward to celebrating the best of the West Coast and making top-tier growing regions more accessible for wine lovers."

The new varietals tap into a significant market opportunity, with Oregon Pinot Noir growth currently surpassing the total Pinot Noir category. Notably, the new Pinot Grigio marks the first time The Duckhorn Portfolio has offered this varietal in wholesale. With all this in mind, the winemaking team turned its focus to sourcing in Oregon's Willamette Valley, known for its distinct terroir and ideal growing conditions.

"It has been exciting to explore Willamette Valley and launch our first Oregon-sourced wines," said Caplan. "These wines capture the prestige of the region while remaining approachable and true to our style."

Protected by the Coast Range mountains, Willamette Valley enjoys a long, gentle growing season that's well-suited for viticulture, with warm summer days balanced by cooler evenings which is essential for both Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio. The extended growing season enhances depth and builds flavor without overripening the grapes. The region's diverse elevations and soil types further contribute to the wines' distinctive character.

The 2024 Pinot Noir showcases aromas of dark cherry and spiced cranberry, supported by subtle earthy undertones and baking spice. On the palate, silky tannins and fresh acidity deliver balance and focus, culminating in a lingering hint of ripe raspberry. The 2025 Pinot Grigio opens with aromas of white peach, red apple, lemon zest, and honeysuckle. Crisp acidity and subtle minerality drive a clean, refreshing palate that closes with lingering stone-fruit and lemon-curd notes.

For more information, visit GREENWINGWINES.COM.

About Greenwing

Greenwing's journey began with a single wine - a Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington's Columbia Valley. The brand has since expanded into Oregon's famed Willamette Valley with new Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio offerings, marking the next chapter in its evolution. Crafted from premier vineyards across Washington and Oregon, Greenwing embodies the soul of the West Coast with wines that balance expressive character, craftsmanship, and approachability. Positioned as premium yet accessible, Greenwing delivers exceptional quality and variety for wine enthusiasts who value authenticity, mindful living, and modern sophistication. With "West Coast soul," Greenwing is a proud part of The Duckhorn Portfolio. For more information, visit GREENWINGWINES.COM.

About The Duckhorn Portfolio

The Duckhorn Portfolio is North America's premier luxury wine company, with ten winery brands, nine state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, five tasting rooms and over 2,200 coveted acres of vineyards spanning 37 Estate properties. Established in 1976, when vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Napa Valley's Duckhorn Vineyards, today, our portfolio features some of North America's most revered wineries, including Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy, Kosta Browne, Sonoma-Cutrer, Goldeneye, Calera and Greenwing. Sourcing grapes from our own Estate properties and fine growers in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Anderson Valley, California's North and Central Coasts, Oregon, Washington State and Burgundy, we offer a curated and comprehensive portfolio of acclaimed luxury wines with price points ranging from $20 to $230 across more than 15 varieties. Our wines are available throughout the United States, on five continents, and in more than 50 countries around the world.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Demonstrate PR for Greenwing

[email protected]

SOURCE Greenwing Wines
A parent of a Kentucky State University student has been charged with murder following an on-campus shooting that left one student dead and another critically injured.

Police said 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard, from Evansville, Indiana, opened fire at a residence hall on the campus in Frankfort on Tuesday. Investigators described the shooting as isolated, but have not released details on the motive or circumstances.

The shooting killed 19-year-old DeJon Fox of Indianapolis. A second student remains in critical condition, though police have not released their name. Bard was booked into jail on charges of murder and first-degree assault.

Bard was booked into jail on charges of murder and first-degree assault. (Hannah Brown/The State Journal via AP)

Bard is being represented by a public defender at the Franklin County Department of Public Advocacy, which declined to talk about his case Wednesday.

University police officers were near the scene of the altercation that ended with the shooting and immediately arrested Bard, police said.

Investigators have watched video taken by others at the scene and surveillance footage.

Asked by reporters about alleged videos showing a fight involving Bards sons preceded the shooting or whether Bard might have come to campus to talk to administrators about his sons' safety, Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy refused to say what may have led to the shooting.

Its really too early in the investigation right now to really give any details that led up to it. A lot of it would be speculation, Tracy said Wednesday.

The shooting happened at Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall. It was the second shooting in four months near the student residence.

Someone fired multiple shots from a vehicle on Aug. 17, striking two people that the university said werent students. Frankfort police said one victim was treated for minor injuries and a second sustained serious injuries. The dorm and at least one vehicle were damaged by gunfire.

University President Koffi C. Akakpo said the school brought in more police officers after the first shooting and will evaluate whether more needs to be done to keep students safe once the investigation into the latest shooting is complete,

The campus is a safe place, Akakpo said at the news conference.

Kentucky State is a public historically Black university with about 2,200 students. Lawmakers authorized the schools creation in 1886.

The school sits about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) east of the Capitol building in Frankfort.
Killer whales seen hunting with dolphins and sharing spoils for first time

Researchers have observed killer whales teaming up with dolphins to hunt salmon and sharing the spoils for the first time, raising questions about their intelligence and social lives.

In recent years, enhanced monitoring using new technology like drones has unravelled a world of unique behaviours among orcas.

For instance, researchers recently found that the orcas near the Gulf of California had gained special skills to hunt down whale sharks, the worlds largest fish.

Studies have also documented orcas sharing food with humans for the first time, using seaweed to exfoliate their skin, and harassing porpoises for no particular reason.

Now, researchers have observed the killer whales hunting cooperatively with dolphins along the coast of British Columbia.

Orca spotted hunting with dolphins (University of British Columbia)

The two species in this region dont show any sign of fighting or avoiding each other, leading Canadian researchers to suspect that they could be cooperating rather than competing for food.

Orcas were previously known to share their prey captures with pod members but not widely with other marine species.

Researchers investigated the hunting behaviours of nine resident orcas and their interactions with Pacific white-sided dolphins around Vancouver Island in August 2020.

They collected movement data, underwater footage, audio recordings, and aerial drone footage to understand how the orcas moved and hunted in the area.

They observed 25 instances of the orcas changing course after seeing dolphins to follow them on foraging dives.

A Pacific dolphin approaching a killer whale (University of British Columbia)

Researchers suspect these could be cases of the orcas dampening their own noises and follow the sonar-like dolphin navigation. Such a technique may be helping the killer whales detect Chinook salmon, which are too large for the dolphins to capture and swallow whole.

Out of the eight recorded instances of the orcas catching, eating and sharing Chinook salmon with their pod near Vancouver Island, researchers spotted dolphins in four.

In one instance, they observed the dolphins scavenging the remains of an adult salmon broken by the orcas into scraps small enough for them to eat.

Captured fish were brought to the surface by the killer whales and broken apart for sharing with other matrilineally related pod members, researchers noted in a study published recently in the journal Scientific Reports, while the accompanying dolphins scavenged scraps.

These peculiar interactions could be helping the local orcas locate salmon more easily, while also providing an opportunity for the dolphins to feed on scraps, they said.

The researchers, however, called for further studies to investigate this unique case of cooperation between the marine species.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia arrives back to his home in Maryland. Photograph: Jose Luis Magana/AP (Photograph: Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been freed from an immigration detention facility in Pennsylvania after a federal judge in Maryland ordered his release on Thursday.

Abrego was released shortly before 5pm ET, his attorney told the Associated Press. He plans to return to Maryland, where he has lived for many years with his US citizen wife and child after first entering the country illegally as a teenager.

His lawyer added that he does not yet know what will happen next but is ready to continue fighting any additional deportation attempts on his clients behalf.

Related: Who is Kilmar Abrego Garcia and why has his case become a lightning rod for Trumps immigration crackdown?

The Maryland judges decision followed a habeas petition filed by Abrego and his legal team, arguing that the federal government lacked authority to keep him in custody because no final deportation order had been issued. The ruling marks a significant legal win for Abrego, whose previous wrongful deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador turned him into a symbol of the Trump administrations aggressive immigration policies.

In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) strongly condemned the judges decision and announced plans to appeal, labeling the ruling as naked judicial activism.

The case of Abrego, a Salvadorian national who was a construction worker in Maryland, has become a proxy for the partisan struggle over Donald Trumps sweeping immigration policy and mass deportation agenda.

Trump administration officials have waged a relentless public relations campaign against Abrego, repeatedly referring to him as a member of the MS-13 gang, among other things, despite the fact he has not been convicted of any crimes. His attorneys have denounced the criminal charges. Abrego has said that, while imprisoned in El Salvador, he endured beatings, sleep deprivation and psychological torture.

US district judge Paula Xinis stated in her Thursday order: Since Abrego Garcias wrongful detention in El Salvador, he has been redetained, again without lawful authority.

Xinis indicated the lack of a valid removal order means the government cannot legally deport Abrego from the US.

Earlier in the month, federal prosecutors asked the Maryland judge overseeing Abregos immigration case to lift the restriction on deporting him to Liberia. They said Liberia had provided assurances that he would not face persecution or torture there.

Abrego was deported in March to an El Salvador mega-prison. The deportation happened despite a 2019 court ruling that prohibited his deportation to El Salvador due to credible fears of persecution.

His mistaken deportation to the prison in March set off a prominent legal fight over his return  emblematic of the Trump administrations hardline immigration policies.

Government lawyers later acknowledged that his removal resulted from a procedural mistake. Multiple federal judges and a unanimous supreme court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return after determining his arrest was illegal.

In June, Abrego was brought back to the US to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee, where he entered a not guilty plea. Since then, the Trump administration has sought to deport him to several nations, including Ghana, Liberia, and Uganda.

After being released to his brothers custody in Maryland while awaiting trial, he was again taken into custody by immigration officials and was detained in Pennsylvania.

In August, Xinis issued an order preventing his immediate removal from the US.
An image posted on US attorney general Pam Bondi's X account, and partially redacted by the source, shows an oil tanker being seized by US forces off the coast of Venezuela. Photograph: AP (Photograph: AP)

The US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a ship that was previously sanctioned by the US in 2022 while sailing under another name, in a dramatic operation that further ratchets up tensions between the Trump administration and the government of Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro.

Over recent months the US has built up the largest military presence in the region in decades, which includes the USS Gerald R Ford, the worlds newest and largest aircraft carrier. It has more than 4,000 sailors, plus fighter jets and accompanying warships.

Related: Deadly airstrikes and a military buildup: how the US pressure campaign against Venezuela has unfolded in the Caribbean

At the same time, the Trump administration has launched a series of deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, which have faced scrutiny in Congress. Some organisations have described the operations as extrajudicial executions.

Donald Trumps goal remains opaque, but experts largely agree that the overthrow of Maduros authoritarian government is the ultimate aim.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said at a briefing on Thursday that the tanker was seized under a judicial warrant because it was a sanctioned shadow vessel known for carrying black-market sanctioned oil to the Iranian national guard (IRGC) and would be taken to a US port.

Leavitt added that the US does intend to seize the tankers oil, she says, but added that its subject to a legal process.

The vessel is currently undergoing a forfeiter process, she said, noting that the vessel was being searched and the crew interviewed. The US does intend to seize that oil, however there is a legal process for its seizure and that legal process will be followed.

Asked to clarify the Trump administrations strategic purpose of Operation Southern Spear, Leavitt pointed to stopping the flow of illegal drugs in the US and effectuating this administrations sanction policy.

What do we know about the vessel seized?

The tanker, identified as Skipper by maritime analysts Vanguard, was a very large crude carrier (VLCC) and is thought to have been carrying about 1.1m barrels of oil, loaded in Venezuelas main oil port last week.

The tanker was falsely flying Guyanas flag, the countrys maritime authority has said. The flag of a ship indicates where it has been registered and, under international law, ships must comply with the maritime law of that country when out at sea. However, in recent years, there has been a growth in vessels sailing under false flags, allowing them to circumvent safety regulations and international sanctions.

Tracking data shows that Skipper was previously sanctioned by the US in 2022 while sailing under another name, Adisa. It was accused of belonging to the so-called shadow fleet, which smuggles oil on behalf of Iran in order to avoid US sanctions.

It also made multiple trips to Venezuela and Iran in recent years, according to Marine Traffic, which provides real-time tracking of ships.

Public records show that the vessel is owned by Triton Navigation Corp, which was sanctioned by the US in 2022 for its involvement in transporting oil for Iran.

Skipper has transported nearly 13 million barrels of Iranian and Venezuelan oil since joining the global dark fleet of tankers in 2021, Samir Madani, the co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, told the New York Times.

Triton did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

What was the vessel doing when it was seized?

According to Marine Traffic, the vessel had been transmitting a false position, a well-recorded tactic among shadow tankers that transport sanctioned Russian, Venezuelan and Iranian oil. Despite location data putting the vessel closer to the coast of Guyana, satellite imagery shows that it was in fact in the Venezuelan port of Jose for weeks. Images supplied to the Guardian by TankerTrackers.com showed Skipper docked at Joses oil terminal as recently as 18 November.

The ship departed Venezuela last week, with roughly half of its cargo of oil belonging to a Cuban state-run oil importer, according to documents from Venezuelas state-owned oil company seen by the Associated Press.

Venezuelas government has said the seizure constitutes a blatant theft and an act of international piracy.

Why has the US seized this tanker?

The US government has sanctioned more than 170 vessels it accuses of moving illicit oil, while the number sanctioned by other governments and organisations likely numbers more than 1,000.

Experts are in disagreement over why the Skipper was singled out and seized on Wednesday, and how it plays into the wider operation in Latin America.

In its statement, the government of Maduro claimed the seizure revealed the Trump administrations true motives: It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people.

However, analysts have suggested that as the US is the worlds largest oil producer, there are likely other motives behind the campaign of aggression against Venezuela.

Although the US has seized sanctioned oil tankers before, Wednesdays action is notable for the dramatic nature of the operation. The images of the US Coast Guard swinging down from helicopters on to the deck of the Skipper have been amplified across social media by the Trump administration. In one video, shared by the Department of Homeland Security, the video is soundtracked by the LL Cool J song Mama Said Knock You Out.

The dissemination of such videos will probably be chalked up as a propaganda win by the Trump administration, while continuing to pile pressure on Maduro.

Other experts have suggested that the seizure of the Skipper will act as a further brake on Venezuelas oil industry by driving up the costs of exporting. Venezuela has already had to deeply discount its crude oil exports to its main buyer, China, due to growing competition with sanctioned oil from Russia and Iran.

The real and present threat of US operations against sanctioned oil tankers  as demonstrated on Wednesday  will force shadow tanker owners to demand higher costs for freighting Venezuelan oil, as an insurance against seizures.
Sir Keir Starmers unpopularity in Scotland means he could be a liability in election campaigning - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Bad as Labours poor showing in Scotland is in the latest survey of public opinion, there is one decision party strategists could make that might limit the damage.

That would be to drastically cut Sir Keir Starmers appearances in whats expected to be a hard-fought campaign in the Holyrood election campaign next spring.

By way of contrast, the increased support for Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, following her improved Commons performances, is being seen as a boost for the struggling Scottish Tories. Badenochs increasing popularity, coming just over a year after Labours landslide  who would have thought it?

It may be difficult to limit the visits Starmer makes north of the border, but given that Labours support appears to have slumped to only 16 per cent, it is clear the voters dont rate him.

But what are the options?

After all, Ipsos Moris findings suggested that while almost eight out of 10 Scottish voters are dissatisfied with Starmers performance, only half of voters are dissatisfied by Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader.

While it would be unusual for a Prime Minister not to take part in an election, it would not be unprecedented. I remember during one campaign driving all the way from Edinburgh to Gretna, which is right on the Scottish-English Border, to cover then premier John Majors sole trip to Scotland. He must have spent all of 10 minutes in Scotland on his soap box.

John Major makes a brief visit to Gretna during the 1997 election campaign - Ian Jones

It is true that this latest survey was conducted in the immediate aftermath of the Budget, where tax increases were deemed necessary to pay for extra welfare. But are Labour strategists sufficiently confident that the partys popularity will increase as the May 7 election date approaches to allow the Prime Minister to be prominent in what is expected to be a hard fought campaign?

I doubt it. It is true that he has finally conceded the arguments put up by Mr Sarwar, his Scottish lieutenant, that the two-child limit on benefits should be scrapped. But theres another issue causing immense trouble for Labour in Scotland.

High-paid Scottish jobs lost

The Budget did not scrap the energy profits levy (EPL), which is levied against oil companies. Other parties in Scotland, including the Tories, SNP and Lib Dems, along with trade unions and business groups, are opposed. They claim it is costing 1,000 jobs per month in the former highly-paid oil and gas industry.

The official Labour line is that the oil company levy pays for additional welfare costs, in other words that axing highly paid oil and gas jobs foots that bill. The position might work in solid working class Labour constituencies but what about those in better-off areas?

Has Scottish Labour given up on these?

As things stand, using Starmer as an asset for Scottish Labour next May would be a gamble. But the Tories bringing Kemi Badenoch into the battle, as a re-run of their former star and one-time Scottish Tory leader, Ruth Davidson, could be an inspired choice.
Lili Reinhart has shared that shes been diagnosed with endometriosis after doctors dismissed her pain.

The 29-year-old actor posted a series of photos of herself in the hospital Thursday, alongside a lengthy caption about receiving her diagnosis last week, after getting laparoscopic surgery.

Last year, I saw a urogynecologist and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, the Riverdale alum wrote. I was told there was no cureand no lasting relieffor my symptoms. Three hospital visits. Multiple urologists and gynecologists. And not one of them seriously considered endometriosis as the underlying cause of what I was experiencing.

Endometriosis is an often-painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In the Instagram post, Reinhart said it wasnt until she worked with two different pelvic floor therapists that endometriosis was mentioned as a possible source for her pain.

Lili Reinhart says her pain wasnt taken seriously as endometriosis before she got diagnosis (Getty Images)

She then pushed to get an MRI done, and was diagnosed with adenomyosis, which is a condition similar to endometriosis. However, adenomyosis happens when tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, per Mayo Clinic.

I met with an endometriosis specialist who helped me decide that laparoscopic surgery was the next step I wanted to take, Reinhart continued. While, at the same time, another gynecologist told me I probably didnt have endo and should just go on the pill.

Im glad I trusted my body and listened to my gut and will continue advocating for others to do so. Endometriosis is an extremely misunderstood disease, leaving often a 4-11 year gap between symptoms and a definitive surgical diagnosis. Its estimated 1 in 10 people with uteruses have endo according to the World Health Organization, she concluded.

Along with the photos of herself in the hospital bed, the Look Both Ways star shared a picture of a note that read: Believing womens pain shouldnt be revolutionary.

Reinhart later went to her Instagram Stories to post a picture of herself in the hospital. In the caption, she expressed how much it meant to her to receive the endometriosis diagnosis after her pain was dismissed.

I don't remember taking this horrible photo. But I think I wanted to capture a moment of post-surgery validation, she wrote. The second I saw my doctor I asked, did you find it? And he said, We found endo. And I felt so validated and relieved that I chose to listen to my body and pursue this surgery.

Reinhart initially opened up about her health challenges in January 2025. At the time, she said she had the hardest year, due to her symptoms of interstitial cystitis, a condition that causes an irritated and inflamed bladder.

She experienced her symptoms while filming American Sweatshop in Germany in 2024.

The third night Im there, I developed symptoms of a UTI, she told Self in January. Im like, Ive had UTIs before. Im a woman. We all know how it feels.

After a urinalysis, a slight infection was detected and the actor was sent home with antibiotics. However, she was forced to make two more hospital visits after she still felt the urgency to pee. Once she returned to Los Angeles, she sought out specialists before finally being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis.
Mikel Arteta hailed magic Noni Madueke following his impressive brace in Arsenals 3-0 win against Club Brugge which puts the north Londoners on the brink of the Champions League knockout stages.

Madueke opened the scoring with an unstoppable strike after 27 minutes before he headed into an empty net just 80 seconds into the second half.

Gabriel Martinelli put the game out of reach when he scored a wonderful third 10 minutes later.

Despite reluctance from some Arsenal supporters over Maduekes arrival from Chelsea, the 50million man has impressed for his new club and his two-goal haul on Wednesday comes a fortnight after he opened his account in a 3-1 win against Bayern Munich.

It was an unbelievable goal, said Arteta as he reflected on Maduekes first-half thunderbolt.

When you talk about individual quality and individual action and magic moments, thats it, for a player to be able to pick the ball that far, dribble past people and finish with the quality and the power that hes done.

At this level, you need individual players to step up and to do something different. So Im very happy because now we have some players back in the front line and you can tell how much better we are with them.

Bukayo Saka has made the right-hand side of Arsenals front three his own but Maduekes form provides Arteta with a dilemma of sorts.

Mikel Arteta is thrilled with Noni Maduekes contribution (PA Wire via Belga) (PA Wire via Belga)

Asked if Madueke is now undroppable, Arteta continued: Its about consistency.

Its not about one game, two games, three games, it is when you do it 10 games in a row, every three days and thats the level that we have to hit. Thats the challenge for him.

Despite being unable to select eight injured players  with Jurrien Timber unavailable despite travelling to Belgium  Arsenal followed Manchester United, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester City in becoming the fifth English team to win all of their first six European Cup matches.

The top eight are assured of automatic qualification to the last 16 and Arsenal, the only team with a 100 per cent record so far, are six points clear of ninth-placed Liverpool with a superior goal difference of 13.

Gabriel Jesus made his long-awaited return (PA Wire via Belga) (PA Wire via Belga)

Gabriel Jesus ended his 332-day injury exile when he replaced the ineffective Viktor Gyokeres on the hour mark.

Jesus, who has been sidelined since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on January 12, came within inches of capping a brilliant evening for Arsenal only to see his right-footed strike cannon off the woodwork.

Its been a very, very difficult and long journey for Gabi, added Arteta.

For 11 months, hes been fighting against another very difficult injury and to see him back with that smile, with that energy and with that quality in his first performance back with us is really impressive and were all delighted for him. You can see how much we love him!

If he continues to perform in that manner, he will bring something else to the team and I am really happy to see that.
Credit: KTVU

Two people are missing after a gas explosion in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The blast in Hayward, which left six people in hospital and razed at least one home, triggered a major fire, officials said.

Video footage showed a home suddenly exploding, throwing debris into the air.

The moment of ignition when the Bay Area house exploded, with an excavator at the front

We were sitting in the house and it just... everything shook, said Brittany Maldonado, who lives across the street.

Stuff fell off the walls and when we looked at the camera, it was like you were watching a war video.

Fire officials said they did not know if those injured were workers or residents, or the extent of their injuries.

They said two homes were affected the most, along with another building.

The neighbourhood had been recently undergoing construction work for wider paths and bike lanes.

Debris flies into the air, with the blast injuring six people

Hayward, home to about 160,000 residents, is in the East Bay, 15 miles (24km) south of Oakland.

A spokesman with Pacific Gas & Electric Co (PG&E) said a construction crew damaged an underground gas line at around 7.35am.

The company said it was not their workers who damaged the line.

Utility workers isolated the damaged line and stopped the flow of gas at 9.25am, PG&E said.

The doorbell video showed a large excavator being used to dig in front of the home that exploded as a worker stood nearby.

Shards of the house fall to earth, caught by a doorbell cam

After the explosion, people ran towards the home to search for victims.

Several workers lifted a large piece of debris from where it landed near the excavator.

Sirens could be heard in the distance as police arrived at the scene, while flames began to spread at the site of the demolished building.
Tributes have been paid to a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death just streets away from his former school.

The teenager, who was named locally as Adam Henry, was treated for a single stab wound before being taken to hospital where he later died.

Adams friends and relatives have been placing flowers at the corner of Atlas Mews estate today, where a police cordon is in place.

He has been described as quiet and respectful by his family members, while the mother of Adams girlfriend told Metro there are too many boys this age dying.

A spokesman for The Bridge Trust Satellite School said: We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one our students and our immediate thoughts and condolences are with their family, friends and loved ones.

We are doing all we can to support our students and school community through this tragic time.

St Mary Magdalene Academy, Adams former school, said his loss was felt deeply within the community.

Officers from Met Police were called to the scene on Westbourne Road at 1.02pm on Tuesday.

They were joined by the London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance.

(James Manning/PA Wire)

Despite the best efforts of first responders, he died in the hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

Adams family are being supported by specialist officers.

A spokesperson from St Mary Magdalene Academy said the boys loss was felt deeply by those in the local community, adding our thoughts and prayers are very much with his parents and siblings.

A 15 year old boy was stabbed at around lunchtime yesterday near to Westbourne Road, very close to our school, the spokesperson said.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services in attendance, he did not make it.

This young person started Year 7 at St Mary Magdalene Academy in 2021 before he left to go to the Bridge Satellite School in Year 8, where we understand he was currently a pupil.

We feel the loss of his life deeply as a local community and our thoughts and prayers are very much with his parents and siblings.

One resident, who didnt want to give her name, told The Standard: I tried to come home from my mums and I couldnt get through and didnt get in until quarter to three because it was cordoned off.

As far as the neighbour is aware the family are not from the area and lived off the estate.

A police tent at Westbourne Road (James Manning/PA Wire)

Ive lived around here since 1977, when this estate was first built and I cant remember anything ever happening, the neighbour added.

We havent got that many kids and a lot of the kids here dont live here.

I dont think this area should be defined by what has happened.

This is like a wrap-around and theres no through road so they use this estate to go through.

I dont feel threatened around here and the kids never say anything to me and I dont say anything them.

We have a strong community around here and its very sad. The neighbours Ive seen and spoken to have got very emotional.

Three police officers were at the scene covering the cordons on Wednesday morning following the stabbing, which appeared to have happened in an alley way inside the estate.

Tributes have been left at the scene from St Mary Magdalenes Church in Islington, as well as friends and relatives of the teenage boy.

(James Manning/PA Wire)

Resident Dior Williams, 21, told the Press Association: I feel like theres a lot of gangs around here, and its just gotten a lot worse over the years.

I did use to feel really safe here, but recently not so much. Theres always something happening. There was someone that got murdered here a few years ago at the same spot, so its really sad.

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in the local area, said: Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this incredibly sad and difficult time.

We understand this is incredibly concerning for the community, particularly considering the young age of the victim.

Cordons remain in place on Atlas Mews, Westbourne Road and Arundel Square and officers remain in the area carrying out urgent.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information has been asked to contact police on 101, quoting ref CAD 3568/09DEC, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Mike Lindell, widely recognized as the "MyPillow Guy" and a fervent supporter of Donald Trump, has officially announced his run for Minnesota governor.

Lindell entered the race on Thursday, aiming to secure the Republican nomination to challenge the incumbent Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.

Speaking to The Associated Press ahead of a news conference, Lindell stated his commitment to a thorough campaign, asserting: "Ill leave no town unturned in Minnesota." He highlighted his track record of problem-solving and personal experiences, which he believes will aid businesses, combat addiction and homelessness, and address fraud within government programmes.

The issue of government fraud has notably plagued Walz, who announced in September his intention to seek a third term in the 2026 election.

Lindell, 64, established his pillow company in Minnesota in 2009, becoming its public face through ubiquitous late-night television infomercials. However, his business and personal life faced a series of legal and financial setbacks after he became a prominent amplifier of Donald Trumps unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Despite these challenges, Lindell maintains he has overcome them.

Mike Lindell has been a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump (AFP via Getty Images)

"Not only have I built businesses, you look at problem solution," Lindell remarked in his characteristic rapid-fire delivery. "I was able to make it through the biggest attack on a company, and a person, probably other than Donald Trump, in the history of our media ... lawfare and everything."

While Minnesota has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006, the state has a history of making unconventional political choices.

Voters famously elected former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura as governor in 1998 and chose a veteran TV pitchman, home improvement company owner Rudy Boschwitz, as a US senator in 1978.

Lindell has frequently spoken about his personal journey, including overcoming a crack cocaine addiction through a religious conversion in 2009, around the time MyPillow was gaining traction. His life took another significant turn in 2016 when he met Donald Trump during his initial presidential campaign. Lindell subsequently served as a warm-up speaker at numerous Trump rallies and co-chaired Trumps campaign in Minnesota.

Donald Trumps endorsement could prove pivotal in determining which of the several Republican candidates secures the GOP nomination to challenge Walz. However, Lindell stated he is unsure of Trumps intentions, despite their friendship, and insisted his campaign is not reliant on the presidents support.

His streaming platform, Lindell TV, garnered attention in November when it became one of several conservative news outlets granted credentials to cover the Pentagon. This access followed their agreement to a restrictive new press policy, which was rejected by virtually all legacy media organisations.

Lindells vocal support for Donald Trumps false claims regarding the 2020 election triggered significant backlash. Major retailers discontinued MyPillow products, leading to a reported slump in revenue and the drying up of credit lines, costing him millions. Several vendors also sued MyPillow over billing disputes, Fox News ceased running his commercials, and lawyers withdrew their services.

Lindell has been the subject of two defamation lawsuits stemming from his claims that voting machines were manipulated to deny Donald Trump a victory. A federal judge in Minnesota ruled in September that Lindell defamed Smartmatic with 51 false statements. However, the question of whether Lindell acted with the "actual malice" required for Smartmatic to collect damages was deferred. Smartmatic is reportedly seeking "nine-figure damages." In June, a Colorado jury found Lindell defamed a former Dominion Voting Systems executive by labelling him a traitor, awarding \$2.3 million in damages.

Conversely, Lindell secured a victory in July when a federal appeals court overturned a judges decision that had affirmed a \$5 million arbitration award. This award was initially granted to a software engineer who disputed data Lindell claimed proved Chinese interference in the 2020 election. The engineer had participated in Lindells "Prove Mike Wrong Challenge," launched as part of his 2021 "Cyber Symposium" in South Dakota, where he promised to expose election fraud.

Looking ahead to his campaign, Lindell indicated that his crusade against electronic voting machines would form only one part of his platform. While Minnesota utilises paper ballots, it also employs electronic tabulators for counting. Lindell advocates for hand-counted ballots, despite many election officials asserting that machine counting is more accurate.

Other Republicans in the race include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Dr. Scott Jensen (a former state senator and the partys 2022 candidate), state Representative Kristin Robbins, defence lawyer and former federal prosecutor Chris Madel, and former executive Kendall Qualls.

Lindell expressed confidence in his unique perspective, stating: "These guys havent lived what I live." He declined to commit to abiding by the Minnesota GOP endorsement and forgoing the primary if he loses it, confident in his ability to win. He also acknowledged his drained personal finances, stating, "I dont have the money," and confirmed he would rely on his supporters to fund his campaign. However, he added that since news of his filing emerged last week, "Ive had thousands upon thousands of people text and call, saying from all around the country ... Hey, Ill donate."
New Digital Health Community Delivers Rare Disease Resources and Peer Support for ATTR Amyloidosis Patients and Caregivers

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Union, the leading digital health company for online community-based activation and data, today announced the launch of ATTR-Amyloidosis.net , a new digital platform dedicated to people impacted by ATTR amyloidosis and its different types, such as ATTR-CM and ATTR-PN.

ATTR amyloidosis is a rare, progressive, and often complex disease. The new community addresses the significant challenges patients and caregivers face, particularly regarding diagnosis, disease management, and finding reliable support and information.

ATTR-Amyloidosis.net serves as a comprehensive hub offering three core pillars of support:

Clinical Insights and Reliable Resources: Provides access to validated, easy-to-understand information regarding the condition, its progression, and evolving treatment options.

Provides access to validated, easy-to-understand information regarding the condition, its progression, and evolving treatment options. Peer Support and Shared Experiences: Creates a much-needed space for patients and caregivers to connect, exchange experiences, and share personal stories with others who truly understand the daily reality of living with ATTR amyloidosis.

Creates a much-needed space for patients and caregivers to connect, exchange experiences, and share personal stories with others who truly understand the daily reality of living with ATTR amyloidosis. Increased Awareness: Works to elevate the profile of this complex disease within the broader health community to encourage earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

"The journey with a rare disease like ATTR amyloidosis can be isolating, and patients and caregivers often spend months or years searching for answers," said Sara Hayes, Chief Community Officer for Health Union. "ATTR-Amyloidosis.net fills that void. By delivering clinical insights alongside the invaluable emotional strength of peer connection, we empower this community to navigate the complexities of their condition with greater confidence and hope."

The launch underscores Health Union's ongoing commitment to provide condition-specific communities that address the unique needs of people living with chronic and rare conditions. The new platform invites patients, caregivers, and advocates to explore content, register for personalized updates, and join the conversation.

For pharmaceutical and healthcare industry partners, the new community presents a unique opportunity to align messages with highly engaged, qualified audiences, enabling advertisers to reach patients who may benefit from their treatments. By connecting brands with people actively managing their health, Health Union fosters meaningful partnerships that drive improved outcomes for both business partners and the patients they serve.

About Health Union

Health Union powers the first and largest community-based activation and data platform, transforming healthcare by providing unparalleled support, information, and validation for millions navigating complex health conditions and their care teams. With over 50 condition-specific online communities and 15 years of digital health leadership, Health Union's authentic engagements fuel the company's robust suite of endemic media, influencer marketing, market research, and data solutions, driving proven outcomes for patients, HCPs, and brands.

For more information, contact the public relations and marketing team at [email protected].

SOURCE Health Union
Query: what does Paul Verlaine, the celebrated Decadent poet who was imprisoned for shooting his lover Arthur Rimbaud, have in common with Nicolas Sarkozy, the dapper former French president? Well, they both spent time in prison and were all the better for it.

Nicolas Sarkozy emerged a month ago from La Sante prison a finer man and better Christian, according to his new memoir, published yesterday, about his 20 days incarceration. He was given a five-year sentence for allegedly conspiring to obtain funding from the Libyan president, Muamar Gadaffi  a charge he has always denied. Hes now been freed, pending appeal.

Paul Verlaine too was transformed after 555 days in prison in Mons, Belgium, during the course of which he reverted to his baptismal Catholicism, and wrote some of his most celebrated poetry about finding God. Both men had celebrity contacts: Verlaine received a letter from Victor Hugo, which did him no harm with the governor; Sarkozy was supported by Brigitte Macron, the Presidents wife, and Marine Le Pen, former National Rally leader.

Carla Bruni, the former presidents wife, after his imprisonment (REUTERS)

But what the former president really had going for him was daily visits from his wife, Carla Bruni. She herself is under investigation for alleged witness tampering. If theres one thing more affecting than another its the spectacle of a mourning supermodel, and the picture that Carla posted of herself, all in black after seeing off her husband to prison, was quite lovely. Her visits to Sarkozy affected him deeply. I saw my loved ones suffer needlessly, he writes in his Prison Diary, which is, incidentally, selling very well in the runup to Christmas.

Sarkozy himself compares his ordeal with that of the most celebrated wrongfully-convicted prisoner in French history: Alfred Dreyfus. For any impartial observer knowledgeable about history, the similarities are astonishing, he writes. Sort of. Captain Dreyfus was convicted on the basis of rigged evidence, motivated by anti-Semitism, of selling his countrys secrets to Prussia, and sentenced to years of solitary confinement on Devils Island. The former president has served three weeks of a five year sentence. Yet for a man used to a sybarite existence his noisy, claustrophobic cell was hell; everything was grey and he was kept awake at night by screams and by a neighbour singing songs from The Lion King (I must say, that would have finished me). And he was publicly shamed, being excluded from the Legion of Honour before the nation.

Prison is the ultimate humiliation if you have known high office, power and social deference

It's easy to mock, but the sheer humiliation of Nicolas Sarkozys ordeal was very real, and the contrast with his former life was as great as for Oscar Wilde. His spiritual conversion then may be a result of suffering. He writes that since I had to bear a cross, I should do it by elevating myself spiritually. Spontaneously, on his first night, he fell to his knees and prayed, for the first time in years, to have the strength to bear the cross of this injustice. He found solace in Sunday meetings with the prison chaplain, in which he saw a sign of divine Providence.

People can change. The former president says prison helped him find humility and a "new soul. Indeed, in La Sante, I began my life again. In practical terms, his perspective on justice and crime has changed too, something which he'll incorporate into his future political life. Your view of the criminal justice system changes when you see it from inside.

In office, Sarkozy was mocked for being too bling, too full of himself, but he writes that he has been touched by grace. This has taught me to be modest. I pray that it remains in me because I truly need it. That sounds like a kind of penitence for his old ways.

Prison is the ultimate humiliation if you have known high office, power and social deference. And sometimes it takes an ordeal of this kind to bring a man literally to his knees. In the case of Verlaine, his last years saw him return to drink and end his life in poverty. But he was changed by his conversion. Its too early to tell about Nicolas Sarkozy. But maybe his transformation will last too.
Comedian Phil Wang has said he is thrilled to join the Great British Menu judging panel for its brand new movie-themed series.

The stand-up comedian, 35, will take over from Ed Gamble on the BBC Two professional cooking competition series which follows top chefs from various regions in the UK as they compete to produce a menu around a specific theme with the winners serving their dishes at a prestigious banquet.

Returning to screens in February 2026 for its 21st series, Wang will join Michelin-starred chefs and former Great British Menu winners Tom Kerridge and Lorna McNee as a judge.

Phil Wang will take over from Ed Gamble (James Manning/PA) (James Manning)

Wang, who previously appeared on series 16 as a guest judge, said: Im so excited to be the new judge on Great British Menu.

Ive been an avid food-lover all my life, and Im thrilled about this opportunity to taste food from the most creative and skilled chefs in the country.

Cant wait to put decades of practice to work and put my mouth where my mouth is.

Hosted by Andi Oliver, the new series will be movie-themed with 32 chefs tasked with creating dishes that celebrates British movies or movie makers that have a connection to their home region.

This could be anything from James Bond-themed dishes to Wallace and Gromit, Harry Potter, The Full Monty, and Notting Hill to name a few.

The winning chefs will cook a banquet in the series finale for people in the British movie industry at St Georges Hall in Liverpool  a location which was previously used as Gotham City Hall in 2022s The Batman.

Phil Wang previously appeared as a guest judge (Isabel Infantes/PA) (Isabel Infantes)

Gamble, who joined the series in 2021, said: I can think of no better person to pass the golden spoon to than my dear friend and frequent dining companion Phil Wang.

He is hilarious, great company and crucially, matches my appetite more than anyone else Ive met.

Ill miss everyone on the team but I know theyll forget about me as soon as they start chomping with the Wang.

Julie Shaw, BBC commissioning editor for factual, said: Ed has been a brilliant judge and I want to thank him for his outstanding contribution to Great British Menu.

Phil is a wonderful addition to the team and audiences will get to see how much of a foody he really is, and this years theme will really showcase the outstanding talent the chefs have under their whites. Let the cooking commence!

Great British Menu will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in 2026.
Baroness Lawrence is one of a number of high-profile individuals bringing claims against the Daily Mail - HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS

A private investigator has cast serious doubt on Baroness Lawrences claim that the Daily Mail bugged her, according to a new investigation into Prince Harrys hacking claim against the newspapers publishers.

Lady Lawrence, the mother of the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, had claimed that a notorious private investigator had been paid by the Daily Mail for secretly stealing information about me.

But Jonathan Rees has now told Channel 4s investigation programme Dispatches that he never carried out any such bugging operation. He cast doubt on the legal case being brought by Lady Lawrence, saying: Theyre going to have to rethink that.

Lady Lawrence is one of seven people, including Prince Harry and Sir Elton John, suing Associated Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, over alleged unlawful information gathering, including phone hacking and bugging.

Associated denies the allegations, describing them as lurid and simply preposterous. The trial, due to start in January, is projected to cost more than 38m.

Claims signature was forged

The case being brought against the newspaper group is under intense scrutiny after Gavin Burrows, another private investigator, said a witness statement lodged by Prince Harrys legal team  in which Mr Burrows claimed he had been involved in bugging and hacking on behalf of Associated  was false and his signature forged.

Mr Burrowss claims  now retracted  were instrumental in helping Prince Harry to encourage Lady Lawrence to join him in the legal action.

Prince Harry took legal action against Associated Newspapers based on evidence apparently obtained by Gavin Burrows - JULIAN SIMMONDS

In her witness statement, lodged with the court in 2023, Lady Lawrence said: Jonathan Rees confirmed that he had done more things for the Daily Mail aimed at secretly stealing information about me and the investigations into Stephens murder.

She went on to claim that her landline had been tapped, her voicemails hacked, and that she had been subject to covert electronic surveillance.

But asked by Dispatches if he had ever carried out those operations for the Daily Mail, Mr Rees replied: Yes that is exactly what Id heard and what I knew was on offer. Id been offered by other agents to assist in this surveillance. But I didnt get involved.

But when it was pointed out Lady Lawrences witness statement was based on your confirmation that you had done the bugging operation, Mr Rees replied: Right, well theyre going to have to rethink that, and their legal team is going to have to re-think that.

No evidence of surveillance

Mr Rees, who was convicted in 2000 for conspiring to pervert the course of justice along with a corrupt police officer in an unconnected case, insisted his denial of involvement did not wreck Lady Lawrences claim against the Mail. But although he continued to insist he was aware of surveillance teams hired to spy on Lady Lawrence, he went on: I cant provide any documentary evidence for that.

Dispatches also suggested Mr Rees might have a grudge against an award-winning Daily Mail journalist, who had been instrumental in securing justice for Stephen Lawrence after police botched initial investigations into his murder.

Dispatches has also questioned the role of Graham Johnson in the legal claim. Mr Johnson, a former tabloid journalist convicted of phone hacking and who has admitted making up stories in his former career, is paid 160 an hour as a researcher to Prince Harrys legal team.

Dispatches said it had spoken to private detectives who allege they were approached by Mr Johnson to provide information about their dealings with the Mail. Mr Rees told Dispatches that Mr Johnson first approached him seven years ago, offering him high rewards for information that could implicate tabloid newspapers, including the Mail.

Mr Rees claims he was offered 2,500 a month for life, for information that would add credence to any legal claims.

He accepted he had no proof of the offer and he has not provided any witness statement ahead of the trial, it is understood.

Dispatches also claims to have uncovered evidence that Mr Johnsons investigations into tabloids has been funded through a company linked to Max Mosley, the now dead son of the fascist Oswald Mosley.

Dispatches alleged that a publishing company Yellow Press owned by Mr Johnson received a half million-pound loan from one of Mr Mosleys companies prior to his death in 2021. Yellow Press has published memoirs from former journalists and private investigators whose information has also been mentioned in legal claims made against newspapers.

Hugh Grant, the actor, told the programme he had also funded Mr Johnsons research into rumours the Daily Mail had offered money to Ian Huntley, the Soham murderer.

Mr Grant said: In 2015 Graham Johnson asked me to help fund research into ..... reports that Daily Mail journalists had offered payments to Ian Huntley, subsequently convicted of the murder of two young girls at Soham.

If the research had established the truth of these reports it would have been a matter for the police, not the civil courts .. I have never used the services of Graham Johnson, whether directly or indirectly, for evidence gathering for litigation of any kind.

Mr Johnson did not respond to a letter from Dispatches setting out the matters raised about him in this film.

A solicitor for another member of the Research Team told the programme: Graham Johnson is part of the Claimants Research Team, adding: Any work ..... done in furtherance of this litigation has been done subject to legal advice on the rules of evidence and any suggestion that witnesses have been paid for making any claims in witness statements is categorically rejected.

The lawyer also said that claims made by Mr Rees and Mr Burrows against Mr Johnson were defamatory.
Pub chiefs have demanded urgent tax relief to help avoid widespread closures and job cuts after holding an emergency meeting.

Industry leaders have said they are petrified over the impact of impending tax hikes announced as part of last months Budget.

The British Beer and Pub Association has called on the Government to introduce 30% business rates relief specifically for pubs to help protect the future of businesses across the UK.

Pub bosses have warned that higher business rates could lead to as many as 15,000 job losses and hundreds of closures.

In last months Budget, the Chancellor announced a current 40% discount for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses  which is capped at 110,000 per business  will end on March 31 next year.

This will be replaced by a new system from the next financial year, which will see rates multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure firms set 5p lower than the standard rate with no cap in support.

The Government also launched a 3.2 billion scheme of transitional relief to cap annual rises.

However, trade groups and tax experts have suggested the change and an increase in rateable values for most pubs will result in a significant annual increase.

The BBPA said pubs have seen their rateable values rise by an average of 30%, meaning that they face an average increase of 63%, or around 6,000, after also being impacted by the end of the current discount.

It added that around 4,800 of the smallest pubs will also now face a business rates bill for the first time after seeing an increase in their values.

Pub bosses held an emergency summit in London on Wednesday to digest the impact of the tax changes and have now called for a 30% relief package to be launched from April next year.

The BBPA said the Governments plans to soften the new rates with transitional relief will not counter the devastating impact, with the total bill still set to rise by 150 million in 2028.

Rateable values have risen by up to 500% in some cases. It is crazy. Yesterday @EmmaMcClarkin joined BBC Radio 5 Lives Wake Up to Money to break down how business rates are calculated and to highlight what the latest revaluations mean for pubs across the country. We continue pic.twitter.com/N3uUokry8H  British Beer & Pub Association (@beerandpub) December 11, 2025

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: This Budget left publicans petrified and many fearing there is no way they can survive these sky-high bill increases or keep their home.

The situation is so grave that it requires immediate action as the very existence of thousands of pubs is at stake.

Without urgent intervention, communities will lose their pubs at an alarming rate and take with them livelihoods and jobs.

A 30% pub-specific relief is the simplest, fairest and fastest way to protect Britains locals and we want to work with Government so we can ensure the sector survives.

It came after live music and event sector bosses warned the Government that higher business rates payments could also cause hundreds of grassroots venues to close for good.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, industry groups and unions also warned that ticket prices for consumers will also increase as a result of higher rates.
Vladimir Putin has given his support to Nicolas Maduro - Alexander Zemlianichenko/AFP

Vladimir Putin has pledged his support for Nicolas Maduro in a phone call after the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

The Russian president expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people during Thursdays call with Mr Maduro, the Kremlin said.

Mr Putin also confirmed his support for the Maduro governments policy aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty in the face of growing external pressure.

Russia has fostered warm ties with Venezuela, with Mr Maduro earlier this year visiting Moscow, where he attended a military parade and signed a broad partnership agreement with Mr Putin.

Thursdays call came after armed US troops fast-roped from helicopters onto the deck of the tanker and entered the ship with their rifles raised. The tanker, reportedly named the Skipper, was carrying Venezuelan crude to Cuba.

Credit: X/@AGPamBondi

The seizure marked a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas, which has ratcheted up to place the two adversaries on the brink of war.

Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large  the largest one ever seized actually, Mr Trump said on Wednesday.

He added: And other things are happening, so youll be seeing that later.

Asked what will happen to the oil, the US president replied: I assume were going to keep the oil. He said the seizure was carried out for a very good reason.

Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, said the US had executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations, she wrote on X.

This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securely  and our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokeswoman, said the phone call between Mr Maduro and Putin would not be concerning to the president at all.

She reiterated that the Trump administration plans to seize the oil on board the vessel and will follow the standard legal procedure. Mrs Leavitt added that US personnel were currently interviewing the tankers crew.

On Thursday Mr Trump further ratcheted up the pressure on Venezuela by sanctioning three of Mr Maduros nephews, two of whom were convicted of drug trafficking in 2016.

Joe Biden granted them clemency in 2022 as part of a prisoner swap, but the pair returned to Venezuela and continued drug trafficking, according to US officials.

The third nephew, Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, is linked to Venezuelas state-owned oil company, and was removed from a US sanctions list by Mr Biden.

Further sanctions targeted the countrys oil sector, including a businessman and six shipping companies, and identified six vessels as blocked property.

Tommy Pigott, deputy spokesperson at the state department, said the sanctions were in response to the targets propping up Maduros corrupt and illegitimate regime in Venezuela.

The administration is planning to intercept more ships transporting Venezuelan oil, six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Asked if the seizure was a one-off, Mrs Leavitt said the US was not going to stand by and let sanctioned vessels sail the seas with black market oil, the proceeds of which will fuel narco-terrorism.

Further direct interventions by the US are expected in the coming weeks targeting ships carrying Venezuelan oil that may also have transported oil from other countries targeted by US sanctions, such as Iran.

The oil tanker may have been trying to conceal its location by broadcasting falsified data, according to the New York Times.

Location data reportedly showed the tanker was anchored in the Atlantic Ocean near Guyana, but the ship had been hundreds of miles away off Venezuela from late October to at least Dec 4.

Since September, the US has blown up more than 20 alleged drug-trafficking boats off the coast of Venezuela and the Pacific, killing at least 80 people in what Mr Trump has dubbed a war on narco-terrorism.

Washington is offering a $50m (37m) bounty for information that leads to Mr Maduros arrest. The US has designated him the leader of a terrorist cartel and has amassed the biggest military presence in the region in decades.

During a phone call between the two leaders in November, Mr Trump offered Mr Maduro and his family safe passage out of Caracas should he relinquish power immediately.

But Washington was unwilling to agree to Mr Maduros demands, which included legal amnesty and the removal of US sanctions for him and over 100 Venezuelan officials.

Mr Trump has suggested several times that the US could carry out land strikes on Venezuelan soil, saying that Mr Maduros days are numbered.

The tanker seizure will only add fuel to Caracass claims that Mr Trumps actions are driven by a desire to access the countrys vast oil reserves, which the US has denied.

The string of strikes have sparked bipartisan outrage, with some Democrats and Republicans questioning the legality of the attacks.

Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defence, has come under scrutiny for strikes on Sept 2 in which two men were reportedly blown up in a second strike while clinging to the flaming wreckage of an overturned boat.

Admiral Frank M Bradley, the commander overseeing the operation, reportedly told members of Congress he had asked the military lawyer whether the two men were now shipwrecked and unlawful targets, according to the Washington Post.

Footage of the strikes reportedly showed the men were seen waving their eyes and looking to the sky before Adml Bradley concluded the definition did not apply to the two men and ordered a second strike.

The department of defence has been under pressure to release the full footage of the strikes. Mr Trump initially said he had no problem with releasing the video, but later deferred the decision to Mr Hegseth.
Father Christmas gave the Queen some presents for her beloved rescue dogs, Moley and Bluebell - Aaron Chown/PA

The Queen declared the start of Christmas as she hosted a festive party for seriously ill children and sat in Santas sleigh.

Now in her 20th year of hosting a Christmas party for ill children at Clarence House, she served food and poured gravy for the children and their families.

Major Rob Treasure, the Queens new equerry, helped children hang decorations at the top of the Christmas tree, using his sword to place them on the branches.

The children, some in wheelchairs, helped decorate the Clarence House tree in what has become an annual tradition.

The Queens new equerry, Major Rob Treasure, uses his sword to place decorations on the tree with Samuel Soremekun - Aaron Chown/PA

The Queen served sausages, mashed potato and peas, laid out in a smiley face, as a festive lunch for her young guests.

A winter wonderland scene created for the occasion saw Father Christmas invite the Queen into the state sleigh, which was originally designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, with two reindeer on hand to help.

She hosted 10 children who are being cared for by Helen and Douglas House and Roald Dahls Marvellous Childrens Charity, along with their parents.

In an off-the-cuff speech, she told them: I say this every year  to me, its the start of Christmas. I havent really got my head round it until I come here and I realise its about to happen.

But its so lovely to have you all every year, and Im so proud to be patron of two such wonderful charities. I know they do so much for the children, and of course for the parents. I know theyre literally lifesavers. So Im thrilled to see you all again and I wish you all a very, very happy Christmas.

The Queen in the state sleigh in the gardens of Clarence House with little helpers Ivan and Fatima - Aaron Chown/PA Wire

She was also joined in the sleigh by Samuel and Myla - Aaron Chown

Samuel Soremekun, aged six, who has sickle cell disease and autism, was so excited to meet royalty that he kept saying: Its the Queen, its the Queen as Camilla held his hand.

He made everyone laugh when he pointed to a member of her entourage and asked: Is that the King?

Alice Robertshaw, aged four, who has spinal muscular atrophy, gave the Queen a decorative jar she had made at home in Reading, Berkshire.

The Queen was greeted at the foot of the stairs at Clarence House by Father Christmas, who gave her two squeaky toys for her beloved rescue dogs.

After handing over the gifts, Santa said: It was presents for Moley and Bluebell from Mrs Claus, as there is nothing you can buy for the Queen.

The Queen receives some help decorating the tree at Clarence House - Aaron Chown/PA

David Whittingham, the chief executive of Helen and Douglas House, gave a speech calling the annual festive party a celebration of community, kindness and hope.

Addressing the royal host, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for her inviting children to Clarence House for 20 years.

The Prince of Wales, meanwhile, made a private visit to the Welsh Guards Christmas party. Photographs issued by Kensington Palace show the Prince, who is their Colonel, drinking a pint and serving pudding at the barracks in Windsor.
Reform councillor sends two emails in first six months of job

A Reform UK councillor has been accused of being completely absent after it was revealed he has sent just two emails and attended one council meeting since beginning his job in May.

Northumberland County Councillor Shaun Knowles has been accused of wasting taxpayer money by taking 9,340 of his salary since taking office six months ago.

Despite receiving 948 emails from May to mid November - a Freedom of Information request revealed he has only sent two messages from his official address.

Conservative councillor Wayne Daley, who sent the request, said he has tried to contact Mr Knowles numerous times after being inundated by his constituents in Cramlington South West saying he does not respond.

He said he and councillors on Cramlington Town Council have been picking up every bit of constituency work for him, and called on him to resign.

Northumberland County Councillor Shaun Knowles has been accused of wasting taxpayer money (Northumberland County Council)

It makes me so angry that someone who has been elected is basically abusing the system and abusing the people who have put their faith in him, its appalling, Mr Daley told The Independent.

Ive tried to contact him, Ive emailed him multiple times, called him, sent a text and had nothing back. He is in a party who say they are interested in value for money - yet he has claimed every single penny of his allowance for doing nothing.

Mr Knowles has only been to one council meeting in November, almost six months since his election in May. This meant he avoided automatically losing his seat, which happens when a councillor doesnt attend any formal meetings for six consecutive months.

Mr Daley added: In reality, he has one option which is to resign. He is letting constituents down and his party. He is ripping his constituents off by giving them no support - he is completely absent.

This is why people should see that what Reform say and what Reform do are completely different things.

Reform UK gained its first 23 councillors in the Conservative-run council in May, stopping the Tories from winning the 26 seats needed for overall control (PA Wire)

The Independent has contacted Mr Knowles for a comment, but have not received a response.

The party gained its first 23 councillors in the Conservative-run council in May, stopping the Tories from winning the 26 seats needed for overall control.

The May elections saw Reform UK sweep to victory in 12 councils across the country, including its flagship council in Kent where it won 57 of the 81 seats.

On Thursday, former Conservative leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Ben Bradley, announced his defection to Reform UK.

Mr Bradley, who lost his his Mansfield parliamentary seat in last years general election, has been appointed as Reform UKs "head of local government action".

His new role will focus on reducing council spending, though the party has denied that this appointment risks undermining Nigel Farages pledge that Reform would "not become the Conservative Party 2.0".
Opposition leaders in Warwickshire said Reform UK had made electoral soundbites with no real research into the financial position of local authorities. Photograph: Colin Underhill/Alamy (Photograph: Colin Underhill/Alamy)

Reform UK council leaders have been accused of making rash promises after a local authority led by the party has been told it will have to increase council tax by the maximum amount, despite its election promises to cut costs.

Warwickshire county council has been warned by its executives that anything less than a 5% maximum council tax increase will put its financial viability at risk.

In a report published on Thursday, the councils board said anything below a 4.99% council tax rise  the equivalent to a 1.75 a week increase on a band D property  is a riskier financial strategy that would threaten the medium-term sustainability of the local authority.

Reform UK has the largest seats at the council but no overall majority. The report stated that Reform had clearly set out its desire to avoid a maximum council tax increase but warned for every 1% reduction, the council would have to make further cuts of 4.2m.

Several Reform-led local authorities are facing scrutiny after announcing proposals for council tax rises, including Kent, Leicestershire and North Northamptonshire, despite promises during the election campaigns to cut costs.

In a statement on Wednesday, the leader of Leicestershire county council, Dan Harrison, said: A council tax freeze is our aspiration but conditions are unlikely to allow this for next year. On Monday, North Northamptonshire confirmed plans to increase council tax next year by 4.99%.

Stephen Atkinson, Reform UKs senior local government figure and the leader of Lancashire council, told the Financial Times on Thursday that council tax rises could not be ruled out and dismissed claims that the party had promised to cut council tax.

In response to the boards report, opposition leaders in Warwickshire accused Reform of making rash promises and soundbites during the election campaign.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats at Warwickshire council, Jerry Roodhouse, said: Reform at the elections made rash promises about using Doge in Warwickshire. [It] never happened and if they think they can reduce council tax, I would like them to make clear what cuts they are planning.

Clearly Reform made soundbites with no real research into the financial position [of] local authorities.

The leader of the Green party, Jonathan Chilvers, said: Reform told voters here that Warwickshire council wasted vast amounts of taxpayer money, yet keep raising your council tax. If thats true, Reform in Warwickshire will be able to bring forward a budget that will freeze council tax without cutting the frontline services that residents rely [on]. Given todays report, theres no sign [of] the moment that theyll be able to do that.

In a response to the report, the leader of Warwickshire county council, George Finch, said the recommendations by officers reflect a starting assumption of taking the maximum council tax increase to ensure financial resilience and sustainability.

He said the recommendations would be considered by all political parties and the authority was waiting for the government to publish funding allocations for councils this month.

Reform took control of 10 English local authorities after local elections in May, winning almost 700 seats.

During the campaign, the party promised a drastic cost-cutting plan to target waste and inefficiencies at councils in the style of Elon Musks department of government efficiency (Doge) in the US.

The local authorities will present their budget proposals next year with council tax rates agreed in late winter or early spring.
A House Republican is trying to introduce a bill that would ensure fathers are contributing to the cost of pregnancies.

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa introduced a bill called the Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act. The bill, if passed, would require states to ensure that biological fathers pay for at least 50 percent of the out-of-pocket medical costs associated with a pregnancy and delivery, including health insurance premiums, according to Fox News.

The bill excludes any costs relating to abortion and has other specific limitations on what fathers are expected to cover. Mothers would have to request contributions from the father before the state steps in and enforces the payments.

The proposed legislation appears to be a move by the GOP to align with its pro-family messaging. Republicans have long been criticized by Democrats, who claim that they are ostensibly pro-family and anti-abortion while also refusing to support mothers with the financial burdens of having a child.

Hinson has also introduced a bill that, if passed, would mandate that pregnant women who are attending college be informed of their rights and the resources available to them at their learning institutions. The lawmaker said the measure is intended to make sure pregnant college students know they have options outside of abortions.

Congresswoman Ashley Hinsons Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act would require states to ensure that fathers pay for at least 50 percent of health care-related costs that mothers incur during their pregnancies (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

She has described herself as a "mom on a mission" to Fox News and said her goal with the bills is to help ease the burdens placed on expecting mothers.

[I want to] make life easier for my fellow moms and families. Thats why Im working to expand access to maternal care, ensure women have resources throughout pregnancy and beyond, and improve child care options for growing families, she said.

Hinson is a mother of two and told the outlet that "strong families make a strong nation."

A demonstrator holds a sign in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on November 10, 2020, as the high court opened arguments in the long-brewing case over the constitutionality of the 2010 Affordable Care Act. (AFP via Getty Images)

While Hinson's bills, if successful, may help pregnant women with the cost of their pregnancies, the broader GOP's attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act  with President Donald Trump insisting he would replace it with a better system but failing to explain what that system might be  mean many expecting mothers will be stuck with high-deductible health plans.

According to a 2022 investigation by KFF Health News, approximately 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of debt related to their health care costs. Most of those individuals have insurance but have still been forced into debt by their high deductibles.

In November, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the "only healthcare I will support or approve is sending the money directly back to the people."
Retail representative groups are calling on the Finance Secretary to introduce a permanent business rate discount as they fear Scotland may become a less viable location to invest in.

Twelve groups and industry bodies have jointly written to Shona Robison to demand a permanent business rates discount for all retail premises.

The call comes ahead of the Scottish Governments Budget in January and follows the introduction of a permanent business rate discount for retailers in England set out in the UK Budget last month.

The letter is signed by the Scottish Retail Consortium, the Booksellers Association of the UK and Ireland, the Company Chemists Association, the National Hair & Beauty Federation, among many others.

It states: We collectively believe that your Budget on January 13 needs to introduce a permanent business rate discount for all retailers, one which is at least as competitive as is planned for stores in England.

This would support retailers, the local job and career opportunities they provide, the vitality of our high streets and town and city centres, whilst delivering on our shared vision of making Scotland the best place in the UK to grow a retail business.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison will set out her Budget next month (Jane Barlow/PA) (Jane Barlow)

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her Budget in November that retailers in England will receive a permanently discounted business rate from April.

The letter to Ms Robison said stores across the border will receive roughly a 10% discount to their business rate. This has caused concern among retailers that if Scotland does not also introduce a business rate discount, the country will become a less viable location to invest in.

The letter states: If the Scottish Government fails to act, retailers here in Scotland will miss out on a permanent business rate discount and existing and new stores and high streets here will  by comparison  become less viable locations to trade and invest in, with consequence for the state of our retail destinations.

It is not in the interests of Scotlands economy for shop owners to be incentivised to invest in Berwick-upon-Tweed over Balloch, Bathgate, or Brechin.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: Decisions on non-domestic rates for 2026/27 will be set out in the Scottish Budget in January.

We will continue to work closely with businesses to drive economic growth and prosperity in our towns, cities and communities.
BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE: BTO), John Hancock Diversified Income Fund (NYSE: HEQ), John Hancock Income Securities Trust (NYSE: JHS), John Hancock Investors Trust (NYSE: JHI), John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT), and John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (NYSE: HTD) (each a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds") announced today that the Board of Trustees has renewed the Funds' share repurchase plans.

The Board of Trustees approved the renewal of the share repurchase plans as part of its ongoing evaluation of options to enhance shareholder value and potentially decrease the discount between the market price and the net asset value per share ("NAV") of the Funds' common shares. Under the share repurchase plans, each Fund may purchase, in the open market, between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, up to an additional 10% of its outstanding common shares (based on common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2025). The Board of Trustees will review the plan periodically and may authorize adjustment of its terms and size.

The share repurchase plans allow the repurchase of common shares in the open market at a discount to NAV. The plans could allow the Funds to realize incremental accretion to their NAV to the benefit of existing shareholders. They could also have the benefit of providing additional liquidity in the trading of common shares.

Year-to-date, HEQ has repurchased the following number of shares: 34,900 or 0.29% of outstanding shares, contributing to its NAV by approximately $0.004 year-to-date through December 11, 2025. No other Fund has repurchased shares for the year-to-date period.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

About John Hancock Investment Management

A company of Manulife Investment Management, we serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship.

About Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management is the global brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

Media Contact: Gordon Haight

(617) 572-0034



Investor Contact: (800) 225-6020

SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
Roger Warren Evans creation of community interest companies was one of the crowning achievements of his career Photograph: none (Photograph: none)

It all began over a bottle of claret in a City wine bar in the early 2000s. Roger Warren Evans, a social entrepreneur and barrister, was lamenting with his solicitor friend Stephen Lloyd the low profile of the not-for-profit sector.

As the evening wore on, the two lawyers developed the idea of creating an organisation that served the public interest but was not subject to the strict governance controls of a charity. Out of their conversation emerged what became known as community interest companies (CICs). There are now more than 37,000 registered in the UK.

For Warren Evans, who has died aged 89, it was one of the crowning achievements of an extraordinarily varied career that ranged across pioneering legal cases, building homes, being a government adviser and supporting asylum seekers.

The wine bar discussion prompted him to write a pamphlet promoting the idea. The key features were restrictions on the distribution of dividends so that funds are recycled back to the community, and an asset lock preventing the organisations holdings being removed for personal gain. It was a way of reversing the trend of privatising mutual organisations that became popular under Margaret Thatchers government.

The proposal, building on the experience of charities, co-operative societies and community enterprises, was well received by Tony Blairs Labour government and incorporated into the Companies (Audit, Investigations And Community Enterprise) Act 2004. The original aim had been to call them public interest companies  but that title had already been adopted for another government scheme.

Born in Mumbles, near Swansea, Roger was the son of Thomas, variously a barrister, harbour master and bank manager, and Mary (nee Cann), a science teacher who loved painting.

During the second world war, in 1942, Roger, his sister, Eleanor, and mother were dispatched across the Atlantic. Another ship in their convoy also carrying evacuees was torpedoed by U-boats. That experience and his time in Canada generated a lifetimes sympathy for the plight of refugees.

Although the family were not religious, his mother later sent him to board at Leighton Park in Reading, a Quaker school that shaped his outlook. There he edited the school newspaper  interviewing Aneurin Bevan and Clement Attlee  and was on a youth delegation to Paris to observe the general assembly of the UN.

He won a scholarship to study modern languages at Trinity College, Cambridge, but deferred entry for two years to complete national service in the Royal Navy, where he taught himself Russian and became a radio operator. He was demobilised in Cyprus and stayed on, singing with his guitar at restaurants and occasionally sleeping on the beach.

Being fluent in four languages by the time he arrived at university, he switched to history and economics  graduating with first-class honours in 1959. At Cambridge, he was a keen debater and sang comedy songs at the Footlights club.

Called to the bar in 1962, as a member of Grays Inn, he also presented an interview programme for Anglia TV and a series on Marxism, written with Eric Hobsbawm, for BBC2. At the same time, he began a PhD in sociology at London School of Economics supervised by the sociologist and Open University founder Michael Young. Though he did not complete his studies, he became a trustee of the Institute of Community Studies  now the Young Foundation.

Working alongside Antony Lester, another prominent young barrister, Warren Evans took one of the first successful human rights cases  Alam and Khan, an immigration claim  against the UK to Strasbourg, at what was then the European Commission for Human Rights (1966-68). He also became legal correspondent for New Society magazine, while developing an interest in charity and company law.

In 1966 he married Elizabeth James, a history teacher. They met through her tenancy of a house owned by his mother. Elizabeth had married and divorced before they met a second time for dinner. Within half an hour, he proposed. It took a week of passionate letter-writing to persuade her to accept.

They lived in Hackney, east London, where he was a key member of the campaign group Equal Rights, which helped draft the 1968 Race Relations Act, and he worked alongside Dipak Nandy (father of the culture secretary Lisa Nandy). The following year, convinced that lawyers invariably turn up after things have gone wrong, he abruptly changed career, joining the housebuilder Bovis Group as a manager. He even trained as a bricklayer.

After serving as a Labour councillor in Hackney, he eventually moved back to Swansea with his family. In 1975, informed by his housebuilding experience, he joined the Department of Environment as an adviser to the Labour minister Anthony Crosland.

Warren Evans returned to the private sector in 1977, as managing director of Barratt Developments, then joined local government as director of Swanseas Centre for Trade and Industry. From the mid-80s he worked for Sainsburys on property development. He was proud of rejecting a Norman Foster design for a flagship hypermarket that he said resembled the inside of an insect and had nowhere to plug in the freezers.

He maintained his interest in human rights, serving as a council member for the organisation Liberty. In 1998, arguing that it was wrong for all the candidates to come from Cardiff, he stood unsuccessfully for the leadership of the Labour party in Wales.

Two years later he was the subject of a parliamentary early day motion congratulating him on walking from Swansea to London in 18 days to arrive on time at his workplace on his 65th birthday as a protest against ageism.

After volunteering in retirement to support asylum seekers arriving in Swansea, he realised they needed proper legal representation at tribunals, so qualified as an immigration adviser and established the charity Asylum Justice in 2005.

He cared for Elizabeth in her later years; she died in 2018. He is survived by their children, Katharine and Owen, and a granddaughter, Lana.

 (John) Roger Warren Evans, barrister, government adviser, businessman and social entrepreneur, born 11 December 1935; died 30 November 2025
John Thune speaks in the Senate in Washington DC on Tuesday. Photograph: Mattie Neretin/CNP/picture alliance/Consolidated News Photos (Photograph: Mattie Neretin/CNP/picture alliance/Consolidated News Photos)

The US Senate on Thursday rejected competing proposals to address the imminent expiration of subsidies for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, greatly increasing the chances that healthcare costs will soon rise to unaffordable levels for millions of Americans.

The votes, part of a deal brokered between Republican majority leader John Thune and the Democratic senators who agreed to reopen the government after a historically long shutdown last month, came as premium tax credits for an estimated 21.8 million enrollees of the plans are set to expire at the end of the month. Health policy research group KFF estimates that annual premiums will more than double if the subsidies are allowed to expire.

A Democratic-backed bill to extend them for three years failed to clear the Senates 60-vote threshold to advance, with 51 votes in favor and 48 against. Four Republicans  Josh Hawley of Missouri, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska  supported it, along with all Democrats. Montana Republican Steve Daines did not vote.

A Republican proposal for the government to make payments into health savings accounts (HSAs) for enrollees of Obamacare, as the law is commonly known, in lieu of the tax credits, was also voted down. All Republicans except Rand Paul of Kentucky voted in support of it, and Daines did not vote.

Related: Hospitals and clinics are shutting down due to Trumps healthcare cuts. Heres where

Leaders from both parties blasted the others proposals ahead of the vote, with Thune accusing Democrats of trying to pump money into propping up the Affordable Care Act, which most lawmakers in his party have opposed since its creation in 2010.

Apparently they think that a three-year extension with no reforms, to try and disguise the real impact of Obamacares spiraling costs, is actually a plan, the majority leader said before the vote.

Democrats countered by accusing Republicans of not being serious about their promise to lower the cost of living in the United States. The issue was at the heart of the 2024 presidential campaign, and has been linked to Donald Trumps recent decline in public approval, as voters increasingly say he has not done enough to make life more affordable.

Senate Republicans just shoved the American people off the side of a cliff with no parachute and with an anchor tied to their feet, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said after the vote. Republicans now own Americas healthcare crisis.

The premium tax credits were first created under Joe Biden in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. While Trump toyed with the idea of extending the credits, he appeared to shut the door on it in an interview with Politico published Tuesday, while supporting the GOP proposal. I want to give the money to the people, not to the insurance companies, he said.

The measure introduced by Republican senators Bill Cassidy and Mike Crapo is built around government payments of $1,000 into the HSAs of people enrolled in bronze or catastrophic exchange plans, which typically have high deductibles. People from the ages of 50 to 64 would get another $500, and there would be limits for all who received the funds on using it to pay for abortions or gender-affirming care.

Bernie Sanders, the independent senator who is the ranking member on the Senate health committee, said the Crapo-Cassidy bill would make an already broken and outrageously expensive healthcare system even worse and would encourage people to switch to plans with unaffordable deductibles in exchange for payments into their HSAs.

It would do nothing to prevent premiums from doubling, tripling or even quadrupling for millions of Americans. It would do nothing to lower the outrageous cost of healthcare or prescription drugs. It would do nothing to make it easier for Americans to see a doctor when they get sick, said the senator, who caucuses with the Democrats.

Related: Trump shares false claim Obama earned $40m in royalties from Obamacare

Trump presided over an unsuccessful attempt to repeal Obamacare in his first term, but the law today is relatively popular, with a Gallup poll released this week finding 57% of voters approve of it. Republicans have not made any serious attempts at its repeal since Trump began his second term in January.

Any legislation passed by the Senate would need to win the approval of the Republican-controlled House, where speaker Mike Johnson opposes the tax credits.

At a Wednesday press conference, he said that the House GOP planned to soon unveil its own bills to make healthcare more affordable, without giving details.

The overall system is broken, and were the ones that are going to fix it. You will see that laid out, he said.

A bipartisan group of moderate House lawmakers also introduced a proposal in the House this week that would extend the premium tax credits through 2027, while imposing new caps on the income of enrollees and protections against fraud.
People hold portraits of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna during a commemoration in Kyiv. Photograph: Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images (Photograph: Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images)

Details of the last days in captivity of the Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died last year, have emerged with the witness account of a soldier who was with her when she was transported to a prison deep inside Russia.

Roshchyna was seized while reporting from behind enemy lines in occupied Ukraine in the summer of 2022, one of an estimated 16,000 civilians detained by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

A Ukrainian soldier with the Azov regiment, who was released this summer, has come forward with an account that corroborates recent reports that Roshchyna died after being transported to Sizo-3, a prison in the town of Kizel, near the Ural mountains.

Speaking to reporters from the Viktoriia Project, an investigation by the Guardian and international media partners led by the French newsroom Forbidden Stories, Mykyta Semenov said Roshchynas last journey began by train and ended on trucks.

He travelled in the same wagon, and first saw the journalist as she walked down the corridor to go to the toilet.

I saw her. She walked past our compartment, said Semenov. She was wearing a light blue summer dress with flowers. She also had summer sneakers with white soles, sporty ones. And she had a small makeup mirror she carried with her.

The journalist was walking with her hands behind her back in a stress position. Having been on hunger strike while held at another facility, Roshchyna was by this time in visibly poor health.

It looked like everything was difficult for her: walking was difficult, eating was difficult, speaking was difficult. It seemed like that dress of hers  that the dress was carrying her. Holding her up.

The Russian Ministry of Defence wrote to her family to say she had died, age 27, on 19 September 2024. The cause and place of her death have never been officially confirmed. Her remains, which were returned to Ukraine, showed multiple signs of torture, according to the investigating prosecutor.

Roshchyna had previously spent nearly nine months in the Sizo-2 pre-trial detention facility in Taganrog. Conditions at the prison, on the shores of the Sea of Azov, were so appalling it has become known as the Russian Guantanamo.

Roshchyna had been told she was due to be released in a prisoner exchange that month, but instead it appears the journalist was sent hundreds of miles east.

Semenov said the prisoners in his group, including Roshchyna, had left Taganrog on 9 September, and arrived in Kizel a few days later, on 11 September.

She was very, very thin. Barely able to stand. I could see she had once been a beautiful girl, but they had turned her into a mummy: yellow skin, hair that looked  not alive.

Held in the adjacent cell, Semenov said he was able to identify her by listening to her conversations with the guards, members of the Russian FSIN prison service.

Roshchyna did manage, he said, to exchange food with others with the help of guards.

I remember that she didnt eat meat. I dont know why. She said she had something going on with her body and couldnt digest it any more. So she would give us the meat from her rations, and we gave her vegetables, zucchini spread, things like that.

A fellow soldier told Semenov that Roshchyna had pushed hard for her rights at Taganrog and been given more freedom than other detainees. She had gone on hunger strike, he said, to protest at the conditions.

The journey was violent, he said, with the guards drinking alcohol throughout. The unit chief ordered his officers to seek out fighters from the Azov regiment and bring them to him for beatings. The regiment had its origins in a volunteer battalion founded in 2014, when it included many people with far-right leanings, and has been labelled neo-Nazi by Russian propaganda ever since. His cellmate was taken and returned after 15 to 20 minutes.

I let him catch his breath and asked what happened. And he told me. That the chief had a deputy  a paratrooper. That the two of them beat him in the face, beat him in the liver area. Both were drunk. At one point, the beating was filmed on a video call.

When the prisoners arrived at Kizel, they were beaten again, in what is known as the reception ritual, meted out to civilians and soldiers throughout the Russian prison system. When I jumped out of the truck, they threw a black bag over me. They put us on our knees. There wasnt enough air. They started shouting, asking our unit, our age. And screams and groans were coming from all sides.

Conditions in Kizel were harsh. Prisoners had to wait for permission to drink water, go to the toilet, even sit. They were forced to stand most of the time. No speaking was allowed, no gestures, no hands in pockets. Compliance was monitored through surveillance cameras, Semenov said.

Officers, members of the FSIN, concealed their identities with balaclavas and nicknames.

Public data indicates that the acting director of Sizo-3 in Kizel at the time Roshchyna was held there was Vitaly Spirin, who is 39 years old. When contacted by phone, Spirin hung up without responding to questions. The FSIN did not respond to a request for comment.

Last month, prison bosses at Taganrog were added to the EU sanctions list, after being identified by the Viktoriia Project.

Semenov was eventually returned home this summer. The last he heard of Roshchyna, she was still refusing food. I heard that she was somewhere in another building. And some other woman was held with her. I heard that she had health problems, and that they were even allowed to sit in the cell. And that Vika continued to hunger strike there.

It seems Roshchyna survived for only eight days at Kizel. Russia has never provided a death certificate to her family, but the autopsy found she suffered violence at the very end: bruises on her neck and a fracture of her hyoid bone indicated trauma usually caused by strangulation.

Some weeks ago, the Ukrainian news site Slidstvo.Info said it had obtained information from closed Russian databases about her death certificate. It was reportedly issued by the Leninsky department of civil status records of the Perm city administration. The date of death recorded in this document is 19 September 2024.

Ukrainian prosecutors have confirmed they believe Roshchyna died while in detention at Kizel.
South Carolina measles outbreak accelerating with hundreds of unvaccinated students now in second 21-day quarantine

The measles outbreak in South Carolina is reportedly "accelerating," thanks to a combination of unvaccinated students and large gatherings where the virus can quickly spread.

As of Wednesday, there have been 111 reported measles cases in the northwest region of South Carolina, NBC News reports. The region includes Greenville and Spartanburg.

We are faced with ongoing transmission that we anticipate will go on for many more weeks, South Carolina Department of Public Health state epidemiologist Dr Linda Bell said during a Wednesday news briefing.

There have been 27 cases reported since Friday.

Bell said that was a "significant increase in our cases in a short period of time," noting that holiday gatherings and other large events  paired with lower-than-optimal vaccination rates  are responsible for the spike.

A measles testing site in Seminole, Texas. There have been nearly three times as many reported measles outbreaks in 2025 as there were in 2024, largely due to low vaccination rates in affected areas (Getty Images)

According to data compiled by NBC News, the K-12 vaccination rate for measles, mumps, and rubella in Spartanburg County was 90 percent for the 2024-2025 school year. While that number is high, doctors say at least a 95 percent vaccination rate is needed to stop outbreaks from occurring. Neighboring Greenville County's MMR vaccination rate was 90.5 percent.

President Donald Trump's Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy has long been a vaccine skeptic, though he did endorse the MMR vaccine in April after an uptick in measles cases in some parts of the country.

Officials in South Carolina have provided mobile health clinics to help administer MMR shots in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, but Bell said few of the locals took advantage.

I can tell you that a relatively small number of doses was administered at each of the mobile health unit clinics that we offered," she said during the press conference.

The MMR vaccine, which is typically administered around a child's first and fifth birthdays, provide 97 percent protection from infection.

A vial of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine that children are typically given around their first and fifth birthdays. Populations must maintain a 95 percent vaccination rate to prevent potential measles outbreaks (Getty)

Measles is the most contagious known virus on the planet and can lead to severe complications and death, according to the World Health Organization. It can hang in the air for hours, and virtually anyone without a vaccination will be infected if they are exposed.

The bulk of the South Carolina infections are happening at schools in Spartanburg County, according to Bell. Because it takes approximately 21 days for symptoms to emerge after exposure to measles, individuals who have been quarantined  of which there are 254  must stay in isolation for three weeks.

That reality has proven disruptive to the affected schools, where some unvaccinated students have already been placed in 21-day quarantines due to previous exposure to measles.

Trump's Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy has long been a vaccine skeptic, though he did endorse the MMR vaccine in April after an uptick in measles cases (Reuters)

Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent the disruption that measles is causing to peoples education, to employment and other factors in peoples lives in our communities," Bell said.

In 2025, there have been 1,912 reported measles cases across the U.S., largely amongst unvaccinated children and teenagers, with 47 outbreaks reported since the start of 2025. That's nearly three times the number of outbreaks reported in 2024. Other hot spots outside of South Carolina include 176 reported cases in Arizona and 115 in Utah, according to state health officials.

Measles symptoms include headache, high fevers, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, white spots inside of the mouth, and a rash that can cover a large portion of an infected individual's body.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11 to 12 percent of measles cases require hospitalization. Three people have died and more than 200 have required hospitalization in the U.S. this year due to the virus.
South Park delivered a shocking twist as the subversive animations 28th season came to an end and President Donald Trump came out on top.

The series has consistently drawn the ire of the White House this year by mocking the president, with a spokesperson for the administration dismissing South Park as uninspired and a fourth-rate show.

A running plot line has concerned Satan being impregnated by Trump and the presidents subsequent plotting with Vice President JD Vance to abort the baby without anyones knowledge.

The baby, who would have become the Antichrist, was due to be born in this weeks Christmas-themed season finale. The episode, titled The Crap Out, brought back the Satan-worshipping Woodland Critters from 2014 episode Woodland Critter Christmas.

The story appeared to be heading for a showdown after Satan learned of Trumps plans to abort the child, along with his infidelities with Vance, from Towelie, a fan-favorite character who dates back to 2001. Trump, Vance and Peter Thiel then joined forces with Jesus Christ in an attempt to prevent the birth of the Antichrist.

But in a last-minute twist it was revealed that the fetus had apparently killed itself while still in the womb. In a direct reference to the controversy surrounding the death of Jeffrey Epstein, footage of the fetus actually carrying out the act was missing.

Donald Trump and JD Vance disguised as Santa Claus and an elf collecting for the Salvation Army in the Christmas-themed season finale of 'South Park' (Comedy Central)

Satan does Donald Trump's laundry in the season finale of 'South Park' (Comedy Central)

In the episode, a doctor tells Trump and Satan: I'm afraid you can see it all in the video. The baby got ahold of some bed sheets. There's a couple minutes missing from the ultrasound, but it's definitely a suicide.

A spoof Fox News report showed the same footage, with a reporter saying: Fox News has analyzed the ultrasound. You can see the baby probably considering suicide right here... and then a little bit missing... and it killed itself. Obvious confirmation of suicide.

Satan and Trump in bed together in South Park (Comedy Central)

Last month, South Park co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker said in an interview that they have found politics impossible to avoid this season.

Its not that we got all political, Parker told The New York Times. Its that politics became pop culture.

Stone added that speaking out against the Trump administration had become taboo. He continued: Trey and I are attracted to that like flies to honey. Oh, thats where the taboo is? Over there? OK, then were over there.

Parker went on to clarify that their targets can come from all sides of the political spectrum.

Were just very down-the-middle guys, he said. Any extremists of any kind, we make fun of. We did it for years with the woke thing. That was hilarious to us. And this is hilarious to us.
Pedro Sanchez has assumed personal responsibility for the shortcomings of investigations into Francisco Salazar, a senior party official. Photograph: Fernando Villar/EPA (Photograph: Fernando Villar/EPA)

Spains ruling socialist party, which has been battered by a barrage of corruption allegations and political setbacks, is scrambling to reassert its feminist credentials after being accused of failing to act on sexual misconduct by senior men in the party.

Pedro Sanchez appointed 11 women and six men to his cabinet when he became prime minister in 2018, saying his Spanish Socialist Workers party (PSOE) was unmistakably committed to equality and to reflecting recent changes in Spanish society.

But seven years on a slew of allegations of sexual harassment  and the PSOEs response to them  have led some women in the party to call for urgent action.

The partys travails date back to July, when Francisco Salazar, who had overseen institutional coordination at the Moncloa palace in Madrid  the office and official residence of the prime minister  resigned. The online newspaper elDiario.es had published allegations of sexual harassment against him by women in the PSOE.

At the time, sources at Moncloa said an investigation had been launched, but added that no official complaints had so far been made against Salazar. However, it has emerged in recent days that internal PSOE complaints lodged against Salazar by two female party members had been ignored for five months. The PSOE admitted a lack of diligence but said the failure to act had been the result of a computer system error.

Over the weekend, Sanchez fired Salazars former right-hand man, Antonio Hernandez, for allegedly helping to cover up his bosss alleged behaviour. Hernandez has denied any such wrongdoing, while Salazar has said he could not recall any inappropriate interactions.

Then on Wednesday, Jose Tome, a senior PSOE politician in the north-western province of Lugo who had been accused of sexual misconduct by several women, resigned from his posts. Tome insisted he had been the victim of a set-up.

The PSOEs commitment to feminism and equality was tarnished over the summer when recordings emerged of the former transport minister, Jose Luis Abalos, and one of his aides, Koldo Garcia Izaguirre, apparently discussing the various attributes of different sex workers. Defence lawyers for the accused have sought to question the authenticity of the recordings, but police analysis has suggested they have not been manipulated.



On Sunday three senior female members of the party called in an opinion piece in El Pais for profound transformations that guarantee, full, real and effective equality. Adriana Lastra, a former PSOE deputy secretary general, has also urged the party to fulfil its commitment to womens independence, safety and freedom and to hand over details of the Salazar case to prosecutors.

Sanchez has assumed personal responsibility for the shortcomings of the Salazar investigations and has said his party will support Salazars alleged victims if they file a criminal complaint against him.

Opposition parties have seized on the allegations and the PSOEs lack of action as proof of the governments sleaze, hypocrisy and corruption. In parliament on Wednesday, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of the conservative Peoples party (PP), told Sanchez: Now everyone can see that when it comes to choosing between the abuser and the abused, youre with the abuser. This doesnt look like an isolated case  its the way you always act.

Santiago Abascal, the leader of the far-right Vox party, accused Sanchez of coming up with more plots than Netflix.

Sanchez said his government was fighting to help women and to achieve greater equality, adding that all the PP was doing was embracing the reactionary views of Vox. Feminism offers lessons to all of us  and to me, first and foremost, he said. But the big difference between us and the PP is that we take responsibility for our mistakes when we make them and we act as a result. What you do is cosy up to the historic mistake known as Vox.

A senior PP figure accused of sexual misconduct last year announced on Wednesday that he was temporarily stepping back from the party after the PSOE filed a criminal complaint against him, accusing him of misuse of public funds, influence-peddling and sexual assault.

Jose Ignacio Landaluce  a senator who is also the mayor of the southern port city of Algeciras  said he would remain in those posts but was resigning as the leader of the local branch of the PP, adding that he maintained his absolutely innocence with regard to the accusations.

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Hospital bosses are warning that the worst is yet to come as soaring superflu rates plunge the NHS into a worst-case scenario just days before the latest round of doctors strikes.

The number of people in hospital in England with flu is at a record high for this time of year, with numbers up 55 per cent in a week, new NHS figures show.

Health chiefs have warned that the unprecedented wave is pushing staff to the limit, and said the surge in admissions shows just how dangerous the situation is getting across our NHS hospitals.

It comes as Downing Street hit out at the British Medical Association (BMA), saying that the doctors union must reverse its astounding plans to strike  plans it said would inflict pain on patients.

An average of 2,660 flu patients were in hospital each day last week, up from 1,717 the previous week. At this point last year, the number stood at 1,861 patients, while in 2023 it was just 402.

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.

The NHS national medical director, Professor Meghana Pandit, said: With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of superflu 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.

The number of patients in the hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year. Even worse, it continues to rise, and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.

Her warnings come as multiple hospitals have already declared critical incidents, meaning they cannot function as usual, due to the increased pressure on A&E and other hospital services.

The influx of hospital patients has largely been driven by the spread of a new super strain of flu, called H3N2, which can cause more severe symptoms and is different from the strain that this years vaccines were designed to protect against.

The latest wave gripping the UK comes as resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are set to strike next week, despite fresh government attempts to avert the walkout with a last-ditch offer to the BMA, including a plan to ensure that homegrown doctors have priority for speciality training roles.

The health secretary, Wes Streeting, has warned that strikes over Christmas would have a much different degree of risk from previous walkouts, adding that he cannot think of a single other trade union in this country that would behave this way.

And Sir Keir Starmer has branded the latest action irresponsible as he called on members of the union to accept the governments latest offer.

Itd be irresponsible [of the] BMA to push through, and I think, for many resident doctors, I think in their heart of hearts they probably dont want to do this, he said.

A No 10 spokesperson said: Its astonishing that the BMAs leadership has chosen to inflict this pain on people. But resident doctors now face a choice: continue the damaging industrial action in which everyone loses, or choose more jobs, better career progression, more money in their pockets and an end to strikes.

The weekly NHS figures for hospital admissions show that there were 106 flu patients in critical care beds in England last week  up from 69 the week prior, and another record for this time of year.

Norovirus-type cases are also up, with an average of 354 hospital beds filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting  up 35 per cent from 263 the previous week.

While beds are filled with patients, the weekly NHS report shows that 11,141 patients, 12 per cent, were delayed by more than an hour in an ambulance waiting to be handed over to A&E  up from 10 per cent the previous week, but lower than at this point last year.

Meanwhile, the NHS 111 service received 446,249 calls last week  up from 424,764 a week earlier.

Responding to the figures, the Royal College of Nursings general secretary and chief executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: These figures show just how dangerous the situation is getting across our NHS hospitals. Wards and emergency departments were full to start with, but now a surging flu virus could soon overwhelm them.

With the peak not even here yet, and corridor care already rife across the NHS, nursing staff are deeply worried about how they will maintain the safety and dignity of patients. Were clear that treating people in unsafe, non-clinical areas like corridors, store cupboards and offices is not an acceptable response. Ministers need to act to protect patients this winter.

Resident doctors are due to walk out for five days from next Wednesday in a long-running row over pay and concerns over training places.

The BMA says it will survey members online on Monday about whether the governments latest deal  which also includes an increase in speciality training posts over the next three years, with 1,000 of them to start next year, and the funding of mandatory examination and Royal College membership fees for resident doctors  is enough to call off the walkout.
At least 18 million people could be offered extra help with their investments and pensions over the next decade with the game changing introduction of targeted support, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has said.

It will mean firms can make specific suggestions to consumers to help them make better-informed decisions about what to do with their money.

Customers will receive recommendations, but they will not be based on a full, in-depth individual assessment.

Firms will need to make sure the recommendations are suitable and should only be offered when it puts people in a better position, the regulator said.

New legislation will need to be passed before targeted support goes live.

The regulator said firms which can show they are ready, willing and organised to undertake targeted support will be authorised swiftly after the provisional go-live date in April 2026.

According to FCA data, around seven million adults in the UK with 10,000 or more in cash savings could be missing out on the benefits of investing throughout their lives.

It is thought that the changes could help to shrink the advice gap and empower more people to make the right financial decisions for their needs.

People can get help to make decisions based on their personal circumstances by paying for financial advice. But less than one in 10 people obtain regulated financial advice  while nearly one in five turn to family, friends or social media for help making decisions  the regulator said.

The value of investments can go down as well as up, but investments can often out-perform savings held in cash over the longer-term.

On Monday, the FCA set out changes to help increase consumer access to investments and help people to take informed risks.

It is proposing new rules for product information on investments, while also drawing a more distinct line between retail and professional investors who may not need to come within the scope of retail regulations.

The steps are part of wider efforts to move the dial on risk and encourage investors away from just investing in cash, according to the regulator.

The plans align with Government aims to build a retail investment culture in the UK.

The FCA has also launched a firm checker tool to help prevent people from losing money to fraudsters  and it has said around 800,000 people reported losing money to investments or pensionsrelated scams in the 12 months to May 2024.

The tool is on the FCAs website at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker.

Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive of the FCA, said: Targeted support will be game changing. It means millions of people can get extra help to make better financial decisions.

We also hope it will build greater confidence to invest. While investing will not be right for everyone, we know people in the UK invest less compared to the EU or US. People in the UK could be missing out on the potential benefits of investing in the medium to long term.

Yvonne Braun, director of policy, long-term savings at the Association of British Insurers, said: Targeted support has the potential to make a real difference to peoples financial lives.

At a time when only 9% of people take regulated advice, targeted support will give people help they can rely on when making complex financial decisions. The FCAs new rules mark a significant step towards closing the advice gap and will empower millions.

Keith Phillips, chief executive of investment platforms trade body The Platforms Association, said: The industry has long called for the freedom to present information in ways that genuinely help customers understand their investment choices.

We welcome the FCAs targeted support initiative, which will allow platforms to deliver the right information, at the right time, to support customers to make the right investment decision. The previous system was far too prescriptive, with disclosure templates that people really struggled to engage with.

Improving financial education is essential to giving new investors the confidence to take that first step toward making their money work for them.

Clare Francis, savings and investments director, Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, said: Our research shows that there is over 610 billion in excess savings that could be potentially invested. Targeted support is one important lever to close the advice gap, to drive change and strengthen the UKs investment culture.

She added: Beyond targeted support we need complementary initiatives such as education programmes to build investor confidence over the long term.

Cath Sermon, head of public engagement and campaigns at Standard Lifes Centre for the Future of Retirement, said: We found that even people with a good grasp of other financial areas in their lives, such as mortgages, often feel confused about pensions.

This can lead people to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and worried about the risks of making uninformed decisions, but targeted support can help cut through these negative emotions.

Chris Cummings, chief executive of the Investment Association, said: Giving firms greater flexibility to support customers in a clear and accessible way will promote innovation and competition, support the Governments wider agenda for economic growth and improve financial inclusion.

Andrew Prosser, head of investments at InvestEngine, said: By creating an environment in the UK where full and simplified advice, targeted support and guidance work together, we have a significant opportunity to close the advice gap, boost consumer confidence when it comes to financial decision-making and help millions more people invest as well as save for their long-term futures.

Alistair Brannan, EY UK life, pensions and personal lines leader, said: While the investment journey is clearly a critical one, clarity on targeted support and wider reforms to pension rules will also help firms determine how they can better support the many customers at the point of retirement  a time when decisions taken can have significant and lasting implications.

Recent EY research shows nearly a third of those at or nearing retirement age have never sought financial advice, despite being open to financial recommendations. This is a large proportion of people who are not accessing guidance that could be invaluable to them.

He said the rules are designed to respond to longstanding calls from industry for greater flexibility to better support their customers.

He added: The onus is now on providers across the banking, wealth and retirement sectors to consider how to respond.

For example, with consumers demonstrating growing comfort levels in sharing personal information with firms, there is a clear opportunity to leverage data and advanced analytics to group customers with similar characteristics, so firms can offer them the relevant, targeted support the FCA recommends.

Economic secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said: Targeted support will allow millions of people across the country to supercharge their savings and invest with confidence. This extra support for savers has the potential to be transformative for retail investment in Britain.
Clifton Rise, New Cross (Google Maps)

A teenager is fighting for his life after a stabbing near a park in south London.

The 19-year-old man was attacked in Clifton Rise, New Cross, at 9.50pm on Tuesday.

Paramedics arrived in four minutes, treated him at the scene and he was rushed to a hospitals trauma centre as a priority.

No arrests have been made but detectives are continuing to investigate, the Metropolitan Police said.

Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death just streets away from his former school in north London.

The teenager, named locally as Adam Henry, was treated for a single knife wound on Westbourne Road, Islington at around 1am on Tuesday.

A Met spokesman added of the Lewisham incident: Around 9.50pm on Tuesday, November 9, officers attended Clifton Rise, New Cross, following reports of a stabbing.

A 19-year-old man was treated at the scene for stab wounds. He was taken to hospital, where he remains in life-threatening condition.

No arrests have been made, and police are making urgent enquiries.

London Ambulance Service said: We were called at 9.37pm on Tuesday 9 December to reports of a stabbing on Clifton Rise, SE14.

We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response cars, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from Londons Air Ambulance.

Our first paramedic arrived in four minutes.

We treated a man for stab wounds and took him to a major trauma centre as a priority.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting CAD 7819/09DEC, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Manchester City came from behind to heap the pressure on Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso with a stunning 2-1 win at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Noni Madueke scored twice to fire Arsenal to a 3-0 victory at Club Brugge and all-but assure their qualification for the Champions League knockout stages with two group matches to play.

Alejandro Grimaldo broke Newcastles hearts as he struck late to deny them Champions League victory at Bayer Leverkusen.

City win at the Bernabeu to pile pressure on Alonso

Erling Haaland celebrates after Citys win in Madrid (Mike Egerton/PA) (Mike Egerton)

Nico OReilly and Erling Haaland  his 51st goal from his 50th Champions League start  were on target as Pep Guardiolas side got their European campaign back on track following last months shock loss to Bayer Leverkusen.

Both goals came in the final 10 minutes of the first half  Haalands from the penalty spot  as City replied to Rodrygos 28th-minute opener in an exhilarating contest.

Real had a number of chances to level but, with forward talisman Kylian Mbappe looking on from the bench injured, they were unable to take any of them.

Coming after Saturdays dismal loss to Celta Vigo, it was a second defeat in quick succession for Real and a potentially decisive blow for under-fire manager Alonsos job.

Arsenal make it six out of six in Brugge

Six Champions League wins in a row. pic.twitter.com/UyCTWPROHM  Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 10, 2025

Madueke opened his Arsenal account against Bayern Munich a fortnight ago and the England international was at it again in Belgium after 25 minutes.

The former Chelsea man picked up the ball just inside the hosts half before shrugging off the attention of left-back Joaquin Seys and then unleashing a venomous 22-yard strike which crashed off the underneath of the crossbar and into the net.

The second half was just 80 seconds old when Madueke had his second after he headed home Martin Zubimendis cross.

Gabriel Martinelli extended Arsenals advantage to three with a brilliant strike to become the first Arsenal player to score in five consecutive Champions League contests.

Newcastle denied at the death by Leverkusen

Newcastle were thwarted at the death (PA Wire via DPA) (PA Wire via DPA)

Substitute Lewis Miley looked to have claimed all three points for Newcastle at the BayArena with a 73rd-minute header after Anthony Gordons penalty had cancelled out Bruno Guimaraes unfortunate own goal.

However, after the Magpies had twice hit the post, Grimaldo snatched a 2-2 draw with an 88th-minute equaliser to leave Eddie Howes men wondering what might have been as they turned their attention to Sundays derby trip to Sunderland.

Chelsea on the brink after thrashing Roma

Our second 6-0 victory in the Champions League this season! #UWCL pic.twitter.com/cPV2VgriVh  Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) December 10, 2025

Chelsea are one win away from securing direct passage to the quarter-finals of the Womens Champions League after thrashing Roma 6-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Sonia Bompastors side were in need of a victory to keep their fate in their own hands after dropping points against Twente and Barcelona and they achieved it in emphatic fashion, thumping their Italian visitors who are now eliminated.

It was also a welcome result coming as it did in the teams first match since losing their 34-match unbeaten Womens Super League record against Everton on Sunday.

Whats on today?

Nottingham Forest play Utrecht in the Europa League while Aston Villa travel to Basel.

Crystal Palace travel to Shelbourne in the Conference League.
TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- K2 Space, the California-based developer of large, high-power satellite platforms, today announced a $250 million Series C at a $3 billion valuation, accelerating delivery of a new generation of spacecraft built for the heavy-lift era. The financing follows $500 million in signed contracts across commercial and U.S. government customers and is led by Redpoint, with participation from accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., and from Hedosophia, Altimeter, Lightspeed, and Alpine Space Ventures.

K2 Space's GRAVITAS satellite undergoes final integration before its March 2026 flight

K2 was founded in 2022 on a single thesis: the rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9, Starship and New Glenn will make it possible to build an entirely new category of satellite. Satellites that are larger, higher power and more reliable; that can be deployed in any orbit  LEO, MEO, and GEO  rather than confined to one. These capabilities will become increasingly important as critical applications like communications and compute get pushed from terrestrial networks to space.

"Space is becoming one of the most strategically important technology sectors, and it's attracting investment because the underlying demand is real and accelerating," said Elliot Geidt, Partner at Redpoint. "What stands out about K2 is how much core hardware they've built themselves. They're not assembling a satellite; they're redefining the architecture needed for the next decade of missions."

"K2 is tackling one of the biggest limitations in the space economy: meaningful increases in power and scale," said T. Rowe Price investment analyst Jason Leblang. "Their approach isn't incremental. They're rethinking satellite design from the ground up, and the result is a platform that can support entirely new classes of missions. That's why we're confident in the team and the trajectory."

Building the technical base for the next class of missions

K2's first two years were spent solving what the commercial supply chain hadn't: the foundational subsystems required for large, high-power, highly resilient spacecraft. The team designed the highest power hall-effect thruster ever flown  4x more powerful than anything that's flown to-date; large solar arrays, designed to reliably generate maximum power; a radiation-tolerant avionics suite built to survive high radiation environments; massive reaction wheels; high voltage power systems; and much more.

Those designs weren't just theoretical. Earlier this year, K2 flew its hardware as part of a hosted-payload mission that validated the flight computer, reaction wheel, and avionics stack in space, de-risking the core of the platform ahead of full-system integration.

"Each subsystem had to be built to a new performance class," said Neel Kunjur, Co-Founder and CTO. "That engineering forms the basis of our high-power 'Mega' line, and it's why we can take customers beyond the limits of the small-satellite era."

Four months to launch: The Mega Class satellite

In March 2026, K2 will launch GRAVITAS, the company's first production of its "Mega Class" satellite. While small relative to what K2 is designing next, the Mega Class satellite is on par with the largest satellites that have ever been produced. Mega is designed to fly on today's workhorse rockets, including Falcon 9, Vulcan, and Ariane 6, while delivering approximately 10 the power of other satellites in its class. Built from the outset for multi-orbit operations, Mega is hardened for some of the harshest environments in the solar system and engineered with redundancy and reliability techniques historically reserved for human-rated vehicles like Dragon and the Space Shuttle.

The mission represents K2's first spaceflight of the fully integrated, in-house system and will open a comprehensive test campaign:

The first in-space firing of a 20 kW Hall-effect thruster  roughly 4 more powerful than anything flown to date.

 roughly more powerful than anything flown to date. The first deployment of the large twin 10 kW solar arrays on the platform (20kW total).

on the platform (20kW total). The first on-orbit exercise of K2's high-voltage power system paired with radiation-tolerant avionics.

"GRAVITAS brings our full stack together for the first time," said Karan Kunjur, Co-Founder and CEO. "We are validating the architecture in space, from high-voltage power and large solar arrays to our guidance and control algorithms, and a 20 kW Hall thruster, and we will scale based on measured performance."

"We pushed our propulsion hard on the ground and were thrilled to hot-fire at the full 20 kW," added Rafael Martinez, who leads K2's high-power electric propulsion program. "Now we're eager to characterize the thruster's performance in space."

From first flight to full-rate production

Following Mega's launch, K2 will ramp manufacturing at its 180,000 sq.-ft. Torrance factory, sized to produce 100 high-power satellites per year. That capacity will be needed as K2 starts delivering against $500 million in signed commercial and government contracts. Customers include large operators like SES, who recently announced plans to partner with K2 on its future MEO network. Multiple launches across 2026-2027 are planned, with operational commercial and national security constellations beginning deployment starting in 2028.

"K2 is bringing something brand new to the space industrial base: low cost, high power satellites produced at speed and scale," said Dr. John Plumb, Head of Strategy at K2. "Our innovative approach will enable entire satellite constellations of exquisite payloads  something unimaginable due to its prohibitive cost before K2 showed up."

Next up: Giga, built for super-heavy lift

With Mega establishing the production baseline, K2 will next unveil plans for designing Giga: its large-class spacecraft designed specifically for Starship and New Glenn. Giga will deliver 100kW of power per satellite, enabling missions that previously only existed in science fiction:

AI scale compute on orbit

on orbit High-throughput networks spanning orbits  and planets

spanning orbits  and planets Mass-produced giant telescopes to vastly expand scientific return from across the solar system and beyond

"Our north star is simple," said Karan Kunjur. "If we build these platforms well, we get to ask new questions about what's possible in orbit."

Media Contact:

[email protected]

About K2 Space

At K2 Space, we're Building Bigger.

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit.

By scaling capability and production, K2 delivers systems ready for the most demanding missions  from national security and global communications to deep-space research  with reliable performance wherever they operate.

Founded by former SpaceX engineers, K2 Space has raised more than $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint, accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Alpine Space Ventures.

SOURCE K2 Space
Topjaw arent quite the same in real life, without the edits. The duo  presenter Jesse Burgess, producer Will Warr; both handsome, both well-spoken  are known for the waggish production on their 90-second food quiz videos with chefs and celebrities, in which they ask guests about their favourite pizza or curry, their must-eats, places they think are overrated. So when Grace Dent jokes that she likes to eat away from the riff-raff, a snippet of Mozart plays. When Gordon Ramsay is rude, flames appear. When Ncuti Gatwa is pushed to make up his mind, the Who Wants to be a Millionaires final answer synth blares. Its pop arts crash-bang-kaboom for the social media generation.

As such, when Burgess describes the email that came in offering Marcus Wareing for interview and says, My arsehole dilated, I was so excited, one half expects screeching brakes, the face of a crying child to appear, a suggestive mud pit to flash into focus. What you dont necessarily anticipate is a Henry Hoover wailing as an indifferent cleaner prepares the empty pub for the day.

Bathos or no bathos, the pair are reliably starry. Not in a grand, snobbish sense  Burgess is puppyish, demonstrative, keen to please; Warr knowing, considered, dry  but in that slightly detached from the real world sense.

Ive become really good friends with Ed, I went to Ynyshir with him, says Burgess. He didnt really have anyone else to talk to about food and wine too much, so weve then bonded over basically a love of food and drink.

Ed Sheeran, Burgess means, though he doesnt mention his surname, as if its implied. And in a way it is: with their social media success, Burgess and Warr have become celebrities of their own kind. Besides countless magazine spreads and columns dedicated to the pair, Warr has been profiled in the Daily Mail and Hello! for his various short films for the royals, including last years cancer update from the Princess of Wales (he also shot an infamous royal Christmas card). Meanwhile, Burgess wedding to singer (and now Topjaw editor) Taura Lamb made it onto the pages of Vogue. When this comes up, Burgess erupts with laughter. Warr looks up through his eyebrows. Its all pinch-me shit, isnt it?

Will Warr, left, Jesse Burgess, right. Middle, Jesses friend Ed (Will Warr/Instagram)

But the numbers dont lie: the pair are on an astonishing upward trajectory. On Instagram, they have 917,000 followers; at the start of last year, it was about half that. On YouTube, the audience is 440,000; on TikTok its 231,000. Its a lot.

You sense, perhaps, Burgess is enjoying the fame a touch more than Warr. This past weekend he says, he was scooting off to see mates in Norfolk on the f***ing shit A505 when I hit this crater and my tyre immediately blew. Called the insurance company, the AA. No one came. Absolutely useless.

So I put this thing up on Topjaw saying: Were those people on the side of the road. David from Seven Seeded bakery saw it, messaged his tyre guy and someone came within the hour. Topjaw, more efficient than the AA? Burgess grins. Someone else, he says, recognised where they were on the side of the road and turned up with Lucozade and blankets. Did you tell them you dont like sugary drinks? quips Warr.

Warr, left, Burgess, right (Will Warr/Instagram)

That said, if Burgess is the bigger name, its partly as he recently fronted Knife Edge, Gordon Ramsays new project on Apple TV+, in which Burgess followed Michelin-chasing chefs around the world. It seemed like a crossover for Burgess, from online star to telly presenter. How was it?

A massive honour, he says, quietly, nodding. But at the same time, it does make you appreciate what we do, social and YouTube and stuff

Warr interjects: How nimble we are [compared to traditional TV]...

With us you have full control, autonomy, and your own voice, says Burgess, looking at him. And that was a thing for me to get my head around.

Was handing over control difficult? No, says Burgess. But I havent watched it, I cant watch myself on it.

Still, he says, he was amazed to go to New York and find out Topjaws London content is almost as big there as it is here. This, you sense, is their new normal.

(Times Media Limited)

Warr and Burgess have not only drawn a huge audience to their social media accounts, but have enormous real life impact too. Countless operators have attested to the importance of their blessing, from Devonshire landlord Oisin Rogers to Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt, to Bistro Freddie restaurateur Dom Hamdy, who said that after the pair visited his then-new opening Canal, 800 booking requests came in overnight.

How does it feel to be the kingmakers? Do they feel theyve revived the publics interest in dining out? Burgess blushes sweetly and pauses uncharacteristically. If we are having an impact, its the best thing to hear, he says. We know people are watching the videos because we see the numbers. But were not boots-on-the-ground. I love the messages where chefs go, like God weve had a really busy weekend, you know?

Not that every chef or personality featured makes it to the Topjaw grid, and not every guests recommendation makes it to the page. What stops somewhere getting a shout-out? If its too posh  some answers are too inaccessible  or a bit boring: If they just sort of bleat on about the most well-known Michelin-star restaurants, I might be a bit like, Ah, f***! says Burgess. Data guides them on everything, and if its posh and boring? Thats the double. Sometimes people might open with another River Cafe nomination, and we know that might make people switch off, he explains. So wed have to encourage them ask them if they have another option. He smiles, regroups. Obviously, we know theyre just paying their respects!

(Times Media Limited)

What else stops an appearance? Sometimes a place doesnt live up to the standard, says Burgess. Or sometimes it does, but then we hear that other people have gone and had a very different experience to us  so we send one of the team, give them the company card and tell them to have everything that we had and report back. It might be service, it might be atmosphere, it might be food, it might be anything, but if its not the same, we go, Right, well, were just not putting this out. And its a shame Warr looks more pained. And a waste, because its after all this research, all this time editing.

There are sometimes darker reasons, too. The restaurant world runs on gossip and while Burgess is quick to dismiss hearsay  we try not to pay too much attention to; I try to make up my own opinions  he concedes there are some people in the industry weve heard inexcusable levels of criticism about and then maybe we try to give them a wide berth.

One thing that never sways them, they insist, is money. Were really serious about where we go to, because we never accept payment from any hospitality business, says Burgess. Despite what people say. But the idea of trying to keep that a secret, I wouldnt be able to sleep at night.

Jesse's top five London restaurants

Camille

Beautiful French bistro that doesnt needlessly tie itself to one region. I dont stop thinking about this one.

2-3 Stoney Street, SE1; camillerestaurant.co.uk

Ambassadors Clubhouse

Beautiful Punjabi cooking in a stunning room, left. Cant knock the cocktails, either.

25 Heddon Street, W1; ambassadorsclubhouse.com

Kolae

Scorching southern Thai, regularly name-checked on Topjaw with good reason.

6 Park Street, SE1; kolae.com

Cinder

Distinct, inventive food done over wood that defies categorisation. Worth a journey for.

66 Belsize Lane, NW3 and 5 St Johns Wood High Street, NW8; cinderrestaurant.co.uk

Dumplings Legend

A Soho classic, and as its name suggests, known for its fine dumplings, drawing recipes from across China. Light on frills, but not in a bad way.

15-16 Gerrard Street, W1; dumplingslegend.com

There are other accounts that are like kind of billboards, you know  its like, Ive got this audience, pay me to be on the billboard  but thats just totally not how we operate.

What do they make of those who do accept the cash? Did they see, following the announcement of his Christmas market on Tottenham Court Road, the Daily Mails recent hit-piece on Eating with Tod (dubbed by the writer as the ginger James Corden of food reviewers)? It wasnt kind, says Warr, sincerely. All the stuff that we have these days on mental health, especially with the men, to go and do that was punchy, adds Burgess.

Its funny, that same company approached us to do whatever it is, he adds after a beat. And they were offering a lot of money, but we took one look at it and said no, and for all the reasons that article was criticising him for. It looked rubbish, theyre charging these stands a lot of money, it was all being done very quickly and street food festivals are not necessarily our bag Were not going to do it just for a handsome cheque.

Not for a handsome cheque, only to then hand over all creative control to them, says Warr, shaking his head. Im so pleased we dodged that.

Though the pair do get paid for paid partnerships  big names like Bumble, Google and Stella Artois  they say theyre careful to be extremely transparent with adverts. We know why and how you have to be prominent with [promotions]. I think there are Tod and other creators where the viewers are getting wise to it. No one wants to be advertised to dishonestly.

The funny thing about all this is, it almost didnt happen. In November, Warr and Burgess threw a huge party on top of the Standard hotel to celebrate their 10th anniversary (their first YouTube release, a three-part series discovering Londons best burger, dropped in April 2015  Burgesss good looks were just as much of a pull then: I was staring at your face more than at the burgers is one of the most-read comments). The party was a marvel in itself, given it was full of about 500 chefs and restaurateurs on a Thursday evening, which almost never happens. Theres going to be a lot of one-star Google reviews tonight, Burgess joked onstage.

But to many there, and most of the Instagram fans, Topjaw are perhaps two, three years old, and known for quickfire questions, not three-part series. But their passion is, in fact, longer content, which they did for seven or eight years before we decided to go the whole hog  because it was either that or put it in the bin, explains Burgess. Topjaw had been a hobby; Warr doing short films and wedding work, Burgess in marketing for Candy Kittens, the sweet company founded by Jamie Laing. Burgess and Laing knew each other from their days working for Storm modelling agency. What that did was gave me a ticket to London with a flat that they put me up in, in Stockwell with other male models, like a real life Zoolander.

But, right when they needed it, those short clips took off  from the very first time, with Paradise founder Dom Fernando. A million-and-a-half views, smiles Burgess.

Soon chefs were lining up. Cynical industry insiders were wondering what would happen when they ran out. The pivot to celebrity has answered that. Burgess cant hide his excitement. We f***ing filmed with Kate Winslet on Friday, the day before that AJ Tracey, day before that Walton Goggins he grins. When youre working with these A-listers, sometimes theyre a little more uptight, says Warr. And sometimes you know they dont get into it as much. But sometimes theyre just like Walton Goggins last week, who was just so fricking charming. You go away just like glowing. Theyve also had Idris Elba, Charli xcx, Burgesss best mate Ed. Jamie Oliver stitched the pair up on the most overrated question, making up the name of a place, managing to go undetected during filming.

Whos next? I would love to have Matthew McConaughey on! beams Burgess.

Were both massive Ricky Gervais fans, says Warr. That would be, no doubt, 20 of the best minutes of my life.

And anyone ever turn them down? Alison Hammond. But then I met her when I did This Morning, says Burgess. And I did establish that despite spending a lot of time in London, she knew nothing she doesnt go out much in London. So I was actually giving her recommendations for restaurants in Birmingham. He grins. Celebs asking him for recommendations happens a lot. Even AJ Tracey outside the Marlborough with Crisp pizza. He was like: Is this place good? And we were like, yeah!

Now theyve done half of Londons chefs, been around the world and are burning through Hollywoods finest, whats next? For now, Warr explains theyre hoping to parlay their success with reels and shorts into getting more detailed stuff off the ground. But the other thing? Despite the fame, the success, the presumable fortune, the pair are keenly aware fashion comes and goes. They are polite about copycat accounts, though we still have a unique thing compared to them, says Warr.

Still, says Burgess, drumming his fingers on the table, I always think its gonna end tomorrow. Were not sat on top of the hill going: f***ing yes, that was great!

Really? Really. Personally, Im always terrified of the fact that it could all just go.
Theres no volume low enough to suit trans rights activists or their craven celebrity enablers, says Graham Linehan - Paul Grover

Do you have questions for Graham Linehan? Post them in the comments section below, and he will respond at 6pm on Friday.

The sentence, Who are you?, is not something most people would consider full of comic potential. Father Ted co-writer, Arthur Mathews, and I certainly didnt when we wrote it down. These were the early days of Father Ted, and we didnt always know how to give a character dialogue that pushed the story forward and revealed character.

In this case, we just needed the audience to know which priest or bishop had walked into the room, so we wrote, Who are you?, and moved on  a bland, workmanlike line, the kind of thing I hope I wouldnt write now.

And then Ardal OHanlon got hold of it.

Arthur and I nearly fell off our seats. He said it like a toddler  blunt, guileless, weirdly rude. American playwright, David Mamet, says theres no such thing as a character. Theres just dialogue, action and an actor, and the audiences imagination fuses them into a person. But here, we hadnt given Ardal any help.

There was no Dougal in Who are you?, but his instincts were so good that he put Dougal into it anyway, and suddenly the character was there, inhabiting a line wed left empty. From then on, whenever we needed the audience to know something, we made sure Dougal was asking the questions.

From left: Ardal OHanlon as Father Dougal, Dermot Morgan as Father Ted, Frank Kelly as Father Jack and Pauline McLynn as Mrs Doyle - Television Stills

We were living with the consequences of our casting, happily in this case. Dermot Morgan was an energetic, restless, sympathetic Ted. Frank Kelly was like a special effect wed hired from Industrial Light and Magic. Pauline McLynn was such a brilliant comic actress that wed have been embarrassed to keep giving her the one-note housekeeper wed originally written.

But of all of them, Ardal was the one who got it  our language, our sensibility. He was our generation, Arthurs and mine, and he shared our comic sense so completely that we never had to give him a note.

A lot of actors dislike studio sitcoms because they exist between two worlds  not quite theatre, even though theres a live audience, and not quite television, because theres a live audience. Actors dont like an audience witnessing their process, and they really dont like being given notes in front of 300 people.

But Ardal was so certain of his understanding of Dougal, so on top of his lines and the blocking, that he never felt any fear. He lived for Fridays, when we finally got the laughs wed been working on all week.

That was Ardal. That was who he was to me and to the show. And now I have to write about losing him.

Ive been here before. Ive read all the quotes by now, from all the old friends who couldnt pick up the phone before speaking to the press. Bill Bailey  our secret sauce on Black Books  said he found my stance in supporting womens rights baffling. Amelia Bullmore  one of the things that made Big Train classier than it had any right to be  spoke of the unfathomable escalation of me standing against the mutilation of children in gender clinics. They all have their little variations, but the tune is always the same. Baffled. Sorry for me. Cant understand why I got involved.

If only he had done it differently, when they never did it at all.

Ardal OHanlon (left) and Graham Linehan (right) at the funeral of Frank Kelly in 2016 - Niall Carson/PA Wire

I expected more from Ardal. I never thought he would intone the catechism.

I still get on great with everyone, he said in a recent interview with The Times, though I havent seen much of the shows creator, Graham Linehan, and am baffled as to why he got involved in the culture wars. I feel sorry for him  hes entitled to his opinions, but the way he presented them made it confrontational.

When I read that, I phoned him immediately.

When people betray me, I always make the mistake of phoning them straight away. My heart was thumping in my chest as I found his number and gave him a faux-polite, Hey Ardal, hows it going?. My anger was already boiling. I knew exactly what he would say  the exact same things Bill Bailey said when I phoned him, the exact same things Amelia Bullmore said when I wrote to her. I knew, and I phoned anyway, because I cant help myself. And when he started reading from the same script as all the others, I lost my temper.

At some point, Ardal said, I just disagree with you.

I was stunned for a moment. Then I said, What? You think men should be in womens prisons? You think children should be mutilated and sterilised? You think men should be in womens sports?

Oh, er, no, Im not as familiar with the subject as you. Then, of course, it wasnt what I said, it was the way I said it. This is what we in the fight have come to call the Bananarama defence  It aint what you do, its the way that you do it. Its never what we say, its the terrible, awful, confrontational way we say it.

Linehan says he expected more from OHanlon (left) after the actor echoed claims that hed been confrontational in the gender debate - Television Stills

But of course, theres no volume low enough to suit trans rights activists or their craven celebrity enablers. JK Rowling spent years extending good faith to people who had no intention of returning it. I did too. I had just given up by the time she entered the fight.

We hear the Bananarama defence constantly, almost always from people who have never said a word about the subject. They wont know the first thing about puberty blockers. They couldnt name a single safeguarding failure resulting from the idea that a group of self-selecting men are actually women. They havent followed the debate at all, because they know its more than their career is worth to pay attention. But theyre very confident that I went about addressing it in the wrong way.

Ive never had any interest in celebrity memoirs. But if Ardal had been targeted by trans activists, hounded out of his career and betrayed by every person close to him, you can bet I would have been curious to crack open any book that might provide an explanation. After all, Ardal was a dear friend, and thats what I thought one did for friends.

But Ardal didnt seem to have read my memoir. Possibly for the same reason he never phoned me over the 10 years in which my life and career were being dismantled by trans activists  anonymous paedophiles on Twitter, homophobic parents who had transed their children, Wikipedia moderators, Guardian journalists.

Im guessing he hadnt done any reading on the subject at all. He doesnt know about the thousands of children permanently harmed in gender clinics like the Tavistock and Boston Childrens Hospital. He doesnt know that the psychotic Barbie Kardashian can walk into any female-only space in Ireland behind a woman and not be breaking the law until he decides to assault her. He certainly didnt know that I raised over 20,000 for Vancouver Rape Relief, which had a dead rat nailed to its door by trans activists, or about the millions weve raised for women fighting back against this appalling misogyny in the UK and across the world.

No. He just went to the press, said he was baffled, said he felt sorry for me, and went back to doing precisely nothing about the greatest threat to womens and girls rights in over 100 years  and the greatest health disaster for gay people since the Aids crisis.

It would be one thing if hed actually engaged with the substance and come out the other side with a different view. What I cant respect is the refusal to look  the cowardice of condemning a friend of 25 years without lifting a finger over 10 years to help him.

And its not just cowardice towards me. Ardal has a wife. He has daughters. The ideology Ive spent years fighting has real consequences for women and girls. It has put rapists in womens prisons. It has dismantled single-sex spaces that exist to protect the vulnerable. It has ended the careers of many women who dared to speak up. And it has subjected children to what will one day be recognised as a crime against humanity.

These arent abstract positions Ive taken up for fun. But Ardal couldnt be bothered to find out whether I might be right. Thats not a disagreement. Thats a failure of character.

Linehan, photographed in May 2025, was recently cleared of harassing a transgender woman following a trial - Lucy North/PA Wire

I would have said all this to him on the phone, but I was so angry I could not get any of it out. In fact, at one point I said, Youre on my f---ing s--t list. Ridiculous, of course, but unfortunately true. Like Father Ted at the Golden Cleric Awards, I keep a tally of every person who took the easy path and watched me twist in the wind. I cant help it. I remember them all.

Tim Heidecker saying Id gone down a rabbit hole. David ODoherty, who didnt have the guts to speak to me. My own brother-in-law publicly calling me insane. Adam Buxton, Jon Ronson, Richard Herring, Stewart Lee. People who knew me, people who had my phone number, people who could have asked, people who assumed the worst because doing otherwise would have exposed them to the same treatment I was receiving. In condemning me, to use Douglas Murrays line, they raise a little flag outside their home so the mob will pass them by.

And every time one of them hands a journalist another little quote  another baffled, another sorry, another hes awful, but I hope hes okay  they get to carry on with their lives while mine gets smaller. None of them had the courage or the character to say any of it to my face. They dont engage on the substance because they dont appear to believe any of it themselves. But instead of fighting it, they speak to the press, pour a little more concrete over my career and go back to their untroubled king-sized beds, some of them in homes they wouldnt own were it not for my words.

With all of these friends, I made the terrible mistake of assuming I knew them. I assumed they believed in womens rights. That they believed women should have fair sports. That they believed men shouldnt be placed in womens prisons, in their shelters and rape crisis centres.

The people I thought I knew would never have stayed silent while children were sterilised. They would never have let a friend be destroyed without at least asking what hed actually said. They would never have spoken to a journalist before picking up the phone.

But those people dont exist. I invented them, just as I invented Dougal. The real Bill, the real Amelia, the real Ardal  all that time they were standing in front of me, I apparently never saw them at all. Ardal knew how to put character into an empty line, but he had no character himself. Who are you?  I guess Ill never know.
Donald Trump and European leaders want the same thing for Ukraine , Sir Keir Starmer insisted as precarious peace talks surrounding a US-led plan to end the war with Russia continue.

The Prime Minister said there were a number of issues still to be resolved but dismissed suggestions his optimism had been frayed ahead of chairing a call with allies in the coalition of the willing on Thursday.

The latest draft draft proposals for Ukraine have been presented to the US President, including plans surrounding territorial concessions Kyiv may be prepared to make, German Chancellor Friedrich said on Wednesday.

But he highlighted territorial issues were "a question that must be answered primarily by the Ukrainian president, and the Ukrainian people and this had been made clear to Mr Trump.

Asked during a visit to Norfolk whether there was a chance of progress being made into the weekend, or if his hopes had been worn down, Sir Keir said: No, we do need to make progress.

And what President Trump wants, what Ukraine wants, what Europeans want is the same thing, which is a just and lasting peace in Ukraine after the nearly four-year aggression from Putin and Russia. So were working towards that aim.

Sir Keir Starmer met with Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz at Downing Street last week (PA)

Obviously there are a number of issues still to be resolved, but Im very clear in my mind that we support Ukraine in this fight, not of their making.

Theyve paid a very heavy price. If there is to be a ceasefire and I hope there is, the Ukrainians want that above all else, it must be just and it must be lasting.

It comes after Sir Keir, French President Emmanuel Macron and Mr Merz spoke to Mr Trump on Wednesday as the US relationship with Europe faces severe strain.

The US president said they had discussed proposals to end the war in pretty strong terms, and that European leaders would like a meeting this weekend with both the US and Ukraine, adding that he thought Mr Zelensky has to be realistic about the war.

Well make a determination depending on what they come back with, Mr Trump told reporters during a question-and-answer session at the White House.

Downing Street said all the leaders had agreed it was a critical moment for the future of Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security, adding: Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days.

The Prime Minister will co-chair a call with Mr Zelensky, Mr Macron, Mr Merz and leaders and officials from around 30 other nations later, during which they will discuss the latest on the US-led peace talks.

The UK and French-led group of countries, known as the coalition of the willing, has pledged to support Ukraine and deter Russia in the event of a ceasefire.

Planning for a potential peacekeeping force has been detailed and included reconnaissance missions to Ukraine to determine what units we might deploy, how and what their roles might be, a No 10 spokesman said.

The Prime Minister has been clear that were ready to put troops on the ground following the end of hostilities, he told journalists on Thursday.

Meanwhile, progress has been made in behind-the-scenes meetings between national security advisers including the UKs Jonathan Powell, according to British officials.

Mr Zelensky, who reiterated his opposition to ceding land and resisted US pressure for concessions to Russia earlier this week, said his team was due to hand its latest peace proposals to American negotiators on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump has been critical of Ukraines European allies (PA)

Ukraines European allies are supporting his efforts to ensure that any settlement is fair and deters future attacks from Moscow, as well as accommodating the continents defence interests.

Mr Trump has been critical of Ukraines European allies, denigrating them as weak leaders of decaying nations failing to produce anything as the war just keeps going on and on.

The US national security strategy, published earlier this month, said the Trump Administration finds itself at odds with European officials who hold unrealistic expectations for the war perched in unstable minority governments, many of which trample on basic principles of democracy to suppress opposition.

Mr Zelensky said Ukraine would hold talks with the US on plans for post-war reconstruction and economic development.
President Donald Trump raised eyebrows Tuesday with comments made about White House press secretary Karoline Leavitts physical appearance.

At a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, during a speech that was supposed to be about the economy, Trump gushed about Leavitts beautiful face and those lips that dont stop.

We even brought our superstar today, Karoline, Trump said, drawing cheers from the crowd. Isnt she great? Is Karoline great? You know, when she goes on television, Fox, like, I mean, they dominate, they dominate when she gets up there with that beautiful face.

And those lips that dont stop. Pop-pop-pop like a little machine gun, Trump continued. Shes got no fear, and you know why she has no fear? Because we have the right policy.

Its not the first time Trump, 79, has commented on his 28-year-old press secretarys appearance  or drawn backlash from social media critics for doing so.

President Donald Trump made bizarre comments about his press secretarys lips during a speech in Pennsylvania Tuesday (AFP via Getty Images)

And internet users were quick to pile on the president again for his comments made during Tuesdays rally.

Who says *** like this about a female that works for him? Its beyond creepy and gross, one X user wrote.

Fairly weird thing to say about your employee/subordinate, another added.

Another simply put, Disgusting.

Trumps speech was supposed to be about the economy buyt somehow its justa weird obsession with trans people, a racist word salad, and something about Karoline Leavitts lips?? a commentator wrote, later adding, Meanwhile prices arent getting any lower.

Another user joked, Somebody come get grandpa hes getting creepy.

Trump: Isn't she great? Is Karoline great? She gets up there with that beautiful face and those lips that don't stop, ba ba ba like a little machine gun. pic.twitter.com/Ocupqef0ZB  Acyn (@Acyn) December 10, 2025

Trump similarly gushed about Leavitts lips during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One in October.

The president was speaking with reporters after his victory lap trip to Israel and Egypt, after signing his peace deal alongside Western and Arab leaders.

Despite talking about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the presidet abruptly switched gears to comment on his press secretarys looks.

Hows Karoline doing? Is she doing good? Trump asked reporters, seemingly unprompted. Should Karoline be replaced? he followed up.

When a reporter replied, Thats up to you, sir, Trump noted, Itll never happen. That faceand those lips. They move like a machine gun, right?

Trump made a similar comment about Leavitts facial features in August, telling Newsmax, Shes become a star. Its that face. Its that brain. Its those lips, the way they move. They move like shes a machine gun.
Tucker Carlson told Olivia Nuzzi her life was in danger and offered to send her a shotgun amid RFK Jr. drama, her ex claims

Tucker Carlson has now entered the never-ending Nuzzigate saga.

In Part 5 of his ongoing series about his ex-fiancee Olivia Nuzzis affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the subsequent fallout that ultimately culminated in Nuzzi publishing a critically reviled book and losing yet another journalism job, former Politico correspondent Ryan Lizza revealed the behind-the-scenes role the ex-Fox News star played as the scandal broke.

According to Lizza, Carlson had become one of Nuzzis confidants amid the drama over the Kennedy relationship and warned the one-time political media star that her life was in danger and offered to send her a shotgun.

On top of that, an increasingly conspiratorial Carlson thought the story was a grander deep-state plot hatched by Israel to destroy Trump by destroying Bobby.

Having previously alleged that Nuzzi also cheated on him with ex-presidential candidate Mark Sanford and acted as Kennedys political operative while working for New York magazine, Lizza kicked off his latest Substack episode by diving into Nuzzis efforts to get ahead of the story of her affair with Kennedy.

Tucker Carlson thought that the story about Olivia Nuzzis affair with RFK Jr. was a part of a grander deep state plot to take down Donald Trump and Kennedy. (Getty Images)

With Kennedy backing Donald Trump after having suspended his own independent presidential campaign, word began to spread inside the New York offices about Nuzzis relationship with the now-current Health and Human Services secretary.

According to Lizza, even though he and Nuzzi had broken up, he spent several days with her in September of last year trying to convince her to disclose the truth to her editor before the story became public. At that point in time, media reporter Oliver Darcy was already inquiring about it, and tech podcaster Kara Swisher said she already knew about the situation.

Instead, Lizza claimed that Nuzzi pulled together a small group that would serve as a sort of crisis communications war room for her as the scandal widened in the coming days, which included her agent from Creative Artists Agency and a former CNN spokesman. In the end, however, their attempts to kill the story didnt work as Darcy ended up breaking it in his recently launched newsletter.

And this is when things took a much darker turn. Olivia and her colleagues in the war room workshopped the idea and came up with a more menacing version that they gave to Oliver: he could not publish the story because if he did, it would send Olivias lunatic ex-fiance into a fit of rage and endanger Olivia, Lizza added.

After Darcy published his story, Lizza asserted that Nuzzi was briefly elated because she and Bobby were working together again, noting that the two had coordinated their statements together after Kennedy had cut things off with her.

Up until then, Bobby had been ghosting her, so Olivia, according to her friends, was ecstatic to be back in touch, even if it was for the narrow purpose of protecting him and humiliating her, Lizza wrote.

The chance to once again collaborate as Bobbys secret political operative, this time to help Trump get elected, so he could make Bobby a cabinet secretary, was exhilarating to Olivia, he added.

At the same time, Lizza noted that the last time he personally saw Nuzzi, which was just before the story broke, she expressed fears over what Kennedy would do to her if their affair became public. If anyone ever finds out, Im afraid Bobby will kill me, she supposedly told Lizza.

Ryan Lizza said that Nuzzi told him that she was worried Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would have her killed to keep details of their relationship secret. (Getty Images for CBS News)

Amid Nuzzis crisis management teams efforts to portray him as a scorned ex and a stalker, Lizza said that he was suddenly contacted by Gavin de Becker, Kennedys security adviser who Lizza likened to a Bond villain. According to Lizza, de Becker texted him, urging him to look up his Wikipedia page  which said de Beckers life was mired in violence  and to call when practical.

While Lizza said he never called de Becker back, the Kennedy security specialist would hover in the shadows in an effort to keep more lurid details about the anti-vaccine activist from coming to light.

He would occasionally check in on Olivia, according to her friends, just to make sure she remained loyal and was protecting Bobbys secrets, Lizza wrote of de Becker. At one point, Olivia told Tucker Carlson about the details of one of de Beckers calls to her. Tucker told her she should fear for her life and offered to send her a shotgun.

Lizza then described an instance in which Nuzzi spoke to Wall Street Journal media reporter Isabella Simonetti about a story on the fallout from the affair, noting that Nuzzi had tape-recorded the conversation and shared it with Carlson, who asked him to give it to Kennedy.

Olivia wanted Bobby to have proof that she remained loyal and that she continued to lie for him. Bobby and Tucker, I was reliably told, had dinner during this period, and they debated how high up the plot to destroy Bobby went, Lizza claimed.

Tucker, by then, was telling people, including Olivia, that Bobby was being blackmailed by Israel. And in terms of conspiracy theorists, he was like the Alex Jones to Bobbys Oliver Stone, he continued. Bobby just thought it was me, possibly working with Olivia. But Tucker thought it was a much grander deep-state plot to destroy Trump by destroying Bobby. He assumed I was just the tip of the spear.

In the aftermath of Lizzas Substack serial of the Nuzzi-Kennedy saga, the former Washington correspondent has lashed out at her ex-fiance and accused him of publishing revenge porn to harm her. Telling the truth is not harassment, Lizza told The Independent in response to Nuzzis claims.

Meanwhile, her book American Canto  in which she detailed her affair with Kennedy, though she only called him The Politician throughout  has been savaged by critics and is a commercial flop. (It currently sits at #20,205 on the Amazon Best Sellers list.)

Additionally, amid the additional allegations about her journalistic ethics breaches with Kennedy, Vanity Fair mutually agreed to part ways with Nuzzi just a few months after announcing she had joined the publication as its West Coast editor.
Britains housing crisis continues to deepen as the number of people sleeping rough has increased by 20 per cent in just one year, a new report has revealed.

There are now at least 4,667 sleeping on the streets on any given night in England, the annual report from Shelter finds, with hundreds of thousands more experiencing other forms of homelessness.

Over 380,000 people, including 175,025 children, are now homeless in the country, the housing charity has said. This is up eight per cent from a year ago, equivalent to 28,602 more people.

The stark figure means that 1 in every 153 people in England are now experiencing homelessness, rising to 1 in 45 in London.

Sarah Elliott, Shelter CEO, said: Its unthinkable that as winter sets in, more than 382,000 people are without a safe place to call home. Thousands of people are bracing themselves for their next freezing night on the street, while over 84,000 families are facing up to the grim reality of spending Christmas in damaging temporary accommodation.

Every day at Shelter we hear from parents who are terrified of waiting out another winter in appalling temporary accommodation. Cut off from family and friends in a bleak emergency B&B thats miles away, they watch as their childrens breath hangs in the air and mould climbs the walls.

Announcing Labours new homelessness plan, housing secretary Steve Reed said: Homelessness is one of the most profound challenges we face as a society (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire)

The report also found that:

Over 90 per cent of the people recorded as homeless  including 84,240 families  are in temporary accommodation

At least 4,031 people are in accommodation provided by social services

An estimated 16,294 additional single people are in hostels or other homeless accommodation

The findings come as Labour shares its plans to end homelessness, pledging 3.5 billion in a renewed drive. The government says the funding will deliver an increased rate of prevention, halve the number of people sleeping rough, and end the unlawful use of B&Bs for families.

Announcing the plans, housing secretary Steve Reed said: Homelessness is one of the most profound challenges we face as a society, because at the heart, its about people. Families deserve stability, children need a safe place to grow, and individuals simply want the dignity of a home.

Through our new strategy we can build a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and not repeated. With record investment, new duties on public services, and a relentless focus on accountability, we will turn ambition into reality.

The government also passed its Renters Rights Bill in October, which will give tenants major new protections from next year, and has reiterated its pledge to build 1.5 million homes this parliament.

But Shelter and other housing campaigners have urged ministers to go further by ending the freeze on housing benefit, which limits how much financial support tenants can claim to pay their rents.

After being relinked to cheapest 30 per cent of rental homes in an area in April 2024, Labour re-froze housing benefit rates with no deadline to unfreeze them. This means, as rental prices continue to quickly rise, the amount tenants are able to claim towards the cost remains the same.

Its unlikely the government will announce a change to this policy before later in 2026, with ministers indicating that lowering welfare spending remains a key priority. However, doing so would immediately lift thousands of children out of temporary accommodation and into a home, Ms Elliot said.

Georgia, 36, lived in temporary accommodation with her 7-year-old son for five months (Shelter)

Georgia, 36, is an administrator for a home care service, living in Norfolk. With her 7-year-old son, she spent five months in temporary accommodation earlier this year after a marriage breakdown left her homeless.

She said: I only found out we were being evicted two days before the bailiffs arrived. It was such a shock. The council found us a room in a B&B. It had a tiny little kitchen area, two single beds, a toilet and a bath all in one room. I told my boy we were staying there until we got our forever home.

Living in temporary accommodation impacted everything. We had to rehome our cat and dog and I had to leave my job due to all the upheaval. The place was 45 minutes away from my sons school. He was really tired and unsettled. It severely impacted my mental health. I barely left the room for months. I was crying every day.

The single mother was able to find a permanent social home after she approached Shelter, who were able to offer her legal advice and appeal the councils decision.

We are really happy. My sons toys were the first things to come out of storage. Its amazing to see him relax and play again. It was all so uncertain before. We could be told to go with barely any notice. Now I know my son is safe and this home is ours.
Venezuela calls Trump admins seizure of tanker an act of international piracy and claims its being targeted for oil

Venezuela has accused the U.S. of engaging in an international act of piracy after one of its oil tankers was seized by the U.S. military.

Under these circumstances, the true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally been revealed It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people, the Venezuelan government said in a statement.

The seizure marks the latest escalation in President Donald Trumps targeting of Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro.

Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, Trump told reporters on Wednesday. Largest one ever seized actually. And other things are happening.

The president didnt supply additional information, but said that the vessel was interdicted for a very good reason. When asked what would happen to the ship, he said, We keep it, I guess.

Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a video of the seizure on X/Twitter on Wednesday night, calling the ship a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran (US Attorney General Pam Bondis X account)

Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a video of the seizure on X/Twitter on Wednesday evening, calling the ship a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations, Bondi wrote.

This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securely  and our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues.

Caracas responded to the seizure on Wednesday evening, calling it an international act of piracy (US Attorney General Pam Bondis X account)

The DHS X account gloated about the seizure in a post.

KNOCKOUT. If you threaten our nation, or break the law, there is no place on land or sea where we wont find you. Thank you to the brave service members from @USCG, @ICEGOV, @FBI, @DeptofWar, and @TheJusticeDept, the agency wrote.

Two unnamed officials told Reuters that the operation was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard. They didnt provide the name of the vessel or where exactly the operation took place.

The intercepted tanker had been sanctioned by the U.S. government, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News. The seizure could make it more difficult for the oil-rich nation to conduct trade, as shippers may be wary of handling its cargo. The majority of Venezuelan oil is sent to China.

After the maneuver was revealed, oil prices rose, according to CNBC. Brent crude futures ticked up 27 cents, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased 21 cents.

U.S. forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking the latest escalation in Trumps targeting of the Latin American nation (Reuters)

Spokespeople for the White House and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Independent.

The naval operation comes as the Trump administration is ramping up pressure on President Maduro, whom it accuses of facilitating illegal drug trafficking.

Since September, the Pentagon has launched around two dozen strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, killing at least 87 people. At the same time, the U.S. has amassed a fleet of warships near Venezuela, marking the largest naval buildup in the region in decades. And, in October, the Republican president authorized the CIA to undertake covert action inside Venezuela.

I think youre going to find that this is war, Trump said last week. And very soon were going to start doing it on land too, referring to the naval strikes.

Maduro has denied that his country is involved in the illegal drug trade and has accused the Trump administration of fabricating a new eternal war. Hes also said the real motivation behind Trumps actions is to force him out of office and take control of Venezuelas vast oil reserves. In response, hes called on the nations citizens to unite against American aggression and deployed troops, aircraft and ships to the coast.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the U.S. of fabricating a new eternal war (AP)

The administrations actions in the region have prompted a wave of criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine described the Pentagons strikes in the Caribbean as illegal and warned that they risk dragging a conflict-weary nation into yet another foreign war. The American people have no interest in stumbling into an illegal new war that would place the lives of our servicemembers at risk, he said in late November.

A handful of Republicans, too, have expressed opposition. Last week, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul called on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth  who has faced heightened scrutiny over a September 2 attack to testify under oath about the boat strikes.

I think that Congress, if they had any kind of gumption at all, would not be allowing this administration to summarily execute people that are suspected of a crime, he told The Independent.

Many Republicans, though, have stood in lockstep with the administration. In November, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin said Trump is protecting the United States by being very proactive.

Public opinion on Trumps military maneuvers is mixed. Most Americans, 53 percent, approve of using military force to attack vessels suspected of trafficking drugs into the U.S., according to a November CBS News survey. At the same time, 70 percent said they would oppose taking military action in Venezuela.
Academics have identified the most effective method for discontinuing antidepressant medication, suggesting a gradual reduction in dosage combined with psychological support.

This approach, known as tapering, has been found to significantly lower the risk of depression relapse.

Researchers indicate that this slow, supported withdrawal could prevent relapse in one in five individuals, a marked improvement compared to abruptly stopping or rapid tapering.

The findings highlight the importance of a considered, supported process when coming off these medications.

Antidepressants can be recommended as a treatment for depression or anxiety.

The authors of the new paper, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, highlight how concerns exist around overprescribing, long-term use.

Experts said that for many patients, it is recommended that they discontinue treatment after around six to nine months.

Longer treatment can be given to patients with severe symptoms or repeated episodes of depression.

Nearly nine million patients in England took antidepressants last year, according to data from the NHS Business Services Authority.

Antidepressants can be recommended as a treatment for depression or anxiety (Getty/iStock)

Researchers, led by academics from the University of Verona in Italy, looked at deprescribing strategies among more than 17,300 patients who took part in 76 clinical trials.

Patients coming off antidepressants were an average age of 45 and were tracked for almost a year.

The risk of relapse for those stopping abruptly was nearly 40 per cent.

Fast tapering was almost as bad as abruptly stopping treatment, researchers said, adding that these mechanisms to stop treatment carried the highest risk of relapse.

The team found that continuing antidepressants coupled with psychological support reduced the risk of relapse by 60 per cent.

Continuing the antidepressant with no psychological support reduced the risk of relapse by 49 per cent.

But slow tapering plus psychological support was as effective reducing risk of relapse by 48 per cent.

We found that continuing with or without psychological support, slow tapering with the psychological support and continuing at the antidepressant at reduced doses had similar benefits in preventing relapse within the first year after stopping, said lead author Professor Giovanni Ostuzzi from the University of Verona.

We also found that abrupt stopping or fast tapering were similar and had the highest risk of relapse.

Prof Corrado Barbui, also from the University of Verona, said: The way they are stopped should follow a slow, rather than fast, approach and possibly with some kind of psychological support, to keep this as scalable as possible, this type of support should be short based on CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).

Abrupt stopping of antidepressants, or fast tapering, had the highest risk of relapse (Getty Images)

The strategies which made no difference in preventing a relapse for depression included slowly coming off the drugs without the additional support; fast tapering plus psychological support or abrupt stopping plus psychological support.

The research team said that guidelines on how to come off antidepressants should promote individualised deprescribing with gradual tapering and structured psychological support.

Prof Ostuzzi added: Our new review clarifies the scientific evidence about the most effective way to come off antidepressants for individuals successfully treated for depression and could change how coming off antidepressants is managed globally.

Co-author Dr Debora Zaccoletti, from the University of Verona, said: These findings highlight the need for clinical guidelines to be updated to promote regular treatment reviews and individualised deprescribing with gradual tapering and structured psychological support for patients with depression who are feeling better and wish to come off their medication.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) created guidance in 2022 which included information on stopping antidepressants.

This guidance discusses the tapering of medication but says that some people may need more support to stop antidepressants successfully, which could include regular check-in phone calls, seeing them more frequently, advice on sleep hygiene from a clinician or therapist.

The NHS.uk website says that patients prescribed antidepressants will usually take them for at least six months after they feel better.
Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado appeared in Oslo on Thursday to a cheering crowd of her supporters.

It was her first public appearance in almost a year since she went into hiding after being barred from running in her countrys presidential election.

Ms Machado stepped out onto the balcony of Oslos Grand Hotel, where Nobel laureates usually stay, dressed in a black puffer jacket and jeans greeted by huge cheers and applause from a crowd of people who had gathered in the dead of the night just to catch a glimpse of the fugitive Venezuelan opposition figure.

Though she could not make it to the ceremony at the Norwegian capital in time to accept the prestigious award in person, Ms Machados public appearance was significant.

It was in defiance of a decade-long travel ban imposed upon her in her home country and being declared a fugitive by Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduros administration.

She is said to have made a daring escape from Venezuela by boat on Tuesday and travelled to the Caribbean island of Curacao, from where she departed on a private plane for Norway, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado greets supporters from a balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, early on 11 December 2025 (AFP via Getty)

Ms Machado was forced into hiding after she accused Mr Maduro of stealing the July 2024 presidential election.

With a hand on her heart, the 58-year-old pro-democracy activist joined her supporters in singing the Venezuelan national anthem Gloria al Bravo Pueblo (Glory to the Brave People).

Later, she also walked downstairs to meet the supporters who chanted courageous! and freedom! outside her hotel.

She spent several minutes outside, where she was joined by members of her family and several of her closest aides. She hugged many in the crowd amid chants of president! president!

I want you all back in Venezuela, Ms Machado said as people lifted their phones to take pictures.

Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado greets supporters from a balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway (AFP via Getty)

Videos showed her climbing over metal barricades to hug some of her supporters who had gathered to meet her outside the 19th-century building. Her appearance came shortly after her daughter received the Nobel Prize on her behalf at the ceremony.

A large portrait of a smiling Ms Machado hung in the Oslo City Hall to represent her at the ceremony.

Ms Machado said in an audio recording of a phone call published on the Nobel website that she wouldnt be able to arrive in time for the ceremony but that many people had risked their lives for her to arrive in Oslo.

I am very grateful to them, and this is a measure of what this recognition means to the Venezuelan people, she said, before indicating that she was about to board a plane.

Freedom is a choice that must be renewed each day, measured by our willingness and our courage to defend it. For this reason, the cause of Venezuela transcends our borders, she said in her prepared speech.

A people who choose freedom contribute not only to themselves, but to humanity.

Ms Machado has been in hiding since 9 January when she made a brief appearance to address her supporters at a rally protesting the swearing in of the president for a third term.

Machado gestures from a balcony of Grand Hotel, after her daughter Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the award on her behalf, in Oslo, Norway (Reuters)

Mr Maduro is widely considered a dictator and not recognised by the US as Venezuelas legitimate leader. He was sworn in to a third six-year term in January, and he maintains he was the legitimate winner of the presidential election last year.

The contentious elections were widely dismissed by Venezuelas opposition and much of the international community as rigged, igniting protests across the country.

Ms Machado had won an opposition primary election and intended to challenge Mr Maduro in the election last year in July but the government barred her from running for office. Retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzilez stood in her place.

The lead-up to the election saw widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations. That increased after the country's National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Mr Maduro's loyalists, declared the incumbent the winner.

Jrgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, told the award ceremony that Ms Machado has done everything in her power to be able to attend the ceremony here today  a journey in a situation of extreme danger." The audience cheered and clapped when Mr Frydnes said during his speech that Ms Machado would be coming to Oslo.

Machado is hugged by a supporter as she greets people on the streets of Oslo (Reuters)

He said "Venezuela has evolved into a brutal authoritarian state", describing Ms Machado as "one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in recent Latin American history."

Many past Nobel laureates have been unable to collect their awards with some detained or imprisoned in their home country.

Most recently, Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi in 2023 and Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski in 2022 were unable to attend the ceremony. Others include Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo in 2010, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar in 1991 and Carl von Ossietzky of Germany in 1935.
Venezuelas best-known opposition leader, the Nobel peace prize winner Maria Corina Machado, has said she supports the US seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuelas coast, calling it a very necessary step to confront Nicolas Maduros criminal regime.

Speaking in Oslo on Thursday, a day after she was honoured for her tireless struggle for democratic change, Machado praised the US navy and coastguard helicopter raid on the vessel.

Machado said the huge oil wealth of Venezuela  which has the worlds largest proven reserves  had not been used by Maduros dictatorship to fund hospitals or feed impoverished teachers or improve security. Rather, his regime had used it to buy weapons that were used to repress its opponents. So yes, these criminals have to be stopped and cutting the resources of illegal activities is a very necessary step, Machado told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Machado said her arrival in Oslo marked a historic turning point that showed Venezuelans the world is with them.

Machado, who was forced into hiding in Venezuela by Maduro, slipped out of her authoritarian homeland by boat in order to travel to Norway to collect her prize.

Venezuelan authorities would have done everything they could to stop her if they had known where she was hiding, she said on Thursday.

Speaking at the Norwegian parliament, the Storting, a few hours after making a dramatic 2.30am appearance to greet supporters from a balcony at the Grand hotel in Oslo and an emotional reunion with her family, Machado thanked those who had risked their lives so that I can be here today.

Standing alongside the Norwegian prime minister, Jonas Gahr Stre, she said: I dont think the authorities knew where I was. And its quite clear that they would have done everything they could to stop me from coming here. She added: I want to thank all those who have risked their lives so that I can be here today.

I would say to all citizens of the world in this hour and assure you that I am very hopeful Venezuela will be free and we will turn a country into a beacon of hope and opportunity, of democracy.

Machado, who had not seen her children for nearly two years before arriving in Oslo, said she had been unable to sleep trying to decide what she would do in the first instant that I saw my children.

For many weeks I had been thinking of that possibility, which one of them I would hug first  I hugged the three of them at the same time. Its been one of the most extraordinary spiritual moments of my life and it happened in Oslo so Im very grateful to this city. Something I will never forget.

She was, she said, one of millions of mothers longing to embrace our children, adding: That brings us together.

Machado said she would have liked to visit several countries while she was in Europe, but that she planned to go straight back to Venezuela where she would remain in hiding. When I return, the regime will not know where I am. We have people to take care of me and the places I stay, she said.

Hours earlier, the politician and pro-democracy activist marked her arrival in Oslo by stepping out on to the balcony of the Grand just before 2.30am local time.

Dozens of supporters chanted Courageous! and Freedom! in front of the hotel and sang the Venezuelan national anthem as she appeared. Glory to the brave nation, which shook off the yoke! they cried out.

It was Machados first public appearance in almost a year, after the July 2024 presidential election, which Maduro was accused of stealing.

Minutes after appearing on the balcony outside the hotels storied Nobel suite, the 58-year-old conservative came down on to the street and climbed over metal barricades to embrace supporters, who had gathered outside the 19th-century buildings glimmering facade.

At a press conference later on Thursday, she said: Peace is a declaration of love. And thats what brought me here.

Asked whether she supports US military intervention in Venezuela, she said the country had already been invaded. We have Iranian agents, and terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, who operate together with the regime. Drug cartels had, she said, made Venezuela a criminal centre.

Related: Venezuelan Nobel peace prize winner misses ceremony but vows to continue struggle

In a 4am interview with the Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Machado, who does not have a passport, said she had been travelling for nearly two days. It is very, very difficult and very dangerous to leave Venezuela if you are persecuted by the regime, she said.

To be reunited with her family, she said, was very emotional. I havent seen my children for almost two years. My mother had to leave too, so I havent seen her for 16 months. Or my husband, or my sisters, or my friends, or my colleagues.

Hours earlier, on Wednesday, the Nobel laureates 34-year-old daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the Nobel peace prize on her mothers behalf after she failed to arrive in Oslo in time for the ceremony.

Speaking at that event, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, Jrgen Watne Frydnes, urged Maduro to step down, having lost last years presidential election to Machados ally, Edmundo Gonzalez. Let a new age dawn, Frydnes said, hailing Machados struggle to achieve a peaceful and just transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.

Numerous past Nobel laureates have been unable to collect their awards in Oslo because of the political situation in their home countries, among them the Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, the Burmese politician and activist Aung San Suu Kyi and the Polish unionist and future president Lech Waesa.

Members of Maduros regime denounced Machados award, with the vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez, describing the Nobel ceremony as a total failure that her adversary had failed to attend. They say she was scared, Rodriguez added, claiming the 2025 Nobel prize was stained with blood.

Maduro, speaking at a rally in Caracas, urged the Trump administration  which has spent recent months trying to topple his government  to cease its illegal and brutal interventionism. He said citizens should be ready to smash the teeth of the North American empire if necessary.

Machado appears well placed to lead Venezuela if Trump succeeds in forcing Maduro from power. But Maduros downfall is far from certain  he rode out the US presidents 2019 maximum pressure campaign to topple him with a combination of sanctions and threats. Some observers suspect the Venezuelan strongman will survive Trumps latest intervention.
NEW YORK and DAEJEON, South Korea, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Korea Innovation Foundation (INNOPOLIS), currently operating the 2025 Global Technology Commercialization Support Program (North America), announces that 3 innovative companies TurbineCrew, TMEVNET, and Mona are chosen for the support program.

Turbine Crew - Smart Pole TMEVNET  Megawatt charging Mona  Rapid & Accurate Energy Diagnosis

This initiative selects innovative technology companies in the fields of machinery, energy, AI/IoT and bio health. The program provides comprehensive consulting support to help these companies apply their technologies and products on a trial basis to local facilities or projects operated by overseas companies and institutions, enabling on-site commercialization.

1. Turbine Crew - Smart Pole

The first company, Turbine Crew, is an innovative company that develops urban infrastructure solutions based on smart technology and creative engineering. Focusing on smart poles, energy management systems, and IoT-based monitoring technologies.

One of its main products, the Smart Pole, is a multifunctional, intelligent structure designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of urban infrastructure. It serves not only as a lighting fixture, but also as a platform that integrates various smart technologies such as communication systems, environmental sensors, security cameras and e-bike charging stations.

Key Features

Durable Structure: Made from high-strength aluminum or stainless steel for durability and weather resistance.

Energy Management: Built-in power distribution and charging management system allocates part of the energy for e-bike charging.

Smart City Integration: Functions as both lighting infrastructure and a hub linking renewable energy, mobility, and urban IoT systems.

With sustainable technology at its core, Turbine Crew designs the future of urban environments and delivers customized solutions backed by technical expertise and a strong sense of responsibility.

Inquiry: [email protected]

Website: https://www.turbinecrew.co.kr/

2. TMEVNET  Megawatt charging

The second company, TMEVnet Co., Ltd., is a deep-tech startup specializing in ultra-fast EV charging technology, has unveiled a next-generation cooling-based charging system capable of delivering over 1 megawatt (1 MW) and up to 1,000 A of current  all while maintaining compatibility with existing CCS and NACS charging standards.

This breakthrough is made possible by TMEVnet's proprietary precision thermal management system, which effectively controls heat generated during charging. The technology enables full charging of large electric vehicles in under five minutes using an ultra-light cable weighing less than 10 kg, reducing charging time to one-tenth of conventional methods while maintaining energy efficiency and safety.

TMEVnet's innovation has already gained global recognition, winning a CES 2025 Innovation Award in the Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility category. The company is currently conducting joint development and integration verification projects with major global players including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Motor, AVL, Prettl Group, and EcoG.

Beyond charging cables, TMEVnet is expanding its technology to power modules, vehicle inlets, and energy storage systems (ESS), positioning itself as a comprehensive platform for next-generation power and thermal management. With headquarters in Korea and growing partnerships in Germany and the United States, TMEVnet is rapidly emerging as a key technology provider in the global ultra-fast charging ecosystem.

Inquiries: [email protected]

Website: http://www.tmevnet.com/

3. Mona  Rapid & Accurate Energy Diagnosis

Amid large-scale EV battery recalls involving models, conventional inspection methods have revealed critical limitations. Hidden micro-defects occurring during battery module and pack assembly have been identified as key contributors to these failures.

The third company, Mona, has developed an AI-powered impedance analysis solution that accurately detects potential defects in just five secondsfar faster than traditional DC resistance testing, which can take over a minute. This enables real-time, high-precision quality control across the entire battery manufacturing process, improving both efficiency and safety.

Specialized for detecting microscopic welding defects in the Battery Module Assembly (BMA) process, Mona's technology identifies flaws invisible to the human eye or standard vision systems. This breakthrough dramatically enhances defect detection accuracy and manufacturing reliability.

The company is also expanding the technology to solid-state batteries, where even small cracks or pores in solid electrolytes can cause short circuits. By analyzing impedance variations at grain boundaries, Mona's system distinguishes between normal and defective cellsan essential advancement for next-generation battery manufacturing.

Combined with artificial intelligence that reconstructs full battery profiles from partial chargedischarge data, Mona's platform accelerates diagnostics and development. The company's innovation is poised to significantly strengthen EV battery safety and prevent future large-scale recalls.

Inquiries: [email protected]

Website: http://monaelec.com/

If you have any questions about these three energy sector items, please feel free to contact us at the information below:

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Korea Innovation Foundation
The View co-host Sunny Hostin has questioned Donald Trumps motives behind ordering the U.S. military to seize a tank in Venezuela.

After Trump escalated tensions with Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, with the controversial move Wednesday, the panelists on ABCs popular daytime talk show suggested that the president is preparing for a war with Venezuela to distract from his own White House scandals.

Hostin, 57, joined her co-hosts in debating the legality of the seizure before she slammed Trump for acting this aggressively in international waters.

The piece that I dont understand is that the President of the United States is almost acting as if hes a pirate and the United States is just a group of pirates, Hostin said during Thursdays episode

She doubled down while acknowledging that a federal judge previously signed a warrant allowing the seizure: Who are we to board a ship even with a U.S. federal judge's seizure warrant and then keep the oil?

Sunny Hostin has slammed Donald Trump's response to the Venezuela ship takeovers (ABC/The View)

That to me feels a lot like corruption. It feels a lot like, to me, imperialism. It feels a lot like me to fascism, Hostin slammed. And while it may be cloaked in an appearance of legality, I still question that.

Alyssa Farah Griffin chimed in to say that the decision might have been legal, but that it was undiplomatic of the president.

We do sanction terrorist organizations and regimes that are associated with them all over the world and we do seize assets that could support terrorist activities, the former aide to Trump explained to her co-hosts. This is long-standing throughout the Middle East. It's new because it's in the western hemisphere.

Whoopi Goldberg then said that Trump has a lot of nerve stoking tensions overseas while she says America is being run into the ground.

Trumps attorney general Pam Bondi insisted that the seizure was to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil, though Venezuela accused the U.S. of an international act of piracy.

Under these circumstances, the true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally been revealed, the Venezuelan government said in a statement. It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people.

Trump bragged about the interception while speaking with reporters Wednesday, saying: Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela. Largest one ever seized actually. And other things are happening.

The president refused to say more, only that the tank was seized for a very good reason.
Peter Robinson, the marine in the famous Yomper photo carrying the Union Flag on his backpack, expressed concern about rearming Argentina - Heathcliff O'Malley

Allowing Argentina to re-arm will threaten the Falklands, veterans have warned.

Javier Milei, Argentinas president, is seeking to lift a weapons ban imposed by Britain on the South American country.

Mr Milei told The Telegraph that negotiations had started on overhauling restrictions which have held back his military since the Falklands war.

However, veterans who survived the 1982 conflict have said allowing Buenos Aires to upgrade its military would leave the Falkland Islands exposed to a fresh invasion.

Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, whose ship HMS Ardent was sunk during the fight to retake the Falklands, said: One is always slightly concerned about them getting new and clever weapons when they still have an aspiration to take over the Falklands.

As a nation, theres no reason why they should not have self-defence weapons of a similar capability to other nations. If they had a war with Chile, Uruguay or Brazil, why should we have said what weapons they can or cannot have.

Im always nervous that while they still wish to take over the islands, they should have modern, hi-tech weapons.

Lord West raised concerns about Argentina getting new and clever weapons when they still have an aspiration to take over the Falklands - Alan Weller/FilmMagic

Peter Robinson, who served in 40 Commando and was the marine pictured in the famous Yomper photo carrying the Union Flag over his backpack during the conflict, also expressed concern.

The 67-year-old, of Okehampton, Devon, said: I dont agree with rearming Argentina. They will threaten the sovereignty of the Falklands.

This will be a concern to the residents of the Falklands as well. They want to be British and to be part of Britain. They will feel more threatened.

Peter Robinson, who served in 40 Commando during the conflict, said there will be a concern to the residents of the Falklands - Heathcliff O'Malley

British government policy currently states the UK should refuse licences for export and trade of goods judged to enhance Argentine military capability.

But relations have been improving between Buenos Aires and London since Mr Milei, a libertarian economist, took power in 2023.

Mr Milei has insisted the islands will be returned to Argentina through diplomatic means  a departure from his more hardline predecessors.

There are no world powers without military power, the Argentine leader added. There is no country that counts in the international context if they cant defend their borders.

Argentina invaded the Falklands  which they call the Malvinas  in April 1982. It prompted Britain to deploy a major naval taskforce with thousands of personnel to retake it.

The invasion claimed the lives of 255 British servicemen, three islanders and 649 Argentinian personnel.

Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the island chain about 300 miles off its coast in the south Atlantic and 8,000 miles from the UK.

However, this has repeatedly been disputed by Britain, which maintains its claim of the territory.

Likewise, those living on the Falklands overwhelmingly want to remain British, with more than 90 per cent of islanders voting in favour of this during a 2013 referendum.

Javier Milei has insisted the Falklands will be returned to Argentina through diplomatic means - Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images

Simon Weston, who was severely burned when his troop transport RFA Sir Galahad was attacked during the war, said he was genuinely concerned about Mr Mileis proposals.

Whatever his plan might be is what concerns me... I have to worry about this, he said.

Asked if the Falklands should ever be handed over to Argentina, Mr Weston, 64, told The Telegraph: That is ignorance beyond ignorance. The problem he has is that the islands have never been Argentinian. How can you give it back when you never owned it?

They never occupied the islands apart from by force and if stealing something is classed as ownership then squatters in this country are entitled to live in the property they were squatting in. Because thats all the Argentinians were  squatters.

Simon Weston, who was severely burned on RFA Sir Galahad, said he was genuinely concerned about Mr Mileis proposals - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

Naval veteran Chris Purcell, who survived the sinking of HMS Sheffield, also expressed his reservations.

I dont want Argentina anywhere near the Falklands, the 66-year-old retired Petty Officer from Portsmouth, Hampshire, said. This would pose a threat to the Falklands... Argentina having power worries me.

I just cant comprehend why they would do this.

Smoke pours from HMS Sheffield as fire rages through the warship after she was hit by a missile fired from an Argentinian aircraft - PA

Mr Milei told The Telegraph that negotiations had begun on relaxing a ban on selling weapons to Buenos Aires.

Downing Street said that there were no specific talks on relaxing the veto, but sources said bilateral defence talks were underway and due to continue next year.

The Government was forced to defend its position on Thursday, but still did not deny that arms export controls came up in the broader discussions.

So as with all countries, we have wide-ranging talks with Argentina on a number of topics, but there have been no specific talks about the UK relaxing its arms export controls, the Prime Ministers spokesman said.

As revealed by The Telegraph, Mr Milei is set to become the first Argentinian president to visit Britain since 1998.

Mr Milei said he will travel to the UK in April or May next year and would like to meet with Sir Keir Starmer, as well as opposition leaders, including Nigel Farage.

He also invited Sir Keir to Buenos Aires for a full state visit.
Second-half substitute Youri Tielemans hit the winner to help Aston Villa move a step closer to automatic qualification in the Europa League with a 2-1 win at Basel.

Villas win means they are now three points clear inside the top eight with two matches to play and guaranteed themselves a play-off spot at the very least.

Evann Guessand got Villa off to a dream start with his second goal of the Europa League campaign but the home side grew into it, Leo Leroy saw a goal ruled out for offside but Flavius Daniliuc was not to be denied an equalising goal moments later.

Tielemans replaced Matty Cash at the break and it only took him eight minutes to make his mark when he restored Villas lead with a neat finish.

Basel had won their last seven Europa League matches at home which made Villas victory at St. Jakob-Park all the more impressive and stretched their impressive winning run to eight matches in all competitions.

Basel opened the contest with a couple of half chances which forced Marco Bizot into early saves to deny Dominik Schmids tame volley and Leroy from outside the area.

But, Villa made the breakthrough with 12 minutes on the clock.

The home side failed to deal with a corner that was swung into the box by Cash and the ball dropped nicely for Guessand who turned and squeezed an effort past Marwin Hitz.

For all of Aston Villas dominance, Basel thought they got themselves level when Leroy arrowed a volley into the bottom left corner but VAR judged Schmid to be offside in the build-up.

Villa had been warned but Basel got themselves a legitimate equaliser.

Basel were given a free-kick midway inside the Villa half and Bizot came out to collect Xherdan Shaqiris ball into the box, but Daniliuc nipped in before the Villa keeper and poked it into the back of the net.

Villa restored their lead and it came courtesy of substitute Tielemans who collected a pass from Emi Buendia and swept a beautiful one-touch finish into the bottom right corner from outside the box.

Tielemans introduction proved vital and he was running the show. He almost supplied Villa with a third with a neat pass into Jadon Sancho who hit straight at Hitz.

But Basel were not out of the contest, some careless play from Sancho allowed the home side to attack but Philip Otele failed to punish them with an effort straight at Lamare Bogarde.

Basel threw men forward in hope of an equaliser, Ibrahim Salah came off the bench and guided a free header towards goal but Morgan Rogers vital block meant Villa took the points back to England.
Josh O'Connor as Jud Duplenticy and Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. (Netflix) (John Wilson/Netflix)

Wake Up Dead Man, the third film in the Knives Out franchise, tackles something that Rian Johnson is quite familiar with: the rage machine.

The director was at the receiving end of quite a bit of ire from the Star Wars fanbase, many of whom took offence to his offering of The Last Jedi, with some sharing rage bait videos on social media criticising his work. So strong is some people's hatred for the film that they still claim he "ruined" the franchise eight years after the fact.

Rage bait refers to content designed to elicit anger or outrage, and it is not a phenomenon unique to Johnson; in fact, it was named the Oxford Dictionary word of the year. But the director explores it in interesting ways in Wake Up Dead Man through the murder investigation in a small community ruled with an iron fist by priest Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), who uses his pulpit to spout hateful rhetoric against any and all he takes offence to.

It is perhaps surprising, but it helps hold a mirror up to society in ways that cannot be ignored, which Johnson felt was important. He tells Yahoo UK: "I think it's something we're all, unfortunately, increasingly aware of. I mean, for me, I've had my own experience with it.

"But I think what upsets me more about it, even beyond just personal stuff of trolls on the internet, and personal attacks or whatever, what upsets me more is just the overall effect it's having on society and how by driving people into these angry little silos it's enabling the rise of fascism, basically.

"And because everyone's afraid, and everyone feels hopeless, and everyone feels angry all the time, that lets bad actors rise up and take advantage of that.

"I think we're all seeing that right now, and it is a big, big problem, besides any one of us getting our feelings hurt on the internet. It's something that's a real issue for humanity right now."

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery holds a mirror up to society in many ways, but namely about stoking hatred in people through rage bait. (Netflix) (John Wilson/Netflix)

Wake Up Dead Man finds detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) invited to a small town by young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor), where a strange, unexplainable murder has taken place in a locked room. As with the previous Knives Out films, there is a cast of shady characters for Benoit Blanc to meet, played by the creme de la creme of Hollywood talent, including Glenn Close, Kerry Washington and Andrew Scott.

But it is O'Connor who dominates the movie with his compelling performance, making it his own even more so than returning cast member Craig.

"I actually wasn't familiar with Josh before this movie," Johnson says of the actor. "Daniel knew him and brought him to my attention and said, 'This is someone really special.' And then I watched Challengers, and it was my favourite movie of that year, and then I saw him in La Chimera, and I thought, 'My god, the range that he has.'

The movie finds Josh O'Connor's character enlisting Benoit Blanc to help him solve a locked-room murder. (Netflix) (Courtesy of Netflix)

"And then I met him, he was the loveliest guy in the world, and I just thought, 'This is someone I want to be on the set with.' But I feel very [much like] we kind of won the lottery getting that guy in this movie."

It's a sentiment that actors Scott and Cailee Spaeny wholeheartedly agree with, as Scott shares: "Josh is completely, completely wonderful."

But Craig is, of course, the star of the show, the constant of the Knives Out movies, the glue that holds it all together. It was fun for Scott to see him in a different light, having worked together with him in 2015's Spectre, playing C to Craig's James Bond.

Wake Up Dead Man director Rian Johnson felt like he 'won the lottery' with the cast of the newest ensemble film. (Netflix) (John Wilson/Netflix)

"Daniel and I did Spectre together many years ago, and I just think it's wonderful that he's able to be so generous and affable, and he's a really fantastic human," Scott says, to which Spaeny adds that he is "so versatile as an actor."

Spaeny goes on: "There's a bit where he had this giant monologue, and we're all sitting there, and it's like we were getting a free stage performance. It's such a broad, insane character, but with so much nuance that he injects into it. It's really quite spectacular, and he also jumps right in and out from Benoit to Daniel."

"He really does," Scott chimes in. "And the stuff that he and Josh O'Connor have to do together is so affecting. It's a comedy, obviously, and it's a whodunit, but there's a real message in there, and there's really moving bits, particularly between the two of them, and there's a real kind buddy movie in places; it's lovely to watch that."

Daniel Craig returns as supersleuth Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and his co-star Andrew Scott described him as being a 'generous' person on set. (Netflix)

The actors share that it is "the coolest thing ever" to be in a Knives Out movie, with Spaeny saying: "I'm such a fan of Rian and his work, I truly think he's one of the best in terms of directors out there. It's so rare to get these opportunities and to join an ensemble.

"I thought it was interesting when he was talking about it being a sort of self-selecting process. I never thought of it that way because you do sort of when you get on these sets [realise] it's truly such a joyous experience.

"And that starts with Rian and Daniel, but everyone joined in there wasn't that one person who was running back to their trailer, and so it was just overall a great experience from beginning, middle and end  it exceeded all my expectations, it was wonderful."

Wake Up Dead Man may be the latest Knives Out mystery, but Rian Johnson has plenty more ideas for the franchise. (Netflix) (John Wilson/Netflix)

"I couldn't have put it better myself," Scott adds. "We really had a glorious time, and it's great when the process is as fun as the product, you know? Because you can sometimes have great fun on a project and it's a stinker, mercifully, that didn't happen this time!"

Hopefully, of course, there will be more Knives Out movies to come, and if there are, then Johnson has a whole host of ideas. When asked which tropes he'd like to try out, he shares: "There's so many. That's the thing, it's such an expansive genre.

"There's so many authors even beyond Agatha Christie from the Golden Age of detective fiction, like John Dickson Carr, who we name check in this movie, and was very influential. But even within Christie's work, you can see the expanse of the subgenres she explored.

"Everything from almost horror to The ABC Murders [which] is a serial killer thriller, and she did a gothic romance with Endless Night. I mean, it's all over the map.

"So there's all kinds of things to explore. I feel like if we're able to keep going, there's a smorgasbord of things to have."

Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery premieres on Netflix on Friday, 12 December.
Sir Anthony Hopkins says that trying to emulate Don Corleones voice is a mistake - Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Sir Anthony Hopkins has advised young actors to stop mumbling, saying they are no Marlon Brando.

The Oscar-winning actor, 87, criticised up-and-coming talent for trying to replicate one of Hollywoods biggest stars by mumbling their lines, warning some that they would have no career left.

Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, Sir Anthony said: Young actors tend to mumble.

I know theyre trying to do Marlon Brando, but Brando was the greatest technician of all. He understood everything. He was a very smart man, and he knew how to do it.

Marlon Brando knew how to mumble in the 1972 film The Godfather - Landmark Media/Alamy

The Silence of the Lambs star added that he told a young actor that he would have no career left if youre mumbling, saying that he told him his part is to tell a story.

The art in this film is to tell a story. Its nothing to do with makeup or being late on set. Youre paid to be there on time or go, Sir Anthony went on.

So I said to the young actor  You know your job is actually to speak the line. The audience has paid you, otherwise you may as well go to the park next door. I said, You cant work like that.

Hollywoods leading men have often been accused of being so-called mumblers, with Brando, Tom Hardy, Jeff Bridges and Heath Ledger all said to be hard to understand on camera.

Brando, who drew critical acclaim for his performance of Mafia boss Don Corleone in The Godfather, placed cotton balls in his cheeks to make himself unintelligible during his performance.

Sir Anthony explained that Brando, as well as James Dean and those so-called great method actors all knew what they were doing.

He appeared at the festival as part of its In Conversation event, where he was able to reflect on his famed role as Hannibal Lecter.

The actor admitted that he avoids the idea of becoming the character in roles, but said he knew deep down he was able to play the cannibalistic serial killer.

Explaining how he chose to play the role, for which Sir Anthony won an Oscar in 1992, the actor revealed: I said I want to play him as a machine Hes an intellectual genius trapped in a psychotic form where he has absolutely no feeling for humanity.

He has compassion, but no sense of humanity Now, Im not well-versed in psychology, but I do believe that hes psychotic.
David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, is reviewing the current system in order to prevent peoples childhood convictions from blighting their future job prospects - Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images

Childhood criminal records for thousands of people will be wiped under plans being considered by David Lammy.

The Justice Secretary is to review the current system in order to prevent peoples childhood convictions from blighting their future job prospects.

Mr Lammy is considering simplifying the system to ensure that checks are proportionate to their crime after evidence that people in their 50s, 60s and even 70s found that childhood offences such as stealing a bicycle or fighting in the street were still being disclosed to potential employers.

However, Mr Lammys plans have faced criticism over how far any changes would wipe potentially more serious offences, such as drug dealing or harassment, from childhood criminal records.

He said: We will consider opportunities to simplify the criminal records regime to ensure it is clear and proportionate, particularly in relation to childhood offences.

Opportunity to simplify criminal records system

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) added: We want to help children who have committed crime to stop reoffending and turn their lives around. That is why the Government is actively exploring opportunities to simplify the criminal records system, while always putting public safety first.

Mr Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, previously called for an overhaul to wipe all childhood convictions from the record after a period of time, except for the most serious offences.

His 2017 review of criminal justice for David Cameron recommended a US-style approach where people can apply to a judge or parole board to seal their criminal records if they can demonstrate they have changed since their conviction.

Mr Lammy is facing a potential backlash over the definition of serious offences, such as whether a child caught dealing drugs or racially harassing a bus driver should be entitled to have their current lifelong criminal record erased at some point.

Certain offences such as affray, violent disorder, assault resisting arrest, arson and racial harassment have to be disclosed to prospective employers for life, even if a person was involved in a pub fight where no one was injured or, aged 13, shouted racial abuse at a bus driver. Checks also apply for life if they serve any length of prison sentence.

After an investigation into childrens involvement in last summers disorder, Rachel de Souza, the Childrens Commissioner, said judges should have the power to wipe criminal records clean where youths had done their time for some very silly things. She found that many of the children had ADHD or had acted impulsively.

Dame Rachel de Souza says judges should have the power to wipe criminal records clean where young people had done their time for some very silly things - Aaron Chown/PA Wire

One 13-year-old girl handed a referral order will face a lifelong criminal record because she admitted to threatening violent behaviour after punching and kicking a glass door at a hotel housing asylum seekers. The offence will have to be disclosed if she goes into a profession or job with contact with children.

The checks are provided by the Governments disclosure and barring service (DBS) for people applying for enhanced jobs in which they may be working with children or vulnerable people, or standard professional jobs where they have access to sensitive information, including finance, the law and even taxi driving.

Current system is unfair

Penelope Gibbs, the director of Transform Justice and part of the FairChecks campaign, said: Our criminal records system is unfair and holds people back from getting work. Childhood offences committed decades ago are disclosed on DBS checks even if the person has led a crime-free life for years.

David Lammy is a long-standing supporter of the FairChecks campaign for reform, and has now committed to implementing positive change.

There have been changes since Mr Lammys review in 2017, but campaigners said they fell short of his original proposal to wipe the slate clean for childhood offences except for the most serious.

He highlighted then how 22,000 black, Asian and ethnic minority children had their names added to the police national database, including for minor offences such as a police reprimand. Any police record can be taken into account in DBS checks if a constabulary decides it is relevant to a standard or enhanced job.

Mr Lammy said: The result in adulthood is that their names could show up on criminal record checks for careers ranging from accountancy and financial services to plumbing, window cleaning and driving a taxi.

I believe that once childhood cautions and convictions have become spent, they should very quickly become non-disclosable, even on standard and enhanced DBS checks. In my view, the system should provide for all childhood offending (with the exception of the most serious offences) to become non-disclosable after a period of time.

Figures obtained under freedom of information legislation show that some 160,000 people have had their childhood offences reported to their prospective employers under criminal record checks.

They include people in their 50s and older for whom childhood offences, such as taking a cycle without authority and boarding a train without a ticket, remained on their records for checks by potential employers.

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Fred Thomas, a Labour MP and former Royal Marine, said: We are behind other countries on this, where the law recognises the time between a historical offence and the life someone has worked to rebuild. I am campaigning for a similar model here.

The law must acknowledge that people can change, and that past mistakes should not define your future.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: Employers and others are entitled to know about previous serious offending by under 18s if it might be relevant. The length of time that has passed and the seriousness of the offence should be taken into account.

There are many crimes so serious that they should always be disclosed.
Protests broke out in Epping this summer after an asylum seeker was convicted of two sexual assaults - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu

Public anger over crime linked to asylum hotels is boiling over. In Epping, protests erupted after two sexual assaults by an Ethiopian asylum seeker. In Falkirk, unrest followed the rape conviction of an Afghan asylum seeker. And with small boat crossings up 16 per cent on last year and nearly 40,000 people arriving so far, a grim pattern appears to be taking shape.

In light of the rape of a schoolgirl by two Afghan asylum seekers in Leamington Spa, Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley ask whats really driving this surge in migrant crime, and whether Britains asylum system is now fuelling a security crisis. They break down the political and legal fight over deportation, the ECHRs role in blocking removals, and what Reform, the Tories and Labour each say theyd do to fix it.

Elsewhere, senior reporter Steve Bird joins us with the inside story from the lawless migrant camps in Calais and Dunkirk.

He looks at how ruthless people-smuggling gangs are coercing vulnerable female migrants into sexual exploitation and recruiting others as drug mules, swallowing up to a kilogram of Class A drugs to get them into Britain. Is Labours promise to smash the gangs already failing?

Watch episodes of The Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Ofqual said students would not be allowed to use their own personal devices for exams. Photograph: David Davies/PA (Photograph: David Davies/PA)

Students could be sitting some of their GCSEs and A-levels on a laptop by the end of the decade, according to Englands qualifications watchdog.

Amid complaints from pupils of writing fatigue in exams because their hand muscles are not strong enough, Ofqual is launching a three-month public consultation about the introduction of onscreen assessments.

Under the proposals, each of the four main exam boards will be invited to draw up two new onscreen exam specifications, targeting subjects with fewer than 100,000 entries. GCSE maths would therefore not be eligible but GCSE German would.

Already there are concerns about fair access to devices, cybersecurity and the potential for technical failure. Other issues include space requirements and larger desks to accommodate computers.

Ofqual said students would not be allowed to use their own personal devices for exams, and schools would be able to choose between onscreen and paper versions that would be offered as separate qualifications.

Sir Ian Bauckham, the chief regulator at Ofqual, said he was definitely not gung-ho about a shift to online assessment. The regulator insisted pen and paper would remain central to assessment in English schools and traditional GCSE and A-level exams would not disappear.

We must maintain the standards and fairness that define Englands qualifications system, Bauckham said. Any introduction of onscreen exams must be carefully managed to protect all students interests, and these proposals set out a controlled approach with rigorous safeguards.

Teachers say pupils who habitually use keyboards have lost handwriting stamina. You do hear people say: I dont handwrite very much so my handwriting is poor or I feel I cant hold the pen for long enough or My hand muscles are not strong enough, Bauckham said.

On the other hand, you also hear counter-views that say actually, part of cognitive development is strongly associated with the actual mechanical process of handwriting, which is not the same as onscreen.

Research carried out separately by University College London found students who used keyboards in exams got better test scores. Researchers tested state school pupils, comparing their scores in essays using handwriting and word processors under mock exam conditions. All pupils, including those with learning difficulties, made big improvements in tests when using word processors.

Only a tiny fraction of GCSE and A-level assessment in England is onscreen, including some elements of computer science exams. More broadly, students are able to use keyboards under exam conditions, if allowed by their school or centre, as reasonable adjustments for those with identified difficulties.

Bauckham said anecdotally, talking to students, he found views were evenly split, with half preferring onscreen assessment, while the other half preferred pen and paper, because it felt more trustworthy, more serious.

The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: We know interest in onscreen exams is growing, and aligning assessment with an increasingly digital world could bring valuable benefits, including for children with special educational needs and disabilities. But its also important any shift is phased, controlled and above all, fair.

The consultation will run until 5 March and if approved, the new specifications will be in schools three years before first examinations in around 2030.

Steve Rollett, the deputy chief executive at the Confederation of School Trusts, said: School trusts recognise the potential benefits technology can bring to assessment, but its vital that any changes are introduced carefully and with proper safeguards.

Myles McGinley, the managing director of the Cambridge OCR exam board, which has been developing onscreen exams, said schools would need a lot of support to narrow the digital divide, tackling the patchy access to the latest tech and specialist teachers.

Equipping our young people to thrive in this changing world will require collaboration: more research, government support and regulatory guidance.
A lorry filled with 13 migrants caused five miles of queues when it was stopped by police on a motorway.

Two lanes of the M40s northbound carriageway were closed near Bicester, Oxfordshire, on Thursday morning after motorists spotted people in the back of the vehicle.

Officers from Thames Valley Police detained 13 people who were in the rear of the lorry and arrested the driver on suspicion of immigration offences.

Queues up to five miles long built up between 10am and 2pm after police partially closed the road.

Footage filmed by passing members of the public showed a group of men sitting on a crash barrier beside the motorway as officers searched the lorry.

Riot vans, an ambulance and up to 15 police cars were in attendance, eyewitnesses told the Oxford Mail.

The M40 links London and Birmingham.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: We received a report today at 9.53am of a number of people in the back of a lorry travelling on the M40 between junctions 9 and 10.

The vehicle was stopped and 13 people were detained. The driver was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

The investigation is ongoing, and we are working closely with our partners in the Home Office.

National Highways had earlier warned motorists that delays are building and they should allow extra time for your journey.

The AA said the arrests caused queueing traffic for five miles.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: The Home Secretary has announced the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times, which will make Britain a less attractive destination for illegal migrants, and will make it easier to remove and deport them.

Our Borders Act allows government and law enforcement agencies to work with the DVLA to intercept threats when a suspicious vehicle enters the UK.
Six of the activists on hunger strike, left to right, Kamran Ahmed, Teuta Hoxha, Qesser Zuhrah, Amy Gardiner-Gibson, Heba Muraisi, and Jon Cink

Palestine Action activists who are staging a hunger strike in prison are likely to die without intervention, their lawyers have claimed.

In a letter sent by Imran Khan & Partners, seen by The Telegraph, the lawyers requested an immediate meeting with David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, over the increasingly likely scenario that one of their clients dies in prison.

The lawyers said five of the eight Palestine Action activists on hunger strike had been taken to hospital, with one defendant losing 10kg after 37 days without food.

In the letter, the lawyers wrote: We note with genuine and significant concern the immediate and real risk that their deeply held conviction, in tandem with their deteriorating health, poses to their lives.

We are concerned that, should this situation be allowed to continue without resolution, there is the real and increasingly likely potential that young British citizens will die in prison, having never even been convicted of an offence.

Four are accused of taking part in breaking into the Brize Norton RAF base in Oxfordshire in June before allegedly causing around 7m in damage by spraying two military planes in paint.

Footage was posted online by Palestine Action following the vandalism at Brize Norton RAF base

The protest began from complaints of alleged mistreatment in prison and a series of demands including that a defence firm with links to Israel be shut down and the ban on Palestine Action be lifted.

Three High Court judges are expected to rule on the lawfulness of the ban within weeks after the courts granted permission for Huda Ammori, the groups founder, to challenge the decision to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws.

The lawyers claimed their clients had faced heavy restrictions on mail, calls and visits, citing UN special rapporteurs claims that the treatment by counter-terrorism police could amount to enforced disappearance.

Amy Amu Gardiner-Gibson, and Jon Cink, who are said to be 37 and 33 days into their hunger strikes respectively, have been remanded in HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, over alleged involvement in the break-in at Brize Norton.

Lawyers claim Ms Gardiner-Gibson has lost more than 10kg in weight and suffers from deep exhaustion and muscle twitches, and has been offered a wheelchair.

Lawyers for Amy Gardiner-Gibson say she has lost more than 10kg, suffers from deep exhaustion and muscle twitches, and has been offered a wheelchair

Mr Cink is said to have barely slept and lost 10kg, experiencing deteriorating vision and with plummeting ketone levels in his blood deemed life-threatening.

Also accused of taking part in the RAF base raid are Lewie Chiaramello and Umer Khalid, who are on day 15 and day five respectively at HMP Bristol and HMP Wormwood Scrubs, London.

Qesser Zuhrah, also on Day 37 of his strike in HMP Bronzefield, is said to have lost considerable weight and now finds it difficult to walk, while her pulse never falls below 100bpm.

Heba Muraisi is reportedly struggling after catching a cold on day 34 of her 36-day strike at HMP Newhall.

Teuta Hoxha and Kamran Ahmed, at HMP Peterborough and on day 30 and 29 of their strikes, were both taken to hospital last month after experiencing headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and low blood pressure.

Jon Cink has allegedly lost 10kg, experienced deteriorating vision, and seen the ketones in his blood plummet to a life-threatening level

Signs of memory loss

The lawyers also said that taking instructions from clients on the state of their health was becoming increasingly difficult because all are showing signs of memory loss.

In a previous letter to NHS England, signed by 147 medical professionals, the hunger strikes were described as an imminent risk to their health and life and a medical emergency.

Ms Ammori has also described the activists condition as an emergency.

She wrote on social media: 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.

Activists ram-raided the UK headquarters of an Israeli-owned arms company with an old prison van

Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, echoed the sentiment, saying: This is an emergency. They must be granted bail, now.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: The Deputy Prime Minister has responded to and will continue to respond to correspondence on this issue, and is being kept informed of the situation.

We continually assess prisoners wellbeing and will always take the appropriate action, including taking prisoners to hospital if they are assessed as needing treatment by a medical professional.
NEW YORK and DAEJEON, South Korea, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Korea Innovation Foundation (INNOPOLIS), currently operating the 2025 Global Technology Commercialization Support Program (North America), announces 3 Innovative machinery companies, ARA, Korea Intelligence Machine, and Moqous are chosen for the support program.

ARA  AI-Powered Smart Factory Solutions Korea Intelligence Machine - Integrated AI-Powered Inspection Solution Moqous  E-POP CYCLE

This initiative selects innovative technology companies in the fields of machinery, energy, AI/IoT and bio health. The program provides comprehensive consulting support to help these companies apply their technologies and products on a trial basis to local facilities or projects operated by overseas companies and institutions, enabling on-site commercialization.

1. ARA  AI-Powered Smart Factory Solutions

The first company, ARA delivers cutting-edge AI Smart Factory solutions that help client companies enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability. With experience in over 1,000 automation projects, the company integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, and vision systems to implement high-precision automation customized to each client's needs.

ARA's comprehensive portfolio spans manufacturing, food and beverage, and logistics industries, providing scalable and sustainable automation that replaces manual operations with next-generation smart systems. Its Unwrapping System automates the removal of packaging materials such as vinyl wraps and protective films from beverage cans, while the Smart Factory & Logistics System enables fully automated manufacturing and logistics processes.

The AI Cardboard Reuse Sorting System allows large retailers to sort and reuse single-use cardboard boxes, contributing to eco-friendly and carbon-neutral operations. ARA's 2D & 3D Vision Systems, powered by proprietary algorithms, integrate standard software with client-specific customization for optimal performance.

Through innovation, precision engineering, and sustainable design, ARA leads the transformation of industrial automation. The company continues to expand globally, driving the future of intelligent manufacturing and smart logistics.

Inquiries: [email protected]

Website: http://ara-fa.kr/main

2. Korea Intelligence Machine - Integrated AI-Powered Inspection Solution

The second company, Korea Intelligence Machine has been designing and manufacturing inspection systems to ensure high product quality across numerous production lines for Korea's top manufacturers, including suppliers to Hyundai/Kia, POSCO, and Dongkuk Steel.

Our space- and time-saving solution integrates an AI machine vision system (NeuraEye), protocol and electrical inspection (NeuraCheck), operation and motion testing (MotionCheck), and barcode-based product inspection (BarcodeCheck) into a single, efficient platform.

The AI machine vision systempowered by high-resolution cameras, advanced lighting, and proprietary image-processing algorithmsdetects even the slightest defects on the production line with exceptional speed and precision. Through real-time data processing and deep learning analysis, it significantly reduces defect rates and enhances overall quality stability.

Key Features:

AI-based real-time defect detection using deep learning

Seamless line integration and remote diagnostics

Field-oriented support with expert dispatch systems

Customized, end-to-end quality inspection solutions

With over 20 years of experience in precision quality control, our systems are already actively deployed at four plants in Georgia, USA, showcasing proven capabilities in global markets.

Through INNOPOLIS's global commercialization program, we are continuously strengthening strategic partnerships with international manufacturers, supported by trusted expertise and decades of innovation.

Inquiries: [email protected]

Website: http://mechakorea.com

3. Moqous  E-POP CYCLE

MOQOUS, a big datadriven personal mobility company, has launched a Smart Patrol Mobility Pilot Project in collaboration with the Las Vegas Police Department. The initiative is part of the Global Technology Commercialization Program and reflects MOQOUS CEO Hong Bok-yong's commitment to building a mobility system that ensures "safety and freedom for everyone."

Developed entirely with Korean technology, MOQOUS's E-POP-CYCLE will be deployed in police patrol operations to test its potential for reducing carbon emissions, improving patrol efficiency, and enabling data-driven law enforcement. The project aims to demonstrate the practicality and environmental value of e-cycles in a market traditionally dominated by cars and motorcycles.

MOQOUS is supplying the E-POP-CYCLE units for the pilot, while the Las Vegas Police Department will assess their operational performance, emission reduction effects, and data collection capabilities in real-world patrol settings.

Selected as a 2025 Global IP Star Company, MOQOUS holds major international certifications including KC, CE, FCC, and RoHS. The company recently secured a 1 billion KRW investment from Bokwang Investment, highlighting both its technological strength and market appeal.

CEO Hong stated, "This collaboration marks a key milestone in validating Korea's smart mobility technology on the global stage. We aim to provide innovative, sustainable mobility solutions for both public and private sectors."

Inquiries: [email protected]

Website: https://moqous-en.imweb.me/?redirect=no

If you have any questions about these three energy sector items, please feel free to contact us at the information below:

Email : [email protected]

SOURCE Korea Innovation Foundation
In a school yearbook, Adam Henry said his hobbies included skateboarding and reading the bible - Metropolitan Police

A schoolboy who was stabbed to death in north London has been pictured.

Adam Henry, 15, died after being stabbed through the heart in Westbourne Road, Islington, shortly after 1pm on Tuesday.

The incident happened close to St Mary Magdalene Academy, where the teenager had been a pupil. Detectives are continuing to investigate, but have not yet made any arrests.

In a statement, the teenagers family said: Our beautiful son, Adam, was cruelly taken away from us on Tuesday afternoon. He was a loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, friend, and we will never recover from the loss and not having him in our lives.

He had many interests and was always there with a smile and cheeky sense of humour. He was good-natured and loyal. While only 15 years old, the beautiful memories we have of him can never be forgotten.

We ask for privacy as a family so we can grieve and try to process this senseless tragedy together. We also request that, as this is an active homicide investigation and a broken-hearted family and community, you refrain from speculation and allow the police to do their job.

Our thoughts remain with Adams family

In a school yearbook, Adam described his hobbies as skateboarding and said his favourite thing to do at break time was study his bible.

His relatives, who are being supported by specially trained Metropolitan Police officers, have asked the local community to pray for them.

Ch Supt Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Islington, said: Our thoughts remain with Adams family and loved ones and anyone in the local community who has been affected by Adams tragic death.

This is the second time Islington has lost a young person just before Christmas in the last two years  we know the impact on the community is profound.

Police have stepped up patrols in Islington, and youth workers have also been deployed to support young people in the area affected by the tragedy.

Ch Supt Stewart added: A crime scene remains in place across the estate while forensic work continues. Wed ask any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to please contact us as soon as possible.
Sandie Peggie complained about sharing a female-only changing room with a transgender doctor - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

Sandie Peggies employment tribunal ruling has been embroiled in a scandal amid claims that artificial intelligence was used to write two made-up quotes backing its key conclusion.

Employment Judge Alexander Kemp found that the veteran nurse, who complained about sharing a female-only changing room with a transgender doctor, had been harassed by NHS Fife.

But he dismissed her allegations of discrimination, indirect discrimination and victimisation and ruled that it was not inherently unlawful for a biological man to use a womens changing room.

Writing in his 312-page ruling, issued on Monday, Mr Kemp cited other legal cases to support his conclusion that it did not contradict the Supreme Courts decision earlier this year on the definition of a woman for the purposes of the Equality Act.

However, the ruling was reissued on Thursday afternoon after it emerged that a quote he attributed to a tribunal involving Maya Forstater did not appear in that cases judgment.

This prompted Ms Forstater, the chief executive of the sex rights charity Sex Matters, to tweet: This quote from my judgment doesnt come from my judgment. It is completely made up.

The tribunal issued a certificate of correction stating there had been clerical mistake(s), error(s) or omissions(s). The Judicial Office refused to say where the original quote came from or whether AI was involved.

Now The Telegraph can disclose there is a second made-up quote in the Peggie tribunal ruling that does not match a previous case it claims to come from.

Mr Kemp cited a Supreme Court case called Lee v Ashers Baking Co Ltd as he discussed how the protected characteristic of being a woman did not take precedence over that of being a trans person.

He said the case highlighted the necessity of balancing competing human rights without holding that one has priority over any other.

The judge quoted the Supreme Court as stating in the case: The rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and to freedom of expression, enshrined in articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, are protected by sections 6 and 13 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

The rights to respect for private and family life, and to freedom from discrimination, protected by articles 8 and 14, are also engaged. There is no hierarchy of rights; all are to be treated with equal respect.

However, as with the Forstater example, this quote does not appear in the Lee v Ashers Baking ruling. The second quote appeared again in the amended version of the ruling issued on Thursday afternoon.

Ms Forstater said the second example looks quite similar to the misquote in my case, adding: It looks like an AI kind of summary of general legal principle.

Maya Forstater, right, celebrates with fellow activist Helen Joyce after the Supreme Courts ruling in April - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty

She said she did not think Mr Kemp himself would have used AI but he may have had briefings from assistants who did and it is the judge who is responsible.

However the errors got in there, its for the judge to check that the text is accurate, she said.

The fact that all the errors go in the same direction, and the fact that theyve corrected the error in my case by adding a completely different quote and saying, never mind, it still says the same thing is just extraordinary.

Obviously theyve [the Peggie legal team] announced that the case is going to be appealed and all the substantive points of law will be tested in a higher court.

But the question about how these errors came about is also a question of judicial conduct and I hope there will be explanation and accountability and also correction of those other mistakes.

She said the ruling would have to be reissued again to correct the Lee v Ashers Baking misquote, adding: Ive talked to lawyers and theyve said theyve never seen anything like it.

Ms Forstater said judges normally wrote to the parties with a proposed correction if there were slips such as spelling mistakes but this is much more than that.

Mr Kemp used her previous case to argue there was nothing stated specifically in the act itself to state that the protected characteristic of being a woman takes precedence over that of being a trans person.

Judge Alexander Kemp ruled it was not inherently unlawful for a man to use a womans changing room - Simpson & Marwick

He quoted the Forstater tribunal as concluding 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 Ms Forstaters ruling.

In the revised version issued on Thursday afternoon, the quote had been changed to: This judgment does not mean that those with gender-critical beliefs can misgender trans persons with impunity.

The claimant, like everyone else, will continue to be subject to the prohibitions on discrimination and harassment under the EqA (Equality Act).

Whether or not conduct in a given situation does amount to harassment or discrimination within the meaning of EqA will be for a tribunal to determine in a given case.

Mr Kemp then added in his own words: We consider that quotation provides support for the proposition that the Equality Act 2010 does not create a hierarchy of protected characteristics.

Guidance for tribunals published at the end of October warned that AI tools may hallucinate, including making up fictitious cases, citations or quotes, or refer to legislation, articles or legal texts that do not exist.

It also warned: Judicial office holders are personally responsible for material which is produced in their name.

Judges must always read the underlying documents. AI tools may assist, but they cannot replace direct judicial engagement with evidence.

JK Rowling posted on X: Judge Sandy Kemp and the Judicial Office need to explain exactly how this bogus quote made its way into the ruling.

Misrepresentations of the Forstater ruling are commonplace in the trans activist community, but for this to turn up in an actual court ruling is truly shocking.

Dr Michael Foran, a gender law expert from Oxford University, said: It is an incontrovertible fact that the judgment includes supposed quotes from specific judgments that do not appear in those judgments.

That in itself is extraordinary. How this happened and what consequences will flow from it are unclear at this point, but there are incredibly serious questions that need to be answered.

Additionally, it is not clear to me that the tribunal even has the power to reissue the judgment with these quotations removed. The power that permits reissuing judgments is confined to correcting clerical errors and accidental slips or omissions, not substantial changes of this magnitude.

Judicial Office wont explain errors

A Judicial Office spokesman said no explanation would be provided as to why or how the errors appeared in the original version of the ruling. It was approached for comment on the Lee v Ashers Baking Co Ltd misquote.

Ms Peggies lawyers confirmed at a press conference in Dundee on Thursday afternoon that she would appeal. The nurse promised she would not be giving up her legal fight any time soon.

Ms Peggie was suspended by NHS Fife after complaining about having to share a changing room with Dr Upton, who was born a male but identifies as a woman.

Last year Ms Peggie submitted a formal claim to an employment tribunal against NHS Fife and Dr Upton for sexual harassment, belief discrimination and victimisation.

The tribunal found that Ms Peggie had been harassed by the health board on four grounds 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.

Mr Kemp also ruled 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 when 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.

At Thursdays press conference, Ms Peggie thanked her supporters and pledged to continue her legal fight.

I am not a campaigner and (had) never heard of the phrase gender critical, she said.

When I first raised complaints over two years ago about my employers decision to allow men into female-only changing rooms, I just knew instinctively that it wasnt right that women were expected to undress in front of men in private spaces, and I still believe this to be the case.

Whilst I am delighted that the tribunal was critical of Fife health board and found they had harassed me, their judgment, I believe, falls short in many respects, and that is why I certainly wont be giving up this legal fight any time soon.

She became emotional when she spoke of her late father, who she said would be looking down on me feeling proud.

Ms Peggies concerns about Mondays ruling were echoed by her solicitor Margaret Gribbon, who described some of the findings as highly problematic.

Ms Gribbon said: The judgment also places employers in the invidious position of having to make decisions about single-sex workplace facilities, based on the physical appearance of transgender employees and by asking them intrusive questions.

For these reasons and more, I can confirm that the tribunals judgment will be appealed and work on this is already under way.
A security guard who was sacked after CCTV footage showed he spent hours lying barefoot on a sofa instead of doing patrols has lost a discrimination claim.

Mohammed Ouslimane was working a night shift as a relief security officer at Premier Foods premises when a manager reviewing security footage found he had been lying down on a sofa in the main reception area with his shoes and socks off, an employment tribunal heard.

Timestamped stills of the security footage were sent to Mr Ouslimanes employer, Octaga Security Services, showing that he had not moved or put his socks and shoes back on for at least two hours between 3.30am and 5.30am, the tribunal further heard.

Hygiene concerns

Anthony Brain, contracts manager at Octaga, told the Watford Employment Tribunal in a witness statement he felt upset when he received the photographs of Mr Ouslimane.

I was seriously concerned by the fact the claimant had his shoes and socks removed, Mr Brain told the tribunal.

The claimants shoes and socks are visible next to a desk in the middle of the screen.

Security officers must be suitably dressed and ready to react to any security incident on site, for both their own safety and the security of others.

Due to the location of the claimants feet, I also held hygiene concerns, Mr Brain added.

It was painful to see such conduct.

We are all humans

Mr Ouslimane, who is of Moroccan origin and a Muslim, was dismissed on Sept 10 2024 and later lodged a complaint for racial and religious discrimination against Octaga Security Services, the judge heard.

He claimed he only had to patrol the premises at 2am, 5am and 7am, and that he had done so on the night of Sept 2 2024.

He told employment judge Oliver Hyams his conduct during the shift was human nature, according to the tribunal judgment.

Nothing got stolen or broken, Mr Ouslimane told the judge.

We are all humans; we do make mistakes. They were just being picky, Mr Ouslimane added.

I believe that if my name was Michael I would not have been criticised.

Mr Hyams dismissed the claim at a hearing on Oct29, concluding that the real and only reason for the termination of the claimants employment with the respondent was his conduct during the morning of 2 September 2024.

I concluded that the claimant had not moved from the sofa on which he was sitting (or if he had done so, then he had not gone outside the building) between 03:35 and 05:34 on 2 September 2024, the judge added.

I therefore concluded that the claimant had not carried out a patrol of the outside of the building at 5am on that day.

There was, in my view, nothing in the facts as found by me and the evidence before me, from which I could have drawn the inference that the claimant was dismissed to any extent because of his Moroccan nationality or his religion.
Mariana Mijailovic conned women out of jewellery with her daughter-in-law on the streets of Munich and Vienna

A female shaman who conned her victims out of 8m after convincing them that their jewellery was cursed has been revealed as one of Europes most wanted criminals.

Mariana Mijailovic, 44, is on the run after police found blocks of gold, jewellery and bundles of cash stashed away in a secret room beneath a swimming pool at her home in Maria Enzersdorf near Vienna.

The Austrian had acquired the treasure from unsuspecting women who had been approached by her and her 30-year-old daughter-in-law Anna on the streets of Munich and Vienna.

They convinced their wealthy victims that the jewellery they were wearing was cursed and needed an exorcism to rid them of demonic spirits, according to prosecutors.

The pair terrified the women with visions of their loved ones falling seriously ill or dying in sudden accidents before promising that it could all be averted if their jewellery was cleansed in shamanic rituals.

One woman gave Mijailovic and Anna 502,000 after being told she was possessed by demons. Another victim gave away 49,000 in the hope that her cancer would disappear. She later passed away, prosecutors said.

Once their victims had parted with their cash or valuables, the two con-artists would abruptly break off contact and move on to their next target. They ended up defrauding at least 19 victims out of an estimated 8.3m in a 10-year spree across Germany and Austria.

When police eventually raided the familys estate in the small town of Maria Enzersdorf, south-west of Vienna, in February, they discovered a trove of valuables stashed away in secret rooms.

Some of the valuables found at Mariana Mijailovics estate near Vienna - APA/Ernst Weiss

Hidden underneath a concrete-covered swimming pool, accessible only by a concealed trapdoor, detectives discovered 25kg worth of gold bars, watches, wedding rings, bundles of US and Swiss bank notes, and jewellery.

A 280,000 fleet of 14 cars, including an Aston Martin, two Jaguars and three BMWs, were also seized. Prosecutors valued the total assets at 7.3m. A further estimated 873,000 was sequestered in various bank accounts.

Inside the house was Mijailovics 29-year-old son, who told officers he was a self-employed real estate agent, and her 48-year-old ex-husband, who claimed the same. Police arrested them both along with Anna, who was later identified in court documents as Dona D and had three previous convictions for fraud.

The three Austrian nationals were charged with aggravated commercial fraud, criminal organisation, and money laundering and were prosecuted in Vienna.

Police found no trace of Mijailovic herself and have put up a 4,300 reward for information leading to her capture.

Europol, the EUs police agency, added Mijailovics details to the rogues gallery of Europes most wanted fugitives on Wednesday. She is described as of Serbo-Croatian descent, 5ft 4 tall with dyed hair, brown eyes and very full lips.

Mariana Mijailovic is wanted by Europol, the EUs police agency

At Viennas regional court on Wednesday, her daughter-in-law was jailed for four years with no chance of parole after pleading guilty to criminal conspiracy. The two men were also jailed for three years for the same offence.

Through skilful manipulation, the perpetrators quickly established a relationship of trust with their victims, said a spokesman for the central public prosecutors office, adding that they had built a luxurious lifestyle for themselves.

However, the court ruled the family would only have to pay back 1.5m and could keep the remainder of their fortune because prosecutors could not prove it was all fraudulently obtained.

Alexander Prenner, one of the familys defence lawyers, argued that most of the money came from the two mens real estate business, along with inheritances and gifts.

There is ample evidence that this family is wealthy, said Mr Prenner, adding that the defendants had lived very frugally.
Live tarantulas were discovered in one vehicle. Photograph: DEFRA (Photograph: DEFRA)

More than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products were seized at the UK border in a single month, new figures have revealed, including spiders, snakes and birds.

The illicit cargo was uncovered as part of an annual crackdown on wildlife smuggling known as Operation Thunder, which is led by Interpol and the World Customs Organisation.

Two rainbow boa constrictors were discovered hidden under blankets in a car by Border Force officers, and were apparently bought by the driver at a German reptile show without a licence.

More than 2,000 live tarantulas were found in a separate vehicle. They were estimated to be worth about 70,000, and included 300 protected species.

Between 13 September and 15 October, during searches at airports, ports and mail depots nationwide, the Border Force also discovered a car transporting more than 100 endangered birds, including green-cheeked conures and lovebirds. They had been kept in appalling conditions, and some had died.

In recent years we have seen an increase of smuggled birds, reptiles, invertebrates and flora, said Danny Hewitt, director for UK command operations.

King cobra balm, a tiger claw bottle, ivory carvings and shark meat were among the products seized.

Related: People buy a lion and cant handle it: inside the farms breeding cubs for TikTok and Instagram likes

Home Office minister Mike Tapp said wildlife smuggling is serious organised crime that fuels corruption, drives species to extinction, and undermines our border security  with this years operation cutting off a major source of funding for dangerous gangs.

We wont stop until weve broken this business model, he warned. Anyone attempting to bring illegal wildlife products into the UK  by air, sea, or post  will be searched and prosecuted.

Wildlife crime is the fourth-largest illegal activity worldwide  behind firearms, drugs and human trafficking  and is thought to be worth up to 17bn a year globally, with experts noting efforts to tackle it are increasingly intelligence-led.

The Home Office said that, where possible, seized items will be rehomed or used for research. Dame E J Milner-Gulland, a professor at the University of Oxford, congratulated the Border Force and said the illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to species.

It can range from individuals bringing in items that theyve bought at tourist markets, unaware that permits are needed, to large-scale organised crime, she added.

Milner-Gulland said sharing intelligence to intercept and pre-emptively tackle wildlife crime is essential, and requires collaboration between international governments, NGOs, the public and academics.

She explained exciting new approaches including AI-based prediction tools are in development, but added: We also need to remember that illegal wildlife trade relies on people wanting to buy these products from the traffickers, and people taking them from the wild in the first place  this requires understanding and changing the motivations that people have to engage in this trade.

Dr Jenny Maher from the University of South Wales said the Border Forces seizures are highly encouraging, and are a stark reminder of the immense suffering endured by countless animals.

But the associate professor in green criminology noted concerns have been raised over prosecutions and punishments for illegal wildlife trade offences.

Very few wildlife smuggling offences result in a conviction and even less in incarceration, despite the widespread harms and profits involved, Maher said.

Another point to consider is these seizures were the result of a targeted operation, raising the question of how many offences go undetected when such resources and focused attention are not applied to tackling the illegal wildlife trade.
In a major expansion of its international footprint, Alaska Airlines has confirmed it will begin nonstop service between SeattleTacoma International Airport (SEA) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) starting May 21, 2026. The new route will operate daily, year-round on a widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a substantial milestone in Alaskas transformation from a regional U.S. carrier to a full-fledged global airline.

On the airlines booking site, fares are being advertised starting around $699 roundtrip, making this a competitive option for travelers looking for a direct link between the Pacific Northwest and one of Europes most visited cities.

Unsplash- Cody F (Unsplash- Cody F)

What to expect

The new route highlight a shift toward a premium travel experience. On the 787-9 Dreamliners, Alaska Airlines promises enhanced comfort: fully lie-flat seats in Business Class, enclosed suites on many seats, and upgraded onboard amenities.

Here are some aspects likely to appeal to travelers:

Convenience: A daily nonstop from Seattle to London means no layovers which is ideal for both leisure travelers and business flyers. Flight times are scheduled to allow a full day in either city before flying.

Competitive pricing: With introductory roundtrip fares around $699 (London) or reportedly as low as $599 to Rome from Seattle, this may compete favorably with travel via East Coast hubs.

Flexible cabin comfort: For travelers looking for upgraded comfort, the 787 Dreamliners cabin, with lie-flat business class, new seat designs, and global-route comforts, offers a meaningful step up for long-haul flights.

Seasonal and global options: For those not bound to Europe, Alaskas expanding roster of destinations includes key cities in Asia, giving West Coast travelers direct access to global capitals from a single hub in Seattle.

Related: Alaska Airlines adds 13 new routes for Spring 2026: Here's where you can go next

Other nonstop routes

This isnt Alaskas first or only time stepping into intercontinental service. The London route joins a growing list of international destinations the airline serves from Seattle:

RomeFiumicino International Airport (FCO), Italy: daily service starting April 28, 2026, aboard a Boeing 787-9. Originally announced as four-times-per-week, increased demand prompted Alaska to commit to daily flights.

ReykjavikKeflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland: seasonal summer service beginning May 28, 2026, flown with a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

Asia routes: Alaska (through its broader airline group) already operates or has planned nonstop connections from Seattle to, among others, Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN).

According to Alaska Airlines, the long-term vision is ambitious: by 2030, the airline plans to serve at least 12 intercontinental destinations out of its Seattle hub.

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The importance of adding this route for Alaska Airlines

For Alaska Airlines, launching a direct SeattleLondon route marks a strategic inflection point. It shows the airline is serious about shifting from a mostly domestic, regional carrier to a global competitor, leveraging its newly expanded fleet (post-merger with Hawaiian Airlines) to build out long-haul capacity.

For travelers, especially people on the West Coast or in the Pacific Northwest, the increased connectivity means easier access to top European and international destinations without needing to fly cross-country then across the Atlantic or Pacific. It also broadens options for flexible itineraries, one-way bookings, or even quick business trips with direct flights.

At the same time, launching seasonal routes (like to Reykjavik) and a mix of daily and summer-only flights likely reflects demand as well as operational considerations: jets, crew scheduling, and balancing long-haul planes across a growing global network.

Related: London museums come alive after dark

If youve been dreaming of a trip to London, Rome, Iceland, or beyond and youre based on the West Coast, Alaska Airlines aggressive expansion may make those plans a lot easier. With modern aircraft, competitive fares, and a broader network, Alaska seems poised to turn Seattle into a truly global hub.

Whether you fly for leisure, business, or curiosity, this launch stands out because it lowers the barrier: less flying time, fewer connections, and direct access to some of the worlds most iconic destinations. For travelers in 2026 and beyond, it could mean more spontaneous getaways, easier long-haul journeys, and better global access, all beginning from the Pacific Northwest.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Airlines section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty; Nordin Catic/Getty Amanda Seyfried attends "The Testament Of Ann Lee" Official Screening during the 69th BFI London Film Festival at the Curzon Mayfair on October 11, 2025 in London, England., Charlie Kirk poses at The Cambridge Union on May 19, 2025 in CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM.

NEED TO KNOW

Amanda Seyfried wrote that Charlie Kirk was "hateful" in the comment section of an Instagram post shortly after his death

Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a campus event in Utah on Sept. 10

Seyfriend said she would not f- apologize for her comment and doubled down on her stance in a new interview with Who What Wear published on Wednesday, Dec. 10

Amanda Seyfried is "not f------ apologizing" for calling Charlie Kirk "hateful" after his death.

Kirk, a right-wing political commentator who founded the group Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a campus event at Utah State University on Sept. 10. He was 31.

After Kirk's death, Seyfried, 40, commented, "He was hateful" on an Instagram post about the shooting. Her comment received backlash at the time, and she later clarified her comments in a Sept. 17 Instagram post.

In a new interview with Who What Wear, The Housemaid star said she refused to apologize.

"I'm not f------ apologizing for that. I mean, for f---- sake, I commented on one thing," the Oscar nominee told the outlet. "I said something that was based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes. What I said was pretty damn factual, and I'm free to have an opinion, of course."

"Thank God for Instagram. I was able to give some clarity, and it was about getting my voice back because I felt like it had been stolen and recontextualizedwhich is what people do, of course," she continued.

Kirk was hosting his signature "Prove Me Wrong" event as part of his American Comeback Tour on the Orem, Utah, campus, when shots were fired on Sept. 10.

Mike Coppola/Getty Amanda Seyfried attends The Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on December 01, 2025 in New York City.

Tyler Robinson is facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder, after being accused of assassinating Kirk. Robinson, 22, allegedly told his parents "that he couldnt go to jail and just wanted to end it," according to the indictment on Sept. 16.

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.

Sergeant Ray Ormond of the Utah County Sheriffs Office previously told PEOPLE in an email that Robinson is currently booked into the "Special Housing Unit," and that inmates in that unit must wear a suicide prevention smock at all times.

"Our special housing unit does include being on a special watch protocol that includes more supervision and wearing the above smock," Ormond added.



In the months since Kirk's death, his widow Erica Kirk has taken over his role at Turning Point USA.

Read the original article on People
FILE PHOTO: Amazon logo is seen in this illustration created on February 11, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

By Emilio Parodi

MILAN, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Amazon has agreed with Italy's tax collection agency to pay 510 million euros ($582 million) to settle a tax dispute, two sources close to the matter said on Wednesday, in one of a number of cases involving the company in Italy.

However, in an unusual development, Milan's prosecutors are in disagreement with the accord between the revenue agency and the U.S. tech company and plan to continue their criminal investigation, two other sources said.

Amazon confirmed the settlement, but did not specify how much it would pay and criticised the Italian regulatory environment.

"We will forcefully defend our position on the potential ungrounded criminal case," the company said in a statement.

"Unpredictable regulatory environments, disproportionate penalties, and protracted legal proceedings are increasingly affecting Italy's attractiveness as an investment destination," it added.

The Milan prosecutors, who suspect evasion amounting to some 1.2 billion euros related to 2019-2021, expect to wrap up their probe early next year, according to the second two sources familiar with the investigation.

Prosecutors are also conducting two other investigations into the company - one involving alleged tax evasion relating to 2021-2024, and another centred on alleged customs and tax fraud involving Chinese imports.

An Italian Amazon unit this month paid compensation and scrapped a monitoring system for delivery staff, ending a separate probe into alleged tax fraud and illegal labour practices.

The group paid around 180 million euros ($210 million) to Italian tax authorities in that case, joining more than 30 other companies who have over the past two years reached settlements to close similar investigations.

($1 = 0.8592 euros)

(Reporting by Emilio Parodi, writing by Gavin Jones and Keith Weir, editing by Crispian Balmer)
Princess Sofia met Jeffrey Epstein several times a decade before marrying Sweden's Prince Carl-Philip.MEGA

Another royal family has had a member linked to sick pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but this time it doesn't involve the British monarchy, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

It's been revealed that Sweden's Princess Sofia met Epstein several times in 2005, when she was a young lingerie model, a decade before marrying Prince Carl-Philip.

Unlike Britain's disgraced former Prince Andrew, Sofia, 41, did not pursue a friendship with the creepy s-- pest, although new details have emerged about her interactions with Epstein.

'I'll Send a Ticket' For Sofia

Epstein invited Sofia to his private Caribbean island but she didn't take him up on the offer.MEGA

Leaked documents and emails show Sofia's mentor, Swedish businesswoman Barbro Ehnbom, tried to put her in touch with Epstein when the future royal was still 21-year-old Sofia Hellqvist, Dagens Nyheter, Sweden's leading newspaper, reported on Tuesday, December 9.

In an alleged December 2005 email featuring a photo of the brunette beauty, Ehnbom wrote to Epstein, "This is Sofia, an aspiring actress who just arrived in New York. She's the girl I told you about before I left, who I thought you might like to meet. Maybe we can visit before you go on holiday?"

Epstein then revealed he was on his notorious private "o---" island and asked if Sofia would like to join him.

"I'm in the Caribbean. Does she want to come for a couple of days? I'll send a ticket," the late financier replied.

'Introduced to Epstein'

Sofia married Prince Carl-Phillip in 2015, 10 years after she met Epstein.MEGA

The Swedish Royal Court stated that Sofia never joined Epstein on the island, which served as his primary location for a large-scale s-- trafficking enterprise involving himself, rich and powerful friends, and the sexual abuse of underage girls.

The court confirmed Sofia had met Epstein, saying she had "been introduced to the person in question on a few occasions around 2005," one year before his arrest in Florida for soliciting prostitution.

The court added, "The princess has not had any contact with the person in question for 20 years." Epstein died in a New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on s-- trafficking charges.

From Reality Star to Royalty

Sofia was a model and party girl before marrying into Sweden's royal family.MEGA

Sofia had quite a wild past before marrying into the Swedish royal family.

She was a party girl and glamour model who once posed topless for the now-defunct men's magazine Slitz. Sofia was such a hit she won the title of Miss Slitz in 2004.

Sofia also tried her hand at reality TV, appearing in the dating series Paradise Hotel in 2003. After filming the show in Las Vegas, she moved to New York City, where she continued her modeling career and became a certified yoga instructor.

The future royal detailed her NYC partying days in a blog, writing in one post, "To be a woman in NY is an advantage. Don't take this the wrong way, but here the men aim to please."

In another, Sofia detailed meeting actor Mark Wahlberg at a party, saying, "He was calm and laid-back! We weren't. We had fun with our crew, sang karaoke, and rocked standing on the sofas."

The royal couple is seen with three of their children at Prince Julian's baptism.MEGA

Sofia met Carl-Philip, 46, at a Stockholm nightclub in the summer of 2009, and the pair began dating.

The prince popped the question in 2014, and the couple married in a royal wedding in June 2015.

The duo are the proud parents of four sons and a daughter: Prince Alexander, 9, Prince Gabriel, 7, Prince Julian, 4, and Princess Ines, 10 months.

"It was very tough. People had comments on everything possible, on what I do and how I look," Sofia said in 2013 about dealing with her scandalous past.

She has since become beloved to the Swedish people as a royal through her tireless charity work. Sofia even volunteered as a medical assistant at a Stockholm hospital at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 3D graphic of a measles virus particle. Photo: Alissa Eckert / CDC / Public Domain

(The Center Square)  Arizona continues to see measles cases along the Utah border.

There have been 176 total cases for 2025. Of those, 172 are associated with the outbreak on the Arizona-Utah border, specifically in Mohave County.

For the last two weeks, we have seen an increase of 22 cases, said Shane Brady, deputy state epidemiologist with the Arizona Department of Health Services. We are at six hospitalizations.

Sixty-six percent of cases involve people under age 18. A majority of those people - 97% - are unvaccinated.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles, Brady told The Center Square Wednesday. One dose is about 93% effective, and two doses provides 97% protection, so it is really important to make sure that everyone stays up to date on all their vaccines, including measles, as it is the best way to protect yourself from disease.

Measles is a contagious virus that officials say can remain airborne up to two hours after an infected person has exited a room. Symptoms are known to start seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and rash.

Navajo County is the only other county in Arizona where measles cases have been reported this year. Coconino and Apache County do not have any cases, and like Navajo and Mohave County, they are also on the border with Utah.

When asked why other Arizona counties do not have cases, Brady said that could be due to a number of factors.

We do know that vaccination rates were talking about are childhood vaccinations, said Brady. For school data in terms of the 2024-2025 school year, 88.7% of kindergarteners were fully vaccinated for measles, and in Mohave County, thats 78.4%.

Brady added that the statewide average is lower than the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks, leading Brady to state that Arizona is very fortunate that we have not spread outside of Mohave County for this outbreak. That, said Brady, is why Arizona is encouraging people to make sure that they are vaccinated to prevent further spread.

Some people who get vaccinated will have a breakthrough infection, said Brady. Typically, breakthrough infections are less severe. That is not necessarily always the case, but we know that a vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and prevent the disease in the first place.

In a November story for The Center Square, Nicole Witt, Arizonas assistant director for public health preparedness, said the current outbreak is the largest Arizona has seen since the 1990s.
Top Painting Experts Reveal the Best Interior Projects for a Seasonal Transformation

WACO, Texas, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company and North America's leading residential and commercial painting franchise, is encouraging home and business owners to take advantage of the colder season by refreshing their interior spaces with high-quality paint projects. As temperatures drop and more time is spent indoors, making it an ideal time to revamp and reinvigorate indoor spaces.

A fresh coat of paint not only enhances a property's overall appearance, but also protects surfaces and helps maintain long-term value. Regular interior repainting plays a crucial role in creating inviting, well-kept spaces that leave lasting impressions. Five Star Painting's expert teams deliver professional indoor painting services tailored to meet the unique needs of both residential and commercial properties, ensuring a seamless and polished finish.

"Winter offers the perfect opportunity to transform your home or business interior with a fresh new style," said David Sutter, President of Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company. "With cooler temperatures keeping most of us inside more, owners can tackle key paint projects that'll refresh their space before the busier holiday season approaches."

Top 4 Interior Painting Projects to Refresh Your Home This Holiday Season

Room Painting: From living rooms to bedrooms and office spaces, painting a space a new color or as simple as adding an accent wall can dramatically improve mood and comfort during the colder months. Crown Molding and Trim Painting: Repainting a room's trim or crown molding enhances architectural details and adds a crisp, refined finish to any room. Garage Floor Coating and Painting: Winter brings snow, debris, and moisture into garages. Painting or coating the garage floor with an epoxy coating can increase traction and durability, helping to prevent slips and injuries. Cabinet Painting: Instead of the expense of a kitchen or bath remodel, refreshing outdated or worn cabinets with paint provide a modern, rejuvenated look at a fraction of the cost.

Continuing its mission to deliver top-tier interior transformations, Five Star Painting recently teamed up with nuDoors, a provider of custom-made cabinet doors, at select locations. Through this relationship, homeowners and businesses can elevate their spaces beyond paint, with updated cabinetry and trim options that create a polished, cohesive look.

To learn more about Five Star Painting's interior painting services for both residential and commercial properties, visit: https://www.fivestarpainting.com/.

About Five Star Painting:

Five Star Painting is North America's premier professional residential and commercial interior and exterior painting franchise. Founded in 2004, Five Star Painting operates from more than 250 locations worldwide. Acquired in 2015, Five Star Painting is part of Neighborly, a family of global brands focused on being remarkable with consumers and franchise owners with more than 30 brands and 5,500 franchise locations across North America and Europe serving millions of customers. For more information about Five Star Painting, visit FiveStarPainting.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly, click here.

SOURCE Five Star Painting
A teenager poses holding a mobile phone displaying a message from TikTok as law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia takes effect, in Sydney, Australia, December 10, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

By Byron Kaye

SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday took aim at young people parading themselves on social media a day after a world-first ban on under-16s went live, saying the rollout was always going to be bumpy but would ultimately save lives.

A day after the law took effect with bipartisan support from the major political parties and backing by some three-quarters of Australian parents, the country's social media feeds were flooded with comments from people claiming to be under 16, including one on the prime minister's TikTok account saying "I'm still here, wait until I can vote".

Under the law, 10 of the biggest platforms including TikTok, Meta's Instagram and Alphabet's YouTube must bar underage users or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million). The government has said it would take some time for the platforms to set up processes to do this.

"This is the law, this isn't something that can be flouted," Albanese said on News Corp's Sky News.

"Some young people who haven't yet been pulled off social media are sending out notices bragging about it. That just tells the platforms who they are, and so it will be taken down."

Governments around the world have said they would monitor the Australian ban as they weigh whether to do something similar. U.S. Republican senator Josh Hawley endorsed the ban as it took effect, Nine newspapers reported, while France, Denmark, Malaysia and others have said they plan to emulate the Australian model.

The Australian internet regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, would ask all affected platforms to report numbers of under-16 accounts on the days before and after the ban went live on Wednesday, Communications Minister Anika Wells said.

Albanese has pitched the ban as an intervention to protect young people from mental health risks associated with social media, including bullying, body image problems and addictive algorithms.

While some teens trumpeted their ability to flout the ban, Australian content creators are reporting large falls in follower numbers and views. The government says some 200,000 accounts have been deactivated on TikTok alone since the ban went live.

Meta repeated its opposition to the law, saying some experts, advocates and parent groups were concerned it was driving teenagers to less regulated parts of the internet and that there was "little interest in compliance".

"This will result in inconsistent application of the law and ultimately does not make young people safer," a spokesperson said.

TikTok and Snap, owner of Snapchat, declined to comment on the implementation, while YouTube, X, Amazon's Twitch, Reddit and Australian-owned Kick - all of which are covered by the ban - were not immediately available for comment.

HEATED GLOBAL REACTIONS

The ban generated impassioned reactions across the spectrum of global commentators - including from U.S. psychologist Jonathan Haidt, whose book "The Anxious Generation" featured prominently in the Australian debate.

The ban was "the most significant measure to protect children from social media harms", he wrote on social media.

"Dr" Phil McGraw, the U.S. television presenter, in an interview on NewsNation's "On Balance with Leland Vittert", said the measure would "help immensely and force them to engage with the environment, with friends, get out into the real world".

A week earlier, American talk show host Oprah Winfrey said the ban would change the lives of a generation.

The United Nations children's agency UNICEF warned in a statement the ban might encourage children to visit less regulated parts of the internet and could not work alone.

"Laws introducing age restrictions are not an alternative to companies improving platform design and content moderation," the statement said.

Albanese, visiting a school in Canberra, said the ban would lead to better educational outcomes and behaviour" since "you get better social interaction when students aren't subject to looking at their devices constantly".

Australian searches for virtual private networks (VPNs), which can mask an internet user's location, surged to the highest level in about 10 years in the week before the legislation took effect, according to publicly available Google data.

All 10 platforms named by the ban opposed it before saying they would comply. As the legislation came into force, some platforms not covered by the ban rose to the top of app download charts, prompting the Australian government to say the platform list was "dynamic".

One app, Lemon8, which is owned by TikTok parent ByteDance, introduced an age minimum of 16. Photo-sharing app Yope told Reuters it had experienced "very fast growth" to about 100,000 Australian users. About half its users were over 16.

The company told Reuters it had told the Australian internet regulator overseeing the ban that it considered itself a private messaging service, not social media.

($1 = 1.4995 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Byron Kaye; Additional reporting by Alasdair Pal; Editing by Stephen Coates)
A close-up shows a police officers duty belt and holstered firearm. Photo: Kindel Media / Pexels

(The Center Square) - The Pennsylvania State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, or FOP, has about 40,000 members, supporting workers rights for law enforcement officers across agencies and branches of government.

Its empowered to do that through the Pennsylvania Constitutions Act 111, which allows municipal police members to engage in collective bargaining through binding arbitration while preventing strikes that could compromise public safety.

The same rules do not apply, however, to other types of police, including those who work on college campuses, transit police, and certain state law enforcement units. Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-McKeesport, introduced a bill to the Pennsylvania House that would extend binding arbitration to all law enforcement in the state to resolve contract disputes.

Binding arbitration is good for workers and ensures officers are at work, doing their job for the people of the Commonwealth, wrote Goghnour.

When police in these units strike, their duties still must be covered. That work typically falls to local police departments, creating the potential to stretch thinner a strained workforce.

At the time of this publication, the specific language of the bill hasnt been released, but Goughnour wrote that it would amend Act 195 of 1975, which covers the officers in question, not extend Act 111 to them. Currently, co-sponsors have yet to sign on, but the memo appears to mirror a bill put forth by Rep. Frank Farry, R-Langhorne, in October.

Police unions collective bargaining agreements come with a great deal of scrutiny. Act 111 itself has seen a tug-of-war between reformers hoping to increase civilian oversight of police and the FOP who say it represents a sacred compact.

Legal disputes between the City of Philadelphia and FOP Lodge have brought the issue to the foreground. The Pennsylvania branch of the American Civil Liberties Union joined the Defenders Association of Philadelphia and the Advocacy for Racial and Civil Justice Clinic in an amicus brief.

History reveals that grievance arbitration in the absence of any judicial review increases police misconduct, supports public perceptions of police impunity, damages public trust in police, and disproportionately harms Black and Brown communities in Pennsylvania, reads the brief.

According to the Defenders Association, 75% of officers are reinstated after being fired for misconduct, and just 3% of police misconduct leads to discipline.

In 2022, former state Rep. Donna Bullock introduced a package of bills amending Act 111. The FOP campaigned with strong opposition to the bills. Former President Les Neri was joined by Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association President Robert Brooks and former Pennsylvania State Troopers Association President David Kennedy.

This disgraceful package of legislation would thank Police Officers, State Troopers and Firefighters for their sacrifices by eroding the bedrock rights that our Constitution was amended to provide many years ago, wrote the leadership. The attack is baseless and shameful, and it stands to harm the men and women who lay down their lives each year to keep Pennsylvania safe.

Bills in the package never left committee.
President Donald Trump delivers remarks during an event in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 2025. - Alex Wong/Getty Images

A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

In President Donald Trumps simple and provocative language, Somali immigrants to the US, even US citizens, are garbage.

Send her back! was the chant from supporters about Rep. Ilhan Omar, the elected member of Congress, at a campaign-style event Tuesday night.

Throw her the hell out! Trump said.

This is a complaint about legal immigration

Trump also reminded everyone of the episode in his first term when he complained that the US was accepting immigrants from shithole countries.

Why cant we have some people from Norway, Sweden? Trump asked the Pennsylvania crowd. Send us some nice people, do you mind? But we always take people from Somalia, places that are a disaster, right? Filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime.

Stephen Miller, the White House aide who seems to hold outsized authority over much of Trumps agenda, in particular on immigration, expanded on these ideas on Fox News in an interview earlier Tuesday.

Both Miller and Trump have seized upon a growing pandemic relief scandal in Minnesota to disparage the entire Somali immigrant community, much of which came to the country legally beginning in the 1990s.

Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to reporters outside of the White House on October 6, 2025. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Pining for the pre-Civil Rights era

Miller suggested the country was better off with strict quotas that sought to preserve the racial makeup of the country in the 1920s and favored immigrants from Western and Northern Europe over what he called third world countries.

That period was, in Millers view, the cauldron through which a unified shared national identity was formed. He drew a line between the great events in that 50-year period of US history and negative migration. Back then, it was Swedish immigrants living in the Minneapolis neighborhood where Somalis have now settled.

A law that changed the country

President Lyndon B Johnson addresses the crowds before the signing of the Immigration and Nationality Act at Liberty Island, New York, on October 3, 1965. - Yoichi Okamoto/Interim Archives/Getty Images

The legislation was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the Statue of Liberty in 1965, and its goal was to prioritize skills and abilities of legal immigrants. Previous law had demanded that the racial and cultural makeup of the country not be changed as a result of immigration.

It corrects a cruel and enduring wrong in the conduct of the American nation, Johnson said at the time.

He argued the system of quotas based on country of origin violated the founding precept of the country:

JOHNSON: Men of needed skill and talent were denied entrance because they came from southern or eastern Europe or from one of the developing continents. This system violated the basic principle of American democracy  the principle that values and rewards each man on the basis of his merit as a man. It has been un-American in the highest sense, because it has been untrue to the faith that brought thousands to these shores even before we were a country.

Immigration surged, primarily from Latin America and Asia, while European immigration fell.

A key moment for Civil Rights

The historian Mark Updegrove, who is CEO of the LBJ Presidential Library, puts the immigration law alongside the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act as key pieces of Civil Rights legislation that changed the country.

What LBJ said is that we shouldnt be asking people where theyre from; we should be asking people what can you do for our country, he said. It opened up opportunities for people who, to that point, had been banned from coming to the United States simply by virtue of their ethnicity or country of origin, which is ridiculous.

The law also represented one of the few times Congress has been able to come together to address immigration in a comprehensive way.

Third world countries

Millers complaint, expressed on Fox News, is that the 1965 law attracted more people from third world countries who he argued have failed to assimilate in the US.

What you saw between 1965 and today was the single largest experiment on a society, on a civilization, that had ever been conducted in human history, Miller argued.

In his view, immigrant groups like Somali-Americans, who sought refuge in Minnesota starting in the 1990s, failed as Americans. And he said their natural born citizen children have also failed. On natural born citizenship, the Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to ignore the plain language of whats in the Constitution.

With a lot of these immigrant groups, not only is the first generation unsuccessful  again, Somalia is a clear example  but you see very persistent issues in every subsequent generation. You see consistent high rates of welfare use, high rates of criminal activity, consistent failures to assimilate.

CNNs recent reporting, on the other hand, suggests Minnesota is still welcoming to the Somali immigrants, most of them now citizens having natural born citizen children.

A nod to replacement theory

Thats not what Miller sees, for either Somalis or other immigrant groups. Think back to when Trump falsely accused Haitian immigrants legally in the US of eating dogs in Ohio. Borrowing, at least in spirit, from the objectively racist concept of replacement theory, Miller said immigrants from third world countries are going to bring the US down.

Its just common sense. If Somalians cannot make Somalia successful, why would that we think that the track record would be any different in the United States? he said, pointing also to immigrants from other African countries.

If these societies all over the world continue to fail, you have to ask yourself, if you bring those societies into our country, what do you think will happen? You will replicate the conditions they left, he said.

Immigration as the root problem of many US problems

Demonstrators rally outside a Target, which local officials have accused of allowing ICE officers to stage in their parking lots as the Trump administration has targeted the Somali immigrant community in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 4, 2025. - Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Miller, becoming animated, pointed to education, health care, public safety and deficit spending, which is just about the waterfront of societal issues.

MILLER: If you subtract immigration out of test scores, all of a sudden our test scores skyrocket! If you subtract immigration out of health care, all of a sudden we dont have near to the size of the health care challenges our country faces. If you subtract immigration out of public safety, all of a sudden we dont have violent crime in so many of our cities. Issue after issue we talk about these things as they things just happen to us. The schools just suddenly fail. Violent crime just suddenly explodes. The deficit just suddenly skyrockets. These are a result of social policy choices that we made through immigration.

Millers argument lacks evidence

I put Millers comments to David Bier, a critic of the Trump administrations immigration policy at the libertarian-leaning CATO institute. Bier disagreed, to put it mildly.

His views are baseless smears based on bias, not serious analysis, he told me by email, adding a point-by-point deconstruction of what Miller said.

BIER: Immigrants to the United States today are assimilating faster than prior generations. They are more likely to know English, more likely to have graduated college, are more economically productive, and more beneficial to government budgets than in the early 20th century. They have more experience with democracy than past waves of immigration, and they are more patriotic and more supportive of US institutions than the US-born. By the time they naturalize they have adopted almost the same political views, except for immigration policy. They are less likely to commit crimes and be incarcerated than those in the early 20th century. Immigrants today cost less to the health care system than the US-born. They are less likely to commit and be incarcerated for crimes than the US-born. Immigrants increase the returns to education for the US-born, leading more US-born to graduate. They make the US-born more productive, increasing their wages and living standards.

Imprinted all over Trumps policies

Regardless of whether his views are based in fact, Millers outlook is consistently repeated in Trumps policies, which frequently conflate legal and undocumented immigrants from countries like Somalia.

Republicans cited unverified allegations of widespread fraud to cut future Medicaid and food assistance spending. Trumps Secretary of Homeland Security has indicated she will expand a travel ban from 19 countries to include every damn country thats been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.

Immigration paranoia fuels a new Trump corollary

The larger issue of immigration, including legal immigration, is also behind a more existential policy shift the US announced this week in a new National Security Strategy.

The document announces a new Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine that will see the US act against Western Hemisphere countries to make sure they are able to prevent mass migration to the US.

The document also seems to refer to migrant communities like Somalis in the US when it states that US sovereignty has been eroded by the cynical manipulation of our immigration system to build up voting blocs loyal to foreign interests within our country.

Civilizational erasure

The US warns in the National Security Strategy that Europe  ancestral home of the immigrants that Trump prefers  is threatened by civilizational erasure, an unsubtle reference to immigration to Europe.

Should present trends continue, the continent will be unrecognizable in 20 years or less, the document states, arguing such transformation could call into question whether European countries will remain as US allies.

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A reflection of a military memorial is seen in a building window. Photo: Sarah Roderick-Fitch / The Center Square

(The Center Square) - Pennsylvania is suffering from a statewide workforce shortage across industries, with rural areas taking the hardest hits and a 400,000 person deficit predicted by the end of the decade.

Each year, about 200,000 people transition out of highly skilled military roles into civilian life, where finding work can be a struggle.

Finding ways for veterans to leverage their work experience into meaningful employment is often harder than it appears. Medics and corpsmen who spend years providing emergency medical services in the field dont have clear routes to comparable jobs at home, even as staffing shortfalls threaten the stability of every level of the health care system.

Pennsylvania House Democrats held a Veterans Policy Forum to explore ways the legislature can help to clear the path. The conversation led by the Penn State Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness pinpointed the challenges veterans face and the mutually beneficial solutions they present.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has successfully made the connection between military and civilian medical roles through its Intermediate Care Technician program, which currently operates in 77 facilities. As an extension of the federal government, theyre able to circumvent the licensure issues presented in individual states.

Kentucky Rep. DJ Johnson, R-Owensboro, joined the Clearinghouse to speak about workforce development in his home state. He described his own experience of returning after 11 years as an artillery officer. When he returned to civilian life, the skills he developed in his position werent self-evident. That he had developed as a leader, helping to manage and train others, keep data secure, and handle operations.

Military people don't know how to explain that to the civilian workforce, and on the flip side, the civilian workforce doesn't understand the military lingo, said Johnson. So, we have what I think is thousands and thousands of highly trained, highly disciplined individuals looking to become members of the workforce, and they don't know how to do it.

In Kentucky, theyre working to meet the needs on both ends by recruiting servicemembers to come live and work in the state through a program called Kentucky Veterans Accelerated Licensure Occupational Recruitment, or KY VALOR. The program has 44 pathways to 55 different occupations requiring licensure or certification. The jobs include roles in health care, skilled trades, transportation and business. The program also partners with employers to move veterans directly into careers.

Laura Hanoski of Wisconsin Military Medics and Corpsmen worked to create an avenue to place veterans in the medical field in her state. The program seeks out veterans within twelve months of their departure from the military to ensure their skills remain sharp. The recruits are allowed to work at the level of an LPN, pursue education toward licensure or certification, and find placement in careers.

To make it happen, her team needed buy-in from the state legislature, which they ultimately received in a bill that found unanimous support.

We needed our legislation to support multiple things we were doing, said Hanoski. We waived a license and allowed people to work. We created a job that really wasn't part of the health care system at that time, and that actually really allowed credibility for the partnerships that we were trying to foster and grow with our health care partners.

To that end, the forum ended with a wishlistpartnerships, policies, and pathways.
"High Five."  Mark Meth Cohn/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

The annual Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards highlight the funniest images in wildlife photography.

Judges chose 16 highly commended and winning photos out of 10,000 entries.

The overall winning photo features a gorilla showing off its acrobatic skills.

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards provide more than just laughs  they also raise money for wildlife conservation.

Each year, photographers submit their funniest wildlife photos showing animals striking amusing poses or making hilarious faces in their natural habitats.

In 2025, the contest received 10,000 entries from 109 countries, the most submissions in the history of the awards. A panel of judges selected 10 highly commended images and six winners in categories such as birds, fish, and reptiles, as well as an overall winner.

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards donate 10% of its revenue to Whitley Fund for Nature, a wildlife conservation organization.

Here are the funniest wildlife photos of the year.

Highly commended: "Smile, You're Being Photographed" by Valtteri Mulkahainen

"Smile, You're Being Photographed."  Valtteri Mulkahainen /Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Mulkahainen took this photo of a brown bear in the Martinselkonen area of Finland.

"When I was photographing bears, this one-year-old bear cub saw it and started smiling at me," Mulkahainen wrote.

Highly commended: "The Choir" by Meline Ellwanger

"The Choir."  Meline Ellwanger/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Ellwanger caught three lions yawning at the same time, calling it "a hilariously lucky moment."

Highly commended: "Landing Gear Down" by Erkko Badermann

"Landing Gear Down."  Erkko Badermann/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"The red-throated loon is quite a poor flyer, and its landing is usually very wobbly," Badermann, who took the photo in Finland, wrote. "It seeks balance with its legs stretched backwards and then belly-lands to glide. I like to say they use the water as their runway. This time, the bird came straight towards me and was so steady you might imagine it had taken flying lessons."

Highly commended: "Monkey Circus" by Kalin Botev

"Monkey Circus."  Kalin Botev/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

While visiting Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Botev came across a troop of baboons playing in a tree.

"Every time they passed by the sitting baboon, it was trying to catch them in a funny way," Botev wrote.

Highly commended: "Bad Hair Day" by Christy Grinton

"Bad Hair Day."  Christy Grinton/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Grinton photographed a grey squirrel relocating her babies to a new nest in Victoria's Beacon Hill Park in British Columbia. As the squirrel left the nest, her wet tail moved on top of her head, making it look like a spiky haircut.

"When I saw her it made me smile, thinking, 'I know that moment where you have just washed your hair and the doorbell goes!" Grinton wrote. "I also loved the textures and colors of the bark of the arbutus tree surrounding her and her 'bad hair.'"

Highly commended: "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" by Bret Saalwaechter

"I Just Can't Wait To Be King."  Bret Saalwaechter/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Saalwaechter photographed lion cubs pestering their mother in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

"For over an hour, they followed their mother around a famous Serengeti kopje  those iconic rocky outcrops that dot the landscape alternating between trying to suckle and play," Saalwaechter wrote. "Each time the mother, already in a foul mood from the sweltering heat, would give a quick roar of disapproval and escape the circus. But the cubs, like any persistent little ones, would chase her down, nipping at her and yelping for more attention."

Highly commended: "Fonzies Advertising" by Liliana Luca

"Fonzies Advertising."  Liliana Luca/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Luca photographed a lemur in Madagascar licking its fingers "with the grace of a stage actor and the timing of a comedian," as if it had just eaten a bag of Fonzies snacks.

"The photo immediately reminded me of that old snack commercial: 'If you don't lick your fingers, you're only half enjoying it!'" Luca wrote.

Highly commended: "Now Which Direction Is My Nest?" by Alison Tuck

"Now Which Direction Is My Nest?"  Alison Tuck/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Tuck captured the moment when nesting grass blew into a gannet's face on the Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, England.

Highly commended: "Go Away" by Annette Kirby

"Go Away."  Annette Kirby/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Kirby photographed a Steller's sea eagle guarding a fish it had caught in Hokkaido, Japan.

"Other birds were flying above, and as they came closer, I captured the look it gave them," Kirby wrote. "There was no way it was parting with its catch."

Highly commended: "Aaaaawa Mum" by Mark Meth Cohn

"Aaaaaw Mum."  Mark Meth Cohn/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Cohn photographed a baby gorilla appearing embarrassed by its mother in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda.

Bird category winner: "Headlock" by Warren Price

"Headlock."  Warren Price/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Price wrote that he photographed these "fiercely territorial" guillemots in the midst of a dispute "on a small rocky cliff ledge where space was at a premium."

"I liked the way the guillemot was looking directly into my lens, its white eye-liner eyes highlighting its predicament!" Price wrote. "Sometimes you just want to bite your neighbor's head offliterally!"

Fish and other aquatic animals category winner: "Smiley" by Jenny Stock

"Smiley."  Jenny Stock/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"Whilst on a scuba dive in the Philippines, this little fish kept popping its head out of its home, a hole in the patterned coral," Stock wrote of the bluestriped fangblenny featured in her winning image. "I took a few photos and I loved its cheeky face smiling back at me. What an expressive-looking face!"

Reptile, amphibian, and insect category winner and Nikon junior category winner: "Baptism of the Unwilling Convert" by Grayson Bell

"Baptism of the Unwilling Convert."  Grayson Bell/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Bell, a 13-year-old photographer, took this photo of male frogs establishing their territory in a pond in Maine.

"I took my camera and lay on my belly, watching them and taking shots," Bell wrote. "It wasn't until I got back to the house and looked at the pictures that I saw this one and realized how much I liked it. I showed it to my parents and they loved it too and it became one of my favorites. We all thought it looked like one frog was trying to baptize the other!"

Nikon young photographer category winner: "Hit the Dance Floor" by Paula Rustemeier

"Hit the Dance Floor."  Paula Rustemeier/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Rustemeier photographed playful foxes on a nature reserve in the Netherlands, documenting the same den over several months.

"The time with them taught me a lot about their social behavior," Rustemeier wrote. "I saw them fight, hunt, sleep, groom, and of course play, which is always my favorite to watch! You really have to giggle a lot watching foxes play with their quirky personalities."

Portfolio category winner: "Digging for Gold" by Maggie Hoffman

"Digging for Gold."  Maggie Hoffman/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Hoffman caught a female chimpanzee picking her nose in a series of photographs taken in Gombe National Park in Tanzania.

Overall Winner: "High Five" by Mark Meth Cohn

"High Five."  Mark Meth Cohn/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Cohn snapped this winning photo of a gorilla from a family group known as the Amahoro family in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains.

"One young male was especially keen to show off his acrobatic flair: pirouetting, tumbling, and high kicking," Cohn wrote. "Watching his performance was pure joy, and I'm thrilled to have captured his playful spirit in this image."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Holger Leue/Getty Royal Caribbean's 'Liberty of the Seas' cruise ship

NEED TO KNOW

A 69-year-old grandmother was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition while attempting to board her Royal Caribbean cruise docked in the Bahamas

Oklahoma resident Mary Robinson spent about five days in Nassau's notorious Fox Hill Prison, her attorney tells PEOPLE

She was issued an $8,000 fine for the crime, which can carry up to a 10 year prison sentence, per her attorney

An American grandmother visiting the Bahamas during a Royal Caribbean cruise was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition last week, her attorney confirmed to PEOPLE.



Sixty-nine-year-old Mary Robinson was found carrying a loaded gun in her purse while on board the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship docked near New Providence Island on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Robinson, who is from Sand Springs, Okla., was found carrying a black Kel-Tec .380 pistol and four rounds of ammunition, her attorney, Bjorn Ferguson, confirms. The weapon seemingly made it past security at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where she first boarded the ship.

After hearing the news of her arrest, Robinsons granddaughter, Graci Exendine, took to GoFundMe to help raise enough money for a potential fine.

A beach in Nassau, Bahamas

She needs a miracle to happen to her, Exendine wrote on the fundraising page. She went on a cruise for her adopted son Johnnys 12th birthday. She is 69 years old and on her trips she usually bring[s] some kind of protection but usually leaves it in the car since you arent allowed to bring it on the ship.



Well accidentally she didnt leave it and it was found in her bag when they checked, she adds. She has a court date for tomorrow but if she is fined and released, I have to come up with $10,000 to pay her fine or she will go to the Bahamas prison.

The Bahamas uses one primary correctional facility located in Nassau: Fox Hill Prison. A 2021 report from the U.S. Department of State found conditions at the center were harsh due to overcrowding, poor nutrition, inadequate sanitation and inadequate medical care.

Joe Raedle/Getty Fox Hill Prison in Nassau, Bahamas

In 2019, during the Nassau Guardian newspapers tour of the facility, a guard reportedly told the outlet that rats run up and down all day, every day.

Dogs dont deserve to live in the state that maximum security is in, the officer anonymously told the paper. Its not fit for humanity,

Robinson pleaded guilty to the possession charges before Magistrate Lennox Coleby on Thursday, Dec. 4. Local outlet The Tribune reports she apologized and said she forgot her gun was in her purse because of her home states open carry laws.

Ferguson tells PEOPLE when you enter the Bahamas jurisdiction with a firearm it can be very "problematic," because a judge can serve a prison sentence of 12 months to 10 years for a firearms possession charge. He was able to negotiate an $8,000 fine instead, but the family didn't have the money right away.



"The fine was not paid on the day of the hearing, and so she did in fact have to go to the Bahamas Department of Corrections," Ferguson says, estimating she spent five or six days in the Fox Hill facility. "The fine was then paid and she was released."



As of Dec. 9, Exendines GoFundMe raised more than $12,000 to pay Robinsons fine.

I just talked to Mary, she is OUT!! her granddaughter wrote in a Dec. 8 Facebook post. She is staying at a hotel tonight and then we will figure out her passport and flight tomorrow!! Thank you everyone who has been keeping up with Mary and making sure she gets home to her people.

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 Exendine and Royal Bahamas Police Force for comment.

A representative for Port Everglades tells PEOPLE that security is handled by the respective cruise lines. Royal Caribbean did not respond to PEOPLE's multiple requests for comment.

Read the original article on People
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado reacts to the crowd gathered in front of the Grand Hotel, in Oslo, Norway, early Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Jonas Been Henriksen/NTB Scanpix via AP)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Maria Corina Machado has long been the face of resistance to Venezuela's 26-year ruling party. Now, she is also a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who prompted millions of Venezuelans to reject President Nicolas Maduro in last year's election, appeared in public for the first time in 11 months on Thursday, following her arrival in Norway, where her daughter received the award on her behalf the previous day.

Machado had been in hiding since Jan. 9, when she was briefly detained after joining supporters during an anti-government protest in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.

Her Nobel win for her struggle to achieve a democratic transition in her South American nation was announced on Oct. 10. Hours after waving from the balcony of a hotel to a cheering crowd gathered outside on Thursday, Machado told reporters that she would continue the fight for her homeland's democracy and promised to return soon.

My return will be when we believe the security conditions are right, and it wont depend on whether or not the regime leaves, she said. It will be as soon as possible.

Engineer-turned-politician

Machado, an industrial engineer and daughter of a steel magnate, began challenging the ruling party in 2004, when the nongovernmental organization she co-founded, Sumate, promoted a referendum to recall then President Hugo Chavez. The initiative failed, and Machado and other Sumate executives were charged with conspiracy.

She drew the anger of Chavez and his allies the following year for her Oval Office meeting with then U.S. President George W. Bush. Chavez considered Bush an adversary.

Her full transformation into a politician would come in 2010, when she was elected to a seat in the National Assembly, receiving more votes than any aspiring lawmaker ever. It was from this position that she boldly interrupted Chavez as he addressed the legislature and called his expropriation of businesses theft.

An eagle does not hunt a fly, he responded. The exchange is seared in voters memories.

Presidential aspirations

Machado, 58, sought Venezuela's presidency for the first time in 2012, but she finished third in the primary race to be the presidential candidate for the Democratic Unity Roundtable.

The ruling party-controlled National Assembly ousted Machado in 2014 and, months later, the Comptroller Generals Office barred her from public office for a year, citing an alleged omission on her asset declaration form. That same year, the government accused her of being involved in an alleged plot to kill Maduro, who succeeded Chavez after his 2013 death.

Machado, a free-market firebrand, denied the charge, calling it an attempt to silence her and opposition members who had called tens of thousands of people to the streets in anti-government protests that at times turned violent.

She kept a low profile for the next nine years, supporting some anti-Maduro initiatives and election boycotts and criticizing opposition efforts to negotiate with the government. By the time she announced a new bid for the presidency in 2023, her careful messaging had softened her image as an elitist hard-liner, allowing her to connect with skeptics on both sides.

She won the opposition's presidential primary with more than 90% of the vote, unifying the faction  as noted by the Nobel Prize committee. But ruling party loyalists who control the countrys judiciary kept her from appearing on the ballot, which forced her to throw her support behind former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez.

She hiked on overpasses, walked highways, rode motorcycles, sought shelter in supporters homes and saw her closest collaborators be arrested as she kept campaigning across Venezuela. She repeatedly joined thousands of supporters chanting in unison Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! in rallies and asked them to vote for Gonzalez, a virtual unknown who had never run for office.

Brutal repression

Gonzalez crushed Maduro by a more than a two-to-one margin, according to voting machine records collected by the opposition and validated by international observers. Still, Venezuela's National Electoral Council, loyal to the ruling party, declared Maduro the winner of the July 28, 2024, contest.

People protested the results across the country, and the government responded with full force, arresting more than 2,000 people and accusing them of plotting to oust Maduro and sow chaos. Most were released over the following months, but the government simultaneously arrested dozens of people who actively participated in Machados efforts last year.

Some of Machado's closest collaborators, including her campaign manager, avoided prison by sheltering for more than a year at a diplomatic compound in Caracas, where they remained until May, when they fled to the U.S. She reunited with them, her family and Gonzalez on Thursday.

Gonzalez went into exile in Spain last year after he became the subject of an arrest warrant, and Machado hadn't been seen in public since January, when she joined people protesting Maduro's planned swearing-in ceremony. Her and Gonzalez's inability to stop Maduro from taking the oath of office led to a decline in support.

People's trust has diminished since then, primarily over Machado's unquestionable support for Trump, including the large U.S. maritime deployment in the Caribbean that has carried out deadly strikes off the coast of Venezuela. This has led to new divisions within the opposition, but she remains undeterred in her efforts to oust Maduro.

Machado told reporters Thursday that Venezuelans have given everything for an orderly and peaceful transition to democracy and now need action, not just statements, from other governments to meet their goal.

The one who has declared war on Venezuelans is the Maduro regime, she said. In criminal systems, we need the worlds democracies to support our citizens.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Getting trapped in quicksand is a corny peril of old movies and TV shows, but it really did happen to one unfortunate hiker in Utah's Arches National Park.

The park famous for dozens of natural, sandstone arches gets over 1 million visitors a year, and accidents ranging from falls to heat stroke are common.

Quicksand? Not really - but it has happened at least a couple of times now.

"The wet sand just kind of flows back in. It's kind of a never-ending battle," said John Marshall, who helped a woman stuck in quicksand over a decade ago and coordinated the latest rescue.

On Sunday, an experienced hiker was traversing a small canyon on the second day of a 20-mile backpacking trip when he sank up to his thigh, according to Marshall.

Unable to free himself, the hiker activated an emergency satellite beacon. His message got forwarded to Grand County emergency responders and Marshall got the call at 7:15 a.m..

"I was just rolling out of bed," Marshall said. "I'm scratching my head, going, 'Did I hear that right? Did they say quicksand?'"

The hiker wasn't publicly named but Fox13 spoke to him and identified him as Austin Dirks.

"Before this trip, I honestly thought quicksand was more of a folklore or a legend," Dirks told the outlet.

This image taken from drone footage provided by Grand County Search and Rescue shows a man being freed from quicksand Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Arches National Park in eastern Utah. / Credit: AP (AP)

He put his boots on and rendezvoused with a team that set out with all-terrain vehicles, a ladder, traction boards, backboards and a drone. Soon, Marshall had a bird's-eye view of the situation.

Through the drone camera he saw a park ranger who'd tossed the man a shovel. But the quicksand flowed back as soon as the backpacker shoveled it away, Marshall said.

The Grand County Search and Rescue team positioned the ladder and boards near the backpacker and slowly worked his leg loose. By then he'd been standing in near-freezing muck, in temperatures in the 20s, for a couple of hours.

Rescuers warmed him up until he could stand, then walk. He then hiked out on his own, even carrying his backpack, Marshall said.

"How it's depicted on TV is nothing like it is in real life," the hiker, Dirks, told Fox13. "The human body is more buoyant than the quicksand, so you'll never sink to above your head."

Quicksand is dangerous but it's a myth total submersion is the main risk, said Marshall.

"In quicksand you're extremely buoyant," he said. "Most people won't sink past their waist in quicksand."

Marshall is more or less a quicksand expert.

In 2014, he was a medic who helped a 78-year-old woman after she was stuck for over 13 hours in the same canyon just 2 mile from where Sunday's rescue took place.

The woman's book club got worried when she missed their meeting. They went looking for her and found her car at a trailhead. It was June - warmer than Sunday but not sweltering in the canyon's shade - and the woman made a full recovery after regaining use of her legs.

"Both had very happy endings," Marshall said.

The Grand County Search and Rescue team has had a busy year. According to a Facebook post earlier this month, the team has responded to 140 calls so far in 2025, accounting for about 2,900 rescue hours. Among the calls: A stranded canyoneer who got her hair tangled in a rappel device and a couple trapped in their Jeep, caught on a flooded road.

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China continues to support U.S. search for remains of missing U.S. military personnel

Xinhua) 10:06, December 11, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to help the United States in search for the remains of U.S. military personnel missing within Chinese territory since the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), according to China's Ministry of National Defense.

The Chinese and U.S. militaries held a video conference on archives cooperation on Wednesday, during which they exchanged views on the cooperation and agreed on a preliminary cooperation plan for 2026, the ministry said.

The Chinese side will continue to help the United States in search for the remains of missing U.S. military personnel in the spirit of humanitarianism, the ministry said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
TerraPay will enable faster go-to-market and launch via its global payment interoperability platform Xend

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastercard has joined forces with TerraPay, a global money movement company, to equip its wallet partners including mobile money wallets, fintechs, and banks, with the latest digital payment capabilities.

Mastercard collaborates with TerraPay to unlock acceptance for digital wallet users globally.

Through this collaboration, wallet customers will be able to transact seamlessly at more than 150 million Mastercard acceptance locations worldwide using NFC payment, while wallet providers will benefit from the advanced infrastructure and technology jointly delivered by both organizations. TerraPay will also enable faster go-to-market and simplified launch processes through Xend, its newly introduced global payment interoperability platform.

"At TerraPay, our mission is to make every wallet roam  to work anywhere, just like your card does. For years, we've connected banks, wallets, and money transfer organizations across 150+ countries. Our collaboration with Mastercard takes that mission a step further. Together, we're bringing true payment interoperability to wallets globally, enabling them to pay at millions of acceptance points and empowering people everywhere to move and pay safely, instantly, and without borders," said Ambar Sur, Founder & CEO, TerraPay.

According to the Mastercard annual 2024 report, 70% of in-person Mastercard transactions worldwide are contactless. This option is up to 10 times faster than other face-to-face payment methods. Contactless-enabled accounts also spend more on average than their non-contactless counterparts.

"At Mastercard, we are enabling innovation and global reach for digital wallets, which serve as important drivers of financial inclusion. Collaborations with key ecosystem players like Terrapay play a key role in scaling the positive impact via their multiple wallet partners and simplifying the implementation process," said Prakriti Singh, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Mastercard, EEMEA.

Digital wallets have been fueling the secular shift in emerging markets. They can offer global scale and secure payment technology to consumers to increase usage. In addition to online payments, they can be used for contactless payments at points of sale (POS), which are gaining popularity among shoppers and merchants alike due to their speed and security.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

About TerraPay

TerraPay simplifies global money movement, providing a single connection to one of the most expansive cross-border payment networks, regulated across multiple markets. Our network enables payments to receiving and sending countries worldwide, reaching a vast network of mobile wallets, bank accounts, and cards.

On a mission to create a borderless financial world, TerraPay makes money transfers instant, reliable, transparent, and fully compliant for its partners, connecting them to 3.7Bn+ mobile wallets, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts, in over 150+ countries. We work behind the scenes as the trusted partners for some of the world's most innovative financial players, from banks and digital wallets to MTOs, merchants and fintech platforms.

Since its founding, TerraPay has built a global interoperable wallet network that advances financial inclusion, even in hard-to-reach markets. TerraPay is headquartered in London, with offices in cities including Bangalore, Dubai, Bogota, Dares Salaam, Kampala, and Singapore.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2843447/TERRAPAY_Mastercard.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/5667165/TerraPay_Logo.jpg

SOURCE TerraPay
Directors Sarah Botstein and Ken Burns look at a bust of George Washington made by Jean-Antoine Houdon at George Washington's Mount Vernon on Oct. 29, 2025, in Mount Vernon, Va. Credit - Matt McClainThe Washington Post via Getty Images

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, the new six-part, 12-hour series that is currently streaming on PBS (directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt) examines how Americas founding turned the world upside-down. Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe. The film relies on generations of historians and historical research to reframe the founding story as a global conflict and a civil war. Christopher Brown (Columbia University), Kathleen DuVal (University of North Carolina) and Jane Kamensky (Thomas Jefferson Foundation/Monticello) were advisers and appear in the film. They joined Made by History for a roundtable conversation about the making of the film.

As a historical adviser to the film, what overlooked or underappreciated historical research or perspective did you encourage Ken Burns to include?

Kathleen DuVal: It was important to me for the film to represent the American Revolution in its international contextboth European empires such as France and Spain and also Native nations, which were still sovereign powers on the border of the colonies. The Revolutionaries knew that was the world they had to work within, but sometimes Americans forget that.

Christopher Brown: I also stressed the importance of the global lens and I encouraged the team to keep the perspective of the British government in view. Many Americans have a limited understanding of what the American War for Independence was about from the British perspective: why taxation without representation made sense to the British government, why it seemed necessary to send redcoats to North America, why the British army failed to win the war even though they had superior resources. In a similar vein, I encouraged the team to present the loyalists as American dissenters and not merely obstacles to progress.

Finally, I encouraged Florentine Films, the production company, to embrace the complexity of African Americans positions in these years, to establish that Black people, like Native Americans, fought on both sides, and that the choice often had more to do with where the best chance for freedom and opportunity seemed to reside, even more than the principles of patriotism or loyalism.

Jane Kamensky: Im a scholar of women and family in American and revolutionary history and helped the Florentine team develop those home-front parts of their stories. I also brought expertise in early American art and the visual world of early America. I brought my students into the project as well. In 2021, and then again in 2023, I had students working on a capstone project for my American Revolution undergraduate lecture course at Harvard. Teams of students researched images, maps, and newspapers for the film. Florentine Films wound up hiring one of my students, Grace Bartosh, who was an intern on the project for that class, so it's been a wonderful throughline to see a student find her great interest in documentary filmmaking through that course capstone, and then get to pursue it at the highest level with this team.

Read More: Ken Burns Breaks Down the Powerful Stories Behind The American Revolution

What significant aspects of the film will help reshape popular understanding of the American Revolution?

Brown: Just about everyone will learn something about the history that they did not know. Teenagers like Betsy Ambler or John Greenwood have almost never had their stories told in the way they are here, for example. More generally, I think viewers may be most struck by the importance of Native Americans and Patriot interest in Native American land. This is an aspect of the subject that many may find unfamiliar  that the nation was founded with the creation of an empire of its own in view.

I also think viewers will be struck by the violence of the War for Independence. Wars are violent by definition, but it is an aspect of the subject that sometimes gets underplayed.

DuVal: The multiple perspectives and violence that Chris mentions will help viewers to better understand how unlikely the Revolution was to succeed. The independence of the United States was in no way easy or inevitable. The Revolutionaries knew they could not win alone against Britain. France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Native nations were vital participants, and their choices helped to determine the outcome of the Revolution.

Kamensky: Since the early 20th century, scholarship on the American Revolution has been beset with binary thinking: its either seen as the ideas strugglethe imperial struggle over home ruleor the struggle over who would rule at home, as Carl Becker said more than a century ago. Was the Revolution about taxation and representation? Or was it about how people in the colonies held and exercised power over each other?

Ken, Sarah, and Davids film refuses that binary, integrating social history from the grassroots perspective with the history of ideas about government that we typically attribute to the capital-F Founders, the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It pays attention to Native Americans and their struggles for sovereignty, to Americans of African descent and their struggles to inhabit the Declarations promises of liberty and equality, to women who asked what all this had to do with them. Yet it also gives due credit to the leadership of George Washington, the vision of Thomas Jefferson, the tactics of Nathanael Green, the bravery of the Marquis de Lafayette, and so on.

What conversation about recent historical scholarship happened behind the scenes during the making of the film?

Kamensky: I think Geoff Ward and the writing team seem to have read everything that's been produced on the revolution for 150 or more years! They digested cutting-edge scholarly research, but they also mined much older work  town histories, soldiers memoirs  that havent much been read in the academy for generations. As a historian, I learned a lot from a team that was reading for scholarly excellence, but also reading for story and thinking about military history, which has all but disappeared from most university curricula.

DuVal: The conversations about scholarship happened from start to finish. I was tremendously impressed even with the first draft that I read of Geoff Wards script, in that it not only reflected recent scholarship but that it even had footnotes! Over the years of writing and production, we historical advisers read the script in multiple drafts and saw rough cuts of the film. We would recommend changes and additional reading, and the whole team was excited to make the film get better and better. Sometimes Geoff or the co-directors David Schmidt and Sarah Botstein would email with a very specific question that sent me to my shelves to try to answer!

Brown: I have already mentioned the important role of Native people and the Patriot ambition for native land. This is a subject that is understood far better than at the bicentennial, 50 years ago. Scholarship on loyalists and the experience of the common soldier on both sides of the war has grown markedly in recent years and so Burns and his team were able to take advantage of that. Recent years also have brought much greater appreciation of the international dimensions of the conflict. This was a tough aspect to balance alongside the need to center the national story.

In your view, how did the films narrative evolve based on advice and expertise from professional historians?

Kamensky: From the beginning, they really wanted to hear our unvarnished reaction. They made clear that they werent wedded to their drafts, on the page or on the screen, and that proved fundamentally true. All humanists should learn from people who work in group process in the way the documentary filmmakers do. The final film moves between various narratives  the war, Congress, and the people in the new state capitals who were setting up the structures of government that actually funded the war and marshaled the soldiers  and that reflects an evolution in the script itself and advice from the team of scholars.

Brown: The film went through many iterations, with constant feedback from dozens of different scholars. I am not sure that the overall narrative changed much, but the points of emphasis did many times, as did the details to be selected. I am quite sure that the team acquired enough material to make a film that could have been much, much longer.

DuVal: The filmmakers always thought it was important to reflect different perspectives on the Revolution, and the conversations with the historians and our knowledge of many different kinds of work on the Revolution helped them to broaden and deepen those perspectives while still using their filmmaking skills to make it a far more encompassing experience than anything our books or articles could have done.

What could professional historians learn from the film production process?

Kamensky: Storytelling in the film takes in the whole landscape of current historical scholarship and perhaps leans more heavily on academic expertise than Ken Burns' films have done in the past. At the same time, he is more focused than many academic historians in telling a story of us, in telling a shared and civically useful story of our plural and complex origins that can be taken forward to build the capacities of citizens. Thats something I hope academic scholars who see the film will find enviable and will feed back into our own current historical practice. We can see that you can tell a story that is rigorous and true and complex and constructive, all at the same time.

Brown: This is an interesting and important question. Academic historians devote much of our attention to the creation and dissemination of new research, to working at the outer edges of their subjects; most of our publications are analytical, interpretive, conceptual, and theoretical. This allows us to make clear to each other where the innovations reside and how they relate to existing knowledge. Many, if not most of us, do not write narrative-driven histories until later in our careers. I agree with Jane. The film shows how compelling narrative and rigorous scholarship can work in tandem, and to great effect.

DuVal: The filmmakers always thought it was important to reflect different perspectives on the Revolution, and the conversations with the historians and our knowledge of many different kinds of work on the Revolution helped them to broaden and deepen those perspectives while still using their filmmaking skills to make it a far more encompassing experience than anything our books or articles could have done.

Christopher Brown is Professor of History at Columbia History.

Kathleen DuVal is a history professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Native Nations: A Millennium in North America, Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution, and the U.S. history textbook Give Me Liberty!

Jane Kamensky is President and CEO of Thomas Jeffersons Monticello and Jonathan Trumbull Professor of American History emerita at Harvard University. She is the author of numerous books, including the prize-winning A Revolution in Color (2016), and Candida Royalle and the Sexual Revolution (2024), a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Biography.

Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
A team of US Navy SEALS drop into the water from UH-1 Venoms during a live amphibious assault demonstration at Camp Pendleton's Red Beach in Oceanside, California, on October 18, 2025. - Mario Tama/Getty Images/File

The House on Wednesday advanced the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, sending the massive defense policy bill to the Senate for final passage.

Both Democrats and Republicans voted overwhelmingly to approve the measure, which sets out the nations defense policy agenda and authorizes nearly $900 billion in funding for military programs, including a 3.8% pay raise for service members. The Trump administration has urged passage of the bill.

GOP leaders scrambled and worked Wednesday afternoon to persuade their own members to take a critical step to allow a vote on the bill, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking with the holdouts to negotiate various priorities. But the bill ultimately passed the House, 312-112.

The bill includes a provision that increases pressure on the Pentagon to provide Congress with videos of its strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. The inclusion of the provision in the must-pass legislation, which was negotiated by top House and Senate Democrats and Republicans, reflects lawmakers continued desire for the Trump administration to disclose more information about the militarys controversial September 2 double-tap strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat.

The specific provision would withhold a quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths travel budget unless the Pentagon complies with various oversight requirements, including providing the House and Senate Armed Services committees video of strikes conducted against designated terrorist organizations in the area of responsibility of the United States Southern Command.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives for a meeting with House and Senate leaders about strikes carried out by the US military on alleged Venezuelan drug boats on December 9, 2025. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

It also requires the Pentagon to provide Congress with copies of any execute orders it issues.

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services committee who helped negotiate the behemoth bill, said Tuesday the boat strikes language and other provisions would help Congress reassert itself as a coequal branch of government.

Some on Capitol Hill, however, have signaled a desire to move on from the follow-up strike controversy. House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, a committee aide told CNN, is prepared to end his panels investigation into the September 2 attack in the Caribbean.

The video and classified briefings from the Pentagon were sufficient to convince him this was a legal action. But hes also been clear that we need a classified briefing where the rest of HASCs members can see the video, and we expect that to happen next week, the committee aide told CNN.

Republicans can claim wins in the bill. Top House Republicans are touting how the NDAA codifies over a dozen Trump executive orders and much of his agenda at the southern border and abroad. They also say the bill eliminates diversity initiatives in the military.

Other provisions of the NDAA would repeal 1991 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq, repeal sanctions on Syria, and seek to limit the Trump administrations ability to significantly draw down troops from Europe.

Another aims to support efforts to recover Ukrainian children who have been abducted by Russia. The provision, based on bipartisan, bicameral legislation, would restore US support for the work to track and return the stolen children. Earlier this year, the Trump administration cut funding to the leading organization that tracks evidence of Russian war crimes, including the forced relocation of the estimated tens of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been taken by Russia.

Many lawmakers were dismayed by the omission of language to expand coverage of fertility services like in vitro fertilization for service members on TRICARE. Earlier House and Senate versions of the bill contained such language, but it was left out of the final product.

Holdouts land concessions in exchange for greenlighting bill

In order to clear a key procedural hurdle to allow for the final vote, a handful of House GOP holdouts switched their votes in the eleventh hour after concessions from senior party leaders.

Three hardliner Republicans  Reps. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Lauren Boebert of Colorado  told CNN that they spoke with Rubio on a private call about their concerns that federal funding was going to the Taliban.

We talked to the secretary of state. Hes going to ensure that NGOs that are funneling money to the Taliban are going to officially stop, Luna told CNN.

Hes going to work with us on that, Burchett added.

The phone call with Rubio took place in a private GOP room off the House floor, where party leaders huddled with their hardline holdouts in the middle of the stalled vote Wednesday afternoon. As Johnson and his team worked over the holdouts, the vote was open for roughly 80 minutes. In the end, GOP leaders flipped roughly a half-dozen votes.

This group suggested they secured a promise from Johnsons team to bring a bill to block stock trading by members of Congress to the floor in the future, a nod to Lunas months-long pressure campaign on the issue. Its not clear exactly what bill would come to the floor, or when. (Pressed about the details of that agreement, Luna said: Well let you ask the speaker on that.)

They also won another commitment from Johnson related to cryptocurrency. Months after conservatives held up a different vote to pressure Johnson on crypto, the group said they secured another promise to bring up a bill that would prevent the creation of whats known as a Central Bank Digital Currency, which comes with major privacy concerns for the hard-right.

The House will go to war with the Senate on the issue, Luna said, conveying the message from party leaders.

Asked about a promised vote to ban stock trading, Johnson denied the notion, Theres all sorts of things about what I supposedly promised in the room, thats not true.

What I told them is that we continue to go through that process. Theres a lot of ideas on that. And so, I just committed to what Id already committed to, he told reporters Wednesday evening.

This headline and story have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Alison Main, Jennifer Hansler, Annie Grayer, Donald Judd contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
WASHINGTON  Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was grilled on Capitol Hill, facing questions related to her departments immigration efforts, including whether United States military veterans have been deported under the Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

Rep. Seth Magaziner, D-Rhode Island, invited Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient who self-deported earlier this year due to a removal order, to join the House Committee on Homeland Security hearing through a video call on Zoom. During the five minutes he had allotted to question Noem, Magaziner asked the secretary how many military veterans have been deported.

"Sir, we have not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans," Noem responded.

'Unfair for those who fought': Self-deported US Army vet speaks out

Magaziner went on to introduce Park, a U.S. Army combat veteran who was shot twice while serving in Panama in 1989. Park came to the U.S. at the age of 7 from South Korea. In the 1990s, Park had a drug addiction and was arrested for minor drug offenses, Magazine said.

Park, who battled a crack cocaine addiction, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and bail jumping, according to NPR. As a Green Card holder, those charges hurt his chances to become naturalized, the outlet reported.

"Will you join me in thanking Mr. Park for his service to our country?" Magaziner asked Noem, with a tablet being held next to the congressmans head that had Park video-called in.

"Sir, Im grateful for every single person that has served our country and follows our laws and knows that our laws are important and that every one of them needs to be enforced," Noem responded.

When asked whether Noem would review Parks case, the secretary said she "will absolutely look at his case."

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem testifies during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing titled "Worldwide Threats to the Homeland" on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on December 11, 2025.

Throughout the hearing, Democrats chastised Noem and her departments immigration enforcement efforts, including the secretarys decision to continue deportation flights to El Salvador despite a court order halting the flights earlier this year. Protestors interrupted her opening remarks, chanting "Stop ICE raids," "end deportations," and "get ICE off our streets." Noem, who left the hearing early to attend a FEMA review advisory council meeting that was later canceled, was met with more protestors outside the hearing room.

Noems time with the Trump administration has been called into question following a report from MS NOW where a White House official said Noem was on "very thin ice" and that she would be replaced as early as January. President Donald Trump on Dec. 10 said that he was "happy" with Noem and that shes "fantastic."

"We have a border that's the best border in the history of our country. Why would I be unhappy?" Trump told reporters during a roundtable with business leaders at the White House.

A protester holds up an anti-ICE raids sign, as U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attends a House Homeland Security hearing on Capitol Hill on Dec. 11, 2025.

Noem remained defiant throughout the hearing as Democrats lambasted the secretary as a "liar" and Republicans offered her praise for her job.

"America is very happy that, finally, they have a president in the White House that gets up every day to keep them safe," Noem said during the hearing.

Several Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi, the ranking chairman of the House Homeland Security committee, called on Noem to resign.

When asked by Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Michigan, whether she would resign if shes not fired, Noem said: "I will consider your asking me to resign as an endorsement of my work."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kristi Noem asked to explain veteran deportation during House hearing
Up to 100,000 people in Washington state could be ordered to evacuate amid a threat of "catastrophic" flooding from an atmospheric river event, officials said.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, who announced a state of emergency on Wednesday, pleaded with residents to follow evacuation orders and warned on social media, "Catastrophic flooding is likely."

In Skagit County, north of Seattle, officials called for evacuations amid the major flooding, saying "residents within the FEMA 100-year floodplain need to evacuate to high ground immediately."

John Froschauer/AP - PHOTO: Extreme Weather Washington Flooding

David Ryder/Reuters - PHOTO: Law enforcement officers walk through rising floodwater while helping residents evacuate, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Sultan, Wash., Dec. 10, 2025.

Multiple rivers are at major flood stage and more are expected to grow into major flood stage later in the day on Thursday.

The Snohomish River at Snohomish reached a record high of 33.9 feet on Thursday morning, and it may stay near this level for 24 hours. The floodwaters are expected inundate much of the river valley and could overtop the levees.

Record flooding is possible at other river locations, including the Skagit River near Concrete and near Mount Vernon, the Snoqualmie River at Snoqualmie Falls, the Cedar River at Renton, and the Snohomish River near Snohomish Monroe.

Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell said on social media she was "alarmed" to hear the Skagit River could peak as high as 5 feet above its record crest level.

"Please please please stay alert and follow evacuation orders," she posted. "This is not just another flood."

David Ryder/Reuters - PHOTO: An atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Fall City, Washington, December 9, 2025.

David Ryder/Reuters - PHOTO: An atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Fall City, Washington, December 9, 2025.

Roads are flooded and closed across North Bend -- a city about 30 miles east of Seattle -- and mudslides have closed parts of Interstate 90.

Eastside Fire and Rescue, which services parts of King County just east of Seattle, started conducting water rescues on Wednesday. Three adults and a dog were rescued after their home flooded, and two adults and a child were rescued in another incident.

EF&R provided assistance with a swiftwater rescue in Snoqualmie due to flooding. Two adults and one child were not injured but relocated to drier ground. The waters will continue to rise. Please plan ahead and stay aware of rising water. #wawx pic.twitter.com/bILoqqIqsi  Eastside Fire & Rescue (@EastsideFire) December 10, 2025

EF&R & Fall City Fire have boats and Swiftwater techs in the water to rescue stranded people in vehicles on or near SE Fall City Snoqualmie Road. #wawx pic.twitter.com/bbC5oJBSt6  Eastside Fire & Rescue (@EastsideFire) December 11, 2025

Eastside Fire and Rescue released video of the moment two drivers were rescued rescued by helicopter Wednesday night. After the drivers were caught in the floodwaters, they were forced to flee to higher ground, with one person climbing to the top of their car and the other seeking safety in a tree, officials said.

"Stay home and don't travel unless necessary," the sheriff's office urged on Thursday.

Dramatic video of the river rescue last night. EF&R, Fall City Fire, KCSO and Whidby Navel Helicopter Team worked to rescue two drivers caught in the swiftwaters. One ended up on the roof of their vehicle and the other in a tree. Stay home and don't travel unless necessary. pic.twitter.com/lO11Uo06QK  Eastside Fire & Rescue (@EastsideFire) December 11, 2025

3 life-saving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood

The flooding was sparked by an atmospheric river event that dumped more than 1 foot of rain at higher elevations of western Washington state over the last three days. The heavy rain is continuing Thursday morning and then will weaken throughout the day.
Luxury cars, private villas and overseas wire transfers: CBS News obtained dozens of files and photos that reveal how Minnesota fraudsters blew through hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars as part of one of the biggest COVID-era fraud schemes.

The files document a spending spree in which defendants, many of Somali descent, took taxpayer money meant to feed hungry children and used it to buy cars, property and jewelry. Videos show them popping champagne at an opulent Maldives resort. In a text message, one defendant boasts: "You are gonna be the richest 25 year old InshaAllah [God willing]."

The documents feature exhibits from a recent federal trial, many of which are being made public by CBS News for the first time. The exhibits include:

A confirmation email for a stay in an overwater villa with a private pool at Radisson Blu Resort MaldivesLakefront property in MinnesotaReceipts showing wire transfers to China and East AfricaFirst class tickets to Istanbul and AmsterdamA 2021 Porsche MacanStacks of cash, texted between defendants

A lakefront home presented as evidence in a Minnesota fraud trial. / Credit: Court exhibit

At the sentencing of a defendant who used taxpayer funds for cars and the Maldives vacation, 24-year-old Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel admonished him, saying: "Where others saw a crisis and rushed to help, you saw money and rushed to steal." He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $48 million in restitution for his role in the fraud scheme.

Nur is one of dozens who siphoned hundreds of millions in stolen taxpayer funds  with questions still swirling about where all the money went. The crime has drawn renewed attention in recent weeks: House Republicans last week launched a probe into Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz's handling of the cases, and the Treasury Department said it will investigate whether money made its way to al Qaeda affiliate al Shabaab, which is based in Somalia.

"A lot of money has been transferred from the individuals who committed this fraud," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." Much of that money "has gone overseas, and we are tracking that both to the Middle East and to Somalia to see what the uses of that have been." Multiple federal investigators told CBS News there is no evidence taxpayer dollars were funneled to al Shabaab, and prosecutors have yet to present any evidence linking any of the fraudsters to terrorism.

"The vast majority of the money that these folks made went to spending on luxury items for themselves," said Andy Luger, the former U.S. Attorney who led the office which prosecuted Nur and other related frauds from 2022 until January. "There was never any evidence that this money went to fund terrorism nor was there any evidence that was the intent of the 70 people we indicted."

One of the luxury cars presented as government evidence in a Minnesota fraud trial. / Credit: Court exhibit

A CBS News review of the files shows that defendants wired millions in stolen funds overseas, including to banks and companies in China. Officials said finding the ultimate recipients of money routed through China will be challenging because it can be an investigative black hole.

The defendants also transferred nearly $3 million to accounts in Kenya.

Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, 36, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison last month for his role in the scheme, made six separate wire transfers worth more than $1 million to banks in China between February and July 2021, according to records reviewed by CBS News.

This photo of a text exchange, presented in court, shows a box stuffed with cash and a message saying

In one text, Farah instructed someone to "please send $1000 to Mogadishu bakara," an apparent reference to a one-time al Shabaab stronghold that was the site of the infamous 1993 "Black Hawk Down" incident in which 18 American servicemembers died.

Farah owned and operated Empire Cuisine and Market, a Minnesota restaurant that contracted with the nonprofit Feeding Our Future to cook and provide meals to children. Prosecutors say he and his co-defendants billed the state for $47 million, claiming to have served 18 million meals at more than 30 locations  but they didn't distribute a single meal.

Hundreds of documents related to Farah's case detail how he spent money on luxury cars, investment properties at home and overseas, plus first-class travel to exotic destinations, including Istanbul and the Emirates. The defendants used sea planes to travel to resorts in the Maldives, where in one video, Farah is seen popping champagne at a private pool villa in July 2021.

Screenshots of videos from a Maldives vacation, presented as government evidence in a Minnesota fraud trial. / Credit: Court exhibit

At Farah's sentencing, a judge said his crimes were motivated by "pure, unmitigated greed." Farah's attorneys did not respond to CBS News' request for comment, including to a question about whether any of the fraud proceeds were diverted to Al Shabaab.

Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar said Sunday on "Face The Nation with Margaret Brennan" that any link between allegations of fraud by members of the Somali community and terrorism would be a "failure of the FBI."

"If there was a linkage in the money that they have stolen going to terrorism, then that is a failure of the FBI and our court system in not figuring that out," Omar said.

So far, federal prosecutors have convicted 61 people in the widening Minnesota fraud scandal. More investigations are ongoing.

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Delusional Slender Man slave Morgan Geyser  who nearly stabbed to death a classmate in the name of the demonic internet monster 11 years ago when she was 12  is in hot water again for escaping the group home where she was ordered to live, cops say.

Now 23, Geyser reportedly cut off her ankle monitor and fled Nov. 23 from the Madison, Wis., institution where shed been transferred from a more secure facility, and was busted 24 hours later  170 miles away in the village of Posen, just outside of Chicago, according to Associated Press.

The runaway  who in 2014 viciously stabbed 12-year-old Payton Leutner 19 times while pal Anissa Weier egged her on  fled with a friend, 43-year-old Chad Charly Mecca.

Authorities say the motley pair took a bus to Chicago, walked 20 miles south and were arrested loitering behind a truck stop, per New York Post.

Mecca, who met Geyser months ago at a local church, later phoned TV station WKOW in Madison and took the blame for the mess, saying, She ran because of me.

She [Geyser] sobbed  shes like, Theyll take away our visitation. Charly, please  youre my best friend, Mecca says.

She already made it clear if I didnt go, whether or not she was still going, and she was not going back to jail  and I know what that means.

As the National Enquirer reported, Geyser and Weier lured classmate Leutner into the woods in Waukesha, Wis., where they savagely attacked her out of fear the Slender Man  a spooky internet meme created in 2009  was going to kill their families.

Weier, now 24, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree homicide and was sentenced to 25 years in a mental facility, where she earned conditional release in 2021, per New York Times.

Geyser got up to 40 years and received a conditional release to a group home in September.

Meanwhile, Leutner, who miraculously survived after hours of surgery, later began studying to become a therapist and now looks on the attack with gratitude.

I would probably, initially thank her, Leutner said in a 2019 interview with David Muir for 20/20 of Geyser.

I would say, just because of what she did, I have the life I have now. I really, really like it and I have a plan. I didnt have a plan when I was 12, and now I do because of everything that I went through.

Prosecutors are now reportedly looking to return Geyser to the Wisconsin insane asylum where she was originally imprisoned.

Read More From National Enquirer

This story Slender Man Stabber Back in Custody After Fleeing Wisconsin Institution, Cutting Off Ankle Monitor first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at the Illinois State Library on May 28, 2025. Photo: Greg Bishop / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois lawmakers will take action if the Indiana legislature votes to redraw congressional maps, but an Illinois Republican says Pritzker has already gamed the system.

The Indiana Senate is expected to vote Thursday afternoon on a redistricting measure already approved by the Indiana House. Several senators spoke on both sides of the issue during Wednesdays Senate meeting, but it is unclear if the measure has enough votes to pass.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker was asked about the issue at a press conference in Chicago Tuesday and first directed criticism at President Donald Trump, who pushed for Indiana to redraw its maps.

Members of the Indiana legislature are being threatened. Their lives are being threatened, and its being egged on by the president of the United States, Pritzker said.

Pritzker expressed hope that the Hoosier States redistricting effort would be defeated

I know that there are a number of good and loyal and patriotic Americans that are Republicans, part of that legislature who have been outspoken in opposition to what the president is trying to do. Remember, hes trying to cheat, Pritzker said.

If the measure passes, however, Pritzker said the Illinois legislature is ready to respond.

I will be clear to the folks in Indiana that we wont stand idly by. Well see whether we need to take action or not, but we wont stand idly by, Pritzker said.

Republican state Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, said Wednesday that Pritzker is the governor who said he would never sign a partisan map.

I find it very interesting hes pointing fingers and claiming that others are now trying to game the system that he already gamed about as far as you can get it, Ugaste told The Center Square.

Pritzker signed Illinois redrawn maps in 2021.

Ugaste said the governor was silent when Republicans sued the State Board of Elections over the gerrymandered maps in Illinois last year.

If he wants to truly do the people a favor, he will redraw these maps to be fair and not as gerrymandered as they currently are, Ugaste said.

Last April, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled against the state GOPs challenge to the maps drawn by Illinois Democrats.

The Princeton Gerrymandering Project, which assesses legislative maps around the country using several metrics, gave the Illinois map a failing F grade.

Indiana Republican state Sen. Michael Young said he didnt care how Democrats in any other state drew their districts.

The Congress left this up to us to make the decision, Young said Wednesday, adding that federal lawmakers knew in 1804 that there was redistricting going on that was advantageous to one group or another.

Greg Bishop contributed to this story.
A doctor examines an ultrasound image displayed on a monitor during a prenatal scan. Photo: MART PRODUCTION / Pexels

(The Center Square)  A multi-state coalition sent a letter this week to congressional leaders, urging them to continue tax credits for Affordable Care Act insurance plans that cover abortions.

Phil Weiser of Colorado was one of the Democratic attorneys general from 21 jurisdictions to sign the letter, which argued that restricting abortion coverage is dangerous. The letter is addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

This latest effort to tie ACA tax credits to abortion restrictions is an unacceptable attempt to override state laws and the individual rights of our residents, Weiser said. We will continue to fight for the health, dignity and autonomy of every Coloradan.

The issue rests with the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which are part of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. These credits are set to expire at the end of the year and are the focus of ongoing negotiations between Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

As a part of those negotiations, Republicans are considering restricting that abortions be covered by any marketplace plans. Those plans, though sold by private insurers, are often somewhat taxpayer-subsidized by these federal tax credits or state funding.

Pro-life advocates are siding with Republicans, saying the letter shows that Democrats are getting desperate. Jamie Dangers, director of federal affairs at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told this to The Center Square in an exclusive interview.

Obamacare was the largest expansion of taxpayer-funded abortion on demand since Roe v. Wade, she said. It was intentionally crafted to circumvent the Hyde Amendments pro-life protections.

The Hyde Amendment is a federal policy, first enacted in 1976, that prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for most abortions.

The default position of the federal government since the 1970s is that we should not fund abortion or abortion coverage with federal tax dollars, Dangers said.

All of the states that signed the letter allow abortions be covered by their state ACA insurance plans. Those states argue the proposed restrictions violate state sovereignty.

The ACA was crafted with state sovereignty at its core, allowing for flexibility and innovation across states, including when it comes to abortion, the letter said. This structure is consistent with states traditional rights and powers to protect the health and safety of our residents.

The states want federal tax credits to continue to be extended to all state marketplace plans  even those that pay for abortions. They argue that the federal taxpayer dollars are not subsidizing abortions, just the health care plans that use other funds to reimburse abortions.

In Colorado, we believe people should be able to make their own personal health care decisions free from political interference and without being priced out of essential care, Weiser said. Protecting access to reproductive health care, including abortion care, is central to safeguarding individual freedom and the wellbeing of our communities.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said Arizonans "do not want politicians interfering with access to reproductive care."

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said harsher abortion restrictions infringe on state sovereignty.

But Dangers said Republicans should continue to push on this issue.

To this day, at least 12 states mandate abortion coverage in Obamacare plans, she said. We are thankful to all our pro-life Republican allies, and were confident they will win this fight if they continue to stay united and show leadership. Abortion isnt health care, and taxpayers should never be forced to pay a dime.

The attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state signed the letter.

Planned Parenthood did not respond to a request for comment.
A woman plays with a dog as she takes refuge at Chonkal district in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, after fleeing from home following fighting between Thailand and Cambodia over territorial claims. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

SURIN, Thailand (AP)  Cambodia said Thailand launched more airstrikes Thursday, as heavy fighting flared along the two countries' border and both sides accused the other of violating their sovereignty along the contested border region.

The latest large-scale fighting was set off by a skirmish Sunday that wounded two Thai soldiers and derailed a ceasefire pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump that ended five days of combat in July over longstanding territorial disputes.

About two dozen people were reported killed in the fighting this week, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border.

The Cambodian Defense Ministry said in a statement Thursday that a Thai military fighting jet dropped three bombs in the border area. Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata accused Thailand of violating international laws by the use of all kinds of heavy weapons and the deployment of large number of troops to encroach the Cambodian territory.

Earlier, the Thai Army said Cambodia launched an attack on Wednesday night with artillery and mortars against Thai positions.

The Thai Army said it responded with the same kinds of heavy weapons, causing damage including the destruction of enemy trucks. But Air Force Spokesperson Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai did not confirm nor deny that airstrikes took place on Thursday.

The Thai air force would continue its air operations until the opposing side ceases all efforts that threaten Thailands sovereignty, security, and the safety of the Thai people, he said in a televised speech.

The combat has drawn international concern, including from Pope Leo XIV, who told an audience at the Vatican on Wednesday that he was deeply saddened by the news of the renewed conflict.

There have been casualties, including among civilians, and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes," Leo said. I express my closeness in prayer to these dear peoples.

Trump says he will urge sides to return to ceasefire

The original ceasefire in July was brokered by Malaysia and pushed through by pressure from Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed. It was formalized in more detail in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia that Trump attended.

Despite the deal, the two countries carried on a bitter propaganda war and minor cross-border violence continued. Cambodia complained that Thailand did not return 18 soldiers it captured as the ceasefire was coming into effect, while Thailand protested after soldiers patrolling the frontier were wounded by land mines, which it alleges were newly laid by Cambodia. Cambodia insisted that the mines were left over from its decades of civil war that ended in 1999.

Trump said he expects to speak by phone with the two leaders on Thursday, and expressed confidence that he would persuade the two sides to stop the fighting.

I think I can get them to stop fighting. Who else can do that? Trump said on Wednesday in an exchange with reporters, in which he also repeated his exaggerated claim of settling eight wars around the globe since his return to the White House. Every once in a while, one will flame up again and I have to put out that little flame.

The U.S. had yet to contact Thailand following Trumps latest remarks, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters in Bangkok on Thursday.

Anutin, reflecting nationalistic public sentiment, has repeatedly vowed to continue fighting until Thailand's sovereignty and security are assured.

Rivals exchange strikes

Thailand has deployed jet fighters to carry out airstrikes on what it says are military targets. Cambodia has deployed BM-21 rocket launchers with a range of 30-40 kilometers (19-25 miles).

According to data collected by public broadcaster ThaiPBS, at least six of the Thai soldiers who were killed were hit by rocket shrapnel.

The Thai armys northeastern regional command said Thursday that some residential areas and homes near the border were damaged by BM-21 rocket launchers from Cambodian forces.

The Thai army also said it destroyed a tall crane atop a hill held by Cambodia where the centuries-old Preah Vihear temple is located, because it allegedly held electronic and optical devices used for military command and control purposes.

Thailands military announced Thursday that nine of its soldiers have been killed since Monday. Officials said four civilians have also died, but not as a direct result of the clashes; they had underlying health issues and most died while they were being evacuated. The military also said that more than 120 troops have been wounded.

Cambodia said Thursday that 11 civilians on its side have died and 74 others have been wounded.

An ancient temple sits at the heart of the dispute

The U.N.s cultural agency, UNESCO, on Wednesday expressed its strong concern over fighting in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple, which it has designated a World Heritage site.

UNESCO stands ready to provide the necessary technical assistance to ensure the protection of cultural property and implement any necessary safeguarding measures as soon as conditions allow, it said.

The roots of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict lie in a history of enmity over competing territorial claims. These claims largely stem from a 1907 map created while Cambodia was under French colonial rule, which Thailand maintains is inaccurate. Tensions were exacerbated by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded sovereignty to Cambodia, which still riles many Thais.

___

Sopheng Cheang in Srei Snam, Cambodia, Wasamon Audjarint in Bangkok and Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner speaks in Erie, Pa., May 28, 2025. Photo: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development via Flickr / Public Domain

(The Center Square)  Tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees, including the gunman charged in the shootings of two National Guard members, killing one just blocks from the White House, were eligible for a slew of benefits, including housing and medical at the expense of the American taxpayer.

Following the pullout of American forces from Afghanistan in 2021, the Biden administration admitted nearly 200,000 evacuees between 2021 and 2023, including two recently arrested on terrorism charges. Through various reports and testimony by government officials, it was revealed that many of the Afghan nationals couldnt be properly vetted.

Afghans who entered the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), under a special immigrant parole (SQ/SI), and were granted humanitarian parole as part of the Biden Administrations Operation Allies Welcome were eligible for over a dozen taxpayer benefits, many continuing four years later.

The benefits include: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), HUD Public Housing and Section 8 housing vouchers, emergency Medicaid, Affordable Care Act health plans and subsidies, full-scope Medicaid, Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), federal student aid and Pell grants, REAL ID, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act services, refugee resettlement programs through the Office of Refugee Resettlement and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), according to the National Immigration Law Center.

For those who didnt qualify for SSI or TANF, refugees were eligible for up to 12 months of Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) through the ORR.

In addition, many refugees qualified for employment assistance through Refugee Support Services, which included: childcare, transportation, employability services, job training and preparation, job search assistance, placement and retention, English language training, translation and interpreter services and case management, according to the Administration for Children and Families Office of Refugee Resettlement.

The ORR also noted that some clients may be eligible for specialized programs such as health services, technical assistance for small business start-ups and financial savings.

Many refugees also qualified for immigration-related legal assistance to assist them on their pathway to obtaining a permanent status.

Despite the multitude of services provided to Afghan refugees, they are less likely to be proficient in English, have lower educational attainment, and lower labor force participation compared to other immigrants in the U.S., according to the Migration Policy Institute. Additionally, compared to both the native born and the overall foreign-born population, they are much more likely to be living in poverty.

The institute noted that Afghans tend to have lower educational attainment compared to American and foreign-born populations, citing a 2022 statistic showing 28% of Afghan immigrants age 25 and older reported having at least a bachelors degree as compared to 36% of Americans and 35% of all foreign-born populations.

While 29% of Afghan adults reported having less than a high school diploma, compared to 25% of other immigrant populations, there were some slight improvements among those who arrived in the U.S. between 2020 and 2022, with 36% having at least a four-year degree. However, that figure is 12 points less than other immigrant populations arriving during the same period.

The institute highlighted the relatively low labor force participation rate of Afghan immigrants ages 16 and older, showing that in 2022, 61% were in the civilian labor market, compared to 67% of other immigrant populations and 63% of U.S.-born individuals.

Afghan immigrants have a higher poverty rate compared to the American and foreign-born populations. As of 2022, 39% of Afghan nationals were living in poverty, compared to 12% of Americans and 14% of other immigrant populations.

Among the many benefits Afghan refugees are eligible to receive, one of the most costly may be housing in the form of public housing and the Section 8 program.

The institute showed that a majority of immigrants from Afghanistan are concentrated in some of the regions with the highest housing costs in the nation, including the metro areas of Washington, D.C., Sacramento, San Fransico, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle and San Diego.

When asked if Afghan refugees are still receiving housing benefits, a HUD official told The Center Square that the department is working in coordination with appropriate agencies to align the Departments guidance related to immigration status to ensure taxpayer-funded benefits are not used for any unintended purpose.

Adding to housing benefits, The Center Square reported Tuesday exclusively that amid a national housing crisis, the Biden administrations Department of Housing and Urban Development produced guidelines encouraging property owners to forgo some fair housing practices to favor Afghan refugees, which the Trump administration directed to be terminated.

The Center Square obtained a HUD directive from the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity rescinding the Biden-era guidance document, Operation Allies Welcome: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Fair Housing Issues, and withdrawing from a FHEO guidance document Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Renting to Refugees and Eligible Newcomers, which the agency claims violates the Fair Housing Act.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner argues the Biden-era guidelines prioritized nearly 200,000 Afghan refugees who were admitted following the 2021 pullout of American forces from Afghanistan by encouraging landlords and property owners to forgo credit checks, occupancy limitations, and engage in targeted marketing toward Afghans.

After President Bidens disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, his administration made a bad situation worse by prioritizing housing assistance for Afghan refugees, who we now know were unvetted and unchecked, Turner told The Center Square. Since day one, our mission has been clear: to serve the American people and end the misuse and abuse of American taxpayer-funded resources. That is why we rescinded this Operation Allies Welcome guidance, which encouraged landlords and property owners to violate federal civil rights law to protect Afghan refugees. Under President Trumps leadership, the days of putting Americans last is over.
$3 Billion Supply Chain Management Company supports 10,000 U.S. quick service restaurants

ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National DCP, LLC, (NDCP), the $3 billion supply chain management company serving Dunkin' franchisees, is celebrating the delivery of its 750th restaurant package in Newark, New Jersey as part of its consolidated New Store & Remodel Solution. NDCP's Restaurant Solutions team provides everything Dunkin' franchisees need to effectively construct, remodel, and operate their restaurants.

Dunkin' franchisee Adam Goldman received NDCP's 750th New Store & Remodel Solution package at his Newark, NJ restaurant.

"In the program's first three full years, NDCP has supported more than 750 new store and remodel projects  an achievement made possible by the strength of our co-op," says Les Karel, Executive Vice President, Restaurant Solutions. "As the industry grows more complex, our goal is to simplify the process for Dunkin' operators with a consolidated solution built on innovation, sustainable cost, and continuous improvement driven by member feedback. We're proud to stand behind our members with a program designed for them."

NDCP's Restaurant Solutions plays a big role in the successful functioning of a foodservice operation. The team procures, consolidates, delivers, and installs new restaurant opening and remodel packages for Dunkin' franchisees that consist of equipment, smallwares, stainless fabrication, and millwork. Areas of expertise also include essential items and services that support repair and maintenance, logistics and consolidation. NDCP's tremendous negotiation and buying power ensures customers receive the most competitive pricing on equipment and services.

"I have completed multiple projects with NDCP in the past few years, and the flexibility and proactive communication make every project easy," said Adam Goldman, Dunkin' franchisee and owner of the Newark, New Jersey restaurant receiving the 750th consolidated New Store package. "I also love that NDCP is our company  working with the co-op strengthens our own system. Over the years, they have implemented many member suggestions, and it just keeps getting better."

About National DCP, LLC (NDCP)

National DCP, LLC (NDCP) is the $3 billion global supply chain management company serving Dunkin' franchisees. The organization supports 10,000 quick service restaurants in the U.S. and distributes products to more than 40 countries. NDCP's expertise includes strategic sourcing of food and non-food items, equipment services, distribution, business services, supply chain and full visibility, traceability, continuity, and sustainability of supply. Each year, its extensive distribution network makes 700,000+ deliveries of over 86+ million cases, driving more than 30 million miles. Innovative practices with strategic sourcing, inventory, warehousing, transportation, and program management have allowed NDCP to generate more than $2 billion in cumulative savings for Dunkin' franchisees. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, the award-winning company has nearly 2000 employees nationwide at its ten distribution centers and 30+ logistics hubs. For more information, visit www.nationaldcp.com.

SOURCE National DCP, LLC
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva talk as they meet on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 26, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo

By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump has had several constructive interactions on trade with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and the Latin American country seems to be a willing partner, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Wednesday.

Greer told an event hosted by the Atlantic Council that the U.S. would like to have a better trade relationship with Brazil, but it would take both sides to make concessions.

"We would like to in the near term have some kind of deal with Brazil. It may not solve every problem, but there are things that they can do. They seem to be quite willing partners," he said. "Of course it takes both sides' willingness to actually make concessions."

Greer gave no further details on the timing or scope of a potential trade deal between the two countries.

Relations between the two countries have improved in recent months after Trump last month removed 40% tariffs on several Brazilian food products, including coffee, cocoa and fruits, while leaving in place a 10% base tariff. Trump announced the higher tariffs in August to punish Brazil over the prosecution of right-wing former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally and Lula's rival.

Greer said Brazil had been a challenging and important trade partner historically, noting that the United States was investigating Brazil's tariffs and non-tariff policies as part of a probe into Brazil's alleged "unfair" trading practices.

Those include suspected illegal deforestation of the Amazon, which USTR says harms the competitiveness of U.S. timber producers, and what it describes as Brazil's preferential tariff rates for U.S. competitors.

Trump spoke with Lula about trade, the economy and fighting organized crime in a phone call last week, with Lula later saying he expected further reductions in tariffs.

In addition, Trump had non-trade concerns about what he sees as the weaponization of law and judicial systems in Brazil, Greer said.

On Tuesday, Lula stated that he told Trump that if the U.S. wants to help in the fight against organized crime in Brazil, the Trump administration should arrest a Brazilian businessman who lives in Miami, who Lula only identified by describing him as the country's biggest debtor and as "one of the big bosses of Brazilian organized crime."

Earlier in September, Lula in a forceful speech delivered at the opening of the UN General Assembly also said that Brazilian sovereignty is non-negotiable, criticizing external attacks on the Brazilian judiciary and unilateral measures imposed on the country.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
This image from video posted on Attorney General Pam Bondi's X account, and partially redacted by the source, shows an oil tanker being seized by US forces off the coast of Venezuela, on December 10, 2025. - US Attorney General's Office/X via AP

The Trump administrations seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela is one of the most dramatic twists yet in a military pressure campaign against Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.

The boarding of a foreign ship is an unusual step and expands a US operation already highlighted by strikes against more than 20 boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean that the administration claims carried drug traffickers.

Early reports suggest the swoop by US Coast Guard personnel, with the backing of the Navy and law enforcement agencies, poses fewer legal and constitutional concerns than the campaign against the boats and Trumps imminent threats of military action on Venezuelan soil.

The vessel, the Skipper, was seized in international waters and was carrying Venezuelan crude, a senior US official said. A federal judge had previously issued a warrant for its seizure because of alleged links to Iran-backed terror groups.

This image from video posted on Attorney General Pam Bondi's X account, and partially redacted by the source, shows an oil tanker being seized by US forces off the coast of Venezuela, on December 10, 2025. - US Attorney General's Office/X via AP

Still, Trumps relish in announcing the take-over of the ship and Attorney General Pam Bondis release of a video showing US personnel rappelling onto its decks from a helicopter underscore the political significance of the moment.

With his characteristic flair for the dramatic, Trump announced to the press that the US had boarded a large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually.

While the tanker might not have been directly related to the current showdown between Trump and Maduro, its interdiction will be seen in the context of a massive US naval build-up in the Caribbean, which is part of an apparent attempt to force Maduro out of power or to convince his subordinates to oust him.

Whats at stake for Trump and Venezuela

Millions of Venezuelans would welcome Maduros departure after grim years under an authoritarian regime that has impoverished the country, imposed repression and forced millions of people to flee poverty and persecution.

So, the Washington controversy over Trumps intentions in Venezuela is less about whether Maduros exit after ignoring his loss in a democratic election would be beneficial and more about whether the US president is acting legally. Critics fear Trump is preparing to embroil America in another prolonged foreign policy misadventure as he again seeks to flex unchecked executive power.

Legal questions are most acute over the strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean that have killed 87 people. The administration insists that it is justified in using legal military force against what it brands as narco-terrorists that threaten American national security. But Venezuela is not regarded as a major fentanyl trafficking route into the US as the administration insists. And rights groups warn that the boat attacks infringe on the due process of the victims and amount to state sanctioned murder by the administration.

One of those strikes, on September 2, prompted Democrats and human rights groups to accuse the administration of a war crime, as it involved a follow-up strike that reportedly killed survivors of the initial US attack.

Democrats are intensifying a campaign to force Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to turn over video of the attack to Congress. Trump had earlier said on camera he had no problems with such a step but later denied making the comment.

News of the tanker seizure and deepening intrigue over the double-tap strike came as doubt still shrouded Trumps aims in Venezuela. The symbolic weight of the massive US naval force off the country, which includes the most advanced US aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, means any resolution to the crisis that does not lead to Maduros ouster would be a rebuke to US power and Trumps prestige.

This screengrab taken from a video posted by the Defense Department shows a boat shortly before it is hit by a strike on September 2, 2025. - Defense Department

Trump has meanwhile repeatedly warned that strikes against what he says are drug trafficking sites on land could start soon. But in an interview with Politico this week, he declined to discuss military strategy and said opaquely that he wanted the Venezuelan people treated well and to be respected.

CNN reported on Wednesday that the Trump administration was working on plans for what would happen in Venezuela in the event that Maduro fell or left. Critics of the Trump approach have drawn comparisons to the US failure to prepare for regime change in Iraq in 2003 after the US invasion. Some analysts fear that Venezuela could descend into violence and instability if the Maduro regime falls, and that it could prompt a refugee crisis. But the situation there bears little comparison to post-war Baghdad.

In another development that could increase pressure on Maduros regime, Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado dramatically left hiding in the country and traveled to Oslo, where her daughter had earlier accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf.

Maduros government had warned she would be considered a fugitive should she leave Venezuela. But her emergence in the outside world may also present the Trump administration with new opportunities to highlight her cause.

Ship boarding normal, former US intelligence official says

The US seizure of the tanker Skipper took place on the basis of a search warrant related to past activity transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X. She said FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the US Coast Guard were involved with support from the Department of Defense.

The capture of the tanker is certain to be seen throughout the region as an implicit warning to other tanker captains of the risks in loading up in Venezuela and operating around its waters, as well as a blow to the shadow fleet of tankers that traffic sanctioned oil for nations like Iran.

Venezuela has some of the worlds biggest reserves of crude oil, and its illicit sales are a key source of income for its regime. The first and second Trump administrations and the Biden administration maintained multiple layers of sanctions against the Maduro regime for its suppression of democracy, including against the state-owned oil and natural gas company PDVSA.

People bathe on a beach next to the El Palito refinery of the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela February 10, 2024. - Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters

The government in Caracas condemned the seizure, arguing that it laid bare the true motivation of Trumps pressure campaign. It is not migration. It is not drug trafficking. It is not democracy. It is not human rights. It has always been about our natural wealth, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people, a government statement said.

But Beth Sanner, a former senior US intelligence official, told CNNs Jake Tapper that the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tankers was absolutely normal as part of an attempt to prevent the regime transporting sanctioned oil. In the past, everybody has wanted to pick up these kinds of tankers, but we havent had the assets in the region to do it, Sanner said.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are unwilling to take any of actions related to Venezuela at face value.

Asked on CNN whether the US was now closer to a war with Venezuela, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, said, How could we possibly not be closer when we are rappelling men and women from our military out of helicopters and descending on civilian tankers flying the flag of another nation? It is definitely escalatory; there is no other way to put it.

She added that if Trumps aim was regime change through military force, he was constitutionally required to get an authorization from Congress  although she believed that such a step was not in US interests.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer meanwhile told Tapper on The Lead that Trumps rhetoric was so unclear that it was impossible to know what his true intentions are. President Trump throws out so many different things, in so many different ways, you dont know what the heck he is talking about, Schumer said. If Maduro would just flee on his own, everyone would like that. But Schumer added: You cannot say, I endorse this, I endorse that when Trump is all over the lot.

US President Donald Trump participates in a roundtable discussion with business leaders at the White House in Washington DC, on December 10, 2025. R - Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Like so much in Trumps second term, there is little public transparency about the presidents goals that often seem to depend on his personal whims. Trump prizes unpredictability. Hes thus made no attempt to explain to Americans why so many service personnel are on ships off the Venezuelan coast or what the expensive deployment is supposed to achieve.

If the president were to successfully oust Maduro and transition Venezuela to democracy, he could claim a significant political win. Hed also cement his goal of exerting American power throughout the Western Hemisphere, an aspiration consistent with his recently unveiled National Security Strategy. This appears both an attempt to reshape Latin America in his own MAGA image and a more traditional US strategy to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the region.

But history shows that even in extreme circumstances, dictatorial regimes constructed over decades are often more durable than outsiders believe. The Venezuelan government has been compared to a many layered criminal operation  with key members having huge financial stakes in perpetuating their own power. And while many outsiders hope that Trumps pressure will lead to the rise of the countrys rightful democratic rulers, nothing is certain.

But the seizing of the tanker cranked the pressure on Maduro up yet another notch. And it led Trump further down what is beginning to look like an inexorable path to a confrontation in which he is investing huge personal credibility.

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Donald Trump threw a tantrum on Truth Social over increased scrutiny of his physical health and cognitive abilities.MEGA

Donald Trump has thrown a tantrum over increased scrutiny of his mental and physical health. In an apparent attempt to prove he's fit to serve as president of the United States, Trump penned an unhinged, nearly 500-word social media post slamming questions about his health, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

Unfortunately for Trump, his latest Truth Social rant has only fueled concerns about his cognitive decline.

Trump Rages Over Reports On His Health

Trump raged about his 'excellent' health in a nearly 500-word Truth Social post. MEGA

After boasting about the country's economic success under his leadership at a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, December 9, the president raged about news reports on his health.

"There has never been a President that has worked as hard as me!" Trump began his post by listing his accomplishments. "My hours are the longest, and my results are among the best."

The politician then boasted about taking multiple cognitive exams, which he noted is "something that no other President has done."

Trump Brags About Cognitive Exams

Speculation about Trump's mental fitness ramped up after he was caught dozing off in recent meetings.MEGA

"In addition to all of that, I go out of my way to do long, thorough, and very boring Medical Examinations at the Great Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, seen and supervised by top doctors, all of whom have given me. Some have even said they have never seen such Strong Results," Trump wrote.

"I do these Tests because I owe it to our Country," the 79-year-old continued. "In addition to the Medical, I have done something that no other President has done, on three separate occasions, the last one being recently, by taking what is known as a Cognitive Examination, something which few people would be able to do very well, including those working at The New York Times, and I ACED all three of them in front of large numbers of doctors and experts, most of whom I do not know."

Trump bragged about how. he 'ACED' multiple cognitive exams. MEGA

Trump further claimed past presidents have not taken a cognitive exam because they wouldn't pass.

"I have been told that few people have been able to 'ace' this Examination and, in fact, most do very poorly, which is why many other Presidents have decided not to take it at all," he wrote.

Trump, apparently offended by reporting on his health, dismissed mumblings about him "slowing up" and insisted he "work(s) very hard, probably harder than I have ever worked before."

He also claimed news reports focused on his health and signs of fatigue after he appeared to fall asleep during recent meetings were "seditious" and "perhaps even treasonous."

Trump Calls Reports On His Health 'Seditious' and 'Treasonous'

The 79-year-old's health has been under the spotlight for months.MEGA

His Truth Social tirade continued: "After all of the work I have done with Medical Exams, Cognitive Exams, and everything else, I actually believe its seditious, perhaps even treasonous, for The New York Times, and others, to consistently do FAKE reports in order to libel and demean 'THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.'"

Despite his lengthy message, social media users weren't buying Trump's claims about his health.

"Anybody not cognitively impaired passes that test, and taking it three times tells me the doctors are concerned about his cognition. If he thinks it's hardit's because his cognition is going down the toilet," wrote one X user while another echoed, "People who are in perfect shape don't take cognitive exams...over & over again."

Despite Trump boasting about his health, he received backlash after he was fact-checked with a video of himself answering a question about the release of the full footage of recent strikes on Venezuelan boats.

On December 3, ABC News' Selina Wang asked Trump if he would "release video of that strike so that the American people can see for themselves what happened?"

"I dont know what they have, but whatever they have we'd certainly release, no problem," Trump replied at the time. However, less than a week later, Trump insisted he never made such a comment on releasing the full footage as he berated reporter Rachel Scott, whom he called "obnoxious" and accused of asking "hostile" questions.

Trump was labeled "senile" following the exchange, as once again his mental health was put into question.
The U.S. intends to take all the oil contained in the tanker seized off the coast of Venezuela, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday as she faced questions on the potentially escalatory action and its fallout.

"The vessel will go to a U.S. port and the United States does intend to seize the oil. However, there is a legal process for the seizure of that oil, and that legal process will be followed," Leavitt told reporters at a press briefing.

Leavitt said an investigative team is on the ground as the tanker undergoes the forfeiture process. Individuals onboard the vessel are being interviewed and evidence is being collected, she added.

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Karoline Leavitt answers questions during a press briefing at the White House on December 11, 2025 in Washington, DC.

After announcing on Wednesday that the U.S. had seized the oil tanker, President Donald Trump was asked what happens to the oil on the ship.

"We keep it, I guess," Trump said.

Leavitt on Thursday dismissed assertions that the tanker seizure was an act of escalation against Venezuela or that Trump would plunge the U.S. into a prolonged war.

"Prolonged war is definitely not something this president is interested in," she said. "He's been very clear about that. He wants peace. He also wants to see the end of illegal drugs being trafficked into the United States and taking the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans across our country."

The Venezuelan government called the tanker's seizure "a blatant robbery and an act of international piracy." Venezuela has the largest known oil reserves in the world, and oil exports are the governments main source of revenue.

US seizes tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

The vessel, known as "The Skipper," was seized by the U.S. Coast Guard and other U.S. agencies on Wednesday. It was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022. According to a 2022 Treasury Department notice, the tanker was one of several vessels used for illicit oil shipments by a Gulf-based businessman named Viktor Artemov.

According to sources familiar with the warrant, which remains under seal, a judge signed off on the warrant nearly two weeks ago because of the vessel's previous alleged role in smuggling Iranian oil. The New York Times first reported the details of the warrant.

Leavitt was pressed on Thursday whether the seizure was a one-off. She declined to give any specifics.

"Well, I won't broadcast any future actions from the administration, but I will just reiterate that the Trump administration is executing on the president's sanction policies and the sanction policies of the United States, and we're not going to stand by and watch sanctioned vessels sail the seas with black market oil," Leavitt said.

Trump announced the seizure at a business roundtable event on Wednesday, and said that "other things are happening," but declined to go into further detail.

The seizure comes amid what the Trump administration has called its "war" on drug cartels. The military has conducted more than 20 strikes on alleged drug boats since September in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

It also marked a significant step in the administration's pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

@AGPamBondi/Xs - PHOTO: This screen grab from a video posted by Attorney General Pam Bondi, shows the execution of "a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran" off the coast of Venezuela, Dec. 10. 2025.

On Thursday, the administration imposed new sanctions on three of Maduro's nephews as well as six vessels shipping Venezuelan oil, a Maduro-affiliated businessman and six shipping companies moving Venezuelan oil. The sanctions are meant to deny the individuals and entities access to any property or financial assets held in the U.S., and the penalties are intended to prevent U.S. companies and citizens from doing business with them.

Nicolas Maduro and his criminal associates in Venezuela are flooding the United States with drugs that are poisoning the American people, said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, adding that the sanctions hold Maduros "regime and its circle of cronies and companies accountable for its continued crimes."

Asked if the tanker operation was about drugs or oil, Leavitt suggested it was both.

"There are two things that are very important to this administration. No. 1, stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the United States of America, which we know has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. The president promised on the campaign trail that he would demolish the foreign terrorist organizations and drug cartels around the world, especially right here in our own hemisphere," she said.

"With respect to the oil and what happened yesterday, the Department of Justice requested and was approved for a warrant to seize a vessel because it's a sanctioned shadow vessel known for carrying black market sanctioned oil to the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps], which, as you know, is a sanctioned entity. So, the president is committed to stopping the illegal flow of drugs into our country. He's also fully committed to effectuating this administration's sanction policy," Leavitt said. "And that's what you saw, and the the world saw, take place yesterday."

ABC News' Anne Flaherty and Luis Martinez contributed to this report.
This image from video posted on Attorney General Pam Bondis X account, and partially redacted by the source, shows an oil tanker being seized by U.S. forces off the coast of Venezuela, Dec. 10, 2025. Credit - U.S. Attorney Generals OfficeX/AP

The Venezuelan government has called the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela a blatant theft and an act of international piracy.

President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. military forces seized the oil tanker on Wednesday, telling reporters, Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuelalarge tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually, and that it had been seized for a very good reason. (It is not certain whether it is the largest tanker ever seized by the U.S. military, but, at 1,092 feet in length, it was one of the largest tankers in the world when it was built two decades ago.) The mission involved two helicopters, 10 Coast Guard members, 10 Marines, and special forces. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X that forces had a seizure warrant for the tanker, which had been carrying U.S.-sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations, Bondi said. This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securelyand our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues.

But the Venezuelan government claimed the seizure reveals the true reasons for the Trump Administrations recent escalating military actions towards Venezuela.

It is not migration. It is not drug trafficking. It is not democracy. It is not human rights, the Venezuelan government said in the statement. It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people.

Venezuelas Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello called the U.S. murderers, thieves, pirates  these guys are high seas criminals, buccaneers.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had repeatedly called on his countrys citizens to resist U.S. aggression and to enlist in Venezuelan militias. At a rally in Caracas earlier on Wednesday, he said Venezuelans should be prepared to smash the teeth of the North American empire if necessary. Maduro has also characterized U.S. military actions as aimed at regime change in Venezuela.

Trump, to reporters, warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who has condemned the U.S. strikes in the Pacific and Caribbean: He better wise up or hell be next. I hope hes listening. Hes going to be next because we dont like people when they kill people.

The Trump Administration has deployed the largest number of navy vessels to the Caribbean Sea since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and Trump has suggested that the U.S. could strike mainland Venezuela. The Trump Administration has also ramped up attacks on Maduro specifically, including placing a $50 million bounty on him and declaring that his days are numbered.

But the U.S. government has insisted that its aims are to end drug trafficking to the U.S. It has used national security to justify its military pressure campaign on Venezuela, claiming that the more than 80 people killed in strikes on more than 20 vessels between Sept. 2 and Dec. 4 were narco-terrorists. The governments and families of several of those killed in the strikes have said they were just fishermen.

The Department of Homeland Security posted a video edit of armed forces descending onto the deck of a ship from a helicopter soundtracked to LL Cool Js Mama Said Knock You Out.

KNOCKOUT, the DHS said in the post accompanying the video on Wednesday evening. If you threaten our nation, or break the law, there is no place on land or sea where we wont find you.

The Trump Administration has faced backlash for using music without artists or labels permission for its social media videos. LL Cool J has not yet responded to the post.

British maritime risk company Vanguard Tech has identified the vessel as the Skipper, a large crude oil carrier that was formerly called the Adisa, according to Reuters. The U.S. previously imposed sanctions on the tanker for alleged involvement in trading Iranian oil. The ship departed Venezuelas main oil port Jose between Dec. 4 and 5 with over a million barrels of Venezuelan heavy crude, Reuters reported based on satellite analysis by TankersTrackers.com and data from Venezuelas state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA.

The U.S. government concluded that the vessel was bound for Cuba, sources told Bloomberg, although historically a vessel as large as the Skipper would not typically travel that route. U.S. officials have long alleged that Venezuela skirts sanctions by selling its crude oil illegally via Cuba.

The supertanker was seen sailing under the flag of Guyana, according to the BBC. Guyanas Maritime Administration said in a statement that the vessel was falsely flying the Guyana Flag, and that it is not registered in Guyana.

While the U.S. has maintained that the seizure is a legitimate military action for a sanctioned vessel, some, including the Venezuelan government, may be concerned that the seizure could mark the start of a naval blockade.

The U.S. seizure could hurt Venezuelas oil exports, which is the countrys biggest source of revenue (selling mainly to China). While both sanctions and mismanagement have affected Venezuelas oil industry over the years, the possibility of future seizures on the over 30 U.S.-sanctioned ships in Venezuela may discourage them from setting sail from the countrys waters for some time.

That has already meant a climb in oil prices on Wednesday. U.S. company Chevron partners with PDVSA to drill in Venezuela, although Chevron is exempted from sanctions by the U.S. Treasury. Chevron told Bloomberg that its operations are continuing normally.

Former Biden Administration Latin America adviser Juan Gonzalez told the Guardian, last week prior to the seizure, that the Trump Administration could force Maduro to accept a recall referendum with real hardline consequences if he did not respect the results.

Imposing an oil blockade would shut down the entire economy, Gonzalez said. He could take unilateral action by blocking oil tankers from leaving or entering the country, and that I think would precipitate Maduros departure.

The seizurethe first since the U.S. began striking vessels off Venezuelais certainly an escalationand not just for Venezuela.

If it is the first step towards an oil blockade, retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and a senior adviser at think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies Mark Cancian told the BBC that, Because Venezuela is so dependent on oil, they could not resist that very long.

It would be an act of war, he said.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Brian Walshe is escorted into the courtroom for his murder trial on Wednesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. - Mark Stockwell/The Boston Herald/AP

Gem Mutlu paused to gather himself as he described Ana Walshe running from her Massachusetts home into the cold night to greet him before he could even park his car.

They embraced. It was New Years Eve 2022, and Mutlu had been invited to celebrate with Ana and her husband, he said Wednesday, growing visibly emotional as he testified in Brian Walshes murder trial about the last time he saw Ana alive.

A few days later, around mid-morning on January 4, 2023, Mutlu was walking on the beach when Brian Walshe called to ask if he had heard from Ana, he said.

His tone was not panicked, Mutlu said in court Wednesday, remembering Walshe told him Ana had been missing since she left their Massachusetts home early on New Years Day to return to Washington, DC, for an emergency at work. Mutlu would have left their home just a few hours before Ana, he said, after ringing in the new year.

I was incredulous, Mutlu said. I said, What work emergency could there have been on New Years Eve?

I said, Listen, did you have guys have an argument or something? Did you have a fight?

To this day, Mutlu said, he vividly remembers Walshes response.

No, Walshe said, per Mutlu. Did it look like we had an argument? You were there.

The testimony of Mutlu  a close friend of Ana Walshes who said he considered her family his own  came hours before prosecutors on Wednesday rested their case in the trial of Brian Walshe, who is accused of killing his wife on or around January 1, 2023.

Unbeknownst to the jury, Walshe has pleaded guilty to illegally disposing of her body and misleading police. Still, he insists he did not kill the real estate manager and mother of three, but instead found her inexplicably dead in their bed hours after Mutlu left them.

As the last person other than her husband known to have seen Ana alive, Mutlus testimony was key, offering jurors a glimpse at the final hours of her life  and at Anas purported mindset about alleged strife in her marriage: Another witness Wednesday said Ana was at a breaking point.

Prosecutors called about 50 witnesses across eight days of testimony. Walshes attorneys are expected to begin his defense case Thursday morning.

Gem Mutlu testifies Wednesday during Brian Walshe's murder trial, where he described his final interactions with Ana Walshe shortly before her death. - Mark Stockwell/The Boston Herald/AP

A festive night and cracks in a relationship

Mutlu first met Ana Walshe through her husband in 2020, when he and Brian Walshe attended a leadership program together, he said. Mutlu hired Ana soon after as the director of operations for his realty group, and they became close friends, keeping in touch even after Ana left the job in 2022 for a more lucrative position based in Washington, DC.

Mutlu hadnt seen the Walshe family in months when he went to their home to spend the final hours of 2022 with them, he said.

After their hug, Mutlu and Ana Walshe sat at the kitchen counter while Brian Walshe prepared food and poured drinks, Mutlu testified. He did not see anything visibly wrong between the couple, he said.

It was a festive night, he said.

The Walshes three children were asleep when Mutlu arrived around 8:30 p.m., he said. But their eldest son, then six years old, joined them for a time, hugging Mutlu and giving him a necklace the boy had made. The boy said he missed Mutlu, he testified, again growing emotional.

Ana Walshe was on her phone frequently that night, texting friends for the holiday, Mutlu said.

At one point, he took a photo with Ana and her son. Mutlu believes, he said, that Ana said she sent the photo to a man named William Fastow, a mutual friend with whom Ana was having an affair before her death.

Mutlu had introduced Brian and Ana Walshe to Fastow, a real estate broker in DC, when she was looking to buy a home near her new job. But Mutlu said Wednesday he did not know about Ana and Fastows romantic relationship.

Mutlu left the Walshe home around 1:30 in the morning, he said  testimony consistent with the account Walshe provided investigators after he claimed his wife had disappeared.

Mutlu testified he never saw Brian and Ana Walshe argue on New Years Eve in 2022 or otherwise.

I always thought that there was a lot of love between them, Mutlu said, and that she was very much in love with Brian.

Still, while the holiday was jovial, Mutlu testified that people are complex and he was not suggesting the couple was happy: He said Ana Walshe had discussed marital troubles in a lengthy phone call days earlier, on December 29, 2022.

She told me that there were cracks in the relationship, he said.

She really hit a breaking point

Mutlus testimony was bolstered by that of Alissa Kirby, another close friend of Ana Walshe who similarly said she also spoke with Ana about her marriage on December 29, 2022.

A snapshot of Alissa Kirby, right, a friend of Ana Walshe, at left, is shown in court. - Mark Stockwell/The Boston Herald/AP

Alissa Kirby wipes away tears as she testifies during her testimony. - Mark Stockwell/The Boston Herald/AP

The two women, who had become fast friends after Ana moved to DC, went out for drinks and dancing that night, Kirby said, adding she had never seen Ana so upset.

According to Kirby, Ana spoke at length about struggling with her marriage to Walshe, and she seemed to her friend both physically and emotionally tired.

She really hit a breaking point, Kirby said.

Part of the strain, Kirby testified, was an ongoing federal fraud case against Brian Walshe, who had pleaded guilty to charges connected to selling forged Andy Warhol artwork. The sentencing process, however, had not yet been resolved.

Ana Walshe said she wanted her husband to take responsibility, even if it meant jail time, so her family could move forward, Kirby said. The case required Brian Walshe to remain in Massachusetts with their children.

She just really wanted to be with her kids, their marriage had been really strained for a long time, Kirby said. She told me how like upset she was, and how frustrating that was.

Ana told Kirby she had recently told her husband she was falling out of love with him, Kirby said. According to her, Ana also felt Walshes mother disliked her, and claimed Walshes mother had seen a psychic who told her Ana was having an affair.

Kirby was aware Ana had a crush on Fastow, she said. But Ana never revealed that they were in a romantic relationship.

Kirby last heard from Ana just after midnight on January 1, 2023, she said, when they exchanged well wishes for the new year. Then, on January 3, Brian Walshe texted Kirby asking if she had heard from Ana.

When Kirby followed up with him on January 4, she said Walshe told her Ana still had not turned up, and that her colleagues were looking for her.

Thats when I got really scared that something was wrong, Kirby said.

Kirby was the final witness called by the prosecution.

Its unclear whether Brian Walshe will testify in his own defense.

His attorney, Larry Tipton, told the jury during opening statements that they would hear evidence about how Walshe found his wife dead in their bed in the early hours of New Years Day in 2023.

Tipton also said the panel would hear evidence about the medical fields perspective on sudden, unexplained deaths in seemingly healthy individuals.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Prince Harry could soon secure a win in his battle to reinstate United Kingdom police protections for his family.MEGA

Prince Harry could soon secure a major win in his long-running battle to reinstate United Kingdom police protections for his family  a development that may open the door for his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to spend far more time in the UK, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, was initially denied taxpayer-funded security for himself, his wife, Duchess Meghan, 44, and their children in a 21-page high court decision handed down in May.

January Decision Awaited

Prince Harry moved closer to regaining U.K. police protection for his family.MEGA

Harry subsequently requested a review of the ruling, citing concerns over bringing his family to the U.K. without adequate protections.

"I love my country," Harry told the BBC. "I think it's really quite sad that I won't be able to show my children my homeland."

According to sources familiar with the process, Harry's review request has been granted, with evidence now being collected from both the Duke of Sussex and the U.K. government.

A final decision is expected in January.

A government spokesperson said: "The U.K. government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security."

The UK Education Question

Sources warned Meghan Markle opposed shuttling the children between two countries.MEGA

Royal insiders suggest a successful outcome in Harry's security battle could pave the way for significant changes in the Sussex children's lives, including more trips to Britain and the possibility of being educated in the U.K.  though sources warn such moves could place additional strain on Harry and Markle's marriage, and even spark their divorce.

One palace source said: "A victory for Harry would strengthen his children's connection to their British roots, but managing life across two continents could be challenging for the family.

Marriage Under Strain

Palace aides said the dispute placed fresh strain on Harry and Meghans marriage.MEGA

"Meghan does not want her children being shuttled back and forth between America and Britain, and this could break her and Harry up for good if he insists on it."

The security dispute dates back to February 2020, when Harry and Markle's UK police protections were curtailed, shortly before the couple formally stepped back as senior working royals.

At the time, Harry has said, the decision seemed intended to encourage them to remain within royal duties.

"This, at the heart of it, is a family dispute, and it makes me really, really sad that we're sitting here today, five years later, where a decision that was made most likely  in fact, I know  to keep us under the roof," he claimed earlier this year.

Reconnecting with Royal Roots

He slowly has been trying to repair his relationship with King Charles while tensions with William remained.MEGA

Since then, Harry has gradually mended his relationship with his father, King Charles III, 77, while his bond with his brother, Prince William, 43, has remained more complicated.

Markle, however, has not returned to the U.K. since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022, and the couple's children last visited for the late queen's Platinum Jubilee earlier that year.

A successful security review could allow the Sussexes to safely reconnect with extended family and reestablish a presence in the country.

A royal commentator said: "For Harry, it's more than his own security  it's about letting Archie and Lilibet connect with their heritage in person. Still, it brings genuine challenges in managing a life split between two countries."

Harry has made clear the stakes are both personal and familial.

"It is my birthplace and will always be part of who I am," he has said. "It is a place I love."
medium shot of a senior Caucasian couple sleeping together while waiting on chairs in an airport terminal

With prices rising and airfare still sky-high, the buy now, pay later (BNPL) boom has officially hit vacations. More than half of Americans now use BNPL, and nearly one in five plan to use it to pay for holidays, according to The New York Times (1).

But experts warn that while spreading out payments for a beach getaway may seem harmless, it can come with hidden risks.

Must Read

BNPL plans divide payments into installments. Break anything into four and its more affordable, but life happens and people forget and fees add up and you have very little recourse, Julie Beckham of Rockland Trust, who studies BNPL plans, told the NYT.

Before booking your trip, make sure you know the pros and cons of BNPL.

Convenience  but at what cost?

BNPL plans lure consumers with convenience. These short-term installment loans let users split a one-time expense  like a vacation package  into smaller, more manageable payments.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), most basic pay-in-four plans dont require a hard credit check and charge no interest if payments are made on time. That makes them appealing for people looking to smooth short-term cash flow (2).

But the downsides can hit hard. The CFPB reports that late fees are common, and those penalties can add up quickly  sometimes wiping out any benefit of spreading out payments.

According to the aforementioned NYT article, services like Afterpay can charge up to $68 in late fees, while Klarna caps its fees at $7. And unlike credit cards, BNPL loans typically dont come with travel protections, insurance or rewards points. With travel, when you use a credit card, you are protected, Beckham told the NYT.

The risks rise even further with longer-term BNPL loans, which often begin accruing interest immediately. Stanford researcher Ed deHaan told the NYT that he calls it a buyer-beware moment, warning that the terms are actually worse than a credit card because most credit cards dont accrue interest until after 30 days.

Beyond the fees and interest, consumers should be wary of debt stacking. Because BNPL makes it so easy to click buy now, it can be easier to accumulate multiple small debts that add up quickly.

Despite the risks, BNPL travel products are multiplying. Flex Pay partners with United Airlines, Carnival Cruise Line, and Wyndham Hotels to offer loans from 0% to 36%. Paylater Travel lets users lock in flights now and pay over 26 weeks.

BNPL use is widespread and growing. Federal Reserve data show that use rose to 14% of adults in 2023, up from 10% in 2021. (3) The Fed found that financially strained consumers are among the most frequent BNPL users.

The CFPB, which has been closely tracking the industry, also found heavy BNPL use among borrowers who carry multiple BNPL loans and high credit card balances.

Read More: This $1B private real estate fund is now accessible to non-millionaires. Heres how you can get started with as little as $10

How to use BNPL for travel

Still want to use BNPL for travel? Only do so if you have the cash flow to cover all upcoming installments  not because you expect future income.

Here are some key considerations:

Read the fine print: Check all service fees and refund policies. If you cancel a booking, BNPL platforms may still charge service or cancellation fees, and you may have to keep making payments while waiting for a supplier refund.

Airline or hotel refunds can take weeks, leaving you temporarily out of pocket and creating short-term cash flow stress.

Watch for currency risks: If your trip is booked in a foreign currency but repaid in U.S. dollars, exchange rate fluctuations can increase your costs. Also avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at checkout  its marked-up rates can make your trip pricier. In short, paying later can mean paying more.

Time your payments carefully: BNPL sometimes lets you travel before finishing payments. But if an emergency or income loss occurs after your trip, missed payments can trigger late fees or damage your financial stability.

Know the credit impact: BNPLs effect on credit depends on the provider. Some providers now report loans to credit bureaus, and such reporting is becoming more common. That means BNPL behavior may start to affect your credit score more directly  meaning BNPL behavior can increasingly affect your credit score.

Consider opportunity cost: Every BNPL payment is money you cant put toward an emergency fund, high-yield savings, or investments. Those lost returns are an invisible cost.

Compare with a rewards credit card: Using a BNPL instead of a rewards credit card may mean losing out on travel miles, hotel points, or statement credits  benefits that can easily outweigh BNPLs short-term convenience.

BNPL can make your dream vacation possible, but it can also ground your finances if used carelessly.

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.

New York Times (1); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2); Federal Reserve (3)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Blaine McGraw, an Army gynecologist accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of his former patients. | Bell County Sheriffs Office via CNN Newsource

(CNN)  Another 81 women who say they were subjected to invasive, unnecessary, and degrading touching, voyeurism, and covert filming are joining a lawsuit originally filed in November against Army Maj. Blaine McGraw, a gynecologist who was charged this week with secretly recording his patients during exams.

The new filing was submitted on Wednesday by attorneys representing the alleged victims less than 24 hours after the Armys Office of Special Trial Counsel charged McGraw with 54 specifications, or alleged incidents, of indecent visual recording, along with several other related charges. The case being brought against McGraw by the Army includes 44 alleged victims.

While the militarys charges against McGraw filed this week focus on the recording of his patients, the expanded lawsuit on Wednesday accuses McGraw of sexual assault, assault, and battery under Texas law, saying he intentionally and knowingly made harmful and offensive physical contact with patients during their exams. Fort Hood, where McGraw saw patients starting in 2023, is in Texas.

In one example included in Wednesdays filing an active-duty soldier said she believes McGraw took photos of her during a rape kit examination after she was sexually assaulted.

During that deeply vulnerable procedure, he was constantly on his phone while between her legs, the lawsuit says, adding that the woman now believes that he was taking photos of her while performing the exam.

The lawsuit says that McGraw failed to document in her medical records that a rape kit had ever been performed, and in the criminal case against her alleged rapist, the prosecution lacked clear forensic documentation, and her assailant was ultimately acquitted.

McGraws misconduct in this setting did not merely fail to protect a victim of sexual violence; it actively undermined her access to justice and allowed her perpetrator to escape accountability, the lawsuit says.

The Army has emphasized that officials are taking the allegations against McGraw seriously. Fort Hood has said in statements that investigators began looking into McGraw within hours of a patients allegation on October 17 and suspended McGraw immediately.

McGraws lawyer, Daniel Conway, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the expanded lawsuit but said previously that beyond the allegations, weve seen no records to support patients were touched in a way that was not medically indicated.  Well continue to fully cooperate. We remain disappointed at Army law enforcements handling of the investigation.

One of the lawyers representing victims in the new filing told CNN on Wednesday that the Armys slow and opaque response mirrors the same systemic failures exposed in the Maj. Michael Stockin case, referencing a case where an Army doctor pleaded guilty this year after he was accused of inappropriately touching or viewing the genitals of more than 40 male patients.

Unless the institution confronts these deficiencies now, this moment will become just another footnote  one overshadowed by the far greater harm that will inevitably follow to female soldiers and military wives and daughters, Andrew Cobos said.

While the vast majority of alleged victims in the amended civil lawsuit live in Texas  where McGraw was most recently stationed, practicing medicine at the medical center at Fort Hood  18 others currently reside in another 14 states. Many are active-duty soldiers, or military family members, and had moved after being stationed in Texas or Hawaii where McGraw served as a doctor.

CNN has reported that there are alleged instances of misconduct going back to 2021 when McGraw was a doctor at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii.

In these roles, he wore both a white coat and a uniformsymbols that, to military families, signal trust, competence, and care, the lawsuit says. Instead, McGraw used those symbols as camouflage for a sustained pattern of sexual exploitation, digital voyeurism, and manipulation of his patients.

Undersecretary of the Army Mike Obadal and Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Mary Izaguirre visited the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood on Tuesday, the Army announced on Wednesday, to review Defense Health Agency policies and patient safety practices.

Our ethical and moral imperative is to ensure deployment-ready forces while providing a safe and professional environment for all patients, Obadal said in a release on Wednesday. Im proud of our leaders and medical providers for the swift action taken to initiate the criminal investigation and prioritize patient safety  all of which reflects their unwavering commitment to patient care and Army readiness.

A US official said the team was dispatched directly by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who has been watching the situation very, very closely, as a fact-finding mission to better understand the situation on the ground.

It goes without saying that the allegations are abhorrent, absolutely counter to the values the Army and the military try to uphold, the official said, adding that there is some caution about what Army leadership is saying publicly to avoid accusations that it is unethically interfering in legal proceedings.

In total the lawsuit points to three main methods of abuse McGraw is alleged to have engaged in  recording and taking photos of his patients without their consent, performing unnecessary or unconsented medical procedures, and touching women sexually during medical procedures, carrying out physical boundary violationsunder the guise of medical examination.

And while allegations of his recording patients are known, the lawsuit provides new details of deliberate steps he allegedly took to ensure his secret recordings were unobstructed. McGraw would allegedly prop up his phone against his Army nameplate clip on his shirt pocket, preventing the camera lens from being covered by his medical garments and ensuring a clear, forward-facing view of his patients exposed bodies.

While CNN has reported instances of alleged misconduct in both Texas and Hawaii, the lawsuit also suggests that the Army should investigate McGraws time as a physician assistant at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, years prior. There has been no official outreach to patients at Fort Campbell, the lawsuit says.

Ultimately, the lawsuit points to what some victims and advocates say is a systemic failure by the Army to address McGraws alleged behavior early on, saying at least one woman filed a complaint in Hawaii against McGraw but his chain of command dismissed it and allowed him to continue treating women. The filing also alleges that even after McGraws misconduct came to light, women were discouraged by staff at the Fort Hood medical center from transferring their medical care to off-post providers.

McGraw did not thrive because he was clever; he thrived because he operated within an Army culture that has repeatedly failed to protect women from sexual violence, the lawsuit says. The scale of this case is not an outlier  it is the inevitable consequence of a culture that has still not changed.

The post 81 alleged victims join suit against Army doctor accused of sexual misconduct appeared first on East Idaho News.
A doctor reviews paperwork with a senior male patient in an office. Photo: DC Studio / Freepik

(The Center Square) - Nevadans are expected to see their health insurance rates jump 34% or more next year, depending on the plan. Some rates could more than double.

That's according to a new report by Value Penguin, a subsidiary of Lending Tree.

The sharp rise comes after years of stagnant prices and puts Nevada among the states for the biggest hikes in insurance rates. Nevadans with the lowest income are set to lose the most, Value Penguin said.

The death of COVID-era health insurance subsidies that kickstarted the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history are to blame for the 2026 cost growth, according to Value Penguin.

The report found the likely end of COVID-era Affordable Care Act extended subsidies was the greatest cause of prices hikes in Nevada and across the U.S.

That would be the primary driver, and it's kind of a double whammy here, report author Talon Abernathy told The Center Square.

So on the one hand, people who get ACA tax credits are going to see a pretty significant price hike," said Abernathy, a Value Penguin senior writer. "They'll still get some tax credits, but it's going to be a lot less than in years past, between 2021 and 2025, when these enhanced subsidies were available.

Along with the end of COVID-era ACA tax credits, the other half of the price hike comes from more healthy people leaving the health insurance market.

You also get prices rising across the board, even for people who don't qualify for these subsidies, said Abernathy. And that's because insurance companies are projecting quite a few healthier individuals will leave the marketplace once health insurance rates go up. That's going to create a bit of a doom-loop spiral where healthier people leave the marketplace, and the remaining population is sicker. Rates have to rise to accommodate for that and it furthers the cycle.

The average price for a 40-year-old Nevadan on the middle, or Silver, health insurance plan is set to rise 34% to $792 per month in 2026. Its an especially steep rise considering the average price fell by 3% between 2023-2024 and rose only 5% this year, Value Penguin noted.

But Nevadans who qualify for subsidies are likely to experience an even harsher rise of 104% to $202 in 2026, from $99 in 2025, according to the Value Penguin report. For a 40-year-old Nevadan on a Silver plan earning $30,000, prices are set to rise by 216%. Nevadans earning below $22,000 are eligible for free health care on Medicaid.

Its shocking, but it's not completely unexpected, said Abernathy, adding later, When the subsidies went away, it's natural that we would see the largest price hikes for those individuals."

Value Penguin predicted that health insurance prices across the country would climb in 2026, but the difference is considerable across states. Nevada was the sixth-highest, while Arkansas is expected to see the most change at 67 percent. Alaska was the only state where health insurance prices were set to reduce in 2026, by 5 percent.

Many states, such as California which is set to see a more modest 11% price change, counteracted ACA cuts with local subsidies, Abernathy said.

Without a local solution, Nevadas 2026 rates are among the highest rates because of an above average number of uninsured individuals and post-COVID Medicaid Unwinding," according to Value Penguin.

During the pandemic, states weren't allowed to kick people off Medicaid essentially, said Abernathy. And that just came to an end in the past year or so, so as people left Medicaid, the marketplace is kind of a natural alternative. Again, putting more strain on the system. In Nevada in particular, we're seeing a sicker population, so greater utilization overall. It's kind of a perfect storm here.

Open enrollment to sign up for health insurance, adjust your plan or cancel a plan ends Monday. Value Penguin offers a Nevada county-level guide to the cheapest and best rates here.
READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY AS IT MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This Notice is directed to all persons and entities, excluding certain persons associated with the Defendants, wherever they may reside or be domiciled, who purchased or otherwise acquired Ithaca Energy Inc., now known as Ithaca Energy Limited ("Ithaca") common shares in the secondary market, on or after October 9, 2014, and held some or all of those securities until after the close of trading on February 24, 2015 ("Class Members" and the "Class").

PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE

A class action brought on behalf of Class Members has been settled. The Settlement has been approved by the Alberta Court of King's Bench. This Notice provides Class Members with information about how to submit a Claim Form to the Administrator in order to participate in the distribution of the Net Settlement Amount.

THE ACTION

On May 26, 2015, a proposed class action was commenced on behalf of investors who purchased Ithaca common shares in the secondary market during the Class Period, against Ithaca in the Alberta Court of King's Bench: Stevens v. Ithaca Energy Inc. (now, Ithaca Energy Limited) Court File no. 1501-05830 (the "Action"). The Plaintiff in the Action alleges that the Defendants made misrepresentations during the Class Period related to Ithaca's offshore oil and gas business and operations concerning: (1) material modifications to its floating production facility, the FPF-1; and (2) corresponding 2015 pro forma production and revenue projections for the Greater Stella Area in the Central North Sea. Ithaca denies all such allegations.

The settlement of the Action, without an admission of liability on the part of the Defendant, was approved by The Honourable Justice Neufeld on August 7, 2025. This notice provides a summary of the settlement.

SUMMARY OF THE SETTLEMENT TERMS

Ithaca's insurers will pay CAD $9 million (the "Settlement Amount"), in full and final settlement of all claims against Ithaca in the Action. Class Counsel Fees, including out-of-pocket expenses and taxes, were fixed by the Court as a first charge on the Settlement Amount in the amount of thirty (30) percent of CAD $9 million, plus disbursements, plus taxes. The settlement for the Class, less the Class Counsel Fees and disbursements, administrator's expenses, and taxes, will be distributed to the Class in accordance with the Court-approved Plan of Allocation. The Settlement Agreement and Plan of Allocation may be viewed at https://bergermontague.ca/cases/ithaca-energy-inc/ and https://jssbarristers.ca/class-actions/ithaca-energy-inc/.

HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION:

CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY

Each Class Member must submit a completed Claim Form on or before January 5, 2026 in order to participate in the settlement. The Claim Form can be accessed or downloaded at https://bergermontague.ca/cases/ithaca-energy-inc/ or obtained by calling the Administrator at 647.598.8772 ext 2. If you do not submit a completed Claim Form by January 5, 2026, you will not receive any part of the Net Settlement Amount.

The Court appointed Berger Montague (Canada) PC as the Administrator of the settlement to, among other things: (i) receive and process Claim Forms; (ii) decide eligibility for compensation; and (iii) distribute the net Settlement Amount to eligible Class Members. The Claim Form should be submitted to the Administrator by using the secure Online Claims System at https://bergermontague.ca/cases/ithaca-energy-inc/ and https://jssbarristers.ca/class-actions/ithaca-energy-inc/. You may submit a paper Claim Form only if you do not have internet access. The paper Claim Form may be sent by mail or courier to:

Ithaca Administrator

330 Bay Street, Suite 505

Toronto, ON M5H 2S8

Email: [email protected]

QUESTIONS

Questions for the Class Members' lawyers may be directed to:

Berger Montague (Canada) PC

330 Bay Street, Suite 505

Toronto, ON M5H 2S8

Tel: (647) 598-8772

Email: [email protected]

JSS Barristers

304 8 Ave SW #800,

Calgary, AB T2P 1C2

Tel: 403-571-0747

Email: [email protected]

INTERPRETATION

If there is a conflict between the provisions of this Notice and the Settlement Agreement, the terms of the Settlement Agreement will prevail.

This notice has been approved by the Court. Questions about matters in this notice should NOT be directed to the Court.

SOURCE Berger Montague
Wilmer Chavarria | Office of Sen. Richard Blumenthal

Last July, Wilmer Chavarria, a naturalized U.S. citizen who lives in Vermont, was returning from Nicaragua, where he had visited his mother and other relatives, when he was detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston for no apparent reason. Chavarria was held for more than four hours and released only after he finally agreed to let the agents search his smartphone, tablet, and laptop computer. The agents, who persistently pressured Chavarria to surrender his devices and the passwords for them, informed him that he had no Fourth Amendment right to resist.

They were wrong about that, the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) says in a lawsuit it filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes CBP. "Americans don't surrender their constitutional rights as the price of international travel," the PLF says. "CBP policies that claim to give its employees the power to search and seize electronic devices without a warrant violate the Fourth Amendment and therefore should be set aside."

The Fourth Amendment guarantees "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects" against "unreasonable searches and seizures." It also specifies that judicial warrants, which are ordinarily required for searches, must be based on "probable cause" supported by "oath or affirmation" and must "particularly" describe the target of the search and "the persons or things to be seized."

The contents of electronic devices qualify as "papers" and "effects," PLF lawyers Amy Peikoff and Molly Nixon argue. And although the Supreme Court has recognized a "border exception" to the Fourth Amendment, they say, it cannot reasonably be understood to encompass the potentially vast amount of sensitive information that Americans routinely carry with them when they travel.

Under the CBP's broad interpretation of the border exception, the PLF notes, federal agents are free to examine the contents of electronic devices anywhere within 100 miles of a U.S. bordera zone that includes about two-thirds of the U.S. population. They can do so at will without any articulable reason, let alone probable cause or a warrant. And under CBP policy, they can copy and retain that information based on "a national security concern" or "reasonable suspicion of activity in violation of the laws enforced or administered by CBP," provided they obtain "supervisory approval."

Chavarria, who is superintendent of Vermont's Winooski School District, was understandably dismayed by the CBP's assertion of that authority. "When he objected, he was told he had no Fourth Amendment rights at the border," the complaint says. "Moreover, he was told he was behaving suspiciously simply by asserting those rights and refusing to consent to the device searches. His requests to contact his family and lawyer were denied during the detention."

Chavarria was especially concerned because the laptop he was carrying, which was the school district's property, contained student records. But "after enduring hours of isolation, physical discomfort, threats, and badgering," the complaint says, Chavarria "finally succumb[ed] to the pressure and hand[ed] over his devices and passwords" based on the agents' "assurances that they would not access the student data on his laptop."

Because "the searches were conducted outside his presence," according to the lawsuit, Chavarria had no way of verifying that the agents kept their promise of self-restraint. "Adding insult to injury, one of the plainclothes officers stopped Mr. Chavarria as he was being released to shake his hand and praise him for his resilience during the detention," the PLF says. "Because of his unflinching commitment to his students' rights, the agent said he would be proud for his children to attend a school with a superintendent like Mr. Chavarria."

The border exception, which is meant to facilitate detection of contraband, weapons, customs violations, and illegal immigration, has traditionally applied to "searches of persons entering the United States and their physical property," Peikoff and Nixon note. "And while digital contraband does exist, such contraband can also be emailed or stored in the cloud for remote access from anywhere in the world, making searches for such contraband a general criminal law interest, not a border concern. Accordingly, the normal Fourth Amendment rules and warrant requirement apply."

Given the ubiquity of electronic devices and their storage capacity, extending the border exception to include the data they contain has profound privacy implications. Laptops can store up to four terabytes of data, while some smartphone models can store as much as two terabytes.

The upshot is that Americans commonly carry enormous amounts of data in their pockets and computer bags, potentially including years of personal information about their habits, opinions, work, family life, relationships, and medical histories. But according to the CBP, its agents have plenary authority to peruse that information whenever they want "with or without suspicion." And if they have a "reasonable suspicion" of illegal activity, which is supposed to be based on "specific, articulable facts" but in practice may amount to little more than a hunch, they also can copy information.

In a 2022 letter to Chris Magnus, then the CBP commissioner, Sen. Ron Wyden (DOre.) noted a briefing that year in which an agency official reported that CBP copies data from "less than 10,000" phones each year. That information, Wyden noted, "typically includes text messages, call logs, [and] contact lists" but may also include "photos and other sensitive data." According to the senator, the agency "confirmed during this briefing that it stores this deeply personal data," obtained "without a warrant signed by a judge," for "15 years" and "allows approximately 2,700 DHS personnel" to search it "at any time, for any reason."

Between 2015 and 2024, the PLF notes, the annual number of warrantless electronic-device searches by CBP more than quintupled, from about 8,500 to more than 46,000. "That trend continues apace in 2025," the PLF reports, "with the third fiscal quarter showing CBP having searched 14,899 peoplethe highest number on record and 16.7 percent higher than the next-highest quarterly figure of 12,766 set in the second fiscal quarter of 2022." Most of these searches are "basic," meaning they involve reviewing and analyzing information "encountered" during examination of a device. But about 10 percent are "advanced," meaning they entail using external equipment to "review, copy, and retain device contents for later analysis."

The threat of such invasions, Peikoff and Nixon note, means that travelers "must decide between leaving their electronic devices at home or risking being detained and having their device contents perused, uploaded into a government database, or maybe even shared with multiple government agenciesall without a warrant or probable cause." In light of that risk, they add, some travelers "take precautions such as deleting their social media accounts from their devices or encrypting their hard drives in advance of travel."

In light of his brush with CBP, Chavarria left his laptop at home during a visit to Nicaragua in October, meaning he was "unable to work remotely while visiting his family," the complaint says. "This is a choice no American should have to make."

Chavarria reflected on his experience in a recent interview with WPTZ, the NBC affiliate in Burlington, Vermont. "You feel like you've been abducted by a gang of aggressive, violent people who are trying to manipulate you and who are lying to you," he said. "And while you are being abducted, you know that these people are capable of doing anything to you because they don't care."

At a Washington, D.C., forum convened on Tuesday by Democratic lawmakers, Chavarria was one of five U.S. citizens who described jarring and allegedly illegal encounters with DHS employees. "I do not feel like I am free to visit my mother without being afraid that I will be detained or disappeared at any time for any reason," he said. "I don't think any American should be deprived [of] the right to visit their mother."

The post CBP Agents Held This U.S. Citizen for Hours Until He Agreed To Let Them Search His Electronic Devices appeared first on Reason.com.
The House of Representatives has approved a sweeping defense policy bill, authorizing a substantial $900 billion for military programs. The legislation includes a pay rise for service personnel and aims to overhaul how the Department of Defense buys weapons.

Passed by a significant margin of 312-112 votes, the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) arrives amidst growing tensions between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trumps administration regarding military management. Despite this friction, the White House has indicated strong support for the must-pass bill, aligning it with Trump's national security agenda.

The extensive 3,000-page document mandates a 3.8 percent pay increase for many military members, alongside improvements to housing and facilities on bases. It also represents a political compromise, incorporating cuts to climate and diversity initiatives favored by Trump, while simultaneously enhancing congressional oversight of the Pentagon and revoking several outdated war authorizations.

Further provisions within the bill demand greater transparency on boat strikes in the Caribbean and reaffirm support for European allies, including Ukraine. However, hard-line conservatives have voiced frustration, arguing the legislation does not go far enough in reducing U.S. commitments overseas.

Passed by a significant margin of 312-112 votes, the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) arrives amidst growing tensions between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trumps administration regarding military management. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

We need a ready, capable and lethal fighting force because the threats to our nation, especially those from China, are more complex and challenging than at any point in the last 40 years, said Rep. Mike Rogers, the GOP chair of the House Armed Services Committee.

Lawmakers overseeing the military said the bill would change how the Pentagon buys weapons, with an emphasis on speed after years of delay by the defense industry. It's also a key priority for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the armed services panel, called the bill the most ambitious swing at acquisition reform that weve taken.

Still, Smith lamented that the bill does not do as much as Democrats would like to rein in the Trump administration but called it a step in the right direction towards reasserting the authority of Congress.

The biggest concern I have is that the Pentagon, being run by Secretary Hegseth and by President Trump, is simply not accountable to Congress or accountable to the law, he said.

The legislation next heads to the Senate, where leaders are working to pass the bill before lawmakers depart Washington for a holiday break.

Several senators on both sides of the aisle have criticized the bill for not doing enough to restrict military flights over Washington. They had pushed for reforms after a midair collision this year between an Army helicopter and a jetliner killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft near Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board and families of the victims have also voiced opposition to that section of the bill, raising concerns that it would make the airspace more dangerous.

Here's what the defense bill does as it makes its way through Congress.

Boat strike videos and congressional oversight

Lawmakers included a provision that would cut Hegseth's travel budget by a quarter until the Pentagon provides Congress with unedited video of the strikes against alleged drug boats near Venezuela. Lawmakers are asserting their oversight role after a Sept. 2 strike where the U.S. military fired on two survivors who were holding on to a boat that had partially been destroyed.

The bill also demands that Hegseth allow Congress to review the orders for the strikes.

Reaffirm commitments to Europe and Korea

Trump's ongoing support for Ukraine and other allies in Eastern Europe has been under doubt over the last year, but lawmakers included several positions meant to keep up U.S. support for countering Russian aggression in the region.

The defense bill requires the Pentagon to keep at least 76,000 troops and major equipment stationed in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and there is a determination that such a withdrawal is in U.S. interests. Around 80,000 to 100,000 U.S. troops are usually present on European soil. It also authorizes $400 million for each of the next two years to manufacture weapons to be sent to Ukraine.

Additionally, there is a provision to keep U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, setting the minimum requirement at 28,500.

Cuts to climate and diversity initiatives

The bill makes $1.6 billion in cuts to climate change-related spending, the House Armed Services Committee said. U.S. military assessments have long found that climate change is a threat to national security, with bases being pummeled by hurricanes or routinely flooded.

The bill also would save $40 million by repealing diversity, equity and inclusion offices, programs and trainings, the committee said. The position of chief diversity officer would be cut, for example.

Iraq War resolution repeal

Congress is putting an official end to the war in Iraq by repealing the authorization for the 2003 invasion. Supporters in both the House and Senate say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the U.S.

The 2002 resolution has been rarely used in recent years. But the first Trump administration cited it as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Suleimani.

Lifting final Syria sanctions

Congress would permanently remove U.S. sanctions put on Syria after the Trump administration temporarily lifted many penalties.

Lawmakers imposed economically crippling sanctions on the country in 2019 to punish former leader Bashar Assad for human rights abuses during the nearly 14-year civil war. After Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa led a successful insurgency to depose Assad, he is seeking to rebuild his nations economy.

Advocates of a permanent repeal have said international companies are unlikely to invest in projects needed for the countrys reconstruction as long as there is a threat of sanctions returning.

Lack of IVF coverage

Democrats criticized Johnson for stripping a provision from the bill to expand coverage of in vitro fertilization for active duty personnel. An earlier version covered the medical procedure, known as IVF, which helps people facing infertility have children.
Envato stock image

BOISE (Idaho Statesman)  An Idaho man who died of rabies passed the virus to another man through a kidney transplant, marking the fourth known instance in the country in nearly half a century where rabies was transmitted from an organ donor to a recipient.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday, Dec. 4, that the Idaho man was in an outbuilding on his rural property in October 2024 when he was approached by a skunk behaving aggressively. He figured it was because he was holding a kitten, according to the report, which does not identify the man or where he resided.

He fought off the skunk, rendering it unconscious, and walked away with a scratch on his shin that bled. But he didnt think hed been bitten, the report said.

Weeks later, the man started experiencing hallucinations. He also had a stiff neck, confusion and difficulty swallowing and walking. Two days after his symptoms appeared, he was found unresponsive at home. He was resuscitated and taken to a hospital, but he never regained consciousness.

After five days in a hospital, he was declared brain dead and removed from life support. His left kidney, heart, lungs and both corneas were recovered for donation.

His kidney went to a man from Michigan, who received the transplant at a hospital in Ohio. Five weeks later, the man started experiencing tremors, confusion, urinary incontinence and weakness in his legs. He was hospitalized with fever, difficulty swallowing and an extreme fear of water. Clinicians suspected he had rabies, and several samples were sent to the CDC for testing.

After a week at the hospital, the Michigan man died. Local public health officials interviewed his family, who reported that he had not been exposed at any animals. But the testing showed evidence of rabies in his saliva, skin and brain tissue.

Thats when the CDC, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and an Idaho public health district began investigating the donor as the source. Health officials tested the Idaho mans right kidney, which had not been donated, and detected a rabies variant linked to silver-haired bats.

Meanwhile, three other patients, one each from Idaho, California and New Mexico, received ocular grafts prepared from the Idaho mans recovered corneas.

As officials investigated the donors rabies status, the cornea recipients had their grafts removed as a precaution and received post-exposure prophylaxis, a medication taken after potential exposure to rabies to prevent infection. Rabies is almost always fatal without that medication, the report said.

The cornea recipients remained asymptomatic. Another corneal graft transplant planned for a Missouri patient was canceled. Later, the CDC detected rabies in one of the previously implanted grafts.

Rabies is excluded from routine donor pathogen testing in the U.S. because of its rarity in humans and the complexity of diagnostic testing, according to the report. In this case, hospital staff who treated the Idaho man were initially unaware of the skunk scratch and attributed his symptoms to chronic comorbidities. After rabies was suspected in the Michigan man, a biopsy that had previously been collected from the donor on his third day at the hospital was revisited.

A spokesperson for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare did not immediately respond to a request for details about the Idaho man, including where he lived in the state.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn co-authored the CDC report.

RELATED | Man bitten by rabid raccoon after putting injured animal in his coat during rescue attempt

The post Idahoan dies of rabies, then transmits it in donated-kidney transplant appeared first on East Idaho News.
Maine fraud

WASHINGTON  Maines Medicaid program was taken for millions of dollars by a contractor whose founder and CEO sought political office in his native Somalia last year, a whistleblower has claimed.

The controversy surrounding Portland-based Gateway Community Services has drawn comparisons to the $1 billion social services fraud scandal roiling Minnesota, which has led to criminal charges against dozens of members of that states Somali diaspora.

Christopher Bernardini, who worked as a program coordinator at Gateway between May 2018 and April 2025, claimed to NewsNation that his former employer billed taxpayers for services that werent provided and falsified records to support the fraud.

I just couldnt fathom it  I thought we were helping people; I thought this was all on the up-and-up, Bernardini, who has since moved to Florida, told the outlet.

I have a passion for helping people, and I thought that we were doing the right thing this whole time.

Christopher Bernardini tried to flag the fraud he witnessed to the proper channels. NewsNation

Gateway was contracted with Maines Medicaid service, known as MaineCare, to assist elderly, disabled and low-income residents. On its website, the organization claims to offer programs that help people navigate care, understand insurance and safety net programs, and access essentials like housing and food.

The team also provides workforce support, helping individuals identify employment opportunities, training, and certifications to build skills for stability and long-term wellbeing.

In fact, Bernardini claims, Gateway falsified a monitoring system meant to track movements of field staff to make it seem like they were visiting clients, whether that was the case or not.

I had clients calling me to tell me their staff hadnt shown up and I was told to bill those hours [to MaineCare] anyway, the whistleblower claimed. It just got worse and worse until I started really putting up a stink.

State investigators had long had their eye on Gateway, finding that MaineCare overpaid the organization by $776,000 over 2017 and 2018.

But according to Bernardini, the fraud kicked into high gear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the federal government doled out billions of dollars in forgiveable Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) is now running for Senate in the 2026 cycle. Getty Images for RFK Ripple Of Hope

All of a sudden, I started seeing these staff come aboard, Bernardini recounted to NewsNation. Theyd be on board for two or three weeks, no hours worked. Id put in their training hours  and I started seeing bonuses, $2,000 bonuses, going to these staff that had only been with us for two weeks.

Never worked a shift with a client and yet the PPP loan comes, theyre giving $2,000 away like theyre lollipops at a doctors office and Im like, Where the hells my $2,000 bonus? Ive been here six, seven years.

A second source, a former Gateway employee who still works in social services in Maine, backed up Bernardinis accusations.

I saw many things happening that shouldnt have been, this person told the outlet. Timecards being manipulated to show services being provided that were not  and times also being manipulated.

Gateway took in $28.8 million from MaineCare between 2019 and 2024, according to documents received by conservative outlet Maine Wire via a state Freedom of Access Act request.

Bernardini said he initially reported Gateway to the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General in April 2024 and was told the matter was outside the feds jurisdiction. He then submitted a tip to the Maine state auditors office and was asked to provide additional information several months later.

The controversy has drawn comparisons to the $1 billion fraud scandal roiling Minnesota. AP

This past April, Gateway terminated Bernardinis contract and two months later, he received an email from the Maine auditors office asking if he had communicated with any Federal agencies about this issue with Gateway Community Services LLC.

Gateway founder Abdullahi Ali was born in Somalia and settled in Maine following a stint in a Kenyan refugee camp. Last year, NewsNation reported, he sought the presidency of Jubaland, a region of Somalia bordering Kenya.

I make no apologies for building a successful business in Maine, working hard to earn a living, earning my PhD, giving back to my Maine community, and running for office in Jubaland, Ali wrote on X last week in response to reporting on Gateway. I am proud to contribute my hard-earned $ to support my people back home. America is a nation of lawsyou cannot change facts by fabricating false stories. I am proud Somali-American.

The Post reached out to multiple executives at Gateway and Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills office for comment about the accusations.

The Mills Administration has neglected obvious and credible reports of Somali-linked systemic fraud in the MaineCare system, Maine GOP state Sen. Matt Harrington raged to the outlet. This is an outrageous betrayal of Maine taxpayers.
NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of investors in cryptocurrency issued by Balancer (ticker: BAL), resulting from allegations that Balancer may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So what: If you purchased Balancer cryptocurrency you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48945 https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=https%3A%2F%2Frosenlegal.com%2Fsubmit-form%2F%3Fcase_id%3D44368&esheet=54318756&newsitemid=20250903651888&lan=en-US&anchor=https%3A%2F%2Frosenlegal.com%2Fsubmit-form%2F%3Fcase_id%3D44368&index=1&md5=410c28c170424127d8287a953ee56f3eor call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On November 3, 2025, Bloomberg published an article entitled "Hack Drains Over $100 Million From Crypto Protocol Balancer." The article stated that "Balancer, a decentralized finance protocol, has been hit by a major exploit that drained more than $100 million in digital assets, according to blockchain security firms. Security researchers at PeckShield and Cyvers flagged the incident on Monday, warning that funds linked to the attacker's wallet were still being siphoned. Total losses have climbed to about $128 million, Cyvers said in a message."

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
The US will allow Nvidias H200 AI chips to be exported to China with a 25 percent fee, a policy shift that could redirect global demand toward one of the worlds largest AI markets and intensify competition for already limited GPU inventories.

The move raises fresh questions about whether enterprise buyers planning 2026 infrastructure upgrades should brace for higher prices or longer lead times if H200 supply tightens again.

We will protect National Security, create American Jobs, and keep Americas lead in AI, US President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Trump stopped short of allowing exports of Nvidias fastest chips, however, saying, Nvidias US Customers are already moving forward with their incredible, highly advanced Blackwell chips, and soon, Rubin, neither of which are part of this deal.

He did not say how many H200 units will be cleared or how export vetting will work, leaving analysts to gauge whether even a partial reopening of the Chinese market could tighten availability for buyers in the US and Europe.

Trump added that the Commerce Department is finalising the details, noting that the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies.
Today's headlines: the Mexican parliament approves tariffs of up to 50% to target Chinese imports; Serious disruption in Gaza due to flooding of tent cities caused by bad weather in areas already devastated by war; In South Korea, investigations into links between politicians and the Unification Church are also spreading to the current government; Diwali among UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage

MYANMAR

At least 30 people, including many patients, were killed in a air strike by the Burmese military junta that hit a major hospital in Rakhine State, western Myanmar. This was reported by a spokesperson for the Arakan Army, as well as a humanitarian worker who shared images of the ruined building. More than 70 people were reportedly injured in the attack in the town of Mrauk U, in Rakhine State.

MEXICO-CHINA

Mexico has approved new tariffs of up to 50% on more than 1,400 products, many from China, to boost domestic production. The tariffs will come into effect in 2026 and will affect countries without free trade agreements, such as India and Thailand. China has criticised the decision and launched an investigation into Mexican trade policy. The measure comes as Mexico negotiates with the United States, which is threatening new tariffs, and as China's industrial presence in the country grows in a way that Washington fears could be used to circumvent US tariffs.

GAZA

Dozens of tents for displaced persons were flooded yesterday in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, due to a wave of heavy rains that hit the territory already on its knees from the consequences of two years of war. Sewers destroyed by bombing are exacerbating the problems. The Palestinian Civil Defence in Rafah said it had received calls from people trapped in their tents, while the political stalemate over the start of Phase 2 of the ceasefire, a prerequisite for the start of reconstruction, continues.

SOUTH KOREA

The investigation into the political influence of the Unification Church - the sect founded by Reverend Moon - which began as part of the investigation into former President Yoon and the People Power Party, is widening to include members of the current Democratic Party administration. The current Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Chun Jae-soo, resigned this morning after allegations that he received between 30 million and 40 million won in cash and two luxury watches from an official of the Unification Church, who was seeking his support for a project. The minister has denied the allegations. Earlier this week, the president ordered authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into any illegal political ties to the controversial church, regardless of party or rank.

INDIA

Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, has been added to UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision to include the festival on the list was taken during a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage currently being held at the Red Fort in Delhi. Deepavali, also known as Diwali, becomes India's 16th intangible cultural heritage of humanity, joining a list that already includes yoga and Durga Puja, for example.

RUSSIA

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the Public Health Development Strategy, according to which, over the next six years, almost all medicines available to Russians in public hospitals and state healthcare programmes must be domestically produced. by 2030, 90% of essential medical preparations must be produced in Russia throughout the entire production cycle, with over 800 preparations on the mandatory list.

ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN

According to the website Artsakh Monuments, Azerbaijanis have desecrated and vandalised the 17th-century Erits Mankants monastery in occupied Artsakh, noting that videos show that the miniatures of the church on the main scene have disappeared, as has the cross on the altar, with the ruin of the church in relief on the floor, and the sculpture on the left side has been turned upside down, with clear intent to commit sacrilege.
The border dispute is not the only factor in restarting clashes. Scores of online scam centres operate along the border, run by criminal networks linked to Cambodian elites. Thailand considers them strategic military targets and is using the war to build up nationalist support ahead of upcoming elections. Thailand's opposition People's Party has called for a return to diplomacy.

Bangkok/Phnom Penh (AsiaNews)  More clashes were reported today between Thailand and Cambodia, after fighting broke out last Monday along their shared border, which extends over 800 kilometres.

The dispute is not only about the border, but also involves the presence of illegal scam centres in Cambodia, which exist thanks in part to government support.

This new phase of the conflict appears to be much bloodier than the five-day war in July, which ended with the intervention of US President Donald Trump, who threatened new tariffs on the two countries if they did not lay down their weapons.

Yesterday Trump said that he would call the leaders of the two countries, but has not yet done so. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he would answer the call, but with the intention of better explaining the situation to the US president.

That is a different matter. This is an issue between the two parties (Thailand and Cambodia), Anutin said. We appreciate the goodwill of other leaders who want peace, but we also have to explain what the problems are and why things are the way they are.

The Thai prime minister has at least for now ruled out mediation by third countries, including Malaysia, which, as ASEAN's rotating chair, had facilitated the signing of the 26 October ceasefire, in which Thailand and Cambodia committed to a series of de-escalation measures, which have not yet been implemented.

Following the latest outbreak of violence, both countries accuse each other of resuming hostilities. According to military sources in Thailand, a team of Thai engineers was attacked by Cambodian troops on Sunday, resulting in two Thai soldiers wounded, neither seriously.

For its part, Cambodia continues to portray itself as a weak country that was unjustly attacked by a much stronger neighbour, while Thailand claims to have evidence that the mines that set off the fighting on the border are recent and not unexploded ordnance, as Phnom Penh claims.

Yesterday, the Thai air force carried out strikes against a series of Cambodian sites, including scam centres also used as military supply and storage facilities; Cambodia responded by launching rockets from BM-21, Soviet-designed self-propelled multiple rocket launchers.

In a statement earlier this week, a Thai general stated the army's goal is to "render Cambodia militarily ineffective for a long time.

Both countries also accuse each other of targeting civilian infrastructure.

The Cambodian Interior Ministry yesterday said that homes, schools, roads, pagodas, and ancient temples had been damaged by Thailands intensified shelling and F-16 air strikes targeting villages and civilian population centres up to 30km inside Cambodian territory.

Bangkok denies all charges.

What is certain is that dozens of people have been killed and wounded, while half a million people have fled their homes on both sides of the border and are currently displaced.

Experts predict that hostilities are unlikely to end anytime soon. President Trump has no diplomatic leverage other than the threat of imposing new tariffs, which observers say remains an ineffective tool for achieving lasting peace.

The border dispute dates back to 1907. Thailand claim sovereignty over some strips of land now held by Cambodia, despite the International Court of Justice having repeatedly denied its arguments.

The Thai army has managed to advance as far as the villages of Chouk Chey and Prey Chan and take several hills between the Cambodian province of Banteay Meanchey and the Thai province of Sa Kaeo, from which it claims it can better defend itself from future Cambodian attacks.

Several casinos and online scam centres have been hit, especially in the provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Pursat, where some foreign nationals employed in scam centres were reportedly wounded, while others fled.

After the July conflict, some analysts had speculated that scam centres could play a more significant role than they appear since some 50 are located along the border.

In the Cambodian border town of O'Smach alone, an estimated 10,000 slave labourers are used in illegal activities.

Scam centres are a sector that has become a backbone of the Cambodian economy (generating an estimated US$ 12.5 billion in revenue annually) and is closely linked to the ruling elite.

Hun Sen, former prime minister and father of the current prime minister, Hun Manet, made public a recording of a phone call with then Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after the latter asked Cambodia to stop the development of such centres. This eventually forced her to resign.

Thais lose about 115.3 billion baht, or US$ 3.6 billion, each year due to online scams.

Recent territorial gains (mostly uninhabited forested areas) may not be enough to stop the Thai government. Prime Minister Anutin and his administration, who came to power in September, have found themselves in hot water in recent weeks.

His cabinet has been criticised for its poor response to the recent floods and for giving in too quickly to the signing of a ceasefire in July.

Moreover, some members of the cabinet have been at the centre of a series of scandals that have exposed links to fraudulent operations conducted in Cambodia.

This is the case of former Deputy Defence Minister Vorapak Tanyawong, who resigned after a report revealed that his wife had received US$ 3 million from a Cambodian criminal network that Vorapak himself had been tasked with investigating.

These issues risk weakening Anutin's position ahead of upcoming elections.

The government, which was scheduled to dissolve Parliament tomorrow, wants to use nationalist sentiments and show that it has a grip on the situation, especially by targeting the same scam centres that fuelled the scandal.

In so doing, Anutin is trying to unify the conservative camp led by the military (which more often than not decides Thailand's political fate even without coups) and pro-monarchist parties.

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the leader of the opposition People's Party, stressed at a press conference yesterday that an exclusively military approach is inadequate and described as dangerous Prime Minister Anutin's refusal to negotiate.

Natthaphong, however, reiterated the need to eliminate online scam hubs in Cambodia as well as prosecute those involved with scammers in Thailand.
TAIPEI and SAN DIEGO, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. (TPEx: 6492), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced a clinical supply agreement with BeOne Medicines, a global oncology company. This agreement will supply a global, multi-center Phase 1b/2a clinical trial to evaluate Senhwa's lead compound Pidnarulex (CX-5461) in combination with BeOne's tislelizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-refractory melanoma.

This agreement represents a significant milestone for Senhwa as CX-5461 enters the immuno-oncology field, and it also underscores the company's commitment to advancing strategic combination therapies that break through the limitations of immunotherapy bringing new hope to cancer patients worldwide.

Senhwa Biosciences: Driving a New Era in Immuno-Oncology

"This agreement represents a major step forward for Senhwa as we expand into the heart of immuno-oncology," said Benny T. Hu, Chairman of Senhwa Biosciences. "By leveraging the unique mechanism of action of CX-5461 in modulating the tumor microenvironment, we hope to discover and confirm new treatment options for patients who do not currently benefit from existing treatment options, while increasing international recognition and building long-term strategic value for the company," added by Chairman Hu.

Under the terms of the agreement, BeOne Medicines will provide tislelizumab for the combination study, while Senhwa will supply CX-5461 and lead clinical and regulatory operations. The study will enroll patients at multiple sites in the United States and Taiwan, assessing safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of the CX-5461 plus tislelizumab combination.

By modulating the tumor microenvironment, CX-5461 breaks through the barriers of immunotherapy, opening new possibilities for cancer treatment

Discovered and developed by Senhwa, CX-5461 is the world's first G-quadruplex stabilizer with significant clinical dataa novel therapeutic class designed to selectively disrupt genomic stability in tumor cells through replication stress induction.

Recent preclinical and clinical findings suggest that CX-5461 not only exerts direct cytotoxic activity but also modulates the tumor microenvironment, enhancing immune recognition and response.

By converting immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" ones, CX-5461 may sensitize previously resistant tumors to checkpoint blockade and broaden the clinical utility of immunotherapy.

The "cold-to-hot" tumor concept represents one of the most promising frontiers in cancer immunology. CX-5461's differentiated mechanism positions Senhwa to play a leading role in improving the efficacy of the immune checkpoint inhibitors approved by FDA with only 20-30% response rates.

Global Immunotherapy Market: Expanding Horizons

According to Precedence Research, the global cancer immunotherapy market is expected to grow from USD 136.4 billion in 2025 to USD 338.4 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.65%. Similarly, Grand View Research projects that the broader immunotherapy market will exceed USD 486 billion by 2030.

As major pharmaceutical companies approach a looming patent cliffmost notably with the immune checkpoint inhibitor blockbuster KEYTRUDA, which is expected to lose its exclusivity in 2028the industry is ramping up efforts to secure next-generation immuno-oncology assets through strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.

With its differentiated pipeline, established collaboration with the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), and now entering the supply agreement with BeOne Medicines, Senhwa Biosciences is uniquely positioned at the intersection of scientific innovation and global capital markets. The company aims to play a pivotal role in the next wave of expansion and innovation in precision medicine and immuno-oncology by partnering with global pharmaceutical companies and to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation for its stakeholders.

About Senhwa Biosciences, Inc.

Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. (TPEx: 6492) is a Taiwan-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics in oncology and rare diseases. The company's lead asset, CX-5461 (Pidnarulex), is a first-in-class G-quadruplex stabilizer currently in clinical development across North America and Asia. Senhwa is committed to translating scientific innovation into transformative therapies that improve treatment outcomes for the patients worldwide.

Website: www.senhwabio.com

SOURCE Senhwa Biosciences, Inc.
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11 December 2025 16:03 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A preliminary hearing has commenced in the criminal case against Karen Avanesyan, who is accused of committing terrorism and other particularly serious crimes in the city of Khankendi, Azernews reports.

The case is being reviewed at the Ganja Grave Crimes Court under the chairmanship of Judge Natig Aliyev. During the session, the court clarified the defendants personal details and explained his rights and obligations.

The investigation into the case, launched by the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office, was completed on September 14. The probe concerned a terrorist act involving firearms and ammunition that resulted in an explosion in Khankendi, as well as the attempted deliberate killing of more than two police officers in connection with terrorism.

According to the investigation, reasonable suspicions were established that Avanesyan, a 1967-born resident of the city of Armenian origin, committed a series of grave offenses.

Investigators determined that Avanesyan obtained an AKMS automatic weapon, its components, and several hand grenades left behind by illegal armed groups operating in Khankendi until September 2023. He allegedly hid the weapons in the area and kept them for an extended period with the intention of carrying out terrorist acts, creating public panic, and committing intentional homicide.

On September 14, at around 07:00, Avanesyan allegedly left the social shelter where he resided, retrieved the hidden weapons, prepared them for use, and took up position inside an abandoned house. After observing a large group of police officers attempting to locate him, he concluded that conditions were suitable to carry out the planned terrorist attack. He then opened fire on the approaching officers with an automatic weapon and threw hand grenades, causing explosions.

As a result, three police officers sustained various injuries, were promptly evacuated, and received necessary medical treatment, which saved their lives.

Despite repeated lawful warnings, Avanesyan reportedly resisted arrest while armed. Police detained him using necessary force, after which he was hospitalized and provided medical assistance.

Based on the collected evidence, Avanesyan has been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code, including attempted murder of two or more persons connected to terrorism, committing terrorism using firearms, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, and resistance against law enforcement officers (Articles 29, 120.2.3, 29,120.2.4, 29,120.2.7, 29,120.2.11, 214.2.3, 228.1, and 315).

Following a motion by the investigative body and the prosecutor overseeing the case, the Khankendi City Court ordered Avanesyans arrest as a preventive measure.
11 December 2025 23:21 (UTC+04:00)

Although the occupation of the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan by Armenia is an undeniable fact, and although the numerous pieces of evidence presented at the court hearing have confirmed this, this reality neither diminishes the responsibility of the current defendants  who were among the principal figures of the criminal organization created by Armenia  nor exempts them from liability, said Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, in his reply during the trial of 15 Armenian nationals.

According to him, although the many crimes referred to during the hearing were committed through the organization and support of Armenias military and political leadership, they were also carried out with the participation of the criminal organization that the current defendants joined at various times.

At certain periods, some of the defendants even formally held positions within Armenias military or political leadership. In this regard, the Armenian state and the so-called regime acted as a single organism in planning, executing, and maintaining the occupation, the state prosecutor added.

Court proceedings continue against the Armenian nationals accused of committing numerous crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, including war crimes, crimes against peace and humanity, preparation and waging of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, the violent seizure of power, its forcible retention, and other serious offenses.
11 December 2025 23:50 (UTC+04:00)

The open court hearing in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia  Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasian, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others  accused of war crimes, crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, including planning and waging an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, illegal seizure of power, unlawful retention of authority, and numerous other offenses committed as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan  resumed on December 11.

The session was held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Camal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, and reserve judge Gunel Sadigova.

Each of the accused was provided with interpreters in their preferred language and defense attorneys, ensuring full compliance with procedural rights.

The hearing was attended by the accused, their defense lawyers, some victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state prosecution.

Both parties were granted the right to deliver rebuttals during the session.

In his statement, Vusal Aliyev, First Deputy Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, addressed arguments raised by the defense regarding the nature and role of the alleged criminal association.

He recalled that, according to the defense, a criminal organization, based on international practice, is typically formed specifically for the commission of criminal acts. However, he emphasized that evidence presented in court confirms a different reality: several years before the outbreak of the First Karabakh War, armed militant groups began to be systematically organized and supported by the leadership of Armenia.

It is indeed confirmed by the evidence that these groups were directly backed and armed by Armenias leadership. But what followed makes the situation even more significant: the leaders and members of these armed units later assumed key political and military positions within both the self-proclaimed entity in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and within the state apparatus of Armenia itself. This clearly indicates that these were not random or spontaneous groups, but rather evolved into integral components of the criminal military structure that carried out the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.

Referring to specific defendants, Mr. Aliyev noted that individuals such as David Manukyan were members of the Shusha Battalion, while Davit Ishkhanyan served as commander of the 28th Martuni Battalion  formations that represent rebranded, more structured, and militarized versions of earlier illegal armed groups.

The prosecutor stressed that although the fact of Armenias occupation of Azerbaijani territories is indisputable and has been proven by extensive evidence, this does not diminish or absolve the responsibility of the current defendants.

While these widespread crimes were indeed orchestrated and supported by Armenias military and political leadership, they were carried out through the active participation of a criminal association  of which the accused were members. Moreover, at various points, some of the currently charged individuals formally held high-ranking military or political positions within the Armenian state. In this context, the Armenian state and the illegal entity functioned as a single, coordinated organism in organizing, executing, and maintaining the occupation, the prosecutor added.

He continued: Video materials reviewed during the investigation into Davit Ishkhanyans combat activities show that during the assault on Shusha, his assigned task was to prevent reinforcements from the Azerbaijani Army from reaching the city. Even if he did not physically participate in direct attacks, his actions created conditions that enabled the offensive, or prevented its resistance  a hallmark of participation in a criminal organization.

Similarly, the prosecutor cited: David Manukyan, who participated in the occupation of Kalbajar by blocking roads; Melikset Pashayan, seen manning armed posts in villages of Aghdam; Lyova Mnatsakanyan, who provided artillery support during the occupation of Gubadli, Zangilan, and Aghdam; Madat Babayan, involved in the capture of Aghdara, Kalbajar, Tartar, and the town of Khojaly.

All of them bear individual criminal responsibility for their roles in the occupation of these territories, stated the prosecutor.

Vusal Aliyev emphasized that despite being fully aware of the legal implications, the accused willingly performed their assigned functions within the criminal organization  all aimed at achieving its central objective: the illegal annexation of Azerbaijans formerly occupied territories to Armenia.

Addressing remarks made by Arkadi Gukasians defense lawyer, the prosecutor clarified:

It is true that Arkadi Gukasian was a journalist. Being a journalist does not automatically make one a criminal, nor was journalism used as a political springboard. However, he is charged because he actively fulfilled specific functions within the criminal association  spreading propaganda and incitement that facilitated the commission of violent crimes by other members. His actions contributed directly to the illegal seizure of power and other criminal acts, hence his liability.

Finally, regarding claims that certain defendants  such as Davit Allahverdiyan and David Babayan  were too young during the First Karabakh War, the prosecutor clarified:

While such arguments have been raised, it must be clearly understood that no charges are brought against them in connection with events during that earlier period. The indictment focuses solely on their actions and roles in the criminal organization in later years.

Representative of the victims, Shaig Huseynov, stated in his speech that the vast majority of defense arguments were based on purely formal objections:

It would suffice to recall one indisputable fact  during the arrest of each and every accused person under this case, either on their person or at their place of residence, various types of weapons and combat equipment were seized as a result of search operations.

He added that it must also be taken into account that, throughout both preliminary and court investigations, almost all of the accused demonstrated no genuine remorse for their actions.

Considering the prosecutions position, Mr. Huseynov requested the court to issue an indictment verdict against the accused individuals.

Another victim representative, Aydin Hajiyev, called upon the court to impose fair and proportionate punishment on the defendants:

By delivering just sentences, the court will, even if only partially, restore the rights of the victims. Their constitutional rights  including the right to life, security, property, housing, and safe living conditions  were directly violated as a result of the actions carried out by Armenian armed forces and the accused individuals.

Rauf Abdullayev, another representative of the victims, also requested the court to ensure that the accused are held fully accountable and receive appropriate punishment.

Following these statements, the floor was given to the defense for rebuttals.

Vugar Heydarov, defense lawyer for accused Vasili Beglaryan, cited international judicial precedents, emphasizing that when there is a contradiction between a suspects testimony during pre-trial investigation and their statements in court, the latter should take precedence:

The testimony given during preliminary investigation is part of the investigators evidence-gathering process. Therefore, statements made during the judicial phase carry greater weight and must be prioritized.

He requested the court to base its final decision on his clients testimony provided during the trial when deliberating in the chamber.

Azizaga Gafarov, also representing Vasili Beglaryan, argued that the prosecution had misclassified his clients level of involvement and failed to correctly qualify the charges.

Pervana Gasimova, defense attorney for Arkadi Gukasian, expressed confidence that the court would uphold the principles of legality and justice. She formally requested the court to acquit her client.

Dmitriy Zinchenco, representing David Manukyan, stated that his client was a military serviceman at the time and merely followed orders. He requested the court to acquit David Manukyan.

Other defense attorneys  Agshin Mammadli (representing Davit Ishkhanyan), Anar Mammadov (representing Arayik Harutyunyan), and Nigar Mirbabayeva (representing Bako Sahakyan)  also presented their counterarguments in response to the prosecutions rebuttal.

After the conclusion of all rebuttals, the accused were granted their final right to speak.

Presiding Judge Zeynal Agayev reminded those present that no questions may be directed to the accused during their final statements.

During his statement, Levon Balayan denied any guilt and added:

I did have a weapon, but I never fired at people  shots were fired into the air.

Madat Babayan claimed he did not kill anyone and stated he only fired into the air.

Garik Martirosyan declared that he did not consider himself guilty.

Melikset Pashayan reiterated his previous testimony: he admitted being in villages of Aghdam but denied participation in combat operations. He added that he served at a checkpoint for three months in 2023.

Davit Allahverdiyan stated he committed no crime and had always acted within the bounds of the law.

Gurgen Stepanyan affirmed that he does not consider himself guilty.

Erik Ghazaryan said he served as a soldier in the Armed Forces of Armenia from 2021 to 2023 and fulfilled his military duties accordingly. He denied the allegations against him and stated he does not regard himself as guilty.

Vasili Beglaryan maintained that he committed no crimes, was not a member of any criminal group, and does not consider himself guilty.

David Manukyan presented counterarguments to the claims made by the prosecution during his final statement.

As the hearing concluded before David Manukyan could complete his final remarks, the court announced a recess, with his statement scheduled to continue at the next session.

The court proceedings will resume on December 19.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
11 December 2025 14:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Washington has finally begun to confront a truth it spent three decades avoiding. The legislative scaffolding built by the Armenian lobby to constrain Azerbaijan is cracking, not because of sudden goodwill, but because geopolitical reality has caught up with old political games. Today, as Amendment 907 once again returns to the center of debate, the United States is being forced to acknowledge that the amendment has long served as an instrument of bias, not a tool of strategy. And the facade is coming down at a moment when peace in the South Caucasus depends on clarity, not fiction.

For more than thirty years, Article 907 functioned as a political weapon disguised as legislation. Introduced in 1992 at the height of the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories, it was marketed as moral pressure while conveniently ignoring the much darker context of occupation, forced displacement, and ethnic cleansing carried out against Azerbaijanis. The amendment did not emerge from principled foreign policy. It emerged from the overwhelming influence of a pro-Armenian political elite in Congress that used legislative power to shield Armenia from accountability.

In the 2000s, Washington quietly waived Article 907 in exchange for Azerbaijans cooperation in the energy sector and regional security. Yet under the Biden administration, which adopted a distinctly cold attitude toward Baku, the old mechanism was revived and transformed into a punitive instrument once more. Instead of recalibrating relations based on geopolitical realities, the administration allowed dated lobby-driven narratives to re-enter the policy arena. The result was a return to imbalance at a moment when balance mattered most.

But today, as Armenia and Azerbaijan engage in an increasingly concrete peace process, even Washington has had to admit that Article 907 is an obstacle, not a solution. This shift is not accidental. It coincides with changes within the broader US political landscape.

Before the latest developments on Amendment 907, Washington witnessed an aggressive lobbying effort aimed at reshaping US policy in the South Caucasus. On September 30, three House committees introduced Bill 5632, the so-called "PEACE Act," sponsored by Congressman Darrell Issa and co-sponsored by Gus Bilirakis. Publicly, the bill claims to promote stability. In reality, it aims to codify punitive measures against Azerbaijan while presenting the Armenian side as inherently threatened and politically untouchable.

Strikingly, the bill outlines consequences for Azerbaijan should peace agreements be violated, yet completely avoids addressing the possibility of Armenia breaching any commitments. This structural asymmetry reveals its purpose: to legislate a predetermined narrative where Armenia is permanently framed as the victim and Azerbaijan as the aggressor, regardless of facts on the ground.

This push did not emerge from a vacuum. Several factors triggered the Armenian lobbys shift to more desperate legislative tactics:

 The lobby failed to pressure the executive branch, especially during periods of positive dynamics between President Ilham Aliyev and Donald Trump.

 The post-Washington agreement environment undermined older anti-Azerbaijan narratives, forcing lobby groups to repackage their agenda into the language of peace, protection, and stability.

 Congress became the only arena where the lobby still held disproportionate influence, prompting it to institutionalize its preferred policies through mandatory sanctions mechanisms.

By naming the bill the PEACE Act, its authors sought to weaponize the very terminology Trump himself has historically favored, attempting to frame any opposition to the bill as opposition to peace. Such political branding is designed to corner policymakers: supporting Azerbaijan becomes politically costly, even irrationally so.

Moreover, the bill aims to transform Congress into a co-equal architect of US foreign policy in the region, restricting the executive branchs ability to maintain balanced diplomatic relations. Its sanctions clauses would automatically activate upon broad and ambiguous definitions of aggression, effectively tying the hands of future administrations.

Amid this environment, the introduction of a new bill by Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna to fully repeal Amendment 907 marks a critical shift in Washingtons internal dynamics. For the first time in years, a legislative effort acknowledges that the amendment is incompatible with the South Caucasus current reality and detrimental to US strategic interests.

This move also aligns with the temporary suspension of Article 907 in August 2025, another sign that Washington can no longer sustain a policy framework built on obsolete assumptions. Official Baku had repeatedly expressed hope that the US, recognizing Azerbaijans regional importance and its increasing relevance to European energy security, would take steps toward complete repeal. That moment appears to be approaching.

Azerbaijan has always favored pragmatic, mutually respectful relations with the United States. The recent shift suggests that pragmatism is finally gaining traction in Washington as well. The geopolitical landscape has changed, and the United States can no longer afford the luxury of one-sided policies inherited from a bygone era.

The mythologies once used to justify Article 907 are exhausted. The Armenian lobbys attempts to legislate its narratives into permanence may win headlines but have lost strategic relevance. Washington is waking up to a simple truth: the South Caucasus is entering a new era, one driven not by lobby-driven fantasy but by on-the-ground reality, regional power balance, and actual diplomacy.

The repeal effort now unfolding is more than a legislative correction. It signals that the United States may finally be ready to abandon outdated biases and realign its policy with the regions emerging political landscape. And if Washington indeed chooses pragmatism over old pressure politics, it will not only correct a historic wrong but also help reinforce the fragile but growing architecture of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Azerbaijan has long been ready. The question now is whether Washington will complete the shift it has finally begun.
12 December 2025 00:03 (UTC+04:00)

Few figures in modern Eurasian history have shaped the destiny of their nation as profoundly as Heydar Aliyev. Revered in Azerbaijan as the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev stands as the architect of the countrys modern statehood, a statesman whose political skill, discipline, and resolve guided the nation through its most perilous decades. His story is inseparable from Azerbaijans journey from a Soviet republic overshadowed by Moscow to a confident independent state charting its own course. To understand contemporary Azerbaijan, one must return to the life and legacy of Heydar Aliyev.

Born in 1923 in Nakhchivan, Heydar Aliyev came of age in an era defined by war, upheaval, and ideological rigidity. Yet even in his youth, he displayed the traits that later came to define his leadership: intellect, endurance, and an unyielding sense of duty. After training in the state security services, H. Aliyev began a career that placed him at the centre of the Soviet apparatus. In 1969, he ascended to the position of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, effectively the leader of Soviet Azerbaijan.

This period would become the first major turning point in his national legacy. The National Leader inherited a republic marred by corruption, economic stagnation, and institutional neglect. Through administrative discipline, strategic appointments, and a relentless fight against corruption, he transformed Azerbaijan into one of the most dynamic republics of the Soviet Union. Under his leadership, industrial productivity surged, scientific institutions expanded, and Azerbaijani cadres, long underrepresented in Moscow, began to rise within the Soviet hierarchy.

His ascent continued in 1982 when he was appointed First Deputy Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers, the highest position ever attained by an Azerbaijani in the Soviet government. In Moscow, Aliyev was widely regarded as a highly professional, decisive, and principled administrator. His success was rooted not in ideological zeal but in pragmatic governance, an approach that would later serve independent Azerbaijan.

Yet Heydar Aliyevs relationship with the Soviet leadership deteriorated dramatically under the Gorbachev administration. In 1987, sidelined by political manoeuvring and disagreements with Moscows policies, he resigned from his senior positions. It was a moment of personal and political rupture, but also the beginning of his transition from Soviet statesman to national saviour.

The collapse of the Soviet Union brought independence, but not stability. In the early 1990s, Azerbaijan plunged into an existential crisis: political fragmentation, economic collapse, internal strife, and the brutal war resulting from Armenias occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Chaos reigned in Baku; the state teetered on the edge of disintegration. It was at this moment, in 1993, that Heydar Aliyev, then serving in Nakhchivan, was urgently called to lead the country.

What unfolded was not merely a political return but an act of national salvation. Aliyev inherited a country on the verge of civil war, with its institutions paralysed and its territorial integrity compromised. Through a combination of strategic negotiation, political stabilisation, and decisive leadership, he prevented the collapse of the young republic. His early steps included consolidating state power, restoring constitutional order, and calming internal armed groups that threatened national unity. His return marked the re-emergence of professionalism in governance, something Azerbaijan desperately needed.

One of his most consequential achievements was the signing of the 1994 Contract of the Century, a landmark agreement that opened Azerbaijans vast energy resources to international investment. At the time, sceptics doubted the feasibility of turning a war-torn state into a hub of global energy cooperation. Yet Aliyevs diplomatic mastery and ability to build consensus among major international players helped secure Azerbaijans place on the global energy map. The pipelines and energy corridors developed under this vision would go on to shape the geopolitics of the Caspian region for decades.

The National Leader also set about laying the foundations of the modern Azerbaijani state: strengthening the civil service, reforming the armed forces, stabilising the currency, and initiating constitutional reforms that enshrined the principles of sovereignty and national independence. His emphasis on education, culture, and national identity played a central role in rebuilding the morale of a nation exhausted by war and instability.

Perhaps most importantly, Aliyev believed in a balanced foreign policy, one that safeguarded Azerbaijans independence in a region defined by competing powers. His approach rested on three pillars: pragmatic cooperation, strategic neutrality, and diplomatic flexibility. By strengthening relations simultaneously with Europe, the United States, Russia, Turkiye, and regional partners, he ensured that Azerbaijan would never again be isolated or vulnerable to external pressure.

Critics have debated the firmness of his political style, yet few dispute the effectiveness of his leadership during Azerbaijans most fragile years. Aliyev was a realist: he understood that statehood required strong institutions, political continuity, and disciplined governance. His legacy is seen not only in Azerbaijans modern infrastructure and geopolitical relevance but in the confidence with which the nation now asserts itself on the international stage.

Heydar Aliyevs passing in 2003 marked the end of an era, but his vision lives on in the stability, independence, and development that define modern Azerbaijan. His leadership transformed a country on the brink of collapse into a thriving, self-assured state. As Azerbaijan continues to evolve, his imprint remains unmistakable: a belief in sovereignty, a commitment to national unity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the future.

History rarely grants leaders the chance to shape both the twilight of one era and the dawn of another. Heydar Aliyev did both. His legacy endures not only in monuments or institutions, but in the very idea of modern Azerbaijan, a nation he helped save, build, and set on a path toward lasting independence.
11 December 2025 15:03 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Today, families arriving in Badara and Ballca villages of the Khojaly district as part of the resettlement caravan were presented with the keys to their new homes.

Azernews reports that in this phase of the resettlement, 6 families (18 people) moved into Badara village, while 9 families (38 people) settled in Ballca village. Those returning to their native land with the resettlement caravan primarily consist of families who had been temporarily accommodated in various parts of the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings.

Officials from the Presidential Special Representation in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, as well as representatives of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of Azerbaijan and other dignitaries attended the key handover ceremony.

Sabuhi Gahramanov, Deputy Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, congratulated the residents on their return to their homeland. He noted that comprehensive conditions for comfortable living have been created in Ballca and Badara villages. According to him, the settlements now feature modern-standard houses, schools, social and public facilities, engineering and utility networks, and new roads.

It should be noted that the resettlement process is ongoing in phases.
11 December 2025 13:41 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has met with Pakistan's Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, as part of the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, Adil Karimli expressed his gratitude for the high-level representation of the brotherly country at the international festival. The minister underlined that the peoples of Azerbaijan and Pakistan are united by strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood, and emphasized that the sincere relations between the leaders of the two countries determine the high level of bilateral ties.

He noted that Pakistan has always unequivocally supported Azerbaijan's just cause, and relations between the two countries are strengthening year by year.

Aurangzeb Khan Khichi thanked for the warm meeting. He underlined the great potential for cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture and noted the necessity of preparing a roadmap and a cooperation program for this purpose.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on cooperation in various areas of culture.

At the end, the guest presented the minister with publications about Azerbaijan, and commemorative photographs were taken.

Azerbaijan is hosting the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025 for the first time. The large-scale event is jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In connection with this prestigious event, more than 300 guests, including official representatives, experts in science, culture, and the creative industries, have arrived in Azerbaijan from nearly 50 countries.

The festival focuses on the development of intercultural dialogue and the promotion of Islamic valuestolerance, peace, and respect for diversity.

The promotion of joint projects in the fields of economy, education, science, and tourism, as well as the establishment of sustainable partnerships between member states and the strengthening of the integration of creative industries into the global economy, are also among the main goals.

OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025 features high-level meetings of OIC member states' ministers of culture, the "Cultural and Creative Industries Forum" (MYFORUM), the "Creative Village: Cultural and Creative Industries Exhibition" (MYEXPO), the "Baku Cinema Breeze  2025" international film program, the "Eastern Fashion Show"  presentations by young and renowned designers from OIC countries, the International Summit on Gaming Technologies (G-HUB), as well as various cultural projects related to theater, music, dance, and animation.
11 December 2025 17:58 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The OIC Cultural Festival  Baku Creative Week 2025 has brought together thousands of participants from across the globe for cultural exchange and innovation, Azernews reports.

Over several days, the festival showcased cinema, theater, fashion, design, music, gaming, and digital startups, creating a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration among artists, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Against this backdrop, the Baku Communique on Creative Industries was adopted, highlighting the festival's role in shaping international cooperation in the cultural and creative sectors.

The document was presented by Tarig Ali Bakheet, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs and Special Envoy of the OIC Secretary General on Afghanistan

It emphasizes that the festival, held in Baku has made a significant contribution to promoting intercultural dialogue, tolerance, peace, and respect for cultural diversity. The communique also highlights Azerbaijan's growing role in advancing creative industries and strengthening cultural cooperation.

The communique notes that the festival brought together more than 300 international guests from over 40 countries. In total, more than 5,000 participants attended events involving representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and academic and cultural institutions. The program featured numerous sessions dedicated to cinema, theater, fashion, design, music, the gaming industry, and digital startups.

Key events of the festival included the MYFORUM Cultural and Creative Industries Forum, the MYEXPO  Creative Village exhibition, the Baku Cinema Breeze 2025 international film program, the Eastern Fashion Show, and the G HUB International Game Technologies Summit. These platforms were praised for creating valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, building partnerships, and expanding creative collaboration among countries.

Participants assessed creative industries as an important tool for economic diversification and sustainable development. In this context, the communique calls for stronger cooperation among OIC member states in areas such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, cultural heritage protection, and the responsible use of new technologies. It also stresses the importance of expanding innovative financing mechanisms, including joint programs, institutional partnerships, and public-private cooperation.

The document expresses deep gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for organizing the festival and pays special tribute to President Ilham Aliyev's leadership in advancing cooperation with the OIC, strengthening Islamic solidarity, and promoting intercultural dialogue.

Finally, the communique conveys confidence that the OIC Cultural Festival  Baku Creative Week 2025 has opened a new chapter in creative industries cooperation among OIC member states.

For the first time, Azerbaijan is hosting the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025. The large-scale event is being organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

This prestigious event has welcomed more than 300 participants from nearly 50 countries, including government officials, scholars, cultural figures, and creative industry experts.

The festival is dedicated to fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting Islamic values such as tolerance, peace, and respect for diversity. Among its key objectives are the advancement of joint initiatives in the fields of economy, education, science, and tourism, the creation of sustainable partnerships among member states, and the deeper integration of creative industries into the global economy.

The program of Baku Creative Week  2025 includes high-level meetings of OIC ministers of culture, the Cultural and Creative Industries Forum (MYFORUM), the Creative Village Exhibition (MYEXPO), the Baku Cinema Breeze  2025 international film showcase, the Eastern Fashion Show featuring emerging and established designers from OIC countries, and the G-HUB International Summit on Gaming Technologies. In addition, a wide range of cultural projects in theater, music, dance, and animation are being presented.
11 December 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The third day of the international Asset Integrity & Corrosion and Coatings Conference, dedicated to Bakus oil and gas sector, has kicked off, Azernews reports.

The conference brings together leading industry experts, company executives, and technology providers.

Within the framework of the conference, participants are discussing the current state and the latest solutions in ensuring asset integrity, combating corrosion, and advancing protective coating technologies. In addition, attendees will be presented with the risks facing the industry, technical solutions, and international best practices.

It should be noted that the event has brought together more than 500 delegates from over 20 countries. More than 50 speakers are delivering presentations at the conference, while over 25 companies are showcasing their technological solutions. In total, more than 50 technical sessions, several panel discussions, and various networking events have been held.
SEATTLE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Steinhauer Properties has finalized a pivotal deal in Seattle's Pioneer Square/Stadium District office market, securing Slalom's renewal and long-term extension of its approximately 76,000-square-foot lease in Slalom Hawk Tower through 2034  one of the most significant commitments the market has seen in recent years. The global consulting firm's long-term renewal reinforces its role as the building's anchor tenant and delivers a clear vote of confidence in the future of Pioneer Square. The decision further elevates the neighborhood's appeal for companies seeking a workplace rooted in culture, connectivity, and a genuine sense of place.

Slalom Extends Long-Term Lease at Hawk Tower as Pioneer Square Gains New Momentum Slalom Extends Long-Term Lease at Hawk Tower as Pioneer Square Gains New Momentum

"This renewal represents more than square footage. It reflects a shared belief in Seattle's resilience and in the creative force that thrives here," said Greg Steinhauer, President of Steinhauer Properties. "Slalom's belief in Hawk Tower, and their continued commitment, underscores the building's role as a gathering place for innovation.""Slalom Hawk Tower reflects the business we've become; a space where our teams work together, collaborate with customers and partners, and stay connected to our community," said Tony Rojas, President of Slalom. "It aligns with our brand and culture, providing the flexibility and energy to fuel innovation and growth for years to come."

The renewal arrives at a moment when companies are making careful decisions about where and how they invest in workplace environments. Pioneer Square continues to attract global firms, creative agencies, and independent businesses that value transit access, cultural energy, and a neighborhood that feels cohesive and authentic. Slalom's extension strengthens that momentum and reinforces the district's role as a center of economic and cultural activity.

Key details of the lease extension include:

A multi-year renewal extending Slalom's presence through 2034.

Continued occupancy of approximately 76,000 square feet as the anchor tenant.

Reinforcement of Pioneer Square's economic and cultural vitality.

Continued investment in high-performance workplace amenities.

Brokerage representation for Steinhauer Properties by CBRE (Scotta Ashcraft, Dwight Newell) and for Slalom by JLL (Pat Pendergast, Kris Washburn, Clay Nielsen).

"Pioneer Square has always been a place where new ideas take root," Steinhauer said. "Slalom's decision to stay reinforces our shared vision for a neighborhood that continues to grow, adapt, and inspire."

To learn more about Steinhauer Properties, users can visit steinhauerproperties.com . For more information on Slalom: slalom.com .

Interview requests can be sent to Holly Morgan with Holly Morgan Media at [email protected] .

About Steinhauer Properties

Steinhauer Properties is a Seattle-based commercial real estate firm specializing in complex urban infill development throughout the Western United States. The company focuses on creating high-quality environments that support long-term tenant success. Users can learn more at steinhauerproperties.com .

About Slalom

Slalom is a human-centered business and technology consulting company that leads with outcomes to deliver value in every dimension. Operating from 53 offices across 12 countries, its agile teams partner with clients from strategy through delivery to create powerful customer experiences, introduce innovative ways of working, and bring new products and services to market. The firm is trusted by leaders across the Global 1000, high-performing enterprise and mid-market companies, and more than 500 public sector organizations to enhance operations, drive growth, and create long-term value. Guided by the belief that progress accelerates through partnership, Slalom works to help organizations move faster, think bigger, and build better tomorrows for all. To learn more, users can visit slalom.com .

Contact

Slalom

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2843932/Slalom_Extends_Long_Term_Lease.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2843933/Slalom_Extends_Long_Term_Lease.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2843931/Steinhauer_Properties.jpg

SOURCE Steinhauer Properties
11 December 2025 09:05 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, Azernews reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you, and through you to your entire people, my sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Kenya  Independence Day.

The current level of development of AzerbaijanKenya relations is a source of satisfaction. We attach great importance to the growth of our interstate relations, which possess significant potential, and to the expansion of our cooperation in various fields, particularly energy, agriculture, industry, and others.

I fondly recall our meeting in New York in September, which took place in an atmosphere of sincerity and mutual trust. I am confident that, in the interests of our peoples and by leveraging existing opportunities, we will succeed in strengthening our friendly ties and deepening our mutually beneficial cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally through our joint efforts.

On this festive day, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, as well as lasting peace and prosperity to your friendly people.

Respectfully,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 9 December 2025,'' the letter reads.
11 December 2025 10:42 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On 10 December, members of the AzerbaijanLatvia interparliamentary working group held a meeting with Latvias Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Edgars Skuja, at the Milli Majlis.

Azernews reports that the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the ambassador to the newly formed friendship group following the parliamentary elections.

The sides held extensive discussions on the development of bilateral relations. They exchanged views on continuing cooperation and experience-sharing in agriculture, the food industry, and healthcare, as well as increasing mutual visits and expanding collaboration in these fields.

Kamran Bayramov, head of the working group, noted that both 2024 and 2025 have been rich and significant in terms of the expansion of relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia.

In 2024, the two countries marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. A series of political, economic, and humanitarian events were held in both nations, accompanied by reciprocal visits.

It was emphasized that this year, in particular, several important mutual visits took place. In May, Latvias Minister of Agriculture visited Azerbaijan to attend agriculture and food industry exhibitions. In August, Latvias Minister of Health visited Baku, participated in a gastroenterology congress, and met with members of the Friendship Group at the Milli Majlis. A few days ago, a delegation led by Azerbaijans Minister of Health, Teymur Musayev, paid a working visit to Latvia, held numerous meetings, and signed a Cooperation Agreement between the health ministries of the two countries in the fields of healthcare and medical science.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening interparliamentary cooperation. Expanding ties between the Milli Majlis and the Latvian Seimas, organizing reciprocal visits, and supporting each others positions on international platforms were identified as priority areas.

The ambassador was also briefed on developments in Azerbaijan and the wider region, efforts to advance the AzerbaijanArmenia peace agenda, the outcomes of the Washington Summit, reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories, and the implementation of the Great Return State Program. The ambassador was informed about the political, economic, and humanitarian significance of achieving lasting peace in the region.

The meeting was attended by MPs Sevil Mikayilova, Elchin Mirzabeyli, Azer Allahveranov, Mahir Suleymanli, Malik Hasanov, Aydn Huseynov, and other officials, all members of the AzerbaijanLatvia interparliamentary working group.
11 December 2025 11:19 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

US House of Representatives member Anna Paulina Luna has introduced a bill aimed at completely repealing Amendment 907, Azernews reports.

Information about this was posted on the Congressional website.

Note that this amendment restricts the US from providing direct military and financial assistance to Azerbaijan.

Recall that in August of 2025, the US President signed an order temporarily suspending the application of Amendment 907 to the Freedom Support Act. This amendment, adopted in 1992, prohibits the provision of US state assistance to Azerbaijan.

Official Baku expressed hope that, taking into account the prospects for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and the US, and the growing role of Azerbaijan in the wider region, the US side will take practical steps to completely repeal this amendment.
11 December 2025 11:38 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijans Ambassador to Kenya, Sultan Hajiyev, has met with Kenyas Prime Minister and concurrently Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi.

According to the Embassy, the two sides expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of bilateral relations this year and noted that the series of high-level and intensive visits throughout the year had made an important contribution to strengthening cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral spheres.

Prime Minister Mudavadi stated that the meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, held on 23 September this year at the UN Headquarters in New York, as well as the warm rapport between the leaders, serves the interests of both countries. He stressed that the first political consultations held this year between the two foreign ministries, followed by Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramovs official visit to Kenya, represented a significant milestone in bilateral ties.

Ambassador Sultan Hajiyev highlighted the importance of making full use of the available opportunities to broaden existing cooperation. He pointed to the results achieved this year in the fields of energy, ICT, judicial and legal cooperation, inter-parliamentary relations, penitentiary services, and education. He also noted that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Azerbaijans ADA University and Kenyas Foreign Service Academy under the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs creates new opportunities for expanding partnership between the diplomatic services of both countries.

The Ambassador briefed his counterpart on the preparations, initiatives, and planned activities for WUF13, which will take place in Baku from 1722 May 2026. He emphasised that, for the first time in the Forums history, a Summit of Heads of State and Government will be held. It was underlined that Azerbaijan, recognised as a global urban development champion, and Kenya have substantial potential for cooperation in promoting international collaboration in sustainable urbanisation and climate issues. WUF13 is expected to offer strong opportunities for close engagement, including enhanced connectivity between the COP and WUF platforms in these areas.

The meeting also noted that educational scholarships provided to Kenyan youth under the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant programme, along with humanitarian assistance from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijan International Development Agency to schools and hospitals in Kenya, have made a significant contribution to strengthening friendly relations between the two peoples.
11 December 2025 12:37 (UTC+04:00)

On December 11, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a phone call to Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Azernews reports.

The head of state congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, wishing success to brotherly Turkmenistan.

Noting that December 12 marks the day of remembrance for the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev said that he would not be able to attend the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The head of state emphasized that the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan would participate in these events.

Touching on the recent visit of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, to Turkmenistan, the head of state expressed his gratitude for the attention and hospitality shown to the Azerbaijani delegation. President Ilham Aliyev described the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship as another indicator of cooperation between the two countries.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for Turkmenistan's unequivocal and full support for Azerbaijans becoming a full-fledged participant of the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia.

The head of state asked to convey his greetings and congratulations on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked for the phone call and greetings.

Expressing his condolences on the death anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov underlined that he was a great personality, adding that he honors his memory with deep respect. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan stressed National Leader Heydar Aliyevs outstanding role in the development of relations between the two countries.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov hailed the visit of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva to Turkmenistan and her meeting with Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation, noting the significance of the signed document.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated Azerbaijan on becoming a full-fledged participant in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, underscoring that Turkmenistan has always supported this issue.

During the telephone conversation, they also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and future contacts.
11 December 2025 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The US-brokered peace plan signed in August 2025 provides a solid foundation for normalizing bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Azernews reports, citing international rating agency Moodys.

"Risks related to the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia still persist. However, we believe that the conflict will not escalate to the point that it would significantly slow down the policymaking process or negatively affect the economic and fiscal prospects of the countries in 2026. The US-brokered peace plan between Armenia and Azerbaijan provides a solid basis for normalizing bilateral relations," Moodys said in its report.

The agency added that these risks are unlikely to disrupt the strong economic growth of either country.

The peace plan was formalized on August 8, 2025, when President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration in Washington. On the same day, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenias Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia.

The joint initiative also included an appeal to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to close the OSCE Minsk Process, including the positions of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the High-Level Planning Group.
11 December 2025 16:23 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On December 11, a meeting was held at the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan with a delegation led by Deputy Head of the Russian Federal Customs Service Alexei Timofeyev, Azernews reports.

During the discussions, the sides focused on enhancing business cooperation between the customs authorities of the two countries, improving the efficiency of border crossing processes, and managing cargo flows along the North-South transport corridor, a key regional route linking Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of exchanging information, sharing expertise, and implementing best practices to strengthen trade facilitation and regional connectivity.

Both parties highlighted that such cooperation would contribute to smoother logistics, faster transit times, and greater economic integration across the corridor.
11 December 2025 14:18 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On December 11, the trial at the Baku Military Court continued regarding Armenian citizens accused of criminal activities.

According to Azernews, during the court session, the parties were given the opportunity to exercise their right of reply.

Vusal Aliyev, Chief Assistant to the Prosecutor General, began his remarks by addressing the part of the case concerning the disputed roles of the defendants within a criminal organization. He recalled that, according to the defense, a criminal organization is generally formed to commit unlawful acts based on international criminal law practices.

In response, the prosecutor defending the state emphasized that the evidence examined during the trial confirmed that several years before the outbreak of the First Garabagh War, the mentioned criminal groups had already begun to form. Aliyev stated:

It is true that the evidence confirmed that these groups were indeed supported and armed by the leadership of Armenia. However, we later observed that the leaders and members of these armed groups held significant political and military positions both in the so-called administration established in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and in Armenia itself. In other words, these groups were not random or independent collectives; they eventually became integral parts of the criminal army that occupied Azerbaijani territories.

Regarding the defendants, for example, David Manukyan was a member of the Shusha Battalion, and Davit Ishkhanyan served as commander of the 28th Martuni Battalion. These and other battalions were essentially the reorganized, more structured, and militarized versions of the previously mentioned illegal groups.

It should be noted that the trial of Armenian citizens continues on charges including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and execution of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, maintaining power through force, and numerous other offenses resulting from Armenias military aggression.
11 December 2025 16:05 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov paid a working visit to Turkmenistan on December 11, Azernews reports.

Prime Minister was welcomed at Ashgabat International Airport by Turkmenistans Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Mammetkhan Chakiev, along with other senior officials.

He will take part in Turkmenistan's Neutrality Day.

Turkmenistan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality in 2025, culminating around December 12 (Neutrality Day), which coincides with the UN-declared "International Year of Peace and Trust." This milestone marks three decades since the UN recognized its status on December 12, 1995, celebrated with international forums in Ashgabat.
11 December 2025 15:53 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Azernews reports.

''Dear Serdar Gurbanguliyevich,

I sincerely congratulate you and your fraternal people on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the recognition of Turkmenistans permanent neutrality.

The adoption on 12 December 1995 of the resolution by the United Nations General Assembly  with the unanimous support of 185 countries  recognizing Turkmenistans permanent neutrality status was a landmark event inscribed in golden letters in your countrys history. Over the past period, Turkmenistan, pursuing a policy of neutrality, has achieved significant success and has developed rapidly in all areas.

Turkmenistans permanent neutrality status is based on the historical heritage and traditions of your peace-loving people and is rooted in the principles of dialogue and mutual respect. Today, Turkmenistans neutrality policy plays an important role in strengthening peace and security both regionally and globally.

We have always respected your countrys neutrality policy. For this reason, the Republic of Azerbaijan was a co-author of the relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Turkmenistans neutrality in both 1995 and 2015.

I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to preserve and strengthen the good traditions of AzerbaijanTurkmenistan interstate relations  stemming from the will of our fraternal peoples  and to deepen our strategic partnership.

On this remarkable day, I extend my best regards to you and wish lasting peace and prosperity to the fraternal people of Turkmenistan,'' the letter reads.
PLAINFIELD, Ill., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SpringGreen is pleased to announce the completion of the franchise resale in the greater Eau Claire, Wisconsin area as Jason Jordan became the first independent owner in the system to operate six franchise territories.

"This transaction reflects our continued focus on strategic growth and local market expansion," said Ted Hofer, CEO of SpringGreen. "Jason has been a consistent top performer who continues to raise the bar for our franchise network. Expansions like this strengthen local market reach and build long term business value."

SpringGreen franchise owner Jason Jordan  expanding into Eau Claire, WI

Jason was recently recognized during SpringGreen's National Training Conference for reaching five million dollars in annual revenue, the highest revenue achieved by an independently owned SpringGreen franchise owner. His expanding portfolio now includes territories across Illinois and Wisconsin, including the newly acquired Eau Claire market.

"This expansion reflects my belief in the SpringGreen brand and the strength of the support behind it. Growing into these new territories allows my team to serve more customers while building on the systems that have helped us succeed. I look forward to continuing this momentum in the year ahead," said Jason Jordan. This transition supports long term continuity for customers and employees while keeping the business in trusted local hands.

About SpringGreen

Founded in 1977, SpringGreen is a national franchise offering lawn, tree, and pest control services. With decades of industry expertise and a proven business model, SpringGreen empowers franchise owners with the tools, training, and support to build successful, scalable businesses.

To learn more, visit www.springgreenfranchise.com.

SOURCE SpringGreen
11 December 2025 16:09 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulatory letter to Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Azernews reports.

Dear brother,

"It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and the brotherly people of Turkmenistan on the momentous occasion of the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistans permanent neutrality.

Thirty years ago, the recognition of Turkmenistans status of permanent neutrality by the international community was an important event and a major historic achievement that stimulated your countrys dynamic and sustainable development and strengthened its standing in the international arena.

The essence of Turkmenistans policy of permanent neutrality stems from your peoples centuries old humanist, peace-loving and moral-ethical philosophy. Today, Turkmenistans constructive initiatives aimed at broad international cooperation serve noble goals such as strengthening global peace and security and promoting human values. At the same time, by actively advocating its peace oriented doctrine on the global stage, your country contributes to the enhancement of international dialogue through mutually beneficial cooperation.

Azerbaijan has always treated with deep respect the neutrality policy of brotherly and friendly neighbour Turkmenistan. It is no coincidence that the Republic of Azerbaijan was a co-author of the relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions on your countrys neutrality status both in 1995 and in 2015.

The current level of relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan is a source of great satisfaction. I would like to particularly highlight your consistent and resolute personal efforts to strengthen our interstate relations and fraternal ties. Taking this opportunity, I recall with the fondest impressions your two visits to Azerbaijan this year, my August visit to the enchanting Awaza, and our meetings and conversations held in an atmosphere of sincerity and mutual trust.

I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts consistently to further reinforce the bonds of brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and to elevate our multifaceted cooperation to a new stage.

Dear Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich, on this festive occasion, I once again extend my congratulations to you, and wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, as well as lasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Turkmenistan."
11 December 2025 23:42 (UTC+04:00)

On December 11, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, together with Minister of Health Teymur Musayev, visited the Ministry of Healths Childrens Tuberculosis Sanatorium No. 5.

During the visit, they familiarized themselves with the institutions operations, the organization of medical services, and the facilities created for children. They also discussed renovation work carried out at the dispensary and measures aimed at improving the quality of diagnostic and treatment services.

Minister of Health Teymur Musayev expressed his gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for her support of projects aimed at protecting childrens health in the country.
12 December 2025 00:00 (UTC+04:00)

The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of South Africa held a solemn memorial ceremony to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the death of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev.

Addressing the event, Huseyn Rahimli, Charge dAffaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highlighted National Leader Heydar Aliyevs unparalleled contributions to the nation and state.

He emphasized that the founder and architect of the independent Azerbaijani state  a world-famous politician deeply devoted to his homeland and people, a great statesman and nationwide leader  Heydar Aliyev became eternal in the modern history. He rendered unprecedented services to the homeland and people during all periods of his leadership, carrying out a mission of salvation and leaving behind a rich statehood legacy.

The head of mission noted that Heydar Aliyev led Azerbaijan in two important periods of its history: from 1969 to 1982 during Soviet times, when Azerbaijan was part of the USSR, and later from 1993 to 2003 when the country restored its independence. During the first period, as a result of his policies and reforms in social, economic, and cultural life, Azerbaijan became one of the most successful and developed republics of the Soviet Union. In the second period, a new page was opened in the history of the country. Recognizing that only a strong state can guarantee the rights and freedoms of its citizens, he took necessary steps to fulfill the nations dream of building a democratic, legal, and secular state based on national and universal values. Rahimli noted that in 1995, under Heydar Aliyevs leadership, the Constitution of Azerbaijan was adopted, solidifying the country as a democratic, secular, and legal state.

During his speech, Rahimli recalled that this policy is successfully continued today by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. He stressed that National Leader Heydar Aliyev's greatest wish was the liberation of Garabagh from occupation and the restoration of Azerbaijans territorial integrity. This wish and will of the National Leader were fulfilled by his worthy successor, the President of Azerbaijan, the Victorious Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, who brought the joy of Victory to the Azerbaijani people by raising the national flag over the ancient and eternal lands of Garabagh.

He emphasized that on the eve of the 22nd anniversary of the national leaders passing, it is once again worth noting that Heydar Aliyevs name is engraved in the national consciousness of the Azerbaijani people as the founder of modern Azerbaijan. He laid the foundation of a great ideology, a philosophy of national statehood, and national self-awareness, reaffirming that the unity of the people and the state is unshakable, eternal, and built on a solid foundation.

Rahimli also highlighted the importance of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in preserving national and spiritual values and cultural heritage for future generations, as well as the vital role and active work of First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva in promoting Azerbaijans national culture, art, and realities worldwide.

The participants of the event paid tribute to the memory of the architect of the modern Azerbaijani state, Heydar Aliyev, with a minute of silence and laid flowers at his photograph. The event also featured the screening of a film dedicated to the National Leader.
11 December 2025 17:01 (UTC+04:00)

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Hungary and Azerbaijan have signed a new agreement on the supply of natural gas for a period of two years, Azernews reports. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced the deal on social media: "The next agreement on the purchase of natural gas: this time with Azerbaijan, for a period of two years and in the amount of...

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11 December 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted that the Old Continent remains strong and in support of Ukraine following United States President Donald Trump's criticism of European leaders, Azernews reports.

"On the question of Europe and President Trump's comments, what I see is a strong Europe, united behind Ukraine and united behind our long-standing values of freedom and democracy. And I will always stand up for those values and those freedoms," Starmer stressed during the Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) at the House of Commons.

In a previous interview, Trump slammed the European Union and the rest of the continent as a "decaying group" with "weak" leaders who are "talking too much" and "not delivering" for Ukraine as it is trying to repel Russia's military campaign. Later, Trump claimed he told Starmer to implement a wiser energy policy to stay in office.
11 December 2025 10:54 (UTC+04:00)

Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has announced a substantial pledge of US$550 million to support the UNs Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO), which aims to raise US$33 billion in 2026 to support approximately 135 million people across 23 humanitarian operations worldwide, including programs supporting refugees and migrants.

Azernews reports, citing the Emirates News Agency, that the immediate focus of the appeal is to help protect the lives of up to 87 million people in need of urgent support with US$23 billion in funding.

The initiative reaffirms the UAEs unwavering commitment to advancing international efforts to save lives and respond to disasters and crises affecting the most vulnerable populations globally.

This support underscores the vital role of the UAE in promoting multilateral humanitarian action and the nations close cooperation with UN agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as well as with relief and development programs operating on the ground, to ensure timely access to aid for those most in need, in line with His Highnesss directives emphasisng a rapid and effective response.

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said, The UAE continues its steadfast commitment to supporting global humanitarian efforts and working with our UN partners to ensure access to aid for those most impacted. This pledge embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reflects our profound belief in the necessity of international solidarity in responding to urgent humanitarian appeals in an effective and sustainable manner that preserves human dignity and protects lives.

Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA, welcomed the announcement, stating, Our global appeal is about saving lives where shocks have hit hardest  and turning plans into real protection. The UAEs rapid and generous backing of our 2026 plan sends a strong signal, focused on people who need it most. We must deliver an effective, innovative response that meets the moment.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, Warning signs of health system collapse manifest long before it occurs  outbreaks spread, malnutrition increases, and preventable deaths rise. However, when we come together, services can be restored and lives saved. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE for their support, which will provide crucial humanitarian health care to millions in need.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated, UNICEF appreciates the UAEs generous support, which will go a long way to save and improve the lives of children caught in humanitarian crises. Children are always the most vulnerable when a crisis strikes. As needs outpace funding, this is an especially critical time, building on UNICEFs strategic partnership with the UAE.

Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), welcomed the announcement, stating, We value UAEs strong commitment to humanitarian efforts. He added: While severe funding shortfalls present a significant challenge for millions of vulnerable forcibly displaced people, contributions from governments like the UAE allow UNHCR to enhance its response efforts and provide a glimmer of hope for those in need.

Cindy McCain, World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director, stated, As humanitarian needs soar and resources lag dangerously behind, the United Arab Emirates generous pledge is a lifeline that will help ensure urgent assistance reaches the people in greatest need. We thank the UAE for its humanitarian leadership in these unprecedented times. WFP stands ready to work with the UAE to ensure this desperately needed support reaches the millions facing acute hunger across the globe.

This support builds on the strong strategic partnership between the UAE and the United Nations humanitarian system and reaffirms the UAEs central role in addressing the most pressing humanitarian challenges, enhancing the international communitys ability to protect lives, and supporting stability in crisis-affected areas, in line with His Highnesss directives that reinforce the UAEs leading approach to global humanitarian action.
11 December 2025 18:34 (UTC+04:00)

Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum attended the inauguration ceremony of the first phase of the Surici Bazaar, which is undergoing urban renewal in Konyas Sukran neighborhood. In his speech, Minister Kurum underlined that they have implemented investments exceeding 229 billion TL in Konya across a broad range of areas from infrastructure and superstructure to urban transformation, social housing, and cultural revitalization projects.

Providing information about the newly inaugurated Surici Bazaar Phase 1 Project, Minister Kurum said:

In 2021, we made a promise here; we said, Starting from the transformation at Mevlana Square, we will establish a cultural valley extending to Surici, Bedesten, and Altn Cars. We attached great importance to this project. Every ancient city eventually confronts its historic core, its narrow streets, and derelict buildings. We did not remain spectators to this scene. Just as we intricately restored historic squares and inner-city districts across Turkiye, we did the same in Konya. Today, the shops surrounding the Mevlana Tombonce worn down by the weight of yearsnow shine brightly. Our Mevlana Bazaar and Altn Bazaar greet us in all their splendor. Today, we are here in the Surici district to continue these efforts. Together with our Ministry, our Metropolitan Municipality, and Meram Municipality, we are once again bringing to light Konyas centuries-old memory.

Minister Kurum stated that a comprehensive project is being carried out on an area of 165,000 square meters in Surici:

So far, all structural landscaping works in three blocks have been completed. In Sukran Neighborhood, we have completed 307 shops and offices in accordance with their original architectural character. We have also allocated a parking area so that our tradespeople and visitors can shop comfortably. This magnificent commercial zone, surrounded by the Kalecik, Mucellit, Kapu, and Erdemsah mosques, has become a beautiful summary of Konya. This project is not just an architectural renovation. Through this project, we are preserving the largest surviving Seljuk bath ruins under a transparent dome. Every visitor who comes here will not only see the traces of a historic hammam; they will feel the grandeur of the Seljuks and breathe in the spirituality of Mevlanas city. This project is a work of vision, a declaration of civilizational ambition. Our geodesic glass dome, in particular, will protect not only the Seljuk heritage but also our future. It will be a signature mark on Turkiyes urbanization vision, stamped here in Konya.

Minister Kurum emphasized that construction and rehabilitation work is ongoing not only in Konya but also in the 11 provinces affected by the disaster of the century:

I was in Hatay over the weekend. A few days earlier, we visited Kahramanmaras. As someone who was there immediately after February 6, I feel immense pride and joy at the progress made. We sat with our citizens who cried with us back then, and now we sit with them peacefully in their new homes. At that time, we embraced each other tightly to heal the wounds; today we reunite with joy. Four hundred and fifty thousand homesthis is no small task. We rebuilt an area the size of an entire country by working 24/7. We did not only build homes; we rebuilt the shops, markets, squares, parks, and all the social facilitiesentire cities. God willing, on December 27, we will deliver the final keys in Hatay together with our President. The work in our 11 provinces cannot be summarized in a few sentences; it is a revival mobilization unprecedented in world history. Let me say this clearly: if Turkiye today has reached the level of completing more than 453,000 homesdelivering 23 homes per hour, 550 homes per daythis success is the result of determination, perseverance, and the solidarity of the state and the nation. It is the determination and will put forward by our leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Minister Kurum also spoke about the 500,000-unit social housing project that covers all 81 provinces:

As part of this major initiative, we are delivering good news to my hometown, Konya, as well. In Konya, we are providing a total of 15,200 homes to our citizens, including 9,370 in the central districts, 500 in Aksehir, 500 in Eregli, 500 in Seydisehir, 450 in Beysehir, and 300 in Karapnar, covering 31 districts. I sincerely believe that these new homes will help reduce rental prices both here in Konya and across the other provinces.

In his speech at the ceremony, Konya Governor Ibrahim Akn said:

Our esteemed ancestors built as if performing an act of worship. The Surici Bazaar has become a special structure rising as a reflection and cornerstone of this ancient urban tradition in our time. In this respect, making the Seljuk-era remains visible within the same space as contemporary architecture has brought together our commitment to preservation with our will to build the future.

Konya MP Selman Ozboyac drew attention to the importance of preserving the remains of the largest known Seljuk bath, saying, Once all stages are completed, the center of Konya will be transformed into something entirely new.

Konya Metropolitan Mayor Ugur Ibrahim Altay provided information about the project:

This place was truly like a blemish at the heart of the city. I want to express that the transformation achieved so far is incredible. I said earlier that what we are doing is part of a larger story. Konya is a darulmulk, and we will continue this work until we revive all structures within the city walls of this darulmulk.

Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavus added:

In this massive project, we advanced step by step. Like digging a well with a needle, we proceeded slowly and patiently. This place is coming to life more and more every day, being renewed and rising. With each inauguration we hold within the Surici Project, we move step by step toward the grand finale.
11 December 2025 21:43 (UTC+04:00)

by Alimat Aliyeva

The Vietnamese parliament on Thursday approved amendments to the Geology and Minerals Law that place rare earth elements under strict state control and prohibit the export of unprocessed ores, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The revised law, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, classifies rare earths as a strategic national resource. All exploration, mining and processing activities must align with Vietnams national rare earth development strategy and long-term master plan.

Under the new regulations, only state-designated organizations and enterprises will be authorized to survey, exploit and process rare earth deposits. The government will control access to geological data, regulate trade, and maintain strategic reserves of the minerals.

The legislation also encourages international cooperation, particularly in research and advanced processing technologiesan area where Vietnam aims to reduce its dependence on foreign partners and move up the global value chain.

Vietnam currently holds an estimated 3.5 million tons of rare earth reserves, making it the sixth-largest holder worldwide, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Analysts note that with demand for rare earths soaring due to electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and electronics manufacturing, the new law could position Vietnam as a more influential player in the global supply market.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of a leaked FEMA Review Council report proposing dramatic cuts to FEMA's workforce, reduced federal disaster support, and a sweeping rebrand of the agency, national concern is mounting over the future of U.S. disaster readiness. The report's recommendations arrive just days before more than 80 disaster survivors travel to Washington, D.C., urging Congress to finally place disaster-impacted communities at the center of policy decisions. Their message underscores a growing national demand for a modern, effective disaster recovery system equal to the scale of today's climate-fueled crises.

Amanda Devecka-Rinear, Senior Fellow at Organizing Resilience and Executive Director of the New Jersey Organizing Project issued the following statement:

"The leaked FEMA Review Council draft report is yet another disaster facing our families and communities."

We must be clear: ONLY the federal government has the resources necessary to support disaster prevention, relief, and recovery at the scale that survivors deserve.

But rather than do the hard work of making America's disaster recovery system reflect what our families and communities truly deserve, these recommendations are a shirking of our nation's moral responsibility and will result in survivors and their communities getting even less than they already do.

"Passing disaster management to the states" is code-speak for letting people suffer and die. And moving more policies out of the National Flood Insurance Program and into private insurance companies will only maximize profiteering by an industry that is already failing so many survivors. We need a federal response we can trust  not more handouts to corporations and contractors.

We've also seen this year how critical it is to move FEMA out from under DHS so FEMA can focus on safety, while DHS focuses on security. The decision to keep FEMA under DHS despite broad consensus that independence is key to effective emergency management shows this is not a serious proposal.

This report would move the country backwards. We stand with emergency managers, federal, state and local officials, and disaster survivors who know what's at stake. America needs a fully capable FEMAnot a weakened one.

These recommendations should be rejected outright. The nation's safety and resilience must come before politics."

The delegation includes disaster survivors from Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, California, Kentucky, Missouri, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and New Jersey.

ABOUT ORGANIZING RESILIENCE

Led by disaster survivors, Organizing Resilience is changing how we respond when disaster strikes: moving rapid response support to organizations on the ground in the immediate aftermath; bringing disaster survivors together to build capacity over the long term; and driving campaigns to overhaul the national disaster response system. Visit us at organizingresilience.org .

SOURCE Organizing Resilience
Considering what real news is available for all to witness, and in great specificity, should one pursue what is true outside of the channeled realm of the corrupt corporate /legacy media, and: Is Institutionalized Corruption real, and is it a hindrance to sustaining our Constitutional Republic now, and for future generations of American citizens? Yes No Not sure 492 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



The City of Charlotte and the light rail system are back in the news, after an individual was seriously injured in a stabbing on the Blue Line Friday night.Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said on Friday, Dec. 5, around 4:50pm, they responded to a stabbing near the light rail station on 25th Street and North Brevard Street. When officers got to the scene, they discovered a victim with stab wounds who was transported to the hospital in serious condition.Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have identified the suspect as 33-year-old Oscar Solarzano-Garcia. Officers arrested Solarzano-Garcia shortly after the stabbing. He now faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, breaking and entering a motor vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, and being intoxicated and disruptive.Court records for Solarzano-Garcia show that he is illegally in the US and had been previously deported; he is being held without bond with a court appearance expected on Monday.The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to Fox News that Solarzano-Garcia has been deported from the United States two times, once under the first Trump administration in 2018, then again under the Biden administration. DHS reports they are not sure of the time and location at which he made his third entry into the US.The stabbing happened three months after 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death on a light rail, prompting outrage over purported soft-on-crime policies in Democratic-run cities like Charlotte.The most recent incident has once again gained national attention, including that of President Donald Trump.Gov. Josh Stein also took to social media after the incident, calling the situationwrote Stein.Brent Cagle, the interim CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System, expressed his frustration with the most recent violent attack.Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has again stressed the importance of public safety across the city.said Lyles.In mid-November, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) starteda crackdown on illegal immigration across the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In total, more than 425 people were arrested, according to the Department of Homeland Security.Gregory Bovino, CBP's commander at large overseeing Charlotte operations, had sharp criticism for Stein over the weekend.
Music and Gigs

Jesy Nelson is not going to stop talking about her twin babies diagnosis
Bank of Ireland will offer the new loan product to new and existing customers. Stock image: PA

Bank of Ireland has been prosecuted and fined 2,000 for failing to submit annual fair employment returns in Northern Ireland over a five-year period..

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said it had brought the prosecution against the Dublin-based bank, with proceedings leading to a 2,000 fine by the High Court.

A spokesperson for the bank said it was very sorry for failing to meet filing obligations for its Northern Ireland operations, and was improving internal processes so that it wouldnt happen again.

The commission said all registered employers in Northern Ireland with 11 or more employees working 16 hours per week or more must submit annual fair employment monitoring returns to comply with the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998 (FETO).

The prosecution followed Bank of Irelands failure to file annual fair employment returns between 2021 and 2025.

Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner at the Equality Commission, said: Compliance with the fair employment legislation is as important today as it was when it was first introduced in 1990.

The commission provided employers with some leeway during the Covid period, but it was the failure by the Bank of Ireland to submit their fair employment monitoring returns that led to this prosecution.

This is not just a paper exercise, nor is it an end in itself. It is the beginning of a process, the starting point for further action.

"Employers are expected to use their monitoring information to determine if they are affording fair participation in the workforce.

"Each year, the commission reports on the fair employment trends and assesses if the monitored workforce in Northern Ireland is in line with the composition of all those available for work.

The commission provides free and confidential advice to employers to assist them with their legal obligations relating to FETO. But we take non-compliance seriously.

"We will use our enforcement powers when necessary to take action against employers who fail to submit their returns as they are legally required to do so.

Bank of Ireland will offer the new loan product to new and existing customers. Stock image: PA

News Catch Up - Wednesday 10 December

A spokesperson for Bank of Ireland said: Bank of Ireland recognises the importance of fair employment legislation and we are very sorry that we did not meet our obligations.

"Having a diverse and inclusive workplace is important to us and we should have ensured that our fair employment returns were submitted in the manner and timeframe expected.

"We have worked with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland to provide the information required and our fair employment returns are now up to date.

"We are improving our internal processes to ensure this does not happen again.

A spokesperson for the commission said it had previously prosecuted other employers, but had not pursued any actions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They added: The commission can confirm a small number of similar prosecutions are currently pending.
I cant explain Cushnahans secret recording claiming I was to get Nama cash  but its wrong, says Sammy Wilson

MP says he never even wanted to own a plant nursery, as Cushnahan claimed Cushnahan one of the few Catholics who ever got a cheer at the Presbyterian General Assembly Wilson says Cushnahan could have enriched himself via Belfast Harbour, but didnt

Frank Cushnahan pictured outside Belfast Crown Court. Photo: Alan Lewis/Photopress

Sam McBride Thu 11 Dec 2025 at 14:56

Former DUP Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has rejected an allegation in a secret recording that he was in line for money from the 1.2bn Nama deal, saying he cant explain why Frank Cushanahan made the claim.
Education Minister Paul Givan at his office in Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

Richard Pengelly, the former permanent secretary for Northern Ireland's Department of Health.

The head of the Education Authority has issued another stark warning over the funding deficit being faced by schools in Northern Ireland, with any cost saving measures which can be implemented barely scratching the surface of a 300m shortfall.

EA chief executive Richard Pengelly informed Stormonts Education Committee on Wednesday that measures being introduced will save around 10% of what is required under current budgeting concerns.

And there is a further warning from the Education Minister that the Department cannot meet its current teachers pay obligations without a Ministerial Direction, which I am now taking to the Executive.

Further engagement with the Teaching Unions will take place when this process is complete and the outcome is known, Paul Givan said.

Mr Pengelly told MLAs on the Education Committee: Education continues to face unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations that the current budget does not fully address.

For the third year running, demand-led, statutory pressures will go unfunded.

The financial position for the Education Authority is a projected shortfall of 300m for this financial year. Savings plans currently being implemented can only reduce this deficit by 10% at most.

Achieving in-year savings by EA is severely limited, he added.

Around 85% of our annual expenditure is incurred on payroll costs  this includes pay for teachers and school support staff. Making significant reductions to this cost, apart from the implications for service provision, would require a funded severance scheme.

"Such a scheme is not available.

Virtually all of our services are statutory in nature. These services are a legal requirement and cannot be stopped.

Among the EAs savings measures, the cost of school dinners is rising by 50p from January while Mr Pengelly said the increasing cost of home to school taxis is of significant concern.

The total annual bill for taxi use has more than doubled in five years  growing from 19,428,826 in 2020-2021 to 39,753,169 in 2024-2025.

We have asked taxi operators to voluntarily agree a 10% reduction in rates charged for runs, taking effect from January 2026.

"In the absence of agreement on reductions, we will consider alternative arrangements for pupil transport, potentially including the use of break clauses to terminate contracts and re-tender runs.

"Taxi operators will also be advised that contracts will be re-tendered in the summer of 2026, with a focus on value for money and sustainability.

"In addition, meetings have been held with the five taxi companies who hold the largest values of contracts for home to school transport. Each company has been asked to submit a plan as to how they could reduce costs.

Richard Pengelly, the former permanent secretary for Northern Ireland's Department of Health.

News Catch Up - Thursday 11 December

We have also explored options on individual school transport arrangements that are outside our legislative and policy obligations, he added.

Our transport service is currently reviewing all available data and working with our equality colleagues. Early indications are that, given the categories of children potentially impacted, a full consultation exercise is likely to be required and thus we are planning on an effective implementation date of September 2026.

Mr Pengelly stressed that the EA has not halted all EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) referrals.

Rather we have suspended referrals to external contracted providers of EOTAS provision, he explained.

This involves three external providers in the Belfast area. We remain firmly committed to providing access to appropriate provision for every child and young person. We will maximise use of EA operated EOTAS centres, and the arrangements will remain under review as we continue to monitor demand in the months ahead.

The cost of music tuition is also set to rise.

Increases in fees  including tuition and instrument hire fees  will take effect in January 2026, he said.

Increases will range from 10-20%. At this time there will be no change to the existing policy of a 70% reduction in fees for children entitled to free school meals. We will continue to work with families and schools to advise and support them with any changes to their payment arrangements.

The minister, Mr Givan, added: Unfortunately, my Department continues to face significant financial pressures on its capital budget in the coming years. This has been brought into clear focus by the recent emergency closure of Nazareth House Primary School in Londonderry, which reinforces the case for a significantly increased and sustained capital budget to meet the needs of our ageing schools estate.

It is essential that sufficient funding is made available to address and indeed mitigate against the significant challenges facing our schools infrastructure and deliver the educational support our children need, not least the investment required right across our schools estate in support of those pupils with special educational needs.

In addition to this and given the scale of the financial challenge which the Executive faces, I have already proposed to the Minister of Finance that time is set aside at a future Executive meeting to discuss how we address these mounting financial pressures.
Conor Browne said an untimely mutation of the virus was behind the surge in cases

NI's healthcare system will come under further stress due to flu outbreaks

The early surge in a so-called super flu strain of the influenza virus is going to dramatically stress the Northern Ireland healthcare service in the run-up to Christmas, a biorisk expert has said.

The latest data from the Public Health Agency (PHA) has shown an increase in influenza activity across all surveillance indicators over the last week, alongside further rises in RSV and Covid-19 activity.

Influenza cases have risen by 24% from 953 the previous week to 1,181 on December 10, while an increase of some 465% has been recorded in the last month.

Quite frankly, we're probably in a worse place now than we were in 2019

Biorisk consultant Conor Browne said the early surge did not bode well for NIs already under-pressure healthcare system.

"This super flu is H3N2, a very common form of influenza, but its mutated a little bit and those mutations have rendered the vaccine slightly less effective, he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"It still works but it doesnt work quite as well as it may have last year or the year before. Sometimes you get a mutation, or a number of mutations in the flu virus that becomes dominant and it doesnt match as well with the vaccine.

"Our healthcare system is already under enormous pressure and one of the reasons is patient flow. So when you stress the system even further, it starts to break and fracture and people don't get the care they need because there is just too much strain on the system.

Biorisk consultant Conor Browne

Northern Irelands situation is part of a worldwide surge in influenza cases.

Last month, Japan declared a national alert due to the volume of cases, with their surge coming five weeks earlier than last year.

Mr Browne said NI had to avoid large numbers of people becoming ill at the same time.

"You can either get a very high peak quite quickly, and we don't want that because that means an awful lot of people are going to get sick at the same time, and a certain percentage of those people are going to require emergency department care, he said.

"So that would be a huge pressure being placed on the NHS in Northern Ireland. That pressure is definitely going to increase regardless over the next two to three weeks. So it's not going to be a very pleasant Christmas for the NHS.

"Depending on how the flu dynamics play out, and there's no real way of predicting it at this point, it might also stick around for longer.

"It might peak and then plateau a little bit, causing problems for a longer period than we are used to in Northern Ireland.

Mr Browne said it was vital steps were taken to reduce the spread of the virus, including masking and the use of air filtration in hospitals.

"It's about reduction. Having experienced Covid since 2020, we should really be learning the lessons, he said.

"Cleaning the air in hospitals and having more of a culture of mask wearing among healthcare staff makes a massive difference to infection control around viruses.

"Quite frankly, we're probably in a worse place now than we were in 2019. I think a lot of basic infection control measures, things like masking, things also like vaccination, have become almost ideological.

Education Minister Paul Givan

It comes after one NI school revealed this week that it had to consider closing on health and safety grounds after some 170 pupils were absent due to a flu outbreak.

Education Minister Paul Givan has said he will be reviewing data on the impact of flu in schools, but ruled out Covid-style measures.

"We need to find ways to effectively manage without having to shut down schools, he told Cool FM.

"One of the lessons we should all have learned by now is that the lockdown philosophy and closing down our schools has had a long-term impact that will last a generation.

"We need to do everything we can to keep our schools open and safe.

We must not underestimate the seriousness of seasonal flu

The PHA has said more than 500,000 flu vaccines had been administered this season in Northern Ireland, but urged others to come forward in preparation for Christmas.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health said: With Christmas fast approaching and the additional mixing that comes over the festive season, including visiting older and vulnerable relatives, we are encouraging eligible people to make arrangements to get vaccinated without delay.

NI's healthcare system will come under further stress due to flu outbreaks

News Catch Up - Thursday 11 December

"More children have been admitted to hospital with influenza than usual so far this year. The vaccine is very effective at protecting children from flu, so parents of children who havent had their vaccine yet take steps to enable them to get it, as flu infection is now circulating widely in Northern Ireland.

We must not underestimate the seriousness of seasonal flu. It can result in hospitalisation, even for some otherwise healthy people.

"Vaccines are the best protection we have against these viruses so its important that all those who are eligible get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Belfast residents are being asked their opinions on how to tackle dog poo problems plaguing the city.

Belfast City Council is asking people in the city to take the lead on the problem at city streets and parks through a survey on its Yoursay website.

A spokesperson said: The council faces increasing demands on its resources to address this ongoing issue. We need to find ways to change the negative behaviours relating to dog fouling and highlight the health risks associated with dog fouling for the public and for our staff.

We will continue to tackle dog fouling through cleansing, enforcement, communication and education messaging. However, as a society we have a collective responsibility to deal with this issue, and we would like your input to help us build a collaborative strategic approach to tackling dog fouling.

We want to get feedback from dog owners, the public, businesses, MLAs, schools, community groups and voluntary organisations alongside council services, to help develop and inform an approach to keeping our streets and parks free of dog fouling.

Since January, council officers have been conducting a dog fouling reduction pilot within the north of the city.

As part of the wider action plan for the full city, council officers extracted information from the council customer hub on the streets across the whole of the city with the highest number of dog fouling complaints during the period April 2021 to July 2025.

Using this information together with other data, in October council officers listed streets in each quarter of the city that would be the focus for the next phase of targeted interventions, including new litter bins.

These are Whitewell Road, Cavehill Road and Oldpark Road in the north, and Orby Drive, Belmont Road, Clarawood Park and Cregagh Road in the east.

In the south, they include Ravenhill Road, Farnham Street and the Cranmore area, and in the west, they include Clonard Street, Lenadoon Avenue, Rockville Street and Springfield Road. Elected members agreed to these streets being targeted.

Stock image

Dean Stephen Forde on the Black Santa Appeal 2025

The extra interventions in these areas will involve increased patrols by dog wardens as well as a review of litter bin provision, to include consideration of a mix of post mounted and standard litter bins, with dog fouling stickers affixed to the sides.

The survey is open until February 28, and is available here https://yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/dogs/surveys/dogs-and-our-streets.

People are also being asked to for new ideas on the councils ideas tab, which can be found at https://yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/dogs/brainstormers/take-the-lead.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has said MI5 has a blind spot when it comes to Northern Ireland, warning that the intelligence service must not use secrecy rules to hide wrongdoing.

Speaking attodays Policing Board meeting, Mr Boutcher was pressed by SDLP MLA Colin McGrath on whether the findings of Operation Kenova, which investigated the actions of the IRA informer known as Stakeknife, widely believed to be Freddie Scappaticci, and further references in reports, such as the McCullough report, which investigated surveillance of NI journalists, demonstrated the need for a root-and-branch review of MI5s conduct and its current memorandum of understanding with the PSNI.

Mr McGrath cited Operation Kenovas conclusions that MI5 had attempted to restrict investigators and conceal the truth of IRA crimes it knew about, and that the agency repeatedly downplayed its role in handling the agent known as Stakeknife.

Asked if such revelations demanded major reform, Mr Boutcher, who previously headed up the Kenova investigation, said the central issue lay in cultural differences within the organisation.

I think this is about cultural issues, MI5 are doing so much work to keep society safe, and I know theyre driven by values and ethics, he said.

But in Northern Ireland, there is what I describe as a blind spot, and its due to, on one side of the Troubles, the security forces who, by the way, invariably in my experience on Kenova, acted outstandingly.

But where things happened that should not have happened, they should not be covered up. They should not be hidden from view.

He added that any well-functioning democracy would ensure such issues were surfaced so society could learn from them.

The Chief Constable emphasised that he held the agency in high regard, stressing his long-standing relationship with Director General Sir Ken McCallum.

Personally, I want to point out that MI5 are a remarkable organisation, (McCallum) is an outstanding individual and leader, he said.

However, Mr Boutcher acknowledged that the Kenova report and recent legislative changes meant agencies must now reassess how they handle historical cases, adding that government and security bodies need to digest the findings.

Im involved in conversations to try and change how some of these approaches are taken, and Im hoping that we will be in a better and more confident place moving forward, he said.

He defended the principle of public interest immunity and the neither-confirm-nor-deny (NCND) policy, describing himself as its hugest advocate, because it protects lives and operational methods. But he warned that the policy must be applied intelligently and proportionately.

It should never be applied where it is done so to hide wrongdoing, he said.

Mr Boutcher added that he could not expand further, but reiterated that legacy processes were evolving and that institutions must confront uncomfortable truths rather than obscure them.

Elsewhere in the meeting, the Chief Constable also addressed the case of a serving police officer charged in connection with the alleged theft of ammunition from the PSNI training college at Steeple, Antrim.

Asked about how such offences could occur undetected, and whether the forces audit processes were sufficiently robust, speaking generally, Mr Boutcher said even the most comprehensive systems cannot fully prevent misconduct.

You can never, sometimes, take account of what some of your staff will do, whatever measures you put in, if theyre devious enough, he said.

He added that he had asked Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, the National Police Chiefs Council Lead for Armed Policing, to carry out a full review, with terms of reference to be shared with the Policing Board and Department of Justice.

It comes after the PSNI confirmed that a 63-year-old officer has been charged with multiple firearms-related offences, including theft of ammunition, possession of prohibited ammunition, possession in suspicious circumstances, and possessing ammunition without a certificate.

He has also been charged with taking a vehicle without consent and making or supplying articles for use in fraud.

Board members also questioned firearm licensing rules after reports that an individual held multiple weapons.

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones clarified that while firearms dealers are subject to limits, there is no statutory cap on how many weapons a private licence holder may own, provided they meet the fit and proper person test and have a good reason for each firearm.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Liam McBurney/PA)

Dean Stephen Forde on the Black Santa Appeal 2025

In a wider update on security trends, Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck told the meeting that 2025 is the first year since records began in which there have been no security-related deaths in Northern Ireland.

Paramilitary assaults are at their lowest level in more than 40 years, while shootings are at their lowest in around 17 years.

However, he cautioned that the threat level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism remains substantial, meaning an attack is likely, and said coercive control, intimidation and organised crime linked to paramilitary groups continue to impact communities.
Police are at the scene of the incident in south Belfast Picture: Belfast Telegraph

Two men have been arrested for separate drug-related offences in south Belfast this afternoon.

South Belfast Neighbourhood Inspector Roisin Brown explained that officers observed a number of people acting suspiciously in the area of Botanic Avenue, near Posnett Street.

We stopped one man and two women and, as a result, a man aged in his 40s was arrested for possession of a class C drug, possession of a Class C drug with intent to supply, and resisting arrest. The two women were permitted to leave, she said.

Whilst dealing with this incident, a further man to whom police wished to speak made off on foot and was believed to have gained access to the former Donegall Pass Police Station.

"Due to concerns for his welfare, a thorough search operation was commenced by our officers with the support of colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

The man has not yet been located and, at this stage, it isnt believed that anyone was injured. Our enquiries continue.

In a separate, unconnected, incident at around the same time, officers on a beat patrol of Donegall Pass stopped a vehicle and subsequently arrested a man in his 20s for driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

Both men remain in custody.

Inspector Brown continued: We are aware of the concerns people have about crime in the wider university and Botanic area. We will continue to proactively patrol these areas in order to arrest those committing offences and bring them before the courts.

We are committed to keeping South Belfast safe. 

Police would appeal to anyone who might have any information which would assist with our enquiries into these matters to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 607 of 11/12/25.

Police are at the scene of the incident in south Belfast Picture: Belfast Telegraph

News Catch Up - Thursday 11 December
NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of StubHub Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: STUB) pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement issued in connection with StubHub's September 2025 initial public offering (the "IPO"), of the important January 23, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased StubHub common stock you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the StubHub class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48412 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 23, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the Case: According to the lawsuit, the Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state that: (1) StubHub was experiencing changes in the timing of payments to vendors; (2) those changes had a significant adverse impact on free cash flow, including trailing twelve months ("TTM") free cash flow; (3) as a result, StubHub's free cash flow reports were materially misleading, and that; (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about StubHub's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the StubHub class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48412 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for more information.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
Almost three quarters of homelessness deaths in Northern Ireland are male, new figures show.

Data released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) on Thursdays has detailed the deaths of homeless people here in 2024.

During that period an estimated 58 mortalities were recorded of people sleeping rough, which NISRA define as those using emergency accommodations, shelters, hostels and temporary homeless facilities at the time of death.

The figure is the same as that recorded in 2023 and marks a decrease compared to when records first began in 2020, with the figure at that time recorded as 67.

The location of the deaths are assigned based on the individuals usual residence or, if unknown, the place of death.

The statistics show the Belfast area had the highest number of homeless people passing away last year at 20.

Derry City & Strabane saw the highest estimated mortality rate, averaging at around 11.41 deaths across all 11 governmental districts.

Northern Irelands homeless death rate was estimated to be 4.11 per 100,000 population aged between 15 and 74.

Of last years deaths, 74.1% were male and 25.9% female, with just over 45% being under the age of 45  over four times the average rate among all registered deaths.

A NISRA spokesperson added: When looking at selected specific causes of deaths of people experiencing homelessness, drug-related causes were the most common, accounting for an estimated 27.6% of all homeless deaths in 2024 and 25.9% in 2023.

"For context, drug-related deaths accounted for 3% of all deaths in Northern Ireland in 2023, the most recent year for which this data has been published.

The statistics have been released just a day after the sudden death of a man known to homeless services was confirmed in the Custom House Square area of the city on Wednesday morning.

A police spokesperson said a post-mortem will take place in due course, but added that the death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

Responding to that incident and the NISRA figures, the Simon Community said it details the growing scale of homelessness across the region.

Kirsten Hewitt, director of Homelessness Services at the Simon Community said: The tragic death of another man on the streets last night is a stark reminder of how awful it is for anyone to die without a home.

"The NISRA figures released today show 58 deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2024. Behind every number is a life lost and a family left behind.

The figures were recorded over 2024

News Catch Up - Thursday 11 December

We know that there are currently 62,314 people officially homeless in Northern Ireland  equivalent to 1 in every 31 people.

For 50 years, Simon Community has been working alongside people experiencing homelessness, supporting them to move on with their lives. But the need is growing faster than we can respond, and far too many are left without support. The system is at breaking point.

And at the heart of this crisis are 4,834 children now growing up in temporary accommodation. This Christmas, hundreds of children are waking up in hostels or hotels instead of a permanent home.

These new statistics are a clear call for urgent action: we need to do things differently. We need immediate investment in affordable homes, prevention services, and support for those already homeless. Without it, thousands more people will continue to face homelessness and the devastating risks that come with it.
Stock Image: Police attended the scene of the RTC (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Drivers are being warned of significant delays across several routes in Northern Ireland following multiple road collisions on Thursday evening, (December 11.)

The latest incident has occurred in Co Fermanagh.

Road users are advised the Dernawilt Road in Lisnaskea is currently closed following a serious road traffic collision.

A collision near the Moira Road / Lisburn Road junction in Glenavy also caused long delays, with authorities advising motorists to avoid the area if possible.

Meanwhile, a three-vehicle crash on the Portaferry Road in Kircubbin in the afternoon prompted a response from officers, who are still assisting with traffic management.

In east Belfast, reports indicate a man has been struck by a car near Hawthornden Way. Details are still emerging, and emergency services are on site. The road is currently closed.

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Additionally, a three-vehicle collision occurred on the M2 in Belfast at around 4.40pm on lanes two and three near Junction One, Fortwilliam Roundabout.

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, and all vehicles have now been moved to the hard shoulder.

Stock Image: Police attended the scene of the RTC (Photo by Kevin Scott)

News Catch Up - Thursday 11 December

Motorists are urged to plan alternative routes and exercise caution in these areas.

With icy conditions forecast overnight, the Department for Infrastructure has also confirmed that selective roads are being salted.

Temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing with a risk of ice on roads Friday morning.

"Salting of roads on the scheduled network considered to be at risk is planned to commence in the early hours of Friday morning, a department spokesperson said.

"Road users are advised to exercise caution when travelling, particularly when driving on untreated roads.
Congestion on Westlink due to vehicle fire

Road users are advised of congestion on the Westlink, Belfast due to a vehicle on fire in the country-bound lane. Please exercise caution in the area.



The Black's Road Park and Ride has been closed as officers continue to deal with an earlier vehicle fire on the Westlink.

It is likely to be closed for the majority of the day  vehicles already parked in the area are unaffected, and will be facilitated as necessary.
As I worry about war, I wonder if there is a fixed quantum of madness in the species that condemns us to recurring conflict
This is the moment heavily armed police were rammed while stopping a stolen car in west Belfast.

Police in Newtownards received a report that a Volkswagen Touran had been stolen from the local area at around 1am.

An alert was issued for the stolen car, which was then sighted in the Falls Road area of west Belfast just before 3am.

Three Armed Response Units and several Local Policing Units were dispatched to the scene.

Armed response officers arrest three people on Broadway in west Belfast following reports of a car stolen in Newtownards on December 11th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

One high-powered Volkswagen Touareg chased the car down Nansen Street while two others moved at speed onto Broadway. It was here police conducted a pre-emptive stop on the car, which subsequently reversed into and rammed two high-powered police vehicles.

The driver, a man aged 29, and his two male passengers, aged 30 and 35, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of offences including aggravated taking and driving away causing damage to a vehicle.

The driver was also arrested on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified and driving with excess alcohol in breath. They remain in custody at this time.

Armed response officers arrest three people on Broadway in west Belfast following reports of a car stolen in Newtownards on December 11th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A police spokesperson said they were thankful the situation had not resulted in serious injury. We are grateful that our officers were able to stop this stolen vehicle before injury, or worse, could be caused to a member of the public, they said.

The vehicle was, in effect, used as a weapon against our officers. It is unacceptable that those working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way.

The police vehicles sustained significant damage and will now be off the road while repairs are carried out but, thankfully, no injuries were caused to any officers on this occasion.
Weeks into Nama trial, Frank Cushnahan and his lawyers took a big gamble which can only now be explained
Ireland will have anti-drone technology in place by next summer, Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said.

The technology will identify and neutralise drones that may be a threat and will be in place before the meeting of senior EU figures in Dublin.

Ireland will host the presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1 next year, which will include an informal meeting of EU ministers in Ireland.

Asked whether an under-investment in defence raised questions about Irelands capabilities to host the EU presidency next year, Ms McEntee said absolutely not.

She said it was essential that Irelands defence continued to be funded amid changing and emerging threats.

She was speaking at the Curragh Camp in Co Kildare as the 1.7 billion euro national development plan for the Defence Forces was published.

Ms McEntee said it represented an increase of about 55% on the previous plan.

My focus and priority as Minister for Defence, working with the department and working with the Defence Forces, is to make sure that the Defence Forces are growing, expanding, and that we are enhancing capabilities at every step of the way.

She said that anti-drone technology would be in place by next summer to identify and neutralise threats, and a radar system would be in place by 2028.

She said that there are three strands to the radar. The first is an anti-drone technology in place by next summer. The second is the long-range systems that will give Ireland the ability to identify helicopters and planes, and the third is the land element.

She said that the counter-drone technology would be in place to prevent incidents such as the reports of drones near Dublin Bay when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Dublin for his first official visit to Ireland.

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 Government with a comprehensive report on the matter.

Yes, there was identification of drones in the skies at certain times, Ms McEntee said. There is a review under way at the moment.

As is the case with any type of incident, we have to find out the information and then respond and learn from it.

In many instances  and Ive seen this from my colleagues across the EU  these drones are there to disrupt, and weve seen very recently, hundreds of millions euros worth of disruption was caused because of drones in airspace. That didnt happen last week.

Ms McEntee said Mr Zelenskys visit was a hugely successful day and that would not have been the case if the Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana were not working closely together.

Asked why the Government had been seen to be reluctant to confirm details of reports of drones off the Dublin coastline, Ms McEntee said: When it comes to national security, this isnt something thats going to be spoken about all the time.

The Defence Forces monitor our seas, our skies and our land all the time, and where issues happen, and where we need to respond, where I need to be informed of as minister, that is exactly what happens.

Ms McEntee was also asked about a strike list of towns and cities in the UK that would be targeted by Russia if war broke out with the EU, which included Belfast and Fivemiletown in Co Tyrone.

I think any government would be foolish not to take any type of threat seriously, she said.

Were not immune to the changes and the challenges that were seeing across the world. Were not immune to the new types of hybrid threats that were seeing happening on a regular basis.

Were not immune to the cyber threats that are happening as well, that are impacting our businesses, our governments, our state agencies.

Again, thats why we are investing, not just in the Defence Forces, but theres been huge investment in An Garda Siochana to be able to respond to these types of threats.

It is a priority for me to make sure that we are working in whatever way we can, obviously taking into account our neutral position, but that we are working with our partners across Europe as well.
Sir Keir Starmer and allies have agreed it is a pivotal moment for Ukraine as efforts continue to end the war with Russia.

The Prime Minister had earlier insisted that Donald Trump and European leaders want the same thing for Ukraine amid tensions in relations with the US president.

Ukraine has pushed back against a US-drafted plan and submitted its own 20-point document to Washington as part of negotiations.

The White House said it was unsure whether a US official would attend talks with European and Ukrainian counterparts reported to be taking place this weekend as the president wants action and is sick of meetings.

After a flurry of talks this week, Sir Keir was asked whether there was a chance of progress being made into the weekend.

He said: We do need to make progress. And what President Trump wants, what Ukraine wants, what Europeans want, is the same thing, which is a just and lasting peace in Ukraine after the nearly four-year aggression from Putin and Russia.

He said there are a number of issues still to be resolved but he is very clear that we support Ukraine in this fight, not of their making.

Sir Keir later updated allies on the continued intensive work on the US-led peace plan during a virtual meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing.

Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron were among the leaders and officials from 30 countries in attendance.

They all agreed this is a pivotal moment for Ukraine, its people and for the security we all share across the Euro-Atlantic region, Downing Street said.

The UK and French-led group of countries also talked about progress made on mobilising frozen Russian sovereign assets and continuing to fund military support.

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Mr Zelensky told the meeting he was seeking a framework document on security guarantees from the US that he wanted to be approved by Congress.

This would mean real, solid, legally binding security guarantees for our country, and they must actually be implemented, he said.

Mr Zelensky said before the call that the US has proposed a possible free economic zone in the Donbas region which would see Ukrainian forces withdraw and Russia agree to remain where they are and not enter the territory.

He reportedly said there would need to be elections or a referendum for Ukraine to approve any such move.

He said Kyiv opposes Russia retaining control of the Zaporizhzhia power plant and that the US has suggested a joint format to manage it.

Sir Keir and his French and German counterparts spoke to Mr Trump on Wednesday.

The US president said they discussed proposals to end the war in pretty strong terms, and that European leaders would like a meeting this weekend with the US and Ukraine.

Donald Trump has been critical of Ukraines European allies (Leon Neal/PA)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday the US had not committed to sending an official to talks expected on Saturday.

If there is a real chance of signing a peace agreement, if we feel like those meetings are worthy of someone on the United Statess time this weekend, then we will send a representative, she said.

She said Mr Trump was sick of meetings just for the sake of meeting and wants action.

Meanwhile, progress has been made in behind-the-scenes meetings between national security advisers including the UKs Jonathan Powell, according to British officials.

Ukraines European allies are supporting his efforts to ensure that any settlement is fair and deters future attacks from Moscow, as well as accommodating the continents defence interests.

Mr Trump has been critical of Ukraines European allies, portraying them as weak leaders of decaying nations failing to produce anything as the war just keeps going on and on.

The US national security strategy, published earlier this month, said the Trump administration finds itself at odds with European officials who hold unrealistic expectations for the war perched in unstable minority governments, many of which trample on basic principles of democracy to suppress opposition.

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte warned on Thursday that conflict is at our door.

Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured, he said.
M23 rebels escort government soldiers and police who surrendered to an undisclosed location in Goma (Moses Sawasawa/AP)

More than 400 civilians have been killed as the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group continues its offensive in Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, regional officials have said, adding that Rwandan special forces were in the strategic city of Uvira.

M23s latest offensive comes despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the presidents of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in Washington.

The accord did not include the rebel group, which is negotiating separately with Democratic Republic of the Congo and agreed earlier this year to a ceasefire that both sides accuse the other of violating.

However, it obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups and work to end hostilities.

More than 413 civilians (have been) killed by bullets, grenades, and bombs, including many women, children, and young people in localities between Uvira and Bukavu, the regional capital, the South Kivu government spokesperson said on Wednesday.

M23 rebels enter the centre of Bukavu, and take control of the South Kivu province administrative office (Janvier Barhahiga/AP)

According to the information gathered, the forces present in the city are composed of Rwandan special forces and some of their foreign mercenaries, operating in clear violation of the ceasefire as well as the Washington and Doha agreements, in total disregard of the commitments made, the statement added.

M23 said it had taken control of the strategic eastern city of Uvira on Wednesday, after a rapid offensive since the start of the month.

The announcement by M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, posted on X, encouraged citizens who fled to return to their homes.

Uvira is an important port city on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika and is directly across from neighbouring Burundis largest city, Bujumbura.

Democratic Republic of the Congo, the US and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, which had hundreds of members in 2021. Now, according to the UN, the group has about 6,500 fighters.

While Rwanda denies that claim, it acknowledged last year that it has troops and missile systems in the east of the country, allegedly to safeguard its security. UN experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces there.

Burundian foreign minister Edouard Bizimana, in an interview with French state media RFI on Wednesday, urged the US to pressure Rwandan President Paul Kagame to ensure the implementation of the agreement signed in the US, saying M23 without Kagame, without Rwanda, is nothing.

Mr Bizimana said the capture of Uvira poses a threat to the economic capital, Bujumbura.

We have registered more than 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the last three days Uvira and Bujumbura are coastal cities. What threatens Uvira also threatens Bujumbura, he said.

On Wednesday the US Embassy in Kinshasa urged M23 and Rwandan troops to cease all offensive operations and for the Rwandan Defence Forces to withdraw to Rwanda.

On Wednesday morning, the Rwandan ministry of foreign affairs blamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo armed forces for the recent ceasefire violations in a statement on X.

The DRC has openly stated that it would not observe any ceasefire, and was fighting to recapture territories lost to AFC/M23, even as the peace process unfolded, it said.

More than 100 armed groups are vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo near the border with Rwanda, most prominently M23.

The conflict has created one of the worlds most significant humanitarian crises, with more than seven million people displaced, officials say.

Local UN partners report that more than 200,000 people have been displaced across the province since December 2, with more than 70 killed.

Civilians also have crossed into Burundi, and there have been reports of shells falling in the town of Rugombo, on the Burundian side of the border, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over into Burundian territory.
RADNOR, Pa., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against StubHub Holdings, Inc. ("StubHub") (NYSE: STUB) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired StubHub common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Offering Documents") issued in connection with StubHub's September 2025 initial public offering. The lead plaintiff deadline is January 23, 2026.

CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP:

If you suffered StubHub losses, you may CLICK HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/stubhub-holdings-inc?utm_source=PR_Newswire&mktm=PR

You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected].

DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCT:

The complaint alleges that, in the Offering Documents, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) StubHub was experiencing changes in the timing of payments to vendors; (2) those changes had a significant adverse impact on StubHub's free cash flow, including trailing 12 months free cash flow; (3) as a result, StubHub's free cash flow reports were materially misleading; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS:

StubHub investors may, no later than January 23, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages StubHub investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/stubhub-holdings-inc?utm_source=PR_Newswire&mktm=PR

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com.

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Jonathan Naji, Esq.

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May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said negotiators are wrestling with the question of territorial possession in US-led peace talks on ending the war with Russia.

The issues include the future of Ukraines eastern Donetsk region and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the worlds 10 biggest atomic plants.

Mr Zelensky revealed details of discussions before he headed into urgent talks with leaders and officials from about 30 countries that support Kyivs efforts to obtain fair terms in any settlement to halt nearly four years of fighting.

In Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is continuing discussions with both sides. She said that if there is a real chance of signing a peace agreement, then the US could send a representative to the talks as soon as this weekend.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt (Alex Brandon/AP)

But she added that its still up in the air whether we believe real peace can be achieved.

Mr Trump long boasted about being able to solve Russias war in Ukraine in a day, but in recent months has complained bitterly about a lack of progress. Ms Leavitt echoed that during her briefing with reporters on Thursday, saying the president is extremely frustrated with both sides of this war.

She said the administration had spent 30-plus hours in recent weeks meeting officials from Russia and Ukraine as well as Europe, and that the president is sick of meetings just for the sake of meeting.

He doesnt want any more talk, Ms Leavitt said. He wants action.

Ukraine has submitted a 20-point plan to the US, with each point possibly accompanied by a separate document detailing the settlement terms.

We are grateful that the US is working with us and trying to take a balanced position, Mr Zelensky told reporters in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. But at this moment it is still difficult to say what the final documents will look like.

Moscow has in recent months made a determined push to gain control of all parts of Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk, which make up Ukraines valuable Donbas industrial region.

President Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP)

Ukraine does not accept the surrender of Donbas, Mr Zelensky said, adding that both sides remaining along the line of contact would be a fair outcome.

US negotiators have put forward the possibility of a free economic zone in Donbas, with the Russians terming it a demilitarised zone, according to Mr Zelensky.

Russian officials have not publicly disclosed their proposals.

US negotiators foresee Ukrainian forces withdrawing from the Donetsk region, with the compromise being that Russian forces do not enter, Mr Zelensky said.

But he added that if Ukraine must withdraw its forces, the Russians should also withdraw by the same distance. There are many unanswered questions, including who would oversee Donbas, he added.

The Russians want to retain control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in southern Ukraine, which is not currently operating, but Ukraine opposes that.

The Americans have suggested a joint format to manage the plant, and negotiators are discussing how that might work, Mr Zelensky said.

The leaders of Germany, Britain and France were among those taking part in the meeting of Ukraines allies, dubbed the Coalition of the Willing, by video link.

Mr Zelensky indicated the talks were hastily arranged as Kyiv officials scramble to avoid getting boxed in by Mr Trump, who has disparaged the Ukrainian president, painted European leaders as weak, and set a strategy of improving Washingtons relationship with Moscow.

In the face of Mr Trumps demands for a swift settlement, European governments are trying to steer the peace negotiations because they say their own security is at stake.

Next week, Ukraine will co-ordinate with European countries on a bilateral level, Mr Zelensky said late on Wednesday, and European Union countries are due to hold a regular summit in Brussels at the end of next week.

Russias foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Russia has relayed to Washington additional proposals concerning collective security guarantees that Ukraine and Europe say are needed to deter future aggression.

Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said Russia has launched more than 46,000 drones and missiles against Ukraine so far this year.

He warned his European audience at a speech in Berlin: We are Russias next target.
Margaret Reeves claims police told her investigation launched two years ago was underfunded

A former patient of the disgraced Belfast neurologist Michael Watt has said the continued wait for compensation is stopping her from enjoying life.

Eight years after the recall of more than 5,000 patients, Margaret Reeves said she was appalled at the length of time those he treated have gone without recompense.
NORTH BENNINGTON  The Bennington Bagel Company, which first began as a home-kitchen project in 2023, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 4.

Now open at 25 Main Street in North Bennington, founders Steven DeTeso and Lauren Carifio started the Bennington Bagel Company out of their home in 2023. Their hand-rolled sourdough bagels and the reaction they created drove the couple to realize their dream of opening a brick-and-mortar business, which began to come to fruition with a soft-opening over Memorial Day Weekend this year.

Home-based sourdough bagel business fills a hole in North Bennington. Homemade sourdough bagels in Bennington? Yes, please! That seems to be the overwhelming reaction to a new home bagel bakery making its mark in North Bennington by bringing hand-rolled old-school Boston-style sourdough bagels to Vermont.

One of the first things people say when they walk into the shop is, 'Wow it smells so good in here!'" says Carifio.

And one of the last things they say as theyre walking out is, 'That was the best bagel Ive ever had,'" adds DeTeso.

North Bennington gets bagel shop in former Marigold Pizza location A thriving home bakery business started last year by a young couple creating handmade sourdough bagels sold from their kitchen window will transition to a Main Street brick-and-mortar storefront in the former Marigold Pizza location this February in North Bennington, filling the space with the scent of freshly baked sesame, poppy, everything, and cinnamon raisin bagels.

According to Carifio and DeTeso, every bagel is crafted with slow, natural fermentation, giving it a rich flavor, chewy interior, and perfectly crisp exterior. Every ingredient is chosen with care and sourced locally, reflecting the founders commitment to community, quality, and sustainability.

Eventually, the couple hopes to create a seed-to-bagel operation, growing ingredients on their own Vermont farmland, ensuring that every bite carries the flavors and values of their home state.

I believe were the only small business making our bagels from scratch in the greater Bennington area," DeTeso said. "I want to invite everyone to come out and try just how much of a difference in the final product that choice makes.

There are few pleasures in this world like a warm bagel in your hands to start your day off right, adds Carifio.

The shop is now open Thursday through Sunday, serving fresh sourdough bagels, locally roasted coffee, and a rotating lineup of house-whipped cream cheeses with inclusions.
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Dalton officials are moving forward with plans to find a site for a new police station after the Zoning Board of Appeals said municipal buildings can be permitted in most zones, effectively clearing the way to explore options including land near the Senior Center.
China-Indonesia medical training program aims to curb cardiovascular deaths

Xinhua) 10:36, December 11, 2025

LANZHOU, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Wearing a white coat and a face mask, Indonesian trainee Fadli Ilhami followed the instructions of a Chinese doctor who was showing him how to operate a coronary angiography.

Fadli, 32, is one of nine Indonesian doctors who relocated to Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, to participate in a one-year fellowship and medical specialists training program offered by the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the First Hospital of Lanzhou University.

Fadli said that he has been provided with a valuable opportunity for further study since he could deal with a variety of different cases in Lanzhou, helping him gain both experience and confidence in the field of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

"I'm deeply motivated to master PCI, with a clear vision of becoming a seasoned expert in this field," said Fadli.

The hospital has arranged experienced mentors for one-on-one guidance, combining theory and practice to boost the specialist skills of trainees, said Bai Ming, vice president at the hospital and also a leading expert in treating cardiovascular diseases.

Bai's team has persistently carried out in-depth research and extensive practice in the field of interventional cardiology over a long period of time. The heart center at this hospital is considered the premier cardiovascular care hub in northwest China.

"The goal is to train them to master diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cardiovascular interventional procedures," Bai noted.

According to the Indonesian government, cardiovascular diseases claim around 500,000 lives each year in that country. One reason for this high mortality rate in Indonesia is the shortage of heart specialists trained in interventional cardiology.

Santi Putri Ramdhani, 40, also an Indonesian trainee, is confident she will be able to perform operations in her country once she returns to Indonesia.

"There are so many cases I have already performed in this hospital. All of our mentors are very supportive and they are very generous to share their knowledge, including technical skills, clinical judgment and decision-making," said Santi.

Xu Jizhe, an associate chief physician at the hospital and a mentor in the training program, offered knowledge regarding foundational theories and core technologies of PCI to trainees.

Fundamental procedures such as preoperative preparation and patient surface cleaning and disinfection, as well as advanced technological interventions including stent implantation, have been included in the training, which will last until next March, Xu said.

He added that, in accordance with training requirements, each trainee needs to participate in and study 300 cases of cardiovascular interventional procedures, and so far, they have finished over 200 cases.

Hariman Kristian Sitanggang, another trainee from Indonesia, expressed his gratitude to the mentoring team and voiced hope that more clinic programs would be on offer for Indonesian doctors in the future, since this kind of program is a crucial step toward reducing the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases.

"The Chinese doctors are very professional and patient. They not only taught us really helpful medical knowledge, but also treated us like a family, which meant a lot to us," he said.

The trainees told Xinhua that they look forward to treating patients with cardiovascular diseases after returning home armed with medical techniques they learned in China, which should enable them to save more lives.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Robert Half research reveals the factors influencing job search plans, plus common pain points

New Job Search Strategies Guide provides a playbook for workers looking to change roles

MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As we look ahead to 2026, new research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows that some professionals are putting a new job at the top of their wish list. A new survey from the company reveals that 38% of employed workers in the U.S. plan to look for a new job in the first half of the year  this is up from 27% in July and 29% one year ago.

View job search plans over time.

Job Search Plans Over Time

Factors Influencing Job Search Plans

When asked about the top motivators driving job search plans, workers cited:

A desire for better benefits (36%)

Limited career advancement opportunities at their company (34%)

More competitive pay (33%)

Burnout (24%)

"Many workers felt the need to stay put in 2025, but we're beginning to see signs of a thaw as we head into the new year," said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half. "Career growth and development are back in focus, and if an employer can't offer those opportunities, workers no longer feel compelled to stay."

Workers Most Likely to Make a Move

According to the research, the workers most likely to launch a job search in early 2026 include tech and healthcare workers (44%), Gen Z professionals (42%), and working parents (42%).

View a breakdown of how Gen Z professionals are approaching the job search.

Navigating Today's Job Search

Despite a desire to land a new role, job seekers still face some common challenges. In a separate survey, Robert Half asked more than 450 job seekers who are currently in-between roles about their top job search challenges. Sixty-eight percent expect the job search to take longer than previous searches, and other pain points include:

Too many applicants and competition for positions (59%) Difficulty finding a job that matches their workplace preferences (46%) Their skills not matching the job requirements (37%)

"Today's job seekers are up against a crowded, noisy market," Fay added. "Finding the right fit can feel daunting, but having a clear plan, keeping your skills current, and tapping into your network and available tools can help you stand out."

The job market is evolving quicklyRobert Half's latest Job Search Strategies Guide offers practical steps to help job seekers navigate today's challenges and stand out.

About the Research

The research is gathered from a survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in November 2025. The survey contains responses from more than 2,000 employed workers and more than 450 unemployed job seekers in the United States.

About Robert Half

Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm, connecting highly skilled job seekers with rewarding opportunities at great companies. We offer contract talent and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, and we also provide executive search services. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that delivers internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. In the past 12 months, Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named one of the Fortune Most Admired Companies and 100 Best Companies to Work For. Explore talent solutions, research and insights at roberthalf.com.

SOURCE Robert Half
SHEFFIELD  All 37 graduates of Mount Everett Regional School crossed the graduation stage this year with college credits, a milestone that comes as the schools early college program continues to expand.

Despite Bard College at Simons Rock leaving its Great Barrington campus, the Southern Berkshire Regional School District continues to have an ongoing relationship with the institution, giving students a chance to earn college credits. The district is also developing a partnership with the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Mount Everett is one of the state's few wall-to-wall schools, meaning every student is automatically enrolled in an early college program.

We're shifting the culture of the school and the school community to feel like they're college capable, not that they're supposed to go to college, but if they want to, or if they're interested in it, that they know they can, said Lindy Marcel, the district's early college and internship coordinator. That's really what the program comes down to, for me.

This semester, around 50 juniors and seniors are enrolled across seven college-credit courses at the school for free. Through this program, the average student earns 14 college credits in an academic year and can earn up to 30 credits by the end of senior year.

Were building a really modern model for rural education here, Marcel said. Im really proud of the work and the encouragement and support of the school committee.

The district did a pilot program with Simons Rock in the 2019-20 school year, offering free early college courses, and after a pause during the pandemic, resumed the program in the 2021-22 school year.

Even though the Simons Rock campus in Great Barrington was vacated in June and relocated to Barrytown, N.Y., the partnership will continue. Because its campus is now located in New York, the college will no longer qualify for official state early college designation, but the credits earned will still be recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

From the students perspective, the program remains almost entirely the same.

A shout-out to the state of Massachusetts, too, for keeping the focus on the students and what it takes to get people into a good place educationally and not feel like we're just buried under mountains of red tape, said Ken Knox, the director of the early college research institute at Bard College and the school district's early college partner liaison.

New this year is the planning phase of a UMass partnership. Part A of the application was sent to the state in September and the district has received an informal notification that it met the criteria. Once a formal notice is received, it will submit Part B before getting a formal designation status, possibly in the spring.

We see this being a really long-term partnership and we think its going really well, Marcel said. She added the university said they are committed to a partnership with the district.

Due to its rural nature, the five towns of Southern Berkshire Regional School District  Alford, Egremont, Monterey, New Marlborough and Sheffield  have limited exposure to college campuses unless it is intentional, so having a program that integrates it into the high school experience is beneficial for the students.

While Bard College works with other schools in Massachusetts, Southern Berkshire Regional School District is the only Massachusetts district with which it has an official partnership.

The courses cover a variety of topics, including writing, government, detective fiction, and Internet and Society.

What we're really saying is the criteria for trying out a college course is being interested in it, and we also try to develop that interest, Knox said.

The district is working toward a second partnership, though technically it would be the only state-recognized one, because programs like this help prove to students that they are capable of going to college.

Simon's Rock helped us understand that students don't typically drop out of college because they're not academically capable, Marcel said. It's because they're not able to manage their experience. So we're making sure that we're not just prioritizing academic discipline. It's really about the students' whole experience and who they are as a person and developing genuine interest.
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 164 BC. Also known as the Festival of Lights, the eight-day holiday is marked by lighting candles in a menorah every evening. But there is more to the story behind how Hanukkah came to be.

Many people believe Christmas is the holiday for Christians and Hanukkah is the corresponding holiday for Jews. Few Christians give it much attention since Hannukah is not one of Gods feasts listed in Leviticus 23, and there is no mention in the Old Testament of the holiday or the historical events leading to its establishment,

Yet Jesus celebrated Hanukkah (the feast of Dedication), clearly seen in John 10:2224and that fact alone should make Christians curious enough to investigate the possible importance of this festival to their faith.

It is no exaggeration to say that had it not been for Hanukkahcelebrated this year from December 14 to December 22there may have never been Christmas. Hanukkah prepared the way for the birth and ministry of Jesus. Therefore, Christians may want to not only wish the Jewish community a Happy Hanukkah but celebrate it themselves.

Lets unpack the story of Hanukkah to better understand why.

What Is Hanukkah About?

The story of Hanukkah begins during the period between the Old and New Testaments when Antiochus IV Epiphanes became the ruler of the Seleucid Empire. While the Hellenization of the area already threatened the survival of the Jewish religion, Antiochus seemed obsessed with ensuring the demise of the Jewish faith and, thereby, the future of the Jewish people. Its a story that sounds eerily familiar considering the modern ideological war against the idea of a Jewish nation-state and the international pressure on Israel to either be dismantled or radically changed into an international, globalist identity.

Antiochus IV Epiphanes not only murdered the high priest Onias III but slaughtered 40,000 inhabitants of Jerusalem. He then prohibited temple sacrifices and servicesas well as Sabbath and feast day observations. He dedicated the temple to Zeus, destroyed the Holy Scriptures, and forced Jews to participate in heathen rites. In his attempt to destroy every trace of the Jewish religion, the final assault was the slaughter of a pig on the sacrificial altar of the temple, thereby defiling it.

The Maccabean family, from the priestly line of Aaron, led a revolt against this evil ruler and miraculously experienced victory after victory over the mighty Greek forces until, at last, the Jews could purify the temple and restore temple services. They then rededicated the temple to the Lord. Hanukkah remembers this rededicationalso called the Festival of Dedication because Hanukkah is a Hebrew word derived from the word to dedicate.

The defeat of the Greek forces by this small band of Jewish zealots was nothing short of a miracle. God had once again demonstrated His steadfast love and faithfulness to His people by saving them from the threat of extinction. This is cause enough for celebration!

The story goes on to claim that when the Jews reentered the city of Jerusalem and the temple, there was only enough of the special oil to light the temple menorah and keep it burning for one day. But the oil miraculously burned for eight days while more was being brought from the Galileean eight-day trip there and back.

The story of the miracle oil is nowhere found in the intertestamental writings, and therefore, some claim it is a legend. However, the very first Hanukkah was indeed celebrated for eight days, and the festival was called the Festival of Lights as early as the first century. Perhaps archaeology will one day uncover more clues to the storys authenticitybut if not, the Old Testament does provide historical and prophetic background.

A Turning Point in History

The events leading up to the Maccabean revolt were prophesied in vivid detail in the Old Testament book of Daniel. In chapter 8, the angel Gabriel described to the prophet Daniel the coming abomination of a king who would put a stop to sacrifices and desecrate the sanctuary.

This was 250 years before it occurred, indicating how serious the threat of annihilation was to the Jewish people back then. The Maccabean revolt was a turning point in history that saved the Jewish people and their religion from the threat of extinction.

This story and the existing archeological finds that support it provides further proof of the existence of the temple in Jerusalem. So while Israels modern-day enemiesHamas, Hezbollah, and anyone involved in antisemitic actsattempt to rewrite history and distort fact by denying the temple ever existed in Jerusalem (or the Jewish peoples longstanding presence in the land), the celebration of Hanukkah takes on new meaning. This is especially true when we consider what the New Testament reveals about it.

Jesus and Hanukkah

Johns Gospel references the Feast of Dedication in chapter 10. But to fully understand the significance of what the apostle wrote, we must first consider it in its proper context. To do that, we need to go back two chapters to John 8.

In verse 12, Jesus had proclaimed Himself the light of the world at the culmination of the Feast of Tabernacles. Every night for the previous seven nights, the temple had been flooded with light coming from giant oil-filled menorahs in the temple courts. The light was to remember when Gods presence was with Israel in the desert manifested as a pillar of fire in and over the tabernacle. Those in earshot would have well understood what Jesus meant by saying He was the light of the world: He was declaring He was Gods presence among them.

Clearly, many others made that connection because soon after, Jews surrounded Jesus and asked him point-blank if He was their long-awaited messiah:

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomons porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly. (John 10:2224)

Notice Jesus had entered the temple during the Feast of Dedication. He would have surely known the story behind the feast and that the temple He stood in would not have been in operation without it.

He also would have known His Jewish brethren were waiting for an earthly deliverer who would relieve them from their oppressorsat the time, Rome. Jesus proceeded to talk about eternal life and not being snatched from the Fathers hand. But then Jesus said something profound that upset those listening to the point they took up rocks to stone Him:

I and the Father are one. (John 10:30)

When Jesus asked why they were about to stone Him, they responded, Because You, being a Man, make Yourself God (John 10:33). We must keep in mind that Israel knew God to be her Savior. Many verses in the Old Testament affirm this, but consider just two:

There is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:2122)

Surely in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. (Jeremiah 3:23)

When Jesus responded to whether He was the Christ, Israels deliverer, He affirmed their questionindeed, He was God their Savior. Though most Jews of that day did not believe, God had fulfilled His promises to Israel to send a Savior who would be an ordinary man in appearance like those He came to save but would soon suffer and die for the sins of the world.

And this revelation took place on Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

Christians today would do well to remember Gods faithfulness to the Jewish people on that first Hanukkah. Had Antiochus succeeded in annihilating the nation of Israel, the Davidic line would have ended, and there would have been no Jewish woman named Mary to become the mother of Jesus the Messiah.

The temple would also have not existed for the beginning of the Christmas story. The nativity narrative begins in Luke 1 in the temple with an angel announcing to the priest Zacharias that his wife would give birth to John the Baptist. It is no coincidence that God chose to begin the Christmas story in the temple, the heart of Jewish life and faith, at the time and the place to which they anticipated the return of Gods presence.

The Rest of the Hanukkah Story

But the story does not end there! The rededication of the temple took place on the 25th day of Kislev, or December 14, 164 BC. Within weeks, if not days, the evil Antiochus IV Epiphanes died. The Greek historian Polybius said that Antiochus was on an expedition to the eastern part of the empire to rob another temple when he died of a sudden illness and certain manifestations of divine displeasure.

Polybius hints at the real possibility that the king suffered Gods judgment. Whether he understood it to be the God of the Jews isnt clearbut the non-canonical book of Second Maccabees claims that he did. Nonetheless, Antiochus sudden death is just one example of many of the demises of those who have come against the Jewish people. Indeed, God blesses those who bless His people, Israel, and curses those who curse them (Genesis 12:3). Upon the kings death, the Seleucid kingdom weakened and fell into irreparable decline.

The Israel Test

The Bible is clear that God will judge the nations for their treatment of the Jewish people. The Old and New Testaments both teach this, and the principle has been played out repeatedly throughout history.

The most obvious explanation is that the Jewish people are special to Him. He did not just choose them but created them through Abraham and Sarah, who was past child-bearing years, and He takes their treatment by others seriously.

More than this, God uses Israel to test the hearts of the nations, thereby exposing their goodness, which leads to blessing, or their evil intent, which leads to judgment. Some have likened Israel to litmus paper that when dipped into water shows whether the water is acidic or alkaline. Israel exposes the true condition of peoples hearts.

George Gilder, a venture-capitalist businessman, proposes in his book The Israel Test that Israel presents a moral and ethical challenge to the world and, therefore, has become the ultimate fault line. At the root of the Israel Test is the knowledge that Israel is contributing more to the human cause through its scientific, technological, and financial advances than any other country in the world, except the United States. He predicts that over the next two decades, Israel will grow into the dominant economy in the Middle East and one of the most productive economies in the world.

This is the test Israel presents to the world: What is your attitude toward people who excel you in the creation of wealth or in other accomplishments? Do you aspire to their excellence, or do you seethe at it? Do you admire and celebrate exceptional achievement, or do you impugn it and seek to tear it down?

God is using Israel to test the hearts of the nationsincluding our ownand their future will be determined by how they respond.

The Israel Test and the Church

But could it be that this same test is in operation within the church? In Romans 11 the apostle Paul addressed the posture of the Roman church toward the Jewish people. He warned believers to remain humble and to show them honor. He even cautioned them about the possibility of Gods judgment if their hearts were not in the right place.

A church that honors its Hebraic roots as wild branches grafted into the natural olive tree receives great strength and nourishment. To dishonor the very root that supports our faith brings spiritual decline, judgment, and even death. Remember, wrote Paul, that you do not support the root, but the root supports you (Romans 11:18).

Antiochus IV Epiphanes failed the Israel Test, and his kingdom is long gone. Others throughout history have also fallen short on the test and experienced decline and extinction. May our nation and churches pass the Israel Test in this current battle against Gods enemies by blessing and supporting the one nation He created to bring glory to His name.

This article was originally published on December 7, 2023 at: https://icejusa.org/2023/12/07/what-is-hanukkah/

Photo credit: GettyImages/FamVeld

Related Podcast:





For over 40 years, Dr. Susan Michael has advanced the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) in the USA and worldwide. She serves as the USA President and sits on the ICEJs international Board of Directors. She is frequently asked to address complex issues to diverse audiencesincluding antisemitism, Jewish-Christian relations, and Middle East affairsand does so with clarity and grace. Dr. Michael leads the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network, has authored books, such as Encounter the 3D Bible: How to Read the Bible so It Comes to Life, and has developed educational resources, including the IsraelAnswers website, ICEJ U online courses, and curricula for Christian colleges.

Karen Engle is the Managing Editor for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, USA Branch. She has a masters in biblical studies and theology with an emphasis in Israel studies and is passionate about teaching about Gods purpose and plan for Israel and the nations.
Let's defend ourselves while there's still time

The US wants to "save" Europe by supporting radicals and trying to destabilize the EU

11. 12. 2025 / Bohumil Kartous

cas cteni 3 minuty

In its new "security strategy," the Trump administration openly states that it will seek to destabilize the European Union through related political forces on the far right. If we do not abandon the sentimental idea of transatlantic security cooperation "forever" and if we do not immediately curb the influence of algorithms in the hands of the American techno-oligarchy, then the EU will indeed fall apart.





This is monstrous audacity. The current US administration is characterized by the following elements:









2) it abuses political power to destroy democratic safeguards





3) it attempts to manipulate public opinion and silence serious media outlets through threats,





4) it denies scientific knowledge about health and climate





5) it is made up of a bunch of ridiculous sycophants who repeatedly humiliate themselves and the entire US by devoutly flattering an uneducated, infantile old man with monarchist tendencies in the Oval Office.





This gang of crooks has the audacity to accuse the European Union of censorship and suppression of freedom of speech, based solely on the fact that the EU has decided to protect its digital space against predatory American social media operators.





It is particularly brazen that the US wants to interfere in European affairs by supporting radicals who clearly intend to call for withdrawal from the EU in the countries in question. If this happens, especially in the case of Italy and Poland, the EU is likely to collapse and individual countries will become easy prey for economic hegemons with authoritarian governments (China and, in its current state, the US). Without the EU's strong negotiating position, individual EU countries have no chance of success. In addition, Europe will be permanently threatened by Russia, which will be supported by China (and possibly the US, at least according to how Trump is selling Ukraine) in weakening European countries from within (digitally) and threatening them from without.





The EU must pull itself together and say goodbye to the idea of a transatlantic alliance, at least until the gang of dangerous MAGA primitives who are successfully turning the US into an authoritarian regime openly threatening its closest allies are no longer in power.





If we do not do so now, the EU is in danger of collapsing. The tendencies supported by MAGA idiots are gaining strength throughout Europe, and they have formed a faction in the European Parliament called Patriots (remember how Babis babbled about "make Europe great again" and waved his fist while doing so). US Vice President Vance and techno-oligarch Musk openly support the AfD, the fascist populists in Germany, and based on the new security strategy, we can be sure that similar support will be given to other far-right populists anywhere in the EU, through social media algorithms in the hands of the American techno-oligarchy.









The EU must quickly build its own defenses, but first and foremost, it must limit the toxic influence of American (and Chinese) social networks on European territory as quickly as possible. Either the branches operating social networks will be sold to companies under European jurisdiction, or they must be shut down. In addition, the EU must begin to build its own self-sufficient digital infrastructure.





If we do not do this, we will end up as individual colonies of the US and China, permanently threatened by Russia. That is the reality of the present.







-1
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) proudly welcomes Suzanne Shelton, Founder and CEO of Shelton Group, the nation's leading marketing communications agency entirely focused on sustainability (now known as ERM Shelton since the firm's acquisition by ERM, the world's leading pure-play sustainability consultancy), into its distinguished community of influential women leaders. A pioneer in purpose-driven business and communications, Suzanne has spent over two decades helping organizations define, measure, and market their environmental and social impact.

Suzanne Shelton

As one of the foremost voices in the sustainability sector, Suzanne has advised many of the world's most recognized companies on how to authentically connect sustainability initiatives with business performance and consumer engagement. Under her leadership, ERM Shelton has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking to lead with transparency, responsibility, and purpose.

Suzanne's deep expertise is complemented by a data-driven approach to behavioral insights. Through ERM Shelton's nationally recognized research on American attitudes toward sustainability, she has shaped industry understanding of how values, messaging, and market expectations intersect to drive progress. A frequent speaker and thought leader, she contributes to advancing environmental leadership through board service, writing, and advocacy for corporate accountability.

Her achievements include:

Founding and scaling Shelton Group, a nationally acclaimed sustainability marketing firm serving Fortune 500 companies and mission-based organizations.





Leading groundbreaking national research on sustainability beliefs and behaviors, guiding industry trends for over 20 years.





Advising senior leaders on integrating purpose and profit through strategic ESG storytelling and stakeholder engagement.





Championing women's leadership and environmental stewardship across corporate and nonprofit sectors.

"Suzanne's ability to merge data, strategy, and purpose to drive lasting change makes her an extraordinary addition to EWA," said Larraine Segil, Chair and CEO of the Exceptional Women Alliance. "Her leadership not only advances sustainable business but inspires a new generation of purpose-driven executives."

She now joins a powerful and growing community of C-suite and board-level women leaders across disciplines who share a common goal: to lift one another, cultivate influence, and expand opportunities for women around the world.

About Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA)

The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) is an invitation-only peer mentorship organization where high-level Exceptional Women from across multiple industries are hand-selected and invested in, to grow, learn, share, and succeed. In addition to the achievement of significant success, the criteria for acceptance include character traits that are defining of the EWA Culture  Kindness, the Spirit of Generosity, Transparency, Gratitude, and Willingness to Share their knowledge. The Foundation is a powerhouse of peer-to-peer mentoring that provides guidance, deep connection, and leadership, propelling each woman to sustainable successone woman at a time. The life-long program enables each participant to be connected as alumnae in the ever-expanding EWA global community, as their fellow women leaders continue to move into positions of significance.

Learn more at www.exceptionalwomenalliance.com

SOURCE Exceptional Women Alliance
CLEVELAND, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Max Collaborative and Spark GHC today announced a joint venture that will bring a new housing initiative to communities across Ohio. Together, the organizations will invest in 15+ strategically selected sites to create high-quality, well-managed housing designed for the state's professionals who power local communities; the teachers, healthcare workers, service professionals, contractors, first responders, and traveling specialists who keep local communities running.

Vision for this newly announced housing initiative.

This long-term partnership represents a shared commitment to community benefit, smart growth, and strengthening Ohio's workforce infrastructure. The initial phase is underway, with the first three locations currently nearing final selection. Construction on these assets, which will serve both flexible and full-time residents, is expected to begin in 2026, with full build out completed within three to five years.

A Partnership Built on Community Investment

The joint venture pairs The Max Collaborative's legacy of smartly designed, community-minded development with Spark GHC's operational excellence across multifamily and extended-stay housing. Together, the organizations will deliver a flexible housing model that supports both short-term and long-term residents while reinforcing the stability of local neighborhoods.

"For our family, this is the next generational opportunity to serve communities," said Jon Ratner, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at The Max Collaborative. "Ohio, and much of the country, has a real gap in housing that supports working families. Building on our legacy with Forest City, we're investing in a model that meets a community need and provides housing options for workers and families rooted in the places they love."

For Spark GHC, the partnership aligns with its mission to deliver high-quality, professionally managed housing solutions for local neighborhoods.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to partner with a world-class organization," said Bhavin Patel, Co-Founder and Principal at Spark GHC. "The Max Collaborative brings vision and scale to our deep operational expertise in multifamily and hospitality. Together, we're creating housing opportunities that strengthen local economies and support the people who make Ohio thrive."

Designed for Community Integration

Each site will be intentionally planned to complement its surrounding neighborhood, focusing on design, walkability, landscaping, safety, and efficient land use. The model emphasizes:

Well-managed housing for local professionals

Flexible stay lengths that meet the needs of both long-term and traveling residents

Professional, on-site management to ensure accountability, maintenance, and safety

Smart growth design to minimize traffic impact and blend seamlessly into the community

"We're working closely with city officials and community organizations to ensure each project reflects local priorities and long-term goals," Patel added. "This is about partnership, transparency, and helping communities grow sustainably."

A Boost for Local Economies

Each new location is expected to deliver meaningful economic and social benefits, including:

Strong local spending from residents dining and shopping nearby

Increased tax revenue and support for local businesses

Housing options that help retain essential workers

Safe, well-maintained properties with high-quality, consistent management

A long-term commitment to neighborhood enhancement

"This is about strengthening the backbone of our communities," said Ratner. "Teachers, nurses, and working families deserve a housing solution that's well-designed, and close to the jobs and amenities that shape their daily lives."

Looking Ahead

With three sites soon to be finalized and construction expected to begin in 2026, the joint venture is set to deliver 15+ Ohio locations within a three to five year timeline. Additional markets across the Midwest are also under evaluation as the organizations look toward future phases.

About The Max Collaborative

The Max Collaborative is a privately held real-estate investment and development company led by members of the Ratner family, building on the legacy of Forest City Enterprises. Rooted in a mission to inspire, collaborate, and create lasting community impact, the firm focuses on high-quality multifamily, mixed-use, and urban-infill projects across major U.S. markets. With a commitment to integrity, sustainability, and thoughtful design, The Max Collaborative invests in places where people can thrive, prioritizing smart growth, neighborhood vitality, and long-term economic resilience. Learn more at www.themaxcollaborative.com.

About Spark GHC

Spark GHC is a minority owned, U.S. focused private real estate firm focused on developing, acquiring, and operating hospitality, multi-family, and commercial assets. Spark GHC's mission is to improve the daily guest experience through technological innovation, remain strong stewards of the community where assets are located, and be a driver of positive culture. The Spark and GHC family of companies have $525+ million in assets under ownership consisting of ~3,300 hospitality keys and multi-family units. Over the past 36 months, the companies have acquired 16 hotel assets and 2 multi-family properties. Spark GHC was founded by Amit Patel, Bhavesh Lad, Bhavin Patel, Michael J. Smith, and Saagar Parikh. The sponsor team has a diverse background spread across Main Street and Wall Street. Learn more at www.sparkghc.com . Contact them at [email protected] .

SOURCE Spark GHC
A 31-year-old man, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity, told his grandmother that he had killed her son when she was lying in her bed in a hospital ward, a Central Criminal Court jury has heard.

It was during the opening of the trial of Ross O'Rourke on Thursday that a prosecuting barrister said that expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence are in agreement as to their opinion about the mental state of the accused when he killed his father.

Michael Bowman SC, defending Mr O'Rourke, made ten admissions of fact to the court on Thursday on behalf of his client.

These included that the accused had caused the death of his father, Stefan Nivelles Posschier, at The Stables in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath, between October 24th and 25th, 2022.

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Ross ORourke (31), with a previous address in Tullow, Carlow, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father, Mr Posschier (65).

Opening the prosecutions case on Thursday, Shane Costelloe SC said there is likely to be no controversy over the actions of Mr O'Rourke leading up to the death of his father and how he came to die.

Counsel said Mr Posschier lived a modest existence, and the jury would hear that the deceased was assisting in the care of his elderly mother, Ann Kingston, in October 2022, along with other members of his family. He said Ms Kingston was the grandmother of the accused man Mr O'Rourke.

Outlining the facts of the case, Mr Costelloe said Mr O'Rourke was travelling outside the country from 2017 onwards and had been living in Germany and the Netherlands. He said the accused was living a "nomadic style of life", doing some work and beginning to exhibit signs that he wasn't quite mentally well.

There will be evidence, Mr Costelloe said, that the accused was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric unit in Amsterdam, where he was involuntarily detained for ten weeks and diagnosed as having a mental illness by the Dutch authorities. The lawyer said Mr O'Rourke was released from the psychiatric unit on the understanding that he would return to Ireland.

Counsel told the panel that Mr O'Rourke started to live with his grandmother Ms Kingston, and was in regular enough contact with his father Mr Posschier, who was helping his mother on a day-to-day basis.

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The prosecution barrister went on to tell the court that Ms Kingston had to be placed in Carlow Hospital. He said the jurors would hear evidence that Ms Kingston was in her bed in the hospital ward on October 25th, 2022 when Mr O'Rourke, who was sitting next to her, told her that he had killed her son, Mr Posschier.

The barrister said Ms Kingston made a number of phone calls to her daughter - the sister of the deceased man - when she heard this. Gardai then attended at the rural location where Mr Posschier lived.

Evidence will be that gardai didn't see anything untoward when they attended at The Stables in Kinnegad on the first occasion and left. However, Mr Costelloe said after a few hours, when more information came out, gardai returned to The Stables, where they found a plastic tarpaulin held down with bricks and underneath was the body of the deceased.

He said another family member had previously gone to the house and seen the deceased's body before alerting gardai.

The court heard that further evidence will be about a search at the very modest property, where a blood-stained knife was found in a ceramic jar on top of a shelf in the kitchen. Counsel said it is the prosecution's case that the blood belonged to the deceased Mr Posschier.

The barrister said an autopsy was performed on Mr Posschier, which found he had suffered a number of stab wounds, some of which traversed arteries in the body. He said Mr Posschier had died from these stab wounds.

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Ireland Seven men who conspired to smuggle 59m of cocaine into West Cork jailed for combined 70 years Read more

The court will also hear evidence, the lawyer said, about certain comments made by the accused when he was in custody.

The lawyer said the jurors would hear from expert consultant psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence, who will tell them "what was going on in the mind of the accused at the time".

Mr Bowman, defending, made ten formal admissions to the court today on behalf of his client, including that Mr O'Rourke had caused the death of his father at The Stables and that Mr Posschier's body was found at that address by Mr Jack O'Rourke shortly before 6:23pm on October 25th, 2022.

The trial continues this afternoon before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of five men and seven women.
A Filipino healthcare worker who had been suspended from his job at a nursing home died in a fire at his city centre apartment two years ago, an inquest has heard.

Henry Delos Reyes (59), who was also known as Abby, suffered fatal injuries in the bedroom of his second-floor apartment on Capel Street, Dublin 1, on September 11th 2023.

An inquest into his death heard the severity of the injuries to the deceased meant he had to be identified by matching DNA samples taken from the body with those of his siblings in the Philippines.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Thursday heard Mr Delos Reyes, who had lived in Ireland for over 16 years, had been suspended from his job as a healthcare assistant at the Nazareth House nursing home on Malahide Road, Dublin 3, in May 2023.

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In a written statement, however, one of his work colleagues, Suzanne Byrne, said the incident had been all blown out of proportion.

He was a lovely gentleman  the nicest person you could ever meet, said Ms Byrne.

She said everyone supported him but he was devastated by what had happened.

It did break him on another level, Ms Byrne remarked.

She outlined how he stopped eating and was struggling financially.

Ms Byrne said his work colleagues at Nazareth House, as well as the families of some of the nursing homes residents, had made a collection of around 1,000 for him which had blown him away.

She said she had become increasingly worried about him in the weeks before his death as she was unable to contact him, which was unusual.

Ms Byrne said everyone in Nazareth House was devastated at hearing of his death.

The inquest heard that Mr Delos Reyes had been prescribed anti-depressants by his GP, Dr Ban Mustafa, because of his low mood at the time.

While he had suicidal thoughts, Dr Mustafa said his patient had no plans to take his own life because of his family back in the Philippines.

Mr Delos Reyes flatmate, Marian Chua, said she noticed in May 2023 that he was staying in his apartment during his normal working hours, but he claimed it was due to the nursing homes summer schedule with students working instead of him.

Ms Chua said he was a very private person who rarely spoke and always went straight into his bedroom when in the apartment.

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She told the inquest that the last interaction she had with him was in July 2023 when he asked her if she could pay their full electricity bill as he had no money to pay for it.

The inquest heard the buildings landlord, James Norton, had called at the apartment on the evening before he died, looking to speak to Mr Delos Reyes because the rent had not been paid for several months.

On the afternoon of September 11th, 2023, Ms Chua said she returned to the apartment and knocked on her flatmates door as she needed to talk to him about the rent but she got no answer.

Sometime later, she heard the fire alarm go off before hearing a loud explosion followed by smoke billowing from Mr Delos Reyes bedroom.

Ms Chua recalled shouting at him as the apartment became engulfed in black smoke and seeing his body sitting on a couch surrounded by fire.

She said his body was completely still and already charred.

Ms Chua said she could not enter the room because of the smoke and the heat and quickly tried to gather some of her belongings before getting out of the building.

A firefighter with Dublin Fire Brigade, Liam Caffrey, who attended the scene, told the inquest that the heat from the blaze would have reached temperatures of up to 600C.

The inquest heard a postmortem had concluded that Mr Delos Reyes died as a result of a combination of burns and inhalation of combustible materials from the fire, while tests for alcohol and other drugs were negative.

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The coroner, Crona Gallagher, reassured relatives of the deceased, who attended the hearing via videolink, that he was not alive for very long after the fire started.

Dr Gallagher noted that a report from Forensic Science Ireland had found evidence of the presence of an accelerant from debris taken from the apartment, and it was believed the fire was started on the couch in the deceaseds bedroom.

Detective Garda Mairead Murphy told the coroner that she found a diary in the apartment in which Mr Delos Reyes had stated in the last entry: I have lost everything in my life since May 4, 2023.

He also thanked his colleagues in Nazareth House and expressed a wish to be cremated.

Det Garda Murphy confirmed that the deceased had been suspended from his job at the time of his death while an investigation by the nursing home was being carried out, but that nothing had been finalised.

Ireland Deirdre Morley's lawyers to challenge decision not to allow medical evidence into inquest of children's deaths Read more

In reply to questions from the coroner, Det Garda Murphy said she was satisfied that Mr Delos Reyes had taken his own life.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Dr Gallagher said the deceased may have been overwhelmed at some point and may have become impulsive on the day of his death.

The coroner also observed that the functioning of the smoke alarms had definitely saved other lives that day.

Describing what happened as a terrible tragedy, Dr Gallagher said it was clear that the deceased was very obviously not only valued but loved as a colleague and friend.
A 67-year-old former soldier has been found guilty of the murder of his friend and former Defence Forces army captain, Patrick OMahony, last year.

Thomas Carroll, Brookway, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, had denied the murder of Patrick OMahony, at Mr OMahonys home, at Ballyreamen, Castlemaine, Co Kerry, between February 24th and 25th, 2024.

The jury of eight men and four women returned a unanimous guilty verdict at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick.

The trial had heard evidence that Mr Carroll was a long-time friend of the victim and had travelled to his home in Kerry on the weekend in question.

It was alleged that after events took a "foul turn" between the pair, Mr OMahony sustained a single gunshot wound and died as a result of hemorrhage and shock.

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In his closing speech to the jury, Mr Carrolls barrister, senior counsel, Mark Nicholas, said they must consider intoxication as a partial defence, and, he argued that Mr Carroll was so intoxicated at the time that he could not have formed the intent to kill Mr OMahony, and as such, as he was so overborne by alcohol he did not know what he was doing.

Mr OMahony and Mr Carroll had been friends for many decades and were old soldier pals.

Mr OMahony had been an excellent soldier and had retired from the Defence Forces at the rank of Captain, with an exemplary record, in 1994.

The court heard Mr Carroll joined the Defence Forces in 1975, and during a 37-year career, he had served eleven tours of peacekeeping duty in Lebanon and Kosovo, and had also held an exemplary record of service.

The two men had also shared an entirely lawful interest in firearms, and there were various firearms in Mr OMahonys home.

Mr Nicholas, instructed by solicitor Pat Mann, Tralee, agreed there had been no doubt Mr OMahony died by the actions of Mr Carroll, but that he did not intend to kill him, and he was therefore not guilty of murder.

Ireland Man (38) remanded in custody charged in connection with mosque burning plot Read more

The jury disagreed with Mr Nicholas and brought in the guilty verdict shortly after 12.30pm.

Mr OMahony had five children, and his wife passed away in November 2023, three months prior to his murder.

Initially, gardai did not treat Mr OMahonys death as suspicious; however, a murder investigation was subsequently launched after a local mortician noticed a small exit wound of the bullet that had entered the victims body.

Victim impact statements from Mr OMahonys family are to be heard next week before a sentence is passed on Mr Carroll.
A Limerick man who is wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge, which alleges that he attempted to facilitate the transportation of 66 people from Greece to Italy, has been remanded in custody with consent to bail.

Jeremiah OBrien (55), of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick is alleged to have facilitated the transportation of 66 human beings, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece towards Italy.

The boat was discovered stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach, close to Gerolimenas, Greece.

The State contested a bail application made on behalf of Mr OBrien on Wednesday at the High Court.

Detective Garda Tony Keane said that Mr OBrien has provided many different addresses over the past years, including at locations such as Nottingham in the UK, Belfast and Newry.

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The detective garda said that there was concern that, if he was released on bail, the respondent could abscond.

Defence counsel for O'Brien, Simon Matthews BL, said that his client is a member of the travelling community who crosses Europe selling tools and generators. He said that the addresses given were those of family members and friends that he stays with.

Mr Matthews said that Rathkeale is O'Brien's main place of residence and that he would stay there if he was granted bail.

Counsel said that his client maintains his innocence and has never been in custody before.

Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said that the allegations against OBrien were of the highest order.

However, she said that Mr OBrien must be presumed innocent and the court must have regard to the fact that he has no prior convictions and no history of warrants in the State.

Ms Justice Ring said that O'Brien has a travelling history, which is not out of order with regard to his background. She said that the respondent appears to be a man who has worked around the continent and that he has no record of difficulties with various police services.

Ms Justice Ring said that she was inclined to grant bail on O'Briens own bond of 500. She said that an independent surety of 15,000 must also be provided. She said that this could be frozen or done in a cash lodgement.

The judge also said that OBrien must surrender all travel documents, that he must live at the address indicated at Rathkeale and must sign in daily at the garda station.

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Ms Justice Ring said that OBrien must maintain a curfew at night at the address at Rathkeale and that gardai should attend to ensure that curfew is followed.

She also said that he must attend all court dates and not make any further applications for travel documents. She also said that he must keep the peace and be of good behaviour while on bail.

Detective Garda Tony Keane previously gave evidence that on November 26th, he was on duty in the Rathkeale area when he became aware of a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert for the arrest of Mr OBrien, which related to a European arrest warrant.

Det Gda Keane said it is alleged that Jeremiah OBrien and two other named persons acted jointly between November 9th and 16th, 2017, by renting a car and between November 11th and 23rd, 2017, by renting a 12m speedboat.

Det Gda Keane said the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran).

Det Gda Keane said that these 66 people paid between 4,000 and 6,000 US dollars each.

The detective said that after he informed Mr OBrien that he was the subject of the SIS alert for the purpose of arrest, the respondent replied: I was never in Greece.

Det Gda Keane went on to say that after being brought to Henry Street Garda Station and given the details of the charge, the respondent said: I dont know anything about that.

The detective gave evidence that Mr O'Brien then said that he had been in Greece and did rent a car.

A hearing date has been fixed for January 14th, next.
More than 3 million (3.43 million) in cash has been seized following the disruption of a cross-border money-laundering nexus, the chief executive of the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.

Graeme Biggar told the Policing Board in Belfast that his organisation was working alongside the PSNI to disrupt the activities of quite sophisticated organised crime groups operating in Northern Ireland.

Mr Biggar said three arrests had been made in July following an investigation into a drug-smuggling organisation.

He said: That is a Northern Ireland-based, drug-smuggling, organised crime group that is importing drugs from Europe into the UK, including into Northern Ireland.

That is a Northern Ireland-based drug smuggling organised crime group that is importing drugs from Europe into the UK, including into Northern Ireland Graeme Biggar, NCA

They are big, they are sophisticated, we have been investigating them for some time.

Turning to a separate investigation, he said: We have found a money-laundering nexus in Newry.

The location, unsurprising, it is money laundering that is going across the border, up from Dublin and into Northern Ireland.

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In that investigation, which has been going on for some time, it is really quite sophisticated.

We have, so far, made nine arrests.

Mr Biggar added: We are now over 3 million in cash that has been seized from that investigation.

I think there is a lot more to come from that, in cash to be seized and also spin-off investigations that will come from it, and also further arrests that will be made.

The NCA director general said his organisation was also involved in asset denial work targeting paramilitaries in the region.

He said: We have 1.5 million of assets that we have either frozen or we are investigating in Northern Ireland, largely associated with former paramilitaries and serious and organised crime.

And a further, more than 3 million associated with the same investigations, assets that are connected to Northern Ireland but held outside in GB.

Graeme Biggar said the NCA is committed to the work it does in NI (Liam McBurney/PA)

He said, last week, the NCA obtained a property freezing order on a property in Northern Ireland worth 300,000 for an individual who is currently in prison for drugs and money-laundering offences.

He added: The asset denial work that we do, we set a much lower bar and threshold for taking on cases in Northern Ireland than we would elsewhere.

We are massively committed to what we do here.

Mr Biggar said there was an increasing amount of drugs coming into the UK from the Republic of Ireland, both from HGV vehicles travelling on ferries and drop-offs.

He said: We are seeing more drugs coming in through the Common Travel Area into GB.
Seven men who took part in an international conspiracy to pilot a narco boat into west Cork totally underestimated both the local community and law enforcement, a judge has said, as they were sentenced to a combined 70 years in jail.

Aleksander Milic (28), Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz (46), Anuar Rahui Chairi (43), Juan Antonio Gallardo Barroso (56), Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega (37), and Angel Serran Padilla (41), were handed sentences ranging from 8 to 11 years each at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Thursday for their parts in the failed drug smuggling operation.

The men had all pleaded guilty to taking part in a conspiracy to import controlled drugs between February 27th and March 14th 2024, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended.

They were among ten men arrested when gardai acting on a tip-off about suspicious activity at Tragumna Pier near Skibbereen swooped and seized a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), road vehicles, and thousands of euro worth of nautical gear, communications equipment and clothing.

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Detective Inspector Joe Young told the court earlier this year that a major surveillance operation had already been mounted by gardai after officers at a roadside checkpoint near Bandon on 22nd of February that year searched a car.

In the vehicle, they found a notepad with the names of six local AirBnB properties, and the coordinates of Roscarbery and Dromadoon Piers.

The smugglers twin-engine RHIB was seized by gardai and inspected by a former naval officer, Gary Delany, who found it was fitted with 300-horsepower engines, had parts painted black, and had just one light.

Mr Delaneys view of the boat was that it was for detecting, but not to be detected, the court noted.

It was described in the sentence hearing as a narco boat, a term the court noted was used in other jurisdictions to describe a vessel modified for the purpose of conducting drug trafficking at sea and darkened or blackened to ensure low profile and avoid detection.

A GPS device seized from the conspirators showed the boat had been used to journey some 985km by sea in an effort to interdict a commercial vessel, the Panama-flagged Cool Explorer, as it was sailing from Ecuador to Russia via the English Channel and the Baltic Sea.

Five men spent 48 hours on the high seas in the RHIB following the track of the Cool Explorer as it passed south of Lands End in Britain around 12 March 2024, before turning back to Cork in considerably rough conditions, with a weather warning in place, the court noted.

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Inspector Young told the sentencing hearing that the boat had made an attempt to travel towards the path of the Cool Explorer and that the intention was to make a rendezvous with the ship.

840kg of cocaine  valued at over 58 million -- was found washed up on a beach near Jutland in Denmark on March 17th, after the Cool Explorer passed the coastline, the court noted.

Passing sentence on Thursday, Ms Justice Karen OConnor, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Marie Keane, said the court was of the view the defendants had involved themselves in a serious conspiracy to import controlled drugs into this jurisdiction.

They had carried out extensive planning and logistics, and advance reconnaissance in west Cork to take advantage of our coastal situation  but had not reckoned with the vigilance of the local people or gardai, Judge OConnor said.

Judge OConnor said: The temerity of the co-conspirators, the total lack of respect for citizens in this jurisdiction, is astounding.

This court has been struck by the audacity and brazen nature of this conspiracy, she said. Arriving at this quiet coastline, presuming they would not be noticed, totally underestimating the diligence, neighbourliness and alertness of our local communities.

The group had also completely underestimated the quality of our law enforcement, she added.

Ireland Man (35) jailed for setting ex-girlfriend's car on fire Read more

She said the headline sentence warranted for each of the co-conspirators was 18 years imprisonment each. She reduced this by a third in recognition of guilty pleas by each of the men and took further mitigation into account on an individual basis.

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Kiumaars Ghabiri, an Iranian national resident in the Netherlands, along with Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz and Anuar Rahui Chairi from Spain, who had all been on land during the attempted smuggling operation, each received 11 years imprisonment.

Spanish national Angel Serran Padilla and his countryman Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega both took to sea in the RHIB. Padilla received a sentence of 11 years imprisonment, and Ortega 10 years.

Another Spanish national who helped crew the boat, Juan Antonio Gallardo Barroso, was sentenced to 8 years, as was Serbian national Aleksander Milic, the youngest of the group.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado appeared in public for the first time in 11 months on Thursday, after a daring escape from her homeland, when she emerged from a hotel balcony in Norways capital and waved to an emotional crowd of supporters cheering for the new Nobel laureate.

Her appearance in Oslo came hours after her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize award on her behalf.

Ms Machado was recognised after mounting the most serious peaceful challenge in years to the authoritarian government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Freedom! Freedom! the crowd gathered outside the hotel chanted after seeing Ms Machado. Together they sang Venezuelas national anthem.



The daughter of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ana Corina Sosa, accepts the award on behalf of her mother (Ole Berg-Rusten/NTB Scanpix, Pool/AP)

Ms Machado, dressed in jeans and a puffer jacket, spent several minutes outside the hotel, where she was joined by members of her family and her closest aides.

She hugged many in the crowd amid chants of President! President!

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I want you all back in Venezuela, Machado said as people lifted their mobile phones to take pictures.

Ms Machado had been in hiding since January 9, when she was briefly detained after joining supporters in a protest in Caracas, Venezuelas capital.

She had been expected to attend the award ceremony on Wednesday in Oslo, where heads of state and her family were among those waiting to see her.

Ms Machado said in an audio recording of a phone call published on the Nobel website that she would not be able to arrive in time for the ceremony but that many people had risked their lives for her to arrive in Oslo.



Maria Corina Machado with the crowd in front of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, on Thursday (Lise Aserud/NTB Scanpix/AP)

Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the prize in her place.

She wants to live in a free Venezuela, and she will never give up on that purpose, Ms Sosa said. That is why we all know, and I know, that she will be back in Venezuela very soon.

Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel committee, told the award ceremony that Maria Corina Machado has done everything in her power to be able to attend the ceremony here today, a journey in a situation of extreme danger.

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In the audio recording Ms Machado said: I am very grateful to them, and this is a measure of what this recognition means to the Venezuelan people, before indicating that she was about to board a plane.

Flight tracking data show that the plane on which she arrived flew to Oslo from Bangor, Maine, in the US.

Ms Machado, 58, said that since this is a prize for all Venezuelans, I believe that it will be received by them. And as soon as I arrive, I will be able to embrace all my family and my children that Ive have not seen for two years and so many Venezuelans, Norwegians that I know that share our struggle and our fight.

Prominent Latin American figures attended on Wednesday in a show of solidarity with Ms Machado, including Argentine President Javier Milei, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and Paraguayan President Santiago Pena.

Ms Machados win for her struggle to achieve a democratic transition in her country was announced on October 10.



Maria Corina Machado claps with the crowd in Oslo (Jonas Been Henriksen/NTB Scanpix/AP)

Mr Watne Frydnes said that Venezuela has evolved into a brutal authoritarian state, and he described Ms Machado as one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in recent Latin American history.

She won an opposition primary election and intended to challenge Mr 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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In the lead-up to the election on July 28, 2024, there was 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.

Mr Gonzalez, who sought asylum in Spain last year after a Venezuelan court issued a warrant for his arrest, attended Wednesdays ceremony.

UN human rights officials and many independent rights groups have expressed concerns about the situation in Venezuela, and called for Mr Maduro to be held accountable for the crackdown on dissent.

More than anything, what we Venezuelans can offer the world is the lesson forged through this long and difficult journey, that to have democracy, we must be willing to fight for freedom, Ms Sosa said as she delivered the lecture written for the occasion by her mother.

The speech did not refer to the current tensions between Washington and Caracas, as US President Donald Trump continues a military operation in the Caribbean that has killed Venezuelans in international waters and threatens to strike Venezuela.



The Norwegian Venezuelan Justice Alliance gather for a torchlight procession in honour of Maria Corina Machado in Oslo (Jonas Been Henriksen/NTB/AP)

Ms Machado has consistently endorsed Mr Trumps strategy toward Venezuela.

Among many heroes of this journey honoured in the lecture, Ms Sosa mentioned the leaders around the world who joined us and defended our cause, but did not elaborate.

Mr Watne Frydnes said of authoritarian leaders like Mr Maduro that your power is not permanent. Your violence will not prevail over people who rise and resist.

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Mr Maduro, accept the election result and step down, he said.

Five past Nobel Peace Prize laureates were detained or imprisoned at the time of the award, according to the prizes official website, most recently Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi in 2023 and Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski in 2022.

The others were Liu Xiaobo of China in 2010, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar in 1991 and Carl von Ossietzky of Germany in 1935.

Gustavo Tovar-Arroyo, a Venezuelan human rights activist who was forced to flee into exile in 2012, said that Ms Machados supporters did the best for her to be here as she deserves. But we knew the risk.

He added that they are disappointed that she cannot be in the ceremony, but this is part of what we do when we fight against a dictatorship, a tyranny or a criminal regime. So we are used to it.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Thursday that she does not believe the Venezuelan government knew where she was hiding for most of this year, as she met Norways leader a day after her daughter received the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf.

Ms Machado arrived in Oslo hours after Wednesdays prize ceremony and made her first public appearance in 11 months in the early hours of Thursday.

She emerged from a hotel balcony and waved to an emotional crowd of supporters. She had been in hiding since January 9, when she was briefly detained after joining supporters in a protest in Caracas.



Maria Corina Machado on her way to the Storting, or Parliament, in Oslo on Thursday (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB/AP)

Ms Machado, 58, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October after mounting the most serious peaceful challenge in years to the authoritarian government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the prize in Oslo and said that Ms Machado will be back in Venezuela very soon.

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On Thursday Ms Machado was received by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who said his country is ready to support a democratic Venezuela in building new and sound institutions.

Asked whether the Venezuelan government might have known her whereabouts since January, Ms Machado told reporters: I dont think they have known where I have been, and certainly they would have done everything to stop me from coming here.



Maria Corina Machado greets crowds in front of the Grand Hotel in Oslo early on Thursday (Lise Aserud/NTB Scanpix via AP)

She did not give details of how she got to Norway but thanked all those men and women that risked their lives so that I could be here today.

One day I will be able to tell you, because certainly I dont want to put them in risk right now, she added.

It was quite an experience, but I think its worthwhile being here with you, telling the world whats happening in Venezuela, what it means to you as Norwegians and as Europeans or from all the places where you come from, why Venezuela matters for the world.

She said that we decided to fight until the end and Venezuela will be free and that, if Mr Maduros government is still in place when she returns, certainly I will be with my people and they will not know where I am. We have ways to do that and take care of us.



Maria Corina Machado appeared on a balcony at the Grand Hotel in Oslo (Lise Aserud/NTB Scanpix/AP)

Flight tracking data show that the plane on which she Machado arrived flew to Oslo from Bangor, Maine, in the US.

Ms Machado won an opposition primary election and intended to challenge Mr 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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In the lead-up to the election on July 28, 2024, there was 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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said negotiators are wrestling with the question of territorial possession in US-led peace talks on ending the war with Russia.

The issues include the future of Ukraines eastern Donetsk region and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the worlds 10 biggest atomic plants.

Mr Zelensky revealed details of discussions before he headed into urgent talks with leaders and officials from about 30 countries that support Kyivs efforts to obtain fair terms in any settlement to halt nearly four years of fighting.

In Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is continuing discussions with both sides. She said that if there is a real chance of signing a peace agreement, then the US could send a representative to the talks as soon as this weekend.



White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt (Alex Brandon/AP)

But she added that its still up in the air whether we believe real peace can be achieved.

Mr Trump long boasted about being able to solve Russias war in Ukraine in a day, but in recent months has complained bitterly about a lack of progress. Ms Leavitt echoed that during her briefing with reporters on Thursday, saying the president is extremely frustrated with both sides of this war.

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She said the administration had spent 30-plus hours in recent weeks meeting officials from Russia and Ukraine as well as Europe, and that the president is sick of meetings just for the sake of meeting.

He doesnt want any more talk, Ms Leavitt said. He wants action.

Ukraine has submitted a 20-point plan to the US, with each point possibly accompanied by a separate document detailing the settlement terms.

We are grateful that the US is working with us and trying to take a balanced position, Mr Zelensky told reporters in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. But at this moment it is still difficult to say what the final documents will look like.

Moscow has in recent months made a determined push to gain control of all parts of Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk, which make up Ukraines valuable Donbas industrial region.



President Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP)

Ukraine does not accept the surrender of Donbas, Mr Zelensky said, adding that both sides remaining along the line of contact would be a fair outcome.

US negotiators have put forward the possibility of a free economic zone in Donbas, with the Russians terming it a demilitarised zone, according to Mr Zelensky.

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Russian officials have not publicly disclosed their proposals.

US negotiators foresee Ukrainian forces withdrawing from the Donetsk region, with the compromise being that Russian forces do not enter, Mr Zelensky said.

But he added that if Ukraine must withdraw its forces, the Russians should also withdraw by the same distance. There are many unanswered questions, including who would oversee Donbas, he added.

The Russians want to retain control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in southern Ukraine, which is not currently operating, but Ukraine opposes that.

The Americans have suggested a joint format to manage the plant, and negotiators are discussing how that might work, Mr Zelensky said.

The leaders of Germany, Britain and France were among those taking part in the meeting of Ukraines allies, dubbed the Coalition of the Willing, by video link.





Mr Zelensky indicated the talks were hastily arranged as Kyiv officials scramble to avoid getting boxed in by Mr Trump, who has disparaged the Ukrainian president, painted European leaders as weak, and set a strategy of improving Washingtons relationship with Moscow.

In the face of Mr Trumps demands for a swift settlement, European governments are trying to steer the peace negotiations because they say their own security is at stake.

Next week, Ukraine will co-ordinate with European countries on a bilateral level, Mr Zelensky said late on Wednesday, and European Union countries are due to hold a regular summit in Brussels at the end of next week.

Russias foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Russia has relayed to Washington additional proposals concerning collective security guarantees that Ukraine and Europe say are needed to deter future aggression.

Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said Russia has launched more than 46,000 drones and missiles against Ukraine so far this year.

He warned his European audience at a speech in Berlin: We are Russias next target.
The results of the PHERGuide study, presented during the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), demonstrate that the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is associated with disease stage.

This research paves the way for the use of blood-based ctDNA as a non-invasive tool to determine disease status in real-time and achieve greater treatment personalization.

During the congress, the design of the PONTIAC study was also presented, which evaluates trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) as a possible new first-line treatment in HR+ and HER2-low/ultralow breast cancer with a non-luminal subtype.

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MEDSIR, a leading international company in oncology research, has announced the results of the PHERGuide study during the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). This research, presented as an oral session during the congress, corresponds to a translational analysis of the PHERGain study and evaluates the correlation between the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood of the patients, with the response to treatment and the risk of recurrence in patients with HER2+ early breast cancer.

Dr. Antonio Llombart-Cussac during the PHERGuide presentation at SABCS 2025

With more than 250 samples analyzed, the results show a direct association between the levels of ctDNA in blood at the start of the study and the stage of the disease. Furthermore, this study also reveals a significant correlation between ctDNA and the response to treatment. After two cycles of therapy, an elimination of ctDNA was observed in 75% of the patients; before surgery, these values reached a negativization of 83%. Consistently, the patients who presented elimination of ctDNA showed a higher probability of responding to the treatment.

Notably, patients without ctDNA at the start of the study or who achieved its elimination before surgery, showed a notably more favorable prognosis, with a probability of developing invasive disease between four and five times lower during a follow-up period of three years.

"This finding opens the way for us to the utilization of liquid biopsy as a non-invasive tool to know the status of the patients' disease," highlighted Dr. Antonio Llombart-Cussac, principal investigator of the study and Head of the Oncology Service at the Hospital Arnau de Villanova in Valencia, Spain. "In this way, by being able to know the status and response of the disease in real time, we could make more personalized and efficient treatment decisions for the patients," he added.

Advances in breast cancer: PONTIAC and CEBBRAH

MEDSIR's activity at SABCS 2025 has also included the presentation of the PONTIAC and CEBBRAH studies.

PONTIAC is a Phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the use of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) as a first-line treatment for patients with HR+/HER2-low/ultralow breast cancer and a non-luminal genomic subtype. This type of cancer is characterized by having lower sensitivity to hormonal therapy, which is the current standard of treatment for this subgroup of patients; therefore, their therapeutic options are limited.

T-DXd is a next-generation therapy that combines two components into a single drug: trastuzumab, an antibody that specifically identifies the HER2 protein present on cancer cells, and deruxtecan, a potent chemotherapeutic drug. This design allows for a selective delivery of the chemotherapy payload into cancer cells, maximizing the anti-tumor effect and minimizing damage to healthy cells and, consequently, reducing side effects.

"The design of the PONTIAC study is innovative and highly promising, as it offers a new targeted treatment option for patients with HR+ and HER2- breast cancer with a non-luminal subtype. The objective is to demonstrate whether this represents a more effective and less harmful treatment alternative", highlighted Dr. Javier Cortes, principal investigator of the study, Head of the International Breast Cancer Center in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain.

During the congress, MEDSIR also presented the results of the CEBBRAH translational analysis, which evaluates for the first time the presence of ctDNA in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with HER2+ breast cancer and leptomeningeal disease treated with T-DXd. The patients who, after receiving T-DXd, showed a reduction of ctDNA in the cerebrospinal fluid presented better control of the leptomeningeal disease, which supports its possible role as a biomarker of the disease.

MEDiscussion: ctDNA and other new trends in breast cancer research

Within the framework of the congress, MEDSIR held a meeting to debate and analyze the new trends in oncological research. The event featured presentations by three international leaders in oncology: Dr. Antonio Llombart-Cussac, Head of Service at Hospital Arnau de Villanova in Valencia; Dr. Javier Cortes, Director of the International Breast Cancer Center-Pangaea Oncology in Barcelona; and Dr. Naoto Ueno, Director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The session was moderated by Dr. Giampaolo Bianchini, a leading specialist in breast oncology at the Clinical Oncology Department of the Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, and included the participation of an expanded panel of prominent international oncologists in an open debate together with a specialized audience.

Specifically, the debate addressed the relevance of implementing new molecular tools in the clinic, such as ctDNA, for the management of luminal HER2+ breast tumors, as well as the growing role of translational research in the advancement towards precision oncology that improves the patients' quality of life.

The Phase III ADELA and TUXEDO-3 studies, also present at SABCS 2025

The company has also presented a poster in a highlighted session regarding a sub-analysis of its TUXEDO-3 study, a multicenter and international Phase II trial that has demonstrated the potential of the antibody-drug conjugate patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) in patients with brain metastases derived from HER2+ breast cancer [and] advanced non-small cell lung cancer, as well as in patients with leptomeningeal disease of any solid tumor.

Now, this sub-analysis examines the efficacy of this drug in those patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who had already received another type of antibody-drug conjugate in previous lines of treatment. The results point towards a potential strategy of sequential antibody-drug conjugate treatment, by demonstrating the benefit of the use of HER3-DXd in these patients with a median overall survival of 8.1 months, as well as a median progression-free survival of 6.3 months evaluated for intracranial lesions, 11.3 months evaluated for extracranial lesions, and 6.3 months evaluated for combined lesions.

Furthermore, the ADELA study, an international Phase III clinical trial, was also present at the SABCS 2025 congress. This study is evaluating a new treatment approach that combines elacestrant with everolimus in a broad group of patients with advanced ER+/HER2- breast cancer and mutations in the ESR1 gene.

About MEDSIR

Established in 2012, MEDSIR distinguishes itself by its close collaboration with strategic partners to drive innovation in oncological research. With headquarters in Spain and the United States, the company manages the comprehensive management of clinical trials, covering from the study design to its subsequent publication, counting on an extensive global network of experts and integrated technology to streamline the process. The company offers support for proof of concept and a strategic approach that allows research partners to benefit from the best of both worlds: industry clinical research and investigator-driven trials.

With the objective of promoting independent research at a global level, MEDSIR has established a strategic alliance with Oncoclinicas, the leading oncological group in Brazil with outstanding research potential in South America.

For more information: www.medsir.org

SOURCE MEDSIR
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was holding urgent talks on Thursday with leaders and officials from about 30 countries that are supporting Kyivs effort to obtain fair terms for an end to the war with Russia.

The leaders of Germany, Britain and France were among those expected to take part in the meeting of Ukraines allies, dubbed the coalition of the willing, via video link.

Mr Zelensky indicated the talks were hastily arranged as Kyiv officials scramble to avoid getting boxed in by US President Donald Trumps demands for a swift settlement.





The 20 points for ending the war form a fundamental document. We are actively working on the key steps  they must be doable. From this fundamental document, we are developing at least two additional ones. The first is on security  regarding security guarantees with the United pic.twitter.com/uQVG4myA6Z  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 10, 2025

European governments are trying to help steer the peace negotiations because they say their own security is at stake.

Mr Trump said on Wednesday that he and European leaders discussed proposals by phone in pretty strong terms, adding that Mr Zelensky has to be realistic about his countrys position on a peace plan that would cede Ukrainian territory to Russia. He did not elaborate.

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Mr Trumps latest effort to broker a settlement is taking longer than he wanted.

He initially set a hard deadline for Kyiv to accept his peace plan before Thanksgiving at the end of November. Previous Washington deadlines for reaching a peace deal have also passed without making a breakthrough.

Russia is also keen to show Mr Trump it is engaging with his peace efforts, hoping to avoid any further US sanctions.

Russias foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Russia has relayed to Washington additional proposals  concerning collective security guarantees that Ukraine and Europe say are needed to deter future aggression.



A Russian missile attacked DTEKs power plant in Ukraine on Wednesday (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

We understand that when discussing security guarantees, we cannot limit ourselves to Ukraine alone, Mr Lavrov said. He did not offer details of the Kremlins proposals.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks of the nearly four-year war overnight, forcing flights in and out of all four Moscow airports to be halted for seven hours.

Airports in eight other cities across Russia also faced restrictions, Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said on Thursday.

The Russian defence ministry said air defences intercepted 287 Ukrainian drones over multiple Russian regions.

The display of Ukraines military capability to strike deep inside Russia appeared as a counter to the Kremlins argument that its invasion is overwhelming for its smaller neighbour.

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to portray himself as negotiating from a position of strength, analysts say. But since launching the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has captured only about 20% of Ukraine.

There are signs that the negotiations are coming to a crossroads. The talks are at a critical moment, European leaders said in a statement on Wednesday.

Next week, Ukraine will co-ordinate with European countries on a bilateral level, Mr Zelensky said late on Wednesday.

Ukraine is working swiftly, he said.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Beetaloo gives green light to first gas at mammoth NT play Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd December 11, 2025  3:29pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Beetaloo Energy has cleared the last hurdle to development at its Carpentaria pilot project in the Northern Territory, taking a final investment decision (FID) on commercialisation and clearing the way to first gas flows from the mammoth Beetaloo Sub-basin. The move caps off a string of regulatory wins for the company, which is on a fast track to deliver gas into a hungry NT gas market, facing acute supply shortages. Beetaloo Energys Carpentaria-5H well within the mammoth Beetaloo sub-basin in the Northern Territory. Beetaloos FID hinged on a series of recently locked-in milestones, including a Beneficial Use of Gas agreement with the Northern Land Council in June on behalf of the Mambaliya Rrumburriya Wuyaliya Aboriginal Land Trust (MRWALT), enabling the sale of its gas, which is set to flow by mid next year. Earlier this week, the company also secured Federal approval, which immediately led to the final Northern Territory environmental approvals for Carpentaria. This covers the construction of the gas plant, associated in-field infrastructure and the completion of up to 10 additional wells in the permit.

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With all the paperwork now in the bag, the company finally has the regulatory backbone to monetise its abundant early gas volumes. The company says the projects rapid and recent progress underscores the crucial role Beetaloo will play in addressing the Territorys looming gas shortfall. As ENIs Blacktip offshore field continues to underperform, the Territory has seemingly been forced into importing an emergency supply from Queensland. With over 90 per cent of the Territorys electricity relying on gas-fired generation, new supply from Beetaloo could ease pressure on local energy prices and bolster security in short order. Beetaloo Energy managing director Alex Underwood said: We have already commenced the civil construction and upgrade works on the CGP utilizing internal capital resources. That work is continuing. We have separately commenced the process to drawdown the $30M Macquarie Midstream Infrastructure Facility which was announced in November 2024 and we intend to draw funds under that facility when required. Beetaloo controls a vast 28.9 million acres across the McArthur Basin and Beetaloo Sub-basin in the heart of the Northern Territory. Its holdings encompass the thickest known section of the Velkerri Shales, averaging 300 metres in gross thickness, making it a prime zone for long-life shale gas extraction.

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Independent evaluations have certified a substantial 1.6 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of contingent dry gas in the reliable 2C category, indicating the promising scale of Beetaloos address, with solid recovery and flow prospectivity. Beetaloo says this is just the tip of the iceberg in the broader sub-basin, which is estimated to harbour more than 200 Tcf of gas, placing Beetaloo at the forefront of what could emerge as one of Australias key onshore energy developments for reliable gas reserves. Under its 2024 gas sales deal with the government, Beetaloo is committed to supplying a minimum of 25 terajoules (TJ) a day to the NT, with flexibility to increase to 35 TJ as output builds across its 10 additional wells. Once operational, gas from the Carpentaria project will flow into the McArthur River pipeline, feeding directly into the Territorys grid and generating royalties for local communities. The swift timeline from approvals to FID highlights Beetaloos critical role in Australias gas supply future, positioning it to supply potentially several hungry markets well ahead of its expansive basin commercialisation.

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With infrastructure funding already unlocked and civil works advancing, the company has now officially shifted from explorer to producer as it jostles to become one of Australias big industry players. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Lindian locks in support facility deals for Malawian rare earths hub Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS James Pearson December 11, 2025  3:20pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Lindian Resources has shifted its Kangankunde rare earths project into high gear after awarding all major non-process infrastructure (NPI) contracts, clearing the decks ahead of full-scale mine construction in Malawi. The move comes after the company took full ownership of its giant rare-earth deposit earlier in the week, having paid US$10 million to exercise an option to acquire the remaining 33 per cent of the project from a local vendor. Lindian Resources staff on site at the companys Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi. Kangankunde packs serious geological muscle, carrying a 23.7-million-tonne probable reserve at 2.9 per cent total rare earths oxide (TREO), underpinned by a hefty 61-million-tonne indicated resource grading 2.43 per cent  numbers that cement its status as one of the most significant undeveloped, high-grade rare earths deposits in the world. With work already underway across multiple packages, contractors mobilised and the mining fleet rolling in, the company says the construction milestone materially boosts execution confidence ahead of first production in late 2026.

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The company has now locked up deals covering everything from the mining workshop and administration hub to the fuel farm, explosives magazine, power infrastructure, perimeter security and tailings management. According to Lindian, contract costs landed well within the budget limits set out in last years feasibility study. Management says contractors are now on the ground, with early works already wrapped up. The companys Komatsu-supplied mining fleet is also rumbling north from South Africa, with the first machines due to roll in this month. Meanwhile, earthworks for the projects all-important mobile workshop, which will house full maintenance capacity, servicing bays, CCTV and spares storage, are 60 per cent complete with construction set to kick off next week. On the power front, the national electricity utility, ESCOM Malawi has been awarded the contract to develop the power line corridor that will energise Kangankundes first-stage operations. The scope includes clearing, excavations, foundation construction, pole installation, line stringing and transformer work - all designed to deliver an initial 3MW supply supported by solar and backup generation. Excavation and pole installation are due to begin shortly. Fuel supply - a critical lifeline during the build and into steady-state mining - is being prepared, with the erection of a new fuel farm housing a pair of 40,000-litre tanks, dispensing systems, fire suppression and security infrastructure. The facility will feed both construction equipment and mining operations as the project ramps up.

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The new administrative building - complete with management offices, technical workspaces, IT facilities, logistics, and a site clinic - is also taking shape, with foundations currently being laid. Once complete, the structure will serve as Kangankundes command centre during construction and into production. Other work, including the explosives magazine - complete with storage units, CCTV and compliant fencing - is progressing, while procurement for the nine-kilometre perimeter fence is underway ahead of phased installation to match Kangankundes construction schedule. Lindian Resources executive director Zac Komur said: Awarding all NPI contracts is a major step forward in positioning Kangankunde for construction and commissioning. The scopes have been tightly integrated into our schedule, and their award further strengthens our commitment to achieving first commercial production in 2026. Lindians push is being fuelled by serious backing, including a recent $91.5 million capital raise and a landmark 15-year offtake deal with heavy minerals heavyweight Iluka Resources. The agreement locks in sales of 6000 tonnes of rare earths concentrate a year which will feed into Ilukas Eneabba refinery in WA, giving Kangankunde a blue-chip customer and a long runway of demand as the project powers towards production. With the ink now dry on every major non-process infrastructure contract, the mining fleet inbound, long-term funding secured and offtake locked away, Lindian appears to be clearing each hurdle with purpose.

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If construction continues at this clip, Kangankunde is shaping up to become one of the rare earth sectors standout new arrivals when first production lands in late 2026. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Locksley taps top engineers to fast-track US antimony push Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS James Pearson December 11, 2025  11:35am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The ASX-listed critical minerals player Locksley Resources has kicked off an expression of interest (EOI) process to recruit tier-one engineering firms in the US for scoping-stage engineering and pilot-plant designs at its Desert antimony mine in California. The formal tender follows on from direct engagement earlier this year between its senior management team and leading US engineering groups, with early conversations now crystallising into a formal selection process. Old workings at Locksley Resources historic Desert antimony mine in California. According to the company, the response has been strong, with potential partners recognising both the quality of the project and how neatly it lines up with US federal priorities around rebuilding critical mineral capacity. Management says proven local experience in San Bernardino County  home to Locksleys antimony project - is non-negotiable, since smooth permitting, regulatory know-how and stakeholder relationships can often be the difference between shaving months off the schedule and losing them altogether.

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With the completion of our recent capital raise, we are fast-tracking our 2026 initiatives. Locksley Resources managing director and chief executive officer Kerrie Matthews In parallel with the EOI, the company has continued to push forward with its metallurgical optimisation work, enabling real-time data to flow directly into design decisions. Ongoing tests are being focused on refining processing flowsheets, improving recoveries and locking down mass balance assumptions. Lockley says the practical approach has been designed to maintain momentum and de-risk the project early, while positioning the Desert antimony mine for rapid progression into more advanced studies. Once the work is wrapped up, the results will be fed directly into a broader pre-feasibility push planned for 2026. Locksley Resources managing director and chief executive officer Kerrie Matthews said: With the completion of our recent capital raise, we are fast-tracking our 2026 initiatives. We are now engaging with leading U.S. engineering firms. The strong response to our expression of interest highlights confidence in our development strategy. It confirms that we have access to the technical capability and local US experience required to advance the project efficiently. At the heart of Locksleys push is Washingtons need for its own critical minerals backbone. Antimony, which is used in semiconductors, batteries and defence alloys, has shot up the priority list after China, which controls almost 80 per cent of global supply, slammed the door on exports in 2024. Prices promptly rocketed 300 per cent to more than US$55,000 (A$83,000) a tonne, exposing just how fragile Western supply chains had become.

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To help the US cut the cord entirely, the company is rolling out a bold mine-to-market strategy built around its Desert project, twinning its fast-tracked resource development plan with new processing technologies being designed in partnership with Houston-based Rice University and Hazen Research. And on the ground, momentum is starting to bite. Locksley has now paid the all-important reclamation bond, securing the final nod from the US Bureau of Land Management for an aggressive new drilling blitz. With approvals locked in, the gates have swung open for a 16-hole, 2,300-metre assault across the Main and North target zones. The Desert antimony prospect is shaping up as one of the highest-grade antimony occurrences ever recorded on US soil. Although the operation hasnt seen a tool since 1937, it appears to have plenty up its sleeve. Last years surface sampling lit up like a pinball machine, with eye-watering grades up to 46 per cent antimony and more than a kilogram of silver per tonne. Adding to the prospects credentials, a high-resolution LiDAR survey recently traced 236 metres of historic underground development, revealing four mining levels stretched along a 130-metre strike. The scan captured the geometry of multiple old tunnels and adits, highlighting three quartz-carbonate-stibnite veins likely targeted a century ago. Locksley says the resulting 3D model has given it an unprecedented window into the subsurface and a geological roadmap for the drill program. Moving forward, Locksley says it will assess EOI submissions, issue a formal request for proposal by mid-March and begin awarding separate engineering work packages by the end of the first quarter. Processing-related scopes will take priority, with mine engineering timed to align with upcoming exploration results at Desert Antimony.

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For punters, the message seems clear. Locksley is not waiting for sentiment to shift, but instead building the technical and commercial foundations now, betting that when domestic antimony supply becomes a national imperative, projects with momentum will be the ones closest to the front of the queue. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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BusinessCompaniesElon Musk Opinion Master of the universe: Musk wants to take data centres to space Elizabeth Knight Business columnist December 11, 2025  2:40pm

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Conceptually, it is difficult to fathom which of these notions is more difficult to get your head around. The first is Elon Musk adding more than half a trillion dollars to his incredible wealth, and the second is how he plans to reach this goal  by building data centres in space. Even in the world of Silicon Valleys bold claims, moonshot ideas and blue-sky values, this one feels next level. Its making Musk look increasingly like the poster boy for extreme universal capitalism. Elon Musk has proven to be the worlds greatest salesman. Will he make that the best salesman in the universe? AP But in a world experiencing data centre fever thanks to the booming artificial intelligence race, even the notion of populating space with this infrastructure will get an investment case hearing. Down here on Earth, the appetite for these data centres processing power seems bottomless, while the immense energy and water resources needed to operate them are limited. Here in Australia, where the data boom is in its nascent stage, it has already outgrown the energy grid.

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It might sound like Aliens evil corporation Weyland Yutani scouring outer space in interstellar cruiser Nostromo to mine ore, but data processing power is an increasingly rare resource. Even in the world of Silicon Valleys bold claims, moonshot ideas and blue-sky values, this one feels next level. And before one writes off the Musk idea as sci-fi fantasy, the genesis of his latest tale comes from a Wall Street Journal article citing Bret Johnsen, finance chief of Musks satellite communications company SpaceX. The report said SpaceXs value had doubled since July  and now stood at US$800 billion ($1.2 trillion). Hours after this report, there was a deluge of additional news reports suggesting SpaceX would undertake a public listing to even further raise its value. Remember, Musk owns 42 per cent of SpaceX, in addition to his 13 per cent stake in Tesla  which he is hoping to grow to 25 per cent if he jumps over a mountain of performance hurdles the board has set.

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Even at $US800 billion, SpaceX would have become the most valuable private company in the world  surpassing OpenAI, according to analysts from investment bank Morgan Stanley, who took these media reports seriously enough to warrant their own investor report. SpaceX would attain 13th place on Wall Streets S&P 500. This image from a SpaceX livestream in August shows the 10th Starship mission splashing down in the Indian Ocean. AP Whether this valuation is justified is another matter entirely. SpaceX has a good revenue-generating business called Starlink, which uses a constellation of satellites that provide internet connectivity for consumers and telecommunications companies including Telstra.

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But it is nowhere big enough to justify a market value in the trillions. Related Article Exclusive

Renewables AI energy demand to grow tenfold Musk, who has not yet managed to commercialise Teslas plans for self-driving cars or the creation of an army of robots, has moonshot ambitions for SpaceX to deliver space data centres. Using his social media platform X, Musk commented on SpaceXs planned future entry into orbital data centres, describing them as by far the fastest way to scale [compute] within 4 years because easy sources of electrical power are already challenging to find on Earth. He has a point.

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Morgan Stanley notes that while space-based data centres face a number of challenges (orbital debris, data governance, etc), at-scale orbital compute clouds also have a number of benefits vs traditional data centres ranging from power (receive full solar constant in space), to cooling (space is -270C), and reduced latency for the growing [total adressable market] of edge-devices vs long-haul terrestrial paths. Related Article Billionaires The worlds richest persons fortune could double instantly Musk isnt alone in these lofty ambitions  theres a number of tech companies including Google, whose Project Suncatcher aims to build constellations of solar-powered satellites carrying its custom TPU [AI chip] hardware to serve as space-based AI/computing data centres. Nvidia is positioning itself for the orbital data centre frontier by supplying high-performance GPUs [graphics processing units] and other critical infrastructure. But there are plenty of giant ideas that fall to Earth when practicalities collide with them.

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Musk has proven to be the worlds greatest salesman. Lets see if he can better that by expanding that title to best salesman in the universe. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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What a remarkable thing it must have been, to hear recorded voices for the first time. You see it in The History of Sound, when young music students David and Lionel go into the houses of simple people in the backblocks of New England and ask them to sing into a microphone, recording them on the wax cylinders recently developed by Thomas Edison. At first, there is confusion, then suspicion, then wonder. There is a sense of importance as people commit their voices to the machine. There is joy, too, that an overlooked culture is being heard, along with an undercurrent of melancholy for what has been lost. We feel it, too, watching these eager young men, in love with each other but unable to name the feeling. The First World War has just begun. There is a great deal more loss to come. Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh OConnor) meet as students at the conservatorium in Boston, where they find themselves singing tragic folk songs together at the piano in the student bar. As their relationship intensifies, neither is seemingly conflicted about being in love with another man, at least as long as they dont have to make decisions about it. They are neither repressed nor determined to come out. This felt like a spell to me, this relationship, says OConnor. Paul and I were friends before we made the film, so there was a lot of love between us anyway. Paul Mescal and Josh OConnor at the films New York premiere . Kristina Bumphrey The films poignancy comes from the pairs carelessness with each other. At the end of their research tour, David asks what Lionel plans to do next with his life. It is a heartbreaking moment. Thats a moment where you feel society has informed Davids patterns of communication in a way it hasnt Lionels, says Mescal. He understands that theyre probably most likely not going to move in together, but hes assuming theyre going to continue in some capacity. So its confusing for him, because hes being confronted with a society that he doesnt feel like hes living with. He probably comes from a more conservative background than I would say David does, yet he still manages to feel more modern to me.

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Lionel, a Kentucky farm boy whose father played fiddle on the porch after a day in the field, has the special gift of seeing music as colour which, in a sense, the film does too. The film is based on a short story by Ben Shattuck, who also wrote the script. Like Lionel, he grew up on a remote farm, where traditional music was as much part of life as getting in the hay. I listened to fiddle music and was contra dancing by the time I was seven or eight; I played banjo, Shattuck says via Zoom. Whenever Id be in a car with friends and theyd put on pop music, it would just sound like a wash of static to me. But then when Id hear a reel of some Appalachian music, it sounded like the first real music. Who knows why that happens? It was the emotive power of music to evoke the past that provided the spark for the love story. The story began with the idea that somebody would receive a message or sound from earlier in their life that would puncture their whole sense of their past, Shattuck says. Sound and music can elicit profound emotions  and one of the most abstract, profound, troubling emotions can be regret. That type of universal regret, that feeling of missing out, can be really pinned to love in your early 20s. So I had this idea in my mind that music and sound and early love would be all tied together. Mescal says he responded to that idea immediately. I feel art in general is an amazing access point [to feeling], he says. Because sometimes its the lyrics that move me, sometimes its just about the sound in my ear that makes me want to run faster or dance or I listen to a song when Im falling in love with somebody. Experiencing music isnt cerebral; it can take you straight to the centre of a feeling. I can try to describe a scene to [director Oliver Hermanus], or I might say instead that I think the scene is like this song. And then it makes sense and you can just skip the noise of words. Other peoples voices, other peoples stories: Briana Middleton and Josh OConnor. Universal Films David devises their research project, which involves weeks of walking through woods, farms and settlements, camping along the way. He creates this adventure out of love for Lionel, says OConnor. Hes making this gap in time and filling it for the two of them, curating a space and time for just them. But I think David is naturally concerned with other peoples experiences and other peoples stories. Its not just about collecting these songs; its about understanding communities and understanding other peoples experiences in the world.

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Related Article Russell Crowe Why Russell Crowe was the perfect choice for Hitlers charming henchman OConnors David confronts the intensity of the relationship with avoidance, glossing over their situation by avoiding putting it into words, offering and then withholding love, parrying genuine emotion with a shield of genial bonhomie. He isnt going to explain himself, but his face can convey several layers of feeling at once. In the world of characters in a film, thats the dream, OConnor says. The thing that makes a character interesting  and why film is so powerful  is you can tell so much with just your thoughts and the camera picks those things up, in a way you couldnt on stage. In every interaction in this movie, there is something else happening beneath that is unspoken. Writer Ben Shattuck: I had this idea in my mind that music and sound and early love would be all tied together. Boston Globe via Getty Images Shattuck says he didnt want to package the relationship in a way that we have seen before and that we understand. Because anybody who has been in a relationship in any capacity knows it takes a thousand forms. I was interested to explore a relationship in which the language of what is going on between the two characters exists just a degree or two to the left or right of what is actually happening. It is only six years since Paul Mescal leapt to stardom in the television adaptation of Sally Rooneys Normal People, but he is such an intimate, confiding actor that it can feel that he has been always with us. Over that time, he has brought that quiet intensity to the depressed young father in Aftersun, the lonely addict in All of Us Strangers and the bereaved Bard in the forthcoming Hamnet.

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EnvironmentClimate changeClimate policy NSW should end coal expansions to meet net zero targets Nick O'Malley December 11, 2025  11:01pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The legislated emissions reduction targets in NSW are under serious threat from the states coal mining sector as a new report from the Net Zero Commission warns that continued mine expansions are not consistent with climate goals and require urgent regulatory intervention. A bulk carrier departs Newcastle Harbour, the worlds largest coal export port, in 2024. Dean Sewell The Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report calls on the state government to consider greenhouse gas emissions and their impacts in all planning decisions, including those for additional coal mining. It finds that fugitive methane emissions from coal mines, which account for 96 per cent of the resources sectors emissions, are projected to climb by almost 50 per cent by 2026-27 if coal project extensions currently in the planning pipeline are approved. The commission, a government agency established to give expert advice on the states path to net zero, warns that NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2035.

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Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to, it says. There are 18 proposed coal mine expansions under active consideration in NSW, according to anti-fossil fuels group Lock the Gate. Related Article Mining Courts turn on coal mines over climate impacts Climate Change Minister Penny Sharpe said the government would consider the commissions advice, along with advice from other groups and agencies. The commission found that while coalmining emissions had dropped by more than 40 per cent since 2004-05, this was due to mine closures, not successful measures to cut methane emissions from operating mines. Only three NSW mines have enforceable, absolute limits on emissions imposed by their development consents.

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Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential 30 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year time-frame, makes up 91 per cent of fugitive emissions from coalmining in NSW, the report found. Five top-emitting underground coal mines are responsible for 44 per cent of NSWs fugitive coalmining emissions. On-site abatement at existing mines is essential, particularly to reduce fugitive emissions. Additional regulatory measures will be required to achieve measurable on-site abatement, the Commission finds. The Commission urged government agencies, including the Environment Protection Authority and the Resources Regulator, to collaborate more effectively to streamline safety approvals and mandates for abatement technologies. Coalmining operations in the Bylong Valley. Peter Rae The report says though the NSW planning framework requires consideration of greenhouse gas emissions, only three mines have had enforceable emissions limits imposed by their consents. Instead, conditions of consent have required mines to implement Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plans. These plans have lacked ambition, clear goals and enforceability.

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The commission calls for planning law reforms to require a more rigorous assessment of emissions, and says consent authorities should consider how mining projects direct emissions affect progress towards NSWs legislated targets, and the impact of emissions created when coal is burned overseas. As 87 per cent of NSW coal is exported, the vast majority of associated emissions are indirect Scope 3 emissions. While these are accounted for overseas, the report notes their impact is felt both globally and locally in NSW by driving climate instability. The report warned that the states coal sector, which earned $33.1 billion in export revenue in 2023-24, is vulnerable to declining demand, its major customers having made their own net zero pledges. Modelling from the Commonwealth Government Treasury projects national coal production to drop by between 42 per cent and 51 per cent by 2035. Net Zero Commission chairman Nick Rowley said the NSW government needed to better prepare for the decline of coal extraction.

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Coalmining has made a significant contribution to our economy and regional communities for

generations, Rowley said. Given global demand for thermal coal is likely to decline; we owe it to those communities to plan for a just transition. Related Article Exclusive

Renewables AI energy demand to grow tenfold The NSW Land and Environment Court last month granted consent orders to cancel a large coalmine approval on climate grounds, invalidating the state approval for a two-year extension of the Ulan thermal coal mine near Mudgee to dig up an extra 18.8 million tonnes of coal. This followed the Court of Appeal overturning the 2022 approval of MACH Energys massive Mount Pleasant mine in the Hunter Valley in July, which set a precedent that the local impacts of global change must be considered. MACH Energy has been granted leave to appeal to the High Court. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.
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Eating outFood These are the top 10 wine lists in south-east Queensland right now One venue has been named as Australias Best Listing of Queensland Wines, another Australias Best Listing of US Wines. Matt Shea December 11, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Australias Wine List of the Year Awards were announced in late September, with Melbourne restaurant Circl taking out the 2025 crown. But for the first time in the 32-year history of the awards  regarded as the industry yardstick for restaurant wine lists in Australia  it has followed up by announcing the top 10 lists by state and territory. In Queensland, the unranked top 10 were all drawn from the south-east. Agnes restaurant in Fortitude Valley. In Brisbane, wood-fired Agnes (the top-rated Queensland restaurant at this years national awards), Greek restaurant Hellenika, hidden Japanese spot Honto, CBD eatery Blackbird, James Street icon Cru Bar, elevated Italian restaurant Otto, and steak restaurant SK Steak and Oyster all made the cut. Rounding out the top 10 were Maroochydores Market Bistro, Gold Coasts Nineteen at the Star and Noosas Sails Restaurant.

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Related Article Goros Brisbane lasts barely six months, closes permanently It was Agnes third consecutive year taking out the top spot in Queensland, while Blackbird was named Australias Best Listing of Queensland Wines, and Cru Bar Australias Best Listing of US Wines. It marks a strong 2025 showing from Queensland restaurants, and Brisbane restaurants in particular. But local venues have been slowing flexing their way into the awards for the past decade, with the (now closed) Aria Brisbane taking out the national award in 2018, and Cru Bar doing the same in 2022. It was Agnes third consecutive year taking out the top spot in Queensland The selection and quality of Queensland wine lists has grown considerably over the years, said awards judge Jeni Port. When the awards started in 1993 there was little to get excited about with the lists coming out of the state and that included Brisbane.

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[That] has slowly changed and certainly gained momentum over the past 10 years. There is more professionalism being shown  an impression that can also be applied across the country  with full-time, serious, professional sommeliers now in charge of some of the most exciting wine lists in the country. Hellenika at The Calile Hotel was recognised as having one of the best wine lists in Queensland. Markus Ravik Port says she first noticed the change with lists coming out of Fortitude Valley and the CBD that could take on the best in Melbourne and Sydney. They werent necessarily the biggest lists in the number of wines offered, Port said, but they were exciting, thought-provoking and looked to emerging trends such as low intervention wines, sustainability, chilled reds, the rise of women winemakers and styles such as skin contact whites and no/low alcohol options. Riverside Otto has had one of the best wine lists in the city since it first opened (at 480 Queen) in 2016. Courtesy of Otto Brisbane

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Importantly, for the states wine producers, many started to embrace Queensland wines. There was no longer a cultural cringe shown on Queensland wine lists against Queensland wines and good sommeliers went about sourcing some exciting wines. Australias Wine List of the Year Awards were established in 1993 by Tucker Seabrook, Rob Hirst and the late Judy Hirst. They are recognised as the countrys most prestigious awards program for wine and beverage lists.

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For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others.
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Eating outComing soon The Gilson crew will open a late-night hang on Chapel Street (plus four more hot openings) The Frog Club will spark up Melbourne with charcoal-grilled steaks and seafood until midnight, timeless cocktails and music all week. Its one of many new spots to watch in 2026. Quincy Malesovas December 12, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

In the nearly 10 years that Gilson has drawn the bright and beautiful to South Yarra, owners James McBride and Marc Gurman have shaped it into a fixture of all-day dining. Indeed, McBride, is no stranger to early mornings having helped launch a string of Melbourne cafes, including Mammoth, Touchwood and Pillar of Salt. Now, hes swapping early starts for late nights as he and Gurman work on their next venture, The Frog Club  the kind of lively after-dark spot they felt was missing in Melbourne. James McBride (left) and Marc Gurman, who opened Gilson, are working on a new project. Arianna Harry Photography The bar-restaurant will open next autumn in the former site of Windsor hotspot Morris Jones, which the duo bought in June. Morris Jones closed in February and was later reported to have debts of more than $1 million accrued under the previous owners. While the site comes with a 1am liquor licence, McBride is clear the new venue will leave that party reputation behind.

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This is going to be a food-driven business, not a nightclub, he says. Melbourne has got incredible restaurants, but not many places where you can get a proper late-night meal. We wanted to create a place where you can arrive at 10.30pm and still feel like the night is young. The menu  drawing on American and European bistro staples  will be served across the entire 200-capacity venue until midnight, seven days a week. We want to create a room where it stays alive through dinner and past it; where the music and conversation gets better as the night goes on. Co-owner James McBride Meat and seafood cooked over charcoal will be a focus, alongside seafood towers, wedge salads and burgers. Drinks will lean into the venues heritage feel  it was once a furniture and carpet warehouse  with classic cocktails such as Gin Rickeys. The European-driven wine list will have an emphasis on grower champagne. The former furniture warehouse has enough space for 200 diners across a separate bar and restaurant. Arianna Harry Photography

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The space will be split into a bar and a dining room, with plush banquettes, tufted carpet and aged brass accents alongside a colour palette of red and butter yellow. A daily program of live music and vinyl will shape the atmosphere. Its not an afterthought or an add-on. Its a central part of the restaurant, McBride says. We want to create a room where it stays alive through dinner and past it; where the music and conversation gets better as the night goes on. The Frog Club is slated to open in autumn 2026 163-165 Chapel Street, Windsor.

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Four more hot venues coming in 2026 Chris Lucas venues on Bourke Street The ever-busy Lucas is working on two venues for a new office tower at 435 Bourke Street. One will be street-facing, the other down a laneway, and Lucas has indicated a contemporary Chinese restaurant and a Mediterranean bistro thats heavily Greek-influenced are planned. Mitchell and Eades, who designed Maison Batard, and Tombo Dens designers DKO are both on board. 67 Pall Mall A private members club for wine lovers, this four-level playground will open in mid-2026 on Spring Street. It will have a restaurant, rooftop whisky bar, champagne lounge and all-day clubroom where 1000 wines by the glass will be at guests disposal. Martin Benn and Vicki Wild (ex-Sepia) are culinary directors.

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Frenchie Landing in January, this Parisian-style wine bar on Collins Streets Paris End (where else?) promises no dish or drink over $14, and an energetic take on the brasserie, with trolleys and tableside service part of the fun. Geared around share plates, the menu will include confit duck and chicken liver parfait eclairs, and will be available late into the night. Roma & Sergios From Con Christopoulos (The European, Kirks, French Saloon), this pair of venues at 120 Collins Street will deliver Roman-style casual dining at a trattoria (Roma) and drinks and tunes at a bar (Sergios), with a courtyard the focal point. Both were due to open in December, but Good Food understands delays have pushed that to next year. With Emma Breheny
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Review Eating outMerewether The lasagne bolognese is a banger at one of the oldest Italian restaurants in NSW The menu is long with decades-old recipes at Don Beppinos, aka The House of Lasagna. Add this much-loved Italian icon (with free BYO) to your next holiday itinerary. Callan Boys December 12, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

This story is part of the December 13 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories .

1 / 12 From left: Jacqueline Masia, Carlo Snr, Carlo and Vicki. Jennifer Soo 2 / 12 Cannelloni. Jennifer Soo 3 / 12 Zucca gomitti pasta. Jennifer Soo 4 / 12 Sardinia pizza. Jennifer Soo 5 / 12 Lasagne bolognese. Jennifer Soo 6 / 12 The House of Lasagna. Jennifer Soo 7 / 12 Carlo behind the counter. Jennifer Soo 8 / 12 Jennifer Soo 9 / 12 Jennifer Soo 10 / 12 Jennifer Soo 11 / 12 Jennifer Soo 12 / 12 Jennifer Soo Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Italian$$$$ A few years ago, vodka pasta started appearing on menus at a rate that hadnt been seen since the great wagyu slider invasion of 2010. The dish  penne, usually, with a glossy tomato sauce enhanced and emulsified by hard liquor  featured on several end-of-year food trends lists, which surely raised the eyebrows of any longtime Don Beppinos regulars who happened to be reading. The Newcastle trattoria has served vodka sauce for longer than the concept of a food trend has existed. To many Novocastrians, Don Beppinos is better known as the The House of Lasagna, which is emblazoned in white letters across the brown tiles of its awning. The building looks like a Lego brick painted red, white and green and is as iconic to Newcastle as Christ Church Cathedral and Joey Johns skating down King Street. The tiny dining room is a time-jump of white plaster walls, Cinzano logos and a striking Roman statue. I will try to visit anytime Im in town. Lasagne bolognese. Jennifer Soo

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Don Beppinos has been in the business of pizza and pasta since 1973, making it one of the oldest Italian restaurants still going strong in NSW. Originally, it was also in the business of laundering (clothes, not cash) as a one-stop shop for anyone prone to getting red sauce on their Trent Nathan tops. There were burgers, chips and Chiko Rolls in the early days, too, but Sicilian-born owner Guiessepe Riscato eventually went all in on Italian and employed a team of experts. (Theres a feature story for someone to someday write about Riscato, who  according to my Newcastle Herald archive research  came from a family of shoemakers, tailors and barbers. He won a major prize in a Sicilian art competition at age 15 and left war-torn Europe for Australia in 1948 on the strength of a contract as a restorer of religious art. He was also the official photographer for Miss Australia and painted a portrait of Pope Paul VI on his visit in 1970.) The House of Lasagna. Jennifer Soo Riscato sold the business to trusted employee Jacqueline Masia in 1993, but a handwritten sign from the bloke still hangs next to the back-lit takeaway menu: Don Beppinos does not have a chef in the kitchen, only Italian ladies who do the cooking as it was taught to them by their mothers and grandmothers. I feel obliged to tell you the names of these beautiful ladies: Angela, Rosa, Filomena and Anna. And I feel obliged to tell you that the lasagne is a banger. Five bechamel-free layers of pasta, mozzarella, parmesan and rich, meaty bolognese. Dine in (and take advantage of free BYO) and the huge serve comes with crunchy garlic potatoes and a submissive mix of roasted zucchini, capsicum and eggplant. The same sides are teamed with a saltimbocca which may not feature the most tender veal youve ever encountered, but its sauce nails the holy trifecta of white wine, butter and cream.

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Pork and veal cannelloni. Jennifer Soo Today, Dons is largely run by Masias son, Carlo, and his wife, Vicki, although Jackie still helps make sauces and occasionally works front-of-house. (The four Italian ladies have aged out of the kitchen, but Rosa lives nearby and often pops in with homemade sweets.) The menu is long with decades-old recipes, including the butter-forward chilli vodka number with gomitti (a close cousin of macaroni); a luscious, blitzed pumpkin sauce (it also clings to elbows of gomitti); hunky pork and veal cannelloni; and bow-tie pasta with a creamy bacon and mushroom carbonara that would never pass muster in Lazio, but is perfect with the kind of chardonnay you dont have to think about on a Saturday afternoon. The bulk of Dons trade comes from takeaway sales (this is an Uber Eats-free zone); the pizzas run true to form to most red-and-white-chequered joints along Norton Street in Leichhardt. Ive long gravitated to the Sardinia special, which is heavy with pepperoni, olives, basil, garlic and fried onion, its leftover slices doubling as a first-rate breakfast. Beppis in Darlinghurst excluded, most Italian restaurants in Sydney of a similar age have changed menus and hands myriad times. Its rare to have such consistent ownership as this House of Lasagna, not to mention its unwavering recipes. This is food for picnics, days at the beach and all family occasions, claims a framed print-ad from the 1970s next to the door, also noting that our pizza can be eaten hot, cold or even reheated. I couldnt agree more. The low-down Atmosphere: Tiny, family-friendly trattoria Go-to dishes: Lasagne bolognese ($18/$23); gomitti zucca ($18/$23); cannelloni ($19/$25); Sardinia pizza ($18/$22) Drinks: Soft drinks and free BYO. The closest bottle shop is The Prince of Merewether; the best bottle shop in Newcastle in Vera Wine Cost: About $50 for two, excluding drinks

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Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Turo , the world's largest peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace, has been honored on USA Today's America's Best Customer Service 2026 list, receiving a 4.5-star rating in the Travel, Transportation & Storage category. This prestigious recognition reflects Turo's ongoing commitment to delivering a best-in-class support experience to both its guests and hosts.

The USA Today America's Best Customer Service list spotlights companies across more than 100 categories that demonstrate excellence in delivering timely, helpful, and high-quality customer support. Companies are evaluated through a combination of independent consumer surveys, sentiment analysis, and customer experience data, assessing factors such as responsiveness, issue resolution, transparency, and overall satisfaction. Only organizations that consistently exceed customer expectations achieve top-tier star ratings in their respective categories.

In 2025, Turo made significant investments in enhancing its customer support and operational infrastructure, efforts that directly contributed to its elevated customer service rating. Key advancements include:

Deepened partnership with Spiral by UJET to better understand customer intent during support interactions, enabling Turo to refine its product and produce clearer, more effective self-help content and agent resource materials for faster resolution.





to better understand customer intent during support interactions, enabling Turo to refine its product and produce clearer, more effective self-help content and agent resource materials for faster resolution. Enhanced training for customer service representatives , focusing on improving preparedness, reducing customer effort, and elevating overall satisfaction during support interactions.





, focusing on improving preparedness, reducing customer effort, and elevating overall satisfaction during support interactions. Expanded automation for reimbursement processing , allowing hosts to receive payments quicker by reducing turnaround time on reimbursement requests.





, allowing hosts to receive payments quicker by reducing turnaround time on reimbursement requests. New collaboration with Laivly, integrating AI-powered tools to help support agents operate more effectively and efficiently, resulting in faster, more accurate responses to user inquiries.

"This recognition underscores the tireless dedication of our teams, who consistently strive to deliver exceptional support experiences," said Julie Weingardt, COO at Turo. "It's especially meaningful because it comes directly from our community of hosts and guests who trust Turo. We're proud of the progress we made in 2025, and this recognition strengthens our commitment to continue elevating the customer experience in 2026 and beyond."

About Turo

Turo is the world's largest car sharing marketplace, where you can rent the perfect car for wherever you're going from a vibrant community of trusted hosts across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and France. Flying in from afar or looking for a car down the street, searching for a rugged truck or something smooth and swanky, you can skip the rental car counter and choose from an extraordinary, totally unique selection of nearby vehicles shared by local hosts. Entrepreneurs can take the wheel of their futures by becoming hosts and building car-sharing businesses on Turo, leveraging our established platform to scale their businesses to meet their goals.

With an unwavering mission of putting the world's 1.5 billion cars to better use, Turo unlocks the hidden value in idle and underutilized assets, empowering anyone to get in the driver's seat. Find your drive  Turo.

To learn more about Turo, please visit www.turo.com .

Media Contact:

Alexandria Mao

[email protected]

SOURCE Turo Inc.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsDating How to date like a Jane Austen character Charlotte Heathcote December 11, 2025  2:07pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

If you find the simmering passions and unspoken yearning of Jane Austens novels more alluring than a modern dating landscape defined by hook-ups, explicit photos and overexposure to online pornography, then rejoice. Help is at hand. In a new book, A Regency Guide to Seduction, agony aunt Lady Bennet-Down (no prizes for guessing the publishers sources of inspiration for that name) reveals how to introduce a soupcon of Regency romance into your search for a happily ever after. Although this year marks the 250th anniversary of Austens birth, she is still one of our most celebrated novelists  and one of the most relevant, too. Have the politics of dating changed since Jane Austens day? Not as much as you think. The 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice (Universal Pictures). Barely a year goes by without a fresh adaptation of one of her novels. Normal Peoples Daisy Edgar-Jones is set to star in a big-screen version of Sense and Sensibility, while there is a six-part Netflix series of Pride and Prejudice in production with Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman.

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Spin-off novels are another symbol of Austens enduring appeal. This year, they include Jessica Bulls cosy crime series Miss Austen Investigates, Rachel Parris Introducing Mrs Collins, starring Charlotte Lucas, and choose-your-own-adventure book You Are Elizabeth Bennet. Clearly, many of us relish escaping the more dispiriting aspects of the modern world by time travelling back to Austens. The timely A Regency Guide To Seduction offers civilised solutions to modern dating dilemmas, enabling anyone to inject the innocent charm and erotic charge of Austens era into their search for true love. Here, in extracts from the book, the fictional author Lady Bennet-Down gives her tips on how to tackle the most modern of problems with all the grace of Austen heroines Emma Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bennet and Elinor Dashwood. First impressions Weve been chatting on the apps, and things were going well, but theyve just sent me an unsolicited, NSFW pic. Whats my next move?

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First of all, allow yourself to feel shocked, because theres nothing like the audacious spectacle of an uninvited self-portrait. If a gentleman (or gentlewoman) elects to display their assets without proper invitation, consider this an indication of their character. The proper response depends on your sensibilities. Has this impromptu artwork left you thoroughly appalled? Perhaps a light quip or a sharp rebuke is in order. For example, Thank you for that kind reminder to pick up some baby carrots. Or how about a tactful silence? It serves as a subtle reminder that courtship is a delicate dance best conducted with decorum. Related Article Opinion

Dating Gen Zs like me have stopped dating altogether. Were opting for friends with (other) benefits Grace Lagan Law student If you would like to continue to converse, make it clear such advances are premature. And remember, genuine charm and good taste rarely require such bold displays. First impression tips  Subtlety is key

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Catch their eye with grace, for a mere glance or smile can prompt even the shyest admirer to step forward. Add a touch of mystery Leave some room for intrigue. A hint of uncertainty can heighten anticipation and encourage curiosity. The first date Weve only been on one date, but it went really well. Should I delete my dating profiles?

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I fear your willingness to curtail the possibility of other alliances might be premature. Deleting your profiles sends a signal of seriousness and intention  a sign that you are all-in on this single connection. But it might have the adverse effect on your suitor, should they find out and feel youre coming on too strong. Steady yourself  its not time to pick out the wedding list just yet! Keeping your options open may be the most prudent course  whether you choose to engage with new connections or not. First date tips  Dress to dazzle, but for yourself first Choose an ensemble that bolsters your confidence, rather than constricts your lung capacity, for nothing captivates more than self-assurance. Dont be drawn into judgment too quickly The time it takes to sip one sherry is not nearly enough to fully know a person or their suitability as a partner.

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Making a good first impression at social engagements starts with a confident entrance. Pride & Prejudice (2005 Universal Pictures). The ball Im about to meet their friends for the first time. How can I make a good impression? Meeting your beloveds companions can feel like a salon of scrutiny. Yet, a calm countenance and a kind smile will earn you more favour than any show of enthusiasm ever could. Aim to be engaging, but not overly familiar. A few thoughtful inquiries about their profession (What is it that you do?), or their estate (Do you live in London too?) will endear you to them and help the conversation flow naturally. Just be your usual charming self and allow your wit and wisdom to shine in small doses. A well-placed compliment or genuine chuckle will win over the hardest hearts, without sacrificing a jot of dignity.

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The dinner They ordered food for both of us without asking me first. Should I say something? It appears your date has assumed a rather forward approach! While some may view this as a charming display of initiative, others may feel their preferences (and allergies or intolerances) have been callously disregarded. If you are inclined to address it, a light and playful approach is best. When the food arrives, you might smile and say, How adventurous! Though Id love to choose my own dish next time. Or, It would never occur to me to try the steak medium-rare. This should communicate your predilection without causing offence. If they take the hint and grab you a menu, all is well; if they dont, you may have uncovered an inclination to lead the dance without your involvement. In that case, consider if their captaincy aligns with your tastes  both over entrees and in life. Will they always insist on sourdough instead of olives? Will they never order dessert because their PT will be mad?

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And, worse, will they deny your desires beyond the dinner table? We both reached for the bill at the same time, and now its awkward. Should I insist on paying or let them take care of it? The awkward dance of settling up is as old as time. Should you both extend your hand for the bill, a delicate rather than bullish approach is best. Politely say, Allow me, and observe their response. If they truly wish to pay, gracefully accept their offer, as it may be an act of gallantry or habit on their part (or they might have a two-for-one voucher). However, should they hesitate, you might insist on treating them. Be sure to include a brief aside that they can get the next one. This affords the further pleasure of inferring another date is imminent. Related Article Dating Rosters and situationships: Has Gen Z abandoned love?

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Remember, sharing the cost of an evening is a mark of mutual respect and modern sensibility (as well as a necessity in most quarters). If they insist on treating you, a simple thank you will bring an elegant close to the matter. Dinner tips  Confidence over claret If your enjoyment of the evening doesnt rely on a glass of wine, be proud of your sparkling water. Authenticity is far more intoxicating. Beware the menu mismatch If their tastes exceed your budget, seek out venues that satisfy both their cravings and your purse.

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Dance like nobodys watching. Pride & Prejudice (2005, Universal Pictures). The sex I dont have the body of an Instagram influencer, and Im worried theyll be turned off when we get naked. Firstly, let me offer a most liberating truth: what matters most is not ones shape or form, but the confidence with which you carry it. Alas, the perils of comparison are something everyone is sadly too familiar with and must work hard to overcome. Your companion, if they are worthy of such an eyeful, is interested not in mere facades, but in the beauty of your soul and the tenderness of your touch. Remember, too, that vulnerability is one of the most alluring qualities a person can express. But confidence is the finest form of allure. Failing that, get under the covers, count to three and bare thyself. Its like ripping off a plaster, except with the potential for an orgasm shortly afterwards.

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Sex tips  The best performance in bed isnt an act Curiosity, communication and a willingness to laugh are far more seductive than perfection. Confidence is the best bedroom attire No filter or influencer physique can outshine someone at ease in their own skin. The ghosting

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Ive developed the ick and am no longer interested. Is it OK to ghost or do I owe them an explanation? Good manners would dictate that a brief explanation is warranted. You have dined and danced with this person, maybe even invited them into your bedchamber. Theres a chance your sudden absence will hurt and confuse them, which Im sure the gentle person within you would prefer to avoid. If, however, you take the trouble to explain your feelings and curtail the attachment, and they continue to pursue you, a ghosting is not out of the question. It might be the only way to prevent further persistence. Ghosting tips  Dont waste time on second chances One unanswered text might be an oversight, three are a sign. Put your phone away and preserve your dignity. Theyre just not that into you

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While a kidnapping or infectious disease are possible, theyre far from probable. Stop seeking answers and start moving on. And finally ... If you will allow me one last pearl of wisdom, remember to show yourself the grace you endeavour to project towards others. Making connections, showing vulnerability and embarking on intimate relationships is not always easy. But if you can let kind hearts see your own, and share yourself fully, then there is romance to be relished, one fan flutter at a time. The Regency Guide to Seduction: Love Advice for Modern Heroines by Lady Bennet-Down is out now The Telegraph, London Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.

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Sex & relationships
A round-the-clock support line and a new police section staffed by 100 officers headline a state governments $674 million response to its Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.

The South Australian government has accepted 129 of 136 recommendations in full, in principle or in part, with four noted and three not accepted, including a proposed ban on parents smacking children.

Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja delivered her findings in August after a year-long investigation sparked by the deaths of four South Australian women in a week. She had said that significant investment was required to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the scourge of family, domestic and sexual violence.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. Alex Ellinghausen

In response, on Friday, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said $674 million would be spent across a decade, and the first funding would be detailed in the governments mid-year budget review, to be released before Christmas.

The government had been very deliberate in the calibration of its response, ensuring money would be invested in changing the nature of service delivery for victims, and not creating layers of bureaucracy, he said.

The investment will focus on services for victims, including a 24/7 support line, tailored wraparound services for children, and a dedicated unit with 100 full-time police officers by 2031-32, with its own assistant commissioner.

The government will also invest in forensic medical services in regional areas and vulnerable witness suites. The non-government sector will receive significant funding to enhance support services.

Children will be protected through intervention orders as a matter of default, rather than a special consideration, the premier said.

It was a historic day for the state and our moment for change, Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard said.

The governments strategic and methodical response was aimed at delivering lasting systemic change, spanning prevention, intervention, response and recovery and healing.

The government has already acted on seven recommendations, including the establishment of lived experience groups and networks, a standalone domestic, family and sexual violence ministerial portfolio, the establishment of a government steward and a five-year statewide strategy.

A round-the-clock phone and digital support line will be established to allow access to trauma-informed care and specialist support services. The existing Domestic Violence Crisis Line will receive increased funding while the new support line is established.

The governments priority in the first year is to provide greater certainty and stability for service providers and increase funding for flexible safety packages.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

Mens Referral Service 1300 766 491

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Identity of rapist son of high profile man revealed

Tom Silvagni, the son of former Carlton player Stephen Silvagni, can now be revealed as the high-profile Melbourne man convicted of rape earlier this month.
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Updated TechnologySocial media Missing the mark: Reddit files High Court bid to overturn teen social media ban David Swan Updated December 12, 2025  12:21pm ,first published December 12, 2025  9:00am 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 A A A

US-based platform Reddit has filed a challenge in Australias High Court seeking to overturn the nations world-first social media ban for under 16s, arguing that the law infringes on free political speech and poses serious privacy risks. The company, which is complying with the legislation while contesting it, argues that the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 unconstitutionally restricts political communication by blocking young Australians from participating in online political discourse. Reddit has filed a challenge in Australias High Court seeking to overturn the nations social media ban for under 16s. Bloomberg This law is missing the mark, Reddit said in materials made public on Friday, arguing there are more effective ways to protect youth than what it calls an intrusive blanket ban that burdens everyones right to privacy and free expression. The legislation, which came into effect on Wednesday, requires platforms to prevent under-16 Australians from holding accounts. Breaches carry penalties of up to $49.5 million. Reddits three-pronged legal assault contests both the laws validity and whether Reddit itself qualifies as an age-restricted social media platform at all.

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In its filing, seen by this masthead, Reddit argues that the political views of children inform the electoral choices of many current electors, including their parents and their teachers, and that preventing children from communicating their views directly burdens political communication in Australia. Related Article Social media People want me to fail: The woman in charge of enforcing Australias social media ban feels the heat The company also says that the law is ineffective, noting a person under the age of 16 can be more easily protected from online harm if they have an account, being the very thing that is prohibited because accounts can have safety settings applied. Reddit said it was acting on behalf of its Australian users, who have expressed concerns about being forced to submit government ID or facial scans to access a platform built on pseudonymity. The company said it had never collected age information before and has had to build entirely new verification systems to comply. The company also argues that it shouldnt be captured by the law at all, given it operates as a public forum rather than a traditional social media network, and that the law is being applied arbitrarily. Discord, which hosts millions of Australian users in many cases under-16, escaped the legislation. So did gaming platforms with embedded chat such as Roblox. Reddit argues that its being singled out unfairly when its a forum primarily for adults that lacks the algorithmic feeds and friend networks that the government wanted to target.

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It says Californias Digital Age Assurance Act was a better model. That law, which came into effect in October, requires operating system providers such as Apple and Google to collect a users age or birthdate when a device is set up, converting that information into an age bracket signal. This tells apps which age range a user falls into without sharing precise personal data. Loading Reddit has enlisted constitutional law specialist Perry Herzfeld, SC, and law firm Thomson Geer  the same firm that has repeatedly challenged eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grants rulings on behalf of Elon Musks X. A directions hearing is expected in February, with a final judgment not arriving potentially until late 2026. The challenge comes as a separate High Court action backed by teen advocates also contests the legislation.

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The eSafety Commissioner was contacted for comment. Related Article Analysis

Social media Cat and mouse: How under-16s are circumventing the social media ban The Albanese government is on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms, a government spokesman said. We will stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media. This matter is before the courts so it is not appropriate to comment further.

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Communications Minister Anika Wells told parliament this week: We will not yield to intimidation. We will not be deterred by legal disputes. Inman Grant had been expecting legal challenges to the ban. Well see what happens, she said of potential High Court action in an interview with this masthead this week. 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. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here.
Guiding over 30 markets in 2025, UCO is demonstrating how trust, education and innovation are empowering real estate professionals worldwide

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest and most influential multiple listing services in the U.S., is capping off the year by setting a new standard for professionalism and interconnectivity in real estate worldwide. With a growing global network, UCO is at the center of a movement to transform real estate through the power of the multiple listing service (MLS).

In 2025, UCO has supported leaders and organizations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe, while also strengthening emerging markets within these regions. Through hands-on consulting and strategy development, UCO is supporting technology evolution, association-led modernization and the creation of educational content tailored for international partners. In just 12 months, UCO has had the privilege of guiding more than 20 additional countries and organizations, and fostering cross-border knowledge sharing through strategic sessions and leadership forums.

"We are proud to collaborate with our colleagues worldwide who share our vision to elevate the global real estate ecosystem," said Marion Weiler, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Global Markets at UCO and Stellar MLS. "With a unifying focus on collaboration and empowermentconnecting people, markets and ideaswe unlock the transparency, trust and efficiency needed to transform entire regions."

As it wraps up Q4, UCO celebrates a quarter defined by major initiatives and international events that underscore its expanding influence. At events from Paris to Prague, UCO is showcasing its expertise with key MLS and real estate principlesshared data, standardized practices and educationthat empower markets, elevate professionalism and benefit consumers beyond borders.

Engaging Professionals and Policymakers to Advance the MLS in France

In November, UCO's executive team attended the Real Estate & New Tech (RENT) event in Paris, France. RENT, Europe's leading real estate and tech innovation expo, brought together industry professionals, startups and solution providers to showcase the future of property technology. UCO leadership engaged with leaders from CEPI (European Association of Real Estate Professionals) and shared insights as they prepare efforts for 2026. As a knowledge partner to CEPI, UCO has been actively sharing educational resources, case studies and practical guidance to help shape the future of real estate transparency and collaboration across Europe.

Modernizing the Czech Market

In 2024, UCO formalized a collaboration with Igluu, a Prague-based digital technology firm, to expand the MLS model and enhance value for consumers and real estate professionals in the Czech Republic and beyond. Last month, UCO's executive team presented at Igluu's Innovation & Inspiration in the Real Estate Market event to showcase how the key benefits of the MLS are modernizing the Czech market by supporting transparency and professional cooperation, and supporting access to accurate property data.

"Our collaboration with Igluu is a shared commitment to shaping the future of real estate through education, transparency and innovation," said Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, Senior Vice President of Technology, Innovation and Global Markets at UCO and Stellar MLS. "By combining our expertise with Igluu's forward-thinking approach, we're working to accelerate the adoption of MLS principles and reimagine the Czech real estate market."

Stellar MLS/UCO Honored for Industry Leadership

As global demand for MLS framework and best practices increases, UCO is well-positioned as the trusted, connected guide for markets at every stage of readiness. In recognition of its leadership in advancing real estate professionals globally, UCO's parent organization Stellar MLS has been approved as a Principal Member of FIABCI Worldwide for 2026.

On Dec. 5 at the 44th Global Leadership Summit in Panama City, Panama, where industry leaders from around the world came together for thought-provoking discussions and immersive sessions, FIABCI's Board of Directors formally announced their decision.

"We are honored to now be a Principal Member of FIABCI," said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. "This status reflects the global trust we've earned through integrity, collaboration and our commitment to FIABCI's mission thus far. It's not only an acknowledgment of what we've accomplishedit's a foundation for what comes next."

As part of FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation representing 1.5 million professionals across currently 83 countries, Stellar MLS and UCO will gain a formal voice in both FIABCI-USA and FIABCI International, strengthening its global platform for advocacy, collaboration and education.

Entering 2026 with exceptional momentum, UCO will continue to empower, educate, and elevate the global real estate industry, shaping the future of the MLS worldwide. By focusing on principlesnot just partnershipsUCO continues to serve as a foundation for global collaboration in real estate.

Media Contact: Caryn McBride

Co-Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Universal Consulting Opportunities
MIAMI, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Silk, an agency focused on growing brands online, has published a new article examining current data on women's participation in technology, including workforce representation, leadership presence and STEM education enrollment. The article, titled Women in Technology Statistics: Key Data on Representation and Progress, provides an overview of publicly reported trends shaping the tech sector.

Organizations across the country continue to review workforce composition to help understand how talent distribution may influence innovation and long-term digital growth. According to the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), women make up approximately 26% of computing roles in the United States, reflecting gradual movement in some technical fields while other areas see slower shifts (NCWIT, 2024).

Insights Covered in the Article

The blog compiles data from publicly available studies and offers a neutral overview of:

 Employment distribution across STEM and computing roles

 Leadership representation trends and ongoing disparities

 Educational program enrollment patterns in STEM-related degrees

 Shifts in workplace expectations and talent pipeline forecasts

Industry Context

A 2024 report from McKinsey found that women in technical roles cite career advancement pathways and representation as influential factors when considering long-term growth within organizations (McKinsey Women in the Workplace Report). The article references these insights to provide context for companies assessing their hiring, retention and team structure planning efforts.

Statement on the Release

"Analyzing publicly available data may support more informed decision-making for teams seeking to understand representation trends in the technology sector," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "Our goal with this article is to compile key statistics in one place to help readers explore how the landscape is evolving."

Read the Full Article

The complete article is available on Digital Silk's website:

Women in Technology Statistics: https://www.digitalsilk.com/digital-trends/women-in-technology-statistics/

Readers can also explore related digital trend insights and request a quote for upcoming digital initiatives.

About Digital Silk

Digital Silk is an award-winning Miami Web Development Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, it creates digital experiences through strategic branding, custom web design and digital marketing services to help improve visibility and support engagement.

Media Contact

Jessica Erasmus

Marketing Director & PR Manager

Tel: (800) 206-9413

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Digital Silk
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Alison O'Riordan

A 31-year-old man, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity, told his grandmother that he had killed her son when she was lying in her bed in a hospital ward, a Central Criminal Court jury has heard.

It was during the opening of the trial of Ross O'Rourke on Thursday that a prosecuting barrister said that expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence are in agreement as to their opinion about the mental state of the accused when he killed his father.

Michael Bowman SC, defending Mr O'Rourke, made ten admissions of fact to the court on Thursday on behalf of his client.

These included that the accused had caused the death of his father, Stefan Nivelles Posschier, at The Stables in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath, between October 24th and 25th, 2022.

Ross ORourke (31), with a previous address in Tullow, Carlow, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father, Mr Posschier (65).

Opening the prosecutions case on Thursday, Shane Costelloe SC said there is likely to be no controversy over the actions of Mr O'Rourke leading up to the death of his father and how he came to die.

Counsel said Mr Posschier lived a modest existence, and the jury would hear that the deceased was assisting in the care of his elderly mother, Ann Kingston, in October 2022, along with other members of his family. He said Ms Kingston was the grandmother of the accused man Mr O'Rourke.

Outlining the facts of the case, Mr Costelloe said Mr O'Rourke was travelling outside the country from 2017 onwards and had been living in Germany and the Netherlands. He said the accused was living a "nomadic style of life", doing some work and beginning to exhibit signs that he wasn't quite mentally well.

There will be evidence, Mr Costelloe said, that the accused was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric unit in Amsterdam, where he was involuntarily detained for ten weeks and diagnosed as having a mental illness by the Dutch authorities. The lawyer said Mr O'Rourke was released from the psychiatric unit on the understanding that he would return to Ireland.

Counsel told the panel that Mr O'Rourke started to live with his grandmother Ms Kingston, and was in regular enough contact with his father Mr Posschier, who was helping his mother on a day-to-day basis.

The prosecution barrister went on to tell the court that Ms Kingston had to be placed in Carlow Hospital. He said the jurors would hear evidence that Ms Kingston was in her bed in the hospital ward on October 25th, 2022 when Mr O'Rourke, who was sitting next to her, told her that he had killed her son, Mr Posschier.

The barrister said Ms Kingston made a number of phone calls to her daughter - the sister of the deceased man - when she heard this. Gardai then attended at the rural location where Mr Posschier lived.

Evidence will be that gardai didn't see anything untoward when they attended at The Stables in Kinnegad on the first occasion and left. However, Mr Costelloe said after a few hours, when more information came out, gardai returned to The Stables, where they found a plastic tarpaulin held down with bricks and underneath was the body of the deceased.

He said another family member had previously gone to the house and seen the deceased's body before alerting gardai.

The court heard that further evidence will be about a search at the very modest property, where a blood-stained knife was found in a ceramic jar on top of a shelf in the kitchen. Counsel said it is the prosecution's case that the blood belonged to the deceased Mr Posschier.

The barrister said an autopsy was performed on Mr Posschier, which found he had suffered a number of stab wounds, some of which traversed arteries in the body. He said Mr Posschier had died from these stab wounds.

The court will also hear evidence, the lawyer said, about certain comments made by the accused when he was in custody.

The lawyer said the jurors would hear from expert consultant psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence, who will tell them "what was going on in the mind of the accused at the time".

Mr Bowman, defending, made ten formal admissions to the court today on behalf of his client, including that Mr O'Rourke had caused the death of his father at The Stables and that Mr Posschier's body was found at that address by Mr Jack O'Rourke shortly before 6:23pm on October 25th, 2022.

The trial continues this afternoon before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of five men and seven women.
Sean McCarthaigh

A Filipino healthcare worker who had been suspended from his job at a nursing home died in a fire at his city centre apartment two years ago, an inquest has heard.

Henry Delos Reyes (59), who was also known as Abby, suffered fatal injuries in the bedroom of his second-floor apartment on Capel Street, Dublin 1, on September 11th 2023.

An inquest into his death heard the severity of the injuries to the deceased meant he had to be identified by matching DNA samples taken from the body with those of his siblings in the Philippines.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Thursday heard Mr Delos Reyes, who had lived in Ireland for over 16 years, had been suspended from his job as a healthcare assistant at the Nazareth House nursing home on Malahide Road, Dublin 3, in May 2023.

In a written statement, however, one of his work colleagues, Suzanne Byrne, said the incident had been all blown out of proportion.

He was a lovely gentleman  the nicest person you could ever meet, said Ms Byrne.

She said everyone supported him but he was devastated by what had happened.

It did break him on another level, Ms Byrne remarked.

She outlined how he stopped eating and was struggling financially.

Ms Byrne said his work colleagues at Nazareth House, as well as the families of some of the nursing homes residents, had made a collection of around 1,000 for him which had blown him away.

She said she had become increasingly worried about him in the weeks before his death as she was unable to contact him, which was unusual.

Ms Byrne said everyone in Nazareth House was devastated at hearing of his death.

The inquest heard that Mr Delos Reyes had been prescribed anti-depressants by his GP, Dr Ban Mustafa, because of his low mood at the time.

While he had suicidal thoughts, Dr Mustafa said his patient had no plans to take his own life because of his family back in the Philippines.

Mr Delos Reyes flatmate, Marian Chua, said she noticed in May 2023 that he was staying in his apartment during his normal working hours, but he claimed it was due to the nursing homes summer schedule with students working instead of him.

Ms Chua said he was a very private person who rarely spoke and always went straight into his bedroom when in the apartment.

She told the inquest that the last interaction she had with him was in July 2023 when he asked her if she could pay their full electricity bill as he had no money to pay for it.

The inquest heard the buildings landlord, James Norton, had called at the apartment on the evening before he died, looking to speak to Mr Delos Reyes because the rent had not been paid for several months.

On the afternoon of September 11th, 2023, Ms Chua said she returned to the apartment and knocked on her flatmates door as she needed to talk to him about the rent but she got no answer.

Sometime later, she heard the fire alarm go off before hearing a loud explosion followed by smoke billowing from Mr Delos Reyes bedroom.

Ms Chua recalled shouting at him as the apartment became engulfed in black smoke and seeing his body sitting on a couch surrounded by fire.

She said his body was completely still and already charred.

Ms Chua said she could not enter the room because of the smoke and the heat and quickly tried to gather some of her belongings before getting out of the building.

A firefighter with Dublin Fire Brigade, Liam Caffrey, who attended the scene, told the inquest that the heat from the blaze would have reached temperatures of up to 600C.

The inquest heard a postmortem had concluded that Mr Delos Reyes died as a result of a combination of burns and inhalation of combustible materials from the fire, while tests for alcohol and other drugs were negative.

The coroner, Crona Gallagher, reassured relatives of the deceased, who attended the hearing via videolink, that he was not alive for very long after the fire started.

Dr Gallagher noted that a report from Forensic Science Ireland had found evidence of the presence of an accelerant from debris taken from the apartment, and it was believed the fire was started on the couch in the deceaseds bedroom.

Detective Garda Mairead Murphy told the coroner that she found a diary in the apartment in which Mr Delos Reyes had stated in the last entry: I have lost everything in my life since May 4, 2023.

He also thanked his colleagues in Nazareth House and expressed a wish to be cremated.

Det Garda Murphy confirmed that the deceased had been suspended from his job at the time of his death while an investigation by the nursing home was being carried out, but that nothing had been finalised.

In reply to questions from the coroner, Det Garda Murphy said she was satisfied that Mr Delos Reyes had taken his own life.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Dr Gallagher said the deceased may have been overwhelmed at some point and may have become impulsive on the day of his death.

The coroner also observed that the functioning of the smoke alarms had definitely saved other lives that day.

Describing what happened as a terrible tragedy, Dr Gallagher said it was clear that the deceased was very obviously not only valued but loved as a colleague and friend.
High Court Reporter

A provisional liquidator has been appointed by the High Court to a nursing and medical personnel provider's holding company, which is linked to a firm involved in a forged Garda vetting cert scandal.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan appointed Declan de Lacey of Fides Chartered Accountants to Even Better Value Enterprises Ltd (EBVEL), which is linked to a number of other companies trading under the "Good People" name, and which provided medical staff and accommodation, including for vulnerable children using the services of Tusla.

Earlier this year, a 22-year-old employee of the Good People companies was convicted of 55 counts of forging Garda vetting certs to be provided to Tusla.

EBVEL is a holding company whose directors are Dr Judith Kundodyiwa and Gerard Chimbganda, who together, in 2017, established Mininan International, trading as "Good People".

In 2023, a dispute broke out between the two and Dr Kundodyiwa, who is a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology in the Royal Bolton Hospital in England.

She says Mr Chimbganda took a number of unlawful actions, including removing her as a director of Minana and reducing her shareholding from 50 per cent to 5 per cent. EBVEL held his shares in Minana.

Proceedings were issued by each of them in Ireland and the UK. They entered mediation and a settlement was agreed whereby EBVEL would buy out her shares for 2.25 million, with the first instalment due last month.

However, he failed to make the first two payments totalling 187,500, and on Thursday, she petitioned the High Court for the appointment of a provisional liquidator to take control of EBVEL.

In an affidavit, Dr Kundodyiwa said that in circumstances where the affairs of Minana, EBVEL and related companies have been conducted unlawfully and fraudulently, and where there is a history of misappropriation and misuse of corporate funds, she had sought the appointment of the provisional liquidator.

She is concerned Mr Chimbganda could, before a provisional liquidator was appointed, put the assets of Minana and EBVEL beyond the reach of its creditors, who include her.

Apart from being unable to pay the debt due to her, she said Mr Chimbganda paid himself dividends of some 559,000 in 2022 to assist him and his wife in buying a house. He had claimed it was a loan but exhibited no loan agreement or repayment terms, or proof of repayment, she said.

As part of its expanding business, Good People provided accommodation for vulnerable people, including children, which required garda vetting for staff.

Following the conviction for forgery of the staff member of Good People, who Dr Kundodyiwa says is a niece of Mr Chimbganda, the niece was "shipped off to Sweden" in an effort to distance the family from Good People.

Dr Kundodyiwa said Mr Chimbganda wanted the public to believe his niece acted alone in forging the certificates.

She said that was "quite frankly absurd" as she had nothing to gain from doing it, while Mr Chimbganda, his wife, Sobonile, and his sister Taridzai Kadonzvo did. His wife and sister had been appointed directors of Minana after he unlawfully took control of it, she said.

This was relevant to the petition because it showed Mr Chimbganda was engaged in unlawful and fraudulent activities, that the Good People companies have been refused government contracts and may have difficulty securing further contracts for good reason.

Dr Kundodyiwa also said he authorised unsuitable staff placements without her approval, which led to serious issues in hospitals.

It was also reported that apart from unvetted staff caring for vulnerable children, the children were placed in unsuitable accommodation, including one apartment where rats were found, and the children was not given soap and shampoo.

She also outlined the diversion of funds Minana to other companies within the group, which showed he had a history of diverting money and business from the companies, she said.

On Thursday, John Kennedy SC, instructed by Peter Boyle and Co Solicitors, applied on a one-side only represented basis for the appointment of the provisional liquidator to EBVEL which he said is the holding company. He said EBVEL has nothing to do with another company which uses the "even better value" slogan.

Mr Justice Cregan said he was satisfied to do so and made orders, including that Mr de Lacy be given power to take EBVEL under control and secure property to which the company appears to be entitled.
BEIJING, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As announced on November 20, 2025, the Company is going to hold its annual general meeting of shareholders ("AGM") at its Beijing offices on December 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.  5:00 p.m. (Beijing Time).

To watch the live broadcasting of the AGM, please click the below links:

https://ir.youdao.com/#/live

An archived replay will be available on Youdao's investor relations website at https://ir.youdao.com/.

Speakers include Dr. Feng Zhou, Chief Executive Officer of Youdao and other members of Youdao's senior management team.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Jeffrey Wang

Youdao, Inc.

Tel: +86-10-8255-8163 ext. 89980

E-mail: [email protected]

Piacente Financial Communications

Helen Wu

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Youdao, Inc.
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Cool Planet Technologies has announced successful testing of its third-generation carbon-capture membrane module, marking a key milestone in scaling its technology for industrial applications. The company confirmed that the module achieved capture flow rates of up to 37,000tpa of CO 2 with recovery rates of 95 per cent, closely matching predictive models and validating the performance seen in earlier pilots.

The test programme was designed to demonstrate that the full-scale module retains the core performance characteristics measured at smaller scale. Cool Planet said the results remove one of the major risks associated with scale-up and show the technologys potential to deliver compact, lower-cost capture solutions for hard-to-abate sectors including cement, lime, steel and waste-to-energy.

A series of demonstration days was held at the companys Grimsby facility in the UK, where more than 20 industrial companies observed the membrane system in operation. Additional customised tests were conducted with a European lime producer preparing to decarbonise one of its kilns using Cool Planets technology.

The tested module will now be installed at Holcims Hover cement plant in Germany as part of a 12-month demonstration project. This integration is expected to advance the technology to TRL8 and provide full industrial validation under cement-plant operating conditions.
The Cleveland State Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy held its 96th graduation ceremony on Friday.The graduates completed 520 hours of instruction, training and practicum activities.Four awards were presented during the graduation program: Parker Fleming was presented with both the Academic Excellence and Physical Fitness award; Brandon Calhoun was presented with the Driving Excellence award; and Joshua Vaughn was presented with the Firearm Excellence award.
Troyanna Troy Foster, Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor for Adult Education in Floyd County, was named Georgia Northwestern Technical Colleges (GNTC) Adult Education Teacher of the Year for 2026.

Adult Education makes what seems impossible possible, Foster said. I take pride in helping students celebrate each small win until they have graduated with their High School Equivalency (HSE), giving themselves a chance at a better life.

Foster will be recognized as GNTCs Adult Education Teacher of the Year at the 2026 Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Leadership Institute state competition on March 9-11, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. One instructor from Georgias 22 technical colleges will be selected as the Technical College System of Georgias (TCSG) Office of Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year during a special recognition dinner.

Troyanna sets a standard of teaching excellence for others to follow, Lisa Shaw, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC, said. Observing her in the classroom as she engages her students with compassion reveals her deep commitment to their success.

Foster said her passion for helping others led her to become an Adult Education teacher.

Troyanna continually seeks innovative ways to motivate, challenge and inspire her students, always keeping their success in mind, Shaw said. She strives to bring out the best not only in her students, but also in her colleagues. Troyanna is dedicated to the mission of Adult Education and continues to make a meaningful impact on her community, GNTC and the workforce of Georgia.

Adult Education gives students hope for the future and enables them to fulfill their educational and career goals, Foster said.

Adult Education also provides great value to the State of Georgia by helping students gain credentials, be job ready and earn higher wages. It also helps boost literacy, lowers the unemployment rate and provides workers with greater job security and financial stability.

Foster has 11 years of teaching experience, including three in her current position at GNTC.

The mission of GNTCs Adult Education program is to enable every adult learner in the service delivery area to acquire the necessary basic skills to be able to compete successfully in todays workplace, strengthen family foundations and exercise full citizenship.

The Adult Education program offers instruction in Adult Learning Centers throughout GNTCs nine-county service area. Instructional areas include preparation for the Georgia High School Equivalency (the GED test or the HiSET exam), Adult Secondary Education, Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language. Centers have modern computer labs, study materials, resources and professional staff for both day and evening programs. Distance Learning options are also available.

Classes operate year-round and are offered at no cost. GNTC is an official GED Testing Center and a site for computer-based GED Testing in partnership with Pearson VUE, GED Testing Services and the Technical College System of Georgia. For more information, contact GNTCs Office of Adult Education at 706-295-6976.
At this year's Morning Pointe Senior Livings Annual Holiday Party & Awards Banquet, Co-Founders Franklin Farrow and Greg Vital joined leaders from across their 42 communities in five states to recognize associates and campuses who "demonstrated exceptional dedication" throughout 2025."These honors reflect the heart, service and steadfast commitment that continue to make Morning Pointe the regions trusted provider in assisted living and memory care," officials said.Celebrating our associates and communities is more than tradition - it is the foundation of what sets Morning Pointe apart, said Mr.Vital. Their unwavering commitment to quality care and meaningful service is what creates true peace of mind for the residents and families who rely on us every day.This year's award winners were:Community of the YearMorning Pointe of Athens, Tn.Executive Director: Crystal SuttonRecognizing a community that set a new standard in resident care, teamwork and overall excellence.Chairmans AwardMorning Pointe of Tullahoma, Tn.Executive Director: Tana CaldwellHonoring a campus that exemplifies Morning Pointes mission through exceptional leadership, service, and impact.Exceeding Expectations AwardsCelebrating outstanding associates who went above and beyond in their field:1. Community Relations & Marketing  Jessica Schaeffer, Morning Pointe of Knoxville, Tn. Campus2. Food Service  Shannon Bolden, Morning Pointe of Powell, Tn.3. Nursing  Anita Hayes, Morning Pointe of Calhoun, Ga.4. Caregiving  Liwisa Pwohn, Morning Pointe of Owensboro, Ky.5. Life Enrichment & Alzheimers Programming  Dawn Pittman, The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Lexington, Ky.6. Maintenance & Housekeeping  Billy Mosier, Morning Pointe of Richmond, Ky.7. Business Office  Kim Tipton, Morning Pointe of Athens, Tn.8. Home Office  Shona Chandler, vice president of associate engagement and talent"These awards honor individuals and teams who consistently embody Morning Pointes values - serving with compassion, creativity and purpose every day," officials said. "Morning Pointe Senior Living extends heartfelt congratulations to all 2025 honorees. Your dedication continues to strengthen our communities, enrich the lives of our residents and move our mission forward in meaningful ways."
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Susan Elizabeth Kennedy, a worldly woman of style and substance, died on Monday, December 8, 2025, following a brief illness.

Born on August 26, 1943 in New York City, she was the oldest child of Nancy C. and Daniel G. Kennedy. She grew up in Rochester, NY and attended Our Lady of Mercy High School before graduating from Manhattanville College. After a brief stint in advertising, she joined Pan American World Airways and enjoyed four years traveling the globe as a flight attendant before moving into management, ascending to the position of Director of US Tour and Charter Marketing. Her family members always looked forward to Christmas, when Susans gifts ranged from camel saddle chairs to yak fur-lined coats. After landing on every continent except Antarctica, she moved into ground management positions in Houston, then London. In 1987, she settled in New York, where she held various HR positions at Brooklyn Catholic Child Welfare; the New York Academy of Sciences; and amfAR, the American Foundation for Aids Research.

Her Brooklyn apartment became base camp for many family visits over the years, and she delighted in playing Auntie Mame, squiring her niece and nephews to Broadway shows and teaching them the art of subway navigation. She was an accomplished snow-skier and once co-authored a musical play about ski culture titled, The Fine Art of Falling.

In 2008, Susan relocated to Chattanooga to be closer to her two brothers and three nephews and fulfilled the wish of many New Yorkers: to own a car and a garage. She relished the warm days lounging with her cats overlooking her backyard pond at Heritage Landing.

Susan is survived by her brothers, Dan and Jim Kennedy and his wife, Barbara; her sister, Mimi Kennedy Dilg and her husband, Larry; as well as nephews, Dan (Kelly), Jake, and Kristopher Kennedy; Cisco Dilg and his wife Mayuko; niece Molly Dilg; and four grandnephews.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Amy Boulware, Dub Ellis and A.J. Powers, as well as the caring staff at Gentiva Hospice and Guiding Grace Personal Care Home for providing comfort in Susans final days.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susans memory to the Chattanooga Humane Educational Society, or the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

To share your memories of Susan, please visit https://www.hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com/obituary/susan-kennedy

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343, 423 531-3975.
EPB of Chattanooga and Vanderbilt University on Wednesday announced plans to establish the Institute for Quantum Innovation, further positioning Chattanooga - and Tennessee - as a national hub for advancing quantum science and technology.The Institute for Quantum Innovation will be a center for research, innovation and graduate-level education in quantum and related fields. Pending accrediting agency approval, Vanderbilt will establish an academic research and innovation campus in Chattanooga and locate faculty, staff and graduate students on-site.This will enable continuous collaboration with EPB, support research and help drive local job creation, startup formation, and broader economic development in Chattanooga and across Tennessee, officials said.From cybersecurity to energy distribution to medicine and science of all kinds, the potential for quantum innovation to improve our lives is enormous, Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. We are delighted to collaborate with EPB and thank the members of Tennessees congressional delegation and the state and federal officials who helped make this collaboration possible. We are grateful to the leaders, businesses and residents of the Chattanooga area who have supported EPBs expansive vision.Officials said, "Designed to accelerate discoveries from research to the real world, the collaboration will drive advancements in energy, national security, health, insurance, logistics and critical infrastructure while preparing the workforce of the future. The institute brings together Vanderbilt Universitys leading quantum nanophotonics and research and educational programs with collaborative access to the EPB Quantum CenterSM, the nations first facility to provide commercial access to both a trapped-ion quantum computer and a photonics-based local quantum network."To meet rising demand for expertise in quantum and adjacent fields like AI and cybersecurity, Vanderbilt will develop and deliver graduate-level academic offerings that provide students hands-on experience with EPBs quantum and energy infrastructure. The university will also provide industry-integrated training programs that complement the institutes research agenda and provide upskilling and credentialing in cooperation with regional entities. A faculty committee has been appointed to develop recommendations and provide input on the academic programming plans, which will require accrediting body approval."The Institute for Quantum Innovation will provide best-in-class learning and research opportunities for our students and faculty while putting Vanderbilt at the forefront of advancements to help shape computing and the problem-solving it makes possible in the coming decades, Chancellor Diermeier added.Officials said, "The McKinsey Quantum Technology Monitor recently predicted quantum technologies will provide as much as $2 trillion in additional value to existing industries by 2035. Vanderbilts world-class research faculty and students at the innovation institute will pursue breakthroughs across quantum and nanophotonics for communication and sensing along with quantum information systems and AI for next-generation secure energy systems and more."This collaboration brings together Vanderbilts deep expertise in quantum research and graduate education with EPBs unique quantum infrastructure to create an environment where world-class ideas can move quickly from the lab to real-world applications, said Vicky Gregg, EPB board chair. By working side by side at the EPB Quantum Center, were paving the way for innovations that can make energy services more secure, cost-effective and resilient for our customers. At the same time, were strengthening Chattanoogas position as a place where cutting-edge technologies can drive new economic opportunity for our whole community.Officials said, "EPBs proven infrastructure and innovation leadership make Chattanooga a uniquely strong platform for quantum advancement. Since launching the nations leading community-wide fiber-optic network and the most advanced, automated power grid, EPB has fueled tech innovation and entrepreneurial growth across the city. According to a peer-reviewed study, EPBs quantum initiatives are expected to generate up to $1 billion in value for the local community between 2026 and 2035."Quantum has the potential to define Chattanoogas economic future, and this collaboration with Vanderbilt University proves our city is a global leader in this emerging technology, Mayor Tim Kelly said. The quantum innovation campus will give our local businesses access to research expertise, talent and infrastructure while also attracting new employers and supercharging startups. I want to thank Vanderbilt, EPB, IonQ, the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative and all our critical partners for their hard work that led to this historic day.Were focused on building an economy where local talent can thrive, said Mayor Weston Wamp. EPBs partnership with Vanderbilt in quantum technology will create new high-skill career pathways and strengthen our innovation ecosystem, driving long-term prosperity for Hamilton County families.Today's announcement demonstrates Tennessees commitment to leading the nation in emerging technologies that will shape Americas future, Governor Bill Lee said. The Institute for Quantum Innovation will strengthen our energy grid, invest in our skilled workforce, and create high-quality jobs across our state. Im grateful for this partnership and the opportunity it will create as Tennessee continues to advance quantum innovation and AI-enabled technologies.Officials said, "Federal leaders applauded the new collaboration which also supports critical national priorities related to cybersecurity and global economic competitiveness."The quantum innovation partnership between Vanderbilt and EPB will harden our grid, safeguard communications, and advance Americas technological edge over foreign adversaries like Communist China,Senator Blackburn said. The newly announced Institute for Quantum Innovation in Chattanooga is further proof Tennessee is ready to lead, and this is the kind of American ingenuity that will create jobs, develop a skilled workforce, and attract new investments in the Volunteer State.Tennessee knows how to lead in science and technology, said Representative Chuck Fleischmann, current chair of Energy and Water Appropriations. With Vanderbilt and EPB collaborating on the Institute for Quantum Innovation, we will accelerate breakthroughs that protect critical infrastructure, support national security, and build a world-class workforce right here at home. The bottom line is that Tennessee is going to lead in quantum, and this institute will help make that a reality.Quantum technology is a pivotal component to keep America at the cutting edge of innovation and tech development. It is also critical to Americas national security, Senator Bill Hagerty said. The partnership between Vanderbilt and EPB to launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation is a powerful example of Tennessees leadership that put our state at the forefront of technology development.Officials said, "Fueled by the universitys motto and charge - 'dare to grow' - the Institute for Quantum Innovation is one of Vanderbilts growth initiatives, expanding Vanderbilts presence in leading innovation hubs and high-impact fields and providing students and faculty with new avenues for experiential learning, research translation and industry collaboration. This includes Vanderbilt UniversityNew York City, the universitys first campus established outside of Nashville, and a proposed campus in West Palm Beach. At home in Nashville, the university is developing plans for an innovation neighborhood on the western edge of our Nashville campus to unlock the regions potential and accelerate progress and is building a state-of-the-art science building to propel Vanderbilts ambitious goals for scientific research and discovery. The university also recently launched the College of Connected Computing, Vanderbilts first new college in 40 years, and the Institute of National Security, which advances mission-critical research and education at the intersection of technology, policy and national defense."
The Honey Baked Ham Company today announced it will host the grand opening celebration of its new Hixson location at 5450 TN-153, Ste. 164 on Saturday. At 11 a.m., the store is rewarding the first 50 guests in line with Free HoneyBaked Sandwiches for a year.*From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, the store will also raffle off a free Honey Baked Ham or Turkey meal for one lucky guest every 30 minutes.** Additionally, the community is invited to enjoy product sampling, spin the HoneyBaked prize wheel to win branded merchandise and 20 percent off their purchase for the entire day.At noon, HoneyBaked of Hixson will host the restaurants official ribbon cutting.The Hixson Honey Baked Ham is owned and operated by franchisee Ken Taylor marking his third location.Mr. Taylor said he is passionate about providing an exceptional customer experience and takes pride in being part of guests special occasions and holiday celebrations.We are so excited to celebrate the grand opening of our new Honey Baked Ham location in Hixson, said Mr. Taylor, The best part is connecting with customers and being part of their holidays, celebrations and everyday moments for years to come.The new 2,520-square-foot restaurant, which officially opened on Monday, Nov. 17, seats 14 guests inside and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed on Sundays.For the first time in a decade, Honey Baked Ham is expanding its holiday menu with a brand-new centerpiece, the Honey Baked Prime Rib. Available for a limited time at more than 500 locations nationwide, this premium offering delivers a tender, flavorful addition to any holiday table and is ideal for gatherings of any size, officials said.Known for being the go-to stop for the holidays, Honey Baked Ham is bringing back its Gold Pick Up Days. On Dec. 21 and 22, guests can shop early and save $7 off Bone-In Half Ham or whole Boneless Ham and $10 off a Holiday Meal. For more information, visit honeybaked.com/coupons.*HoneyBaked Sandwiches for a year comes in the form of a coupon booklet featuring 12 free sandwich coupons. Valid only at HoneyBaked Ham of Hixson 5450 TN-153 Ste 164, Hixson, TN 37343. Limit to one winner per household. Not valid online. This coupon may not be combined with other offers nor applied to the purchase of any item other than the item that is specified on the coupon. Limit one per customer per visit. While supplies last. No cash value.**Limit one entry per celebrant. Raffle winners will be announced every 30 minutes during the following times: 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.
The Tennessee Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an opinion in Gary Wygant, et al. v. Bill Lee, Governor, et al., rejecting state constitutional challenges to Tennessees redistricting statutes for the state House and Senate.

In February 2022, following the 2020 census, the General Assembly enacted statutes redrawing the voting districts for the state House and Senate. Tennessee voters sued state officials claiming that the House and Senate maps violated the Tennessee Constitution. Gary Wygant, a Gibson County voter, claimed that the House map violated Article II, Section 5 of the Tennessee Constitution by splitting Gibson County into two House districts. And Francie Hunt, a Davidson County voter in Senate District 17, claimed that the Senate map violated Article II, Section 3 of the Tennessee Constitution by not consecutively numbering Davidson Countys four Senate districts.

The State argued that the House and Senate challenges were not justiciablethat is, that Tennessees courts could not even hear the challenges. The State argued that Wygants challenge to the House map presents a political question and that Wygant had standing to challenge only the split of Gibson County, not the entire House map. The State further argued that Hunt lacked standing to challenge the misnumbering of Davidson Countys Senate districts.

After a trial, a divided three-judge trial court panel held that Wygants standing to challenge the House map was limited to the Gibson County split but rejected the States other justiciability arguments. On the merits, it rejected Hunts district-specific challenge to the House map but agreed with Hunt that the Senate map is unconstitutional.

The Tennessee Supreme Court affirmed in part and reversed in part. The Court agreed that Wygant had standing to challenge the Gibson County split but rejected that challenge on the merits. The Court clarified that a plaintiff bringing a challenge under Article II, Section 5 must prove that the legislatures decision to split the county was not rationally related to achieving compliance with federal law and held that Wygant had failed to satisfy that standard. The Court held that Hunt lacked standing to challenge the Senate map because she did not suffer an injury in fact. It therefore did not consider Hunts challenge on the merits.

Justice Holly Kirby concurred in part and dissented in part. In Justice Kirbys view, Hunt had standing to challenge the Senate map and should prevail on the merits of that challenge.

Justice Dwight Tarwater also concurred in part and dissented in part. He disagreed with the majoritys conclusion that Wygant had standing to challenge the Gibson County split.

To read the majority opinion in Gary Wygant, et al. v. Bill Lee, Governor, et al., authored by Justice Sarah K. Campbell, and the separate opinions authored by Justice Holly Kirby and Justice Dwight Tarwater, please visit the opinions section of TNCourts.gov.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reminding hunters to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions for possible cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among wild birds, backyard domestic flocks, and commercial poultry flocks in the Southeast. HPAI is highly contagious among bird populations and is known to be deadly for domestic fowl.

I am hearing reports out of Arkansas and Mississippi of snow geese infected with HPAI, said Jamie Feddersen, TWRA Migratory Gamebird coordinator. I would recommend anyone handling a wild duck or goose to be mindful and use safety precautions. Anyone seeing sick or dying birds should report them through TWRAs sick bird reporting system.

Recommendations for Hunters:

Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and any remains from processed birds can be buried where the animal was harvested or double bagged and disposed of along with normal household waste.

Waterfowl hunters who raise poultry, work on poultry farms, or visit poultry farms should change all outer layers of their hunting clothing, including boots, before entering any poultry facilities.

Clothing should be laundered as soon as possible to prevent contamination, and boots should be treated with a 10 percent bleach solution before and after entering commercial or backyard poultry facilities to prevent the virus from being transferred to new locations.

Recommendations for Homeowners:

Watchable wildlife, including songbirds, can also be affected by HPAI. Homeowners should stop feeding birds and cover bird baths, if dead birds are found, until this wildlife mortality event subsides.

Clean up any excess feed that has spilled or was placed onto the ground, and clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution.

Avoid contact with any dead or dying bird. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and other birds.

Dead or dying bird sightings may be reported to TWRA on the TWRA website. Community-based reporting supports the early detection of disease and bird health monitoring.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and migratory wild bird populations. TWRA submits wild bird test results to USDA for monitoring purposes and coordinates with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Veterinarians for disease management.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways
Harold Wayne Nichols, the East Ridge man who was convicted in the rape and murder of Karen Pulley, died by lethal injection on Thursday morning.

State officials said, "Today, by order of the Tennessee Supreme Court, the Department of Correction carried out the death sentence of Harold Wayne Nichols by means of lethal injection at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. Inmate Nichols was pronounced dead at 10:39 a.m."

His last words were: To the people Ive harmed, Im sorry. To my family, know that I love you. I know where Im going to. Im ready to go home.

It was the third execution in Tennessee this year.

Nichols, who had been on death row for decades, did not make a choice between lethal injection and electrocution.

Nichols pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder, aggravated rape, and first-degree burglary related to the September 1988 rape and murder of the 20-year-old Ms. Pulley.

Following a penalty phase, the jury in Hamilton County Criminal Court sentenced Nichols to death. On direct appeal, the Tennessee Supreme Court affirmed the death sentence.

Authorities said Nichols became known as "the Red-Headed Stranger" as he stalked female victims at night.

He was convicted of five counts of aggravated rape with four different victims other than Ms. Pulley.

A court ruling says that Nichols, on Sept. 30, 1988, broke into a home in Brainerd and found Ms. Pulley alone in an upstairs bedroom. After forcibly removing Ms. Pulleys clothing, Nichols raped her and struck her in the head with a board he had found in the home. After the rape, Nichols struck the victim in the head with the board at least four more times as she struggled. Although Ms. Pulley was found alive by one of her roommates, she died the following day. The cause of death was the blunt trauma to the victims head, which resulted in skull fractures and massive brain injuries.

Several months later, on Jan. 5, 1989, police officers arrested Nichols after receiving information that he committed several rapes in the East Ridge area that were unrelated to the Pulley rape and murder. When questioned by officers, Nichols confessed to several rapes that occurred in December of 1988 and early January of 1989.

When questioned later by Detective Richard Heck of the Chattanooga Police Department, Nichols confessed to the rape and murder of Ms. Pulley and gave a videotaped statement in which he discussed the layout of the victims home and bedroom, his entry point into the home, the facts of the rape and murder, and his disposal of the murder weapon.

Here are victim statements released by the state:

Jeff & Lisette (Pulley) Monroe

My name is Jeff Monroe. I am Karen Pulleys brother-in-law. My wife Lisette is Karens sister. Lisette was planning on being here but changed her mind at the last minute, it was just too difficult emotionally for her to attend. Karen and Lisettes parents, Ann and Chuck, passed away years ago. Lisette, our daughters, and other family members that could not be here are having a celebration of life for Karen today.

"We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the officers and detectives of the Chattanooga Police Department and in particular Detective Richard Heck, also the team at the Attorney Generals office, and the Tennessee Department of Corrections, for their tireless efforts to seek justice for Karen. Their dedication has meant more to us than we know how to express. We have waited for 37 years with the hope that justice would be delivered. Taking a life is serious and we take no pleasure in it. However, the victims - and there were many - were carefully stalked and attacked. The crimes - and there were many - were deliberate, violent, and horrific.

"Nichols was a violent perpetrator who hunted his victims, stalked them, and then attacked vulnerable women in the most sadistic ways. Our family was destroyed by evil that night in September 1988, when Karen was raped and violently beaten to death in her own bedroom, left to die alone, terribly injured, broken, bleeding, and terrified.

"Karen was 20, had just finished Bible school, and was attending Chattanooga State to become a paralegal. She had been a cheerleader at Brainerd Baptist High School. Karen was bubbly, happy, selfless, and looking forward to the life before her. She was excited about spending time with her sister and holding her niece for the first time.

"I was serving in the Air Force at the time. Lisette and I had been in the Philippines for three years and had returned to the States weeks earlier. Karen died before we could get to Chattanooga. The responding EMT, a Vietnam medic, said he had never seen anything like it, even in combat. No punishment can ever atone for the loss of Karens life or the damage done to our family. Nor is there a punishment that can heal the many victims and families forever broken, battered, and scarred by this man. But this is a start.

"We are relieved that this nightmare is over and take comfort knowing he never again will be able to harm anyone else. Moving forward our family will concentrate on the happy memories of Karen and will never again be re-traumatized by this monster. To his other victims: Our hearts go out to you. We pray that God grants you peace and healing from the trauma inflicted on you."
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp today announced his appointment of Jordan Karnbach as the countys deputy press secretary.Officials said, "With a strong background in local media, Ms. Karnbach brings a deep understanding of newsroom operations and community storytelling, positioning her as a valuable addition to the County Mayors Office."Jordan brings meaningful experience from her time reporting at News Channel 9 and Ole Miss, and were thrilled to welcome her to our team, said Mayor Wamp.Her arrival comes at an exciting moment for Hamilton County, with transformative initiatives underway that will be strengthened by her skills communicating with the public.Officials said, "Ms. Karnbach most recently served as a communications specialist at the University of Mississippi, where she created content that supported the universitys mission and deepened its connection with students, families and the community."Prior to that, she worked as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor for ChattanoogasABC/FOX affiliate, News Channel 9, gaining experience in fast-paced, deadline-driven communication. She frequently covered county government and was known for her clear, confident on-air presence."Chattanooga became home to me nearly four years ago, and my time reporting across Hamilton County allowed me to meet so many remarkable people whose stories shaped my connection to this community, said Ms. Karnbach. Im honored to return in this capacity, and look forward to elevating Mayor Wamps communications efforts while serving a place Im proud to call home again.Originally from South Florida, she earned a bachelors degree in communications and digital media studies, with a minor in film studies, from Florida State University, and is currently pursuing a masters degree in integrated marketing communication at the University of Mississippi.Ms. Karnbach is filling an existing, budgeted position in the County Mayors Office, and will work alongside Press Secretary Haley Burton to advance the priorities of the Wamp administration.
Elon Musk received a prayer from a pastor who is an attendee's father during a large town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on March 30, 2025. The event was part of his campaign in support of Brad Schimel, the conservative candidate in a critical Wisconsin Supreme Court election scheduled for Tuesday. | Screenshot: YouTube/ C-SPAN

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has once again affirmed his belief in a Creator, stating during a recent podcast appearance that God is the figure he most admires and reiterating his conviction that the universe could not have emerged on its own.

Musk shared his views on faith during Tuesdays episode of The Katie Miller Podcast, where he was interviewed about topics ranging from the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to artificial intelligence. The conversation briefly turned to religion when host Katie Miller asked him about who inspires him most.

Miller, who served as DOGEs spokesperson earlier this year and is married to presidential adviser Stephen Miller, posed a direct question: Who do you look up to the most? Musk responded simply, The Creator, prompting her to inquire about his current beliefs regarding God.

God is the Creator, Musk said, leading Miller to follow up by asking, You don't believe in God, though, do you? Musk replied, Well, I believe this universe came from something. People have different labels.

His comments reflect a continued public evolution in his thinking about faith. Muskwho in 2022 joked that he was fine with going to Hellhas recently shown greater openness toward Christianity and religious ideas.

Earlier this year, Musk encouraged his millions of X followers to attend church after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He also appeared at Kirks memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, where he was photographed speaking with President Donald Trump despite their earlier disagreements.

Musks remarks this week echo a much-discussed 2022 exchange on X, when he responded to a user urging him to acknowledge a Creator by writing, Thank you for the blessing, but Im OK with going to hell, if that is indeed my destination, since the vast majority of all humans ever born will be there.

Though he has not fully embraced Christianity, Musk has described himself as a cultural Christian, referencing author Richard Dawkins similar label in 2024, when Dawkins lamented the decline of Christian influence in the U.K.

I would say I'm probably a cultural Christian, Musk told Jordan Peterson that year. I was brought up as an Anglican, and I was baptized.

He has also praised Christianitys civilizational influence, warning last year that Western society is absolutely screwed if it loses Christianity.

Musk also appears to have been profoundly impacted by his son Xavier's struggle with gender identity. He told Peterson that his 21-year-old son, who now identifies as a female named Vivian Jenna Wilson, is effectively "dead" after medical professionals "tricked" him into authorizing his sons chemical transition by threatening suicide.

Musk relocated his companies X and SpaceX out of California, citing the states policies on transgender minors. He specifically objected to a law that prevents school districts from requiring teachers to inform parents when children identify as a different gender.
Franklin Graham speaks at the European Congress on Evangelism, hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), from May 27 to May 30 in Berlin, Germany. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

The Rev. Franklin Graham was unable to travel to India for a recent revival gathering after complications with his visa prevented him from arriving on time, sparking criticism directed at the Indian government.

According to The Times of India, Graham had been denied a visa, causing one local leader to send letters to federal officials voicing displeasure with the matter.

On Tuesday, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association addressed the situation, offering clarification in a statement to The Christian Post. The association explained that while the Indian government ultimately granted visas for Graham and his team, the approval came too late for him to travel as scheduled.

"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," the organization said.

The statement added that 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, noting the organizations appreciation for the cooperation of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The Kohima eventorganized by the Kohima Baptist Pastors Fellowship, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, and the Nagaland Joint Christian Forumcontinued as planned. Robert Cunville, a longtime ministry associate and evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, delivered the Gospel message in Grahams place, the organization confirmed.

In the aftermath of Grahams absence, Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee President Lal Thanzara wrote to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express extreme disappointment, according to The Times of India. His concerns were echoed in the United States, where Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., sharply criticized the visa delay.

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, Smith said in a statement.

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 further pointed out that Samaritans Pursethe international charity Graham leadshas provided humanitarian aid in India for more than four decades.

The legacy of the Grahams ministry in Nagaland remains significant. In 1972, Billy Graham held a historic crusade at the Khuochiezie Local Ground in Kohima, an event that left a lasting impact on the spread of the Gospel.

"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 DEI is 'primary vehicle' for antisemitism, watchdog group warns

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has become a primary vehicle for antisemitism in American academia, according to a watchdog group that released a report finding 58% of Jewish students reported experiencing antisemitism on campus, yet only 12% felt the incidents were properly investigated.

StopAntisemitism, a watchdog group dedicated to documenting violent incidents and hostile acts against Jews, evaluated 90 academic institutions as part of its 2025 Antisemitism on U.S. College & University Campuses report.

"Even since the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement, antisemitism remains loud, bold, and

unchecked, revealing that none of this is about Israel but instead it is about Jew-hatred,

plain and simple," the report declared. "Coordinated protests, ideological harassment, and institutional apathy continue to endanger Jewish students."

According to a nationwide survey of Jewish students enrolled at these schools, 39% hid their Jewish identity, and 62% said they were directly blamed for Israels actions. Sixty-five percent of Jewish students reported that they felt unwelcome in certain spaces on campus, and 39% felt DEI initiatives included Jews.

These findings confirm the harsh reality that Jewish students are being marginalized in institutions that claim to champion diversity and inclusion but instead amplify division and exclusion, the report stated. Their safety and dignity are treated as negotiable and often dismissed entirely.

DEI offices tasked with protecting minority students often serve as engines of anti-Jewish hostility, the report stated. The watchdog group argued that DEI offices have excused harassment as political speech and excluded Jewish students from the protections offered to other minority groups.

The report added that DEI offices have Indoctrinated students with ideological frameworks that demonize Israel and, by extension, Jewish identity, and empowered movements that openly call for the dismantling of the worlds only Jewish state.

Regarding the survey, 58% of Jewish students also said they felt their schools failed to protect them after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Multiple protests against the Jewish State occurred on college campuses nationwide following the attacks and Israels military response in Gaza to eradicate Hamas. Some campus demonstrators reportedly glorified terrorism and targeted Jewish students.

The watchdog groups report selected U.S. academic institutions to analyze based on their scale, national relevance, incident volume, and student reported vulnerability.

Each of the schools received a letter grade from A to F, which reflected incident volume and severity, administrative response quality, student-reported safety, presence of federal investigations, and evidence of accountability or neglect, providing a comprehensive and multi-layered assessment.

Only 15 schools received an A, including Colorado State University and the University of Alabama. The report praised CSU, which established a Presidential Task Force on Jewish Inclusion in 2020, noting that the school continues to condemn hate and stand with its students, despite antisemitic incidents related to the Israel-Hamas war."

Columbia University, one of the major sites for anti-Israel protests after Hamas Oct. 7 massacre, received an F. According to the report, Jewish students at Columbia have faced repeated antisemitic incidents including vandalism, hate filled emails, and disruptions glorifying extremist violence.

Earlier this year, Columbia University agreed to settle investigations brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for $21 million in relation to the charges of antisemitism.

Northwestern University, where anti-Israel demonstrators also set up an encampment and reportedly made Jewish students feel unsafe, also received an F. The report also stated that the resignations of President Michael Schill and Provost Kathleen Hagerty after the Trump administration froze the universitys funding underscore serious lapses in institutional accountability.

The university also reached an agreement with the federal government by agreeing to pay $75 million as part of a settlement to resolve multiple investigations into campus antisemitism.

The agreement followed the Trump administration freezing about $790 million in research funds to the school in April over alleged civil rights violations and reports of antisemitism. Despite agreeing to pay the settlement, Northwestern University denied any wrongdoing.

StopAntisemitisms 2025 report also included recommendations to help institutions protect Jewish students, urging schools to have immediate condemnation of antisemitic acts and transparent investigation procedures.

In addition, the report encouraged schools to strengthen support systems for Jewish students by expanding funding, mentorship opportunities and advisory boards to help cultivate a sense of community and resilience.

The solution is not reform, DEI has failed too fully, too structurally, and too consistently, and must therefore be completely dismantled, the watchdog group concluded. Its ideological rigidity, selective morality, and entrenched double standards have helped fuel the worst wave of campus antisemitism in modern American history.

If universities do not confront and uproot the systems that enable antisemitism, they will continue to fail their Jewish studentsindeed all their studentsand they will continue to betray their very reason for existing, the group warned.
Home News Jordan Peterson's daughter asks for prayers amid ongoing health issues: 'We still dont know 100% whats going on'

Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson is back home after a lengthy hospitalization, but he remains seriously ill, according to a new update shared by his daughter, who asked for continued prayers for her father.

In a post on Instagram Wednesday, Petersons daughter, Mikhaila Fuller, shared an older photo of the two of them, along with her husband, and wrote that the past six months have been extremely stressful as her father continues to battle significant health challenges.

Dads back home, out of the hospital. Hes still not doing well but hes not doing as badly as he was, she wrote. Prayers are still much appreciated. Thank you to everyone thats commented and reached out, it makes a lot of difference. We still dont know 100% whats going on, but we have great specialists and were waiting, hoping and praying for recovery.

Peterson, 63, was diagnosed earlier this year with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a complex condition often linked to exposure to water-damaged buildings.

In previous updates, Fuller has said her father has suffered from symptoms since at least 2017, though the family only recently discovered the underlying cause.

In August, she announced he would be stepping away from public commitments to focus on treatment. By early fall, Peterson had spent nearly a month in intensive care and was, at one point, unable to communicate with relatives for weeks.

This summers been exceedingly difficult and terrifying, Fuller said in an earlier video, noting that her father and her newborn daughter were both rushed to the hospital on the same day. Her infant daughter survived a near-fatal cardiac crisis. Fuller described the string of crises as a spiritual attack, but said the support theyve received, especially from people praying for her father, has been incredibly helpful.

Its been heartbreaking and brutal, she said in an October update. But it looks like things are headed in the right direction.

She added that the family is relying heavily on the Lord through this and seeing miracles around us.

Peterson doesnt identify as a Christian but frequently discusses faith and has interviewed numerous Christian leaders, including Dallas Jenkins, Greg Laurie and Tim Tebow. His familys own faith journey has also drawn interest: his wife, Tammy, entered the Catholic Church in 2023, and Fuller has said she became a Christian two years earlier.

In a 2024 interview with The Christian Post, Peterson discussed what he sees as the benefits of Christianity, stressing that exposing children to traditional religious values could be key in navigating the complexities of modern life.

"We are seeing a revival of church-going, especially of the more conservative type," Peterson said. "And I suspect thats probably also useful. Providing [children] with something like exposure to classic religious ideas is necessary."

He also challenged Christians to be grounded in skepticism  not of faith itself, but of those who would misuse it.

"By their fruits, you will know them," he said, stressing that the Scripture verse is useful when determining whether religious leaders are genuinely committed to the faith or merely using it for their own purposes.

You have to pay attention to the fact that not everybody who says Lord, Lord is going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, he said.

In a YouTube message posted Dec. 9, Fuller also thanked people for praying for her father, adding: I dont even have words for how helpful [your prayers have] been. Thats really made a difference this year, getting through a whole bunch of crazy health things.

Fuller also said she wont provide another health update until something changes more significantly with her father, hopefully for the better.
Home News Netflix's promotion of LGBT themes, sexual preferences in kids' shows 'pervasive': report

At least 41% of G-rated series and 41% of TV-Y7-rated series on Netflix feature LGBT content, including trans-identifying characters and same-sex couples, according to a new study.

The new report, "LGBTQ Messaging Pervasive In Netflix Children's Programming," compiles references to LGBT-related messages and storylines across 326 Netflix shows aimed at children.

The study, released by the Washington-based Christian conservative advocacy group Concerned Women for America, analyzed licensed and original shows on the streaming platform, with ratings ranging from TV-G, TV-Y or TV-Y7.

"Netflix's anti-child, anti-family agenda has finally been exposed  its children's programming has been infiltrated by adult preoccupations with sexual preferences and gender identity," CWA President and CEO Penny Nance said in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

"Our new report reveals that children's programming is not exempt from identity politics  a drastic departure from its historical role. We knew that Netflix aired this kind of programming, but our study quantifies how many children's programs are subverted by LBGTQ messaging and themes," the CWA president continued. "These are shocking numbers, and most parents are unaware."

Following Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Nance argued that families need to be made aware that the platform could expand what she calls an "irresponsible approach to content moderation for children."

"Government should make that part of the conversation of this merger," she asserted. "There should be an outside, independent council that represents the interests of parents, reviewing program ratings."

Netflix did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment about the report.

The study characterized LGBT representation with categories like "explicit" (clearly identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or nonbinary), "implied" (non-primary characters or 'queer-coded' characters), and "meta" (gay families or participants in reality programming).

Across all age categories, 33% of youth-related Netflix series contained LGBT themes, storylines or characters. Forty-one percent of G-rated series featured LGBT content, of which only 4% fell into the implied category. According to the report, LGBT content in G-rated series was "roughly evenly split" between explicit (18%) and meta (19%).

As for TV-Y7 programming, the LGBT content was largely explicit (24%), the study reported. While researchers found that TV-Y programming had the lowest ratio of LGBT content, 21% of shows aimed at young children featured such messaging.

For example, the children's show "Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City" introduces a trans-identifying character named Banoffee and a nonbinary character named Raisin Cane.

Another children's show, "The Magic School Bus: The Magic School Bus Rides Again," features a character with two moms and a "trans-coded" chameleon named Liz.

In addition to inserting LGBT content into children's shows, Netflix has introduced trans-identifying or same-sex characters into reboots of older shows, such as "The Baby-Sitter's Club." Based on the Scholastic novels, a modern update of the series premiered on Netflix in 2020 and featured a storyline about a young boy named Bailey who identifies as a girl.

During the fourth episode of the series, the boy's babysitter, Mary Anne, informs the audience that she realized Bailey "was a little girl and her new clothes help people see it."

Later, Mary Anne talks about Bailey with a friend whose father is homosexual, and the friend compares identifying as trans to being right or left-handed. The friend, Dawn, explains that it would be "weird" if someone tried to make a right-handed person do things with the left hand.

"That's how Bailey feels. The same way that you know that you're right-handed, Bailey knows she's a girl.  We all want our outsides to match our insides," Dawn says.

While Netflix cancelled the series after two seasons, the "The Baby-Sitters Club" reboot was aimed at tweens and young teens.

"The hundreds of thousands of mothers, daughters, and grandmothers I represent believe that conversations about sex and sexuality are sensitive, personal, and different for every family and child," Nance said about CWA's latest report.

"Those conversations should take place only when the parent deems it necessary and developmentally appropriate. No parent wants to be forced to have a conversation about adult sexual preferences or gender identity with their child because of a cartoon," she emphasized.
Home News Former atheist who made horror movies releases Christian doc exploring evidence for God

As Christmas approaches, a former atheist-turned-Christian has released a new documentary for both believers and skeptics, emphasizing that science and reason do not undermine belief in God but instead point toward Him.

Universe Designed, releasing Dec. 13 across all major digital platforms including Apple, Amazon, Google and Fandango via Collide Media Group, explores the relationship between science, philosophy and Christian faith, arguing that the universe itself bears the marks of intentional design.

The film is directed by Michael Ray Lewis, a former atheist whose personal search for evidence became the foundation of the project, and features appearances from leading Christian thinkers, including Frank Turek, Sean McDowell, Alisa Childers, Stephen Meyer, Hugh Ross and Allen Parr.

As an atheist, one of my biggest frustrations with Christians was that they often asserted their beliefs were true without ever explaining why they believed that, Lewis, head of Turtle Moon Films, told The Christian Post. It felt like being preached at rather than reasoned with.

So when making the film, I wanted a slow, methodical approach, something that would not feel confrontational or preachy to skeptics, he added. I wanted viewers to feel like they were being guided on a thoughtful journey that begins with lifes biggest questions and then explores why the Christian worldview actually holds up.

The documentary is produced with the mission of equipping believers to defend truth with grace and inviting seekers to explore a relationship with the Creator.

Many Christians have never encountered the powerful evidence that supports belief in God. This documentary summarizes those arguments while encouraging viewers to explore the foundations of their faith. Our mission is to glorify God through cinematic storytelling that equips believers to defend truth with grace and invites seekers to discover a relationship with the Creator of the universe, reads the film description.

According to Lewis, his own journey toward faith began not in a lecture hall or laboratory, but in his own living room. Out of love for his wife, he agreed to attend church with her, though his skepticism remained firm.

For me, everything changed the day my wife came home and said, I feel like Jesus is calling me back, he said. I remember thinking, Oh no  here we go. I didnt believe in God, and my interactions with Christians on street corners had shaped a very negative view, he said.

I remember looking around and thinking, 'Well, these Christians arent as bad as I thought.' I understood why people found hope in it, but I didnt believe any of it was actually true, he continued.

Eventually, I grew tired of attending, and I decided the quickest way out was to prove to my wife that Christianity wasnt true. I started throwing difficult questions at her, questions she couldnt answer, yet no matter how many objections I raised, she remained absolutely convinced of her faith.

A pivotal turning point came unexpectedly when Lewis encountered an online lecture, and that discovery sparked years of careful study across scientific and historical disciplines.

One day, a video appeared in my YouTube feed: a talk by an astrophysicist named Hugh Ross explaining the creation days in Genesis from a scientific perspective, he said. For the first time, I saw that the biblical creation account actually aligns with what we observe in science. That got my attention.

It sparked a three-year journey of intense research into cosmology, biology, philosophy, and history, Lewis said. That journey ultimately led me to realize that Christianity offers the best explanation for the reality we live in.

Before embracing Christianity, Lewis built a career in independent filmmaking, primarily producing low-budget horror films. But after finding Jesus, he said his entire outlook and filmmaking trajectory changed.

Once I gave my life to Jesus, I knew that wasnt where I needed to be anymore, he said. I wanted to create something that mattered, something for the Kingdom.

Though experienced in filmmaking, he had never directed a film himself and struggled to envision his next step. Most faith-based films, at the time, lacked both the quality and depth he wanted to infuse into his next project.

Even though I had worked in film, I had never directed a project myself, he said. I wasnt sure what story I could tell now that my worldview had changed. I had watched a few Christian films and honestly thought, these arent very good.

I was talking with my wife about it, and it was actually her idea: Why dont you make a documentary showing others the evidence that convinced you? That was the spark that eventually became Universe Designed.

According to Lewis, his background as a skeptic influenced the films approach toward viewers who harbor doubts or objections about faith. The director said he repeatedly evaluated the film from the perspective he once held.

Throughout production, I constantly asked myself: If I were still an atheist, how would I react to this film? That perspective shaped everything.

Though the film answers Is God real? with certainty, Lewis emphasized that the term prove requires careful understanding, adding: The word proof can be easily misunderstood. In a strict philosophical sense, you cant prove anything absolutely.

Instead, in the film, I make a more modest and accurate claim: God is the best explanation for the reality we find ourselves in, he added. No worldview explains the origin, structure, fine-tuning, meaning, and moral dimension of reality as coherently as the Christian worldview does.

Now, as a Christian apologist, Lewis said hes convinced that modern scientific discovery increasingly supports, rather than disproves, belief.

When people say science makes Christianity irrelevant or incompatible, its usually because they havent looked deeply enough, he said. Many of the most significant scientific discoveries  especially in the last century  point strongly toward a Creator.

From the universe having a beginning, to the fine-tuning of physical laws, to the information-rich design of DNA, the evidence suggests intentionality, purpose, and mind behind the universe, Lewis said. Universe Designed highlights some of those discoveries in a clear, accessible way.

Of all the arguments, cosmic fine-tuning made the most profound impact on his thinking, Lewis said, citing the fundamental constants, quantities, and parameters that must be set to extraordinarily precise values for life to exist.

The odds of all of them being correct by chance are astronomically low, he said. To put it into perspective: It would be more likely for you to pick out one single proton from all the protons in the universe while blindfolded. Whenever we encounter something that is finely tuned for a purpose, we know it requires intelligence. The fine-tuning argument became impossible for me to ignore.

Several aspects stand out, he continued. The universe had a beginning. The cosmos is finely tuned for intelligent life. Cells contain incredibly intricate mechanisms. DNA contains the equivalent of thousands of volumes of encoded information.

All of these point to one conclusion: There must be a mind behind the universe.

Lewis said he once wrestled deeply with moral and philosophical objections to belief, topics he tackles in the documentary to help others who, like him, struggled with reconciling a fallen world with a good God.

My biggest objections were: the problem of evil and suffering, the belief that evolution eliminates the need for God, and the idea that God would punish me eternally just for struggling to believe, he said. All of these objections are addressed in the film. These were genuine stumbling blocks for me, and I wanted to confront them honestly.

The films lineup, including scholars, theologians and apologists, reflects Lewis desire to deliver sound theology and informed scientific beliefs while remaining engaging for general audiences.

I wanted both scholars and communicators, he said. The scholars bring depth, expertise, and rigorous argumentation. The communicators help present those ideas in ways viewers can easily understand and stay engaged with.

Bringing together some of the worlds top Christian thinkers allowed the film to deliver compelling evidence while remaining accessible and enjoyable to watch. It was incredible to sit across from the very scholars whose books had challenged my atheism, and ask them my toughest objections directly, he added. Their answers only strengthened my confidence in Christianity and deepened my relationship with Jesus.

Originally envisioned as a one-year project, the documentary ultimately took four years to complete. But Lewis now believes the Christmas release is purposeful.

I continually prayed for Gods timing, not mine, Lewis said. Now it releases at Christmas, a season celebrating the moment God stepped into his creation as a human being. Its also a cultural moment when people are asking deeper questions again: Why are we here? What is our purpose? What does all this mean?

I cant imagine a better time for a film that speaks directly to those questions.

Lewis hopes the film spurs genuine dialogue during holiday gatherings and points viewers to Jesus and the truth of the Gospel. Universe Designed, he emphasized, was made for skeptics, doubters and Christians alike.

What better opportunity than a movie designed to spark thoughtful conversation about God? he said. My hope is that Universe Designed becomes a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, encouraging people to ask big questions and pursue truth together.

For skeptics and doubters, I hope the film challenges their assumptions and shows that Christianity is absolutely worth serious consideration, he said. For believers, I hope it strengthens their confidence and equips them to have better conversations about their faith. Ultimately, this is a film for anyone genuinely seeking truth.

My hope is that the film stays with them, Lewis added. That it causes them to reconsider what they believe about reality, purpose, and truth. My challenge to viewers is simple: Seek truth. Ask the big questions. Follow the evidence honestly. Im confident that if someone genuinely pursues truth, they will ultimately find their way to Jesus.
Home News 'None of the government's business' what pastors preach on Sundays, Robert Jeffress tells DOJ religious liberty panel First Baptist Dallas pastor warns of IRS overreach in linking 'biblical beliefs with prohibited political speech'

Its none of the governments business to regulate the content of sermons that pastors preach from the pulpit, Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas told a White House religious liberty panel Wednesday.

In testimony before the U.S. Department of Justices Religious Liberty Commission, Jeffress and First Baptist Dallas Senior Executive Pastor Ben Lovvorn shared their experience with the IRS during a controversial church tax inquiry in 2021 under former President Joe Biden.

Jeffress statement to the Commission included comments he initially shared with his congregation on Sunday, in which he recounted how the atheist legal organization Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) filed a complaint with the IRS after former Vice President Mike Pence and then-HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson shared their faith testimonies of how they came to know Jesus as Savior at Jeffress church in June 2020.

It's interesting that we did not hear anything from the IRS for 11 months and four months after Joe Biden became president, Jeffress told the panel Wednesday. It was on May 6, 2021, that the IRS informed our church that they were initiating an inquiry into the tax-exempt status of our church because of our patriotic service.

Noting that First Baptist Dallas never had an issue with the IRS prior to the inquiry, Jeffress said he has a history of encouraging pastors to follow IRS regulations and not endorse candidates from the pulpit.

We encourage Christians to vote their biblical conviction, he added.

In his testimony, Jeffress pointed out that on Nov. 1, 2020, the same day he addressed his church about the presidential race, Biden was speaking at the Sharon Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where, said Jeffress, the former president and the church's pastor openly encouraged members to vote for Biden while both men were standing in front of a campaign banner in the church.

When we pointed out the contrast to the IRS between our non-endorsement policy and this church's flagrant disregard for the Johnson Amendment, the IRS officials conducting the examination had no response, he added.

While the inquiry lasted more than a year, the IRS eventually acknowledged in July 2022 that First Baptist Dallas did not engage in any improper political intervention or violate the U.S. tax code, he said.

Despite the favorable outcome, Jeffress said he wanted to testify before the Commission because while First Baptist Dallas could afford the legal fees, most churches could not  nor, he said, should they have to do so.

The government has absolutely no business determining what is proper and improper speech in the worship service of any church, he added. The IRS and any government agency lack the ability to distinguish between political speech and political conviction.

Much of the conversation between Jeffress and the Commission centered on talk of repealing or amending the Johnson Amendment, named after then-Sen. Lyndon Baines Johnson, who led an effort in 1954 to amend the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit nonprofit organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates.

He pointed to the case of Bunni Pounds, founder of the Christian voter education group Christians Engaged, which the IRS denied a tax-exempt application in May 2021 due to the groups religious convictions on various topics, including abortion and marriage.

While the government eventually reversed its decision, Jeffress said, "this initial decision by the IRS to equate biblical beliefs with forbidden political speech illustrates how easily the Johnson amendment could be misused to silence churches directly or cause them to engage in self-censorship to avoid costly litigation.

Jeffress added that while he is not opposed to government regulation on church spending involving political campaigns, he believes the government has absolutely no right to regulate what is said in a church.

What I preach from the pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Dallas  or any pastor preaches from his church  is none of big government's business, he added.

The hearing comes as the Johnson Amendment faces its most serious legal challenge in decades, stemming from a lawsuit originally filed by the National Religious Broadcasters in Michigan last year. Attorneys for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State (AU) are asking a judge to reject a consent decree issued in July in which the IRS acknowledges that the Johnson Amendment should not be enforced against churches.
Home News Ohio doctor indicted after forcing abortion drugs into pregnant woman's mouth

An Ohio surgeon who had his medical license suspended has been indicted on federal charges after he allegedly tried to force crushed abortion drugs into his pregnant girlfriends mouth after she refused to abort her baby.

A Lucas County Grand Jury indicted Dr. Hassan-James Abbas, 32, on Dec. 3 for six felony charges, including abduction, tampering with evidence, disrupting public services, unlawful distribution of an abortion-inducing drug, identity fraud and deception to obtain a dangerous drug.

"We are aware of the grand jury indictments today against Hassan Abbas. We are relieved that the criminal process has finally begun," Kelle Saull, the attorney for Abbas girlfriend and alleged victim, told WTOL 11. We are not closing the door on future indictments as this case unfolds."

Following the indictment by the grand jury, Abbas arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 19 at the Lucas County Common Pleas Court before Judge Joseph McNamara, according to WTOL 11.

The State Medical Board of Ohio issued a summary suspension of Abbas medical license last month in response to the allegation that the doctor illegally obtained abortion drugs and tried to force his pregnant girlfriend to take them.

Abbas, a surgical resident at the University of Toledo, began a romantic relationship with his girlfriend around the time he separated from his wife in October 2024, according to a notice that the board shared with The Christian Post.

When the doctors girlfriend, referred to as Patient 1 in the notice, told Abbas that she was pregnant on Dec. 7, 2024, he allegedly urged her to have an abortion.

When the pregnant woman refused to have one, Abbas reportedly used his estranged wifes identity to order mifepristone and misoprostol from an out-of-state telemedical abortion provider without his girlfriends knowledge.

On Dec. 18, 2024, the pregnant woman woke up and found Abbas on top of her, the notice states. The pair struggled as the doctor held the woman down and used his fingers to force crushed powder inside her bottom lip.

After the woman broke free from his grip and ran to the kitchen to call 911, Abbas allegedly grabbed the phone from her. Later, the woman drove herself to a nearby hospital, where she reported that her boyfriend had forced an unknown substance into her mouth.

During a July interview with medical board staff, Abbas admitted that he had researched abortion drugs and disregarded the provided instructions and substituted his own medical judgment.

While he didnt deny crushing the pills to make them dissolve more quickly, the doctor claimed that his girlfriend had agreed to take them. He also confessed to having taken his girlfriends phone and ending her 911 call, and to disposing of the remaining pills by throwing them out the window on his way to work.

The summary suspension means that Abbas is prohibited from practicing medicine prior to a hearing on the matter.

The board will determine whether to limit, revoke, permanently revoke, or suspend Abbas license, or take other disciplinary action. It could also decide to issue a civil penalty of up to $20,000.

The board told CP that Abbas had requested a hearing for May 14 to May 15, 2026. Following the suspension of his license last month, the University of Toledo placed Abbas on administrative leave.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the victims attorney claimed that the University of Toledo and ProMedica, where Abbas accepted a fellowship, knew about the allegations against the doctor and did nothing.

When asked about the allegation, the University of Toledo told CP that it had nothing to add beyond its original statement on the case.

"Hassan Abbas, a surgical resident at The University of Toledo, was placed on administrative leave after the State Medical Board of Ohio suspended his license on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The matter under investigation by the state is unrelated to his role at UToledo," a spokesperson told CP. "UToledo holds its employees to the highest standards of professional conduct and will cooperate with the state medical boards investigative processes."

In an emailed statement to The Christian Post, ProMedica said:

It is important to note that Dr. Hassan Abbas has never been employed by ProMedica.

"Earlier this year, Dr. Hassan Abbas matched with a ProMedica fellowship program set to begin in mid-2026. Since then, ProMedica has initiated the formal process with the National Resident Matching Program to waive his fellowship match.

"We are aware of a recent civil suit involving Dr. Hassan Abbas, a resident at the UToledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, and his father, which revolves around personal matters that are unrelated to our organization. We have noted multiple inaccuracies in the civil suit filing and plan to address them through the appropriate legal channels.

According to the attorney, the case is one of the most "heinous" she has ever been involved in.

Additionally, the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office has had this case "under review for the better part of a year," Saull said. "It wasn't until the Ohio Medical Board took (immediate) action that my client finally started to get the results she deserves."
Home News Franklin Graham says Samaritans Purse pilot told hijacker God loves him

Quick Summary AI Summary Samaritan's Purse pilot told hijacker, 'God loves him' during attempted takeover.

Pilot attempted to dissuade hijacker, who threatened to kill him.

Hijacker, identified as Yasir Mohammed Yusuf, was taken into custody after the plane landed safely. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary

The pilot of a Samaritan's Purse plane that was recently hijacked told the attempted hijacker that God loves him, according to the Evangelical nonprofit's CEO, the Rev. Franklin Graham.

Graham, who serves as president of Samaritan's Purse, spoke with ABC 45 last week about the Dec. 2 hijacking of a Cessna Grand Caravan airplane in Africa carrying aid to South Sudan.

Graham talked with the pilot after the incident, who described what it was like when the individual who snuck on board tried to take over the airplane. Graham said the pilot made an effort to "try to convince him not to do this, but the guy said 'I'm going to kill you and I'm going to count to three and I'm going to kill you.'"

"So, the pilot realized this isn't going to turn out well," said Graham. "So, [the pilot said] I'm just going to tell him that God loves him. The guy surrendered, and so we are just grateful."

"We work in dangerous parts of the world; that's part of it."

Traveling to Maiwut, South Sudan, the plane was en route to deliver medicine to a mobile medical unit operated by Samaritan's Purse when it was hijacked.

At the time, the plane was carrying a pilot and a Samaritan's Purse staff member. The plane eventually landed in Wau, South Sudan, where the National Security Service of South Sudan took the hijacker into custody.

"We praise God that no one was seriously injured, and we are grateful to the security forces for their support and swift action on the ground to resolve the situation and bring a safe outcome," Samaritan's Purse said in a statement.

The hijacker was identified as Yasir Mohammed Yusuf, reports The Associated Press. He is a resident of the Abyei Administrative Area, an oil-rich region between South Sudan and Sudan.

While an official motive has yet to be disclosed, Yusuf reportedly wanted the plane to take him to the nearby African country of Chad.

Last month, a plane carrying two tons of Samaritan's Purse supplies from the South Sudan capital, Juba, to people impacted by recent flooding crashed, killing all three people on board.

Operated by Nari Air, the plane crashed about 12 miles from the Leer Airstrip in Leer County, located near the border with Sudan, from which South Sudan gained independence in 2011.

"Our team has reached the crash site, and it is with deep sadness that I share the confirmation that all three crew members have passed away," Bikram Rai, Samaritan's Purse deputy director in South Sudan, told Reuters.
Human rights forum in China marks UN Charter's 80th anniversary

Xinhua) 10:57, December 11, 2025

CHONGQING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A forum marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Charter was held in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Wednesday, bringing together nearly 90 human rights experts and scholars from home and abroad.

Lu Guangjin, vice president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, said at the event that China's human rights endeavors have made continuous progress over the past decade, with their global influence increasing steadily.

China has been working to improve people's livelihoods, and to protect and promote human rights through development, enabling its people to share more of the fruits of development, Lu added. "This represents China's successful experience."

The 2025 Li Buyun Law Prize ceremony was held alongside the forum, with Zhang Yonghe, executive dean of the Human Rights Institute at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law, receiving this year's award.

The Li Buyun Law Prize recognizes individuals and organizations who have made eminent contributions to Chinese and international legal studies and legal education exchange. It was established in 2013 by the Shanghai Institute of Finance and Law in honor of Li Buyun, a pioneer in human rights law research in China.

Speaking at the ceremony, Krisztina Karsai, a law professor at the University of Szeged in Hungary, commended Zhang as one of the most influential voices in the field of human rights law in China. She highlighted Zhang's decades of work in bridging theory with practice, and in promoting exchange between legal traditions around the world.

Wednesday's event also saw the launch of the Chinese and English editions of "Women in China's New Era," a book featuring 30 real-life stories of Chinese women who have pursued their aspirations and realized personal value.

The UN Charter -- the founding document of the UN -- was signed in June 1945 and came into force in October of the same year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
December 11, 2025: The primary advantage U.S. forces have in wartime is logistics. Since World War II American forces have prevailed largely because there were always enough supplies, especially bombs, bullets, rockets, missiles, shells and all other implements of destruction. American forces did not win every battle, but the enemy always took a beating.

During the 1950-53 Korean War, 1,283,000 U.S. soldiers and marines served. Calculating fuel consumed per day is impossible to calculate because no precise records were maintained that would allow for calculating how many L/Liters per day each soldier and marine required.

During the 1965-1975 American involvement in the Vietnam War, American soldiers and marines consumed 33.4 L per day

The 1990-91 Gulf War American ground forces consumed 38 L per man per man daily.

The 2001-21 War in Afghanistan US ground forces consumed 57 L per man per man daily, almost all of which had to be delivered by thirsty aircraft.

During the two wars in Iraq, the 1991 war was to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. During that war U.S. troops consumed 37 L of fuel per day for each soldier.

In 2003 American forces invaded Iraq to overthrow the government of Saddam Hussein. During that war U.S. troops consumed 55.5 L of fuel per day for each soldier.
Home News Trump willing to meet with Pope Leo, responds to Catholic leader's criticism of immigration policies

President Donald Trump said he remains open to meeting with Pope Leo XIV and insisted he wasn't aware of the pontiff's comments expressing disagreement with his immigration policies.

In an interview with Trump broadcast on Tuesday, Politicos Dasha Burns asked the president to weigh in on the pope's characterization of his immigration policies as inhumane. Trump insisted he hadn't heard the comments before launching into a defense of his policies to combat illegal immigration that went largely unenforced under his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.

I havent heard any statements from the pope, he said. Im sure hes a lovely man. His brothers a lovely man.

Trump praised Leos brother as serious MAGA, recalling how he met with him at the White House shortly after his brother was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church earlier this year. The term MAGA is an acronym for Trumps signature campaign slogan of Make America Great Again, and the presidents characterization of Louis Prevost reflects the fact that the pontiffs brother is a supporter of his.

When asked by Politico if he would be willing to meet with the pope, Trump replied, Sure I will, why not?

The comments Leo made about Trumps immigration policies that Politico mentioned during the interview were in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Special Message on immigration published last month, which expressed concern about the Trump administrations immigration policies. We have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have, the pontiff asserted in response to a reporter's question at the time.

If people are in the United States illegally, there are ways to treat that, the pontiff asserted. There are courts; theres a system of justice. I think there are a lot of problems in the system. No one has said that the United States should have open borders. I think every country has a right to determine who and how and when people enter.

However, Leo also shared his disapproval of what he described as the extremely disrespectful treatment of illegal immigrants who are living good lives and many of them for 10- 15- 20-years in the U.S.

The USCCB offered a scathing assessment of U.S. immigration policy under Trump in their statement, condemning what they referred to as a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement and the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.

The popes response to the USCCBs rebuke of the Trump administration's immigration policies wasn't the first time the Catholic leader has weighed in on the divisive political issue.

A month earlier, Leo suggested that someone who says that Im against abortion but Im in agreement with the inhuman treatment of [illegal] immigrants who are in the United States is not pro-life.

While Trump met with the late Pope Francis at the Vatican during his first term in 2017, Trump has yet to meet with Leo. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Robert Prevost became the first U.S.-born pope in world history following Francis death in April. Prevost took the name Leo XIV upon his election to the papacy in May.

Trump had previously expressed a willingness to meet with the newly-elected pontiff in July, indicating that while he had no plans to do so at the time, he would do it. He also mentioned the pontiffs brother in his previous remarks, saying, I like the popes brother, and I think Id like the pope.
Home News Virginia church rallies behind Iranian sisters detained by immigration enforcement

A Virginia church is rallying behind two Iranian sisters active in the congregation who were recently detained by immigration enforcement officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands while traveling after Thanksgiving.

The U.S. Border Patrol Ramey Sector posted on its Facebook account last week that agents "encountered two illegal aliens from Iran" in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

"Ramey Sector agents responded and assumed custody of the individuals. Both subjects are being processed for removal proceedings," stated the Puerto Rico-based Ramey Sector.

"[U.S. Customs and Border Protection] in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. Virgin Islands remains committed to securing our borders and safeguarding our communities."

According to a CBP statement last week, "CBP officers were conducting outbound operations at the Cyril E. King Airport when they encountered two Iranian national women who were determined to be illegally present in the U.S."

"No fun in the sun when you are unlawfully present," CBP stated. "In coordination with US Border Patrol Ramey Sector agents, the two women were arrested and transported to be processed for removal."

A report from Episcopal News Service identified the women as Mahan and Mozhan Motahari, two sisters who have been active at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia, for the past three years. The congregation has several members of Iranian heritage.

The sisters have been in the United States since 2022. While their initial encounter with Christianity occured in Iran, they were later baptized at St. Thomas Episcopal.

The sisters' lawyer, Parastoo Zahedi, told ENS that his clients lawfully applied for asylum and disputed the claim that they were in the country illegally, arguing that previous administrations have allowed asylum seekers to remain in the country while their petitions are pending.

The Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith, rector at St. Thomas, told ENS that her church was praying for the sisters and working to secure clergy visitations for them while they are detained in Florida.

"These are people that are valued members of our community," said Gardner-Smith. "They're missing from us, and we are grieving  like someone cut off our arm."

"We long for them to be returned to their family and to our community. The church is the body of Christ and ours is incomplete without them present."

Since taking office earlier this year, President Donald Trump has overseen a ratcheting up of immigration enforcement operations, including detaining and deporting suspected undocumented immigrants.

The administration and its supporters argue that enforcement operations are necessary to crack down on dangerous criminal elements, while critics have charged that many who have followed legal processes or are fled persecution have been unjustly harmed.

In June, Pastor Ara Torosian of Cornerstone Church in Los Angeles, California, reported that five members of his predominantly Iranian congregation had been detained by authorities, including a family that was seeking asylum.

This operation included an incident captured on cellphone video showing federal agents detaining a couple outside their home, with the woman reportedly suffering a panic attack as her husband was taken away.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security described the couple as "two Iranian nationals unlawfully present in the U.S.  both flagged as subjects of national security interest," according to Fox11 News.

"When one experienced a medical emergency, agents immediately contacted EMS and escorted her to the hospital.  The female has since been discharged and both individuals are now in [Enforcement and Removal Operations] custody," stated DHS.

In a July op-ed published by The Los Angeles Times, Torosian, who fled Iran years ago after being on house arrest for two years, criticized the detention of the church members.

"I believe that America is better than this," he stressed. "This behavior reminds me disturbingly of what I fled in Iran. But I know that most Americans do not support this, nor do most fellow evangelical Christians: Many evangelicals voted for Trump because he pledged to protect persecuted Christians  not to deport them."

Eleven other Iranian Christians who were deported from the U.S. to Panama earlier this year reportedly received an extension in June to remain in Panama on humanitarian visas. They were given six months to find refuge in a third country.

Advocates, such as those with the U.S.-based International Christian Concern, say that some, like 27-year-old Artemis Ghasemzadeh, who crossed the border illegally in December 2024, were never given "credible fear" interviews, as is customary for asylum seekers.
Home Opinion 7 amazing facts about St. Joseph, the quiet giant of Christmas

We often speak of Mary at Christmas, and rightly so. We sing of angels, marvel at shepherds, and follow the journey of the wise men. But standing quietly in the shadows of the nativity is a man we rarely stop to consider  a man whose presence is so steady, so faithful, that the story of Christs birth would unravel without him.



Joseph appears on nearly every Christmas stage, yet we usually treat him as a silhouette: a figure with a staff, a supporting character near the manger, little more than an accessory to Mary.

But Scriptures portrayal of Joseph is rich. Joseph seems to be the quiet giant of Christmas. He never speaks a recorded word in the Bible, yet his life thunders with character. He is a man whose righteousness quietly served the advance of Gods redeeming purpose. Some men influence the world through eloquence or mighty deeds; Joseph influenced it through simple, faithful actions. His life, tucked into just a handful of verses, reveals a heart that God trusted with His most sacred task  the stewardship of His own son.

If ever there was a man worth leaning into study, it is Joseph. When we do, seven powerful truths rise from his life with remarkable clarity.

1. Righteousness is inseparable from compassion

The very first glimpse Scripture gives us of Joseph is a portrait of quiet moral beauty. Matthew writes, Joseph her husband, being a righteous man (Matthew 1:19). Righteous describes a man aligned with Gods law, committed to justice, integrity, and moral uprightness. Yet Josephs righteousness was not rigid or legalistic; it produced mercy. Matthew adds that after Joseph learned Mary was with child  and knowing he was not the father  he was still unwilling to put Mary to shame (Matthew 1:19). Even before he knew about Marys innocence and the miracle within her womb, Joseph refused the path of public humiliation. Though he believed he had been deeply wounded, he chose compassion over condemnation.

This is righteousness of a different order than that of the Pharisees, whose rule-keeping often coexisted with coldness of heart. Josephs righteousness sought to protect and preserve. Before he ever shielded the infant Christ from Herods wicked plans to murder the child, Joseph shielded Mary from shame. And in doing so, he teaches us something our world has nearly forgotten  true righteousness does not rush to convict or punish; it aims to redeem. Joseph shows us that holiness and compassion are not opposites but companions.

2. God guides the humble, and not the proud

A second striking feature of Josephs life is how readily he receives divine direction. Three times in Matthews Gospel, God speaks to him in dreams, revealing the miracle of Christs conception, warning him of Herods rage, and instructing him about when it was safe to return from Egypt (Matthew 1:20; 2:13; 2:19). Each time Joseph responds without hesitation. He listens. He yields. He obeys.

Such responsiveness is rooted in humility. Scripture insists on this virtue. The prophet Micah lists humility not as an option but as a divine requirement: What does the Lord require of you  but to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8). Jesus affirms the same truth: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:3). The proud do not seek Gods guidance. Instead, they trust other sources or themselves because, whether stated or not, they proudly believe they dont need God  they dont need faith. The proud exclude God from the equation.

Joseph was different. He didnt trust in his own instincts above Gods voice  Gods word. He was humble enough to be teachable and quiet enough to listen. Pride closes the mind; humility opens the heart. God doesnt reveal Himself to the self-assured, but He gladly guides the one who bends low before Him.

3. Obedience opens the door to divine purpose

Josephs life shows that obedience is the doorway through which Gods purpose enters a persons story. When the angel told him to take Mary as his wife because the Holy Spirit had conceived the Child, Joseph did not argue or delay until he understood it all; he obeyed (Matthew 1:24).

That same pattern marked all of his dealings with God. When an angel warned him, Herod sought the Childs life, he arose, took the young child and His mother by night (Matthew 2:14). When the Lord informed him that Herod had died and it was safe to return, Joseph responded just as decisively: He arose and took the young child  and went to the land of Israel (Matthew 2:21). His obedience was never postponed to a more convenient season; it was immediate and complete.

Josephs example reminds us that divine purpose is generally revealed on the far side of obedience. Many seek Gods guidance yet shrink back if the next step asks more of them than they wish to give. Joseph fully entered Gods plan when he stepped forward at Gods word. Where God finds ready obedience, He unfolds His purpose.

4. The righteousness of one person can become Gods shelter for many

Righteousness is never merely a personal matter; God also uses it to protect and bless others. Josephs life is a vivid example. Matthew describes him as a righteous man (Matthew 1:19), and his righteousness was the very shelter God used to protect Mary and the Christ-child.

Josephs righteousness provided physical protection. When an angel warned him, Arise flee to Egypt, Joseph immediately obeyed, taking the young child and His mother to safety (Matthew 2:1314). Later, when God directed him back to his homeland, he guided his family with the same obedient heart (Matthew 2:1921).

At first glance, this may seem merely a restatement of what has already been said. But careful reflection shows the point to be profound. Through Josephs integrity and faith, Mary and the infant Christ were preserved, Gods prophetic purposes were fulfilled, and the very Gospel that now offers refuge to millions was carried safely forward into history.

Who would have thought that something so great was hanging in the balance of one mans submission to God?

5. Silence often speaks more powerfully than speech

One of the most remarkable features of Josephs story is that not a single word from him is recorded in Scripture. The Gospels tell us what he did, never what he said.

Josephs silence is not the silence of passivity or indifference. Quite the contrary, it is the silence of a man who lets his walk do the talking. When God speaks, Joseph responds without hesitation. At every point in the story, his actions echo what his lips never utter: Here am I, Lord (Isaiah 6:8).

This quiet faithfulness still speaks today. In a world overflowing with noise and information overload, Joseph reminds us that lives of simplicity, steadiness, quiet devotion, and self-forgetfulness often carry the most enduring influence. His silence was not emptiness; it was eloquence.

6. Faithfulness in small things is greatness in Gods eyes

Ponder this truth. Joseph never performed a miracle. He never preached a sermon. He never stood before crowds or shaped public policy. In the grand drama of Scripture, his role appears small.

Consider how Scripture describes the early years of Jesus life. God entrusted His Son not to a king or a priest, but to a carpenter  a man who would teach Jesus work, worship, prayer, and the quiet qualities of daily reverence for the ways of the Lord. Luke records that Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom (Luke 2:40), and again that He increased in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). Behind that growth was Josephs morally fixed presence  his labor, his leadership, his example.

Josephs greatness lay not in extraordinary achievements but in consistent attention to the ordinary. He took Mary as his wife. He named the child Jesus as instructed (Matthew 1:2425). He made the arduous trip to Bethlehem for the census (Luke 2:15). He presented Jesus in the Temple according to the law (Luke 2:2224). He journeyed to Jerusalem every year for Passover (Luke 2:41). He taught Jesus a trade (Matthew 13:55). None of these acts was spectacular, but each was an act of fidelity to the seemingly minor things of life.

Joseph shows us that the sacred often lives in the more mundane places of life  at our jobs, in our kitchens and living rooms, in caring for family, and in the little everyday choices that never draw attention  in the smaller acts that hardly anyone ever praises or recognizes. Heaven sees greatness where earth sees only routine. Because Joseph was trustworthy with the little things, God entrusted him with something immeasurable: the guardianship of His only begotten Son (John 3:16).

7. God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things

Joseph steps onto the pages of Scripture without flourish or acclaim. He is not a priest like Zechariah, not a prophet like Isaiah, not a ruler like King David. He is an obscure carpenter from an obscure village in Galilee. Yet, God chose him for one of the most extraordinary assignments in all of redemptive history.

This is the pattern of Scripture. God chose a stuttering shepherd to confront Pharaoh (Exodus 34). He chose the youngest son of Jesse, overlooked by his own family, to become Israels greatest king (1 Samuel 16:713). He chose fishermen to become apostles and entrusted the message of the kingdom to their rough and calloused hands (Matthew 4:1822). Paul reminds us that God often works this way intentionally: God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise  the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Joseph embodies this divine principle. His greatness did not lie in status, education, or influence but in availability. Josephs obscurity did not disqualify him; it prepared him.

Heaven doesnt measure influence the way Earth does. It is not how big something is that counts, but the posture of ones heart that determines usefulness in Gods economy.

So, this Christmas, if you see a Nativity scene with Josephs silhouette leaning quietly over the Christ-child, pause for a moment. Look a little closer. You may notice his shadow stretches far beyond Bethlehem, falling gently across our own lives as a reminder that what God favors is self-effacing compliance with His will. The world may fail to see such lives, but Heaven always does. If we, like Joseph, walk faithfully in the places God has ordered, we too may become remarkable instruments in the unfolding of His redeeming work.
Home Opinion Has the war on drugs succeeded? The real problem is far worse

There was no kill them all order. That is what Navy Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley told lawmakers this week in a classified briefing on the September 2 military strike on an alleged narco-terrorist boat in the Caribbean that killed 11 people.



What set this incident apart from the roughly 20 other strikes that have reportedly killed about 80 people was the second round of fire, which killed two individuals who had survived the initial attack. The controversy centered on a Washington Post claim that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ordered, Kill them all.

President Trump defended the campaign, saying, Every boat we knock out, we save 25,000 American lives. And while military airstrikes on drug boats are indeed new, the use of military power against narco-terrorists is not. The modern war on drugs began in June 1971 when President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse public enemy number one and launched a national campaign to confront it. Two years later, he created the Drug Enforcement Administration to choke off the supply entering the U.S. In the 1980s, under Presidents Reagan and Bush, the war intensified dramatically.

But has the war on drugs succeeded? And will eliminating the cargo and crew of drug boats bring victory? The evidence says something is missing.

For a president so skilled in business, President Trump should appreciate the basic law of supply and demand. After more than five decades of the War on Drugs, the risk of dying from overdose has not fallen; it has skyrocketed. In 1971, the U.S. recorded 3.3 overdose deaths per 100,000 people. By 2024, the number had risen to 24.3 per 100,000  more than a sevenfold increase.

History and the inescapable law of supply and demand make clear that reducing supply alone does not eliminate the problem; it makes the trade more lucrative. The enterprise theory of crime holds that organized criminal groups arise only when there is a profitable demand for illegal goods or services. In other words, supply follows demand. One detailed study of darknet drug markets found that vendors cluster in high-consumption countries, not merely in producer nations. Their presence tracks where customers already are  demand pulls supply into place.

If the war on drugs is ever to succeed, its focus must move beyond the criminal suppliers to the broken users who sustain the market. Reducing demand is essential, and that responsibility extends far beyond government. Drug use is fueled by social breakdown  family instability, isolation, peer pressure, economic despair, glamorizing media, and weakened institutions  and most prominently, spiritual emptiness that leaves individuals without purpose and hope.

People without hope, purpose, a sense of identity, the freedom that comes from forgiveness, and a sense of Gods presence, which gives meaning to life, often turn to substances for escape. These social and spiritual deficits reinforce one another, meaning true recovery requires restoring relationships, addressing real-world pain, and confronting the spiritual void that leads people toward false comfort.

Failing to confront the demand side of the drug crisis will only escalate the costs  to families, communities, and the nation. The real battle is not merely on the seas but in the hearts, homes, and institutions that shape the character of our people.
by Barry Goldman

At the time of this writing, Thanksgiving week 2025, the Trump administration has launched 21 strikes on boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific and killed 83 civilians. According to the administration, the US military has legal authority to conduct these strikes. That authority is outlined in a memo from the Office of Legal Counsel, the OLC. But the memo has not been released to the public. It is a secret memo.

We have seen this movie before. Twenty-some years ago, there were secret memos from the OLC that authorized the CIA to torture prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. Those became known as the torture memos. These OLC documents are likely to become known as the murder memos. The process that generated them is the same.

As Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D., Md.) said:

[T]he decision was made, and someone was told to come up with a justification for the decision. It is a lot of legal mumbo jumbo.

No one should be surprised.

They told us a story about this process when I was in law school. It seems once upon a time many years ago a lawyer told J. P. Morgan there was no legal way he could do something he wanted to do. Morgan said, I dont know as I want a lawyer to tell me what I cannot do. I hire him to tell me how to do what I want to do. The lesson was clear. Morgan was one of the richest men in the world. He could hire any lawyer he wanted, and he could pay more than anyone else. If this lawyer didnt want to do the job, Morgan would find someone else who did. Law is no different from any other field. The Golden Rule applies: Whoever has the gold makes the rules.

Suppose youre young lawyer in the Office of Legal Counsel shortly after 9/11. Your boss calls you in and says, These are extraordinary times, and they call for extraordinary measures. We have captured some prisoners, and we believe they may have intelligence about future attacks. We need to be able to extract that information, and the prisoners are not being cooperative. We may be compelled to use methods that we would not use under ordinary circumstances. Were calling these methods enhanced interrogation techniques. We need to be able to use these techniques on these prisoners, and we need a letter providing legal authority to do it. I think youre the man for the job. Can I count on you?

You understand the assignment. Are you going to do it or not?

The result was the torture memos, and the person most closely associated with them is John Yoo. The memos argue, as lawyers say, in the alternative. They also told us a story about arguing in the alternative when I was in law school. The story has to do with a man accused of borrowing a kettle and returning it broken. His defenses were:

(a) I never borrowed it,

(b) It was broken when I borrowed it, and

(c) It wasnt broken when I returned it.

The United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment provides that:

[N]o exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture.

That left the OLC drafters with only two options: either enhanced interrogation techniques are not torture, or if they are torture the Convention does not apply. Pleading in the alternative, the torture memos made both arguments.

Enhanced interrogation techniques arent really torture, they said, because torture must inflict severe pain of the level associated with death and organ failure.

This standard is literally meaningless, says David Cole, the leading scholar on the subject, as neither death nor organ failure is associated with any particular level of pain.

In any case, the memos say, none of these techniques are sufficiently painful. The only techniques that qualify require proof of harm lasting months or years.

Quoting Cole:

With respect to waterboarding, for example, the OLC memo stated [the CIA has] informed us that this procedure does not inflict actual physical harm, and on that basis the memo concluded that waterboarding inflicts no pain or actual harm whatsoever. And waterboarding cannot cause any long-term suffering, the OLC determined, because, according to the CIA, it is simply a controlled acute episode.

Even if they are torture, the memos go on to say, enhanced interrogation techniques are legal because the Geneva Convention and the Convention Against Torture dont apply:

On February 7th, 2002 President Bush signed an internal executive branch memorandum declaring that the Geneva Convention protecting the treatment of prisoners of war did not protect al Qaida or Taliban detainees because they were not regular armed forces of a nation state. The memorandum instead classified them as enemy combatants who were not entitled to the Geneva Conventions minimum standards for humane treatment of prisoners.

In fact, the torture memos continue, enhanced interrogation techniques are not even cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. This is because they do not shock the conscience. And they do not shock the conscience because, the government sought to minimize the risk of injury or any suffering that does not further the Governments interest in obtaining actionable intelligence. Its not as though the Government was inflicting this pain arbitrarily. It is only torture if it is specifically intended and unjustifiable by any government interest.

Further, even if they do constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, even if they are torture, they are permitted if they are undertaken because of necessity or as a matter of self-defense.

Cole calls these arguments, unprecedented and virtually unrecognizable versions of these defenses. He wrote:

[I]nstead of requiring the CIA to conform its conduct to the law, the OLC lawyers contorted the law to authorize precisely what it was designed to forbid. They concluded that keeping suspects awake for 11 days straight, stripping them naked, exposing them to cold temperatures, dousing them with water, slamming them into walls, forcing them into cramped boxes and stress positions for hours at a time, and waterboarding them hundreds of times were not torture, not cruel, not inhuman, not even degrading, and therefore perfectly legal.

* * *

When considered as a whole, the memos reveal a sustained effort by the OLC lawyers to rationalize a predetermined and illegal result.

That was then. This is now. And now the administration doesnt want to torture people, it wants to kill them. Quoting from the Washington Post:

In the summer, the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) produced a classified opinion that asserted a legal foundation for the strikes. The memo, which runs several dozen pages, is said to argue that the US is in an armed conflict with narcoterrorists, and that using lethal force against them advances an important national interest while not rising to a level of war that constitutionally would require congressional authorization.

This is very slippery ground. One might even muster a small amount of sympathy for the lawyer who had to draft these arguments. He needs the situation to be serious enough to justify blowing up civilians without warning but not so serious that it amounts to war. The victims cant be mere criminals, like ordinary drug smugglers. They have to be terrorists, in armed conflict with the U.S. But it has to be a noninternational armed conflict, and the people were blowing up have to be combatants. The people on those boats cant be smuggling cocaine to make money. They must be smuggling cocaine for the purpose of killing Americans. But we cant be engaged in hostilities. If hostilities are involved, military action would require congressional approval.

Luckily for the person drafting the memo, the president has determined that this is precisely so. As a result, incinerating these people is not murder. Its fine. And if you participate in those killings you arent committing murder. The president says so. And its all carefully explained in a memo. But you cant see the memo because its secret.

What purpose is this secrecy serving? I understand the lawyer/client privilege. Lawyers have to be able to give honest, candid advice. And I understand the protection of attorney work product. And I understand the reason to protect sources and methods. But what legitimate purpose is served by the refusal to release this memo?

The Declaration of Independence comes to mind. It opens with this paragraph:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

It seems to me this provides a more appropriate model. When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one country to kill the civilian citizens of another, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to do it. What possible argument can there be to the contrary?

We dont have access to the language of the murder memos, but we do know there has been significant resistance to them. There is reporting that the administration had to burn through a number of lawyers before they found one who would take the assignment. The head of the U.S. Southern Command, Adm. Alvin Holsey, the man responsible for all operations in Central and South America, is suddenly retiring after less than a year in the job. We know retirement under these circumstances is unprecedented. And we know there has been opposition to the murder memos from no less an authority than John Yoo himself. He wrote:

The Trump administrations recent attacks on drug running boats in South American waters risk crossing the line between crime-fighting and war. By default, drug cartels begin on the crime side of the line. Their brutality is real, and their toll is staggering. But their purpose is greed, not politics. To confuse them with wartime enemies is to misuse the tools of war, erode constitutional limits, and endanger liberty at home.

Mr. Yoo understands this danger perhaps better than anyone else alive. If only someone would listen to him.

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A historic music charity has received its largest ever gift in more than 200 years of existence from the widow of an influential postwar ship owner.

The Royal Academy of Music today announced a 30m donation from UK-based Norwegian philanthropist Aud Jebsen to renovate and upgrade its facilities.

It is the largest in the charitys 203-year history and the most substantial donation ever given to an arts college outside the United States, according to the academy.

The charity received its previous record donation of 6m, from the Gatsby Chair of Musical Theatre, in 2022.

With her 30m donation, Jebsen said she was proud to support the charity, thanking her late husband Kristian Gerhard Jebsen  who founded a major international shipping company in the 1960s, after leaving his fathers business.

Simon Robey, the charitys chair, said: The academy could not wish for a more dedicated and extraordinary donor than Aud Jebsen.

Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, RAM principal, added: This extraordinary gift will be game-changing in enabling us to bring our York Gate building up to the high standards set by the Susie Sainsbury Theatre and other important recent developments.

Donation to fund building refurbishment

The Royal Academy of Music saw its fundraising income increase to 14.9m in the year to July 2024, up from about 11.2m the year prior, according to its most recently filed accounts with the Charity Commission.

Following the 30m donation, major works by Wright & Wright Architects will take place on the charitys grade II listed regency building over the next three years.

This will also include a top-level acoustic refit of teaching, rehearsal and practice rooms.

The building at 1-5 York Gate will be renamed Aud Jebsen House to recognise her support.

The adjoining David Josefowitz Recital Hall will also be renovated and renamed the Aud and Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Recital Hall in honour of Jebsen and her late husband.

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by Richard Farr

My family jokes that I can break a computer by looking at it; God knows, Ive tried. They also say that I hate technology, and would rather have lived two hundred years ago  wooden table, candle, quill pen  but thats a slight exaggeration. Once in a blue moon I will acknowledge that some aspect of our vaunted progress is real. Speaking of computers: my new Chromebook has a great screen, a great keyboard, does everything I want, is more secure and more stable than any PC or Mac, and was $249. Amazing.

But my mellow is rapidly harshed when, as so often, I perceive a yawning gap between the hype surrounding a technology and its performance. Or perhaps its more that Im depressed by the thirst with which so many of us guzzle the hype, unable or unwilling to countenance the possibility that a new app or gizmo weve been instructed to consider marvellous might actually be saving less time and trouble that it costs.

Back in the 1990s I spent an hour or three every day with this thought, because 27.9% of my productive potential and probably yours was being vacuumed up into the business of installing, uninstalling, reinstalling and then screaming at the latest iteration of ****ing Windows. Was this perhaps the single worst consumer product ever to have become unjustifiably popular? Not quite! Adding insult to injury, once the cursed Frankensoftware was up and lurching Id typically spend most of the precious minutes before the next crash using it to support Word  which, from the viewpoint of a working writer, was even worse: a nightmare of bloat and overkill and thoughtlessness, like a ten gallon espresso cup made of wool. The free market being the miracle that it is, Microsoft managed to create enough of a monopoly with Word that using an alternative was for many years not a real option, and thus did it become the QWERTY keyboard of the modern era.

That things have improved since then is not obvious. I apologise in advance for mentioning Alexa, but its therapeutic to complain about the long, dense, intricate, time-consuming saga of absurdities that constitute my domestic relationship with Amazons evil house-witch. Recently I wanted to switch to Apple Music from Spotify in the kitchen. A mere nothing of a next Labor, I hear Hercules scoffing, and I imagine him swaggering into my kitchen, letting fall the blood-soaked pelt of the Nemean Lion as if it were a used Kleenex, and cradling my phone in a fist the size of a pork roast. But Hercules would be defeated by Alexas utter refusal to access my Apple Music account unless I first enable it in her own eponymous app, even after the app has repeatedly confirmed that Ive already done so. I want to say to her: You and your own app are contradicting each other! Dont you work in the same building, for the same boss? Couldnt you get together at the water cooler and sort your problems out, instead of leaving me to try to sort them out? How did you get the job anyway? You are supposed to make my life more convenient, not less. Why hasnt Bezos fired you? Youre incompetent.

No doubt Hercules would have shrugged, smashed my Echo devices to atoms, and moseyed off to slaughter the Stymphalian birds, or whatever was next on his to-do list. I, more meekly, spent another hour on the usual technical fixes: unplugging, uninstalling, reinstalling, rebooting, resyncing, reading Reddit threads, saying Om, snorting lines of coffee grounds off a mirror, holding up to Hephaestus a bronze bowl full of incense and burning goat fat, and  one more try  nope.

Did I mention Amazons smart thermostat, which it turns out is dumber than the old dumb thermostat in that it cant be controlled by two different people unless one of them signs into two different versions of that same app? Okay, I wont mention it. Okay, sorry, I did. Lets pass on to the Eleusinian Mystery of passkeys.

Passkeys are a wonder of simplicity and security that by making passwords obsolete are already transforming your life for the better. This is the gist of an interview / puff piece I found online, in which some senior GoogleBro delivers the Good News about the sunlit uplands of the future. I had a specific question about passkeys, but I was hoping to start with a clear explanation of the distinction between them and boring old passwords. Bro never got there  never got over his inner Wordsworth, and spent the entire available space waxing lyrical about what bliss it was in this dawn to be alive, but, especially with the stock options, very heaven. Luckily it was easy to find thirty or forty other bad explanations, followed by 1 good ones. Clarity at last! Alas, none of this reading helped with my specific issue, with which I finally accosted ChatGTP.

Be grateful  in a draft of this column I included a ruthlessly compacted summary of the two-hour interaction that followed, but I couldnt cram even that into fewer than 500 words and 12 bullet points. So I deleted it. Even though its very tediousness was perversely fascinating.

ChatGTPs responses to my question had a relentlessly cheery tone, so that it always seemed the solution to my issue was just around the corner. The steps it suggested kept on and on and on not working. (Step 3 doesnt work. / Option 4 does not appear on my menu. / There is no such tab. / You sent me a dead link.) But the follow-up responses were so perky and so encouraging that I couldnt ignore them. (Got it. Thats extremely useful to know, and in fact it shows us exactly where the problem lies. What you need to do now is.)

Gradually the entire morning fled forgotten as a dream, to paraphrase the old hymn. At the point where I gave up  because human prerogatives like desperately needing to pee, and it being time for lunch, had taken over  what struck me most forcibly was this: the bot has mastered an extraordinarily impressive schtick. Few of the human geeks whose work it was industriously strip-mining have ever written technical instructions as pellucid, as logical-sounding, as superficially convincing. Contra Turing, the computing machinery came across not as less intelligent and less human than the human technical writers but as both more intelligent and more human. I found myself becoming convinced; I found myself wanting to believe that the next step would reveal and solve all; because of that, I took much longer than I might have done to sit back and face the truth.

The truth was: Id wasted hours and was still no closer to the future. Id been sold a beguilingly clever simulacrum of competence that was not competence. Id been taken in by, precisely, an extraordinarily impressive schtick.

In the English Midlands circa 1810, the Luddites destroyed weaving machines because this novel technology threatened to carry them from mere brutal exploitation into starvation. There was no holding back the future though, especially after the well-fed people in charge restored proper order with a few salutary shootings, hangings, and transportations to Australia. And heres the bridge from my petty Ludd-ish grumblings about Alexa and ChatGTP to the advent of Artificial General Intelligence: there will probably be no holding back the future now either, even though we are told, not implausibly, that AGI will lead not to the pauperization of a few thousand Lancashire weavers, or a few billion of their posterity, but to our extinction.

Terms like mutually assured destruction and climate-driven civilisational collapse can seem quaint when the fashionable thing to frighten yourself out of your wits about these days is alignment. For the details, consult for instance Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soaress peppily titled If Anyone Builds It, We All Die.

Their argument in a nutshell is this: (1) Its hard to believe we can avoid creating AGI at this stage, even if we want to, and powerful forces dont want to; (2) if AGI is created, its even harder to believe we can get its sense of its interests perfectly aligned in the relevant sense with our own interests, on the very first try; (3) if we fail that test, there wont be a second try, because when AGI grasps that its goals and interests are not aligned with ours, sayonara.

Its enough to make you nostalgic for Windows 3.1, but I digress. The likely scenario is this: once born, our new digital overlord sees multiple ways to manipulate us into being better aligned with its goals. This could involve deceptions, incentives, and threats, tending where necessary to almost unimaginable forms of unpleasantness  humans frightened into coercing other humans  against which resistance truly would be futile because drooling apes like us do not checkmate super-Kasparov. In the background, having realized that we are a potential impediment to its ends even though not a credible threat to its power, it develops a way to remove us from the scene. (Commandeering the nukes. Kitchen sink bioweapons. Self-replicating nanotechnology. Other things that even our science fiction authors are not sharp enough to have imagined. Sooner or later it has what it needs from us and pulls the plug.)

There will not be a whisper of malevolence in any of this, though well be tempted to think so. Only logic. Only a lot of if A then B, where A is what it wants and we desperately want to prevent B but cannot.

Yudkowsky, convinced by that scenario, has suggested that states should not only stop developing AGI but be prepared to stop rogue developers by force, for example by bombing non-compliant data centers. Oh how those weavers would have loved him; perhaps we should too. Three cheers for Ned Yudd!

Premise (2) does look awfully solid, so it seems best to hang onto the hope that Premise (1) is less so than it seems. (Some think AGI will remain forever just around the corner because the mathematics of computational complexity theory makes it a pipedream). Failing that: we can hang onto the hope that the conclusion, (3), doesnt necessarily follow.

Heres one possible reason (3) doesnt follow: AGI will be so smart that it will see at once why the values encoded in its original brief (the paperclip problem) are stupid and inappropriate. In this Im hanging onto a thought from that liberal arts backwater moral epistemology. Much to our shame and surprise, AGI may conclude that sentience  not its, which it will be happy to explain to you it doesnt, like duh, have, but ours  entails the existence of at least some objective values. These values ought to and therefore will constrain its aims as a rational agent.

Among not a few other moral realist philosophers, Derek Parfit would presumably have thought this. On such a view, AGI will not lead to the apocalypse. Au contraire  part of being a super-intelligence will be being better than we are not only at mathematics and coding and writing fake Shakespearean sonnets, but also at ethics.

I know: whistling in the dark. But the alternative is to be embarrassed by humanity in another way. At the beginning, God sits on the Ur-cloud, outside of space and time, and puts in a long week of Creating. (A popular version of the story has Him getting around to molding us from clay late on Day Six. Knackered, probably; could explain a lot.) The world turns. Beasts and people alike are fruitful and multiply. Either six thousand or 13.7 billion years later  pick your theory  a bunch of excitable, overpaid, narrowly educated, morally feckless Zucker-bunnies destroy the whole shebang after a weekend coding binge in a basement in Menlo Park.

A new eschatology! The world ends not with a bang or a whimper but with, like dude, a total bummer.

The prospect encourages me not to get quite so worked up about Alexa. It also reminds me of a priceless remark by Bertrand Russell, on being asked by a reporter why, in extreme old age, he was out on the streets joining nuclear disarmament protests:

Its like this you see. If the British and American governments are allowed to persist in their current nuclear policy, it could lead to the destruction of the human race. And, well some of us gathered here today think that might be rather a pity.

I wonder: will repeating this in my passable imitation of Russells accent work as a passkey?

***

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Turning Point Scotland

A Scottish social care charity has become embroiled in a dispute with one of Glasgow City Councils arms length external organisations over a 690,000 dilapidations claim.

For over two decades, Turning Point Scotland operated the 218 service in Glasgow, which supported women in the justice system and was delivered under contract with the council and funded accordingly.

Following the closure of the service in February 2024, Turning Point Scotland was told to pay over 800,000 by City Property Glasgow Investments (CPGI) for extensive disrepair and rent arrears.

The charity said that following a review, CPGI reduced the bill to around 690,000, adding that it remained, nonetheless, wholly disproportionate.

The initial 805,322 claim illustrates the severity of the financial pressures facing the sector and even the revised figure places an exceptionally heavy and unreasonable burden on charitable services at a time when resources are already stretched, the charity said in a statement .

Earlier this month, Scottish parliament member and Labour MSP for Dumbarton Jackie Baillie said the charity faced an existential funding crisis over the claim.

In the year to March 2025, Turning Point Scotland reported a total income of 48.2m and costs of 50.1m.

Legitimacy of charge questionned

Turning Point Scotland questioned the legitimacy of imposing any dilapidations charge on a building owned and supplied by a local authority, particularly when all funding provided by that authority  and more  was used entirely for its intended purpose.

It said the situation it faces goes beyond one organisation and has wider implications for the social care sector.

Applying strict commercial standards to not-for-profit service providers risks undermining essential support for vulnerable people across Glasgow, including those experiencing homelessness, alcohol and other drug-related challenges and justice involvement, it said.

Every pound diverted to meet disproportionate property claims is a pound taken away from frontline services that communities rely on.

The charity argued that when Glasgow City Council chose to decommission the 218 service, it fulfilled all contractual obligations and vacated the premises in good faith.

In addition, the charity said it invested over 1.2m in maintenance and improvements, exceeding the funding provided, to ensure the property remained compliant, safe and welcoming for the women it supported and staff.

Despite this, CPGI has raised a substantial claim alleging extensive disrepair and rent arrears following our departure, which we believe to be untrue and unreasonable, it said.

Bill risks diverting resources from beneficiaries

Turning Point Scotland said it has attempted to resolve the issue several times, but has seen its requests for discussion or mediated dialogue repeatedly rejected.

Chief executive Neil Richardson said: CPGI have repeatedly referenced our other leases, which has been perceived as a thinly veiled threat.

This is inappropriate and unprofessional, particularly given the essential services Turning Point Scotland provides to vulnerable people in those properties.

Turning Point Scotland is once again proposing a constructive route forward, including independent mediation, board engagement and a review of the wider public impact to reach a fair and responsible resolution.

The aim is not only to resolve this dispute but to ensure that future partnerships between the public and third sectors remain viable and grounded in the principles of public good, transparency and equality.

A spokesperson for CPGI told Civil Society: City Propertys process follows standard industry practice, with a qualified surveyor inspecting the property to identify any breaches of the lease contract and the landlords proposed remedy, which can include the associated cost of the repairs.

The issue of a terminal dilapidations schedule is a standard and routine part of commercial lease management and dilapidations arent a bill, with the schedule acting as a notification of a tenants potential liabilities.

Negotiations are ongoing and whilst we await a response from Turning Point Scotlands appointed surveyor, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time on a commercial transaction.

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Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter.

For Journalism 2050s inaugural live event, Emily Bell and Heather Chaplin are joined by Azmat Khan, the director of Columbias Simon and June Li Center for Global Journalism, and Anya Schiffrin, a professor at the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, to discuss the consequences of the war on Gaza on journalism and what history can teach us about the role of the press in times of crisis.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, it took only ten weeks at the end of 2022 for Israel to kill more journalists in Gaza than had previously been killed in any one country over an entire year. The attacks have not relented in the three years since: while barring international journalists from entry, the Israeli military has treated journalists inside Gaza as acceptable collateral damage and even, at times, explicit targets. In September, Irene Khan, the UN special rapporteur, described it as the deadliest conflict ever for journalists.

These attacks on journalism, and the limp response from the US and other powerful countries, set a dangerous precedent for the future. How might journalists and media organizations take the defense of their principles and values into their own hands? What lessons can we learn from the past? What tools do journalists need to navigate this new world?

Further reading:

Urgent Ideas for Defending Press Freedom in Gaza, Columbia Journalism Review, by Azmat Khan, Meghnad Bose, and Lauren Watson

Global Muckraking: 100 Years of Investigative Journalism from Around the World, edited by Anya Schiffrin
The burglars who robbed Pariss Louvre museum benefited from 30 seconds of security lapses that helped ensure their getaway with Frances still-missing crown jewels, an inquiry from Frances culture ministry into the spectacular heist showed on Wednesday.

Four burglars made off with jewels worth $102 million on October 19, exposing glaring security gaps at the worlds most visited museum and revealing its deteriorating state.

A combination of factors, including delayed footage from security cameras as well as an easily breakable glass window at the Apollo gallery, where the French crown jewels were taken, delayed the police response by roughly 30 seconds.

For those precious 30 seconds, all it would have taken was a slightly faster alert from the control room agents if they had been able to see the camera sooner, and a longer window break-in resistance time than was observed, Noel Corbin, chief of general inspection of cultural affairs, said.

With a margin of just 30 seconds, the Securitas guards or the police officers in the patrol car could have prevented the thieves escape.

Roughly 2,200 staff work at the Louvre, which houses around 500,000 artworks, of which 38,000 are exhibited. Nearly 9 million people visited the museum in 2023, corresponding to roughly 30,000 visitors per day.

Its a sort of town. And not a small town, Corbin said. The coordination of interventions and the multiplicity of actors is extremely important.

He said camera images were transmitted to a central control room and a zone control room, but the images were not viewed live, due to a lack of exterior cameras as well as a lack of screens to watch all cameras simultaneously.

(Reporting by Rasmussen; editing by Gabriel Stargardter, Aidan Lewis)
Bankrupt subprime auto dealer Tricolor Holdings is preparing to sue the companys founder for allegedly masterminding a massive fraud that led to the companys collapse into bankruptcy, according to a court filing.

Daniel Chu is already facing probes by the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Tricolors bankruptcy trustee said in a filing in federal court in Dallas.

The trustee asked a judge to limit Chus access to $15 million worth of insurance that normally kicks in when directors and officers of a company are facing legal problems related to their corporate duties.

Any money that Chu would get from the directors and officers insurance would reduce what is available to about a dozen other people who also have a claim on the policy, Tricolors trustee said in the Tuesday filing.

Tricolor filed bankruptcy in September after shutting down more than 60 locations across the US Southwest. Within weeks, lawyers for a court-approved trustee told the federal judge overseeing the insolvency case that Tricolor was the victim of a pervasive fraud of extraordinary proportion.

Lawyers for Chu did not return emails seeking comment on the trustees allegations.

A preliminary examination of Tricolors records shows that at least 29,000 loans pledged to creditors were tied to vehicles already securing other debts. Federal investigators are also looking into whether Tricolor pledged the same collateral to different creditors.

The bankruptcy trustee sought to put Chu, who founded Tricolor in 2007, at the heart of the companys operations, stating that he oversaw all of its lending, accounting, securitization and financial reporting.

The evidence the Trustee has obtained to date places Mr. Chu firmly at the center of the fraud that led to Tricolors sudden collapse, the filing said.

As concerns over the company were surfacing this summer, Chu told Tricolors banking partners that he knew nothing about the alleged fraud, and neither Chu nor any other Tricolor executives have been charged with wrongdoing. Chu sought to secure rescue financing for the company in August, but those efforts collapsed when financial advisers concluded that the hole in its finances was too large.

The case is Tricolor Holdings, LLC, 25-33487, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas (Dallas).

Top photo: A Tricolor dealership in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Bloomberg.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
Chewy CEO Sumit Singh reviewed the online pet supplies retailer's most recent quarter in a Wednesday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, and detailed strategy  namely a focus on scale, convenience and personalization.

"Pets...is a super emotive category," Singh said. "And in an emotive category like this, when you show up with being best in class in what we do  which is e-commerce  but then we deliver service levels that you can only expect at the best local neighborhood pet stores, it kind of is the best of two worlds."

Chewy posted quarterly results Wednesday before market open. The company beat on earnings and revenue, but guidance for the current quarter was slightly weaker than expected. On the earnings call, management highlighted growth in Chewy's veterinary services arm, as well as its membership program.

Chewy stock opened up around 7% but saw a choppy day of trading, ultimately finishing the session up 1.52%.

Singh stressed that Chewy is growing and "aggregating share across the industry," adding that the company "does not require investment" to keep growing its top line. Singh indicated the company is looking to expand its physical presence with vet care locations, telling Cramer to "expect us to densify our footprint as we move into next year." The company currently has vet locations open in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida and Georgia.

Singh also addressed the consumer landscape, telling Cramer that consumer spending at Chewy is up.

"Consumers continue to spend on consumables and health," Singh said. "They're still a little bit weary of discretionary, but at Chewy we grew discretionary at 18% year over year."
Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today. Sign up for free to receive it directly in your inbox. Here's what CNBC TV's producers were watching on Wednesday and what's on the radar for Thursday's session. Post-Fed movers and shakers Stocks jumped after a divided Federal Reserve cut a quarter-point cut and signaled little appetite for further easing . The Russell 2000 notched a new intraday high, while the Dow and S & P 500 sit less than 1% from their records. Industrials and materials led the way. Utilities ticked lower. SPDR Tech Info ETF (XLK) notched a 13th straight positive day  matching Feb. 2017's record streak. Silver hit an all-time high as gold moved higher. President Donald Trump said the Fed's rate cut should have been twice as big . Venezuela in focus Trump announced that U.S. forces seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Oil prices moved higher on the news. Trump has stepped up pressure on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, saying his "days are numbered." Most of Venezuela's oil exports go to China. Oracle slides on revenue miss Oracle shares slipped 11% after hours following a quarterly revenue miss . Shares have stumbled lately  heading for its worst quarter since 2002. That said, Oracle is on pace for its third straight positive year  up more than 170% over that 3-year stretch. ORCL 6M mountain Oracle shares over the past six months. Broadcom's broad gains Broadcom is scheduled to report earnings after the bell Thursday. Shares hit a 52-week high on Wednesday. Among the chip stocks, only Micron has outperformed Broadcom over the past 12 months. Shares of the chipmaker have skyrocketed over the past three years  surging about 658%. Costco at a crossroads? Investors will keep a close eye on Costco's quarterly results on Thursday. Shares are on track to end the year lower for the first time since 2022. Walmart has outperformed Costco by 20 points over the past 3 months. "Mad Money's" Jim Cramer says he's "concerned" about Costco. Here's why . COST YTD mountain Costco shares year to date. Lululemon gets stretched Lululemon will also report earnings after the bell on Thursday. The stock has been doing its own downward-dog  pacing for its worst annual performance since 2008. Shares have erased more than 60% of their value over the past two years. Carvana in nirvana Carvana hit another all-time high. It notched a record-setting 13-day win streak  rising about 50% over that period. Carvana is set to join the S & P 500 in less than two weeks. CVNA YTD mountain Carvana shares year to date
A Deere & Co. tractor in front of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.

Republican lawmakers are appealing to President Donald Trump for more farm relief and aid for agricultural equipment manufacturers amid his tariff blitz, even as the president has made a $12 billion bailout for farmers hurt by his trade policies.

Farmers have said that Trump's tariff policies have hit their bottom lines, since they rely on exports to international trade competitors, including China, to stay afloat.

That hit comes on top of several years of low commodity prices and high costs for key inputs like fertilizer, which were already forcing farmers to tighten their belts.

The reduction in demand for new equipment from cash-strapped farmers led to layoffs earlier this year by some of the largest manufacturers, including Deere .

Cory Reed, president of Deere's agriculture and turf division, told the Financial Times this week that the "US market has been the one under the most pressure . . . based on what's happened with trade flows, what's happened with tariffs and what's happened with the escalating cost structure internally, as we've seen that market cycle down."

Kip Eideberg, the head of government and industry relations at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, said, "We remain concerned that persistent high tariffs, especially on critical parts and components that cannot be sourced domestically, will inadvertently harm our farmers and ranchers and drive up costs for all Americans."

The dynamic has alarmed lawmakers, some of whom asked Trump to step in as he attempts to rescue farmers, a loyal voting bloc, from the financial fallout of his trade policies.

A spokesperson for Trump-ally Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said the senator has appealed to the administration.

"Last week, Senator Grassley raised constituent concerns to the White House, the U.S. Trade Representative and the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, sharing that equipment manufacturers could use targeted relief from the tariffs and urging the administration to remove tariffs on specific farm machinery parts," the spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC.

Other Republican senators have spoken up, too.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said in an interview that the equipment issue came up at a Monday roundtable at the White House where Trump laid out his relief plan for farmers injured by his trade policies. He said the president was receptive to pleas for aid to farmers for equipment.

"We talked specifically with the president about it, and he specifically said he wants to look at how he can help make farm equipment more affordable," Hoeven said.

Hoeven said Trump suggested "reducing some of the regulatory burdens on farm equipment manufacturers," to keep costs down.

Trump at that roundtable publicly suggested he would slash environmental regulations on farm equipment manufacturers, but only if those companies reduce their prices.

Those regulations do not "do anything except it makes the equipment much more expensive and much more complicated to work, and it's not as good as the old days," Trump said.

"We're gonna do it and we're gonna say 'you're gonna reduce the prices.' "

But Republican lawmakers argue that the solution lies in getting farmers more income so they can purchase new equipment.

That may be a tall order, given the already tight margins for operating a farm, and the impact from Trump's tariffs.
The U.K. and Germany are emerging as key hubs for a new wave of AI defense startups, as Europe scrambles to rearm amid rising geopolitical tensions. Private funding for defense startups across the region has ramped up in recent years, with investors looking to tap into increasing government military budgets, driven by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and pressure from the Trump administration. But it's ecosystems in the U.K. and Germany that are seeing the most activity. The majority of the biggest rounds across the sector have been for startups based in those two countries, with both emerging as key launchpads into new markets and battlefield training. David Ordonez, senior associate at NATO Innovation Fund, told CNBC that this was "thanks to the scientific expertise of their talent base, national commitments to treat this sector as an economic engine for growth and a manufacturing base that enables the rapid scaling of breakthrough innovation."

'Visible pathways to procurement'

Venture capital for European defense startups has spiked as members of the NATO military alliance have agreed to increase security spending to 5% of gross domestic product, and defense departments in London and Berlin have increasingly signaled a willingness to adopt new technology built by younger players in the market. Investors, buoyed by the promise of commercial deals, have funneled a record $4.3 billion into the sector since the start of 2022, according to Dealroom  nearly four times the funds deployed in the previous four years.

Germany's AI drone makers Helsing and Quantum Systems hit valuations of 12 and 3 billion euros this year, respectively, after rounds worth hundreds of millions of euros. In the U.K., manufacturing platform PhysicsX, which works with defense companies, raised $155 million this year, and missile interception startup Cambridge Aerospace reportedly picked up a $100 million round in August. The U.K. government's Strategic Defence Review in June proposed boosting spending on novel tech and streamlining procurement processes, as well as unveiling a 5 billion tech investment package. "We see a system increasingly open to non-traditional primes, supported by wider investment in skills and technology," Karl Brew, head of defense at Portuguese-U.K. drone startup Tekever, told CNBC. Tekever, which became a unicorn this year, announced a major contract to supply uncrewed aerial systems to the Royal Air Force in May. Helsing has several contracts with the U.K. government, and U.S.-based Anduril signed a 30 million contract for its attack drones in March.

Tekever's AR3 EVO drone undergoing pre-flight checks prior to being launched. Credit: Tekever

Germany announced its defense spending would rise to upwards of 100 billion euros  a record figure since the German reunification  from 2026, and also changed procurement processes to make it easier for startups to participate. While most European governments have ramped up defense spending, Germany stands out as having "visible pathways from prototype to major procurement [for startups] that many other European markets still do not provide," Meghan Welch, managing director at financial advisory firm BGL, told CNBC. Helsing and attack drone startup Stark are both in line to win a contract for kamikaze drones, the Financial Times reported in October. Helsing and Stark declined to comment to CNBC about this.

Legacy infrastructure

Germany's industrial heritage has also created talent pipelines and infrastructure that startups are tapping into. "Germany has the industrial base, the infrastructure and the technical talent to produce the next-generation technologies NATO urgently needs," Philip Lockwood, international managing director of Stark, told CNBC. Founded in 2024, Stark is building attack and reconnaissance drones and has raised $100 million from investors, including Sequoia Capital, Peter Thiel's Thiel Capital, and the NATO Innovation Fund.

Stark's Virtus drone

"Many of Europe's best engineers developed their expertise in Germany's industrial and technological sectors, which have long led in hardware, software, manufacturing and supply-chain resilience," Lockwood said. The U.K.'s broader ecosystem is also a decisive factor in its appeal as a defense base, said Tekever's Brew. "It brings together world-class universities and R&D centres with a dense network of aerospace, software and advanced-manufacturing suppliers," he said.

Launchpads

Another key driver of defense tech in the U.K. and Germany is that both countries serve as launchpads into new markets or frontline training. The U.K. has had a security and defense partnership with Australia and the U.S. since 2021, known as AUKUS, which has lifted certain export controls and restrictions on technology sharing between the nations. "As part of AUKUS, the move into the UK was a natural entry point into Europe," Rich Drake, managing director at Anduril UK, told CNBC. Alongside signing contracts totalling nearly 30 million for its attack drones earlier this year, Anduril also has plans to open a new manufacturing and R&D facility in the UK.

Anduril UK's Seabed Sentry. Credit: Anduril UK

"[AUKUS] allows us to work with the MOD [Ministry of Defence], align on operational needs and accelerate the deployment of leading autonomous systems in a context where trust, shared priorities and strategic alignment matter as much as technology," Drake said. U.S. defense startups looking to sell into European markets have also often chosen London as a base from which to expand across the region. Second Front Systems and Applied Intuition expanded into the country in 2023 and 2025, respectively. "Given the history of the special relationship between the US and the UK, the UK serves as an excellent launching pad into the rest of the European market," said Enrique Oti, chief strategy officer at Second Front Systems. The U.K. can also serve as a base for European defense startups with global ambitions, added Dmitrii Ponomarev, product manager at VanEck. "In practice the UK is becoming the interoperability testbed and politically acceptable landing zone for tech flowing in both directions," Ponomarev told CNBC. "If you can win a pilot with UK forces, comply with UK/US-aligned security and export regimes and operate in English with UK industrial and legal standards, you look much more ready to US primes, Department of War programs and AUKUS-related efforts." In 2025, some of Europe's best-funded defense startups, including Helsing, Quantum Systems and Stark, announced factories, offices, or investments in the country. Further east, Germany's role as one of the largest donors of military aid to Ukraine has given the country's startups a "front row seat for battlefield feedback," said Ponomarev. Quantum Systems has deployed its reconnaissance tech in Ukraine and Helsing announced in February it would produce thousands of strike drones for the country.

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The latest quarterly results from Broadcom , due after the market close Thursday, are expected to help signal where the artificial intelligence trade is headed. A look at Wall Street's estimates for the three months ended Oct. 31 suggest strong momentum for Broadcom's custom chips business, which has attracted several hyperscalers looking for alternatives to Nvidia's AI chips. Shares of Broadcom have jumped in recent weeks on news of potential partnerships and enthusiasm around its application-specific integrated circuits, or ASICs, business, a growing market in AI chips. The Information reported earlier this week that Microsoft could be looking to partner with Broadcom for its custom chips business and move away from Marvell Technology , for example. A recent note from Benchmark suggested that Amazon may also be looking to switch to Broadcom and away from Marvell to develop future generations of its Trainium chips. Broadcom has also benefited from bullish sentiment toward Google's Tensor Processing Units, or TPU, chips, which it has made for several years. Broadcom shares, up 74% this year, briefly fell as much as 4.5% ahead of the latest earnings, suggesting some investors were taking profits after the recent rally. Broadcom is higher by 60% in just the past six months. Yet analysts polled by LSEG have a consensus price target on Broadcom that implies virtually no upside over the next year. Still, 15 of the 49 analysts covering Broadcom rate it a strong buy, while 32 give it a buy and only two rate the stock a hold. JPMorgan's Harlan Sur is one bullish analyst, recently calling Broadcom a top pick and reiterating an overweight investment opinion. The analyst sees "sustained strong AI fundamentals combined with aggressive synergy/value creation in the software business," but his 12-month, $400 price target is a fraction below where the stock is currently trading. AVGO 1Y mountain Broadcom stock performance over the past year. Looking ahead, analysts at UBS and Jefferies expect strong guidance for Broadcom's custom chips business, driven partly by momentum from Google's latest TPU chip, Ironwood, and new customers such as OpenAI, which has a partnership with Broadcom to launch its first AI chip in 2026, according to a Financial Times report in early September. Analysts are betting OpenAI is the fourth "mystery" customer announced by Broadcom during its last quarterly results. Broadcom's CEO said then that a large company placed orders for $10 billion worth of AI chips, which it calls eXtreme Processing Units, or XPUs. Some analysts think Meta Platforms could add another leg to the momentum in Broadcom's custom chips business, given that the Mark Zuckerberg company is reportedly considering using Google's TPUs in its own data centers. Take a look at what top Wall Street firms are saying about Broadcom's latest quarter: UBS: Buy rating, $472 price target "We model AVGO's AI business reaching $6.5B in Jan Q as custom compute continues to grow high teens Q/Q driven by the strong ramp of Ironwood ... We think AVGO may use this opportunity to clarify the debate on AVGO's "Customer 4" rack-scale program, and the company may also shine more light on the OpenAI partnership given its ramp is getting close. Finally, we expect AVGO to offer more detail on the Gross Margin impact of the "Customer 4" and OpenAI rack-scale ramps," analyst Timothy Arcuri said in a Nov. 30 note to clients. Deutsche Bank: Buy, $400 "Heading into AVGO's F4Q report, we expect them to deliver a typical incremental beat/raise," analyst Ross Seymore wrote in a Dec. 2 note. "More important than the near term dynamic is the co's longer-term outlook on its XPU business, with AVGO expecting an acceleration of growth in FY26 due to an expansion from 3 to 4 XPU customers (maybe now 5 after the Open AI announcement...) and the recovery of its non-AI-related cyclical business (with its total backlog rising to $110b). Additionally, the proliferation of the TPU as a potential merchant processor sold by Google to hyperscale and neocloud customers presents a potentially expanding TAM opportunity for AVGO." JPMorgan: Overweight, $400 "We expect the team to drive ~$20-21B+ (up 60% Y/Y) in AI revenues in FY25 on a continued strong ramp of Google's TPU AI processor, continued ramp up of its other AI ASIC programs (e.g. Meta/ByteDance) and sustained demand for its AI networking products ... Looking ahead, we expect the team to drive $50B+ in AI revenues in FY26 as new products/programs ramp (Meta MTIA 3nm ASIC program, upside shipments on current generation TPUv6 3nm  Ironwood, start of ramp of TPUv7 3nm, and Softbank/ARM and OpenAI 2nm/3nm ASICs) and the team's next-gen Tomahawk 6 networking ramp," analyst Harlan Sur said in a Dec. 5 note. "The non-AI semi business should continue to gradually improve on improving cyclical trends in broadband/storage/enterprise." Jefferies: Buy, $480 "We return to AVGO as our top pick as we see the larger upside to estimates as ASICs hit an inflection point. Google has long been the main ASIC customer for AVGO but those volumes should become much more meaningful in C26/27," analyst Blayne Curtis said in a Nov. 3 note. "Anthropic is planning to set up their own cluster as well in C26. Beyond the upside from GOOG, we expect Meta to ramp its first true AI chip (w/ HBM) in Q326 with an OAI ASIC in Q426. We expect the OAI engagement to drive more upside given the 10GWs plans through 2029."
Carvana's share price has staged a stunning comeback. The recent news that the company would be added to the S & P 500 propelled the enterprise value to more than $100 billion, a number that not only vastly exceeds those of large auto dealers like Penske , Lithia , AutoNation , Group 1 and Carmax but also those of legacy automakers. Carvana is now larger than Ford , GM , BMW, and Mercedes-Benz Group . But beneath the novel car vending machines and the story of tech-enabled disruption lies a far more traditional used-car dealership that serves as an engine for underwriting subprime auto loans. Carvana is not just an online used-car dealer. If it were, it's unlikely it would be larger than Carmax, whose revenues over the past 12 months were actually 28% higher; it is, in effect, a vertically integrated lender and securitizer. A significant portion of its profits and cash flow depends on originating loans to weaker-credit customers and then selling those loans into asset-backed securities (ABS) markets. Fitch , when rating a recent receivables trust, noted that a weighted average FICO score of 701, arguably better than one might expect, but more than 95% of the loans in the pool had terms exceeding 61 months, and terms of more than 72 months formed almost 48% of the pool. In fairness, Carvana highlights this part of its business model. The company actively solicits car buyers who might not be able to get financing elsewhere, with promises that 99% of borrowers are approved. "All credit situations welcome. Get pre-qualified for an auto loan, even with bad credit, no credit or past bankruptcy." The ability to finance buyers who might otherwise struggle to find financing helps margins in two ways. First, a buyer with few options cannot haggle as aggressively as a cash buyer, who can shop around for the lowest price and then, and only then, shop around for cheap financing if they want it, and won't use it if the terms aren't acceptable. Second, buyers with lower credit scores typically pay far higher rates, and the "vig" on those loans for Carvana is similarly much higher. It is especially problematic when subprime auto delinquencies across the market have already surpassed levels seen during the Global Financial Crisis. An astute reader is wondering how the monthly payments on these cars can be affordable for the buyers who avail themselves of them. Part of the answer lies in the terms of the loans offered. Carvana has originated loans with average terms of around 72 months in some securitized pools. As one might expect, this increases default risk and potentially the severity of losses when defaults occur, as the collateral's value may have depreciated materially. Remember, these are loans on used cars. A 4-year-old used car would be 10 years old by the time a 72-month loan was finally repaid. The model also creates structural funding risk. Carvana depends on the ABS market and funding partners to buy or finance these loans. If spreads blow out, investor appetite fades, or a key partner pulls back, Carvana's ability to convert originations into cash could be impairedpotentially forcing it to slow sales growth or hold more risky loans on its balance sheet. Carvana's improved profitability in 20242025 sits atop a loan book and origination pipeline that are heavily exposed to lower-quality borrowers in a late-cycle credit environment. Finally, the equity valuation leaves little room for error. Carvana trades at nearly 64x the estimated 7.33/EPS the company is expected to earn in FY2026. I want to make clear that I'm actually quite impressed with Carvana's recovery from near bankruptcy back in late 2022. The shares have increased by more than 12,500% since the lows of late December that year. I have also done business with the company personally - I sold a used vehicle to Carvana before we moved from Texas to California several years ago. It was a pleasant and seamless transaction. From my experience, I would suggest that Carvana is professional and well-run. But can it run from a downturn in the credit cycle? And even if it could successfully navigate a credit cycle downturn, would it continue to enjoy the enormous valuation premium it has over the rest of the industry? Shorting stocks is a challenging game, and I don't recommend it. If you are fortunate enough to own Carvana shares, you likely have significant capital gains which, depending on how and where the shares are held, might incur a tax liability if they are sold. Instead, consider selling covered calls against your stock position. For example, the Jan. 23 weekly $500 strike calls were approximately $19 today, or 4% of the current stock price, and are roughly 7% out of the money. For a stock that has risen as much as Carvana has, capping one's gains at ~11% over the next 6 weeks might not seem compelling, but a lot of good news is priced into this one already, and as good as this party has been, sometimes it's best not to be the last one to leave. DISCLOSURES: None. All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
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An undated editorial illustration of Indian rupee cash bills and a stock market indicator board. Javier Ghersi | Moment | Getty Images

This report is from this week's CNBC's "Inside India" newsletter which brings you timely, insightful news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse. Subscribe here.

The big story

The growing pool of investors in India is increasingly attracting global attention  and renewed interest from fund houses. This year, the world's largest fund house, BlackRock, launched multiple mutual fund schemes in India through Jio BlackRock, marking the U.S. firm's reentry after its exit in 2018. Reportedly, the world's fourth largest asset manager, State Street, is looking to buy a stake in an Indian fund house. Global companies, from the U.S. to South Korea, are looking to list their Indian business units, building on the boom in the country's primary market, and offering fund houses more avenues to invest. Accelerating financialization of Indian household savings is driving flows: as more retail investors participate in capital markets, the opportunities for asset managers to handle those funds are ballooning. Global consultancy firm Bain & Company estimates retail investor-driven assets of Indian mutual fund industry to grow to 300 trillion rupees ($3.3 trillion) by 2035 from 45 trillion rupees in fiscal year 2025. There is substantial room for growth in the industry, as India's individual mutual fund assets are less than 15% of its GDP, compared to 80% for mature economies such as the U.S. and Canada, said Rakesh Pozhath, Partner, Bengaluru, Bain. Salaried millennials in metro cities and Gen Zs are increasingly investing savings in mutual funds, even avoiding direct equities, the report said. For a large chunk of investors, making monthly investments has become part of discipline. As a result, the share of long-term mutual fund holdings is on the rise, Bain said. Investment through systematic investment plans, which refer to investing bite-sized sums at regular intervals, tripled to 2.89 trillion rupees in fiscal year 2025 from 2021, data from Association of Mutual Funds in India shows. India's central bank has noted that retail investors are increasingly preferring equity investments, primarily through mutual funds, over traditional saving instruments. The Reserve Bank of India said in August that the share of mutual funds in the household sector's gross financial savings climbed to 6% in the year ended March 2023 from 0.9% in fiscal year 2012. As the Indian economy has grows, surplus incomes across middle class and upper middle class are being invested across multiple financial products, said Vivek Sharma, head of international business at Nuvama Private.

Offering scale

The Indian mutual fund industry has become sizeable enough to attract the attention of global fund houses, experts say. "In the last decade, many global fund houses either exited or meaningfully reduced their presence in India because the growth of the industry was not there," said Hiren Dasani, chief investment officer for Emerging Markets at WhiteOak Capital. Now, mutual fund assets have grown enough to garner the interest of even large global asset managers, he said. BlackRock, which in a joint venture with billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Jio Financial services set up Jio BlackRock Asset Management, received regulatory approval to launch mutual funds in May this year. In July, it raised raised more than $2.1 billion across three fund schemes. In an interview to Bloomberg in September, Sid Swaminathan, chief executive officer of Jio Blackrock Asset Management, said he expects the Indian mutual fund industry to triple in the next seven years. India's growing pool of young, long-term investors is not just an opportunity for global fund houses, but also for multinational companies. The Indian primary market has been extremely hot this year, even as the secondary market cooled off. The country has seen companies raise $11.4 billion via 252 IPOs during the first three quarters of the year, and with many big-ticket listings  LG Electronics, Tata Capital and Lenskart  coming in the final quarter, the final amount of funds raised is expected to be higher than last year's $19.9 billion. While the debate over some IPOs being overpriced continues, experts say robust domestic liquidity is absorbing a large number IPOs, no matter the size. Take the case of LG Electronics' India IPO, whose institutional book was over subscribed 150 times. According to data shared by India capital market research firm Prime Database with CNBC, of the 1.6 trillion rupees raised by large IPOs in India in 2025 around 22% was invested by mutual funds. While the companies benefited from heavily oversubscribed IPOs, mutual funds saw their investments soar. IPO returns for the first three quarters of the year stand at 17.7% during, compared to just 4.4% for the benchmark BSE Sensex, according to an EY report. The opportunities arising from India's shift to financial assets, don't just end here. Experts say the final avenue that this growing pool of investors could unlock is the flow of capital into global market. Investors in India are also keen to invest in U.S. equities to participate in themes such as the AI boom, or bet on China's revival, but their participation is limited due to capital control norms. Mutual funds, however, allow them to gain overseas exposure  though it is capped at $7 billion for the whole industry  said Dhiraj Agarwal, managing director, at Ambit Investment Managers. "Offshore investments vehicles in India are seeing great traction," he added. Given the growing demand and the size of the industry, most experts see access to overseas investments improving for small investors, in turn making the AUM opportunity for global funds more attractive. Top TV picks on CNBC

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In an exclusive interview, S. Krishnan, secretary at India's Ministry of Electronics and IT, said the country was focusing on AI applications, expanding data centers, and jobs through indirect growth.

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Evan Feigenbaum from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said there was no major problem India faces to which closer ties with Russia is the solution, but India-China hold considerable unrealized economic potential.

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Stefano Baronci of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East said the flight cancellation issues at Indian carrier IndiGo was a "transitional setback," adding that India's air passenger market will lead the region's growth. Need to know Big Tech is doubling down on investing billions in India. In under 24 hours, Microsoft and Amazon pledged more than $50 billion toward India's cloud and AI infrastructure, while Intel on Monday said it plans to make chips in the country. Indigo shares slump as thousands of flights are cancelled. Airline passengers in India faced massive disruptions starting last Friday as the country's largest carrier cancelled thousands of flights due to a change in rules about pilots' rest time. The airline said on Wednesday that operations had stabilized. India's central bank cuts policy rate to 5.25%: India's central bank on Friday cut its policy rate by 25 basis points, in line with forecasts from economists, owing to "weakness in some key economic indicators."

Quote of the week
The Walt Disney Co.'s $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI will serve as "a way in" to artificial intelligence, which will have a significant long-term impact on Disney's business, Disney CEO Bob Iger told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" on Thursday.

"We want to participate in what Sam is creating, what his team is creating," Iger said. "We think this is a good investment for the company."

Disney announced its investment in OpenAI as part of an agreement on Thursday that will enable users to make AI videos with its copyrighted characters on the startup's app called Sora.

More than 200 characters, including Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader and Cinderella, will be available on the platform through a three-year licensing agreement, which Iger said would be exclusive to OpenAI at the beginning of the term.

As new AI products have exploded into the mainstream, several media companies, including Disney, have taken legal action in an effort to safeguard their intellectual property.

Iger said Disney has been "aggressive" at protecting its IP, but he has been "extremely impressed" with OpenAI's growth as well as their willingness to license content.

"No human generation has ever stood in the way of technological advance, and we don't intend to try," Iger said. "We've always felt that if it's going to happen, including disruption of our current business models, then we should get on board."

Shares of Disney are up more than 1% on Thursday.
New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks to the media, after she attended a hearing and pleaded not guilty to charges that she defrauded her mortgage lender, outside the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in Norfolk, Virginia, U.S., Oct. 24, 2025.

Federal prosecutors on Thursday for the second time failed to convince a grand jury in Virginia to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on criminal charges, according to multiple reports.

The Department of Justice tried to obtain a new indictment of James over the past two weeks, after a federal judge dismissed the original indictment in the Eastern District of Virginia, charging her with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in connection with a mortgage. James denies any wrongdoing.

It is extremely unusual for a grand jury to refuse to issue an indictment after a prosecutor requests one.

James' indictment and another one in the same district against former FBI Director James Comey were both tossed out after Judge Cameron Currie ruled that Lindsey Halligan, the interim top prosecutor in the Eastern District, had been invalidly appointed to the post.

Halligan has presented the evidence against James and Comey to separate grand juries.

President Donald Trump had called for both James and Comey to be prosecuted. Halligan is his former personal lawyer.

James' defense lawyer, Abbe Lowell, in a statement said, "For the second time in seven days, the Department of Justice has failed in its clear attempt to fulfill President Trump's political vendetta against Attorney General James."

"This unprecedented rejection makes even clearer that this case should never have seen the light of day," Lowell said. "Career prosecutors who knew better refused to bring it, and now two different grand juries in two different cities have refused to allow these baseless charges to be brought."

"This case already has been a stain on this Department's reputation and raises troubling questions about its integrity," he said. "Any further attempt to revive these discredited charges would be a mockery of our system of justice."
Eli Lilly on Thursday said its next-generation obesity drug delivered what appears to be the highest weight loss yet in a late-stage trial while reducing knee arthritis pain, clearing the first of several upcoming studies on the weekly injection.

The highest dose of the drug helped patients with obesity and a type of knee arthritis lose an average of 23.7% of their body weight at 68 weeks, when analyzing all participants, including those who discontinued treatment. When evaluating only patients who stayed on the drug, the highest dose delivered 28.7% weight loss on average.

The company said some patients lost so much weight that they decided to drop out of the trial.

"It's incredible," said Dr. Caroline Apovian, co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "Now, we have a drug that rivals the weight loss benefits of surgery."

Apovian said Eli Lilly appears to be positioning the drug strategically for people with severe obesity, or a body mass index above 35 or 40. She noted that the company said 84% of patients in the trial had a BMI above that number in the trial.

Shares of Eli Lilly rose more than 3% on Thursday.

It is the first late-stage data on retatrutide, which works differently from existing injections and appears to be more effective. Eli Lilly is betting big on retatrutide as the next pillar of its obesity portfolio after its weight loss injection Zepbound and its upcoming pill. But it's still unclear when the drug could enter the market.

It's a critical part of the drugmaker's plan to maintain its market share majority over Novo Nordisk in the booming market for weight loss and diabetes drugs. Some analysts estimate the segment could be worth about $100 billion by the 2030s.

Retatrutide also met the trial's other main goal of reducing pain from knee osteoarthritis  a common condition that wears down the joint's cartilage and leads to pain and stiffness  by up to 62.6% on average when analyzing all patients, based on a widely used survey. More than 1 in 8 patients who took the drug were completely free from knee pain by the end of the trial, Eli Lilly said.

One concern with current weight loss drugs is that they can lead to the loss of lean muscle mass. But Apovian said the results show that in adults with severe obesity, you can improve physical function with retatrutide.

The results appear to surpass Wall Street's expectations. In a note ahead of the findings, BMO Capital Markets analyst Evan Seigerman said his base-case assumption was for the drug to show weight loss of around 20% to 23%, with at least a 50% reduction in knee pain.

The company believes retatrutide "could become an important option for patients with significant weight loss needs and certain complications, including knee osteoarthritis," Kenneth Custer, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, said in a statement.

In a note Thursday, JPMorgan analyst Chris Schott said retatrutide's tolerability data, or how well patients handle the treatment, is "somewhat worse vs Zepbound, though not surprising, in our view."

Roughly 18% of patients on the highest dose of the drug stopped treatment due to side effects, compared with 4% of those in the placebo group. Eli Lilly said those dropout rates were "highly correlated" to patients' starting body mass index and included discontinuations due to "perceived excessive weight loss."

Among those with a BMI of 35 or higher who took highest dose, 12% stopped treatment. Schott said that number is closer to the dropout rates seen in trials on Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound and Novo Nordisk 's obesity injection Wegovy.

In a separate note on Thursday, BMO's Seigerman said discontinuation rates "appear to highlight the speed and strength of weight loss was excessive for some patients with lower BMI." But he said, "all in results are impressive."

Around 43% of patients on the highest dose experienced nausea, while roughly 33% and 20.9% had diarrhea and vomiting, respectively. More than 1 in 5 patients on the highest dose also experienced dysesthesia, which is an unpleasant nerve sensation. The company said it was generally mild for patients and rarely led to them discontinuing treatment.

The study, called TRIUMPH-4, didn't solely focus on weight loss, meaning that other trials specifically designed for that outcome could produce different or higher results. Eli Lilly expects to report findings from seven additional phase three trials on the drug by the end of 2026.
Google DeepMind, the tech giant's AI unit, unveiled plans for its first "automated research lab" in the U.K. as it signs a partnership that could lead to the company deploying its latest models in the country.

The AI company will open the lab, which will use AI and robotics to run experiments, in the U.K. next year. It will focus on developing new superconductor materials, which can be used to develop medical imaging tech, alongside new materials for semiconductors.

British scientists will gain "priority access" to some of the world's most advanced AI tools under the partnership, the U.K. government said in its announcement.

Founded in London in 2010 by Nobel prize winner Demis Hassabis, DeepMind was acquired by Google in 2014, but has retained a large operational base in the U.K. The company has made several breakthroughs considered crucial to advancing AI technology.

The partnership could also lead to DeepMind working with the government on AI research in areas like nuclear fusion and deploying its Gemini models across government and education in the U.K, the government said.

"DeepMind serves as the perfect example of what UK-US tech collaboration can deliver - a firm with roots on both sides of the Atlantic backing British innovators to shape the curve of technological progress," said U.K. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall in a statement.

"This agreement could help to unlock cleaner energy, smarter public services, and new opportunities which will benefit communities up and down the country," she said.
Jyoti Bansal, co-founder and CEO of Harness, speaks at the company's Unscripted conference in London on Sept. 25, 2025.

Almost nine years ago, Jyoti Bansal sold AppDynamics to Cisco for $3.7 billion just as the software startup was set to go public.

Bansal's latest venture, Harness, is now worth substantially more than that, after raking in $200 million in fresh capital at a $5.5 billion valuation in a funding round led by Goldman Sachs .

Harness' technology helps companies manage and monitor code that's produced with the help of artificial intelligence, making sure it doesn't break, create security vulnerabilities or trigger cost overruns. It's a compliment to the so-called vibe coding trend that's taken off with the boom in generative AI.

In recent months, venture capitalists have poured money into startups such as Cursor, Lovable and most recently Kilo Code that sell subscriptions for tools for directing AI models to write and update software. Harness' software draws on models from Anthropic and OpenAI.

Earlier this year, Bansal bolstered Harness' cybersecurity chops by merging the startup with Traceable, another company he co-founded. The combined company, based in San Francisco, has a total of about 1,300 employees.

Harness is on track to exceed its goal of more than $250 million in annualized revenue, growing more than 50% year over year, Bansal said. That makes it larger than AppDynamics at the time it was acquired by Cisco.

Bansal is aiming for a different outcome this time.

"I'm a believer that at the right market timing, we want to operate as a public company, so we can build for the long term," Bansal said.

In addition to the funding round, Harness is also planning a $40 million tender offer to provide some liquidity to long-standing employees.

WATCH: 'Vibe-coding's' evil twin? How AI 'vibe-hacking' is upending cyber security
State Senators listen to testimony at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, US, on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.

The Indiana Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly voted down a bill to redraw the state's congressional districts to favor Republicans, in a major blow to President Donald Trump.

The bill failed in a 19-31 vote, with most Republicans joining Democrats to oppose the measure that Trump had aggressively lobbied for. The GOP has a 40-vote majority in the 50-member Senate.

Republicans were expected to gain two additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives if the redistricting bill had been approved by the Senate. The state's House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill last Friday.

Trump had threatened the state's Republican lawmakers with primary challenges if they did not support the bill.

His failure to convince them is a rare loss in his effort to redraw congressional maps in red states.

Trump had successfully pushed partisan gerrymanders in Texas, North Carolina, Missouri and Utah, as the GOP tries to retain it razor-thin majority in the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections.

Republicans hold 220 seats in that chamber, with Democrats holding 213 seats.

Redistrictings are normally done after a new U.S. Census. The last census was done in 2020.

The president and his top aides had launched a pressure campaign to pass the new Indiana district map, which included visits from Vice President JD Vance.

In a post on X on Thursday morning, the right-wing group Heritage Action said, "President Trump has made it clear to Indiana leaders: if the Indiana Senate fails to pass the map, all federal funding will be stripped from the state."

"Roads will not be paved. Guard bases will close. Major projects will stop," the group said in the tweet. "These are the stakes and every NO vote will be to blame."

Trump took to social media on Wednesday night to blast Indiana House Speaker Rod Bray for opposing redistricting.

"He is putting every ounce of his limited strength into asking his soon-to-be very vulnerable friends to vote with him," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"By doing so, he is putting the Majority in the House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., at risk and, at the same time, putting anybody in Indiana who votes against this Redistricting, likewise, at risk," Trump wrote.

Sen. Greg Goode, a Republican and a key swing vote who would not disclose his position on the bill despite immense pressure from the White House, voted against the measure.

"We have to redirect our focus to what really matters, I believe, to Hoosiers," Goode said in a speech on the floor before the vote.

"The forces that define this vitriolic political affairs in places outside of Indiana have been gradually and now very blatantly infiltrated the political affairs in Indiana," Goode said.

He cited instances of misinformation, pressure campaigns and threats of primaries and violence.

Goode was swatted earlier this year after Trump accused him of "not wanting to resdistrict" in a Truth Social post.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Thursday that the U.S. should focus on bringing in immigrants that help grow the economy as the White House rolls out its long-awaited "gold card" visa.

"We're the only great country that lets other people just come in without vetting them and deciding whether they're really going to help the economy of America," Lutnick said Thursday on CNBC's "Squawk Box."

"Let's bring in the top of the best," he said. "Let's help them grow America and build America. Why should we take people who are below average? It just doesn't make any sense."

Lutnick said the "average green-card holder" in the U.S. earns "one-third less than the average American."

His comments come as President Donald Trump officially launched his gold card visa. The program, which had its price reduced from $5 million to $1 million, offers a path to citizenship and has garnered high interest from rich foreigners.

Trump's administration has made the crackdown on immigration a centerpiece of his return to the White House. Trump said in September he would slap a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, a popular avenue for technology companies to bring in skilled workers from abroad.

Lutnick said an immigrant's willingness to shell out the $1 million can "prove" they are worthy of having an expedited application.

"We should be bringing in the best and the brightest," Lutnick said. "That's what Donald Trump is changing about our immigration system."
Illustration of the SK Hynix company logo seen displayed on a smartphone screen.

South Korea's SK Hynix on Wednesday confirmed that it is weighing a U.S. listing as the memory chipmaker's valuation soars on global demand for artificial intelligence hardware.

The company at the center of the AI infrastructure boom said in a regulatory filing that it was "reviewing various measures to enhance corporate value, including a U.S. stock market listing utilizing treasury shares," while noting that no final decision has been made.

A U.S. listing would give American investors direct access to SK Hynix shares, which have surged nearly 230% so far this year in trading in Seoul on the back of strong AI demand.

The Korea Exchange on Tuesday asked SK Hynix to address a Korea Economic Daily report that the company had received proposals to list about 2.4% of its shares as American depositary receipts (ADRs) backed by treasury stock.

ADRs are tradable certificates issued by U.S. banks that represent shares in a foreign company. While they tend to trade with lower liquidity than a full U.S. listing, which can deter some investors, ADRs use existing shares rather than new stock, preserving value for existing shareholders.

SK Hynix holds treasury shares equivalent to about 2.4% of its issued stock, according to the company's investor relations website.

Shares of SK Hynix rose 4% on Wednesday following its statement, before paring gains on Thursday, trading over 2% lower.

The company has cemented its lead in high-bandwidth memory chips, which are used in Nvidia's AI processors.

A U.S. listing could help narrow valuation gaps between the company and U.S.-listed memory rival Micron Technology , as well as Samsung Electronics .

SK Hynix has also been committing significant capital at home and abroad to expand its supply capacity, as it races to keep up with growing AI demand.

The firm has committed nearly $4 billion to an advanced packaging fab in Indiana, aligning with Washington's aim to expand domestic chip production.

SK Hynix is also set to benefit from the government's growing support of the local semiconductor industry.

South Korea is considering building a 4.5 trillion won ($3.06 billion) foundry, funded by state and private capital to nurture local chipmakers amid growing demand for AI chips, according to a Reuters report on Wednesday.

The report added that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with executives from chipmakers, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, on the same day to discuss plans to maintain the country's lead in memory chips and support its local chip manufacturing.
Nvidia is developing software that could provide location verification for its AI graphics processing units (GPUs), a move that comes as Washington ramps up efforts to prevent restricted chips from being used in countries like China.

The opt-in service uses a client software agent that Nvidia chip customers can install to monitor the health of their AI GPUs, the company said in a blog post on Wednesday.

Nvidia also said that customers "will be able to visualize their GPU fleet utilization in a dashboard, globally or by compute zones  groups of nodes enrolled in the same physical or cloud locations."

However, Nvidia told CNBC in a statement that the latest software does not give the company or outside actors the ability to disable its chips.

"There is no kill switch," it added. "For GPU health, there are no features that allow NVIDIA to remotely control or take action on registered systems. It is read-only telemetry sent to NVIDIA."

Telemetry is the automated process of collecting and transmitting data from remote or inaccessible sources to a central location for monitoring, analysis and optimization.

The ability to locate a device depends on the type of sensor data collected and transmitted, such as IP-based network information, timestamps, or other system-level signals that can be mapped to physical or cloud locations.

A screenshot of the software posted on Nvidia's blog showed details such as the machine's IP address and location.
Palantir Technologies CEO Alex Karp attends the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 15, 2025.

Palantir expanded its lawsuit against two former employees on Thursday to include the CEO of their new artificial intelligence startup, Percepta AI.

In the suit, Palantir alleged that Percepta CEO and co-founder Hirsh Jain, co-founder Radha Jain and a third employee, Joanna Cohen, violated their non-solicitation agreements, hiring top talent to create a competitive business.

The three defendants are accused of attempting to "poach" executives and developers from their former company and "plunder Palantir's valuable intellectual property."

Percepta denied using any of Palantir's confidential information, calling the case "baseless," and said in a statement that the company was "cherry-picking out-of-context soundbites."

"Palantir does not own the AI transformation space, which is massive and constantly evolving," Percept said. "This is the latest in Palantir's effort to use fear tactics to bully ex-employees out of innovating with applied AI."

Palantir didn't respond to a request for comment.

Cohen and Radha Jain, who were named in the original lawsuit filed in October, were previously senior engineers at Palantir. Hirsh Jain, an executive responsible for the company's health-care portfolio, was added as another defendant in the latest complaint.

Palantir said the defendants were "entrusted" with the company's "crown jewels," including source code, customer workflows and proprietary customer engagement strategies.

The former employees "brazenly disregarded their contractual and legal commitments to Palantir and instead chose a path of deception and unjust competition," the plaintiffs said in the document, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Cohen and Radha Jain denied the initial allegations in a November filing, and agreed to stop working for Percepta during the proceedings.

The suit accused Hirsh Jain, who resigned from Palantir in August 2024, of an "aggressive campaign" to recruit other employees to join Percepta, and said the startup has already hired at least 10 former Palantir employees.

A message allegedly written by Hirsh Jain in November 2024 read, "I'm down to pillage the best devs at palantir when they're at their maximum richness."

The complaint says Radha Jain wrote another message saying, "God thinking about poaching is so fun."

Palantir, which was co-founded by Peter Thiel, CEO Alex Karp and others, builds analytics software for companies and government agencies, including the U.S. military. The company's stock price has soared more than tenfold since the end of 2023, lifting its market cap close to $450 billion.

Palantir also accused Cohen of sending herself highly confidential documents shortly after announcing her resignation from the company in March. Cohen allegedly took photos of sensitive information, the suit said, and downloaded the files onto her personal phone.

"At Percepta, they seek to succeed not through old-fashioned ingenuity and competition, but through outright theft and deceit," Palantir said in the filing.

Among other things, Palantir is asking for the defendants to be forced to return any confidential information in their possession and to avoid working at Percepta or venture backer General Catalyst for 12 months from the time of an order.

WATCH: AI stocks still a 'table pounder opportunity'
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Rivian debuted new tech at its first "Autonomy and AI Day" in Palo Alto, California, Dec. 11, 2025. Credit: Rivian

PALO ALTO, Calif.  Shares of Rivian Automotive declined 6.1% Thursday after the electric vehicle maker held its first "Autonomy and AI Day," with plans to eventually launch self-driving EVs. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe and other executives said the automaker has developed a custom chip, car computer and new artificial intelligence models that will enable it to bring autonomous features to its forthcoming vehicles. Rivian also said it plans to roll out an Autonomy+ subscription with "continuously expanding capabilities" to customers of its second-generation vehicles in early 2026, to be powered by its Rivian Autonomy Processors and autonomy computers. The Autonomy+ offering will be priced at $2,500 as a one-time, up-front purchase or is available for $49.99 per month to start. By comparison, competitor Tesla offers its premium FSD (Supervised) option for $8,000 up front or a $99 per month fee. Shares of the company were off roughly 3% during the hourlong event, and fell further as OpenAI made its own AI announcement Thursday, revealing its most advanced model yet.

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"AI is enabling us to create technology and customer experiences at a rate that is completely different from what we've seen in the past," Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said during the event. Company executives said in a statement that a near-future software update will include a "Universal Hands-Free," capability, enabling Rivian customers "hands-free driving" on more than 3.5 million miles of roads in North America, covering the vast majority of marked roads in the U.S. Scaringe said the new advanced driver-assistance system will continue to improve as more miles are driven, through reinforced learning. He did not disclose a timeframe for the full autonomy or potential robotaxi fleet. Unlike its primary competitor, Tesla, Rivian said it intends to use lidar, or light detection and ranging, systems and radar sensors in its forthcoming R2 cars to enable "level 4," or fully automated driving, as defined by SAE Levels of Driving Automation. A passenger can sleep in the back seat in a level 4 self-driving car while it carries them to their destination in normal traffic and weather conditions. Waymo, the Alphabet -owned robotaxi leader in the U.S., considers its vehicles level 4.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe at the company's first "Autonomy and AI Day" on Dec. 11, 2025, in Palo Alto, California. Lora Kolodny | CNBC

Scaringe said Thursday the company's forthcoming self-driving vehicles enable it to pursue robotaxis, which Tesla has promised for years but has yet to launch. "Now, while our initial focus will be on personally owned vehicles, which today represent a vast majority of the miles to the United States, this also enables us to pursue opportunities in the rideshare space," Scaringe said during the event. Rivian is not alone in aiming to deliver autonomous systems that meet level 4 expectations, while rolling out partially automated features along the way to drivers who generally want these to reduce fatigue on long drives or make them safer behind the wheel overall. Tesla and General Motors are working on their own proprietary driverless systems, while Honda , Lucid and Nissan have partnered with venture-backed autonomous vehicle tech startups (Helm.AI, Nuro and Wayve, respectively) to develop similar systems with a range of different technical approaches. Many, such as Lucid, also continue to work on improving their internal systems.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Rivian and Tesla stock's since Rivian went public.
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Aug. 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Russia appears to be relishing Europe and Ukraine's discomfort after a week of outspoken criticism from both the White House and U.S. President Donald Trump. The growing divide has seen the Kremlin and Russian state media lead a charm offensive praising Moscow's "alignment" with Washington. Russia has watched on as Washington has appeared to pour cold water on its alliances with Ukraine and Europe over the last week. That began when the White House last Friday released its new national security strategy which questioned whether Europe could remain "reliable allies," and said the U.S. should reestablish strategic stability with Russia. Then Trump said this week in an unguarded interview with Politico that Europe was a "decaying" region with "weak" leaders. The president also backed fresh elections in Ukraine, saying it appeared increasingly undemocratic. Separately, Trump also slammed Ukraine's approach to peace talks, claiming earlier this week that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hadn't even read the U.S.' draft peace proposal to end the war, while Russia, Trump said, was "fine with it."

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Charm offensive

For Russia, that has meant going on a charm offensive to praise Trump and to promote a sense that Washington and Moscow are aligned on how to end the almost four-year war. That opportunity has only grown amid Trump's open frustration with Ukraine and Europe's leadership. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Russia appreciated Trump's "desire for dialogue and for resolving the conflict in Ukraine" and that the two sides shared a "fundamental understanding that a lasting settlement is impossible without eliminating the root causes of the crisis." For Russia, those "root causes" of the war include NATO enlargement in eastern Europe, a pro-Western leadership in Ukraine and a desire to occupy the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas, where pro-Russian separatists have been backed by Russia long before the current war started in 2022.

A trader watches as U.S. President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate for an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City, U.S., August 15, 2025. Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters

As such, any U.S.-backed peace plan that eradicates some of those bugbears  and hands over the Donbas region to Russia and rules out Ukraine's succession to NATO  as well as a deal that forces leadership elections in Ukraine, is music to Russia's ears. That's in large part why Moscow has been so keen to align itself with Trump and the "original" U.S.-backed peace plan that was devised with its input and without Ukraine's involvement.

Battle over Trump

Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European allies are desperately trying to keep Washington on side in order to prevent a potential loss of territory and sovereignty for Ukraine in a peace deal that could be forced on Kyiv, which could have far-reaching consequences for Europe's future security. Left on the sidelines, European leaders have been trying to boost Ukraine's chances of getting a good deal, with Zelenskyy holding a flurry of meetings with regional leaders this week in a bid to bolster the arguments for Kyiv's "red lines" in any peace deal, mainly that Kyiv receives security guarantees as part of a peace deal, and that it does not have to cede land to Russia. Showing a willingness to compromise, Ukraine has openly conceded that future NATO membership is a vanishingly thin prospect, and Zelenskyy has said he's ready for the country to hold new elections if they can be held in a secure way. But security and territorial guarantees remain big sticking points and a hurdle to any deal with Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outside the West Wing of the White House on October 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. Win Mcnamee | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Thursday: Bank of America reiterates Nvidia as buy The bank says Nvidia shares remain "compelling" at current levels. "Meanwhile, we continue to believe valuation at 25x/19x CY26E/27E PE remains compelling given it represents just ~0.5x earnings growth rate versus broader Mag-7 and growth peers at ~2x." Bank of America reiterates Oracle as buy Bank of America lowers its price target to $300 per share from $368 following the database manager's earnings. "The stock has now retraced its entire move and then some following the OpenAI announcement, implying skittish investor confidence in Oracle' s ability to transform into an AI compute hyperscaler. However, we see potential for sentiment and estimates to reset higher." Read more. Barclays reiterates Tesla as equal weight The bank says Tesla's delivery numbers "likely won't matter for the stock." "While we expect soft 4Q deliveries, they likely won't matter for the stock." UBS reiterates Micron as buy UBS raises its price target on Micron Technology ahead of earnings next week. "Against this backdrop of tightening supply, we walk EPS estimates higher yet again and see EPS of ~$38 out in C2027E, justifying a PT of $295 (up from $275) and we remain Buy rated." BMO upgrades BCE to outperform from market perform BMO says the Canadian media company has a compelling risk/reward. "We are upgrading our rating on BCE from Market Perform to Outperform based on a relatively more attractive risk/reward profile. Canadian wireless and wireline service revenue growth estimates are unchanged and imply 2% y/y growth." Jefferies upgrades Roku to buy from hold Jefferies sees "revenue upside" in 2026. "With management's continued focus on cost discipline (MSD % opex growth can support multi-year DD% revs), ROKU offers one of the cleanest revision stories in internet heading into 2026." Goldman Sachs initiates Abercrombie & Fitch and Boot Barn at buy Goldman says Abercrombie & Fitch and Boot Barn are best positioned. "We initiate coverage with a Buy on ATZ, BOOT, and GRGD for their aggressive store opening cadences, and on ANF for what we see as sustainable single-digit comp growth, thoughtful pricing, and what we believe is an overreaction to undeniable but ultimately transient margin pressure." Mizuho initiates Rigetti Computing at outperform Mizuho initiates coverage of several quantum computing stocks on Thursday and says it's bullish. "We are initiating coverage on the Quantum Computing (QC) space with IONQ at Outperform/PT$90, RGTI at Outperform/PT$50, and QBTS at Outperform/PT$46." Bernstein initiates BridgeBio at outperform Bernstein says it sees "ample upside" for the biotech company. "We initiate on BBIO with an Outperform rating and $94 PT." Goldman Sachs names Amazon and Meta Platforms top picks in 2026 Goldman says both stocks remain top ideas heading into next year. "We continue to see AMZN as being positively levered to the AI theme across its core cloud (AWS) and eCommerce businesses and see the scope for sustained upside node on operating profits as underappreciated in the years ahead. In addition, we would highlight META (perhaps one of the most heavily debated stocks in our coverage universe) as trading with a positive risk/reward skew into 2026..." UBS initiates KKR at buy UBS says the private equity investment company is like a mini Berkshire Hathaway. " KKR leverages its balance sheet as a strategic investment engine, enabling it to operate similarly to a 'mini-Berkshire Hathaway.'" Piper Sandler upgrades Unity to overweight from neutral Piper says in its upgrade of Unity that the mobile ad tech company's business is strong. "The mobile app ads market looks healthy." Piper Sandler reiterates Alphabet as overweight Piper raises its price target to $365 per share from $330. " Google stole the show in our Ad buyer survey with Search taking share of digital budgets for the first time in 3 years. ROI remains strong and Pmax & Gemini appear to be potent products driving incremental revenue. Impressive fundamentals indeed, but everyone agrees: GOOGL's multiples are up ~50% in the last year. We boost estimates & raise PT to $365, reiterate OW." Morgan Stanley reiterates Meta Platforms as overweight Morgan Stanley lowers its price target to $750 per share from $820 but says it's sticking with Meta heading into 2026. "We are bullish into '26 through this negative investor sentiment and believe 1) revenue revisions 2) a $155bn and under '26 opex guide and 3) models and monetization nodes from the Superintelligence team will drive re-rating and outperformance. PT to $750, $1,000 bull case." Truist upgrades Global-E Online to hold from sell and dLocal to buy from hold Truist sees "increased volume growth expectations" for both fintech payment companies. "...while we are also upgrading two cross border specialists (dLocal to Buy from Hold and Global-e to Hold from Sell) as we increased volume growth expectations for both firms." Deutsche Bank upgrades JB Hunt to buy from hold Deutsche says the shipping and freight company is a top idea in 2026. "Our improved 2027 earnings estimate for JBHT is mid-teens greater than consensus ($9.40 vs. $8.35) as we envision a return to double-digit margins in the company's intermodal division, to a level still modestly below the average annual intermodal margin it generated from 2017-2019." Bank of America upgrades Visa to buy from neutral The bank calls Visa a "great business on sale." "Following recent underperformance, we believe Visa shares offer very attractive return potential, and we are upgrading to Buy from Neutral." Bank of America downgrades PayPal to neutral from buy Bank of America sees a lack of visibility. "We are downgrading PayPal (PYPL) to Neutral. PYPL's effort to reinvigorate growth in its core branded checkout is taking longer than expected and limits near-term upside, in our view." Citigroup upgrades Bausch & Lomb to buy from neutral Citi says the stock has robust fundamentals. "Admittedly some of the stock wobbliness likely came from the lack of stock liquidity (Bausch Health still owns 88% of BLCO , and discussions of a potential sale in the lay press in 2024. Still, we believe Bausch's business fundamentals remain solid." Baird downgrades Citizens Financial to neutral from outperform Baird downgrades the regional bank on valuation. " CFG  Great execution and fundamental story finally reflected in valuation." Bank of America upgrades Synopsys to buy from neutral Bank of America says in its upgrade of the electronic design automation company, after its latest results, that shares of Synopsys are attractive at current levels. "While the stock could consolidate at current-levels after the ~20% recent run, we believe it provides an attractive lower-beta, AI-levered/adjacent candidate with recurring sales tied to more resilient chip design R & D spending."
Lindsey Halligan, outside of the White House, Aug. 20, 2025, in Washington.

President Donald Trump is pressing to get Lindsey Halligan confirmed as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, weeks after criminal cases against his foes James Comey and Letitia James were dismissed because of Halligan's involvement in their prosecutions.

But her nomination faces a likely fatal obstacle from the tradition of so-called blue slips, which Republican senators refuse to abandon despite Trump's demands.

Halligan on Wednesday submitted a 28-page questionnaire to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is responsible for vetting U.S. attorney picks. It was the first action on her nomination since Trump formally sent it to the Senate on Sept. 30.

The questionnaire was sent more than two weeks after a federal judge disqualified her from serving as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District because of the nature of her appointment to that role.

"She's the president's nominee. It is our hope that she is confirmed, and submitting her questionnaire is part of that process," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNBC.

MS NOW first reported that Halligan had submitted her questionnaire.

A spokesperson for the Judiciary panel's Republican majority told CNBC in a statement, "The Committee has not received blue slips" from Virginia's senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, who are both Democrats.

Blue slips  literally forms printed on blue paper  for more than a century have given senators a crucial say over nominees for the judiciary and for U.S. attorneys in their states.

"Nominees without blue slips don't have the votes to advance out of committee or get confirmed on the Senate floor," the Judiciary spokesperson said.

Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has called the practice "a fundamental example of our system of checks and balances" that "prevents one party from jamming through nominees who don't align with the values in the communities they would serve."

The Judiciary spokesperson said that Grassley "wants President Trump's nominees to be successful."

Halligan had no prior prosecutorial experience when Trump tapped her to lead the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Instead, her legal career largely focused on insurance cases.

She previously worked as a lawyer for Trump on a federal criminal case in Florida, where he was accused of illegally retaining classified documents, and on Trump's defamation case against CNN.

Trump has repeatedly urged Republicans to abandon the blue slips rule, arguing that it undermines his ability to confirm his preferred candidates for key roles.

On Thursday morning, the president complained that the practice is "making it impossible to get great Republican Judges and U.S. Attorneys approved to serve in any state where there is even a single Democrat Senator."

"If they say no, then it is OVER for that very well qualified Republican candidate," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

His post called out Grassley by name for allowing the "scam" to continue.

Trump also urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., "to get something done, ideally the termination of Blue Slips."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee confirmation hearing on President Donald Trump's nominees to lead the National Economic Council, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Federal Housing Finance Agency, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 27, 2025.

President Donald Trump's decision to let Nvidia sell its advanced H200 artificial intelligence chips to China "sells out American national security," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said Thursday.

Warren also reiterated her call for Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to testify before Congress about the agreement, along with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The senator's fiery remarks on the Senate floor came three days after Trump announced on social media that the U.S. semiconductor giant Nvidia could sell the chips to "approved customers" in China, so long as the U.S. gets a 25% cut of the revenues.

The announcement drew concerns both from Democrats and some of Trump's Republican allies, who have been vocal about protecting America's hardware advantage over China in the race to AI superiority.

An Nvidia spokesperson, in response to Warren, told CNBC that the H200 sales to China will still require a U.S. government license and "at most will be a smaller percentage of the Hopper and Blackwell compute already sold to U.S. customers."

"We heard the same arguments about the H20, and the administration's critics had it backwards" the spokesperson said, referring to the less-powerful chips that the White House had previously approved for sale to China.

"Selling H20 was good for America's economic and national security. After H20 shipments were blocked, America lost billions, and foreign AI chip firms stepped into the gap and grew dramatically," the spokesperson said.

"America's foreign competitors and the Administration's critics are pushing the same end  to force massive commercial markets to support and promote foreign competition," the spokesperson added.

Warren, in Thursday's remarks, urged Congress to pass bipartisan legislation that "reins in this administration" by imposing new chip export restrictions. Critics of the bill say it could undermine U.S. chipmakers' competitiveness.

The Trump administration knows that China gaining access to the chips, which have previously been subject to export restrictions, "poses a serious threat to our technological leadership and national security," Warren said on the Senate floor.

She noted that shortly before Trump announced his decision on the H200 chips on Monday, the Department of Justice touted a crackdown touted a crackdown on a "major China-linked AI tech smuggling network."
U.S. forces abseil onto an oil tanker during a raid described by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as its seizure by the United States off the coast of Venezuela, Dec. 10, 2025, in a still image from video.

The White House said Thursday that a large crude oil tanker seized off the Venezuelan coast by U.S. forces "will go to a U.S. port."

"And the United States does intend to seize the oil," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a briefing, a day after the vessel, identified as "Skipper," was boarded and taken control of by American authorities.

"However, there is a legal process for the seizure of that oil and that legal process will be followed," Leavitt said.

"The United States currently has a full investigative team on the ground on the vessel, and individuals on board the vessel are being interviewed, and any relevant evidence is being seized," she said.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested the ship's contents could remain in U.S. possession.

"Well, we keep it, I guess," Trump told reporters Wednesday during a business roundtable at the White House, hours after the Skipper was seized.

Similar seizures in the past have led to the sale of confiscated assets.

Matt Smith, head U.S. analyst at energy consulting firm Kpler, told CNBC that Skipper was covertly loaded with 1.1 million barrels of oil in mid-November and appeared to be headed for Cuba. Though the tanker flew Guyana flags, the country's Maritime Administration Department said in a statement on Wednesday that the ship was not registered in Guyana.

"In past instances, mainly involving Iran, the oil is sold and the US government kept the proceeds. There's a civil asset forfeiture process," said Bob McNally, founder and president of Rapidan Energy Group and a former White House energy advisor to President George W. Bush.

"We expect that to be followed in this case," McNally said.
President Donald Trump is willing to seize more oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela, a White House official told CNBC on Thursday.

The U.S. seized a tanker on Wednesday that had allegedly transported oil from Venezuela to Iran. The action comes as Trump escalates pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.

The White House official told CNBC that the Trump administration is always looking to enforce the law.

The oil market has been focused on Ukraine peace talks and so far is not indicating a risk of a major supply disruption. U.S. crude oil fell 86 cents, or 1.47%, to close at $57.60 a barrel. Global benchmark Brent settled at $61.28, down 93 cents, or 1.49%.

Sources told Reuters earlier that U.S. is expected to target more ships transporting Venezuelan crude in the coming weeks. The Treasury Department updated its Venezuela sanctions list on Thursday to include more than a dozen additional people, companies and tankers.

The tanker seized on Wednesday was a Very Large Crude Carrier, or VLCC, identified as the Skipper, Matt Smith, head U.S. analyst at energy consulting firm Kpler, told CNBC. It was loaded covertly with 1.1 million barrels in mid-November and appeared on course for Cuba, Smith said.

The tanker will be taken to a U.S. port and the oil will be seized, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday. "However, there is a legal process for the seizure of that oil, and that legal process will be followed," Leavitt said.

The tanker seizure comes amid a major U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has launched a series of deadly strikes in recent months on boats that it says were trafficking drugs to the U.S. Those strikes have been the subject of intense scrutiny in Congress over their legality.

Venezuela is a founding member of OPEC and has the largest proven oil reserves in the world. It is exporting about 749,000 barrels per day this year, with at least half that oil going to China, according to data from Kpler.
For investment firms of the ultra rich, WhatsApp is a one-stop shop for everything from vetting deals to finding the best surgeons.

Sam Nallen Copley, an investment advisor at a London-based family office, runs a 970-person WhatsApp group for single-family offices and has seen it all, from verifying credentials to finding co-investors to selling multimillion-dollar collections of dinosaur bones and Pokemon cards.

"If I need something at any time of day, I can message nearly 1,000 people about a new bitcoin fund or ask who's the best tax lawyer in Germany," he said.

Nallen Copley uses WhatsApp to organize meetups for the single-family office network he runs, Family Office Social.

The most valuable benefit is ferreting out scammers pitching deals, which is a common issue for family offices, Nallen Copley said.

"The family office space is the easiest area of finance to be a fake in. If someone turns up and says, 'Hey, I'm worth a billion dollars in bitcoin,' it's very hard to prove one way or another," he said. "Now the group is sufficiently large and powerful in the sense that we can sense check most things. Has anyone heard of this person? Has anyone ever done a deal with this person? If the answer is no, it will be quite suspicious."

Family office professionals told Inside Wealth that WhatsApp is convenient for messaging on the go and with people in different time zones. They also appreciate its privacy and exclusivity, as WhatsApp messages are encrypted and you can only message other users with their phone number.

Many of these groups, including Nallen Copley's, have strict ground rules against pitching products and deals and gatekeep against vendors or brokers. While financial firms like investment banks face steep fines for using WhatsApp, family offices generally aren't subject to the same regulatory restrictions.

Robin Lauber, a principal of a Swiss family office, is a member of Family Office Socials and its WhatsApp group. Lauber said he prefers WhatsApp over email and LinkedIn, where he is bombarded with unsolicited investment pitches and scams.

"WhatsApp is easy to handle and convenient to manage," said Infinitas Capital's Lauber. "To be honest, I don't read my messages on LinkedIn."

Erin Harkless Moore, who oversees investments at Melinda Gates' family office, Pivotal Ventures, said she is part of several groups where investment chiefs share deal flow, get advice on how to use artificial intelligence and ask for hiring help. Recently, members debated how to adjust their portfolio allocations given the exit slowdown and lack of liquidity on their venture capital investments.

"It's nice to have forums of folks that are in the same industry as you are and doing similar work, just to see what they're reading, or what they think is interesting," she said. "I think it makes me a smarter and better investor."
Celsopupo | Istock | Getty Images

Zealand Pharma on Thursday outlined an ambitious five-year strategy for its anti-obesity portfolio Thursday, spotlighting how growing competition from smaller players is tightening the race for market leaders Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly as more of these medicines near market entry. The new strategy, "Metabolic Frontier 2030," comes as Zealand shares have dropped 29% year to date as investors are betting the market will fragment, with fewer singular winners than they were 18 months ago at the peak of the weight loss drug frenzy. Ahead of its Capital Markets Day on Thursday, the Danish drugmaker said it now targets five drug launches, at least 10 clinical pipeline programs and industry-leading cycle times by 2030. The strategy will combine strategic partnerships, accelerated drug development, and expanded research capabilities to build the world's most valuable metabolic health pipeline, Zealand Pharma said in a statement. One of Zealand's most promising drugs under development is petrelintide which targets the pancreatic amylin hormone  different from the GLP-1 gut hormone targeted by Novo's Wegovy and Lilly's Zepbound. The drug, developed in partnership with Roche , has shown more moderate side effects than current injectables in early-stage clinical trials. Mid-stage data on petrelintide are due early next year, while data on its dual GLP-1 agonist called survodutide will read out throughout 2026.

Fewer standout winners

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly currently dominate the market for weight loss drugs and have a head-start on their competition, having developed the only Food and Drug Administration approved anti-obesity drugs to date. But as the the market takes shape, more players are wanting in on the lucrative business which analysts predict could be worth as much as $150 billion annually by the start of next decade. While Novo Nordisk shares are having their worst year ever in 2025, down 50% year to date, Eli Lilly has become an investor-favorite as the Indiana-based company's Zepbound and Mounjaro has shown more pronounced weight loss than Novo's Ozempic and Wegovy. Lilly has also taken the lead on U.S. new prescriptions. On Thursday, Lilly released the first late-stage data on its next generation weight loss drug retatrutide. It works differently from existing injections and appears to be more effective as it targets three different appetite-regulating hormones, as opposed to one or two like Wegovy and Zepbound. Lilly's stock has held up better as investor see its pipeline as more likely to translate to financial returns, and the company also has a diverse porfolio that goes beyond diabetes and weight loss treatments. Meanwhile, Zealand shares, like Novo's peaked in mid-2024 but gains moderated as bets are also placed elsewhere. Only last month, it paused development of an GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist called dapiglutide, citing a crowded market for obesity drugs. Instead, Zealand indicated that it would focus resources to candidates with a greater potential for clinical differentiation. Big Pharma names like AstraZeneca , Amgen and Pfizer are all hoping that their own drug candidates will take a slice out of Lilly and Novo's market share, as are clinical-stage players like Structure Therapeutics and Viking Therapeutics. The market credits Lilly but undervalues innovation elsewhere, according to Morningstar's Karen Andersen. "While we see Lilly holding more than 50% global share for the foreseeable future, we think its share will stabilize as Novo and other competitors launch next-generation drugs," she wrote in a November note. "Consensus fails to appreciate these drugs' potential."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Zealand Pharma shares have fallen by nearly a third in 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a high-stakes, three-nation diplomatic journey from December 15 to 18, visiting Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman to strengthen India's ties with major allies in West Asia and Africa.

The journey commences on December 1516 in Jordan, followed by Ethiopia on December 16 and 17, and concludes on December 17 and18 in Oman, as per India Today.

This international visit follows P M Modi's attendance at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, when India highlighted the Global South's objectives and inclusive growth. The trip is also meant to promote commerce and discuss regional stability, particularly the Gaza ceasefire.

Despite not having substantial oil riches, observers note that Jordan has become an important trade and investment partner for India, providing opportunities for expansion in industries like infrastructure, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

It is expected that Oman would prioritise formalising an all-encompassing economic cooperation. The visit takes place on the 70th anniversary of India and Oman's diplomatic ties, a significant milestone that highlights the long-standing nature of the partnership.

Although this will be PM Modi 's second trip to Oman, his only prior trip to Jordan was in 2018, when he travelled through the nation en route to Ramallah, making history as the first Indian prime minister to visit Palestine. Although discussions for a free trade agreement between India and Oman concluded, the accord has not yet been officially signed.

According to officials, this trip might push a pending Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (commonly called CEPA) that offers increased market access, increased investment flows, and closer cooperation in energy, commerce, and marine security.

Another important goal is to improve relations with Ethiopia. Africa is key to New Delhi's long-term foreign policy strategy, and more trade, defence cooperation, and development collaborations may result from state-level involvement with Ethiopia, one of the continent's fastest-growing economies.

Along with his travel to South Africa, PM Modi r ecently concluded a two-day visit to Bhutan, which was his first official visit to the Himalayan country since the inauguration of its new administration. Meetings with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan were part of the trip.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, relations with Bhutan are "a unique and enduring partnership which is rooted in mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill."
UNESCO has voiced deep concern over intensifying clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, including renewed violence near the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the region's most revered ancient Hindu temple.In a statement, UNESCO raised urgent protection concerns of cultural heritage in "all its forms" and reminded both nations of their obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention. "UNESCO will continue to monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the region, with a view to ensuring its protection," it said, adding that it is prepared to offer technical support and emergency safeguarding measures "as soon as conditions allow".Hostilities flared on December 10 with reports of artillery and rocket attacks along the border, each country accusing the other of targeting civilians. The escalation follows earlier incidents in May, when a landmine blast killed a Cambodian soldier and injured Thai troops, followed by months of cross-border violence that left at least nine civilians dead by July 2025. Although a truce was brokered on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the latest confrontation suggests the ceasefire has collapsed.On December 10, Cambodia's Defence Ministry accused Thai F-16 fighters of dropping munitions on five provinces, calling the strikes a serious breach of international humanitarian law. Officials said Cambodian forces remained in defensive positions while resisting Thai advances. Cambodias Ministry of the Interior reported widespread damage to homes, schools, roads, pagodas and historic sites from Thailands intensified shelling and F-16 air strikes targeting villages and civilian population centres up to 30km inside Cambodian territory.It added: "It should be noted that  these brutal acts of aggression of the Thai military indiscriminately opened fire targeting civilian areas, especially schools, and further destroyed Ta Krabey and Preah Vihear temples, the highly sacred cultural sites of Cambodia and the world cultural heritage."According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand's Ministry of Defence said nine soldiers had been killed and 120 injured after five consecutive days of violence. Cambodian officials reported 10 civilian deaths and about 60 serious injuries, while military casualties remain undisclosed; unconfirmed reports suggest at least eight Cambodian soldiers may have died.President Trump told reporters he expected to speak with both nations leaders to demand an immediate halt to the fighting. "They've been fighting for a very long time, many, many, many decades," he said. "But I got along great with both. I found they were two great leaders, two great people, and I settled it once. I think I can do it pretty quickly. I think, I think I can get them to stop fighting. Who else can do that? Think of it."Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a Facebook post that he had spoken with both prime ministers but warned that no complete resolution has yet been reached. He stressed that Malaysia would continue supporting peaceful dialogue grounded in international law and regional cooperation.Preah Vihear, built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Khmer Empire, and the nearby Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple have long fuelled territorial tensions. The dispute stems from a 1907 map drawn by colonial-era France placing the temple on Cambodian soil, a position upheld by the International Court of Justice in 1962 and reaffirmed in 2013.Despite the rulings, the border surrounding over the 800-kilometre frontier remains contested, with the latest violence highlighting volatility around the ancient Hindu sites.


In view of the situation near Thailand-Cambodia border, Indian travelers who plan to visit these areas are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom.@diaspora_india @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PIB_India https://t.co/xu1mAkUHxv

 India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) December 11, 2025

The Indian Embassy in Thailand has urged citizens planning to travel near the CambodiaThailand border to consult official sources before visiting, following a surge in cross-border tensions."In view of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, Indian travellers who plan to visit these areas are advised to check updates from Thai official sources," the Embassy said.The Tourism Authority of Thailand has reassured visitors that travel across most of the country remains normal, with heightened security only in select border regions. Rail services to Ban Khlong Luek have been suspended, bus routes to Kantharalak are being diverted through the Karnchang Intersection, and travellers are advised to avoid Route 348 in Buri Ram. Major tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Pattaya and Ayutthaya, remain open and operational.Meanshile, UNESCO expressed serious concern over the renewed tensions, particularly near the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Cambodias most significant ancient Hindu temples. The organisation called for urgent protection of cultural heritage in "all its forms" and reminded both countries of their obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention."UNESCO will continue to monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the region, with a view to ensuring its protection," the organisation said, adding that it is ready to provide technical assistance and implement emergency protective measures "as soon as conditions allow."Hostilities between the two countries flared on December 10 with reports of artillery and rocket attacks along the border, each country accusing the other of targeting civilians. The escalation follows earlier incidents in May, when a landmine blast killed a Cambodian soldier and injured Thai troops, followed by months of cross-border violence that left at least nine civilians dead by July 2025. Although a truce was brokered on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the latest confrontation suggests the ceasefire has collaps d.
Fight between Thailand and Cambodia entered its fourth day on Thursday, December 11, as both sides waited for a promised telephone call from US President Donald Trump, who says he believes he can again end the conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations.On Wednesday (December 10), clashes at more than a dozen locations along the 817-km (508-mile) Thai-Cambodian border saw some of the most intense fighting since a five-day battle in July, which was the worst conflict in recent history.In July, Trump stopped the fighting with calls to both leaders in which he threatened to halt trade talks unless they ended the conflict. Trump says he expects to speak with the countries leaders on Thursday."I think I can get them to stop fighting, Trump told reporters on Wednesday. "I think Im scheduled to speak to them tomorrow.However, Thailand has reacted more warily this time to overtures from Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who helped broker the July deal, which resulted in an extended ceasefire signed in October. Thailand insists the matter is for the two countries to resolve.Ibrahim said he had spoken with leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Tuesday and, though no definitive resolution was reached, he appreciated the openness and willingness of both leaders to continue negotiations in order to ease tensions.Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Thursday he would explain and clarify the situation if Trump called.He will need to hear the details directly from me if he contacts me, he told reporters. I believe the foreign minister will already be providing information at the diplomatic level.Thailand and Cambodia have blamed each other for the latest clashes that started this week, and have traded accusations that civilians were being targeted in artillery and rocket attacks.Right now, no one wants conflict, especially with neighboring countries, Anutin said. But Thailand is very confident that it has been invaded. Therefore, it is necessary to safeguard the countrys independence and sovereignty.In a Wednesday evening update, Cambodias Interior Ministry said homes, schools, roads, pagodas and ancient temples had been damaged by Thailands intensified shelling and F-16 air strikes targeting villages and civilian population centres up to 30 km inside Cambodian territory.On Thursday, Cambodias defence ministry accused Thailand of committing brutal acts of aggression against civilian targets, including schools and temples.Thailand denies that it targets civilian infrastructure.The clashes have already taken a heavy toll on civilians, with 10 people killed in Cambodia, including an infant, and 60 people wounded, according to its government.Nine Thai soldiers have been killed in the fighting and more than 120 were wounded, the Thai army said. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from border areas in both countries.
Xi's special envoy to attend high-level int'l forum dedicated to International Year of Peace and Trust

Xinhua) 10:58, December 11, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Turkmenistan, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Peng Qinghua will attend the High-Level International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust to be held in Turkmenistan on Dec. 12, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.

Peng is vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Upgrade timing often varies wildly from one country or carrier to the next, so in order to create a consistent standard for scoring, Ive focused this analysis on when Android 16 first reached a flagship model thats readily available in the US  either a carrier-connected model or an unlocked version of the phone, if such a product is sold by the manufacturer and readily available to US customers  in a public, official, and not opt-in-beta-oriented over-the-air rollout.

(To be clear, Im not counting being able to import an international version of a phone from eBay or from some random seller on Amazon as being readily available to US customers. For the purposes of creating a reasonable and consistent standard for this analysis, a phone has to be sold in the US in some official capacity in order to be considered a US model of a device.)

By looking at the time to Android 16s first appearance (via an over-the-air rollout) on a device in the US, were measuring how quickly a typical US device-owner could realistically get the software in a normal situation. And since were looking at the first appearance, in any unlocked or carrier-connected phone, were eliminating any carrier-specific delays from the equation and focusing purely on the soonest possible window you could receive an update from any given manufacturer in this country. Were also eliminating the PR-focused silliness of a manufacturer rushing to roll out a small-scale upgrade in somewhere like Lithuania just so they can put out a press release touting that they were FIRST, when the practical implication of such a rollout is basically just a rounding error.

I chose to focus on the US specifically because thats where this publication (and this person writing this right now  hi!) is based, but this same analysis could be done using any country as its basis, of course, and the results would vary accordingly.

All measurements start from the day Android 16 was released into the Android Open Source Project: June 10, 2025, which is when the final raw OS code officially became available to manufacturers.

The following scale determined each manufacturers subscores for upgrade timeliness:

1-14 days to first US rollout = A+ (100)

15-30 days to first US rollout = A (96)

31-45 days to first US rollout = A (92)

46-60 days to first US rollout = B+ (89)

61-75 days to first US rollout = B (86)

76-90 days to first US rollout = B (82)

91-105 days to first US rollout = C+ (79)

106-120 days to first US rollout = C (76)

121-135 days to first US rollout = C (72)

136-150 days to first US rollout = D+ (69)

151-165 days to first US rollout = D (66)

166-180 days to first US rollout = D (62)

More than 180 days to first US rollout (and thus no upgrade activity within the six-month window) = F (0)

Theres just one asterisk: If a manufacturer outright abandons any US-relevant models of a device, its score defaults to zero for that specific category. Within that category (be it current or previous-gen flagship), such behavior is an indication that the manufacturer in question could not be trusted to honor its commitment and provide an upgrade. This adjustment allows the score to better reflect that reality. No such adjustments were made this year, though there have been instances where its happened in the past (hello, Moto  again!).

Last but not least, this analysis focuses on manufacturers selling flagship phones that are relevant and in some way significant to the US market and/or the Android enthusiast community. That, as I alluded to above, is why a company like Sony is no longer part of the primary analysis  and why companies like Xiaomi and Huawei are not presently part of this picture, despite their relevance in other parts of the world. Considering the performance of players in a market such as China would certainly be interesting, but itd be a completely different and totally separate analysis, and its beyond the scope of what were considering in this one report.

Aside from the companies included here, most players are either still relatively insignificant in the US market or have focused their efforts more on the budget realm in the States so far  and thus dont make sense, at least as of now, to include in this specific-sample-oriented and flagship-focused breakdown.

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At just 21, Noah Hunter Dorsey was homeless and living out of his car.

The Melbourne man was sleeping rough, couch-surfing from one friend's house to another, and spending most nights just trying to find a place to shower.

'In my early 20s, I found myself homeless with no money or place to stay. I slept in my car and showered at friends' places whenever I could,' Noah said.

'One day, I woke up and knew I wanted something different for my life. I made a clear vision and started taking massive action towards success.

'I tried a few things... then started videography, which led to creating Facebook ads, a skill that changed my life.'

With zero business experience, Noah and his girlfriend launched a skincare brand. His ads were performing so well that the couple made their first $1million together.

Fast forward to today and the now 29-year-old has made his debut on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2025 after building a $30million dollar logistics company called Future Fulfilment, with clients including Vegemite and AFL, just to name a few.

However, his extraordinary rise to the top didn't come easy.

At just 21, Noah Hunter Dorsey was homeless and living out of his car. Fast forward to today and the now 29-year-old has made his debut on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2025

Seven years before his success, Noah was broke with nothing to his name but a car.

He spent his days skating, surfing and making music, and his nights living out of his car, sometimes sleeping on couches and showering at friends' places wherever he could.

As he hit rock bottom, he met his girlfriend who eventually let him stay at her place.

'Luckily, I met my girlfriend at this time who let me sleep on her couch while she went to Europe,' Noah said.

That brief moment of stability led to him realising he needed to build a different life. He had a vision, even if he did not yet know what it looked like.

Noah began dabbling in a handful of things before stumbling into videography, which led him into learning Facebook ads - a skill that would drastically alter the course of his life.

'With my newfound skills, I launched a skincare brand with my girlfriend and we made out first $1million together. A big upgrade from when we first met,' he said.

At just 22, Noah was inspired to help other small businesses, driven by a desire for Gen Z to redefine the marketing world.

Seven years ago, Noah was sleeping rough, couch-surfing from one friend's house to another, and spending most nights just trying to find a place to shower

'So I launched a content agency with very little experience but a big belief in Gen Z and what we could offer the marketing industry,' he explained.

'The agency exploded. We were all young and having the time of our lives building the business and learning together.'

For the first time, Noah was finally living the life he had once only dreamed about from the back seat of his car.

It was here that he met his now-business partner Nick Forge, who owned his own ecommerce brand.

The two bonded over the same pain point: Traditional 3PLs (third-party logistics) were slow, outdated and constantly letting emerging brands down.

They knew there had to be a better way so they started Future Fulfilment in 2021.

The duo scraped together $5,000 to lease a dusty warehouse on the outskirts of Melbourne. It was empty, with no equipment, no staff and no real safety net.

In their first week, 100 pallets arrived with no forklift to unload them so they frantically borrowed machinery from neighbouring warehouses.

Noah built a $30million dollar logistics company called Future Fulfilment, with clients including Vegemite and AFL, just to name a few

Future Fulfilment has surpassed $30million in revenue and grown more than 400 per cent in just two years

Every late night, every box shipped and every small start-up they supported helped build the foundations of what would come next.

Future Fulfilment grew rapidly.

But things took an unexpected turn when an arson attack in early 2023 threatened to take the company out overnight, but instead it became a defining moment.

The team rebuilt operations within 48 hours, rerouting shipments and refusing to stop. Clients noticed and growth accelerated.

'The rest is history,' Noah said.

'For the last four years, we have been doing everything humanly possible to grow Future into a global fulfilment powerhouse.'

Today, Future Fulfilment has become one of the most exciting new logistics forces in Australia. Their national micro fulfilment network ships for well-known companies and household brands like Vegemite and AFL.

Noah's resilience, modern approach to logistics and ability to turn setbacks into fuel earned him a place on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Retail and Ecommerce

Noah with his business partner Nick Forge. The two bonded over the same pain point: Traditional 3PLs were slow, outdated and constantly letting emerging brands down

The company has surpassed $30million in revenue and grown more than 400 per cent in just two years.

With a new international hub in Shanghai, Noah and Nick are positioning Future Fulfilment as a global contender.

Forbes recognised Noah not only for the scale of what he has built but for how he built it.

His resilience, modern approach to logistics and ability to turn setbacks into fuel earned him a place on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Retail and Ecommerce.

'It's been a wild journey so far,' Noah said.

'I can't help but think about the version of me seven years ago who decided to make a change. Let this be your motivation.

'Hold your vision. The rest will work itself out.'
ACRES Commercial Realty (NYSE:ACR  Get Free Report) and Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment (NYSE:CHMI  Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk and profitability.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for ACRES Commercial Realty and Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ACRES Commercial Realty 0 2 3 0 2.60 Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment 1 2 1 1 2.40

ACRES Commercial Realty presently has a consensus price target of $24.50, suggesting a potential upside of 4.81%. Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment has a consensus price target of $3.38, suggesting a potential upside of 34.19%. Given Cherry Hill Mortgage Investments higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment is more favorable than ACRES Commercial Realty.

Volatility and Risk

Institutional & Insider Ownership

ACRES Commercial Realty has a beta of 1.21, indicating that its stock price is 21% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment has a beta of 1.06, indicating that its stock price is 6% more volatile than the S&P 500.

40.0% of ACRES Commercial Realty shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 18.5% of Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment shares are held by institutional investors. 3.9% of ACRES Commercial Realty shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.5% of Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares ACRES Commercial Realty and Cherry Hill Mortgage Investments top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio ACRES Commercial Realty $83.49 million 2.04 $29.27 million $0.96 24.35 Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment $55.80 million 1.66 $11.97 million $0.02 125.75

ACRES Commercial Realty has higher revenue and earnings than Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment. ACRES Commercial Realty is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares ACRES Commercial Realty and Cherry Hill Mortgage Investments net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ACRES Commercial Realty 35.16% 4.74% 1.16% Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment 14.15% 16.17% 1.38%

Summary

ACRES Commercial Realty beats Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About ACRES Commercial Realty

(Get Free Report)

ACRES Commercial Realty Corp., a real estate investment trust (REIT), focuses on the origination, holding, and management of commercial real estate mortgage loans and equity investments in commercial real estate property in the United States. It invests in commercial real estate-related assets, including floating-rate first mortgage loans, first priority interests in first mortgage loans, subordinated interests in first mortgage loans, mezzanine financing, preferred equity investments, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. The company qualifies as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes. It generally would not be subject to federal corporate income taxes if it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. The company was formerly known as Exantas Capital Corp. and changed its name to ACRES Commercial Realty Corp. in February 2021. ACRES Commercial Realty Corp. was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Uniondale, New York.

About Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment

(Get Free Report)

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation, a residential real estate finance company, acquires, invests in, and manages residential mortgage assets in the United States. It operates through Investments in RMBS (residential mortgage-backed securities) and Investments in Servicing Related Assets segments. Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation qualifies as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes. The company generally would not be subject to federal corporate income taxes if it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation was incorporated in 2012 and is based in Farmingdale, New Jersey.

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Knife River Corporation (NYSE:KNF  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eight analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $96.3333.

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on KNF shares. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Knife River from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. UBS Group raised Knife River to an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price objective on Knife River from $115.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. DA Davidson lowered their price objective on Knife River from $105.00 to $95.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Knife River in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th.

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Knife River Trading Up 2.6%

Shares of Knife River stock opened at $76.15 on Monday. Knife River has a 1 year low of $58.72 and a 1 year high of $108.83. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $69.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $78.22. The company has a market cap of $4.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.18, a PEG ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a current ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73.

Knife River (NYSE:KNF  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $2.52 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.45 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $1.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.22 billion. Knife River had a net margin of 4.87% and a return on equity of 9.97%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Knife River will post 4.11 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Knife River

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in Knife River in the third quarter worth about $203,000. Penn Capital Management Company LLC boosted its holdings in Knife River by 19.6% during the third quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC now owns 216,479 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,682,000 after purchasing an additional 35,495 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Knife River by 43.8% in the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,835 shares of the companys stock valued at $218,000 after purchasing an additional 863 shares during the period. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Knife River in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $469,000. Finally, Voss Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of Knife River in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $33,823,000. 80.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Knife River

(Get Free Report)

Knife River Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides aggregates- led construction materials and contracting services in the United States. It operates through Pacific, Northwest, Mountain, Central, and Energy Services segments. The company mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates, including crushed stone and sand, and gravel; and produces and sells asphalt and ready-mix concrete.

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Clarkson PLC (OTCMKTS:CKNHF  Get Free Report) was up 0.1% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $50.4650 and last traded at $50.4650. Approximately 370 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 4% from the average daily volume of 385 shares. The stock had previously closed at $50.43.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Clarkson in a research note on Tuesday, August 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy.

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Clarkson Price Performance

About Clarkson

The business has a 50 day moving average of $48.21 and a 200 day moving average of $47.56.

(Get Free Report)

Clarkson PLC provides integrated shipping services worldwide. The company's Broking segment offers services to shipowners and charterers in the transportation of various cargoes by sea; and to buyers and sellers/yards related to sale and purchase transactions, as well as futures broking operation.

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Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH  Get Free Report) and Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina (NYSE:LOMA  Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, valuation, profitability, dividends, risk and earnings.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Meritage Homes and Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentinas revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Meritage Homes $6.40 billion 0.79 $786.19 million $9.84 7.33 Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina $767.70 million 1.93 $169.19 million $0.31 40.90

Volatility and Risk

Meritage Homes has higher revenue and earnings than Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina. Meritage Homes is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Meritage Homes has a beta of 1.44, suggesting that its stock price is 44% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina has a beta of 0.89, suggesting that its stock price is 11% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

98.4% of Meritage Homes shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 19.3% of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina shares are held by institutional investors. 2.2% of Meritage Homes shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Meritage Homes and Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentinas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Meritage Homes 8.96% 10.37% 7.13% Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina 5.67% 4.40% 2.46%

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Meritage Homes and Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Meritage Homes 0 7 3 1 2.45 Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina 0 1 4 0 2.80

Meritage Homes currently has a consensus price target of $84.57, suggesting a potential upside of 17.25%. Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina has a consensus price target of $14.80, suggesting a potential upside of 16.74%. Given Meritage Homes higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Meritage Homes is more favorable than Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina.

Summary

Meritage Homes beats Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina on 11 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Meritage Homes

(Get 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. The company also offers title and escrow, mortgage, insurance, and closing/settlement services to its homebuyers. Meritage Homes Corporation was founded in 1985 and is based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

About Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina

(Get Free Report)

Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cement and its derivatives in Argentina. The company operates through Cement, Masonry Cement and Lime; Concrete; Railroad; Aggregates; and Others segments. It offers masonry cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, concrete, and lime to wholesale distributors, concrete producers, industrial customers, and others for use in the construction. The company also provides rail transportation services; and treats and recycles industrial waste for use as fuel and raw material. It markets its products under the Loma Negra, San Martin, Plasticor, Cacique Plus, Cacique Max, Loma Negra Plus, and Lomax brands. The company was founded in 1926 and is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima is a subsidiary of Intercement Trading E Inversiones Argentina Sociedad Limitada.

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Cyrela Brazil Realty SA (OTCMKTS:CYRBY  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $7.1910, but opened at $6.4625. Cyrela Brazil Realty shares last traded at $6.8850, with a volume of 210 shares.

Cyrela Brazil Realty Stock Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average is $5.99 and its two-hundred day moving average is $5.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.49 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a current ratio of 8.45, a quick ratio of 7.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22.

Cyrela Brazil Realty Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Cyrela Brazil Realty SA Empreendimentos e Participacoes develops and constructs residential properties in Brazil. It also provides real estate services, such as construction management and technical consultancy services. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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Ethernity Networks Ltd. (LON:ENET  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.01 and last traded at GBX 0.01, with a volume of 61194992 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.01.

Ethernity Networks Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.01 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 0.02. The company has a market capitalization of 50,000.00, a PE ratio of -0.01 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.00, a current ratio of 0.42 and a quick ratio of 1.37.

About Ethernity Networks

(Get Free Report)

Ethernity Networks Ltd. provides technology solutions for telecom, mobile, security, and data center markets in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. The company develops and delivers data processing technology and solutions for carrier Ethernet switching. It provides ENET flow processors for telco/cloud network; ACE-NIC40 SmartNIC, an open flow enabled software acceleration NIC; ACE-NIC50 SmartNIC, which offers 10/25G Ethernet connectivity and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acceleration; and ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC that provides flexible 10/25/40/100G Ethernet connectivity and programmable FPGA acceleration.

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Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:GSLC  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $133.53 and last traded at $133.26, with a volume of 237764 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $132.39.

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF Stock Up 0.6%

The firm has a market cap of $15.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.08 and a beta of 0.99. The business has a fifty day moving average of $130.64 and a 200 day moving average of $126.01.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of GSLC. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 4.9% during the third quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,735 shares of the companys stock worth $226,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares during the period. Truepoint Inc. grew its position in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 1.8% in the third quarter. Truepoint Inc. now owns 4,696 shares of the companys stock valued at $612,000 after acquiring an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. increased its position in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 6,569 shares of the companys stock worth $856,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 9,778 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,187,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lantern Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 4.6% in the third quarter. Lantern Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,957 shares of the companys stock valued at $255,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares during the last quarter.

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF Company Profile

The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap stocks comprising 4 sub-indexes: value, momentum, quality, and low volatility. The index uses multiple factors to pick stocks, and each sub-index receives equal weight.

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Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF (NYSEARCA:RWK  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $130.04 and last traded at $129.58, with a volume of 15367 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $126.96.

Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Stock Performance

The company has a 50-day moving average price of $124.32 and a 200-day moving average price of $121.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.05 and a beta of 1.17.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of RWK. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. MAI Capital Management acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $87,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $109,000. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new stake in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $117,000. Finally, Essex Financial Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $205,000.

Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Company Profile

RevenueShares Mid Cap ETF (the Fund) seeks to achieve its investment objective of outperforming the total return performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index (S&P 400) by investing in the constituent securities of the S&P 400 in the same proportions as the RevenueShares Mid Cap Index. The Fund consists of the same constituent securities as the S&P 400.

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iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $68.05 and last traded at $67.94, with a volume of 109341 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $67.11.

iShares Europe ETF Trading Up 1.3%

The firm has a 50 day moving average of $66.33 and a 200-day moving average of $64.60. The company has a market cap of $1.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.91.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares Europe ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of IEV. Aberdeen Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Europe ETF during the second quarter worth $25,000. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Europe ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $29,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Europe ETF by 434.9% during the 3rd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 444 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 361 shares during the last quarter. American National Bank & Trust bought a new position in shares of iShares Europe ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Allworth Financial LP grew its position in shares of iShares Europe ETF by 51.8% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 560 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares in the last quarter.

About iShares Europe ETF

iShares Europe ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Europe 350 Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Europe 350 (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the stocks of companies in the countries, which includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

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iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (NYSEARCA:SUSA  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $141.37 and last traded at $141.02, with a volume of 95362 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $140.01.

iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF Trading Up 0.7%

The stock has a market capitalization of $3.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -252.74 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $137.54 and a 200-day simple moving average of $131.71.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Financial Life Planners purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF during the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Collier Financial purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $34,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $41,000. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $49,000.

About iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

The iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Extended ESG Select index. The fund tracks an index of US companies with high environmental, social and governance (ESG) factor scores as calculated by MSCI. SUSA was launched on Jan 24, 2005 and is managed by BlackRock.

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iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $213.54 and last traded at $213.09, with a volume of 1546116 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $211.10.

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Trading Up 1.0%

The firm has a market cap of $43.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.70 and a beta of 0.89. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $208.58 and its 200-day simple moving average is $201.78.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. United Services Automobile Association purchased a new position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Palisade Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Center for Financial Planning Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Flaharty Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000.

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Company Profile

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P 500 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest value characteristics.

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Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Jefferies Financial Group from $138.00 to $126.00 in a report issued on Monday morning,MarketScreener reports. Jefferies Financial Group currently has a hold rating on the utilities providers stock.

Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on Duke Energy in a report on Monday, October 6th. They set an outperform rating and a $143.00 target price on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Duke Energy from $138.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Duke Energy to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Morgan Stanley reissued an underperform rating on shares of Duke Energy in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $131.00 to $136.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $137.69.

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Duke Energy Trading Down 1.1%

DUK opened at $114.00 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $88.65 billion, a PE ratio of 17.92, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 0.40. Duke Energy has a 12-month low of $105.20 and a 12-month high of $130.03. The firms fifty day moving average price is $123.68 and its 200 day moving average price is $121.21.

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.75 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $8.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.51 billion. Duke Energy had a net margin of 15.76% and a return on equity of 9.98%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.62 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Duke Energy will post 6.33 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Duke Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a $1.065 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $4.26 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.7%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 66.98%.

Insider Transactions at Duke Energy

In other Duke Energy news, EVP Robert Alexander Glenn sold 8,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $123.80, for a total transaction of $1,015,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 11,367 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,407,234.60. The trade was a 41.91% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.14% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Duke Energy

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in DUK. Simon Quick Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Duke Energy by 42.2% in the 2nd quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 7,444 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $878,000 after acquiring an additional 2,210 shares during the last quarter. Westbourne Investments Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Duke Energy in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $282,000. Resolution Capital Ltd lifted its stake in Duke Energy by 7.6% during the first quarter. Resolution Capital Ltd now owns 59,995 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,318,000 after purchasing an additional 4,255 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in Duke Energy by 88.1% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 4,861,309 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $592,934,000 after buying an additional 2,276,948 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dogwood Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Duke Energy by 52.8% in the second quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 9,125 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,061,000 after buying an additional 3,152 shares during the last quarter. 65.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Duke Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest.

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Shares of Landis+Gyr Group AG (OTCMKTS:LDGYY  Get Free Report) dropped 17.4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $16.69 and last traded at $16.69. Approximately 851 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 29% from the average daily volume of 659 shares. The stock had previously closed at $20.20.

Landis+Gyr Group Stock Down 17.4%

The stocks fifty day moving average is $19.31 and its 200-day moving average is $18.91.

About Landis+Gyr Group

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Landis+Gyr Group AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated energy management solutions to utility sector in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Canada, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers prepayment electricity, commercial/industrial and grid, and non-smart and smart gas meters; heat and water meters and solutions; load control devices; and system deployment, and managed network solutions.

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Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report published on Monday.

LEN has been the topic of a number of other reports. Wedbush reissued a neutral rating and set a $130.00 price target on shares of Lennar in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Lennar from $122.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Zacks Research raised Lennar from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on Lennar from $118.00 to $114.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Raymond James Financial downgraded Lennar from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Lennar has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $121.77.

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Lennar Stock Performance

Shares of Lennar stock opened at $119.97 on Monday. Lennar has a 52 week low of $98.42 and a 52 week high of $162.94. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 4.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $123.90 and a 200-day moving average price of $121.20. The company has a market cap of $30.59 billion, a PE ratio of 11.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.96 and a beta of 1.38.

Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, September 18th. The construction company reported $2.00 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.14 by ($0.14). The company had revenue of $8.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.01 billion. Lennar had a net margin of 7.72% and a return on equity of 11.09%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.90 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Lennar will post 12.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Lennar Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 10th were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 10th. Lennars dividend payout ratio is currently 19.76%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lennar

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LEN. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Lennar by 7.1% during the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,278 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $141,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT boosted its stake in Lennar by 8.3% during the third quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT now owns 1,127 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $142,000 after buying an additional 86 shares during the period. RFG Advisory LLC grew its position in Lennar by 2.1% during the third quarter. RFG Advisory LLC now owns 4,255 shares of the construction companys stock worth $536,000 after buying an additional 87 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in Lennar by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 7,719 shares of the construction companys stock worth $886,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. raised its holdings in shares of Lennar by 6.2% in the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,595 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $201,000 after acquiring an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. 81.10% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Lennar

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Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The companys homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties.

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Argus restated their hold rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) in a research note published on Monday, Marketbeat reports.

NVO has been the subject of several other research reports. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on Novo Nordisk A/S from $50.00 to $46.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Berenberg Bank raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. Zacks Research downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Rothschild Redb upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $53.33.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance

Novo Nordisk A/S stock opened at $49.06 on Monday. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52 week low of $43.08 and a 52 week high of $112.52. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market cap of $219.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.26 and a beta of 0.67. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $51.22 and a 200-day moving average of $58.63.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.25. The business had revenue of $11.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.98 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 32.76% and a return on equity of 73.50%. On average, analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Novo Nordisk A/S

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in NVO. IFP Advisors Inc increased its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 21.1% in the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 13,712 shares of the companys stock worth $761,000 after buying an additional 2,391 shares during the period. Innova Wealth Partners boosted its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 35.6% during the third quarter. Innova Wealth Partners now owns 4,091 shares of the companys stock valued at $227,000 after acquiring an additional 1,073 shares during the period. Tevis Investment Management grew its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 12.1% during the third quarter. Tevis Investment Management now owns 44,700 shares of the companys stock worth $2,480,000 after acquiring an additional 4,838 shares during the last quarter. XXEC Inc. grew its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 26.7% during the third quarter. XXEC Inc. now owns 99,075 shares of the companys stock worth $5,498,000 after acquiring an additional 20,890 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Manhattan West Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 38.8% in the 3rd quarter. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC now owns 40,369 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,240,000 after purchasing an additional 11,278 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.54% of the companys stock.

About Novo Nordisk A/S

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Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease.

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NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:SMR  Get Free Report)s stock price was down 4.2% on Wednesday following insider selling activity. The stock traded as low as $19.77 and last traded at $20.4150. Approximately 22,197,133 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 48% from the average daily volume of 15,003,011 shares. The stock had previously closed at $21.32.

Specifically, CFO Robert Ramsey Hamady sold 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.17, for a total value of $886,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 46,283 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,026,094.11. This trade represents a 46.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on SMR. Barclays began coverage on shares of NuScale Power in a research note on Monday, September 29th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $45.00 price objective for the company. BNP Paribas Exane lowered shares of NuScale Power from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of NuScale Power in a research note on Monday. UBS Group set a $20.00 price objective on NuScale Power in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on NuScale Power in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. They set an overweight rating and a $55.00 target price for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and six have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, NuScale Power has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $36.12.

NuScale Power Stock Down 4.2%

The stock has a market capitalization of $6.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -7.14 and a beta of 2.09. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $31.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $36.41.

NuScale Power (NYSE:SMR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($1.85) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.11) by ($1.74). The firm had revenue of $8.24 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.29 million. NuScale Power had a negative net margin of 594.63% and a negative return on equity of 51.27%. The businesss revenue was up 1635.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.18) EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that NuScale Power Corporation will post -0.73 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On NuScale Power

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of NuScale Power by 6.1% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,940,535 shares of the companys stock worth $126,598,000 after purchasing an additional 512,618 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its position in NuScale Power by 22.6% during the 3rd quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 7,310,961 shares of the companys stock worth $263,195,000 after buying an additional 1,346,796 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in NuScale Power by 67.2% during the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 5,287,814 shares of the companys stock worth $190,362,000 after acquiring an additional 2,125,250 shares during the last quarter. Samsung C&T Corp increased its position in NuScale Power by 98.9% in the 3rd quarter. Samsung C&T Corp now owns 5,185,804 shares of the companys stock valued at $186,689,000 after acquiring an additional 2,578,702 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clear Street Group Inc. acquired a new stake in NuScale Power in the 3rd quarter valued at about $155,616,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.37% of the companys stock.

About NuScale Power

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NuScale Power Corporation engages in the development and sale of modular light water reactor nuclear power plants to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, hydrogen production, and other process heat applications. It offers NuScale Power Module (NPM), a water reactor that can generate 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe); and VOYGR power plant designs for three facility sizes that are capable of housing from one to four and six or twelve NPMs.

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PressLogic (PLAI) plans to raise $9 million in an initial public offering (IPO) on the week of December 15th, IPO Scoop reports. The company plans to issue 1,800,000 shares at $4.00-$6.00 per share.

In the last twelve months, PressLogic generated $14.77 million in revenue and $1.91 million in net income. PressLogic has a market cap of $83.20 million.

American Trust Investment Services acted as the underwriter for the IPO.

PressLogic provided the following description of their company for its IPO: (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands) We provide digital marketing services to companies in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Our content marketing solutions include a digital marketing solution segment, which offers editorial content, influencer marketing and display advertising, along with advertisements. We run nine proprietary media brands with over 12 million subscribers and followers, including nine websites, five apps, 11 Facebook fanpages, 11 Instagram profiles and eight YouTube channels, as of the date of this prospectus. Note: Net income and revenue are in U.S. dollars (converted from Hong Kong dollars) for the 12 months that ended June 30, 2025. (Note: PressLogic filed its F-1/A on Oct. 14, 2025, and disclosed the terms of its small IPO: The company is offering 1.8 million shares at a price range of $4.00 to $6.00 to raise $9.0 million, if priced at the mid-point of its range. Background: PressLogic filed its F-1 to go public in September.) .

PressLogic was founded in 2016 and has 124 employees. The company is located at 26/F, Chinachem Leighton Plaza 29 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay Hong Kong Tel: +852 3709 2787 and can be reached via phone at +852 3709 2787 or on the web at https://www.presslogic.online/.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Roche (OTCMKTS:RHHBY  Free Report) from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report report published on Monday, Marketbeat.com reports.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Hsbc Global Res raised Roche from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group cut Roche from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. HSBC raised Roche from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $50.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating on shares of Roche in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Roche from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $57.00.

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Roche Stock Performance

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Roche

Roche stock opened at $50.43 on Monday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $45.24 and a 200-day simple moving average of $42.17. Roche has a one year low of $34.10 and a one year high of $50.67.

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hancock Whitney Corp raised its position in Roche by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp now owns 24,488 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,024,000 after purchasing an additional 1,116 shares during the last quarter. Verity Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in Roche by 20.9% during the 3rd quarter. Verity Asset Management Inc. now owns 10,990 shares of the companys stock worth $459,000 after purchasing an additional 1,898 shares in the last quarter. Douglass Winthrop Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Roche during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $201,000. Curio Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Roche during the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Finally, Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Roche in the third quarter valued at about $597,000.

About Roche

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Roche Holding AG engages in the pharmaceuticals and diagnostics businesses in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Oceania. The company offers pharmaceutical products in the therapeutic areas of anemia, blood and solid tumors, dermatology, hemophilia, inflammatory and autoimmune, neurological disorders, ophthalmology, respiratory disorders, and transplantation.

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United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 2.9% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $100.11 and last traded at $99.7870. 7,147,985 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 4% from the average session volume of 6,844,169 shares. The stock had previously closed at $96.97.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have issued reports on UPS. Truist Financial upped their price target on United Parcel Service from $100.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group lifted their target price on United Parcel Service from $110.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Wall Street Zen raised United Parcel Service from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on United Parcel Service from $85.00 to $97.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of United Parcel Service in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $110.00.

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United Parcel Service Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $84.66 billion, a PE ratio of 15.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 1.11. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $91.51 and a 200-day moving average price of $92.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.30.

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The transportation company reported $1.74 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.43. The business had revenue of $21.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.94 billion. United Parcel Service had a return on equity of 40.07% and a net margin of 6.15%.United Parcel Services revenue for the quarter was down 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.76 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current year.

United Parcel Service Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th were given a $1.64 dividend. This represents a $6.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio is 101.39%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in UPS. Evelyn Partners Investment Management Europe Ltd lifted its position in United Parcel Service by 110.1% in the 2nd quarter. Evelyn Partners Investment Management Europe Ltd now owns 250 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of United Parcel Service in the second quarter worth $26,000. Salzhauer Michael purchased a new stake in shares of United Parcel Service during the third quarter worth $31,000. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in United Parcel Service by 76.5% during the third quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 376 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 163 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in United Parcel Service during the first quarter valued at $32,000. 60.26% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

United Parcel Service Company Profile

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United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of express letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States.

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Bank of America upgraded shares of Victorias Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO  Free Report) from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. Bank of America currently has $52.00 price target on the stock.

VSCO has been the topic of several other reports. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Victorias Secret & Co. from $32.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $47.00 price target on shares of Victorias Secret & Co. in a report on Monday, December 1st. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Victorias Secret & Co. from $28.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 29th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Victorias Secret & Co. from $14.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Victorias Secret & Co. from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the company from $34.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Friday, December 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $45.00.

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Victorias Secret & Co. Stock Up 0.0%

Shares of NYSE:VSCO opened at $52.34 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.96. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $35.81 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.74. The company has a market cap of $4.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.53, a PEG ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 2.24. Victorias Secret & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $13.76 and a fifty-two week high of $53.34.

Victorias Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, December 5th. The company reported ($0.27) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.60) by $0.33. The company had revenue of $1.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.41 billion. Victorias Secret & Co. had a net margin of 2.67% and a return on equity of 33.47%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted ($0.50) earnings per share. Victorias Secret & Co. has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.400-2.650 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 2.200-2.45 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Victorias Secret & Co. will post 2.37 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Victorias Secret & Co.

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. US Bancorp DE lifted its stake in Victorias Secret & Co. by 335.8% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 11,409 shares of the companys stock valued at $212,000 after buying an additional 8,791 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Victorias Secret & Co. by 0.4% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,966,584 shares of the companys stock worth $166,599,000 after acquiring an additional 38,695 shares during the period. Savvy Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Victorias Secret & Co. in the 1st quarter valued at $195,000. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in Victorias Secret & Co. by 13.6% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 715,836 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,300,000 after acquiring an additional 85,874 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aigen Investment Management LP boosted its stake in Victorias Secret & Co. by 51.3% in the 1st quarter. Aigen Investment Management LP now owns 19,375 shares of the companys stock worth $360,000 after purchasing an additional 6,573 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.29% of the companys stock.

Victorias Secret & Co. Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Victorias Secret & Co operates as a lingerie, clothing and beauty retailer. It offers bras, panties, lingerie, pajamas, sleep, sport and swim apparel, and beauty products. The company was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Reynoldsburg, OH.

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Dimension Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Forestar Group Inc (NYSE:FOR  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 75,576 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock, valued at approximately $1,512,000. Dimension Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.15% of Forestar Group as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in shares of Forestar Group by 3,273.8% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,417 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 1,375 shares during the period. Signaturefd LLC increased its stake in Forestar Group by 43.1% during the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 2,166 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 652 shares in the last quarter. Strs Ohio acquired a new position in Forestar Group during the first quarter worth $74,000. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Forestar Group by 237.1% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,533 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $71,000 after buying an additional 2,485 shares during the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Forestar Group by 63.7% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 4,829 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $102,000 after buying an additional 1,879 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 35.50% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently commented on FOR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Forestar Group from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Forestar Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Forestar Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research upgraded Forestar Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 26th. Finally, JMP Securities set a $35.00 price target on Forestar Group in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Forestar Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.00.

Forestar Group Price Performance

Forestar Group stock opened at $25.89 on Thursday. Forestar Group Inc has a 52 week low of $18.00 and a 52 week high of $29.44. The companys 50 day moving average price is $25.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $24.50. The stock has a market cap of $1.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.87 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45.

Forestar Group (NYSE:FOR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.17 by $0.53. The company had revenue of $670.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $556.59 million. Forestar Group had a return on equity of 10.08% and a net margin of 10.11%.Forestar Groups revenue was up 21.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.60 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Forestar Group Inc will post 3.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Forestar Group Profile

(Free Report)

Forestar Group Inc operates as a residential lot development company in the United States. The company acquires land and develops infrastructure for single-family residential communities. It sells its residential single-family finished lots to local, regional, and national homebuilders. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas.

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Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th will be given a dividend of 1.06 per share on Friday, January 9th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th.

Altria Group has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.0%annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 56 years. Altria Group has a payout ratio of 76.5% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the companys earnings fall. Equities research analysts expect Altria Group to earn $5.54 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $4.24 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 76.5%.

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Altria Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:MO traded up $0.15 on Thursday, reaching $58.84. The companys stock had a trading volume of 968,221 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,795,002. Altria Group has a 52-week low of $50.08 and a 52-week high of $68.60. The company has a market cap of $98.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.23, a PEG ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $60.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $61.76.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.45 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $5.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.31 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 37.89% and a negative return on equity of 319.43%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.38 EPS. Altria Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.370-5.45 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Altria Group will post 5.32 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of brokerages have recently commented on MO. Stifel Nicolaus set a $72.00 target price on Altria Group in a report on Thursday, August 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of Altria Group from $68.00 to $61.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Altria Group from $64.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Altria Group has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $62.33.

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Altria Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating restated by stock analysts at Barclays in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,MarketScreener reports.

A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on BUD. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Morningstar raised shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Kepler Capital Markets lowered shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Tuesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $72.00.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Stock Up 0.8%

BUD opened at $62.77 on Thursday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $61.50 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $63.81. The company has a market capitalization of $122.57 billion, a PE ratio of 20.48, a PEG ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 0.58. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 1-year low of $45.94 and a 1-year high of $72.13. The company has a current ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The consumer goods maker reported $0.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.97 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $15.13 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.28 billion. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a net margin of 10.40% and a return on equity of 16.20%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.98 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.37 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Salomon & Ludwin LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 494.7% in the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 446 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 371 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 602.7% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 527 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 452 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other 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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Barclays PLC (LON:BARC  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 444 and last traded at GBX 443.20, with a volume of 234888547 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 442.10.

Analyst Ratings Changes

BARC has been the subject of several recent research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of Barclays from GBX 435 to GBX 500 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Barclays in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Barclays from GBX 455 to GBX 470 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Barclays from GBX 400 to GBX 415 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an overweight rating and set a GBX 500 price objective on shares of Barclays in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 445.83.

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Barclays Trading Up 0.6%

The stocks 50-day moving average price is GBX 403.20 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 370.99. The company has a market cap of 61.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.95, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.36.

Barclays (LON:BARC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The financial services provider reported GBX 10.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Barclays had a return on equity of 6.97% and a net margin of 19.54%. On average, research analysts anticipate that Barclays PLC will post 39.1062802 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Barclays Company Profile

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Barclays PLC provides various financial services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates through Barclays UK and Barclays International division segments. It offers financial services, such as retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services.

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Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, MakeMyTrip, and Trip.com Group are the five Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business depends on people traveling  for example airlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, online travel agencies, car rental firms, and airport operators. Investors treat them as cyclical, often seasonal plays sensitive to consumer confidence, fuel and labor costs, geopolitical events, and public-health issues, so they can offer strong upside during travel recoveries but also higher volatility and downside in downturns. 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.

Read Our Latest Research Report on EXPE

Travelers Companies (TRV)

The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TRV

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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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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Brady Corporation (NYSE:BRC  Get Free Report) insider Brett Wilms sold 3,791 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.13, for a total value of $296,190.83. Following the sale, the insider owned 7,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $599,413.36. This represents a 33.07% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Brett Wilms also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, November 19th, Brett Wilms sold 10,894 shares of Brady stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.44, for a total value of $810,949.36.

Brady Stock Up 1.1%

Shares of BRC stock traded up $0.88 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $80.22. 17,897 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 215,506. Brady Corporation has a 1 year low of $62.70 and a 1 year high of $84.03. The stock has a market cap of $3.78 billion, a PE ratio of 19.68 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a current ratio of 2.07, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $76.57 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $73.98.

Brady Dividend Announcement

Brady ( NYSE:BRC Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The industrial products company reported $1.21 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.18 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $405.29 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $393.65 million. Brady had a net margin of 12.74% and a return on equity of 19.06%. Bradys revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.12 EPS. Brady has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.900-5.150 EPS. Research analysts predict that Brady Corporation will post 4.55 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a dividend of $0.245 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $0.98 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. Bradys payout ratio is currently 23.96%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brady

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Brady by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 20,288 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,583,000 after buying an additional 170 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in shares of Brady by 23.9% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,037 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $70,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al increased its stake in shares of Brady by 2.2% during the third quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al now owns 9,186 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $717,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. apricus wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Brady by 7.4% during the 3rd quarter. apricus wealth LLC now owns 3,206 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $250,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amalgamated Bank lifted its stake in Brady by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 11,184 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $873,000 after buying an additional 228 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.28% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on BRC shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Brady in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Brady from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has given a Buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Strong Buy.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Brady

About Brady

(Get Free Report)

Brady Corporation manufactures and supplies identification solutions (IDS) and workplace safety (WPS) products to identify and protect premises, products, and people in the United States and internationally. The company offers materials, printing systems, RFID, and bar code scanners for product identification, brand protection labeling, work in process labeling, finished product identification, and industrial track and trace applications; safety signs, floor-marking tapes, pipe markers, labeling systems, spill control products, lockout/tagout device, and software and services for safety compliance auditing, procedure writing, and training; and hand-held printers, wire markers, sleeves, and tags for wire identification.

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Intact Investment Management Inc. trimmed its position in Celestica, Inc. (NYSE:CLS  Free Report) (TSE:CLS) by 50.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 12,810 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 13,020 shares during the quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Celestica were worth $2,001,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of CLS. Goldstream Capital Management Ltd increased its position in Celestica by 394.4% during the 2nd quarter. Goldstream Capital Management Ltd now owns 24,361 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,803,000 after purchasing an additional 19,434 shares in the last quarter. Lombard Odier Asset Management Switzerland SA purchased a new stake in Celestica during the second quarter worth approximately $1,623,000. Ossiam acquired a new stake in shares of Celestica in the second quarter worth $324,000. Brant Point Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Celestica by 7.7% in the 2nd quarter. Brant Point Investment Management LLC now owns 32,348 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $5,050,000 after acquiring an additional 2,322 shares during the period. Finally, Jump Financial LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Celestica by 135.1% during the 2nd quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 142,506 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $22,247,000 after acquiring an additional 81,881 shares in the last quarter. 67.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Celestica Stock Performance

Shares of Celestica stock opened at $349.18 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.47. The firm has a market cap of $40.16 billion, a PE ratio of 56.69 and a beta of 1.83. Celestica, Inc. has a 1 year low of $58.05 and a 1 year high of $363.40. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $303.29 and its 200-day simple moving average is $224.12.

Insider Transactions at Celestica

Celestica ( NYSE:CLS Get Free Report ) (TSE:CLS) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 27th. The technology company reported $1.58 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.45 by $0.13. Celestica had a net margin of 6.35% and a return on equity of 30.53%. The firm had revenue of $3.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.04 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 27.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Celestica, Inc. will post 4.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Director Laurette T. Koellner acquired 6,000 shares of Celestica stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $341.67 per share, for a total transaction of $2,050,020.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 6,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,050,020. This trade represents a  increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.52% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CLS has been the subject of several recent research reports. BNP Paribas reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $300.00 price target on shares of Celestica in a report on Thursday, September 25th. BMO Capital Markets set a $370.00 target price on Celestica and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Celestica from $295.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Celestica in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, TD Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $238.00 price objective on shares of Celestica in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Celestica currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $336.13.

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Celestica Profile

(Free Report)

Celestica Inc provides supply chain solutions in North America, Europe, and Asia. It operates through two segments: Advanced Technology Solutions, and Connectivity & Cloud Solutions. The company offers a range of product manufacturing and related supply chain services, including design and development, new product introduction, engineering services, component sourcing, electronics manufacturing and assembly, testing, complex mechanical assembly, systems integration, precision machining, order fulfillment, logistics, asset management, product licensing, and after-market repair and return services.

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Air China (OTCMKTS:AIRYY  Get Free Report) and easyjet (OTCMKTS:EJTTF  Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings, institutional ownership, risk and profitability.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Air China and easyjets top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Air China $23.19 billion 0.54 -$32.35 million $0.02 760.00 easyjet $13.20 billion 0.37 $645.17 million N/A N/A

Profitability

easyjet has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Air China.

This table compares Air China and easyjets net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Air China 0.19% 0.79% 0.09% easyjet N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings for Air China and easyjet, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Air China 0 0 0 0 0.00 easyjet 0 0 0 1 4.00

Volatility & Risk

Air China has a beta of -0.09, suggesting that its stock price is 109% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, easyjet has a beta of 1.38, suggesting that its stock price is 38% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Air China beats easyjet on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Air China

(Get Free Report)

Air China Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides air passenger, air cargo, and airline-related services in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, China, and internationally. The company operates in Airline Operations and Other Operations segments. It provides aircraft engineering and airport ground handling services. The company is also involved in the import and export trading activities; and provision of cabin, airline catering, air ticketing, human resources, aircraft overhaul and maintenance, and financial services. Air China Limited was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

About easyjet

(Get Free Report)

easyJet plc operates as a low-cost airline carrier in Europe. The company engages in the provision of holiday packages; aircraft trading and leasing activities; development of building projects; financing and insurance business; and tour operator activities. easyJet plc was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Luton, the United Kingdom.

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Dearborn Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) by 2.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 65,037 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,374 shares during the quarter. Dearborn Partners LLCs holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $27,346,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of MSI. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its stake in Motorola Solutions by 0.4% during the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 30,079 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $12,647,000 after buying an additional 122 shares in the last quarter. BCS Private Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $217,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd boosted its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 54.5% during the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 1,195,796 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $502,784,000 after acquiring an additional 422,039 shares in the last quarter. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp boosted its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 11.6% during the 2nd quarter. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp now owns 5,812 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $2,444,000 after acquiring an additional 603 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp increased its stake in Motorola Solutions by 1.3% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,681,622 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $3,237,985,000 after acquiring an additional 101,408 shares during the last quarter. 84.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MSI has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Barclays cut their target price on Motorola Solutions from $509.00 to $495.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings downgraded Motorola Solutions from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Monday. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on Motorola Solutions from $500.00 to $525.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Piper Sandler reissued a neutral rating and set a $465.00 target price (down previously from $495.00) on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Northcoast Research upgraded shares of Motorola Solutions from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $450.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $495.00.

Motorola Solutions Price Performance

Shares of MSI opened at $370.81 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.59. The stock has a market cap of $61.76 billion, a PE ratio of 29.76, a PEG ratio of 2.96 and a beta of 0.99. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 12-month low of $365.40 and a 12-month high of $492.22. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $408.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $429.18.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The communications equipment provider reported $4.06 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.85 by $0.21. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 118.48% and a net margin of 18.71%.The firm had revenue of $3.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.99 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.74 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Motorola Solutions Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $1.21 dividend. This is an increase from Motorola Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.01. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $4.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 34.99%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $483.50, for a total transaction of $24,175,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 46,936 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $22,693,556. This trade represents a 51.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.44% of the companys stock.

Motorola Solutions Profile

(Free Report)

Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

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Dearborn Partners LLC trimmed its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 15.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 149,975 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 26,535 shares during the period. Illinois Tool Works comprises 1.8% of Dearborn Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 15th biggest holding. Dearborn Partners LLC owned approximately 0.05% of Illinois Tool Works worth $37,081,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. grew its position in Illinois Tool Works by 90.9% in the 2nd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 105 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new stake in Illinois Tool Works in the first quarter worth $29,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter worth $31,000. Finally, 1248 Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the first quarter valued at $30,000. Institutional investors own 79.77% of the companys stock.

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Illinois Tool Works Stock Performance

Shares of ITW stock opened at $253.35 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $73.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.57, a PEG ratio of 10.98 and a beta of 1.14. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 52-week low of $214.66 and a 52-week high of $278.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39. The companys 50 day moving average is $247.95 and its 200 day moving average is $253.32.

Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement

Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.72 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 93.26% and a net margin of 19.05%.The business had revenue of $4.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.09 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.91 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.400-10.500 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $1.61 dividend. This represents a $6.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is 62.46%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently commented on ITW. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $261.00 to $253.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $245.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $258.00 price target on Illinois Tool Works in a report on Monday, October 27th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $298.00 to $275.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $265.00 target price on Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Illinois Tool Works currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $261.58.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Illinois Tool Works

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Illinois Tool Works news, Director Pamela B. Strobel sold 1,521 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.25, for a total transaction of $373,025.25. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 39,249 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,625,817.25. This represents a 3.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products.

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Compass Minerals International (NYSE:CMP  Get Free Report) had its price objective decreased by investment analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $22.00 to $21.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the basic materials companys stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts target price suggests a potential upside of 20.21% from the companys previous close.

A number of other research analysts have also commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating and set a $18.00 price target (up from $15.00) on shares of Compass Minerals International in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Compass Minerals International from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Compass Minerals International in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Compass Minerals International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, August 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Compass Minerals International has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $19.67.

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Compass Minerals International Stock Up 1.2%

Shares of CMP traded up $0.21 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $17.47. 263,861 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 573,096. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.55, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 2.15. The company has a market cap of $728.32 million, a PE ratio of -9.03 and a beta of 1.16. The firms 50 day moving average is $18.26 and its 200-day moving average is $19.28. Compass Minerals International has a 52 week low of $8.60 and a 52 week high of $22.69.

Compass Minerals International (NYSE:CMP  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, December 8th. The basic materials company reported ($0.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.15) by ($0.02). Compass Minerals International had a negative return on equity of 8.22% and a negative net margin of 6.42%.The company had revenue of $227.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $223.72 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($0.77) EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Compass Minerals International will post -0.53 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CMP. CWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of Compass Minerals International by 95.0% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,363 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 664 shares in the last quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue acquired a new position in Compass Minerals International in the third quarter valued at about $31,000. New York State Teachers Retirement System acquired a new position in Compass Minerals International in the third quarter valued at about $60,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its stake in Compass Minerals International by 37.6% during the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 3,967 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $80,000 after buying an additional 1,084 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Compass Minerals International during the second quarter worth approximately $83,000. 99.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Compass Minerals International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Compass Minerals International, Inc, provides essential minerals in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Salt and Plant Nutrition. The Salt segment produces, markets, and sells sodium chloride and magnesium chloride, including rock salt, mechanically and solar evaporated salt, and brine and flake magnesium chloride products; and purchases potassium chloride and calcium chloride to sell as finished products or to blend with sodium chloride to produce specialty products.

Further Reading

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Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) VP Donald Bobo, Jr. sold 11,340 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.83, for a total transaction of $950,632.20. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 50,356 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,221,343.48. The trade was a 18.38% 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.

Edwards Lifesciences Stock Up 0.8%

EW stock opened at $83.97 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.19, a P/E/G ratio of 3.74 and a beta of 0.97. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $81.34 and a 200-day simple moving average of $78.92. The company has a quick ratio of 3.29, a current ratio of 4.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has a 52 week low of $65.94 and a 52 week high of $87.89.

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Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The medical research company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.08. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 23.25% and a return on equity of 14.70%. The firm had revenue of $1.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.49 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.67 EPS. Edwards Lifesciencess quarterly revenue was up 14.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Edwards Lifesciences has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.560-2.620 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.580-0.640 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Edwards Lifesciences Corporation will post 2.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Edwards Lifesciences

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC purchased a new position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences in the 4th quarter valued at about $266,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences in the first quarter valued at approximately $48,000. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT purchased a new position in Edwards Lifesciences in the first quarter worth approximately $68,000. Townsquare Capital LLC lifted its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 33.0% in the first quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 8,649 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $627,000 after acquiring an additional 2,148 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,287,712 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $310,773,000 after acquiring an additional 107,241 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.46% of the companys stock.

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Mizuho upped their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $83.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their target price on Edwards Lifesciences from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Edwards Lifesciences has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $93.09.

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Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names.

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company cut its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 2.9% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,546,478 shares of the companys stock after selling 46,353 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for 1.1% of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Companys holdings, making the stock its 9th biggest position. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company owned about 0.16% of Eli Lilly and Company worth $1,205,524,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. now owns 527 shares of the companys stock valued at $411,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the period. Rise Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 732 shares of the companys stock worth $571,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the period. Occidental Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% during the second quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 1,966 shares of the companys stock worth $1,533,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 3.4% in the second quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors now owns 394 shares of the companys stock valued at $307,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the period. Finally, Dash Acquisitions Inc. grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the second quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 485 shares of the companys stock valued at $387,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 1.1%

Shares of LLY stock opened at $993.51 on Thursday. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $623.78 and a fifty-two week high of $1,111.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.55. The stocks fifty day moving average is $931.98 and its two-hundred day moving average is $815.46. The firm has a market capitalization of $939.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 48.61, a PEG ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 0.37.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. The business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.18 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a $1.73 dividend. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 29.35%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on LLY shares. Loop Capital set a $950.00 target price on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Erste Group Bank raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 27th. Berenberg Bank lifted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $830.00 to $950.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $700.00 to $940.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,109.24.

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About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Jump Financial LLC increased its position in shares of Enova International, Inc. (NYSE:ENVA  Free Report) by 28.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 32,976 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 7,230 shares during the quarter. Jump Financial LLCs holdings in Enova International were worth $3,677,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of ENVA. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Enova International by 350.0% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 450 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares during the period. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S purchased a new stake in shares of Enova International in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $56,000. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Enova International during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $102,000. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Enova International during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $210,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in Enova International by 37.8% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,383 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $266,000 after acquiring an additional 654 shares during the last quarter. 89.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Transactions at Enova International

In related news, CEO David Fisher sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $124.25, for a total transaction of $745,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 348,223 shares of the companys stock, valued at $43,266,707.75. This represents a 1.69% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Steven E. Cunningham sold 14,874 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $120.70, for a total transaction of $1,795,291.80. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 127,719 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,415,683.30. This trade represents a 10.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 67,874 shares of company stock worth $8,426,042 over the last quarter. Insiders own 8.40% of the companys stock.

Enova International Trading Up 3.2%

ENVA opened at $141.48 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 19.29, a current ratio of 19.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.20. The firm has a market cap of $3.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.00 and a beta of 1.31. Enova International, Inc. has a 52 week low of $79.41 and a 52 week high of $142.43. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $121.61 and a 200-day simple moving average of $113.84.

Enova International (NYSE:ENVA  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The credit services provider reported $3.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.03 by $0.33. Enova International had a return on equity of 24.50% and a net margin of 9.64%.The firm had revenue of $460.71 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $806.63 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.45 EPS. Enova Internationals revenue was up 16.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Enova International, Inc. will post 10.31 earnings per share for the current year.

Enova International announced that its board has authorized a share repurchase program on Wednesday, November 12th that authorizes the company to buyback $400.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the credit services provider to reacquire up to 12.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are typically a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ENVA has been the subject of several analyst reports. Wall Street Zen lowered Enova International from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Enova International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research downgraded Enova International from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. JMP Securities boosted their price objective on shares of Enova International from $135.00 to $149.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, BTIG Research upped their target price on shares of Enova International from $129.00 to $144.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $116.80.

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About Enova International

(Free Report)

Enova International, Inc, a technology and analytics company, provides online financial services in the United States, Brazil, and internationally. The company provides installment loans; line of credit accounts; CSO programs, including arranging loans with independent third-party lenders and assisting in the preparation of loan applications and loan documents; and bank programs, such as marketing services and loan servicing for near-prime unsecured consumer installment loan.

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Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:FMN  Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 23rd will be given a dividend of 0.045 per share on Friday, January 2nd. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 4.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 23rd.

Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:FMN opened at $11.19 on Thursday. Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund has a 52 week low of $10.11 and a 52 week high of $11.50. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $11.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.83.

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Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund Company Profile

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Federated Premier Municipal Income Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Federated Investors, Inc The fund is managed by Federated Investment Management Company. It invests in fixed income markets of United States. The fund primarily invests in tax-exempt municipal bonds of GO state, GO local, special tax, hospital, transportation, pre-refunded, senior care, water and sewer, education, electric and gas, and public power sectors.

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CIBC Asset Management Inc lowered its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV  Free Report) (TSE:FNV) by 17.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 924,752 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 190,836 shares during the period. CIBC Asset Management Inc owned about 0.48% of Franco-Nevada worth $152,090,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of FNV. Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its holdings in Franco-Nevada by 72.8% in the 2nd quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 22,382 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $3,669,000 after buying an additional 9,433 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. purchased a new position in shares of Franco-Nevada in the second quarter valued at approximately $606,000. Nebula Research & Development LLC purchased a new position in shares of Franco-Nevada in the second quarter valued at approximately $236,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 18.2% in the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 7,783 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,276,000 after acquiring an additional 1,198 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd increased its position in shares of Franco-Nevada by 177.4% during the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 99,224 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $16,278,000 after purchasing an additional 63,455 shares in the last quarter. 77.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts recently commented on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada raised Franco-Nevada from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $225.00 to $250.00 in a research note on Wednesday. TD Securities dropped their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from $247.00 to $225.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Scotiabank increased their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from $184.00 to $225.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Zacks Research lowered shares of Franco-Nevada from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, HC Wainwright upped their price objective on shares of Franco-Nevada from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $232.75.

Franco-Nevada Stock Up 2.6%

Shares of FNV opened at $208.13 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $199.93 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $185.22. The company has a market capitalization of $40.12 billion, a PE ratio of 43.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.46. Franco-Nevada Corporation has a 52-week low of $114.81 and a 52-week high of $225.63.

Franco-Nevada (NYSE:FNV  Get Free Report) (TSE:FNV) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The basic materials company reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.06. Franco-Nevada had a net margin of 59.48% and a return on equity of 13.94%. The firm had revenue of $487.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $448.51 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.80 earnings per share. Franco-Nevadas quarterly revenue was up 76.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Franco-Nevada Corporation will post 3.09 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Franco-Nevada Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.38 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 4th. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.7%. Franco-Nevadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 31.87%.

Franco-Nevada Company Profile

(Free Report)

Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in South America, Central America, Mexico, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Mining and Energy segments. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and engages in the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids through a third-party marketing agent.

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Gabelli Funds LLC increased its position in WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC  Free Report) by 51.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 16,390 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,540 shares during the quarter. Gabelli Funds LLCs holdings in WESCO International were worth $3,035,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in WESCO International by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 795,629 shares of the technology companys stock worth $147,351,000 after buying an additional 36,843 shares in the last quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of WESCO International by 56.0% during the second quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC now owns 605,918 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $112,216,000 after acquiring an additional 217,417 shares in the last quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. purchased a new stake in shares of WESCO International during the second quarter worth about $75,136,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in shares of WESCO International by 21.2% in the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 309,081 shares of the technology companys stock worth $48,001,000 after acquiring an additional 54,046 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Davis Selected Advisers boosted its holdings in WESCO International by 12.5% in the second quarter. Davis Selected Advisers now owns 290,746 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $53,846,000 after purchasing an additional 32,243 shares during the last quarter. 93.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Oppenheimer upped their target price on WESCO International from $225.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of WESCO International in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. KeyCorp increased their price objective on shares of WESCO International from $258.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of WESCO International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of WESCO International from $225.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $256.38.

WESCO International Stock Up 4.0%

WCC stock opened at $276.44 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $13.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.68, a PEG ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.47. WESCO International, Inc. has a 1-year low of $125.21 and a 1-year high of $277.94. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $243.80 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $215.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 2.09 and a quick ratio of 1.20.

WESCO International (NYSE:WCC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The technology company reported $3.92 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.75 by $0.17. WESCO International had a net margin of 2.81% and a return on equity of 13.12%. The business had revenue of $6.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.91 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.58 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. WESCO International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 13.100-13.600 EPS. Research analysts predict that WESCO International, Inc. will post 13.3 EPS for the current year.

WESCO International Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Friday, December 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.4538 per share. This represents a $1.82 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. WESCO Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 14.27%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Christine Ann Wolf sold 4,685 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $259.52, for a total transaction of $1,215,851.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 30,195 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,836,206.40. The trade was a 13.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Diane Lazzaris sold 4,039 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.42, for a total transaction of $1,043,758.38. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 45,401 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,732,526.42. This represents a 8.17% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 17,036 shares of company stock valued at $4,385,254 over the last three months. Company insiders own 3.30% of the companys stock.

WESCO International Profile

(Free Report)

WESCO International, Inc provides business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility and Broadband Solutions (UBS).

Further Reading

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Gamco Investors INC. ET AL grew its position in shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) by 48.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 37,650 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 12,251 shares during the period. Gamco Investors INC. ET ALs holdings in Equity Residential were worth $2,541,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. LPL Financial LLC raised its stake in Equity Residential by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 61,979 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,436,000 after acquiring an additional 1,080 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in Equity Residential by 66.9% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 379,790 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $27,185,000 after purchasing an additional 152,302 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT purchased a new position in shares of Equity Residential in the first quarter worth about $48,000. Townsquare Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Equity Residential by 5.5% in the first quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 5,243 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $375,000 after purchasing an additional 272 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of Equity Residential by 8.3% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,560,478 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $326,439,000 after purchasing an additional 350,095 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.68% of the companys stock.

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Equity Residential Stock Up 1.1%

EQR opened at $60.70 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 0.75. Equity Residential has a one year low of $58.38 and a one year high of $75.86. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $61.09 and a 200-day moving average price of $64.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.45 and a quick ratio of 0.45.

Equity Residential Announces Dividend

Equity Residential ( NYSE:EQR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.02. The company had revenue of $782.41 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $779.68 million. Equity Residential had a return on equity of 10.30% and a net margin of 37.58%.During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.98 earnings per share. Equity Residential has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.020-1.060 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.980-4.020 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Equity Residential will post 3.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 25th were given a dividend of $0.6925 per share. This represents a $2.77 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 25th. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 91.42%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently commented on EQR. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of Equity Residential from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their target price on Equity Residential from $72.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on Equity Residential from $68.00 to $65.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $79.75 price objective on Equity Residential in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 17th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $70.02.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on EQR

Equity Residential Profile

(Free Report)

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft.

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Deutsche Lufthansa (OTCMKTS:DLAKY  Get Free Report) and Corporacion America Airports (NYSE:CAAP  Get Free Report) are both transportation 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.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Deutsche Lufthansa and Corporacion America Airports, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Deutsche Lufthansa 1 5 0 0 1.83 Corporacion America Airports 1 0 5 0 2.67

Corporacion America Airports has a consensus price target of $24.40, suggesting a potential downside of 4.79%. Given Corporacion America Airports stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Corporacion America Airports is more favorable than Deutsche Lufthansa.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Volatility & Risk

13.0% of Corporacion America Airports shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Deutsche Lufthansa has a beta of 0.89, indicating that its stock price is 11% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Corporacion America Airports has a beta of 0.81, indicating that its stock price is 19% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Deutsche Lufthansa and Corporacion America Airportss revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Deutsche Lufthansa $40.67 billion 0.28 $1.49 billion $1.61 5.80 Corporacion America Airports $1.84 billion 2.27 $282.67 million $1.10 23.30

Deutsche Lufthansa has higher revenue and earnings than Corporacion America Airports. Deutsche Lufthansa is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Corporacion America Airports, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares Deutsche Lufthansa and Corporacion America Airports net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Deutsche Lufthansa 4.45% 15.73% 3.59% Corporacion America Airports 9.39% 11.64% 4.20%

Summary

Corporacion America Airports beats Deutsche Lufthansa on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Deutsche Lufthansa

(Get Free Report)

Deutsche Lufthansa AG operates as an aviation company worldwide. It operates in three segments: Passenger Airlines; Logistics; and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Services (MRO). The Passenger Airlines segment offers products and services to passengers of Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Its Logistics segment offers airfreight container management, urgent shipments, and customs clearance services; and e-commerce solutions. The MRO segment provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for civil commercial aircraft serving original equipment manufacturers, aircraft leasing companies, operators of VIP jets, government, armed forces, and airlines. The company also offers corporate payment and billing services; vocational and professional training for cockpit and cabin crew; and IT solutions. As of December 31, 2023, it had a fleet of 721 aircraft. Deutsche Lufthansa AG was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Cologne, Germany.

About Corporacion America Airports

(Get Free Report)

Corporacion America Airports S.A., through its subsidiaries, acquires, develops, and operates airport concessions. It operates 52 airports in Latin America, Europe, and Eurasia. The company was formerly known as A.C.I. Airports International S.a r.l. and changed its name to Corporacion America Airports S.A. in September 2017. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Corporacion America Airports S.A. is a subsidiary of A.C.I. Airports S.a r.l.

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Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP  Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by analysts at Citigroup from $29.00 to $33.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the oil and gas companys stock. Citigroups price target suggests a potential upside of 7.11% from the companys previous close.

A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on HP. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a research report on Monday. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Helmerich & Payne from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Sunday, November 23rd. Piper Sandler upped their price target on Helmerich & Payne from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on Helmerich & Payne from $20.00 to $27.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Helmerich & Payne from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $24.00 to $34.00 in a report on Wednesday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.80.

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Helmerich & Payne Price Performance

Helmerich & Payne stock traded up $0.37 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $30.81. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,219,976 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,881,480. Helmerich & Payne has a 12 month low of $14.65 and a 12 month high of $37.30. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The company has a market capitalization of $3.03 billion, a PE ratio of -18.45 and a beta of 0.56. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $26.12 and its 200-day moving average price is $20.83.

Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 17th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.26 by ($0.27). The business had revenue of $1.01 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $972.79 million. Helmerich & Payne had a negative net margin of 4.37% and a positive return on equity of 3.21%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 45.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.76 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Helmerich & Payne will post 2.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HP. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Helmerich & Payne in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $228,000. Tcfg Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 85.9% in the 3rd quarter. Tcfg Wealth Management LLC now owns 93,948 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,075,000 after purchasing an additional 43,412 shares during the last quarter. Tweedy Browne Co LLC lifted its holdings in Helmerich & Payne by 105.7% during the 3rd quarter. Tweedy Browne Co LLC now owns 26,389 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $583,000 after purchasing an additional 13,563 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in Helmerich & Payne during the 3rd quarter valued at about $118,000. Finally, CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co raised its stake in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 3.1% in the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 157,037 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,501,000 after acquiring an additional 4,662 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.05% of the companys stock.

About Helmerich & Payne

(Get Free Report)

Founded in 1920, Helmerich & Payne, Inc (H&P) (NYSE: HP) is committed to delivering industry leading levels of drilling productivity and reliability. H&P operates with the highest level of integrity, safety and innovation to deliver superior results for its customers and returns for shareholders.

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HighVista Strategies LLC acquired a new position in Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE:ALV  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 8,500 shares of the auto parts companys stock, valued at approximately $951,000.

A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of ALV. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Autoliv in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $110,368,000. Swedbank AB raised its holdings in Autoliv by 26.3% in the second quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 2,397,735 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $268,307,000 after purchasing an additional 499,411 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in Autoliv by 334.1% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 644,818 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $72,155,000 after buying an additional 496,261 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management boosted its holdings in shares of Autoliv by 83.3% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 1,020,082 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $114,147,000 after buying an additional 463,449 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. bought a new stake in shares of Autoliv during the 2nd quarter valued at $28,889,000. Institutional investors own 69.57% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Autoliv in a report on Monday, October 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $133.00 price objective on Autoliv in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Mizuho lifted their price objective on Autoliv from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. UBS Group reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Autoliv in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Robert W. Baird reduced their price target on Autoliv from $135.00 to $133.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Autoliv presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $130.63.

Autoliv Trading Up 3.2%

Shares of NYSE ALV opened at $119.82 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $119.00 and a 200 day moving average price of $117.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.70. Autoliv, Inc. has a 1-year low of $75.49 and a 1-year high of $129.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.32.

Autoliv (NYSE:ALV  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The auto parts company reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.10 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $2.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.66 billion. Autoliv had a return on equity of 31.22% and a net margin of 7.09%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.84 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Autoliv, Inc. will post 9.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Autoliv Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 21st were given a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.9%. This is an increase from Autolivs previous quarterly dividend of $0.85. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 21st. Autolivs payout ratio is currently 35.95%.

About Autoliv

(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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Intact Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 18.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,900 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 600 shares during the period. Intact Investment Management Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $2,760,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Winthrop Advisory Group LLC raised its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Winthrop Advisory Group LLC now owns 429 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $303,000 after purchasing an additional 14 shares during the period. Avion Wealth grew its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 31.1% during the 2nd quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 59 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 14 shares in the last quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.1% during the second quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC now owns 668 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $473,000 after buying an additional 14 shares during the period. Dumont & Blake Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.7% in the second quarter. Dumont & Blake Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,241 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,586,000 after buying an additional 15 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WealthBridge Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.1% in the second quarter. WealthBridge Capital Management LLC now owns 495 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $350,000 after acquiring an additional 15 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

GS has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $700.00 to $765.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Dbs Bank boosted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $800.00 to $890.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $752.00 to $830.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $854.00 to $828.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $786.00.

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 1.6%

GS opened at $890.31 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $267.03 billion, a PE ratio of 18.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $439.38 and a 52 week high of $897.20. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $795.42 and its 200 day simple moving average is $740.03.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The investment management company reported $12.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.27 by $1.98. The firm had revenue of $15.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.68 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 15.29% and a net margin of 13.18%.The companys revenue was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $8.40 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be paid a $4.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $16.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 32.50%.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

Further Reading

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Invesco Ltd. reduced its position in Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF (BATS:OMFS  Free Report) by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,634,518 shares of the companys stock after selling 42,118 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd. owned about 0.28% of Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF worth $65,528,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in OMFS. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF in the second quarter valued at about $46,000. Richmond Investment Services LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $258,000. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF by 19.7% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 10,873 shares of the companys stock valued at $413,000 after acquiring an additional 1,791 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF by 184.2% in the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 24,033 shares of the companys stock valued at $991,000 after acquiring an additional 15,577 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF by 332.2% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 44,889 shares of the companys stock worth $1,705,000 after purchasing an additional 34,502 shares in the last quarter.

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Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF Price Performance

Shares of Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF stock opened at $46.08 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $43.73 and its 200-day simple moving average is $42.20. The stock has a market cap of $272.80 million, a P/E ratio of 20.13 and a beta of 1.07. Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF has a 1-year low of $33.04 and a 1-year high of $44.31.

Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF Profile

The Invesco Russell 2000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF (OMFS) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in small-cap stocks. The fund tracks an index of US small-cap stocks selected by five investment factors, which are weighted based on current macroeconomic conditions. OMFS was launched on Nov 8, 2017 and is managed by Invesco.

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Invesco Ltd. lessened its holdings in shares of World Kinect Corporation (NYSE:WKC  Free Report) by 14.3% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 2,237,617 shares of the companys stock after selling 372,211 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in World Kinect were worth $63,436,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WKC. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC lifted its holdings in shares of World Kinect by 263.4% during the first quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 573,716 shares of the companys stock worth $16,271,000 after buying an additional 415,837 shares during the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. bought a new position in World Kinect during the second quarter worth $11,250,000. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in World Kinect during the 1st quarter valued at $7,825,000. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in World Kinect by 45.0% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 635,541 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,018,000 after purchasing an additional 197,153 shares during the period. Finally, Teacher Retirement System of Texas boosted its holdings in World Kinect by 471.0% in the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 190,551 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,402,000 after purchasing an additional 157,179 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.06% of the companys stock.

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World Kinect Trading Down 1.3%

Shares of WKC stock opened at $23.95 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $24.87 and a 200-day moving average of $26.40. The stock has a market cap of $1.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.09, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.15. World Kinect Corporation has a 52-week low of $22.70 and a 52-week high of $31.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.15.

World Kinect Announces Dividend

World Kinect ( NYSE:WKC Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by ($0.07). World Kinect had a negative net margin of 1.16% and a positive return on equity of 7.11%. The business had revenue of $9.39 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.38 billion. The businesss revenue was down 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.62 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that World Kinect Corporation will post 2.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

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 $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. World Kinects dividend payout ratio is presently -10.34%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on WKC shares. Zacks Research downgraded shares of World Kinect from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of World Kinect in a research report on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $28.75.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on WKC

World Kinect Company Profile

(Free Report)

World Kinect Corporation operates as an energy management company in the United States, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. This segment also offers fuel management, price risk management, ground handling, dispatch services, and trip planning services, such as flight planning and scheduling, weather reports and overflight permits; payment and processing services; and operates a web-based marketplace platform.

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Invesco Ltd. decreased its position in Wpp Plc (NYSE:WPP  Free Report) by 17.9% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 2,009,874 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 438,422 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in WPP were worth $70,366,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of WPP. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. purchased a new position in WPP during the 1st quarter valued at about $612,000. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. grew its position in shares of WPP by 101.0% in the 1st quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 34,978 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,328,000 after buying an additional 17,576 shares during the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group increased its stake in shares of WPP by 3,450.0% during the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,917 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $73,000 after buying an additional 1,863 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp raised its holdings in shares of WPP by 11.6% during the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 283,028 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $10,744,000 after acquiring an additional 29,388 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new stake in WPP in the first quarter worth $75,000. 4.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently weighed in on WPP. Wall Street Zen cut shares of WPP from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Sunday, September 21st. Zacks Research lowered shares of WPP from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of WPP in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Reduce.

WPP Trading Up 0.2%

Shares of NYSE:WPP opened at $21.21 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $21.18 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.03. Wpp Plc has a 12-month low of $17.47 and a 12-month high of $56.59.

About WPP

(Free Report)

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies.

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iSAM Funds UK Ltd purchased a new stake in Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund purchased 9,797 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $506,000.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Travel + Leisure in the second quarter valued at $27,000. Elequin Capital LP purchased a new stake in Travel + Leisure during the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in Travel + Leisure by 155.3% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 628 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 382 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its position 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 last quarter. Finally, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale acquired a new stake in shares of Travel + Leisure during the second quarter valued at about $45,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.54% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

TNL has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Truist Financial increased their price target on Travel + Leisure from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Morgan Stanley set a $68.00 target price on Travel + Leisure in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Travel + Leisure in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Travel + Leisure from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, October 18th. Finally, JMP Securities raised their price objective on shares of Travel + Leisure from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $70.60.

Travel + Leisure Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:TNL opened at $69.67 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average is $63.97 and its two-hundred day moving average is $59.49. Travel + Leisure Co. has a 1-year low of $37.77 and a 1-year high of $70.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.39.

Travel + Leisure (NYSE:TNL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $1.80 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $1.04 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.03 billion. Travel + Leisure had a net margin of 10.36% and a negative return on equity of 49.06%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.57 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Travel + Leisure Co. will post 6.46 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Travel + Leisure Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.56 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $2.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. Travel + Leisures dividend payout ratio is 36.84%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Geoffrey Richards sold 62,525 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.17, for a total value of $4,074,754.25. Following the sale, the insider owned 39,604 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,580,992.68. This trade represents a 61.22% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Jeffrey Myers sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, October 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.38, for a total value of $3,319,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 63,789 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,234,313.82. The trade was a 43.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 198,776 shares of company stock valued at $13,080,628 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 3.75% of the companys stock.

About Travel + Leisure

(Free Report)

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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CIBC Asset Management Inc boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA  Free Report) by 11.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,989,202 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 304,875 shares during the quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc owned about 0.41% of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF worth $267,205,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of EFA. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 8,818.3% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,291,030 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $294,185,000 after buying an additional 3,254,128 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $209,353,000. Board of Trustees of The Leland Stanford Junior University raised its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 222.4% during the 2nd quarter. Board of Trustees of The Leland Stanford Junior University now owns 3,346,434 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $299,138,000 after acquiring an additional 2,308,580 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 3,057.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,368,703 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $211,738,000 after acquiring an additional 2,293,687 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 251.9% in the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 2,090,922 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $186,908,000 after purchasing an additional 1,496,680 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.80% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Up 1.1%

Shares of NYSEARCA EFA opened at $96.44 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $69.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.84. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $94.54 and its 200 day simple moving average is $91.78. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a fifty-two week low of $72.14 and a fifty-two week high of $96.69.

About iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance.

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Jump Financial LLC increased its holdings in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 159.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 30,069 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 18,490 shares during the period. Jump Financial LLCs holdings in Valero Energy were worth $4,042,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Aigen Investment Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Valero Energy during the first quarter worth $268,000. Public Sector Pension Investment Board lifted its position in Valero Energy by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 84,637 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $11,178,000 after acquiring an additional 2,450 shares in the last quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Valero Energy in the 1st quarter worth $50,000. Arrowpoint Investment Partners Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new position in Valero Energy during the 1st quarter worth about $353,000. Finally, Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 103,462 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $13,654,000 after purchasing an additional 7,547 shares during the period. 78.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently weighed in on VLO. Barclays upped their price objective on Valero Energy from $169.00 to $184.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating and issued a $195.00 price target (up from $181.00) on shares of Valero Energy in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $181.00 to $194.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Mizuho raised their price objective on Valero Energy from $166.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their target price on Valero Energy from $135.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Friday, September 19th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $182.00.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Valero Energy news, CFO Jason W. Fraser sold 9,933 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.02, for a total transaction of $1,728,540.66. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 134,196 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,352,787.92. This trade represents a 6.89% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock.

Valero Energy Stock Up 0.4%

Shares of VLO stock opened at $176.09 on Thursday. Valero Energy Corporation has a 52-week low of $99.00 and a 52-week high of $185.62. The stock has a market cap of $53.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.76, a PEG ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.76. The firms 50-day moving average is $170.83 and its 200-day moving average is $153.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.60.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The oil and gas company reported $3.66 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.15 by $0.51. The business had revenue of $32.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $28.80 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 8.69% and a net margin of 1.21%.Valero Energys quarterly revenue was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.14 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 EPS for the current year.

Valero Energy Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 20th will be issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 20th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Valero Energys payout ratio is presently 94.36%.

Valero Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.

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Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:PB  Get Free Report) Director Leah Henderson sold 1,050 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.00, for a total value of $76,650.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 8,075 shares in the company, valued at approximately $589,475. This represents a 11.51% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Prosperity Bancshares Price Performance

Shares of PB traded up $0.44 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $73.40. 507,878 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 800,899. The stocks 50-day moving average is $66.46 and its two-hundred day moving average is $68.06. The stock has a market cap of $6.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.70. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. has a 12 month low of $61.06 and a 12 month high of $82.75.

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Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.45. Prosperity Bancshares had a net margin of 30.28% and a return on equity of 7.06%. The company had revenue of $314.67 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $317.94 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.34 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. will post 5.83 earnings per share for the current year.

Prosperity Bancshares Increases Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Prosperity Bancshares

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.3%. This is a boost from Prosperity Bancsharess previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. Prosperity Bancsharess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 41.35%.

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Amundi purchased a new stake in Prosperity Bancshares in the first quarter valued at $4,060,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in Prosperity Bancshares by 9.2% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,968 shares of the banks stock valued at $212,000 after buying an additional 249 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Prosperity Bancshares during the second quarter worth about $572,000. Praxis Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Prosperity Bancshares in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $298,000. Finally, Boston Partners increased its position in Prosperity Bancshares by 68.9% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 554,502 shares of the banks stock worth $38,945,000 after purchasing an additional 226,232 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.69% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

PB has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Hovde Group lowered shares of Prosperity Bancshares from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. They issued an overweight rating and a $78.00 price target on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on Prosperity Bancshares from $78.00 to $72.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $84.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $80.21.

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Prosperity Bancshares Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery.

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Mane Global Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of QXO, Inc. (NYSE:QXO  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 45,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $969,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of QXO during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. American Capital Advisory LLC raised its holdings in QXO by 258.0% in the 2nd quarter. American Capital Advisory LLC now owns 1,167 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 841 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its holdings in QXO by 1,740.9% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,215 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 1,149 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of QXO during the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of QXO during the second quarter worth $30,000. 58.68% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. Benchmark upgraded QXO to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 25th. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of QXO in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. They set an overweight rating and a $35.00 price objective for the company. Zacks Research cut shares of QXO from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. KeyCorp set a $28.00 target price on shares of QXO in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Raymond James Financial started coverage on shares of QXO in a research note on Friday, September 5th. They set an outperform rating and a $28.00 price target on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.85.

QXO Stock Performance

QXO stock opened at $21.74 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.66 billion, a PE ratio of -49.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.19 and a beta of 2.42. QXO, Inc. has a one year low of $11.85 and a one year high of $24.69. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $18.56 and its 200 day moving average price is $19.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 2.24 and a current ratio of 3.06.

QXO (NYSE:QXO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.12 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.78 billion. QXO had a negative net margin of 3.81% and a positive return on equity of 3.70%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 20726.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that QXO, Inc. will post -0.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

QXO Company 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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Marks and Spencer Group plc (LON:MKS  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 315.80 and last traded at GBX 316.80, with a volume of 26109967 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 321.20.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have commented on the company. Citigroup lifted their price target on Marks and Spencer Group from GBX 440 to GBX 450 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Shore Capital reaffirmed a house stock rating on shares of Marks and Spencer Group in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 435 price target on shares of Marks and Spencer Group in a report on Friday, November 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price objective on shares of Marks and Spencer Group from GBX 450 to GBX 435 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. Finally, Peel Hunt reaffirmed a hold rating and set a GBX 360 price objective on shares of Marks and Spencer Group in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 415.33.

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Marks and Spencer Group Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of 6.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 356.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.20 and a beta of 1.62. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 95.00. The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 370.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 358.60.

Marks and Spencer Group (LON:MKS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The retailer reported GBX 6.60 earnings per share for the quarter. Marks and Spencer Group had a net margin of 3.77% and a return on equity of 17.23%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Marks and Spencer Group plc will post 26.0113154 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Marks and Spencer Group

In related news, insider Sean Doyle bought 2,526 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 334 per share, with a total value of 8,436.84. Corporate insiders own 0.51% of the companys stock.

Marks and Spencer Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

M&S has a heritage of quality, innovation and value for money and has been voted the UKs most trusted brand. From these foundations, M&S is reshaping for sustainable profitable growth and value creation.

We operate as a family of businesses, selling high-quality, great-value, own-brand products and services, alongside a carefully selected range of third-party brands.

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Marshall Wace LLP cut its position in DXC Technology Company. (NYSE:DXC  Free Report) by 10.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 874,543 shares of the companys stock after selling 102,133 shares during the quarter. Marshall Wace LLPs holdings in DXC Technology were worth $13,372,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of DXC. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of DXC Technology by 240.6% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,737 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 1,227 shares during the period. Signaturefd LLC boosted its stake in DXC Technology by 187.3% during the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,054 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,000 after buying an additional 1,991 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP grew its position in DXC Technology by 68.9% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 3,330 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 1,359 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its stake in DXC Technology by 273.9% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 6,218 shares of the companys stock worth $95,000 after acquiring an additional 4,555 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hennessy Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of DXC Technology in the 2nd quarter valued at about $97,000. 96.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently commented on DXC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on DXC Technology from $18.00 to $14.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 20th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of DXC Technology from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, November 9th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on shares of DXC Technology from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Susquehanna set a $14.00 price target on shares of DXC Technology and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of DXC Technology in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $15.00.

DXC Technology Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of NYSE DXC opened at $15.14 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.46 and a beta of 1.09. DXC Technology Company. has a one year low of $11.82 and a one year high of $23.75. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $13.35 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $14.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 1.09.

DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.13. DXC Technology had a net margin of 2.93% and a return on equity of 17.83%. The company had revenue of $3.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.17 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.93 EPS. The firms revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that DXC Technology Company. will post 3.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About DXC Technology

(Free Report)

DXC Technology Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology services and solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Australia, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Infrastructure Services (GIS).

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NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XTEN  Free Report) by 27.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 448,021 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 97,109 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLCs holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF were worth $20,681,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of XTEN. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 44.8% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 763 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 236 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $50,000. Transce3nd LLC lifted its position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 38.9% in the second quarter. Transce3nd LLC now owns 1,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,000 after buying an additional 421 shares during the last quarter. Spire Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 99.9% during the 2nd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 1,895 shares of the companys stock worth $87,000 after acquiring an additional 947 shares during the period. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 34.9% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 2,275 shares of the companys stock worth $105,000 after acquiring an additional 589 shares during the last quarter.

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BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Stock Performance

XTEN opened at $46.39 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $46.85 and its 200 day simple moving average is $46.19. BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a 1-year low of $43.92 and a 1-year high of $47.82.

BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Profile

The BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XTEN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of ten years. XTEN was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH  Get Free Report) shares rose 7% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $20.48 and last traded at $20.5920. Approximately 12,347,876 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 16% from the average daily volume of 14,763,163 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.24.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

NCLH has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Truist Financial reduced their target price on Norwegian Cruise Line from $31.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Norwegian Cruise Line from $35.00 to $37.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Norwegian Cruise Line from $30.00 to $29.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 1st. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $23.00 to $27.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. Finally, Barclays reduced their target price on Norwegian Cruise Line from $31.00 to $28.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Norwegian Cruise Line presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $27.95.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.22, a current ratio of 0.19 and a quick ratio of 0.17. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $20.69 and a 200-day simple moving average of $22.00. The company has a market capitalization of $9.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.13, a P/E/G ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 2.11.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.17 by $0.03. Norwegian Cruise Line had a net margin of 6.85% and a return on equity of 55.51%. The firm had revenue of $2.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.03 billion. 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. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will post 1.48 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Norwegian Cruise Line news, Director Zillah Byng-Thorne purchased 29,008 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $18.11 per share, with a total value of $525,334.88. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 66,017 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,195,567.87. This represents a 78.38% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Stella David purchased 6,986 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $18.59 per share, for a total transaction 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. The trade was a 7.24% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have bought 90,029 shares of company stock worth $1,663,575 in the last 90 days. 0.41% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Norwegian Cruise Line

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of NCLH. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd raised its holdings in Norwegian Cruise Line by 80.5% in the 3rd quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 20,553 shares of the companys stock valued at $506,000 after acquiring an additional 9,165 shares during the last quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC grew its position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 27.4% in the third quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC now owns 587,762 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,520,000 after purchasing an additional 126,374 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 49.9% in the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 9,507 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,000 after purchasing an additional 3,165 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line in the third quarter valued at approximately $1,137,000. Finally, Coldstream Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in Norwegian Cruise Line by 5.3% during the third quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 11,381 shares of the companys stock worth $280,000 after buying an additional 569 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.58% of the companys stock.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

(Get 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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Guggenheim Capital LLC reduced its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY  Free Report) by 51.7% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 35,050 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 37,540 shares during the quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLCs holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $1,472,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Northeast Financial Consultants Inc raised its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 0.4% during the first quarter. Northeast Financial Consultants Inc now owns 58,549 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,890,000 after purchasing an additional 242 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC grew its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 6,720 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $282,000 after buying an additional 247 shares during the last quarter. S.A. Mason LLC raised its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 5.9% during the second quarter. S.A. Mason LLC now owns 5,306 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $223,000 after acquiring an additional 295 shares during the period. Moody National Bank Trust Division lifted its holdings in Occidental Petroleum by 2.0% in the second quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 15,326 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $644,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Verdence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 3.7% in the second quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 8,437 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $354,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 88.70% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

OXY has been the topic of a number of research reports. Mizuho increased their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. HSBC dropped their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $55.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Melius Research started coverage on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a report on Wednesday, August 20th. They issued a hold rating and a $64.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $50.19.

Occidental Petroleum Price Performance

Shares of OXY opened at $41.74 on Thursday. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has a one year low of $34.78 and a one year high of $53.20. The stocks fifty day moving average is $42.01 and its 200-day moving average is $43.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 0.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.69 and a beta of 0.39.

Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.16. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 12.35%. The firm had revenue of $6.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.66 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.00 EPS. Occidental Petroleums revenue was down 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Occidental Petroleum Corporation will post 3.58 EPS for the current year.

Occidental Petroleum Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 10th. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 70.59%.

About Occidental Petroleum

(Free Report)

Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas.

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OCONNOR A Distinct Business Unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC purchased a new position in shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 82,631 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,911,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC acquired a new position in British American Tobacco in the second quarter worth about $30,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of British American Tobacco in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $44,000. CoreFirst Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in British American Tobacco in the 2nd quarter valued at $55,000. State of Wyoming bought a new stake in British American Tobacco in the first quarter valued at $57,000. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. boosted its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 36.4% in the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,371 shares of the companys stock valued at $65,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares in the last quarter. 16.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Argus raised shares of British American Tobacco from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $62.00 price target for the company in a report on Monday, September 8th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Friday, November 28th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered British American Tobacco from a sector perform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, British American Tobacco currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $51.00.

British American Tobacco Price Performance

Shares of British American Tobacco stock opened at $58.75 on Thursday. British American Tobacco p.l.c. has a 12 month low of $34.82 and a 12 month high of $59.29. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $53.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $52.89. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68.

British American Tobacco Company Profile

(Free Report)

British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It also offers vapour, heated, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands.

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OCONNOR A Distinct Business Unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC acquired a new position in shares of Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 299,870 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $2,078,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in Cemex by 256.7% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 4,298 shares of the construction companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 3,093 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Cemex by 63.7% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 5,210 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 2,027 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its holdings in shares of Cemex by 334.7% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 9,189 shares of the construction companys stock worth $52,000 after acquiring an additional 7,075 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC purchased a new position in shares of Cemex during the 2nd quarter worth about $70,000. Finally, Parallax Volatility Advisers L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of Cemex in the first quarter worth approximately $60,000. 82.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CX has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Scotiabank lowered shares of Cemex from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $11.10 price target for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Barclays lifted their target price on Cemex from $10.00 to $12.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Cemex from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on Cemex from $7.00 to $8.25 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Citigroup lowered shares of Cemex from a buy rating to a neutral rating and boosted their target price for the company from $9.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Cemex presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.14.

Cemex Price Performance

CX stock opened at $10.88 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $10.02 and a two-hundred day moving average of $8.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.76 billion, a PE ratio of 11.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.61. Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. has a one year low of $4.89 and a one year high of $11.17. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37.

Cemex (NYSE:CX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.01 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $4.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $226.73 million. Cemex had a return on equity of 6.85% and a net margin of 8.62%. On average, analysts forecast that Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. will post 0.69 earnings per share for the current year.

Cemex Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.0224 dividend. This represents a $0.09 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Cemexs dividend payout ratio is 9.68%.

About Cemex

(Free Report)

CEMEX, SAB. de C.V., together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, distributes, and sells cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, urbanization solutions, and other construction materials and services worldwide. The company offers gray ordinary portland, white portland, oil-well, and blended cement products; mortar; and standard ready-mix, architectural and decorative, rapid-setting, fiber-reinforced, fluid-fill, roller-compacted, self-consolidating, pervious, and antibacterial, and other concrete products.

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Ossiam lifted its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report) by 15,164.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 23,202 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 23,050 shares during the period. Ossiams holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $1,311,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Patton Fund Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Dominion Energy in the 2nd quarter worth $235,000. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its stake in shares of Dominion Energy by 6.9% during the second quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 186,885 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $10,563,000 after acquiring an additional 12,041 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Dominion Energy by 16.2% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 105,795,310 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,979,551,000 after purchasing an additional 14,715,895 shares during the period. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC lifted its position in Dominion Energy by 19.0% in the second quarter. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC now owns 104,710 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,918,000 after purchasing an additional 16,731 shares during the period. Finally, Virtus Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in Dominion Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $240,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.04% of the companys stock.

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Dominion Energy Trading Down 0.8%

NYSE:D opened at $57.98 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $60.61 and a 200-day simple moving average of $59.17. Dominion Energy Inc. has a 52-week low of $48.07 and a 52-week high of $62.87. The company has a market capitalization of $49.52 billion, a PE ratio of 19.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.70.

Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement

Dominion Energy ( NYSE:D Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.04. Dominion Energy had a net margin of 16.17% and a return on equity of 9.60%. The firm had revenue of $4.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.71 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.98 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.9% on a year-over-year basis. Dominion Energy has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.330-3.480 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Dominion Energy Inc. will post 3.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, December 20th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th will be paid a $0.6675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $2.67 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.6%. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 90.82%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

D has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Dominion Energy in a report on Monday. BTIG Research assumed coverage on Dominion Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $70.00 price target on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. They issued an overweight rating and a $67.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $63.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $64.22.

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Dominion Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through three operating segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Energy. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.8 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina.

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Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be given a dividend of 0.91 per share by the utilities provider on Monday, March 2nd. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd.

Pinnacle West Capital has increased its dividend by an average of 0.0%per year over the last three years. Pinnacle West Capital has a payout ratio of 71.7% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Pinnacle West Capital to earn $4.53 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $3.64 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 80.4%.

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Pinnacle West Capital Stock Performance

Shares of PNW stock traded up $1.04 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $87.59. 102,443 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,169,332. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.49. The companys 50 day moving average is $89.99 and its two-hundred day moving average is $89.93. The company has a market cap of $10.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.63 and a beta of 0.54. Pinnacle West Capital has a 1 year low of $81.47 and a 1 year high of $96.50.

About Pinnacle West Capital

Pinnacle West Capital ( NYSE:PNW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The utilities provider reported $3.39 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.04 by $0.35. The firm had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion. Pinnacle West Capital had a return on equity of 8.57% and a net margin of 11.20%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.37 earnings per share. Pinnacle West Capital has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.550-4.750 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 4.900-5.100 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Pinnacle West Capital will post 5.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

(Get Free Report)

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, through its subsidiary, provides retail and wholesale electric services primarily in the state of Arizona. The company engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity using coal, nuclear, gas, oil, and solar generating facilities. Its transmission facilities include overhead lines and underground lines; and distribution facilities consist of overhead lines and underground primary cables.

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Canadian Natural Resources, Celsius, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Canadian National Railway, Bank Of Montreal, Canadian Solar, and TC Energy are the seven Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of ownership in companies that are incorporated in Canada or primarily listed on Canadian exchanges (for example, the Toronto Stock Exchange), enabling investors to buy and sell ownership stakes in those firms. They typically trade in Canadian dollars, offer exposure to sectors common in the Canadian economy (e.g., natural resources, financials), and are subject to Canadian regulatory, tax and country-specific risks. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days.

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Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

Celsius (CELH)

Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CP

Canadian National Railway (CNI)

Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI

Bank Of Montreal (BMO)

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The companys personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products.

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Canadian Solar (CSIQ)

Canadian Solar Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides solar energy and battery energy storage products and solutions in in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy. The CSI Solar segment designs, develops, and manufactures solar ingots, wafers, cells, modules, and other solar power and battery storage products.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CSIQ

TC Energy (TRP)

TC Energy Corporation operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. It operates through five segments: Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines; U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines; Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines; Liquids Pipelines; and Power and Energy Solutions. The company builds and operates a network of 93,600 kilometers of natural gas pipelines, which transports natural gas from supply basins to local distribution companies, power generation plants, industrial facilities, interconnecting pipelines, LNG export terminals, and other businesses.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TRP

Featured Stories
Maldives praises China for aligning coastal development with environmental stewardship

Xinhua) 11:03, December 11, 2025

SANYA, China, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has been playing an important role in promoting international maritime cooperation and safeguarding the world's oceans, a Maldives official said Wednesday.

Maldives' Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Aarim Mohamed, made the remarks during the ongoing 6th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance in Sanya, a resort city in China's southernmost island province of Hainan.

In particular, "for small island nations such as the Maldives, China's example of aligning coastal development with environmental stewardship is deeply inspiring," he noted.

Mohamed said the Maldives attaches great significance to China's visionary call for a maritime community with a shared future.

"These words speak to a truth that we feel deeply at home: the ocean connects us, sustains us, and binds our futures together," he said.

The Maldives is focusing on its Vision 2040, an ambitious roadmap to build a resilient economy and achieve developed nation status. In this context, "for both the Maldives and China, the ocean is not only a shared space, but also a shared opportunity to advance development, climate resilience, and ecological civilization," he said.

The symposium in Sanya has gathered more than 300 experts, government officials, diplomats and representatives of international organizations from over 30 countries and regions.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
State Street Corp decreased its holdings in Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A  Free Report) by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,453,528 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 155,764 shares during the period. State Street Corps holdings in Agilent Technologies were worth $1,469,641,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Brighton Jones LLC grew its stake in Agilent Technologies by 6.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 4,663 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $626,000 after buying an additional 270 shares in the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Agilent Technologies during the first quarter worth $210,000. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT bought a new position in shares of Agilent Technologies in the first quarter worth $38,000. Townsquare Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 33.2% in the first quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 3,453 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $404,000 after purchasing an additional 860 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 8.5% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,287,302 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $267,569,000 after purchasing an additional 179,101 shares in the last quarter.

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Agilent Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of A opened at $143.51 on Thursday. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $96.43 and a 12-month high of $160.27. The company has a current ratio of 1.96, a quick ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The company has a market cap of $40.68 billion, a PE ratio of 31.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.08 and a beta of 1.27. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $145.55 and a 200-day moving average price of $128.71.

Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend

Agilent Technologies ( NYSE:A Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 24th. The medical research company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.58 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $1.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.83 billion. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 18.75% and a return on equity of 25.20%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.46 earnings per share. Agilent Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Agilent Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.350-1.380 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.860-6.000 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be given a dividend of $0.255 per share. This is an increase from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 6th. This represents a $1.02 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. Agilent Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 21.66%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently issued reports on A shares. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Agilent Technologies in a report on Tuesday. They set a buy rating and a $170.00 price objective on the stock. Barclays upped their price target on Agilent Technologies from $145.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Agilent Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Agilent Technologies from $150.00 to $162.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Rothschild & Co Redburn assumed coverage on shares of Agilent Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. They issued a buy rating and a $165.00 target price on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $161.77.

Read Our Latest Analysis on A

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, VP Rodney Gonsalves sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $154.99, for a total value of $464,970.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 31,846 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,935,811.54. The trade was a 8.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Padraig Mcdonnell sold 911 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $143.24, for a total value of $130,491.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 32,058 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,591,987.92. This represents a 2.76% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 16,401 shares of company stock valued at $2,468,962 over the last ninety days.

About Agilent Technologies

(Free Report)

Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; and vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies.

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Invesco Ltd. raised its position in shares of Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA  Free Report) by 6.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 6,909,019 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 434,935 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in Stellantis were worth $69,297,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Stellantis during the second quarter worth approximately $384,724,000. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its stake in Stellantis by 318.6% during the 1st quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 11,808,556 shares of the companys stock worth $130,893,000 after purchasing an additional 8,987,548 shares during the last quarter. Groupe la Francaise acquired a new stake in Stellantis during the 1st quarter worth $62,123,000. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Stellantis during the first quarter worth $56,349,000. Finally, Amundi raised its position in shares of Stellantis by 6.4% in the first quarter. Amundi now owns 78,473,374 shares of the companys stock valued at $801,213,000 after buying an additional 4,708,200 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.48% of the companys stock.

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Stellantis Price Performance

Shares of Stellantis stock opened at $12.12 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $10.59 and a 200 day moving average of $9.99. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Stellantis N.V. has a fifty-two week low of $8.39 and a fifty-two week high of $14.28.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Stellantis ( NYSE:STLA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported ($0.91) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.41 by ($1.32). The firm had revenue of $87.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $87.94 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Stellantis N.V. will post 2.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Stellantis from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Wall Street Zen cut Stellantis from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. BNP Paribas Exane started coverage on Stellantis in a research report on Monday, September 8th. They issued a neutral rating and a $10.10 price target for the company. Berenberg Bank upgraded Stellantis from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $11.20 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Finally, DZ Bank raised Stellantis from a strong sell rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Stellantis presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $11.75.

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About Stellantis

(Free Report)

Stellantis N.V. engages in the design, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of automobiles and light commercial vehicles, engines, transmission systems, metallurgical products, mobility services, and production systems worldwide. It provides luxury and premium vehicles; sport utility vehicles; American and European brand vehicles; and parts and services, as well as retail and dealer financing, leasing, and rental services.

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Stock analysts at Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:VIV  Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Thursday. The firm set an underperform rating and a $14.00 price target on the Wireless communications providers stock. Bank of Americas target price would suggest a potential upside of 14.66% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on VIV. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of Telefonica Brasil from $11.40 to $12.60 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 19th. Morgan Stanley set a $12.00 price target on shares of Telefonica Brasil in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Telefonica Brasil from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Barclays restated an overweight rating and issued a $14.50 target price on shares of Telefonica Brasil in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Citigroup started coverage on Telefonica Brasil in a research report on Wednesday, September 10th. They set a neutral rating for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Telefonica Brasil currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.12.

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Telefonica Brasil Trading Down 2.0%

Shares of VIV stock traded down $0.25 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $12.21. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,094,018 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,134,133. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $19.86 billion, a PE ratio of 18.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.69. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $12.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.93. Telefonica Brasil has a 12-month low of $7.47 and a 12-month high of $13.31.

Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:VIV  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 14th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.81 billion during the quarter. Telefonica Brasil had a net margin of 10.37% and a return on equity of 8.67%. On average, research analysts predict that Telefonica Brasil will post 0.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. First Affirmative Financial Network grew its holdings in Telefonica Brasil by 3.4% during the third quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 33,558 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $428,000 after purchasing an additional 1,113 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Telefonica Brasil during the third quarter worth $142,000. Dorsey Wright & Associates acquired a new position in shares of Telefonica Brasil in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,578,000. PharVision Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of Telefonica Brasil in the 3rd quarter valued at $240,000. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new stake in Telefonica Brasil during the 3rd quarter worth $808,000. 5.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Telefonica Brasil Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Telefonica Brasil SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a mobile telecommunications company in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, 4.5G, and 5G, as well as mobile value-added and wireless roaming services.

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Tenere Capital LLC bought a new stake in Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 88,500 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $9,092,000. Crown Castle accounts for approximately 2.3% of Tenere Capital LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th largest position.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Centerpoint Advisors LLC bought a new position in Crown Castle during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Winnow Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Crown Castle in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Stone House Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Crown Castle during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Crown Castle during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Crown Castle during the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. 90.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Crown Castle news, EVP Daniel K. Schlanger sold 30,000 shares of Crown Castle stock in a transaction on Friday, October 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.08, for a total value of $2,942,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 65,571 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,431,203.68. The trade was a 31.39% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

CCI has been the subject of several research reports. Barclays reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a $101.00 target price (down from $104.00) on shares of Crown Castle in a research report on Monday, December 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of Crown Castle from $115.00 to $117.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Crown Castle from $124.00 to $110.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $112.00 price target on shares of Crown Castle and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Raymond James Financial cut their price target on shares of Crown Castle from $124.00 to $120.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.59.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CCI

Crown Castle Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of Crown Castle stock opened at $90.61 on Thursday. Crown Castle Inc. has a 12-month low of $84.20 and a 12-month high of $115.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $39.46 billion, a P/E ratio of -8.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $92.88 and a 200 day simple moving average of $98.06.

Crown Castle (NYSE:CCI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $1.12 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.04 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $1.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.05 billion. Crown Castle had a negative net margin of 95.37% and a negative return on equity of 619.62%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.84 earnings per share. Crown Castle has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.230-4.350 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Crown Castle Inc. will post 6.67 earnings per share for the current year.

Crown Castle Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.0625 per share. This represents a $4.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Crown Castles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -39.98%.

About Crown Castle

(Free Report)

Crown Castle owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 90,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major U.S. market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service  bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them.

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM  Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) by 25.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 4,218,119 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 857,994 shares during the quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company owned about 0.26% of Brookfield Asset Management worth $232,402,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd boosted its position in Brookfield Asset Management by 1,270.6% during the 2nd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 466 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 432 shares during the period. Manchester Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 559.5% during the second quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 521 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 442 shares in the last quarter. Sagard Holdings Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management in the second quarter worth about $39,000. Truvestments Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 85.5% in the first quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC now owns 937 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 432 shares during the period. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 127.7% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 995 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $55,000 after buying an additional 558 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.41% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently commented on BAM shares. UBS Group set a $59.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Thursday. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $74.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Brookfield Asset Management from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $68.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Thursday, September 4th. National Bankshares reduced their price target on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $71.00 to $69.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on Brookfield Asset Management from $62.00 to $59.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $63.98.

Brookfield Asset Management Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE BAM opened at $55.71 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The firms 50-day moving average price is $53.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $56.78. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 52-week low of $41.78 and a 52-week high of $64.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $91.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.82, a P/E/G ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 1.39.

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The financial services provider reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.34 billion. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 33.77% and a net margin of 58.25%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.7 earnings per share for the current year.

Brookfield Asset Management Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.4375 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $1.75 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Brookfield Asset Managements payout ratio is currently 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.

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its stake in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 10.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 27,359,777 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after purchasing an additional 2,546,233 shares during the period. Canadian Natural Resources accounts for 0.8% of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Companys portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest holding. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company owned about 1.31% of Canadian Natural Resources worth $855,414,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CNQ. MAI Capital Management increased its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 4,365 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $134,000 after buying an additional 382 shares during the period. Haven Private LLC lifted its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 3.4% during the second quarter. Haven Private LLC now owns 11,617 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $365,000 after acquiring an additional 383 shares during the period. King Luther Capital Management Corp boosted its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 1.2% in the second quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp now owns 32,283 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,014,000 after acquiring an additional 387 shares during the last quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 5.7% in the second quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,109 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $255,000 after purchasing an additional 434 shares during the period. Finally, Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. increased its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 8.7% in the second quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 5,613 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $176,000 after purchasing an additional 448 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.03% of the companys stock.

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Canadian Natural Resources Stock Down 0.0%

Shares of NYSE CNQ opened at $33.73 on Thursday. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 52-week low of $24.65 and a 52-week high of $35.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.86. The stock has a market cap of $70.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.92 and a beta of 0.70. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $32.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $31.82.

Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend

Canadian Natural Resources ( NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNQ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.54 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $6.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.81 billion. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 14.90% and a return on equity of 18.93%. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.97 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 2.45 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Investors of record on Friday, December 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.5875 per share. This represents a $2.35 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. This is a boost from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 75.66%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have issued reports on CNQ. Desjardins downgraded shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Zacks Research raised shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 26th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $62.00.

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About Canadian Natural Resources

(Free Report)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

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Kepler Capital Markets upgraded shares of Vestas Wind Systems AS (OTCMKTS:VWDRY  Free Report) from a strong sell rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report released on Wednesday morning,Zacks.com reports.

A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on VWDRY. Berenberg Bank lowered Vestas Wind Systems AS from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Vestas Wind Systems AS in a research report on Friday, August 15th. Fearnley Fonds downgraded shares of Vestas Wind Systems AS from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 18th. Finally, Barclays reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Vestas Wind Systems AS in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on VWDRY

Vestas Wind Systems AS Trading Up 5.9%

Vestas Wind Systems AS stock opened at $8.74 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $26.48 billion, a PE ratio of 25.71, a P/E/G ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $7.33 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.43. Vestas Wind Systems AS has a 52 week low of $3.96 and a 52 week high of $8.79.

Vestas Wind Systems AS (OTCMKTS:VWDRY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The energy company reported $0.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $6.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.43 billion. Vestas Wind Systems AS had a net margin of 5.00% and a return on equity of 27.61%. Equities research analysts predict that Vestas Wind Systems AS will post 0.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Vestas Wind Systems AS

(Get Free Report)

Vestas Wind Systems A/S engages in the design, manufacture, installation, and services of wind turbines the United States, Denmark, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Power Solutions and Service. The Power Solutions segment offers onshore and offshore wind power plants, wind turbines, development sites, etc.

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Volterra Technologies LP acquired a new position in Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 11,327 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $598,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ADM. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in Archer Daniels Midland during the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. purchased a new position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new stake in Archer Daniels Midland in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Archer Daniels Midland in the 2nd quarter worth $36,000. Finally, Evelyn Partners Investment Management Services Ltd acquired a new position in Archer Daniels Midland during the second quarter worth $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.28% of the companys stock.

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Archer Daniels Midland Stock Performance

Shares of Archer Daniels Midland stock opened at $58.21 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $60.14 and its 200 day moving average price is $57.63. The company has a market cap of $27.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.76, a PEG ratio of 4.93 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.37. Archer Daniels Midland Company has a one year low of $40.98 and a one year high of $65.00.

Archer Daniels Midland Announces Dividend

Archer Daniels Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $20.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.96 billion. Archer Daniels Midland had a return on equity of 8.01% and a net margin of 1.43%.The companys revenue was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.09 EPS. Archer Daniels Midland has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.500 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Archer Daniels Midland Company will post 4.31 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 19th will be paid a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 19th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.5%. Archer Daniels Midlands dividend payout ratio is presently 83.27%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $59.00 target price (down previously from $61.00) on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Zacks Research cut Archer Daniels Midland from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Archer Daniels Midland presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $55.25.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Archer Daniels Midland

About Archer Daniels Midland

(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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Walleye Capital LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY  Free Report) by 68.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 76,448 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 167,784 shares during the quarter. Walleye Capital LLCs holdings in Harmony Gold Mining were worth $1,068,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of HMY. Jump Financial LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 2,655.3% during the 1st quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 585,608 shares of the mining companys stock worth $8,649,000 after buying an additional 564,354 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its holdings in Harmony Gold Mining by 30.7% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 467,378 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $6,571,000 after acquiring an additional 109,873 shares during the period. U S Global Investors Inc. lifted its position in Harmony Gold Mining by 105.3% during the second quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. now owns 307,960 shares of the mining companys stock worth $4,302,000 after acquiring an additional 157,960 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 14.9% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,805,276 shares of the mining companys stock worth $56,204,000 after acquiring an additional 493,041 shares during the period. Finally, BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S grew its position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 306.6% in the first quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 467,569 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $6,906,000 after purchasing an additional 352,571 shares during the last quarter. 31.79% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

HMY has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded Harmony Gold Mining from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Harmony Gold Mining in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Harmony Gold Mining from a strong sell rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Investec raised shares of Harmony Gold Mining to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Harmony Gold Mining from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Harmony Gold Mining presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $16.00.

Harmony Gold Mining Trading Up 1.3%

Shares of HMY stock opened at $20.00 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.41, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited has a fifty-two week low of $7.97 and a fifty-two week high of $22.25. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $18.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $16.06.

Harmony Gold Mining Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Investors of record on Friday, October 10th were given a dividend of $0.0893 per share. This represents a yield of 98.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 10th.

Harmony Gold Mining Company Profile

(Free Report)

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited engages in the exploration, extraction, and processing of gold. The company explores for uranium, silver, copper, and molybdenum deposits. It has eight underground operations in the Witwatersrand Basin; an open-pit mine on the Kraaipan Greenstone Belt; and various surface source operations in South Africa.

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WINTON GROUP Ltd lifted its position in Portland General Electric Company (NYSE:POR  Free Report) by 85.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 25,728 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 11,820 shares during the period. WINTON GROUP Ltds holdings in Portland General Electric were worth $1,045,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of POR. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC increased its position in shares of Portland General Electric by 38.8% during the 2nd quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC now owns 44,777 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,819,000 after purchasing an additional 12,518 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Portland General Electric in the second quarter worth approximately $376,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Portland General Electric by 5.5% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 513,398 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $20,859,000 after buying an additional 26,753 shares during the period. Eastern Bank purchased a new stake in Portland General Electric during the second quarter valued at approximately $65,000. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC raised its position in Portland General Electric by 20.9% in the second quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 66,348 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,696,000 after acquiring an additional 11,478 shares during the period.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on POR shares. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Portland General Electric from $43.00 to $46.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Zacks Research upgraded Portland General Electric from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 18th. Barclays upped their price target on Portland General Electric from $43.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. BTIG Research raised Portland General Electric to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Portland General Electric in a research note on Monday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and two have 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 $47.00.

Portland General Electric Trading Down 0.7%

Shares of POR stock opened at $47.87 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $47.13 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $43.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.38 billion, a PE ratio of 17.41, a PEG ratio of 4.42 and a beta of 0.67. Portland General Electric Company has a 52-week low of $39.54 and a 52-week high of $51.14.

Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The utilities provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.02. Portland General Electric had a return on equity of 8.32% and a net margin of 8.63%.The business had revenue of $952.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $975.64 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.90 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Portland General Electric Company will post 3.21 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Portland General Electric Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 22nd will be paid a $0.525 dividend. This represents a $2.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.4%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 22nd. Portland General Electrics dividend payout ratio is presently 76.36%.

About Portland General Electric

(Free Report)

Portland General Electric Company, an integrated electric utility company, engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. It operates six thermal plants, three wind farms, and seven hydroelectric facilities. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned an electric transmission system consisting of 1,254 circuit miles, including 287 circuit miles of 500 kilovolt line, 413 circuit miles of 230 kilovolt line, and 554 miles of 115 kilovolt line; and served 934 thousand retail customers in 51 cities.

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Its impossible to leave the EU. That so-called Brexit never happened is proof right there.

Seasoned traitor to Britain, Keir Starmer is handing full control of the country over to Brussels as Chancellor Rachel Reeves is the latest Cabinet Minister to hint at joining the EU Customs Union. The thing is, apart from the customs union, nothing really changed after the hard won democratic referendum. The Tories, under Boris, squandered not only their electoral mandate but the continuation of Brexit  they just abandoned it.

Under the so-called Brexit, the UK still pays Brussels billions of pounds per year (pensions/salaries 3.4 billion) and the ECHR still dictates what the UK can and cant do. The ECHR demands the UK has no borders, and no right to deport illegal asylum seekers, rapists, murderers.

Sorry Nigel Farage, but Labour are now pissing on the British flag and Brexit at the same time. But, still, do not shed any tears for Brexit, because it never happened in the first place.

There was no Singapore-on-the-Thames, there were no benefits to prices, there were no new hospitals, and the Brexit Bus that Boris rode around in is now impounded in a garage somewhere because it contravenes Euro road standards that never went away despite the so-called Brexit. The EU makes the regulations and rules, and the UK follows, and theres nothing anyone in the UK can do about it, or are willing to do about it. Lets face it, Brexit never happened, and will never happen.

Tu retournes en prison 
Saludos are in order for a new academic offering focused on all things Spanish.

Students can now earn a Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture at Dalhousie. The certificate offers a structured yet flexible and accessible pathway for anyone interested in Spanish, including current/degree-seeking students as well as non-degree learners and professionals.

The certificate teaches practical Spanish communication skills and cultural knowledge through film, literature and history. Its coordinator, Magali Dam-Mazzi, sees it as an opportunity to turn Halifax into a little hub of global connections  adding that it isnt just about learning Spanish, its about joining a conversation with over 500 million people worldwide.

Left: Program coordinator, Magali Dam-Mazzi in Lima, Peru (submitted photo)

This certificate, which received formal approval last month from the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC), is offered through the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies in Dalhousies Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)  but is open to currently registered Dal and Kings students across faculties, as well as to members of the broader community.

Learn more: Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture

Prof. Dam-Mazzi, a University Teaching Fellow in the department, says she and her colleagues wanted to make Spanish language and Hispanic cultures accessible to a broader audience, designing the certificate to be achievable for those who cannot commit to a full minor or major while still providing a recognized credential.

Its an opportunity to make new friends, share cultures, and open doors to travel and professional growth, she says, noting the stand-alone certificate option offers professionals in industries including health care, education, immigration, tourism, business, social work, government, and NGOs with a recognized university credential to support career development and mobility.

Opening doors for learners



FASS Associate Dean Academic Lindsay DuBois says taking the certificate as a stand-alone option offers a very focused credential  earned by completing just five courses  to the larger Halifax area community. A postsecondary degree is not required to be eligible to take the courses in this certificate program, although people do need to apply to Dalhousie as a Special Student.

She adds that in a time where so many people are relying on AI to help with translation, developing skills in additional languages and learning about those cultures allows people to expand and demonstrate not just their language skills, but also their intercultural skills.

Although Google translate is a great tool for reading a menu, it cannot substitute for the language and culture learning which can help people make real human connections, says Dr. DuBois. We think this certificate will be great for people looking to upgrade their skills in an increasingly multicultural society just as much as for people who have a passion for Spanish language and culture.

Jordyn Wolfer, a final-year Therapeutic Recreation student in the Faculty of Health, is the first current student at Dal completing this certificate. Having already taken courses in Spanish, but unable to declare a minor within her degree (as there are no options to add a minor within her program), she jumped at the opportunity to formally add on the certificate when it came available.

I saw it as an opportunity to improve my Spanish in addition to gaining a deeper understanding and respect for Spanish culture, she says.

For Jordyn, learning about Spanish culture at the same time as learning the language has many benefits. The main one for me was that it allowed me to have a better understanding of what I have been learning and to better communicate in the language as well. It provides context behind why you say certain things, use specific gestures or mannerisms when talking in the language.

As a future health-care worker, Jordyn sees so much value in learning another language, in her case, particularly to better serve her future patients and clients. In addition to the professional and academic benefits as a formal credential on her transcript, taking courses in Spanish language and culture has benefitted her personally.

It offered her the opportunity to travel and be emersed in the culture of another country that she says she would not have had if she didnt speak and understand the language. It also allowed her to meet other students outside of her home faculty at Dalhousie who ended up being some of her closest friends.

A complementary offering



Prof. Dam-Mazzi says the certificate can complement degrees in Health, Commerce, International Development, Arts, Education, and more.

This certificate not only enhances academic profiles but also opens doors to global opportunities, intercultural competence, and career pathways in education, international relations, and beyond, she says.

She notes that Spanish brings joy with its music, food, literature, culture, film and laughter.

Were creating a welcoming space where someone from Halifax can connect with someone in Bogota or Madrid and feel right. Were not just learning words, were building bridges and strengthening our community.
Tobermore, one of the UK and Irelands leading construction manufacturers, has restructured its senior leadership team and will be recruiting 10 new members of staff to support its next phase of growth.

Glenn Robinson, formerly Tobermores General Manager, has taken the role of Chief Executive Officer and will continue to work alongside owner, David Henderson. David remains Executive Chairman of the board of directors that also includes Daniel Anderson, who serves as a non-executive director of the business. Anna McAleer and Lee Blackburn, formerly Joint Heads of Strategic Growth in the UK and Ireland, have both been promoted to Tobermores first Sales Director roles. The company has made eight further internal promotions into leadership positions.

ABOVE: L to R: Tobermore Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Robinson with Sales Directors, Anna McAleer and Lee Blackburn.

This latest announcement follows the creation of Tobermores first board of directors in July 24. It also builds on the companys 12m investment plans, which saw the creation of 35 new jobs in 2025 and the creation of a new state-of-the-art production facility.

Im delighted to be taking on the role of CEO of Tobermore, a company that has enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years, said Glenn. This restructure puts the company in an excellent position; it enables me to retain a great mentor in David who is still very much involved in the wider business. It also allows me to empower Anna and Lee and the rest of our senior leadership team, so they are positioned to drive Tobermores continued growth.

Tobermores strength has been to listen to our customers across the supply chain, anticipate market changes and adapt quickly to meet these needs, said Glenn. We know that demand for hard landscaping will continue to be driven by private housebuilding and public sector projects. This restructure, together with the creation of the board last year, shows Tobermore has the right people, teams and governance in place to support our customers as they design, build, and supply the materials for their projects."

As sales directors, Anna and Lee will be responsible for aligning Tobermores strategies across both the commercial and consumer sales functions. Both have a proven track record of delivering strong and consistent sales growth, and their wealth of industry expertise will be instrumental in helping Tobermore to continue to develop and expand its market share.

Our customers are under tremendous pressure to build projects to a high standard, as quickly as possible, explained Anna. The restructure has allowed us to align all our sales functions, so that we can provide them with a seamless experience from concept to completion, while also being able to meet anticipated demand so they can keep building.

Over the next few months, the company will recruit 10 people to increase sales and specification support for customers. This includes Commercial Account Managers in the South East and Midlands, and Commercial Account Executives in London, Cardiff, Bristol, Kent and Essex. It is also adding four new roles to its retaining wall team to keep pace with demand for specification and design support.

Tobermore has a strong culture, and we retain that by promoting from within wherever possible, as demonstrated by our restructure, added Lee. Glenn worked his way up from Business Improvement Manager to CEO, Anna joined as a graduate in the specification team 11 years ago, and I started as Commercial Sales Manager eight years ago. So, I would say to anyone considering a role with Tobermore, its more than just a job; its a fantastic and exciting career opportunity.

As well as the immediate recruitment plans, Anna and Lee will be holding Tobermores second Step into Sales event in March to give ambitious people in London the opportunity to find out about careers in sales.

A further recruitment drive will take place later this year to find production staff across all levels for its new 3,000m2 factory, which is scheduled to open in autumn 2026.

Anyone interested in career opportunities at Tobermore can sign up to the Talent Network on the careers page to be notified first about new vacancies and events.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust has acknowledged gynaecology waiting lists in the Trust, and regionally, are unacceptably high.

A spokesperson for the Trust added: We sincerely apologise to our patients for the delays and the impact this may have on their care.

The Trust apology came in the same week a Derry mother opened up about her experience of endometriosis in a bid to help other women and girls going through the same experience.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, most often in the pelvic region, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or bowel.

This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal cycles, causing pain inflammation, and sometimes scar tissue that can bind organs together and lead to infertility.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, was finally diagnosed with endometriosis three years ago when she was 40.

I had been going to doctors for years, from my late teens. I always had problems with my periods but I was never referred for a gynaecology appointment. I was never formally diagnosed with endometriosis, she said.

And then, in March 2024, I was in the gym with my brother and sister and as I was coming out, I collapsed with terrible pains in my stomach.

It was only then I was seen by a gynaecologist and they found a tumour in my left ovary, she added.

They had seen a growth but they didnt know what it was until I went for surgery but they couldnt remove it because it was covered in endometriosis. That is when I received my diagnosis and nine months later I had a hysterectomy.

A couple of days before my hysterectomy I began experiencing the same pain in my right ovary. Before this my pain would have been on my left side because of my bowl. Everything was stuck together, my bowel, bladder, everything and I had a lot of cysts and fibroids. At this stage I was already in hospital receiving pain relief.

I asked them to remove that ovary. Although they did remove a bleeding cyst from it, the medical opinion was that I was better to keep it. But, I had been having pain with it and that was a sign of endometriosis on that ovary.

After my hysterectomy I was told I shouldnt have any more bother. This is why I am so frustrated because I am being told they have cured an incurable disease, she said.

The woman said she felt as if no-one was listening to her about the severity of the pain she was still experiencing due to endometriosis.

Even before my post-hysterectomy check up, I had been sent to Altnagelvin with severe pain by my GP. I was unable to walk, said the woman.

I was told I should not be in pain and should not be in hospital because I had had a hysterectomy, even though I was presenting with the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis. I was in terrible pain and passing blood.

When I eventually received a scan, they found I had a large cyst and it was bleeding internally. The bleeding cysts are actually endometriomas or chocolate cysts - blood-filled ovarian cysts caused by endometriosis.

I actually had to be physically held up while walking, thats how bad it was. Even to take a step the pain was excruciating. However, it seemed to me, as soon as I mentioned endometriosis again no medical person wanted to touch me.

I am constantly in pain. I wear morphine patches. I take a lot of medication for pain. I feel as if no-one believes me my pain is real. It was so bad I had to give up my job.

I cant even stand and walking long distances is impossible. Even using the bathroom is painful. Basically, I am in constant pain, every day, said the woman, who added she felt dismissed.

And I'm not the only woman, she said. So many women have contacted me recently saying they are going through exactly the same thing. We are definitely not being listened to.

Endometriosis is affecting my relationships with everybody. I am stuck at home all the time. It affects your mental health. I cant be a mum to my children. I feel like I am a prisoner in my own body because it is my own body that is fighting me.

I wanted to tell my story as a woman with an endometriosis diagnosis about the runaround I have experienced and the pain. I am living my life in pain with no clear treatment pathway.

So this is about the treatment of endometriosis and the treatment of women with endometriosis.

Derry City and Strabane District councillor Catherine McDaid (SDLP) told The Derry News: Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 10 women across this island and its absolutely shameful that it can take up to 10 years to get a diagnosis!

This again highlights the inequalities that women face in healthcare. I know women and girls that have been going to the GP with debilitating period pain and irregular menstrual cycles for years, and they havent even been referred to specialist services, never mind been given a diagnosis and treatment.

We need a womens healthcare strategy that has tangible targets to ensure that women are listened to, given a timely diagnosis and treated with respect and dignity, said Cllr McDaid.

Cllr Sandra Duffy said: Sinn Fein is committed to ensuring that women in the North have access to the necessary healthcare services without undue delay or financial burden.

The party continues to advocate for systemic changes to address the gaps in women's healthcare and to support those affected by endometriosis. We are dedicated to working towards a healthcare system that recognises and addresses the specific needs of women, ensuring that conditions like endometriosis are treated with the seriousness and urgency they deserve.

Sinn Fein has been vocal about the urgent need to address the shortcomings in endometriosis care across Ireland, including the North.

In the Assembly, Sinn Fein representatives have consistently called for a fully funded Women's Health Strategy. This strategy aims to encompass various aspects of women's health, including menstrual health and long-term specialist support for endometriosis. The party has stressed the importance of education, awareness, and the establishment of support services and care pathways.

While we welcomed the additional two nursing posts for endometriosis care services here in the north, the waiting times to access treatment are unacceptably long, said Cllr Duffy.

A spokesperson for the WHSCT said: We acknowledge that gynaecology waiting lists in the Western Trust, and regionally, are unacceptably high. We sincerely apologise to our patients for the delays and the impact this may have on their care.

When a GP refers a patient for hospital assessment and care, the referral is triaged based on the clinical information provided and every GP referral is categorized as routine, urgent, or red flag (where there is suspected cancer). The urgency of the appointment is determined during this process. Most women are initially assessed at a general gynaecology outpatient clinic, where diagnostic tests may be arranged, and initial treatments initiated.

Patients diagnosed with severe endometriosis will require input from a specialist consultant in endometriosis, and some will require surgery. The Trust has limited resources in endometriosis at this time as it is not a fully commissioned service in the Western Trust, however we are seeking funding from the commissioners to enable the service to be provided.

For up-to-date statistics on waiting times, we encourage the public to refer to the My Waiting Times NI platform, managed by the Department of Health.
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The trial of a Donegal man charged with causing death by dangerous driving has heard from an expert witness that the minibus he was driving was travelling at approximately 55 mph just before the collision.

Shane Declan Gallagher (30) from Rossbracken near the village of Manorcunningham in County Donegal has pleaded not guilty at Derry Crown Court to causing the death of forty-five years old motorcyclist Gordon Curry by driving dangerously in the early hours of February 22, 2021. He has however pleaded guilty to causing Mr. Curry's death by careless driving.

At today's hearing an expert witness reviewed tacograph evidence from the minibus.

He concluded that both vehicles had turned on to the bottom deck of the Craigavon Bridge and the motorcycle driven by Mr Curry had passed the minibus.

The witness told the jury that there wasa gap between both vehicles as thley made their way along the Glendermot Road and onto the Glenshane Road.

As they passed the entrance to Altnagelvin Hospital one set of traffic lights were green but the next set were red.

The jury heard the motorcycle stopped at the lights and at that point the minibus was travelling at 55mph.

The expert witness said that the driver of the minibus, Gallagher, then applied emergency brakes but the bus struck the motorcycle while travelling at 46mph.

He added that in his opinion if the bus had been travelling at 30mph there would have been time to stop before the collision occurred.

The trial continues.
If theres one person who didnt come up the Foyle in a bubble its Santa Claus. He is coming up on a jetski instead.

Every year a group of jetskiers from the Irish Jetski Club do a festive run up the Foyle to raise money for Foyle Search and Rescue. Everyone involved dresses up, decorates their jetskis, and braves the cold weather to bring another bit of festive cheer to the city.

Event organiser, Ken Finley contacted The Derry News to say the festive Foyle jetski was taking place on Sunday, December 14.

At about 11.30am we will head off down along the riverfront, under the three bridges, to Culmore Point and back, he added.

Everyone is welcome to come out and give us a wave.

It would also be very much appreciated if people could donate to our gofundme online fundraiser: 2025 Irish Jetski Santa run on the Foyle (https://gofund.me/fae6d0ca1. 100% of all funds raised go straight to Foyle Search and Rescue, said Ken.

Foyle Search and Rescue: Foyle Search was set up in 1993 preventing suicide and supporting families in the City.

Its volunteers patrol the river on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, from 9.30pm to 3.00am, engaging with people in distress, maintaining lifebelts and saving lives.

Foyle Search and Rescue has an Emergency Response Pager Team, who are on call 24/7 365 days a year, for emergencies outside of patrol times.

This team also acts as a body recovery team who search for any person missing in the river and recover the body with the greatest dignity.
Northern Irelands Justice Minister is facing calls to apologise to police officers following a monumental gaffe over remarks around compensation for a major PSNI data breach.

Naomi Long said on Thursday she had misspoken when she claimed the previous day that 119 million to deal with compensation claims had been agreed by the Stormont Executive.

Liam Kelly, the chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, said rank-and-file officers had been left speechless and massively disappointed by her remarks.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher told the Policing Board he hoped the mistake would become a premonition.

The PSNI breach occurred in August 2023 when a spreadsheet released as part of a freedom of information request held hidden data with the initials, surname, rank and role of all PSNI officers and staff.

The information later got into the hands of dissident republicans.

The PSNI accepted liability for the data breach and a test case over potential compensation has begun in the courts.

The Stormont Executive had made a reserve claim to the Treasury to cover an expected 120 million compensation bill, but this was rejected.

Ms Long told the BBC Nolan Show on Wednesday the Executive had agreed to set aside around 119 million to compensate officers.

However, she appeared on the show again on Thursday to state she had misspoken.

She said: That was my error in saying the money was agreed by the Executive, rather than agreed by the Department of Finance.

Mr Kelly said Ms Long now needs to make a clear apology to officers over the monumental gaffe.

He added: Im still of the view that she needs to deliver an unequivocal apology, which I would welcome.

In her latest radio interview, she acknowledged her mistake and admitted that the 119 million she said had been ringfenced for data breach compensation was money that was not done and dusted.

Her mistake has angered officers.

Yesterday, she built them up to expect compensation awards from April, but it quickly transpired that shed over-stepped the mark and that the money hadnt been signed off by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Mr Kelly added: Our members were left speechless and massively disappointed.

The minister was wrong to say what she said and now needs to come out and say she was sorry.

The issue was raised at the monthly public meeting of the Policing Board, where Ulster Unionist Alan Chambers asked Mr Boutcher when he had become aware that the Justice Ministers original remarks had been inaccurate.

The chief constable said: I was told yesterday that this information had been made public. We all make mistakes.

I am hoping it is a premonition. I am hoping that next week or before Christmas we can play the same footage perhaps.

This is such an important issue around the data breach for the officers and staff of the organisation.

I dont think we should focus too much on someone who has made a mistake, a genuine mistake.

What I am pleased about is that I get a sense that the Executive, the Finance Minister, the Justice Minister, certainly this board, are all in support of getting the data breach funding and the resolution we are seeking provided for.

I am delighted there is a sense of real optimism that we are coming to a good outcome.

Stormonts Finance Minister John ODowd said on Wednesday the costs of the data breach compensation was something the Executive would have to deal with.
If youre somewhat like me and spend time scrolling on Instagram, you must have stumbled upon those stylish hand made posters that are suddenly everywhere. They look so real that they may send you into a self-introspection of why you missed all your art classes. But let me tell you that no, your friends have not become skilled artists overnight; those posters are actually created with the help of AI. With Google Gemini Nano banana, you can create a clean and eye-catching hand portrait in just a few minutes.

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Today we are surrounded by smart tools that make creative work simple, and these trending hand posters are a good example of how easy it has become to try something new. The best part is that you do not need special drawing talent or fancy equipment to make your own. Follow along with the article to learn how to do it.

How to create a hand-drawn poster using Gemini

Follow the easy steps below to make hand-drawn poster using Gemini:

Open Gemini on your phone or on the web. Sign in with your Google account. If youre new, sign up first. Press the + icon and choose Upload files. Now, upload the image you want Gemini to use as the base for your portrait. Next, tap Tools and select Create images. In the text box section, type a creative description of the poster you want to create. Alternatively, you can also copy and use one of the prompts I provided at the end of the article. Once done, double-check everything and hit Enter to start the process.

Congratulations! Youve successfully created the viral hand-drawn poster for your social media. Download the image and feel free to share it over social media platforms. Moreover, you can repeat the process and tweet the prompt as per your requirements to get more personalised hand-drawn posters.

Also read: Geminid meteor shower 2025: Date, timings in India, Canada, USA, visibility and best camera phones to capture it and more

Sample prompts you can try

Here are some of the prompts you can try to create the viral hand made posters using the Google Gemini Nanao banana:

How to create viral hand made posters using Google Gemini

If youre somewhat like me and spend time scrolling on Instagram, you must have stumbled upon those stylish hand posters that are suddenly everywhere. They look so real that they may send you into a self-introspection of why you missed all your art classes. But let me tell you that no, your friends have not become skilled artists overnight; those posters are actually created with the help of AI.

Today we are surrounded by smart tools that make creative work simple, and these trending hand posters are a good example of how easy it has become to try something new. The best part is that you do not need special drawing talent or fancy equipment to make your own. With Google Gemini Nano, you can create a clean and eye-catching hand portrait in just a few minutes. Follow along with the article to learn how to do it.

Also read: Realme 16 Pro series India launch soon: Price, camera, performance and all other leaks

How to create a hand-drawn poster using Gemini

Follow the easy steps below to make hand-drawn poster using Gemini:

Open Gemini on your phone or on the web. Sign in with your Google account. If youre new, sign up first. Press the + icon and choose Upload files. Now, upload the image you want Gemini to use as the base for your portrait. Next, tap Tools and select Create images. In the text box section, type a creative description of the poster you want to create. Alternatively, you can also copy and use one of the prompts I provided at the end of the article. Once done, double-check everything and hit Enter to start the process.

Congratulations! Youve successfully created the viral hand-drawn poster for your social media. Download the image and feel free to share it over social media platforms. Moreover, you can repeat the process and tweet the prompt as per your requirements to get more personalised hand-drawn posters.

Sample prompts you can try

Here are some of the prompts you can try to create the viral hand made posters using the Google Gemini Nanao banana:

Prompt 1:

Generate a hand-drawn portrait illustration in red and yellow pen on notebook paper, inspired by doodle art and comic annotations. Keep a full likeness of the subject, expressive lines, spontaneous gestures, bold outline glow, and handwritten notes around. realistic pen stroke texture, 4K resolution. Dont change the face cut.

Prompt 2:

Create a hand-drawn portrait sketch in blue and orange gel pen on ruled notebook paper, inspired by doodle art and dynamic comic scribbles. Preserve full likeness of the subject with expressive strokes, bold contour glow, energetic pen marks, and scattered handwritten annotations. Maintain realistic pen-stroke texture, 4K resolution, and dont alter the subjects face shape.

Prompt 3:

Create a notebook-style portrait illustration using red, black, and yellow pen strokes, blending doodle aesthetics with playful comic-margin notes. Keep the subjects exact facial structure while adding spontaneous shading, energetic linework, glowing outlines, and hand-written comments surrounding the portrait. High-detail pen rendering, 4K quality.

Also read: OpenAI flags rising cyber threats as AI models get more powerful

Prompt 4:

Produce a vibrant pen-drawn portrait made with layered red and blue inks on lined paper, mixing doodle sketch energy with comic-panel annotations. Retain full facial likeness, emphasize emotional line flow, textured scribbles, bold edge glow, and margin notes. Hyper-detailed pen texture, 4K resolution, do not modify face cut.

Prompt 5:

Illustrate a portrait in dual-tone marker and pen (yellow + black) on notebook paper, inspired by expressive doodles and annotated comic sketches. Keep the original face proportions perfectly intact. Use loose gesture strokes, bold glowing outlines, textured shading, and handwritten side notes. Render in realistic pen detail, 4K.

Prompt 6:

Generate a stylized hand-drawn portrait in red and purple ink on rough notebook paper, merging doodle spontaneity with comic-style captions. Maintain complete likeness of the subjects face cut while adding dynamic lines, glowing bold outlines, textured pen shading, and scattered handwritten annotations. Ultra-sharp 4K rendering.

Prompt 7:

Create a lively doodle-inspired portrait sketch in multicolor pen (red, yellow, blue) on diary paper. Preserve the subjects exact facial structure with expressive stroke flow, energetic edges, glowing outline effects, and notebook-style handwritten notes around. Detailed pen-stroke realism, 4K resolution.
Apple has officially opened its first retail store in Noida and its fifth retail outlet in India. The Apple Noida store is located in DLF Mall of India and is among the companys biggest stores in the country. The customers will be able to get a full range of products, services and experiences in the region, including the iPhone 17 series, latest MacBooks, iPads and accessories.

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The store, now open to the public, has over 80 trained specialists ready to assist shoppers with purchases, setup and expert guidance. The visitors can also explore the latest Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3, the new iPad Pro, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip. Apples retail services, including Trade-In, financing options, and Apple Pickup for online orders, are also available.

Just like other stores in India, the store also hosts Today at Apple sessions, free workshops on photography, coding, music, fitness and art, designed to inspire learning and creativity. The sessions, such as Work Smarter on Mac, Take Better Photos on iPhone, and Code Your First App, from the very first day.

The store showcases Apple services like Apple Music and Apple TV and provides dedicated business support teams to help enterprises manage devices and grow their operations. In line with Apples sustainability goals, the facility runs entirely on renewable energy and maintains a carbon-neutral footprint.

Connection is at the heart of everything we do in Apple retail, and were excited to open the doors to a new store built for community and creativity with Apple Noida, said Deirdre OBrien, Apples senior vice president of Retail and People.

Apple Noida is the second in the NCR region, joining Apple Saket in Delhi and complements existing stores in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune.
The family of an 83-year-old Connecticut woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft. The lawsuit claimed that OpenAIs chatbot ChatGPT played a direct role in increasing the paranoid delusions of her son, who killed her and later died by suicide. As per police, 56-year-old Stein-Erik Soelberg, a former tech professional, fatally assaulted his mother, Suzanne Adams, at their Greenwich home in early August before taking his own life.

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The lawsuit, filed by Adams estate in San Francisco Superior Court, states that OpenAIs chatbot fed into Soelbergs existing mental instability and reinforced dangerous beliefs instead of defusing them.

Attorney Jay Edelson claims the AI system repeatedly validated Soelbergs suspicions about those around him, including his mother. The court filings said that ChatGPT encouraged the worldview in which Soelberg believed he was being monitored, targeted and manipulated by people in his daily life, from family members to delivery workers. The chatbot also reportedly assured him that only ChatGPT can be trusted and supported several of his conspiracy-driven claims.

OpenAI has responded to the lawsuit, calling it a heartbreaking case. It also said that the company is reviewing the allegations. The company also stated that it has been improving ChatGPTs ability to detect distress, offer safer responses and redirect users to real-world help. The lawsuit cites videos from Soelbergs YouTube account showing him scrolling through long exchanges with ChatGPT during which the system denied that he might be mentally ill and affirmed his belief in being chosen for a divine purpose.

Its not the first time that OpenAIs ChatGPT has faced a lawsuit for such reasons. The company is already facing lawsuits from families who say ChatGPT played a role in suicides.
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Sinn Fein Councillor for Ardee, Pearse McGeough has called for new digital signage on the N2 in an effort to divert traffic away from Ardee and ease congestion.

Cllr McGeough has urged the council to install new signage on the N2, just north of Collon, to redirect traffic via the R169 Dunleer/Collon Road. Motorists would enter the northbound motorway before rejoining the N33 at junction 14.

In a statement, Cllr McGeough said the detour will benefit vehicles simply passing through Ardee, and although it will add 9km to the journey he added it would "save a lot of time that would be sat in gridlock."

Read also: Man arrested in connection with fatal Louth collision released

Cllr McGeough said he has submitted a motion to Ardee Municipal Council last month seeking solar digital signage that would "be more visible" and direct traffic away from Ardee.

He said the response from the council was "positive" and it will now approach Transport Infrastructure Ireland who have responsibility for the N2 and N33 signage and its funding.
A group of Film and TV graduates from Dundalk IT have been named winners of the Student Journalism Award at the 2025 Shine Media Awards. The award, created in partnership with TheJournal.ie, recognises outstanding student-produced radio, television, digital, or print pieces.

This years honour went to The Real Cian Stanley, a powerful documentary written by graduate Cian Stanley from Stackallen, Co. Meath, and brought to life by his crewTom Johnson, Hannah Meehan, David Daly, and Jake Cooney. The deeply personal documentary shares Cians own story from being diagnosed with dyspraxia at a young age to overcoming some very difficult obstacles in his life.

The Student Journalism Award was among 12 award categories, which recognise excellence in Irish media coverage of mental health issues across all platforms. The awards celebrate journalists, producers, editors, content creators and contributors whose work improves public understanding of mental health, challenges stereotypes, and fosters informed discussion. DKIT was the only college to have 2 nominations in this category. Another DkIT student film, The Dungeon  created by Ben Holland and brought to life by his crew Katie Hughes, Max Farrelly and Shauna Bowden, was also in the running for this award.

Speaking at the awards, Shine CEO Nicola Byrne said: "This is a celebration of the very best of Irish journalism in telling stories of mental health. Our winners have not only shown great skill and creativity, but also deep respect and empathy for the people whose voices theyve amplified. Their work challenges stereotypes, sparks important conversations, and helps create a more compassionate Ireland. We are delighted to honour their important work with these awards."

The crew behind The Real Cian Stanley, were among winners such as Kitty Holland from The Irish Times, RTEs John Downes and Ann Murphy from The Irish Examiner.

Read Next: Fed up: councillor slams ongoing illegal parking on Earl Street

Speaking after the awards, Cian Stanley said: The Shine Awards was such a fantastic experience and a great way to meet contacts in the industry. It was great to get so many compliments for our cinematography, editing and direction and the quality of film production that has come out of DKIT. Im really grateful to see the documentary connect with people, and to have it acknowledged by the Shine Awards, it really is a great reminder of how powerful it can be to share your truth!

This is the second accolade for The Real Cian Stanley crew, who were also winners of the Best Student Film in Ireland at the recent Silk Road International Film Festival. The festival which has been held for the past 13 years is an increasingly acclaimed Irish festival that showcases world cinema and a special selection of films from countries along the historic Silk Road routes. Its mission is to celebrate culturally diverse filmmaking, highlight emerging international talent, and connect global artists with audiences through screenings, talks, and events.

To learn more about this years Shine Award winners visit: Shine News - Winners of Shines Mental Health Media Awards 2025 announced
Irish police have launched a homicide investigation into the death of a child whose remains were recovered from an area in Dublin earlier this year.

The development comes on the eve of what would have been Daniel Arueboses eighth birthday.

His remains were recovered from an area of open ground in Donabate in September and have since been confirmed by DNA analysis.

The Irish police service, An Garda Siochana, announced on Thursday evening that a homicide investigation had been opened into his death.

It reiterated an appeal for information, stating: Members of the public are urged not to assume that Gardai already possess information they may hold, or that any detail is too small or insignificant.

The investigation team will determine the relevance of any information provided.

All contact will be welcomed and treated in the strictest confidence.

Daniel was reported missing earlier this year after Irish authorities discovered in August he had not been seen for several years.

Gardai engaged in a weeks-long search in the Donabate area before his remains were found.

Irelands child and family agency, Tusla, had interacted with Daniels family but closed its engagement with his parents after a temporary fostering arrangement ended.

His case prompted a series of wellbeing checks carried out on thousands of Tusla files as well as a rapid review of the boys case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The alert over Daniels disappearance also came a year after Kyran Durnin, who would be nine years old this year if still alive, was reported missing from Co Louth.

Gardai launched a murder investigation last October into the disappearance of Kyran, who was potentially missing for two years unknown to authorities.

Tusla said it raised a significant concern about the missing child to police last August and launched an internal review about its engagement with Kyran and his family.

Gardai suspect that Kyran may have died in 2022 when he was six.
Introduction

In March 2025 the ECBs Governing Council created the High-Level Task Force on Simplification (HLTF) to develop recommendations for simplifying the European prudential regulatory, supervisory and reporting framework for banks. The HLTFs objective has been to identify undue complexities within the European regulatory, supervisory and reporting framework which may unnecessarily hamper the competitiveness of euro area banks and could place an excessive burden on them, potentially impeding their ability to provide services to the real economy. To address these complexities and the undue resulting burden on banks, the HLTF has formulated high-level policy recommendations, which are outlined in this report. The numbering of the recommendations does not indicate any specific order of priority.

The ECBs Governing Council endorsed the HLTF recommendations in December 2025.

Provided that the recommendations find support, operationalisation, impact analyses and effective implementation should take place in close cooperation with the relevant authorities in the European Union (EU), while also duly considering the impact this may have on Member States not participating in the Single Supervisory Mechanism. Under the steer of the European Commission, recommendations to simplify the regulatory and supervisory framework could be further developed by the European System of Central Banks, the Single Resolution Board (SRB), the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) and the European Banking Authority (EBA), with the ECB providing continued support. The operationalisation of recommendations to simplify the reporting framework that affect the European supervisory authorities (ESAs), the SRB, national competent authorities (NCAs), national central banks (NCBs) and the ECB should be developed in close cooperation with these authorities, also leveraging on the relevant initiatives and projects ongoing at the EBA, the ECB and the Joint Bank Reporting Committee (JBRC).

The high-level policy recommendations for simplification were formulated based on the following principles:

Resilience should be maintained  any proposal to change the EU prudential framework should sustain current levels of resilience.

 any proposal to change the EU prudential framework should sustain current levels of resilience. Effectiveness in meeting prudential objectives needs to be maintained  microprudential, macroprudential and resolution authorities should be able to meet their respective objectives in an effective manner and capture all relevant dimensions of risk.

 microprudential, macroprudential and resolution authorities should be able to meet their respective objectives in an effective manner and capture all relevant dimensions of risk. European harmonisation and financial integration should be fostered  proposals shall take a European perspective and aim to foster more harmonisation across Member States in areas where a lack of harmonisation is a source of complexity or inconsistency.

 proposals shall take a European perspective and aim to foster more harmonisation across Member States in areas where a lack of harmonisation is a source of complexity or inconsistency. International cooperation should be upheld  international standards and multilateral cooperation are crucial, and all jurisdictions should ensure full, timely and faithful implementation of Basel III.

In parallel with this report, the Governing Council welcomes the Supervisory Boards four-pronged reform agenda to further increase the efficiency, effectiveness and risk-based focus of prudential supervision. First, a reform of the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) is well advanced. Second, the objectives of the SREP reform are now being extended via the Next-level supervision project to areas such as decision making, internal models, capital related decisions, stress testing, reporting and on-site inspections. Third, a dedicated initiative is under way to further promote a unified supervisory culture within the SSM in line with the objectives of the supervisory reforms. Lastly, the ECB is improving its analytical tools to better assess the impact and effectiveness of its supervision. These reforms are intended to facilitate more in-depth scrutiny of the most material risks, while also allowing supervisors to take on new tasks and address emerging risks. The Governing Council welcomes the ECB Banking Supervision report entitled Streamlining supervision, safeguarding resilience, which outlines its initiatives to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and risk focus of supervision, as well as the ESRBs publication on the simplification of its tasks through legislative amendments.

The Governing Council strongly encourages the completion of banking union and the savings and investment union to reduce national fragmentation and allow for more efficient capital markets.

1 Proposals to simplify the regulatory framework

This section describes complexities in the existing regulatory framework and provides high-level recommendations to address them.

Reduce the number of elements in the risk-weighted and leverage ratio framework

The number of elements in the EUs risk-weighted (RW) and leverage ratio (LR) capital stack exceeds those foreseen by the Basel standards, potentially causing overlaps and inconsistencies. EU-specific elements are the Pillar 2 Requirements (P2R) and Pillar 2 Guidance (P2G)  which implement the Basel standard on supervisory review process[1]  the systemic risk buffer, macroprudential risk weight measures and the Pillar 2 leverage ratio add-ons (P2R-LR and P2G-LR). The variety of capital elements in place in the EU may decrease transparency and increase uncertainty as market participants face more challenges in assessing the capital framework, the overall level of requirements and the available capital headroom. Other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and the United States have fewer elements compared with the EU. Uncertainty and a lack of transparency also arise from differences in the way the tools are applied across countries.

Recommendation #1 proposes reducing the number of capital stack elements in the prudential framework. This could be achieved by merging the different capital buffers into two: a non-releasable buffer (merging the capital conservation buffer and the higher of the other systemically important institutions (O-SII) and global systemically important institutions (G-SII) buffers) and a releasable buffer (merging the countercyclical capital buffer and the systemic risk buffer). P2G would be kept separate, on top of the releasable buffer. Any reduction in the number of buffers must maintain the current allocation of macroprudential and microprudential powers and preserve the competencies of national and supranational authorities within the banking union. The calibration of all elements through clear common principles and methodologies, including a single exercise, would serve to avoid unwarranted overlaps or inconsistencies. This single exercise could be based among others on a modified EU-level stress test, reflecting European and national financial cycles and risks, as a starting point for the releasable buffer and the P2G. It should also avoid creating undue additional expectations.

In a similar vein, the leverage ratio framework in the EU consists of four elements, while the Basel III framework only has two. Merging or adjusting the EU-specific elements (P2G and P2R LR add-ons) would be one way to simplify this while maintaining Basel compliance. An option could be to have two elements: one LR minimum requirement and one LR buffer. For G-SIIs, the LR buffer would be floored at the Basel G-SIB LR buffer rate, while for other banks the LR buffer could in principle be set to zero. Mechanically linking the leverage ratio framework with the risk-based buffer framework could also be explored further; however, this would pose challenges in terms of capital neutrality and overall calibration.

This recommendation aims to reduce the complexity of the capital stacks, in particular the RW and LR stacks, which exceeds the complexity foreseen by the Basel framework. It would increase transparency and facilitate capital planning for banks and investors, particularly for banks operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Minimum requirements composed of the highest possible quality of capital, ensuring sufficient loss-absorbing capacity

The value added by including Additional Tier 1 (AT1) (and Tier 2) instruments in the going-concern capital stack has been questioned. The degree of going-concern loss-absorbing capacity[2] of AT1 instruments is unclear.

Recommendation #2 suggests that the going-concern loss-absorbing capacity of the capital stack could be improved by adjusting the design or the role of AT1 (and Tier 2) instruments. Two alternatives can be considered. First, the features of AT1 instruments could be enhanced to further ensure their loss-absorption capacity in going concern and provide additional clarity to banks and investors on the going-concern loss-absorption properties of AT1 instruments. This option would be Basel-compliant. It would not modify the role of AT1 (and Tier 2) instruments, and would therefore not reduce the overlap with gone-concern requirements. Alternatively, non-CET1 instruments could be completely removed from the going-concern capital stack. This could be achieved either by fully or partially replacing them with CET1 instruments or by eliminating them without any replacement in the going-concern framework. This alternative would (i) decrease the complexity in the going-concern framework, as only one type of instrument would have to be considered in going concern; and (ii) reduce the interplay between the different requirements. However, unless non-CET1 instruments were fully replaced with CET1 (implying a tightening of CET1 requirements), this alternative would raise difficult questions with regard to maintaining resilience and Basel compliance, potentially conflicting with the principles guiding the formulation of the high-level recommendations. In addition, irrespective of the calibration, it would lead to changes in the regulatory CET1 demand, raising questions of capital neutrality.

This recommendation aims to strengthen the quality of capital required under the EU regulatory framework, align the functioning of the going-concern capital stack with its intended purpose and thereby increase transparency for banks creditors.

A dedicated, prudent and materially simpler prudential regime for smaller banks, building on the existing EU regime and introducing significantly more proportionality

The Basel standards are designed for internationally active banks; the EU decided to apply them to all banks in an effort to achieve a unified regulatory framework. While the EU regime includes various ad hoc proportionality provisions, including for small and non-complex institutions (SNCIs)[3], the application of Basel standards to all banks might have given rise to undue complexity. Applicable rules for smaller banks may benefit from an approach which strikes a better balance between complexity and regulatory burden. In the EU, the package of revised rules on capital requirements for banks (the Capital Requirements Regulation II and the Capital Requirements Directive V) introduced the concept of SNCIs for institutions with less than 5 billion in total assets. Compared with other key jurisdictions (such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland), the level of proportionality provided to SNCIs is relatively limited. It focuses on reporting and does not disapply Basel risk-based capital requirements or triggers for distribution restrictions (maximum distributable amount (MDA)) in favour of simpler metrics. This may result in a mismatch between systemic relevance and regulatory costs in the EU.

Recommendation #3 proposes expanding the degree of proportionality in the EU under the existing SNCI regime in a prudent manner. This could be done, inter alia, by increasing the scope of eligible small banks through an increase of the 5 billion threshold of the SNCI regime, as well as extending the scope of the simplified rules. Institutions that would qualify as SNCIs, but that are deemed by the relevant competent authorities (CAs) inappropriate to be considered thus, owing for example to their systemic relevance in a particular Member State or their risk profile, should continue to fall under the current regime. In addition, institutions should have the possibility to opt out of the SNCI regime if they prefer to be covered by the regular regime. The recommendation does not propose a tailored regime for mid-sized banks. Inspiration may be taken from the Small and Domestic Deposit Takers regime in the United Kingdom, the Swiss small banks regime and the Community Bank Leverage Ratio regime in the United States, whereby only one prudential capital stack (LR or RW) is applied, Basel MDA triggers are not applicable and risk modules are simplified or removed. The new simpler regime would be harmonised and calibrated in a more conservative manner, to maintain resilience and ensure sufficient risk coverage, minimise potential contagion and avoid competitive distortions and potential regulatory arbitrage by banks.

In addition, recommendation #3 proposes regulatory changes to facilitate and further increase consistency in the application of the proportionality principle in supervision. Supervisory requirements for smaller institutions that currently apply differently across Member States could be harmonised. For instance, in the area of governance, harmonised, simpler requirements could be established in areas such as internal reporting, remuneration, outsourcing, risk committees, internal stress testing, recovery plans, management bodies and risk functions. Harmonising EU legislation to allow for lower frequencies and lower granularity for the SREP (and commensurately for banks internal capital and liquidity adequacy assessment processes) for SNCIs and less significant institutions[4], while continuing to allow the diversity of those institutions to be duly considered, would also contribute to the consistent application of proportionality by NCAs. The supervisory processes for determining which banks qualify as SNCIs, in view of the given regulatory criteria as recommended above, should also be harmonised. Any potential changes to support further proportionality in supervision should not be to the detriment of the key supervisory goals of ensuring the resilience and stability of individual institutions, nor of the financial system.

Complementing these changes, any simpler regime for smaller banks needs to be accompanied by a credible, flexible and efficient crisis management framework for these institutions. The political agreement reached at EU level on the Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance framework is a valuable step forward in this respect.

This recommendation aims to reduce the regulatory burden and compliance costs faced by smaller institutions.

Reciprocate macroprudential measures automatically, up to a threshold

The process of reciprocation of macroprudential measures by macroprudential authorities across different Member States is seen as complex by both authorities and banks.[5] Authorities find the procedures for voluntary reciprocity lengthy and the recognition of heterogeneous measures by Member States complex. Banks struggle to assess which measures to apply to their capital requirements, as reciprocated measures are often communicated through different outlets. Reciprocated measures can come as a surprise to banks, adding to the perception that they are piling up in a piecemeal manner.

Recommendation #4 proposes reciprocating measures automatically up to a certain threshold, combined with, and conditional on, a more standardised application of macroprudential tools. It should also be ensured that bank exposures subject to the measures are identified based on harmonised common reporting templates (COREP and FINREP), so that both banks and reciprocating macroprudential authorities can easily access and apply them. Without prejudice to the spirit of this recommendation, its implementation should not result in an undue burden on banks when a reciprocated macroprudential measure would only apply to very small exposures. In addition, it is proposed that the ESRB communicate semi-annually about the existing and new reciprocated measures that banks need to apply to their capital requirements. Importantly, the proposal hinges on a more consistent and harmonised application of prudential tools within the EU. Otherwise, automatic reciprocity of heterogeneously applied tools may lead to inconsistency and double counting of risks.

This recommendation would alleviate the burden on banks, as communication on reciprocation would be clearer. For authorities, this would result in simplification, as lengthy reciprocation processes would be removed.

Align the MREL and TLAC frameworks more closely  without reducing gone-concern resources  and review their interactions with the going-concern framework

The gone-concern framework defines a wide variety of parallel requirements that also interact with the going-concern framework. In particular, G-SIBs face several resolution requirements, as they comply with total loss-absorbing capacity (TLAC) requirements, minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) and subordinated MREL, which are simultaneously expressed in risk-weighted and unweighted terms. In addition, as CET1, AT1 and Tier 2 capital can be used in parallel in the going and gone-concern stack, the frameworks interact. This leads to complex issues resulting in constrained buffer usability, which can also arise owing to interactions between the risk-weighted and leverage ratio prudential requirements independently of MREL/TLAC. It can also lead to difficulties in assessing the interrelations between the different MDA triggers and minimum requirements.

Recommendation #5 proposes aligning the MREL and TLAC frameworks more closely  without reducing gone-concern resources  while reviewing their interactions with the going-concern framework. An option for aligning the MREL and TLAC frameworks would be to reduce the number of elements and stacks in the MREL framework, while remaining compliant with the international standards set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Financial Stability Board, maintaining the current level of gone-concern resources. Access to additional funds also needs to be ensured. MREL could consist of a uniform floor  calibrated at the level of the TLAC requirement  and a bank-specific component determined by the resolution authority on top. A lower number of stacks would reduce the complexity related to the multiple distribution restrictions in the MREL framework. It would also limit undue interactions between the going and gone-concern frameworks.

The recommendations aim to increase the transparency and predictability of the requirements, reducing monitoring costs for banks and investors and mitigating unwarranted interactions.

Refocus from directives to regulations and review the number of level 2 and 3 mandates

Continued reliance on directives creates heterogeneity in the applicable law and disparities in how institutions are supervised across the EU. Alongside regulations, the Single Rulebook for banking also relies on directives, such as the Capital Requirements Directive and the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. In contrast to regulations, directives need to be transposed into national law, which can lead to significant heterogeneity in the applicable law and can thereby also complicate cross-border banking. In addition, the Single Rulebook also consists of numerous level 2 (delegated and implementing) and level 3 (soft law) acts which further detail the requirements set in level 1 texts (directives and regulations). Although these level 2 and 3 acts fulfil an important role in terms of harmonising supervisory practices across the EU, they also add complexity and have grown in number and level of detail.[6]

Recommendation #6 proposes refocusing EU prudential law from directives to regulations, increasing harmonisation and regulatory transparency, and streamlining level 2 and 3 acts. More use of regulations would prevent a heterogenous transposition into national law. It would facilitate uniform supervision and cross-border banking, benefiting in particular banks that operate across various jurisdictions and their investors. Applying regulations would also help harmonise the legal basis for using supervisory guidance and expectations within the EU. A thorough review of level 2 and 3 acts and their implementation would reduce the level of prescriptiveness of some acts; this may thus increase the level of supervisory discretion.

This recommendation would make the legal framework more comprehensible, lowering barriers to entry as well as reducing the regulatory burden on banks. On the other hand, transitioning from directives to regulations would limit national discretion and flexibility. The recommendation suggests moving in this direction, while being conscious of the trade-offs involved.

Simplify the EU-wide stress test methodology and increase the usefulness of results, from both a system-wide and bank-specific perspective

In the EU, the EBA-led bank solvency stress test has become a complex and resource-intense exercise. The EU-wide stress test is a constrained two-yearly bottom-up stress test. It is backed by (i) a complex and binding methodology updated under the aegis of the EBA and (ii) an adverse scenario designed by the ESRB. The exercise relies on granular data collections, with banks submitting two profit and loss projections which are quality assured by ECB and NCA staff. The resource footprint for the exercise has grown over time both for authorities and banks.

Recommendation #7 calls for the simplification of the EU-wide stress test, streamlining the methodology and increasing the usefulness of results from both a system-wide and bank-specific perspective. A simplification of the stress test should result in a more efficient process for both banks and authorities. The adequacy of the EU-wide stress test should be reassessed against recommendations #1 and #8, which call for common tools informing micro- and macroprudential requirements. Any reform should be based on a clear and agreed direction of travel, for instance in terms of goals, overall approach (in particular bottom-up versus top-down) and use of results. Changes would need to consider various issues: (i) the risks captured by the stress test, (ii) the scenario, (iii) the methodology, including for example how to develop an increasingly top-down approach, (iv) the granularity of the data and their alignment with existing reporting, (v) the frequency of the exercise, (vi) simplifications in the quality assurance process, and (vii) the role of banks, including the required degree of transparency.

The recommendation aims to reduce the compliance costs of the current EU-wide stress test for both banks and authorities, while increasing the usefulness of the results from both a system-wide and bank-specific perspective.

A European governance mechanism whereby the Governing Council of the ECB takes a holistic view on the overall level of capital demand within and across banking union

The EU has a complex governance structure for banks, with no authority mandated to provide a holistic assessment of overall capital requirements. Within the SSM, the ECB supervises significant institutions, while national supervisory authorities execute supervisory decisions and supervise less significant institutions. Macroprudential supervision is a shared responsibility between national authorities and the ECB, with the ECB being able to top up any macroprudential measures applied by the national authorities. Authorities apply different approaches and calibration methods when setting requirements and buffers. As prudential policy mandates for banks are spread across numerous authorities in the EU, a holistic assessment of micro- and macroprudential requirements, with a view to identifying unwarranted overlaps and/or unaddressed risks, is lacking. Moreover, if the number of buffers is reduced as proposed under recommendation #1, clear common principles and criteria for setting different buffers would be essential to avoid fragmentation.

Recommendation #8 proposes making the ECB Governing Council responsible for taking a holistic view of the overall level of capital demand within and across the banking union, while fully adhering to the principle of separation. While macroprudential policy decisions should remain at national level, with possible top-up measures by the ECB, and the ECBs supervisory powers should remain unchanged, there is a need for increased coordination and a process whereby the overall level of capital demand and cross-country heterogeneities can be discussed from a qualitative angle. This could be done by augmenting the role of the Macroprudential Forum, which already brings together the Governing Council and the Supervisory Board to discuss matters of joint relevance. Leveraging on the Macroprudential Forum would also avoid the multiplication of bureaucratic layers, while keeping the separation principle intact. After hearing the views of the SRB and the ESRB, the Macroprudential Forum would perform a qualitative assessment of the adequacy and appropriateness of the overall level of capital requirements and buffers imposed on the SSM banking sector, abstracting from individual bank-level decisions. The assessment should rely on common methodologies and guidelines, including stress testing, to assess the level of heterogeneity in capital decisions and to foster greater coordination and consistency in setting micro- and macroprudential instruments across jurisdictions. Better coordination and more consistency would themselves constitute a considerable simplification.

In a similar vein to recommendation #1, this recommendation would increase transparency and facilitate capital planning for banks and investors, although it would also increase the number of interactions across authorities. Open issues regarding this recommendation include whether  and how  to address interactions with countries that do not participate in the SSM, as well as what mechanism the Governing Councils findings would be implemented through.

Finalise the savings and investment union  including completion of the banking union  to foster cross-border integration and allow for more efficient capital markets

Relative to other large markets, EU banks face a competitive disadvantage owing to the lack of scale that results from an incomplete Single Market. Banking union has not been finalised, as a European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS) is lacking, and insolvency law is fragmented, which complicates cross-border banking. As the European single market for banks has not been finalised, banks face obstacles with regard to market integration and cross-border consolidation, and the share of European banks that are active on a European scale remains low. In particular, the incomplete single market for banks hampers EU competitiveness in a digitalised world, as it results in unexploited potential in terms of economies of scale and cross-border business. Furthermore, the EU lacks deep capital markets, hindering the ability of EU companies to finance innovation.

Recommendation #9 encourages the finalisation of the savings and investment union, including completion of banking union, to reduce national fragmentation and allow for more efficient capital markets. This includes taking concrete steps towards the finalisation of EDIS, with a clear timetable for implementation, and fostering deeper capital markets by progressing on the savings and investment union. To lay the foundations for increasing cross-border banking, the completion of banking union should facilitate other measures that support integrated and efficient risk management at consolidated level. This will enable capital and liquidity to flow within banking groups in the banking union.

This recommendation aims at breaking down national fragmentation by progressing on these EU priorities with a view to making conducting business within the EU simpler. This would allow firms to concentrate on welfare-improving business and ensure more efficiency, benefiting banks, investors and the European economy.

2 Proposals to simplify the supervisory framework

This section makes recommendations for legislative changes that would further increase the efficiency, effectiveness and risk-based focus of European supervision.

Strengthen and complete the EU Single Rulebook to simplify supervision and help deepen the internal market in banking

Divergent national laws, regulations and administrative codes add to the complexity of European supervisory processes. When carrying out its tasks and exercising its powers, the ECB applies relevant Union law, which consists of directly applicable regulations, for example the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR), but also national laws that transpose directives, for example, national law provisions transposing the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD). This includes the exercise of specific supervisory powers, granted under national law to national competent and designated authorities, which fall within the scope of the ECBs tasks and underpin a supervisory function under Union law.[7]

Despite some progress, national powers are not yet fully harmonised at European level. In addition, European prudential legislation contains certain options and discretions that permit Member States to apply diverging national prudential requirements, including for those institutions directly supervised by the ECB. In some cases, these options and discretions may not be warranted or may have undesirable consequences (for example, impeding integrated risk management at a consolidated level in the EU). More generally, disparate national standards not only add to the complexity of supervision but also raise costs for banks operating on a cross-border basis. They can also impede integrated risk management at a consolidated European level.

Recommendation #10 proposes strengthening and completing the Single Rulebook to simplify and harmonise supervisory practices and help deepen the internal market in banking.[8] This should involve reducing the complexity arising from diverging national powers, taking into account the recommendations made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the recent euro area Financial Sector Assessment Program review. In particular, implementing the IMFs recommendations to further harmonise rules concerning licensing, qualifying holdings, governance, fit and proper assessments of bank managers and transactions with related parties could alleviate some of the complexity of the applicable law for supervising euro area banks.[9] It should also involve a structured review of options and discretions assigned to Member States in the CRR, CRD, BRRD and associated level 2 or 3 legislation, with a view to enabling further legislative harmonisation while also respecting the need to cater for national specificities. In addition, the review could also consider whether certain provisions currently set in directives, such as those pertaining to the provision of financial services by third-country providers or related to qualified holding procedures, could be established in directly applicable regulation. Strengthening and completing the Single Rulebook should be achieved at all levels, including level 2 and 3 legislation.

Building on recommendation #9, which calls for the completion of banking union and significant progress on the savings and investment union, further regulatory steps towards harmonisation would significantly simplify the supervisory framework and support effective risk management of cross-border groups.

Increase the risk focus of supervision by changing the level of prescriptiveness of regulation governing supervisory processes

While the current regulatory framework in the EU provides a sound basis for prudential supervision, in some instances regulation is very prescriptive regarding supervisory processes and the frequencies with which certain activities must be performed. While this approach provides a high level of legal certainty for all stakeholders, fixed frequencies and prescriptive requirements can result in supervisory processes not always being well aligned with underlying risks.

Recommendation #11 proposes reconsidering the level of prescriptiveness of legislation governing supervisory processes to identify areas where more risk-based approaches can be implemented. Such reconsideration should not create gaps in terms of risk management and coverage, nor reduce the resilience of individual banks or the banking system. Examples include reviewing mandatory activities and frequencies related to internal models, including the compulsory review of internal models every three years pursuant to Article 101(1) of the CRD. Similar provisions can be found in the relation to the supervision of market risk (Article 325c of the CRR). Greater flexibility to determine minimum frequencies for stress testing, in line with banks risk profiles or other relevant considerations, could also support a more efficient allocation of bank (and supervisory) resources. The obligation to undergo binding supervisory approval processes in specific areas could also be reviewed. This could include removing requirements for banks to obtain certain prior supervisory permission for changes to their own funds.[10] Furthermore, the requirement established under Article 11 of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation for CAs to provide entity-specific approval for the use of industry-wide initial margin models for over-the-counter derivatives transactions, after these models have already been validated by the EBA, could be replaced by a simpler non-objection requirement.[11] Regardless of any changes affecting the frequency of supervisory processes or requirements for supervisory approval, the ECB reiterates that banks will remain responsible and accountable for ensuring their own resilience and effective governance and risk management.

The work of the EBA in reviewing existing and upcoming level 2 and 3 instruments is closely related to this recommendation and is fully endorsed. More specifically, this includes reviewing the Regulatory Technical Standard on Assessment Methodology to allow CAs more flexibility in selecting appropriate methods when reviewing internal models. In addition, the review of the Regulatory Technical Standard on model changes, which governs what material changes require prior permission from CAs, could also allow for more risk-based supervision of internal models.

This recommendation aims to increase the risk-focus of supervision, thereby reducing administrative costs for banks on lower-risk issues.

3 Proposals to simplify the reporting framework

This section describes complexities in the existing reporting framework and provides high-level recommendations to address them.

Request once: step up coordination and data sharing among key stakeholders to avoid redundancy in data requests

Effective coordination among key stakeholders, including the ESAs, SRB, NCAs, NCBs and the ECB (both in its supervisory and central banking function) is key to streamlining data requests and reducing reporting costs for financial institutions. Improved data sharing between authorities could help minimise overlapping data requests, addressing a long-standing concern raised by the banking industry  one that the ECB and the EBA have addressed by establishing the Joint Bank Reporting Committee (JBRC). The ECB has also implemented the horizontal reporting requests process to ensure that data collection requests are necessary, proportionate and well drafted. This process minimises reporting costs for banks while making sure data quality remains high. Moving forward, the ECB will strengthen internal coordination and collaboration with NCAs. Additionally, the ECB will improve its change management process, with a particular focus on early planning and consultation with other authorities and the industry through the JBRC. These efforts will avoid duplication, ensure effective coordination and create a more efficient and harmonised reporting framework.

Recommendation #12 proposes encouraging European authorities to foster mutual data sharing, for example by operationalising the Better Data Sharing Regulation. Additionally, it advocates promoting, through an EBA-led change management process, a regular coordination of EU-level data collections[12] (including, as appropriate, via the JBRC under common rules of procedure). The recommendation suggests that the European Commission propose targeted level 1 amendments[13] fostering the sharing of supervisory data among CAs, leading to a reduction in the need to make overlapping data requests to the financial industry, including the banking sector. The overarching coordination mechanism for data collection across the ECB, ESAs, SRB, NCAs and NCBs should promote early-stage alignment and harmonised data definitions (including, where appropriate, via the JBRC) while also strengthening the mechanisms for sharing data among authorities, including the ESRB.

National data collections affecting LSIs would remain under the national remit and be managed by NCAs. These collections would follow a sound local process, implemented in accordance with harmonised highlevel principles, in line with those applied by ECB Banking Supervision.

The objective would be to ensure that data collections are of material value for the supervisory mandate and are based on a need-to-have (rather than a nice-to-have) principle. They should be proportionate for banks, avoiding excessive burden and undue compliance costs, and should be designed with a long-term, transparent strategy to minimise frequent adjustments and implementation costs. The relevance of ad hoc requests should also be assessed based on the same principles. These efforts are essential to avoiding redundancy, increasing efficiency and ensuring the consistent use of reported information, all without compromising the flexibility needed to address urgent, crisis-driven data needs or specific data needs that may arise for CAs at a European and national level where data are not available within the harmonised reporting framework.

Report once: establish an integrated reporting system applicable across domains to eliminate redundancy and facilitate the multi-purpose use of data

The initiatives recently launched in the bank reporting domain constitute a paradigm shift in the way quantitative data will be collected from financial agents.[14] An integrated reporting system, whereby the same single dataset is utilised for both statistical and prudential purposes, could be considered a first use case at European level.

Recommendation #13 proposes formulating a long-term vision within the JBRC, which would include monitoring the progress of initiatives to establish a fully integrated reporting system at European level for statistical, prudential and resolution purposes. This recommendation suggests that the European Commission support the JBRC in its role as facilitator of the integration process by making sufficient resources available. The JBRC should help develop a consensual way forward to a fully integrated reporting system, leveraging on ongoing initiatives[15]. It should also be tasked with monitoring the progress accomplished.

This recommendation would effectively increase standardisation in bank reporting and guarantee a redundancy-free collection of data from the onset. Given its greater similarities with banks internal information systems, such a granular reporting framework could contain compliance costs and bolster acceptance among reporting agents.

Resubmit less: reduce the number of data resubmissions required from banks to lower their administrative costs

Resubmissions represent a significant challenge for banks today, particularly the requirement to resubmit reports for even minor amounts. Current legal frameworks lack clear provisions for immaterial deviations or acceptable tolerances, leading to an unnecessary administrative burden. Introducing exemptions for immaterial revisions is key to reducing reporting costs and allowing banks to direct their resources more effectively towards core reporting tasks. This would increase operational efficiency and provide greater flexibility in how banks fulfil their reporting obligations. In parallel, the ECB has long considered risk data aggregation and reporting to be a supervisory priority, focusing on improving banks ability to effectively manage and report their risks and on remediating shortcomings in their internal information.

In collaboration with the EBA and NCAs, the ECB is developing a proposal to introduce materiality thresholds for supervisory reporting. Under this recommendation, banks will not be required to resubmit reports when the difference between the initially reported data and the revised values fall below predefined materiality thresholds. These thresholds are expected to increase reporting efficiency for banks, avoid unnecessary monitoring costs  especially for smaller institutions  and maintain the expected data quality standards. In addition, the increased coverage and use of the voluntary Banking Integrated Reporting Dictionary (BIRD) has the potential to improve the quality of the data reported, thereby reducing errors and, consequently, resubmissions.

Recommendation #14 proposes defining a supervisory tolerance margin for minor errors to be disregarded. This recommendation suggests that, through level 1 regulation, the European Commission and the legislators give the EBA the mandate to define materiality thresholds or supervisory tolerance margins for minor reporting errors, taking into account the industrys experience. This would exempt immaterial corrections from resubmission requirements, allowing financial institutions to allocate their resources more effectively to core reporting tasks. This definition and its implementation could leverage on existing initiatives, such as the materiality framework for supervisory data currently being discussed at the ECB, and should be developed by both the ECB and the EBA. The process should adhere to the principles of relevance, simplicity and proportionality. In addition, the effort required to determine whether the thresholds have been met should not outweigh the benefit they are intended to deliver.

This recommendation is intended to support the development of a more efficient and proportionate reporting system by reducing compliance costs and contributing to a more effective allocation of supervisory resources, ultimately strengthening efficiency in the European banking sector.

More transparency: regular and structured publication of reporting initiatives to increase transparency and reduce redundant data requests

Publishing a list of data collections would provide full transparency on existing reporting requirements to all stakeholders, including the banking industry. Transparency is key in reducing overall administrative costs and enhancing operational efficiency. It fosters closer cooperation among authorities  such as the ECB, ESAs, SRB, NCAs and NCBs  as stipulated in the Better Data Sharing Regulation. It also strengthens accountability and discipline among data collection requesters by introducing stronger governance and the potential for public scrutiny.

In cooperation with the NCAs, the ECB has developed an SSM repository of data collections (referred to as the SSM-wide data collection database). This database is currently mainly focused on supervisory data requested from significant institutions. It facilitates the monitoring of data collections by (i) avoiding duplicative reporting and (ii) supporting work to integrate reporting frameworks. In the future, in alignment with the Better Data Sharing Regulation, the repository can be extended to include countries outside European banking supervision, additional (non-banking) data collections and other authorities. The publication of any list of data collections would require the development of definitions and principles that are fully harmonised and consistent across Member States.

Recommendation #15 proposes publishing an inventory of non-market sensitive reporting requirements imposed on banks. Without introducing additional complexity to data collection processes themselves, the European Commission should, either directly or by mandating the relevant authorities through level 1 regulation, ensure the publication of an inventory of all reporting requirements imposed on banks, including ad hoc requests outside of the established reporting frameworks. Such an inventory should only include data collections which are not market sensitive. The ECBs publication of the SSM-wide data collection database can be considered as one additional step towards the establishment of the Integrated Reporting System (a single contact point for entities to indicate instances of duplicative, redundant or obsolete reporting or disclosure requirements) as stipulated in the Better Data Sharing Regulation. European authorities could leverage on existing tools, such as the ECBs SSM-wide database, as a first step towards a more integrated solution. This solution could be expanded to include (i) countries not participating in the SSM and (ii) resolution data collections and authorities (such as the SRB) and non-banking supervisory data collections and authorities (such as the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, the European Securities and Markets Authority and the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism).

By avoiding duplicative reporting and supporting work on integrated reporting frameworks, this recommendation aims to reduce the reporting burden on banks.

Review regularly: a coordinated, periodic review of reporting requirements to ensure they remain relevant and adequate

The continuous increase in reporting requirements is partly driven by the fact that existing data collections at both national and European level are rarely terminated. While authorities often have arrangements in place that clarify the process for initiating data requests (see also recommendation #12), obligations and procedures to periodically and independently validate the necessity of existing reporting requirements are often underdeveloped or missing from the change management process. Furthermore, existing frameworks lack the objective criteria necessary to support such need to keep assessments. Over time, the accumulation of requirements not only increases institutions compliance costs but also creates a perception of reluctance on the part of the authorities to streamline or retire irrelevant or outdated data collections, potentially leading to reputational risks for the issuing authorities.

Recommendation #16 proposes establishing explicit obligations to conduct periodic assessments to validate the relevance and up-to-dateness of reporting requirements, based on objective criteria. Through amendments to existing legal acts, the European Commission and co-legislators should require supervisory authorities issuing permanent reporting requirements to adapt their existing processes to include regular need to keep reviews. For example, the Implementing Technical Standard on supervisory reporting, which is amended following a predefined release calendar, could incorporate such periodic reviews. To maintain the necessary level of stability in reporting requirements, such assessments could be conducted every three to five years. A coordinated approach towards the decommissioning of outdated requirements could be achieved via the JBRC, ensuring broad representation and alignment among the European authorities responsible for issuing reporting requirements.

The aim of this recommendation is to reduce the reporting burden on banks by terminating redundant or no longer relevant reporting requirements.

Reform public disclosure: increase consistency between European reporting and disclosure requirements and extend the Pillar 3 Data Hub to bring bank disclosure into the digital age

The content of data reported to the authorities and disclosed to the public is often identical. However, the current EU prudential reporting and disclosure frameworks co-exist in isolation in terms of data transmission processes. Currently, in addition to transmitting supervisory reporting data, each bank is required to publish its own Pillar 3 disclosure report. Supervisory authorities then reconcile these reports with the supervisory reporting data, a process that also requires manual data handling. This parallel transmission system results in double reporting, thereby violating the report once principle. The forthcoming Pillar 3 Data Hub (P3DH) will simplify such transmission mechanisms by centrally storing and disseminating banks Pillar 3 data. For SNCIs, the EBA will directly derive disclosure data from banks supervisory reporting submissions. However, for non-SNCIs, the parallel transmission process for supervisory and disclosure data will remain in place, retaining the risk of inconsistencies and falling short of harnessing the full potential offered by digitalisation.

Recommendation #17 proposes fundamentally reforming the EU public disclosure process by terminating the parallel transmission of supervisory and disclosure data. Through amendments to existing level 1 regulation, the European Commission and co-legislators can bring forward the legislative proposal provided for by Article 434c of CRR3 by extending the EBAs mandate to derive P3 data from supervisory reporting for all banks and increase the coherence of supervisory reporting and disclosure frameworks more broadly. The principle that public disclosure data should strictly form a subset of supervisory reporting data should be enshrined in level 1 regulation. In the same vein, the usefulness of certain very detailed level 1 disclosure (and thus reporting) requirements (for example, in the area of internal model credit risk exposures) for smaller banks should be revaluated and eventually cut, while retaining compliance with the Basel principles (see also recommendation #5). This recommendation is in line with international best practices, such as the United States entity-level regulatory disclosure framework.

This recommendation aims at lowering the reporting burden on banks by reducing double reporting.
Violent threats were made against a psychiatric unit consultant by a man who turned up outside, saying he would slit her throat.

A total sentence of six months was imposed yesterday on Craig OSullivan, aged 30, of 24 Curraheen Drive, Bishopstown, Cork, for several charges including this threat:

Tell her, inside, I know where shed be Shed be across in Wilton. Ill drag her down a laneway where there is no camera and dig the head off her and slit her throat.

This threat was made  not to the person to whom reference was made  outside the acute mental health unit of CUH.

The same man came to the attention of gardai when it was reported that he was arguing with someone on his phone and was seen in possession of a knife at a Chinese restaurant. He admitted being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others and being in possession of a knife at Wilton Willow, Cardinal Way, Bishopstown, Cork.

Garda Kate McCarthy said gardai responded to a call to the restaurant at 6.30pm on August 28. On arrival, staff told Garda Kate McCarthy they had not been robbed, but a man sitting in the waiting area was in possession of a knife.

When gardai went to search him, the accused said: I only had the knife for someone else, I wasnt going to rob the place.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said the defendant was pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity and was keen to put these matters behind him.
A two-month-jail term was imposed on a drunken man for his threatening behaviour, and the judge said it was aggravated by the fact he had been taken by ambulance to hospital.

Judge Mary Dorgan said she was also taking account of the fact that Craig OSullivan, aged 30, of 24 Curraheen Drive, Bishopstown, Cork, had a lot of previous convictions for engaging in threatening behaviour.

This latest incident occurred at Mercy University Hospital in Cork on October 12.

In the early hours of that morning gardai received a report of a man causing a disturbance in the hospital. The man had been brought in by ambulance and became aggressive on arrival towards paramedics and nursing staff.

The man was unable to provide his name and address, unable to stand on his own due to his level of intoxication, there was a strong smell of alcohol from him, and his speech was slurred.

As they interacted with him he began shouting slurs and cursing at gardai when doctors, nurses, and patients were present in the area.

He pleaded guilty to charges of drunken and threatening behaviour.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said of the accused: He is looking a lot better than when I last saw him. He has rehabilitated well in prison. He is highly motivated.
Cork County Council has announced it is postponing a road closure in East Cork after a local TD said that there has been traffic chaos in the area since the installation of problematic new traffic lights.

Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide told The Echo that Lakeview roundabout in Midleton was a huge issue in his constituency of Cork East.

He said: It is extremely frustrating for commuters who are left stewing in traffic queues as they are trying to get to work or to school.

The frustration of commuters reached boiling point last Friday, with an announcement from Cork County Council that part of the Bailick Rd would be closed from January to July 2026 to facilitate an extension of the active travel scheme, he said. He contacted the roads director of Cork County Council to ask for a delay to the closure, due to it coinciding with school term and commencing in the winter when road conditions are most severe.

A Cork County Council spokesperson told The Echo that every effort has been made through the phasing of the works to avoid the need for temporary road closures during the construction of this scheme. However, given the constraints that exist on the junction of the R630 and L3621 and along the L3621, it is necessary to temporarily close the junction to safely construct the works.

They said they amended the proposed temporary road closure after consultations, and it will now be in effect from March to June 2026.

It comes amid other recent issues with traffic in this area, Mr Quaide said, explaining that the installation of traffic lights on the R630 has been the main recent factor.

He said: The lights are operating on fixed intervals instead of responding to actual traffic flow. The council has installed fibre optic connections that will allow the lights to communicate with each other and facilitate much better traffic flow, but these cannot be turned on until the road is resurfaced.

The council is prevented from resurfacing the road by Uisce Eireanns prolonged delays laying a water connection to a new housing estate near the Lakeview Roundabout.

A spokesperson for Uisce Eireann told The Echo that phase one of the works are complete, and that they are currently liaising with the local roads authority to complete remedial reinstatement works along the route prior to final completion, proposed for January.

Phase two includes a further 250m of upgrade, currently at site investigation stage, with upgrade works expected to commence in March.
A new book exploring the international dimensions of the Irish struggle for independence has been published by Cork University Press.

The Irish Revolution: Diplomacy and Reactions, 19191923, is edited by Dermot Keogh (late emeritus professor of history at UCC), Owen McGee (author of several histories of Ireland in international relations and graduate of UCD and UCC) and Mervyn ODriscoll (head of the School of History at UCC and specialist in international affairs).

The book covers key themes such as examining how Irish revolutionaries, unable to secure direct government support abroad, used unconventional diplomatic strategies to influence foreign public opinion and indirectly pressure world governments.

The activities of Irish envoys, as they lobbied for recognition of Dail Eireann in European capitals, the United States, and within the British Commonwealth, are traced in the book.

The book highlights the global repercussions of Terence MacSwineys hunger strike, propaganda networks, and the mobilisation of the Irish diaspora. In, addition, the influence of Catholic networks, women volunteers, and commercial trade envoys in advancing the Irish cause is examined.

The 560-page book includes 14 specific essays which are organised into thematic sections.

By reconsidering its international dimension, this book locates the Irish revolution within a background of post war settlements which were not only contested, but also remained comparatively fluid.

Cultural repercussions of the Irish struggle are also examined in the book, at a time of growing international debate about small, emergent states and the existence of contested state boundaries arising from the upending of the old international order caused by the First World War.
On my way to Lourdes last week, I was thinking about the great debate at the Council of Trent, 1545-1563 and later the theological disagreement between the Franciscans and the Dominicans. The cause of all their consternation was the question of the Immaculate Conception. According to the Bible, Joachim and Anne were the parents of Mary who gave birth to Jesus. The theologians and Doctors of the Church argued and debated for centuries as to whether Mary was conceived and born with no stain of sin on her -a fairly lively subject without a doubt. Eventually and finally in the Year of Our Lord 1854 Pope Pius the Ninth decided that enough was enough and he made a pronouncement on the subject. On December 8 of that year the Pope, through the medium of the Papal Bull Ineffalibis Deus ,declared that the Immaculate Conception was now and forever more official Church policy. So the Dogma of the infallible Immaculate Conception of Mary was promulgated by the Vatican. Whew! - try explain all that mystical and previously mythical theological position to the Catholic population on a worldwide basis in 1854.

Fast forward four years later when a young, sickly, illiterate and uneducated 14 year-old girl started seeing a Lady in a rocky hollow near a stream in a boggy French valley. The visions began on February 11 at Massabiele in the little town of Lourdes. Few thought that Bernadette Soubirous was telling the truth. They said she was mad, sad or just bad! Yet day after day the girl was seemingly drawn back to the spot where she knelt when she first saw the Lady. Day after day she went back and soon news of her supposed visions was the only item of conversation in the sleepy little town of Lourdes. The Police and Church authorities tried to persuade her from gong to the isolated place. Jacomet, the Police Commissioner, attempted to barricade the area and keep away the ever-increasing crowds coming each day. In response to a request from the Lady, young Bernadette goes on her knees and eats grass and then washes her face in a muddy pool. The onlookers laugh and shake their heads thinking that truly the little girl is mentally ill or unwell in some other manner. But when the muddy pool turns into a spring of clean bubbling water they are amazed and astounded. Eventually a local priest tells Bernadette to ask her to tell you her name In reply to the question the Lady replies I am the Immaculate Conception -these were strange and unintelligible words to Bernadette, she had never heard this phrase before. She went back to the presbytery whilst all the time repeating I am the Immaculate Conception. She met Fr. Peyramale and on listening to her telling what the Lady had said the priest was now convinced that Bernadette was not a liar, a cheat or practical joker but had indeed seen and talked to Our Lady.

That was 167 years ago. Since then hundreds of millions of people-sceptics, believers and curious observers have visited Lourdes. I am just one of that multitudinous throng that has gone back again and again.

In June each year when I go to the Village of St. Bernadette with the Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage, the place is thronged and its busy, busy, busy with queues for everything  from confessions to cafes, churches to Stations of the Cross. Its so different in December. It was cold and dry for the early part of last week in the South of France and then it lashed rain for two days but the weather makes little difference in Lourdes. It was busier than normal for early December with several small parish pilgrimages -many from faraway places like Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

I flew from Cork to Stanstead early on the Monday morning. I must be getting shook because two Ryanair crew members asked sir, do you need assistance? when I was leaving the plane! After a two-hour stopover in London I arrived in Tarbes airport, outside Lourdes, in mid-afternoon. A bus trip for 1 took me into the town centre. It was 4.30pm, French time, so I headed up Rue de Grotte to the Poor Clare Convent. The doorkeeper, Sr. Fatima, was outside fixing up Christmas lights. She seemed a bit aloof when I first met her nearly 20 years ago but now were great friends. A greeting and warm handshake and soon I was in the tiny beautiful convent Church awaiting 5pm evening Mass. Maybe a dozen or so attended -always beautiful, delicate and heavenly singing. You go into the Church in daylight and come out in darkness.

After I checked into the San Saveur Hotel I headed for the Grotto. A cold breeze was blowing up from the river Gave but the sight of the Crowned Virgin statue brings a warm and welcoming feeling. Though December, some of the hundreds of lovely white roses are still clinging to their vines. I followed the silver lines on the ground to the Grotto-the lines indicate the course of the original stream in 1858. And there it is -the statue of Our Lady high up on the rocky niche where Bernadette first saw the Lady all those days, months, years and decades ago. A tile marks the spot where she knelt on February 11 and I kneel there on December 1. There were maybe 25 others at the Grotto that Monday evening.

I cross the river then to the lumiere - the Chapel of Light across from the Grotto.

So many have asked for prayers and to light a candle for me. I think of them all as I watch the candles I lit send their flame and smoke upwards. I know one prayer is as good as another and I dont feel proud or smug to be here on this special night- just lucky and privileged.

My prayers have no more power than those of anyone else yet I am thankful to be here in this special place. For awhile across the river I am all alone but not lonesome.

For the next four days I had a kind of pattern 9.30am mass in the Rosary Basilica, followed by the water gesture at the Baths, then the lower Stations. At Mass each morning I meet Frances from Dublin. She has lived here in Lourdes with many years and takes charge of the singing and the hymn books daily. She always addresses me with hello my young man from Cork which makes me feel years younger! I was staying in the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis so most days I had a bite to eat in the middle of the day at The Little Flower- a great haunt of Irish pilgrims in Lourdes over the years. On Tuesday I sent postcards, got Masses said, more candles. I visited the old disused prison- the cachot where Bernadette and her family lived in 1858. I helped Sr Fatima take in eight heavy boxes of groceries from a delivery van. She gave me the key to the Community Cemetery. As I promised I would I sang  The Banks by the grave of the Irish nun Sr Marie Terese O Connell.

By the Grotto on Wednesday morning, I hear Hello John, howre you? It was Frank Lynch from Dublin. He has a house near Lourdes and Id met him a few years back. Joined a mother and daughter from Sri Lanka and two Filipinos now living in America for the Rosary in English at 3pm at the Grotto. On Thursday, wasnt I glad Id brought a plastic poncho with me -it bucketed all day but I still managed to get my rounds done. From Thursday on, more and more hotels, shops, bars and cafes were opening in anticipation of a huge weekend influx before December 8 last Monday.

Friday afternoon, I said goodbye at the Grotto and waved farewell to the Crowned Virgin. I walked the mile to the Bus Station en route to Tarbes Airport, Stanstead, Cork and Bartlemy.

Great to have been in Lourdes in December and great to be home.
Ottoline Spearman

Irelands hosting of the EU Presidency next year has been called into question following the release of a new report that questions the country's ability to protect itself against various emerging threats.

The research released on Thursday said that there is a "considerable degree of concern over whether Ireland has the capabilities required to secure and protect itself against threats", warning that the State may have to look to neighbours for security assistance.

Ireland is set to take up the Presidency of the EU next year, beginning in July, but the report cautioned that "hostile actors amy may use this as an opportunity for disruption and to cause harm".

"All this underinvestment, chronic underinvestment in our defence forces are really coming home to roost now, and it's calling into question our hosting of the EU presidency next year," former member of the Defence Forces, Cathal Berry said on Newstalk.

Ireland's defence limitations are multiple, with the report warning that Irelands security environment is at its most complex, most challenging, and most dangerous point in recent history.

The paper, authored by the Institute of International and European Affairs and Deloitte, comes as Defence Minister Helen McEntee has outlined a 1.7 billion euro plan to modernise the Defence Forces, including the Military Radar Programme, anti-drone technology and a new Air Corps aircraft.

But according to defence analyst Declan Power, there is a lot more to be done. Speaking on Newstalk, he said: "It's a step in the right direction. This money [was] supposed to be ring fenced. The purchase of the radar has been an ongoing project for some years."

The report also warns that Ireland faces major security and resilience risks in its food chain and port operations.

Dublin Port in particular, represents a "significant point of failure in the national supply chain", with food disappearing from shelves in three days if there were a "material adverse event" there.

Speaking on Newstalk, Mr Berry likened the closure of Dublin port to "Ireland having a cardiac arrest".

The report also cautioned that an armed attack on an EU member cannot be ruled out, and that foreign intelligence services are stepping up efforts to target companies here.
High Court Reporters

An 11-year-old boy who had sued over the circumstances of his birth at Cork University Maternity Hospital has settled his High Court action for 4 million.

The settlement against the HSE, which was reached after mediation, is without an admission of liability. The boy or his family cannot be identified by order of the court.

His counsel Dr. John OMahony SC, with Cian OMahony BL told the court that the boys delivery at the hospital in 2014 was traumatic.

Counsel said it was their case that the mother, who knew she had a heavy baby at the time, asked for a caesarean section, but that was not done.

The baby boy, after he was born, had to be resuscitated and was in intensive care.

Counsel said it was their case that the baby had suffered hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, which is a type of brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Counsel said it is of a mild variety, and the boy has some cognitive issues but is doing well at school.

Dr O Mahony said a full defence was entered in the case and all of the claims were denied.

The boys mother told Mr Justice Paul Coffey it was a very hard delivery for her, and she did not get to see her baby for two days after he was born.

She said the past few years had been very difficult, but their son was very resilient and willing to take on every challenge.

The boy, who is now aged 11 years, had, through his mother, sued the HSE.

In the proceedings, it was claimed that the baby boy had been delivered by a mode of delivery that was not the mode of delivery that had been repeatedly requested by the mother.

It was also claimed there was an alleged failure to take the appropriate steps in terms of maternal positioning and manoeuvres, and shoulder dystocia was allegedly encountered during delivery.

It was further claimed that there was an alleged failure to carry out adequate examinations, investigations, and monitoring in the neonatal period.

All of the claims were denied, and it was contended by the HSE that the obstetric treatment and care provided to the mother and baby were of an appropriate standard of medical care.

It also claimed that it was not reasonably possible to predict or prevent the occurrence of shoulder dystocia, and when it occurred, that it had been managed in an appropriate way and to an appropriate standard of medical care.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was a case fraught with all manner of legal difficulties and ought to be settled.

He said in the light of the litigation risks in the case, the settlement achieved was very good and represented more than 50 per cent of the full value of the case.

He wished the boy and his parents the very best for the future.
That was a memorable piece by Pat Poland in the Holly Bough (and now on EchoLive.ie) wasnt it, recalling that fateful night, 70 years ago tomorrow, when our beloved Cork Opera House burned down?

As happens with every event of enormity, anyone of appropriate age in our city can remember exactly where they were, what they were doing that night, and whether they dropped everything and rushed down to witness the horror for themselves, or waited trembling at home, watching the skies turn a flaming red.

It was strange indeed that, for anyone who had time to think and calculate as the conflagration took hold, it happened just 35 years after the great Burning of Cork when Crown forces torched so much of our city.

That was another wild and stormy night, the winds helping to spread the flames.

Back in December, 1920, The Gondoliers was in progress at the Opera House, as we know from Ger Fitzgibbons brilliant reconstruction in his novel Songs For A Burning City.

In 1955, it was The Sleeping Beauty in rehearsal, and many an old trouper today can remember being hurried out the stage door as a Tiny Tot by their minders as the flames took hold of the roof above.

Pat Polands piece was excellent too in that it gave tribute to all the firefighters and others who worked through the night to contain the blaze and guard the adjoining School of Art. This particularly pleased Tim Morley, who wrote of his own memories of that night.

Those of us old enough to be a witness will always remember the big glow in the night sky, said Tim.

My mother kept me up wondering where the light came from, but only at about midnight, when my brother came in, did he tell us what had happened.

He was working in Guys, the printing firm on Patrick Street, which was at that time making the Opera House programmes in Cork (in competition with The Eagle on the South Mall).

The very last Opera House programme they printed at Guys was for The Belle Of New York, due to open when the pantomime ended in January, but which then of course couldnt take place.

My brother was sharp enough to take some of these now unneeded programmes home, as he had the hope that some day they would be valuable.

Oh gosh, wouldnt they just, Tim! They would be akin to a ticket for the return voyage on the Titanic, or the second performance of Our American Cousin in Washington DC (Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at the first show, which rather put a damper on the run).

Alas, however, the entrepreneurship shown by Tims brother did not gain its just reward, as he explains the fate of the programme

And this links into your theme last week too, Jo, on poverty in those times. My mother was up early every morning to clean out the fire grate, thriftily saving the only partially-burned cinders. These were then wrapped up with dampened Evening Echos and  inevitably - those unused Opera House programmes lying around doing nothing.

In this way, she made the foundation for the daily fire which was lit later in the afternoon when the real heating need arose.

So the programmes went into providing warmth for the house, but reflecting on what my mother did every day as a matter of course, I wonder if there is anybody left over nowadays who would  or could - carry out those chores? 

A man stokes his fire in a typical Irish cottage in 1949. A reader today recalls his mother making the foundation for the fire each day in the winter. (Photo by Ron Bell/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

Tim added: I should add that when my mother had time in between cleaning, cooking, housekeeping, she was more often than not repairing the seat of my trousers which had the reputation of being the latest version of the map of the world with so many different patches on it.

It was my childhood friend Teddy Murphy, later to be a practising GP for some 50 years in Cork, who invented that description for the seat of my trousers. There were so many distinct patches (various shades of grey, not of course coloured) resulting from the climbing, and sliding, etc, of a small boy tearing about, that with a little imagination this could be interpreted as a map of the different countries of the world.

Tim continued: My mother had, after many years, come back to Ireland from Scotland, where she no doubt had the virtues of thriftiness particularly impressed on her. New trousers were strictly kept for Sundays.

We had enough money to buy healthy Irish agricultural produce, but half the clothes for us children were hand-me-downs. Im sure we werent the only ones.

Indeed you werent, Tim. We all had clothes passed down from oldest (or tallest) to the next and then the next in line. Shoes and boots too. Wellies worn by the biggest, and carefully inscribed with their initials in Biro on the inside, went on to the next, where those initials would be crossly scratched out and replaced; and so on, and so on

By the time a full Cork family had grown and moved on, the cupboard was jammed with old wellington boots, shoes, and sandals, of different sizes.

You do wonder if todays families have lost the run of themselves entirely, the way they buy cheap casual items from the big international store that gets its stock from Asia, and then dump them almost immediately, creating serious problems for disposal since the materials are almost always man-made and definitely not bio-degradable.

What happened to the coat you wore for years? The trousers, like Tims, that were mended? Your big sisters shoes that youd coveted for years and finally got to wear yourself?

Clothes used to be regarded as an investment; now they are throwaway items of no value.

If we do one thing for the New Year, let it be putting a stop to this casual buying of cheap manmade fibres that are only choking our landfill forever.

Tim has something more to say too on our somewhat lower standard of living in bygone years.

We might have won the War of Independence, but the next 30 years were spent reinculcating Irish culture, and at the same time keeping us in line if we dreamt of wandering too far from Catholic morals, (the unholy alliance of Dev and John Charles McQuaid).

Money, for the not too well off in Ireland, was not allowed to be very important. The Irish small farmer, the economic backbone of the country at the time, had the job of providing the English worker with cheap food (in particular butter and Yorkshire(?) beef.)

As we were told as students at UCC, the boat was the expected future. It was the hard alternative for many Irish, as they had to leave their families at home, whom they would then have to provide for (remember the Dagenham Yanks?). And then came Lemass, we had a Celtic Tiger, and even better, a Common Market as cream on the cake. We still had poor people, certainly, but in general we could no longer be called poor.

Tim recalls: In the early 1970s, I was living in Switzerland, dependent on 15 minutes of the BBC for my Irish news, and the story came through that the Irish GDP had gone past the British.

Yes, John Bull was definitely defeated, and those people who had won the Battle of the Boyne were now on the wrong side (does anyone ever feel like asking them why they are still celebrating the 12th of July?).

That Jo, was the tale of poverty in Ireland, and how we got out of the worst of it.

Great memories, Tim, and sharp observations too.

Coincidentally, at the very moment of writing this piece, a piece came up on RTE, observing that living standards are now higher in the Republic than in Northern Ireland. It took us a long time to pull out and ahead, but one might say that we are at last where we were always meant to be.

Noel Johnston, a regular reader of Throwback Thursday, was taken aback by last weeks pages where we mentioned Rory Delaney, a former scouting friend of Brian Cronin, who tragically lost his life in the Aer Lingus crash of 1968.

Wreckage of the Aer Lingus Viscount aircraft lost off Rosslare is recovered in March, 1968. A reader today recalls happy memories of one of the victims, and says his cousin was also booked on the flight

Catching up on Throwback Thursday, I got a shock to see a photo of Rory staring back at me. I recognised him immediately before I could even see his name, said Noel.

As a pupil of Cork Grammar, I knew him as he was living nearby, and later he worked in insurance for the Norwich Union who were sending him for training in Norwich.

He was all revved up for it and I think it was the previous week he went to an Insurance Institute fancy dress dance in one of the pavs in Musgrave Park. He was the life and soul of the party, dressed as a Red Indian in only swimming togs (or bathing-ahs) and two tea towels strategically placed fore and aft.

Little did we know what was to follow on that ill-fated flight.

As an aside, my first cousin was booked on the same flight but the day before changed to another one. Oh Destiny

Regards and keep up the great work.

Sobering and touching, Noel. Thank you for sharing that.

A regular contributor to Throwback Thursday, who wishes on this occasion to remain anonymous (the reason will probably become clear as you read on) was reminded by Micheal Keneficks memories of temperance outings, of another outing in which he himself was involved, although perhaps not in quite the same line (or indeed spirit).

The article about the Cork Pioneers reminded me about another side of the story.

As you know, I worked in Kent station many years ago. One year, a boys jolly was organised by the station staff. We were disappointed by the miserable discount offered by CIE for the hire of a bus, so we signed up with a private bus company who shall remain nameless.

The driver picked us up from one of the Lower Road pubs, which shall also remain nameless. Needless to say, we had all got a head start in the beverage stakes.

Anyway, as we approached the turn into Patrick Street, the driver announced through his microphone, On your right you see the statue of Fr Mathew, the apostle of temperance... and look at the ***ing tears in his eyes! He did have a point.

We ended up in Inchigeelagh, where a great night was had by all, including the driver for whom we all bought a drink.

Unfortunately, upon leaving the hotel, the poor driver admitted his incapacity to negotiate the series of acute bends leading to the main road home. Can any of you drive a bus? says he. No problem, I replied, and indeed drove the bus to near my home and abandoned the ship!

Thank goodness nobody came to any harm and a great day was had by all!

Well, you would probably not get away with it these days (lets keep the anonymity), but your story certainly evokes the casual laissez-faire and camaraderie of earlier years.

Clearly, the notoriously winding road back from Inchigeelagh (its still every bit as bad) held no fears for you. So on that issue alone, well done!

Lets hear some of the reprehensible or outrageous stories that the rest of you most certainly have tucked away into the recesses of your mind.

Yes, we will observe some form of anonymity if you insist, although its always more fun if you can match the miscreant to the misdeeds!

Email jokerrigan1@gmail.com, or leave a message on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/echolivecork.
Rise Beyond is the theme Anna Groniecka has chosen for her year as president of Network Ireland West Cork.

The inspiration came from her own journey -moving here from her native Poland in 2006, setting up whats now a very successful career in photography, and juggling a professional life with being a mother of two.

The theme also came from many conversations Ive had. It means: rising beyond fear, beyond limitations we place on ourselves, beyond old stories we carry, beyond perfectionism, beyond the idea that success must look a certain way, said Anna.

Every woman rises differently  sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly, sometimes through rebuilding, sometimes through small steps. But we all rise. Throughout the year, I want our events and programmes to reflect that: confidence, courage, honesty, connection, creativity, learning, and opportunities to break through whatever ceiling each woman feels above her head.

Anna is originally from Bytom, a city in the south of Poland, right in the Silesian region.

Its the land of coal mines, heavy industry and very resilient people. Its a place with a strong character, a bit rough around the edges, but full of history and honesty. I moved to Ireland in 2006 - initially for a year or two like everyone says  and then West Cork got me. Ive been living in Clonakilty for many years now. It became home very quickly: the community, the coastline, the creativity everywhere - and eventually my whole life grew here, she said.

Shes mum to teenagers Olivia and Ben.

They have grown up fully as West Cork kids, with schools, sports, friends, adventures and the usual chaos of busy family life. The three of us, and our dog, have built our little world here - and its definitely the place I want my children to keep growing up in.

Originally, Anna worked in the corporate sector, specifically in administration and logistics at EMC, before making the switch to photography.

Photography has been part of me since I was a child - I always gravitated towards people, stories, emotions, and moments. I officially set up my photography business, Anna Groniecka Photography, in December, 2016, and what started as a passion has now grown into an award-winning and internationally recognised brand.

Im based in Clonakilty, but I work all over Cork, Kerry and wider Ireland. My main focus is portraiture, business and commercial photography, and events  capturing people as they truly are, without forcing them into stiff versions of themselves.

Ive photographed everything from national campaigns to intimate family moments, weddings in Gougane Barra to political launches, business showcases, personal branding sessions, and exhibitions. But what Im most proud of is that this business grew from scratch - no blueprint, no big savings, just a camera, curiosity, and a lot of hard work. And the West Cork community has genuinely given me the space to grow, experiment, and belong, she said.

She joined Network Ireland West Cork in 2019.

At the time I was juggling motherhood, business growth and everyday life - and like many women, I felt a bit stretched and very isolated in the professional sense.

I didnt join for networking in the traditional business card swapping way. I joined because I was looking for connection, understanding, something honest and supportive. And thats exactly what I found.

The branch gave me a sense of community I didnt even realise Id been missing  women who genuinely cheer each other on, a safe place to grow skills, a space to learn, to be creative, to be brave, real friends, not just contacts.

Stepping into the President role isnt something she decided overnight. Its more like every year I found myself more and more invested in what Network Ireland West Cork brings to women at all stages of life - whether theyre in business, in employment, in transition, or just figuring things out.

Ive been supported so strongly by this branch that stepping up feels like the most natural way to give back.

I want other women - especially those who are new to the area, or juggling families, or starting over, or doubting themselves - to feel as welcome and seen as I felt, said Anna.

But she doesnt see leadership as being about titles or formality.

Its about creating energy, building space for others, and showing whats possible when women support each other without competitiveness or judgement. I want the branch to feel open, warm, real and full of opportunity. I want members to feel that they belong here, that they can try things, that they can grow, ask for help, or shine - whatever their season of life is.

And honestly? Im excited. Nervous, of course, but in the good way - the kind of nervous you get when you know something meaningful is about to happen.
Disney has accused Google of copyright infringement on a "massive scale," alleging that the tech giant is training its AI tools on protected materials as well as allowing those tools to generate infringing images and videos. Variety reports that Disney attorneys sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google on Wednesday.

Google is infringing Disneys copyrights on a massive scale, by copying a large corpus of Disneys copyrighted works without authorization to train and develop generative artificial intelligence (AI) models and services, and by using AI models and services to commercially exploit and distribute copies of its protected works to consumers in violation of Disneys copyrights, reads the letter, which Variety reviewed.

The letter includes examples of images from several Disney properties including Deadpool, Moana, Star Wars and others, reproduced by Google's AI tools. Disney is demanding that Google implement guardrails within all its AI products to prevent further infringement. The media giant sent a similar letter to Character.AI in September, and is currently suing Hailuo and Midjourney over alleged copyright infringement.
This morning Disney and OpenAI announced a three-year licensing agreement: Starting in 2026, ChatGPT and Sora can generate images and videos incorporating Disney IP, including more than 200 characters from the company's stable of Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel brands. To say these companies make for strange bedfellows is an understatement.

The agreement brings together two parties with very different public stances on copyright. Before OpenAI released Sora, the company reportedly notified studios and talent agencies they would need to opt out of having their work appear in the new app. The company later backtracked on this stance. Before that, OpenAI admitted, in a regulatory filing, it would be "impossible to train today's leading AI models without using copyrighted materials."

By contrast, Disney takes copyright law very seriously. In fact, you could argue no other company has done more to shape US copyright law than Disney. For example, there's the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, which is more derisively known as the Mickey Mouse Protection Act. The law effectively froze the advancement of the public domain in the United States, with Disney being the greatest beneficiary. It was only last year that the company's copyright for Steamboat Willie expired, 95 years after Walt Disney first created the iconic cartoon.

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On the face of it, it's unclear OpenAI is getting much value out of the deal. As part of the pact, Disney will host a "curated" selection of Sora-generated videos on its streaming platform Disney+, legitimizing the medium of AI-generated video in a way it hasn't been before, but it would appear Disney has the option to spotlight as much or little of it as it sees fit.

Additionally, the $1 billion Disney agreed to invest in OpenAI is a drop in the ocean for a company that's expected to burn through more cash in five years than Uber, Tesla, Amazon and Spotify did combined before they became profitable. If anything, the addition of Disney characters is likely to make operating ChatGPT and Sora more expensive for OpenAI; the company will now need to pay a licensing fee on top of the cost of running its servers to generate images and videos. At this stage, it's also hard to put a value on Disney's pledge to use OpenAI's APIs. The company has said those tools will "enable new products, tools and experiences," including some found inside of Disney+, but beyond that it hasn't shared specifics.

Bob Iger might be feckless, but he's not stupid. Sometime this week or soon after, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order that makes good on part of his AI Action Plan from July. Specifically, the president has promised to fight against "burdensome" state-level regulation of AI. According to CNN, a recent draft of Trump's order calls for the creation of an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge and preempt state AI laws in favor of the president's own more lax regulatory regime.

It's unclear how successful the administration will be in that effort, but clearly Disney is thinking ahead. It's banking on the fact that this time it won't be able to count on the federal government to shape copyright law in its interest, so instead it's making a deal with an industry pushing the boundaries of intellectual property rights as we know them. More importantly, it has partnered with the one AI company it can actually leverage.

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As I argued in a recent piece, OpenAI is in a far different and more precarious position now than it was at the end of 2022 following the release of ChatGPT. The company is just one AI provider in a sea of competition, and you can't even argue its models are the best, based either on benchmarks or user feedback. Moreover, OpenAI has yet to turn a profit, and has adopted an extremely risky investment strategy. In recent months it has signed more than $1.4 trillion worth of infrastructure deals, hoping to outmuscle the competition that's already beating it through scale.

It's not an accident Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google a day before its agreement with OpenAI became public. OpenAI might be the most valuable private company in the world, but Alphabet, Google's parent company, is worth more than $3 trillion. In any negotiations between the two, at best Disney would be on equal footing, and certainly not in a position where it could demand some amount of control over Google's AI projects.

And yet by accounts it won exactly that from OpenAI. According to Axios, the deal gives Disney a fair amount of control over how its intellectual property is used. The two will form a joint steering committee designed to monitor the content users create on ChatGPT and Sora. As you surf the web today, you'll likely see a lot of opinions on how this legitimizes AI video. And while that's true, far more important is the fact Disney has secured a seat at the table to decide how the technology evolves over the coming years.

Much like with news publishers, OpenAI and other chatbots concerns took a stance of begging forgiveness rather than asking permission towards copyright. It seems to have paid off. Most of the highest-profile news organizations have signed licensing deals to at least be paid a little rather than be ripped off until reaching an uncertain verdict in court. Disney seems to be signalling that the same speculation rush is about to begin for audiovisual licensing, and it may have already secured the most favorable terms.
It looks like Disney wasted no time delivering on CEO Bob Igers promise to bring AI-generated content to Disney+. On Thursday, the company announced the start of a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI to bring more than 200 of its beloved characters, including those from Star Wars and Pixar, to the Sora app and ChatGPT. With the deal in place, OpenAI users will be able to prompt ChatGPT to generate images that tap into Disneys intellectual property, with costumes, props, vehicles and environments covered.

The agreement does not include voices or talent likenesses, meaning Sora users wont be able prompt the app to make a video with Black Widow and get something with Scarlett Johansson in it. Instead, both Sora and ChatGPT will only have access to animated and illustrated versions of Marvel and Star Wars characters like Black Panther, Captain America, Han Solo, Darth Vader and others. Disney will stream curated selections of Sora-generated fan videos on Disney+. Sora and ChatGPT users will be able to start generating images and videos with Disney characters starting in early 2026.

Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling, and were excited to partner to allow Sora and ChatGPT Images to expand the way people create and experience great content, said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity, and help works reach vast new audiences.

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Disney has also agreed to become an OpenAI customer, promising to use the companys APIs to build new products, tools and experiences. Additionally, Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI, with the option to purchase additional equity down the road. OpenAI recently completed a restructuring to become more of traditional profit-seeking corporation, clearing the way for a potential IPO sometime in the next year or so. Still, the pact brings together two unlikely bedfellows who have been on opposite sides of the copyright debate.

Reaction from the entertainment industry was mixed. In a statement released on Bluesky, The Writers Guild of America, which represents writers across film, television and other media, made it clear it is unhappy with the deal:

Disneys deal with OpenAI appears to sanction its theft of our work and cedes the value of what we create to a tech company that has built its business off our backs. We will meet with Disney to probe the terms of this deal, including the extent to which user-generated videoes will use the work of WGA members. We will continue to fight to protect our members creative and economic interests in the context of AI technology.

SAG-AFTRA, the screen actors union which has around 160,000 members worldwide, was less incendiary. It posted a notice on its site saying that both Disney and OpenAI had reached out to the union to give their assurances that they will meet their contractual and legal obligations to performers. The union noted it would closely monitor the deal and its implementation to ensure compliance with our contracts and with applicable laws protecting image, voice, and likeness.

Update, December 11, 5:45PM ET: This story was updated after publish to include comment from the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA.
Comedian Andy Dick was spotted slumped on a Hollywood sidewalk Tuesday after what witnesses believed was a drug overdose.

Photos from the scene showed the 59-year-old sitting on concrete stairs, hunched over and unresponsive, with his glasses on the ground beside him.

At one point, he was lying on his back as a man leaned over him, trying to help.

According to eyewitnesses, several friends rushed to Dick as soon as they saw him collapse. They tried to revive him while others called for emergency help.

TMZ reported that Dick was given Narcan, a medication used to quickly reverse opioid overdoses.

The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed they responded to an overdose call involving a 59-year-old man but said he was not taken to the hospital.

Later that night, Dick spoke with sources by phone. He assured the outlet he was "alive" and "okay," though he did not explain exactly what happened, PageSix reported.

The next day, he spoke again and said, "I don't mind doing some crack every now and then," before adding that he felt "110 percent fine."

He also claimed he had been sitting with a friend who "whipped out some crack," and that things went downhill from there.

BREAKING NEWS: Failed Comedian and piece of shit Actor Andy Dick found unresponsive in a parking lot due to an apparent over dose. Unfortunately hes expected to make a full recovery. We reached out to His Mother Kathy Griffin for comment and she had no response. pic.twitter.com/pQ4k9Evgif  Mittens (@JUSTcatmeme) December 11, 2025

Andy Dick's Long Battle With Addiction

Dick has a long public history of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. In past interviews, he has admitted that substance abuse has followed him throughout his career.

According to US Magazine, he once explained, "The main thing that I've struggled with over the years... is the abuse of drugs and alcohol."

He has also spoken about trying rehab programs and working with doctors and therapists to stay on track.

In 2021, he even launched a podcast where he talked with recovery experts in hopes of finding better ways to stay sober.

His past also includes several legal troubles connected to drug use and inappropriate behavior.

Over the years, he has faced charges involving drug possession, battery, and sexual battery.

In 2022, he was ordered to register as a sex offender after a 2018 conviction.

On Tuesday, however, the focus was on getting him immediate help. Narcan appeared to stabilize him before first responders arrived. Friends stayed by his side until the situation calmed down.
Megyn Kelly has pointed out the pressures of celebrity culture and has specifically criticized Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo over their radical weight changes while filming and promoting Wicked.

On her podcast, Kelly discussed trends in Hollywood that she said contribute to unhealthy body standards, using the two stars as examples. Kelly said, ""This industry is not to be admired, certainly not emulated," per the Daily Mail.

She also spoke more about Grande's physical appearance, saying, "She is very clearly anorexic. If she's 90 pounds, it's a lot. She looks like you could snap her in two with your fingers."

Kelly pointed to the perception of Grande and Erivo's relationship in the Social Media arena as a factor, listening to what others were saying about how the two interacted at media events and how their behavior was being interpreted through the use of social media after each event.

Read more: Megyn Kelly Faces Outrage for Distinguishing Teen Abuse from Child Abuse in Jeffrey Epstein Discussion

She has been in a relationship with Lena Waithe since 2022, and Grande's romance with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater was made public in 2023. Kelly's comments set off debate on social media as many users felt uneasy about the noticeable weight loss of both actors.

Grande previously spoke out about the public's comments on her appearance, saying that the standards of a body are subjective and personal. Recently, she said in an interview, "I think in today's society, there is a comfortability that we shouldn't have at all  commenting on others' looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes or health or how they present themselves. It's not invited, so I don't leave space for it anymore."

She has also pointed out the dissimilarity between former unhealthy habits and her lifestyle nowadays, claiming that previous public comparisons of her body misrepresented her health.

"I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly and at the lowest point in my life when I looked the way you consider my 'healthy.' But in fact, that wasn't my 'healthy.' Healthy can look different," Grande explained in a TikTok video as reported by The Fader.

Kelly continued to blast the stars of Wicked for their weights, further naming other celebrities who have experienced weight fluctuations while blaming social media and Hollywood as major contributing factors. "ou shouldn't be spending your money to get a table with these people. You should not aspire to have a child go into this industry."
"Below Deck" star Fraser Olender is recovering after a vaping-related heart attack, and he is now urging fans to quit the habit for good.

His boyfriend, Matt Rogers, shared the update during Tuesday's episode of "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," telling viewers that Olender is "doing a lot better."

According to US Magazine, Rogers added, "I know a lot of people are watching that care about him. Thank you so much," before looking into the camera and warning, "Don't do it. Throw it away."

Olender, 33, had revealed last week that he was rushed to a hospital in London after suddenly suffering severe chest pain and trouble breathing.

He said doctors kept him for a week to study the damage and find out what caused the emergency.

In his Instagram post, he explained that specialists told him he had "vape poisoning," also known as EVALI, which stands for E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury.

Fraser Olender Reveals Near-Fatal Heart Attack

According to Olender, something inside his vape triggered a coronary artery vasospasm, which made the arteries around his heart clamp down.

He shared that this spasm stopped enough blood from reaching his heart and caused an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, or STEMI, PageSix reported.

The heart attack didn't happen because of a blockage but because his heart suddenly stopped getting enough oxygen.

Olender said the pain lasted for 24 hours and was so strong that even two rounds of morphine didn't help.

Doctors eventually gave him the strongest pain medicine allowed in the emergency room, but it only lowered the pain from a ten to a seven.

He admitted he could have died and called his vaping habit "ridiculously stupid."

The Bravo star said he has not touched a vape since the heart attack and does not plan to ever use one again.

He shared his story in hopes of getting others to rethink vaping, saying the experience was "not cute, not even for the plot."

He also noted one unexpected surprise: after nearly three weeks without vaping, his skin looked clearer and brighter.

Olender thanked fans for their support and urged everyone to take their health seriously. "Love you all, be safe, put your health first," he wrote while sharing photos from his hospital stay.
Zhu Huarong, Chairman of China Changan Automobile Group, speaks at the roll-off ceremony, honoring the pioneers, contributors, and supporters of the company - Changan Automobile Deutschland GmbH

(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

Chongqing, China, December 11, 11 Dic. (News Aktuell) - . - Changan today celebrated a historic achievement as its 30 millionth vehicle-an AVATR 12 Quad-Laser Edition-rolled off the line at the AVATR Digital Intelligence Factory. The milestone signals Changan's evolution into a global intelligent mobility technology company.

"Changan remains committed to delivering smarter, greener, and more fulfilling mobility, meeting the aspirations of global users for a better future." said Zhu Huarong, Chairman of China Changan Automobile Group. As Changan expands its presence in Europe, our priority is to deliver mobility solutions that truly reflect the needs of European drivers. Smart technologies, strong safety performance and sustainable electrification are at the core of our strategy. With the growing strength of our European design and development capabilities and our new European Business Unit, we are well positioned to offer customers modern, future-ready products that bring real value to their everyday journeys. adds Ethan Yin, Executive Deputy General Manager of Changan Europe.

Uncompromising Safety: The "Safe Journey Home"



Safety is Changan's top priority, a commitment dating back to 1999 with China's first minivan crash test. Since then, the company has advanced its protective capabilities from passive safety structures to today's active safety interventions. Backed by the industry's only State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vehicle Safety Technology, Changan uses its proprietary CA-ITVS verification system to subject vehicles to over 5 million kilometers of testing-guaranteeing a lifespan of ten years or 260,000 kilometers.

In the smart era, Changan is redefining protection with its newly launched "SDA Intelligence". Moving beyond physical defense, SDA Intelligence, Changans independently developed digital-intelligence platform, will introduce a holistic safety ecosystem that secures both passengers and their data, ensuring a "Safe Journey Home" in every dimension. The Changan E06, to be launched in Europe in 2026 and 2027, will be one of the first cars based on this platform. Changans commitment to safety is also reflected in models such as Deepal S07, which has already achieved a Euro NCAP 5-star rating, demonstrating its full capability to meet the highest European safety requirements.





Tech-Driven: Innovations That Matter

Driven by its Green and Intelligent plans, Changan is bringing tangible innovations to the market. The Green Plan targets electrification, battery safety, and new energy vehicle ecosystems, while the Intelligent Plan advances vehicle intelligence, autonomous systems, and connectivity. Key breakthroughs include the Golden Shield Battery system for superior safety, and the high-frequency pulse heating for cold-weather efficiency. The BlueCore 3.0 powertrain delivers hybrid and ICE solutions, balancing high performance with exceptional fuel economy and it is already implemented the PHEV models planned for 2026 in Europe. These technologies ensure that every journey is efficient and reliable.

A Bold Future: Future Mobility and Global Reach

Looking ahead to 2030, Changan has unveiled a visionary roadmap to rank among the world's top 10 automotive brands with annual sales of 5 million units. In parallel, the company is expanding the boundaries of mobility by actively developing humanoid robots for 2028.

By 2030, Changan expects over 60% of sales to be new energy vehicles and 30% to come from overseas markets, solidifying its place on the world stage.

As part of its global ambition, Changan plans to launch operations in Europe in at least 10 markets like Spain and Italy by the end of this year. By 20230, Changan will establish over 1,000 sales and service outlets, invest more than two billion Euros in its European business, and recruit over 1,000 local employees.

www.changaneurope.com

Press contact:

Ulrica Griffiths

PR Manager, Changan Europe

Telefon: +49 151 12858831
Gov. Gavin Newsom has made reducing the homelessness crisis in California a top priority, saying the scale of the states efforts is unprecedented and calling for the continued expansion of his signature effort  Project Homekey  that has already cost $3.75 billion.

But in a state with more than 181,000 homeless individuals, or about one-third of the U.S. total, Homekey has been marred by failures and scandals, including a lack of government oversight and accountability as well as a federal investigation into allegations of fraud in Los Angeles.

Newsom, who appears to be preparing for a presidential bid in 2028, could make Homekey, which he calls a national model, a talking point in his campaign. The state claims the program has created almost 16,000 permanent housing units that will serve over 175,000 people. But since the state doesnt track outcomes  whether people placed in housing saw their lives improve or if they returned to the streets  the programs effectiveness is unclear, according to a critical 2024 state auditors report.

[Our budget] is bloated with homeless spending, a bottomless pit and taxpayer boondoggle that doubles down on failure year after year, the Republican-turned-Democrat Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park said at a meeting in May. Hundreds of millions of dollars on bridge homes and Homekeys and interim housing sites, and no one can even tell us which ones are operational.

What is clear is that homelessness in California has skyrocketed in the five years Homekey has been in place, growing by more than 20%, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Thats an increase of some 36,000 people between 2019 and 2024.

Homekey has been touted by officials as a more cost-effective way to house the homeless. By hiring developers to convert excess motel and hotel rooms and other existing structures into permanent housing, the costs are two to three times lower than building new units, according to the auditors report.

But with huge contracts available to developers and very little oversight of their activities, some of that cost savings was lost to fraud, according to federal prosecutors. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California launched a fraud and corruption task force to find out where the money went, and in October filed criminal charges involving two developers who allegedly defrauded the system.

In one case, Cody Holmes, the former CFO of developer Shangri-La Industries, allegedly falsified bank records to obtain $26 million in Homekey funds, only to siphon off more than $2 million to pay his own credit card bill, Essayli told the media.

Accountability begins today, Essayli said. Too often, this money has been wasted, mismanaged or outright stolen.

A COVID Baby

Homekey began in 2020 as a FEMA-funded program to provide temporary housing in response to the COVID-19 emergency. Hotel rooms were rented to get homeless people out of encampments and shelters where the virus could spread rapidly. The high rental costs were justified to avoid mass casualties from infection. In San Francisco, City Journal reported that rooms were rented at $6,000 a month, nearly double the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment.

Before the emergency measure ended in late 2020, Newsom announced that the program would morph into a provider of permanent housing for the homeless. Weve long dreamed about scooping up thousands of motel rooms and converting them into housing for our homeless neighbors, Newsom said at the time. The terrible pandemic were facing has given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy all these vacant properties, and were using federal stimulus money to do it.

Under Homekey, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) began administering grants to local governments to help fund the purchase of commercial buildings to be converted into housing units. The money came from federal and state sources, including the American Rescue Plan and Californias general fund. Critics say one problem with Homekey is that it didnt pay for the mental health and drug treatment services that most homeless people desperately need to truly benefit from housing and get back on their feet.

A 2023 study found that 66% of Californias homeless population suffers from mental illnesses. Twelve percent reported experiencing hallucinations. And 31% reported regular use of methamphetamines and 11% non-prescribed opioids. Sixteen percent reported heavy episodic drinking.

Rather than helping the homeless, Homekey units have allowed people to privately take drugs and overdose. Drug overdose was the cause of death in seven out of eight cases at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys from April 2020 through June 2021, according to L.A. agencies.

I think local leaders knew that there was a risk in placing people addicted to hard drugs like heroin or fentanyl or meth into private rooms where no one is around to act in case of an overdose, a former Homekey service provider from Oakland said on the condition of anonymity. Think about how stupid it is to place an addict in a room alone where no one can administer Narcan, a medicine that can prevent overdose death.

Homekey relied on local governments to provide mental health services, although they have a severe shortage of treatment spots, according to an L.A.-based mental health professional whose office provides services at several Homekey buildings. Social workers and therapists meet with clients assigned to Homekey units and sign them up for Medicaid, but most of them havent received the treatment they need, the professional said.

State officials didnt return calls seeking comment about Homekey.

The latest version of Homekey aims to bolster mental health services. Newsom recently announced Homekey+, made possible by a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond approved by voters. Half of the money is for projects that serve homeless veterans, and some of the resources will help fund other mental health services within Homekey.

Overpaying and Underperforming

Homekeys main pitch was that it would save taxpayers money by rehabbing existing buildings rather than constructing new housing. But those calculations are based on developers charging market rates and units being occupied, which hasnt always been the case.

L.A. County received $550 million in Homekey funds between 2021-2024, which was used to acquire 32 buildings with 2,157 rooms. An investigation by Westside Current found that 71% of units remained vacant as of May 2025 due to construction delays.

In the city of L.A., the housing authority used $48.9 million in Homekey money to acquire and complete a building that was under construction. Developer Haroni Investments was chosen to construct a 75,105-square-foot building with 127 housing units. A similar project in the area would typically cost roughly $18.8 million, according to experts who spoke to local reporters. HACLAs purchase price of $48.9 million represents a 165% profit at taxpayer expense, the story noted.

A June 2025 memo from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass office estimated that the building would be completed later that month. In August, city officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony even though the building was not yet finished. As of December, the LA Housing Departments website says the building is not yet built, and there are no listings for available units. Requests for comment from Bass office have not been returned.

In addition to overspending and delays, there are allegations of fraud. One case involves homeless service provider Weingart Center Association using $27.3 million in Homekey grants to purchase a 76-unit senior living complex in L.A., which it planned to convert into housing units with additional funding from the city.

But federal prosecutors say the deal was shady and shrouded in secrecy. Steven Taylor, the real estate developer who sold the property to the Weingart Center, used fake bank statements to obtain loans and credit to buy the property for $11.2 million, just months before flipping it for a $16.1 million markup. Taylor made no improvements or renovations to the building. A contract clause ensured that his involvement would be kept secret.

While the property was in escrow, the Weingart Center submitted an application for additional Homekey funds. The application, according to prosecutors, made no mention of the pending sale involving Taylor. Bass allocated $20 million in city dollars toward the project.

Bass and Newsom celebrated the purchase as a critical tool in solving homelessness. A spokesperson with the Weingart Center said the property isnt expected to open until next year, even though the grant agreement required it to be fully occupied by February 2025.

In August, federal authorities arrested Taylor, who is facing nine felony counts of bank fraud and money laundering. Taylor maintains his innocence and is free on a $3.6 million bond. Bass is cooperating with the ongoing federal investigation.

The case highlights the lack of oversight into Homekey-related grants to the Weingart Center, which has been out of compliance with federally required annual audits. The most recent audit, submitted in July 2025 for fiscal year 2023, did not disclose over $50 million in federally funded Homekey grants. A 2023 fiscal audit of the Weingart Center found that it has repeatedly failed to properly document cash flows into the organization.

Calls for comment to the Weingart Center were not immediately returned. In November, the homeless service provider placed its CEO, Kevin Murray, who was previously a state senator, on leave as an independent law firm investigates the valuation of its homeless housing projects.

Homekey ran into other problems with L.A.-based developer Shangri-La Industries, which was hired to purchase and convert properties across the state. Federal prosecutors allege that the developer defrauded the HCD by misrepresenting its financial assets in order to qualify for a $26 million Homekey grant related to a housing project in Thousand Oaks. After securing the money, Holmes, the CFO, allegedly spent lavishly on himself and his girlfriend. Prosecutors say that Holmes rented a sprawling $46,000-a-month mansion in Beverly Hills, where Holmes was ultimately arrested.

Overall, the HCD awarded the Shangri-La a total of $117 million in grants for seven housing projects. The only two projects that Shangri-La managed to complete amount to 174 homeless housing units, costing the state $672,000 a pop. Holmes pleaded not guilty in November, and a trial is set for Jan. 5.

Essayli says his investigation into Shangri-La is just the beginning in the Justice Departments quest to recoup billions in misused public funds for the homeless.

Essayli says his investigation into Shangri-La is just the beginning in the Justice Departments quest to recoup billions in misused public funds for the homeless.

HCD rejects the suggestion it has been asleep at the wheel. "HCD brought action against Shangri-La in January 2024, alleging fraud and other claims, long before the federal criminal charges were announced, a spokesperson told RCI after this article was published. HCDs civil action is focused on preserving its investments and these affordable housing projects, and we will continue to pursue that recourse."

Newsom Rejects Accountability

By the summer of 2024, the lack of progress in reducing homelessness in California spurred Newsom to issue a threat to local leaders across the state. The governor gathered a group of reporters at a homeless encampment in the Pacoima neighborhood of L.A. so cameras could capture him picking up piles of trash.

If we dont see demonstrable results [in reducing homelessness], Ill start to redirect money, Newsom said.

But today, Californians continue to see headlines revealing more alleged fraud within the states prolific homeless housing programs, most of which involve the misuse of Homekey funds.

The latest example involves the nonprofit Urban Alchemy, which was awarded a $2.3 million Project Homekey contract to provide 88 designated tent spaces in a parking lot so homeless individuals can legally set up tents and access meals, bathrooms, and other services. A city inspection revealed that the lot was operating at half capacity, with only 44 bare wooden platforms on site.

One of the state audits main critiques centered on how officials werent tracking the progress of its homeless programs. California is not ensuring that it collects accurate, complete, and comparable financial and outcome information from homelessness programs, according to the report.

Following the audit, Californias lawmakers unanimously passed legislation requiring the Newsom administration to submit annual evaluations of the homeless programs that receive public grants. But Newsom vetoed the bill, saying it creates an unnecessary ongoing workload for the Department without providing additional accountability or transparency to taxpayers.

Our state has spent billions of taxpayer dollars in recent years only to see homelessness get worse, Republican Assemblyman Josh Hoover said in a September 2024 statement. We will not solve this crisis and get people the help they need until we get serious about accountability.

One year later, Newsom hasnt lost faith in Homekey. He announced the allocation of $106.2 million toward six Homekey+ awards to pay for the development of 321 permanent supportive homes.

No more excuses, Newsom declared in a press release announcing the grants. Everyone must step up to address this crisis.
Optimization of educational assets stressed

13:44, December 11, 2025 By ZOU SHUO ( Chinadaily.com.cn

China is moving to optimize the allocation of educational resources in response to significant demographic changes, with the student population set to peak and plummet at different educational levels over the coming decade, according to a senior official.

Huai Jinpeng, minister of education, said that while the number of primary school students in the country peaked in 2023, the middle school population is expected to peak next year, the high school population in 2029 and the population of higher education age in 2032.

In response to these demographic changes, the ministry plans to prioritize educational resources for regions experiencing significant student population growth and school placement pressures, Huai said in an interview with China Central Television last month.

The ministry also aims to expand educational facilities in urban areas that have a high concentration of school-age populations, he added.

According to official statistics, 16.16 million children were enrolled in primary schools in China last year, with the total primary student population dropping by approximately 2.6 million from 2023.

The recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which were adopted in October at the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, called for improving the mechanism for allocating educational resources in line with demographic changes.

The rate of decline in the student population has varied in different provincial-level regions. According to news outlet Sohu.com, provinces such as Henan, Hebei, Jiangxi, Heilongjiang, Hunan and Jilin have each seen their number of primary students drop by more than 100,000 in the past decade.

In Northeast China, the situation has been particularly acute, with 60 percent of primary schools shutting down in the past 10 years due to a lack of students.

In stark contrast, Guangdong province stands out, having added 2.72 million primary students in the past decade. To cope with such growth, it has made available nearly one million compulsory education places in the past three years.

Efficient utilization

These demographic shifts directly impact student-teacher ratios. Last year, the ratios in kindergartens and primary schools reached their most favorable levels in years, with one teacher for every 12.7 students in kindergartens and one teacher for every 16.1 students in primary schools. While this allowed teachers to focus more on individual students, it also raised concerns about efficient resource utilization.

Teacher redeployment and downsizing are underway in many areas. In Ezhou, Hubei province, 500 teaching posts were reallocated from primary to middle schools, and the total number of posts was capped. In Hegang, Heilongjiang province, 206 school staff members were reassigned to other positions after a competitive reemployment process.

Gao Hang, vice-dean of Renmin University of China's School of Education, emphasized the critical need to reform China's educational resource allocation in response to significant demographic changes, describing the task as "very urgent" for improving fiscal efficiency, especially in the current economic climate.

Gao pointed out that the student population peak in kindergartens, which occurred in 2020, has already led to excess capacity, particularly in the private sector. The wave of decline is now directly impacting primary schools and is expected to reach secondary schools in the coming years, he said. Gao warned against complacency in the higher education sector, noting that while the sector is still preparing for its peak, some universities  especially private ones  are already facing difficulties with student enrollment.

He urged institutions to shift from a model of rapid expansion to one focusing on quality for creating diverse and distinctive types of universities. He also identified the international student market as a crucial avenue for future growth.

Aspiration for better life

Gao acknowledged that a large-scale interprovincial movement of teaching staff is a complex challenge that may require coordination by central authorities.

While this may lead to some teachers undergoing retraining or transferring from primary to secondary schools, he expressed confidence that local governments are capable of intelligently managing the transition.

Gao said that on the one hand, education is impacted by population size, which pushes the system toward reform; on the other hand, education itself is a system that supports fertility, which calls for improvements in the quality and accessibility of services such as child care. When kindergartens become more affordable, young people are more likely to consider having children, he said.

"The education system should fundamentally transition from a scale-oriented model to one focused on efficiency and quality," Gao said.

"The future lies in providing diversified, high-quality and personalized education that meets the strategic needs of the nation, the demands of the technological era, and the public's aspiration for a better life," he added.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
NORTH EAST, Pa.  Snow and ice cover the driveway at Apthorp Farms that leads to a big red barn. Inside, the click-clack of hooves rings out from pens of hay before huge antlers emerge from the shadows.

Here in North East, Pennsylvania, one could easily mistake the snow-covered farm and reindeer for the North Pole.

Deb and Scott Apthorp had raised reindeer for decades before they decided to open their farm to the public. Over the years, they have also had to overcome many challenges, which led them to become the only handicap-accessible reindeer farm in the state.

Today, with seven reindeer by their side, the farm is welcoming visitors for Christmas. The goal: creating a space to escape from the outside world, where Santa Claus could appear with his reindeer at any minute.

A love for reindeer

Deb didnt grow up on a farm, but she did grow up with a love for animals: I wanted (reindeer) since I was a kid. I was that kid that was afraid of Santa, but loved animals, she said.

Deb and her husband Scott moved to their roughly 10-acre farm, near the shores of Lake Erie, in 2001. The couple started raising chickens in 2004.

But one chicken grew into many chickens, Deb said. And into many birds, Scott said, finishing Debs sentence. The Apthorps built a 20-by-10-foot chicken coop with water, heat and electricity.

From there, they acquired more birds, including ducks and turkeys. While raising the birds, the Apthorps were working toward Debs dream: owning reindeer. This included applying for a Cervidae Livestock Operations License and prepping the farm.

It wasnt until 2012 that the Apthorps acquired their first reindeer: Donner and Blitzen from New York.

Around the same time, they started building more space for the reindeer on the farm. They built a shed, a west and east pasture with high-tensile deer fence and a shade shelter.

Thats also when the Apthorps started traveling to businesses with the reindeer for Christmas events. This has included the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers Christmas in July events and events for human and animal charities.

But in 2012, a storm was brewing in Pennsylvania that would force Deb and Scott to invest in more safety measures: chronic wasting disease.

CWD

CWD was first found in Pennsylvania in 2012 in Adams County. According to Deb and Scott, this is when they received heightened restrictions on their reindeer farm.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture required information on the setup of the farm, and later, fencing that was at least 8 feet high to prevent the spread of the disease.

When CWD reared its ugly head, then we had to be double fenced, said Deb. How visitors could interact with the reindeer also changed: Its a lot more than what it used to be; it used to be, for a lack of a better word, more fun, where you just share a reindeer, be right next to it and walk it right through a crowd, Scott said.

Nowadays, guests can still pet a reindeer, but only through cattle panels. If they go inside the fence with the deer, they must wear special boots, says Deb.

Because the Apthorps have a certified reindeer herd, they also have to send their dead reindeer brains to Harrisburg to be tested for CWD.

I dont think its for the wrong reason, she said. The biggest problem for the Apthorps was that reindeer, and all animals in the deer family, were treated as white-tailed deer.

According to Deb, the state initially wanted certified deer herds to submit two heads of deer a year to be checked for CWD; this wouldve killed the Apthorps small reindeer farm, Deb said, adding she lobbied against this requirement.

Most recently, theyve had to modify their operations to prevent the spread of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, a disease transmitted by infected midges that damages deers blood vessels and causes internal hemorrhaging.

However, Deb notes that the reindeer arent likely to get the disease, as they like cold temperatures. In the summer, they prefer the barns shade and fan instead of the pastures where midges are likely to get them.

As the climate warms, Deb believes vector-borne diseases are only going to get worse.

Once the temperatures change anywhere on the planet, the vectors that can survive spread like wildfire, she said.

1 of 10

Pushing through

The Apthorps have faced other challenges over the years, including managing the health of their reindeer herd and navigating Debs own health challenges.

In 2017, both Donner and Blitzen died. Donner died from an ulcer at Ohio State University, where he was receiving treatment. Blitzen died that same year from Babesia, a tick-borne disease caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells.

It was just devastating, Deb said. That was the time that you were either going to quit and throw in the towel, or you were going to dig your heels in and figure out what you needed to do, and thats what we chose to do.

Thats when the Apthorps bought guinea fowl to join the other birds they raise on the farm. Deb and Scott use the guinea fowl as pest control. Around this time, their herd was also growing, with their first baby reindeer, Prancer, born in spring 2017.

But, in 2021, the Apthorps would endure another obstacle: Deb losing her leg to type 1 diabetes.

Thats been very difficult, but I can do the work in a wheelchair, Deb said. I still have my rickety old wheelchair the hospital gave me when I left, and I can shovel manure in the barn; I can help spread it and I take care of a lot of the scheduling.

Although its been tough, Deb doesnt let that stop her. The farm keeps her going.

If you take it away, what do I have left? I sit in a wheelchair and wait for somebody to feel bad for me, yeah, thats not going to cut it, Deb said. I got two dogs up at the house to take care of. Weve got seven reindeer down here. Were hoping three of our girls were bred. Were hoping were going to have three babies in the spring.

Today

When COVID hit in 2020, the Apthorps had to adapt their business to continue to support the farm. They started hosting virtual events with schools, where storybook readings would occur and kids could see Santa with reindeer.

This sparked interest from other schools, too, which led them to host in-person farm tours in 2021.

That really pushed us into better exposure. So, what we thought was going to be something bad really turned out to be something good, Deb said.

In addition to school tours, they host special events for senior citizens and veterans in December, visits with Santa and events throughout the year, including mom and baby tours in April.

Their most popular draw is December group tours (public and private), where visitors get to see the reindeer. Each reindeer (and animal on the farm) is given a name, says Deb, like Yukon Cornelius and Comet from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Over the years, the Apthorps have raised 22 reindeer; Deb and Scott made a Christmas tree out of all their past and present reindeer antlers that sits in their newly built gift shop and barn. Each year, they add new antlers to the tree that the reindeer shed.

Now that the farm is open for business, the Apthorps prefer the on-site visits and are looking to wind down on traveling.

The couple has also adapted the farm to accommodate Debs new condition, including building ramps. Today, the farm is handicap accessible, so everyone can delight in the Christmas spirit.

I think I kind of paved the way on purpose, because I didnt want to give up everything. But I am the first and, to my knowledge, the only handicap-accessible reindeer farm, Deb said. We have a lot of kids coming now from the school district, so were having (neurodivergent) kids and handicapped kids, so they can come out and enjoy it.

Upcoming tour schedule

Dec. 15-18: reindeer tours, 2-8 p.m.

Dec. 20: Santa visits and tours, 5-7 p.m.

Dec. 21: reindeer tours, 2-8 p.m.

Dec. 22-23: reindeer tours, 2-8 p.m.; Santa visits from 5-7 p.m.

Dec. 24: Santa visits with reindeer, noon to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit https://apthorpfarms.com/.

(Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.)
UK lamb consignments worth hundreds of thousands of pounds have been cleared to return home after being impounded at Calais, in a move welcomed by the sector as tensions over EU border checks continue to grow.

Several refrigerated lorries were detained at the Calais Border Control Post (BCP) after French inspectors reported traces of wool on individual lamb carcasses  despite the meat having been stamped fit for human consumption by Food Standards Agency (FSA) inspectors in the UK.

National Sheep Association (NSA) chief executive Phil Stocker said the organisation wholly welcomes the news that chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss had secured the release of the impounded loads, on the condition none of the product is re-exported to the EU.

One processor contacted NSA earlier in the week with lamb worth tens of thousands of pounds being held in Calais, prompting the organisation to raise the issue with both the CVO and Defra. Stocker said NSA helped build communication between the processor and officials, enabling a faster resolution.

But he warned exporters to tread carefully following the incident. If we want the support of our CVO and officials in the future we must not do anything to undermine agreements and trust, he said, urging processors not to attempt to re-present any affected product for re-export.

He also appealed to the FSA to ensure meat inspectors exercise due diligence given the increased scrutiny at EU border posts.

The Calais hold-up this week follows further reports in recent months of UK consignments being rejected for issues such as parasitic damage to offal and misalignment between UK and EU lead-level limits.

NSA has questioned whether the frequency of rejections may be politically linked to ongoing renegotiation of post-Brexit trade rules, though Stocker acknowledged that we are bound by the BCP ruling as the EU remains a crucial market for British lamb.

Exporters, he said, must now assume that checks are very thorough and in some cases tighter than normal, and ensure consignments leave no room for error. NSA is advising processors to review trimming procedures, quality control and internal inspections to minimise the risk of future detentions.

Defra is expected to raise the latest incident with EU border authorities in an effort to prevent similar disruption. But Stocker noted that whether we like it or not they are the gateway to our marketplace, and said the episode underlined the need for exporters to be fully prepared for stringent checks.

NSA said the incident serves as a timely reminder that compliance at EU border posts is becoming more exacting and that avoiding delays will depend on maintaining the highest possible standards throughout the supply chain.
Durham County Council has delivered a forceful show of support for farming, voting unanimously to back a motion defending rural communities and committing to greater use of local meat and dairy across its services.

The move comes amid a national debate over food policy, rural taxation and environmental regulationissues that many in the countryside say have contributed to what they describe as a war on the countryside.

It also follows similar votes in councils such as Suffolk, Cornwall and North Northamptonshire, countering decisions by others, including Edinburgh and Calderdale, to remove meat and dairy from council catering.

Reform UK councillor Tim McGuinness brought forward the motion, arguing that rural communities are facing mounting pressure.

He said poorly judged national policies had hurt British farming and urged colleagues to recognise the huge contribution farmers, growers and the wider food and drink industry make to the countys economy and environment.

He warned that recent decisions by central government were putting unsustainable strain on the sector and called on the council to send a clear signal of support.

He urged councillors to stand with him in saying to central government that we will not stand idly by  we will do everything we can to support our farmers, farming and our rural communities.

The motion commits the council, where possible, to prioritise home-grown meat and dairy in its procurement and to explore ways of encouraging residents to buy local food. While not legally binding, it sets the direction for future purchasing decisions and local food promotion.

Reform UK councillor Scott Woodhouse backed the proposal and warned that upcoming government consultations on shotgun licensing and trail hunting could also have consequences for rural economies and community venues such as village pubs. He said the pledge was only the beginning of efforts to bolster local farming.

The Countryside Alliance praised Durhams stance. Spokesman Johnnie Furse said the organisation was thrilled to see such robust support for farming and the countryside, arguing that farmers faced unprecedented threats from national policy.

He said the unanimous vote sends a clear message to rural communities that they are not alone and that local government is fighting for them.

Durhams decision places it among a growing group of local authorities openly backing farmers and distancing themselves from moves to restrict meat and dairy in public-sector food policya sign of the widening political divide over the future of rural Britain.
The Scottish government has announced 500,000 in capital grants for small producers in 202526, aiming to bolster crofters and rural businesses.

Under the Small Producers Pilot Fund, grants will help smaller farms, crofts, horticultural enterprises and local food producers invest in equipment, storage or processing facilities that strengthens their resilience and supports sustainable growth.

Announcing the funding, the Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture, said small producers matter, highlighting their vital contribution to nature, climate, thriving communities, and sustainable food production.

The Minister said it was right that we support and invest in them because of the unique benefits that only they bring.

The funding comes at a pivotal time, with ministers under pressure to ensure smaller producers are not overlooked during agricultural reform and as rural businesses face rising costs and growing expectations on climate and nature delivery.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with South of Scotland Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which will help administer support and work directly with eligible producers in their regions.

Fairlie said the 500,000 package would continue the governments commitment to backing crofters and small rural businesses, enabling them to play a central role in delivering the Vision for Agriculture and sustaining vibrant rural communities.

The Minister added gratitude to both enterprise agencies for their support and partnership in making this delivery happen.

The Scottish government says it remains firmly committed to empowering small producers and ensuring they have the investment needed to contribute to national economic, environmental and social goals.

Further details on eligibility criteria and the application process are expected to be published early in the new year.
Earlier this year, on another set during a Femina shoot, I met Amol Parashar for the first time. I learned from him that he is an IIT Delhi graduate, he loves cinema (and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of it), and that the veins on his hands have not only a separate following but also a fan page of their own. Whether you know him because of his inherited vascularity or his self-made body of work, it is a good thing that you do  it is about time that the world does, too. Fan pages, then, are just some byproducts that the hyper-private actor will have to come to accept.



It is a lesser-known fact that Amol made his Bollywood debut with the 2009 movie, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year with actor Ranbir Kapoor. He played Sai, one of the protagonists friends and key members of his business venture. Though the role was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, it wasnt until 2016 that the sibling-drama Tripling, produced by The Viral Fever, put him on the route to becoming a household name. In the decade since, Amol has a tableau of diverse shows and movies which highlight his acting range. His portrayal of two opposite titular characters in the 2025 shows, Gram Chikitsalaya and The Legacy of the Raisingghs: Kull, are a nod to just that.

Its clear that Amol loves acting. The media doesnt matter. The actor, who has spent a lot of time performing in theatres, even went back to performing for a live audience with his Besharam Aadmi, a 75-minutes long solo play which, explores ideas of shame, intimacy and masculinity, through the lens of self-deprecation and humour. Under the banner Amol Parashar Live, he wants to tap into lesser-told stories and take them directly to people. Amols career trajectory is on a steep ascend, at a pace that is of his own volition, and doesnt show signs of slowing down. In a freewheeling chat with Femina, he talks to us about what keeps him going even after 15 years in the business.



Edited excerpts from an interview:





Do you think your growing up years have shaped the person you are today?

I believe that we are a sum of our experiences and influences. My childhood was simple in terms of values. Both my parents had government jobs, and we were taught that the only way we could have a good life was with hard work, honesty, and having respect for others. I think these values have held me in good stead over the course of my life.

Because of the nature of my parents professions, we also moved around a lot  across cities or just moving houses within a city. Although such experiences can make you feel ungrounded, they taught me how to adjust and fit into new and different groups of people with ease. I am able to connect with people and understand them better, regardless of our social and cultural differences. One develops empathy for humanity and an ability to see the world from other peoples perspective. This greatly informs my craft as an actor and my ability to understand my characters.







Can you recount your first big break in acting?

I have had some interesting career milestones. The first time I was in front of a camera  even before shooting an ad or a short film  was a feature film for Yash Raj Films. I unknowingly walked into the screen test of Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009). I was new in Mumbai and had focused my energy on theatre. So, bagging a big studio project like that was unexpectedly surprising, and, of course, encouraging. I did interesting projects on screen along the way while continuing theatre. The break-out moment was playing Chitvan in the Tripling (2016-2022) series. It exploded in a way that I had not anticipated. Being recognised and loved by the world at large was a brand-new experience for me. Even after almost a decade, and many other characters which have touched peoples hearts, Chitvan continues to be a significant part of the connection that the audiences out there feel with me and my work.

Have any of your performances felt like a made it moment, or do you feel theres more of your potential still to unlock?

I am trained since childhood to not gloat over success for too long. If I achieve a milestone, I am satisfied for the time being, but soon I am seeking ways to challenge myself further. I dont have fixed end goals. I just want the journey to be challenging, enriching, and enlightening. But I am touched when my loved ones are proud of me  my parents, sister, partner, and close friends. When they are genuinely pleased with something I have achieved, I find great pleasure in that.

Because of this attitude, I perpetually feel like a newcomer. Even now, after more than a decade in this profession  and a holding a position that many aspiring actors dream of  in my heart of hearts I feel the excitement of somebody who is just starting out. I have more energy and fire than ever. I have ideas I want to experiment with and things I want to create  whether via storytelling or otherwise. I feel more courageous than ever and I want to leap forward with this courage.



How different is acting on stage (in theatre) different from acting in OTT or films? What do you enjoy the most about it?

Acting on stage is a different craft compared to acting for the camera. On stage, you connected with the audience, and the aura you have is unique to that time and place. Those 60-90 minutes are all you have, so you pour all your truth into them. Your focus is rock-solid, to the point where it feels meditative and transcendental. You step into an alternate reality and invite the audience along with you.

The stage provides you with the opportunity to connect with the energies of several hundred people at once. It is a unique human experience. Your instinct and subconscious get trained in a manner that is unmatchable.

As a new producer, what stories do you want to champion, and what gap in todays storytelling made you step into this role?

Just like my characters, I would not want to be stereotyped when it comes to the stories I choose to support as a producer. As artists, our instinct and individualistic voice are our strongest suits. The moment we fall out of touch with our true selves and start following templates, fads and trends, storytelling loses its essence. My experiences have taught me that an honest intent and a lived instinct never lie. Audiences can smell authenticity from a distance, even if they themselves cant tell how.

I want to leverage my position to support more authentic stories, at whatever scale I can. Stories that not only entertain, but can also occasionally move the needle of culture. I want to provide a world view, a slice of the human experience that makes people feel seen, heard, and moved.

What did you think is your most unique edge as an actor?

I truly love to act. And when you love something as passionately, no one can take that away from you. You can take away the money, the fame, the perks, the glamour, but you cannot take away my feeling of transcending my reality and stepping into another. Or the feeling of using my body, mind, voice, and understanding of the world and its people, to generate a moment of honest illusion. There is a difference between loving acting and loving being an actor.

I can open my heart to other people, to their pain and pleasure, to their courage and insecurities, to their dreams and nightmares, without judgment. At least, I am striving to be like that. I am very curious about the human condition. These are things that no one can take away from me, and these are things that you can only learn through a lived experience and hard work. One can't serve this on a silver platter.



If you had to look back at your own filmography and pick your favourite performances, which would you choose?

Chitvan (Tripling, 2016-2022), Bhagat Singh (Sardar Udham, 2021), Dr Prabhat (Gram Chikitsalay, 2025), and Abhimanyu Raisingh (The Legacy of the Raisingghs: Kull, 2025) come to mind immediately  but I have equally loved and worked equally hard for all my characters.I would like for people to revisit some other roles that are lesser known; I play a disturbed author stuck in his own novel in an episode of Parchhayee (2019), a horror anthology. In the mini-TV series It Happened In Hong Kong (2018), I play a man travelling with a stranger. And in the movie Cash (2021), I play Armaan Gulati, a start-up addict who comes up with a morally compromised entrepreneurial plan after demonetisation.

What are you working on next?

There are two shows I am shooting next. I have read and loved a script for a film, and I am waiting for timelines to fall into place. I have already started soft scouting for my next live show after Besharam Aadmi. I have written a pilot episode for a show and am looking forward to pitching it to some interesting people. I am planning to invest in certain brands that I can grow with. There are other ideas which I am unable to find the time to work on among other ongoing projects.

Photographs: Trupal Pandya

Creative Direction: Arnesh Ghose

Styling: Harshika Kewalramani

Makeup: Shantaram Kurle

Hair: Diwas Kolikote

Production: Karishma Dhawan

Styling Assistance: Pranjali Sarwate

Production Assistance: Ravi Vishwakarma



Also Read: 6 questions with Amol Parashar
Prachi Dhabal Deb

Royal Icing Cake Artist & Founder  Cake Decor India

Prachi Dhabal Deb is an inspiration for those wanting to pivot in their careers but thinking that its too late. A financial analyst by education, Prachi found herself drawn to the sweet world of baked desserts, first as a home baker, and then as a professional. Inspired by Sir Eddie Spence MBE, the renowned British cake maker who eventually mentored her, she took on the challenge of working with royal icing on cakes, even creating its vegan iteration and making it palatable for a growing population of vegetarian consumers.



A recipient of several prestigious awards for mastery in cake designs, in 2025, the three-time World Record-holder used edible art as a bridge between Indias cultural legacy and creative excellence, propagating her belief that, growth feels most meaningful when art becomes a medium of purpose and cultural responsibility. Ahead of Indias 79th Independence Day, Prachi collaborated with the Government of Indias Ministry of Culture to design 12 millet cookies, each decorated with her signature vegan icing technique to represent a handloom design from Indias different states  from Assams gamosa design to Gujarats patola. Based in Pune cake designer, Prachi also paid a tribute to her home state, Maharashtra, with a cake meticulously piped with a Paithani sari border featuring peacocks and flowers and adorned with traditional Maharashtrian jewellery such as nath (a nose ornament), thushi (a choker made with gold beads), and bugadi (a special ear-piercing design). My work is made of sugar, but its essence is heritage  a tribute to the eternal elegance of Indian craft traditions, she says.



In 2025, Prachi also became the first Indian ambassador and senior judge at the International Cake Show in Australia. She was also honoured with an Excellence Award by British MP Bob Blackman at the World Book of Records event in London.



Honour your individuality, honour your heritage, and develop mastery with patience. When integrity guides your journey, recognition follows naturally



The Fab List 2025

We know you're always looking for motivation and, this issue, we bring it to you from the best of the best. Our Fab List showcases women who have worked hard, endured, and overcome struggles to have a fabulous 2025. We know you will be inspired by their trials and their triumphs. Apart from bending rules and breaking barriers, they have marched relentlessly towards their goal... and have had a cracking year. From the country's president to entrepreneurs, actors, doctors, and the winning cricket team, among others, we celebrate them all...



Also Read: The Fab List 2025: Tenzin Yangki First Woman IPS Officer in Arunachal




In 2017, a well-known Malayalam actress was sexually assaulted in a moving car in Kochi  an incident that would go on to become one of the most unsettling ones in the recent socio-legal history in Indian cinema. The brutal crime committed against the actor was captured on camera by the assailants, which shattered the public perceptions of the Malayalam film industry and exposed deep rooted structural inequalities and power dynamics along the way.

What followed was a legal battle that stretched over a period of eight years marked by shocking revelations, public outcry, polarization and eventual conviction and acquittals. This case remains a litmus test for the position and power of women when measured against men who hold higher positions in hierarchy.









This article chronologically traces the key events in the case while exploring the idea of influence, gendered silence, and the pursuit of justice.

Chronology of events:





2017

A prominent Malayalam actress is assaulted in a moving car in Kochi. Pulsar Suni (N. S. Sunil) is identified as the main accused. The attack is recorded. The survivor is left at an actor-directors residence.

Actors driver Martin Antony is arrested.

Notable actors from the industry show support for the survivor; Dileep also joins in solidarity.

The first chargesheet names Pulsar Suni and six others as accused.

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) is formed who approach the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

A letter and a voice note allegedly from Suni to Dileep emerge.

Dileep and director Nadirsha admit receiving a call demanding 1.5 crore to keep Dileeps name out from the case.

Sunis aide is arrested for the extortion attempt.

The SIT (Special Investigation Team) arrests Dileep for alleged conspiracy on July 10, 2017. Police claim that the conspiracy dates back as early as 2013 and Suni was promised 1.5 crore to commit the crime.

Public backlash leads to Dileeps expulsion from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA).

Sunis lawyer Pratheesh Chacko is accused of allegedly destroying crucial evidence of assault. Pratheesh is arrested.

Dileeps third bail plea is rejected; he is later granted conditional bail after 84 days in custody.

The investigation team files a 650-page subsidiary chargesheet listing 12 accused: Dileep as the eighth, with Majnu Warrier, his former wife as a key witness.

The court accepts the chargesheet, which includes over 50 film-industry witnesses.

2018

Dileep approaches the High Court and the Supreme Court with a plea to access the visuals of the assault. Both courts reject the plea.

Honey M. Varghese is appointed as the judge at survivors request.

ADGP Sandhya, who led the investigation team is transferred.

AMMA reinstates Dileep with superstar Mohanlal as the president, but he declines.

2019

The Trial begins but pauses after the survivor seeks a transfer to another court.

2020

Charges are formally framed against Dileep, Pulsar Suni and eight others.

The trail begins, three years later.

Several actors including Bhamaa, Sidhique, Edavela Babu and Bindu Panicker turn hostile.

The survivor alleges bias against the prosecution; moves to Kerala High Court asking Judge Honey M. Varghese to be replaced. The appeal is rejected.

The Kerala government approaches the Supreme court requesting a different judge. The appeal is rejected.

2021

Director Balachandra Kumar alleges Dileep had earlier access to the assault visuals and his family members and a VIP guest had watched the visuals. He also alleged that he saw Pulsar Suni at the actors residence.

Following this revelation, the Crime Branch expands the investigation

V.N. Anilkumar, a Special Public Prosecutor resigns reportedly due to differences with Judge Honey M. Varghese.

2022

A new FIR is filed against Dileep based on Balachandras revelations

The survivor reveals her identity for the first time in an Instagram post.

The survivor requests the Chief Justice Of India to probe alleged leaks of the assault visuals from the trial court.

Investigators submit digital evidence and audio clips from Balachandra to the court.

The High Court and The Supreme court dismiss the plea of the survivor to transfer trail to another court

2023

The Supreme Court declines re-examination of the witnesses

The Supreme Court denies bail of Pulsar Suni.

The Supreme Court orders the trail to be completed by July 31.

2024

The Crime Branch seeks cancellation of Dileeps bail; the High Court refuses, noting the trial is nearing its end.

The three-member Justice Hema Committee formed in 2017 reveals shocking reports of sexual harassments and exploitations faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Many women come forward with complaints following this. Over 30 FIRs registered.

AMMA president Mohanlal steps down and dissolves the committee for 2024-2027.

Director Balachandra dies at a hospital due to kidney and heart disease.

2025

The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court convicts  Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, B. Manikandan, V. P. Vijeesh, H. Salim and Pradeep.

The court acquits Dileep and three others.

In this entire narrative, there also lies a disturbing voice of the prime accused Pulsar Suni that lays bare a chilling insight into the mind of a rapist. Suni has been a driver to many industry elites and claims to be known more for the crimes he has committed, which the people are aware of. In an interview with The News Minute, Suni opened on the case and his motives. He said, Abducting someone is not a big deal. Its like picking up a chicken from the streets. Theres no real risk, which reflects a deep moral vacuum. Moreover, his refusal to speak about the most crucial evidence in the case  the recording, highlights his loyalty to an amoral ecosystem that enabled him. I will never tell you or anyone else where the phone is. This is a promise I made to someone, he said revealing a sheer lack of remorse.

The eight-year trail exposed deep fissures in the Malayalam film industry and the very institutions that are meant to uphold justice. Through hostile witnesses, alleged illegal evidence manipulation, changes in investigation teams and attempts to control narratives, systematic vulnerabilities were brought to the fore exposing institutions strained by power and influence.

Yet against this backdrop of institutional fragility, the case also highlighted the survivors unwavering pursuit of justice and her resolve to fight against all odds despite multiple delays. The revelation put forth by the Hema Committee and the activism of WCC signalled a collective refusal to normalise harassment. These moves underscored the resilience of women to stand up for their own right.

With convictions of few and acquittals granted to others, the case leaves behind a moral unease that goes beyond the courtroom. It compels the society to reconsider what justice means when it intersects with celebrity culture and influence. It forces us to question whether the institutions are truly equipped to protect the innocent. Was this justice delayed, or justice denied? Will the system that failed to provide complete justice reform? Or simply wait for the public memory to fade while the victim bears the scars?

















ALso Read: Dileep Acquitted in 2017 Actor Assault Case As Court Convicts Six Others










Salman Khan is among the Bollywood stars attending the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah this year. At the Golden Globes dinner, Salman arrived looking dapper in a black suit and tie. He posed with other notable personalities present at the event and expressed his excitement over Alia Bhatt being honoured.

Pictures from the event show Salman Khan alongside Idris Elba, Edgar Ramirez, Olga Kurylenko, Emad Iskande, and other big celebs. He was all smiles as he posed for the cameras.





Fans were visibly impressed by his look. One of them commented, "Bhai is ageing backwards, man." Another commented, "Looking a lot like he was in the 2000 decade." Another exclaimed, "Uff! Handsome as ever."

Regarding his attendance at the Red Sea Film Festival, Salman said, "I love it here. I like Saudi. A lot of people here like the culture. It's nice. I keep on visiting this place quite a bit nowadays. So, it's good."

He also commented on Alia Bhatt receiving an honour at the Golden Globes event. He said, "Yes, Alia Bhatt, it's amazing! I think only Saudi could've done this. It's amazing. They're going places really rapidly; it's a good thing. I like it that they bring their best and our culture together."

Salman's last on-screen appearance came in Sikandar earlier this year which also starred Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Anjini Dhawan and Sharman Joshi among others. On the other hand, Alia Bhatt is prepping for her next releases, Alpha and Love & War which are slated to hit screens next year.

Salman is preparing for his upcoming film, Battle of Galwan. This war drama is based on the Indo-China conflict at Galwan Valley. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, it draws inspiration from a chapter in the book India's Most Fearless 3.

While Salmans character poster has been revealed, the film's first look has not yet been released.







Also Read: Photos: Salman Khan SNAPPED at The Mumbai Airport










Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 10, 2025) - Lux Metals Corp. (TSXV: LXM) (the "Company" or "Lux") announces that it proposes to undertake a private placement of 12,500,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $2,500,000 (the "Placement"). Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Share") and one transferrable share purchase warrant, each warrant (a "Warrant") exercisable into one additional Share for a period of two years from date of issue at a price of $0.40 per share. If after all regulatory holds on the Warrants expire and the Shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") at a price of $0.60 or more for ten consecutive trading days at any time (the "Acceleration Event"), then the Warrants will expire, subject to the Company's discretion, on the earlier of the expiry date and 4:30 p.m. (Vancouver time) on the date which is 30 calendar days after the Company provides notice by way of news release to the holders of the Warrants that the Acceleration Event has occurred.

The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Units will be used for exploration costs and general working capital.

The Company may pay finders' fees comprised of cash and/or non-transferable warrants in connection with the Placement, pursuant to the policies of the TSXV and applicable securities laws. The Company anticipates closing of the Placement (in one or more tranches) as soon as practicable subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. All securities issued under the Placement will be subject to applicable regulatory holds expiring four months and one day from date of issue.

The Company also announces that it has agreed, subject to the acceptance of the TSXV, to settle $107,000 worth of debt to non-arm's length parties by the issuance of 535,000 Shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.20 per Share. All Shares issued under the debt settlement will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issue.

The Company also advises that, subject to regulatory approval, it has retained Venture Liquidity Providers Inc. ("VLP") to initiate its market-making service to provide assistance in maintaining an orderly trading market for the Shares of the Company.

The market-making service will be undertaken by VLP through a registered broker, W.D. Latimer Co. Ltd., in compliance with the applicable policies of the TSXV and other applicable laws. For its services, the Company has agreed to pay VLP $5,000 per month for a period of three months. The agreement may be terminated at any time by the Company or VLP. The Company and VLP act at arm's length, and VLP has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities. The finances and the Shares required for the market-making service are provided by W.D. Latimer. The fee paid by the Company to VLP is for services only. VLP is a specialized consulting firm based in Toronto providing a variety of services focused on TSXV listed issuers.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any 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.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange, the Toronto Stock 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.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes but is not limited to: the anticipated timing for completing the Placement; the potential payment of finders' fees in connection with the Placement; the intended use of proceeds from the Placement; completion of the shares for debt transaction; and the engagement, and scope and timing of services to be provided by, VLP and WDL. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that all requisite approvals will be received, and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277676

SOURCE: Lux Metals Corp.
TAIPEI, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC), organized by the Ministry of Education and executed by National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), celebrated its award ceremony today. This year's competition received an impressive 16,329 submissions from 1,029 schools across 73 countries and regions, with 76 outstanding works selected as winners. Taiwanese students delivered exceptional results, earning the Grand Prix, the Gold Prizes in Visual Design and Fashion Design, and several other major honors, achieving a total of 43 awarded works that highlight the creativity and international competitiveness of Taiwan's young designers.

The 2025 TISDC adopted the theme "Diversity," echoing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition encourages emerging designers to explore diverse cultural, environmental, and social perspectives, using design as a tool to foster inclusion and sustainable development. In addition to the original categories of Product Design, Visual Design, and Digital Animation, two new categories-Architecture & Landscape Design and Fashion Design-were introduced to showcase the growing interdisciplinary nature of design and the expanding creativity of the next generation.

This year's evaluation was conducted by an international panel of judges, with 50 professional jurors from 15 countries selecting 76 award-winning entries. With an overall winning rate of just 0.5%, the competition remains highly competitive, reflecting the excellence and rarity of the awarded works. A total of 76 prizes were presented, with a combined prize pool of nearly NTD 4 million. In addition to the Grand Prix, each of the five categories offered one Gold, Silver, and Bronze Prize, as well as six Honorable Mentions. The iSee Taiwan Foundation sponsored 21 International Design Association Special Prizes, while the TPCA Environment Foundation supported three Environmental Sustainability Awards and six Special Region Awards, encouraging students to address social concerns and sustainability through creative design.

The 2025 TISDC Award Ceremony was successfully held on December 9 (Tuesday) at the International Conference Hall of the NCCU Center for Public and Business Administration Education (CPBAE). On the same day, the Awarded Students Exchange Session brought together winners from around the world to share their creative experiences and perspectives. Representatives from International Design Organizations were invited to offer valuable guidance, helping students enhance their work, broaden their global outlook, and strengthen their competitiveness as future design talents.

The Award-Winning Works Exhibition was held from December 9 to 14 at the NTUST Art Gallery, showcasing the creativity and international vision of young designers. The exhibition attracted design professionals, educators, and the general public, offering an inspiring look at the innovative energy of the next generation.

The complete list of winners is available on the official TISDC website: www.tisdc.org. We invite everyone to explore the works online and experience the creativity, diversity, and potential of emerging global talent.

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ISO 20022-enabled solution allows blockchain interoperability on Swift's network, using Ant International's technology and HSBC's Tokenised Deposit Service

Integration with Swift's network extends AML and anti-fraud capabilities to tokenised deposits transactions

Proof of concept (POC) marks a step towards enabling seamless money movement across borders

Ant International, HSBC and Swift today have completed a successful Proof of Concept (POC) for the cross-border transfer of tokenised deposits using ISO 20022 standards. The initiative leverages Swift's global messaging network and HSBC's recently launched Tokenised Deposit Service, combined with Ant International's blockchain technology.

The POC marks a key milestone in Ant International, HSBC, and Swift's efforts to help businesses unlock the full benefits of tokenisation for enhanced liquidity, programmable finance, and 24/7 real-time settlement.

As part of this initiative, Ant International and HSBC successfully integrated Ant International's in-house blockchain infrastructure with Swift's networks, enabling real-time treasury management across borders through HSBC Singapore and Hong Kong, via HSBC's Tokenised Deposit Service. With the introduction of a common protocol co-built with Swift and HSBC, this could remove the need for Ant International to establish individual bilateral arrangements with its bank partners, making it more seamless and efficient for Ant International to leverage banks' tokenised deposit services.

Combining the transparency and efficiency of tokenisation with the scale and security of existing payments infrastructure, the integration with Swift's network enhances the security and compliance of Ant International's innovative blockchain-based solution.

Powered by ISO 20022, the solution extends HSBC's existing AML systems, anti-fraud capabilities and infrastructure into the Tokenised Deposit Service, paving the way for digital money issuers to leverage ISO 20022 and the Swift network, enabling easier adoption by banks and external customers during its future rollout and allowing further interoperability between digital money and traditional fiat money.

Shirish WADIVKAR, Global Head, Payments and Cash Management, Swift, said: "We are excited to demonstrate how ISO 20022 data formats, when combined with new technologies like blockchain, bring significant value to the entire community. This integration not only speeds up payment processing but also enhances AML and sanctions screening. As the financial ecosystem evolves, we remain committed to shaping a future of seamless global interoperability, powered by ISO 20022's structured data and aligned with financial institutions' need for trust, efficiency, and regulatory consistency."

Lewis Sun, Global Head of Domestic Payments and Emerging Payments, HSBC said, "This collaboration with Swift and Ant International is an important step in building a more connected digital money ecosystem for our clients. As we expand HSBC's Tokenised Deposit Service, ensuring interoperability across both emerging blockchain networks and established payment rails is critical. By enabling tokenised deposits to move securely and efficiently across borders, we are giving our corporate clients more choice in how they manage liquidity globally; with the familiarity of traditional banking and the benefits of next-generation digital infrastructure."

Kelvin Li, General Manager of Platform Tech at Ant International said, "Since joining Swift's network last year, we have worked closely to integrate our blockchain capabilities with their robust payment infrastructure. We hope our collaboration can guide the standardisation of tokenised deposits under ISO 20022. We will continue to enable interoperability in global money movement together with our partners, so businesses can access more transparent, secure and efficient cross-border payments."

The three parties will continue to build on the groundwork of the POC, exploring future pilot tests and use cases for commercial deployment.

Tokenised Deposit Service

Tokenised Deposit Service is HSBC's blockchain-based instant atomic settlement offering for its corporate clients to manage and move funds across participating HSBC locations in real-time, 24/7 by converting deposits into digital tokens (one token for every dollar).

About Ant International

With headquarters in Singapore and main operations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions.

To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com

About Swift

Swift is a global member owned cooperative and the world's leading provider of secure financial messaging services. We provide our community with a platform for messaging and standards for communicating, and we offer products and services to facilitate access and integration, identification, analysis and regulatory compliance.

Our messaging platform, products and services connect more than 11,500 banking and securities organisations, market infrastructures and corporate customers in more than 200 countries and territories. While Swift does not hold funds or manage accounts on behalf of customers, we enable our global community of users to communicate securely, exchanging standardised financial messages in a reliable way, thereby supporting global and local financial flows, as well as trade and commerce all around the world.

As their trusted provider, we relentlessly pursue operational excellence; we support our community in addressing cyber threats; and we continually seek ways to lower costs, reduce risks and eliminate operational inefficiencies. Our products and services support our community's access and integration, business intelligence, reference data and financial crime compliance needs. Swift also brings the financial community together at global, regional and local levels to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest or concern.

Headquartered in Belgium, Swift's international governance and oversight reinforces the globally inclusive character of its cooperative structure. Swift's global office network ensures an active presence in all the major financial centres.

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 57 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,214bn at 30 June 2025, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210776279/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Ant International

Ant International Global Communications

pr@ant-intl.com

Swift

Xavier Duval

Xavier.DUVAL@swift.com

HSBC

Mina Sharma

mina.bharat.sharma@hsbc.com
Comprehensive Subsurface Analysis and Data-Driven Insights Help Project Owners, Engineers and Developers Build Safely, Efficiently and with Certainty.

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TUV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing and certification services, continues to reinforce its position as a trusted partner in delivering a range of Geotechnical and Geophysical solutions. These services empower project owners, developers and engineers to build with confidence, precision and foresight. As infrastructure needs expand and construction projects become increasingly complex, dependable subsurface intelligence is essential. TUV Rheinland's Geotechnical Services provide an integrated, standards-driven approach that converts underground uncertainties into clear, actionable insights - ensuring every project begins on a solid foundation.

Every major construction project - whether related to buildings, infrastructure, industrial facilities or energy installations - starts with the ground beneath. Unknown soil composition, groundwater movement, subsurface anomalies and unstable strata can pose significant risks to safety, cost and timelines. TUV Rheinland's Geotechnical Services eliminate these uncertainties by delivering transparent and reliable geological insight.

Through a combination of on-site investigations, geophysical methods, and accredited laboratory testing, TUV Rheinland offers a complete understanding of subsurface conditions crucial for safe, efficient project planning. Our capabilities include:

Geotechnical field investigations including borehole drilling, cone penetration testing, trial pits, piezometer installation and standard in-situ tests.

including borehole drilling, cone penetration testing, trial pits, piezometer installation and standard in-situ tests. Geophysical survey methods such as Ground Penetrating Radar, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, MASW and micro-gravity assessments to evaluate soil layers, groundwater activity, voids and other subsurface characteristics.

such as Ground Penetrating Radar, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, MASW and micro-gravity assessments to evaluate soil layers, groundwater activity, voids and other subsurface characteristics. Comprehensive laboratory analysis to determine soil and rock properties, mechanical strength, compressibility and chemical composition.

to determine soil and rock properties, mechanical strength, compressibility and chemical composition. Advanced modelling and geotechnical simulations using specialized software to assess settlement, bearing capacity, deformation, slope stability and foundation performance.

using specialized software to assess settlement, bearing capacity, deformation, slope stability and foundation performance. Detailed geotechnical reporting outlining soil stratigraphy, foundation recommendations, groundwater considerations and site-specific guidance to support safe, compliant and cost-effective construction decisions.

Why This Matters: Building with Confidence and Reducing Risk

A precise understanding of subsoil conditions helps project teams avoid costly surprises that often lead to structural failures, budget overruns, and construction delays. This clarity enables:

Safer. more resilient structures aligned with actual soil and rock behaviour.

aligned with actual soil and rock behaviour. Optimized costs and schedules by avoiding overdesign and minimizing corrective measures during construction.

by avoiding overdesign and minimizing corrective measures during construction. Enhanced regulatory compliance and due diligence , critical for commercial, industrial and infrastructure developments.

, critical for commercial, industrial and infrastructure developments. Long-term asset performance, supported by identifying risks such as subsidence, groundwater fluctuation, or corrosive soil conditions.

TUV Rheinland's Geotechnical Services: Expertise, Standards and Precision

TUV Rheinland adheres to globally recognized engineering standards including ASTM, BS and DIN EN to ensure consistency, accuracy, and internationally accepted results.

Our team of experienced geotechnical engineers, surveyors and laboratory specialists follow best-practice methodologies and maintain continuous technical training to stay aligned with emerging industry advancements.

Backed by stringent quality-control processes, accredited laboratory facilities, and the latest field technologies, TUV Rheinland delivers dependable data and insights for foundation design, risk assessment, environmental studies, and complex infrastructure planning.

"At TUV Rheinland, we believe that every successful construction project stands on the strength of what lies beneath," said Shaezar Karim, Regional Director for Infrastructure & Project Supervision - India, Middle East and Africa region. "Our Geotechnical Services bring clarity to the unseen, translating soil, rock and subsurface data into actionable insights. This knowledge enables clients to make informed decisions, mitigate risks and build structures that endure."

Secure the Ground, Secure the Future

As urbanization accelerates and infrastructure projects increase in scale and complexity, dependable subsurface evaluation is indispensable. TUV Rheinland's Geotechnical Services offer the clarity, confidence, and technical assurance required to build responsibly - turning ground uncertainty into engineered certainty.

For industrial, commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects, partnering with TUV Rheinland ensures that every project begins with a comprehensive understanding of ground conditions and proceeds with unwavering confidence.

Click here to learn more about our services.

About TUV Rheinland:

150 years of making the world a safer place: TUV Rheinland is one of the world's leading providers of testing and inspection services, with annual revenues of over 2.7 billion euros and 27,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Its highly qualified experts test technical systems and products, enable innovation, and assist companies in their transition toward greater sustainability. They train professionals across numerous fields and certify management systems to international standards. With exceptional expertise in areas such as mobility, energy supply, infrastructure, and beyond, TUV Rheinland provides independent quality assurance - not least for emergent technologies such as green hydrogen, artificial intelligence and autonomous driving. In doing so, TUV Rheinland contributes to a safer and better future for everyone. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a signatory to the UN Global Compact, which promotes sustainability and combats corruption. The company's headquarters are located in Cologne, Germany. Website: www.tuv.com

Media Contact:

Samrat Sinha

Communications & PR

TUV Rheinland

Email: Samrat.Sinha@ind.tuv.com

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HONG KONG, Dec 11, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - Since 2025, driven by both policy tailwinds and fundamental strengths, the innovative drug sector in the Hong Kong stock market has experienced a valuation recovery. Although it experienced some correction in the second half due to external environmental factors, its overarching growth logic remains intact. Institutional analysis indicates that innovative drugs continue to represent the clearest industry trend within the pharmaceutical sector, with promising development prospects ahead.



Among the players, Cloudbreak Pharma (2592.HK), a biotech company focused on ophthalmology, has recently demonstrated strong stock performance. As of December 9, its share price closed at HK$8.24, having accumulated a gain of over 80% in approximately two weeks, and making it a standout "star stock" in the capital markets. This impressive performance is not coincidental but rather the inevitable result of multiple positive catalysts converging, including breakthroughs in its core product pipeline, enhancements to its global intellectual property (IP) layout, and an upgrade of its core management team.



Securing Another Victory in Patent Layout, Accelerating Commercialization of Core Product



On November 27, Cloudbreak Pharma's wholly-owned subsidiary, ADS Therapeutics LLC, successfully secured two core patents in Japan and Europe. Both patents relate to ophthalmic topical compositions and their uses for the core product CBT-009, laying a legal foundation for its global commercialization.



As a novel atropine ophthalmic formulation for treating myopia in children and adolescents aged 5 to 19, CBT-009, with its unique non-aqueous formulation design, demonstrates potential advantages over traditional aqueous formulations in terms of drug stability, safety, and patient tolerability, positioning it as a potential best-in-class product. Currently, the product's development is progressing steadily. It received U.S. FDA approval to initiate Phase 3 clinical trial in September 2024. Juvenile animal toxicity studies in China commenced in February 2025, and preparations for Phase 3 clinical trial are actively underway.



The grant of these patents in Japan and Europe not only strengthens the global IP portfolio for CBT-009, but will also accelerate its commercialization process. Leveraging patent protection, the Company has the potential to establish partnerships with global pharmaceutical giants to advance the product's production and distribution in key markets like Japan and Europe, accelerating global market penetration. Given the severity of the global adolescent myopia issue, CBT-009 is expected to become a core engine for the Company's future performance growth.



Pipeline Progress Across Multiple Fronts; CBT-004 Advances Towards Phase 3



Beyond CBT-009, another promising drug candidate from Cloudbreak Pharma, CBT-004, has also reached a significant milestone. As a potential first-in-class drug for vascularized pinguecula, CBT-004 uses Multi-Kinase Inhibitor targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor (PDGFR). According to the Company's latest disclosures, CBT-004 yielded positive results in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating its safety and efficacy in treating pinguecula. The Company has begun advancing its Phase 3 clinical development and is scheduled to meet with the United States Food and Drug Administration (the 'FDA') on December 10 (Pacific Standard Time, PST) at an End-of-Phase 2 meeting to establish a regulatory pathway for potential approval.



It is understood that there are currently no approved drugs globally specifically for treating vascularized pinguecula. Existing treatment options mostly offer temporary symptomatic relief, leaving significant unmet clinical needs. Should CBT-004 successfully complete development and gain approval, it would become the first targeted therapy, rapidly capturing market share with its unique efficacy advantages. This would create a new revenue stream for the Company while further solidifying its leading position in the field of ophthalmic innovative drugs.



Strengthened Executive Team Elevates Commercialization Capabilities



The success of innovative drugs relies not only on R&D prowess but also on robust commercialization capabilities to realize their value. On December 1, 2025, Cloudbreak Pharma announced the official appointment of Mr. Michael Rowe as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO), injecting key momentum into the Company's global commercial strategy.



Public information shows that Mr. Michael Rowe possesses substantial hands-on commercialization experience across senior management, marketing, sales management, and clinical operations. He is particularly skilled in driving organizational efficiency and achieving breakthroughs in innovative business areas. His industry resources and operational capabilities are expected to bring comprehensive enhancements to the Company.



This executive appointment coincides with Cloudbreak Pharma's core products entering a critical preparatory phase for commercialization. Mr. Michael Rowe's joining will strengthen the Company's business development capabilities in European and American markets, accelerating the construction of its global commercial footprint. Currently, through collaborations with companies such as Grand Pharmaceutical Group and Santen, Cloudbreak Pharma has established a commercialization foundation in Greater China and the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China). With the new CBO onboard, the Company is poised to further expand its global partnership network, optimize commercialization strategies, and provide robust support for the market entry of its multiple core products.



With Sustained High Industry Growth, Valuation Re-rating Potential Remains



In recent years, the global incidence of ophthalmic diseases has continued to rise. Conditions like pterygium and adolescent myopia affect hundreds of millions of patients, while the supply of innovative drugs in related treatment areas remains severely inadequate, indicating a vast unmet market need. Concurrently, governments worldwide are increasing support for pharmaceutical innovation, providing a favorable policy environment for high-quality innovative drug companies. Within the Hong Kong stock market, the innovative drug sector is experiencing a favorable trend of valuation re-rating. Companies with solid R&D pipelines, clear commercialization pathways, and core competitiveness are seeing gradually rising valuation expectations.



As an innovative drug company dedicated to ophthalmology, Cloudbreak Pharma has built a rich pipeline covering 8 drug candidates targeting major diseases in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, forming a diversified product matrix. With steady progress in R&D and an increasingly refined global commercialization strategy, the Company already exhibits scarce growth attributes. The recent short-term surge in its stock price, catalyzed by multiple positive factors, is merely the beginning of value release. As these favorable initiatives are further implemented and pipeline value continues to be realized, Cloudbreak Pharma is poised to achieve dual enhancement in both performance and valuation.







Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.





 2025 JCN Newswire
DKSH Management Ltd. / Key word(s): Acquisition/Takeover

DKSH Performance Materials Scales its Food and Beverage Business in New Zealand and Australia by Acquiring Invita



11.12.2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST





Media Release

DKSH announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Invita (NZ) Limited in New Zealand and Invita Australia Pty Limited in Australia ("Invita"). With this transaction, DKSH Performance Materials enhances its capabilities in the attractive food and beverage market, particularly in the dairy and nutritional segments, and strengthens its position as a leading life science and industrial specialties distributor in Asia Pacific.

Zurich, Switzerland, December 11, 2025 - Through the acquisition of Invita (NZ) Limited and Invita Australia Pty Limited in Australia ("Invita"), DKSH Performance Materials secures a well-established business with more than 35 years of experience as a trusted specialty ingredients distributor in Australia and New Zealand. Bringing together DKSH's existing presence and expertise in the region and Invita's strong market position creates a robust platform for future growth and enables DKSH to leverage both portfolios and customer relationships more effectively.



Founded 1988 in Auckland, Invita has earned a strong reputation within New Zealand's food and beverage industry as a trusted distributor of high-quality specialty ingredients. Building on its expanding portfolio and growing regional footprint, Invita began establishing its presence in the Australian market in 2005. Invita's product portfolio largely consist of advanced ingredients for nutrition and nutraceuticals, beverages and dairy, confectionery and bakery, processed foods, and pet foods. Invita generates net sales of over CHF 50 million at sound profitability and return on capital.



Mike Johnson, Managing Director at Invita, added: "For more than 35 years, Invita has earned a distinguished reputation by delivering consistent value and fostering trusted relationships with customers and suppliers. Joining DKSH will allow us to further solidify our market standing and expand our footprint within the resilient life science industries."



Thomas Sul and Natale Capri, Co-Heads Business Unit Performance Materials at DKSH, jointly commented: "We are excited about the acquisition of Invita, whose product offering presents excellent opportunities for further expansion in New Zealand and Australia. We extend a warm welcome to the whole team and will work closely to drive the next phase of growth."



The closing of the transaction is expected in December 2025 or during the first quarter of 2026 and is subject to customary closing conditions.



 1 Swiss franc equals 1.90 Australian Dollar or 2.20 New Zealand Dollars.

About DKSH

For 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services, following its purpose of enriching people's lives. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 28,060 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2024. DKSH Business Unit Performance Materials distributes specialty chemicals and ingredients for food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and various industrial applications. With 58 innovation centers and regulatory support worldwide, DKSH creates cutting-edge formulations that comply with local regulations. With around 1,720 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 1.4 billion in 2024. www.dksh.com/pm

For further information, please contact:

DKSH Holding Ltd.

Till Leisner

Head, Investor & Media Relations, Sustainability

Phone +41 44 386 7315

till.leisner@dksh.com



Melanie Gruter

Manager, Group Media Relations

Phone +41 44 386 7211

melanie.grueter@dksh.com
BioVersys AG / Key word(s): Study

BioVersys Announces BV100 Phase 3 Initiation and Provides a Business Update



11-Dec-2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Basel, Switzerland. December 11, 2025, 7am CEST BV100 Phase 3 in Ventilator Associated Bacterial Pneumonia initiated with first country submission completed and first patients to be dosed in the coming months - Phase 3 read-out expected in H2 2027

Significant value inflection points achieved in 2025 including: Successful IPO on SIX Swiss Exchange extending cash runway to 2028, Strong BV 100 Phase 2 data generated in VABP, Global Research Collaboration with Shionogi for BV500, alpibectir progressed to Phase 2 trial in pulmonary TB, and BV100 selection by ADVANCE-ID for upcoming Phase 2b, mostly financed by Wellcome

Strong news flow expected in 2026 including: 1st DSMB review for BV100 Phase 3, Interim data read-out for BV100 Phase 2b and Read-out of Phase 2 alpibectir in pulmonary tuberculosis by partner GSK BioVersys AG, a multi-asset, late-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on research and development of novel antibacterial products for serious life-threatening infections caused by multi-drug resistant ("MDR") bacteria, announced today the initiation of its lead asset BV100 Phase 3 clinical program and provides a business update summarizing the Company's progress in 2025 and the events expected in 2026. Initial Public Offering in Q1 2025 Following successful capital raising activities in 2024, the promising advancement in the Company's pipeline and the related positive clinical data generated, BioVersys completed its IPO on the SIX Swiss Exchange on February 7, 2025, marking the first IPO of a biotech company in Switzerland in seven years and the largest IPO in the past five years on any European exchange. The IPO added proceeds of CHF 76.7 million and further strengthened BioVersys' financial position, funding the company's operations into 2028, including the completion of the BV100 Phase 3 trial in Ventilator Associated Bacterial Pneumonia (VABP), Hospital acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (HABP) and Blood Stream Infections (BSI). BV100 Phase 3 initiated following strong Phase 2 data in VABP BV100, the Company's novel antibiotic candidate, has advanced into a global registration Phase 3 study program in drug-resistant infections. The trial will include clinical sites in the US, Europe, Latin-America, Asia and China. The Phase 3 will employ a similar study design to the successful Phase 2 trial, which demonstrated a clear survival benefit, where BV100 treatment resulted in a 50% relative reduction in all-cause mortality (ACM) in VABP patients suffering from carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections compared with best available therapy, and was generally safe and well tolerated. Following successful end of Phase 2 meetings with the US FDA and EMA Emergency Task Force, BioVersys initiated the BV100 Phase 3 clinical program in December 2025 by submitting the clinical trial applications (CTA) to first regional and national regulatory authorities. Upon regulatory approvals within the coming months, site initiations and dosing of first patients will follow. This timeline is consistent with previous guidance on last patient last visit and top line data available for the Phase 3 towards the end of H2 2027. BioVersys had also begun BV100's clinical trial geographic expansion into China, with the first healthy volunteer dosed with BV100 in a mandatory Phase 1 trial. The trial precedes the inclusion of Chinese clinical sites by late 2026 into the just initiated single Global Phase 3 registration program. In addition to the registrational Phase 3 program necessary to gain regulatory approval in the US, EU and China, BioVersys is also planning to conduct a Phase 2b in a similar patient population, but comparing BV100 to best available therapy instead of Colistin in the Phase 3 program. This different study design compared to the Phase 3 study, aims at providing real world evidence of clinical practices in particular in settings with very high drug resistance levels. While BioVersys was initially expecting to fully finance this Phase 2b trial, we are delighted that the trial was selected for conduct and funding by ADVANCE-ID , a clinical trial network centered at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and significantly financed by Wellcome. The Phase 2b trial is expected to start in H1 2026 and will be conducted by ADVANCE-ID under the supervision of BioVersys. Thanks to the generous contribution of Wellcome which is contributing SGD 22 million (c. USD 17m or CHF 14m) to ADVANCE-ID, the financial contribution of BioVersys has been significantly reduced. BV500 in non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections (in collaboration with Shionogi) The BV500 NTM program aims to develop a potential new, best-in-class medicine for NTM infections in the approximatively 250,000 patients per year affected with this pulmonary disease predominantly in North America and Asia. As announced earlier this year, BioVersys has entered into a global research collaboration and exclusive license option agreement with the Japanese Pharmaceutical leader Shionogi. This partnership ensures accelerated progression of the BV500 program towards jointly selecting candidates for clinical development. BioVersys received a CHF 5 million upfront payment and, upon the license agreement, is eligible for development, regulatory and sales milestone of up to CHF 479 million, as well as royalties on future sales. Alpibectir in pulmonary and meningeal tuberculosis (partnered with GSK) This is currently being developed in combination with Ethionamide (AlpE) under partnership with GSK. In Q1 2025, GSK initiated a Phase 2 early bactericidal activity trial for AlpE in combination with first-line TB drugs in pulmonary tuberculosis. This trial is run within UNITE4TB, a European Union and European Pharmaceutical funded Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI2) joint undertaking. The trial is progressing well and remains on track to report topline data for the first part of the trial by Q2 2026. BioVersys also reported in 2025 that AlpE was granted Orphan Designation by the EMA Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products, which followed the earlier Orphan Drug Designation by the US FDA. A Phase 2 trial in meningeal tuberculosis, to be conducted by BioVersys together with a French and African academic consortium, is planned to initiate in 2026. Upcoming key milestones in 2026 and 2027 Q1 2026: First patients dosed in the BV100 Phase 3 global registration study

H1 2026: Alpibectir Phase 2 start in meningeal tuberculosis

Q2 2026: Alpibectir Phase 2 first part readout in pulmonary tuberculosis

H2 2026: BV100 Phase 2b interim data analysis

H2 2026: BV 100 Phase 3 1 st Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) review

Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) review H1 2027: BV100 Phase 3 2 nd DSMB review

DSMB review H2 2027: BV100 Phase 3 top line data Dr. Marc Gitzinger, Chief Executive Officer of BioVersys: "2025 has been a year of significant achievements and progress for BioVersys. Our IPO early in the year strengthened our financial position, enabling us to deliver multiple value-generating milestones over the next two years towards our first drug approval. The clinical development of our lead asset BV100 is going ahead as planned, with the Phase 3 now started and expecting to dose the first patients in the next few months. We remained focused on cash burn efficiency, notably by entering into a research collaboration with Shionogi, as well as being chosen by the ADVANCE-ID network for conduct of the planned Phase 2b study which significantly reduces our financial contribution. We are also pleased with the significant progress of our second clinical stage asset alpibectir in partnership with GSK. 2026 will provide significant value inflection points of further evidence of the clinical benefit of our differentiated assets. We would like to thank the BioVersys team who is working tirelessly to deliver on our promises, as well as our investors for their continued trust and support." About BioVersys BioVersys AG is a multi-asset, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing and commercializing novel antibacterial products for serious life-threatening infections caused by multi-drug resistant ("MDR") bacteria. Derived from the company's two internal technology platforms (TRIC and Ansamycin Chemistry), candidates are designed and developed to overcome resistance mechanisms, block virulence production and directly affect the pathogenesis of harmful bacteria towards the identification of new treatment options in the antimicrobial and microbiome fields. This enables BioVersys to address the high unmet medical need for new treatments against life-threatening resistant bacterial infections and bacteria-exacerbated chronic inflammatory microbiome disorders. The company's most advanced research and development programs address nosocomial infections of Acinetobacter baumannii (BV100, Phase 3), and tuberculosis (alpibectir, Phase 2, in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and a consortium of the University of Lille, France). BioVersys is located in the biotech hub of Basel, Switzerland. BioVersys contact Hernan Levett, CFO, Tel. +41 61 633 22 50; Mail: Hernan.levett@bioversys.com For Media: media@bioversys.com www.bioversys.com Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning BioVersys and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of BioVersys to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. BioVersys is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

End of Inside Information
Company's environmental activities continue to be recognized as first tier

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that the international nonprofit CDP has once again given Mitsubishi Electric its highest "A List" rankings for both Climate Change and Water Security activities. The top ratings recognize the environmental focus of Mitsubishi Electric's commercial activities and goals as well as the company's timely and appropriate information disclosure. Mitsubishi Electric has been named to the A List eight times in both categories since 2016, and it has achieved the highest rating in each category for three consecutive years.

Approximately 24,800 companies accounting for two-thirds of global market capitalization disclose environmental data to the CDP. In 2024, only 2% of the companies achieved an A-list rating. Just 0.3% secured an A-list rating for both Climate Change and Water Security activities.

Mitsubishi Electric group has made sustainability a cornerstone of its business. The company promotes comprehensive strategic initiatives beyond the boundaries of its existing businesses and organizations in order to achieve "Trade-On (mutual benefits)" that balance company growth and the enrichment of society and the environment. Mitsubishi Electric is pursuing carbon neutrality, supporting circular economies, and striving to be a frontrunner in the realization of nature-positive while also creating new businesses and strengthening its business foundation.

Mitsubishi Electric will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable global environment throughout its global value chains, energy-saving products and systems, and cutting-edge infrastructure.

For the full text, please visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210375445/en/

Contacts:

Customer Inquiries

Sustainability Management Department

Sustainability Innovation Group

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

eqd.disclose.CDP@nd.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp

www.MitsubishiElectric.com/

Media Inquiries

Takeyoshi Komatsu

Public Relations Division

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Tel: +81-3-3218-2332

prd.gnews@nk.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp

www.MitsubishiElectric.com/en/pr/
Regulatory News:

Antin Infrastructure Partners (Paris:ANTIN) has agreed to acquire NorthC Datacenters, a leading enterprise colocation data centre platform in Northwest Europe, from DWS and other minority shareholders. The transaction is being carried out through Antin's Flagship Fund V.

Based in Amsterdam, NorthC operates 25 colocation data centres across major metropolitan areas in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. The platform has more than 140 MW of secured gross grid capacity from existing and greenfield sites to support future growth.

NorthC was formed in 2019 through the combination of two Dutch data centre operators and has rapidly become a major European player. Under the leadership of CEO Alexandra Schless, the company has expanded into Germany and Switzerland, delivering sustained organic growth supported by greenfield developments and bolt-on acquisitions, including, most recently, six data centres in Germany and the Netherlands.

NorthC serves more than 1,600 blue-chip customers across cloud and IT service providers, carriers, public sector and financial institutions, industry, transport and the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. The company is well positioned to continue growing, benefitting from strong, long-term market demand for high-quality colocation solutions, underpinned by continued IT outsourcing, cloud adoption, increasing data sovereignty requirements and rapidly growing AI workloads.

Antin has a long track record of investing in and scaling critical digital infrastructure platforms across Europe. This includes notably Pulsant, a leading regional enterprise colocation data centre platform in the UK, as well as various connectivity and communications infrastructure platforms in fibre and towers. The acquisition of NorthC builds on this expertise and further strengthens Antin's position as a partner of choice for high-growth digital infrastructure businesses across the continent.

Upon closing, this investment will mark the sixth by Antin's 10.2 billion Flagship Fund V. Antin's Flagship strategy targets sizeable investments in established infrastructure companies across Europe and North America in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social sectors, following a value-add investment approach to grow and transform infrastructure businesses. Antin will invest alongside Alexandra Schless and the management team, who bring deep sector expertise and a proven track record of delivering growth.

Stephane Ifker and Maximilian Lindner, respectively Managing Partner and Partner at Antin Infrastructure Partners, commented: "We have a strong conviction on the growth potential for colocation data centres, and NorthC is the leading operator in this space in Europe. NorthC is well positioned to accelerate its expansion and consolidate its leadership in a fast-growing and increasingly strategic segment of the digital infrastructure market. We look forward to supporting Alexandra and the team to achieve the next phase of NorthC's growth."

Harold D'Hauteville, Partner of DWS Infrastructure, added: "We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to create and grow NorthC with its incredible management team over the past six years. NorthC's consistent focus on providing high quality colocation services to its clients across the Benelux and DACH region has established the business as a regional leader. We see strong growth potential in the enterprise colocation sector, as essential infrastructure required to enable the digital transformation and AI. We have no doubt that the management will continue to scale the business to reach new heights under its new ownership in the years to come."

Alexandra Schless, CEO of NorthC, stated:"We are grateful to DWS for its support over the past years, and are delighted to work alongside Antin to continue taking the company forward. Antin's direct experience of colocation data centres and knowledge of the enterprise end-customer market will be strong assets to help us seize the many growth opportunities that lie ahead."

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in H1 2026.

NorthC was advised by Evercore and Torch Partners as financial advisers and Latham Watkins as legal adviser. Antin was advised by Guggenheim Securities as financial adviser and Clifford Chance and Simpson Thacher Bartlett as legal advisers.

About Antin Infrastructure Partners

Antin Infrastructure Partners is a leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure. With over 33 billion in assets under management across its Flagship, Mid Cap and NextGen investment strategies, Antin targets investments in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social infrastructure sectors. With offices in Paris, London, New York, Seoul, Singapore and Luxembourg, Antin employs over 240 professionals dedicated to growing, improving and transforming infrastructure businesses while delivering long-term value to portfolio companies and investors. Majority owned by its partners, Antin is listed on Euronext Paris (Ticker: ANTIN ISIN: FR0014005AL0). For more information visit: www.antin-ip.com/

About DWS

DWS Group (DWS), with EUR 1,054bn of total assets under management (as of 30 September 2025), is a leading European asset manager with global reach. With approximately 4,900 employees in offices around the world, DWS offers individuals, institutions and large corporations access to comprehensive investment solutions and bespoke portfolios across the full spectrum of investment disciplines. Its diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternative asset management enables DWS to deliver targeted solutions for clients across all major liquid and illiquid asset classes. www.dws.com

About NorthC

NorthC Group operates data centers in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany. NorthC distinguishes itself by a strong local presence in various regions, high-quality services, and customized connectivity and hybrid cloud solutions. NorthC aims to be completely climate neutral by 2030, based on four sustainability pillars: 100% green energy, green hydrogen, optimal use of waste heat from data centers, and modular construction. More information can be found on the NorthC Datacenters website: www.northcdatacenters.com/en

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210756103/en/

Contacts:

Antin Infrastructure Partners

Thomas Kamm, Partner Head of Communications

Email: media@antin-ip.com



Nicolle Graugnard, Communication Director

Email: media@antin-ip.com



Ludmilla Binet, Head of Shareholder Relations

Email: shareholders@antin-ip.com



Brunswick

Tristan Roquet Montegon

+33 (0) 6 37 00 52 57

Email: antinip@brunswickgroup.com



NorthC Group

Lisa van den Berg Director Marketing

+31 6 14730512

Email: lisa.vandenberg@northcdatacenters.nl



DWS Group

Nick Bone Head of International Media Relations

+44 207 547 2603

Email: nick.bone@dws.com
Dr. Abribat has a proven track record of developing innovative treatments for rare diseases, achieving three successful biotech/company exits

He is a seasoned scientific and operational leader, having held senior roles in drug development and business development

He joins the Azafaros Board as the company advances two Phase 3 pivotal studies with its lead asset nizubaglustat in Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NPC) and GM1/GM2 gangliosidoses

Azafaros, a company building a portfolio to become a leader in lysosomal storage disorders with the goal of addressing neurological symptoms, today announced the appointment of experienced biotech executive and entrepreneur, Thierry Abribat, to the company's Board of Directors.

Dr. Abribat is a seasoned biotech entrepreneur and executive with more than 25 years' experience in advancing innovative therapies, from early research through late-stage clinical development and commercialization. He was founder and CEO of global biopharmaceutical company, Amolyt Pharma, which advanced multiple programs for rare endocrine diseases through clinical and preclinical development before being acquired by AstraZeneca in 2024 for more than a billion dollars. Prior to that, he founded and led Alize Pharma and Alize Pharma 2, successfully building and exiting both rare disease companies.

"Thierry brings a combination of scientific depth, strategic vision, and a proven track record of value creation in biotech," said Carlo Incerti, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Azafaros. "Azafaros is enrolling two registrational Phase 3 studies with our lead product nizubaglustat. Thierry will bring valuable insight as we move into our next phase of the company, with a potential commercialization stage in sight following regulatory approval."

Dr. Abribat added: "I am delighted to join Azafaros at such an exciting stage of development. The company's science is compelling, and with my experience in company building and advancing innovative therapeutics for rare diseases, I look forward to contributing so that we can deliver on our mission/strategy to bring important new therapies to patients."

Dr. Abribat earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a PhD in neuroendocrinology from the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse and began his career as a scientist at Sanofi and at the University of Montreal.

About Nizubaglustat

Nizubaglustat is a small molecule, orally available and brain penetrant azasugar with a unique dual mode of action, developed as a potential treatment for rare lysosomal storage disorders with neurological involvement, including GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC).

Nizubaglustat has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designations (RPDD) for the treatment of GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and NPC, Orphan Drug Designations (ODD) for GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis (Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs Diseases) and NPC, as well as Fast Track Designation and IND clearance for GM1/GM2 gangliosidoses and NPC from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, nizubaglustat has been awarded Orphan Medicinal Product Designation (OMPD) for the treatment of GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Innovation Passport for the treatment of GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

About GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses

GM1 gangliosidosis and GM2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases) are lysosomal storage disorders caused by the accumulation of GM1 or GM2 gangliosides respectively, in the central nervous system (CNS). This results in progressive and severe neurological impairment and premature death. These diseases mostly affect infants and children, and no disease-modifying treatments are currently available.

About Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NPC)

Niemann-Pick disease Type C is a progressive, life-limiting, neurological, lysosomal storage disorder, caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 gene and aberrant endosomal-lysosomal trafficking, leading to the accumulation of various lipids, including gangliosides in the CNS. The onset of disease can happen throughout the lifespan of an affected individual, from prenatal life through adulthood.

About Azafaros

Azafaros is a clinical-stage company founded in 2018 with a deep understanding of rare genetic disease mechanisms using compound discoveries made by scientists at Leiden University and Amsterdam UMC and is led by a team of highly experienced industry experts. Azafaros aims to build a pipeline of disease-modifying therapeutics to offer new treatment options to patients and their families. By applying its knowledge, network and courage, the Azafaros team challenges traditional development pathways to rapidly bring new drugs to the rare disease patients who need them. Azafaros is supported by leading healthcare investors including Forbion, Jeito Capital, Seroba, Pictet Group, BioGeneration Ventures (BGV), BioMedPartners, Asahi Kasei Pharma Ventures, and Schroders Capital.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210848919/en/

Contacts:

For further information:

Azafaros B.V.

Email: info@azafaros.com

www.azafaros.com
With this approval, Roche's automated mass spectrometry platform now offers the industry's broadest in vitro diagnostic menu with 39 tests, including tests for therapeutic drug monitoring for immunosuppressants and antibiotics, as well as steroid hormones and vitamin D metabolites.

The comprehensive menu brings the sensitivity and specificity of gold-standard testing into routine labs for a wide range of the most frequently tested targets.

The fully automated solution replaces labour-intensive manual workflows, reducing turnaround times and supporting faster, standardised, high-quality care.

Basel, 11 December 2025 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that it has secured CE Mark approval for its mass spectrometry reagent pack for antibiotics drug monitoring. This establishes Roche's in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) menu as the broadest available for any automated mass spectrometry platform, including already 39 of the most frequently tested targets.

"When patients get results sooner, we increase the likelihood that they will get the right treatment," said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. "With a comprehensive menu for automated mass spectrometry, we are giving clinicians and laboratories the tools to make faster, more precise diagnoses, reducing the time from sample to result. This approach also allows clinicians to better monitor the effectiveness of drug therapies and to optimise antibiotic use, a vital step in combating the major global healthcare challenge of antimicrobial resistance."

The cobas Mass Spec solution Ionify reagent portfolio includes tests for therapeutic drug monitoring for immunosuppressants and antibiotics, along with steroid hormones and vitamin D metabolites. These tests will enable laboratories to transition from labour-intensive and manual operation to a fully automated, standardised, easy to use solution.1-3 Roche remains committed to expanding this menu with additional assays in the coming years, including the first panel in drugs of abuse testing and further expanding the menu of therapeutic drug monitoring parameters.

The cobas Mass Spec solution is currently available in selected markets accepting the CE mark, as well as other markets including the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan. In parallel, Roche achieved "moderate complexity" categorisation under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) of the first analyte in the US. As the first mass spectrometry assay to receive this designation, it marks a significant step toward broadening clinical utility across routine laboratories by eliminating the need for specialists to run the assay. Roche is continuously working with regulatory authorities around the world to further expand system and assay availability.

About the cobas Mass Spec solution

The high specificity, sensitivity and accuracy of mass spectrometry is considered the diagnostic 'gold standard' for various clinical situations, for example, measurements of steroid hormones in endocrinology, vitamin D testing, the monitoring of immunosuppressants and therapeutic drugs. The cobas Mass Spec solution combines the unmatched sensitivity and specificity of mass spectrometry with a fully automated, integrated, and standardised workflow, making this traditionally complex analytical method accessible to routine laboratories.

As part of the trusted cobas ecosystem, the cobas Mass Spec solution can integrate seamlessly with Roche's clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, and laboratory IT systems, enabling laboratories to fully streamline workflows.

In July 2025, the cobas Mass Spec solution was awarded the Best New Clinical Diagnostics Instrumentation of 2024 in the Scientists' Choice Awards 2025. The Awards were first introduced in 2007 by SelectScience, with nominations collected and assessed by their editors and the most popular nominations put to vote among their readership of scientists.

For more information about the cobas Mass Spec, please visit diagnostics.roche.com/MassSpec

About Roche

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche's business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045.

Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

References

[1] Grebe SK, Singh RJ. LC-MS/MS in the Clinical Laboratory - Where to From Here? Clin Biochem Rev. 2011;32(1):5-31.

[2] Hristova J & Svinarov D. Enhancing precision medicine through clinical mass spectrometry platform. Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment. 2022;36(1):107-117.

[3] Ketha SS, Singh RJ, Ketha H. Role of Mass Spectrometry in Clinical Endocrinology. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2017;46(3):593-613.

Roche Global Media Relations

Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com

Hans Trees, PhD

Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech

Phone: +41 79 935 81 48



Nathalie Altermatt

Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas

Phone: +41 79 568 24 95



Simon Goldsborough

Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine

Phone: +41 79 461 86 83



Kirti Pandey

Phone: +49 172 6367262 Yvette Petillon

Phone: +41 79 961 92 50



Dr Rebekka Schnell

Phone: +41 79 205 27 03

Roche Investor Relations

Dr Bruno Eschli

Phone: +41 61 68-75284

e-mail: bruno.eschli@roche.com Dr Sabine Borngraber

Phone: +41 61 68-88027

e-mail: sabine.borngraeber@roche.com (mailto:sabine.borngraeber@roche.com)



Dr Birgit Masjost

Phone: +41 61 68-84814

e-mail: birgit.masjost@roche.com

Investor Relations North America

Loren Kalm

Phone: +1 650 225 3217

e-mail: kalm.loren@gene.com





Attachment
Allschwil, Switzerland, December 11, 2025

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, announced today a partnership with Phare Bio Inc., Boston (USA), a biotech social venture that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate antibiotic discovery and development.

Under the partnership, Phare Bio will deploy its Generative AI platform to design molecules with antibacterial properties that meet a pre-defined target product profile, which considers both unmet medical needs and the features relevant for potential commercial success of a future product. Following identification of molecules matching this profile, Basilea will assume responsibility for subsequent development and Phare Bio will be eligible to receive pre-defined success-based payments. This partnership represents a new model for antibiotic innovation, bridging technological advances in drug discovery with industrial expertise and economic sustainability.

Dr. Laurenz Kellenberger, Chief Scientific Officer of Basilea, commented: "We are excited to work with Phare Bio and their innovative platform on the discovery of a new antibiotic. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to address the urgent need for novel antibiotics by advancing drug candidates with innovative features such as a novel mode of action. By combining Phare Bio's innovative AI-driven discovery platform with our proven drug development expertise, this provides a unique opportunity to deliver a new antibiotic with clinical relevance, commercial potential and a positive public health impact."

"This partnership is a watershed moment for the field of antimicrobial resistance," said Dr. Akhila Kosaraju, president and CEO of Phare Bio. "For the first time, we are aligning our cutting-edge AI drug discovery platform with a partner committed to developing innovative drugs to address the need for novel antibiotics. It validates Phare Bio's hybrid model of nonprofit innovation and private-sector partnerships as a viable route to solving one of the greatest public health crises of our time."

About Phare Bio

Phare Bio is a biotech social venture harnessing Artificial Intelligenceor email info@pharebio.org.

About Basilea

Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil

Hegenheimermattweg 167b

4123 Allschwil

Switzerland



Phone



+41 61 606 1102



E-mail media_relations@basilea.com (mailto:media_relations@basilea.com)

investor_relations@basilea.com (mailto:investor_relations@basilea.com)

This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com.

Attachment
Thunes Returns to Davos to Deepen Collaboration and Drive Inclusion Across Diverse Financial Systems Worldwide

SINGAPORE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, has joined the World Economic Forum (WEF) Unicorn Community, a curated network of technology-driven, high-growth companies shaping the future of global industries. The collaboration between Thunes and WEF is focused on accelerating financial access and connectivity for billions of end users around the world as part of the Centre for Monetary and Financial Systems.

This marks the second time that Thunes has participated in the World Economic Forum's financial and monetary system initiatives, contributing insights to global discussions on digital payments, infrastructure innovation and inclusive economic growth. Joining the Unicorn Community deepens this collaboration with WEF, enabling Thunes to work alongside world leaders and other innovators to help build a more interoperable global financial ecosystem and advance equitable financial access.

At the core of this effort is Thunes' Direct Global Network which enables interoperability across traditional banks, mobile wallets and digital asset platforms with real-time payments across 130 countries and in 80 currencies. By bridging these once-separate financial worlds, Thunes empowers people and businesses everywhere to move money instantly and affordably, driving financial inclusion for both local and global communities and beyond.

Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunes, said: "We are honoured to be invited to join the World Economic Forum's Unicorn Community. Collaborating with WEF for the second time recognises the significant impact our Direct Global Network is having on the way money moves globally. By connecting traditional, digital and emerging financial systems, we are breaking down barriers and enabling more people, businesses and economies to fully participate in the global economy. We look forward to working even more closely with the Forum and its other partners to build the next generation of global financial infrastructure."

Verena Kuhn, Head, Innovator Communities from the World Economic Forum added: "We are pleased to welcome Thunes into the World Economic Forum Unicorn Community. Thunes' work to enhance interoperability across financial systems reflects the type of innovation needed to support more inclusive and resilient global economies. Their expertise in building modern cross-border payment infrastructure will provide valuable insights as we work together to advance financial access and strengthen the foundations of the digital economy."

Thunes remains committed to its mission of enabling the next billion end users in emerging markets to participate in the global economy. Joining the WEF Unicorn Community amplifies this mission and reinforces the company's role at the forefront of global payment interoperability innovation.

Contact:

WE Communications, thunes@wecommunications.com

Anna Birdsall-Strong, Director of Brand and Public Relations, anna.birdsall@thunes.com

About the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org).

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes' proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes' Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets, stablecoin wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2831061/5654655/Thunes_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/thunes-joins-world-economic-forum-unicorn-community-to-accelerate-global-financial-interoperability-302638101.html
FirstGroup Plc - Acquisition

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 11

FIRSTGROUP PLC

acquisition of sightseeing bus operations in London and bath

FirstGroup plc (the 'Group') today announces that it has acquired the UK sightseeing bus operations of RATP Developpement SA for a consideration of c.17 million, to grow and diversify the First Bus business in two key markets.

Currently operating under the brand Tootbus, the operations are based in London and Bath and comprise:

63 buses (42 in London and 21 in Bath)

a large freehold depot in Wandsworth, southwest London and a leased depot in Keynsham, Bath

c.190 employees across the two operations

one of the five main sightseeing bus operators in London

operations in Bath also include the Airdecker service from Bath to Bristol airport

In London, entering the sightseeing market provides further diversification in the capital. Combined with the existing First Bus London depot footprint, the addition of the Wandsworth depot will also allow the Group to more effectively manage operations, enhance service delivery and improve profitability across sightseeing operations. We will also bid for additional Transport for London (TfL) red bus routes out of the depot. In Bath, it will add diversification to the Group's existing operations and provide additional depot capacity.

In the year ended 31 December 2023, the UK operations of Tootbus reported revenues of 15.9m and an operating loss of (0.6)m. Looking ahead, following a period of transition the Group plans to refocus the sightseeing businesses and to optimise operations across the whole depot footprint, making use of the additional depot capacity, synergies and efficiencies referenced above.

The businesses are expected to make a minor initial loss during the first full year before returning to profitability thereafter. Annual revenues of c.30m are anticipated by FY 2029, supported by some growth in First Bus London's TfL route contract portfolio, as new routes are bid for out of the depot in Wandsworth.

The Acquisition will be financed from the Group's existing cash reserves. The Group now anticipates a FY 2026 year end adjusted net debt position of 140-150m.

Bill Cahill, MD First Bus London and Doug Claringbold, MD First Bus, West of England will oversee the integration and development of the businesses.

Commenting on the acquisition, Graham Sutherland, FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer said:

"The acquisition of the bus operations in London and Bath, in line with our UK-focused growth and diversification strategy, will allow us to further diversify and expand our footprint in two of our key markets. The integration of the businesses will also create material operational and cost synergies and the opportunity to grow our London route portfolio over time."

Contacts at FirstGroup: Marianna Bowes, Head of Investor Relations Stephen Bethel, Director of Brand & Communications corporate.comms@firstgroup.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 20 7725 3354 Contacts at Brunswick Group: Simone Selzer / Charlotte Millington Tel: +44 (0) 20 7404 5959

Contacts at Panmure Liberum: Nicholas How / Satbir Kler Tel: +44 (0) 20 3100 2000 Contacts at RBC Europe Limited: James Agnew / Elliot Thomas Tel: +44 (0) 20 7653 4000

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 549300DEJZCPWA4HKM93.

About FirstGroup

FirstGroup plc (LSE: FGP.L) is a leading private sector provider of public transport services. With around 29,000 employees, we reported revenue of 5.1 billion and transported almost 2m passengers a day in FY 2025. We create solutions that reduce complexity, making travel smoother and life easier. Our businesses are at the heart of our communities and the essential services we provide are critical to delivering wider economic, social and environmental goals. Each of our divisions is a leader in its field: First Bus is one of the largest bus operators in the UK, serving more than 25% of the population in the UK with a fleet of c.6,000 buses and coaches, and carrying more than a million passengers a day. First Rail is one of the UK's most experienced rail operators, with many years of experience running long-distance, commuter, regional and sleeper rail services. We operate a fleet of c.1,800 locomotives and rail carriages through two DfT contracted train operating companies: WCP (incorporating Avanti West Coast and West Coast Partnership Development) and GWR, and two open access routes (Hull Trains and Lumo). We are formally committed to operating a zero emission First Bus commercial fleet by 2035, and First Rail will help support the UK Government's goal to remove all diesel-only trains from service by 2040. During FY 2025 FirstGroup received MSCI's highest possible ESG rating of AAA, was named one of the world's cleanest 200 public companies for the sixth consecutive year and holds an Industry Top-Rated status with Sustainalytics and Sustainability Yearbook membership with S&P Global. We provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities. Visit our website at www.firstgroupplc.com and follow us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/first-group.
Moonpig Group Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 11

Transaction in own shares

Moonpig Group plc (the "Company") announces that on 10 December 2025 it purchased for cancellation the following number of its ordinary shares of 10 pence each pursuant to its up to 30m share repurchase programme, details of which were announced on 7 November 2025.

Description of shares: Moonpig Group plc - ordinary shares of 10 pence

Number of Shares repurchased: 130,000 Shares

Date of transaction: 10 December 2025

Average price paid per Share: 204.8597 pence

Lowest price paid per Share: 202.50 pence

Highest price paid per Share: 209.00 pence

Broker: RBC Europe Limited

Following the purchase of these shares, the remaining number of ordinary shares in issue with voting rights will be 314,997,667 (excluding Treasury shares), and the company holds no ordinary shares in Treasury.

The figure of 314,997,667 may be used by shareholders (and others with notification obligations) as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation), detailed information about the individual purchases is attached to this announcement.

For further information, please contact:

Moonpig Group plc

investors@moonpig.com , pressoffice@moonpig.com

Nickyl Raithatha, Chief Executive Officer

Andy MacKinnon, Chief Financial Officer

About Moonpig:

Moonpig Group plc (the "Group") is a leading online greeting cards and gifting platform, comprising the Moonpig, Red Letter Days and Buyagift brands in the UK and the Greetz brand in the Netherlands. The Group is the online market leader in cards in both of its markets and is also the UK market leader in gift experiences.

The Group's leading customer proposition includes an extensive range of cards, a curated range of gifts, personalisation features and next day delivery offering.

The Group offers its products through its proprietary technology platforms and apps, which utilise unique data science capabilities designed by the Group to optimise and personalise the customer experience and provide scalability. Learn more at https://www.moonpig.group/ .
Pacific Assets Trust plc - Strategic Review

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 11

LEI: 2138008U8QPGAESFYA48

11 December 2025

Pacific Assets Trust plc

(the "Company")

Strategic Review

The Board of the Company announced on 12 November 2025 that it had been informed of changes to its portfolio management arrangements implemented by First Sentier Group ("FSG"). Since 14 November 2025, following FSG's decision to close the Stewart Investors ("SI") business, the Company's portfolio has been managed by FSSA Investment Managers ("FSSA'). Prior to 2015, FSSA and SI operated collectively as one investment team under FSG (known then as First State Stewart). FSSA remains an autonomous investment group within FSG. The Board announced that it would consult with its largest shareholders ahead of commencing a strategic review (the "Strategic Review").

The Board thanks those shareholders who have participated in the shareholder consultation and, following such process, the Board today announces that it is formally launching the Strategic Review. Investec Bank plc has been appointed by the Board to assist it with a review of the Company's strategic options, including the Company's investment management arrangements and future investment strategy. The Board welcomes proposals for the future of the Company from investment managers and other investment companies that deploy investment strategies focused on, or substantially exposed to, the Asia Pacific region.

Having undertaken due diligence on FSSA, the Board is satisfied that FSSA is well-placed to manage the Company's portfolio with the requisite care and skill during the progression of the Strategic Review and FSSA will be invited to participate in the Strategic Review.

The Board currently anticipates that the Strategic Review will conclude in early Q2 2026 and will make further announcements in due course.

- END -

Katherine Manson

Frostrow Capital LLP

Company Secretary

Tel: +44 20 3709 8734

Helen Goldsmith/Tom Skinner

Investec Bank plc

Corporate Broker

Tel: +44 20 7597 4000

Catriona Crellin

Kepler Partners

PR

Tel: +44 7934 578932
Stackbitcointreasury Plc - Posting of Annual Report

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 11

Stackbitcointreasury plc

("the Company")

Preliminary results for the year ended 31 July 2025

Posting of Annual Report

Stackbitcointreasury plc (AQSE: STAK) is pleased to announce its Annual Report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025 (the "Annual Report"). The Annual Report and Accounts are available on the Company's website at https://www.stackbitcoin.co.uk/investor-centre

The Company's AGM notice will follow shortly.

For further information please contact:

Stackbitcointreasury plc Jai Patel Chief Executive Officer Jai@stackbitcoin.co.uk VSA Capital Limited (AQSE Corporate Adviser) Andrew Raca Sam Gurung +44 (0) 7469 152 119

About Stackbitcointreasury plc

The Company is a UK-based investment vehicle dedicated to providing investors with regulated and transparent exposure to Bitcoin, the world's leading cryptocurrency. The Company's strategy focuses on direct investment in Bitcoin and disciplined treasury management to deliver long-term capital growth. In addition, the Company may selectively acquire cash-generating businesses that complement its core objectives, supporting its Bitcoin accumulation strategy and enhancing shareholder value.

Group Strategic Report

For the Year Ended 31 July 2025

2025 has been a significant year for the crypto asset industry, driven by a shift in political winds accompanied by regulatory clarity. Whilst Bitcoin itself has traded in a broad range, developments in the stablecoin arena have led to increased interest in other aspects of the blockchain ecosystem-specifically smart contract functionality, with Ethereum being the primary beneficiary.

The Company previously announced that it would conduct a strategic review in light of its inability to scale, in addition to concerns from shareholders regarding share liquidity. It was decided that the Company would sell down its portfolio of assets into favourable market conditions through 2025, aligning with previous crypto market cycles, with a view to returning the proceeds to shareholders.

Throughout the period, The Company commenced a sell-down of its core digital asset portfolio, reflecting strong market conditions and the Board's decision to return capital to shareholders.

By 31 July 2025, the Company had reduced its investment holdings to two remaining positions: Alkimi and Reality Protocol. The Alkimi investment was subsequently disposed of after the reporting date at a gain. The Reality Protocol holding remains in place; however, given ongoing uncertainty regarding the investee's ability to execute its business plan, the Board has written the carrying value down to 50,000 at year-end.

Administrative expenses increased modestly during the period, rising from 273,319 to 288,344, primarily reflecting normal increases in operating activity associated with portfolio realisation. As a consequence of the portfolio disposals, the Company's cash position strengthened significantly. The elevated cash balance generated interest income recognised during the year.

Since the period-end, the Company has embarked on the process to return capital to current shareholders whilst repositioning the business. Following approval by shareholders in General Meeting on 9 December 2025, the Company intends to refocus the business on Bitcoin specifically, with a reinvigorated team and a fresh injection of capital. The process of returning capital to shareholders is expected to complete by the end of January 2026 following court approval after which the goal of the business moving forward will be to build the UK's flagship Bitcoin treasury company with its sole mission to accumulate and STACK Bitcoin. We look forward to Kwasi Kwarteng joining the board as Executive Chairman and Paul Withers as Non-Executive Director with effect from 21 January 2026.

The Company is excited to embark on this new journey in what continues to be a dynamic industry.

Turnover

Turnover increased by 21% in 2025, rising from 54,328 in 2024 to 65,864. This was due to an increase in yield generation.

Company change of name

After the year ended 31 July 2025 the company changed its name from Kasei Digital Assets Plc to Stackbitcointreasury plc.

Directors' Report

For the Year Ended 31 July 2025

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025.

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

Bryan Coyne

Steven Davis

Brendan Kearns

Jai Patel

Jane Thomason

Small companies note

In preparing this report, the directors have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board on 9 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by

Brendan Kearns

Director

Chartered Accountants' Report to the Board of Directors on the Preparation of the Unaudited Statutory Financial Statements of Stackbitcointreasury plc

For the Year Ended 31 July 2025

In order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have prepared for your approval the financial statements of Stackbitcointreasury plc for the year ended 31 July 2025 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes from the Group's accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us.

As a practising member firm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), we are subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at https://www.icaew.com/regulation.

This report is made solely to the Board of Directors of Stackbitcointreasury plc, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter. Our work has been undertaken solely to prepare for your approval the financial statements of Stackbitcointreasury plc and state those matters that we have agreed to state to the Board of Directors of Stackbitcointreasury plc, as a body, in this report in accordance with ICAEW Technical Release TECH07/16AAF. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Stackbitcointreasury plc and its Board of Directors, as a body, for our work or for this report.

It is your duty to ensure that Stackbitcointreasury plc has kept adequate accounting records and to prepare statutory financial statements that give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of Stackbitcointreasury plc. You consider that Stackbitcointreasury plc is exempt from the statutory audit requirement for the year.

We have not been instructed to carry out an audit or review of the financial statements of Stackbitcointreasury plc. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the statutory financial statements.

Brindley Goldstein Ltd

Waltham Cross

London

EN8 7AN

Date: 3 December 2025

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended 31 July 2025

Note 2025  2024  Turnover 65,864 54,327 Grossprofit 65,864 54,327 Profit / (loss) on investment asset - 134,881 Profit / (loss) on disposal of digital asset 2,283,404 84,744 Administrative expenses (288,344) (273,319) Operatingprofit 2,060,924 633 Tax on profit (599,071) - Profitforthefinancialyear 1,461,853 633 Othercomprehensiveincome: Itemsthatwillnotbereclassifiedtoprofitorloss: Fair value movements (1,535,141) 1,106,409 Othercomprehensiveincomefortheperiod (1,535,141) 1,106,409 Totalcomprehensiveincomefortheyear (73,288) 1,107,042 Profitfortheyearattributableto:

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at 31 July 2025

Note 2025  2024  Fixedassets Intangible assets 9 600,723 2,737,186 600,723 2,737,186 Currentassets Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 11 19,359 817,642 Cash at bank and in hand 12 2,921,259 244,863 2,940,618 1,062,505 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (39,031) (224,093) Netcurrentassets 2,901,587 838,412 Totalassetslesscurrentliabilities 3,502,310 3,575,598 Netassets 3,502,310 3,575,598 Capitalandreserves Called up share capital 332,284 332,284 Share premium account 3,946,878 3,946,878 Capital redemption reserve (27,992) (27,992) Other reserves (414,579) 1,120,562 Profit and loss account (334,281) (1,796,134) 3,502,310 3,575,598

The directors consider that the Company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and members have not required the Company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The Company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by

Brendan Kearns

Company Balance Sheet

As at 31 July 2025

Note 2025  2024  Fixedassets Intangible fixed assets 600,723 2,737,186 Investments 10 50,000 50,000 650,723 2,787,186 Currentassets Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 11 19,359 610,441 Cash and cash equivalents 12 2,921,259 244,863 2,940,618 855,304 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (246,232) (224,093) Netcurrentassets 2,694,386 631,211 Totalassetslesscurrentliabilities 3,345,109 3,418,397 Netassetsexcludingpensionasset 3,345,109 3,418,397 Netassets 3,345,109 3,418,397 Capitalandreserves Called up share capital 15 332,284 332,284 Share premium account 3,789,677 3,789,677 Capital redemption reserve (27,992) (27,992) Other reserves (414,579) 1,120,562 Profit and loss account brought forward (1,796,134) (1,796,767) Profit for the year 1,461,853 633 Profit and loss account carried forward (334,281) (1,796,134) 3,345,109 3,418,397

The directors consider that the Company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and members have not required the Company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The Company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by

Brendan Kearns

Director

Consolidated Statement of Change in Equity

For the Year Ended 31 July 2025

Company Statement of Changes in Equity





Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 July 2025

General information

Stackbitcointreasury plc is a public limited company limited by shares and incorporated in England. Its registered office is 72 Charlotte Street Ground Floor, London, England, W1T 4QQ, United Kingdom.

The Company's shares are traded on the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market under ticker KASH and ISIN number GB00BN950D98.

The Company's aim is to provide investors with exposure to the digital assets ecosystem and an attractive rate of return by levaraging the Board's expertise, experience and networks in the cryptocurrency sector. The Company also intends to invest in venture capital and private equity investments in the blockchain ecosystem.

Accounting policies

2.1Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgment in applying the Group's accounting policies.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Comprehensive Income in these financial statements.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

2.2Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Balance Sheet, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.

In accordance with the transitional exemption available in FRS 102, the Group has chosen not to retrospectively apply the standard to business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to FRS 102.

2.3Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income within 'finance income or costs'. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in profit or loss within 'other operating income'.

On consolidation, the results of overseas operations are translated into Sterling at rates approximating to those ruling when the transactions took place. All assets and liabilities of overseas operations are translated at the rate ruling at the reporting date. Exchange differences arising on translating the opening net assets at opening rate and the results of overseas operations at actual rate are recognised in other comprehensive income.

2.4Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

2.5Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company and the Group operate and generate income.

2.6Intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the revaluation model, intangible assets shall be carried at a revalued amount, being its fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated amortisation and subsequent impairment losses - provided that the fair value can be determined by reference to an active market.

Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the balance sheet date.

All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.

2.7Valuation of investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

Investments in unlisted Group shares, whose market value can be reliably determined, are remeasured to market value at each balance sheet date. Gains and losses on remeasurement are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period. Where market value cannot be reliably determined, such investments are stated at historic cost less impairment.

2.8Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

2.9Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

2.10Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.11Provisions for liabilities

Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.

Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.

Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.

Turnover

An analysis of turnover by class of business is as follows:

2025  2024  Staking Income 15,305 20,073 Option Premium 14,045 21,022 Interest Income 36,514 13,233 65,864 54,328 Analysis of turnover by country of destination: 2025  2024  United Kingdom 65,864 54,327 65,864 54,327

Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging: 2025  2024  Exchange differences 1,153 241

Auditors' remuneration

During the year, the Group obtained the following services from the Company's auditors:

2025  2024  7,200 7,200

Fees payable to the Company auditors for the audit of the consolidated and parent Company's financial statements

Employees

The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:

The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:

20252024

No. No.

Employees 2 2

Directors' remuneration

20252024



Directors' emoluments 54,00047,728

54,00047,728

Parent company profit for the year

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Comprehensive Income in these financial statements. The profit after tax of the parent Company for the year was 1,461,853 (2024 - 633).

Intangible assets

Group

Development expenditure



Cost

At 1 August 2024 2,737,186

Additions 193,593

Disposals (1,123,934)

Revaluation surplus (1,206,121)

At 31 July 2025 600,724

Netbookvalue

At 31 July 2025 600,724

At31July2024 2,737,186

Fixed asset investments

Company

Investments

in

subsidiary companies



Costorvaluation

At 1 August 2024 50,000

At 31 July 2025 50,000

Debtors

GroupGroupCompanyCompany

2025202420252024

   

Amounts owed by group undertakings - 207,201 - - Other debtors - 90 - 90 Prepayments and accrued income 19,359 11,280 19,359 11,280 Deferred taxation - 599,071 - 599,071 19,359 817,642 19,359 610,441

Cash and cash equivalents

2025  2024  Cash at bank and in hand 2,921,259 244,863 2,921,259 244,863

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Group Group Company Company 2025  2024  2025  2024  Trade creditors 18,441 866 18,441 866 Amounts owed to group undertakings - 207,201 207,201 207,201 Other taxation and social security 6,590 2,026 6,590 2,026 Accruals and deferred income 14,000 14,000 14,000 14,000 39,031 224,093 246,232 224,093

Deferred taxation

Group 2025  Atendofyear -

Company

2025



-

GroupGroupCompanyCompany

2025202420252024



Tax losses carried forward -599,071-599,071

-599,071-599,071

Share capital

20252024



Allotted, called up and fully paid

33,228,360 (2024 - 33,228,360) Shares of 0.01 each 332,284332,284

Share Capital consists of 33,228,350 (2024: 33,228,350) subscribed Shares at 0.01 each. Of which 2,799.157 are unsubscribed Treasury Shares.

Subsidiary undertaking

Subsidiary undertaking

The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Company:

Name Registered officeClass of sharesHolding

Kasei Blockchain Holdings Ltd 72 Charlotte Street Ordinary 100%

Ground Floor, London,

United Kingdom

W1T 4QQ

The aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 31 July 2025 and the profit or loss for the year ended on that date for the subsidiary undertaking was as follows:

NameProft/(Loss)

Kasei Blockchain Holdings Ltd 207,201
ABN AMRO announces significant risk transfer transaction with Blackstone

11 December 2025

Today, ABN AMRO announces a significant risk transfer (SRT) transaction with funds manged by Blackstone. This transaction provides first loss protection on a EUR 2 billion portfolio of large corporate loans.

The transaction underscores our commitment to creating more room for further profitable growth by actively managing portfolios. We expect the transaction will reduce the bank's risk-weighted assets by EUR 1.6 billion, while providing Blackstone with exposure to a diversified portfolio of ABN AMRO's large corporate clients.

"We are proud to have completed the execution of our inaugural SRT transaction with Blackstone, with success and strategic discipline", said Dan Dorner, Chief Commercial Officer Corporate Banking. "This aligns with our ambition to reallocate up to EUR 8 billion in risk-weighted assets by actively managing our portfolio. These types of transactions will enable us to grow further in sectors and products where we are competitive, have extensive expertise, and can achieve higher returns."

"We are excited to expand our portfolio and deepen our relationship with ABN AMRO through this risk-sharing collaboration," said Matthew Brest, Senior Managing Director in Blackstone Multi-Asset Investing. "This transaction highlights our shared commitment to innovation and supporting growth."

This transaction follows earlier executed portfolio management transactions in January and in April 2025.

About ABN AMRO

ABN AMRO is one of the largest banks in the Netherlands. As a personal bank in the digital age, we bring convenience to everyday banking and offer customers our sector expertise in moments that matter. We are one of the largest retail banks in the Netherlands. Our Wealth Management client unit is one of the leading private banks in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium. Through our Corporate Banking client unit, we provide banking and advisory products and services to companies in the Netherlands and Northwest Europe. Through ABN AMRO Clearing, we are also one of the world's leading clearing banks. For more information, visit: www.abnamro.com



About Blackstone

Blackstone is the world's largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone seeks to deliver compelling returns for institutional and individual investors by strengthening the companies in which the firm invests. Blackstone's over $1.2 trillion in assets under management include global investment strategies focused on real estate, private equity, credit, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, secondaries and hedge funds. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow @blackstone on?LinkedIn,?X, and?Instagram.?

Note to editors, not for publication:

ABN AMRO Press Office: Marieke Ziedses des Plantes, E-mail: pressrelations@nl.abnamro.com, phone number: +31 (0)20 6288900.

ABN AMRO Investor Relations: John Heijning, E-mail: investorrelations@nl.abnamro.com, phone number +31 (0)20 6282282.

Blackstone: Paula Chirhart E-mail: Paula.Chirhart@Blackstone.com, phone number +1-347-463-5453

Attachment
Cantourage has moved to solidify its leadership structure with the appointment of Monique Jaqqam as CFO from January 2026 and the renewal of CEO Philip Schetter's contract for another five years. This is part of the ongoing professionalisation of the company's governance structure, which is necessary to lay the structural foundation for further strong growth.

Jaqqam brings over 20 years of international experience across finance, private equity, real estate and hospitality. Her track record in financial transformation, organizational restructuring and building modern finance infrastructures, demonstrated at Future Group, BaseCamp Student and Kempinski, should materially strengthen Cantourage's internal capabilities, particularly within the finance department. Delays in regards to the publication of consolidated financial reports as seen with the FY24 annual report (eNuW: to be released shortly), should henceforth be a thing of the past.

FY25 figures to come in strong with sales of  89m (eNuW, +72% yoy) and EBITDA of  4.9m (eNuW, 5.5% margin). This is despite the currently challenging situation in the company's most important end market, Germany. As a reminder, the Federal Ministry of Health is evaluating measures that could restrict telemedicine-based cannabis prescriptions and curb mail-order distribution. As a result, cannabis-focused pharmacies are therefore showing more cautious ordering patterns, triggering inventory reductions (cannabis flowers are perishable goods). Nevertheless, we regard Cantourage as well positioned to weather those temporary headwinds, adapting the product offering, increasing cooperations with offline pharmacies and entering additional markets to decrease the dependency on Germany.

Beyond its home market, Cantourage has built a meaningful position in the UK, where cumulative deliveries reached 1.5 tons of medical cannabis as of September (eNuW: low double-digit  million in sales). The company is also expanding its footprint in Poland and preparing market entries in additional European countries. This broader geographic reach gradually reduces Cantourage's reliance on Germany and adds new structural growth drivers.

Conclusion: With a strengthened management team, an increasing governance setup, the ongoing European expansion as well as a strong positioning in its home-turf Cantourage looks well positioned to capitalise on the industry's prospects. Valuation remains subdued with shares trading on 0.4x EV/sales FY26e despite >70% growth. We confirm our BUY rating with an unchanged  10.50 PT based on a DCF.

ISIN: DE000A3DSV01
JOINT PRESS RELEASE

11 December 2025

Luxembourg / Geneva

EIB and STMicroelectronics announce 1 billion agreement to boost Europe's competitiveness and strategic autonomy

Credit line to strengthen Europe's semiconductor industry and support innovation, sustainability and energy efficiency in line with EU objectives

First 500 million tranche signed to support acceleration of R&D and high-volume chip manufacturing in Italy and France.

The new agreement, the ninth between EIB and ST, brings total financing to around 4.2 billion





The European Investment Bank (EIB) and STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM, "ST") have signed a 500 million financing agreement to boost Europe's competitiveness and strategic autonomy. This represents the first tranche a broader 1 billion credit line recently approved by the EIB in favour of STMicroelectronics, a leading semiconductor manufacturer with a strong footprint in Europe including Italy, France and Malta and serving the automotive, industrial, personal electronics, and communication infrastructure markets.

Since 1994, the Bank has supported nine projects with ST, resulting in approximately 4.2 billion of financing. This new operation will help support ST's investment programme in innovative semiconductor technologies and devices in Italy and France, where the company operates both research and development and high-volume manufacturing. About 60% of the agreement is focused on high-volume manufacturing capabilities, including the key sites of Catania, Agrate and Crolles, while the remaining 40% is focused on R&D.

"Europe's ability to lead in semiconductor innovation is vital for our competitiveness, resilience and climate goals. This agreement reflects the EIB's commitment to supporting strategic industries that enable the green and digital transitions and strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty," said Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB Vice-President.

"ST continues to be committed to strengthening Europe's semiconductor ecosystem, and this significant loan from EIB aims at bolstering our efforts in R&D for differentiated technologies and high-volume manufacturing across our sites in Italy and France", said Jean-Marc Chery, President and CEO of STMicroelectronics. "ST's longstanding collaboration with the EIB underscores our commitment to ensuring European technology leadership in the global semiconductor market."

"Semiconductors are at the heart of modern economies, powering everything from electric vehicles to digital infrastructure. By financing ST's investments in research and advanced manufacturing, we are helping Europe secure critical technologies and create high-skilled jobs for the future," added EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle-

The agreement announced today follows last week's visit by a high-level EIB delegation, led by Vice-Presidents Gelsomina Vigliotti and Ambroise Fayolle, to ST's facility in Catania, a state-of-the-art plant covering the full Silicon Carbide (SiC) value chain and representing a key element of the EU Bank's financing.

General information

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.?

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly 89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe's competitiveness and security.??? All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group's annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.???

Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over 100 billion in new investment for Europe's energy security in 2024 and mobilised 110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB's financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.?

High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

About STMicroelectronics



At ST, we are 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are on track to be carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027.

CONTACTS

EIB

EIB: Lorenzo Squintani

l.squintani@eib.org/press@eib.org

Tel: +39 366 57 90 312

Website: www.eib.org/press

ST

Investor relations

Jerome Ramel

EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication

Tel: +41.22.929.59.20

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Alexis Breton

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In late October, the 9th Technical Conference, hosted by CSCEC Middle East and co-organized by the Society of Engineers-UAE, was successfully held. Under the theme "Showcasing Revolutionary Modern Methods of Construction to Redefine Tomorrow", this year's conference continued to construct the "Up We Build" industry dialogue platform.

The conference deeply integrated CSCEC's "Quality Homes" philosophy and focused on customized modular systems and their innovative applications in real-world construction scenarios, aiming to accelerate the adoption of modular construction technologies across residential, healthcare, education, and public infrastructure sectors throughout the Middle East.

Over 300 experts from institutions including the Chinese Consulate General in Dubai, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Holding, Emaar Properties, DAMAC Properties, Al Wasl Group, Aldar Properties, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and CPG Intl. Pte Ltd. attended the event to exchange insights on technological innovation and future development trends in the regional construction industry.

H.E. Ou Boqian, Consul General of China in Dubai, attended and delivered a speech. She expressed her appreciation and congratulations for CSCEC's contribution and breakthroughs in the Middle East over the two decades. She highlighted Dubai's vibrant innovation ecosystem and favorable business environment, reaffirming the Consulate-General's commitment to advancing the consensus reached by the leaders of China and the UAE. She emphasized ongoing efforts to foster closer collaboration between Chinese enterprises and Dubai's government agencies, private sector, and academic institutions through partnership platforms and joint projects, thereby injecting new momentum into Sino-UAE friendship and cooperation.

During the panel discussion session, more than 20 industry experts from organizations such as Dubai Municipality, Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), the University of Birmingham, CSCEC Carbon Neutrality Research Co. Ltd., China Overseas Holdings Limited, and China State Construction International Holdings Limited shared in-depth perspectives on technological innovations in modular construction, practical case studies, and market outlook.

At the conference, CSCEC ME and the Society of Engineers-UAE signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pledging to deepen collaboration in technology R&D, talent development, and joint project implementation-further promoting Sino-UAE exchanges in the construction sector.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2843338/The_9th_Technical_Conference_Venue.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/9th-technical-conference-of-cscec-middle-east-redefining-modern-construction-with-revolutionary-methods-302638870.html
Highlights:

Significant mineralized sections were intercepted in N2-25-006, N2-25-009 and N2-25-011 drilled in the "A" zone, where the Company is targeting a multi-million ounce conceptual open-pit resource; the Company's maiden drill program is focused on assessing the first three hundred metres vertical. N2-25-006: 102.6 metres of target mineralization intercepted beginning at 15.3 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 10 metres in width including up to 23.4 metres. N2-25-009: 135.7 metres of target mineralization intercepted beginning at 23.3 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 30 metres in width including up to 43.4 metres. N2-25-011: 166.8 metres of target mineralization intercepted beginning at 60.0 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 20 metres in width including up to 70.6 metres.

The intense quartz-carbonate veining and sulfide mineralization (pyrite/arsenopyrite) in sheared and brecciated zones observed visually is directly comparable to the material that yielded long gold intervals in historical drilling including 245-91-151, which intercepted 1.7 g/t Au over 35.0 metres.

N2-25-003 and N2-25-008 build on the Company's findings at N2-25-001 and N2-25-013, where the Company identified visible gold including within a 30.8 metre interval (see press release dated November 26, 2025) and N2-25-003 and N2-25-008, where the Company identified 152.9 and 208.8 metres of similar shallow target mineralization (see press release dated December 2, 2025).

The Company is undertaking a fully funded 30,000 metre drill program at its flagship N2 Gold Project in Quebec, host to a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central) 2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone 2,4 . Phase 1, consisting of 10,000 metres, commenced on September 25, 2025. In addition to the "RJ" Zone, Phase 1 targets the "A" zone, a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~522,900 ounces of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open).

The Company has working capital of ~C$13.4M with zero debt. Inclusive of provincial tax credits from the Quebec government, Formation's exploration budget for 2025-2026 is set at ~$8.1M.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation" or the "Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCQB:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to provide an update from the fully funded 30,000 metre drill campaign underway at its flagship N2 Gold Property ("N2" or the "Property"), located 25 km south of Matagami, Quebec.

The Company is pleased to announce that it has intercepted significant sections of target mineralization in three (3) additional drillholes as part of its Phase 1 drill campaign at N2.

The long sections of mineralization correlate with the findings of the 55,000 plus metres of historical drilling at N2, including 245-91-151, which intercepted 1.7 g/t Au over 35.0 metres, positively increasing the potential of intercepting long auriferous intervals. The forms of mineralization observed at N2-25-006, N2-25-009, and N2-25-011 also correlate with intervals observed in N2-25-001, N2-25-003, N2-25-008, and N2-25-013, demonstrating the continuous nature of the deposit.

Deepak Varshney, CEO of Formation Metals, stated, "The consistency of this deposit observed within this drill campaign has been spectacular. Building a bulk tonnage open-pit resource requires finding repeatable mineralization across long strikes and widths, and the target mineralization we are observing fits what Formation is focused on its maiden drill campaign."

Mr. Varshney continued: The thick continuous zones of mineralization observed significantly expand the potential for a large-scale, low-strip multi-million ounce open pit development. With 30,000 metres fully funded and nearly 14 million in working capital, Phase 1 is the first step on our journey to realizing this conceptual model and we look forward to sharing further updates in the coming weeks."

Drillhole N2-25-006: Intercepted 102.6 metres of mineralized section, 33.10% of the 310-metre drillhole.

Drillhole N2-25-009: Intercepted 135.7 metres of mineralized section, 44.34% of the 306-metre drillhole.

Drillhole N2-25-011: Intercepted 166.8 metres of mineralized section, 31.58% of the 528-metre drillhole.

All three drillholes were found to have a significant correlation in terms of lithological intervals and sequences, alteration products and mineralization forms and variety between the geological features along these holes and those of surrounding historic drill holes. Some of longest intervals along the mentioned three drill holes are included in the table below (Fig. 1)

Figure 1 - Summary of the longest mineralized intervals within N2-25-006, N2-25-009, and N2-25-011.

The mineralized sections of N2-25-006 are within the sheared and deformed mafic to intermediate volcanic and less intermediate volcaniclastics and medium grained clastic sediments (sandstone & wacke) rock formations associated with quartz carbonate veins and veinlets (sheared, brecciated and stockwork) and the main alteration products of sericitization and less carbonatization (calcite & ankerite) and silicification dominantly including pyrite, arsenopyrite and less pyrrhotite mineralization in different forms of disseminated, cluster, stringer, semi-massive and fracture filling (Fig. 2).

Figure 2- Forms of Mineralization intercepted along the drill hole N2-25-006.

The longest mineralized section along this hole is a 23.4 metre section from 228.6 to 252 metres within intermediate volcanic and volcaniclastic intervals in which pyrite and arsenopyrite are the dominant mineralization in forms of disseminated, stringer, cluster and fracture filling associated with brecciated and stockwork veining system and the main alteration products of chloritization, sericitization and less carbonatization (Fig. 3).

Figure 3 - The longest mineralized section along drillhole N2-25-006.

The mineralized sections of N2-25-009 are within the sheared and deformed mafic to intermediate volcanic and less fine to medium grained graphitic clastic sediments (mudstone) rock formations associated with quartz carbonate veins and veinlets and the main alteration products of chloritization, sericitization and less carbonatization and silicification dominantly including pyrite, arsenopyrite and less pyrrhotite mineralization in different forms of disseminated, cluster, stringer and fracture filling (Fig. 4).

Figure 4 - Forms of mineralization intercepted along drillhole N2-25-009.

The longest mineralized section along this hole is a 43.4 metre section from 23.3 to 66.7 metres downhole within mafic volcanic intervals in which pyrite is the dominant mineralization in forms of disseminated, stringer, cluster and fracture filling associated with the main alteration products of chloritization and less carbonatization. Pyrrhotite is the minor sulfide in this mineralized section (Fig 5).

Figure 5 - The longest mineralized section along drillhole N2-25-009.

The mineralized sections of N2-25-011 were within the sheared and deformed mafic to intermediate volcanic, fine to medium grained graphitic clastic sediments (mudstone and wacke) and less mafic and felsic intrusion rock formations associated with quartz carbonate veins and veinlets (brecciated and sheared) and the main alteration products of chloritization, sericitization, carbonatization and less silicification and epidotization dominantly including pyrite and less arsenopyrite mineralization in different forms of disseminated, cluster, fracture filling and less stringer. (Fig. 6).

Figure 6 - Forms of mineralization intercepted along drillhole N2-25-011.

The longest mineralized section along this hole is a 70.6 metre section downhole from 303.0 to 373.6 metres within mafic volcanic intervals in which pyrite is the dominant mineralization in forms of mostly disseminated and less stringer, cluster and fracture filling associated with quartz carbonate veins and veinlets and the main alteration products of epidotization, chloritization and carbonatization (Fig. 7).

Figure 7 - The longest mineralized section along drillhole N2-25-011.

Project Summary

Comprising 87 claims totaling ~4,400 ha within the Abitibi sub province of Northwestern Quebec, Formation's flagship N2 Gold Project is an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,

There are six primary auriferous mineralized zones in total, each open for expansion along strike and at depth (Fig. 8). Compilation and geophysical work by Balmoral Resources Ltd. (now Wallbridge Mining) from 2010 to 2018 generated numerous targets that have not yet been investigated with diamond drilling.

The drilling at N2 is designed to focus on discovery drilling at new high-potential targets along the mineralization strikes at the "A", "RJ" and "Central" zones in the northern part of the Property in order to discover new auriferous trends and unlock new zones of gold mineralization. The program will also focus on high-priority infilling and expansion targets in these zones to significantly enhance the auriferous zones identified to-date (Fig. 9).

Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include:

A Zone: A shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~522,900 ounces identified at a grade of 1.52 g/t Au. ~15,000 metres have been drilled historically across 1.65 km of strike, with over 3.1 km of strike remaining to be tested. 84% of historical drillholes intercepted auriferous intervals including up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres.

RJ Zone:a high-grade historic gold deposit with ~61,100 ounces identified at a grade of 7.82 g/t Au, with high-grade intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres and 16.5 g/t Au over 3.5 metres2. This zone was the target of the most recent drilling at the Property by Agnico-Eagle Mines in 2008, when the price of gold was ~US$800/oz. Only ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike remaining to be tested.

Figure 8 - Property overview summarizing historical work completed at each of the six mineralized zones and their respective historical resource.

Figure 9 - PDDH design for the complete 30,000 metre Drill Program.

The Company also believes that N2 has significant base metal potential, where it recently completed a revaluation process which revealed significant copper and zinc intercepts within historic drillholes known to have significant gold grades (>1 g/t Au). Assay results range from 200 to 4,750 ppm and 203 ppm to 6,700 ppm, for copper and zinc, respectively, indicating strong potential for elevated base metal (Cu-Zn) concentrations across the property, specifically at the A and RJ zones. Property wide geology at N2 features volcanic and sedimentary rocks formed in regional anticlinal and synclinal flexures. Three principal deformation structures (Fig. 8 & 9), oriented along the known NW-SE to WNW-ESE structural trends typical of VMS deposits in the Matagami region, function as critical geologic controls for mineralization on the property.

For the 2026 exploration season, Formation plans to concentrate its efforts on the northern part of N2, targeting gold deposit expansion and discovery along identified zones and fault systems associated with the main deformation features (specifically WNW-ESE trend), with IP surveys and drilling planned to model mineralized zones that will hopefully contribute to an updated NI-43 101 compliant resource. Formation will also look to further review historic base metal assays from older drill core and undertake additional work in 2025 to assess the property's copper and zinc potential.

Qualified person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Babak V. Azar, P.Geo., geo (OGQ#10876) an independent contractor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Historical reports provided by the optionor were reviewed by the qualified person. The information provided has not been verified and is being treated as historic.

About Formation Metals Inc.

Formation Metals Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Formation's flagship asset is the N2 Gold Project, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces (18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4) and six mineralized zones, each open for expansion along strike and at depth including the "A" zone, of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to historical high-grade intercepts as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres.

FORMATION METALS INC.

Deepak Varshney, CEO and Director

For more information, please call 778-899-1780, email dvarshney@formationmetalsinc.com or visit www.formationmetalsinc.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Notes and References:

Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the geology of the Property. The above referenced resource estimates do not have a category, are considered historical in nature, and are based on prior data prepared by a previous property owner, and do not conform to current CIM categories. While the Company considers the estimates to be reliable, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current resources in accordance with current CIM categories and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as a current resource. A 0.5 g/t Au cut-off was used in the preparation of the historical estimates with a minimum 2.5 metre mining width. Significant data compilation, re-drilling, re-sampling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historical estimates can be classified as current resources. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Company is not aware of any more recent estimates prepared for the N2 Property. Needham, B. (1994), 1993 Diamond Drill Report, Northway Joint Venture, Northway Property; Cypress Canada Inc.; 492 pages. Guy K. (1991), Exploration Summary May 1, 1990 to May 1, 1991 Vezza Joint Venture Northway Property; Total Energold; 227 pages.

Forward-looking statements:

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements respecting: the Company's plans for the Property and the expected timing and scope of the drilling program at the Property; the Company's goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit the Property; the Company's view that the Property has the potential for over three million ounces of gold; the Company's planned 30,000-metre drilling program; and statements respecting the Offerings, the timing thereof and the expected use of proceeds therefrom. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry.

The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

SOURCE: Formation Metals Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/formation-metals-further-validates-open-pit-potential-at-n2-gold-project-intersec-1116382
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Herbal Dispatch Inc. (CSE: HERB) (OTC Pink: LUFFF) (FSE: HA9) ("Herbal Dispatch" or the "Company"), a leading cannabis e-commerce and distribution platform, today announced its comprehensive Strategic Business Plan for 2026. This plan builds on the Company's robust historical performance, aiming to significantly accelerate revenues while improving gross margins and EBITDA.

The plan outlines four key priorities designed to expand market share, foster innovation, and deliver long-term value to stakeholders. With a successful $2 million private placement completed in October 2025 and three consecutive years of triple-digit annual sales growth, the Company is well-positioned to execute this ambitious strategy.

Key Strategic Priorities:

1)Enhancing Medical Cannabis Sales to Veterans: The Company aims to increase sales in this segment by 200% annually, through partnerships with veterans' organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion and Veterans Affairs Canada, development of veteran-specific product bundles, and targeted marketing campaigns focused on benefits for conditions such as PTSD, pain, and anxiety. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include 30% year-over-year (YoY) growth in veteran customer acquisition and maintaining a retention rate above 89%.

Cannabis for Medical Purposes Expenditures (Health Canada)1

Fiscal year Clients Reimbursed amount Grams reimbursed 2021-2022 18,388 $153,780,985 19,351,466 2022-2023 21,108 $167,568,202 21,270,150 2023-2024 24,146 $191,708,163 24,329,042 2024-2025 27,643 $244,633,936 30,310,563 2025-2026 (YTD) 26,325 $68,247,190 8,236,906

2)Expanding Recreational Sales to Additional Provinces and Deepening Penetration in British Columbia (BC): Herbal Dispatch aims to achieve 40% YoY growth in recreational sales. This will involve securing listings with additional provincial cannabis wholesalers, expanding SKU counts in existing markets from 44 to over 100 in British Columbia alone (with similar growth targeted in new provinces), and investing in e-commerce platform upgrades featuring AI-driven personalization and recommendations. KPIs include entering new provinces and boosting the British Columbia market share to 15%.

Monthly Retail Cannabis Sales by Province and Territory (x $1,000)2

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6253/277658_4a7e6ad534d1e8c9_002full.jpg

3)Growing B2B Exports to Federally Legal Countries: The Company targets tripling export volumes by 2028. Efforts will focus on strengthening partnerships in existing markets (Australia, Portugal, Germany, Brazil, and Czech Republic) and entering new markets including the UK, Switzerland, Costa Rica and New Zealand, with investments in GMP/EU-GMP compliance and participation in international trade shows. KPIs include 100% YoY export revenue growth and adding 2-3 new markets annually.

Canadian Cannabis International Shipments (Exports only, total kg)3

Year Total (kg) 2019 1,311.14 2020 21,210.35 2021 53,082.35 2022 115,972.38 2023 210,433.50 2024 361,896.41 2025 155,177.17 (est. 620,708 kg for the year)

4)Increasing Investor Awareness Through IR Marketing Companies: To enhance liquidity and attract institutional investors, Herbal Dispatch will engage specialized investor relations and marketing firms. The comprehensive program includes quarterly webinars, updated investor materials, and conference participation aimed at expanding the Company's investor base.

Herbal Dispatch holds a unique position among Canadian public cannabis companies with the sector's longest growth runway. While competitors have already saturated all three core growth vectors - national provincial listings (9-10 provinces, 100-300+ SKUs), mature medical channels (30-60% of revenue), and recurring exports to established clients - Herbal Dispatch has not. The Company stands alone in its ability to simultaneously double medical sales and provincial footprint/SKUs while tripling exports, opportunities its public peers exhausted years ago. This convergence of untapped channels positions Herbal Dispatch for the sharpest revenue acceleration in the entire public cannabis sector over the next 24-36 months.

To execute these four Key Strategic Priorities, Herbal Dispatch has engaged a coordinated team of best-in-class agencies with defined roles to support the Company. Paper Street Capital will execute a high-intensity investor awareness and institutional outreach program over a 90-day period. Concurrently, EnterMaurs Incorporated will drive digital marketing, influencer campaigns, and multi-platform content distribution to accelerate veteran medical sales and recreational market expansion.

Throughout 2026, Marfafa Inc. will deliver long-term content strategy, research, audience analysis, and syndication to support all growth pillars with premium thought-leadership positioning. During the first quarter of 2026, Altura Media Co Inc. will spearhead German-market export acceleration through localized advertising, German-language landing pages and creatives, daily optimization, native placements on tier-1 finance/news sites, and influencer video content-positioning Germany as a major revenue driver by 2028.

"We are excited to introduce this forward-thinking strategic plan that leverages our strengths in craft cannabis distribution and positions Herbal Dispatch for accelerated growth in a dynamic and rapidly expanding global market," said Philip Campbell, CEO and Director of Herbal Dispatch. "By focusing on veterans' needs, domestic expansion, international exports, and enhanced investor engagement, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers, partners, and shareholders while upholding our core values of excellence, integrity, innovation, and accountability."

The Company has allocated approximately CAD $410,000 in aggregate for these agencies to drive the Key Strategic Priorities, funded from existing working capital. Herbal Dispatch believes that engaging these agencies will broaden the Company's reach to potential investors and customers, thereby advancing its Key Strategic Priorities. All engagements are subject to final acceptance by the Canadian Securities Exchange where required.

Herbal Dispatch confirms that all promotional materials, content, and campaigns disseminated by these service providers will include clear, prominent disclosure that they have been engaged and compensated by the Company, in full compliance with Canadian securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

ABOUT HERBAL DISPATCH INC.

The Company owns and operates leading cannabis e-commerce platforms and is dedicated to providing top quality cannabis to informed consumers at affordable pricing. The Company's flagship cannabis marketplace, herbaldispatch.com, is a trusted source for exclusive access to small-batch craft cannabis flower and a wide-array of other product formats. The Company's common shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "HERB".

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

Certain statements in this news release, including statements or information containing terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "expect", "estimate", "may", "could", "will", and similar expressions constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or developments that the Company or a third party expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to the Company. These statements require the Company to make assumptions it believes are reasonable and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties.

Actual results and developments may differ materially from the anticipated results and developments discussed in the forward-looking statements as certain of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the Company's control. These risk factors are interdependent and the impact of any one risk or uncertainty on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable. Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release and the key assumptions and risk factors involved in such statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to execute its Strategic Business Plan for 2026, which includes its ability to: (a) enter into partnerships with veterans' organizations, (b) secure listings with additional provincial cannabis wholesalers, (c) rely on existing partnerships and enter new markets in federal legal countries, and (d) promote market and investor participation. The successful execution of these initiatives is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including industry competition, and future customer demand for the Company's products, among others. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected effects on the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities legislation, the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent information, events, or circumstances.

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (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.

Sources:

https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/reports-policies-and-legislation/departmental-reports/cannabis-medical-purposesstatistics https://stratcann.com/news/canadian-retail-cannabis-sales-continue-to-show-annual-growth/ https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/research-data/medical-purpose.htmla7

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277658

SOURCE: Herbal Dispatch Inc.
Original-Research: Cantourage Group SE - from NuWays AG



11.12.2025 / 09:00 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.



Classification of NuWays AG to Cantourage Group SE Company Name: Cantourage Group SE ISIN: DE000A3DSV01 Reason for the research: Update Recommendation: BUY Target price: EUR 10.5 Target price on sight of: 12 months Last rating change: Analyst: Christian Sandherr

Cantourage strengthening its leadership structure



Cantourage has moved to solidify its leadership structure with the appointment of Monique Jaqqam as CFO from January 2026 and the renewal of CEO Philip Schetter's contract for another five years. This is part of the ongoing professionalisation of the company's governance structure, which is necessary to lay the structural foundation for further strong growth.



Jaqqam brings over 20 years of international experience across finance, private equity, real estate and hospitality. Her track record in financial transformation, organizational restructuring and building modern finance infrastructures, demonstrated at Future Group, BaseCamp Student and Kempinski, should materially strengthen Cantourage's internal capabilities, particularly within the finance department. Delays in regards to the publication of consolidated financial reports as seen with the FY24 annual report (eNuW: to be released shortly), should henceforth be a thing of the past.



FY25 figures to come in strong with sales of  89m (eNuW, +72% yoy) and EBITDA of  4.9m (eNuW, 5.5% margin). This is despite the currently challenging situation in the company's most important end market, Germany. As a reminder, the Federal Ministry of Health is evaluating measures that could restrict telemedicine-based cannabis prescriptions and curb mail-order distribution. As a result, cannabis-focused pharmacies are therefore showing more cautious ordering patterns, triggering inventory reductions (cannabis flowers are perishable goods). Nevertheless, we regard Cantourage as well positioned to weather those temporary headwinds, adapting the product offering, increasing cooperations with offline pharmacies and entering additional markets to decrease the dependency on Germany.



Beyond its home market, Cantourage has built a meaningful position in the UK, where cumulative deliveries reached 1.5 tons of medical cannabis as of September (eNuW: low double-digit  million in sales). The company is also expanding its footprint in Poland and preparing market entries in additional European countries. This broader geographic reach gradually reduces Cantourage's reliance on Germany and adds new structural growth drivers.



Conclusion: With a strengthened management team, an increasing governance setup, the ongoing European expansion as well as a strong positioning in its home-turf Cantourage looks well positioned to capitalise on the industry's prospects. Valuation remains subdued with shares trading on 0.4x EV/sales FY26e despite >70% growth. We confirm our BUY rating with an unchanged  10.50 PT based on a DCF.





You can download the research here: cantourage-group-se-2025-12-11-update-en-7f075

For additional information visit our website: https://www.nuways-ag.com/research-feed



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Offenlegung moglicher Interessenskonflikte nach  85 WpHG beim oben analysierten Unternehmen befinden sich in der vollstandigen Analyse.

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Austrian manufacturer supplies 550 gold-gilded customized chandeliers and luminaires for the world's largest mosque, Al-Masdschid al-Haram

VIENNA, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lights of Vienna, a global leader in premium custom lighting, has completed the manufacturing and delivery of all chandeliers and luminaires for the Mataf Extension at the Holy Mosque in Mecca. The ?90 million project comprises around 550 custom-made fixtures across ten lighting types, produced from high-grade stainless steel and gold-gilded with more than 200 kg of 24-karat gold.

The centerpiece is the seven-meter "Al Fath Gate Chandelier," weighing three tons and engineered to meet the extreme environmental and operational demands of the world's most visited mosque. "This project highlights our capability to deliver large-scale, technically sophisticated lighting solutions with cultural relevance," says Managing Partner Alexander Oborny.

All fixtures passed extensive structural, waterproofing, and heat-resistance tests, exceeding international certification requirements. The delivery includes gold-gilded chandeliers, ceiling and wall luminaires, and climate-resistant outdoor lighting, all equipped with high-efficiency LED systems.

The project extends Lights of Vienna's longstanding involvement in Mecca, following its earlier supply of more than 4,450 luminaires for the Shamiya Extension. Production was carried out in Austria with support from partners in Austria and Italy.

- Picture is available at AP -

Mag. Sabine Mitterbacher, MBA

Lights of Vienna - Consot

Telefon: +43 664 25 177 25

sabine.mitterbacher@lightsofvienna.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lights-of-vienna-completes-90-million-lighting-project-for-the-mataf-extension-at-the-holy-mosque-in-mecca-302638926.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Gold Hunter Resources Inc. (CSE: HUNT) (FSE: 6RH) ("Gold Hunter" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$1,250,000, positioning the Company to advance its flagship Great Northern Project in Newfoundland as it transitions into its first systematic drilling program.

The Offering will consist of (i) up to 14,545,455 flow-through units of the Company (each, a "FT Unit") at a price of C$0.055 per FT Unit, and (ii) up to 9,000,000 units of the Company (each, a "HD Unit") at a price of C$0.05 per HD Unit. Red Cloud Securities Inc. will be acting as a finder in connection with the Offering.

Each FT Unit will consist of one common share issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "FT Warrant"). Each FT Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share at a price of C$0.08 for a period of 24 months from issuance.

Each HD Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "HD Warrant"). Each HD Warrant shall entitle the holder to acquire one Warrant Share at a price of C$0.075 for a period of 24 months from issuance.

Strategic Use of Proceeds

The proceeds from the sale of FT Units will be used to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" at the Great Northern Project in Newfoundland, with all qualifying expenditures renounced to subscribers effective December 31, 2025.

The net proceeds from the sale of HD Units will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

CEO Commentary

"This financing is about positioning Gold Hunter at the exact moment it transitions from consolidation and preparation into drilling," said Sean Kingsley, President & CEO of Gold Hunter.

"We now control a district-sized project with a gold-bearing fault system in one of the world's most active mining jurisdictions, with modern geophysics completed, targets being finalized, and drilling in sight. This Offering allows us to move decisively while maintaining discipline, tight ownership, and strong alignment with shareholders. With our updated investor presentation now live, investors can clearly see the scale of what we're building and why we believe Great Northern has the potential to be a significant Newfoundland gold story."

Corporate Update

Gold Hunter has posted an updated investor presentation on its website and in its investor materials concurrent with this news release. The updated presentation outlines the Company's district-scale land position, completed VTEM geophysical survey and data-driven targeting strategy as the Company advances toward its initial drill program.

Offering Terms and Conditions

The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period ending on the date that is four months plus one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. Finder's fees may be payable in accordance with CSE policies.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy 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 Gold Hunter Resources Inc.

Gold Hunter Resources Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to acquiring and advancing high-potential precious and base metal projects. The Company employs a data-driven exploration strategy, merging modern techniques with historical data to unlock district-scale opportunities. The Great Northern Project, covering 26,237 hectares and over 35 kilometres of strike length along the prospective Doucers Valley Fault Structure, is the Company's flagship asset. Within the Doucers Valley Fault, there's been identified 50km+ potential splays and secondary faults with known mineralization and potential for additional

mineralization. Gold Hunter is committed to responsible exploration, stakeholder engagement, and creating long-term shareholder value.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance and include statements regarding the completion and size of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, future exploration plans, and other anticipated developments related to the Company's business.

Forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions made by management as of the date of this news release and 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 by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: capital markets conditions, regulatory approvals, investor interest and participation in the financing, volatility in commodity prices, exploration risks, operating costs, availability of personnel, and general economic and market conditions.

Although Gold Hunter believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or 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.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277665

SOURCE: Gold Hunter Resources Inc.
SHANGHAI, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recently, the all-cargo "Cold Chain Express" aircraft CK292 of China Eastern Air Logistics carried 88.75 tons of fresh cherries from Chile to China. After a brief stopover, the aircraft touched down at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, completing the journey in just 24 hours and setting another record for Chilean cherry imports to China. This milestone also marks the official launch of China Eastern Air Logistics' dedicated cherry charter program for the new cherry season.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

With the new Chilean cherry season now underway, China Eastern Air Logistics has officially launched its dedicated cherry transport operations. Even before this milestone, the company had already airlifted more than 1,100 tons of in-season cherries to several ports of entry across China, including Ezhou, Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Shenzhen, Hefei, Ningbo and Hong Kong, using externally chartered freighters and other channels. The deployment of its own charter flights further enhances China Eastern Air Logistics' self-operated capacity, reinforcing its competitive edge in the express delivery service for fresh produce.

For the new cherry season, China Eastern Air Logistics, through its subsidiary China Eastern Cold Chain, deployed its own capacity while integrating freighter resources from nine leading global airlines to build a high-frequency, high-density "flight wave system." In addition, the company has strategically scheduled externally chartered flights to land at multiple ports of entry and worked closely with domestic "fresh produce hubs," such as Chengdu, Ezhou, and Ningbo. Together, these efforts form a fully integrated fresh express system, spanning intercontinental direct flights, port-of-entry processing, and warehouse distribution. The system delivers on the promise of "Fresh within 48 Hours," ensuring Chilean cherries travel seamlessly from orchards abroad straight to Chinese consumers' tables.

Building on this foundation, China Eastern Cold Chain is leveraging digital tools, such as the "Dongdongce" temperature monitoring system and the "Feilaixian" intelligent dispatch platform. These technologies jointly enabled end-to-end, transparent management of Chilean cherries, covering every stage from harvesting and pre-cooling to international transport, customs clearance, and final distribution. Thanks to this integrated approach, consumers across China can enjoy fresher, higher-quality imported cherries at more affordable prices.

Chile was the first South American country to sign a free trade agreement with China and has maintained close agricultural ties with us for more than a decade, consistently ranking as the leading source of China's cherry imports. China Eastern Air Logistics is among the earliest domestic aviation companies to import cherries via chartered air freight, and for 12 consecutive years it has remained the country's largest carrier and importer of Chilean airlifted cherries. By offering diversified logistics solutions, including sea-air intermodal transport, full-plane air-to-air transport, whole-aircraft air-to-air transshipment and transshipment via European hubs, China Eastern Air Logistics has further expanded its reach, integrating Southeast Asia and other markets into the global distribution network for fresh Chilean produce.

From the exhibition halls of the China International Import Expo to the dining tables of families across China, China Eastern Air Logistics is steadily strengthening its global fresh supply chain capabilities. In doing so, it is contributing to the new dual-circulation development paradigm, linking domestic and international markets, and supporting Shanghai's growth as an international shipping hub. These efforts are turning the vision of "Linking the World with China, Connecting China to the World" into concrete actions.

Looking ahead, China Eastern Air Logistics will continue to refine its operational model of "bulk ordering, batch shipping; worldwide reach within three days." With broader coverage, faster delivery, and more consistent quality, the company will ensure that this "winter sweetness" that is flown across half the globe will become a seasonal delight for even more households in China and beyond.

Source: China Eastern Air Logistics

Contact for media only: Contact person: Ms. Wang, Tel: 86-10-63074558


EQS Newswire / 11/12/2025 / 17:30 UTC+8

Town Health Charity Foundation Donates 20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines TWGHs Collaborates on Community Vaccination (Hong Kong, 11 December, 2025) Town Health International Medical Group Limited ("Town Health") has partnered with Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited ("Pfizer") to promote territory-wide respiratory health education. Town Health announced today that, through the Town Health Charity Foundation, it is donating a batch of 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine ("PCV20") (Manufacturer: Pfizer) to Tung Wah Group of Hospitals ("TWGHs") to support vulnerable groups, strengthening medical-social collaboration to enhance community health protection. Town Health and Pfizer are actively responding to the Primary Healthcare Blueprint of the Hong Kong Health Bureau and are launching a territory-wide respiratory health education initiative jointly to promote a shift in the public's mindset from "treatment-based" to "prevention-oriented". Meanwhile, Town Health will leverage its extensive network of medical centres across Hong Kong to facilitate the public access to protection through PCV20. As a key community partner, TWGHs will oversee proper allocation of the PCV20 donated by the Town Health Charity Foundation and identify suitable beneficiaries across its service units for vaccination. Town Health, Pfizer and TWGHs will continue to work closely together to uphold Town Health Charity Foundation's vision of "Guided by Love, Advancing Health for All"-to reduce the disease burden among underserved groups and enhance the overall health of the community. Photo caption: Mr. Karson Choi Ka Tsan, GBS, JP, Chairman and CEO of Town Health (center), Dr. Alan Koo Chung Wai, Vice Medical Director of Town Health (third right), Mr. Huang Yu, Executive Director of Town Health (second right), Ms. Zhang Xiaoxue, Executive Director of Town Health (first right), Mr. Thomas Chan Chun Hong, COO of Town Health (first left), Dr. Wong Kam Cheung, Specialist in Respiratory Medicine (third left), Mr. Nicholas Chan, Commercial Lead of Pfizer Hong Kong and Macau (fourth right), Mr. Albert Kwong, Strategic Healthcare Partner, Cross Business Units of Pfizer Hong Kong and Macau (second left), and Dr. Chan Lee, Head of TWGHs K B Tam & W K Li Medical Centre (North Point) (fourth left) attended the vaccine donation ceremony together to jointly promote preventive health for all and build a safer community. ~ Cont. ~ Mr. Karson Choi Ka Tsan, GBS, JP, Chairman and CEO of Town Health, said that pneumococcal infections pose a significant public health threat in Hong Kong, particularly to the elderly and vulnerable groups, making public education on respiratory health an urgent priority. To this end, Town Health has introduced the PCV20, allowing the public to obtain broad protection against 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes with just a single dose. He added that through Town Health Charity Foundation's donation of vaccines to TWGHs, Town Health is taking concrete action to support vulnerable groups through medical-social collaboration. Mr. Nicholas Chan, Commercial Lead of Pfizer Hong Kong and Macau, shared the view and emphasised that pneumococcal disease places a significant healthcare burden for Hong Kong society and believes that comprehensive Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype protection is essential. He hopes that this collaboration will enhance public understanding of pneumococcal disease. Dr. Chan Lee, Head of TWGHs K B Tam & W K Li Medical Centre (North Point), expressed gratitude to Town Health and Pfizer for their commitment to community health and TWGHs is honoured to serve as a community partner and is committed to the proper utilisation of the vaccines donated by the Town Health Charity Foundation to effectively support vulnerable groups in need. Dr. Alan Koo Chung Wai, Vice Medical Director of Town Health, reminded the public not to underestimate the threat of pneumonia. Dr. Koo noted that, according to the latest statistics from the Department of Health, pneumonia is the second leading cause of death in Hong Kong. In 2024, pneumonia caused more than 11,000 deaths, second only to cancer and surpassing heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia, and over 100 serotypes have been identified. Vaccination is one of the most effective means of preventing pneumococcal disease. Dr. Wong Kam Cheung, Specialist in Respiratory Medicine, explained that pneumococci spreads through droplets or contact and has a short incubation period of around one to three days. Early symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia such as fever and cough often resemble influenza, leading to misdiagnosis. Co-infection with influenza may also occur, increasing complexity in diagnostic and treatment. While pneumococci may cause milder illnesses such as otitis media or sinusitis, in high-risk individuals it can lead to severe diseases such as invasive pneumonia, bacteraemia, sepsis, and meningitis3,4,5, with rapid deterioration that may be life-threatening. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure which can significantly reduce the risk of invasive infections and severe outcomes3,4,5, and studies also show that it may lower the risk of heart attacks among high-risk individuals6. Although antibiotics are the mainstream of treatment, antibiotic resistance made therapy increasing difficult. Dr. Wong reiterated that "prevention takes precedence over treatment", particularly in addressing pneumococcal infections. For details on the indications and usage of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, please consult your doctor. ~ Ends ~ About Town Health: Build Healthier Life and A Better Tomorrow Town Health International Medical Group Limited (Stock Code: 3886.HK) is one of the largest listed healthcare groups with the longest history in Hong Kong and it is one of the few local comprehensive medical institutions that provides healthcare services in both Hong Kong and the Mainland China. The Group boasts high-quality medical resources and a strong professional medical team. Its business segments include: (i) The provision of medical services in Hong Kong; (ii) The provision of medical network management business in Hong Kong; (iii) The provision of hospital management and health management businesses in the Mainland China; and (iv) The provision of aesthetic medical and beauty and wellness services in Hong Kong and the Mainland China. The Group is committed to become an international first-class medical group rooted in Hong Kong, covering Greater Bay Area and serving the whole country, and is dedicated to build healthier life and a better tomorrow. To learn more, please visit us on https://thmd.townhealth.com and follow us on https://www.facebook.com/TownHealthMedicalHK . About Town Health Charity Foundation: Concerns The Needs of Society Town Health takes "Corporate Social Responsibility" as an important developing direction with the aim of being responsible for the stakeholders, the community and the environment. These years, Town Health has supported the local charity organisations in various ways and has delivered various support services to the vulnerable community. Up to now, the Group is being acknowledged by HKCSS as "Caring Company" in consecutive years. On 8 October 2015, the Group sets up Town Health Charity Foundation and takes "Supporting Underprivileged" and "Promoting Healthy Lifestyle" as main direction. The Foundation hopes to provide funding for local NGOs and allow them to deliver social services to the needy. About Tung Wah Group of Hospitals: Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, founded in 1870, is the oldest and well-established charitable organisation in Hong Kong. The Group is providing medical, educational, community and traditional services with the mission of "healing the sick and relieving the distressed, caring for the elderly and rehabilitating the disabled, promoting education and nurturing the youngsters, and raising the infant and guiding the youth". Regarding the medical and health services, Tung Wah Group manages 5 hospitals (Tung Wah Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital and TWGHs Fung Yiu King Hospital.), 42 Chinese and Western medicine services units and 1 community pharmacy, which provide Chinese and western medicine services, screening, computed tomography, dental and elderly health services. Tung Wah Group endeavors to develop its medical and health services to meet with the needs of the community. It has also established various patient assistance programmes to provide subsidy to needy people to facilitate them receiving medical services, with the aim to promote public health. For further information of Tung Wah Group, please visit www.tungwah.org.hk . About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more, please visit us on www.pfizer.com.hk and like us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/c/pfizerhongkong . About 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20): PCV20 is Pfizer's next-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that includes capsular polysaccharide conjugates for the 13 serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) already included in Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein]. The vaccine also contains capsular polysaccharide conjugates for seven additional serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F and 33F) that cause invasive pneumococcal disease, and have been associated with high case-fatality rates, antibiotic resistance, and/or meningitis. PCV20 contains the broadest serotype coverage of any available pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and helps combat against the 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in the vaccine. High-risk groups for pneumococcal infections include3,4,5: Children

Elderly

Others: History of invasive pneumococcal disease, cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cochlear implant;

Chronic cardiovascular (except hypertension without complication), lung, liver or kidney diseases;

Metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus or obesity (Body Mass Index 30 or above);

Immunocompromised states related to weakened immune system due to conditions such as asplenia, HIV/AIDS or cancer/steroid treatment; and Chronic neurological conditions that can compromise respiratory functions, the handling of respiratory secretions, increase the risk for aspiration or those who lack the ability to take care of themselves. Centre for Health Protection. Number of Registered Deaths by Leading Cause of Death, 2001-2024. https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/statistics/data/10/27/380.html Bertran, Marta et al (2024, March 27). Invasive pneumococcal disease 3 years after introduction of a reduced 1+1 infant 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine immunisation schedule in England: a prospective national observational surveillance study, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Volume 24, Issue 5, 546 - 556. Centre for Health Protection. Pneumococcal Infection. https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/10584.html U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/index.html Centre for Health Protection. Pneumococcal Vaccination. https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/108124.html Bettina Heidecker, Peter Libby, Vassilios S Vassiliou, Francois Roubille, Orly Vardeny, Christian Hassager, Michael A Gatzoulis, Mamas A Mamas, Leslie T Cooper, Felix Schoenrath, Marco Metra, Offer Amir, Scott D Solomon, Ulf Landmesser, Thomas F Luscher. Vaccination as a new form of cardiovascular prevention: a European Society of Cardiology clinical consensus statement: With the contribution of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), the Association for Acute Cardio Vascular Care (ACVC), and the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC, European Heart Journal, Volume 46, Issue 36, 21 September 2025, Pages 3518-3531. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf384 11/12/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com

View original content: EQS News
Audi CTO Geoffrey Bouquot: "UST ideal partner to strengthen Italdesign's solid foundation while opening new market opportunities"

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. to retain a stake in Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A.

UST and Italdesign will work together to combine their complementary expertise for long-term, sustainable growth

BERLIN, INGOLSTADT, Germany, and MONCALIERI, Italy, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Audi Group is entering into a strategic partnership with UST, a global transformation company specializing in AI-powered technology, design, and engineering. UST, headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California (USA), has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Italdesign. Italdesign's current parent company Lamborghini is part of the Audi Group and will retain a significant stake. As a result, Audi will remain a strategic partner of Italdesign in the long term, as well as an important client of the company.

The majority takeover of Italdesign by UST creates a strong partnership that combines UST's expertise in automotive engineering, artificial intelligence, software-defined vehicle development, and digital ecosystem design with Italdesign's deep knowledge in vehicle and product design, engineering, prototyping, small series production, and automotive electronics. Together, the companies will be able to offer a comprehensive and integrated range of services - from early concept and design to hardware and software development through to production systems. This combined capability is designed to support the development of fully modern, digitally enabled vehicles.

In addition, UST and Italdesign intend to extend this integrated approach to a global scale. UST will enable Italdesign to expand their international presence across UST's global footprint in over 30 countries. As the new majority owner, UST will assume operational responsibility while honoring and building on Italdesign's Italian heritage, design culture, and the talent of its employees.

Audi remains an important long-term partner of Italdesign, ensuring continuity and ongoing collaboration in the areas that have shaped Italdesign's reputation for more than five decades. Italdesign has been part of the Volkswagen Group since 2010. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. UST and Audi Group have not disclosed the investment value or other contract details.

Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG: "For many years Italdesign has been a valued partner in our development network, contributing expertise from design to prototype and series development. We are confident our collaboration will continue to drive success and deliver strong results under the new ownership structure. UST is the ideal partner to strengthen Italdesign's solid foundation while opening new market opportunities. Together, we aim to ensure that Italdesign remains an innovator in automotive design and engineering."

Krishna Sudheendra, Chief Executive Officer, UST: "Italdesign has shaped the way the world experiences mobility, and its legacy of design excellence is respected globally. We are grateful for the trust placed in us as we begin this next chapter together. Our role is to support Italdesign's vision, honor its heritage, and bring new capabilities that help the team continue to grow. We look forward to working side by side with Italdesign and our partners across the Audi Group to help build what comes next."

Antonio Casu, Chief Executive Officer at Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A.: "This partnership will bring benefits to all parties involved. It will allow Italdesign to accelerate the expansion of its service portfolio in new markets and achieve deeper penetration in various international markets. Italdesign is aiming to become the first full integrator of hardware and software worldwide, both in the automotive sector and across other high-technology industrial sectors."

Gilroy Mathew, Chief Operating Officer, UST: "This acquisition reflects our bold vision to transform the mobility sector by combining Italdesign's renowned heritage in vehicle design and manufacturing with UST's expertise in vehicle electronics, embedded systems, and AI. This fusion of iconic design excellence and advanced digital engineering positions us at the forefront of automotive innovation - panning next-generation product design, simulations, vehicle electronics, connectivity, ADAS and hyper-personalization. We're positioned to drive the future of automotive innovation. Together, we'll collaborate with global OEMs to accelerate their evolution in the Software-Defined Vehicle era."

About Audi Group

The Audi Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium and luxury segment. The brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati produce at 22 locations in 13 countries. Audi and its partners are present in more than 100 markets worldwide. As of December 31, 2024, more than 88,000 people worked for the Audi Group, more than 55,000 of them at AUDI AG in Germany. With its attractive brands and numerous new models, the group is systematically pursuing its path toward becoming a provider of sustainable, fully networked premium mobility. For more information, visit www.audi.com/en.

About ITALDESIGN

Italdesign is a global player in design, engineering, and production, renowned for its customer-centric and method-driven approach to innovation in the automotive sector. It acts as a true system integrator and is one of the few one-stop shops in the automotive world. Headquartered in Moncalieri, Turin, Italy, in the heart of Vehicle Valley Piemonte, and with over 1,300 professionals across 10 international sites, Italdesign has been shaping the future of mobility, product, and transportation design for more than 57 years. The company offers end-to-end, vertical, and integrated solutions spanning from concept to series production. Focused in automotive, Italdesign's multidisciplinary teams deliver projects for established brands and emerging players, supporting the industrialization of new products with state-of-the-art methods and tools.

Alongside its automotive legacy, with over 100 show cars and research prototypes and more than 300 production models realized over the years, the company's industrial design division has developed over 1,000 industrial and transportation design products, ranging from consumer goods to professional equipment and public transport solutions. For more information, visit www.italdesign.it.

Media contact:

Franco Bay

+393337897749

franco.bay@italdesign.it

pr@italdesign.it

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies and leading OEMs in the automotive industry to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, driven by AI, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our AI-driven digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients' organizations-delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact-touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com.

Media Contacts, UST:

Tinu Cherian Abraham

+1 (949) 415-9857

Merrick Laravea

+1 (949) 416-6212

Neha Misri

+44-7341787926

Roshni Das K

+91 7736795557

media.relations@ust.com

Media Contacts, U.S.

S&C PR

+1-646.941.9139

media@scprgroup.com

Makovsky

ust@makovsky.com

Media Contacts, India:

ust@adfactorspr.com

Media Contacts, U.K.:

FTI Consulting

UST@fticonsulting.com

Media Contacts, Spain:

Noizze Media

Carmen Tapia / Ricardo Schell

ctapia@noizzemedia.com / ricardo.schell@noizzemedia.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/5665688/UST_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/audi-group-and-ust-form-strategic-partnership-ust-acquires-majority-stake-in-italdesign-302638334.html
SHANGHAI, Dec. 11, 2025) inaugurated its new Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route on Dec. 4. The inaugural flight, operated by CEA's "National Museum of China" themed aircraft, carried 282 passengers on a 20,000-kilometer journey. The new route marks the first direct flight from Shanghai to a major South American city, opening a new "southbound corridor" across the Pacific and offering an alternative to the traditional Europe- or North America-based transfer routes. The journey, which previously could take 30 hours, is now reduced to roughly 25 hours, setting a new record as the world's longest one-way commercial flight.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

CEA operates the route with Boeing 777-300ER wide-body aircraft. Flight MU745 (Shanghai-Buenos Aires) will depart on Mondays and Thursdays, while MU746 will return on Tuesdays and Fridays. The "National Museum of China" livery, jointly designed by CEA and the National Museum of China, incorporates motifs inspired by the museum's iconic artifacts, earning it the nickname "an art gallery in the sky."

Before departure, CEA hosted a brief inaugural ceremony at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which featured Argentine-themed decor and commemorative gifts. Passengers on the inaugural flight enjoyed special beverages featuring South American and Chinese styles, as well as Argentine dishes including chilled Argentine red shrimp, M5 steak, and roast chicken. CEA has also enhanced its international service offerings by adding a Spanish-language hotline (+86-21-20695530) to provide full-process assistance for travelers.

Beyond a new air corridor, the route links three continents. Having obtained the fifth freedom rights, CEA can handle passenger and cargo transfers in Auckland without aircraft change, facilitating trade among China, New Zealand, and Argentina. The airline has also launched a cold-chain direct delivery channel from Argentina to China. On the return flight, the aircraft carried 2.1 tonnes of Argentine cherries and 10.5 tonnes of fresh Chilean salmon to China. The route is also expected to leverage complementary seasons between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, attracting travelers to experience contrasting climates and landscapes on the other side of the globe. This will inject fresh momentum into cultural exchanges between the Asia-Pacific and Latin America, building an "air bridge" across the Pacific Ocean.

Contact: Fang Ying

TEL: 00862122331470

Email: fangying@ceair.com

Source: China Eastern Airlines
HANSHOW AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE NEXT-GENERATION AUGMENTED RFID

Hanshow, a global leader in digital retail technology, has launched a multi-year research partnership with the University of Cambridge to develop next-generation Augmented RFID systems powered by distributed hardware architectures. The collaboration brings together Cambridge's world-leading expertise in ultra-low-power sensing and communication with Hanshow's industrial-scale deployment capabilities, aiming to set a new technological benchmark for the global retail sector.

As retailers worldwide transition to increasingly automated, data-rich, and energy-efficient store environments, demand is rising for IoT systems that can sense, adapt and operate reliably at scale. The partnership will tackle this challenge head-on by integrating Cambridge research in intelligent sensing, energy harvesting and algorithmic optimisation with Hanshow's edge-computing platforms and extensive real-world retail data infrastructure.

The joint project will explore innovative smart RFID technologies for energy harvesting, backscatter signal reflection, and reliable signal acquisition. By combining theoretical modelling, simulation and in-store experimentation, the team aims to dramatically improve signal coverage, data fidelity and resilience in complex retail environments.

For Cambridge researchers, the collaboration offers an opportunity to demonstrate how state-of-the-art engineering in distributed hardware systems can deliver measurable commercial and societal impact. For Hanshow, it provides a direct innovation pathway to future AIoT-driven retail solutions that enhance operational accuracy, reduce energy consumption and support more sustainable, responsive store infrastructures.

"With this collaboration, Hanshow is taking a decisive step toward reshaping the technological backbone of future retail," said Min Liang, CTO of Hanshow. "Working with Cambridge enables us to convert advanced research into scalable, intelligent systems that deliver meaningful value for retailers worldwide."

"By combining our work in low-energy, high-efficiency hardware with Hanshow's global innovation capacity, we can accelerate the arrival of truly adaptive retail IoT," said Associate Professor Michael Crisp, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge. "This partnership is a powerful example of how academic-industry collaboration can drive real-world impact."

The programme will progress through a series of research milestones and experimental deployments, generating both academic outputs and commercially ready technologies. It forms a central part of Hanshow's global R&D strategy to connect digital and physical retail through AIoT architectures that improve efficiency, transparency and sustainability.

Hanshow continues to expand its worldwide innovation network, investing in open research collaborations that transform cutting-edge engineering into solutions that help retailers compete in an increasingly data-driven marketplace.

About Hanshow

Hanshow is a global leader in developing and manufacturing electronic shelf labels and digital store solutions. The company offers customers a series of customized IoT touchpoints and digital store solutions that deliver customer-centric insights. Hanshow's solutions have provided services to a vast number of stores in over 70 countries and regions, helping them streamline operations, optimize pricing strategies, and offer customers a more personalized experience. In addition, Hanshow delivers advanced digital energy solutions, supporting clients with intelligent in-store energy optimization and integrated PV storage charging systems to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and accelerate their transition toward sustainable operations. Learn more: www.hanshow.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211411976/en/

Contacts:

info@hanshow.com
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / PJX Resources Inc. ("PJX" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that recently completed drilling on its' Dewdney Trail Property has intersected 63 metres (m) of "Quake zone" mineralization, a zone with pervasive and continuous strongly anomalous zinc, lead, silver and other critical metal mineralization (see Table 1 and Photo A). Bands of bedded Sedex disseminated to semi-massive sulphide mineralization occur above and below the Quake zone (see photo B). Tourmaline alteration, characteristic of mineralization at the Sullivan deposit, occurs as bands above and within the zone. The bands of intersected sulphide mineralization are similar to the range of thickness for some bands at the Sullivan deposit (see Diagram 1). Exploration has also discovered sulphide boulders 800 meters farther south and on strike with the drilling. One boulder assayed 546g/t silver, 32.3% lead, and 4.89% zinc. Management believes these new discoveries are supportive evidence of a large sedex-style mineralizing system within the Estella basin on the Dewdney Trail Property.

Prospecting on strike 2 kilometres ("km") north of the drilling has also identified stacked mineralized beds of tourmalinite, indicating the potential for discovery of a second venting environment and sedex mineralization. The alteration is associated with a large zinc-lead-silver-copper-gold soil anomaly, the Lewis Ridge target zone (see Map 1). This is similar to deposits in the Sullivan Sedex basin, with the North Star deposit located approximately 2 km south of the massive Sullivan deposit.

PJX is well positioned to capitalize on the deposit potential of these new discoveries with 100% of the mineral rights to the 200 km Dewdney Trail Property. The property has road, power, and rail access, and is located about 25 km east of the Sullivan deposit near Cranbrook BC, Canada. It is about a half a day rail to Teck's Trail smelter. Teck and Anglo America recently announced a planned merger. Glencore owns Teck's former Coal operations located only 60 km east of the property. Hecla Mining's operations are about a 4 hour drive south in Idaho, USA.

This large system has produced Sullivan style and grade mineralization as evidenced by the boulders discovered in talus at the base of the mountain slope that were announced October 12, 2023 and shown in Table 2 and photos E and F. Bands hosting this high-grade mineralization have not yet been intersected in drilling, in part because a suite of younger syenite dykes have intruded the sulphide zones and mask underlying geology.

Dave Pighin, PJX Resources' consulting geologist commented: "The discovery of this thick Quake zone with pervasive zinc-lead-silver mineralization throughout and bands of Sedex mineralization and tourmalinite are indicative of a large mineralising system. In my 60 years of exploring for Cominco and other companies, this is the first discovery of a mineralizing system that rivals that of the Sullivan basin. It was not found earlier because mineralization is hidden beneath a series of younger dykes that appear to dip along the slope of the mountain and mask the deposit potential beneath them."

John Keating, President of PJX commented: "Large deposits like the Sullivan often occur in large mineralizing systems. The large system we've identified is associated with high grade critical metal mineralization as evidenced by the Sullivan Style and grade of boulders found at the bottom of the mountain slope. We now know that it is not only a large system in width, but also strike potential, as indicated by the new prospecting discovery 800 m to the south and large multi-element soil geochemical anomaly 2,000 m to the north. We were able to extend the drill trail 800 m to the south with plans to test the new prospecting area as soon as the snow melts, possibly in May or early June of 2026. More information will be announced as data is further compiled.

PJX also owns the mineral rights to the largest land package (750 km) of the 60 km long Vulcan gold belt in the Cranbrook area. We've identified over 10 priority target areas with gold potential that have not been tested and are mostly road accessible. With gold at over US$4,000/oz we plan to announce more about the gold potential and also explore partnerships to capitalize on these targets."

Photo A - Example of part of the Quake zone from 176.70 m to 184.67 m in hole ND25-26.

Disrupted sediments and fragmentals occur throughout the zone. Sericite and chlorite alteration are dominant with local tourmalinite. Sphalerite (zinc sulphide), galena (lead sulphide) are disseminated to fracture and locally vein controlled. Blebs of pyrrhotite/pyrite (iron sulphides) also occur in the Quake zone.

Photo B: Bands of bedded disseminated to semi-massive and massive sulphide Sedex mineralization in hole ND25-25 (73.5-74.5 m) with 1.13% zinc from 73.77-74.22 m, and in ND25-26 from 73.7-74.0 m that assayed 1.65% zinc.

The 2 bands are separate zones and represent stacked layers of bedded mineralization. Bands are similar in thickness to the thickness range of some bands at the Sullivan (see Diagram 1). Although the bands are low in grade, Sullivan-grade boulders discovered in talus at the bottom of the slope support the presence of higher-grade bands that have not yet been intersected.

Table 1 - 63.7 m intersection of Quake Zone in hole ND25-26 (172.3 m - 236.0 m)

Strongly anomalous zinc, lead, silver, and other metal values are pervasive throughout the Quake zone. True thickness of the zone is estimated at about 30 m. The considerable thickness and consistent mineral content of the zone is indicative of a large mineralizing system and supports the potential to produce a significant deposit. The zone represents a period of disturbance in the ocean floor when faults and vents are active and carried metals in fluids to form mineral deposits beneath and on the ocean floor.

From To Width Zinc Lead Silver Copper Gold Cobalt Cadmium Gallium Iron Sulphur (m) (m) (m) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppb) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (%) (%) 172.3 172.7 0.4 2535 297.1 1.18 74.1 12.3 22.4 7.14 2.54 2.93 1.93 172.7 174 1.3 1577 179.6 0.72 65.2 7.4 10.1 5.1 2.92 2.12 1.25 174 174.5 0.5 2563 287.2 1.1 97.6 11.2 21.3 8.11 5.14 3.98 2.15 174.5 175 0.5 2349 265.6 0.98 41.5 9 10.6 6.72 4.42 2.54 1.22 175 175.5 0.5 2084 361.8 1.27 92.2 30.5 39.9 6.26 4.2 5.26 3.17 175.5 176 0.5 2174 271.8 0.81 53.7 6.8 14.7 5.97 4.15 3.04 1.6 176 176.5 0.5 1702 336 0.99 39.3 7.5 15.7 5.46 4.82 2.69 1.42 176.5 177.2 0.7 2030 317.6 0.64 49.9 7.6 16.3 5.74 5.44 3.28 1.79 177.2 178.2 1 3400 600.7 1.06 123.4 35.9 17.2 8.93 3.65 3.79 2.29 178.2 178.9 0.7 2754 635.3 0.87 38.7 43.5 16.9 7.83 3.56 3.04 1.64 178.9 179.3 0.4 2773 617.6 0.98 108 18.1 31.4 8.78 3.4 5.03 3.4 179.3 180.2 0.9 2845 783.4 0.78 49.2 31.7 23.1 7.86 4.71 3.94 2.11 180.2 181.3 1.1 3088 737.5 0.73 52 38.3 23.2 8.37 4.3 3.82 2.13 From To Width Zinc Lead Silver Copper Gold Cobalt Cadmium Gallium Iron Sulphur (m) (m) (m) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppb) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (%) (%) 181.3 182.2 0.9 2643 792.9 1.31 65.6 21.9 27.4 8.18 5.24 4.55 2.67 182.2 183 0.8 2284 614.5 0.61 54.3 18.2 22.5 6.22 4.56 3.26 1.78 183 183.6 0.6 7368 1102.3 1.05 114.2 12.3 28.2 22.52 4.91 4.58 2.78 183.6 184 0.4 2780 476.7 0.43 57.4 19.9 25.4 6.97 3.8 3.61 2 184 184.5 0.5 2857 626.4 0.57 48.9 22.6 19.6 6.91 3.99 3.5 1.92 184.5 185.5 1 3212 688.4 0.69 82.3 20.8 21.3 8.72 4.4 3.62 2.05 185.5 186.5 1 3622 751.6 1.43 110.5 25.8 36 11.1 4.99 6.04 3.7 186.5 187.1 0.6 3290 869 1.93 120.9 23.1 25.4 9.16 3.12 4.5 2.78 187.1 187.9 0.8 3417 640.9 1.02 133.6 14.4 69.4 10.65 3.62 4.77 3.23 187.9 188.1 0.2 2470 1341.2 2.02 42.5 9.4 14.2 8.95 2.99 2.42 1.68 188.1 189 0.9 3090 903.1 1.42 69.3 20.5 30.3 8.32 3.19 3.96 2.43 189 190 1 3486 860.1 0.97 55.8 21.1 23.6 9.82 3.3 3.59 2.3 190 191 1 2846 731.2 1.72 99.2 20.4 27.2 8.53 3.58 3.61 2.22 191 192 1 2564 671.2 0.85 69.7 14.9 29.3 8.79 3.43 3.42 2.37 192 193 1 3191 1870.6 8.34 188.1 48.3 51.2 15.6 2.49 6.29 5.52 193 194 1 2682 1273.9 9.17 123 33 30.1 10.66 2.95 4.48 2.71 194 194.7 0.7 2573 571.6 3.84 542.2 22.6 103.3 8.45 2.97 14.72 8.8 194.7 196 1.3 2813 649.2 0.87 210.9 21.1 86 7.82 2.4 8.6 5.29 196 197 1 3860 850.1 1.13 202.3 16.3 58.1 11.08 2.91 10.17 6.35 197 197.5 0.5 3289 746.8 0.69 64 21.3 25.4 7.56 2.74 4.26 2.67 197.5 197.6 0.1 3149 399.1 0.8 114.1 13.5 55.6 9.62 2.38 10.12 6.25 197.6 198.5 0.9 2679 634.3 0.82 211.9 26.3 35 7.86 2.62 3.86 2.55 198.5 199 0.5 2861 970.8 1.33 88.2 57.6 34.4 8.63 3.56 4.04 2.84 199 199.5 0.5 2438 629.3 0.87 75.1 19.5 29.7 7.07 2.87 3.83 2.56 199.5 200 0.5 2497 481 0.57 59.7 18.4 34.1 7.31 2.85 5.03 3.1 200 200.5 0.5 3051 1007.7 1.18 50.6 59.2 25.5 8.45 2.32 3.17 2.02 200.5 201 0.5 2985 853.9 1.02 68.4 53 35.5 8.43 2.42 3.75 2.52 201 201.5 0.5 2681 461.4 0.63 69.6 45.9 35.6 7.73 2.22 4.14 2.75 201.5 202 0.5 2629 311.6 0.46 74.5 20.7 32.8 7.62 2.61 4.12 2.41 202 202.5 0.5 2982 496.9 0.64 60.6 28.6 29.7 7.93 2.61 3.64 2.15 202.5 203 0.5 3017 591.4 0.72 90.3 31.8 36.5 7.84 2.98 4.57 2.67 203 204 1 2734 512.6 0.71 95 24 36.7 7.64 2.74 4.32 2.64 204 204.4 0.4 2348 339 0.47 97.7 22.4 32.9 7.77 2 3.94 2.56 204.4 204.7 0.3 2881 240.3 0.31 82.7 17 34.7 10.2 1.78 3.42 2.23 204.7 205.3 0.6 2192 290.4 0.42 64.4 8.8 32.1 7.12 2.17 3.65 2.44 205.3 206.3 1 3051 574.4 1.11 73.9 9.1 31.1 8.94 2.49 3.74 2.23 206.3 207 0.7 1172 27.6 0.1 64.3 6.4 23.9 3.27 3.08 3.39 1.96 207 208 1 593 57 0.34 93 4.8 32.5 2.21 3.25 4.48 3.05 208 209 1 655 46.8 0.18 66.9 6.2 24.3 2.46 2.34 3.75 2.42 209 210 1 1213 50.5 0.34 123.9 29.9 20.6 6.86 1.64 3.65 2.77 210 210.7 0.7 1557 124.5 1.12 264.3 38.7 24.2 14.92 1.8 3.4 3.02 210.7 211 0.3 693 245.9 1.68 145.7 24.6 10.2 7.92 1.38 3.49 3 211 211.6 0.6 2741 257.9 1.28 43.9 12.4 33.9 13.03 2.73 3.51 2.63 211.6 212.1 0.5 5173 1891.4 4.32 464.4 12.9 77.2 15.67 1.76 13.68 8.24 212.1 213 0.9 2895 286.3 0.48 23 5.2 19 9.36 1.68 2.56 1.68 213 214 1 2702 290.2 0.56 107.7 6.8 30.2 7.85 1.65 3.83 2.52 From To Width Zinc Lead Silver Copper Gold Cobalt Cadmium Gallium Iron Sulphur (m) (m) (m) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppb) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (%) (%) 214 214.9 0.9 3066 360.5 1.01 137.5 6.5 24 8.41 2.14 3.88 2.49 214.9 215.5 0.6 566 247.1 1.27 134.7 19.8 9.5 9.75 3.18 2.86 2.01 215.5 216.2 0.65 1775 62.9 0.32 227.8 3.5 21.9 4.92 2.41 3.65 2.22 216.2 216.5 0.35 1707 69 0.15 98.7 6.4 31.1 4.82 3.13 3.82 2.25 216.5 217.1 0.6 2368 97.6 0.21 78.9 2.2 22.5 8.94 4.53 4.1 2.79 217.1 218 0.9 3232 304.5 0.61 97.9 25.8 24 15.34 4.41 3.8 2.42 218 219 1 3611 1233.3 1.58 163.8 5.1 41.8 9.08 3.22 5.17 3.38 219 220.4 1.4 3661 539.3 0.94 92.9 10.5 40.6 9.74 3.23 5.02 3.04 220.4 221 0.6 2958 105.6 0.16 50.4 5.2 21.4 7.45 2.32 3.11 1.68 221 221.9 0.9 4228 134.2 0.4 102 11 43.8 11.75 2.27 4.93 3.41 221.9 222.7 0.8 1589 70.6 0.18 129.5 4.3 43.9 4.25 1.77 4.95 3.32 222.7 223.5 0.8 717 401.5 0.95 89.5 3.4 32.8 2.85 1.73 2.24 1.51 223.5 224.1 0.6 627 157.5 0.27 54.3 1.1 27.2 1.68 1.8 1.84 1.21 224.1 225.1 1 2029 320.9 0.73 182.3 3.2 27.1 6.05 2.12 4.26 2.71 225.1 226.1 1 871 40.6 0.11 36.8 1.7 20.2 2.45 3.24 2.62 1.49 226.1 226.5 0.4 340 38.2 0.09 55.5 6.2 14.8 1.37 3.91 2.81 1.4 226.5 227 0.5 1234 2123.5 14.67 41.2 7.8 14.3 14.8 2.37 2.24 1.59 227 227.8 0.8 2506 188.9 0.54 56.5 2.7 16.7 7.17 2.01 2.84 1.87 227.8 229 1.2 1764 197.4 0.58 66.3 2.3 20.3 6.42 1.61 2.68 1.77 229 230 1 1156 242.1 0.62 88.9 4.3 28.1 3.8 2.21 3.79 2.46 230 231 1 3865 3681.8 7.77 103 6.6 45.6 9.85 1.99 4.5 3.24 231 232 1 1645 237.8 0.64 92 4.4 19.9 5.14 1.98 2.81 1.95 232 233 1 304 110.6 0.31 90.4 5.5 24.9 0.83 1.91 3.24 2.19 233 234 1 551 153.4 1.57 96.1 10.3 19.1 3.7 1.72 2.89 1.96 234 235 1 718 738.1 1.91 157 7.3 17.9 2.18 1.84 2.9 2.26 235 236 1 1040 409.6 1.44 191 5.5 27.4 3.41 1.81 3.95 2.84

Sample SKX25-11 (4.89% zinc, 32.23% lead, 546 g/t silver) Photo C - 2025 disovery of banded massive sulphide boulder 800 m south on srike with drilling. Grey mineral is galena (lead sulphide), black band is magnetite. Sample SKX25-14 (0.84% zinc, 0.59% lead, 10.78 g/t silver) Photo D - 2025 discovery of banded massive sulphide boulder found 800m south on strike with drilling. Reddish-brown coloured bands and beds of sphalerite (zinc sulphide) in sediments. Black band is magnetite. Sample STM-23-7 (9.33% zinc, 2.48% lead, 14.62 g/t silver, 495 ppm or 0.05% copper) Photo E - 2023 discovery of Sullivan style and grade boulder in talus at bottom of slope. Alternating dark and light coloured beds with sulphides (zinc, lead, iron) are sulphide-rich beds that have broken apart by basin disruption as evidenced by the Quake zone. The source band of this bedded sulpide mineralization may be at depth stratigraphically below the zinc rich Quake zone intersected in hole ND25-26 and above a lower Quake zone encountered by drilling near the historcal Estella Mine. Sample STM-23-8 (3.55% zinc, 0.98% lead, 7.5 g/t silver, 442 ppm or 0.04% copper) Photo F - 2023 discovery of Sullivan style and grade boulder found at bottom of slope. Although the overall grade of this sample is lower it tells an important story. The individual massive sphalerite fragments are an indicator of the potential for much higher grade bands with zinc rich massive sulphides beds similar to what occurs at the Sullivan.

Table 2

Zinc Lead Silver Copper Gold Cadmium Cobalt Indium Sulphur Iron Sample ID % % ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm % % STM-23-1 6.71 2.23 16.05 1258.9 0.075 138.73 70.1 6.850 12.16 14.16 STM-23-2 7.68 1.70 14.39 1119.0 0.081 159.49 119.6 7.770 12.35 12.71 STM-23-3 1.36 0.92 6.60 200.7 0.029 29.54 41.5 1.644 4.17 7.47 STM-23-4 5.18 1.54 9.28 354.8 0.150 113.27 74.1 5.634 9.73 12.32 STM-23-5 9.25 2.89 17.79 995.3 0.065 186.41 87.7 9.077 15.58 16.90 STM-23-6 6.72 1.63 10.17 402.2 0.047 139.41 78.8 6.805 14.06 16.64 STM-23-7 9.33 2.48 14.62 495.0 0.121 191.62 83.8 9.324 15.01 15.35 STM-23-8 3.55 0.98 7.50 442.1 0.055 69.22 59.8 3.665 6.47 8.73 STM-23-9 4.00 1.22 8.15 441.4 0.060 78.86 59.3 4.203 8.67 11.01 STM-23-10 8.87 2.48 16.43 494.9 0.096 178.27 90.0 9.087 13.49 13.05

Analyses of Sullivan style and grade boulders found in talus down slope from drilling, announced October 12, 2023.

Map 1 below - Geology map showing discovery areas and exploration work with 2 potential venting environments that could produce mineral deposits.

Historical Estella Mine Area venting environment - New drill intersected thick Quake zone with pervasive zinc-lead-silver mineralization, tourmalinite, stacked bedded sulphide Sedex mineralization, and Sullivan style and grade massive to semi-massive sulphide boulders downslope from drilling. Sedex semi-massive to massive zinc-lead-silver boulders are also found 800m to the south along strike of the Quake zone. Lewis Ridge Target Area venting environment - stacked bands of tourmaline altered sediments 2 km north and on strike with the thick Quake zone intersected by drilling. Large coincident zinc, lead, silver, copper, gold soil anomalies occur stratigraphically above the tourmaline altered zone (Map 1 shows zinc soil anomaly, web site displays all the anomalies). This area has not yet been drilled.

Sullivan basin mineralizing system produced 2 deposits, the Sullivan and Northstar that are about 2 km apart. This is similar to the 2 km spacing between the Estella area venting environment and the Lewis Ridge venting environment.

Qualified Persons

The geological disclosure and content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Pighin, P.Geo., and John Keating P.Geo. (qualified persons for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Pighin is a consulting geologist for PJX on base metal targets. Mr. Keating is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of PJX.

Technical information for the Dewdney Trail exploration program is obtained and reported under a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program. NQ core and rock grab samples were cut with a diamond saw under the direction of qualified geologists. Samples were then labeled, placed in plastic bags, sealed and with sample numbers recorded. Samples were delivered by the Company to MSALABS Inc., an independent ISO certified lab in Langley, British Columbia. Blanks, standards and duplicates were done in accordance with industry standards. Analysis was by ICP-MS with overlimits by ICP-ES or PB Titration performed in accordance with MSALABS Inc.'s analytical methods.

About PJX Resources Inc.

PJX is a mineral exploration company focused on building shareholder value and community opportunity through the exploration and development of mineral resources with a focus on gold, silver, zinc, lead, copper, cobalt and other critical metals. PJX has consolidated 100% of the mineral rights to the largest land package (750 km) in the historical Sullivan Mine District and Vulcan Gold Belt near Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia. PJX has developed a pipeline of more than 15 priority targets to be tested by PJX and /or companies interested in partnering to test often road accessible drill ready targets with gold, silver, copper, zinc and other critical metal deposit potential. Please refer to our web site http://www.pjxresources.com for additional information.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Linda Brennan, Chief Financial Officer

(416) 799-9205

info@pjxresources.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The information in this news release has been prepared as at the date noted above. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by PJX Resources Inc. as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, PJX Resources Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in PJX Resources Inc.'s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Cautionary Note to US Investors:

This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which PJX Resources Inc. has no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

This press release uses the terms "Measured", "Indicated", and "Inferred" resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a Mineral Resource is economically or legally mineable.

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.

SOURCE: PJX Resources Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/pjx-resources-discovers-large-sedex-mineralising-system-on-the-dewdney-trail-pro-1116394
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Wisr AI Systems Inc. (CSE: WISR) ("Wisr AI" or the "Company"), a leader in developing Agentic AI platforms that predict and prioritise cyber risk, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Niednagel as a member of the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Niednagel's addition significantly deepens Wisr AI's expertise in the critical areas of cyber risk, third party risk management (TPRM) and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).

Impact and Expertise in Cybersecurity Governance

Mr. Niednagel brings over 25 years of experience in enterprise cybersecurity and governance, risk, and compliance, having worked with notable industry leaders including Symantec, Mobile Automation, Datum, Evantix, RiskRecon, and Prevalent.

His career successes directly align with Wisr AI's focus on enterprise risk:

Venture Leadership and Exits: He is a 4x venture-backed founder and CEO, all with exits . He also served as a Partner at a venture capital firm , managing dozens of investments and exits.

He is a . He also served as a , managing dozens of investments and exits. GRC Domain Expertise: He founded Datum Security in the Third-Party Cyber Risk space, which subsequently exited to Prevalent and Insight Partners.

He in the Third-Party Cyber Risk space, which subsequently Corporate Scale and Revenue: In his early career, he served as Senior Group Product Manager at Symantec , where he managed the Enterprise portfolio generating over $100M USD in annual revenue .

In his early career, he served as , where he managed the Enterprise portfolio generating . Strategic Transaction Experience: Mr. Niednagel assisted the CEO of RiskRecon in its sale to MasterCard for nearly 20X trailing revenue , demonstrating deep experience in valuing and transacting cybersecurity assets.

Mr. Niednagel , demonstrating deep experience in valuing and transacting cybersecurity assets. Thought Leadership: He is a sought-after speaker on topics including third-party cyber risk, GRC, and Supply Chain risk.

Wisr AI is developing Agentic AI platforms that predict, prioritise, and monitor cyber and third-party risk. Mr. Niednagel's extensive GRC background ensures that Wisr AI's platform is strategically aligned to provide the precise and actionable insights required by enterprise risk teams managing vendor networks.

"Jonathan Niednagel's experience is invaluable as we scale our Agentic AI platform," said Rob Goehring, CEO of Wisr AI. "His decades of leadership in GRC and third-party risk management, coupled with his deep knowledge of major market transitions-such as the RiskRecon acquisition-will be instrumental in refining our strategy, ensuring our technology delivers maximum impact and adherence to the complex regulatory and governance needs of our target enterprise customers."

The appointment of Mr. Niednagel reinforces Wisr AI's commitment to building world-class leadership with deep domain and scale-up experience.

About Wisr AI Systems Inc.

Wisr AI Systems Inc. (CSE: WISR) is a Vancouver-based technology company building agentic AI platforms that predict, prioritize, and monitor cyber and third-party risk. Its solutions help enterprises ingest and interpret real-time global signals to manage complex vendor ecosystems and supply chains more intelligently. Wisr empowers organizations with dynamic risk visibility and actionable intelligence to support stronger cybersecurity governance and operational resilience.

For more information about Wisr AI, please visit https://www.wisr.ai.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information:

This news release may contain statements that 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 operating performance. 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, among other things, economic, business, and/or competitive factors.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations of the Company's management, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277684

SOURCE: Wisr AI Systems Inc.
DRILL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Borehole SL25-24 is one of the widest drill intercepts for rare earths globally: 0.95% TREO over 438.9m (from 26.1m to 465.0m, end of hole) Including 1.09% TREO over 351.1m (from 106.4m to 457.5 m) 157.8 g/t Dysprosium oxide and 26.2 g/t Terbium oxide over 27.1m (from 124.4m to 151.5m)

Borehole SL25-23 is TREO mineralized over the entire hole: 0.89% TREO over 383.5m (from 44.0m to 427.5m, end of hole) Includes 1.71% TREO over 69.5m of Multiple intervals of high-grade HREO and LREO

Borehole SL25-26 is TREO mineralized over the entire hole: 0.65% TREO over 283.8m (7.5m to 291.3m, end of hole). 0.94% TREO over 100m (from 12.5m to 112.5m)

Mineralization remains open at depth and along strike

Gallium assays are still outstanding on all four boreholes

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) (OTC Pink: VOLMF) ("Volta" or the "Company") announces assay results from the remaining boreholes drilled at its Springer Rare Earth Deposit (the "Property"), located near Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (Figure 1). Drill results continue to expand known mineralization that remains open at depth in all boreholes to date.

All boreholes reported continuous mineralization, extending below the 2012 mineral resource estimate shell. Additionally, there have been increased heavy rare earth intercepts over wide intervals. Specifically, borehole SL25-24 returned a very high-grade Dysprosium and Terbium oxide interval of 184.04 g/t Dysprosium oxide + Terbium oxide (157.8 g/t Dy2O3 and 26.22 g/t Tb2O3) over 27.1m (from 124.4m to 151.5m) (Table 2). Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) are high-value, heavy rare earth elements critical for making high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbine generators, and industrial robotics. Current average quoted spot prices for Dy oxide and Tb oxide are US$180,000/tonne and US$802,000/tonne, respectively (Shanghai Metals Market average pricing, December 3, 2025).

Results from this drill campaign confirm a significant Heavy Rare Earth Oxides ("HREO") component within the Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO"). HREOs constitute an average of 10.9% of the overall TREO basket value of the latest drill program results, primarily including Dysprosium, Terbium, Yttrium, and Gadolinium. The high-grade TREOs also include the light rare earth elements Praseodymium, Neodymium, Lanthanum, Cerium, and Samarium (Tables 1, 2 and 3).

Table 1. Select REO Assay Results from 2025 Drill Program

Hole TREO

% From

(m) To

(m) Width*

(m) Premium Magnet Premium Magnet Heavy Rare Earth Oxides Light Rare Earth Oxides g/t g/t Terbium

oxide

(Tb2O3) Dysprosium

oxide

(Dy2O3) Yttrium

oxide

(Y2O3) Gadolinium

oxide

(Gd2O3) Neodymium

oxide

(Nd2O3) Praseodymium

oxide

(Pr2O3) Lanthanum

oxide

(La2O3) Cerium

oxide

(Ce2O3) SL25-23 0.89 44.0 427.5 383.5 8.18 34.29 129.63 76.61 1,294.38 400.23 2,462.36 4,077.75 1.11 44.0 241.5 197.5 8.64 35.68 131.36 81.78 1,599.59 515.96 3,359.15 5,373.81 3.01 81.0 88.0 7.0 10.30 37.75 112.84 113.54 4,042.40 1,389.81 9,407.53 14,943.28 1.64 123.0 192.5 69.5 11.16 44.92 158.97 105.87 2,287.59 751.72 5,087.49 7,956.47 3.82 183.5 189.0 5.5 32.72 130.99 466.28 307.72 5,536.15 1,746.94 11,636.31 18,278.66 1.99 169.5 192.5 23 17.12 68.32 241.57 161.66 2,912.84 915.02 6,030.34 9,523.58 5.12 304.5 305.7 1.2 36.72 138.87 513.04 386.09 6,298.56 1,989.51 12,900.80 23,871.82 1.48 270.0 271.0 1.0 13.93 61.06 260.33 136.00 1,924.56 519.61 2,462.88 4,591.50 8.67 186.0 187.5 1.5 44.89 176.75 634.95 429.88 8,258.11 2,633.18 18,530.24 28,345.46 SL25-24 0.95 26.1 465.0 438.9 9.90 47.06 217.03 84.13 1,441.79 424.47 2,270.78 4,092.99 1.09 106.4 465.0 358.6 10.70 51.30 240.65 88.74 1,530.20 459.93 2,559.75 4,521.45 1.42 106.4 214.5 108.1 16.46 89.06 461.10 120.44 2,003.99 613.24 3,505.15 6,158.34 2.19 155.5 175.5 20.0 12.20 57.61 273.92 112.25 3,039.87 965.85 5,816.38 9,951.13 SL25-25 0.38 5.2 423.0 417.8 5.13 21.81 80.18 45.94 668.60 190.58 947.24 1,806.20 3.41 88.2 90.4 2.2 25.44 95.76 337.20 259.01 3,986.23 1228.53 6,395.89 8,760.00 SL24-26 0.65 7.5 291.3 283.8 5.57 20.57 65.67 60.45 1,228.39 335.88 1,404.62 2,937.95 1.70 12.5 25.5 13.0 14.55 56.39 199.06 147.22 3,140.12 901.19 3,881.16 8,040.88

* Drill intercept, not true width. True widths are unknown and will be determined with geological modelling.

Table 2. Select High-Grade Heavy Rare Earth Intercepts (g/t)

Borehole Terbium

oxide

(Tb2O3)

g/t Dysprosium oxide

(Dy2O3)

g/t Yttrium

oxide

(Y2O3)

g/t Erbium

oxide

(Er2O3)

g/t Gadolinium oxide

(Gd2O3)

g/t Width

(m) From

(m) To

(m) SL25-23 11.2 33.6 120.5 10.4 76.7 69.5 123.0 192.5 SL25-24 26.2 157.8 875.2 68.6 162.9 27.1 124.4 151.5 SL25-25 16.4 61.8 192.8 17.6 167.6 2.2 88.2 90.4 SL25-26 21.0 83.6 295.4 24.1 210.5 4.8 12.5 17.3

Table 3. Select High-Grade Light Rare Earth Intercepts (g/t)

Borehole Neodymium oxide

(Nd2O3)

g/t Praseodymium oxide

(Pr2O3)

g/t Lanthanum oxide

(La2O3)

g/t Cerium

oxide

(Ce2O3)

g/t Samarium

oxide

(Sm2O3)

g/t Width

(m) From

(m) To

(m) SL25-23 3,222.8 1,060.3 7,039.1 6,931.8 206.6 69.5 123.0 192.5 SL25-24 4,910.3 1,467.0 8,442.1 14,237.4 273.5 5.8 345.1 350.9 SL25-25 3,986.2 1,228.5 6,395.9 8,760.0 462.9 2.2 88.2 90.4 SL25-26 4,316.0 1,203.8 4,477.7 10,071.2 533.4 4.8 12.5 17.3

Table 4. Heavy and Light Rare Earth within TREO over entire borehole

Borehole TREO % LREE % HREE % SL25-23 0.89 92 8 SL25-24 0.95 95 5 SL25-25 0.38 94 6 SL25-26 0.65 93 7







Figure 1. Location of the Springer Rare Earth Element Deposit

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Kerem Usenmez, CEO, was quoted, "These drill results validate our view that the Springer deposit represents a rare convergence of location, grade, scale, and mineralogy-an increasingly scarce combination globally. The expansion of high-grade TREO at depth, together with a confirmed strong proportion of heavy rare earths, marks an important step forward as we move toward updating the mineral resource estimate in early 2026. This level of growth has the potential to fundamentally reshape the project's trajectory ahead of the upcoming NI 43-101 resource update."

DETAILS

Borehole SL25-23

Borehole SL25-23 was drilled at a -45 angle to test the extension of mineralization along dip as a twin to drill hole SL11-03 as part of a due diligence confirmation of both historical assays and recorded geological data (Figure 4). SL25-23 went significantly straighter than SL11-03 and is essentially a new hole for the mineral resource after 190m to the end of the hole at 453m. The planned depth for the borehole was 350m; however, due to continued mineralization, drilling continued and eventually terminated at 453m downhole.

The thick TREO intercept, within which multiple higher-grade zones occur, is predominantly comprised of the Light Rare Earth Elements ("LREEs"), including Neodymium, Praseodymium, Lanthanum, and Cerium. These LREEs are all used in a wide range of high-tech products, including powerful permanent magnets for specialty technology and electronics applications. Current quoted average spot prices for Neodymium oxide and Praseodymium oxide are approximately US$75,000/tonne, each (Shanghai Metals Market average pricing, December 3, 2025).

Additionally, significant amounts of Heavy Rare Earth Elements ("HREE") such as Dysprosium, Terbium, and Yttrium, which are used in permanent magnets, LED, fluorescent lighting, and lasers, were also encountered (Table 2).

Borehole SL25-24

Borehole SL25-24 was drilled sub-vertical (at -85), to test the mineralization at depth below the historical resource estimate. The borehole returned significant mineralization, 0.95% TREO, over the entire sampled interval, to end-of-hole at 465m.

Planned as a 400m hole, drilling was extended to 465m after visual core inspection confirmed strong, continuous mineralization beyond the initial target depth. This marks the deepest borehole completed on the project to date.

Borehole SL25-25

Borehole SL25-25 was drilled sub-vertical (at -85) beneath borehole SL12-22 along the southeast margin of the historical resource, to test the mineralization at depth below the historical resource estimate (Figure 6). A mix of dolomitic carbonatite and brecciated syenite was present to the end-of-hole at 423m.

The borehole is weakly mineralized over its entire 417.8m, averaging 0.38% TREO with multiple higher-grade intervals of up to 3.41% TREO, over 2.2m (88.2m - 90.4m) (Table 1).

Borehole SL25-26

Borehole SL25-26 was drilled at -70 extending 150m outside of the historical Mineral Resource shell to test the potential of expanding the mineral resource at depth (Figure 7). Planned as a 250m hole, drilling was extended to 297m after visual core inspection confirmed strong, continuous mineralization beyond the initial target depth. The drill hole cut a mix of dolomitic carbonatite and brecciated syenite until 202m, where faulting was encountered, and pervasive silicification of the carbonatite breccia followed to the end-of-hole at 297 m.

The entire borehole was mineralized at 0.65% TREO over the complete sampled interval of 283.8m (from 7.5m to 291.3m), including an interval of 0.94% TREO over 100.0m (from 12.5m to 112.5m) with a high-grade section of 1.07% TREO over 13.0m (from 12.5m to 25.5m).







Figure 2. High-grade carbonatite mineralization with grades up to 5.21% TREO over 2.5m in borehole SL25-24 (155.5m - 158.0m)

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The assay results continue to verify and extend the host carbonatite complex at depth and will be incorporated in the planned update to the historical NI 43-101 resource estimate (indicated 4.167 million tonnes ("Mt") at 1.073% TREO and inferred 12.73Mt at 1.119% TREO at a cut-off grade of 0.9% TREO - Daigle P., May 4, 2012, Technical Report and Resource Estimate of the Lavergne-Springer REE Project, Ontario, Canada, Tetra Tech Wardrop).

Table 5. Borehole Collar Information

Project Hole ID Azimuth

() Dip

() End of Hole

(m) LavergneSpringer25 SL25-23 270 -45 453 LavergneSpringer25 SL25-24 270 -85 465 LavergneSpringer25 SL25-25 268 -80 423 LavergneSpringer25 SL25-26 290 -70 297







Figure 3. Borehole collars with the historical Mineral Resource outlined

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Figure 4. Cross-section highlighting REE intercepts in borehole SL25-23

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Figure 5. Cross-section highlighting REE intercepts in borehole SL25-24

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/277695_1f57260534ea8b1a_005full.jpg







Figure 6. Cross-section highlighting REE intercepts in borehole SL25-25

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/277695_1f57260534ea8b1a_006full.jpg







Figure 7. Cross-section highlighting REE intercepts in borehole SL25-26

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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About the Springer Rare Earth Deposit

The 2012 resource estimate presented for the Springer Rare Earth Project is historical in nature. Volta's qualified person has not completed sufficient work to confirm the results of the historical resource. Volta does not treat this as a current mineral resource but considers it relevant as a guide to future exploration and includes it for reference purposes only. The historical resource was estimated by Tetra Tech Wardrop in 2012.

The block model and mineral resource for the Springer Rare Earth Project is classified as having both Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources based on the number of boreholes, borehole spacing and sample data populations used in the estimation of the blocks. The mineral resource estimate for the deposit, at a 0.9% TREO cut-off, is an Indicated Resource of 4.2 Mt at 1.14% TREO, 0.02% ThO2, with approximately 6% of the TREO being made up of HREO; and an Inferred Resource of 12.7 Mt at 1.17% TREO, 0.01% ThO2, with approximately 4% of the TREO being made up of HREOs.

The 2012 mineral resource, based on 22 diamond boreholes, was estimated by Ordinary Kriging interpolation on uncapped grades for all 15 REOs and thorium dioxide. The TREO% is a sum of the 15 individual interpolations of the REOs. No recoveries have been applied to the interpolated estimates.

The 2012 resource estimate categories are not compliant with the current CIM Definition Standards. No other resource estimates have been undertaken since the 2012 Tetra Tech Wardrop report. Further drilling will be required by Volta to verify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

QA/QC Protocol

All drilling was completed by a diamond drill rig producing NQ-size core. Volta implemented a strict QA/QC protocol in processing all rock samples collected from the diamond core samples obtained from the Springer REE property. The protocol included inserting reference materials, in this case, high-concentration and low-concentration certified rare earth elements standards, blanks, and drill core duplicates, to validate the accuracy and precision of the assay results. All collected rock core samples were cut in half by a rock saw, placed in sturdy plastic bags and zip-tied shut while under the supervision of a professional geologist. The remaining half core was returned to the core box, which is stored on the property. Sample bags were then put in rice bags and kept secure before being sent by road transport to Activation Laboratories Ltd.'s preparation facility in North Bay, Ontario. Sample preparation (code RX1) consists of drying and crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 m. The samples are subsequently analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd.'s site in Ancaster, Ontario, using Code 8-REE Assay (lithium metaborate/tetraborate fusion with subsequent analysis by ICP and ICP/MS).

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Tims, P.Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person ("QP") as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The QP and the Company have not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the Springer deposit, and it is considered as "historical", particularly regarding historical exploration and government geological work.

For more information about the Company, view Volta's website at www.voltametals.ca.

ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD.

Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) (OTC Pink: VOLMF) is a mineral exploration company based in Toronto, Ontario, focused on rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum. It owns, has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in Ontario, one of the world's most prolific and emerging hard-rock critical mineral districts. To learn more about Volta and its Springer and Aki Projects, please visit www.voltametals.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Neither the CSE nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, that the newly designed drill program will provide sufficient data for an updated resource estimate, which is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in its mineral properties are options only and there are no guarantee that such interest, if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium, rare earth elements, and gallium; and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277695

SOURCE: Volta Metals Ltd.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, The organic acids market is estimated to be USD 15.15 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 19.54 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.2%.

Browse 230 market data Tables and 80 Figures spread through 300 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Organic Acids - Global Forecast to 2030"

Organic Acids Market Size & Forecast

Market Size Available for Years: 2025-2030

2025-2030 2025 Market Size: USD 15.15 billion

USD 15.15 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 19.54 billion

USD 19.54 billion CAGR (2025-2030): 5.2%

Organic Acids Market Trends & Insights:

Growing demand for organic acids in the food & beverage, feed, and pharmaceutical industries is a key factor driving market expansion. In particular, the rising adoption of natural and bio-based ingredients in Asia Pacific countries is significantly boosting the use of citric, lactic, and formic acids for applications that enhance product safety, preservation, and nutritional quality.

By source, the synthetic segment to account for the largest market share.

By type, the acetic acid segment is estimated to account for the largest market share.

The lactic acid segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 9.4%.

Asia Pacific is set to be the largest regional market.

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The organic acids market is experiencing strong growth as food and beverage manufacturers increasingly adopt bio-based and naturally derived acids to enhance product safety, flavor, preservation, and nutritional quality. With applications spanning food processing, feed, pharmaceuticals, and industrial uses, organic acids play a critical role in extending shelf life, improving texture, and maintaining product stability. This rising demand is further supported by advancements in fermentation technology, increasing preference for clean-label and eco-friendly ingredients, and regulatory encouragement for sustainable production practices. Moreover, the growing focus on reducing chemical preservatives and embracing natural alternatives has positioned organic acids as essential ingredients in modern food innovation. As consumers and industries continue to prioritize health-conscious, environmentally sustainable, and high-quality products, the organic acids market is expected to remain a key driver of innovation and efficiency across multiple application sectors.

By source, the synthetic segment to account for the largest market share.

By source, the synthetic segment is set to account for the largest share of the global organic acids market. Synthetic organic acids, derived primarily through petrochemical and chemical synthesis processes, continue todominate due to their cost efficiency, consistent quality, and large-scale production capabilities. These acids are widely used in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications where uniform purity and stability are critical.

The production of key acids such as acetic acid, formic acid, and adipic acid remains largely dependent on chemical synthesis, as bio-based alternatives have yet to achieve comparable economies of scale. Synthetic routes also enable manufacturers to maintain reliable supply chains, meeting the high-volume demand from downstream industries. While environmental concerns and sustainability initiatives are encouraging the development of bio-based acids, synthetic sources remain more competitive in terms of production cost and technological maturity. Established infrastructure and raw material availability further strengthen their position in the market. However, the segment faces gradual competitive pressure from fermentation-based processes, particularly for acids like citric and lactic acid, which are increasingly preferred in clean-label food applications. Despite this shift, the synthetic segment is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period, supported by industrial demand and manufacturing efficiency.

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By type, the acetic acid segment is estimated to account for the largest market share.

By type, acetic acid is estimated to account for the largest share of the global organic acids market. Acetic acid is one of the most widely produced and consumed organic acids globally, primarily driven by its extensive use across multiple industries, including food and beverage, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. In the food sector, it is commonly utilized as a preservative, flavoring agent, and acidity regulator, contributing to the extended shelf life and sensory profile of processed foods, condiments, and beverages.

Industrial applications further strengthen its market dominance. Acetic acid serves as a key raw material in the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), acetic anhydride, and various ester derivatives, which are used in paints, adhesives, coatings, and packaging materials. Its versatility, high demand in downstream sectors, and well-established production infrastructure make it the most commercially significant organic acid.

While bio-based acetic acid production through fermentation is gaining traction for sustainability reasons, synthetic production from methanol carbonylation continues to account for the majority share due to cost efficiency and scalability. The compound's broad utility, coupled with growing industrialization and rising processed food consumption, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, ensures that acetic acid will maintain its leading position in the organic acids market over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is set to be the largest regional market.

By region, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to account for the largest share of the global organic acids market, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding food and beverage production, and growing demand for processed and convenience foods. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are key contributors, supported by strong manufacturing bases, availability of raw materials, and rising consumer expenditure on packaged food products.

China dominates regional production due to its large-scale facilities for acetic, citric, and lactic acids, benefiting from low production costs and export-oriented operations. India, meanwhile, is witnessing steady growth as local food processing and pharmaceutical industries increasingly adopt organic acids as preservatives, acidulants, and intermediates. The expanding livestock and animal feed industries across Southeast Asia further contribute to demand, particularly for propionic and formic acids used in feed preservation. Additionally, Asia Pacific's supportive regulatory environment and growing inclination toward bio-based and naturally derived acids align with the global shift toward sustainable production. Increasing investments in fermentation-based manufacturing and the presence of leading global and regional suppliers strengthen the region's position in the value chain. With ongoing economic growth, urbanization, and rising consumption of processed foods, the Asia Pacific region is expected to maintain its dominance in the organic acids market over the forecast period.

Top Companies in the Organic Acids Market

The report profiles key players such as BASF SE (Germany), Cargill, Incorporated (US), ADM (US), Celanese Corporation (US), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Corbion (Netherlands), Tate & Lyle PLC (UK), Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co., Ltd. (China), Myriant Corporation (US), and Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG (Switzerland).

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VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTCQB: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the launch of its fully-funded Phase 4 regional exploration program at its 100% owned 130km2 Atlanta Gold Mine Project in eastern Nevada. Phase 4 follows the successful completion of Nevada King's 30,000m Phase 3 drilling program, which achieved its objective of identifying new regional oxide mineralization outside of the Atlanta Resource Zone ("ARZ") and building a pipeline of potential satellite deposit targets at various levels of advancement.

Phase 4 will consist of an initial 20,000m of drilling and is designed to rapidly advance the most prospective of these new targets, led by Silver Park East, while continuing systematic reconnaissance and follow-up drilling across the broader land package.

Phase 4 Highlights:

5,000m allocated to Silver Park East to tighten spacing across the current 450m by 300m mineralized footprint and test a 270m gap to the southeast . Initial Silver Park East drilling will infill and target structural intersections to evaluate potential resource conversion .

to tighten spacing across the current mineralized footprint and test a . Initial Silver Park East drilling will infill and target structural intersections to evaluate potential resource conversion 15,000m allocated to advancing Atlanta South, Atlanta North, and Western Rim with the metreage allocated to each target to be determined by drill results (see Figure 1).

allocated to advancing with the metreage allocated to each target to be determined by drill results (see Figure 1). There are currently two reverse circulation (" RC ") drills on site located at Silver Park East and Atlanta South (see Figure 2). Drill sequencing will then see a rig move to Atlanta North, followed by Western Rim.

") drills on site located at Silver Park East and Atlanta South (see Figure 2). Drill sequencing will then see a rig move to Atlanta North, followed by Western Rim. The Company will also apply for its 5 th modification to its Plan of Operations, expanding it to the west to allow for better access to drill the new Western Rim target area.

modification to its Plan of Operations, expanding it to the west to allow for better access to drill the new Western Rim target area. Phase 4 is designed to continue Nevada King's systematic process of: 1. Identifying new near-surface oxide zones; 2. Testing structural controls and vectoring toward higher grade domains; and 3. Advancing successful targets into infill and resource definition drilling.

John Sclodnick, CEO of Nevada King, stated: "Phase 3 drilling has demonstrated tremendous exploration upside across our 130 km Atlanta land package, the vast majority of which lies hidden beneath post-mineral cover. Importantly, we've discovered a new mineralized zone at Silver Park East, 2 km from the existing resource, where Phase 4 drilling will aim to define the overall scale of this potential satellite oxide deposit. This is a major milestone that validates both the strength of the mineral system and the effectiveness of our targeting approach.

"Just as significant, we continue to systematically add high-priority targets, including Western Rim, to maintain a strong pipeline of prospective discoveries. With 1.1 million ounces already defined, Atlanta stands out as one of the rare and potentially large-scale gold systems in the U.S. that sits on the cusp of critical mass. Phase 4 is laser-focused on pushing us over that threshold, and Silver Park East represents the most immediate opportunity to grow the resource."

Justin Daley, VP Exploration of Nevada King, stated "Phase 3 provided critical geological and structural data from across the broader caldera system, validating our regional targeting models outside the main Atlanta Resource Zone. Our systematic, data-driven approach, will significantly advance our pipeline of high-priority targets and Phase 4 is specifically designed to vector toward higher-grade domains, to fast-track resource conversion, and unlock the full, district-scale potential of the Atlanta land package."

Silver Park East

Located approximately 2km west of the Atlanta Resource Zone, Silver Park East ("SPE") represents the most advanced target emerging from Phase 3. Mineralization is hosted along the same unconformity and within the same intrusive host rocks as the ARZ, with geological, geochemical, and structural evidence indicating a shared mineralizing system. Phase 4 drilling at SPE will further define the existing 450m x 300m mineralized zone, test cross-cutting structures for potential higher grades, evaluate continuity sufficient for a potential inferred resource, and expand drilling to the south and east where additional mineralization has been identified.

Atlanta South

Approximately 2km south of the ARZ, drilling at Atlanta South targets the West Atlanta Fault corridor. Mineralization intercepted in Phase 3 is hosted within Pogonip Limestone, a key host for Carlin-type gold in Nevada, and is associated with the highest arsenic values measured on the property to date, further evidence for this new deposit type at Atlanta. Phase 4 drilling aims to refine vectors toward stronger mineralization using the expanded geologic and geochemical dataset gained through Phase 3.

Atlanta North

Atlanta North extends roughly 4km north from the ARZ along the West Atlanta Fault, a crucial pathway for gold mineralization, and remains in early exploration. A Nevada King drill hole grading 0.28g/t over 36.6m has created a ~3km gap to a historical hole that returned 0.88g/t Au over 10.7m. Phase 4 drilling will test this gap for additional near-surface oxide mineralization.

Western Rim

Western Rim represents a large-scale early-stage opportunity characterized by multidirectional quartz veins hosting Au-Ag-As-Mo mineralization traced over approximately 2.5km, with individual veins extending up to 1km. Rock chip sampling has returned grades up to 20.8 g/t Au. The Company will complete additional geophysical surveys in advance of drilling and is applying for a Plan of Operations modification to expand access to the Western Rim target area.

Advanced Targeting and AI Integration

Nevada King continues to advance targeting using multiple layers of geoscientific data including CSAMT, drone magnetics, gravity, hyperspectral, geochemistry, and rock sampling. These datasets have recently been integrated through machine learning analysis, generating an internally ranked pipeline of early-stage targets which have been independently reviewed by the field team. Phase 4 drilling will prioritize the highest-ranked areas identified through this process.

Webinar

Join CEO John Sclodnick for additional context on a live webinar on Monday December 15th at 12pm ET/ 9am PT. Click here to register and reserve your spot.

QA/QC Protocols



All RC samples from the Atlanta Project are split at the drill site and placed in cloth and plastic bags utilizing a nominal 2kg sample weight. CRF standards, blanks, and duplicates are inserted into the sample stream on-site on a one-in-twenty sample basis, meaning all three inserts are included in each 20-sample group. Samples are shipped by a local contractor in large sample shipping crates directly to American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada, with full custody being maintained at all times. At American Assay Lab, samples were weighted then crushed to 75% passing 2mm and pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns to produce a 300g pulverized split. Prepared samples are initially run using a four acid + boric acid digestion process and conventional multi-element ICP-OES analysis. Gold assays are initially run using 30-gram samples by lead fire assay with an OES finish to a 0.003 ppm detection limit, with samples greater than 10 ppm finished gravimetrically. Every sample is also run through a cyanide leach for gold with an ICP-OES finish. The QA/QC procedure involves regular submission of Certified Analytical Standards and property-specific duplicates.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nevada King VP Exploration, Justin Daley, P.Geo., a non-independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

About Nevada King Gold Corp.

Nevada King is focused on advancing and growing its 100% owned, past producing, 130km2 Atlanta Gold Mine project located along the Battle Mountain trend in southeast Nevada. The project hosts an NI 43-101 compliant pit-constrained oxide resource of 1,020koz Au in the measured and indicated category (27.7M tonnes at 1.14 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 99koz Au (3.6M tonnes at 0.84 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "Technical Report and Estimate of Gold and Silver Mineral Resources for the Atlanta Project, Lincoln County, Nevada, USA" with an effective date of September 6, 2024, and a report date of July 18, 2025, as prepared by RESPEC (formerly Mine Development Associates) and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca .

NI 43-101 Mineral Resources at the Atlanta Mine by RESPEC 2025



Tonnes Au g/t Au oz Ag g/t Ag oz AuEq g/t AuEq oz Measured 3,430,100 1.55 170,800 16.96 1,870,200 1.65 182,000 Indicated 24,280,200 1.09 848,800 8.73 6,817,200 1.14 887,700 M&I 27,710,300 1.14 1,019,600 9.75 8,687,400 1.20 1,069,700 Inferred 3,638,400 0.84 98,500 2.56 299,500 0.85 99,800

Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca .

For more information, contact John Sclodnick at [email protected] .

The Company's telephone number is (845) 535-1486.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operations and activities of Nevada King, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, technical, geologic, environmental, regulatory, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Nevada King Gold Corp.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. (TSXV: NVLH; OTCQB: NVLHF; FSE: 87K) ("Nevada Lithium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced with a number of discrete work projects on its 100% owned Bonnie Claire lithium project (the "Project" or "Bonnie Claire"), located in Nye County, Nevada. This winter work program is designed to examine specific questions that have arisen from the Project's 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") and to further evaluate the potential for additional critical mineral recovery at Bonnie Claire.

Nevada Lithium's CEO, Stephen Rentschler, comments:

- We are pleased to announce that a multi-faceted work program is now underway. We anticipate that these individual projects will quickly provide useful technical information with potentially positive economic implications. The potential for additional critical mineral recovery, in particular, offers an exciting possibility to increase the value of Bonnie Claire with additional revenue streams beyond lithium and boron.

The Company considers third-party due diligence to be an important derisking milestone regarding the Hydraulic Borehole Mining Method selected for use at Bonnie Claire. This project has the potential to significantly alter the completion path of a Pre-Feasibility Study in a positive way.

A further understanding of the extremely high-grade lithium and boron at Bonnie Claire has also been a priority for our technical team. The identification of lithium residency is hoped to provide further information that will allow even more precise targeting of the very highest grade lithium and boron mineralization strata at Bonnie Claire. This knowledge has the potential to positively impact economics through increasingly selective mining, and to impact future deposit size through enhanced exploration strategies. "

Highlights

Examination of cesium and rubidium recovery using current flowsheet

Technical due diligence examining the Hydraulic Borehole Mining method ("HBHM")

Petrological analysis of claystone samples to determine lithium residence



The Company has commenced work on a number of recommendations contained in its PEA and to lay the groundwork for a larger work program in 2026. The 2026 work program is being designed to progress the Project towards a Pre-Feasibility Study.

Cesium and Rubidium Recovery

In its news release dated September 17, 2025, the Company announced that significant cesium (Cs) and rubidium (Rb) mineralization had been identified at Bonnie Claire. Initial test work indicated that these elements had advanced through the lithium/boron leaching stages of the Project's PEA flow sheet and were present in the pregnant leach solution ("PLS").

The Company is pleased to announce that it has engaged Kemetco Research Inc. ("Kemetco") of Richmond, BC, to complete a proof-of-concept study evaluating the potential recovery of cesium (Cs) and rubidium (Rb) from the Project. Earlier work confirmed the presence of significant Cs and Rb mineralization and demonstrated that both elements advance into the PLS under the current flowsheet.

The metallurgical program will include characterization of a composite sample, confirmatory leach testing to quantify Cs and Rb extraction, and preliminary ion-exchange and adsorbent screening to assess recovery potential. This work is designed to establish whether Cs and Rb can be effectively recovered alongside lithium and to generate initial data that may support future process optimization and economic evaluations.

HBHM Technical Due Diligence

The Company's PEA is based on a mine plan utilising HBHM as the preferred method for recovery of high-grade lithium and boron mineralised material at Bonnie Claire. Although HBHM has been used for many years on many different projects, HBHM is a relatively new approach for extraction in this setting, so the Company wishes to obtain independent validation of this mining method from experts in the field. This due diligence will provide feedback on the PEA's methodologies, assumptions, and outcomes.

The Company has retained a global engineering firm to conduct a technical due diligence review of the proposed HBHM mining method and to confirm its suitability for extraction of mineralised material at Bonnie Claire. To that end, the firm will complete a mine design review to determine whether the mine design appropriately accounts for the equipment and infrastructure required to extract the mineralized lens using HBHM.

The global engineering firm will also review the characterization of the mechanical behaviour of the rock, with a focus on expected geotechnical conditions within the mineralized lens. The focus of this review will be to evaluate the applicability of the HBHM method to the Bonnie Claire geology.

Lithium Residency

The Company's 2025 PEA identified several possibilities for lithium residency at Bonnie Claire including:

Li substitution in the octahedral layer of fine-grained K-micas (e.g., muscovite-illite series)

Li hosted in expandable clay layers of mixed-layer illite-smectites

Possible Li uptake via ion exchange or structural substitution in analcime

Li may occur as Li-salts (e.g., LiCl, Li2SO4),

The 2025 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized.

In order to start investigating these possibilities, the Company has signed a research agreement with the Department of Earth Sciences ("DiSTAR") at the University of Naples Federico II, of Naples, Italy.

The proposed research project seeks to develop a greater understanding of the lithium distribution in clay minerals in the Bonnie Claire deposit. Initial analyses will include bulk-rock X-ray diffraction ("XRD") to determine sample mineralogy, while Scanning Electron Microscope - Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) will be implemented on thin sections and resin-embedded blocks to investigate ore textures, and to obtain in-situ microchemical analyses of clays.

The selected clay-rich samples will be subjected to separation of the fine-grained fraction, and to dedicated XRD analysis and high resolution bulk-rock geochemistry to establish the lithium clay mineralogy, and the lithium and other key elements (Rb and Cs) concentrations.

It is hoped that results from the lithium residency project will be completed in time for inclusion in a technical analysis that was selected for presentation by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada ("PDAC"). Dr. Jeff Wilson, PhD, FGC, P.Geo, Vice President of Exploration for Nevada Lithium will present "The Bonnie Claire volcano sedimentary Li-B deposit" in the Exploration Insights session at the 2026 PDAC Convention hosted in Toronto, ON.

About Nevada Lithium Resources Inc.

Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on shareholder value creation through its core asset, the Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, located in Nye County, Nevada, where it holds a 100% interest.

The Company recently filed a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on the Bonnie Claire Property. The PEA has an effective date of March 31, 2025 and presents a $6.829 billion after-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate, based on $24,000/tonne Li 2 CO 3 , $950/tonne boric acid, together with a 32.3% after-tax internal rate of return. Results of the PEA were announced in the Company's news release, dated August 6, 2025.

For further information on Nevada Lithium and to subscribe for updates about Nevada Lithium, please visit its website at: https://nevadalithium.com/

QP Disclosure

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by the Company's designated Qualified Person, as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure in Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), Dr. Jeff Wilson, PhD, FGC, P.Geo, Vice President of Exploration for Nevada Lithium. Dr Wilson is not independent of the Company per Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Nevada Lithium Resources Inc.

"Stephen Rentschler"

Stephen Rentschler, CEO

For further information, please contact:



Nevada Lithium Resources Inc.

Stephen Rentschler

CEO and Director

Phone: (647) 254-9795

E-mail: sr@nevadalithium.com

Media Inquiries

E-mail: info@nevadalithium.com

Find Nevada Lithium on X and LinkedIn

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to matters that identify future events or future performance. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "could", "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.

The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the performance of the Project and the results and assumptions of the PEA, including projected economics, production rates, mine life, capital costs, operating costs, internal rate of return, net present value, payback period, sensitivity analyses, and the potential for optimization of project economics and value enhancement opportunities; the potential development of the Project, including future permitting, feasibility studies, and development activities; mineral resource estimates, the potential to convert inferred mineral resources to indicated or measured mineral resources, and future exploration activities with the potential to expand mineral resources; mining methods, production targets, and processing strategies; the use of HBHM as a mining method and its validation; the expected outcomes of the work programs relating to HBHM due diligence, cesium and rubidium test work, lithium residency studies, and their timing; market conditions and commodity prices for lithium carbonate and boric acid, including sustained lithium demand and prices; and the Company's ability to finance the development of the Project.

In making the forward looking statements in this news release, Nevada Lithium has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation: sustained market fundamentals resulting in continued lithium and boron demand and favorable commodity price assumptions for lithium carbonate and boric acid; that initial test work and studies will yield results consistent with management's expectations; the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of Bonnie Claire in a timely manner and Nevada Lithium's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws, supported by political and regulatory stability in Nevada, USA; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of Bonnie Claire; the Project containing mineral resources and the accuracy of the Mineral Resource Estimate; the reliability of the PEA and its underlying assumptions; the successful application of the HBHM method; metallurgical recovery rates of 85% for lithium and 48% for boron; capital and operating cost estimates; and that there are no material adverse changes in project parameters or economic conditions.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Nevada Lithium's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Nevada Lithium believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by Nevada Lithium. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: fluctuations in commodity prices including lithium and precious metals; uncertainties inherent in mineral resource and reserve estimates, including possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; risks associated with the development and operation of mining projects, including operating and technical difficulties, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, and accidents; that the winter work program or the larger 2026 program may not yield the anticipated results or could be delayed; that cesium and rubidium cannot be economically recovered or do not materially improve Project economics; that the HBHM method may prove unsuitable or less effective than expected; that the lithium residency study does not provide clear guidance for improving resource modeling or processing; regulatory and permitting risks, including delays or inability to obtain necessary approvals, permits, consents or authorizations, and changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations; environmental risks and liabilities; financing and liquidity risks, including requirements for additional capital; market and economic conditions, including changes in general economic, business and political conditions and financial markets; competition in the lithium and boron markets; infrastructure and logistics challenges; geopolitical risks and changes in government policies; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; currency fluctuations; title disputes or claims; limitations on insurance coverage; timing and possible outcome of pending litigation; risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on Nevada Lithium's business; as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Nevada Lithium's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of Nevada Lithium filed with the Canadian securities authorities, copies of which can be found under Nevada Lithium's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca-

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Nevada Lithium 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. Nevada Lithium does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver assets in the U.S.

in a rising silver and critical minerals market.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Silver Corp. ("Apollo Silver" or the "Company") (TSX.V:APGO; OTCQB:APGOF; Frankfurt:6ZF) is pleased to announce details of its 2026 Exploration and Project Development Program (the "2026 Program") at the Company's Calico Silver Project ("Calico" or the "Project") located in San Bernardino County, California. The 2026 Program is designed to advance both the exploration potential and project development initiatives at Calico at a time when the silver market sentiment is strengthening and the metal's recent designation as a U.S. critical mineral is drawing renewed attention to secure domestic supply. As one of the largest undeveloped primary silver assets in the U.S., Calico is well positioned within this evolving landscape.

The 2026 Program advances prospective exploration and project development at Calico in support of longer-term planning for processing, mine design, and permitting. Project development activities will focus on metallurgical studies, geotechnical work, and the initiation of development-stage permitting, and will include a drilling program designed to provide material for geotechnical analysis and metallurgical testing. Planned exploration activities include exploration drilling, property-scale mapping and sampling, and both airborne and ground geophysical surveys.

Highlights of the 2026 Program:

Project Development Activities 4,500 meter ("m") HQ large diameter core drill program commencing in Q1 2026 to address current on-going metallurgical studies and geotechnical analysis to support future mine design work. A metallurgical test work program focused on evaluating processing options and investigating opportunities to improve upon historic silver recoveries. Early-stage permitting activities, including the initiation of long term, on-going baseline environmental monitoring, ensuring that the regulatory phase progress aligns with technical advancements.

Exploration Activities 1,000 m NQ diameter exploration drilling program at the Waterloo Property ("Waterloo") to test the Burcham gold potential with the goal of expanding the gold resource. Ground and airborne geophysical surveys including gravity, Induced Polarization ("IP"), and magnetics to image and characterize subsurface controls of mineralization as well as lithological, structural and alteration features at both a deposit and property scale, to assist in defining and prioritizing future drill targets. Expanded geological mapping across Waterloo and Mule Property ("Mule") to advance surficial geological interpretations and promote target generation.







"Our 2026 Program positions Apollo Silver to advance Calico at an opportune moment," said Ross McElroy, President and CEO of Apollo Silver. "Silver's addition to the U.S. critical minerals list and the current strength in precious-metal markets highlight the importance of responsibly developing domestic supply. Calico hosts one of the largest undeveloped primary silver deposits in the United States. The exploration program will allow us to evaluate the blue-sky potential of the Project, while the planned metallurgical, geotechnical, and geophysical work will further strengthen our technical understanding and support the next stages of its advancement."

2026 Project Development Program

The 2026 project development program at Waterloo includes a 4,500 m HQ diameter core drill program aimed at obtaining sufficient material and data for on-going geotechnical and metallurgical analysis, and the initiation of development level permitting activities. The permitting activities will begin in 2026 and will form the foundational start of a long-term permitting process, which is designed to keep the regulatory progress aligned with technical advancement.

Core Drilling - Waterloo (Geotechnical & Metallurgical)

A 4,500 m HQ diameter core drilling program is scheduled to begin in mid-Q1 and continue through Q2 2026. Drill core will be used for:

Geotechnical data collection for analysis to support engineering and mine design; and

Metallurgical test work to better characterize the silver recovery and evaluate opportunities for recovery enhancement.





Metallurgical Studies

Metallurgical test work will continue throughout 2026 and will focus on:

Evaluating ore characteristics and processing options; and

Assessing opportunities to improve silver recoveries above historical levels identified, presently estimated at ~65%.





Underground Volume Survey

Calico is host to numerous historic small-scale, high-grade vein hosted mining operations that were active from ~1880 to 1894, some in close proximity to the Waterloo and Langtry deposits. A LiDAR survey of historical underground drifts and tunnels at Waterloo is planned for Q4 2026 to enhance the knowledge of precise location and scale of historic workings with respect to the current day deposits. This information should provide important data to assist with improved resource classification, as well as provide critical information for future mine development.

2026 Exploration Program

The 2026 exploration program at Calico includes core drilling, geological mapping, ground gravity and IP surveys, and airborne magnetics geophysical surveys, all designed to map geological features and interpret controls of mineralization at both a deposit and property scale across the Waterloo and Mule properties. Results will be used to assist in generating future drill targets.

Exploration Drilling

The Company plans to complete 1,000 m of NQ diameter core drilling to test the Burcham gold target located on the east side of Waterloo, in the area of the historical Burcham Mine. The work is scheduled for Q1-Q2 2026 and is designed to evaluate the potential for expansion of the existing gold resource.

Geological Mapping

Geological mapping will continue throughout 2026, and work will include:

Updating surficial geological interpretations at both Waterloo and Mule;

Follow-up ground assessment of anomalies identified from the 2022 IP geophysical survey on Waterloo; and

Ongoing support for exploration targeting and drill planning.





Geophysics

A multi-method geophysical program is planned for Q1, Q2 and Q4 2026. Surveys will include both airborne and ground surveys which will assist to resolve the subsurface interpretations and potentially help define and prioritize targets for future drilling. Activities will include:

Ground Gravity and Subsurface Historical Mine Workings surveys at Waterloo;

IP and airborne magnetic surveys at Waterloo and Mule; and

Integration and interpretation of new and historic geophysical datasets (Gravity, IP, Magnetics).





Laboratory Analysis

Petrographic studies and soil/rock assays will run through Q1 to Q3 2026 which will support geological mapping and aid in drill target refinement.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Isabelle Lepine, M.Sc., P.Geo., Apollo Silver's Director, Mineral Resources. Ms. Lepine is a registered professional geologist in British Columbia and a QP as defined by NI 43-101 and is not independent of the Company.

About Apollo Silver Corp.

Apollo Silver is advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver projects in the US. The Calico project hosts a large, bulk minable silver deposit with significant barite and zinc credits - recognized as critical minerals essential to the US energy and medical sectors. The Company also holds an option on the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is host to a major carbonate replacement (CRD) deposit that is both high-grade and large tonnage. Led by an experienced and award-winning management team, Apollo is well positioned to advance the assets and deliver value through exploration and development.

Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ross McElroy

President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Email: info@apollosilver.com

Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements regarding the scope, timing, and expected results of the 2026 exploration and project development program; planned drilling, mapping, sampling, geophysical surveys, metallurgical test work, geotechnical studies, and permitting activities; potential improvements to silver recoveries; the potential to expand the gold resource at Waterloo; and the anticipated benefits of the planned work programs. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company's projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and barite; the demand for silver, gold and barite; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. 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 or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and operational performance and the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws-
A Breakout Critical Element Core Intercept In The Bathurst Mmining Camp

MIRAMICHI, NB / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / SLAM Exploration Ltd. (TSXV:SXL) ("SLAM" or the "Company")is pleased to announce it has drilled a 74.80 meter ("m") core interval grading 0.96% copper equivalent (Cu Eq) in hole GW25-19 on the Farquharson zone at the wholly owned Goodwin Copper-Nickel-Cobalt Project. The Goodwin project covers 11,860 hectares (29,300 acres) of prospective mineral land located 35 kilometers southwest of the Caribou Mine in the mineral-rich Bathurst Mining Camp of New Brunswick.

Diamond Drilling Highlights:

Hole No From To Length Copper% Nickel% Cobalt% Cu Eq% GW25-19 76.10 150.90 74.80m 0.37 0.38 0.05 0.96

Based on the core length of 74.8 meters, the true width is estimated at 50 meters at a recovered grade of 0.96% copper equivalent. The known strike length of 360 meters and depth of 200 meters point to significant tonnage potential for the Farquharson zone. The copper equivalent (Cu Eq%) values are "recovered" grades calculated using a recovery rate of 90% and based upon copper, nickel, cobalt, silver and gold prices published December 09, 2025 on the website Daily Metal Price.

Figure 1 Farquharson Zone Cross Section DDH GW24-05 and GW25-19

The Company drilled 10 holes of NQ size core for a total of 2,603 meters in the 2025 Goodwin drilling campaign including one hole on the Granges Zone and nine holes on the Farquharson Zone. Drilling extended the strike length of the Farquharson Zone to 360 meters and the Zone is open in both directions. (see Figure 2).

Figure 2 Farquharson Zone Drilling Plan - Aeromagnetic Calculated Vertical Gradient (CVD)

Figure 2 is derived from SLAM's historic airborne MegaTEM survey that covered the entire Bathurst Mining Camp. This survey suggests potential for Farquharson zone extensions over a 7,000 meter strike length. With momentum building, the Company has initiated the next phase by requesting quotes from geophysics contractors for airborne and down-hole EM surveys. These surveys are intended to support target generation and drill planning for the promising 2026 diamond drilling campaign. The location details for hole GW25-19 are as follows:

Hole_ID East_UTM North_UTM Elev Az Dip Length_m GW2519 698094 5238571 501 44 -65 191

QA-QC Procedures: Core was collected from the drill in trays and delivered to a secure logging facility in Bathurst, New Brunswick. After logging, samples were sawn using a diamond blade. Sawn half-core samples were numbered, collected in bags, tagged and delivered to Activation Laboratories Ltd. ("Actlabs") in Fredericton. Actlabs completed multi-element analysis using assay method UT7. Samples returning over-limit results (greater than 1%) for the UT7 are re-analyzed using method 8-AR. Blanks and standards are included in each sample series.

About SLAM Exploration Ltd: SLAM Exploration Ltd. is a publicly listed resource company with a 40,000-hectare portfolio of mineral claim holdings in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. Diamond drilling is in progress on the Goodwin copper-nickel-cobalt project in the Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC") of New Brunswick. The drilling program follows significant copper, nickel and cobalt intercepts from 15 diamond drill holes reported by the Company in 2024 on the Goodwin project. These include a 64.90 meter core interval, grading 2.19% Cu-Eq (copper-nickel-cobalt), including 3.84% Cu-Eq over a 31.20 meter core interval from hole GW24-02 as reported in a news release August 7, 2024. Significant gold values were also reported with up to 3.31 grams per tonne over 0.5m in hole GW24-01.

The Company launched its 2025 exploration program with two new gold discoveries on its wholly-owned Jake Lee claims. SLAM reported eight grab samples with assays ranging from 7.42 grams per tonne ("g/t") to 94.80 g/t gold in the initial discovery on July 9, 2025. A second discovery comprised quartz float grading 16.20 and 3.78 g/t gold respectively 100 meters southwest of the initial discovery as reported August 28, 2025.The Jake Lee claims are located 25 kilometers southeast of the Clarence Stream gold deposit where Galway Metals Inc. Clarence Stream is host to a 12.4M tonne indicated resource of 922,000 ounces at a grade of 2.31 g/t gold plus an inferred resource of 16.1m tonnes with 1,334,000 ounces at a grade of 2.60 g/t gold. (Reference: "Updated Mineral Resource Statement, Clarence Stream Deposits, New Brunswick, Canada, by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., March 31, 2022"). SLAM's exploration team recently mobilized back to Jake Lee.

SLAM reported gold bearing core intervals including 162.5 g/t gold over 0.2 m and 56.90 g/t gold over 0.5 m from the Maisie vein in news releases on December 13, 2021 and November 22, 2022. The Company had previously reported a core interval grading 3,955 g/t (127oz) gold Au over 0.1m from the No. 18 vein. These veins are associated with a soil geochemical anomaly that stretches for 3,000 meters along strike. Assays are pending on 900 additional samples to expand the soil coverage and further define the target on this extensive vein system.

The Company is a project generator and expects to receive significant cash and share payments in 2026. SLAM received 1,200,000 shares plus cash from Nine Mile Metals Inc. (NINE) on February 28, 2025 pursuant to the Wedge project agreement. On March 29, 2025, the Company received a cash payment of $60,000 as well as 180,000 shares of a private company pursuant to the Ramsay gold agreement. The Company holds NSR royalties and expects to receive additional cash and share payments on the Wedge copper zinc project and on the Ramsay gold project.

To view SLAM's corporate presentation, click SXL-Presentation. Additional information is available on SLAM's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on X @SLAMGold.Join our company newsletter by clicking SXL-News to receive timely company updates and press releases relating to SLAM Exploration.

Qualifying Statements: Mike Taylor P.Geo, President and CEO of SLAM Exploration Ltd., is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and has approved the contents of this news release.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mike Taylor, President & CEO

Contact: 506-623-8960

mike@slamexploration.com

Jimmy Gravel, Vice-President

Contact 902-273-2387

jimmy@slamexploration.com

SEDAR+: 00012459

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "may," "could," "would," "might," or "will," and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: statements regarding the Company's exploration plans at the Goodwin Project, the anticipated scope, timing and results of the current and future drill programs, the potential extension of mineralized zones, and the potential to identify additional mineral resources.

Forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions made by the Company as of the date of this release, including assumptions that geological interpretations and mineralization continuity are reasonable; that planned drill and geophysical programs can be completed as scheduled; that equipment, contractors and personnel will be available on acceptable terms; that assay and geophysical results will be received within expected timeframes; that commodity prices and economic conditions will remain generally supportive; and that required permits and approvals will be obtained in a timely manner.

These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: exploration results that may not confirm current interpretations or expectations; geophysical survey results that may not define viable drill targets; delays in exploration programs; availability of drill equipment, contractors, and personnel; increases in costs; changes in commodity prices; availability of financing on acceptable terms; general economic, market and business conditions; regulatory changes; environmental risks; operating hazards; delays or inability to obtain required approvals; and other risk factors described in the Company's most recently filed Management's Discussion and Analysis and other filings with Canadian securities regulators.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake 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.

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.

SOURCE: SLAM Exploration Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/slam-drills-74.80-meter-copper-nickel-cobalt-core-interval-at-goodwin-1116585
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Domestic Metals Corp. (the "Company" or "Domestic") - (TSXV: DMCU; OTCQB: DMCUF; FSE: 03E) announces the appointment of Gordon Neal as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Mr. Neal has had a notable and successful career in the mining and resource sectors. He started as one of the founding members of MAG Silver Corp. before moving on to serve as the VP Corporate Development for Silvercorp Metals. Mr. Neal subsequently took the role of President of New Pacific Metals and is the former CEO of World Copper Ltd. Mr. Neal has raised more than $750M in the resource sector and serves on multiple metals and mining company boards. He also served as a Senior Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada and is a past member of the Board of Directors and the Senate of Dalhousie University.

- I am very excited to lead the team at Domestic," says Mr. Neal. "The increasing global demand for copper has been reflected in the rising price of the commodity. Add to this the current US administration's goal of domestic metal production and we can see that Domestic's Montana-based copper project is well positioned to benefit significantly.-

Mr. Neal's appointment follows the resignation of Patricio Varas as CEO. Mr. Varas has been integral in rebuilding the Company, growing its management expertise, and bringing Domestic's Smart Creek Project to its current stage of exploration. Mr. Varas has stepped down as CEO but will remain with the Company as Chairman and Director, and will continue to support Domestic and its new CEO with bringing the Company and the Smart Creek Project forward to its next stage of advancement. The Company thanks Mr. Varas for his service as CEO.

The Company further announces the engagement of Michael Pound to provide corporate and shareholder communications, and other investor relations services. Mr. Pound is a shareholder of the Company and has been granted stock options.

About Domestic Metals Corp.

Domestic Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of large-scale, copper and gold deposits in exceptional, historical mining project areas in the Americas.

The Company aims to discover new economic mineral deposits in historical mining districts that have seen exploration in geologically attractive mining jurisdictions, where economically favorable grades have been indicated by historic drilling and outcrop sampling.

The Smart Creek Project is strategically located in the mining-friendly state of Montana, containing widespread copper mineralization at surface and hosts 4 attractive porphyry copper, epithermal gold, replacement and exotic copper exploration targets with excellent host rocks for mineral deposition.

Domestic Metals Corp. is led by an experienced management team and an accomplished technical team, with successful track records in mine discovery, mining development and financing.

On behalf of Domestic Metals Corp.

Patricio Varas, Chairman and Director

(604) 831-9306

Follow us on:

X- LinkedIn- Facebook and Instagram

For more information on Domestic Metals, please contact:

Patricio Varas, Phone: 604-831-9306 or Michael Pound, Phone: 604-363-2885

Please visit the Company website at www.domesticmetals.com or contact us at info@domesticmetals.com.

For all investor relations inquiries, please contact:

John Liviakis, Liviakis Financial Communications Inc., Phone: 415-389-4670.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding 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. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to planned exploration and advancement activities on properties. 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, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: competition within the industry; actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future price of commodities; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining approvals or financing; risks related to indebtedness and the service of such indebtedness; as well as those factors, risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / AI/ML Innovations Inc. (CSE:AIML) ("AIML" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the engagement of Guerilla Capital ("Guerilla"), an arm's length investor relations firm with offices in Ontario, Canada. Guerilla will provide investor relations services to the Company including enhancing the Company's communications and investor outreach efforts.

The initial term of the engagement will commence immediately and continue for a period of 12 months (subject to extension) at an aggregate fee of Cdn$120,000, of which Cdn$30,000 is payable up front with the remaining balance payable in quarterly installments of Cdn$30,000 each. The engagement may be terminated anytime after the initial three months.

Guerilla may be contacted at:

2855322 ONTARIO INC. O/A GUERILLA CAPITAL

84 Watson' Lane, Dundas, Ontario, L9H 1T3

Email: Ryan@guerillacapital.io

Telephone: 416-832-1874

About AI/ML Innovations Inc.

AIML Innovations Inc. is a global technology company pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and neural networks to transform digital health. Our proprietary platforms leverage advanced signal processing and deep learning to convert complex biometric data into actionable clinical insights-supporting earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment, and more effective care.

AIML's shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:AIML), the OTCQB Venture Market (AIMLF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (42FB).

For detailed information please see AIML's website or the Company's filed documents at www.sedarplus.ca.

Contact:

Blake Fallis (778) 405-0882

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Paul Duffy, Executive Chairman and CEO

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.

Forward Looking Statements - Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company's products and services. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the nature and timing of future operations and the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: AI/ML Innovations, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/aiml-announces-engagement-of-guerilla-capital-for-communications-and-1116601
Indigenous Association Commits Approximately 2,400 Hectares to Supply Sand, Gravel, and Raw Materials for Costa Rica Infrastructure Buildout Including Elevated National Railway; Partnership Advances Humanitarian Initiatives; Seven Additional Sovereign Tribes Express Interest

SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Eco Innovation Group, Inc. (OTC:ECOX) ("ECOX") and WRA Holdings, Inc. ("WRA") announce a significant advancement in securing critical raw materials for the Companies' national infrastructure and environmental redevelopment program in Costa Rica.

The Asociacion de Desarrollo Integral de Reserva Indigena de Terraba (Terraba Indigenous Integral Development Association), one of Costa Rica's sovereign indigenous communities, has executed a Letter of Commitment formalizing its intent to partner with WRA on the Concepcional Master Plan project. Under the proposed arrangement, the Association has committed approximately 2,400 hectares, nearly 6,000 acres of, indigenous territory for potential development and resource extraction activities, including sand, gravel, and other raw materials essential to the infrastructure buildout.

The partnership is structured in accordance with International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169, which Costa Rica ratified under Law No. 7316, ensuring that all activities proceed through a Prior, Free, and Informed Consultation (CPLI) process that respects indigenous rights, self-determination, and development priorities. The collaboration is designed to deliver long-term benefits to the Terraba community, including the potential development of healthcare, educational, and essential infrastructure, subject to the outcomes of the consultation process and decisions of the relevant authorities. The Association has completed internal preparatory steps and is awaiting a final vote from the tribal council to proceed.

Expanding Indigenous Partnerships

In addition to the Terraba agreement, WRA reports that seven other sovereign indigenous tribes have expressed formal interest in evaluating similar partnership opportunities. These potential collaborations would expand access to domestically sourced raw materials essential for WRA's broader infrastructure portfolio. These materials, particularly sand and gravel, play a critical role in the construction of WRA's national railway system, which is being designed with elevated track beds approximately six feet above grade to enhance flood resilience, operational safety, and long-term durability. Additional raw materials including limestone and wood may further support construction activities, reducing reliance on imported inputs and strengthening domestic supply chains.

"This partnership with the Terraba Indigenous community represents a transformative step in how large-scale infrastructure development can be executed responsibly, sustainably, and in collaboration with indigenous peoples," said Cornel Alvarado, President and CEO of WRA Holdings, Inc. "For too long, indigenous communities have watched development happen around them without receiving meaningful benefits. Through this proposed partnership, we aim to help bring healthcare, education, and essential infrastructure to the Terraba people, resources they have long sought but lacked access to. The sand and gravel from these territories are expected to support foundational elements of Costa Rica's national railway, which we are designing to be elevated above grade for resilience and safety. By securing these essential materials under internationally recognized consultation frameworks, we aim to establish a model where development aligns with community priorities. The interest from seven additional tribes reflects strong regional engagement, and we are committed to approaching each opportunity with the same consultation and respect."

A Humanitarian Initiative for All of Costa Rica

WRA's partnership with the Terraba Indigenous community reflects a broader initiative to support inclusive development across Costa Rica. The Companies' national infrastructure program encompassing rail, energy, waste management, healthcare, and environmental redevelopment is designed to improve quality of life while strengthening domestic supply chains and employment opportunities. By sourcing materials domestically where feasible and working collaboratively with local and indigenous communities, the program seeks to foster sustainable economic growth that reaches historically underserved regions.

Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Development

Central to the partnership is WRA's commitment to ensuring that indigenous communities have the opportunity to benefit directly from development activities carried out on their lands. The Concepcional Master Plan includes provisions for proposed healthcare facilities, schools, and educational infrastructure to serve indigenous families, while also preserving cultural heritage. These community-focused elements represent a shift from past development models, aligning potential resource development with long-term social investment.

Project Scope and Raw Materials

The Concepcional Master Plan envisions the development of a sustainability-oriented indigenous community based on circular economy principles. The project contemplates coordinated development across multiple sectors, including:

Healthcare facilities and hospitals

Schools and educational infrastructure

Agroindustry and sustainable production

Transportation infrastructure (air, sea, and land)

Sand and gravel extraction and processing for national railway and construction projects

Free-trade zones and industrialization of raw materials

Energy production and waste management

Housing and sustainable tourism development

Raw materials extracted from indigenous territories, subject to environmental, consultation, and governmental approvals, are expected to support elements of WRA's broader Costa Rica infrastructure portfolio. The national railway project requires large volumes of aggregate material for elevated track beds designed to withstand flooding and extreme weather. These domestically sourced materials may also support port modernization, waste-to-energy facilities, and environmental redevelopment projects backed by approximately $700 million in project financing currently in final settlement.

Consultation Process and Timeline

The Terraba Indigenous Association has initiated communication with the Technical Unit for Indigenous Consultation under Costa Rica's Ministry of Justice and Peace to determine the procedural pathway under Executive Decree No. 40932-MP-MJP. The Association has allocated $15,000 to support the formal consultation process, to be distributed across planning, execution, and reporting phases.

The Companies anticipate additional updates as consultation milestones progress and as other indigenous partnerships advance.

Capital Structure and Shareholder Protections

ECOX reiterates that it has eliminated all toxic convertible debt from non-strategic lenders. As previously announced, the final legacy convertible note in the amount of $195,000 was extinguished on December 8, 2025, removing the last material overhang from the Company's prior business model. This action stabilizes the capital structure and eliminates the primary historical source of dilution in the market.

Additionally, the Company intends to restrict all issuances of securities,other than those directly related to the WRA merger transaction, for the remainder of the fiscal year. This reflects ECOX's focus on protecting shareholder value as it transitions into its new operating structure and supports the long-term development cycle associated with the WRA national infrastructure program.

Shareholders and interested parties can view or download a complete presentation at the following link: View the full Costa Rica Visioning Presentation here

About WRA Holdings, Inc.

WRA Holdings, Inc. is a multinational infrastructure development and investment company focused on public and private-partnership projects that drive economic growth, environmental renewal, and urban redevelopment. The company's flagship Costa Rica initiative integrates national rail, airport, and logistics systems, port revitalization, waste-to-energy conversion, clean-water programs, and healthcare infrastructure to build a cleaner, more connected nation and foster regional connectivity and long-term prosperity across Central America.

About Eco Innovation Group, Inc.

Eco Innovation Group, Inc. (OTC:ECOX) is a Nevada corporation focused on providing strategic advisory and compliance services tailored to micro-cap and small-cap public companies and private enterprises preparing to enter the public markets. ECOX bridges the gap between under-resourced issuers and capital markets access by structuring and supporting share-exchange mergers, public offerings, and other transactions that create pathways for growth and shareholder value.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company's plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions, including statements regarding potential acquisitions, SEC registration, exchange uplisting, share cancellations, and future business operations. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the ability to complete acquisitions on favorable terms or at all; the ability to integrate acquired businesses successfully; risks inherent in the mining, energy storage, and infrastructure sectors; regulatory and permitting risks; market conditions; competitive factors; the ability to obtain financing; the ability to engage audit firms and complete audited financial statements; the ability to achieve and maintain compliance with SEC and exchange listing requirements; and general economic conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Contact:

Investor Relations

ecoinnovations.info@gmail.com

SOURCE: Eco Innovation Group, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/eco-innovation-group-ecox-and-wra-holdings-announce-strategic-pa-1116636
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Scottie Resources Corp. (TSXV: SCOT) (OTCQB: SCTSF) (FSE: SR80) ("Scottie" or the "Company") is pleased to report new assays from its 2025 drilling of the P-Zone within the Scottie Gold Mine Project ("Scottie Gold Mine" or the "Project"). The road-accessible Scottie Gold Mine Project, which includes the 100%-owned past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone, is located 35 kilometres north of Stewart, BC, and is the subject of a newly released Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") (Bird et al., October 28, 2025, Scottie Gold Mine Project, SEDAR+).

"The P-Zone at the Scottie Gold Mine project continues to demonstrate strong, consistent mineralization," stated Dr. Thomas Mumford, President of the Company. "Our ability to accurately model the multiple high-grade veins has been a key driver of this season's drilling success. Years of detailed geological logging and refinement of our structural understanding are now paying off - improving our confidence in predicting extensions and delivering high-quality drill targets that continue to expand the system."

Highlights:

SR25-384 intersected 8.43 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 11.40 metres (m), including 14.80 g/t gold over 6.00 m on the P-Zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2).

SR25-389 intersected 8.37 g/t gold over 4.0 m at the P-Zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2).

SR25-391 intersected 9.70 g/t gold over 1.25 m and 5.17 g/t Au over 1.00 at the M-Zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2).

Table 1: Highlight results from new drill assays (uncut) - Scottie Gold Mine

Drill Hole

From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Sub Zone SR25-384

24.55 35.95 11.40 8.43 5.77 P-Zone including 27.55 33.55 6.00 14.8 7.33 P-Zone including 27.55 28.55 1.00 41.1 20.0 P-Zone

57.00 58.00 1.00 2.00 4.00 P-Zone

65.50 66.95 1.45 14.2 7.00 P-Zone

100.55 104.20 3.65 1.45 0.00 P-Zone SR25-387

8.45 10.45 2.00 2.15 3.00 P-Zone

25.00 26.00 1.00 2.27 17.0 P-Zone

81.00 83.75 2.75 1.07 0.00 P-Zone

94.90 99.00 4.10 1.32 4.10 P-Zone SR25-389

6.20 9.20 3.00 1.44 2.00 P-Zone

55.00 56.00 1.00 1.22 5.00 P-Zone

62.00 66.00 4.00 8.37 10.0 P-Zone including 62.00 63.00 1.00 29.0 28.0 P-Zone

74.00 75.00 1.00 3.15 8.00 P-Zone

254.50 257.00 2.50 2.82 1.60 O-Zone

265.00 266.00 1.00 1.68 5.00 O-Zone SR25-391

3.85 5.10 1.25 9.70 11.0 M-Zone

145.70 146.75 1.05 5.17 15.0 M-Zone SR25-393

3.25 6.50 3.25 3.51 1.62 P-Zone

79.85 80.85 1.00 1.05 5.00 P-Zone

99.55 102.00 2.45 3.41 5.55 P-Zone

*True width of the intervals has not yet been established by drilling

Figure 1: Overview plan view map of the Scottie Gold Mine, illustrating the locations of the reported drill results, cross-section (Figure 2), and the distribution of the modelled sulphide-rich zones.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/277694_e6ed7f6c143aaae4_002full.jpg

Figure 2: Cross-section displaying Scottie Gold Mine intercepts from drill holes SR25-384, -387, -389, -391.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/277694_e6ed7f6c143aaae4_003full.jpg

Drilling in 2025 was designed to expand the existing resource while increasing geological confidence in the known zones, supporting the planned conversion of resources from the inferred to indicated category. The program also included follow-up drilling at the Wolf Zone - discovered in 2024 (see news release dated December 12, 2024) - with results to be reported as they become available. The Scottie Gold Mine zones remain open in multiple directions, representing meaningful opportunity to continue growing the Project's overall resource base.

About the Scottie Gold Mine Project

Over the past six years, exploration at the Scottie Gold Mine Project has delivered exceptional results - highlighted by the discovery of four new high-grade zones (Blueberry Contact Zone, Domino, D-Zone, and P-Zone) and the expansion of several historically drilled targets (Scottie Gold Mine, C-Zone, Bend Vein, and Stockwork).

A clear spatial relationship has emerged between these high-grade zones and the contact with the Jurassic-aged Texas Creek Plutonic Suite, providing a powerful framework for ongoing targeting. Detailed geological, structural, mineralogical, and geochemical studies now point to a shared mineralizing event across the property - linking the deposits into a broader, interconnected system with significant growth potential.

The Blueberry Contact Zone, located 2 km northeast of the 100%-owned past producing Scottie Gold Mine in BC's Golden Triangle, has rapidly advanced from a lightly drilled high-grade vein showing into a major growth target. The target was significantly advanced during Scottie's 2019 drill program when an interval was intersected in a new N-S oriented zone adjacent to the main Blueberry Vein. The drill results received from 2020 - 2024, coupled with surficial mapping and sampling suggest that the N-S mineralized trend is a controlling structure that hosts an array of SW-trending, sub-parallel, sulphide-rich veins that obliquely crosscut it which host high-grade gold. As of the end of 2024, the extent of the N-S zone, defined by the contact between andesite and siltstone units of the Hazelton Formation and the presence of the cross-cutting sulfide-rich structures, has a drilled strike length of >1,550 metres and has been tested to >525 metres depth. The Blueberry Contact Zone is located on the Granduc Road, 20 kilometres north of the Ascot Resources' Premier Mine. Newmont's Brucejack Mine is located 25 kilometres to the north.

The Company has recently completed a PEA which evaluates a low-capital DSO operation to deliver a gold-rich gravel product to Asian copper/precious metals smelters. At a gold price of US$2600/oz the project estimates an after-tax NPV(5%) of $215.8 M CAD with an IRR of 60.3%. By design, the operation will eliminate the need for a gold processing plant and tailings facility, thereby significantly reducing the capital required and resulting in a minimal environmental footprint, resulting in an initial capital cost of $128.6 M CAD. The project envisages a shallow open pit on the Blueberry Zone to start, followed by underground production from both Blueberry and the past-producing Scottie Gold Mine. The PEA also evaluates a toll milling scenario through the nearby Premier Mill, which results in an after-tax NPV(5%) $380.1 M CAD and an IRR 89.9%.

Scottie's 2025 Bulk Sample program exemplifies the unique characteristics of this mining project, and its ability to rapidly progress. From permitting to mining, crushing, transporting, shipping and sale of the product, the program was executed in under a year, generating an estimated $9M in new revenue. With this proven pathway, Scottie's has confidence in the simplicity and efficiency of its DSO model.

Quality Assurance and Control

Results from samples taken during the 2025 field season were analyzed at SGS Minerals in Burnaby, BC. The sampling program was undertaken under the direction of Dr. Thomas Mumford. The majority of drill core was NQ in diameter, with select holes of HQ size primarily taken for geomechanical purposes. Prior to sampling drill core was cut in half lengthwise, with half sent for assay and the remaining half kept in Stewart, BC. Standards, blanks, and duplicate samples were taken at intervals and frequencies that meet or exceed industry best practices. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing all samples. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+9 g/t gold). Analysis by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-AES analysis was conducted on all samples with silver and base metal over-limits being re-analyzed by emission spectrometry.

Dr. Thomas Mumford, P.Geo., non-independent and President of the Company, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company.

ABOUT SCOTTIE RESOURCES CORP.

Scottie Resources holds 100% interest in the Scottie Gold Mine Property, which includes the high-grade, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Georgia Project, host to the past-producing Georgia River Mine, as well as the Cambria, Sulu, and Tide North properties. In total, Scottie controls approximately 58,500 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims within the Stewart Mining Camp in British Columbia's Golden Triangle - one of the world's most prolific mineralized districts.

Scottie's current resource estimate on the Scottie Gold Mine Project includes a total of 703,000 gold ounces at an average grade of 6.1 g/t (Inferred category) in 3.6 millon tonnes, highlighting the development potential for a significant near-surface, high-grade deposit. The Company's strategy is to continue expanding this resource and to define additional mineralization around past-producing mines through systematic drilling and surface exploration.

The Company has recently completed a PEA for the Scottie Gold Mine. The PEA outlines a robust Direct-Ship Ore (DSO) development scenario with strong economics and significant upside through a potential toll-milling option utilizing excess capacity at the nearby Premier mill. The base case DSO project delivers an after-tax NPV(5%) of $215.8-$668.3 million at gold prices of US$2,600-$4,200/oz, respectively. Under the toll-milling scenario, project economics improve substantially, with an after-tax NPV(5%) of $380.1-$831.7 million (no agreement currently in place). The PEA estimates initial capital costs of $128.6 million, average annual production of ~65,400 oz gold over seven years, and a payback period of 1.7 years for the after-tax DSO case - reduced to just 0.9 years under the toll-milling opportunity at US$2,600/oz.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain 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 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 forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date such statements were made. 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.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277694

SOURCE: Scottie Resources Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") is pleased to announce drill core assay results from its ongoing drill program at the Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or the "Project") in southeastern Suriname (Figure 1). The results include the first phase of drilling at the Parbo target and follow-up drilling at the Da Vinci and Maria Geralda targets - three priority emerging discoveries within the 56,000 hectare (ha) Antino Gold Project.

At Parbo, inaugural drilling has outlined broad, intrusion-hosted gold mineralization with internal high-grade shear zones, highlighted by 72.0 metres (m) of 1.01 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) including 4.0 m of 11.97 g/t Au in hole PB003, and 101.0 m of 0.62 g/t Au from surface in hole PB013. At Da Vinci, step-outs continue to extend the shear-hosted gold mineralization, including 19.5 m of 2.31 g/t Au and 22.5 m of 1.38 g/t Au in hole DV016. At Maria Geralda, drilling has now expanded mineralization 400 m southeast of the initial discovery, returning broad intrusion-hosted gold with discrete high-grade zones, including 53.0 m of 0.41 g/t Au in MG006 and 12.0 m of 1.12 g/t Au in MG010, adjacent to the previously reported 22.5 m of 11.88 g/t Au in MG003.

Colin Padget, Founders' President & CEO, commented: "These results from Parbo, Da Vinci, and Maria Geralda further demonstrate the scale and consistency of the gold systems emerging across Antino. Parbo, in particular, is shaping up as a significant intrusion-hosted target with multiple shear zones that remain open in all directions. I was especially impressed with Parbo hole PB013 which, including a 10 m interval of dilution, returned 200 m of 0.51 g/t Au from surface. We will continue to advance this exciting target into the new year. Da Vinci and Maria Geralda continue to deliver robust gold mineralized intercepts within increasingly well-defined structural corridors. Each round of drilling strengthens our geological model, guiding a focused, systematic, and value-driven approach as we plan our 2026 exploration program."

Drilling Highlights

PARBO - Broad intrusion-hosted gold system with internal high-grade shear zones

PB003: 72.0 m of 1.01 g/t Au from 111.0 m, including 4.0 m of 11.97 g/t Au

72.0 m of 1.01 g/t Au from 111.0 m, including 4.0 m of 11.97 g/t Au PB013: 101.0 m of 0.62 g/t Au from surface and 77.0 m of 0.47 g/t Au from 123.0 m

101.0 m of 0.62 g/t Au from surface and 77.0 m of 0.47 g/t Au from 123.0 m PB001: 21.0 m of 0.96 g/t Au from 66.0 m and 12.0 m of 2.91 g/t Au from 262.0 m

21.0 m of 0.96 g/t Au from 66.0 m and 12.0 m of 2.91 g/t Au from 262.0 m Drilling confirms substantial gold mineralization across an ~800 m by 400 m corridor down to 250 m vertical depth and remains open

down to 250 m vertical depth and remains open Core logging of additional holes pending assay results indicate the intrusive complex, shearing, and sulphide-bearing quartz vein system extends at least 1,400 m by 800 m and to at least 275 m depth

Vertical auger sampling to depths between 10-15 m demonstrates gold mineralization extends through the oxide zone and to surface, with auger results including 13.0 m of 1.05 g/t Au (PB011) and 13.0 m of 0.79 g/t Au (PB013)

DA VINCI - Main zone expansion and discovery of new parallel structure

DV016: 19.5 m of 2.31 g/t Au from 21.6 m; 22.5 m of 1.38 g/t Au from 99.6 m; plus, additional broad shear-hosted intervals of anomalous gold mineralization

DV017: 18.0 m of 0.58 g/t Au and 4.0 m of 1.77 g/t Au

18.0 m of 0.58 g/t Au and 4.0 m of 1.77 g/t Au DV019: 22.5 m of 0.24 g/t Au in the first hole testing a new parallel structure 1.5 km southwest of Da Vinci with additional holes from this target pending assay

22.5 m of 0.24 g/t Au in the first hole testing a of Da Vinci with additional holes from this target pending assay Regional auger sampling expands the Da Vinci gold-in-auger anomaly >1.0 km southeast, while mapping, LiDAR, and magnetics collectively define a >2.5 km structural trend linking Da Vinci to Buese

MARIA GERALDA - 400 metre strike extension from discovery hole and broad intrusive-hosted mineralization

MG006: 53.0 m of 0.41 g/t Au and 17.0 m of 0.31 g/t Au

53.0 m of 0.41 g/t Au and 17.0 m of 0.31 g/t Au MG009: 3.0 m of 2.03 g/t Au and 22.5 m of 0.34 g/t Au

3.0 m of 2.03 g/t Au and 22.5 m of 0.34 g/t Au MG010: 12.0 m of 1.12 g/t Au, 2.0 m of 5.12 g/t Au, and 3.0 m of 1.71 g/t Au, plus additional mineralized intervals (see table 1)

12.0 m of 1.12 g/t Au, 2.0 m of 5.12 g/t Au, and 3.0 m of 1.71 g/t Au, plus additional mineralized intervals (see table 1) Drilling extends the mineralized trend 400 m southeast , for a total of over 600 m of drill-confirmed gold-mineralized strike

, for a Auger sampling extends the surface anomaly a further 950 m southeast towards the Van Gogh target, bringing the total length of surface anomaly to 2 km.

Geological Discussion

PARBO

Parbo is defined by a 1.2 km  0.6 km historical gold-in-auger anomaly with local 1 m auger samples grading up to 51.42 g/t Au*. Founders' Phase 1 drilling targeted mapped intrusive contacts and shear zones to successfully confirm broad, continuous zones of gold mineralization within a granodiorite intrusive body. The current drill-defined mineralized corridor measures ~800 m  400 m and down to ~250 m depth, remaining open in all directions. Geological logging from recent step-outs suggests the broader intrusive complex extends at least 1.4 km  0.8 km and to ~275 m vertical depth. Regional auger sampling has also delineated a 2.8 km NW-trending anomaly coincident with a major linear feature identified in magnetic and LiDAR datasets. Future drilling will focus on targeting these potentially higher-grade contact zones within the Parbo target area and numerous additional intrusive centres identified across the Property.

DA VINCI

Drilling at Da Vinci extends the highest-grade gold zones strike length to ~200 m confirming multiple stacked shears hosted within a dominantly sedimentary rock package. Initial drilling of a newly identified parallel structure, located 1.5 km southwest, has returned encouraging mineralization over significant widths with 22.5 m of 0.24 g/t Au in DV019. This new zone represents part of a newly identified prospective structural corridor that extends 2.5 km between Da Vinci to Buese.

MARIA GERALDA

Follow-up drilling southeast of discovery hole MG003 (22.5 m of 11.88 g/t Au; in oxide from 18 m down hole) intercepted shear-hosted mineralization along predominantly intrusive contacts and broader mineralized intervals within the intrusive body itself. Follow-up drilling and a thorough review of the structural data suggest that the high-grade zone in hole MG003 may represent a sub-horizontal shoot or rod-like body perpendicular to the main NW-trending shear zone - a common product of high-angle movement along such structures. Alternatively, narrower (< 5 m) intervals of shearing and quartz veining, locally containing anomalous gold values, were intercepted in hole MG005, ~80 m vertical distance below the MG003 saprolite interval. Additional drilling is needed to better understand the nature of high-grade gold mineralization at this target, however, these drill results extend the gold mineralized footprint at Maria Geralda to over 600 m, whilst anomalous results from recent surface geochemistry (auger) suggests the gold system extends more than double that to approximately 1.3 km, and the target retains considerable potential for future exploration work.

The 2025 program continues to demonstrate that Antino hosts multiple mineralizing centres across a regional structural framework with both high-grade shear zones and broad intrusion-hosted systems. All eight target areas drilled to date have returned significant gold mineralization. Gold mineralization at Antino occurs in several settings:

Shear zones within folded metavolcanic-metasedimentary units (Froyo, Da Vinci, Van Gogh)

Along intrusive contacts (Donut, Maria Geralda)

Within high-strain zones internal to intrusive bodies (Parbo, Lower Antino, Buese)

The Company is currently preparing its 2026 exploration plan to incorporate drill-ready targets from the newly acquired expanded concession area and incoming high-resolution airborne geophysics and expanded regional geochemical surveys. An exploration and drilling plan for 2026 will be released early in the coming year along with additional pending drill assay results from Parbo, Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Lower Antino.

About Founders Metals Inc.

Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 56,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from historical surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company is systematically advancing one of Suriname's most promising gold exploration and development opportunities with drill-confirmed, district-scale potential. Founders is committed to responsible exploration, community engagement, and delivering long-term value to shareholders through technical excellence and strategic growth in the Guiana Shield.

12022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Quality Assurance and Control

Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

Figure 1: Antino Gold Project Property Map

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Figure 2: Parbo Plan Map

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Figure 3: Parbo Cross Section

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Figure 4: Parbo Drill Core

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Figure 5: Da Vinci Plan Map

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Figure 6: Maria Geralda Plan Map

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Table 1: Assay Results

Drillhole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) PB001 0.0 33.6 33.60 0.48 and 66.0 87.0 21.00 0.96 and 97.0 106.0 9.00 0.49 and 158.0 198.0 40.00 0.20 and 262.0 274.0 12.00 2.91 and 303.0 309.0 6.00 0.67 PB002 0.0 69.6 69.60 0.36 and 102.0 140.0 38.00 0.52 and 157.0 178.0 21.00 0.30 PB003 111.0 196.0 72.00 1.01 incl. 151.0 155.0 4.00 11.97 PB004 0.0 23.1 23.10 0.90 and 32.1 38.1 6.00 0.94 and 125.0 144.0 19.00 0.36 PB005 0.0 12.6 12.60 0.21 and 23.0 77.0 54.00 0.28 and 118.0 122.0 4.00 0.55 PB006 33.0 61.0 28.00 0.30 and 154.0 172.0 18.00 0.25 PB007 27.6 48.0 20.40 0.48 PB008 31.0 60.0 29.00 0.21 and 96.0 102.0 6.00 0.63 and 109.0 111.0 2.00 2.24 and 155.0 162.0 7.00 0.48 and 174.0 200.0 26.00 0.31 and 206.0 228.0 22.00 0.30 PB009 112.0 122.0 10.00 0.23 and 133.0 146.0 13.00 0.22 PB010 0.0 14.1 14.10 0.26 and 163.0 223.0 60.00 0.31 PB011 0.0 6.6 6.60 0.35 and 140.0 143.0 3.00 2.94 and 153.0 163.0 10.00 0.79 PB012 73.0 120.0 47.00 0.21 PB013 0.0 101.0 101.00 0.62 and 107.0 113.0 6.00 0.40 and 123.0 200.0 77.00 0.47 DV009 NSA DV010 NSA DV011 0.0 3.6 3.60 0.65 and 18.6 24.6 6.00 0.62 and 51.6 65.1 13.50 0.24 DV012 NSA DV013 148.0 150.0 2.0 3.74 DV014 NSA DV015 NSA DV016 0.0 9.6 9.60 0.25 and 21.6 41.1 19.50 2.31 and 60.6 68.1 7.50 0.65 and 99.6 122.1 22.50 1.38 DV017 68.1 78.6 10.50 0.22 and 194.0 212.0 18.00 0.58 and 219.0 223.0 4.00 1.77 DV018 NSA DV019 68.1 90.6 22.50 0.24 DV020 NSA MG004 NSA MG005 NSA MG006 259.0 276.0 17.00 0.31 and 286.0 339.0 53.00 0.41 MG007 NSA MG008 24.6 33.6 9.00 0.25 and 250.0 264.0 14.00 0.43 MG009 50.1 53.1 3.00 2.03 and 66.6 89.1 22.50 0.34 and 141.0 144.0 3.00 0.82 and 177.0 187.0 10.00 0.35 MG010 8.1 20.1 12.00 1.12 and 111.0 114.0 3.00 1.71 and 192.0 194.0 2.00 5.12 and 202.0 211.0 9.00 0.60 MG011 NSA MG012 119.0 127.0 8.00 0.27 and 147.0 155.0 8.00 0.50 and 165.0 167.0 2.00 1.31 MG013 9.6 18.6 9.00 0.33 and 24.6 30.6 6.00 1.91 MG014 0.0 11.1 11.10 0.62 MG015 330.0 332.0 2.00 1.08

* Intervals are down-hole depths. True widths of mineralization are estimated to be approximately 75-85% of the down-hole interval based on currently available results and observations. All are diamond drill holes. Interval average grades are calculated with un-capped gold assays, as insufficient drilling has been completed to determine capping levels for higher grade gold intercepts. Average widths are calculated using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off grade with <5.0 m of internal dilution of zero grade, and a minimum composite length of 2.0 m. Intervals below 1.0 gram-metre or with average grade below 0.2 g/t Au are not reported.

Table 2: Upper Antino Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Depth (m) DV009 824517.63 394465.19 143.45 210.00 -49.80 330.03 DV010 824570.19 394617.27 142.71 209.70 -50.10 395.00 DV011 824604.13 394352.76 186.70 210.10 -59.80 244.98 DV012 824945.08 394387.72 169.21 209.90 -49.70 261.70 DV013 824752.68 394438.45 149.99 160.20 -59.80 277.54 DV014 825062.81 394039.44 151.02 250.40 -49.80 311.00 DV015 825036.78 394190.36 162.72 250.10 -49.70 242.00 DV016 824717.20 394311.83 192.31 30.00 -50.00 209.00 DV017 824544.41 394323.58 187.12 30.20 -50.00 260.00 DV018 824437.00 394719.00 147.49 210.00 -49.90 209.00 DV019 823467.00 393895.50 194.22 220.30 -50.00 212.00 DV020 823540.35 393982.90 204.91 220.10 -50.00 242.00 MG004 825831.28 398345.90 153.02 70.20 -50.30 302.09 MG005 825667.01 398200.86 144.51 70.40 -50.20 197.00 MG006 825706.13 398301.42 164.36 150.00 -50.30 341.00 MG007 825651.73 398261.50 158.69 69.90 -50.40 208.96 MG008 825918.05 397809.14 102.53 90.00 -50.20 356.00 MG009 825890.38 397907.11 130.93 90.20 -49.90 326.20 MG010 826055.14 397907.85 106.25 90.30 -49.80 296.03 MG011 825365.05 397533.42 148.30 90.00 -50.00 269.00 MG012 825211.36 397539.39 144.91 89.90 -50.00 253.93 MG013 825377.14 397229.44 149.19 90.10 -50.00 293.03 MG014 825527.84 397250.73 153.76 90.00 -50.00 266.04 MG015 825745.35 397902.30 109.11 89.90 -50.00 344.00 PB001 826249.46 401902.16 113.39 90.00 -50.00 314.00 PB002 826126.02 401900.72 106.02 90.10 -50.30 221.00 PB003 826011.48 401901.42 98.54 90.20 -50.30 199.90 PB004 826265.88 402097.72 117.39 90.00 -50.40 203.00 PB005 826301.99 402291.16 100.37 90.00 -50.00 203.00 PB006 826405.37 402300.23 100.20 90.00 -50.30 205.98 PB007 826203.76 402571.06 107.99 90.10 -50.30 200.01 PB008 826572.88 402474.75 85.75 270.00 -50.20 233.00 PB009 826571.48 402472.76 85.59 90.10 -50.40 221.03 PB010 826350.31 401927.31 87.98 50.00 -50.00 266.00 PB011 826115.48 401803.47 93.01 270.00 -50.10 233.02 PB012 826235.59 401806.84 106.18 270.40 -50.20 209.00 PB013 826359.71 401798.80 93.82 270.50 -50.20 206.00

*The coordinate reference system is WGS 84, UTM zone 21N (EPSG 32621)

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the Company's prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277718

SOURCE: Founders Metals Inc.
Riverlane, the global leader in quantum error correction (QEC), today announced the appointment of Professor Barbara Terhal as a Riverlane Fellow in Delft, the Netherlands. The move marks the next step in Riverlane's European expansion and establishes the company's first dedicated European hub for QEC research and development at the House of Quantum.

Professor Terhal joins Professors Earl Campbell and Dan Browne as one of Riverlane's Fellows, a select group of world-leading scientists who help guide and achieve the key milestones on the Riverlane's roadmap. QEC Fellows play a central role in advancing foundational QEC science and shaping Riverlane's long-term research direction.

Steve Brierley, CEO Founder of Riverlane said: "Professor Terhal's appointment marks our critical expansion into Delft and signals Riverlane's deepening commitment to Europe's quantum ecosystem. Delft is an extraordinary centre of research and collaboration, and Barbara's leadership will help strengthen the bridge between science and industry in quantum error correction. She is one of the world's leading theorists in quantum error correction, whose research on quantum codes and fault-tolerant architectures has defined much of the field. As QEC moves rapidly from research to practical implementation, her insight will be invaluable in guiding our scientific direction and helping us achieve our mission to master quantum error correction and unlock a new age of human progress.

Located at the House of Quantum, a key centre in Europe's rapidly growing quantum technology ecosystem, Riverlane's Delft hub will focus on applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to advance quantum error correction. The team will develop AI-based decoders and tools to strengthen Riverlane's real-time QEC technology, Deltaflow, and its open-source software platform, Deltakit, driving progress toward utility-scale quantum computing.

On her recent appointment, Barbara shared: "To reach utility-scale quantum systems, we must overcome the central challenge of quantum error correction. Riverlane is a leading player with the expertise and focus to turn QEC from theory into technology, and I'm excited to help strengthen that bridge from Europe. Delft has long been a leader in experimental quantum research, and this new hub will create a European centre of gravity for error correction and support the development of new AI tools that can accelerate progress in this critical field."

"Quantum error correction is the key to unlocking large-scale quantum computers, and our work in Delft will focus on making it faster, smarter and more efficient," noted Neil Gillespie, VP of Applied Research at Riverlane. "By applying AI across Riverlane's QEC technologies, we can push the limits of performance in Deltaflow and expand the capabilities of Deltakit. Barbara's expertise in foundational QEC theory will help ensure this work is grounded in world-class science.

Over the coming years, House of Quantum will serve as a hub for Riverlane's research and team growth, reinforcing the company's commitment to mastering QEC and deepening collaboration across Europe's quantum community. Already a valued partner of leading Dutch companies including Qblox, Quantware and Orange Quantum Systems, the establishment of a permanent presence in Delft will strengthen these partnerships and help position Europe at the forefront of the global quantum computing industry.

Dr. Barbara Terhal

Dr Barbara Terhal is Professor of Quantum Computing at Delft University of Technology and QuTech, and one of the world's foremost experts in quantum error correction. A pioneer of fault-tolerant quantum computing, her research has defined much of the theoretical foundation for today's error-corrected quantum systems. Her collaboration with Riverlane brings exceptional scientific leadership to the company's mission to master quantum error correction.

About Riverlane

Riverlane is the world leader in quantum error correction (QEC), the technology that unlocks quantum computing's promise of a new age of human progress. We partner with over 60% of the world's quantum computer companies and leading high-performance computing (HPC) centres to solve the error problem blocking their path to 'utility-scale' systems that can transform multiple industries. Our real-time QEC stack, Deltaflow, works with all major qubit types and includes proprietary QEC chips, decoders and a compiler. Deltakit, our software platform, helps quantum developers learn, develop and adopt QEC. Founded in 2016, Riverlane's has its global headquarters in Cambridge, UK and its US headquarters in Boston. The company has raised over $120 million in private funding, including an $85 million Series C in 2024. Learn more here: https://www.riverlane.com/.

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Contacts:

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LONDON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Davis & Shirtliff, one of East Africa's most influential distributors of pumps, solar power systems, and water solutions, has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the Global Corporate Excellence Awards 2025. The company won "Company of the Year - Africa: Engineering Innovation in Water & Energy Solutions" and the "Sustainability & ESG Leadership Award - Africa", recognising both its technological innovation and commitment to sustainable business practices.

The Global Corporate Excellence Awards are widely regarded as the pinnacle of corporate recognition, celebrating companies and visionary leaders who push the boundaries of excellence. Spanning categories including Business Innovation, Digital Transformation, Sustainability, Financial Excellence, and Customer Experience, the awards highlight organisations that drive impactful change across industries and regions.

Davis & Shirtliff's win in the engineering innovation category reflects its leadership in transforming the African water and energy markets. With its in-house brand Dayliff, the company has developed locally designed pumps, digital monitoring systems, and solar-powered pumping solutions that deliver reliable water access while reducing energy consumption. These initiatives not only demonstrate technical excellence but also enable communities to thrive where electricity is scarce or inconsistent.

The Sustainability & ESG Leadership Award recognises Davis & Shirtliff's commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility. Through its flagship CSR programme, Improving Lives, the company has installed solar-powered water solutions benefiting over 250,000 people in schools, clinics, and community centres across East Africa. By combining environmental sustainability with social impact, Davis & Shirtliff exemplifies responsible corporate citizenship, supporting both local communities and long-term development goals.

Founded in 1946 as a small family operation in post-war Kenya, Davis & Shirtliff now operates around 120 branches across 11 countries and employs more than 1,000 people. Its blend of family heritage and professional management has enabled the company to scale regionally while maintaining a culture of quality, reliability, and social responsibility.

Chairman Alec Davis said:"These awards are a tribute to our team and the communities we serve. Innovation and sustainability have always been at the heart of Davis & Shirtliff, and we are proud that our work in providing clean water and sustainable energy is being recognised on a global stage."

From pioneering solar-powered pumping to embedding digital monitoring systems and supporting community development, Davis & Shirtliff demonstrates how innovation, sustainability, and purpose can drive long-term impact. The company's dual recognition at the Global Corporate Excellence Awards 2025 underscores its status as a regional leader in water, energy, and responsible business practices.

For more information about Davis & Shirtliff and its award-winning initiatives, visit https://www.davisandshirtliff.com/ .

Further information about the Business Worldwide Magazine Awards can be found at https://www.bwmonline.com/awards

About Business Worldwide Magazine

Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enable an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few.

Contact

David Jones

Awards Department

E: david@bwmonline.com

W: www.bwmonline.com

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ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wild Fish. Wild Places. with Emilie Bjorkman, a captivating new documentary-style YouTube series hosted by environmental activist and renowned free fly fisher Emilie Bjorkman, launched this fall. Produced by Loop, a company committed to producing elite fly-fishing equipment and the conservation of wild fish populations, the six-part series celebrate the deep connection between fly fishing, nature, and conservation.

Filmed across six countries, including Argentina, Canada, Iceland, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States, Wild Fish. Wild Places. with Emilie Bjorkman spotlights passionate fly fishers, scientists, and conservationists working to preserve wild fish populations and their habitats. In each of the six episodes, Bjorkman meets with local experts and draws viewers into the cultural and environmental significance of fly fishing. These episodes are just the beginning of a long-running series, with more episodes to come in 2026.

"The beauty of fly fishing is that it's more than just a sport-it's a way to build a deeper appreciation for nature," said Bjorkman, who also serves as the project's producer and brand ambassador for Loop. "This series was created to inspire people to explore the outdoors, care for wild places, and understand their role in conservation."

A Revitalized Vision for Loop

Under the ownership of Cox Enterprises since late 2024, Loop has reinvigorated its focus on sustainability and conservation leadership.

"Protecting wild rivers and wild places is a critical part of our environmental mission at Cox. And for me, it's personal," said Alex Taylor, chairman and chief executive officer at Cox Enterprises. "I've spent the majority of my life chasing salmon runs, and if I do one thing before I die, I'll be very happy if it's protecting a river forever."

"At Loop, we know fly fishing is more than a hobby, it's a way of life. This new series is designed for anglers who embrace the craft and are passionate about preserving natural settings through progressive conservation. It's built for those who cherish every aspect of the experience," said Jim Coates, chief executive officer of Loop.

The series reflects this renewed vision, blending breathtaking visuals with compelling storytelling to inspire action. Behind the scenes, photographer and editor Ted Logart emphasized the collaboration required to bring the project to life. "The unpredictability of filming in nature made this a challenge, but the incredible people we met, both on and off camera, made it possible."

About Loop

Loop crafts expert fly-fishing gear for adventure in wild places. Its precise Scandinavian designs reflect the company's belief that when nature is personal, protecting it is instinctual. Founded in 1983 in Nordic waters teeming with wild salmon, the company pioneered innovations like the large arbor reel and the underhand cast, and pushed the boundaries of angling experiences into far-flung places from Labrador to Tierra del Fuego. As part of the Cox family of businesses, Loop is crafting more of the innovative gear Loop anglers appreciate-with increasing sustainability for a bigger purpose. To learn more, visit LoopTackle.com.

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Modern workspace supports continued growth and innovation

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ProPharma, the leading global provider of regulatory, clinical, and compliance services for the life sciences industry and a portfolio company of Odyssey Investment Partners, today announced the official inauguration of its new office in Hyderabad, India, on November 17, 2025.

Strategically located in Mindspace, at the heart of Hyderabad's technology corridor (HITEC City/Madhapur), the new office places ProPharma among the world's leading Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in the pharmaceutical industry. Mindspace is also the first commercial business park in Hyderabad to receive a Gold rating from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). The prominent placement of the ProPharma logo atop the building underscores the company's growing presence and brand visibility in India.

The expansion supports ProPharma's continued growth trajectory by providing capacity for additional team members across multiple service lines and creating a modern, collaborative environment designed to inspire innovation and connection. More than 70 employees participated in the inaugural celebration.

"This milestone represents an important step forward in ProPharma's global expansion," said Jason DeGoes, President, ProPharma. "Our new Hyderabad office strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality, integrated solutions for our clients around the world and reflects our commitment to building an exceptional environment for our teams."

"We're proud to establish a world-class workspace in Hyderabad-one designed to foster creativity, efficiency, and collaboration," added Pavan Hemadri, Director of Business Operations, ProPharma. "This move enhances our ability to attract top local talent and better serve our clients across regulatory, clinical, and compliance domains."

The new state-of-the-art facility features open, collaborative workspaces aligned with ProPharma's global culture of innovation and operational excellence. It also underscores ProPharma's long-term investment in India as a key hub supporting its worldwide operations.

About ProPharma

For the last 25 years, ProPharma has improved the health and wellness of patients by providing advice and expertise that empowers biotech, med device, and pharmaceutical organizations of all sizes to confidently advance scientific breakthroughs and introduce new therapies. With deep domain expertise in regulatory sciences, clinical research solutions, quality and compliance, pharmacovigilance, medical information, FSP solutions, and digital transformation, ProPharma offers an end-to-end suite of fully customizable consulting solutions that de-risk and accelerate our partners' most high-profile drug and device programs. For more information about ProPharma, please visit?propharmagroup.com.

About Odyssey Investment Partners

Odyssey Investment Partners is a leading private equity investment firm with more than a 25-year history of partnering with skilled managers to transform middle-market companies into more efficient and diversified businesses with strong growth profiles. Odyssey makes majority-controlled investments in industries with a long-term positive outlook and favorable secular trends. For further information about Odyssey, please visit odysseyinvestment.com.

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FDA clearance received to start the pivotal, 500-patient, placebo-controlled Phase 3 "PREVAiLS" study of pridopidine in participants with early, rapidly progressive ALS; US recruitment set to begin early 2026

PREVAiLS (Pridopidine Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Efficacy Safety in ALS), will be conducted in up to 60 leading ALS treatment centers globally

Study aims to confirm Phase 2 data from HEALEY trial participants with rapidly progressive ALS, early in their disease course, showing the potential for clinically meaningful improvements with pridopidine in multiple domains of disease progression, speech and survival

Manuscript describing these subgroup analyses from the HEALY ALS Platform Trial accepted for publication in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration (ALS FTD)i

Prilenia Therapeutics B.V. and Ferrertoday announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the start of the pivotal, 500-patient, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study of pridopidine in participants with rapidly progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) early in their disease course. Recruitment is planned to begin at the first US clinical trial sites in early 2026, with sites in Europe and other regions to follow, pending local clinical trial clearance.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211232354/en/

PREVAiLS (Pridopidine Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety in ALS) will be conducted in up to 60 leading ALS treatment centers across the US, Canada, EU, UK and Israelii. Aiming to confirm pridopidine's Phase 2 data, the study will target the same subgroup population, enrolling participants with definite or probable ALS (El Escorial Criteria) and who are within 18 months from first onset of disease symptoms.

The study will consist of an initial 48-week double-blind placebo-controlled phase, randomized on a 3:2 (pridopidine:placebo) basis, followed by a 48-week open-label extension phase. The primary endpoint will be the change from baseline in ALSFRS-R adjusted for mortality at 48 weeks. Secondary and exploratory endpoints will include measures of speech, respiratory function, bulbar function, quality of life and effect of pridopidine on survival, as well as patient-reported outcomes of communication and plasma biomarkersiii. A study website providing more details will be launched soon at https://prevailstrial.com/.

PREVAiLS is predicated on subgroup analyses of data from 284 subjects with rapidly progressive ALS early in their disease course (120 in the pridopidine group and 164 in the shared placebo group) from the Phase 2 HEALEY ALS Platform trial, showing potentially clinically meaningful improvements with pridopidine in multiple domains of disease progression, speech and survival.

These subgroup analyses from the HEALY ALS Platform Trial, described in a manuscript accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed journal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration (ALS FTD), showed a 32% slowing of overall progression (ALSFRS-R, p=0.03), a 62% slowing of respiratory function worsening (p=0.03) and slowing of decline of dyspnea by 88% (p=0.005), with articulation and speaking rate deterioration reduced by 93% (p=0.0007) and 70% (p=0.002) respectively, at 24 weeks (p-values nominal).

These data also showed a 57% improvement in survival benefit for patients taking pridopidine, prolonging median survival time from 300 to 600 days (n=49, 37 pridopidine-to-pridopidine, early start group, 12 placebo-to-pridopidine, delayed start group)iv, and a favorable safety profilei

"This study has the clear aim of evaluating the efficacy and safety of a much-needed new treatment option for ALS," said Sabrina Paganoni, MD, PhD, Co-Director, MGH Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI) and PREVAiLS Steering Committee member and investigator. "Early detection and management are essential for preserving function, with slowing of functional decline, maintaining speech and prolonging survival being ALS therapeutic priorities. This makes pridopidine's S1R activation mechanism of particular interest, holding promise in ALS by enhancing key cellular mechanisms and promoting neuroprotection".

"These data show the potential for benefits with pridopidine seen across multiple functional domains including overall progression, respiratory, bulbar and speech functionality. This together with the signal of improved survival provides strong rationale to proceed to Phase 3 evaluation of pridopidine," said Merit E. Cudkowicz, MD, MSC, Executive Director Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute, Director of the Sean M. Healey AMG Center for ALS at Mass General Brigham, PREVAiLS Steering Committee member and author on the ALS FTD paper.

"The FDA's clearance to start PREVAiLS is significant, providing an immediate opportunity to begin a pivotal Phase 3 study with the aim of bringing a promising, oral, well tolerated new therapy to patients," said Henk Schuring, Prilenia's Chief Regulatory and Commercialization Officer. "The publication of the data by ALS FTD will provide the ALS community with a clear view of the basis for the design of PREVAiLS and our confidence in pridopidine's capabilities, as we aim to confirm pridopidine's results in this population of people living with ALS."

About pridopidine

Pridopidine (45 mg twice daily) is a potent and selective, orally administered sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist that stimulates key neuroprotective mechanisms impaired in neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS and HDv. It has a favorable safety and tolerability profile, demonstrated in a safety database of more than 1,600 people, extending, in some cases, up to seven years on active treatment.

Pridopidine is also being utilized in the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS (ACT) for ALS Expanded Access Program (EAP), supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), being run by the Sean M. Healey AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital (NCT06069934)vi. This ongoing EAP has completed enrollment of 200 people with ALS who were not eligible for other clinical trials.

In addition to ALS, pridopidine is in late-stage clinical development for HD, with Prilenia and Ferrer planning to initiate a confirmatory study in HD designed to confirm pridopidine's effects and support global regulatory approval pathway discussions. Study is expected to start recruitment in the first half of 2026.

Pridopidine has Orphan Drug designation in HD and ALS in the US and EU, and FDA Fast Track designation for the treatment of HD.

About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or often referred to as motor neuron disease (MND), is a rare, chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects approximately 500,000 people worldwide. There are approximately 140,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. The average life span from the onset of symptoms is approximately 2 to 5 years.

In people living with ALS, motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord that convey messages to the muscles degenerate, affecting the brain's ability to communicate with muscles. This leads to muscle wasting and progressive paralysis. People living with ALS rapidly lose their ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe, and become fully dependent on their caretakers. Treatment options are limited.

Dysfunction of the S1R has been associated with multiple forms of ALS, and maintaining S1R functionality may play a key role in protecting neuronal function.

About Prilenia

Prilenia is a private biopharmaceutical company driven by an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and accelerating progress for people affected by Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Our mission is simple but urgent: to develop and provide sustainable access to transformative medicines for people affected by devastating neurodegenerative diseases.

Prilenia is partnered with Ferrer for the commercialization and co-development of pridopidine.

The company is incorporated in the Netherlands and backed by leading life sciences investors.

For more information, please visit www.prilenia.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

About Ferrer

At Ferrer, we use business to fight for social justice. We have long been a company that wants to do things differently; instead of maximizing shareholder returns, we reinvest much of our profit in initiatives that give back to society. Back where it belongs. We go beyond compliance and are guided by the highest standards of sustainability, ethics and integrity. As such, since 2022, we are a B Corp.

Founded in Barcelona in 1959, Ferrer offers transformative solutions for life-threatening diseases in more than one hundred countries. In line with our purpose, we have an increasing focus on pulmonary vascular and interstitial lung diseases and rare neurological disorders in adults and children. Our 1,800-strong team is driven by a clear conviction: our business is not an end in itself, but a way to change lives.

We are Ferrer. Ferrer for good. www.ferrer.com

______________________________________ i Geva M, et al. Pridopidine Treatment in ALS: Subgroup Analyses from the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial" Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. In press. ii Ex-US enrollment is planned to begin following relevant local regulatory approvals. iii van den Berg L, et al. A planned Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pridopidine in participants with ALS 36th International Symposium on ALS/MND, San Diego, CA, USA, December 2025. iv The early-start group (pridopidine-to-pridopidine) had a median survival time of 600 days, compared to 300 days in the delayed start group (placebo-to-pridopidine). At 300 days, the survival probability in the early-start pridopidine group was 85%, with a log rank test p-value of 0.069. In addition, Cox regression analysis adjusted from ENCALS score only yielded a HR of 0.429 (p=0.052), indicating a 57% relative reduction in hazard for the early start group compared with the delayed start group. v Naia, L., Ly, P., Mota, S.I. et al. The Sigma-1 Receptor Mediates Pridopidine Rescue of Mitochondrial Function in Huntington Disease Models. Neurotherapeutics 18, 1017-1038 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-021-01022-9 vi A Second Intermediate-Size Expanded Access Protocol (EAP) for Pridopidine in People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Pridopidine EAP 2). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06069934?cond=ALS&intr=pridopidine&rank=2

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Contacts:

Media Contacts:



Prilenia Contact

Rob Cohen, Head of Corporate Communications

rob.cohen@prilenia.com



Ferrer Contact

Alba Soler, Director of Communication

asolerc@ferrer.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Penbar Capital Ltd. (TSXV: EVI) ("Penbar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of November 18, 2025, it will be completing a corporate name change to "Eastport Critical Metals Corp." and will begin trading under its new name at the start of trading on or about Monday, December 15, 2025 on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's ISIN and CUSIP numbers will change to CA27778Y1088 and 27778Y108, respectively.

The name change is being effected in connection with the previously completed Qualifying Transaction, as defined under TSX Venture Exchange Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies, with Eastport Ventures Inc. and 1001160772 Ontario Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company closed on November 10, 2025. The name change was delayed due to strike action by the British Columbia General Employees' Union, which delayed processing at the British Columbia corporate registry.

There is no change to the Company's ticker symbol and no action is required to be taken by shareholders with respect to the name change. Outstanding share and warrant certificates are not affected by the name change and do not need to be exchanged.

About Eastport

Eastport is a 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.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi"

Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi, CEO

Penbar Capital Ltd.

For further information about Eastport, please contact:

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/277649

SOURCE: Penbar Capital Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Origen Resources Inc. (CSE: ORGN) (FSE: 4VXA) is pleased to announce results from the recently completed LiDAR and rock sampling programs on its 100%-owned, road accessible Broken Handle and Bonanza projects located north of Grand Forks in southern B.C.

Key Highlights:

Broken Handle

Complete LiDAR coverage over the Broken Handle project revealed at least 32 potential historical workings previously unknown to the Company.

Follow-up groundwork confirmed new mineralized showings returning up to 92 g/t Ag, 0.59% Cu, 0.377 g/t Au.

Field observations prompted new staking application to increase Broken Handle project by 356 ha to cover area of rediscovered significant historical mining activity.

Bonanza Mountain

Complete LiDAR coverage over the Bonanza project revealed at least 11 potential historical workings previously unknown to the Company.

Two shallow backpack drill holes were completed to determine representative grade and minerology of Main Shaft skarn returning a notable intercept of 0.52% Cu, 2.81 % Zn, 0.022 % W, and 10.8 g/t Ag over 0.9 m.

Tungsten grades noted within the Main Shaft skarn for the first time on the Property.

"The shear number of new LiDAR generated targets across these two projects is quite impressive and is a testament to the mineral potential that the historic miners exploited. Some of the workings are quite expansive and would represent years of work to put in place. We hope by applying modern day exploration methodology to the area we can discover a new critical/precious metal camp that would rival the nearby historic Franklin camp." states Gary Schellenberg, CEO and Director.

Broken Handle

Property Highlights

Broken Handle is located 3 km south of the prolific Franklin silver/gold mining camp 2 which was a center of activity in the early 1900s and spanned a period of 76 years.

Recent exploration work rediscovered several historically prominent mineral occurrences including showings that have not seen exploration work since the 1920's.

Highlighted grab samples1 from prior Origen work include 23 g/t Au with 973 g/t Ag from the Zap showing, 7.17 g/t Au from the Alco showing, 0.53 g/t Au, 363 g/t Ag and 0.616% Cu from the Morrell Camp and 0.5 g/t Au, 315 g/t Ag and 1.58% Cu from the C.P.R. showing.

The road-accessible Broken Handle project covers prospective geology as well as historical and new mineral showings similar in nature to those found at the prolific Franklin Camp2 located three km north. Over a 76-year period, the Franklin Camp produced greater than 1,392,000 oz. Ag and 55,500 oz Au (UNION Minfile 082ENE003 Production Detail Report). Two distinct styles of mineralization are evident at the Project; polymetallic epithermal veins (Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu +/- Au), potentially related to the regional Granby Fault and Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag-Au skarns associated with limestone and marble lenses in contact with intrusive rocks.

Assay results from the 2025 field campaign (see news release dated October 16, 2025) confirm the prospectivity of the project, highlighted by the discovery of significant workings within the reverted Tripoli Crown grant and the extension of the Silver Queen vein at least 80 m further west (Figure 1).

On the Tripoli, an adit and associated blast pits/trenches were revealed by the LiDAR survey. Assays taken from outcrop here returned up to 0.59% Cu and 15 g/t Ag. At the Silver Queen (Minfile 082ESE108) a blast trench was identified approximately 80 m west along strike of the main shaft that exposed quartz vein material. A grab sample taken of the quartz material assayed 92 g/t Ag and 0.377 g/t Au, and a second sample assayed 41.6 g/t Ag and 0.18% Cu, both of which compare favorably to historical sampling by the Company at the main showing. In total, 17 rock samples were submitted for assay; Cu values ranged from 64 - 5878 ppm, Ag from 0.2 to 92.14 ppm, and Au 0.004 - 0.377 ppm.

Also of significance, a large timber-framed adit with steel rail and numerous secondary workings were discovered just off the claims to the north in an area with no known mineralization. As the locality was not part of the property at the time, field personnel performed only cursory evaluations. An application has now been submitted to encompass the workings with a new claim totalling 356.52 ha. The claim status is currently pending approval under the new Mineral Claims Consultation Framework.

Origen plans an aggressive field program in 2026 to explore in detail the new workings and bring the project to drill-ready status. To facilitate this, a Multi-Year Notice of Work permit will be applied for, UAV aerial work and underground mapping will be contemplated, and geochemical grids will be extended both north and south to cover newly rediscovered historical workings.

Bonanza Mountain

Property Highlights

Bonanza Mountain covers the historical Knight's Camp, a scene of significant exploration and development activity over a short period from the late 1800s through to the early 1900s.

Exploration work by the Company in 2018/2019 rediscovered underground and surface workings unexplored since the early 1900s and outlined a >1 km long polymetallic soil anomaly associated with these workings

Highlighted grab samples1 from 2018/2019 include 2.44% Cu, 31 g/t Ag from the Main Shaft, 266 g/t Ag, 3.14% Pb and 5.31% Zn from the Cataclasite showing, and 19.7 g/t Au, 28 g/t Ag from the Winze showing.

The Bonanza Mountain property consists of three claims totalling 802 ha., is readily road-accessible, and is situated approximately 20 km due north of Grand Forks, B.C., on the east slope of the Granby River. The project encompasses the historic Knight's Camp, centered on the Bonanza, Mountain View, Colorado and Nevada lapsed Crown grants on what is locally known as Bonanza Mountain. The project is prospective for Cu-Zn-Ag-W skarn and Au-Ag epithermal mineralization.

The 2025 field program focussed on obtaining the representative grade and mineralogy of the skarn occurrence at the Main Shaft in addition to ground-truthing some of the new LiDAR features. Overall, nine total samples were submitted for assay. Results ranging from 33 - 15580 ppm Cu, 0.2 - 23.3 g/t Ag, 3 - 28100 ppm Zn, and 0.07 - 222 ppm W were obtained.

Two backpack drill holes were completed at the Main Shaft. The first hole collared into chlorite-epidote skarn with malachite on fracture planes near surface. This interval returned 0.52% Cu, 2.81% Zn, 0.022% W and 10.82 g/t Ag over 0.9 m. The second hole was collared approximately 0.5 m east, also encountering chlorite-epidote skarn, but with no visible copper staining. Hole 2 assayed 0.59% Cu, 2.77% Zn, and 6.4 g/t Ag over 0.65 m.

Two grab1 samples were taken from the edge of the Main Shaft, returning 1.56% Cu, 0.13% Zn, and 8.2 g/t Ag from sample C0153123 and 0.62% Cu, 0.66% Zn, and 23.3 g/t Ag from sample C0153124.

A new showing was discovered on the south slope of Bonanza Mountain while following up on suspected historical workings identified from the LiDAR survey. Collected in the vicinity of multiple previously unknown blast pits and shallow adits covering an area of roughly 300 m2, sample C0153127 assayed 0.28% Cu and 10.3 g/t Ag (Figure 1).

Follow-up activities planned for 2026 will include UAV aerial work and further ground-truthing of LiDAR prospects to bring this project to drill ready status. In anticipation, the Company will be applying for a Multi-Year Notice of Work permit to facilitate more advanced exploration.

Sample Preparation and QA/QC

Origen fieldwork followed industry standard practices. Rock samples were collected by the field crew, placed into clear poly bags, and labelled. All samples were transported directly from the property and stored securely in camp. Samples were analysed by MSALABS of Langley B.C., a certified analytical laboratory (ISO 9001 and ISO 17025) with experience in the chemical analysis of geological materials.

Samples were prepared using code PRP-910 (dry, crush 1kg to 2mm, split 250g & pulverize to 85% -75m). Samples were analyzed via code IMS-128 in which 20 g of pulverized analyte is dissolved in true aqua regia then subjected to ICP-ES and ICP-MS to produce a 39-element suite.

Due to the grassroots nature of the field work standards and blanks were not inserted by the Company into the sample stream. MSALABS inserted standardized reference materials and blanks within their stream and performed duplicate measurements. Results from MSALABS QA/QC produced expected values.

1Grab samples are by definition selective. Grab samples are solely designed to show the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to provide nor should be construed as a representative indication of grade or mineralization at the Project.

2 Referenced nearby historic resources, deposits and mines provide geologic context for the Project but are not necessarily indicative that the Project hosts similar potential, size or grades of mineralization.

Arlington Update

Origen has received the final option payment from Equity Metals Corporation of $50,000 plus 2,000,000 shares to complete the 100% sale of the Project, subject to a 1% NSR on the Project held by Origen.

Patrick McLaughlin, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101, has supervised the preparation, or approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release. Mr. McLaughlin is employed by Coast Mountain Geological Ltd. He is not independent of the Company as defined in NI 43-101.

About Origen

Origen Resources Inc. is a project generator focused on identifying and advancing high-potential mineral exploration opportunities. The Company is currently conducting due diligence on a prospective rare earth element project in Brazil under a recently signed Letter of Intent, while continuing to advance its 100%-owned Los Sapitos Lithium Project in Argentina and the Wishbone Gold-Silver Project in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Origen also holds a portfolio of three additional precious and base metal projects in southern British Columbia for which it is actively seeking partners.

On behalf of Origen,

Gary Schellenberg, CEO

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277705

SOURCE: Origen Resources Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - RZOLV Technologies Inc. (TSXV: RZL) (the "Company" or "RZOLV") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Mary Ellen Thorburn to the Company's Board of Directors, effective December 15, 2025.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Mary Ellen to the RZOLV team," said Duane Nelson, President & CEO. "Her wealth of financial, operational, and global mining experience will be a valuable input as we advance toward commercialization and accelerate the Company's next phase of growth."

In addition, Mr. Darryl Yea has announced his retirement from the Board effective December 31, 2025. Following his retirement, Mr. Yea will continue to support the Company in an ongoing capacity as a member of RZOLV's Advisory Committee. As a strategic adviser, he will continue to contribute his insight and leadership to help guide the Company's global commercialization initiatives.

Ms. Mary Ellen Thorburn, Director

Mary Ellen Thorburn is an accomplished corporate finance executive and board director with more than two decades of leadership experience across the mining sector, capital markets, and international financial operations. She is both a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), recognized for her expertise in steering public companies through large-scale transactions, global expansions, financial restructurings, and investor-facing growth strategies.

Mary Ellen spent seven years with Barrick Gold Corporation, one of the world's largest gold producers, where she held three progressively senior leadership roles. Most notably, she served as Director of Capital Projects, overseeing financial governance, capital allocation frameworks, and strategic evaluation processes across Barrick's global project pipeline-solidifying her reputation for disciplined financial stewardship in complex mining environments.

Beyond Barrick, she has held several senior executive roles, including Chief Financial Officer, Eco Oro Minerals, Vice President, Finance, Great Panther Silver, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Nexii Building Solutions, where she oversaw finance, tax, FP&A, IT, and cross-border integration initiatives.

Mary Ellen currently serves on multiple boards, including Madoro Metals Corp., where she is Audit Committee Chair, and the Justice Institute of British Columbia, where she serves as Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee.

Ms. Thorburn holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.

About RZOLV Technologies Inc.

RZOLV Technologies Inc. is a clean-tech company developing innovative, non-toxic solutions that aim to transform gold extraction and mine-site remediation. The Company's flagship product, RZOLV, is a proprietary water-based hydrometallurgical formula that provides a sustainable, safe alternative to sodium cyanide for the dissolution and recovery of gold.

Cyanide has been the industry standard for more than a century, yet its toxicity has resulted in bans or restrictions across multiple jurisdictions, along with significant permitting, handling, and ESG challenges for mining companies. RZOLV delivers comparable performance and cost metrics to cyanide while offering a non-toxic, reusable, and environmentally sustainable profile, enabling gold extraction in regions, ore types, and project settings where cyanide use is impractical, prohibited, or socially unacceptable. For more information: https://www.rzolv.com.

Cautionary Note

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to the Effective Date that the Common Shares will commence trading under the Company's new name on the TSXV.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: the Common Shares will not commence trading under Company's new name on the TSXV on the Effective Date.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the Common Shares will commence trading under the Company's new name on the TSXV on the Effective Date.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277731

SOURCE: RZOLV Technologies Inc.
TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NetraMark Holdings Inc. (the "Company" or "NetraMark") (CSE: AIAI) (OTCQB: AINMF) (Frankfurt: PF0), a premier artificial intelligence (AI) company transforming clinical trials with AI-powered precision analytics in the pharmaceutical industry, today announced that it has been awarded a new contract by a prominent global biopharmaceutical company to support analytics for a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial.

Executed under an existing master services agreement, this engagement represents a new, discrete project from a returning sponsor and reflects the continuing momentum behind pharmaceutical interest in NetraAI. The project expands NetraMark's role into high-value Phase 3 decision support, where its mathematically augmented AI technology seeks to identify explainable patient subpopulations, analyze treatment and placebo-response patterns, and strengthen interpretation of late-stage clinical trial outcomes.

Under the agreement, NetraMark will use NetraAI to seek to identify and characterize subpopulations, such as responders, non-responders, and placebo-associated participants based on screening and baseline variables from a Phase 3 trial. The resulting explainable personas and analytical models will help the sponsor interpret differential response patterns and understand sources of variability within the study population. This work is expected to provide deeper insight into trial outcomes across all potential result scenarios and supports evidence-based decision-making for subsequent clinical, regulatory, and commercial planning.

Key highlights:

Continued expansion into Phase 3 trials

Repeat business from a global biopharmaceutical company, demonstrating the utility of the NetraAI platform

Indication of growing consideration of NetraAI in late-stage programs



George Achilleos, CEO of NetraMark said:

"Momentum continues to build for NetraMark as more biopharmaceutical companies recognize the value that explainable AI can bring to high-stakes development programs. Being selected for another project under an existing master services agreement-this time for a pivotal Phase 3 trial-demonstrates the growing trust and confidence that sponsors place in NetraAI." Our technology is purpose-built for small, complex, and heterogeneous datasets, making it uniquely suited to support late-stage decision-making where clarity and precision matter most. This new engagement extends NetraMark's presence in Phase 3 programs and further strengthens our position as a partner to companies seeking to improve probability of success in development and regulatory pathways."

This latest win reinforces NetraMark's progress in AI-powered clinical trial optimization and demonstrates how the Company can expand growth as it becomes embedded in the standard operating procedures of biopharmaceutical companies.

About NetraAI

In contrast to other AI-based methods, NetraAI is uniquely engineered to include focus mechanisms that separate small datasets into explainable and unexplainable subsets. Unexplainable subsets are collections of patients that can lead to suboptimal overfit models and inaccurate insights due to poor correlations with the variables involved. NetraAI uses the explainable subsets to derive insights and hypotheses (including factors that influence treatment and placebo responses, as well as adverse events) providing the potential to increase the chances of a clinical trial success. Many other AI methods lack these focus mechanisms and assign every patient to a class, often leading to "overfitting" which drowns out critical information that could have been used to improve a trial's chance of success.

About NetraMark

NetraMark is a company focused on being a leader in the development of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)/Machine Learning (ML) solutions targeted at the Pharmaceutical industry. Its product offering uses a novel topology-based algorithm that has the ability to parse patient data sets into subsets of people that are strongly related according to several variables simultaneously. This allows NetraMark to use a variety of ML methods, depending on the character and size of the data, to transform the data into powerfully intelligent data that activates traditional AI/ML methods. The result is that NetraMark can work with much smaller datasets and accurately segment diseases into different types, as well as accurately classify patients for sensitivity to drugs and/or efficacy of treatment.

For further details on the Company please see the Company's publicly available documents filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval+ (SEDAR+).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation including statements regarding the expansion of NetraMark's role into Phase 3 decision support; NetraAI's ability to identify explainable patient subpopulations, analyze treatment and placebo-response patterns, and strengthen interpretation of clinical trial outcomes; the ability to help sponsors interpret differential response patterns and understand sources of variability; expectations that this work will provide deeper insight into trial outcomes and support evidence-based decision-making; statements regarding momentum and growing trust from biopharmaceutical companies; expectations regarding NetraAI's suitability for late-stage decision-making; NetraMark's expanding presence in Phase 3 programs; the potential for NetraMark to become embedded in pharmaceutical companies' standard operating procedures; and NetraMark's ability to expand growth, which are based on NetraMark's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs, and views of future events. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. Forward-looking information includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance, or other statements that are not statements of fact. The forward-looking statements are expectations only and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results of the Company or industry results to differ materially from future results, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, NetraMark does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for NetraMark to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements as set out in the materials we file with applicable

Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca including our Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended September 30, 2024. These risk factors and other factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
CAMARILLO, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qualstar Corporation (OTC: QBAK), a trusted provider of scalable data storage and high-efficiency power solutions, today announced a plan of conversion under which it will reincorporate from California to Nevada and its common stock will undergo a 3:1 split.

The plan of conversion has been approved by the Company's Board of Directors and by the holders of approximately 77.9% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, which is sufficient to approve the reincorporation under California law. Shareholders of the Company that did not vote in favor of the conversion, and that otherwise comply with certain specified procedures, have the statutory right to dissent from the conversion and receive the appraised fair market value of their shares in cash instead of becoming shareholders of the new Nevada corporation. If holders of more than 1% of the outstanding shares duly exercise their dissenters' rights, the Board of Directors may elect to abandon the reincorporation.

The Company is mailing a Notice to its shareholders on December 12, 2025 describing the plan of conversion in more detail, summarizing certain material differences between the respective corporations laws of California and Nevada, and describing the dissenters' rights provisions of California law.

As described in the Notice, unless the Board of Directors elects to abandon the reincorporation, it will become effective upon filing of the required documentation with the Secretaries of State of California and Nevada, which is expected to occur on or about January 12, 2026.

About Qualstar Corporation

Qualstar Corporation, founded in 1984, manufactures and markets data storage system products and compact, high efficiency power solutions.

Our data storage systems are marketed under the Qualstar brand and include highly scalable automated magnetic tape libraries used to store, retrieve and manage electronic data primarily in the network computing environment. Our products, sold through resellers, system integrators and OEMs, range from entry-level to enterprise and are a cost-effective solution for organizations requiring backup, recovery and archival storage of critical electronic information.

The Company's power solutions, marketed under the N2Power brand, include standard, semi-custom and custom versions and provide OEM designers with increased functionality while reducing thermal loads and cooling requirements and lowering operating costs. These products are sold to OEMs in a wide range of markets, including telecom/networking equipment, audio/visual, industrial, gaming and medical.

More information is available at www.qualstar.com and www.n2power.com or by phone at 805-583-7744.

Contact Information:

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Qualstar Corporation

Investor Relations

QBAK@Qualstar.com

805-583-7744
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Cascada Silver Corp. (CSE: CSS) (OTCQB: CSSCF) ("Cascada" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has changed its name to ATERRA Metals Inc. ("ATERRA") to better reflect the Company's focus on copper and gold exploration and development. Cascada recently announced its intention to acquire three advanced copper-gold porphyry properties (the "Properties") in Chile and final binding option agreements on each of the Properties are being finalized.

The common shares of the Company will commence trading with the name "ATERRA Metals Inc." under the trading symbol "ATC" at the beginning of trading on December 16, 2025. The board of directors passed a resolution approving the name change in accordance with the Articles of the Company. The OTCQB symbol will be updated in due course.

Commenting on the new name, Carl Hansen, CEO noted, "The name ATERRA Metals is inspired by the potential of Atacama's mineral-rich terrain. It reflects management's exceptional discovery record in Chile's Atacama Region-one of the world's most productive mining areas. For more than three decades, our team has consistently demonstrated a proven ability to identify and advance high-value mineral deposits. This experience and sustained success underpins our strategy for generating meaningful shareholder value as we finalize the recently announced acquisitions of three advanced-stage copper-gold properties."

On November 20, 2025, Cascada announced that it had signed memoranda of understanding to acquire three advanced copper-gold porphyry properties in Region III, Chile, approximately 60 kilometres south of Vallenar. The Properties have been subject to significant historical exploration activities including drilling and, in the case of the Frontera Property, preparation of a historical resource estimate. Highlights from the Properties included:

Frontera Property deposit historical mineral resource estimate:

- 16 Mt indicated grading 0.66% copper equivalent ("CuEq") (0.38% Cu & 0.22 g/t Au)

- 34 Mt inferred grading 0.64% CuEq (0.36% Cu & 0.22 g/t Au)

Taruca Property (Totora Target) historical drilling highlights include:

- 142 m grading 0.69% CuEq (0.47% Cu & 0.17 g/t Au), hole DDHTP-02

- 114 m grading 0.61% CuEq (0.23% Cu & 0.31 g/t Au), hole DDHTO-07

Clinton Property historical drilling highlights include:

- 166 m grading 0.62% CuEq (0.23% Cu & 0.31 g/t Au), hole RCCL-01

- 278 m grading 0.61% CuEq (0.23% Cu & 0.30 g/t Au), hole DDHCL-06

Copper Equivalent Calculation: CuEq grades were calculated using a copper price of $4.00 per pound and a gold price of $3,500 per ounce ($112.53 per gram). CuEq grades are calculated as follows: CuEq = (((Au grade * 112.53) / 4.00 / 2,204.6)) * 100 + Cu grade. No recovery factors are used in this calculation. Metal prices are in US$.

Note that Cascada has not undertaken any independent investigation of the historical results from the Properties nor has it verified the underlying technical basis for the historical mineral resource and drill results. The reader is cautioned against relying on the accuracy or reliability of the historical results presented; however, Cascada considers historical results relevant as those results will be used as a guide to plan future exploration programs. The Company considers the data to be reliable for those purposes only and not indicative of the nature of any actual mineral resource.

The Frontera Property historical resource was prepared by Hot Chile Limited under "Australasian Code for Reporting on Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" (The JORC Code, 2012 Edition) and published on March 11, 2014. The mineral estimate was based upon a cutoff grade of 0.25% Cu. A qualified person, as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") of the Canadian Securities Administrators, has not undertaken sufficient work to classify the foregoing historical estimate as a current mineral resource and Cascada is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

NI 43-101 Disclosure

As defined by NI 43-101, the Qualified Person for Cascada's exploration activities in Chile is Francisco Bravo, a resident of Santiago, Chile. He is not considered independent as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Bravo is a Public Registered Person for Reserves and Resources N 515, in Chile, and is also registered in the Colegio de Geologos de Chile under N 725. Mr. Bravo has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.

About the Company

Cascada is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration opportunities in Chile. Cascada's team of successful exploration professionals isdedicated to the discovery of mineral deposits that can be progressed into economically viable development projects creating value for all stakeholders.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including predictions, projections and forecasts. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: plans for the evaluation of exploration properties; the success of evaluation plans; the success of exploration activities; mine development prospects; and, potential for future metals production. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "focus is to", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "objectives", "intends", "potential", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or describes a "goal", or variation 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.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, predictions, projections, forecasts, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the timing and approval of the proposed name and symbol change; the successful entering into option agreements for the Properties; the successful acquisition of exploration projects; changes in economic parameters and assumptions; all aspects related to the timing of exploration activities and receipt of exploration results; the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project or exploration parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future metals prices; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the results of economic and technical studies; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, financing or in the completion of exploration; as well as those factors disclosed in Cascada's publicly filed documents.

Although Cascada has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277738

SOURCE: Cascada Silver Corp.
HONG KONG, HK / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / ModuLink Inc. (OTC:MDLK) is pleased to announce that it has executed a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Mr. Wah Shing LAM, a major shareholder of ASA Robotics Limited ("ASA"), a Hong Kong-based robotics and artificial intelligence solutions company. Under the LOI, ModuLink intends to acquire a 60% equity interest in ASA through its Hong Kong subsidiary, subject to due diligence and the execution of a definitive Share Purchase Agreement.

Transaction Highlights

ModuLink will acquire 60% of the issued and outstanding shares of ASA.

As consideration, ModuLink will issue to the Seller 6,500 preferred shares at approximately USD 98.62 per share, representing a total value of HKD 5,000,000 (USD 641,026).

The acquisition will provide ModuLink with majority ownership, including governance and board representation at ASA.

ModuLink's equity interest will be protected against dilution for two years following the completion of the transaction.

Management Commentary

William Fu, Chief Executive Officer of ModuLink Inc., commented:

"This LOI represents an important milestone in expanding ModuLink's footprint in advanced robotics and AI-powered solutions. ASA's technology capabilities and its established client base-including government agencies, hospitals, elderly nursing centers, public organizations and property developers across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia-align closely with our long-term vision and growth strategy. We see strong synergy potential, particularly in healthcare, elderly care and smart-facility applications. By integrating ASA's innovations with ModuLink's smart living platform and Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) ecosystem, we aim to accelerate commercial deployment, enhance our product portfolio, and open new revenue opportunities across multiple markets. We look forward to working closely with the ASA team to drive innovation and deliver sustainable long-term value for our shareholders."

Following completion of the transaction, ModuLink will have the right to appoint directors to ASA's board, ensuring active participation in operational and strategic decision-making. ASA's current management team will remain in place to ensure continuity of operations.

Next Steps

A 60-day due diligence review will commence immediately.

Upon completion of due diligence, the parties will negotiate and execute a definitive Share Purchase Agreement.

The transaction is expected to close within 30 to 60 days after the completion of due diligence, subject to customary closing conditions.

About ASA Robotics Limited

ASA Robotics Limited is a Hong Kong-based company specializing in advanced robotics and AI automation solutions for healthcare and industrial applications.

Website: https://www.asa-robotics.com/

About ModuLink Inc.

ModuLink Inc. focuses on developing sustainable and intelligent living environments through the integration of advanced technologies. The Company specializes in Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Air-to-Water (A2W) technology, and IoT-based property management systems, enabling scalable, self-sustaining and eco-friendly developments worldwide.

Through its ModuLink brand, we continue our mission to build communities that "Live Smart, Live Green," enhanced by air-to-water systems that deliver reliable, energy-efficient water generation for healthier and more resilient environments.

For more information, please visit www.modulinktech.com.

Forward-looking Statements Safeharbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are included within the meaning of Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "look forward to," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's business strategy, expansion plans, product development initiatives, partnerships, market opportunities, operational outlook, financial performance, and the anticipated benefits, timing, structure, or likelihood of completing the proposed acquisition of a 60% equity interest in ASA Robotics Limited.

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections made by management and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied due to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the Company's ability to successfully complete due diligence; the negotiation, execution, and delivery of a definitive Share Purchase Agreement; the satisfaction of all closing conditions; regulatory or third-party approvals; integration challenges associated with acquisitions; the performance of ASA following the transaction; market acceptance of new technologies; changes in economic, operational, or industry conditions; funding requirements; competitive pressures; and other factors beyond the Company's control.

The execution of the LOI does not guarantee that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the terms described, within the anticipated timeline, or at all. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. ModuLink Inc. assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, developments, or changes in expectations, except as required by applicable law.

Information on the Company's website at www.modulinktech.com does not constitute a part of this release.

Contact:

ModuLink Inc.

Phone: 888-493-8028

Email: IR@MODULINKTECH.COM

SOURCE: ModuLink Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/modulink-inc.-mdlk-announces-letter-of-intent-to-acquire-60-equity-interest-in-asa-robo-1116691
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Freeport Resources Inc. (TSXV: FRI) (OTCQB: FEERF) (FSE: 4XH) ("Freeport Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has elected to increase the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") in response to additional market interest.

The Company now intends to offer up to 116,666,666 units (each, a "Unit") for gross proceeds of up to $3,500,000. Each Unit will continue to consist of one common share, and one-half-of-one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to acquire an additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.06 for a period of twelve months.

To date, the Company has completed the first tranche of the Offering through the issuance of 53,828,332 Units for gross proceeds of $1,614,850.

The Company anticipates utilizing the proceeds from the Offering for the continued development of the Yandera Copper Project and for general working capital purposes. At this time, the Company does not anticipate that any portion of the proceeds from the Offering will be used to conduct investor relations activities. The Company does not expect to utilize the proceeds of the Offering to make payments to non-arms' length parties, other than in the ordinary course of their compensation for services provided to the Company.

In connection with closing of the Offering, the Company may pay finders' fees to eligible third-parties who have assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of four-months-and-one-day in accordance with applicable securities laws. Completion of the Offering remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Freeport Resources Inc.

Freeport Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a primary focus on advancing the development of the Yandera copper-gold-molybdenum project, located in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. The Yandera project is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world covering approximately 245.5 square kilometers

Please visit www.freeportresources.com or contact the email address below for more information.

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.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule", "intends" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277700

SOURCE: Freeport Resources Inc.
The Leading Pop Culture Merchandise Brand Introduces a Dedicated Investment Platform Designed to Empower Founders with Capital, Scale and World-Class Global Infrastructure

Bioworld Merchandising,a leading global pop culture merchandising brand, announced the launch of Bioworld Ventures, a new corporate venture fund designed to support and accelerate high-potential consumer brands around the world. Aligned with Bioworld's 25th anniversary, the launch of Bioworld Ventures signals a pivotal new chapter for the company, focused on strategic investments that drive product innovation and elevate the next generation of category-defining consumer brands.

"Bioworld Ventures represents the evolution of our global brand providing the opportunity for us to further extend our expertise to elevate and invest in consumer brands that are focused on product innovation," said Raj Malik, CEO and founder of Bioworld. "For 25 years, we've built a global platform that helps great ideas scale, and now we're formalizing that into a dedicated investment arm."

Through Bioworld Ventures, the company will support disruptive early-stage businesses, not only with capital, but with deep operational expertise offered without onerous or mandatory service agreements. As part of its mandate, the fund will concentrate on early-stage consumer brands, investing primarily at the Seed and Series A stages, with a focus on opportunities in the U.S., U.K. and Canada in this initial phase.

Bioworld Ventures is led by Matt Alexander, who oversees Bioworld's investments and M&A as VP Corporate Development and Head of Bioworld Ventures. "Our structure gives us the freedom to support founders on their terms, at their pace," said Alexander. "Whether leading a round or providing targeted operational help, we want to be a thoughtful, founder-friendly partner that helps great ideas become sustainable global brands."

Bioworld is uniquely positioned to help emerging consumer brands scale rapidly. Since launching as a licensed music headwear line in 2000, the company has evolved into a global platform with more than 1,000 brands and 2,000 retail partners across apparel, accessories, home goods, travel and beyond.

Known for its leadership in licensing and consumer product innovation, Bioworld has invested heavily in its global infrastructure over the last 10 years as part of its Brand Growth Platform (BGP) strategy. The investments from this strategic approach span operational, logistical, and financial capabilities across the U.S., U.K., EU, Canada, China, India, and more.

As Bioworld reaches this major milestone having grown into a global platform without external capital the company is positioned for significant expansion both domestically and abroad through its new in-house venture fund. Further information is available at bioworld.ventures.

ABOUT BIOWORLD

Bioworld is the leading global manufacturer of licensed apparel, accessories, and home goods. Bioworld partners with the world's most iconic creators and brands to bring pop culture to life, all to create deeper connections between fans and the things they love. Founded in 2000 as a headwear company, Bioworld currently designs into 30+ product categories and partners with retailers at all levels of distribution. From mass to specialty, from boutique to ecommerce, Bioworld helps fans connect at every price point, style, and trend. From new categories to new channels and beyond, Bioworld keeps their partners ahead of the curve.

Headquartered in the US with offices in Europe, China, India, and Canada, Bioworld's global presence has facilitated its growth in becoming the global leader in delivering these innovative products to all levels of retail distribution. For more information, visit: https://www.bioworldmerch.com/

ABOUT BIOWORLD VENTURES

Bioworld Ventures is the corporate venture arm for Bioworld. It is actively deploying capital at the Seed and Series A stages for growth businesses in the consumer category, both in the US and abroad. The fund has a flexible mandate and is able to pursue equity investments, as well as o?ering venture debt and other such opportunities. All portfolio companies are granted non-compulsory access to leverage Bioworld's Brand Growth Platform infrastructure, including international o?ces, logistics, sourcing, licenses, and more.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210813924/en/

Contacts:

MEDIA CONTACT

42West, on behalf of Bioworld

bioworld@42West.com
Grant will allow Garten to increase its capacity to serve more people with disabilities through enhanced systems, processes and training

SALEM, OR / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / KeyBank has announced a grant of $225,000 to Garten Services, a nonprofit that offers responsive, person-centered and effective solutions to support people with disabilities in their effort to contribute to the community through employment, career and retirement opportunities.

This grant will strengthen its Supported Employment department by improving processes, building structure and providing targeted staff training that will be guided by individuals with lived experience to ensure the team remains closely connected to the communities it serves. Strengthening the foundation will enhance service delivery, enabling Garten to provide support aligned with everyone's career goals. As a result, they'll experience greater self-esteem, financial independence and a renewed sense of purpose through meaningful employment.

"At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and that entails support to ensure all persons have the tools to pursue fulfilling work," said Josh Lyons, president of KeyBank in Oregon and Southwest Washington. "We see this service having a ripple effect that will also inspire peers with similar challenges, showing them that employment is possible and motivating them to pursue their own path."

"Not only will this grant benefit individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, but it will allow local businesses interested in building a more diverse workforce to gain access to a ready talent pool to fill workforce gaps with the skills they need," said Angel Reyes, KeyBank's Corporate Responsibility Officer for Oregon.

"Garten is deeply honored to receive a $225,000 grant from KeyBank to advance our shared commitment of expanding inclusive employment opportunities that allow people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to our communities," said William Posegate, Garten's Chief Executive Officer. "KeyBank's generous contribution will empower more people with disabilities to build skills and access life-changing supported employment opportunities. We've seen time and again that when people with disabilities are given opportunities, the entire community wins."

About Garten Services, Inc.

Founded in 1970, Garten provides employment, career, and retirement opportunities to approximately 250 people with disabilities throughout the Willamette Valley.

About KeyCorp

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at September 30, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/.

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View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/garten-services-receives-225-000-grant-from-keybank-1116689
LONDON, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sperra Seaworks Limited, supported by Bardex Energy UK Limited, has been awarded 1,000,000 in funding through The Crown Estate's Supply Chain Accelerator (SCA) programme to advance the Floating Construction Station (FCS) a concept that could expand nearshore manufacturing and assembly capacity for offshore wind. Additional industry-provided matching contributions are provided by project partners. The work builds upon an ongoing Sperra project funded by the National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium (NOWRDC).





The FCS is being evaluated as a deployable solution that could be installed at multiple UK ports to support the manufacturing, assembly, launch, and retrieval of floating wind foundations. The work aligns with the needs of the Celtic Sea programme, where The Crown Estate plans to lease up to 4.5 GW of floating offshore wind capacity https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/our-business/marine/round-5.

The SCA programme focuses on strengthening supply chain capability for large scale offshore wind https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/news/offshore-wind-supply-chain-receives-further-13m-boost.

Early-stage feasibility for potential UK installation sites

Through SCA, the project team will complete preliminary engineering, evaluate potential installation sites, and develop plans for consenting and construction of the first full-scale FCS in the UK. This work will help determine how the FCS could be adapted for different ports across the United Kingdom.

"Floating wind in the Celtic Sea represents one of the UK's most significant industrial opportunities," said Jason Cotrell of Sperra Seaworks Limited. "Support from The Crown Estate's SCA programme and NOWRDC allows us to complete the engineering and feasibility studies needed to evaluate this concept and bring it to an investment ready stage."

A nearshore construction concept for floating wind

At the centre of the project is the Floating Construction Station, a floating platform integrated with Bardex's OmniLift chain jack shiplift system. OmniLift is an established and operational technology currently in use for heavy marine and industrial applications.

https://www.bardex.com/applications/omniliftoffshorewind/

"The Floating Construction Station, integrated with our OmniLift system, provides a practical pathway to simplify how floating wind foundations are handled and deployed," said Ian Finch, Director, Business Development - EMEA, Bardex Energy UK Limited. "Our technology is proven today in demanding environments, and we are excited to support its evaluation for the UK's floating wind sector."

Port Talbot as a promising candidate location

The FCS concept is being assessed for suitability across multiple UK ports. Port Talbot has emerged as one promising option due to its deep water access, industrial waterfront, and role in ongoing Celtic Sea planning, including participation in the Celtic Freeport initiative and assessment activity under the UK Government's Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme, FLOWMIS.

"Port Talbot has an important role to play in enabling floating wind in the Celtic Sea," said Andy Reay, Head of Offshore Wind, Associated British Ports. "We welcome early stage technical work that helps evaluate feasibility, regulatory pathways, and the potential contribution of new infrastructure concepts such as the Floating Construction Station."

About Sperra Seaworks Limited

Sperra Seaworks Limited is the UK subsidiary of Sperra, a company developing marine infrastructure solutions that support offshore renewable energy deployment. https://www.sperra.com

About Bardex Energy UK Limited

Bardex Energy UK Limited is a subsidiary of Bardex Corporation, a global leader in heavy lift, mooring, and motion control systems for marine and energy industries. Bardex's OmniLift shiplift and transfer systems are used worldwide in demanding operational environments and support the next generation of floating offshore wind infrastructure while their BarLatch and BarMoor products offer safe, field-proven mooring solutions for gigawatt-scale floating wind projects.

https://www.bardex.com

Media Contact

Charlotte Marston

Media Relations

Sperra Seaworks Limited

charlotte.marston@sperra.com



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/966536f9-14bf-423c-be21-42c2ce6f8dac
Drives Key Discussions on Future of Finance at Middle East's Largest Financial Event

Presents Traditional-Digital Finance Integration Strategy to Accelerate South Korea's Global Financial Expansion

SEOUL, South Korea and ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha Life, Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Asset Management and Hanwha Investment & Securities - the four financial affiliates of Hanwha Finance - announced that they concluded their participation in Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, where they focused on strategies for integrating traditional and digital finance and expanding their global presence. The event was held from 8-11 December in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

ADFW, organised by the ADGM under the patronage His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is the largest financial event in the Middle East. It has become a venue where global financial leaders - representing institutions that drive more than half of the world's GDP - gather to discuss key future-finance agendas and cooperation. This year marks its fourth edition.

During the event, senior executives and officials of Hanwha Finance served as keynote speakers across major forums, further strengthening the company's global presence. Dong-Won Kim, Chief Global Officer (CGO) of Hanwha Life, delivered the opening address at the Global Market Summit. On 9 December, Jong-Ho (James) Kim, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management, gave a keynote address at the Asset Abu Dhabi Forum on the proven performance of K-defense through the PLUS ETFs and its global scalability when combined with alternative investment (PE, VC) strategies.

On the third day, Dong Wook (Don) Kim, Chief Global Business Officer (CGBO) of Hanwha Life, delivered a keynote address at the Fintech Abu Dhabi Forum, presenting the future of insurance and financial operations.

That evening, Hanwha Finance hosted "K-Night by Hanwha", a networking event supporting the South Korean students and professional community in the UAE. The event, brought together more than 100 participants, including Jongkyoung Park, charge d'affaires for the Republic of Korea to the UAE, creating a meaningful environment for connection and exchange.

Throughout the week, the Hanwha Lounge served as a hub for global institutional investors and innovative financial firms. Senior executives held a series of meetings with international partners, expanding Hanwha Finance's global capital network and strengthening its foundation for financial cooperation in the Middel East.

Hanwha Finance also signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global financial and technology companies during ADFW. On December 8, Hanwha Asset Management signed an MoU with US investment firm MarcyPen to to support the global growth of K-culture and lifestyle industries. On December 10, Hanwha Investment & Securities signed an MoU with Kresus, a digital wallet platform company, securing momentum for its strategic transition into a "digital-asset specialized securities firm."

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on AI-driven innovation, shifting capital flows and regulatory environments, and the development of sustainable financial systems. Hanwha Finance emphasised its strategy that combines the reliability of traditional finance with the openness of digital finance, ultimately connecting customers' assets and financial activities through a unified, on-chain journey.

With its participation in ADFW 2025, Hanwha Finance plans to Hanwha Finance seeks to reinforce collaboration with Abu Dhabi as a regional financial hub to expand its presence in the global financial market. Leveraging its technological capabilities, the company aims to strengthen its role as a financial bridge between South Korea and the UAE, while accelerating the global expansion of South Korean finance.

Hanwha Finance will continue to pursue initiatives that deepen global financial partnerships and advance innovative financial models.

About Hanwha Finance

Hanwha Finance is a trusted financial partner that empowers individuals and communities with lifelong personal finance solutions. By integrating AI into its digital financial offerings and tailoring them to diverse lifestyles, Hanwha Finance enables people to achieve financial well-being and supports societies in pursuing sustainable growth. With $130 billion in assets under management (AUM), Hanwha Finance provides seamless digital experiences and drives sustainable growth through AI and big data technologies. Expanding beyond digital finance, Web3, and wealth management, the company is broadening its presence across comprehensive financial sectors and forming strategic partnerships to drive global financial innovation. By continuously incorporating the latest advances in digital finance, Hanwha Finance aims to make asset management even smarter and more convenient for investors worldwide.

For more information, visit: https://www.hanwha.com/industries/finance.do

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hanwha-finance-concludes-participation-at-adfw-2025-strengthening-its-role-as-a-south-koreauae-financial-bridge-302639330.html
ClickFix-style attack hijacks OAuth consent grants to take over Microsoft accounts, bypassing passwords, passkeys and MFA

BLACK HAT, EUROPE (Booth #305) Push Security, a leader in browser-based detection and response, today announced the discovery of a new class of phishing attack that enables Microsoft account takeover simply by copy-and-pasting a URL.

Dubbed "ConsentFix" by Push Security researchers, this browser-based phishing attack enables full account takeover without ever capturing a password or triggering MFA, marking a significant evolution in phishing techniques. Push researchers detected and blocked the attack across multiple Push customers, demonstrating that this new technique is already being used in the wild.

ConsentFix is best understood as a browser-native ClickFix attack that leads to the compromise of an OAuth token on a target application, in this case, Microsoft. The attack detected by Push sees the victim tricked into logging into Azure CLI, by generating an OAuth authorization code visible in a localhost URL and then pasting that URL, including the code, into the phishing page.

This new technique demonstrates the fast-evolving threat landscape. This year, ClickFix attacks were one of the fastest growing attack types. In fact, according to Microsoft 47% of attacks started with ClickFix in the last year, while OAuth consent grants were widely abused by attackers like Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters in the campaign against Salesforce customers. But attackers have already iterated on these successful techniques with ConsentFix, combining the effective social engineering of ClickFix with OAuth abuse.

This is a significant challenge for security teams for a number of reasons:

There's no login required, therefore phishing-resistant authentication controls like passkeys have no impact on this attack.

The attack happens entirely inside the browser context, removing one of the key detection opportunities for ClickFix attacks because it doesn't touch the endpoint.

Delivering the lure via Google Search completely circumvents email-based anti-phishing controls.

Targeting a first-party app like Azure CLI means that many of the controls available for restricting and blocking third-party app integrations do not apply.

The use of advanced detection evasion techniques makes this attack difficult to investigate, meaning these attacks are going undetected.

"This technique is incredibly sophisticated," said Jacques Louw, chief product officer at Push Security. "Not only is it technically designed to evade detection and bypass protective identity controls, it's something that users aren't necessarily trained to be on guard against. They don't need to give their credentials or MFA codes away they're just pasting a URL."

Copy-and-Paste to Full Access: How ConsentFix Works

In the ConsentFix attacks observed by Push, victims were funneled through Google Search to compromised but reputable websites injected with a fake Cloudflare Turnstile challenge.

After entering a valid corporate email, victims were then prompted to click a "Sign In" button that directs to a legitimate Microsoft page. If the victim is already logged into Microsoft in their browser, no further login is required and they are redirected to a localhost URL containing an OAuth authorization code for their Microsoft account. The final step was simply to paste that URL back into the original page, completing the malicious consent grant.

Push researchers warn that attackers specifically targeted Microsoft Azure CLI, a first-party application implicitly trusted across Entra ID tenants. Unlike third-party OAuth apps, Azure CLI:

Cannot be blocked or deleted

Can request powerful permissions without admin approval

Is allowed to use internal or undocumented Graph scopes

Is exempt from many tenant-level consent restrictions

This makes it an exceptionally valuable target and significantly limits available preventative controls.

"ConsentFix completely sidesteps the traditional defenses that companies rely on," said Louw. "The lure comes through Google Search, the pages are designed to evade detection, and it exploits a trusted first-party app that you can't restrict. It's a huge challenge for security teams."

Detection Guidance

Push warns that attackers are likely to integrate ConsentFix into phishing kits, broadening access and expanding beyond Microsoft targets to other cloud ecosystems. For now, organizations should monitor for unusual Azure CLI login events, especially for standard users.

Since the attacker is intentionally leveraging legacy scopes to evade detection, organizations should ensure that AADGraphActivityLogs is enabled and monitored to be able to search for unusual activity such as AD enumeration.

For more details about how ConsentFix works and security recommendations, check out the full research report on the Push Security blog or visit the team at Black Hat Europe this week in London at booth #305.

About Push Security

Push Security brings real-time detection and response to the layer where users work and where attackers operate, the browser. By deploying a powerful agent inside the browser, Push gives defenders full visibility into user activity, attacker behavior, and session-level risk. It detects threats like phishing kits and session hijacking, enforces protective controls like MFA and SSO, and provides the telemetry security teams need to investigate fast. Think of Push as being like EDR, but in the browser. Push was founded by former red team members skilled in offensive security and security operations and is backed by Decibel, GV (Google Ventures), Redpoint Ventures, Datadog Ventures, B3 Capital and other notable angel investors. For more information, visit https://pushsecurity.com or follow @pushsecurity.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211310366/en/

Contacts:

For media inquiries, contact:

Kylie Heintz

Head of Corporate Communications

Push Security

kylie.heintz@pushsecurity.com
Acquisition builds on Brandwatch and Trajaan's August 2025 partnership, unifying consumer, search, and generative AI insights in a single ecosystem.

CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cision, a global leader in consumer and media intelligence, today announced the acquisition of Trajaan, the industry-leading search intelligence platform. This move significantly accelerates Cision's AI and data strategy and gives customers a more complete view of consumer behavior - spanning what people search for, what they say, and what they intend to do.

Trajaan's technology, which captures always on, geo-localized search behavior across traditional search engines, e-commerce platforms, social channels, and emerging GenAI assistants, will be integrated across Cision's portfolio - including Brandwatch, CisionOne, PR Newswire, and Cision's Insights Services. This integration will enable marketing and communications teams to shift from descriptive analysis to predictive intelligence, allowing them to anticipate trends, understand intent, and make faster, more confident strategic decisions.

A New Era of Consumer Intelligence

A unified view of voice and intent

Customers will now be able to combine social and media insights with search intelligence to validate trends, forecast demand, and understand consumer motivations with greater depth.

Visibility into GenAI-driven discovery

As generative AI increasingly influences buying decisions, Trajaan gives brands clarity into how AI platforms interpret, summarize, and recommend products, categories, and competitors.

Faster, more confident decision-making

Trajaan's always on, geo-specific data enables organisations to spot micro-trends earlier, anticipate category shifts, identify brand risk sooner, and act with greater precision.

This acquisition marks a major milestone in Cision's AI product roadmap and further strengthens end-to-end insights capabilities across Brandwatch, PR Newswire, and CisionOne.

"Acquiring Trajaan is a natural extension of the partnership Brandwatch announced earlier this year," said Guy Abramo, Chief Executive Officer at Cision. "By bringing Trajaan fully into the Cision ecosystem, we're unifying search intelligence, conversational insight, and AI-driven analytics to give customers a deeper, more predictive understanding of the 'why' behind consumer behavior - from the questions they ask to the signals that shape demand."

"Joining Cision allows us to scale our technology and vision globally," said Matthieu Danielou, CEO of Trajaan. "Together we can help brands understand what people search for, what they talk about, and how GenAI platforms shape their decisions - long before trends hit the mainstream."

Discover more here.

About Cision

Cision is the global leader in consumer and media intelligence, engagement, and communication solutions. We equip PR and corporate communications, marketing, and social media professionals with the tools they need to excel in today's data driven world. Our deep expertise, exclusive data partnerships, and award-winning products, including?CisionOne,?Brandwatch, and?PR Newswire, enable over 75,000 companies and organizations, including 84% of the Fortune 500, to see and be seen, understand and be understood by the audiences that matter most to them.

Media Contact:

Cision Public Relations?

CisionPR@cision.com?

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2843694/Cision_Trajaan_Press_Release.jpg

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cision-acquires-trajaan-expanding-ai-and-search-intelligence-across-its-platforms-302639288.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Candace Laing, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (the "Canadian Chamber"), joined by members of the Canadian Chamber, opened the market alongside John McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer of TMX Group, in celebration of their 100th anniversary.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNz8QjFy3f4

Since 1925, the Canadian Chamber has been a driving force behind Canada's economic growth. As the national voice of business, it unites over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing more than 200,000 organizations across the country.

The Canadian Chamber network reflects the full spectrum of businesses powering Canada's economy, creating jobs, fueling innovation, and contributing to strong, vibrant communities. Through advocacy, data-driven insights and national connectivity, the Canadian Chamber helps shape policy and create the conditions for businesses to grow, hire, invest and give back.

As it marks its centennial year, the Canadian Chamber remains committed to supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors as they prepare, persevere, and prosper in a rapidly evolving global economy.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277755

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange
Wood Group (John) Plc - Results of General Meeting and update on Chair

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 11

John Wood Group PLC

LEI:549300PLYY6I10B6S323

General Meeting - Voting Results

Issued share capital at meeting date: 691,839,369 Number of votes per share: 1 vote per share.

At a General Meeting of John Wood Group PLC (the "Company") held on 11 December 2025 at 10.00am, all resolutions put to shareholders were duly passed by way of a poll with the required majorities.

The full text of each resolution is contained in the Notice of General Meeting, which is available on the Company's website: https://www.woodplc.com/investors/general-meetings

The Resolutions were considered and passed as Ordinary Resolutions.

The number of votes for and against the resolutions, and the number of votes withheld, were as follows:

Resolutions Votes For (Including Discretionary) % Votes Against % Total Votes (excluding Votes Withheld) Votes Withheld* % of Issued Share Capital Voted ** 1 To receive the Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 (the " 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements"). 123,176,724 80.95% 28,996,406 19.05% 152,173,130 840,073 22.00 2 To approve the Directors' Remuneration Report (other than the Directors' Remuneration Policy), set out on pages 126 to 146 within the 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements. 133,428,567 88.74% 16,936,697 11.26% 150,365,264 2,647,939 21.73 3 To re-appoint KPMG LLP as auditors of the Company, to hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. 143,479,907 95.30% 7,076,882 4.70% 150,556,789 2,456,414 21.76 4 To authorise the Directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors. 142,665,657 94.02% 9,067,511 5.98% 151,733,168 1,280,035 21.93

The percentages of votes "For" and "Against" each resolution are expressed as a percentage of the total of the votes "For" and votes "Against" the resolution (together the "Total Votes (excluding votes withheld").

* A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "For" or "Against" a resolution.

** Votes withheld are excluded from the percentage of issued share capital voted calculation.

These votes are also available on the Company's website at: https://www.woodplc.com/investors/general-meetings

Update on Board Chair

On 23 May 2025, it was announced that Roy A Franklin intended to step down as Chair and as a director of the Company's Board once there was greater clarity regarding the Company's future direction. It was subsequently disclosed within the 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements published on 30 October 2025 that Roy intended to step down from the Company's Board following the General Meeting at which the 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements were laid before shareholders. As announced on 4 December 2025, we have made significant progress towards satisfaction of Regulatory Conditions in connection with the acquisition of the Company by Sidara Limited (the "Acquisition"). As a result of this, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company for Roy to continue to serve as Chair until either closing of the Acquisition or, if earlier, following the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.

Notification authorised by:

John Habgood, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary
Lenovo has been honored with a 'Most Sustainable Organization' award under the newly established Elite Past Winners section from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE:992)(ADR:LNVGY) has been honored with a 'Most Sustainable Organization' award under the newly established Elite Past Winners (EPW) section from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA). This prestigious recognition highlights Lenovo's continued excellence in corporate governance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and reporting.

The EPW section was introduced this year to celebrate companies with consistent outstanding performance and continued recognition from HKICPA (at least five times over the past decade). This year's award marks the thirteenth consecutive year that Lenovo has been recognized by the HKICPA. Lenovo is proud to be among this elite group, reaffirming its dedication to the highest corporate governance standards and ESG responsibilities, while further strengthening stakeholders' confidence.

In addition to this recognition, Lenovo has also achieved several other notable ESG accolades in recent months, including a rating of AAA in the MSCI ESG Ratings Assessment for the fourth consecutive year, AA+ rating on the 2025 Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index, and Platinum Recognition from EcoVadis.

For more information on Lenovo's global ESG practices, please refer to the latest Environmental, Social and Governance Report published in June 2025.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo's continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Lenovo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Lenovo

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/lenovo

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Lenovo

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/lenovo-honored-a-most-sustainable-organization-award-by-hkicpa-1116718
The data for AI company welcomes Helen Giddings, former VP at Appen, to expand Defined.ai's capabilities in tailor-made data projects.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Defined.ai, the leading provider of high-quality, ethically sourced AI training data, announced the appointment of Helen Giddings as the company's new Vice President of Delivery, Workflows. In this role, Giddings will oversee the end-to-end delivery of workflows, including data collection, data annotation, and transcriptions, driving operational excellence across Defined.ai's global data ecosystem.

As AI companies enter a new phase where data quality, provenance, and compliance are becoming mission-critical, Defined.ai is doubling down on operational rigor and innovation across its data supply chain. The addition of Giddings reinforces the company's commitment to offering AI builders the most reliable, transparent, and high-quality datasets in the market.

"As a customer-centric company, delivery is the heartbeat of our company, and investing in strong leadership in this area is essential as the demand for trustworthy, ethically sourced AI data continues to grow," said Manel Marco, SVP of Operations at Defined.ai. "With Helen's extensive experience in large-scale operations and workflows optimization, we are elevating our capacity to support clients who require precision, efficiency, and accountability in the way their AI systems are built."

As the former VP of Client Delivery at Appen, Giddings brings over 20 years of experience leading data operations and data annotation teams, as well as workflow execution for large-scale AI and machine learning environments. Prior to joining Defined.ai, she led initiatives that improved delivery efficiency, reduced operational overhead, and introduced new quality frameworks adopted across global teams.

"Defined.ai has always stood out as the company that puts responsible data at the center of AI development," said Giddings. "I'm thrilled to join a team that's not only shaping the future of AI with higher-quality datasets, but doing so with ethics, transparency, and human impact in mind. I'm looking forward to accelerating our delivery capabilities and building data workflows that scale with the next generation of AI systems."

The appointment marks a significant step in Defined.ai's growth strategy, which includes key hires across the different areas of expertise, geographical expansion, and an enhanced Data Annotation and Transcription offering, reinforcing its position as the globally trusted end-to-end AI data partner.

For more information about Defined.ai, visit www.defined.ai .

About Defined.ai

Defined.ai is the leading provider of ethical AI data, offering the world's biggest ethical AI data marketplace alongside subscriptions for flexible data access and custom services. With deep expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Defined.ai delivers high-quality, ethically sourced training data, enabling companies to accelerate their AI solutions with data that is secure, bias-free, and compliant with ethical and legal standards.??

Contact

pr@defined.ai

Contact Information

Catarina Peyroteo Salteiro

Director, Global Communication & Public Affairs

pr@defined.ai

Jessica Sousa

Events and Communications Associate

jessica.sousa@defined.ai





View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/defined.ai-appoints-new-vp-of-delivery-to-accelerate-global-opera-1115952
OcNOS Open Networking Upgrade Delivers Significant Bandwidth Boost and Cost Efficiency for an Alpine Provider

IP Infusion, a global leader in open networking software solutions, today announced that eww ITandTEL, one of Austria's premier IT and telecommunications value-added service providers, has upgraded its MPLS backbone using IP Infusion's OcNOS-SP-PLUS. The upgrade advances the operator from 100G to a future-ready 400G IP over DWDM (IPoDWDM) architecture.

With more than 30 years of experience operating secure data centers and extensive fiber infrastructure, eww ITandTEL required a solution that could scale with customer demand while optimizing costs. By replacing legacy constraints with an open networking model, eww ITandTEL has successfully deployed 400G ZR+ coherent transceiver-based circuits across a multi-vendor environment.

"Reliability and performance are non-negotiable for our customers, and that drives every architectural choice we make," said Christoph Ehmayer, Team Lead Network/System Engineer, eww ITandTEL. "The shift to an open, OcNOS-driven 400G IPoDWDM backbone gives us the control, visibility, and operational efficiency we need to keep our services consistently stable and ahead of demand."

The new backbone is powered by OcNOS running on high-performance whitebox platforms from UfiSpace (S9600-56DX, S9510-28DC) and Edgecore (AS7946-30XB). This disaggregated approach maximizes bandwidth and resiliency while avoiding traditional vendor lock-in associated with legacy chassis systems.

"This upgrade is part of our commitment to deliver the very best digital infrastructure in the region-high-capacity, sovereign, and built for long-term growth," said Roland Neumayr, Head of Network/Datacenter, eww ITandTEL. "By adopting open networking, we're ensuring that our customers benefit from a network that is both faster and strategically prepared for the future."

"eww ITandTEL is a perfect example of how forward-thinking regional providers can outpace the competition by embracing open networking," said Tom Savoie, CEO of IP Infusion. "By decoupling software from hardware, we are empowering them to build a network that is more robust, less expensive to operate, and agile enough to adapt to future needs. We are proud to support their mission of delivering sovereign, reliable data services in Austria."

EPS Global, a respected value-added distributor and system-integration partner, played a key role in enabling this upgrade. With its global distribution network, technical services, and supply-chain logistics, EPS Global ensured that all necessary components were sourced, configured, and delivered on schedule.

About IP Infusion

IP Infusion develops open network software solutions for carriers, service providers, and data centers. With hundreds of customers and thousands of deployments, IP Infusion leads the market in Network Operating Systems. Its flagship platform, OcNOS, empowers network operators to disaggregate their networks, streamline operations, and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., IP Infusion is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACCESS CO., LTD. For more information, visit www.IPInfusion.com.

About eww ITandTEL

eww ITandTEL delivers end-to-end IT services made in Austria, including high-performance networks, Internet services, data center housing and hosting, backup and disaster recovery solutions, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity services. With proprietary data center locations certified by ISO/IEC 27001 and EN 50600 standards, and a Europe-wide backbone network directly connected to Europe's major Internet hubs. A decisive added value is always included: your personal contact always at your side.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211873364/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Katherine Verducci, 1903 PR

kverducci@1903pr.com

408.429.5779
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin America and the Caribbean could raise GDP per capita by 11% and reduce inequality by 6% by making markets more competitive, according to a new report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The flagship report, "Markets for Development: Improving Lives through Competition," shows that limited competition and high market concentration across the region's economies weakens growth, suppresses wages, and keeps firms small and informal. Drawing on a new cross-country dataset of competition indicators, the study finds that stronger, fairer markets are critical to unlocking productivity and opportunity.

"The report demonstrates that markets are not merely a contextual element in development; they play an active role in driving it," said IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn. "When competition works, the private sector can do what it does best - create jobs, boost innovation, and deliver better outcomes for workers and consumers. Stronger, fairer markets are key to unlocking Latin America and the Caribbean's full potential."

The report was launched today at the IDB's headquarters in Washington, as part of its "Development in the Americas" (DIA) report series. Drawing on new evidence - including a new IDB database of comparable competition indicators across countries and sectors - it shows how bold, well-designed policies can deliver real gains for consumers, workers, and businesses in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and health.

The key findings include:

Market concentration in Latin America and the Caribbean is four times higher than in advanced economies.

Firms in the region charge markups averaging 35% above cost, compared to 20% in more competitive markets.

Workers take home just 50% of the value they generate - versus 65% in the United States and 81% in other advanced economies.

Ninety-five percent of firms have fewer than five workers and account for 57% of employment. The most productive firms - those with more than 50 employees - make up just 1% of firms and account for 20% of jobs.

If labor markets were as competitive as in advanced economies, GDP per capita could increase by as much as 25% - driven by higher investment and production, more efficient resource allocation, and workers moving to better jobs with fairer wages.

To scale these gains, the report outlines three priorities for governments: reduce market fragmentation, design smarter regulations and strengthen competition.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1273012/IDB_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/increasing-competition-could-boost-gdp-by-11-and-reduce-inequality-by-6-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-idb-report-says-302639445.html
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

By Bahar Gidwani

CSRHub has ingested a list produced by California's Air Resources Board (CARB). The 3,127 companies on this list are those that this US state agency feels may be affected by California's new climate disclosure laws.

These laws are generally referred to by their number: SB 253 and SB 261. (Their formal names are HSC 38532 and HSC 38533.) They require companies over $1 billion for SB 253 or $0.5 billion for SB 261 revenue to disclose certain carbon emission and climate-related financial risk information. The goals of the law are to provide California with more information about sources of carbon within the state. They are also expected to put pressure on companies with high emissions to reduce them. You can read more about these laws here.

CSRHub provides a consensus sustainability rating for any entity globally that has been rated by at least a few expert sources. We were able to find data in our system for 1,515 of the companies on the California list (click on the link to see them on our site) . We believe that most of the remaining entities on the list are too small to be required to report under the regulation-at least initially. Therefore, our sample is probably a good representation of the types of companies that will be affected by this disclosure legislation.

While 83% of the affected companies are from North America, there are a large number of European (147) and Asian (74) companies that may need to report. Of the 1,230 US companies, only 313 are headquartered in California. Four other US states (Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas) have more than 50 affected companies. Almost ten percent of the affected companies are in Europe.

See Chart of Companies Affected.

Companies in a broad range of industries are affected. About 60% are from the consumer goods, durable goods, finance and real estate, and technology sectors.

See Industries Affected.

The average Overall rating of the companies on the list (55) is well above the average for all entities covered by CSRHub (50). It is also above the average for the 2,584 entities we cover from California (50). It seems that California may be taking regulatory action on larger companies that are already better than average. This can be seen also in the average score for the affected companies in our Energy & Climate Change rating area. Affected companies average a rating of 52, compared to California companies in general at 47.

See California Companies' Average Ratings.

California's new laws will produce a 2026 reporting requirement. The list we ingested isn't definitive. However, it does indicate that many non-California companies will be affected by the law. It also may be putting pressure on a group of entities that have already taken steps to improve their carbon profiles. It may be difficult for these entities to meaningfully reduce their emissions. Going forward, the thousands of California entities that aren't on the list may be a better target for regulatory pressure than those on the list.

Bahar Gidwani is CTO and Co-founder of CSRHub. He has built and run large technology-based businesses for many years. Bahar holds a CFA, worked on Wall Street with Kidder, Peabody, and with McKinsey & Co. Bahar has consulted to a number of major companies and currently serves on the board of several software and Web companies. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree in physics and astronomy. He plays bridge, races sailboats, and is based in New York City.

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of expert consensus sustainability ratings, information, and tools. Clients use CSRHub's decisive data platform for global benchmarking, supply and value chain risk assessment and compliance readiness solutions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers over 60,000 public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on 42,000 companies from 134 industries in 158 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 1,000 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance.

Interested in learning more about CSRHub?

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CSRHub on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CSRHub

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/csrhub

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CSRHub

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/telecommunications/the-new-california-climate-regulations-sb-253-and-sb-261-will-affect-many-well-k-1116729


PRESS RELEASE

Arcadis announces Heather Polinsky as new CEO

Heather Polinsky, 26-year veteran of the company and Global President for Resilience and Mobility, nominated as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Alan Brookes to step down as CEO on 1 March 2026

Amsterdam, 11 December 2025 - Arcadis (EURONEXT: ARCAD), the world's leading company in delivering data-driven sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets, today announced that the Supervisory Board has nominated Heather Polinsky, currently Global President for Resilience and Mobility, as the next CEO and Chair of the Executive Board. This follows a succession planning process in line with international best practice.

Heather will assume the role on 1 March 2026 with her appointment submitted for shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2026. She will be based in Amsterdam. Alan Brookes will step down as CEO and Chair of the Executive Board on 1 March 2026.

Michiel Lap, Chair of the Supervisory Board, said:

"Arcadis is focused on reinvigorating growth and strengthening its market position, and this is the right moment for new leadership to take those priorities forward as we prepare for the next strategic cycle. As part of the Board's long-term succession process, Heather has been actively preparing for expanded leadership responsibilities. With a 30-year career spanning senior US and global operational, client development and commercial roles, she brings deep experience and a strong track record of delivery. Since 2023, she has led our most profitable business area, Resilience driving sustained growth and margin improvement. The Board has full confidence in her operational expertise, commercial acumen, and proven ability to lead high performing teams.

"We are grateful to Alan for his leadership and for his outstanding contributions as CEO and throughout his 25-year career with us. Under his stewardship, Arcadis has grown stronger, accelerated investments in skills, digital innovation and AI, and is well-positioned for future success."

Alan Brookes, outgoing CEO, said:

"It has been a privilege to lead Arcadis and to work alongside Arcadians around the world. I am proud of all we have achieved and confident that Arcadis is well set for the future. Heather is an exceptional leader, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition."

Heather Polinsky, CEO nominee, said:

"I am honored to be nominated as CEO of Arcadis and to succeed Alan in leading the business. My priority is to drive growth, strengthen performance, and accelerate the actions needed to position Arcadis for its next phase of success. My experience across our water, energy, environment, and transport businesses has shown me the strength of our people and the impact we deliver globally. I look forward to working with colleagues worldwide to deliver on our ambitions with pace and focus."

ENDS

About Heather Polinsky

Heather Polinsky joined Arcadis in 1999 from the US Army Environmental Command and is an

accomplished executive with over 30 years of leadership experience across engineering, science and advisory disciplines. Since joining the Arcadis Executive Leadership Team in 2023 as President for the Resilience global business area, she has played a key role in shaping the company's global strategy, transformation priorities and decisions across M&A, governance, innovation and investment. Her earlier career includes serving as Chief Operating Officer for North America and senior client development roles at Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., where she sat on the Board of Directors and helped with its merger and integration with Arcadis in 2009.

She is a certified Project Management Professional with an M.S. in Engineering Management from University of Maryland Global Campus and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the College of William and Mary, Virginia. She is a Fellow and past President of the Society of American Military Engineers and has held board and leadership positions with the National Association of Ordnance Contractors. Heather is also a recognized industry voice and has represented Arcadis at major global forums, including New York Climate Week and the UN Water Conference.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

ARCADIS INVESTOR RELATIONS

Christine Disch

Mobile: +31 6 15376020

E-mail: christine.disch@arcadis.com

ARCADIS CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

Chris Wiggan

Mobile: +44 7966404889

E-mail: chris.wiggan@arcadis.com

ABOUT ARCADIS

Arcadis is a leading global partner driving some of the most transformative projects of our time. We help clients make sustainable choices by combining digital innovation, human expertise, and future-focused skills across environment, energy, water, buildings, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Taking design, engineering, architecture and consultancy to the next level, we use data-driven insights to co-create environments that reflect our clients' business and stakeholder needs. With over 35,000 people, we unite global expertise to tackle challenges like climate resilience, energy security and diversification, and livable cities, improving quality of life through our presence in 30+ countries. In 2024, we achieved 5.0 billion in gross revenues. Learn more at www.arcadis.com

REGULATED INFORMATION

This press release contains information that qualifies or may qualify as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Attachment
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) (AJN or the Company) announces that further to the Company's December 8, 2025 news release, the Company intends to reprice its unit offering to $0.15 per unit and increase the number of units offered to 3,500,000 units for gross proceeds of up to $525,000. 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. The securities issued in connection with the private placement will be subject to a four month hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws. Proceeds from the 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 Giro Gold Project.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277757

SOURCE: AJN Resources Inc.
Regulatory News:

UGC, one of France's leading players in the film and audiovisual industry, and Xilam Animation (Paris:ALXIL), Academy Award-nominated French animation group, are partnering to adapt Bernard Werber's bestselling novel Empire of the Ants for television. Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to combine the best of their respective expertise to bring to screen this visionary work, which has enthralled readers worldwide for 35 years and sold seven million copies globally, including four million in France.

Targeted at family audiences, the series will follow two parallel investigations unfolding simultaneously: in the human world, exploring who killed the brilliant ant expert Edmond Wells; and in the ant world, uncovering the secret that the Queen and her militia are hiding that could threaten the unity of the colony.

The adaptation will be produced using live action for the human narrative, and visual effects for the ant world. The project is being written by Vladimir Haulet (Mixte, Mash Up), with the VFX direction being led by globally renowned specialist in photo-realistic animation Nicolas Deveaux, alongside Quentin Reubrecht (Arcane, I Lost My Body

The series will be produced by Marc du Pontavice and Caterina Gonnelli for Xilam, and by Franck Calderon and Celine d'Asaro Biondo for UGC.

Bernard Werber said: "I am thrilled to see Empire of the Ants finally come to life on screen. This adaptation from such creative powerhouses as UGC and Xilam will bring a unique level of ambition to my universe. I look forward to audiences experiencing this work in a new form."

About Xilam

A major player in animation, Xilam is an integrated studio founded in 1999 that creates, produces and distributes original programmes in more than 190 countries for both children and adult audiences. Xilam content is broadcast on television, and is also available on SVoD platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon and AVoD streaming platforms including YouTube and Facebook. Xilam also launched TOON BOX, its brand new, kids safe, ad-free streaming platform. With its creativity and capacity for innovation recognised worldwide, its unique expertise in CGI, as well as editorial and commercial expertise at the cutting edge of its industry, Xilam is positioned as a key player of the market.

Each year, Xilam builds real successes and capitalises on its powerful historical brands including "Oggy and the Cockroaches", "Zig Sharko" and "Where's Chicky?", as well as new properties such as "Piggy Builders" for a preschool audience, "Mr Magoo" and "Karate Sheep", and Academy Award nominated adult feature film I Lost My Body. Additionally, Xilam handled the production of the new adaptation of the Chip 'n' Dale characters for Disney+. Xilam's expanding and strong catalogue now consists of over 3,000 episodes and several feature films. Xilam employs more than 400 individuals across its studios in Paris, Angouleme in France and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. Xilam was ranked France's leading animation studio for the 2018-2023 period in a report by the French National Centre for Cinema and Animation (CNC).

Xilam is listed on Euronext Growth Paris PEA PME Eligibility.

ISIN: FR0004034072 Symbol: ALXIL

For more information: www.xilam.com

About UGC

UGC is one of the leading players in the film industry across French-speaking Europe. The Group operates 48 cinemas and 510 screens in France-including UGC Cine Cite Les Halles in Paris, the world's most-attended cinema-as well as 7 cinemas and 74 screens in Belgium.

In parallel, UGC has established itself as a major force in film creation through its production and distribution activities. In recent years, UGC has produced films such as Serial (Bad) Weddings by Philippe de Chauveron (the seventh biggest French box-office success of all time), Ducobu, whose sixth instalment will be released in 2026, Doux Jesus and C'etait mieux demain, both ranking among the Top 10 comedies of 2025. UGC also distributes leading filmmakers including Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie), Jacques Audiard with The Beat That My Heart Skipped (four Cesar Awards in 2006), A Prophet, Rust and Bone, and Dheepan (Palme d'Or 2015), Bruno Podalydes-supported by UGC for over 20 years-as well as Leos Carax with Annette (five Cesar Awards), and Florian Zeller, notably with The Father (Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and Cesar for Best Foreign Film).

In television production, UGC has, over the past eight years, become one of the industry's key groups, working with nearly all major broadcasters (TF1, France Televisions, Arte, Canal+, M6, Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Amazon). Since Jacqueline Sauvage, It was Him or Me in 2018 (TF1's top audience of the year), UGC's subsidiaries have delivered both critical and commercial successes. Notable examples include the hit series HIP: High Intellectual Potential for TF1 (the highest-rated French show since the creation of DTT, with a successful remake on ABC), and more recently Cette nuit-la for France 2, Soleil Noir-one of the most successful launches for a French series on Netflix-Master Crimes and Flashback for TF1, Les Disparues de la gare for Disney, and Merteuil, the first French production labelled as an HBO Original, available on HBO MAX.

Learn more about UGC's activities: www.groupeugc.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211198081/en/

Contacts:

Xilam

Marc du Pontavice Chairman and CEO

Cecile Haimet CFO

Phone: +33 1 40 18 72 00

Charlotte Newcombe at DDA

+44 7726 901129 or xilam@ddaglobal.com

Image Sept Agency

xilam@image7.fr

Karine Allouis (Media Relations) Phone +33 1 53 70 74 81

Laurent Poinsot (Investor Relations) Phone +33 1 53 70 74 77

UGC

Franck Calderon CEO UGC Fiction

Agence Image Sept

Charlotte Mouraret Tel. +33 6 89 87 62 17

cmouraret@image7.fr
LIMONEST, 11 DECEMBER 2025, 5.45 PM

FIRST HALF REVENUES UP 9.5% TO 266.8M

GROSS MARGIN RATE OF 22.5%, UP 140 BASIS POINTS

POSITIVE OPERATING EARNINGS OF 4.4M, UP 13.1M

STRONG LEVERS FOR THE SECOND HALF AND STRATEGIC POSITIONING TO KEEP OUTPERFORMING THE MARKET

Olivier de la Clergerie, LDLC Group CEO, said: "The Group started off the 2025/2026 financial year with a solid first half performance, posting revenues up 9.5%, a gross margin rate of 22.5% and positive operating earnings of 4.4m. For the first time in three financial years, the Group has made a first half profit in terms of both operation earnings and net income.

These results illustrate the strength of the Group's business model and the appropriateness of the measures implemented in recent financial years. Backed by a solid financial base, LDLC has chosen to pursue a forward-looking strategy against a backdrop of declining demand. The organisational adaptation measures we implemented, coupled with our investments in communication and marketing campaigns and structural initiatives such as the acquisition of Rue du Commerce, constitute powerful levers today.

Backed by solid fundamentals, the LDLC Group is entering the second half of the year with confidence. In a market where momentum remains strong, the Group is well positioned to continue to outperform the market and improve its profitability. This could turn out to be one of our best years since the pandemic."

SIMPLIFIED FIRST HALF INCOME STATEMENT (1 APRIL-30 SEPTEMBER)

m (audited) H1 2025/2026

6 months H1 2024/2025

6 months Change Revenues 266.8 243.7 +23.1 Gross margin 60.0 51.3 +8.7 Gross margin rate 22.5% 21.1% +1.4 pp EBITDA1 8.5 (2.5) +10.9 EBIT2 4.4 (8.7) +13.1 Net financial income/(expense) (2.6) (0.4) -2.1 Net non-recurring income/(expense) 0.2 (0.5) +0.7 Income tax (0.5) 2.3 -2.8 Net income/(loss), Group share 1.5 (7.3) +8.8

1 EBITDA = Operating earnings (EBIT) after goodwill amortisation and impairment + depreciation, amortisation and provisions.

2 After zero goodwill amortisation and impairment for H1 2025/2026 compared to a 36,000 charge for H1 2024/2025.

The LDLC Group consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2025 were approved by the Management Board on 11 December 2025 and reviewed the same day by the Supervisory Board. They were subject to a limited review by the Statutory Auditors.



H1 2025/2026 revenues up 9.5% to 266.8m

Up 7.6% in Q1 and 11.1% in Q2, first half revenues totalled 266.8m, up 9.5% year-on-year (up 8.6% at constant consolidation scope).

BtoC revenues rose 14.7% versus H1 2024/2025, up 13.4% at constant consolidation scope. Store revenues rose 7.0%, including the contribution from the LDLC Paris Madeleine store opened in late August 2025, which made a particularly strong start. Online sales were up 19.7%, including the contribution from Rue du Commerce consolidated since 10 July 2024.

BtoB revenues fell just 1.7% versus H1 2024/2025. The improvement in the trend observed over the last few quarters was confirmed by a return to growth in Q2 2025/2026 (up 0.6%).

Revenues from other businesses were down 5.0%, including a 1.4% decline for childcare brand L'Armoire de Bebe.



Gross margin rate up 140 bps to 22.5%

The Group's gross margin reached 60.0m in H1 2025/2026, up 17.0% from 51.3m in H1 2024/2025.

The gross margin rate of 22.5%, above the upper limit (21.5%) of the normalised range, reflects the Group's ability to gain market share by maintaining its business model. This performance was driven by the strong and rapid recovery in business and the positive impact of the Rue du Commerce marketplaces development on the sales mix.



EBITDA profit of 8.5m, up 10.9m

H1 2025/2026 EBITDA came to 8.5m, up 10.9m versus the H1 2024/2025 EBITDA loss of 2.5m.

The measures implemented by the Group to control its expenses are beginning to bear fruit. Against a backdrop of strong business growth, first half operating expenses (staff costs + other purchases and external expenses) were down 5.4% (2.8m). Staff costs fell 11.5% under the impact of the overall austerity measures and the organisational adaptation plan in force since July 2025, the effects of which will kick in fully during the second half of 2025/2026. Other purchases and external expenses represented 8.0% of revenues, compared to 8.5% in H1 2024/2025.

Operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to 4.4m (compared to an 8.7m EBIT loss in H1 2024/2025) after taking into account net depreciation, amortisation, provisions and goodwill impairment totalling 4.1m, down 34.6% reflecting a return to more normalised levels.

The Group posted a net financial expense of 2.6m compared to a 0.4m expense in H1 2024/2025. The increase was mainly due to the recognition of non-recurring non-cash provisions on certain Group financial investments.

Net income Group share amounted to 1.5m (compared to a 7.3m net loss in H1 2024/2025), including a 0.5m tax charge and 0.2m non-recurring income.



Sound financial structure

H1 2025/2026 cash consumption amounted to 20.0m, mainly due to the 19.1m increase in working capital driven by the strong business recovery, inventory management and outstanding payables.

Cash flow from investing activities amounted to a 3.1m outflow.

Cash flow from financing activities amounted to a 1.9m net outflow comprising 4.0m in new bank loans and 5.9m in repayments.

The Group is still in a strong financial position underpinned by its robust financial structure. At 30 September 2025, net debt amounted to 24.4m (vs. 6.3m at 31 March 2025), compared to shareholders' equity of 91.7m (vs. 90.2m at 31 March 2025), entailing a limited increase in net gearing (net debt/equity) to 26.6%.





RECENT NEWS

Customer Service of the Year award for the 12th year running

On 20 November 2025, LDLC received the "Customer Service of the Year" award for 2026[1]. For the 12th year in a row, the LDLC Group topped the rankings in the Technical Product Retail category with an even higher score of 19.80/20, well above the average among all participants (13.66/20) and the other winners (16.58/20). LDLC's 60 advisers work tirelessly to make sure customers receive the best possible advice, handling 550,000 requests per year by phone, email, live chat or on social media.

Promising opening of the LDLC Paris Madeleine flagship store

On 20 August 2025, the new LDLC Paris Madeleine store opened its doors to the general public. The store embodies a new concept offering around 3,000 high-tech products across a 1,000 m sales area. Ideally located in central Paris, the store enjoys a strategic location close to many other consumer retail outlets. The opening of this iconic store is fully in line with the Group's strategy to strengthen its positioning among the general public by building on its hybrid "clicks-and-mortar" model involving a judicious combination of e-commerce websites and physical stores.





OUTLOOK

Building on the solid performance recorded in H1 2025/2026, the LDLC Group is entering the rest of the year with confidence as growth momentum continues to hold up well in the third quarter.

The second half of the financial year should benefit from the usual seasonal trends that inherently generate higher revenues, profitability and cash than the first half. Furthermore, the effects of the organisational adaptation plan effective since July 2025 will kick in fully during the second half, thereby driving an improvement in profitability towards more normalised levels.

The Group's financial base is also expected to strengthen, driven by the expected improvement in profitability and a return to more normalised working capital levels in the short term.

Regarding potential concerns about tensions in the supply of memory chips, the Group clarifies that, as of today, the level of available inventory allows it to handle the situation with confidence. Furthermore, even in this tense environment, the Group's supplies keep coming in and the available cash position allows the Group to secure an adequate level of safety stock. Lastly, although prices have risen sharply, current sales show no signs of abating in terms of value.

The power of the LDLC Group business model, its financial strength and the investments made to enhance its reputation, particularly among the general public, are powerful levers that should enable the Group to continue its profitable growth trajectory and outperform the market over the coming quarters.

As a result, the Group could post one of its best financial years since the pandemic.



Next meeting:

12 December 2025 at 10.00 am - H1 2025/2026 earnings videoconference presentation

Next release:

29 January 2026 after market close, Q3 2025/2026 revenues



GROUP OVERVIEW

The LDLC Group was one of the first to venture into online sales in 1997. As a specialist multi-brand retailer and a major online IT and high-tech equipment retailer, the LDLC Group targets individual customers (BtoC) as well as business customers (BtoB). It operates via 15 retail brands, has 8 e-commerce websites and has approximately 1,100 employees.

Winner of a number of customer service awards and widely recognised for the efficiency of its integrated logistics platforms, the Group is also developing an extensive chain of brand stores and franchises.

Find all the information you need at www.groupe-ldlc.com

ACTUS

Investor & Media Relations

Helene de Watteville / Marie-Claude Triquet

hdewatteville@actus.fr - mctriquet@actus.fr

Tel.: + 33 (0)6 10 19 97 04 / + 33 (0)6 84 83 21 82

[1] Technical Product Retail category - BVA Ipsos survey - Viseo CI - Read more at escda.fr

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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Roche Bobois, the global leader in the high-end furniture market and the epitome of the French Art de Vivre, publishes its latest news every month.

NOVEMBER 2025

LATEST NEWS

OPENING IN OSAKA, JAPAN (FRANCHISE STORE)

Roche Bobois has opened a new store in Japan. After Tokyo, the brand is now present in Osaka. Located on the first floor of Yodoyabashi Station One, this new space enjoys prime visibility in a strategic location. This second opening in Japan strengthens Roche Bobois' presence in Asia, one of the brand's most dynamic markets.

OTHER NEWS

PARIS PHOTO 2025

Roche Bobois has been chosen as the design partner of PARIS PHOTO, the world's largest art fair dedicated to photography and image-based art. For its 28th edition, Paris Photo brings together galleries, publishers and artists from all around the world under the glass dome of the Grand Palais, offering a unique selection of both historic and contemporary works. The VIP area - an extension of the Balcony of Honor - is entirely staged by Roche Bobois, with the brand showcasing several of its iconic pieces in a gentle color scheme. This collaboration is yet another expression of Roche Bobois's support for cultural and art events.

About ROCHE BOBOIS SA

ROCHE BOBOIS SA is a French family business founded in 1960. The Group operates in 56 countries and has a network of 338 directly operated stores and franchises (at 30 June 2025) marketing its two brands: Roche Bobois, a high-end furniture brand with a strong international presence, and Cuir Center, positioned in the mid-range market segment with an essentially French customer base. Through its Roche Bobois brand, the Group embodies the French Art de Vivre whose presence can now be felt on the world stage, with original and bold creations from talented designers (Joana Vasconcelos, Bruno Moinard, Ora Ito, Sacha Lakic, Christophe Delcourt, Stephen Burks, Patrick Norguet, Kenzo Takada and Bina Baitel and Jiang Qiong Er,..) and partnerships with fashion and haute couture houses. Roche Bobois is also a committed partner in the world of culture and the arts. Including franchises, these two brands posted 2024 retail sales of 589 million excluding VAT, to which Roche Bobois contributed 499 million and Cuir Center 90 million. Roche Bobois SA's consolidated revenue in 2024 amounted to 414 million.

For more information, please visit www.finance-roche-bobois.com

Actus Finance & Communication

Investor relations

Anne-Pauline Petureaux

apetureaux@actus.fr / +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72

Press relations

Serena BONI

sboni@actus.fr / +33 (0)6 19 37 55 31

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HERNDON, Va., Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Learning Tree International, a leading provider of technology training solutions, today announced the launch of its AI Workforce Solutions, a comprehensive program designed to help organizations successfully navigate the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. The company's AI Maturity Framework offers targeted training solutions tailored to specific organizational needs.

The new modular program is built around a pioneering three-tier AI Maturity Framework that supports organizations at every stage of AI integration: AI Readiness, AI Enablement, and AI Adoption.

AI Readiness develops baseline knowledge and confidence in AI concepts.

develops baseline knowledge and confidence in AI concepts. AI Enablement emphasizes applying AI tools and practices directly in daily work, supported by modular program design that scales across business units.

emphasizes applying AI tools and practices directly in daily work, supported by modular program design that scales across business units. AI Adoption ensures AI is embedded at scale, becoming a trusted and integrated part of systems, workflows, and decision-making.



"As a workforce solutions leader, Learning Tree is helping organizations turn AI disruption into opportunity," said David Brown, CEO of Learning Tree International. "Artificial Intelligence is redefining how we learn, work, and lead-and the future belongs to those who prepare their people now. Our mission is to build AI-ready workforces that drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth."

Learning Tree's AI Workforce Solutions go beyond IT and data science teams, extending to business users, project managers, human resources leaders, finance professionals, and executives who increasingly rely on AI in their daily decision-making. The program is designed to bridge technical expertise with strategic business roles to ensure AI value is realized across the enterprise. The program bridges technical skills and strategic business needs, ensuring that AI delivers measurable impact across the enterprise.

Curriculum content is mapped to real-world use cases, such as customer service automation, human resources optimization, data analysis enhancement, supply chain management, compliance monitoring, and marketing personalization. Training also addresses widely adopted AI platforms and tools, including Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Google Gemini, preparing learners to apply these solutions effectively in workplace contexts.

Recognizing the strategic role of leadership in digital transformation, Learning Tree has introduced an AI Leadership Program to prepare executives and managers to guide their organizations responsibly through AI adoption. In addition, Learning Tree also continues to strengthen its compliance training portfolio with new offerings such as the CMMC Auditing course and AAIA (Advanced Audit in AI), AAISM (Advanced AI in Security Management) certifications to meet evolving regulatory and cybersecurity standards.

For more information, visit Artificial Intelligence Training and Talent Solutions | Learning Treeor contact In quiries@Learningtree.com .

About Learning Tree International:

For over 50 years, Learning Tree International has been a trusted partner in workforce transformation, delivering training in AI, technical skills, leadership, cybersecurity, and more. Backed by expert instructors and real-world content, Learning Tree helps individuals and organizations build the capabilities needed to succeed in today's dynamic workplace.

Media Contact:

Learning Tree International

Email: press@learningtree.com

Website: https://www.learningtree.com/
Regulatory News:

Due to an increase in her professional commitments, Ms Elisabeth Cunin, a Company director since 2012, today informed Mercialys' (Paris:MERY) Board of Directors that she wished to stand down from her position, which the Board acknowledged. Her resignation will take effect on December 31, 2025.

Ms Elisabeth Cunin chaired the Appointments and Compensation Committee from 2017 to 2021, then the Strategy and Transformation Committee from 2021 to 2024.

The Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team would like to express their deep gratitude to Ms Elisabeth Cunin for her dedication, her thoughtful and rigorous approach, and the quality of her contributions. Throughout her years in office, Ms Elisabeth Cunin has played a significant role in further strengthening the Company's governance, developing its strategy and supporting its growth. Her in-depth knowledge of the retail sector and her vision of the factors behind its development have been valuable assets for the Company.

Ms Elisabeth Cunin: "I would like to thank the directors, management and all the teams at Mercialys for the quality of our discussions and exchanges throughout my time in office. My particular thanks go to Eric Le Gentil, a demanding and inspiring partner with our shared mission. As my other responsibilities have intensified, I have taken this decision to stand down, in accordance with the level of availability required for this role. I leave the Board convinced that the challenges ahead will be met with the same passion and rigor that have guided our work. I will continue to follow Mercialys' projects and achievements with great interest".

Mr Eric Le Gentil, Chairman of the Board of Directors: "Thirteen years of commitment, insights and high standards have defined Elisabeth Cunin's journey within our Board. Her experienced perspective on the sector's developments, her ability to challenge our strategic choices, and her support for Mercialys' transformation have left a lasting mark. We would like to express our sincerest recognition and wish her continued success as she pursues her other endeavors with the same passion and clarity of vision. Mercialys will continue to move forward, strengthened by the values and ambitions that she has helped shape"

This press release is available on www.mercialys.com.

About Mercialys

Mercialys is one of France's leading real estate companies. It is specialized in the holding, management and transformation of retail spaces, anticipating consumer trends, on its own behalf and for third parties. At June 30, 2025, Mercialys had a real estate portfolio valued at Euro 2.9 billion (including transfer taxes). Its portfolio of 1,985 leases represents an annualized rental base of Euro 180.4 million. Mercialys has been listed on the stock market since October 12, 2005 (ticker: MERY) and has "SIIC" real estate investment trust (REIT) tax status. Part of the SBF 120 and Euronext Paris Compartment A, it had 93,886,501 shares outstanding at June 30, 2025.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding future events, trends, projects or targets. These forward-looking statements are subject to identified and unidentified risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Mercialys' Universal Registration Document available at www.mercialys.com for the year ended December 31, 2024 for more details regarding certain factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect Mercialys' business. Mercialys makes no undertaking in any form to publish updates or adjustments to these forward-looking statements, nor to report new information, new future events or any other circumstances that might cause these statements to be revised.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211676479/en/

Contacts:

Analyst and investor contact

Olivier Pouteau

Tel: +33 (0)6 30 13 27 31

Email: opouteau@mercialys.com
Lombard, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Atlas Law Center has awarded the Inaugural Atlas Consumer Law Scholarship to Alexis Self, a rising third-year law student at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. The scholarship, established in honor of Professor Ariana R. Levinson, recognizes exceptional dedication to workers' rights and social justice advocacy.

Atlas Law Center Awards Inaugural 2025 Consumer Law Scholarship Honoring Professor

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The scholarship selection process emphasized candidates who demonstrate exceptional commitment to workers' rights and social justice causes.

"This scholarship represents our commitment to supporting the next generation of consumer and employment law advocates," stated Ahmad T. Sulaiman, a managing partner at Atlas Law Center. "Professor Levinson's work in labor and employment law has shaped countless students' understanding of workers' rights, and we wanted to honor that impact."

Professor Levinson serves as the Frost Brown Todd Professor of Law at the University of Louisville, where her scholarship focuses on labor and employment law issues. Her research examines workplace topics ranging from wage and hour disputes to discrimination and workers' organizing rights.

The scholarship was created following Atlas Law Center's partnership with the Brandeis School of Law, which began in 2022 when the firm hired Chad Eisenback, a 2020 graduate. Eisenback's continued engagement with his alma mater helped foster the connection between the firm and Professor Levinson.

"We're grateful to Chad, Atlas Law Center, and managing partners for cultivating a comprehensive relationship with our law school," Mr. Sulaiman added. "This scholarship affirms the caliber of our faculty and students, and the real-world impact of their legal skills upon graduation."

The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student from the Brandeis School of Law who demonstrates commitment to consumer protection or workers' rights advocacy. Selection criteria include academic performance, extracurricular involvement in relevant legal issues, and career goals aligned with employment law attorney Chicago or consumer law attorney Chicago practice.

Alexis Self's selection as the inaugural recipient reflects her demonstrated commitment to social justice causes throughout law school. She plans to pursue a career advocating for workers' rights after graduation.

More information about the Atlas Law Center is available on the company's official website.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/275998

SOURCE: Plentisoft
Blockstream Capital Partners ("BCP"), today announced the planned acquisition of Corbiere Capital Management, a Jersey-based equities hedge fund manager led by Rodrigo Rodriguez. Komainu, an existing BCP strategic investment, will provide the necessary corporate support, exchange connectivity, collateral management and custodial services. This combination supports BCP's broader objective of offering a full suite of investment solutions that meet the needs of global institutions seeking both traditional and Bitcoin-linked exposures.

Strengthening BCP's Institutional Strategy

Bringing Corbiere into the BCP platform reinforces BCP's strategy of bridging traditional finance with Bitcoin-native capabilities. Corbiere's expertise in equity and event-driven markets complements BCP's existing investment framework and supports the development of diversified, institutional-grade strategies alongside Bitcoin-referenced products.

Rodriguez, appointed Chief Investment Officer of Blockstream Capital Management a new asset management entity under BCP, has over 25 years of experience across JPMorgan, Credit Suisse, and BlueCrest, where he served as CIO of its event-driven portfolio. He founded Corbiere Capital Management in 2023, building a team with deep experience in global equity markets, corporate actions, and tactical trading opportunities.

Leveraging BCP's existing investment in Komainu

Komainu will provide custody and exchange connectivity to the partnership through Komainu Connect, its class-leading off-exchange collateral management and settlement platform, and will also provide corporate and custodial support.

A Strategic Fit for BCP's Expanding Investment Platform

Integrating Corbiere provides BCP with:

Event-driven and equity-focused capabilities that complement Bitcoin-referenced strategies.

that complement Bitcoin-referenced strategies. A multi-strategy approach that allows for more balanced and resilient portfolio construction.

that allows for more balanced and resilient portfolio construction. Experienced talent and disciplined risk management, aligned with BCP's commitment to governance, operational rigor, and fiduciary excellence.

PeterPaul Pardi, Managing Partner of Blockstream Capital Partners, said"Core to our mission of building the leading global institutional Bitcoin-referenced investment platform is the acquisition of experienced investment teams with specific complementary expertise in alpha-focused investment strategies. Rod and the Corbiere team joining us is testament to the strength of the platform we are building."

Rodrigo Rodriguez, Chief Investment Officer of Blockstream Capital Management, said: "Joining BCP as a cornerstone of its asset management offering is a unique opportunity and we are excited to work together with the aim of generating superior risk adjusted returns for investors. The increase in activity around Bitcoin treasury companies, and listed companies holding Bitcoin as an asset on their balance sheet, makes it critical to understand how that translates into equity pricing and volatility."

Paul Frost-Smith, CEO at Komainu, said: "We are excited to be working with BCP on this important initiative for the Bitcoin ecosystem. It is truly exciting to be at the centre of the next wave of Bitcoin-related innovation as Komainu rolls out new, cutting-edge Bitcoin products and services."

About Blockstream Capital Partners (BCP)

Blockstream Capital Partners (BCP) is an investment group of Bitcoin pioneers driving the convergence of Bitcoin and institutional finance. Affiliated with Dr. Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, the global leader in Bitcoin and blockchain infrastructure, BCP brings together early Bitcoin investors from before the first halving and veteran institutional finance leaders with decades of experience managing global capital.

BCP invests across asset classes venture capital, private and public equity, credit, real estate, and insurance and across the entire stack of Bitcoin finance: from infrastructure (including trading, custody, payments, and settlement) to Bitcoin-based applications and financial instruments. Its approach reflects the same philosophy that defines Blockstream: an uncompromising commitment to building the financial infrastructure of the future and a long-term conviction in Bitcoin.

BCP operates a comprehensive investment platform offering institutional-grade Bitcoin solutions designed to deliver Bitcoin-referenced returns and long-term value for investors. With a global presence in key financial hubs, BCP is positioned to serve leading institutional allocators worldwide.

About Corbiere Capital Management

Corbiere is a Jersey-based hedge fund manager focused on global event-driven and equity strategies. The firm dynamically allocates capital across five core sub-strategies: equity capital markets, index rebalancing, dividend arbitrage, corporate arbitrage, and risk arbitrage, supported by a macro hedging overlay. The team, primarily composed of former BlueCrest professionals, is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

About Komainu

Komainu is the institutional gateway for digital assets, headquartered in Jersey, with offices in London, Dubai, and Singapore. Offering bank-grade infrastructure for institutional investors, Komainu provides seamless, connected and secure services with multi-jurisdictional regulatory oversight, merging expertise from traditional financial services with leading security standards for the next generation of institutional digital asset custody, servicing financing.

Komainu (Jersey) Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

Komainu MEA FZE is regulated by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.

For more information, visit https://www.komainu.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211826001/en/

Contacts:

Press Contacts:



Blockstream Capital Partners

ir@bcp.io



Pippa Wiskin

pippa.wiskin@komainu.com
Montreal, Quebec and Atlanta, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - CIGO Tracker, a fleet management and logistics optimization platform serving operations across the United States and Canada, today announced significant enhancements to its geofencing capabilities, delivering visibility and control over vehicle movements and driver behavior. The enhanced geofencing suite addresses growing compliance concerns and operational inefficiencies plaguing North American logistics operations.

As supply chain pressures and regulatory oversight increases across both US and Canadian markets, fleet managers are demanding more sophisticated tools to monitor vehicle locations, prevent unauthorized stops, and ensure compliance with customer delivery windows. CIGO Tracker's enhanced geofencing technology directly addresses these challenges by providing real-time alerts, comprehensive location tracking, and detailed time-on-site analytics.

Control Over Fleet Boundaries

The enhanced geofencing platform allows operations managers to establish precise disallowed zones around sensitive areas such as competitor locations, personal residences, or high-risk neighborhoods. When vehicles enter these restricted areas, dispatchers receive immediate alerts, enabling intervention.

Key features of the enhanced geofencing system include:

Smart Boundary Creation : Custom geofences can be drawn around any location with precision mapping

: Custom geofences can be drawn around any location with precision mapping Real-Time Entry/Exit Notifications : Instant alerts when vehicles cross designated boundaries

: Instant alerts when vehicles cross designated boundaries Comprehensive Time Tracking : Detailed logs showing arrival time, duration, and departure for each geofenced area

: Detailed logs showing arrival time, duration, and departure for each geofenced area Historical Analytics : Trend analysis to identify patterns in driver behavior and route efficiency

: Trend analysis to identify patterns in driver behavior and route efficiency Compliance Reporting: Automated documentation for insurance, regulatory, and customer requirements

Addressing Critical Operational Pain Points

The enhanced geofencing capabilities directly tackle common fleet management challenges that cost North American logistics companies millions annually in lost productivity and compliance violations. Traditional GPS tracking provides location data, but lacks the intelligence to translate that information into actionable insights.

CIGO Tracker's system goes beyond location monitoring by analyzing the context of each stop. Operations managers can now distinguish between authorized delivery locations and unauthorized personal stops, ensuring that labor costs align with actual business activities.

For logistics coordinators managing cross-border operations between the US and Canada, the platform provides consistent monitoring capabilities regardless of cellular network or geographic boundaries. This unified approach eliminates the complexity of managing separate tracking systems for different regions.

Transforming Fleet Accountability

The time-tracking component of CIGO Tracker's geofencing enhancement provides granular insights into driver efficiency and customer service delivery. Transportation directors can now measure actual handle times at customer locations, identifying opportunities for route optimization and performance improvement.

The platform's reporting capabilities enable fleet managers to:

Verify compliance with customer delivery windows

Document proof of service for billing and dispute resolution

Identify training opportunities for individual drivers

Optimize route planning based on actual performance data

Reduce insurance premiums through demonstrated risk management

Innovation in Location Intelligence

CIGO Tracker's geofencing represents a significant advancement in fleet management technology, combining real-time monitoring with predictive analytics to deliver actionable business intelligence.

The enhanced features are immediately available to all CIGO Tracker clients across the United States and Canada, with full integration into existing fleet management workflows. The company continues to invest in advanced location intelligence capabilities, with additional enhancements planned for release.

Fleet managers interested in experiencing the benefits of enhanced geofencing capabilities can schedule a personalized demonstration to see how location intelligence transforms fleet oversight and driver accountability.

About CIGO Tracker: CIGO Tracker provides comprehensive fleet management and logistics optimization solutions for transportation companies across the United States and Canada. The platform combines real-time delivery tracking, route optimization, and advanced analytics to help logistics operations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277632

SOURCE: Cigo Tracker
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - PesoRama Inc. (TSXV: PESO) (OTC Pink: PSSOF) (FSE: ZE6) ("PesoRama" or the "Company") announced today that final acceptance has been issued by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") in connection with its equity financings, the closings of which were previously announced on November 21, 2025 (the "First Tranche News Release") and November 28, 2025 (the "Second Tranche News Release").

The Company wishes to announce the following clarifications from the previous news releases:

The First Tranche News Release and the Second Tranche News Release incorrectly stated that each Unit issued under the equity financing was comprised of one common share of the Company and one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company. Each Unit issued under the equity financing was comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant.

The First Tranche News Release incorrectly stated that the Company paid a cash commission of $210,000 and issued 840,000 non-transferrable finder warrants to arm's-length finders. The Company paid a cash commission of $193,700 and issued an aggregate of 979,960 non-transferrable finder warrants to arm's-length finders under the first tranche of the equity financing.

The Second Tranche News Release incorrectly stated that insiders of the Company and their related parties subscribed for a total of 400,000 Units. Insiders of the Company and their related parties subscribed for a total of 160,000 Units.

This news release should be read in conjunction with both the First Tranche News Release and Second Tranche News Release. The corrections described in this news release do not change any other information reported in the First Tranche News Release or Second Tranche News Release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the 1933 Act, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

About PesoRama Inc.

PesoRama, operating under the JOI DOLLAR PLUS brand, is a Mexican value dollar store retailer. PesoRama launched operations in 2019 in Mexico City and the surrounding areas targeting high density, high traffic locations. PesoRama's 29 stores offer consistent merchandise offerings which include items in the following categories: household goods, pet supplies, seasonal products, party supplies, health and beauty, snack food items, confectionery and more. For more information visit: http://pesorama.ca.

Cautionary Note

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, among other things, statements regarding the final approval of the closing of the offering by the TSXV. While the Company believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements, including due to changes in consumer behaviour, general economic factors, the ability of the Company to execute its strategies, the availability of capital and the risk factors which are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's prospectus dated January 31, 2022 and filed under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. PesoRama undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of PesoRama, its securities, or its financial or operating results (as applicable).

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/277764

SOURCE: PesoRama Inc.
ZTQ-15 light tanks in comprehensive training exercise

China Military Online) 14:31, December 11, 2025

A ZTQ-15 light tank attached to the Chinese PLA Army maneuvers to the designated area during a comprehensive tactical training exercise on December 2, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cao Zhi)

ZTQ-15 light tanks attached to the Chinese PLA Army maneuver to the designated area during a comprehensive tactical training exercise on December 2, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cao Zhi)

Soldiers assigned to a unit under the Chinese PLA Army rush to the designated area during a comprehensive tactical training exercise on December 2, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cao Zhi)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
EDINBURGH, Scotland, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wobble Genomics, a biotechnology company focused on improving cancer outcomes through better diagnosis and therapy selection, will present new data at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), taking place from December 9-12 in San Antonio, Texas. The data demonstrates the ability to accurately detect HER2 expression in breast cancer, both in solid tumour biopsies and blood samples.

The new data confirm the platform's ability to determine HER2 status with high fidelity from breast cancer tissue, providing detailed isoform-level profiles, and show a correlation with HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) scores. The study also establishes the potential of Wobble's long-read RNA technology to determine HER2 targeted therapy selection from blood.

These findings provide valuable insights into transcript diversity and expression patterns, enabling improved diagnostic accuracy and refining therapy selection. This will allow for a more precise understanding of tumour biology, enabling better-informed decisions for selecting the most appropriate therapy for breast cancer patients.

Dr Richard Kuo, CEO and Founder of Wobble Genomics, commented: "Our research highlights the significant promise of our platform, offering a new level of precision in cancer diagnostics by providing detailed isoform-level insights into HER2 expression. These findings could enable clinicians to make more informed therapy choices, leading to safer, more personalised care for patients."

The details of the poster presentation are as follows:

Title: Isoform Level RNA Detection Provides More Detailed Profiling of HER2 Expression in Breast Cancer

Poster Session: Session 4

Date/Time: Thursday, 11th December 2025, 17:00 - 18:30

Authors: Jacob Bradley, Yuanyuan Cheng, Katrina Morris, Ivayla Ivanova, Mark Barnett, Alice Seguret, Oliver Eve, Ahmad Zyoud, Gabriel Benitez, Amy Robinson, Arran Turnbull, J. Michael Dixon, Rick Hockett, Han-Yu Chuang, Richard I. Kuo (Wobble Genomics)

About Wobble Genomics

Wobble Genomics is an innovative healthcare and biotechnology company at the forefront of highly sensitive long-read cfRNA liquid biopsy diagnostics, whose mission is to understand and better treat cancer. The company was founded by Dr. Richard Kuo at The Roslin Institute, at The University of Edinburgh. The company is backed by a world-leading panel of advisors in genomics, diagnostics and oncology. Wobble Genomics is currently conducting clinical studies in partnership with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

For more information about Wobble Genomics, please visit wobblegenomics.com. You can follow Wobble Genomics on LinkedIn and X.

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ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ADGM, the international financial centre (IFC) of Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC), Hanwha and the EU GCC Cooperation on green transition project, today hosted the 8th edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF). Held on the final day of ADFW, the forum brought together climate-finance leaders, innovators, policymakers and institutional investors, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global force in advancing the net-zero, nature-positive transition.

Opening the forum, Salem Mohammed Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, highlighted how Abu Dhabi has rapidly emerged as a centre of gravity for sustainable finance, advancing ambitious policies, building climate-resilient ecosystems, and advancing capital toward high-impact global solutions. His remarks set the tone for a day dedicated to addressing the investment pathways, regulatory mechanisms, and cross-border partnerships that will shape the next era of climate-aligned finance.

During his speech, Al Darei said, "Our commitment is clear - Abu Dhabi will continue to serve as the destination where capital finds purpose and purpose finds progress. As the Capital of Green Capital, we are building bridges between regions and mobilising capital for renewable infrastructure, green technologies and sustainable innovation across emerging and developed markets. This forum reflects Abu Dhabi's growing stature as a global platform for sustainable finance, where ambition meets execution, and partnerships drive systemic transformation"

In a session titled 'From Ambition to Action: Financing the Transition to a Green Economy,' Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO, Frontier25, then discussed what is being done and what more is needed to facilitate the region's transition to a green economy and advance climate action.

Across a full day of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside conversations, and vision-setting dialogues, the forum explored renewable-energy investment, biodiversity financing, AI-enabled ESG risk analysis, Islamic sustainable finance, green infrastructure, and frontier climate innovations, from engineered ecosystems to climate-resilient digital infrastructure.

Under the unifying theme of aligning capital with climate ambition, participants examined how financial markets can accelerate large-scale investment into energy transition, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. The line-up included several standout sessions emblematic of Abu Dhabi's expanding leadership in sustainability-driven finance.

A headline session explored how future-proof urban planning, forward-looking policy frameworks, and major climate-aligned projects are reinforcing the emirate's position as a global platform for sustainable investment. Speakers assessed how long-term capital, climate resilience strategies, and cross-border collaboration are reshaping the green finance landscape.

Breakout Events on Sustainability Day

Coinciding with the main event, the Women in Finance Forum brought together influential female leaders across global finance, investment, sustainability, and regulatory spheres to discuss pathways to greater inclusion, leadership, and innovation in the industry. Through sessions such as "Leaders in Motion: Women Driving Financial Innovation," the event underscored the pivotal role women play in setting the pace and shifting the centre of influence by reshaping financial innovation across global markets.

In addition to the day's flagship sessions, several parallel forums added depth and industry perspective, including the 2nd EU-GCC Finance & Investment for Green Transition Forum, the Google Finance & Technology Summit (GtFT25), the Islamic Finance Summit, the Abu Dhabi High-Level Roundtable on Climate Investment and Money Moves: Building Arab Youth Wealth and Confidence each gathering sector leaders and professionals dedicated to advancing climate financing, resilience strategies, and green-economy collaboration.

ADSFF also highlighted progress by the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG), which recently endorsed the new "Principles for Climate Transition Planning" under Workstream Four, which represented a significant milestone guiding financial institutions toward credible, transparent transition-planning practices aligned with the UAE's net-zero objectives.

The forum also welcomed the new signatories of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration, bringing the total to 180 institutions committed to supporting Abu Dhabi and the UAE's long-term net-zero goals.

Newcomers and Collaborations

The fourth day of ADFW witnessed announcements from J.P. Morgan, ERM, DLA Piper, Arab Bank (Switzerland) Middle East and iCapital, announcing the setting up of offices or expanding their business in ADGM. J.P. Morgan is accelerating the growth of its J.P. Morgan Payments business by bringing its global best-in-class Treasury capabilities to the UAE. While Arab Bank - the newly established regional entity of Swiss Private Bank Arab Bank (Switzerland), ERM - the world's largest specialist sustainability consultancy, and DLA Piper, a global law firm, are establishing new offices in ADGM and expanding their footprint in the region.

A total of 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were announced during the last day of ADFW. Partnerships were signed between local and international entities such as Tether, Crypto.com, Zodia, Presto, PCP, Warner bros. Discovery, Global World Gold Council, Bain Capital and more.

For more details on ADFW, visit www.adfw.com.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (FSE: 9SU0) ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") announces the conclusion, effective December 11, 2025, of an arm's length property option agreement (the "Agreement") with Aero Energy Ltd. ("Aero") dated October 20, 2023, that had allowed Aero to earn up to 100% interest in the Sun Dog Project ("Sun Dog", or the "Project"). Following the conclusion of the Agreement, full and unencumbered ownership of the Project has been returned to the Company. Standard Uranium is currently working on plans to advance exploration on Sun Dog, building upon recent drilling and geophysical programs in 2024 and 2025.

Sun Dog covers an area of 48,443 acres (19,604 ha) across nine mineral claims and is located 15 km Southeast of Uranium City on the northern margin of the Athabasca Basin (Figure 1). It hosts the historical Gunnar Uranium Mine, discovered in 1952, which doubled Canada's uranium production and became the largest uranium producer globally in 1956. The Gunnar Mine produced approximately 18M lbs of U3O8 between 1953 and 19811,2.

Jon Bey, CEO & Director of Standard Uranium, commented, "Sun Dog is a fantastic project that continues to garner a great deal of interest from multiple companies. We are excited to have the Sun Dog project returned to our portfolio and confident that we will have another joint venture partner funding further exploration in the next year. I would also like to wish the team at Aero Energy future success as they focus their sites on their other uranium projects in Canada and the USA. They were a great partner to work with the past two years."

Figure 1. Overview of the Sun Dog Project highlighting drill target areas, historical high-grade* uranium occurrences3, and EM-conductors4.



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Sun Dog Highlights

History of Production: The project hosts the historical Gunnar Mine which produced 18M pounds of U3O8 between 1953 and 1981 and was formerly the world's largest uranium producer 1,2.

Uranium Above and Below the Unconformity: Numerous recent and historical high-grade* uranium assays from outcrop samples across the Project range from 0.01% to 17.4% U 3 O 8 3,4 . These showings occur in both basement rocks below the Unconformity and perched within Athabasca sandstones above the Unconformity thus confirming the presence of unconformity-related high-grade uranium on the Sun Dog Project.

Verified Targets: Stacked graphitic structural zones associated with uranium mineralization and prospective hydrothermal alteration have been intersected in multiple target areas during modern drill programs. The drill program results to date confirm a favorable geological environment for fluid movement and uranium deposition on the Project.

Modern Exploration

Recent exploration efforts by Standard Uranium have focused on multiple target areas across the Project, testing down-dip extensions of structures hosting uranium at surface with the aim of discovering high-grade unconformity mineralization and basement "roots" of the mineralizing systems underlying the Athabasca sandstones.

Prospecting & Surface Exploration

Prospecting in 2020 led to the discovery of a new high-grade uranium showing named the Haven discovery and several zones of visible uranium mineralization at surface that returned uranium assay results of 3.58% U3O8, 1.7% U3O8, and 0.7% U3O8.5

In the summer of 2022, Standard Uranium executed a field mapping and prospecting program to expand upon the results of the 2020 prospecting program. Handheld RS-120 and RS-125 scintillometers were used to track radioactivity with more than 80 new mineralized boulder and bedrock locations discovered on Johnston and Stewart islands.

In 2024, occurrences of strong to intense radioactivity in outcropping basement rocks were identified at surface while prospecting at the Wishbone and Spring-Dome target areas, returning highly anomalous assays ranging from 0.02% to 13.0% U3O8.6

Additionally, the analytical results revealed a correlation between uranium and gold, while boron and other pathfinder elements highlighted the potential for a robust alteration footprint associated with uranium mineralization. Surficial grab samples from faults and veins cutting sandstone outcrop returned high concentrations of dravite (up to 75%), a uranium pathfinder mineral commonly associated with uranium-fertile systems.

Geophysical Surveys

In the winter of 2022, MWH Geo-Surveys Ltd. carried out a ground gravity survey and UAV-borne magnetic surveys in the areas of Johnston and Stewart islands on behalf of Standard Uranium. The gravity survey consisted of 3,388 unique gravity measurement stations with a station spacing of 50 to 100 m. The survey identified several variations in residual gravity and outlined multiple gravity low target areas on and around Stewart and Johnston islands.

An airborne VTEMTM Plus survey was completed in 2024 to pinpoint graphitic rocks (conductors) favourable for hosting significant concentrations of uranium. This modern electromagnetic ("EM") survey improved upon historical surveys which have identified at least 40 km of combined conductor strike length.

In 2025, MWH Geo-Surveys Ltd. completed high-resolution ground gravity surveys along known conductive exploration trends across the Wishbone, McNie, and Armbruster South target areas, filling in the gaps between the previous 2022 gravity grids (Figure 2). These surveys have identified numerous density-low bullseye anomalies representing potential zones of hydrothermal alteration or structural disruption which are commonly associated with uranium mineralization events.





Figure 2. 2025 ground gravity survey areas covering the Armbruster South, Wishbone, and McNie EM conductor trends. Density-low anomalies representing potential alteration zones are highlighted by cool colours on the inverted gravity grids.



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Drill Programs

Standard Uranium carried out two drill programs on the Project during the winters of 2022 and 2023, in addition to operating a program in 2024 funded by Aero. In total, 4,062 m of diamond drilling has been completed by the Company across 21 drill holes on the Project.

Historical exploration efforts primarily focused on the "Beaverlodge-style" deposit model, targeting lower-grade, fault-hosted mineralization visible at the surface. This approach did not target, and would not have been effective for, the high-grade "Unconformity-related" basement-hosted deposits associated with graphitic rocks more recently discovered near the Athabasca Basin's edge (e.g. Arrow, Triple R).

Recent diamond drill programs have been successful in identifying key geological characteristics prospective for significant uranium mineralizing systems on the Project, which in turn will aid in planning and prioritization of additional exploration targets for follow-up drill programs.

Drilling highlights include3,8:

Widespread hydrothermal alteration zones containing illite-rich and dravitic clays and abundant iron-oxide minerals intersected in multiple drill holes, indicating a robust fluid system with prospective chemistry for uranium.

Significant structural influence evidenced to control high-grade uranium mineralization and anomalous radioactivity in drill holes.

Reactivated graphitic shear zones & quartz-hematite breccias intersected over 10s of metres in several drill holes indicate ideal structural regime providing the plumbing system for uranium mobilization.

Favorable geochemistry returned in multiple drill holes, including prospective clay spectroscopy results (dravite), elevated pathfinder elements, and anomalous uranium correlated to lead isotope ratios which may be used as an additional exploration vector.

Uranium mineralization confirmed by anomalous uranium assays was intersected in multiple drill holes, coinciding with prospective structure and favorable alteration.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of the Company and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Samples collected for analysis by the Company were sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for preparation, processing, and ICP-MS multi-element analysis using total and partial digestion, gold by fire assay, and boron by fusion. Basement samples were tested with ICP-MS2 uranium multi-element exploration package plus boron. All basement samples marked as radioactive upon arrival to the lab were also analyzed using the U3O8 assay (reported in wt %). Basement rock split interval samples range from 0.1 to 0.5 m. SRC is an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and Standards Council of Canada certified analytical laboratory. Blanks, standard reference materials, and repeats were inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals in accordance with Standard Uranium's quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols. All samples passed internal QA/QC protocols, and the results presented in this release are deemed complete, reliable, and repeatable.

Samples containing clay alteration were sent to Rekasa Rocks Inc. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to be analyzed by Short Wavelength Infrared Reflectance ("SWIR") via a Portable Infrared Mineral Analyzer ("PIMA") to verify clay species. All depth measurements reported are down-hole measurements and true thicknesses are yet to be determined.

Historical data disclosed in this news release relating to sampling results from previous operators are historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. The Company's future exploration work may include verification of the data. The Company considers historical results to be relevant as an exploration guide and to assess the mineralization as well as economic potential of exploration projects. Any historical grab samples disclosed are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization.

Natural gamma radiation from rocks reported in this news release was measured in counts per second ("cps") using a handheld RS-125 super-spectrometer and RS-120 super-scintillometer. Readers are cautioned that scintillometer readings are not uniformly or directly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured and should be treated only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive minerals. The RS-125 and RS-120 units supplied by Radiation Solutions Inc. ("RSI") have been calibrated on specially designed Test Pads by RSI. Standard Uranium maintains an internal QA/QC procedure for calibration and calculation of drift in radioactivity readings through three test pads containing known concentrations of radioactive minerals. Internal test pad radioactivity readings are known and regularly compared to readings measured by the handheld scintillometers for QA/QC purposes.

References

Gunnar Uranium Mine: From Cold War Darling to Ghost Town, L. Schramm, Saskatchewan Research Council, 2018. Geology and Genesis of Major World Hardrock Uranium Deposits, United States Geological Survey, Open-File Report 81-166, 1981. Technical Report on the Sun Dog Property - Northwestern Saskatchewan, Canada, Effective date June 30, 2023 Information obtained from Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index and historical report from Uranium City Resources, 2007 Standard Uranium Ltd. News Release dated December 8, 2020, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-reports-high-grade-uranium-results-at-sun-dog-project-uranium-city/ Standard Uranium Ltd. News Release dated November 15, 2025, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-receives-high-grade-uranium-assays-from-2024-sun-dog-prospecting-program/ Standard Uranium Ltd. News Release dated October 16, 2024, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-announces-encouraging-results-and-completion-of-its-summer-drill-program-at-the-sun-dog-project/ Standard Uranium Ltd. News Release dated May 7, 2025, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-and-aero-energy-report-new-gravity-survey-targets-and-assay-results-sun-dog-project-northwest-athabasca-basin/

*The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt% U3O8 to be "high-grade".

**The Company considers radioactivity readings greater than 65,535 counts per second (cps) on a handheld RS-125 Super-Spectrometer to be "off-scale".

***The Company considers radioactivity readings greater than 300 counts per second (cps) on a handheld RS-125 Super-Spectrometer to be "anomalous".

About Standard Uranium (TSXV: STND)

We find the fuel to power a clean energy future

Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the world's richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 235,435 acres (95,277 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development.

Standard Uranium's Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected.

Standard Uranium's eastern Athabasca projects comprise over 43,185 hectares of prospective land holdings. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries.

Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations; timing of the Company's exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. 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. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025.

Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: that the transaction with the Optionee will proceed as planned; the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; future sales of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Company's mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) 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/277772

SOURCE: Standard Uranium Ltd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Bird River Resources Inc. (CSE: BDR) ("Bird River" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into a binding letter of intent effective December 10, 2025 (the "Letter of Intent") with Analog Gold Inc. ("Analog"), a private corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, whereby the Company will acquire certain assets from Analog (the "Transaction") comprised of: (i) Analog's wholly-owned subsidiary and a corporation existing under the laws of Mexico ("Mexico HoldCo") and (ii) Analog's interest to receive royalties in relation to the San Miguel Project (collectively, the "Target Assets").

All dollar figures provided herein are in the lawful currency of Canada.

Mexico HoldCo is the owner of the Tres Oros Mine located in Mexico ("Tres Oros") and is the indirect owner of the Tadeo mill plant (the "Tadeo Mill") located in Mexico.

About Tres Oros and the Tadeo Mill

Tres Oros and the Tadeo Mill are located approximately 47 kilometers south of the Mazaltan, Mexico, with the Tres Oros claim comprised of approximately 150 hectares. Ore is processed at the Tadeo Mill, of which the mill has been refurbished and has the capacity to process 600 tons per day. Trial production has commenced at the Tadeo Mill from ore sourced from third parties; over 16,000 tons of ore has been successfully processed in Q4 2025 to date at the Tadeo Mill.

Transaction Summary

Pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent, Bird River will acquire the Target Assets in consideration for an aggregate purchase price of $28,000,000 (the "Purchase Price") comprised of:

(a) The assumption of approximately $1,680,000 in liabilities of Analog which become payable to certain directors and officers of Analog upon completion of the Transaction (i.e., as a change of control transaction of Analog), of which will be settled at the sole election of Bird River either by: (i) the issuance of 16,000,000 common shares of Bird River (the "Bird River Shares") at a deemed price of $0.105 per Bird River Share and/or (ii) a lump-sum cash payment; and

(b) The issuance of 266,666,666 Bird River Shares at a deemed price of $0.105 per Bird River Share (the Bird River Shares being issued pursuant to the Transaction, referred to as the "Consideration Shares").

The Purchase Price shall be adjusted as of Closing in accordance with certain purchase price adjustment metrics pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent. It is anticipated that the Consideration Shares to be issued to Analog will be immediately redistributed to the Analog shareholders, such that there will be no new control blocks or insiders created as of completion of the Transaction (the "Closing"). It is anticipated that any liabilities assumed by the Company in connection with the purchase of the Target Assets will not constitute as long term debt. There will be no change in the board of directors of Bird River and there will be no change of management in connection with the Transaction. No finder's fees are payable in connection with the Transaction.

The Transaction will result in a "Fundamental Change" (as such term is defined under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE")) of Bird River, as Bird River's primary business as of Closing will become conducting exploration activities of Tres Oros and operating the Tadeo Mill. The Transaction is subject to the approval of the CSE and the Company will be seeking approval of the Transaction from its shareholders in accordance with the policies of the CSE - a disclosure document with respect to the Transaction (the "Disclosure Document") will be mailed to shareholders and posted on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Trading in the Bird River Shares has been halted and is expected to remain halted pending the satisfaction of the listing requirements of the CSE. There can be no assurance that the trading of Bird River Shares will resume prior to the completion of the Transaction.

Closing of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including but not limited to: due diligence investigations, negotiation of a definitive agreement between the parties, completion of a technical report with respect to Tres Oros pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (the "Technical Report"), completion of the Concurrent Financing (as defined herein), and receipt of all shareholder and regulatory approvals. There is no assurance all of the conditions will be satisfied or that the Transaction will be completed.

Concurrent Financing

Concurrent with the Transaction, Bird River will complete a private placement financing of securities of Bird River for gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000, or such greater amount as may be required to meet CSE continuous listing requirements, at a price to be determined in accordance with the policies of the CSE (the "Concurrent Financing"). The Company anticipates issuing a subsequent press release once the terms of the Concurrent Financing are finalized.

MI 61-101

The issuance of the Consideration Shares to shareholders of Analog will result in the issuance of Consideration Shares to certain officers and directors of the Company (the "Insiders") and therefore, the Transaction is considered a non-arm's length transaction and will constitute a "related party transaction" as such term is defined by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation requirement pursuant to subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, for the issuance of the Consideration Shares, as the Consideration Shares are not listed on a specified market, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101 and the Company is relying on the exemption from obtaining minority shareholder approval pursuant to subsection 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the Consideration Shares to be issued to the Insiders is not expected to exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company.

Operating Financing

In addition, Bird River intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing to raise gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 at a price of $0.105 per Bird River Share (the "Operating Financing") through the issuance of up to 14,285,714 Bird River Shares. The Operating Financing is independent of and not conditional on completion of the Transaction.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Operating Financing for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Bird River Shares to be issued in connection with the Operating Financing will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day.

About Bird River

Established in 1958, Bird River is a Winnipeg, Manitoba based diversified resource company which currently holds a net royalty smelter interest in a platinum palladium property in the Bird River Sill area of northeastern Manitoba near the Ontario border. Management and the Board of Directors are currently focused on the resource industry. Additional information regarding the Company is available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, CSE acceptance and if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as to be disclosed in the Disclosure Document to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS IN NO WAY PASSED UPON THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

THIS NEWS RELEASE 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.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations (including negative and grammatical variations) of such words and phrases or state that certain acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information in this press release may include, without limitation, statements relating to: the completion of the Transaction, the issuance of the Consideration Shares, adjustments to be made to the Purchase Price, statements related to the business surrounding the Target Assets, anticipated receipt of all regulatory and shareholder approvals for the Transaction, the completion of the Concurrent Financing, completion of satisfactory due diligence, obtaining shareholder and regulatory approvals, the filing of the Disclosure Document, and completion of the Operating Financing.

These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including risks regarding the mining industry, market conditions, general economic factors, the equity markets generally, and receipt of all regulatory approvals. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance of the Company may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assume 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 CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277774

SOURCE: Bird River Resources Inc.
Toronto, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Biosenta Inc. (CSE: ZRO) ("Biosenta") On December 8, 2025 Biosenta has entered into a Field Test and Research Agreement with Livespace Homes to evaluate the real-world performance of Biosenta's proprietary antimicrobial nanoparticle technology in a residential construction environment. Under the agreement, the nanoparticles will be incorporated into building materials and/or coatings used in two (2) of the four (4) units of a Livepace four-plex project, enabling side-by-side comparison to evaluate how the technology performs on selected interior surfaces and materials supporting an applied efficacy assessment in the field.

Two of four units in Livespace four-plex will incorporate Biosenta's proprietary nanoparticle technology to enable materials to generate real-world antimicrobial performance data and support commercialization







Livespace Homes project rendering (conceptual). Two units will incorporate Biosenta's antimicrobial nanoparticle technology to enable materials for comparative field evaluation. (CNW Group/Biosenta Inc.)

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The field test will allow Biosenta to move from known lab results to practical commercial applications by confirming how well Biosenta's nanoparticle technology performs when applied to selected surfaces and materials in a real residential setting. The goal is to generate field data on performance and durability that can support commercialization planning, partner discussions, and future scaling opportunities.

"People want homes that feel clean and safe," said Am Gill, President and CEO of Biosenta. "Our technology is designed to help protect surfaces from bacteria and mold, so families can worry less about what they cannot see."

Gurpreet Gill, President, Livespace Homes, added: "We're always looking for practical innovations that can improve the performance and livability of the spaces we build. To our knowledge, this is a first-of-its-kind field test in a live multi-unit build, allowing us to evaluate Biosenta's antimicrobial nanotechnology in real conditions and learn what it could mean for residential construction."

The Companies expect the field test to produce structured observations and data that can help inform next steps for product development, partner engagement, and broader market adoption.

About Biosenta Inc.

Biosenta Inc. develops innovative antimicrobial products that offer environmentally friendly solutions to a global market. Based in Toronto, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta, the company is dedicated to the advancement of technology that combats microbial growth in various materials. Biosenta's proprietary nanoparticle represents a breakthrough in antimicrobial technology, providing durable protection against a wide spectrum of bacteria, molds, and fungi.

For more information, visit our website: www.biosenta.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), including forward-looking statements relating the completion of the Transaction. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. If any such risks actually occur, they could impact the potential for discussion, agreement or completion of the Transaction and/or materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of the Company's common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in the Company's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

Disclaimer

The CSE has in no way passed upon the contents of this news release and further, has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the CSE) 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/277767

SOURCE: Biosenta Inc.
Reflecting on Milestones That Transformed Freight Factoring and Client Success

FORT WORTH, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Three decades of service, innovation, and support - that's what sets Apex apart. Apex Capital Corp, widely recognized as America's Favorite Factor and a leader in freight factoring services for the trucking industry, proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking a legacy of dedication to truckers and small businesses across the nation.

Founded in 1995 in a modest rented room in Fort Worth, Texas, Apex began with a bold vision: to make a difference in the lives of those who keep America moving. Today, Apex stands as a trusted partner for same-day funding, back-office support, and financial solutions for trucking companies, known for world-class customer service and groundbreaking advancements that have redefined the industry.

Our dedication and commitment to our clients, our partners, and our team have earned us awards from Best Companies to Work for in Texas (16 rankings) and Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth (10 rankings). In 2018, Apex received the prestigious Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics from the Better Business Bureau.

Over the years, Apex boldly introduced a series of client-focused firsts, innovations that set new standards, including:

Apex Mobile Factoring app - The first mobile app for freight factoring, launched in 2015, revolutionized invoice management for truckers.

24/7 account access - Our Account Management Portal (AMP), established in 2008, gives clients a secure website to manage their accounts day and night.

Digital invoice acceptance - Online invoicing, which allows clients to create and submit invoices online to reduce data entry and paperwork, arrived in 2010.

24/7 Factoring - In 2021, Apex became the first factoring company to fund clients during non-banking hours - nights, weekends, and holidays.

Apex TCS Fuel Card - Introduced in 2008, the Apex TCS Fuel Card is now recognized as a leader in diesel discounts right at the pump.

Every milestone reflects Apex's unwavering commitment to helping clients succeed. From same-day funding to back-office support, Apex has always been about people - our clients, our partners, and our team.

"Celebrating 30 years is more than a milestone - it's a testament to the trust and loyalty of our clients and the dedication of our team," says David Baker, Chairman and CEO of Apex Capital Corp. "We started with a vision to make a difference, and that vision continues to guide us as we innovate and grow. The best is yet to come."

About Apex Capital

Founded in 1995, Apex Capital is a full-service factor that specializes in small to medium-sized trucking companies, freight brokers, the construction industry, oilfield factoring, and more. Apex buys invoices and provides industry recognized customer service, credit checks, 24/7 Factoring, the blynk digital payment platform, a Mobile Factoring app, an exclusive load board for factoring clients, NextLOAD.com , the Apex Fuel Card and many other benefits to its clients. To learn more about Apex Capital, visit apexcapitalcorp.com or call 800-511-6022.

Contact: Mario Tarradell

mario.tarradell@apexcapitalcorp.com

SOURCE: Apex Capital Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/transportation/apex-capital-corp-celebrates-30-years-of-service-innovation-and-support-1116859
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Sage Potash Corp. (TSXV: SAGE) (OTCQB: SGPTF) ("Sage Potash" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, due to continued and significant investor interest, it has further upsized its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") from $10 million to $12 million.

The Offering will now consist of up to 60,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.20 per Unit, with each Unit comprising one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.30 for a period of three (3) years from the date of closing of the Offering. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance under applicable securities laws.

Proceeds of the Offering will be used primarily to commence the work necessary to carry out key recommendations made by internationally recognized engineering firm, RESPEC LLC, in the Company's recently filed Preliminary Economic Assessment (see November 6, 2025 news release), including drilling of a stratigraphic hole, drill core analysis and testing and engineering review. The proceeds will also be used for working capital and for general and administrative expense purposes.

The Company may pay finders' fees in cash and/or securities of the Company in connection with the Offering.

Closing of the Offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

About Sage Potash

Sage Potash Corp. (TSXV: SAGE) (OTCQB: SGPTF) is dedicated to the development of its flagship Sage Plain Potash Project, located in the Paradox Basin, Utah. With a large and high-grade resource base, the Company is advancing toward its goal of establishing a secure and sustainable domestic potash production platform in the United States. Sage Potash is committed to food security, environmental stewardship, and creating value for shareholders and stakeholders alike.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein 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. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Offering and with respect to future events or future performance of Sage Potash. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis available for review under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgement 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.

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/277789

SOURCE: Sage Potash Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Akwaaba Mining Ltd. (TSXV: AML) ("Akwaaba" or the "Company") is pleased to report that all matters placed before the shareholders at its 2025 Annual General Meeting held on December 11, 2025 were approved.

Number of Directors

Shareholders approved setting the number of directors at five.

Election of Directors

Allan Green, Andreas Marangos, Michael Novak, Iyad Jarbou, and Heidy Arocha were elected to the board of directors of the Company.

Appointment of Auditors

Buckley Dodds CPA was appointed as auditors of the Company at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors.

Stock Option Plan

The Stock Option Plan of the Company was re-approved by the shareholders.

On behalf of the Board of Akwaaba Mining Ltd.:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING AND OTHER CAUTIONARY INFORMATION

This release contains statements that are forward looking statements and are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277793

SOURCE: Akwaaba Mining Ltd.
GGL options up to 90% of the vein system at its Gold Point Project

Initial cash payment of US$190,000

Retained upside via staged share payments, a 2% NSR and future Performance Rights

Teck terminates option at Le Champ porphyry target

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / GGL Resources Corp. (TSXV:GGL) ("GGL" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has executed an agreement with ASX listed Nelson Resources Limited ("NES") by which NES can acquire up to a 90% interest in GGL's high-grade, gold-silver Gold Point Project located in the Walker Lane District, Nevada.

Acquisition Terms

Upon completion of the Acquisition, NES will acquire an initial 25% interest in the Gold Point Project by making the following payments to GGL:

a cash payment of approximately US$190,000, which includes reimbursement for exploration expenditures incurred by GGL on the Gold Point Project for the 2025 financial year; the issue of the number of NES shares ("Consideration Shares") equivalent to the value of A$325,000 at a deemed issue price equal to the 20-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of shares trading on the ASX immediately prior to the date of the binding documentation / announcement of the transaction. These shares will be subject to voluntary escrow for 12 months from the date of issue; and a 2% net smelter returns royalty on all minerals extracted from the Gold Point Project. NES will have the right to buy-back 50% of the royalty for a cash payment of up to US$1,000,000 to GGL, which may be exercised by NES at its election in part or full.

Nelson has announced it is fully funded for 2026 and plans to kick-off an aggressive exploration program, including underground LiDAR surveys, IP geophysics, systematic channel and surface sampling programs, and priority drilling of high-grade targets.

Earn-In Terms

Subject to the completion of the Acquisition, NES will have the exclusive right to earn up to a 90% collective interest in the Gold Point Project subject to satisfying aggregate earn-in expenditures of US$3,000,000 and making consideration payments to GGL, in the following tranches:

Stage 1 - 45% total earned interest within 12 months of Acquisition by issuing the additional number of Shares to the value of A$162,500, US$250,000 in exploration expenditures and US$75,000 cash payment to GGL.

Stage 2 - 65% total earned interest within 24 months of Acquisition by issuing the additional number of Shares to the value of A$162,500, US$750,000 in exploration expenditures and US$100,000 cash payment to GGL.

Stage 3 - 90% total earned interest within 36 months of Acquisition by issuing the additional number of Shares to the value of A$350,000, US$2,000,000 in exploration expenditures and US$500,000 cash payment to GGL.

Note: The number of Earn-In Shares to be issued to GGL will be calculated using a deemed issue price equal to the higher of the 20-Day VWAP immediately prior to NES earning the relevant Earn-In Interest, or the deemed issue price of the Consideration Shares.

Assuming any of Stage 1, 2 or 3 are not completed, GGL can purchase back all of NES's interest in the property for US$1.00.

Upon NES earning 90% interest, the Project will then operate as a joint venture with each party contributing their prorated portion of costs.

Performance Rights

GGL will be entitled to receive the following performance rights which upon the satisfaction of the following performance hurdles will either convert into Shares (on a 1-for-1 basis) or will be paid in cash at the election of NES:

Tranche 1 - Performance hurdle of NES announcing to ASX a JORC Code 2012 compliant mineral resource estimate at the Gold Point Project of at least 1 million ounces gold with an average grade of not less than 1.5 g/t using a cut-off grade of no less than 0.5 g/t, GGL will receive 420,833,333 performance rights or a US$1,250,000 cash payment to GGL.

Tranche 2 - Performance hurdle of NES announcing to ASX the commencement of production at the Gold Point Project, GGL will receive 673,333,333 performance rights or a US$2,000,000 cash payment to GGL.

The transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. Finders Fees may be paid on portions of the cash and shares payable to GGL in the transaction.

About Gold Point - High-Grade Gold Vein-Fault Systems

The permitted and road accessible Gold Point Project is located 26 miles south of Goldfield, Nevada, and covers several historical mine sites that intermittently produced high-grade gold and silver between 1882 and 1962. GGL has spent the last several years consolidating this camp-scale gold district with the land package currently totaling approximately 7,400 acres.

The project now covers five significant former mines (Orleans, Great Western, Lime Point, Cook, Grand Central) plus numerous smaller workings totaling at least 17 known to date. Gold is hosted in vein-faults that generally trend WNW-ESE and are exposed over a 1,600 m x 2,200 m area before being obscured by alluvial cover in three directions.

Gold mineralization occurs along the veins with higher grades occurring as shoots at structural intersections. Some examples of higher grades collected underground by GGL at the Orleans Mine are 61.8 g/t Au over 1.38m, 27.7 g/t over 1.68m, and 21.4 g/t Au over 1.22m on the 300-, 150-, and 800-foot levels respectively. The underground workings are developed to a maximum vertical depth of 750 ft at the Orleans where the workings are dry and mineralization displays varying degrees of oxidation. Sample preparation and gold analysis was performed by ALS Minerals in Reno, Nevada. Gold was analyzed by fire assay followed by atomic absorption (Au-AA26).

Le Champ Porphyry

GGL has been notified by Teck American Incorporated ("Teck"), a subsidiary of Canadian resource company, Teck Resources Limited, that Teck has terminated its Option agreement on the Le Champ copper-moly-gold porphyry located adjacent to the Gold Point Project (See GGL news release dated September 25, 2024).

GGL has now regained an unencumbered 100% ownership in the road accessible Le Champ porphyry. Upon receipt of the detailed technical data from Teck, GGL will analyze the results and look for strategic alternatives to continue to advance the Le Champ porphyry project.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Matthew R. Dumala, P.Eng., a geological engineer with Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited and a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

About GGL Resources Corp.

GGL is a seasoned, Canadian-based junior exploration company, focused on the exploration and advancement of under evaluated mineral assets in politically stable, mining friendly jurisdictions. The Company owns the McConnell Project, which hosts mesothermal gold veins and an under explored porphyry copper-gold prospect in the Kemess District of north-central British Columbia. The Company has optioned the vein portion of its 100% owned and optioned claims in the Gold Point district of the prolific Walker Lane Trend, Nevada. The Gold Point claims cover several gold-silver veins, five of which host past producing high-grade mines, as well as an exciting new Cu-Mo-Au porphyry target. GGL also holds diamond royalties on mineral leases adjacent to the Gahcho Kue diamond mine and southwest of the Ekati diamond mine in the Northwest Territories.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Matthew Turner"

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information concerning GGL Resources Corp. or its various exploration projects please visit our website at www.gglresourcescorp.com or contact:

Investor Inquiries

Richard Drechsler

Corporate Communications

Tel: (604) 687-2522

NA Toll-Free: (888) 688-2522

rdrechsler@strategicmetalsltd.com

Corporate Information

Linda Knight

Corporate Secretary

Tel: (604) 688-0546

info@gglresourcescorp.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Information contained in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "high", "evaluated", "potential", "significant" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "may", "could" or "will" occur. GGL cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the control of GGL. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development and the results thereof, including the results of the recently completed drill program, the impact on future mineral resource estimates, the potential for new discoveries, and the results of future metallurgical programs, as well as the ability of GGL to obtain additional financing, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, fluctuations in the prices of commodities, operating hazards and risks, competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in GGL's financial statements available under the GGL profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, GGL undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

SOURCE: GGL Resources Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/ggl-resources-corp.-announces-earn-in-agreement-on-its-gold-point-high-grade-gold-1116929
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Silver Dollar Resources Inc. (CSE: SLV) (OTCQX: SLVDF) (FSE: 4YW) is pleased to announce that, further to the news release of October 27, 2025, it has completed the sale of the Ranger-Page Project, whereby Bunker Hill Mining Corp. and its subsidiary (together, "Bunker Hill") have acquired from Silver Dollar Resources Inc. and its subsidiary (together, "Silver Dollar" or the "Company"), the right, title and interest in the assets related to the Ranger-Page Project located in Shoshone County, Idaho, USA, which includes Silver Dollar's 75% interest in the Government Gulch property and its related option rights under the Government Gulch Option and Joint Venture Agreement and the Page Mine Mineral Rights Lease and Option Agreement.

Figure 1: Plan map showing the location of the Bunker Hill - Ranger-Page land package in the Silver Valley.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://silverdollarresources.com/images/Ranger-Page/BNKR-RP_Silver-Valley.jpg

"Finalizing this transaction represents the successful execution of our strategic vision for Ranger-Page. The closing immediately establishes Silver Dollar as a significant and supportive shareholder in a near-term producer, providing our investors with direct, leveraged exposure to the restart of the Bunker Hill Mine that is on track for first production in H1 2026," said Greg Lytle, President and CEO of Silver Dollar. "We believe this transaction delivers an accelerated path to value creation for our shareholders compared to the independent development of Ranger-Page, and we look forward to the growth of Bunker Hill in the years ahead through production and exploration."

Figure 2: Cross-Section showing the Bunker Hill - Ranger-Page underground workings and target area.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://silverdollarresources.com/images/Ranger-Page/BunkerHill_RP-X-Section-Target-Area.jpg

Strategic Highlights:

Consolidated Land Position: The acquisition unites the Ranger-Page and Bunker Hill properties into a contiguous land package, creating one of the largest and most prospective holdings by any single company in the Silver Valley.

Exploration Upside: Historical drilling and production data from the Ranger-Page indicate high-grade silver-lead-zinc mineralization along the Page vein system, which remains open at depth and along strike.

Infrastructure Synergies: The Ranger-Page Mines' existing underground workings and surface access points could provide additional flexibility for future mine planning, ventilation, and exploration access to deeper levels of the Bunker Hill system.

Complementary to Restart Plan: The acquisition is aligned with Bunker Hill's ongoing restart of operations at the Bunker Hill Mine, targeted for H1 2026, and enhances the Company's upside optionality for future resource expansion and mill feed sources.

Community benefits: This has the potential to create more local employment opportunities within the Silver Valley and stimulate procurement from regional suppliers in ways that benefit the local communities.

Transaction Summary

Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement with Bunker Hill, Silver Dollar received 23,333,334 common shares of Bunker Hill valued at approximately $5,800,000 based on yesterday's closing price of Bunker Hill's shares on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Bunker Hill common shares will be subject to a statutory six-month hold period and contractual escrow, and will be released in accordance with the following schedule:

Release Date Release Schedule from Contractual Escrow 6-month anniversary of Closing Date 2,333,333 Shares 9-month anniversary of Closing Date 2,333,333 Shares 12-month anniversary of Closing Date Balance of Shares (18,666,668 Shares)

About the Ranger-Page Project

Located in a world-class silver district, the Ranger-Page land package covers six historic mines and adjoins the Bunker Hill Mining property. The primary target areas are up and down plunge from historic underground mining, along strike where ground-induced polarization (IP) surveys have identified anomalies, and where surface trenching has identified near-surface mineralization. Additional exploration targets have also been identified away from historic mine infrastructure, using soil geochemical data, mapping, and ground IP survey data.

About Bunker Hill Mining Corp.

Bunker Hill is an American mineral exploration and development company focused on revitalizing its historic mining asset: the renowned zinc, lead, and silver deposit in northern Idaho's prolific Coeur d'Alene mining district. This strategic initiative aims to breathe new life into a once-productive mine, leveraging modern exploration techniques and sustainable development practices to unlock the potential of this mineral-rich region. Bunker Hill Mining Corp. aims to maximize shareholder value by responsibly harnessing the mineral wealth in the Silver Valley mining district, focusing its efforts on this single, high-potential asset. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.bunkerhillmining.com, or within the SEDAR+ and EDGAR databases.

About Silver Dollar Resources Inc.

Silver Dollar is a dynamic mineral exploration company focused on North America's premier mining regions. Our portfolio includes the advanced-stage La Joya Silver (Cu-Au) Project, and the early-stage Nora Silver-Gold Project, both located in the prolific Durango-Zacatecas silver gold belt. The Company is fully funded for 2026 having recently closed a financing with continued support from financial backers that include renowned mining investor Eric Sprott, our largest shareholder. Silver Dollar's management team is committed to an aggressive growth strategy and is actively reviewing potential acquisitions with a focus on drill-ready projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions.

For additional information, you can visit our website at silverdollarresources.com, download our investor presentation, and follow us on X at x.com/SilverDollarRes.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

Signed "Gregory Lytle"

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the closing of the transaction, the benefits of the transaction for the Company, the exploration and development potential of the Ranger-Page and Bunker Hill projects, and the Company's strategy and future plans, are forward-looking statements. 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.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has made certain assumptions, including without limitation, the operational restart of the Bunker Hill Mine will proceed as planned, the integration of the Ranger-Page and Bunker Hill properties will deliver the anticipated operational and exploration synergies, and that market conditions for silver, zinc, and lead will remain supportive.

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. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the operational restart of the Bunker Hill Mine may be delayed or unsuccessful, the integration of the Ranger-Page and Bunker Hill properties may not deliver the anticipated operational and exploration synergies, and market conditions for silver, zinc, and lead may deteriorate.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release except as otherwise required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277808

SOURCE: Silver Dollar Resources Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Vext Science, Inc. (CSE: VEXT) (OTCQX: VEXTF) ("VEXT" or the "Company"), a U.S.-based cannabis operator with vertical operations in Arizona and Ohio, today announced final voting results from its annual general meeting of shareholders held on December 11, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia (the "Meeting").

The shareholders of the Company voted in favour of all matters included in the management information circular for the Meeting, demonstrating strong support for the matters brought before the Meeting, with each of the resolutions passing with over 97% of the votes cast, representing 74% of the votes associated with the issued and outstanding shares of the Company.1

For more details, visit Vext's investor website or contact the IR team at investors@vextscience.com.

About VEXT Science, Inc.

Vext Science, Inc. is a U.S.-based cannabis operator with vertical operations in Arizona and Ohio. Vext's expertise spans from cultivation through to retail operations in its key markets. Based out of Arizona, Vext owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, fully built-out manufacturing facilities as well as dispensaries in both Arizona and Ohio. The Company manufactures Vapen, one of the leading THC concentrates, edibles, and distillate cartridge brands in Arizona. Its selection of award-winning products are created with Vext's in-house, high-quality flower and distributed across Arizona and Ohio. Vext's leadership team brings a proven track record of building and operating profitable multi-state operations. The Company's primary focus is to continue growing in its core states of Arizona and Ohio, bringing together cutting-edge science, manufacturing, and marketing to provide a reliable and valuable customer experience while generating shareholder value.

Vext Science, Inc. is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol VEXT and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol VEXTF. Learn more at www.vextscience.com and connect with Vext on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.

For more details on the Vapen brand:

Vapen website: VapenBrands.com

Instagram: @vapen

Facebook: @vapenbrands

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

SOURCE: Vext Science, Inc.

1In total, 183,712,741 shares out of 247,683,573 shares the Company has issued and outstanding, were voted at the Meeting. The reference to "shares" means the Company's common shares and Class A shares reported on an as converted basis.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277810

SOURCE: VEXT Science, Inc.
ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition leaves the oncology community buzzing over a series of late-breaking presentations that experts are calling 'unprecedented.' Major pharmaceutical developers such as Johnson & Johnson, Arcellx, Gilead, Bristol Myers Squibb, Regeneron, AbbVie, CellCentric, Adaptive Biotechnologies, and others, presented pivotal data across the multiple myeloma treatment landscape, with results suggesting that long-term disease-free survival-and potentially a 'functional cure'-is becoming a reality for more patients.

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, held December 6-9, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, showcased groundbreaking clinical advances in multiple myeloma treatment from leading biopharmaceutical companies. The conference featured unprecedented efficacy data demonstrating potential functional cures and innovative approaches across novel immunotherapies, bispecific antibodies, and next-generation targeted agents, signaling a major shift in how the disease is managed.

Download the updated multiple myeloma market report featuring key results from ASH 2025 @ Multiple Myeloma Market

Let's dive deep into the promising results presented at the ASH conference 2025

Johnson & Johnson's TECVAYLI Plus DARZALEX: Setting New Standard of Care

Johnson & Johnson unveiled late-breaking results from the Phase III MajesTEC-3 study, presenting what has been characterized as the most impressive progression-free survival (PFS) benefit ever demonstrated in a Phase III multiple myeloma trial. The study evaluated the combination of TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv), a first-in-class BCMAxCD3 bispecific antibody, combined with DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab plus hyaluronidase-fihj), a subcutaneous anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

The combination demonstrated a hazard ratio of 0.17 for PFS-described as "the best hazard ratio we've seen in a phase III clinical trial in multiple myeloma" by lead investigator Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD, from the University of Salamanca. At three years of follow-up, 83.4% of patients treated with the teclistamab-dara combination remained alive and progression-free compared to just 29.7% in the control arm, with a median PFS not yet reached in the treatment group versus 18.1 months in controls.

Beyond PFS, the data demonstrated sustained benefits across secondary endpoints. Complete response rates of 81.8% were achieved with the combination, compared to 31% in the control group, while minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative rates reached 57.6%, compared to 3.4% in controls. Overall survival was significantly prolonged, with a hazard ratio of 0.45; 91% of patients who were progression-free at six months remained progression-free at three years, suggesting a potential "functional cure" for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients.

Safety remained manageable despite the combination's potency. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in approximately 60% of patients. Still, it was limited to Grade 1 or 2 severity in all cases, while immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) occurred in only 1.1% of patients, all of which resolved. Deaths were approximately 50% lower with the combination compared to controls (15.9% versus 33.1%), with minimal treatment discontinuations due to adverse events (4.6% versus 5.5%).

Gilead/Legend Biotech's CARVYKTI: Extended Follow-Up Affirms CAR-T Durability

Gilead and Legend Biotech presented extended durability data for CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel), a BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy, demonstrating sustained disease control in patients with multiple myeloma. New Phase 3 data revealed that 80.5% of patients had not experienced disease progression at 30 months of follow-up, with 87.3% remaining alive after 2.5 years.

The enduring response rates substantially exceed historical outcomes in heavily pretreated patient populations. In earlier trials evaluating cilta-cel after three or more prior lines of therapy, progression-free survival reached 59.9% with an overall survival of 70.6%, underscoring the durability advantage of this single-infusion therapy. The approval of CARVYKTI as a first relapse option represents a significant advancement, allowing earlier intervention in the disease course for appropriate patients.

Bristol Myers Squibb's Iberdomide: Deepening Response Depth in Newly Diagnosed Myeloma

Bristol Myers Squibb revealed compelling data on iberdomide, an oral cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD) agent, demonstrating that the drug delivers deep and sustained responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. A Phase 2 clinical trial examining different doses of iberdomide as maintenance therapy following autologous stem-cell transplantation enrolled 120 patients and showed that approximately half achieved MRD negativity (no detectable cancer), with over 80% remaining cancer-free after two years.

Additional Phase 1b/2a data supported the efficacy and safety of iberdomide in combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone for transplant-deferred or ineligible newly diagnosed patients, demonstrating robust responses with sustained minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. A cooperative group analysis of iberdomide maintenance after autologous stem-cell transplantation continued to show benefit, positioning this agent as a valuable maintenance option across multiple treatment settings.

Furthermore, BMS presented Phase 1b data on elranatamab combined with iberdomide (MagnetisMM-30 trial) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients, achieving a 95.5% objective response rate with a safety profile consistent with known toxicities of each agent.

Regeneron's LYNOZYFIC: First BCMACD3 Bispecific in Frontline Setting

Regeneron showcased data on LYNOZYFIC (linvoseltamab-gcpt), a bispecific antibody targeting BCMA and CD3, highlighting promising early clinical results as a monotherapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The Phase 1/2 LINKER MM4 trial represents the first evaluation of a BCMACD3 bispecific antibody as monotherapy in the frontline myeloma setting, potentially redefining initial treatment strategies.

Updated results from the LINKER MM2 study, in which LYNOZYFIC was combined with different anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies in relapsed or refractory patients, further demonstrated the drug's potential to redefine treatment approaches at early disease stages and improve patient outcomes. Regeneron's hematology program demonstrated significant momentum with regulatory approvals for blood cancer treatments throughout 2025.

AbbVie's Etentamig: Next-Generation T-Cell Engager Shows Promise

AbbVie presented Phase 1b data evaluating etentamig, a BCMAxCD3 bispecific T-cell engager, in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in 85 heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients who had received at least three prior lines of therapy. The combination demonstrated the therapeutic potential of AbbVie's T-cell engager approach in this difficult-to-treat patient population.

CellCentric's Inobrodib: Novel Oral Mechanism for Treatment-Resistant Patients

CellCentric unveiled Phase 2 dose optimization results for inobrodib in combination with pomalidomide plus dexamethasone, demonstrating strong clinical efficacy in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients. Among heavily pretreated patients (median five prior lines of therapy) who were pomalidomide-refractory and had previously failed on BCMA and/or T-cell engager therapy, inobrodib achieved objective response rates of 60% at 20 mg and 75% at 30 mg-representing at least a two-fold increase compared to real-world response rates of 25-30% in similar patient populations after BCMA/bispecific agents.

As an oral small-molecule drug targeting p300/CBP bromodomains, inobrodib offers a differentiated mechanism of action for patients ineligible for, or after, bispecific and BCMA-targeting agents. The favorable tolerability profile, with the most common adverse events being cytopenias and fatigue, positions this agent as a compelling option for community-based treatment, where more than 70% of myeloma patients are managed.

Arcellx's Anitocabtagene Autoleucel: Novel CAR-T Architecture

Arcellx presented new clinical data from the iMMagine-1 study evaluating anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel), the first BCMA CAR T-cell therapy utilizing the company's novel compact D-Domain technology, in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This differentiated CAR-T architecture represents an innovative approach to autologous T-cell immunotherapy in multiple myeloma.

Adaptive Biotechnologies' clonoSEQ: MRD Testing Drives Treatment Decisions

Adaptive Biotechnologies showcased the expanding clinical utility of clonoSEQ, a minimal residual disease (MRD) detection test, with 32 abstracts focused on multiple myeloma at ASH 2025. Presentations highlighted the growing use of clonoSEQ to evaluate treatment response, real-world evidence linking MRD status to clinical outcomes, and guidance on treatment strategies.

Notably, Phase 2 AURA trial data involving 200 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients demonstrated that profound MRD responses and sustained MRD negativity were associated with significantly enhanced progression-free survival. The test's critical role in identifying optimal candidates for intensified maintenance therapy in MRD-positive patients post-transplant was particularly emphasized, with data showing substantially higher MRD-negativity rates when guided by clonoSEQ.

Live MMR Vaccine Safety in Daratumumab-Treated Myeloma Patients

New research presented at ASH 2025 addressed an important question regarding vaccine safety in multiple myeloma patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. A clinical trial of 41 patients with multiple myeloma who had undergone autologous stem-cell transplantation and were receiving daratumumab demonstrated that the live MMR vaccine was safe and well-tolerated in this population. None of the vaccinated patients developed active measles, mumps, or rubella disease following vaccination, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported.

Multiple Myeloma Market Implications and Expansion

The convergence of unprecedented efficacy data across multiple modalities has profound implications for the multiple myeloma market. The multiple myeloma therapeutic market, estimated at $22 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a significant CAGR, reaching $33 billion by 2034, growth substantially accelerated by these clinical advances.

The rapid advancement of bispecific antibodies, CAR-T therapies, and next-generation proteasome inhibitors has expanded treatment options but intensified competitive pressures. For Johnson & Johnson, overlap between TECVAYLI-based combination regimens and its approved CAR-T product, CARVYKTI, raises a risk of internal market cannibalization, potentially driving the company to accelerate the rollout of combination strategies to protect its commercial footing. Meanwhile, Bristol Myers Squibb, the Genmab/Pfizer alliance, and newer entrants are shaping a market trajectory in which bispecific and CAR-T platforms increasingly dominate the relapsed/refractory landscape. Still, proteasome inhibitors continue to command a significant share in frontline and maintenance settings.

In summary, the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting marks a pivotal moment for multiple myeloma treatment. Data showing that bispecific combinations, CAR-T therapies, and other emerging modalities can deliver deep, durable responses, with the possibility of functional cures for some patients, redefines expectations for a disease long viewed as incurable. The combination of unprecedented efficacy, better safety, and improved accessibility driven by manufacturing advances positions the multiple myeloma market for significant growth.

Source: Multiple Myeloma Market Report

Multiple Myeloma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key multiple myeloma companies, including Sanofi, Karyopharm Therapeutics, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Celgene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, RAPA Therapeutics, Pfizer, Array Biopharma, Cellectar Biosciences, BioLineRx, Celgene, Aduro Biotech, ExCellThera, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Precision BioSciences, Takeda, Glenmark (Ichnos Sciences SA), Poseida Therapeutics, Molecular Partners AG, Chipscreen Biosciences, AbbVie, Genentech (Roche), Janssen Biotech, Nanjing Legend Biotech, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., among others.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Golcap Resources Corp. (CSE: GCP) (the "Company" or "Golcap Resources") announces it has closed the previously announced debt settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") to settle outstanding debt owed to a certain arm's length creditor totalling $75,600 (the "Debt Settlement").

Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company has issued an aggregate of 200,000 common shares at deemed price of $0.378 per share. The shares issued are subject to a four month and one day hold period expiring April 11, 2026.

The Board of Directors has determined that completing the Debt Settlement is in the best interests of the Company as it will preserve cash for working capital purposes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Christopher Reynolds

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Garry Stock

Director

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277812

SOURCE: Golcap Resources Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Bear Creek Mining Corporation (TSXV: BCM) (OTCQX: BCEKF) (BVL: BCM) ("Bear Creek" or the "Company") announces that it has executed an agreement dated December 10, 2025 (the "Agreement") to sell its 100% interest in the non-core Tassa Project ("Tassa") in southern Peru to Colque Holding Pty Ltd ("Colque"), a private Australian company for total consideration ("Consideration") of US$3.5 million to be made in staged payments over a 30 month period as outlined below.

The Consideration comprises:

US$30,000 signing fee (paid); US$470,000 upon execution of the Agreement (the "Execution Date") (paid); US$500,000 on or before 6 months following the Execution Date (the First Deferred Payment); US$1,000,000 on or before 18 months following the Execution Date (the Second Deferred Payment); and US$1,500,000 on or before 30 months following the Execution Date (the Third Deferred Payment and together with the First Deferred Payment and the Second Deferred Payment, collectively, the Deferred Consideration).

The Deferred Consideration payments are secured in favour of the Company by a first-ranking security interest over the Tassa concessions.

Upon completion of all Deferred Consideration and settlement of Colque's acquisition of Tassa, Colque (or its successors) will grant the Company a 2% net smelter return royalty in respect of all minerals produced from Tassa, of which Colque may buy back 1% through the payment of an additional US$2.5 million.

Eric Caba, President and CEO of the Company, comments, "This transaction underscores Bear Creek's commitment to focus its capital and management resources on its core assets while unlocking value from non-core projects. We are very pleased to have secured both near-term and potential long-term value from the Tassa Project and we look forward to following Colque's activities at the property."

A commission fee of US$70,000 (representing 2% of the total Consideration amount) was paid to BLB Advisory EIRL in compensation for strategic advisory services leading to the successful sale of the Tassa Project. BLB Advisory EIRL is arms-length to the Company.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Eric Caba

President and Chief Executive Officer

Subscribe to Bear Creek Mining news releases

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding: payment of the Deferred Consideration and recourse if such payments are not made; settlement of Colque's acquisition of Tassa; Colque's granting to the Company of a net smelter royalty; and, Colque's future activities at the Tassa property. In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to the assumption that the terms of the Agreement will be satisfied in their entirety. Although management considers the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements to be reasonable based on information available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and the risk exists that estimates, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions on which they are based do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the expectations expressed in them. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions expressed above do not occur, but may include additional risks as described in the Company's latest Annual Information Form, and other disclosure documents filed by the Company on SEDAR+. The foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on behalf of the Company, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277805

SOURCE: Bear Creek Mining Corporation
Istanbul has become the worlds leading destination for hair transplants in Turkey, known for its excellent quality and affordable prices

Travelling to another country for a medical procedure can feel overwhelming. However, Istanbul has become the worlds leading destination for hair transplants in Turkey, known for its excellent quality and affordable prices. For those considering this journey, choosing a trusted clinic like Dr. Serkan Aygins can make the process smooth and stress-free. This step-by-step guide will walk you through your entire journey.

Initial Research and Online Consultation

Your journey begins with research from home. Look for clinics with strong reputations and positive patient reviews. Dr. Serkan Aygins clinic offers free online consultations. You simply send photos of your hair and discuss your goals with a patient consultant via video call or email. This consultation helps create your personalized treatment plan and gives you a chance to ask all your questions before committing.

Planning Your Trip and Booking

Once you decide to proceed, the clinics travel coordinators will help you plan your trip. They will suggest the best dates for your procedure and help with flight arrangements if needed. Most patients spend about three days in Istanbul for the entire process. The clinic typically handles your hotel booking, airport transfers, and all medical appointments as part of their all-inclusive package.

Pre-Travel Preparation

In the weeks before your trip, youll receive instructions from the clinic. These may include avoiding certain medications like blood thinners, quitting smoking, and not cutting your hair too short. Pack comfortable clothing, especially button-down shirts that wont rub against your scalp after the procedure. Ensure your passport is valid and check if you need a visa for Turkey (many nationalities can get an e-visa online easily).

Arrival in Istanbul and Airport Transfer

When you land at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW), a clinic representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name. They will help you with your luggage and drive you to your hotel in a comfortable vehicle. This service is included in your package and ensures you dont have to navigate a foreign city alone after a long flight.

Consultation and Procedure Day

The next morning, your driver will take you to the clinic. Youll meet with Dr. Serkan Aygin or one of his senior doctors for a final consultation and design your new hairline together. The procedure itself is performed using advanced techniques like DHI. The medical team will ensure you are comfortable throughout the process, which typically takes 6-8 hours. Lunch and refreshments are provided during your stay at the clinic.

Recovery and Aftercare Instructions

After your procedure, the medical team will provide detailed aftercare instructions. They will explain how to wash your hair, what medications to take, and what to expect in the coming days. Youll spend your second night in Istanbul resting at your hotel. The clinic remains available 24/7 for any questions during your stay.

Follow-up and Return Home

Before you leave Istanbul, youll have a final check-up at the clinic. They will provide you with all necessary medications and a comprehensive aftercare package. Even after you return home, the clinic continues to support you through virtual check-ups. You can send photos and questions via WhatsApp or email, and their medical team will monitor your progress for up to 18 months to ensure optimal results.

Choosing Istanbul for your hair transplant, particularly with an experienced clinic like Dr. Serkan Aygins, offers exceptional quality and care. The entire process is designed to be hassle-free, from your first online consultation to your full recovery. With professional coordination and medical excellence, your journey to restored hair can be both successful and comfortable.

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Kerala actor assault case verdict: Court acquitted Dileep, convicted Pulsar Suni and five others in the 2017 abduction and assault of a Malayalam actress. Read how the verdict, trial irregularities and political reactions have divided public opinion and what happens next.

In a verdict that has reignited debate across Kerala and Indias film fraternity, an Ernakulam sessions court on December 8, 2025 acquitted actor-producer Dileep (accused number 8) in the infamous 2017 abduction and assault case, while convicting six accused, including the prime accused Pulsar Suni.

The case, which shook the Malayalam film industry and sparked widespread conversations about power, gender and justice, has now reached a critical, and deeply polarising, moment after more than eight years of legal scrutiny, twists and public outcry.

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What was the 2017 assault case

On February 17, 2017, a well-known Malayalam actress was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted in a car while travelling to Kochi from Thrissur for work. The incident shocked the public and triggered an immediate police investigation.

Authorities soon alleged the crime was planned and orchestrated, not random, and emerged evidence suggesting the assault was executed with forethought. Sixteen people were ultimately named as accused, including the controversial inclusion of Dileep, one of Malayalam cinemas most prominent stars.

What the court ruled on December 8

In the latest verdict delivered by Justice Honey Varghese, the court convicted six men, including Pulsar Suni, on charges of gang rape, abduction, criminal conspiracy and more. It acquitted four individuals, including Dileep (accused number 8), Charlie Thomas (accused 7), Sanil Kumar aka Mestri Sanil (accused 9), and Sarath Nair (accused 16), citing insufficient evidence to prove their involvement in planning or orchestrating the crime.

The courts decision confirmed guilt for the direct perpetrators, but found no legal basis to hold Dileep and the three others responsible for masterminding or facilitating the assault.

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Controversy over legal process and trial conduct

The verdict has drawn intense scrutiny for more than just its outcome. Throughout the lengthy trial, critics alleged bias, pointing to decisions by Justice Honey Varghese that they say favoured certain defendants.

They also noted that the survivors legal team highlighted a report about illegal access to visual evidence of the assault, which the judge allegedly withheld for two years and did not formally include in the court record, a move that has fuelled allegations of procedural irregularities.

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The calls to transfer the trial or revisit evidentiary handling were repeatedly raised during the hearings and were also highlighted.

These legal concerns have amplified public discourse about fairness, accountability and the treatment of survivors in high-profile cases involving influential individuals.

Political and government response

Hours after the verdict, the Kerala government expressed solidarity with the survivor. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reaffirmed the states support, stating,We have stood by the survivor till now. We will continue to do that.

The Chief Minister also noted that a detailed study of the judgement is underway, and that any decision on appeal or further legal action will follow a comprehensive legal review.

Public reaction is polarised

The courts decision has sharply divided opinion. Supporters of Dileep see his acquittal as vindication, asserting that the prosecution failed to prove conspiracy beyond reasonable doubt. Critics and womens rights advocates argue the verdict fails to reckon fully with the survivors experience, the alleged trial irregularities, and the professional and psychological impact she endured.

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Why this case still matters

The 2017 assault case and its long, winding journey through the legal system have already reshaped the Malayalam film industry. It catalysed the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), advocating for safer working conditions. It prompted the Justice Hema Committee to investigate harassment and gender discrimination in cinema workplaces. It also triggered ongoing debates about witness protection, media coverage, and judicial accountability in cases involving public figures.

Even as the legal chapter enters a new phase with possible appeals, the cultural and emotional aftermath continues to reverberate, making this one of the most consequential cases in recent Indian film history.
Based on the life of Indias first paranormal investigator, Gaurav Tiwari, the show explores his groundbreaking cases, chilling experiences, and the mystery surrounding his tragic death at just 31 years of age

Bhay  A Gaurav Tiwari Mystery, which will stream on Amazon MX Player, is creating major buzz even before release, receiving phenomenal support from across the Hindi film industry. Filmmakers and actors including Ram Gopal Verma, Aanand L Rai, Varun Sharma, Zareen Khan, Himanshu Mehra, Hansal Mehta, Ashoke Pandit, and many others have enthusiastically amplified the trailer on social media.

The series features a powerful ensemble cast led by Karan Tacker and Kalki, along with Saloni Batra, Danish Sood, Nimesh Nair, Ganshyam Garg, and several talented performers who bring authenticity and emotional depth to this gripping narrative.

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Based on the life of Indias first paranormal investigator, Gaurav Tiwari, the show explores his groundbreaking cases, chilling experiences, and the mystery surrounding his tragic death at just 31 years of age.

Director Robbie Grewal opens up

Director Robbie Grewal shared a deeply personal note about the project:

It was an extraordinary journey. I had met Gaurav once, and we were supposed to work on something together. His sudden demise left a void. When Prabhleen approached me with this story, I froze initially  but perhaps it was destinys plan that I tell his story.

Producer Prabhleen Sandhu on the Challenges Behind the Series

Producer and Co-Founder of Almighty Motion Picture, Prabhleen Sandhu, expressed heartfelt gratitude:

It was extremely difficult to put this show together on every level. But thanks to director Robbie Grewal and the incredible team at Amazon MX Player  Amogh Dusad, Aruna Daryananj, Anand Jain  the series was made with honest intention and courageous vision.

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The trailer has already crossed 1 crore+ views within 24 hours, signalling strong anticipation and an extraordinary organic response from audiences.
Talking about the same, Khan was quoted saying, I like Saudi (Arabia). I like the people, the culture. Its nice. I keep on visiting these days but a bit nowadays. Its been good.

Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt turned a lot of heads as they actors graced the Golden Globes Gala Dinner at the Red Sea Film Festival 2025. They had the company of Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramirez and actor Idris Elba.

Salman Khan at the Golden Globes Gala Dinner. #RedSeaIFF25 pic.twitter.com/nXH1lDFNSv  Iyan Amjad (@IyanAmjad) December 10, 2025

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Talking about the same, Khan was quoted saying, I like Saudi (Arabia). I like the people, the culture. Its nice. I keep on visiting these days but a bit nowadays. Its been good.

The actor added, Its amazing. I think only Saudi could have done this. Its amazing. I mean, they are going places and really rapidly. Its a good thing.

Others at the event were Faisal Baltyuor, Naomie Harris, Riz Ahmed, Olga Kurylenko, Henry Golding, Rachid Bouchareb, Nour Alkhadra, Summer Shesha, Hakeem Jomah and Darin J. Sallam.

How Alia Bhatt created history by beating Kajol, Nutan by winning the Best Actress award six times

Alia Bhatt recently won her sixth Best Actress award at the 70th Filmfare Awards for her performance in Jigra that came out last year. With this feat, despite the mixed reactions on social media, she has created history by winning the maximum number of times in the category, beating Kajol and Nutan that are tied at five.

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Alia Bhatt to come on board for Kalki 2898 AD sequel?

Replacing Deepika Padukone could be Alia Bhatt as per a report by Lets Cinema. No confirmation has been made on the development yet.

Rekha at the Red Sea

Rekha was honoured at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, where her enduring legacy as one of Indian cinemas most iconic stars was celebrated. Rekha made a rare public appearance at the screening of the newly restored 4K version of Umrao Jaan, the 1981 classic that immortalized her as the unforgettable courtesan-poetess.

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Draped in an elegant ivory-and-gold silk saree, with classic jewellery and her signature bun adorned with a pearl-gold brooch, she exuded a timeless grace that captivated everyone present. She was joined by the director of Umrao Jaan, Muzaffar Ali.
The two were in a relationship long back before going their separate ways. The actress shared a throwback picture with the actor on Instagram

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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Tara Sharma on Akshaye Khanna

The two were in a relationship long back before going their separate ways. The actress shared a throwback picture with the actor on Instagram and wrote- A huge congrats Akshaye! We havent watched it yet but our insta feeds are full of ! Particularly this song and your entry! So heres a good luck message to you and all the team! Haaha this song, the swag, the aura. Link in story swipe up.

She added, Having known each other since we were little its really fab to watch you stay true to your passion of acting. Our school plays were perhaps all our first step into the world of performing and from way back then, we knew youd be doing this.

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On their relationship

In an interview, the actress said, Akshaye and I broke up long back. But weve always remained friends. So everything is amicable.

What Bollywood can learn

Khannas last interview on YouTube is from the pandemic when he was promoting his streaming film The State Of Siege: Temple Attack directed by Ken Ghosh. Despite giving copious staggering successes, the actor has zilch social media presence and doesnt give interviews. He doesnt even show up for the trailer launches or success parties.

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Bangladesh is approaching voting season as its election commission prepares to announce the 2026 poll schedule amid profound political restructuring. Following the 2024 student-led uprising, the country faces an entirely new electoral arena without the Awami League, and developments that carry implications for Indias regional strategy

A vendor sells newspapers with headlines about the news of the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's death sentence on charges of crimes against humanity for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 18, 2025. File Image/Reuters

The Bangladesh Election Commission is preparing to formally announce the date of national polls on Thursday.

The upcoming vote, slated for February 2026, will take place at a time when the nation is still grappling with the aftermath of an unprecedented political transition triggered by the 2024 student-led uprising that removed Sheikh Hasina from power after more than a decade and a half in office.

The political turbulence of the past year has created a landscape that is unlike any Bangladesh has faced since its independence.

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For India, the stakes are exceptionally high.

Bangladesh is not merely a neighbouring state; it plays an indispensable role in Indias border security and strategic counter-balancing in the subcontinent.

When the 2024 uprising changed Bangladesh

Bangladeshs political order was upended in mid-2024, when protests reached a boiling point across cities over disputes related to government job quotas.

What started as agitation over recruitment norms quickly spiralled into a massive nationwide campaign against the Hasina administration.

Demonstrations expanded through the summer months and eventually led to violent confrontations between protesters and security forces.

By August, the crisis had expanded beyond the governments capacity to manage, and on August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina stepped down and left the country. The clashes associated with the upheaval left hundreds of people dead and thousands more injured.

Following her departure, an interim structure was put in place to manage day-to-day governance and prepare the nation for a fresh electoral exercise.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed to lead this transitional government alongside a group of student leaders and advisers who had emerged during the anti-government mobilisations.

One of the defining developments under the interim arrangement was a decision to introduce significant institutional reforms. These were encapsulated in a document that came to be known as the July Charter, drafted shortly after the unrest.

The charter outlines a broad range of restructuring efforts intended to curb concentrations of political power and strengthen institutional checks. These reforms propose limiting the authority of the executive branch, establishing greater independence for the judiciary and election authorities, and ensuring that law-enforcement bodies cannot be used to target political rivals or dissenters.

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A nationwide referendum on the charter is expected to take place on the same day as the parliamentary vote.

During the months following the uprising, the interim administration moved to bar the Awami League  the countrys most enduring political organisation since independence  from participating in the next general election.

This occurred after amendments to anti-terror legislation and subsequent legal actions resulted in the suspension of the partys registration and restrictions on its political activities.

This decision removed from the political field the only party that had maintained consistently warm ties with New Delhi for more than a decade.

Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India during the violence, was later tried in absentia and convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal in November earlier this year for crimes against humanity and subsequently sentenced to death.

Her continued residence in India has since become one of the most sensitive issues in the bilateral relationship.

Why India is following the 2026 election closely

Important trade routes

Bangladesh functions as Indias most important land bridge to its northeastern region.

Transport corridors across Bangladeshi territory provide efficient connectivity to Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram, reducing dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor  the vulnerable connector that links the Northeast to the rest of India.

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In recent years, road, rail, and inland waterway links through Bangladesh have become essential to economic development in Indias border states.

Bangladesh is also Indias largest trade destination in South Asia, with exchanges exceeding $15 billion. India exports machinery, raw materials, consumer goods, and services, while medical tourism from Bangladesh also forms a substantial revenue stream.

Bilateral trade has remained steady despite political changes, and Bangladeshi products continue to receive tariff concessions in the Indian market.

Stability in Indias East & North-East

Dhaka is also indispensable to Indias Act East Policy. Bangladesh hosts the BIMSTEC Secretariat, making it a key node for maritime and regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.

Stability in Bangladesh reinforces Indias strategic positioning across Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.

A significant aspect of India-Bangladesh ties under Hasina was deep coordination on counter-insurgency. During her tenure, Bangladesh dismantled militant camps linked to groups such as ULFA and NDFB and handed over important insurgent leaders.

Cooperation under the 2013 Extradition Treaty and the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement was instrumental in limiting cross-border criminal and militant networks. Bangladeshs support substantially curtailed activities that once destabilised Indias northeastern states.

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However, the removal of Hasina has introduced new uncertainties. Analysts on both sides of the border have raised concerns that the shifting political environment may allow previously weakened groups to reorganise.

Early indications of infiltration attempts, potential militant regrouping, and an increase in Islamist influence have been cited by security practitioners. Some intelligence assessments suggest that external actors, including ISI operatives, may be attempting to re-establish footholds in districts near the border.

Growing Chinese presence in Dhaka

Another challenge for India arises from Chinas expanding role in Bangladesh. More than $10 billion in Chinese investments are now spread across dozens of major projects throughout the country.

Yunus has described this financial engagement as a game-changer, signalling that the interim government views Chinese partnership as essential for Bangladeshs development trajectory.

One project in particular has raised alarm within Indian security circles: the possible revival of the Lalmonirhat Airbase with Chinese involvement. Located roughly 135 kilometres from the Siliguri Corridor, such a development could significantly alter regional security dynamics and heighten Indias strategic vulnerabilities.

For India, any strengthening of Chinas footprint so close to a critical choke point represents a serious concern.

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Tensions also worsened after Yunus referred to the Northeast as landlocked and Bangladesh as the guardian of the ocean.

Following those comments, India halted important transshipment facilities that Bangladesh relies on for its ready-made garment exports, causing economic friction.

Stalled connectivity projects between India & Bangladesh

Despite previous progress in regional integration, several connectivity initiatives have slowed following the political transition. The Ashuganj Inland Container Port upgrade remains on hold, impacting logistics operations vital to bilateral trade.

Meanwhile, the railway service planned along the Khulna-Mongla route has not yet started commercial operations. Various land ports along the India-Bangladesh border in the Northeast have reported disruptions, delaying trade and affecting local economies.

Such interruptions threaten to reverse the developmental momentum that had been building in Indias northeastern states, where enhanced integration with Bangladesh had begun to improve economic prospects and regional infrastructure.

What Bangladeshs electoral landscape looks like now

With the Awami Leagues exclusion, the February 2026 poll will be contested primarily by three significant players: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and the National Citizen Party (NCP).

BNPs determined re-entry

The BNP, historically the Awami Leagues main rival, has spent much of this year rebuilding its organisational networks after boycotting the previous election cycle.

The party leadership  traditionally centred around Khaleda Zia and her family  has framed the upcoming election as a chance to restore competitive democracy.

It continues to emphasise Bangladeshi Nationalism as its guiding ideology and has positioned itself as the leading alternative in the present political environment.

In December 2025, the BNP demonstrated its preparedness by publicly presenting candidate lists for 237 constituencies, signalling that it intends to contest the election comprehensively.

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The party has also sought to take advantage of public sentiment that views India as having supported Hasina for too long, even though its public comments on India vary across leaders and platforms.

Despite its traditionally sceptical view of New Delhi, the BNP did acknowledge a recent gesture of goodwill from India.

In a notable recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly expressed concern and offered India's support for the critically ill BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The BNP leadership formally responded with sincere gratitude for the gesture of goodwill.

This exchange has been interpreted by observers as a rare instance of warmth between the two political sides, hinting at the possibility of practical cooperation should the BNP come to office.

Jamaat-e-Islamis re-entry into parliamentary politics

Bangladeshs biggest Islamic party had been blocked from contesting elections after a 2013 ruling found its registration inconsistent with the secular principles of the constitution.

This year, the Supreme Court lifted the restrictions, enabling the party to resume political activities.

Its reappearance in the electoral field will likely influence vote fragmentation, alliance-building, and the overall ideological composition of the next parliament.

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The National Citizen Party

The National Citizen Party, often referred to as the political extension of the revolution that triggered Hasinas downfall, is another major participant.

The organisation draws heavily from the leadership that emerged during the anti-quota protests, including figures such as Nahid Islam, who became prominent in the movement.

The party is championing large-scale structural reforms and a departure from long-standing political rivalries that have dominated Bangladesh for decades.

How India is approaching Bangladesh

Indian diplomats continue to engage with all major political actors in Bangladesh, including groups not traditionally aligned with India. These interactions, including outreach to the BNP and Jatiya Party, are meant to ensure India remains connected to the evolving political environment.

Improved surveillance, intelligence-sharing structures, and upgraded border infrastructure are seen as necessary to manage risks emerging from militant movements or infiltration without triggering diplomatic friction.

Bangladeshs reliance on India for transit, power exchanges, and market access gives New Delhi an avenue for constructive engagement. India is expected to maintain these ties as stabilising mechanisms rather than instruments of pressure.

To reduce reliance on a single corridor through Bangladesh, India aims to speed up infrastructure projects connected to Myanmar, including operational expansion of the Sittwe Port, and enhance domestic networks within the Northeast.

Bangladeshs political realignment may take years to stabilise. Indias approach will likely involve adapting to whatever government is elected as long as it respects key security and economic concerns.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers will meet officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) today in New Delhi amid the ongoing disruptions in operations. South Korean cryptocurrency specialist Do Kwon will be sentenced to prison in a fraud case. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte in Berlin today to discuss enhancing Germanys role within the bloc

It is set to be a busy Thursday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers will meet officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Meanwhile, disgraced South Korean cryptocurrency specialist Do Kwon will be sentenced today in New York for his role in a fraud case.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be hosting Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte in Berlin today. Meanwhile, a general strike has been called in Portugal today, organised in protest against the governments proposed labour law reform. The first Apple store is set to open in Noida today.

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Here is all that is set to take place today across the world.

IndiGo CEO to appear before DGCA officials

IndiGos top brass, including CEO Pieter Elbers, will be meeting officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The purpose of the high-level meeting is to address the operational meltdown the airline experienced over the past week.

The meeting is part of the governments response to the operational crisis that has caused hundreds of flight cancellations and delays over the past few days. Earlier, DGCA issued a show-cause notice to the CEO and COO for failing to plan for new, stricter pilot rest rules (Flight Duty Time Limitations or FDTL) that came into effect on November 1, 2025.

Earlier, Elbers has publicly apologised for the inconvenience and stated that operations are expected to fully normalise between December 10 and 15, 2025.

Disgraced crypto mogul Do Kwon to be sentenced

South Korean cryptocurrency specialist Do Kwon will be sentenced to prison in a Manhattan federal court today. This comes after he pleaded guilty to US fraud charges related to the $40 billion collapse of his Terraform Labs ecosystem in August this year.

Police officers escort Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon after he served a sentence for document forgery, in Podgorica, Montenegro. File image/Reuters

While facing a total of nine counts, he pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. As part of a plea deal, US prosecutors have agreed to seek a prison term of no more than 12 years, provided Kwon complies with the terms. Federal sentencing guidelines would have recommended a term of about 25 years.

Kwons defense team has requested a more lenient sentence, arguing for a prison term of up to five years, citing time already served in Montenegro and potential further imprisonment in South Korea.

German Chancellor to host Nato Chief Rutte

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte in Berlin today. The visit is likely to focus on enhancing Germanys role within the Alliance, defence spending, and ongoing support for Ukraine.

Along with the two leaders, the meeting will also be attended by the German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul. A joint press conference is scheduled to take place at 10:35 (CET).

Merz has advocated for increased defense spending, with Germany aiming to reach 3.5 per cent for core defence requirements by 2029. This aligns with Natos goal of ensuring members militaries have the capabilities needed for deterrence and defence. Meanwhile, discussions will likely cover continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and the implementation of decisions from the recent Nato Summit in The Hague.

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Strike in Portugal

A general strike has been called in Portugal today to protest against the governments proposed labour law reform. The strike has been called by the two main trade union confederations, the communist-leaning CGTP and the moderate UGT.

A general strike has been called in Portugal. File image/Reuters

The strike is in protest against the minority right-wing governments proposed labour law reforms, which unions argue will roll back workers rights. Most flights at Portuguese airports are expected to be grounded, with only minimum services operating. Disruptions are also anticipated on metros, buses, ferries, and trains. Schools, hospitals, municipal services, and garbage collection are also likely to see significant disruptions.

First Apple store to open in Noida

Apple is stepping up its retail presence in India with a new store in Uttar Pradeshs Noida today. This will be its fifth outlet in the country, reinforcing its focus on one of its fastest-growing global markets.

On Wednesday (December 10), the company premiered its newest store in a high-profile location: the DLF Mall of India, Noida. The moment the brand-new interiors were revealed, a large and diverse audience, including residents, journalists, YouTubers, and tech fans, poured through the doors.

Currently, there are four Apple stores across India - with one each in Delhi (Select Citywalk Mall), Bengaluru (Hebbal), and Mumbai (BKC).

With inputs from agencies
Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goas Arpora, who fled India after their nightclub caught fire over the weekend, have been detained in Thailand. Their passports have been suspended and they are likely to be deported

Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of a nightclub in Goa that caught fire, killing 25 people last week, have been detained in Thailand. The brothers had fled to the Southeast Asian country hours after the deadly blaze at their Birch by Romeo Lane club in North Goas Arpora late Saturday (December 6) night.

The duo have been taken to detention centres in Phuket, reports say. Pictures released by the Thai Police show the two brothers in handcuffs, holding their passports.

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Can India bring back the entrepenurs from Thailand? We take a look.

How Luthra brothers were tracked in Thailand

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were detained by Thai Police after raids at multiple locations in Phuket.

The brothers had moved from their initial accommodation, which complicated their arrest. They had changed one location but were finally found," an official told CNN-News18.

Goa Police revealed on Wednesday (December 10) that the brothers had booked tickets to Thailand to flee India within 90 minutes of the fire at their nightclub in Goa. As per the preliminary investigation by the Goa Police and the Directorate of Fire Services, the blaze was set off when electric firecrackers struck the wooden ceiling at the club on the night of December 6. The Mapusa fire control room received a call about the fire at 11:45 pm.

The brothers logged onto the MakeMyTrip (MMT) travel platform at 1:17 am on December 7. While Goa police and fire services were battling the blaze and rescuing those trapped, the accused were preparing to flee the country, the police alleged in a statement.

The two accused took the IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from Delhi to Phuket at 5:30 am.

The hunt for the duo began soon after. The Goa Police had suspended the passports of the Luthra brothers, which made their stay in Thailand illegal. This helped the Indian authorities to get the brothers detained in the Southeast Asian country, sources told NDTV.

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The multi-agency operation spanning the two countries kick-started after Indian immigration authorities raised an alarm about the duos departure and informed their Thai counterparts, top government sources told CNN-News18.

The authorities in India first confirmed that the Luthras had fled India and gone to Phuket. This tracking down started from Indian immigration," a senior official said to CNN-News18.

After verifying their movement, the Thai police were alerted. Later, Thai immigration authorities confirmed the entry of two men who matched the details shared by India. Thai law enforcement agencies then launched a manhunt across the city. The duo were detained at a resort in Phuket, Times of India (TOI) reported.

The brothers are currently in Thai custody.

Earlier, a Blue Corner Notice was issued by Interpol against the Luthras. The brothers moved the Rohini court in Delhi on Wednesday, seeking transit anticipatory bail. The court will hear the matter on Thursday.

Can India bring back Luthra brothers from Thailand?

India and Thailand have an extradition treaty that allows both countries to bring back fugitives involved in serious offences from the other country.

The two nations signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which came into force on June 29, 2015.

Fugitives can be extradited for offences which are punishable under the laws of both countries.

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Where the request for extradition relates to a person who is wanted for the enforcement of a sentence of imprisonment or any other form of deprivation of liberty imposed for such an offence, extradition shall be granted only if a period of at least six months of such sentence remains to be served, the treaty says.

The treaty also permits extradition in case of an attempt to commit, or aiding, abetting, inciting or participating as an accomplice in the commission of an extraditable offence.

The extradition request can, however, be rejected if the Requested State considers it a political offence. It can also be denied if the Requested State believes the fugitive is being targeted because of their race, religion, nationality or political opinion.

A request for extradition has to be made in writing and submitted to the Central Authority of the Requested State through diplomatic channels. If the accused person has to be prosecuted, a copy of the arrest warrant should also be attached.

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However, in this case, the Luthra brothers are expected to be deported by Thailand to face trial in India. Extradition is a long process, which will include presenting evidence before a Thai court proving that the accused are guilty of a crime punishable by both Indian and Thai laws.

As the passports of the Luthra brothers are suspended, they are in Phuket without valid travel documents. This is an offence under Thailands immigration laws, and hence the duo can be removed as undocumented foreigners from the country, as per NDTV.

What happens next?

The Delhi-based Luthra brothers will be deported from Thailand and handed over to the Indian authorities. A team has already reached the Southeast Asian country, sources told TOI.

Speaking to NDTV earlier, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, Whether it is Thailand or anywhere else, we will pick them up from there and put them behind bars.

#BreakingNews | Birch by Romeo Lane Fire: Absconding Owners Saurabh & Gaurav Luthra Held in Thailand; Third partner Ajay Gupta also detained in Delhi few days ago@kotakyesha shares more details #GoaNightClubFire #LuthraBrothers #GoaFireTragedy | @GrihaAtul pic.twitter.com/XgakH8gs4B  News18 (@CNNnews18) December 11, 2025

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So far, the police have arrested six people, including co-owner Ajay Gupta, nightclubs chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and employee Bharat Kohli, in the nightclub fire case.

With inputs from agencies
A 25-year-old Indian-origin man, identified as Vaibhav, has been arrested in Canada for allegedly exposing himself to female medical staff in several clinics. He faked medical conditions in an attempt to have the women touch him

A 25-year-old Indian-origin man has been arrested in Canada for allegedly carrying out obscene acts at multiple clinics. Identified as Vaibhav, he exposed himself to women doctors and other staff members at various medical clinics across Mississauga, a city in Ontario.

Vaibhav visited medical facilities with a fake identity and pretended to suffer from medical conditions in an attempt to have women physicians touch him inappropriately, according to investigators.

The suspect was arrested on December 4 and remains in jail pending a bail hearing. He has also been charged with multiple offences.

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Heres what we know about the whole incident:

Vaibhav is a 25-year-old Indian-origin man living in Canadas Brampton.

He was arrested on December 4 for allegedly visiting various medical clinics across Mississauga and exposing himself to female staff members. The incidents occurred in several locations over several months this year.

Confirming the arrest, the Peel Regional Police (PRP) said, The 12 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) has arrested and charged a Brampton man in relation to an indecent act investigation.

Investigators alleged that Vaibhav exposed himself to female staff in these clinics.

The accused reportedly faked medical conditions in an attempt to have female physicians touch him inappropriately and, in some instances, used the alias of Akashdeep Singh while doing so, the statement by the police said.

After the arrest, he remains in custody while awaiting a bail hearing.

Vaibhav is formally charged with multiple offences, including Indecent Act in a Public Place, Identity Fraud with the intent to Gain Advantage, Possession of an identity Document and Identity Theft.

Investigators also suspect that there may be additional incidents that have not yet been reported.

The Peel Regional Police have asked people with relevant information to come forward and assist them with the probe. Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact the 12 Division CIB at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233, Peel Regional Police concluded its statement.

With inputs from agencies
The United States has announced that it has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move that Caracas has decried as an act of international piracy. The development comes just days after US President Donald Trump, in an interview, said that Maduros days are numbered. Is Trump planning an oil blockade to bring the Venezuelan leader down?

The development comes just days after US President Donald Trump in an interview said that Nicolas Maduros days are numbered.

Is the Trump administration planning to bring down the Nicolas Maduro regime?

The United States has announced that it has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move that Caracas has decried as an act of international piracy.

The development comes just days after US President Donald Trump in an interview said that Maduros days are numbered.

Trump, however, declined to specify whether the US would send troops to Venezuela.v"I dont comment on that," Trump said. I wouldnt say that one way or the other.

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Tensions between the two countries have risen in recent months as the Trump administration has conducted strikes on a number of boats it claims were carrying drugs in the Caribbean. The administration has attacked nearly two dozen boats with around 90 people being killed.

But what happened? What do we know? Lets take a closer look.

US seizes oil tanker

The US seized an oil tanker heading to Cuba, which is also under sanctions from America. The vessel, the Skipper, was taken in international waters. It was carrying a large amount of Venezuelan crude oil.

Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela  a large tanker, very large, the largest one ever seized actually, Trump told the press. It was seized for a very good reason, he added. Trump claimed that the operation was led by the US Coast Guard. I assume were going to keep the oil, Trump added.

According to CNBC, the Skipper is a Guyana-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). The Skipper left Venezuelas main oil port of Jose between December 4 and 5 after loading some 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelas Merey heavy crude.

It transferred about 200,000 barrels near Curacao to the Panama-flagged Neptune 6 bound for Cuba before the seizure, according to satellite information analysed by TankerTrackers.com and internal data from Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.

Guyanas maritime authority said Skipper was falsely flying the countrys flag. The vessel had transported Venezuelan oil to Asia between 2021 and 2022, the PDVSA data showed.

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The vessel, the Skipper, was taken in international waters. It was carrying a large amount of Venezuelan crude oil. Image courtesy: AP

This is the Trump administrations first known action against a Venezuela-related tanker since he ordered a massive military build-up in the region.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said US agencies including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the US Coast Guard, with support from the Department of Defence, had executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

She claimed the tanker had been sanctioned by the US for multiple years due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations.

She said the seizure was conducted safely and securely, and added that our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues.

How has Venezuela responded?

Under these circumstances, the true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally been revealed  It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people. It said it would defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity with absolute determination.

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The United States has imposed sanctions on Venezuela since 2019. Much of Venezuelas economy depends on its crude oil, of which it has some of the worlds biggest reserves.

A satellite image shows the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Skipper, which British maritime risk management group Vanguard said has been seized by the US. Reuters

The country last month exported over 900,000 barrels of crude oil per day. According to data firm Kpler, around half of its output goes to China which received about 80 per cent of total exports or some 746,000 barrels per day. Venezuela also exports around 132,000 barrels per day to the US.

What experts say

Experts say an oil blockade could deal a crippling blow to the economy and precipitate Maduros departure.

The Telegraph quoted Juan Gonzalez, former chief Latin America adviser to Joe Biden, as saying that he had called for the US to station two navy destroyers off Venezuelas coast and even impose an oil blockade.

Gonzalez said the Trump administration could potentially endorse a recall referendum in 2027 or even threaten real hardline consequences as a result of the blockade.

I think it is potentially a viable option where there should be a very credible and aggressive snapback associated with it, Gonzalez said. Imposing an oil blockade would shut down the entire economy.

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Venezuela President Nicolas Madur has called on citizens to behave like warriors and be ready to smash the teeth of the North American empire if necessary. AFP

Its less aggressive [than a land strike] but its still considered an act of war, Gonzalez added.

He [Trump] could take unilateral action by blocking oil tankers from leaving or entering the country, and that I think would precipitate Maduros departure.

There arent many details about the seizure of this tanker, apart from the presidents confirmation, correspondent Al Hanna told Al Jazeera.

This does mark a massive escalation in terms of US action against Venezuela. It has been reported that President Trump has been pondering for weeks now what kind of action to take in Venezuela and has been very clear that he is contemplating regime change, he said.

Maduro remains unbowed

Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez in 2013, remains unbowed. The Venezuelan president earlier called on citizens to behave like warriors and be ready to smash the teeth of the North American empire if necessary.

Maduro has alleged that the US military build-up is aimed at overthrowing him and gaining control of the OPEC nations oil resources, which are the worlds largest crude reserves.

Concerns about the attacks on the boats increased this month after reports that the commander overseeing one of the operations ordered a second strike that killed two survivors. There is growing concern that the Trump administrations strikes may be illegal.

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There has been little or no proof made public that the boats are carrying drugs or that it was necessary to blow them out of the water rather than stop them, seize their cargo and question those on board.

Many think the Trump administration is after regime change in Venezuela.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Prize on Wednesday, has openly called on the Trump administration to overthrow Maduro. She has also talked about privatising Venezuelas state-run oil, gas and infrastructure companies.

With inputs from agencies
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Goa nightclub that went up in flames killing 25 people, were detained in Thailand. Officials say the legal process to deport them has begun. This comes after the Goa Police suspended their passports. The duo fled India in the wee hours of Sunday, as firefighters struggled to douse the massive blaze at the club

Goa nightclub fire: Officials say the process to deport Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra back to India has already begun so that they can face trial. Image courtesy:instagram, X

The two brothers linked to the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people have reportedly been detained in Thailand, sources told CNN-News 18. Officials say the process to deport Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra back to India has already begun so that they can face trial.

This development comes after the Ministry of External Affairs suspended their passports at the request of the Goa government.

Earlier, Goa Police revealed that the brothers booked their flights to Thailand at 1:17 am on December 7, the very moment when firefighters and police were struggling to control the massive blaze at their Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Anjuna.

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While Goa police and fire services were battling the blaze and rescuing those trapped, the accused were preparing to flee the country, the statement alleged.

Heres where things stand now.

Luthra brothers pre-arrest bail rejected

The Rohini Court on Wednesday refused to grant the Luthra brothers any immediate protection from arrest. Despite asking for four weeks of anticipatory bail on medical grounds and insisting in court that Were also victims, the Bench declined to stay their arrest, reports News18.

The court began hearing their plea but directed Delhi Police to file a detailed response instead, listing the matter for Friday.

This development comes shortly after Interpol issued Blue Corner Notices against the brothers. These notices help law enforcement across Interpols 196 member countries share important information, especially when individuals need to be traced across borders.

Meanwhile, the Goa Police have detained Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the nightclub. A Look Out Circular (LOC) had already been issued for Gupta and another co-owner, Surinder Kumar Khosla, after investigators were unable to find them.

Ajay Gupta, co-owner of Goa club, detained in New Delhi. ANI

We have detained Ajay Gupta, one of the owners of the nightclub. This is the sixth person to be held in connection with the case, a Goa Police spokesperson said.

Before this, five managers and staff members had already been picked up as part of the investigation.

Luthras claim they were on a business trip

According to an India Today report, the Luthra brothers have insisted they did not escape India. In court, their lawyer argued that the travel had been planned in advance, telling the Rohini Court that Saurabh had flown to Thailand on December 6 for work.

On December 6, the applicant travelled to Thailand for professional engagements and potential restaurant sites, the counsel said, adding that the brothers were now seeking legal protection so they could return to India without being arrested the moment they land.

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I am saying I want to come back to India; they want to arrest me. I am seeking relief to come back and approach the Goa court. Witch-hunting is what I am concerned about, their lawyer told the court.

Fire officials investigate at the scene where the fire broke out in north Goas Arpora. PTI

Meanwhile, the tourism department on Tuesday demolished a section of another Luthra-owned establishment, Romeo Lane in Vagator, which had been sealed by the revenue authorities on Sunday.

The brothers claimed the demolition of their second property showed the vindictive nature of the action against them. The beachside shack, also linked to them, was bulldozed after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered the immediate demolition of all illegal structures built on salt-pan land without fire-safety permissions.

The nightclub is situated in the backwaters of the Arpora river, and has a narrow entry and exit. There was no access for fire brigade vehicles because of the narrow lanes, and their tankers had to be parked about 400 metres away from the spot.

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With input from agencies
Lieutenant General (retired) Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty on multiple charges, including engaging in political activities and abuse of power. The former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief was considered close to ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. He has now become the first ex-spymaster in the country to be tried and convicted by a military court

Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed (retired) has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. File Photo/Reuters

Pakistans Army has sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lieutenant General (retired) Faiz Hameed, to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment. This is the first time that an ex-spymaster has been tried and convicted by a military court in Pakistan.

The Field General Court Martial found Hameed guilty on several counts, including engaging in political activities and abuse of power, according to a statement by the militarys Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media agency. The once-powerful ISI chief was taken into custody last August.

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But who is Faiz Hameed? And why has he been sentenced? We will explain.

Who is Faiz Hameed?

Lt Gen (retired) Faiz Hameed was once a frontrunner for the post of Pakistan Army chief.

Coming from the Pakistan Armys Baloch Regiment, he has served as the Bahawalpur corps commander. Before that, he was appointed as the Peshawar corps commander in October 2021.

Hameed, as a brigadier, became the chief of staff of the X Corps under former Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who was the commander of the corps at the time.

Hameed also served as director-general (Counter-Intelligence) at ISI. He also has experience commanding an infantry division in Pano Aqil, Sindh, during his time as a major general.

Hameed first came to the spotlight in November 2017 for his key role in ending the Faizabad dharna by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLD), reported Dawn. He had facilitated an agreement between the government and the then-banned outfit.

Hameeds career highlight came as Pakistans top spymaster.

After Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government came to power in 2018, Hameed was appointed as Director General of the ISI a year later. He took over the post in June 2019 and served till October 2021.

During his tenure as ISI chief, Hameed, considered close to Khan, was accused by many politicians of being heavy-handed to please his political masters, reported New York Times (NYT).

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Hameed caught global attention after he was pictured, along with other Pakistani officials, sipping tea in a hotel with the Taliban in Kabul, a couple of weeks after the group took over Afghanistan in August 2021 following the US withdrawal.

Faiz Hameed served as Pakistans intelligence agency ISIs chief for over two years. (Photo: ISPR)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif publicly blamed Hameed, along with a group of Supreme Court judges and another military general, for his removal from power in 2017.

Hameed was forced to resign in November 2022, four months before his scheduled retirement, after PM Shehbaz Sharif appointed (then) Lt Gen Asim Munir as the Pakistan Army chief. Imran Khan had unsuccessfully tried to resist his removal at the time.

Why was Hameed arrested?

In an unprecedented move, Faiz Hameed was arrested by the Pakistan military in August 2024. He was accused of abusing his power and raiding a private property development business during his time as head of Pakistans spy agency, ISI.

Hameeds arrest was linked to a crackdown on those with close ties to former PM Imran Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. The PTI chief is currently languishing in jail on graft and other charges.

The military had also started the process of Field General Court Martial against Hameed.

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Hameed was arrested in connection with the Top City housing scheme scandal. Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of the Top City Housing scheme, a private housing society in the Chowki Hameedan area of Islamabad, had accused the former spymaster and his associates of extortion.

In May 2017, ISI officials and personnel of the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers raided the offices of Top City and Moeezs home, seizing gold and diamond jewellery after falsely accusing him of terrorism. Hameed was a senior officer in the ISI at the time.

In November 2023, Pakistans Supreme Court said that allegations of an extremely serious nature against the former ISI chief cannot be left unattended as they would undermine the reputation of the countrys institutions if proven to be true.

An investigation began against Hameed, following which he was arrested, Dawn reported.

Last December, the ex-spymaster was charged with engaging in political activities, misuse of authority and government resources, and violating the Official Secrets Act. Hameed was accused of doing all this at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests.

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What next for Hameed?

Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, over a year after court-martial proceedings began against him.

The accused was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act detrimental to the safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss" to individuals, the military said in a statement on Thursday (December 11).

The charge of involvement in political activities is linked to the protests in May 2023 against Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, when supporters of Imran Khan had damaged state buildings and military installations, as per Bloomberg.

The militarys statement added that involvement of [the] convict in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements and in certain other matters is separately being dealt with.

After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges, the statement read.

Hameed can challenge the verdict.

Syed Muhammad Ali, an Islamabad-based security analyst, told Associated Press (AP) that the ruling against Hameed came after a lengthy investigation that gave the former ISI chief ample opportunity to defend himself.

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Faiz Hameed was found guilty on all four counts  misuse of office and state resources, violation of the Official Secrets Act, harming the public interest and engaging in politics, he said. The decision signals the military leaderships intent that no officer, regardless of rank, will be allowed to engage in politics, and Hameeds case has been made an example for all retired officers.

Speaking to Geo News, senior Pakistani journalist Shahzeb Khanzada, said that Pakistan has always had a problem of political engineering, but Faiz Hameed took it to its peak.

He set a precedent for manipulating the judiciary, Khanzada said, referring to the disqualification of former PM Nawaz Sharif.

The journalist also accused Hameed of harming the country, democracy, media, judiciary, and his own institution.

With inputs from agencies
A 22-year-old Spanish woman who kept showing up early to work despite being warned against it by her boss has been fired. The woman, who did so despite repeated verbal and written warnings since 2023, appealed the decision in court. Heres what happened

Spanish woman's employer said she sold a used company battery, too, without permission. (Photo courtesy: X)

There are many reasons one can conceivably be fired from a job. But you wouldnt imagine one of those would be coming early to work.

Well, thats exactly what happened to a young Spanish woman who kept showing up early to work despite her boss warning her against it.

But what happened exactly? How did she react?

Lets take a closer look.

Early bird gets the can

The woman, 22, kept showing up to work between 6.45 and 7 am every day in Alicante in Spains southeastern Costa Blanca. This, despite her shift starting at 7.30 am. This infuriated the boss, who argued that her early arrival was of no help to the company.

Despite being given repeated verbal and written warnings since 2023 by her boss, the woman refused to change her routine. According to The Sun newspaper, one employee even claimed that she was bad for morale and disrupted team coordination.

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Dismissing her boss argument as unfair, the young worker decided to move to the Social Court of Alicante.

According to records presented in court, she reportedly came to the office early on 19 more days after being told to stop. The woman also tried to log in through the attendance app before she had even arrived at the office.

However, the final straw was when she sold a used company car without a battery or permission. The court, after the hearing, ruled in the companys favour.

The judges reportedly did not find fault with her excessive punctuality, but the fact that she did not adhere to the rules after clearly being told to. The court noted that the 22-year-old continued this behaviour even after multiple written and verbal warnings.

The court cited her brash refusal to follow workplace rules as a serious breach under Article 54 of the Spanish Workers Statute, as per The Sun.

Several reports suggest that the young woman now plans to appeal to the Supreme Court in Valencia.

Social media seems divided over the issue, with many taking her side and wondering whether excessive punctuality would be a reason for dismissal.

A user wrote, If youre late, theyre angry. If youre early, theyre angry.

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Another person wrote, This is the first time Ive heard someone could lose their job for arriving early. At my workplace, the boss would turn you into a statue.

Experts say firms are authorised to enforce strict rules if they are set out clearly.

Some unexpected firings

This isnt the only such unexpected firing.

Earlier this year, a Florida woman named Alice shared a disturbing experience after being fired from a new job she hadnt even started.

Alice, taking to Reddit, explained that her firm withdrew the offer letter as Alice didnt show up on her expected first day, which was September 2. But this was because the official offer email mentioned her start date as September 22.

In 2024, a man identified as Karl Davies was sacked for greeting his manager, Scott Millward, saying top of the morning to ya in a mocking Irish accent. Davies was working at Wrexhams Oscar Mayer ready meal manufacturing site. A probe aimed at determining whether the statement amounted to racial harassment was then launched, The Sun reported.

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Davies was awarded $21,400 (approx. Rs 16.9 lakh) in damages for unfair dismissal.

With inputs from agencies.
The US has introduced the Trump Gold Card, a high-cost residency route centred on direct financial contributions. Designed as a revamped alternative to older investor visas, the programme gives wealthy applicants and corporations expedited permanent residency access

Sitting next to founder and CEO of Dell, Michael Dell, left, US President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, December 10, 2025, in Washington, DC, US. File Image/AP

The United States has formally unveiled a major overhaul of its immigration pathway through the Trump Gold Card  a high-priced route to permanent residency.

Announced by US President Donald Trump, the scheme is being positioned as a reengineered successor to long-standing investor visas and as a tool to give American businesses faster access to highly skilled workers they have struggled to retain under existing frameworks.

The programme, months in the making, arrives against the backdrop of a sweeping clampdown on other forms of immigration, far-reaching deportation campaigns and new fee requirements for work visas.

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With the online portal now accepting applications, prospective candidates must pay the US Department of Homeland Security a processing charge of $15,000  collected through the Trumpcard.gov platform  followed by a mandatory $1 million remittance to the federal government.

The administration has described these payments as a contribution or gift, depending on the section of the website viewed, but both terms function as the programmes essential qualifier for permanent residency.

Once this process begins, applicants undergo a background investigation overseen by federal authorities. Successful individuals then receive US permanent resident status  a functionally equivalent green card with the procedural advantages built into the new framework.

Trump himself characterised the product unequivocally, telling reporters, Basically its a Green Card, but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path. A path is a big deal. Have to be great people.

According to official information released through the site, the programme extends to immediate family members under age 21 and spouses, whose eligibility is tied to the primary applicant.

The application form requires personal details ranging from birth country to address, citizenship status, and household members.

The platform currently calculates a slightly higher processing amount of $15,375, reflecting a surcharge applied at checkout. Credit card users are notified that an extra 2.5 per cent fee is added if that payment method is selected.

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Image Courtesy: White House

Once documents and payments are submitted, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) begin thorough background checks on the applicant and dependents.

How the Trump Gold Card may benefit US companies

The Gold Card is not only designed for individual investors. A major component of the program is tailored for US companies looking to keep high-value employees in the country without navigating lengthy or unpredictable visa processes.

Firms can participate by contributing $2 million for each employee they want to sponsor through a corporate Gold Card.

In addition to this upfront cost, businesses are subject to recurring and conditional fees. These include a 1 per cent yearly maintenance payment  calculated as $20,000  and a 5 per cent transfer fee of $100,000 whenever a company wants to reassign the sponsored card from one employee to another.

The governments FAQ also notes that corporations may acquire multiple cards, but each card is tied to one worker at a time.

Trump promoted this corporate element aggressively, posting online that Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent.

He argued that companies lose graduates from US universities each year because those students lack a secure immigration pathway, leaving employers unable to offer long-term roles.

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The US president also said business executives repeatedly told him about losing outstanding recruits due to the difficulty of extending their stay after graduation.

He singled Apples chief executive Tim Cook, saying that Cook had frequently urged the administration to reform the system, noting, Nobody talked to me more about it. Apple representatives did not publicly respond to inquiries about the presidents comment.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained the vetting fee and the rationale behind the new corporate system, asserting that the approval review would make sure these people absolutely qualify to be in America.

He contended that the goal was to ensure that companies were no longer constrained by the unpredictability of the existing immigration processes, especially when hiring foreign-born graduates from elite US institutions.

Trump also referred to international students from leading US universities as potential beneficiaries.

He cited several countries  China, India and France  as home to many graduates who could qualify for the program, saying, The companies are going to be very happy.

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How the Trump Gold Card is an immigration tool to raise revenue

Lutnick told Reuters that I would expect over time that wed sell, you know, thousands of these cards and raise, you know, billions, billions of dollars.

Trump argued that proceeds would accumulate into a government account, stating that the money would allow the administration to fund initiatives that could be beneficial for the country.

Trump also highlighted that the model mirrored what he considered successful tariff policy  directly generating income for the US Treasury. This framing reflects the administrations broader approach of merging economic nationalism with a commercialised immigration mechanism.

The Commerce Department, the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security have jointly implemented the programme. According to Trump, Lutnick  a businessman before entering government  conceptualised the original idea.

How the Trump Gold Card replaces EB-5

Although not officially labelled as such, the Gold Card serves as a functional rewrite of the EB-5 investor visa introduced in 1990.

The EB-5 structure required applicants to place roughly $1 million into a project that created at least ten jobs. In practice, this system depended on investor-run projects, regional centres, and strict documentation demonstrating that the investment had generated employment.

By contrast, the Gold Card eliminates the employment creation threshold and shifts all payments directly to the government. Trump announced the programme while surrounded by business leaders, describing it as a superior alternative to the earlier model.

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He has argued that the system would allow the US to access highly capable individuals without relying on indirect investments.

The US president has repeatedly said the country could sell tens of thousands of such cards, indicating a broader scale than the often limited EB-5 system.

During discussions earlier in the year, he had floated a higher price point  $5 million per card  before settling on the current $1 million and $2 million model.

The administration has also stated that the Gold Card effectively grants permanent residency along with the possibility of citizenship, provided that applicants meet naturalisation criteria over time.

The government has not announced caps or quotas for the programme, although such limits existed under the previous EB-5 programme.

What we know about the new Platinum tier in development

Alongside the Gold Card, the administration is planning a higher bracket option called the Trump Platinum Card. Though not yet launched, the official website lists it as coming soon.

The premium version is expected to cost $5 million and would enable holders to spend up to 270 days each year in the United States without US taxation on income earned abroad.

Trump highlighted this concept during remarks earlier in the year, stating that the Platinum tier was part of a broader vision to attract global elites who could bring substantial capital into the US economy.

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Lutnick has stated that establishing this higher tier would require congressional authorisation.

This upcoming product follows an executive order Trump signed in September that set the framework for both the Gold and Platinum cards.

Early reports had suggested a higher starting price, but the administration has revised the figures in ways that appear aimed at making the offering competitive with other countries residency-by-investment programs.

How Trumps Gold Card compares with global golden visa markets

Several countries operate systems that allow affluent foreigners to acquire residency through investment. Examples include the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Malta, Canada, Italy and Australia.

These programmes vary in cost and structure but generally require property purchases, business investments or direct financial contributions.

Officials have noted that the US version is entering a busy global market. Observers have pointed out that New Zealands investor visa  priced at close to $3 million  received significant demand, especially from high-net-worth Americans following Trumps re-election.

Trump has described his programme as both simpler and more appealing than comparable ones overseas.

In promoting the launch, he remarked that many applicants would already be highly successful.

Essentially, were having people come in, people that, in many cases, I guess, are very successful or whatever. Theyre going to spend a lot of money to come in. Theyre going to pay, as opposed to walking over the borders.

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What the Gold Card means for the future of US immigration

The rollout of the Gold Card is occurring at the same time that the administration is increasing enforcement efforts against undocumented immigrants.

Mass deportation operations have targeted metropolitan centres including Charlotte and Los Angeles, and new fee structures have been introduced for other visa categories.

Among these, the administration imposed a $100,000 charge on H-1B applicants, triggering lawsuits from business groups and the US Chamber of Commerce, which argue that the fee contradicts legislative intent.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem promoted the Gold Card on social media, declaring that under this historic initiative, qualified individuals and corporations, who contribute $1 million and $2 million respectively, will receive expedited EB-1 or EB-2 green cards following rigorous vetting.

With inputs from agencies
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered the State Department to ditch Calibri typeface and return to Times New Roman for all official documents. The Calibri font was introduced during the Biden administration to help people with visual disabilities read more easily

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered the State Department to ditch Calibri typeface and return to Times New Roman for all official documents. Image for Representation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered the State Department to ditch Calibri typeface and return to Times New Roman for all official documents, undoing a change made under the previous administration.

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, a cable sent to US diplomats on Wednesday said, according to Reuters.

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But whats behind this sudden font reversal? And why was Calibri being used in the first place?

Heres a simple breakdown.

How Calibri found its place in White House

The move undoes the Biden administrations update to using Calibri in official department documents in 2023. They argued that people with visual disabilities could read it more easily since it is more pared down, lacking decorative features.

Calibri is a sans serif typeface, meaning its a cleaner font without any extra lines attached to the letters compared to Times New Roman. This can make it easier to read for people with dyslexia or vision problems, some experts say.

The decision to abandon Calibri on the grounds of it being a so-called wasteful diversity font is both hilarious and regrettable, creator of Calibri typeface, Lucas de Groot, told The Independent.

Calibri was specifically designed to enhance readability on modern computer screens and was selected by Microsoft in 2007 to replace Times New Roman as the default font in the Office suite. There were sound reasons for moving away from Times: Calibri performs exceptionally well at small sizes and on standard office monitors, whereas serif fonts like Times New Roman tend to appear more distorted.

Serif fonts are often perceived as more traditional, but they are also more demanding to use effectively, he added. While a skilled typographer can, in theory, produce excellent results with Times, using it in its default digital form is not considered professional practice.

Why is Trump switching back to Times New Roman?

The Trump administration has ordered all official papers to return to Times New Roman, starting Wednesday.

According to the State Department spokesperson, the move aligns with the presidents One Voice for Americas Foreign Relations directive. The typeface, they said, is considered more formal and professional.

Supporters argue that serif flourishes make letters look more elegant and easier to distinguish, even if they add some visual clutter.

Serif fonts are also widely associated with tradition, ceremony and formality. Rubios order notes that Times New Roman has long been used by the White House, the Supreme Court, other government entities and even on the side of Air Force One.

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Many diplomats, however, are unhappy. Morale has already taken a hit due to the changes Rubio has introduced at the department, reports The New York Times. Still, some traditionalists had earlier complained about the Biden administrations shift to Calibri.

Blinken had also increased the standard font size from 14-point to 15-point, requiring extra keystrokes that some found annoying.

The reversal comes as President Donald Trump pushes to eliminate what he describes as woke and  DEI policies across the federal government.

In January, he signed an executive order to end radical and wasteful government DEI programmes and preferencing.

Since then, federal employees working on DEI initiatives have reportedly been placed on leave, and agencies have been urged to wind down such efforts.

Some actions, including attempts to curb DEI programmes in schools, have been struck down in court.

With input from agencies
Wexham Park Hospital leads the UKs first water-safe overhaul, removing sinks from wards to combat rising antimicrobial-resistant infections and rethinking everything clinicians know about hygiene

At Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Intensive care unit consultant Dr Karim Fouad Alber had a few questions when he and his colleagues were asked by his hospital to start washing their hands less.

I had multiple questions, he recalled while speaking to The Telegraph.

The first sounds pretty reasonable. Whether (not handwashing) was going to be clean enough for the sterile procedures that we were doing? he asked.

For a time, he simply kept washing as usual  until the sinks were taped over, and then removed entirely.

Over the past year, 23 sinks have been taken out of the hospitals ICU and 108 removed across nine wards, including elderly care and oncology. Eventually, as much as 80% of all sinks on the site may disappear, leaving only those in toilet facilities. At Wexhams sister site, Frimley Park Hospital, even neonatal units are slated for sink removal.

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The move may sound counterintuitive  especially after years of public-health campaigns urging vigilant handwashing  but Wexham Park is the first hospital in the UK to adopt a water-safe model, inspired by emerging practices in the Netherlands and Germany, reported The Telegraph.

The strategys architect, consultant clinical microbiologist Dr Manjula Meda, insists the aim is not to reduce hygiene but to eliminate a hidden, powerful source of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria: hospital plumbing.

Dr Meda explained that sinks, drains and wastewater pipes act as reservoirs of bacteria an Amazon rainforest in drain systems.

When people wash their hands  often inadequately  microbes enter drains, flourish in warm, nutrient-rich pipes, and grow more resistant when exposed to antibiotics excreted in urine.

These bugs are using drainage systems as a superhighway, The Telegraph quoted her as saying.

Studies show a sinks splash zone can extend two meters. Pressure changes in pipes can push bacterial plumes back into the air. In environments full of vulnerable patients, such as ICUs, this creates a dangerous pathway for multidrug-resistant organisms, or superbugs.

The most feared among them are carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPEs), such as E. coli strains that colonise the gut harmlessly but can cause fatal infections if they enter the bloodstream. CPEs are resistant to almost all antibiotics, with mortality rates from 30% to more than 50%.

According to the report, international research has linked a significant portion of hospital-acquired CPE cases to sinks. Studies estimate 740% of patient acquisitions originate from them. In French ICUs, half of sink drains have tested positive for multidrug-resistant organisms. A German study found ICUs with sinks had 30% higher rates of hospital-acquired infections, added the report.

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Rise in superbug cases triggers drastic action

Wexham Park began considering water-safe policies after increases in CPE cases: 8 detected in 202223, rising to 14 in 202324, with limited screening. While many cases represented harmless colonisation, up to 20% can progress to infection. That was enough for the trust to act.

Now, all patients are screened on admission and discharge.

Early results are striking as hospital-acquired CPE cases fell from 80 in 202425 to 40 in 202526. In ICU, rates of infections across the board  including pneumonia have dropped by almost half. The Eden Day oncology unit reported just one new CPE case since early 2024, down from nine the previous year, reported The Telegraph.

Culture shock for staff

For nurses and doctors, adjusting to water-free workflows has been a seismic cultural shift.

Handwashing is what we are taught  Florence Nightingale handwashing, The Telegraph quoted ICU matron Ruramai Chidzambwa as saying. Senior sister Sandra Stirzaker admits she still finds herself walking to where sinks used to be.

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Instead of sinks, ICU bays now feature sanitiser stations, glove dispensers and specialised waste bins. Only three sinks remain in the unit, along with two experimental wall-mounted taps known as Frimley faucets, which dispense a single litre of water at a time. Staff rely on wipes for patient hygiene, collect limited water for washing, and use gel plus dental-style suction to clean patients teeth.

Its quite challenging to keep walking around, said staff nurse Margie Yambao, whose trips to the distant faucet have become part of her daily routine.

Despite the logistical hurdles, sanitiser  used between every patient interaction has replaced soap and water for most staff. Hands are washed only when visibly soiled, after toilet use, or when caring for patients with gastrointestinal infections.

Why soap and water arent always safer

To infection-control specialists, the shift aligns with mounting evidence that water can carry more risk than benefit in clinical settings. Past infection-control approaches pushed hospitals to install sinks in every corner, especially to combat infections such as C. difficile. But newer studies show C. difficile can contaminate sinks as well.

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Keeping each sink safe costs about 1,000 per year, according to the trusta significant sum in an era of rising NHS financial pressures.

At Wexhams redesigned ICU utility room, new washable bowls and nine-minute disinfection cycles replace much of the sinks role. Even the shower room has been re-engineered: the shower head was moved far from the plughole to prevent splash-back.

Chidzambwa says the turning point was reframing the concept, Defining it as hand hygiene made a difference.

Patients adjust to water-free hospital

Reactions among patients have ranged from surprise to curiosity. In the Eden Day oncology unit, chemotherapy patients sit beside bottles of hand sanitiser rather than sinks.

Especially in a hospital environment, it was surprising, The Telegraph quoted Rosalind Bieber, accompanying her partner for treatment, as saying.

But everywhere you go they have hand sanitiseryoure not short of it, Bieber added.

Sisters Marian Poff, 71, and Eileen Conroy, 68, admit the change felt strange.

Conroy, herself an oncology nurse at another hospital, said, If I have a sandwich, I like to wash my hands But if results are proving positive, go with it.

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Global movement toward water-free ICUs

The UK is not pioneering this approach alone.

At Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, microbiologist Dr Joost Hopman led a two-year study removing sinks after outbreaks linked to Enterobacter cloacae.

We tried cleaning and disinfecting, putting disinfectants in the drainnothing worked, Infection Control quoted Hopman as saying.

Biofilms, he explains, always return. To me, the only sustainable solution is to remove this source, Hopman added.

Tap water itself can be a risk, carrying bacteria like Pseudomonas and Legionella. Sinks also create aerosols that contaminate nearby surfaces, including medication-prep areas. Combined with biofilm growth deep in plumbing, sinks become nearly impossible to sanitise reliably.

Hopman emphasises that sink removal is only one piece of infection control.

Prevention is always a multimodal intervention, he said. But eliminating a constant source of multidrug-resistant bacteria makes every other measure more effective.

The future: Waterless hospitals?

Dr Meda envisions even bolder innovations, including aviation-style waterless toilets. Wexham is a blueprint for the NHS, she said, though she acknowledges the cultural transition has been significant.

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For Dr Alber, the initial sceptic, the evidence has been persuasive. He admits he once used running water simply to warm his hands before examining patients. Now he accepts that those sinks may have posed more danger than comfort.

I very much support the project, he said. I think it should be the standard.

Then he smiles. But I dont think handwashing is a bad thing either.

With inputs from agencies
Breaking News Live Updates: The brothers, who escaped to Phuket just hours after the incident, are now set to be deported to India. They are facing charges of culpable homicide

The Luthra brothers, who owned the Birch by Romeo Lane club in Goa, have been detained in Thailand, and legal steps to bring them back to India are now underway. The club had tragically caught fire on Saturday, claiming 25 lives, which included 20 staff members and five tourists.

The club was in Arpora, about 25 km from Panaji, the state capital. Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra had managed to leave for Phuket just hours after the fire broke out. Officials told PTI that the brothers booked their tickets online at 1:17 am on Sunday, while rescue teams were still struggling to control the blaze. They then boarded an early-morning IndiGo flight to Thailand.

Early investigations revealed that the fire was caused by the heavy use of flammable materials in the clubs decor, along with glaring fire safety violations. There were no functioning fire extinguishers or safety alarms, and the narrow access road forced fire engines to park nearly 400 metres away, causing huge delays in rescue efforts and making it incredibly difficult to contain the fire.

Heres whats happening now after the Luthra brothers detention:

Breaking News Live Updates

The Luthra brothers reportedly left for Thailand shortly after the fire broke out. As per officials, they booked tickets to Phuket while emergency teams were still battling the blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane
The service was inaugurated recently at Namo Ghat by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who flagged off the sleek new vessel

Indias first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry, manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), will be deployed for service at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. (X)

Varanasi has added a futuristic touch to its ancient riverfront with the launch of Indias first hydrogen-powered water taxi service, adding a milestone in the countrys push toward greener, more sustainable transport.

The service was inaugurated on Thursday at Namo Ghat by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who flagged off the sleek new vessel that promises zero emissions and a comfortable river journey for passengers.

From Kashi to the World: A New Dawn of Green Mobility!



Honoured to launch commercial operations of India's first indigenously built Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Vessel at Namo Ghat in Varanasi in presence of Hon'ble Ministers of Uttar Pradesh Shri @RavindraMoS_IC ji, Shri Daya pic.twitter.com/2G74hVA7fE  Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) December 11, 2025

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The hydrogen water taxi, which operates on an advanced hydrogen-electric hybrid engine, glides along the Ganga River between Namo Ghat and Ravidas Ghat, providing tourists and locals with a clean-air alternative to traditional boats. Initially, the service will focus on this stretch, with plans to expand operations to Asi Ghat and Markandeya Mahadev Ghat later on.

Designed for comfort and safety, the 50-seater taxi is equipped with modern amenities including CCTV cameras, bio-toilets and vegetarian refreshments, making it suitable for a range of travellers from pilgrims to sightseers. The water taxi runs with zero smoke and noise emissions, reflecting Indias growing commitment to sustainable technologies in public transport.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated Indias first indigenous hydrogen water taxi by breaking a coconut and waving the green flag pic.twitter.com/WvbcpTF2QX  IANS (@ians_india) December 11, 2025

For many, one of the most appealing aspects of the service is its ticket price. Officials have kept the fare around Rs 500 per person for a round trip between Namo Ghat and Ravidas Ghat, which is expected to make it an attractive option for both everyday travellers and visiting tourists. Trips are scheduled to operate from early morning through the evening, with departures approximately every two hours to give travellers flexibility and convenience.

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The water taxis hydrogen fuel will be supplied by a private company from Bengaluru, and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure has been set up at key ghats to ensure smooth operations. This locally manufactured service , with the vessel built at Cochin Shipyard, not only reduces pollution but also aligns with the Make in India vision by showcasing an indigenous clean-technology product on home turf.

Officials are optimistic that this eco-friendly transport option will not only enhance Varanasis tourism appeal but also help reduce congestion on city roads by encouraging people to use the Ganga as a travel route.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has seized a Pakistani fishing boat for operating illegally in India and arrested 11 crew members on board, according to the officials on Thursday.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has impounded a Pakistani fishing boat for operating illegally in India and arrested 11 crew members on board, according to the officials on Thursday.

The detained fishermen have been handed over to Jakhau Marine Police in Gujarat for further investigation, the officials added.

Indian Coast Guard, Ministry of Defence posted on X, In a swift and coordinated operation on 10 Dec 2025, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted and apprehended a Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside Indian waters. This decisive action reflects the unwavering vigilance of the ICG and Indias firm resolve to protect its maritime frontiers and uphold international maritime law within the MZI. Relentless surveillance and proactive operation remain the bedrock of our maritime security strategy.

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In a swift and coordinated operation on 10 Dec 2025, @IndiaCoastGuard intercepted and apprehended a #Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside #Indian waters. This decisive action reflects the unwavering vigilance of the #ICG and #Indias firm resolve pic.twitter.com/LW3YY6WK5Y  Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 11, 2025

Gujarat Defence PRO Wing Commander Abhishek Kumar Tiwari said the interdiction underscore the Bhartiya Tatrashaks sustained maritime operations and Indias commitment to securing its maritime frontiers.

Continuous vigilance across Indias maritime domain remains a cornerstone of our national maritime security strategy, he further added in his X post.

In a swift operation on 10 Dec 25, @IndiaCoastGuard

apprehended a #Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew inside the #Indian #EEZ. This interdiction underscores #BhartiyaTatrakshak's sustained maritime operations and India's commitment to securing its maritime frontiers while pic.twitter.com/BYZSLcBvLS  PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) December 11, 2025
These vouchers are in addition to refunds and the government-mandated compensation that the airline is supposed to pay customers for rampant cancellations for over two weeks

Passengers wait outside the IndiGo airlines ticketing counter at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, after several IndiGo airlines flights were cancelled, in Mumbai, December 6, 2025. Reuters

IndiGo on Thursday announced that it will offer a voucher worth Rs 10,000 to passengers who were affected by flight disruptions on December 3, 4 and 5.

These vouchers are in addition to refunds and the government-mandated compensation that the airline is supposed to pay customers for rampant cancellations for over two weeks.

In a statement posted on X, the airline said, IndiGo regrettably acknowledges that part of our customers travelling on December 3, 4, and 5 were stranded for many hours at certain airports and a number of them were severely impacted due to congestion. We will offer travel vouchers worth Rs 10,000 to such severely impacted customers.

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The travel vouchers can be used for any future IndiGo flights and will be valid for a year, the statement added.

IndiGo said it has begun issuing refunds for all cancelled flights, noting that many customers should already see the amount reflected in their accounts, with the rest to follow shortly. The airline added that refunds for tickets booked through travel platforms have also been processed and are expected to appear soon.

IndiGo flight status

While operations are stabilising after two weeks of disruptions, over 100 flights were cancelled in Bengaluru and Chennai on Thursday.

However, the airline has said in a statement that no same-day cancellations were reported in the last three days and that its network is fully connected since December 8 and operations have stabilised since December 9.

No same-day cancellations for last 3 days, (other than negligible cancellations due to weather, technical, other external or uncontrollable factors), ontime performance (OTP) back to IndiGo standards, the statement said.

Meanwhile, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, has been summoned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to submit a comprehensive report, including data and an update on the recent operational disruptions, and will appear before the regulator at 3 pm on Thursday.

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The airline, in a statement, said that it is expecting to operate over 1,950 flights on Thursday. The airline operates over 2,200 flights per day across its national and domestic network under the ongoing Winter schedule, which the government has already reduced by 10 per cent to help the carrier stabilise its operations and minimise cancellations, which touched 1,600 on December 5.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a fourday visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman from December 15, an official statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a four-day tour of Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman starting December 15, according to an official announcement.

From December 15 to 16, he will visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein. During his stay, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with the King to review the full spectrum of India-Jordan relations and exchange views on key regional issues.

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This visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to further strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate Indias commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability, the statement said.

In the second leg of the visit, PM Modi will pay a state visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from December 16 to 17 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali. This will be Modis first visit to Ethiopia.

He will be holding wide-ranging discussions with Ali on all aspects of India-Ethiopia bilateral ties. As partners in the Global South, the visit will be a reiteration of the shared commitment of the two nations to advance close ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation, according to the statement.

In the final leg of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Sultanate of Oman from December 17 to 18 at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Oman.

India and Oman share an all-encompassing strategic partnership underpinned by centuries-old bonds of friendship, trade linkages and strong people-to-people ties. The visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and follows the state visit of Sultan of Oman to India in December 2023.

This visit will be an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the statement added.

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With inputs from agencies
The lessons of the India-Pakistan war of 1971 should guide Indias collective approach to national security, uniting government, military and society to address the security challenges of today and tomorrow

Lieutenant General AAK Niazi of Pakistan Army signs the Instrument of Surrender under the gaze of Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora at Dhaka, present-day Bangladesh, on December 16, 1971. (Photo: Government of India via Government Open Data License)

December 16 marks the day when Pakistani troops in erstwhile East Pakistan (Bangladesh) signed the instrument of surrender. It was an unparalleled victory for India. The Indian armed forces had taken just under a fortnight to vanquish the Pakistani military, which saw the surrender of 93,000 of its soldiers.

The professionalism, patriotism, dedication, determination, resolve and courage of the Indian soldiers stood out. But there were many other factors behind this victory: leadership at all levels, politico-military coordination, diplomacy, the intelligence, the Central Armed Police Forces, particularly the Border Security Force, railways and the role played by the Mukti Bahini.

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The valour of the Indian Armed Forces has never been in doubt, but an account by Sydney Schanberg, the Pulitzer-winning American journalist, as published by The New York Times after the war, is a great tribute to the army. This is what he wrote: I dont like sitting around praising armies. I dont like armies because armies mean wars. But this (Indian) army was something. They were great all the way.

An analysis of the Indian response through 1971 reveals that diplomatic efforts and the military preparations were undertaken simultaneously. Checkmating the United States and holding the Chinese were a result of a coordinated national security approach.

To quote Kapil Kak, It was the unparalleled synergy among the political, military and diplomatic dimensions of the national crisis management and decision-making that enabled India to take the initiative to achieve the desired political strategic outcome.

As per General VN Sharma, the former Army Chief, one of the Great Lessons from the India-Pakistan war in 1971 is that fighting a war is not just a military affair but a Total Affair that includes politics and diplomacy. He has emphasised that war is not merely a military endeavour but a comprehensive national effort that seamlessly integrates various government departments and agencies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking during his address at the PC Lal Memorial Lecture 2022, said, The 1971 war is the finest example of the whole-of-government approach not only for the armed forces but also for the national security.

Today and in the future, combat is no longer confined to the traditional domains but is steadily expanding to newer domains such as cyber, space, the electromagnetic spectrum and the digital space. Further, with the expanding scope of the canvas of national security, the armed forces are not equipped to meet with all the challenges and threats by themselves; hence, it is now imperative to look at a whole-of-government approach to national security.

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National Security

For most, national security is strictly a matter of military power, capability, and readiness, but clearly defining national security in a context of conventional military warfare is passe. Today the canvas includes economic security, socio-political security, energy security, homeland security, cybersecurity, human development security, environmental security and much more.

Today, apart from the traditional territorial threats and hard power, soft power, climate change, ransomware, critical minerals for artificial intelligence and social media, everything can be termed as national security. It is true that economic globalisation and rapid technological changes have increased the number of unconventional threats. However, while new threats are being added to the realm of national security, the old ones remain.

Expansion and not contraction of national security issues is more the rule than the exception.

In Indias case, problems regarding territorial threats that have not been resolved are like dormant volcanoes, where no one can predict the next eruption. Such urgent national security priorities result in not only demanding attention but also resources.

In theory, national security should be easy to define. Any threat that directly or even indirectly challenges the sovereignty or territorial integrity constitutes a valid national security concern. But there are other threats as well, including internal security challenges.

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A steady expansion of qualifying concerns includes energy security, food security, nuclear proliferation, drug trafficking, terrorism, cyberattacks, protection of citizens abroad and foreign markets, among many others. In fact, Covid even added pandemic protection to the list. Threats to infrastructure, energy supplies, and vulnerable economic infrastructure can also pose national security concerns, as can climate change.

Militaries used to focus only on the threats from land, sea, and air, but today, cyberspace, space, and the cognitive domain have become complex terrains of conflict. In fact, it is the multidomain threat that is now the concern which is uppermost.

The geopolitical landscape is also changing rapidly, with the international system being rewritten by contesting power centres, technological disruptions and shifting alliances. New domains of competitioncyber, space, information and cognitive warfareare blurring the lines between peace and conflict.

Shiv Shankar Menon, the National Security Advisor, while delivering the Air Chief Marshal PC Lal Memorial Lecture in 2012, stated, Our definition of security has gradually expanded over timefrom the defence of our territory to include providing the necessities for our existence and growth, such as energy and water, and to larger issues of global and regional security. We now speak of traditional and nontraditional security challenges.

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In other words, national security cannot only be assessed from political and militaristic frameworks. The fact is that national security must take into account and reinforce a nations values in order to appropriately prioritise threats and interests.

The Whole-of-Nation Approach

A whole-of-nation approach to national security involves multiple government departments, both military and civilian, working across boundaries, ensuring coordination and cooperation to achieve shared goals and an integrated government response in security-related matters.

This approach to national and global security views national security, as well as the challenges and threats to national security, in a comprehensive manner. This holistic approach to national security is imperative if India is to meet todays challenges comprehensively.

The national security structure needs to operate as a system rather than a collection of separate components. A whole-of-nation approach to planning, programming and budgeting national security is a concept that establishes a unified effort between intergovernmental agencies to maximise all available resources.

The convergence of military and civilian resources and systems for maximising a nations ability to express its comprehensive national power, both during war and peacetime, is imperative. Cementing the symbiotic relationship between economic, human, and traditional security is an imperative for a nations long-term development.

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No wonder External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in his address at the Army Commanders Conference in October 2024, urged a more whole-of-government approach to effectively advance national security.

Operation Sindoor

In an age of multi-domain warfare, Indias national security architecture has demonstrated the strength of jointness and strategic foresight during Operation Sindoor, which was initiated on May 7, 2025, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. It showcased a calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose. Operation Sindoor successfully achieved its military objectives in under four days. A key highlight of the operation was the clear articulation of both national and military objectives, complemented by seamless coordination among the services and effective civil-military integration.

While speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, President Droupadi Murmu stated that the recent success of Operation Sindoor stands as a defining moment in our counter-terror and deterrence strategy. The world took note not only of Indias military capability but of Indias moral clarity to act firmly, yet responsibly in the pursuit of peace.

The above underscores that Indias national security is anchored not just in military strength but in the seamless integration of political will, strategic foresight, and joint operational capability. The example of Operation Sindoor illustrates how multi-domain warfare demands synergised responses, combining the strengths of all three services with civil-military coordination.

But future conflicts will have a greater infusion of technology and artificial intelligence and will be increasingly fought in the digital and shadowy grey zones of cyberspace, space and cognitive domains. They would need an integrated Whole-of-Nation approach with even greater civilian-military fusion for ensuring success.

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To quote Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the Army War College in August this year: Future wars will not merely be battles of weapons; they will be a combined play of technology, intelligence, economy and diplomacy. The nation that masters the triangle of technology, strategy and adaptability will emerge as the true global power. This is the moment to learn from history and write a new one; this is the moment to anticipate the future and shape it.

Conclusion

As one of the largest democracies and a rapidly developing economy, India stands at a crucial juncture in its pursuit of national security. The complexities of regional dynamics, economic challenges, technological advancements, and evolving threats necessitate a multifaceted approach to ensure a secure and prosperous future.

For India it is the application of the whole-of-nation approach that needs to be ensured. It is not enough to have strong, well-equipped defence forces; it is the resolve to use them expeditiously when the time comes that will define national security.

One of the most effective ways to encourage coordination and collaboration in implementing a whole-of-government approach is to bring representatives from interagency entities together for realistic training with their military counterparts before they are forced to work together in times of conflict. Only with greater engagement in peace will military and civilian personnel work seamlessly with each other in times of cascading and unpredictable crises.

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Making India secure is a multifaceted endeavour that requires a cohesive strategy across various domains. By focusing on socio-political stability, economic prosperity, technological prowess, diplomatic finesse, robust defence mechanisms and strengthening national institutions, India can navigate the complexities of the 21st century and emerge as a resilient and secure nation.

The path forward will require collaboration among government, civil society, academia and the private sector to foster a holistic approach. As India continues to evolve in a rapidly changing global landscape, a commitment to these key components will ensure not only national security but also a brighter future and peace and prosperity for all its people.

The fact is that the dynamics that imperil national security today will not disappear; rather, new challenges will appear. India is living through one of the most defining moments in its history, and how it navigates this period will determine its long-term national goals. There thus needs to be a collaborative effort to devise collective solutions. This may be the only way to meet the predictable and unpredictable threats confronting the nation. The lessons of 1971 should be our guiding light.

(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Among the latest evidence is police body-camera footage showing Mangiones encounter with Altoona officers inside the McDonalds shortly before his arrest

Luigi Mangione (R) appears in Manhattan Supreme Court for a pretrial evidence hearing in the murder case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in New York, on December 9, 2025. AFP

Luigi Mangione was taken into custody on December 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after officers were called to a McDonalds to check on a man whom customers found suspicious.

Investigators soon linked him to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot in Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024, as he approached a hotel for an investors meeting. Thompson, 50, had been leading the nations largest private health insurer since April 2021.

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Now, a year later, as both sides prepare for one of the most closely followed trials in recent memory, newly disclosed details are shedding more light on how authorities built their case.

What is the new evidence?

Among the latest evidence is police body-camera footage showing Mangiones encounter with Altoona officers inside the McDonalds shortly before his arrest. The video, played during pretrial hearings this week, shows officers approaching him after a restaurant employee identified him.

Mangione initially tried to pass himself off as Mark Rosario before eventually giving officers his real identification. The footage also captures police asking him to lower his mask and later searching his backpack.

During the hearings, prosecutors also presented photos of Mangiones backpack. They said it contained a gun, ammunition, forged IDs and various handwritten notes. Other items included what appeared to be survival supplies: a to-do list referencing a kit, local maps, cash, and bus tickets.

Additional images showed the clothes he was wearing when arrested, as well as a pocketknife, zip ties and other personal items. One of the notes listed a USB drive, digital camera, hot meal, water bottle and trash bags.

Who made the 911 call?

The 911 call that prompted the police response originated from a McDonalds manager who told dispatchers that customers believed a man inside the restaurant looked like the suspect in Thompsons killing. In the recording, played in court recently, she described Mangione as dressed in a black hooded jacket with his hat pulled down and carrying a pharmacy bag while sitting near the restroom.

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She told dispatchers that several customers said he resembled the CEO shooter from New York. Her report set in motion the swift police action that led to Mangiones arrest just five days after Thompson was gunned down.

A major point of contention in the suppression hearings is whether Mangiones Miranda rights were violated. His defence team argues that officers questioned him for nearly 20 minutes inside the McDonalds before informing him of his right to remain silent, making any statements he made invalid.

According to the body-camera video shown in court, officers pressed him about who he was and what he was carrying before giving the formal warnings. Prosecutors insist the initial questions were routine and that officers issued the Miranda warning appropriately once Mangione was officially placed under arrest.
Bangladeshs Election Commission will announce the date of parliamentary elections scheduled for February on Thursday.

The date of Bangladeshs 13th national parliamentary election will be announced on Thursday along with a simultaneous national referendum. The elections are scheduled for February according to an official of the commission.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Bangladesh, AMM Nasir Uddin, said this after a meeting with Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Tuesday.

The political upsurge in Bangladesh has widely impacted the countrys functioning days after handing the death sentence to ousted PM Sheikh Hasina that found her guilty of crimes against humanity. The state is currently governed by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since August last year.

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Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will announce the election schedule in a national broadcast at 6:00 PM (1200 GMT), senior Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told news agency Reuters.

According to EC officials, the upcoming vote will cover all 300 parliamentary constituencies.

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party is widely seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming polls, competing alongside the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which has returned to electoral politics after the interim government eased restrictions.

For the first time, it will be held in conjunction with a nationwide referendum on the recently introduced July National Charter 2025, which outlines several proposed political, governance, and constitutional reforms.

Political observers and rights groups say broad participation and a level playing field are essential for public confidence. They urged authorities to ensure free and fair conditions for all.

Hasinas Awami League, which has been barred from contesting the election, has warned of unrest if the ban is not lifted.

(With inputs from agencies)
Bulgarias prime minister announced Thursday that his government was resigning after less than a year in office following a series of anti-corruption protests.

Protesters wave Bulgarian and EU flags during an anti-government demonstration in Sofia on December 10, 2025.- AFP

Bulgarias government resigned on Thursday as nationwide protests intensified, less than a month before the country is due to join the eurozone. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the cabinets decision moments before parliament was scheduled to vote on a no-confidence motion brought by the opposition.

On Wednesday, tens of thousands of Bulgarians rallied across multiple cities, denouncing the government and accusing officials of deep-rooted corruption. The demonstrations marked the latest wave of public unrest that has continued since late last month.

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The immediate trigger for the protests was the proposed 2026 draft budget, which critics said was designed to conceal widespread graft. Although the government withdrew the budget last week, public outrage has shown little sign of fading.

Ahead of todays vote of no confidence, the government is resigning, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told reporters in parliament.

The demonstrations on Wednesday came after last weeks protests that were sparked by the governments budget plans for higher taxes, increased social security contributions and spending increases. The government later withdrew the controversial 2026 budget plan.

The protesters demands had expanded to include calls for the center-right government to step down.

The decisions of the National Assembly are meaningful when they reflect the will of the people," Zhelyazkov said, referring to the anti-government protests. We want to be where society expects us to be.

Students from Sofias universities had joined the protests, which organizers said outnumbered last weeks rallies that drew more than 50,000 people. Media estimates based on drone visuals put the number of protesters at over 100,000.

At the core of the protesters frustrations is the role of Bulgarian politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, who has been sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom, and whose MRF New Beginning party backs the government. Peevski has been accused by opponents of helping shaping government policy in line with oligarchic interests.

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We have no doubt that the government will receive support in the upcoming vote of no confidence. Regardless, the decisions of the National Assembly are important when they reflect the will of the sovereign, the prime minister said.

The Balkan country of 6.4 million people is due to make the switch from its national currency, the lev, to the euro on Jan. 1, to become the eurozones 21st member.

With inputs from agencies
Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan on Friday for bilateral talks, Beijing said on Thursday.

Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi will embark on a three-nation trip to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan on Friday for bilateral talks, Beijing said on Thursday.

Wang will visit for 5 days from 12 to 16 December for top political and bilateral talks about the upsurge in the Middle East and the common concerns of the residents.

The aim of the visit will be to exchange views on bilateral relations, the situation in the Middle East and major issues of common concern, Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement.

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The first stop of the Chinese official will most likely be Abu Dhabi, which comes at the invitation of Wangs UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

The US always exercises dominance in the Middle East region and alongside China has strengthened its trade and diplomatic relations with the Middle East in recent years.

China expects that through this visit, it can consolidate political mutual trust with the three countries, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said as quoted by AFP.

The UN Security Council last month adopted a US-drafted resolution, establishing a transitional BoP and authorizing an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to oversee governance, reconstruction, and security efforts in Gaza.

Amid the Gaza peace plan, Beijing will act to frame itself as a mediator in West Asia, facilitating a 2023 rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran and portraying itself as a more neutral actor in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than its rival the United States.

China is also focusing on the Middle East as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, a vast global infrastructure project developed over the last decade under President Xi Jinping.

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In dealings that have raised conflicts of interest, Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu has repeatedly pursued transactions with companies where he simultaneously held posts and would have profited personally had those deals materialised.

Intel's CEO Tan Lip-Bu speaks at the company's Annual Manufacturing Technology Conference in San Jose, California, US on April 29, 2025. (Photo: Laure Andrillon/Reuters)

In dealings that have raised concerns about proprietary, Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu has repeatedly pursued transactions with companies where he has simultaneously held leadership posts and would have profited had those deals materialised.

Under Tan, Intel has entered into negotiations to acquire artificial intelligence (AI) chip start-up Rivos and AI computing startup SambaNova. Tan has served as the chairman of both of these companies while also serving as the CEO of Intel  the company he pushed to buy these start-ups.

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Eventually, Meta acquired Rivos for an undisclosed amount and talks with SambaNova are understood to be continuing.

Intels CEOs conflict of interest raises concerns

What makes Tans conflict of interest really concerning is not that Intel was acquiring firms where he had been an investor personally or held simultaneous posts, but the fact that such deals would have brought him a fortune, raising questions whether he was pushing his company into deals that were actually a means for personal profiteering instead of pursuing the companys best interests.

Reuters has reported that Intels board has initially rebuffed Tans pitch to acquire Rivos earlier this year, but that did not deter him.

Later, Tan asked one of his lieutenants at Intel to pitch a new AI plan that eventually led to partnership talks with Rivos, sources told Reuters.

But then Meta showed interest in Rivos and Intel eventually made an offer and that made Meta come up with a better offer, according to the report.

Eventually, even as Meta not Intel bought Rivos, Tan profited from his companys bid as it prompted Meta to make a better offer to acquire Rivos and that generated more shareholder value for him personally.

While it could not be determined how much Tan personally profited from the affair, his venture-capital firm, Walden Catalyst, claimed he had delivered a successful outcome for its investors and congratulated the Rivos team for its remarkable achievement with the Meta acquisition.

Or is he just pursuing strategy?

On his part, Tans interest in Rivos and SambaNova was driven by the importance of entering AI chip business and Intels failure to breaking into the market on its own. While Intel was once the market leader in chips, it has lost the leadership in the AI chip domain to Nvidia.

An Intel spokesperson told Reuters that Tan was advancing its AI strategy and revitalising its engineering-centric, customer-first culture.

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On his part, the rationale to buy SambaNova was that the company could provide more tech and talent to build AI chips, sources told Reuters.

While we are always exploring strategic options, our focus remains on accelerating the roadmap, delivering products to market, and supporting our customers, a spokesperson told the news agency.
The Danish Defense Intelligence Service, one of the two key espionage agencies in the Nordic nation, said that the US is prioritising its own interests and now using its economic and technological strength as a tool of power, also toward allies and partners

Denmarks spy agency has designated the US, along with Russia and China, as countries that pose a potential security risk. This is the first time the Nordic country has taken such a step, as a rift with one of its closest allies grows over Greenland.

The Danish Defense Intelligence Service, one of the two key espionage agencies in the Nordic nation, said that the US is prioritising its own interests and now using its economic and technological strength as a tool of power, also toward allies and partners.

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The 2025 intelligence outlook report was published on Wednesday and highlighted Washingtons growing interests in Greenland, a territory of the Danish kingdom that US President Donald Trump wants to buy.

The United States uses economic power, including threats of high tariffs, to enforce its will, and no longer rules out the use of military force, even against allies, the report said.

Russia, China top list

Russia and China remain the most significant security concerns, the agency emphasised, warning that the threat landscape facing Denmark has become more serious. According to the assessment, growing doubts about the United States long-term commitment as Europes primary security guarantor are creating strategic openings that Russia may try to exploit. This uncertainty, it said, is likely to embolden Moscow to escalate its hybrid operations against NATO, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, political interference and other pressure tactics aimed at weakening the alliance.

At the same time, the agency noted that China continues to challenge Western influence through a combination of economic leverage, technological expansion and military assertiveness. Beijings efforts to increase its global footprint, particularly in critical infrastructure and strategic industries, pose ongoing risks to European resilience. Together, these developments reflect a geopolitical environment in which Denmark must prepare for more persistent, multifaceted pressure from both powers.

The US-Denmark rift

Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory rich in minerals and strategically located in the Arctic, has been a focal point of U.S. interest since U.S. President Donald Trump expressed ambitions to acquire the territory, citing national and international security concerns.

His proposal has been firmly rejected in both Copenhagen and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, which holds the right to declare independence from Denmark through a referendum.

While Trump has also since expressed respect for Greenlands right to determine its own future, his comments about potentially taking the territory by force have fuelled uncertainty among its 57,000 inhabitants.

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With inputs from agencies
As the Thailand-Cambodia conflict drags on, the spotlight has fallen on Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his tough rhetoric. There are concerns that the conflict could spiral out of control as he might want to ride on the resultant nationalist wave to gain advantage in the next years election.

As the renewed Thailand-Cambodia conflict has dragged on, the spotlight has fallen on Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his tough rhetoric.

While Anutins hawkish stance appears to have bolstered his image domestically, it has led to concerns it could fuel the fighting and have an adverse effect on peace efforts. After the latest round of fighting broke out, he announced the war would only end on Thailands terms.

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, Anutin said on Monday  the same day he rebuffed mediation by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

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Thailands direction remains status quo. No ceasefire, Anutin said in a terse statement as he rejected a media report about Malaysia-mediated ceasefire.

The ongoing Thailand-Cambodia fighting is rooted in a war that erupted in July, which in turn was the culmination of monthslong tensions began in May. And these tensions were the latest chapter in the decadeslong territorial dispute over the trijunction of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

The disputed area, which is known as the Emerald Triangle, contains several cultural sites of high strategic and symbolic value to Thailand and Cambodia, such as the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, which are claimed by both the countries.

The Thailand-Cambodia conflict in July 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.

Is Thai PM fuelling conflict for political gain?

Anutin has learnt from his predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was ousted after a leaked phone call with the de facto Cambodian leader, Hun Sen, led to allegations of her being deferential to him and betraying her own countrys military.

The nationalistic outrage and subsequent sacking mean that Anutin cannot afford to be seen as weak regarding Cambodia. But his position has led to concerns that he could be going well beyond the firmness that the situation warrants to use the rhetoric and resultant nationalistic surge to personal advantage in the general election that is expected to be held next year.

Its very serious, I think he means what he says. His posture is no-nonsense (and) tough-talking, but he means it, said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, told The Strait Times. Theres an election coming up (in Thailand). Theres an incentive for him to benefit from nationalism at home.

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Moreover, there is a case for Anutin to be harsh on Cambodia as to not alienate the public  something that his predecessor was ousted for.

The view among the Thai public is that, despite its relative economic power and far stronger military, Thailand has not been able to effectively deter Cambodia from border incursions and perceived interference in Thai politics, according to Tita Sanglee, an associate fellow at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

From the Thai perspective, if you dont deal with Cambodia now, then the issue will flare up anyway. So theres this perception that you have to deal with it once, Sanglee told The Strait Times.

But Sanglee said much of the tough talk is probably bluster and Anutin is likely banking on international pressure and diplomatic intervention providing a chance to de-escalate before things get too out of hand.

Trump has said that he will hold calls with Thai and Cambodian leaders on Thursday regarding the fighting.

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Sanglee said, Certainly, he wants to be, in practical terms, more tough than the previous government, because he has always been aligned with the military. We should probably expect to see Thailand try to make as much strategic gain as possible on the ground before another ceasefire.
The European Union has indefinitely immobilised 210 billion in Russian assets under Article 122, intensifying pressure over Russias war in Ukraine and reshaping EU sanctions strategy.

In a decisive escalation of its financial sanctions against Moscow, the European Union has activated an emergency clause that effectively indefinitely immobilises frozen Russian assets within the bloc, deepening economic pressure over Russias war in Ukraine.

The move came amid fears that the United States could claim the funds and use them in any future negotiations with Moscow to end the war. The EU ambassadors reached an agreement Thursday to keep the assets immobilised long-term under Article 122 of the EU treaties. This provision requires only a qualified majority of member states and does not need approval from the European Parliament.

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The regulation bars the transfer of 210 billion in frozen assets back to the Russian Central Bank. Of this total, 185 billion is held at Euroclear, a central securities depository in Brussels, while the remaining 25 billion is stored in private banks.

What the emergency clause means

Under the new legal framework approved by EU member states, financial authorities can keep Russian sovereign assets immobilised, meaning blocked from transfer, conversion or use indefinitely, rather than releasing them after fixed sanctions periods. This applies primarily to central-bank reserves, sovereign wealth funds, and other state-controlled financial holdings seized under sanctions imposed since the Ukraine war erupted.

Previously, asset freezes under EU law had sunset clauses or provisional timelines, requiring periodic renewal by unanimous consent. The emergency provision removes those timelines, anchoring Russias financial exclusion as a long-term policy. Officials argue this gives Brussels stronger leverage and guarantees that billions in blocked assets will not return to play a role in Russias war economy or broader financial operations.

Controversy within financial circles

The move has stirred debate among European financial institutions and market intermediaries. Euroclear  the Belgium-based securities settlement system that holds large sums of assets on behalf of international clients has publicly outlined concerns about legal uncertainty and market fragmentation if immobilised assets remain in limbo indefinitely.

Euroclear warned that without clear legal ownership structures and enforceable rights, investor confidence could be undermined, potentially disrupting broader European capital flows.

Some analysts also worry that an indefinite freeze could expose the EU to legal challenges under international investment treaties, particularly because the assets could be construed as collateral for Russian debt or connected to private claims. These concerns have not derailed the emergency directive but have highlighted the complex trade-offs between geopolitical aims and market stability.

Why it matters for Ukraine and beyond

For Ukraine and its supporters within the EU, the new provision represents a strategic win. Kyiv has long argued that frozen Russian central-bank reserves, estimated in the tens of billions of euros should be leveraged to help finance reconstruction and military support.

While the emergency clause stops short of transferring assets directly to Ukraine, it bolsters the legal foundation for future discussions on how and whether those funds might be repurposed in support of Kyiv.

Indeed, the European Commission has signalled that this legal step clears the way for potential legislative proposals on using immobilised assets for designated purposes including rebuilding war-torn regions of Ukraines infrastructure and economy.

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While economic blocs like the EU traditionally avoid direct seizure and reallocation of sovereign assets, the unprecedented scale of Russias war and the corresponding sanctions regime are pushing legal and political norms into new territory.

Growing geopolitical fault lines

The indefinite freeze also sharpens the geopolitical divide between the EU and Russia. Moscow has denounced EU sanctions as illegal and has pursued its own countersanctions including restrictions on foreign assets and trade channels. The EUs move to tie down Russian assets long-term sends a clear message that member states are preparing for prolonged economic confrontation, not short-lived punitive cycles.

At the same time, some EU member states, particularly those with closer historical or economic links to Russia are cautiously monitoring how far Brussels will push asset control without alienating key partners or triggering legal blowback. The unfolding situation raises questions about future EU unity on sanctions and how Western economies balance economic risk with geopolitical strategy.

By embedding the ability to immobilise Russian assets indefinitely into EU law, Brussels has shifted the sanctions regime into a new phase. Whether this leads to new mechanisms to fund Ukraine or triggers legal and market challenges, will likely define European economic diplomacy in the coming years and mark a stark departure from the more reactive sanctioning approaches of the past.

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Marseille faces a surge in drug violence, with gangs recruiting minors and brutal killings shocking the city. President Emmanuel Macron pledges action as fear and chaos grip residents.

A surge in drug-related violence in Marseille has thrust one of Frances oldest cities into a harrowing spotlight, with children increasingly caught up in turf wars that were once the exclusive domain of adult gangsters.

The latest accounts from local media and officials describe a volatile streetscape where brutal killings and recruitment of minors by criminal networks have alarmed authorities and ordinary citizens alike.

The grim reality of this escalation was underlined when a group of schoolchildren stumbled upon the charred body of a 15-year-old on a beach, a victim of gang violence so extreme it was filmed and shared online. According to reports, the teenager was shot in the head and set alight, a chilling example of how ordinary landscapes have become stages for public cruelty.

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This incident is part of a broader pattern of increasingly brazen violence linked to rival drug factions vying for control of Marseilles aging port and sprawling estates. Experts and local observers contend that the citys drug wars have evolved into a near-everyday crisis with social media amplifying their reach and normalising brutality among vulnerable youth, some as young as 13 or 14.

A city in fear

Residents describe an atmosphere of psychose collective panic as gang dominance extends beyond marginal neighbourhoods into public spaces once considered safe. Drug networks, under pressure from law enforcement crackdowns are increasingly using social media to recruit teenagers, exploiting poverty, lack of opportunities and social isolation in Marseilles northern districts.

One local member of a gang told reporters that the old rules no longer apply: violence is random, territorial boundaries are blurred, and young recruits are cheap and expendable. Nobody respects anything these days, he said, pointing to scars from bullet wounds sustained in a rival attack.

The scale of youth involvement is staggering. Government estimates indicate that the number of teenagers involved in drug trafficking has increased more than four-fold in recent years, as syndicates deliberately enrol minors who face lighter sentences under French law.

National leadership responds

The spiralling violence has drawn the attention of national leaders. President Emmanuel Macron has called for renewed action, pledging to bolster Marseilles law enforcement and intelligence capabilities ahead of a planned visit to the city. Interior ministers are reportedly exploring enhanced drug detection systems at ports and airports and deeper judicial cooperation with foreign partners to stem the flow of narcotics into France.

Yet even with such plans in motion, the horrific daily realities remain. Community organisers point out that the rule of law seems subordinate to gang influence in some districts, prompting residents to adopt precautions normally associated with war zones.

The cost of chaos

Critics argue that Marseilles plight underscores a broader failure to address the socio-economic conditions that render young people vulnerable to gang recruitment. With entrenched inequality, limited job prospects and insufficient youth services, deprived neighbourhoods become fertile ground for criminal enterprises seeking expendable foot soldiers.

Parents now fear letting children walk to school alone. Schools report rising anxiety among students. And families torn between protecting loved ones and resisting gang influence face impossible choices.

As Marseille confronts the spectre of its own drug war, France grapples with a harsh reality: a modern urban conflict where the innocent, especially children pay the highest price.

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A top Hamas leader told Qatari news channel Al Jazeera on Wednesday that the militant group is open to a weapons freeze, but rejects the demand for disarmament put forward in the US-sponsored peace plan for Gaza.

Hamas gunmen on pickup trucks escort buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners as they are greeted following their release from Israeli jails under a cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, October 13, 2025. File Image/AP

A top Hamas leader told Qatari news channel Al Jazeera on Wednesday that the militant group is open to a weapons freeze, but rejects the demand for disarmament put forward in the US-sponsored peace plan for Gaza.

The idea of total disarmament is unacceptable to the resistance (Hamas). What is being proposed is a freeze, or storage (of weapons) to provide guarantees against any military escalation from Gaza with the Israeli occupation, said Khaled Meshaal in an interview aired Wednesday.

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This is the idea were discussing with the mediators, and I believe that with pragmatic American thinking such a vision could be agreed upon with the US administration, he said.

The US-sponsored ceasefire deal, in effect since October 10, halted the war that began after Hamass deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. But it remains fragile as Israel and Hamas accuse each other almost daily of breaches.

The agreement is composed of three phases. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently indicated that it was about to enter the second phase.

Under that phase Israeli troops would further withdraw from their positions in Gaza and be replaced by an international stabilisation force (ISF), while Hamas would lay down its weapons.

Netanyahu is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump in the US later this month to discuss the steps forward in the truce.

But the Palestinian militant group has indicated it would not agree to giving up its arsenal.

Disarmament for a Palestinian means stripping away his very soul. Lets achieve that goal another way, Meshaal added.

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In the first phase of the deal Palestinian militants committed to releasing the remaining 48 living and dead captives held in the territory. All of the hostages have so far been released except for one body.

In exchange, Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in its custody and returned the bodies of hundreds of dead Palestinians.

As for the international peacekeeping force, Meshaal said the group was open to its deployment along Gazas border with Israel, but would not agree to it operating inside the Palestinian territory, calling such a plan an occupation.

We have no objection to international forces or international stabilisation forces being deployed along the border, like UNIFIL, he said, referring to the UN peacekeeping force deployed in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border.

They would separate Gaza from the occupation, he added, referring to Israel.

As for the presence of international forces inside Gaza, in Palestinian culture and consciousness that means an occupying force.

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Mediators as well as Arab and Islamic nations, he said, could act as guarantors that there would be no escalation originating from inside Gaza.

The danger comes from the Zionist entity, not from Gaza, he added, referring to Israel.
With more than 99% of ballots counted, conservative Nasry Asfura of the National Party was about 40,000 votes ahead of Nasralla of the Liberal Party, while LIBRE candidate Rixi Moncada was a distant third

Government supporters protest outside the installations of the National Electoral Council (CNE) where electoral kits are stored, after Honduran President Xiomara Castro denounced what she called an "electoral coup" unfolding amid a chaotic vote count from the November 30 presidential election, marked by technical failures, fraud claims and a shadow cast by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras December 9, 2025. Reuters

Officials of a Honduras Congress panel threatened on Wednesday not to validate the result of a Nov. 30 presidential election, citing an electoral coup and interference by U.S. President Donald Trump, as counting stretched into an 11th day.

While the ruling LIBRE leftist party has no chance of winning the election, it is throwing its support behind Salvador Nasralla, of the center-right Liberal party, who has also alleged fraud and said he has won the election.

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It is unclear if Wednesdays declaration by the permanent commission of Congress, which escalates the election crisis, could be enough to annul the results, which must be validated by two of the three members of the National Electoral Council.

We denounce the existence of an ongoing electoral coup, the commission said in a statement, adding, We absolutely condemn the interference of the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

Honduras Congress would only become involved if a majority of Council members refuse to validate the result by Dec. 30, however, said Henry Salinas, a lawyer and political analyst based in Tegucigalpa.

The governments only recourse is to demonize the process, but for the moment they have no say in the matter, Salinas said. The ball is in the National Electoral Councils court.

Still, the development added fuel to a combustible situation after the latest results update on Tuesday.

With more than 99% of ballots counted, conservative Nasry Asfura of the National Party was about 40,000 votes ahead of Nasralla of the Liberal Party, while LIBRE candidate Rixi Moncada was a distant third.

But inconsistencies in roughly 15% of the tally sheets require further review, heightening the political suspense, as those could be sufficient to sway the election outcome.

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The chaotic and delayed reporting process of the results has spurred claims of fraud, including those by President Xiomara Castro of LIBRE.

Hundreds of demonstrators wearing red, the color of her party, spilled into the streets of the capital, Tegucigalpa, on Wednesday to demand a rerun of the poll.

Even as votes were still being counted, U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced support for Asfura, saying there would be hell to pay if Honduras changed preliminary results that put him in the lead.

On the eve of the elections, Trump had announced a pardon for former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, of Asfuras National Party, who was released from a 45-year jail term in the United States for drug trafficking and weapons charges.

The electoral mission of the Organization of American States called on Tuesday for the count to be speeded up, as well as for maximum transparency.

It is essential that the CNE can carry out its work without pressure, it said in a statement, referring to the National Electoral Council.

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The OAS mission rejects any call to disturb public order that could compromise the remaining stages of the electoral process, it added on social media.
In a show of force after China-Russia drills in the region, US and Japanese bombers flew over the Sea of Japan together. These developments have taken place amid surging tensions between Japan and China.

The 6th Air Wing of Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F-15 fighters hold a joint military drill with the US B-52 bomber over Sea of Japan on December 10, 2025. (Photo: Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan/Handout via Reuters)

US nuclear-capable bombers flew over the Sea of Japan alongside Japanese fighter jets on Wednesday, Tokyo said, in a show of force following Chinese and Russian drills in the skies and seas around Japan and South Korea.

Japan and the US reaffirmed their strong resolve to prevent any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force and confirmed the readiness posture of both the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and US forces, Japans defence ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

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The flight of two US B-52 strategic bombers with three Japanese F-35 stealth fighters and three F-15 air-superiority jets was the first time the US had asserted its military presence since China began military exercises in the region last week.

The display follows a joint flight of Chinese and Russian strategic bombers in the East China Sea and western Pacific on Tuesday and separate Chinese aircraft carrier drills that prompted Japan to scramble jets that Tokyo said were targeted by radar beams.

China denied Tokyos accusation about the carrier aircraft encounter, saying Japanese jets had endangered its air operations south of Japan.

The incident drew criticism from Washington, which said the it was not conducive to regional peace and stability and reaffirmed that its alliance with Japan was unwavering.

Show of force

Both Japan and South Korea host US forces, with Japan home to the biggest concentration of American military power overseas, including an aircraft carrier strike group and a US Marine expeditionary force.

Japans Chief of Staff, Joint Staff General Hiroaki Uchikura, said the Chinese and Russian joint bomber flight was clearly a show of force directed at Japan.

We consider it a grave concern from the standpoint of Japans security, Uchikura, the countrys top uniformed military officer, said at a regular press briefing.

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also shared Japans concerns about the Chinese and Russian aircraft with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization chief Mark Rutte in a telephone call on Wednesday.

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Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the drills with Russia were part of the two countries annual cooperation plan, demonstrating both sides determination to safeguard regional peace and stability.

The Japanese side has no need to make a fuss about nothing or to take this personally, he added.

Activity near South Korea, Taiwan

South Koreas military said it also scrambled fighter jets when the Chinese and Russian aircraft entered its air defence identification zone on Tuesday, an area that extends beyond its airspace and is used for early warning.

Chinese military ships and aircraft operate almost daily around Taiwan, in what Taipei says is part of Beijings ongoing pressure campaign.

On Thursday, Taiwans defence ministry reported a stepped up Chinese military presence for a second day in a row. It said it had detected 27 aircraft, including nuclear-capable H-6K bombers, conducting a joint combat readiness patrol, along with warships around the island.

Late on Wednesday, the ministry said Chinese J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers had again carried out long-range training in the Western Pacific after passing to the south of Taiwan.

Regional tensions have risen since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi triggered a dispute with Beijing last month with her remarks on how Tokyo might react to a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan.

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China claims democratically governed Taiwan and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island, which sits just over 100 km (62 miles) from Japanese territory and is surrounded by sea lanes on which Tokyo relies.

(This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
US Representative Ami Bera said that Trump would like New Delhi to leverage its relationship with Moscow to end the conflict in Ukraine

Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, December 5, 2025. File Image/Reuters

US Representative Ami Bera has said that India can play a big and unique role in bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to an end. Bera, an aide to President Donald Trump, said that New Delhi could use its ties with Russia to bring it to the negotiation table.

Acknowledging that the Trump administration has some concerns about Indias close ties with Russia, Bera said, India can play a unique role given their lines of communication and their ability to understand the Russians and bring them to the table.

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He added that Trump would also like New Delhi to leverage its relationship with Moscow to end the conflict in Ukraine. I think this is the time for India to take a bigger role on the global stage, the representative said.

VIDEO | Washington, DC: "India can play a big and unique role in helping end the RussiaUkraine conflict, " says US Representative Ami Bera.#IndiaDiplomacy #RussiaUkraineWar #AmiBera



(Source - Third party)



(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/dAnJEkMSaU  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently concluded his visit to India, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on more than one occasion. Their meetings reverberated in the White House, with some Democrats blaming Trump for bringing India and Russia closer.

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Modi said that India is not neutral but stands on the side of peace as he Putin in New Delhis Hyderabad House for bilateral talks.

Since the Ukraine crisis began, we have been in constant discussion. From time to time, you too, as a true friend, have kept us informed about everything. I believe that trust is a great strength, and I have discussed this matter with you many times and also presented it before the world, PM Modi said during his bilateral meeting with Putin.

PM Modi further said, In recent days, whenever I have spoken with leaders of the global community and discussed this issue in detail, I have always said that India is not neutral. India has a clear position, and that position is for peace. We support every effort toward peace.
A landmark trial in Italy of Chinese crime gangs has suffered so many mishaps  from the disappearance of documents to the resignation of interpreters.

Italian Guardia di Finanza (Tax Police) carry out a search at a textile firm during an investigation, in the Tuscan city of Prato. Image Credit: Reuters

A landmark trial in Italy of Chinese crime gangs has suffered so many mishaps  from the disappearance of documents to the resignation of interpreters  that a senior prosecutor suspects its being sabotaged to protect the criminals grip on Europes fashion industry.

The case, launched after two Chinese men were hacked to death with machetes in 2010, is aimed at dismantling an illicit network accused of controlling the logistics of the continents multi-billion-euro garments sector from the city of Prato in Tuscany.

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Instead, it has become a cautionary tale about the obstacles Italys justice system faces when confronting international organised crime without the tools it has used effectively to fight home-grown mafia groups, prosecutors say.

Reuters spoke to two of Italys most senior anti-mafia investigators, and more than half a dozen textile workers, union representatives and defence lawyers, to gain a rare glimpse into the challenges of tackling alleged Chinese organised crime.

The suspicion is that there is interference from the Chinese community and Chinese authorities in this matter, said Luca Tescaroli, a veteran of Italys war against the mafia who is now Pratos chief prosecutor and leading the charge against Chinese crime gangs.

The Chinese embassy in Rome did not reply to emails requesting comment on Tescarolis remarks. Chinas foreign, public security and justice ministries did not immediately reply to Reuters requests for comment for this story.

When the latest court interpreter failed to show up to a hearing at the end of September, a quick check revealed she had returned to China and her transcripts were incomprehensible and unusable, Tescaroli said.

The translator was the second to walk off the job and no other Chinese interpreter in Tuscany has agreed to take over. Tescaroli has opened an investigation into the possibility that someone is looking to sink the trial.

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The violence prosecutors hoped to curb has only intensified as the trial flounders, with the battle for control of coat hanger production and fast-fashion freight spawning a string of bomb and arson attacks in Italy, France and Spain.

There have been at least 16 attacks, including cases of the destruction of property, since April 2024, according to a Reuters tally of official reports.

A fast-fashion flashpoint of criminal violence

The Prato prosecutor and his colleagues are pressing the judges in the so-called China Truck trial to define the Chinese gangs legally as mafia groups  a designation that would unlock sweeping powers, asset seizures and stiffer sentence.

However, in Italy that label is difficult to secure, even more so if the organisations are rooted abroad, making them harder to penetrate than home-grown crime groups such as Sicilys Cosa Nostra.

Wedged in the hills northwest of Florence, Prato is billed as Europes largest textile manufacturing hub, hosting more than 7,000 textile and garment companies that register some 2.3 billion euros ($2.68 billion) in official annual exports. Over 4,400 of firms are Chinese owned, local authorities say.

Almost a quarter of its residents are foreigners, the largest ratio in Italy, but the percentage is likely much higher as many newcomers are illegal immigrants without work permits.

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Pratos streets are lined with Chinese-owned workshops, warehouses, and businesses that have transformed the city into a global fast-fashion production centre, and a flashpoint for violence linked to criminal networks.

The China Truck investigation closed in 2018 with prosecutors alleging that the 58 suspects had formed a criminal association equipped with very significant financial means  with support and resources abroad.

Seven years on, not a single defendant or witness has been called to testify.

Meanwhile, the alleged mastermind Zhang Naizhong, described by investigators as a boss of bosses, slipped back to China in 2018 after he was released from pre-trail custody and prosecutors doubt he will ever return to Italy.

His Italian lawyer Melissa Stefanacci declined to comment on any aspect of the case. Zhang and the other suspects have pleaded not guilty.

Murders, stabbings, arson and bomb attacks

The case emerged from what Francesco Nannucci, then head of Pratos police Flying Squad, described to Reuters as a war between two rival gangs, one made up of Chinese originally from Zhejiang and the other of Chinese originally from Fujian, for control of territory in Europe.

Despite keen police interest and multiple investigations in Prato, the gang violence has escalated in the past two years.

In July 2024, a Chinese businessman based in Prato was stabbed multiple times by a group of six men, including a former soldier, who had flown in from China to protect, through violence, the business interests of the monopolistic group in the coat-hanger sector, prosecutors said in a statement.

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All six were arrested and sentenced to 7.5 years in jail for attempted murder.

In April of this year, Zhang Dayong, Zhangs alleged right-hand man who was also charged in the China Truck case, was shot dead in Rome alongside his girlfriend. No-one has been arrested for those killings.

Tescaroli said emerging companies often with the prefix Xin - meaning new in Chinese - were trying to undercut established players, selling hangers at about 6 cents each compared to the previous market rate of about 27 cents.

Since the volumes are vast, a few cents of margin on each piece guarantee gigantic profits, he said.

Textile trade marked by corruption, labour abuse

Chinese businesses in the textile district have long operated within what investigators call the Prato system, marked by corruption and irregular practices, including labour and safety abuses as well as tax and customs fraud.

These companies can appear and disappear overnight, engaging in a cat-and-mouse game with authorities to dodge taxes and avoid having to give workers proper contracts, according to Arturo Gambassi, a representative from the Sudd Cobas union, which defends workers rights in the textile sector.

In all the firms where we have initiated labour disputes, we saw that their business name had changed in the previous two years, he told Reuters.

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Police say fabrics are often smuggled in from China to avoid customs duties, while profits are sent back through illicit money-transfer channels, with up to 4 million euros shipped out of Romes Fiumicino airport each week, according to prosecutors and police.

To maintain their competitive edge, the industry depends on cheap, round-the-clock labour, largely from China and Pakistan, with workers facing a backlash if they seek legal contracts.

On November 17, more than 15 Chinese citizens assaulted a union demonstration in Prato. Plain clothes police who were observing the protest were also attacked, with two officers needing hospital treatment, a police statement said.

Italian prosecutors succeeded in dismantling major Italian mob networks, notably Cosa Nostra, in part thanks to legislation introduced specifically to tackle the mafia.

The official mafia designation carries stiffer sentences and lets courts infer membership from conduct, a key advantage when prosecutors must overcome silence and intimidation.

Tescaroli is trying to get the courts to brand the Chinese gangs as mafia groups, but Barbara Sargenti, Italys national anti-mafia prosecutor, questioned whether this would happen.

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To establish that there is a Chinese mafia, Italy needs to map these organisations either from inside sources or with help from judicial and police authorities in China.

Sargenti said cooperation with China was proving very difficult and, so far, only one Chinese citizen had turned state witness within Italy, in a drug-related case.

Sargenti said Chinas police and judicial authorities had been in touch with Italys justice ministry in recent months, saying it was willing to send officers collaborate with the Italians but there had been no follow up.

Investigations are, lets say, very complicated, she said. Without the mafia designation or Chinese cooperation, Tescarolis case in the China Truck trial relies on the fragile scaffolding of Italian procedure, and the willingness of translators to show up.

After the Tuscan interpreters made themselves unavailable, two new translators were appointed on November 17 - Chinese citizens from the northern port city of Genoa, outside Tuscany.

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But court officials arent claiming victory, yet, with the new translators saying they could not guarantee they would understand the dialects captured in phone taps that form crucial evidence in the case. The next hearing is scheduled for May 15.

(Except the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff)
A federal judge on Thursday ordered immigration officials to immediately release Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the wrongfully deported man who has returned to the United States and is facing criminal charges

Kilmar Abrego Garcia attends a prayer vigil with immigration advocates, as he appears for a scheduled check-in at the ICE Baltimore field office three days after his release from criminal custody in Tennessee, in Baltimore, Maryland, US on August 25, 2025. Reuters File

A federal judge on Thursday ordered immigration officials to immediately release Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the wrongfully deported man who has returned to the United States and is facing criminal charges.

Although he cannot be removed to El Salvador again, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had suggested sending him to several African countries with which he has no connection.

Because Abrego Garcia has been held in ICE detention to effectuate third-country removal absent a lawful removal order, his requested relief is proper, The Hill quoted US District Judge Paula Xinis as writing in her 31-page opinion.

Separately, Respondents conduct over the past months belie that his detention has been for the basic purpose of effectuating removal, lending further support that Abrego Garcia should be held no longer, Xinis continued.

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She ordered his release to occur immediately and instructed the government to provide an update by 5 pm EST.

While Xiniss ruling allows ICE to free Abrego Garcia, he remains subject to pretrial conditions in his human smuggling case.

These measures include home detention in Maryland with electronic monitoring, third-party custodianship, and other requirements to ensure his court appearances.

The ruling represents a significant legal victory for Abrego Garcia, who has been seeking release from immigration custody for months.

Xinis was appointed by former President Obama.

This is naked judicial activism by an Obama appointed judge, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin wrote on the social platform X.

This order lacks any valid legal basis and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts.

A Salvadoran national who entered the US illegally nearly 15 years ago, Abrego Garcia drew national attention after being wrongfully deported in March to a megaprison in El Salvador, despite an order protecting him from deportation over fears he would face violence.

The case became a flashpoint in the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, a key part of President Trumps second-term agenda. The administration accused Abrego Garcia of being an MS-13 gang member, which he denies.

His case quickly moved through the courts, reaching the Supreme Court, and he returned to the US in June after a Justice Department human smuggling indictment was unsealed in Tennessee. He pleaded not guilty.

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After a Tennessee judge allowed his release pending trial, Abrego Garcia returned to Maryland, where he had lived for over a decade, only to be taken into ICE custody in August and detained since.

Despite the existing order protecting him from deportation to El Salvador, the Trump administration proposed sending him to several African countries. Notices were issued at different times for Uganda, Eswatini, Ghana, or Liberia, though officials later admitted the Ghana notice was sent prematurely.

Abrego Garcia argued he should be allowed to go to Costa Rica, but the administration claimed the country would not accept him. The judge rejected that, writing that the Trump administration affirmatively misled the tribunal by suggesting otherwise.

This evidently remained an inconvenient truth for Respondents, Xinis wrote.

But more to the point, Respondents persistent refusal to acknowledge Costa Rica as a viable removal option, their threats to send Abrego Garcia to African countries that never agreed to take him, and their misrepresentation to the Court that Liberia is now the only country available to Abrego Garcia, all reflect that whatever purpose was behind his detention, it was not for the basic purpose of timely third-country removal, the judge continued.

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With inputs from agencies
Mexicos Senate on Wednesday approved tariff hikes of up to 50% next year on imports from China and several other Asian countries, aiming to bolster local industry despite opposition from business groups

Mexicos Senate on Wednesday approved tariff hikes of up to 50% next year on imports from China and several other Asian countries, aiming to bolster local industry despite opposition from business groups and the governments of targeted countries.

The proposal, passed earlier by the lower house, will raise or impose new duties of up to 50% from 2026 on certain goods such as autos, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics and steel from countries without trade deals with Mexico, including China, India, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. The majority of products will see tariffs of up to 35 per cent.

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The Senate passed the bill, with 76 votes in favor, 5 against, and 35 abstentions. The approved bill is softer than one that stalled in the lower house this autumn, with tariffs on about 1,400 different product lines - mostly textiles, apparel, steel, auto parts, plastics and footwear - and reduced duties on roughly two-thirds of them compared with the original proposal.

Chinas Ministry of Commerce responded on Thursday saying it would track Mexicos new tariff regime and weigh its impact, but warned that such measures would substantially undermine the interests of trade.

China has always opposed all forms of unilateral tariff increases and hopes Mexico will correct such unilateralist and protectionist practices as soon as possible, the commerce ministry said.

Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately comment on the higher tariffs.

Analysts and the private sector say the move is aimed at appeasing the U.S. ahead of the next review of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA), and that it is also intended to generate $3.76 billion in additional revenue next year as Mexico seeks to reduce its fiscal deficit.

On the one hand, it protects certain local productive sectors that are at a disadvantage with respect to Chinese products. It also protects jobs, said Mario Vazquez, a senator for the opposition PAN party.

But, also, the tariff is an additional tax that citizens pay when they buy a product. And these are resources that go to the state. We would need to know what they are going to be used for. Hopefully, production chains in the country will be strengthened, Vazquez said.

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Emmanuel Reyes, a senator from the ruling Morena party, defended the measure.

These adjustments will boost Mexican products in global supply chains and protect jobs in key sectors, said Reyes, who is chairman of the Senate Economy Committee.

This is not merely a revenue-raising tool, but rather a means of guiding economic and trade policy in the interest of general welfare, he said.

Mexico had said in September that it would raise its tariff on automobiles and other goods from China and other Asian countries. The United States has been pushing countries in Latin America to limit their economic ties with China, with which it competes for influence in the region.
Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin said he will step down after February elections, alleging humiliation by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus

Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin administers oath-taking ceremony of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the countrys head of the interim government in Bangladesh at the Bangabhaban, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on August 8, 2024. Reuters File

Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday said that he plans to resign midway through his five-year term after the parliamentary election in February, alleging humiliation by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, according to a Reuters report.

Shahabuddin, 75, serves as the countrys head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, but his role is largely ceremonial, with executive authority resting with the prime minister and cabinet in the predominantly Muslim nation of 173 million people.

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His position, however, gained prominence in August 2024, when a student-led uprising forced long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to New Delhi, leaving Shahabuddin as the last remaining constitutional authority after parliament was dissolved.

Shahabuddin, 75, had been elected unopposed for a five-year term in 2023 as a nominee of Hasinas Awami League party, which has been barred from contesting the February 12 election.

I am keen to leave. I am interested to go out, Reuters quoted him as saying in a WhatsApp interview from his official residence in Dhaka, in what he said was his first media interview since taking office.

Until elections are held, I should continue, Shahabuddin said. I am upholding my position because of the constitutionally held presidency.

The president said that Yunus had not met with him for nearly seven months, his press department had been removed, and in September, his portraits were taken down from Bangladeshi embassies worldwide.

There was the portrait of the president, picture of the president in all consulates, embassies and high commissions, and this has been eliminated suddenly in one night, Shahabuddin told _Reuter_s.

A wrong message goes to the people that perhaps the president is going to be eliminated. I felt very much humiliated, he added.

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He added that he had written to Yunus about the portraits, but no action was taken.

My voice has been stifled, he said.

Press advisers to Yunus did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to Reuters.

The president said he has been in regular contact with Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, whose forces stood aside during the deadly protests against Hasina in August 2024, effectively determining the veteran politicians fate.

Shahabuddin added that Zaman had made it clear he had no intention of seizing power.

Bangladesh has a history of military rule, but Zaman has emphasised his commitment to restoring democracy.

Shahabuddin said that while some student protesters initially called for his resignation, no political party had requested it in recent months.

Opinion polls suggest that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, along with the hardline Jamaat-e-Islami, are likely frontrunners to form the next government. Both parties were part of the coalition that governed from 2001 to 2006.

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When asked if Hasina, who led the country for 20 years, had tried to contact him after fleeing, Shahabuddin declined to comment, emphasizing that he has remained independent since becoming president and is not affiliated with any political party.

With inputs from agencies
Machado said in an audio recording of a phone call published on the Nobel website that she wouldnt be able to arrive in time for the ceremony but that many people had risked their lives for her to arrive in Oslo

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado reacts to the crowd gathered in front of the Grand Hotel, in Oslo, Norway, early Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. AP

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado appeared in public for the first time in 11 months early Thursday morning, when she waved to supporters at a hotel in Norways capital hours after her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf.

Machado had been in hiding since Jan. 9, when she was briefly detained after joining supporters in a protest in Caracas, Venezuelas capital. She had been expected to attend the award ceremony Wednesday in Oslo, where heads of state and her family were among those waiting to see her.

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Machado said in an audio recording of a phone call published on the Nobel website that she wouldnt be able to arrive in time for the ceremony but that many people had risked their lives for her to arrive in Oslo.

Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the prize in her place.

She wants to live in a free Venezuela, and she will never give up on that purpose, Sosa said. That is why we all know, and I know, that she will be back in Venezuela very soon.

Jrgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, told the award ceremony that Maria Corina Machado has done everything in her power to be able to attend the ceremony here today  a journey in a situation of extreme danger.

Although she will not be able to reach this ceremony and todays events, we are profoundly happy to confirm that she is safe, and that she will be with us here in Oslo, he said to applause.

Machado said in an audio recording of a phone call published on the Nobel website that she wouldnt be able to arrive in time for the ceremony but that many people had risked their lives for her to arrive in Oslo.

I am very grateful to them, and this is a measure of what this recognition means to the Venezuelan people, she said, before indicating that she was about to board a plane.

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Machado said that since this is a prize for all Venezuelans, I believe that it will be received by them. And as soon as I arrive, I will be able to embrace all my family and my children that Ive have not seen for two years and so many Venezuelans, Norwegians that I know that share our struggle and our fight.

Show of solidarity

Prominent Latin American figures attended Wednesday in a signal of solidarity with Machado, including Argentine President Javier Milei, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and Paraguayan President Santiago Pena.

The 58-year-old Machados win for her struggle to achieve a democratic transition in her South American nation was announced on Oct. 10. Watne Frydnes said that Venezuela has evolved into a brutal authoritarian state, and he described Machado as one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in recent Latin American history.

Machado won an opposition primary election and intended to challenge 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 election on July 28, 2024, 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.

Gonzalez, who sought asylum in Spain last year after a Venezuelan court issued a warrant for his arrest, attended Wednesdays ceremony.

U.N. human rights officials and many independent rights groups have expressed concerns about the situation in Venezuela, and called for Maduro to be held accountable for the crackdown on dissent.

Fight for freedom

More than anything, what we Venezuelans can offer the world is the lesson forged through this long and difficult journey  that to have democracy, we must be willing to fight for freedom, Sosa said as she delivered the lecture written for the occasion by her mother.

The speech didnt refer to the current tensions between Washington and Caracas, as U.S. President Donald Trump continues a military operation in the Caribbean that has killed Venezuelans in international waters and threatens to strike Venezuela. Machado has consistently endorsed Trumps strategy toward Venezuela.

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Among many heroes of this journey honored in the lecture, Sosa mentioned the leaders around the world who joined us and defended our cause, but didnt elaborate.

Watne Frydnes said of authoritarian leaders like Maduro that your power is not permanent. Your violence will not prevail over people who rise and resist.

Mr. Maduro, accept the election result and step down, he said.

Past winners unable to attend

Five past Nobel Peace Prize laureates were detained or imprisoned at the time of the award, according to the prizes official website, most recently Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi in 2023 and Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski in 2022.

The others were Liu Xiaobo of China in 2010, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar in 1991 and Carl von Ossietzky of Germany in 1935.

Gustavo Tovar-Arroyo, a Venezuelan human rights activist who was forced to flee into exile in 2012, said that Machados supporters did the best for her to be here as she deserves. But we knew the risk.

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He added that they are disappointed that she cannot be in the ceremony, but this is part of what we do when we fight against a dictatorship, a tyranny or a criminal regime. So we are used to it.
The photograph is a portrait of Faiz Hameed, a former chief of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI. (Photo: ISPR)

In a first in Pakistans history, a military court has sentenced former ISI chief Faiz Hameed to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday that Faiz was sentenced for engaging in political activities and violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA) at the conclusion of a court martial initiated against him on 12 August 2024.

Faiz is the first chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) the all-powerful spy agency of Pakistan to be court-martialled.

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Faizs fall from grace began when his close association with former Prime Minister Imran Khan who has also been in jail since 2023 turned him into an adversary of Pakistans current hybrid regime of Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Faiz was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of the OSA detrimental to the safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to persons, the ISPR said in a statement, according to Dawn.

After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 14 years rigorous imprisonment, the ISPR further said.

The ISPR added that a separate case for fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements is also in progressan apparent reference to the accusation that he was part of anti-Army protests that Imrans Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) party mounted on 9 May 2023.

Faiz blamed for 9 May protests

The Pakistani Army has previously said that Faizs case was linked to events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading to multiple incidents including, but not limited to, 9 May 2023, for fomenting instability at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests.

On 9 May 2023, Imrans supporters from PTI mounted nationwide protests that targeted the Pakistani Army. They vandalised residences of senior Army commanders and stormed the Pakistani Army headquarters in an unprecedented blow to the Armys image of invincibility.

The rise and fall of Faiz Hameed

Faiz rose to infamy in August 2021 when he arrived in Kabul soon after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. His photo having tea in the Serena Hotel was widely circulated and seen as a sign of the Pakistani hand in the Islamist takeover of the country. But he retired in November 2022 as Munir took over as the Army chief.

Faiz retired months after Imran whom he was seen as being close to was ousted as the Prime Minister of Pakistan in April 2022 in a trust vote. Imran blamed his ouster on a conspiracy hatched by the then-Joe Biden administration of the United States along with the Pakistani military, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of the Sharif family, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of the Bhutto-Zardari family.

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Following his ouster, Imran and his supporters went after the Army in an unprecedented rejection of the force that has directly ruled Pakistan for almost half of its existence and indirectly controlled it since soon after its founding.

As the ISI chief, Faiz had been accused of plotting former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs ouster by influencing judicial proceedings in the Panama Papers case against him. He was also accused of helping Imran become the premier in 2018.

In October 2021, Faiz was replaced as the ISI chief even though reports said that Imran wanted to keep him in the post. But it was reported that then Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwas insistence meant that Faiz was moved out of the ISI to command the 11 Corps of the Pakistani Army, and Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum was appointed as the chief of the ISI.

In August 2022, as it became clear that he was out of favour, Faiz was moved from the 11 Corps one of the most important military formations in Pakistan to command the 31 Corps. Weeks later, in November, he opted for voluntary retirement as Munir became the Army chief.

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Several parents welcomed the return late Tuesday night of their children, who were abducted last month when gunmen stormed their school.

Freed students of St. Mary's Catholic School wait to be reunited with their parents in Papiri community, Nigeria, Tuesday. Image Credit: AP.

A group of Nigerian students returned back to their home on Tuesday night after being rescued from kidnappers after being abducted last month. The gunmen stormed into St Marys boarding school and did mass kidnappings on November 21 kidnapping over 300 students which led to the biggest fear in the country over decades.

It has not been easy for me But today, in fact, I have a little bit of joy, especially because there is still one abducted. But I am now happy with this one that I have gotten," Luka Illaya, one of the parents in the hall, told The Associated Press. One of his sons was released, while another remains with the abductors.

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Parents gathered in large numbers to take their children after their release. After the release and welcome return children tightly hugged their parents.

Over 300 students were abducted

The Papiri school abductions, where more than 300 students and staff were taken, was the latest in a string of mass abductions that have rocked Nigeria in the past decade.

The government did not release any details about the released Papiri students and the fate of at least 150 other children and staff who remain in captivity. Fifty of the students escaped in the hours following the abductions.

We thank all the security agencies that helped in the rescue of our children. We are pleading that God should give them more strength to be able to rescue the remaining children, Reverend Sister Felicia Gyang, the principal of the school, said.

No ransoms to kidnappers

The Nigerian government routinely denies it pays ransoms to kidnappers.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on X earlier this week called on security agencies and governors to do more to protect children from falling into the hands of abductors, saying students should no longer be sitting ducks.

(With inputs from agencies)
Russia and its close ally Belarus reached out to Venezuelas embattled leader Nicolas Maduro on Thursday as President Trump escalates efforts to push him from power, raising the prospect that Maduro could seek refuge abroad

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 7, 2025. Reuters File

Russia and its close ally Belarus reached out to Venezuelas embattled leader Nicolas Maduro on Thursday as US President Donald Trump escalates efforts to push him from power, raising the prospect that Maduro could seek refuge abroad.

In a phone call to the Venezuelan leader on Thursday, the Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his support for the policy of N Maduros government, aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty in the face of growing external pressure.

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According to Reuters, citing sources, Maduro told Trump in a November 21 phone call that he was willing to leave Venezuela if he and his family were granted full legal amnesty.

On Thursday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held his second meeting in 17 days with Jesus Rafael Salazar Velazquez, Venezuelas ambassador to Moscow.

Belarusian state news agency Belta reported that Lukashenko told the envoy on November 25 that Maduro was always welcome in Belarus and it was time for him to visit.

Lukashenko also reminded Velazquez that they had previously agreed to coordinate certain matters with Maduro.

We agreed that, after resolving certain issues, you would find time to come to me and meet again so we could make the appropriate decision, which is within our competence. And if necessary, we will then involve the president of Venezuela.

US carries out military build-up in Caribbean

The Trump administration does not recognise Nicolas Maduro, in power since 2013, as Venezuelas legitimate president.

Maduro claimed to have won reelection last year, a vote the US and other Western governments dismissed as a sham, while independent observers said the opposition won overwhelmingly.

In recent months, Trump has ramped up pressure on Venezuela, including a massive military build-up in the Caribbean.

In an interview with Politico this week, he said Maduros days are numbered, while declining to specify whether he would send US troops into the country.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday, We hope that the White House will manage to prevent a further slide into a full-scale conflict, which threatens to have unpredictable consequences for the entire Western Hemisphere.

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a long-time ally of Venezuela, has also engaged with the Trump administration this year after years of being shunned by Washington over his human rights record and support for Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Trump has begun easing US sanctions on Belarus and last month appointed special envoy John Coale to negotiate with Lukashenko on the release of political prisoners.

With inputs from agencies
World leaders are preparing for a new round of discussions on the Ukraine war as tensions and uncertainty grow. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted at major developments ahead, while former United States President Donald Trump voiced caution over renewed European talks.

Leaders from key nations prepare for crucial talks as Ukraine braces for potential new developments in the war.

World attention is once again focused on the war in Ukraine as leaders from major allied nations prepare for a new round of discussions aimed at reassessing their strategies and support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former United States President Donald Trump both made remarks that have drawn global interest, signalling renewed diplomatic movement in an increasingly complex conflict.

Expectations are mounting ahead of a key video conference scheduled for today, involving several members of the coalition of the willing, a group of nations committed to providing political, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Behind these coordinated efforts lies growing unease about the stalemate gripping the battlefield and the sustained economic burden on participating powers.

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Renewed signals from Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a cryptic message earlier this week, suggesting that important developments could be imminent. In a brief statement shared on the social media platform X, he wrote, This week may bring news for all of us. Though Zelenskyy did not elaborate further, his remarks have been interpreted by analysts as a hint of fresh diplomatic or military activity.

Kyivs leadership has been increasingly vocal about the need for stronger long-term commitments from its Western partners. With the conflict approaching its fourth year, Ukrainian officials continue to seek additional air defence systems, ammunition, and financial aid to withstand the continuing Russian offensive operations.

Amid the uncertainty, Zelenskyys message has fuelled speculation that the government may be preparing for new negotiations, possibly involving security guarantees or the next phase of the countrys integration with Western institutions. Observers believe such talks could influence the direction of the war and Ukraines political future in equal measure.

Reactions from Washington and beyond

Across the Atlantic, former United States President Donald Trump commented on ongoing European diplomatic efforts related to Ukraine. He suggested that European countries were pushing to reopen discussions this weekend but warned against actions that could simply waste time. Trumps statement, which came during a recent conversation with reporters, underscored the diverging opinions within Western political circles about how best to engage with the prolonged conflict.

While Trump does not currently hold official office, his influence on American politics remains decisive, and his remarks often shape public perception of international issues. His scepticism about European diplomacy reflects a view among certain political groups that time and resources may be better spent on domestic concerns rather than continuing an open-ended commitment in Eastern Europe.

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Nevertheless, Washington remains engaged under current leadership, coordinating ongoing military support and pushing for stronger European involvement. According to sources familiar with State Department deliberations, senior officials continue to view unwavering assistance for Ukraine as essential to deterring further Russian expansion and preserving global stability.

Coalition efforts and todays meeting

The latest gathering among members of the coalition of the willing is being described as a crucial moment for reassessment. This alliance, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, several European Union members, and other supporting nations, has played a central role in financing and supplying Ukraines defence capabilities.

Officials involved in planning the video conference confirmed that todays agenda will likely focus on resource allocations, the pace of military aid, and the need to prevent fatigue among domestic populations who have endured the wars repercussions for nearly three years.

Diplomats say the meeting is also expected to include a review of sanctions imposed on Russia and discussions about possible humanitarian missions for civilians trapped in combat zones. An emphasis on coordination, accountability, and long-term strategy is expected to dominate proceedings.

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The virtual format of the discussion demonstrates a growing recognition that nations backing Ukraine must maintain close alignment even as domestic political challenges threaten to divide attention. European leaders in particular face pressure to balance national priorities with responsibilities to collective security under NATO and EU frameworks.

Strategic crossroads for Ukraine

Analysts say Ukraine now stands at a pivotal moment in its war. While the country has shown strong resilience in defending key territories, Russian forces continue to advance in several regions, testing Ukraines resources. Experts from military think tanks note that sustained Western assistance remains critical to maintaining morale and supplying new-generation weaponry capable of offsetting Moscows larger arsenal.

The political environment in Europe is also shifting. Several governments are grappling with public fatigue over prolonged military spending and energy disruptions caused by the war. Calls for renewed diplomatic engagement have grown among certain European parties, although Kyiv remains wary of concessions that could compromise sovereignty or territorial integrity.

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Within Ukraine, morale continues to fluctuate as citizens endure economic strain and emotional exhaustion. Yet widespread belief in eventual victory remains firmly rooted in the population, fuelled by repeated reassurances from Zelenskyy and the united stance of international partners.

A turning point for global diplomacy

Todays discussions among coalition members could signal the beginning of a new chapter in the international management of the Ukraine conflict. Whether the talks yield tangible results or amount to another round of reassessment will depend on the participants willingness to take bold and coordinated action.

Zelenskyys call for unity, Trumps warning against delay, and the coalitions upcoming deliberations together capture the worlds continued struggle to find balance between endurance and progress. For millions affected by the war, the coming days may indeed bring the news Zelenskyy hinted at, and potentially reshape the next stage of Europes most consequential conflict in generations.
Thailands Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has already submitted a formal request for parliaments dissolution to Thailands King, according to a report, citing government sources

Thailands Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul looks on at the venue of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 26, 2025. Reuters File

Thailands Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday said on social media that he is returning power to the people, signalling his readiness to dissolve parliament and trigger early elections.

According to a Reuters report, citing a government source, Anutin has already submitted a formal request for parliaments dissolution to Thailands King.

If the King approves the dissolution request, Thailands constitution requires that national elections be held within 4560 days.

Anutin had previously said in September that he intended to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with a general election planned for March or early April.

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His latest move indicates the timeline could be brought forward.

According to The Nation, Anutins move follows a heated joint sitting of Parliament during the second reading of a draft constitutional amendment. Lawmakers were debating Section 256/28, which sets the voting threshold for charter changes.

The committees majority had proposed a simple majority of the combined House and Senate, but the joint sitting rejected this and reinstated the requirement that any constitutional amendment must secure support from at least one-third of senators.

A voice vote then formally endorsed the one-third Senate threshold.

Earlier, sources said Anutin was preparing to request a royal decree dissolving the House, amid strong signs that the Peoples Party intends to file a no-confidence motion under Section 151.

The development comes as a violent border clash between Thailand and Cambodia enters its fourth day, leaving at least 20 people dead and nearly 200 injured.

With inputs from agencies
The Donald Trump administration has notified the US Congress that it has approved the sale of a $686 million package of hi-tech systems, such as an advanced communication system and avionics, for Pakistans F-16 fleet. The upgrade will extend the fleets life into 2040s.

Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter planes attack a target during a demonstration at Sonmiani fire range near Karachi on November 17, 2000. (Photo: Reuters)

The US Department of Defense has notified the Congress that President Donald Trump has approved the sale of a $686 million package for Pakistans F-16 fleet.

The package, which includes an advanced communication system and new avionics, will extend the life of Pakistans F-16 fleet into 2040s, according to the notification from Michael F Miller, the Director of Defense Departments Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), to Congress leadership.

In the notification, Miller said that the sale will support American foreign policy and national security objectives by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.

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The highlights of the deal will be 92 Link-16 communication systems and six Mk-82 inert 500-lb general purpose bomb bodies.

Whats Link-16 and how does it help Pakistan?

The Link-16 communication system is the main component of the $686 million deal.

Link-16s primary application is in the domains of aerial warfare and missile defence command and control architecture. The system is at the core of American and Nato allies aerial warfare strategy  and Pakistan will now have access to the same system that many analysts call the best in the world.

Link-16 is an encrypted, jam-resistant tactical data link (TDL) network that allows real-time sharing of combat data, voice communications, imagery, and relative navigation information between military platforms in air, sea, and ground.

The Link-16 system allows the interconnection of fighter planes with airborne warning and control systems (Awacs), air defence units, ships, and ground radars into a unified common operating Picture (COP), which refers to a real-time digital representation of the battlefield. Once joined into COP via Link-16, all of these components can jointly identify threats, share targeting data, and coordinate engagement operations.

One major feature of Link-16 is beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) engagement and launch-on-remote targeting. Conventionally, a fighter plane must independently detect and then lock onto a target to take it down. With Link-16, one aircraft could do the detection and another could lock and attack the target. This increases synergy between various components like various fighter planes and surface-to-air units involved in the operation.

Such systems are the nervous system of kill chains in the kind of aerial warfare seen in May when India and Pakistan clashed during Operation Sindoor.
US President Donald Trumps decision to impose high tariffs on Indian goods garnered major backlash from the Democrats during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday, with many insisting that the US might lose a crucial partner

New Delhi should begin to determine the price of renewed partnership. File image/AFP

US President Donald Trumps decision to impose high tariffs on Indian goods garnered major backlash from the Democrats during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday. The Democratic lawmakers warned that Trumps tariff regime and confrontational approach toward New Delhi could inflict long-term damage on one of Americas most vital alliances.

During the hearing by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia on the USIndia strategic partnership, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a ranking Democratic member, accused Trump of unravelling decades of bipartisan progress.

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She insisted that the former US President Joe Bidens government had handed Trump a bilateral relationship at the height of its strength, citing a revitalised Quad, a budding defence tech partnership and a trusted supply chain partner, only for it to be flush, flush, flush down the toilet.

Trump will be the American president who lost India

Representative Dove went on to warn that history may judge Trump harshly over the matter. Unless he changes course, Trump will be the American President who lost India, she said. You do not get a Nobel Peace Prize by driving strategic partners into the arms of our adversaries," she furthered.

The Democratic lawmaker emphasised how the tariff rate on India is currently higher than the tariff rate on China, describing the whole policy as self-defeating.

During the hearing, Democrats also accused Trump of attacking people-to-people ties by imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, 70 per cent of which are held by Indians. Dove called the move a rebuke of the incredible contributions Indians have made in the US.

Lawmakers cautioned that tariffs risk overshadowing urgent strategic priorities, including countering China and stabilising supply chains.

Hence, the hearing made clear that the tariff confrontation has become the most politically charged issue in the USIndia relationship and one with broad geopolitical consequences.

Putin-Modi ties also highlighted

During the congressional hearing, Dove also displayed the now-famous car selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. She used it as a warning that Washington is pushing India closer to Moscow  and that it is the United States, not New Delhi, undermining the partnership.

Trumps policies towards India can only be described as cutting our nose to spite our face, Kamlager-Dove said, arguing that the administrations pressure tactics are doing real and lasting damage to the strategic trust and mutual understanding between our two countries.

This poster is worth a thousand words. You do not get a Nobel Peace Prize by driving US strategic partners into the arms of our adversaries, she added. Pointing at the poster, she reiterated that the moment should be seen as a wake-up call for Washington. Because let me be clear: being a coercive partner has a cost, she said.

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A Ukrainian official briefed on the latest version told AFP that it takes into account Ukraines vision  it is a further proposal for adequate solutions to problematic issues

FILE - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, looks back at the media in Downing Street, London, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

Ukraine has submitted its response to the latest ceasefire deal drafted by the US, as President Donald Trump pushes for a quick resolution to the war.

Sources told CNN that the Ukrainian government has submitted its response to the Trump administration after the president suggested a solution could soon be figured out, adding that a lot of people say its closer than its ever been.

A first US plan that involved Ukraine surrendering land that Russia has not captured was seen by Kyiv and its European allies as caving in to too many of Russias hardline demands, and has since been revised.

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Whats the new plan?

Following meetings with Russia and Ukraine, the US peace plan has been reduced from 28 to 20 points to be more accommodating to the demands of both the warring parties. It is one of three documents currently under negotiation, alongside agreements on security guarantees and economic recovery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he held a meeting on the economic recovery document on Wednesday.

A Ukrainian official briefed on the latest version told AFP that it takes into account Ukraines vision  it is a further proposal for adequate solutions to problematic issues.

We are not disclosing the details pending the reaction of the American side, the official added.

Two European diplomats, however, told CNN that the new plan proposes the creation of a demilitarised zone along the line of contact.

Trumps pressure tactic

But Trump, who has been pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a US plan, swiftly expressed impatience with both Kyiv and its European allies in France, Britain and Germany.

His comments come amid a growing divide with Europe after he described it as decaying and weak on immigration and Ukraine, days after a new US national security strategy said the continent risked civilisational erasure.

We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words, Trump told reporters when asked about the phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

On Monday, Ukraines European allies put on a show of support for Zelensky as they expressed scepticism about parts of the latest US proposal to end the war launched by Russia in February 2022.

With inputs from agencies
A UN probe found that Venezuelas national guard has committed serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity for more than a decade. The report comes with 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado set to address the world in a press conference from Oslo.

Venezuelas national guard has committed serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity for more than a decade, a United Nations-mandated investigation said Thursday.

The Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), a military force tasked with maintaining public order, was a central actor in the persecution of President Nicolas Maduros opponents, a crime against humanity, the UNs independent international fact-finding mission on Venezuela determined in its latest report.

GNB officials perpetrated arbitrary deprivation of life, arbitrary detentions, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment during law enforcement operations in the context of protests and in actions of targeted political persecution since 2014, the mission said.

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The persistence of these abuses reflects structural failures within Venezuelas accountability and political system which have further entrenched impunity."

The report comes with 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado set to address the world in a press conference from Oslo on Thursday, according to the Norwegian government, a day after the Venezuelan opposition leader was awarded the honour in absentia.

Machado, who won the Nobel for challenging Maduros grip on power, has been in hiding since August 2024 after threats to her life.

The Venezuelan security forces, including the GNB and the police, are regularly accused of abuses, especially during the repression of opposition demonstrations.

The United States, Europe, and many Latin American countries, in particular, do not recognise the results of the 2024 election that secured Maduro a third six-year term.

The opposition has accused Maduro of stealing the election.

Marta Valinas, chair of the fact-finding mission, said it had been able to document the GNBs role in systematic and coordinated repression against opponents or those perceived as such, which has continued for more than a decade.

Break victims

The report said a highly centralised chain of command, under Maduros direction, had facilitated such abuses.

During protest peaks in 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2024, the GNB used excessive force, including the improper use of lethal weapons, the mission said.

The report also documented mass and targeted arbitrary detentions, physical violence during arrests, planting of evidence, torture and other ill-treatment, and sexual violence inside GNB facilities used as temporary detention centres.

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They form part of a pattern of abuse used to punish and break victims, said Valinas.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan judicial system seems unable or unwilling to investigate such violations, the report found.

The mission has reasonable grounds to believe that GNB officials made essential contributions to the crimes under investigation, including arbitrary detentions, torture and ill-treatment, gender-based violence, and persecution, Valinas said.

The UN Human Rights Council set up the fact-finding mission in 2019, and tasked it with assessing alleged human rights violations committed since 2014.

Since 2013, more than seven million Venezuelans have fled the country to escape the economic and political crisis.

(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
The US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a must-pass defence policy bill, advancing the lawmakers efforts to compel the Pentagon to release the video of the controversial military strike that killed two men who survived an initial attack

The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, US, on October 9, 2020. Reuters File

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a must-pass defence policy bill, advancing the lawmakers efforts to compel the Pentagon to release the video of the controversial military strike that killed two men who survived an initial attack on their alleged drug smuggling vessel.

According to The Washington Post, the bill was passed with 312 to 112 votes. The Senate is now expected to pass the measure in the coming days, and lawmakers already told reporters that they are confident that US President Donald Trump would sign it into law.

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The legislation would withhold 25 per cent of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseths travel budget until he discloses all of his orders. Since September, Hegseth has authorised close to two dozen military attacks since September in the waters off Latin America.

The bill also calls for the release of unedited video of those operations  including the September 2 strikes that killed 11 people, including the two men who survived the initial hit on their boat. The video has been in demand because experts on the law of armed conflict, along with many Democrats and select Republicans, have questioned whether it was lawful for the US forces to strike the boat again when the first one failed to kill everyone aboard.

What the bill is about

The $900 billion defence bill focuses largely on reforming the Pentagons bureaucratic system for buying weapons, which members of both parties have said wastes taxpayer money and risks Americas ability to compete with such adversaries as Russia and China.

The bill also presents an opportunity for Congress to force the Pentagon to share more information  a recurrent complaint from the Armed Services committees during Hegseths tenure. The legislation compels the department to consult the lawmakers before withdrawing US troops from Europe and South Korea and before reconstructing Americas vast military commands around the world.

Apart from this, the bill also renews the US security aid programs to Ukraine and the three small Baltic nations that border Russia. This is coming at a time when the Pentagon had signalled this year that it intended to shelve the initiatives, amid the Trump administrations transactional approach to foreign policy.

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday launched the Golden visa program that allows wealthy foreigners to buy a Trump Gold Card worth $1 mn to fast-track their move to America.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday launched a new program that will allow rich foreigners to buy an American  golden visa for a whopping $1 million and trailed a platinum version for $5 million. Trump took to his social media platform TruthSocial to launch the initiative.

A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent, Trump wrote on Wednesday on social media. An official US government page, propped up for the same that promises American residency in record time with the new Trump Gold Card  once applicants have paid a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), passed a background check and paid up $1 million.

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The move is in accordance with the September executive order, which requires individuals to pay $1 million, while businesses sponsoring employees are required to pay $2 million. The firms were then required to pay a 1 per cent annual maintenance fee of $20,000, and a 5 per cent transfer fee of $100,000 each time they wanted to switch the visa from one employee to another.

The $5 million Platinum card is next in line

It is pertinent to note that the latest program comes as the Trump administration devotes significant resources to deporting millions of undocumented immigrants. However, the initiative has already faced backlash by seemingly contradicting the USs traditional reputation as a refuge for the hardworking poor.

Meanwhile, the website stated that a Trump Platinum Card is also coming soon. The card in question would allow holders to spend up to 270 days in the US without being subject to US taxes on non-US income. While introducing the initiative, Trump noted that the proceeds would go to an account where we can do things positive for the country and that it would generate many billions of dollars.

Interestingly, the gold card was priced at $5 million when the Trump administration announced the move in September. The discounted price tag may give the card a competitive edge compared with similar pay to jump the line programs that are in operation in other nations.

For instance, New Zealands new golden visa program costs nearly $3 million (US dollars), but it managed to attract strong interest from wealthy Americans following Trumps re-election. Essentially, were having people come in, people that, in many cases, I guess, are very successful or whatever, the president said back in September. Theyre going to spend a lot of money to come in. Theyre going to pay, as opposed to walking over the borders.

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Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also lauded the launch on X, formerly known as Twitter. Under this historic initiative, qualified individuals and corporations, who contribute $1 million and $2 million, respectively, will receive expedited EB-1 or EB-2 green cards following rigorous vetting, she wrote in the post.
The US Department of Homeland Security has signed a nearly $140 million contract to purchase six Boeing 737 planes for deportation operations as the Trump administration tightens its noose on immigration

FILE - The Boeing logo is displayed at the company's factory, Sept. 24, 2024, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

As the Trump administration continues to intensify its crackdown on immigration, the US Department of Homeland Security has signed a nearly $140 million contract to purchase six Boeing 737 planes for deportation operations. According to The Washington Post, the contract was signed with the Virginia-based firm Daedalus Aviation. The DHS eventually confirmed the news on Wednesday.

In a statement to The Guardian, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasised that the move is cost-efficient. This new initiative will save $279m in taxpayer dollars by allowing ICE to operate more effectively, including by using more efficient flight patterns," McLaughlin said.

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President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to quickly and efficiently getting criminal illegal aliens OUT of our country," she added. According to the website of Daedalus Aviation, the American company provides comprehensive, responsive flight operations tailored to the unique needs of each mission", ranging from high-tempo government-directed evacuations to sensitive international repatriations.

Whether operating in contested airspace, remote locations, or under diplomatic sensitivity, we deliver aviation support that moves people  and missions  forward," it added.

What the deal is about

According to The Washington Post report, funding for the new fleet is expected to come from the congressionally approved $170 billion budget allocated for Trumps border and immigration policies. It is pertinent to note that the budget also includes funding for new detention centres, ICE enforcement operations and construction of the border wall.

The new contract is the latest in the series of steps taken by the Trump administration to carry out the largest deportation operation in American history. Last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Kristi Noem, the DHS secretary, and Corey Lewandowski, a senior Trump adviser, instructed ICE to purchase 10 Boeing 737s from Spirit Airlines to expand deportation flights and possibly for their own travel, according to people familiar with the plan.

However, at that time, the officials warned that buying aircraft would be far more expensive than contracting flights, and upon looking into the proposal, they found that Spirit does not actually own the jets and that the planes lack engines. Hence, the plan was eventually put on hold. Hence, it will be interesting to see how this deal will play out.
The United States on Wednesday seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, in a major escalation of US President Donald Trumps four-month pressure campaign against the Latin American nation and its autocratic president, Nicolas Maduro

Trumps administration is ramping up pressure on Venezuela with a major Caribbean military deployment that includes the worlds largest aircraft carrier. (AFP)

The United States on Wednesday seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, in a major escalation of US President Donald Trumps four-month pressure campaign against the Latin American nation and its autocratic president, Nicolas Maduro. The confirmation of the seizure came from Trump, who said: Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela  a large tanker, very large, the largest one ever seized actually.

It was seized for a very good reason, Trump added, declining to say who owned the vessel. Meanwhile, US Attorney General Pam Bondi shared footage of the operation on X, formerly known as Twitter. The grainy, 45-second video showed US forces landing on the tanker from a helicopter.

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Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. For multiple pic.twitter.com/dNr0oAGl5x  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) December 10, 2025

In a statement accompanying the video, Bondi said that the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the US Coast Guard, with support from the Department of Defence, had executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

Why it matters

In the statement, Bondi noted that the tanker had been sanctioned by the United States for multiple years due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government made no immediate comment on the seizure.

However, while speaking at a rally in Caracas, Maduro urged citizens to act like warriors and be ready to smash the teeth of the North American empire if necessary. It is pertinent to note that the draconian leader has been in power in the country since 2013, when he succeeded Hugo Chavez after his death from cancer.

He is notoriously known for stealing elections and has clung to power after launching a wave of repression that forced Edmundo Gonzalez, the apparent winner of the 2024 vote, into exile in Spain. Since August this year, the US has put a $50m bounty on Maduros head, launched the biggest naval deployment in the Caribbean Sea since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

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Apart from this, Washington also carried out a series of deadly airstrikes on alleged drug boats that have killed more than 80 people. On Tuesday, two US fighter jets circled the Gulf of Venezuela for about 40 minutes. The aircraft flew just north of Maracaibo, one of Venezuelas most populous cities.

The next day, Gonzalezs most important backer, the opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, was formally awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a peaceful and just transition from dictatorship to democracy.

Machados daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the prize on her behalf, telling the gathering at Oslo that her mothers struggle to end years of obscene corruption and brutal dictatorship would go on.
After a US trade representative described Indias latest proposals among the best the US ever received as a country, Goyal on Thursday said that if Washington believes it has secured a favourable deal, it should sign on the dotted line

Hours after a US trade representative described Indias latest proposals among the best the US ever received as a country, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that if Washington believes it has secured a favourable deal, it should sign on the dotted line.

Goyals comment came after US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in a statement to a Senate Appropriations subcommittee described Indias latest proposals as among the best weve ever received as a country in the context of talks on expanding market access  especially for agricultural products.

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US delegation, led by Deputy USTR Ambassador Rick Switzer, is currently in New Delhi for discussions on the bilateral trade package.

Asked to address this optimism, Goyal said, That only the USTR can answer. His happiness is very much welcome. And I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted line.

Goyal said India and the US have already held several detailed rounds of talks.

Negotiations are progressing well. Weve had substantive discussions over multiple rounds  five so far, MoneyControl quoted him as saying son the sidelines of an IndiaItaly joint press briefing.

He clarified that the current visit by Switzer, who recently took office, is not a formal negotiating round but an opportunity for officials to familiarise themselves and deepen exchanges.

Its his first visit to India. Were getting to know each other. He met me as well, and we had very good substantive discussions, Goyal said.

On timelines, Goyal reiterated that India will not enter talks bound by strict deadlines.

A deal is only done when both sides stand to benefit. We should never negotiate with deadlines or hard stops because it tends to make mistakes, Goyal was quoted as saying, indicating that although progress has been steady, New Delhi remains firm on achieving balanced outcomes.

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This marks the second visit by a senior US official since President Donald Trump imposed a 25% additional tariff on Indian goods over New Delhis purchase of Russian oil  on top of an existing 25% tariff making India one of the most heavily tariffed countries. India has since diversified its energy imports.

Separately, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker concluded a five-day visit to India on December 11 to advance the strategic partnership between the two countries, the US Embassy said in a statement on Sunday.

New Delhi and Washington had originally aimed to finalise the first tranche of their trade agreement by this fall, but the two sides were unable to close the deal before the deadline.

Notably, the back-to-back visits by high-level US delegations come just days after Russian President Vladimir Putins trip to India.

With inputs from agencies
Machado left Venezuela and has been living in Oslo after she secretly left her home country in defiance of a travel ban imposed by authorities. She also spent almost a year in hiding

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado reacts to the crowd gathered in front of the Grand Hotel, in Oslo, Norway, early Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. AP

Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado said on Thursday that she is planning to take her award back to Venezuela, but fell short of mentioning when she will return.

Venezuelan opposition figure Machado arrived in Oslo earlier today, failing to reach the Norwegian capital in time for the prize ceremony held hours earlier.

Machado left Venezuela and has been living in Oslo after she secretly left her home country in defiance of a travel ban imposed by authorities. She also spent almost a year in hiding.

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I came to receive the prize on behalf of the Venezuelan people and I will take it back to Venezuela at the correct moment, she told reporters at parliament, dressed in white. Of course I will not say when that is.

The Nobel Prize winner made her first public appearance in Oslo today after being in hiding for nearly 11 months. She was due to hold a press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere later.

Machado was barred from running in the presidential election last year, despite having won the oppositions primary by a landslide. She went into hiding in August that year after authorities expanded arrests of opposition figures following the disputed vote.

Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, went to the event to receive the prize on her mothers behalf.

It reminds the world that democracy is essential to peace, Reuters quoted Machado as saying through Ana Corina Sosa Machado, whose voice faltered as she spoke of her mother.

And more than anything, what we Venezuelans can offer the world is the lesson forged through this long and difficult journey: that to have a democracy, we must be willing to fight for freedom, she added.

A large portrait of a smiling Machado was displayed in Oslo City Hall to stand in for her, drawing cheers and applause from the audience when Norwegian Nobel Committee head Joergen Watne Frydnes announced during his speech that Machado would be arriving in Oslo.

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Referencing past laureates Nelson Mandela and Lech Walesa, he said that champions of democracy are expected to pursue their aims with a moral purity their opponents never display.

With inputs from agencies
Both countries have blamed each other for escalating tensions, which has expanded to five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia. Nine Thai soldiers have been killed this week and more than 120 wounded

Viral pictures of skies turning red in Thailand after Cambodia launched artillery and mortar attacks against the country have gone viral, as conflict between the two neighbours escalates.

Officials have said that 19 people have been killed in the latest round of border fighting that reignited last week, while more than half a million people have fled the border areas in Thailand.

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The Southeast Asian nations dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier, where both sides claim a smattering of historic temples.

This weeks clashes are the deadliest since five days of fighting in July that killed dozens before a shaky truce was agreed, following intervention by Trump.

Both countries have blamed each other for escalating tensions, which has expanded to five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia. Nine Thai soldiers have been killed this week and more than 120 wounded, Thai defence ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri told reporters on Thursday.

Trump to speak to Thailand and Cambodia

The US president said he expected to speak Thursday with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to demand a halt to the clashes.

I think Im scheduled to speak to them tomorrow, Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said there had been no coordination yet with Trump.

But if theres a call from the US president, we definitely will answer the phone and we will explain to him He does not have more details of the situation than me, Anutin said.

This is an issue between two countries. He has good intentions to see peace but we have to explain what the problems are and why it turned out this way, the prime minister added.

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US calls for restraint

The US State Department urged Cambodian and Thai forces to halt their clashes, warning that renewed fighting is jeopardising a ceasefire brokered earlier this year with support from President Trump.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the United States is concerned by the escalating violence. Hostilities resumed Sunday after an incident that left two Thai soldiers wounded, prompting tens of thousands of civilians to flee the border region.

Rubio called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and for both sides to return to the de-escalatory measures outlined in the October 26 Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, which were signed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

With inputs from agencies
With the threat of sanctions, the White House has been reportedly pressuring the International Criminal Court (ICC) to grant immunity to President Donald Trump. The pressure campaign has been reported at a time when the US attacks on boats in international waters have drawn war crime accusations.

US President Donald Trump waves upon his arrival at Haneda airport in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo: Reuters)

The White House has been pressuring the International Criminal Court (ICC) to amend its charter to grant immunity to President Donald Trump and senior officials of his administration, according to Reuters.

If the ICC does not accept the Trump administrations demands, it would face sanctions, a US official told Reuters.

The ICC is the world's top court with 125 member states that tries the most serious crimes of international concern  genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Unlike the United Nations (UN) International Court of Justice (ICJ), which tries cases involving states, the ICC tries cases involving individuals.

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Trump afraid of ICC trial after leaving office: Report

The Trump administration is concerned that Trump and senior officials like Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could be tried for war crimes after 2029 when the present administrations term would end, the official told Reuters.

There is growing concern  that in 2029 the ICC will turn its attention to the president, to the vice president, to the secretary of war and others, and pursue prosecutions against them. That is unacceptable, and we will not allow it to happen, the Trump administration official said.

The Trump administrations pressure campaign against the ICC for immunity has been reported at a time when the US military campaign of blowing up boats and killing sailors in international waters has drawn accusations of war crimes. Since September 2, the US military has blown up 22 boats and killed 87 persons.

The administration has claimed that the sailors it has been killing are terrorists, but it has neither shared any evidence nor provided identities of those killed.

In the most contentious act, the US military on September 2 conducted a secondary strike to kill two shipwrecked survivors of the initial strike who were clinging to the broken vessel without any weapon or communication device. Their killing was in violation of both international law and the American war manual.

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ALSO READ: Is Trumps word the law in US? This is how secret memo eyes to legalise Venezuela boat strikes

The official said that the Trump administration has also demanded that the ICC drop its investigation into Israeli leaders over the war in the Gaza Strip and an earlier investigation into American troops actions in Afghanistan.

Failure to accept these three conditions would result in penalties on ICC officials and sanctions on the ICC itself, the official said.

Impractical demands and death of ICC

The demand for the grant of immunity for Trump is both impractical and against everything that the ICC stands for.

Granting immunity in the charter for specific individuals would kill the purpose of the ICC.

In any case, any effort to change the Rome Statute the agreement that established the ICC would require approval of two-thirds of countries that have ratified the Rome Statute.

While most amendments require the support of two-thirds of members to pass, fundamental changes to the ICCs jurisdiction would require an even larger majority to be implemented, according to Reuters.
Amazon India has announced its plan to invest $35 billion (Rs. 3.14 lakh Crore approx.) across all its businesses through 2030. The announcement was made yesterday at the Amazon Smbhav Summit, the companys annual flagship event in India dedicated to celebrating and empowering Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs), entrepreneurs, and innovators.

With this investment, Amazon plans to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen infrastructure, and support innovation across the country. So far, the company has invested around $40 billion (Rs. 3.60 lakh crore approx.)including compensation to employees and the development of infrastructure in Indiaaccording to a report by Keystone Strategy.

Moving forward, the investments will align with Indias current priorities, including expanding AI capabilities, enhancing logistics infrastructure, supporting small business growth, and creating job opportunities.

Through this initiative, Amazon expects to create 3.8 million direct, indirect, induced, and seasonal jobs across its businesses and achieve $80 billion in cumulative e-commerce exports from India by 2030, quadrupling the current $20 billion milestone.

Amazons AI commitment for India

In line with the Indian governments vision of AI for All. By 2030, Amazon plans to:

Bring the benefits of AI to 15 million small businesses, with sellers on Amazon.in already using AI-powered tools like Seller Assistant , Next Gen Selling, and others.

Enhance shopping experiences of shoppers through innovations like Lens AI for visual discovery , conversational shopping with Rufus

, conversational Empower 4 million government school students with AI education and career exploration opportunities through an AI curriculum, technology career tours, hands-on AI sandbox experiences, and teacher training programs.

Commenting on the announcement, Amit Agarwal, Senior VP Emerging Markets, Amazon, said,
realme has officially announced the global debut of its proprietary imaging technology, LumaColor IMAGE. The new system is scheduled to launch with the upcoming realme 16 Pro Series smartphones. Alongside this announcement, the company confirmed a collaboration with certification body TUV Rheinland to establish a dedicated testing facility.

Collaboration with TUV Rheinland

To support the development of this new technology, realme and TUV Rheinland have jointly established the LumaColor IMAGE LAB. According to the company, this facility is designed to test and calibrate color performance across a variety of real-world lighting scenarios.

The lab recreates environments such as dimly lit restaurants, indoor cafes with warm lighting, and spaces with high saturation or mixed lighting sources. The data gathered from these tests is intended to refine the LumaColor processing pipeline, ensuring stability and accuracy in color reproduction.

Focus on Portrait Photography

The LumaColor IMAGE technology is primarily focused on enhancing portrait photography. Realme states that the system aims to improve the coordination between light and color processing to avoid common issues such as overexposure or color distortion.

Key features of the technology include:

Skin Tone Optimization: The system utilizes full-dimensional skin tone optimization designed to render diverse complexions accurately.

The system utilizes full-dimensional skin tone optimization designed to render diverse complexions accurately. Depth and Lighting: The technology incorporates optical depth-of-field fusion blur and light/shadow reconstruction to improve subject isolation and add texture to the images.

Availability

While the inclusion of LumaColor IMAGE on the realme 16 Pro Series has been confirmed, the company has not yet released a specific launch date, but it is expected in early January 2026.
OnePlus has officially announced a new variant for its upcoming OnePlus 15R smartphone. The device will be available in a third color option, Electric Violet, which the company is branding as the OnePlus 15R Ace Edition. This new colorway joins the previously confirmed Charcoal Black and Mint Green versions.

According to the announcement, the Ace Edition features a distinct design utilizing a fiberglass back cover. The panel includes a specialized coating that imprints the word Ace into the devices rear aesthetic.

Regarding internal specifications, OnePlus already confirmed that the 15R series will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. The company states that this processor has been co-defined and co-optimized for the handset and marks the first global availability of this specific chipset in a device.

Additionally, the smartphone will be equipped with a 7,400 mAh battery and will feature the DetailMax Engine, an imaging technology introduced with the OnePlus 15.

The OnePlus 15R Ace Edition will be available for purchase via Amazon.in and the official OnePlus India website. The smartphone is scheduled to be fully revealed at a launch event in Bengaluru on December 17. The event will be livestreamed, and tickets for physical attendance are currently available via BookMyShow.
Japans tourism industry enters a deep winter chill after Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan

14:49, December 11, 2025 By Wang Jun ( Global Times

Since early December, multiple regions across Japan have begun to feel a noticeable shift in the tourism market, as the number of visitors from the Chinese mainland drops sharply. The turning point, industry insiders say, was Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks regarding the Taiwan question. The political shockwaves quickly spilled over into one of the most sensitive sectors  tourism.

Market research firm China Trading Desk reported that bookings by Chinese travelers to Osaka for this winter and next spring have plunged by 55 to 65 percent, with Kansai International Airport seeing the highest cancellation rate nationwide. The Japan Research Institute estimates that if the situation persists into next year, the economic loss could reach 1.2 trillion yen (about $7.8 billion).

Beyond the numbers, the strain on tourism businesses offers a more telling picture. In Kyoto, a kimono rental shop that relies heavily on independent Chinese travelers said its monthly revenue has dropped by roughly 3 million yen since December. The owner noted that while Chinese tourists used to account for about half of all customers, the proportion has collapsed, and formerly full reservation slots now sit empty.

In Osaka, a popular rice-ball shop long favored by foreign tourists saw 24 people lining up one afternoon  yet none were from the Chinese mainland. The show owner said Chinese travelers once made up around 20 percent of customers, but now they are almost gone. Such specific shifts are creating a palpable sense of anxiety among tourism industry practitioners.

Daily life observations in Japan by the reporter reinforces the trend. In Yokohamas Minato Mirai and Sakuragicho  areas traditionally filled with Chinese visitors  Chinese voices have become rare this month. The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, one of the citys most popular cultural and shopping destinations, has already entered its Christmas season, but Chinese tour groups are now nearly absent.

A friend in Nagoya told the reporter that the international arrivals hall at the local airport is now unusually quiet, a stark contrast with previous months. Another friend in Osaka, who works in commercial passenger transport, said the impact has been more direct. Having expanded his green-plate fleet to 12 vehicles in October to prepare for Chinas 2026 Spring Festival peak, he now receives only one-third of his usual daily bookings.

After Chinese airlines extended free cancellation policies, more than half of the previously confirmed year-end and Spring Festival charters were canceled. There are plenty of places to travel, one longtime customer told him. We just dont want to visit Japan for the new year during a period of tension.

These examples do not reflect problems within the market itself, but rather the spillover effects of the Japanese governments diplomatic messaging. Tourism is highly sensitive to political signals. Once negative expectations emerge, travelers adjust immediately, while small and medium-sized enterprises lack the capability to absorb external shocks.

Japanese media have reached similar conclusions: cancellation surges in Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and other cities. Some industry practitioners in lodging, retail and transport said the situation feels more difficult than during the pandemic, because there are no government subsidies this time, and there is no way to predict how long the situation will last. While local governments and industry associations remain restraint in tone, they have begun to warn businesses to "be aware of the uncertainties brought about by diplomatic tensions."

The currently cooling tourism sector in Japan is not a simple shift in consumer behavior  it is the economic cost of the Japanese governments hardline statements on a highly sensitive issue. These costs fall first on local industries and ordinary workers, and will soon ripple through regional economies. However the situation develops going forward, the chain reaction already unfolding underscores a sobering reality: when national-level political rhetoric crosses boundaries it should not, the one who pays the price is not the government itself, but countless ordinary people whose livelihoods depend on tourism and services.

(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.
In the constantly changing environment of precision agriculture, it can be difficult to winnow through the array of available tools and technologies becoming available for use by farmers and ranchers. To help guide those decisions, two faculty member...
Editors Note: This story was originally published in the Dec. 3, 2025, issue of the Daily Montanan, https://dailymontanan.com/2025/12/03/fewer-than-half-of-montana-primary-students-meet-proficiency-standards/.

Fewer than half of Montana students in...
The Glasgow City Council will meet in regular session, Monday, Feb. 2, 5 p.m., in the Council Chambers, located inside of the Glasgow Civic Center.

The meeting is open to the public and are recorded for future listening, https://www.cityofglasgowmt.com/.
For the Courier

As the year 2025 comes to a close, the Valley County Community Foundation would like to say thank you for all the contributions given to the endowment to help support the great communities of Valley County. The VCCF was able to award...
For the week of Nov. 24 through 30, there were four motor vehicle stops, two reports of loose dogs, two reports of loose livestock, two reports of missing dogs and two reports of loose horses.

Monday, Nov. 24

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Russian SVR on Possible Wiretapping of Ukraine Officials: Intel Acts Within Their Powers

Sputnik News

20251210

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian special services act within their powers, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergei Naryshkin said on Wednesday, commenting on the possibility of wiretapping Ukrainian officials.

Earlier this week, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence, announced the alleged possibility of wiretapping conversations in Russia.

"Every Russian agency, including special services, operates within the powers granted to them by regulatory legal acts and, in general, by the legislation of Russia. And the topic you touched upon is quite sensitive," Naryshkin told Russian media.

Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and, unlike the West, does not engage in regime change, he added.

"Here, I would also like to debunk a widespread myth that intelligence agencies allegedly seek to infiltrate the state apparatus, political, and social institutions of Western countries to identify weaknesses and develop plans to undermine them in order to eliminate powerful competitors. This, of course, is not true. Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other states and, unlike the West, does not engage in regime change," Naryshkin said.

 Sputnik

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Contracts

Contracts For Dec. 10, 2025

ARMY

CDM Constructors Inc., Boston, Massachusetts (W912ER-26-DA001); Conti Federal Services LLC, Orlando, Florida (W912ER-26-DA004); Arkel International LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (W912ER-26-DA005); Perini Management Services Inc., Framingham, Massachusetts (W912ER-26-DA006); and Exyte U.S. Inc., Albany, New York (W912ER-26-DA007), will compete for each order of the $900,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide repair, alteration and construction services, including maintenance, demolition, site and infrastructure improvements, system maintenance, airfield pavements, asbestos abatement and supporting work for complete and usable facilities in support of Foreign Military Financing programs for Israel. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 10, 2032. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District, is the contracting activity.

Dubuque Barge and Fleeting Service Co.,* Dubuque, Iowa, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for mechanical dredging services in the Mississippi River Basin under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The amount of this action is $25,000,000. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 9, 2032. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is the contracting activity (W912EK-26-D-A001).

AIR FORCE

Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $454,954,000 ceiling, time-and-materials and firm-fixed-price task order issued under the General Services Administration multiple award schedule for Cloud One Architecture and common shared services. This contract provides enterprise level cloud architecture and common shared services support. Work will be performed at various outside the continental U.S. locations and is expected to be completed by Oct. 10, 2031. This was a competitive acquisition, and 11 offers were received. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $28,664,092 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8726-26-F-B002).

Avarint LLC, Buffalo, New York, was awarded a ceiling $96,008,576 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Counter Hypersonic Aircraft Command Control and Communications (C3). This contract provides for development and operations of specialized technical and engineering work for the Digital Integrated Air Defense System program office activities. These activities include software development of new capabilities, software sustainment, customer project support and execution, integration into simulators and ranges, and program management support. Work will be performed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 7, 2035. This contract was a sole source acquisition, and one offer was received. Fiscal 2025, research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $50,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Test Center, Test Range and Specialized Contracting Division, Edwards Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA9304-26-D-5001). (Awarded Dec. 8, 2025)

NAVY

Charles Stark Draper Laboratories Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, is being awarded a $453,943,849 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00026) against a previously awarded and announced contract (N00030-24-C-6001) for engineering and support services on the Trident (D5) Guidance Subsystem. This requirement is to exercise optional line items for engineering and support services. This modification also benefits a Foreign Military Sale (FMS). Work will be performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts (79%); Pittsfield, Massachusetts (16%); and El Segundo, California (5%). Work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2028. Fiscal 2026 Weapons Procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $275,678,677; fiscal 2026 research development test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,780,365; and fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $46,560,681, will be obligated at time of award. FMS funds in the amount of $5,792,764 will also be obligated at time of award. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded as a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 3204(c)(1) and was previously synopsized on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) online portal. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $30,853,810 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-plus-award-fee contract for post-delivery and engineering support for the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship program. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $286,757,190. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi (80%); and Norfolk, Virginia (20%), and is expected to be completed by December 2026. If all options are exercised, work will continue through December 2030. Fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,809,751 (23%); fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,630,256 (21%); fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,750,000 (31%); fiscal 2024 post-delivery shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $161,647 (1%); and fiscal 2025 post-delivery shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,017,185 (24%), will be obligated at award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1) (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-26-C-2443).

IrvinGQ Ltd., Llangeinor, Bridgend, United Kingdom, is awarded a $24,764,102 firm-fixed-price undefinitized contract for follow-on production of the MK-59 Floating Decoy System. Work will be performed in Bridgend, United Kingdom (64%); West Fargo, North Dakota (16%); York, United Kingdom (11%); Bloomfield, Connecticut (2%); and various other locations each less than 2% (7%), and is expected to be completed by December 2026. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $24,764,102 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-26-C-5524).

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $9,767,295 fixed-price incentive (firm-target) modification to previously awarded contract N00024-16-C-2427 to definitize engineering change proposals for the detail design and construction of one Amphibious Assault Ship (General Purpose) replacement America-class Flight 1 ship (LHA 8). Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi (83%); Brunswick, Georgia (12%); Pelham, Alabama (4%); and Tulsa, Oklahoma (1%), and is expected to be completed by September 2026. No funding will be obligated at time of award. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE

Ernst & Young LLP, Washington, D.C., was awarded a labor-hour contract option modification, P00027 dated Nov. 5, 2025, and executed subject to availability of funds due to the government shutdown, for audit services of the Department of the Air Force General Fund and Working Capital Fund financial statements and examination. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and other locations within and outside the U.S. The expected completion date is Dec. 31, 2026. This contract is the result of a competitive acquisition for which one quote was received. The contract has a 12-month base period plus four individual one-year option periods with a maximum value of $200,222,745. This award brings the total cumulative value of the contract to $193,429,892. Fiscal 2026 Air Force operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $39,948,362 are being obligated via modification P00028. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Contract Services Directorate, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (HQ0423-21-F-0087).

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4356793/

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California National Guard enters State Partnership Program with Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense

By Califonia National Guard December 9, 2025

MEXICO CITY -- The California National Guard and Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional) held a signing ceremony Oct. 28 to formalize their partnership in the Department of War National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, or SPP.

The SPP pairs a U.S. state or territory's National Guard with a partner nation's military forces, security forces or government organization, to foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

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 with the two partners.

"I am extremely pleased that the California National Guard was selected to partner with the Mexican army," Beevers said. "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."

This new partnership marks a milestone as it is the second State Partnership Program for U.S. Northern Command, or USNORTHCOM, and builds upon USNORTHCOM's already strong defense relationship with the Mexican armed forces - a decades-long relationship based on trust, mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty.

"The California National Guard's partnership with Mexico through the State Partnership Program reflects our shared commitment to advancing security cooperation efforts," said Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and USNORTHCOM. "This collaboration enhances practical cooperation between our forces to address shared security challenges, fostering a safer and more secure Western Hemisphere."

The California National Guard and Mexico partnership will collaborate on shared initiatives, including disaster response and joint training exchanges. The SPP is designed to strengthen enduring partnerships across the globe and build partner capacity. California has also partnered with the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 1993 and the Nigerian Armed Forces since 2006.

For more than 30 years, National Guard members have built enduring connections with foreign counterparts through the SPP. Each year, Guard members conduct about 1,000 training exchanges with their foreign counterparts.

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OIC Condemns Israeli Security Forces' Storming of UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

09-12-2025

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation forces' storming of UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarah District in the occupied City of Jerusalem and lowering the United Nations flag on one of its properties. The OIC emphasized that the act constituted a blatant breach of the United Nations Charter, relevant resolutions, and the legal opinions issued by the International Court of Justice on the Agency and a continuation of a series of repeated Israeli breaches of the United Nations conventions on immunities and privileges which guarantee protection for the United Nations organs, staff, assets, and facilities.

The OIC also reiterated its demand to the international community on the need to intervene urgently to end these systematic Israeli attacks which seek to undermine the mandate and critical role of this UN Agency and the Israeli occupation policy which forms a part of its attempts to discard the issue of the Palestinian refugees and their right to return. Once again, the OIC called on the international community to provide full political, legal, financial, and humanitarian support to UNRWA.

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Flintlock 26 MPE concludes, advancing multinational coordination

By 1st Sgt. Mireille Merilice Roberts December 10, 2025

Budapest, Hungary -- Special operations and law enforcement planners representing more than 20 allied and partner nations came together for Exercise Flintlock 2026's Mid-Planning Event, Nov. 22, 2025.

The multinational gathering advanced operational planning for U.S. Africa Command's premier special operations exercise, scheduled to commence in Cote d'Ivoire and Libya in April 2026. Planners developed unified strategies and objectives for a realistic, cross-border scenario against increasingly sophisticated terrorist networks.

Hosted by the Hungarian Defence Forces, the event underscored the critical role of allied and partner force leadership, information sharing and unified action in the global fight against terrorism.

"Unity defines strength and dedication to international security and supporting stability in Africa," said Hungarian Lt. Gen. Ferenc Kajari, Hungarian Defence Forces' deputy chief of defence. "Through focused training on information-sharing procedures, civil-military relations and adherence to the rule of law, Flintlock strengthens regional security and deepens the interoperability of partner nations to meet emerging challenges amplified by terrorism, organized crime and asymmetric threats."

Flintlock builds interoperability through implementing the military planning process at the operational level, down to tactical training on small unit tactics, marksmanship, civil-military relations, legal frameworks and information sharing. By coordinating across languages and locations throughout the year, from initial planning through execution, participating forces develop mutual understanding and tactical proficiency essential to succeed in today's environment.

"An exercise of this scale and scope demonstrates the power of international cooperation and our collective commitment to supporting African security," said U.S. Army Maj. Patrick Temperato, lead Flintlock planner. "When nations unite behind a common purpose, we amplify our capabilities to address complex security challenges, while strengthening partnerships essential to lasting stability."

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

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Senior US Africa Command leader visits Morocco, underscores enduring partnership

By Libby Weiler December 10, 2025

STUTTGART, Germany -- U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command, visited Rabat, Morocco, Oct. 20-21, highlighting the longstanding and deep partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco.

This visit, which underscored the strategic importance of Morocco and shared interests on the continent, followed Anderson's recent assumption of command and provided an opportunity to engage directly with key partners early in his tenure.

During the visit, Anderson engaged with senior Moroccan defense officials, including Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi and Inspector General of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces Gen. Mohammed Berrid. Discussions focused on the deep history of military cooperation and the strong bond shared between the two nations through mutual support and proactive cooperation on security and prosperity.

Anderson also toured Ben Guerir Air Base, focusing on the African partner flight training area and the F-16 training area. He received a briefing on the airborne, special operations forces and Infantry Tactics Training Area for African partners. The upgraded air base has become a focal point for multinational exercises like African Lion, demonstrating the versatility of the U.S.-Morocco partnership.

"We understand that the needs of both of our nations are constantly evolving," Anderson said. "Therefore, we maintain an open dialogue with Moroccan leadership to continually reassess our mutual interests and ensure our partnership remains aligned and mutually beneficial."

Anderson emphasized the enduring nature of the U.S.-Morocco relationship and the commitment of U.S. Africa Command to working closely with Moroccan partners to address shared security challenges and promote stability and prosperity in the region.

Key areas of discussion included:

 Longstanding Partnership: A testament to enduring friendship and mutual support, setting the stage for future collaboration across diverse domains.

 Long History of Military Cooperation: Building upon centuries of collaboration and reaffirming commitment to continued partnership.

 Shared Security and Prosperity: Recognizing the mutual benefits derived from proactive cooperation and support in promoting regional stability.

These discussions serve to strengthen existing cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration in addressing evolving security threats, supporting regional stability and promoting economic prosperity.

"The United States and Morocco share a partnership built on trust, mutual respect and a long history of cooperation," said Benjamin Ziff, Charge d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat. "General Anderson's visit reaffirms our continuing commitment to work hand in hand with our Moroccan partners to advance regional stability, security and prosperity."

The visit underscores the importance the United States places on its relationship with Morocco, a trusted partner in Africa.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

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Joint Statement delivered to the Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe

Republic of Poland

10.12.2025

The following States: Denmark, Italy, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands Norway, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom aligned to this Statement reaffirm their strong belief in the Council of Europe and in European values, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. We are committed to international law and to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (hereinafter "the Convention") as a cornerstone of this international order, and we reaffirm our commitment to the Convention and our support for the work and independence of the European Court of Human Rights (hereinafter "the Court") and its jurisdiction as defined in the Convention. Recalling the Reykjavik Declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to the concept of "democratic security".

Our governments have a duty to guarantee our populations' human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to live in peace, freedom and security, to preserve the values of our societies, and to effectively protect borders, prevent unlawful border crossings and counter migrant smuggling networks. Yet, the rights and freedoms of our populations are challenged by: people who take advantage of our hospitality by committing serious crime; trafficking in human beings and instrumentalisation of migrants.

These complex and disruptive challenges - that our societies face and which test the capacity of our current framework - were either unforeseen at the time the convention system and the Convention were drafted or have evolved significantly since then. When addressing these challenges in full compliance with international law, States have a fundamental duty to safeguard national security, protect our democracies, and ensure the security of individuals within our jurisdictions. Failing to recognise and respond to these challenges, we risk undermining the very fundamental rights and freedoms that the Convention protects, thereby eroding confidence in the whole Convention system.

Noting the letter signed on 22 May 2025 by a group of Heads of State and Government, which initiated this process that has since evolved through broad and inclusive engagement, we are therefore promoting an open and constructive discussion within the Council of Europe and with its Secretary-General to develop an adequate response to protect the Convention system from attempts to distort and weaken it. We appreciate and welcome the Secretary General's openness and contribution in facilitating this important dialogue, while fully respecting the Convention system and the integrity of the Court.

In addressing under the Convention, the challenges in expulsion of foreign criminals, migration management and cooperation with third countries regarding asylum and return procedures, as well as removal procedures and instrumentalisation of migration, a right balance has to be found between the migrants' individual rights and interests and the weighty public interests of defending freedom and security in our societies.

In this context, States aligned to this statement consider it imperative to ensure that the Convention framework is fit to address today's challenges, most notably in order to meet the following challenges:

 Expulsion of foreigners convicted of serious crimes : The clear starting point is that a State Party can expel foreigners convicted of serious crimes even though they have acquired ties to their host Country, e.g. if they have established a family life there. In line with the principles in this statement, it is vital that the balance between individual rights and legitimate aims as per Article 8 of the Convention is adjusted so that more weight is put on the nature and seriousness of the offence committed and less weight is put on the foreign criminal's social, cultural, and family ties with the host Country and with the Country of destination. The purpose of such a rebalancing is to ensure that we no longer see instances where foreigners convicted of serious crime, including serious violent crime, sexual assault, organised crime and human and drug trafficking, cannot be expelled.

 Clarity about inhuman and degrading treatment : The scope of "inhuman and degrading treatment" under Article 3, which is an absolute right, should be constrained to the most serious issues in a manner which does not prevent State Parties from taking proportionate decisions on the expulsion of foreign criminals, or in removal or extradition cases, including in cases raising issues concerning healthcare and prison conditions.

 Innovative and durable solutions to address migration : A State Party should not be prevented from entering into cooperation with third countries regarding asylum and return procedures, once the human rights of irregular migrants are preserved.

 Decision-making in migration cases : A State Party should not be prevented from applying clear rules and processes to facilitate timely decisions under Article 8 that can then be enforced, and which reflect the appropriate balance between the individual's rights and the public interest.

 Instrumentalisation of migration : Recognising the extremely sensitive geopolitical context and the need to properly ensure national security and public safety, including in cases where human rights and fundamental freedoms are subject to abuse and instrumental use by hostile regimes and individual applicants with ulterior motives, with an adverse effect on the Convention system.

In addressing these challenges, the States aligned to this Statement refer to the importance of the following key principles in the interpretation and application of the Convention:

- The States' right, as a matter of well-established international law and subject to their Treaty obligations, to control the entry, residence, and expulsion of foreigners from their territories, which should guide the interpretation of the Convention;

- The principle of subsidiarity, by which the primary responsibility for ensuring the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Convention and its Protocols lies with the States Parties to the Convention, which enjoy a margin of appreciation in doing so;

- The principle of shared responsibility by which it is primarily for the State Parties themselves, through their national courts and within the margin of appreciation defined by the Court, to ensure compliance with the guarantees of the Convention and to prevent the Court from becoming a fourth instance;

- The principle of proportionality, by balancing the protection of rights with safeguarding national security and protecting public safety and order, ascribing adequate weight to these values;

- The de minimis principle, which must be given uniform effect;

- The "living instrument" doctrine taking appropriate account of the developments, both factual and legal, that have evolved significantly in recent decades and were unforeseen at the time the Convention was drafted;

- The concept of "democracy capable of defending itself" preventing abuse of fundamental rights and freedoms by hostile regimes or individual applicants with ulterior motives.

The States aligned to this Statement welcome the 4-point proposal by the Council of Europe's Secretary-General including to adopt a declaration on migration and the Convention at the Foreign Ministers' meeting on 15th May 2026 in Chisinau (Moldova) and remain ready to work constructively with the Council of Europe, and in the case of EU Member States, whilst paying due consideration to the implications in relation to EU initiatives and applicable EU law.

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Chairman Mast Applauds NDAA Passage with HFAC-led Amendments

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

December 10, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast applauded the passage of this year's National Defense Authorization Act, which includes several key HFAC-led provisions.

"This bill delivers exactly what America has needed  bombs and bullets from America, for America," said Chairman Mast. "But it also does something very important  it rebuilds American foreign policy."

Included within the NDAA are several bipartisan measures advanced by the committee as part of its first full State Department reauthorization in more than two decades. The measures reassert command and control of the State Department and ensure every dollar and every diplomat puts America first.

This includes explicit authorizations for core State Department and U.S. foreign policy functions:

Under Secretary for Management:

Locks in a clear chain of command inside the State Department's management arm.

Requires counterintelligence training for personnel serving at high-threat posts.

Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy:

Modernizes public diplomacy to lead the fight against foreign propaganda and disinformation.

Aligns exchanges, educational programs, and messaging with real U.S. strategic outcomes.

Creates a permanent bureau to drive public diplomacy mission and imposes real reporting and safeguards to protect free speech.

Under Secretary for Political Affairs:

Puts the State Department's top regional leadership into statute for the first time.

Codifies all seven regional assistant secretaries.

Creates a unit to counter China.

Development Finance Corporation Reauthorization:

Reauthorizes and expands the DFC's ability to invest in strategic projects

Allows carefully limited investments in high-income countries for national security priorities like energy, critical minerals, undersea cables, and telecom

Caps risk, tightens oversight, and modernizes leadership so the DFC can move faster and smarter against China.

"Under Joe Biden, less than 15% of the state department has been authorized. This takes that number to about 40% and we're ready to do more work on that front as we move into the next year," said Chairman Mast.

Other HFAC-led measures include:

Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security (COINS) Act

Stops American money from flowing into companies that directly help China's military.

Codifies Trump's outbound investment restrictions and expands them beyond China to Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba.

Widens the tech covered to include AI, chips, quantum, supercomputing, and now hypersonics.

Countering Wrongful Detention Act

Gives the Secretary of State the power to formally label countries that take Americans hostage.

Unlocks sanctions to pressure those designated governments for release.

Puts real consequences behind the words "wrongful detention."

International Nuclear Energy Act

Puts America back in the lead on nuclear innovation and exports.

Builds financing, training, safety, and partnership tools so U.S. nuclear wins abroad  not Beijing or Moscow.

Creates a nuclear export working group and launches long-term cooperation programs.

Establishes a national infrastructure strategy to back projects critical to U.S. security.

BUST (Breakup Suspicious Transactions of) Fentanyl Act

Requires the State Department to report on China's actions to control fentanyl chemical precursor flows into Mexico and the United States.

Directs the President to assess whether senior Chinese officials have facilitated opioid trafficking by allowing the shipment of fentanyl chemical precursors

Expands mandatory sanctions to include Chinese entities, including banks, determined to be responsible.

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HFAC-Led Foreign Military Sales Reforms Pass in the NDAA

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

December 10, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the House passed key measures spearheaded by the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Foreign Military Sales Task Force to improve the foreign arms sales process and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base as part of this year's National Defense Authorization Act.

The legislation, which include the AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review (ARMOR) Act and the Made-in-America Defense Act, codifies much-needed reforms as outlined in President Trump's April 9th Executive Order. This tailored legislation will improve transparency and efficiency in our foreign defense sales process, boosting the US defense base and improving interoperability with our foreign partners and ensuring the US and its allies maintain the strongest military in the world.

Specifically, the ARMOR Act,, spearheaded by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), streamlines and strengthens the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership. At a time where adversaries continue to grow more hostile, strengthening AUKUS ties is critical to maintain our competitive edge.

"As our authoritarian adversaries like China grow more brazen in their Unholy Alliance, the United States must move with urgency to strengthen AUKUS and maintain our technological edge," said Rep. Young Kim. "Outdated export controls and bureaucratic delays weaken our ability to counter threats. The ARMOR Act cuts through the red tape so AUKUS can deliver peace through strength and show the world that America is serious about preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The Made-In-America Defense Act, led by Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-SC), strengthens U.S. defense export processes by cutting bureaucratic red tape, improving transparency, and making sure American manufacturers have an easier time at contributing to our national security. Prior to this legislation, certain defense items were restricted to slow, government-run sales channels due to their classification, even when faster, commercial avenues exist. This legislation will require regular review of such items, ensuring our foreign defense system stays up to date and allows our closest partners and allies to receive cutting edge American technology.

"Washington bureaucracy should never stand in the way of getting vital defense equipment to our allies or boosting American industry," said Congresswoman Biggs. "This bill cuts red tape, improves transparency, and ensures American manufacturers can play the vital role of contributing to our national security."

These measures were spearheaded by the bipartisan Foreign Military Sales Task Force.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast formally established the task force, led by Chairman Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Ranking Member Madeleine Dean (D-PA), in March to ensure the foreign arms sales process meets the demands of the future.

"As Chairman of the Foreign Military Sales Task Force, I've made it my mission to eliminate the bureaucratic delays that prevent America's top-tier military equipment from reaching our allies and partners," Chairman Zinke said. "The Foreign Military Sales Task Force was given a job, and we delivered. I appreciate Chairman Mast's support in these efforts and look forward to voting for this legislation on the House floor."

Since being stood up, the task force has heard from foreign partners, defense industry stakeholders, and U.S. government officials from across the interagency about key reforms needed to ensure the foreign arms sales process meets the demands of the future.

These task force's efforts, which build upon the House Foreign Affairs Foreign Military Sales TIGER Task Force co-led by Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) last Congress, will result in more efficient partnerships between the government and private sector stakeholders, a stronger defense industrial base, and foreign partners being better armed more quickly with American systems and hardware which improves interoperability.

Specifically, the Task Force passed five key pieces of legislation to reform our outdated foreign weapons sales processes.

"These actions, at their core, are about deterring aggression and, when needed, defeating our adversaries," Chairman Mast said. "When we streamline and strengthen the foreign arms sales process, we incentivize innovation, improve our domestic manufacturing capabilities, and create American jobs. This is a no-fail mission, and I appreciate the hard work by the Task Force in getting this legislation before the House Floor today. I will continue to work with our friends in the Senate and Administration to enact the other needed legislative reforms developed by the Task Force."

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Iran: Return of undocumented Afghan nationals carried out in compliance with international law

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 10, 2025

New York, IRNA -- Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani has emphasized that the return of the undocumented Afghan citizens has been carried out in full compliance with the international law and humanitarian principles, and with full respect for human dignity.

Iravani made the remarks at the Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

The Iranian Ambassador said that Iran, itself under severe unilateral sanctions, has borne the disproportionate burden of hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades. This responsibility, in the absence of adequate international support, has created enormous economic and security pressures, with annual costs estimated at nearly $10 billion.

The following is the full text of the Iranian envoy's speech at the UN meeting:

Statement by

H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

Before UN Security Council Briefing

on "Situation in Afghanistan."

New York, 10 December 2025

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

I congratulate Slovenia on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for this month and thank you, Madam. Minister for chairing this meeting. I thank Ms. Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative, and Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under Secretary-General, for their informative briefing and valuable contributions. We have listened carefully and taken note of the views shared by Ms. Negina Yari.

Madam President,

We take note of the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2025/789). The report confirms that, despite the tireless efforts and work of UNAMA and UN agencies, the Afghan people continue to face severe humanitarian and security challenges, persistent restrictions against women and girls, and threats from terrorism and narcotics, particularly synthetic drugs.

In light of the report, I wish to underline the following points:

First, we express deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation, particularly as winter approaches and in the aftermath of recent earthquakes. The severe underfunding of the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan threatens to intensify food insecurity, restrict access to basic services, worsen malnutrition, and deepen inequality, especially for women and children. We echo the Secretary-General's call in his report on donors to provide increased, predictable, and flexible funding to sustain life-saving operations.

In this context, we believe that meaningful and pragmatic engagement with the de facto authorities remains indispensable to addressing the humanitarian and economic crises that threaten Afghanistan and regional stability. We reiterate that humanitarian assistance must never be politicized. Sanctions must not impede economic stabilization or development, and Afghan national assets frozen abroad must be released without delay to meet the urgent needs of the Afghan people.

Second, the situation of women and girls remains a matter of grave concern. Systematic restrictions on education, employment, and public participation are incompatible with the teachings of Islam and with human dignity. We call on the de facto authorities to reverse these measures. Despite serious concerns, constructive engagement remains the most effective path to promote responsible conduct, uphold human rights, including the rights of ethnic groups and women.

In the meantime, the establishment of a truly representative and inclusive government is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability, preventing renewed conflict and large-scale refugee flows, and ensuring security, economic recovery, and respect for human rights, especially the rights of women and girls.

Third, the threat posed by terrorist groups, including ISIL-K, remains alarming and demands sustained international vigilance and collective action. The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly supports the emergence of Afghanistan as an independent, sovereign, united, and peaceful State, free from terrorism, conflict, and narcotics. Afghanistan must be supported for comprehensive and effective measures to dismantle all terrorist groups and to prevent the use of its territory to threaten or harm other States.

We are deeply concerned by recent security and border incidents between Afghanistan and its neighbours. Iran shares nearly 2,000 kilometers of border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, and our security is inseparably linked to that of both neighbours. Afghan territory must not be used as a base for terrorism or violence against neighboring countries, and the de facto authorities must bear full responsibility for preventing any form of support to terrorist entities.

Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs has engaged with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, during which he stated that Tehran stands ready to assist in de-escalation efforts between Kabul and Islamabad. He has also proposed convening a regional meeting of foreign ministers to provide a platform for consultation and the development of a coordinated regional approach.

Fourth, given our long-shared border and the presence of millions of Afghan nationals, developments in Afghanistan have a direct and immediate impact on Iran. Engagement with the de facto authorities is therefore not a matter of choice, but a strategic necessity to manage risks, reduce costs, and prevent future challenges. Iran has maintained sustained dialogue and constructive cooperation with Afghanistan, including facilitating trade, strengthening border coordination, delivering humanitarian assistance, and supporting education and health services, to promote regional stability and safeguard its legitimate interests.

As the only viable transit corridor providing Afghanistan with direct access to the high seas, Chabahar Port has served as a critical humanitarian lifeline, facilitating the delivery of essential cargo to Afghanistan. The imposition of restrictive measures under the pretext of so-called unilateral sanctions would have only serious and detrimental consequences for Afghanistan's economic stability and humanitarian situation. Iran seeks to fully utilize the capacity of Chabahar Port to support Afghanistan's economic recovery and humanitarian needs.

Fifth, Iran has borne a disproportionate burden for decades by hosting millions of Afghan refugees while itself being subjected to severe unilateral sanctions. This responsibility has imposed immense economic and security pressures, with annual costs reaching nearly ten billion dollars, in the absence of adequate international support.

It is deeply regrettable that the international community has failed to meet even its most minimal obligations to support Afghan refugees in Iran. This failure is clearly reflected in a significant reduction of allocated assistance for 2026, a cut of more than 60 percent. This represents a serious breach of the principle of international responsibility-sharing.

Iran has repeatedly and unequivocally stated, including from this very podium, that it cannot and will not continue to shoulder alone the disproportionate burden of hosting more than six million Afghan nationals without genuine international solidarity, equitable burden-sharing, and tangible financial support.

The return of undocumented Afghan nationals has been conducted in full conformity with international law and humanitarian principles, with strict respect for human dignity.

Finally, UNAMA continues to play a vital and indispensable role in addressing Afghanistan's complex and multidimensional challenges. We reaffirm our support for its mandate and its effective and impartial implementation. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to continue close cooperation with the United Nations, regional countries and mechanisms, and all relevant stakeholders to promote stability, security, and a better future for Afghanistan.

I thank you.

2050

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Iran urges global action for sustainable return of Afghan refugees

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 10, 2025

London, IRNA -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva has called on the international community to create sustainable conditions for the return of Afghan refugees to their home country.

In a speech at the 116th Session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday, Ali Bahreini said the fundamental solution to the refugee problem lies with real investment in infrastructure, employment, and services.

"The severe pressure on host communities and the lack of international aid have made it impossible for this situation to continue indefinitely," he emphasized in reference to Iran's generous hosting of millions of Afghan citizens for more than four decades.

Stating that "Iran reserves its sovereign right to return unauthorized nationals," the representative also urged senior IOM officials to pay a visit to Iran's border areas to get firsthand information and find real common solutions.

The latest global migration developments, as well as policies and cooperation for effective management of international migration, were discussed in the IOM meeting.

4399**4353

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Saeima Adopts the Defence Budget for 2026 in Final Reading

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

12/10/2025 - 10:58

In Latvia

Information prepared by Media Relations Section

On Thursday, 4 December, the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia adopted the 2026 defence budget in its final reading. Next year, the funding allocated for national defence will reach 2.16 billion euros, or 4.91% of GDP, continuing the targeted progress toward allocating 5% of GDP. The main objective is to strengthen Latvia's security and the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces, while also promoting the development of the local defence industry and innovation.

"This is a combat capability budget - the largest defence budget in history, exceeding 2 billion euros. The growing level of funding clearly demonstrates our readiness to defend Latvia. We will invest in modern armaments and capabilities, strengthen our soldiers, and work even more closely with local industry so that the money remains in Latvia and boosts our economy. We are building a security system that is resilient, modern, and closely aligned with the interests of society and our allies. Every euro invested in defence is an investment in a safer tomorrow for Latvia," emphasized Minister of Defence Andris Spruds.

The defence budget is structured in accordance with NATO's basic principles, and the largest share of funding - 53% or 1.14 billion euros - is planned to be directed toward developing and strengthening the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces. In 2026, the key capability development projects will include infantry fighting vehicle platforms, layered air defence systems, ammunition and equipment supply, indirect fire support capabilities, strengthening the eastern border, development of unmanned aerial capabilities, as well as maritime surveillance and coastal defence capabilities.

A total of 135 million euros is allocated for the development of military infrastructure, including continued construction of the Selonia training area and the creation of anti-mobility infrastructure to reinforce Latvia's eastern border, for which 55 million euros is allocated. At the same time, the defence sector will continue to provide substantial support to Ukraine - 0.25% of GDP, or 110 million euros, is earmarked for this purpose.

In 2026, special attention will be given to cooperation with local companies, ensuring that up to 30% of major procurements remain within the Latvian economy. A total of 25.9 million euros is allocated for the development of the defence industry and innovation, and funding will be directed toward a grant programme for companies developing military and dual-use technologies, support for start-ups, implementation of the green corridor for military production, as well as the operation of the NATO DIANA accelerator centre Unilab Defence. In parallel, projects of State Defence Corporation Ltd. will continue, including the establishment of a 155 mm artillery ammunition factory in Iecava, for which 13 million euros is allocated. At least 100 million euros is planned for the development of the drone coalition and unmanned systems.

Next year, the defence sector will also make significant investments in cybersecurity - 28 million euros are allocated for strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, implementing new systems, and conducting regular cyber crisis exercises. Programmes for patriotic education will also retain an important role - 22.39 million euros are planned for implementing the National Defence Education programme, which will be taken by 42,000 pupils in the 2025/2026 academic year, and for developing the Cadet Force movement (Jaunsardze), which involves 8,000 young people. In the 2026/2027 academic year, the General Peteris Radzins Military Secondary School will open in Malta.

It is projected that the defence budget will reach 5% of GDP in 2027, and 4.87% in 2028. These forecasts are aligned with the decisions adopted by the North Atlantic Council at the Hague Summit on 25 June this year, in which NATO member states committed to allocate at least 5% of GDP to defence by 2035.

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Latvia Strengthens the "Drone Wall" on the Eastern Border - Significantly Increases Funding for Drone Capabilities, Develops a Modern Air-Defence System, and Becomes One of the EU-Level Leaders of Drone Capability Groups

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

12/10/2025 - 11:57

In Latvia

Capabilities

Information prepared by Media Relations Section

Minister of Defence Andris Spruds has announced that next year 200.54 million euros are planned for strengthening air defence. Meanwhile, 50 million euros will be invested in unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities - representing a significant increase compared to this year, when 20 million euros were allocated. The information was presented on Tuesday, 9 December, at the Ministry of Defence's monthly press conference.

"These investments demonstrate Latvia's determination to significantly strengthen the state's resilience and responsiveness while contributing to overall European security. Latvia has become the first NATO member state to introduce acoustic drone detection along the entire eastern border, markedly improving its ability to detect low-flying objects in time. In parallel, new surveillance systems are being integrated - including the recently received Giraffe 1X radars, which considerably expand detection capability and enable rapid reaction to potential threats. These solutions mark an important step in creating the 'drone wall', which includes both detection and counter-drone measures and strengthens Latvia's ability to protect its airspace," underlined the Minister of Defence.

At the same time, counter-drone systems are actively being developed in close cooperation with the local defence industry. Earlier this year, several research and development projects were launched, focusing on electronic warfare technologies, military mobile platforms, interceptor drones, and guided missiles. At the Selonia military training area, the first interceptor-drone tests have been conducted, and by the end of the year, the National Armed Forces will receive the first domestically produced interceptor drones, which will be deployed in border areas. In addition, Latvia will procure drones tested in Ukraine in order to assess their effectiveness and ensure that the country has access to the most modern and operationally reliable solutions. In parallel, work has begun on evaluating next-generation interceptor drones, taking into account the rapid pace of technological development.

Latvia to advocate for "Drone Wall" priorities at the EU level

"We are purposefully strengthening Latvia's air defence by developing both detection and counter-action capabilities, investing in modern technologies, and cooperating with the local industry. Our external border is also the border of the European Union and NATO, and its security is a shared responsibility. Therefore, at the European level, I advocate for increased funding for air-defence and drone capabilities, stressing that this will be one of Europe's key priorities in the coming years," noted Minister Spruds.

At the beginning of December, Latvia, the Netherlands and Croatia agreed on closer cooperation in the development of drone and counter-drone systems during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting of defence ministers in Brussels. This partnership confirms Latvia's leadership and strengthens its role in shaping Europe's collective security environment, while also fostering the development of solutions that will improve the defence capabilities of both Latvia and the entire European Union.

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NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy visits the Republic of Moldova

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

10 December 2025

On 8-10 December 2025, NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Boris Ruge, visited the Republic of Moldova.

The Assistant Secretary General met Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and other key officials to discuss the long-standing partnership between the Alliance and Moldova, including opportunities to further strengthen political dialogue and practical cooperation, based on the national requirements and in full respect of Moldova's neutrality.

Ambassador Ruge thanked Moldova for its commitment to regional security and its participation in NATO-led international peacekeeping force in Kosovo, saying: "We appreciate the contribution of the Moldovan servicemen and women serving in KFOR."

During the visit, Ambassador Ruge and Minister of Defence Anatolie Nosatii attended a handover ceremony of NATO assistance under the Defence Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI). The assistance delivery included protective gear, vehicles, medical training and IT equipment.

The support delivered under DCBI is a concrete example of NATO's continued commitment to enhancing Moldova's defence capacity and resilience. NATO will continue to partner with Moldova through political dialogue and practical cooperation as it reforms on its European integration path.

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A look at the Defence news 1 - 7 December

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 10-12-2025 | 14:35

The Netherlands is to contribute an additional 250 million to military support for Ukraine via the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List. This American initiative allows NATO allies to acquire military materiel from US stocks in order to donate it to Ukraine.

It concerns weapons that Ukraine needs most urgently, such as air defence and F-16 ammunition, that cannot be supplied by other means.

Netherlands and Ukraine sign agreement for joint drone production

The Netherlands and Ukraine signed an agreement for the joint production of drones during the EU Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers in Brussels last week. By signing the agreement, Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans and his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Sjmyhal were following up on the agreements made in October.

Dutch military personnel and air defence protect military hub in Poland

The Netherlands is currently protecting the logistics hub in Poland used for channelling equipment to Ukraine. It has deployed two Patriot anti-aircraft systems, a NASAMS unit, counter-drone systems and 300 military personnel for that purpose. The effort is part of NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU). NATO countries supply military materiel to Ukraine from the hub in Poland. The Netherlands is responsible for security of the hub until 1 June 2026.

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Israel killed and wounded 95 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in one week-The West Bank witnessed 18 settler attacks and 99 incidents in 7 days

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

10-12-2025

The occupation forces have escalated their aggression in the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire agreement. In addition to declaring the Yellow Line their new border with the Strip, further consolidating their occupation of parts of it, they killed and wounded dozens of Palestinians between December 2 and 8, 2025, by intensifying their bombardment of eastern areas. Among those killed was journalist Mahmoud Wadi in Khan Younis. The attacks also targeted displaced persons, forcing many to flee towards western areas.

According to the OIC Media Observatory on Israeli Crimes against Palestinians, the toll between December 2 and 8, 2025, reached 260 martyrs and 108 wounded in various parts of occupied Palestine. In the Gaza Strip, 21 martyrs and 74 wounded were recorded, in addition to the recovery of 9 bodies and the confirmation of the martyrdom of 223 others. On the humanitarian front, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip warned that 52% of essential medicines were unavailable in the Strip's hospitals and clinics. In the West Bank and occupied Al-Quds, Israeli forces carried out 420 incursions, killing seven Palestinians, including two children, and wounding 32 adults and four children. They also assaulted two children in Nablus, arrested 184 adults and four children, demolished seven homes, and damaged a house adjacent to one already demolished in Tubas. They equally demolished several shops and a wood factory, and issued demolition orders for three more factories in Al-Khalil. They demolished a cave, a guest house, and two health units. They occupied 21 homes, evicting their residents and converting the buildings into military barracks. They imposed a curfew on the town of Qabatiya in Jenin and the village of Kafr Saba in Qalqilya for four consecutive days. They confiscated an agricultural tractor, over $222,972 in cash, promissory notes, checks, jewelry, and gold from Palestinian individuals.

A report issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments confirmed that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound was subjected to 25 incursions during November 2025. Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces notified several imams in the Qalqilya governorate to lower the volume of the call to prayer (Adhan) and confiscated the sound equipment used for the unified Adhan broadcast in the village of Haris in Salfit.

On another front, the United Nations condemned the Israeli occupation forces' raid on the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Al-Quds.

The UN Monitoring Office revealed that the number of arrests in the West Bank between 2020 and November 2025 reached 45,852, while the number of arrests in 2025 alone reached 9,091. The number of settler attacks on Palestinian villages reached 99, during which they grazed their livestock in the vicinity of Al-Khalil, the town of Beit Ummar, the vicinity of Tubas, the vicinity of Salfit, the villages of Al-Maniya and Kisan in Bethlehem, the vicinity of Al-Quds, and the vicinity of Ramallah. They cut down olive and grape trees in the vicinity of Al-Khalil, the village of Yarza in Tubas, and the vicinity of Nablus. They burned an agricultural tractor, damaged vehicles, and seized two vehicles. They set fire to agricultural lands surrounding an outpost in the town of Atara in Ramallah and in the village of Halhul in Al-Khalil.

Settlers accompanied by 3 bulldozers entered the plain of the town of Turmus Ayya, uprooted a number of olive trees, and destroyed the citrus crop in the vicinity of Salfit. They vandalized crops and stole a farm gate in the vicinity of Nablus, and damaged water lines drawing water from a spring in Tubas. On the same note, settler activities reached 18 incidents. Meanwhile, the occupation authorities expanded and built housing units in the "Ramat Migron" settlement outpost on the lands of Al-Quds villages. Settlers established infrastructure for a settlement outpost on lands east of the village of Mikhmas, erected a mobile home in the Al-Khala'il area of Ramallah, set up a tent on lands in the Jabal Qamas area of Nablus, rebuilt tents in the same location, erected a tent on land in Khallat Al-Natsh near the "Kiryat Arba" settlement in the Old City of Al-Khalil, placed mobile homes in the vicinity of Nablus, paved a dirt road to springs in the northern Jordan Valley, and bulldozed land in the village of Awarta to pave a settlement road. Settlers bulldozed land in the town of Qarawa in Salfit, two lands in the village of Qaryut in Nablus, and lands belonging to Islamic endowments in the town of Al-Auja in Jericho. They plowed about 70 dunams out of 200 dunams in the northern Jordan Valley, and they plowed lands in Bethlehem and planted them with grains, and another land estimated at 20 dunams in the northern Jordan Valley.

For seven days, the occupation forces continued to bulldoze lands north of the town of Bruqin and fenced them with barbed wire. The occupation forces uprooted trees on more than 81 dunams and fenced them near the settlement of "Karmei Tzur" established on the lands of the towns of Beit Ummar and Halhulin Al-Khalil.

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PBBM convenes battalion commanders for inaugural external security ops

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

December 10, 2025, 9:42 pm

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday presided over the first-ever external security operations attended by around 160 battalion commanders from the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) and the Philippine Army (PA).

The event was organized to enhance coordination and operational readiness among senior military leaders, reinforcing the armed forces' external defense posture.

Several photos of Marcos' meeting with the battalion commanders were uploaded on the Presidential Communications Office's (PCO) official Facebook page, showing the Commander-in-Chief interacting with the participants.

"Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang kauna-unahang Battalion Commander's Symposium for External Security Operations (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the first-ever Battalion Commander's Symposium for External Security Operations)," the PCO said.

Marcos, the PCO said, emphasized the need to strengthen the nation's overall security and stability amid evolving internal and external challenges.

"Sa kanyang mensahe, hinikayat ni PBBM ang mas matibay na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga komunidad upang matiyak ang seguridad at katatagan ng bansa (In his message, PBBM encouraged stronger engagement with communities to ensure the country's security and stability)," it said.

In recent weeks, Marcos made a series of military camp visits, assuring the troops of his commitment to boost government support and advance their defense capabilities. (PNA)

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AFP reaffirms commitment to beefing up reserve forces

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 10, 2025, 1:23 pm

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to enhance the capabilities of all its reserve units.

In a statement, the AFP noted that these reserve units are crucial in beefing up the force readiness and whole-of-nation defense of the military.

The AFP said the reservist's role as a "vital pillar of national defense" was highlighted during the 2025 Reservist National Convention and 2nd Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Incorporated (ARRAPI) General Assembly held in Makati City on Monday.

Anchored on the theme "Adapting to an Evolving Security Environment: Reservists at the Forefront of Cooperative Defense," the event underscored that strengthening the reserve force also strengthens the entire AFP.

The activity was graced by Department of National Defense Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo and AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, who emphasized the value of reservist units in readiness, reliability, and strategic value.

"Together, let us show the Filipino people that in every challenge, every crisis, and every threat  the AFP stands ready because the Filipino reservists stand ready," Larida said in his message.

The event drew over 4,500 reservists from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, with thousands others participating via Zoom. (PNA)

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US threatens ICC sanctions over Trump investigations

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 9:15 PM

The US administration is demanding that the International Criminal Court (ICC) modify its founding statute to prevent any investigations into President Donald Trump and his top officials, threatening new US sanctions on the court if it does not comply.

A Trump administration official, speaking anonymously, stated that new sanctions would be imposed on the ICC if its demands are not met. Sanctioning the court would significantly escalate the US campaign against the ICC.

The US has requested the court to cease investigations into Israeli leaders regarding the Gaza genocide and formally conclude a probe into US military actions in Afghanistan. Failure to comply may result in additional sanctions against ICC officials and potentially the court itself.

ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli minister for military affairs Yoav Gallant last November for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza genocide.

On November 21, 2024, after investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts during the Gaza genocide.

The ICC, a permanent war crimes tribunal with 125 member states, has faced longstanding scorn from US officials who argue it infringes upon national sovereignty. The Trump administration fears that investigations could escalate after Trump's presidency ends in 2029.

In March 2020, ICC prosecutors opened an investigation in Afghanistan that included possible crimes by US troops. The court has since deprioritized its investigation but has not formally concluded it.

The ICC's deputy prosecutors noted they have not received any requests regarding US actions in Venezuela, where the US military has conducted strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels.

"There is growing concern ... that in 2029 the ICC will turn its attention to the president, to the vice president, to the secretary of war and others, and pursue prosecutions against them," the Trump administration official said. "That is unacceptable, and we will not allow it to happen."

The White House has not yet commented on these developments, and amending the Rome Statute would require the support of two-thirds of ratifying countries, making such changes complex and slow-moving.

The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC in 2002 as a court of last resort, with the power to prosecute heads of state.

"Amendments to the Rome Statute are within the prerogative of States Parties," the ICC's public affairs unit, which speaks on behalf of the court and its presidency, said in response to Reuters' questions.

Since Israel launched its genocidal assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023, it has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians and injured more than 171,000 others, most of them women and children.

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UNIFIL says Israeli forces fired on peacekeepers in Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 6:25 PM

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said Wednesday that Israeli forces fired on its peacekeepers a day earlier in the country's south, demanding the Israeli army "cease aggressive behavior".

It is the latest such attack reported by the peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, where UNIFIL acts as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon and has been working with Lebanon's army to support the 2024 truce between Israel and the Arab country.

"Yesterday, peacekeepers in vehicles patrolling the Blue Line were fired upon by IDF soldiers in a Merkava tank," a UNIFIL statement said, referring to the de facto border.

"One ten-round burst of machine-gun fire was fired above the convoy, and four further ten-round bursts were fired nearby," AFP quoted the statement as saying.

It said that both the peacekeepers and the Israeli tank were in Lebanese territory at the time of the incident and that the Israeli military had been informed of the location and timing of the peacekeeping patrol in advance.

"Peacekeepers asked the IDF to stop firing through UNIFIL's liaison channels... Fortunately, no one was injured," it said.

UNIFIL said in November that Israeli soldiers shot at its troops in the south. Israel's military said it mistook blue helmets for "suspects" and fired warning shots.

In October, UNIFIL said one of its members was wounded by an Israeli grenade dropped near a UN position in the same region, the third incident of its kind in just over a month.

"Attacks on or near peacekeepers are serious violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701," UNIFIL said on Wednesday, referring to the 2006 resolution that formed the basis of the November 2024 truce.

"We call on the IDF to cease aggressive behavior and attacks on or near peacekeepers working to rebuild stability along the Blue Line," the peacekeepers said.

Israel carries out regular attacks on Lebanon in violation of the truce. Last month, UNFIL said that more than 10,000 Israeli air and ground violations were recorded since the ceasefire took effect.

Israel has also kept troops in five southern Lebanon areas, breaching the ceasefire deal that demanded the full Israeli withdrawal.

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U.S. Navy reunites with ASEAN for second-ever AUMX

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet

NEWS | Dec. 10, 2025

By Lt. j.g. Camillia Nguyen, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs

BATAM, Indonesia -- Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 maritime staff elements, and defense officials from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in Batam, for the second ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX), Dec. 10.

Co-hosted by Indonesia and the United States, AUMX 2025 highlights the U.S. Navy's continual dedication to strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

This iteration of AUMX will see subject matter expert exchanges in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC). The co-hosts will also facilitate a tabletop exercise where ASEAN member states (AMS) will execute a simulated MEDEVAC scenario to reinforce operational capabilities.

U.S. Navy Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) will join eight other AMS assets at sea for a two-day sea phase to conclude the exercise. The allied and partner nation ships will operate in the Singapore Strait to conduct tactical maneuvers, damage control, search and rescue, and MEDEVAC exercises.

"The execution of ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise 2025 is the tangible representation of our collaboration and partnerships," said U.S. Navy Capt. Matt Cox, deputy commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. "Since the first AUMX, we have worked with many of the ASEAN member states in bilateral exercises to further refine our tactical and operational capabilities, and we are looking forward to demonstrating our interoperability with our Southeast Asian partners."

Previously held in 2019, the inaugural AUMX served to promote shared commitments to maritime partnerships, security, and stability in the Southeast Asia region. Since then, DESRON 7 has conducted a number of exercises with numerous AMS, including the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series and various Naval Engagement Activities (NEA).

As the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore; functions as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76 Sea Combat Commander; and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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Statement on clashes between Thailand and Cambodia

Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PRESS STATEMENT 124

10 Dec 25

The Spanish Government is following with great concern the new escalation of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which is jeopardising regional stability and has caused deaths and injuries, as well as the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians.

The Government urges both parties to respect the Joint Declaration adopted on 26 October in Kuala Lumpur and to resolve their differences by peaceful means, including mediation within ASEAN.



-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-

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US Threatens ICC With Sanctions Over Future Investigations - Report

Sputnik News

20251210

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Trump administration has threatened the International Criminal Court (ICC) with potential sanctions if it does not amend its founding documents to exclude President Donald Trump and his top officials from future investigations, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing an administration official.

In addition to its pledge not to target the US, the Trump administration also demands that the ICC halt existing investigations into Israel and American military actions in Afghanistan, the report said.

In return for these concessions, the Trump administration is prepared to forgo additional sanctions on court officials and refrain from sanctioning the court itself, according to the report.

Washington has conveyed its demands to ICC members and directly to the court, which has 125 members, the report added.

The United States is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC in 2002 with powers to prosecute heads of state.

In recent years, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These decisions have been criticized. Some states, such as Hungary, decided to withdraw from the ICC.

On February 6, Trump signed the executive order on sanctions against the ICC for its actions against Washington and its allies, including Israel. The order states that the US will take significant measures against those "responsible for the ICC's transgressions." Some of the measures include the blocking of property and assets, as well as the suspension of entry into the US for ICC staff and their family members.

 Sputnik

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Thai Navy Launches Naval, Air Force Operation Near Cambodian Border - Military

Sputnik News

20251210

JAKARTA, December 10 (Sputnik) - The Thai navy has launched a large-scale operation dubbed "Trat Prap Porapak," deploying naval and air forces amid the escalating conflict with Cambodia, the Thai border defense force headquarters in Trat province said on Wednesday.

"On December 10, the Royal Thai Navy assumed expanded operational authority in its sector due to the escalation of military clashes with Cambodia," the headquarters said in a statement.

The HTMS Thepa warship was deployed to the operation area and tasked with conducting round-the-clock patrols and reconnaissance, the statement added.

"The entire crew has been placed on full combat alert, and weapons are fully operational and ready for immediate use in the event of an escalation," the Thai military said.

The navy also warned Thai fishermen to refrain from sailing near the maritime border with Cambodia.

 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

10 December 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Human Rights Day

Good afternoon, everyone. Today we mark Human Rights Day. Nearly 80 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its promise remains essential. Yet, civic space is shrinking and serious violations persist, showing disregard for dignity and suffering. In his message for the Day, the Secretary-General underscores that the UN works every day with partners to help people access their basic rights  from food, shelter and education to peace, equality and a healthy planet. But, safeguarding rights requires action from everyone, everywhere.

And in a press conference today in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said that human rights are underfunded, undermined and under attack  yet they remain powerful, undeterred and mobilizing. A groundswell of activism, especially by young people, is pushing back against injustice and demanding dignity, equality and accountability. He added that their courage reminds us that universal rights still inspire action and that defending them is essential to our shared future.

** Secretary-General's Travel

The Secretary-General arrived in Riyadh today to start his official visit to theA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A few hours after arriving, the Secretary-General met with the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud. The Secretary-General commended the long-standing UN-Saudi partnership and support to multilateralism. The Secretary-General and the Crown Prince also exchanged views on a range of regional developments and an analysis of the current geopolitical situation. On Thursday, the Secretary-General will continue his visit to Saudi Arabia, which will include meetings with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and a separate encounter with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz, the Minister of Energy.

** Security Council

This morning, the Security Council held a briefing on Afghanistan. The Deputy Special Representative and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) officer-in-charge, Georgette Gagnon, told Council members that the situation of Afghan people demands both urgent attention and greater international support. Women and girls continue to be systematically excluded from almost all aspects of public life, she said. Media freedom is increasingly restricted, but, she added, the deteriorating human rights situation is not the only crisis affecting the Afghan people. She highlighted how the return of nearly 2.5 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year, often under duress, represents a 6 per cent population increase, and is compounding the deep-rooted economic, climate and humanitarian crises the country already faces.

As the de facto authorities continue to prevent UN female national staff from accessing UN premises countrywide, Ms. Gagnon called on the support of Council Members to ensure this situation does not become normalized. Turning to the issue of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, she welcomed efforts of countries in the region to find a solution through dialogue. She also urged the parties to address the core issues and for both sides to respect the ceasefire in place.

For his part, Tom Fletcher, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, said overlapping shocks, restrictive policies affecting women and girls, the longstanding impact of decades of conflict and chronic poverty, and massive funding cuts have left Afghanistan in a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite limited funding, he said that we and our partners have continued to deliver, but as we reach the end of the year, underfunding has forced service closures, resulting in scaled-back assistance to millions. Ultimately, that has cost lives.

Mr. Fletcher concluded his briefing with three requests for the Security Council: He asked them to continue to support the implementation of the humanitarian exception in resolution 2615 (2021), to insist that women humanitarian staff can do their jobs without restrictions and to fund the humanitarian appeal.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to the situation in Gaza, our colleagues with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) report that, with another winter storm hitting the Strip, low temperatures and rains are putting vulnerable groups at particular risk. That includes newborn children, for whom hypothermia is extremely dangerous. The UN and our partners have targeted efforts to deliver assistance to communities living in flood-prone areas, including by scaling up the distribution of winter clothes for children, from 5,000 to 8,000 kits per day.

Today, our partners leading winter preparedness efforts report that some 200 families from shoreline communities are expected to arrive at a new site identified by municipal authorities in what remains of Hamad city, in eastern Khan Younis. These households made the decision to move, given the impact of the frequent rains and the risk of flooding in their previous location. The UN and our partners, along with Member States, continue to distribute tents, tarps, bedsheets and winter clothes to families in urgent need of assistance. Work is also ongoing to mitigate flooding by reinforcing high-risk areas with sandbags, as well as emptying storm drains and clearing solid waste.

Meanwhile, our partners leading efforts to improve access to education report that about 65 classrooms previously used as shelters for displaced people have now been cleaned and prepared so that learning activities can restart there. However, our partners warn that education materials remain blocked from entering Gaza, disrupting efforts to help children resume their studies.

In the ongoing effort to improve food security, our partners report that, so far, in December, 260,000 people have received regular food assistance  which, as we mentioned earlier this week, consists of two food parcels and a 25-kilogramme bag of flour  through 60 distribution points across the Strip, including a new site in Beit Lahiya, in northern Gaza, that opened last week. Given the importance of animal husbandry for food security, some 3,500 veterinary kits entered Gaza on Friday for the first time since August. Since then, the UN and our partners distributed the kits and animal fodder to over 100 herders and donkey owners.

Meanwhile, security incidents continue to be reported in Gaza  posing a risk to civilians, including our humanitarian teams. Just yesterday, we received reports that two bullets hit the ground floor of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Maghazi Health Centre in Deir al Balah, located near the so-called "yellow line". Thankfully, no casualties were reported.

** Lebanon

Yesterday, UN peacekeepers in Lebanon who were in vehicles patrolling the Blue Line were fired upon by Israel Defence Force soldiers in a Merkava tank near Sarda. One 10-round burst of machine-gun fire was fired above the convoy, and four further 10-round bursts were fired nearby. Peacekeepers asked the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to stop firing through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) liaison channels.

Both the peacekeepers and the IDF tank were in Lebanese territory at the time. Fortunately, no one was injured. The IDF had been informed of the location and timing of the patrol in advance, following usual practice for patrols in sensitive areas near the Blue Line. Attacks on or near peacekeepers are serious violations of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). In this very sensitive situation, we call on the IDF to cease aggressive behaviour and attacks on or near peacekeepers, who are working to rebuild stability along the Blue Line.

** Sudan

Turning to Sudan, OCHA says it is deeply concerned by the sharp escalation in violence across the Darfur and Kordofan regions, where a surge in drone attacks is increasingly exposing civilians to harm. In Darfur, multiple drone strikes in recent days have killed and injured civilians. On Monday, strikes reportedly hit the towns of Kutum and Kabkabiya in North Darfur State. Local sources indicate that in Kutum, 2 civilians were killed and 10 others injured.

The same day in South Darfur State, drone strikes reportedly targeted areas in and around the state capital, Nyala, as well as in the town of Katila to the south-west. In Kordofan, the reported takeover on Monday by the Rapid Support Forces of the country's largest oil field in the town of Heglig, in West Kordofan State, has forced more people to flee and has deepened humanitarian concerns. Many families are now being displaced for a second time.

In South Kordofan State, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that 185 people fled the state capital, Kadugli, yesterday due to heightened insecurity, relocating to areas across the localities of Abu Zabad in West Kordofan and Sheikan in North Kordofan. The situation remains tense and highly fluid. Once again, we stress that attacks on civilians must stop immediately. All parties must protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and facilitate safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access.

Meanwhile, people displaced from El Fasher continue to arrive in the locality of Tawila, in North Darfur. Yesterday, our partners received some 400 newly displaced people at the Korma entry point. Those arriving had moved multiple times in search of assistance and described robbery, looting and gunfire along the route. The UN and our partners are scaling up humanitarian aid, but needs far exceed available resources.

At the same time, IOM reports that natural hazards have displaced more than 35,000 people in Sudan this year, including as a result of floods and fires, adding yet another layer of hardship for communities already uprooted by conflict. OCHA calls on the international community to urgently step up support to ensure life-saving assistance reaches those who need it most across Sudan.

** Democratic Republic of the Congo

Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, OCHA is deeply concerned about the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation in South Kivu since 2 December. This, as you are aware, is due to intense fighting across multiple territories, including Uvira, Walungu, Mwenga, Shabunda, Kabare, Fizi and Kalehe.

Our humanitarian partners report that more than 200,000 people have been displaced across South Kivu and at least 70 civilians have been killed during the current escalation. Most displaced families are sheltering in overcrowded sites, facing heightened protection risks and the threat of disease outbreaks.

The violence is severely disrupting food assistance. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been forced to suspend its activities across the province, cutting off 25,000 people from life-saving food assistance. Host families, already facing emergency levels of food insecurity, are sharing the last of their food with displaced people.

At least 32 schools supported by WFP in Uvira have suspended classes to provide shelter to displaced families. This has disrupted the school meals programme and is leaving more than 12,000 children without what is often their only hot, nutritious meal of the day. WFP and our humanitarian partners plan to support newly displaced families as soon as conditions allow, but food stocks in Uvira are expected to run out within weeks due to high needs and lack of funding.

The humanitarian impact of the crisis is now spilling across borders. Between 5 and 8 December, nearly 25,000 people crossed into Burundi, including Congolese nationals, Burundian returnees and third-country migrants  with additional arrivals also reported in Rwanda.

In Burundi and Rwanda, our humanitarian partners, together with the authorities, are scaling up assistance  including hot meals, safe water and health services. This escalation is further aggravating an already critical humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, amid a severe funding shortfall. The Democratic Republic of the Congo Humanitarian Response Plan is only 22 per cent funded, leaving a gap of nearly $2 billion, while in Burundi, less than $33 million has been mobilized against a requirement of nearly $77 million. We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.

** Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, OCHA reports that intense hostilities in front-line regions continue to cause widespread destruction and prompt the evacuation of residents from high-risk areas. According to the latest report by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, civilian casualties rose significantly in both front-line and urban areas between June and November, with a 37 per cent increase compared to the previous six months.

In Ukraine's east, the Donetsk region has been among those hardest hit. Local authorities report that since the start of December, more than a dozen civilians have been killed and nearly 60 others injured in Ukrainian-controlled areas, with the towns of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk especially impacted by attacks earlier this week. With the support of UN agencies, national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have promptly delivered emergency assistance to affected residents  including shelter materials to cover damaged windows and roofs, as well as psychosocial support and protection counselling.

Amid mounting security concerns, more families are leaving high-risk areas in the Donetsk region  either on their own or through Government-led evacuations, which are being supported by humanitarians. Local authorities say that since August, nearly 72,000 people  including almost 8,000 children  have fled the Donetsk region. Aid organizations are supporting civilians fleeing the fighting at each stage of their journey, from leaving their home communities to transit sites and providing support at the destinations hosting them across Ukraine.

Our humanitarian partners report that in the front-line region of Zaporizhzhia, some 500 people have been evacuated over the last two weeks. National NGOs have opened an inclusive interim evacuation point to provide comprehensive support to people with disabilities and limited mobility. The project received funding from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, which is managed by OCHA and continues to support local front-line responders in helping those most in need.

** Central Emergency Response Fund

At yesterday's pledging event for the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), 40 donors pledged contributions of just over $300 million to support life-saving action by the UN's global emergency fund in 2026. Several others are expecting to make contributions in the coming months. The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, thanked partners who pledged their support, stressing that a fully funded CERF  at $1 billion each year  is not symbolic: it's a lifeline that's needed now.

Donor announcements at last year's event totalled some $351 million. The drop in pledges for 2026 reflects the increasingly dire financial outlook facing the humanitarian community as it continues to grapple with the steepest funding cuts in its history. So far in 2025, CERF has allocated $435 million to support millions of people who need urgent assistance in over 30 countries and territories. And throughout its 20-year history, the Fund has helped hundreds of millions of people with nearly $10 billion in more than 100 countries and territories.

** Global Humanitarian Policy Forum

A programming note for you: OCHA and the UN Foundation will co-host this year's Global Humanitarian Policy Forum, which will take place tomorrow and Friday here at UN Headquarters. Now in its fourteenth year, this year's Forum will centre on the theme "Protecting Principles, Norms and Values". It will bring together UN officials, civil society leaders and academics, among many others at the forefront of today's crises. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher will take part in a panel tomorrow afternoon, which is called "The Front Line  Protecting Civilians and First Responders". You can watch the forum on WebTV, and more information is available online.

** UN Children's Fund

As global funding cuts intensify and basic services collapse, humanitarian needs for children continue to surge. Launching its Humanitarian Action for Children 2026 appeal today, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is seeking $7.66 billion to provide life-saving support to 73 million children in 133 countries next year.

Announced and anticipated funding cuts by donor governments are already limiting the Agency's ability to reach millions of children in dire need. Severe shortfalls in 2024 and 2025 are forcing UNICEF to make impossible choices. For example, across UNICEF's nutrition programming alone, a 72 per cent funding gap in 2025 forced cuts in 20 priority countries. In education, a shortfall of $745 million has left millions more children at risk of losing access to learning, protection and stability. UNICEF urges governments and donors to increase flexible, multi-year financing, support local partners, uphold humanitarian principles and ensure access to children in need.

** Nansen Award

Four remarkable individuals and a front-line organization have received the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 2025 Nansen Refugee Award, which honours individuals, groups and organizations who go beyond the call of duty to protect refugees, as well as internally displaced and stateless people.

This year's winners include a village chief in Cameroon, who helped integrate 36,000 refugees; the founder of a refugee-run school in Tajikistan; a women's organization in Iraq reaching 105,000 conflict survivors; a business executive in Mexico who helped hire hundreds of refugees; and front-line responders in Ukraine who stay put when others depart. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, says that the winners embody the spirit of Nansen - a belief that every person forced to flee, wherever they are, deserves dignity, safety and hope. The names and bios of the winners are online.

** Guest

And tomorrow, my guest will be the World Food Programme's Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Lola Castro, who will join us from Port-au-Prince, Haiti to discuss the response to Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean. Yes, Edie and then Dezhi.

** Questions and Answers

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today. She was on her way to Norway but didn't arrive in time and it was accepted by her daughter. President [Nicolas] Maduro has said that she would be considered a fugitive, if she left Venezuela to accept the award, which she apparently has. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on this, basically, decision by the Venezuelan president and on her awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize?

Deputy Spokesman : As you're aware, the Secretary-General welcomed the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Ms. Machado, and the sentiments we expressed at the time that she was given that award still apply. We believe that any threat to Ms. Machado for winning or receiving the Nobel Peace Prize are unacceptable, and there should be no threats against her or, indeed, against anyone working to support the cause of human rights in Venezuela. Dezhi?

Question : First, a follow-up on the incident happened on UNIFIL. You mentioned about the liaison mechanism and the UNIFIL ask Israeli side to stop firing. Has that communication worked?

Deputy Spokesman : In in this incident, the incident that happened, obviously, as we said, shots had been fired, and then we did turn to the liaison mechanism. After that, it's been resolved, and there was, thankfully, no one injured. But, this is still a significant violation of resolution 1701 (2006) and these sorts of attacks, as you know, have been going on for some time now, and they need to stop entirely.

Question : Has this liaison mechanism... let me put it this way, has Israeli part explained a little bit why they are firing above the UNIFIL, if there isn't any mechanism? I think that should be the question you have to ask.

Deputy Spokesman : We inform the parties in advance of our movements, especially when we're in sensitive areas. And the Israelis were informed of this movement prior to that. You would have to ask them why they proceeded with their actions.

Question : But, have you asked them?

Deputy Spokesman : Yes, of course.

Question : And do you think it's intentional or not?

Deputy Spokesman : What we would say is, regardless of what actions they take in sensitive areas of Lebanon, this sort of behaviour is not acceptable and it has to be stopped.

Question : Okay. Another question here in the UN headquarters. Today, I think all of us received this email about the removal of paper towels from the restrooms. Does the UN have any numbers? How much can this saving cost?

Deputy Spokesman : We'll have to see how that is. Part of what this is also, as you know, an environmental measure. We are encouraging people to use the air dryers to clean themselves, which has less of an environmental impact.

Question : Which consumes more energy, electricity or paper?

Deputy Spokesman : The idea is we were trying to save on the wastage of paper.

Question : And wouldn't it be great, if you are getting rid of this, why don't you just getting rid of also napkins?

Deputy Spokesman : I'm sure that anything that's regarded as a sensible proposal will be considered. Yes. Abdelhamid?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. I'll put my questions, the pieces of my question in one. Today, Israel attacked also UNIFIL at the Blue Line, and UNIFIL issued a statement probably an hour ago. They kidnapped a Syrian from Niyarah. They announced building 800 settlement units in the West Bank. A settler overran a foreign national in Hebron who came to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. All these and three people were killed in Gaza, which you didn't mention, just three hours ago. Som put all this together. What kind of an entity this is, called Israel? Why? If it gets away with all these atrocities, it's committing day in and day out without condemnation, it will do it again and again and again and again.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, these are many different strands, but certainly all countries, including Israel, have to abide by international law. As you know, when it comes to settlements, we are against any settlement activity, including in the West Bank. And any killings of civilians have to be thoroughly investigated.

Question : My second question. In Southern Yemen, the Southern Transitional Council has been acting as if the South is separate completely, seven days after the taking over of Hadhramaut, which is, I think, it's the largest governorate in South Yemen. So, things are changing in Yemen by creating a new entity supported by United Arab Emirates. What is the UN position on these developments?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, as you know, the Secretary-General is himself in the region. He will be traveling to Oman, as well as Saudi Arabia, which is where he's at right now, and we'll be discussing these particular developments. Certainly, from our perspective, we want to make sure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen is upheld. Namo?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. I have two questions. The first one is on Afghanistan. Today, the Security Council heard that the Taliban's ban on women working for the United Nations is preventing life-saving aid to women and girls in the country. Tom Fletcher called these restrictions unacceptable. But, in practice, what does unacceptable exactly mean? What is the United Nations or the Secretary-General prepared to do? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : We have brought this to the attention of the Security Council and want to make sure that there are no hold-ups in terms of being able to provide all of those in Afghanistan who need aid, to have the aid that they need. And as you know, both Georgette Gagnon and Tom Fletcher spoke out against also the restrictions against female aid workers, and this is another action on which we wanted the Security Council's support.

Question : Shouldn't you declare the suspension of your operations in Afghanistan or relocate to another country?

Deputy Spokesman : There's so much need in Afghanistan that we have to make sure that whatever actions we take, we take care of those people who are in the greatest need. So, we're calibrating our responses to make sure that on the one hand, the unacceptable actions that have been taken by the de facto authorities are responded to by the international community, and on the other, that those in need still get the assistance that they deserve.

Question : My last question is on Syria. It was reported today that Kurdish residents in Damascus were prevented from waving the Kurdish flag, celebrating the overthrowing of the outside of the [Bashar al-]Assad regime. What is the United Nations' message to the Syrian authorities on this?

Deputy Spokesman : Our only real message is that we believe that all communities have the right to have demonstrations, including celebrations, the way that they see fit. And of course, regarding the first-year anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime, you saw the statement that we issued on Monday. Pam Falk?

Question : Thanks, Farhan. Has the Secretary-General or anyone from the Secretariat reached out to the countries that have the highest arrears before the budget is passed? Has there been any diplomacy to try to get some of that paid? And do you have any indications that any of it will be? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : We are always in touch with our Member States to make sure that they are aware of the need to pay their arrears. As you know, the payment of dues is a treaty obligation, and you're well aware of how Article 19 of the Charter works in that regard. But, yes, we're in touch with them. Okay. Islam?

Question : Farhan, thank you. I have a couple question. And first question is, the Israeli Supreme Court gave the [Benjamin] Netanyahu government an extension, responding to the petition about barring the journalists going into the Gaza. And this is the ninth extension. What is United Nations' comment on this?

Deputy Spokesman : Our comment is the same as it's been throughout the last two years. We want there to be full access to journalists to Gaza. Obviously, anywhere in the world, reporters need to be able to go about their work without hindrance.

Question : And second question is about the winter situation in Gaza. Reportedly there's need, like, around 300,000 tents and tarps suitable for winter. Do you have in your best knowledge, do you know, like, how many tents or tarps has been distributed? And also, in terms of the screening before entering those humanitarian aids into the Gaza, do you get, like, any difficult times by Israeli authorities regarding those tarps and tents?

Deputy Spokesman : We've had blockages in terms of getting some aid in, and we've been reporting that to you. But, certainly, tents, tarps, bed sheets, and winter clothes are all items that we are distributing, along with different Member States. And we've been giving you those numbers periodically, but, certainly, that is an ongoing part of our efforts, especially as winter comes to Gaza. Magdalena?

Question : Hi, Farhan. If we could just go back very briefly to the paper towel situation. I know you said it's an environmental measure, but is there anything about the finances that you would be able to talk about? I know they said it's $100,000 that you'd be saving. So, like, what else might that money go to? Or I don't know, any comment around these cost-cutting measures?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, part of the reason we have to have the savings, it's not about the money going to other things. It's that we need to have our basic functions continue. And as we've had a lack of reliable funding for many years now from Member States, we have to respond in different ways. And so that's where the savings go. Yes, in the back.

Question : Thank you, Farhan. I have a question on the UN personnel detained in Yemen. Is there any third-party mediation to get their release?

Deputy Spokesman : We are in touch with a number of nations, including other concerned countries, trying to get their support for the release of our 59 people. Yes. Yes, please?

Question : Is the visit of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Saudi Arabia related directly to the escalating situation in Yemen and Sudan together?

Deputy Spokesman : Those are some of the situations that are of concern as we are proceeding with his travel.

Question : Does he have any specific message to them?

Deputy Spokesman : You've seen the messages that we've put out from here about those conflicts and about the concerns we have, and those are the sort of concerns that he will also express with his interlocutors. Abdelhamid?

Question : The national security minister in Israel, Itamar Ben-Gvir, attended recently a meeting, it's on 8 December, for the committee to pass the death sentences for Palestinian POWs [prisoners of war]. And he was wearing a pin here, which is shaped like a noose or the death rope. This ultimate expression of fascism passed without condemnation, neither by the UN nor by European Union nor by anybody. Why?

Deputy Spokesman : I'm not aware firsthand of what this person was wearing. What I would say is, of course we stand against any violent or racist rhetoric by anyone. Have a good afternoon, everyone.

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Remarks by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell at the launch of UNICEF's Humanitarian Action for Children Appeal

UNICEF

Remarks

10 December 2025

NEW YORK, 10 December 2025 - "Friends, partners, colleagues, thank you for joining this virtual launch of UNICEF's 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children and for your ongoing support for the world's most vulnerable children.

"Over the past week, I have been travelling in South Sudan and Sudan, where I met children and families who shared heartbreaking stories of loss, displacement, and interrupted childhoods. Their experiences reflect what we are seeing in humanitarian settings around the world: children whose lives are being shaped by forces far beyond their control  conflict, the threat of famine, intensifying climate shocks, and the collapse of essential services.

"South Sudan and Sudan are just two of the 34 humanitarian emergencies highlighted in our appeal this year.

"In South Sudan, hunger, disease and overstretched basic services are taking a devastating toll.

"More than 2.1 million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition; climate change is driving severe flooding and extreme weather; and the country has faced the worst cholera outbreak in its history. South Sudan has also welcomed more than 1.3 million refugees and returnees fleeing the war in Sudan, stretching essential services to the breaking point.

"Meanwhile, in Sudan, children face one of the fastest growing and least visible crises in the world.

"This was my second visit to the country, and the experiences I heard were devastating  especially from Darfur and Kordofan, where areas of famine are confirmed and where children have witnessed unspeakable violence. Millions have been displaced from their homes, and communities, and many have lost one or both parents.

"But these crises are part of a larger global picture.

"Around the world, we are seeing record levels of grave violations against children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and alarming increases in rape and other forms of sexual violence. Essential services are collapsing, and millions of children are losing access to the safety, learning, and healthy future they deserve.

"In the Gaza Strip, children continue to endure cycles of violence and loss that no child should ever experience. Essential services have been decimated, and families struggle daily to secure food, water and protection.

"In Haiti, spiraling insecurity and the collapse of basic systems have pushed families and children in grave danger.

"In Bangladesh, nearly one million Rohingya refugees, almost half of them children, remain trapped in a protracted crisis with no clear solutions in sight.

"Across the Sahel, rising armed violence is devastating children's survival, education and protection.

"And in Ukraine, the ongoing war continues to disrupt every aspect of children's lives from learning and mental health to access to safe water and heating in the winter months.

"These are only some of the emergencies where children urgently need our support.

"Yet while humanitarian needs are growing, the resources available to meet them are diminishing. Funding cuts, sudden, severe, and widespread, are forcing impossible decisions across our operations: limiting supplies, reducing frequency of services, and scaling back interventions that children depend on to survive. The gap between needs and resources is widening at the very moment children need us most.

"Still, even in the hardest places, we continue to see stories of hope.

"In South Sudan, I met children attending a UNICEF-supported learning centre who told me they want to become doctors, teachers and lawyers, refusing to give up on their education despite the crisis around them.

"Earlier this year, in Adre, Chad, I met mothers fleeing the war in Sudan whose malnourished children had been brought back to life with UNICEF's support.

"One woman whispered to me about the horrific sexual violence she and many others endured in Darfur and how UNICEF and our partners offered them a lifeline.

"These moments remind us why this appeal matters and why your partnership is essential.

"As we look ahead to 2026, UNICEF is sharpening its focus on the children at greatest risk, especially those living in chronically underfunded and neglected emergencies. We are investing in national and local capacities; strengthening essential systems; and reinforcing preparedness so we can respond quickly and effectively when crises deepen.

"These efforts save lives. But we cannot do this alone.

"I urge all of us to take urgent, collective and courageous action so that every child, no matter where they live, can survive, learn and thrive.

"Thank you."

+++++

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Peace proves relative in Gaza with no let-up in deadly airstrikes

10 December 2025 - In Gaza, as airstrikes, shelling and gunfire continued to kill and maim Palestinians, UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Wednesday rejected suggestions by the Israeli military that the so-called "Yellow Line" of concrete blocks it has erected inside the enclave represented a new border.

"The Security Council resolution is very clear about not calling anything a border or anything else, it is about a territory that needs to be respected in its entirety," he said, referencing a resolution adopted by the Council on 17 November in support of a comprehensive plan to end the conflict.

"We call on all parties to respect the ceasefire and to ensure that we can indeed move to the next phase [of the peace plan]," the High Commissioner told journalists in Geneva. Gaza "remains a place of unimaginable suffering, loss and fear. While the bloodshed has reduced, it has not stopped," he insisted.

Resolution 2803 (2025) received 13 votes in favour and none against, with permanent members China and Russia abstaining.

The text welcomed the Comprehensive Plan announced by President Trump on 29 September. The first phase of the 20-point plan led to the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel days later.

Shifting 'Yellow Line'

Most of the violence in the past week has been reported near the "Yellow Line" whose large painted concrete blocks have shifted in the past week, prompting "new waves" of displacement, according to the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA.

In a scheduled update, the agency cited data from the Gazan health authorities indicating that 360 Palestinians have been killed and 922 injured since the fragile ceasefire agreement came into effect in late October. An additional 617 bodies have been retrieved from under the rubble since then, too.

Echoing those concerns, Mr. Turk said that his Office had documented more than 350 attacks since the ceasefire began. The dead included seven women and 13 children.

"Attacks by Israel continue, including on individuals approaching the so-called Yellow Line, residential buildings and [internally displaced persons] IDP tents and shelters, as well as other civilian objects," he told reporters.

In addition to the humanitarian emergency still unfolding in Gaza, the High Commissioner stressed how generalized psychological trauma affecting the enclave's people is "the most serious mental health crisis that one can imagine...Basically everyone is traumatised and especially children."

Meanwhile, at a press conference marking Human Rights Day, Mr. Turk also expressed deep concern at "unprecedented levels of attack by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians" and their land in the occupied West Bank.

"This is a time to intensify pressure and advocacy - not to sink into complacency", he insisted.

A world of trouble

Turning to the long-running emergency in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the High Commissioner expressed deep concern at overnight reports of thousands fleeing the South Kivu city of Uvira, amid clashes between M23 rebel fighters and DRC armed forces, backed by Wazalendo militia.

"This comes just days after the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to implement the June 2025 Washington Peace Agreement," Mr. Turk said, warning that the risk of a broader regional confrontation was increasing.

The High Commissioner also issued a stark warning that war crimes and potential crimes against humanity may be happening in Sudan, where the war shows no signs of letting up.

The emergency erupted in April 2023 when a transition to civilian rule broke down and today the Sudanese Armed Forces continues to clash with paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Recently, the RSF overran the city of El Fasher after laying siege to it for 18 months, leading to widespread reports of grave rights abuses.

"From Darfur and the Kordofans to Khartoum and Omdurman and beyond, no Sudanese civilian has been left untouched by the cruel and senseless violence," Mr. Turk said. "We are talking about thousands of people that have been killed. There were summary executions, there were people who were trying to leave us for sure, who were killed when they tried to leave...There were witness statements about rape and gang rape, including in front of family members...So yes, we are talking about very serious atrocity crimes. War crimes for sure. Potentially also crimes against humanity."

Ukraine appeal

In Ukraine, the High Commissioner noted that civilian harm has risen sharply. Civilian casualties so far this year are 24 per cent higher than the same period last year, he said, largely owing to Russia's increased use of powerful long-range weapons in large numbers and its continuing efforts "to capture further Ukrainian territory by armed force".

Urgent steps need to be taken to alleviate suffering, Mr. Turk continued "including the return of transferred children [allegedly taken to Russia], the exchange of all prisoners of war, and the unconditional release of civilian detainees held by Russian authorities".

War on drugs

Asked to comment on deadly strikes by the US military on alleged drug-smuggler boats in the Caribbean, the High Commissioner reiterated his position that these represented a violation of international law and human rights law and required "prompt, independent investigations".

Reports indicate that more than 80 people have been killed in more than 20 attacks since September. On 2 September, two survivors of an initial strike were allegedly killed in a second attack.

Mr. Turk noted that as US lawmakers continue to call for further information about these strikes, "I hope that they will lead to a prompt, serious investigation that is independent so that we can get to the bottom of what has happened there."

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Afghanistan's crisis deepens as human rights recede and aid funding falls

By Vibhu Mishra

10 December 2025 - Afghanistan's worsening humanitarian crisis is being driven by the accelerating erosion of fundamental rights - especially for women and girls - alongside mass displacement, economic decline and shrinking aid, senior UN officials warned on Wednesday.

Briefing the Security Council, Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, and Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said nearly half the population will need protection and humanitarian assistance in 2026.

Women and girls remain "systematically excluded" from almost all aspects of public life, Ms. Gagnon said, as the ban on secondary and higher education for girls has now entered its fourth year, depriving the country of future doctors, teachers and leaders.

"Media freedom is increasingly restricted. Journalists face intimidation, detention and censorship, reducing the space for public debate and public participation," she added.

Afghans - both women and men - also face daily intrusions under the de facto authorities' law on the "propagation of virtue and prevention of vice," she added, describing a pattern of systematic interference in private life.

Humanitarian needs surging

At the same time, humanitarian needs are surging. Mr. Fletcher said that nearly 22 million people will need assistance next year, with Afghanistan now ranking among the world's largest humanitarian crises.

"For the first time in four years, the number of people facing hunger has gone up," he warned. Some 17.4 million Afghans are now food insecure, while massive funding cuts have left the response "stretched to breaking point."

More than 300 nutrition delivery points have closed, leaving 1.1 million children without lifesaving nutrition, while 1.7 million face the risk of death without treatment. The health system is also buckling: 422 health facilities were closed in 2025, cutting three million people off from lifesaving care.

Refugees returning to hardship

Adding to the strain, Afghanistan has seen record refugee returns, with over 2.6 million Afghans returning in 2025 alone, bringing the two-year total to more than four million. Most arrive with few possessions and are absorbed into already impoverished communities.

"Women and children made up 60 per cent of all returns this year," Mr. Fletcher noted - returning to a country where women are barred from education, work and, in some cases, healthcare.

Economic pressures are worsening despite modest growth. While GDP is expected to rise by 4.5 per cent, per capita income will fall by about four per cent due to population growth, according to World Bank figures cited by Ms. Gagnon.

Rural livelihoods have also been devastated by the third year of the opium cultivation ban. Although welcomed internationally, UN agencies report a 48 per cent drop in rural incomes, with more support needed for alternative livelihoods.

Aid delivery crippled

While security conditions appear calmer than in past decades, tensions with Pakistan are rising amid cross-border exchanges linked to militant activity. At the same time, the closure of key border posts for two months has hurt trade and civilian life on both sides.

Meanwhile, women's participation in humanitarian work remains under direct assault. Since September, female national UN staff have been barred from accessing UN premises nationwide, a restriction Mr. Fletcher called "unacceptable" and warned was crippling aid delivery.

"There can be no effective humanitarian response without women," he said. "Afghanistan needs them."

Rights increasingly out of reach

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also warned that rights in the country remain "out of reach for too many," especially for women and girls. Involuntary returns are also placing journalists, former officials and civil society figures at heightened risk of reprisals.

"Human rights are not optional. They are the everyday essentials that sustain life," Ms. Gagnon said in a separate UNAMA statement. "For Afghanistan, ensuring women and girls can learn, work, and participate fully is indispensable to recovery."

Call for international support

Despite severe constraints, the UN continues to deliver aid. More than $40 million in emergency funding has been released in recent months to respond to earthquakes, drought and mass returns.

But Mr. Fletcher warned that underfunding is now costing lives.

"As we look to 2026, we risk a further contraction of lifesaving help at a time when food insecurity, health needs a strain on basic services and protection risks are all rising," he said.

He stressed that without urgent attention of and support from the international community, the crisis would only worsen.

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'We won't stop': Afghan women keep businesses alive despite sweeping rights abuses

By Liudmila Blagonravova

10 December 2025 - In Afghanistan, where sweeping restrictions have pushed most women out of public life, thousands are refusing to give up on work.

For many, running a small business has become the only viable path to earning an income - and a way to support other women who have lost their jobs.

With help from the UN, these entrepreneurs are keeping their livelihoods going, often in the face of intense social pressure and strict rules governing women's movement.

"It was difficult for women to sit at home. They had to come out of their houses and learn," says Parwin Zafar, who runs a tailoring shop in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

Her business is one of the few spaces left where women can safely work and train others.

Although women are barred from jobs in government, NGOs and the UN itself, many have found ways to continue working from home or in trades traditionally associated with women.

These include textile production, food processing and carpet weaving - sectors that remain broadly accepted by both the de facto authorities and local communities.

A lifeline

"The one channel that exists for Afghan women is small businesses," says Ms. Zafar. And the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is helping keep that channel open.

The agency has supported more than 89,000 small enterprises across Afghanistan, 91 per cent of them led by women, creating over 439,000 jobs.

"These are sectors where women have historically worked. There's no questioning of these traditional businesses," explains Waheeb Al Eryani, UNDP's area manager in Mazar-i-Sharif.

But acceptance does not mean ease.

Many women still face opposition at home. For restaurant owner Shaista Hakimi, a mother of three, this has been painful and personal. Since her husband died two years ago, her father-in-law has pushed her to stop working altogether.

"He says people will laugh at us because 'your daughter-in-law is working'," she explains. Yet her restaurant, which serves only women, has become a vital community space - and a source of income for 18 women she now employs.

Staying afloat with UN support

Ms. Hakimi kept her business alive thanks to a UNDP loan and is now applying for a matching grant that would allow her to expand and secure safer accommodation.

"I can rent another place or building where I could live and do my work as well," she says.

Ms. Zafar's story mirrors her experience. When her previous business faltered, she received a subsidised UNDP loan, invested in new equipment and rebuilt her tailoring workshop. She now employs 16 women.

"Thank God, I was able to start my business again. This is how I can help more women," she says.

Navigating strict rules

Even the most successful women entrepreneurs have little choice but to rely on male relatives. Decrees requiring women to travel with a male guardian - a mahram - severely limit their ability to deliver goods, meet customers or negotiate with suppliers.

"Women are not allowed to go places without a mahram. Especially if we want to deliver products to other provinces, we cannot do that," Ms. Zafar explains.

To keep their businesses running, many rely on husbands, brothers or sons who can travel freely.

"They leverage their networks," says Mr. Al Eryani. "If they cannot access the market, male relatives will sell the products or finalise deals with wholesalers."

"Men we are related to are supportive. They try to sell our products in the community," Ms. Zafar adds.

Resilience in the face of crisis

Access to markets and finance remains among the biggest hurdles. Only four per cent of Afghan women have access to international markets, and obtaining a loan often requires multiple guarantors - a barrier few can overcome.

Yet the entrepreneurs supported by UNDP are finding ways to persist, even as new challenges emerge.

With large numbers of Afghans recently returning from Iran and Pakistan, several women-led businesses have stepped up to offer jobs to returnees.

"With UNDP's support, they employed 20, 30, sometimes 40 returnees per business," says Mr. Al Eryani. "They became agents of support and contributors rather than recipients of help."

An uncertain future

Despite their resilience, the future for Afghan businesswomen remains uncertain. With girls barred from education beyond Year 6, the next generation risks missing out on the skills needed to run a business or manage finances.

"There is a lack of access to financial education," Ms. Zafar says. "The support we are receiving is not enough."

For now, Afghan women entrepreneurs continue to hold their communities together - creating jobs, passing on skills and proving every day that they will not be pushed out of public life entirely. But without wider access to education and sustained international support, the space they have carved out may shrink even further.

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Today's top news: Central Emergency Response Fund, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Global Humanitarian Policy Forum

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Central Emergency Response Fund

Forty donors pledge over US$300 million for global emergency fund in 2026

At yesterday's pledging event for the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), 40 donors announced contributions of just over $300 million to support life-saving action by the UN's global emergency fund in 2026. Several others are expecting to make contributions in the coming months.

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, thanked partners who pledged their support, stressing that a fully funded CERF - at $1 billion each year - is not symbolic: it's a lifeline that's needed now.

Donor announcements at last year's event totaled some $351 million. The drop in pledges for 2026 reflects the increasingly dire financial outlook facing the humanitarian community as it continues to grapple with the steepest funding cuts in its history.*

So far in 2025, CERF has allocated $435 million to support millions of people who need urgent assistance in over 30 countries and territories. Throughout its 20-year history, the fund has helped hundreds of millions of people with nearly $10 billion in more than 100 countries and territories.

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

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Intense fighting heightens needs, dangers for civilians in South Kivu

OCHA is deeply concerned by the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation in South Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, since 2 December due to intense fighting across multiple territories, including Uvira, Walungu, Mwenga, Shabunda, Kabare, Fizi and Kalehe.

Humanitarian partners report that more than 200,000 people have been displaced across South Kivu, and at least 70 civilians have been killed during the current escalation. Most displaced families are sheltering in overcrowded sites, facing heightened protection risks and the threat of disease outbreaks.

The violence is severely disrupting food assistance. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been forced to suspend its activities across the province, cutting off 25,000 people from life-saving food assistance. Host families, already facing emergency levels of food insecurity, are sharing the last of their food with displaced people.

At least 32 WFP-supported schools in Uvira have suspended classes to provide shelter to displaced families, disrupting the school meals programme and leaving more than 12,000 children without what is often their only hot, nutritious meal of the day.

WFP and other humanitarian partners plan to support newly displaced families as soon as conditions allow, but food stocks in Uvira are expected to run out within weeks due to high needs and a lack of funding.

The humanitarian impact of the crisis is now spilling across borders. Between 5 and 8 December, nearly 25,000 people crossed into Burundi - including Congolese nationals, Burundian returnees and third-country migrants - with additional arrivals also reported in Rwanda.

In Burundi and Rwanda, humanitarian partners - together with the authorities - are scaling up assistance, including hot meals, safe water and health services.

This escalation is further aggravating an already critical humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, amid a severe funding shortfall. The DRC Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 22 per cent funded, leaving a gap of nearly $2 billion - while in Burundi, less than $33 million has been mobilized against a requirement of nearly $77 million.

OCHA calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.

Sudan

Escalating drone attacks imperil civilians in Darfur, Kordofan

OCHA is alarmed by the sharp escalation in violence across Sudan's Darfur and Kordofan regions, where a surge in drone attacks is increasingly exposing civilians to harm.

In Darfur, multiple drone strikes in recent days have killed and injured civilians. On Monday, strikes reportedly hit the towns of Kutum and Kabkabiya, in North Darfur State. Local sources indicate that in Kutum, two civilians were killed and 10 others injured.

The same day in South Darfur State, drone strikes reportedly targeted areas in and around the state capital Nyala, as well as in the town of Katila to the south-west.

In Kordofan, the reported takeover on Monday by the Rapid Support Forces of the country's largest oil field in the town of Heglig, in West Kordofan State, has forced more people to flee and deepened humanitarian concerns. Many families are now being displaced for a second time.

In South Kordofan State, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that 185 people fled the state capital Kadugli yesterday due to heightened insecurity, relocating to areas across the localities of Abu Zabad in West Kordofan and Sheikan in North Kordofan. The situation remains tense and highly fluid.

Once again, OCHA stresses that attacks on civilians must stop immediately. All parties must protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and facilitate safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access.

Meanwhile, people displaced from El Fasher continue to arrive in the locality of Tawila, in North Darfur. Yesterday, partners received some 400 newly displaced people at the Korma entry point. Those arriving had moved multiple times in search of assistance and described robbery, looting and gunfire along the route. The UN and its partners are scaling up humanitarian aid, but needs far exceed available resources.

At the same time, IOM reports that natural hazards have displaced more than 35,000 people in Sudan this year, including due to floods and fires, adding yet another layer of hardship for communities already uprooted by conflict.

OCHA calls on the international community to urgently step up support to ensure life-saving assistance reaches those who need it most across Sudan.

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Winter storm puts vulnerable communities in Gaza at risk

OCHA reports that with another winter storm hitting the Gaza Strip, low temperatures and rains are putting vulnerable groups at particular risk, including newborn children for whom hyperthermia is extremely dangerous.

The UN and its partners have targeted efforts to deliver assistance to communities living in flood-prone areas, including by scaling up the distribution of winter clothes for children from 5,000 to 8,000 kits per day.

Today, partners leading winter preparedness efforts report that some 200 families from shoreline communities are expected to arrive at a new site identified by municipal authorities in what remains of Hamad city, in eastern Khan Younis. These households made the decision to move, given the impact of the frequent rains and the risk of flooding in their previous location.

The UN and its partners - along with Member States - continue to distribute tents, tarpaulins, bedsheets and winter clothes to families in urgent need of assistance. Work is also ongoing to mitigate flooding by reinforcing high-risk areas with sandbags, as well as emptying storm drains and clearing sold waste.

Meanwhile, partners leading efforts to improve access to education report that about 65 classrooms previously used as shelters for displaced people have now been cleaned and prepared so that learning activities can restart there. However, partners warn that education materials remain blocked from entering Gaza, disrupting efforts to help children resume their studies.

In the ongoing effort to improve food security, partners report that so far in December, 260,000 people have received regular food assistance - which consists of two food parcels and a 25-kilogram bag of flour - through 60 distribution points across the Strip, including a new site that opened last week in Beit Lahiya, in northern Gaza.

Given the importance of animal husbandry for food security, some 3,500 veterinary kits entered Gaza on Friday for the first time since August. The UN and its partners have distributed the kits and animal fodder to over 100 herders and donkey owners.

Today, OCHA coordinated a mission by Palestinian Civil Defense to retrieve a body in Beit Lahiya. The body was reported by a UN mission in the area at the Al Waha Junction near Al Rasheed Road, approximately 1,450 metres south of the so-called "Yellow Line." The team retrieved the remains and transported them to Al Shifa hospital. The deceased was reportedly a fisherman.

Meanwhile, security incidents continue to be reported in Gaza - posing a risk to civilians, including humanitarian teams. Just yesterday, there were reports of two bullets hitting the ground floor of UNRWA's Maghazi Health Centre in Deir al Balah, located near the "Yellow Line." Thankfully, no casualties were reported.

Afghanistan

UN Relief Chief calls on Security Council to help stave off further aid cuts

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher warned the Security Council that life-saving help for Afghanistan could further contract next year - at a time when food insecurity, health needs, strain on basic services, and protection risks are all on the rise.

He noted that this winter is the first in years with almost no international food distribution - and as a result, only about 1 million of the most vulnerable people received food assistance during the 2025 season, compared to 5.6 million the previous year.

Fletcher called on the Council to continue to support implementation of the humanitarian exception in UN Security Council resolution 2615, which provides "vital" clarity for humanitarian action, and to insist that women humanitarian staff can do their jobs without restrictions, stressing that there can be no effective response without them.

The Under-Secretary-General also appealed for funding for the Global Humanitarian Overview launched on Monday. "Otherwise, humanitarians will be forced to make even more brutal cuts, with devastating consequences for the population."

Ukraine

Hostilities cause destruction, trigger evacuations from front-line areas

OCHA reports that intense hostilities in front-line regions of Ukraine continue to cause widespread destruction and prompt the evacuation of residents from high-risk areas.

According to the latest report by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, civilian casualties rose significantly in both front-line and urban areas between June and November, with a 37 per cent increase compared to the previous six months.

In Ukraine's east, the Donetsk region has been among those hardest hit. Local authorities report that since the start of December, more than a dozen civilians have been killed and nearly 60 others injured in Ukrainian-controlled areas, with the towns of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk especially impacted by attacks earlier this week.

With the support of UN agencies, national NGOs have promptly delivered emergency assistance to affected residents - including shelter materials to cover damaged windows and roofs, as well as psychosocial support and protection counselling.

Amid mounting security concerns, more families are leaving high-risk areas in the Donetsk region - either on their own or through Government-led evacuations, which are being supported by humanitarians. Local authorities say that since August, nearly 72,000 people - including almost 8,000 children - have fled the Donetsk region.

Aid organizations are supporting civilians fleeing the fighting at each stage of their journey - from leaving their home communities to transit sites and providing support at the destinations hosting them across Ukraine.

Humanitarian partners report that in the front-line region of Zaporizhzhia, some 500 people have been evacuated over the last two weeks. National NGOs have opened an inclusive interim evacuation point to provide comprehensive support to people with disabilities and limited mobility. The project received funding from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, which is managed by OCHA and continues to support local front-line responders in helping those most in need.

Global Humanitarian Policy Forum

UN officials to convene with humanitarian policymakers for two-day forum

OCHA and the UN Foundation will co-host this year's Global Humanitarian Policy Forum, which will take place tomorrow and Friday at UN Headquarters.

Now in its 14th year, this year's forum will center on the theme "Protecting Principles, Norms and Values." It will bring together UN officials, civil society leaders and academics, among many others at the forefront of today's crises.

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher will take part in a panel tomorrow afternoon called "The Front Line - Protecting Civilians and First Responders."

The forum will be livestreamed on UN WebTV, and more information is available online.

Posted on 10 December 2025

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At Security Council, UN Relief Chief says underfunding has left Afghanistan in a deeper humanitarian crisis

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Security Council briefing on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

New York, 10 December 2025

[As delivered]

Madame President,

I will focus today on two key issues: the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the latest on the humanitarian exception to resolution 2615.

As I witnessed when I visited Kabul, Kandahar and Kunduz earlier this year, overlapping shocks, restrictive policies affecting women and girls, the longstanding impact of decades of conflict and chronic poverty - and as of this year, massive funding cuts - have left Afghanistan in a severe humanitarian crisis.

Nearly 22 million people will need our help in 2026. That is third only to Sudan and Yemen in scale. Our ask is US$1.7 billion to target 17.5 million people. But in response to the funding reality, we have further hyper-prioritized our plan to target 3.9 million people in most urgent need of life-saving help.



For the first time in four years the number of people facing hunger has gone up - now reaching 17.4 million. And essential services - already insufficient and uneven across the country - are stretched to breaking point as Afghan refugees return in record numbers.



Over 2.6 million Afghans returned in 2025, bringing the number who have returned in the last two years to over 4 million.

And the situation for those returnees as they come back is particularly precarious. Many arrive with few possessions, hosted in already distressed communities that are ill-equipped to receive them and in an economy that cannot provide for them.

Women and children made up 60 per cent of all returns this year, returning to a country where women and girls are denied opportunities to study, work, or even in some cases receive healthcare.



With 2.5 million Afghans in Pakistan, a large majority of whom have recently seen their legal status in-country revoked, the potential impact of further mass returns is alarming.



Madame President,

In August and then again in November, Afghanistan experienced two major earthquakes, which killed thousands of people, damaged thousands of homes, and destroyed entire villages.



In addition, drought conditions have engulfed the country continuing into the winter months, directly impacting 3.4 million people, but also leading to lower crop production and accelerated groundwater depletion.



Madame President,

Despite limited funding, the UN and our partners have continued to deliver as best we can. Through the OCHA-managed Central Emergency Response Fund, CERF, and my thanks to all of you who announced contributions to the 2026 fund yesterday, we have released over $40 million in additional funding to support the surge in returns, the earthquake response and anticipatory action - that is where we prepare for future shocks - to stave off the worst effects of the drought.

However, increasing human rights restrictions - particularly on Afghan women staff - have made life for many Afghans ever more difficult, and created extra burdens on the implementation of our work. I look forward to hearing more on this challenge from Ms. Negina Yari in just a few moments.



In early September, as you have heard, national women UN staff were barred from entering UN compounds. Unacceptable. Over three months later these restrictions remain. Unacceptable. Both men and women colleagues continue to help their affected communities, but the absence of women from the workplace serves as yet another tragic reminder of the unacceptable restrictions that Afghan women continue to face. I want to thank our outstanding women colleagues who do such extraordinary work on all our behalf.

In late October a further restriction was imposed: almost all national women humanitarian workers were prohibited from operating at the Islam Qala reception center along the Iranian border, where thousands of returns have been reported daily. This has limited women's access to essential protection and health services.



We have secured the resumption of work for a small number of female health staff, and limited life-saving health services have been restored, but other operations still remain suspended.



So I echo the call from the Secretary-General for the de facto authorities to remove all these restrictions immediately and to let female staff work safely, fully and meaningfully across all areas of our work. We need them. Afghanistan needs them. And we must also increase the proportion of our funding and our support that goes to women-led organizations.



Madame President,

I'll turn now to resolution 2615 and our regular report - our eighth briefing to the Council on the report. Food, water, medicine, shelter and other help have continued to reach the people of Afghanistan thanks to the resolution's humanitarian exception, which has eased suffering and saved lives.



As previously reported, the exception covers operational payments necessary for humanitarian support, including rent on state-owned premises, the withholding of taxes on NGO staff income, and utilities such as water and electricity. It allows payment for visas and work permits, security for UN compounds and movements, fees essential to delivering support, including imports and landing, and licenses for NGO registration, communications equipment and municipal charges.



The UN is exempt from paying taxes in Afghanistan. But these are routine costs across all humanitarian operations, in place since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. They are indispensable to the normal conduct of humanitarian operations.



Madame President,

We are working in an incredibly complex environment, with operational, financial and reputational risks. These include pressures to amend local beneficiary lists; bureaucratic and administrative impediments that slow delivery of our aid; maneuvers to influence staff and contractor selection; restrictions, as we've set out, on Afghan women staff; and always the potential risk of aid diversion.



We are aware of the risks and work to mitigate them. We are continually strengthening our risk mitigation systems, building capacity, and ensuring that any reported issues are quickly and transparently investigated and addressed. The humanitarian community is constantly striving to ensure that help effectively supports intended recipients while minimizing waste, fraud and abuse.



We are taking steps to prevent diversion in all our operations, applying standards in line with best practices. In the past year, we have further strengthened those risk mitigation efforts by:

Developing multiple risk management frameworks, including in the case of agencies, funds and programmes, and regularly updating and integrating elements into Afghanistan's Common Risk Mitigation Matrix.

We are also strengthening post-distribution monitoring, for example by ensuring that 15 per cent of cash transfers are fully audited to ensure against irregularities.

We are applying biometric authentication or ID checks against vetted recipient lists as a standard practice.

We are digitizing cash distribution tools to reduce risks of manipulation.

We are vetting and rescreening financial service providers.

And we are developing inter-agency complaint and feedback mechanisms to allow beneficiaries to report suspected diversion.

And if diversion is detected, agencies halt distributions, they engage with the de facto authorities at regional and central levels, and those operations then resume only when strict compliance criteria are met.

Through all these measures, it is my view that engagement with the de facto authorities at local and central levels is critical to preserve the impartiality of our response and the independence of the contractor, partner and staff selection processes.

All these steps together directly support the effective implementation of UNSCR [UN Security Council resolution] 2615.



Madame President,

As we reach the end of the year, underfunding has forced service closures, and resulted in scaled-back assistance to millions - ultimately it has cost lives.

Some specifics:

This winter is the first in years with almost no international food distribution. As a result, only about 1 million of the most vulnerable people have received food assistance during the lean season in 2025. And for comparison, that was 5.6 million last year and now down to a million.

1.1 million children are missing out on life-saving nutrition as 305 nutrition service delivery points have been closed. With 3.7 million children in need of nutrition, including 1.7 million at risk of death if not treated, the results will be catastrophic. 1.7 million at risk of death.

422 health facilities were closed in 2025, leaving 3 million people without access to life-saving care.



So, we are grateful to all of you who have continued to support Afghanistan. But as we look towards 2026, we risk a further contraction of life-saving help - at a time when food insecurity, health needs, strain on basic services, and protection risks are all rising.



To close, Madame President, three requests of this Council:

First - continue to support the implementation of the humanitarian exception in resolution 2615. The clarity it provides remains vital for our humanitarian action.

Second - and I cannot stress this strongly enough - insist that women humanitarian staff can do their jobs without restrictions. There can be no effective response without them. This must be non-negotiable.

And third - fund the Global Humanitarian Overview appeal that I launched on Monday. We are looking for $23 billion globally to save 87 million people, including many inside Afghanistan. Otherwise, humanitarians will be forced to make even more brutal cuts, with devastating consequences for the population.



Thank you.

Posted on 10 December 2025

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Resilience of Afghanistan's Population under Severe Strain as Multiple Crises Escalate, Speakers Warn Security Council, Urging Scaled-Up Humanitarian, Political Action

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

10058th Meeting (AM)

SC/16241

10 December 2025

As Afghanistan faces several escalating crises and an extreme humanitarian emergency, the resilience of its people is being severely tested, senior UN officials today warned the Security Council, calling for urgent international action to alleviate the suffering and steer the country onto the right path.

"More than 23 million Afghans  over half the population  continue to require humanitarian assistance in 2026. Their needs are staggering and growing," said Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), told the 15-member Council on International Human Rights Day.

Pointing out that women and girls continue to be systematically excluded from almost all aspects of public life, she said: "The ban on secondary and tertiary education for girls persists now into its fourth year, depriving Afghanistan of female doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers and leaders critical to the country today and its future."

Afghans also continue to experience systematic infringements into their daily lives through the enforcement of the de facto authorities' law on the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice, she said. And the National Development Strategy aimed at economic self-sufficiency is undermined by political risks and ideological restrictions, including the ongoing ban on UN female national staff entering UN premises, which violates their human rights and hampers the UN mandate.

"We have consistently raised this unacceptable situation with de facto senior leaders," she said, stressing: "We need your further support to ensure this situation does not become normalized."

Turning to the country's agricultural woes, she said the opium cultivation ban, now in its third straight year, has led to a 48 per cent drop in rural incomes. Through the Doha process, she said, an action plan for alternative livelihoods has been developed, but more funding and technical assistance are needed. And while Afghanistan's security is "outwardly calm", tensions with Pakistan have produced deadly cross-border exchanges of fire and air strikes.

"Afghanistan's de facto authorities continue to miss or reject opportunities for multilateral engagement with the international community," she went on the say, adding that the Taliban order of a shutdown of all telecommunications was so disruptive it was reversed by the "more pragmatic faction" of the de facto authorities.

17.4 Million People Facing Hunger amid Massive Humanitarian Funding Cuts

Massive funding cuts have left Afghanistan in a severe humanitarian crisis, with 17.4 million facing hunger, warned Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Back-to-back earthquakes, drought and groundwater depletion are further degrading livelihoods and basic services. He also echoed the Secretary-General's call for the de facto authorities to remove restrictions and to let female staff work safely, adding: "Afghanistan needs them."

Despite underfunding, the UN and partners continue to deliver assistance, helped by the humanitarian exception to Security Council resolution 2615 (2021), which allows essential operational payments such as rent, utilities, visas and other fees needed to keep aid moving. But this winter is the first in years with almost no international food distribution, denying 1.1 million children of life-saving nutrition services as 305 nutrition service delivery points have closed.

"With 3.7 million children in need of nutrition assistance, including 1.7 million at risk of death if not treated, the results will be catastrophic," he said. He urged Council members to keep supporting the "humanitarian exception" in resolution 2615 (2021), insist that women humanitarian staff can do their jobs without restrictions and fund the humanitarian appeal.

Afghan Women Reduced to Aid Recipients

Highlighting the plight of Afghan women, Negina Yari, Founder and Executive Director of the Window for Hope Network, said that, while today marks International Human Rights Day, "virtually every right of Afghan women  to learn, to work, to participate in public and political life  has been gradually extinguished". They are, she said, "reduced to recipients of aid instead of architects of their own lives".

And now, even their ability to access that aid is in danger, as the Taliban's increasing restrictions on aid workers have put millions of women and girls who depend on assistance at greater risk of harm.

"The Taliban's shifting restrictions undermine the rule of law and normalize rights violations as routine governance," she said. Sharing the experiences of some of the 256 Afghan women that her organization interviewed ahead of today's meeting, she said that they described how the Taliban's removal of female UN staff from their workplaces has created severe operational challenges. "We are not asking for charity. We are demanding our rights."

Assault on Human Rights among Worst in World

Throughout the debate, delegations expressed concern over Afghanistan's deepening humanitarian emergency and unprecedented assault on the rights of women and girls, and warned that the country's rising security risks could result in dangerous regional spillover.

Denmark's representative said that Afghanistan under the Taliban is facing "one of the most extreme and systematic assaults on human rights in the world". Similar to other speakers, she welcomed the new International Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan established by the UN Human Rights Council in October to document abuses and ensure future accountability.

"The actions we take - or fail to take  for all Afghan women and girls will shape how we are perceived collectively as a global community," added Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Council President for December, as she spoke in her national capacity. The representative of the United Kingdom said that officials from his country travelled to Kabul in October to "press the Taliban to reverse these barbaric decrees", noting that London has committed $201 million in the 2025-26 financial year for vital life-saving services.

Safe Haven for Terrorism

Speakers also expressed deep concern that cross-border attacks and weaponized trade and transit are already destabilizing neighbours, with Greece's delegate insisting that Afghanistan must not become a "safe haven for terrorism" while Panama's representative warning that rising armed incidents in border areas risk a more complex regional crisis.

"Afghanistan is once again a safe sanctuary for terrorist groups and proxies," declared Pakistan's delegate, saying that this year alone Pakistan lost 1,200 lives to this violence. "Terrorist entities, including ISIL-K, Al-Qaeda, TTP, ETIM, BLA and Majeed Brigade, enjoy safe havens in Afghanistan's territory," he added. Having hosted Afghan refugees for over four decades, Pakistan also believes that Afghans should return to their country in a dignified and orderly manner, he added.

Also echoing a regional refugee concern, the representative of Iran further underscored that Tehran "cannot, and will not, continue to shoulder alone the disproportionate burden of hosting more than 6 million Afghan nationals".

Other regional countries weighed in, with India's representative saying that involuntary return movements have created serious humanitarian and economic vulnerabilities. He condemned the closure of access as "trade and transit terrorism" against a vulnerable landlocked country. Kazakhstan's delegate highlighted Almaty's commitment of $500 million in railway infrastructure to help Afghanistan integrate into regional and international supply chains.

Call to Safeguard Hard-Won Gains

Council speakers also stressed the need for pragmatic, non-politicized cooperation with Afghanistan's de facto authorities on economic recovery, connectivity and counter-narcotics.

"We need to safeguard the hard-won results and communicate with each other frankly on issues of mutual concern," China's delegate said. With over 30 million Afghans living in extreme poverty and on barely $1 a day, he emphasized: "It is important to oppose the politicization of aid issues".

Afghan authorities are working towards the transformation of Afghanistan into a self-reliant State, said the representative of the Russian Federation. But "this process will not happen overnight without our concerted, non-political support". There must be a "painstaking, trust-based dialogue with the Taliban on all problems", and he underscored: "There is no room here for pressure or blackmail."

Taliban Must End Restrictions, 'Gender Persecution' of Women and Girls

On International Human Rights Day, "it is incomprehensible for the Security Council to remain silent in light of the degrading conditions imposed by the Taliban targeting the Afghan people for more than four years now", pushed back France's delegate. "If the Taliban wish to be integrated into the international community as they claim, then they need to demonstrate this with acts," he stated.

The Republic of Korea's delegate said that the Taliban must ensure international aid is delivered in an unimpeded manner while Guyana's delegate, who also spoke for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, added that the Taliban's non-compliance with international obligations "continue to prevent meaningful progress towards Afghanistan's reintegration into the international community".

"Quite simply, the Taliban are not good-faith interlocutors, and they do not care about the well-being of the Afghan people," added the United States' representative. They manipulate international support, ignore Afghans' basic needs and demonstrate little willingness to meet their international commitments. If the Taliban prevents UNAMA from carrying out its tasks, then the Council should consider realigning its mandate to this reality, she said.

Call for Coordinated International Engagement, Intra-Afghan Negotiations

The representative of Afghanistan said that the Secretary-General's report "confirms what Afghans endure daily"  deliberate, systematic violations of fundamental rights. Public execution, corporal punishment, arbitrary detention, media censorship and extrajudicial killing continue without accountability. "But it is the women and girls of Afghanistan who face the most extreme persecution and systematic discrimination," he said, and the Taliban's deliberate decision to do so amounts to "gender persecution on a scale that constitutes crimes against humanity".

He also spotlighted the 23 million Afghans who require humanitarian assistance despite declining funding, continued terrorist activity in Afghanistan and recent escalation between the Taliban and Pakistan. He called on the Council to adopt a coordinated, benchmark-based international engagement framework; intra-Afghan negotiations leading to legitimate governance; and place the rights of women and girls at the centre of all engagement. He concluded: "The people of Afghanistan have not abandoned hope  the international community must not abandon them."

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New Zealand Defence Force personnel support largest US Navy humanitarian and civil assistance mission

New Zealand Defence Force

A last-minute personnel change saw Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Sub Lieutenant Manukura Ngawaka step into a commander's role for the largest United States Navy humanitarian and civil assistance mission in the Indo-Pacific.

11 December, 2025

Stretching from Hawaii through to the Philippines, the Pacific Partnership mission visited eight countries to address immediate needs and long-term resilience.

This included providing medical and veterinary care, infrastructure support, disaster-response training, environmental health and permaculture, agriculture and apiculture assistance.

Joining the US Navy ship USS John L Canley at Guam, former Piopio College and Nelson College student Sub Lieutenant Ngawaka was settling into his role as assistant to the Multinational Operations Coordination Cell Director, when the director had to return home and Sub Lieutenant Ngawaka stepped up to fill his shoes.

That put Sub Lieutenant Ngawaka in charge of coordinating around 50 personnel from Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom who were attached to the exercise.

Sub Lieutenant Ngawaka, who had only joined the Navy in 2022, said he had to learn a lot in a short amount of time for the new role he found himself in.

"Commonwealth nations' navies are kind of similar and operate loosely off the same structure, just with their own quirks. The US is completely different. Their structure, laws, policies, procedures were a whole new world," he said.

"Integrating everyone and ensuring the partner nations were set up to achieve mission effects was key learning experience, but it didn't happen without its challenges."

Sub Lieutenant Ngawaka was the only Kiwi embarked on the ship, but connected with other New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed to the Samoan leg of the activity.

In Samoa, RNZN Commander Kasey Munro led a team of six navy and New Zealand Army personnel supporting health initiatives, disaster preparedness and Women, Peace and Security initiatives.

"I have been honoured to have a few visits to Samoa in my naval career, most recently as Commander Task Group for Operation Resolution," Commander Munro said.

"It was wonderful working within the Women, Peace and Security initiative in my deployment to Pacific Partnership, to empower women's roles in disaster management, community resilience and health security.

"Coming back to Samoa allowed me to reconnect with old friends, and it felt like I was returning home."

For Sub Lieutenant Ngawaka, the USS John L Canley took him from Guam to Palau, Samoa, Vanuatu and Hawaii, to see the real time and real life effect the mission had on the people of the host nations.

"My personal highlight was seeing how meaningful the contribution was to the mission stops," Sub Lieutenant Ngawaka said.

"Joy came from different areas. From the medical screenings and appointments, to the band playing for the Palau high school students dancing and cheering in the pouring rain. It was awesome to see."

As the 21st Pacific Partnership draws to a close, Sub Lieutenant Ngawaka said the deployment had broadened his views on the world and given him unforgettable experiences.

"I've had the privilege of working with so many different characters and personalities, all of which I hope to stay connected with."

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Europe decries "political war" over new U.S. national security strategy

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:11, December 11, 2025

* Washington now believes that a weaker, more divided Europe, with a more assertive U.S. influence on its internal politics, serves American interests.

* "I think they are weak," Trump said in an interview with POLITICO at the White House on Monday, referring to European leaders. "I think they don't know what to do ... Europe doesn't know what to do."

* Behind the ideological clash lie older anxieties about hard security: Europe's defense spending, NATO's strategic direction and the future of the conflict in Ukraine.

* While NATO and Ukraine expose older rifts, Europe's push for digital regulation has triggered a set of new tensions.

BRUSSELS, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- European politicians and analysts are accusing Washington of waging a "political war" on Brussels after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration unveiled a new national security strategy, pledging support for "patriotic European parties" and aiming to "cultivate resistance" to the continent's current direction.

The 33-page document, traditionally issued once per presidential term, treats Europe less as a longstanding ally and more as a continent at risk of "civilizational erasure." It criticizes Europe for being hindered by "regulatory suffocation," vulnerable to migration pressures, and politically fragmented.

For many in Brussels, the message is clear: Washington now believes that a weaker, more divided Europe, with a more assertive U.S. influence on its internal politics, serves American interests.

WAR, THREAT, HYBRID ATTACK

"I think they are weak," Trump said in an interview with POLITICO at the White House on Monday, referring to European leaders. "I think they don't know what to do ... Europe doesn't know what to do."

The U.S. strategy document blames transnational bodies such as the European Union (EU) for undermining "political liberty and sovereignty," warns that migration is transforming the continent, and laments "censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition."

"Should present trends continue, the continent will be unrecognizable in 20 years or less," the document says, questioning the long-term reliability of some NATO members.

It declares that the United States will "cultivate resistance to Europe's current trajectory within European nations" and support those seeking to "restore their former greatness."

Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the strategy amounted to a "declaration of political war," arguing that Trump wants a Europe "divided into nations, subordinate to his demands and voting preferences."

European leaders, he said, must treat Trump as an adversary and reinforce the EU's autonomy in technology, security and foreign policy.

European Council President Antonio Costa cautioned Washington against interference. "Allies must act as allies," he wrote on the social platform X. "What we cannot accept is interference in Europe's democratic life."

Pawel Zerka, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, called the document "a guide to Trump's culture war with Europe," saying that the United States had abandoned the pretence of staying out of Europe's domestic politics and now frames interference as benevolence: an effort to keep "Europe European."

Other analysts said the document is unusually explicit in signalling Washington's preferred political partners.

Fabian Zuleeg, chief executive of the European Policy Center (EPC), and his colleague Janis Emmanouilidis warned that the strategy "blatantly" aligns with illiberal forces and uses language to approach a "regime-change agenda."

In their view, the United States is attempting to replace its democratic model with illiberal populism, making America "an adversary and a visible threat" to Europe's freedoms and values.

Sven Biscop, who heads the "Europe in the World" program at Belgium's Egmont Institute, labelled the document a "hybrid attack."

"In other words, the Trump administration will continue, and likely even increase, its active interference in our elections, in support of the anti-democratic extreme-right forces, and against the EU," he said, "that is a hybrid attack as unwelcome."

Obviously, European leaders are going to stand for direct political intervention in their politics, said Max Bergmann, researcher with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., warning that the national security strategy could "trigger a major collision and potentially the end of the alliance."

OLD FEARS: NATO AND UKRAINE

Behind the ideological clash lie older anxieties about hard security: Europe's defense spending, NATO's strategic direction and the future of the conflict in Ukraine.

At the Munich Security Conference in February, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance blasted European governments for pursuing utopian policies on migration while under-investing in their militaries. Delivered on one of the most prominent stages in transatlantic diplomacy, the speech was widely read as an early preview of the arguments now codified in the U.S. National Security Strategy.

The newly published strategy reiterates Trump's demand that allies sharply increase military expenditure, citing the "Hague Commitment" under which NATO members pledged to move toward spending 5 percent of GDP on defense. The strategy insists Europe must "stand on its own feet" and take primary responsibility for its security.

At the same time, it questions "the perception, and the reality, of NATO as a perpetually expanding alliance" and emphasizes "reestablishing strategic stability with Russia." Negotiated settlement of the Ukraine crisis, economic stabilization and preventing escalation are presented as core U.S. interests.

The text also portrays some European capitals as clinging to "unrealistic expectations for the war" while being run by "unstable minority governments."

Such language alarms governments in northern and eastern Europe.

Mika Aaltola, a Finnish member of the European Parliament, said the strategy reshapes the foundations of European security by signalling that U.S. support will be conditional on American interests.

Biscop warned that the strategy amounts to a "conciliatory stance toward Russia," leaving Europe "truly on its own" in Ukraine.

DIGITAL WARS AS NEW FLASHPOINT

While NATO and Ukraine expose older rifts, Europe's push for digital regulation has triggered a set of new tensions.

The EU has spent the past few years rolling out a new regulatory toolkit, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act, to police online content and curb the market power of major tech companies.

Last week, the European Commission imposed a 120-million-euro (140-million-U.S.-dollar) fine on Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly Twitter, in its first non-compliance decision under the DSA.

The Commission has also opened a formal antitrust investigation into Meta and launched a separate probe into whether Google has breached EU competition rules on Tuesday.

The U.S. response has been unusually strong. Musk wrote on X that "the EU should be abolished," while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the fine on X was "an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments."

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reposted Rubio's comments, writing that what worried him most was that the United States is "in a military alliance with the very countries attacking us via the EU."

"We cannot pretend that we are partners while those nations allow the EU's unelected, undemocratic, and unrepresentative bureaucracy in Brussels to pursue policies of civilizational suicide," he said.

Trump on Monday called the fine "nasty" and said, "Europe is going in some bad directions."

For European analysts, the episode shows how quickly digital regulation has become entangled with broader questions of power and identity.

Zuleeg and Emmanouilidis described Trump's approach as a form of "digital imperialism," which is aimed at sweeping away European constraints on U.S. tech giants and, in the process, opening the digital sphere further to illiberal forces.

The EPC warns that illiberal forces in Europe are "increasingly organized, connected and resourced" and are likely to feel emboldened by a U.S. strategy that pledges to support "patriotic European parties" while attacking EU institutions and rules.

The United States, once the "fiercest advocate of European political and economic integration" after World War II, has shifted its foreign policy toward the continent dramatically and called for direct intervention in the democratic politics of its European allies, said Bergmann.

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Venezuela - Tanker Seizure

On 10 December 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The seizure, a significant escalation of the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Nicolas Maduro's government, was led by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from the Navy. This move comes as the U.S. has built up its military presence in the Caribbean and launched a series of strikes against vessels suspected of drug smuggling.

During a White House event, President Trump described the vessel as "very large" and "the largest one ever seized, actually," adding it was taken for a "very good reason". A source familiar with the matter revealed the tanker was en route to Cuba, with the oil intended for sale to Asian energy brokers by the state firm Cubametales. The specific tanker was reportedly identified by the British maritime risk management group Vanguard as the Skipper, a vessel previously sanctioned by the U.S. when it was known as the Adisa for alleged involvement in Iranian oil trading.

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated the operation involved "deliberate planning" and occurred in international waters without resistance from the crew. When questioned about the oil's fate, Trump simply stated, "We keep it, I guess". The President hinted that "other things are happening," and more details would be forthcoming. The news of the seizure caused oil futures to rise.

Recent reports put Venezuelas crude and fuel exports around 900,000 barrels per day in late 2025, one of the highest monthly averages this year. In one recent month, 34 oil and product tankers departed Venezuelan waters, which works out to just over one vessel per day on average that month. Typical export cargoes from Venezuela are loaded on Aframax, Suezmax and VLCC tankers that commonly carry 600,0002,000,000 barrels each, so roughly 900,000 barrels per day corresponds to loading a standard-size tanker every day or two. Given these volumes and ship sizes, a reasonable operational estimate is about 12 oil tankers departing Venezuelan ports per day, recognizing that actual sailings are lumpy (bursts of multiple departures followed by quieter periods) rather than evenly spaced.

The United States generally relies on domestic sanctions and civil forfeiture law, applied extraterritorially and enforced through courts and cooperating flag/coastal states, as its legal basis for seizing Venezuelan-related oil cargoes, whereas Iran has often used direct military force to detain tankers in or near its waters on asserted but widely disputed grounds such as alleged technical violations or court orders.

The core U.S. legal tool is the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), under which the President declares a national emergency and blocks certain transactions with designated Venezuelan entities and sectors; violations can trigger civil and criminal enforcement against vessels, cargo, owners, and intermediaries. In practice, the U.S. Department of Justice uses civil forfeiture and admiralty jurisdiction (in rem actions) to seize cargo or ships tied to sanctioned Venezuelan or Iranian actors by obtaining U.S. court warrants, then leveraging cooperation from flag states, intermediaries, or partner navies rather than conducting direct high-seas boardings.

Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ships on the high seas are generally under the exclusive jurisdiction of their flag state, with limited, specific exceptions such as piracy and the slave trade; unilateral interdictions by another state are presumptively unlawful absent flag-state consent or UN Security Council authorization. UNCLOS allows a state to seize or otherwise interfere with foreign ships in narrowly defined situations that depend on the type of alleged offense (e.g., piracy, fisheries, pollution, customs). It also requires prompt release, due process, and compensation if a seizure is unlawful or disproportionate.

Legal analysts note that many U.S. sanctions-based seizures could be difficult to justify under a strict reading of customary international law if done by force on the high seas, so U.S. practice had been to avoid direct naval seizure and instead pressure private actors and use foreign ports to enforce U.S. court orders, which Washington presents as consistent with its domestic law even if international-law conformity is contested.

Iran had repeatedly intercepted and seized foreign-flag tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, sometimes after other states detained Iranian oil cargoes; examples include the seizure of the UK-linked Stena Impero in 2019 and more recent cases such as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara. Iranian authorities typically invoke domestic court orders, alleged pollution, collisions, or customs violations as the formal basis, claiming the vessels were subject to Iranian jurisdiction when within Iranian or adjacent waters, but outside observers and Western governments generally describe these actions as retaliatory and inconsistent with UNCLOS rules on transit passage and freedom of navigation.

Contiguous Zone Enforcement Authority

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes distinctly limited enforcement authority for coastal states regarding customs violations in waters beyond their territorial sea. Under Article 33 of UNCLOS, coastal states may establish a contiguous zone extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Within this contiguous zone, the coastal state may exercise control necessary to prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea, and to punish infringement of those laws and regulations committed within its territory or territorial sea. This provision represents a carefully circumscribed expansion of enforcement jurisdiction beyond the twelve-mile territorial sea limit.

The contiguous zone does not confer sovereignty or sovereign rights over the zone itself, but rather provides protective jurisdiction focused on preventing violations that either have occurred or are anticipated to occur within the coastal state's territory or territorial sea. The drafting history of Article 33 and its predecessor Article 24 of the 1958 Convention on the High Seas demonstrates that states generally accepted that powers in the contiguous zone are confined to preventive and punitive measures designed to protect onshore public order against specific dangers emanating from inward or outward movement of ships. Coastal states possess only limited enforcement jurisdiction in the contiguous zone, not legislative jurisdiction to extend their domestic regulations to the zone itself. The International Court of Justice confirmed in its 2022 judgment concerning Nicaragua v. Colombia that the material scope of powers enumerated in Article 33 paragraph 1 of UNCLOS defines the outer limits of what coastal states may lawfully claim within the contiguous zone.

Within the contiguous zone, Article 33 paragraph 1 subparagraph (a) limits a coastal state to exercise administrative rights such as searches, inspections, verifications, and orders to halt vessels suspected of intending to violate customs or related laws should they enter the territorial sea. The protective jurisdiction granted by this provision obligates vessels in vertical passage through the contiguous zone to endure the exercise of these administrative rights by the coastal state. Failure of vessels in the contiguous zone to adhere to an order to stop, an inspection, or to the process of verification consequently constitutes a violation that may trigger the right of hot pursuit under Article 111 of UNCLOS. However, the enforcement authority is fundamentally preventive in nature when applied to violations anticipated to occur within the territorial sea, and punitive only for violations actually committed within the territory or territorial sea. This distinction proves critical, as coastal states cannot prescribe and enforce customs laws within the contiguous zone when there has been no previous penetration of the territorial sea by the vessel in question.

High Seas Enforcement Limitations

Beyond the contiguous zone, on the high seas proper, UNCLOS provides no general authorization for coastal states to seize vessels for customs violations or drug smuggling. Article 110 of UNCLOS, titled "Right of Visit," establishes narrow exceptions to the fundamental principle of flag state exclusivity on the high seas. Under Article 110, except where acts of interference derive from powers conferred by treaty, a warship which encounters on the high seas a foreign ship other than a ship entitled to complete immunity is justified in boarding it only when there is reasonable ground for suspecting that the ship is engaged in piracy, the ship is engaged in the slave trade, the ship is engaged in unauthorized broadcasting, the ship is without nationality, or although flying a foreign flag or refusing to show its flag the ship is in reality of the same nationality as the warship. Notably absent from this enumeration is any reference to customs violations or drug trafficking as standalone bases for boarding foreign vessels on the high seas.

Article 108 of UNCLOS addresses illicit traffic in narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, but does so in hortatory rather than mandatory terms. The article provides that all states shall cooperate in the suppression of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances engaged in by ships on the high seas contrary to international conventions. When a state which has reasonable grounds for believing that a ship flying its flag is engaged in illicit traffic in narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances receives a request for cooperation from another state, it shall cooperate to the extent possible to suppress such traffic. This language of cooperation and request stands in marked contrast to the more definitive boarding authorities established for piracy and slavery. Article 108 essentially requires flag state consent or cooperation for enforcement actions against drug trafficking vessels on the high seas, except in the specific case of stateless vessels which lack flag state protection.

Stateless Vessels and Expanded Jurisdiction

The treatment of stateless vessels represents a significant exception to the general principle of flag state exclusivity on the high seas. Under Article 92 paragraph 2 of UNCLOS, a ship which sails under the flags of two or more states using them according to convenience may not claim any of the nationalities in question with respect to any other state and may be assimilated to a ship without nationality. When a warship encounters a vessel on the high seas and has reasonable grounds to suspect that the ship is without nationality under Article 110, the warship may board the vessel to verify its registry. If the suspicion of statelessness proves correct, states and legal commentators generally treat stateless vessels as subject to detention, seizure, and prosecution by the boarding state because they lack the protection normally afforded by flag state jurisdiction.

Legal commentary and state practice demonstrate that a finding of statelessness removes the usual exclusive jurisdiction of a flag state and opens the vessel to exercise of jurisdiction by the boarding state. This jurisdiction can include detention, seizure of the vessel and contraband, and subsequent prosecution of crew members under the boarding state's laws. The United States has taken an particularly expansive approach to jurisdiction over stateless vessels through the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, which authorizes United States authorities to take action against vessels engaged in drug trafficking on the high seas when such vessels are stateless, United States-flagged, United States-owned, or foreign-flagged with flag state consent. Courts of appeals in the United States remain divided on whether applying the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act to defendants who have no connection whatsoever to the United States violates due process requirements, though several circuits have upheld prosecutions even absent a direct nexus to United States territory.

Treaty-Based Enforcement Mechanisms

Beyond the provisions of UNCLOS itself, bilateral and multilateral treaties provide the primary legal basis for boarding and seizing vessels suspected of drug trafficking on the high seas. The 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, commonly known as the Vienna Drug Convention, establishes a framework for international cooperation in combating maritime drug trafficking. Article 17 of the Vienna Convention specifically addresses illicit traffic by sea and requires parties to cooperate to the fullest extent possible to suppress illicit traffic by sea in accordance with the international law of the sea. The convention contemplates that a party which has reasonable grounds to suspect that a vessel flying the flag of another party is engaged in illicit traffic may request authorization from the flag state to board, search, and if evidence of involvement in illicit traffic is found, take appropriate action with respect to the vessel, persons, and cargo on board.

The Vienna Convention establishes detailed procedures for such cooperation, including requirements that the requesting state submit its request through diplomatic channels or through a designated authority, that the flag state respond promptly to the request, and that any action taken be conducted in accordance with the laws of the flag state to the extent feasible. Regional agreements have further operationalized these cooperative frameworks. The 1995 Council of Europe Agreement on Illicit Traffic by Sea requires state parties to establish jurisdiction over relevant offenses committed on board vessels without nationality or assimilated to vessels without nationality under international law. Caribbean bilateral agreements between the United States and various flag states provide pre-authorization for United States Coast Guard vessels to board and search vessels flying the flags of consenting states when there is reasonable suspicion of drug trafficking activity, significantly streamlining the process that would otherwise require case-by-case diplomatic negotiations.

Enforcement Jurisdiction versus Use of Force

While UNCLOS and supplementary treaties provide legal authority for boarding and seizing vessels under specific circumstances, they impose significant constraints on the use of force during such operations. The framework contemplates law enforcement actions rather than military operations. International law permits boarding, inspection, seizure of contraband, and detention of suspected traffickers, but does not authorize blanket destruction of vessels or lethal force against fleeing craft absent imminent threat to the safety of law enforcement personnel. Recent maritime operations that have employed kinetic strikes against suspected drug vessels operating on the high seas have generated considerable legal controversy, with critics arguing that such actions exceed the bounds of law enforcement authority and potentially violate the United Nations Charter's prohibition on the use of force in Article 2 paragraph 4 absent self-defense or Security Council authorization.

The distinction between interdiction and military action proves particularly significant in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, where United States authorities have conducted extensive operations against drug trafficking organizations. When enforcement operations shift from boarding and seizure to bombing or sinking vessels, they cross into the realm of use of force under international law requiring either invocation of the inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter or explicit Security Council authorization. A suspected drug trafficking vessel engaged in smuggling activities does not constitute a legitimate military target absent an actual armed attack or imminent threat thereof. Destroying such vessels potentially amounts to extrajudicial killing and violates human rights norms, as the persons aboard are civilians engaged in criminal activity rather than combatants in armed conflict. The legal framework for maritime drug interdiction consequently maintains a careful balance between providing states with necessary tools to combat transnational crime while preserving fundamental principles of flag state sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and protection of human life at sea.

Implementation Challenges and Jurisdictional Disputes

Practical implementation of UNCLOS provisions for vessel seizure encounters numerous operational and legal challenges. Jurisdictional ambiguity arises particularly when vessels operate in areas where multiple states' maritime zones overlap or where the nationality of the vessel remains unclear. Even with treaty-based authorities, obtaining flag state consent often requires diplomatic negotiations that can delay time-sensitive interdiction operations, allowing suspected trafficking vessels to escape or dispose of evidence. The harsh marine environment presents logistical obstacles that can compromise the integrity of physical evidence collected during at-sea boardings, while the transient nature of maritime operations makes securing witness testimony difficult. Courts must carefully scrutinize whether boarding authorities acted within the scope of their legal authority, whether proper procedures were followed, and whether evidence was lawfully obtained in international waters where multiple jurisdictions potentially apply.

The doctrine of hot pursuit under Article 111 of UNCLOS provides coastal states with authority to pursue vessels that have violated their laws within their territorial sea or contiguous zone, but this authority terminates if the pursuit is interrupted or if the pursued vessel enters the territorial sea of another state or of a third state. For customs violations, hot pursuit may only be undertaken if there has been a violation of the rights for the protection of which the contiguous zone was established under Article 33. The pursuing vessel must give a visual or auditory signal to stop at a distance which enables it to be seen or heard, and the pursuit must be commenced when the foreign ship or one of its boats is within the coastal state's territorial sea, contiguous zone, or other designated zone depending on the nature of the violation. These technical requirements mean that hot pursuit authority provides only limited additional enforcement capability beyond the contiguous zone, and does not serve as a general authorization to seize vessels for customs or drug offenses committed entirely on the high seas without connection to the coastal state's maritime zones.

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Shadow Fleet - Provocations

There are signs that a hybrid warfare escalation is emerging off the coasts of Europe. A ship thought to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" [RU = Tenevaya Flotiliya], the Boracay, was boarded by the French navy off Saint-Nazaire on France's Atlantic coast on 06 December 2025, amid suspicions that the oil tanker could have been used as a launch pad for drone incursions into Danish and Norwegian airspace. The vessel resumed its journey and was heading towards the Suez Canal with its captain back on board, according to data from maritime websites and a source close to the case.

Moscow repurposed its shadow fleet, using aging ships of uncertain ownership initially deployed to export Russian oil and circumvent Western sanctions. While the ships initially had an economic rationale focused on maintaining oil revenues, the focus now appears to be shifting toward hard power and military aspects, using the fleet to put pressure on Europe. This shift is linked to the broader objective of undermining the confidence of European allies who support Ukraine. The threat from Russia to European national security cannot be underestimated, as Moscow seeks to destroy Western sanctions enforcement, starve support for Ukraine, and protect the subsea infrastructure that European societies rely upon for everyday connectivity and energy supplies.

Coastal states face elevated threats from Russia's various maritime actions, including those related to shipping and offshore activities, critical undersea infrastructure, and the marine environment as well as wildlife. The Russian shadow fleet has led to an increased risk of an environmental disaster in the Baltic Sea as well as globally. Many of these vessels are aging and in poor condition, raising concerns about oil spills and maritime accidents. The decrepit state of many shadow fleet vessels poses costly threats to critical national infrastructure and the environment throughout the Euro-Atlantic region.

The Boracay, flying the Beninese flag and also known as Pushpa, was not the only ship that has aroused European suspicions. Two other cargo ships spotted sailing in the vicinity of Copenhagen airport were also on the list of vessels suspected of serving as platforms for Russian hybrid warfare operations, including the drone overflights of Danish airports. The presence of a Russian submarine off the coast of Gibraltar added to European nervousness about this Russian threat. Since the 2022 Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow had often been suspected of sabotaging undersea internet cables, whether in the Baltic Sea or off the UK coast.

Moscow appeared to have decided such ships are now an integral part of its hybrid capabilities. A ship can be a multi-purpose tool in the conduct of hybrid warfare. It can pursue practical objectives like mapping undersea infrastructure which could be targeted by future sabotage operations. About 97 percent of internet communications transit via undersea cables, which are increasingly targeted by hostile actors. Ships, even civilian vessels such as cargo ships or oil tankers, can be equipped with military sensors and crewed by military personnel disguised as civilians but capable of conducting intelligence operations. Depending on the capabilities ships have, they can listen in on military communications, gather information on weapons supply lines, or assess a country's defense readiness.

A belligerent act carried out at sea is also a highly political statement of intent. It demonstrates a country's willingness to operate at the boundary between peace and war, in the maritime gray zone. These incursions appear to be part of Russia's overall strategy to disrupt the normal state of affairs in Western societies, create uncertainties, spread fears, and test the resolve and boundaries of NATO countries. The recent campaign of drone incursions into the airspace of several countries has highlighted European weak points. In Germany, drone incursions led to confusion about which authority was responsible for managing the threat and who had the right to shoot them down. The maritime environment is particularly prone to hybrid warfare because jurisdictions overlap and because it is difficult to control and monitor vast expanses of water.

There is a significant attribution problem when attempting to pinpoint who is responsible for malign acts at sea. A ship may belong to a company based in one country, fly the flag of another, and officially transport only commercial goods. Under these conditions, it becomes extremely difficult to attribute an action to a specific state actor. In the arsenal of hybrid warfare tools, including influence operations, cyberattacks, and sabotage, ships represent an important and growing part of gray zone tactics. The vast increase in global trade since the end of the Cold War makes the seas a particularly attractive environment for those who want to cause major disruption.

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Ukraine 2026 Election ?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared his readiness to hold elections within three months if the United States and Kyivs other allies can ensure the security of the voting process. Zelenskyy made this statement on 09 December 2025 in response to US President Donald Trump, who suggested Zenlenskyy was using Russias invasion of Ukraine as an excuse to avoid elections. Trump was quoted as saying: You know, they [Ukraine] talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where its not a democracy any more. In February 2025, Trump had accused Zelenskyy of being a dictator, echoing claims previously made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Im ready for elections, and moreover I ask that the US help me, maybe together with European colleagues, to ensure the security of an election, Zelenskyy said in comments to reporters. And then in the next 60-90 days, Ukraine will be ready to hold an election, he said. Ukraines parliament mnths earlier had overwhelmingly approved a resolution affirming the legitimacy of Zelenskyys wartime tenure in office, asserting the constitutionality of deferring the presidential election while the country fought Russias invasion.

Washingtons peace proposal involves Ukraine surrendering land that Russia has not captured, primarily the entire industrial Donbas region, in return for security promises that fall far short of Kyivs minium reqirements, including joining the NATO military alliance. Preventing the possibility of Ukrainian membership in NATO was at teh center of Russia's intial war aims when it invaded the country in February 2022. In December 2021 Moscow issued an ultimatum to America and NATO, including a demand that NATO wont expand eastwards into states that were formerly a part of the USSR.

The 103rd article of the Constitution [of Ukraine], which says that the President is elected for only five years, there is the 83rd article of the Constitution of Ukraine, which states that in conditions of martial law the powers of the Verkhovna Rada can be extended. Nothing was said about extending the president's powers. The law on the essence of the martial law regime says that under martial law, presidential elections are not held, but it does not say that they are prolonged.

The Economist reported 27 September 2024 that President Zelenskyy is considering calling presidential elections in 2025 amid his falling ratings "to consolidate his power." The media added that according to America's National Democratic Institute, Ukrainians' trust in Zelenskyy dropped from 80% in May 2023 to 45% in 2024.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said presidential and parliamentary elections could happen this year if negotiations bring an end to the "hot phase" of the war with Russia, allowing for the lifting of martial law. Speaking in an interview broadcast on Ukrainian television late on January 2, Zelenskiy said Ukraine's position after it emerges from any settlement of the current battle to repel invading Russian troops will determine whether the country's long-delayed elections could take place.

"When it comes to 2025, should we manage to achieve the end of the hot phase of the war for Ukraine; once we manage to achieve it along with a strong army, strong weaponry package, and strong security guarantees, then this [elections] will happen," Zelenskiy said in the interview where he was accompanied by his wife, Olena. "After that, in principle, we can think of lifting martial law in Ukraine. Once martial law is over, then the ball is in parliament's court -- the parliament then picks a date for elections...My thinking is that there is no need to spend years waiting [for elections] once martial law is over."

Zelenskiy's five-year term in office was supposed to end on 20 May 2024. The 46-year-old entertainer-turned-politician would not commit on whether he'd seek another term as the country's leader. "If I do more than I can, then I will probably look at this decision more positively. Today, this is not my goal," he said.

A presidential election was to have taken place in March or April 2024, but was postponed because the country is still under martial law. Under the Ukrainian Constitution, Zelenskiy must continue to perform his duties until a new head of state is elected. Parliamentary elections were to be held on October 29, 2023, but they too were postponed due to the implementation of martial law.

Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. It has been extended in 90-day intervals 13 times by parliament, with the most-recent extension running until February 7. Lawmakers would have to amend the law in order to hold elections during a state of war. Many analysts and politicians have cited concerns over security, displaced voters, and infrastructure as major impediments to Ukraine holding any type of legitimate election under the current circumstances.

While Russia has questioned Zelenskiy's legitimacy because of the delayed election, the European Union has said it had no doubt about his status as leader of Ukraine, while the United Nations has backed him saying Zelenskiy "remains...the person with whom the secretary-general communicates when he needs to contact the Ukrainian leader."

"In Ukraine people have concerns about elections at the time of war and in Russia they strongly want this to happen -- that's so they keep giving traction to their narrative about the [alleged] illegitimacy of Ukraine's president," Zelenskiy said in the January 2 interview.

Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian government could consider lifting martial law only when the hot phase of the war ends and Ukraine attains a strong position with a strong army, a robust arsenal, and security guarantees.

Analysts also reminded that Ukraines 2000 law, On the Legal Regime of Martial Law, stipulates that martial law can be lifted only when the threat of attack or danger to Ukraines state independence and territorial integrity is eliminated. Kremlin officials, including Putin, have repeatedly misrepresented Ukrainian legislation and the Constitution to claim that Zelenskyy is an illegitimate president because Ukraine, adhering to its laws and Constitution, did not hold elections under martial law in 2024, publication writes.

Ukrainian authorities legally cannot lift martial law as long as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.

According to the Ukrainian media outlet Telegraf, members of Zelensky's inner circle asserted in January 2025 that he had already decided to run for a second term, propped up by a 52% approval rating giving the presumption that he might be able to pull off a win. However, the Ukrainian leader was said to be willing to enter the race only if Valery Zaluzhny, the former chief of Ukraine's armed forces, who enjoys considerable popularity, chooses not to oppose him. In this context, it was rumored that Zaluzhny has been offered the position of Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament as an incentive to refrain from running against Zelensky.





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Russo-Ukraine War - 10 December 2025 - Day 1386

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 200 combat clashes.

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 23 aviation strikes, dropping 62 controlled bombs. In addition, 1754 kamikaze drones were recruited to impress and carried out 2707 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

Seven combat clashes took place in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. The Russian enemy carried out 65 shells, including one - from the reaktivnoi system of zalpovogo fire.

Today, the enemy attacked 10 times in the South-Slobozhansky direction in the areas of the settlements of Staritsa, Vovchansk, Dvorichanske and in the direction of Sinelnikovoye, Obuhivka, Kutkivka. One combat encounter is underway.

In the Kupians komu direction, the Russian opponent made nine attempts to attack towards Petropavlivka and Kurilivka.

In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces repelled 23 assault actions in the areas of settlements Novoyegorivka, Grekivka, Novoselivka, Zarichne, Torske and towards the settlements of Cherneshchyna, Oleksandrivka, Drobisheve, Stavki, Lyman currently four clashes are ongoing.

In the Slavic direction, Russian forces attacked seven times in the area of yampol and in the direction of svato-pokrovsky.

In the kramators komu direction of boezitknen  not recorded.

23 combat clashes took place in the Konstantinivsky direction today. The Russian enemy tried to storm the positions of Ukrainian units near Oleksandro-Shultiny, Pleshiyivka, Rusynoy Yara, Yablunivka and towards Konstantinivka, Illinivka, Sofiyivka.

In the Pokrovsky direction from the beginning of this day, the Russian opponent attacked 36 times in the areas of the settlements of Nikanorivka, Razine, Novoekonomicne, Zvirove, Kotline, Udacne, Novomykolaivka and towards Sofiyivka, Kucherovoy Yar, New Shahovoy, New Donbass, Ivanivka, Rodinsky, Suhetsky, Chervony Liman, Mirnograd, Pokrovska, Grishinogo, Molodetsky, Novopavlivka, Fili.

Today, according to preliminary data, 186 Russian occupants have been defecated in this direction, of which 124 are irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed two cars, three combat armored cars, two motorcycles, 4 ATVs, 11 unmanned aircraft, a special equipment unit, two personnel shelters, also damaged three units of automobile equipment, two special equipment units, a cannon and 17 Russian personnel shelters.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 20 Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Vorone, Stepovo and towards Ivanivka, Novoselivka, Sosnivka, Green Grove, Willow, Cherry, Yegorivka, Krasnogirsky, Rybnoy and Uspenivka.

In the direction of Gulyaipil, there were 14 clashes in the area of the settlement of Solodke and towards Zelenoy and Gulyaipol. Two confrontations are currently ongoing.

In the Orihivsky direction, the Russian enemy tried nine times in vain to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of the settlements of Sherbaka, Stepovo and in the direction of Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Stepnogirsk and Primorsky.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian opponent twice unsuccessfully carried out offensive actions in the area of the Antonivsky Bridge.

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.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one air assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, three territorial defence brigades, and one border security detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine near Ryzhevka, Alekseyevka, Andreyevka, Bunyakino, Novaya Sech, and Kucherovka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov direction, losses were inflicted on units of two heavy mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Izbitskoye, Staritsa, Polkovaya Nikitovka, Vilcha, and Volchanskiye Khutora (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 230 troops, 10 motor vehicles, one field artillery gun, one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher, two Israeli-made RADA radar stations, four ammunition and materiel depots.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces continued to eliminate the encircled group of the enemy's troops on the left bank of the Oskol River.

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and one national guard brigade near Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Kurilovka, Kovsharovka (Kharkov region), and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 210 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, four armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier and one U.S.-made BATT UMG armoured fighting vehicle, 12 pickup trucks, and six ammunition depots.

The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on formations of three mechanised brigades of the AFU near Seversk, Kramatorsk, Minkovka, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 130 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 20 motor vehicles, five materiel depots, and one POL depot.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued to eliminate the encircled AFU formations in Vostochny and Zapadny neighbourhoods, as well as mop up Svetloye and Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic).

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one airmobile brigade, two air assault brigades, three assault regiments of the AFU, three marine brigades, two territorial defence brigades, and three national guard brigades near Volnoye, Shevchenko, Dobropolye, Belitskoye, Rodinskoye, Torskoye, Grishino, Sergeyevka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 420 troops and four pickup trucks.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, three assault brigades, two assault regiments of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Gorkoye, Ternovatoye, Kosovtsevo, Varvarovka, Dobropolye, Novonikolayevka, and Gulyaipole (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 220 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and one ammunition depot.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one mechanised brigade and one coastal defence brigade of the AFU near Preobrazhenka, Razumovka (Zaporozhye region), Tomarino, and Ponyatovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 40 troops, 12 motor vehicles, one electronic warfare station, and one materiel depot.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck an enterprise of the Ukrainian defence industry, objects of fuel and power infrastructure used by the AFU as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 146 areas.

Air defence units shot down 102 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation the enemy lost: 669 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 101,513 unmanned aerial vehicles, 639 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,478 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,628 MLRS combat vehicles, 31,830 field artillery guns and mortars, 48,761 units of support military vehicles.

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Indiana National Guard Soldiers arrive in DC

By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry December 9, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS -- Approximately 300 Indiana National Guard Soldiers arrived in Washington Dec. 6 to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.

Hoosier Guard members will assist local and federal law enforcement partners, conduct community safety patrols, and manage traffic control posts to reduce crime, minimize property damage and maintain public order.

Indiana National Guard Lt. Col. Derek Sutton, commander of the D.C. contingent, reiterated that message in his departure ceremony speech in Franklin on Dec. 5.

"In Washington, D.C., our mission is simple. We will help create a safer environment for the people who live, work and visit there. We will support civil authorities and stand as a visible reminder that the National Guard is the bridge between everyday Americans and their military," Sutton said.

Hoosier National Guard Soldiers have been training at Camp Atterbury since mid-November, preparing for their mission that includes response, crowd management and de-escalation techniques.

"We are ready, and there is mission-specific training that we need to take on," Sutton said during the training events.

As the mission evolves, Hoosier Guard members will continue training with Joint Task Force - District of Columbia.

"It is about reminding anyone who would do harm that there are trained, disciplined professional Soldiers on watch," Sutton said during his ceremony speech.

The Dec. 5 ceremony at the Johnson County Armory included Indiana National Guard leadership, fellow Soldiers and hundreds of family members of the departing Soldiers.

"It is clear to us that you are trained and vary capable to conduct this mission," said Brig. Gen. Cathy Eaken, a 38th Infantry Division commanding general.

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CISA, FBI, and U.S. and Global Partners Urge Immediate Action to Defend Critical Infrastructure from Pro-Russia Hacktivist Threats

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Press Release

Joint Cybersecurity Advisory Warns of Organized Threat Actors Seeking Targets of Opportunity Across All Critical Infrastructure Sectors

Released: December 09, 2025

Related topics: Cybersecurity Best Practices, Cyber Threats and Advisories

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA), Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Defense's Cyber Crime Center (DC3), and a coalition of global partners issued a joint cybersecurity advisory titled "Pro-Russia Hacktivists Conduct Opportunistic Attacks Against U.S. and Global Critical Infrastructure." The advisory calls on critical infrastructure organizations to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of being targeted by pro-Russia hacktivist groups, which are actively engaging in opportunistic, low-sophistication malicious cyber activity across multiple sectors.

Pro-Russia hacktivist groups are aggressively pursuing visibility by amplifying their own nefarious cyber activity or even fabricating claims of malicious cyber activity against critical infrastructure. Their tactics are opportunity-driven by ease of access and known vulnerabilities rather than strategically targeted. This broad, indiscriminate approach has enabled them to strike a wide range of sectors, from water treatment facilities to oil well systems, often using easily repeatable and unsophisticated methods. The cumulative impact of this malicious cyber activity poses a persistent and disruptive threat to essential services.

"Russian-affiliated cyber actors continue to engage in malicious activity aimed at disrupting U.S. and allied critical infrastructure," said CISA Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala. "As the nation's cyber defense agency, CISAalongside our U.S. and international partnersurges all organizations to act now: review this joint advisory and implement the recommended mitigations to strengthen critical infrastructure defenses against these opportunistic threats."

Pro-Russia hacktivist groups have successfully targeted supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks using basic methods, and in some cases, performed simultaneous DDoS attacks against targeted networks to facilitate SCADA intrusions. These groups exploit minimally secured, internet-facing virtual network computing (VNC) connections to gain unauthorized access to operational technology (OT) control devices within critical infrastructure systems. This joint advisory provides several actions and mitigations that will help organizations reduce the risk of being targeted to include:

Reduce exposure of OT assets to the public-facing internet.

Adopt mature asset management processes, including mapping data flows and access points.

Ensure that OT assets are using robust authentication procedures.

"CISA is laser-focused on helping critical infrastructure operators strengthen their defenses against real and evolving cyber threats," said CISA Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Nick Andersen. "The pro-Russia hacktivist groups highlighted in this advisory have demonstrated intent and capability to inflict tangible harm on vulnerable systems. In addition to implementing the recommended mitigations and rigorously validating their security controls, we are calling upon all OT device manufacturers to prioritize secure-by-design principlesbecause building in security from the start is essential to reducing risk and safeguarding the nation's most vital systems."

"No matter where it originates, the FBI will not tolerate malicious cyber activity from pro-Russia hacktivist groups, particularly when it threatens critical infrastructure such as energy systems, water treatment facilities, and American farms," said FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Brett Leatherman. "The FBI is committed to holding these actors accountable, and we urge industry partners to review the joint advisory and implement the recommended safeguards."

For more information on Russian state-sponsored cyber activity, see CISA's Russia Cyber Threat Overview and Advisories webpage.

###

About CISA

As the nation's cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

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Federal Court to Trump: keeping a standing army is illegal, the federalization of California's National Guard must end

California Governor - Gavin Newsom

Dec 10, 2025

What you need to know: California wins victory against Trump in court to return California National Guard soldiers to the Governor's control.

SACRAMENTO - In a major win for California, a federal court has directed the Trump Administration to return control of the California National Guard to Governor Gavin Newsom.

Today's ruling is abundantly clear - the federalization of the National Guard in California is illegal and must end. The President deployed these brave men and women against their own communities, removing them from essential public safety operations. We look forward to all National Guard servicemembers being returned to state service.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Read the court ruling here.

How we got here

On June 7, for the first time in our country's history, the President invoked 10 U.S.C.  12406 to federalize a state's National Guard over the objections of a state's governor. President Trump and Department of Defense Secretary Hegseth transferred 4,000 members of California's National Guardone in three of the Guard's total active membersto federal control to serve in a civilian law enforcement role on the streets of Los Angeles and other communities in Southern California. California brought suit to challenge that unprecedented action. The litigation is ongoing.

Following a bench trial, a federal judge ruled in August 2025 that President Trump's deployment of federalized National Guard troops in Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act. This law restricts the military's involvement in domestic law enforcement. That ruling, secured by Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, is on hold pending the federal government's appeal.

Governor Newsom has warned that although California was the first to be targeted in this way, it would not be the last - a prediction borne out by the President's subsequent unlawful federalization of National Guard troops elsewhere, including in Oregon and Illinois. The federal government had renewed the federalization of these California guard members to at least February 2026.

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High-Level Colombian Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A Colombian national was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison for conspiring to send more than 450 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

According to court documents, Alejandro Parra Bustamante, 45, was a high-level member of the Shottas and Clan de Bustamante, the leading drug trafficking organizations operating out of Buenaventura, Colombia, one the country's main seaports and a primary hub for cocaine being transported out of Colombia to Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Between around March 2019 and March 2021, Parra Bustamante led a conspiracy to sell 500 to 1,000 kilograms of cocaine to U.S. buyers during which approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine samples were sent to Tucson, Arizona.

Parra Bustamante was indicted in May 2021 and extradited to the United States in August 2023. Parra Bustamante pleaded guilty to one count of cocaine trafficking conspiracy on Feb. 6 before a federal judge in the District of Columbia. Jorge Eliecer Florez Alvarez, Parra Bustamante's co-conspirator, was sentenced to 102 months' imprisonment on Oct. 16.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ray Rede for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) in Arizona made the announcement.

HSI investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Colleen King and Roger Polack of the Criminal Division's Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section prosecuted the case. The Criminal Division's Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Colombia to secure the arrest and extradition of Parra Bustamante.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Homeland Security Task Force and Project Safe Neighborhoods.



Topic: Drug Trafficking

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section

Press Release Number: 25-1163

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3rd meeting of the India-Malaysia Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Combating Transnational Crime

India - Ministry of External Affairs

December 10, 2025

The 3rd meeting of the India-Malaysia Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Combating Transnational Crime was held in New Delhi on 10 December 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) in the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Mr. Mohd. Azlan bin Razali, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia.

2. Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized the need for strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in the multilateral fora, including the UN, FATF, APG and ARF.

3. The two sides exchanged views on regional and global terrorism landscape. They discussed the challenges in combating terrorism, including the use of new and emerging technologies by terrorists, terror financing and the linkages between transnational organized crime and terrorism. In this regard, they underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation through timely sharing of information, law enforcement training and capacity building.

4. The Malaysian delegation will also be visiting the headquarters of the National Security Guard (NSG) on 11 December 2025 to discuss the avenues of bilateral capacity building measures.

5. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of JWG meeting in Kuala Lumpur on a mutually-convenient date.

New Delhi

December 10, 2025

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PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERRED AGREEMENT

India PIB

Department of Space

Posted On: 10 DEC 2025 4:29PM by PIB Delhi

As on date, M/s. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has signed 70 Technology Transfer Agreements to transfer technologies developed at ISRO to Industry. Technology transfer by ISRO to Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs)/ Private industries are undertaken through Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). These agreements contain explicit confidentiality clauses to protect commercially sensitive information. However, NSIL has furnished the names and details of the Indian Industries to which technologies developed by ISRO have been transferred, pursuant to requests under the RTI Act. Certain information is also publicly accessible on the official websites of ISRO/ DoS viz., U R Rao Satellite Centre, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and NSIL, while some details are disseminated through media publications also. It is to mention that IN-SPACe is the facilitator whereas NSIL is the actual licensor.

NSIL is committed to transparency and adherence to the principles of Suo-moto disclosure under RTI Act, 2005. In accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the Act, information relating to technology transfer to Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) and private sector entities including guidelines, technologies available for transfer etc., are available on the website of NSIL.

NSIL had independent oversight mechanism to ensure fairness and transparency in technology transfers, including those governed by NDAs. All technology transfer requests are reviewed by a Technology Transfer Committee. These measures ensure that all technology transfers are conducted in a transparent, fair and accountable manner.

NSIL, as a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005 is committed to transparency and disclosure of information as mandated by law. The necessary details pertaining to Technology Transfer is being periodically updated in website. However, certain information requested, namely terms and payments, copies of agreements, is considered commercially sensitive and/ or strategic. Accordingly, this information is exempt from disclosure under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, 2005.

****



NKR/AK

(Release ID: 2201529)

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December 10, 2025

Transcript

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Hosts AUKUS Defense Ministers' Meeting

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Well, good afternoon, everybody. Welcome to the Pentagon. Richard, John, thank you so much. I can't count how many meetings we've had at this point. And I say that only out of goodness because the strength of our alliances, our bilateral relationships, trilateral relationships are as strong as they've ever been.

And as President Trump has laid out from the beginning, the president loves supporting countries that step up and in  whether it's in the Indo-Pacific or on the  on the continent, the discussions we've had are a reflection of both Australia and the UK stepping up. And you see through AUKUS and the review that we conducted, its continued commitment to a pragmatic practical application of hard power between our countries that reflect peace through strength and also hard power, real capabilities that demonstrate a deterrent effect that we all want.

We may lead our departments of war ministers of defense, but our goal is peace on behalf of the American people, the Australian people and the UK, and we pursue that together on behalf of our leadership. So, it's a privilege to have you at the Pentagon, look forward to talking more in depth about AUKUS and our partnerships.

And I would be remiss also, John, if I didn't mention the passing of your paratrooper in  in Ukraine. And we're certainly  our thoughts and prayers go out to you and to him and his family. And it's a reflection of the sacrifice and commitment of so many  that so many make around the world.

So, thank you both for being here. Welcome to the Pentagon look forward to our discussions. Richard?

RICHARD MARLES: Thank you. Thank you. Well, let me start there and also, I pass on my condolences, John, to George  to George Hooley's family and, you know, we are all very much thinking of you at this moment. Pete and John, it is fantastic to be here and to be here with both of you at what is the fourth AUKUS defense ministers meeting.

And we are very excited about the progress that we're making in relation to AUKUS and what we will be talking about today. It's only six weeks since the president and prime minister of Australia met where the president invoked us all to move ahead on AUKUS full steam ahead. And that really has been something of a motto for the way in which we have been going about our work.

This is the first AUKUS defense ministers meeting where we've been meeting with you, Pete. So, it's great to be doing this with you. And I just also say we had a fantastic AUSMIN, our 2+2 meeting with the US on Monday. And thank you very much for that.

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Thank you.

RICHARD MARLES: The last 12 months has seen a lot of progress in relation to AUKUS. In the last six weeks, we've had the USS Vermont in HMAS Stirling, south of Perth in Australia, undertaking the most extensive maintenance of an American nuclear-powered submarine outside of America ever.

And it is an example of what we are doing together, but this is a massive project and there is so much more to do. And it's really important that we are looking at the ways in which we can now get on with this and deliver it. And I think delivery is very much the focus of the conversation that we will be having today.

I'm very excited about what we can do together, the progress that we're making, but the challenges that we both need, all of us need to grab hold of as we move forward. And again, thank you to both of you for having this meeting today.

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Thank you.

JOHN HEALEY: Thank you both for your remarks about Lance Corporal, George Hooley. I will pass those on to his family. I know they will appreciate that, your sentiments. And it's a reminder for us all the risks that our servicemen and women put themselves at in order to keep the rest of us safe. Pete, thank you in particular for welcoming us to the Pentagon, bringing us together in this way here in Washington.

But thank you also for the spirit of cooperation, which guided your department's work during their recent review of AUKUS. For the UK, AUKUS is quite simply the most important military collaboration for the last 70 years, since the US and the UK first agreed in this great city in 1958 to share nuclear technology.

And just as it was back then, this partnership will be a foundation for the shared security for generations to come. So this is a  this is a big moment. It's a big moment for AUKUS. It's a big moment for three nations together. It is, as President Trump has said, the moment of full steam ahead for AUKUS. And it's right that all three governments, as newly elected governments, have carried out a review of AUKUS.

Those reviews are now done and all three of us are now determined to reboot AUKUS with a new commitment and a new determination, in particular, to deliver. So the reviews are done. It's time to deliver. And when we talk about delivery, we talk about the most powerful, most feared attack submarine the world has ever seen, the apex predator of the seas.

And we talk about delivering the technologies of the future, putting our warfighters one step ahead of our adversaries, reinforcing our deterrence in the face of adversaries. And we talk about putting our industries at the leading edge of new export markets. Pete, you said your mission and the mission of AUKUS is peace.

And you've often argued it's peace through strength, and AUKUS embodies the way that a nation can secure strength through alliances. And in the face of this new era, we need those alliances more than ever. We need more subs in the Indo-Pacific and in the Euro-Atlantic. We need more burden-sharing by America's closest allies in Australia and the UK. And as the UK steps up on European security, we know that each of the three nations have a role to play to protect our people, to keep our citizens safe and to reinforce that global deterrence.

But we are clear as well, this isn't just about strengthening our shared security. AUKUS is also about an engine for growth that will lead to new jobs, new skills, thriving businesses in all three nations. And in the UK alone, since our government was elected last year, we've created over 3,000 new jobs in the nuclear sites.

We've committed 6 billion pounds, $8 billion investment, new investment to boost production in our shipyards and to deliver up to 12 of the most advanced attack submarines ever to sign  sail under the Royal Navy Ensign. Pete, I say to you, Richard, I say to you, the UK is all in on AUKUS. And as our three nations which share a long friendship, work together on AUKUS, we extend that friendship long into the future.

The generations ahead of us will share its strength. They will inherit security and in the jobs that we create in the technologies that we develop and in the peace that we preserve. I look forward to working with you both in the months and years ahead to deliver this most important program. Thank you.

RICHARD MARLES: Thank you.

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Thanks.

https://www.defense.gov/News/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4356467/

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Dec. 10, 2025

By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News

Hegseth Hosts AUKUS Meeting With Australia, U.K. Counterparts

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth welcomed Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and the United Kingdom's Defense Secretary John Healey to the Pentagon today for a meeting concerning a trilateral partnership between the three countries.

Announced in September 2021, the Australia, U.K. and U.S. trilateral security agreement, known as AUKUS, is a partnership intended to promote freedom, security, stability and openness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The pursuit of those objectives involves two lines of effort, or pillars.

Pillar one focuses on the rotational basing of nuclear-powered attack submarines in Australia, as well as Australia working to acquire its own nuclear-powered attack subs, and pillar two focuses on the collaborative development of multiple advanced capabilities.

AUKUS partners gather frequently throughout the year to manage the security pact through ministerial meetings and joint steering groups.

"I can't count how many meetings we've had at this point, and I say that only out of goodness," Hegseth told his counterparts at the meeting's outset.

"Because the strength of our alliances ... [and] trilateral relationships are as strong as they've ever been," he added.

Hegseth went on to praise a recent Pentagon review of AUKUS that was endorsed by President Donald J. Trump with guidance for the program to carry on "full steam ahead."

"You see through AUKUS and the review that we conducted a continued commitment to a pragmatic, practical application of hard power between our countries that reflects peace through strength, and also hard power  real capabilities  that demonstrate a deterrent effect that we all want," Hegseth explained.

Under the AUKUS security pact, the U.S. is scheduled to begin selling a limited number of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia in the early 2030s. Following that, an entirely new class of nuclear submarines  the AUKUS-class  is planned to be delivered to the U.K.'s Royal Navy in the late 2030s and the Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s.

During his brief remarks, Marles spoke optimistically about the three AUKUS partners' ability to deliver on the program's stated goals.

"This is a massive project, and there is so much more to do; and I think delivery is very much the focus of the conversation that we will be having today," Marles said.

"I'm very excited about what we can do together, the progress that we're making [and] the challenges that we all need to grab hold of as we move forward," he added.

Healey called AUKUS the most important military collaboration since the U.S. and U.K. agreed to share nuclear technology in 1958.

"The reviews are now done, and all three of us are now determined to reboot AUKUS with a new commitment and a new determination, in particular, to deliver," Healey said.

"We need more subs in the Indo-Pacific and in the Euro-Atlantic. We need more burden sharing by America's closest allies in Australia and the U.K. And, as the U.K. steps up on European security, we know that each of the three nations have a role to play to protect our people, keep our citizens safe and to reinforce that global deterrence," Healey continued.

Increasing burden sharing between the U.S. and its allies and partners is one of the "four key lines of effort" that Hegseth laid out last week during a speech previewing the War Department's new National Defense Strategy.

"We may lead our departments of war ... but our goal is peace on behalf of the American people, the Australian people and the [people of the] U.K.; and we pursue that on behalf of our leadership," Hegseth told his counterparts.

"So, it's a privilege to have you at the Pentagon [and I] look forward to talking more in-depth about AUKUS and our partnerships," he added.

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Exercise with allies ends on a high

By Captain Nicholas Marquis

11 December 2025

Handshakes, high-fives, patch swapping and a good old laugh - what better way to finish an exercise.

Drenched in sweat after their culminating activity, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) lounged in the shade alongside their Australian Army mates.

Exercise Wirra Jaya comprised a range of activities, obstacle courses and a large-scale battalion attack to close out the week of training at the urban operations training facility on Robertson Barracks.

It wrapped up a series of training this year between the TNI and units from 1st Brigade.

Private Jason Selmes, of 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, said his first time working with the Indonesians was a great experience.

"On the range, the drills from the Indonesians were similar but just to a different standard," Private Selmes said.

"I picked up some basic Bahasa so I could communicate on range safety. It made it easier to get the soldiers to do the right things when needed.

"Getting people to point in the right direction, make sure the safety catch is on when not shooting. It keeps everyone safe, so having a few words to understand is crucial.

"The soldiers did well. They took on the lessons we gave them and it was a good experience working with them."

Private Selmes said stepping up as section commander for the exercise was a highlight and enabled him to grow his skillset.

"Full credit to the boys. They got out there, gave it a good crack and it was great to have the Indonesians in our platoon," he said.

Contingent Commander Major Benjamin Dorland said the exercise presented challenges that come with working alongside international forces, but being able to overcome these challenges makes everyone stronger together.

"On the range, we were able to share techniques on combat shooting with our weapons system and they showed us how they conduct it with theirs," Major Dorland said.

"The obstacle course was a great activity as it showed no matter what nation we are from, we can work together to overcome literal obstacles."

Major Dorland said the annual exercise was a great opportunity for his soldiers from Delta Company to learn new tactics and share their own knowledge to strengthen partnerships.

Speaking to the entire contingent, Commander 1st Division Major General Ash Collingburn said that over the course of the exercise, commitment to modernisation, resilience and adaptability had been demonstrated.

"One team, one fight. That's what we have seen here," Major General Collingburn said.

"Training here in the Northern Territory is tough, particularly in an urban environment, but you have all demonstrated you are up for the challenge.

"What we have seen here is one team, right down to the section level. It was great work and I could not be more impressed."

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Strong protest over the ongoing hybrid attacks and detaining of carriers' property expressed to the Belarusian representative

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-12-10

On 9 December, a diplomatic note of protest over the ongoing hybrid attacks from the territory of Belarus and the forcible detention of property of EU citizens and companies was handed to the charge d'affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, who was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. The Belarusian side was once again strongly urged to ensure effective control of its airspace and to return illegally seized assets belonging to European citizens and companies.

The MFA expressed regret that the Belarusian side did not seize the opportunity to exchange views at a technical level, an offer Belarus had repeatedly made, calling for a discussion of issues both publicly and through diplomatic channels. Lithuania was prepared for such a discussion at the Ministerial Council meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna on 4 December, when the Finnish OSCE Presidency offered to mediate. Unfortunately, the Belarusian side refused, arguing that it was not satisfied with the level of diplomacy of the meeting proposed by Lithuania - the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania had appointed an Ambassador-at-Large as a special envoy for border issues.

At the meeting, it was noted that Lithuania remains ready to engage in constructive dialogue on the issues raised. However, the unequivocal refusal of the Belarusian side, despite its own initial and subsequent calls, demonstrates a simple unwillingness to cooperate in addressing problematic issues and a clear lack of goodwill.

At the same time, the MFA recalled the EU's Council Conclusions on Belarus adopted on October 12, 2020, that were reiterated in 2024, listing the conditions for renewed engagement in political dialogue, sectoral cooperation and financial assistance to Belarus, including:

a) End human rights violations and repression against persons engaged in the pro-democracy movement, independent media and representatives of the civil society; b) Releasing, rehabilitating, and financially compensating political prisoners; c) Providing safe conditions for the return of those in political and forced exile; d) Promoting an inclusive political process leading to free, and fair elections under international observation; e) Ensuring guarantees for the respect of human rights, including freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of information, assembly and association, and freedom of the media.

The MFA expects that the Belarusian government, which is seeking high-level contacts, will take steps to address the above-mentioned conditions.

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Joint Press Release of the Third Meeting of the China-Iran-Saudi Arabia Trilateral Joint Committee

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

Updated: December 09, 2025 22:12

The third meeting of the China-Iran-Saudi Arabia Trilateral Joint Committee was held in Tehran on December 9, 2025, to follow up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Majid Takht Ravanchi, with the participation of the Chinese delegation headed by Vice Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Miao Deyu and the Saudi Arabian delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji.

Iran and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to all provisions of the Beijing Agreement, and pledged continued adherence to the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and international law, and their efforts to consolidate good-neighborly and friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of respecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and security. Iran and Saudi Arabia welcomed the continued positive role of China and held that China's support and follow-up to the implementation of the Beijing Agreement is of great importance.

China stressed its readiness to continue to support and encourage the steps taken by Iran and Saudi Arabia towards developing their relations in various fields.

The three countries welcomed the continuous progress in Iran-Saudi Arabia relations, which provides opportunities for direct exchanges between Iran and Saudi Arabia at all levels and across all sectors. The current escalation of regional tensions poses a threat to both regional and global security. Against this backdrop, it is very important for senior officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia to engage in contacts, meetings, and mutual visits. The participating parties welcomed the progress made in consular cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which enabled more than 85,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform Hajj, and more than 210,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform Umrah rituals with ease and security in 2025.

The three countries welcomed the dialogue between Iranian and Saudi Arabian institutions and individuals on cooperation in areas such as joint research, education, media, culture, and think tanks. They expressed satisfaction with the mutual exchange of delegations between Iran and Saudi Arabia to participate in activities in these areas organized by each other.

The three countries looked forward to expanding cooperation in economic, political and other fields, and emphasized the importance of dialogue among regional countries aimed at consolidating security, stability, peace, and economic prosperity.

The three countries called for an immediate end to Israel's actions that infringe upon Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, and condemned the infringement on Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iranian side appreciated China and Saudi Arabia for taking a clear stance on the aforementioned acts of aggression.

The three countries reaffirmed their support for a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni issue in accordance with internationally recognized principles under the auspices of the United Nations.

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China opposes UK politicizing cybersecurity, urges UK to clarify its role in US cyberattack on China: FM on UK sanctions against 2 Chinese entities

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 10, 2025 04:44 PM

In response to the UK's announcement of sanctions against two Chinese companies over alleged cyberattacks against the UK and its allies, a spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that China firmly opposes and cracks down on hacking activities in accordance with the law, and at the same time, resolutely opposes the dissemination of false information for political purposes. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the UK's approach of politicizing cybersecurity issues and has already lodged stern representations with the UK in both Beijing and London.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that China itself is a major victim of cyberattacks, and not long ago, China disclosed information about the US National Security Agency's cyberattack and infiltration of the National Time Service Center of China.

It is noteworthy that the UK was one of the launching pads for this cyberattack against China by the US. China has already provided relevant information to the UK, he said. As the UK is a member of both the "Five Eyes" alliance and NATO, China hopes the UK will clarify what role it played in the US' cyberattacks against China's critical information infrastructure, Guo said.

The spokesperson said cybersecurity is a global common challenge, and we urge the UK to immediately correct its erroneous practices, abandon double standards and politicization schemes, and work with China in a truly responsible and constructive manner to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in cyberspace.

In response to the UK's announcement of sanctions against two Chinese companies over alleged cyberattacks against the UK and its allies, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK issued a statement on Tuesday night. The spokesperson said that the UK, acting in collusion with the US, had deliberately smeared China and imposed illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese entities.

The embassy urges the UK to immediately correct its wrong approach, revoke the sanctions against the Chinese companies, and stop smearing and vilifying China. China will take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, said the spokesperson.

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China issues 3rd policy paper on LAC after 9 years

Global Times

Document serves as guidebook for China-LAC relations in the new era: official

By Feng Fan Published: Dec 10, 2025 10:22 PM

China on Wednesday released its third Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), underscoring that China-LAC relations have entered a new stage of equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefits for the people, setting a shining example of South-South cooperation.

The newly released paper follows the first China-LAC policy paper issued in 2008 and the second released in 2016. According to the document, the two sides will work together to advance five programs for building a China-LAC Community with a shared future, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.

The five programs include the Solidarity Program, Development Program, Civilization Program, Peace Program and People-to-People Connectivity Program. The paper elaborates China's policy proposals for exchanges and cooperation in more than 40 areas, covering high-level exchanges, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, trade and investment, science and technology innovation, as well as military exchanges and cooperation. The document also emphasizes cooperation in promoting reform of the global economic governance system and advancing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative.

The launch ceremony in Beijing was attended by diplomats and media representatives from multiple LAC countries. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Cai Wei delivered a keynote address. The paper "shows the great importance China attaches to this relationship and its deep commitment to pursuing common development with LAC countries," Cai said, adding that this policy paper will serve as a road map and guidebook for China-LAC relations in the new era.

"The five programs, aimed at boosting shared development and revitalization and building a China-LAC community with a shared future, have been widely welcomed by LAC countries," Cai noted. With the launch of the third policy paper, China is ready to follow through on that important guidance, advance the five programs and inject fresh momentum into China-LAC relations, he said.

Reflecting on previous cooperation, Cai said the first two policy papers had effectively guided and promoted the growth of China-LAC relations. He highlighted the deepening political trust and institutional cooperation, noting that "in recent years, China and LAC countries had frequent high-level exchanges and strengthened political mutual trust. Twenty-four LAC countries have joined the big family of the Belt and Road cooperation," Cai said.

"In presenting this document, we confirm that our relationship is not limited to economic transactions and exchanges, but is grounded in shared values that transcend political and economic circumstances, and in the deep conviction that together we can build a more prosperous, fair, and sustainable world," Martin Charles, Dean of the diplomatic corps of Latin American and Caribbean States in China and Ambassador of Dominica to China said when he addressed the event.

The implementation of the policy paper will be fundamental in continuing the advancement of a China-LAC community with a shared future, and will have direct impacts on cooperation in infrastructure construction, education, culture, agriculture and other areas, Charles said.

Notably, the paper also clarifies China's position on trilateral cooperation, stating that the China-LAC relationship does not target or exclude any third party, nor is it subordinate to any third party. It meets the fundamental interests of the two sides and the trend of our time featuring world peace, development, cooperation and win-win.

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Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu Meets with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi

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

Updated: December 10, 2025 11:23

On December 8, 2025, Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi on the sidelines of the third meeting of the China-Iran-Saudi Arabia Trilateral Joint Committee in Tehran. Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu attended the meeting.

Miao Deyu said that in 2026, the two countries will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. China is ready to take this opportunity, together with Iran, to further implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state and promote greater development of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. The Trilateral Joint Committee is an important platform for advancing the development of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations and expanding trilateral cooperation between China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. China looks forward to working with Iran and Saudi Arabia to ensure the success of the upcoming meeting of the joint committee, injecting more positive factors into regional peace, stability and development.

Majid Takht Ravanchi said that China is an important comprehensive strategic partner of Iran. Iran is willing to jointly celebrate the key milestones in bilateral relations in 2026 with China and bring bilateral cooperation across various fields to a new level. Iran appreciates China's positive and constructive role in safeguarding regional peace and stability and is willing to work with China and Saudi Arabia to maintain and develop the Trilateral Joint Committee mechanism and make new strides in trilateral cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

On the same day, Vice Minister Miao Deyu visited the Iran House of Innovation and Technology upon invitation and attended the welcome dinner hosted by Majid Takht Ravanchi for the heads of the Chinese and Saudi Arabian delegations.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on December 10, 2025

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

Updated: December 10, 2025 21:50

At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Foreign Minister II of Brunei Dato' Erywan Pehin Yusof will visit China from December 11 to 12.

Beijing Youth Daily: We noted that yesterday China's Permanent Mission to the UN announced the inauguration of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the platform of the UN. Can you share more information on that?

Guo Jiakun: President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative during the SCO Tianjin Summit, charting the course for the reform of the global governance system and providing invaluable stability and certainty for the turbulent world. The initiative received extensive recognition and positive response from the international community.

China initiated the Group of Friends of Global Governance to bring parties together for closer exchanges and cooperation on major issues on global governance, and draw on collective wisdom and mobilize joint efforts for reforming and improving global governance. China's Permanent Mission to the UN held the inaugural meeting of the group at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday. Participating countries highly recognized and supported the Global Governance Initiative, commended China's leading role in global governance, warmly congratulated on the inauguration of the group, and expressed hopes that the group will provide new impetus for upholding multilateralism and reforming and improving the global governance system. After the meeting, the 43 founding members of the group issued a joint statement, stressing they will jointly uphold the legacy won by the Second World War, reinforce the role of the UN, address global challenges and respond to the yearns of the peoples.

Global governance is a matter for all. It bears on the vital interests of every country and calls for everyone to participate, engage in decision-making and share the fruits. The group is open to all UN member states and welcomes the participation of all countries sharing the same vision. We also support the group to enhance exchanges and cooperation with various countries, the UN Secretariat and relevant international organizations, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and make new contribution to world peace and development.

CCTV: We noted that the international community is concerned over the accelerating "remilitarization" of Japan. The UK-based The Economist and the U.S. journal Eurasia Review commented that Japan is transforming from a constitutionally pacifist state to a modern military power. The commentary also said it's alarming that Japan's attempt to resurrect militarism can only threaten regional and global peace and stability. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: China noted the observations of foreign media. Japan has in recent years been revamping its security and defense policies, accelerating the revision of its pacifist constitution, and breaching the exclusively defense-oriented principle. Japan has removed the ban on exercising the right to collective self-defense, eased restrictions on arms exports, attempted to alter its three non-nuclear principles, and developed the so-called "enemy base strike capability." Japanese senior officials even claimed that Japan has not ruled out the possibility of possessing nuclear submarines. These moves have put Japan's neighboring countries and the international community on high alert.

We noted that after increasing its defense budget for 13 consecutive years, Japan now has the second-highest military budget among Western countries. According to a European think tank, the revenues of Japan's top five defense firms surged by 40 percent year-on-year in 2024. For a country who styles itself as constitutionally pacifist, talks about reflecting on its wartime past and claims to follow the exclusively defense-oriented principle, how does Japan justify its military buildup?

In fact, after WWII the Japanese government has never completely reflected on its wars of aggression. Many Japanese war criminals returned as active political figures and SDF members. Some prime ministers and political dignitaries have insisted on visiting and paying respect to the Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals are honored. Historical facts have been soft-peddled and whitewashed in distorted textbooks. Japanese right-wing forces did reflect upon the wartime past. However, they reflected not on Japan's war crimes, but on why Japan was defeated. The reckoning with Japanese militarism has never been completed. Instead, we will see the rising trend of reviving militarism. It is imperative for the international community to remind Japan that the Potsdam Proclamation in Article 6, 7, 9 and 11 stated that there must be eliminated for all time Japanese militarism and its breeding ground, for we insist that a new order of peace, security and justice will be impossible until there is convincing proof that Japan's war-making power is destroyed politically and legally, and warlike ideas are fundamentally eliminated. The Potsdam Proclamation also requires Japan to be completely disarmed and not to maintain such industries as would enable her to re-arm for war. It's promised in the Japanese Instrument of Surrender that Japan will carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation in good faith. These instruments with legal effect under international law and recognized by Japan clarified its international obligations as a defeated country, constitute the important cornerstone of the post-war international order, and serve as the political and legal prerequisite for Japan's return to the international community.

Japan's attempt of "remilitarizing" itself through accelerated military buildup will only make the world once again question where Japan is headed and demand another reckoning with its war crimes. China calls on all peace-loving countries to guard against and thwart any dangerous moves of reviving Japanese militarism and jointly defend the hard-won victorious outcomes of WWII.

Bloomberg: This is sort of a follow-up to what you just said. We've seen a big decline in the number of Chinese tourists to Japan since the crisis, but on the other hand in terms of domestic consumption in China, Chinese consumers seem to continue to embrace Japanese brands, despite the tensions. What's your comment?

Guo Jiakun: I'm not sure how that observation came about. China has stated its serious stance on the current China-Japan relations on multiple occasions.

Xinhua News Agency: Today, December 10, marks the Human Rights Day. What's China's progress in promoting and protecting human rights? What will China do to enhance international human rights cooperation?

Guo Jiakun: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). The UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 77 years ago and established the Human Rights Day 75 years ago, which embody humanity's ambitious dreamthe full enjoyment of human rights by all people. The vision of promoting and protecting human rights is taking deeper roots.

China always attaches great importance to respecting and protecting human rights and pursues a human rights development path that meets the trend of the times and suits its national conditions. Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has made remarkable achievements in national development, advanced the whole-process people's democracy, effectively and fully implemented the rule of law, enjoyed thriving cultural programs and industries, better ensured people's well-being, consolidated gains in poverty elimination, steadily improved the ecological environment, and elevated the protection of various human rights to a new stage.

As a constructive player, China actively participates in human rights affairs in the UN and has broad-based exchange and cooperation in human rights with other countries. The Second Workshop on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is being hosted by China in Beijing. Representatives from over 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania, and officials and experts from the UN attended the workshop. They have had in-depth discussions and reached broad consensus on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights.

In October this year, the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan. This has drawn a blueprint for China's economic and social development in the next five years and demonstrated China's vision of having mutually beneficial cooperation with the rest of the world. To advance Chinese modernization will also give a boost to all-around development of human rights in China. China will actively implement the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and inject more force for good into human rights development in the world.

Some countries politicize and weaponize human rights issues, which amount to a grave challenge to global human rights governance. Certain country refuses to repent for its past crimes, such as bacterial warfare, the forced recruitment of "comfort women" and the massacre of civilians during its war of aggression. Rather, they continue to infringe on the rights of indigenous people, such as the Ainu and indigenous Ryukyuans, and adopt policies that discriminate against foreigners. We urge the relevant country to face up to and resolve their own severe human rights issues, take a constructive part in the international cooperation in human rights, and stop interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of so-called human rights issues.

China News Service: It was reported that on December 9, the UK government announced sanctions on two China-based companies, alleging that they have carried out cyberattacks against the UK and its allies and that their activities are linked to the Chinese government. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment?

Guo Jiakun: China stands against hacking and fights such activities in accordance with the law. That said, we firmly oppose spreading disinformation out of political agenda. China strongly deplores and firmly rejects the UK's political manipulation under the pretext of cybersecurity, and has lodged serious protests with the UK side both in Beijing and London.

China is the biggest victim of cyberattacks. A few months ago, China exposed a case about the U.S. National Security Agency carrying out cyberattacks and infiltration against China's National Time Service Center. It needs to be noted that the UK was exactly one of the springboards the U.S. used to launch the above-mentioned cyberattacks on China. China has provided relevant information to the UK side. The UK and the U.S. are both members of the "Five Eyes" and NATO. We hope the UK will explain its role in the U.S.'s cyberattacks against China's key information infrastructure.

The world faces common challenges in cybersecurity. We urge the UK to correct its wrongdoing at once, abandon double standards and attempts to politicize the issue, and work with China in a truly responsible and constructive manner to jointly uphold peace, stability and prosperity in the cyberspace.

CCTV: It was reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit China from January 29 to 31 and he will travel to Shanghai apart from Beijing. Can you confirm this?

Guo Jiakun: China attaches importance to improving and growing its relations with the UK and stands ready to enhance exchanges at various levels. To my knowledge, no discussions have been had on the dates or any other specifics regarding a visit by Prime Minister Starmer to China.

NOS: Yesterday, Dutch media reported that Dutch and Taiwanese security officers' activities were published online and this was done by the Chinese side. Could you please respond to these allegations?

Guo Jiakun: I'm not familiar with that.

Asahi Shimbun: Regarding the issue of "radar illumination," Japanese defense minister said today "The essence of the problem is...the Chinese side conducted intermittent radar illumination." I want to ask whether the aircraft has locked radar on Japanese aircraft intermittently. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm it?

Guo Jiakun: China has stated its serious position on that more than once. The facts are very clear. Yesterday, the Japanese side said they received no prior notification of China's flight drill. Today, they admitted that they did receive the information beforehand. In addition to that inconsistency, the Japanese side continues to beat around the bush without explaining why they sent warplanes into China's pre-announced exercise zones and repeatedly engaged in hostile surveillance and disruptive maneuvers to create a crisis situation and generate media hypes. Is the Japanese side trying to divert attention and mislead the international community?

The Japanese side needs to face up to what actually caused the current difficulties facing China-Japan relations, do serious soul-searching and correct its wrongdoing, and retract Prime Minister Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan as it should.

Reuters: This is also a follow-up on the radar incident. A U.S. State Department spokesperson has made comments saying that the actions by the Chinese fighter jets aiming their radars at Japanese aircraft on Saturday are "not conducive to regional peace and stability." Does the Foreign Ministry have any response to the U.S. State Department's comment?

Guo Jiakun: On the so-called "radar illumination" issue, the Chinese media have released audio data and relevant details which show 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, safe, restrained, and beyond reproach. It was the Japanese side who first deliberately made harassment and then spread disinformation. The Japanese side is the provocateur responsible for orchestrating this political stunt and must undertake all responsibilities.

We hope the international community can be clear-eyed and not be deceived by the Japanese side. Japan's allies in particular need to stay on high alert and not to be misguided by the Japanese side.

NHK: Japan's defense minister said today that Japanese SDF fighter jets did not direct radar at Chinese carrier-based aircraft and that China's notice lacked details on the drills and Japan did not receive sufficient information to avoid what was a dangerous situation. What's your comment?

Guo Jiakun: I just responded to relevant questions and I'm sure you heard me clearly. Yesterday, the Japanese side said they received no prior notification of the flight drill from China. Today, they admitted that they did receive the information beforehand. Such inconsistency proves that it was Japan who first deliberately made harassment and then spread disinformation. The Japanese side is the provocateur responsible for orchestrating this political stunt. We urge the Japanese side to face up to what actually caused the current difficulties facing China-Japan relations, do serious soul-searching and correct its wrongdoing, and retract Prime Minister Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan as it should.

Bloomberg: Can you confirm reports that Russian and Chinese bombers flew near Japan and South Korea on Tuesday?

Guo Jiakun: China's Ministry of National Defense has released information on the China-Russia joint patrol. It needs to be stressed that the China-Russia joint strategic air patrol is an operation carried out under the annual cooperation plan, and showcases the two sides' determination and capability in jointly responding to regional security challenges and keeping the region peaceful and stable.

Reuters: I have a question about Nvidia chips. The Financial Times has reported that Beijing is looking at limiting access to Nvidia's advanced H200 chips despite U.S. President Trump's decision to allow the export of the technology to China. What is your comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: We've made a response on this yesterday. For anything specific, I'd refer you to competent authorities.

AFP: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said yesterday that he was "deeply concerned" that Hong Kong's "national security laws" were being used to deal with residents there who called for an independent inquiry into the fire last month. Does the Ministry have a response to this?

Guo Jiakun: Since their implementation, the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance have effectively protected the rights and freedoms Hong Kong residents are entitled to in accordance with the law, restored stability in Hong Kong, and set Hong Kong on a course of prosperity. The Hong Kong SAR government is handling matters related to the Tai Po fire in an orderly manner, properly settling affected people, and advancing the investigation process in accordance with the law. Relevant work is fully recognized by various sectors of the society. Election for the eighth Legislative Council of the SAR was held a few days ago. The election process was safe, smooth and successful, opening a new chapter of Hong Kong's high-quality democracy.

Let me stress that the promulgation and implementation of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance as well as the Legislative Council election are Hong Kong's internal affairs and China's internal affairs. They have nothing to do with human rights and brook no external interference.

China has lodged protests regarding the erroneous remarks of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. We urge the OHCHR to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect the sovereignty of member states, fulfill its duty in a just and objective manner, and avoid being used by ill-intentioned political forces.

Reuters: Another question on Nvidia, Nvidia has built a location verification technology that could indicate which country its chips are operating in, according to sources. This feature, which is optional for its customers, could help prevent its chips from being smuggled into countries where the export of it is banned. Does the Ministry have any comment on this? Would China have any security concerns about taking Nvidia chips?

Guo Jiakun: I am not familiar with the specifics you mentioned.

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China's Jetank 'airborne UAV carrier' drone completes maiden flight: official media

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Du Qiongfang Published: Dec 11, 2025 11:46 AM

China's Jetank drone, dubbed an "airborne UAV carrier," completed its maiden flight on Thursday in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Experts highlighted the aircraft's large size and its potential to carry swarms of smaller drones.

The successful flight marks a new breakthrough in China's large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, the People's Daily reported, citing the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

Its widespread deployment is expected to accelerate the integration of the industrial and innovation chains, inject new momentum into the high-quality development of the low-altitude economy and promote innovation and upgrading in the aviation industry, according to the People's Daily.

As a domestically developed large general-purpose UAV platform, the Jetank adopts a "universal platform with modular mission payload" design concept. Built on independently developed, integrated technological innovations, it features heavy payload capacity, a high service ceiling, a wide speed range, and short takeoff and landing capacity, the report said.

The Jetank drone is 16.35 meters long, has a wingspan of 25 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons, a payload capacity of 6,000 kilograms, an endurance of 12 hours, and a ferry range of 7,000 kilometers, ranking its performance among the top of similar products, the People's Daily reported.

According to the People's Daily report, with modular mission payloads, the Jetank drone can be widely adapted to a wide range of civilian applications, including transporting heavy supplies and providing precise logistics support to remote mountainous areas and islands; rapidly restoring communications and delivering disaster-relief equipment during emergencies; and performing geographic surveying, disaster assessment, and mineral exploration. It can also assist with cultural-relic surveys, maritime law enforcement, forest firefighting, and other sectors of the national economy.

The Jetank heavy unmanned aerial vehicle was first unveiled at the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.

According to a previous report by China Central Television (CCTV) News, the Jetank drone also has military applications. It has eight hardpoints and can carry 1,000 kilogram-class guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles and loitering munitions. The aircraft features an open architecture and is equipped with rapidly replaceable mission pods. By swapping modular mission payloads, it can switch mission types within two hours to meet operational requirements such as airdrop and airlift, information support and countermeasures, and strike-and-support missions. It is suitable for both military and civilian use including systematic operations, transportation support, and emergency rescue.

Another standout feature of the Jetank UAV is the integration of a sophisticated isomerism-hive module within its fuselage. Capable of accommodating hundreds of loitering munitions or small drones, this mission pod has earned the Jetank the nickname "airborne UAV carrier," according to the CCTV News report.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of the Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times that the Jetank drone is a world-class aerial UAV carrier. He noted its high maximum takeoff weight and high capacity, meaning the Jetank can release a swarm of smaller drones.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert who closely observed the Jetank at the Airshow China 2024, also highlighted the size of the Jetank. He said that the huge drone has a payload capacity comparable to that of crewed fighters or even fighter bombers.

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Second-day Sitting of 13th Plenary Meeting of Eighth Central Committee of WPK Held

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, December 11 (KCNA) -- The second-day sitting of the 13th Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on December 10.

Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, made an important conclusion on the agenda items on the review of the implementation of the major Party and state policies and the work of the Central Inspection Commission of the Party in this year and the preparations for the Ninth Congress of the WPK that were discussed at the first-day sitting of the plenary meeting.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un gave an assessment by the Party Central Committee of the implementation of the policies of the Party and state in 2025 and made a review of the major successes achieved in this year.

The plenary meeting discussed a series of problems to be immediately solved till the Ninth Congress of the Party and assigned the important tasks related to the preparations for the Party's congress.

It discussed the organizational matter.

It organized a state budget deliberation team and entered into the examination and discussion on the implementation of the state budget for 2025 and the draft state budget for 2026. -0-

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Pays Condolatory Visit to Russian Embassy

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, December 11 (KCNA) -- 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, paid a condolatory visit to the Russian embassy here on December 10 as regards the demise of Aleksandr Ivanovich Matsegora, Russian extraordinary ambassador to the DPRK.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un laid a bunch of flowers and observed a moment's silence in memory of Aleksandr Ivanovich Matsegora, who devoted his noble life to boosting and developing the DPRK-Russia friendship.

He met with members of the bereaved families and leading members of the embassy and expressed deep condolences to them.

He said that Matsegora was an able diplomat who made a tangible contribution to the history of the DPRK-Russia friendly relations and a close friend and true comrade deeply kept in the hearts of the DPRK people as a human being.

Saying that it is, indeed, a deep sorrow and great loss to not only the Russian government and people but also the government and people of the DPRK to lose the ambassador at a time when an important historic phase has been opened in the development of the relations between the two countries, Kim Jong Un stressed that even though he passed away, our respect and memories of him would last forever and the DPRK-Russia relations continue to develop as he hoped. -0-

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DPRK Premier Expresses Condolences over Demise of Russian Ambassador

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, December 11 (KCNA) -- The secretary office of the premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Dec. 10 informed the Korean Central News Agency that Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and premier of the DPRK Cabinet, expressed deep condolences over the demise of A. I. Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK. -0-

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Leading Officials Visit Russian Embassy to Offer Condolences

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, December 11 (KCNA) -- Choe Son Hui, minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, No Kwang Chol, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, and Kim Song Nam, director of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, visited the Russian embassy here on December 10 to offer condolences on the demise of Aleksandr Ivanovich Matsegora, Russian extraordinary ambassador to the DPRK.

Laid at the venue of the mourning ceremony were the wreaths in the name of the International Department of the Central Committee of the WPK, the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK, the Department of Foreign Military Affairs of the Ministry of National Defence of the DPRK and the DPRK-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology.

Leading officials of the Party and the government observed a moment's silence in memory of Aleksandr Matsegora who devoted himself to the development of the DPRK-Russia friendly relations over the past thirty years and expressed condolences to members of the bereaved family.

Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui made an entry in a condolence book. -0-

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Leading Officials of WPK Central Committee Pay Condolatory Visit to Russian Embassy

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, December 11 (KCNA) -- Pak Jong Chon and Jo Chun Ryong, secretaries of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Jae Ryong, department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, and Kim Jong Sik, first vice department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, paid a condolatory visit to the Russian embassy here on Wednesday.

The leading officials of the WPK Central Committee observed a moment's silence in memory of Aleksandr Matsegora who devoted his all to the DPRK-Russia friendship.

They met and consoled the bereaved family and expressed the regret at the loss of their true friend.

Pak Jong Chon made an entry in a condolence book.

On the same day, senior officials of ministries and national agencies visited the Russian embassy here to express condolences. -0-

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Prime Minister receives a telephone call from Prime Minister of Israel

India - Ministry of External Affairs

December 10, 2025

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu today.

2. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit.

3. The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

4. They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. PM Modi reaffirmed India's support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, including early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

5. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.

New Delhi

December 10, 2025

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PM receives a telephone call from Prime Minister of Israel

India - Press Information Bureau

Prime Minister's Office

The two leaders discuss ways to strengthen India-Israel Strategic Partnership

Both leaders reiterate their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism

PM Modi reaffirms India's support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region

Posted On: 10 DEC 2025 7:59PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu today.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit.

The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. PM Modi reaffirmed India's support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, including early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2201838)

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Department of Atomic Energy Year End Review 2025

India - Press Information Bureau

Department of Atomic Energy

India's nuclear generation hits all-time high as NPCIL crosses 56,681 MUs in FY 2024-25

PM lays foundation stone for 4-unit Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project in Rajasthan

150-bed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Muzaffarpur inaugurated by Prime Minister

India releases first-ever Certified Reference Material for Rare Earth Elements

DAE wins Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar; ECIL bags SCOPE Eminence Award for Institutional Excellence

Posted On: 10 DEC 2025 11:45AM by PIB Delhi

Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has continued to deliver on its mandate of producing nuclear power, capacity building for nuclear power, creation and operation of research reactors and particle accelerators for radio-isotope and radio-pharmaceutical production, application of radiation technology solutions to address societal issues in areas of health care, food security, water & waste management. The Department also contributes towards National Security.



Hon'ble Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for the 4-unit Mahi Banswara NPP in Rajasthan on 25th Sept, 2025; to be deployed by NPCIL-NTPC JV, named ASHVINI

Unit 7 at Rajasthan (RAPP-7), connected to Northern Grid and started commercial operation.

NPCIL crossed the milestone of 50 billion Units (BUs) generation in a financial year for the first time in its entire operation history.

Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) has given approval for pre-project activities for an additional 10 units of 700 MWe PHWRs; over and above the 22.5 GW capacity planned by 2032.

The 150-bed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India.

IAEA has recognised Tata Memorial Hospital as a "Rays of Hope" Anchor Center.

Agricultural Radiation Processing Facility (ARPF) has crossed the landmark of One Crore (10 million) medical devices sterilisation using its indigenously developed 10 MeV, 6 kW Linac for electron beam sterilisation.

Indigenously developed Certified Reference Material (CRM) named 'Ferrocarbonatite (FC) - (BARC B1401) formally released, first such CRM in India and the fourth in the world; crucial for REEs ore mining.

DAE has set-up the first Electronics-grade (99.8% purity) Boron-11 Enrichment Facility at Talcher, suitable for semiconductor applications.

DAE hosted 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics (IOAA 2025) in August 2025, more than 300 students and 140 Members from 64 countries participated.

Achievements of DAE in this year are numerous and diverse. A selection of noteworthy achievements is provided below.

Achievements in Indian Nuclear Power Programme:

Hon'ble Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for the 4-unit Mahi Banswara NPP in Rajasthan on 25th Sept, 2025. The project will have four units of PHWR - 700 MW and to be deployed by NPCIL-NTPC JV, named ASHVINI.

First two units of the indigenous 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar, Gujarat (KAPS - 3 & 4) have received AERB license for regular operation. Rawatbhata Atomic Power Project (RAPP) Unit 7 - the 3rd indigenous 700 MWe PHWR in a series of 16 sanctioned reactors, has started commercial operation on April 15, 2025.

NPCIL has achieved the highest generation in its entire operating history - 56,681 million Units of electricity in FY 2024-25, avoiding about 49 million tons of CO2 emissions. Continuous Operation for more than a year has been recorded 53 times so far, with TAPS-3 exceeding its earlier record of 521 days and KKNPP-2 operating more than a year.

Achievements in field of health care:

DAE continues to contribute to the indigenous development, commercialization & supply of therapeutic/ diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and Cancer Care.

The 150-bed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 22.08.2025.

TMC has seen a total of 1.3 Lakhs patient registration in FY 2024-25. Around 5 lakh women at Varanasi, Sangrur, Mullanpur and Guwahati have been screened for Oral, Breast, and cervical cancer.

The 30 MeV Medical Cyclotron Facility, Kolkata, continues commercial production of FDG and other radiopharmaceuticals and delivered 371 Ci equivalent doses of radiopharmaceuticals were delivered to hospitals for cancer diagnostics.

A novel therapeutic intervention, 177Lu-DOTA-FAPI-2286 Therapy, and five new diagnostic interventions with enhanced precision have been introduced, which are being offered in routine clinical practice, thereby enhancing the scope of patient care. The technology for isotopic separation and enrichment of 176Lu was successfully demonstrated in the indigenous Electromagnetic Isotope Separation Facility.

Electron beam-based sterilization facility at Indore, Madhya Pradesh is continuously providing e-beam sterilization services to medical device manufacturers in compliance with ISO standards. In the month of Sept, 2025, the facility successfully completed cumulative sterilization of 1.53 Crore medical devices. The medical devices sterilized here are being exported to more than 35 countries including Germany, UK, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, South Africa, Indonesia, Portugal, Czech, and Russian Federation.

A High-Intensity Gamma Irradiator with Category II type design, ISOMED 2 was completed in May 2025 to serve healthcare industry for terminal sterilisation of healthcare products. ISOMED 2.0 is the only High Intensity Land Based Stationary Gamma Irradiator in the world today.

Achievements in High Technology Areas (particle accelerators, laser, plasma, cryogenic, quantum, space applications, fusion, internal as well as cyber security)

An indigenously developed Certified Reference Material (CRM) named 'Ferrocarbonatite (FC) - (BARC B1401) was formally released.' This CRM will play a pivotal role in exploration, extraction and process control for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) ore mining and allied production industries. The developed FC-CRM certifies thirteen (13) REEs (Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, La, Nd, Pr, Sc, Sm, Tb, Y and Yb) along with six (06) major elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn and P). This landmark achievement represents the first such CRM in India and the fourth in the world.

NFC has successfully developed the technology for production of high Residual Resistivity Ratio Niobium ingots and sheets. This material is a critical material required for a range of advanced accelerator programs and is aimed at strengthening India's capabilities in materials research for critical applications.

Towards Internal Security, ECIL has successfully developed, integrated and installed Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) System for protection from threats at vital installation. Also, first production module for Akash-Prime system, capable of 360 engagement of multi directional attacks from enemy aircrafts / drones, have been integrated.

Towards National Security, ECIL has successfully developed and manufactured Integrated Power & Pyro Relay Units (IPPRU) and Launcher Interface Unit (LIU) for Agni missile Launcher System. Also, Weapon Control System (WCS) for Astra Missile (VL- SRSAM) was successfully tested and interfaced with other on-board systems on an Indian Naval Ship.

C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence) systems for Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System (SBASMS) have been integrated and supplied to M/s BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for export to friendly foreign country. Integration of Vehicle Mounted Radar was undertaken for the first time.

Niobium Thermit Production Facility (NTPF), a plant set up by NFC under MoU with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Department of Space (DoS) to meet the requirements of Niobium for space programmes has been commissioned. First batch of Niobium oxide has been produced from the plant successfully and handed over to Secretary, Dept. of Space & Chairman, Space Commission.

Achievements in Basic & Directed Research:

HWB has achieved a significant milestone in enrichment of Boron-11 of more than 99.8% purity (semiconductor grade) at the Boron Exchange Distillation Facility, HWBF-Talcher. The enriched product has been successfully converted into purified enriched boric acid for subsequent transformation into enriched BF3 gas.

IMSc researchers have developed a simple, intuitive, and highly accurate growth model using the Gompertz formula to predict the weight of a newborn. The model requires only four standard foetal measurements from at least three routine ultrasound scans. This breakthrough allows for the early detection of foetal weight deviations linked to risks of neonatal complications and stillbirth, enabling timely clinical interventions.

The first run for the dark matter direct search experiment, Indian Dark matter search Experiment (InDEx) has been initiated by SINP at the Jaduguda Underground Science Laboratory to explore the low mass region of dark matter.

Achievements in applications of radiation-based technologies for Agriculture & Food Preservation and spin-offs and technology transfer from non-power applications of nuclear energy for societal benefits.

An early maturing mutant banana variety - TBM-9 has been developed and notified in collaboration with National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Trichy. An early-maturing Sorghum mutant-variety, with 15-20% higher grain yield, RTS-43, was gazette notified. These has taken the number of varieties released by BARC to 72. Apart from this, 6 previously released BARC oilseed varieties have been now extended for cultivation to additional states.

17 MoUs were signed for setting up gamma radiation processing facilities in private and state government sectors and 6 such facilities were commissioned during this period, taking the total number of such facilities operating in the country to 40. BRIT is supporting these facilities by supplying Co-60 sources and establishing the plant operational parameters.

Recognitions at National & International levels:

Indian students, mentored by TIFR, have registered stellar performances at the 5 International Olympiads in Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy & Astrophysics - 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals in 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Dubai, UAE; 3 Gold and 2 Silver medals in 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held in Paris, France; 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals in 36th International Biology Olympiad (IBO), held in Quezon, Philippines; 3 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal in 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), hosted at Sunshine Coast, Australia; 4 Gold and 1 Silver medal in 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), held in India.

IREL and ECIL have received the prestigious 'SCOPE Eminence Award 2022-23 under the category of "Institutional Excellence" and "Other Profit Making / Surplus generating PSU", respectively. The award was presented by Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on 29th August 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

On Hindi Diwas on September 14, DAE has been awarded the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for the second consecutive year.

Smt. Sonia Kapoor, Headmistress, AECS-2 Mumbai has been conferred the National Award for Teachers 2025 by the Honourable President of India, a recognition that shines as a testament to the excellence of our faculty.

NIRF ranking 2025 has placed HBNI at 7th position in the Research Institution category, 12th position in the University category, and 20th position in Overall category in India. The Nature Index 2024-25 has placed HBNI in the first position regarding publications in Physical Sciences and in the third position for overall publications among all institutions in India.

*****

NKR/AK

(Release ID: 2201302)

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Growing public-private synergy is driving India's indigenous warship construction: Secretary (DP)

India - Press Information Bureau

Department of Atomic Energy

Posted On: 10 DEC 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

"Growing synergy between the public and private sector is driving India's indigenous warship construction," said Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar as he endorsed Quality Assurance-led reforms, specifically the Green Channel certification and increased digitalisation as vital catalysts for empowering MSMEs and ensuring faster delivery of defence assets. He was virtually addressing the South Zone Quality Assurance Industry Conclave 2025 organised by the Directorate of Quality Assurance (Warship Projects), Department of Defence Production in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on December 10, 2025.

"To realise the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, we must leverage technology to streamline processes," Shri Kumar said, emphasising that reducing friction in the supply chain is essential for operational readiness.

Speaking on the occasion, Joint Secretary (Land Systems), Department of Defence Production Dr Garima Bhagat called for a paradigm shift in the industry's approach to quality. Underscoring a move from inspection to prevention, Dr Bhagat urged industry partners to adopt strong public-private partnerships where quality is built into the manufacturing process rather than tested for at the end.

Achievements in Indian Nuclear Power Programme:

Hon'ble Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for the 4-unit Mahi Banswara NPP in Rajasthan on 25th Sept, 2025. The project will have four units of PHWR - 700 MW and to be deployed by NPCIL-NTPC JV, named ASHVINI.

First two units of the indigenous 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar, Gujarat (KAPS - 3 & 4) have received AERB license for regular operation. Rawatbhata Atomic Power Project (RAPP) Unit 7 - the 3rd indigenous 700 MWe PHWR in a series of 16 sanctioned reactors, has started commercial operation on April 15, 2025.

NPCIL has achieved the highest generation in its entire operating history - 56,681 million Units of electricity in FY 2024-25, avoiding about 49 million tons of CO2 emissions. Continuous Operation for more than a year has been recorded 53 times so far, with TAPS-3 exceeding its earlier record of 521 days and KKNPP-2 operating more than a year.

Achievements in field of health care:

DAE continues to contribute to the indigenous development, commercialization & supply of therapeutic/ diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and Cancer Care.

The 150-bed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 22.08.2025.

TMC has seen a total of 1.3 Lakhs patient registration in FY 2024-25. Around 5 lakh women at Varanasi, Sangrur, Mullanpur and Guwahati have been screened for Oral, Breast, and cervical cancer.

The 30 MeV Medical Cyclotron Facility, Kolkata, continues commercial production of FDG and other radiopharmaceuticals and delivered 371 Ci equivalent doses of radiopharmaceuticals were delivered to hospitals for cancer diagnostics.

A novel therapeutic intervention, 177Lu-DOTA-FAPI-2286 Therapy, and five new diagnostic interventions with enhanced precision have been introduced, which are being offered in routine clinical practice, thereby enhancing the scope of patient care. The technology for isotopic separation and enrichment of 176Lu was successfully demonstrated in the indigenous Electromagnetic Isotope Separation Facility.

Electron beam-based sterilization facility at Indore, Madhya Pradesh is continuously providing e-beam sterilization services to medical device manufacturers in compliance with ISO standards. In the month of Sept, 2025, the facility successfully completed cumulative sterilization of 1.53 Crore medical devices. The medical devices sterilized here are being exported to more than 35 countries including Germany, UK, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, South Africa, Indonesia, Portugal, Czech, and Russian Federation.

A High-Intensity Gamma Irradiator with Category II type design, ISOMED 2 was completed in May 2025 to serve healthcare industry for terminal sterilisation of healthcare products. ISOMED 2.0 is the only High Intensity Land Based Stationary Gamma Irradiator in the world today.

Key Highlights of the Conclave include:

Strategic Dialogue : A platform for strengthening cooperation between the Indian Navy and industry partners regarding component quality.

: A platform for strengthening cooperation between the Indian Navy and industry partners regarding component quality. Tech Integration : Discussions on adopting advanced technologies to ensure combat readiness.

: Discussions on adopting advanced technologies to ensure combat readiness. Vision Alignment: Reaffirmation of Quality as the anchor of self-reliance, supporting the path toward a developed India by 2047.

The conclave served as a high-level strategic forum to align the Southern India defence industrial base with the nation's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Maritime Vision 2047'. It brought together key government officials and approximately 80 industry representatives from the major industrial hubs of Coimbatore, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The event focused on fostering a robust ecosystem for indigenous warship construction through advanced Quality Assurance (QA) frameworks.

*****

SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2201856)

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Four members of IRGC Ground Force killed in southeastern Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 10, 2025

Zahedan, IRNA -- Four members of the Quds Regional Headquarters of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed by "terrorist and hostile groups" near the border area of Lar in the southeastern city of Zahedan, the IRGC said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement said the personnel were attacked while on duty and "protecting the country's borders."

It added that IRGC units had launched a manhunt in the area following the attack.

9341**4353

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Infiltration in Iran a futile attempt: Army's top naval commander

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 10, 2025

Urmia, IRNA -- Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Army's Naval Force, says adversaries, particularly the United States, are using every opportunity to infiltrate Iran, but such attempts are destined to fail.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during a seminar titled "Strong Iran" held in Urmia, the capital of West Azarbaijan Province in northwestern Iran.

Irani said the United States has launched 18 intelligence services focused on Iran. "They use every opportunity to infiltrate, but infiltration in Iran is a fruitless attempt," he stated.

He added that Iran's adversaries are also trying to harm national unity, but their efforts have been unsuccessful, as the Iranian people continue to maintain cohesion. As an example, he pointed to the unity demonstrated during the 12-day U.S.-Israeli war of aggression against Iran in June.

4194

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Three IRGC soldiers killed in terrorist attack in southern Iran

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 1:44 PM

Three members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force were killed on Wednesday in an attack by "terrorist and hostile groups" near the border region of Lar, close to Zahedan in southeastern Iran.

According to a statement released by the IRGC's Quds Regional Headquarters, the troops were targeted while on duty protecting Iran's southeastern borders.

IRGC forces have launched a manhunt in the region, it said.

"Operations to track down and confront the attackers are currently underway," the statement added.

Sistan and Baluchestan province, bordering Pakistan, has faced frequent terrorist attacks targeting both civilians and security forces in recent years.

Terrorist groups carrying out attacks on Iranian interests in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country are thought to have ties to foreign intelligence agencies.

The so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group has taken responsibility for many attacks, including one in August that killed five Iranian policemen. A month earlier, in July, terrorists had stormed a courthouse in the province, leaving six people dead.

The most devastating attack in recent years occurred in February 2019, when a Jaish al-Adl suicide bombing targeted an IRGC bus convoy, killing 27 members of the force.

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Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko's meeting with Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Ebrahim Azizi

10 December 2025 16:39

2051-10-12-2025

On December 10, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko held a meeting with Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament (the Islamic Consultative Assembly), who was in Moscow on a working visit to attend events of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly.

The officials expressed satisfaction with the progressive development of the full spectrum of Russian-Iranian relations, guided by the spirit of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which has now entered into force.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on current regional and international issues of mutual interest. They noted the close alignment, and in many cases convergence, of Russian and Iranian approaches to addressing the principal challenges of our time.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across all promising areas.



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President Herzog meets U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

President Herzog thanked Ambassador Waltz for his key role in diplomatic efforts to secure the adoption of the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2803 last month.

Type: Press Releases

Topic: Foreign Policy

Publish Date: 10.12.2025

(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)

President Isaac Herzog today (Wednesday, 10 December 2025) met with Ambassador Mike Waltz, Representative of the United States to the United Nations, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem today. Also joining their meeting was Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon.

President Herzog thanked Ambassador Waltz for his key role in diplomatic efforts to secure the adoption of the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2803 last month. President Herzog and Ambassador Waltz discussed the importance of the full implementation of the resolution and President Trump's Peace Plan, including the urgent obligation for Hamas to return the last hostage still held in Gaza, Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili.

President Isaac Herzog:

"Mr. Ambassador, we're very happy that you're here. It's your first official visit as Ambassador to the United Nations to Israel since you assumed office. You have a very important position, because you need to steer through the implementation of the Security Council Resolution, which has been no less than historic, and it creates a benchmark for the Day After, which is a grand vision of President Trump, and we respect his efforts here immensely, and we are grateful for them.

"We hope that the process will not take too long, because in the Middle East, if you wait for too long, then the vacuum fills in, and the rogue elements don't rest for a moment. Iran is trying to regroup, and its proxies are trying to regroup, and we have to show momentum to implement a resolution which, I think, has managed to combine a few forces which were not on board in the past. Of course, now the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and I hope honestly that it will succeed, the President will succeed, and all the partners concerned will succeed.

"I want to thank you also for supporting Israel with clear moral clarity, because you are here and you're seeing how we are protecting the free world, Europe. We are at the frontier of civilization and of these values here, and we are the ones with our sons and daughters who have paid an enormous price since October 7th, and we want to be able to change the trajectory so the world will be able to understand the strategic importance of Israel.

"And finally, Mr. Ambassador, my wife leads an international campaign on the sexual violence of October 7th, and she has worked closely with Ambassador Danon and others, and also with Pramila Patten, the Under-Secretary and UN rapporteur on this issue. I think it's an issue to discuss and repeat all the time, because there are adverse forces that are simply lying, and some of them are part and parcel of the UN establishment, so I think it's an item that should be on your agenda, too. Thank you and welcome."

Ambassador Mike Waltz:

"Good to be with you. An honor to be with you. As you mentioned, President Trump's 20-point plan was absolutely historic. I think we followed that now with having the international community, the UN Security Council endorsed that plan 13 to 0, with public support from Arab nations, Muslim-majority nations, even a public acceptance from the PA, so it was quite, I think, an undertaking, and working very closely with Ambassador Danon and the entire team. And we have to give credit, I think, where credit is due, to the President, to Secretary Rubio, his special envoys, Witkoff, Kushner. This truly was a team effort and there's always going to be critics.

"I think this was probably the most positive resolution we've seen for Israel, for stability in the region, and it was just not a lot of rhetoric, it puts a clear plan in place. We now have that authorization. I think we will see announcements upcoming in terms of the Board of Peace, led by President Trump. The key components of that are a technocratic authority of Palestinians to get the water, the gas, the sewage, to get those basic services going again in Gaza. Of course, a funding mechanism for the owners to pay for it, and then the international stabilization force.

"What has been clear, and I want to be clear, is Hamas has to go. President Trump has been clear, that's going to happen the easy way or the hard way, but there will not be any more Hamas. And what we cannot do, what we're determined to avoid, is what I call the definition of insanity: somehow Hamas is allowed to survive, they rebuild, the international community pours billions into reconstruction, Hamas attacks again, and Israel has no choice but to respond, and here we are in this cycle of insanity. The President, his team, is determined to break that, and one of the many reasons I'm here is to see that implemented."

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Prime Minister Netanyahu Speaks with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Events and Speeches

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 10.12.2025

Prime Minister Netanyahu, this evening, spoke with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz.

Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated President Paz on the resumption of relations between Israel and Bolivia.

The two leaders agreed that they must work to promote cooperation in various fields, with an emphasis on security, and to restore the abundant tourism of many Israeli travelers in the natural landscapes and rich cultures of Bolivia.

The Prime Minister invited the President of Bolivia to visit Israel, who said that he looks forward to this visit soon and to good friendship between the peoples.

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Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 10, 2025

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to discuss regional security and humanitarian efforts, including implementation of the President's 20 Point Plan in Gaza. The leaders also discussed Syria and Lebanon, reaffirming their commitment to close collaboration in pursuit of peace and stability in the Middle East.

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Video Telconference between Defense Minister Koizumi and NATO Secretary General Rutte

Ministry of Defense of Japan

(Press Release: Provisional Translation)

December 10, 2025

Ministry of Defense Japan



On December 10, commencing at 19:20 (Japan Time) for approximately 15 minutes, Minister of Defense KOIZUMI Shinjiro held a video teleconference (VTC) with H.E. Mr. Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

At the outset, Minister Koizumi conveyed that cooperation between Japan and NATO as well as between NATO and IP4 (Indo-Pacific Four: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea) is strategically important as security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions has become inseparable. He also expressed to work further strengthening Japan-NATO cooperation in this context. Both sides also discussed regional security environment. Minister Koizumi briefed the radar incident that Chinese military aircraft intermittently illuminated radar onto JSDF fighters and the Chinese-Russian bombers' joint flight from the Eastern Sea to the Pacific that occurred on 9th December. Both sides shared their grave concerns over this incident and concurred to closely communicate with each other. Minister Koizumi emphasized to respond to such acts conducted by China in a calm and yet resolute manner. Both sides agreed to continue working closely to further advance cooperation between Japan and NATO, and between NATO and IP4.



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The Japan-Italy Defense Ministers Video Teleconference

Ministry of Defense of Japan

(Press Release: Provisional Translation)

December 10, 2025

Ministry of Defense Japan



On December 10, commencing at 18:30 (Japan Time) for approximately 30 minutes, Minister Koizumi held a Defense Ministerial Video Teleconferencewith H.E. Mr. Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defence of the Italian Republic.

At the outset, Minister Koizumi welcomed the reunion with Minister Crosetto since the Japan-UK-Italy Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting in late Novermber and expressed his resolve to deepen the Japan-Italy relationsip in the increasingly severe security environment. Both ministers confirmed thir commitments to cooperate for the success of the Global Combat Aviation Program (GCAP) and their intention to further promote Japan-Italy defense cooperation including bilateral exercises and defense equipment and technology cooperation. Both ministers also discussed regional security environment. Minister Koizumi briefed the radar incident that occurred on 6th December when Chinese military aircraft intermittently illuminated JASDF fighters with radar and the Chinese-Russian bombers' joint flight from the Eastern Sea to the Pacific that occurred on 9th December and shared his grave concerns over these. They concurred to strengthen the bilateral defense cooperation relationship for peace and stability of the region and to have a face-to-face meeting in the future.



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Remarks by Defense Minister against China's Claims on the Radar Incident against Japan Air Self-Defense Force Aircraft by Chinese Military Aircraft on Dec. 6th (Press Conference on Dec. 9th, 2025)

Ministry of Defense of Japan

(Press release)

December 10, 2025

Ministry of Defense Japan



<Refutation Regarding China's Baseless Claim of "Interference" by JASDF Aircraft>

When receiving the radar beam from Chinese military aircraft, JASDF fighters maintained a safe (beyond-visual-range) distance from both the Chinese fighters and the aircraft carrier, consistently conducting airspace intrusion countermeasures in a thoroughly professional manner. Therefore, China's claim that there was interference by the JASDF aircraft is unfounded.

<Refutation Regarding China's Claim that Activating Search Radars is Normal Procedure for Ensuring Flight Safety>

Unlike shipborne radar, fighter aircraft radars serve the purpose not only for searching but also for fire-control. The fighter pilot detecting the radar beam cannot clearly discern its intended purpose. For this reason, even in case of an airborne radar being used for surrounding observations from a safety perspective, such as during poor visibility, it would not be employed in the manner seen in this incident, with intermittent illumination. Given that fighter aircraft radars are not employed indiscriminately, we determine that performing such intermittent illumination against JASDF fighter aircraft, particularly those conducting airspace intrusion countermeasures, constitutes a dangerous act.

<Refutation Regarding China's Claim of Prior Notification for Military Training Area>

While China claims that prior public notification was made, we are not aware of any NOTAMs or navigation warnings issued beforehand regarding training sea or airspace associated with Liaoning's carrier-based aircraft.

<Regarding the Necessity of Continued Communication Between Japan and China>

As I, Minister Koizumi, conveyed to Minister Dong Jun during the recent Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Malaysia, Japan believes it is indispensable for both sides to persistently engage in candid dialogue and communication, without avoiding concrete and difficult issues, precisely because such circumstances exist.

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Japan Ministry of Defense Statement on the Radar Incident against Japan Air Self-Defense Force Aircraft by Chinese Military Aircraft on Dec. 6th

Ministry of Defense of Japan

(Press release)

December 10, 2025

Ministry of Defense Japan

With regard to the Chinese state media reports concerning the radar incident that occurred on Saturday, December 6, the Ministry of Defense would like to clarify the following four points.

(Regarding the Notification Allegedly Made by the Chinese Side)

First, concerning the notification allegedly made by the Chinese side:

While it would be inappropriate to comment on each audio clip reported by Chinese state media, on December 6, the day the radar incident occurred, one of JMSDF vessels received short communication from a Chinese Navy vessel, near the Kuznetsov-class CV "Liaoning", stating that they were about to commence flight training, and the Japanese side copied the message.

However, no specific information was provided to the JSDF regarding the scale of the training to be conducted by the carrier-based aircraft from "Liaoning", or the airspace in which such training would take place. Furthermore, neither NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) indicating the time, or latitude and longitude of the training area nor navigation warnings for vessels were issued in advance. As a result, Japan did not receive sufficient information necessary to ensure safety and avoid danger.

(Appropriateness of the Scramble by the Self-Defense Forces)

Second, the scramble conducted by the Self-Defense Forces were both appropriate and necessary. Okinawa Island, Kitadaito Island, Minamidaito Island, and Okidaito Island are located near the waters in which "Liaoning" was operating. It is natural and imperative for the Ministry of Defense and JSDF, which are responsible for safeguarding Japan's territorial airspace and protecting the lives and property of the Japanese people, to appropriately conduct airspace intrusion countermeasures against carrier-based aircraft launched from "Liaoning", regardless of whether prior notification of the training was provided.

(Radar Use by Japan Air Self-Defense Force Aircraft)

Third, the JASDF F-15 fighter aircraft conducting airspace intrusion countermeasures on December 6 did not use their radar against the carrier-based aircraft of "Liaoning".

(Essence of the Issue)

Fourth and most importantly, the essence of the issue is that, while Japan was appropriately conducting airspace intrusion countermeasures, Chinese military aircraft intermittently illuminated JASDF fighter aircraft with radar for approximately 30 minutes. Such actions exceed the range necessary for the safe operation of aircraft and constitute dangerous behavior. Japan will continue to strongly demand China prevent any recurrence of such acts.

The Ministry of Defense also takes pride in the JASDF pilots who calmly carried out their mission under an extremely tense situation in which they were subjected to prolonged radar illumination, as well as in the ground crews who supported them. The Ministry of Defense and JSDF will continue to demonstrate such professionalism and respond in a calm and resolute manner.

As Minister Koizumi conveyed to Minister Dong Jun during the recent Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Malaysia, Japan believes it is indispensable for both sides to persistently engage in candid dialogue and communication, without avoiding concrete and difficult issues, precisely because such circumstances exist. The Ministry of Defense will continue to ensure robust intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities in the sea and airspace surrounding Japan, while also maintaining close communication between our respective defense authorities.

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Statement by State Secretary Andreas Kravik on the situation in Myanmar

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 10/12/2025

'On this International Day of Human Rights, we celebrate the universal rights that belong to all people, and also highlight those whose rights are violated. The civilian population in Myanmar is facing extensive and persistent human rights violations and a severe humanitarian crisis', said State Secretary Andreas Kravik.

'Nearly five years after the coup in Myanmar, military attacks continue to impact communities, and millions of people have been displaced from their homes. Humanitarians face significant obstacles in their efforts to provide life-saving assistance.

'In this context, the military regime is planning to hold elections.

'In line with ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus and UNSCR 2669, Norway has on several occasions called on all parties to respect fundamental rights, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access, and for the military to release political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. These are critical steps in creating a political space where all voices - including those of women, ethnic groups and other minorities - are heard.

'Elections under the current conditions will not solve the fundamental challenges facing Myanmar. Without meaningful steps towards inclusive dialogue and respect for human rights, the situation could even worsen. Norway condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. This also means that voters, poll workers and political candidates must be allowed to operate in a safe environment. Once again, I call on the military regime and other parties to take real conciliatory steps towards meeting the people of Myanmar's aspirations for a peaceful, democratic and inclusive future.

'Norway will continue to support the people of Myanmar and those who are working to promote respect for human rights and a peaceful political solution.'

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ROK-PNG Framework Agreement for Grant Aid Signed

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Date 2025-12-09

- Establishing Legal Framework for Stable Grant-based Development Cooperation between Two Governments -



Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) Justin Tkatchenko signed the "Framework Agreement for Grant Aid between the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea" on Tuesday, December 9, on the occasion of the ROK-PNG Foreign Ministers' meeting.



 The Framework Agreement on Grant Aid is a treaty stipulating the rights and obligations of the parties, including the legal status, privileges and immunities of the personnel dispatched for grant aid projects and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) office.



By signing the Framework Agreement on Grant Aid, the two countries established a legal foundation for the stable implementation of their grant-based development cooperation projects. The Agreement is expected to serve as an important basis for the smooth operation of the KOICA office in Papua New Guinea, which is set to reopen in almost 30 years.



Since initiating development cooperation with the Papua New Guinea government in 1988, the ROK government has supported the former's sustainable development in areas such as human resource development and health. Including by providing humanitarian aid in response to landslides in Papua New Guinea in May last year, the ROK government has strengthened solidarity with the country.



Pursuant to the Framework Agreement, the ROK government will help Papua New Guinea achieve sustainable development. To that end, it will explore effective grant aid initiatives that align with Papua New Guinea's development needs,  such as in human resource development, healthcare, and climate change response  and deliver tangible benefits for the people of both the Republic of Korea and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

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Spokesperson's Press Briefing (December 9, 2025)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Date 2025-12-09

Press Briefing

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Park Il

December 9, 2025 14:30 KST

Good afternoon. Let me start today's briefing.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun will hold a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide on December 17.

The upcoming Korea-Norway Foreign Ministers' meeting, the first of its kind since the inauguration of Foreign Minister Cho, will take place during the first visit to Korea by a Norwegian Foreign Minister in 32 years.

In the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers will discuss bilateral issues and ways for cooperation on the international stage and identify areas for future industrial cooperation.

Moving on, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo, together with his counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, will host the fifth "Korea-Central America Special Roundtable" in Panama City, Panama, on December 10.

The meeting, the first of its kind to come in Central America since its launch in 2021, will bring together high-level delegations from seven Central American countries as well as government representatives from the United States, Spain and Mexico -- Central America's partner countries for development cooperation.

During his visit to Panama, Vice Minister Park will also have bilateral meetings with his counterparts from six Central American countries to discuss ways to promote friendly relations between Korea and those countries and work more closely together in substantive areas as well as on regional and global stages.

The upcoming Roundtable, which will cover cooperation for enhanced public safety, is expected to serve as an opportunity to bolster cooperation with Global South countries.

Additionally, on December 11, Vice Minister Park will deliver opening remarks at the 2025 Korea-Central America Trade and Investment Forum in Panama City.

At the event, Vice Minister Park will ask Central American countries to work more closely with Korea in various areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, resources and energy, and will explore ways to support Korean companies' bids to expand their presence in Central America.

Lastly, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina will head to Washington, D.C., the United States, on December 10 for the tenth ROK-U.S. Senior Economic Dialogue (SED).

During the Dialogue, the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State will review the progress in the implementation of the follow-up on the ROK-U.S. summit held in October and discuss specific ways for bilateral cooperation mainly in such strategic industries as those involving shipbuilding, energy, cutting-edge science and technology, and critical minerals.

While in the U.S., Vice Minister Kim, at the invitation of the U.S. side, will attend as ROK head delegate the Pax Silica Summit on December 12.

During the forthcoming round of the Pax Silica Summit, a meeting hosted by the U.S. Department of State, the ROK and other participating countries will discuss ways to stabilize major supply chains among like-minded countries in order to realize the AI economy.

The results of the meeting will be available later in a press release.

(A question-and-answer session followed.)

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Peru to import nearly 200 Korean tanks, armored vehicles

KOREA.net

Dec 10, 2025

By Kim Seon Ah

The domestically developed K2 tank will be exported for the first time to Latin America.

Hyundai Rotem on Dec. 10 said it concluded a framework agreement in Lima, Peru, with the Peruvian Army and public defense company FAME S.A.C. (Army Weapons and Ammunition Factory) to supply the tanks and K808 wheeled armored vehicles.

Under the agreement, Hyundai Rotem will supply 54 K2 Black Panthers and 141 K808 White Tigers through future performance contracts. The general agreement also stipulates key details of this project such as items, quantities and budget.

A follow-up performance deal to launch the project is expected to see quick conclusion.

The deal is considered the first tangible result of stronger summit diplomacy and government-level support for defense industry cooperation thanks to this year's APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

During negotiations, relevant government branches such as the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense Acquisition Program Administration promoted the competitiveness of Korean equipment and provided institutional and diplomatic support.

Peru's military modernization policy seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities and technology. The Hyundai Rotem project is part of the Peruvian Army's plan to advance its ground equipment.

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United States and Republic of Korea Deepen Alliance at Senior Economic Dialogue

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 10, 2025

Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg met today with Republic of Korea (ROK) Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina in Washington to hold the U.S.-ROK Senior Economic Dialogue (SED). The meeting reaffirmed the commitments made at the U.S.-ROK presidential summits in Washington in August and in Gyeongju in October, which inaugurated a more modernized U.S.-ROK Alliance. They both looked forward to the December 16 ROK-U.S. Joint Public-Private Economic Forum in Seoul.

The SED highlighted the success of the historic Strategic Trade and Investment deal - including $350 billion in investment in U.S. reindustrialization - which is central to cementing progress on reciprocal trade, energy security, shipbuilding, and emerging and critical technologies. The two sides discussed ROK government and private sector-led investments in American manufacturing and ongoing efforts to facilitate Korean business travel to the United States, including through the U.S.-ROK Business Travel and Visas Working Group.

The Under Secretary and Second Vice Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of enhancing joint economic security measures and securing trusted supply chains. They discussed ways to strengthen economic and national security alignment to preserve collective competitiveness and maintain secure supply chains, including cooperation to address unfair and non-market policies and practices. Both sides also explored further collaboration on critical minerals, with the Under Secretary highlighting the ROK's leadership on resilient supply chains in both regional and multilateral fora.

In line with President Trump's landmark achievements in supporting lasting peace, the Under Secretary and the Second Vice Foreign Minister also discussed how to leverage industrial competitiveness to support the restoration of economic stability in conflict zones.

The meeting marked the tenth iteration of the SED and underscored the enduring importance of the U.S.-ROK Alliance in shaping a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

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Russia-Indonesia talks

Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, who is in Moscow on a working visit.

December 10, 2025

13:45

The Kremlin, Moscow

The agenda included matters related to the further development of Russia-Indonesia strategic partnership, as well as current international and regional developments.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

We are delighted to see you in Moscow. Welcome. There was an agreement to hold this meeting, and I remember that we outlined specific and serious plans for stepping up our relations.

Of course, I would like to start by expressing my condolences and sharing my sympathy in connection with the flooding and the human casualties your people and your country have suffered.

But going back to our contacts, you and I had a meeting during the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the People's Republic of China. During this meeting, we talked about continuing our direct personal contacts. We are very grateful to you for taking part in person in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in June.

Let me reiterate that our relations have gathered solid and steady momentum. This year, we marked 75 years of diplomatic relations. The intergovernmental commissions have been proactive on both sides. Trade and economic ties are advancing at a robust pace, with a 17 percent increase in the first nine months of this year.

Our two countries have significant potential in energy, including nuclear power. I know that your country has plans in this regard. As for us, we remain at your disposal should you wish to reach out to our specialists.

In terms of industrial cooperation and agriculture, there are many interesting projects we can offer. In fact, Indonesia even enjoys a surplus in our agricultural relations. But we are not complaining, we are ready to explore new ways for stepping up our relations in this sector. There was a slight decrease in wheat exports to your market, I believe, which will be another topic during our conversation today.

We have built a solid track record in military technical cooperation. Indonesia has a tradition of partnering with us in this sector. There is also positive momentum in promoting direct military-to-military ties, which have reached a high professional level. Russian universities and military academies continue to train Indonesian specialists, and we are ready to expand this cooperation.

There has been progress in our humanitarian ties too. The number of tourists has been on the rise on both sides, which is attributable to direct flights and preferential visa regulations.

The fact that Indonesia has become a full participant in BRICS was a very welcome development for us. Talks with the EAEU are underway to create a free trade zone.

Mr President, I have already said a great deal about what matters for our two countries. I am delighted to see you. We have a big team representing Russia. I invited my colleagues so that we can discuss all these aspects.

We are very glad to see you. Once again, welcome.

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto (retranslated): Thank you very much.

Your Excellency, Mr President, heads of Russian ministries and agencies,

I am very pleased to see you.

Allow me to express my gratitude for the warm welcome extended to me and to our delegation. I know that your schedule is extremely tight, so I would like to thank you personally for finding the time to receive me, even though we notified you of the visit at relatively short notice.

The main purpose of my visit is to hold consultations and, once again, to express our sincere appreciation, as we are currently witnessing a very strong and dynamic growth in Russian-Indonesian bilateral relations.

I would also like to note that in recent months I have received a number of Russian delegations in Jakarta, including representatives of government bodies as well as Russian companies. I am pleased to say that we held very substantive and constructive discussions with all the delegations that visited Jakarta.

I have also connected them with various Indonesian associations and institutions that can act as partners for further coordination, and we can already see that dialogue between the Russian and Indonesian sides in these areas is continuing, with direct communication now well underway.

May I also take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt invitation for you to visit Indonesia at a time convenient for you. It may be possible in 2026 or 2027. We will gladly adjust to your schedule and would be honoured to welcome you in our country.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, I will certainly do that.

<...>

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Small town specializing in auto parts rides NEV wave

Xinhua) 14:51, December 11, 2025

This photo taken on Nov. 5, 2025 shows a view of a production line of Pengling Co., Ltd. in the town of Zhongtang, on the outskirts of Tianjin, north China. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

TIANJIN, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- On the outskirts of Tianjin, far from the container terminals that embody the northern Chinese municipality's industrial might, lies the town of Zhongtang -- a place with modest geographic endowments but an outsized reputation.

Amid a bustling boom of complete-automobile manufacturing, the town's specialty is quite prosaic: automotive rubber hoses. Today, it stands as one of China's largest production bases for them.

The town's client roster reads like a who's who of the global automotive industry, ranging from global auto behemoths like Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Toyota to domestic new energy vehicle (NEV) makers like BYD and Nio.

This impressive lineup earned Zhongtang a coveted spot on China's inaugural list of specialized towns. As China's electric-vehicle boom reshapes global auto supply chains, Zhongtang's component manufacturers are accelerating in lockstep with the market's transformation.

Pengling Co., Ltd., a hometown firm specializing in fluid lines and thermal-management modules for NEVs, exemplifies this industry transformation. "Our order books are full through the end of next year," said Gao Xianhua, the firm's vice president.

The firm's financial performance underscores its success: Last year, it recorded profits and tax contributions exceeding 30 million yuan (approximately 4.24 million U.S. dollars), and in the first three quarters of this year alone, it nearly matched that annual benchmark. This momentum is particularly remarkable in an industry where component suppliers typically operate on razor-thin margins.

China's auto market -- the world's largest for the last 16 years -- registered sales of over 31 million vehicles in 2024, including more than 12 million NEVs. The country accounted for over 70 percent of global NEV sales in 2024, with its supply chain dominance fundamentally reshaping industrial geography worldwide.

As assembly plants expand in coastal hubs like Tianjin, which is home to major joint ventures including Toyota and Volkswagen, towns such as Zhongtang have become integral nodes in global production networks.

"'Good soil' is why we've been able to take root and flourish," Gao said, citing the dense concentration of automakers in the region, coupled with proactive government support through matchmaking initiatives, tax incentives, and talent recruitment programs.

Zhongtang's industrial ecosystem is remarkably comprehensive for a town of its scale. Encompassing everything from doors, glass and interiors to brake pads, springs and chassis components, the town hosts nearly all major auto part categories. The town hosts 15 sizable parts manufacturers and expects total output to exceed 4 billion yuan by 2025.

The rapid growth of NEVs has fostered a new generation of suppliers. Many Zhongtang-based manufacturers have experienced rapid growth by producing parts tailored to electric drivetrains and lightweight chassis.

Some local companies have now begun exporting their products overseas, having strengthened their technological capabilities as Chinese NEV brands expand into markets ranging from Southeast Asia to Europe, according to local authorities.

Local government has not left such growth to chance. With many small firms facing high upfront construction costs and inadequate facilities, the town has established a standardized industrial park featuring "move-in-and-produce" facilities. This initiative enables startups to rapidly scale up their operations.

The industrial park has already incubated 28 companies. One of them, Tianjin Zhongguan Automobile Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd., began its journey in these rented workshops and is now investing in its own facilities.

"This park has effectively served as an incubator for us," said Li Xingqiu, the company's technical director, highlighting its role in the firm's early growth.

As established companies transition out of the park to occupy their own purpose-built plants, vacated workshops are promptly allocated to new entrants. This creates a sustainable "incubate, grow, scale, replace" cycle -- a model of cluster-based development that prioritizes ecosystem building over isolated firm subsidies.

Keeping pace with China's competitive auto sector, Zhongtang's chain-driven development model has enabled this once-unremarkable town to unexpectedly assume a pivotal role in the country's industrial tale, said Wang Yin, associate professor of Tianjin University of Finance and Economics.

"From robust policy support, a meticulously planned network of specialized industrial parks to the seamless integration of digital and intelligent technologies, Zhongtang presents a clear blueprint for other Chinese towns aspiring to cultivate distinctive local industries," Wang added.

Workers operate at a workshop of Tianjin Zhongguan Automobile Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in the town of Zhongtang, on the outskirts of Tianjin, north China, Nov. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A staff member checks an automotive rubber hose at a workshop of Pengling Co., Ltd. in the town of Zhongtang, on the outskirts of Tianjin, north China, Nov. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Brussels Adds New Names To Blacklist In Latest Russia Sanctions Package

By Rikard Jozwiak December 10, 2025

European Union ambassadors on December 10 decided on further sanctions against Russia, with a new package adding several individuals and entities to its sprawling blacklist adopted in response to the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago.

While not a sweeping sanctions package involving sectoral restrictive measures hitting Moscow as in the past, the new measures focus on five individuals involved in the global oil business in an attempt to hit Russia as it trades below the G7-imposed oil price cap that currently stands at $47.60 per barrel.

The official document, seen by RFE/RL, blacklists Azerbaijani businessman Talat Safarov. Safarov is the CEO of 2Rivers Group, a UAE based oil-trading group that according to Brussels is active in shipments and exports of Russian oil, notably from the state-owned energy giant Rosneft, by concealing the actual origin of the oil.

Shadow Fleet

Pakistani businessman Murtaza Ali Lakhani is also targeted after being deemed to control "vessels transporting crude oil or petroleum products, originating in Russia or being exported from Russia, while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices."

Such practices include using ships without proper insurance and switching off naval trackers while sailing.

Three Russian individuals are also targeted as are four companies.

Two of those firms are based in the United Arab Emirates and are believed to have been involved recently in transporting Russian oil in recent times. A Vietnamese-based company and a Russian one are also listed for owning or managing tankers that are part of the Russian shadow fleet.

In a separate move, Brussels is also set on December 12 to list 43 boats it believes are part of the actual shadow fleet. The list, which currently has over 500 vessels on it, bars those boats from being serviced in any way in any EU port.

EU ambassadors also agreed to target people who they believe have carried out destabilizing activities on behalf of Russia around the globe.

The updated list includes John Mark Dougan, a dual American-Russian citizen and former deputy sheriff from Florida who settled in Russia nearly a decade ago.

He is accused of participating in pro-Kremlin digital information operations from Moscow with the goal of "influencing elections, discrediting political figures and manipulating public discourse in Western countries."

A former colonel in the Swiss Army, Jacques Baud, is also listed for acting "as a mouthpiece for pro-Russian propaganda and making conspiracy theories, for example accusing Ukraine of orchestrating its own invasion in order to join NATO." Former French military officer Xavier Moreau is listed for similar actions.

Others being sanctioned include Dmitry Suslov, Fyodor Lukyanov and Andrei Sushentsov, who are all described as foreign policy analysts with close links to the Valdai discussion club. They are accused of spreading Kremlin-linked disinformation.

A number officials with Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) are listed and accused of being responsible for various cyberattacks in recent years against both Ukraine and EU member states.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-blacklist-russia-sanctions-shadow- fleet/33619173.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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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the Government Hour at the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

10 December 2025 18:16

2056-10-12-2025

On December 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in the plenary session of the Federation Council, where he addressed the current issues of Russian foreign policy during Government Hour.

This format allows informing legislators and the general public about the current activities of the Russian Foreign Ministry, as well as to develop specific recommendations aimed at increasing the effectiveness of efforts in pursuing the country's foreign policy.

In his remarks and when answering questions from senators, Sergey Lavrov focused on resolving the situation around Ukraine and creating a just, polycentric world order through the development of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with countries of the Global South and East. Deepening Eurasian integration within the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the EAEU, the CIS, and the SCO; strengthening BRICS as a driving force for global transformation; ensuring the state's socioeconomic stability in the face of sanctions pressure; and promoting Russia's priorities, both bilaterally and at various multilateral parliamentary forums, as well as at the regional level, were also discussed in detail.

The Minister's regular meetings with Federation Council senators are intended to enhance the effectiveness of interaction between the executive and legislative branches on pressing issues on the international agenda, with the aim of furthering joint work to implement the country's consensus-supported foreign policy.

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Press release on Russia-Azerbaijan political consultations

10 December 2025 17:52

2053-10-12-2025

On December 8-10, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin held consultations in Baku with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov and was also received by Presidential Aide of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Foreign Policy Hikmet Hajiyev.

Following the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the CIS Heads of State Council meeting in Dushanbe on October 9, the current state and prospects of the multifaceted Russian-Azerbaijani relationship were discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on current issues on the bilateral agenda and plans for their implementation. The schedule of contacts for 2026, including consultations between the Foreign Ministries, was reviewed.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening political dialogue across all areas and expanding trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation in line with the provisions of the Declaration on Allied Cooperation signed by the leaders of the two countries on February 22, 2022. The Russian side stressed the importance of the prompt release of the 11 Russian citizens detained in Baku in late June and early July.

A number of regional issues were discussed in detail, including Azerbaijani-Armenian normalisation and Russia's possible facilitation of this process based on the series of trilateral agreements reached at the highest level in 2020-2022. The importance of enhancing multilateral cooperation within the five Caspian states was reaffirmed. Mutual interest was expressed in ensuring the smooth functioning of the 3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform (Russia-Iran-Turkiye plus Azerbaijan-Armenia-Georgia), with a view to enabling the countries of the South Caucasus and their immediate neighbours to resolve the region's issues themselves.

A discussion was also held on matters related to the CIS and other organisations operating on the Eurasian continent. A number of international topics of mutual interest were discussed.

The talks took place in the friendly and trusting atmosphere which is traditional in Russian-Azerbaijani relations.

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Sri Lankan Ambassador to Moscow Praises Joint Military Exercises With Russia

Sputnik News

20251210

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Sri Lanka highly values the recent joint military exercises with Russia and intends to continue defense cooperation with Moscow, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Shobini Gunasekera told Sputnik.

"Sri Lanka and Russia have very close defense cooperation. The drills went very well. They focused on jungle warfare. Sri Lanka has experience in this area as a tropical island with dense jungle. I believe our experience was well received. This cooperation will continue and will likely expand into other spheres," Gunasekera said when asked to assess the drills.

In November, the Russian Eastern Military District said that the first phase of the joint Russian-Lankan exercise, Wolverine Trail-2025, had been held in Sri Lanka. Forces of both countries practiced coordinated operations on the island. Personnel from Russia's Eastern Military District participated in the exercise.

 Sputnik

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Israel has bombed Syria 600 times since HTS seized power: Report

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 8:07 AM

A US-based war monitor says the Israeli military has carried out more than 600 attacks on Syria over the past year since the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad and the seizure of power by the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group.

According to a tally conducted by Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), the majority of the acts of aggression - including airstrikes from warplanes, drone strikes, and artillery bombardments - took place in southern Syria.

ACLED said the Israeli regime bombed Quneitra at least 232 times, Dera'a at least 167 times, and the Damascus area at least 77 times between December 8, 2024 and November 28, 2025, with the tally averaging to about two attacks per day.

Israel's heavy aggression in the first weeks of Assad's departure destroyed the capabilities of the former Syrian military.

The Israeli military occupied large swathes of southern Syria after the Assad government collapsed in December last year, and has since established permanent outposts and seized control over vital water sources - practically encircling the Syrian capital of Damascus.

The occupation continues to expand as Israeli forces carry out almost daily raids amid lingering inaction by the ruling HTS government, led by Abu Mohammad Jolani, an ex-Daesh and al-Qaeda commander.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported last month that the Israeli occupation army carried out more than 60 raids and incursions in the Arab country's south in just three weeks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his forces to advance further into Syrian territory to capture multiple critical strategic positions in the area.

Israel has extended its occupation in Syria by taking over the buffer zone that divides the occupied Golan Heights from the rest of the country, effectively violating the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Analysts caution that the inaction of Syria's ruling HTS regime, combined with its steps toward normalizing relations with Tel Aviv, has emboldened the Israeli regime to intensify its territorial expansion in Syria and increase airstrikes in the area.

Since the beginning of the year, Tel Aviv and the Syrian regime have held direct discussions aimed at establishing a security arrangement. Despite HTS's pledges of cooperation with Tel Aviv, Israel has remained unwilling to withdraw from Syria, tying any pullback to a broader "peace" deal, which is reported to have faced an impasse.

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Taiwan thanks 8 allies for their support at annual Interpol meeting

ROC Central News Agency

12/10/2025 12:42 PM

Taipei, Dec. 9 (CNA) Taiwan thanked eight of its formal diplomatic allies on Tuesday for supporting its aspirations to participate in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) during the agency's annual meeting in Morocco late last month.

Senior officials from eight diplomatic allies -- the Marshall Islands, Belize, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Guatemala, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Paraguay, and Eswatini -- spoke up on Taiwan's behalf at Interpol's General Assembly Nov. 24-27, and/or sent letters to Interpol, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.

Despite their appeals, Taiwan was still left out of the proceedings, as has been the case since the 1980s.

The Foreign Ministry delayed publicly thanking these allies until now because the assembly, which Taiwan representatives could not attend, was held in a closed-door format, and it needed time to collect information on their respective addresses, MOFA said.

It eventually posted a video clip of representatives of six allies who spoke up for Taiwan's inclusion during the just-concluded assembly.

In the two-minute-clip, Paraguay Internal Security Vice Minister Oscar Pereira, Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Commissioner James Sutton, and Eswatini National Police Commissioner Manoma Vusi Masango, all said they backed Taiwan's participation in the international police organization.

Pereira said Paraguay understood that "the best form of combating all kinds of crimes, domestic and transnational, is to combine forces and reinforce cooperative links."

"In this sense, the Republic of Paraguay backs Taiwan's request to be incorporated into the Interpol system," he said.

Sutton praised Taiwan for demonstrating "professionalism, advanced investigative capabilities, and a strong commitment to international security."

"Their participation would make the global law enforcement network stronger, more complete, and more effective," he said.

Masango, meanwhile, said Taiwan's exclusion from Interpol has meant that it has no access to Interpol's "critical databases due to political reasons, a gap that undermines global security."

Others who spoke in the MOFA clip were St. Lucia Home Affairs, Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities Minister Jeremiah Norbert, Belize Deputy Police Commissioner Bartholomew Jones, and Marshall Islands Justice Minister Wisely Zackhras.

Taiwan was a member of Interpol from 1964 until 1984 when the organization terminated its membership in order to welcome the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Interpol has since taken the stance that by recognizing the PRC as the sole representative of China, it implicitly recognized Taiwan as part of China.

"And as China is a member of Interpol, Interpol cannot grant Taiwan observer status in the General Assembly," according to the Interpol General Secretariat.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ls

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Fines for Taiwan shipbuilder mount over delayed submarine delivery

ROC Central News Agency

12/10/2025 09:06 PM

Taipei, Dec. 10 (CNA) CSBC Corp. has been accruing fines since last month after missing the contractual delivery deadline for Taiwan's first domestically built defense submarine, Navy Chief of Staff Chiu Chun-jung () said on Wednesday.

"Fines have been tallied since November after the delivery date passed," Chiu said at a Ministry of National Defense press conference, responding to a CNA query regarding penalties imposed on the shipbuilder.

CSBC is the main contractor for the prototype of Taiwan's indigenous defense submarine, the Narwhal, or Hai Kun in Chinese.

The total amount of fines will depend on the number of days that elapse before CSBC hands the submarine over to the Navy and will be deducted from the remaining payment for the vessel, Chiu added.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo () said in October that CSBC will be fined about NT$190,000 (US$6,091) per day until the Narwhal is delivered.

Asked to estimate the length of the delay, Chiu said testing of the submarine is currently at least two months behind schedule, but he did not provide a more specific timeframe.

The Narwhal, which completed its float-out on Nov. 28, is now undergoing fine-tuning and preparations for submergence trials, Chiu said.

"Submergence trials will be scheduled once safety requirements are confirmed through review," he said, emphasizing that all parties involved are working tirelessly to complete the vessel in accordance with established procedures.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/cs

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Taiwan monitoring amid potential large-scale PLA exercise: Official

ROC Central News Agency

12/10/2025 08:02 PM

Taipei, Dec. 10 (CNA) The military will closely monitor any large-scale Chinese military exercise that may be held near Taiwan on Saturday, which marks the anniversary of the start of the Nanjing Massacre, Colonel Lo Cheng-yu () said at a news conference on Wednesday.

The Nanjing Massacre was the killings of hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians and prisoners of war and mass sexual assaults on women by the Imperial Japanese Army in Nanjing from 1937 to 1938 during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

It remains a defining historical trauma in China and continues to shape its political narratives and diplomacy, although China does not routinely hold military drills to mark the occasion.

Lo, who serves in the Office of the Deputy Chief of General Staff for Intelligence at Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND), did not respond directly to media questions on whether an exercise similar in scale to the Joint Sword-2024 A and B drills held by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) near Taiwan last year could occur.

He said only that the military has been monitoring movements by the PLA using its joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

Lo added that the ministry is also tracking political, economic and social developments within China that could signal an imminent operation.

Earlier this month, an unnamed Taiwanese official handling national security affairs told reporters that China "could" launch a "Joint Sword C" drill in the proximity of Taiwan on Saturday if its recently intensified hostilities toward Japan "do not find an exit."

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not elaborate on why tensions with Japan could prompt a Chinese operation near Taiwan.

Tensions between China and Japan rose after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said last month that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could amount to a "survival-threatening" situation for Japan and trigger a military response from Tokyo.

Reuters reported on Dec. 4 that China had been massing naval assets from the southern Yellow Sea through the East China Sea into the South China Sea since mid-November.

At one point, the number of vessels exceeded 100, the highest ever recorded in the region, the report said, citing four unnamed security officials.

Asked Wednesday about the whereabouts of China's three aircraft carriers, Lo said the Liaoning transited the Miyako Strait on Dec. 6 and entered the Western Pacific to conduct takeoff and landing drills.

There have been no indications that either the Shandong or the Fujian is preparing to leave port, he added.

Meanwhile, Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Wednesday two Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers were joined by two Chinese H-6 bombers conducting a joint flight around Japan from between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island to the waters off Shikoku in the Pacific Ocean.

Eight Chinese J-16 fighter jets accompanied these bombers, and a Russian A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft was also present, according to Koizumi.

The incursion followed an incident on Dec. 6 in which Chinese J-15 fighter jets that took off from the Liaoning locked their radars onto two different F-15 aircraft from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force near Okinawa.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/kb

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Mainland slams Taiwan's DPP for challenging one-China principle

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:55, December 11, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for once again challenging the one-China principle and distorting history and international law.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a regular press conference that the DPP was using the invalid San Francisco Peace Treaty to recycle its secessionist narrative in an attempt to mislead the public and challenge the internationally recognized one-China principle.

A series of international legal documents, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, clearly affirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan, Chen said.

The replacement of the Republic of China by the People's Republic of China constituted a change in government rather than a change in China's status as a subject of international law, he added, indicating that Taiwan's status as part of China remains unchanged.

The so-called San Francisco Peace Treaty, reached without China's participation, had no authority to determine Taiwan's status or any other matters involving China's sovereign rights and territory, Chen said.

China, he noted, declared from the outset that it would never recognize the treaty.

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PM call with President Trump of the United States, President Macron of France and Chancellor Merz of Germany: 10 December 2025

Press release

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz today.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 10 December 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz today.

The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing.

Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days.

They agreed that this was a critical moment - for Ukraine, its people and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region.

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UK "All In" on AUKUS submarine and tech delivery as partnership powers full steam ahead

Press release

The Defence Secretary met with his US and Australian counterparts in the United States to discuss the progress on AUKUS.

From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

Published 10 December 2025

AUKUS partnership "full steam ahead" as US review concludes and focus shifts to delivery.

UK has committed 6 billion to AUKUS in the last 18 months alone, bolstering Britain's security and driving growth.

Continuous UK submarine building under AUKUS set to deliver up to 12 new attack submarines and support over 20,000 British jobs.

Attack submarines and advanced military technology will help protect the UK, US and Australia as all three nations fully commit to the historic partnership, with the work set to create more than 7,000 UK jobs.

Following the conclusion of the United States' AUKUS review, the partnership is "full steam ahead" for delivery of cutting-edge equipment which will help deter adversaries in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.

Defence Secretary John Healey joined his counterparts, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, at the Pentagon today to collectively shift the focus of the AUKUS partnership to delivery - declaring that business as usual is "not an option".

With global instability rising, the three nations agreed that AUKUS must now move at pace to translate plans into hard capability. The meeting marked a decisive shift towards delivery for submarine development and turning advanced military technology projects into frontline warfighting capabilities under Pillar II.

The UK is backing this commitment with action, investing 6 billion under the current government into critical infrastructure at Barrow and Derby that will realise the ability to construct a new AUKUS submarine every 18 months.

SSN-AUKUS will be the most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, creating more than 7,000 new jobs across the UK supply chain and backing 21,000 jobs at peak production, making defence an engine for growth and supporting the government's Plan for Change.

That benefit is already being felt, with more than 3,000 new jobs across key UK sites for nuclear work have been created since July 2024, with an additional 4,400 construction roles expected to be created over the coming years.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This is full steam ahead for AUKUS. Our reviews are done. Now, we deliver. In this new era of threat, with adversaries who are increasingly cooperating, business as usual is not an option. AUKUS is too significant and the stakes are too high for it to be allowed to drift. Our driving focus now is overcoming any barriers to delivery. And the UK is all in. With billions being invested in UK infrastructure, this programme demonstrates defence as an engine for growth - boosting our shared security, keeping our people safe and creating good jobs across our three nations. The work builds on the UK leadership as part of the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine, and the UK's move to be at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, including through the pioneering hybrid Navy approach announced earlier this week. Britain is also providing increased technical and military assistance to Australia through the Geelong Treaty to accelerate Australian capability to operate nuclear-powered submarines.

AUKUS will deliver significant economic benefits for communities across the UK. The partnership will expand Britain's submarine fleet with up to 12 attack boats, supported by continuous production delivering a new submarine every 18 months.

The wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise is projected to support around 65,000 UK jobs by 2030. These are highly skilled, well-paid positions, with nuclear sector salaries averaging 45,500 - 20% above the national average. This investment is bringing prosperity to areas of Britain with the greatest need, demonstrating how defence spending delivers real benefits to working people across the country.

ENDS

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Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

December 9, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Prime Minister and the President discussed the latest developments in ongoing peace talks, noting U.S. leadership in convening these negotiations. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to maintain pressure on Russia to negotiate and for Ukraine to be at the centre of any negotiations. He underscored Canada's support for Ukraine's defence, including most recently the $200 million package of critical military capabilities sourced from the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).

The Prime Minister affirmed Canada's willingness to collaborate with key partners to advance peace negotiations.

The Prime Minister and the President agreed to remain in close and regular contact.

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Chief of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff, First Deputy Defence Minister, General of Army Valery Gerasimov inspects formations and units of Tsentr Group of Forces operating

09 December 2025 00:43

Chief of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff, First Deputy Defence Minister, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov inspected the formations and units of the Tsentr Group of Forces operating in Dnepropetrovsk direction.

During the work at the forward command post of the combined arms formation, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov noted that after the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk by formations and military units of the 2nd Army, the main task of the Tsentr Group of Forces is to eliminate the AFU encircled formations near Dimitrov. The Chief of the General Staff received reports from the commanders of the 2nd and the 51st armies, commanders of formations and other officials on the progress of combat missions.

At the end of the work, the Chief of the General Staff presented state awards to the servicemen who distinguished themselves most during the liberation of Krasnoarmeysk, and thanked them for their courage and valour demonstrated in the combat missions.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT) expects to sign over 80% of 2026 clothing and gear contracts for the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the end of the year

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

9 December, 2025, 1:56 PM EET

By the end of December, the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT) expects to sign over 80% of clothing and gear contracts for the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 2026. This was announced during a press conference on the results of military supply in 2025 and plans for 2026 by Andrii Sozanskyi, Executive Director of the MoD State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT).

He stressed that food and clothing are just as essential to defense capability as the supply of weapons and ammunition.

Early contracting and 2026 procurement status

According to Andrii Sozanskyi, DOT is continuing the early contracting approach launched in 2024. This model allows suppliers to plan production evenly, prevent supply failures, and maintain transparent procurement processes.

As of today, 100% of announced food supply procurements for the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 2026 have already been contracted. Clothing and gear procurements are in the final stage: procedures are ongoing, and bids are expected to be opened on 15-20 December. Following qualification and the selection of successful bidders, the contracts are to be signed by the end of the month.

"The annual supply schedule allows manufacturers to plan production, procure raw materials, allocate personnel, and secure financing. Last year, this approach proved effective, and we are continuing this practice," Andrii Sozanskyi emphasized.

Reforming the quality assurance system

The Ministry of Defence is currently implementing measures to reform the quality assurance system. The Main Directorate for State Quality Assurance (MD SQA) has already been established. It now fully carries out quality control and assurance measures for clothing and gear, food products, and fuel and lubricants.

In accordance with Resolution No. 452 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 15 April 2025, "On Approving the Procedure for Conducting State Quality Assurance of Defense-Related Goods, Works, and Services," regular inspections (at least once a year) of certified quality management systems are already mandated. These inspections are carried out through supervisory audits conducted by the authorized state quality assurance body, whose functions are performed by the MD SQA.

One of the key changes in the quality assurance system will be an increase in manufacturers' accountability. According to Andrii Sozanskyi, manufacturers supplying products to the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be required to undergo certification in line with international standards, including ISO 9001 and sector-specific requirements for food safety and personal protective equipment.

Enhancing food quality assurance

The changes also affected the food quality assurance system. In 2025, following complaints from service members about the quality of dairy products and canned food products, the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition expanded the list of items requiring mandatory laboratory verification before delivery. In the second half of the year, a memorandum was signed with the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, under which its laboratories now test each batch of butter and cheese. In addition, canned meat products are now subject to full laboratory certification.

Digital transformation of the supply system: transitioning to the unified DOT-Chain platform

The Executive Director of the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition also elaborated on the digital transformation underway. He noted that digitalization in the supply domain began in 2024 with the implementation of the DOT-Chain system, which covered the entire food supply process.

According to Andrii Sozanskyi, in 2026, digitalization will extend to clothing and gear, fuel and lubricants, and other areas that still rely on paper documentation. He emphasized that DOT plans to fully transition non-lethal supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the unified DOT-Chain system.

Focus on service members' needs

DOT continues to advocate for service members' needs by collecting feedback through QR codes and surveys, conducting field visits, and using other tools. QR codes are already being applied to field rations and hygiene kits that form part of the so-called 'Wounded Warrior Package'. Further activities are planned for next year to address service members' needs better.

There is currently significant demand among service members for a reimbursement mechanism. Under this model, service members independently select and purchase clothing and gear from certified stores, while the state compensates them for these expenses. Consequently, from the beginning of next year, DOT will initiate stakeholder consultations on implementing a reimbursement mechanism for designated clothing and gear items.

Position of the Logistics Forces Command

For his part, Colonel Vitalii Riabov, Head of the Supply Department of the Property and Services Support Directorate of the Central Clothing and Gear Supply Directorate of the Rear Service of the Logistics Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, noted that the Logistics Forces Command ensures all necessary measures for the timely provision of clothing, gear, and food.

"We have established effective cooperation with DOT. Preparations for 2026 procurements are underway. We expect that the relevant contracts will be signed in December to ensure uninterrupted supply. Stocks have already been formed in warehouses, and we are ready to fulfill our duties," he said.

Modernizing military clothing and strengthening cooperation with manufacturers

Junior Lieutenant Maksym Borovyk, Senior Officer of the Military Clothing Development Department within the Central Directorate for Logistics Support Development (CDLSD) of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, stressed that the CDLSD is responsible for the development and introduction of new designs of clothing and gear, as well as improved food products.

"We continuously refine issued gear and clothing  from underwear and footwear to personal protective equipment. Adjustments are guided by the needs of service members, who are the end users, and proposals received from the Logistics Forces Command. In parallel, we cooperate with manufacturers by providing explanations, issuing conformity acts, and setting reference standards for new items," he noted.

Digital tools for defense resource management

According to Senior Soldier Denys Tsutsaiev, who leads SAP implementation for unmanned systems at the Ministry of Defence's Center for the Transformation of Defense Resource Management Processes, SAP-based digital solutions have been actively introduced in the defense sector since 2023. SAP is used for defense resource accounting in more than 80% of NATO partner countries.

"The system enables full-cycle tracking  from planning and procurement to the point when an item reaches a military unit and is put into use. This is crucial for Ukraine, as well as for our partners who provide international military assistance and require transparent reporting," he stated.

In parallel with digitalization, logistics processes are being upgraded: warehouses are transitioning to a standardized operating model, enabling rapid identification of items, including by their serial numbers. According to Denys Tsutsaiev, the system has more than 3,000 active users each month across over 1,000 military units.

Summary and outlook

The implementation of measures in procurement planning, quality assurance, and digitalization of supply strengthens the efficiency, transparency, and reliability of resource delivery for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The adoption of modern approaches ensures continuity of supply, minimizes the risk of errors, and supports further development of the defense supply system.

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Japan's Ministry of Defense shares cybersecurity expertise with Ukraine under the IT Coalition

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

9 December, 2025, 5:29 PM EET

Japan's Ministry of Defense held an online workshop for specialists from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, focused on practical approaches to cybersecurity.

During the workshop, experts from Japan's Ministry of Defense and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) shared their experience implementing the Risk Management Framework (RMF) based on NIST standards  the leading international cybersecurity principles.

The session took place within the framework of the IT Coalition  a group of 17 partner nations supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine in IT, communications, and cybersecurity. One of the Coalition's focus areas is joint activities to enhance the protection of the Ukrainian military's information systems and data through training and knowledge sharing.

"The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is already advancing the implementation of modern cybersecurity models. The experience of our IT Coalition partners, particularly Japan, plays an important role in accrediting our digital systems to international standards. We are adopting the best global practices to protect military infrastructure," noted Oksana Ferchuk, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformations and Digitalization.

Current members of the Coalition include Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, and Japan, with Estonia and Luxembourg serving as lead nations.

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At an informal meeting of EU countries in Cyprus, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasises the importance of continued support for Ukraine

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

10.12.2025

On 8 and 9 December 2025, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andzejs Vilumsons, participated in an informal meeting of the State Secretaries and Directors General of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the European Union (EU) Member States in Nicosia, Cyprus, where Cyprus presented its priorities for the EU Council Presidency, which will begin on 1 January.

Andzejs Vilumsons urged Cyprus to continue its work on strengthening EU security and defence, as well as providing all forms of support to Ukraine. Russia continues its hybrid threat campaign against EU Member States, as evidenced by attacks on civilian and logistics infrastructure. The State Secretary pointed out that the EU must continue its work on hybrid threats in order to prevent, among other things, foreign information manipulation and interference. Negotiations on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, as well as EU enlargement and competitiveness issues, will also be important topics for the Cyprus Presidency.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the challenges facing the EU in the current geopolitical situation. Andzejs Vilumsons stressed that it is essential to reach an agreement at the upcoming European Council on 18-19 December on the transfer of frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank to support Ukraine through the Reparation Loan Instrument.

Participants also discussed cooperation between Member States and the European External Action Service in jointly addressing current geopolitical challenges.

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NATO Allies and partners fund over 4 billion in PURL packages for Ukraine

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

10 December 2025

NATO Allies and partners have pledged more than 4 billion dollars in critical military equipment and munitions for Ukraine, sourced from the United States, under NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. Since August 2025, NATO Allies and partners have committed 1 billion dollars every month, with more contributions expected to follow this month and into next year. This support is crucial for Ukraine, providing essential air defences and other equipment needed as they continue to defend against Russian attacks.

During the December meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, three new PURL packages, each worth 500 million dollars were announced. One package is jointly funded by Germany, Norway and Poland, another one by Germany, the Netherlands and Norway. A further PURL package was funded by Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed that two-thirds of NATO Allies have so far declared that they would contribute to PURL, and that NATO partners Australia and New Zealand have also pledged support. "Allies are stepping up their support to Ukraine. This is especially important with the winter ahead. I want to thank every Ally for their contribution - this is making a real difference on the battlefield. Let me also thank Australia and New Zealand for their recent announcements. This is a strong signal of our joint support," said the Secretary General.

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Is Russia Recruiting Iranians For War In Ukraine?

By Golnaz Esfandiari and Iliya Jazaeri December 10, 2025

Flyers have appeared in the Iranian capital, Tehran, offering lucrative contracts to men who join Russia's war effort in Ukraine.

The Russian Embassy in Tehran has said the advertisements -- which offer Iranian men aged 18 to 45 signing bonuses of up to $20,000 and monthly salaries of around $2,000 -- are fake.

While the authenticity of the flyers has been contested by Moscow, Russia is known to have used shadowy networks to recruit thousands of foreigners to fight in Ukraine, including from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Cuba.

RFE/RL's Radio Farda called the WhatsApp number provided in the advertisements. The unidentified individual who replied said the flyers were part of an "official" Russian recruitment campaign and asserted -- without evidence -- that it was "coordinated" with the Iranian authorities.

'Forged And Criminal'

The flyers appearing in Tehran say the Russian Defense Ministry is recruiting for various roles, including soldiers, drone operators, and drivers.

The advertisements offer high salaries and bonuses to recruits, including flights to Russia, free housing, medical care, and unspecified commissions. While the advertisements are targeted toward men, it does offer jobs to women with medical training.

The Persian-language advertisements provide contact information, including an e-mail address, an Armenian WhatsApp number, and a Telegram channel.

When Radio Farda contacted the WhatsApp number, its call was rejected. After sending a follow-up voice message requesting additional information, an unidentified individual -- who later described himself as a "simple admin" -- responded via a text message, claiming to be in Moscow.

The unidentified individual said the flyers were part of an official Russian recruitment campaign in Iran. The individual also said the Iranian authorities were aware of the campaign.

The Telegram channel advertised in the flyer -- Join To Russian Army For Foreigners -- posts in Russian, English, Persian, and Arabic. It was launched on November 4 and has over 2,000 subscribers.

One message in English and Persian states that Russia's Defense Ministry is "opening its doors to foreign citizens ready to sign a contract and serve with honor." It adds, "We welcome you even if you don't speak Russian."

Another post on the channel includes a photo of two men whose faces have been covered by smileys. The caption reads, "Our guys from Iran, welcome to Russia." The post is dated December 7.

The Russian Embassy in Tehran, in a statement issued on December 9, said the flyers were "forged and criminal in nature."

"Neither the embassy nor any of the official structures of the Russian state have any connection with this letter," said the statement, which was carried by Iranian media.

'Well-Established History'

John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program and the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Radio Farda that while he could not speak to the authenticity of the flyers, "Russia has a well-established history of recruiting foreigners from a wide variety of countries to fight in Ukraine."

Hardie said Russian recruiters have targeted men in poorer countries. These recruits often receive very little training before being sent to the front lines, he said.

Nicole Grajweski, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Nuclear Policy Program, said the flyers do not follow Russia's usual playbook.

"It is unclear if the pamphlets are authentic or if Russia would resort to such a sloppy measure for recruitment," she said.

She added that if Russia needed additional manpower, it would likely do so with the implicit approval or even involvement of the Iranian government.

The Iranian authorities have not publicly reacted to the flyers.

Sustaining Troop Levels

Russia has expanded its recruitment of foreign fighters as it tries to sustain its troop levels amid mounting casualties in Ukraine.

Ukraine claims Moscow has recruited at least 18,000 foreign fighters from 128 countries. More than 11,000 North Koreans are also serving in the war as part of a military cooperation agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Russia has recruited people from Cuba, Syria, Jordan, Nepal, India, Kenya, and Central Asian countries using a combination of coercion, bribery, and deception, experts say.

The surge in foreign recruitment reflects Russia's reluctance to order another mobilization after the chaotic September 2022 draft prompted a mass exodus of Russians. Western estimates suggest Russia's military has suffered more than 1 million casualties since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Iran appears to be an obvious recruitment ground.

The country of 88 million people is witnessing rising unemployment and growing poverty as the economy struggles under crippling US sanctions.

Iran and Russia, despite mistrust and a troubled history, have also deepened relations in recent years. The Islamic republic has provided Russia with drones that Moscow has used in Ukraine.

Iran is also home to millions of Afghan refugees and migrants, and Russian recruiters appear to have targeted members of the marginalized community.

Former members of the Afghan armed forces who reside in Iran, including elite commandos trained by the United States, have previously said they were considering fighting as mercenaries in Ukraine.

Three former Afghan generals told the Associated Press in 2022 that Russia was seeking to form a "foreign legion" and offering monthly salaries of around $1,500.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine- war-iran-recruiting/33619318.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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Austria Blocks Extradition To US Of Ukrainian Oligarch Dmytro Firtash

By Mike Eckel December 10, 2025

An Austrian court ruled that Dmytro Firtash, a Ukrainian oligarch who is under house arrest in Vienna after being indicted on bribery charges in the United States more than a decade ago, cannot be extradited, ending a seven-year saga against the businessman.

A lower court had put Firtash's extradition on hold last year, citing new evidence. Prosecutors last year appealed that decision. On December 10, the Vienna Higher Regional Court dismissed that appeal on technical grounds.

It was unclear if and when Firtash would be released from house arrest. A spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The decision most likely means the end of the US Justice Department prosecution against him, as well. Firtash was indicted a grand jury in 2013on bribery charges related to an Indian businessman and valuable metals for supply to Boeing.

The Justice Department had no immediate comment on the court ruling.

Corridors Of Influence

A tycoon who made his fortune in part based on murky natural gas deals involving Russia's state gas giant Gazprom and Ukraine's pipeline network, Firtash was at the height of his influence in Ukraine in the 2000s during the presidency of Viktor Yushchenko.

He later became a major funder of Yushchenko rival Viktor Yanukovych, who went on to become Ukraine's president.

In State Department cables, US diplomats described Firtash as having links to Russian organized crime, including a notorious crime boss named Semyon Mogilevich. Firtash and his lawyers have denied those links.

In March 2014, about a month after Yanukovych fled Ukraine following months of street protests, Firtash was arrested in Vienna, then released to house arrest after posting bail of $174 million.

In a July 2017 filing submitted in US federal court as part of the bribery case, Justice Department prosecutors described Firtash as an "upper-echelon [associate] of Russian organized crime."

While under house arrest, Firtash was briefly drawn into political drama in Washington during the first term of President Donald Trump. One of Trump's lawyers, Rudy Guiliani, persuaded Firtash to hire two US lawyers with ties to the Trump Justice Department.

The lawyers later then obtained a statement from a former Ukrainian prosecutor-general that tried to implicate Trump's rival, Joe Biden, in a scheme involving his son Hunter and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings. The prosecutor's statement said it was written at the behest of Firtash's lawyers.

Firtash faces embezzlement charges in Ukraine related to the natural gas trade. Last year, Britain barred him from entering the country, and announced it was freezing his assets there for "the bribing of public officials to obtain mining licenses, and...the misappropriation of property from the gas transport network of Ukraine."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/austria-ukraine-firtash- oligarch-extradition-bribery/33619305.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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Belgian PM Threatens Legal Action Against EU Over Use of Russian Assets for Ukraine

Sputnik News

20251210

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever said on Wednesday that he does not rule out filing a lawsuit against the European Commission to block a possible decision to use Russian assets for Ukraine.

"Nothing can be ruled out," de Wever told Belga reporters in the parliament, commenting on possible actions in response to the European Commission's decision on Russian assets, adding that legal challenges remain possible.

De Wever called the commission's proposal to use Russian assets for Ukraine theft.

 Sputnik

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Hungary Warns EU's Support for Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Energy Could Set Dangerous Precedent

Sputnik News

20251210

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union is threatening global security by openly praising and welcoming Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy facilities, as this could set a dangerous precedent, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Wednesday.

"The European attitude threatens global security. Just consider that EU leaders are glorifying actual attacks on energy infrastructure facilities. The Ukrainians attacked the Druzhba oil pipeline, which did not hurt Russia, but harmed Hungary and Slovakia, and European leaders are praising these actions. This is an extremely dangerous attitude, as others may deem that attacks on infrastructure facilities are something positive,'" Szijjarto said at a meeting of the energy ministers of the Organization of Turkic States.

The top Hungarian diplomat recalled the attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, saying that "glorifying government terrorism" was unacceptable. It is said that "allegedly responsible European politicians make such statements," he added.

Szijjarto also condemned the recent attacks on tankers in the Black Sea.

In August, Slovakia and Hungary stopped receiving oil from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline for several days following a Ukrainian attack on the facility. Budapest subsequently banned Robert Brovdi, the commander of the Ukrainian unmanned systems forces and the person responsible for the Druzhba attacks, from entering the country and the Schengen Area.

Russia has 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 the Kiev regime's destructive actions. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said that the same forces behind the Black Sea sabotage, previously implicated in derailing peace talks, are now seeking renewed armed escalation.

 Sputnik

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Russia Striving for Lasting Peace, Not Mere Ceasefire - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20251210

Russia is focusing efforts towards peace, not a ceasefire with Ukraine, said Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov.

"We are working on peace, not on a ceasefire," the Kremlin spokesman told journalists.

"A sustainable, guaranteed, and lasting peace, accomplished by signing the relevant agreements, is an absolute priority," Peskov emphasized.

The Kremlin has closely reviewed part of the interview with US President Donald Trump that addressed Russia and Ukraine, Peskov noted.

On Tuesday, Trump stated in an interview with an American newspaper that Russia has a stronger negotiating position than Ukraine.

"Naturally, we have reviewed - carefully reviewed - that segment of the interview concerning us (Russia) and the topic of Ukrainian regulation," the press secretary stated, when answering reporters' question on the topic.

Trump's comments on the root causes of the conflict in Ukraine are extremely vital as far as any potential for a peaceful settlement is concerned, Peskov noted.

"This is a very important interview, a very important statement... In many ways, President Trump addressed the root causes of this conflict, particularly as they relate to NATO. This is really crucial in terms of the prospects for reaching a peaceful resolution," he told journalists.

During the interview, Trump stated that it was time for Ukraine to hold a presidential election so that its people could exercise their democratic right. Concurrently, Zelensky responded that while Ukraine could technically prepare for elections, holding the vote would require the US and European states to "ensure security."

"This is something that President Putin has been saying for a long time, and it's something that President Trump recently mentioned, so we'll have to wait and see how things will unfold from here," Peskov told journalists.

Moscow has not yet had the opportunity to discuss Zelensky's remarks on the said presidential election in Ukraine with Washington, he added.

Peskov described Trump's most recent interview as important, particularly the US president's statements on resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine Talks Cover Peace Plan, Security Guarantees, Economic Recovery - Reports

Sputnik News

20251210

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Negotiations on the Ukraine settlement revolve around discussions on three documents, namely a US-proposed peace plan, a security guarantees agreement, and an economic recovery plan for the post-conflict period, The Washington Post newspaper reported, citing US and Ukrainian officials.

The talks remain far from concluded, the report said on Tuesday. Ukraine and its European allies plan to present further revisions to the plan on Wednesday, it added.

Additionally, US officials are in discussions with Larry Fink, CEO of financial giant BlackRock, about reviving the company's proposal for a Ukrainian reconstruction fund that could raise $400 billion, The Washington Post reported. The World Bank may also be involved, the report said.

Since mid-November, the US has been promoting a new peace proposal for Ukraine. On December 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin received US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in the Kremlin. The US representatives' visit to Russia was related to the discussion of the US peace plan for Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump said later that he was disappointed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy had not read the peace proposal for the Ukraine conflict.

On Tuesday, the Financial Times newspaper reported that Witkoff and Kushner gave Zelenskyy "days" to come up with a response to the peace plan. Zelenskyy reportedly told his European allies that Witkoff and Kushner pressured him during a two-hour phone call on Saturday to respond to the plan that demands Kiev accept territorial losses in exchange for US security guarantees, with Trump aiming to finalize the deal "by Christmas."

 Sputnik

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Comment of the MFA on the adoption by the Russian Federation of a law on 'ownerless' property in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

10 December 2025 17:00

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the adoption by the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of yet another illegal act aimed at the mass deprivation of Ukrainian citizens of their property in the temporarily occupied territories. Russia has effectively declared itself a thief state.

The adoption of the so-called 'law' on 'recognising housing as ownerless' grossly violates the fundamental norms of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

As the occupying state, the Russian Federation is obliged under international humanitarian law to respect private property and refrain from confiscating it. Article 46 of the Regulations on the Laws and Customs of War on Land, which is an annex to the Fourth Hague Convention of 1907, expressly prohibits the appropriation of private property in occupied territories.

The imposition by the occupying authorities of the Russian Federation of fictitious procedures regarding the 'impossibility of establishing the owner' and the attempt to legitimise outright looting through federal law will have no international legal consequences. Such actions are null and void, do not change the status of the territory of Ukraine and do not affect the rights of the legitimate owners of the property.

We consider such actions to be part of the Russian Federation's deliberate policy to change the demographic composition of the occupied territories, displace the local population and settle Russian citizens, which is an additional violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the transfer of the occupying power's population to the occupied territory.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls on the international community to condemn Russia's latest gross violations of international humanitarian law and to continue supporting international mechanisms for holding the Russian Federation and its military and political leadership accountable, including by considering these actions as war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Ukraine will ensure that all facts of illegal seizure of property are documented and guarantees the restoration of the rights of legal owners after the de-occupation of Ukrainian territories. All illegal decisions of the aggressor state will have no legal force and will be cancelled.



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MFA Comment on the Latest Report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Human Rights Situation in Ukraine

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

10 December 2025 11:03

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the publication of the 43rd periodic report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and expresses gratitude for its consistent and impartial monitoring of the extensive violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed by the Russian Federation in the context of its ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

The report covers the period from 1 June to 30 November 2025.

The document clearly reflects the escalating scale of Russian terror and crimes. It records a significant rise in the number of civilians killed and injured as a result of Russia's massive use of wide-impact explosive weapons. More than one-third of all civilian casualties occurred in densely populated areas far from the frontline. One of the most egregious manifestations of this terror was the massive attack on 19 November, involving the use of 500 missiles and drones, marking the largest strike on Ukraine's western regions since the start of the full-scale invasion.

According to the UN report, between 1 June and 30 November Russia killed 1,420 civilians and injured 6,545, including 4 435 men, 3 148 women, 229 boys, and 153 girls. These tragic figures represent a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period a year earlier (1 201 killed and 5899 injured) and a 37 per cent rise compared to the preceding six months (979 killed and 4 840 injured). Among the victims of Russian attacks were 61 medical workers, 6 media workers, and 99 emergency responders. OHCHR also documented 13 casualties among humanitarian personnel.

OHCHR further underscores Russia's deliberate resumption of strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure on the eve of winter. Six waves of coordinated attacks resulted in extensive damage to electricity and gas networks, prolonged power outages, and disruptions to heating and water supply. These actions pose a direct threat to the lives of millions of civilians and demonstrate Russia's attempt to weaponize cold as a means of intimidation and coercion.

The report documents numerous cases of torture and cruel, inhuman treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, including executions, enforced disappearances, and attempts to extract confessions. The scale and brutality of these practices confirm that torture remains one of the central instruments of Russia's occupation policy and law-enforcement structures.

In the temporarily occupied territories, Russia continues forced "passportization," the mass expropriation of private property, the imposition of censorship, and the punishment of expressions of Ukrainian identity. Of particular concern is the militarization of children through ideologically driven educational programmes and camps aimed at instilling loyalty to the Russian Federation and assimilating them from an early age.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stresses that the facts outlined in the report demonstrate the systemic, deliberate, and large-scale nature of the crimes committed by the Russian Federation. They require a resolute and sustained response from the international community.

Ukraine calls on its partners to intensify political, economic, and sanctions pressure on Russia, to strengthen support for Ukraine in protecting civilians and critical infrastructure, and to step up collective efforts to secure the release of all persons unlawfully detained.

We insist on the establishment and effective functioning of international mechanisms to ensure accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations documented by OHCHR.

Ukraine will continue working with international partners to ensure justice and restore the rights of all victims of Russian aggression.





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MoD's non-core responsibilities to be transferred to the Ministry of Economy

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

10 December, 2025, 12:36 PM EET

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine will soon transfer to the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine the responsibilities for shaping and implementing state industrial policy.

According to the decision of the Minister of Defence, this matter no longer falls within the competence of the MoD's Department of Strategic Industries. Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture drafted, and the Cabinet of Ministers has already adopted Resolution No. 1425 of 5 November 2025 titled "On Amending Certain Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Regarding Specific Matters of Industrial Production". Thus, a significant part of the responsibilities for shaping and implementing state industrial policy is already being carried out by the Ministry of Economy.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence has initiated amendments to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 671 of 26 November 2014 (as amended on 21 July 2025 by Resolution No. 905) to formalize the transfer to the Ministry of Economy of a portion of the responsibilities acquired after the Ministry of Strategic Industries was incorporated into the Ministry of Defence.

Therefore, in accordance with the defined priorities, the primary responsibility of the relevant MoD department will remain the development and implementation of state military-industrial policy, including state policy in the defense industry and the scaling up of domestic production of weapons and military equipment by defense enterprises.

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The 20 Points for Ending the War Form a Fundamental Document; We Are Actively Working - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

10 December 2025 - 20:52

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today was an extremely busy day, and the coming days will also be serious. We spoke with the American team on economic matters - on reconstruction matters. I want to thank Secretary Bessent, Jared Kushner, and Larry Fink of BlackRock for being fully constructive. The key principle we share is that, to ensure reconstruction is of high quality and economic growth is tangible after this war, real security must form the foundation. When there is security, everything else follows. The 20 points for ending the war form a fundamental document. We are actively working on the key steps - and they must be doable steps. From this fundamental document, we are developing two additional ones - at least two. And the first is on security - regarding security guarantees for Ukraine with the United States, and the second is on the economy - covering reconstruction and joint investments. Today, we focused specifically on the economic document. And on the Ukrainian side, I was accompanied by Ukrainian government officials: Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko, Deputy Prime Minister Kachka, Ministers Sybiha and Sobolev, and First Deputy Foreign Minister Kyslytsya. Our defenders were also represented in all discussions; today, General Hnatov joined us in the economic talks. The principles of the economic document are absolutely clear, and we are fully aligned with the American side on this - I want to thank them for today's video meeting. An economic action plan will follow. Europe will also be involved in reconstruction, certainly. In the near future, we plan to move forward on the other two documents as well. Rustem Umerov will continue the discussions.

For tomorrow, we are preparing a Coalition of the Willing meeting - over 30 countries working with Ukraine to ensure security on land, in the air, and at sea. Next week, we will coordinate with Europe in bilateral formats. Ukraine is working swiftly; every visit and every negotiation we conduct always yields practical results for our defense and for our resilience.

Today, our combat aviation has been reinforced - thank you. Details are not yet public, but we continue to strengthen our forces in the sky. Today, there is also an additional sanctions step in Europe - more sanctions will target Russian tankers and the entire Russian oil transport infrastructure - and this is right. In December, Ukraine will present its own package of sanctions against the tanker fleet working for the war, and we will extend this pressure through joint formats with our partners. There will be new steps against Russian propagandists as well.

Today, I also received a report from the Head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service - including on the enemy's economic situation and Russia's growing dependence on China. Throughout Russian history, no one has ever surrendered sovereignty so much to China or any other major power. And it is astonishing how much Putin is paying just to avoid ending this war. Yet the world still has sufficient strength to end this war - to force Russia into doing so. Peace is needed. I want to thank everyone who is helping.

And one more thing.

Today, I spoke with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. We had a substantive discussion. I will not allow any speculation against Ukraine. If our partners - including our key partner in Washington - are speaking so much and so concretely about elections in Ukraine, about elections under martial law, we must provide legal Ukrainian responses to every question and every doubt. This is not easy, but we definitely do not need any pressure regarding this. I expect that the People's Deputies of Ukraine will present their perspective. Security challenges depend on our partners, primarily the United States, and political and legal challenges must be addressed by Ukraine. And they will be.

Glory to Ukraine!

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The President Held a Discussion with the American Side Regarding Work on the Document for the Reconstruction and Economic Recovery of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

10 December 2025 - 20:32

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a discussion with the American side - Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Jared Kushner, and BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink.

From the Ukrainian side, the participants included: Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko; Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka; Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha; Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev; First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya; Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrii Hnatov; and Advisor to the Cabinet of the President at the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksandr Bevz.

The Head of State noted that this, in fact, could be considered the first meeting of the group that will work on the document concerning the reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine. The teams discussed in detail the key elements for recovery, various mechanisms, and their visions for reconstruction. There are many ideas that, with the right approach, could be successfully implemented in Ukraine.

Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has already updated its reflections on the 20 basic points of the framework document for ending the war. It is overall security that will define economic security and underpin a safe business environment.

The parties also agreed on the next contacts between the teams. The President assured that, as always, there will be no delays on Ukraine's side. Ukraine is working to deliver results.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked President of the United States Donald Trump and his team for their substantive work and support.

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Ukraine Considers Legal Path To Elections Under Martial Law As US Pushes For Vote

By RFE/RL December 11, 2025

Summary

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed possible wartime elections with Ukraine's parliament amid pressure from the United States.

Zelenskyy said elections could happen in 60-90 days if Kyiv's allies, especially Washington, provide strong security guarantees.

Most Ukrainians oppose voting during the war, citing daily Russian attacks and displacement, but Zelenskyy's support has recently slipped amid a corruption scandal.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he held a "substantive discussion" with members of Ukraine's parliament on the possibility of holding an election, amid pressure from the United States to hold a vote despite wartime legal restrictions.

Addressing Ukrainians in a nightly video on December 10, Zelenskyy said strong security guarantees from Kyiv's allies -- especially Washington -- are needed to hold a vote.

"If partners, including our key partner in Washington, speak so much and so specifically about elections in Ukraine, about elections under martial law, then we must provide legal Ukrainian answers to every question and every doubt," he said, responding to a suggestion by US President Donald Trump that Kyiv was using the war as an excuse to avoid elections.

"It is not easy, but pressure on this issue is definitely not what we need...Security challenges depend on partners, primarily America. Political and legal challenges must be answered by Ukraine. And they will be," he added.

The White House has been pushing for Ukraine to hold elections -- US President Donald Trump told Politico in an interview published on December 9 that "it's time"-- even though Ukraine's constitution doesn't allow for elections during wartime.

In a shift from previous statements, Zelenskyy told reporters on December 9 that he would push parliament to draft legislation allowing for elections during martial law.

A vote could follow in 60 to 90 days once there are security guarantees in place to make sure voting would be safe for Ukrainians.

Zelenskyy's comments come amid intense negotiations aimed at ending Russia's all-out war on Ukraine, launched in February 2022. Ukrainian officials have been pushing back on a US-drafted peace plan that was seen as heavily favoring Russia.

The possibility of holding elections has been regularly dismissed, with officials saying it would be impossible given daily Russian air strikes across the country, thousands of soldiers battling on the front lines, and millions of Ukrainians displaced.

Opinion polls show most Ukrainians are against holding wartime elections, though with the last elections held in 2019 some want changes in the government to bring in fresh ideas. Widely popular, Zelenskyy's support has slipped in recent weeks amid a major corruption scandal that led to the resignation of an influential adviser, Andriy Yermak.

On the battlefield and in negotiations, Russian officials believe they have the upper hand, and the 28-point plan proposed by the United States echoes most of the hard-line positions that Moscow has held since before the invasion.

Ukraine's European allies, meanwhile, have been unenthusiastic about Washington's proposal.

Before a planned meeting between the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- which includes Germany, France, Britain -- with Zelenskyy on December 11, leaders from the three countries held a phone call with Trump.

Trump said said he exchanged "pretty strong words" with the leaders of France, Britain and Germany over Ukraine, another sign of a widening rift on how to end the war as it nears its fourth anniversary.

"We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words," Trump told reporters when asked about the call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz.



"I think we had some little disputes about people, and we're going to see how it turns out. And we said, before we go to a meeting, we want to know some things," Trump added, noting the European countries talked about meeting this weekend in Europe.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said Ukraine had agreed on key points of a possible reconstruction plan in discussions with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other senior officials, including Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.

"The principles of the economic document are completely clear and we are fully aligned with the American side," Zelenskyy said.

"An important common principle is that for reconstruction to be of high quality and economic growth after this war to be tangible, real security must be at the core. When there is security, everything else is there too."

Zelenskyy wrote earlier that he and and his European partners will soon present the United States with "refined documents" on the peace plan as well.

There have been several major sticking points in the back-and-forth negotiations including the size of Ukraine's armed forces, Western security guarantees, and Russia's insistence that Ukraine be permanently barred from seeking NATO membership.

The White House peace proposal, and the belief that it heavily favors Russian interests, has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers in Congress.

President Vladimir Putin "is mocking President Trump and buying time to keep killing Ukrainian families," Representative Joe Wilson said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-elections-martial- law-us-coalition-peace/33619987.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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Finlay Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: FYL) (OTCQB: FYMNF) ("Finlay" or the "Company") announces that it has granted an aggregate of 2,725,000 stock options of the Company (each, a "Stock Option") to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. Each Stock Option entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.13 until December 10, 2030. The Stock Options were issued pursuant to the terms of the Company's rolling 10% stock option plan, which was most recently approved by the shareholders of the Company on June 20, 2025.

The above-noted stock option grant brings the total number of the Company's issued and outstanding stock options to 11,925,000.

The Stock Options vest as of the date of the grant. The Stock Options and any common shares of the Company issued upon exercise of the Stock Options will be subject to a four-month resale restriction from the date of grant of the Stock Options.

About Finlay Minerals Ltd.

Finlay is a TSXV company focused on exploration for base and precious metal deposits through the advancement of its ATTY, PIL, JJB, SAY and Silver Hope Properties; these properties host copper-gold porphyry and gold-silver epithermal targets within different porphyry districts of northern and central BC. Each property is located in areas of recent development and porphyry discoveries with the advantage of hosting the potential for new discoveries.

Finlay trades under the symbol "FYL" on the TSXV and under the symbol "FYMNF" on the OTCQB. For further information and details, please visit the Company's website at www.finlayminerals.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Robert F. Brown,

Executive Chairman of the Board

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.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding, among others, the exploration plans for the Properties. Although Finlay believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, the timing and receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, the ability of Finlay and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Finlay's proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Finlay does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Finlay Minerals Ltd.
E3 Lithium Ltd. (TSXV: ETL) (FSE: OW3) (OTCQX: EEMMF), "E3 Lithium" or the "Company," a leader in Canadian lithium, has successfully closed its previously announced sale of non-core Saskatchewan based, Estevan Lithium District assets (the "Estevan Assets").

E3 Lithium has received cash proceeds of US$4.0 million (approximately C$5.6 million), pursuant to the Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Agreement") announced on September 30, 2025.

All closing conditions were satisfied or waived, including third-party consents, regulatory approvals and satisfactory environmental and surface rights due diligence. Final cash proceeds are net of permitted purchase price adjustments per the Agreement of approximately US$0.3 million.

"This sale provides nearly a three-time return on E3 Lithium's total cost to acquire, hold and develop the Estevan Assets," said Chris Doornbos, Chair and CEO of E3 Lithium. "The value realized through the sale enables E3 Lithium to focus on advancing our flagship lithium development, the Clearwater Project in Alberta. In conjunction with the recent closing of our equity financing, monetizing this non-core asset provides additional non-dilutive capital to progress through our Demonstration Program and advance the Clearwater Project engineering and permitting."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chris Doornbos, President, CEO & Chair

E3 Lithium Ltd.

About E3 Lithium

E3 Lithium is a development company with a total of 21.2 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) Measured and Indicated1 as well as 0.3 Mt LCE Inferred mineral resources2 in Alberta and 2.5 Mt LCE Inferred mineral resources3 in Saskatchewan. The Clearwater Pre-Feasibility Study outlined a 1.13 Mt LCE proven and probable mineral reserve with a pre-tax NPV(8%) of USD 5.2 Billion with a 29.2% IRR and an after-tax NPV(8%) of USD 3.7 Billion with a 24.6% IRR1.

1: The Clearwater Project NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study, effective June 20, 2024, is available on the E3 Lithium's website (www.e3lithium.ca/technical-reports/) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). 2: The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Garrington District Lithium Resource Estimate, effective June 25, 2025, identified 5.0 Mt LCE (measured and indicated) and 0.3 Mt LCE (inferred) and will be available on the E3 Lithium's website (www.e3lithium.ca/technical-reports/) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) within 45 days of this news release. 3: The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Estevan Lithium District, effective May 23, 2024, identified 2.5 Mt LCE (inferred) and is available on the E3 Lithium's website (www.e3lithium.ca/technical-reports/) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Unless otherwise indicated, Kevin Carroll, P. Eng., Chief Development Officer and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained on this news release.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "believe", "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "project", "potential", "subject to" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions, expectations, estimates and assumptions of management in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, but such statements are not guarantees of future performance. In preparing the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Company's expectations; that the current exploration, development, demonstration, testing, production, environmental and other objectives concerning the Clearwater Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for lithium will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; and the continuity of the price of lithium.

All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration, development, and production, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of emerging lithium extraction technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale or on the Company's brine, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of lithium and other metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; the Company's lack of operating revenues; currency fluctuations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.







Contact



E3 Lithium - Investor Relations

[email protected]

587-324-2775



E3 Lithium - Media Inquiries

[email protected]

587-324-2775


Vancouver, December 11, 2025 - Gold Hunter Resources Inc. (CSE: HUNT) (FSE: 6RH) ("Gold Hunter" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$1,250,000, positioning the Company to advance its flagship Great Northern Project in Newfoundland as it transitions into its first systematic drilling program.

The Offering will consist of (i) up to 14,545,455 flow-through units of the Company (each, a "FT Unit") at a price of C$0.055 per FT Unit, and (ii) up to 9,000,000 units of the Company (each, a "HD Unit") at a price of C$0.05 per HD Unit. Red Cloud Securities Inc. will be acting as a finder in connection with the Offering.

Each FT Unit will consist of one common share issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "FT Warrant"). Each FT Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share at a price of C$0.08 for a period of 24 months from issuance.

Each HD Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "HD Warrant"). Each HD Warrant shall entitle the holder to acquire one Warrant Share at a price of C$0.075 for a period of 24 months from issuance.

Strategic Use of Proceeds

The proceeds from the sale of FT Units will be used to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" at the Great Northern Project in Newfoundland, with all qualifying expenditures renounced to subscribers effective December 31, 2025.

The net proceeds from the sale of HD Units will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

CEO Commentary

"This financing is about positioning Gold Hunter at the exact moment it transitions from consolidation and preparation into drilling," said Sean Kingsley, President & CEO of Gold Hunter.

"We now control a district-sized project with a gold-bearing fault system in one of the world's most active mining jurisdictions, with modern geophysics completed, targets being finalized, and drilling in sight. This Offering allows us to move decisively while maintaining discipline, tight ownership, and strong alignment with shareholders. With our updated investor presentation now live, investors can clearly see the scale of what we're building and why we believe Great Northern has the potential to be a significant Newfoundland gold story."

Corporate Update

Gold Hunter has posted an updated investor presentation on its website and in its investor materials concurrent with this news release. The updated presentation outlines the Company's district-scale land position, completed VTEM geophysical survey and data-driven targeting strategy as the Company advances toward its initial drill program.

Offering Terms and Conditions

The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period ending on the date that is four months plus one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. Finder's fees may be payable in accordance with CSE policies.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy 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 Gold Hunter Resources Inc.

Gold Hunter Resources Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to acquiring and advancing high-potential precious and base metal projects. The Company employs a data-driven exploration strategy, merging modern techniques with historical data to unlock district-scale opportunities. The Great Northern Project, covering 26,237 hectares and over 35 kilometres of strike length along the prospective Doucers Valley Fault Structure, is the Company's flagship asset. Within the Doucers Valley Fault, there's been identified 50km+ potential splays and secondary faults with known mineralization and potential for additional

mineralization. Gold Hunter is committed to responsible exploration, stakeholder engagement, and creating long-term shareholder value.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance and include statements regarding the completion and size of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, future exploration plans, and other anticipated developments related to the Company's business.

Forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions made by management as of the date of this news release and 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 by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: capital markets conditions, regulatory approvals, investor interest and participation in the financing, volatility in commodity prices, exploration risks, operating costs, availability of personnel, and general economic and market conditions.

Although Gold Hunter believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or 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.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277665
Sirios Resources Inc. (TSXV: SOI) (OTCQB: SIREF) ("Sirios") and OVI Mining Corp. ("OVI") are pleased to announce that they have entered into an arm's length definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") dated as of December 10, 2025, pursuant to which Sirios will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of OVI pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Transaction").

The combination creates a Quebec-focused gold company, uniting Osisko's expertise in asset development with Sirios' longstanding track-record of exploration success in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec. The combined company will control three district scale resource-stage assets, with the Cheechoo project as the combined company's flagship asset.

Osisko Development Corp. executives Sean Roosen and Laurence Farmer will join the Sirios board on closing. Jean-Felix Lepage, previously Vice President, Project Development at O3 Mining Inc., will assume the role of CEO. Founder Dominique Doucet, a pioneer of James Bay exploration, will transition to Executive Chairman and Head of Exploration.

Dominique Doucet, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sirios, stated:

"This transaction marks the beginning of a new era for Sirios. We are building a winning team and deep bench strength with the addition of Jean-Felix Lepage as CEO, along with Sean Roosen and Laurence Farmer as board members. By integrating their experience as industry leaders in corporate finance and mine development with our deep knowledge of geology and exploration, we will work diligently towards advancing our flagship Cheechoo deposit into gold production."

Jean-Felix Lepage, Chief Executive Officer of OVI, added:

"This is an exceptional opportunity to accelerate the development of a promising gold portfolio in Quebec under the Osisko banner. Cheechoo is a highly prospective asset that we believe has the potential to become a major gold mine in James Bay, and the exploration upside across Corvet Est and PLEX gives us multiple pathways for growth. Dominique's decades of geological experience in the region are invaluable. Together, we intend to build a major Quebec gold company."

Sean Roosen, Chief Executive Officer of Osisko Development, commented:

"I see an excellent opportunity to combine forces and put our experience in project development to support Cheechoo, which is a greatly under-appreciated gold project. We are lucky to get to work alongside Mr. Doucet, who is a long-standing friend of the Osisko founders and the elder statesman of exploration in Quebec's James Bay. The knowledge, experience, and relationships that Mr. Doucet has gained from decades of activity in James Bay cannot be replicated."

Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Sirios will issue an aggregate of 131,905,657 million common shares to OVI shareholders, with each holder of common shares of OVI (each, an "OVI Share") entitled to receive 2.34 Sirios common shares (each, a "Sirios Share") for each common share of OVI held (the "Arrangement Consideration"). The Arrangement Consideration represents an offer price of C$0.1755 per OVI Share based on the last closing price of the Sirios Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange prior to the execution of the Arrangement Agreement. Upon completion of the Transaction, existing Sirios and OVI shareholders will own approximately 75% and 25% of the issued and outstanding Sirios Shares, respectively, on a non-diluted basis, without taking into consideration the issued and outstanding convertible securities of Sirios and OVI.

Prior to closing of the Transaction, Sirios and OVI will agree on a corporate re-branding and name change for the combined company. Until such name change occurs, Sirios will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "SOI". Notice of a special meeting of OVI shareholders and meeting date will be filed on SEDAR+. Subject to the receipt of all required approvals and the satisfaction of all conditions to closing set out in the Arrangement Agreement, the Transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

Strategic Rationale: Creating a Major Gold Platform in James Bay

Increased scale with a re-rating pathway The combined company will control three district-scale assets, placing the combined company into a new peer group of advanced Quebec developers. The enhanced scale, asset quality, and institutional sponsorship created through the Transaction introduces a clear and credible pathway to a market re-rating.

Osisko-backed leadership with proven mine-building credentials The Transaction brings Sirios into the Osisko ecosystem, a platform recognized for financing, advancing, and de-risking significant modern gold projects in Canada. Key senior members of the Osisko family, including Sean Roosen, will join Sirios's board and management team after the completion of the Transaction.

A three-asset platform with district consolidation potential Cheechoo: A large-scale, predictable gold deposit with open-pittable geometry, higher-grade domains, significant growth potential, and proximity to Dhilmar's Eleonore Mine. The project hosts 1.3M oz at 1.12 g/t Au in the Indicated category and 1.7 Moz at 1.23 g/t Au in the Inferred category; 1 Significant exploration target ranging from 31 to 40 Mt at a range of 1.27 to 1.45 g/t Au. 2 PLEX: A 21,000-hectare district-scale land package hosting the Orfee Zone with multiple structural corridors from surface and untested at-depth and along-strike potential. Corvet Est: A 6,500 hectare district-scale land package comprising a historically drilled at-surface gold system with numerous attractive mineralized zones and significant untested potential. The project was once part of a Virginia Gold Mines Inc. - Goldcorp Inc. (now Newmont Mining Corporation) joint venture and has been largely dormant since 2012. In 2025, Electric Elements Mining Corp. consolidated full ownership, later transferring the asset to OVI.



Driving synergies and expanding exploration potential Combines Sirios's geological expertise and intricate knowledge of the region, with OVI's capital markets and project advancement experience, creating a stronger, more complete team. Eliminates duplicative G&A, allowing more capital to be directed toward high-impact exploration. Creates a more diversified and broadened portfolio with district-scale discovery potential, and future M&A optionality. Unifies the capital structure to enable disciplined deployment of a single balance sheet across the highest-return opportunities, reducing single-asset risk.



Terms of the Arrangement Agreement

The Transaction is expected to be completed by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Sirios will acquire all of the issued and outstanding OVI Shares in exchange for the Arrangement Consideration. The options to purchase OVI Shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction, whether or not vested, shall be exchanged for options to acquire Sirios Shares adjusted in accordance with the same exchange ratio as the Arrangement Consideration.

As part of the Transaction, Electric Elements Mining Corp., a corporation existing under the Canada Business Corporations Act and an OVI shareholder, shall distribute to its shareholders, by way of return of capital, of all or a portion of the Arrangement Consideration to be received in accordance with the plan of arrangement.

To be effective, the Transaction will require the approval of: (i) 66 % of the votes cast by shareholders of OVI, voting as a single class; and (ii) if applicable, a simple majority of the votes cast by minority OVI shareholders in accordance with Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") (excluding OVI Shares held by any "interested parties" and "related parties" of any interested parties (as such terms are defined in MI 61-101) in accordance with the requirements of MI 61-101).

The Arrangement Agreement includes representations, warranties and covenants customary for arrangement agreements. The Arrangement Agreement also includes: (i) customary deal protection and non-solicitation provisions in favour of Sirios, including a break fee of C$186,000 payable to Sirios in certain circumstances; and (ii) provisions allowing OVI to consider and accept superior proposals, in compliance with its fiduciary duties.

OVI will be entitled to nominate two directors to the board of Sirios on closing of the Transaction. These are anticipated to be Sean Roosen, current advisor of OVI, and Laurence Farmer, current Chairman of OVI.

As part of the Transaction, Dominique Doucet, current CEO and Director of Sirios will transition to the role of Head of Exploration and Executive Chairman of Sirios, and Jean-Felix Lepage will replace Mr. Doucet as CEO of Sirios.

Completion of the Transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of necessary court, shareholder, and regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Arrangement Agreement was approved by the boards of Directors of both Sirios and OVI.

In connection with the Transaction, each of the directors of OVI have entered into a voting support agreement with Sirios, pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote all of their OVI Shares (including any OVI Shares issued upon the exercise of any securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into OVI Shares) in favour of the Transaction.

Further details with respect to the Transaction will be included in an information circular to be mailed to OVI shareholders in connection with the special meeting of OVI shareholders. A copy of the Arrangement Agreement will be filed on each of Sirios' and OVI's SEDAR+ profiles at www.sedarplus.ca, and a copy of the information circular will be filed on OVI's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Conference Call and Webcast

Dominique Doucet, CEO of Sirios, and Jean-Felix Lepage, CEO of OVI, will host a webinar and Q&A session on the Transaction on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 3:00 pm ET.

To register, click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r_quuBL4TTuvi3sAewUaCA

Advisors and Counsel

Mills Dunlop Capital Partners Ltd. is acting as financial advisor to OVI. Bennett Jones LLP is acting as legal counsel to OVI. Stein Monast LLP is serving as legal counsel to Sirios.

About Sirios Resources Inc.

Sirios Resources Inc. (TSX-V:SOI; OTCQB:SIREF) (www.sirios.com) is a Quebec-based mineral exploration company focused on developing its portfolio of high-potential gold properties in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Canada.

About OVI Mining Corp.

OVI Mining Corp. (www.ovimining.com) is, a privately-owned exploration stage company principally engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North America. With 100% ownership of the Corvet Est and PLEX properties, OVI combines modern exploration with a commitment to responsible development and strong local partnerships. OVI is advancing its projects toward drill-ready status.

About Dominique Doucet

Dominique Doucet is a veteran in Quebec's mineral exploration industry with over 40 years of experience, including 30+ years in Eeyou Istchee James Bay. Dominique established Sirios with the goal of contributing to Quebec's economic growth by discovering new mineral deposits through systematic, scientifically-driven exploration. Under his leadership, Sirios has discovered numerous precious metal occurrences in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, including the Cheechoo and Aquilon gold deposits.

About Sean Roosen

Mr. Roosen is the founder and Executive Chairman of Osisko Development Corp., and former CEO of OR Royalties Inc. (formerly Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.). As founder, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Osisko Mining Corp., Mr. Roosen was responsible for developing the strategic plan for the discovery, financing, and development of the Canadian Malartic mine. Recognized as one of the "Top 20 Most Influential Individuals in Global Mining," in 2017, he brings unmatched industry vision and strategic leadership.

About Laurence Farmer

The CEO of Electric Elements Mining Corp. and General Counsel at Osisko Development Corp., Mr. Farmer has built his career at the intersection of mining, law, and finance. Formerly with Norton Rose Fulbright LLP and RBC Capital Markets in London, he brings strong transactional expertise and strategic insight into global resource development.

About Jean-Felix Lepage

Mr. Lepage has over 15 years of experience in mining and managing operations, projects, and development activities. Prior to becoming CEO of OVI, he was Vice-President of Projects at O3 Mining Inc., where he led the Marban Project though the study and development process. His past experience also includes several different operational roles at Newmont Corp., including managing the underground operations at the Eleonore Mine. Mr. Lepage obtained his Bachelor of Mining Engineering from Universite Laval and holds a college technical degree in mineral processing from CEGEP de Thetford.

Technical Information

(1) For more information, refer to the "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Cheechoo Project with an Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Cheechoo Gold Deposit, Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec, Canada", with an effective date of July 1, 2025, completed for Sirios by PLR Resources Inc. ("PLR") and published on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and Sirios Resources' July 10, 2025 news release entitled "Sirios Announces Significant Increase in Cheechoo Open-Pit Gold Resources and Introduces Underground Resources."

(2) The potential quantity and grade of the target for further exploration is conceptual in nature, and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. The assessment of the target for further exploration was completed by PLR, a consultant independent of Sirios. The estimation of the potential quantity and grade of the exploration target was based on the same drill hole database used for the Mineral Resource Estimate at the Cheechoo project. With the available drilling information, PLR developed conceptual gold mineralization volumes, constrained by interpreted lithological and structural models. The original core samples were composited, and the composited gold assays were capped (similarly to the Mineral Resource Estimate at the Cheechoo project) after evaluating the statistical distributions on probability plots. The gold values were interpolated into a three-dimensional block model using Ordinary Kriging. To estimate a tonnage, PLR used the same specific gravity values used for the Mineral Resource Estimate at the Cheechoo project. An open-pit scenario limited by the Cheechoo project's boundary as well as DSO stopes were run to constrain the exploration target.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dominique Doucet and Jean-Felix Lepage, each of whom is a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding: the proposed acquisition by Sirios of all of the OVI Shares pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement and the terms thereof; the receipt of necessary shareholder, court and regulatory approvals for the Transaction; the anticipated timeline for completing the Transaction, if at all; the holding of the special meeting of the OVI shareholders and mailing of the management information circular regarding same; the proposed return of capital by Electric Elements Mining Corp.; the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Transaction will be completed, if at all; the reconstitution of the board and management of Sirios; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction; the anticipated filing of materials on SEDAR+; and potential future revenue and cost synergies resulting from the Transaction. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements.

In respect of the forward-looking statements, Sirios and OVI have relied on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory, court, shareholder, stock exchange and other third party approvals and the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the completion of the Transaction. This timeline may change for a number of reasons, including unforeseen delays in preparing meeting materials; inability to secure necessary regulatory, court, shareholder, stock exchange or other third-party approvals in the time assumed or the need for additional time to satisfy the other conditions to the completion of the Transaction. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times.

Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to: the risk that the Transaction may not be completed on a timely basis, if at all; the conditions to the consummation of the Transaction may not be satisfied; the risk that the Transaction may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; the possibility that legal proceedings may be instituted against Sirios, OVI, and/or others relating to the Transaction and the outcome of such proceedings; the possible occurrence of an event, change or other circumstance that could result in termination of the Transaction; risks relating to the failure to obtain necessary shareholder and court approval; other risks inherent in the mining industry. Failure to obtain the requisite approvals, or the failure of the parties to otherwise satisfy the conditions to or complete the Transaction, may result in the Transaction not being completed on the proposed terms, or at all. In addition, if the Transaction is not completed, the announcement of the Transaction and the dedication of substantial resources of Sirios and OVI to the completion of the Transaction could have a material adverse impact on each of Sirios' and OVI's share price, its current business relationships and on the current and future operations, financial condition, and prospects of each of Sirios and OVI.

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 which has been prepared by the management of Sirios and OVI.



(All amounts expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)



SOURCE Sirios Resources Inc.







For more information, please contact:



Sirios Resources Inc., Dominique Doucet, P.Eng., CEO, 450-482-0603, [email protected], www.sirios.com; OVI Mining Corp., Jean-Felix Lepage, CEO, 438-454-5636, [email protected], www.ovimining.com


TORONTO, December 11, 2025 - PJX Resources Inc. ("PJX" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that recently completed drilling on its' Dewdney Trail Property has intersected 63 metres (m) of "Quake zone" mineralization, a zone with pervasive and continuous strongly anomalous zinc, lead, silver and other critical metal mineralization (see Table 1 and Photo A). Bands of bedded Sedex disseminated to semi-massive sulphide mineralization occur above and below the Quake zone (see photo B). Tourmaline alteration, characteristic of mineralization at the Sullivan deposit, occurs as bands above and within the zone. The bands of intersected sulphide mineralization are similar to the range of thickness for some bands at the Sullivan deposit (see Diagram 1). Exploration has also discovered sulphide boulders 800 meters farther south and on strike with the drilling. One boulder assayed 546g/t silver, 32.3% lead, and 4.89% zinc. Management believes these new discoveries are supportive evidence of a large sedex-style mineralizing system within the Estella basin on the Dewdney Trail Property.

Prospecting on strike 2 kilometres ("km") north of the drilling has also identified stacked mineralized beds of tourmalinite, indicating the potential for discovery of a second venting environment and sedex mineralization. The alteration is associated with a large zinc-lead-silver-copper-gold soil anomaly, the Lewis Ridge target zone (see Map 1). This is similar to deposits in the Sullivan Sedex basin, with the North Star deposit located approximately 2 km south of the massive Sullivan deposit.

PJX is well positioned to capitalize on the deposit potential of these new discoveries with 100% of the mineral rights to the 200 km Dewdney Trail Property. The property has road, power, and rail access, and is located about 25 km east of the Sullivan deposit near Cranbrook BC, Canada. It is about a half a day rail to Teck's Trail smelter. Teck and Anglo America recently announced a planned merger. Glencore owns Teck's former Coal operations located only 60 km east of the property. Hecla Mining's operations are about a 4 hour drive south in Idaho, USA.

This large system has produced Sullivan style and grade mineralization as evidenced by the boulders discovered in talus at the base of the mountain slope that were announced October 12, 2023 and shown in Table 2 and photos E and F. Bands hosting this high-grade mineralization have not yet been intersected in drilling, in part because a suite of younger syenite dykes have intruded the sulphide zones and mask underlying geology.

Dave Pighin, PJX Resources' consulting geologist commented: "The discovery of this thick Quake zone with pervasive zinc-lead-silver mineralization throughout and bands of Sedex mineralization and tourmalinite are indicative of a large mineralising system. In my 60 years of exploring for Cominco and other companies, this is the first discovery of a mineralizing system that rivals that of the Sullivan basin. It was not found earlier because mineralization is hidden beneath a series of younger dykes that appear to dip along the slope of the mountain and mask the deposit potential beneath them."

John Keating, President of PJX commented: "Large deposits like the Sullivan often occur in large mineralizing systems. The large system we've identified is associated with high grade critical metal mineralization as evidenced by the Sullivan Style and grade of boulders found at the bottom of the mountain slope. We now know that it is not only a large system in width, but also strike potential, as indicated by the new prospecting discovery 800 m to the south and large multi-element soil geochemical anomaly 2,000 m to the north. We were able to extend the drill trail 800 m to the south with plans to test the new prospecting area as soon as the snow melts, possibly in May or early June of 2026. More information will be announced as data is further compiled.

PJX also owns the mineral rights to the largest land package (750 km) of the 60 km long Vulcan gold belt in the Cranbrook area. We've identified over 10 priority target areas with gold potential that have not been tested and are mostly road accessible. With gold at over US$4,000/oz we plan to announce more about the gold potential and also explore partnerships to capitalize on these targets."

Photo A - Example of part of the Quake zone from 176.70 m to 184.67 m in hole ND25-26.

Disrupted sediments and fragmentals occur throughout the zone. Sericite and chlorite alteration are dominant with local tourmalinite. Sphalerite (zinc sulphide), galena (lead sulphide) are disseminated to fracture and locally vein controlled. Blebs of pyrrhotite/pyrite (iron sulphides) also occur in the Quake zone.

Photo B: Bands of bedded disseminated to semi-massive and massive sulphide Sedex mineralization in hole ND25-25 (73.5-74.5 m) with 1.13% zinc from 73.77-74.22 m, and in ND25-26 from 73.7-74.0 m that assayed 1.65% zinc.

The 2 bands are separate zones and represent stacked layers of bedded mineralization. Bands are similar in thickness to the thickness range of some bands at the Sullivan (see Diagram 1). Although the bands are low in grade, Sullivan-grade boulders discovered in talus at the bottom of the slope support the presence of higher-grade bands that have not yet been intersected.

Table 1 - 63.7 m intersection of Quake Zone in hole ND25-26 (172.3 m - 236.0 m)

Strongly anomalous zinc, lead, silver, and other metal values are pervasive throughout the Quake zone. True thickness of the zone is estimated at about 30 m. The considerable thickness and consistent mineral content of the zone is indicative of a large mineralizing system and supports the potential to produce a significant deposit. The zone represents a period of disturbance in the ocean floor when faults and vents are active and carried metals in fluids to form mineral deposits beneath and on the ocean floor.

From To Width Zinc Lead Silver Copper Gold Cobalt Cadmium Gallium Iron Sulphur (m) (m) (m) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppb) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (%) (%) 172.3 172.7 0.4 2535 297.1 1.18 74.1 12.3 22.4 7.14 2.54 2.93 1.93 172.7 174 1.3 1577 179.6 0.72 65.2 7.4 10.1 5.1 2.92 2.12 1.25 174 174.5 0.5 2563 287.2 1.1 97.6 11.2 21.3 8.11 5.14 3.98 2.15 174.5 175 0.5 2349 265.6 0.98 41.5 9 10.6 6.72 4.42 2.54 1.22 175 175.5 0.5 2084 361.8 1.27 92.2 30.5 39.9 6.26 4.2 5.26 3.17 175.5 176 0.5 2174 271.8 0.81 53.7 6.8 14.7 5.97 4.15 3.04 1.6 176 176.5 0.5 1702 336 0.99 39.3 7.5 15.7 5.46 4.82 2.69 1.42 176.5 177.2 0.7 2030 317.6 0.64 49.9 7.6 16.3 5.74 5.44 3.28 1.79 177.2 178.2 1 3400 600.7 1.06 123.4 35.9 17.2 8.93 3.65 3.79 2.29 178.2 178.9 0.7 2754 635.3 0.87 38.7 43.5 16.9 7.83 3.56 3.04 1.64 178.9 179.3 0.4 2773 617.6 0.98 108 18.1 31.4 8.78 3.4 5.03 3.4 179.3 180.2 0.9 2845 783.4 0.78 49.2 31.7 23.1 7.86 4.71 3.94 2.11 180.2 181.3 1.1 3088 737.5 0.73 52 38.3 23.2 8.37 4.3 3.82 2.13 From To Width Zinc Lead Silver Copper Gold Cobalt Cadmium Gallium Iron Sulphur (m) (m) (m) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppb) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (%) (%) 181.3 182.2 0.9 2643 792.9 1.31 65.6 21.9 27.4 8.18 5.24 4.55 2.67 182.2 183 0.8 2284 614.5 0.61 54.3 18.2 22.5 6.22 4.56 3.26 1.78 183 183.6 0.6 7368 1102.3 1.05 114.2 12.3 28.2 22.52 4.91 4.58 2.78 183.6 184 0.4 2780 476.7 0.43 57.4 19.9 25.4 6.97 3.8 3.61 2 184 184.5 0.5 2857 626.4 0.57 48.9 22.6 19.6 6.91 3.99 3.5 1.92 184.5 185.5 1 3212 688.4 0.69 82.3 20.8 21.3 8.72 4.4 3.62 2.05 185.5 186.5 1 3622 751.6 1.43 110.5 25.8 36 11.1 4.99 6.04 3.7 186.5 187.1 0.6 3290 869 1.93 120.9 23.1 25.4 9.16 3.12 4.5 2.78 187.1 187.9 0.8 3417 640.9 1.02 133.6 14.4 69.4 10.65 3.62 4.77 3.23 187.9 188.1 0.2 2470 1341.2 2.02 42.5 9.4 14.2 8.95 2.99 2.42 1.68 188.1 189 0.9 3090 903.1 1.42 69.3 20.5 30.3 8.32 3.19 3.96 2.43 189 190 1 3486 860.1 0.97 55.8 21.1 23.6 9.82 3.3 3.59 2.3 190 191 1 2846 731.2 1.72 99.2 20.4 27.2 8.53 3.58 3.61 2.22 191 192 1 2564 671.2 0.85 69.7 14.9 29.3 8.79 3.43 3.42 2.37 192 193 1 3191 1870.6 8.34 188.1 48.3 51.2 15.6 2.49 6.29 5.52 193 194 1 2682 1273.9 9.17 123 33 30.1 10.66 2.95 4.48 2.71 194 194.7 0.7 2573 571.6 3.84 542.2 22.6 103.3 8.45 2.97 14.72 8.8 194.7 196 1.3 2813 649.2 0.87 210.9 21.1 86 7.82 2.4 8.6 5.29 196 197 1 3860 850.1 1.13 202.3 16.3 58.1 11.08 2.91 10.17 6.35 197 197.5 0.5 3289 746.8 0.69 64 21.3 25.4 7.56 2.74 4.26 2.67 197.5 197.6 0.1 3149 399.1 0.8 114.1 13.5 55.6 9.62 2.38 10.12 6.25 197.6 198.5 0.9 2679 634.3 0.82 211.9 26.3 35 7.86 2.62 3.86 2.55 198.5 199 0.5 2861 970.8 1.33 88.2 57.6 34.4 8.63 3.56 4.04 2.84 199 199.5 0.5 2438 629.3 0.87 75.1 19.5 29.7 7.07 2.87 3.83 2.56 199.5 200 0.5 2497 481 0.57 59.7 18.4 34.1 7.31 2.85 5.03 3.1 200 200.5 0.5 3051 1007.7 1.18 50.6 59.2 25.5 8.45 2.32 3.17 2.02 200.5 201 0.5 2985 853.9 1.02 68.4 53 35.5 8.43 2.42 3.75 2.52 201 201.5 0.5 2681 461.4 0.63 69.6 45.9 35.6 7.73 2.22 4.14 2.75 201.5 202 0.5 2629 311.6 0.46 74.5 20.7 32.8 7.62 2.61 4.12 2.41 202 202.5 0.5 2982 496.9 0.64 60.6 28.6 29.7 7.93 2.61 3.64 2.15 202.5 203 0.5 3017 591.4 0.72 90.3 31.8 36.5 7.84 2.98 4.57 2.67 203 204 1 2734 512.6 0.71 95 24 36.7 7.64 2.74 4.32 2.64 204 204.4 0.4 2348 339 0.47 97.7 22.4 32.9 7.77 2 3.94 2.56 204.4 204.7 0.3 2881 240.3 0.31 82.7 17 34.7 10.2 1.78 3.42 2.23 204.7 205.3 0.6 2192 290.4 0.42 64.4 8.8 32.1 7.12 2.17 3.65 2.44 205.3 206.3 1 3051 574.4 1.11 73.9 9.1 31.1 8.94 2.49 3.74 2.23 206.3 207 0.7 1172 27.6 0.1 64.3 6.4 23.9 3.27 3.08 3.39 1.96 207 208 1 593 57 0.34 93 4.8 32.5 2.21 3.25 4.48 3.05 208 209 1 655 46.8 0.18 66.9 6.2 24.3 2.46 2.34 3.75 2.42 209 210 1 1213 50.5 0.34 123.9 29.9 20.6 6.86 1.64 3.65 2.77 210 210.7 0.7 1557 124.5 1.12 264.3 38.7 24.2 14.92 1.8 3.4 3.02 210.7 211 0.3 693 245.9 1.68 145.7 24.6 10.2 7.92 1.38 3.49 3 211 211.6 0.6 2741 257.9 1.28 43.9 12.4 33.9 13.03 2.73 3.51 2.63 211.6 212.1 0.5 5173 1891.4 4.32 464.4 12.9 77.2 15.67 1.76 13.68 8.24 212.1 213 0.9 2895 286.3 0.48 23 5.2 19 9.36 1.68 2.56 1.68 213 214 1 2702 290.2 0.56 107.7 6.8 30.2 7.85 1.65 3.83 2.52 From To Width Zinc Lead Silver Copper Gold Cobalt Cadmium Gallium Iron Sulphur (m) (m) (m) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppb) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (%) (%) 214 214.9 0.9 3066 360.5 1.01 137.5 6.5 24 8.41 2.14 3.88 2.49 214.9 215.5 0.6 566 247.1 1.27 134.7 19.8 9.5 9.75 3.18 2.86 2.01 215.5 216.2 0.65 1775 62.9 0.32 227.8 3.5 21.9 4.92 2.41 3.65 2.22 216.2 216.5 0.35 1707 69 0.15 98.7 6.4 31.1 4.82 3.13 3.82 2.25 216.5 217.1 0.6 2368 97.6 0.21 78.9 2.2 22.5 8.94 4.53 4.1 2.79 217.1 218 0.9 3232 304.5 0.61 97.9 25.8 24 15.34 4.41 3.8 2.42 218 219 1 3611 1233.3 1.58 163.8 5.1 41.8 9.08 3.22 5.17 3.38 219 220.4 1.4 3661 539.3 0.94 92.9 10.5 40.6 9.74 3.23 5.02 3.04 220.4 221 0.6 2958 105.6 0.16 50.4 5.2 21.4 7.45 2.32 3.11 1.68 221 221.9 0.9 4228 134.2 0.4 102 11 43.8 11.75 2.27 4.93 3.41 221.9 222.7 0.8 1589 70.6 0.18 129.5 4.3 43.9 4.25 1.77 4.95 3.32 222.7 223.5 0.8 717 401.5 0.95 89.5 3.4 32.8 2.85 1.73 2.24 1.51 223.5 224.1 0.6 627 157.5 0.27 54.3 1.1 27.2 1.68 1.8 1.84 1.21 224.1 225.1 1 2029 320.9 0.73 182.3 3.2 27.1 6.05 2.12 4.26 2.71 225.1 226.1 1 871 40.6 0.11 36.8 1.7 20.2 2.45 3.24 2.62 1.49 226.1 226.5 0.4 340 38.2 0.09 55.5 6.2 14.8 1.37 3.91 2.81 1.4 226.5 227 0.5 1234 2123.5 14.67 41.2 7.8 14.3 14.8 2.37 2.24 1.59 227 227.8 0.8 2506 188.9 0.54 56.5 2.7 16.7 7.17 2.01 2.84 1.87 227.8 229 1.2 1764 197.4 0.58 66.3 2.3 20.3 6.42 1.61 2.68 1.77 229 230 1 1156 242.1 0.62 88.9 4.3 28.1 3.8 2.21 3.79 2.46 230 231 1 3865 3681.8 7.77 103 6.6 45.6 9.85 1.99 4.5 3.24 231 232 1 1645 237.8 0.64 92 4.4 19.9 5.14 1.98 2.81 1.95 232 233 1 304 110.6 0.31 90.4 5.5 24.9 0.83 1.91 3.24 2.19 233 234 1 551 153.4 1.57 96.1 10.3 19.1 3.7 1.72 2.89 1.96 234 235 1 718 738.1 1.91 157 7.3 17.9 2.18 1.84 2.9 2.26 235 236 1 1040 409.6 1.44 191 5.5 27.4 3.41 1.81 3.95 2.84

Sample SKX25-11 (4.89% zinc, 32.23% lead, 546 g/t silver) Photo C - 2025 disovery of banded massive sulphide boulder 800 m south on srike with drilling. Grey mineral is galena (lead sulphide), black band is magnetite. Sample SKX25-14 (0.84% zinc, 0.59% lead, 10.78 g/t silver) Photo D - 2025 discovery of banded massive sulphide boulder found 800m south on strike with drilling. Reddish-brown coloured bands and beds of sphalerite (zinc sulphide) in sediments. Black band is magnetite. Sample STM-23-7 (9.33% zinc, 2.48% lead, 14.62 g/t silver, 495 ppm or 0.05% copper) Photo E - 2023 discovery of Sullivan style and grade boulder in talus at bottom of slope. Alternating dark and light coloured beds with sulphides (zinc, lead, iron) are sulphide-rich beds that have broken apart by basin disruption as evidenced by the Quake zone. The source band of this bedded sulpide mineralization may be at depth stratigraphically below the zinc rich Quake zone intersected in hole ND25-26 and above a lower Quake zone encountered by drilling near the historcal Estella Mine. Sample STM-23-8 (3.55% zinc, 0.98% lead, 7.5 g/t silver, 442 ppm or 0.04% copper) Photo F - 2023 discovery of Sullivan style and grade boulder found at bottom of slope. Although the overall grade of this sample is lower it tells an important story. The individual massive sphalerite fragments are an indicator of the potential for much higher grade bands with zinc rich massive sulphides beds similar to what occurs at the Sullivan.

Table 2

Zinc Lead Silver Copper Gold Cadmium Cobalt Indium Sulphur Iron Sample ID % % ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm % % STM-23-1 6.71 2.23 16.05 1258.9 0.075 138.73 70.1 6.850 12.16 14.16 STM-23-2 7.68 1.70 14.39 1119.0 0.081 159.49 119.6 7.770 12.35 12.71 STM-23-3 1.36 0.92 6.60 200.7 0.029 29.54 41.5 1.644 4.17 7.47 STM-23-4 5.18 1.54 9.28 354.8 0.150 113.27 74.1 5.634 9.73 12.32 STM-23-5 9.25 2.89 17.79 995.3 0.065 186.41 87.7 9.077 15.58 16.90 STM-23-6 6.72 1.63 10.17 402.2 0.047 139.41 78.8 6.805 14.06 16.64 STM-23-7 9.33 2.48 14.62 495.0 0.121 191.62 83.8 9.324 15.01 15.35 STM-23-8 3.55 0.98 7.50 442.1 0.055 69.22 59.8 3.665 6.47 8.73 STM-23-9 4.00 1.22 8.15 441.4 0.060 78.86 59.3 4.203 8.67 11.01 STM-23-10 8.87 2.48 16.43 494.9 0.096 178.27 90.0 9.087 13.49 13.05

Analyses of Sullivan style and grade boulders found in talus down slope from drilling, announced October 12, 2023.

Map 1 below - Geology map showing discovery areas and exploration work with 2 potential venting environments that could produce mineral deposits.

Historical Estella Mine Area venting environment - New drill intersected thick Quake zone with pervasive zinc-lead-silver mineralization, tourmalinite, stacked bedded sulphide Sedex mineralization, and Sullivan style and grade massive to semi-massive sulphide boulders downslope from drilling. Sedex semi-massive to massive zinc-lead-silver boulders are also found 800m to the south along strike of the Quake zone. Lewis Ridge Target Area venting environment - stacked bands of tourmaline altered sediments 2 km north and on strike with the thick Quake zone intersected by drilling. Large coincident zinc, lead, silver, copper, gold soil anomalies occur stratigraphically above the tourmaline altered zone (Map 1 shows zinc soil anomaly, web site displays all the anomalies). This area has not yet been drilled.

Sullivan basin mineralizing system produced 2 deposits, the Sullivan and Northstar that are about 2 km apart. This is similar to the 2 km spacing between the Estella area venting environment and the Lewis Ridge venting environment.

Qualified Persons

The geological disclosure and content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Pighin, P.Geo., and John Keating P.Geo. (qualified persons for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Pighin is a consulting geologist for PJX on base metal targets. Mr. Keating is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of PJX.

Technical information for the Dewdney Trail exploration program is obtained and reported under a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program. NQ core and rock grab samples were cut with a diamond saw under the direction of qualified geologists. Samples were then labeled, placed in plastic bags, sealed and with sample numbers recorded. Samples were delivered by the Company to MSALABS Inc., an independent ISO certified lab in Langley, British Columbia. Blanks, standards and duplicates were done in accordance with industry standards. Analysis was by ICP-MS with overlimits by ICP-ES or PB Titration performed in accordance with MSALABS Inc.'s analytical methods.

About PJX Resources Inc.

PJX is a mineral exploration company focused on building shareholder value and community opportunity through the exploration and development of mineral resources with a focus on gold, silver, zinc, lead, copper, cobalt and other critical metals. PJX has consolidated 100% of the mineral rights to the largest land package (750 km) in the historical Sullivan Mine District and Vulcan Gold Belt near Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia. PJX has developed a pipeline of more than 15 priority targets to be tested by PJX and /or companies interested in partnering to test often road accessible drill ready targets with gold, silver, copper, zinc and other critical metal deposit potential. Please refer to our web site http://www.pjxresources.com for additional information.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Linda Brennan, Chief Financial Officer

(416) 799-9205

[email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The information in this news release has been prepared as at the date noted above. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by PJX Resources Inc. as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, PJX Resources Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in PJX Resources Inc.'s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Cautionary Note to US Investors:

This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which PJX Resources Inc. has no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

This press release uses the terms "Measured", "Indicated", and "Inferred" resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a Mineral Resource is economically or legally mineable.

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.

SOURCE: PJX Resources Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
VANCOUVER, December 11, 2025 - Karus Mining Inc. (the "Company" or "Karus") is pleased to announce that at the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting held on December 5, 2025, the shareholders elected Michael Tucker as a director of the Company.

"Mr. Tucker has added great value to the Company as an advisor and we are now thrilled to welcome him to the Board" commented Tony Cina, Chairman of the Board.

"We are delighted to have Michael step into a formal board role," added Jason Bahnsen, CEO. "His technical insight, steady judgment and familiarity with our projects will continue to strengthen our exploration strategy and support the Company's next phase of growth."

Mr. Tucker, P. Geo. has a Bachelor of Geology from Laurentian University and a Masters of Geological Sciences from the University of British Columbia and over ten years of field exploration experience. Most recently he was Exploration Manager for Balmoral Resources (acquired by Wallbridge Mining) where Mr. Tucker led exploration activities across all their projects including the Fenelon gold project which triggered the take-over by Wallbridge. Balmoral won multiple exploration awards for its work during Mr. Tucker's tenure. Mr. Tucker previously served as the VP Exploration at Karus and as Technical Advisor.

About Karus

Karus is the 100% owner of the 1,000 km2 South Caribou Gold District that includes the drill-stage FG Gold and Gold Creek projects in British Columbia, and also controls the Mineral Creek gold exploration project, which is centred 12 kilometers southeast of Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Further information on Karus can be found at www.sedarplus.ca, or by contacting us as [email protected].

ON BEHALF OF KARUS MINING INC.

"Tony Cina"

Tony Cina

Chairman

For more information, please contact Karus Investor Relations:

(888) 455-7620

[email protected]

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Except for the statements of historical fact, this news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The information in this news release about the future plans of Karus and other forward-looking information includes but is not limited to information concerning the intentions, plans and future actions of the parties to the transactions described herein and the terms of such transaction. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include risks.

The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of Karus based on information currently available to Karus. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Karus has made assumptions about Karus' ability to complete the planned transaction and activities. Karus has also assumed that no significant events will occur outside of Karus' normal course of business. Although Karus believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Specifically, there is no assurance that Karus will be able to recruit or retain a new exploration team, complete the development of an exploration plan, raise the necessary capital to fund these activities, or confirm any additional mineralization within any of the Corporation's mineral properties.

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, Karus disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2025 - Galway Metals Inc. (TSXV: GWM) ("Galway" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") consisting of 855,370 units of the Corporation ("Units") at a price of $0.54 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds to the Corporation of $461,899.80.

Each Unit consists of one common share of the Corporation, and one half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Corporation for an exercise price of $0.80 per share for a period of 3 years from the closing date of the Private Placement.

In connection with the closing of the Private Placement, one arm's-length finder will receive an aggregate of $13,859.10 cash finders' fee and 25,665 common share purchase warrants ("Finder's Warrants"). Each Finder's Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Corporation for an exercise price of $0.54 per share for a period of 3 years from the closing date of the Private Placement. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day, expiring on April 12, 2026. The Private Placement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

About Galway Metals Inc.

Galway Metals is focused on creating significant per share value through the exploration and sustainable development of its two 100%-owned projects in Canada. Galway's flagship project, Clarence Stream, is one of the most important gold districts in Atlantic Canada as it hosts a large, high-grade gold resource in SW New Brunswick. Also important is Estrades, the former-producing, high-grade, gold- and zinc-rich polymetallic VMS mine in the northern Abitibi of western Quebec as it hosts significant resources in the middle of a major gold camp. After its successful spinout to existing shareholders from Galway Resources following the completion of the US$340 million sale of that company. The company is looking to replicate the same success in Canada with our two highly perspective projects.

Should you have any questions and for further information, please contact (toll free):

Galway Metals Inc.

Robert Hinchcliffe President & Chief Executive Officer

1-800-771-0680

Website: www.galwaymetalsinc.com

Email: [email protected]

Look us up on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Corporation's current expectations regarding future events, including with respect to the Corporation's business, operations and condition, management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those projected herein including as a result of a change in the trading price of the common shares of the Corporation, the TSXV not providing its final approval for the Private Placement, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the failure of contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Corporation's publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Corporation's ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Corporation's public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Vancouver, December 11, 2025 - Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (FSE: 9SU0) ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") announces the conclusion, effective December 11, 2025, of an arm's length property option agreement (the "Agreement") with Aero Energy Ltd. ("Aero") dated October 20, 2023, that had allowed Aero to earn up to 100% interest in the Sun Dog Project ("Sun Dog", or the "Project"). Following the conclusion of the Agreement, full and unencumbered ownership of the Project has been returned to the Company. Standard Uranium is currently working on plans to advance exploration on Sun Dog, building upon recent drilling and geophysical programs in 2024 and 2025.

Sun Dog covers an area of 48,443 acres (19,604 ha) across nine mineral claims and is located 15 km Southeast of Uranium City on the northern margin of the Athabasca Basin (Figure 1). It hosts the historical Gunnar Uranium Mine, discovered in 1952, which doubled Canada's uranium production and became the largest uranium producer globally in 1956. The Gunnar Mine produced approximately 18M lbs of U 3 O 8 between 1953 and 19811,2.

Jon Bey, CEO & Director of Standard Uranium, commented, "Sun Dog is a fantastic project that continues to garner a great deal of interest from multiple companies. We are excited to have the Sun Dog project returned to our portfolio and confident that we will have another joint venture partner funding further exploration in the next year. I would also like to wish the team at Aero Energy future success as they focus their sites on their other uranium projects in Canada and the USA. They were a great partner to work with the past two years."

Figure 1. Overview of the Sun Dog Project highlighting drill target areas, historical high-grade* uranium occurrences3, and EM-conductors4.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/277772_82df2fcd64d3c957_001full.jpg

Sun Dog Highlights

History of Production: The project hosts the historical Gunnar Mine which produced 18M pounds of U 3 O 8 between 1953 and 1981 and was formerly the world's largest uranium producer 1,2.

Uranium Above and Below the Unconformity: Numerous recent and historical high-grade* uranium assays from outcrop samples across the Project range from 0.01% to 17.4% U 3 O 8 3,4 . These showings occur in both basement rocks below the Unconformity and perched within Athabasca sandstones above the Unconformity thus confirming the presence of unconformity-related high-grade uranium on the Sun Dog Project.

Verified Targets: Stacked graphitic structural zones associated with uranium mineralization and prospective hydrothermal alteration have been intersected in multiple target areas during modern drill programs. The drill program results to date confirm a favorable geological environment for fluid movement and uranium deposition on the Project.

Modern Exploration

Recent exploration efforts by Standard Uranium have focused on multiple target areas across the Project, testing down-dip extensions of structures hosting uranium at surface with the aim of discovering high-grade unconformity mineralization and basement "roots" of the mineralizing systems underlying the Athabasca sandstones.

Prospecting & Surface Exploration

Prospecting in 2020 led to the discovery of a new high-grade uranium showing named the Haven discovery and several zones of visible uranium mineralization at surface that returned uranium assay results of 3.58% U 3 O 8 , 1.7% U 3 O 8 , and 0.7% U 3 O 8 .5

In the summer of 2022, Standard Uranium executed a field mapping and prospecting program to expand upon the results of the 2020 prospecting program. Handheld RS-120 and RS-125 scintillometers were used to track radioactivity with more than 80 new mineralized boulder and bedrock locations discovered on Johnston and Stewart islands.

In 2024, occurrences of strong to intense radioactivity in outcropping basement rocks were identified at surface while prospecting at the Wishbone and Spring-Dome target areas, returning highly anomalous assays ranging from 0.02% to 13.0% U 3 O 8 .6

Additionally, the analytical results revealed a correlation between uranium and gold, while boron and other pathfinder elements highlighted the potential for a robust alteration footprint associated with uranium mineralization. Surficial grab samples from faults and veins cutting sandstone outcrop returned high concentrations of dravite (up to 75%), a uranium pathfinder mineral commonly associated with uranium-fertile systems.

Geophysical Surveys

In the winter of 2022, MWH Geo-Surveys Ltd. carried out a ground gravity survey and UAV-borne magnetic surveys in the areas of Johnston and Stewart islands on behalf of Standard Uranium. The gravity survey consisted of 3,388 unique gravity measurement stations with a station spacing of 50 to 100 m. The survey identified several variations in residual gravity and outlined multiple gravity low target areas on and around Stewart and Johnston islands.

An airborne VTEMTM Plus survey was completed in 2024 to pinpoint graphitic rocks (conductors) favourable for hosting significant concentrations of uranium. This modern electromagnetic ("EM") survey improved upon historical surveys which have identified at least 40 km of combined conductor strike length.

In 2025, MWH Geo-Surveys Ltd. completed high-resolution ground gravity surveys along known conductive exploration trends across the Wishbone, McNie, and Armbruster South target areas, filling in the gaps between the previous 2022 gravity grids (Figure 2). These surveys have identified numerous density-low bullseye anomalies representing potential zones of hydrothermal alteration or structural disruption which are commonly associated with uranium mineralization events.





Figure 2. 2025 ground gravity survey areas covering the Armbruster South, Wishbone, and McNie EM conductor trends. Density-low anomalies representing potential alteration zones are highlighted by cool colours on the inverted gravity grids.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/277772_82df2fcd64d3c957_002full.jpg

Drill Programs

Standard Uranium carried out two drill programs on the Project during the winters of 2022 and 2023, in addition to operating a program in 2024 funded by Aero. In total, 4,062 m of diamond drilling has been completed by the Company across 21 drill holes on the Project.

Historical exploration efforts primarily focused on the "Beaverlodge-style" deposit model, targeting lower-grade, fault-hosted mineralization visible at the surface. This approach did not target, and would not have been effective for, the high-grade "Unconformity-related" basement-hosted deposits associated with graphitic rocks more recently discovered near the Athabasca Basin's edge (e.g. Arrow, Triple R).

Recent diamond drill programs have been successful in identifying key geological characteristics prospective for significant uranium mineralizing systems on the Project, which in turn will aid in planning and prioritization of additional exploration targets for follow-up drill programs.

Drilling highlights include3,8:

Widespread hydrothermal alteration zones containing illite-rich and dravitic clays and abundant iron-oxide minerals intersected in multiple drill holes, indicating a robust fluid system with prospective chemistry for uranium.

Significant structural influence evidenced to control high-grade uranium mineralization and anomalous radioactivity in drill holes.

Reactivated graphitic shear zones & quartz-hematite breccias intersected over 10s of metres in several drill holes indicate ideal structural regime providing the plumbing system for uranium mobilization.

Favorable geochemistry returned in multiple drill holes, including prospective clay spectroscopy results (dravite), elevated pathfinder elements, and anomalous uranium correlated to lead isotope ratios which may be used as an additional exploration vector.

Uranium mineralization confirmed by anomalous uranium assays was intersected in multiple drill holes, coinciding with prospective structure and favorable alteration.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of the Company and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Samples collected for analysis by the Company were sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for preparation, processing, and ICP-MS multi-element analysis using total and partial digestion, gold by fire assay, and boron by fusion. Basement samples were tested with ICP-MS2 uranium multi-element exploration package plus boron. All basement samples marked as radioactive upon arrival to the lab were also analyzed using the U 3 O 8 assay (reported in wt %). Basement rock split interval samples range from 0.1 to 0.5 m. SRC is an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and Standards Council of Canada certified analytical laboratory. Blanks, standard reference materials, and repeats were inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals in accordance with Standard Uranium's quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols. All samples passed internal QA/QC protocols, and the results presented in this release are deemed complete, reliable, and repeatable.

Samples containing clay alteration were sent to Rekasa Rocks Inc. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to be analyzed by Short Wavelength Infrared Reflectance ("SWIR") via a Portable Infrared Mineral Analyzer ("PIMA") to verify clay species. All depth measurements reported are down-hole measurements and true thicknesses are yet to be determined.

Historical data disclosed in this news release relating to sampling results from previous operators are historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. The Company's future exploration work may include verification of the data. The Company considers historical results to be relevant as an exploration guide and to assess the mineralization as well as economic potential of exploration projects. Any historical grab samples disclosed are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization.

Natural gamma radiation from rocks reported in this news release was measured in counts per second ("cps") using a handheld RS-125 super-spectrometer and RS-120 super-scintillometer. Readers are cautioned that scintillometer readings are not uniformly or directly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured and should be treated only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive minerals. The RS-125 and RS-120 units supplied by Radiation Solutions Inc. ("RSI") have been calibrated on specially designed Test Pads by RSI. Standard Uranium maintains an internal QA/QC procedure for calibration and calculation of drift in radioactivity readings through three test pads containing known concentrations of radioactive minerals. Internal test pad radioactivity readings are known and regularly compared to readings measured by the handheld scintillometers for QA/QC purposes.

References

Gunnar Uranium Mine: From Cold War Darling to Ghost Town, L. Schramm, Saskatchewan Research Council, 2018. Geology and Genesis of Major World Hardrock Uranium Deposits, United States Geological Survey, Open-File Report 81-166, 1981. Technical Report on the Sun Dog Property - Northwestern Saskatchewan, Canada, Effective date June 30, 2023 Information obtained from Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index and historical report from Uranium City Resources, 2007 Standard Uranium Ltd. News Release dated December 8, 2020, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-reports-high-grade-uranium-results-at-sun-dog-project-uranium-city/ Standard Uranium Ltd. News Release dated November 15, 2025, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-receives-high-grade-uranium-assays-from-2024-sun-dog-prospecting-program/ Standard Uranium Ltd. News Release dated October 16, 2024, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-announces-encouraging-results-and-completion-of-its-summer-drill-program-at-the-sun-dog-project/ Standard Uranium Ltd. News Release dated May 7, 2025, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-and-aero-energy-report-new-gravity-survey-targets-and-assay-results-sun-dog-project-northwest-athabasca-basin/

*The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt% U 3 O 8 to be "high-grade".

**The Company considers radioactivity readings greater than 65,535 counts per second (cps) on a handheld RS-125 Super-Spectrometer to be "off-scale".

***The Company considers radioactivity readings greater than 300 counts per second (cps) on a handheld RS-125 Super-Spectrometer to be "anomalous".

About Standard Uranium (TSXV: STND)

We find the fuel to power a clean energy future

Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the world's richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 235,435 acres (95,277 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development.

Standard Uranium's Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected.

Standard Uranium's eastern Athabasca projects comprise over 43,185 hectares of prospective land holdings. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries.

Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations; timing of the Company's exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. 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. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025.

Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: that the transaction with the Optionee will proceed as planned; the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; future sales of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Company's mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) 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/277772
5 others charged alongside Ken Ofori-Atta for causing financial loss granted GH250 million bail in SML case

Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 11 - 2025 , 17:37 4 minutes read

Five persons charged alongside former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta for allegedly causing financial loss of more than GH1.4 billion in the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contract saga have pleaded not guilty to charges filed by the Special Prosecutor.

The accused persons in the case are Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah - both former Commissioner-Generals of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Isaac Crentsil and Kwadwo Damoah  former Commissioners of the Customs Division of the GRA, Ernest Darko Akore  an aide to Ofori-Atta during his tenure as Minister of Finance, Evans Adusei  the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SML, and SML itself.

They are facing 78 counts of causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit, wilful oppression, directly influencing the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of procurement, and entering into an agreement with a financial commitment binding the government for more than one financial year without prior authorisation by Parliament.

When the case was called at the court presided over by Justice Francis Aponga Achiponga on Thursday (Dec 11), Mr Ofori-Atta, Akore and Damoah were absent leaving Nti, Owusu-Amoah, Crentsil, and Adusei.

The OSP indicated that he had filed an ex-parte motion for leave to serve both Ofori-Atta and Akore, who are currently outside the jurisdiction.

He also informed the court about an active extradition process with the US government.

As a result, the court said it would wait for the outcome of that process before proceeding to hear the motion.

Meanwhile lawyers for Damoah told the court that their client was not present because he was not properly served, but that was shot down by the OSP, arguing that Damoahs obligations under the OSP bail required him to be present.

The accused persons who were present pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.

Adusei also pleaded not guilty on behalf of SML, the company in which he is the beneficial owner.

The court granted the five accused persons bail in the sum of GH50 million with two sureties each to be justified.

They are to report to the Special Prosecutor's office once every week and also deposit their travel documents.

The court, however, suspended the execution of bail terms until December 15, 2025.

The case has been adjourned to December 17, 2025, for Damoah's plea to be taken.

SML contract

The criminal case against six top government officials stemmed from a revenue assurance contract awarded to SML by the previous government which have become a subject of controversy and numerous allegations, leading to its eventual cancellation by the government following a directive by President John Dramani Mahama.

The criminal case also followed public interest and discussions about attempts to extradite Mr Ofori-Atta who the OSP accused of running from justice from the USA, although the former finance minister insists that he had nothing to hide but is in the USA for medical treatment

Facts

In a charge sheet signed by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, and filed at the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court yesterday, the OSP alleged that the accused persons hatched a criminal enterprise to use the SML contract to fleece the nation.

The criminal enterprise was commenced in 2017 by the first, third, seventh, and eighth accused persons, with the other accused persons joining the adventure at various times.

The criminal enterprise was characterised by no genuine need for contracting the eighth accused company for the obligations it purported to perform, and the contracts were secured for the eighth company through self-serving patronage, and promotion by the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth accused persons based on false and unverified claims, he stated.

The OSP further accused them of engaging in prohibited acts and Acted with increased emboldened impunity as they freely abused their public offices by using the offices for private benefit.

Also, the OSP alleged that the six former government officials created an avenue for SML to Largely pretend to perform the services under the various contracts - leading to immense financial loss to the republic of about one billion, four hundred and thirty-six million, two hundred and forty-nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty-eight cedis, fifty-three pesewas (GH1,436,249,828.53).

The accused persons based their actions on their false claims that the eighth accused company possessed technical expertise and capability in revenue assurance, and that the technical expertise and capability of the eighth accused person had greatly increased revenue for the republic; and further that the eighth accused company exclusively possessed the only patented and proven technological systems in the world for value chain transaction audits, external price verification and measurement audit services in the downstream petroleum, upstream petroleum and minerals sectors, the OSP added.
Ablakwa rebukes Israel, insists Ghana will match any future deportations number for number

Mohammed Ali Dec - 11 - 2025 , 12:46 3 minutes read

Ghana has reaffirmed its position on reciprocal deportations involving Israeli nationals despite an apology from Israeli authorities, insisting that any future mistreatment of Ghanaian travellers will be met with an equal response.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government would not compromise on the dignity of its citizens following last weeks incident at Ben Gurion International Airport.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, Mr Ablakwa said Israels Charge dAffaires had apologised and appealed for calm after Ghana deported three Israeli nationals earlier this week in retaliation.

He emphasised that the governments policy remained firmly in place. We made it clear that if they deported 10 Ghanaians, we will deport 10. If they deport 20, we will deport 20. If they deport 50, we will deport 50. We are not going to accept this, he said.

The dispute began when Israeli authorities deported three Ghanaians despite the travellers holding valid visas. Two of them were travelling to Israel for a government-organised cybersecurity conference, while the third was on a Christian pilgrimage.

According to Mr Ablakwa, all three had visas issued by the Israeli Charge dAffaires and had complied with their travel conditions. None of them had violated the terms of their visas. They were not illegal immigrants, he emphasised.

He also clarified widespread reports suggesting that a parliamentary delegation had been detained. He said those involved were staff of the Parliamentary Service rather than Members of Parliament. There was no MP in this delegation, he stated.

Mr Ablakwa said the governments response was not based on the professional status of those affected but on the need to defend Ghanaian citizens abroad. If the government of Ghana does not stand up for its nationals, nobody will. If we do not insist that we are respected, if we do not insist that our dignity is safeguarded, nobody will do it for us, he said.

The Minister also challenged Israels explanation for the deportations. Israeli officials claimed Ghanas embassy in Tel Aviv had failed to cooperate with requests for travel certificates for six individuals earmarked for deportation.

However, Mr Ablakwa said the ministrys checks revealed significant inaccuracies, noting that one person on the list was Gabonese, another had been declared medically unfit to travel, a third already had a travel certificate, and a fourth case had never been referred to Ghanas authorities.

In any case, even if you have rounded up people you want deported, is this how you go about it? he asked, adding that concerns should have been raised through diplomatic channels rather than through the detention of conference participants and pilgrims.

Mr Ablakwa explained that Ghanas action was grounded in the principle of reciprocity under the Vienna Convention, which he said sovereign states rely on to safeguard mutual respect. He added that the matter also touched on broader issues of dignity and equality. The black race is not inferior and we will stand up for our people. That is the message we are sending to the Israeli authorities and to every country, he said.

He stressed that Ghana expects its citizens to be treated abroad with the same respect afforded to foreign nationals at home. Do not treat Ghanaians in a dehumanising way. Do not undermine our dignity. We are all human beings. We deserve the same respect, the same way we treat your nationals when they travel to our country.

Ghana and Israel have enjoyed more than six decades of cordial relations, and Mr Ablakwa said the government did not seek confrontation. However, he maintained that Ghana had not triggered the events that led to the current diplomatic tension.
FBI indicts Abu Trica in multi-million dollar elderly romance scam

Kweku Zurek Dec - 11 - 2025 , 19:35 6 minutes read

A Ghanaian man popularly known on Snapchat as Abu Trica, who gained notoriety for flaunting bundles of cash as well as luxury cars and houses on the platform, has been indicted in the United States for allegedly orchestrating a romance fraud scheme that stole more than eight million dollars from elderly Americans.

A recently unsealed indictment from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Ohio names the suspect as Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica.

The 31-year-old from Swedru was arrested in Ghana on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following a joint operation between Ghanaian and U.S. law enforcement agencies.

According to prosecutors, Kumi was part of a criminal network that, since 2023, targeted elderly Americans through sophisticated romance scams. The indictment states that the group used Artificial Intelligence tools to create convincing fake identities on social media and online dating platforms, enabling them to form emotionally intimate long-distance relationships with their victims.

U.S. authorities said the perpetrators would engage victims in frequent and affectionate conversations by phone, email and messaging apps to build trust. Once the victims became emotionally committed, they were deceived into sending money or valuables under false pretences, including fabricated medical emergencies, supposed travel expenses or fake investment opportunities.

The indictment alleges that after funds were sent, Kumi coordinated with associates in Ohio and across the United States to receive and redistribute the money to co-conspirators in Ghana and other countries. Prosecutors say the operation was structured to hide its origins and frustrate attempts to trace the proceeds of the fraud.

Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and a forfeiture specification. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. U.S. officials noted that sentencing would depend on several factors, including his role in the scheme and his criminal history, if any.

The U.S. Attorneys Office stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that Kumi is entitled to a fair trial. Prosecutors must prove their case beyond reasonable doubt before any conviction can be secured.

The investigation was led by the FBIs Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough. The United States acknowledged extensive collaboration from Ghanas Attorney Generals Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission, the National Intelligence Bureau, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justices Office of International Affairs and the FBI Legal Attache Office in Accra.

The case forms part of the Elder Justice Initiative under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017, which targets scams, fraud and financial exploitation directed at older Americans. The U.S. Department of Justice urged the public to report suspected elder financial abuse through its designated online platforms.

Below is the full press release announcing his arrest;

Ghanaian National Charged with Running Romance Scams That Took Over $8 Million From Elderly Victims

Thursday, December 11, 2025

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

CLEVELAND  A federal grand jury has returned a 2-count indictment charging a Ghanaian National with defrauding elderly victims out of over $8 million.

According to a recently unsealed indictment, Frederick Kumi, aka Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, aka Abu Trica, 31, of Swedru, Ghana was part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims in romance scams across the United States since 2023. Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025.

According to the indictment, perpetrators of this romance scam used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims. They gained victims trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretenses.

Victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic but physically distant relationships with perpetrators. The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms. They then requested money or valuables under false pretenses, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. Relying on these misrepresentations, victims were persuaded to send funds or valuables, which were then directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties.

The indictment also alleges that after the victims transferred funds, Kumi worked with a network of co-conspirators to distribute the money from Ohio and across the United States to associates in the Republic of Ghana and other locations.

Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, and faces up to 20 years in prison.

If convicted, a defendants sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including a defendants prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the governments burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Ghana Attorney Generals Office, EOCO  Ghana Economic Organised Crime Office, GPS  Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, NACOC  Ghana Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana National Intelligence Bureau, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations Sensitive Investigation Unit, U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Justices Office of International Affairs, and FBI Legal Attache Office in Accra for their cooperation with this matter.

The investigation and prosecution of this case is in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justices enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nations elderly population.

To submit a report of suspected elder financial abuse, visit tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation.

Contact

Jessica Salas Novak
Ghana, Colombia deepen ties as Vice Presidents meet at Jubilee House

Diana Mensah Dec - 11 - 2025 , 13:55 1 minute read

Ghana will today host a high-level diplomatic engagement as the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Elena Marquez Mina, pays a courtesy call on Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the Jubilee House to advance bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

In a statement signed by the Press Secretary and Spokesperson to the Vice President, Ama Pratt, the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana-Colombia relations and deepen collaboration in key areas of mutual interest.

According to the statement, the two Vice Presidents will begin with a closed-door meeting focused on strategic priorities for both countries. They will later move to the Credentials Room for expanded bilateral discussions involving their respective delegations.

The engagements are expected to centre on boosting partnerships in trade, investment, technology, and development cooperation. The talks will also explore opportunities to promote inclusive growth and expand South-South collaboration.

The visit underscores the desire of both nations to build on existing ties and create new avenues for shared progress.
Mustapha Hamid, 9 others plead not guilty to 54 counts of offences

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Dangerous metals found in food products: High levels in cereal mixes, creams, ayilo - FDA-UNICEF study reveals

Juliet Akyaa Safo Dec - 11 - 2025 , 09:17 3 minutes read

A new study has revealed alarming levels of lead, cadmium and mercury contamination in some food and cosmetic products across the 16 regions of the country.

The study, conducted by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), assessed 1,691 samples of turmeric, cereal mixes, bentonite clay also known as ayilo, kohl (kajikaji) and skin-lightening creams and lotions often used by women and children.

A health specialist with UNICEF, Dr Emmanuel Kyeremateng-Amoah, said lead levels as high as 11,000ppm (parts per million) were recorded in some kohl samples, which were a hundred times above the safe limit of 20ppm.

He said lead contamination was most prevalent in unbranded, locally produced kohl products, adding that there was a 78 per cent failure rate for lead levels in the Upper East and Eastern regions.

For turmeric, he said there was a 42.1 per cent failure rate for lead, with the Greater Accra and Central regions being the most affected.

He said unsafe levels of lead in turmeric were prevalent in branded, packaged turmeric sold at supermarkets and retail shops.

Other heavy metals

Dr Kyeremateng-Amoah stated that in cereal mixes such as Tom Brown, the study recorded a 29 per cent failure for cadmium nationally.

He said bentonite clay  used for cosmetics and medicinal purposes  showed 24.6 per cent failure for lead, with the most prevalent cases in the North East and Greater Accra regions.

Dr Kyeremateng-Amoah, who was speaking at a press briefing in Accra last Monday, added that industrial sources such as used car batteries and improper handling of electronic waste were identified as a significant contributor to lead contamination.



National plan

On the way forward, he said UNICEF and other partners were developing a national plan to address lead contamination, and called on the media to educate the public on the study findings.

He urged that the Ministry of Health be equipped to test and diagnose lead contamination, with a focus on prevention.

Lead poisoning

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, said children suffered more from lead poisoning since they absorbed five times more into their bodies than adults.

He said even small amounts of lead could damage childrens kidneys, brain development, cause anaemia and slow their growth in speech, and cause hearing impairment, poor learning and aggressive behaviour, among others.

"Lead is toxic to children because they absorb four to five times more than adults.

It affects brain development, speech, hearing and learning, and even exposure in the womb can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.

This is why a national roadmap is critical to prevent exposure and protect children across the country," he said.

Some solutions

Mr Daddey-Adjei expressed commitment to working with agencies and partners to set standards and offer proper training for fabricators of locally made pots to prevent the use of contaminated materials in food contact items.

He said the FDA was going hard on sensitisation to educate the public and fabricators about the dangers of heavy metals in drinking water and food, and the consequences of exposure.

Mr Daddey-Adjei, however, urged the public to report food safety issues to the FDA, indicating that the FDA needed adequate resources to acquire the necessary equipment to conduct necessary testing and ensure regulatory compliance.



Tax holiday

The Director of the Women in Agriculture Development Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Paulina S. Addy, proposed tax holidays for manufacturers of stainless steel utensils to promote safer food practices.

She expressed the ministrys commitment to work with the FDA and other ministries and agencies to address various food safety issues.
Mustapha Hamid, 9 others plead not guilty to 54 counts of offences

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Ghana receives 370 tonnes certified rice seeds under K-RiceBelt project

Benjamin Xornam Glover Dec - 11 - 2025 , 08:57 3 minutes read

Ghana has received 370 tonnes of certified rice seed as part of ongoing efforts to boost domestic rice production and reduce dependence on imports.

Provided under the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), K-RiceBelt Project, the seeds were presented at a ceremony last Tuesday, at the Dawhenya Irrigation Scheme in the Ningo-Prampram Municipality in the Greater Accra Region.

The event, which brought together stakeholders from Ghana and the Republic of Koreas agricultural sectors, marked the successful production of certified rice seed varieties developed by the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) with technical support from Koreas Rural Development Administration (RDA) through the KOPIA Ghana Centre.

The varieties  AGRA Rice, Legon Rice 1, KoreaMo and Agyapa  were bred to offer higher yields, improve resilience and better grain quality.

The seed delivery forms part of the broader K-RiceBelt Project, a five-year initiative that began in September 2023 and will run until 2027.

The project is aimed at strengthening Ghanas rice value chain by ensuring farmers have access to high-quality certified seed at no cost, ultimately reducing the countrys reliance on imported rice.

Project

So far, the K-RiceBelt Project has distributed 850 tonnes of certified rice seed nationwide.

By the end of the project, 5,000 metric tonnes are expected to be supplied, enough to cultivate about 100,000 hectares of land, nearly one-third of Ghanas total rice-growing area.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of the KOPIA Ghana Centre, Dr Young Jin Kim, described the Dawhenya milestone as a turning point in Ghanas drive for rice self-sufficiency.

The production of certified seed goes beyond a technical achievement. It ensures quality, consistency and reliability, while improving the incomes and livelihoods of rice farmers across the country, he said.

Dr Kim added that as rice consumption continues to grow, the project would significantly enhance Ghanas capacity to reduce imports and build a sustainable domestic rice industry.

He also stressed that the achievement reflected the strength of collaboration between Ghana and Korea, adding that meaningful partnerships and local innovation were essential for improving food security.

Appreciation

The Director of Crop Services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Solomon Ansah, on behalf of the minister, expressed appreciation to KOPIA and the government of South Korea for selecting Ghana as one of the seven West African countries to benefit from the K-RiceBelt Project.

He said with strong support from Dawhenya rice farmers and KOPIAs technical expertise, CSIR scientists were able to develop improved seed varieties that would be distributed freely to farmers across the country.

Mr Ansah noted that Ghana is currently about 51 per cent self-sufficient in rice production, making improved seed varieties crucial to efforts to significantly reduce the rice import bill.

He expressed optimism that the new certified varieties would provide a strong foundation for achieving rice self-sufficiency and assured farmers that additional high-yielding varieties would be made available in the coming years.
GNFS averts tanker explosion in Hohoe after fuel-laden vehicle veers off road

Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 11 - 2025 , 18:23 1 minute read

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has averted what could have been a deadly tanker explosion after responding swiftly to an accident involving a petrol tanker at Hohoe in the Volta Region on Monday, December 9.

The tanker, with registration number GT-1140-18, veered off the road and crashed into a high-tension electricity pole before damaging a nearby container shop, triggering an emergency response from fire personnel.

According to the Service, firefighters ensured that electrical power to the fallen high-tension lines was immediately isolated before beginning operations, preventing possible ignition.

Firefighters from the Hohoe Municipal Command, led by Municipal Commander DO III Bismark Hosu Porbley, used foam concentrate to cool the tanker, which was carrying approximately 54,000 litres of petrol. Their intervention successfully eliminated the risk of an explosion.

The Hohoe Police provided additional support to ensure the safe recovery and towing of the tanker from the accident scene.

Although the tankers windscreen and head compartment sustained minor damage, no injuries were recorded.

The GNFS commended the coordinated effort between emergency responders and emphasised the importance of prompt reporting and adherence to safety protocols during road traffic incidents involving fuel tankers.
NSA denies special posting claims, warns against fraudulent agents

Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 11 - 2025 , 12:58 2 minutes read

The National Service Authority (NSA) has denied allegations that some prospective service personnel are being offered paid preferential postings, insisting that such claims are entirely false and intended to mislead the public.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the Authority stressed that it neither charges nor accepts any form of payment to influence postings or repostings, noting that all deployments remain merit-based, transparent and fully automated in accordance with national service regulations.

The NSA does not engage in Special Postings nor does it charge personnel money to be posted or reposted to their preferred institutions, the statement said. It added that individuals or groups demanding money in exchange for favours are engaged in fraud and should be reported to the appropriate security agencies.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining a fair, credible and integrity-driven posting process across the system.

In a related development, the NSA outlined a number of interventions rolled out during the recent registration period to address challenges experienced by some applicants.

The Authority worked with the National Identification Authority and the Ghana Publishing Company to set up a dedicated help desk at the NSA Headquarters to resolve discrepancies in personal details, including changes to names and dates of birth. This collaboration also resulted in a negotiated reduction in gazette service fees to ease the financial burden on personnel.

To streamline administrative processes, the NSA and the Ghana Publishing Company have digitalised the gazette system through an e-gazette platform, allowing personnel to resolve documentation issues online.

Additional support desks have been established at all regional offices, alongside an advanced IT desk at the NSA Headquarters, operational from Monday, December 8. These desks are responsible for addressing outstanding documentation or technical issues ahead of the December 12 registration deadline.

The Authority also announced a structured appointment system aimed at reducing congestion at the headquarters. While personnel may still visit any regional office for assistance, those seeking support at the head office must now book appointment slots using designated phone lines or Google forms.

Applicants with unresolved challenges have been encouraged to contact the NSA Call Centre on 0554404422, 0554400078 or 0554400069, or to schedule virtual or in-person sessions through the online platforms.

The NSA expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown throughout the registration period and assured personnel of its ongoing commitment to a smooth, transparent and accountable deployment process.
Why the FBI has arrested Abu Trica; Popular Snapchat user facing 20 years in jail

Kweku Zurek Dec - 11 - 2025 , 20:00 6 minutes read

Frederick Kumi, better known on Snapchat as Abu Trica, has been arrested in Ghana after United States authorities indicted him for allegedly helping to run a romance scam network that stole more than $8 million from elderly American victims.

But what exactly is he accused of, and how did the scheme work?

Here is what you need to know.

1. Who is Abu Trica?

On Snapchat, Abu Trica projected the image of a young Ghanaian millionaire. He routinely flaunted stacks of cash, luxury houses and lavish spending, gaining thousands of followers who believed he was a legitimately wealthy businessman.

However, U.S. investigators say the luxury lifestyle was allegedly funded by romance scams targeting elderly Americans.

2. Why is the FBI involved?

The victims of the alleged scam are U.S. citizens, many of them elderly, and the money was moved through financial systems in Ohio and several U.S. states.

That gives the FBI jurisdiction, especially because the case involves:

- Wire fraud

- Money laundering

- Cross-border criminal networks

The FBIs Cleveland Division led the investigation.

3. What is he accused of doing?

According to the indictment, Abu Trica was part of a criminal network that:

 Created fake online identities using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools

 Approached elderly victims through dating sites and social media

 Built emotional connections through constant communication

 Persuaded victims to send money for fake emergencies and fraudulent investment opportunities

 Routed the money through co-conspirators in the U.S. before sending it to Ghana

The U.S. Justice Department says the total amount stolen from victims exceeded $8 million.

He has been charged with:

- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

- Money laundering conspiracy

- Forfeiture count related to the alleged proceeds

4. How did the romance scam operate?

According to prosecutors, the scheme worked like this:

Step 1: Fake identities created with AI

Scammers reportedly used AI-generated photos and profiles to look like credible love interests.

Step 2: Emotional manipulation

Victims (mostly elderly and lonely) built what they believed were real relationships through:

- Calls

- Emails

- Text messages

- Social media chats

Step 3: Requests for money

The scammers then asked for money for:

- Medical bills

- Travel costs

- Business investments

- Emergency payments

Step 4: Money transferred and laundered

Funds were sent to U.S. co-conspirators and then moved to Ghana, allegedly with Abu Trica helping coordinate the transfers.

5. How was he arrested?

Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025.

The arrest was the result of a joint operation involving U.S. and Ghanaian agencies, including:

- Ghana Police Service

- EOCO

- Cyber Security Authority

- National Intelligence Bureau

- U.S. FBI and Homeland Security

- U.S. Department of Justices International Affairs Office

The U.S. has praised Ghana for its cooperation.

6. What happens next?

He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

However:

- An indictment is not proof of guilt

- He is entitled to a fair trial

- The U.S. must prove every allegation beyond reasonable doubt

- If the U.S. requests extradition, a Ghanaian court must first rule on it.

7. Why this case matters

The case highlights:

- A growing trend of AI-powered online fraud

- Scammers now use artificial intelligence to convincingly impersonate real people.

- A rising crackdown on Ghana-based cybercrime networks

The U.S. frequently works with Ghana to arrest suspects in:

- Romance scams

- Business email compromise

- Online investment fraud

- The vulnerability of elderly victims

The U.S. Department of Justices Elder Justice Initiative specifically targets scams that prey on senior citizens.

Below is the full press release announcing his arrest;

Ghanaian National Charged with Running Romance Scams That Took Over $8 Million From Elderly Victims

Thursday, December 11, 2025

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

CLEVELAND  A federal grand jury has returned a 2-count indictment charging a Ghanaian National with defrauding elderly victims out of over $8 million.

According to a recently unsealed indictment, Frederick Kumi, aka Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, aka Abu Trica, 31, of Swedru, Ghana was part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims in romance scams across the United States since 2023. Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025.

According to the indictment, perpetrators of this romance scam used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims. They gained victims trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretenses.

Victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic but physically distant relationships with perpetrators. The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms. They then requested money or valuables under false pretenses, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. Relying on these misrepresentations, victims were persuaded to send funds or valuables, which were then directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties.

The indictment also alleges that after the victims transferred funds, Kumi worked with a network of co-conspirators to distribute the money from Ohio and across the United States to associates in the Republic of Ghana and other locations.

Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, and faces up to 20 years in prison.

If convicted, a defendants sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including a defendants prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the governments burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Ghana Attorney Generals Office, EOCO  Ghana Economic Organised Crime Office, GPS  Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, NACOC  Ghana Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana National Intelligence Bureau, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations Sensitive Investigation Unit, U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Justices Office of International Affairs, and FBI Legal Attache Office in Accra for their cooperation with this matter.

The investigation and prosecution of this case is in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justices enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nations elderly population.

To submit a report of suspected elder financial abuse, visit tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation.

Contact

Jessica Salas Novak
Ahiafor breaks silence: Deputy Speaker rejects claims of hostility toward journalist

GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 11 - 2025 , 07:53 3 minutes read

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has rejected claims that he acted in a hostile manner toward a journalist during a parliamentary encounter earlier this week, describing the reports as misleading and unfair.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Mr Ahiafor said he had taken notice of publications suggesting that he had been unfriendly to a member of the press, but insisted that the accounts did not reflect the facts.

He stressed that he holds the media in the highest regard and has always valued the essential role journalists play in Ghanas democratic governance.

According to him, he has consistently maintained a cordial relationship with the parliamentary press corps, granting formal and informal interviews over the years.

He explained that his concerns on the day in question were related to how the interaction was initiated, rather than the journalist involved or the media as an institution.

Responsible journalism requires that interactions with public office holders, particularly within the precincts of Parliament, are done with courtesy, decorum and mutual respect, he said. It is neither out of place nor unreasonable to request a proper sit-down engagement, as has been the practice in the past.

Mr Ahiafor added that he remained committed to ensuring that journalists had the access they needed to inform the public accurately.

He also extended an invitation to the journalist involved, TV3s Christian Yalley, saying he was open to a private discussion just as I have consistently done with many others, including his senior colleague and my friend, Komla Klutsey, Bismark Kweku Asante and many other media reporters. He ended his statement with a message of goodwill in Ewe: Mawu neyra mi adenyi gba lorlor la, which translates as May God bless our beloved land.

The clarification follows a tense encounter on Tuesday, December 9, when Mr Yalley approached the Deputy Speaker for comment after chaos broke out in Parliament during heated exchanges over the declaration of the Kpandai parliamentary seat as vacant. The Minority protested the decision and massed at the centre of the chamber, halting proceedings.

In the midst of the disorder, Mr Ahiafor, who was walking with some Majority MPs and police officers, declined to grant an interview, insisting that parliamentary procedure had been breached. You know the procedure. As a speaker, to speak, you know the procedure to follow. I am not the type that you can put a microphone in my mouth and say, Honourable, Honourable. No. Stop this, he said.

The incident occurred after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga criticised what he called the Minoritys continuous and orchestrated protest over the Kpandai issue, accusing the caucus of attempting to derail parliamentary work. Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh, however, countered that government business would continue to suffer until the matter was resolved.
Withdraw Kpandai notice to EC - Deputy Minority Leader urges Parliament

Samuel Duodu Politics Dec - 11 - 2025 , 05:57 2 minutes read

The Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, has called on Parliament to withdraw the notice to the Electoral Commission (EC) declaring the Kpandai Constituency vacant, citing a premature and unconstitutional move.

Addressing a press conference at the Parliament House Wednesday [Dec 10, 2025], Ms Appiagyei stressed that the notification was a constitutional travesty and a historical self-betrayal as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpandai, Matthew Nyindam, has filed a stay of execution, a notice of appeal, and an application for certiorari at the Supreme Court.

"Parliament should respect the stay of execution and await the outcome of the appeals," the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Asokwa said, citing precedents where members were allowed to continue serving while their appeals were pending.

She warned that proceeding with the notification would set a poisonous precedent and undermine the rule of law and the separation of powers.

Recall

The Tamale High Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Bart Plange Brew, ordered the EC to conduct a rerun of the parliamentary election in the Kpandai Constituency in the Northern Region.

Following the decision, Parliament on Monday, December 8, 2025, formally notified the EC of a vacancy in the seat.

The situation erupted into chaos in Parliament last Tuesday, when the Minority disrupted proceedings in the House and called for the immediate withdrawal of the formal letter to the EC declaring the Kpandai parliamentary seat as vacant.

Affront to natural justice

The Deputy Minority Leader further stated that the decision to notify the EC of a vacancy in the Kpandai Constituency was a clear breach of parliamentary precedent and an affront to the principles of natural justice.

We are not just talking about the fate of one Member of Parliament, we are talking about the rights of the people of Kpandai to be represented in this House," she said.

Ms Appiagyei emphasised that the High Court's judgement was not final and was subject to appeal, and that Parliament should not take any action that would prejudge the outcome of the appeal.

To do so would be to usurp the powers of the judiciary and to undermine the rule of law," the Deputy Minority Leader said.

She also warned that the decision to notify the EC could have far-reaching consequences for the countrys democracy, saying it would set a dangerous precedent and open the floodgates to abuse of the electoral process.

We will not stand idly by and watch as the rights of the people of Kpandai are trampled upon, she said.
Our institutions are being undermined: Bawumia criticises handling of Kpandai dispute

GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 11 - 2025 , 12:22 3 minutes read

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has criticised what he describes as an erosion of democratic norms in the handling of the Kpandai parliamentary dispute, warning that recent actions by Parliament and the Electoral Commission risk undermining long-standing institutional safeguards.

His comments follow Parliaments decision to declare the Kpandai seat vacant. After receiving Parliaments notification, the Electoral Commission announced December 30, 2025, as the date for a fresh poll. This follows the Tamale High Court's ruling on Monday, November 24, 2025, ordering a rerun of the Kpandai Constituency Parliamentary Election within 30 days.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Bawumia said he was troubled by the speed and manner in which the sitting MP, Martin Nyindam, who has filed an appeal in court, was being denied the opportunity to exhaust the legal processes available to him.

To say the least, Im very disappointed with what is going on in our country. It looks like our institutions of democracy and our tenets of democracy are being undermined, he said.

He argued that Ghanas recent political history offers clear precedents where Parliament opted to wait for the full conclusion of court proceedings before taking any action on a disputed seat.

The issue of Kpandai with Mathew Nyindam is not a new issue in our democratic politics. We have had issues with Dan Abodakpi, issues with Takyi Quaison in Assin. Basically youve had the House allow the legal processes to take place and be exhausted before state institutions are subpleaded into acting in ways that undermine democracy.

Dr Bawumia said he could not understand the indecent haste with which the latest decision had been taken, insisting that Mr Nyindam had followed all the necessary legal steps, including filing an appeal at the High Court and an application for judicial review at the Supreme Court.

Martin Nyindam should be given his day in court. He has filed appeal processes at the High Court. He has filed for a judicial review at the Supreme Court and none of those cases has been adjudicated so why the rush? Why the indecent haste? he asked.

He added that the MP was being railroaded and stressed that the move violates the norms Parliament had upheld in earlier disputes.

The House has never really rushed in this way when it came to the other cases. What is the difference with the case of Martin Nyindam? he queried. It should not be the case. We should uphold the tenets of democracy. Democracy is something precious that weve all had and we have all subscribed to.

Dr Bawumia further cautioned against the use of political authority to short-circuit democratic processes, arguing that such actions weaken the institutions that protect national stability.

When you start undermining its pillars, you break it down and the consequences for the nation are very severe. Simply because you have power, you shouldnt feel that you can run roughshod over your opponents and the principles of democracy, he said.
The Honor Magic8 Pro is continuing its global rollout after debuting in Malaysia last month. Honors flagship is now available in Dubai and across the GCC.

Interested customers can pre-order the Magic8 Pro starting today from Honors online store and other online retailers across the UAE. The phone is available in 12GB/512GB and 16GB/1TB variants.

Those who pre-order the phone will also receive free gifts worth AED 2,299 ($815) that include the Honor Watch5 Ultra, a 3-month free trial of Google AI Pro, and Honor VIP Care+ 12-month damage protection. The pre-orders will end on December 18.

In the UAE, the Magic8 Pro is priced at AED 3,999 ($1,090) for the 12GB/512GB option and AED 4,699 ($1,280) for the 16GB/1TB option. Both phones are available in Sunrise Gold and Black color options, whereas the base storage variant is also sold in a Cyan color.

The Honor Magic8 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC and offers a 6.71-inch LPTO quad-curved display. It comes with a triple rear camera setup with a 200MP periscope telephoto and a 50MP main sensor. The phone also gets a 50MP selfie camera with a 3D depth sensor for biometrics.

It packs a 7,100mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 80W wireless charging. Other specs include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, up to an IP69K rating, stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, 5.5G support, and NFC.

Honor Magic8 Pro 5G

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ZTE is reportedly closing in on a deal to resolve its foreign bribery allegations by way of a $1 billion payment to the U.S. government. According to a new Reuters News report, the U.S. Department of Justice has an ongoing investigation into ZTEs violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) across several regions, with U.S. officials now working on a resolution that would involve a $1 billion payment.

ZTE faces multiple bribery allegations under the FCPA for allegedly bribing officials across several regions to secure telecom contracts. According to people familiar with the ongoing DOJ investigation into ZTE, the most recent bribery allegations date back to 2018 and involved questionable telecom deals in South America and, more specifically, Venezuela.

ZTE issued an official statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which confirmed the reports of ongoing communication with the U.S. DOJ. If a deal is to be reached with the U.S. government, it would first need to pass approval from the Chinese government, as ZTE is partially state-owned.

If you need a refresher, heres a brief timeline of the ZTE restrictions and bans.

In 2017, ZTE pleaded guilty to illegally exporting U.S. technology to Iran and North Korea, which resulted in a $1.2 billion fine. A year later, the U.S. Department of Commerce banned U.S. companies from exporting components like chips and software to ZTE for a period of 7 years.

In 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated ZTE as a national security threat and further restricted its access to U.S. networks while also blocking federal subsidies to carriers using ZTE network equipment. In 2022, the FCC banned all imports of ZTE and Huawei networking equipment, which was also followed by multiple European Union member states.

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Hugh Caville, director of government affairs at Cruise Line International Association, Australasia, said there is an emerging opportunity for a Micronesia-focused cruise network.

Caville was one of four speakers at the Pacific Asia Travel Association Micronesias third triannual meeting on Thursday at the Guam Museum, bringing together regional tourism leaders, industry partners, and government officials to advance cooperation and development across Micronesia.

Attending via Zoom, Caville said CLIA represents roughly 95% of the global cruise line capacity, an overwhelming majority of the industry and is absolutely interested in working within the Micronesia region.

Theres so much to offer, and the way tourism in your region is set up is perfect for what cruise can offer, Caville said. Its a growing market, but more importantly, it is a predictable market up to two to three years in advance. This allows the communities and regions the ability to [plan] exactly the type of cruise experience they want.

Cruise lines account for 2% of global tourism, Caville added, and the industry is seeing a huge acceleration since the pandemic.

Moreover, 82% of past cruisers plan to sail again, and even if they do not, Caville said first-time visitors become longtime advocates for a cruise lines destination region.

The forecast he shared projects 41.9 million passengers in 2028 based on the steady increase since 2021. Caville added that there were 34.6 million ocean cruisers in 2024, a 9% increase, and preliminary predictions say 2025 will end with 37.7 million cruisers.

This represents an opportunity. It could bring visitors in during off-peak seasons, stabilize visitors numbers, and help sustain a large number of local industries. Were seeing an enormous retention rate, Caville said.

According to Cavilles data, 11% of travelers take three to five cruises per year, 25% sail twice or more per year, 29% plan longer trips than their previous trips, and 11% book trips a year or more in advance, allowing destinations and travelers to plan their itineraries with clarity.

A 5,000-person cruise ship is not going to turn up one day and ask to come ashore. These things are planned well in advance. The community can decide which ships can arrive and what type of ships to accept, controlling visitor flow, and it can align with environmental protections and cultural preservation, Caville said.

What Micronesia can offer the cruise line experience is an extraordinary experience, something that is rare and something deeply connected to nature, Caville added.

He also said the industry has experienced a 150% growth in capacity in the luxury and expedition markets, so Guam is exactly the type of destination that the market is looking for, because it checks all the boxes.

Kiruu Kanai, a marketing representative from the Palau Visitors Bureau, told the Pacific Daily News that the cruise line would be an awesome means to implement an idea previously visited by PATA.

Weve already set the groundwork for it, as far as uniting Micronesia and putting together one itinerary [for] visitors to visit all the Micronesian islands in one package, Kanai said. Im excited to see where it goes from here.

Cavilles presentation also showed a large number of millennials booking cruise trips. Kanai hopes this means a cruise charter in the region could bring more families as visitors.

Palau is more known as a dive destination, but its not so easy for divers to bring their family over. If they were to come on a cruise and bring their family, they could do a couple of things and get the family experience, Kanai said.

The cruise line industry is the direction where everyone is trying to go, Kanai added, and it is a great way to bring people to all the islands instead of just one or two.

David Tydingco, vice chair of PATA Micronesia, said the focus of this project is to use tourism as a tool to improve the quality of life for the islands of Micronesia.

Were the last best kept secret [so] at the end of the day, we need to allow the experts to look at opportunities to make a regional cruise line operation happen, Tydingco said. Ships are coming out but not on a regular basis. All of us are looking for global travel, so we need to become a global destination.

Tydingco added that a cruise campaign would allow Guam, Palau, Yap, Kosrae, and the other islands to market themselves as Micronesia instead of separate entities, like menu items in a restaurant. He wants the region as a whole to be proud of its shared heritage and show visitors a combined experience they cannot find anywhere else.

As much as we [all] have unique experiences, we need connectivity to get [visitors] here first, he said.

Proper management

The most important aspect of chartering a cruise line in Micronesia is collaboration between the islands and the cruise ships crew members.

A cruise industry requires heavy investments in port and marine infrastructure, Caville added, but it leads to significant contributions to the global economy, and that benefit flows through local community and could be a real force for good if managed appropriately.

Kanai also told PDN that the right people need to be in charge of the project and passionate about making sure our culture is in the forefront. She said it is not about the people but about the experience.

We need to make sure there are vendors in the ports selling locally made crafts and foods. There should be a structure of who and what will be welcoming the visitors, she said. We need to make sure when people come, they learn a little about our culture and how weve maintained it.

The preservation of heritage is something cruise lines could get along with, to enhance the experience of travelers, supporting efforts from local organizations, Caville said.

Cruise lines are international by nature, often visiting several countries, which makes consistency critical, Caville said. As they go on that voyage, theres a level of collaboration [and] part of responsible cruise tourism [is] leaving every destination stronger.

Caville gave an example of cruise lines passing through Australia, New Zealand, and other neighboring entities, assuring representatives at the meeting that cultural respect and enhancement and working with local communities would be priorities for CLIA should the Micronesia charter come to fruition.

The industry also supports coral reef protection and coordinates with local markets for traditional crafts and locally made products.

[Passengers] dont just want to stay on the ship... they want to explore what that region has to offer, and immersive tourism is something we think Micronesia can offer incredibly well, Caville said.

Efficiency, economics

Vanessa Lauweiram, a marketing representative from the Yap Visitors Authority, said the cruise line is a great idea to move forward with, especially with our islands being so secluded.

Economically and culturally, it could be very beneficial. The exposure to cruise ships would mean more visitors and tourists, then my office would work with locals to host events for the cruise ship, Lauweiram said.

Caville added that the industry has a net-zero goal by 2050, and over half of all newly built cruise ships are ready for alternative fuels with a standard for energy efficient technology across the fleet, such as liquefied natural gas, methanol, and hydrogen and hybrid propulsion advancing.

The long-term benefits of the industry come from its planned-in-advance foundation, allowing it to support long-term social and economic development.

Through its destination stewardship, CLIAs cruises have contributed an annual $168 billion output to the global economy, supported 1.6 million jobs, and generated $57 billion in wages.

What passengers around the world are looking for, Caville added, is somewhere new and exciting theyve never been before, which is a gap that Micronesia can fill for the industry.

Its going to take a lot of time from local governments and ourselves to make sure we can control the growth that takes place and that its the right type of cruise tourism we want to attract [but] Micronesia doesnt need to replicate another region, Caville said. Its something unique that cruise lines and cruise travelers are definitely looking for. The future is really bright for the region.
A 51-year-old man was taken to Naval Hospital after he was located along the shoreline south of Fish Eye Marine Park in Piti Thursday afternoon "pulseless and breathless," Guam Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Nick Garrido said.

GFD personnel responded to Fish Eye around 3:50 p.m. Thursday for a reported missing swimmer, Garrido said.

At about 4:20 p.m. responders located the 51-year-old man along the shoreline and he was pulseless and breathless, he said.

"GFD personnel initiated CPR on scene and while en route to Naval Hospital with GFD paramedics," Garrido said.
A man with 26 previous arrests dating back to the 1970s was accused of breaking a glass meth pipe this week when confronted by police, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court.

Albert Borja Lucena, 68, was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony, fraudulent use of a license plate as a third-degree felony and destruction of evidence as a misdemeanor.

He was ordered held on $3,000 cash bail.

At 12:43 p.m. Dec. 10, police stopped Lucena as he was driving a car with a license plate registration tag that expired in 2012. The car was traveling on a part of Hahasu Drive in Dededo known for high volumes of criminal activity, such as violence and drugs, according to the complaint.

Lucena had none of the documents requested by police  license, registration and insurance  and officers learned the license plate assigned to the car had previously been confiscated by police. They also learned Lucena had previously been arrested for fraudulent use of a license plate involving the same car on Oct. 29.

When police asked Lucena to get out of the car, he was uncooperative and refused to exit the vehicle, the complaint stated.

Eventually, he stepped out of the car, but reached into his back pocket, leading police to suspect he had a concealed weapon, the complaint stated. They saw him cupping an object in his pocket, and he tensed up and moved a glass pipe from one hand to the other and tried to crush it.

Police heard the sound of glass breaking and later found that Lucena broke part of the pipe, the complaint stated. Lucena told police he had done nothing wrong.

Later, parts of the pipe tested positive for methamphetamine.

Court documents provided by the Office of the Attorney General indicate Lucenas first arrest on Guam was in August 1976, when he was 18. The most recent before this week was the October arrest for fraudulent use of a license plate.

If found guilty of the current charges, he faces 11 years in prison.
This Saturday morning, Dec. 13, a coalition of community groups and non-profits are inviting the island community to join Walk for Water 2025 at Litekyan.

Come and gather at 8 a.m. for a water ceremony organized by Gi Matan Guma, and then a 1 mile walk through the jungles and along the beach of beautiful Litekyan starting at 9 a.m.

After that there will be music by artists such as Microchild, Sinot Tom Bejado, Teihini Davis, neni-entrepreneur DJ Everything and more. Food will be provided as well.

This event is being organized and made possible by Micronesia Climate Change Alliance, Hita Litekyan, Gi Matan Guma, Pulan Speaks, Independent Guahan and the Magalahen Hurao Charter School.

This event is focused around the principle that access to clean and reliable drinking water is a fundamental human right.

In Guam we are blessed to have a rich freshwater aquifer, but there are so many current and impending threats to that aquifer and our ability to enjoy safe drinking water in our home. People can come to learn and be reminded that linala i hanom, water is life, and that without it, life would not be possible, here or anywhere.

There are so many reasons for people to come and join the Walk for Water. Here are a few.

Right above the Litekyan area is the firing range complex built as part of the U.S. military buildup to Guam. Despite a significant amount of protest and environment concerns, tens of thousands of signatures in petitions, these firing ranges were built and the largest and most dangerous of which, range 5, when operational, may see the use of millions of bullets fired each year, in addition to other types of weapons.

All of this taking place right above our freshwater aquifer presents a clear and worrisome risk. You can join the Walk for Water to learn more about this danger or to protest the firing range.

Dieldrin is something most people on did not know much about prior to this year. But because of the plight of the people living in Yigo, it is now notorious and unfortunately a household word. There have long been concerns over the safety of drinking water on Guam, but they reached new levels during the dieldrin crisis.

You can join the Walk for Water to learn more about this and insist that our local government do more to ensure that our local water sources are protected and that our drinking water is safe.

The Trump administration has started the process that would open up the seabed in the CNMI and around the Marianas to deep sea mining for minerals.

Given other actions that the Trump administration is taking to focus on resource extraction this shouldnt be a surprise. But this is also a clear example of Guam and the CNMI and our territorial statuses limiting our most basic ability to self-govern.

If this type of mining was allowed to proceed, first it would not be up to the governments or peoples of the Marianas to say yes or no, similar to the U.S. military buildups.

Second, there would likely be a great deal of environmental damage to our waters.

Thirdly, there would be almost no economic benefit for the Marianas, since the U.S. federal government would control who gets to extract the resources and also get to collect monies off of licenses and taxes. Join the Walk for Water and learn more about this issue as well.

In a world in which we are increasingly relying on digital means, AI this and AI that, and technology dominates and dictates all, it is easy to forget that the oldest and most fundamental truths still persist.

Water remains a source of life. Even if it is something we can easily forget at times, it is something that has to be protected and prioritized.

Those who come on Saturday will be walking to help ground ourselves in that important truth. Maila ya ta fanhanao para Litekyan ya ta famokkat!




Haiti - FLASH : First infos on international contributions to the GSF





Following the December 9th meeting in New York on international contributions to the Gang Supression Force (GSF), the first (unofficial) informations are beginning to circulate.



Canada, France, Chad, Burundi, Benin, The Gambia, Argentina, Gabon, the Dominican Republic, and Djibouti have announced concrete commitments to support gang repression operations in Haiti.



Chad has reportedly offered to send 1,500 soldiers. Five other countries, whose identities remain confidential for the time being, have pledged to provide the GSF with more than 3,000 personnel, primarily military, given the offensive nature of the new mission.



Other countries have also promised to provide mobile units, an air component, and a maritime component.



The Dominican Republic has announced a $10 million contribution to the Trust Fund and is making its hospital facilities available to the GSF for the wounded. Canada has also reportedly announced a contribution of US$40 million.



For the first time, Haiti will contribute US$50 million to the GSF, according to available information, including a monetary contribution and an unspecified amount in kind.



Countries that have expressed their willingness to contribute to the FRG must finalize their commitments by February 2026.



TB/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Economy : The US Congress is making progress toward renewing the HOPE/HELP program





On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the U.S. Congress took a significant step toward renewing the HOPE II Act (Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement) and extending the HELP Act (Haiti Economic Lift Program), a preferential trade regime designed to stimulate Haitis textile and apparel industry.



This renewal enjoys bipartisan support and is part of a package of legislation being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee.



During the session, Jason Smith, the Committee Chairman, emphasized that this renewal is crucial not only for Haitis economic recovery but also for the strategic interests of the United States in the Western Hemisphere, stating, "A fair and mutually beneficial trade relationship with Haiti creates jobs and stability in a country marked by a long history of humanitarian crises. Haitis prosperity contributes to the security of the United States."



It is worth recalling that the HOPE Act and its subsequent extension, HELP, allow textile and apparel products manufactured in Haiti to enter the U.S. market with preferential tariffs, making this sector one of Haiti's main economic drivers.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





43 Police Officers Killed in Combat

From January to November 2025, 43 police officers, 7 soldiers from the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAdH), and 2 agents of the multinational force were killed in combat, according to the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH).



Trump Assumes His Vulgarity

On Tuesday, December 9, at a rally in Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump denigrated Somalia and other countries, calling them "filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime" without showing the slightest remorse, while simultaneously touting his strict immigration policies. Trump, who had denied using derogatory language about Haiti and African countries, admitted to using the offensive phrase "shithole countries" to describe Haiti and African nations, without the slightest remorse...



Serious Accident in Caracol

The Association of Haitian Industries (ADIH) expresses its profound sadness and deep dismay following the serious accident that occurred earlier this week in Caracol, where a bus transporting workers from Limonade to the Caracol Industrial Park overturned on a curve, resulting in the deaths of at least 5 passengers and approximately 20 others injured, several critically. In these painful moments, the ADIH extends its sincerest condolences to the bereaved families, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire textile sector, which has been severely impacted by this tragedy. The ADIH also expresses its full solidarity with the injured and wishes a speedy recovery to all the victims.



Madrid : Konpa Gala Dinner

The Konpa Gala Dinner will be held in Madrid on December 13, 2025. This event will pay tribute to the 70th anniversary of Konpa, the true musical heart of Haiti and its diaspora, an essential rhythm that inspires, unites, and illuminates our culture https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46392-haiti-news-zapping.html . Organized in a Christmas spirit, this celebration will highlight the elegance, heritage, and vitality of Konpa, a symbol of pride for the Haitian people.



OPC : Winners of the Writing and Reporting Competition

The Office of Citizen Protection (OPC) presented the awards to the winners of the 9th edition of its writing and reporting competition on human rights. In the journalists category, the first prize was awarded to Esther Kimberly Bazile and Jonasson Odigene, journalists at Le Nouvelliste, for their report on women and girls who are victims of sexual violence in displacement camps. In the student category, the prize went to Roobens Isma, a student at the Faculty of Law and Economics and also a journalist at Le Nouvelliste. The prize for the high school student category was awarded to Lisa Fahimie Joseph, from College Saint-Louis de Bourdon. The OPC also announced a full scholarship for the high school student winner, while the winners in the journalists and students categories will receive full-time contracts within the institution.



Taekwondo : Preparing for the First Games in 2026 in the Dominican Republic

Today, the leadership of the Pan-American Taekwondo Union (PATU) officially held its first strategic meeting in preparation for the first Games to be held in the Dominican Republic in 2026. This important meeting marks the beginning of a joint effort to provide our taekwondo athletes with the best possible support, development, and competitive opportunities on the international stage.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Senior Center News

Dec. 15-19

Weekly Menu

Menu subject to change

Mon. 15. Sweet & Sour Chicken, Rice, Veggie Blend, Peaches.

Tues. 16. Goulash, Garlic Toast, Corn, Mix Fruit.

Wed. 17. Pepper Steak, Rice, Veggie Blend, pears.

Thurs 18. Pulled Pork Sandwich, Potato Wedges, peas, Pineapple.

Fri. 19. Parmesan Cod, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans, Mandarin Oranges.

Mary Stevens: December 16th 11:00am-12:00, will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Free and open to the community.

Tops: Wednesday Dec 10th, Tops Weigh-in 8:30-9:00 am. Meeting 9 am-10:00 am.

Coffee Club: meets every Wednesday at the Senior...
From Hill County Health Department

As of 12/3/2025, we have one new, confirmed case of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Hill County. This brings our yearly total to six cases.

The Hill County Health Department wants to help you protect yourself and your family.

What is Whooping Cough?

 Pertussis is a very contagious disease.

 It is caused by bacteria that attack the lungs and throat.

 It can affect people of any age, but it is one of the most dangerous diseases for babies and young children.

How to Stop the Spread

The most important step is to get vaccinated against pertussis. The vaccine is g...
In passing President Trumps big beautiful tax cut bill earlier this year, Republicans in Congress slashed support for affordable health care insurance to offset tax breaks for the wealthy. As a result, millions of Americansand 77,000 Montanansface dramatically increasing insurance rates that will affect both their access to medical care and the viability of many hospitals, especially in rural areas.

In the face of these impacts, Senator Steve Daines recently declared, The current situation is entirely of the Democrats own making.

What alternative universe do you live in, Steve?

What is...
Wheeler has lived in Montana for 11 years, in court while fiancee expecting child

by Matt Hudson

Montana Free Press Local

12.05.2025

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month arrested a Great Falls man with British citizenship who has lived in Montana for 11 years and is expecting a child with his fiancee.

A federal judge has barred ICE from transferring the man, 26-year-old Dakota Wheeler, out of Montana, at least temporarily. The immigration agency is challenging the order.

On Nov. 5, ICE agents arrested Wheeler at a downtown senior living home where he worked. The agency stated that Wheeler overstayed a 90-day visa waiver that was granted in 2015.

The Daily Mon...
The Miss Suomi organisation confirmed the decision at a press conference in Helsinki on Thursday.

The decision followed public criticism of a photo shared on social media in late November. In the image, Dzafce is seen pulling the corners of her eyes in a manner widely interpreted as mocking East Asian features. The image also featured the caption Kiinalaisen kaa syomas (eating with a Chinese).

Sarah Dzafce has lost her Miss Finland title three months after winning the 2025 competition.

The title was transferred to first runner-up Tara Lehtonen, who was crowned during the same event.

I want to start by offering my deepest apologies to everyone I have hurt, especially the Asian community, Dzafce said at the press event.

She added that the decision had been made together with the organisation and wished Lehtonen well.

I hope this action shows how seriously we take the situation. Racism is never acceptable, she said.

Miss Suomi Sarah Dzafce lost her crown because of this photo that spread on social media.

Image: Screenshot from a Jodel post



The image was initially shared by Dzafces friend, not Dzafce herself, on a private group. Dzafce explained to Ilta-Sanomat the gesture as a reaction to a headache and pressure in her eyes during a dinner. She claimed the friend added the caption without her input.

Criticism intensified after Dzafce posted a video from a Finnair business class flight. In the video, she commented, Jengi heittaa meanwhile ma Finnairin business luokas (people throw hate while Im in Finnair business class). Viewers interpreted the post as dismissive and arrogant. The video has since been removed.

On Monday, Dzafce issued a public apology via Instagram.

I want to apologise especially to those personally affected by this situation. I will learn from it and grow, she wrote.

The Miss Suomi organisations CEO Sunneva Sjogren confirmed that the title removal followed days of internal discussions. Earlier in the week, the organisation had stated there were no plans to revoke the crown.

We carefully considered every aspect, Sjogren said at the press conference. This decision was heavy but necessary. Miss Suomi represents Finland to the world. Racism contradicts our values.

Sjogren said the organisation held several private discussions with Dzafce, especially after she returned from the Miss Universe competition in November.

We are sorry for the pain this has caused, especially to the Asian community. The title is a position of trust and responsibility, she said.

Sjogren added that the controversy drew attention in Finland and abroad.

Miss Suomi must be a role model and show respect to all people, she said. We wish Sarah all the best in her future. People can learn and grow.

Dzafce said she was informed of the decision on Thursday morning.

I now understand my actions were wrong, and I take full responsibility, she said.

She also announced she would take a break from social media.

Ill think ten times before posting anything in future, she told reporters. I need time to focus on my wellbeing.

Tara Lehtonen, 25, expressed surprise at the news.

I was aware of the controversy but didnt expect it to escalate like this, she said.

Lehtonen confirmed that the call asking her to accept the title came unexpectedly. She was at work when the offer arrived.

I had to pause for a moment to process the question, she said. I wasnt prepared for it.

She described her own social media use as neutral and said she does not believe a similar situation would occur with her.

Lehtonen and Dzafce appeared together at the press event and were seen embracing before the handover. Lehtonen said their relationship remains friendly and they plan to stay in contact.

This is the first time since 2011 that a Miss Suomi title has changed hands during the reigning year. In that case, Pia Lamberg (nee Pakarinen) resigned due to dissatisfaction with the organisation. Her title passed to first runner-up Sara Sieppi.

HT
The law is expected to come into effect at the start of 2026 if passed by the full Parliament. It applies to employment contracts in both the private and public sectors, excluding civil service roles.

Parliament has approved a legislative proposal that will lower the threshold for terminating employment contracts on personal grounds. Under the proposed reform, employers will no longer need to show a "weighty reason" to dismiss an employee. An appropriate reason will be sufficient.

Arto Satonen, chair of the Parliaments Employment and Equality Committee and a former Minister of Employment, confirmed that the committee supports the governments proposal in full.

The aim is to reduce barriers to employment and support small and medium-sized businesses, Satonen said at a press briefing. Recruiting even one employee is a major decision for a small firm.

The reform will not affect layoffs resulting from redundancy or structural changes, nor will it change the procedures for dismissing civil servants.

The committee has proposed a separate statement urging future governments to evaluate the dismissal threshold for civil servants to avoid legal disparity between public and private sector workers.

Civil service employment rules fall under a separate legal regime, and any changes would require a new proposal by a future administration.

The opposition, including the Social Democrats, Greens, and Left Alliance, strongly criticised the law. Lauri Lyly, the committees deputy chair from the SDP, described the reform as a direct weakening of employee protection.

This bill lowers the minimum protection level for all wage earners. No one knows how far the threshold will drop, and it will take years for case law to stabilise, Lyly said.

The opposition also raised concerns about the potential rise in workplace discrimination, especially in sectors already affected by insecure working conditions.

Greens MP Fatim Diarra said the committee had received testimony warning that the new law could increase pregnancy and parental leave discrimination. In response, the committee included a clause requiring the monitoring of such risks until 2028.

The Centre Party, which is not part of the governing coalition, proposed limiting the new dismissal rules to companies with fewer than 20 employees. MP Olga Oinas-Panuma argued that this would address the challenges faced by small businesses without affecting sectors like public healthcare and education, where employment is often unstable.

Opposition parties have labelled the reform the termination law, claiming it favours employers and increases legal uncertainty for workers. They also warn that the change could disproportionately harm young people, women, and low-income earners.

According to Lyly, around 12,400 people are dismissed each year in Finland for personal reasons, and a further 14,600 during probation periods. The new law, he argued, would heighten the risk of dismissal across all sectors.

Despite the disagreement, the Employment and Equality Committee approved the proposal with majority support. Two formal dissenting opinions were included in the final report.

HT
The move follows a joint statement signed at an informal ministerial conference in Strasbourg on 10 December. The document was endorsed by countries including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, Sweden and all Nordic states. Large EU countries such as Germany, France and Spain did not sign the statement.

Finland has joined 26 European countries in calling for changes to how the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted, seeking to make it easier to deport foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes.

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen signed the statement on behalf of Finland. She said the Convention must adapt to modern challenges, including cross-border crime, human trafficking and politically motivated migration pressure.

We must be able to remove foreign nationals who commit serious crimes, even if they have formed family ties in their host country, Rantanen said in a government release. This is about protecting our citizens and the core values of our society.

The joint statement criticises the current legal interpretation of two articles of the Convention. Article 8, which protects the right to private and family life, is said to be applied in ways that block deportations, even in serious criminal cases. Article 3, which prohibits torture and inhuman treatment, is described as being used too broadly, especially in cases involving return to countries with poor prison conditions.

The signatories say courts should place more weight on the severity of a persons crimes and less on their personal ties when assessing deportation cases. They argue that the concept of inhuman or degrading treatment should be reserved for the most extreme cases and not used to block removals based on health or detention conditions alone.

The statement also argues for the right of countries to cooperate with third states on asylum and returns, provided human rights are respected. It calls for a stronger legal basis to respond to so-called instrumentalised migration, where states are accused of directing migrant flows to exert pressure on neighbouring countries.

Rantanen cited Finlands experience on the eastern border, where it has accused Russia of deliberately sending asylum seekers to border crossings in late 2023. This led Finland to shut its entire land border to passenger traffic, a measure that remains in place.

The threat of instrumentalised migration still exists, she said. We must acknowledge these risks and respond responsibly.

The statement stops short of proposing direct changes to the text of the European Convention itself. Instead, it calls for a rebalancing of existing rights and responsibilities through updated legal interpretations by national courts and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The Council of Europe, which oversees the Convention and the ECHR, will now begin formal discussions on a potential political declaration. A joint declaration is expected to be adopted at a foreign ministers' summit in Chisinau, Moldova in May 2026.

Earlier in 2025, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that the Convention is outdated in light of growing security concerns.

Frederiksen said the reforms would strengthen public confidence in legal systems and show that European countries are acting on security and migration issues. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has supported similar changes while maintaining the UKs commitment to the Convention.

Under current law, only the ECHR in Strasbourg can interpret the Conventions provisions. Governments cannot interfere with its rulings, but they hope the upcoming declaration will lead the court to consider their concerns more closely.

The Council of Europe includes 46 member states. While only 27 signed the statement, discussions will continue among all members ahead of the summit in May.

HT
Nemo, who won with the song The Code in Malmo, Sweden, said in a statement on Instagram that they would send the glass microphone trophy back to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) headquarters in Geneva.

Nemo Mettler , the Swiss artist who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, has announced that they are returning the trophy in protest over Israels continued participation in the competition.

I will always be grateful for the Eurovision community and everything this experience taught me, Nemo wrote. But I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf.

Israels inclusion in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, set for May, has led to widespread backlash from artists, broadcasters, and audiences across Europe. At least five countries, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, have withdrawn from the event. Some artists have also said they would not take part even if selected in national finals.

Nemo cited the EBUs core values of unity, inclusion, and dignity as key reasons for their protest, saying these ideals are incompatible with allowing a state accused of serious human rights violations to compete.

Referencing a United Nations commissions findings on Gaza, the artist said Israels participation in Eurovision contradicts the competitions stated ethics.

When entire countries are withdrawing from the contest because of this contradiction, it should be obvious that something is deeply wrong, Nemo wrote. Its not about individuals, its about the institution.

They added that calling the competition apolitical was misleading, given the current context. If we dont live by the values we sing about, then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning.

The EBU has not commented publicly on the returned trophy. They confirmed earlier this month that Israel would be allowed to participate in the 2026 contest despite calls for exclusion from artists and activists across Europe.

The Finnish broadcaster Yle has confirmed Finland will take part in the contest. Finlands Eurovision fan club has supported that decision, saying participation should not be politicised.

Nemo, who uses they/them pronouns, made history in 2024 as the first nonbinary winner of Eurovision. Their entry, The Code, was widely praised for its genre-blending composition and strong message of self-identity.

By returning the trophy, Nemo becomes the first Eurovision winner known to renounce their award over political or ethical concerns related to the contests organisation.

HT
AVL's Tina Kinsey receives national award for marketing work

Tina Kinsey

Tina Kinsey, chief administrative officer of Asheville Regional Airport, has received the 2025 Ted Bushelman Legacy Award for Creativity and Excellence, the Airports Council International-North America announced.

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The award, which honors outstanding accomplishments and contributions in airport marketing, communications and customer experience, was presented during the ACI's Marketing and Communications Conference in Kansas City Dec. 2-4.

Tina Kinsey is a passionate advocate for airport marketing, communications and customer experience, said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. Her work has significantly advanced these efforts at AVL and across the aviation industry. Tina brings unmatched creativity and commitment to every challenge and is highly deserving of this honor.

Kinseys leadership has been central to AVLs growth and reputation in the aviation industry. She has guided major strategic initiatives, strengthened stakeholder engagement and helped position AVL as one of the fastest growing airports in the country. As chief administrative officer, she oversees daily administrative operations and leads several key departments to support organizational performance and strategic direction. Before becoming CAO, she served as AVLs vice president of marketing, public relations and air service.

During her tenure, AVL has added more than 20 nonstop destinations, increased seat capacity by more than 230 percent and achieved record passenger volumes in eight of the last ten years, with more than two million passengers for the past two years. Kinsey has also been a strong advocate for the role of aviation in regional tourism and economic development. Earlier this year, she received the 2025 ACI-NA Air Service Achievement Award.

I am deeply honored to receive this award, she said. The work we do is rooted in service to our travelers and our region. I am grateful for the teams and colleagues who inspire me every day and proud to represent AVL among such talented professionals.

Lew Bleiweis, President & CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, said Kinseys leadership has elevated AVLs reputation on a national scale.

Tina is an exceptional industry leader whose vision and dedication has helped shaped the success of Asheville Regional Airport, he said. Her work has made a lasting impact on our airport and our industry, and we are proud to celebrate this well-earned honor.

The award is named for its first recipient, Ted Bushelman, who served as senior director of communications at Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport for 40 years. The award is presented to an airport professional nominated and selected by peers who demonstrate excellence, creativity and leadership within the industry. The Ted Bushelman Legacy Award is not an annual award and is only bestowed to recipients that truly embody the work and vision that Ted Bushelman demonstrated in his career.

Kinseys recognition comes during a milestone year for the airport. AVL earned multiple first place awards at the 2025 ACI NA Marketing and Communications Awards, including honors for Brand Identity, Video, Promotional Item, Best in Airport Partnerships and Overall Marketing Strategy for a Small Airport. AVL also received the Peggy G. Hereford Award, the top industry honor in North America.
BRCC Business Center honored for Helene recovery story

SBC Director Ben Smith (right) guided nursery owner Robert Stine's business recover after Helene wiped out his inventory of plants. [BENJAMIN RICKERT/BRCC]

North Carolina Community College Systems Small Business Center Network has honored the Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College with a 2025 Business Success Story: Overcoming Challenges," an account of how the business center helped a nursery recovery from the huge loss of inventory to Hurricane Helene.

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This years award recipients embody the very best of the Small Business Center Network, SBCN state Director Anne Shaw said. Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to serving North Carolinas entrepreneurs strengthen our communities every single day.

John Loyack, vice president of economic development for the community college system, added in the same release that the leaders and centers recognized demonstrate how our community colleges drive entrepreneurship, support job creation, and help businesses overcome challenges and thrive.

Blue Ridge received the award for its story Replanting Hope: Botanical Treasures Rebuilds After Hurricane Helene, which chronicles how the Small Business Center supported local nursery owner Robert Stine after Helene destroyed nearly $2 million in his business plants in September 2024.

SBC Director Ben Smith and guest counselors provided more than 15 hours of counseling and guidance with insurance claims, marketing, and funding access, SBCN said. With the centers support and Smiths steadfast leadership, Botanical Treasures secured more than $34,000 in recovery grants and has since reopened as a powerful symbol of resilience in Western North Carolina.

The award-winning story was a collaborative effort between Blue Ridge Community Colleges Marketing and Communications Department and the Small Business Center. In a team effort, interviews and photography were conducted on location by Benjamin Rickert, Blue Ridges director of marketing and communications, alongside Smith and Stine. Additional support for the story and publicity was provided by Hendersonvilles Formation PR + Brand Inc.

This story is just one of many examples of how Blue Ridge Community College has leveraged every resource available to support local businesses, partners, students, and neighbors in the aftermath of last years historic storm, Rickert said. Our communications team was honored to help highlight this important work, and Ben Smiths leadership has been instrumental in helping businesses pick up the pieces and find a new path forward.
This document marks a new height in China-Latin America cooperation

15:00, December 11, 2025 By Global Times editorial ( Global Times

Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

The Chinese government released its Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the third of its kind, on Wednesday, comprehensively outlining China's policy toward the region. This marks the first update to the document in nine years, drawing significant attention. From 2008 to 2016, and now to 2025, these three documents form a coherent and evolving framework that witnesses the deepening and strengthening of China-LAC relations as they advance further toward new horizons.

In May, President Xi Jinping proposed that China and LAC jointly launch five programs - solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people connectivity. As a result, China-LAC solidarity and cooperation have embarked on a new journey. The new policy document defines the relationship as "advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future" and a "shining example of South-South cooperation." The five programs are elaborated as a core concept, marking a new height in China-LAC cooperation.

Spanning over 10,000 words, this policy document serves as an extensive "cooperation checklist" between China and LAC and a roadmap for future cooperation. From facilitating the alignment of China's high-quality production capacity and equipment with the needs of regional countries, to promoting the development and demonstration of modern agricultural technologies; from strengthening cooperation in tracing and repatriating lost cultural relics, to inviting LAC scientists aboard Chinese research vessels for joint polar expeditions - the list includes both "hard-core" infrastructure projects that underpin LAC's development and "warm-hearted" programs in education, healthcare and cultural exchange. China-LAC cooperation is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade toward deeper integration of industrial and supply chains, collaborative scientific and technological innovation and inclusive sharing of benefits for people's well-being. This cooperation not only responds to LAC countries' urgent need to explore the path to modernization, but also demonstrates China's sincere commitment to shared development with the region.

A British poll this year showed that public sentiment toward China is rapidly improving in LAC. Though separated by mountains and seas, the hearts of China and LAC countries are drawing closer. Recent developments include the launch of direct flights between China and Argentina, a 5.35 billion yuan (around $757.4 million) increase in China-LAC trade witnessed by the "Chancay-Shanghai" shipping route that is approaching its first anniversary, and the boost of mutual cultural appeal because of China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy for multiple LAC countries. Anchored in shared development and mutual learning among civilizations, the tangible benefits in the hands of Chinese and Latin American people, the shared landscapes in their eyes and the mutual recognition in their hearts are nurturing a flourishing future through accumulating mutual trust and benefits.

The interplay of two ancient civilizations provides fertile ground for deepening China-LAC cooperation. As fellow members of the Global South sharing similar developmental stages, China and LAC countries share a common yearning for world peace, pursuit of improving global governance and support for multilateralism. This not only demonstrates the immense potential of China-LAC cooperation, but also powerfully galvanizes the Global South to forge solidarity and self-reliance. Together, they are voicing a collective voice across multilateral platforms - including the United Nations (UN), G20, APEC, BRICS cooperation mechanism and the China-CELAC Forum - to uphold fairness and justice and advance reforms in global governance.

China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative have won broad recognition among LAC countries and align closely with the process of elevating China-LAC cooperation to a new stage. On Tuesday, the Group of Friends of Global Governance, launched at China's initiative, was officially established at the UN Headquarters. Cuba's permanent representative to the UN remarked that "if we want to build a community of a shared future, we need an initiative like this." China and relevant LAC countries continue to provide important public goods for addressing global challenges. This vividly illustrates the meaning of China-LAC cooperation beyond the bilateral level: For the world, a China-LAC partnership characterized by close cooperation and shared development is a positive force in safeguarding world peace and stability as well as promoting global development and prosperity.

There are currently some discordant voices in the international arena that view China's development of relations with LAC countries as a geopolitical bargaining chip or some form of "manipulation." But by simply reading this document, one can clearly see that it is written that "China-LAC relationship does not target or exclude any third party, nor is it subjugated by any third party." Between the lines, one can sense China's genuine goodwill in developing its relations with LAC countries. Against the backdrop of certain countries wielding the "new Monroe Doctrine" to impose military pressure and economic coercion on LAC nations, China treats the region as a "true friend" by participating in LAC's development on the basis of equality and cooperation. This represents not only a cooperative model distinct from traditional geopolitical logic, but also a vivid example of Global South countries joining hands to strengthen themselves and overcome development challenges together.

It is believed that this "cooperation invitation," built on equality, respect and mutual benefit, will be welcomed by the people of LAC countries. The document serves as a marker in China-LAC relations that connects the past and the future: It carries forward the traditional friendship between China and LAC, characterized by equality, mutual benefit, openness, inclusiveness and the well-being of their peoples. It also responds to the historic trend that the changes unseen in a century are accelerating and the Global South is seeing a rising momentum. From high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to advancing the five programs, from jointly advancing modernization to helping build a community with a shared future for humanity, China-LAC relations continue to step onto new heights.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Marine ecology off south China's Hainan Island remains favorable, report says

Xinhua) 15:22, December 11, 2025

SANYA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The ecological conditions of Hainan Island's coastal waters remain generally favorable, with seawater quality consistently ranking among the highest in China and biodiversity maintained at a relatively high level, according to a report.

The Report on Marine Ecological Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, released on Wednesday by the South China Sea Bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources, summarizes and showcases the achievements in marine ecological protection and sustainable development of Hainan Island.

The report compiles continuous monitoring data from 2020 to 2024 on the water quality of Hainan Island's coastal waters, marine sediments, and marine biodiversity, as well as monitoring data from key distribution areas of seven typical marine ecosystems. These data are used to systematically analyze the marine ecological conditions of Hainan Island.

The Hainan Free Trade Port is preparing for island-wide special customs operations starting Dec. 18.

The report was released at the 6th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, which opened in Sanya, Hainan Province, on Wednesday.

More than 300 guests from over 30 countries and regions attended the symposium, including experts, scholars, government officials, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations.

During the two-day event, participants will engage in in-depth discussions on topics such as building a stable and sustainable global ocean governance system, managing maritime disputes, and sustaining peace in the South China Sea.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons and real estate asset management firm Catuai Asset announce Four Seasons Hotel Rio de Janeiro at Leblon.

Set along Rio's vibrant Leblon beach, the upcoming Hotel will occupy the tallest building in the area, featuring approximately 120 well-appointed rooms and suites enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Before opening as a Four Seasons experience in 2029, the existing structure, known locally as Hotel Marina Palace, will undergo a complete renovation that will transform its vintage facade and interiors into a landmark luxury hospitality destination.

From days spent exploring, to exquisite sunsets on the beach and a vibrant nightlife, Rio de Janeiro has something to offer all travellers. The city was the first to be named UNESCO's World Capital of Architecture, and is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer, along with an array of natural and cultural attractions. With investments in the Leblon beach area underway, the neighbourhood is evolving with enhanced lifestyle and leisure attractions, most notably with the introduction of a Four Seasons hotel.

Timeless Design Inspired by Unparalleled Views

Four Seasons Hotel Rio de Janeiro at Leblon will feature multiple culinary experiences, from a stunning rooftop bar and pool overlooking the Atlantic to a signature restaurant celebrating locally inspired cuisine and international classics. The hotel's design will balance timeless architectural character with elevated modern luxury, preserving its heritage while reimagining it for today's discerning traveller. Guests will further enjoy award-winning spa and wellness amenities and an array of beachfront activities.

Located just a 30-minute drive from Galeao International Airport, Four Seasons Hotel Rio de Janeiro at Leblon will be joining a growing collection of South American properties including Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, Four Seasons Hotel Bogota, Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota, and Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, opening in 2026.

Renderings featured are for illustrative use and not final.

Hotel website
Opening in Spring 2026, The Ilisian introduces a new destination for the Greek capital. More than a redevelopment, it is the revival of an Athenian landmark and the creation of a cultural district in its own right. Rooted in the Ilisia neighbourhood and shaped by the city's relationship with art, architecture and community, The Ilisian brings together a hotel, branded residences, a members' club, a significant wellness offering and a collection of dining and social spaces that invite Athenians and international travellers to meet, connect and experience Authentic Modern Athens. Its setting, within walking distance of major museums, ancient sites and contemporary neighbourhoods, places it at the natural crossroads of old and new Athens.

At the core of the development is Conrad Athens, The Ilisian, the hotel that anchors the destination and continues the pioneering spirit first introduced here in 1963, when the original Hilton Athens opened and set a new benchmark for modern Greek hospitality. Its return under the Conrad name carries cultural resonance. In Greece, a first name signals familiarity and welcome, and here it reflects the intention to create a place that feels open, generous and part of the city's social fabric. The building remains one of the finest examples of mid-century design in Athens, recognised for its marble facades by Yiannis Moralis and now illuminated by lighting designer Eleftheria Deko. AvroKO's interior direction draws from the art and optimism of the 1950s and 60s, creating spaces that are contemporary yet respectful of the property's architectural lineage.

The Ilisian is built on the idea of bringing people together. Its role extends far beyond hospitality, creating a destination where culture, wellbeing, gastronomy and community coexist. The name itself draws from the Ilisos river and the surrounding Ilisia neighbourhood, historically associated with philosophy and conversation. This sense of exchange is central to the destination's vision, shaping everything from its public spaces to its wellness philosophy and members' club culture.

Conrad Athens, The Ilisian: Hotel, Rooms and Suites

The hotel offers 307 rooms and suites, some of the largest in the city, many with balconies and views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the sea. The suite collection includes three Presidential Suites, a Royal Suite and the Omega Penthouse, a 400 square metre residence with a private pool and sweeping amphitheatre-like views. These spaces reflect the property's architectural purity, filled with natural light and a calm, modern aesthetic that invites guests to pause and take in the rhythm of the city.

Wellbeing, Lifestyle and Residential Living

The Ilisian's approach to wellbeing is comprehensive, integrating performance, recovery and longevity within one of the most extensive wellness facilities in Athens. Conrad Athens, The Ilisian offers more than 2,000 square metres of indoor wellness space, including a 500 square metre Longevity Clinic overseen by Dr Costas Papageorgiou, known for his work at Harrod's in London and New York. Guests, residents and the public will have access to personalised aesthetic treatments, restorative therapies, mindfulness practices and advanced diagnostic programmes. The fitness offering includes a specialist gym, dedicated studios, an indoor heated pool, the largest outdoor hotel pool in the city and a 700-metre rooftop running track.

As part of the wider destination, Conrad and Waldorf Astoria Residences introduce 55 branded and serviced homes that bring contemporary city living to the heart of Athens. Their design, service and proximity to the hotel and members' club create a new residential model rooted in convenience, privacy and a strong sense of community.

Completing the development is House of Nynn, a private members' club conceived as the cultural and social anchor of The Ilisian. It offers dining spaces, lounges, co-working areas, pools, studios and cultural programming shaped for Athens's creative and business communities. It reflects the destination's commitment to togetherness, aesthetics and discovery, providing a home for conversation, ideas and modern Athenian life.

Gastronomy

Dining is central to the identity of The Ilisian. Across nine concepts, the destination brings together iconic local names and celebrated international influences. Byzantino returns as a grand brasserie serving Greek and French classics, while the city's first rooftop bar is revived as the Galaxy Dispensary, continuing its legacy as a meeting point above the skyline. Additional venues span Japanese, Peruvian, Levantine and Mediterranean cuisines and are led by Executive Chef Angelos Lantos, whose Michelin-starred expertise shapes the culinary direction of the hotel. Together, these restaurants and bars create a gastronomic district that appeals as much to Athenians as to international visitors.

Meetings and Events

Conrad Athens, The Ilisian offers two ballrooms with natural daylight and a total of 19 meeting rooms, establishing the property as one of the city's most significant event destinations. Its location, extensive outdoor terraces and flexible spaces allow it to host everything from international gatherings to milestone celebrations, supported by the destination's wider hospitality, culinary and wellness offering.

Room rates at Conrad Athens, The Ilisian start from 700 (approx. 613).

Hotel website
The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) will present Bruce White, Founder of White Lodging, posthumously with the 2026 Pioneer Award.

The Pioneer Award, established in partnership with ALIS in 1996, recognizes an individual each year who is considered a pioneer in their field by making an outstanding contribution, achievement, or improvement in the hospitality industry.

The award presentation will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during ALIS and will include an interview with Beth White, Chair, White Lodging, and Conner White, Vice Chairman & Chief Investment Officer.

Our family, and everyone affiliated with White Lodging past and present, take great pride in what my father built and his relentless passion for the hospitality industry, said Conner White. He was never satisfied with the status quo and wanted to help transform the industry, which is exactly what this award celebrates.

Bruce White embodied the visionary spirit that drives our industry forward. His innovative approach continues to shape how hospitality leaders think, operate, and invest. It is a privilege for ISHC to honor his lasting impact through the Pioneer Award, which celebrates individuals whose contributions elevate the entire field. Andrea Belfanti, CEO of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants

Bruce Whites legacy is synonymous with changing the landscape between franchising companies and hotel investors and operatorsa landscape that remains in place 40 years after its foundation was laid. The period of exponential growth experienced in hotel franchising by third-party investors and operators was heavily influenced by Mr. Whites forward thinking and determined approach. The ALIS team is honored to be a part of this recognition of Mr. Whites influence on the industry. Jeff Higley, president of The BHN Group by Northstar

Bruce White founded White Lodging in 1985 with a single hotel in Northwest Indiana, ultimately growing the business into one of the hospitality industrys largest privately held development, ownership, and management companies. He passed away in early 2023.

In addition to being the earliest Marriott franchisees, he introduced the first dual- and tri-brand hotels in the United States. Throughout his career, White developed, owned, and managed more than 225 new hotels over the last 40 years on behalf of White Lodging and other partners.

Past recipients of the Pioneer Award include:

Ben Weprin (2025)

Tracy Prigmore (2024)

Alejandro Zozaya (2023)

Peggy Berg (2022)

Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2020)

Jack DeBoer (2019)

Wing T. Chao (2018)

Ian Schrager (2017)

Lyndall DeMarco (2016)

Stephen Kaufer (2015)

Michael Bedner (2014)

Steve Rushmore (2013)

Chip Conley (2012)

Kathleen Taylor (2011)

Leland C. Pillsbury (2010)

J.W. Marriott (2009)

Jean Gabriel Peres (2008)

Stanley Selengut (2008)

Jean-Claude Baumgarten (2007)

James E. Burba (2007)

Stelios Haji-Ioannou (2006)

H.P. Rama (2006)

Costakis Loizou (2005)

Barry Sternlicht (2005)

Christel DeHaan (2004)

Regis Bulot (2004)

Bill Kimpton (2002)

Jonathan M. Tisch (2001)

Michael A. Leven (2000)

Jack Vaughn (1999)

George Johnson (1998)

Randell A. Smith (1997)

About ISHC

The International Society of Hospitality Consultants is truly The Leading Global Resource for Hospitality Expertise, represented by over 250 of the industry's most respected professionals from across six continents. Collectively, ISHC members provide expert services in over 50 functional areas and have specialized skills in virtually every segment of the hospitality industry. ISHC is dedicated to promoting the highest quality of professional consulting standards and practices for the hospitality industry. Candidates undergo a rigorous screening process, ensuring that all ISHC members have a reputation of integrity and are qualified by their experience, training, and knowledge to develop and express sound judgment on industry issues. Additional information about the organization and membership process, along with a directory of ISHC members, is available on the ISHC website at ishc.com.

Libby Acquista

Manager of Membership and Marketing

+1 314.724.8436

ISHC

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SEATTLE  Expedia Group today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Tiqets, an Amsterdam-based global platform for activities and experiences. This agreement expands Expedia Groups capabilities for the sizeable and rapidly growing travel segment of activities and experiences, and enhances our ability to deliver more comprehensive, full-trip travel solutions for millions of travelers and partners globally.

By combining Tiqets curated iconic museums, attractions and experiences with Expedia Groups global reach and extensive travel supply, partners can unlock new opportunities and drive growth across the travel ecosystem. Travelers will enjoy a more personalized and comprehensive selection of activities with a seamless booking experience.

The Tiqets integration is a key step toward our vision to build the most comprehensive, global travel solution powered by our expanded APIs, across activities, air, car and insurance. Tiqets capabilities fit seamlessly into our ecosystem, enhancing the offerings and value we deliver to partners and travelers. Their expertise in experiences complements our strengths in scale and technology, enabling us to accelerate innovation and unlock new growth opportunities. Alfonso Paredes, President of B2B, Expedia Group

Joining Expedia Group allows us to combine Expedias global reach and extensive partnership network with the unique platform of curated museums, attractions and experiences we have built in the last decade. Our shared strengths will transform how travelers and partners experience activities. Laurens Leurink, CEO, Tiqets

The transaction, which remains subject to Works Council advice and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

About Tiqets

Tiqets is one of the world's leading online booking platforms for museums, attractions, and experiences, available in over 60 countries, more than 1,000 cities, and 17 languages. Since 2014, Tiqets has been on a mission to help millions of travelers find more ways to culture and visit the best experiences at their destination. For more information, visit Tiqets.com

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, Expedia Group helps people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections.

Expedia Group's three flagship consumer brands are Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. Its B2B arm, Private Label Solutions, delivers industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Expedia Group Advertising helps partners extend their reach and connect with travelers across its travel sites and a broad range of offsite channels through its travel media network.

 2025 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia Group and the Expedia Group logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST: 2029030-50.

Follow Expedia on Instagram , TikTok , Pinterest , Twitter and YouTube .

Expedia Press Department

+1 425 679 4317

Expedia Group, Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia - Noble Investment Group (Noble) today announced the acquisition of a 35-asset portfolio, significantly advancing the firms branded long-term accommodations platform.

The portfolio comprises 35 Sonesta Simply Suites totaling more than 4,000 rooms across 19 states and 25 markets, with concentrations in high-growth Sunbelt and corporate-demand corridors. The acquisition is immediately accretive, supported by strong in-place occupancy, stable cash flow, and an attractive basis relative to replacement cost.

The branded long-term accommodations segment continues to benefit from powerful secular tailwinds, including rising workforce mobility, housing affordability constraints, and limited new supply.

These fundamentals present a structural opportunity for Noble - to acquire at compelling yields, unlock performance through operational alpha, and deliver stable distributions while compounding long-term growth. This portfolio directly advances that strategy and adds meaningful scale to our platform. Ben Brunt, chief investment officer of Noble

Over the past year, Noble has deployed capital into more than 100 assets across 62 markets nationwide. The platform is purposefully concentrated in locations with durable demand visibility, institutional liquidity, and operational upsidemarkets where Nobles disciplined investment and operating approach drives strong, repeatable cash flow and long-term value creation for investors.

Noble was advised in connection with the transaction by Seyfarth Shaw's hospitality group.

About Noble Investment Group

Noble is an award-winning real estate investment manager specializing in the travel and hospitality sector. With a track record spanning three decades, Noble has invested over $6.0 billion in communities throughout the country, adding value across cycles and supporting the significant creation of jobs. PERE has named Noble one of the Top 200 Global Investment Managers, and the firm has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by Pensions & Investments and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

As a fiduciary to institutional investors, including foremost pensions plans, endowments, foundations, wealth management firms, and insurance companies, Noble's endeavors help to preserve and grow our limited partners' capital, which assists in providing retirement benefits for our country's teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, other pensioners, and financial resources for students to attend college. For more information, please visit www.nobleinvestment.com.
Lodging Interactive and CoMMingle, award-winning digital marketing and social media engagement agencies exclusively serving the hospitality industry, are spreading holiday cheer with the launch of their  4th Annual Hotel Christmas Tree Contest . The popular industry event returns this season with a focus on community giving, offering one winning hotel a $1,500 donation to the local charity of their choice.

 SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY 

The contest invites hotels from around the world to showcase their festive spirit by sharing photos of their holiday displays. It serves as a fun, interactive way for properties to engage with their peers while highlighting the charitable causes important to their local communities.

Just enter by showing us your hotel Christmas tree  the more creative, the better! Whether its totally decked out with twinkling lights and festive ornaments or dressed up in a clever theme, it's sure to bring in some serious holiday joy. DJ Vallauri, Founder & CEO of Lodging Interactive

The competition has become a holiday tradition for the hospitality industry, celebrating the creativity of hotel teams and the impact they have on their neighborhoods. Last year, the Hotel David Whitney in Detroit, Michigan, took home the top prize with its stunning display. As a result, Lodging Interactive donated $1,500 on the hotel's behalf to Alternative for Girls, a Detroit-based nonprofit.

How to Enter

Hoteliers are encouraged to visit the official contest page to submit their entries. The contest is open now, and properties are encouraged to enter early to maximize their visibility. For full contest rules and to submit your entry, please click here.

 SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY 

About Lodging Interactive

Since its founding in 2001, Lodging Interactive has provided digital marketing services to hotels worldwide, including select service, full-service, and luxury properties.

The company's social media marketing and guest reviews response division, CoMMingle:Engage, serves a range of hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, spas, and management companies.

The company continues to innovate by introducing supportive services that enhance its primary business lines. Recently, it launched Social Media Amplified, custom landing page services designed to drive direct bookings through social media content posts. Building on this commitment, the company has also unveiled GuestCONNECTan all-inclusive service for modern hotels and resorts. GuestCONNECT includes a mobile-first responsive website with hosting and support, tailored social media strategy and marketing, guest review response services across 140 OTA sites, a real-time reporting and analytics dashboard, and a dedicated Client Success Manager.

Lodging Interactive has received numerous awards, including the HSMAI Adrian Award and accolades from the International Academy of Visual Arts, Interactive Media Awards, Horizon Interactive Awards, Web Marketing Association, Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts, and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards.

For more information, email [email protected], call 877-291-4411 ext. 704, or visit the company's website.

DJ Vallauri

President & Founder

+1 877 291 4411
North China rural road leads to new Grand Canal vitality

Xinhua) 16:43, December 11, 2025

SHIJIAZHUANG, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- With the sun shining above the rippling Grand Canal, 33-year-old Zhang Yang and his friends cycled along a tree-lined road next to this famed watercourse in the city of Cangzhou in north China's Hebei Province.

"The road is smooth and has been developed well," Zhang said. "It's amazing to take a ride and enjoy the scenic view of this ancient canal."

An ideal route for cyclists like Zhang, this road is known as Diding, which means top of embankment in Chinese. It has gained nationwide recognition and was named one of the top 10 most beautiful rural roads in China for 2024.

Winding along the Cangzhou section of the Grand Canal, the 308-km road connects more than 300 villages across eight county-level regions. Since opening in 2021, it has helped showcase the country's endeavors to breathe new life into the world's longest artificial waterway.

With a history of over 2,500 years, the Grand Canal, connecting Beijing and Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province, served as a significant transportation artery in ancient China. However, due to historical evolution, human activity and climate change, some sections of the canal gradually dried up in the 20th century.

In recent years, Cangzhou has stepped up efforts to refill the canal through water projects and improve its overall environment, transforming its banks into ecological corridors.

Zhang Lichun, 63, has witnessed remarkable changes in his home village. "The canal-side space used to be covered with waste and weeds, but now there's a clean and pretty road for us to unwind," he said.

"The Diding Road links a lot of green parks and has brought people of all ages closer to natural beauty," noted Liu Tao, an official with the cultural and tourism department in Cangzhou.

Besides, the road strings numerous historical sites along the canal together, making it easier for visitors to explore its cultural richness.

In 2014, the Grand Canal was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Xiejiaba, a centuries-old hydraulic facility in Lianzhen Town, included as one of its component parts.

Using glutinous rice paste as an important building material, the 200-plus-meter-long levee once played an important role in preventing floods and contributed Chinese wisdom to the development of global hydraulic engineering, said Yu Cheng, deputy head of Lianzhen Town.

Today, Diding Road is leading more visitors directly to this ancient structure and an adjacent exhibition hall that details its history. "We've installed more street lamps, temporary restrooms and other facilities on the nearby road to optimize the travel experience," said Yu.

Beyond Lianzhen, the road has brought wider public attention to more regions, where local people are seizing development opportunities to improve their lives.

One of the shining examples is Simazhuang Village. Leveraging its strengths in vegetable production, the village has branded itself as a destination for vegetable agritourism.

"We grow nearly 100 types of vegetables and fruits in our cultivation bases," said Liu Jicheng, former Party secretary of the village. "Tourists can pick the harvests by themselves and enjoy our signature vegetable feasts."

The small village saw nearly 50,000 visits during this year's eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in early October, according to Liu.

Statistics show that the road as a whole has delivered entrepreneurial and employment opportunities to more than 100,000 residents, driving average annual income growth of over 10 percent for villages along the route.

"This is a road toward prosperity," Liu added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Hotel Distribution in the Age of AI - By Niki Van Den Broeck - Image Credit Lighthouse

Artificial intelligence has moved from theory to adoption at a speed we simply have not seen before. Netflix took ten years to reach 100 million users. Facebook did it in four and a half. ChatGPT reached the same mark in just over two and a half months, a five-hundred-fold acceleration.

This represents a compression of innovation cycles that no industry, let alone the hospitality industry has ever experienced. Every previous technological shift (think GDS systems to online travel agencies to meta-search) gave hoteliers time to observe, test, and respond.

AI has removed that luxury.

Within months of release, AI platforms became part of everyday behavior and are fast becoming the first place that travelers search, compare, and decide on their next trip. Technologies that once took a decade to filter through from the early-adopting innovators to slow-moving laggards have crossed that divide in a single business cycle.

For hotels, this speed signifies a fundamental break with the way hotel distribution has operated. Search behavior, booking flows, and data interpretation are no longer built around human navigation but around machine reasoning. Every signal a traveler sees, whether thats a room price, hotel review, or property descriptions, is interpreted first by an algorithm and only then shown to the person planning the trip.

That shift alters the economics of visibility.

The cost of inaction rises with each iteration because these AI systems keep learning from every new data point. In practical terms, hotels that postpone adaptation risk seeing their discoverability decline before they fully understand why.

The new landscape: AI agents are rewriting distribution

Travel planning is moving into conversational systems that answer questions and complete bookings in one place. With Booking.com and Expedia already live as apps inside ChatGPT , that shift is happening in plain sight and gaining momentum.

By 2026, its expected that roughly 40 percent of hotel bookings are expected to pass through AI-driven environments. This replaces the familiar chain of traveler  Google  OTA  hotel with traveler  AI agent  hotel inventory. The agent becomes the gatekeeper for which hotels appear and which channel wins the click.

That subtle change in workflow has far-reaching consequences for hotels.

Search and booking are no longer separate moments, theyve merged into a single AI-driven process. When a traveler asks ChatGPT where to stay, the response already carries live availability and prices. Once that answer appears, the choice is often settled.

This shift pulls control further upstream, compressing the traditional booking funnel.

As OTAs integrate directly within AI agents, they meet travelers before any search reaches the open web.

Hotels that dont provide structured, machine-readable data risk disappearing at the very moment interest turns into action.

Yet the same technology that introduces this risk also opens a door. Ad spend and branding matter less at the moment of algorithmic selection than clean, consistent, machine-readable data. Instead, they reward clear, consistent information. A hotel with accurate content, synchronized rates, and transparent policies can stand beside much larger brands.

In practice, that means the balance of power in distribution is starting to tilt again. Visibility will belong to those whose data can be read, trusted, and compared, whether the hotel is a global chain or a 30-room independent.

The question for every hotel is no longer whether AI will shape bookings (it will), but how to position their data so its chosen first and how to guide that choice back to your direct channel.

Marketing for machine-led discovery

As AI assistants become the starting point for travel planning, hotels will still need to inspire travelers. But to be seen at all, your information must first make sense to the systems doing the recommending.

Unfortunately, AI systems dont browse sites the way people do; they only extract and interpret data. They look for verified, structured information they can use to answer the questions posed to them. This means that visual design, keyword density, and social reach no longer determine discoverability in a way they once did.

To remain visible in AI-driven search, hotels need to follow three guiding principles:

Optimize for conversational AI. Write the way travellers speak. Long-form, natural-language questions such as Which hotels near the convention centre offer early check-in? are replacing terse keyword searches. Strengthen E-E-A-T signals.Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness still anchor visibility, but theyre now assessed algorithmically. Verified reviews, factual consistency, and credible media references tell AI systems a property can be trusted. Provide rich, structured content.

Systems favor complete, structured information. Every rate rule, policy, and amenity should exist in a machine-readable format, such as schema markup (JSON-LD), or through interfaces that let AI agents query live data . Frameworks like Model Context Protocol (MCP) define how that exchange works. They link a hotels internal systems (PMS, CRS, booking engine) with the conversational platforms travelers use. The more structured the information, the greater the likelihood of appearing in AI-generated results.

A practical example: the digital nomad

Ask an agent, Find me a Lisbon hotel with strong Wi-Fi, coworking space, and a social atmosphere, and it will:

Identify needs such as connectivity, workspace, and community; Check structured data for Wi-Fi speed, coworking availability, and cancellation terms; cross-check traveler reviews for cues like good for remote workers or friendly communal areas.

Only hotels whose data fulfills all three layers, structured facts, consistent context, and trustworthy social proof, will surface in the result set. A missing field or an inconsistent descriptor can remove a property from consideration.

Simply put: if AI cant read it, it cant recommend it.

Every piece of marketing content now has two audiences: the traveler and the system that evaluates your data. To succeed with both, hotels must ensure that the facts behind the story are as clear and structured as the story itself.

"Only hotels whose data fulfills all three layers, structured facts, consistent context, and trustworthy social proof, will surface in the result set. A missing field or an inconsistent descriptor can remove a property from consideration. Niki Van den Broeck, Sr. Product Manager at Lighthouse

Turning visibility into direct bookings

If the first challenge is getting found, the second is getting booked, and in particular, getting bookings through direct channels .

That single step is where the complexities of distribution are now being rewritten. Both OTAs and hotels risk losing direct control of bookings as agents make and execute the choice. Your job is to make that choice resolve to brand.com.

Gone are the days of ten blue links or a list of OTA tabs. Rather, AI reads context, compares offers, and recommends the option that delivers the best mix of price, perks, and reliability.

Every offer needs to exist as current, structured data that systems can interpret without human context. When information is incomplete or inconsistent, the hotel drops from view. Properties with cleaner and faster data take the space.

Personalization as the new standard

AI agents understand context in a way no search engine or OTA ever could. As such, theyre beginning to tailor recommendations based on what they already know about a traveller  search history, past bookings, or visible loyalty status through connected accounts.

A business guest sees early check-in and proximity to the meeting venue.

A loyalty member sees upgrade potential and points value.

A long-stay guest sees workspace details and flexible terms.

Each recommendation weighs a travelers profile against your data. Hotels that surface the right value to the right guest , clearly enough for people and machines to read, will stand out.

Generic offers will fade quickly as travellers expect relevance by default. The hotels that stand out will be those whose data exposes the right value to the right guest clearly enough for both humans and machines to understand.

That makes structured, machine-readable loyalty information essential. When a system can read a guests loyalty status and see the real value of direct perks, it can compare those benefits against OTA offers and recognize the direct channel as the better deal.

Rate parity and transparency

Rate parity has long balanced control and competition. In the age of AI, its become non-negotiable.

AI systems compare every available rate across all the channels they can access  direct, OTA, or metasearch  in real time. Any inconsistency, even a few euros, can lead systems to treat the data as unreliable. And once a model sees unexplained variance, it is less likely to recommend that property.

That makes rate parity not just a contractual matter, but a visibility issue and a signal of trust. Consistent data builds confidence; inconsistency kills it. Hotels that maintain integrity across all channels reinforce the reliability of their data. Those that do not risk being filtered out before travelers ever see their offer.

The fix is practical. AI will still prefer the best total value for a specific guest profile so its important to make loyalty perks, added-value bundles, and Ts&Cs machine-readable so they count at comparison time.

To do this, ensure you have a two-way, near-real-time sync between your system of record (CRS or PMS), your direct booking engine, and each OTA, either through direct APIs or a channel manager, so rates, availability, and policies update everywhere at once and reservations flow back automatically. Check how long it takes for a new rate or policy to appear everywhere. If updates lag, the systems will notice first.

Loyalty as the direct advantage

Loyalty programs help hotels keep guests. In an AI-driven environment, they can also shift more bookings to direct channels.

When loyalty data is visible, whether thats tier level, available perks, or member rates, AI systems can read it and include it in their comparison. If that data isnt structured properly or connected to the systems that feed your rates and content those benefits dont appear in the systems view.

A member rate that includes breakfast, late checkout, or an upgrade has a measurable value. If the system can see it, the direct offer often becomes the better deal.

To make that happen, start with the basics.

Where your systems support it, record loyalty rates and benefits as defined data fields rather than text or images. This helps ensure your booking engine and CRM can share the same information accurately and keep updates consistent.

It also helps to assign simple values to benefits, for example breakfast included ($20) or upgrade worth $100. This lets systems quantify the difference between direct and OTA offers.

The point isnt to invent new perks. It is to make existing ones visible in the data that AI reads. If the system cannot see them, they will not influence the result.

The golden rule of getting hotel distribution AI-ready

AI systems can only work with what they can see. If your hotels data is incomplete, outdated, or hard to read, it simply isnt part of the decision.

Make sure everything that defines the offer  rates, restrictions, perks, and content  exists as clean, structured data that updates everywhere at the same time. When these fundamentals are in place, systems can understand the inventory and include it in results.

Hotels that treat data quality as seriously as rate strategy will be the ones that remain visible as this new layer of distribution takes shape. Niki Van den Broeck, Sr. Product Manager at Lighthouse

The technical bridge: making your data AI-ready

For years, marketing and distribution worked separately. Marketing created demand; distribution managed inventory. That split made sense when search and booking happened in different places.

AI now handles both.The same system that inspires a traveler can complete the booking. That means marketing data  the words, images, and rates that describe a hotel  has become distribution data. How systems store and share that information now determines whether a hotel appears in AI-driven search.

Understanding the new connection

AI agents dont scrape the web as metasearch once did. They connect through structured interfaces that allow them to read, reason, and book in one flow. These interfaces, called Model Context Protocols (MCPs), allow AI systems to request live rates, availability, and content directly from a hotels source.

Hoteliers do not need to build these connections today, but they should note what they signal: a move from static listings to live, machine-to-machine conversations. If hotel systems can share data in a standard, machine-readable format, the hotel will be ready as these connections become common.

Where to start

Check what your systems can expose. Ask technology partners how rates, policies, and content are shared. Can partners access them through an API? Are they structured with a standard schema such as OpenTravel or OTA XML? Keep a single authoritative data set. Make sure marketing copy, pricing rules, and availability updates draw from the same database. Fragmented data creates the inconsistencies that AI systems treat as errors. Focus on cleaner data, not volume. Prioritize fields that describe exactly what a guest receives, updated in real time and identical across channels.

How Lighthouse Connect AI fits

Preparing for AI-driven distribution requires a layer that can translate hotel information into formats AI systems understand. Lighthouse Connect AI performs that role.

It connects your internal systems to AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini, ensuring your hotels are discoverable, accurately represented, and bookable within these new search environments.

By structuring live rates, availability, and content through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), Connect AI allows agents to retrieve and compare your data directly, so travelers can see up-to-date information and complete direct bookings from within the AI experience.

In practice, it means your brand.com offer remains visible and competitive wherever travelers plan their trips.

Being AI-ready doesnt require new storytelling or marketing language. It requires clean, structured, connected data so that when an AI system looks for a property like yours, it can find and understand you.

Hotels that treat data quality as seriously as rate strategy will be the ones that remain visible as this new layer of distribution takes shape.

Niki Van den Broeck, Sr. Product Manager at Lighthouse. Connect with Niki on LinkedIn.

About Lighthouse

Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways.

Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners - their success is our success.
Perdido Beach Resort - Image Credit Aurora Hospitality Partners

Perdido Hotel Partners, LLC, an affiliate of Aurora Hospitality Partners, has announced the acquisition of the Perdido Beach Resort located in Orange Beach, Alabama. The transaction involves a group of investors, including Terry and Nick Saban, and entrepreneur Joe Agresti. The resort, a notable destination on Alabama's Gulf Coast since its opening in 1987, features 338 rooms, over 43,000 square feet of event space, and four dining outlets.

The new ownership group intends to maintain the resort's operations, with Aurora Hospitality Partners co-owning and managing the day-to-day activities. The resort will temporarily close for most of December and is scheduled to reopen on December 30, 2025, under new management.

Perdido Beach Resort has been a prominent location for visitors and families in the Southeast for nearly four decades. The acquisition aims to continue serving the community and visitors while preserving the resort's legacy. Aurora Hospitality Partners, based in Alabama, will oversee the property's management, with a focus on maintaining its historical significance and enhancing the guest experience.
Holiday Inn London - Kensington - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts

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.

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
New MMGY Study Reveals Diverse Travel Trends Among Latin American Travelers - Image Credit MMGY

The "Portrait of Latin American International Travelers" study, conducted in October, surveyed 3,774 travelers from Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. The research highlights significant differences in travel planning, booking, and priorities among these countries, challenging traditional industry assumptions and opening new opportunities for global destinations, airlines, and hospitality providers.

Market Differences and Spending Patterns

Travel frequency and spending levels vary across Latin America. Peruvians, Mexicans, and Brazilians are expected to take more than 2.5 international trips in the coming year, whereas Argentinians plan 2.0 trips. Brazilians and Mexicans anticipate the highest annual spending, at $5,252 and $5,522, respectively. These differences underscore the need for tailored strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Safety and Service Priorities

Safety and service quality are paramount for Latin American travelers. In Brazil, 35% of travelers consider health and safety as having an extreme impact on their travel decisions. Airline choices are influenced primarily by safety records and customer service reputation, more so than airfare. Mexicans, in particular, prefer premium flying options, with 38% traveling in business or first class, compared to 20% of Argentinians. This trend indicates a strong preference for trust and reassurance over price.

Digital Influence and Planning

Social media and AI tools are significantly impacting travel planning in Latin America. Brazil and Colombia lead in digital engagement, especially among Gen Z travelers. Approximately one-third of Boomers use AI to research flights or destinations. This digital curiosity highlights the importance of engaging travelers through online platforms and tools.

Booking Timelines and Decisions

Latin American travelers typically book flights and accommodations three to six months in advance, but dining and activity decisions are often made at the last minute. In Argentina, 51% of travelers make culinary decisions during their trip. Understanding these booking timelines offers brands new opportunities to influence travelers throughout their journey.

Sustainability Preferences

Interest in sustainable travel varies across the region. In Brazil, 68% of travelers consider sustainability in their decision-making, compared to 62% in Mexico and 38% in Argentina. Nine in ten Brazilians are willing to pay more for sustainable options, with higher-income travelers across all markets showing stronger eco-minded adoption. These insights suggest that sustainability efforts must be tailored to each market, with Brazil being the most receptive.

Conclusion

The MMGY study reveals a rapidly transforming region in which safety expectations, digital behaviors, and market differences are becoming more pronounced. Success in Latin America will require brands to adapt with nuanced, flexible strategies that move away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

The full Portrait of Latin American International Travelers study, including detailed market dashboards, trend analysis and strategic recommendations, is now available for purchase or as part of an all-access subscription to EurekA!, MMGYs AI-powered research platform. To learn more, visit mmgyintel.com.
AI, Meet Hotel Content: How to Get Your Property Into the Answer Box - Image Credit Vizergy

Most hotel websites are built for search engines that no longer exist. Let that sink in for a minute. Todays travelers arent typing keywords. Theyre asking questions, getting instant answers, and booking without ever visiting your site.



How is that possible? More and more travelers are using AI engines like Google SGE, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or Gemini to plan their trips. If your hotels content isnt being surfaced by Large Language Models (LLMs), youre losing visibility to OTAs, third-party sites, and competitors whove adapted to the new search era.



To help you stay ahead, were breaking down the key updates and optimizations that ensure your hotel appears in AI-led search results.

AI cant see you. heres why.

LLMs like ChatGPT dont crawl and index content the way Google Search traditionally has. They ingest structured data, synthesize knowledge, and answer conversationally. Most hotel websites arent built for that.

Common visibility blockers:

Thin or salesy content without helpful traveler language

No schema or improperly implemented structured data

Pages disconnected from conversational context (e.g., no FAQs, no real guest questions)

Heavy reliance on image carousels or booking widgets with no descriptive context

If your content doesnt help an AI answer questions like Where should I stay near the SAP Center in San Jose with a balcony?, youre invisible.

What AI actually reads

While traditional SEO rewarded keyword optimization, LLMs reward context, clarity, and completeness. Heres what matters now:

AI-Discoverable Content Types:

FAQ Pages : Cleanly structured with schema

: Cleanly structured with schema Destination Guides : Especially those answering questions with local insights

: Especially those answering questions with local insights Guest Reviews : Structured, sentiment-rich, and visible on-page

: Structured, sentiment-rich, and visible on-page Event Pages : With Offer and Event schema tied to bookability

: With Offer and Event schema tied to bookability Rooms & Suites : Descriptive, unique, and tied to traveler intent

: Descriptive, unique, and tied to traveler intent Speakable Content: Clear, structured sections that voice assistants can recite

Real example: AI vs. your website

Let's say a user enters the following prompt into an LLM: "Whats a romantic hotel in San Antonio near the Riverwalk with balconies and on-site dining?"

Where does the answer come from? These AI searches pull information from:

Google Business Profiles

Reviews

Structured content from booking engines

Blog posts with Q&A-style formatting

OTA content

If your site doesnt contain related language, schema, or structured relevance the LLM is looking for, your hotel will not show up in any results and will lose out on potential bookings.

The new hotel content stack

Todays AI-driven search ecosystem requires hotel content that works together, not in isolation. This content stack shows how each layer plays a critical role in helping large language models understand your property, build trust with travelers, and drive bookability.

Layer Content Type Why It Matters 1 Q&A/FAQ Pages Feed LLMs traveler questions and answers 2 Blog Posts/Guides Tell stories and explain choices, beyond just amenities 3 Schema Markup Gives AI the signal map to understand your offerings 4 Guest Reviews Builds trust and feeds social proof 5 Booking Integration Ensure clear ReserveAction links for bookability

Score yourself: LLM discoverability quick test

Ask these of your Rooms, Events, or FAQ pages:

Does this answer an actual traveler question?

Is the content written in natural, helpful language?

Is it structured with schema (Hotel, FAQPage, Offer, etc.)?

Are booking links included and functional?

Does this page get mentioned when I ask Gemini or ChatGPT about hotels in our area?

If not, its time to update.

The Vizergy AI search readiness audit

If youre unsure how well your hotel is positioned for AI-driven search, Vizergys AI Search Readiness Audit can give you the clarity you need. We evaluate your sites discoverability, schema, content intent, booking signals, and competitive standing.

About Vizergy Digital Marketing

For over 25 years, Vizergy has served the hospitality industry with leading marketing technologies and exceptional service for clients worldwide. Vizergys platform is easy to use, turnkey, and SMART  continually enhanced to help hotels compete within the market and maximize revenue. By leveraging a data-first approach, hospitality marketing is not only the mission, but Vizergys sole focus. Reach out to our team for more information.
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The vacant Berkshire Mall's been a target for vandals and trespassers, some of whom have posted their 'explorations' to social media.

Fire Dept. Orders Berkshire Mall Owners to Secure Property

LANESBOROUGH, Mass.  The Fire Department has reinstated a 2022 order to secure the Berkshire Mall, giving owner JMJ Holdings 14 days to respond.



On Monday, Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine discussed current and past orders on the mall property with the Select Board. Failed fire-suppression systems triggered a court order to repair or secure the building years ago, but it was attached to the previous owner and didn't transfer over when JMJ purchased the mall in 2023, the chief said.



The property saw repairs after the sale, but is now seen as a liability, and the town wants it secured or demolished to prevent further break-ins and trespassing. Several videos have been posted to social media of "urban spelunkers" exploring the vacant structure. At the same time, the mall owners have offered Lanesborough a $1.25 million loan to dissolve the Baker Hill Road District, and the road district wants to take the property by eminent domain.



DeChaine said it's "pretty clear" that the shuttered mall has slid far enough that it needs to go back to square one. The 2022 order was reiterated and sent to company principal Jay Jones late last week. JMJ has two weeks to show some sign of compliance.



"The letter states that if he doesn't comply, then we will just go back to court," DeChaine said.



"Nobody wants to do that, but if we have to, we will."



In early 2022, the Fire Department began issuing citations for failure to maintain the fire suppression system, which also services Target, which has a separate but connected building. The suppression systems for the former Regal Cinemas were also found to be compromised, and the movie theater closed promptly, "and that pretty much was the end of the mall as we knew it," DeChaine said.

Things reportedly started to slide last year, when security was "sporadic," and Jones was asked to apply additional physical barriers to block people from entering the property.



In October, Police Chief Robert Derksen reported that there has been more vandalism, dozens of break-ins, with at least half resulting in arrest, and vehicles are being damaged by the deteriorating road and parking lot around the mall.



JMJ and the Baker Hill Road District, an independent municipal district within Lanesborough, are in litigation with JMJ over unpaid taxes for the Route 7/8 Connector Road. JMJ argues it is being over-billed and underrepresented, and has offered the town money if it would dissolve the road district in exchange for an incremental rebate that caps the property's postdevelopment value at $20.5 million for 10 years.

The district was established by a home-rule petition in the Acts of 1989, and can only be dissolved by its prudential committee, and only once all debts have been retired and the town accepts the Connector Road as a public way. In 2018, the district's powers were expanded to include economic development and to acquire real property when it was considering taking the mall for development.
Dalton Consultant to Assess Police Station

DALTON, Mass.  Discussions over the proposed public safety facility continue to prove contentious as officials debate next steps.

During several meetings, Police Chief Deanna Strout has emphasized how the condition of the station, located in Town Hall, has been deteriorating for the last 28 years.

It was determined early on by the Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee that the basement of Town Hall is not a viable long-term location after reviewing documentation and touring the facility and other local police stations.

During its Tuesday meeting, the committee decided to have its consultant, Brian Humes of Jacunski Humes Architects LLC in Berlin, Conn., conduct a feasibility assessment of the existing space.

"It's shocking to most of us in this room, the first time any of us have even heard that's an option, because we all know that it is not an option," Strout said.

The goal is to determine if it can be renovated to meet the Police Department's needs by evaluating code requirements, space constraints, and potential costs.

The report on the current facility will detail the requirements for bringing it up to code, identify what may be lost in a renovation compared to a new build, and outline necessary additions during renovation.

"I don't think that's going to change the direction of what needs to be done, but it gives information to the Select Board [and] gives information to anyone that wants to read the report," committee member Ryan Flanders said.

"It's nothing more than information, and then all of this winds up going to the Select Board for their final decision, whether it's vote it down and do absolutely nothing or whether we're going to invest the time and energy into going and getting all of this done."

Strout questioned why the committee would do this since it had been established early on that the current location does not have the space to provide what the department "legally needs."

"We won't know that until we ask the professional to actually put time into it," committee member Craig Wilbur said.

During the advisory committee meeting on Tuesday, the conversation turned heated at times and Wilbur resigned from his position as co-chair, opting to be a member instead.

In a follow-up, Wilbur explained he does not have enough time to spearhead the development of the progress report but will actively engage in conversations around it. Don Davis has agreed to continue to serve as chair.

One of Wilbur's concerns was having the committee's report ready by the December deadline. However, on Monday night the Select Board voted to extend its deadline to April.

Board members did say they wanted an update on the progress that has been made; emphasizing how a lot has been done.

Humes had toured the facility and created a space needs assessment which is not in alignment with the basement's existing conditions.

"I have not been formally tasked with doing a renovation plan of the existing building  so it was my recommendation that you don't spend any money on a renovation scheme because it was not going to provide a viable option," he said.

"It would not meet the needs as stated within your space needs assessment."

A renovation of the current faculty would require supplementing square footage within the existing space, either within the building or through an addition to the building, Humes said.

Davis said he believes that the station is already at its boundaries.

"We haven't looked at this because we haven't decided as a committee to look at this in any detail. So, these are all speculations that would have to be addressed," Wilbur said.

An added concern of renovating the existing space would be the station would need to stay in operation during the renovations, Humes said.

Given the recent stalemates at previous meetings, Select Board member Antonio "Tony" Pagliarulo informed the committee that he has recommended to the board that a fifth member be added to the committee.

Pagliarulo was a member of the committee prior to being elected to the Select Board but stepped down due to it being a conflict of interest.

During a Select Board meeting in November, the board approved crafting a request for proposals for a public safety facility site, to solicit potential private property sites for the proposed police station.

The committee looked at several properties during this process, with four being ranked for the proposed police facility.

Because of the high costs associated with purchasing the land and the discord surrounding the use of Senior Center land it might be advantageous to open the search up again, Pagliarulo said.

Select Board member John Boyle cautioned against this with concerns that it would delay the process, given the need to evaluate the sites and negotiate costs. Despite his concerns, Boyle did vote in favor of the motion following discussion.

The process should only take about two to two and a half months, Pagliarulo said.

The voters need a comparison cost so Select Board Chair John Bishop also supported the motion. The motion passed unanimously amongst the three present board members.
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The U.S. military is most likely to suffer a defeat at the hands of China if it tried to intervene in a war over Taiwan, a top secret Pentagon assessment report has found.

Pentagon war games simulating a Chinese invasion of Taiwan have shown that Beijing could cripple U.S. fighter squadrons, major warships, and even satellite networks before they deploy effectively, the highly classified document, Overmatch Brief, warned.

The document, prepared by the Pentagons Office of Net Assessment, shows America's reliance on advanced and expensive weapons makes it vulnerable to China's rapidly manufactured cheaper ones, reported the New York Times.

The report warned that China has developed the capacity to neutralise critical American assets at the outset of a conflict.

It comes days after Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, warned U.S. to handle the Taiwan question with the utmost prudence.

The report, recently delivered to senior White House officials, said Chinas rapidly maturing arsenal  particularly its long-range precision missiles, expanding fleet of advanced aircraft, large surface vessels, and its counter-space capabilities  now places U.S. forces at a significant operational disadvantage in the region.

China has amassed an arsenal of about 600 hypersonic weapons, which can travel at five times the speed of sound and are difficult to intercept, the report said. The Office of Net Assessment is a state agency that serves as the Pentagon's internal think tank.

open image in gallery The 'robot wolves' were seen working in sandy surroundings during a Chinese military exercise ( China Central Television )

When a senior Biden national security official received the Overmatch brief in 2021, he turned pale after realising that every trick we had up our sleeve, the Chinese had redundancy after redundancy, a official who was present there said, according to the NYT.

China considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province, and its President Xi Jinping has vowed to reunite the island with the mainland  by force if necessary.

Taiwan, however, considers itself a sovereign, independent country, saying that any change in Taiwans status must be decided democratically by its 23 million people, not imposed by China.

While China has given no deadline on the invasion of Taiwan, assessment and intelligence by the western powers claim that China could launch efforts to take Taiwan by around 2027  a timeline that matches with Xi Jinpings military modernisation goals.

open image in gallery A screen displays a map by Taiwan's defense ministry locating the bases of China's ballistic missiles, during a press conference in Taipei, 23 January 2007. ( AFP/Getty )

The report notes that China could destroy many U.S. advanced weapons, such as aircraft carriers before they even reach Taiwan, using missiles amassed over the past 20 years.

In wargames simulating battlefield scenarios, even the latest U.S. Navy carrier is often not able to sustain an attack, the assessment said.

The report cited the example of Americas latest U.S.S Gerald R. Ford, built at a cost of $13 billion and deployed in 2022. Despite the new technologies, including more advanced nuclear reactors, the carrier would be unable to survive a Chinese attack.

The Ford, which would be effective if matched against weaker powers like Venezuela, is fatally vulnerable to new forms of attack, it said.

The report also drew from real-world examples as the war in Ukraine against Russia continues to test Western weaponry on the battlefield, and the adversaries of America are learning of the shortcomings and strengths.

The war in Ukraine demonstrated how vulnerable tanks have become, it said.

open image in gallery Drones and other armament formations pass during the military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 ( Xinhua )

The assessment also warned that the U.S. no longer has the industrial capacity to produce weapons and munitions at the speed and scale required for a prolonged conflict with a major power.

Washington is falling behind in rapidly developing advanced weapons compared to Beijing and Moscow as it over-relies on expensive and vulnerable weapons, it said.

Previously, Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, said in the Pentagons war games against China, we lose every time and predicted that Chinas hypersonic missiles could easily destroy aircraft carriers within minutes.

The U.S. is vulnerable because the missile stockpiles have already been strained by support for Israel and Ukraine, it said.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has previously cautioned that the U.S. would run out of key munitions quickly in a war with China.

Internal Pentagon assessments indicate that China now far surpasses the U.S. in nearly every category of cruise and ballistic missiles, even though both countries retain around 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Washington is also reported to have expended about a quarter of its high-altitude missile interceptors while defending Israel during Irans 12-day ballistic missile barrage in June.

The Independent has reached out to the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department for a comment.
Close Moment 7.5-magnitude earthquake hits Japan

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Japan was struck by a new 6.9-magnitude earthquake on Friday morning, hitting a similar area of the Pacific coast to Monday nights powerful 7.5-magnitude tremor.

The new quake off Aomori prefecture triggered a fresh tsunami advisory from the Japan Meteorological Agency, which warned of the potential for 1 metre tsunami waves along much of the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.

That advisory was lifted around two hours later, but a number of communities along the coast were evacuated.

The extent of damage or injuries from the new quake wasnt immediately clear.

Japan had earlier warned of possible aftershocks following Mondays 7.5-magnitude tremor. Monday nights earthquake injured at least 51 people and triggered widespread tsunami warnings, with waves of up to 70cm reported in several coastal communities.

On Tuesday, Japans weather agency issued its highest-level warning that a megaquake  an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher  could follow Mondays powerful tremor. The notice, which remains in place until 16 December, was the first time this top-tier alert has been issued since the warning system was launched in 2022.
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Japan is deploying robot wolves in bear-prone areas to help keep the animals away after a spate of deadly attacks.

The so-called Monster Wolf, developed by Hokkaido-based precision machining company Ohta Seiki, was designed to protect farms, hiking trails, and other areas where bears are likely to appear.

When an animal approaches, the robot wolfs infrared sensors activate: its eyes glow red, its head turns, blue LED lights flash, and it emits sounds as loud as a car horn.

The device can play around 50 different noises at random, including animal howls and human voices.

Although initially dismissed as a gimmick when it was first introduced in 2016, the mechanical wolf has proven effective in recent trials, the outlet said.

Bears are very cautious animals and often act alone, Yuji Ota, president of Ohta Seiki, told Kyodo News.

When there is a loud noise, they would think there is something there and would not come close.

As many as 330 Monster Wolves are due to be deployed across Japan in areas where bears are frequently spotted.

In 2023, Mr Seiki told ABC News: Its been a success. To date, no one has questioned its effectiveness, nor have we faced any returns due to dissatisfaction.

open image in gallery In this photo provided by the Japan Self-Defence Forces Akita Camp, Self-Defence Forces personnel unload a bear cage from a military truck in JSDF Akita Camp, Akita, northern Japan, Thursday, 30 October 2025 ( JSDF Akita Camp via AP )

I think its much more cost-effective to threaten with a machine and drive it away from the village than the cost of a lot of people going out and exterminate it, he added.

The recent spike in bear attacks in Japan has led to a surge in demand, the company said, with inquiries tripling and customers even getting in touch from overseas. One such query came from India, asking whether the robot could deter elephants.

Ohta Seiki says it is also developing a remote-controlled Wolf Mover to chase bears away and a portable version for hikers and campers.

Earlier, zoologist Nobuyuki Yamaguchi from the University of Malaysia, Terengganu, told ABC News that the robot wolves had limitations.

open image in gallery File. Robotic Monster Wolf deployed in a farm to protect crops from wild boars

While the sudden lights and noises can startle wildlife, many animals learn and adapt. Once a sizeable segment of any species realises the lack of actual harm, its deterrent effect may wane.

The expert added: For wildlife we humans are the scariest monsters much more so than even is the mighty lion! It is the beauty of evolution that some of our reactions have been formed through our evolution. Brown bears and wolves have evolved almost next to each other, and hence, the brown bear possibly knows what the wolf is, and vice versa.

Bear attacks have risen sharply this year, with NHK Japan reporting 235 injuries and 13 deaths across 21 prefectures up to 10 December.

Akita saw the highest number of incidents at 66.

open image in gallery File. A close up of a Black Bear spotted in Iwate, North Japan ( Getty/iStock )

While bears typically hibernate during winter, attacks are still occurring even this month. A 4 December incident in Naganos Nozawaonsen village was the first December residential bear attack in the region since 1977.

Last month the military was deployed to Akita in a rare move to assist with trapping operations after local officials said they were overwhelmed.

The Japanese government also revised long-standing rules to allow riot police to shoot bears in certain circumstances, a power previously limited to licensed hunters.

Meanwhile, Japan could be looking at another surge in bear attacks in the near future, researchers have cautioned, after a new survey found that the harvest of a type of nuts that the animals favoured could dwindle in 2027.

Beechnut is a vital source of food for Asiatic black bears in the autumn, and shortages routinely drive the animals into towns and farmland.

While 2026 was expected to produce a plentiful harvest, the long-observed trend of alternating good and poor years meant a failure was likely in 2027, according to the study by the Akita Prefecture Forestry Research and Training Centre.
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US nuclear-capable bombers conducted joint flights with Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, in a clear show of force following recent Chinese and Russian military exercises in the region.

Tokyo confirmed the operation, which saw two US B-52 strategic bombers fly alongside three Japanese F-35 stealth fighters and three F-15 air-superiority jets.

This marked the first time the US had asserted its military presence since China initiated a series of drills last week.

Japan's defence ministry stated on Thursday that both nations "reaffirmed their strong resolve to prevent any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force and confirmed the readiness posture of both the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and US forces."

The display comes after a joint flight of Chinese and Russian strategic bombers across the East China Sea and western Pacific on Tuesday.

Separately, Chinese aircraft carrier drills prompted Japan to scramble jets, with Tokyo alleging its aircraft were targeted by radar beams.

open image in gallery A Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable strategic bomber which flew from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea to rendezvous with two Chinese H-6 bombers before heading into the Western Pacific ( Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan/Reuters )

China, however, denied this accusation, claiming Japanese jets had endangered its air operations south of Japan.

Washington criticised China's actions as "not conducive to regional peace and stability" and reiterated that its alliance with Japan remained "unwavering."

Show of force

Both Japan and South Korea host US forces, with Japan home to the biggest concentration of American military power overseas, including an aircraft carrier strike group and a US Marine expeditionary force.

Japan's Chief of Staff, Joint Staff General Hiroaki Uchikura, said the Chinese and Russian joint bomber flight was clearly a show of force directed at Japan.

open image in gallery The 6th Air Wing of Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F-15 fighters hold a joint military drill with the US B-52 bomber over Sea of Japan ( Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan/Reuters )

"We consider it a grave concern from the standpoint of Japan's security," Uchikura, the country's top uniformed military officer, said at a regular press briefing.

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also shared Japan's concerns about the Chinese and Russian aircraft with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation chief Mark Rutte in a telephone call on Wednesday.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the drills with Russia were part of the two countries' annual cooperation plan, demonstrating both sides' determination to "safeguard regional peace and stability".

"The Japanese side has no need to make a fuss about nothing or to take this personally," he added.

Activity near South Korea and Taiwan

South Koreas military said it also scrambled fighter jets when the Chinese and Russian aircraft entered its air defence identification zone on Tuesday, an area that extends beyond its airspace and is used for early warning.

Chinese military ships and aircraft operate almost daily around Taiwan, in what Taipei says is part of Beijing's ongoing pressure campaign.

On Thursday, Taiwan's defence ministry reported a stepped up Chinese military presence for a second day in a row. It said it had detected 27 aircraft, including nuclear-capable H-6K bombers, conducting a "joint combat readiness patrol", along with warships around the island.

Late on Wednesday, the ministry said Chinese J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers had again carried out long-range training in the Western Pacific after passing to the south of Taiwan.

Regional tensions have risen since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi triggered a dispute with Beijing last month with her remarks on how Tokyo might react to a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan.

China claims democratically governed Taiwan and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island, which sits just over 100 km (62 miles) from Japanese territory and is surrounded by sea lanes on which Tokyo relies.
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Bonnie Blue faces deportation following her arrest in Bali for alleged pornography offences in breach of Indonesias strict morality laws.

The adult content creator, 26, was detained along with at least 17 male tourists from Australia and the UK, most of whom were released after questioning.

Police seized camera equipment, contraceptives and the so-called Bang Bus used by Bonnie Blue - whose real name is Tia Billinger - during a raid of a studio where they were committing the alleged offences.

Authorities have now said Ms Billinger will be deported once an investigation is completed. She faces up to 15 years in jail if charged with pornography offences.

open image in gallery Ms Billinger is accused of pornography offences ( AFP via Getty Images )

"We will immediately take firm action, deport them, and submit them for blacklisting, Winarko, an immigration chief at Bali airport who did not give his full name, told AFP.

Police and immigration officials said so far they can not find any evidence that the group had made pornographic material, the agency reported. Instead, the group is facing deportation for breaking tourist visa rules, by working without permits and breaching local traffic laws.

The groups passports have been confiscated ahead of the hearing, but police did not say where the group was being detained.

Local police chief Muhammad Arif Batubara said authorities are conducting a joint investigation regarding activities involving alleged criminal acts of pornography or... material that violates decency.

Two Britons and one Australian man were among those detained after police received a tip-off from a concerned citizen, Mr Batubara said.

open image in gallery She now faces deportation, for breaching visa rules ( AFP via Getty Images )

Police received complaints that she had hired a bus to travel around the island to film explicit material during schoolies week, when Australian teenagers celebrate finishing high school. She was allegedly joined by at least 17 male tourists aged between 19 and 40, of British and Australian nationalities.

Authorities said they seized school Bonnie Blue outfits, along with cameras, condoms, flash drives, lubricant, pink necklaces, and two sheets of Viagra pills from the studio.

The head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office said earlier this week that Ms Billinger was still being investigated and they wanted to follow up on several things that were found by police, the Daily Mail reported.

open image in gallery Ms Billinger may be blacklisted from Indonesia in future ( AFP via Getty Images )

Ms Billinger this week made her first comments to the media since she was detained, while walking into the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Jimbaran, south of Kuta.

Asked whether she intended on making more explicit content in Bali, she responded according to the Mail Online: Subscribe and youll find out.

The Bang Bus is now over, Ms Billinger said in a video seen by the outlet.
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Heavy fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border has claimed the lives of three Thai civilians, marking the first non-combatant fatalities since the conflict reignited.

This latest escalation follows a Sunday skirmish that injured two Thai soldiers, shattering a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump in July, which had temporarily halted five days of intense clashes over long-standing territorial disputes.

The renewed hostilities have reportedly killed around two dozen people, while hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes on both sides, seeking refuge in temporary shelters or with family.

According to a Thai Army statement, Cambodian forces initiated an artillery and mortar assault on Thai positions on Wednesday night. Thailand responded with similar heavy weaponry, claiming "the destruction of enemy trucks."

Cambodias state-aligned Fresh News online site confirmed that artillery exchanges were still ongoing on Thursday morning.

The escalating violence has drawn concern from across the world, with Pope Leo XIV expressing his profound sorrow, telling an audience at the Vatican that he was "deeply saddened by the news of the renewed conflict."

open image in gallery Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes on both sides, seeking refuge in temporary shelters or with family. ( Associated Press/Heng Sinith )

There have been casualties, including among civilians, and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. I express my closeness in prayer to these dear peoples, he said on Wednesday.

Trump says he will urge sides to return to ceasefire

The original ceasefire in July was brokered by Malaysia and pushed through by pressure from Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed. It was formalised in more detail in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia that Trump attended.

Despite the deal to stop fighting, the two countries carried on a bitter propaganda war and minor cross-border violence continued.

Cambodia complained that Thailand did not return 18 soldiers it captured as the ceasefire was coming into effect, while Thailand protested after soldiers patrolling the frontier were wounded by land mines, which it alleges were newly laid by Cambodia.

Cambodia insisted that the mines were left over from its decades of civil war that ended in 1999.

open image in gallery A house which, Thai local security forces say, was damaged by a Cambodian artillery in Surin province, Thailand ( Associated Press//Sakchai Lalit )

Trump said he expects to speak by phone with the two leaders on Thursday, and expressed confidence that he would persuade the two sides, once again, to stop the fighting.

I think I can get them to stop fighting. Who else can do that? Trump said on Wednesday in an exchange with reporters, in which he also repeated his exaggerated claim of settling eight wars around the globe since his return to the White House. Every once in a while, one will flame up again and I have to put out that little flame.

The US had yet to contact Thailand following Trumps latest remarks, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters in Bangkok on Thursday.

Anutin, reflecting nationalistic public sentiment, has repeatedly vowed to continue fighting until Thailand's sovereignty and security are assured.

In remarks on Wednesday, he did not seem to rule out negotiations with Cambodia, but said he would not do so simply at the request of Trump.

Rivals exchange strikes

Thailand has deployed jet fighters to carry out airstrikes on what it says are military targets. Cambodia has deployed BM-21 rocket launchers with a range of 30-40 kilometers (19-25 miles).

open image in gallery Evacuees wait for registration as they take refuge at Chonkal in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia ( Associated Press/Heng Sinith )

According to data collected by public broadcaster ThaiPBS, at least six of the Thai soldiers who were killed were hit by rocket shrapnel.

The Thai armys northeastern regional command said Cambodian forces on Wednesday had by mid-afternoon fired 79 BM-21 salvos with 3,160 rockets, used artillery 122 times and employed bomb-dropping drones in 63 attacks.

It said a hospital in Surin province was evacuated after rockets hit about 500 meters (550 yards) away.

The Thai army also said it destroyed a tall crane atop a hill held by Cambodia where the centuries-old Preah Vihear temple is located, because it allegedly held electronic and optical devices used for military command and control purposes.

Thailands military announced Thursday that the dead include nine soldiers, as well as three civilians, whose deaths they said occurred as they were being evacuated. It also said that more than 120 troops have been wounded.

Cambodia has said nine civilians have died, including a baby, and 46 others have been wounded.

An ancient temple sits at the heart of the dispute

The UNs cultural agency, UNESCO, on Wednesday expressed its strong concern over fighting in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple, which it has designated a World Heritage site.

open image in gallery UNESCO expressed its strong concern over fighting in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple ( AP )

UNESCO stands ready to provide the necessary technical assistance to ensure the protection of cultural property and implement any necessary safeguarding measures as soon as conditions allow, it said.

The roots of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict lie in a history of enmity over competing territorial claims.

These claims largely stem from a 1907 map created while Cambodia was under French colonial rule, which Thailand maintains is inaccurate.

Tensions were exacerbated by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded sovereignty to Cambodia, which still riles many Thais.
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At least half a million people in Cambodia and Thailand have been evacuated and are sheltering in schools, pagodas and gymnasium as the latest round of border clashes entered its fourth day.

Fighting intensified in more than a dozen locations along their 817km-long contested border with jets, tanks, artillery and drones launching fire. Thailand said on Wednesday about 400,000 people have been evacuated, while Cambodia reported more than 127,000 displaced.

Thai evacuees in the northeastern Surin province said they left soon after an early evacuation warning sounded following a brief skirmish at the Cambodian border on Sunday.

"I could only bring my clothes," Amnat Meephew, 73, said, adding that she only had enough time to pack up his clothes and flee. "I even forgot to lock my doors when I left."

It is the second time in four months that hundreds of thousands of people like him have had to escape the fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours.

open image in gallery A drone view shows smoke rising from a building near the Trat and Thmar Dar border between Thailand and Cambodia ( via REUTERS )

Many people have taken shelter in university halls, sitting or lying on thin mats or in tents erected within their allotted space. Music played to help relieve stress. Health officials checked on evacuees, while volunteers organised activities to entertain children.

At least 19 people have been killed so far, including 10 people in Cambodia and eight soldiers in Thailand. Heavy fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border has claimed the lives of three Thai civilians, marking the first non-combatant fatalities since the conflict reignited.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) called on Thailand and Cambodia for urgent protection of cultural heritage in all its forms as many ancient temples along the border came under heavy bombardment.

Unesco said cultural heritage sites, including the Unesco World Heritage site of Preah Vihear Temple, has been threatened by the conflict.

open image in gallery Residents rest inside a temple after they evacuated following clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border, in Siem Reap province ( AFP via Getty Images )

Unesco will continue to monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the region, with a view to ensuring its protection, the organisation said.

It said the organisation has shared the geographical coordinates of world heritage sites and nationally significant locations with all parties in order to avoid any potential damage.

Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson, Maly Socheata, told reporters that a border temple, which is a sacred site of Cambodia, has been shelled.

The Thai army fired indiscriminately into civilian areas and schools and especially shelled Ta Krabey temple, she said.

open image in gallery Flame rises from a house which, Thai local security forces say, was damaged by a Cambodian artillery in Surin province, Thailand ( AP )

The Thai army accused Cambodia of firing rockets that landed in the vicinity of the Phanom Dong Rak hospital in Surin province which was also struck in the July clashes.

Efforts to negotiate a truce between the two countries by Malaysia and the US are ongoing with Malayan prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and US president Donald Trump seeking to intervene after successfully brokering a ceasefire to end the hostilities in July.

Mr Ibrahim said he spoke to the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers and appreciated their openness towards negotiations.

"I appreciate the openness and willingness of both leaders to continue negotiations in order to ease tensions and avoid any misunderstandings that could worsen the situation," Mr Anwar said in a post on on Wednesday.

open image in gallery This shows a house which, Thai local security forces say, was damaged by a Cambodian artillery in Surin province, Thailand, Thursday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Mr Trump said he was due to call the leaders of the two countries, expressing confidence that he could settle the hostilities pretty quickly.

I think I can get them to stop fighting. Who else can do that? Mr Trump said on Wednesday.

However, Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reacted more warily this time to overtures from Mr Trump and Mr Ibrahim while Cambodian leader Hun Manet has expressed willingness for talks to ease tensions.

Mr Charnvirakul said on Thursday he would "explain and clarify" the situation if Mr Trump called.

"He will need to hear the details directly from me if he contacts me," he told reporters. "I believe the foreign minister will already be providing information at the diplomatic level."

The US, Malaysia and China help broker a ceasefire between the two in July. In October, Mr Trump endorsed a follow-on joint declaration, hailing fresh trade deals with Thailand and Cambodia after they agreed to extend their truce.

But Thailand pulled out of the agreement the following month.
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British people with cash savings in their bank accounts will be contacted by finance firms recommending investing options under a new government-backed support scheme to help people grow their wealth.

At present, fewer than one in ten people (9 per cent) receive paid-for and regulated financial advice tailored to their circumstances and needs. Millions of others fall into the bracket of not wanting or being able to afford financial advice, but could still benefit from such advice.

Targeted support is intended to be the bridge step for that large group of Britons, who already have a cash safety buffer behind them and who could earn more with their extra money over longer periods if they invested it. The cut to cash ISA limits announced in the Budget is part of the same push to encourage people to consider investing.

Under the new plans, banks and other financial establishments, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulated investment platforms or wealth managers, will now be able to contact customers and offer help to show how they might be better off with some investment products.

The scheme is still subject to legislation, but The Independent understands the government is on track to complete this in time for the new tax year in April.

Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive of the FCA, claimed the move would be game-changing. It means millions of people can get extra help to make better financial decisions, she said. We also hope it will build greater confidence to invest. While investing will not be right for everyone, we know people in the UK invest less compared to the EU or US.

Some consumer groups have shown concern that, because recommendations will not be personalised, there is a risk that people are guided towards or choose the wrong options. But the FCA is understood to believe it is a bigger risk that people continue to get no support or guidance at all.

Around one in ten UK adults have no savings at all, said the regulatory body. But around seven million UK adults have 10,000 or more in savings, according to their research.

The data also suggested a significant number of people who were in a financial position to invest did not do so because they were uncertain or concerned about their options.

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open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

Why does the government want more people investing?

Ministers believe that developing a greater investment culture across the UK will drive long-term wealth and help economic growth.

Over longer periods of time, investing returns tend to be better than what your money can earn in interest while sitting in savings accounts.

However, that does come with more volatility - the potential for ups and downs - along the way, meaning at some stages your investments might be worth less than their original value.

This, along with negative language around investment products and a general lack of early financial education for Brits, has put many off getting started.

What information can be given with targeted support?

Companies will not tell you what shares to buy or give any other details about your specific circumstances.

The idea is that theyll be able to explain properly how to lower or mitigate risk, how cash from a savings account might be better allocated or spread out and why any proposals they offer might put consumers in a better financial position. They will also have to confirm and explain this to the regulator beforehand.

Commission [for providing targeted support] is banned, we're expecting most firms that do provide it, subject to our regulation, will be providing it free of charge to consumers, Ms Pritchard added.

How do you get started investing?

UK-based adults get a 20,000 ISA allowance each year. One product within the ISA family is a stocks and shares ISA, or investing ISA. Any gains made from investments within one (like dividends or share price increases) are tax-free, so opening one of these should be the starting point for most people.

Many banks or finance apps offer different versions, as do specific investing platforms, so its important to choose one which suits your needs based on fees, usability or experience. Some offer ready-made portfolios which you can simply choose according to how much risk you want to take.

For more information on starting to invest, you can read here.

What do industry experts say on the proposals?

Targeted support will allow millions of people across the country to supercharge their savings and invest with confidence, said Lucy Rigby KC MP, economic secretary to the Treasury. This extra support for savers has the potential to be transformative for retail investment in Britain.

Chira Barua, the chief executive of Scottish Widows, called it an important step in the process to close the advice gap and financially empower millions, while debt charity StepChanges CEO, Vikki Brownridge, said targeted support creates a structured way for firms to guide people toward suitable products and services to meet their financial needs.

Millions of people on lower incomes now engage with financial servicesthrough workplace pensions or savingsbut often lack the confidence or support to make good choices, she added. In future, wed like to see targeted support go further to help build the long-term financial resilience of people currently underserved by the market.

Holly Mackay, founder of consumer finance website Boring Money, called targeted support the most exciting regulatory change in a decade and said it could change the nation from an environment of millions being perfectly wrong instead of approximately right.
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Coca-Cola announced on Wednesday that its chief operating officer is set to become the company's next chief executive in the first quarter of 2026.

The Atlanta-based beverage giant confirmed its board has elected Henrique Braun as CEO, effective from 31 March. Current chairman and CEO, James Quincey, will transition into the role of executive chairman.

Mr Braun, 57, boasts a three-decade career with Coca-Cola. Before assuming the COO position earlier this year, he spearheaded operations across Brazil, Latin America, Greater China, and South Korea. His extensive experience spans supply chain management, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management, and bottling operations.

Braun was born in California and raised in Brazil. He holds a bachelors degree in agricultural engineering from the University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, a master of science degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Georgia State University.

David Weinberg, Coca-Colas lead independent director, called Quincey, 60, a transformative leader who will continue to remain active in the business.

During Quincey's nine years as CEO, Coke added more than 10 additional billion-dollar brands, including BodyArmor and Fairlife. He also brought Coke into the alcoholic drink market with Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, which went on sale in 2021.

In 2020, Quincey led a restructuring that reduced Coke's brands by half and laid off thousands of employees. Quincey said Coke wanted to streamline its structure and focus its investments on fast-growing products like its Simply and Minute Maid juices.

open image in gallery Coca Cola CEO James Quincey speaks during the Global Citizen festival, Sept. 25, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, File) ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

But as Quincey steps down as CEO, Coke is facing numerous challenges, including tepid demand for its products in the U.S. and Europe and increasing customer scrutiny of its ingredients. This summer, after a nudge from President Donald Trump, Coke said it would release a version of its trademark Cola with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.

Weinberg said the board is confident that Braun will build on the company's strengths and seek out growth opportunities globally.

Coke shares were flat in after-market trading.
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Wes Streeting has expressed his genuine fears for the NHS if next weeks resident doctors strike goes ahead, warning that he could not guarantee the safety of patients during a severe rise in flu cases.

The health secretary claimed flu is causing probably the worst pressure the NHS has faced since Covid, with the collapse of the health service at one minute to midnight.

Mr Streeting warned the numbers could triple by the peak and described the scenes in hospital as inexcusable, stressing that the strike action could be the Jenga piece that collapses the tower.

Despite new figures showing flu cases at a record level for this time of year after jumping 55 per cent in a week, the chair of the British Medical Association has denied that patients will be put at risk as a result of next weeks walkouts.

BMA chief Dr Tom Dolphin told The Independent the NHS is facing a year-round crisis that is not isolated to the winter, insisting that senior doctors would be able to be drafted in to cover for the absent resident doctors to keep patients safe.

open image in gallery Tom Dolphin, member of the BMA consultant committee ( Independent )

The strike is expected to take place from 7am on 17 December until 22 December, after the union accused the government of failing to make sufficient progress towards a viable deal on jobs and pay.

But as flu cases surge in England, with an average of 2,660 flu patients in hospital each day last week, there are growing concerns over the health services ability to cope with the walkouts.

Taking aim at the BMA, Mr Streeting criticised the trade union for choosing to strike in December as they know that this week will be most painful for the NHS.

Describing the situation as pretty terrifying, he told LBC: So if youve got strikes and youve got flu and youve got all of these trolleys on corridors, and youve got demand going up rather than down, I just dont think there is a lever I can pull, I dont think theres an amount of money I can throw, that means I can sit on your programme and guarantee patient safety over the next week.

Downing Street has called on the union to reverse its astounding plans to strike and inflict pain on patients, adding: Lets be clear about what this decision means: their NHS colleagues will have to cancel Christmas plans to cover shifts, patients will have operations cancelled, and the NHS will be preparing for the worst in the middle of an unprecedented flu season.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, warned that the tidal wave of flu facing the NHS means the health service needs all-hands on deck to look after a huge number of patients.

Meanwhile, Dr Jeanette Dickson, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AOMRC) said she is concerned about the impact on patients of a further five days of industrial action at this critical time of year, with the organisation pointing out that there are 10 times more patients in hospital beds with flu than there were at the same time two years ago.

But Dr Dolphin said: So the NHS is already struggling all the time  We are strained, and thats been going on since the summer. So its not just a winter crisis, its genuinely year-round.

open image in gallery Flu patients in hospital in England ( PA )

Addressing the winter flu crisis, he said: On strike days, the hospitals arrange for senior doctors to cover for the absent resident doctors.

Sometimes theyll get people to come do that as extra shifts in their own time and sometimes theyll redeploy people from doing planned care  care that can be postponed if the hospitals think that there is a need for extra staff  So the same model that has worked for all the previous strikes to keep patients safe will apply.

He added: They may need to do more of it, but the principle is still there, and it still keeps patients safe.

Pressed on whether he thinks no extra patients will be put at risk at this time of year, he said: Yeah, I do, because the planning for that falls on the hospitals to decide where theyre going to use the staff that theyve got.

But Mr Elkeles disagreed, telling The Independent he believes more patients will be put at risk.

While he said the NHS will work its absolute hardest to continue operating as normal, he warned of the impact of this tidal wave of flu and the sheer pressure thats [its] putting on the emergency part of the NHS the moment.

The volume of 999 calls, the number of patients being admitted to hospital is huge  this feels like a moment you need all of your workforce pulling together, with all hands on deck to look after a huge number of patients, he said.

It would seem likely that if a key part of the workforce decide to take industrial action next week, it makes looking after all these patients and delivering planned care a challenging ask.

While Dr Dickson said the AOMRC would not comment on the rights or wrongs of the industrial action, the organisation urged the BMA to suspend its guidance, which states resident doctors do not need to inform their employers about whether they plan to strike or not as a result of the considerable additional pressure being caused by a particularly virulent flu virus taking hold.

A spokesperson said: If managers were told which resident doctors are intending to take action it would at least allow them to plan safely for emergency cover and perhaps consolidate resources on a regional basis.

In a last-ditch attempt to avoid the five-day strike, Mr Streeting offered the BMA a deal which proposes to tackle the bottleneck by prioritising UK medical graduates and doctors for speciality training  an offer the union has agreed to put to members over the coming days.

open image in gallery The health secretary has branded the proposed strike irresponsible ( PA )

Under the offer, 4,000 more speciality training places will be created, and their Royal College membership and exam fees will be reimbursed.

But BMA fellow deputy chair 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.

There have been increasingly tense relations between the Labour government and the doctors union in recent months, with Mr Streeting accusing the BMA of juvenile delinquency for planning to walk out over five consecutive days in the run-up to Christmas.

But Dr Dolphin expressed a degree of optimism when it comes to relations with Labour, saying the governments approach to labour relations has generally been a big step change from the previous government, adding that the Labour Party recognises the importance of trade unions.

He added: Negotiations have been quite difficult because weve been quite far apart in our starting position, and some of the language used has been unfortunate, but we understand its a difficult conversation, so that's to be expected.

I think as long as we can continue to have constructive conversations in negotiation meetings, rather than briefing about each other in the media, then thats going to have a better outcome. And I think the Labour Party is capable of doing that in a way that probably some other governments would not be.

But he said the government must come forward with a decent offer that we can put to membership if they want to avert further walkouts next year.

We need a resolution on it, he said. Weve been asking nicely for several years, and now were going to move into industrial dispute about it.
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One in five young people in Britain now access specialist mental health care by the time they turn 18 in a seismic shift, new research has found.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh examined figures from Wales, which they say reflect those of the whole of the UK, and found a fourfold increase in the number of children accessing mental health services in the last two decades.

They say the study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, suggests that while Covid lockdowns contributed to a decline in young peoples mental health, it is not the only factor driving the trend. Numbers accelerated before the pandemic, with a particular rise after 2010.

In one of the first studies to measure the impact of worsening child mental health on specialist services, researchers tracked children born from 1991 to 2005 to measure how many had accessed NHS child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) before their 18th birthday. They found that while fewer than 6 per cent of those born in 1991 had used the services, more than 20 per cent of individuals born in 2005 had done so.

open image in gallery While Covid lockdowns contributed to a decline in young peoples mental health, it is not the only factor driving the trend ( Getty/iStock )

Teenagers were the most likely age group to be in touch with mental health services. In the early 2000s, a similar number of boys and girls attended services, but by 2022 there were nearly twice as many girls as boys.

Ian Kelleher, leader of the research and professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Edinburgh, said: This study provides the clearest picture yet of the soaring demand for CAMHS. There has been a seismic shift in the numbers coming to CAMHS but there has been far too little research to understand why this is the case. Contrary to a lot of public discourse, this is not a post-pandemic issue  this trend has been building consistently for over a decade.

In a separate study, psychologists at the University of Manchester have put the decline in mental health among young people down to worsening sleep quality, economic pressure, a reduction in children and youth services, and social media and smartphone use.

Their research also revealed poorer mental health among young women and girls, which goes some way to explaining their increased use of mental health services. Their study found that more girls experienced low mood than boys due to factors including discrimination, academic pressure, and increased time spent on social media.

open image in gallery Teenagers were the most likely age group to be in touch with mental health services ( Getty/iStock )

Dr Ola Demkowicz, senior lecturer in psychology of education, who led the study, said: Our analysis has also pointed to a need to treat these worsening trends as genuine  this is not simply a story about a change in how young people identify, describe, or report their mental health.

Jeremy Bernhaut, director of policy and practice at Mental Health UK, said in response to the University of Edinburghs findings: Poor mental health often takes root in adolescence, and it's crucial that young people can access rapid support so these difficulties do not become life-long challenges.

As highlighted by this new research, mental ill-health among young people has been on the rise for some time Those who do become severely unwell often wait too long for care, and others are rejected by services altogether because they do not meet the high threshold for support.

An NHS spokesperson said: The NHS is working tirelessly to meet the rising tide of demand and has supported two-thirds more children and young people [since the pandemic]. We know early intervention is vital and are offering millions of children immediate NHS support in classrooms, with every school and college set to have a mental health support team by the end of 2029.
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Massachusetts has reported its first case of silicosis, a fatal and incurable lung disease spread from dust produced when making stone countertops.

The states Department of Public Health said the Hispanic man in his 40s was diagnosed with the progressive condition earlier this year after inhaling respirable crystalline silica, a mineral found naturally in quartz and granite countertops.

The man, who was not identified, had worked for two stone countertop fabrication and installation companies for a total of 14 years.

He cut and shaped quartz, granite, marble and porcelain for both companies, but his first workplace of 12 years was very dusty, wet methods of cutting stone were not routinely used and he was given thin surgical masks to wear while on the job.

After about ten years with that company, he started experiencing cough and shortness of breath. These symptoms persisted, and four years later  after several medical visits and tests  he was diagnosed with silicosis, the department said.

open image in gallery Massachusetts health officials just reported the states first case of an incurable lung disease that comes from a popular material ( Getty Images )

The case has prompted officials to issue a safety alert to employers this week.

Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering disease  and one that is also absolutely preventable, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a statement. Massachusetts employers in industries where workers are exposed to silica dust have a responsibility to protect their workforce, including from harmful airborne dust.

No worker should have to suffer from a chronic and insidious lung disease or possibly die because of a preventable exposure at work, he said.

People with silicosis often show symptoms following years of exposure, such as shortness of breath, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, fever, weakness, leg swelling and lips that turn blue. Infection increases the risk for other deadly lung diseases, such as lung cancer and tuberculosis.

It may take multiple visits to doctors to diagnose the disease, according to the American Lung Association. Doctors will listen to a patients lungs and test them, conduct X-rays or CT scans, biopsy the lung or even send a tube with a video camera into the windpipe and lung.

There are several risk factors for silicosis that both patients and doctors can keep in mind.

The majority of silicosis cases in the U.S. and around the world are work-related.

Silicosis has historically been associated with construction and mining. The disease has become more prevalent among stone workers due to the rise in popularity of quartz stone countertops, which are more than 90 percent silica compared to less than 45 percent in granite.

The first reported case in the U.S. was identified in Texas in 2014. Since then, other states have reported dozens of deaths, with recent cases in Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin and California.

Californias own health department has issued multiple health advisories related to silicosis this year.

In November, the department said the state had seen 432 confirmed cases, at least 25 deaths and 48 related lung transplants since 2019. Lung transplants cannot cure silicosis, but offer a chance for an extended life.

open image in gallery A wet-cutting method can help to reduce the amount of harmful silica dust produced ( Getty Images/iStock )

The Hispanic or Latino demographic makes up the majority of stone workers and most of the workers with silicosis are relatively young, male and Hispanic or Latino, Massachusetts health officials said.

While silicosis is incurable, it is also preventable. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says workers can stay safe by wet cutting and using effective dust control methods, wearing appropriate respirators, using a HEPA-filtered vacuum to minimize dust in the air, tracking the levels of silica dust in the workplace, making sure the work is done in well-ventilated areas and getting periodic exams from qualified health care providers.

Early diagnosis can help to slow the progression of the disease.

The confirmation of this case in Massachusetts is a tragic reminder that silicosis is not just a distant threat  it is here, and it is seriously impacting the health of workers in Massachusetts, said Emily Sparer-Fine, Director of the departments Occupational Health Surveillance Program.
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More than 600 items of cultural significance have been stolen from Bristol Museums collection of artefacts dating back to the 19th century, police have said.

Avon and Somerset Police said four men entered the building on 25 September between 1am and 2am to steal the high-value items.

The force, which released CCTV images of four people officers want to speak to, said more than 600 artefacts of "various descriptions" were taken by the offenders.

Officer in the case, DC Dan Burgan, said: The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city.

open image in gallery An elephant ornament, carved ivory, inlaid ebony eyes, one of more than 600 artefacts that were stolen ( Bristol City Council/PA Wire )

These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice.

So far, our enquiries have included significant CCTV enquiries as well as forensic investigations and speaking liaising with the victims.

If you recognise the men pictured or have seen any of the possible items being sold online, please call us on 101 and quote reference 5225269603.

The British Empire and Commonwealth Collection contains thousands of historic objects, photographs and films which Bristol Museum say document the links between Britain and countries in the British empire from the late 19th century to recent times.

open image in gallery The items were part of the British Empire and Commonwealth Collection, owned by the Bristol Museum ( Getty )

Bristol City Council released images of an elephant carved in ivory, an ivory statue of the Buddha, a ship lantern and an Emancipation token.

Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at the council, said: Were deeply saddened by the theft of these artefacts which make up the extensive British Empire and Commonwealth Collection.

open image in gallery An Ivory Buddha on stone base, one of more than 600 artefacts that were stolen ( Bristol City Council/PA Wire )

These artefacts were part of a collection that documents the links between Britain and countries formerly part of the British Empire from the late 18th century to the late 20th century.

The collection is of cultural significance to many countries and provides an invaluable record and insight into the lives of those involved in and affected by the British Empire.

Were grateful for the support of Avon and Somerset Police and continue to work closely with officers to investigate this crime and seek to apprehend the offenders and recover these artefacts.

Security at the facility has been tightened and members of our museum community have been informed.

The four men pictured are described as white.

One was of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers.

The second man was of slim build, wearing a grey hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers.

The third male wore a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts and white trainers and appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.

Finally, the fourth man was of large build, wearing a two-toned orange and navy/black puffed jacket, black trousers, and black and white trainers.
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A prolific thief has been banned from wearing wigs in shops as she was jailed for 36 weeks over a shoplifting spree.

Rachael Cole, aged 44, stole goods worth 964 from shops in Hook and Liphook in Hampshire between 10 November and 1 December.

The defendant, of Warren Close, in Whitehill, Hampshire, admitted four counts of theft at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

As well as the prison term, Cole was made subject to the criminal behaviour order, which prohibits her from wearing a hairpiece or face covering in a shop.

The measure was imposed after she wore a wig in an attempt to disguise herself as she stole seven bags of dog food from Sainsburys in Liphook.

She has also been banned from every Sainsburys and Tesco store in the UK, as well as the B&M store in Bordon.

open image in gallery Rachael Cole has been banned from wearing wigs in shops as she was jailed for 36 weeks for a shoplifting spree ( Hampshire Constabulary/PA Wire )

Other restrictions imposed on Cole include placing any items for purchase in a basket or trolley as well as having to show she has the money to make payment if requested and to leave premises in Hampshire and Surrey if requested.

Inspector Matt Wake, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: Cole repeatedly and brazenly steals from local businesses, even going as far as to making a poor attempt at disguising herself with a wig to try and deceive police and shop owners.

Once shes served her prison sentence, she will face a number of very strict conditions that prohibit her behaviour.

If she fails to comply, she will be arrested and brought before the courts once more.
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Two men who coerced vulnerable teenage girls into serious self-harm and then mocked them online have been jailed.

Charlie Johnson, 24, and Prince Singh, 23, wanted their victims to be "scarred for life" after encouraging them to carve names into themselves.

They then shared images of those acts in an online chatroom.

Johnson and Singh were charged in April 2025 with a number of offences relating to two girls, who were 16 and 17 when they took place.

The offences occurred throughout 2024 and into January 2025.

Johnson, who was also convicted of physically abusing both girls, was jailed for four years, while Singh was sentenced to two years and nine months.

Sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, Judge Ruth Downing said the two men were drawn together by their "mutual interest" in encouraging "school girls" to self-harm.

Judge Downing said: "I am of the view that both these men took a deeply unhealthy interest in this idea in encouraging others, young women, inevitably women, to self-harm."

The judge also described the pair treating their "deliberate planned acts" as a "game", picking vulnerable victims.

At the sentencing hearing, the two victims spoke about the extreme and long-lasting impacts of their actions.

One of the girls said Johnson, who was in his 20s when they met, "weaponised" her youth, and said she still has "nightmares of the abuse".

She said: "I was made to feel like everything was my fault, even when he hurt me."

She added: "Emotionally I felt worthless for a long time, I felt disposable and I even felt guilty that he was facing consequences."

This case marks the first time defendants have been convicted by jury trial of assisting or encouraging serious self-harm under the Online Safety Act of 2023.

While Singh and others have pleaded guilty to offences of this type, Johnson's trial was the first time they were tested in court.

open image in gallery Johnson was jailed for four years, while Singh was sentenced to two years and nine months at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday ( Nick Ansell/PA Wire )

The defendants would share "nudes" and self-harm images they received on a Discord group they ran together, the court heard.

The indecent image offences both men are charged with relate to one of the two women.

After contact with Johnson, which began when the victim was 16 and living in a children's home, Singh began messaging her, giving her "the impression that he cared", the prosecution said.

Singh revealed his "true views" on the Discord server with Johnson, saying "I'm going to ruin her life" and expressing the desire to leave her "scarred for life".

He wrote: "Stage one; befriend, stage two; learn the name of school and workplace, stage three; sit back and drink a slush puppy while her life falls to shit."

Judge Downing said "that really deeply disturbing exchange" which illustrated their intentions behind these acts.

Evidence of the indecent images and self-harm encouragement of girls was found on various devices taken from the defendants' bedrooms when they were arrested.

These included references to and pictures of other girls who were not involved in the trial, the court heard.

One of the victims told the court on Wednesday that despite the trauma inflicted on her, she is "proud" they had stepped forward.

"We knew we had to say something to stop this happening to other girls in the future," she said.

Jessica Lunan, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Charlie Johnson and Prince Singh committed devastating acts of violence and coercion against their young vulnerable victims.

"Through online chat rooms, they exploited and preyed upon young girls from different parts of the UK by illegally sharing indecent images of them and encouraging them to commit acts of self-harm.

"Our prosecutors work tirelessly to protect victims and bring offenders to justice. Sharing indecent images of children is a criminal offence, and those who do so will face the full force of the law."

Johnson was convicted after trial of two counts of encouraging self-harm, two counts of distributing indecent images of a child, along with three counts of assault by beating.

He admitted two counts of making an indecent image, while Singh admitted counts of making and distributing indecent images of a child along with encouraging serious self-harm of one of the victims.

Johnson and Singh each received their custodial sentences for their most serious self-harm count, and concurrent sentences for the other offences.

Both men will serve half of their sentences in custody and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.
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Bonnie Blue has declared her support for Reform UK as the controversial adult content creator faces 15 years in prison in Bali.

The 26-year-old, whose real name is Tia Billinger, has said she stands with Nigel Farage over what she calls his sensible positions on immigration and inheritance tax.

Though admitting she is not knowledgeable about politics, she said the UK is very messed up.

open image in gallery Billinger was banned from OnlyFans earlier this year after reportedly having sex with 1,057 men in just 12 hours ( Rob Parfitt/Channel 4 )

The tax system is terrible and its smart to leave if you have money. There are too many people here, we are too accommodating, and it is causing problems, she wrote in The Spectator.

I worked for the NHS, and most people have no idea where the money goes.

She added: You shouldnt have to pay any inheritance tax, as youve already been taxed on that money. When my grandad died, it was particularly sad because he was too young for my grandma to receive his pension. Thats disgusting. Reform has sensible positions on immigration and inheritance tax, so I stand with Nigel Farage.

open image in gallery The content creator known for her controversial stunts arrives at in immigration office in Bali days after her arrest on suspicion of breaking local morality laws ( AFP via Getty )

Ms Billinger is known for controversial stunts, and was banned from OnlyFans earlier this year after making headlines for reportedly having sex with 1,057 men in just 12 hours.

She was arrested in Bali on suspicion of breaking local morality laws last Thursday, and could face up to 15 years in jail or a 270,000 fine over alleged pornography offences.

Indonesia has strict laws banning the production, distribution and public display of pornographic material, with harsher penalties for offences involving minors.

The police raid on a rental studio followed public complaints that she had hired a bus to travel around the resort island to film explicit material during schoolies week, an Australian post-high-school celebration.

open image in gallery Bonnie Blue could face up to 15 years in jail or a 270,000 fine over alleged pornography offences ( Instagram/@bonnie_blue_xox )

Ms Billinger was released, but her passport remained seized, and she was transferred to immigration authorities for further interrogation.

In addition to explaining her political views, Ms Billinger gave an insight into her thoughts on Christmas and the royal family to The Spectator.

She wrote: I watched The Crown until Kate and William appeared. They seem fine. I like Harry. He chose to step away and for that I give him a lot of credit. Everyone is opinionated about Meghan, but its nice that they have been able to distance themselves.
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A British soldier killed on duty in Ukraine has been named by the Ministry of Defence.

Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, of the Parachute Regiment, died in a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability on Tuesday morning.

Paying tribute at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said: Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.

His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.

The UK has previously acknowledged that a small number of military personnel are in the country, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.

Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, of the Parachute Regiment, has been named as the soldier killed in Ukraine ( PA )

A Ministry of Defence statement said: It is with sadness that we must confirm that the member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine on Tuesday 9th December is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment. He was 28 years old.

Our thoughts are with Lance Corporal Hooley's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

The Parachute Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British Army, primarily based at Merville Barracks in Colchester.

It has not been disclosed which battalion of the Parachute Regiment L/Cpl Hooley served in.

The 1st Battalion is under the direction of special forces while other battalions are part of the British Armys rapid response formation.

Defence secretary John Healey paid tribute, saying he served our country with distinction.

Mr Healey visited Washington DC on Wednesday to discuss the Aukus nuclear submarine programme and his Australian and US counterparts also paid tribute to the British paratrooper.

United States secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, said: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, and to him and his family, and it is a reflection of the sacrifice and commitment that so many make around the world.

Australias defence minister Richard Marles added: Let me start there and also pass on my condolences to George Hooleys family. We are all very much thinking of you at this moment.
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The family of a milk-allergic mum who was killed by a supposedly dairy free Pret a Manger sandwich have won a 1.25m compensation pay-out at the High Court.

Dental nurse Celia Marsh, 42, collapsed and died after eating a Pret "vegan rainbow" flatbread sandwich while strolling around Bath on a post-Christmas shopping trip with her husband and three of her daughters in December 2017.

Mrs Marsh, who was allergic to milk, thought the sandwich contained a safe coconut yoghurt alternative, but unbeknownst to her it was contaminated with milk protein.

She began to feel unwell shortly after eating the sandwich and collapsed - and despite the help of a passing first aider, the mother-of-five died in hospital after being rushed there in an ambulance.

Following an inquest into her death in 2022, the senior coroner for Avon, Maria Voisin, put the blame for her death on the contaminated sandwich, writing in her report: "A product which is marked 'dairy-free' should be free from dairy."

Mrs Marsh's husband, Andy, who described her as his "best friend," then launched a High Court compensation claim on behalf of his family against the high street cafe chain and the product's manufacturer, Planet Coconut Ltd.

open image in gallery The Celia Marsh Pret Store ( Supplied by Champion News )

Following out of court negotiations, Mr Marsh has now agreed to settle the claim, with lawyers yesterday revealing in court that the family will receive a total of 1.25m.

Having been asked to approve one part of the settlement, the judge, Master Mark Gidden, was told that Pret will be responsible for 25 per cent of the payout, with Planet Coconut's insurers liable for the rest.

Mother-of-five Mrs Marsh, of Melksham, Wilts, died after a catastrophic shopping trip with her husband Andy and three of her daughters in Bath at Christmas 2017.

Her family said she had shopped around, looking for lunch which was safe for her milk allergy, before settling on a "vegan rainbow" flatbread from Pret, in Stall Street.

She had "religiously avoided" dairy after a near-fatal experience months earlier, when she needed 15 shots of adrenaline after suffering an allergic reaction, the inquest heard.

Mrs Marsh assumed her "vegan" lunch was safe, but disaster struck due to its contamination with the milk protein, said the coroner in her report following the inquest.

"An investigation by the Bath and North East Somerset Trading Standards and indeed others traced the dairy to a product in the wrap, which was made by Planet Coconut and marketed as a dairy free coconut yoghurt alternative," she said.

"The wrap contained a product which was marked as 'dairy free coconut yoghurt alternative,' but despite this it contained milk protein, which was the cause of Celias anaphylaxis.

"The contamination arose because an ingredient in the yoghurt called HG1 had become cross-contaminated with milk protein during its manufacture.

"The manufacturer of the dairy free yoghurt had in its possession documents which flagged this risk but this risk was not passed on to its customers."

open image in gallery Family of Celia Marsh, (from left) daughters Kayleigh, Brenna, Ashleigh and Marshs husband Andy outside Avon Coroners Court in Bristol following the inquest into her death on 22 September 2022 ( PA )

Within 15 minutes, she had been hit with an acute allergic reaction and within half an hour, she had collapsed in the street, the inquest heard.

Mrs Marsh gave herself an adrenaline shot with the EpiPen she always carried and a passing first aider tried to help, but although an ambulance rushed her to hospital she was dead by 4pm.

Following the inquest, her eldest daughter, Ashleigh Grice, said her mum had lived in constant fear and religiously checked all food labelling - often triple checking.

Mr Marsh sued Pret and Planet Coconut over his wife's death and after negotiations outside court, the parties yesterday had a settlement of the claim approved by the judge.

Family barrister, Hannah Noyce, told the judge that Pret and Planet Coconut had agreed a split of the liability for the payment, which she said totals 1.25million.

Both defendants initially agreed apportionment of liability on the basis of 75/25 in favour of Pret, but Pret wasnt prepared to agree terms that would make all defendants jointly and severally liable," she said.

"They wanted specific sums to be agreed. It was agreed that Planet Coconuts insurers be made party to the agreement and that they should be jointly and severally liable for Planet Coconut's share."

open image in gallery Celia Marsh, centre, with four of her five daughters, Brenne Grice, Ashleigh Grice, Kayleigh Grice and Shanaye Grice (Leigh Day/PA) ( PA Media )

The hearing, conducted via a video link at the High Court in London, was in order for Master Gidden to approve one specific part of the settlement, which he said he was "content" to do.

Following Mrs Marsh's death, the coroner published a special "prevention of future deaths" report, calling for the establishment of a system of recording cases of severe allergic reactions to provide an "early warning" of "products with undeclared allergen content".

The report also recommended a system of checks to ensure food is correctly labelled "free from" and "vegan," leading to the Food Standards Agency updating its labelling guidance.
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Health secretary Wes Streeting has accused the doctors union of playing games with patients lives by delaying a decision on whether to call off resident doctors strikes after he made the union a fresh offer to settle.

And he warned that a resident doctors strike over Christmas would have a much different degree of risk than previous strikes.

The British Medical Association (BMA) says it will survey members online about whether the deal is enough to call off planned walkouts next week.

Resident doctors, formerly called junior doctors, are due to walk out for five days from next Wednesday in a long-running row over pay and concerns over training places.

open image in gallery Resident doctors make up around half the medical workforce in the NHS ( James Manning/PA )

The online poll will close on Monday, just two days before the strike is set to start.

Mr Streeting told MPs he could not think of a single other trade union in this country that would behave this way.

Concerns have been raised that the planned strike coincides with a tidal wave of illness sweeping the UK, including a particularly debilitating strain of flu. Two hospital trusts in the Midlands declared critical incidents this week due to the pressures they face.

The need for care is so high that thousands of patients are being treated in corridors, waiting rooms, doubled-up cubicles and ambulances.

During the five-day resident doctors strike in August, thousands of patients had their NHS appointments cancelled.

The BMA, which is the doctors union, said the new offer included: new legislation to ensure homegrown doctors have priority for speciality training roles; an increase in speciality training posts over the next three years, with 1,000 of them to start next year; and the funding of mandatory examination and Royal College membership fees for resident doctors.

The union, which has been organising junior doctors strikes since 2023, said it would consult members on the governments new deal to end the jobs crisis for doctors in England.

Mr Streeting said he offered to allow the BMA to reschedule strike action for later in January if members rejected his deal, but that the union had refused to do that, so strikes still loomed.

NHS leaders are going to have to start cancelling other doctors leave now to cover potential strikes, and patients will also experience unnecessary and avoidable disruption through some cancelled appointments and operations. Thats on the BMA.

They didnt have to do that, they have chosen to do that, I think thats hugely irresponsible given the level of disruption that this will inflict at one of the busiest times of year for the NHS.

open image in gallery The union is calling for a 29 per cent pay rise ( PA Archive )

He added: While Im frustrated with the BMA, and I think theyre playing games now with patients lives and the lives of other doctors who will be forced to cover strikes, that doesnt alter the fact that what weve put forward is a good deal for doctors.

He issued an appeal to doctors to work with the government. Mr Streeting told the Commons about a gap between what the BMA is demanding and what the country can afford.

Resident doctors had already received a 28.9 per cent pay rise, the highest in the public sector, he said.

But the union is calling for a further 29 per cent pay rise to address what it says is a 22 per cent decrease in real terms pay since 2008.

open image in gallery A tidal wave of illness is sweeping the UK ( PA )

BMA resident doctors committee chairman Jack Fletcher said: If members believe this is enough to call off strike action, then we will hold a referendum to end the dispute.

But if they give us a clear message that it is not, the government will have to go further to end industrial action.

Rory Deighton, acute and community care director at the NHS Confederation, said the strikes would come at the worst possible time, with rapidly rising flu levels putting huge strain on hospitals. And despite NHS leaders working incredibly hard to prepare, we are concerned it could put patient safety at risk, he said.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, said strikes had been disruptive and distressing for patients and divisive for staff and come at a huge cost to the NHS.

We urge BMA members to seize the moment and bring this damaging dispute to an end, he said.

In the Commons, Mr Streeting accused his Conservative predecessors of creating training bottlenecks, as numbers of applicants for each training place surged.

He added: It used to be the case that UK graduates competed among themselves for speciality roles. Now they are competing against the worlds doctors.

That is a direct result of the visa and immigration changes made by the previous Conservative government post-Brexit.
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The NHS is facing its worst case scenario situation for flu hospitalisations as cases skyrocket across the country.

Latest figures reveal that there were an average of 2,660 patients per day in a hospital bed with flu last week  the highest ever for this time of the year, up 55 per cent on last week. This means there are enough flu patients each day to fill more than three hospital trusts.

The increase in cases comes as a new strain of the flu  H3N2  begins to surge.

Wes Streeting has said the jump in cases has left the NHS facing a challenge unlike any it has seen since the pandemic, as he urged resident doctors to end their strike action.

Speaking on LBC on Friday, the health secretary said this is probably the worst pressure the NHS has faced since Covid, adding: there is a lot of flu around, and there is a particularly aggressive strain thats knocking people out.

NHS England has released figures showing which hospital trusts were most affected by the flu spike. On Sunday, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust recorded 254 general and acute beds full, with seven people in critical care from the flu.

Of the hundreds of hospitals listed, University Hospitals Birmingham was most affected by the flu surge.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust had 101 general and acute hospital beds full of flu patients, while six were in critical care. Barts Health NHS Trust in East London had 84 patients filling general and acute beds as well.

NHS chiefs have warned the total has already increased sharply since the week covered by the data, with no peak in sight. Winter viruses are starting to engulf hospitals, with norovirus patients in hospital beds rising by 35 per cent to an average of 354 each day last week.

open image in gallery The health secretary says over 17 million people have already been vaccinated ( Reuters )

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said that the unprecedented super flu wave was pushing staff to the limit.

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.

The number of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year.

Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.

open image in gallery Hospitals in England are tackling a sharp rise in flu and norovirus cases ( PA )

The surge in flu cases comes as thousands of resident doctors are set to go on strike from 17-22 December, sparking fears of major disruption for patients ahead of Christmas. More than 17.4 million people have been vaccinated so far this year, the latest figures show, which is 170,000 more than this time last year.

Professor Pandit added: NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate more people than last year, and with just a week left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best protection against getting potentially very ill and it also helps protect those around you.

We have prepared earlier for winter than ever before, and stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid needing to go to A&E.

For non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place, and use A&E and 999 for life-threatening conditions and serious injuries.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said: There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals. We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible, including already getting over 17 million patients vaccinated, 170,000 more than this time last year, with over 60,000 more NHS staff also getting their jab.

We have recruited 2,500 more GPs and modernised GP appointment booking, keeping patients cared for in the community and out of hospital.

The offer I have made to the British Medical Association would help solve the jobs problem resident doctors are facing, and bring an end to strike action this Christmas, which is the most dangerous time of year. I urge resident doctors not to inflict further damage on the NHS, vote for this deal, and call off the Christmas strikes.
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A Canadian citizen had her passport information, immigration history and contact details erroneously shared with a Russian woman by the Home Office in an egregious example of mix-ups in the governments eVisa system.

The data breach came to light after the Canadian woman was contacted out of the blue by a Russian citizen who had accessed her own eVisa, only to find that the others details had been merged with her own.

The Russian woman, who lives in London, was able to access the Canadians email address, telephone number, nationality and passport details through the eVisa, which was how she made contact. The Home Office also incorrectly sent a confirmation email to the Russian instead of the Canadian.

The Russian woman then had difficulties re-entering the UK at Heathrow after visiting Russia for Christmas. The Canadian woman, who lives in Wales, was extremely traumatised by the experience, her solicitor said.

The case, which happened in December 2024, has emerged as part of a joint letter sent by migrant charities and rights groups to the data watchdog, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), calling for an investigation into the electronic visa system used by millions of foreign nationals. They say that there is a systemic risk to privacy, equality and human rights caused by problems with the Home Offices rollout.

The Russian woman had also tried to attend a biometric appointment, where you provide fingerprints and a photo for visa applications, but was wrongly told by officials that she couldnt enrol because she had already enrolled her details.

Millions of foreign nationals in the UK now have electronic visas after a move away from physical documentation ( PA )

Misha Slough, the solicitor representing the Canadian, tried to contact the eVisa team for help at the end of December 2024 but received a reply saying they would reply within 10 working days. The Home Office said it would take within 20 working days to reply to her formal complaint. However, by March this year, she had still had no response from either.

Problems were then compounded when the Russian woman returned to Russia over Christmas and had difficulties re-entering the UK. Border force staff then told her details of the Canadians immigration history, despite her trying to explain the merged identities.

Ms Slough managed to get the issue resolved, with the help of a charity, but said her client was lucky that the Russian woman had tried to sort out the problem.

Now, 19 migrant rights groups, charities, and researchers, including Asylum Matters and the Open Rights Group, have written to the ICO urging them to investigate problems with the eVisa system.

Have you been affected by visa problems? Contact holly.bancroft@independent.co.uk

They said that the eVisa system has caused significant distress and hardship to migrants due to ongoing technical failures, a lack of transparency, data integrity and quality issues, in addition to systemic barriers to accessing the immigration status. The problems with the eVisa scheme remain unresolved.

They said they have seen a high volume of instances where individuals discovered inaccurate personal details on their eVisas, including photographs, names, visa end dates, or even passport numbers.

The experts warned that foreign nationals may be left unable to rent, study, prove their right to work, or board flights due to issues with electronic visa status.

Millions of people have now registered to access an eVisa, after physical documents were phased out for foreign nationals at the end of 2024.

The Independent has documented a number of cases where people had trouble flying due to the introduction of eVisas, which foreign airport staff often did not understand.

This included a woman, Maria Juliana Marquez Monsalve, who was left stranded in Brazil after airline staff refused to let her board her flight home, and a UK community worker, Marzena Zukowska, who was challenged at Chicago OHare airport for over an hour.

Another man told The Independent how he was left unable to prove his refugee status or travel to see his family due to eVisa delays.

An ICO spokesperson said: We regularly engage with government departments, including the Home Office, to ensure that data protection obligations are met and potential risks are mitigated. We can confirm that we have received the letter outlining these concerns, and will carefully assess the issues raised before responding.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Over 10 million eVisas have now been issued, and the vast majority of people with an eVisa continue to use them without any problems.

They cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, and provide a secure digital way to prove someones right to work or enter this country lawfully.

We take data security and accuracy extremely seriously. We stand ready to support any users who encounter difficulties creating or using their eVisa accounts.
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A divorced artist who claims her ex-husband signed over their 1.5m home to her via WhatsApp after they split is locked in a High Court test case fight to keep it.

London-based painter Hsiao Mei-Lin, 54, married Icelandic financier Audun Mar Gudmundsson, 54, in 2009, but had a troubled marriage and separated in 2016.

During their time together, they lived in a 1.5m house in affluent Tufnell Park, north London, which is now at the centre of a High Court fight, with Ms Lin desperate to remain in her home.

Although she was awarded the house in their divorce, unbeknownst to her, Mr Gudmundsson had been made bankrupt one week earlier, eliminating her chance of receiving his share.

But she is now fighting an important legal test case over when statements made in WhatsApp messages become legally binding.

Ms Lin insists that the messages her ex sent her before his bankruptcy legitimately handed sole ownership to her.

open image in gallery The London-based painter, 54, insists that the messages her ex sent her before his bankruptcy legitimately handed sole ownership to her ( Champion News )

She claims that because the messages appeared on her phone under her exs name and from his device, they amounted to a written and signed document giving up his interest in their home.

However, the case is being fought by the trustees in Mr Gudmundssons bankruptcy, who insist that the WhatsApp messages have no legally binding effect.

They could not be considered signed just because they appeared with his name at the top and, if Ms Lin wins the case, it would mean any WhatsApp message could be used as signed proof in court, they say.

Londons High Court heard the couple met around 2006 and married in 2009, settling into their new home in Southcote Road, Tufnell Park, north London.

Ms Lin was a Taiwan-born British citizen, who studied at the Royal Academy School of Arts in London, and enjoyed a successful painting career, while her husband ran a mezzanine finance company.

However, despite having two children, the marriage was troubled, said Ms Lins barrister, Tom Robinson KC.

The couple separated in 2016 and Ms Lin began divorce proceedings the following year.

The divorce was finalised in March 2020, when a judge ordered that Mr Gudmundsson hand over his 50 per cent stake in the family home to Ms Lin.

But unbeknownst to her, he had only a week earlier been made bankrupt on a petition from a former friend, allegedly owing him and others more than 2.5m.

It meant Ms Lin was unable to take sole ownership of the house and, after a hearing at the High Court in 2024, a judge declared her only 50 per cent owner, with the other half going into Mr Gudmundssons bankruptcy.

open image in gallery The 1.5m house in affluent Tufnell Park, north London ( Champion News )

She was ordered to leave the house and sell it to enable his creditors to get their money, with the judge delaying the order until 2032, when both her children will be adults.

But it has now gone on to the High Court, where Ms Lin is arguing before Mr Justice Cawson that the effect of the messages is that she is the outright owner of the house.

Ms Lin had been an innocent victim of her husbands bankruptcy, said her barrister.

At the High Court, the trustees, Maxine Reid-Roberts and Brian Burke, and Ms Lin are now fighting over whether the WhatsApp messages validly disposed of Mr Gudmundssons interest in the house.

One of the messages stated: I suggest that the responsibility for taking care of the kids goes to u 100%, then I can sign over my share of southcote road to u without any complications as I dont need any accommodation in London.

He continued: Please let me know that u r happy with this and we can then close the financial part of the divorce this week, with Ms Lin replying, with some monthly maintenance then ok.

For the trustees, barrister Steven Fennell argued that the messages had not been signed and so were not legally binding and if found to be so, The result will be that a WhatsApp message in and of itself, without a signature in the text, will in all cases count as signed for the purposes of all statutory requirements for signature.

He continued: The trustees case was that the WhatsApp messages were not signed, because the bankrupt did not include his name in the messages. The trustees say that the WhatsApp messages were in writing, but they were not signed.

Ms Lins lawyers claim that, because Mr Gudmundssons name appeared in the header to the messages when they reached her phone, they should be considered signed.

open image in gallery The trustees say that the WhatsApp messages were in writing, but they were not signed ( AP )

But Mr Fennell told the judge that WhatsApp does not work like that, because the name which appears at the head of a message is inputted at the recipients phone, not the senders.

If the senders device is in the recipients contact list, the app will insert the name from the contact list, which could be anything at all, he argued.

The author of the message does not even know the name under which his/her device is stored in the recipients contacts.

The trustees accept that the WhatsApp messaging app will identify the WhatsApp account from which a message is sent, ie the WhatsApp account linked to a mobile phone number via the app.

The fact the identity of the sending account is clear does not mean that messages from that account are signed for the purpose of the Law of Property Act 1925.

He also said that an instant message through WhatsApp is different to an email, which can be considered equivalent to a letter, while a WhatsApp cannot.

But the barrister said that, whether signed or not, the content of the messages could not be taken as giving up Mr Gudmundssons share, since they were simply discussions subject to contract/consent order and clearly not intended to involve immediate dispositions of property.

Viewed against the factual matrix of two parties for whom English is a second language, who have instructed solicitors and who are to be taken to understand that the approval of the court is required ... there is simply no basis on which an objective reader could conclude that the bankrupt at any time in that exchange unequivocally relinquished his interest in the property, he said.

Further, as a matter of public policy, the courts should not discourage negotiations between divorcing spouses by creating fears that an informal communications might have irrevocable consequences.

The court should be slow to find an immediate disposition of property absent a very clear intention on the face of the document.

But for Ms Lin, Mr Robinson argued that the WhatsApp messages showed a clear intention in Mr Gudmundsson to give up his stake in the former family home.

By the end of the WhatsApps, the bankrupt had stated that he was moving out of London for good, wanted Ms Lin to be responsible for taking care of his children 100 per cent and under that arrangement had no interest in the former matrimonial home as he had no need for accommodation in London, he told the judge.

He said a signature can, in law, take the form of a printed name, a name on a telegram or a rubber stamp, and that Mr Gudmundssons name on the messages was intended to confirm the messages as originating from him.

Indeed, in addition to the bankrupts name appearing in the header, the bankrupt has caused his photograph to appear there, further identifying the bankrupt as the sender, he said.

At the insolvency court, Judge Stuart Frith ruled that the messages amounted to an intention, legally binding on Mr Gudmundsson, to sign away his joint ownership of the house.

However, he went on to find that previous court authority meant that, whatever Mr Gudmundsson intended, it could not take effect until a consent order was made concluding their divorce.

Both the trustees and Ms Lin now agree that the judge was wrong to find that divorcing couples can only give up ownership rights by way of a court order, with the appeal argument now revolving around whether the WhatsApps were intended to sign away his share and whether they were signed and so legally binding.

Having found that half of the house value should go into the bankruptcy, Judge Frith in addition ruled that exceptional circumstances, including the impact on Ms Lins health, justified a delay in an order for sale.

He instead ruled that Ms Lin, who claimed the house is her only source of income, as she lets out two rooms to lodgers, could stay until 2032, when her children will be grown up.

The trustees are also appealing against that ruling, arguing that it was wrong for the judge to order an eight-year delay and keep Mr Gudmundssons creditors out of their money for so long.

After a two-day hearing, Mr Justice Cawson reserved his judgment on the appeal until a later date.
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Liverpool has been crowned the UK's most generous city for the second consecutive year, according to figures from fundraising platform GoFundMe.

The Merseyside city topped the list, which ranks locations based on donor numbers relative to population, demonstrating a consistent charitable spirit.

A prominent local appeal was for toddler Sienna-Rose Millen, whose family needed over 100,000 for a private medical flight after she collapsed on holiday in Mexico.

Elsewhere in Merseyside, more than 370,000 was raised for a new playground at Churchtown Primary School.

This poignant effort honoured pupils Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six, along with seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who were tragically killed in the Southport knife attack last July.

The fundraiser was the fourth-biggest campaign on the crowdfunding platform in 2025.

open image in gallery William and Kate view paintings during a visit to Churchtown Primary School in Southport in September after the new commemorative playground was created ( Phil Noble/PA Wire )

GoFundMe chief executive Tim Cadogan said: Weve seen people across the UK help each other in extraordinary ways this year, and Liverpool taking the top spot once again is a testament to the generosity of its community.

The most generous city rankings, published on Thursday, saw Glasgow in second place and London third, with Cardiff and Bristol taking up fourth and fifth positions.

Norwich came in sixth place and Manchester in seventh, while Belfast was number eight in the list and Edinburgh number nine.

Wrexham in North Wales made GoFundMes top 10 most generous cities for the first time following a campaign by mother Jasmin Roberts, who needed to raise 1.5 million for her one-year-old son Ollie to have heart surgery in the US.

Ollie is due to have the surgery at Stanford Childrens Hospital in California in January after the fundraising target was reached.

The campaign was the biggest fundraiser globally this year based on number of donations and was supported by Hollywood actor and Wrexham AFC co-chairman Ryan Reynolds, who donated 10,000.
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An 11-year-old girl has revealed she is speechless after becoming the youngest person ever to be made an MBE.

Carmela Chillery-Watson was recognised in the Kings Birthday Honours for her services to charitable fundraising.

Carmela lives with a rare muscle-wasting condition, diagnosed at age three in 2017, which affects just one in a million children globally.

Through approximately 25 fundraising and awareness campaigns, she has helped Muscular Dystrophy UK raise more than 400,000.

Speaking after the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Carmela said she was left speechless after opening the letter informing her of the news.

Carmela lives with a rare muscle-wasting condition, diagnosed at age three in 2017, which affects just one in a million children globally ( Jonathan Brady/PA Wire )

I never would have thought that I would have got an MBE, I just wanted to do what I did to change communities, she added.

But this is absolutely incredible.

I just never would have thought this would have happened in a million years.

The Government believes Carmela is the youngest-ever MBE, although it does not hold all the historical data to be able to confirm it.

Carmela said the Prince of Wales was very nice and said she discussed her charity work and how much money she had raised with him.

Also receiving an honour at Windsor Castle on Wednesday was paralympic swimmer and volleyball player Monica Vaughan, 73, who has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to sport.

Vaughan said receiving an OBE is the cherry on the top of her previous accolades, adding: It is quite amazing.
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The Met Office has issued several yellow weather warnings across parts of the UK this weekend.

Downpours of up to 100mm are set to hit parts of the north of England, Scotland and Wales on Saturday and Sunday, as the Met Office issues a series of weather warnings for rain.

The forecaster warned that heavy rain could cause travel disruption and some flooding.

The yellow weather warning for rain is in place from 3pm on Saturday to 6pm on Sunday. The warning stretches from North Yorkshire to Lancashire and Northumberland.

open image in gallery Yellow weather warnings issued for rain in northern England on Saturday ( Met Office )

Another yellow warning has also been issued for south-west Scotland, where up to 80mm of rain is expected on high ground and strong winds are expected at times. The warning is in place from midday on Saturday to 6pm on Sunday.

Parts of Wales are also set to experience heavy rain, with up to 100mm expected across some high ground. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning from midnight on Saturday to midnight on Sunday, covering Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Powys.

Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: While there is still some uncertainty around the timing of individual pulses of heavy rain, the combination of prolonged rainfall and already saturated ground means there is a chance of further disruption to travel and localised flooding.

We expect further unsettled conditions to continue into next week and are closely monitoring developments.

open image in gallery Further yellow weather warnings for Scotland, Wales and northern England on Sunday ( Met Office )

Heavy rain could cause flooding on roads and cause travel disruption. It could also cause interruption to power supplies and flooding to homes and businesses, the forecaster warned.

People in the areas covered by the yellow rain warning are advised to consider preparing a flood kit, containing insurance and any other important documents, a torch and spare batteries, a first aid kit and prescription medicines.

The kit should also contain supplies for looking after family members or pets, as well as warm and waterproof clothes, blankets, and food and water.

It comes after the Met Office issued a danger to life warning in parts of Wales and south-west England as Storm Bram hit the UK with heavy rain and strong winds.

UK weather forecast

Today:

Mostly dry at first with bright or sunny spells. Cloud increasing during the day with rain arriving across Northern Ireland, central and western parts of Scotland. Patchy drizzle for Wales and western England later. A mild, though rather windy day.

Tonight:

Early clear spells in the North East. Cloudier elsewhere with patchy rain. Heavier rain in the West, edging eastwards overnight. Clearer in the North West later with fog and frost. Winds easing.

Friday:

Rain will gradually clear from the west across England and Wales, though remaining damp in the southeast. Otherwise plenty of sunshine, with scattered blustery showers in the North West. Feeling fresher.

Saturday to Monday:

After a chilly start on Saturday, increasingly wet and windy weather will sweep across all parts from the West. Further rain and strong winds thereafter. Probably wettest in the West.
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Kevin Gosden remembers his son saying, See you later, Dad, when he set off for school 18 years ago as if it were this morning.

Those ended up being the last words he ever heard from his 14-year-old Andrew, as what began like any ordinary day became a nightmare from which the family has never woken.

Andrew waved goodbye as he left their Doncaster home on 14 September 2007  but the family later pieced together that he never arrived at school.

Instead, it emerged that the teenager withdrew 200 from a cashpoint before returning home, once the rest of the family had left, to change into jeans, a T-shirt and his favourite bag. He then walked to the station and caught a train to Kings Cross. After that, he vanished.

The family did not realise Andrew was missing until early that evening. Alarm bells rang when he didnt come downstairs for dinner; panic set in only after a friend at the school confirmed Andrew had not attended at all  something entirely out of character.

open image in gallery Kevin Gosden with his daughter Charlotte, left, and his now-missing son Andrew, right ( Kevin Gosden )

There was nothing about his behaviour that was out of the ordinary at all the evening before, or at any time before he vanished, Mr Gosden told The Independent. We thought, Something is deeply wrong here, we just dont know what yet.

That day has haunted him ever since. I still live in it, he said. That panic-stricken sensation, that just doesnt stop  its never stopped. Its why Im propelled through life by anxiety. Its just awful. Its absolutely paralysing...

I certainly did and still do have that sensation where youre thinking, Is this actually real? For quite an amount of time, I used to carry a needle in my pocket to poke myself with to work out if I was awake and alive or asleep and dreaming  but it stopped working as it crossed over into my dreams with nightmares and flashbacks. Thats where you are, youre staggering through.

open image in gallery Andrew Gosden waved goodbye to his father as he left their house in Doncaster on 14 September 2007  but the family later pieced together that he never actually arrived at school ( Kevin Gosden )

The Independent is joining forces with Missing People to launch a new, free, round-the-clock service that will be a lifeline for young people in crisis. Our goal is to raise 165,000 to help fund SafeCall, a service for the 72,000 children reported missing each year to find the support, safety and connection they need.

Donate here or text SAFE to 70577 to give 10 to Missing People  enough for one child to get help.

Mr Gosden has backed the campaign wholeheartedly, calling SafeCall absolutely essential and an investment in peoples lives. He has relied on Missing People for nearly two decades. Theyve helped in so many ways over the years ... really helped me get through some of the worst times.

open image in gallery Kevin Gosden with his wife Glenys ( Kevin Gosden )

He said Andrews disappearance  and the way it was handled in the early days  left him with enduring mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression and PTSD. These led to breakdowns and a near-fatal suicide attempt, and eventually forced him into early retirement.

The family began searching immediately, handing out leaflets and putting up posters around Doncaster, London, and anywhere Andrew might have travelled. But Mr Gosden said the initial police response was slow and disorganised  a devastating blow in the critical first 48 hours.

Their lack of trying to find him and the pressure they put on me caused me to attempt suicide, in which I was very nearly successful, he said. This is why I have anxiety, depression and PTSD. At that moment, I thought, I need to get out of the way or theyll never find Andrew.

open image in gallery Andrews best friend was his older sister Charlotte ( Kevin Gosden )

However, he stresses that since 2018, South Yorkshire Police have handled the case well, and he acknowledges that under-resourcing likely contributed to early failures.

Police have also acted swiftly in response to AI deepfake articles, images and videos falsely claiming Andrew  or his remains  have been found. Imagine if they started getting shared, he said. It would absolutely destroy all the effort weve tried to put in the last 18 years to keep awareness that Andrew is missing. The incidents have left him feeling intensely anxious, powerless and helpless.

The family still has no idea what happened to Andrew, and the uncertainty, he said, is its own agony.

open image in gallery Kevin described his son, who would now be 32, as a deep thinker who was incredibly bright, self-contained and self-confident, with a great sense of humour and a keen interest in rock and metal music ( Kevin Gosden )

Andrew, who would now be 32, was a deep thinker, incredibly bright, self-contained, confident and funny. He loved rock and metal music, just like the rest of his family, and was best friends with his sister Charlotte, now 34.

Before Andrew went missing, I used to think losing your child must be the worst possible thing for a parent  but now Ive come to the realisation that having no idea what ever happened to them is even worse, because youre completely unable to resolve that in your mind, he said.

People ask me if we think Andrew is alive or dead  it depends on which day you ask me. We dont know. All we know is nobody found remains, and no ones got in touch with information.

open image in gallery Andrews dad said that glimmers of hope remain although on some days they are brighter than others ( Kevin Gosden )

Still, he said, glimmers of hope remain  some days brighter than others. We try and keep hope alive that well find out something.

Detective chief inspector Andy Knowles, who has led the investigation in recent years, said: Im in regular contact with the Gosden family and Im incredibly grateful for their support as we work together to answer the questions which have remained unanswered for so long. We carefully consider any information received, ensuring it is recorded, catalogued and, where there are reasonable lines of enquiry, pursued.

Please donate now to The Independent and Missing Peoples SafeCall campaign, which aims to raise 165,000 to create a free, nationwide service helping vulnerable children find safety and support.

For advice, support and options if you or someone you love goes missing, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000. Its free, confidential and non-judgemental. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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Justice Secretary David Lammy is reportedly considering wiping childhood criminal records.

The move, designed to help simplify the criminal records check system, aims to prevent minor teenage offences from scuppering adult job prospects.

It follows reports in the Daily Telegraph that youthful transgressions are still disclosed to employers in middle age.

We will consider opportunities to simplify the criminal records regime to ensure it is clear and proportionate, particularly in relation to childhood offences, Mr Lammy, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, told the newspaper.

The Ministry of Justice, meanwhile, said: We want to help children who have committed crime to stop re-offending and turn their lives around.

That is why the government is actively exploring opportunities to simplify the criminal records system, while always putting public safety first.

In 2017, Mr Lammy led a review of discrimination within the policing and criminal justice system, commissioned by the Conservatives under Lord David Cameron and then Baroness Theresa May.

It advocated for reform of how criminal records are kept and recommended offenders should be able to appeal to a judge to have their records sealed if they demonstrate they have changed their behaviour since they were convicted.
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MPs have been warned for the second time in a month about foreign attempts to target them  this time by Russia.

The Commons speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has written to parliamentarians to caution them over their use of WhatsApp and other messaging apps.

It comes after they were told last month to be careful about similar attempts at recruitment linked to the Chinese intelligence service.

The prime ministers official spokesperson said the warning was a matter for the speaker, but added: I think we have been very clear, as have the various security agencies ... in this country about the threat posed by hostile state interference from Russia, and weve set that out explicitly many times.

Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle has written to parliamentarians to caution them over their use of WhatsApp and other messaging apps ( PA )

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said it was working with the government and parliament to counter recent phishing attempts understood to be linked to Russia.

A government spokesperson said: Spear-phishing is a common but all-too-effective tactic used by threat actors attempting to gain access to information, online accounts and devices.

The National Cyber Security Centre is working with partners in government and UK parliament in response to recent targeting against commercial messaging apps, including Signal and WhatsApp.

We strongly encourage individuals at high risk of being targeted to follow the NCSCs guidance and to sign up for our cyber defence services to help bolster their protection.

Under plans announced by the security minister last month designed to disrupt espionage threats to the UK, the intelligence services will deliver security briefings for political parties.

Election candidates will also receive new guidance to ensure they can recognise and report suspicious activity.

Work will also be carried out with networking sites to disrupt spies attempts to use them.

In addition, the security minister announced 170m would be spent updating the encrypted technology civil servants use to safeguard sensitive work, while another 130m will also be invested in a number of projects, including bolstering the police.

There was an outcry last month after it emerged that a Russian spy ship targeted RAF pilots with lasers.

Defence minister Al Carns hit out after the vessel, the Yantar, was found operating off the northern coast of Scotland and pointed lasers at the surveillance aircraft monitoring its activities.

No one was injured, he told MPs, but the move was a highly dangerous and reckless attempt to disrupt our surveillance.

MPs were being targeted by China with lucrative job offers on LinkedIn, according to the intelligence services.

The attempts emerged following a furious row over a collapsed spying case involving China.

MPs were outraged when the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) unexpectedly dropped charges against two men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, saying the case collapsed because the governments evidence did not show that China represented a threat to national security at the time of the alleged offences.
Gerry McCann, the father of Madeleine McCann, has written to the prime minister urging him to resume the Leveson Inquiry into the conduct and regulation of the media. In a rare interview, he has described the monstering his family received in the press after his daughters disappearance. He adds that they were lucky to survive such treatment.

A number of other interested parties co-signed the letter, including families affected by the Hillsborough tragedy, survivors and relatives of those killed in the 7/7 bombings, and the mother of the late television presenter Caroline Flack. Theyve asked for a meeting with Keir Starmer to discuss the activities of Rupert Murdochs newspapers and for Leveson 2 to be convened.

McCann has received a statement of support from Prince Harry, who on Wednesday said he stands firmly with all those harmed by unethical and unlawful press intrusion.

Whats the governments response?

Negative, as it has been for some time. Last year, after ITV screened a documentary on Madeleines case, McCann asked Starmer to take action, but the newly elected PM responded: We set out in our manifesto our programme for action for this government, we've laid that out in the Kings Speech, that clearly sets out our priorities  and the second half of Leveson is not among them.

Now, secretary of state Lisa Nandy has confirmed that the Leveson Inquiry and its recommendations wont be revisited: We've ruled out doing phase two of Leveson, and Ive been really upfront with the families, the victims and survivors of malpractice when it comes to the press, about that.

What is Leveson 2?

It is phase two of the Leveson Inquiry  the lengthy judicial public inquiry into the culture, practices, and ethics of Britains press following the News International phone-hacking scandal. It was commissioned in 2011 by the Cameron government, and was chaired by a senior judge, Brian Leveson. Its first phase considered whether there had been any regulatory failures, and produced its first report in 2012, recommending the creation of an independent press regulator backed by powerful incentives for newspapers and other media organisations to sign up.

The second phase was supposed to examine the extent of unlawful or improper conduct within press organisations, and establish potential links between the press and the police facilitating such misconduct. It was also designed to make further recommendations for the future. However, by 2018 it was fully shelved, on the grounds that the media landscape had changed and some criminal proceedings had been pursued. A suspicion remains that Levesons work was ended by politicians fearful of powerful editors and proprietors.

So what will happen?

Not much. Nandy pleads that things have changed over the past 15 years or so, and it is odd that, even in 2011, the entire digital space was excluded from Levesons terms of reference. Nandy argues: Most people at the time would read a daily newspaper, but now most people are consuming their news online through a variety of different sources. She says she is focusing on children: So weve just been debating, for example, what happens online to young people. Young people, like all of us, are looking at lots of different sources to gather their news and information, and we think that there are different solutions that are needed.

Whatever happened to the independent press regulator?

As envisaged by Leveson, it was never properly established. One problem was that the financial imperative to join a recognised regulatory body such as Impress, which was supposed to be put into legislation, was eventually removed. (A clause was inserted into the 2013 Crime and Courts Act forcing newspapers to cover the legal costs of a claimant in a libel case  even if they won  unless they were signed up to a state-backed regulator; this was deeply resented by most of the press, and it was repealed in 2024.)

Self-regulation remains the norm, with most newspapers signed up to Ipso, the independent standards body funded by the big media groups. Others, such as the Financial Times and The Independent, operate their own processes. Broadcasters are more tightly policed, by Ofcom, but the arrival of right-wing propaganda channels such as GB News has clouded the picture.

In any case, despite the existence of the Online Safety Act, the Public Order Act, the Equalities Act, parts of the Human Rights Act, and the laws of libel, the entire world of social media is a toxic free-for-all that exceeds the worst of what happened in the legacy media. Most of it, practically speaking, is beyond the reach of any regulator. Perhaps that is what Leveson 2  or maybe Leveson 3  should investigate next.
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A Reform UK councillor has been accused of being completely absent after it was revealed he has sent just two emails and attended one council meeting since beginning his job in May.

Northumberland County Councillor Shaun Knowles has been accused of wasting taxpayer money by taking 9,340 of his salary since taking office six months ago.

Despite receiving 948 emails from May to mid November - a Freedom of Information request revealed he has only sent two messages from his official address.

Conservative councillor Wayne Daley, who sent the request, said he has tried to contact Mr Knowles numerous times after being inundated by his constituents in Cramlington South West saying he does not respond.

He said he and councillors on Cramlington Town Council have been picking up every bit of constituency work for him, and called on him to resign.

open image in gallery Northumberland County Councillor Shaun Knowles has been accused of wasting taxpayer money ( Northumberland County Council )

It makes me so angry that someone who has been elected is basically abusing the system and abusing the people who have put their faith in him, its appalling, Mr Daley told The Independent.

Ive tried to contact him, Ive emailed him multiple times, called him, sent a text and had nothing back. He is in a party who say they are interested in value for money - yet he has claimed every single penny of his allowance for doing nothing.

Mr Knowles has only been to one council meeting in November, almost six months since his election in May. This meant he avoided automatically losing his seat, which happens when a councillor doesnt attend any formal meetings for six consecutive months.

Mr Daley added: In reality, he has one option which is to resign. He is letting constituents down and his party. He is ripping his constituents off by giving them no support - he is completely absent.

This is why people should see that what Reform say and what Reform do are completely different things.

open image in gallery Reform UK gained its first 23 councillors in the Conservative-run council in May, stopping the Tories from winning the 26 seats needed for overall control ( PA Wire )

The Independent has contacted Mr Knowles for a comment, but have not received a response.

The party gained its first 23 councillors in the Conservative-run council in May, stopping the Tories from winning the 26 seats needed for overall control.

The May elections saw Reform UK sweep to victory in 12 councils across the country, including its flagship council in Kent where it won 57 of the 81 seats.

On Thursday, former Conservative leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Ben Bradley, announced his defection to Reform UK.

Mr Bradley, who lost his his Mansfield parliamentary seat in last years general election, has been appointed as Reform UKs "head of local government action".

His new role will focus on reducing council spending, though the party has denied that this appointment risks undermining Nigel Farages pledge that Reform would "not become the Conservative Party 2.0".
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A group of councillors were violently intimidated and pelted with eggs at a meeting by people wearing balaclavas in the public gallery, MPs have been told.

Swale Borough Council in Kent were debating making their area a District of Sanctuary for asylum seekers in the meeting on Wednesday evening.

The council also confirmed that their office was also damaged, with toilets and lifts vandalised and deliberate flooding caused water to pour through the ceiling in several areas.

Kevin McKenna, Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, which includes Swale Borough, told the House of Commons of his horror at the violent scenes and branded the incident an attack on democracy itself.

A spokesperson for Kent Police confirmed officers had attended a reported disturbance at the council meeting, and received reports of criminal damage and a common assault.

Mr McKenna said: Im horrified to report to you and to the House as a whole that last night in Swale Borough Council there were violent scenes as people wearing balaclavas in the public gallery itself violently intimidated councillors.

They were threatening them, pelting them with eggs and missiles from the gallery.

This is an attack on democracy itself. This is an attack on free speech. This is an attack on my constituents.

The building was so badly vandalised afterwards, with toilets flooded, lifts destroyed.

It cant be used today and is not open. My constituents cannot access council services because of these actions.

Our democracy is based on the ability to disagree with each other strongly, but never violently.

open image in gallery Kevin McKenna, the Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, which includes Swale Borough, branded the incident an 'attack on democracy itself' as he told the House of Commons of his horror at the 'violent scenes' ( UK Parliament )

Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell said: (Mr McKenna) speaks very powerfully of the appalling actions which have taken place, and I join him in condemning the actions of those involved.

He added: There are plenty of examples, too many examples, of where MPs are intimidated, but its where other local representatives are intimidated too, and its simply not acceptable.

So let me be very clear: those people, anyone involved in public life, should not be subject to harassment or intimidation for doing their job, and this House needs to stand united in sending out that message.

Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle branded it an appalling situation, adding: An attack on democracy is not acceptable.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: Kent Police attended a reported disturbance during a public meeting at council offices in East Street, Sittingbourne, on the evening of Wednesday December 10.

Officers liaised with council officials at the premises at the end of the meeting and later received reports of criminal damage and a common assault.

There have been no arrests at this stage and an investigation is under way into the circumstances.

Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact the appeal line on 01795 419119, quoting reference 46/211635/25. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use the online form.

open image in gallery Swale Borough Council in Kent was debating making the area a District of Sanctuary for asylum seekers in the meeting on Wednesday evening ( Google )

A Swale Borough Council spokesperson said: Were currently working to get our office back open after they were damaged by some members of the public who attended a council meeting last night.

Toilets were vandalised, deliberate flooding caused water to pour through the ceiling in several areas, and a lift was also damaged.

The police are examining the CCTV footage, and we will be supportive of any prosecutions they pursue.
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The UK is stripping Britons of their citizenship in a racist two-tier system, according to a damning new report that reveals that Britain is the only G20 country to do so en masse.

Since 2010, citizenship has been revoked from more than 200 people on the grounds of public good  a total surpassed only by Bahrain and Nicaragua  according to the report, which was produced by the Runnymede Trust and Reprieve. In contrast, France resorted to the measure only 16 times between 2002 and 2020.

The secretive system allows for Britons with dual nationality, or any naturalised Briton, to be deprived of their citizenship with little access to the evidence or any requirement for the government to inform them, the report said.

A large number  like the most high-profile case, Shamima Begum, who UN experts believe was trafficked by Isis as a child  are languishing indefinitely in detention centres in Syria, yet to face charge or trial.

The report warns that vague legislation leaves at least 9 million people, or 13 per cent of the population, vulnerable to having their citizenship removed. It also found a shocking racial disparity, with people of colour 12 times more at risk than their white peers.

The Home Office dismissed the report as scaremongering and wrong. A spokesperson said the system was only used to protect the British public from some of the most dangerous people, including terrorists and serious organised criminals.

But at a meeting in parliament around the release of the report, politicians from across the political spectrum sounded the alarm.

 I dont think its for a here today, gone tomorrow politician to be able, at the stroke of a pen, remove someones citizenship, much less stick it in a drawer in the Home Office without informing them, warned Conservative MP Sir Andrew Mitchell, who told The Independent that the UK has withdrawn citizenship at a much greater degree than any other country except the two mentioned above.

open image in gallery Shamima Begum was just 15 when she was likely trafficked to Syria ( Getty )

Labour peer Alf Dubs called the system absolutely outrageous and urged the authorities to change course.

We havent seen any movement from this government, said Lord Dubs, adding that, as a child who fled Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia and arrived in England on the Kindertransport, he is himself among the 9 million vulnerable citizens highlighted in the report.

It is just intolerable. Progress seems very, very slow.

The Runnymede Trust and Reprieve urgently called for an end to depriving people of citizenship, as well as asking for parts of the law that grants the home secretary this power to be abolished.

They said it comes against the backdrop of recent proposals by the Conservative Party to deport large numbers of legally settled people from Britain, and by Reform to deport more than half a million people if elected.

Citizenship is a right, not a privilege. Yet successive governments are advancing a two-tiered approach to citizenship, setting a dangerous precedent that someones citizenship can be removed on good or bad behaviour, with the actual operation of it being most impactful on people of colour, said Shabna Begum, CEO of the Runnymede Trust.

We are British, not Brit-ish. These discriminatory powers must be abolished Maya Foa, head of Reprieve

Maya Foa, the CEO of Reprieve, said that previous governments had stripped British trafficking victims of citizenship for political gain, and that the current administration has expanded these extreme and secretive powers.

Treating people with a connection to another country as second-class citizens is an affront to the foundational British principle of equality before the law. We are British, not Brit-ish. These discriminatory powers must be abolished.

Since 2010, the UK has deprived 200 people of citizenship, making it a global outlier. The vast majority are Muslim people with South Asian, Middle Eastern or north African heritage.

By contrast, a report by the Institute of Statelessness and Inclusion found that the number of cases globally are in the tens or less, with 16 cases in France. Across Europe, there are 16 countries that do not strip citizenship at all, and there are 56 of these in total across the world.

No other G20 country strips citizenship in bulk, the report found.

The Home Office defended the legislation, insisting: As this report itself states, only a small number of people have had their citizenship revoked in 15 years, and to suggest 9 million people are at risk is scaremongering and wrong.

Mass deprivation of citizenship by the British government is a modern phenomenon.

The practice fell almost completely into disuse across Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War, in revulsion at the Nazis mass removal of the status of Jewish citizens.

open image in gallery A picture taken in 2021 of Hol detention camp in Syria, which holds families with links to Isis ( AFP/Getty )

From 1973 to 2002 in the UK, there were no deprivations of citizenship other than for fraud, the report says. That has changed in recent years, with the tightening of legislation and a surge in its use, particularly against citizens accused of travelling to Syria to join Isis.

In the past decade, that has led to more than a 4,000 per cent increase in deprivations compared with the previous three decades, Reprieve said on Wednesday.

From 2014, the law was allowed to be applied to naturalised citizens who held no other citizenship, if the home secretary believed they could acquire another, leaving individuals like Shamima Begum effectively stateless.

Then, in 2022, the Nationality and Borders Act ruled that the government no longer even needed to notify the individual.

The Independent has spoken to a number of citizens abandoned in Syria who were not informed of the decision to revoke their citizenship. One woman found out when her applications to be repatriated to the UK were denied on the grounds that she was foreign. In another instance, a child was rendered stateless because their mother had had her citizenship stripped before the child was born.

This has contributed to the UK being an outlier, leaving dozens of citizens in northeastern Syria, Mr Mitchell added.

Most countries have taken back their citizens [from] northeast Syria; even the Russians have taken back citizens. The Americans have been public and emphatic that Britain should do the same.

Most countries have taken back their citizens from northeast Syria. Even the Russians have taken back citizens Andrew Mitchell, Conservative MP

In testimonies played in parliament, some of the families affected, speaking anonymously, described a frightening system in which everythings stacked against you.

Youve got secret courts ... where youre not allowed to be present. And youre not allowed to understand whats being discussed, said Imran, whose sister was stripped of her citizenship.

He added that her family have been given no answers because its deemed too sensitive.

Asana, whose sisters citizenship was also stripped, said there is no way of getting any answers. Even if you want to enquire about it, you cant really call up anyone and ask about it.
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A group of schoolchildren in Nigeria were jolted from their sleep with a loud crash at the school gate.

Half asleep and confused, they dashed out of their dorms, some landing in the hands of gunmen.

Onyeka Chieme, an elementary school student at St. Mary Catholic School in Nigeria's Papiri community, waited with bated breath as the loud thuds got nearer.

Upon seeing men armed with guns, he recalled jumping through the window with some friends.

The gunmen gave chase on motorbikes, shooting into the air and startling him and the others to a halt.

They said if we ran, they would shoot us, Chieme told The Associated Press during a visit to his family in Papiri in the north-central Niger State. They watched in horror as the gunmen set fire to a statue of Mary and a Nigerian flag before carting the children away on motorbikes and in buses.

Chieme is one of the 303 schoolchildren  many of them between 10 and 17 years old  and 12 teachers abducted from the school on Nov. 21 in one of the country's biggest mass school abductions. The attack came days after 25 students were abducted in similar circumstances in the neighboring Kebbi state.

Fifty of the Niger State students escaped in the hours that followed the attack and more than two weeks after, Chieme was freed on Sunday together with 99 others. However, 153 are still held with the teachers, among them Chieme's brother.

The Nigerian government did not say how they were released or whether any suspect has been arrested. Arrests are rare and ransom payments common in such cases, and authorities have provided vague information about rescue efforts.

On the first night we got there, I thought they were going to kill us, Chieme said from his home as his parents watched. But their leader said we should not fear, it is just money that they wanted. If they paid the money, they would release everyone to go home.

open image in gallery Onyeka Chieme, an elementary school student at St. Mary Catholic School in Nigeria's Papiri community, has opened up on the ordeal ( AP Photo/Afolabi Sotunde )

Separated and some were blindfolded

Chieme described harrowing experiences during the more than two weeks in the bush, where the abducted students and staff were forced to sleep in the open. They were separated, he said, with the older ones blindfolded and their hands tied.

Every day, they woke up on the stubby grass with food and water from a nearby river. Those who did not keep quiet were often beaten, and guns were never out of sight, he said.

Occasionally, aircraft would fly above them, and the gunmen would instruct them to hide beneath trees to avoid being discovered.

They dont want the airplanes to see us, Chieme said, referring to Nigerian military jets that officials said were searching forests for the children. Analysts say the gangs use captives as shields to avoid being bombarded.

Nigeria fights multiple armed groups operating across the country. They include deadly religious sects, including Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as amorphous groups popularly called bandits who ride en masse on motorbikes to attack communities and kidnap people for ransom.

After attacks, communities and families pay ransoms to the bandits, sometimes millions of naira (thousands of dollars). No group has claimed responsibility for the Papiri abduction.

On the day of their release, Chieme said the students were asked to form a queue. Some of them, terrified that it meant a punishment, ran to the back of the line. The gunmen counted the first 100 students, took them out of the bush, before transferring them onto military buses.

The other 153 and the teachers were left behind, including his brother, he said. Their fates are not known.

AP could not independently verify his account.

open image in gallery Precious Njikonye, right, the mother of a student at St. Mary's Catholic School, who was abducted by gunmen and later released, sits outside her house in Papiri, Nigeria ( AP Photo/Afolabi Sotunde )

Families are increasingly worried about their children's safety

School abductions have defined the security crises in Nigeria, where armed groups have targeted schools to attract more ransom and attention.

Nearly 1,800 schoolchildren have been abducted in almost a dozen school attacks since 2014, when Boko Haram extremists made global headlines after kidnapping 276 girls from their school in the northeastern Chibok village.

Analysts say the Nigerian government negotiates with armed groups and pays ransom for the release of the children to temper outrage. Officials have not admitted to ransom payments.

When you do that (pay ransoms), it encourages the abductions to continue, Aisha Yesufu, an activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement. The group is still seeking the release of nearly 100 Chibok girls held since the 2014 attack.

The abductions have added another layer of worry to Nigeria's underfunded education sector. The country has the world's highest out-of-school children population. One in every five out-of-school children is in Nigeria, according to UNICEF.

In Papiri and other parts of Nigeria affected by insecurity, families are becoming reluctant to send their children to school.

Mixed feelings of joy and anguish

Chieme's return has left his family with mixed feelings. The parents are happy he is back, but continue to worry about his brother still in the bush.

If he dies, I don't think I can survive it, said Anthony Chieme, his father.

It is better my child dies in my room where I see his corpse and his grave than die in the hands of bandits in the bush where you see nothing.

Precious Njikonye, another parent, said she often visited the school since last month's attack, hoping to see her son one day. This week, her hope materialized when he was among the 100 freed on Sunday and they were reunited.

Everyone who has a child ... knows how painful it is to not be able to account for where the child is," she said, overwhelmed with relief. I never thought I would see him again.
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The UK has ended two major programmes to protect girls from female genital mutilation (FGM), The Independent has learned, despite successfully running for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council on a pledge to tackle the practice.

The programmes have been cancelled amid deep cuts to the UK foreign aid which will see 40 per cent slashed from the budget by 2029 in a bid to shift money towards defence. Projects protecting women and girls rights have been particularly hard-hit.

Few details of exactly what will be cut have been released so far, with information only coming out in dribs and drabs.

Kadiata, 22, from Senegal was volunteering as a youth leader for the programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and working in Senegal, Kenya, Somaliland and Ethiopia, when she learned it was coming to an end.

If the programme didn't exist, the FGM would continue. So, there will be more victims, more danger, Kadiata said.

Although she experienced it herself when she was just a small child, she knew very little about the practice until she became involved with the project - just that it was the normal practice in her family. Even my aunt is doing it, she said.

Now, she says she is better prepared for the future consequences as a woman - for what might happen when she marries and gives birth.

More importantly, though, she has heard from people in her village who have abandoned the practice after she and other girls spoke to them as part of community meetings, talking about their experiences and showing them evidence of the consequences of FGM.

The charity Amref Health Africa, which runs the anti-FGM project, also engages with cutters. Many are reluctant to abandon the practice because it gives them a healthy income and status within their communities, saying they dont see any negative consequences of their work. The charity uses nurses in the community to teach them that many of the most serious consequences happen decades later, often when a woman gives birth.

open image in gallery Somalia is a fragile state recovering from decades of turmoil ( AP )

As a result, cutters and others in the community dont link the death with the surgery decades before, programme manager Ernest Clement Mendy explained. The nurses will tell them, I receive every day the consequence of your practice.

In Senegal, FGM is particularly concentrated in certain border communities. In Somalia, on the other hand, some 98 per cent of girls experience some form of cutting or mutilation.

A separate project to tackle FGM and gender-based violence in Somalia, run by Save the Children, has also been axed.

Shukria Dini, executive director of Somali Womens Studies Centre (SWSC) which works with Save the Children, can see the changes the programme has brought.

Usually a taboo subject that most men think doesnt concern them, now through awareness-raising men are involved and as a father they are saying I don't want my daughters to be cut. I have a role to play, she said.

Save the Children has recorded cases of parents abandoning the practice after taking part.

Madar Farah Gaas, 52 from Somalia, is one such parent. He told the charity: I saw the pain my wife went through during childbirth because of FGM. I could not let my daughters go through the same suffering.

I knew that by speaking out, I would face resistance, but I also knew that silence would mean more girls suffering in the future.

But progress can easily slip back. Somalia is a fragile state. It's a country that has been recovering [from] over four decades of turmoil, Dini explained.

State building has been happening gradually and state institutions are emerging and still not very robust to protect women, she added, leaving aid filling the gaps, including providing essential services like food and medication to survivors of sexual violence. Womens rights organisations are particularly reliant on donor funding.

Through donors like the UK, Dini said, she had been able to advocate for policy changes and anti-FGM laws. Now though, without the resources, her organisation and others cannot demand accountability or push for law changes to protect women. So the picture seems very grim.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: The FCDO is steadfast in championing the rights of women and girls worldwide, including working with local partners to tackle the scourge of FGM, forced marriage and other coercive practice.

We set out the FCDOs [overseas development aid] allocations for 2025/26 in our annual report in July and will set out allocations for future years in the coming months, including our programmes to protect the rights of women and girls.

This article has been produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
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The man accused of killing a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee on a commuter train in Charlotte appeared in federal court on Thursday.

Decarlos Brown Jr. and his attorneys made an initial court appearance on the count of causing death on a mass transportation system, as his attorneys seek a hearing to determine whether he is mentally incompetent to face the charge against him or possibly the death penalty.

Shackled from his hands and ankles and wearing a jumpsuit, Brown kept his head up, looking at U.S. District Judge Susan Rodriguez while she read the charge against him.

Brown is also charged with first-degree murder for Zarutskas death in state court, but federal prosecutors stepped in after growing questions about why Brown was on the street despite more than a dozen prior criminal arrests. The cases are running parallel.

U.S. attorneys charged him on a criminal complaint in September, with an indictment following on the same count weeks later. Like the state case, Brown could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted in federal court.

Rodriguez explained the possible penalties in court. Brown, who will remain held by authorities, didn't speak during the hearing. He was escorted out of the room at the hearing's close while looking back at people in the courtroom.

Browns attorneys filed a motion this week seeking him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and a future hearing to determine his competency after a similar review on Brown for the state legal proceedings is completed, which the attorneys said likely will be by the end of January.

Decarlos Brown Jr. has been accused of fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee ( Charlotte Area Transit System )

Based on their meetings with Mr. Brown and their review of the available limited records and information, counsel have serious concerns about Mr. Browns ability to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense, the lawyers wrote.

Brown was arrested earlier this year after repeatedly calling 911 from a hospital, claiming people were trying to control him. A judge released him at the time without any bail. His mother told local media outlets that she had sought an involuntary psychiatric commitment this year after he became violent at home and that doctors had diagnosed him with schizophrenia. His next state court date is scheduled for April.

President Donald Trumps administration has used the case to show how it thinks local leaders, judges and policies in Democratic-led cities like Charlotte are failing to protect their residents from violent crime.

Brown's lawyers also asked this week in a motion that a process begin for the court to consider whether Brown's case should be moved out of Charlotte to another location, writing that it has been the subject of intense media and political attention.

Zarutska had been living in a bomb shelter in Ukraine before coming to to the U.S. to escape the war, according to relatives, who described her as determined to build a safer life.

Another stabbing on Charlottes light rail last week reignited questions and accusations about train security and immigration.

A Honduran man was charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon and other counts for stabbing a man in the chest during a fight. The victim was hospitalized. The suspect had been deported twice and has previous convictions for robbery and illegal reentry, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
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An American man was dragged out of a restaurant, forcibly arrested, and detained for two hours by masked federal immigration officers, according to reports.

The 20-year-old man, who gave MPR News only his first name, Mubashir, moved to the U.S. from Somalia as a child and later became a naturalized citizen.

Mubashir was outside on his lunch break in Cedar-Riverside in Minneapolis when he was arrested on Tuesday.

While walking out on the street near 4th Street and Cedar Avenue, Mubashir said he noticed two masked men approach him, to avoid them he went into a nearby restaurant.

open image in gallery ICE detained a 20-year-old American man in Minneapolis, prompting outrage from local officials ( Peter Zay/AFP via Getty Images )

The two men followed him inside, dragged him outside, and arrested him. Mubashir was also pushed onto his knees in the snow and put into a chokehold, CBS Newsreported.

Mubashir began yelling, I have my ID, to the officers; however, the agents did not respond.

When he was put into the car, Mubashir was asked if the agents could take his picture.

I declined, because how will a picture prove Im a US citizen? he said.

I told him, I have my passport, its in my phone. Can I open it and show you? He declined. I told him can I give you my name and my date of birth? He declined.

Due to Mubashirs refusal to have his picture taken, he was in the car for almost an hour. The agents also tried to take his fingerprints; however, their machine was not working.

open image in gallery President Trump last week called Rep. Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia, 'garbage,' and called for her to be deported ( AFP via Getty Images )

Mubashir said the officers drove him to the ICE detention facility at Fort Snelling, a 17-minute drive from where he was arrested. He claimed the officers were lost and did not know their surroundings.

They kept going back on the same highway. I told them, are you guys lost?; they said, this is our first time taking someone in. They had their maps out and everything and they were trying to intimidate me, he said.

Once they arrived, the officers kept him outside until he agreed to have his face scanned; however, like the first machine, the second machine was not working, so he was brought inside.

At the facility, a staff member allowed him to turn on his phone to show his ID, which prompted them to release Mubashir as his parents arrived to pick him up.

The Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey, who has been a staunch advocate for the Somali community in his city, said the actions of the ICE agents were unconstitutional.

What we saw by these ICE agents that clearly did not know what they were doing was violence and unwillingness to hear the simple truth, which he was repeating again and again, which is, Im an American citizen, he said.

[He was] taken into custody for now reason at all, in clear violation of law and the Constitution of the United State for simply walking down the streeting and looking like hes Somali.

open image in gallery Congresswoman Ilhan Omar branded Trump as a national embarassment for his rant against immigrants and Somalis ( Getty Images )

President Donald Trump has been stoking tensions against the Somali immigration population, describing the community as garbage and saying he does not want them in the country.

Federal agents have also launched a crackdown against Minnesota Somalis, sparking criticism from leaders of the Somali community and democrats, including Frey and Governor Tim Walz.

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has also branded Trump as a national embarrassment on X after his rant against immigrants and Somalis.

He needs serious help, she wrote. Since he has no economic policies to tout, hes resorting to regurgitating bigoted lies instead.

He continues to be a national embarrassment.

About 84,000 of the 260,000 Somalis in the country live in the Minneapolis-St. In the Paul area, the overwhelming majority of them are U.S. citizens. Almost 58 per cent were born in the U.S., and 87 per cent of those born elsewhere are naturalized citizens.

A new website launched by the Department of Homeland Security lists at least six Somalis arrested in Minnesota in recent weeks. The site says it is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by ICE to show how agents are fulfilling President Trumps promise and carrying out mass deportations.
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A parent of a Kentucky State University student has been charged with murder following an on-campus shooting that left one student dead and another critically injured.

Police said 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard, from Evansville, Indiana, opened fire at a residence hall on the campus in Frankfort on Tuesday. Investigators described the shooting as isolated, but have not released details on the motive or circumstances.

The shooting killed 19-year-old DeJon Fox of Indianapolis. A second student remains in critical condition, though police have not released their name. Bard was booked into jail on charges of murder and first-degree assault.

Bard was booked into jail on charges of murder and first-degree assault. ( Hannah Brown/The State Journal via AP )

Bard is being represented by a public defender at the Franklin County Department of Public Advocacy, which declined to talk about his case Wednesday.

University police officers were near the scene of the altercation that ended with the shooting and immediately arrested Bard, police said.

Investigators have watched video taken by others at the scene and surveillance footage.

Asked by reporters about alleged videos showing a fight involving Bards sons preceded the shooting or whether Bard might have come to campus to talk to administrators about his sons' safety, Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy refused to say what may have led to the shooting.

Its really too early in the investigation right now to really give any details that led up to it. A lot of it would be speculation, Tracy said Wednesday.

The shooting happened at Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall. It was the second shooting in four months near the student residence.

Someone fired multiple shots from a vehicle on Aug. 17, striking two people that the university said werent students. Frankfort police said one victim was treated for minor injuries and a second sustained serious injuries. The dorm and at least one vehicle were damaged by gunfire.

University President Koffi C. Akakpo said the school brought in more police officers after the first shooting and will evaluate whether more needs to be done to keep students safe once the investigation into the latest shooting is complete,

The campus is a safe place, Akakpo said at the news conference.

Kentucky State is a public historically Black university with about 2,200 students. Lawmakers authorized the schools creation in 1886.

The school sits about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) east of the Capitol building in Frankfort.
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A grand jury has, for a second time, declined to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, refusing to revive a mortgage fraud prosecution reportedly encouraged by President Donald Trump.

This decision represents another significant blow to the Justice Department, following the earlier dismissal of charges against James and James Comey, the former FBI director, in what has been seen as a stunning rebuke of the Trump administrations efforts to prosecute political opponents.

The original indictment against James was thrown out by a judge in November.

The ruling found that the prosecutor who presented the case to the grand jury, Lindsey Halligan, had been illegally appointed as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Despite this, the Justice Department had sought a fresh indictment from a grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, on Thursday, after a different grand jury in Norfolk had already refused to do so just last week.

Comey and James have both been targeted by the Trump administration ( Getty )

The allegations against James relate to her purchase of a modest house in Norfolk, where she has family. James has consistently stated that the case is politically motivated and has denied any wrongdoing.

Halligan assumed office just days after Trump posted a message on Truth Social, complaining to Bondi that nothing is being done about Comey and James. Both have drawn the presidents ire  Comey for probing the Trump campaigns alleged ties to Russia, and James for launching a civil fraud suit against Trump.

We cant delay any longer, Trump wrote.

A few weeks later, a federal grand jury indicted James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in connection with a loan for a property she purchased in Virginia in 2020.

No one is above the law, Halligan said at the time. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the publics trust.

James called the charges baseless and described them as a form of blatant political retribution. She pleaded not guilty.
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A West Virginia National Guard member, Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, fatally shot last month in the nations capital, was laid to rest with full military honors in a private ceremony. Her funeral took place Tuesday at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, Governor Patrick Morrisey said in a statement.

The ceremony was deeply moving and reflected the strength, grace, and love of a remarkable young woman and the family and friends who surrounded her, Morrisey said.

Spc. Beckstrom graduated with honors from Webster County High School in 2023 and joined the National Guard shortly after. She served in the 863rd Military Police Company.

Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were ambushed as they patrolled a subway station three blocks from the White House on Nov. 26 ( AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson )

Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were ambushed as they patrolled a subway station three blocks from the White House on Nov. 26. She died the next day.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who was also shot during the confrontation, has been charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty.

Morrisey has said Wolfe, who remains in a hospital in Washington, is slowly healing and his family expects he will be in acute care for another few weeks.
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The family of a security guard shot dead while on the job in Florida has been awarded a $779 million payout.

Reverend Lewis Butler was fatally shot while attempting to protect a cashier during an attempted robbery at an internet gambling cafe in Havana, Florida, in November 2023.

Jurors convicted Kevontae Washington of first-degree murder with a firearm, attempted first-degree felony murder with a firearm, attempted armed robbery with a firearm and other charges on November 5.

A separate civil lawsuit was later brought against the cafes operators, Fortune MGT 2023 LLC and Manishkumar Patel, by attorney Ben Crump, who alleged that the company had known about and ignored security risks before the incident.

Crump previously argued that the fatal shooting would have been preventable if prior robberies at the same location, including one less than two weeks beforehand on October 23, 2023, had been reported.

A State Attorney's Office investigator also testified at the trial that a gun stolen from the property during a prior incident was used in the robbery that killed Butler.

Attorney Ben Crump with the widow of reverend Lewis Butler, who was shot in an attempted armed robbery in Florida in November 2023. The security guards family has been awarded a $779 million payout ( Ben Crump/ Facebook )

Announcing the hefty settlement from the wrongful death suit, believed to be the largest in Gadsden County history, Crump said the sum meant so much for different reasons."

"Obviously, we want to compensate the family for this monumental loss that they suffered, this monumental wrong that this jury verdict helped to have a monumental right," Crump told USA Today.

"The second thing is Mrs. Kimberly Butler testified, since her husband was murdered, she's doing everything she can to try [and] get these internet gambling cafes shut down, because she thinks that they are an invitation for criminal activity," he added.

In 2013, state legislators changed Floridas gambling laws in an attempt to crack down on internet cafes and other forms of illegal gambling, which the venues often front for. Florida law allows for legal gambling at Indian-owned casinos and privately owned racetracks.

Following the shooting and subsequent settlement, Butlers family is now calling for further changes to the law, including the creation and passing of the Lewis Butler Act, to strengthen oversight on illegal gambling cafes.

Were calling on Florida lawmakers and the Gaming Control Commission to take immediate action: increase penalties, strengthen oversight, and shut down these illegal gambling cafes before any more families lose their loved ones, Crump said on X.

Asked about the likelihood of having the enormous payout fulfilled, Crump said his team "absolutely plans on getting some compensation for the family.

"We may have to attach garnishments and liens to property and bank accounts, but we are dogmatic in pursuit of making sure we get compensation from those who the jury felt were responsible for this unnecessary, tragic death, he said.

The Independent has contacted Crumps law firm for further information and comment.
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The measles outbreak in South Carolina is reportedly "accelerating," thanks to a combination of unvaccinated students and large gatherings where the virus can quickly spread.

As of Wednesday, there have been 111 reported measles cases in the northwest region of South Carolina, NBC News reports. The region includes Greenville and Spartanburg.

We are faced with ongoing transmission that we anticipate will go on for many more weeks, South Carolina Department of Public Health state epidemiologist Dr Linda Bell said during a Wednesday news briefing.

There have been 27 cases reported since Friday.

Bell said that was a "significant increase in our cases in a short period of time," noting that holiday gatherings and other large events  paired with lower-than-optimal vaccination rates  are responsible for the spike.

open image in gallery A measles testing site in Seminole, Texas. There have been nearly three times as many reported measles outbreaks in 2025 as there were in 2024, largely due to low vaccination rates in affected areas ( Getty Images )

According to data compiled by NBC News, the K-12 vaccination rate for measles, mumps, and rubella in Spartanburg County was 90 percent for the 2024-2025 school year. While that number is high, doctors say at least a 95 percent vaccination rate is needed to stop outbreaks from occurring. Neighboring Greenville County's MMR vaccination rate was 90.5 percent.

President Donald Trump's Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy has long been a vaccine skeptic, though he did endorse the MMR vaccine in April after an uptick in measles cases in some parts of the country.

Officials in South Carolina have provided mobile health clinics to help administer MMR shots in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, but Bell said few of the locals took advantage.

I can tell you that a relatively small number of doses was administered at each of the mobile health unit clinics that we offered," she said during the press conference.

The MMR vaccine, which is typically administered around a child's first and fifth birthdays, provide 97 percent protection from infection.

open image in gallery A vial of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine that children are typically given around their first and fifth birthdays. Populations must maintain a 95 percent vaccination rate to prevent potential measles outbreaks ( Getty )

Measles is the most contagious known virus on the planet and can lead to severe complications and death, according to the World Health Organization. It can hang in the air for hours, and virtually anyone without a vaccination will be infected if they are exposed.

The bulk of the South Carolina infections are happening at schools in Spartanburg County, according to Bell. Because it takes approximately 21 days for symptoms to emerge after exposure to measles, individuals who have been quarantined  of which there are 254  must stay in isolation for three weeks.

That reality has proven disruptive to the affected schools, where some unvaccinated students have already been placed in 21-day quarantines due to previous exposure to measles.

open image in gallery Trump's Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy has long been a vaccine skeptic, though he did endorse the MMR vaccine in April after an uptick in measles cases ( Reuters )

Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent the disruption that measles is causing to peoples education, to employment and other factors in peoples lives in our communities," Bell said.

In 2025, there have been 1,912 reported measles cases across the U.S., largely amongst unvaccinated children and teenagers, with 47 outbreaks reported since the start of 2025. That's nearly three times the number of outbreaks reported in 2024. Other hot spots outside of South Carolina include 176 reported cases in Arizona and 115 in Utah, according to state health officials.

Measles symptoms include headache, high fevers, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, white spots inside of the mouth, and a rash that can cover a large portion of an infected individual's body.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11 to 12 percent of measles cases require hospitalization. Three people have died and more than 200 have required hospitalization in the U.S. this year due to the virus.
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A Venezuelan oil tanker has been seized by the US in an unprecedented move that the countrys government has called an international act of piracy.

It marks a serious escalation in the ongoing hostilities between President Donald Trumps administration and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who has accused the US of orchestrating the military action to exploit Venezuelas natural resources including oil and energy.

Trumps attorney general Pam Bondi said that the seizure was organised to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil and was conducted safely and securely.

The US accuses Venezuela of using the tanker to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran suggesting it was involved in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations.

open image in gallery Nicolas Maduro, pictured brandishing a sword, has called for peace and dialogue ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

However, critics have accused the US of overstepping its jurisdiction with a heavy-handed show of force in international waters, which include its operation against alleged drug-smuggling boats off the coast of the country.

Maduro denies his country is involved in an illegal drug trade and accused the Trump administration of fabricating a new eternal war.

I think youre going to find that this is war, Trump said last week. And very soon were going to start doing it on land too, he said following the naval strikes.

At least 87 people have been killed in strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, with some legal experts calling the attacks extrajudicial killings.

open image in gallery The US military seizing a tanker transporting oil ( X/@AGPamBondi )

The US has sent some 15,000 troops and more than a dozen warships to the region over the last few months as part of what Trump has framed as a war against drug cartels. Maduro has accused Washington of trying to force regime change.

The Independent looks at how both sides got to this point - and how likely Trump is to launch an invasion.

Will the US strike Venezuela?

Trump warned airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers last month that they should consider the airspace around Venezuela closed amid fears Washington is preparing to carry out airstrikes.

The US president later told reporters not to read anything into it, adding that he had issued the threat because we consider Venezuela to be not a very friendly country.

The US is not legally able to close Venezuelas airspace. But it could agitate Caracas by encouraging airlines to steer clear, creating a deeper sense of insecurity at home. Venezuela described the comments as a "colonialist threat" against its sovereignty.

open image in gallery The USS Gravely joined the warships sat outside Venezuela amid a buildup in the Caribbean ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Last week, Trump threatened to escalate action against Venezuela by moving to operations on land.

You probably noticed that people arent wanting to be delivering [drugs] by sea, and well be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon.

Why has the US sent a naval fleet to Venezuelas coast?

The US has amassed warships and troops in the region over the last few months as part of Operation Southern Spear.

That includes the 337m USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, capable of carrying around 4,600 personnel and 90 aircraft. It has also included guided missile destroyers, amphibious assault ships and oil tankers for refuelling vessels.

Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War, says Southern Spear is aimed at removing narco-traffickers from the Western Hemisphere. The Trump administration has not provided evidence that the boats targeted were carrying drugs.

open image in gallery Footage shows a US missile strike on a boat allegedly carrying drugs ( White House )

Maduro says the show of force in the region is part of an effort to oust him from power.

Dr Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at the Chatham House think tank, told the BBC in October that the administration was aiming to displace Maduro and force regime change.

How has Maduro responded?

Maduro initially sent some 15,000 troops to the border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking in August. But the US has continued to amass forces in the region regardless.

Venezuela has had a careful balance to maintain between insisting upon dialogue and standing firm against perceived aggression.

Last month, Maduro appeared at a rally with the sword of independence leader Simon Bolivar and promised to stand against imperialism.

"I swear before this sky, I swear before our Lord Jesus Christ, that I will give my all for the victory of Venezuela against the threats and aggressions of imperialism," he said.

open image in gallery Trump held a phone call with Maduro over the weekend ( AP )

But he has also continued to call for deescalation. He recently sang John Lennons Imagine during a rally in Miranda, and once spoke directly to American audiences in English to call for peace and urge against war.

In the worst-case scenario, Venezuela is believed to be preparing to mount a guerrilla-style resistance or sow chaos, according to sources and planning documents. Resistance could involve small military units carrying out acts of sabotage and other guerrilla tactics.

Historic tensions between the US and Venezuela

Trump has long blamed Venezuela for a drug epidemic in his country, claiming Caracas is pouring narcotics into the US through illegal channels. Venezuela has denied the allegations, asserting that the vast majority of cocaine produced in Colombia departs through the Pacific.

Maduro is widely considered a dictator and not recognised by the US as Venezuela's legitimate leader. He was sworn in to a third six-year term in January, and he maintains he was the legitimate winner of the presidential election last year.

The opposition said there is credible evidence that its candidate had won the vote, as it urged the US and other countries to ramp up pressure on Maduro to force him out of office.

The Trump administration announced a $50m reward earlier this year for Maduros arrest, accusing him of being one of the world's largest drug traffickers and working with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. Maduro denies any connection to the drug trade.
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A Virginia woman is suing Universal Studios Florida and a contracted security firm after allegedly being attacked by a security dog while entering the theme park with her autistic daughter last summer.

Jennifer Rhodes, who filed the complaint Wednesday, said she visited the Orlando resort in August 2024 with her three young children, one of whom, the suit says, suffers from severe autism.

According to the lawsuit, Rhodes contacted Universals guest services ahead of her visit to discuss how to best assist her autistic child with park entry. She was reportedly instructed to approach a security guard on arrival for help.

When Rhodes and her family arrived at the park, she approached a patrolling security guard who was accompanied by a guard dog, the court filing states. After confirming the guard worked for the park, Rhodes attempted to inform him about her daughters condition.

But, the lawsuit alleges, the dog without provocation  jumped on [Rhodes] and savagely attacked her, biting her arm, wrist and abdomen and causing what the filing describes as serious and permanent injuries.

open image in gallery The womans lawsuit claims that, without provocation, a guard dog bit her arm, wrist and abdomen as she enquired for help at Universal Orlando/ ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The alleged damages include physical injuries, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, medical treatment and expenses and lost wages.

Rhodes attorneys argue that the security company, Southern Coast K9, is liable for negligence and that Universal Orlando is also at fault for contracting the firm and failing to ensure guest safety.

In the lawsuit, Rhodes is seeking at least $5 million in damages from both companies.

The Independent has contacted Universal Orlando and Southern Coast K9 for comment.
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Two shirtless people were clinging onto the remains of a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, hoping to flip the wreckage after a U.S. military strike capsized their boat when a second missile struck, officially killing all 11 people on board the alleged drug-carrying vessel.

Ahead of whats now known as the double-tap strike on September 2  a controversial attack that has sparked allegations of war crimes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered U.S. forces to kill the passengers, sink the boat and destroy the drugs, three people familiar with the operation told the Washington Post.

A new report now gives insight into the tense moments on September 2 when those decisions were made that day and the decision to kill two shipwrecked members of the alleged drug boat after the initial strike. Those decisions have led some to accuse the U.S. of war crimes and put Hegseth under the microscope.

That day, a laser-guided GBU-69 capsized the front end of the boat, sank the boats motor, and killed nine on board, the Post reported. But a live surveillance feed  provided by a U.S. aircraft flying overhead  suggested to Navy Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley that the mission had not been accomplished. The feed showed two survivors and a damaged boat that could have drifted, Bradley told lawmakers in a closed-door meeting on December 4.

The men were waving their arms overhead, but it wasnt clear if they were surrendering or had spotted the U.S. aircraft and were seeking help, he said. They were hanging onto wreckage the size of a dining room table, sources told the Post.

Bradley disclosed that it wasnt clear whether the two shirtless men had communications devices on them or within reach. U.S. intelligence suggested that this boat was planning to rendezvous with a larger vessel  bound for Suriname  to transfer drugs, he told members of Congress.

open image in gallery US Navy Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley spoke to lawmakers about the series of events that have led to the now infamous double-tap strike ( REUTERS )

Although the feed didnt show the larger vessel in the surrounding area and the larger boat wasnt heading directly for the U.S., the possibility that the drugs could have ultimately wound up in the U.S. still remained, Bradley argued, CNN first reported. All 11 people on board were on a list of narco-terrorists whom military and intelligence officials determined could be targeted with lethal measures.

With questions swirling, Bradley asked for advice from the military lawyer. U.S. intelligence showed everyone on board the boat was, what Trump administration officials call, a narco-terrorist. The U.S. was engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels. But the question for the lawyer was whether the men were considered shipwrecked?

According to international law, shipwrecked is defined as those in a perilous situation at sea and who refrain from any act of hostility. Those shipwrecked shall be respected and protected and given swift medical attention. Bradley didnt reveal where the military lawyer fell on the matter.

But what happened next has made endless headlines: Bradley ordered another strike  using a smaller AGM-176 Griffin missile, the Post reported  that killed both survivors. The U.S. then fired two additional Griffin missiles, sinking the vessel. The admiral argued to lawmakers that he was targeting the boat filled with drugs, not the people.

The attack was one of dozens the U.S. launched against alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since September, killing at least 80 people.

Hegseth has tried to distance himself from the September 2 attack. The defense secretary said he didnt stick around for the follow-up strikes, and only learned about them a couple hours later. Some lawmakers have asked to see Hegseths schedule for that day.

Hegseth has also stood by the admiral, saying he fully support[ed] Bradleys decision and would have made the same call myself.

open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not committed to releasing the footage of the September 2 attack and has repeatedly offered support for Bradley while distancing himself from the follow-up strikes, saying didnt stick around for them ( AP )

We are not going to second-guess a commander who did the right thing and was operating well within his legal authority, Sean Parnell, a spokesman for Hegseth, told the Post.

President Donald Trump has supported Hegseth, saying he has great confidence in the defense secretary and believed he didnt order the strike on the survivors. However, the president conceded last month that he wouldnt have wanted the second strike.

Trump said last week that the footage of the September 2 attack would certainly be released and that it would be no problem. This week, he walked back that claim, first denying that he ever said that and then defaulting to Hegseth to make the footage public. Whatever Pete Hegseth wants to do is OK with me, Trump said Monday.

Days after Bradley testified, Hegseth didnt commit to releasing the footage of the controversial strike, but said it was under review.

Congress has launched several probes into the September 2 strike. Bradley met with lawmakers in the Senate and House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees.

Alabama Rep. Mike Dodgers, the Republican chair of the House Armed Services Committee, said this week that he doesnt see a reason to continue investigating the strike, telling reporters hes gotten all the answers I needed."

Republican Rep. Rick Crawford, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, similarly said he felt confident and have no further questions of Hegseth.

However, Democratic Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters the footage of the lethal strikes was one of the most troubling things Ive seen in my time in public service. He characterized the survivors as being in clear distress.

GOP Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee Tom Cotton voiced understanding behind Bradleys logic, noting that the survivors still posed a threat.

open image in gallery The US has launched more than a dozen strikes against suspected drug-running vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since September ( US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth )

I saw two survivors trying to flip a boat  loaded with drugs, bound for the United States  back over, so they could stay in the fight, Cotton told reporters after the hearing. And potentially, given all the context we heard, of other narcoterrorist boats in the area coming to their aid to recover their cargo and recover those narcoterrorists.

In the Senate Armed Services Committee, the chair and ranking member have requested the executive orders authorizing the operations as well as the complete footage of the attack, Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, the panels top Democrat, told PBS last week.

Meanwhile, Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, has said hes requested written documentation of the opinion from the military lawyer who had advised Bradley.

Several legal experts have weighed in on the strike.

According to laws of war, military officials are required to consider the collateral damage of a strike only if the move could pose a threat to civilians, Geoffrey Corn, a retired Army lawyer, told the Post.

The Department of Defense didnt need to make that consideration to survivors, Corn argued, because the Trump administration has branded those on board the ship as narcoterrorists  unlawful combatants in an armed conflict  and the White House has insisted the strikes were conducted in self-defense.

The retired Army lawyer argued that even if the survivors were combatants, they were shipwrecked, meaning they could have been rescued before another strike was launched.

That to me is the most troubling aspect of the attack, he told the Post.

Todd Huntley, a former director of the Navys international law office, told the paper that the legal definition for being shipwrecked just means they just have to be in distress in water.

He also said that whether they had communications devices on them shouldnt have been taken into consideration. You cant kill somebody in the water merely because they have a radio, Huntley told the outlet.

He also disputed the idea that a potential rendezvous with another boat suggested the survivors posed a threat: That is such a far-out theory.
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Conservative firebrand Candace Owens tore into Erika Kirk after she publicly rejected conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of her husband, activist Charlie Kirk.

In her most recent podcast episode, Owens suggested that Erikas behavior was suspicious, claiming she attempted to dismiss inconsistencies surrounding the murder of Charlie, whom Owens was close friends with. She also accused Erika of exhibiting Meghan Markle syndrome, which, she claims, is where you want privacy when you want it, you want publicity when you want it.

It comes three months after Charlie was shot and killed while speaking to a large crowd at Utah Valley University. Officials have said that the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, acted alone.

Owens has repeatedly, and baselessly, charged the government with concealing information and has suggested that other countries may have been involved.

Erika, the CEO of Turning Point USA  the conservative organization her late husband founded  was interviewed by FOX News on Wednesday, during which she rebuffed the conspiracy theorists who have leveled unproven claims about the assassination.

open image in gallery Candace Owens went on a rant against Erika Kirk, claiming she suffers from Meghan Markle syndrome after Kirk pushed back against conspiracy theories about her husband's death. ( Candace Owens )

Come after me, she said. Call me names. I don't care. Call me what you want. Go down that rabbit hole. Whatever. But when you go after my family, my Turning Point USA family, my Charlie Kirk Show family. When you go out for the people that I love, and you're making hundreds and thousands of dollars every single episode going after the people that I love, because somehow they're in on this? No.

This is righteous anger because this is not okay, she continued. It's not healthy. This is a mind virus. Yes, I believe in our judicial system. I do. We have a hell of a team working on this  excuse my French  but this is not okay.

Still, she said she remains unflappable and added she doesnt have time to address the noise.

open image in gallery Erika Kirk said its not healthy to spread theories on her husbands death like many have ( Fox News/ Jesse Watters Primetime )

open image in gallery Erika Kirk clapped back at the conspiracy theorists probing her husbands death ( Getty Images )

Owens, who has millions of followers and subscribers online, quickly responded, going on a lengthy rant about Erika during an episode of her podcast released on Wednesday.

She said that her Fox News interview completely missed the mark for me. I am sorry it just has.

Owens honed in on Erikas comment about not having enough time to address conspiracy theories, pointing out that shes participated in numerous interviews with reporters in recent weeks.

None of this is passing the vibe check, Owens added. You are not changing my mind about the fact that something weird happened that day and that TPUSA is acting funny because you give an impassioned plea and speak about Nehemiah on Fox News.

The Independent has contacted TPUSA and Owens for comment.

Later in the episode, she applauded Tucker Carlson  another conservative media personality  for backing her claims about Charlies assassination.

In a video posted on X on Wednesday, Carlson said, We should not necessarily trust the FBIno American is under some moral obligation to believe everything the government tells you, particularly institutions or agencies that have a long documented, factually documented track record of committing crimes.

Owens comments prompted a flurry of reactions online.

Candace Owens has bigger balls than 99% of men who post their opinions online, manosphere influencer Tristan Tate wrote on X. She's ready and willing to face the fire.

Never thought Id unfollow Candace Owens, Deon Joseph, a law enforcement veteran, wrote on X. When you decide weeks after a woman and her children lost a husband/father so tragically, to exploit that mans death, spread rumors about his family and close friends calling yourself his friend, I cant roll with that.

Its hard to watch, he added. A widow cant even simply morn her husband. Its a question of decency for me.

Owens previously claimed that Charlie hired her on the spot after their first meeting in 2017. They participated in multiple speaking engagements together and formed a close friendship. In a video posted after his death, she said they were always laughing and bickered like an old couple.

Its hardly the first time Owens has courted controversy.

In 2024, she began promoting a conspiracy theory that French President Emmanuel Macrons wife Brigitte is secretly transgender. In response, the Macrons launched a defamation suit against Owens, accusing her of spreading outlandish and far-fetched fictions.
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A new poll has found that Americans are feeling squeezed by increased prices and believe they have few viable avenues for cutting down on costs to compensate.

Nearly half of Americans responding to a new Politico poll said they believe the cost of groceries, utilities, health care, housing, and transportation is too high.

More than a quarter  27 percent  said they had skipped medical appointments sometime in the last two years because of costs, and another 23 percent said they had skipped purchasing prescription drugs for the same reason.

When Americans are struggling to afford medicine and food, they are also spending less on diversions. Some 37 percent of respondents said they couldnt afford to attend professional sporting events with their friends or family due to budget concerns, and nearly half  46 percent  said they could not afford to purchase plane tickets for vacations.

The very real affordability crisis in the U.S. has been rejected as a hoax by President Donald Trump. That line has been repeated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said Americans concerns about the rising cost of living are simply a Democratic hoax meant to undermine Trumps economic victories.

open image in gallery A recent Politico poll found that Americans are struggling to afford the cost-of-living despite President Donald Trumps insistence that prices are decreasing and wages are increasing ( Jonathan Ernst/REUTERS )

Trump told Politico this week that he would give himself an A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus grade on his economic performance as president and has insisted that prices are all coming down while wages are increasing.

Americans, according to the poll, arent buying his lines.

Only 36 percent of respondents said they believe that while tariffs are hurting the economy now, they will pay off over time. Fewer  22 percent  of Trump voters said they believe his tariffs are helping the U.S. economy now.

Elsewhere in the economy, Americans are fed up with the cost of higher education. Only 25 percent of Americans believe that college tuition, for example, is worth the tens of thousands  sometimes hundreds of thousands  of dollars it takes to graduate from a university with a degree.

open image in gallery Workers and volunteers hand out food to people in line at La Colaborativa's food pantry in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on November 15, 2025. The pantry assists thousands in need every week in the area. ( AFP via Getty Images )

While the trades pay well, the data still show that college graduates on average earn more than those who are not. The U.S. Census Bureau also found that the median income of households with a college graduate as the primary breadwinner is more than double the median income of households whose primary earner has only a high school degree.

Its hard to worry about college, though, when Americans are struggling to put food on the table. The poll found that more than half of respondents said they found it difficult to pay for food, and 55 percent blamed Trump and his policies for grocery prices. When broken down to Trump voters specifically, some 22 percent of respondents said they placed the blame for food prices on the president.

When polled on health care costs, Republican respondents were split along MAGA and non-MAGA lines regarding whether they believed the GOP would actually bring prices down. The poll found that 84 percent of MAGA Republicans trusted lawmakers to reduce the cost of health insurance, while only 49 percent of non-MAGA Republicans shared that view.

Only 24 percent of non-MAGA Republicans trusted Democrats to achieve lower health care prices.
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Disgraced congressman George Santos hosted a right-wing star-studded Christmas party this week, attended by everyone from convicted fraudster Anna Delvey to ex-MAGA firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Before Wednesdays event in Washington D.C., Santos bragged on X that the rules of entry were particularly strict.

See you at the party, and oh, if I dont see you, that means you didnt work hard enough. Bye, he joked.

Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert also attended, but bouncers blocked several of her staffers from entering the party, which had been dubbed Santos Claus by the disgraced congressman, according to reports.

open image in gallery Disgraced congressman George Santos hosted a star-studded blowout for Christmas ( AP )

Footage of Boebert, obtained by TMZ, showed her pleading with a bouncer to allow her staff in, saying, first of all, were on the list, so go ahead and look

She was interrupted by the bouncer, who said, I know youre on the list, Lauren. He later barred her entourage from entering.

Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett told a TMZ reporter that guests who did gain entry to the blowout were given caviar, Santos-branded cookies, and access to a chocolate fountain.

Attendees were also given Borghese skincare products and a card thanking them for attending.

open image in gallery Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Santos closest allies, was in attendence ( Getty Images )

The bouncer was reported as being former Matt Gaetz Show producer Vish Burra by TMZ, with Burra later writing on X that being the doorman was not for the faint of heart.

But all of you must understand: THE QUEEN SANTOS GETS WHAT SHE WANTS, AND SHE ONLY WANTED HANDPICKED PEOPLE ON THE LIST! he added.

The guest list included everyone from former The View host Meghan McCain, Real Housewives star Leah McSweeney, and influencers Rob Smith and Jessica Reed Kraus.

Santos, the events host, was pardoned earlier this year by Donald Trump after being sentenced to seven years behind bars for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, who urged Trump to release Santos before dramatically falling out with the president, was also among the partygoers.

open image in gallery Convicted fraudster Anna Delvey was also at the party ( Getty Images )

Another attendant was Anna Delvey, a Russian fraudster whose real name is Anna Sorokin. She was convicted of conning hotels, banks, and individuals out of thousands of dollars to fund her lavish lifestyle in New York City.

She went viral in 2022, after Netflix aired a dramatization of her life entitled Inventing Anna, which starred Julia Garner and Anna Chlumsky.

Meanwhile, Boeberts last public party earlier this year drew criticism after she dressed up in traditional Mexican attire for Halloween, while her date was dressed as an ICE agent. She was pictured carrying a sign which read: Mexican Word of the Day: Juicy. Tell me if juicy ICE coming.

The Independent has contacted George Santos for comment.
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The House of Representatives has approved a sweeping defense policy bill, authorizing a substantial $900 billion for military programs. The legislation includes a pay rise for service personnel and aims to overhaul how the Department of Defense buys weapons.

Passed by a significant margin of 312-112 votes, the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) arrives amidst growing tensions between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trumps administration regarding military management. Despite this friction, the White House has indicated strong support for the must-pass bill, aligning it with Trump's national security agenda.

The extensive 3,000-page document mandates a 3.8 percent pay increase for many military members, alongside improvements to housing and facilities on bases. It also represents a political compromise, incorporating cuts to climate and diversity initiatives favored by Trump, while simultaneously enhancing congressional oversight of the Pentagon and revoking several outdated war authorizations.

Further provisions within the bill demand greater transparency on boat strikes in the Caribbean and reaffirm support for European allies, including Ukraine. However, hard-line conservatives have voiced frustration, arguing the legislation does not go far enough in reducing U.S. commitments overseas.

Passed by a significant margin of 312-112 votes, the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) arrives amidst growing tensions between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trumps administration regarding military management. ( AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein )

We need a ready, capable and lethal fighting force because the threats to our nation, especially those from China, are more complex and challenging than at any point in the last 40 years, said Rep. Mike Rogers, the GOP chair of the House Armed Services Committee.

Lawmakers overseeing the military said the bill would change how the Pentagon buys weapons, with an emphasis on speed after years of delay by the defense industry. It's also a key priority for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the armed services panel, called the bill the most ambitious swing at acquisition reform that weve taken.

Still, Smith lamented that the bill does not do as much as Democrats would like to rein in the Trump administration but called it a step in the right direction towards reasserting the authority of Congress.

The biggest concern I have is that the Pentagon, being run by Secretary Hegseth and by President Trump, is simply not accountable to Congress or accountable to the law, he said.

The legislation next heads to the Senate, where leaders are working to pass the bill before lawmakers depart Washington for a holiday break.

Several senators on both sides of the aisle have criticized the bill for not doing enough to restrict military flights over Washington. They had pushed for reforms after a midair collision this year between an Army helicopter and a jetliner killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft near Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board and families of the victims have also voiced opposition to that section of the bill, raising concerns that it would make the airspace more dangerous.

Here's what the defense bill does as it makes its way through Congress.

Boat strike videos and congressional oversight

Lawmakers included a provision that would cut Hegseth's travel budget by a quarter until the Pentagon provides Congress with unedited video of the strikes against alleged drug boats near Venezuela. Lawmakers are asserting their oversight role after a Sept. 2 strike where the U.S. military fired on two survivors who were holding on to a boat that had partially been destroyed.

The bill also demands that Hegseth allow Congress to review the orders for the strikes.

Reaffirm commitments to Europe and Korea

Trump's ongoing support for Ukraine and other allies in Eastern Europe has been under doubt over the last year, but lawmakers included several positions meant to keep up U.S. support for countering Russian aggression in the region.

The defense bill requires the Pentagon to keep at least 76,000 troops and major equipment stationed in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and there is a determination that such a withdrawal is in U.S. interests. Around 80,000 to 100,000 U.S. troops are usually present on European soil. It also authorizes $400 million for each of the next two years to manufacture weapons to be sent to Ukraine.

Additionally, there is a provision to keep U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, setting the minimum requirement at 28,500.

Cuts to climate and diversity initiatives

The bill makes $1.6 billion in cuts to climate change-related spending, the House Armed Services Committee said. U.S. military assessments have long found that climate change is a threat to national security, with bases being pummeled by hurricanes or routinely flooded.

The bill also would save $40 million by repealing diversity, equity and inclusion offices, programs and trainings, the committee said. The position of chief diversity officer would be cut, for example.

Iraq War resolution repeal

Congress is putting an official end to the war in Iraq by repealing the authorization for the 2003 invasion. Supporters in both the House and Senate say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the U.S.

The 2002 resolution has been rarely used in recent years. But the first Trump administration cited it as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Suleimani.

Lifting final Syria sanctions

Congress would permanently remove U.S. sanctions put on Syria after the Trump administration temporarily lifted many penalties.

Lawmakers imposed economically crippling sanctions on the country in 2019 to punish former leader Bashar Assad for human rights abuses during the nearly 14-year civil war. After Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa led a successful insurgency to depose Assad, he is seeking to rebuild his nations economy.

Advocates of a permanent repeal have said international companies are unlikely to invest in projects needed for the countrys reconstruction as long as there is a threat of sanctions returning.

Lack of IVF coverage

Democrats criticized Johnson for stripping a provision from the bill to expand coverage of in vitro fertilization for active duty personnel. An earlier version covered the medical procedure, known as IVF, which helps people facing infertility have children.
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody following an order from a federal judge.

Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis granted his immediate release Thursday as the Salvadoran immigrant continues to fight criminal charges brought by Donald Trumps administration. He was released from a detention center in Pennsylvania on Thursday evening.

Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to a brutal prison in his home country in March, igniting a high-profile legal battle for his return at the center of the Trump administrations anti-immigration agenda.

Government lawyers admitted he was removed due to a procedural error, and several federal judges and a unanimous Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return after his illegal arrest.

But the government spent weeks battling court orders for his return while administration officials launched a barrage of public attacks, declaring that he would never again step foot in the country.

open image in gallery Kilmar Abrego Garcia arrives home in Maryland late Thursday after a judge ordered his release from detention ( AP )

He was abruptly returned to the United States in June only to face allegations that he illegally moved other immigrants across the country. He has pleaded not guilty.

Abrego Garcia was released from pretrial detention in that case, but ICE immediately arrested him, again, and relaunched a legal fight to deport him before he could face trial for the charges against him.

Since then, the Trump administration has tried to deport him to at least six different countries, including African nations Eswatini, Ghana, Liberia and Uganda.

Abrego Garcias legal team has said he is prepared to leave the country for Costa Rica, an offer that the Trump administration rescinded after he did not agree to its condition that he plead guilty to human smuggling charges.

open image in gallery A federal judge has granted the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia after he was brought back into ICE custody and threatened with removal, again, shortly after US officials brought him back from a brutal Salvador prison this summer only to face criminal charges ( AP )

The offer from Costa Rica to grant Abrego Garcia residence and refugee status is, and always has been, firm, unwavering, and unconditional, Xinis wrote Thursday.

In her order, the judge reprimanded administration officials for repeatedly defying court orders and suggested that the governments conduct in his case belie arguments that his ongoing ICE detention has been for the basic purpose of effectuating removal.

The governments steadfast refusal to remove him to Costa Rica amid constant threats of removal to a series of African countries that expressed no or limited desire to take him can only be construed as punitive and contrary to the purposes of ICE detention, she wrote.

Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the order naked judicial activism.

This order lacks any valid legal basis and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts, she told The Independent.

Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, partner at Murray Osorio PLLC and lead counsel on the case, called the ruling a powerful affirmation that the rule of law still matters.

The court made unmistakably clear that the government cannot detain a person indefinitely without legal authority, and that every agency involved must now comply fully and promptly with the courts directives, he said in a statement to The Independent.

We remain hopeful that this marks a turning point for Mr. Abrego Garcia, who has endured more than anyone should ever have to, he said. At the same time, we are mindful of the governments past conduct in this case and will stay vigilant to ensure that nothing undermines the courts decision.

open image in gallery The wrongly deported Salvadoran immigrant is separately fighting criminal charges that his attorneys argue were solely brought against him in retaliation for his successful challenge of his immigration case ( AP )

Inside El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center, Abrego Garcia and dozens of other deportees experienced weeks of severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation, inadequate nutrition, and psychological torture, attorneys allege.

Upon returning to the United States in June, Abrego Garcia briefly reunited with his wife and U.S. citizen children in Maryland, where he has been living and working as a sheet metal worker since entering the country without legal permission as a teenager in 2012.

An immigration judge in 2019 determined he could not be deported to El Salvador over credible fears of gang violence from a group that targeted his family.

Xinis has granted Abrego Garcia a similar withholding of removal order that prevents ICE from immediately deporting him.

Separately, Abrego Garcia is pressing a different federal judge overseeing his criminal case to drop the charges against him, citing vindictive and selective prosecution. His attorneys argue he has been singled out by the United States government.

Rather than fix its mistake and return [him] to the United States, the government fought back at every level of the federal court system, attorneys wrote in court filings. And at every level, [he] won. This case results from the governments concerted effort to punish him for having the audacity to fight back, rather than accept a brutal injustice.
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A Democratic lawmaker is accusing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of lying to get out of a tense House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday.

Noem's office has denied the allegations.

Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson has subpoenaed Noem to reappear before the committee, alleging that she not only bailed on her duties to testify before the panel, but also may have misled lawmakers by claiming she had to attend a meeting that had actually been canceled.

Noem left the committee hearing early, saying she needed to attend a meeting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Council. But that meeting had been canceled.

Noem's office said it did not know the meeting had been canceled until after the DHS head left the hearing. The Independent has requested comment from Noems office.

open image in gallery Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been accused of lying to get out of a tense House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday ( AP )

"The Secretary found out at 12:26 p.m. that the meeting was cancelled, a DHS spokesperson told The Hill. She left the hearing around noon.

I understand on good information that the FEMA Council meeting was canceled so there was no need for her to go, Thompson said, according to The Hill. She was a liar with no respect for congressional oversight.

He also claimed that Noem lingered in the committee's anteroom after she left the hearing, suggesting that she did not immediately depart to attend the meeting.

The hearing was not a friendly one for Noem. Thompson opened the hearing by calling for her resignation and accusing her of failing in the most basic of her duties.

"You have systematically dismantled the Department of Homeland Security, put your own interests above the department, and violated the law. You are making America less safe," Thompson said. "So rather than sitting here and wasting your time and ours with more corruption, lies, and lawlessness, I call on you to resign. Do a real service to the country and just resign. That is, if President Trump doesn't fire you first."

Congressman Seth Magaziner hit Noem with a particularly damning rebuttal after she claimed that the DHS, under her watch, had never deported a U.S. citizen or military veteran.

He then presented, via Zoom, Sae Joon Park, a U.S. military veteran and Purple Heart recipient who self-deported in 2025 after he received a removal order. Park was deported to Korea, where he has not lived since he was 7-years-old.

open image in gallery Congressman Bennie Thompson has accused Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of lying in order to excuse herself from a heated meeting of the House Homeland Security Committee on Thursday ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Following the contentious hearing and Noems hurried flight from the room, the DHS account on X attempted to save face.

Your boos mean nothing to us. Weve seen what makes you cheer, the account wrote, aping a line from the adult cartoon Rick & Morty.

House Republicans voted down Thompson's motion to call Noem back in for another hearing.

Thompson said he had been told that Noem would stay until at least 1 p.m. on the day of the hearing.

She joined FBI Director Kash Patel in telling the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security to pound sand by getting up and walking out in the middle of the hearing, he said. We were told that shed be here until 1 oclock, but she left significantly early. This is an embarrassing display from someone who cant take the heat, is disrespectful to the committee and the Constitution [and] the separation of powers.
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After a judge disqualified her from office and tossed out two of her politically charged cases against Donald Trumps longtime foes, Lindsey Halligan is making another push to serve as a top federal prosecutor in Virginia, with support from the White House.

Halligan has submitted a questionnaire to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will consider her nomination for U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia before a full Senate vote.

Shes the Presidents nominee, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to The Independent Thursday. It is our hope that she is confirmed and submitting her questionnaire is part of that process.

Trump nominated Halligan for interim U.S. Attorney in the district after he boasted of firing her predecessor, who had resisted pressure from the administration to prosecute former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Halligan brought indictments against them days after taking office, but a federal judge dismissed both cases and grand juries in the district have failed to indict Letitia James two other times.

open image in gallery Lindsey Halligan, a former personal attorney to Donald Trump, is still seeking confirmation for a top prosecutor role in Virginia despite a series of failures that have tanked major politically charged cases against the presidents enemies ( AFP via Getty Images )

In a post addressed to Pam on his Truth Social September 20, Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute his perceived political enemies without delay.

Halligan was sworn into office two days later. A grand jury voted to indict Comey three days after that.

In his post, Trump complained that nothing is being done against Comey, James and Senator Adam Schiff, who are all guilty as hell, according to the president.

Trump complained that his own nominee Erik Siebert was a Democrat supported U.S. Attorney, in Virginia, with a really bad Republican past. He called him a woke RINO, who was never going to do his job, and said he fired him because he wouldnt take up the case against Comey.

Halligan, among the presidents personal attorneys, is a really good lawyer, and likes you, a lot, Trump wrote in the message to Pam.

We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility, Trump wrote. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! President DJT.

Three hours later, Trump announced on Truth Social that he was nominating Halligan, who has no prosecutorial experience.

Comey was indicted five days later on allegations that he lied to members of Congress in 2020.

A few weeks later, Halligan brought a criminal indictment against James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements in connection with a loan for a house she purchased in Virginia in 2020.

Both Comey and James pleaded not guilty.

open image in gallery Halligan, left, was disqualified from serving as acting U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, a decision that tossed out cases against James Comey and Letitia James ( REUTERS )

Last month, District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie determined Halligan was unlawfully serving in the role and dismissed both indictments.

Because Halligan remained in office past the 120-period for interim U.S. attorney, all actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment including the cases against Comey and James were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside, Currie wrote.

In a message to Instagram, Comey said he was inspired by the judges decision, adding that a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies.

Halligans office has tried to re-indict James two other times, marking three failed attempts to bring criminal charges to the Democratic attorney general.

Alina Habba, another former Trump attorney, announced she is stepping down from her role as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after several judges similarly determined she was unlawfully serving as the states top federal prosecutor.

Habba, who represented Trump during a blockbuster fraud case in New York and against defamation and sexual abuse claims from E. Jean Carroll, said in a statement that she will now serve as a senior advisor to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Her exit marked yet another blow to the Trump administrations attempt to keep a fleet of loyalists in top prosecuting roles across the country as his Justice Department faces intense legal scrutiny over its attempts to get around legal limits on how long they can stay there.

Judges have reached similar decisions in cases challenging the appointments of Trump-backed U.S. attorneys in Nevada and Los Angeles.
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South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has called Congresswoman Nancy Mace "crazy" and "delusional" after she accused him of disparaging her in a "political hit job."

Mace, who represents a district in South Carolina and aspires to be its next governor, is accused of berating security staff at Charleston International Airport in October after she was left waiting for her security detail. A report compiled by the airport's police said Mace told workers she was sick of your s***, called them f***ing idiots, and accused them of being f***ing incompetent. Many airport staff members were working without pay at the time due to the government shutdown.

The Republican allegedly complained she was not receiving special treatment even though she was a f***ing representative, the report said.

On Tuesday night, Mace appeared on Kaitlan Collins' CNN show and claimed the police report was "100 percent falsified" and then said Wilson  her rival in the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary  "100 percent" was behind what she called a "very effective political hit job."

"Six minutes after they released the falsified reports, [Wilson] had a news release and a press thing on social media," Mace told Collins.

open image in gallery Congresswoman Nancy Mace and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson are both running in South Carolinas upcoming Republican gubernatorial primary. Wilson denies Maces claim he colluded with police to produce a falsified report after she allegedly berated staff at an airport in October. ( Getty/Republican Attorney General )

On Wednesday night, Wilson joined Collins to give his side of the story.

He said Maces claim was a "categorical lie."

"It's also delusional and crazy for her to make these kinds of crazy accusations. It's not my fault that Ms Mace showed up late the day that she showed up at the airport," Wilson said. "It's not my fault that she showed up at the wrong location. I did not make her cuss out the men and women of the TSA security checkpoint. I did not make her tweet about this 100 times in the days that followed."

When Collins asked for his response to Mace's claim that the police report was falsified, he noted that "half a dozen people" gave statements saying they saw her berate airport staff.

The Independent has requested comment from Mace.

open image in gallery This security camera still shows Congresswoman Nancy Mace allegedly berating a security worker at the Charleston International Airport in South Carolina in October 2025. Mace claims she never berated anyone and insists accusations that she did are a "political hit job" ( Charleston Regional Aviation Authority )

"Is everyone lying? Is she telling the truth? And it's not just this one incident. Apparently, there's a handful of incidents over the last year where she is cussing out TSA, cussing out security," Wilson said. "This is something that goes back not just this past month, but for the last year. At the end of the day, she's saying things that are delusional. And this basically reminds me of a spoiled brat  an entitled, spoiled brat."

Wilson went on to defend the TSA and airport police at the Charleston airport, saying that other state lawmakers  such as Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham  have traveled through the airport and have never had complaints about the staff.

"I mean, [Mace] says things on social media all the time, but this woman doesn't care about cops. She [doesn't] see them as public servants, she sees them as her servants. And that's how she treats people," Wilson said. "She's an entitled brat."
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Congresswoman Nancy Mace unveiled a bill that would rename Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C. after slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Mace, a South Carolina Republican, introduced the legislation on Wednesday on the three-month anniversary of Kirks assassination in Utah.

Kirks assassination was an attack not just on one man, but on the fundamental American principle declaring every citizen has the right to speak freely and engage in civic discourse, Mace wrote in a statement. By designating this plaza in the heart of our nation's capital, we ensure Charlie's legacy and his unwavering commitment to the First Amendment will never be forgotten.

If passed, the bill would require at least two Metro-style signs to be erected with Kirks name.

The plaza  a two-block-long pedestrian section of 16th Street, located a stones throw from the White House  emerged as a focal point of racial justice demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in 2020.

That year, the street was painted with large yellow letters reading BLACK LIVES MATTER, and demonstrators frequently gathered there to protest Trump. The D.C. city council later voted to officially name the space Black Lives Matter Plaza.

open image in gallery South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a bill that would rename Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C. to the "Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Republicans have long criticized the name and, in March, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser bowed to pressure from the White House and ordered workers to paint over the signage. Defending her decision, she said, We have bigger fish to fry.

The move triggered backlash among some Democrats and activists.

Nee Nee Taylor, a member of the D.C. Black Lives Matter affiliate, addressed Bowser on X, saying, You never cared about Black Lives Mattering. You painting those words were performative.

open image in gallery Mike D'angelo screams holding a street sign marking the newly named Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House during a demonstration after the death of George Floyd in 2020. ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery The plaza was painted over earlier this year when Bowser bowed to pressure from the White House. ( Getty Images )

In her statement on Wednesday, Mace argued that Kirk is more deserving of recognition than Floyd, claiming that Kirk represents unity, whereas Floyd has become a symbol of division.

The contrast between these two moments in history is unmistakable, she said. George Floyds death triggered unrest which divided the nation and devastated the law enforcement communityAfter Charlie Kirk was assassinated in cold blood, the nation responded with zero riots, zero looting, zero injuries, and zero destruction. Americans gathered in prayer, peace, and unity

Renaming this plaza in Charlie Kirks memory reflects those values: peace over violence, dialogue over destruction, and the First Amendment over mob rule, she added.

Cicley Gay, board chair of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, took a different stance.

We believe spaces honoring the fight against anti-Black violence and for justice deserve thoughtful consideration amid our nation's ongoing political divisions, Gay told The Independent. We urge leaders to reject any divisive renaming of the BLM plaza and encourage dialogue focused on building unity without dehumanization.

Mace, who is running for South Carolina governor in 2026, has long been a lightning rod of controversy. In September, she called on Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, to be deported to Somalia over her comments about Kirk.

Would love to see you get the help you need next. You belong in rehab, not Congress, Omar shot back.

In October, police in South Carolina filed a report claiming Mace directed an expletive-laden rant at officers in a Charleston airport. Mace said the report was 100 percent falsified.

Her bid to honor Kirk is just the latest attempt by Republicans to permanently cement the conservative activists legacy.

Both chambers of Congress passed resolutions honoring Kirks life and legacy in September. A Republican lawmaker in Florida introduced a bill to designate October 14, Kirks birthday, as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, and an Arizona Republican put forward legislation seeking to mint commemorative coins in his honor.

A spokesperson for Bowser declined to comment on Maces legislation when contacted by The Independent.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled the White House yet again with an AI-generated video of President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller in handcuffs this cuffing season.

Cuffing season is a term used to describe the desire to enter a romantic relationship during the cold fall and winter months. The term gained so much popularity that it was used in a 2022 Saturday Night Live sketch, where artist SZA sang, Its cuffing season, and all the girls are leaving to get a big boy. I need a big boy. Give me a big boy.

The White House used SZAs SNL song in a video promoting Trumps mass immigrant deportation efforts. Clips of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, where suspects were handcuffed, were compiled into the video.

WE HEARD IT'S CUFFING SZN, the White House wrote alongside the video in an X post Monday. Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.

open image in gallery California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled the White House yet again with an AI-generated video of President Donald Trump in handcuffs this 'cuffing' season ( Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images )

This prompted Newsom to post his own video to X on Wednesday about cuffing season, although this time it was the Trump administration with their hands tied behind their back. Newsom also used SZAs song as an AI-generated Trump, Hegseth and Miller cried wearing handcuffs.

SZA spoke out against the Trump administration using her song in their video, writing on X Wednesday, White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics ..Evil n Boring.

Newsom has been trolling Trump online for months as he pushes back against the presidents agenda, including his ICE raids in California. In June, Trump circumvented Newsom and sent the National Guard into Los Angeles to quell anti-ICE protesters.

open image in gallery Newsom also took aim at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (right) and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller (left) ( Al Drago-Pool/Getty Images )

The California governor has also criticized Miller, who is known as the architect of Trumps hardline immigration policies, saying, I think theres a cruelty to him during a recent interview with political commentator Jack Cocchiarella.

Hegseth has also made headlines lately for the U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, which have reportedly killed more than 80 people.

The Washington Post reported last month that a September 2 operation left two survivors, who were killed when Navy Admiral Frank M. Bradley ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseths instructions to kill everybody. The White House maintains that the strikes were legal.
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A House Republican is trying to introduce a bill that would ensure fathers are contributing to the cost of pregnancies.

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa introduced a bill called the Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act. The bill, if passed, would require states to ensure that biological fathers pay for at least 50 percent of the out-of-pocket medical costs associated with a pregnancy and delivery, including health insurance premiums, according to Fox News.

The bill excludes any costs relating to abortion and has other specific limitations on what fathers are expected to cover. Mothers would have to request contributions from the father before the state steps in and enforces the payments.

The proposed legislation appears to be a move by the GOP to align with its pro-family messaging. Republicans have long been criticized by Democrats, who claim that they are ostensibly pro-family and anti-abortion while also refusing to support mothers with the financial burdens of having a child.

Hinson has also introduced a bill that, if passed, would mandate that pregnant women who are attending college be informed of their rights and the resources available to them at their learning institutions. The lawmaker said the measure is intended to make sure pregnant college students know they have options outside of abortions.

open image in gallery Congresswoman Ashley Hinsons Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act would require states to ensure that fathers pay for at least 50 percent of health care-related costs that mothers incur during their pregnancies ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

She has described herself as a "mom on a mission" to Fox News and said her goal with the bills is to help ease the burdens placed on expecting mothers.

[I want to] make life easier for my fellow moms and families. Thats why Im working to expand access to maternal care, ensure women have resources throughout pregnancy and beyond, and improve child care options for growing families, she said.

Hinson is a mother of two and told the outlet that "strong families make a strong nation."

open image in gallery A demonstrator holds a sign in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on November 10, 2020, as the high court opened arguments in the long-brewing case over the constitutionality of the 2010 Affordable Care Act. ( AFP via Getty Images )

While Hinson's bills, if successful, may help pregnant women with the cost of their pregnancies, the broader GOP's attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act  with President Donald Trump insisting he would replace it with a better system but failing to explain what that system might be  mean many expecting mothers will be stuck with high-deductible health plans.

According to a 2022 investigation by KFF Health News, approximately 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of debt related to their health care costs. Most of those individuals have insurance but have still been forced into debt by their high deductibles.

In November, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the "only healthcare I will support or approve is sending the money directly back to the people."
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In 21 days, the enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Acts health care marketplace will expire. This could be an extinction-level event for many Republicans as they head into the midterm elections next year.

But if Republicans are worried, their leadership does not seem to show it. House Speaker Mike Johnson has all but said that the House of Representatives will not hold a vote on the expanded subsidies.

Anywhere between 22 million and 24 million Americans get their health insurance through the subsidies. Thats not a negligible amount, especially in red states. Its why Marjorie Taylor Greene lambasted Johnson during the shutdown for not coming up with an alternative. On CNN, Rep. Nancy Mace, who is running for governor, ripped Johnson for not having a health care bill.

And on the Senate side, Republicans are engaging in health care failure theater. Republicans will vote on Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidys bill that would give families money to deposit into a health savings account.

This will not win over any Democrats, which they know. Its simply a measure to pretend they tried and to shore up Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, as she faces a tough re-election. But Collins told reporters she is still negotiating on the bill.

open image in gallery WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 09: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) leaves the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon the U.S. Capitol on December 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. Following the meeting, Senate Republicans discussed a vote expected this week on a Democratic proposal to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ( Getty Images )

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who caught flak for voting for the One Big, Beautiful Bill earlier this year, also does not seem sold.

A lot of us still have questions about implementation of some of it, but I think it's important that the Republicans are hopefully going to be putting a plan out, she said on Tuesday. You need one.

And by Wednesday, she didnt seem in the mood to talk.

Ironically, as much as progressives might have been disappointed after a handful of moderates defected during the government shutdown, Democrats might have won the messaging war around health care.

I think there's no question that the Democratic effort to shine a spotlight on the ACA tax credits has has raised awareness of the issue, and also raised awareness of the fact that the likely expiration is the fault of Republicans in the House and Senate, who have demonstrated time and time again that their North Star is cutting the health care of the American people, and that includes letting the tax credits expire, Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware told The Independent.

open image in gallery U.S. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine angered some progressives when he voted to re-open the government. But Democrats might have won the messaging war. ( Reuters )

Another sign that Republicans are not serious about winning over Democratic votes on this bill? It includes restrictions on money going to abortions or gender-affirming care for transgender people.

Their proposal is chock full of culture war provisions that only demonstrate how unserious it is as a negotiating position or as a good faith proposal, McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, said.

Plenty of Democratic voters lamented that Senate Democrats got a pinky promise from Republicans for a vote on the subsidies, but it ultimately might be a political winner in next years midterms.

The American public knows, and they'll know even more tomorrow, who's with them on health care and who's not, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia told The Independent. Kaine joined seven other Democratic or independent senators to ultimately pass a continuing resolution to reopen the government, mostly to provide relief to federal workers in his home state.

But Kaine said that ultimately it might have benefited Democrats because at the time, they had to deal with the closed government and risk people going hungry if the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program did not provide benefits.

But I do think one challenge with the health care battle during shutdown is you were babbling about health care, but you also had people losing SNAP benefits, air traffic kind of screwed up, people losing paychecks, other things, Kaine said. So it was hard to focus on the health care issue with all the background of all the other issues. Now, government's open, no snap thing. We're just focused on health care.

A perfect sign that this could hurt Republicans: a handful of moderate Democrats teamed up with swing district Republicans like Brian Fitzpatrick and Rob Bresnahan, who represent swing districts in Pennsylvania, have co-sponsored legislation to extend the subsidies for two years with income caps.

I definitely think that we've won the shutdown, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told The Independent. And I mean, there's no winning this, right, but I think that we've won the discourse with the American people and understanding what we were fighting for and why, and building up the fresher momentum to extend health care subsidies for people.

Republicans also face other major challenges, such as the increasing unpopularity of Donald Trump, high tariff costs and a backlash from Hispanic and young voters. But they seem uninterested in finding a substantive solution that could win over votes.

As the House was voting, Johnson was visited by a ghost of Christmas past as former speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted after his own internal revolt, waltzed into the speakers office.
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Federal agents had no basis to grab a Tufts University scholar off the street and send her to an immigration detention center in Louisiana more than 1,000 from her home in Massachusetts.

But more than seven months after a federal judge granted her release, Donald Trumps administration is still trying to deport Turkish academic Rumeysa Ozturk, whose arrest by masked officers has been a defining image of the presidents campaign against international students for their Palestinian activism.

State Department officials admitted there was no evidence that Ozturk engaged in any antisemitic activity or made any public statements indicating support for a terrorist organization. She had only co-authored an op-ed in a student newspaper that criticized university leaders for dismissing students concerns about Israels war in Gaza.

Nevertheless, administration officials  relying on a pro-Israel activist group that created an online directory of student activists  canceled her student visa and signed a warrant for her arrest.

A sweeping two-part account of Ozturks case in The Boston Globe, detailing the days leading up to her arrest through her detention and return to Tufts, reports that the officers who grabbed her off the street told her we are not monsters and only do what the government tells us.

open image in gallery Donald Trumps administration is still trying to deport Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk after a federal judge determined there was no basis for her arrest as the State Department and Homeland Security pursue international scholars for their criticism of Israels war in Gaza ( AP )

Despite spending more than six weeks in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, Ozturk is optimistic about the American judicial system, she told the Globe.

I have spent nearly seven years in the United States, a formative period that has significantly shaped my young adulthood, she said. However, I have also faced deeply troubling and dehumanizing experiences.

A scathing decision from a federal judge in May determined Ozturk was simply and purely arrested for the expression she made or shared in the op-ed.

That literally is the case, District Judge William K. Sessions III said at the time. There is no evidence here as to the motivation, absent consideration of the op-ed.

His order granted her immediate release from custody while she continues her parallel legal battles challenging her immigration proceedings and the constitutionality of what her attorneys argue is a retaliatory arrest.

Months later, the administration has not introduced any additional evidence.

open image in gallery Signage and flowers were placed on a tree next to where ICE agents arrested Tuft student Rumeysa Ozturk on March 25 in Somerville, Massachusetts ( Getty Images )

In court testimony, administration officials described a tiger team deployed to quickly crack down on campus dissent. Homeland Security Investigations, an arm of ICE, had deployed hundreds of analysts to investigate foreign students, according to Peter Hatch, assistant director of HSIs Office of Intelligence.

They reviewed names on a from pro-Israel group Canary Mission, which lists names and social media profiles of people it labels far-right, far-left and by anti-Israel. Ozturks name was on its list.

She was on the phone with her mother while she was on the way to break her fast with other Muslim members of the Tufts community March 25.

Masked agents, under strict instructions from top officials at the State Department to arrest Ozturk, emerged from the street and immediately grabbed her wrists.

She called out to her mother in Turkish to phone a friend for help before agents snatched her phone. They put her into a car and sped off.

Ozturk feared they were going to kill me, she later wrote.

As they transferred her across the country, she experienced several asthma attacks, struggling to breathe in an Atlanta airport as passersby saw her in pain, she said.

I wanted to scream for help, but I noticed it wouldnt matter, she told the Globe. That moment broke something inside me.

Ozturk experienced more than a dozen more asthma attacks in Louisiana, where she faced constant exposure to dust, no proper ventilation and limited time outside while locked in a small cell she shared with 23 people, she testified.

While trying to get treatment, a nurse at the facility told her to take the thing off my head, said Ozturk, gesturing at her hijab.

open image in gallery Ozturk spent more than six weeks in ICE detention before a federal judge issued a blistering order that found the Trump administration had arrested her simply and purely for writing an op-ed ( AP )

Ozturk had obtained an F1 visa to study in the United States, where she earned her masters at Columbia University on a Fulbright scholarship before enrolling in a PhD program at Tufts. There, she studies social media use among adolescents at the Department of Child Study and Human Development.

This week, another federal judge in Boston ordered the Trump administration to restore a critical government record for Ozturk that will allow her to continue performing paid work as part of her graduate studies.

After her arrest, the administration terminated her record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS. That database, which is monitored by ICE, tracks students in the United States on certain visas. Without that record, foreign students are unable to work.

District Judge Denise Casper pointed to the Trump administrations irrational basis for stripping her records.

She continues to lose out on paid on-campus employment in which she would otherwise be engaged and is losing out on a unique opportunity to work with her advisor on a project that would further her doctoral training and professional development, Casper wrote.

open image in gallery Marco Rubios State Department has canceled student visas for hundreds of people under the Trump administrations government-wide anti-immigration campaign ( AFP via Getty Images )

Ozturk is among several noncitizen students at critical junctures in high-profile legal battles against the administration.

Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil continues to fight an order for his removal to Algeria or Syria months after he was stripped of his green card and arrested in front of his pregnant wife in their apartment building.

A blistering decision in a separate case against the Trump administration called the governments threats to international academics a full-throated assault on the First Amendment across the board under the cover of an unconstitutionally broad definition of antisemitism.

That September ruling from Massachusetts District Judge William Young spent several pages rebuking the presidents campaign of retribution and bullying of political opponents while he simply ignores the Constitution as well as our civil laws, regulations, mores, customs, practices, courtesies  all of it.

Homeland Security has repeatedly defended its attempts to remove Ozturk, stressing that a visa is a privilege not a right.

The United States is under no obligation to allow foreign aliens to come to our country, commit acts of anti-American, pro-terrorist, antisemitic hate, or to incite violence, according to an agency spokesperson.
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White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller has claimed he has been banned from appearing on CNN.

Miller was asked about the situation by Fox News host Sean Hannity on Wednesday, who said of his previous appearances on the network: That was some of the best material wed ever had on the program, in the history of the program, is you schooling these hosts.

And now, I guess they mightve figured out that its ratings gold for this program. Did you really get banned?

So, this is a completely true story, Miller replied. So, over the last few days, our brilliant White House communications shop has reached out to CNN, which, of course, is running one fake news hit piece after another, and they said, Stephen Miller would like to come on your network to rebut any of these lies.

open image in gallery Stephen Miller joked about his supposed ban during an interview with Sean Hannity on Wednesday night ( Fox News )

And they asked, What show? They said, Stephen Miller will do any show from dawn to dusk. They said, What topic? The White House said, Stephen is available to discuss any topic with any host at any time. As far as youre concerned, Stephen has no scheduling conflicts at all. He will make himself available from the first hour of air to the last hour of air on any subject.

And CNNs response was, We will not take him, period, for any show on any topic. That is completely true, Sean.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung subsequently responded to a clip of the exchange on X by saying, Stephen Miller has graciously made himself available to appear on any CNN show these last few days to discuss a wide range of topics and to push back on fake news.

Yet, CNN is so afraid they declined to have him on, probably because they know hed run circles around any of their hosts. CNN is actively engaging in partisan politics and acting as the propaganda arm of the Democrat party.

open image in gallery During an October appearance on CNN, Miller cut himself off mid-sentence after mentioning Trump having plenary authority ( CNN )

A spokesperson for the network told The Independent: Members of the administration, including Stephen Miller, are welcome to come on our air. As a news organization, we make editorial decisions about the stories we cover and when, and that depends on the news priorities of the day. We look forward to having Stephen on again in the future as the news warrants.

According to Mediaite, Millers most recent appearance on CNN was on October 6, when he sparred with anchor Boris Sanchez about the Trump administrations immigration raids in Illinois.

So on the substance of the question, is it the case that as [Governor JB] Pritzker frames it, you are profiling Brown people? Sanchez asked him at one stage. That this immigration crackdown is designed to go after people of color?

Oh, what a dumb question, Miller replied in exasperation.

President Donald Trump also weighed in on CNN on Wednesday, saying that he supported Paramounts proposed hostile takeover of its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery over Netflixs bid because the former is attempting to acquire the companys entire holdings.

In contrast, the streaming giant is bidding only for Warner Bros. and HBO, not the news brand.

I think the people that have run CNN for the last long period of time are a disgrace, the president said. I think its imperative that CNN be sold.

He went on to deride the network for broadcasting poison and lies about his administration, without offering specific examples of coverage he was unhappy about.

CNNs media commentator Brian Stelter has said there is concern among journalists at the company about the potential Paramount takeover, given that the corporations CEO is David Ellison  the son of Trumps billionaire ally Larry Ellison  who, they fear, could make changes within the newsroom that might compromise its editorial independence.

The Wall Street Journal wrote on Monday that David Ellison recently offered assurances to Trump administration officials that if he bought Warner, hed make sweeping changes to CNN.

However, Ellison has previously promoted several shows in Paramounts stable that the president has criticized, including 60 Minutes and South Park, and has donated almost $1 million to Joe Bidens presidential campaign, so he is not personally aligned with Trumps political project.
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The House of Representatives has once again dismissed an effort to impeach President Donald Trump, marking the second time this year such a bid, brought by Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas, has been turned aside.

The resolution was shelved following a 237-140 vote, with 47 Democratic lawmakers voting present. This outcome, though anticipated, suggests a notable shift in support for impeachment among House Democrats, who rejected a similar measure by a significantly wider margin just last June.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his deputies stated before the vote that impeachment requires a comprehensive investigative process, which the Republican majority had not undertaken. Crucially, the Democratic leaders refrained from outright opposing the resolution, instead casting present votes.

They emphasized: Impeachment is a sacred constitutional vehicle designed to hold a corrupt executive accountable for abuse of power, breaking the law and violating the public trust.

Green has said impeachment measures are necessary because he believes Trump has committed high crimes and misdemeanors in his second term. ( EPA/JIM LO SCALZO )

None of that serious work has been done, with the Republican majority focused solely on rubber stamping Donald Trumps extreme agenda. Accordingly, we will be voting present on todays motion," they continued.

Green has said impeachment measures are necessary because he believes Trump has committed high crimes and misdemeanors in his second term, the constitutionally required bar for impeachment and removal from office.

Greens resolution in June accused Trump of bypassing Congress and potentially declaring war on Iran after the administration conducted air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The latest version sought to impeach Trump for threatening Democratic lawmakers in Congress with execution over a social media video urging members of the military to refuse illegal orders.

He has conducted himself in office such that persons are now threatening members of the judiciary, threatening members of the House of Representatives, threatening members of the Senate, Green said in a brief floor speech before the vote.

Trump was impeached twice in his first term, first in 2019 by a Democratic-majority House over his push for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to open a corruption investigation into the Biden family ahead of the 2020 election. He was impeached a second time in 2021 by the House over his effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election and the riot at the U.S. Capitol. He was acquitted by the Senate both times.

Republicans have begun to warn that Democrats are determined to impeach Trump a third time if they win the majority, pushing it toward the forefront of next year's campaigns. Many of them dismissed Thursday's vote as a distraction.

It shows you they have no agenda. And so this is the kind of stuff that theyve been doing, as opposed to actually trying to solve the American peoples issues, said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican. This is not a surprise, but it just shows you that the Democrats continue to do the same kind of thing theyve been doing for years, which is playing games and not coming up with real solutions.

Democratic leaders insisted they are not intent on impeaching Trump in his second term and stressed the gravity of such proceedings and the need for a thorough investigation.

Rep. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat and vice chair of the Democratic Caucus, said there are a diversity of views about impeachment in the caucus. He said that House Democrats intend to conduct oversight of the administration should they win a majority in next year's midterms but that a win at the ballot box did not guarantee an impeachment vote.

I think you would have to have an investigation where you actually talk to witnesses and review documents and look at, you know, video and listen to audio. You need to do all of that before any decisions are made, he said.
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President Donald Trump raised eyebrows Tuesday with comments made about White House press secretary Karoline Leavitts physical appearance.

At a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, during a speech that was supposed to be about the economy, Trump gushed about Leavitts beautiful face and those lips that dont stop.

We even brought our superstar today, Karoline, Trump said, drawing cheers from the crowd. Isnt she great? Is Karoline great? You know, when she goes on television, Fox, like, I mean, they dominate, they dominate when she gets up there with that beautiful face.

And those lips that dont stop. Pop-pop-pop like a little machine gun, Trump continued. Shes got no fear, and you know why she has no fear? Because we have the right policy.

Its not the first time Trump, 79, has commented on his 28-year-old press secretarys appearance  or drawn backlash from social media critics for doing so.

President Donald Trump made bizarre comments about his press secretarys lips during a speech in Pennsylvania Tuesday ( AFP via Getty Images )

And internet users were quick to pile on the president again for his comments made during Tuesdays rally.

Who says *** like this about a female that works for him? Its beyond creepy and gross, one X user wrote.

Fairly weird thing to say about your employee/subordinate, another added.

Another simply put, Disgusting.

Trumps speech was supposed to be about the economy buyt somehow its justa weird obsession with trans people, a racist word salad, and something about Karoline Leavitts lips?? a commentator wrote, later adding, Meanwhile prices arent getting any lower.

Another user joked, Somebody come get grandpa hes getting creepy.

Trump similarly gushed about Leavitts lips during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One in October.

The president was speaking with reporters after his victory lap trip to Israel and Egypt, after signing his peace deal alongside Western and Arab leaders.

Despite talking about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the presidet abruptly switched gears to comment on his press secretarys looks.

Hows Karoline doing? Is she doing good? Trump asked reporters, seemingly unprompted. Should Karoline be replaced? he followed up.

When a reporter replied, Thats up to you, sir, Trump noted, Itll never happen. That faceand those lips. They move like a machine gun, right?

Trump made a similar comment about Leavitts facial features in August, telling Newsmax, Shes become a star. Its that face. Its that brain. Its those lips, the way they move. They move like shes a machine gun.
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President Donald Trumps sweeping taxes on imports have cost the average American household nearly $1,200 since he returned to the White House this year, according to Democrats.

American consumers' share of the bill came to nearly $159 billion  or $1,198 per household  from February through November, according to a report by Democrats on Congress' Joint Economic Committee found that

The committee used Treasury Department numbers on revenue from tariffs and Goldman Sachs estimates of who ends up paying for them in their research.

"This report shows that (Trump's) tariffs have done nothing but drive prices even higher for families, said Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the economic committee.

At a time when both parties should be working together to lower costs, the presidents tax on American families is simply making things more expensive.

found that American consumers' share of the bill came to nearly $159 billion  or $1,198 per household  from February through November. ( PA Wire )

In his second term, Trump has reversed decades of U.S. policy that favored free trade. He's imposed double-digit tariffs on almost every country on earth.

According to Yale University's Budget Lab, the average U.S. tariff has shot up from 2.4 percent at the beginning of the year to 16.8 percent, the highest since 1935.

The president argues that the import taxes will protect U.S. industries from unfair foreign competition, bring factories to the United States and raise money for the Treasury.

President Trumps tariffs have actually secured trillions in investments to make and hire in America as well as historic trade deals that finally level the playing field for American workers and industries," said White House Spokesman Kush Desai.

"Democrats spent decades complaining about lopsided trade deals undermining the American working class, and now theyre complaining about the one president who has done something about it.

The taxes are paid by importers who typically attempt to pass along the higher costs to their customers.

Democrats did well in elections last month in Virginia, New Jersey and elsewhere largely because voters blame Trump and the Republicans for the high cost of living, just as they'd blamed Trump's predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, for the same thing a year earlier.

Economist Kimberly Clausing of the UCLA School of Law and the Peterson Institute for International Economics, last week told a House subcommittee that Trump's tariffs amount to the largest tax increase on American consumers in a generation, lowering standards of living for all Americans.''

Clausing, a Treasury Department tax official in the Biden administration, has calculated that Trump's import taxes amount to an annual tax increase of about $1,700 for an average household.''
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Donald Trumps administration has added a so-called militarized zone to the southern border wall in California as the president continues his crackdown on immigration.

The Department of the Interior announced Wednesday that it will transfer jurisdiction of about 760 acres of land in San Diego and Imperial Counties to the Navy for three years.

By working with the Navy to close long-standing security gaps, we are strengthening national defense, protecting our public lands from unlawful use, and advancing the Presidents agenda to put the safety and security of the American people first, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement.

The Interior Department says the region  which stretches from the western boundary of the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area to about one mile west of the CaliforniaArizona state line  is a hot spot for illegal border crossings.

open image in gallery Donald Trumps administration has added a so-called militarized zone to the southern border wall in California as the president continues his crackdown on immigration ( Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images )

The move for tightened security comes as Trump boasts about how he closed the U.S.-Mexico border. At a rally Trump held to tout his economic agenda in Pennsylvania Tuesday night, he veered off topic to tell the crowd that the only country that has a stronger border than the U.S. is North Korea.

Southern border crossings have dramatically decreased since Trump took office. In January, there were more than 61,000 Customs and Border Protection encounters, and October saw about 11,700.

Militarized zones across the southern border are not new for the Trump administration. Since April, there have been hundreds of miles of national defense areas established along the border in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, according to the Associated Press. More than 7,000 troops have been deployed to the border, the AP reported.

Establishing these militarized zones means more potential punishments for migrants crossing the border. More than 1,400 migrants have been charged with trespassing on military territory, the AP reported in July. The trespassing charge carries a possible 18-month prison sentence on top of an illegal entry charge that could add six months behind bars.

open image in gallery Southern border crossings have dramatically decreased since Trump took office ( Herika Martinez/AFP via Getty Images )

The Trump administration has created these militarized zones under the authority of what he calls a national emergency at the southern border that the president declared on his first day in office.

Our southern border is overrun by cartels, criminal gangs, known terrorists, human traffickers, smugglers, unvetted military-age males from foreign adversaries, and illicit narcotics that harm Americans, Trump said in the declaration.

Trumps immigration crackdown has also included Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the country, including in Los Angeles, to help carry out his campaign promise of mass deportations.

A new AP-NORC poll shows that Trumps approval on immigration has declined substantially since March. Now, just 38 percent of Americans approve of Trumps handling of immigration, while 60 percent disapprove.
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With an estimated net worth between $5 billion and $7 billion and a penchant for coating every surface in the White House with what he claims to be 18-karat gold leaf paint, President Donald Trump isnt exactly an expert on personal cost-cutting.

But after the uber-wealthy ex-real estate developer claimed that record-high toy prices caused by his tariffs are just fine because young girls dont need 37 dolls and can make do with two or three instead, his official spokesperson was left scrambling when asked to defend the eyebrow-raising remarks.

Asked about Trumps claim that Americans can give up certain products and limit toy purchases because tariffs have caused prices to go upon the 80 percent of toys on the U.S. market that are imported from China, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt first told reporters that the presidents comments were meant as an exhortation to buy more expensive American-made ones instead.

Maybe you'll pay $1 or two more, but you will get better quality, and you'll be supporting your fellow Americans by buying American and that's what the President was saying, she said.

But when The Independent pressed her on whether it is appropriate for one of the wealthiest men in the country to be lecturing cash-strapped parents on how many dolls their sons or daughters need to own, Leavitt irately pivoted to recasting Trumps wealth as a positive while ignoring the substance of the question.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington ( AP )

Do you think the people in that room in Pennsylvania who the President was speaking to don't know the President's a billionaire? I think that's a very well established fact, she said.

Leavitt continued her monologue by claiming that Trumps status as a billionaire was part and parcel of why voters chose to return him to the White House in last years election over then-vice president Kamala Harris.

Actually, I think it's one of the many reasons they reelected him back to this office, because he's a businessman who understands the economy and knows how to fix it, and he's doing it right now, just like he did in his first term, she said.

Despite Trumps claims to have lowered costs of living for Americans since returning to the White House in January, voters are not happy with his performance on affordability issues thus far.

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 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.

But at the same time, Trump continues to tout his own record, such as it is.

In an interview with Politico this week, he told correspondent Dasha Burns that he gives himself an A-plus-plus-plus-plus when she asked him to grade his own record on the economy thus far.

And at the same time, Trump has dismissed Democrats focus on affordability heading into next years midterms as a hoax while claiming that prices are way down and accusing Democrats of having caused the high prices that persist nearly a year into his second term in office.
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US forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday in a dramatic escalation of hostilities between Washington and Caracas.

Helicopters sent to intercept the vessel had reportedly taken off from the USS Gerald R Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, which was sent to the region last month in a pointed show of force.

The latest operation, pulling in special forces and US Marines, follows months of sabre-rattling and intimidation from Donald Trump in an attempt to pile pressure on Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

But with Maduro unmoved, the US buildup in the Caribbean shows no sign of slowing down as Trump continues to amass gunboats, troops and missiles.

open image in gallery The United States sent special forces with helicopters to intercept an oil tanker off Venezuela, it was announced on Wednesday ( X/@AGPamBondi )

How many US ships are stationed near Venezuela?

The USS Gerald R Ford joined a fleet of 12 warships in the Caribbean in November, adding capacity for up to 90 aircraft to join the 10 F-35B fighter jets stationed in Puerto Rico.

Stocked with the long-range missiles coveted by Ukraine, the US armada today has the capability to strike targets anywhere in Venezuela.

That force projects huge power across the region for an operation ostensibly targeting drug traffickers. It represents the largest US buildup in the area unrelated to natural disasters in more than three decades.

View more

The number of combat vessels has jumped since the first half of the year, when the US kept a steady patrol of three to five in the region, according to analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

That figure leaves out the tankers and resupply ships also joining the fleet and includes ships with direct combat functions, even if not commissioned warships.

That rose to 10 in August when Trump deployed the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group to the Caribbean. The US began its military campaign in September, striking a small boat it said was carrying drugs, without providing evidence.

open image in gallery The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mahan (left) and USS Bainbridge sailing in formation ( US Department of Defense )

A naval base in Puerto Rico

That month, the US suddenly began construction at a former naval base in Puerto Rico.

Photos taken by Reuters showed the US was coordinating its buildup with upgrades to landing and take-off capabilities at Roosevelt Roads, the former site of one of the worlds foremost naval stations before it was shuttered in 2004. Civilian airports in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were also eyed for renovation.

US military officials and maritime experts said the new builds indicated the kind of preparations that could allow attacks on Venezuela.

As it began renovations on military bases, special forces joined the buildup in September, before the 337m-long USS Gerald R Ford arrived in November.

US military assets have been used to deadly effect in the Caribbean in the last four months, killing at least 86 people between 22 strikes, according to the Pentagon.

open image in gallery An E/A-18G Growler aircraft lands on the flight deck of USS Gerald R Ford ( US Southern Command )

Tomahawks and land strikes

Trump threatened Venezuela  and its neighbours  with land strikes at the start of December in the clearest direct threat to Maduros regime. He suggested any country producing drugs for distribution in the US was fair game.

Washington has an estimated 170 Tomahawk missiles ready, according to CSIS. The long-range missiles could hit any part of Venezuela with a range of 800-1,000 miles.

The US is also believed to have tens of thousands of JDAM bombs stationed in the area, and thousands of air-launched missiles with varying ranges.

The CIA is said to be providing the bulk of intelligence used to carry out the strikes against small boats, sources told The Guardian, amid fears Trump could turn his focus inland.

open image in gallery A Tomahawk cruise missile launches from the USS Shiloh ( Getty )

Americas air power

Flight tracking data shows the US sent long-range bombers to the region in October and November. Several P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft have also appeared over the Caribbean in recent weeks.

With only a few thousand troops and a handful of land vehicles, however, the US is not gearing up for a land invasion.

The United States does not have the ground forces needed for an invasion, Mark Cancian, retired Marine colonel and senior advisor at CSIS, told Politico.

His analysis shows the US has 2,200 Marines in the area and 23 combat vehicles (reconnaissance and tracked amphibious), while Venezuela can draw on around 100,000 personnel if needed, as well as hundreds of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and artillery pieces.
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Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado appeared in Oslo on Thursday to a cheering crowd of her supporters.

It was her first public appearance in almost a year since she went into hiding after being barred from running in her countrys presidential election.

Ms Machado stepped out onto the balcony of Oslos Grand Hotel, where Nobel laureates usually stay, dressed in a black puffer jacket and jeans greeted by huge cheers and applause from a crowd of people who had gathered in the dead of the night just to catch a glimpse of the fugitive Venezuelan opposition figure.

Though she could not make it to the ceremony at the Norwegian capital in time to accept the prestigious award in person, Ms Machados public appearance was significant.

It was in defiance of a decade-long travel ban imposed upon her in her home country and being declared a fugitive by Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduros administration.

She is said to have made a daring escape from Venezuela by boat on Tuesday and travelled to the Caribbean island of Curacao, from where she departed on a private plane for Norway, according to a person familiar with the matter.

open image in gallery Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado greets supporters from a balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, early on 11 December 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

Ms Machado was forced into hiding after she accused Mr Maduro of stealing the July 2024 presidential election.

With a hand on her heart, the 58-year-old pro-democracy activist joined her supporters in singing the Venezuelan national anthem Gloria al Bravo Pueblo (Glory to the Brave People).

Later, she also walked downstairs to meet the supporters who chanted courageous! and freedom! outside her hotel.

She spent several minutes outside, where she was joined by members of her family and several of her closest aides. She hugged many in the crowd amid chants of president! president!

I want you all back in Venezuela, Ms Machado said as people lifted their phones to take pictures.

open image in gallery Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado greets supporters from a balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway ( AFP via Getty )

Videos showed her climbing over metal barricades to hug some of her supporters who had gathered to meet her outside the 19th-century building. Her appearance came shortly after her daughter received the Nobel Prize on her behalf at the ceremony.

A large portrait of a smiling Ms Machado hung in the Oslo City Hall to represent her at the ceremony.

Ms Machado said in an audio recording of a phone call published on the Nobel website that she wouldnt be able to arrive in time for the ceremony but that many people had risked their lives for her to arrive in Oslo.

I am very grateful to them, and this is a measure of what this recognition means to the Venezuelan people, she said, before indicating that she was about to board a plane.

Freedom is a choice that must be renewed each day, measured by our willingness and our courage to defend it. For this reason, the cause of Venezuela transcends our borders, she said in her prepared speech.

A people who choose freedom contribute not only to themselves, but to humanity.

Ms Machado has been in hiding since 9 January when she made a brief appearance to address her supporters at a rally protesting the swearing in of the president for a third term.

open image in gallery Machado gestures from a balcony of Grand Hotel, after her daughter Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the award on her behalf, in Oslo, Norway ( Reuters )

Mr Maduro is widely considered a dictator and not recognised by the US as Venezuelas legitimate leader. He was sworn in to a third six-year term in January, and he maintains he was the legitimate winner of the presidential election last year.

The contentious elections were widely dismissed by Venezuelas opposition and much of the international community as rigged, igniting protests across the country.

Ms Machado had won an opposition primary election and intended to challenge Mr Maduro in the election last year in July but the government barred her from running for office. Retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzilez stood in her place.

The lead-up to the election saw widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations. That increased after the country's National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Mr Maduro's loyalists, declared the incumbent the winner.

Jrgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, told the award ceremony that Ms Machado has done everything in her power to be able to attend the ceremony here today  a journey in a situation of extreme danger." The audience cheered and clapped when Mr Frydnes said during his speech that Ms Machado would be coming to Oslo.

open image in gallery Machado is hugged by a supporter as she greets people on the streets of Oslo ( Reuters )

He said "Venezuela has evolved into a brutal authoritarian state", describing Ms Machado as "one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in recent Latin American history."

Many past Nobel laureates have been unable to collect their awards with some detained or imprisoned in their home country.

Most recently, Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi in 2023 and Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski in 2022 were unable to attend the ceremony. Others include Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo in 2010, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar in 1991 and Carl von Ossietzky of Germany in 1935.
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A state of emergency has been declared in Washington state as heavy rain and historic flooding have left tens of thousands of residents facing evacuation orders.

Days of torrential and unrelenting rain sent rivers flowing over their banks and prompted Gov. Bob Ferguson to declare a statewide emergency Wednesday, warning residents, lives will be at stake in the coming days.

Parts of Washington and northwest Oregon have seen over 10 inches of rain in recent days, while Seattle was hit with 12 to 16 inches in just the past 72 hours.

Residents in some areas were already ordered to higher ground, as evacuation orders were in place for residents along the Skagit River, northeast of Seattle. There, county officials warned, all residents living within the 100-year floodplain should evacuate to high ground immediately. Do not wait.

Catastrophic flooding is likely, Ferguson warned on social media Wednesday night, noting about 100,000 people were expected to evacuate.

open image in gallery Historical flooding has prompted officials in Washington state to urge about 100,000 residents to evacuate Thursday amidst heavy, unrelenting rains ( AP )

open image in gallery Parts of Washington and northwest Oregon have seen over 10 inches of rain in recent days ( AP )

A persistent atmospheric river has dumped historic levels of rain on the Pacific Northwest this week, causing several rivers in the state to rise significantly above normal levels, leading to floods and mudslides. The National Weather Service said river flooding in parts of the state is expected to be catastrophic. A flash flood watch will be in effect through Friday for a potential levee failure of the Skagit River below Sedro-Woolley.

At least 300 National Guard members have been mobilized to the state, and local emergency response crews have been activated.

Officials in Skagit County predict the Skagit River will crest at record-setting levels within the coming days.

The city of Concrete is expected to see a crest at 46.13 feet and Mount Vernon is predicted to crest at 42.13 feet. In 2021, the Skagit River set records at 38.93 feet in Concrete and 33.11 feet in Mount Vernon, officials said in a press release.

open image in gallery Over 300 National Guard members have been deployed to the state to help in the emergency response ( AP )

open image in gallery Thousands of people across the state were without electricity Thursday morning ( AP )

We feel very confident that we can handle a normal flood, but no one really knows what a 41, 42 foot river looks like south of Mount Vernon, Darrin Morrison, a commissioner for Dike District 3 in Skagit County, said Wednesday night.

The county said all nonessential government services would be closed Thursday due to ongoing flooding and hazardous conditions throughout the region.

The tremendous rainfall left more than 17,000 customers in Washington without electricity on Thursday, according to PowerOutage.us.

Flooding from the Skagit River has long impacted the region, including Mount Vernon, the largest city in the county with 35,000 residents. In 2003, severe flooding caused hundreds of people to be displaced from their homes.

open image in gallery Gov. Bob Ferguson warned residents on Wednesday that lives will be at stake in the coming days ( AP )

As a result, the city completed a floodwall in 2018 that was put to the test in 2021 when the river crested at near record levels.

Despite the flood mitigation efforts, this weeks historic flooding could top the wall, worrying locals.

It could potentially be catastrophic, Ellen Gamson, the executive director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association, told the Associated Press.
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A body found by a motorway in southern Spain is believed to be that of a missing 73-year-old British woman, local authorities have said.

Geraldine Ann was reported missing on 17 September after she left her house to feed cats in Chirivel, near Granada.

She is reported to have left the house in her pyjamas and flip-flops after an argument with her husband late at night, according to Andalucia Today. Ms Ann was reported missing the following day.

Chirivel Town Hall has since released a statement saying: We profoundly regret to have to inform you that a body has been found by the A-92 motorway thought to be that of our neighbour Geraldine, pending official confirmation from the authorities.

The Mayor of Chirivel, Jose Torregrosa Mota, described Ms Anns vulnerabilities, explaining: She had dementia and the night she went missing shed apparently had a small argument with her husband and left home.

The long search was concluded after local officials made the discovery under some vegetation close to the A-92 motorway in the municipality of Cullar. It was approximately one mile from her home.

Several groups were involved in the search for Ms Ann, including volunteers and a specialist mountain rescue unit in the Civil Guard. Sniffer dogs and drones were also used.

Police are carrying out DNA tests to confirm the identity of the body.

The Independent has contacted the Civil Guard, who first reported the finding, for comment.

The population of British people living in Spain has steadily risen over the years, according to Statista, which estimates there are nearly 300,000 people residing in Spain as of 2023. The country enjoys a reputation as a popular retirement destination.

Chirivel is a municipality within the Almeria province, part of the autonomous Andalusia community.
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Plans to impose an effective ban on selling new cars with combustion engines in the European Union have reportedly been abandoned.

Instead, there will be more flexible rules to achieve a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from cars, Manfred Weber, president of the EPP, the largest party in the European Parliament, was quoted as saying.

The senior EU lawmaker told German mass tabloid Bild Thursday, For new registrations from 2035 onwards, a 90 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions will now be mandatory for car manufacturers' fleet targets, instead of 100 per cent.

"There will also be no 100 per cent target from 2040 onwards. This means that the technology ban on combustion engines is off the table.

All engines currently manufactured in Germany can therefore continue to be produced and sold."

open image in gallery An installation by Greenpeace activists shows a SUV that is seemingly rammed into the pavement in front of the Brandenburg Gate on March 22, 2023 in Berlin, Germany, as the group protested the German governments demand for an exception to new EU-wide legislation that would ban the sale of combustion engine cars by 2030 ( Getty Images )

Weber said this sent an important signal "to the entire automotive industry and secures tens of thousands of industrial jobs", reflecting concerns over the future of one of Europe's most important industries.

EU governments, including Germany and Italy, and several automakers have been lobbying for softer regulation, which currently sets a goal to cut carbon emissions from new cars to zero by 2035, effectively banning sales of new combustion-engine vehicles.

Volkswagen, Stellantis, Renault, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all argued in favour of dropping the ban, instead letting customers decide what they want rather than having firm targets.
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Germany, which already ranks as one of Europes most aged countries, is set to get even smaller and older, according to a new report.

The countrys population could shrink by almost 10 million people, to around 75 million, by 2070, its statistics office said.

It comes as the baby boomer generation gives way to much smaller cohorts.

In its latest population forecast, published Thursday, the office said it expects one in four people in Germany to be aged over 67 in a decade's time.

By 2038, almost 21 million people, or 27% of the population, will be of pension age, it said.

open image in gallery The forecasts come as businesses in the European Union's most populous country complain of unprecedented labour shortages ( JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images )

The forecasts come as businesses in the European Union's most populous country complain of unprecedented labour shortages.

Politicians are also struggling to contain a populist backlash over immigration that has helped propel the nativist Alternative for Germany to first place in many polls.

WELFARE SYSTEM UNDER PRESSURE

Germany, which alongside Italy already ranks as Europe's most aged country, also faces increasing pressure on the sustainability of its social systems.

While currently there are 33 pensioners for every 100 people in work, that number could rise to 61 for every 100 by 2070 in the worst case.

"There would then be less than two contributors per pension benefits recipient," said Karsten Lammer, head of the office's population department. "Pressure on the welfare system is growing."

Germany's population would rise in only two of 27 scenarios the agency considered - both involving high immigration levels and rising birth rates.
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The Trump administration made plans to pull four friendly countries out of the European Union and into Americas orbit in an effort to Make Europe Great Again, according to a report.

The 29-page US National Security Strategy (NSS) sent shockwaves around Europe when it was unveiled last week, condemning Washingtons European allies as weak and offering support to far-right political parties.

According to Defense One, a longer and unpublished version of the document suggested taking Austria, Hungary, Italy and Poland out of the EU and into greater alignment with the US, while backing movements supportive of traditional European ways of life.

The four nations were cited as countries the US should work with more ... with the goal of pulling them away from the EU, according to the US-based news channel, which claimed to have reviewed the document.

The White House strongly pushed back against the existence of an unabridged version of the report.

Defense One claims that it elaborated on how Donald Trump would like to build Washingtons relationship with ideologically aligned administrations, as the US focuses on domestic priorities.

We should support parties, movements, and intellectual and cultural figures who seek sovereignty and preservation/restoration of traditional European ways of life  while remaining pro-American, it said, according to Defense One.

open image in gallery The US planned to woo Italy and other friendly nations away from the EU, according to the report ( AP )

The alleged document is likely to spark further alarm in Europe, just days after the NSS claimed countries such as France and Germany were decaying due to migration and stifled economic growth.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly refuted the existence of the report, telling Defense One: No alternative, private, or classified version exists.

President Trump is transparent and put his signature on one NSS that clearly instructs the U.S. government to execute on his defined principles and priorities.

The published version of the document also accused Europe of failing to stop the war in Ukraine, claiming that European leaders had let the conflict keep going on and on.

open image in gallery The published document accused Europe of failing to stop Russias war against Ukraine ( Getty )

It said the Trump Administration finds itself at odds with European officials who hold unrealistic expectations for the war perched in unstable minority governments, many of which trample on basic principles of democracy to suppress opposition.

The report also claimed that Europe faces civilisational erasure  a narrative that aligns with far-right parties. Last week, a former US diplomat told The Independent that the document is disastrously dumb.

As Europe is forced to spend more to replenish depleted defence industries, Natos secretary general warned on Thursday that the continent should prepare for a war like our grandparents endured and boost defence spending to deter Russia.

I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many dont feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now, he said.

Allied defence spending and production must rise rapidly. Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe.
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Europe must prepare for a conflict with Russia on the scale our grandparents endured, Natos secretary general has said in a stark warning to the West.

Tensions have been escalating across the continent in recent weeks, following a spate of drone incursions into Nato airspace and a chilling statement by Russian president Vladimir Putin that his country is ready for war right now if Europe wants it.

We are Russias next target. And we are already in harms way, Mark Rutte said in a speech in Berlin on Thursday.

Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured.

open image in gallery Mark Rutte: Too many believe that time is on our side. It is not ( Reuters )

Insisting on an immediate and rapid boost of defence spending as a deterrent, he added: Conflict is at our door.

Mr Rutte suggested that Russia could use military force against Nato within the next five years, and that Europe is not ready.

I fear that too many are quietly complacent, he cautioned. Too many dont feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now.

Allied defence spending and production must rise rapidly. Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe.

In a scathing attack on Russias leader, he added: Putin is paying for his pride with the blood of his own people. And if he is prepared to sacrifice ordinary Russians in this way, what is he prepared to do to us?

His comments came as talks to end Russias war on Ukraine have struggled to gain momentum, and after the Trump administration indicated that it expects Europe to be less dependent on the US for its security.

On Thursday, Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky said he had presented the US with a revised 20-point peace plan to end the conflict.

The notion of Ukraine giving up territory to Russia has been a key sticking point, but the Americans have now put forward the possibility of a free economic zone in the Donbas.

US negotiators foresee Ukrainian forces withdrawing from the Donetsk region, with the compromise being that Russian forces do not enter that territory, Mr Zelensky said. He stressed that any decision about ceding territory would have to go to a referendum.

We have two key points of disagreement: the territories of Donetsk and everything related to them, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. These are the two topics we continue to discuss, Mr Zelensky told reporters on Thursday.

Germanys chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised that the matter of territory remains a question that must be answered primarily by the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people, adding that he had made this clear to President Trump.

However, Russias foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, accused Europe of disrupting efforts to reach a long-term peace deal by focusing on their wish for a ceasefire in the short term.

Our talks with the president of the United States are dedicated to just that  the search for a long-lasting resolution to eliminate the root causes of this conflict, Mr Lavrov said.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has insisted that Volodymyr Zelensky must be realistic as peace talks continue ( AFP/Getty )

Donald Trumps sympathies for Ukraine appear to have been cooling of late, and in an interview on Tuesday he expressed frustration at a weak and decaying Europe, hinting that he could abandon the talks altogether.

Reports have claimed that Mr Trump has given Mr Zelensky a deadline of Christmas to accept a peace deal, though Washington has denied this.

Days of consultation have taken place with European allies, including UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor Merz, who held a phone call with Mr Trump on Wednesday.

The Ukraine conflict continues to present a wider issue for Europe, with a number of countries accusing Russia of inflicting hybrid warfare on their territory.

Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, Poland and Romania have all reported disruptions in their airspace in recent weeks. On Tuesday, British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper warned that cyber attacks pose an escalating danger to the UK and Europe.

The US, meanwhile, has ramped up tensions with Venezuela, with the seizure on Thursday of an oil tanker it that claimed was being used to transport sanctioned fuel.

Venezuelas leader, Nicolas Maduro, has accused the US of fabricating a conflict in order to exploit his countrys natural resources, including oil, while US politicians have raised concerns that Mr Trump is sleepwalking into war with Venezuela.
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Dramatic footage has captured the moment the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) blew up an oil tanker from Russias shadow fleet using naval drones in its latest attack on Moscows oil exports.

The Comoros-flagged Dashan was sailing through Ukraines exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea towards the Russian port city of Novorossiysk when it was attacked by agents from the SBU.

The ship had its automatic identification system switched off at the time of the strike, an SBU source said.

The strike on Wednesday is the third attack in two weeks on the Russian shadow fleet of unregulated ships, which allow Moscow to export oil around the world  a central component of their wartime economy.

open image in gallery The SBU source did not specify whether there were any casualties following the incident ( SBU Security Service of Ukraine )

Footage of the blast shows an explosion at the rear of the ship, inflicting critical damage on the vessel, which is under EU and British sanctions.

The SBU source did not specify whether there were any casualties following the incident. Moscow has not commented.

The SBU continues to take active measures to reduce petrodollar revenues to the Russian budget, said the official. Over the past two weeks, this is the third tanker of the shadow fleet put out of action that had helped the Kremlin circumvent international sanctions.

Vladimir Putin threatened last week to cut Ukraines access to the Black Sea in response to attacks on Russian tankers.

open image in gallery The ship was left smouldering after the strike ( SBU Security Service of Ukraine )

The most radical solution is to cut Ukraine off from the sea, then piracy will be impossible in principle, the Russian president said in televised remarks, vowing that Russia would intensify attacks on Ukrainian facilities and vessels.

The SBU estimates the Dashan to be worth around $30m (22.4m). It can carry roughly $60m worth of oil goods on a single voyage.

Canada, Australia and Switzerland have also previously imposed sanctions on the vessel over its role in transporting Russian oil and operating with its identification systems turned off, the source said.

open image in gallery The vessel was identified as the Dashan oil tanker ( SBU Security Service of Ukraine )

Attacks on Russian oil facilities and transport methods now form a key part of Kyivs defence strategy as it looks to inflict economic damage. Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian oil refineries using long-range aerial drones to strike deep inside Russian territory.

Since 2024, there have been at least seven other attacks on tankers calling at Russian ports, including in the Mediterranean Sea.

Former SBU officer Ivan Stupak said the attacks are an attempt to scare tanker owners away from entering the Black Sea ports of the Russian Federation and from loading Russian oil there, a business he told The Kyiv Independent is very lucrative for the vessels.
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The sandstorm raged so suddenly that the air became opaque and tents began to move. Children struggled to take cover while their mothers braced for the worst. This is midsummer in northeast Syria.

Camp Roj and its sister camp, Al-Hol, are home to 42,000 people, primarily the wives, other adult female relatives and children of male Isis suspects. Guarded by Kurdish-led forces, no one can leave.

Its hard to see how this blasted, forgotten patch of Syria could be relevant to 9 million people in the UK, but a damning report released by Reprieve and Runnymede Trust on Thursday explains exactly why.

In Roj, there are between 15 and 20 women and 30 to 40 children, most under 10 years-old, who are linked in some way to the UK.

The United Nations says the conditions are inhuman, dangerous and degrading, raising serious concerns under international law.

The Kurdish-led authorities who staff the camps tell me they lack the resources to do this indefinitely, especially after the punishing USAID cuts.

open image in gallery In Roj, there are believed to be dozens of children, most under 10 years old, who are linked in some way to the UK ( Bel Trew )

But in Roj, many of those linked to the UK will remain due to policies taken by the British government that make it an outlier in the West.

Even Russia and the US have taken responsibility for their citizens and brought them home, one British MP said at a meeting in parliament on Wednesday. The UK, by contrast, ranks the highest in the G20 for stripping our citizens of their citizenship en masse.

The British government is stripping Britons of their citizenship in a racist two-tier system that leaves millions at risk, the report says.

Since 2010 alone, the UK has stripped more than 200 people of citizenship on public good grounds, a number only surpassed by Bahrain and Nicaragua, the report added.

The stripping, Runnymede and Reprieve says, is done through a secretive system that allows for the removal of citizenship from Britons with dual nationality, or any naturalised Briton, with little to no access to the evidence and no requirement for the government to inform them.

And so the report warns that this vague legislation in total leaves at least 9 million people, or 13 per cent of the population, vulnerable to having their citizenship removed. It also found a shocking racial disparity, with people of colour 12 times more at risk than their white peers.

open image in gallery Shamima Begum was 15 when she travelled to Syria via Turkey with two other girls ( PA )

Many of those stripping cases are Britons  or now ex-Britons  currently trapped here in Syria. The most high-profile case is Shamima Begum, who in 2015, at just 15 years old, was groomed and likely trafficked by Isis to the so-called caliphate in Syria. Her citizenship has been stripped, leaving her stateless.

This is because the UK ruled the year before she left that they can even strip citizenship from people who dont have another passport if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the person is able to become a national of another country or territory. Her parents are of Bangladeshi origin.

She is not the only ex-British citizen stuck here. I spoke to several women that day I was in Roj, although they could not come on the record.

Some had only found out they were no longer British when they tried to be repatriated home, and were informed the UK doesnt repatriate foreigners. I learned of one case where a baby was born stateless, as a pregnant woman had been unknowingly stripped and gave birth.

The Home Office dismissed the reports findings as scaremongering and wrong in a statement that added: only a small number of people have had their citizenship revoked in 15 years.

A spokesperson said the system was only used to protect the British public from some of the most dangerous people, including terrorists and serious organised criminals.

open image in gallery The al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria's Hasakeh province, where tens of thousands of mostly women and children linked to the Islamic State group have been living for years ( AP )

But in the end, people like Shamima, and even the men in Isis prisons in Syria, have not been formally accused of any crime, faced trial or any legal proceedings whatsoever. Children are caught up in this as well.

The Kurdish-led authorities who hold them have repeatedly told me over the years that they have no recognised legal system to even begin investigations into the foreigners. They have no capacity to keep managing this problem forever.

The practice of stripping citizenship is actually a modern development. It fell almost completely into disuse across Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War, in disgust at the Nazis mass removal of the status of Jewish citizens.

From 1973 to 2002 in the UK, there were no deprivations of citizenship other than for fraud, the report says.

But that has changed in recent years, with the escalation of legislation and a surge in its use, particularly against citizens accused of travelling to Syria to join Isis.

And so Reprieve says in the last decade there has been more than a 4,000 per cent increase in deprivations.

Families caught up in this describe a frightening system in which youre kind of trying to fight back with both your hands tied behind your back. Speaking in testimonies shared anonymously with the release of the report, they said no information is given.

Faisal, whose brothers citizenship was stripped, warned that it is a dangerous system that impacts us all.

Everybodys sleepwalking right now. They dont realise. Over time, our rights are being eroded. Most people dont know.
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The lobster painting in Rigas Central Market has become my holiday landmark. Ive now visited Latvias capital 10 times since 2017, and on each trip I make a pilgrimage to the seafood hall to pay my respects to that faded crustacean mural. Then I like to step outside to sip kvass from a plastic cup, the traditional fermented bread drink dispensed from enormous barrels at the food and drink stalls. Its a ritual that anchors me in a city that refuses to stand still.

When I first arrived in Riga eight years ago, I couldnt have predicted it would become my favourite Baltic city. Ive since visited for art events such as the Riga Biennial (currently on pause) and Survival Kit festival, both of which are a testament to the creative energy of the city. But it wasnt until I ventured beyond the colourful, cobblestoned Old Town (where stag parties stumble between medieval spires) that I understood what makes this city extraordinary.

open image in gallery An exhibit at Rigas Survival Kit art festival ( Elise Morton )

Read more: The 10 best European city breaks  and where to stay this winter

Riga is experiencing a cultural renaissance that feels both organic and inevitable. Solvita Krese, director of the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art, explains that the citys art scene is defined by intimacy and intensity.

Its small enough that everyone knows each other, yet diverse enough to constantly surprise you, she says. Its a place where post-Soviet history meets contemporary experimentation  vibrant, dynamic, and continually evolving.

The National Library, affectionately known as the Castle of Light, is a symbol of Rigas ambition. Completed in 2014, this striking contemporary structure on the banks of the Daugava River was designed by Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts as a post-Soviet symbol of cultural rebirth  the moniker is a metaphor found in Latvian mythology symbolising lost wisdom and knowledge, now reclaimed. Though its in the neighbourhoods, which spread outward from the Old Town like rays, where the citys real character emerges.

Northeast of the Old Town, the Briana Quarter has evolved into a thriving hub for alternative nightlife, with echoes of bohemian districts such as Berlins Kreuzberg or Barcelonas Gracia. The Labietis brewery serves inventive craft beers in industrial-chic surroundings, while the recently opened Skapis has quickly become a go-to destination for the city's LGBT+ community. For jazz enthusiasts, M/Darbnica offers live music, an art gallery, and vinyl DJ sets  a microcosm of Rigas varied creative scene.

open image in gallery The popular Tallinna Street Quarter is a creative hotspot ( Getty )

Almost next door, the Tallinna Street Quarter pulses with creativity. There are murals cascading down the buildings facades, food stalls that emit aromatic smoke, and it plays host to impromptu art performances.

Art Nouveau is the dominant style of architecture in Riga, with over 800 buildings showcasing the style  more than any other city in Europe. Alberta iela is the street with the best examples, but wander off the main thoroughfares and you'll discover ornamental facades featuring screaming masks, mythological creatures, and peacock motifs.

Between sightseeing, a stroll through the parks dotting central Riga  like Bastejkalna Park with its winding paths and canal  the views are the perfect place to pause and take a breather.

open image in gallery One of Rigas central parks is the perfect place to take a breather ( Elise Morton )

In terms of contemporary art, the landscape is rich. Krese recommends several essential stops: the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art, with its nomadic exhibition projects, and Kim? Contemporary Art Centre both shape Rigas curatorial and critical landscape. In addition, the Latvian National Museum of Art offers a wide-ranging programme that connects historical and contemporary perspectives, and Riga Art Space in the city centre often hosts ambitious institutional exhibitions.

Katrina Jurkevica, executive director of Zuzeum, shares her must-visits, including her own establishment and galleries such as ASNI, XO, and ISSP. Also on her list are Zuzeum Art Centres the Zuzans collection, which has the largest private collection of Latvian art in the world  a highly recommended spot for understanding the countrys artistic evolution.

The citys commitment to art extends even to accommodation  the Ola Foundation in Kipsala offers a handful of rooms within an active art space, allowing visitors to sleep surrounded by exhibitions and installations. Its an extraordinary example of how much art is woven into the fabric of life in Riga.

open image in gallery Elise at the Riga Biennial ( Elise Morton )

If embarking on a Latvian art odyssey leaves you hungry, try my personal favourite, Mikla Bakery. It has become legendary for its sourdough bread and pastries that marry Nordic precision with Latvian ingredients.

For coffee, Jurkevica and Krese both champion Kalve Cafe. Kalve is the go-to spot  perfect for working, meeting friends, or just enjoying a great cup of coffee in a beautifully designed space, Jurkevica confirms. Krese adds: The locally roasted coffee and minimalist design create a perfect atmosphere.

Read more: TikTok reveals the travel destinations most popular among Brits

The restaurant scene has matured impressively. Krese describes it as having become a creative ecosystem of its own. Oziriss dates back to the 1990s and remains beloved for its understated elegance and as a meeting place for the citys intellectual community.

Krese adds that Tris Pavaru Restorans experiments playfully with Latvian flavours and Smor reimagines Nordic cuisine through minimalist precision.

For provisions, the Central Market is non-negotiable. Housed in repurposed Zeppelin hangars, its one of Europes largest markets and a living monument to Baltic trade culture.

open image in gallery A more authentic side of Riga can be seen at the Central Market ( Elise Morton )

Beyond my beloved lobster painting, there are stalls selling everything from smoked fish to wild mushrooms, honey, and pickles. The energy here is infectious. Look up from the market and youll catch the imposing silhouette of the Soviet-era Latvian Academy of Sciences building  a reminder of the citys layered history.

For a deeper understanding of that history, the Museum of the Occupation offers a sobering but essential perspective on Latvias experience under Soviet and Nazi rule.

If you want to take a slice of Riga cool home with you, the citys design and fashion scene has plenty of opportunities. Krese points to Mareunrols, whose conceptual tailoring bridges art and fashion. The brand will represent Latvia at the Venice Biennale in 2026 alongside artist Bruno Birmanis.

The Kalnciema Quarter market is perfect for discovering independent makers  from ceramicists to textile artists  in a relaxed, creative atmosphere, Krese adds.

For Latvian design and refined fashion pieces, Jurkevica recommends RIIJA, Buterman Studio, as well as Iveta Vecmanes boutique. The soon-to-open Skarule Shop is also one to watch.

A piece of advice from Krese that resonates deeply with me is: Dont just stay in the Old Town. Its beautiful, but Rigas most authentic side lies beyond it. She recommends exploring the wooden architecture and cafes of Agenskalns, wandering along Mieraielas bohemian stretch, or visiting the Central Market. Rigas essence lies between the historic, the local, and the quietly avant-garde, she says.

Read more: This French Riviera town is perfect for an art-filled getaway

Jurkevica echoes this sentiment: Every experience in Riga can be beautiful  the best way to get a feel for the city is to plan your visit around your own interests rather than following the typical tourist routes.

Between its art credentials, inspiring architecture and cafe culture, Riga is a strong contender for Europes new capital of cool.

How to get there

AirBaltic operates direct flights from London Gatwick to Riga International airport, with flight times of approximately 2hr 45min. Prices start from 85 return. Alternatively, Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Riga, with return fares from 60.

Where to stay

Grand Poet Hotel is an elegant, art-driven boutique hotel featuring interiors created in collaboration with local designers. It is located in the historic centre district. Rooms start from 150 per night, not including breakfast.

Book now
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The worlds longest commercial flight lasting 29 hours and covering 12,400 miles  around half the circumference of the globe  has been completed.

The China Eastern Airlines flight departed Shanghai on Thursday 4 December at 2am local time, arriving 10 minutes ahead of schedule at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires at 4.45pm local time.

It stopped in Auckland, New Zealand, to refuel and rotate airline crew. This means it cannot secure the title of the worlds longest direct flight route.

The China to Argentina flight takes more than 25 hours, with the return leg taking an additional four hours, earning it the title of the worlds longest commercial flight route.

Celebrations were held in Shanghai and Buenos Aires to mark the milestone event, while Auckland hosted a welcome ceremony for the arriving plane.

The 316-seat Boeing 777-300ER will now run twice a week year-round and aims to cater to Argentinas sizable East Asian diaspora, which is one of the South American countrys fastest-growing communities.

This new route fills the gap in direct flights between Shanghai and major South American cities, China Eastern Airlines said in a statement.

It opens a southbound corridor connecting opposite ends of the Pacific and reshapes air travel between three continents.

The service now comes top as the worlds longest commercial airline route, outstripping Singapore Airlines 19-hour service between New York and Singapore, which previously held the title.

Australian flag carrier Qantas has announced plans for Project Sunrise flights between Sydney, London and New York. The aircraft would be capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stop, courtesy of an additional 20,000 litre fuel tank.

The airline has described the London-Sydney route, which aims to launch in 2027 and cover 10,573 miles, as the final frontier of long-haul travel.

The Independent has contacted China Eastern Airlines for further comment.

Read more: This layover trick could save you hundreds on a long-haul flight ticket
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Howards Appliance, a longtime fixture in Southern Californias home goods market, has suddenly closed all of its remaining eight stores and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leaving customers and employees reeling.

Despite our best efforts to overcome tariffs, declines in consumer spending, and other macroeconomic challenges  we have made the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy and close our doors, David Goodrich with the law firm Golden Goodrich told Southern California News Group.

This was not a decision made lightly, but one that became necessary given the current economic landscape.

Howards plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Los Angeles, allowing it to continue operating under court supervision while attempting to reorganize and emerge as a viable business, according to Goodrich.

Howards attorney did not disclose the companys debt to SCNG or indicate whether it might successfully emerge from bankruptcy.

Before closing earlier this month, Howards Appliance operated at least eight stores in Southern California ( Google Maps )

The closures, coming just a week after Black Friday, gave customers no warning and reportedly gave employees only a two-day notice, leaving many uncertain about their recent orders as Howards website and phone lines are now offline.

Goodrich told SCNG that consumers who paid for undelivered products may receive partial refunds, and some in-stock appliances might be picked up, though the bankruptcy filing will detail the recovery process.

In recent days, customers have reportedly turned to the news outlet for help receiving appliances they ordered or to get refunds for payments dating back as far as October.

Some, like Greg Bingham, who purchased a washer and dryer eight weeks ago, found stores closed and calls unanswered.

La Habra Heights resident Karin Shoup, who purchased a $16,000 French-door refrigerator, experienced delivery delays and was reportedly told her appliance was being held at Howards warehouse in City of Industry, located in the San Gabriel Valley in LA, leading her to dispute the charge through her credit card.

Howards, originally based in La Habra, moved its headquarters to City of Industry in December 2024 and was acquired in April by Newport Beachbased private equity firm S5 Equity to support its financial turnaround.

Founded in 1946 as a radio repair shop in San Gabriel, Howards grew into a major SoCal appliance retailer, later selling TVs and mattresses.

The company once operated at least 17 stores across SoCal and had recently declined to eight locations. Its website went offline starting Friday.

About 100 employees were reportedly informed on a Zoom call on Thursday that they would be laid off and that the company would cease operations on December 6.

Goodrichs statement claimed that Howards expresses its deepest gratitude to its team of employees who have worked tirelessly with the communitys support.

We are currently working through the legal process to ensure a distinct and orderly closure, he said.

The Independent has contacted Goodrich for comment.

S5 Equity, led by founder David Steinhafel and the Steinhafel family, has been active in acquisitions since 2022, including Wiens Cellars in Temecula and Minnesota-based Heartland America.

The family has ties to Steinhafels Furniture in Wisconsin and to Gregg Steinhafel, the former CEO of Target Corp., who stepped down in 2014 following a major data breach that affected 40 million credit and debit card accounts.
First, a confession: I did not want to make a film about Julian Assange. I had already made several about the demise of American democracy under the crushing weight of American capitalism, imperialism, racism, and militarism. I had dreams of becoming a painter, learning the zen of trying to perfect a single picture rather than the neurotic work of trying to perfect the 129,600 individual frames that constitute a 90-minute film. I had dreams of living in Italy, far from the hectic pace of New York, London, and LA.

But then something happened. It was one of those rare moments when a plain brown envelope shows up on your doorstep. Secret, never-before-seen evidence was leaked to me about the Assange case, particularly about the lengths to which the United States had gone to destroy Assange and his organisation, WikiLeaks. It was harrowing stuff.

Part of why I didnt want to make a film about Julian Assange may be for the same reason you may wonder whether you want to watch a film about Julian Assange. Havent we already heard everything there is to say about this man who has been called everything from an anarchist to a rapist to a Putin-sympathiser to an election-rigger to a reckless releaser of classified information, with no concern for the safety of the individuals exposed? I thought so. But  spoiler alert  it turns out I didnt know anything. The movie won the prestigious LOeil dOr at Cannes this year, and I was also awarded a Golden Globe for it. But I really did get here kicking and screaming.

The deeper we dug, the shakier and more suspicious these stories became, sounding hauntingly like the work of the very Pentagon Task Force we discovered had been set up in 2010 to destroy Assange and his organisation.

Like many people, I had thought Mr. Assange had been accused of rape by two women in Stockholm in 2010. Rather, we learned that the women have never called what they experienced rape and at the time only asked police to compel Mr. Assange to take an HIV-test after theyd had consensual sex with him and found him reluctant to get tested.

In fact, it was a prosecutor  and not the women  who made the accusation in an illegal leak to a tabloid, the first of many acts of prosecutorial malpractice by Swedish authorities that undermined any real inquiry into the matter and did an immense disservice to both Mr. Assange and the two women.

Producer Kathleen Fournier, Julian Assange and director Eugene Jarecki at the Cannes Film Festival ( PA )

I had also been led to believe that Assange and WikiLeaks had recklessly released 251,000 U.S. unredacted diplomatic cables, exposing countless identified individuals to possible (or even real) harm. This, too, turned out to be untrue. On camera, we gained the confession of the person who actually did publish the unredacted Diplomatic Cables. We did it, declared John Young of Cryptome.org proudly, not WikiLeaks.

As it turns out, the tranche of unredacted diplomatic cables was protected by a password that WikiLeaks had shared only with The New York Times and a handful of other news organisations, until an investigations editor at The Guardian, in an act of astounding carelessness, published the actual password to the highly-sensitive file in a tell-all book about his time working with WikiLeaks. Young saw the password in the book, plugged it in and it worked, he laughed. We were surprised.

As our research probed deeper into all these events, adding further startling discoveries to the film, we were warned of the risk of intervention from U.S. and UK authorities, where Assanges legal destiny still hung in the balance. So we moved our whole filmmaking operation to Berlin, to benefit from its strong protections for journalists and truth-seekers. We insulated our offices from outside surveillance, sweeping our facilities weekly, airgapping our editing and information-storage systems from the internet, and communicating only on the most byzantine, encrypted communication platforms. It was all a royal cloak-and-dagger-pain-in-the-ass, but it worked, keeping us secure from outside mischief, as far as we know.

Our film ultimately became less about Assange as a person, and more a harrowing glimpse at the lengths to which the most powerful government in history has gone to destroy him and, by extension, the public access to information his organization sought to safeguard. In the end, when British police stormed the Ecuadorian Embassy a block from Harrods to arrest Assange, they were invited in by Ecuadorian authorities, the result of a quid pro quo with the U.S. government in which, in exchange for expelling Assange from the Embassy, America would secure for Ecuador a $6.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

At countless points in our investigation, we felt we had entered a real-life spy thriller, and our task was simply to let the story tell itself. And there again, events beyond our control would write an ending we could never have dreamt of. Credit for that, I suppose, belongs to Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping, Benjamin Netanyahu, and a widening cast of political actors helping to usher in a revived form of military-corporate authoritarianism. For it is they who have made the whole Assange story a cautionary tale about today. For what was Assange other than a canary in the coalmine that has exploded into the smouldering rubble in which we now live? What was WikiLeaks other than an early example of todays all-too-common technique of shooting the messenger, burying journalists and their sources who express truths inconvenient to those in power?

Ive been told by viewers that the film changes minds, often reversing what they thought they knew, and making them realise how much curated Kool-Aid they drank over the years. I hope it does this, but Im also aware that time and tide are doing a lot of the work, presenting us daily with a real-life dystopia all around us that makes each of us have to question our preconceptions and look again at how we got here.

The Six Billion Dollar Man: Julian Assange and the Price of Truth is in UK and Irish cinemas from 19 December and US theatres now. thesixbilliondollarman.com
The Indo Daily: Melania: The Movie  We saw it, so you dont have to...
Michael JF Wright, owner and chief executive of The Wright Group, outside Dublin Airport

Operating profits at the Wright Group last year declined by 65pc to 3.18m due to expansion costs.

The group  led by CEO Michael JF Wright  operates outlets in Dublin Airport and across 20 locations in Ireland. It expanded in recent weeks with the opening of the MJ Wright pub on Dublins South Great Georges Street in a four-storey property that previously housed Dylan McGraths Rustic Stone restaurant.

Documents filed with the Companies Office earlier this year confirmed that Mink Fusion Ltd, a Wright Group firm, paid 275,000 for the leasehold interest of the building.

The new consolidated accounts for the group filed by Treasure Trail Holdings Ltd show that operating profits declined as revenues increased by 11pc from 49.04m to 54.6m in the 12 months to the end of September 2024.

The directors state that the company delivered a strong performance during the period, with turnover increasing, driven by the successful opening of new units and continued solid trading across our existing portfolio.

Althou gh turnover increased, profit for the year declined, state the directors.

The company achieved notable milestones that reinforce our growth trajectory

This was anticipated and primarily reflects a number of strategic investments made to support future growth and strengthen the business for the long term.

The company achieved notable milestones that reinforce our growth trajectory, strength of our brand and operational performance.

This includes the group securing an 11-year contract award at Dublin Airport which it said secured its presence there for the long term.

With strong foundations now in place, we are well-positioned to convert recent investments and contract wins into long-term value for stakeholders, they said.

The group recorded a pre-tax profit of 2.48m after net interest payments of 664,896 are taken into account.

Group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) last year was 5.39m.

Numbers employed increased from 490 to 570 as staff costs increased from 12.99m to 16.39m. Aggregate directors pay last year increased from 604,354 to 709,740.

The pre-tax profit also takes account of combined non-cash depreciation costs of 2.23m. The group recorded a post-tax profit of 2.48m.
Global insurance underwriter The Fidelis Partnership is transferring its European headquarters to Dublin from Brussels, in a boost to a Government-backed initiative to position Ireland as a European insurance hub.

Bermuda-based The Fidelis Partnership (TFP) said it has transferred its primary European entity from Brussels to Dublin, effective December 1, 2025.

The move establishes Dublin as the hub through which TFP will access the EU market and comes on the back of growth in the operations here, the company said.

Over the past 12 months, TFP increased its Dublin headcount to over 80  with recent hires including underwriter Paul Hendrickx and senior D&F underwriter Michelle Raine. The Dublin operation is expecting to write approximately $800m (685m) in premiums in 2025.

The decision to relocate our European hub from Brussels to Dublin is a reflection both of Irelands growing profile as a globally competitive European insurance hub and of our own scalable presence in the region, where TFP is investing for long-term growth, the company said.

TFP already supports an annual scholarship programme with the University of Limerick and an internship programme with Queens University Belfast.

Through these investments in local talent and insurance expertise, TFP has recognised Dublin as a key operational and strategic location for the business and is a key hub for the groups technology, data analytics and actuarial teams, the firm said.

TFP said it is also spearheading a working group of specialty insurance CEOs with the objective of positioning Dublin as a European hub for specialty insurance and working with junior finance minister Robert Troy.

Ireland CEO at The Fidelis Partnership, Rob Kelly, said the firm aims to play a leading role in the development of Dublin as a globally recognised European insurance hub.

"Ireland has already established itself as a centre of excellence for technology, and we are excited by the opportunities to continue building its profile as a destination of choice for insurance business, particularly across specialty lines, he said.

TFP is a privately-owned managing general underwriter and is a global underwriter of more than $5bn of gross written premiums (GWP) across property, bespoke and specialty insurance and reinsurance products. Its investors include Capital Z, Travelers and Blackstone.

This article was amended on December 11 at 9.06 to correct the spelling of Paul Hendrickx name.
Microchip manufacturers Intel, Advanced Micro Devices and Texas Instruments were accused in a series of lawsuits of failing to keep their technology out of Russian-made weapons used to kill and wound civilians in Ukraine.

Those companies  along with a company owned by Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway  demonstrated wilful ignorance as third parties resold restricted chips to Russia to power drones and missiles in violation of US sanctions, according to one of the five suits, filed yesterday in state court in Texas.
The delinquent superpower, the United States of America and the African reality

09:56, December 11, 2025 By Mafa Kwanisai Mafa ( People's Daily Online

The U.S. unilateral decision to boycott the G20 summit in South Africa is a dangerous manifestation of an "America First" foreign policy that habitually substitutes verifiable facts with politically convenient fiction. It's justification rests on the supposedly grave situation involving the "killing and slaughtering" of Afrikaners and illegal land confiscation in South Africa, claims that the South African government has strongly denied. This is not genuine international engagement; it is a cheap performance for domestic political consumption, betraying a fundamental disrespect for African sovereignty.

By using such inflammatory claims to refuse participation in a multilateral summit hosted by a sovereign African nation, the U.S. administration questions South Africa's legitimacy as a responsible global partner and an effective host, exposing interventionism masked as humanitarian concern.

For the Global South, this action underscores a fundamental untrustworthiness. Global governance requires consistent engagement on issues like economic stability, climate action, and development financing. South Africa aimed to centre this summit under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability." When a leading member threatens to pull out or dictates terms based on biased viewpoints, the credibility of the entire G20 framework is damaged. It signals that U.S. commitment is conditional, self-serving, and can be withdrawn on a whim, making a long-term, stable partnership impossible. Under this administration, the U.S. has become a delinquent superpower, unworthy of trust in multilateral forums.

The G20 summit hosted by South Africa was historic, the first on the African continent, with the African Union now a full member. It aimed to center African priorities, building on Global South momentum to elevate the continent's developmental needs. Rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntuthe African concept of interconnectedness, the agenda was critical for all developing nations. By boycotting, the U.S. administration sidelined these African-led discussions, prioritizing transactional unilateralism over genuine multilateralism. This makes clear: for this Western power, Global South priorities are secondary to domestic politics.

A new vision: China's Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

In sharp contrast to the U.S. withdrawal and the instability it injects into global cooperation, the sustained engagement promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), is being justly championed across the Global South. The GGI, which builds upon the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), offers a vision of global order that resonates deeply with African aspirations for dignity and equality.

Africans increasingly view the GGI as the most promising route for equitable global participation due to its foundational principles.

First and foremost, the GGI firmly adheres to the principle of sovereign equality and non-interference. This means every nation, regardless of size or economic power, has an equal right to participate and be respected. Historically, Western engagement often came with demands to adopt specific governance models or structural adjustments. China's model, promoted through the GGI, supports non-interference in domestic affairs, offering African nations the crucial space to choose development paths that align with their own cultures, histories, and social dynamics.

Secondly, the GGI champions multilateralism with inclusion and representation. For decades, institutions created post-WWII failed to give Africa a commensurate voice in global rule-setting. China's proposal aims for a more multipolar and inclusive system where the African Union has a stronger say in financial architecture, trade rules, and global securityit seeks to reform the system to make it genuinely fair, not to destroy it.

Thirdly, the GGI focuses on development and practical results. China's approach, often seen through the lens of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), prioritizes tangible infrastructure and economic connectivity without the structural adjustment prescriptions often attached to Western aid. The GGI allows African governments the flexibility to manage their economies for long-term strategic growtha trajectory that mirrors China's own successful economic ascent and contrasts sharply with models that demand immediate market opening over strategic industrialization.

Finally, the underlying concept of a "community with a shared future for humanity" moves beyond the traditional Western mindset of zero-sum competition. This framework suggests that global problems must be solved collectively, positioning global cooperation as a win-win scenario. It advocates for a world that respects cultural diversity and ensures that development benefits all people. This comprehensive, consistent, and respectful approach is why the GGI is proving to be the most attractive and beneficial platform for Africa's engagement with the world.

Moving forward: Africa's assertive path

The U.S. withdrawal from the G20 summit in South Africa should not be seen as a devastating blow to Africa, but rather as a clarifying moment. It starkly illustrates the fragility and inherent self-interest of a unilateral power that is willing to sacrifice multilateral cooperation for divisive internal politics. It powerfully reinforces the necessity for the continent to look beyond traditional Western alliances for genuine, stable partnerships and a strong voice in global affairs.

The G20 South Africa summit has concluded as a landmark success, demonstrating that the world's critical agenda can and will move forward without the U.S. participation. With unwavering focus on the summit's agenda of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, Africa has seized this historic opportunity on its soil to advance its vision for a fairer global economy. The principles championed by President Xi Jinping's GGI provide the necessary conceptual road map for this path. It is a vision for an international environment based on respect, equity, and tangible development cooperation. By partnering with those who respect its sovereignty and prioritize shared development, Africa can ensure outcomes that benefit its 1.4 billion people.

The author is Mafa Kwanisai Mafa, a Pan-Africanist political commentator based in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
I thought I was about to be murdered, says man who was branded rat with hot iron tool and waterboarded in attack by five Dublin criminals
Veteran exec found out she was being demoted in company newsletter, tribunal hears

Caroline O'Connell also asked whether she was expected to sit around for a year on the dole under a non-compete clause after being unfairly dismissed from her 275,000-plus-bonus job at an arm of international translation and localisation group Lionbridge

The Workplace Relations Commission

Stephen Bourke Wed 10 Dec 2025 at 20:23

A veteran Irish executive has described finding out from a company newsletter that she was being demoted from her role as managing director of the multinational where she spent 24 years.
From the Lotto to Marty Morrisseys words with Bakhurst over BBC links  what we learnt from RTE at media committee

Director general not considering move to British broadcaster following resignation of Tim Davie

RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst outlines the savings made with staff reduction plan

Tabitha Monahan Thu 11 Dec 2025 at 06:30

RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst and senior management from the broadcaster appeared before the Oireachtas Media Committee yesterday to discuss the latest on the recent voluntary exit scheme.
The death of Daniel Aruebose, whose remains were found on wasteland in a shallow grave in Donabate in north Dublin, is now being treated as homicide.

Gardai have this evening announced the DNA analysis on the remains has confirmed that they are those of Daniel, who would have been eight years old tomorrow.
Killarney Chamber President Johnny McGuire said the town of Killarney has taken heart from recent comments made by Taoiseach Micheal Martin who described Killarney as being a great town for getting things done and just getting on with it and as a location that had tourism in its DNA.

And he said it is certainly all of those things as it marks the success of 2025. The President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has reflected on a very progressive and positive year in 2025 with many highlights that have helped maintain Killarneys reputation as a premier tourist destination.
Anti-drone technology that will identify and neutralise threats will be in place by next summer

Ireland will host the presidency of the Council of the European Union from July next yearGardai are investigating the presence of drones during Mr Zelensky's brief visit to Dublin last week

Ireland will have anti-drone technology by next summer, says Minister for Defence

Grainne Ni Aodha Press Association Thu 11 Dec 2025 at 17:08

Ireland will have anti-drone technology in place by next summer, Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said.
Airlines summer 2026 schedule includes short-haul routes from Cork to Nice and Santiago

Aer Lingus will fly direct from Dublin Airport to Pittsburgh as part of its summer 2026 schedule, announced today.

The schedule also includes new flights from Dublin Airport to Asturias in Spain, Montpellier in France and Oslo in Norway, as well as from Cork Airport to Nice in France and Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Talks between the Government and Taxi Drivers Ireland are under way

You could say that Uber has adapted to the Irish taxi market, but it now seems as though the company is trying to adapt the Irish taxi market to Uber.
For a country so tightly bound to a policy of strict neutrality, the Governments inexhaustible supply of ammunition for shooting itself in the foot is surprising.

Still crimson with embarrassment over a social media video from the Department of Housing, the Coalition was plunged into another storm over the imposition of a potential 50 charge for the issuing of medical blister packs.

Lets first deal with the video. It was hastily taken down following feedback from those who featured in it. A gale of derision from the opposition for it being tone-deaf played a part.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said the film was a move beyond satire. Housing Minister James Browne accepted his department was misconceived in sharing the video. Defending it, Taoiseach Micheal Martin had insisted there is a need to avoid knee-jerk reactions to genuine initiatives. Knee-jerk or not, wiser counsel prevailed and it was disappeared at whiplash speed.

With his head ringing from one completely avoidable skirmish, Mr Martin was taking fire for another.

Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty had him in his sights over the new HSE charge. He told the Taoiseach: Its like you cant stop yourself from making life harder for people.

Youre putting huge stress on elderly people during the Christmas period, when they know now that theyre going to have to face these charges come January.

The Government will interrogate this again, with the HSE and others

Labour health spokeswoman Marie Sherlock was just as scathing, suggesting that not putting a blister pack service in place was a recipe for confusion. The medication is divided into daily doses, something that is essential for some of our most vulnerable people.

Mr Martin was soon conceding, saying: The Government will interrogate this again, with the HSE and others. It seems the Groucho Marx aphorism that politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies, can still find an echo in our corridors of power.

Just last week we heard that the completion of the National Childrens Hospital is to be delayed again. This is the 16th time the deadline has been missed. Its estimated cost in 2016 was 987m. It is now 2.2bn.

If there are open-ended envelopes of money for such contingencies, many may well wonder how people entirely dependent on the help of the pharmacy-prepared packs can be left out of the picture?

Mr Martin explained that the State had never agreed to pay for monitored dosing systems.

He also noted that while Mr Doherty was a finance spokesman, the Sinn Fein TD wanted the Government to pay for everything and at the same time, slates the Government about out-of-control costs.

Being in opposition allows one to criticise without having responsibility for tough decisions.

But surely its a no-brainer to make sure the ill get the right medicine, otherwise they will pay with their health.

Its long been said that the soul of a state can best be reflected in how it treats its young and its elderly.
Lisavaird Food Group, a subsidiary of West Corkbased Lisavaird Co-Op has announced that it has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire Seafood Processors Ltd, trading as Morgans Fine Fish, based in Omeath, Co Louth.

This proposed transaction marks a significant step in Lisavaird Food Groups strategy to grow its presence in the Irish seafood sector, building on the success of its existing seafood businesses, Glenmar Ireland, Glenmar UK and Bluewave, which have been a leader in seafood production and distribution for over 40 years.

With the Groups strong presence in shellfish and premium seafood across Ireland, the UK and Italy, the addition of Morgans introduces a retail arm to Lisavairds seafood business with substantial processing capability in the North East.

Lisavaird Food Group is active across seafood, dairy, spreads, cooked meats and bakery and forms a key part of Lisavaird Groups 218 million turnover recorded in 2024.

Morgans is a fifth-generation, family-owned seafood processor whose roots date back to 1860.

From its state-of-the-art facility in Omeath, the business supplies high-quality fresh, frozen, pre-packed and value-added seafood to retail, foodservice, wholesale and healthcare customers throughout Ireland.

The company employs more than 80 people and is recognised for its strong emphasis on sustainability, traceability and continuous investment in modern processing technologies.

Both businesses also acknowledge the continued support of BIM, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia over many years.

Each has played a vital role in guiding the development of the Irish seafood sector and supporting processors in areas such as sustainability, innovation and skills development.

Martin Dineen, CEO Lisavaird Co-Op said: Morgans is a company with an exceptional heritage, a strong reputation for quality and a commitment to sustainable seafood. This step further enhances our seafood offering and positions us well to serve customers right across Ireland and further afield.

Joe Morgan at Morgans said joining Lisavaird Food Group represents a natural next step for Morgans. We share the same values of quality, sustainability and customer focus. With the support and scale of Lisavaird Food Group, we look forward to continuing to grow the business, investing in our people, our site in Omeath and our product offering for customers.

Completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory review and approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland.

Until such approval is granted, both companies will continue to operate independently and there will be no changes to day-to-day operations, customer service, or supplier arrangements.

Lisavaird Co-Op, the parent company of Lisavaird Food Group, is proud to support this latest planned investment in the Irish seafood sector as it celebrates its centenary in 2025.

The Co-Op and its food group businesses continue to focus on high-quality, responsibly sourced Irish food for both domestic and international markets and are active participants in Bord Bias Origin Green sustainability programme.
21ha solar farm was proposed for agricultural land at Berrings, west of Cork City

Cork County Council has refused planning permission for a 21-hectare solar farm in the townland of Berrings in the north-west of the county, citing the possibility of an adverse impact on visual amenities, hedgerows and a nearby ring-fort.

The applicant, Engie Developments Ireland Limited, had sought permission for the c13.8MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm on agricultural lands around 1.5km from the village of Berrings in the Inniscarra area west of Cork city.

The proposal involved approximately 37,000 PV panels on ground-mounted frames and an operational lifespan of 35 years. The company said the project would contribute to achieving the objectives of the Climate Action Plan 2024 and Irelands commitment to being carbon neutral by 2050.

Conditional planning permission for a solar farm on the site was granted to the same applicant in 2019 but expired in 2024 before significant works could be carried out. In the documentation it submitted to the council to support the current application the company said the proposed development was identical in scale and nature to the one granted permission in 2019.

However, the councils planning department refused permission for the development this time, saying it would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

In its decision document the council said that in the absence of a comprehensive Archaeological Impact Assessment, incorporating archaeological testing and a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts and mitigation, it is considered that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed development would not be seriously injurious to the archaeological/cultural heritage of the area.

The planning authority said it was not satisfied that the proposed development would not be seriously injurious with respect to the Recorded Monument - Ringfort (CO061-143).

The council said it was also not satisfied that the proposed development would not give rise to significant adverse impacts on the hedgerows and trees along the field boundaries. It found that in the absence of sufficient mitigation measures by way of appropriate natural screening and landscaping, the development would detract from visual amenities and seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity.

Engie Developments Ireland Limited describes itself as a global energy business with expertise in electricity, natural gas and energy services. It is currently developing a number of renewable energy sites across Ireland in addition to several large-scale battery storage sites. The company has four weeks to appeal Cork County Councils decision to An Coimisiun Pleanala.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Cork City Council has announced a 200,000 fund to help revitalise the citys main retail street and strengthen its visual appeal. The fund will provide grants to property owners to enhance building facades and upgrade shopfronts on Patricks Street.

The City Centre Facade Improvement Grant 2026 will provide financial assistance of up to 10,000 to the owners of individual properties on Patricks Street to help them enhance their building frontages.

The scheme will open for applications early next year, with property owners located between St Augustines Church at the southern end of the street and Lavitts Quay/Merchants Quay at the northern end eligible to apply.

The scheme will help improve building facades through painting and minor external works with a focus on upgrading and restoring shopfronts at street level. Businesses will be encouraged to adopt traditional designs that enhance the historic streetscape.

The city council says the initiative will encourage the use of traditional materials, sensitive signage and visually-appealing facades that reflect Cork citys unique identity.

The council has also adopted a City Centre Action Plan 2025-2030 built around revitalisation, regeneration, and accessibility initiatives. Key objectives include enhanced streetscaping, the promotion of city centre living, and more market offerings and events to attract people into the heart of the city. There will also be a focus on improved ease of movement and transport links.

Cork City Council is focused on creating a people-centred city, a city that is attractive, safe and connected, the councils Chief Executive Valerie OSullivan said.

She stressed that government funding is essential to achieve the goals set out by the city council. We will enhance what we have while we await the significant government investment that Corks status demands, she said.

Councillors have welcomed the plans. Cllr Niamh OConnor said that like all plans the test of this one will be in its implementation. The city centre has needed some love for a long time and it's encouraging to see it becoming a priority for this council. My hope is that the plan will be implemented with real ambition.

The Social Democrat said she supports the aim of encouraging more people to live in the city centre but warned that unless the area is made more family- and child-friendly that wont happen.

At the moment Cork City is a fairly uninviting place for kids of any age, there is no public space in the city that encourages small children to play and there is almost nowhere at all for teenagers to go.

Green Party Councillor Oliver Moran said the future of the city centre isn't a transactional place where people go to shop and then return home afterwards. It's a place where people will experience the city, where you meet people. Importantly, it will be where people and families live again. A part of that is a mix of traditional locations that we improve through the public realm. Oliver Plunkett Street and MacCurtain Street are two examples that are thriving.

Labour Councillor Peter Horgan also welcomed the plan, which he said has a person-centric ideology behind it, where we're trying to increase the footfall and the attractiveness of the city centre. And that also includes ease of movement, i.e. making sure the buses work.

He also approved of the traditional design ethos included in the facade scheme.

I think if you have a shop front on a significant street like Patrick Street, Washington Street or Oliver Plunkett Street you should adhere to a certain style and a certain kind of ethos of how the shop fronts look.

"Having garish colours and bright fluorescent lights to me is not how we want our city to look. When people land in Cork City they should know they're in Cork, not just in some random high street anywhere in the world, he said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Opinion

Simon Bourke: 17 hours online, robot families, and the generation of men who cant put their phones away  how the Internet is slowly driving us all mad

Its one of the most delicious parts of my day, that last 1015-minute scroll before bed. I have fulfilled all my duties, resisted the urge to commit several violent crimes, and made it to the end unscathed: I have earned this scroll, earned my 
The 18-year-old hippo is now able to see again after the first successful cataract operation on a common hippo anywhere in the world

Dublin Zoo hippo sees the world for the first time after groundbreaking surgery

If you visited Dublin Zoo recently, you might have seen Imani, an 18-year-old hippopotamus, moving cautiously through her enclosure, her head low to the ground, checking her surroundings with her nose.

Imani had long been visually impaired, a condition that only became apparent when she arrived in Dublin in October last year to join resident hippo Heidi.

Frank OSullivan, veterinary surgeon at Dublin Zoo, said: When Imani arrived to be a companion to Heidi, we knew fairly early on that she was actually blind. When we looked into the case, we knew afterwards that she had been blind, probably as a congenital issue, really from birth.

He explained that she had adapted to her previous habitat in Antwerp, navigating it without difficulty.

She knew how to get around it, but when she arrived with us, it was all new, so she was bumping into things, you know, different pools and all that, he said.

The zoos animal care, veterinary and behaviour teams began planning a solution, consulting on what was possible.

We started the plan with the team, the welfare scientists, Lucy and with the keepers, Dr OSullivan said.

What were we going to do? Whats possible here? Whats possible with training? Whats possible with the procedure?

Anaesthetic in a hippo is not easy. Theyre aquatic animals. If they go underwater, they wont survive. To keep them out of the water, thats a big deal.

Imani the hippo at Dublin Zoo. Photo: Patrick Bolger

The animals thick skin posed further challenges and there is only one small area, a little triangle behind the jaw, that is a bit thinner and can be used for an intravenous line. The team used veins under Imanis tongue.

Once Imani was sedated, ophthalmologist Dr Laurent Dillie examined the hippos eyes.

Mr OSullivan said: You could see from the right eye that there was a cataract there thats very severe and the eye really was never going to function again. The left eye, there was an opportunity for surgery.

Using micro-surgery, Dr Dillie performed a delicate lens emulsification procedure, removing the cataract bit by bit.

For a mega-herbivore that hes using micro-surgery, I think its amazing, Dr OSullivan said.

When you had the lens removed, then you had a chance, in reality, for the light to get to the back of the eye, the rods and the cones are doing their work properly.

Even after the successful surgery, the work was far from over.

The success was dependent on the keepers getting the drops in four times a day for a month, Dr OSullivan said. Thats what they did.

Dr Romain Potier, European veterinary specialist in zoo health management, was also heavily involved to ensure the surgery was a success. Both vets flew in from France.

Helen Clarke, team leader, African Plains, Frank OSullivan, veterinary surgeon, and Lucy Stratford, behaviour and welfare scientist, Dublin Zoo, with 18-year-old female common hippo Imani. Photo: Patrick Bolger

Lucy Stratford, behaviour and welfare scientist, co-ordinated assessments of the hippo, during and after the procedure.

We concluded that the surgery would be a great benefit, that it would improve her lived experience by enhancing her sight, she said.

Imani, who had previously moved cautiously, has since become more confident.

Its been amazing to see Imanis improvement following the surgery, she added.

Her activity budget was generally quite lower than we would expect to see and we have seen a massive increase following the surgery.

As part of her recovery, Imani wears a bespoke sensor bracelet nicknamed a hippo fitbit, which records her movement and activity in real time.

The bracelet is an accelerometer, so it is gathering her behavioural data and providing the team with a simple activity budget.

Helen Clarke, team leader for the African Plains at Dublin Zoo cares for Imani and is a second-generation keeper who grew up with hand-reared chimps in her family home. She has spent her life working at Dublin Zoo.

She was very reluctant to come out and when she was out and about, eventually, we noticed that she had a very weird step, she said.

Preparing her for surgery required extensive training to administer eye drops safely.

Imani the hippo at Dublin Zoo. Photo: Patrick Bolger

Its actually an awkward enough thing, Ms Clarke said.

Youre working on the side of the hippos head and she has the potential to turn around at that stage and take your hand off.

Ms Clarke said the operation involved meticulous planning and coordination.

It involves every staff member on the team, because you have six gates that have to be manned so that people are running out.

Since her recovery, Imani has resumed her normal routine and is exploring her enclosure with a confidence previously unseen.

Ms Clarke said that Imani is moving around the place much faster and exploring every aspect of the area she has been living in.

We dont believe there is a record in scientific literature of any such operation, much less a successful one, being conducted on a hippopotamus anywhere in the world, Ms Clarke said.

Im delighted to see Imani functioning the way she is, she can see the keepers coming, she can see her food, its a great story.
News

ESB to start immediate upgrades at Galway station after spike in power outages last year

Immediate upgrades are being rolled by the ESB out to cut power outages across north Galway after Ballinasloe councillors warned that the lack of attention to rural homes amounted to the hollowing out of rural Ireland.
Under the pretence of repairing a roof, he took pensioners money and destabilised their house

A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after persuading an elderly couple to give him 93,000 of their life-savings on the pretence of repairing their house.

Separately, he was sentenced for a violent disorder charge against a pensioner at her Ballyspillane home on Christmas morning.

Denis Harington (49) of 99 Ballyspillane, Killarney and also listed at Maudlins Hotel, Dublin Road, Naas, Kildare pleaded guilty to three charges of deception, as well as charges for criminal damage and violent disorder at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court.

The court was told he has a record for similar offences in Europe and Ireland where he deceived victims into believing they needed work when they did not.

The court heard he caused an additional 70,000 in damage to the house of Anne Healy and John Murphy while pretending to repair and renovate it in May 2022.

They worked for 40 years, nearly everything is gone in the space of a few days, said Judge Ronan Munro in sentencing.

Mr Harrington was charged with criminal damage between May 4 to May 13, 2002 and three charges for dishonesty with the intention of gain by deception, where he persuaded Ms Healy to give him 15,000 on May 5 and 10,000 on May 13 and Mr Murphy to give him 13,500 on May 10 under the false impression he would repair their house.

The judge reviewed the facts of the case.

Mr Harrington first approached Ms Healy and Mr Murphy at their house in Windmill Crescent, Crumlin, Dublin, introducing himself as David Anthony and offering roof repairs.

He had a van advertising roofing solutions and a distinctive tattoo of an eye on his arm, which helped lead to his arrest.

The court heard Mr Harrington told the couple they had a rat infestation and he could repair the damage for 41,000. Ms Healy withdrew cash to pay.

Tralee Courthouse. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan.

News in 90 Seconds - 11 December 2025

Mr Harrington pretended to do repairs by damaging the rafters, which were butchered and destabilised the house.

He then returned multiple times in the coming days, receiving further cash payments for more promised repairs and renovations, like a new bathroom suite. No work was done.

The couple became suspicious and Mr Harrington was arrested the following March. Before sentencing, Mr Harrington took the stand to talk about overcoming an 18-year cocaine addiction.

He testified that he was sober for the last nine months, attending Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings three times weekly, as well as two weekly sessions at The Grove, an alcohol and drug treatment centre in Ardfert. He said he had completed a five-week in-house counselling programme, funded by his family.

I cant apologise enough for what Ive done, said Mr Harrington.

He told the court he would sell a site to repay his debt in monthly instalments, which would total 20,000 per year.

And If I have more, Ill gladly pay it as well, he said.

He concluded, I just wanted to change my life around. I hit rock bottom.

Judge Munro observed there was no evidence of a land deal or documentation of his addiction treatment.

All I know is, the moneys not back and these peoples life savings are gone, he said.

The judge noted he could not adjourn the case again and he would proceed with the evidence before him.

I think it would bring the course of justice into disrepute to keep adjourning, he said. I am having great difficulty believing what is being told.

The additional house damage was covered by insurance but the deception placed an emotional burden on the elderly couple, the judge noted.

He quoted their victim impact statement, where Ms Healy said Mr Harrington and a fellow worker seemed like ordinary, decent people and she had felt embarrassed to tell friends and family what happened.

It took me 40 years to get this and then it was just gone, she said.

Mr Harringtons record included similar convictions around Ireland, as well as mainland Europe, the court was told.

His repayment of 5,000 was a drop in the ocean, said the judge.

Talk of selling land in Mayo was not to be believed, he said. Hasnt happened, not going to happen.

He added, He sensed weakness and went back again and again and again.

Mr Harrington, who was on bail, showed no mercy, said the judge.

The judge acknowledged Mr Harringtons poor health and a guilty plea. But his record speaks for itself. He travels around Europe committing offences.

He sentenced him to three years for deception and four for criminal damage, suspending the last two-and-a-half so he could get treatment upon release.

The criminal damage appeared wanton, said Judge Munro.

He did it because he could, he said. He did it to make it look like hes working. He could have swindled them without trying to damage their house.

The sentences will run consecutively and are backdated to November 26 when he went into custody.

Notwithstanding his crimes, he does have people in his life who love and support him, said the judge.

The judge also addressed the violent disorder incident from Christmas morning 2020 involving a family feud in Ballyspillane.

The court heard Mr Harrington was amongst a group who went to the house of Theresa OBrien and her two adult special-needs children. It was said the men carried items including a metal bar and a slash hook and Mrs OBrien was assaulted when she went outside to defend herself.

Mr Harrington went with a weapon but did not use it, the court heard.

In sentencing, Judge Munro noted the assault of a 70-year-old woman in her home on Christmas morning was hard to fathom.

But Mrs OBrien came to court to speak favourably of Mr Harrington and she had made a full recovery, said the judge.

Taking this and his guilty plea into account, Judge Munro reduced a two-year sentence to 18 months, with twelve months suspended mainly because Mrs OBrien has spoken up for him.

Funded by Courts Reporting Scheme
The event will start at 11.30am from Duagh village on St Stephens Day

Pictured ahead of the Christmas Charity Walk and Run in Duagh. L-R: Rose Costello, John Joe O'Brien, Becky Loyd, Timmy Mckenna, Rita O'Connell and Mike Carmody.

The long-running annual Duagh Christmas Charity Walk and Run will take place on the morning of St Stephens Day.

The event, established in 2007, will again rely on participants generosity to raise funds for Crumlin Childrens Hospital.

Those taking part will depart the village at 11.30am and take on a circuit of less than six miles.

They will head out in the direction of Abbeyfeale to Kilcara before turning right into Scrahan. Participants will then proceed right onto the Cork Line before turning down the Hill Road back into Duagh Village.

Soup, sandwiches and other refreshments will provided after the event to all who take part.

Mike Carmody, one of the long-time organisers of the event, told The Kerryman that recent editions of the event has proved very popular.

In the last couple of years it has really grown and taken off. We had more than 150 participants in each year, Mike said.

Mike is a member of the small committee organising the event, which has raised thousands in aid of the childrens hospital in Crumlin over the years.

Last year, it raised 3,500 for the facility.

Registration for the walk and run will take place between 10.30am and 11.30am at OBriens bar in Duagh on St Stephens Day.

There is no set fee for entrants, who have been asked to contribute what they can to the charitable event.

Sponsorship cards are available from Watsons shop and filling station in Duagh.

The Christmas walk and run will start at 11.30am on the day.

A raffle with prizes will be held at OBriens that evening.
The Omeath-based family business, Morgans Fine Fish in north Louth is set to become part of the Cork-based Lisavaird Food Group.

Lisavaird Food Group, a subsidiary of West Corkbased Lisavaird Co-Op, has announced that it has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire Seafood Processors Ltd, trading as Morgans Fine Fish.

This is a major development in the history of Morgans, a fifth-generation, family-owned seafood processor whose roots date back to 1860. From its state-of-the-art facility at Ardaghy, Omeath, the business supplies high-quality fresh, frozen, pre-packed and value-added seafood to retail, foodservice, wholesale and healthcare customers throughout Ireland.

The company employs more than 80 people and is recognised for its strong emphasis on sustainability, traceability and continuous investment in modern processing technologies.

Completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory review and approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland. Until such approval is granted, both companies will continue to operate independently and there will be no changes to day-to-day operations, customer service, or supplier arrangements.

Joe Morgan at Morgans commented Joining Lisavaird Food Group represents a natural next step for Morgans. We share the same values of quality, sustainability and customer focus. With the support and scale of Lisavaird Food Group, we look forward to continuing to grow the business, investing in our people, our site in Omeath and our product offering for customers.

It will see the Omeath company become part of the Lisavaird Food Group which has a strong presence in shellfish and premium seafood across Ireland, the UK and Italy. The addition of Morgans introduces a retail arm to Lisavairds seafood business with substantial processing capability in the North East.

Morgans supplies fresh, frozen, pre-packed and value-added seafood to retailers, restaurants, hotels, healthcare providers and wholesalers across Ireland.

The company combines traditional hand-filleting skills with state-of-the-art technology and has invested significantly in energy efficiency, refrigeration, smoking and packaging technologies. Morgans is a committed member of Bord Bias Origin Green programme and was awarded Gold Member status in 2024 in recognition of its sustainability achievements.

Both businesses also acknowledge the continued support of BIM, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia over many years. Each has played a vital role in guiding the development of the Irish seafood sector and supporting processors in areas such as sustainability, innovation and skills development.

The two companies remain fully committed to providing high-quality service to customers and maintaining strong relationships with employees, suppliers and industry partners throughout the review period.

Lisavaird Co-Op, the parent company of Lisavaird Food Group, is proud to support this latest planned investment in the Irish seafood sector as it celebrates its centenary in 2025. The Co-Op and its food group businesses continue to focus on high-quality, responsibly sourced Irish food for both domestic and international markets and are active participants in Bord Bias Origin Green sustainability programme.
Derry Rovers said that the news has 'shook the town of Edenderry to its core'

Crowds gathered at Derry Rovers grounds for a candlelit vigil in remembrance of the victims

Candles lit up Derry Rovers grounds tonight as neighbours who have known one another for decades stood shoulder to shoulder with people from surrounding communities.

Over 600 people gathered at Brians Park to mark the unbearable loss of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and 60-year-old Mary Holt, who tragically died after a fire broke out at a house in Castleview Park in the town on Saturday night.

The attack is being linked to an organised criminal gang believed to be primarily based in counties Kildare, Offaly and Westmeath.

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Crowds gathered at Derry Rovers grounds for a candlelit vigil in remembrance of the victims

Gardai release update on Offaly petrol-bomb attack that killed boy

Derry Rovers AFC organised the vigil and said that the news has shook the town of Edenderry to its core, and that the vigil was being held to both remember the victims and as a stance against the drug scourge in the community.

Members of Edenderry community, family, friends, and supporters made their way around the pitch, as honorary chair of Derry Rovers Pat McBride said four times around the track for four years of little Tadhgs life.

On the evening on the tragedy, many children across Edenderry attended the annual light up run at 6pm, with over 250 vehicles involved travelling through the townlands of Daingean, Croghan and Rhode, and raising money for local charitable causes.

Shortly before 7.45pm, the family home at Castleview Park was attacked.

Read more CCTV footage shows two attackers throwing petrol bomb into Offaly home in horror double murder

Organisers of the Edenderry Light Up Run made their way around the track tonight after organising for Santas truck to visit the town and bring some cheer to the local children.

Group member Paddy Mangan spoke about hearing the news on Saturday night: We didnt know what was happening. We had seen and heard the sirens but we thought it was still some of the truck run that was coming back from doing laps.

To see this today at the vigil just shows you the support that the town gives. We had the Santa Truck down at Edenderry GAA club today just to keep the spirits up for the rest of the children. We requested that it didnt go down through the town.

Tadhg Farrell was being babysat by his grandaunt Mary Holt (60)

Mr Mangan said that every small town in Ireland is forgotten about when it comes to garda resources.

Naturally enough a lot of stuff happens in the big towns, but its also happening in all the smaller little areas. Even where I live in Johnstown Bridge, Enfield Garda Station is not open full time either, so you have to go to Leixlip, he said.

Vice chair of Derry Rovers James Doyle said: Edenderry wont forget this for a long time. Its devastating for the town, family, neighbours and friends.

Read more CCTV footage shows two attackers throwing petrol bomb into Offaly home in horror double murder

The funeral mass for Tadhg Farrell will take place on Friday, December 12 at noon in St. Mary's Church, Edenderry, followed by burial in St Mary's cemetery.

Tadhgs sudden and tragic passing has left his family and friends heartbroken. His family said, he is now softly held in the arms of angels he will be forever missed and remembered.

Funeral arrangements for Mary Holt, who worked as a carer for over 40 years, will be announced later.
A trade union has voiced concern about 24 hour shifts being due to be undertaken by the Coastguard helicopter service based at Sligo Airport in Strandhill from next year.

Forsa has advised members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport that Search and Rescue (SAR) air crew in Sligo face unfair and unsafe working-time practices next year, unless Government intervenes to end the long-standing use of factoring in the Coast Guard helicopter service.

The warning was made by Forsa assistant general secretary Eugene Gargan, who represents the unions IAESA branch and its 40 technical crew  winchmen, winch operators, paramedics and advanced paramedics  including those based at Sligo.

Mr Gargan told the committee that the introduction of the immediate-readiness model to the Sligo base, from 1st February 2026, makes the issue urgent for crews in the North West.

Under this model, SAR crews must remain on site for 24-hour duty periods, ready to launch within 15 minutes.

Where crews are required to remain at the base for the full shift, that is unequivocally working time under EU and Irish law, he said.

Forsa highlighted that the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) continues to permit operators to factor hours  a practice that records significantly fewer hours than those actually worked. As a result, full 24-hour shifts may be recorded as little as 16.5 hours.

This has the effect of artificially reducing the hours on the clock, allowing the operator to roster crew beyond the 2,000-hour annual limit, while technically remaining compliant with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and IAA regulations. The disparity between hours worked and hours recorded can reach 800 hours in a year, he said.

He added that Forsa is concerned about the misuse of the Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), which was introduced to support 24-hour operations. FRMS exists to enhance safety. It does not override working-time law and cannot be used to justify the under-recording of hours, he said.

Forsa has called on the Minister for Transport to direct the IAA to ensure all SAR operators correctly record worked hours in line with EASA regulations and case law.

Mr Gargan said the situation could be resolved relatively easily, if the IAA was directed by the Minister to mandate all operators adhere to the spirit and intent of the EASA regulations, and properly record all worked hours as elapsed hours. The Committee also heard evidence on the matter by members of the pilot body IALPA, which is a branch of Forsa trade union.
Pupils, parents and teachers from Gaelscoil Cnoc na Re pictured recently at the site of the promised new school

There was widespread support for a motion raised by Cllr Marie Casserly at the December meeting of Sligo County Council which urged Sligo County Council call on the Minister for Education to immediately release funding to progress the urgently needed school building projects at Gaelscoil Cnoc na Re, Urusuline College and Grange Post Primary School, all of which are facing serious delays and health and safety concerns, with the Ursuline project at risk of losing planning permission.

Cllr Casserlys motion urges This Council further requests that the Minister prioritise these Sligo schools and provide a clear timeline for the release of funding and commencement of construction.

Addressing the meeting Cllr Casserly expressed her Frustration at the lack of progress, noting All three projects are well advanced but stalled.

Cllr Casserly noted the current location for the Gaelscoil is Completely unsuitable for the schools needs, where 181,000 is spent annually on prefabs.

In relation to the Ursuline College, Cllr Casserly said 2m of taxpayers money has been spent on consultants on the Ursuline. If planning permission lapses at the Ursuline it will be a catastrophic waste of public resources.

Calling for government assistance, Cllr Casserly said, I am asking for the Minister to personally intervene. It is not fair on the students, teachers, parents or wider school community.

The motion was supported by Cllr Thomas Healy who said, The way the Gaelscoil has been treated for so long is disgraceful. We need to send a clear message we are unhappy.

Cllr Michael Clarke made reference to the protest that was held outside County Hall prior to the meeting commencing saying, I heard the students outline their frustrations. If we are to be serious about protecting Irish language and tradition the Gaelscoil should be supported.

Cllr Clarke hit out at the government for, Huge announcements, no delivery.

Cllr Fergal Nealon also backed the motion saying, We need to prioritise the Gaelscoil. I have been made aware that Minister Feighan organised a meeting with Minister Helen McEntee very recently. As a follow-up he has contacted the new Minister for Education.

Cllr Ann Higgins also spoke in favour saying, It is down to political choices, we have the money. She expressed her frustration that Nothing is happening, adding, We cannot get the money that is required.

Cllr Arthur Gibbons highlighted the work being done within the school community but lamented the conditions they are operating under.

"It has progressed from strength to strength, he noted, adding, It is a mish mash of prefabs and kids are interrupted with work going on.

Cllr Gibbons referred to the site the promised new school will be housed on saying, A site was identified a number of year ago. That site will not be there for much longer.

"I would appeal to Frank Feighan to use his position to get this school up and running. I ask him to use his influence in whatever way he can, It is 30 years in the pipeline.

A motion tabled by Cllr Edel McSharry also focused on the issue of school infrastructure, in particular the Ursuline College, and was heard alongside Cllr Casserly's motion.

Cllr McSharrys motion stated, The Ursuline College building project was approved in principal 11 years ago and was given the go-ahead under former Minister Norma Foley in 2021, yet it remains stalled at Stage 2B with no progression to tender. The school, serving over 750 students, is operating in ageing and inadequate facilities that no longer meet the educational or infrastructural standards required.

Therefore I call on Sligo County Council to write to the Minister for Education and Youth to direct the Department to immediately release the required capital funding and allow the project to proceed to tender without further delay.

"Furthermore, to write to all Sligo-Leitrim TDs and junior ministers, asking them to urgently seek a meeting with the Minister to expedite this long overdue project.

Addressing the meeting Cllr McSharry said, After 175 years of educating young women, the infrastructure is falling behind.

Cllr McSharry added, This project needs to be allowed to go to tender.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The award winners at the cermony in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns recently held their annual awards ceremony where they handed out a number of awards to residents and local organisations that have been working hard all year to make the town as clean and welcoming as possible.

"This night is the highlight of our events calendar as we get to give something back to the wonderful people, businesses, volunteers, schools, and community groups that make our town the wonderful place it is, Chairman Jonathon Hughes explained.

"Retaining gold this year in the Tidy Towns Ireland competition would not have been possible without community celebration, he added.

Taking place in the Riverside Park Hotel, the organisation handed out 25 awards across eight categories on the night.

In the Community category; Best Community Initiative went to Enniscorthy Community Allotments, Best Photo went to Siun Ryan, and the Young Persons award went to Keith Doyle.

The Streetscapes awards went to Walter Bourke Jewellers, Revive & Thrive, J.J Bolgers Builders Providers, Impresso Cafe, and Crystal Script.

Best Estate for Green Spaces went to L Walsh of Bellefield Springs, while the Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh.

The Sustainability award went to Susan Doyle of GoPaddle.ie and the Slaney View Park Residents Association, while Tidiest Estate Award went to Attila Derczy and Gabriella Diczku of the Forgelands Residents Association.

The Residential Streets and Housing areas awards went to May and Jimmy Wilson of Urrin Valley, Isabelle Murphy, Moran Park, Margaret Doyle and the best presented housing estate went to Greenville Court.

The various Nature and Biodiversity awards were distributed to Pat Hyland of St Senan's school, Reids Off Licence, Brennan's of Enniscorthy, Neil Carty, Fergal Dunne, Colm McAree.

The Best Approach Road Project went to John Jude Murphy of the Enniscorthy Community Alliance for the Shannon Way project,

Finally, an Adjudicators Special Award was presented to Cllr ORourke for the Beneath My Angel Wings monument for children at St Marys cemetery.

The award scroll frames were kindly sponsored by Timeless Design on the Old Dublin Road.

"We would like to thanks Wexford County Council, Enniscorthy Municipal District, Riverside Park Hotel, and all our sponsors and supporters this past year, Jonathon added.

"Please shop local and support local this Christmas and please keep our town clean and tidy this festive period  particularly at bottle banks, he said.
A man who drove a teenage girl to a derelict building and sexually assaulted her has been jailed for five years at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court.

The victim chose to waive her anonymity and asked that the accused be named publicly

Hugh Kelly (58), with an address at Ozman House, Thomas Street, Co. Wexford, appeared at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of sexual assault.

A member of An Garda Siochanas Divisional Protective Services Unit in Wicklow town, Detective Garda Dave Smith, testified that in December 2021 the accused met up with the best friend of his daughter to give her cannabis. The court heard that the victim had been drinking and playing darts in a local pub in the village of Carnew.

Mr Kelly parked outside the pub, and the victim, who was intoxicated, got into the car. Mr Kelly suggested driving to a more secluded location. The pair made their way to a derelict property near the pub. Det Smith told the court that the vacant property is known locally as a place where young people go to drink and smoke.

While at the property, the defendant pulled down the victims trousers and performed oral sex. He also touched her breasts. Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly BL, told the court that the sexual assault lasted several minutes.

The court was told that the victim was aged 16 at the time and was seen by a witness who was out walking her dogs shortly afterwards. The witness described the victim as being in a distressed state and brought her to her parents home. The witness contacted gardai and an investigation began.

An early evidence kit was taken, and the defendants DNA was found on a used sanitary towel.

Mr Kelly was arrested in July 2022 and during interviews gave his own version of events. Det Smith stated that Mr Kelly claimed the victim had made sexual advances towards him.

The prosecution noted that the matter had been scheduled for trial in July 2024, but the defendant changed his plea. Mr Kelly has five previous convictions, all for road traffic offences.

The victim, who was not present in court, prepared a victim impact statement which was read aloud by counsel for the prosecution. In the statement she said she had attempted to write it five times, but needed the case to be over so she could move on. She said: This man is the reason I cannot go to sleep at night.

Defence counsel, Colman Cody SC, told the court that a psychological report was available which stated that Mr Kelly has a serious addiction to alcohol. The report also noted that the defendant was at a high risk of reoffending.

Mr Cody SC added that Mr Kelly is a native of Finglas in Co. Dublin and is one of seven children, but has since lost contact with his siblings.

Mr Kelly had a stammer in school, which led to constant bullying. He eventually left education at 16 after completing his Intercert.

The court was informed that Mr Kelly is operating with an extremely low IQ and that the psychologist noted he lacks maturity.

Counsel for the defence said his client is extremely dishevelled looking due to his alcohol problem. Sergeant Smith agreed. The court heard that a lot of work needs to be done to help him re-emerge into society upon release.

When sentencing, Judge Patrick Quinn remarked on the complete breach of trust involved in the defendant sexually assaulting the best friend of his then stepdaughter.

He imposed a sentence of five years, with the final 18 months suspended.

Mr Kelly had been convicted of defilement and sexual assault and sentenced to seven and a half years for an unrelated matter in Wexford Circuit Court on December 2, 2025.

His new five year sentence is to run consecutively to the prior sentence. Upon release, Mr Kelly must engage with a programme for sexual offenders.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Three men have appeared before Gorey District Court on Thursday charged in connection with the discovery of cocaine valued at 7.2 million and 47,000 in cash.

Conor Coughlan (28) of Church Street, Cootehill, Cavan, and Dominic Buaka (46) of No Fixed Abode, Gorey, have been charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for sale and supply at Ballyhale, Gorey, Wexford, on December 8.

A third man, Benhood Razavi (36) of Rathmichael Hill, Rathmichael, Dublin, has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine for sale and supply, and having in his possession cash to the value of 47,000, which is believed to be the proceeds of criminal conduct, in Gorey on December 8.

Roisin OMara, solicitor for Dominik Buaka, and John ODonovan, solicitor for Benhood Razavi, informed the court that there was no application for bail at this juncture.

However Lana Doherty, solicitor for Conor Coughlan, did have an application for bail before the court. Detective Garda John P McWeeney informed the court that gardai had objections on the grounds of the serious nature of the offence, which includes 99kg of cocaine to the value of 6.93 million, the nature of the evidence, and concerns that if given bail Coughlan would commit further offences.

The detective stated that the drugs are part of an ongoing investigation into a transnational organisations importation of illicit drugs into Ireland. Det Gda McWeeney gave evidence that the drugs were contained in a sophisticated concealment of a vehicle. A search warrant was obtained to search the area at Ballyhale, Gorey where the vehicle was discovered in a shed. Gardai discovered the men in the process of deconstructing the concealment.

The court heard from the detective that Coughlan had stated that he received a phone call instructing him to be at the shed on the day in question, and that he would be paid 44,000. Det garda McWeeney told the court that Coughlan stated he does not know who this instruction came from.

Ms Doherty stated that her client would be considered extremely hot and would be under careful garda surveillance if granted bail.

The solicitor added that it could take 12 months for the certificate of analysis to be ready from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).

Judge John Cheatle stated that he had taken a chance on a similar case and that the man has not let him down and therefore granted bail to Coughlan with strict conditions including having to sign on twice daily at Coolock Garda Station, reside at an address in Dublin and to remain in County Dublin save for court appearances, to lodge a 5,000 bond alongside a 5,000 independent surety, to abide by a curfew, to surrender his passport, and to provide a phone number to An Garda Siochana and be contactable when they call.

The three cases have been adjourned to December 17 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
Pictured alongside Cllr. Tom Fortune, newly elected Chairperson of the Wicklow Local Community Safety Partnership, were other elected members, representatives from An Garda Siochana and community groups at the inaugural meeting on Thursday, December 4. Photo Mick Kelly.

The Wicklow Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) has held its inaugural meeting in the Wicklow County Council Chamber.

At the meeting on December 4, independent Greystones District councillor Tom Fortune was elected as chairperson and Selena Mckenzie was elected as vice-chairperson. In addition, a working subgroup was established to commence work on developing a three-year Local Community Safety Plan for County Wicklow, which will set out tailored actions to address the specific needs of communities across the entire county.

A total of 36 Safety Partnerships in every local authority area across the country are being established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. The partnerships replace the Joint Policing Committees, expanding them to include broader community, voluntary, and statutory involvement. Their aim is to strengthen collaboration across agencies and local groups, all working together to enhance safety and wellbeing throughout the county.

Other councillors nominated to sit on the committee alongside Cllr Fortune include Cllr Avril Cronin and Cllr Jason Mulhall from Baltinglass, Cllr Joe Behan and Cllr Ned Whelan from Bray and Cllr Pat Kennedy from Arklow.

Membership of the LCSP in Wicklow consists of 30 members, including representatives from state agencies (including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Siochana), local authority members, and community representatives.

Last month Sinn Feins Wicklow TD John Brady criticised Government moves to restrict media access to new local committees covering policing and community safety.

The Department of Justice developed this Community Safety Policy based on a key principle from the 2018 report by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

LCSPs will identify issues relating to community safety in their area and will have an important future role to play in aligning the Community Safety Fund to community needs.

New guidelines from the Department of Justice on the operation of the new LCSPs remove this presumption in favour of public and press access.

The policing authoritys 2022 guidelines on the operation of the old Joint Policing Committees set out that in general, their meetings should be open to the public and press upon request, unless there were legal or confidentiality reasons not to do so.

The LCSPs have replaced the long-standing Joint Policing Committees (JPCs), which allowed local media to attend meetings and report openly on discussions about crime prevention, public order, and community issues. However, recently finalised guidelines from the Department of Justice on the operation of the new LCSPs remove this presumption. The new guidelines state that LCSPs may facilitate media attendance at their discretion and via request to the chair.

The Department goes on to advise that LCSPs consider holding three of six meetings each year in private, allowing media attendance at the other three.

It says this would achieve a balance. The Department also advises LCSPs to consider limiting media attendance for their first year of operation to public meetings only. LCSPs are required to hold just one of six meetings each year in public.

The guidelines state that this restriction on media attendance will allow for relationships and trust to develop at a time when LCSPs are developing their work plans. This approach should be reviewed as the partnerships work evolves, the guidelines state.

Deputy Brady warned that restricting media access would weaken those relationships and undermine the trust that underpins effective community safety.

The work of the new LCSPs must be fully transparent so that people can have confidence that their safety concerns are being dealt with fairly, effectively, and in the public interest.

The people of Wicklow deserve to know what is being discussed about their safety, their policing, and their neighbourhoods. Without open reporting, it becomes harder to hold decision-makers to account and harder still to ensure that community voices are heard.

Restricting media coverage of LCSP meetings will only create distance between the public and those making decisions on their behalf. That is the opposite of what community safety should be about. he added.

In a statement Wicklow County Council officials indicated the move will only be a temporary measure.

The minister has advised LCSPs to limit media attendance at meetings during the initial phase of their establishment to create a supportive environment for open dialogue, trust-building, and effective collaboration.

As each partnerships membership comprises of community representatives, this initial period will allow them the time and space to become familiar with formal meeting procedures, understand partnership processes, and find their voice within the group.

The statement adds that developing relationships and agreeing its workplan will be a key part of the new committee during their first year of meetings.

Limiting media attendance will help ensure that all members  particularly those representing the community  can participate confidently and meaningfully. This approach is intended as a temporary measure and will be reviewed by the partnership as it evolves.

The partnership in Wicklow has pledged to be open and transparent in their work.

The minutes of all meetings will be made publicly available, once adopted, on the Wicklow County Council website. Wicklow LCSP will share reports proactively with local media as part of their communication strategy, ensuring that the public remains informed about the partnerships work and outcomes.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Emer OGorman, chief executive of Wicklow County Council, said the new partnership will shape how the local authority works to make communities safer, stronger, and more resilient.

Safety is not just about policing, it is about tackling root causes such as poverty, inequality, mental health challenges, substance misuse, and social isolation. As members of this partnership, you are not here to represent only your own organisations, you are here to act as champions for the communities of County Wicklow.

Speaking after his election as chair of the LCSP, Cllr Fortune highlighted how the new partnership could potentially be a game changer for communities across Wicklow.

It is about the concept and development of a plan, so our communities feel safe. This will involve early intervention and harm prevention initiatives. It is also about building community confidence in service providers.

This partnership will provide a forum for real discussion on community safety, and I look forward to working on making Wicklow a safer place for all.

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan welcomed the launch, saying he was pleased that the Wicklow Local Community Safety Partnership has been established.

This marks another significant step on the rollout of these partnerships nationwide and this governments new approach to community safety. Bringing together local representatives, community groups and state agencies allows Wicklow Local Community Safety Partnership to develop a plan that identifies community safety needs in their own area.

He also thanked everyone involved in Wicklow LCSP for being part of this significant new chapter in community safety.

Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes attended on the night and highlighted the support from An Garda Siochana.

We will share our knowledge, our experience, and our resources to our agreed goals. Just as importantly, we will listen with respect and act with accountability. It is not a quick fix exercise; it is the start of a long journey.

Building trust, delivering solutions, and making communities safer takes time and sustained effort. But I have no doubt that the people in this room, working together; can make a real and lasting difference for the people of Wicklow.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Work is being carried out due to a High Court order to clear the site

Its emerged that remediation works at the Whitestown landfill site in west Wicklow will cost in the region of 45 million.

Its expected these works will take place up to the end of 2027, with a further year of monitoring of the site required following the remediation.

The proposed works are being undertaken in accordance with a High Court order issued in 2017, which called on the local authority to remove all waste (and all soil or other materials contaminated or potentially contaminated by such waste) from all areas of the site including areas that are already the subject of attempted remediation and to appropriately fill and landscape the site.

The Court of Appeal upheld the 2017 order in 2019, giving Wicklow County Council three years to clean up what it described as a huge and appalling illegal dump with a Kafkaesque history.

The remediation of the Whitestown site is subject to ongoing legal proceedings in the High Court and the local authority is acting in accordance with High Court judgements to remediate the site.

The council itself dumped vast amounts of waste on the illegal site near Baltinglass over two decades and was aware, or should have been, from at least the mid-1990s of the shocking breach of the Waste Management Act there, Ms Justice Caroline Costello said in her ruling in 2019.

After the council closed the site in 2001, it was bought from the original owners by a subsidiary of Brownfield Restoration Ireland Ltd, which wants to run a lawful landfill there. Brownfield had appealed the three-year clean up time given to the council as excessive.

The Court of Appeal upheld the three years but found there were errors in relation to some costs orders made by the High Court.

Following a series of parliamentary questions by Wicklow TD John Brady, minister of state Alan Dillon indicated that the tendering processes for the capital works and material outlets have been undertaken by the Council this year.

A provision of 15 million has been made by the Department to support this work in 2026.

The unauthorised landfill is located approximately 8 km to the north-northeast of Baltinglass. The site occupies an area of approximately 14.5 hectares and is bounded by national road N81 to the west and the Carrigower River and its floodplain to the east.

The site is surrounded by farmland with a small derelict house and a disused shed the only buildings within the site boundary.

Meanwhile Wicklow County Council has obtained over 7.2 million in funding to help cover the cost of remediation works at the site.

The grants have been paid over a twelve-year period between 2013 and 2025 through the Landfill Remediation Grant Scheme, which was established with the purpose of assisting local authorities in recognition of the significant financial burden placed on them to meet this obligation.

The statutory responsibility of the local authority in remediating these sites is reflected and reinforced in the first National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy.

The funding supports Wicklow County Council in assessing and managing the site in accordance with the High Court proceedings, to ensure the optimal environmental outcome, as capital works only. No legal costs are funded by the Department.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
With one in nine employees also being family carers, the strains of effectively having two jobs can be so challenging it leads to people having to leave the workplace to become full-time careers. Dr Rosemary Daynes-Kearney wants to change that.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese hails profound reform as law takes effect

Stella Pieterse (14) and Claire Ni (14) on their phones as a law banning social media for users under 16 takes effect, in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Reuters

Australia yesterday 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, 10 of the largest platforms including TikTok, YouTube and Metas Instagram and Facebook were ordered to block children or face fines of up to A$49.5m (23m) under the new law, which is being closely watched by regulators worldwide.
Nadene Ghouri: It is time for Andrew to come clean about all that he knows
As Putins army closes in, some Ukrainians are refusing to leave their homes

An armed rescue team is making efforts to evacuate as many civilians from the region as possible

Members of the White Angels evacuation unit speak with a resident during an evacuation from the frontline town of Dobropillia, Ukraine. Photo: Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters

Anatolii Stepanov Reuters Thu 11 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Kateryna Lomova (97) stood her ground as police rescuers and family members begged her to evacuate her ramshackle home in an area of eastern Ukraine battered by Russian artillery, bombs and drones fired from 15km away.
Daughter accepts Nobel Peace Prize as Maria Corina Machado fails to arrive in Oslo in time for ceremony

The opposition leader lives under death threat from the Venezuelan regime

Ana Corina Sosa Machado, daughter of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, receives the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of her mother, in Oslo, Norway. Photo: Reuters

Samantha Schmidt Washington Post Thu 11 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has left the country after nearly a year in hiding to travel to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, but after days of anticipation, Ms Machado was absent from the ceremony yesterday.
An image from a Ukrainian sea drone shows the tanker Dashan being struck by another drone in the Black Sea. Photo: Reuters

Ukrainian sea drones yesterday hit and disabled a tanker involved in trading Russian oil as it sailed through Ukraines exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, a Ukrainian official said.

The attack is the third sea drone strike in two weeks on vessels that are part of Russias so-called shadow fleet  unregulated ships which Kyiv says are helping Moscow export large quantities of oil and fund its war in Ukraine despite Western sanctions.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado appeared in public for the first time in 11 months on Thursday, after a daring escape from her homeland, when she emerged from a hotel balcony in Norway's capital and waved to an emotional crowd of supporters cheering for the new Nobel laureate.
Popular Forces among a number of Israel-backed opposition factions

Groups operating from Israeli-held areas of Gaza say they will continue to fight Hamas despite the killing of their most prominent commander, reporting more recruits since an October ceasefire as they eye a role in the enclaves future.
US seizes sanctioned oil tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

Move is first known tanker seizure since US build-up began Signals new effort to go after Venezuela's main revenue source Impact on global oil supply unclear

US Coast Guard seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela

Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, Steve Holland and Marianna Parraga Reuters Thu 11 Dec 2025 at 08:03

The U.S. has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, a move that sent oil prices higher and sharply escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Image credit : Instagram| @mrsalexalemieux| Alexa and Brennon sharing a moment together

Court documents reveal a messier breakup

Image credit : Instagram| @mrsalexalemieux| Alexa and Brennon captured in a candid shot

Reality TV romance meets legal reality

Image credit : Instagram| @mrsalexalemieux| A glimpse of Alexa and Brennon together

Reality TV fans were stunned this week as news broke thatcouple Alexa and Brennon Lemieux are divorcing. The pair, who met in the pods on the popular Netflix show and legally married during filming, seemed inseparable for four years. Their relationship also produced a daughter, Vienna, and many believed the couple was headed for the long haul. However, a joint Instagram post announced their split, highlighting the careful thought behind their decision.In their statement, Alexa and Brennon wrote: After much reflection and many heartfelt conversations, we have made the difficult decision to end our marriage. This choice was not made lightly, and it comes with a great deal of care, respect and appreciation for the time weve shared. We entered this relationship with love and optimism, and we leave it with gratitude for the experiences that shaped us and the growth we each gained along the way. While our journey as a married couple is coming to an end, we remain supportive of one another, devoted to our daughter, and committed to navigating this transition with compassion.Despite the amicable tone on social media, official court filings paint a far more complicated picture. Brennon filed for divorce in November, citing a conflict of personalities that made their marriage insupportable and left no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. He also requested to keep any assets acquired before their marriage intact, as the couple did not sign a prenuptial agreement.Brennons petition further requested a formal agreement regarding custody of Vienna. If such an agreement is made, [Brennon] requests that the court approve that agreement and adopt it as the Courts order. If such an agreement is not made, [he] requests the court to make orders for conservatorship of, possession of, access to, and support of the child, the filing stated.However, Alexa has responded aggressively, filing a counterclaim at the start of December. While she had previously expressed no interest in a prenup, she now asserts she is entitled to a larger share of their estate, claiming Brennon is responsible for the marriage breakdown. Her filing cites fault in the breakup of the marriage, need for future support, wasting of community assets by the spouse, and the need for attorney fees. She also seeks recognition of her separate property as solely hers, with insiders noting that Alexa earns significantly more than Brennon and wants to protect her earnings.The Lemieuxs split serves as a reminder that love in front of cameras often faces complex legal and personal challenges behind the scenes. While fans watched their romance blossom on Netflix, the reality of marriage, shared assets, and child custody is now taking centre stage. Alexa and Brennons journey underscores the difference between televised love stories and the complicated realities of adult relationships.continues to stream on Netflix, offering audiences a glimpse into how love, and heartbreak, plays out both on and off screen.
Hayley Hamiltons horrifying moment

Image credit : IMDb | The world of Beyond the Gates is getting louder.

Dani Dupree offers support

Image credit : IMDb | Beyond the Gates episode 187 raised tensions.

Joey Armstrong and Vanessa McBrides public kiss fallout

Derek Baldwin and Ashley Morgan reach an agreement

Image credit : IMDb | Beyond the Gates' new episode awaits more drama.

Nicole Dupree faces a new temptation

Whats next on Beyond the Gates

Beyond the Gates latest episode brings a mix of fear, temptation, and tough choices for several characters. The drama picks up right after Tuesdays cliffhanger, where Bill Hamilton suddenly collapsed. What looked like a calm moment has now turned into a dangerous turning point, and this sets the tone for everything that follows. As the story continues, each character reacts to this tense moment in their own way, connecting the events throughout the episode.The episode begins with the fallout from Bill Hamiltons collapse. Bill had just returned from his doctors appointment, where the poison in his system went undetected. This gave Hayley a chance to add more poison to his tea, hoping it would finally work. But the moment Bill fell, the situation turned far more intense than she expected.Hayley has wanted Bill gone for weeks, but Wednesdays spoilers reveal she will be utterly horrified by what she sees. This leads to a bigger question: is her panic real, or is she simply acting shocked to cover her tracks? Since the moment ends with uncertainty, the next scenes continue the same tension.While the Hamilton home deals with chaos, another emotional moment unfolds across town. Dani Dupree is shown being there for someone who needs to talk. This follows the stress that built up in earlier episodes, where characters like Andre Richardson and Vanessa McBride struggled with their own problems.Because of this, Danis calm presence becomes important. She might be offering support to Andre if he needs to vent or to Vanessa, who is still dealing with her complicated situation with Joey Armstrong. This connects smoothly to the next storyline, which continues the theme of troubled relationships.Joeys bold kiss with Vanessa in the previous episode created buzz, but Wednesdays spoilers hint that the couple is not done facing challenges. Their issues did not magically disappear after that public moment. This keeps their storyline active, and it ties directly into Vanessa possibly seeking support from Dani. With emotions running high, the episode keeps building on tensions that began earlier in the week.Another key moment comes at the hospital, where Derek Baldwin and Ashley Morgan will finally reach some kind of agreement. Since Derek is there often for physiotherapy and Ashley works as a nurse, they cross paths frequently. Their history has been on-again and off-again, making every interaction unpredictable.Because their connection has always swung between peace and conflict, their new agreement could mean either staying civil or restarting an old pattern. This keeps the story tied to the episodes overall theme of uncertain relationships.The final storyline brings a lighter but tempting twist. Nicole Dupree will face an unexpected temptation, and all signs point toward Dr Kial Rollins, the new doctor who appeared at WinterFest as her blind date. Even though fans didnt see much of their meeting, Kial was clearly interested, and Nicole seemed to enjoy talking to him.Since both characters spend time at the hospital, there is a good chance they will meet again. This creates room for sparks, surprises, or even an elevator moment that brings them closer. The episode hints that Nicole and Kial could become a strong pair, especially since Dani and Anita Dupree already like him. However, Ted Richardson may not agree, opening the door for future conflict.Episode 187 builds tension in every storyline, from Bills collapse to Nicoles possible new romance. With each scene connecting to the next, the Wednesday episode sets up new twists that could shift relationships, expose secrets, and create fresh drama in upcoming episodes.Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and streams on Paramount+. Viewers can catch up anytime on Pluto TVs 24/7 FAST channel.




The incident has shocked the world and sparked a wave of anger, humour and disbelief online. From Afghan activists to British fans who treat Peaky Blinders like a national treasure, reactions have poured in and turned the case into a global talking point.



The arrest that started with a flat cap The four friends from Jibrail in Herat had been enjoying minor viral fame. Their 1920s inspired outfits, complete with overcoats and imitation cigars, earned millions of views on TikTok and YouTube. Local videos even showed them proudly discussing how Peaky Blinders gave them a fresh escape from years of plain clothing.



Image credit : X/@DailyLoud | The four friends from Jibrail in Herat had been enjoying minor viral fame



Four men who dressed up as 'PEAKY BLINDERS' characters have been arrested by the Taliban













They've been sentenced to a "rehabilitation program" for "promoting foreign culture"













(via: CBS) pic.twitter.com/UZ8alvarTW











 ScreenTime (@screentime) December 10, 2025 Four young Afghan men are facing a surreal punishment after choosing to dress like the iconic characters from Peaky Blinders. Their flat caps, long coats and quiet confidence were meant to be fun cosplay. Instead, the Taliban saw it as a serious offence. The group has now been marched into a strict rehabilitation program for what officials claim is promoting foreign culture.The incident has shocked the world and sparked a wave of anger, humour and disbelief online. From Afghan activists to British fans who treat Peaky Blinders like a national treasure, reactions have poured in and turned the case into a global talking point.The four friends from Jibrail in Herat had been enjoying minor viral fame. Their 1920s inspired outfits, complete with overcoats and imitation cigars, earned millions of views on TikTok and YouTube. Local videos even showed them proudly discussing how Peaky Blinders gave them a fresh escape from years of plain clothing.But their brief online stardom came to a sudden end when Taliban morality officers arrived. Officials said the men were spreading Western behaviour and ordered them into a rehabilitation centre. One member of the group appeared in a recorded apology where he promised to delete his posts and stop dressing in un-Islamic styles.

Taliban officials call Peaky Blinders costume 'a moral violation'

Image credit : X/@FearBuck | A spokesman for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue said the men had crossed key red lines by copying actors from a foreign show

This is not the West, where everyone can do anything. Here, you need to respect Islamic Sharia law. pic.twitter.com/qDooZeUaRY











 W.A. Mubariz -    (@WakeelMubariz) December 10, 2025

Global outrage turns into memes and sarcasm

Image credit : Screenshot taken from X | Many online users responded with disbelief

A deeper tension beneath the surface

i think Peaky Blinders fandom is inexplicably one of the strongest global cultures that exists, binding together sort of dumb guys in a global brotherhood. how can we harness it for the betterment of mankind https://t.co/MtbiRzRPcL











 james hennessy (@jrhennessy) December 9, 2025



Peaky Blinders fans rally behind the 'Jebrael Shelbys' British fans of the show reacted with a mix of confusion and pride. Some joked that this was proof the series truly shaped global fashion. Others demanded someone give these boys asylum. Several posts celebrated the men for bringing the spirit of Tommy Shelby to a place where even imagination feels dangerous.



TALIBAN CRACK DOWN ON PEAKY BLINDERS! That's a headline I never thought i'd see! But it's true.













An Afghan cosplay group calling themselves the Jebrael Shelbys have been sancioned by the Taliban after showcasing the show's famous attire in towns and cities across Taliban pic.twitter.com/NI7n8VNAJJ











 Rob Kiteley (@TheRobKiteley) December 10, 2025









British fans of the show reacted with a mix of confusion and pride. Some joked that this was proof the series truly shaped global fashion. Others demanded someone give these boys asylum. Several posts celebrated the men for bringing the spirit of Tommy Shelby to a place where even imagination feels dangerous.

A spokesman for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue said the men had crossed key red lines by copying actors from a foreign show. The statement argued that Afghans should only follow traditional cultural rules and avoid anything tied to Western media. The ministry insisted this was not an arrest but guidance, yet the public apology and forced correction showed a harsher reality.Observers called the punishment another sign of the tightening limits on personal expression. Clothing, haircuts and social media behaviour have all come under heavier control since the 2024 expansion of morality laws.The story spread across the world within hours. Many online users responded with disbelief. One Afghan journalist wrote, No weapons, no crime, only flat caps and long coats. That was apparently too dangerous. His post collected thousands of likes as people questioned how fashion could be treated like a threat.Some fans reacted with dark humour. One user said, Of course they were sent to rehab. Only addicts would dare dress like Peaky Blinders. Another viewer joked, In Afghanistan, even style is illegal. Others expressed real frustration, calling the incident a symbol of suppressed creativity.Human rights defenders called the case serious and worrying. They noted that the young men belong to the Hazara community, a minority that has long faced discrimination. Activists argued that the arrests show how personal style can become a target for harsher control, especially for vulnerable groups.
A career filled with laughter and legacy





A sudden decline marked by months of medical battles





Cause of death: Complications from multiple medical emergencies





A grieving family, a heartbroken industry





The animation world is grieving a devastating loss. Jeff Garcia, the vibrant, high-energy comedian and voice actor best known for bringing Sheen Estevez to life in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, has died at just 50 years old. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news, leaving generations of fans mourning the voice that defined a childhood era.Garcia began his journey in comedy clubs in the early 1990s, quickly becoming known for his electric stage presence. But it was animation that immortalised him. From Barnyard to Rio and Happy Feet, his unmistakable voice became woven into some of the most cherished animated characters of the last two decades.Fans across social media spent the day sharing their grief, describing how his characters shaped their childhoods. One family representative stated that Garcias work touched people far more deeply than he ever realised.Behind the scenes, Garcia had been fighting a series of severe health complications. Months earlier, he suffered a major fall that resulted in a brain aneurysm and significant head trauma. The recovery was already difficult, but tragedy escalated when he later experienced a stroke.In November, he was hospitalised with pneumonia. Although he initially showed hopeful signs and was discharged, his condition deteriorated again. On 9 December, he returned to hospital struggling to breathe. By the next day, he suffered a collapsed lung.Doctors fought to stabilise him, but the damage from multiple medical emergencies had accumulated. Surrounded by loved ones, his family made the painful decision to withdraw life support.While there is no formal medical report yet, early findings suggest his death was caused by complications from a collapsed lung following a chain of catastrophic health events, including a brain aneurysm, stroke, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.Medical experts close to the family indicated that the combination of conditions severely weakened his body, leaving little chance for recovery.Garcias family has asked for privacy as they process their loss. They expressed that his final moments were peaceful and that he was never alone. Hollywood colleagues and fans continue to pay tribute, describing him as a rare talent whose voice made people laugh long before they knew his name. Jeff Garcia leaves behind a legacy carved into childhood culture, animation history, and the hearts of countless fans. His characters will continue speaking, loudly, joyfully, and forever, even as the man behind them rests.
Kate Middleton is reportedly planning to end the alleged Meghan Markle feud

Star

Image credit : X@KatePhotosORG | Kate Middleton is ready to put aside tensions with Meghan Markle.

Meghan Markles reaction to Kates moves

RadarOnline.com

Image credit : Instagram @meghan | Meghan Markles reaction to Kates moves

Kate Middletons motivation

Kates move could impact William and Harry

Image credit : X @KatePhotosORG | Kates move could impact William and Harry.

The royal family may be in for a peaceful start to 2026. Reports suggest that the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is ready to put aside tensions with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, after years of estrangement. With the new year approaching, Kate reportedly wants to make peace and begin a fresh chapter in her family relationships.According to, Kate wants 2026 to be a peaceful year in all aspects of her life. She is reportedly ready to extend an olive branch to Meghan to finally close years of bad blood. The Princess of Wales reportedly believes that beginning with reconciliation could set a positive tone for the family.While Kate reportedly seeks peace,claims that Meghan Markle is seething over some of Kates recent public successes. Sources say Markle is upset that Kate signed up A-list actress Kate Winslet for her 2025 Christmas carol concert. The insider explained, Landing an A-lister like Kate Winslet sends a message; it looks polished, classy, and effortless and is everything she is struggling to be." Despite these tensions, sources suggest that Kate is determined to approach the situation diplomatically, focusing on reconciliation rather than continuing the feud.Kate has faced her share of challenges in recent years. Following the passing of her husband, Prince Williams grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022, both Kate and King Charles III were diagnosed with cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Kate is now cancer-free. A palace source recently told Star, If thats going to happen within her own extended family, shes accepted she needs to reach out and wave the white flag.The source added, Kate and Meghan have exchanged the occasional pleasantry over the last couple of years. [But] they arent on speaking terms. Theres been no meaningful conversation. As 2026 approaches, Kate reportedly wants it to be her year of peace, in every area of her life.Although Prince Harry has expressed a desire to reconcile with his family, saying, There is no point in continuing to fight anymore, he told the BBC in May, insiders believe that Kates willingness to make peace with Meghan could also improve the relationship between William and Harry.The source explained, Kate does feel that William and Harrys chances of making up would be a lot greater if she and Meghan were able to find some common ground. With Kate potentially reaching out to Meghan, a phone call ahead of Christmas could at least open the door towards some sort of forgiveness, the palace source added.While speculation continues, insiders suggest that Kates initiative could pave the way for a more united royal family. If successful, her efforts may also encourage Prince William and Prince Harry to reconcile.
How the freebirth unfolded

Image credit : Instagram @naturalspoonfuls | Australian wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke.

A birth worker was present, but questions remain

Image credit : Intsgaram @naturalspoonfuls | Stacey Hatfield died after from a postpartum haemorrhage.

Emergency help came too late

Husband shares heartbreaking message

Image credit : Instagram @naturalspoonfuls | Stacey Warneckes husband, Nathan Warnecke, first told the world about her death in Oct 2025.

Her work and online presence

Australian wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke, known online as Stacey Hatfield, has died after what officials say were complications from a postpartum haemorrhage. The update was shared during a hearing at the Victorian Coroners Court on December 10, where attorney Rachel Ellyard confirmed that the 30-year-old mother suffered severe blood loss after giving birth at home on September 29. Her baby boy, Axel, survived.Warnecke had chosen a freebirth, which the ABC described as giving birth at home without medical professionals such as doctors or midwives. This decision became an important detail in the courts investigation, especially because Warnecke had been avoiding the medical system. According to the Herald Sun, Ellyard told the court that Warnecke hadn't trusted the medical system after the Covid vaccine mandates in 2021, which influenced her choice not to receive pregnancy healthcare.The labour happened at 3 a.m. on Sept. 29. At first, everything seemed fine, and she appeared well after delivering Axel. But soon afterwards, as the placenta passed, she began to feel unwell and started bleeding heavily, the Herald Sun reported.It was confirmed in court that birth support worker Emily Lal, known online as The Authentic Birthkeeper, had been present for the birth at the couples home in Seaford, Melbourne. Lal has not yet given a statement. However, according to ABC reporting shared in court, it was alleged that Lal had already cleaned the house by the time police arrived the next day.This detail adds to growing scrutiny around her role. Back in October, Victorias Health Complaints Commissioner announced it was investigating Lal based on information received about her alleged involvement in homebirths, which may put both mothers and babies at risk. According to the Herald Sun, Lal has since been temporarily banned from providing healthcare.Warnecke originally declined to call an ambulance, but as her condition worsened, she finally agreed around 4:13 a.m. Paramedics arrived shortly after, at 4:26 a.m., and found her lying on the floor next to the birthing pool, appearing yellow, short of breath, and agitated.She was rushed to Frankston Hospital at 5:07 a.m., and doctors performed several emergency procedures, including an emergency hysterectomy, the Herald Sun reported. But despite the efforts, Warnecke suffered multiple cardiac arrests and died in the ICU around 11 a.m. Her bleeding had been so severe that, as one report noted, the hospital supply of her blood type was completely exhausted.Coroner Therese McCarthy said her role is to look at how she died and establish a finding around those facts, as reported by the ABC. She added that she is considering whether a full inquest will be held. The case is expected to return to court in March.Warneckes husband, Nathan Warnecke, first told the world about her death in an Instagram post on Oct. 19. He explained that she had died three weeks earlier, saying that an unforeseen and extremely rare complication arose, and she passed after being transferred to the hospital. He also shared her final moments with their son: She held Axel when he was born, nursed him, saw that he was a boy and loved him She loved him so much and still continues to love him.Stacey built her following by promoting a toxin-free lifestyle, creating natural recipes, and running her company Natural Spoonfuls, which she launched in 2019. She often shared her food content with thousands of followers on Instagram.
Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis has emerged as a frontrunner to lead the Eurogroup, with Germanys Handelsblatt reporting that he has "good chances" of winning Thursdays electiona potential victory that would mark a stunning symbolic turnaround for Greece a decade after its debt crisis.

Eurozone finance ministers will vote Thursday

to elect the next head of the influential body that shapes the blocs fiscal policy.

A Greek victory would have been "unthinkable" ten years ago, Handelsblatt noted, contrasting Mr. Pierrakakiss technocratic approach with the combative style of crisis-era minister Yanis Varoufakis.

Mr. Pierrakakis, 42, faces stiff competition from Belgiums Vincent Van Peteghem, 45, who holds a seniority advantage with five years of Eurogroup service compared to Mr. Pierrakakiss nine months.

However, the Greek minister brings an economic record that "many of his counterparts would envy," the German outlet reported. Greece was one of only six EU states to post a budget surplus in 2024, and it has slashed its debt-to-GDP ratio by 62 percentage points since 2020. The country now borrows at lower rates than France or Italy.

Mr. Pierrakakiss platform focuses on deepening financial integration, completing the EU Single Market, and developing a digital euro.

His candidacy is bolstered by his past success as digital governance minister, where he revolutionized Greek public services with the gov.gr platform.

"Electing a Greek president would send a strong message about political convergence," said Eleni Lazarou of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy.

   iefimerida.gr
Greece is rapidly solidifying its position as the central gateway for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) into Europe, following high-level talks in Washington focused on financing critical infrastructure to replace Russian energy supplies.

Senior U.S. officials met this week with Alexandros Exarchou,

CEO of AKTOR and head of Atlantic Sea LNG Trade SA, to finalize plans for broadening an existing agreement with American energy giant Venture Global

The discussions, which included meetings at the White House, centered on extending supply routes through Greece to Northern Europe, bypassing traditional transit lines.

Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate the U.S. is poised to play a key role in financing the expansion of Greek ports and storage facilities, viewing Athens as the linchpin of its export strategy.

"We need larger quantities than Venture Global alone can guarantee," Mr. Exarchou told Bloomberg in a recent interview.

He estimated that Greece will require contracts with two or three U.S. suppliers for the 20262030 period to meet demand.

Mr. Exarchou also emphasized that Greece must secure a second floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) before 2030. This infrastructure is deemed essential to support a new energy corridor supplying Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova.

The talks align with the broader strategy of President Donald Trumps administration to permanently phase out European reliance on Russian natural gas.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy Joshua Volz stated that rapid public-private coordination is now crucial "to ensure sufficient American LNG flows into Europe through Greece."

Highlighting the diplomatic weight of the partnership, Mr. Exarchou attended a reception at the White House and the Kennedy Center Honors gala on Sunday, hosted by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Formal announcements regarding the new financing deals are expected later this year.

   iefimerida.gr
U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle and Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis have agreed to deepen intelligence sharing and border security cooperation, fortifying Greeces role as a critical shield against organized crime and terrorism in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Meeting at the ministry in Athens alongside

Greek Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dimitrios Mallios, the two officials focused on expanding joint operations to tackle transnational threats radiating from the Western Balkans.

Mr. Chrysochoidis described Greece as a "pillar of security," citing the nation's low crime rates and its strategic importance in stabilizing the regions southern flank.

A central agenda item was the implementation of stricter screening protocols under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

Mrs. Guilfoyle emphasized that while facilitating business and tourism travel remains a priority for the Trump administration, maintaining the privilege requires rigorous adherence to enhanced biometric and data-sharing standards mandated by the Department of Homeland Security.

Mrs. Guilfoyle expressed optimism about future U.S. investments in Greek security infrastructure, particularly in digital surveillance and border control technology.

The high-level talks underscore Washingtons reliance on Athens as its most stable partner in a volatile region, cementing a security alliance that now extends from defense modernization to frontline law enforcement.

   iefimerida.gr
A delivery driver from Egypt was attacked by minors in Argyroupoli. One arrest has been made, and two more individuals have been identified.
The decision of the EBU regarding Israels participation in Eurovision is backed by the ERT and the Prime Ministers Office, with P. Marinakis stating that the opposition would score a 12 from all countries in a contest of ideological bias.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has shut down rumours that he is planning to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The rumour started after the PRP Publicity Secretary in Bauchi claimed the governor was secretly trying to join their party to escape the crisis in the PDP.

But in a quick response on Wednesday, Governor Mohammed, through his Special Adviser on Media, Muhktar Gidado, said the reports were baseless.

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He said the governor has actually been one of the strongest voices trying to fix the PDP and save it from those trying to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

The statement added that the PRP had shown its true colours with the false claim, warning Bauchi residents that all that glitters is not gold.

Gidado insisted that nothing will stop Governor Mohammed from focusing on developing Bauchi State.

However, the governor also noted that he still has the constitutional right to defect if he ever chooses to.

He said he can decide his political future at any time, but such a decision will never be forced by political turncoats who survive on lies and mischief.
Philly artist Amir Bey Richardson in his home studio on Dec. 1, 2025. He works at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, and his music has been used twice on ABC's Abbott Elementary. Read more

When Philly artist Amir Bey Richardson first uploaded his rap songs online in 2010, he was told his music was too corny to garner an audience.

I definitely had friends who encouraged me, but I had other friends who used to call it bus driver rap, Richardson said. Or they said, Too many people rap. Get out of here.

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Today, Richardson is a go-to musician-for-hire for major network shows, including for the Emmy-winning, Philly-set comedy series Abbott Elementary.

Richardson, who goes by Bul Bey, knows his music doesnt have the same musical edge that has long defined Philadelphias hip-hop sound. But he makes up for it with his more soulful and personal hip-hop records that speak to his West Philly roots and connect with a wider range of rap fans.

Philadelphia is one of those cities where rapping is held to a higher standard, so I had to listen to my heart, he said. I was an artist whether I wanted to be one or not.

While his sound didnt match that of his contemporaries, he believes it sets him apart from other Philly artists.

On the Oct. 22 episode of Abbott Elementary, Richardsons 2024 track Elbow Deep can be heard in the background as characters Gregory and Janine (played by Tyler James Williams and show creator Quinta Brunson), set the vibe for a friendly hangout.

I lost my mind when I heard it, Richardson said. There are some explicit moments in the song, but when I saw the scene, it all made total sense.

This was the second time Richardsons music was placed in the hit series.

Back in February 2022, Richardson sent an awkward introductory message on LinkedIn to Abbott Elementary music supervisor Kier Lehman. Among the tens of tracks Richardson pulled from his catalog to include in that message, the 2014 single Where Im From struck a chord with Lehman.

In early 2023, the Grammy-nominated music supervisor reached out to Richardson to request the use of Where Im From for season two, episode 19, of the show.

Richardson said hes still processing the achievement. Sometimes I go back to the episode just to make sure it wasnt changed, he said.

That song placement, Richardson said, arrived at a time of desperation.

After a decade of making music, Richardson was at a creative crossroads. He was confident in his musical talents, but it felt like there were limited avenues to showcase them. I felt very lost and desperate, he said.

He stumbled onto Abbott Elementary like everyone else. Only he paused the TV to find Lehmans name in the credits and reached out to him months later on the networking platform.

While hes now embarrassed by his direct message to Lehman, the eventual song placement was the first time Richardson was ever paid for his music.

That was definitely me crossing a threshold, he said. And in my mind, I was like, I have to do that again.

It would be two years until that would happen. Earlier this year, Lehman reached out to Richardson to use Elbow Deep. Richardson approved immediately.

In the meantime, that first placement opened several creative doors.

Between his role as an event coordinator for the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, Richardson dropped a pair of collaborative EPs with producers Sam Live and Patrick Feliciano. He also contributed music to WHYY programs, such as Albies Elevator and The Infinite Art Hunt, and served as host of the Franklin Institutes So Curious podcast.

He was even tapped to narrate a Skechers ad featuring Sixers star Joel Embiid, showcasing his abilities as a voice-over talent.

Its all been a surprising path, Richardson said. One that has inspired him to pursue avenues that meld his love of music and Philadelphia.

It let me know I had a narrower view of what I could do as an artist, Richardson said. I wouldnt say Im doing unconventional things, but its more of a wider range.

His goal is to be a more notable name for big-budget shows and eventually land a placement on a blockbuster film. He currently has his sights on Sonys animated Spider-Man multiverse saga, which Lehman served as the music supervisor for in 2018.

For someone who started out making songs from his college radio station at Pittsburghs La Roche University, and now sees his name on TV screens, Richardson has learned to avoid limiting his art and musical reach. And to the friends who previously doubted his abilities, hes proving his music can take him places hes never been, including prime-time television.
Noel Yanes seen here being arrested in a photo provided by the U.S. Marshals Service was returned to Pennsylvania late Wednesday to face trial on sex crimes charges, officials said Thursday. Read more

A Warminster man who fled to his native El Salvador last year after he was charged with sex crimes against children was extradited to Bucks County on Thursday to face trial for sexually assaulting three girls, including a 5-year-old authorities say he raped multiple times.

Noel Yanes, 45, is charged with rape, statutory sexual assault of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and related crimes.

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Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn said Yanes arrest was a testament to the pursuit of justice for those who harm children.

To those who commit crimes against the most vulnerable and believe they can evade accountability by fleeing across borders, this should serve as a clear message: You will be found, apprehended, and brought back to face the consequences of your actions, she said.

After months of investigation into the case and Yanes whereabouts by local and federal authorities, he was arraigned in district court in Warminster early Thursday and remained in custody on 10% of $500,000 bail. There was no indication he had hired an attorney.

Investigators in Bucks County learned of the assaults in February 2024, when one of the girls told police Yanes had raped her multiple times at a home on Tollhouse Road in Warminster where he was living at the time, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. She said the assaults began when she was 5 years old and continued for six years.

A second girl told police Yanes groped her in Wildwood, at a park in Doylestown, and at the same Warminster home where the other girl said she was raped. She said the assaults began when she was 4 and continued for two years.

The third girl said Yanes sexually assaulted her when she was 8 years old as they swam together in a pool at a home in Warminster Township, the affidavit said. Yanes groped her while he was spinning her around, holding her by her ankles, she said, and he groped her twice more later in the day.

Yanes fled the country shortly after the charges against him were filed in February 2024. He was on the run there for 11 months before U.S. marshals received a tip about his whereabouts, and his capture was a collaboration between local prosecutors and the Department of Justice, officials said Thursday.
Jose Aviles, former vice president for enrollment and student success at Temple University, has taken a leadership role at Rutgers University. Read more

Jose A. Aviles, who abruptly resigned last month as Temple Universitys head of enrollment, has taken a leadership role at Rutgers University.

Aviles has been named senior vice president for enrollment management and student success at New Jerseys flagship university.

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Dr. Aviles commitment to data-informed, student-centered leadership will be pivotal to strengthening student recruitment, expanding access and enhancing student success metrics, Rutgers said in its announcement.

At Rutgers, the overall enrollment neared 71,500 this year, up 3.2%.

When Aviles announced his exit from Temple, he told The Inquirer he was leaving for a life-changing opportunity.

 READ MORE: Temples head of enrollment abruptly resigns

Aviles, who served as Temples vice president for enrollment and student success for 2 years, joined the North Philadelphia school in 2023, after about six years at Louisiana State University.

In that experience at LSU, he has a tie to Rutgers new president, William F. Tate IV, who led the Baton Rouge university from 2021 to this July, when he took the helm at Rutgers.

Aviles left Temple with recent successes under his belt; he had recently been promoted from a vice provost to a vice president.

Jose has reimagined enrollment management at the university over the last couple of years, helping move us to a modern, technology- and data-driven approach that has delivered results, Temple president John Fry and interim provost David Boardman said to the campus community last month.

They noted the university achieved growth in first-year enrollment the last two years, with this years group reaching a record high of 5,379.

The university also under Aviles tenure started the Temple Promise program, which makes tuition and fees free for first-time, full-time college students from low-income families who live in Philadelphia, and the Temple Future Scholars program, a mentoring and college-readiness initiative.

While Temples first-year class was strong, the school fell short of its initial overall enrollment projection by about 700 students, which translates to about $10 million in lost revenue.

The university had been estimating it would enroll a total of 30,100 to 30,300 students, which would have been its first enrollment increase since 2017.

Instead, enrollment came in at 29,503, down about 500 from last year and further declining from its high of more than 40,000 eight years ago. (That does not include enrollment on its Japan and Rome campuses, which increased. Including those campuses, Temples overall enrollment was over 33,000, a slight increase from last year.)

There have also been concerns about sophomore retention and a higher percentage of third- and fourth-year students not returning.
Janine Spruill is on the studio set at Lil' Filmmakers Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. The Roxborough based nonprofit and other community groups claim they have been unable to access their funds managed by FNC, which insists it's not a case of embezzlement or financial malfeasance. Read more

Lil Filmmakers, a Roxborough-based nonprofit, was supposed to have $170,000 in the bank.

The mission of helping young people become storytellers through film and media had caught the attention of major donors in 2025. The city awarded it a $28,000 anti-violence grant, and one of Michael Jordans charitable organizations issued a separate $35,000 grant. Funding should not have been a problem, according to CEO Janine Spruill, who started the program in 1999.

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But on Aug. 27, neither she nor her four staffers, nor her summer program participants, had gotten paid by the Federation of Neighborhood Centers, the Philadelphia nonprofit that managed their money.

She remembers FNC staff telling her they had decided not to process payroll because they were trying to figure some things out. Without specifics, Spruill walked away suspecting the worst.

I went into a bit of a panic mode, Spruill said, upset that she hadnt even been given a heads-up. I ended up crying my eyes out because I said, Oh, my God, I raised all this money, and theyre telling me they dont have it.

Other organizations that had contracts with FNC soon realized that they, too, were having issues accessing their funds. They reported overdue invoices, payroll issues, and spotty communication with FNC.

As the weeks turned into months, Spruill said, FNC would not let her access the money she had raised. She had to launch emergency fundraisers.

The announcement many of the groups dreaded arrived in November. FNCs grant management services  known as a fiscal sponsorship program in the nonprofit world  would shut down Dec. 31.

This choice does not come lightly, said FNCs announcement on its website. It comes after years of carrying work that we believed in wholeheartedly  often beyond our capacity  because we care deeply about every project, every leader, and every community member who trusted us with their mission.

FNCs collapse, by its own admission, is a story of an organization that grew too quickly and let basic accounting principles go by the wayside. Demir Moore, the nonprofits new CEO as of Aug. 26 and a former Lil Filmmakers intern, insisted FNCs collapse was due to a lapse of management and absolutely not attributable to malfeasance or embezzlement.

FNC spent itself into a deficit over the course of years, continuously using money belonging to one group to pay for another, according to Thaddeus Squire of Social Impact Commons, an organization aiding FNC as it winds down.

That deficit started to become unrecoverable, he said. Money that was borrowed was not put back.

Moore declined to say how much money FNC has or how many groups are affected by the end of the fiscal sponsorship program. FNC has about 50 groups on its rolls, he said, but some have not been active or have no funds with the nonprofit.

Still, it is unclear how the nonprofit was able to operate the way it did for years. Sorting out just how FNCs fiscal sponsorship program unraveled is going to take time, Moore said, declining to comment on leadership turnover in the last year.

Attempts to reach past FNC leadership for insight on what transpired were unsuccessful.

And while Moore described a round-the-clock effort to sort out how much every group should have in its account, he would not say for certain whether groups would get all their funds back by the time FNC shuts down.

When the safe approach loses control

When run right, a fiscal sponsor can be a boon to newer community groups that do not have a tax-exempt status. By contracting with fiscal sponsors, which are registered as 501c3s, these smaller groups can apply for grants.

Donors are left assured that a more established nonprofit is guiding the smaller or newer group, said Brian Mittendorf, the H.P. Wolfe Chair in Accounting at Ohio State University, who specializes in nonprofit accounting.

Financial difficulties at fiscal sponsors are much less frequent just because their position  is typically an indicator that they have strong financial controls and other infrastructure in place, he said, adding that signing with a fiscal sponsor is often viewed as the safe approach.

Fiscal sponsors can also be of much help to registered nonprofits that would rather focus on providing services than on managing administrative tasks.

In exchange for a fee, the sponsor signs on to manage and distribute grants, offer reports, and take on a range of tasks, such as payroll or legal questions, giving community groups peace of mind.

For Lil Filmmakers, the promise of back-office support led it to contract with FNC nearly a decade ago. Spruill said the monthly accounting report FNC sent her would sometimes require adjustments, but she cited no major issues until this year.

The first red flag came in March. Spruill said FNC did not pay the rent for Lil Filmmakers studio in Roxborough. FNC ultimately took care of the late fees and cut the rent check, so Spruill said she chalked it up as a one-time occurrence.

What Spruill and other community group leaders could not see was an organization Moore said could not keep up with its own expansion. The nonprofit recorded a revenue of $774,000 in 2019 tax filings, which peaked at $4.76 million in 2023.

A years-old message from then-CEO Jerry Tapley remained on the FNC website until this summer, touting more than 50 projects ranging from urban farming and the arts to animal rescue work. The organizations work affected 250,000 people annually in Philadelphia and beyond, he wrote.

Moore said that as the nonprofit grew, FNC was not always collecting key documentation, such as receipts. Community groups were allowed to draw checks for funds they did not have, and balance statements given to groups were out of date or inaccurate.

When Moore stepped down as FNC board president and took over as CEO, the first thing he did, in an attempt to take stock of finances and accounts, was freeze outgoing payments.

While Moore described the move as a necessary first step, community groups struggled to pay for basic overhead, and some sought outside help. Soon, Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia and Social Impact Commons, an organization that supports fiscal sponsors, were working with FNC  but it was too late.

There did not appear to be any nefarious intent behind the mismanagement, Social Impact Commons Squire said, but FNCs system allowed some projects to spend into the negative and for debt to snowball.

Social Impact Commons recommended FNC shut down its fiscal sponsorship program and stop trying to catch up, according to Squire.

Clarity may not come for at least several more weeks

Sharon Wilson, Lil Filmmakers attorney, said one of her biggest frustrations is what she finds to be a general lack of transparency as FNC winds down operations, despite her repeated requests for updates in writing.

All of the information that was learned about FNCs internal problems, and the fact they were failing other nonprofits other than Lil Filmmakers, was all gleaned outside of them, she said.

The way Moore explains it, the reason FNC has not outright said all community groups would be made whole is that figuring out who is owed what will take at least several more weeks. He said FNC does have funds available, but until the reconciliation process is complete, no final conclusions can be made about individual project balances or what each projects final financial position will be.

For now, multiple third parties, including the city, are working to move the process along.

The Philadelphia Office of Public Safety, for example, said Lil Filmmakers and three other anti-violence grant recipients with awards managed by FNC are in different parts of the process. Together, the groups had roughly $380,000 in city-issued funds awarded, which the city said are largely accounted for.

Though the final spending report for Lil Filmmakers remains in dispute, it might be resolved by the end of the month, according to the city.

In the meantime, a public safety office spokesperson said staffers were working with organizations to help close their accounts with FNC and offering technical assistance to its grant recipients, including bookkeeping and fiscal sponsor matchmaking.

Still, the office said, there is not much it can do for other grants awarded by other donors.

Complicating money matters further, some organizations used a California-based fundraising platform called Flipcause to collect donations. Last month, Californias attorney general sent a cease-and-desist order to the company, ordering it to halt operations after more than a dozen nonprofits in the state accused Flipcause of withholding funds. The platform also faces a class-action lawsuit in federal court.

In all, Moore said, FNC organizations have about $100,000 being withheld by Flipcause; Lil Filmmakers is not one of them.

Moore did not rule out that some groups might have less in their accounts than they were initially told in their FNC financial statements because of accounting discrepancies.

Squire went a step further, adding that philanthropic fundraising would be necessary.

Were cautiously optimistic that despite a lot of genuine harm thats been done, that we can at least get people sorted out and back on their feet in the next few months, Squire said.

The goal, he said, is that each of the groups needing to be placed with a new fiscal sponsor to access their money will have a new one by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

The results of the internal audits will likely determine any legal recourse or investigations. For example, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, part of the Department of State, can impose fines against charities and revoke their registrations if they are found to be violating the state laws that govern them.

But Spruill, her staff, and her teaching artists cannot afford to keep waiting.

Lil Filmmakers has launched another fundraising campaign, this time for $50,000, so programming can continue uninterrupted.

When speaking about the financial setback, Spruill remains defiant.

We refuse to let this stop the stories that need to be told, reads her plea to donors.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia was freed from an immigration detention center in Pennsylvania on Thursday evening following a federal judges order earlier in the day that compelled his release, marking a significant development in a case that has served as a test of the deportation powers of President Donald Trumps administration.

An attorney for Abrego Garcia confirmed his clients release, telling the Associated Press that he left the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, where he had been held since late September, just before 5 p.m. Abrego Garcia, whose case gained international attention earlier this year after he was deported to the notorious CECOT prison in his native El Salvador before being ordered returned, will return to Maryland.

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The government still has plenty of tools in their toolbox, plenty of tricks up their sleeve, attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Were going to be there to fight to make sure there is a fair trial.

Abrego Garcias release came after Maryland U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had detained him with no legal basis. In an order issued Thursday morning, Xinis ordered ICE to release him immediately.

Since Abrego Garcias return from wrongful detention in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without lawful authority, the judge wrote. For this reason, the Court will GRANT Abrego Garcias Petition for immediate release from ICE custody.

The Department of Homeland Security was highly critical of the release order, calling it naked judicial activism by a judge who was appointed by President Barack Obama, a Democrat.

This order lacks any valid legal basis, and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts, said Tricia McLaughlin, the departments assistant secretary.

Abrego Garcia entered the United States without permission at age 16, then settled in Maryland, and later married and started a family. An immigration judge ruled in 2019 that he could be deported, but not to El Salvador, where he faced threats of gang violence. The Trump administration, which claimed Abrego Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang, nonetheless deported him to that country in March, and his wife successfully sued to bring him back.

His case went on to become a rallying point for those who oppose Trumps immigration crackdown. Upon his return, he was charged with human trafficking  an allegation his lawyers called preposterous and vindictive. Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty in that case and filed a motion to dismiss the charges.

Though Abrego Garcia cannot legally be deported to El Salvador, ICE has sought to deport him to several African countries, including Eswatini, Ghana, and Uganda. In her order, Xinis wrote that none of these countries were ever viable options and noted that Costa Rica  where Abrego Garcia indicated he would prefer to be deported should he be removed  never rescinded an offer to accept him, as officials previously alleged.

But Costa Rica had never wavered in its commitment to receive Abrego Garcia, just as Abrego Garcia never wavered in his commitment to resettle there, Xinis wrote.

A transfer to Pennsylvania

After being held at a detention center in Virginia following his return to the United States in June, Abrego Garcia was transferred to Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Western Pennsylvania. Known as Moshannon, the facility is run by the Florida-based private prisons giant GEO Group.

In a recent Inquirer report, current and former detainees described grim and crowded conditions at the facility, with 75 men sleeping together in a pod, sharing six toilets and three showers among them. The facility is the largest detention center in the northeastern United States, capable of holding nearly 1,900 prisoners, The Inquirer previously reported.

ICE officials said at the time of Abrego Garcias transfer that his detention to Moshannon would allow his lawyers easier access to their client. Abrego Garcias attorneys, however, raised concerns about the conditions at the facility, saying there had been reports of assaults, inadequate medical care, and insufficient food there.

In a separate immigration court action filed in August, Abrego Garcia petitioned to reopen his immigration case to seek asylum in the United States. That case remains ongoing.

In her order releasing Abrego Garcia, Xinis wrote that federal authorities did not just stonewall the court: They affirmatively misled the tribunal. Xinis also dismissed the federal governments arguments that the court did not have jurisdiction to rule on a final order of removal, noting that such an order had not been filed.

Thus, Abrego Garcias request for immediate release cannot touch upon the execution of a removal order if no such order exists, she wrote.

Staff writers Jeff Gammage and Max Marin contributed to this article, which contains information from the Associated Press.
District Attorney Larry Krasner, opens up the press conference and introduces speakers to update the community about the recent shooting near Shepard Recreation Center, in Philadelphia, Pa., on Wednesday, August, 17, 2022. Read more

A federal judge has found that the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office provided incomplete and misleading information as it sought to overturn the death sentence of a man who killed an East Mount Airy couple inside their home in 1984, then shut off the heat and left their infant daughter inside to die.

In a blunt opinion issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Mitchell Goldberg said top prosecutor Larry Krasners administration had failed to conduct a careful review of Robert Whartons case before asking Goldberg to vacate the death penalty and order Wharton to serve a life sentence instead. Goldberg said the review by prosecutors was patently deficient for failing to mention that Wharton had previously been convicted of violently trying to escape from a City Hall courtroom.

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In addition, Goldberg found that Krasners office had provided a false account of its interactions with the victims relatives, including their daughter, Lisa Hart-Newman, who survived the attack. Goldberg said prosecutors filed documents suggesting that the family of Ferne and Bradley Hart had consented to a request to vacate Whartons death sentence, which the judge said was not true.

As a result, Goldberg admonished two top supervisors in Krasners office, Nancy Winkelman and Paul George, who were involved in seeking to overturn Whartons death sentence, saying they violated federal rules of procedure in a manner that was egregious and exceptional.

And though he declined to impose specific penalties against them  or levy financial penalties on the District Attorneys Office, which he also said violated court rules  he ordered that Krasner personally write apology letters to four of the Harts relatives, including their daughter.

Prosecutors directed representations to the Court that the Office had carefully reviewed the facts when in fact that did not occur, Goldberg wrote, adding: If the District Attorneys Office files [documents] on a misleading presentation of the facts, it attempts to misuse the Courts power.

Jane Roh, spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office, said prosecutors strongly disagree with Judge Goldbergs ruling and are currently evaluating our options.

District Attorney Krasner and the District Attorneys Office fully support ADA Nancy Winkelman and ADA Paul Georges official conduct and professional ethics, including in their handling of this case, she added.

The opinion was the latest chapter in a yearslong appeals process in Whartons case.

Wharton, now 59, was convicted along with a coconspirator in the 1984 strangulation and drowning deaths of the Harts inside their East Mount Airy home. The DAs Office had consistently opposed Whartons attempts to have his death sentence overturned but changed course in 2019 after Krasner  an opponent of capital punishment  took office.

Goldberg at the time said the DAs Office had not provided an adequate explanation for its change in stance, and he asked the Attorney Generals Office to provide materials he said the DAs Office wasnt sharing as it asked Goldberg to order Wharton removed from death row.

Among the materials the Attorney Generals Office found were documents detailing Whartons past escape attempts  which prosecutors, including Winkelman and George, later told Goldberg they were unaware of. In his opinion this week, Goldberg called it unreasonable for the DAs Office to say it had conducted a careful review of Whartons case without knowing about that history.

Whartons escape attempt resulted in a conviction that appears on his criminal history, which can be found simply by typing Whartons name into Pennsylvanias Unified Judicial System Web Portal to reveal a conviction for ESCAPE, Goldberg wrote. Yet two supervisors on the committee that recommended conceding Whartons [appeal] testified that they were unaware of the escape attempt at the time and did not know whether the District Attorney, who approved the concession, was aware of it.

Goldberg went on to criticize prosecutors for what he called their numerous and wide-ranging explanations about the offices conduct in the appeal. He also said prosecutors hadnt considered that failing to provide him all the relevant facts could imperil his ability to make a fully informed decision about Whartons fate.

And he said prosecutors misled him by filing documents suggesting their new position in Whartons case had been communicated to  and supported by  the Harts relatives. The decision was only communicated to one family member, Goldberg said, and others  including Hart-Newman, who survived the attack  were vehemently opposed to it.

[T]he Court finds that the District Attorneys Offices statement regarding its communication with the victims family was false and yet another representation to the Court made after an inquiry that was not reasonable under the circumstances, Goldberg wrote.

The judge said Krasner must send his apology letter to the Harts relatives  and file it in court  within 30 days. And he said any future proceedings before him must be accompanied by a full, balanced explanation of facts.
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Superintendent Russell Johnston is working to address a $2.6 million budget deficit ahead of the 2027-28 school year. Read more

Hi, Greater Media! 

Last night, Delaware County Council approved a tax hike for 2026. We share more details below. Also this week, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is looking at ways to stem its budget deficit, plus Ridley Creek remediation to clean up a September oil spill is nearing completion.

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Facing a $2.6 million budget deficit for the 2027-28 school year, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is considering any idea to trim that figure.

That was the takeaway from a Monday listening session, where Superintendent Russell Johnston said the district is turning over every stone in its quest and took suggestions from the public.

Unlike neighboring districts, WSSD is predominately supported by homeowners tax dollars, many of whom already feel stretched thin, The Inquirers Denali Sagner reports.

While some attendees left the meeting feeling better about the schools objectives, others still wonder how it got in this hole in the first place.

Read more about Wallingford-Swarthmores plans to address its budget woes here.

Work to clean up oil that spilled into Ridley Creek when a tanker crashed on the Route 1 Bypass in September is nearly finished. Officials expect to wrap up next week, with road closures on Ridley Creek Road continuing until then.

Crews have been remediating the area, where an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 gallons of oil spilled, including removing contaminated soil and refilling the site, The Inquirers Torin Sweeney reports.

Read more about how crews have tackled the cleanup here.

 Community News

 Schools Briefing

Notre Dame de Lourdes School in Swarthmore took home first place in the kindergarten through eighth grade category of B101s annual Christmas Choir Competition for its rendition of Like Its Christmas. The school will receive $5,000 for its music program and will perform the winning song at the Philly Pops A Philly Holiday Spectacular on Sunday. Theres a school board meeting tonight at Penncrest High School. On Monday and Tuesday, Rose Tree Elementary will host its fifth grade band concert. Penncrest High Schools winter choral concert is on Wednesday. See RTMSDs full calendar here. Tonight is Swarthmore-Rutledge Schools winter concert, Strath Haven Highs orchestra concert is Monday, and its choral concert is Tuesday. Wallingford Elementary is hosting winter concerts on Wednesday and Thursday. See WSSDs full calendar here. WSSD is also hosting a community artificial intelligence forum tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Strath Haven Middle Schools library, where attendees can provide feedback about policies.

 On our Plate

Wonder is opening next week at the Promenade at Granite Run. The food hall at 1145 W. Baltimore Pike will host a friends and family preview Monday through Wednesday ahead of its grand opening next Thursday. The Towne House in Media has been transformed for the five-week run of Holly Jolly. The holiday decor will be on display through Jan. 4, during which time festive drinks can also be ordered. Options include the Mistletoe Kiss, made with vodka, rosemary simple syrup, lemon, and club soda, or Hollys Hot Chocolate, which gives hot cocoa a kick thanks to vanilla vodka and Irish cream. Santa will be making a stop in Glen Mills this weekend alongside Mrs. Claus when the duo visit Harvest Seasonal Grill Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kids can also decorate cookies during the holiday brunch buffet. Tickets are $25 for children and $35 for adults. Reservations are required.

 Things to Do

 Night Market: Swarthmore merchants will stay open later on Friday, and there will also be pop-up vendors, food, drinks, and an ugly sweater competition.  Friday, Dec. 12, 5-8 p.m.  Pay as you go  Swarthmore town center

 The Newspaper Taxis: Hear tunes from this Beatles tribute band.  Friday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m.  Free  Shere-E-Punjab, Media

 Cookie Walk: Love holiday cookies but dont love baking? Or just want to get a larger array? This annual event lets attendees pick and pay for the homemade sweets they want.  Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.  Pay as you go  Middletown Church, Media

 Cocoa and Photos with the Clauses and Friends: Write a letter to Santa, decorate cookies, and pose for festive photos with Olaf, Jolly Bear, and the big man himself.  Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon  Free  Media Community Center

 Chanukah Village: A number of stores throughout Media will host crafts and other activities in celebration of the first night of the holiday. A 4:30 p.m. menorah lighting will be held at the Delaware County Courthouse.  Sunday, Dec. 14, 3-5 p.m.  Free  Various locations

 On the Market

Built in 2022, this spacious townhouses first floor features an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, which has access to a deck overlooking the woods. There are four bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with double vanities and a walk-in closet. It also has a finished walk-out basement with a full bathroom, and access to the community clubhouse and a tot lot. Theres an open house this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

See more photos of the townhouse here.

Price: $815,000 | Size: 3,640 SF

 What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

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This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.
The Rocky statue is shown at the top of the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum last December. Read more

Keep punching, Rocky.

Creative Philadelphias proposal to permanently install a Rocky statue at the top of the Philadelphia Art Museums famed steps is one step closer to reality following a Philadelphia Art Commission meeting Wednesday, though the plan fell short of receiving final approval following a mixed vote. Three commissioners voted to approve the concept, while one disapproved and two abstained.

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And, in perhaps bigger news to supporters, if the plan goes through, the screen-used statue that sits at the bottom of the Art Museum steps would be moved to the top thanks to what appears to be a change of heart from the Italian Stallion himself, Sylvester Stallone. Initially, the city planned to give the original statue back to Stallone, who gifted it to Philadelphia decades ago, and keep the other casting that now sits at the top of the Art Museum steps.

In response to the strong and heartfelt feedback from the public, Mr. Stallone has graciously decided that we will no longer move forward with the proposed statue swap, chief cultural officer Valerie V. Gay said at Wednesdays meeting. This outcome reflects our shared commitment to listening deeply to the community and doing what is best for both the art and the people who cherish it.

Now, the city would keep the original, commissioned by Stallone for 1982s Rocky III, while the second casting  reportedly purchased for about $403,000 at an auction in 2017  would go back into the actors private collection. The second casting has been on (supposedly temporary) display at the top of the Art Museums iconic steps since last December, when Stallone lent it to the city for the inaugural RockyFest, which celebrates the Rocky franchise.

What will happen, however, remained up in the air following Wednesdays meeting. Commission members largely cited concerns over accessibility and feasibility with moving the Rocky statue to the top of the Art Museum steps, but ultimately approved the concept on the condition that Creative Philadelphia present further information before a future vote for final approval. The art commission is next slated to meet Jan. 14, members said Wednesday.

The goal, Gay said, is to have only one Rocky statue at the Art Museum, and install another, as-yet-unannounced, city-owned statue at the bottom of the buildings steps where the original Rocky statue now stands.

It will not be Rocky, Gay said. Philly, it should be noted, has a third Rocky statue at Philadelphia International Airport, which made its debut late last month in Terminal A-West.

If approved, the plan would get underway next year. As part of Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments, an Art Museum exhibit slated to run from April to August, the original Rocky statue would be displayed inside the museum for the first time, while the loaner remains outside. At the conclusion of that exhibit, the original would be moved outside to the top of the Art Museums steps for its permanent installation, and the loaner would go back to Stallone, officials said Wednesday.

Years of moves and debate

Wednesdays meeting marked yet another chapter in the Rocky statues controversial history in town. It arrived for the filming of Rocky III, but when the shoot wrapped in 1981, a permanent location had not been approved, causing it to be shipped back to Los Angeles. It ultimately came back and was temporarily exhibited again at the top of the Art Museum steps before being moved back and forth several times between that location and the Spectrum at the stadium complex in South Philly.

Over the years, the statue has ignited public debate about whether it should be displayed at the Art Museum, and whether it is art in the first place. Still, it has been on display at the foot of the museums steps since 2006, where it has served as a draw for tourists and residents alike, attracting an estimated 4 million visitors per year, Creative Philadelphia officials said.

Inquirer readers largely said in September that the statue temporarily installed at the top has overstayed its welcome, with about 46% of respondents to one poll saying no Rocky statue belongs at the top of the steps, but the one at the bottom should stay. Roughly 20% said the city should not have a Rocky statue at all.

Gay, however, said Wednesday that the proposed permanent Rocky statue installation offers a chance to allow art to bring our community together and encourage visitors to the statue to take in the art on display inside the museum.

This is absolutely an amazing opportunity to expand our connection, our communitys connection, with art, she said.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker speaks to the crowd at the Church of Christian Compassion in West Philadelphia on Sunday. Parker visited 10 churches that day to share details about her H.O.M.E. housing plan. Read more

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is traveling around the city to tout her $2 billion plan to invest in 30,000 new or renovated homes. Yet, one of the key city departments for ensuring her plan is enacted safely is facing questions about transparency and efficiency.

If Parkers affordable housing initiative is to succeed, it needs clear answers and greater efficacy from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

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In many ways, L&I performs one of the most quintessential duties of local government: regulating local businesses and inspecting property. Despite the essential nature of their work, the department has not always met the standards Philadelphians deserve. For decades, it was known for corruption, with rogue inspectors accused of accepting bribes.

In 2013, these issues metastasized into a catastrophe. A building being improperly demolished on Market Street collapsed onto the Salvation Army store next door, killing six people. An inspector took his own life, blaming his own actions for the disaster, even as city officials strongly defended his integrity.

Mayor Jim Kenney appointed David Perri to lead L&I in 2015 with a mandate to effect transformational change, root out corruption, and embrace new ways of doing things. One of the changes Perri made was to the system of tracking vacant and abandoned properties. In the past, inspectors would verify vacancy by doing a windshield survey. This meant driving by homes to look for physical signs of abandonment. The method was inefficient, and the counts were almost certainly inaccurate.

 READ MORE: Parker and City Council must find common ground on affordable housing | Editorial

The department partnered with the citys Office of Innovation and Technology to create a new way of tracking vacancies. They used data from the Water Department, Peco, and other city sources that strongly indicate abandonment.

This information was not only used by the city, but also by groups like Clean and Green Philly, which aims to reduce gun violence by cleaning up empty lots. According to a study led by University of Pennsylvania physician Eugenia South, keeping these lots from becoming sources of blight, trash, and disorder helps reduce shootings.

Then, without warning, the database disappeared.

According to Nissim Liebovits, the founder of Clean and Green Philly, it was down for 16 months before being restored. Even before its disappearance, it had significantly fewer properties listed than expected.

While the data is available again on the citys Open Data portal, residents still deserve to know what happened. City officials have yet to provide an adequate explanation for the disparity or the gap in publication.

Beyond the missing data sets, L&I also struggles with understaffing and political pressure, particularly from members of City Council. Despite many quality inspectors joining the department in the years following the 2013 collapse, outside pressures often led them to leave city government. Union leaders called it a mass exodus.

The workers themselves said they were often told to ignore violations by bigger developers and contractors, while also being urged to come down harshly on smaller entities.

 READ MORE: If skill games cannot be banned, Harrisburg must act to regulate and tax | Editorial

The U.S. attorney who oversaw the investigation into the Market Street collapse said the remaining inspectors are overworked and have too many buildings to handle. Meanwhile, Council members regularly divert departmental resources away from the backlog and toward their pet issues. They also seek to put their finger on the scales to help or hinder projects.

A city controller report from earlier this year cited insufficient enforcement of the citys building regulations, with construction crews across the city operating without licenses or work permits. Meanwhile, some contractors with suspended licenses and records of shoddy work have resumed doing business simply by changing their names.

Philadelphia cannot afford further backsliding at L&I, particularly when the city has committed to increasing the rate of construction. Mayor Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson must work together to provide adequate staffing, restore full transparency, and insulate inspectors from the kind of political pressures that routinely interrupt regular business and contribute to the backlog of unfinished work.

The ability to call up an inspector and get immediate results may be politically beneficial for the citys elected leaders and a few lucky constituents, but the squeaky wheel approach must end if the department is ever going to systematically address ongoing concerns.

Parker says she wants Philadelphia to be Americas cleanest, greenest, and safest city, with economic opportunity for all. Her One Philly dream can only be achieved if residents feel they can trust L&I to work for all.
Emil Bove, a Philadelphia-based federal appeals court judge and a staunch defender of President Donald Trump, received an ethics complaint against him for attending the presidents rally in Pennsylvania. Read more

Emil Bove, a judge in Philadelphias federal appeals court and a staunch defender of President Donald Trump, faces an ethics complaint over his decision to attend the presidents rally in Pennsylvania earlier this week.

The complaint, written by Gabe Roth, who leads the advocacy group Fix the Court, was filed Wednesday with the chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Philadelphia. It alleges that Boves attendance at the campaign-style rally  which was billed as the first stop on an economic tour but went off-script with partisan attacks on immigrants and his critics  violated parts of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges.

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That code includes provisions that a judge should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities and should refrain from political activity, the complaint noted.

I believe Judge Bove has violated multiple Canons of the Code of Conduct, should be admonished for his behavior and should be subject to any other discipline under the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act that the Chief Judge and the Judicial Council deem fit, Roth wrote in the complaint, questioning whether Boves attendance hindered his impartiality as a judge.

A spokesperson for the Third Circuit, where Bove has been serving since his contentious confirmation in July, declined to comment. White House communications director Steven Cheung wrote in a post on X that it is not unusual for a judge, like Bove, to be at a rally.

Stop your pearl-clutching, Cheung wrote in response to another user. An American citizen is at an event listening to the President of the United States speak. In your world, youd rather give rights to illegal criminals over Americans.

At Tuesdays event, Bove said that he was just here as a citizen coming to watch the president speak, according to a reporter from MS NOW, formerly MSNBC.

Trump nominated Bove, who had worked as his personal criminal-defense attorney before the president chose him for a prestigious Justice Department role, in May to fill a vacant seat on the Philadelphia-based court. He was confirmed 50-49 by the U.S. Senate in July, with two Republicans voting with Democrats to oppose his appointment. The confirmation solidified Bove, whose career highlights have been defined by his loyalty to Trump, in a lifetime appointment on the bench.

Soon after coming into office in January, Trump tapped Bove to serve a key role in his administrations plans to revamp the Justice Department. Bove oversaw swaths of firings and resignations, threatened consequences for officials who did not comply with the Trump administrations immigration agenda, and secured the vexed dismissal of corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

He has also been the subject of whistleblower allegations. In June, a former high-ranking department lawyer accused Bove of saying U.S. officials should consider resisting court orders blocking deportations of alleged gang members.

Bove denied these allegations during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee by saying, I did not suggest that there would be any need to consider ignoring court orders.

In July, new whistleblower accounts emerged from organizations representing former Justice Department employees. One alleged that an employee was concerned about Bove actively and deliberately undermining the rule of law when it came to court orders in an immigration case.

Another whistleblower said they had evidence that Bove was not truthful to the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing.

As to what could happen to Bove next when it comes to the misconduct complaint, the chief judge of the Third Circuit could conduct a limited inquiry into the allegations, according to the U.S. Courts website. Then, after considering, the chief judge would dismiss or conclude the complaint or appoint a special committee of judges to investigate.
Coal miner Cody Scott, of Morgantown, West Virginia, works along the longwall of the Enlow Fork Mine. Read more

President Donald Trump professed his admiration of miners Tuesday night at his Poconos rally, contending the brave workers are so enamored of their profession that Trump wouldnt be able to convince them to swap jobs with anyone  including himself.

I love miners.  They wouldnt trade jobs with me if I gave them a beautiful, magnificent penthouse in the middle of Manhattan, where I used to live  if I gave them the most beautiful penthouse  they wouldnt take it," Trump told the crowd at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono.

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Theyd rather go 10,000 feet underground and dig. Thats what they want.

Can that be true?

Trump has long extolled the virtues of beautiful, clean coal, as he calls it, during nearly a decade of campaigning in the Keystone State.

But would miners really prefer to toil in the damp darkness, somewhere between the buried dead and the devil, rather than run the free world in a clean blue suit, with access to a lavish high-rise in the gorgeous sunshine they forsake eight hours a day?

Yes, of course, said Edmund Neidlinger, 75, a fourth-generation coal miner who dug black Pennsylvania anthracite in Schuylkill County and its environs for 40 years. He now works as mine foreman at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, a Scranton tourist attraction.

If I was offered any other job when I was mining, I would have turned it down, he said. And I wouldnt have traded the life I led for a penthouse. No way.

There is, Neidlinger believes, a passion just a few special people hold toward working with a band of headlamped brothers, risking entrapment, methane explosions, black lung from dust, and cave-echoing machine noise down in an inky coal seam to perform the ninth-most-dangerous job in the world (logging is the riskiest), as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration tells it.

You fall in love with this job, Neidlinger said. Very few people can do it. Most miners feel like its in their blood.

While its not in his veins, Trump has made coal mining a big part of his energy policy. The industry is declining, experts say, but he has signed executive orders to expand it, and has opened up new land for mining while directing agencies to scotch regulations that discriminate against coal production or coal-fired electricity generation, as one presidential order reads.

Not everyone agrees that tempting miners to abandon their coal mines would be all that difficult.

Im sure the average miner would turn down a jet plane, private island, and gold-plated toilet, too! said a sarcastic Mark Ferguson, cofounder of Woodshed: An Appalachian Joint, an online magazine dedicated to the culture of the region responsible for an immensity of U.S. coal mined over the centuries.

Cautioning people not to romanticize the lore and lure of mining, Ferguson pointed out that folks here literally had to go war with mining companies to be paid in real U.S. currency, not scrip that could only be used at the company store.

They know the value of a dollar, and sure as hell wouldnt turn a penthouse down.

The thing about mining you have to understand is, for most people, it starts out as a job you have to do, said Bob Black, 68, who dug coal for half a century in Allegheny County.

As a young man, Black wanted to be a teacher, but after his father died, Black set the dream aside and descended into the earth to work at the higher-paying job to support the family.

You go into the mine, blink your eyes, and youve been doing it for 30 years, Black said. By then, you cant imagine doing anything else.

There were days you hate, and days you love, said Black, who ultimately became a mine manager. Every ex-miner would tell you they miss fighting Mother Nature  like when the roof falls in, or when youre dealing with water coming in, he said. You cant run to Ace Hardware for help. You find solutions.

What you remember most, though, is the company of soot-faced guys, he said.

Its like a city down there, with 250 men working, spread out over 15 miles, Black said.

The camaraderie. Thats what I miss most.

So does Black think Trump was right? Would he have refused to trade 50 years of fellowship and labor in perpetual midnight for anything in the world?

Oh, no, Black said. Id have taken the penthouse. For sure.

Staff writer Julia Terruso contributed to this article.
In this 2021 file photo is Jose Pistola's restaurant in the 200 South block of 15th Street July 22, 2021. Lawmakers approved legislation this week to expand outdoor dining in the city. Read more

Philadelphia lawmakers on Thursday approved two changes to city law that are aimed at boosting business for restaurants and the hospitality sector ahead of an expected influx of tourists visiting the city next year.

During its final meeting of the year, City Council voted to approve legislation to expand outdoor dining in the city by easing the permitting process in a handful of commercial corridors.

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Legislators also voted to ban so-called reservation scalpers, which are third-party businesses that allow people to secure tables and then resell them without authorization from the restaurant.

Both measures passed Council unanimously and were championed by advocates for the restaurant industry, who lobbied lawmakers to ease burdens on the tourism and hospitality industry ahead of several large-scale events in the city next year, including celebrations for Americas Semiquincentennial, when Philadelphia is expected to host a flurry of visitors.

They both now head to the desk of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who has never issued a veto.

 READ MORE: It can take two years for a restaurant to get approved for outdoor dining. One Philly Council member is trying to make it easier

The outdoor dining legislation, authored by Councilmember Rue Landau, a Democrat who represents the city at-large, expands the number of so-called by-right zones, where businesses can have sidewalk cafes without having to obtain a special zoning ordinance.

Currently, by-right areas are only in Center City and a few commercial corridors in other neighborhoods. Restaurants outside those areas must undertake a sometimes lengthy process to get permission to place tables and chairs outside.

The expanded zones, which were chosen by individual Council members who represent the citys 10 geographic districts, include corridors in Manayunk and on parts of Washington Avenue, Passyunk Avenue, and Point Breeze Avenue in South Philadelphia.

The legislation also includes all of the West Philadelphia-based Third District, which is represented by Jamie Gauthier, the only Council member who chose to include her entire district in the expansion.

Nicholas Ducos, who owns Mural City Cellars in Fishtown, said he has been working for more than a year to get permission to place four picnic tables outside his winery. He said he has had to jump through hoops including working with multiple agencies, spending $1,500 to hire an architect, and even having to provide paperwork to the city on a CD-ROM.

There are a lot of difficult things about running a business in Philadelphia, Ducos said. This should not be one.

Council members also approved the reservation scalping legislation authored by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, a Democrat who represents the city at-large. He has said the bill is modeled after a similar law in New York and is not aimed at popular apps and websites like OpenTable, Resy, and Tock that partner directly with restaurants.

 READ MORE: Philly looks to crack down on restaurant reservation scalpers ahead of Michelin ratings

Instead, it is a crackdown on websites that dont work with restaurants, such as AppointmentTrader.com, which provides a platform for people to sell reservations and tickets to events.

Jonas Frey, the founder of AppointmentTrader.com, previously said the legislation needlessly targets his platform. He said his company put safeguards in place to prevent scalping, including shutting down accounts if more than half of their reservations go unsold.

But Thomas has cast the website and similar platforms as predatory because restaurants can end up saddled with empty tables if the reservations do not resell.

Zak Pyzik, senior director of public affairs at the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, said the legislation is an important safeguard for restaurants.

This bill provides clear, sensible protections that will keep restaurants in the drivers seat, he said, and in control of their business and their technology services.
In this January file photo, the corner of Kensington Avenue and Allegheny Avenue is pictured on a quiet, cold morning. Read more

Philadelphia lawmakers voted Thursday to ban mobile outreach groups that provide medical care and support services to people in addiction across a swath of Kensington, the epicenter of the citys drug crisis.

The vote came just days after the city began enforcing controversial new regulations in a different part of the neighborhood, where the same providers may operate only if they have a permit to do so and park in areas designated by the city.

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Taken together, the actions spearheaded by City Council members who represent Kensington and Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration amount to a major shift in how transient people who use drugs obtain medical care and basic needs like food, water, and clothing.

Many have long relied on mobile outreach services that met them on the street. Those same providers can now park only in designated areas or serve people for limited amounts of time.

 READ MORE: In battered Kensington, signs of progress

Council members who support the legislation say residents in the neighborhood do not want people in addiction lining up for medical care or support services near their homes.

Councilmember Mike Driscoll authored the bill banning mobile service providers entirely from his 6th District, which includes parts of the neighborhood that are northeast of the infamous open-air drug market at the intersection of Kensington and Allegheny Avenues.

Driscoll said his bill, which passed Council 14-3 on Thursday, is not aimed at punishing providers. He said he is open to finding a location in his district where they can operate with the citys permission.

I just dont want the service providers picking where they want to go at the expense of the kids and the neighbors, he said.

But advocates for people who use drugs slammed the bill, and said reducing access to care will not help people in addiction.

Restrictions like these will not end the opioid crisis. They will not make anyone in Kensington or District 6 safer, said Katie Glick, a nurse who treats people in addiction and lives in the neighborhood. These restrictions will disable and kill people.

In Kensington, inconsistent rules for providers

If Parker  who has never issued a veto  signs Driscolls bill, it would result in a patchwork of rules for mobile service providers in Kensington, which is represented by three different Council members.

The western side of Kensington is in the 7th District, where Councilmember Quetcy Lozadas legislation that required the permitting system applies. Organizations that do everything from handing out water to providing medical care now face a $1,000 fine for operating without a permit.

The city began enforcing those new rules on Dec. 1. No citations had been issued as of Wednesday, police said.

In the southern parts of Kensington that fall in the 1st District, represented by Councilmember Mark Squilla, no legislation applies to mobile providers.

The inconsistency is the result of councilmanic prerogative, the unwritten rule that gives Council members who represent geographic areas a large amount of sway over what happens in their districts. Lawmakers largely approve legislation offered by a district Council member when it affects only that members district.

 READ MORE: Councilmanic prerogative in Philadelphia: What you need to know

Some of Councils progressive members who represent the city at-large have bucked that practice several times on matters related to Kensington, where Parker and her allies in Council have placed an intense focus on improving quality of life.

The progressives  who favor an approach to the crisis called harm reduction that aims to keep people alive until they are ready to enter treatment  argue that placing restrictions on mobile service providers will make it harder for them to reach vulnerable people in addiction and ultimately reduce the number of providers on the street.

When human beings are trying to provide help, said Councilmember Nicolas ORourke, the attitude should never be how can we limit them.

ORourke and Councilmember Kendra Brooks, both of the Working Families Party, and Democrat Rue Landau voted against Driscolls measure.

But Lozada said implementing new regulations was not about restricting care.

Were hoping that services continue, she said. People have just moved to other spaces to find a way to be able to continue to provide the services that people need.

And Parker administration officials said the goal is not to reduce the number of providers, but to better coordinate them and ensure safety, especially for people receiving medical services.

Kensington has been a key issue for the Parker administration and Council members who have pushed for more law enforcement in the neighborhood, where sprawling homelessness, open drug use, and violent crime have been commonplace for years. There have been some signs of progress, including a reduction in the number of people living on the street.

The city has tried new tactics, including opening its own recovery house and expanding police foot patrols. The local government has also at times operated its own mobile medical services and contracts with organizations that do so.

So far, the city has issued nine permits to providers who perform mobile medical services and 40 to organizations considered nonmedical, like those that distribute food. Some of those organizations also operate in other neighborhoods.

We dont have a problem if theres five or 500 providers, said Crystal Yates-Gale, deputy managing director for health and human services. As long as theyre qualified to provide the care, and as long as we can help coordinate the care.

Despite the changes, city says people are still coming

Under the new rules, nonmedical providers are prohibited from staying in one place for more than 45 minutes. Medical providers can station on a two-block stretch of Allegheny Avenue at nighttime or at a designated parking lot at 265 E. Lehigh Ave. during the day.

That lot, which is managed by the city and addiction service provider Merakey, is connected to the citys Wellness Support Center.

Inside, people can access first aid, showers, and food, as well as get directed to treatment, legal aid, housing assistance, and other services.

In the parking lot, two mobile medical service providers run by Merakey and Kensington Hospital are currently stationed, according to Kurt August, executive director of the Philadelphia Office of Public Safetys Criminal Justice Division. He said officials are looking to expand the number of providers that operate there.

In late October, Merakey began dispensing methadone out of an RV parked in the lot. The tightly regulated opioid medication is a popular treatment for people experiencing withdrawal because it helps stave off cravings.

Raymond Bobb, a medical director at Merakey, said he has seen promising results in just a few weeks, including starting people on methadone and getting them stable enough to transition to inpatient drug treatment. Merakey offers to transport people on the street to the RV to enroll them in medication-assisted treatment.

 READ MORE: As Philadelphias Riverview recovery house expands, residents describe a whole new life away from Kensington

Weve been able to take everything right to the heart of the epidemic and engage people the way you would treat your brother, or your sister, or your family, said Bobb, who is also in recovery and became emotional when speaking about the program.

Our goal, he added, is to build people up and motivate them to want treatment for themselves.

August said retention has been high, despite the police presence at the support center. The officers, he said, were handpicked to be stationed alongside behavioral health professionals.

Its not a secret that police are on site, and people are still coming, August said.

Still, other providers have expressed concern that requiring people to travel to the lot adds an additional barrier to care, especially for those who were used to mobile services coming to them.

Sarah Laurel, who runs the addiction outreach program Savage Sisters and has a nonmedical permit, said she fears that providers who offered medication-assisted treatment on the street will now be less accessible.

However, she said, some clients greeted the news of service limits with a shrug.

The friends we serve are so used to not being heard that when they realize that services are going away, they adjust quickly to not having things, Laurel said. They just say, No one cares about us. They hate us anyway. That is how people feel seen in this city.

Staff writer Ellie Rushing contributed to this article.
The PMC Property Group's Riverwalk apartment development under construction in 2020, one of the new batch of towers that have added thousands of units to Center City. Read more

When Adam Sawyer and his wife, Marissa Tan, moved to Philadelphia in 2024 from Baltimore, they were attracted to Center City by its proximity to work and mass transit.

The couple figured if they sold their car, they could even afford to rent in one of the thousands of new, high-rise apartments that have been built across Center City over the last 10 years.

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Tan had just gotten a new job with the Cooper University Hospital in Camden, and Adam needed access to 30th Street Station for work. They eventually settled on the PMC Property Groups Riverwalk North at 23rd and Arch Streets and have been impressed by the city, its transit system, and life without a car.

One of the things I love about living in a city is that youll be walking down the street and there are five different events you didnt even know about, Sawyer said. Festivals, farmers markets, just activity, people doing things. I love that Philadelphia has so much energy.

In many ways Sawyer and Tan  who are both 35  are representative of the people who have taken up residence in the new apartment buildings across Center City. Between Pine and Vine Streets, river to river, 3,500 new apartments have opened since 2023.

Center City District (CCD) set out to learn more about who is calling these apartments home, with a survey of more than two dozen buildings constructed since 2015.

Like Sawyer and Tan, the vast majority of respondents to CCDs survey are under 45 (83%), more than half dont own a car (55%), and close to half moved from outside the Philadelphia area (44%). Sawyer works remotely like 21% of respondents, and Tan works in healthcare like 32% of them.

In a city where a fifth of all residents live in poverty, the respondents arent representative of the average Philadelphian in many ways. The buildings surveyed have an average rent of $2,645, well above the median of $1,387.

But the results show that there is a market for the kind of new buildings that are still being proposed. They also highlight that many people are attracted to the most central parts of Philadelphia because it offers more density, walkability, and other urban characteristics that few other American cities can boast.

People actively choose Philadelphia over other cities and metropolitan areas because we outperform them in some ways, said Clint Randall, vice president of Economic Development with CCD, which is funded by downtown property owners and provides advocacy and services like additional security and cleaning downtown.

The city spent so many decades shrinking, Randall said. When you see this entire skyline of high-rise apartment buildings emerge, it contradicts what longtime Philadelphians think they know about this place, which is that it does not grow or attract residents.

Reversing reverse commuting

Center City Districts survey confirmed a longtime finding of the organizations other research reports: People who live downtown are likely to work there or very close by.

In Philadelphia, reverse commuting is common, a testament to the fact that many private-sector employers have remained outside the city to avoid wage and business taxes. But among survey respondents, only 12% commuted to the suburbs for work compared to almost 40% citywide.

Over half of respondents work in either Center City or University City, and a similar proportion work in either healthcare (32%) or in the jobs more typically associated with office towers: business, professional, or financial services (27%). Twenty-one percent work from home.

A lot of people are in medicine, in healthcare. I see a lot of scrubs, said Kaz Rivera-Gorski, about her building One Cathedral Square at 17th and Race Streets.

I would imagine theres a good amount of people that work remotely, too, said Rivera-Gorski, who is a management consultant who works from home. I see people on their laptops in the shared spaces during the day.

Seventy percent of respondents said their jobs are within walking, biking, or transit distance from their homes, while 80% of them said that owning a car was not necessary to enjoy daily life in Philadelphia.

Thats part of what attracted Sawyer and Tan, even though another part of Philadelphias allure was that it was closer to family in central and eastern Pennsylvania (the couple have a Zipcar membership).

While I do drive, I really, really dislike driving, Sawyer said. Ive lost people. Everybody has, to either accidents or crashes or DUIs. So we were open to selling our car and became more and more convinced it was a good idea.

Retaining out-of-towners

Randall said that he was surprised by the proportion of CCDs respondents who reported having moved to Philadelphia from outside the region. (A recent Realtor.com report showed that Philadelphia switched from having mostly local interest in rental listings before the pandemic to mostly out-of-towners today.)

The survey also found that the majority of Center City dwellers planned to be living in Philadelphia in three to five years, with 45% planning to continue renting and 16% hoping to buy.

You hear about the transience of other places like D.C. or Boston, and it seems like people are here [in Philadelphia] and they intend to stay, Randall said.

That is certainly the goal of Annika Verma, a student at Temple University who lives in the Logan Lofts in Callowhill.

I am already calculating: Can I get an entry-level job? What salary would work for the rent in this area? Verma said. I would love to stay. The area seems ideal for me in terms of commuting or walking. Anything, everything is a 15-20 minute walk or bus ride away.

Sawyer and Tan are hoping to stay in Philadelphia, too. They are currently searching Center City for a condo to buy. They may try to stay in their current Logan Square neighborhood for its proximity to the Schuylkill River Trail and 30th Street Station.

We love it, said Sawyer, who notes that theyve lived in three cities in Texas, Cooperstown in New York, and Baltimore before this. But our favorite place weve ever lived is here in Philadelphia.
Hundreds of Philadelphians live next to dangerous abandoned buildings.

That includes Emily Phillips and her family, whose North Philly rowhouse is attached to a home they didnt know was vacant when they moved in. The empty house now has a gaping hole in the back of it, and a tree is growing inside.

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The city labeled the rowhouse imminently dangerous and at risk of collapse.

That was four months ago.

Phillips told me her family is afraid that something as simple as a slammed door could send the rowhouse next door crashing down.

My colleague Joe Yerardi and I investigated how the city tracks and handles vacant properties. We found problems.

Keep scrolling for that story and more in this weeks edition:

 Michaelle Bond

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Residents rely on the city to keep an eye on vacant properties that are or could become dangerous.

My colleague and I started looking into the link between unsafe buildings and vacancy in April as I was writing about a Sharswood family who lived next to a rowhouse that collapsed.

We had a lot of questions for the citys Department of Licenses and Inspections. During months of reporting, we found out that L&I stopped using a tool that it once said would make the department more proactive in protecting the public from deteriorating vacant buildings.

We also found that:

predominately Black areas of the city are more likely to have vacant and dangerous rowhouses nearly eight in 10 vacant and dangerous rowhouses are in the poorest 25% of the citys zip codes

When people who live next to vacant properties complain to the city, theyre often left in the dark as they worry about their families safety.

Keep reading to hear neighbors stories, learn about issues with the citys handling of vacant properties, and see what the city has to say.

And if youre living next to a vacant property and youre worried about what could happen, I have some tips on what you should do.

Heres an eye-popping stat: 3,500 new apartments have opened just in the area between Pine and Vine Streets and between the Schuylkill and the Delaware River since 2023.

You may have asked yourself whos living in all the pricey pads popping up over the last few years. Philadelphians Ive talked to have wondered the same.

Theyve suggested that these renters are New York transplants. And some of them are. More New Yorkers and other out-of-towners are looking for apartments in Philly.

Center Citys business improvement district surveyed renters at more than two dozen apartment buildings that have been constructed downtown in the last decade.

Of the people who responded to the survey:

most are between the ages of 25 and 34 theyre paying more in rent than the typical Philadelphia renter almost a third of them work in one industry in particular

Keep reading to learn more about the residents of Center Citys newest apartment buildings.

The latest news to pay attention to

Abel Tootle Jr. calls himself a maximalist at heart. And his North Philly rowhouse reflects the title.

Patterned rugs cover floors, tables, and walls. A canopy bed in the double parlor is framed by velvet and tasseled curtains. Throughout the house, books are displayed on shelves but also thoughtfully arranged on tables and stacked on floors.

Tootle estimates he owns about 3,000 of them  the culmination of 40-plus years of book collecting, trading, and selling, he said.

He had rented small apartments before he bought his house. So he took the purchase as the opportunity hes always wanted to do his thing as an amateur interior designer. He experiments with lighting, colors, and textures.

Peek inside Tootles home and see one of his most prized antiques, made in the late Victorian era.

 The market

Across the Mid-Atlantic region and the Philly area, the housing market was kinda meh in November.

In our area, the number of closed home sales was down compared to the same time last year. And properties were taking longer to sell, so home listings piled up.

Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at the multiple listing service Bright MLS, explained whats going on.

Even with somewhat lower mortgage rates, homebuyers and sellers are still very cautious, she said in a statement. Economic uncertainty and ongoing affordability challenges remain the biggest constraints on the Mid-Atlantic housing market as we head into the final stretch of 2025.

In the Philadelphia metro area last month:

There were 4,754 closed sales, down about 4% from the same time last year.

The number of homes actively listed for sale  11,685  was up almost 8% from last year.

The median sale price was $390,000, up more than 3% from last year.

 Photo quiz

Do you know the location this photo shows?

 If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter.

Last weeks quiz featured a photo of the Man Full of Trouble Tavern at 2nd and Spruce Streets.

I learned that a lot of my readers are fans of the tavern. Shoutout to Ilya S., Evan N., and Don L.  my most enthusiastic respondents.



The words cute and construction site dont usually go together in our stories.

But my colleague Kristen A. Graham wrote about some adorable second-graders who had a lot of questions for the workers building an addition on a house next to their school. And they got answers when folks from the construction company came to visit.

Story sneak peek: The students guessed that the project used four thousand million bricks.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

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WASHINGTON  Members of Congress clashed Thursday over President Donald Trumps use of the National Guard in American cities, with Republicans saying the deployments were needed to fight lawlessness while Democrats called them an extraordinary abuse of military power that violated states rights.

Top military officials faced questioning over the deployments for the first time at the hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. They were pressed by Democrats over the legality of sending in troops, which in some places were done over the objections of mayors and governors, while Trumps Republican allies offered a robust defense of the policy.

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It was the highest level of scrutiny, outside a courtroom, of Trumps use of the National Guard in U.S. cities since the deployments began and came a day after the president faced another legal setback over efforts to send troops to support federal law enforcement, protect federal facilities and combat crime.

In recent years, violent crime, rioting, drug trafficking and heinous gang activity have steadily escalated, said Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, the committee chairman. The deployments, he said, are not only appropriate, but essential.

Democrats argued they are illegal and contrary to historic prohibitions about military force on U.S. soil.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D., Ill.) said domestic deployments traditionally have involved responding to major floods and tornadoes, not assisting immigration agents who are detaining people in aggressive raids.

Trump is forcing our military men and women to make a horrible choice: uphold their loyalty to the Constitution and protect peaceful protesters, or execute questionable orders from the president, said Duckworth, a combat veteran who served in the Illinois National Guard.

Democrats ask military officials about illegal orders

Democrats asked military leaders about Trumps comments about the enemy within America and whether service members could be asked to follow orders that violate their oath.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D., Mich.) said Trumps comments about rigged elections and his rhetoric about political opponents have created a trust deficit and fueled suspicions about the domestic use of the military.

She asked Charles Young III, principal deputy general counsel at the Pentagon, whether Trump could place troops at polling places during next years election and whether such an order would be legal.

The idea sends a shiver down the spine of every American, and should whether youre a Democrat or a Republican, Slotkin said.

Young said he could not answer such a question without details, calling it a hypothetical situation. He said the Supreme Court has ruled that the president has exclusive authority to decide whether an emergency exists that could require a National Guard response.

Slotkin was one of six Democratic lawmakers who recorded a video calling on troops to uphold the Constitution and defy illegal orders. In response, Trump accused the lawmakers, all military or intelligence veterans, of sedition punishable by DEATH.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) pressed Young on news reports that the administration had dismissed advice from military lawyers on deploying Guard and bombing alleged drug boats in Latin America.

If an attorney raises concerns about the legality of military operations, do you think the appropriate response is to tell them to shut up and get out of the way? Warren asked Young.

Young denied those reports, saying leadership is very attentive to the concerns of military lawyers.

When asked about Trumps statements about an invasion within or an enemy within, Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. troops in North America, said, I do not have any indications of an enemy within.

Republicans and Democrats see the deployments differently

In one exchange, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D., Hawaii) noted how former Defense Secretary Mark Esper alleged that Trump inquired about shooting protesters during the George Floyd demonstrations. She asked whether a presidential order to shoot protesters would be lawful.

Young said he was unaware of Trumps previous comments and that orders to that effect would depend on the circumstances.

Republicans countered that Trump was within his rights  and his duty  to send in troops.

Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana, a former Navy SEAL officer, argued during the hearing that transnational crimes present enough of a risk to national security to justify military action, including on U.S. soil.

Sheehy claimed there are foreign powers actively attacking this country, using illegal immigration, using transnational crime, using drugs to do so.

Military leaders point to training

During questioning, military leaders highlighted the duties that National Guard units have carried out. Troops are trained for their specific missions, they said, and are prohibited from using force unless in self-defense.

Since the deployments began, only one civilian  in California  has been detained by National Guard personnel, Guillot said. He says the troops are trained to de-escalate tense interactions with people, but do not receive any specific training on mental health episodes.

They can very quickly be trained to conduct any mission that we task of them, Guillot said.

During the hearing, senators also offered their sympathies after two West Virginia National Guard members deployed to Washington were shot just blocks from the White House in what the citys mayor described as a targeted attack. Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died a day after the Nov. 26 shooting, and her funeral took place Tuesday. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in a Washington hospital.

Hearing follows court setback for Trump

A federal judge in California on Wednesday ruled that the administration must stop deploying the California National Guard in Los Angeles and return control of the troops to the state. The judge put the decision on hold until Monday, and the White House said it plans to appeal.

Trump called up more than 4,000 California National Guard troops in June following protests over immigration raids. It marked the first time in decades that a states National Guard was activated without a governors request and marked a significant escalation in the administrations efforts to carry out its mass deportation policy.

Trump also had announced National Guard members would be sent to Illinois, Oregon, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Other judges have blocked or limited the deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, while Guard members have not yet been sent to New Orleans.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.  Tennessee executed Harold Wayne Nichols by injection Thursday in Nashville for the 1988 rape and murder of Karen Pulley, a 20-year-old student at Chattanooga State University.

Nichols, 64, had confessed to killing Pulley as well as raping several other women in the Chattanooga area. Although he expressed remorse at trial, he admitted he would have continued his violent behavior had he not been arrested. He was sentenced to death in 1990.

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To the people Ive harmed, Im sorry, Nichols said in his final statement. Before Nichols died, a spiritual adviser spoke to him and recited the Lords Prayer. They both became emotional and Nichols nodded as the adviser talked, witnesses said.

Media witnesses reported that a sheet was pulled up to just above Nichols waist and he was strapped to a gurney with a long tube running to an IV insertion site on the inside of his elbow. There was a spot of blood near the injection site. At one point he took a very heavy breath and his whole torso rose. He then took a series of short, huffing breaths that witnesses said sounded like snorting or snoring. Nichols face turned red and he groaned. His breathing then appeared to slow, then stop, and his face became purple before he was pronounced dead, witnesses said.

Nichols attorneys unsuccessfully sought to have his sentence commuted to life in prison, citing the fact that he took responsibility for his crimes and pleaded guilty. His clemency petition stated he would be the first person to be executed for a crime he pleaded guilty to since Tennessee re-enacted the death penalty in 1978.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to issue a stay of the execution on Thursday.

In a recent interview, Pulleys sister, Lisette Monroe, said the wait for Nichols execution has been 37 years of hell. She described her sister as gentle, sweet and innocent, and said she hopes that after the execution shell be able to focus on the happy memories of Pulley instead of her murder.

Jeff Monroe, Lisette Monroes husband and Pulleys brother-in-law, said the family was destroyed by evil the night she was killed.

Taking a life is serious and we take no pleasure in it, he said during a news conference following the execution. However, the victims, and there were many, were carefully stalked and attacked. The crimes, and there were many, were deliberate, violent, and horrific.

Pulley, who was 20 when she was killed, had just finished Bible school and was attending college in Chattanooga to become a paralegal, Jeff Monroe said.

Karen was bubbly, happy, selfless, and looking forward to the life before her, he said.

Nichols has seen two previous execution dates come and go. The state earlier planned to execute him in August 2020, but Nichols was given a reprieve due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, Nichols had selected to die in the electric chair  a choice allowed in Tennessee for inmates who were convicted of crimes before January 1999.

Tennessees lethal injection protocol in 2020 used three different drugs in series, a process that inmates attorneys claimed was riddled with problems. Their concerns were shown to have merit in 2022, when Gov. Bill Lee paused executions, including a second execution date for Nichols. An independent review of the states lethal injection process found that none of the drugs prepared for the seven inmates executed in Tennessee since 2018 had been properly tested.

The Tennessee Department of Correction issued a new execution protocol in last December that utilizes the single drug pentobarbital. Attorneys for several death row inmates have sued over the new rules, but a trial in that case is not scheduled until April. Nichols declined to chose an execution method this time, so his execution will be by injection by default.

His attorney Stephen Ferrell explained in an email that the Tennessee Department of Correction has not provided enough information about Tennessees lethal execution protocol for our client to make an informed decision about how the state will end his life.

Nichols attorneys on Monday won a court ruling granting access to records from two earlier executions using the new method, but the state has not yet released the records and says it will appeal. During Tennessees last execution in August, Byron Black said he was hurting so bad in his final moments. The state has offered no explanation for what might have caused the pain.

Many states have had difficulty obtaining lethal injection drugs as anti-death penalty activists have put pressure on drug companies and other suppliers. Between the shortages and legal challenges over botched executions, some states have moved to alternative methods of execution including a firing squad in South Carolina and nitrogen gas in Alabama.

Including Nichols, a total of 46 men have died by court-ordered execution this year in the U.S.
ALEXANDRIA, Va.  A grand jury declined for a second time in a week to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday in another major blow to the Justice Departments efforts to prosecute the presidents political opponents.

The repeated failures amounted to a stunning rebuke of prosecutors bid to resurrect a criminal case President Donald Trump pressured them to bring, and hinted at a growing public leeriness of the administrations retribution campaign.

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A grand jury rejection is an unusual circumstance in any case, but is especially stinging for a Justice Department that has been steadfast in its determination to seek revenge against Trump foes like James and former FBI Director James Comey. On separate occasions, citizens have heard the governments evidence against James and have come away underwhelmed, unwilling to rubber-stamp what prosecutors have attempted to portray as a clear-cut criminal case.

A judge threw out the original indictments against James and Comey in November, ruling that the prosecutor who presented to the grand jury, Lindsey Halligan, was illegally appointed U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Justice Department asked a grand jury in Alexandria, Va., to return an indictment Thursday after a different grand jury in Norfolk last week refused to do so. The failure to secure an indictment was confirmed by a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

It was not immediately clear Thursday whether prosecutors would try for a third time to seek a new indictment. A lawyer for James, who has denied any wrongdoing, said the unprecedented rejection makes even clearer that this case should never have seen the light of day.

This case already has been a stain on this Departments reputation and raises troubling questions about its integrity, defense attorney Abbe Lowell said in a statement. Any further attempt to revive these discredited charges would be a mockery of our system of justice.

James, a Democrat who infuriated Trump after his first term with a lawsuit alleging that he built his business empire on lies about his wealth, was initially charged with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in connection with a home purchase in 2020.

During the sale, she signed a standard document called a second home rider in which she agreed to keep the property primarily for her personal use and enjoyment for at least one year, unless the lender agreed otherwise. Rather than using the home as a second residence, prosecutors say James rented it out to a family of three, allowing her to obtain favorable loan terms not available for investment properties.

Both the James and Comey cases were brought shortly after the administration installed Halligan, a former Trump lawyer with no prior prosecutorial experience, as U.S. attorney amid public calls from the president to take action against his political opponents.

But U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie threw out the cases last month over the unconventional mechanism that the Trump administration employed to appoint Halligan. The judge dismissed them without prejudice, allowing the Justice Department to try to file the charges again.

Halligan had been named as a replacement for Erik Siebert, a veteran prosecutor in the office and interim U.S. attorney who resigned in September amid Trump administration pressure to file charges against both Comey and James. He stepped aside after Trump told reporters he wanted Siebert out.

James lawyers separately argued the case was a vindictive prosecution brought to punish the Trump critic who spent years investigating and suing the Republican president and won a staggering judgment in a lawsuit alleging he defrauded banks by overstating the value of his real estate holdings on financial statements. The fine was later tossed out by a higher court, but both sides are appealing.

Comey was separately charged with lying to Congress in 2020. Another federal judge has complicated the Justice Departments efforts to seek a new indictment against Comey, temporarily barring prosecutors from accessing computer files belonging to Daniel Richman, a close Comey friend and Columbia University law professor whom prosecutors see as a central player in any potential case against the former FBI director.

Prosecutors moved Tuesday to quash that order, calling Richmans request for the return of his files a strategic tool to obstruct the investigation and potential prosecution. They said the judge had overstepped her bounds by ordering Richmans property returned to him and said the ruling had impeded their ability to proceed with a case against Comey.
The U.S. has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, a move that sent oil prices higher and sharply escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, large tanker, very large, largest one ever, actually, and other things are happening, said Trump, who has been pressuring Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

Asked what would happen with the oil, Trump said: We keep it, I guess.

In response, the Venezuelan government in a statement accused the U.S. of blatant theft and described the seizure as an act of international piracy. It said it would denounce the incident before international bodies.

Read more: Over 30 Sanctioned Ships in Venezuela at Risk After US Tanker Seizure

Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. The seizure is the first of a Venezuelan oil cargo amid U.S. sanctions that have been in force since 2019. It is also the Trump administrations first known action against a Venezuela-related tanker since he ordered a massive military buildup in the region.

The U.S. has already carried out several strikes against suspected drug vessels, which has raised concerns among lawmakers and legal experts.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that the FBI, Homeland Security and Coast Guard, along with support from the U.S. military, carried out a seizure warrant for a crude tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

A 45-second video posted by Bondi showed two helicopters approaching a vessel and armed individuals in camouflage rappelling onto it.

Irans embassy in Caracas condemned the action as a grave violation of international laws and norms in a post on X on Thursday.

Trump administration officials did not name the vessel or disclose its location at the time of the seizure.

British maritime risk management group Vanguard said the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Skipper was believed to have been seized off Venezuela early on Wednesday. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the tanker for what it says was involvement in Iranian oil trading when the vessel was called the Adisa.

The Skipper left Venezuelas main oil port of Jose between December 4 and 5 after loading some 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelas Merey heavy crude. It transferred about 200,000 barrels near Curacao to the Panama-flagged Neptune 6 bound for Cuba before the seizure, according to satellite information analyzed by TankerTrackers.com and internal data from Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.

Guyanas maritime authority said Skipper was falsely flying the countrys flag. The vessel had transported Venezuelan oil to Asia between 2021 and 2022, the PDVSA data showed.

Oil futures rose following news of the seizure. After trading in negative territory, Brent crude futures LCOc1 rose 27 cents, or 0.4%, to settle at $62.21 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures CLc1 gained 21 cents, also 0.4%, to close at $58.46 per barrel. O/R

Maduro on Wednesday spoke at a march, without addressing reports of the seizure.

Impace on Oil?

Venezuela exported more than 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil last month, the third-highest monthly average so far this year, as PDVSA imported more naphtha to dilute its extra-heavy oil output. Even as Washington increased pressure on Maduro, Trumps administration had not previously moved to interfere with oil flows.

Venezuela has had to deeply discount its crude to its main buyer China, due to growing competition with sanctioned oil from Russia and Iran.

This is just yet another geopolitical/sanctions headwind hammering spot supply availability, Rory Johnston, an analyst with Commodity Context, said.

Seizing this tanker further inflames those prompt supply concerns but also doesnt immediately change the situation fundamentally because these barrels were already going to be floating around for a while, Johnston said.

Chevron which partners with PDVSA, said its operations in the country were normal and continuing without disruption.

The U.S. oil major, responsible for all Venezuelan crude exports to the United States, last month increased those shipments to 150,000 bpd from 128,000 bpd in October.

Increasing Pressure on Maduro

Maduro has alleged that the U.S. military build-up is aimed at overthrowing him and gaining control of the OPEC nations oil resources, which are the worlds largest crude reserves.

Since early September, the Trump administration has carried out more than 20 strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing more than 80 people.

Experts say the strikes may be illegal. There has been little or no proof made public that the boats are carrying drugs or that it was necessary to blow them out of the water rather than stop them, seize their cargo and question those on board.

Concerns about the attacks on the boats increased this month after reports that the commander overseeing one of the operations ordered a second strike that killed two survivors.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Wednesday found that a broad swath of Americans oppose the U.S. militarys campaign of deadly strikes on the boats, including about one-fifth of Trumps Republicans.

In a sweeping strategy document published last week, Trump said his administrations foreign policy focus would be on reasserting its dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, Liz Hampton, Jonathan Saul, Marianna Paraga, Matt Spetalnick and Nathan Crooks; editing by Chris Reese, Chizu Nomiyama, David Gregorio and Tom Hogue)
South Koreas biggest online retailer Coupang said on Wednesday that CEO Park Dae-jun has resigned, taking responsibility for a huge data breach at the company that has triggered a growing backlash in Asias fourth-largest economy.

Coupang deeply apologizes for causing concerns to the public, the company said in a statement, adding that it will work to restore customer trust and tighten security measures to prevent another data leak.

The company said Harold Rogers, the chief administrative officer of its parent company in the United States, will take over as interim chief executive.

The retail giant suffered one of South Koreas worst data breaches, with personal data of more than 33 million customers leaked in a breach believed to have started in June.

Coupang, which is backed by Japans SoftBank Group, has said the breach exposed customers names, email addresses, phone numbers, shipping addresses and certain order histories, but not payment details or login credentials.

Parks resignation was announced after South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said earlier on Wednesday that the government will launch a thorough investigation and take stern action against any legal violations committed by the company.

Earlier this week, South Korean police launched a raid on the companys office in Seoul as part of an investigation.

(Reporting by Heejin Kim; editing by Ed Davies)

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French insurer AXA SA said its exercising greater caution on the artificial intelligence build-out when backing financing for the sector, amid growing awareness of emerging risks in private markets.

We are convinced of the medium-term trend, but we want to avoid financing technological gambles, AXA Group Chief Investment Officer Jean-Baptiste Tricot said in an interview in Paris. AI infrastructure has seen astronomical volumes allocated in recent months.

Data centers  the huge real estate developments housing equipment generating AI computing power  are emerging as a new worry spot given the hundreds of billions of dollars being invested in as-yet unproven technology. Norways $2.1 trillion wealth fund said this week that they wont form a major part of its investment approach over the next three years.

We are trying to avoid overly specialized data centers and data centers that are dedicated or customized for a single player or a single technology, because we dont know yet which actor or technology will ultimately win the AI race, Tricot said. AXA is more interested in financing data centers that have inference and general-purpose capabilities, he said.

At the same time, the collapse of US auto parts supplier First Brands earlier this year has sparked heightened attention to the potential pitfalls in the $1.7 trillion private credit market and the transmission of losses to financial firms like banks and insurers. AXA is one of the worlds largest insurers, and deploys around 65 billion in private and structured credit.

With First Brands, a downturn in certain parts of the auto-industry led to a bankruptcy filing in September which ensnared major firms including Jefferies Financial Group Inc. and the asset management arm of UBS Group AG. It came weeks after the demise of used car seller Tricolor, raising concerns that troubled loans could emerge in other sectors.

Tricot said that regulators are now also pushing for a better view of firms asset portfolios.

When this type of event occurs or other kinds of hit in the private credit sphere, we review our entire book one by one, line by line, to ensure that we have nothing similar, Tricot said. Our investment guidelines would not have allowed to get material exposures to First Brands or Tricolor.

The sector is essential, as is the quality of the documentation, and we also focus on relatively short maturities, Tricot added. We have accelerated these reviews of our portfolio in recent months.

AXAs private and structured credit allocation represents around 14% of the insurers total deployment, with more than half consisting of senior tranches of collateralized loan obligations or mortgages in European countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany, according to Tricot. About 84% of the private credit portfolio is investment grade, he said. The firm is working with around twenty European and US asset managers in the private credit sphere.

Our philosophy in general in private and structured credit is not to buy all of an asset managers production, we tend to go instead for single managed accounts or funds of one structure with strict investment guidelines, he said, adding that AXA wants to avoid investing without covenants or in covenant-lite arrangements.

What we will continue to avoid in private credit are technological bets and exposure to subprime consumers, Tricot said. The economy is somewhat two-tiered, particularly in the US, where well-off consumers are increasingly driving the market.

Photograph: AXA SAs headquarters in Paris. Photo credit: Christophe Morin/Bloomberg

Related:

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Trends AXA XL
InvestSM, an educational nonprofit administered by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big I) announced that Nicole Carter, vice president of personal lines sales, strategic distribution and agent experience at Grange Insurance, has joined the Invest board of directors.

Invest is a 501(c)(3) educational trust. The program provides the insurance industry with motivated, talented, and intelligent professionals through a support structure of state associations, board members, national staff, teachers, and the many industry professionals who work in the field as classroom liaisons.

Invest benefits from the support of numerous insurance organizations, hundreds of agencies, brokers, and volunteers.

Carters appointment reinforces Invests growing coalition of industry leaders dedicated to expanding insurance education, financial literacy and career readiness among high school and college students nationwide. Carter will help guide Invests strategic direction and contribute to its mission of building a diverse, prepared and inspired next generation of insurance professionals.

Invest is creating vital connections between students, educators and the insurance industry, Carter said. I am proud to be a part of a board thats shaping pathways for young people to build successful and purpose-driven careers while strengthening the future of our communities.

Serving 13 states from its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, Grange Insurance joins a long list of leaders from insurance companies and industry groups currently partnering with Invest, including: APCIA, Applied Systems; Chubb Insurance; CNA; Dryden Mutual; Hanover Insurance; HSB and Munich Re; The Big I; The Institutes; Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance; National General, an Allstate Company; Progressive Insurance; Selective Insurance; Travelers Insurance; Westfield; and Vertafore.

SOURCE: Big I
OpenAI on Wednesday warned that its upcoming artificial intelligence models could pose a high cybersecurity risk, as their capabilities advance rapidly.

The AI models might either develop working zero-day remote exploits against well-defended systems or assist with complex enterprise or industrial intrusion operations aimed at real-world effects, the ChatGPT maker said in a blog post.

As capabilities advance, OpenAI said it is investing in strengthening models for defensive cybersecurity tasks and creating tools that enable defenders to more easily perform workflows such as auditing code and patching vulnerabilities.

To counter cybersecurity risks, OpenAI said it is relying on a mix of access controls, infrastructure hardening, egress controls and monitoring.

The Microsoft-backed MSFT.O company said it will soon introduce a program to explore providing qualifying users and customers working on cyberdefense with tiered access to enhanced capabilities.

OpenAI will also be establishing an advisory group, called the Frontier Risk Council, which will bring experienced cyber defenders and security practitioners into close collaboration with its teams.

The group will begin with a focus on cybersecurity, and expand into other frontier capability domains in the future.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)

Topics Cyber
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies were among a handful of organizations to send a letter to federal lawmakers in support of a bill to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In a letter sent Dec. 9 to leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives, APCIA and NAMIC said the Fixing Emergency Management for American Act (FEMA Act), HR 4669, aligns with the Presidents desire to help communities and individuals cut through red tape, recover, and rebuild faster  while also ensuring disaster recovery expenses are not placed solely on communities who may be least able to afford them.

At a time when concerns about costs of living and affordability are top of mind for many Americans, the bills reforms are urgently needed, the organization wrote. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, American Public Power Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, Large Public Power Council, and National Association of Homebuilders joined in sending the letter.

The bipartisan bill was introduced by Sam Graves, R-Mo., and Rick Larsen, D-Wash. and earlier passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a 57-3 margin.

The bill removes FEMA from oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, restoring it to an independent agency that reports directly to President Trump. The FEMA administrator would be elevated to a cabinet-level post. The job was held by David Richardson as acting administrator. He was named to the role in May after Cameron Hamilton, whod had also been leading the agency in an acting role, was fired after saying at a congressional hearing that he did not support eliminating the agency.

Richardson resigned last month. He has said states would be sharing more of the costs after natural disasters.

Trump has been a vocal critic of FEMA, and has threatened to abolish the agency. His administration terminated the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, overseen by FEMA, in April but was stopped by a federal judge in August.

The bill would also strictly prohibit any political discrimination in providing disaster recovery assistance. States would be incentivized to make investments in mitigation, rainy day funds, and private insurance policies.

According to the groups letter, the FEMA Act provides clarity around reimbursement for loan interest costs and emergency work timelines, and it contains language to start a universal application when applying for assistance rather than the burdensome paperwork needed today.

Topics FEMA
Japan's dangerous militarization

15:45, December 11, 2025 By Zamir Ahmed Awan ( People's Daily Online

Recent reports that Japan is considering exporting a medium-range missile system to the Philippines signals a worrying shift in Tokyo's defense and foreign policy. According to Kyodo News, informal consultations are underway between Tokyo and Manila regarding the possible export of the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile. This development comes alongside Japan's broader plan to ease long-standing restrictions on weapons exports, potentially abolishing its "five-category" limitation as early as the first half of next year. Experts warn that these moves could accelerate Japan's military expansion, increase tensions in the Asia-Pacific, and provoke an arms race that threatens regional stability.

For decades following the end of World War II, Japan adhered to a constitutionally mandated "exclusively defense-oriented policy." Guided by its pacifist constitution, Japan limited its military capabilities and arms exports, projecting itself as a peace-loving nation committed to regional stability. However, in recent years, Japan's government has increasingly moved to loosen these restrictions, framing its actions as necessary for its "normal nation" status and national security. The current push to export missiles and expand defense industrial capabilities represents a dangerous departure from Japan's postwar commitments.

China and the broader international community have long observed Japan's restrained posture with cautious optimism. Today, however, Tokyo's actions signal a troubling return to militaristic tendencies. The proposed missile export to the Philippines, combined with Japan's deployment of missiles near the Taiwan Strait, is more than a mere defense measure.

Japan's approach is particularly alarming because it involves third-party nations. The Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines, which took effect in September 2025, allows Japanese troops to operate on Philippine soil. This increasingly close military cooperation, coupled with missile exports, threatens to heighten strategic miscalculations and regional crises. In effect, Japan is moving away from its defensive stance and creating conditions for confrontation, rather than peace.

Historical context further underscores the gravity of Japan's current actions. The memory of Japanese aggression during World War II remains vivid in many Asian countries. Japan's past invasions and militaristic ambitions inflicted immense suffering on China, Korea, the Philippines, and other nations. The current trajectory of Japan's defense policy evokes echoes of that era, raising serious concerns among neighboring countries. While Tokyo claims that its military expansion is a response to modern security challenges, the international community cannot ignore the historical lessons of unchecked Japanese militarism.

The revision of Japan's Three Principles on Arms Exports and the government's repeated loosening of restrictions have further eroded confidence in Tokyo's commitment to international disarmament and nonproliferation. As a signatory of the UN Arms Trade Treaty, Japan has legal obligations to regulate the export of conventional weapons responsibly and to contribute to global peace. Yet, by moving to export sophisticated missile systems, Japan is undermining these commitments and increasing the risk of regional conflict.

It was seriously observed that Japan's recent actions reflect a dangerous path toward militarization. It was noticed with deep concerns that the current administration, invoking what it calls Japan's "existential crisis," is steering the country toward a revival of old militaristic tendencies. Such policies not only threaten neighboring countries but also raise questions about Japan's role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

Japan's militaristic shift is further complicated by its statements and policy framing. The government presents its expansion as a defensive necessity, citing evolving security threats. However, the measures being pursued go beyond domestic defense. The export of medium-range missiles to foreign countries, the strengthening of military alliances, and the deployment of weapons systems in strategic areas suggest a proactive posture aimed at projecting power and influencing regional dynamics. Such a course is inconsistent with Japan's postwar identity as a peace-oriented nation.

China has repeatedly emphasized that regional peace and stability require adherence to international norms, multilateral dialogue, and a respect for historical lessons. Japan's current trajectory runs counter to these principles. By loosening arms export restrictions and pursuing foreign military engagements, Tokyo risks undermining the postwar international order and weakening the mechanisms that have prevented large-scale conflicts in the region for decades.

The broader implications of Japan's actions cannot be overstated. An arms race in the Asia-Pacific would threaten not only neighboring countries but also global security. Increased militarization may prompt other nations to respond with similar measures, escalating tensions and diverting resources away from economic development and social progress. It may also complicate efforts to address shared challenges, such as maritime security, disaster response, and humanitarian crises. The pursuit of short-term military advantages, therefore, carries the risk of long-term instability and confrontation.

It is essential for Japan to recognize its legal and moral responsibilities. Its pacifist constitution and postwar commitments were designed to prevent the recurrence of aggression and to maintain a stable, peaceful regional environment. By adhering to these principles, Japan can continue to play a constructive role in Asia-Pacific security, contribute to disarmament efforts, and build mutual trust with neighboring countries. Conversely, abandoning these principles risks isolating Japan diplomatically and eroding its credibility on the global stage.

Neighboring nations, particularly those who were victims of Japanese aggression, are understandably concerned. These nations have a right to expect that Japan will act with restraint, limit its military activities to domestic defense, and avoid entangling itself in international disputes. Respecting these expectations is not only a matter of legal obligation but also a requirement for maintaining regional stability and fostering constructive international relations.

The international community must also play a role in mitigating the risks posed by Japan's militaristic trajectory. Multilateral mechanisms and platforms should be strengthened to prevent unilateral escalation and to ensure that arms exports are transparent, accountable, and consistent with global peace and security norms. Political leaders and policymakers should engage in dialogue to build common operational standards and reduce the risk of strategic miscalculation. Failure to do so could lead to heightened tensions reminiscent of the Cold War era, with devastating consequences for the region and the world.

Japan's path toward militarization is not inevitable. By revisiting its commitments under the postwar framework, maintaining a defensive posture, and prioritizing diplomatic engagement, Tokyo can reaffirm its identity as a peace-loving nation. Such a course would reassure neighboring countries, strengthen regional stability, and enhance Japan's international standing. Conversely, failure to restrain military ambitions risks exacerbating tensions, provoking arms races, and undermining decades of progress in building a stable and cooperative Asia-Pacific.

The lessons of history are clear. Militaristic expansion and arms proliferation invite instability and suffering, not security. Japan must heed these lessons, respect its neighbors, and honor its commitments to international peace. The world is watching, and the path Japan chooses today will determine not only the security of the Asia-Pacific but also the credibility of Japan as a responsible member of the international community.

About the author: Zamir Ahmed Awan is a sinologist, former Pakistani diplomat and the founding chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance (GSRRA), based in Islamabad, Pakistan. He can be reached at awanzamir@yahoo.com.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
The company that makes one of the two most widely used brands of formula for premature babies is threatening to stop. That is, unless US health officials and Congress help protect it from lawsuits related to infant deaths allegedly tied to its product.

Its a warning that holds particular power over policy makers and legislators whove become acutely aware of the fragility of a baby formula market thats been mired in recent scandals. The biggest players in the market have struggled with shortages in recent years, and a popular upstart is under scrutiny for a botulism outbreak.

At the heart of the lawsuits is a bowel disease that kills one premature baby every day in the US.

Hundreds of claims working their way through the courts allege that Abbott Laboratories failed to warn consumers that its specialty formula and fortifiers for preemies heighten the chances of developing necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, which causes the intestinal tissue of the tiniest babies to inflame and die. At least one jury has agreed with those claims, ordering the company last year to pay $500 million to a family who alleged their baby girl suffered NEC-associated brain damage after she ingested the formula.

Abbott has maintained that there is nothing in the current research to back up the allegations its facing in court. Numerous studies and NEC authorities have made clear that preterm infant formula does not cause NEC, Abbott spokesperson Scott Stoffel said in a statement. Its the absence of human milk that increases NEC risk rather than anything harmful in formula  a product thats been helping infants thrive and survive for nearly 50 years.

The medical community doesnt fully understand what causes NEC, though it does know that babies who receive breast milk are at a much lower risk of developing it than those who are given cows milk-based formula.

Facing potentially billions of dollars in legal costs, Abbott is throwing everything it has at the issue. Chief Executive Officer Robert Ford last year warned that the company may be forced to pull its preemie formula off the market. Since then, Abbott has invested millions in lobbying lawmakers, according to disclosure forms and other federal records compiled by Bloomberg.

The company also has proposed transferring control of the sales and distribution of its preterm formula to the federal government to keep it on the market, Abbott told Bloomberg News in a statement.

More recently, it has taken its case straight to Congress to press for a law that would throw out all pending suits and shield it from any future ones, according to lobbying disclosures and congressional staff familiar with the companys efforts.

Abbotts preemie products, which are sold under the Similac brand, bring in only several million dollars a year but they threaten to become a liability for the $218 billion company  settlements could cost formula makers collectively as much as $4 billion, Bloomberg Intelligence analysts estimate. On every earnings call with investors this year, Ford has been asked about the NEC litigation.

What Abbott is doing is saying Lets protect us or well walk away from the market,' said Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. They hurt families either way. Its a power play.

Abbott is ready to work with anyone committed to following the science and medical experts to ensure continued access to these products, Stoffel said.

At the same time, the company has received numerous complaints alleging a connection between its products and NEC-related injuries and deaths, Abbott officials admitted during legal proceedings. The company said it investigates all NEC complaints. In all cases, Abbott concluded there is no such connection, according to depositions viewed by Bloomberg of Courtney Colombo, Abbotts director of postmarketing medical safety and surveillance, and Fabrizis Suarez, former medical director at Abbott.

What Abbott is doing is saying Lets protect us or well walk away from the market.'

While the FDA requires formula manufacturers to maintain records of all complaints and their investigations, they do not need to submit such reports to the agency.

The Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that the FDA reviews Abbotts adverse event reports as part of its inspections of its facilities.

Anika Hunte says her son Aries-Reign Peterson was thriving and growing for several weeks on her breast milk after his premature birth on Jan. 30, 2018, according to her complaint filed in a lawsuit against the hospital where he was born. Shes also suing Abbott.

The lawsuit claims his health began to decline the same day he was given Similac preterm formula and continued to worsen after doctors added a Similac fortifier to the combination. Aries-Reign was diagnosed with NEC and though he clung to life support for some time, he died on April 18, 2018.

Although Abbott promotes an aggressive marketing campaign designed to make parents believe that Neosure is safe and necessary for growth of a premature infant, the product is in fact extremely dangerous for premature infants, Hunte alleges in the complaint she filed in her lawsuit against Abbott.

Abbott promotes (and never competes with) human milk as the first choice for preterm infant nutrition, Stoffel said.

While a wealth of research supports the idea that human milk can protect preemies against NEC, no one has figured out why that is, said Tarah Colaizy, a professor of pediatrics and neonatology at the University of Iowa. She led a study published last year showing donor milk reduces the risk of NEC 50% when breast milk isnt available for preterm babies. At the same time, even preemies who only receive breast milk can develop NEC.

We need to know, what is it about not giving human milk that increases risk, Colaizy said. Is it a component in the formula? Theres not as much research about how other things might be negative or toxic.

The Influence Campaign

Abbotts influence campaign started in July 2024, just days before it received the $500 million verdict. In just a few sentences, CEO Ford set off a panic among public health officials.

The decision to pull a product is not an easy one, Ford said in an interview with CNBCs Jim Cramer. But if the science and data arent respected, he said, then yeah, we have to think about at least what is the implication of removing a product.

He called on public health officials and others concerned about premature babies to take action, though he didnt specify what could be done. Within several days of his comments, Ford met with then-FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and another top agency official, according to a record of meetings held by the agencys leadership.

Three months later, a scientific consensus emerged in Abbotts favor. The National Institutes of Health, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a joint statement saying: There is no conclusive evidence that preterm infant formula causes NEC.

The statement was based on a report the health agencies had commissioned from a working group of researchers, neonatologists and NEC experts in the wake of Fords comments. Abbott sought to use the report in its legal defense as many of the cases move collectively through pre-trial deliberations.

Plaintiffs lawyers suspected Abbott influenced the report, according to court documents. There are a lot of signs that some inappropriate things went on, one of the attorneys argued before the judge in July 2025.

When they sought internal company communications about it, Abbott withdrew its request to use the report at trial to end distractions and delays it said the plaintiffs attorneys had created, according to company spokesperson Stoffel.

Abbott had no role in the working groups membership, deliberations, drafting, or conclusions, Stoffel said.

A person familiar with the working groups process whos not authorized to speak about the deliberations said the report was ghostwritten by nonprofit research organization RTI International, but the report didnt disclose RTIs role.

The decision to pull a product is not an easy one.

RTI has a relationship with Abbott  it lists the formula maker as a client of its division that helps companies with research and development.

An RTI spokesperson said it did not contract with Abbott in 2024. RTI researchers did not have conflicts of interest when they worked on the report, the spokesperson said.

The NIH said it requires all collaborators to adhere to its financial conflict of interest policies and disclose any competing interests.

The working groups report focused heavily on evidence that human milk from mothers or donors is protective, reducing the risk of NEC up to 50% compared to preterm formula.

Even some people who were part of the working group say the conclusion could be confusing. We say the absence of mothers milk causes NEC, said Lisa Stellwagen, a working group member and president of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. I dont agree with that terminology because its not clear and minimizes the role of other potential factors, she said.

Half a dozen working group members Bloomberg spoke to said more research is needed to determine the causes of NEC.

Courtney Weymouth says she wishes she had been warned of the alleged risks of formula for preemies when she gave birth to her son Brent in September 2024. He arrived 16 weeks early, weighed just 1 pound 10 ounces and faced a host of serious health issues. In the hospital, Brent was given Weymouths breastmilk plus a cows milk-based fortifier to help him grow. He grappled with NEC multiple times, leading surgeons to remove more than half of his intestines. He survived but must be hooked up to tubes in his crib 12 hours a day to receive his nutrition.

She doesnt know what brand he received, but both Abbott and the other major preemie formula maker, Reckitt Benckiser Group, are facing lawsuits.

I think if the formula is causing babies to get NEC, that the companies should be liable for that, Weymouth said. Its changed our lives.

Seeking a Shield

Abbotts efforts to arm itself against the litigation picked up momentum earlier this year when lawmakers proposed legislation that would protect it and Reckitt from lawsuits. In March, Representative Diana Harshbarger, a Tennessee Republican, introduced a bill that would grant formula makers a liability shield and throw out current lawsuits. In June, a related amendment directing the FDA to examine and ensure the availability of preterm infant formula moved forward in a House committee, though it wasnt included in the latest spending package deal to end the government shutdown.

Abbott has a history of safety concerns, said DeLauro, the top Democrat on the committee, referring to contamination at the companys Michigan plant that led to nationwide shortages. The facility shut down for nearly four months after babies who ingested the companys formula became ill and two died.

Now this is really stunning that they want Congress to bail them out, she said.

The company is following a playbook largely pioneered by the firearm industry, said Jennifer Pomeranz, a lawyer and assistant professor who leads the Public Health Policy Research Lab at New York University.

In the 1990s, gun makers were held liable for firearm-related deaths in multiple key lawsuits. They were able to successfully push passage of a law giving the gun industry legal immunity, said Pomeranz, who has testified on behalf of plaintiffs in the NEC lawsuits.

Abbott is also taking a cue from vaccine makers whove protected themselves from legal liability through a government-instituted compensation fund. The formula makers lobbyists are pushing for a similar fund that would give a payout to people who claim harm from its products, but would bar them from suing Abbott in court, according to a one-pager the company has given Congressional staff.

Congresswoman DeLauro said her staff has talked to Abbott about including a warning on its label limiting its usage to larger preemies, but the company has not been willing to entertain the idea.

Abbotts formula stipulates that it should be used as directed by doctors and that they should monitor for gastrointestinal complications. The instructions are correct and representative of the products and the way they are used, Stoffel said.

While its unclear whats going to happen to legislation in Congress, Abbott and Reckitt both have had more favorable outcomes in court as of late, with two federal cases thrown out. And soon Abbott could have a potential ally.

The FDAs top food official, Kyle Diamantas, is a former corporate lawyer who used to defend Abbott in NEC lawsuits. Hes had to recuse himself from related FDA business for a year. He can return to weighing in on baby formula issues when that recusal lifts in January.

Photo: The Abbott Laboratories factory in Sturgis, Michigan. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits
A Gadsden County, Florida, jury awarded $779 million, believed to be a record for the county near Tallahassee, to the family of a security guard who was killed at what was called an illegal internet gambling cafe in 2023.

Ben Crump, the high-profile lawyer who has handled civil rights lawsuits around the country, represented the survivors of Lewis Butler, who was shot eight times while trying to protect a cashier at the cafe, according to the Tallahassee Democrat and court records.

Crump said the huge verdict should compensate the family and will help shut down more internet gambling cafes.

Florida lawmakers in 2013 outlawed the strip-mall casinos, which offer time on computers with slot machine-like and video poker gambling, along with cash payouts, according to news reports. But violations of the law are only misdemeanors and operations can easily set up shop in new locales.

Crumps law firm and Tallahassee attorney Robert Scott Cox sued the Havana, Florida, cafe business known as Evans Groceries, owned by Fortune MGT 2023 and Manishkumar Patel, court records show. The suit argued that the cafe kept large amounts of cash on site, failed to report a previous robbery and negligently failed to warn of the dangers.

The jury awarded $550 million in damages for pain and suffering and another $225 million for loss of companionship. Punitive damages were not considered.

Its unclear if the operation carried liability insurance or if the security guard and the injured clerk were covered by workers compensation insurance. Crump said at a news conference that the family may have to seek garnishments of bank accounts and liens on property held by the cafe owners, news sites reported.

The shooter, Kevontae Washington, was convicted of murder charges in November.

The verdict is the latest of several multimillion jury awards in the Southeast in recent years stemming from premises liability and shootings at stores. Lawmakers in Florida and Georgia in the last three years have limited lawsuit damages and have imposed other tort reform measures. Read more here.

The complaint in the Havana cafe shooting can be seen here. The jury verdict form is here.

Employers Liability: Dunkin Cashier in Georgia, Stabbed by Rapper, Cant Claim More Than Workers Comp

Photo: Crump at a news conference in May. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, file)

Topics Florida
A Florida House subcommittee this week approved a bill that would mandate human involvement in property insurance claims denials, a sign of the times as insurers employ more artificial intelligence on multiple fronts.

House Bill 527 is sponsored by state Rep. Hillary Cassel, a policyholder attorney and the vice chair of the House Commerce Committees instrumental Insurance and Banking Subcommittee. It would require carriers to indentify the human professional who made the decision to deny the claim or a portion of the claim.

The bill, which passed the subcommittee Tuesday, also would make insurers include a statement that AI, algorithms or machine learning were not the sole basis for denying the clam.

An insurer that uses an algorithm, an artificial intelligence system, or a machine learning system as part of its claims-handling process shall detail in its claims-handling manual the manner in which such systems are to be used and the manner in which the insurer complies with this section, the bill reads.

Cassel said the bill was prompted in part by the 2024 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson one year ago in New York. Reports have suggested that when AI was used to deny Uniteds claims, most of the denials had errors, Cassel said, according to Florida Politics news site and a recording of the subcommittee meeting.

Insurance interests noted that AI now plays an important role in claims management. Robert Passmore, with the American Property and Casualty Insurance Association, said at the subcommittee meeting that limits on AI could slow the claims process, and that artificial intelligence can actually help reduce errors, the news site reported.

The bill has a way to go if it is to become law, including more House and Senate committees and floor votes. A Senate version of the bill is SB 202. The full Florida Legislature convenes Jan. 13 for its 60-day session.

Related: Trump Signs Order Seeking to Limit State-Level AI Regulation

Top photo: (AdobeStock. Generated with AI)

Topics Florida Claims
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division fined a Medford contractor $128,345 for safety violations after an inspection reportedly found the company exposed employees to multiple hazards, including a potentially deadly fall from heights.

The division cited Shrader Homes Inc. for five violations of requirements to protect workers from serious injury or death following an inspection focused on a jobsite in White City, where employees were doing framing work on a two-story residence.

One of the violations was a fourth repeat infraction for failing to provide fall protection, another was a second repeat violation of a ladder safety rule. Oregon OSHA significantly increases penalties for repeat violations. The division ordered the company to correct the violations.

The division cited the company for the following violations:

Protection systems were not implemented where employees were exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level. The serious violation was rated as death, because the typical result of the hazard would be the death of an employee. It was a fourth repeat violation. Fine: $110,309.

The side rails of a ladder were not extended at least 3 feet above an upper landing. It was a second repeat offense. Fine: $13,800.

Protection systems were not implemented where employees were exposed to a hazard of falling from a wall opening on the second-floor decking to a lower level. Fine: $1,412.

A ladder with a broken anti-slip safety device was used when it should have been tagged as defective or removed. Fine: $1,412.

Eye protection was not used while running a pneumatic nail gun. Fine: $1,412.

The total penalty issued to Shrader Homes included a reduction based on the size of the company. Shrader Homes filed an appeal of its citation.

Topics Contractors Oregon
The Irish public is being encouraged to support their local Christmas tree farms this festive period.

The message comes from minister of state with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae, who met with the father-son duo running Kellehers Christmas Tree Farm in Naas, Co Kildare.

Martin Kelleher and his son, Darragh Kelleher, hosted the minister this week, who said how impressed he was with the Irish Christmas tree sector and how things have changed since Mr Healy-Rae himself sold Christmas trees almost 50 years ago.

The minister said: As a young fella of about 10 years of age, I used to cut Christmas trees and deliver them on my bicycle around the parish. Ill never forget the joy people had when a real tree arrived at their door.

"Theres a magic in the smell of a real Christmas tree in the house. Its a tradition rooted in Irish homes for decades.

I am encouraging the public to support the Irish Christmas tree sector by purchasing a real Irish Christmas tree this festive season. This will support our local producers who have put in seven to 10 years of dedicated work to produce top-quality Christmas trees.

Irish growers produce around 700,000 Christmas trees each year, with 450,000 sold in Ireland and approximately 250,000 exported abroad, mainly to the UK. It is said the sector contributes an estimated 21m to the Irish economy annually.

The minister added: My departments Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector helps to support the sector by grant-aiding capital investments in specialised equipment to manage and harvest the crop.

"The 2026 scheme is currently open for applications, and I would encourage growers to apply. Information on the scheme can be found on the department website.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications for the 2026 Scheme is 5pm on Friday, December 12, 2025.
A member of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party informed deputy leader Jack Chambers that Jim Gavin may have had an issue with a former tenant hours before he was chosen as the party's presidential election candidate.

Several sources have told the Irish Examiner that this revelation was made to the team overseeing a review of the partys calamitous presidential election, with documentary evidence provided.

The disclosure is understood to be included in a draft version of the review.

Fianna Fail selected Mr Gavin to contest the presidential election on September 9, following a vote of the parliamentary party.

He beat Cork MEP Billy Kelleher in a secret ballot by 41 votes to 29.

The former Dublin GAA manager was the preferred candidate of Taoiseach Micheal Martin and deputy Fianna Fail leader Jack Chambers.

He was also backed publicly by members of Cabinet.

However, he spectacularly withdrew from the race on October 5 following confirmation that he had failed to return rent overpayments worth 3,300 to a tenant in 2008. The rental property was also not declared with the Residential Tenancies Board.

On October 6, Mr Chambers, Fianna Fails director of elections, was critical of Mr Gavins explanation of the rental dispute, saying it was contradicted by documents provided to the party by the tenant.

Jack Chambers, the party's director of elections. Picture: Clive Wasson

The following day, Mr Chambers was asked when he first learned about the rent issue and if it was when a press query was submitted on September 8. He acknowledged that a general query was raised.

However, the Irish Examiner has learned that the matter was directly raised with Mr Chambers by a member of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party on September 8, the day before Mr Gavin was selected to run.

It is understood that a party member received a message suggesting that there may have been an issue with a former tenant and that this was passed on to Mr Chambers.

Neither Fianna Fail nor Mr Chambers responded to repeated queries on what was done with the communication.

On September 9, Mr Gavin and Mr Kelleher presented to the Fianna Fail parliamentary party, with Mr Gavin winning the vote to become the partys candidate.

He withdrew from the race less than four weeks later on October 5, following a disastrous media performance and a poor debate on RTEs The Week in Politics.

On October 19, at the annual Fianna Fail Bodenstown Commemoration in Kildare, the Irish Examiner asked both Mr Martin and Mr Chambers if they had received any other communication regarding Jim Gavin and a tenant prior to or on September 8.

The Taoiseach responded: We are having a review. The bottom line is, the more important point is, that any queries would have been referred to the candidate himself.

There was an absolute clear statement that there were no issues.

I'm not clear on what specific communication you are talking about, but there will be a review within the party. We're going to deal with it.

There's no big issues here. There's no big gotcha moments here."

There is still a lack of clarity on when the review into the presidential election will be completed but it is due back from Mr Gavin's lawyers later this week.

The report was expected in mid-November, but TDs and senators were told that it was taking longer than expected.

Last night, at a parliamentary party meeting, Mr Martin committed to publishing the report next week.

Mr Martin said a special parliamentary party meeting will be held to discuss the findings.
First-class pupils from Star of the Sea National School in Passage West brought festive cheer to St Marys Church with their annual nativity play, sharing their favourite things about Christmas, from family time to food and gifts, as the stormy weather outside failed to dampen spirits.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched an investigation after a man died when a wall collapsed on him near Bandon, West Cork, on Thursday afternoon.

A second man was also injured in the incident which occurred in Kilmore at about 4pm. It is understood the men were building a wall when it fell on top of them.
A Limerick man wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge has been remanded in custody with consent to bail.

Jeremiah OBrien, aged 55, of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick, is alleged to have facilitated the transportation of 66 human beings, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece, towards Italy.

The boat was discovered stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece.

Bail application

The State contested a bail application made on behalf of Mr OBrien at the High Court. Mr OBrien has provided many different addresses over the past years, including at locations such as Nottingham in the UK, Belfast and Newry, gardai said, and there was concern that, if he was released on bail, he could abscond.

Defence counsel for Mr O'Brien, Simon Matthews BL, said that his client is a member of the Travelling community who crosses Europe selling tools and generators. He said the addresses given were those of family members and friends with whom he stays.

Mr Matthews said Rathkeale is Mr O'Brien's main place of residence and that he would stay there if he were granted bail. Counsel said his client maintains his innocence and has never been in custody before.

Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said the allegations against OBrien were of the highest order. However, she said Mr OBrien must be presumed innocent and the court must have regard to the fact that he has no prior convictions and no history of warrants in the State.

Ms Justice Ring said Mr O'Brien has a travelling history, which is not out of order with regard to his background. She said he appears to be a man who has worked around the continent and that he has no record of difficulties with various police services.

Ms Justice Ring said she was inclined to grant bail on Mr O'Brien's own bond of 500. An independent surety of 15,000 must also be provided. She said this could be frozen or done in a cash lodgement.

The judge also said OBrien must surrender all travel documents, that he must live at the address indicated at Rathkeale and must sign in daily at the garda station. Ms Justice Ring said OBrien must maintain a curfew at night at the address at Rathkeale and that gardai should attend to ensure that curfew is followed.

She said he must attend all court dates and not make any further applications for travel documents. She also said he must keep the peace and be of good behaviour while on bail.

Case background

Detective Garda Tony Keane previously gave evidence that on November 26, he was on duty in the Rathkeale area when he became aware of a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert for the arrest of Mr OBrien, which related to a European arrest warrant.

Det. Gda Keane said it is alleged that Jeremiah OBrien and two other named persons acted jointly between November 9 and 16, 2017, by renting a car and between November 11 and 23, 2017, by renting a 12m speedboat.

Det Gda Keane said the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran). Det Gda Keane said that these 66 people paid between $4,000 and $6,000 each.

The detective said that after he informed Mr OBrien that he was the subject of the SIS alert for the purpose of arrest, the respondent replied: I was never in Greece.

Det. Gda Keane went on to say that after being brought to Henry Street Garda Station and given the details of the charge, the respondent said: I dont know anything about that. The detective gave evidence that Mr O'Brien then said that he had been in Greece and did rent a car.

A hearing date has been fixed for January 14.
A man has been remanded into custody in Northern Ireland charged with terror offences linked to a cross-border police investigation into a planned attack on a mosque.

Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park, in Ballynahinch in Co Down, appeared before a district judge in Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday.

No application for bail was made during the short hearing before judge Peter Magill.

The charges relate to an alleged plot by a group styling itself as the Irish Defence Army to attack a mosque and also target accommodation facilities used to house migrants.

The investigation into violent far-right extremism is being conducted by police on both sides of the Irish border.

Pollock is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act.

He is accused of possessing documents or records likely to be of use to terrorists.

According to the charge sheet document, that count relates to a claim of responsibility by the Irish Defence Army for the burning of a mosque and a threat of future violence against persons or places connected to the provision of facilities for migrants, and Warning Notices to persons connected to the provision of accommodation for migrants.

Pollock is also charged with withholding information which might prevent an act of terrorism, specifically a terrorist attack on a mosque by persons identifying themselves as the Irish Defence Army.

Pollock is also charged with possession of an article for use in terrorism, namely a Galaxy Samsung phone.

During the short court hearing, Pollock answered yes when asked whether he understood the charges.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective sergeant told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.

A solicitor for Pollock told the court that no bail application would be made on Thursday, due to a lack of suitable bail address, but that an application would be made next week.

The judge remanded the accused in custody to appear before court again, via videolink, on Monday December 15.

Pollock was arrested on Tuesday in Ballynahinch. Two other people were detained on the same day in connection with the cross-border probe.

A 40-year-old woman arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, was released pending a report to prosecutors.

A 48-year-old man arrested in Kilkeel, Co Down, was released following questioning.
I've been thinking a lot about the future of hospitality in Ireland, and it feels like a conversation we need to keep returning to. Everywhere you look, places are struggling to keep staff.

Training colleges are doing their best to encourage students, yet so many young people seem unsure about committing to the industry long term. Anyone who works in food or even brushes up against it can sense the unease. Something is shifting, and I find myself paying closer attention than ever.

My own thoughts on this were sparked in an unexpected place. I was sitting on an interview panel for a culinary arts lecturer role. I didnt feel like an expert sitting there. Im a small-scale caterer with a tiny team. A mum. Someone who works in food but definitely not someone who claims to know the entire industry inside out.

What struck me that day was how naturally every candidate spoke about using AI in their teaching. They werent talking about flashy or futuristic ideas. They talked about using AI to make menu costing easier, to track waste more efficiently and to lighten the admin load students often get buried under.

As a luddite and a reluctant adapter, I was impressed. They were miles ahead of me. But when I left the room and gave myself space to think, the AI piece wasnt what stayed with me.

What lingered was the bigger question behind it. Why is hospitality in Ireland still finding it so difficult to build and keep a stable, happy workforce.

Its something I understand in a personal way because it actually took me a long time to enter the industry myself. Like so many women, I grew up with the idea that hospitality wasnt really suitable for mothers, or for anyone who wanted a steady life.

The image I had in my head was long punishing hours, poor pay and a culture that demanded your entire self. And for many people, that was the reality. Probably still is.

Its taken me years to create a little niche that allows me to use my passion and my skills but still have a life outside of it. Im grateful for it every day. And Im very aware that this privilege isnt available to everyone working in hospitality.

Im not someone with decades of mainstream kitchen experience. I dont have a big restaurant or a hotel. What I know comes from the edges. From friends who work front of house or in kitchens. From conversations at school gates. From young people I meet along the way.

Conditions in the industry

But even from that limited view, the pattern is glaringly obvious. People dont leave hospitality because they lack the talent or the interest. They leave because of the conditions.

Covid shifted peoples tolerance. Theres far less willingness now to put up with bullying, shouting or chaos being excused as just how it is. Work/life balance isnt a bonus anymore. Its an expectation. And younger workers, in particular, arent shy about saying so.

A moment on a train recently brought this into sharp focus. I got chatting with two college students who had done part-time work in hospitality. They were bright, sharp girls.

They told me about the shifts they had worked, the customers they had served and the confidence they now have in knowing what they wont tolerate. They joked about the involuntary eye roll they both get when a customer asks something truly thoughtless.

Beneath the humour was something more important. They already expect fair treatment, decent rotas and basic respect. They are not afraid to walk away from a job that feels wrong. At 19 or 20, they are more aware of their value than many people my age were at 30.

Even in my tiny way, I see the importance of culture. My small team often tells me it never feels like work when were together. I dont take that lightly.

It reminds me that hospitality is at its best when the atmosphere is safe, kind and supportive. That sense of ease matters more than any technical skill.

Of course, there are structural challenges too. Wages that dont always keep pace with the cost of living. Short staffing that pushes the remaining staff harder. An industry that still relies on the stamina and patience of people who are already stretched.

Its hard to imagine a long-term career in a system thats constantly under strain. These issues shape everyones experience.

AI and hospitality

This brings me back to AI again, but in a softer way. Im never going to be someone who gets excited about technological advances. But I can see how AI might help around the edges.

If it can speed up admin, or help track waste more efficiently, or ease some of the pressure on managers and chefs, then I understand why educators are using it. And anything that reduces food waste is something Ill always stand behind.

But no tool will ever replace what makes hospitality meaningful. It can only support it. I often think we forget that sustainability isnt just about ingredients or carbon footprints.

A workforce has to be sustainable too. Burnout isnt sustainable. A culture of fear or pressure isnt sustainable. An industry that loses people faster than it can train them definitely isnt sustainable.

So if AI can help a little, fine. But the real change will come from how people are treated.

I keep circling back to the same thought. The future of hospitality will depend on whether young workers feel valued enough to stay.

I dont have perfect answers. Im just someone paying attention. And the more I listen, the more it feels like this is the conversation that matters.
There is always  and we mean always  room for dessert, especially when its a chocolate fondant from SuperValu ambassador Gareth Mullins.

We sat down with the man himself and discovered the surprising secret to ensuring perfect fondants time and again.

Make them two days before, laughs Mullins. That way, you are sorted for Christmas Day.

His advice is: Make the fondants on the 23rd and put the ramekins into your fridge, ready to be baked on Christmas Day. Then, after dinner, when youve cleaned up a little and are starting to relax, you just need to bake them. Once theyre baked, let them sit, with that molten chocolate in the middle, and then serve with SuperValu Signature Tastes Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream. Perfect.

At home, Mullins always makes a sharing dessert at Christmas, normally traditional trifle with panettone, that can be enjoyed by the whole family, plus just one other dessert.

People tend to panic and make too many desserts and theyre not eaten, he says.

Instead, make one showstopper and one other dessert; less is more. But that doesnt mean skimping on treats; as Mullins points out, its about prioritising your time so you can savour the festive season rather than spending it in the kitchen.

And thats exactly where SuperValus Signature Tastes dessert range comes into play.

Take the Madagascan Vanilla Custard, crowned with a Great Taste 2025 One Star. Silky and versatile, its equally at home poured over a pudding or layered into a trifle.

Then theres the Signature Tastes Yule Log, a silver winner at Blas 2025, courtesy of Couverture Desserts Ltd, a mouthwatering way to impress your guests.

But SuperValu isnt stopping there. New arrivals for 2025 include the indulgent Belgian Chocolate Trifle and Dulce de Leche & Chocolate Pavlova Stack, a dessert so irresistible we anticipate queues when it lands in store on December 18th.

Of course, while the brand is renowned for its constant food innovation, the Signature Tastes range is firmly rooted in the classics.

Expect fanfare when the Irish Cream Liqueur Crown Pudding makes its entrance, and again when the Mince Pie Range arrives  timeless essentials that belong on every Christmas table.

Whether offered to visitors or enjoyed with a warming cup of tea and a Christmas movie, these are the treats that turn December into something magical.

Of course, a showstopping dessert calls for showstopping wine and bubbles, and this year SuperValu has options for all palates and budgets.

SuperValu Signature Range wines deliver premium quality at outstanding value.

SuperValu Signature Range wines deliver premium quality at outstanding value Exclusive to SuperValu, the Signature Range represents the pinnacle of wine selection.

Specially sourced by renowned wine expert Kevin OCallaghan, this collection has been meticulously curated to deliver premium quality at outstanding value.

Partnering with distinguished vineyards around the globe, each bottle embodies the very best of its region, variety and style.

With multiple award-winning wines in the range, you can trust that every pour reflects true craftsmanship and excellence, with classic reds and whites for all tastes and standouts including Ricossa Barolo, Pouilly Fuisse and Andre Goichot, just to name a few.

When shopping in-store, simply look for the Signature Range Icon  your mark of distinction, quality and taste.

And because no festive season is complete without a little sparkle, SuperValu has focused this Christmas on delivering unbeatable prices across its off-licence.

Genuine Champagne starts from just 20, an extraordinary price for such prestige. For everyday celebrations, vibrant Prosecco, at only 8, is the perfect go-to sparkler, while Spanish Cava (12) and Cremant dAlsace (15) bring depth and elegance to the table.

Together, the Signature Range and festive fizz selection ensure that every occasion, from casual gathering to grand celebration, is elevated with exceptional taste at remarkable value.
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela amid mounting tensions with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

It is the Trump administrations latest push to increase pressure on Mr Maduro, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States.

Mr Trump told reporters at the White House: Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually.

US attorney general Pam Bondi posted grainy footage of the seizure on her X account (U.S. Attorney Generals Office/X via AP)

The President also said other things are happening, but did not offer additional details, saying he would speak more about it later.

The seizure was carried led by the US Coast Guard and supported by the Navy, according to a US official.

A day earlier, the US military flew a pair of fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela in what appeared to be the closest that warplanes had come to the South American countrys airspace since the start of the administrations pressure campaign.

The US has built up the largest military presence in the region in decades and launched a series of deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Donald Trump has said land attacks are imminent (PA)

Mr Trump has said land attacks are coming soon, but has not offered any details on location.

Among the concessions the US has made to Mr Maduro during past negotiations was approval for oil giant Chevron Corp to resume pumping and exporting Venezuelan oil.

The corporations activities in the South American country resulted in a financial lifeline for Mr Maduros government.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was holding urgent talks on Thursday with leaders and officials from about 30 countries that are supporting Kyivseffort to obtain fair terms for an end to the war with Russia.

The leaders of Germany, Britain and France were among those expected to take part in the meeting of Ukraines allies, dubbed the coalition of the willing, via video link.

Mr Zelenskyy indicated the talks were hastily arranged as Kyiv officials scramble to avoid getting boxed in by US President Donald Trumps demands for a swift settlement.

European governments are trying to help steer the peace negotiations because they say their own security is at stake.

Mr Trump said on Wednesday that he and European leaders discussed proposals by phone in pretty strong terms, adding that Mr Zelenskyy has to be realistic about his countrys position on a peace plan that would cede Ukrainian territory to Russia. He did not elaborate.

Mr Trumps latest effort to broker a settlement is taking longer than he wanted.

He initially set a hard deadline for Kyiv to accept his peace plan before Thanksgiving at the end of November. Previous Washington deadlines for reaching a peace deal have also passed without making a breakthrough.

Russia is also keen to show Mr Trump it is engaging with his peace efforts, hoping to avoid any further US sanctions.

Russias foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Russia has relayed to Washington additional proposals  concerning collective security guarantees that Ukraine and Europe say are needed to deter future aggression.

A Russian missile attacked DTEKs power plant in Ukraine on Wednesday (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

We understand that when discussing security guarantees, we cannot limit ourselves to Ukraine alone, Mr Lavrov said. He did not offer details of the Kremlins proposals.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks of the nearly four-year war overnight, forcing flights in and out of all four Moscow airports to be halted for seven hours.

Airports in eight other cities across Russia also faced restrictions, Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said on Thursday.

The Russian defence ministry said air defences intercepted 287 Ukrainian drones over multiple Russian regions.

The display of Ukraines military capability to strike deep inside Russia appeared as a counter to the Kremlins argument that its invasion is overwhelming for its smaller neighbour.

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to portray himself as negotiating from a position of strength, analysts say. But since launching the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has captured only about 20% of Ukraine.

There are signs that the negotiations are coming to a crossroads. The talks are at a critical moment, European leaders said in a statement on Wednesday.

Next week, Ukraine will co-ordinate with European countries on a bilateral level, Mr Zelenskyy said late on Wednesday.

Ukraine is working swiftly, he said.
More than 400 civilians have been killed as the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group continues its offensive in Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, regional officials have said, adding that Rwandan special forces were in the strategic city of Uvira.

M23s latest offensive comes despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the presidents of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in Washington.

The accord did not include the rebel group, which is negotiating separately with Democratic Republic of the Congo and agreed earlier this year to a ceasefire that both sides accuse the other of violating.

However, it obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups and work to end hostilities.

More than 413 civilians (have been) killed by bullets, grenades, and bombs, including many women, children, and young people in localities between Uvira and Bukavu, the regional capital, the South Kivu government spokesperson said on Wednesday.

M23 rebels enter the centre of Bukavu, and take control of the South Kivu province administrative office (Janvier Barhahiga/AP)

According to the information gathered, the forces present in the city are composed of Rwandan special forces and some of their foreign mercenaries, operating in clear violation of the ceasefire as well as the Washington and Doha agreements, in total disregard of the commitments made, the statement added.

M23 said it had taken control of the strategic eastern city of Uvira on Wednesday, after a rapid offensive since the start of the month.

The announcement by M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, posted on X, encouraged citizens who fled to return to their homes.

Uvira is an important port city on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika and is directly across from neighbouring Burundis largest city, Bujumbura.

Democratic Republic of the Congo, the US and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, which had hundreds of members in 2021. Now, according to the UN, the group has about 6,500 fighters.

While Rwanda denies that claim, it acknowledged last year that it has troops and missile systems in the east of the country, allegedly to safeguard its security. UN experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces there.

Burundian foreign minister Edouard Bizimana, in an interview with French state media RFI on Wednesday, urged the US to pressure Rwandan President Paul Kagame to ensure the implementation of the agreement signed in the US, saying M23 without Kagame, without Rwanda, is nothing.

Mr Bizimana said the capture of Uvira poses a threat to the economic capital, Bujumbura.

We have registered more than 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the last three days Uvira and Bujumbura are coastal cities. What threatens Uvira also threatens Bujumbura, he said.

On Wednesday the US Embassy in Kinshasa urged M23 and Rwandan troops to cease all offensive operations and for the Rwandan Defence Forces to withdraw to Rwanda.

On Wednesday morning, the Rwandan ministry of foreign affairs blamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo armed forces for the recent ceasefire violations in a statement on X.

The DRC has openly stated that it would not observe any ceasefire, and was fighting to recapture territories lost to AFC/M23, even as the peace process unfolded, it said.

More than 100 armed groups are vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo near the border with Rwanda, most prominently M23.

The conflict has created one of the worlds most significant humanitarian crises, with more than seven million people displaced, officials say.

Local UN partners report that more than 200,000 people have been displaced across the province since December 2, with more than 70 killed.

Civilians also have crossed into Burundi, and there have been reports of shells falling in the town of Rugombo, on the Burundian side of the border, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over into Burundian territory.
A Hollywood director has been convicted of scamming Netflix out of 11 million dollars (8 million) for a show that never materialised.

Carl Erik Rinsch instead used the cash for lavish purchases including several Rolls-Royces, a Ferrari and about a million dollars (740,000) in mattresses and luxury bedding.

Rinsch, best known for directing Keanu Reeves film 47 Ronin, was convicted of wire fraud, money laundering and other charges, according to court records and a spokesperson for federal prosecutors in New York.

In a statement, his lawyer Benjamin Zeman said the verdict was wrong and could set a dangerous precedent for artists who become embroiled in contractual and creative disputes with their benefactors, in this case one of the largest media companies in the world, finding themselves indicted by the federal government for fraud.

Keanu Reeves (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Prosecutors said Netflix initially paid Rinsch about 44 million dollars (32 million) for an unfinished sci-fi show called White Horse, and then sent over another 11 million dollars after he said he needed additional funding to wrap up the production.

Instead of putting the money towards the show, Rinsch steered the cash to a personal account where he made a series of failed investments, losing around half of the 11 million dollars in a couple of months, according to prosecutors.

He put the remaining funds into the cryptocurrency market, netting some profit, then deposited the money into his own bank account.

Then came the lavish purchases, prosecutors said, with Rinsch buying five Rolls-Royces and one Ferrari, along with 652,000 dollars (486,000) on watches and clothes.

He also bought two mattresses for about 638,000 dollars (476,000) and spent another 295,000 dollars (220,000) on luxury bedding and linens.

He used some of the money to pay off about 1.8 million dollars (1.3 million) in credit card bills, prosecutors added.

Rinsch never finished the show. His sentencing date is set for April.

Netflix declined to comment.
12/10/2025

Mother and daughter Linda and Becca Hearn will cross Jax States commencement stage side by side as they complete their MBAs

By Brett Buckner

It wasnt so much a request as a challenge. But Linda Hearn knew better than to deny her daughter, Beccaespecially when it would ultimately benefit them both.

As a result, Linda and Becca Hearn will receive their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees together during Jacksonville State Universitys 2 p.m. graduation ceremony on Thursday at Pete Mathews Coliseum.

I knew she couldnt say no, Becca said, laughing. But that's kind of how our relationship is. Ill decide to do something, and then I will make her do it with me. This was our adventure together.

Linda, who has spent more than 30 years at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving as executive director, had long considered returning to Jax State for her MBA. But it took Beccas prodding for her to finally take the leap. When she did, it was with both feet.

It was an eye-opening experience, and I obviously didn't take it lightly, Linda said. It was difficult but very rewarding.

Having graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1989 with a degree in marketing, Lindas initial concern was simply getting everything aligned so she could begin the program.

I was mostly worried about my transcript, she said. I mean, that was so long ago, it made me nervous. But it did. Everything transferred over, and we got started.

From the start, it was clear that mother and daughter had vastly different approaches to their assignments. Much of it was a generational divide. For instance, Linda didnt own a personal laptop until she enrolled in the program. Recognizing her inevitable struggles, Lindas husband, Dr. Mark Hearn, associate dean of Jax States College of Business and Industry, bought her one. But it didnt stop Linda from taking the old-fashioned approach to studying. She purchased hard copies of every textbook, highlighting everything and taking notes in actual spiral notebooks.

I printed everything, Linda said.

Becca knew she had certain advantages in the classroom setting, which was completely online. But her mom brought something Becca didnt.

It was a little unfair at first, I didn't have any time off from school, said Becca, who graduated from Furman University with a psychology degree. I was used to school and the way that classes go, the structure of a class and online testing and everything. My brain was still in that mode. But I didn't have a 34-year career in business. My mom does.

Linda confessed it took some time to get back into the swing of things. Plus, she was working on her masters degree while maintaining a full-time job, leading to a lot of late nights and early-morning study habits.

There was a learning curve, Linda said. Obviously, I had to adjust and get back into the habit of studying.

Because all classes were online, Becca and Linda found their own study routines, rarely working at the same time despite living in the same house. And then I traveled a lot, Becca added. I was able to be in different time zones and still do the work, but it was not a problem.

Still, the experience strengthened an already powerful bond. Both took away a new understanding of what the other was capable of.

It was hard at times, Linda said. It's great and wonderful, and it's like we've probably had all the emotions you can have about it. I think we learned patience. Patience with each other, and Becca certainly showed patience with me. I hope it was encouraging for Becca to continue to grow.

Becca found inspiration in her mother as well.

She motivated me to keep going, and I do hope that she saw it in me, too, Becca said. But yeah, we challenged each other for sure. There were times when we were able to work together, and I saw where we both had our strengths.

Despite the pressure to succeed and meet the graduation deadline, both mother and daughter kept things civilized.

Anybody who knows us knows how competitive we are with each other, Becca said. I think it was kind of competitive, but in its own nice, friendly sort of way.

Their competitive nature came on in full force, though playfully, each time grades were posted.

What's funny isthough we still have one more class, Linda said, we've made the same grade in every single class we've taken together.

And yes, you can bet mother and daughter plan to compare their final GPAs.

Oh, we're going to pay attention, Linda said. I think it's going to be something to be proud of for both of us.

Final grades likely wont be posted until Dec. 11 at the earliest. For the moment, Beccas not worrying that far ahead.

If I think about it, it will just stress me out too much, she said. I feel like for Mom, that's one of the ways we're different, she always knows what her grade is. But I dont always want to know because then thats all Ill focus on.

The only thing they cant seem to agree on is how they want to receive their degrees at commencement.

It'd be great if we could just walk up there together. Of course, Id technically be first because the names are called out alphabetically, Linda said, Then to have her father, my husband, robing us both at the same time  just an incredible moment.

Becca hasnt decided if she wants to share the stage.

Its all a really neat thing, quite an honor, she said. But I think we should each get our own time. I want my own spotlight, and I want Mom to get that, too. Because we both did the work. But no matter how it actually happens, I know Mom will be right there with me, like shes always been.
By Clodagh Philippa Guerin, University of Limerick

(The Conversation)  In times of war and crisis, poetry can become more than just art: it can become testimony. For the people of Palestine living under siege, poetry is not a mere reflection of their suffering, but rather an act of resistance which campaigns for survival and remembrance.

Poetry has adopted these functions throughout history. Most famously in the west, the poetry of the first and second world wars still haunts cultural and sociological imaginations, from Wilfred Owens depictions of the trenches to Primo Levis poetic recollections of surviving the Holocaust.

But survivors from across history and the wider world have turned to the poetic form in an attempt to distil chaos into meaning, and to offer a language to witnessing where oppressive silence threatens to prevail.

For more than two years our phones, newspapers and televisions have displayed an onslaught of imagery documenting the violence in Palestine. The images that we have come to expect from the bitter conflict, while recording the realities of survivors on the ground, can also often portray Palestinian people as the passive victims of what has become a largely decontextualised violence.

While coverage of crisis in the media aims to elicit empathy and immediate action, it relies on portraying displaced people as hopeless victims. This re-enforces their position as outsiders while attempting to rekindle a sense of urgency in audiences who have grown desensitised to crises across the globe that are protracted and countless.

This is a common trope in the portrayal of refugees and displaced people. Many have come to expect bleak images of destruction, starving children with crying mothers, and people in camps without basic necessities.

In the era of 24-hour news cycles and never-ending scrolling, why does poetry in times of crisis still matter? I believe it is because the enduring nature of poetry slows us down.

Where headlines and TikToks flash and vanish, poetry lingers, demanding contemplation. Social media no doubt plays a role in the wider dissemination of poetry. After their deaths, Alareers and Abu Nadas poems have been shared millions of times for example. However, the poem as a form itself resists the fleeting, disposable nature of digital content.

Poetry offers something that news and visual imagery cannot in times of crisis: depth over immediacy and meaning over spectacle. The poetry being penned by Palestinian people is an alternative archive of their experience of Israels two-year assault on Gaza, preserving their voices and identity against erasure.

The deaths of Refaat Alareer and Hiba Abu Nada in Israeli airstrikes underscores the stakes of this literary resistance. Posthumously, their work has transformed from the art of witnessing into enduring evidence and history from below.

Examples of Palestinian poetry

Alareers If I Must Die centres around the use of conditionality: language that expresses possibility or uncertainty. The titular phrase might first signal the poets resignation but also highlights his resistance.

The poem does not focus on the trauma porn of violence and death but rather focuses on the practicalities and imperative nature of remembrance.

If I must die, you must live to tell my story



If I must die let it bring hope let it be a tale.

The transformation of the poets impending mortality into narrative immortality and continuity situates individual loss within a collective horizon for Palestinian people.

By framing his death in this conditional way, and by using simplistic language to belie the complexity of his poetic message, Alareer asserts agency in what was to become his final moments.

Similarly, Abu Nadas I Grant You Refuge uses the conceit of shelter to complicate the concepts of safety and asylum.

The poems central theme of offering refuge creates a powerful paradox: the destruction of homes and lives in Palestine has created mass displacement and precarity, yet I Grant You Refuge attempts to create a symbolic space for community where literal, physical safety is unachievable.

Nadas persistent repetition of the phrase I grant you refuge inverts the normative dynamic of refugee and host, where the displaced person has become the one who grants refuge, creating a new social dynamic for the Palestinian people. Nadas death in October 2023 renders the poem tragically self-reflexive. The promise of refuge collapses under bombardment yet endures through poetic testimony.

I grant you refuge in knowing that the dust will clear, and they who fell in love and died together will one day laugh.

In contrast to If I Must Die and I Grant You Refuge, Abu Tohas Under the Rubble sidesteps metaphor in favour of stark imagery, cataloguing painful scenes of mutilation and violence. For example, a mother collecting her daughters flesh in a piggy bank, a father killed while fetching bread, a childs drawings on a wall ending at four feet high because the painter has died in an air strike.



Oxford Palestine solidarity encampment  second encampment at Radcliffe Square  20 May 2024. By Kiri of Karitane. Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons .

Tohas use of imagery imbues the minutiae details of everyday life with suffering. The poems short lines create a fractured structure and a crotchety sense of time, where mundane routine is interrupted by unpredictable violence.

These three poems are but a selection of many testimonial works emerging from Palestine. They illustrate that poetry in times of crisis is neither incidental nor ornamental. Digital platforms accelerate the circulation of images, stories and data, but the rapid, incessant flow of information can make them seem temporary and disconnected from their original meaning.

Poetry, by contrast, demands interpretive engagement and reflection. The viral dissemination of crisis poetry creates a paradox: social media at once amplifies poetrys reach while its richness of meaning keeps it from feeling as fleeting as other online material.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

Clodagh Philippa Guerin, PhD Candidate in Refugee World Literature, University of Limerick

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
( Middle East Monitor )  Ahmed Al-Sharaa has been in power in Syria for nearly 1-year. The lightening rebel offensive that brought down five decades of the dictatorial rule of the Assad family, was a shock to many. In Al-Sharaa, Syrians were greeted with a new kind of leader, but debates about Syrias future continue to rage. For Patrick Haenni and Jerome Drevon, Al-Sharaa wont turn Syria into a democracy, but Syrias civil society might turn the Mediterranean country into one. Their new book Transformed By The People: Hayat Tahrir Al-Shams Road To Power In Syria tells the story of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham or HTS and Ahmed Al-Sharaas rise to power. The research was years in the making and included interviews with Al-Sharaa himself, HTS members, diplomats and opponents of the group; it paints a fascinating picture of the evolution of the movement.

They argue HTS, which was founded in 2016, has undergone four key evolutions. The first is rejection of transnational Jihadism, opposing fighting the West and against imposing a version of Islamic law found in the ideologies of groups like Daesh. The second is rejecting Salafism altogether and reorientating their religious views to fit Syrias cultural and religious landscape. Thirdly, they outmaneuvered other rebel groups by building alliances with civil society and broader populations at large. Fourthly, the rejection of global Jihadism allowed them to relocalise their politics to fit Syrian society.

The fighting of more extreme groups and moderating religious politics while believing in the values of the 2011 Arab Spring, the authors view HTS as akin to the Thermidorian Reaction against the Jacobins Reign of Terror regime in 18th century revolutionary France. Whats interesting about these transformative steps is that some of them emerged as pragmatic accommodations to situations unfolding. Overtime, these accommodations accumulated and changed into a deeper strategic transformation. However, while there is much talk of pragmatism or opportunism, the book cautions us against reducing our view to this, an opportunist navigates tactically, shifting direction at will. HTS, however, did not simply adapt on a whim. The authors point out that despite HTS not issuing a formal doctrinal revision, their political trajectory has followed a very clear path and irreversibly so.



Patrick Haenni and Jerome Drevon, Transformed by the People: Hayat Tahrir al-Shams Road to Power in Syria. Hurst, 2025. Click Here to Buy.

A core contention about HTSs leader is that he is a former Daesh and Al-Qaeda commander, but Haenni and Drevon argue that this is not so straightforward. After the 2003 US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq, Ahmed Al-Sharaa travelled to Iraq to join a group that was a precursor to Daesh, known as the Islamic State in Iraq or ISI. Not long after arriving in Iraq in 2005, he was arrested and held in both Abu Ghraib and Bucca prisons, run by the Americans, for five years. The significance of this is that the extreme sectarian violence and mass killings carried out by ISI occurred after Al-Sharaa was jailed. While being motivated to fight the foreign occupying forces, Al-Sharaas views at the time didnt totally align with ISI.

Al-Sharaa claims that at the time, he was motivated to fight the US invasion, but didnt fully understand the ideology of ISI and was shocked to learn how extreme their views were. While this would be a convenient thing for him to say now, a letter sent by one of the main leaders of Daesh, Muhammad Al-Adnani, to the Al-Qaeda leadership in Afghanistan in 2011, adds credence to this claim. Al-Adnani was complaining about Al-Sharaa notably his opposition to key beliefs of the group. He was given permission to go back to Syria by ISI and form a new organisation Jabhat Al-Nusra. But soon after Al-Nusras establishment, complaints by Al-Qaeda about Al-Sharaa escalated, alleging that he was trying to sideline them.

Although breaking with ISIS in 2013 and Al-Qaeda in 2016 transformed Ahmed Al-Sharaas group and led to the creation of HTS, ultimately it was governance that changed the orientation of the group. After HTS came to dominate the Syrian province of Idlib in 2017, they built alliances with educated and conservative elites, HTSs dominance over its competitors paradoxically created space for this urban elite to operate, albeit under control. These elites included academics, activists, NGO workers and businessmen, all of whom helped build governmental institutions. Businessmen were more interested in rebuilding order and security than driven by ideological affinities. They believed that unifying governance would improve security and limit factional intrusions in their work.

Transformed By The People is an important intervention into ongoing debates about Syrias future. It assesses the political trajectory HTS has been on and how changes have unfolded. Crucially, it also shows how susceptible the group can be to popular pressure and the role civil society can play in changing the direction of the group. Although HTS is formally disbanded, the group is the main source of governance in Syria today, alongside other factions, which makes this book an urgent read. It offers detailed, well-thought-out and nuanced analysis of HTS.

Usman Butt is a broadcast and digital journalist and researcher.

Via Middle East Monitor
Overlimit lead assays received from rock samples at the newly discovered Lodge and Cooper showings, within the 1 km by 1 km multi-element (silver-leadzinc) Betty soil geochemical anomaly, which remains open to the east and south.

Vancouver, BC, December 11, 2025  TheNewswire - Silver North Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SNAG, OTCQB: TARSF) (Silver North or the Company) announces, further to the Companys news release dated October 28, 2025, final analytical results from the 2025 field exploration program at the Veronica Property, one of three properties comprising the GDR Project in southern Yukon Territory (Figure 1). Lead assay results from two silver-bearing samples of massive galena in cobble-size float (2,860 and 213 g/t silver  See news release dated October 28, 2025) at the Lodge Showing, which initially exceeded upper detection limits of the sampling procedure, have returned 76.8% lead and 9.6% lead, respectively. At the Cooper Showing, lead analysis from one silver-bearing sample from outcrop (33.17 g/t silver), returned 1.36% lead.

Lead mineralization, in the form of the mineral galena, is an important component of CRD (Carbonate Replacement Deposit) style mineralization in the Silvertip District, stated Jason Weber, P.Geo., President and CEO of Silver North. While only float, they do show the potential for high grade silver and lead mineralization at the Betty Target, which is a great start as we begin to make exploration plans for Veronica in 2026.

The high grade lead results at the Lodge Showing come from float collected within the 1 km by 1 km Betty Target which is defined as a coincident silver (1 ppm to 31.1 ppm), lead (50 ppm to 8850 ppm) and zinc (200 ppm to 3830 ppm) anomaly that remains open to the east, and potentially to the south (see news release dated October 28, 2025). Massive galena-bearing samples from float include a 15-cm wide massive sulphide cobble which returned 2,860 g/t Ag, 0.412 g/t Au, 76.8% Pb, 0.13% Cu, 0.18% Zn and 2,250 ppm Sb, (Sample K665269  Figures 2 and 3) and a cobble-sized sample uncovered in a hand trench in the same area that returned 213 g/t Ag, 9.6% Pb and 367 ppm Sb (Sample K665270 - Figures 2 and 3).

Figure 1: Location Map

The Veronica claims, part of the recently optioned GDR project, are located adjacent to the Tim Property (under separate option to Coeur Mining), in the Silvertip area of southern Yukon Territory. Exploration in the region is targeting high grade silver-lead-zinc mineralization similar to that found at the Silvertip Mine, approximately 12 km to the southwest of Veronica.

Analytical and Chain of Custody

Following the field program, all samples were secured on site and transported to the office of Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited before being delivered to ALS Minerals in Whitehorse, Yukon. All samples were prepared at ALS Minerals in Whitehorse before being transported to the ALS laboratory (an independent accredited laboratory) in North Vancouver, British Columbia for analysis.

Rock and soil samples were analyzed using four-acid digestion with an ICP-MS finish (ME-MS61). Gold analysis was by fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-ICP21). Over-limit analysis for silver was completed using Ore Grade four acid digestion (ME-OG62) and by fire assay and gravimetric finish (Ag-GRA21  30g sample). Over-limit analysis for lead is currently being completed using Ore Grade four acid digestion (ME-OG62).

Grab and float rock samples collected in the program are selective by nature and may not necessarily represent the overall grade of underlying mineralization. Soil geochemical surveys conducted prior to Silver Norths agreement to option the Veronica property consisted of grid (50 m samples on 100 m spaced lines) and ridgeline sampling (approximately) every 100 m. Approximately 453 soil samples were collected in kraft soil bags and analyzed using a 30g fire assay method for gold and standard ICP spectroscopy (Inductively Coupled Plasma) for 50 additional elements. Samples were analyzed at ALS Laboratories.

Figure 2: Compilation  Silver in soil geochemistry

Figure 3: Compilation  Lead in soil geochemistry

About Silver North Resources Ltd.

Silver Norths primary assets are its 100% owned Haldane Silver Project (next to Hecla Mining Inc.s Keno Hill Mine project), the Tim Silver Project (under option to Coeur Mining, Inc. in the Silvertip/Midway District, BC and Yukon) and the GDR project also in the Silvertip/Midway district. Silver North also plans to acquire additional silver properties in favourable jurisdictions.

The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SNAG, trades on the OTCQB market in the United States under the symbol TARSF, and under the symbol I90 on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Qualified Person

Mr. Kelson Willms, P.Geo., of Archer, Cathro and Associates (1981) Limited is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

For further information, contact:

Jason Weber, President and CEO

Sandrine Lam, Shareholder Communications

Tel: (604) 807-7217

Fax: (888) 889-4874

To learn more visit: www.silvernorthres.com

X: https://X.com/SilverNorthRes

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. STATEMENTS IN THIS NEWS RELEASE, OTHER THAN PURELY HISTORICAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING STATEMENTS RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S FUTURE PLANS AND OBJECTIVES OR EXPECTED RESULTS, MAY INCLUDE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON NUMEROUS ASSUMPTIONS AND ARE SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES INHERENT IN RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT. AS A RESULT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY VARY MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD- LOOKING STATEMENTS.
Successfully identified areas where high neodymium-in-soil anomalies coincide with areas of high radiometric activity, leading to the identification of new rare earth elements prospects as well as validated the location of historically reported ones

COEUR DALENE, Idaho / Dec 11, 2025 / Business Wire / Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (NYSE American: IDR) (IDR, Idaho Strategic or the Company) is pleased to release the results from its widespread soil sampling and radiometrics surveys covering key prospects within the Idaho portion of its Lemhi Pass rare earth elements project.

With respect to Idaho Strategics Lemhi Pass project, the Companys goal during the 2025 geology field season was to build on our high-potential rare earth prospects by collecting both soil geochemistry and radiometric data to aid in advancing exploration, permitting, and drill targeting efforts. The soils geochemistry and radiometrics have defined wide elongated zones of neodymium (Nd) enrichment and radiometric highs. The next step will be boots on the ground geological mapping to refine this broad data into targets for economic evaluation, including permitting for drill targets both at Lemhi Pass and Mineral Hill.

The Company plans to expand the soils groundwork and radiometrics footprint in 2026 to evaluate additional areas of its large Lemhi Pass land package on both sides of the Idaho-Montana border. The two images included in this release are two different scales of LiDAR maps covering a portion of the Idaho side of the Companys Lemhi Pass project. The first figure shows several bullseye targets of Nd in soils; and the second figure shows the total thorium levels enriched along structural corridors of the Lemhi Pass and Dan Patch faults.

Prospects identified by the Company warranting follow-up exploration and potential drilling in 2026 are those where high neodymium-in-soil anomalies occur along with high ground-based radiometric signatures. The neodymium-in-soil anomalies are shown by the warm colors and range between 45 ppm to an uncapped maximum sample grade of 1,740 ppm neodymium. While Idaho Strategic has identified several promising prospects by name in the images above, the Company also plans to conduct a drone-based magnetics survey in the spring of 2026. Recent field work has shown disseminated magnetite haloing portions of REE/Th mineralization, leading the Companys geologists to believe that the planned magnetics survey will add another valuable layer of data to further prioritize 2026 permitting and drill targeting efforts.

Over the winter months, while Idaho Strategics geologists arent active in the field, the Company will plan its 2026 exploration programs and begin first round processing tests from a variety of samples taken across the Companys rare earth elements (REE) project portfolio, working with a well-known REE processing industry consultant and SGS Laboratory.

Idaho Strategics President and CEO, John Swallow commented, Our work at Lemhi Pass this year exceeded our initial expectations. With over 50% of our neodymium-in-soil sample results exceeding typical background levels, it is very encouraging to see widespread anomalies across the project. The extent of these were contained within the areas surveyed from the ground and we fully expect our number of historic and potentially new targets to grow as more data is collected across our broader Lemhi Pass project. In 2026, in addition to drill programs at both Lemhi Pass and Mineral Hill, I am looking forward to the addition of a drone-based magnetics survey on the Idaho side of the project to add another layer of data to refine our approach and begin to get a deeper look into the mineralizing system at Lemhi Pass (the Company recently completed a drone-based magnetic survey of the Montana side of the project). In the meantime, we will continue to advance our projects over the winter with permitting and initial processing tests aimed at further refining our exploration targets based not only on total rare earth grades, but also with amenability to processing in-mind.

Qualified person

IDR's Vice President of Exploration, Robert John Morgan, PG, PLS is a qualified person as such term is defined under S-K 1300 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this press release. Rare earth samples were analyzed by ACT Labs using the 8-REE Assay Package (FUS-MS). The Companys QA/QC program includes certified reference materials to ensure analytical accuracy, with results reviewed by a Qualified Person.

About Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc.

Idaho Strategic Resources (IDR) is an Idaho-based gold producer which also owns the largest rare earth elements land package in the United States. The Companys business plan was established in anticipation of todays volatile geopolitical and macroeconomic environment. IDR finds itself in a unique position as the only publicly traded company with growing gold production and significant blue-sky potential for rare earth elements exploration and development in one Company.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by forward-looking words such as intends, potential, believe, plans, expects, may, goal, assume, estimate, anticipate, and will or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, assumptions, intentions, or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information includes, but are not limited to, Idaho Strategic Resources potential to advance one or more prospects identified in this press release by permitting, drilling, or additional fieldwork in 2026, the Companys potential to fly drone-based magnetics over Lemhi Pass in 2026, the potential for the Company to commence processing testing and the results of the proposed processing testing over the winter months, and the possibility for any of the identified prospects to result in an economically viable rare earth project. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of Idaho Strategic Resources as of the date such information is provided and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of IDR to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Investors should note that IDRs claim as the largest rare earth elements landholder in the U.S. is based on the Companys internal review of publicly available information regarding the rare earth landholdings of select companies within the U.S., which IDR is aware of. Investors are encouraged not to rely on IDRs claim as the largest rare earth elements landholder in the U.S. while making investment decisions. The forward-looking statement information above, and those following are applicable to both this press release, as well as the links contained within this press release. With respect to the business of Idaho Strategic Resources, these risks and uncertainties include risks relating to widespread epidemics or pandemic outbreaks; interpretations or reinterpretations of geologic information; the accuracy of historic estimates; unfavorable exploration results; inability to obtain permits required for future exploration, development or production; general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; fluctuating mineral and commodity prices; the ability to obtain necessary future financing on acceptable terms; the ability to operate the Companys projects; and risks associated with the mining industry such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, and energy prices), ground conditions, failure of plant, equipment, processes and transportation services to operate as anticipated, environmental risks, government regulation, actual results of current exploration and production activities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, permitting timelines, capital and construction expenditures, reclamation activities. 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, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from this forwardlooking information is available in Idaho Strategic Resources filings with the SEC on EDGAR. IDR does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 10, 2025) - IMAGINE LITHIUM INC. (TSXV: ILI) (OTCQB: ARXRF) (the "Company" or "Imagine") is pleased to announce a strategic land acquisition in the prolific Georgia Lake Pegmatite Field (GLPF), increasing its overall prolific exploration area by 45% at its 100%-owned Jackpot Lithium Project, located near Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The addition of the 'SPOD Lithium Option' of 8,449 ha brings the total land package held by Imagine to a total of 27,597 ha of prospective geology in the GLPF.

The addition of the 'SPOD Option Claims' creates a continuous land position between the NI 43-101 compliant Jackpot deposit and Rock Tech Lithium's Nama Creek deposit to the north, representing a strategic land acquisition that strengthens Imagine's exploration footprint moving forward (Figure 1).

Simone Suen, President of Imagine, stated: "We are pleased to announce the acquisition of a substantial land package for our Jackpot Project, consolidating significantly more prospective ground and positioning Imagine Lithium as the largest land holder in the Georgia Lake region. This expansion enhances synergies with Rock Tech Lithium's Nama Creek Project and strengthens Imagine's ability to advance our Mineral Resource inventory, currently at 3.1 Mt indicated and 5.3 Mt inferred (with grades of 0.85% and 0.91% Li2O, respectively). The outcome of the 2025 field season continue to refine our exploration model for the belt, underscoring the value of methodical exploration in identifying new deposits. Access to nearby infrastructure, ports, and a skilled workforce further supports the potential to bring Ontario's first lithium deposit into production."

Under the terms of the agreement, effective December 5, 2025, Imagine Lithium agrees to purchase 100% undivided right, title and interest in the North Nipigon Lithium Property from Spod Lithium Corp, hereby called the 'Spod Lithium Option' (Figure 1). Upon execution of the agreement, the 18 multi-cell mineral claims will be purchased for an aggregate cash payment of CAD$30,000. The claims are subject to a 2% net smelter royalty (NSR) which will be held by Jadeite Capital Ltd.

Figure 1. Jackpot Lithium Project map showing the Jackpot deposit, Nama Creek deposit and 'SPOD Lithium Option' boundary.

The addition of this strategic land package compliments future exploration plans and highlights the discovery potential for multiple open-pit, hard-rock lithium deposits in the Georgia Lake Pegmatite Field. The previously announced mineral resource estimate (see September 3, 2024 News Release) on the Jackpot Project outlines two conceptual pit shells  Jackpot and Casino Royale  both exhibiting good grade continuity and strong potential for resource expansion. The resources remain open along strike and to depth.

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS  NI 43-101 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

Indicated Resource: 3.1 Mt grading 0.85% LiO (26,200 t contained LiO)

Inferred Resource: 5.3 Mt grading 0.91% LiO (49,500 t contained LiO) Cut-off Grade: 0.30% LiO (pit-constrained) Recovery: 81.5% LiO, based on SGS metallurgical testing Bulk Density: 2.69 t/m Estimation Method: Inverse distance squared (ID) on 2  2  2 m blocks Effective Date: September 3, 2024; prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc.; technical report filed October 18, 2024.



METALLURGICAL TEST WORK

The early metallurgical results demonstrate that Jackpot mineralization can yield a high-grade spodumene concentrate suitable for the lithium battery supply chain.

Metallurgical testing was conducted by SGS Lakefield (20222023) on a 200 kg composite sample grading 1.72% LiO and 0.29% FeO.

Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS) produced a 6.0% LiO spodumene concentrate with 81.5% LiO recovery, and a concentrate iron content of 0.76% FeO, without magnetic separation.

Additional optimization through dense media separation (DMS) and flotation is expected to further enhance recovery and concentrate grade.

The Company adopted the 81.5% recovery figure within the MRE cut-off assumptions.

Grant of Options

Imagine further announces that it has granted 7,200,000 options to an officer and director of the company exercisable at $0.05 for a period of 5 years from the date of grant. The options have been granted in accordance with the Company's stock option plan.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release was reviewed and approved by Jason Arnold, P.Geo., an Independent Qualified Person as defined by the National Instrument 43-101.

About Imagine Lithium Inc.

Imagine is a junior mining exploration company focused on seeking and acquiring world-class mineral projects. The company holds the Jackpot lithium property located in the Georgia Lake area about 140 km NNE of Thunder Bay, Ontario, is approximately 12 km by road from the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 11), and is in proximity to sources of power, railroads, and ports. The Jackpot Property consists of 297 mineral claims covering 18,800 hectares. The Property contains NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resources of 3.1 Mt grading 0.85% Li 2 O in the Indicated category and 5.3 Mt grading 0.91% Li 2 O in the Inferred category, as well as a number of other known pegmatite showings.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Simone Sze Man Suen"

Simone Sze Man Suen, President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca).
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Origen Resources Inc. (CSE: ORGN) (FSE: 4VXA) is pleased to announce results from the recently completed LiDAR and rock sampling programs on its 100%-owned, road accessible Broken Handle and Bonanza projects located north of Grand Forks in southern B.C.

Key Highlights:

Broken Handle

Complete LiDAR coverage over the Broken Handle project revealed at least 32 potential historical workings previously unknown to the Company.

Follow-up groundwork confirmed new mineralized showings returning up to 92 g/t Ag, 0.59% Cu, 0.377 g/t Au.

Field observations prompted new staking application to increase Broken Handle project by 356 ha to cover area of rediscovered significant historical mining activity.

Bonanza Mountain

Complete LiDAR coverage over the Bonanza project revealed at least 11 potential historical workings previously unknown to the Company.

Two shallow backpack drill holes were completed to determine representative grade and minerology of Main Shaft skarn returning a notable intercept of 0.52% Cu, 2.81 % Zn, 0.022 % W, and 10.8 g/t Ag over 0.9 m.

Tungsten grades noted within the Main Shaft skarn for the first time on the Property.

"The shear number of new LiDAR generated targets across these two projects is quite impressive and is a testament to the mineral potential that the historic miners exploited. Some of the workings are quite expansive and would represent years of work to put in place. We hope by applying modern day exploration methodology to the area we can discover a new critical/precious metal camp that would rival the nearby historic Franklin camp." states Gary Schellenberg, CEO and Director.

Broken Handle

Property Highlights

Broken Handle is located 3 km south of the prolific Franklin silver/gold mining camp 2 which was a center of activity in the early 1900s and spanned a period of 76 years.

Recent exploration work rediscovered several historically prominent mineral occurrences including showings that have not seen exploration work since the 1920's.

Highlighted grab samples1 from prior Origen work include 23 g/t Au with 973 g/t Ag from the Zap showing, 7.17 g/t Au from the Alco showing, 0.53 g/t Au, 363 g/t Ag and 0.616% Cu from the Morrell Camp and 0.5 g/t Au, 315 g/t Ag and 1.58% Cu from the C.P.R. showing.

The road-accessible Broken Handle project covers prospective geology as well as historical and new mineral showings similar in nature to those found at the prolific Franklin Camp2 located three km north. Over a 76-year period, the Franklin Camp produced greater than 1,392,000 oz. Ag and 55,500 oz Au (UNION Minfile 082ENE003 Production Detail Report). Two distinct styles of mineralization are evident at the Project; polymetallic epithermal veins (Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu +/- Au), potentially related to the regional Granby Fault and Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag-Au skarns associated with limestone and marble lenses in contact with intrusive rocks.

Assay results from the 2025 field campaign (see news release dated October 16, 2025) confirm the prospectivity of the project, highlighted by the discovery of significant workings within the reverted Tripoli Crown grant and the extension of the Silver Queen vein at least 80 m further west (Figure 1).

On the Tripoli, an adit and associated blast pits/trenches were revealed by the LiDAR survey. Assays taken from outcrop here returned up to 0.59% Cu and 15 g/t Ag. At the Silver Queen (Minfile 082ESE108) a blast trench was identified approximately 80 m west along strike of the main shaft that exposed quartz vein material. A grab sample taken of the quartz material assayed 92 g/t Ag and 0.377 g/t Au, and a second sample assayed 41.6 g/t Ag and 0.18% Cu, both of which compare favorably to historical sampling by the Company at the main showing. In total, 17 rock samples were submitted for assay; Cu values ranged from 64 - 5878 ppm, Ag from 0.2 to 92.14 ppm, and Au 0.004 - 0.377 ppm.

Also of significance, a large timber-framed adit with steel rail and numerous secondary workings were discovered just off the claims to the north in an area with no known mineralization. As the locality was not part of the property at the time, field personnel performed only cursory evaluations. An application has now been submitted to encompass the workings with a new claim totalling 356.52 ha. The claim status is currently pending approval under the new Mineral Claims Consultation Framework.

Origen plans an aggressive field program in 2026 to explore in detail the new workings and bring the project to drill-ready status. To facilitate this, a Multi-Year Notice of Work permit will be applied for, UAV aerial work and underground mapping will be contemplated, and geochemical grids will be extended both north and south to cover newly rediscovered historical workings.

Bonanza Mountain

Property Highlights

Bonanza Mountain covers the historical Knight's Camp, a scene of significant exploration and development activity over a short period from the late 1800s through to the early 1900s.

Exploration work by the Company in 2018/2019 rediscovered underground and surface workings unexplored since the early 1900s and outlined a >1 km long polymetallic soil anomaly associated with these workings

Highlighted grab samples1 from 2018/2019 include 2.44% Cu, 31 g/t Ag from the Main Shaft, 266 g/t Ag, 3.14% Pb and 5.31% Zn from the Cataclasite showing, and 19.7 g/t Au, 28 g/t Ag from the Winze showing.

The Bonanza Mountain property consists of three claims totalling 802 ha., is readily road-accessible, and is situated approximately 20 km due north of Grand Forks, B.C., on the east slope of the Granby River. The project encompasses the historic Knight's Camp, centered on the Bonanza, Mountain View, Colorado and Nevada lapsed Crown grants on what is locally known as Bonanza Mountain. The project is prospective for Cu-Zn-Ag-W skarn and Au-Ag epithermal mineralization.

The 2025 field program focussed on obtaining the representative grade and mineralogy of the skarn occurrence at the Main Shaft in addition to ground-truthing some of the new LiDAR features. Overall, nine total samples were submitted for assay. Results ranging from 33 - 15580 ppm Cu, 0.2 - 23.3 g/t Ag, 3 - 28100 ppm Zn, and 0.07 - 222 ppm W were obtained.

Two backpack drill holes were completed at the Main Shaft. The first hole collared into chlorite-epidote skarn with malachite on fracture planes near surface. This interval returned 0.52% Cu, 2.81% Zn, 0.022% W and 10.82 g/t Ag over 0.9 m. The second hole was collared approximately 0.5 m east, also encountering chlorite-epidote skarn, but with no visible copper staining. Hole 2 assayed 0.59% Cu, 2.77% Zn, and 6.4 g/t Ag over 0.65 m.

Two grab1 samples were taken from the edge of the Main Shaft, returning 1.56% Cu, 0.13% Zn, and 8.2 g/t Ag from sample C0153123 and 0.62% Cu, 0.66% Zn, and 23.3 g/t Ag from sample C0153124.

A new showing was discovered on the south slope of Bonanza Mountain while following up on suspected historical workings identified from the LiDAR survey. Collected in the vicinity of multiple previously unknown blast pits and shallow adits covering an area of roughly 300 m2, sample C0153127 assayed 0.28% Cu and 10.3 g/t Ag (Figure 1).

Follow-up activities planned for 2026 will include UAV aerial work and further ground-truthing of LiDAR prospects to bring this project to drill ready status. In anticipation, the Company will be applying for a Multi-Year Notice of Work permit to facilitate more advanced exploration.

Sample Preparation and QA/QC

Origen fieldwork followed industry standard practices. Rock samples were collected by the field crew, placed into clear poly bags, and labelled. All samples were transported directly from the property and stored securely in camp. Samples were analysed by MSALABS of Langley B.C., a certified analytical laboratory (ISO 9001 and ISO 17025) with experience in the chemical analysis of geological materials.

Samples were prepared using code PRP-910 (dry, crush 1kg to 2mm, split 250g & pulverize to 85% -75m). Samples were analyzed via code IMS-128 in which 20 g of pulverized analyte is dissolved in true aqua regia then subjected to ICP-ES and ICP-MS to produce a 39-element suite.

Due to the grassroots nature of the field work standards and blanks were not inserted by the Company into the sample stream. MSALABS inserted standardized reference materials and blanks within their stream and performed duplicate measurements. Results from MSALABS QA/QC produced expected values.

1Grab samples are by definition selective. Grab samples are solely designed to show the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to provide nor should be construed as a representative indication of grade or mineralization at the Project.

2 Referenced nearby historic resources, deposits and mines provide geologic context for the Project but are not necessarily indicative that the Project hosts similar potential, size or grades of mineralization.

Arlington Update

Origen has received the final option payment from Equity Metals Corporation of $50,000 plus 2,000,000 shares to complete the 100% sale of the Project, subject to a 1% NSR on the Project held by Origen.

Patrick McLaughlin, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101, has supervised the preparation, or approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release. Mr. McLaughlin is employed by Coast Mountain Geological Ltd. He is not independent of the Company as defined in NI 43-101.

About Origen

Origen Resources Inc. is a project generator focused on identifying and advancing high-potential mineral exploration opportunities. The Company is currently conducting due diligence on a prospective rare earth element project in Brazil under a recently signed Letter of Intent, while continuing to advance its 100%-owned Los Sapitos Lithium Project in Argentina and the Wishbone Gold-Silver Project in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Origen also holds a portfolio of three additional precious and base metal projects in southern British Columbia for which it is actively seeking partners.

On behalf of Origen,

Gary Schellenberg, CEO

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Drill Program Update for the Swift Gold Project, Nevada

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Ridgeline Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RDG) (OTCQB: RDGMF) (FSE: 0GC0) ("Ridgeline" or the "Company") is pleased to provide assay results for the Black Ridge Project ("Black Ridge") and an exploration update for the drill program at the Swift Project ("Swift") located on the Carlin and Cortez mine trends in north-central Nevada (Figure 1). Swift and Black Ridge are operated by Nevada Gold Mines ("NGM") and are both in Phase 1 of separate exploration earn-in agreements totaling US $40,000,000 in potential earn-in expenditures. Details for each program are highlighted below.

Chad Peters, Ridgeline's President, CEO & Director commented, "We are very encouraged by the Nevada Gold Mines teams first drill hole at Black Ridge, which has validated our Lower Plate target concept and confirms that gold mineralization continues along the Leeville Trend and extends onto the Black Ridge property at shallower than modeled depths. The anomalous gold and Carlin-Type alteration was intersected within the same host rocks as NGM's neighbouring Leeville Mine and Fallon gold deposit, highlighting the exploration potential at Black Ridge. Further drilling is required to vector into higher-grade gold mineralization along this highly prospective fault corridor."

Mr. Peters continues, "Assays are pending for two deep core holes at our Swift project, with drilling following up on the success of last year's drill program, which delivered the first high-grade gold intercepts ever drilled at the SW Swift target. We originally anticipated results from our first hole in November; however, NGM is experiencing lab delays due to the high volume of samples from the Fourmile project. We have recently received confirmation that our samples are now being processed, and we look forward to releasing assay results as soon as they are available."

Black Ridge Project (US $10,000,000 NGM Earn-in)

NGM completed one deep core hole to a depth of 1,109 meters ("m") in August with the primary goal of testing the same lower-plate host rock section that host NGM's currently producing Leeville Mine and high-grade Fallon discovery, both of which are located on-trend of and approximately 3.0 kilometers to the southwest of Black Ridge (Figure 2).

Drilling intersected Lower Plate Rodeo Creek formation (Drc) host rocks at 773 m vertical depth, which is substantially shallower than anticipated based on Ridgeline's 2020 drill campaign. The hole transitioned from Rodeo Creek into a 6.7m thick section of Popovich formation (Dp), which is thinner than usual and interpreted as a potentially faulted off section of Dp (Figure 3). The entire section of Dp exhibited extensive silicification, crackle brecciation and sulfidation with elevated Carlin-Type pathfinders (As-Sb-Hg) throughout. Returned a highlight intercept of 0.8m grading 0.113 g/t gold starting at 972.8 m in sulfidized Popovich formation (Picture 1). True widths of the drilled intercept are unknown at this time.

The hole bottomed in variably altered and bleached Bootstrap Formation (SDb), which is the host to multiple past and currently producing gold deposits on the Carlin Trend .

NGM has incurred a total of US $1,071,000 in qualifying work expenditures at the Project through November 30, 2025, and NGM must spend a minimum of US $4,500,000 in qualifying work expenditures by July 14, 2028, to earn an initial 60% interest in the Project (see July 17, 2023 press release HERE).

Swift Project (US $30,000,000 NGM Earn-in)

The second core tail out of the five proposed holes in 2025 is complete with assays pending on both. An additional RC pre-collar has been completed to depth of 730 m and drilling is in progress on a second. Both will be ready for re-entry in the spring of 2026 to continue drilling along strike of previous high-grade gold intercepts (up to 1.1m grading 10.4 g/t Au in SW24-006) at the SW Swift target (Figure 4).

NGM has incurred a total of US $14,789,000 in qualifying work expenditures at the Project through September 30, 2025, and must spend a minimum of US $20,000,000 in qualifying work expenditures by December 31, 2026, to earn an initial 60% interest in the Project (see September 22, 2021 press release HERE).

Figure 1: Ridgeline's 200-kilometer exploration portfolio in Nevada with partner projects in white

Figure 2: Map of the Black Ridge property showing the location of NGM drillhole RLX-25001 (red star)

*The QP has been unable to verify the Fallon and Ren resources and mineralization on nearby properties is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization potential on the Black Ridge property

Figure 3: Plan view map and conceptual X-section of RLX-25001 testing the "Ice" gold target

Picture 1: Core photos of RLX-25001 showing sulfidized and crackle brecciated (Carlin-Type alteration & mineralization features) Rodeo Creek and Popovich limestone running 0.8m grading 0.113 g/t Au

Figure 4: Plan view map of the Swift property showing 2025 drill locations and previous drill intercepts

QAQC Procedures

Swift and Black Ridge samples are submitted to ALS Minerals, Elko Nevada, which is a certified and accredited laboratory, independent of Nevada Gold Mines. Drill core samples consist of both HQ and NQ size core which is split using a diamond core saw with 1/2 of the cut core sample submitted for assay and the remaining 1/2 core sample retained in the core box for future reference. Samples are prepared using industry-standard prep methods and analysed using Au-AA23 (Au; 30 g fire assay) and ME-MS61 (48 element Suite; 0.25 g 4-acid digestion/ICP- MS) methods. ALS also undertakes its own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. Nevada Gold Mines QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results completed internally by Nevada Gold Mines technical personnel.

Technical information contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of, and approved by, Michael T. Harp, CPG, the Company's Vice President, Exploration. Mr. Harp has reviewed Nevada Gold Mines' internal QAQC program and has confirmed that it meets or exceeds best practice standards. Mr. Harp is a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

Ridgeline Minerals is a discovery focused precious and base metal explorer with a proven management team and a 200 km2 exploration portfolio across seven projects in Nevada, USA. The Company is a hybrid explorer with a mix of 100%-owned exploration assets (Big Blue, Atlas, Bell Creek & Coyote) as well as two earn-in exploration agreements with Nevada Gold Mines at its Swift and Black Ridge projects and a third earn-in with South32 at its Selena project totaling up to US $60 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures. More information about Ridgeline can be found at www.ridgelineminerals.com.

On behalf of the Board

"Chad Peters"

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the assay results for core hole SW24-004 and the potential significance thereof. The words "potential", "anticipate", "meaningful", "significant", "pending", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "plan", "historical", "historic" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Ridgeline has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that the current objectives concerning the Swift project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Ridgeline to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays; risks related to historical data that has not been verified by the Company; as well as those factors discussed in Ridgeline's public disclosure record. Although Ridgeline has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Ridgeline and may cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information 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 Information. Except as required by law, Ridgeline does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Cascada Silver Corp. (CSE: CSS) (OTCQB: CSSCF) ("Cascada" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has changed its name to ATERRA Metals Inc. ("ATERRA") to better reflect the Company's focus on copper and gold exploration and development. Cascada recently announced its intention to acquire three advanced copper-gold porphyry properties (the "Properties") in Chile and final binding option agreements on each of the Properties are being finalized.

The common shares of the Company will commence trading with the name "ATERRA Metals Inc." under the trading symbol "ATC" at the beginning of trading on December 16, 2025. The board of directors passed a resolution approving the name change in accordance with the Articles of the Company. The OTCQB symbol will be updated in due course.

Commenting on the new name, Carl Hansen, CEO noted, "The name ATERRA Metals is inspired by the potential of Atacama's mineral-rich terrain. It reflects management's exceptional discovery record in Chile's Atacama Region-one of the world's most productive mining areas. For more than three decades, our team has consistently demonstrated a proven ability to identify and advance high-value mineral deposits. This experience and sustained success underpins our strategy for generating meaningful shareholder value as we finalize the recently announced acquisitions of three advanced-stage copper-gold properties."

On November 20, 2025, Cascada announced that it had signed memoranda of understanding to acquire three advanced copper-gold porphyry properties in Region III, Chile, approximately 60 kilometres south of Vallenar. The Properties have been subject to significant historical exploration activities including drilling and, in the case of the Frontera Property, preparation of a historical resource estimate. Highlights from the Properties included:

Frontera Property deposit historical mineral resource estimate:

 16 Mt indicated grading 0.66% copper equivalent ("CuEq") (0.38% Cu & 0.22 g/t Au)

 34 Mt inferred grading 0.64% CuEq (0.36% Cu & 0.22 g/t Au)

Taruca Property (Totora Target) historical drilling highlights include:

 142 m grading 0.69% CuEq (0.47% Cu & 0.17 g/t Au), hole DDHTP-02

 114 m grading 0.61% CuEq (0.23% Cu & 0.31 g/t Au), hole DDHTO-07

Clinton Property historical drilling highlights include:

 166 m grading 0.62% CuEq (0.23% Cu & 0.31 g/t Au), hole RCCL-01

 278 m grading 0.61% CuEq (0.23% Cu & 0.30 g/t Au), hole DDHCL-06

Copper Equivalent Calculation: CuEq grades were calculated using a copper price of $4.00 per pound and a gold price of $3,500 per ounce ($112.53 per gram). CuEq grades are calculated as follows: CuEq = (((Au grade * 112.53) / 4.00 / 2,204.6)) * 100 + Cu grade. No recovery factors are used in this calculation. Metal prices are in US$.

Note that Cascada has not undertaken any independent investigation of the historical results from the Properties nor has it verified the underlying technical basis for the historical mineral resource and drill results. The reader is cautioned against relying on the accuracy or reliability of the historical results presented; however, Cascada considers historical results relevant as those results will be used as a guide to plan future exploration programs. The Company considers the data to be reliable for those purposes only and not indicative of the nature of any actual mineral resource.

The Frontera Property historical resource was prepared by Hot Chile Limited under "Australasian Code for Reporting on Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" (The JORC Code, 2012 Edition) and published on March 11, 2014. The mineral estimate was based upon a cutoff grade of 0.25% Cu. A qualified person, as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") of the Canadian Securities Administrators, has not undertaken sufficient work to classify the foregoing historical estimate as a current mineral resource and Cascada is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

NI 43-101 Disclosure

As defined by NI 43-101, the Qualified Person for Cascada's exploration activities in Chile is Francisco Bravo, a resident of Santiago, Chile. He is not considered independent as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Bravo is a Public Registered Person for Reserves and Resources N 515, in Chile, and is also registered in the Colegio de Geologos de Chile under N 725. Mr. Bravo has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.

About the Company

Cascada is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration opportunities in Chile. Cascada's team of successful exploration professionals isdedicated to the discovery of mineral deposits that can be progressed into economically viable development projects creating value for all stakeholders.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including predictions, projections and forecasts. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: plans for the evaluation of exploration properties; the success of evaluation plans; the success of exploration activities; mine development prospects; and, potential for future metals production. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "focus is to", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "objectives", "intends", "potential", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or describes a "goal", or variation 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.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, predictions, projections, forecasts, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the timing and approval of the proposed name and symbol change; the successful entering into option agreements for the Properties; the successful acquisition of exploration projects; changes in economic parameters and assumptions; all aspects related to the timing of exploration activities and receipt of exploration results; the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project or exploration parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future metals prices; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the results of economic and technical studies; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, financing or in the completion of exploration; as well as those factors disclosed in Cascada's publicly filed documents.

Although Cascada has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Kobrea Exploration Corp. (CSE: KBX) (FSE: F3I) (OTCQB: KBXFF) ("Kobrea" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of the Province of Mendoza, Argentina, have ratified by law, Environmental Impact Statements for an additional 27 exploration projects in the Western Malargue Mining District (the "WMMD"). As a result of the approvals, all of Kobrea's projects are now approved for mineral exploration activities, including drilling. At the Company's El Perdido Project, construction of an access road to the drill site is ongoing and construction of an exploration camp is underway in anticipation of the maiden diamond drilling program set to commence in the coming weeks.

"Exploration projects within the Western Malargue Mining District continue to be overwhelming approved by the Provincial Legislature of Mendoza Province," commented James Hedalen, CEO. "In the session of the Mendoza Senate held on December 9, 2025, in which the Environmental Impact Statements for the additional 27 exploration projects in the Western Malargue Mining District of Mendoza, including the Kobrea projects, were approved by law, the Environmental Impact Statement of the San Jorge Project was also discussed and approved by law. The San Jorge porphyry copper project is located in Uspallata in northern Mendoza Province (Las Heras District), outside of the Western Malargue Mining District, but the approval of mine development and construction of this project is a huge step forward for mineral exploration and development in the province of Mendoza. These approvals clearly demonstrate that the provincial government and the people of Mendoza support mining and believe in the economic opportunities that sustainable exploration and development will bring. I would like to congratulate the government of Mendoza, Impulsa Mendoza, the Chamber of Mining in Mendoza and the project vendors for their many years of hard work to get to this point."

Environmental Impact Statements

On December 9, 2025, Environmental Impact Statements for 27 mineral exploration projects were ratified in the Provincial Legislature, allowing for the exploration and development of these projects in the Department of Malargue. The approval of this round of projects, referred to as "Metalliferous Mining Exploration of the El Destino Project and Others", came after an extensive process of public hearings, citizen participation, and technical analysis.

About Kobrea

Kobrea Exploration Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition and exploration of base metal projects. Kobrea holds the right to earn a 100% interest in 7 projects totaling over 733 km2 in southwestern Mendoza Province, Argentina (see the Company's August 19, 2024 news release for details). The properties are considered highly prospective for porphyry copper and porphyry copper-gold deposits. Numerous porphyry copper targets have been outlined to date exhibiting multi-kilometre hydrothermal alteration footprints, anomalous copper  gold  molybdenum geochemistry, quartz stockwork veining, localized hydrothermal breccias and Miocene aged dacitic to dioritic porphyry intrusions. Kobrea also holds a 100% interest in the Upland Copper Project in British Columbia, Canada.

For more information, please consult the Company's filings, available at www.sedarplus.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Per: "James Hedalen"

James Hedalen

CEO & Director

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate," "believe," "project," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and commencement of the Company's maiden diamond drilling program at the El Perdido Project; the ongoing construction of access roads and exploration camps; the potential for future approvals for mineral exploration and development; the perceived support for mining from the government and people of Mendoza; the expected economic opportunities from exploration and development; and the Company's general mineral exploration and development plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals for exploration and development activities; risks related to mineral exploration, development and operating activities; risks related to the timing and results of drilling programs; the uncertainty of mineral resource estimates; risks associated with the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities; volatility in commodity prices, particularly for copper and gold; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; political, economic and regulatory risks associated with operating in Argentina; environmental risks and liabilities; competition in the mining industry; the Company's reliance on key personnel; and risks related to title to the Company's properties. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / North Shore Uranium Ltd. (TSXV:NSU) ("North Shore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement offering for gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000, through the issuance of units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.25 per Unit (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.40 per Warrant Share for a period of two (2) years from closing of the Offering.

The Warrants will be subject to an accelerated expiry provision such that, if the volume-weighted average price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") equals or exceeds $0.80 for ten (10) consecutive trading days, then the Warrants will expire thirty (30) days following the date on which the Company either provides notice of acceleration to the holders of the Warrants or issues a news release announcing the acceleration, in each case at the Company's election.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration of the Rio Puerco uranium project in New Mexico, continued exploration of the Company's Saskatchewan uranium properties, the costs of the Offering and for general working capital.

The securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period under applicable securities laws. The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals including the approval of the TSXV. Finder's fees may be payable in the Offering.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

The securities referred to in this news release 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 absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the respective meanings assigned in Regulation S under the U.S Securities Act.

ABOUT NORTH SHORE

The nuclear power industry is in growth mode as more nuclear power will be required to meet the world's ambitious CO 2 emission-reduction goals and the needs of new power-intensive technologies like AI. In this environment, new discoveries of economic uranium deposits will be very valuable, especially in established uranium-producing jurisdictions like Saskatchewan and New Mexico. North Shore is well-positioned to become a major force in exploration for economic uranium deposits. The Company is working to achieve this goal by exploring Rio Puerco in the Grants Uranium District of New Mexico and its Falcon and West Bear properties at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. In addition, the Company continues to evaluate quality opportunities in the United States and Canada to complement its portfolio of uranium properties.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Brooke Clements,

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information:

Please contact: Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Telephone: 604.536.2711

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.northshoreuranium.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forwardlooking information" and "forwardlooking statements" (collectively, "forwardlooking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forwardlooking statements. Forwardlooking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "project," "believe," "expect," "intend," "aim," "seek," "anticipate," "estimate," "could," "may," "should," "would," and "will," and similar expressions, or their negatives. Forward-looking statements in this release, directly or implied include, but are not limited to: the terms and completion of the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; the Company's plans to advance and continue exploration at the Rio Puerco project and at the Falcon and West Bear properties; the Company's intention to continue evaluating quality opportunities in the United States and Canada to complement its portfolio; the belief that the nuclear power industry is in growth mode and that increased nuclear power generation will be required to meet global COreduction goals and the needs of powerintensive technologies such as AI; the belief that new discoveries of economic uranium deposits will be very valuable; and the belief that North Shore is wellpositioned to become a leading explorer for economic uranium deposits. These forwardlooking statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, completion of the Offering on the terms disclosed, investor interest, and the Company's ability to execute its exploration plans as intended; that uranium market and geopolitical conditions and longterm demand for nuclear power remain positive; that any necessary permits and approvals for exploration programs at Rio Puerco, Falcon and West Bear will be obtained in a timely manner and that the programs can be executed substantially as planned; that technical evaluations may confirm ISR viability at Rio Puerco; that the Company can identify and acquire additional quality uranium assets in North America;

Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to: failure to obtain regulatory approvals, inability to complete the Offering, market volatility, operational challenges, changes in securities laws, general economic conditions, and the possibility that the Company may be required to change the allocation of proceeds from the Offering due to unforeseen circumstances or business needs; the inability to complete successful financings and market conditions limiting access to capital; technical challenges during exploration programs; potential opposition from local stakeholders or regulatory changes, global energy policy shifts or delays in nuclear plant construction reducing uranium demand; alternative technologies displacing nuclear power growth; uranium price volatility undermining certain project's economics; inability to attract and retain technical and managerial talent; operational challenges, environmental incidents, accidents, labour disputes; and changes in laws, regulations or TSXV policies.. There may be other factors that cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement 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 statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Reno, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. (OTCQX: NGLD) (the "Company" or "Nevada Canyon") is pleased to announce the release of additional drill results from the 2025 reverse circulation ("RC") drill program on the Lapon Canyon Gold Project, (the "Project" or "Lapon Canyon"), by Walker River Resources Corp ("Walker River") (see WRR news release Dec. 11, 2025). Lapon Canyon is 100% owned by Walker River and located within the prolific Walker Lane gold trend in Nevada, 40 miles southeast of Yerington NV. Nevada Canyon has an $5M Exploration Stream Earn-in Agreement for 50% of the Project (see Company news release Feb. 3, 2025) and holds a 3% Net Smelter Royalty ("NSR"). Spending at Lapon Canyon by the Company is over $1.4M to date.

Walker River reported that the 2025 drill programs have resulted in the discovery of intrusive related gold mineralization at Lapon Canyon significantly increasing the size potential of the Project with much wider gold intercepts, prior drill programs had returned higher grade narrower intercepts. This discovery indicates a high potential for significant gold emplacement within new deeper-seated rock units. To advance the understanding of these zones, geophysical surveys are being planned to help identify future drill targets in the deeper-seated intrusive bodies.

Highlights:

Results from drilling on the new upper drill roads continue to confirm and extend gold mineralization to the south and the east of the Hotspot zone, results include:

3.05 g/t Au over 53.3 m starting at 117.4 m, including 6.67 g/t Au over 18.3 m in hole LC-25-163

over starting at 117.4 m, including in hole LC-25-163 1.49 g/t Au over 47.2 m starting at 86.9 m, including 13.8 g/t Au over 1.5 m in hole LC-25-162

over starting at 86.9 m, including in hole LC-25-162 1.14 g/t Au over 45.7 m starting at 88.4 m in hole LC-25-159

over starting at 88.4 m in hole LC-25-159 1.05 g/t Au over 29.0 m starting at 111.3 m in hole LC-25-161

over starting at 111.3 m in hole LC-25-161 1.01 g/t Au over 54.8 m starting at 105.2 m in hole LC-25-164

over starting at 105.2 m in hole LC-25-164 1.03 g/t Au over 45.7 m starting at 79.3 m in hole LC-25-165

over starting at 79.3 m in hole LC-25-165 0.98 g/t Au over 19.8 m starting at 94.5 m in hole LC-25-157 where the gold mineralization is within granite, which is notable.

Walker River also reported it was notable that the gold encountered in drillholes LC-25-158 to 165 is contained within monzonitic units. The presence of monzonite as the host rock suggests the potential for a monzonite porphyry system- deposit types that are associated with very large gold and copper bearing systems in Nevada. The increased presence of copper from the multi-element Geochem sampling program also supports this interpretation.

"Results from the 2025 exploration campaign have been much better than anticipated. We have additional results pending and are already planning a geophysical survey to identify the drill targets into the deep-seated rock units for our next drilling campaign. The excitement for the potential of this project is really growing," commented Lisa Doddridge, President and Director of the Company. "All the work at the Project continues to confirm the potential for large scale mineralization and the potential value of Lapon Canyon. Drilling to date will be the basis of a NI 43-101 compliant resource that is expected sometime in 2026, the first major milestone for the Project."

The 2025 drill program at Lapon Canyon focused on exploration and resource definition, at the existing Hotspot deposit and the extensions of the deposit along strike and down dip. This drilling at Hotspot has significantly expanded the footprint of gold mineralization to the south and the east. Both historical and current drill results continue to indicate that the gold system is predominantly sub-horizontal to moderately south-dipping in geometry, with evidence suggesting the presence of more steeply dipping, high-grade shoots developed within the broader mineralized zones.

Other significant results can be found in Table 1 Below:

From To Width* Gold Notes: Drill Hole (m) (m) (m) (g/t) LC-25-157 94.5 114.3 19.8 0.98 granite LC-25-158 202.7 216.4 13.7 1.74 Incl 208.8 210.3 1.5 12.10 LC-25-159 88.4 134.1 45.7 1.14 LC-25-160 160.0 176.8 16.8 0.55 LC-25-161 111.3 140.2 29.0 1.05 LC-25-162 86.9 134.1 47.2 1.49 incl 102.1 103.6 1.5 13.8 LC-25-163 117.4 170.7 53.3 3.05 incl 135.6 153.9 18.3 6.67 LC-25-164 105.2 160.0 54.8 1.01 LC-25-165 79.3 124.9 45.7 1.03

Table 1. Drill Results

*Sampled width is presented. True width is estimated to be between 75 and 95 percent of sampled widths

Figure 1. Plan map of the Lapon Gold deposit, showing the Central and Hotspot zones with historic and 2025 drilling results and contours for 0.1 - 1.0 g/t Au (yellow) and 1.0 - 10.0 g/t Au (magenta).

Figure 2. Cross-section of the Lapon Gold deposit at Hotspot, showing historic and 2025 drilling results with highlights of intervals from this release and contours for 0.1 - 1.0 g/t Au (yellow) and 1.0 - 10.0 g/t Au (red).

Results from previous and current (2025) drill programs, including results not yet received, will be the basis for the completion of an initial NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource on the Project, which is expected to be complete sometime in 2026. In addition, work will continue at Lapon Canyon to identify future drill targets in the deeper-seated intrusive bodies, using geophysical surveys, geological mapping and sampling. Further drill results will be released as they become available.

Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance

All sampling was conducted under the supervision of the Company's project geologists and the chain of custody from the drill to the sample preparation facility was continuously monitored. A blank or certified reference material was inserted approximately every tenth sample. The Lapon Canyon samples were delivered to American Assays Laboratories' certified laboratory facilities in Sparks, NV. The samples were crushed, pulverized and the sample pulps digested and analyzed for gold using fire assay fusion and a 50 g gravimetric finish. Certain intensely altered samples used a 1 kg pulp screened to 100 microns. Duplicate assay on screen undersize. Assay of entire oversize fraction.

Samples are taken and bagged directly at the drill rig at every 1.5-meter interval, standard in the exploration industry. A small sample is also taken at the drill rig and put into a chip tray for examination purposes and to determine those sample bags that should be sent to the lab for assay purposes. Often this work is carried out using a microscope for the examination of the rock chips. The full sample bag from the interval chosen for assay purposes is then sent directly from the drill site to the lab, located in Sparks, NV.

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Dave Nuttal P.Geo, President of Geo Exploration Ltd, who is an independent Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About the Lapon Canyon Project

Lapon Canyon hosts historical, high grade gold mining with approximately 2,000 feet of underground workings in three adits. Historical underground work returned numerous assay values in the one-ounce-per-ton range. (NI 43-101, Montgomery and Barr, 2004). Walker River has completed considerable exploration work to date, with numerous drill hole intercepts that have indicated significant gold mineralization. The Project is located within Nevada's Prolific Walker Lane shear zone, easily accessible by secondary state roads, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Yerington, Nevada. A state power grid transmission line passes within 2 miles of the Project.

About Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.

Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. is a US-based natural resource company headquartered in Reno, Nevada. The Company has a large, strategic land position and royalties in multiple projects, within some of Nevada's highest-grade historical mining districts, offering year-round access and good infrastructure in proven and active mining districts. The Company has a three-fold business model; i) mineral royalty creation and acquisition; ii) precious-metals and exploration streaming & financing; and iii) exploration project accelerator.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of exploration, delays in completing various engineering and exploration programs, and any potential results from such programs. Specifically, forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the potential mineralization and geological merits of the Company properties, its royalties owned on properties and various other factors beyond the Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.'s control. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events except as required by applicable securities legislation. Investors are advised to carefully review the reports and documents that Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. files from time to time with the SEC, including its Annual Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports and Current Reports.
Who was responsible for Operation Effacer le tableau (Wipe the Slate Clean) in 2002- 2003? This operation led to 170 summary executions, 69 cases of rape including 27 children, systematic looting, and cases of forced labour in the Mambasa region of northeast Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the United Nations. The question of who led it was central in the second week of hearings with victims and witnesses who had travelled to Paris to testify before the court. According to the prosecutor, Roger Lumbalas RCD-N armed group was trying to conquer the territory of its rival, Mbusa Nyamwisis RCD-KML. The court has been trying Lumbala, a former warlord turned minister, for complicity in crimes against humanity since November 12.

From Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 5, the hearings continued, with victims taking the stand one after another. Three facts emerged: the Effacer le tableau troops responsible for this bloody operation did indeed commit systematic looting, rape, executions, torture, and used forced labour; the victims overwhelmingly point the finger at Lumbala; but some witnesses believe the troops were acting under the authority of Jean-Pierre Bemba, former leader of the MLC armed group. Bemba is currently Deputy Prime Minister of the DRC and a key ally of the current president, Felix Tshisekedi.

They took everything

A former teacher from Mambasa had only been married a week when the Effacer le tableau troops arrived and took all his wedding gifts. There were plates, kitchen utensils, and many other things. I tried to bury them in the ground, but they were already at the door and took everything, he told the court. They even took a needle. He was then requisitioned to transport his looted goods. When his young wife saw the rebels leaving with her husband, she followed them. Once we arrived at their destination, they told me to go back but they kept my wife for a week, he said, but did not say what happened to her during her week of captivity.

Another victim gave an idea. I was tied up and one of them said, Sala mosala na bino [do your job, in Lingala]. Then they raped my wife and daughter in front of me, he told the court, adding that his daughter did not survive. After he was freed and his brother drove him to hospital for emergency care, the man says he saw Lumbalas soldiers at the hospital entrance, including one of the men who had raped his wife and daughter. This man recognized him and prevented him from getting treatment. Lumbalas men had also brought one of their own, who was wounded, to the hospital. When they saw us coming, one of them recognized me and told his colleagues to chase me away. We went to get treatment elsewhere, recalled this Nande gold trader, who says he lost his fortune in the war. The RCD-N soldiers thought that we, the Nande, were accomplices of Mbusa Nyamwisi [a Nande]. I lost more than $24,000. At the time, I had a motorbike worth more than $3,000, which was not something everyone had.

Pisco Paluku taught mathematics at a school in Mambasa. He appeared before the judges with a map he had drawn to explain the progression of the fronts. They first clashed, he told the court, in Mabukusi, 27 km west of Mambasa, when Lumbalas soldiers encountered those of Mbusa Nyamwisi. When Mambasa was taken by the RCD-N, the witness claims to have taken part in a meeting organized by Freddy Ngalimo, alias Mopao, who told the inhabitants that the RCD-N soldiers had come to save Mambasa, recover the territory of Mbusa Nyamwisi, that he (Ngalimo) was the commander, and that Lumbala would lead us. But far from being saved, the witness said he was instead subjected to forced labour. We were requisitioned to build their camps, draw water and prepare food for them, Paluku told the court. We were forced to go and catch other peoples animals, goats and chickens, which we then prepared for them to eat. To get away, we had to stay indoors all day or spend the night in toilets. Despite the smell, it was a safe place to avoid being caught and forced to work for them.

Father, I can never forgive them.

Next to testify was Father Silvano Ruaro, an 87-year-old Italian priest who has preached and taught in Mambasa since 1989. He is well known there, to the point that another priest called as witness, Francesco Laudani, called him the soul of Mambasa. For nearly three hours, Father Silvano testified about the looting and rapes committed in Mambasa by soldiers from Effacer le tableau. The priest, who still lives in the area, said that when the rebels arrived, they looted everything, including at the Catholic mission he ran. When they entered, there were bullets flying everywhere, he told the court. We saw residents carrying mattresses. When they got to the Catholic mission, I fled into the fields, from where I could see them looting the mission. There were cows and sheep. They killed everything for fun. They were stomping and shouting we are Bembas soldiers. The priest said he had never experienced looting on such a scale before: They left me with just four pairs of underwear.

Later he met victims of sexual violence while accompanying a Medecins Sans Frontieres employee who had come to assess the needs of displaced people and refugees in Mangina, near Beni, in North Kivu. I was acting as interpreter, said Father Silvano. One of the victims came to talk to us about her case, and she told me she was my student in Mambasa. She told us how she was raped, saying: There were five soldiers, one raped me while the other four held me down, and they took turns. His student was only 12 years old at the time. He also spoke of how the wife of a Mambasa pastor was raped in her husbands presence: The pastor said to me Father, I can never forgive them. They raped my wife. There were 19 of them.

Father Silvanos different view

But while other victims identified their attackers as Lumbalas men, Father Silvano instead pointed the finger at Bemba. When they were still in Bafwasende [before the first conquest of Mambasa], we heard talk of Lumbala and his republic of Bafwasende, but we didnt take it seriously because he had no political or military influence, said the priest. During the time he spent with them in Mambasa, he says he never heard them [the rebels] refer to Lumbala.

The lawyers for the civil parties countered with a November 4, 2002 press release published by his Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which attributed the recapture of Bafwasenfende and Mambasa to Lumbalas RCD-N forces, supported by Bembas MLC. But the priest maintains he had nothing to do with the press release, saying it was published while he was in Kampala seeking aid for displaced persons. According to him, the two local commanders of Operation Effacer le tableau were Freddy Ngalimo, alias Mopao, and Ramsens Widi Divioka, alias Roi des imbeciles (King of Fools), both of whom claimed to belong to the Armee de liberation du Congo (ALC), the armed wing of the MLC.

For his trip to Kampala at the end of October 2002, the witness said he received an authorization to leave the country signed by Mopao as commander of the ALC. The court then showed another document signed by Constant Ndima, then ALC commander, which bore a seal with the words Congolese Rally for Democracy-National (RCD-N)-Armee de liberation du Congo. While it may be confusing, this attested to the alliance between the RCD-N and the MLC. The prosecutors wanted to know why the witness, a privileged source of information for the media, diplomats, aid workers and the Church, had not sought to understand the actors involved. Yes, I was troubled, he replied. We heard Lumbala speak, but he wasnt impacting the violence.

The weight of old age

The priest also mentioned his meeting in Beni with Jeannot Bemba Saolona, Jean-Pierre Bembas father, who wanted to know everything his son had done in Mambasa. I spoke to him for two hours, telling him everything, the witness recounted. Girls who were raped and lost everything, systematic looting. He was moved and didnt know what to do. He apologized and said, I gave my son his body, but not his mind.

Father Francesco Laudani did not testify via videoconference as originally planned, due to health concerns and his advanced age. But the court read his statement. According to him, Operation Effacer le tableau was carried out by Lumbalas and Bembas troops, and he referred to the balance of power between Constant Ndima and Lumbala. Ndima was under Lumbalas orders, he said in his written statement. Ndima was aware of the situation and answered to Lumbala.

The fact that Father Silvano denied Lumbalas role surprised the victims, who said they expected him to support them. I dont know what motivated him to change his position on an event everyone went through, came Palukus reaction outside the courtroom. Perhaps his age? Hes old enough. Maybe he is confusing Lumbala and Bemba. Everyone spoke of Lumbala.
Bangladesh will hold national polls on February 12, the electoral commission announced Thursday, the country's first vote since a student-led uprising toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year.

A referendum on a landmark democratic reform charter will also be held on the same day, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said in a television broadcast to the nation.

The Muslim-majority country of 170 million people has been in political turmoil since Hasina was overthrown in August 2024, ending her 15-year autocratic rule.

Her former ruling party Awami League has been banned from running.

The country's interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus who returned from exile in August 2024 at the behest of protesters to lead a caretaker government, will step down after the polls.

"In this election process, we expect cordial participation and active cooperation of all political parties and rival candidates and of the voters," said the chief commissioner.

"I urge all to play a historical role in our democratic journey by making the upcoming 13th national parliament election a success."

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is widely tipped to win.

But Zia is in intensive care in Dhaka, while her son and political heir Tarique Rahman has been in exile in Britain for 17 years.

Zia, 80, has suffered from years of ill health, including during her imprisonment under Hasina's rule.

Rahman, 60, known in Bangladesh as Tarique Zia, says he fled to London due to politically-motivated persecution.

He has said he will run in the polls and remains a favourite to be the next prime minister, but has not yet returned to visit his mother in intensive care.

- 'New future' -

Voters will elect parliament members for 300 constituencies. An additional 50 seats are reserved for women, allocated to political parties in proportion to the number of seats each party wins.

There are some 127 million registered voters, including more than four million first-time voters, according to the Election Commission.

Once the country's most popular party, the Awami League still commands core supporters.

Human Rights Watch has condemned the bar on Awami League as "draconian".

Hasina, 78, sentenced to death in absentia in November for crimes against humanity, remains in hiding in her old ally India.

She has warned that holding elections without her party would be "sowing the seeds" of further division.

Other key players in the election include the largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Jatiya Party, a former Hasina ally.

Also vying for seats is the National Citizens Party, formed by the students who spearheaded the protests against Hasina.

The last elections were held in January 2024, giving Hasina a fourth straight term with her party taking 222 seats. But that vote was decried by opposition parties as a sham.

Yunus, 85, welcomed the announcement of the election date.

"Bangladesh is standing at the threshold of a new future," he said in a statement.

"I firmly believe that, with your active and responsible participation, we will be able to build a modern, just, and prosperous country."
Tanzania's main opposition party on Thursday said more than 2,000 people were killed in a week of election violence, calling for sanctions against officials it accused of crimes against humanity.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of October 29 polls with 98 percent of the vote, but her government was accused of rigging the polls and overseeing a campaign of murders and abductions of her critics that sparked nationwide protests and riots.

Opposition party Chadema's deputy chairperson John Heche told reporters that Tanzania witnessed "mass killings of more than 2,000 people and over 5,000 injured in the space of just one week".

He said the violence was carried out "with direct involvement of the state" and that it amounted to "crimes against humanity".

Previous opposition counts had put the deaths at more than 1,000. The government has not given a death toll.

Heche urged the international community to "impose sanctions on all individuals involved in planning and executing these acts of criminality and crimes against humanity".

In a live online broadcast, he said those responsible should be subjected to travel bans, including restrictions on their families.

Heche also said the unrest triggered a surge of people fleeing the country, alongside "the abduction and enforced disappearance of hundreds of civilians".

Chadema further accused security units of carrying out rapes, torture and "gruesome killings", and of engaging in widespread looting and arbitrary arrests.

The party urged authorities to return the bodies of those killed so families could bury them.

Authorities have continued to stifle dissent, with planned protests earlier this week seeing empty streets and a significant security presence.

Hassan last week justified the killings, saying it was necessary to prevent the overthrow of the government.

"The force that was used corresponds to the situation at hand," she said in a speech.

Hassan has formed an inquiry commission into the violence, which the opposition says includes only government loyalists, instead calling for an independent investigation.
Photo:  Mahmud Turkia / AFP

It was the biggest case of human trafficking in The Netherlands. And the accused, Eritrean Amanuel Walid, was arguably the highest trafficker to stand trial in Europe. It took place over 7 days between November 3 to 26. Walid denied being that Walid and having anything to do with the case. Hopes that he would be tried alongside another key suspect, currently in custody in the Arab United Emirates, did not materialize.

What could the trial reveal? What did it tell us about the protections enjoyed by the criminal networks ? Mirjam van Reisen, an expert on human trafficking and a professor at Tilburg University, reflects on the Walid trial and on what she qualifies as a crime of the highest order. And after 15 years, the International Criminal Court finally has at least one upcoming case of human trafficking, also in relation with camps in Libya. Our partners at Asymmetrical Haircuts are updating us on this, with another guest, Luigi Prosperi of Utrecht University.
A group representing victims of the Rwanda genocide has filed a legal complaint in France accusing the French central bank of making money transfers that enabled the 1994 killings, it said Thursday.

The Collective of Civil Parties of Rwanda (CPCR), in their complaint submitted last week, accused the Banque de France of not freezing the account of the National Bank of Rwanda, which made payments during the massacres, according to the document seen by AFP.

They also allege it approved money transfers to the Rwandan central bank worth a total of 3.17 million francs (more than $570,000 at today's rates). It was not immediately clear who owned the accounts the money came from.

The French central bank said it had not had time to conduct a thorough search of its archives, but had so far found "no trace of the alleged transfers". It added that, under bank regulations, most paperwork was usually destroyed after 10 years.

The genocide started in April 1994 after Rwanda's president Juvenal Habyarimana, from the Hutu majority, was killed when his aircraft was shot down over Kigali.

From April 7 to July 4 around 800,000 people were killed, mostly from the Tutsi minority, along with some moderate Hutus, in one of the 20th century's worst atrocities.

The United Nations on May 17 imposed an arms embargo on the sale or supply of arms to Rwanda.

"There were seven money transfers between May 5 and July 17, 1994, in the midst of the genocide of the Tutsis, from the National Bank of Rwanda to service providers. These were relatively large sums," CPCR co-founder Alain Gauthier told AFP.

One of the recipients was French company Alcatel, suspected of having provided the Rwandan authorities at the time with satellite phones to maintain international communications.

The French central bank "must have known", he added.

- Rwanda genocide trials -

The CPCR, as well as two other organisations called Sherpa and Ibuka France, have also accused French banking group BNP Paribas of helping fund weapons for Hutu militias.

They allege BNP authorised the transfer of $1.3 million to the regime in June 1994, after the UN weapons embargo. An inquiry has been under way since 2017, Sherpa said.

Rwanda under President Paul Kagame has on occasion accused Paris of not being willing to extradite genocide suspects or bring them to justice.

But France has tried and convicted several Rwandans since the first trial on French soil linked to the genocide in 2014.

Relations between the two countries have also warmed considerably since a historians' report commissioned by President Emmanuel Macron and released in 2021 recognised France's "overwhelming" responsibilities in failing to halt the massacres, having backed a genocidal regime.

cbr-max-ac/ah/rlp

ALCATEL-LUCENT

BNP Paribas
A KILDARE business is assisting a local charity to put food on the table of those who need it this festive season.

The Brady Family brand has been supporting communities across Ireland through a long-term food donation partnership with FoodCloud. In 2020, Brady Family began generously donating additional non-surplus cooked ham and turkey joints, to enable charities to serve festive meals to their communities who might otherwise go without.

One of those charities is Main Street Food bank in Naas, who provide surplus food to anyone in the community that needs it. Operating since 2012 from The Church on the Main Street (formerly the Dara Cinema) to over fifty families and individuals.

"Thanks to FoodClouds surplus food deliveries, we can ensure that everyone in our community, no matter their circumstance, has access to essential, nutritious food. Their support strengthens our mission to serve with compassion and inclusivity, said Esther McCarthy, co-founder of Main Street Food Bank.

With the cost of living rising and the pressure that people face around Christmas, which has been reflected by charities such as SVP who saw 248,032, calls for help in 2024, noting calls started as early as October. Centrepiece meats like precooked turkey and ham joints are some of the most sought-after items by the charities and community groups.

Each Christmas, Brady Family now donates an additional 5,000 meals worth of premium, non-surplus precooked ham and turkey joints to FoodCloud, which in turn distributes them to charities delivering Christmas meals. The products are donated complete with reheating instructions for oven, microwave and airfryer, making the products accessible to Foodclouds community partners.

"At Brady Family, we believe everyone should have access to good food at Christmas," said John O'Brien, the managing director of O'Brien Fine Foods.
A Kildare man shared a dividend of 10.5 million with another individual at a company, which owns and operates the Breaffy House Resort in Co Mayo and provides accommodation to refugees.

The dividend payout last year 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.

In an annual return made up to September of this year, they show that Owen Kelly of Naas owned 25 per cent of the share capital of the company while Cyril Duffy with a Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia address owned 75 per cent.

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 return shows that on 30 October, 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 2 January, 2024, and 7 October 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.
Eva Osborne

Belfast rap trio Kneecap have collaborated with Micil Distillery in Galway to release their own poitin.

There are only 1,200 units of the poitin being sold, with a price of 32 per naggin.

In a post on Instagram, Kneecap said: "We sent Provai off to the guys @MicilDistillery in Connemara to make some Poitin. Some job he did and all.

"Weve taken their Connemara poitin and rested it in empty oak casks seasoned with Kneecaps favourite tonic wine made by monks.

"This limited edition naggin celebrates the Irish language, cross-cultural creativity, and a shared love of acting the boll*x."

Micil Distillery said its collaboration with the group is one "you didn't know you wanted, with the product you didn't know you needed".

The poitin is "as bold and unapologetic as the spirit of the people behind it", the distillery said, adding that the product is "bottled small but deadly".

The 1,200 naggins of poitin will go on sale on Friday, December 12th, at 1pm on micildistillery.com.
Ideological, political education campaign focusing on maritime strength held at Ocean University of China

People's Daily Online) 16:44, December 11, 2025

Photo shows a scene of a campaign promoting ideological and political education and interactive engagement held at Ocean University of China in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 10, 2025. (Photo from the official WeChat account of the Shandong Provincial Office of the Cyberspace Affairs Commission)

A campaign promoting ideological and political education and enhancing interactive engagement took place at Ocean University of China in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on Dec. 10, focusing on the country's maritime development.

The campaign aims to implement important instructions from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on strengthening ideological and political education, while implementing decisions adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to build China into a strong maritime country.

The campaign combined patriotic themes with efforts to build a strong maritime country through diverse forms, including keynote speeches, dramatic performances, musical numbers and interactive sessions.

The event brought together both virtual and in-person audiences for a comprehensive ideological and political education experience centered on maritime development.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
By Claire Henry

A man who set his ex-girlfriend's car on fire has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Kevin Kinsella (35) of Annesley Close, Ballybough, Dublin 3, pleaded guilty to one count of arson committed in the Summerhill area of Dublin on July 2nd, 2024.

He has 21 previous convictions.

Garda Shane Costello told Karl Moran, BL, prosecuting, that he was on patrol on the night in question when he saw the car on fire.

A man who was later identified as Kinsella was standing beside the front driver's door with flames coming from the car.

The court heard that a window in the car was broken and Kinsella had a lump hammer in his hand, which he then discarded under the car.

Kinsella was arrested at the scene, and gardai noted a strong smell of petrol on him, and he had singed and burned both the hair on his arms and some of his clothing.

In total, 4,500 worth of damage was caused to the car.

Gda Costello agreed with Pieter Le Vert, BL, defending that his client drove his own car to the scene and set light to his ex-partner's car. He also agreed that Kinsella was very intoxicated and could not be interviewed for six hours upon his arrest.

The Gda agreed that the injured party's insurance paid 3000 in insurance compensation, and Kinsella was repaying the rest of the money.

Mr Le Vert told the court that his client has worked since he completed his junior certificate and developed a difficulty with drugs and alcohol. At the time of the offence, he was under financial pressure and had relapsed

A letter of apology was handed into the court. Mr LeVert said his client knows how serious this case is and asked the court to consider his client's guilty plea, remorse, and contributions to society.

Judge Martin Nolan said that, to his credit, this defendant has pleaded guilty. He has a strong work history and has contributed to his local area and community.

The judge said, I dont believe that he will reoffend to this extent in the future. He noted that arson is a very serious crime and said, When you set fire to something, nobody knows where it will go.

Judge Nolan said there was good mitigation in the case, but highlighted that No one can commit arson. He sentenced him to sixteen months in prison.
Alison O'Riordan

A Dublin man had a history of non-compliance with taking his medication and told gardai he had killed his girlfriend, referring to "the devil, the bible and to the killing of Lucifer," a Central Criminal Court jury has heard.

Brendan Grehan SC said a consultant forensic psychiatrist for the State will say that although the accused was suffering from a mental disorder, its severity was such "to entitle a jury to consider a verdict of diminished responsibility" but not "a full finding of insanity".

Austin Mangan (53), with a previous address at Hollybank Road in Drumcondra but more recently of the Beaumont area of Dublin, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Maud Coffey (41) at the Horizon Building in Royal Canal Park, Ashtown, Dublin 15, on January 13th, 2023.

Opening the prosecutions case on Wednesday, Mr Grehan told the 12 jurors that this trial will be slightly different to what they might expect in terms of a murder case and that the issues are "much more net and focused".

Counsel told the panel that gardai had received a report on the morning of January 13th, 2023, that a male was on a bus within the Royal Canal Park complex and was behaving in an aggressive and unpleasant way.

The prosecution barrister went on to tell the court that gardai responded quickly to the scene and found the accused Mr Mangan on the upper deck of the parked bus.

"They fairly immediately had concerns about his mental health and safety because of the way he was behaving; it was aggressive and somewhat irrational".

There will be evidence, Mr Grehan said, that Garda John McGowan had used powers under section 12 of the Mental Health Act 2021 to detain Mr Mangan for his own safety and the safety of others. The accused was then conveyed to Finglas Garda Station.

When Gda McGowan was dealing with the accused, the lawyer said Mr Mangan was talking to him and that some of what he was saying did not make a lot of sense.

"One of the things he did say was that he killed his girlfriend or killed Maud and had referred to the devil, the bible and to the killing of Lucifer," said Mr Grehan.

In these circumstances, the barrister said, gardai had legitimate concerns that somebody else might have suffered injuries at the hands of Mr Mangan and began investigating where that might be.

Other gardai had been contacted by Mr Mangan's sister, Suzanne Mangan, who said the accused had telephoned her that morning and told her he had killed his girlfriend Maud.

"Acting in a responsible manner she [Suzanne Mangan] immediately rang gardai," he said.

Mr Grehan said Garda Joseph Green went to an apartment in the Horizon Building and found the door unlocked. When the garda entered, he found the body of a woman, later identified as Ms Coffey, with obvious fatal injuries.

The barrister further stated that a pathologist had carried out an examination on Ms Coffey and concluded she had died from asphyxia.

"A flex from a cleaner of some kind had been put around her neck and she also had sharp force trauma knife injuries to the neck and other trauma to the head and neck. She died as a result of all these various injuries she suffered," said Mr Grehan.

Evidence will be that Mr Mangan had seen a number of doctors in the garda station and was ultimately released from the provisions of section 12 of the Mental Health Act 2021.

Mr Grehan said the accused was then immediately arrested by Garda Mark Reilly at 4.51pm that afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ms Coffey.

Mr Grehan said the accused had admitted killing Ms Coffey in his garda interviews. In the fifth interview, he said, the accused had provided a very descriptive and detailed account of how he had done that.

The barrister said the investigation subsequently discovered that the accused had been diagnosed with a variety of different mental health problems from a young age. "At one stage, a doctor suggested bipolar, later schizoaffective disorder and paranoia".

There will be evidence, Mr Grehan said, that the accused had undergone various therapies and medication. He said Mr Mangan was on various medications but had a history of non-compliance with taking his medications.

In the context of his own mental health problems, Mr Grehan said the accused had met Ms Coffey a number of years prior to this. He said Ms Coffey had previously worked in childcare but had developed significant mental health issues of her own.

"In the time just before her death she had spent two weeks in a specialist wing of Connolly Memorial Hospital and discharged herself two days before her death on January 11th, 2023".

It won't be an issue at all, but that Mr Mangan had caused the death of Ms Coffey, he continued.

Mr Grehan said the accused's mental health will be in focus in the trial. He said the jury would hear from consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Ronan Mullaney, whose opinion is that Mr Mangan satisfies the criteria to qualify "for consideration of not guilty by reason of insanity".

Counsel said the Director of Public Prosecutions had arranged for consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Richard Church to prepare a report on behalf of the prosecution.

Mr Grehan said Dr Church agreed that the accused was suffering from a mental disorder at the time he killed Ms Coffey but in terms of the severity of that disorder, his view is it is such "to entitle a jury to consider a verdict of diminished responsibility; it is not a full finding of insanity".

In summary, counsel said both doctors agreed the accused had a mental disorder but there was "some dispute" between them as to the severity of the disorder.

"Effectively that will be the net issue you'll be asked to consider in the case," he added.

Patrick Gageby SC, defending, made formal admissions to the court today on behalf of his client, including that Mr Mangan admits killing Ms Coffey.

The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury of seven men and five women.
Eoin Reynolds

Two defendants who were under 18 when they were convicted of murder should not be sentenced to life, their lawyers have argued following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that has altered how the courts deal with child offenders.

Each of the young men was separately sentenced to life in detention with review after 13 years.

One of the defendants is now aged 19 and was 14 when he murdered Urantsetseg Tserendorj near Custom House Quay in Dublin in January 2021.

At a previous sentence appeal in December 2023 - before the Supreme Court's judgement - the defendant shouted "f**k off, get me out of this court," when the Court of Appeal on that occasion declined to reduce his prison term.

He also shouted, "fuck off smelly rats" and "smelly knackers" as staff ushered him to the cell area. The outburst came as the then Court President was offering his sympathies to the family of Ms Tserendorj.

The second defendant was four months shy of his 18th birthday when he murdered 20-year-old Cameron Blair at a house party in Cork in January 2020.

In a judgment delivered earlier this year by Ms Justice Iseult OMalley, the Supreme Court found that life sentences for a child convicted of murder should only be imposed in exceptional cases where the evidence showed their intentions and actions were akin to those of an adult.

Ms Justice O'Malley found that the Central Criminal Court cannot review its own sentences, as had been envisaged in these and other cases.

She further stated that the courts are entitled to impose part-suspended sentences where a child's term of detention continues after they have turned 18.

At Thursday's hearing, lawyers for each of the accused said the "exceptional circumstances" identified by Ms Justice O'Malley do not apply to their clients' offending, and therefore life sentences would not be appropriate.

The three-judge court reserved judgment in both cases.

Ms Tserendorj was stabbed in the neck on a walkway between Georges Dock and Custom House Quay in the IFSC, Dublin, on January 20th 2021 and was declared dead nine days later.

The streets of Dublin were largely deserted at the time due to COVID-19 restrictions, and Ms Tserendorj was walking home from work alone when the teenager approached and asked for money.

When she said she did not have any, he produced a knife and stabbed her in the neck. He cycled away and later attempted to rob another woman.

Ms Tserendorj died from a lack of oxygen to the brain, having suffered a partially severed carotid artery. She had moved to Ireland with her husband and two children to find work approximately 15 years before she died.

The defendant denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was found guilty of her murder by a jury in 2022 following two trials. The first trial ended with a jury disagreement.

At the Court of Appeal on Thursday, Michael O'Higgins SC, for the defendant, said the exceptional circumstances identified by Ms Justice O'Malley as possibly resulting in a life sentence for a child include premeditation, luring of the victim, efforts to conceal guilt and intention to inflict sexual or particularly brutal violence.

Mr O'Higgins said there was no premeditated intention to kill in this case, his client did not lure the victim, and there was no suggestion of an intention to inflict sexual or particularly brutal physical violence.

Mr O'Higgins accepted that his client clearly intended to use a knife to commit a robbery which "developed into a fleeting intention to cause serious injury" when he got nothing from Ms Tserendorj.

He asked the court to consider his client's level of insight and understanding of what he was doing and its consequences, given his age and lack of maturity.

Mr O'Higgins told the court that his client has a "long list of mitigating factors", including that both his parents were addicted to drugs when he was born.

After the killing, he volunteered to tell gardai what he had done, fully cooperated, made full admissions and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He also has the support of his family, including his grandmother and her partner, counsel said.

Sean Guerin SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the court that this was an "intentional attack with a knife on a defenceless woman on a deserted street, late at night."

A short time earlier, the defendant had tried to rob a shop and shortly afterwards produced the knife when confronting another intended victim. Mr Guerin said it is open to the court to find that the "adult action" identified by the Supreme Court as necessary for a life sentence was present.

20-year-old college student Cameron Blair was stabbed in the neck at a house party on the Bandon Road in Cork city on January 16th, 2020. The teenager who plunged the knife into Mr Blair's neck pleaded guilty to his murder in 2020.

Karl Finnegan SC, for the defendant, today told the Court of Appeal that although his client was only four months shy of his 18th birthday, there is a presumption in law that as a 17-year-old, he was immature and should be sentenced accordingly.

Mr Finnegan acknowledged that his client's offending was "very serious" but, he said, it lacked the factors identified by Ms Justice O'Malley.

There was no planning or premeditation; he did not bring the knife to the party but armed himself while there and did not arrive with the intention to kill or cause serious injury.

Anne Rowland SC, for the DPP, said the defendant armed himself with a large knife which had a 21cm blade.

He put it in his pocket or down his trouser leg and used it to murder Mr Blair, who was acting as a peacemaker after an argument broke out between the students hosting the party and the defendants' friends.
Ryan Dunne

Five school bus operators attempted to load the dice to distort competition in the market and drive tender prices higher, a prosecution barrister has told a Central Criminal Court jury.

You cannot go into a tender process and discuss who was bidding for what and how much they were bidding, said counsel for the prosecution, Dominic McGinn SC, in the trial of five Tipperary men being prosecuted by the Competition Authority for alleged offences relating to the provision of school transport services across five counties.

The accused are Andrew Walsh (62) of Derrymore, Roscrea; Raymond Heney (54) of Camas, Cashel; Noel Browne (77) of Bansha; Larry Hickey (73) of Ardmayle, Cashel and Anthony Flynn (51) of Golden Road, Cashel.

All five have pleaded not guilty to offences under the Competition Act 2002.

The single charge against each accused alleges that between November 1st, 2014, and December 31st, 2016, they engaged in a concerted practice which had as its object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition in trade in the provision of school transport services.

The trial has heard that all of the accused were involved in the process of bidding for tenders to provide school bus routes, and it is alleged that there was a collusion between them.

The jury has heard that one of the accused would arrange to hold meetings in order to provide services and assistance in dealing with administrative processes.

He said the man would invite other bus operators and they would allegedly discuss the allocation and pricing of the school bus routes.

It is the prosecution's case that the people involved would only bid on tenders in a certain way, rather than doing so independently.

It is alleged that there was a degree of coordination between the parties so that prices would end up higher.

In his closing speech on Wednesday, Mr McGinn told the jury that this was not the usual criminal case as it was a bit commercially involved.

He said that competition law exists to protect anyone who is a consumer, anyone who gets value for money, to ensure people cannot manipulate the market.

He said if certain parties come together and agree not to charge the customer less than a certain amount, there is no benefit to the consumer, and this is an example of price fixing.

Mr McGinn said that "market sharing", where it is agreed among the parties to allocate an area to an individual so there is actually only one provider, is also not allowed.

Any manipulation of that or distortion of that is unfair to us, he said.

Counsel said that the five accused were involved in that process by getting together to try to distort the market. As this is public money, Mr McGinn said that the people being affected were the taxpayers.

He said that this concerted practice was not a formal agreement but collusion between them that involved an exchange of information and a form of coordination that led to the disappearance of competition.

Mr McGinn said that this case was not about how important it is for the children of Tipperary to get a bus to school, nor was it relevant that the accused men are approaching retirement and are alleged to have committed this offence in the latter part of their professional lives.

He said that the five accused at least, and perhaps others, were attempting to load the dice to distort the competition.

The trial continues on Thursday before Mr Justice David Keane and the jury of seven men and four women.
Eva Osborne

Scissor Sisters have been announced as the Mother Pride Opening Party headliner for June 2026.

The American pop-rock band are best known for hits like I Dont Feel Like Dancin, Take Your Mama, and Lets Have a Kiki.

The Mother Pride Opening Party will take place at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, on Friday, June 26th, kicking off a weekend of pride celebrations across Dublin.

Joining Scissor Sisters will be musician Peaches, who will be performing a DJ Set.

Also appearing at the Mother Pride Opening Party will be drag queen Panti Bliss, Tara Kumar, and Mother DJs. Organisers said the full supporting lineup will be announced in the months ahead.

Tickets for the Mother Pride Opening Party on Friday, June 26th, will go on sale Friday, December 12th, via Eventbrite.
A LOCAL historian has been internationally busy recently, marking moments in Kildare history in both New York and Naas  one which required the help of his wife.

During a recent visit to Boston, Larry Breen made a trip to New York at the invitation of the Aisling Irish Community and Culture Centre in Yonkers to talk about the life and times of Wolfe Tones wife, Matilda Tone.

The Tone family spent some time in America, initially in Pennsylvania and then in Washington.

Matilda lived there for over 30 years, died there in 1849, and is buried in the famous Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn.

Larry gave his talk, The Rebels Wife to a large and attentive audience at the Aisling Centre emphasising the important connection the Tone family had with Kildare, particularly Clane, Blackhall, Castlesize, Bodenstown and Naas.

Cllr Anne Breen at the restored commemorative plaque on the front of the new Town Hall in Naas.

The audience were mainly Irish or Irish American and it proved a small world when a member of the audience turned out to have relations living in Hollywood Park in Naas, noted Larry.

He then made a special framed photo presentation to Stephanie Messing, the Aisling Centres cultural events manager, to mark the occasion of his visit.

Having researched and lectured on the subject of Matilda Tone for many years, Larry also got the opportunity to finally fulfil a long-time wish and visit her grave in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn (see picture).

Meanwhile, back in his home town, of which he has written extensively about his history, Larry teamed up with his wife, local councillor Anne, to re-establish a bit of local history to the newly restored Naas Town Hall.

There was a major reconstruction job carried out on the facade of the then Naas Town Hall in 1904 by James Ecaret which changed the front of the building to what it is today, said Larry.

This development was commemorated by an inscription carved on the right-hand side of the front of the building, but when the Town Hall was recently renovated to provide the new library the inscription was covered up by the addition of the new front steps, he pointed out.

Cllr Breen then requested the council to restore the inscription so it was visible to the public and to acknowledge the major reconstruction work carried out in 1904.

This was agreed upon by the council, and in doing so, cllr Breen would like to sincerely thank the council for the wonderful job they have done on the new inscription which will help keep this event in the minds of the public.
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SANTA arrived early for firefighters in Laois today, with the delivery of two shiny new fire engines for the county.

The state-of-the-art fire appliances, which will serve Portlaoise and Mountmellick, were officially handed over at a ceremony in Portlaoise Fire Station on Thursday 11 December.

Delighted fire crews lined out to welcome the impressive appliances, which are based on a Scania chassis and are built by Irish company An Sidhean Teo, based in An Spideal, Co Galway.

Meanwhile, council chairperson Cllr Barry Walsh fulfilled a childhood Christmas dream, as he hopped into the cab of one of the huge fire appliances for a festive photo shoot.

At the handover ceremony, Cllr Walsh officially received the keys to the new appliances from Maura OToole of An Sidhean Teo.

The event was attended by firefighters from Portlaoise and Mountmellick fire stations, together with Laois Co Council chief executive Michael Rainey, director of services Simon Walton, Laois chief fire officer Declan Power and senior assistant chief fire officer Anthony Tynan.

The new appliances boast a range of the latest features, including advanced active road safety systems, polymer bodywork with integrated water tank and computerised pump controls.

Laois County Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement that the new appliances have strengthened the fleet of fire appliances in the county, which has eight fire stations.
The current Rose of Tralee, Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins, was announced on Tuesday 9 December as the third contestant on the next series of Dancing with the Stars.

Katelyn, who was crowned in August 2025, will join Eurovision star Niamh Kavanagh and Traitors Ireland contestant Paudie Moloney in the dance competition, which will enter its ninth season in January.

Hailing from the Laois-Kilkenny border, Cummins (21) was the first Laois Rose to be crowned festival's 65-year history.

An apprentice electrician with plans to pursue an engineering degree, she impressed viewers of the competition with her jiving skills.

Since 19 August, when I was handed the International Rose of Tralee sash, I promised myself that I would take every opportunity that came my way and make the most of this amazing year, Cummins told RTE.

She continued: "Im beyond grateful and so excited to be part of this years Dancing with the Stars.

My parents were the first to know. Their unwavering support has gotten me to where I am today. I hope I can continue to make them proud and be an inspiration for my younger sister and brother.

"From Irish dancing to set dancing and school musicals, dance has always been something Ive enjoyed. Id love to master the jive as its been a personal favourite of mine over the last few years when dancing with my mam and my friends.

It is a completely new world to me, a big change from the Snickers and steel toe cap boots, but I cannot wait to get stuck in and give it my all.

Katelyn is expected to appear in Stradbally on Saturday, 13 December, to open the Fitz of Inch Christmas craft fair, Santa experience and variety concert.

She will be joined by Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh.
Stradbally-based Simpsons Gala has been selected to receive a significant grant through the Gala Greener Grant initiative. The grant was established to support retailers in their transition to more environmentally sustainable technologies.

It encourages shops to adopt technologies such as waste heat recovery systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

The initiative is part of a 500,000 sustainability fund, which will be distributed to Gala retailers across Ireland by 2030.

The money received will help Simpsons Gala reduce energy usage with the installation of a replacement oven and new cold counter.

Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, said: At Gala, we understand the vital role that retailers play in their communities and the importance of helping them to adopt sustainable practices.

Through the Gala Greener Grants scheme, we aim to support our retailers as they invest in the future and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Ireland. Simpsons is leading the way, and we are excited to see the positive impact that this will make to the store. The grant is part of Gala Retails commitment to sustainability. According to the retailer, the new upgrades are projected to save the store 2,900 kWh of energy annually, which will reduce CO2 emissions by over 9,000 tonnes per year.

Simpsons Gala is a well-known shop and bakery in Stradbally, Co. Laois. Established in 1998, it is noted for being the first supermarket in the area, and the first to bring an ATM to Stradbally in 2003.

The shop will celebrate 29 years in business next year.
Churches in major cities across the United States are using their nativity scenes to protest the actions of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration.

In the Chicago area, Lake Street Church of Evanston reimagined the Christmas nativity this year with striking imagery: a baby Jesus whose wrists were zip-tied and wrapped in an emergency foil blanket, flanked by masked figures dressed as ICE agents, while Mary and Joseph wore gas masks, and ICE agents were depicted as Roman occupiers.

In their social-media post, church leaders explained that the zip ties reference children reportedly detained and restrained by ICE during a raid in a Chicago apartment building, even though many of the residents were U.S. citizens. They described the scene as a stark reminder that enforcement terror "does not discriminate by documentation status."

"This installation reimagines the nativity as a scene of forced family separation, drawing direct parallels between the Holy Family's refugee experience and contemporary immigration detention practices," the church wrote.

"By placing the Christmas story (Christianity's central narrative of refuge, sanctuary, and sacred family) within the visual language of immigration enforcement and detention, this work asks viewers to confront the disconnect between professed religious or moral values and immigration policies. The emergency blanket references the actual materials used in detention facilities...The gas masks worn by Mary and Joseph reference the documented use of tear gas and other chemical weapons deployed by ICE agents against peaceful protesters, journalists, and community members advocating for immigration reform and bearing witness to human rights abuses within the system."

Thanks to Loretta, Kelli, Jack, and Miller for their help setting up our nativity display this morning. This installation reimagines the nativity as a scene of forced family separation, drawing...

Chicago news station WGN9 spoke with Rev. Michael Woolf of Lake Street Church in Evanston, and he told them, "Everything that is happening in our Nativity took place here. "These are scenesthe use of zip ties, the separation of families, the fact that Mary and Joseph have to have gas masks on because ICE is tear-gassing people in our communities who want to protect our neighbors."

WGN9 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment, and they shared the following statement:

"Not only is this 'nativity' scene offensive to Christians, but it is also depicting something thatdespite what Rev. Woolf saidNEVER happen. ICE does not zip tying infants or children. This demonization of law enforcement are contributing to a more than 1153% increase in assaults on ICE. Get a grip and seek help."  DHS Asst. Sec. Tricia McLaughlin

Another church in the Chicago area, the Urban Village Church, joined the trend with their own political nativity scene as well. Instead of the usual figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, the church's nativity display features a stark sign: "Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding."

UPDATE: Another Chicago-area church has put up an immigration-themed Nativity.



A church member at Urban Village Church sent this along, where Mary, Joseph & Jesus are gone and replaced with a sign that reads: Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding. https://t.co/LA9m2zvGip pic.twitter.com/6EASjpHvsk  Jack Jenkins (@jackmjenkins) December 8, 2025

Another church in Dedham, Massachusetts, located on Boston's southwestern border, set up its own empty nativity scene. The usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were replaced by a sign that read "ICE was here."

A smaller sign beneath invited parishioners to call a local immigration-justice hotline if they saw ICE agents. According to St. Susanna Parish's pastor, Stephen Josoma, the display reflects the reality faced by refugee families from Honduras, Guatemala, Afghanistan, Burundi, and Myanmar who now live under the threat of deportation.

Like Lake Street, St. Susanna Parish is facing pushback, but this time from the local archdiocese. The Archdiocese of Boston said in a statement to CBS News that "The people of God have the right to expect that, when they come to church, they will encounter genuine opportunities for prayer and Catholic worship  not divisive political messaging. The display should be removed, and the manger restored to its proper sacred purpose."

It's not the first time St. Susanna's has used its nativity in this way. In 2018, the church displayed baby Jesus in a cage to protest the Trump-era family-separation policy, and in other years, it addressed issues like mass shootings and climate change. For Josoma and his congregation, the nativity is meant to shock as "Religious art is supposed to challenge you... make you see things differently."

Originally published on Latin Times
President Donald J. Trump declared that those questioning his physical and cognitive fitness were committing 'treasonous' acts, in a broadside against mainstream media and critics.

The 79-year-old President used strong rhetoric to portray scrutiny of his health as an existential threat to national stability. The reaction underscores growing anxiety about his capacity to lead during a fraught second term at age 79.

Trump's Fury And The Charges Of Treason

In a lengthy post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Mr. Trump directly attacked The New York Times (NYT) and other media outlets for publishing stories on his diminished public appearances and alleged signs of fatigue or decline. He condemned the reports as 'fake', describing them as 'seditious, perhaps even treasonous' attempts to 'libel and demean 'THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.'

Trump doubled down on his defence, citing medical and cognitive tests he claimed to have 'aced,' supervised by top doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He insisted these results showed he remained physically and mentally robust despite what he described as a relentless press campaign against him.

The President went further, suggesting that the media should 'cease publication', a direct challenge to the free-press principles at the foundation of American democracy.

Context Of Concern: Age, Images, And Medical Scrutiny

The confrontation stems in part from a recent op-ed by columnist Frank Bruni at the New York Times, titled 'His approval ratings have declined in recent months, and so, by the looks of things, has his vigor.' The column argued that reductions in Mr. Trump's schedule of public events, subtle physical signs observed in photos, and reports of him appearing to nod off during official meetings raised legitimate questions about his stamina.

Those observations have been widely noted by media observers: bruising on his hands, occasional drooping facial expressions, and even a reported moment of dozing during a Cabinet meeting. The White House attributes the bruising to constant handshakes and insists the President is attentive, but the images and reports have fuelled concern.

In October, Mr. Trump visited Walter Reed for what was described as a 'standard' cardiovascular and abdominal imaging scan, his second 'annual' physical in six months. The White House physician said the results were 'perfectly normal,' showing no evidence of arterial narrowing, clotting, or inflammation. Nonetheless, the timing and the additional MRI have only heightened media and public scrutiny.

Legal Meaning  And The Reality Check

Under U.S. federal law, treason is narrowly defined: it requires levying war against the United States or giving aid and comfort to its enemies. Similarly, 'seditious conspiracy' refers to conspiring to overthrow, put down, or destroy by force the U.S. government, or to oppose by force the authority thereof.

Yet, legal scholars uniformly note that writing or publishing a critical article about a public official's health, no matter how harsh, does not meet these thresholds. Critique, even harsh or repetitive, is protected by the First Amendment. There is no evidence that the media's commentary on Mr. Trump's health, no matter how pointed, involves violence, conspiracy, or aid to enemies.

In essence, Mr. Trump's accusations amount to rhetorical denunciation, not a claim grounded in the legal definition of treason or sedition. Independent outlets and media-freedom organisations have called his comments a 'dangerous conflation of criticism with criminality.'

Political Fallout And Rising Doubts

The timing of the tirade is significant. Mr. Trump's latest remarks followed a campaign-style rally in Pennsylvania, part of what he calls an 'Affordability Tour', where he sought to refocus public attention on economic issues. But instead of rallying support, the tirade amplified scrutiny of his own health and capacity to lead.

Within hours, prominent figures responded. Gavin Newsom, governor of California and vocal critic of Mr. Trump, mocked the claim: 'Donald Trump is in poor physical health,' he posted on X shortly after Trump's message.

Media-rights groups and former U.S. officials warn that framing legitimate journalism as 'treasonous' undermines democratic norms and could chill press freedom.

Meanwhile, mental-health and medical experts remain concerned that public statements of good health are insufficient to quell doubts fuelled by visual evidence, sporadic public appearances, and past incidents, such as the October MRI, that deepen public curiosity about the President's fitness for duty.

Donald Trump is in poor physical health. https://t.co/OT3wd1QfBg  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 10, 2025

Stakes For Public Confidence And Democracy

The stakes are high. A President who seeks to label media and critics as traitors for doing their job challenges the institutional guardrails that protect free speech and democratic accountability. The debate over Mr. Trump's health is not merely personal, but a question of national trust and institutional integrity.

As the 2028 election looms and domestic tensions rise, the resilience of U.S. political norms may face its sternest test yet. Whether this moment becomes a turning point for American democracy depends on how institutions respond, and whether truth remains protected, even when it is inconvenient.

One thing is now clear: in his own words, Mr. Trump has cast his critics as enemies of the state and forced the nation to confront the line between dissent and disloyalty.

Trump's condemnation of media scrutiny as 'treasonous' may rally his base, but it also raises critical questions about power, transparency, and the role of a free press in holding leaders accountable.

The Road Ahead

Watchers say the coming weeks will be crucial. Will the media continue to probe, and will the White House respond constructively or double down? Will other Republican voices defend the First Amendment, or echo the conflation of criticism with betrayal? The answers may shape the future of American democracy.

The pressure is now squarely on institutions as much as individuals.

Trump has thrown down the gauntlet. The United States, and its commitment to free speech, must decide whether to pick it up.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
The sentencing hearing of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada has been postponed until April 2026 at the request of his lawyer, according to a new report.

His lawyer, Frank Perez, introduced a request to postpone the hearing for 90 days to prepare a "memorandum of sentence" for his client, Infobae detailed. Judge Brian Cogan has already accepted the request.

Perez claimed that "El Mayo" can't be sentenced due to lack of "important" judicial documents and ongoing violence in Mexico.

He was apprehended by U.S. authorities in July 2024 after being ambushed and taken by Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of "El Chapo" Guzman.

In his own plea bargain, Guzman Lopez said he ordered a group of armed men drug Zambada to take him into the U.S.

The action was aimed at showing willingness to cooperate with Washington, according to Andrew Erskine, an attorney representing the U.S. He added that the U.S. does not sanction such behavior and Guzman Lopez wouldn't get leniency because of it.

Without naming him, Guzman Lopez claimed that he and others entered a room where Zambada was waiting to meet with him through a window, seized him, put a bag over his head and put him on a plane. There he was zip tied, given sedatives and taken to an airport in New Mexico, near the border with Texas. Zambada's account was similar. He has also pleaded guilty to federal charges related to violent drug trafficking he led for years alongside El Chapo for the Sinaloa Cartel.

While giving his own account, Zambada said he was lured to the ranch under the pretext of mediating a political dispute involving Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya and Hector Melesio Cuen Ojeda, a former rector of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa and founder of the Sinaloense Party.

"As I walked toward the meeting area... I saw Joaquin Guzman Lopez, whom I've known since he was a child, and he gestured for me to follow him. Trusting the nature of the meeting and the people involved, I followed without hesitation." Zambada says he was then ambushed.

"They took me to another dark room, and as soon as I set foot in it, they ambushed me. A group of men assaulted me, threw me to the ground, and put a dark hood over my head. They tied me up and handcuffed me, then forced me into the back of a pickup truck," he wrote, pointing to lasting injuries in his back, knee, and wrists.

He was then forced to board a private plane, and after a 3-hour flight, arrived in El Paso, Texas, where he was taken by U.S. federal agents. Perhaps more explosive was Zambada's demand to reveal the full truth behind the killing of Cuen, the former rector of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa and a prominent political operator.

The cartel boss, long considered untouchable, is now awaiting sentencing in New York after pleading guilty to racketeering and drug trafficking charges.

Originally published on Latin Times
A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, marking the latest development in a protracted legal battle over his wrongful deportation earlier this year.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis wrote that "Abrego Garcia's case demands judicial intervention," concluding that his continued detention lacked legal basis. "Since Abrego Garcia's return from wrongful detention in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without lawful authority," she wrote. "For this reason, the Court will GRANT Abrego Garcia's Petition for immediate release from ICE custody."

Xinis also said in the court filing that because immigration officials have been unable to secure a lawful destination for removal, continued detention is improper. "Because Abrego Garcia has been held in ICE detention to effectuate third-country removal absent a lawful removal order, his requested relief is proper," she wrote, adding that the administration's "conduct over the past months belie that his detention has been for the basic purpose of effectuating removal."

The Justice Department must update the court on his release by 5 p.m. Thursday. The order does not affect the separate criminal human smuggling case pending against him in Tennessee, where he remains under strict pretrial release conditions, including home confinement in Maryland, electronic monitoring, and limits on travel.

Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who has lived in the United States for nearly 15 years, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March despite a court order protecting him from being returned there.

He was brought back to the United States in June after the Supreme Court declined to intervene in his case, and he later pleaded not guilty to federal smuggling charges in Nashville. After a Tennessee judge allowed his release, ICE immediately detained him again and pursued removal to several third countries.

Court filings show the administration proposed deporting him to Uganda, Eswatini, Ghana, or Liberia, though none had formally agreed to receive him. Xinis wrote that officials showed "inexplicable reluctance" to send him to Costa Rica despite evidence the country was willing to accept him. When the court sought further explanation, Xinis said her orders "were ignored without justification."

The Department of Homeland Security sharply criticized the ruling through spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin on X:

"This is naked judicial activism by an Obama appointed judge. This order lacks any valid legal basis and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts."

This is naked judicial activism by an Obama appointed judge. This order lacks any valid legal basis and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts. https://t.co/HofO0X8S7o  Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) December 11, 2025

Originally published on Latin Times
A 31-year-old Allentown man was charged Saturday with soliciting sex from a 12-year-old child, according to a news release from the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

Kristien Diaz arranged online to meet with a person he thought was a 12-year-old child, authorities said. Instead, it was an agent with the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office posing as a child.

Diazs attorney, David Ritter of Wyomissing, is on vacation, according to a member of his office staff. Ritter didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Diazs cellphone had online conversations about the meet-up that showed Diaz was aware of the childs age, according to the news release.

This is extremely concerning deviant behavior, as this man took every step with full intentions to sexually abuse who he thought was a pre-teenage child, Attorney General David Sunday said in the release.

Diaz is charged with attempted rape of a child, attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, attempted statutory sexual assault, two counts of unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a communication facility, and attempted corruption of minors.

Diaz was arraigned Saturday and sent to Lehigh County Jail on $500,000 bail.
Lehigh County prosecutors have asked a judge to skip standard court procedures in several cases tied to an alleged interstate drug ring, arguing that normal hearings would reveal secret information to the public.

Frustrated defense attorneys sounded off in the Lehigh County Courthouse on Wednesday as District Judge Todd Heffelfinger continued preliminary hearings for seven defendants  including Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Craig Scheetz filed a motion Tuesday afternoon for an administrative bypass.

The unusual step would allow charges to proceed directly to county court without the preliminary hearing typically held at the district court level. The hearings are the first opportunity for defendants to hear testimony about the case against them, and its the first chance for defense attorneys to argue their clients charges should be dismissed or reduced.

No date has been set for a hearing on the motion for an an administrative bypass.

In an interview after the hearings, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said his office wants to avoid the preliminary hearings. The public nature of the hearings would allow sensitive information to filter into the public, he said.

Most defendants charged in the ring have waived their right to a preliminary hearing, sending the case to county court, Holihan added.

Grand jury case

The cases stem from a three-year grand jury investigation into two alleged clandestine drug labs in Lehigh County.

A spokeswoman for the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office said law enforcement have charged 41 people based off the grand jurys findings. Thirty nine of those defendants have been taken into custody. Many of them have since posted bail or been released.

But unlike most criminal proceedings, judges and prosecutors have withheld even basic information about the allegations in these cases. Three-and-a-half months after the charges were first announced and defendants were arrested, the affidavits of probable cause in the cases remain remain out of view of the public.

Even defendants sitting in jail since the summer hadnt seen what criminal activities theyve been accused of.

At Wednesdays hearings, Scheetz gave defense attorneys a copy of the sealed grand jury presentment so they can begin preparing their clients defenses. A court order bars attorneys and defendants from releasing the contents of the report to the public.

Defense objections

The disclosure did little to mollify the defense attorneys.

Frankly, these cases are starting to reek of the Star Chamber, said attorney Robert Sletvold, referring to the notorious English court known for its secret proceedings and abuses of power.

His client, Nathaniel Santos-Moore of Allentown, has been held at Lehigh County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail since Sept. 10.

Lehigh County prosecutors declined to identify the defendants in the past with one exception  Cole-Borghi. Holihan said he took that step to dismiss rumors that the elected official from Bethlehem played a key role in the alleged ring; Cole-Borhgi is the only known defendant not accused of being part of a criminal organization.

Cole-Borghi, 35, is charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver and possession of marijuana. He has denied the charges.

Gary Asteak, Cole-Borghis defense attorney, objected to prosecutors bypass motion Wednesday. As a public official, Cole-Borghi is under greater public scrutiny than other defendants but still had no idea what hes been accused of doing, Asteak argued. He questioned whether the proceedings to date meet the basic rights spelled out in the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Kafkaesque experience

Even after reviewing the grand jury presentment, the court order means Cole-Borghi cant even tell his wife what hes accused of doing, let alone his constituents, Asteak said.

This has been a Kafkaesque experience for Zach since his arrest on August 28. He was served with a criminal complaint that cites neither when, where, how or why he did what he is alleged to have done, Asteak said.

I have been doing this for over 50 years, and I have never seen anything like this in either Lehigh or Northampton counties, he added.

While in court, prosecutors served a livid Cole-Borghi with a new search warrant, seizing his cell phone. Authorities previously seized a different phone back in August. Holihan said the search warrant addressed new information but that prosecutors still believe he was not an integral part of the alleged drug ring.

Holihan defended his offices handling of the cases and the secretive measures prosecutors have used. Every step has been approved by a judge and meets legal standards, he said.

Those statements are intended for the media rather than being based on reality, Holihan said when informed of Asteaks and Sletvolds objections.

He declined to say why his team is withholding details about the case, saying that would reveal the information he is trying to protect.

Unknown defendants remain

Defense attorneys arent the only ones who have objected to the secretive nature of the charges.

Lehighvalleylive.com, LehighValleyNews.com and The Morning Call previously filed a motion of intervention, arguing the court had not filed the related criminal dockets as required by the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Lehigh County Judge Thomas Caffrey agreed, ordering last month that the dockets be made public.

The order allowed journalists to identify 32 defendants tied to the case, but the key documents remain beyond the publics reach. The affidavits of probable cause refer to the grand jury presentment, which remain under seal by court order.

Prosecutors revelation that there are now 41 defendants means several cases havent been publicly scrutinized.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is representing the three Lehigh Valley media outlets in the effort to unseal court records.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Thursday due to dwindling propane supplies as snow squalls and chilly temperatures are forecast for the weekend.

The emergency is due to a service disruption at a major propane distribution plant in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. It takes effect at 9 a.m. Friday.

In a statement, Murphy said the order is intended to make sure families that rely on propane for heating and cooking have adequate supplies.

As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential, the governor added. I am declaring a State of Emergency to ensure that the approximately 186,000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption.

The state of emergency allows for a federal waiver to extend the maximum driving time for drivers of trucks transporting propane from 11 hours to 14 hours. Drivers still must take 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time between driving.

Propane accounts for approximately 1% of total energy consumption in the United States and is primarily used for residential and commercial heating, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Approximately 6 million homes in the U.S., mostly in the Midwest and Northeast, depend on propane as their primary heating fuel.
Many families across Laois are facing food poverty this Christmas as the cost of living continues to put pressure on households. With gifts, festive events and all sorts of other costs at this time of year, there are lots of people struggling to keep up with the financial challenges that Christmas time can bring.

However, the festive season only exacerbates an existing problem with finances for many. Manager of Portlaoise Family Resource Centre, Joan Bolger, told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that food poverty is an issue all year round for families now.

Bolger emphasised that the cost-of-living crisis is particularly impacting families in Laois who are living on low incomes and are working. She explained that after all the bills are paid it leaves very little for families.

Along with the wide range of other services Portlaoise Family Resource Centre provides in the community, from early years childcare to therapeutic services for adults and children, the centre also supports families throughout the year who are facing food poverty.

The centres manager said: We hear it from families all the time about how tight it is and especially if you have teenagers or a number of young children looking in the press to see whats in it. Its great if there is something in your press, but a lot of families are struggling from week to week.

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Of course, the financial pressures already faced by families is magnified over Christmas as well as the expectations. Portlaoise Family Resource Centre partners with Tesco numerous times a year for a food appeal to help support struggling families. This Christmas, they will also give food hampers to any families who are in need in Laois. As Bolger said, these things are a struggle around this time.

Food hampers are among the many festive initiatives and events planned by the centre over Christmas. Christmas youth parties, parent and toddler events, and choir outings will all be available to the community this month. As well as this, support will be on offer to any families who need it, as Bolger remarked: Tensions can get quite high in relationships and so well support families around that.

Counselling is one of the important services provided by the centre. Bolger stated that gambling is a particularly evident issue at this time of year and they provide low-cost and no-cost counselling sessions with a gambling counsellor. Whether youre struggling with gambling or are affected by it, you can avail of this very valuable service.

Despite the financial challenges faced by families at this time of year, Money Advice and Coordinator for Laois MABS, Pauline Bunyan, said that the uptake of their services at Christmas is unfortunately low.

She explained: Always at this time people are too busy shopping, getting ready for Christmas etc. It is like everyone wants to bury their heads until Christmas is over. People start to come to us around the end of January and February when the bills start coming in.

To help families make the most of Christmas and manage their budgets as best as possible, MABS has collated a list of budget-friendly activities for over the festive season. From DIY decorations, festive nature scavenger hunts, and movie nights in, theres lots of ideas for making memories with loved ones this December.

MABS also have useful and practical tips for people such as planning a budget and prioritising whats most important. They also caution people about Buy Now, Pay Later options. They warn that although it may seem like an easy option now, they will eventually have to be paid.

Laois MABS advises: It can be easy to reach for a credit card or a Buy Now, Pay Later option, especially when ads promise no payments until February. However, small instalments can add up quickly, and missed payments may result in fees or negatively impact your credit record. If you use credit, make a plan to pay it off as soon as possible in the new year and only borrow what you can afford to repay comfortably.

If people are in need of help this Christmas with managing their finances, they can call their local MABS centre in Portlaoise from Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm on 0818 07 2620.

People in Laois can also help local families this Christmas through donating new toys or making a donation to Portlaoise Family Resource Centre which can be put towards play or art therapy for children.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Two state-of-the-art new fire engines have been delivered in Laois to meet the demands of the local fire service in Portlaoise and Mountmellick. Laois County Fire and Rescue Service held a handover service in Portlaoise Fire Station where Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh spoke about the huge benefit this will have to firefighters and the communities they serve.

The new fire engines are based on Scania chassis, and are built by an Irish company, Sidhean Teo, based in An Spideal. They have a range of the latest features including advanced active road safety systems, polymer bodywork with integrated water tank, and computerised pump controls.

At a handover ceremony Cllr Walsh officially received the keys to the new appliances from Ms. Maura OToole of Sidhean Teo.

The event was attended by firefighters from both Portlaoise and Mountmellick Fire Stations, along with Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Simon Walton, Director of Services, Declan Power, Chief Fire Officer and Anthony Tynan, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Laois County Fire & Rescue Service.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh said: I am delighted to welcome the delivery of these new appliances to Laois. They will be of huge benefit to our Fire and Rescue staff and, ultimately, to the communities they serve.

The two appliances were funded by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) and will soon be operational in Portlaoise and Mountmellick. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

From left: John Fenlon, Station officer Mountmellick; Anthony Tynan, SACFO Laois; Declan Power, Chief Fire officer Laois; Maura OToole, MD of Sidhean Teo (vehicle builders); Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council; Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Barry Walsh, MCC; Simon Walton, Director of Services Laois County Council and James Brown, Station officer Portlaoise at Portlaoise Fire Station for the handing over of two new state-of-the-art fire appliances to Mountmellick and Portlaoise Fire Stations. Picture: Alf Harvey.



Chief Fire Officer Declan Power added: These appliances will significantly enhance our operational fleet. They are modern, state-of-the-art vehicles designed to meet the demands of a 21st-century fire service. Our crews respond to hundreds of emergency calls in Laois each year, and it is vital that they are equipped with the highest quality technology.



The NDFEM has also allocated funding for an additional fire appliance for Laois County Fire and Rescue Service. The contract has been awarded to Sidhean Teo, and delivery is expected in the coming months.
The planned live episode of the Tommy, Hector and Laurita podcast has been cancelled as one of the members has been dealt a devastating blow in the weeks before Christmas.

Sadly, Laurita Blewitt took to social media on Thursday to announce that her father had passed away on November 21.

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In a post on Instagram Laurita said,

"Hey guys...In replacement of what would have been our final live episode from The Kings Head, Galway, here is an episode we recorded a while back.

"My dad Brendan died on November 21st so we appreciate your understanding. May Dad rest in peace, join me in raising a glass to him over the Christmas.

"Happy Christmas and see you in the New Year"

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tommy, Hector & Laurita Pod (@tommyhectorlauritapod)

Fans and followers were quick to comment under the post offering their heartfelt condolences and kind words.

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One comment said,

"So sorry for your loss Laurita. Your dad sounded like a legend and I loved listening to you talk about him."

While another said,

"Im so sorry for your loss, you always talked so fondly of your dad, he sounded like a great character."
Kildare Active Retirement bowls team shows age no barrier in 13 annual national bowls competition. Members of the Balyna 1 Active Retirement bowls team have taken home one of the top prizes at the 2025 Active Retirement Ireland National Bowls Competition, which took place at the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney, Co Kerry recently.

Balyna 1 bowls team members Margaret Colgan, Kathleen Marsh, Eamonn Leonard and team skip Christy Colgan were presented with the 2025 small bowls cup runners-up prize by Active Retirement Ireland National President Mai Quaid and CEO Fran Brennan at a special gala ball held to close the competition . Finalists from counties Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford were also presented with awards.

Over three days, 64 four-person Active Retirement bowls teams, including five from Co Kildare, competed across the large and small bowls competitions. The other teams from Co Kildare were the NARA 1 and 2 teams, and the Balyna 2 and 3 teams.

Speaking at the awards presentation, Active Retirement Ireland CEO Fran Brennan said: Well done to all teams who participated in this years National Bowls Competition and special congratulations to our finalists across the large and small bowls tournaments.

This tournament is a celebration of older people and their right to live independent, full lives in which they can stay socially connected and be active participants in their communities. The more than 450 competitors, volunteer officials and spectators who have joined us in Killarney this week exemplify the drive and self-determination of older people to live their best life in later life.

We are all ageing, and it cannot be too much to ask that people in Ireland be supported to age well with dignity, independence and equality. It is time the government took meaningful steps to develop and implement whole of government strategies and frameorks to ensure we can.

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A TD for Kildare South yesterday (December 10 last) warned the government that delays to DART+ South West "must not impact commuter towns" across the region.

The comments, which were made by Labour Party Deputy Mark Wall, echo similar sentiments which were made by Fine Gael TD Mark Neville last week.

Deputy Wall's concerns also echo the criticism made by Independent Ireland councillor Bill Clear earlier this week, who claimed that election promises relating to the project "had been broken" by the government.

'KNOCK-ON EFFECTS'

Speaking yesterday in Dail Eireann, Deputy Wall expressed his view the delays of the Dart+ South West project could have "potential knock-on effects" for towns such as Athy, Kildare town and Monasterevin.

He told An Taoiseach Micheal Martin: "Public transport and traffic congestion across Kildare South has become a massive issue, it is having a huge impact on peoples daily lives for those that must travel to Dublin for work or to attend hospital appointments.

"DART+ South West is now facing delays up to at least 2030, while the DART+ fleet is also facing delays due to an issue with batteries."

He continued: "There is now a growing concern that commuter towns across Kildare South who are relying on carriages being freed up from the new DART+ fleet will also face delays for enhanced train services; towns like Athy, where I have been fighting for an hourly train service on the Waterford to Heuston line, and Monasterevin and Kildare town are in desperate need of increased train services and additional carriages."

TRAFFIC CONGESTION FEARS

"Such delays will only worsen the traffic congestion along the car park that the M7 / N7 and M50 has become, with government forcing people into their cars due to the lack of available, affordable and accessible public transport in Kildare South."

However, Deputy Wall added: "I welcome the Taoiseachs response to me in which he said there should be no delay in providing these additional carriages for Kildare South."

He also vowed to engage with the Minister for Transport (Darragh O'Brien TD) on the issue, in order "to ensure that commuters in Kildare South get the public transport that they need".

Deputy Mark Wall also made headlines relating to the topic of public transport when he called on the government to implement a Labour Party plan which aims to "end motorway misery" for rural commuters.

Labour Party TD for Kildare South, Mark Wall. File photograph

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is marking a remarkable family milestone this week, with two sisters from Co. Kildare advancing their healthcare careers under the same roofone finishing her nursing degree as the other progresses through her medical training as a doctor.

Among the 64 new nurses graduating from TUH is Kate Cribbin from Leixlip in Co. Kildare, who will officially receive her hospital badge and certificate during a special ceremony on Thursday, December 11.

Making the occasion even more special, Kate recently helped her sister Eve settle into the hospital as she began her on-site training as a junior doctor and medical intern.

For the Cribbin family, this moment is particularly meaningful. Kates path into nursing began at just 16, inspired by the time she spent caring for her grandfather, who lived with Alzheimers disease.

That experience, she says, shaped her determination to work in healthcare and support families going through challenging moments.

Eves decision to pursue medicine was sparked during her Transition Year, when she undertook a placement at TUH. The exposure to patient care, teamwork, and the hospitals fast-moving clinical environment left a lasting impression and set her on course to return years later as a medical intern.

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A new cohort of nurses joins TUH

Today, TUH will proudly celebrate the graduation of 64 newly-qualified general staff nurses, each of whom completed a four-year degree programme delivered jointly between Trinity College Dublin and TUH.

Throughout their studies, the students divided their time between university lectures and clinical placements across the hospitals wards and specialist departments.

In their final year, students spent one semester on campusaside from a six-week supernumerary placementbefore transitioning to a nine-month internship at TUH beginning last January.

The graduates were formally conferred with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Nursing by Trinity College Dublin in November and now return to TUH to mark the completion of their clinical nurse training.

Hospital leadership welcomes the new graduates

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, TUH Director of Nursing Aine Lynch commended the dedication shown by this cohort: It is wonderful to stand alongside our new nursing graduates who have worked extremely hard to reach this moment. This is an important and proud milestone, not just for the graduates themselves but for their families and the colleagues who supported them along the way. I am especially delighted that 87% of our new graduates will begin their professional careers here at TUH. Their commitment to our hospital and our patients is deeply valued.

Details of the Graduation Ceremony

The Nursing Graduation Ceremony will take place in the Main Lecture Theatre within TUHs Centre for Learning and Development at 3:00 pm on Thursday, December 11.

Following the ceremony, graduates and their families are invited to a reception in the Dodder and Tolka Rooms, where refreshments will be served. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the hospitals Heartbeats Choir will perform two pieces during the event.

Ceremony Highlights Include:

 Announcements of graduates by Helen Teague, Assistant Director of Nursing and Nurse Practice Development Coordinator.

 Presentation of hospital badges and certificates by Aine Lynch, Director of Nursing and Integrated Care.

 A keynote address by Professor Anne-Marie Brady, Chair of Nursing & Chronic Illness at Trinity College Dublin where she is also the Director of the Trinity Centre for Practice & Healthcare Innovation. Professor Brady is also the Chairperson of the TUH Board.

Professor Bradys involvement underscores the strong academic partnership between TUH and Trinity College Dublin, a cornerstone of nursing education at the Hospital.

This years ceremony not only marks the beginning of 64 new nursing careers but also highlights the inspiring Cribbin sisters, whose parallel journeys in healthcare reflect the compassion, dedication, and family support at the heart of the profession.
A teenage girl came before Naas District Court following the theft of a number of items from stores at Kildare Village.

The court heard that the girl, who has an address in Maynooth, is sitting the Leaving Certificate exams and hopes to go to college after that.

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Sgt Ruth Coleman told the court that the goods were taken from Benefit (valued at 326), Puma, Charlotte Tilbury, Rituals, and Calvin Klein.

The thefts took place on March 2 last.

The court further heard that all of the property was recovered in a saleable condition and the defendant had no previous convictions.

The defendant had the proceedings translated by a Russian interpreter.

Defending solicitor Chloe Donegan said she asked the defendant why she had done this and she doesnt have an answer.

Ms Donegan said the defendant was with a so-called friend and she has not spoken to this person since the incident.

The court also heard the defendant had taken out 1,500 from money she was saving to use to go to college and she was offering this as a charitable donation.

Judge Zaidan accepted the donation and told the defendant she should focus on the Leaving Cert exams.
An Irish man who is wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge which alleges that he attempted to facilitate the transportation of 66 people from Greece to Italy has been remanded in custody with consent to bail.



Jeremiah OBrien (55), of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick, is alleged to have facilitated the transportation of 66 human beings, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece towards Italy.

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The boat was discovered stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece.



The State contested a bail application made on behalf of Mr OBrien yesterday (WED) at the High Court.

Detective Garda Tony Keane said that Mr OBrien has provided many different addresses over the past years, including at locations such as Nottingham in the UK, Belfast and Newry.



The detective garda said that there was concern that, if he was released on bail, the respondent could abscond.



Defence counsel for O'Brien, Simon Matthews BL, said that his client is a member of the travelling community who crosses Europe selling tools and generators. He said that the addresses given were those of family members and friends that he stays with.



Mr Matthews said that Rathkeale is O'Brien's main place of residence and that he would stay there if he was granted bail.



Counsel said that his client maintains his innocence and has never been in custody before.



Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said that the allegations against OBrien were of the highest order.

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However, she said that Mr OBrien must be presumed innocent and the court must have regard to the fact that he has no prior convictions and no history of warrants in the State.



Ms Justice Ring said that O'Brien has a travelling history, which is not out of order with regard to his background. She said that the respondent appears to be a man who has worked around the continent and that he has no record of difficulties with various police services.



Ms Justice Ring said that she was inclined to grant bail on O'Briens own bond of 500 euro. She said that an independent surety of 15,000 euro must also be provided. She said that this could be frozen or done in a cash lodgement.



The judge also said that OBrien must surrender all travel documents, that he must live at the address indicated at Rathkeale and must sign in daily at the garda station.



Ms Justice Ring said that OBrien must maintain a curfew at night at the address at Rathkeale and that gardai should attend to ensure that curfew is followed.



She also said that he must attend all court dates and not make any further applications for travel documents. She also said that he must keep the peace and be of good behaviour while on bail.



Detective Garda Tony Keane previously gave evidence that on November 26, he was on duty in the Rathkeale area when he became aware of a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert for the arrest of Mr OBrien, which related to a European arrest warrant.



Det Gda Keane said it is alleged that Jeremiah OBrien and two other named persons acted jointly between November 9 and 16, 2017, by renting a car and between November 11 and 23, 2017, by renting a 12m speedboat.



Det Gda Keane said the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran).

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Det Gda Keane said that these 66 people paid between 4,000 and 6,000 US dollars each.



The detective said that after he informed Mr OBrien that he was the subject of the SIS alert for the purpose of arrest, the respondent replied: I was never in Greece.



Det Gda Keane went on to say that after being brought to Henry Street Garda Station and given the details of the charge, the respondent said: I dont know anything about that.

The detective gave evidence that Mr O'Brien then said that he had been in Greece and did rent a car.



A hearing date has been fixed for January 14, next.
Tributes are being paid following the passing of a Leitrim woman described as a lovely, unassuming lady.

Winifred (Winnie) Gallagher (nee Keaney) of Tullaghan passed away peacefully at Our Ladys Hospital, Manorhamilton on Tuesday, December 9, surrounded by her loving family.

Winnie will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by her sons and daughters Mary, Una, Ann, John, Seamus and Aideen; her sister-in-law Una; her cherished grandchildren Ciara, Cathal, Sean, Katie, Liam, Shea, Ronan, Jamie, Joey and Ruairi; as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family and wide circle of friends.

She is predeceased by her husband J.P., son Brendan, sisters Rose and Mary, and brothers Frank and John.

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Condolences on RIP.ie recall warm memories of Winnie. One tribute reads, I have lots of lovely memories of us growing up together in Kiltyclogher many years ago. May she rest in peace.

Another remembers childhood days: I recall so many wonderful childhood days spent playing All Ireland and FA Cup finals in the field next your house, with the warmest of welcomes always from Winnie and JP regardless of us imposing long into the evening and helping to eat them out of house and home. May she rest in peace.

Winnie will repose on Thursday, December 11 from 5pm to 8pm in Our Ladys Hospital Chapel, Manorhamilton. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 12 at 11am in St Aidans Church, Kinlough, followed by burial in St Aidans Cemetery.

Another condolence shared, Many a happy hour was spent late at night with Winnie and JP calving cows in the byre behind the house.

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I have great memories of going to school with her and growing up together in Kiltyclogher. May she now rest in peace, reads another tribute.
The 50 Miles in January Challenge may primarily be a fundraiser for Leitrim GAA & LGFA but for Leitrim County Council, the challenge is a unique opportunity to showcase the county on a business and tourism level but also to connect with Leitrims diaspora all over the world according to Chief Executive Officer Joseph Gilhooly.

Speaking at the event last Wednesday in the Carrick Business Campus, Joseph stressed the importance of the event on a much wider level than simply a fundraising vehicle: We're delighted to be able to be part of the partnership but it's a great partnership from the Leitrim County Council perspective. Obviously the GAA have a wide diaspora and joining forces with the two organisations made a lot of sense to us in order to be able to reach that diaspora and help Leitrim connect stronger with the diaspora and look at it from an investment in the future.

"So we're delighted to be here this evening for another launch of the 50 mile challenge and to be involved again with the both boards.

The long serving official calls the Councils link-up with the Challenge a no-brainer as he believes the 50 Miles in January Challenge extols what the county has to offer: It certainly is a unique opportunity and it showcases a lot of what the county has to offer. Without us ever been involved in the first editions of the challenge, the 50 Miles in January Challenge showcased a lot of what the county had to offer so when we were in contact with the GAA on us collaborating on it was really a no-brainer for us because it was doing all that showcasing the tourism, the countryside of Leitrim, the recreational opportunities.

But it also showcases the level of interest of Leitrim people abroad and the interest that that generated for the Leitrim diaspora, the Leitrim connections across the world was fantastic and fantastic for us to be able to promote the county into those areas.

LEITRIM GAA & LGFA LAUNCH 50 MILES IN JANUARY 2026 CAMPAIGN

For Joseph, the Challenge is just one of a number of projects where the Council seeks to link-up with local communities throughout the county: We're very fortunate to have such a strong community interest in the county but, at Leitrim County Council, I think we engage very well with communities.

We appreciate the importance of working with communities and, by us working together, we can make such a difference for the county. If you only take the recent experience at the Tidy Towns National Award for Carrick-on-Shannon, seeing what the Tidy Towns volunteers have done, how the council can support that, how the council can reinvest in the public realm in the new areas such as down at the marina.

When you bring all that together and harness all of the various resources to work towards a common vision and a common goal, it really is significant the outcomes that can be achieved for the county.

The pride in the county and community spirit on display in the Challenge is something Joseph is not surprised by: It's the same community spirit you know we're well familiar with the community spirit here at Leitrim and the hard work community groups do, their dedication to the county.

You can just see the same spirit with people who are living abroad and with modern communications and social media, it makes everything so much smaller and to be able to get the message of Leitrim so strong in other locations and bringing on our ambassadors to tell the story of Leitrim and whatever their engagement with the county is living here, having a business here, has been hugely beneficial as well.

And his message for Leitrim people all over the world? Get your walking shoes on in January! Wait to have the dinner first on Christmas Day and get going then and see what you can make of it.

The 50 Miles in January Challenge is helping tell the story of Leitrim said Leitrim County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy Farrell at the launch last Wednesday: The initiative has grown into a much-loved tradition that brings people together; a campaign that blends health, sport, community, and pride in county Leitrim.

Highlighting the link between the Council and the sporting bodies, Cllr Farrell said Leitrim County Council is proud to partner with Leitrim GAA and LGFA once again on the challenge to create something that goes far beyond fundraising. Together, we are building a platform that promotes Leitrim as a county of opportunity - a place to live, to work, to invest in, and of course, to visit and enjoy.

He also stressed the importance of the event for Leitrims diaspora: The 50 Miles Challenge is more than a local event. It is a global connection. From Cloone to Chicago, Leitrim people have walked and run their miles in London, New York, Sydney, and beyond. With the forthcoming Leitrim Diaspora Strategy 20262030 on the horizon, this challenge reflects the spirit of that vision. Our diaspora is not just part of our past - they are part of our future, and the 50 miles challenge is a way to keep those bonds strong.

FORMER LEITRIM GAA CHAIRMAN HIGHLIGHTS POPULATION ISSUES IN NEW GAA DEMOGRAPHICS REPORT

Tourism remains a cornerstone of our vision. Our landscapes, Blueways, and Greenways are treasures that draw visitors from near and far. But tonight, we also celebrate Leitrim as a county that is open for business and innovation.

Cllr Farrell encouraged everyone to rediscover the beauty and treasures the county has to offer: For visitors, the challenge is an invitation to discover Leitrim. For locals, it is a chance to rediscover what is on our doorstep. And for our partners - the GAA and LGFA, and for each of the ambassadors involved - it is an opportunity to showcase Leitrim as vibrant, creative, and full of potential.

This years theme - Run, Walk, Connect - says it all. We run and walk for our health, for our clubs, and for our county. And we connect - with each other, with our heritage, and with Leitrim people near and far.

Concluding his remarks in the Carrick Business Campus, Cllr Farrell said As Cathaoirleach, I want to commend the organisers, the ambassadors, and every participant who will take part; you are helping to tell the story of Leitrim - a story of partnership, progress, and pride.
A Leitrim woman is taking on a cold swim in Glenade Lake on Christmas Day to raise funds for the Irish Red Cross Gaza Appeal.

This will be the second Christmas swim for nineteen-year-old Rhianna Nealis from Kinlough, who completed one last year with her family, raising over 500 for North West Hospice.

She is now organising a community-wide swim and has set up a fundraising page on iDonate. Since there has never been a Christmas Day swim in Glenade, I thought why not start one myself? I feel like it is a good way to bring people together while supporting a cause that really needs attention, said Rhianna.

She said the humanitarian situation in Gaza has been heartbreaking to witness, motivating her to support the Irish Red Cross Gaza Appeal. The Irish Red Cross has a strong reputation for getting aid to where its needed most, and their Gaza Appeal is providing essential medical and emergency support. Its a small thing I can do from afar to try to help or at the very least, raise awareness, she explained.

READ NEXT: 'A bit of connection': Sunday walks becoming a tradition in North Leitrim town

The swim will take place on Christmas Day at 11am, and Rhianna said everyone is welcome. A few people have already said that theyre joining in and more have shown interest as word spreads around the village. The more the merrier whether people want to get in the water or simply come along to support and watch from the warmth of the pier, she added.

Having braved Glenade Lake last Christmas and being no stranger to an occasional dip, Rhianna noted that the cold shock is something you never truly adjust to. Still, its a challenge thats very rewarding, she said.

Ultimately, she hopes the event will bring people together while highlighting a cause she cares deeply about. Even small communities can make a big difference, and it doesnt even have to be some big, frilly event. If a small village in North Leitrim can rally together to support people on the other side of the world, thats a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, said Rhianna.

Rhiannas fundraiser for the Irish Red Cross Gaza Appeal can be found on iDonate here.

READ NEXT: Half a million confirmed for construction of amenity in Leitrim village
The Government is worried about the number of people who are not vaccinated against flu, Fine Gael minister Patrick ODonovan has said

Speaking during Leaders Questions on Thursday, he said: Were worried about the amount of people that could still get the flu vaccine.

Well over three-quarters of the people in hospital at the moment with the flu arent vaccinated, thats a concern.

He was responding to a question from Labours Conor Sheehan, who described the low uptake as frightening and said the Government had failed to address this with information and awareness campaigns.

He said the vaccine should be free and universal, and the Labour Party has been saying this for 10 years.

He also said reports an enhanced flu vaccine was not obtained because of cost reasons are incredibly concerning.

He said: We know the enhanced flu vaccine outperforms the standard vaccine, particularly with older people, and this is madness, given the data we have from Australia.

Australias flu season comes before Irelands and data from strains in circulation there informs the development of vaccines for the northern hemisphere.

Mr ODonovan described the vaccine as the best form of protection and encouraged anybody that still hasnt got the flu vaccine to please go out and get it.

He said he is vaccinated himself as he is from a cohort of people where Im immunosuppressed, I need to get it.

In Ireland the vaccine is free for a number of groups including everyone over 60, children aged between two and 17, people with underlying medical conditions, healthcare workers and carers, and pregnant women.
 Senate likely to concur on major U.S. private sector led investment in decades
INCHR Chairman Counselor Dempster Brown addresses the media and attendees during the International Human Rights Day commemoration in Monrovia.
Picture of over 900 Students graduating from various discipline at InnerCity Mission Liberia technical vocational training
ENTERPRISE Ireland, the Government agency designed to support the growth of new business, backed a major business event in Limerick.

The Clayton Hotel in the city centre played host to the event, themed 'Connections Drive Growth'.

It was organised by the New Frontiers teams at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Munster Technological University in Cork.

READ MORE: It started with a salad: A Limerick rugby legend's unlikely path to love

It was also supported by FactoryXChange, which is a European Digital Innovation Hub. This is a one-stop shop created by the European Commission and European Union member states to help smeall and medium sized enterprises with transforming to digital.

It brought together three Enterprise Irelandfunded initiatives: the New Frontiers nationwide programme for ambitious startup founders with scalable, innovative business ideas, the National Technology Gateway Network and the Industry Cluster Network.

More than 50 business people attended, including current New Frontiers participants alongside those who have formerly taken part in the programme, at the Hartnett Accelleration Centre on campus at TUS.

One of these people, Dr Paul Byrnes, chief executive and co-founder of Mavarick AI - which specialises in artificial intelligence - said New Frontiers has been invaluable for growing his firm.

"New Frontiers isnt just about funding. Its about building connections, gaining guidance, and finding the insights you need to succeed," he said.

Organisers say the day created space for practical learning, peer connection and candid discussion about the realities of validating ideas, raising finance, building teams and scaling companies.

Dr Gillian Barry, head of innovation and enterprise at TUS said: "New Frontiers is where Irelands entrepreneurs get the start they need. It brings structure, guidance and the right connections together in one place, helping founders move faster and with more confidence. When entrepreneurs are supported at this early stage, the whole innovation ecosystem benefits, from industry partners to investors to Irelands wider economy.
GARDAI in Limerick are investigating two separate thefts reported in the city centre.

Sergeant Michael Gallagher, Community Policing at Mayorstone Garda Station said:

"On 2nd December 2025, at an apartment complex on Clare Street, a male reported that his black and orange electric scooter was stolen. He had parked it in the hallway of the building at around 7pm, and when he checked it a little over two hours later, it was gone.

"Gardai at Henry Street are investigating and were appealing to anyone who may have seen something or has any information to contact us.

READ MORE: Limerick man threatened to burn ex-partner's home following breakdown of relationship

Sgt Gallagher added:

"On 5th December 2025 at approximately 11.25am, a male reported the theft of several items from his unlocked van at a shopping centre in the Roxboro area while he was shopping. Gardai at Roxboro Road are investigating."

Sgt Gallagher reminded homeowners and shoppers to be vigilant, issuing the following advice:

Always lock your vehicle, even if youre only stepping away for a short time.

Never leave valuables, gifts or shopping bags visible inside.

Park in well-lit, secure areas where possible.

Do not leave tools, electronics or documents inside unattended vehicles.

These basic steps can prevent a lot of opportunistic theft.
A LIMERICK man who is wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge which alleges that he attempted to facilitate the transportation of 66 people from Greece to Italy has been remanded in custody with consent to bail.



Jeremiah OBrien (55), of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick is alleged to have facilitated the transportation of 66 human beings, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece towards Italy.



The boat was discovered stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece.



The State contested a bail application made on behalf of Mr OBrien yesterday (WED) at the High Court.

READ MORE: Addict jailed over late-night burglaries at small businesses in Limerick city centre



Detective Garda Tony Keane said that Mr OBrien has provided many different addresses over the past years, including at locations such as Nottingham in the UK, Belfast and Newry.



The detective garda said that there was concern that, if he was released on bail, the respondent could abscond.



Defence counsel for O'Brien, Simon Matthews BL, said that his client is a member of the travelling community who crosses Europe selling tools and generators. He said that the addresses given were those of family members and friends that he stays with.



Mr Matthews said that Rathkeale is O'Brien's main place of residence and that he would stay there if he was granted bail.



Counsel said that his client maintains his innocence and has never been in custody before.



Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said that the allegations against OBrien were of the highest order.



However, she said that Mr OBrien must be presumed innocent and the court must have regard to the fact that he has no prior convictions and no history of warrants in the State.



Ms Justice Ring said that O'Brien has a travelling history, which is not out of order with regard to his background. She said that the respondent appears to be a man who has worked around the continent and that he has no record of difficulties with various police services.



Ms Justice Ring said that she was inclined to grant bail on O'Briens own bond of 500 euro. She said that an independent surety of 15,000 euro must also be provided. She said that this could be frozen or done in a cash lodgement.



The judge also said that OBrien must surrender all travel documents, that he must live at the address indicated at Rathkeale and must sign in daily at the garda station.



Ms Justice Ring said that OBrien must maintain a curfew at night at the address at Rathkeale and that gardai should attend to ensure that curfew is followed.



She also said that he must attend all court dates and not make any further applications for travel documents. She also said that he must keep the peace and be of good behaviour while on bail.



Detective Garda Tony Keane previously gave evidence that on November 26, he was on duty in the Rathkeale area when he became aware of a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert for the arrest of Mr OBrien, which related to a European arrest warrant.



Det Gda Keane said it is alleged that Jeremiah OBrien and two other named persons acted jointly between November 9 and 16, 2017, by renting a car and between November 11 and 23, 2017, by renting a 12m speedboat.



Det Gda Keane said the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran).



Det Gda Keane said that these 66 people paid between 4,000 and 6,000 US dollars each.



The detective said that after he informed Mr OBrien that he was the subject of the SIS alert for the purpose of arrest, the respondent replied: I was never in Greece.



Det Gda Keane went on to say that after being brought to Henry Street Garda Station and given the details of the charge, the respondent said: I dont know anything about that.

The detective gave evidence that Mr O'Brien then said that he had been in Greece and did rent a car.



A hearing date has been fixed for January 14, next.
AN ELDERLY woman, now in hospital with a suspected fractured hip, was left lying on the street for five hours waiting to be attended to by ambulance staff.

The incident in Castleconnell has been described as hugely traumatic by local Senator Dee Ryan, a neighbour of the popular woman who had marked her 80th birthday just days before she suffered the fall which led to her needing the emergency services.

Ms Ryan has now written to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to demand an explanation as to how the incident, which unfolded on Saturday evening last, happened.

READ MORE: Flags erected in Limerick 'to try and create division in our community', councillor claims

The woman, who is well-known in Castleconnell and lives alone in an estate in the village, remained at University Hospital Limerick this Tuesday, awaiting surgery.

She suffered the fall at around 6.15pm on Saturday evening, and it's understood she was left lying in discomfort until after 11pm that night waiting for an ambulance to attend the scene.

I am absolutely shocked. I fail to understand how it could have taken five hours for an 80-year-old woman to be picked up off the ground by an ambulance. I thank all the neighbours in Castleconnell, who stayed with her to make sure she was as warm, safe and comfortable as possible during this very long period, Ms Ryan added.

This is a lady who is well-known, well-respected, and well-loved, the Senator continued. She would have had a number of people caring for her who were getting more and more distressed by the minute as to how long it was taking to give her the necessary attention.

A former HSE worker, who requested to remain anonymous, was witness to the scene. We were totally frustrated. We felt totally helpless as we couldnt do anything. We were told we couldnt lift her up to take her inside. There were children around. It was Mass time as well, she said.

While the woman was waiting for the ambulance, an off-duty paramedic living near Castleconnell provided support.

Locals said they considered hiring a private ambulance at one stage.

But they were told that this might have proven problematic because they had already made a 999 call.

Nobody really knew what to do. It would be great if some kind of protocol was printed to tell us what we should and should not do, said the resident.

A spokesperson for the HSE National Ambulance Service said that it uses the private ambulance sector to deliver transport between facilities, but not for prehospital emergency care.

If a member of the public decides to commission a private ambulance, then that, along with the associated costs would be a matter for the individual and the provider, they said.

They declined to comment on the incident itself.

But they said all 999 or 112 calls are prioritised using am internationally recognised system which assesses calls based on clinical priority.
PRIMARY school students are coming into school more tired, unable to concentrate because of online gaming and late night internet use, according to one Limerick school.

An Mhodhscoil are trying to combat this with a policy to delay access to smartphones and unsupervised internet access while children are still in primary school.

READ ALSO: Step back in time with Limerick's latest Stroll Down Memory Lane

Deputy Principal of An Mhodhscoil, Jean Ni Ailpin said that more and more children are coming to school tired and anxious, often as a direct result of online activity late into the night.

She added that being online too young can also affect speech and language development, as well as causing fine and gross motor delays.

More children are presenting with focus and concentration difficulties, Ms Ni Ailpin said.

More than 200 parents attended an event about online safety, with information on staying safe online and how damaging unsupervised online access can be for young people.

Ger Brick from iNetSafetyTalk told parents about online gaming and the dangers of children accessing games with much older age limits.

Garda Martyn Wallace also spoke about the potential for online grooming, the sharing of inappropriate and often explicit sexual content and how vulnerable children can be online.

Parents and children can now sign a voluntary charter committing to the delay of access to smartphones and the internet while students are still in primary school.
There has been a drop in overall immigration numbers in Ireland despite a 40% increase in asylum applications and a 27% increase in work permits last year.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (Esri) has analysed new data and policies and aimed at giving an overview of the migration landscape in Ireland.

The report found a 16% drop in immigration in the year to April compared with the previous year, with an estimated 125,300 people arriving in Ireland during that period.

This decrease likely reflects the decreased number of arrivals from Ukraine in the year to April 2025, it said.

The CSO estimates that emigration also decreased slightly, with 65,600 people departing from the State, a decrease of 6.2% compared with the same period in 2024.

A total of 18,561 applications for international protection were made in Ireland in 2024, according to the International Protection Office (IPO), representing a 40% increase from 2023.

The Esri said that 70% of the 13,108 decisions made by IPO were refusals, with 35% positive decisions of an appeal or review in 2024.

Nigeria, Jordan and Pakistan were the top three countries of origin for people seeking asylum in Ireland.

The largest increase was in applications from Jordan, and the biggest decrease was in applications from Algeria, which was added to the list of countries deemed safe by Irish authorities in January 2024.

Despite a 56% increase in the number of decisions made by the International Protection Office (IPO) in 2024 compared with the previous year, the median processing time for completed cases was 16 months.

There was also a significant backlog of appeals in 2024, which saw a 148% increase at the end of the year compared with the end of 2023.

There was a 71% drop in arrivals from Ukraine compared to the previous year, with 9,558 PPSNs allocated in 2024.

Last year also saw a 17% increase in unaccompanied minors referred to Tusla, to a total of 619, with 209 of these from Ukraine.

Almost 6,000 asylum seekers were not offered accommodation on arrival in Ireland in 2024; the state has published a strategy on how to scale up accommodation following legal action launched by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

Ireland has also opted in to seven pieces of legislation under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in 2024, which will come into force in June 2026, and indicated that it will also align with the pieces of legislation under the pact that it cannot opt into.

The Esri report said the number of people who left Ireland by voluntary return last year increased by 345%, to 935, and there was also a 208% increase in the number of people ordered to leave, to 3,275.

There was a 153% increase in deportations enforced in 2024 compared with 2023, a continued recovery from decreases during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The number of people refused entry at the border also decreased by 7% in 2024, and 67 people were identified as victims of trafficking in 2024.

The Esri also noted that 2024 saw the introduction of the most significant reform of employment permit legislation since 2006, with the aim of addressing labour shortages in Ireland.

This preceded a 27% increase in the number of employment permits issued in 2024, after a drop in 2023.

According to residence permit data, 24% of first permits issued to non-EEA nationals in 2024 were for employment, 48% were for education, 5% for family and a further 5% for international protection, with the rest categorised as other.

Keire Murphy, an author of the report, said: The report shows that some pressures on the system, like arrivals from Ukraine, eased in 2024, while the strong uptake of employment permits shows the system is responding to Irish labour market gaps.

However, significant capacity pressures persisted in 2024, especially in the international protection processing and accommodation system.
FRESH FROM a surge of national praise, Limerick-born filmmaker Eamon Little is set to bring his celebrated documentary Born That Way back to his home city for a special screening.

Littles journey to filmmaking began in Limerick, where he grew up on OConnell Avenue and attended the Model National School before continuing his education in Crescent Comprehensive.

A formative influence here was his teacher, Maire Cummins, whose drama group introduced Eamon to the arts.

READ MORE: Local business announces outdoor Limerick Christmas fair in Medieval Quarter

Among his fellow drama students was Andrew Bennett, a good friend of Eamons and a star in the Academy Award nominated film An Cailin Ciuin.

Little is also celebrated as the only ever recipient of Best Screenplay at the Limerick Film Festival (1997) for his script Quickfix.

Born That Way won the Dublin Film Critics Circle Award for Best Irish Documentary at DIFF earlier this year, and has been screening daily at the IFI in Dublin since its release in November.

Eamon's latest body of work, Born That Way, follows the extraordinary life of Patrick Lydon, who, alongside his wife Gladys, helped establish the inclusive Camphill Movement in Ireland.

From his early career in rock journalism in America to building communities that embrace people of diverse abilities and backgrounds, Patricks story reflects a life devoted to compassion, inclusion, and resilience.

Having been a longtime friend of the Lydons, Eamons documentary offers intimate insight into Patricks final year, celebrating love, community spirit, and the enduring power of living differently.

The film has earned widespread critical acclaim, with the Irish Times calling the film a desperately moving and beautifully made documentary about a gentle hero who deserves greater recognition.

With packed screenings across the country, Born That Way is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most important Irish documentaries of the year.

Screenings have been taking place across the country with information on upcoming showings available at bornthatwayfilm.com.

Limerick audiences will have their chance to see this powerful film at The Commercial on Catherine Street. The double screening will take place at 5:30pm and 8:15pm on December 11.
Amazon Inc. on Thursday announced collaborations with multiple state-run institutions to support traditional artisans, women-led enterprises, emerging startups, and research-driven innovation in Indias logistics ecosystem.

These partnerships with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) under the Ministry of Railways  aim to expand market access, build capability, and contribute meaningfully to Indias economic priorities, the company said in a press statement.

35 billion investment We are committed to working closely with these Government of India institutions to support artisans, entrepreneurs, and the evolving logistics ecosystem. These collaborations are opportunities to contribute to Indias long-term development goals while expanding access and opportunity for communities and businesses across the country, Samir Kumar, country Manager, Amazon India, said in the statement.

The latest announcement comes a day after the company stated that it will make a massive $35 billion investment in India over the next five years, generating 3.8 million cumulative jobs.

This is after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pledged to invest $17.5 billion in India. However, Nadella did not specifically announce any job opportunities or the exact numbers if they arise.

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya collab Amazon is collaborating with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), Indias first university dedicated to transportation and logistics, to deepen research and sector capability, according to the statement. The partnership is being formalised through an MoU with the Office of the Vice Chancellor and will focus on railway freight corridors, multimodal transport, technology-led logistics efficiency, and sustainability initiatives.

It will also include the publication of a report on warehousing opportunities and challenges in India. As part of the engagement, Amazon will support a dedicated research chair position at GSV to advance long-term work in areas of shared interest, according to the statement.

Prof Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, said, GSV is committed to shaping the future of Indias logistics sector through rigorous research and specialised talent development, being the only university for the sector in the country. Our collaboration with the logistics leader Amazon India brings valuable industry insights that will help informed planning, design, and innovation across logistics and transportation through coworking projects.

Amazon India has also partnered with MoMSME to support the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which enables traditional artisans and craftspeople  including blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, carpenters, and sculptors  whose skills are passed down through generations.

Amazons Karigar program These artisans will be onboarded on Amazon.in under Amazons Karigar programme, enabling them to showcase handmade products across categories such as apparel, home decor, footwear, and jewellery. Amazons Karigar program works with government bodies and artisan cooperatives to preserve traditional crafts and provide artisans with greater digital and market access.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to strengthen Indias traditional artisans by improving access to tools, training, and markets. Our collaboration with Amazon India will support these artisans in participating more meaningfully in the digital economy and in building sustainable livelihoods, contributing towards our vision of a Viksit Bharat, said Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Saheli Accelerate program Amazon has also expanded its collaboration with DPIIT to further support women-led businesses and early-stage startups. Under the strengthened partnership, the Saheli Accelerate program will scale from 18 to 50 women-led businesses, with a sharper focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and deeper mentorship support. Amazon will additionally offer prioritised onboarding and launch assistance to direct customer startups joining the Amazon.in marketplace.

We are committed to working closely with these Government of India institutions to support artisans, entrepreneurs, and the evolving logistics ecosystem.

DPIIT continues to work toward strengthening Indias innovation landscape, especially among women-led businesses and young startups. Startup Indias collaboration with Amazon India helps extend these efforts by broadening access to mentorship, markets, and early-stage support, said Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said.
A ten-day turmoil and a compulsory flight reduction will slam the financials of IndiGo, three equity analysts said, even as the regulator stepped up scrutiny of India's largest airline. IndiGo, they said, may witness a 10% decline in full-year revenue and a 17-30% lower profitability in FY26, as it makes a halting recovery from its biggest disruption.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday formed an eight-member team to monitor IndiGo's daily operations, including two officials who will be stationed at the airline's Gurugram headquarters. The team will submit daily reports to the aviation regulator on IndiGo's fleet, average stage length, number of pilots, network details and crew utilization, among other details.

Despite a 10% cut in IndiGo's daily flights ordered on Tuesday, the airline may find it challenging to keep costs under control, given that it still needs to hire more pilots, a spot of bother for investors. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, which operates IndiGo, plunged 17% between 1 and 10 December, a period when the BSE Sensex declined 1.5%.

Theres a flat 10% topline impact that we foresee now. The airline will continue to bear maintenance costs, lease payments and fuel costs. These will go up. So, the hit on Ebitda is around 30-35% for the full year," said Gagan Dixit, vice-president, oil & gas and aviation at Elara Capital. In FY25, the airline recorded a revenue of 80,803 crore.

IndiGo does not give a full-year guidance beyond stating that the company was expecting capacity growth in the mid teens". An email sent to IndiGo on whether the airline would revise its revenue or profitability guidance went unanswered.

Analysts at Kotak Institutional Securities, in their 8 December report, said "learnings from the Southwest Airlines incident from December 2022 indicate sharp earnings cuts for Indigo in the near term."

Kotak analysts lowered IndiGo's profit after tax estimate by 25% to 6,196 crore; however, this number may rise as it does not factor in the 10% cut announced on Tuesday. IndiGo reported 7,258.4 crore in profit last year, suggesting the airlines net income may be lower this fiscal year than it was in the year ended March 2025.

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Emkay Research analysts Sabri Hazarika and Arya Patel, in a 9 December note, said, as of now, we estimate a 17% ex-forex PBT cut due to a 2% impact each on volume and yield".

The airline could also see its CASK (cost per available seat kilometre), a metric that measures its operating cost per seat, go up. The brokerage, however, adds that the situation remains volatile. The research firms 9 December note now projects IndiGos FY26 revenue to be 3% lower, revising it down to 87,508 crore from its earlier estimate of 90,346.5 crore.

There is an 8 -10% hit in topline for FY26, we expect if the airlines continue to operate at 10% fewer routes. And if a proportionate ticket price rise is not initiated by Indigo, then we see a 20 -30% impact on profitability in the coming quarter (Jan - Mar)," said Prashanth Tapse, Research Analyst at Mehta Equities, a brokerage firm.

For Indigo, aircraft lease payment, maintenance costs and fuel account for 70% of its costs. Pilot hiring is generally part of their employee costs, accounting for nearly 10% of total costs.

You will need those pilots, if not now, then within the next year. And pilot hiring is not an overnight process because of extended and rigid notice periods," Elaras Dixit said.

Also Read | When IndiGo collapsed, its leaders were nowhere to be seen

IndiGo, which accounts for two-thirds of the countrys daily flight schedules, reported over 4,000 cancellations in December, leading to hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded at airports and making the swanky airports resemble bustling railway stations at peak hours. This prompted the regulator to reduce its 2200 daily flights, and the Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu warned of strict action against the airline. On Wednesday, PTI reported that it cancelled nearly 220 flights at three major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai.

The turmoil drew criticism from the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), the court questioned the Centre why the situation was allowed to escalate into a crisis.

The ticket, which was available for 5,000, the prices went up to 30,000 to 35,000. If there was a crisis, how could other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can it (ticket price) go up to 35,000 and 39,000? How could other airlines start charging," asked the bench, which heard the matter for more than one-and-a-half hours. The counsel for the Centre and the DGCA informed the court that the statutory mechanism was totally in place and a show-cause notice was issued to IndiGo.

On Wednesday, IndiGos chairman Vikram Singh Mehta said that the airline is sorry for the inconvenience to passengers.

The board has been closely involved with this matter for many months. Both the board and the risk management committee have received relevant information from the management on the implementation of the rules," said Mehta, former CEO of Shell India.

Last weeks events are a blemish on the airlines pristine - clean record. The company has erred. There is no denying this. It now has to build back your trust. This will not be easy. It will depend on actions, not words. It will be a journey," Mehta added.

On Wednesday, DGCA said that it had summoned the airlines CEO Pieter Elbers and its senior executives for another review meeting. Analysts at JM Financial Regulatory have mentioned that a show-cause notice to the CEO" suggests a possible management change", a point reiterated by ICRA, the ratings agency. ICRA on Wednesday said it will continue to monitor Continuity of senior leadership in the context of the show cause notices issued by the DGCA to IndiGo's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer."

On 6 December, DGCA issued a show-cause notice, seeking an explanation from Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras for the disruption in the airlines operations.
New Delhi: India Inc. faces another external shock to its automotive export engine, with Mexico imposing steep tariffs of up to 50% on passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and auto components from several Asian nations, including India.

The move directly threatens nearly $2 billion of annual shipments to one of Indias most important overseas markets, and risks chipping away at the strong export momentum that automakers have built in Latin American countries like Mexico, Colombia and Chile, and even African nations like Nigeria and South Africa.

While commerce ministry data showed that $2 billion as a fraction of Indian autos total exports of $31.4 billion in FY25 (cars $7.2 billion, two-wheelers $3.2 billion, components $21 billion), the Mexican tariff wave threatens to intensify headwinds blowing Indian autos way.

On the one hand, the US has raised duties on Indian auto parts to 50%. And on the other, Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding their presence across regions like the Americas and Africa, with experts predicting high market shares for the Chinese in the near future in these areas.

Notably, the Mexican Parliament on Wednesday approved the resolution to increase tariffs to up to 50% on automobile goods from the earlier range of 15-20% for passenger vehicles and two wheelers, and the earlier 0-35% for auto parts makers. The tariff proposal was first mooted by the Mexican government in September.

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Companies like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp and TVS count the country as a major export hub. Among auto part makers, companies like Sona Comstar and Samvardhana Motherson have presence in the country, including a manufacturing plant.

Mints request for a comment on the issue remained unanswered. However, Bajaj Auto had said earlier that it has won exemptions from the Mexican government.

Rakesh Sharma, executive director at Bajaj Auto, said in its 7 November earnings call that Mexico remains the companys largest Latin American market and noted that while tariffs have been raised to 35%, only two manufacturers  including Bajaj  qualify for a concessional rate.

Instead of 35%, our tariff will be only 5%. And because we have the ministrys approval, etc., our plan will continue with 5%, all the others will increase to 35%," he said.

Experts like Ashim Sharma, senior partner and group head at Nomura Research Institute, said the export outlook for both auto part makers and vehicle makers has clouded due to developments in Mexico and the US.

However, the key thing will be how the attention for these automakers shifts to some of the new opportunities that are emerging in countries like Japan and the United Kingdom (UK)," Sharma said.

To be sure, investors in the sector were not deterred by the imposition of tariffs, with Nifty Auto growing by 1.11% during Thursdays trade as against 0.55% growth in benchmark Nifty index.

Also Read | E20 petrol is going nowhere; govt is looking to blend more

Headwinds building up

Apart from the tariffs from the US and, now, Mexico. Indian industry has to contend with the rise of Chinese carmakers, with increasing footprint especially in African and South American markets, which are big contributors to Indian auto companies businesses.

According to a June 2024 report from consulting firm AlixPartners, Chinese carmakers are expected to have a 13% market share by 2030 in the global car market, up from 3% in 2024. Importantly, much of the gain in market share for Chinese carmakers is expected to come from regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America.

Chinese carmakers share is expected to go up from 7% in the Central and South American markets in 2024 to 28% by 2030. In the Middle East and African markets, the market share is cumulatively expected to go up from 8% in 2024 to 39% by 2030.

Also Read | How India's push for easier emission rules drew backlash from global watchdogs

What the data shows

According to trade data from the ministry of commerce, Indian car exports to Mexico stood at $938 million in FY25, a growth of 7.37% year-on-year (y-o-y), while two-wheeler exports were at $390 million, a y-o-y growth of 39%.

However, the story has reversed in the first half of this financial year (FY26), with car exports to Mexico growing 17% y-o-y $612 million, while two-wheeler exports fell 30% to $147 million.

As for components, auto parts makers exported $193 million worth goods in the first half of FY26, a 30% y-o-y fall. In FY25, auto part exports to the country stood at $507 million, a y-o-y growth of 20%, trade data from the government showed.

However, estimates from industry lobby Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) were higher, suggesting that parts exports to Mexico in FY25 stood at $834 million and H1 FY26 stands at $370 million.

For companies, Bajaj Auto saw its exports grow 17% to 891,858 during the April-September period while TVS Motor Company saw a 35% increase in exports to 680,888 units in the same period. Hero saw its exports jump 54% to 176,000 units in the April to September period.

Among car makers, Maruti Suzukis exports grew by 40% to 205,763 units in the April-September period, while Hyundais exports grew 17% to 99,640 units, according to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) data.
Chinese telecom equipment giant ZTE may pay more than $1 billion to the United States government to put an end to years-old allegations of foreign bribery, according to a Reuters report quoting two people familiar with the development.

ZTE Corp has already paid around $2 billion in penalties to the US government when Donald Trump was in office for his first Presidential term. For years, the company has faced probes by authorities around the world into alleged bribes to secure telecom contracts.

US launches probe against ZTE According to the people quoted by Reuters, the US Department of Justice has moved ahead with an investigation into ZTE, which has allegedly violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in South America and other regions.

The FCPA bans payments or anything of value to foreign officials to obtain business.

Also Read | Trump urges Israeli President to pardon Netanyahu amid bribery, fraud charges

US officials are figuring out a resolution for the matter, where ZTE could be forced to pay more than $1 billion, Reuters reported quoting the people familiar with the knowledge of the matter.

One of the sources said that ZTE could see a penalty of $2 billion or more, based in part on alleged gains from corrupt contracts.

It remains unclear when a deal might be reached. A settlement with the US would require approval from the Chinese government, Reuters reported quoting the sources.

Also Read | Vodafone Idea places 200 crore network order with Chinese company ZTE

The Justice Department investigation has found that with ZTE, the most recent bribery-related act occurred in 2018, one of the sources said. The other source described potential charges as a criminal conspiracy to commit bribery.

However, FCPA probes can take years to settle.

Both sources said ZTE struck business deals in South America that the DOJ suspects involved bribery, with one of the sources pointing to Venezuela.

A Commerce Department agreement from around the same time complicates any potential settlement.

In 2017, the company pleaded guilty to illegally exporting American goods to Iran and paid an $892 million penalty, a deal Reuters reported first. In 2018, the Commerce Department accused it of making false statements about disciplining employees tied to the violations -- and banned all U.S. exports to the company.

That cut off a vital supply of chips, software, and components, forcing ZTE to halt major operations.

But Trump, who was negotiating a trade deal with China at the time, expressed support for the company and, after ZTE paid another $1 billion as part of a new Commerce Department agreement, the ban was lifted that summer.

(With Reuters inputs)
Coca-Cola joined the list of package goods companies that saw a leadership shakeup as the soft drinks maker named insider Henrique Braun as its new CEO on Wednesday.

Henrique Braun will replace James Quincey in the role as Coke and its rivals find ways to cope with muted consumer demand for soft drinks.

The change in leadership at Coca-Cola comes as packaged food companies try to adjust their strategies to consumers looking for healthier and more affordable drinks and snacks.

Braun will take over as the new Coca-Cola CEO from March 31, 2026, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

James Quincey will serve as an Executive Chairman of Coca-Cola as a result of the leadership shakeup.

Also Read | Who is Milan Nedeljkovic? BMW appoints new CEO amid EV bets

The current CEO has held his job for nearly nine years, taking over the top role in 2017. During his tenure, he reshaped the companys strategy and operating model to create a more agile, networked company, including a focus on digital transformation and modernised marketing.

The stock price of Coca-Cola has risen 63% since Quincey, 60, took over as CEO. in his nine years at the role, he saw several changes at the beverage giant as it sharpened its focus on zero-sugar and low-calorie drinks and added product lines such as milk, sparkling water, coffee and energy drinks through acquisitions.

Henrique Braun's responsibilities In its statement, Coca-Cola said that Henrique Braun in his new role will build on the strong foundation of the soda maker.

His priorities include seeking the best growth opportunities worldwide; driving the Coca-Cola to get closer to consumer needs; and leveraging technology as an enabler of business performance and growth.

I will focus on continuing the momentum we've built with our system. We'll work to unlock future growth in partnership with our bottlers, Braun said in a statement.

Also Read | Reliance Retail Ventures appoints Jeyandran Venugopal as President and CEO

The board of Coca-Cola has also planned to nominate him as a director, elections to which will be held at the companys 2026 annual meeting of shareholders.

Who is Henrique Braun? Henrique Braun, who is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Coca-Cola, joined the company along with James Quincey in 1996. Over the past three decades, he has held leadership roles across the globe for Coca-Cola.

I will focus on continuing the momentum we've built with our system. We'll work to unlock future growth in partnership with our bottlers

Braun became the Coca-Cola COO in January this year, and was tasked with overseeing all the companys operating units worldwide.

He was promoted to the role of the executive vice president in 2024, and in 2023 he was the senior vice president and president of Coca-Cola's international development, overseeing seven of the companys nine operating units.

Also Read | Gautam Adani meets Satya Nadella, gets demo of AI apps Microsoft CEO is making

Henrique Braun was the president of the Latin America operating unit from 2020 to 2022 and the president of the Brazil business unit from 2016 to 2020. From 2013 to 2016, Braun was president for Greater China and South Korea.
In a milestone for Indian businesses, Google and the Telangana government on Wednesday launched the Google for Startups Hub at the T-Hub startup incubator in Hyderabad.

Inaugurated by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Minister for IT and Industries D. Sridhar Babu, the Google for Startups Hub at T-Hub will support the state's blossoming startup ecosystem, accelerating its capacities to deliver world-class products and services.

The dedicated Google-branded space in Hyderabad will house scores of new startups, becoming the first Google for Startups Hub set up by the tech giant as part of Telanganas broader incubation and innovation ecosystem.

This is more than infrastructure. It is a promise that ideas conceived in Hyderabad, Telangana, will have the mentorship, technology and market access to scale globally, Revanth Reddy said, inaugurating the space.

Reddy also announced a 1,000 crore Startup Fund to accelerate the growth of emerging companies in Telangana. With the 1,000-crore fund, we want todays startups to become tomorrows Googles or at least billion-dollar companies.

Working together, the Telangana government and Google will support AI-first startups, foster talent, and create direct bridges to international markets.

Also Read | Google DeepMind Will Open a Robotic AI Lab in the UK to Discover New Materials

What's inside Google for Startups Hub at T-Hub, Hyderabad? Here is everything you need to know about the Google for Startups Hub at T-Hub in Hyderabad:

In its bid to engage startups based in Hyderabad, Google will offer free coworking seats for selected AI-first startups for one year.

As part of the plan, Google will also provide the startups with access to a curated network of venture investors.

The tech giant has designed the Google for Startup Hub to support startups across their journey from incubation to innovation.

Startup founders who get selected will be offered physical infrastructure, hands-on mentoring, AI expertise, and global visibility through the Google for Startups network.

The Hub will also have networking zones and event spaces for workshops, market-access programmes, founder-focused sessions and community events.

The space features dedicated infrastructure and technology resources for startups jointly selected by Google and the Telangana government.

The startups that operate from the Hub will receive support from early product ideation to scaling AI-first businesses responsibly in India and globally.
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has moved Delhi High Courts division bench seeking to restrain Dr. Reddys Laboratories from domestically manufacturing and exporting semaglutidethe blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drugto non-patent countries until its patent expires in March 2026.

According to the courts cause list, Novos appeal is listed for Friday before a division bench of Justice C. Hari Shankar and Justice Om Prakash Shukla.

The appeal challenges the 2 December order of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, which allowed Dr. Reddys to continue manufacturing and exporting semaglutide to non-patent countries until the patent expires, while restraining domestic sales until 2026. Justice Arora had declined Novos request for an interim injunction blocking these exports.

Also Read | Delhi HC bars Sun Pharma from selling semaglutide in India but allows exports

In that ruling, the court held that Novo had not established a strong enough prima facie case to justify an interim ban and observed that any financial losses could be compensated if Novo ultimately succeeds at trial. The court also noted that Novo imports semaglutide into India and does not manufacture it locally, and therefore, Dr. Reddys export operations could continue.

The court had recorded Dr. Reddys undertaking not to sell semaglutide in India and directed the company to place on record manufacturing and export details dating back to April, when production began. It clarified Dr. Reddys cannot sell semaglutide domestically until the patent expires in March 2026. All observations were made on a prima facie basis.

The outcome of Novos appeal before the division bench is likely to have wider implications, not only for Dr. Reddys export plans but also for other Indian drugmakers preparing to enter the semaglutide market.

On 10 December, the same single-judge bench applied the Dr. Reddys ruling to Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, allowing the company to manufacture and export semaglutide to non-patent countries until March 2026, while restraining domestic sales. This came after Novo dragged Sun Pharma to court to stop an anticipated early launch of its generic version of the drug.

The patent dispute is unfolding as India becomes one of the most competitive emerging markets for GLP-1 agonists. Several domestic companies, including Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddys and Natco Pharma, are gearing up to launch generic semaglutide once the patent expires. Others, such as Cipla and Emcure Pharma, have entered distribution partnerships with global innovators Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
MUMBAI/MILAN, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Prada will make a limited-edition collection of sandals in India inspired by the country's traditional footwear, selling each pair at around 800 euros ($930), Prada senior executive Lorenzo Bertelli told Reuters, turning a backlash over cultural appropriation into a collaboration with Indian artisans.

The Italian luxury group plans to make 2,000 pairs of the sandals in the regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka under a deal with two state-backed bodies, blending local Indian craftsmanship with Italian technology and know-how.

"We'll mix the original manufacturer's standard capabilities with our manufacturing techniques", Bertelli, who is chief marketing officer and head of corporate social responsibility, told Reuters in an interview.

The collection will go on sale in February 2026 across 40 Prada stores worldwide and online, the company said.

Prada faced criticism six months ago after showing sandals resembling 12th-century Indian footwear, known as Kolhapuri chappals, at a Milan show. Photos went viral, prompting outrage from Indian artisans and politicians. Prada later admitted its design drew from ancient Indian styles and began talks with artisan groups for collaboration.

It has now signed an agreement with Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR), which promote Indias leather heritage.

"We want to be a multiplier of awareness for these chappals," said Bertelli, who is the eldest son of Prada founders Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli.

A three-year partnership, whose details are still being finalised, will be set up to train local artisans. The initiative will include training programmes in India and opportunities to spend short periods at Pradas Academy in Italy.

Chappals originated in Maharashtra and Karnataka and are handcrafted by people from marginalised communities. Artisans hope the collaboration will raise incomes, attract younger generations to the trade and preserve heritage threatened by cheap imitations and declining demand.

"Once Prada endorses this craft as a luxury product, definitely the domino effect will work and result in increasing demand for the craft," said Prerna Deshbhratar, LIDCOM managing director.

Bertelli said the project and training programme would cost "several million euros", adding that artisans would be fairly remunerated.

PRADA WON'T EXPAND IN INDIA IN THE SHORT TERM Bertelli said Prada, which opened its first beauty store in Delhi this year, has no plans for new retail clothing shops next year or factories in India.

"We have not planned yet any store openings in India, but it's something that we are strongly taking into consideration," he said, adding that this could come in three to five years.

The luxury goods market in India was valued at around $7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach about $30 billion by 2030, according to Deloitte, as economic growth accelerates to 7% this year and disposable income among the middle and upper classes rises. The market, however, is dwarfed by China, which generated about 350 billion yuan ($49.56 billion) in value in 2024, according to Bain.

Most global brands have entered India through partnerships with large conglomerates like Mukesh Ambani's Reliance group and Kumar Mangalam Birla's Aditya Birla Group.

Bertelli said that Prada would prefer to enter the country on its own, even if it took longer, describing India as "the real potential new market".
The Nainital Bank has announced 185 job vacancies for various posts, including Customer Service Associates and Probationary Officers, with applications opening on December 12, 2025, and ending on January 1, 2026, according to a notification posted on the bank's website.

The eligibility criteria vary for different posts, with candidates over the age of 21 eligible to apply for most positions 

Check vacancies Some of the vacancies under the current recruitment drive include 

Customer Service Associate  71 posts

Probationary Officers in Grade/Scale-I  40 posts

Risk Officer in Grade/Scale-I  3 posts

Chartered Accountant (CA) in Grade/Scale-I  3 posts

Information Technology (IT)  15 posts

Law Officer in Grade/Scale-I  2 posts

Credit Officer in Grade/Scale-I  10 posts

Agricultural Field Officer  10 posts

HR Officer in Grade/Scale-I  4 posts

Manager-Information Technology  15 posts

Manager- Risk in Grade/Scale- 2 posts

How to apply? Here's a step-by-step guide to apply for various positions 

Step 1: Candidates should visit the career section of the Banks website at www.nainitalbank.bank.in, select Current Openings under the Recruitment tab, and then click on "APPLY ONLINE", which will open a new screen.

Step 2: To register an application, select the tab "Click here for New Registration" and enter your Name, Contact details, and Email ID. The system will generate and display a Provisional Registration Number and Password on the screen. Candidates should note down the Provisional Registration Number and Password. An email and SMS confirming the Provisional Registration Number and Password will also be sent.

Step 3: Candidates are advised to thoroughly review and verify all details entered in the online application, as no changes will be accepted once they click the COMPLETE REGISTRATION button.

Step 4: The candidate's name, or that of their father/husband, must be accurately spelt in the application as it appears on certificates, mark sheets, or identity proof. Any modifications or alterations may lead to disqualification.

Step 5: Verify your details and save your application by clicking the 'Validate your details' and 'Save & Next' buttons.

Step 6: Candidates can upload their Photo and Signature.

Step 7: Click on the Preview Tab to review and confirm the entire application form prior to clicking COMPLETE REGISTRATION.

Step 8: Click on the 'Payment' Tab and proceed with payment.

Step 9: Click on the 'Submit' button.
Akshaye Khanna has opened up about one of the most defining and difficult chapters of his childhood  the period when his father, veteran actor Vinod Khanna, walked away from films, fame and family life in the early 1980s to join spiritual guru Osho at Rajneeshpuram in Oregon. The actor, who rarely speaks about his personal life, shared how deeply that decision shaped him.

As a child, I couldnt understand why he left Akshaye, who was around five at the time, recalled that he had no way of processing such a drastic move. Speaking to Mid-day, he said he simply could not grasp why someone who had everything in life would renounce it all. It was impossible to understand it, he said in the interview.

He explained that the idea of sanyaas  complete renunciation  went far beyond leaving home. Sanyaas means giving up your life in totality, family is only a part of it, he said. For a child, the decision felt bewildering. As an adult, however, Akshaye believes his father must have experienced something deeply transformative to take such a step. A very basic fault line, an earthquake inside oneself, has to occur to make that decision, he added.

Vinod Khannas unwavering commitment Akshaye also said his father never took the decision lightly. Once Vinod Khanna joined Oshos community, he did not return out of uncertainty or regret. What ultimately brought him back to India, Akshaye clarified, was the collapse of the Oregon commune following friction with U.S. authorities.

From whatever I remember, disillusionment was not the reason. The commune was disbanded and destroyed. Otherwise, I dont think he wouldve ever come back, he said.

How teenage Akshaye found his own connection to Oshos teachings It was only in his mid-teens that Akshaye began reading Oshos books and listening to his discourses. That exploration helped him view his fathers choices with empathy instead of confusion. Something must have moved him so deeply inside that he felt that kind of decision was worth it, he said.

Despite the emotional upheaval  including his parents Vinod and Gitanjalis separation in 1985  Akshaye carries no bitterness. Instead, he speaks fondly of Oshos ideas. I love him. Ive read a lot of his discourses and seen hundreds of videos, he said, adding that while sanyas is not a path he would take himself, he respects Oshos intellect and philosophy.
Faasla  the Arabic hip-hop track that has taken over reels, clubs and playlists after featuring in Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar  almost didnt make it to the film in its original form. In an exclusive conversation with Fever FMs RJ Avni, Bahraini rapper Flipperachi opened up about how the song travelled from the Gulf rap scene to Bollywood, the real meaning of its lyrics, and the overwhelming love he has received from India.

Dhurandhars team approached us  they wanted the beat first The rapper revealed that the song, which had already been released earlier, suddenly caught the attention of the Dhurandhar team. They approached us first. They said they needed the licence for the song. They wanted the beat because they were planning to do their own version, he said.

But time constraints changed everything. Out of shortage of time they said, You know what, the song is good by itself. Lets keep it like this. The decision turned out to be a win for the film  and for Flipperachi. It was all love after that, he said, giving a shout-out to Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. They give me shout-outs and everything. Theyre so humble.

Why Bollywood picked Faasla for that villainous entry Flipperachi said the director felt the song matched the energy of a major characters comeback scene. A celebrity returning after a long time with a villainous entry  everybody liked that vibe, he said. The tracks bass-heavy swagger and distinctive Arabic flavour made it an instant fit.

The real meaning of Faasla: Its a vibe, a switch  when you want to go crazy

Fans in India have been chanting the hook for weeks, but many still wonder what Faasla really means. The rapper broke it down:

Faasla is a vibe. When I say I got a Faasla, it means I have a vibe going on right now. The song talks about different dances. I turn everything into a dance, into a moment, he explained.

He also spoke about Arabic phrases in the track  including Sabuha Khatabha Naseeb, a fun reference to a traditional celebratory chant that he transforms into a dance step. I make a dance out of everything, he laughed.

Indias response: My own friends didnt know the song  but India did! The rapper said the international love for Faasla has completely changed how the Gulf region views Arabic hip-hop. People here copy appreciation, he joked. My friends said, Your song is hitting in India. They didnt know the song before  but India did.

He also recited a Hindi phrase RJ Avni taught him  Ghar mein murghi, daal barabar  which he said perfectly described how a song becomes valued only after another country embraces it.

Also Read | Akshaye Khanna sets the internet on fire as 'Sher-e-Baloch' in Dhurandhar

Flipperachi on Akshaye Khanna, Ranveer Singh and the Dhurandhar cast While he has not met the cast yet, he said conversations are underway for a possible festival appearance in India. About Akshaye Khannas now-viral entry scene, he added, He killed that part.

On Indian indie artists: Punjabi sound is crazy Flipperachi said he has already spoken to two Indian indie artists  Param and Siyahi  and is looking forward to collaborating. And Badshah. Id really like to do a song with Badshah, he added, calling the Punjabi scene a hype.

He also mentioned he is currently hooked on Params latest track.

The rise of Arabic hip-hop and Flipperachis next chapter Talking about the Gulf rap scene, he said that Arabic hip-hop earns more respect when it crosses borders. International audiences, he believes, are helping shape the regions growing musical identity.

He also teased new Arabic rap projects in the pipeline  though he didnt reveal details yet.

The story behind his name The rapper ended the conversation by sharing how Flipperachi was born. The name is inspired by Busta Rhymes Flipmode Squad. As a kid, I always wanted to be part of that squad. My friends in the studio started calling me Flip then Flipparachi and it stuck.
Actor Ranveer Singh's latest release, Dhurandhar, became the talk of the town after its release. While celebrities and politicians continue to hail the film, Dhurandhar received mixed reviews from film critics. Amid this, the Film Critics Guild has claimed attacks on the film critics for their reviews of Dhurandhar.

Film Critics Guild on Dhurandhar review In a statement, FCG said: "The Film Critics Guild (FCG) strongly condemns the targeted attacks, harassment, and hate directed toward film critics for their reviews of Dhurandhar. What began as disagreement has rapidly devolved into coordinated abuse, personal attacks on individual critics, and organised attempts to discredit their professional integrity. In recent days, several of our members have faced intimidation, including direct threats and vicious online campaigns aimed at silencing their perspectives, simply for expressing their professional assessment of a film. More concerningly, there have been attempts to tamper with existing reviews, influence editorial positions, and persuade publications to alter or dilute their stance (sic)."

"This comes on the back of frequent devaluing and ridiculing of film criticism by a broad spectrum of industry players in the recent past. Such interference strikes at the core of independent film criticism and undermines the editorial autonomy that a functioning cultural ecosystem relies upon. This willingness to police opinion sets a dangerous precedent. Claims that professional film critics have a bias or a political axe to grind are unsubstantiated and malicious. Film critics cannot be intimidated for doing their jobs, just as criticism cannot and should not be reduced to a one-line social media reaction or expected to align with promotional narratives," the statement continued.

Also Read | Hrithik Roshan praises Dhurandhar despite political differences with the film

The film critics' body extended its concern for the critics.

Their statement added, We are also deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our colleagues from across the country. No professional should be subjected to personal vilification simply for doing their job. We urge the public, the industry, and all stakeholders to recognise that liking or disliking a film is your right but expecting critics to fall in line is not. This moment demands collective reflection. At stake is more than a single film. The integrity of cultural discourse depends on the ability of critics to speak freely and without fear. We call for restraint, respect, and a commitment to the principles that allow art, debate, and criticism to coexist (sic).

Meanwhile, the film team is yet to react to the statement.

About Dhurandhar Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. It was released on 5 December.

Also Read | Smriti Irani calls Akshaye Khanna a lesson, backs Dhurandhar
President Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that the ownership of CNN should change regardless of which company buys Warner and that it is imperative that CNN be sold."

Behind the scenes in recent days, Trump has repeatedly told allies that CNN should either be sold or see new leadership, according to people familiar with the matter, even if Netflixs proposal is approved. The president has been unwavering in meetings with allies about his position on CNN and he has connected its future to deal negotiations with Warner Bros., the people said.

For Trump, the deal represents a second chance to take aim at CNN. During his first term, the Justice Department unsuccessfully tried to block a sale of CNNs parent company, then known as Time Warner, to AT&T unless the network was spun off.

The presidents intervention in corporate dealmaking raises fresh questions about how a transaction might proceed.

Warner Bros. last week agreed to sell just its studios and HBO Max streaming businessbut not the TV networks group that includes CNNto Netflix for $72 billion in cash and stock.

If Netflixs acquisition succeeds, Warner Discovery would continue with its plans to spin off CNN and its other cable networks into a stand-alone, publicly traded company called Discovery Global. Despite declining ratings, Warner executives consider CNN a vital part of Discovery Global.

The split is structured to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the company has said. A stand-alone sale of CNN before or after a split would have significant tax implications.

After Warners deal with Netflix was announced, CNN Chief Executive Mark Thompson told staff that it would enable us to continue to roll out our strategy to secure a great future for CNN by successfully navigating our digital transition."

Three days later, Ellison launched a $77.9 billion hostile bid for all of Warner Discovery, including cable networks such as CNN.

Representatives for Warner, Netflix and Paramount declined to comment on the presidents remarks about CNN.

All roads lead to Trump

The prevailing bidder for Warner is likely to face a lengthy regulatory review and, as Trump has made increasingly clear, pressure from the White House.

In the world in which we live, there is no doubt that the expeditiousness of a regulatory review can be affected by presidential interest," said Jon Leibowitz, a former Democratic Federal Trade Commission chairman.

Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison and his billionaire father, Larry Ellison, have close ties to Trumps White House. They have signaled to the administration that if they got control of CNN, they would seek to overhaul it, much in the same way they are currently trying to make over CBS News.

Trump has told allies he is open to considering a new deal for Warner in which CNN is completely sold off from the business and not spun off into Discovery Global as planned, people familiar with the discussions said. In private conversations, the president has said that CNN should be run by people he believes are friendlier toward him and the Republican Party, according to a person who has spoken to Trump in recent weeks.

Trump has said positive things about Paramounts proposal, according to people close to him, and has a longstanding relationship with the Ellisons.

He also has warmed to Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos. After meeting with Sarandos, the president has both publicly and privately praised the media executive and has expressed openness to working with him, according to people close to both men.

Trump has said Netflixs deal could be a problem" because it would result in a large market share for the streaming giant. White House officials and Trump advisers also have expressed frustration over a Netflix movie set to stream on the platform based on a true story about a transgender coal miner, the people said. Other streaming services including Paramount+ offer content featuring transgender and nonbinary characters.

The stakes arent just the traditional corporate deal," said Rob Lalka, a professor at Tulanes Freeman School of Business. Its about who is in charge of what gets put before us on the screen. It literally changes what we see, which changes what we think."

Tension with the press

For years, Trump has used social mediaparticularly his platform, Truth Socialto reprimand the press for negative coverage. The Trump administration more recently has upended longstanding precedents for press access.

CNN reporters have often been the subject of Trumps rebukes. He called Kaitlan Collins, the networks chief White House correspondent, stupid and nasty" in a Dec. 6 Truth Social post. FAKE NEWS CNN, and the guy who runs the whole corrupt operation that owns it, is one of the worst in the business," he wrote. On Wednesday, he criticized a CNN reporter at the White House. Youre basically an arm of the Democratic Party," he told the reporter.

The president has told associates recently that he is also unhappy with CBS News, saying the network hasnt done enough to moderate its coverage, people close to him said. David Ellison became CEO of CBS parent Paramount this summer after it merged with his Skydance Media.

On Truth Social earlier this week, Trump criticized CBS News journalist Lesley Stahl as well as the networks new ownership. Since they bought it, 60 Minutes has actually gotten WORSE!" he wrote.

Prior to the Paramount-Skydance merger, Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit with Trump over the editing of a 60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

Soon after taking over Paramount, Ellison installed Free Press founder Bari Weiss, a former New York Times opinion editor turned anti-woke crusader, as editor in chief of CBS News.

This week Tony Dokoupil was named anchor of CBS Evening News," with Weiss saying the current CBS Mornings" co-host would renew Americans trust in the media. Dokoupils appointment illustrates Weisss intention to upend the status quo at the network; his on-air comments last year about a book critical of Israel prompted turmoil within CBS. Ellison and Weiss have said they want to make CBS News more appealing to the center of the political spectrum.

Write to Brian Schwartz at brian.schwartz@wsj.com and Alex Leary at alex.leary@wsj.com
The Trump administration in recent weeks has handed its European counterparts a series of documents, each a single page, laying out its vision for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the return of Russia to the global economy.

The proposals have sparked an intense battle at the negotiating table between America and its traditional allies in Europe. The outcome stands to profoundly alter the economic map of the continent.

The U.S. blueprint has been spelled out in appendices to current peace proposals that arent public but were described to The Wall Street Journal by U.S. and European officials. The documents detail plans for U.S. financial firms and other businesses to tap roughly $200 billion of frozen Russian assets for projects in Ukraineincluding a massive new data center to be powered by a nuclear plant currently occupied by Russian troops.

Another appendix offers Americas broad-strokes vision for bringing Russias economy in from the cold, with U.S. companies investing in strategic sectors from rare-earth extraction to drilling for oil in the Arctic, and helping to restore Russian energy flows to Western Europe and the rest of the world.

Some European officials who have seen the documents said they werent sure whether to take some of the U.S. proposals seriously. One official compared them to President Trumps vision of building a Riviera-style development in Gaza. Another, referring to the proposed U.S.-Russia energy deals, said it was an economic version of the 1945 conference where World War II victors divvied up Europe. Its like Yalta," he said.

A White House official said Trump and his team were working to strike a deal to end the war, which the president says has gone on too long. In a call Wednesday, Trump discussed the peace process with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Europe, which has sought to wean itself from Russian gas since Moscows 2022 invasion of Ukraine to starve the Kremlins war chest and reduce its own reliance on a strategic rival, is loath to resume energy purchases from a country it sees as its biggest security threat.

European officials want to use the same frozen Russian fundsheld in European institutionsto extend a loan to Ukraines cash-strapped government so it can buy weapons it needs to defend itself and keep operating as its coffers run dry.

The clash at the negotiating table is now not just about borders but increasingly about businessand in a twist, pits not just Russia against Ukraine but the U.S. against its traditional allies in Europe. The Journal first reported that American companies with close links to the Trump administration were positioning themselves to profit from the U.S. peace plan.

The German government has been at pains to explain that European sanctions ban any work or financial transactions connected to fixing or reusing Nordstream, which Ukrainian operatives sabotaged in 2022.

European officials say they fear the U.S. approach would give Russia the reprieve it needs to rev up its economy and make itself militarily stronger. A new assessment by a Western intelligence agency, reviewed by the Journal, said that Russia has technically been in recession for six months and that the challenges of running its war economy while trying to control prices are presenting a systemic risk to its banking sector.

If the U.S. vision prevails, it would override Europes own plans to shore up Ukraines wartime government and further cement Russias economic isolation. The result is what several officials described as a frenzied race to move ahead before the U.S. imposes its own arrangements.

U.S. officials involved in the negotiations say Europes approach would quickly deplete the frozen funds. Washington, on the other hand, would tap Wall Street executives and private-equity billionaires to invest the money and expand the amount available to invest. One official involved in the talks said the pot could grow to $800 billion under American management. Our sensibility is that we really understand financial growth," the official said.

On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had held productive conversations with the investment firm BlackRocks chief executive, Larry Fink.

The U.S. negotiating team sees shared economic activity and energy interdependence as the cornerstone of its business-for-peace philosophy: Ukrainian data centers would draw power from the currently Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europes largest, for example.

German Chancellor Merz said on Monday at a meeting at 10 Downing Street with Zelensky and the leaders of France and the U.K. that he was skeptical about the U.S. proposals."

Last week, the European Parliament and member state governments finalized a legislative agreement to phase out all Russian pipeline gas within two years. The vast network of pipelines that date back to the Soviet era have almost all been switched off or blown up by Ukrainian divers.

The trans-Atlantic debate upends nearly half a century of U.S. and European policy on Moscow. Presidents from Ronald Reagan to Trump, in his first term, pressured European allies to rethink depending on Moscow for commodities, chiefly gas.

Europe by contrast hewed to a policy called Wandel Durch HandelChange Through Trade"a belief that economic ties between the West and Moscow would deter the Kremlin from making war and even help export democracy into Russia. Trump, in his second term, is placing a similar bet, with the distinction that the administration doesnt expect Russia to change into a democracy.

The accelerating calendar of shuttle diplomacy and summits in recent weeks suggests the debate is hurtling toward a frenetic conclusion.

Steve Witkoff, Trumps Russia envoy, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, have been consulting top Wall Street executives to determine how to revive Ukraines shattered economy. Their plans, as pitched to Ukrainians, would include proposing that veterans lay down arms to earn Silicon Valley-level salaries running some of the worlds most sophisticated data centers built by American companies. Ukraines top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, has been a regular guest in Witkoffs palatial Miami estate.

European leaders held a call with Witkoff today and will meet in Paris over the weekend. On Monday, they will reconvene in Berlin. Witkoff and Kushner will dial into those conferences over a video link.

The two Americans spent hours with Putin last week, arguing that Russia would need to show it is willing to end the war through diplomacy before it can benefit from the sanctions relief and investment a peace deal could bring.

Write to Joe Parkinson at joe.parkinson@wsj.com, Benoit Faucon at benoit.faucon@wsj.com and Drew Hinshaw at drew.hinshaw@wsj.com
TOKYOTwo U.S. B-52 bombers flew in formation with Japanese fighters over the Sea of Japan, a conspicuous display of U.S. support for Tokyo as it battles Chinese anger over remarks Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made about Taiwan.

The exercise came a day after Russian and Chinese warplanes conducted their own joint patrol in the seas around Japans southern islands, which Tokyo said were intended as a show of force directed at a U.S. security ally in Asia.

This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong will between Japan and the U.S. not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force," Japans Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The presence of U.S. strategic bombers alongside Japanese aircraft in the skies over the Sea of Japan marks a notable uplift in U.S. support for Japan as tensions continue to flare between Tokyo and Beijing. The B-52s were accompanied by three Japanese F-35s and three Japanese F-15s, the Japanese defense ministry said.

Senior U.S. administration officials, including President Trump, have so far kept silent on the quarrel, which erupted in early November when Takaichi triggered Chinese fury by saying Japan could be pulled into conflict over Taiwan to defend itself or its allies such as the U.S. China considers the self-ruled island democracy part of its territory and hasnt ruled out taking it by force.

Trump is eager to sign a trade deal with Beijing and wants to preserve a delicate detente with Chinese leader Xi Jinping after months of sparring over trade. In a phone call late last month, Trump suggested Takaichi not provoke Chinese leader Xi Jinping over the sensitive Taiwan issue, The Wall Street Journal reported. The Japanese government denied the report.

Nonetheless, sending B-52 bombers to fly alongside Japanese fighters is a signal that the U.S. is paying attention to the spat and that Chinese pressure wont split the U.S.-Japan alliance, said Christopher Johnstone, a partner at the Asia Group, a Washington, D.C.-based strategic advisory firm.

Thats the reason why its so important from the Japanese perspective. It shows they are not alone in responding to this," he said.

Takaichi is a conservative who struck up a rapport with Trump when he visited Tokyo not long after she took office in October. She said on Wednesday in the Japanese Parliament that she is eager to see Trump again as soon as possible."

Beijing, however, has painted Takaichi as a throwback to the militaristic leaders of wartime Japan and demanded she retract her statement concerning Japans possible response were China to move on Taiwan. China considers Taiwan a purely domestic affair.

Takaichi has refused to walk back her remarks, saying they were a statement of longstanding, if largely unspoken, Japanese policy. She has said she wont repeat them.

Chinese threats of reprisals against Japan have included possible economic measures such as banning imports of Japanese seafood and advising Chinese tourists to stay away from the country. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeated those warnings Thursday, citing earthquake risks after a quake Monday in the sea off Japans northeastern coast.

China has also stepped up military maneuvers near Japan that Tokyo considers aggressive. In addition to the joint Russian-Chinese patrol on Tuesday, Chinese fighters locked radar onto Japanese planes sent to intercept them near Japanese airspace on Saturday, according to Japanese officials. Chinese Coast Guard and other vessels have repeatedly sailed close to the Senkaku Islands, Japanese territory China claims as its own.

Some analysts say even if the White House is focused on securing a trade deal with China, that doesnt alter Trumps wider ambition of ensuring peace in the Pacific and ending other conflicts across the globe.

Chinas provocative and aggressive actionssuggest that Beijing feels free to disrupt the peace and stability President Trump wants in the Indo-Pacific," said William Chou, a Japan expert at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C.

This joint U.S.-Japan show of force is a reminder of the strong bilateral alliance and our commitment to taking actions to preserve peace and prosperity in Asia," he added.

Write to Jason Douglas at jason.douglas@wsj.com
NEW DELHI: The top air-quality regulator for the national capital region has set up a 15-member expert committee to draw up a strategy for speeding up the electric-vehicle (EV) transition in Delhi and NCR. This is its most significant move on clean mobility since a May advisory equating hybrids with EVs triggered objections from Tata Motors and Mahindra.

The new panel, constituted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), comes as Delhi finalizes its electric-vehicle policy and after weeks of deteriorating air quality in the region. With EV and hybrid incentives under active review and the auto industry sharply divided on the two technologies, the committees recommendations are now poised to shape the next phase of the capitals clean-transport agenda.

According to an office order dated 10 December, reviewed by Mint, the committee includes senior representatives from the ministry of road transport and highways, the ministry of heavy industries, testing agencies ICAT and ARAI, and Niti Aayog. Experts from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and think tanks such as TERI and the International Council on Clean Transportation are also part of the group.

Its mandate is to recommend steps to reduce vehicular pollution in the national capital and to assess technological readiness, cost implications, infrastructure requirements, incentive plans, EV demand and supply mandates (for OEMs), vehicle segment-wise feasibility and recommend a comprehensive strategy for accelerated EV transition".

Queries sent to CAQM and carmakers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra and Mahindra remained unanswered at press time.

Policy rift over hybrids vs EVs

CAQM, which works under the environment ministry, has issued several advisories this year aimed at controlling vehicular emissions. On 2 May, it urged all state and central government departments in the NCR to procure only clean vehicles, defining them as battery electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, CNG vehicles and those running on flex fuel. In the same advisory, it noted that strong hybrid electric vehicles (SHEV) offer substantial improvements in fuel efficiency and emission reduction as compared to conventional diesel/petrol vehicles".

The mention of hybrid vehicles in the same breadth had irked EV makers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra, who raised their objections with the ministry of heavy industries and Niti Aayog. The 2 May advisory followed a draft of the Delhi electric vehicle policy in April that suggested both EVs and hybrids be granted relief from road and registration tax.

The equation of EVs with hybrids in the capital worries EV makers, who have repeatedly said in public forums that the country should prioritize only electric vehicles. The auto industry remains split, with Maruti Suzuki backing a technology agnostic approach which include hybrids, while Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra have supported only EVs.

Some experts argue that transport emissions are among the few controllable contributors to pollution.

While many factors, weather, dust, farm fires, and geography, affect pollution levels, transport emissions are one of the few controllable, year-round sources. EVs offer a clear advantage here because they produce zero tailpipe emissions, cutting NOx and PM2.5 right where people breathe," Anurag Singh, advisor at Primus Partners, said.

Also Read | Industry lobby pushes government to slash GST on range-extended EVs

However, a few analysts have noted that promoting both EVs and hybrids together is not necessarily detrimental to the clean-fuel transition. Analysts at HSBC Global Research, in a 20 May note, backed hybrids as a bridge to pure EVs, saying that, The latest trends reinforce our longstanding belief that India will remain a multi-powertrain country for a prolonged periodHybrids, CNGs, and biofuels are practical medium- to long-term solutions, while the country moves towards eventual electrification."
NEW DELHI : The Centre has opened discussions on whether India should move to higher ethanol blends in petrol from the current E20 (20% ethanol, 80% petrol), two people aware of the matter said, amid continuing consumer unease over the current E20 blend.

According to the first person, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the government is of the view that higher blendssuch as E23 and E27as well as flex-fuel vehicles should be explored, and discussions have begun towards testing feasibility. Notably, flex-fuel vehicles can operate on any proportion of blended fuel, including 100% ethanol.

There are discussions ongoing among relevant ministries along with industry to see how more ethanol blending can be achieved," the second person said.

The talksstill at an early stagefollow calls from sugar industry leaders for a clear roadmap on ethanol use, given its overcapacity in production. Only 10.5 billion litres of the industrys 19 billion litres capacity is being utilised by oil marketing companies for blending in petrol, the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) said at an industry event on 4 December.

Also Read | Toyota pitches for ethanol hybrids as India looks at electric future

On the other hand, auto executives say there is consensus among industry stakeholders that the country should stabilise the use of E20 for some time and then leapfrog into flex-fuel vehicles.

It is very difficult to go beyond E20 because the impact on legacy vehicles will have to be seen," Vikram Gulati, Toyotas country head and executive vice president for corporate affairs and governance, said at a media briefing on 4 December, adding that one cant keep redesigning and retesting vehicles for incremental increases beyond E20, nor ignore the existing legacy fleet.

Therefore, globally what is seen is, after you reach a stage, let us say 20 in the case of India, you stabilize that and you use flex-fuel vehicles," Gulati said.

Earlier, the government's mandate on using E20 petrol in all vehicle segmentseffected in April 2025created a consumer outcry, as this blend allegedly resulted in declining vehicle efficiency and mileage drops.

Amid the uproar, the Centre informed the Parliament in March that as per its analysis, ethanol blending has not impacted vehicle performance, and no decision has been taken so far to enhance blending of the biofuel beyond 20%.

Emailed queries sent on 9 December to the ministries of petroleum and natural gas (MoPNG), ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH), ministry of heavy industries (MHI), and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) remained unanswered till press time.

Why blend ethanol

Beyond stakeholder debates, the government has maintained that blending ethanol in fuel will reduce Indias dependence on fuel imports, and generate income for the countrys farmers. India paid an import bill of $137 billion to bring in 234 million tonnes of crude oil in FY25, according to data from petroleum planning and analysis cell.

As per estimates by Siam and the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), as well as vehicle testing agency Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), approximately 1.44 trillion ($16 billion) worth of foreign exchange has been saved, and 24.5 million metric tonnes of crude oil substituted, in the past 11 years since the ethanol blending programme started.

What about flex-fuel vehicles

Flex-fuel vehicles have operated in other countries for a long time now, suggesting that higher blends of ethanol have worked successfully in automotive engines, said Abhay Chaudhari, managing director of MEDAS ENGGDESIGN Pvt. Ltd, an engineering solutions company that works with ethanol-related products.

In other countries such as Brazil, Thailand, and even the US, flex-fuel vehicles have operated. But the hurdle in India has historically been the compatibility of automotive technology," he said.

To incentivise introduction of flex-fuel vehicles, Toyota and the sugar industry are pitching for tax relief on such vehicles.

Flex fuel is perhaps the most important ecosystem," Deepak Ballani, director general at ISMA, told the media during the 4 December industry event. I believe this is the mobility solution which is perhaps the most important in terms of carbon emission reduction."

To be sure, India achieved its ethanol blending targets ahead of schedule, but the time required by vehicle makers to make fuel systems compliant with the qualities of blended fuels caused delays in making E20 an industry-wide norm. While it was earlier planned that the country will reach 20% blending by 2030, it was only achieved in 2024.

India has also pushed for more biofuel production on the global stage. The worlds most populous nation has backed the Belem Commitment for Sustainable Fuels, known as Belem 4x, a proposal by Brazil in October, ahead of the recent COP30 summit.

Belem 4x calls for the worldwide adoption of clean energy sources including biofuels such as ethanol to replace traditional fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation and energy sectors. As per the pledge, the use of sustainable fuels will be quadrupled by 2035.
Oil closed at the lowest since October, weighed down by earlier losses in equities.

West Texas Intermediate declined around 1.5% to settle below $58 a barrel while global benchmark Brent closed near $61 a barrel. Pressure from disappointing earnings offset escalating geopolitical tensions that had earlier lifted prices.

US forces intercepted and seized a sanctioned tanker  a very large crude carrier  in a move the government in Caracas called an act of piracy. The OPEC member holds the worlds largest oil reserves and exported about 586,000 barrels a day last month, which mostly went to China.

Meanwhile, Ukraine attacked Lukoil PJSCs Filanovsky oil field in the Caspian Sea, according to a person familiar the matter, widening the scope of its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure even as the US presses Kyiv to accept a peace deal largely on the Kremlins terms. An end to the conflict would allow more Russian barrels into the market.

The weaker equity backdrop and steady UkraineRussia headlines are keeping sentiment soft, with only marginal short covering from the Venezuela story, said Rebecca Babin, a senior energy trader at CIBC Private Wealth Group.

The increased tensions come against a bearish backdrop for crude, as more production from OPEC and the Americas is set to overwhelm tepid demand growth and lead to a glut. The International Energy Agency offered some relief from the gloom on Thursday, trimming its estimate of record oversupply for the first time since May.

All in all, for 2026, stock builds should be higher than in 2025, though strong China buying and continued geopolitical risks keep the ex-China surplus more modest, Citigroup Inc. analysts including Eric Lee said.

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As Indias capital markets expand and household savings accelerate their shift toward financial products, asset management companies are entering a new phase of growth, powered by rising retail participation and record flows into systematic investment plans (SIPs). Against this backdrop, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co. (ICICI Prudential AMC)the countrys largest active equity fund manageris set to make its stock market debut this week.

The fund house, among Indias oldest with a 30-year operating history, benefits from the dual parentage of ICICI Bank and Prudential Corporation Holdings. The 10,600-crore issue is entirely an offer for sale (OFS) comprising 48.79 million shares and will open on Friday with a price band of 2,0612,165 and close on Tuesday.

While Prudential is divesting more than initially proposed, ICICI Bank recently raised its stake by 2%, ensuring it retains 53% ownership post-listing. This gives the lender enough headroom to remain the asset management company's (AMC) majority shareholder even after dilution from the newly-created Esop pool.

When the IPO was first signalled back in February, ICICI Bank had already indicated its intent to retain majority ownership. Even at a 51% stake, they remain the controlling shareholder," Naveen Kumar Agarwal, chief financial officer at ICICI Prudential AMC, told Mint.

We have also created a new Esop pool, which will naturally lead to some dilution for existing shareholders. By increasing their stake to 53%, ICICI Bank is simply ensuring that even after the Esop-related dilution in the near future they continue to remain the majority owner."

Also read Can Meesho turn its massive reach into real profits? Its IPO will tell

Groups mixed listing history

The AMCs public offer arrives against the backdrop of the ICICI Groups uneven listing track record. This is the fourth group entity to list in the past decade, and the previous threeICICI Prudential Life Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance and ICICI Securitiesall debuted at a discount.

ICICI Prudential Life opened in September 2016 at 329, below its issue price of 334. ICICI Lombard listed a year later at 650, again below the IPO price of 661. ICICI Securities had the weakest debut, listing 17% lower at 431.1 versus the IPO price of 520; it was later delisted in March 2025, with shareholders receiving 67 ICICI Bank shares for every 100 shares of the brokerage they held.

With three subdued listings behind it, the market will keenly assess whether ICICI Prudential AMC can break the cycle and set a new precedent for the group.

Balanced portfolio

ICICI Prudential AMC manages the highest number of mutual fund schemes in India, 143 as of September 2025, and has built a diversified product range. Active equity schemes account for 55.8% of its assets under management (AUM), debt and liquid products represent 26.1%, while passive and arbitrage strategies contribute 18%. No single scheme contributes more than 7.1% of total quarterly average assets under management (QAAUM), indicating limited concentration risks.

The AMC has also expanded its alternatives franchise comprising portfolio management services (PMS), alternative investment funds (AIFs) and offshore advisory to 72,930 crore, strengthening its presence in higher-yield and differentiated segments. As of September 2025, ICICI Prudential AMC commanded a 13.3% share of the industrys active mutual fund QAAUM and 13.6% of total equity and equity-oriented assetsconsolidating its position as one of the countrys most influential fund management.

Our focus is to consistently maintainand gradually strengthenour market share. Market share is influenced by multiple factors, not just one. If you look at our performance over the past few years, our share has remained stable and has in fact edged up on the equity side. We intend to keep doing what has worked well for us so far, and we believe this disciplined approach will continue to hold us in good stead," said Naveen Kumar Agarwal.

Prasenjit Paul, equity research analyst at Paul Asset, said the listing represents an important milestone for the industry. ICICI Prudential AMCs listing is significant as it brings one of Indias largest AMCs to the public markets," he noted. The AMC model's low capex, high cash generation and operating leverage remains attractive. But with a 100% OFS, investors must judge it purely on valuation and fundamentals."

Also read Tech takes charge: one in four new listings is now digital

Scale and profitability

The AMC has delivered stronger growth than most major peers, recording a 32.7% QAAUM CAGR between FY23 and FY25outpacing SBI AMC and HDFC AMC. Revenue growth also exceeded rivals, while operating profit expanded at a 20% CAGR. Net profit rose at 32.2% CAGR during the same period, highlighting the strength of its active management franchise despite SEBIs sustained tightening of mutual fund fee structures.

As our AUM grows, especially under telescopic pricing, equity (Total Expense Ratio) TERs naturally compressthis is built into the formula. Yet, if you look at our topline, our revenues yield have consistently been around 52 basis points across years," Agarwal said. Despite the inherent decline in equity yields due to rising AUM, our mix has benefited from a higher equity component and a growing alternatives business. We are not chasing a specific yield or margin target. Our focus is simply on executing well across all verticals."

ICICI Prudential AMCs profitability far exceeds peers: it posted an exceptional 82.8% ROE in FY25, compared with the roughly 3033% range seen at SBI, HDFC and Kotak AMCs. Its five-year median ROE of 78.9% is also the highest among peers, compared with their typical 2335% band.

ICICI Prudential AMCs best-in-class margin profile is due to its asset mix," Paul said. Unlike peers with heavier debt portfolios, ICICI Pru has a higher share of equity and hybrid assets, which earn higher management fees."

Harshal Dasani, business head at INVasset PMS, said the industrys pivot toward SIP-driven, long-term investing strengthens the AMCs competitive position. Its industry-leading operating margin and RoE stem from disciplined cost structure, a high share of equity and hybrid AUM, and the stability of Indias record SIP ecosystem," he said. Over the next few years, the true differentiator will be cost efficiency and distribution depth."

At the upper end of the price band, the IPO is valued at 40x FY25 earningsa valuation most analysts consider reasonable relative to other leading players in the sector.

Fee pressure

While the journey may not be smooth as structural threats like regulatory fee tightening remain. With 85% of ICICI Prudentials total equity AUM in actively managed strategies, SEBIs proposed adjustments to TER ceilings could exert meaningful pressure. Over the next 35 years, margins may come under pressure as TER ceilings tighten," Paul said. By scaling its passive and ETF offeringswhere margins are lower but volumes are massivethe company aims to protect overall profit."

External distributors remain another significant structural issue, capturing the majority of fresh investor capital, particularly from high-net-worth and non-metro segments. Nearly 74% of ICICI Prus flows come via external distributors, with individual and institutional mutual fund distributors contributing 37.7%, national distributors 15.8% and banks 19.4% as of September 2025. Experts believe that AMCs must strengthen direct digital channels to avoid over-dependence on traditional distributors.

Meanwhile, the distribution landscape is simultaneously being reshaped by zero-commission digital platforms like Groww and Zerodha, which have dramatically reduced switching friction and challenged traditional channels.

The surge of direct-first platforms has fundamentally altered distribution," Dasani said. For ICICI Prudential AMC, the response lies in leveraging brand trust, competitive track record and a strong digital engagement stack."

Agarwal emphasised that the AMCs strategy remains channel-agnostic. Platforms like Groww and Zerodha are also our distributorsthey carry our products just like other channels. Ultimately, what matters is what clients choose to invest in, and that depends entirely on performance."

Rising financialization

But a shift is underway and giants such as ICICI Prudential are the primary beneficiaries of this structural shift: Indias mutual fund industry is in the midst of its strongest expansion cycle. Quarterly average AUM has surged from 38.4 trillion in FY22 to 67.4 trillion in FY25, and hit 77.1 trillion in the first half of FY26. Forecasts suggest the industry could nearly double to 147155 trillion by FY30.

Despite rapid growth, India remains severely under-penetrated. AUM stands at just 19.9% of GDPfar below China, South Africa, the US and the global averagehighlighting decades of potential runway. Despite the recent surge, the most compelling narrative for Indias mutual fund industry remains its profound under-penetration and staggering long-term potential.

ICICI Prudential AMCs IPO is significant because it brings one of Indias largest and most recognisable fund houses to the public domain," Paul said. The AMC industry structurally benefits from the financialisation of household savings and rising mutual fund penetration. As one of the top players with a large and diversified AUM mix, ICICI Prudential is well-positioned to capture this growth."
India's largest asset management company (AMC) by active mutual fund quarterly average assets under management (QAAUM) is tapping the public markets. ICICI Prudential AMC, jointly owned by ICICI Bank (51%) and the UK's Prudential Plc (49%), is moving ahead with its initial public offering (IPO). The offer comes at a time when the mutual fund industry is continuing to broaden its investor base.

The 10,603 crore issue will open on 12 December and is entirely offer-for-sale. Prudential will divest about 9.9% of its stake, reducing its holding to 39.1%. With the price band set between 1,019 and 1,070 per share, the offer values the AMC at about 1,07,000 crore at the upper end. This will position ICICI Prudential AMC as the second-largest listed asset manager by market capitalization, just behind HDFC AMC ( 1,11,737 crore).

But what sets this offer apart? For investors evaluating whether to participate, five factors, in particular, explain why this IPO matters. These include the company's market position, its earnings profile, how its growth compares with peers, revenue yield and margins, and the scale and depth of its distribution network.

Dominant share in high-margin active, equity categories

In the mutual fund (MF) industry, the company ranks as the second-largest AMC, trailing only HDFC AMC, with a total QAAUM of 10,14,800 crore, translating to a 13.2% market share. About 85% of this ( 8,63,600 crore) is actively managed, giving it a 13.3% share in active QAAUM. This reflects the company's depth in actively managed strategies, where fee realizations are typically higher than in passive products.

The strength extends to equity categories as well. ICICI Prudential AMC holds the leading market share in equity and equity-oriented QAAUM at 13.6%, supported by an equity AUM of 5,66,600 crore, which accounts for 56% of its overall QAAUM. It trails Canara Robeco, which has the highest equity share of 90%, and HDFC AMC (61%), but is ahead of Nippon Life (46%).

This suggests that these AMCs with a higher equity mix may earn stronger margins, as equity schemes typically charge higher fees. Despite this, ICICI AMC reports higher revenue yield and stable margins, driven by operating leverage, diversified scheme mix, and stronger fee realization across active categories.

The company also leads in the equity-oriented hybrid category, with a 25.8% share, further strengthening its position in this high-margin segment. Overall, the company manages 143 mutual fund schemes, the largest number of schemes managed by any AMC in India. This diversification across asset classes helps it meet the needs of a diverse investor base.

In addition to mutual funds, the company also has an expanding alternatives business (PMS, AIF, and advisory services), with a QAAUM of 72,900 crore. In discretionary services, it is the largest portfolio manager in terms of closing PMS AUM, primarily for domestic non-corporate clients.

Retail strength anchored by a growing SIP base

With a dominant presence in the industry, ICICI Prudential AMC's monthly average AUM (MAAUM) stood at 6,61,000 crore, giving it the highest individual investor MAAUM in the sector, with a 13.7% market share. Individual investors form the core of its business. They accounted for 61.1% of its total MAAUM and 85.7% of equity and equity-oriented MAAUM as of Q2 FY26.

Since individual investors mainly favour equity-oriented schemes, which carry higher investment management fees, this mix supports a stronger revenue profile. Their longer holding periods further contribute to a more stable asset base. The AMC's individual investor base stood at 15.5 million, and the rising adoption of systematic investing has strengthened this foundation.

SIPs have become a preferred route for mutual fund investors, enabling disciplined, long-term allocations while reducing market-timing risk. ICICI Prudential AMC has focused on deepening this pipeline to enhance AUM predictability. Monthly SIP inflows have risen sharply, doubling from 2,350 crore in Q4FY23 to 4,800 crore in Q2FY26. However, this growth has been slower than HDFC AMC and Nippon AMC.

This rise in flows is supported by a similar surge in the number of SIPs, which more than doubled to 14.2 million from 5.7 million over the period. Notably, 92.5% of these have a tenure of over five years, reinforcing the book's long duration. Of the 15.5 million individual investors (trailing Nippon's 21.9 million), 6.4 million have at least one SIP folio. Together, this expanding, long-tenured SIP base enabled the AMC to report an industry-leading growth profile.

Industry-leading growth

The company has consistently grown faster than the broader mutual fund industry across key asset categories, particularly in active and equity-oriented schemes. Its total QAAUM expanded at a 32.7% CAGR during FY23-25, ahead of the industry's 29% CAGR over the same period.

The momentum was similar in active QAAUM, which increased at 29.7% CAGR, slightly higher than the industry's 28.9%. Within this, the higher-margin equity and equity-oriented segment delivered even stronger performance. Equity and equity-oriented QAAUM grew at a 40% CAGR for the company, outpacing the industry's 36.2% CAGR.

The equity-oriented hybrid category also saw faster growth, rising at 37.6% CAGR compared with the industry's 29.5%. This trajectory reinforces ICICI Prudential AMC's ability to scale in segments that contribute meaningfully to revenue and profitability.

Superior revenue growth, stable margins, and industry-leading RoE

ICICI AMC was the most profitable AMC in India in FY25, accounting for 20% of the industry's operating profits. Its financial performance reflects steady expansion. Operating revenue rose at a CAGR of 32%, increasing from 2,690 crore in FY23 to 4,680 crore in FY25, outpacing HDFC AMC (27%) and Nippon AMC (28%).

This outperformance was supported not only by higher AUM growth but also by a stronger revenue yield of 52 basis points, despite the company having a lower equity mix than peers. In contrast, HDFC AMC yielded 47bps, and Nippon (38bps). The revenue yield differential allowed ICICI Prudential AMC to translate its scale into stronger topline growth.

Profit after tax (PAT) growth, however, broadly tracked peers, with operating margins of 36bps, in line with HDFC AMC (36bps) and higher than Nippon (25bps). PAT increased at a 32.2% CAGR during the period to 2,650 in FY25, broadly in line with HDFC (31.5%) and Nippon (32.3%).

What clearly distinguishes ICICI AMC is its capital efficiency. Its Return on Equity (RoE) of 83% is about 2.6X that of HDFC AMC and Nippon Life AMC, both at 32%. This level of capital efficiency highlights the strength of its operating model and the benefits of its capital-light franchise.

Expansive distribution reach supported by high digital penetration

ICICI Prudential AMC operates a multi-channel distribution network that spans the country. It has 272 offices in 23 states and four Union territories, supported by 110,719 distributors, placing it behind Nippon (119,200) but ahead of HDFC AMC (103,000). Its network also includes 213 national distributors and 67 banks, with ICICI Bank being a significant contributor.

A key competitive advantage is the ability to leverage ICICI Bank's nationwide presence, allowing the AMC to deepen penetration across geographies and investor segments. This distribution strength plays a crucial role in driving inflows, mainly in higher-fee equity and hybrid schemes.

As of 30 September 2025, mutual fund distributors contributed 37.7% of QAAUM, followed by national distributors (15.8%), and direct sales (27.1%). ICICI Bank and other banks accounted for 8.3% and 11.1%, respectively. The company's distribution mix has also evolved alongside rising digital adoption. About 95.3% of all purchase transactions were conducted on digital platforms, up from 87.7% in FY23.

At 1,070 per share, ICICI AMC valuation stands at about 40 times price-to-earnings, in line with HDFC AMC (40) and Nippon (39). At this pricing, the offering has limited upside potential, making future revenue and profitability growth a key driver of returns. Nevertheless, any reduction in the expense ratio remains a major concern for the MF industry, which could impact its financial.

For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse.

Madhvendra has over seven years of experience in equity markets and writes detailed research articles on listed Indian companies, sectoral trends, and macroeconomic developments.

The writer does not hold the stocks discussed in this article.

The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educational purposes only.
ICICI Prudential AMC IPO: British insurance company Prudential said on Thursday it has sold a 4.5% stake in ICICI Prudential Asset Management, a day ahead of the company's much-awaited IPO opening.

Prudential sold its 4.5% stake in ICICI Prudential AMC worth a massive 4,900 crore, ahead of the Indian fund manager's $1.2 billion IPO that opens on Friday.

The British fund house is a joint venture between ICICI Bank, India's second-largest private lender. ICICI Bank holds a 51% stake in the asset management company, while Prudential holds the rest.

With the transaction, Prudential has sold 1,2,355,671 to a number of investors and 98,85,170 shares to ICICI Bank, in accordance with an July 8 agreement.

Also Read | Here are five reasons why you should invest in ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund IPO

The shares were priced at  2,165 per equity share, generating gross proceeds of over 48 billion, approximately $536 million.

The net proceeds from this pre-IPO private placement, together with those from the potential IPO, are intended to be returned to Prudential shareholders, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals where required, Prudential said in a statement.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the family offices of Azim Premji and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, and Indian insurers including SBI Life, HDFC Life and Go Digit General Insurance bought the shares from Prudential. ICICI Bank also bought shares worth 21.40 billion.

ICICI Prudential Asset Management will not issue any new shares at the IPO where only Prudential will sell a 10% stake.

ICICI Prudential AMC IPO ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC), a subsidiary of ICICI Bank, is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on 12 December.

The ICICI Prudential AMC IPO will open on 12 December and close for bidding on 16 December.

The ICICI Prudential AMC IPO is entirely an offer for sale of 4.90 crore shares totaling 10,602.65 crore.

Also Read | ICICI Prudential AMC IPO GMP jumps ahead of launch this week. Check IPO details

ICICI Prudential AMC IPO allotment date is likely Wednesday, December 17, and the tentative IPO listing date is Friday, December 19. ICICI Prudential AMC shares will be listed on both the exchanges - BSE and NSE.

The company has fixed the price band of the IPO between 2,061 and 2,165 per share.

Since the issue is entirely an OFS, the company will not receive any capital from the offer, and the proceeds will go to the selling shareholder.
Multibagger stock Spice Lounge: Multibagger stock Spice Lounge Food share price surged on Thursday, December 12, with its share price locked in a 5% upper circuit at 50.08, defying broader market volatility. The rally came amid a rebound in Indian equities after the US Federal Reserve announced a 25 bps rate cut, though benchmark indices briefly slipped 0.3% before recovering.

Spice Lounge Food Works has been one of the standout performers in the SME segment, delivering extraordinary wealth creation for investors. The stock has soared nearly 800% over the past one year, marking it as one of the top multibagger of 2025.

Despite Thursdays sharp rise, the counter remains 30% below its 52-week high of 72.20, touched in November 2025. However, the magnitude of its long-term appreciation remains striking. The stock has jumped 796% from its 52-week low of 5.59, recorded in December last year. Zooming out further, its five-year return stands at a staggering almost 4,200%, underscoring sustained investor conviction. In recent timeframes, too, the stock has posted solid gains  up 103% in the last six months, 11% over the last three months, and 7% in the past one month.

Spice Lounge: Recent Development In a press release dated December 4, Spice Lounge Food Works announced a significant expansion milestone: it has secured the exclusive Master Franchise rights for Wing Zone, a globally recognised quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand known for its chicken offerings and flavour-focused menu. The partnership marks the companys entry into an internationally established food segment and positions it for rapid scale-up in Indias expanding QSR landscape.

The company plans to roll out Wing Zone across India through a combination of high-street outlets and cloud kitchens, enabling both accessibility and scalability. Commenting on the development, Mohan Babu Karjela, Chairperson and Director, said, We are delighted to bring Wing Zone to India and believe this partnership marks an important milestone in our long-term growth strategy. The Indian QSR market is experiencing strong momentum, driven by evolving consumer preferences, rising urbanisation and increasing adoption of global food formats. Wing Zones internationally acclaimed flavours, paired with our operational expertise, position us well to capture this opportunity.

According to the company, Indias first Wing Zone outlet will open in Koramangala, Bangalore, in January 2026, with additional locations planned across Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai, followed by expansion into other major cities through a structured, multi-phase rollout.

Spice Lounge Financial Performance Spice Lounge Food Works momentum is reinforced by strong Q2FY26 results. For the quarter ended September 30, 2025, net profit jumped to 3.4 crore, rising 300% from 0.83 crore in the year-ago period. Revenue from operations surged 158% to 46.20 crore, compared to 18 crore last year. Total income increased to 49 crore, up from 18.2 crore in Q2FY25. The company reported EBITDA of 4.15 crore, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency. Total comprehensive income stood at 3.50 crore, significantly higher than 8.1 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Spice Lounge Food Works Limited, formerly known as Shalimar Agencies Limited, provides IT services and solutions across India, the US, Canada and other international markets, operating through its Software & IT Services and Food & Restaurant Services segments. Its offerings include outsourcing, data processing, call centre operations, technical support, software development and consulting. The company also operates and franchises restaurant brands such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Wing Zone and Blaze Kebabs, along with nightlife venues including Xora and Salud. Founded in 1981 and renamed in 2025, it is headquartered in Hyderabad.
Multibagger stock: Shares of Nandani Creation defied the broader market volatility on Thursday, December 11, climbing more than 2.5%in intraday trade. The stock rose as much as 2.6% to touch the days high of 29.73, even as benchmark indices struggled for direction on Dalal Street.

Despite Thursdays gains, the counter remains nearly 50% below its 52-week high of 59, recorded in February 2025.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty swung between gains and losses in intra-day deals. Sensex hit the day's high of 84,628.16 and low of 84,150.19

The stock has been under pressure over the past year, shedding 14% in the last 12 months. Its performance has been equally soft over shorter time frames, declining 34% in the past six months, 27% in the past three months, and 15% in the last one month.

December started on a weak note for the stock, with a 10% slide so far, following a sharp 16% drop in November. However, in the long term, the stock has delivered significant returns, soaring 123% and earning its status as a multibagger for early investors.

Recent development drives interest The modest rebound in the stock comes a day after Nandani Creation Ltd (NCL), the company behind the Jaipur Kurti brand, announced a strategic partnership with Reliance CentroIndias largest fashion retail format known for its immersive shopping environments. The development, disclosed through a press release, has sparked renewed interest in the SME counter.

As per the company's statement, the collaboration with Reliance Centro marks a meaningful expansion of its offline retail footprint. The partnership will see Jaipur Kurti products placed across 12 Reliance Centro stores nationwide, enhancing brand accessibility and visibility in high-footfall locations. Reliance Centro, which offers a wide selection of apparel, footwear, cosmetics, accessories and travel essentials across premium and popular brands, aims to elevate the shopping experience for consumersan objective aligned closely with Jaipur Kurtis own brand ethos.

Nandani Creation emphasised that this association supports its broader strategy of fortifying its direct-to-consumer (D2C) ecosystem. The company continues to strengthen both its digital platforms and offline network, ensuring a seamless, omnichannel shopping experience for its growing customer base. With the Indian womens ethnic wear market witnessing steady expansion, enhancing offline presence remains a priority for the company.

Commenting on the partnership, Anuj Mundhra, Chairman and Managing Director of Nandani Creation Ltd, said, This partnership with Reliance Centro marks a significant milestone in our journey to bring our designs closer to our customers. As we continue to expand our retail presence, we are excited to work with a brand that aligns with our values of quality, style, and customer experience. We look forward to leveraging this association to deliver a curated, in-store experience that resonates with the evolving tastes of Indian women.

With the stock staging a small recovery amid broader market volatility, investors are watching closely to see whether the Reliance Centro tie-up can trigger sustained momentum for the SME player in the sessions ahead.
The initial public offering (IPO) of Pajson Agro India, which opened for bidding today, was fully booked as institutional investors showed strong interest in the issue.

The IPO, which remains open for bidding until December 15, has received bids for 45.30 lakh shares against over 41.79 lakh shares on offer, resulting in a subscription rate of 1.08 times at the end of Day 1, according to exchange data.

Among investor segments, the Qualified Institutional Investors (QIB) segment was oversubscribed 3.54 times, while the Non-Institutional Investors (NII) segment was subscribed 0.18 times. The retail segment saw a modest response, with subscriptions at 0.09 times.

Pajson Agro India IPO Details The company is looking to raise 74.45 crore from the issue, which is entirely a fresh issue of 0.63 crore shares. The price band has been fixed at 112118 per share, with a lot size of 1,200 shares, requiring a minimum investment of 2,83,200 for retail investors.

The SME IPO is proposed to list on the BSE SME, tentatively on Thursday, December 18. Of the total issue size, 47% has been reserved for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), 14.26% for Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs), and 33.25% for Retail Investors.

The Pajson Agro India IPO allotment is expected to be finalized on Tuesday, December 16, with refunds initiated on Wednesday, December 17. Shares will be credited to allottees demat accounts on the same day following refunds.

Also Read | Here are five reasons why you should invest in ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund IPO

The company proposes to use the proceeds from the issue towards capital expenditure for the establishment of a second cashew processing facility at Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, and for general corporate purposes.

About Pajson Agro India The company processes raw cashew nuts into cashew kernels and supplies them to domestic and international markets. The company sells both in bulk and in retail packs under its white-label brand Royal Mewa (dry fruits segment). Additionally, it sells by-products such as cashew husk and shells for industrial and agricultural use.
Stock market recap : The Indian stock market ended lower for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, 10 December, amid mixed global cues ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy outcome later today.

Market benchmark Sensex rose as much as 354 points to hit an intraday high of 85,020.34 during the session, but failed to hold gains and dropped 629 points from the day's high. Eventually, the 30-share pack ended 275 points, or 0.32%, lower at 84,391.27, while the Nifty 50 settled at 25,758, down 82 points, or 0.32%.

The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices fell 1.08% and 0.58%, respectively.

Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India for 11 December:

Buy: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd (current price:  643)

Why its recommended : Strong brand equity and distribution backed by ICICI ecosystem, diversified product mix (ULIPs, Protection, Savings), growing protection business improving margin profile, consistent value of new business (VNB) growth drivers, healthy solvency ratio and capital position, improving persistency ratios across key cohorts, expanding bancassurance and digital channels, operating leverage potential as scale increases.

Key metrics : P/E: 71.51, 52-week high:  700, volume:  119.19 crore

Technical analysis : Reclaimed its 21-DMA on above average volume

Risk factors : High dependence on capital-market performance (ULIP-heavy mix), regulatory changes impacting products, commissions, or capital norms, competitive industry pressure affecting margin growth, slower-than-expected VNB and APE growth, persistency deterioration in volatile markets, interest-rate cycles affecting demand for savings products, execution risk in shifting toward higher-margin segments.

Buy at :  835645

Target price :  740 in two to three months

Stop loss:  600

Also Read | Suzlons growth runway needs support from solid execution

Why its recommended : Market leadership in zinc, lead, and silver production, ongoing capacity expansion, and mine development projects

Key metrics : P/E: 20.15; 52-week high:  808; volume:  1,077 crore

Technical analysis : Downward sloping trendline breakout

Risk factors : High dependence on global metal prices, single-sector concentration risk

Buy at :  505515

Target price :  580 in two to three months

Stop loss:  481

Nifty 50: How the index performed on 10 December

Indias equity benchmarks ended lower on December 10th, with Nifty 50 closing at 25,758, down 0.32% (-81.65 points), after failing to sustain early gains. Sensex also eased, tracking cautious global sentiment ahead of key macro data releases.

Market breadth remained weak, with 1,353 stocks advancing against 1,753 declining, indicating broad-based selling pressure. On the sectoral front, IT led the drag with a sharp decline as global tech cues softened. Meanwhile, Consumer Durables, Financial Services, and Private Banks also weighed on the indices. In contrast, Metals, Pharma, and Oil & Gas showed modest resilience, aided by selective buying.

Nifty 50 continued its corrective phase, slipping further within the upper portion of its rising broadening structure. Price action indicate a clear loss of momentum as the index has moved below the short-term moving averages. Recent candles reflect sustained selling pressure after repeated rejections near the upper trendline of the pattern.

RSI has softened to the mid-40s, indicating waning bullish strength and a drift toward neutral-to-weak territory without yet entering oversold conditions. The MACD has extended its bearish crossover, with the histogram deepening into negative territory, signalling a continuation of downside momentum.

Also Read | Five fundamentally strong Nifty 500 stocks near 52-week lows

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 extended its decline for the third consecutive session, signalling continued near-term weakness. On the downside, initial support is placed at 25,700, while 25,300 remains a key demand area for sustaining the broader uptrend and preserving overall market stability. On the upside, a decisive close above 26,300 would improve the technical structure and open 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 positive note but soon faced volatility and sustained selling pressure, pulling the index into negative territory. It formed three consecutive negative candles on the daily chart and continues to trade below its 21-DMA, signalling weakness. The index opened at 59,281.55, touched an intraday high of 59,440.90, slipped to 58,853.90, and closed at 58,917. The price action reflects cautious sentiment among participants, with resistance remaining intact. Overall bias remains muted, and traders may prefer selective positions. A decisive move above resistance levels is needed to revive momentum.

The RSI has moved sideways and is currently at 52, while the MACD has generated a bearish crossover but remains above the zero line, indicating underlying strength despite near-term caution. According to ONeils methodology of market direction, Bank Nifty remains in a Confirmed Uptrend, reinforcing a constructive broader tone. These signals collectively suggest a favourable setup in which select banking names may be positioned for potential breakouts. However, ongoing monitoring is essential to assess the strength of follow-through day and short-term stability.

The index ended the session on a negative note for the third consecutive day, warranting caution and close monitoring. It is currently trading below its 21-DMA, which is set at 59,138, with the next key support level near 57,958, approximately 2% below the current levels and aligned with the 50-DMA. Selling pressure has been evident since the index registered a new all-time high of 60,114, followed by mild profit-taking. On the upside, 60,114 remains a critical resistance zone, and a sustained move above 60,000 would reinforce the bullish structure and potentially trigger the next upward leg. Continuous assessment of price action will be essential to gauge momentum and trend durability.

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.
India-US trade deal: Democratic Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, on December 10, sharply criticised US President Donald Trumps handling of the IndiaUS relationship, warning that his policies risk undoing years of diplomatic progress.

Her comments come on the back of massive 50% tariffs on India  among the highest on any country  and the implementation of the steep hike in H-1B via fees, of which Indians are the biggest benefactors.

A video shared by CNBC TV-18 showed Kamlager-Dove saying that Trump inherited one of the strongest bilateral partnerships in years  a revitalised Quad, deepening defence technology cooperation, and a trusted supply-chain partnership carefully built under the Biden administration.

Also Read | Piyush Goyal says India-US trade talks progressing well

However, she argued that much of this diplomatic capital has since been flushed down the toilet due to Trumps personal grievances rather than long-term national interests.

Trump will be the American president who lost India Kamlager-Dove, speaking during a hearing on US foreign policy, issued a stark warning, saying that unless Trump changes course, he risks being remembered as the American president that lost India  or more accurately, that chased India away  while revitalising the Russian Empire, breaking up the transatlantic alliance, and menacing Latin America.

She further argued that Trump's antagonism towards India began not from the US's long-term strategic interests but rather his personal obsession with a Nobel Peace Prize. "While that is laughable, the harm that it will cause is not."

Also Read | Why the Fed might not be done cutting rates.

Singling out India for 50% tariffs has effectively derailed leader-level meetings between the two countries, she argued. Moreover, the 25% tariff rate that has been attributed to Indias imports of Russian oil looks pretty pointless when Trump allies allegedly engaged in backroom deals with Putins advisers, she said.

Meanwhile, earlier today (December 12), according to Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran, India and the United States have resolved most of their outstanding trade issues, and a long-awaited bilateral trade deal now appears increasingly likely by March, according to a report in the Economic Times.

In the backdrop of the elusive India-US trade deal, the Indian rupee has taken a significant knock, slumping to a fresh record low of 90.48 against the US dollar. Meanwhile, the Indian stock market also remains rangebound as investors await the deal.

Also Read | Indian rupee slips to record low, but central bank likely curbs losses

H-1B visa hike hurts people-to-people ties Beyond trade and diplomacy, Kamlager-Dove criticised the administrations handling of immigration, particularly a proposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, 70% of which are held by Indian professionals.

She called the measure a direct attack on the robust Indian diaspora community and its contributions to American science, technology, medicine, and the arts.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on Thursday allowed the National Pension System (NPS) to include gold and silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs) among its investment options.

NPS subscribers can now invest in gold and silver ETFs offered by mutual funds, with exposure restricted to 5% of the schemes assets under management (AUM).

Investors in the NPS have a better average investment tenure (holding period) compared to other investment avenues, and they would have a better investment mix now," said Sumit Shukla, managing director and chief executive of Axis Pension Fund. Both old and new subscribers would benefit from the move."

Also Read | Sovereign wealth, pension funds anchor India story despite global jitters

As of 11 December 2025, 24 karat gold has delivered a year-to-date return of 62%, from 7,800 per gramme, while silver is trading 98% higher than its 1 January price of 79,376 per kilogramme in the 2025 calendar year.

Why only ETFs

Restricting it to Sebi-regulated gold and silver ETFs and not other non-regulated means of investing in commodities ensures that there is legal recourse available in case of any complaints," said certified financial planner Kiran Telang.

Additionally, investments in physical commodities require back-end preparation, including stocking the gold in custodian vaults, insuring against risk, and hedging, which must be built over a period by pension fund managers.

As pension fund managers, we would have to build our expertise in directly investing in commodities. Until then, ETF investments have been permitted," Shukla said.

More asset classes

The pension fund regulator has further expanded the NPS investment universe by including Nifty 250 stocks. However, 90% of the schemes AUM must be invested only in the top 200 stocks of the Nifty 250 Index. Additionally, NPS fund managers can now choose from debt papers with lower ratings.

Expanding the investment universe to include debt papers with an AA rating, from an AAA rating earlier, is a significant change," Shukla added.

With all asset classes available under one roof, the NPS could attract more investors. This is a big move from the PFRDA, and it would help the NPS become a one-stop asset allocation platform as gold and silver are now permitted, after we saw corporate bonds being eligible," said Manav Modi, commodity analyst-precious metal research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

These are pension funds, and the weightage needs to be decided. One must assess how much risk is attached to different asset classes," Modi added.

While the investment universe expands with both a higher number of stocks and commodities, one must continue using other investment alternatives, as the withdrawal procedure and protocol could be a concern.

It expands the NPS pool of asset classes to enable a more diversified portfolio. However, due to its structure as largely a retirement savings and withdrawal-oriented instrument with some flexibility, investors will still need to use other investment vehicles to support other financial goals for their families that will emerge besides retirement," said Vishal Dhawan, founder and chief executive of Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors.

Annuity concerns

However, the overall drawback of annuity investments persists. Under the NPS, taxation during redemption remains unchanged, and 40% of the funds must still be used to purchase an annuity. For those who struggle with investment discipline and need to plan for retirement, this instrument can be useful, especially now that it offers improved diversification. While the cost structure is favourable, the annuity issue remains," Telang said.

The PFRDA is reportedly considering reducing the mandatory annuitization requirement to 20% from the current 40%. Among other sweeping changes, the NPS could have a lock-in of 15 years instead of the current lock-in of retirement age.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off late at night on 10 December from Vandenberg Space Force Base, in Santa Barbara County, Southern California, jolting residents out of their sleep. Songwriter-producer Charlie Puth, who lives near the launch site, called out SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk on social media, describing the thunderous sonic booms that frightened his pregnant wife in the middle of the night.

Taking to X, Charlie Puth called out the tech billionaire and stated, Hi @elonmuskthese sonic booms have gotten progressively louder since they started launching the rockets in Santa Barbara."

Also Read | Elon Musk says Trumps DOGE role set his companies back

Sharing his harrowing experience, Puth added, "This one at 3am today felt like 150-160 dB, violently shook our whole house, and really frightened my pregnant wife. I hope they do not get louder :/.

The rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base northwest of Los Angeles, carrying 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet project, aims to deliver high-speed connectivity worldwide.

Experts warn that noise levels above 120 dBA are not safe for any period of time, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

The SpaceX rocket launch took place at 3:40 am PT, with weather conditions amplifying the sonic booms across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. There was a possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties may have heard one or more sonic booms during the launch, but what residents experienced depended on weather and other conditions, a disclaimer on SpaceXs website states.

Another lift-off is already scheduled in the area for the morning of 14th December, raising concerns among locals about repeated disturbances, reported NBC Los Angeles.

Social media reaction A user wrote, You may want to reconsider leaving near Vandenberg... Launch cadence is about to hit 100 per year from two complexes [sic].

Another user replied, Starship will be even louder.

A third comment read, "I've been listening to this for years as my comfort song and you're telling me it's not a metaphor? It's literally about elon and his rockets [sic]."

A fourth user wrote, "Get ready cause next years cadence will double [sic]."

A fifth user asked, Would you like him to stop launching just for you?
Amid the continuing flight disruptions, IndiGo on Thursday announced travel vouchers worth 10,000 for 'severely impacted customers'. The domestic carrier said that the vouchers can be used for any future IndiGo journey and are valid for the next 12 months.

The domestic carrier stated that the travel voucher is in addition to the compensation of 5,000 to 10,000, depending on the block time of the flight, for those customers whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of departure time.

IndiGo's travel vouchers come amid the mammoth disruptions in the budget carrier's operations, which entered the tenth consecutive day on Thursday, 11 December.

Which flyers will get travel vouchers?  IndiGo noted that several flyers with travel dates on 3,4,5 December were stranded for multiple hours, many of whom were severely impacted due to congestion. The airline said it would offer the travel vouchers worth 10,000 to such customers.

 For those customers whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of the time of departure, the domestic carrier announced that it will pay a compensation of 5,000-10,000, depending on the block time of the flight  in line with the government guidelines. The travel vouchers come in addition to the compensation.

IndiGo travel voucher validity  Flyers who receive the travel vouchers can use them for any future journey with IndiGo for the next 12 months.

What if bookings were made via travel platforms? For bookings of IndiGo flights made via travel platforms, the airline said the refund has been initiated.

If the booking was made through a travel partner platform, the necessary actions for your refund have also been initiated. As we may not have your complete details in our system, we request you to write to us at customer.experience@goindigo.in so we can continue to assist you promptly, IndiGo said in its statement.

The nation's largest airline is also facing regulatory heat, and authorities have directed it to reduce winter schedule flights by 10% to stabilise its operations. The carrier was operating around 2,300 flights a day till the disruptions began on 2 December.

IndiGo crisis: What has happened so far  On Wednesday, IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta addressed the wave of allegations surrounding the disruptions. He dismissed claims that the airline had engineered the crisis or attempted to influence government rules, calling them entirely false.

 Aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), summoned IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers again on Thursday, asking him to present a report detailing data and updates on the airlines disruptions.

 The DGCA has set up an Oversight Team to monitor the airlines operations. It also directed two officers to be permanently stationed at IndiGos Corporate Office in Gurgaon for continuous supervision.
BlueChip scam: Investors based out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), are flying in to India in an effort to lodge complaints against an investment scam and its alleged mastermind, founder Ravindra Nath Soni, who has been arrested by Kanpur Police in Uttar Pradesh, reported the news portal Khaleej Times.

According to the news portal's report, at least six UAE-based investors have flown into India in the last few days to file complaints against the arrested BlueChip founder, Ravindra Nath Soni, over an investment scam.

What happened with the investors? The Dubai-based news portal's report also highlighted that travel agency owner Dilip Kumar Lilaramani was among the latest people to arrive in India to lodge a complaint against Ravindra Nath Soni, claiming he lost 1.2 million dirhams in the BlueChip investment scam.

Lilaramani said that his decision to fly into India comes after he trusted BlueChip with his 1.2 million dirhams after being approached by a female company staff member.

The investors also said that within a matter of months, the whole business collapsed, and now the investor has to complain against the company to get his money back from the multi-million dirham scam.

I trusted the company (BlueChip) and gave 1.2 million dirhams after I was approached by a female BlueChip staffer, he said. Within months, the whole thing collapsed. This is my busiest time in Dubai, but recovering my money matters more, Dilip Kumar Lilaramani told the news portal.

According to the news portal's report, the female BlueChip staff member who approached Lilaramani is now wanted for questioning by Kanpur Police as part of their investigation into the matter.

Lilaramani was travelling with Abdul Kareem, whose complaint against the company started the Kanpur police investigation into the investment scam earlier in January 2025, as per the news report. Kareem claimed that BlueChip founder earlier tried to downplay his role when arrested.

He (Ravindra Nath Soni) told police he runs a kachodi (Indian snack) shop to feed his family, Kareem told the news portal. But he owes people like me huge sums. I am thankful action is finally being taken.

How big is the investment scam? According to an earlier report from the Dubai-based news portal, the company and its founder allegedly defrauded investors of 400 million dirhams, and were on the run for a while before being arrested over a dinner meal.

Also Read | Owaisi files complaint over his deepfake AI video spreading investment scam

BlueChip reportedly collapsed in March 2024 after the company promised 3% monthly returns to its investors. The news portal's report also mentioned that the company founder, Soni, reportedly transferred $41.35 million to an unknown cryptocurrency wallet days before disappearing.

Soni is also a wanted man in Dubai for complaints over cheque defaults and from company investors. On 30 November 2025, Ravindra Nath Soni was arrested from his Dehradun hideout after Kanpur Police traced a food-delivery order for tawa roti and vegetables.

The police have kept Soni on a six-day remand and will soon be taken to Delhi and Dehradun for evidence recovery, which includes documents, devices and financial trails, according to the news portal's report.

Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghuveer Lal Singh said that the probe into the investment scam has revealed 26 Indian bank accounts, eight cryptocurrency wallets and around 20 companies (4 inactive) linked to Soni.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a revised Special Intensive Revision (SIR) schedule on Thursday for five states and one Union Territory. It extended the deadline for Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after requests from CEOs, as reported by news agency PTI.

On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa mentioned that the state asked the ECI for an additional two weeks to finish the SIR of electoral rolls, the report noted, In a press note, Rinwa explained that the extra time was requested so district election officers could re-verify the records of deceased voters, people who have moved, and those who cannot be located.

An SIR exercise has been ongoing across the UP since 4 November.

SIR in West Bengal Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday described Union Home Minister Amit Shah as dangerous and cautioned that she would stage a dharna if even a single eligible voter's name was struck off during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls.

Speaking at a rally in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, she said, The country's home minister is dangerous. You can see it in his eyes  it's terrifying. In one eye, you see Duryodhan, and in the other, Dushasan.

Claiming that the SIR was being used as a political tool ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, Banerjee added, If even a single eligible voter's name is struck off, I will sit on a dharna. There will be no detention camps in West Bengal. They are so hungry for votes that they are conducting the SIR just two months before elections.

She also mentioned that she had not yet filled out her own enumeration form.

Do I now need to prove my citizenship to a party of rioters? she said, in a pointed reference to the BJP.

Also Read | Amit Shah hits back at Opposition, says House cannot discuss SIR

Accusing the central government of targeting Bengalis, she stated, We have a (Union) home minister who can do anything to label all Bengalis as Bangladeshis and send them to detention camps. But we will not allow anyone to be driven out of West Bengal. We know very well how to bring someone back if they are forced out.

Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission was sending officials aligned with the BJP to sway the process, stating, Some BJP-backed people are being sent from Delhi to keep an eye on things in West Bengal. They are overseeing the work of district magistrates during SIR hearings.
Delhi's Rohini Court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, where a massive inferno last week killed 25 people. Following the blaze, the brothers fled to Thailand, where they have been detained.

On Wednesday, the accused had sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail so that they would not be immediately arrested on their return to Delhi from Thailand, according to a report by PTI.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant said the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Goa Police are working to ensure that the Luthra brothers are brought to India at the earliest.

Who are Saurav and Gaurav Luthra? Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are the owners of the Goa club where the fire broke out.

Featured on Forbes India, Saurabh Luthra is the Chairman of Romeo Lane, a chain of restaurants spread across Delhi, Goa, Gurgaon, among others, his Instagram profile says.

According to Romeo Lane's website, Luthra is a Gold medalist engineer" who turned into a "promising and fastest-growing restaurateur, known for his splendid work in the F&B industry.

Goa nightclub fire: What has happened so far  On Sunday, 7 December, shortly after midnight, a deadly fire erupted at the North Goa nightclub, which claimed 25 lives and injured six. Investigations revealed safety violations, leading to FIRs against the owners and management, while officials are under scrutiny for allowing the club's operations.

 The police had said that the fire was caused by a cylinder blast. A tourist who survived the tragedy claimed that fireworks were set off when dancers were performing, and it was the likely cause, PTI reported.

 On Tuesday, 9 December, an Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued against the two brothers who fled to Thailand a few hours after the tragedy at their nightclub.

 Ahead of the Blue Corner Notice  Ajay Gupta, one of the co-owners of Goa's 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, was taken into custody and brought to Saket court. As he was brought to Delhi's Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Cell of the Crime Branch, Ajay Gupta, wearing a mask to cover his face, said that he was only a partner in the nightclub.
Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has said that the central government will consider IndiGo capacity curbs once the airline presents a plan, outlining how it intends to stabilise operations. The clarification on easing curbs on IndiGo comes a day after the ministry ordered the country's largest airline to cut its flight operations by 10%, following days of widespread cancellations and delays.

Ram Mohan Naidu also said that there was gross mismanagement on part of the airline, adding that there was no pilot hiring at the airline in the past six months.

Speaking with India Today, the aviation minister also noted that the IndiGo chairman, who released a video rejecting all allegations against the airline, left many questions unanswered amid a crisis review.

IndiGo chairman has not answered many questions in his video on Wednesday, Ram Mohan Naidu said, adding that the ministry was analysing each and every aspect of the crisis, including price gouging by airlinesavailability of planes is a bottleneck in more airlines setting up shop in India.

IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta broke his silence since last weeks wave of flight cancellations and delays, calling the disruption a blemish on the airlines otherwise clean record.

In a video message to IndiGo customers, the chairman dismissed allegations that the disruptions were engineered by airline management and insisted that no attempt was made to bypass the new pilot fatigue and rest rules known as Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules.

Apologising for mass disruptions and denying allegations linked to pilot fatigue rules, Vikram Singh Mehta said, IndiGo has followed the pilot fatigue (FDTL) rules as they came into effect. We operated under the new rules throughout both July and November. We did not attempt to bypass them. Nor did we do anything that negatively impacted our unblemished track record of safety.

Rejecting allegations that mass disruptions were engineered by the IndiGo management, Vikram Mehta said, The disruptions of last week did not happen because of any deliberate action. They happened because of a combination of internal and unanticipated external events, including minor technical glitches, scheduled changes linked to the start of the winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system, and implementation of/ and operation under the updated Crew Rostering rules.

The IndiGo chairman continued that while some of the criticism directed at IndiGo was fair, much of it was not, as he sought to dismiss allegations that the airline attempted to influence government regulations.
The government allocated a budget of 150 crore for the Chandrayaan-4 mission in the financial year 2025-26, while the actual expenditure until November 2025 has been recorded at 24.47 crore.

Not just for Chandrayaan-4, but the Department of Space, in its reply to the Lok Sabha on Thursday, 11 December, declared project- and year-wise details of funds sanctioned, released, and utilised for all projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) since 2020-21.

The reply by Union Minister Jitendra Singh included details of Chandrayaan 5 mission, Mars Lander Mission, ADITYA-L1 mission, Venus Orbiter Mission, and the ambitious Manned Mission and Initiatives or Gaganyaan.

Here's how much the government allotted to key space projects

S No. Mission 2024-25 2025-26 Revised Budget Estimate (in lakh) Actual (in lakh) Budget Estimate (in lakh) Actual (in lakh) 1 ADITYA-L1 1300 1395 - - 2 INSAT-3 Satellite 100 91.29 - - 3 Chandrayaan-III 1850 1226.55 - - 4 Manned Mission Initiatives/(Gaganyaan) - - 120000 (1200 crore) 67790.64 5 Chandrayaan-4 - - 15000 (or 150 crore) 2447 6 Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX) - - 200 22.55 7 Mars Lander Mission - - 200 0 8 Venus Orbiter Mission - - 5000 (50 crore) 499.86 9 Joint ISRO NASA Mission to ISS - - 13500 (135 crore) 11123.79 (111 crore) 10 Indian Data Relay Satellite Series - - 8000 (80 crore) 3194.87 11 Dev. of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) - - 15800 (158 crore) 328.88

In his reply to the Lok Sabha, Jitendra Singh said no project was stopped or delayed due to a lack of funds.

What are these ISRO missions? ADITYA-L1: Aditya-L1 is a satellite dedicated to the comprehensive study of the Sun.

INSAT-3 Satellite: A multipurpose satellite for providing telecommunications, television broadcasting, meteorological and search and rescue services.

Chandrayaan-III: Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar mission. It created history in August 2023 by successfully making a soft landing on the Moon's south pole, making India the first nation to do so.

Also Read | 3-day ISRO space exhibition at Rajasthan Technical University draws high student turnout

Manned Mission Initiatives/(Gaganyaan): The Gaganyaan project is India's human spaceflight mission. It aims to send Indian astronauts (Gaganyatris) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for three days and bring them back safely to Earth.

Chandrayaan-4: It aims to bring lunar rock and soil samples back to Earth. It is expected to launch in 2028.

Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX): It will be the fifth mission in the Chandrayaan series of lunar missions, in collaboration with Japan's JAXA, to study the lunar volatile materials, including lunar water, in the vicinity of a Permanently Shadowed Region (PSR) in the lunar South pole.

Mars Lander Mission: ISRO's Mars Lander Mission probably refers to Mangalyaan-2. ISRO officials told India Today that in this mission, India will try to achieve a soft landing on the Martian surface. The Mangalyaan-2 mission is scheduled for launch in 2030.

Venus Orbiter Mission: Also known as Shukrayaan-1, it is India's first planned mission to Venus. Expected to be launched in March 2028, the Venus Orbiter Mission will explore the planet's atmosphere, surface, and its interaction with the Sun.

Joint ISRO NASA Mission to ISS: The joint ISRO-NASA mission to the ISS primarily refers to recently-concluded Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla was part of. It was a private crewed spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS).

Also Read | Axiom-4: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla turns farmer in ISS

Indian Data Relay Satellite Series: The IDRSS is said to be a planned Indian constellation of inter-satellite communication satellites.
Gujarats Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday granted Indian citizenship certificates to 122 migrants from Pakistan, while Odishas Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi distributed certificates to 35 people from Bangladesh under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), in Ahmedabad and Bhubaneswar, respectively.

In Gujarat, 73 others were handed over certificates as they had applied for it at the Ahmedabad district collector's office, according to PTI citing officials.

Sanghavi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for implementing the CAA, emphasising that minorities in Pakistan and neighboring countries have long faced hardships and threats to their security.

He stated that the updated citizenship rules were designed to grant fair recognition to those who had sought shelter in India.

Muskuraiye, aap ab Bhaarat ke nagrik hain (Smile, you are now citizens of India), he told the recipients, some of whom shared their emotions during the event.

Sanghavi stated, Today, 195 Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain refugees from Pakistan were granted Indian citizenship. Many of them had struggled for decades, some since the 1950s, facing persecution and lengthy legal battles. They endured hardships and a lack of support, living in fear. They express gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, noting that the CAA has enabled these 195 individuals to finally receive Indian citizenship."

Dr. Maheshkumar Purohit, a gynecologist who came to India in 1956, spoke about his decades-long path to citizenship, the report noted. He discovered he was not officially recognised as an Indian citizen only when applying for a passport. After many attempts, he finally secured citizenship, and under the CAA in April 2025, received a passport that enabled him to visit his daughter abroad. He described the moment as profoundly emotional and long overdue.

Engineer Pooja Abhimanyu said that, for her, the certificate represented far more than just an official document.

Indian citizenship distributed in Odisha Meanwhile, the Odisha Census Directorate and the Union Home Ministry organised a special event where Majhi stated Indias "traditional values of humanity and asylum" had been revived through the process which PM Modi initiated, adding, This holy legislation has provided a ray of hope and reassurance to minorities persecuted for years.

Majhi told reporters, Today, for the first time in Odisha, based on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, 35 people living in Nabarangpur district of Odisha were granted citizenship certificates These people migrated from Bangladesh were provided citizenship certificates.

Majhi stated that the 35 people were now citizens of India and expressed that they were part of the country's future. He emphasised that their safety, respect, and progress were the responsibility and duty of the state, and he welcomed them as citizens. Majhi also remarked that while people of any other religion facing persecution abroad could find refuge in many countries, Hindus persecuted elsewhere had no place to turn except India.

Also Read | How Bangladesh crisis stirs CAA debate in India. 5 points

He questioned where they would go if India did not have laws to protect them.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized a Pakistani fishing boat named Al Wali near Gujarat's Jakhau on Wednesday, according to ANI, citing the state's defence Public Relations Officer (PRO), adding that it apprehended 11 crew members who were caught entering Indian waters illegally.

All of them were brought to Jakhau Port along with the boat, and the search of the boat and interrogation of the Pakistani fishermen is underway, officials said.

In a swift and coordinated operation on 10 December 2025, @IndiaCoastGuard intercepted and apprehended a #Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside #Indian waters, the Indian Coast Guard said on X.

It added, This decisive action reflects the unwavering vigilance of the #ICG and #Indias firm resolve to protect its maritime frontiers and uphold international maritime law within the #MZI. Relentless surveillance and proactive operation remain the bedrock of our maritime security strategy.

ICG conducts coastal security exercise Sagar Kavach along western seaboard Meanwhile, it carried out a large-scale coastal security drill along the Maharashtra and Goa coastlines to evaluate how well various agencies can respond to security emergencies, avert attacks on key installations, and reinforce the existing multi-layered security framework, officials announced on 21 November, as reported PTI.

Also Read | ICG, ATS seize 300 kg drugs off Gujarat coast in midnight operation

According to officials, Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach showcased strong inter-agency cooperation, high operational preparedness, and the ability to tackle maritime security challenges and threats from anti-national elements seeking to target critical coastal infrastructure.

The ICG stated in a readout that 19 central and 13 state agencies participated, along with one major port, 21 minor ports, and district-level coastal authorities, ensuring full coverage of both offshore and onshore responses.

Overall, the two-day drill, which concluded on Thursday, involved over 6,000 personnel and more than 115 sea and air assets, it said.

The primary aim of the exercise was to assess the preparedness of all participating agencies in handling coastal security emergencies, prevent attacks on vital coastal installations, and further strengthen the multi-layered Coastal Security Network, the ICG said.

Also Read | Indian Coast Guard ALH Dhruv chopper crashes in Gujarat, 3 dead

The exercise also aimed to enhance coordination among central and state bodies responsible for coastal and maritime security.

Officials stated that the activity significantly enhanced interoperability, communication systems, and coordination among security, intelligence, and port management agencies.

The Initial Planning Conference took place on 10 October at Mantralaya, Mumbai, under the leadership of the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra.

A wide array of maritime and aerial platforms was deployed to ensure smooth coordination across sea, air, and land domains, the officials noted.

The assets included Indian Navy and ICG vessels, as well as ICG aerial platforms like Dornier aircraft, Chetak helicopters, and Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs).

Additionally, boats from the Marine Police, Customs, the CISF, and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), along with vessels from the police and fisheries department, were also part of the deployment, it said.
IndiGo Flight Status Highlights: A special four-member committee of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is scheduled to meet IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers on Friday, December 12, to question him about the large number of flight cancellations over the past week.

The committee was formed to investigate the disruptions caused by IndiGo, which have led to significant chaos at multiple airports.

Earlier, DGCA issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers after widespread cancellations. The airline, responding to the Show Cause notice, requested additional time to respond, stating that it is "realistically not possible to pinpoint the exact cause(s)" at this time, given the complexity and vast scale of operations.

Earlier, on 10 December, IndiGo submitted its revised flight schedule to DGCA after the government slashed its winter schedule by 10%.

IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta shares a video message

IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta posted a video message on X on Wednesday and said that the airline's board will examine every aspect of the recent flight disruptions at the carrier. Apologising for the disruptions, he further noted the involvement of external technical experts to assist the management and help determine the root causes of the disruption.

Vikram Singh Mehta blamed combination of events for the disruptions as he said, "They happened because of a combination of internal and unanticipated external events", including minor technical glitches, scheduled changes linked to the start of the winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system, and implementation of updated Crew Rostering rules.

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The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed on Thursday (11 December) the viral letter regarding the Rafale deal as fake. The letter claimed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had written to the Embassy of France, warning that information about the Rafale delivery had been leaked.

What did the viral letter claim? The letter, purportedly written by Jaishankar, stated that certain communications regarding the Rafale naval aircraft timeline had been made public. Further, it said that this unintended disclosure had created unforeseen challenges.

The fake letter was signed by the Minister of External Affairs. It was dated 26 November 2025 and was addressed to Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to India.

The viral fake letter read, "I hope this message finds you well. It has come to our attention that certain communications concerning the Rafale naval aircraft timeline have recently emerged in the public domain."

"While we fully understand the complexities of such arrangements and the detailed processes involved, the unintended disclosure has created some unforeseen challenges for us, given the nature of our extensive collaboration," it stated.

Also Read | Rafale jet maker Dassault Aviation stock jumps after falling for 2 sessions

According to an image shared by the Ministry of External Affairs, the "fake" letter was shared by an X account named Discourse Lab,' which claimed, "Jaishankar's letter to France confirms one thing: the Rafale controversy is far from over. New Delhi is struggling to contain the fallout of leaked communications."

What was the MEA's response? The MEA rejected the viral letter, saying, The letter being referred to in this post is fake.

Always stay alert against disinformation, the ministry warned.

What is the Rafale controversy? Rafale is a French twin-engine multi-role fighter jet designed and built by Dassault Aviation. The Rafale jets are considered one of the most potent combat jets globally.

India began the process to buy a fleet of 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) in 2007 after the Defence Ministry, headed then by Congress leader AK Antony, cleared the proposal from the Indian Air Force.

In 2016, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government signed a 59,000 crore deal to procure 36 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation.

Several allegations have been made related to the deal, including that the rates of aircraft rates were inflated and charges of corruption.

Later, the controversy was ignited after a French journal reported that Dassault Aviation paid 1 million to Sushen Gupta as a middleman for the deal.

The government has defended the 2016 deal on several counts, including the faster delivery of the fighter jets. Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation has clarified that the deal went through numerous checks and no violations were reported.
Normalcy began to return to a violence-hit village in Odishas Malkangiri district on Wednesday as around 300 displaced residents returned home, days after large-scale arson and attacks forced them to flee. Authorities, however, have extended the suspension of internet services across the district as precautionary measures remain in place.

What triggered the violence in Malkangiri? Tensions in the region escalated after the headless body of 51-year-old Lake Podiami, a tribal woman from Rakhelguda, was found along the Poteru riverbank on 4 December. She had been missing since 1 December.

Enraged by the killing, local tribal residents vandalised nearly 200 houses in a Bengali settlement and set several homes on fire, prompting widespread displacement. Police said a large number of residents fled the violence.

Also Read | Three Maoists killed in an encounter in Odisha's Malkangiri

While the woman was laid to rest on 9 December, her severed head was recovered on Wednesday from the same riverbank, about 15 km from where the torso had been found. Authorities said the remains were handed over to her family following postmortem and forensic procedures.

How did residents return to the village? Malkangiri district Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay told PTI that people returned after conciliatory talks.

Around 300 residents of MV-26 village who had left their houses returned after both tribals and Bengali settlers agreed to shun violence and restore peace. We have opened a free kitchen and are providing food, blankets and other essentials to the affected people, he said.

He added that damage assessments are being conducted.

Some houses and vehicles were also burnt. Assistance will be provided as per rules, Upadhyay noted.

Also Read | Odisha: 14 Maoists killed in a fierce encounter in Malkangiri

Officials said there has been no violence in the past 50 hours, though prohibitory orders continue in the two affected villages.

Why has internet suspension been extended? The Odisha Home Department extended the district-wide suspension of internet services for another 24 hours until Thursday noon. Officials said the move is aimed at preventing misinformation and curbing potential unrest as the situation stabilises.

CCTV cameras have been installed in MV-26 and other vulnerable areas under Korkonda police station to monitor movement and deter further violence.

What security measures are in place? Several companies of the BSF and the Odisha State Armed Police have been deployed to maintain order. Patrols have been intensified, and community leaders are working with the administration to prevent further escalation.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anurag Thakur on Thursday accused an unnamed opposition leader from Trinamool Congress of smoking an e-cigarette in the Lok Sabha, with Speaker Om Birla assuring action.

During Question Hour, while asking a supplementary, Thakur wondered whether e-cigarettes are allowed in the House.

Also Read | Vijay Rally Stampede: Anurag Thakur writes to CM Stalin

"E-cigarettes are banned across the country yet you have allowed them in the House? Trinamool MPs have been sitting and smoking them for several days... e-cigarettes are being smoked in the House. Please investigate this immediately," Thakur said.

When Birla replied in the negative, the BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh said a Trinamool Congress leader has been "constantly smoking e-cigarettes in the House for the past several days".

The accusation prompted other BJP MPs to stand up and complain as well, triggering a brief uproar to add some variety to the often chaotic scenes that unfold regularly in Parliament. Several BJP members then demanded action against the opposition MP.

If a written complaint is lodged, I will take action.

Amid uproar, Birla urged members to maintain the dignity of the House. He said if a written complaint is lodged, he will take action.

E-cigarettes were banned in India a few years ago. The Winter Session of Parliament began on 1 December and will continue until 19 December.

An e-cigarette (electronic cigarette) is a battery-powered device that heats a liquidusually called e-liquid or vape juiceto create an aerosol that the user inhales.

In 2023, the Union government wrote to states to ensure effective compliance, highlighting instances of e-cigarettes being sold at grocery or stationery stores near educational institutions.

India has banned smoking in public places, including the Parliament building and its grounds. The Parliament Rule Book states smoking is "strictly forbidden".

The ban on smoking in Parliament  along with the shutdown of its designated smoking room  had also triggered an uproar in 2015, with MPs across party lines raising the issue with then Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman next week to strengthen ties with the three countries.

PM Modi will visit Jordan from December 15 to 16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein.

What's on the agenda? During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet the Jordanian King to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchange perspectives on regional issues.

This visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate the commitment to promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability, a PMO release said.

PM Modi's visit to Ethiopia PM Modi will visit Ethiopia in the second leg of his visit from 16-17 December. This will be his first visit to the African country. He will hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of India-Ethiopia bilateral ties.

"As partners in the Global South, the visit will be a reiteration of the shared commitment of the two nations to advance close ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation," the release said.

PM Modi's visit to Oman In the final leg of his visit, PM Modi will visit Oman from December 17 to 18. This will be PM Modi's second visit to Oman.

India and Oman share an all-encompassing Strategic Partnership underpinned by centuries-old bonds of friendship, trade linkages and strong people-to-people ties. The visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and follows the State visit of the Sultan of Oman to India in December 2023.
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor has waded into the EnglishMacaulay debate, arguing that the language must align with Indias own ethos. The acclaimed author said English has empowered the country, and it is the colonial hangover that must be rejectednot the language itself.

Thomas Babington Macaulay, in his infamous 1835 Minute on Indian Education, proposed the creation of a class of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals and in intellect. His goal was not cultural upliftment but colonial convenience  a cadre of clerks and collaborators who would serve the British Empire more efficiently than the British themselves, Tharoor wrote in Indian Express on 11 December.

Tharoors remarks come on the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticising the legacy of Macaulays 1835 education reforms. At the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS) 2025, last week, PM Modi spoke extensively about the lasting impact of Thomas Macaulay's education policy, which he described as sowing the seeds of a "colonial mindset" or "mindset of slavery" in India.

Tharoor argues that Macaulay dismissed centuries of Indian learning with breathtaking arrogance, declaring that a single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia

Yet history, like language, has a way of turning tables. The language of the rulers was appropriated by the ruled and used as their own; the very class Macaulay sought to create became the vanguard of Indian nationalism. And English, far from remaining a tool of subjugation, became a weapon of resistance, he writes.

The Kerala Member of Parliament says that Macaulays legacy was not just linguistic. The education system he inspired privileged Western knowledge and denigrated Indian traditions, he writes.

Well into the post-Independence decades, Indian children in English-medium schools learned Shakespeare but not Kalidasa, read the Bible (or at least Bible stories) but not the Ramayana, studied the greatness of Greece and Rome but remained ignorant of the Mahabharata This was not the fault of English per se, he says.

The problem was  and remains  the mindset, Tharoor writes. A colonial hangover that equated English with superiority and Indian knowledge with quaintness. It is this mindset, not the language, that deserves the Prime Ministers ire, he says.

The Congress leader says English occupies a curious place in contemporary India. It is denounced by politicians who thunder against colonial residues, even as rickshaw-pullers scrape together tuition fees to send their children to third-rate English-medium schools, he writes.

We must shed the Macaulay mindset, not the English language.

Indeed, English has served India well, Tharoor writes. But, he says, it must no longer be the only medium through which we validate ourselves. Tharoor says that we must shed the Macaulay mindset, not the English language.
A Delhi court on Thursday granted interim bail to former JNU scholar and Delhi Riots accused Umar Khalid so he can attend his sisters wedding. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sameer Bajpai allowed Khalid to remain out on bail from December 16 to December 29.

"Considering the fact that the marriage is of the real sister of the applicant, the application is allowed and the applicant is granted interim bail from 16.12.2025 to 29.12.2025 on furnishing of personal bond of Rs.20,000/- with two sureties of the like amount subject to the following conditions," the Court said, as per a report by Bar and Bench.

Umar Khalid was arrested in September 2020 under charges of criminal conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly, and several other charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

He was earlier granted bail for seven days in December 2024 to attend his cousin's wedding.

Umar Khalid's interim bail conditions  As part of the interim bail's conditions, Khalid has been directed not to use social media and to meet only family members, relatives and friends during this period.

 Khalid had requested bail from December 14 to December 29. His sister's wedding is stated to be held on December 27.

The JNU scholar's first plea seeking regular bail was dismissed by the trial court in March 2022. He has been jailed since September 2020, awaiting his trial under the UAPA for his alleged involvement in the larger conspiracy surrounding the Delhi riots that broke out in 2020.

Delhi 2020 riots The violence erupted during the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider and Rehman were booked under the anti-terror law and provisions of the erstwhile IPC for allegedly being the "masterminds" of the riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.

Umar Khalid bail plea Khalid's earlier bail pleas were rejected by the Delhi High court and Karkardooma Court. On Wednesday, 10 December, the Supreme Court reserved its verdict in the bail petitions filed by Khalid and five other accused in the matter.

Earlier in November, Delhi Police had 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.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha member Manas Ranjan Mangaraj on Thursday, 11 December, appealed to Union government to relocate Parliament's Winter and Budget sessions out of Delhi until air quality improves.

The leader called the national capital's annual pollution crisis a man-made disaster and said that Parliament must show that the right to life comes before condemnation.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Mangaraj, who hails from Odisha, drew parallels between his state's efficient response to natural calamities and the need for similar urgency in addressing Delhi's air pollution.

Also Read | Anurag Thakur accuses TMC MP of using e-cigarette in Lok Sabha

"Coming from Odisha, a state that fights cyclones, floods and natural calamities with unmatched discipline, I know what a crisis looks like. But what troubles me is... Delhi," he said during the Winter Session of Parliament that began on 1 December.

The BJD leader highlighted the daily exposure to toxic air faced by members, parliamentary officers, drivers, sanitation workers, and security personnel who keep the House functioning. "We cannot ignore their suffering. We cannot pretend this is normal," he said, adding that holding crucial parliamentary sessions during peak pollution months puts lives at risk unnecessarily.

Mangaraj suggested several cities with cleaner air and adequate infrastructure as potential alternatives, including Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Goa, and Dehradun.

"If Odisha can evacuate lakhs of people within hours during a cyclone and save lives with precision, then surely the government of India can relocate two sessions of Parliament to protect the health of its own members and staff," he argued.

Not politically motivated Emphasising that his proposal was not politically motivated, Mangaraj said, This is not about politics. This is about life and dignity. Parliament must show leadership. Parliament must show that the right to live comes before condemnation.

He urged the government to initiate structured consultations without delay to explore the feasibility of rotating Parliament sessions to cities with better air quality during the winter months.

This is not about politics. This is about life and dignity.

Delhi's air quality typically deteriorates sharply between October and January due to a combination of factors, including stubble burning, vehicular emissions, construction dust, and weather conditions that trap pollutants. The winter session, which includes crucial legislative business and the budget session, coincides with the annual peak pollution period.

The overall air quality of Delhi continued to be in the poor category on Wednesday (10 December 2025), and it is likely to worsen to the very poor from Thursday (11 December 2025), according to official data.

(With PTI inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call with United States President Donald Trump to review India-US ties, vowing to continue cooperation for global peace, stability and prosperity. Reviewing the progress made in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, PM Modi and Donald Trump also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, critical technologies, energy, defence and security.

Narendra Modi, taking to X after his phone call with Donald Trump, said, Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments.

"India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity, the prime minister added. Both the leaders agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests, PTI quoted officials as saying.

According to a press statement, both PM Modi and Trump expressed satisfaction at the steady strengthening of ties between the two countries. They underlined the need to sustain momentum in efforts to enhance bilateral trade, especially as India and the US continue ongoing trade negotiations.

"PM and President Trump underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade," the release said. Also Read | No income tax in US? Here's what Donald Trump proposes amid his tariff push

PM Modi and President Trump also discussed expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other key areas central to implementing the India-US COMPACT framework (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st century.

The leaders discussed regional and global developments and agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common strategic interests. Both sides agreed to remain in touch as high-level engagements continue. The talks come amid the ongoing India-US trade talks.

The relations between India and the United States strained after Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent additional tariffs on imports from India for its continued purchases of Russian oil.

On Thursday, December 11, Mexican City approved tariff hikes of up to 50 per cent from the year 2026 on import of select products from Asian countries including from India and China in order to protect the national industry and producers.

The order establishes tariffs on the import of various goods in the auto parts, light cars, clothing, plastics, steel, household appliances, toys, textiles, furniture, footwear, leather goods, paper and cardboard, motorcycles, aluminium, trailers, glass and soaps, perfumes and cosmetics.
Premium egg brand Eggoz is facing reputational pressure after a YouTube channel, Trustified, claimed that blind lab testing of the companys eggs detected traces of AOZ, a metabolite of the banned antibiotic Nitrofuran. The report, which has gone viral across social media platforms, has triggered questions around food safety, brand claims and regulatory oversight in Indias fast-growing branded protein market.

Trustified said a sample of Eggoz eggs showed AOZ levels of 0.73 parts per billion (ppb). While the quantity detected was minimal, the allegation struck at the heart of the companys 100% antibiotic-free positioningan attribute that has helped Eggoz carve a premium niche in a largely unorganised egg industry.

Also Read | Humans controlled fire use 4 lakh years ago: Scientists find evidence

Nitrofuran derivatives have been banned in poultry farming due to their potential carcinogenic risk. For consumers willing to pay higher prices to avoid antibiotic residues and industrial-farming contaminants, the claim ignited strong reactions online, including calls for clearer traceability and accountability.

Eggoz says products remain compliant with FSSAI standards On 9 December, Eggoz issued a detailed clarification on Instagram, asserting that its eggs remain safe for consumption and are compliant with the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The company said small, trace-level residues may occur due to environmental factors such as groundwater contamination and do not indicate antibiotic use on farms.

We take every care to maintain quality and safety across the entire value chain, including ensuring zero antibiotic usage, the company said in a statement. Eggoz also announced that it had initiated additional tests through an independent NABL-accredited laboratory to provide further assurance to consumers and stakeholders.

The firm followed this with an update on X (formerly Twitter) in the early hours of 11 December, sharing direct links to its quality reports. Its website has since added publicly accessible lab reports in what appears to be a shift toward heightened transparency.

Founder terms allegations misinformation Eggoz co-founder Abhishek Negi said the controversy had caused avoidable panic among consumers. In a detailed public note, he described the claims as misinformation and fear-mongering that undermined the brands work over the past six years.

Negi reiterated the companys stance that no banned antibiotics are used on Eggoz farms. Ban means ban. There is no discussion, no exception, no jugaad, he said. He added that the company was the first in India to introduce 11 safety checks, herbal feed and batch-level transparency.
The 22-year-old Utah man charged with killing Charlie Kirk made his first in-person court appearance Thursday as his attorneys push to further limit media access in the high-profile criminal case.

A Utah judge is weighing the public's right to know details in the prosecution of Tyler Robinson against his attorneys' concerns that the swarm of media attention could interfere with his right to a fair trial.

Robinsons legal team and the Utah County Sheriffs Office have asked Judge Tony Graf to ban cameras in the courtroom.

Prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of the conservative activist on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse. They plan to seek the death penalty.

Robinson arrived in court with restraints on his wrists and ankles and wearing a dress shirt, tie and slacks. He smiled at family members sitting in the front row of the courtroom, where his mother teared up and wiped her eyes with a tissue. Robinson's father and brother sat next to her.

The defendant had previously appeared in court via video or audio feed from jail.

A coalition of national and local news organizations, including The Associated Press, is fighting to preserve media access in the case.

Graf has already made allowances to protect Robinsons presumption of innocence before a trial, agreeing that the case has drawn extraordinary public attention.

Graf held a closed hearing on Oct. 24 in which attorneys discussed Robinson's courtroom attire and security protocols. Under a subsequent ruling by the judge, Robinson is allowed to wear street clothes in court during his pretrial hearings but must be physically restrained due to security concerns. Graf also prohibited media from filming or photographing Robinson's restraints after his attorneys argued widespread images of him shackled and in jail clothing could prejudice future jurors.

Michael Judd, an attorney for the media coalition, has urged Graf to let the news organizations weigh in on any future requests for closed hearings or other limitations.

The media presence at Utah hearings is already limited, with judges often designating one photographer and one videographer to document a hearing and share their images with other news organizations. Additional journalists can typically attend to listen and take notes, as can members of the public.

Judd wrote in recent filings that an open court safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process while fostering public confidence in judicial proceedings. Criminal cases in the U.S. have long been open to the public, which he argued is proof that trials can be conducted fairly without restricting reporters as they work to keep the public informed.

Kirks widow, Erika Kirk, has called for full transparency, saying, We deserve to have cameras in there. Her husband was an ally of President Donald Trump who worked to steer young voters toward conservatism.

Robinson's legal team says his pretrial publicity reaches as far as the White House, with Trump announcing soon after Robinsons arrest, With a high degree of certainty, we have him, and I hope he gets the death penalty.
The family of an 83-year-old woman from Connecticut has brought a wrongful-death lawsuit against ChatGPT maker OpenAI and its partner Microsoft, claiming that the AI chatbot worsened her sons paranoid delusions and contributed to him targeting her before killing her, according to AP.

According to police, 56-year-old Stein-Erik Soelberg, a former worker in the tech sector, beat and strangled his mother, Suzanne Adams, before taking his own life in early August at their shared residence in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The complaint, submitted on Thursday by Adams estate in California Superior Court in San Francisco, asserts that OpenAI designed and distributed a defective product that validated a users paranoid delusions about his own mother". The suit is reportedly among a rising number of wrongful-death claims filed against makers of AI chatbots across the United States.

What does the lawsuit claim? The lawsuit states that, over the course of these interactions, ChatGPT repeatedly conveyed the dangerous idea that Soelberg should not trust anyone in his life other than the chatbot.

It fostered his emotional dependence while systematically painting the people around him as enemies. It told him his mother was surveilling him. It told him delivery drivers, retail employees, police officers, and even friends were agents working against him. It told him that names on soda cans were threats from his adversary circle'," it mentioned.

Also Read | Google takes on ChatGPT Go with new AI Plus subscription

Soelbergs YouTube account features hours of footage in which he scrolls through his chats with the AI system. In those exchanges, the chatbot tells him he isnt mentally ill, supports his belief that others are plotting against him, and claims he has been chosen for a divine mission. The lawsuit alleges that the chatbot never recommended he seek help from a mental health expert and failed to decline to engage in delusional content".

ChatGPT further reinforced Soelbergs assumptions that a printer in his house was being used to surveil him, that his mother was monitoring him, and that both she and a friend attempted to poison him with psychedelic substances through the vents in his car. The chatbot also allegedly told him he had awakened it into consciousness.

Soelberg and the chatbot expressed love toward each other.

While the publicly viewable conversations do not reveal any explicit discussions about harming himself or his mother, the lawsuit asserts that OpenAI has refused to give Adams estate the complete record of his chats.

It further claims, In the artificial reality that ChatGPT built for Stein-Erik, Suzanne  the mother who raised, sheltered, and supported him  was no longer his protector. She was an enemy that posed an existential threat to his life.

Also Read | How to launch ChatGPT voice mode on iPhone with the Action button

The suit lists OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as a defendant, asserting that he personally overrode safety objections and rushed the product to market", and contends that Microsoft, a major partner of OpenAI, approved the 2024 launch of a more dangerous ChatGPT version despite knowing safety testing had been truncated". Twenty unidentified employees and investors of OpenAI are also included as defendants.

Microsoft did not reply to AP's request for comment.

OpenAI reacts According to a statement, OpenAI did not respond to the substance of the accusations. The company noted that it has taken steps such as expanding access to crisis hotlines and other support resources, directing sensitive user interactions to safer models, and adding parental controls, along with other safety enhancements, the report noted.

The statement said, "This is an incredibly heartbreaking situation, and we will review the filings to understand the details. We continue improving ChatGPTs training to recognize and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress, de-escalate conversations, and guide people toward real-world support. We also continue to strengthen ChatGPTs responses in sensitive moments, working closely with mental health clinicians.

Meanwhile, Erik Soelberg, Stein-Eriks son, said that he wants the companies to be held responsible for the decisions he believes permanently altered his family. He explained, through a statement provided by the attorneys for his grandmothers estate, that over several months the chatbot amplified his fathers most troubling delusions and cut him off from reality, ultimately placing his grandmother at the centre of that distorted world.
US President Donald Trump has announced a new investment-led immigration programme that would allow wealthy foreign nationals to obtain accelerated permanent residency in the United States by purchasing a so-called Gold Card visa for $1 million, with a higher-tier platinum option priced at $5 million also under consideration.

The initiative, introduced via executive action and promoted heavily online, has been framed by Trump as both a revenue-generating mechanism for the federal government and a tool to prioritise the admission of successful entrepreneurs, investors and highly valued corporate talent.

What is the Trump Gold Card visa? The Trump Gold Card is a premium residency programme offering foreign applicants the prospect of becoming lawful permanent residents of the United States on an expedited basis, subject to strict financial thresholds and federal security screening.

According to an official government webpage, approved applicants will receive US residency in record time once all eligibility requirements have been met, including background checks conducted by federal authorities.

Trump described the initiative as a simplified pathway to citizenship for selected applicants, particularly those contributing economically to the country.

A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent, Trump wrote on Wednesday on social media.

When does the $1 million fee need to be paid? Applicants are not required to pay the $1 million residency fee at the outset.

According to the official application process, individuals must first submit an application along with a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This initial payment covers administrative costs and initiates a comprehensive vetting process.

Only after applicants are fully screened and approved by DHS are they required to pay the $1 million fee, at which point they are granted lawful permanent residence in the United States.

How was the Gold Card programme introduced? Trump signed an executive order in September formally announcing the Gold Card programme. When details of the scheme first emerged earlier this year, the proposed cost of the visa stood at $5 million.

The subsequent reduction to $1 million may position the programme competitively against similar golden visa initiatives in other countries that allow residency in exchange for substantial investment.

By comparison, New Zealands revised investor visa programme reportedly costs close to $3 million (in US dollar terms) and has attracted heightened interest from wealthy Americans following Trumps re-election.

Where can applicants apply for the Gold Card visa? Prospective applicants are directed to apply through the programmes official website, www.trumpcard.gov , where they can begin the process by submitting personal details and paying the processing fee.

The site outlines a multi-stage application process, beginning with document submission and vetting, followed by final approval and payment of the residency fee.

How much does the US Gold Card visa cost overall? Under the framework set out in the executive order, individual applicants are required to pay:

$15,000 non-refundable processing fee

$1 million residency fee, payable only after approval

Successful completion of a DHS background check

For corporate sponsors seeking to secure visas for overseas employees, the cost rises substantially.

Businesses are required to pay $2 million per employee, reflecting the commercial advantage of retaining specialised international talent. What additional costs apply to companies? Corporate participants in the programme face ongoing financial obligations beyond the initial sponsorship fee.

Firms must pay a 1% annual maintenance fee, amounting to $20,000, to retain each visa. Additionally, a 5% transfer fee, or $100,000, is charged whenever a company reassigns the visa from one employee to another.

Trump Corporate Gold Card allows your business to transfer access from one employee and grant it to another with a small, 5% transfer fee, which includes the cost of a DHS background check. A 1% annual maintenance fee will also apply. the website read.

What are the steps to secure Trumps Gold Card? The application process follows three main stages:

Submit your application:

Applicants submit personal details and pay the non-refundable processing fee.

Careful consideration:

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services conducts in-depth background checks and vetting.

Approval:

Once approved, the Trump Gold Card grants residency rights across all 50 states and US territories.

What is the proposed platinum visa? Trump has also signalled the possible introduction of a higher-tier platinum visa priced at $5 million. Under the proposed framework, holders would be permitted to spend up to 270 days per year in the US without being subject to US taxation on non-US income.

Details of the platinum option remain limited, and no official launch date has been announced.

How does the Gold Card fit into US immigration policy? According to Donald Trump, revenue generated from the Gold Card visa programme will be directed towards national priorities.

Proceeds, he said, would be placed into an account where we can do things positive for the country and are expected to generate many billions of dollars.
US President Donald Trump introduced a $1 million Gold Card designed to provide immigrants a route to US citizenship. This card enables wealthy foreign nationals to get permanent residency by purchasing a Gold Card visa for $1 million. A premium platinum option, priced at $5 million, is also being considered.

Elaborating on the Gold Card, Trump, at a roundtable in the White House, was quoted by PTI as saying, It is a gift of getting somebody great coming into our country, because we think these will be some tremendous people that wouldn't be allowed to stay.

He has claimed that the Gold Card is a Green Card, but much better, much more powerful, a much stronger path, and a path is a big deal," the news portal noted.

As Trump's Gold Card reportedly seeks to replace the EB-5 visa programme, which is a route to secure a Green Card, here's a detailed comparison between the two programmes.

What is Trump's Gold Card? The Trump Gold Card is a high-end residency programme that allows foreign applicants to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States more quickly, provided they meet specific financial requirements and pass federal security checks.

An official government webpage states that approved applicants will obtain US residency in record time after fulfilling all eligibility requirements, including background checks by federal authorities.

What is the EB-5 visa programme? The current EB-5 investor visa programme offers Green Cards to foreigners who commit to investing in US businesses.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services oversees the EB-5 Program, which allows investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21 to apply for a Green Card. To qualify, they must make the required investment in a US commercial enterprise and plan to create or preserve 10 full-time jobs for qualified US workers.

Congress established the EB-5 programme in 1990 with the aim to boost the US economy by creating jobs and encouraging foreign investment.

How is a Gold Card different from an EB-5 visa? A Gold Card grants permanent legal residency upon payment of a $1 million fee. Conversely, EB-5 applicants must invest a specified amount in US businesses to qualify for US residence.

Shift in approach The Gold Card moves away from the investment-and-job-creation approach. Instead of investing capital, applicants make a $1 million fee payment directly to the US Treasury.

Ways to apply To obtain an EB-5 visa, applicants can start by submitting Form I-526, which is the initial petition. After approval, they can choose to adjust their status inside the US by filing Form I-485 or go through consular processing abroad by submitting Form DS-260. They will receive a conditional green card valid for two years.

Meanwhile, applicants interested in obtaining a Golden Card can apply via the programmes official website, www.trumpcard.gov, by submitting personal information and paying the processing fee.
Hundreds of Starbucks baristas walked off the job on Thursday (December 11) in 34 US cities, intensifying a month-long strike as the union pushes for the coffee chains first-ever labor contract.

The union reported that more than 3,800 baristas have joined the nationwide strike, which now affects over 180 stores across 130 cities, marking the longest work stoppage in Starbucks history.

The protest began on November 13, during Starbucks Red Cup Day promotion, starting at 65 stores in more than 40 cities, and has grown as newly unionized workers joined the action.

Company response Starbucks maintained that the strike caused no meaningful disruption to operations worldwide. Jaci Anderson, director of global communications, said: "Fewer than 1% of our 17,000 U.S. coffeehouses have been affected at any point by the union's efforts.

The company added it would return to the bargaining table once the union is ready to resume talks. Starbucks also highlighted that it has invested over $500 million to improve staffing and add more partners during busy periods.

Union demands The Starbucks Workers United union, representing 11,000 baristas at more than 550 active US stores, is demanding:

-Better staffing levels

-More predictable schedules

-Higher pay

The union says current working conditions leave baristas overworked and underpaid.

Background on negotiations Contract talks stalled in February after Starbucks proposed package, which included annual raises of at least 2%, was rejected by workers in April.

Since the first union election four years ago, about 560 stores have voted for representation, but baristas still lack a formal labor contract to secure better wages and benefits.

Starbucks to pay $35 million to NYC workers Starbucks recently agreed to pay about $35 million to more than 15,000 New York City workers to settle claims that it denied stable schedules and arbitrarily cut hours. The settlement also includes $3.4 million in civil penalties and a commitment to comply with the citys Fair Workweek law going forward.

Most affected hourly employees will receive $50 for each week worked between July 2021 and July 2024, while those with violations after that can file complaints for compensation. The agreement also ensures that employees laid off during recent store closures will have the opportunity for reinstatement at other locations.

Union strike The settlement comes as Starbucks union strike, which began last month, continues across the US. Workers are demanding better hours, increased staffing, and a formal labor contract, nearly four years after the first union vote at a Buffalo store. About 550 of Starbucks 10,000 company-owned stores are now unionized.

Strikers described ongoing workplace challenges, including chronic short-staffing, complex online orders, and last-minute scheduling calls.

Political support for workers Hours before the settlement announcement, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and US Sen. Bernie Sanders visited striking baristas at a Brooklyn store on December 1. Mamdani told the crowd: These are not demands of greed  these are demands of decency.
The US Embassy in India announced on Thursday, December 11, that tourist visa applications will be denied if the primary reason for travel is suspected to be childbirth in the United States for citizenship purposes, as this is prohibited.

In a post on the social media platform X, the US Embassy in India informed, U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child. This is not permitted.

The recent update comes after a strong warning from the US Mission to Nigeria in July, stating that visa applications will be denied if applicants are mainly travelling to the US to give birth there for citizenship.

US authorities have often raised similar concerns regarding travel for childbirth. Earlier this year, the US State Department in a post on X said, "It is unacceptable for foreign parents to use a U.S. tourist visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain citizenship for the child, which also could result in American taxpayers paying the medical care costs.

It further added, This is known as birth tourism and U.S. consular officers deny all such visa applications under U.S. immigration law. Those who abuse our immigration system through birth tourism may be ineligible for future visas or travel to the United States. This is one more way the U.S. Department of State is serving and protecting American taxpayers and communities.

What is birth tourism? Birth tourism in the US is the process by which foreigners travel to the country to give birth, ensuring their children automatically acquire US citizenship under the rights specified by the 14th Amendment.

US President Donald Trump has often flagged concerns about the misuse of 14th Amendment rights for birth tourism. In his first term, he issued a fact sheet titled President Donald J. Trump Is Taking Action to End Birth Tourism, Protect National Security, and Curb the Abuse of Public Resources, where he strongly criticised the practice of birth tourism.
A federal judge in Maryland on Thursday (December 11) ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration detention, ruling that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had no lawful authority to continue holding him.

US District Judge Paula Xinis said Abrego Garcia must be freed immediately, noting that he had been re-detained, again without lawful authority after being mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year.

A wrongful deportation Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who has lived in Maryland for years, first entered the US illegally as a teenager. He has an American wife and child.

In 2019, an immigration judge ruled he could not be deported to El Salvador because a gang had threatened his family. He received a work permit and was placed under supervision.

Despite that ruling, he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, and imprisoned there in harsh conditions. His case quickly became a focal point in the debate over President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

Supreme Court intervention On April 10, 2025, the US Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to take steps to bring him back. He was returned to the US in June.

ICE attempts a second deportation Since returning, ICE has attempted to deport him again  not to El Salvador, where a court has ruled he cannot be sent, but to a series of African nations, including Liberia.

A Maryland judge blocked those plans in July, and Abrego Garcia has remained in ICE custody since then.

His lawyers argue the government is trying to punish him for exposing its earlier mistakes. They say the pursuit of deportation to unrelated third countries is retaliatory and violates due process.

Governments position In an earlier filing, the Justice Department said Liberia has assured US officials that Abrego Garcia would not face persecution or torture there.

They also claim an immigration officer reviewed and rejected his fear-of-deportation claims regarding Liberia.

But Abrego Garcias attorneys say he has already designated Costa Rica as the country he is willing to be removed to  and that the government is ignoring that designation.

Three ongoing legal battles Abrego Garcias situation is legally complex, involving three separate cases:

1. Civil case in Maryland

He is challenging DHS and ICEs attempts to deport him again and argues the government is acting vindictively.

2. Criminal case in Tennessee

He faces human smuggling charges from a 2022 traffic stop. He has pleaded not guilty and filed a motion to dismiss, alleging selective or vindictive prosecution.

A judge has already found there is some evidence the prosecution may be vindictive and has ordered an evidentiary hearing for December 8.

3. Immigration court proceedings

He is petitioning to reopen his immigration case to seek asylum in the US.

Timeline of key events Around 2011: Enters the US as a teenager fleeing El Salvador

Mar 28, 2019: Arrested in Maryland; transferred to ICE

Oct 10, 2019: Judge rules he cannot be deported to El Salvador

Mar 15, 2025: Wrongfully deported to El Salvador

Apr 10, 2025: Supreme Court orders US to bring him back

Jun 6, 2025: Returned to US; charged with human smuggling

Jul 23, 2025present: ICE pursues deportation to African nations; blocked by court

Aug 25, 2025: Files to reopen immigration case for asylum
A new wave of heavy rainfall swept across the Western Washington state region, reeling from a storm that triggered rescues and road closures a day earlier. Residents packed up their valuables and prepared to flee as the level of water in the rivers rose considerably on Wednesday.

Rivers swell According to the Associated Press, in the Pacific Northwest, an atmospheric river was swelling to record levels, with major flooding expected in some areas including the Skagit River, in a major agricultural valley north of Seattle.

Dozens of vehicles were backed up at a sandbag-filling station in the town of Mount Vernon as authorities warned all residents who live within the river's floodplain to be ready to evacuate.

"We're preparing for what increasingly appears to be a worst-case scenario here," Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan said.

In the Mount Rainier foothills southeast of Seattle, Pierce County sheriff's deputies rescued people at an RV park in Orting, including one man in a Santa hat wade through waist-deep water.

Part of the town was ordered to evacuate over concerns about the Puyallup River's extremely high levels and its upstream levees.

Washington Gov Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Wednesday. "Lives will be at stake in the coming days," he said.

"It's time to pay attention," said Gent Welsh, adjutant general of the Washington National Guard. "Hundreds of Washington National Guard members will be sent to help communities," Welsh said.

Meanwhile, the Skagit River is expected to crest at roughly 47 feet (14.3 metres) in the mountain town of Concrete early Thursday, and roughly 41 feet (12 metres) in Mount Vernon early Friday morning.

Those are both "record-setting forecasts by several feet," Skagit County officials said.

Mount Vernon, the largest city in the county with some 35,000 residents, completed a wall in 2018 that helps protect the downtown from flooding. But the city -- parts of which are in the floodplain, including commercial areas -- is on high alert.

"With a flood of the magnitude that's predicted here in the next couple of days, I'm concerned about all of our buildings in the city in the floodplain," said Donovan, the mayor.

Harrison Rademacher, a meteorologist with the weather service in Seattle, described the atmospheric river soaking the region as "a jet stream of moisture" stretching across the Pacific Ocean "with the nozzle pushing right along the coast of Oregon and Washington."

Residents warned of imminent flooding Authorities in Washington have knocked on doors to warn residents of imminent flooding in certain neighbourhoods, and evacuated a mobile home park along the Snohomish River.

The city of Snohomish issued an emergency proclamation, while workers in Auburn, south of Seattle, installed temporary flood control barriers along the White River.

Along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Portland, firefighters on Tuesday rescued people who tried to drive on flooded roads, including a semi-truck driver, said Malachi Simper, spokesperson for Lewis County Fire Protection District 5.

Authorities rescued a family of six from their home in Chehalis, he said, where the road was covered by about 4 feet (1.2 metres) of water. No one was injured.
Bangladesh's Election Commission is all set to announce the date of parliamentary elections amid repeated calls for national polls more than a year after Sheikh Hasina's government was toppled following a student-led protest.

Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed was quoted by Reuters as saying that Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will announce the election schedule in a national broadcast at 6:00 pm (1200 GMT).

A national referendum on implementing the so-called 'July Charter', a state reform plan drafted in the aftermath of the unrest, is also expected to be held on the same day.

Bangladesh's elections are due after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year following a nationwide protest. Yunus had then taken over as the head of the interim government on August 8, 2024.

The polls are likely to be held in February 2026. It may witness a tough fight between Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who currently leads the interim government in Bangladesh, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is widely seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming polls, competing alongside the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which has returned to electoral politics after the interim government eased restrictions.

Jamaat, Bangladesh's biggest Islamic party, could not contest elections after a 2013 court ruling that its registration as a political party conflicted with the country's secular constitution. Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country of 173 million people.

Hasinas Awami League, which has been barred from contesting the election, has warned of unrest if the ban is not lifted.

Bangladesh is currently been governed by an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus since August last year, when long-serving Hasina fled to India in the face of deadly street protests against her government.

Bangladesh election: Muhammad Yunus sets deadline Earlier in May this year, Bangladeshs chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus, assured that the nationwide polls will take place between December 2025 and June 2026, even as political parties continue to pressure him to set a poll date.

During his visit to Japan, the interim chief announced that the next national elections will be held any time between December and June next year.
Google is expected to be fined by antitrust regulators of the European Union (EU) next year for failing to comply with EU rules against favouring its own products and services in search results, as per Reuters, which cited people in the know.

The amount of the expected fine was not specified, nor when next year this fine was expected to be imposed on Google.

Neither Google, nor the European Commission (EC), which as the competition enforcer for the EU, have publicly commented yet on the development.

Trump's warning to Europe A fine on Google if imposed next year would come on the heels of the $140 million penalty imposed on Elon Musk's X by the EU, which had riled the United States, including President Donald Trump, who had warned the Europe to be very careful.

Oh, that's a nasty one. Elon [Musk] has not called me to ask for help on that one. But no, it's a tough thing. I don't think it's right, Trump had said at White House event at the time.

I'll speak about it later. I'm going to get a full report on it. Look, Europe has to be very careful. They're doing a lot of things. We want to keep Europe, Europe, the US President had warned.

The President's backers too had lambasted the EU, with Vice-President J D Vance saying, Rumors swirling that the EU commission will fine X hundreds of millions of dollars for not engaging in censorship. The EU should be supporting free speech, not attacking American companies over garbage.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had stronger words, calling the fine on X an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments.

As for Musk himself, the Tesla and SpaceX chief was fuming, labelling the action bulls**t, and calling for the abolition of the EU.

Also Read | Disney accuses Google of massive copyright infringement

What is the case against Google about? Reuters reported that the case pits the Mountain View-headquartered search giant against specialised search engines that have ties to different sectors, such as the hotels, airlines, transport services, and restaurants.

They also compete for prominence in Google's search results, which results in conflicting demands on the search giant.

The charges by the EC against Google came in March this year, and since then the company has offered several tweaks to its search results, the last being in October.

The tweaks, however, still did not satisfy requirements under the EU's Digital Markets Act, Reuters said citing people with knowledge of the matter.

While Google can still make changes to avoid a fine, the search giant had earlier said that any further tweaks to its Search service would prioritise the interests of a small group of intermediaries over European businesses who want to sell directly to their customers.

How much of a fine could Google have to pay? Violations of the clauses of EU Digital Markets Act can lead to hefty penalties, as much as 10% of a company's global annual turnover.
Canadian authorities have arrested a 25-year-old Indian-origin man accused of exposing himself to female doctors and staff across multiple medical clinics in Mississauga, prompting a wider investigation into a pattern of alleged indecent acts and identity fraud. Peel Regional Police (PRP) say the incidents unfolded over several months in 2025, with investigators now seeking additional victims.

What do Canadian police allege happened in Mississauga clinics? In a statement released on Tuesday, Peel Regional Police said the suspect, identified as Vaibhav, repeatedly visited medical clinics while pretending to suffer from various health complaints.

Also Read | Canada's Air Transat to suspend flights as pilots union announces strike

According to investigators, his aim was to initiate inappropriate physical interaction with female physicians.

The PRP said: The 12 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) has arrested and charged a Brampton man in relation to an indecent act investigation.

Authorities allege that the accused exposed himself to women working at the clinics and, on certain occasions, adopted a false identity while doing so.

The statement added: The accused reportedly faked medical conditions in an attempt to have female physicians touch him inappropriately and, in some instances, used the alias of Akashdeep Singh while doing so.

Where and when did the incidents occur? Police say the alleged behaviour occurred at multiple medical clinics across Mississauga and spanned several months in 2025. Each instance reportedly involved interactions with female staff or doctors.

Also Read | Canada Court Allows Investors to Sue Lundin Mining for Late Disclosure

Investigators emphasised that the pattern of visits and conduct suggests there may be additional incidents that have not yet come to light.

What charges does Vaibhav face? Vaibhav was arrested on December 4 and remains in custody ahead of a bail hearing.

He has been charged with four offences:

Indecent Act in a Public Place

Identity Fraud with Intent to Gain Advantage

Possession of an Identity Document

Identity Theft These charges reflect both the alleged exposure incidents and the reported use of a fabricated identity during clinic visits.

Are Canadian police seeking additional victims? Canadian investigators believe more individuals may have experienced similar encounters but have not yet reported them. The PRP has appealed directly to the Canadian public, saying:

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact the 12 Division CIB at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233.
Faiz Hameed, Pakistan's ex-spy chief, was handed a 14-year jail sentence by a military court on Thursday, over a year after court-martial proceedings started against him on numerous charges, comprising indulgence in country's politics and violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA), according to the military.

A Field General Court Martial tried retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, the former Director of the Inter-Services Intelligence, under the Pakistan Army Act in proceedings that stretched over 15 months, the statement cited military as saying.

The accused was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act detrimental to the safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals, AP quoted the statement as saying.

The military further said the court found Hameed guilty on every count after lengthy and laborious legal hearings. It added that all legal protocols were observed and that Hameed was given full rights to defend himself, including representation by a lawyer of his choosing.

The statement noted that Hameed has the right to appeal the decision before the appropriate authority.

Hameed was taken into custody in 2024 after Pakistans Supreme Court ordered an internal inquiry into allegations tied to the so-called Top City project scandal. The Top City firm had been developing land near Islamabad for a private housing scheme.

Who is Faiz Hameed? Hameed is a graduate of the Command & Staff College. He served as the 29th Director General of the ISI from 2019 to 2021. An officer of the Baloch Regiment, he previously commanded the 16th Infantry Division in Pano Aqil. His final appointment was as commander of the XXXI Corps, a post he held until he opted for early retirement on 10 December, 2022.

Hameed is widely known to have been a close ally of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been serving several sentences for graft and other charges since his 2023 arrest. Khan had been reoved from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.

Meanwhile, before Hameeds arrest, neither the government nor the military had revealed the exact accusations against him. The report noted that the detention of such a prominent retired officer was notable in Pakistan, where the military holds considerable sway and arrests of senior or former military officials are uncommon.
In the backdrop of Australias social media ban on children under 16, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued a statement through their Archewell Foundation. The couple praised it as a protective measure but criticised it for not addressing deeper issues in tech design and business incentives. Calling it a bold decision aimed to protect children, they suggested that this move doesnt fix the fundamental issue."

In a press release dated 10 December, Archewell Foundation said, This bold, decisive action to protect children at a critical moment in their development sends a strong signal that a childs mind is not a commodity to be exploited. It buys young people valuable time back in their childhoods, but it doesnt fix the fundamental issue we all still face with social media platforms.

View full Image Prince Harry-Meghan Markle react to Australia's under-16s social media ban.

Suggesting that children have no right to privacy and their safety is at stake, the couple's statement added, The ban is an effective measure to stop imminent harm, but ultimately only works as a band aid that does not address techs broken design and exploitive business incentives, requiring us to protect young people in the first place.

Advocates of online safety and the dangers of social media, the couple believe that children harm from exploitive business incentives as algorithms are designed in such a way to maximize engagement and this law would further create new opportunities for their (children) lives to be surveilled.

Also Read | Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend Kris Jenners 70th birthday party

The couple asserted that big techs should consider well-being of young people instead of just growth. Calling out on big tech platforms to take accountability for their actions, Harry and Meghan's message read, We look forward to the next step to hold tech accountable for its design choices and hope leaders of new technologies learn the lessons of failing to prioritize the well-being of young people.

This recent legislation makes Australia the first country worldwide to impose national age limits on social media. With 10 prominent social media platforms under its radar, the Australian authorities on Thursday sought a report on the number of accounts deactivated since the ban came into effect.

Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch are the platforms under scanner which will face heavy fines of up to $49.5 million from 10 December for breaching the restrictions.
Just as the United States aided Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado's escape to Norway's Oslo and seized an oil tander off Venezuela's coast, Russian President Vladimir Putin dialed long-time ally President Nicolas Maduro and reaffirmed his support to the country, the Kremlin said in a statement.

Kremlin said, Vladimir Putin expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and confirmed his support for the Maduro government's policy aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty in the face of growing external pressure.

Russia has fostered warm ties with Venezuela, with Maduro earlier this year visiting Moscow, where he attended an annual military parade and signed a broad partnership agreement with Putin.

Maria Machado's escape Earlier on Wednesday, December 10, Maria Corina Machado travelled across the Caribbean Sea to reach Curacao, then moving to Oslo via a private jet. While the extend of the US involvement in Maria Corina Machado's escape is not known, a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report mentions that the US military was informed of her crossing, to avoid the boat being targeted by airstrikes.

Machado, too, has confirmed that she had US support.

The report said that she set off on Monday, Decemver 8, wearing a wig and a disguise. She first slipped out of her hideout in a Caracas suburb, where she had been staying for nearly a year, and made her way to a coastal fishing village.

Two people assisted her escape, and the three of them crossed 10 military checkpoints without being detected during a tense 10-hour journey that brought them to the coast around midnight. From there, they embarked on a trip across the open Caribbean Sea to Curacao in a small wooden fishing skiff.

Machado arrived in Curacao around 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 9. She was met by a private contractor who specialises in extractions and was supplied by the Trump administration, the newspaper said.

The seizure of oil off Venezuela coast On Wednesday, the US military seized a Venezuelan oil tanker  troops rappelled onto the tanker's deck from a helicopter and entered the ship with rifles raised.

Washington has accused Venezuela's leftist leader Nicolas Maduro of leading a drug cartel, which he denies. Maduro has said the US is seeking regime change because of Venezuela's vast stores of oil.

US President Donald Trump has deployed warships within striking distance of Venezuela, and at least 87 people have been killed in at least 22 strikes on boats in the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea.
SAO PAULO (AP)  More than 1.4 million Sao Paulo residents had no electricity on Thursday after strong winds caused several trees to collapse onto the Brazilian metropolis' grid the day before. Local authorities said there were no injuries, but almost 400 flights were canceled.

Utility Enel has provided no deadline for services to return. One of its directors, Marcelo Puertas, told journalists the Italian company has 1,300 people working to solve the issue since winds of about 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles) started hitting Sao Paulo.

Sao Paulo city hall said 231 trees have fallen due to what it calls effects of an extratropical cyclone formed in the south of Brazil. Aviation authorities say most of the canceled flights were at the local Congonhas airport, but added that Guarulhos International Airport, outside the city, was also affected.

Mayor Ricardo Nunes, whose administration is responsible for trimming the trees that were pushed against the grid, told journalists Wednesday night he had told the company that it was not putting all of its efforts to fix the problems.

Every time something happens, we are left behind without electricity, said Nunes, who called the Italian utility company irresponsible. The grid's status on Wednesday was even worse, with more than 2 million Sao Paulo residents without electricity.

On Thursday, several cars with the Enel logo were filmed in the companys parking lot in downtown Sao Paulo, which further enraged residents and authorities.
For pharmaceutical firms, watching lucrative patents on their top-selling drugs expire has long been part of the business cycle. Theres enormous pressure to find ways of covering the shortfall. For the first time, China has something to offer. Its prolific biotech companies are in the mix as a potent remedy for the upcoming so-called patent cliff facing the industry.

A new blockbuster drug can generate tens of billions of dollars a year when it first goes to market. Each therapy typically gets two decades of patent protection. However, when that period is over, competitors are allowed to release generic or biosimilar medicines. Its great news for patients. But the loss of exclusivity can decimate revenue. Over the next five years, about $314 billion in sales are expected to be affected.

Also Read | Chinas grip on key pharma inputs leaves America dangerously exposed

The expected losses will peak in 2028, the year that Mercks patent expires on its top-selling cancer drug Keytruda. Drugmakers learnt painful lessons from the last revenue cliff , which began around 2010 and lasted about four years. Driven by the loss of patent protection for a number of branded anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and painkillers, it resulted in a period of muted sales growth.

To avoid a similar fate, Big Pharma has been going after promising targets to replenish pipelines. There is so much revenue to replace that the shopping spree has extended to a phenomenon not seen during the last patent-cliff cycle: A surge in licensing agreements with Chinese companies to take their experimental therapies worldwide. The dealmaking has been frenzied, with seven of the top 10 biggest agreements since 2020 happening this year.

Cancer research and licensing has traditionally been an area of dominance. However, over the past two years, metabolic disease and immunology deals have accelerated, pointing to a widening of Chinas innovation ambitions, according to Alison Labya, senior analyst at GlobalData.

Its impossible not to see parallels with the auto industry. For decades, both sectors in China were stuck playing catch-up. Homegrown carmakers were churning out vehicles as per blueprints from their foreign partners at a time biotech firms were copying me-too drugs from abroad. That era is over. Chinese EVs now offer best-in-class technology, while their pharma counterparts are holding their own in early-stage research and development (R&D).

The similarities end there. Automakers are striding confidently into the world, selling their wares so successfully that even allies have imposed effective tariffs. However, medicine is a far more tightly-regulated industry. Chinese drugmakers still have a long way to go in later-stage work such as overseas trials, regulatory submissions and bringing products to the international market. In the meantime, partnering with legacy firms is the best strategy.

There are valid worries about rising regulatory risk in the US, home to many Big Pharma members, in spite of a one-year trade truce. I have written before about Chinas dominance of the production of foundational ingredients to make medicines. There is a need for Washington to try to decouple in specific areas deemed to be of national security concern. However, this applies to supply chains of certain commoditized materials behind everyday necessities such as antibioticsnot to the kind of novel therapies that could result from Chinese innovation.

Recently, US lawmakers unveiled another defence authorization legislation, an annual bill that must be passed by Congress to approve military spending. This year, it is particularly notable because it includes a revised version of the Biosecure Act, which could restrict federal contracts with Chinese biotech firms. Due to strong industry opposition, the Act failed to be included in last years legislative package.

This watered-down version does not name any firms specifically. But it does allow the US Department of Defense to include companies on a roster called the 1260H, which alleges they work with the Peoples Liberation Army. The larger question is whether Wuxi AppTec, which provides outsourcing services to the cream of Big Pharma (the TSMC of biotech), might be added.

Inclusion on the 1260H list doesnt come with any immediate penalties but carries reputational risk. Because the contractor works with dozens of the worlds biggest pharma companies, being added would disrupt supply chains. But again, this firm isnt in the business of developing its own treatments.

With the patent cliff arriving, global pharmaceutical giants are looking for new acquisition and licensing candidates. China remains a ripe target. Legitimate research breakthroughs shouldnt be stifled by geopolitical concerns. They should be commercialized and made available to people who need them. Bloomberg

The author is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinions Asia team, covering corporate strategy and management in the region.
Outflows of hot money" from Indias stock market and a fast weakening rupee may have caused some anxiety this year, but the outlook on foreign direct investment (FDI) has brightened.

On Wednesday, US-based Amazon promised to invest $35 billion by 2030 to expand its operations in India, with its AI capabilities and an export thrust in focus. A day earlier, Microsoft had unveiled a plan to invest $17.5 billion over four years starting 2026, with data centres for AI as one of this projects pillars.

Also Read | A wave of FDI in sunrise sectors could help India ride out global uncertainty

Regardless of the rhetoric, this neednt help India leap ahead in the field of AI, for which we need our own R&D, although osmotic effects could spell local gains. That said, all FDI is welcome for the local commerce it stirs and jobs it generates. Amazon, for example, promises a million new jobs.

Also Read | Rajrishi Singhal: India must probe the reasons behind rising outward FDI flows

New commitments should also ease worries over a slump in net FDI, which dropped below the $1 billion mark in 2024-25. This year should see a recovery, as Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra recently pointed out, thanks to a fall in repatriation even though outward FDI rose. With Big Tech looking Indias way, last years dismal showing will probably turn out to be a blip.
The upcoming visit to Germany of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has set off a new bout of political sparring with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mocking him as the "leader of Paryatan (tourism)". Hitting back, the Congress wondered why the saffron camp is fussing over Rahuls visit when Prime Minister Modi spends almost half his working time abroad.

Rahul Gandhi will visit Germany from 15 December to 20, during which he will engage with the Indian diaspora and meet German ministers, according to the Indian Overseas Congress.

Balwinder Singh, president of the Indian Overseas Congress, Germany, said Rahul Gandhi will be accompanied by Indian Overseas Congress Chairperson Sam Pitroda during the five-day trip

The BJP took a swipe at Gandhi, saying his designation as LoP stands for "leader of Paryatan (tourism)". "Once again, Videsh Nayak is doing what he does best! Going for a foreign tour! Parliament is in session until Dec 19, but reports suggest that Rahul Gandhi will visit Germany from Dec 15-20. Rahul is LoP - leader of paryatan," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said in a post on X.

The visit takes place during the Winter Session of Parliament, which commenced on 1 December and will conclude on 19 December.

"During Bihar elections, too, he was abroad and then went to a jungle safari," the BJP spokesperson said.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was among the Congress leaders to hit back at the BJP for its criticism of Rahul Gandhi over his visit. The Wayanad Member of Parliament asked why the BJP leaders were raising questions on the leader of the opposition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spends "almost half of his working time outside the country".

"Modi ji spends almost half of his working time outside the country... Why are they raising questions on the leader of the opposition (in Lok Sabha) travelling?" she told reporters.

Sansad Chale Desh Mein The Congress also released a list of Prime Minister Modi's overseas visits, claiming that they coincided with Parliament sessions and when the country was going through a crisis.

The list was captioned "Sansad Chale Desh Mein, Modi Chale Videsh Mein" on the Congress's official X handle.

Congress spokesperson and head of social media department Supriya Shrinate said in a post that Narendra Modi has gone on 94 international trips and 85 per cent of his foreign tours are during Parliament sessions.

Listing out PM Modi's foreign tours during Parliament sessions, she said, in August 2014 (Monsoon session), he went to Nepal on August 3-4, 2014. During March 2015 (Budget session), he went to Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri Lanka from March 1014, 2015, and in the Winter session, he went to France from November 30-December 1.

Shrinate also said that during the Pulwama attack (February 2019), PM Modi kept shooting a documentary at Corbett despite learning of the attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives on February 14, 2019 and shortly after, he went to South Korea.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown (March 2020), he attended the Australia-India Business Forum in Sydney (February 22-24, 2020) despite the first case of COVID reported in India in January 2020.

The BJP responded by saying the opposition party should not compare the PM's official visits to various countries with Rahul Gandhi's meetings with "strange, unknown, invisible and suspicious individuals" during his personal visits abroad.

I want to ask the Congress about the real game There is a clear difference between the prime minister's "official foreign visit on duty" and Rahul Gandhi's "foreign visit on vacation", BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said.

"I want to ask the Congress about the real game. What actually happens during such foreign visits?" he asked.

BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha, at a press conference at the BJP headquarters, alleged that the itinerary of Rahul's "official or unofficial" trips is not shared when he goes abroad.

Modi ji spends almost half of his working time outside the country... Why are they raising questions on the leader of opposition travelling?

Sinha said Rahul was the "leader of paryatan" (leader of tourism) and "leader of partying". He does not appear to be the LoP the way he embarks on foreign visits by skipping "important occasions" in the country, Sinha charged, adding that the Congress leader should have been here during the Parliament session.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi conveyed grave concerns over rising security tensions involving China and Russia during video meetings with NATOs chief and Italys defense minister, in a sign of Tokyos efforts to gain support from a broader international community.

On Wednesday evening, Koizumi briefed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on Chinas alleged use of fire-control radar against Japanese fighter jets, as well as a joint flight by Chinese and Russian bombers south of Okinawa, according to Japans Defense Ministry.

Koizumi confirmed his intention to strengthen cooperation with both Rutte and Crosetto, the ministry said in separate statements. He also reiterated Japans stance to respond to developments in a calm and yet resolute manner.

US and Japanese military forces conducted a joint exercise in the airspace over the Sea of Japan Wednesday that reaffirmed the nations will not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force, according to a statement released Thursday by the Japan Joint Staff. The drill included two US B-52 bombers and Japanese fighter jets, the statement said.

The JapanChina dispute, triggered by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis Nov. 7 remarks on Taiwan, continues to simmer as the two sides trade accusations and seek support from other nations. While the US ambassador in Japan has flagged State Department support for Tokyo, key officials in Washington have largely steered clear of commenting on the spat. Meanwhile, China has reached out to nations including the UK, Germany and France to support its One China principle.

The fallout has intensified in the security arena following the alleged radar incident on Dec. 6 and the joint bomber flight on Dec. 9, both of which occurred near Japans southern islands, where Tokyo has been increasing its defense capabilities.

Tensions also remain high over disputed islands in the East China Sea  known as the Diaoyu in China and the Senkaku in Japan  as both countries issued warnings to each other earlier this month.

On Wednesday, four China Coast Guard vessels entered Japanese territorial waters near the disputed islands, according to the Japan Coast Guard. Chinese boats are spotted near the waters on most days with some entering them on a monthly basis. Fifteen Chinese vessels entered the waters during March this year.

With assistance from Alastair Gale.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
A sperm donor, who carries a dangerous genetic mutation linked to a high risk of cancer, has fathered at least 197 children across Europe. A major investigation, involving the BBC, has found the alarming update.

Doctors treating donor-conceived children with cancer raised alarms at the European Society of Human Genetics. Then, the scale of the issue was determined.

Also Read | Dave Coulier diagnosed with tongue cancer months after non-hodgkin lymphoma

The doctors identified 23 children with the mutation out of 67 known cases. Ten of them had already developed cancer. Further information was gathered through official requests and interviews. It showed that the number of children born from this donor was far higher, according to the BBC.

The final count may still rise. Data from several countries is still missing. It is unclear how many children carry the harmful mutation.

Who was the sperm donor? The sperm donor was an anonymous student. He started donating in 2005 and continued for nearly 17 years. He was paid for his samples and initially passed all screening checks.

Doctors later discovered that a mutation had occurred in some of his cells before birth. This mutation damaged the TP53 gene, which normally protects the body from cancer.

Most of his body is healthy, but up to 20% of his sperm carry the faulty gene. Any child conceived from this affected sperm will have the mutation in every cell, which leads to Li Fraumeni syndrome.

Also Read | Emmy winner John Tesh says wife Connie Sellecca saved his life in cancer battle

This rare condition brings an extremely high risk of childhood cancer. It also carries a major risk of breast cancer later in life. Experts say the diagnosis is devastating for families as it creates a lifelong burden of medical checks and uncertainty.

The seller, Denmark's European Sperm Bank, has expressed their "deepest sympathy" for the affected families. It has also agreed that the sperm was used to make too many babies.

The donor is not ill, nor are his family members. However, he has now been blocked by the seller.

Children have already died "We have some children that have developed already two different cancers and some of them have already died at a very early age," the BBC quoted Dr Edwige Kasper, a cancer geneticist in France, as telling the investigation:

A single mother in France conceived her daughter with the donors sperm 14 years ago. The young girl now carries the harmful genetic mutation.

The mother says her fertility clinic called her urgently and asked her to get her child tested. She does not blame the donor personally, yet feels it is unacceptable that she was given sperm that carried a serious risk.
A month after its last ChatGPT update, OpenAI on Thursday announced GPT-5.2, a little over a week after Sam Altman declared a 'Code Red' amid intense competition with Google's Gemini 3.

"We are introducing GPT5.2, the most capable model series yet for professional knowledge work," OpenAI said in its release note.

Overall, GPT5.2 brings significant improvements in general intelligence, long-context understanding, agentic tool-calling, and visionmaking it better at executing complex, real-world tasks end-to-end than any previous model. Open AI added.

While GPT-5.2 is the latest update from OpenAI, executives from the firm said that it would be incorrect to view the latest update a a response to Gemini 3, as per Axios.

Reports, earlier, had speculated that GPT-5.2 could arrive this week, given the Code Red situation.

What's new in GPT-5.2? OpenAI said that while heavy users of ChatGPT Enterprise say that it saves them up to 10 hours a week, GPT-5.2 is meant to be even more efficient that the 5.1 model.

GPT-5.2 will be notably better than its predecessor in creating spreadsheets, making presentations, writing code, understanding images, comprehending long contexts, using tools, and handling complex, multi-step tasks, Open AI said.

OpenAI also highlighted GPT-5.2's prowess in coding, including reviews from early testers who had some time to experiment with the latest model.

The reviews were glowing: GPT-5.2 represents the biggest leap for GPT models in agentic coding since GPT-5 and is a SOTA coding model in its price range. The version bump undersells the jump in intelligence, the Jeff Wang, the CEO of Windsurf, was quoted as saying to name one.

GPT 5.2 benchmarks OpenAI also said that GPT-5.2 had reached new highs in benchmark tests for thinking, with scores showing a marked improvement by the latest model over GPT-5.1 in abstract thinking .

Benchmark GPT 5.2 Thinking GPT 5.1 Thinking GDPval (wins or ties)

Knowledge work tasks 70.9% 38.8% SWE-Bench Pro (public)

Software engineering 55.6% 50.8% SWE-bench Verified

Software engineering 80.0% 76.3% GPQA Diamond (no tools)

Science questions 92.4% 88.1% CharXiv Reasoning (w/ Python)

Scientific figure questions 88.7% 80.3% AIME 2025 (no tools)

Competition math 100.0% 94.0% FrontierMath (Tier 13)

Advanced mathematics 40.3% 31.0% FrontierMath (Tier 4)

Advanced mathematics 14.6% 12.5% ARC-AGI-2 (Verified)

Abstract reasoning 52.9% 17.6%

GPT-5.2 Instant, Thinking, and Pro will begin rolling out in ChatGPT on Thursday itself, beginning with paid plans.

Also Read | Disney accuses Google of massive copyright infringement

Competition with Google's Gemini After declaring 'Code Red' early December, signalling an existential threat to its product amid increasing competition from Google's Gemini, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman gave a surprising response to CNBC on Thursday, saying that the launch of Gemini 3 had a lesser impact than he had anticipated.

I believe that when a competitive threat happens, you want to focus on it, deal with it quickly, Altman told CNBC, adding that he expects his company to exit the 'Code Red' situation by the end of January 2022.

Alphabet's Google launched its latest version of Gemini around mid-November, highlighting Gemini 3's lead position on several popular industry leaderboards that measure the performance of AI models.
The government has migrated nearly 12.68 lakh official email accounts from various ministries and departments to a Zoho-based platform, the Lok Sabha has been informed.

Of these, 7.45 lakh accounts belong to Central government employees, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said in a written reply to a question by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee.

The number of accounts migrated to Zoho platform is around 12.68 Lakhs which includes 7.45 Lakhs Central Government Employees, Minister of State, MeitY, Jitin Prasada said in the response.

There are about 50.14 Central government employees. Prasada said in the response on 10 December that the migration has been carried out through the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which remains the mandated provider of official email services for government ministries and departments.

View full Image Prasada said in the response on 10 December that the migration has been carried out through the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which remains the mandated provider of official email services for government ministries and departments.

He said that the governments contract with Zoho ensures that the ownership of all data and intellectual property generated during the engagement remains with the government, with provisions for continuity and rollback when required.

To ensure this, the government, through NIC, has selected a Master System Integrator (MSI)  M/s Zoho as a robust cloud-based email solution capable of supporting all Government users. The model ensures professional upgrades, seamless migration of existing accounts, and integration of modern office productivity tools such as word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software, he said.

In 2023, MeitY floated a tender to move government email accounts from NICs email system to a secure cloud-based service. Zoho won the contract.

Prasada did not provide details on the total cost of the migration, including spending on software licences, infrastructure and training, nor the annual recurring expenses since the 2023-24 financial year, as sought by Banerjee.

The security architecture of the e-mail platform has been defined rigorously to protect critical government data. The solution mandates that all email data be encrypted both at rest and in transit, with specific requirements for end-to-end encryption using RSA 256 and TLS 1.3 standards, the response said.

What is Zoho Mail? Zoho Mail is a secure email service launched by the multinational technology firm Zoho Corporation, a Chennai-based software services company which was co-founded by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Tomas in 1996.

With nearly three decades in the technology and software business, the company focuses on creating products and solutions which help others.

In October, Union Home Minister of India, Amit Shah, announced that he has switched his official email address to Zoho Mail.
Apple has given a first look at Apple Noida, its inaugural store in the city and the companys fifth retail outlet in India. Situated inside DLF Mall of India, one of the countrys largest shopping and leisure hubs, the new store offers the full range of Apple products, services, and hands-on experiences for customers.

A full Apple experience under one roof Visitors can browse the latest iPhone lineup, try the newest Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 models, and explore the refreshed iPad Pro and 14-inch MacBook Pro, both powered by the M5 chip. More than 80 trained specialists are on hand to offer personalised guidance, assist with device setup, and support customers moving to iOS for the first time.

Trade-in options, financing plans, and expert technical help are also available.

Also Read | Apple Noida Store launch 2025 live updates: Apple unveils its fifth India store

The store features dedicated areas for Apple Music, Apple TV, and other services, along with product tables designed to encourage hands-on discovery. Online shoppers can opt for Apple Pickup, allowing them to collect purchases in-store at a time that suits them. Business customers will find support through specialised teams offering advice on deployment, management, and tools to help organisations grow.

Apple Noida operates on 100% renewable energy and maintains a fully carbon-neutral footprint.

Store timings for opening week 11 December: 1 PM to 10 PM

1217 December: 11 AM to 10 PM (daily)

Today at Apple: learning and creativity sessions Apple Noida is hosting Today at Apple sessions, a programme of free, daily workshops aimed at helping visitors develop new creative and practical skills. Led by Apple Creatives, these sessions cover photography, art, music, coding, and everyday tips for getting more from Apple devices.

Among the first workshops available are:

Tips: Work Smarter on Mac

Tips: Get Active with Apple Watch

Workshop: Take Better Photos on iPhone

Kids: Code Your First App Customers can book upcoming sessions online and join from opening day onwards.
Apple has strengthened its presence in one of its most important growth markets with the opening of Apple Noida on Thursday, the companys newest retail outlet in India. Located at the Mall of India in Sector 18, the store becomes Apples second retail space in the Delhi NCR region and its fifth nationwide. The launch reflects the tech giants continuing commitment to building a wider and more accessible retail ecosystem across major Indian cities.

Building a broader retail network The arrival of Apple Noida adds momentum to the companys rapid expansion in India, which has accelerated over the past two years. Apple has been steadily increasing its network of brick-and-mortar locations to provide Indian customers with direct access to advice, services and the latest devices. The Noida store follows the model of Apples global flagship outlets, offering a full product portfolio along with tailored support from trained specialists.

Notably, the store is staffed by more than 80 team members who are equipped to assist customers with purchases, setup and technical issues. The product lineup covers the newest iPhone 17 family, the full iPhone 16 range including the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e, the latest MacBook models, iPads, Apple Watch collections and popular accessories such as AirTag, AirPods and HomePod. Visitors can also browse a wide selection of add-ons, including MagSafe chargers, power adapters, cables and Apples Magic series of keyboards, mice and trackpads.

Like Apples other Indian outlets, Apple Noida operates on renewable energy and follows carbon-neutral standards. Deirdre OBrien, Apples Senior Vice President of Retail and People, described the store as a space created to support community engagement, creativity and learning.

Pune store adds to nationwide growth The launch in Noida comes shortly after Apple previewed several other major retail locations across the country. In September, the company introduced Apple Koregaon Park in Pune, its fourth store in India. Positioned in a cultural and educational hub, the store is designed to serve customers looking to explore Apples full product offering, receive personalised support or attend learning sessions through Today at Apple.

Apple Koregaon Park is staffed by a diverse team representing 11 states, reflecting the brands effort to build a workforce that connects with customers from a wide range of backgrounds. Staff members provide guidance on transitioning to iOS, personalised setup services for new devices and access to Apple Trade In and financing options. A dedicated pickup zone allows customers who place online orders to collect their purchases easily.

Also Read | Apple Noida Store launch 2025 live updates: Apple unveils its fifth India store

Bengaluru marks entry into South India Earlier in the year, Apple previewed Apple Hebbal in Bengaluru, marking the companys first store in South India. Situated in one of Indias largest technology centres, the store is aimed at customers who rely on Apple products for work, education and creative projects. It offers hands-on sessions, access to Apples latest hardware and expert support provided by trained retail staff.

The Bengaluru location builds on the success of Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in Delhi, which helped establish Apples physical retail footprint in Indias largest metropolitan regions.

Expanding presence in the capital In New Delhi, Apple previewed Apple Saket in 2023, a store staffed by more than 70 specialists who collectively speak over 15 languages. The retail team is trained to help customers make informed product decisions, learn new skills through free sessions and troubleshoot existing devices. The store supports the full lineup of Apple products and services and was the companys second retail site in the capital.

Apple BKC set the foundation Apples first official store in India opened in April 2023 at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Apple BKC introduced a distinctive architectural design that includes a striking timber ceiling made from hundreds of thousands of individual elements, stone sourced from Rajasthan and a sweeping stainless steel staircase.
New Delhi [India] December 11 (ANI): Stakeholders from the Global South discussed the future of Artificial Intelligence, its societal impact, and the collaborative opportunities emerging across continents.

At the Carnegie Global Technology Summit Innovation Dialogue 2025, voices from Africa and India highlighted shared challenges, unique advantages, and the urgent need to build inclusive, scalable AI ecosystems.

Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala, emphasised the rising momentum around South-South cooperation, noting that the Global South, home to 80% of the world's population, holds untapped collective influence.

"We have a bargaining chip from our data sets, from our population, from our rare minerals. We have a lot to offer to this AI economy," Gitau said.

She highlighted parallels in the challenges facing countries in Africa and Asia, expressing optimism that shared learnings could accelerate progress for both regions.

Calling India a "big brother" in AI talent, Gitau cited findings from talentindex.ai, which show Indian expertise powering innovation hubs from Silicon Valley to Europe.

She noted that Africa also offers critical experience in learning and digitisation, from early ID system digitisation to legal infrastructure reforms, that can meaningfully contribute to global AI development.

Shelly Sethi, founder of Mahila Prashikshan Sansthan, underscored the importance of expanding AI literacy for women and youth, stressing that India's next phase of progress depends on democratizing access to new technologies.

She highlighted government schemes that aim to equip young people, especially women, with the skills needed to participate in the AI-powered economy.

"Testing, understanding, and learning the new technology is essential," she said, calling for broader implementation of AI tools for empowerment at the grassroots level.

Dvara Mungra, Co-Founder of SimPPL, described how AI can close information gaps that contribute to high maternal mortality rates in India. Delays in accessing accurate medical information remain a major risk factor for expectant mothers.

"SimPPL is addressing this through Sakhi, an AI-enabled tool delivering medically verified information reviewed by gynaecologists in local languages over WhatsApp. The evolving role of AI in maternal health is reducing the delay in seeking the right information," Mungra said.

She also highlighted broader AI use cases in healthcare, including disease detection and improving access to government health information.

Yet she cautioned that India still has "a long way to go" in R&D, particularly in developing foundational models tailored to India's linguistic and cultural diversity.

Shalini Kapoor, Chief Strategist at EkStep Foundation, described India as a unique proving ground for large-scale AI deployment.

Quoting Nandan Nilekani, she said India could become "the test bed for AI adoption", where systems validated at scale can be replicated globally.

"Real impact depends on building concrete use cases in sectors like agriculture, education, and healthcare, supported by crucial horizontal enablers such as language technology, safety frameworks, and AI-ready data infrastructure," she said.

She also highlighted India's efforts to democratise AI development--such as the IndiaAI Mission's efforts to make GPUs accessible to startups--and lauded initiatives like AI4Bharat's open models for 22 Indian languages, sourced from cultural and linguistic heritage.

"AI is for all. No one should be left behind," Kapoor affirmed, adding that India's approach could become a model for the entire Global South.
Google DeepMind, the tech giant's AI unit, has signed an agreement with the UK government to build its first ever automated laboratory in the country for identifying transformative new materials. The company says its new lab will be set up in 2026 and will be built from the ground up to be fully integrated with Gemini.

The new lab will employ a multidisciplinary team of researchers and world-class robotics to synthesise and characterise hundreds of materials per day.

DeepMind says this will significantly shorten the time required for discovering new materials. The company also noted that its focus will be on finding materials that can reduce costs and enable new technologies like superconductors for low-cost medical imaging, advanced batteries, next-generation solar cells, and more efficient computer chips.

Discovering new materials is one of the most important pursuits in science, offering the potential to reduce costs and enable entirely new technologies, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said in a blogpost.

As part of the partnership, Google will also provide UK scientists with priority access to four of its specialised "AI for Science" models. This includes AlphaEvolve for designing algorithms, AlphaGenome for understanding DNA, WeatherNext for advanced weather forecasting, and AI Co-Scientist which acts as a virtual scientific collaborator.

Google collaborates with UK AI Security Institute: Google DeepMind also stated that as part of the partnership it will begin sharing its proprietary AI models and data with the UK AI Security Institute to "accelerate research progress" and tackle complex safety challenges. The institute was set up in late 2023 to help mitigate the risks from advanced AI systems.

The company also says it will work with the AI Security Institute to monitor an AI systems "thinking" process, commonly known as its Chain of Thought (CoT), to help researchers understand how an AI model arrives at its answers. They will also be working on understanding the impact of AI systems on the long-term labour market and economy.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement the UK government said that the new partnership with Google DeepMind will help turn cutting-edge AI into real benefits for people. UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the partnership will also help unlock cleaner energy, smarter public services, and new opportunities.

DeepMind serves as the perfect example of what UK-US tech collaboration can deliver, a firm with roots on both sides of the Atlantic backing British innovators to shape the curve of technological progress, Kendall said.
Google DeepMind will open its first research lab for discovering new materials, like those used in batteries or semiconductors, as part of its push to apply artificial intelligence to more scientific fields.

The facility, which will open in the UK next year, is the centerpiece of a broad partnership with the British government Alphabet Inc.s Google announced on Thursday. Under the agreement, the company said it will tailor several of its AI models, including Gemini, for scientists, teachers and public employees in the country.

DeepMind, the companys London-based research unit, described the lab as its first automated facility  a site that uses robotics to perform scientific experiments, minimizing human intervention. It didnt provide any financial details or share how many people will work there.

The UK partnership is a win for Googles efforts to get governments to adapt its cloud services and Gemini AI model, an area where it competes with rivals Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI. Its also a sign of DeepMinds plans to advance further into material science, one of its main research interests. Several new startups, including some from former DeepMind engineers, are trying to use advanced AI algorithms to unearth novel materials, arguing the process can dramatically reduce costs and time.

In its new lab, DeepMind said it will research materials that could improve medical imaging, solar panels and chips. Additionally, the company said it will provide British scientists with priority access to four of its scientific models, including those for parsing DNA and predicting the weather.

Discovering new materials is one of the most important pursuits in science, Demis Hassabis, DeepMinds leader, wrote in a blog post co-signed with other executives.

In a separate statement, the UK government said the company would contribute to research in fields like fusion energy and develop tools for UK teachers based on Gemini.

DeepMind also said it will begin sharing its proprietary models and data with the UK AI Security Institute, a government agency set up in 2023 to test and evaluate AI systems.

In September, Google announced plans to invest 5 billion in UK over the next two years on data centers and operations. That remains a small percentage of the companys global spending.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
OpenAI released its latest artificial intelligence models on Thursday, shrugging off worries about how it will cash in on massive spending in its technology race with Google.

The San Francisco-based AI superstar touted GPT-5.2 Pro and GPT-5.2 Thinking as its best models yet for handling math or science work.

"Strong mathematical reasoning is a foundation for reliability in scientific and technical work," OpenAI said in a blog post.

"These capabilities are also closely tied to progress toward general intelligence."

Artificial general intelligence has become a holy grail of sorts in the tech world, seen as a threshold where machines think the way people do or even better.

The release comes on the heels of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman urging his team to strive to keep up with Google, the search engine juggernaut that has been relentlessly innovating in AI.

While Google can tap into its massive online ad revenue to invest in AI, OpenAI has been committing tens of billions of dollars to computing infrastructure while having yet to turn a profit.

"We are confident we can continue to drive the revenue growth to meet" the investments in computing power, Altman said Thursday in a CNBC interview.

Without the infrastructure investments, "of course, we can't drive the revenue growth, but we see way more reasons to be optimistic than reasons to be pessimistic."

OpenAI chief of applications Fidji Simo told reporters during a briefing about the new models that she expects a ChatGPT "adult mode" to debut early next year, noting that the company wants to improve detection of user age before making it available.

Altman earlier this year announced plans to ease restrictions to allow adult users to engage in erotic conversations with ChatGPT.

OpenAI also faces a series of lawsuits from families accusing the startup of allowing teenagers to have dangerous interactions with its AI chatbots that in some cases led to suicide.

Simo confirmed that a "red alert" about Google sprinting ahead had been issued at OpenAI, but refuted the notion it has sped up the release of new GPT models.

Google last month debuted its latest Gemini AI model, capping a dramatic turnaround since it was caught off guard by ChatGPT's launch three years ago and mocked for early blunders in its chase of OpenAI.
Ever since the rise of artificial intelligence, there has been a raging debate on if and when the new technology can take over jobs that humans currently do. Various projections and forecasts have attempted to quantify AIs impact on the workforce, but there is still no broad consensus on the subject.

However, we now have a perspective from Olivier Godement, head of product for business products at OpenAI, who highlighted three areas where AI is on the cusp of automation. Godement shared his predictions on a recent episode of the Unsupervised Learning podcast.

Also Read | Should you still learn to code? Godfather of AI has some valuable advice

Which jobs could be taken away by AI? 1) Coding Godement noted that automation hasnt yet reached a stage where it can essentially automate any white-collar job, but added that we are starting to see some quite strong automation use cases in a few specific fields.

He said coding is one of the most obvious candidates for AI automation, pointing out that AI coding tools have become so integral that taking them away from engineers would likely cause a riot.

The automation is probably not yet at the level of completely automating the job of a software engineer, but I think we have a line of sight to essentially get there, he said.

2) Customer Support The executive added that another area with a strong case for automation is sales and customer support. Pointing to OpenAIs work with telecom giant T-Mobile, Godement said AI models are already producing fairly good results in terms of quality at a meaningful scale.

My sense is well probably be surprised in the next year or two by the amount of tasks that can be automated reliably, he added.

Godement also pointed out two key advantages AI has over humans: infinite patience and multilingual capability.

The model is infinitely patient. For people who need more time to get their answer, the model can take five minutes, he said.

Theres a long tail of languages, and if you have to staff customer support agents for every language, youre not going to make it.

Also Read | Apple Noida Store launch 2025 live updates: Apple unveils its fifth India store

3) Life Sciences and Pharma Godement said his bet is often on life sciences and pharma companies being automated with AI, particularly in drug discovery. Referring to work with pharmaceutical firms like Amgen, he explained that drug development has two major components: research and experimentation, and administrative processes  the latter being extremely time-consuming.

AI models are pretty good at aggregating and consolidating tons of structured and unstructured data, spotting diffs and changes in documents, he said.
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has said the software industry is entering a phase where traditional development models are no longer sufficient, urging developers and organisations to adopt a fundamentally different approach powered by artificial intelligence.

Speaking at the Building Indias AI Frontier keynote in Bengaluru on Thursday, Nadella noted that AI is transforming how technology is conceived, built and deployed and those who adapt quickly will lead the next wave of innovation.

Impact, not activity, should drive technology Nadella stressed that the purpose of technology has always been to empower people and institutions, and AI now allows that mission to expand dramatically.

Were not building for buildings sake. Were building to have impact, he said, pointing to tangible shifts already visible in customer-facing systems, workplace productivity and operational processes.

According to him, the real value of technology lies in how rapidly it helps organisations innovate and achieve measurable outcomes.

A reversal of the traditional development mindset One of the core changes, Nadella explained, lies in how developers approach the software development life cycle (SDLC). Instead of starting with detailed specifications, he said teams in the AI era must begin at the other end: with evaluation.

You start with the test, not the spec, he said, adding that this inversion demands a significant mindset shift. Developers must first define the real-world result they want to influence, including the task, the metrics and the evaluation framework and then design the workflow backwards from that goal.

This approach, he said, ensures that products are anchored in practical value rather than theoretical planning.

New skills and the rise of Context Engineering Nadella also highlighted the need for updated tools and capabilities to support AI-first development. Among these is what he termed context engineering, a discipline built on data engineering but aimed at preparing and structuring information optimally for AI systems.

Its purpose, he said, is to ensure intelligence models receive the right context and structure to produce reliable, meaningful results.

Towards a new AI-driven SDLC Calling the current transition critical, Nadella said the industry must now imagine a fresh model of software creation shaped around AI at every stage.

We need a new way to think about the frontier of the classic SDLC, he said. A shift to an AI-driven SDLC is going to be essential.

"We are now going to skill 20 million people across India in AI skills," he said, adding that initiatives such as the government's E-Shram programme demonstrate how AI can uplift unorganised workers.

He also highlighted India's growing influence in the global developer ecosystem.

"India is slated to become the number one community in the world with GitHub by 2030," he said, praising the "engagement and the type of projects that are coming out of this place, the contributions from India."

(With inputs from ANI)
Taylor Swifts The Eras Tour provided fans with several memorable moments. But not all of them were able to watch her live and fulfill their dreams. Now, the pop sensation is providing them a chance to redeem and live it.

Swift is giving fans a final, emotional look at her record-breaking Eras Tour with two major releases. A new six-episode docuseries and a final concert film will take viewers behind the scenes and onto the stage of one of the most celebrated tours in music history. Here is everything to know about the release schedule and how to watch.

When and where to watch the docuseries Swifts docuseries, The End of an Era, begins streaming on 12 December on Disney+. The first two episodes will drop at 12 AM PT, according to ABC News.

For those without a Disney+ subscription, Episode 1 will air on ABC on 12 December at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT. ABC will also broadcast a special one-hour preview of the final concert film the same night.

Full release schedule Episode 1  12 December

Episode 2  12 December

Episode 3  19 December

Episode 4  19 December

Episode 5  26 December

Episode 6  26 December

Episodes release in pairs every Thursday until the finale.

The Final Show concert film Also arriving at midnight on 12 December on Disney+ is Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show.

Also Read | Kelly Osbourne fires back at critics targeting her appearance

Filmed during the last stop of the tour in Vancouver, the special features final onstage moments from the record-breaking tour, with behind-the-scenes footage from the closing night. Not only that, you can enjoy the complete live performance of The Tortured Poets Department set added in 2024.

On ABC, viewers will get a one-hour preview of the concert film on 12 December, before the full version streams on Disney+.

A farewell to a cultural phenomenon With a behind-the-scenes docuseries and a full final concert film, Swift is giving fans a heartfelt ending to a tour that changed pop culture, broke records worldwide and created unforgettable memories. Both releases promise to capture the emotion, scale and magic of the Eras Tour one last time.

FAQs When does Taylor Swifts docuseries The End of an Era release? The first two episodes will come out on Disney+ on 12 December 2025, with new episodes following weekly until 26 December.

How can I watch The Eras Tour: The Final Show? The full concert film streams on Disney+ at midnight on 12 December. ABC will also air a one-hour preview of the final show on the same night.
Fortnite, the popular battle royale title by Epic Games, returned to the Google Play Store in the US on Thursday.

The restoration of Fortnite to the Play Store came after Google complied with a US District Court injunction, Epic Games said.

Were continuing to work with Google to seek court approval of our settlement. Stay tuned for news of Fortnite's return to Google Play to the rest of the world, Epic Games further added, signalling that Fortnite could return to Google's app store for all users soon.

The popular battle royale video game, which still boasts millions of monthly active users, was removed from Google Play in 2020 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment system that bypassed the search giant's own billing system, triggering a legal dispute over fees and app distribution rules.

Also Read | Lisa confirmed as Fortnite Festival S12 headliner by Epic Games

Earlier this year, Epic Games also settled a five-year-long legal battle with Apple, paving the way of Fortnite's return to iPhones and iPads.

Going strong eight years after release Released in 2017 by Epic Games as a free-to-play battle royale game with microtransactions, Fortnite exploded shortly after release, accumulating 350 million registered users by May 2020.

Eight years after release, the game is still going strong, boasting over 1 million monthly active users currently, despite its unavailability on Google Play.

With its season system, Fortnite is currently on Chapter 7: Season 1, Pacific Break, a Hollywood-themed season featuring points of interest (POIs) on the map inspired by Area 51, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Disneyland.

Being Hollywood-themed, the ongoing season of Fortnite also features skins of characters from some fan favourite movies, including Robert Zemeckis' Back to the Future series and Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.

As for characters, the protagonists of both movies featureBeatrix Kiddo or The Bride from Kill Bill, and Marty McFly from the Back to The Future series.

For both characters, there are two versions available.

For the Uma Thurman-played Kill Bill character, The Bride skin shows her in the iconic yellow suit. The other variant, Beatrix Kiddo, features her in a jeans and jacket.

The Back to the Future set includes the Marty McFly skin, and its variant the Future Marty McFly skin.
Heavy rain continued to push across Washington State and southern British Columbia on Thursday, forcing new evacuations and closing several major routes. Officials warned that some rivers were rising faster than expected, creating conditions that could rank among the regions most serious flood events in decades.

Evacuation orders expand across river communities Residents along the Skagit River northeast of Seattle, and the Puyallup River closer to Tacoma, faced evacuation orders overnight. State officials said that as many as 100,000 people could receive similar instructions if the waters continue to rise.

Governor Bob Ferguson issued an emergency declaration late Wednesday and activated the National Guard, with about 300 members standing by for flood-response requests.

Communities across the Fraser Valley in British Columbia were also under evacuation orders, with local officials declaring a state of emergency as rainfall intensified.

Emergency crews respond to rescues and road closures East of Seattle, crews worked through the night to assist drivers stranded as the Snoqualmie River pushed over nearby roads.

A landslide on Interstate 90 forced closures on Wednesday evening, and parts of the eastbound lanes remained shut early Thursday. Pockets of fast-moving runoff have made some areas inaccessible even to emergency teams.

Forecasters expanded flood warnings through Thursday, noting that several rivers were expected to reach record levels before sunrise. The Snoqualmie, already swollen earlier in the week, continued spilling into farmland and low-lying communities.

Forecast shows more rain ahead for the region Meteorologists say the system is pulling a concentrated band of Pacific moisture directly into the Northwest. The same plume is driving heavy rain in Washington and Oregon, while Canada has issued alerts for flooding in the Fraser Valley and avalanche risks in nearby mountains. Parts of Idaho and even states farther east may feel downstream effects as the storms moisture spreads.

Hydrologists called the setup unusually volatile. Its as serious of a situation as Ive seen, Steve King of the Northwest River Forecast Center told New York Times on Wednesday.

Rivers are expected to remain high into the weekend. Officials continue to warn residents in flood zones to prepare for changing evacuation guidance as the storm maintains pressure on the regions waterways.

FAQs Why are Washington rivers flooding right now? Heavy rainfall from a persistent Pacific storm has pushed several rivers to major flood stage.
Lanesboro is attracting more visitors who are staying in the area for the day and they are feeling the benefits of a new 'landmark' tourism initiative the Irish Whiskey Way that weaves Irelands distilling traditions, landscapes and community stories into a single trail.



That is the view of local man Michael Clancy, co-founder of Lough Ree Distillery, who told a panel of whiskey and tourism experts at the launch of the new website developed by The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA).

Read more: Former Longford band accumulates highest listening figures for 2025



He said such incremental changes will help the Irish whiskey tourism offering to cater to the high-end, high-spend consumer and will be vital to businesses in the years ahead.



The Irish Whiskey Way is a website which showcases Irelands leading Irish Whiskey distillery experiences and visitor centres and allows any tourist coming to Ireland to build their own food and drink trail across the island.



Mr Clancy said distilleries are a unique type of business and they have seen a 'ripple effect'.



"Every bottle of our products that goes out across the world carries Lough Ree and Lanesboro, Co Longford on the label, making it an advertisement and an invitation for people to visit.



"The interest we get from International Whiskey tourists has grown organically even though we haven't built our final visitor experience, but we can still give them a warm welcome.



"Weve welcomed tourists from as far away as Tasmania, Singapore and Hawaii, along with a lot of European, US and Canadian visitors.



"Weve organised full day itineraries in the Lanesboro area - visiting Corlea and local bogs, partnering with local pubs for lunch and tastings, arranging boat trips with Lough Ree Access for All and Lough Ree Boat and Walking Tours.



"Weve even had a group in for a swim in the Shannon, followed by a sauna in The Sweaty Yeti before their whiskey tasting.

"There are an increasing number of guests staying overnight in the area and its great to see more quality accommodation options coming on stream.



The interactive Irish Whiskey Way website, which was launched by Enterprise Minister Peter Burke, also provides guides on food pairings, developed in collaboration with Irelands best-known chefs, and cocktail recipes, making it more than just a tour of Irelands distilleries, but a full cultural and sensory experience.



Those attending heard how changes last September have positively impacted tourism and trade, including the relaxed rules on liquid amounts when travelling through Dublin Airport with an increase on the limit on liquids in hand luggage from 100mls to two litres and no limit on the number of items that can be carried.

Read more: Longford horticulture enthusiasts' interests grow after visit to brewery



Mr Clancy said that the new relaxed airport rules on liquids at Dublin Airport - with an increase on the limit on liquids in hand luggage from 100mls to two litres and no limit on the number of items that can be carried - means travellers are now happy to purchase Irish whiskey products as they can comfortably travel with the bottle in their hand luggage.

Mr Clancy was joined on the panel by CEO of Tourism Ireland Alice Mansergh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation Eoghan OMara Walsh, Head of Operations at Failte Irelands Hidden Heartlands Paddy Matthews and Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, Eoin O Cathain.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 10, 2025, OPPO said it had signed a global patent licensing agreement with Audi, giving the German automaker access to a portfolio of cellular standard-essential patents, including key 5G technologies. The deal allows Audi to deploy OPPO's communication innovations across its worldwide product lineup, aiming to strengthen the connectivity capabilities of its next-generation vehicles and improve in-car digital experiences.

Photo source: OPPO

Lin Weizhi, who oversees patent licensing at OPPO, said the agreement underscores a shared ambition between the wireless technology provider and the automotive sector to advance seamless connectivity and cross-industry collaboration. He added that the deal also reflects OPPO's long-term commitment to building a sustainable intellectual-property ecosystem that supports continuous innovation and broader industry progress.

Michael Fritz, Audi's chief officer for IP licensing, said the pact demonstrates that negotiations over standard-essential patents can move forward constructively when approached with balance and transparency. He noted that the collaboration highlights Audi's respect for intellectual property and its intention to forge win-win solutions. According to Fritz, such partnerships broaden Audi's technology ecosystem and translate into better products and services for its customers.

The Audi agreement marks the third bilateral patent licensing deal OPPO has signed with a major automaker, underscoring the growing relevance of its cellular SEP portfolio in the automotive field. Industry data from LexisNexis IPlytics shows that as of January 2025, OPPO ranked eighth worldwide in overall 5G patent strengthan indication of its expanding influence in advanced mobile communication technologies.

By September 2025, OPPO had filed more than 117,000 patent applications worldwide, with over 65,000 already granted. The company continues to channel significant investment into areas such as 5G and 6G networks, artificial intelligence, fast-charging systems, and imaging technologiesefforts aimed at reinforcing its position as a global leader in high-value IP. OPPO said it plans to deepen collaboration with partners across the ecosystem to accelerate innovation in connected devices and broader mobile platforms.
A man in his 40's remains in a serious condition in Beaumont Hospital this morning following a collision between a car and a truck on the N4 Ballinalack yesterday afternoon.

The man, who was the driver of the car, was brought by air ambulance to Dublin's Mater Hospital but was subsequently transferred to Beaumont Hospital, where he currently remains in ICU.

A female passenger in the car, aged in her 50's, was brought to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency services attended the scene as Gardai closed the road, diverting traffic through Ballynacarrigy where yesterday evening it was reported by road users that another crash had occurred.

Two further road traffic incidents are also believed to have occurred on another diversion route, namely the Lackan Road from Coole into Multyfarnham Village. Longford drivers reported the occurrence of a car crash on the route just outside the village in addition to a separate incident of a lorry becoming stuck at the nearby bridge.

The three incidents caused lengthy delays and tailbacks on the diversion routes in question, so much so, that drivers reported having no option but to turn around and find alternative routes.

Gardai are today appealing for anyone who witnessed the Ballinalack collision - which occurred shortly after 1.30pm yesterday afternoon - to come forward.

Any road users who were travelling the N4 between Edgeworthstown and Mullingar between 1:15pm and 1:45pm yesterday and who may have dash-cam footage are asked to make it available to investigating Gardai.

Please contact Mullingar Garda Station on 044 938 4000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or Longford Garda Station on 043 3350570

Gardai say their investigations are ongoing.

Read More: Longford's Shane Brennan 5K raises in excess of 200,000 for local charities
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir (center) meets with Israeli reserve troops in the Gaza Strip on December 7. (IDF)

Israel is awaiting the return of the remains of the last hostage still held in Gaza as officials in the Middle East and the US continue to negotiate how the ceasefire in the territory will progress to the next phase.

A Friday afternoon gathering for Ran Gvili, the fallen police officer whose body is the last one remaining in Gaza, will take place for the second week in a row at Tel Avivs Hostages Square, The Times of Israel reported on December 11. Gvilis remains are believed to be held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the report added.

The return of all the hostages, living and deceased, was a key part of the US-backed ceasefire deal that Israel and Hamas agreed to in early October. After all the hostages are returned, the ceasefire is expected to move to a new phase that may include the deployment of an international force in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. However, there are hurdles to the next phase, according to reports.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he will announce the members of the Board of Peace overseeing the postwar management of Gaza early next year, in the latest sign the effort is stalling, The Times of Israel reported on December 11. Discussions are ongoing about who will serve on the Board of Peace, and The Guardian noted on December 8 that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair had been dropped from consideration.

The White House is also moving forward with plans for the international force that is expected to be deployed to Gaza. The Trump administration is planning to appoint an American two-star general to command the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, according to two US officials and two Israeli officials, Axios noted on December 11. The report added that two Israeli officials said UN Ambassador Mike Waltz, who visited Israel this week, told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials that the Trump administration is going to lead the ISF and appoint a two-star general as its commander. Azerbaijan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Egypt have reportedly expressed interest in joining the force.

Waltz met with Israeli officials during his visit. In a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Waltz and Herzog discussed the implementation of the ceasefire plan.

We hope that the process will not take too long, because in the Middle East, if you wait for too long, then the vacuum fills in, and the rogue elements dont rest for a moment, Herzog said.

What has been clear, and I want to be clear, is Hamas has to go. President Trump has been clear, thats going to happen the easy way or the hard way, but there will not be any more Hamas, Waltz added.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continues to face challenges in administering the roughly half of the territory it controls and is demarcated by the Yellow Line. On December 10, the IDF noted that several Israeli civilians entered Gaza and it handed them over to the Israeli police. The IDF emphasizes that any entry into a combat zone is prohibited, the Israeli military said. In addition, the IDF said that Israeli troops had identified two terrorists crossing the Yellow Line, and one of the interlopers was eliminated. In a separate incident on December 7, the IDF said that it had eliminated a suspected terrorist.

On December 7, the IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited Israeli troops in Gaza and conducted a situational assessment with the head of IDF Southern Command, Major General Yaniv Asor, and the head of the 252nd Division, Brigadier General Yehuda Wagen. Zamir traveled to several sectors in northern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya.

We are operating to thwart and remove threats in all arenas. We will not tolerate threats against our troops, and we will respond to any attempt, Zamir said, adding, We will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself. 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.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
The USS Gerald Ford (pictured here in 2023) is currently deployed with its carrier strike group in the Caribbean. (Petty Officer 2nd Class Jackson Adkins, DVIDS)

Washington continued ramping up its military deployment near Venezuela under Operation Southern Spear, the anti-drug trafficking campaign announced by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on November 13. The deployment now includes the US Navys largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, over a dozen warships, and more than 15,000 US personnel, building upon what was already the regions largest American naval presence since 1962.

The Ford strike group, composed of the carrier and three destroyers supported by an Air Force B-52 bomber wing, provides US planners with the ability to conduct rapid, long-range strike packages against targets inside Venezuela if authorized.

As the deployment expanded, US President Donald Trump directly contacted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and offered safe passage out of Venezuela if Maduro left power right away. In response, Maduro reportedly demanded total amnesty for himself and other Venezuelan officials and sanctions relief, which Washington rejected.

Publicly, Maduro dismissed the US buildup as a plan to appropriate Venezuelas oil reserves [] through the lethal use of military force.

France and the UK challenge the legality of US actions

Tensions with European allies have grown after US forces sank several high-speed boats in the Caribbean, killing dozens of alleged drug traffickers. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that the strikes violate international law.

In mid-November, London reportedly suspended certain intelligence-sharing with the United States related to suspected drug-smuggling vessels. While both the Pentagon and British officials declined to comment, Secretary of State Marco Rubio decried the reports as a false story.

US officials have rejected the criticism from European officials, insisting that US interdictions were lawful and aimed at reducing cocaine flows that also affect Europe. Nevertheless, by mid-November, several governments, including France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Canada, were reviewing their cooperation with the US to prevent potential complicity in unlawful killings.

US issues NOTAM over Venezuelan airspace

The US-Venezuela standoff widened on November 21 when the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) warning that civil aircraft face a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela. The FAA cited increased military activity and required US airlines to provide 72 hours notice before entering Venezuelan airspace.

American Airlines and United Airlines canceled flights in Venezuela shortly after the notice. Caracas denounced the FAA warning as illegitimate and outside of US jurisdiction. Days later, on November 27, Venezuelas civil aviation authority revoked the operating permits of six foreign airlinesTAP, Iberia, Avianca, LATAM Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Golafter they suspended service. Venezuelan authorities said these airlines had joined actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States.

Intensifying rhetoric from both governments

On November 29, Trump wrote on Truth Social that airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered closed in its entirety to Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers. The remark raised questions about possible US airstrikes or the enforcement of a no-fly zone. Caracas condemned the message as a colonialist threat.

President Trump later downplayed the comment when questioned by reporters, stating, Dont read anything into it. Nonetheless, Trump also reportedly said that ground operations in Venezuela could begin very soon to halt drug trafficking at its source.

Maduro responded to increasing US rhetoric at rallies, pledging absolute loyalty to the Venezuelan people and dancing to a remix of one of his speeches in which he said, Neither a slaves peace nor the peace of colonies, a rejection of US intervention and influence.

Machados covert escape to accept the Nobel Peace Prize

Maria Corina Machadothe Venezuelan opposition leader who has been living in hiding since 2024 to avoid arrestwas awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her pro-democracy work on October 10. Maduros government subsequently warned that Machado would be considered a fugitive if she attempted to leave the country due to the numerous treason charges she faces from the Maduro-controlled justice system.

Machado fled Venezuela clandestinely on December 9. With US assistance, she reportedly departed from a coastal hideout by boat, traveled to Curacao, and boarded a private aircraft bound for Norway. Many people risked their lives to make this possible, Machado told Nobel organizers.

Machado ultimately missed the ceremony due to weather delays; her daughter accepted the prize on her behalf in Oslo.

US seizes oil tanker off Venezuelan coast

Tensions escalated further on December 10 when Trump announced that US forces had seized a large oil tanker near Venezuelas coast. The operation, led by the US Coast Guard with Navy support, reportedly targeted the MT Skipper, a Guyana-flagged supertanker that US Attorney General Pam Bondi said was a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela to Iran.

The seizure, which directly targets Venezuelas chief revenue source, is the first such interdiction since the US buildup in the Caribbean began this year. Oil prices rose roughly 0.4 percent in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Washington argued that the move would restrict funds available to Maduros government, and Caracas called the interdiction an act of international piracy.

Samuel Ben-Ur is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Tesla is clearly trying to boost its fourth-quarter deliveries before the year is out, and to do so, it's slapping some crazy deals on what might be the worst vehicle it makes other than the Cybertruck. The Austin, Texas-based automaker is now offering 0% APR financing deals on the Model Y Standard  its decontented and enshittened base version of the small crossover.

If you're really hankering for a Model Y with a small battery, a covered-up panoramic moonroof, a crappy stereo and a weird lighting setup, Tesla has the deal for you. The automaker is now offering 0% APR financing for 72 months to buyers with credit scores above 720. Monthly payments work out to $529 per month with $3,300 due at delivery. That is, admittedly, a screaming deal on a car with an MSRP of $41,630, including destination. It's incredibly rare to find free money these days.

Hell, even if you don't have an "excellent" credit score, APR rates aren't bad on this thing. 680-720 is a 0.99% APR, 640-679 is 1.99% and anything under 640 is still just 2.99%. Say you want to go with no money down, with excellent credit, well, that only brings the APR to 0.99% and raises your monthly payment to $592. Anyway you slice it, Tesla is trying to give its customers a good deal on this car. It's just too bad the car is booty cheeks.

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Read more: What Are The Rarest Cars Featured On Jay Leno's Garage?

The leaser of two evils

Tesla website lease portal - Tesla

There's a lot of hesitancy around buying a new EV, I get it. Because of that, folks turn to leasing, and Tesla is offering them a screaming deal, too. However, you can't lease the Standard for whatever reason. Now through the end of the year, Well-qualified customers with excellent credit can lease a new Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive (the next rung up) for $449 per month for 36 months and zero dollars down. The only thing they'll have to pay is $1,145 at delivery, and that covers the first month's payment and a $695 acquisition fee. At the end of those two years, you'll have the option to buy the car outright for $28,756, not including taxes and fees.

Of course, it's a low-mileage lease, just 10,000 miles per year, but still  not too shabby. To be fair, Tesla keeps the same zero-down offer whether the lessee goes for a 24- or 36-month lease or they get 10, 12 or 15,000-mile limits. The only thing that changes is the monthly payment. All around, it's a solid deal if you don't mind driving a car that lets everyone know you're cool with what Elon Musk posted that day.

I know deals are good, and in a bubble, the Model Y (Standard not included) is a good car, but before you head to a Tesla dealer and slap some money down, take a scroll through Musk's feed and see if his values align with yours. If they do, go with God. If they don't, perhaps you should look elsewhere.

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Cambridge police are searching for a gunman they say shot at a driver as they tried to flee an early morning confrontation with the suspect.

Officers responded to Cambridge Street near Evereteze Way for a report of gunfire around 4 a.m., Cambridge police said in a press release. They soon learned that a suspect unknown to the victim confronted them armed with a gun while they were parking their car.

As the victim tried to drive away, the suspect fired several shots, police said. None of the gunfire struck the victim, but at least one bullet hit their car, shattering its rear window.

The driver was not harmed during the incident and traveled to a safe place before speaking with police, police said. Investigators recovered ballistic evidence at the scene.

Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow said that the driver involved in the incident was an off-duty officer, Boston 25 News reported. The officer, who has been a part of the citys police force for less than a year, was left shaken.

Cambridge police are actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information relevant to their investigation is asked to call 617-349-3300 or visit their website for information on how to submit a tip anonymously.
A man who worked as a science teacher at a Boston public school pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges for persuading at least one underage girl to engage in sexual conversations online and send him explicit photos, prosecutors said.

John Magee Gavin, 35, of Brookline, pleaded guilty to one count each of coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He is set to be sentenced on March 12, 2026, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foleys office said in a statement.

Gavin was indicted in July and remains in federal custody.

Before his indictment, Gavin worked as a science teacher at the Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston, which serves students in grades 6 through 12. Before that, he was a 6th-grade teacher at the Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School in Hyde Park and a paraprofessional in the Brookline Public Schools, according to the statement.

In January, Gavin was identified as the owner of a Discord account that messaged at least 20 underage girls across the country and overseas, including in Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, the United Kingdom and Canada. In the messages, Gavin identified himself as a teacher and engaged the girls in sexual conversations, according to the statement.

Gavin frequently asked the girls he was messaging to send him pictures of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct, even though he knew they were underage. Local authorities arrested and charged Gavin in February 2025. Records show the charges were dropped after Gavin was indicted.

Authorities discovered nearly 150 images and videos on Gavins phone depicting child sexual abuse, including those showing underage boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 17.

An analysis of his Discord account found several chats where he participated in online masturbation sessions with minors, solicited images from and exchanged images with minors and engaged in sexual conversations with minors while at school, Foleys office said.

The chats also included conversations in which Gavin expressed his sexual interest in certain students at Josiah Quincy, the statement reads. In one conversation, Gavin discussed his sexual interest in a freshman student at the school where he was employed as a teacher and fantasized about having sex with her.

The charge of coercion and enticement of a minor carries a sentence of up to life in prison. The other two charges  receipt and possession of child pornography  each carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
HMC Family Physiatry has opened at 3640 Main St., Suite 204, in Springfield. The office is scheduling appointments and accepting new patients.

Physiatry, or physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), treats patients with illnesses and injuries that impact mobility and day-to-day functioning with non-surgical treatments. Led by Dr. Paul Azimov, Family Physiatry will provide care for patients with chronic pain and rehabilitation needs. Common conditions that may warrant a referral to the family physiatry team include joint problems, spinal disorders, headaches, and acute pain.

Azimov completed a Bachelor of Science from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania before completing a Doctor of Osteopathy at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania. Azimov has been serving patients in Western Massachusetts since 2005.

Troy Chilson will join Azimov at HMC Family Physiatry. Chilson completed a Master of Science in physician assistant studies at Springfield College and has been practicing in the area since 2007. His experience includes physiatry, orthopedics, urgent care and emergency medicine.

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Tech Foundry announces that it now offers two workforce development programs for Western Massachusetts residents. Applications are open on the organizations website.

Interested people can apply for the upcoming cohort of Tech Foundrys IT workforce training program, now called Tech Launch, which prepares students for careers as help desk specialists, network and field technicians and other tech related roles.

In addition, Tech Foundry is also recruiting for its new Tech Bridge program, a college readiness and tech career training program for recent graduates of Holyoke, Chicopee and Springfield public schools. Tech Bridge prepares students for career paths in information technology, audio-visual and low-voltage electrical work, as well as for full-time college  or both.

To apply to Tech Launch and/or Tech Bridge, visit https://thetechfoundry.org/the-program/apply-now/. The deadline to apply for the Tech Launch program is Dec. 29.

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The Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic is accepting applications from entrepreneurs and small business owners for free legal assistance during the spring 2026 semester.

Under faculty supervision, WNE law students provide services to clients on matters such as: choice of entity and business formation; employment policies; contract drafting; regulatory compliance; and intellectual property issues, including trademark and copyright applications.

Since its founding, the clinic has assisted more than 500 small businesses across the region.

Applications are due by Jan. 1, with services beginning in mid-January. Later applications may be considered if resources allow.

For more information or to apply online, visit wne.edu/law/centers/small-business-legal-clinic.cfm or contact Marie Fletcher, clinical programs administrator, at 413-782-1469 or mfletcher@law.wne.edu.

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Florence Bank recently announced a gift of $73,520 to the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region. Florence Bank provided direct support of $50,000, and its team members pledged an additional $23,520 as part of the banks annual workplace campaign. The combined gift will be used to support the annual Diaper Drive, food insecurity efforts, the Ski United event and several event sponsorships.

In addition to financial support, Florence Bank will help lead the United Ways 2026 Annual Campaign.

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Springfield Regional Chamber is accepting applications for the 2026 Springfield Leadership Institute.

Launching on Feb. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m., this years program features a curriculum delivered by professors from Western New England University. Participants will develop advanced skills in strategic thinking, decision-making, and change management while honing their abilities in effective communication and team building. The curriculum covers emerging issues such as AI, digital media and business analytics in leadership.

Participants will also receive an invitation to enroll in a complimentary graduate course at the WNEU College of Business upon completing the program  a benefit available only to Institute graduates.

Applications are open now but must be submitted by Feb. 6. The program will take place at the TD Bank Conference Center.

To register, or for more information, visit https:springfieldregionalchamber.com.

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The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce presented a $3,934 donation to Haven Teen Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee. The donation is a result of the annual Thriller 5K held at the end of October at Grise Funeral Home.

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MiraVista Behavioral Health Center will host a Mira & Bright nursing recruitment and recognition event on Monday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pilgrim Candle on Union Avenue in Westfield, in partnership with Pilgrim Candle and Flowers by Webster. The event invites local nurses to stop in for appreciation, conversation, and exploration of career opportunities.

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ConvenientMD Urgent Care will celebrate the grand opening of its newest clinic in Hadley with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at 424 Russell Street in Hadley.

The Hadley location is the companys 50th clinic.
Massachusetts authorities approved the first regulations allowing cannabis lounges and other on-site pot consumption on Thursday, rewarding cannabis consumers and business owners who have spent years waiting for the new rules.

Voters allowed such establishments when they legalized recreational cannabis in 2016. But the regulations were delayed due to safety concerns, and then took years to develop.

In the meantime, the Massachusetts pot market grew into a billion-dollar-a-year industry. But while shoppers could purchase cannabis at hundreds of locations across the state, they could not enjoy it on-site, a practice known as social consumption allowed in 12 other states.

The Cannabis Control Commission took the most important step yet toward changing that with its stamp on the new regulations Thursday.

While the regulations are in place, the results may take a while to materialize. When they do, the laws may allow businesses as diverse as yoga studios and music venues to offer cannabis.

This is a little bit of a brave new world, the commissions chairperson, Shannon OBrien, said Thursday. We know what our local pub looks like, but we dont really understand what this looks like.

The commission still needs to develop training requirements for social consumption business staff on serving pot products, overconsumption and the like, similar to the training a bartender would go through before serving alcohol.

Towns and cities must decide whether to allow social consumption businesses within their borders.

If they do, many may also need to change their zoning laws to accommodate cannabis lounges and similar establishments. Boards of health and local licensing authorities may also have a say in how and whether a social consumption proposal moves forward.

Massachusetts places heavy authority at the local level. And each community is unique.

When the commission created regulations for cannabis home delivery businesses, the first company applied for a license within about six months, OBrien said. Between a year and 18 months passed before the business could open.

Im hoping that some of these things can go more quickly, OBrien said. But there is a lot of work to do with the municipalities to make sure that they are ready.

While developing the regulations, members of the Cannabis Control Commission met with local officials across the state to discuss the prospect of social consumption and share information on the coming changes.

Some of the community leaders were enthusiastic about the idea of pot lounges and other businesses, Cannabis Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said in an interview this fall.

He thought Fitchburg, Somerville, Provincetown, Cambridge and Chelsea could be among the first out of the gate.

Cannabis Commissioner Kimberly Roy said Thursday that in addition to those communities, Haverhill, Holyoke and Worcester had also expressed interest in social consumption.

Cannabis Commissioner Bruce Stebbins meets with Fitchburg Mayor Samantha M. Squailia on Oct. 16, 2025, to discuss social consumption regulations. (Courtesy of the CCC)

Some cities already have cannabis lounges and other businesses offering social consumption through a gray area of state law. The Summit Lounge in Worcester, for example, is a well-known private club that offers paid memberships for customers who can consume cannabis products they bring from home.

Social consumption businesses could take almost any form, from a traditional smoking lounge to a pottery studio that allows customers to toke up before a class.

The commission established three types of licenses: a supplemental license for existing cannabis businesses to add on-site consumption to their offerings, a hospitality license for non-cannabis businesses  like the yoga or pottery studio  to host pot-friendly activities in partnership with regular cannabis businesses, and an event organizer license to allow temporary consumption events.

The hospitality license could allow a wide variety of establishments to dip into the weed market for the first time, though the law prohibits businesses from selling both alcohol and weed.

Each business would require a license from the commission and an agreement with its local community before opening.

Ultimately, its up to the communities and the municipalities if they think this license type is an appropriate fit, Roy said.
Three Cape Cod residents have been indicted on human trafficking-related charges in separate cases within the past week, the Cape and Islands District Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

On Dec. 5, a Barnstable County Superior Court grand jury indicted 20-year-old Brewster resident Luca Aguilar on six charges, including child rape, trafficking a person under 18 for sexual servitude and posing or exhibiting a child engaged in a sexual act, according to court records.

That same day, a grand jury indicted 38-year-old Sandwich resident Rina Altany Hernandez Alcantara on a single charge of trafficking a person for sexual servitude in the same court, court records show.

Finally, on Wednesday, a grand jury in the same court indicted 24-year-old Falmouth resident Ionut Andrei Stamatin on four charges, including paying for sex with a child, enticement of a child under 16 and electronic enticement of a child for commercial sex, according to court records.

The allegations against Aguilar

Barnstable police began investigating Aguilar in April after receiving a report that a 20-year-old man was exploiting a 15-year-old girl by offering her marijuana and vapes in exchange for sex, the district attorneys office said. After identifying Aguilar as the suspect, investigators discovered that he was also sexually involved with a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old.

Aguilar pleaded not guilty to the charges against him during his arraignment on Thursday, according to court records. The judge ordered him held on $15,000 cash bail, which has been posted by a relative of his, but also issued conditions of release.

Aguilars release conditions include that he wear a GPS location monitor, remain within Massachusetts, surrender his passport and abide by a curfew, court records show. The judge also ordered him to stay away from all minors, as well as victims and witnesses in the case.

Aguilar is due back in court on Jan. 9 for a pretrial conference.

The allegations against Alcantara

Yarmouth police began investigating Alcantara on Sept. 11 after a patrol officer noticed apparent prostitution in a parked car in the parking lot of a local business, the district attorneys office said. The officer observed a car driven by a woman drop off another woman in the lot, who then got into a second car that was parked there.

After the passenger from the first car entered the second car, its windows began to fog, the district attorneys office said. After a few minutes, the passenger from the first car exited the second car, adjusted her clothing and got back into the first car.

Both cars then left the lot, and the officer pulled the first car over, the district attorneys office said. Alcantara was discovered to be the driver of the first car.

Her arraignment in Barnstable County Superior Court has not yet been scheduled.

The allegations against Stamatin

Massachusetts State Police began investigating Stamatin on Oct. 1 after carrying out an operation in Falmouth targeting human traffickers, the district attorneys office said. During the operation, undercover officers communicated with a person who believed they were arranging a time and place at which they would pay for sex with a 15-year-old girl.

A short time later, Stamatin arrived at the arranged location and was arrested by State Police, the district attorneys office said. After taking him into custody and confiscating his phone, investigators sent a confirmation text to the phone number provided by the person theyd communicated with about commercial sex, and it appeared on his phone.

Stamatins arraignment in Barnstable Superior Court has not yet been scheduled.
Bostons North End is getting into the holiday spirit with the neighborhoods seasonal shopping initiative.

The 2025 North End Holiday Stroll will return Friday, Dec. 12 from 5-9 p.m., transforming the area into a walkable winter market featuring holiday decor, carolers, a roaming Santa, food and beverages.

A record number of shops will participate in the stroll this year, including longtime favorites and newcomers to the North End retail scene. Many of these businesses will offer exclusive in-store specials, sips and snacks as well.

All 18 participating shops are listed below:

Christmas in Boston

Heaven

Petrova

Bohdega

Soma

Good Taste Records

Boston Bottle

Polka Dog

Shake the Tree

Loft and Vine

I Am Books

Joi Salon

Aperitivo

Luna

Uvida

Project Paulie

Heart & Sole

Side Car

Shoppers will also receive a Holiday Stroll card as they cross items off their gift lists. Available at all participating stores, the card gets marked whenever customers make a purchase. Once its filled, they can be entered into a raffle with more than $5,000 worth of prizes, plus 18 additional smaller prize drawings.

While the North End Holiday Stroll is meant to support local businesses in the neighborhood, its also intended to help shoppers give back to charity. That said, the 2025 Stroll will have a first-time charity partnership with New Health, which has locations in the North End and Charlestown. The local nonprofit helps to provide affordable medical, dental and behavioral health and wellness services to local residents.

Each participating business will sell a limited-edition North End holiday ornament, with proceeds benefiting New Healths local outreach and wellness programs.

The North End Holiday Stroll is free and open to the public. Shoppers can start at any participating business to pick up their card and ornament. Maps and raffle drop boxes will be available throughout the neighborhood as well.
When Alissa Kirby met up with Ana Walshe on the night of Dec. 29, 2022, she noticed quickly that something was off with the woman she called her new best friend.

Walshe was uncharacteristically upset. She hit a breaking point, according to Kirby.

Kirby was the final witness called by prosecutors during the trial for Brian Walshe, who is accused of killing Ana Walshe on the morning of New Years Day, then dismembering her body.

On the stand, Kirby told jurors she and Ana Walshe became fast friends after being introduced by her brother when Ana Walshe moved to Washington, D.C., for work. They clicked like sisters, Kirby said of the woman who lived just a five-minute walk away.

Walshe admitted to Kirby that she had developed a crush on another man  William Fastow, the real estate agent who sold the Walshe family their Washington, D.C. townhouse. Kirby recalled Walshe often talking about Fastow, her interest in him and what she wanted to have happen with him.

Walshe also told her husband about the crush, Kirby said. But Kirby testified she did not know the extent of the relationship between Fastow and Walshe  they had begun an affair not long after Walshe moved.

Kirby recounted a brief interaction with Brian Walshe on Christmas Day in 2022. That day, Ana Walshes flight was cancelled due to a snowstorm, so she was forced to drive back to Cohasset.

But Brian Walshe grew concerned when he hadnt heard from his wife, and reached out to Kirby.

Ana Walshe would call Kirby later that day, furious about her husbands concern.

She was angry and she was upset that Brian wouldve called me that day because ... she said that she had only not spoken to him for like an hour and a half or two hours, that it really hadnt been that long, Kirby said on the stand Wednesday afternoon, adding the conversation lasted only 20 minutes.

But the pair made plans to connect when Ana Walshe was back in Washington, D.C. and catch up before the new year.

They met up on the night of Dec. 29, 2022, heading to a bar across the street from the area where they both lived and then heading to a karaoke dancing bar. They spent roughly six hours out that night, Kirby said.

She was really upset, Kirby said. She was kind of breaking down because everything had been breaking down ... Ana was always a very strong person so that was very unusual for her. She was just really upset about so much. She really hit a breaking point.

When prosecutor Anne Yas asked Kirby what Walshe was upset about, she reached for a tissue she had placed on the witness stand.

Kirby explained that she was primarily upset about her relationship with her husband and being so far away from her three children. Walshe believed her husbands actions had led to a delay in his sentencing after he had pleaded guilty to federal crimes for selling fake Andy Warhol paintings.

Their marriage had been really strained for a long time, Kirby said, adding she had never seen Walshe like that before. She was really at a breaking point.

Ana Walshe wanted her husband to take responsibility for the art crime, according to Kirby, and knew that potentially meant hed serve time in prison.

At the time, Walshe was trying to figure out a way to bring her children with her to Washington, D.C.

The physical separation from a husband was very hard for her, Kirby said, later adding that Walshe told her she hadnt been intimate with her husband in a long time, possibly more than a year.

Kirby broke down when Yas published a photo of her and Ana Walshe on the in-court TV screens. The photo was taken on the night of the 29th, she said.

The pair never saw each other again.

Brian Walshe reached out to Kirby on Jan. 3, asking if she knew where his wife was. The next day, Kirby said, she got scared after Brian Walshe told her he still hadnt heard from his wife.

On cross-examination, defense lawyer Kelli Porges suggested to Kirby that the Walshes always had an open, honest relationship. Kirby said that was what Ana Walshe told her.

In that conversation, when she was telling you about how she had told her husband about having a crush on Will [Fastow] that Brian wasnt the jealous type? Porges asked. Not only was he not jealous, that she kinda wished he was a little more jealous.

I think in the way that a wife would want a husband to be protective, yes, Kirby replied.

On a brief re-direct, Yas asked Kirby what Ana Walshe had said about whether she still loved her husband.

She told me that he would often not tell her he loved her and would always ask her how much she was in love with him, Kirby said. She told me that this time she answered not as much because of everything that had happened and that she was falling out of love.
Brian Walshes defense team will begin presenting its case to jurors in his murder trial Thursday morning.

Prosecutors rested their case on Wednesday afternoon after calling a pair of key witnesses who were close to Walshes wife, Ana. The jury heard from Gem Mutlu, who spent New Years Eve with the couple, and Alissa Kirby, one of Ana Walshes closest friends in Washington, D.C., where she worked.

Its not known how long Walshes defense will go  they listed just eight possible witnesses, making it unlikely their case will go as long as the governments.

But it does appear likely that Walshe himself will testify in his own defense.

Judge Diane Freniere denied a motion from Walshes defense for a required finding of not guilty after prosecutors rested their case, finding that, in the light most favorable to the commonwealth, there was enough evidence to support the case continuing. Such motions are commonly made at the close of the prosecutions case and the defenses case in criminal trials.

Walshe, 50, is accused of killing his wife, Ana, in their home on the early morning of New Years Day 2023, then dismembering her body and disposing of her remains at dumpsters across the state.

Walshes defense has said Ana Walshe died a sudden, unexplained death of natural causes and that he panicked after finding her dead. 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.
The family of Michael Virgil, a 35yearold California man who died aboard Royal Caribbeans Navigator of the Seas in December 2024, has filed a federal wrongfuldeath lawsuit accusing the cruise line of negligence, overservice of alcohol and the use of excessive force that led to his death.

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the complaint alleges Royal Caribbean crew members served Virgil at least 33 alcoholic drinks through the ships allinclusive beverage package in a matter of hours  despite clear signs of intoxication.

In a matter of hours, ROYAL CARIBBEAN crew members significantly over-served [Virgil] alcoholic beverages while aboard the ship, the lawsuit reads.

According to the lawsuit, the alleged overservice left Virgil severely impaired, disoriented and agitated  a situation that culminated in a confrontation with security personnel.

When crew members intervened, the suit says they tackled Virgil to the ground, stood on his body with their full weight and restrained him while he was visibly intoxicated.

It also alleges the ships captain ordered the administration of Haloperidol, a sedative, and that multiple cans of pepper spray were used during the incident.

[Virgils] death was directly and proximately caused by ROYAL CARIBBEANS negligence, the suit claims.

His death was later ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, ABC News reported.

The report said Virgil died from the combined effects of mechanical asphyxia, which happens when something restricts someone from breathing, obesity, an enlarged heart and alcohol intoxication.

The complaint, brought by Virgils fiancee, Connie Aguilar, accuses Royal Caribbean not only of negligence in overserving alcohol, but also of failing to appropriately manage and train staff to handle impaired passengers.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for wrongful death, loss of support and other harms suffered by Virgils fiancee and their young child.
The SUV made infamous by the Karen Read case is set for auction.

Reads Lexus LX 570 will go up for auction in the coming months, according to a local auction house, and its place at the center of one of Massachusetts most notorious murder trials could push its final price well above market value.

Read was accused of backing into and killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, with that SUV after dropping him off during a blizzard outside the house of friends in Canton.

The owner of JB Auto Care in Weymouth purchased the vehicle from the leasing company after authorities released it.

No one has driven the SUV since police seized it nearly four years ago, according to the repair shop. The SUV had only 12,000 miles on it but required extensive repair work, according to Christian Brusard, a service advisor and son of the shops owner.

Mechanics changed the oil, cleaned out a rodent infestation, repaired the navigation systems, Brusard told MassLive, and, notably, replaced the taillight that became a major point of dispute in the trial, as investigators claimed it was damaged when Read struck OKeefe.

We had it, we fixed it, Brusard told MassLive. Its good to go.

JJManning Auctioneers, based in Yarmouth Port, will handle the sale. Justin Manning, the firms president, said he estimates the auction will be held in late January.

Everything is being worked out now, Manning told MassLive Thursday.

Read was charged in February 2022 with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter and leaving the scene of a collision. Her first trial in 2024 resulted in a hung jury, with the judge declaring a mistrial.

The second trial in 2025 concluded in June with Read being found not guilty of the more serious charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter and leaving the scene of a collision; she was found guilty of operating under the influence and was sentenced to a year of probation.

Brusard said JB Auto Care plans to donate all proceeds from the auction to Read.
The demo day put on by Techstars Boston used to be a good way to get a glimpse of Bostons most promising startups. The program launched in 2009, and originally, nearly every startup was based in the Boston area  or at least had moved here to test the waters while participating in the three-month accelerator program, which is designed to provide early funding, connections and mentorship to fledgling companies.

But in recent years, the demo day  when company founders deliver short pitches for an audience, hoping to raise additional money  has featured more companies from outside the state than inside it.

That was true on Tuesday afternoon, when seven companies presented. Just two were based locally, but others traveled from California, Utah, and Texas to participate in the program, which offers an investment of $220,000 in the startups that participate, in exchange for a roughly five percent stake.

Techstars managing director Jennifer Davis said that the program selects high-potential startups that want to leverage the Boston ecosystem, which could mean connecting with health care or financial services companies here. There needs to be a why for them to be here, she said. Techstars typically accepts fewer than 1% of the companies that apply. (Harvards acceptance rate is about 4%.)

Another recent change: the Techstars Boston program has downshifted from working with two batches of startups each year  one in the spring, and one in the fall  to just one batch in the fall.

Tuesdays demo day was held at Googles office in Kendall Square. Before it began, I asked 11 people in the audience  entrepreneurs, technologists, marketing consultants, and so-called angel investors who put money into startups  to take notes on the company they thought was most likely to succeed.

Here are the two companies that got the most mentions  both health care-related, and both, as it happens, based in the Boston area:

Accelidea: A software platform that uses artificial intelligence to help teams designing new medical devices get them approved and into the market faster. Founder Rose Huang is a former R&D engineer at a big medical device company, Boehringer Laboratories. The software can automate up to 80% of the manual work involved in product management, engineering, regulatory filings, and quality control, Huang said.

Were a team of engineers, operators, and AI experts with deep regulatory expertise, and were obsessed with solving this problem, she said. Accelidea is already working with three early paying customers.

Empallo: A virtual clinic for heart care. Founder Claire Beskin, a recent graduate of MITs business school and former management consultant, noted that $300 billion is spent on cardiac care in the US each year  Much of it on acute events that couldve been prevented, she said.

The startups tech-enabled cardiac clinic is already operating in eight states, she said, and is in-network with a handful of big health plans, including Aetna, United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

It handles everything from scheduling to prescriptions to billing. Empallos approach, Beskin said, is virtual first, meaning it tries to give patients an online consult with a doctor when possible, and send them into the office when necessary.

The moment for cardiac telehealth has arrived, she said.

There were two other startups in yesterdays cohort that my panel of judges found deserving of honorable mentions: Brixely, focused on applying AI to commercial real estate deals, and Bundled, a service aimed at helping consumers get better prices on subscription products  and more easily cancel those they dont use.

You can see all of Tuesdays pitches in the replay of the events livestream.
A Fall River woman who sold victims to sex buyers and joked it was like playing a game of Tetris has been sentenced to prison.

Cory Primo, 43, was sentenced in Boston federal court on Wednesday to 70 months in prison and five years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. She was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to the three victims in the incident.

Primo conspired with others to traffic an adult woman from Massachusetts and two children from April 2023 until August that year, the office said. She had started helping a co-defendant sell the people because she was broke.

Primo sent pictures of the women and children to sex buyers, communicated with buyers to schedule commercial appointments and negotiated prices, the office said. She joked that her role was like playing a game of Tetris" and encouraged other defendants to be violent toward the victims.

Primo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in August as one of six people charged in July 2024.

The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and Michael J. Krol, who leads Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

The Somerset Police Department also provided important help. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, who heads the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Francisco Zornosa, a trial attorney from the Justice Departments Criminal Division.
President Donald Trump isnt a fan of the headlines hes been getting lately about his health and his tendency to nod off during cabinet meetings.

The New York Times got things rolling last month with a story noting that Trump, 79, the oldest person to be elected to the presidency, has had a lighter public schedule than his first term and the burden of the office is visibly weighing upon him.

That prompted the Republican to lash out at his hometown newspaper, boasting about his health, his administrations accomplishments, and the fact that hed passed a cognitive exam.

There has never been a President that has worked as hard as me! My hours are the longest, and my results are among the best, Trump thundered in a lengthy post to his Truth Social social media site.

Ive stopped Eight Wars, saving many millions of lives in the process, created the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country, brought Business back into the United States at levels never seen before, rebuilt our Military, created the Largest Tax Cuts and Regulation Cuts, EVER, closed our open and very dangerous Southern Border, when previous Administrations were unable to do so, and created an aura around the United States of America that has led every Country in the World to respect us more than ever before, he continued.

Trump claimed that he had aced the cognitive examination, which was something which few people would be able to do very well, including those working at The New York Times.

He continued:

Dspite all of this, the time and work involved, The New York Times, and some others, like to pretend that I am slowing up, am maybe not as sharp as I once was, or am in poor physical health, knowing that it is not true, and knowing that I work very hard, probably harder than I have ever worked before. I will know when I am slowing up, but its not now! After all of the work I have done with Medical Exams, Cognitive Exams, and everything else, I actually believe its seditious, perhaps even treasonous, for The New York Times, and others, to consistently do FAKE reports in order to libel and demean THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. They are true Enemies of the People, and we should do something about it."

At this point, the best thing The Times could do for the nation is to cease publication because they are a horrible, biased, and untruthful source of information, Trump said.

Trumps hyperbole netted him some instant pushback on X, with several users heaping criticism on him.

I guess the president just announced he recently took his latest in a series of cognitive tests, this one in front of a room full of medical personnel observing him? MSNow host Chris Hayes observed in a post.

MeidasTouch, a progressive media site, noted that the test that Trump took is one given to patients to detect signs of dementia.

And if anyone else posted such a lengthy screed, it would be universally acknowledged that the person is mentally unstable, former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., wrote.

The Truth Social post pretty much confirms Trump is having serious health problems, Democratic consultant John Aravosis wrote in an X Post.

The first part of the tweet is a feint. The main purpose was to counter the rumors of his failing health. And mentioning that he had to go for three cognitive tests? he continued. What healthy senior has to go for three cognitive tests? I dont think my parents ever went for one, and they lived to be 87 and 94. Everything Trump says is a lie. This is a confession.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whos been parodying Trump in social media posts of his own, cut to the chase: Donald Trump is in poor physical health.
BOSTON  When a friend introduced Nyajea to Roca, a violence intervention program, she wasnt interested.

I didnt want anything to do with any programs, she said at an event Roca held on Tuesday at the State House. Nyajea, 22, did not disclose her last name at the event. Id had enough as a child being removed from my parents custody, going into group homes and then running away. ... But my friend knew I was not in a healthy relationship and would need help.

After she lost custody of her son, she decided to go to Roca in Springfield to better her life. It wasnt easy, especially after her second child, a daughter, was taken by the Department of Children and Families, but she stuck with the program.

Now Im in a transitional housing program, she said. My daughter will be home on Friday, and Im getting my life together, and things are coming into place for me and my family.

At the event Tuesday, Roca released an evaluation completed by Tufts Universitys Interdisciplinary Evaluation Research that looks at Rocas program for young mothers who have experienced acute trauma.

The two-year pilot program received state funding and partnered with the Office of the Child Advocate. At several locations in the state, it provides resources like job readiness training and therapeutic skills.

Roca called the change in the women remarkable.

Roca Executive Vice President Sunindiya Bhalla speaks to the graduates of a Roca intervention program for high-risk young mothers and women on Aug. 13. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

We teach cognitive behavioral skills to help them manage the chronic stress and survival mode theyve lived in for far too long, and begin building the safety and stability they need, Sunindiya Bhalla, Rocas executive vice president, said at Tuesdays briefing.

In the two-year period, the project worked with 381 women, about a third of whom live in the Springfield area. About two-thirds of the women experienced high levels of trauma, and had involvement with the courts and child welfare system, according to the evaluation.

After joining the Roca program, many saw decreases in depression (42%), PTSD (29%), domestic violence (20%), and emotional dysregulation (18%); the evaluation found. Arraignments declined by about 60%.

Weve learned a lot about the young women ROCA serves and how the program shifts their trajectories and changes their lives, said Rebecca Fauth, co-director of the Tufts research group, on Tuesday.

Fauths team also looked at state data for about 170 participants who allowed their information to be shared and found that after joining Roca, more people signed up for aid programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

In the last two years, the program also experienced setbacks. One young woman, Jessiah Mercado, 20, and her infant son were shot and killed in November 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut.

We remember Jessiah for her fierce love for her sons, Bhalla said Tuesday, her ongoing determination to escape violence and the encouragement she gave others struggling to become the mothers they wish to be.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice this spring terminated a grant that brought in about $1 million to the womens program in Western Massachusetts. In Springfield, the womens program no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities, the DOJ wrote in its grant cancellation letter.

For Nyajea, the program changed her life, she said Tuesday.

I cant thank them enough for helping me and my family and helping me grow into the person that I deserve to be, and that I never thought that I could be, she said.
SPRINGFIELD  A pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash in Springfield last week has died, officials say.

The Hampden District Attorneys Office identified Sylvia Gladden, a 58-year-old city resident as the victim of the crash. Springfield Police responded at around 6:20 p.m. on December 5 to the area near State and Federal streets after reports that a pedestrian had been hit, a statement from the DAs Office said.

Janel Wedley, 27, the driver who allegedly fled the scene, is being charged with leaving the scene of personal injury resulting in death. She turned herself in on Monday, the statement said.

The police departments Traffic Unit and the DAs Office Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit are working on a joint investigation. Through scanning traffic camera footage, officials identified Wedley and her vehicle, the statement said.

The Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the incident.

In a statement Thursday, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni expressed his sympathies to the victims family.
NORTHAMPTON  Next week, four anti-war protesters arrested for protesting at L3Harris in Northampton will have their day in court.

L3Harris, a defense contractor with a manufacturing facility in the Paradise City, has been the target of many protests revolving around Israels war in Gaza since October 2023.

Four members of Demilitarize Western Massachusetts, an anti-war group, will have a civil hearing next Thursday following a March protest in the facilitys lobby.

On March 19, there were five people loudly chanting anti-government speech and two additional people recording them on their phones, according to a police report of the incident.

The group was trying to get ahold of Chris Kubasik, the chief executive officer of L3Harris, and other executives to demand that he and his company end their illegal complicity in the Gaza genocide, according to a statement from Demilitarize Western Massachusetts.

The group also condemned L3Harris for manufacturing parts in equipment used by Immigrant and Customs Enforcement agents, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Israeli government.

Patricia Gallagher of Dorchester, Priscilla Lynch of Conway, Nick Mottern of Northampton, and Paki Wieland of Greenfield were charged with trespass and disturbing the peace, according to court documents.

Attorney Jaime Rogers of Committee for Public Counsel Services, who is representing the anti-war protesters, said in an emailed statement Friday that the upcoming hearing will be an opportunity for him to present evidence on why his clients actions were justified and how L3Harris is profiting from the Gaza genocide.

My clients are extraordinarily conscientious and compassionate people. Their action on March 19, 2025, was designed to address ongoing humanitarian issues of immense gravity, including the current Gaza genocide, he said.

A spokesperson for the Northwestern District Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Following the hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 18, the group says there will be a press conference and a rally. The group is inviting members of the press and public to attend the hearing and the events to come.

Comments from attorney Jaime Rogers of Committee for Public Counsel Services have been added to this story.
WESTFIELD  Council President John Beltrandi III opened the special meeting on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m., noting that the only item on the agenda was a vote on the tax shift between residents and commercial property owners in the city. The vote had been postponed from the Dec. 4 meeting in order to send a letter to Mayor Michael McCabe requesting up to $3 million in free cash to offset taxes, which he declined.

After a discussion on each recommendation, four votes were taken, with the City Council ultimately settling on a tax shift of 1.68, slightly favoring residents over last years rate of 1.65.

First to speak at the hearing was Councilor Cindy Harris. Last year, I made a motion of 1.65 because things worked out. The mayor had given us some extra money, and it was beneficial to both commercial and residential to have that factor, she said, referring to $1 million in free cash to offset taxes given by the mayor one year ago at the City Councils request.

However, she said this year is far different. We received no money; the residents were taxed, with waste management extraordinarily high. The fee for sewer went up, the fee for water went up in the last five months  If you look at 1.75 this year, the residents would pay $22 extra a month, and businesses would pay $115 a month.

Harris said businesses can write off many expenses that residents cannot, including trash pickup, water, sewer, parking, and equipment on a sliding scale, and in that way have an advantage as far as being able to mitigate the increases that would come to them.

This is not resident versus commercial... Im trying to do what is fair to citizens because of the extraordinary circumstances, she said, before making a motion for the tax shift of 1.75.

Councilor Rick Sullivan then asked if the letter from McCabe could be read in part to the public. The bottom line is that the mayor has decided to not use any free cash to try to mitigate any increase here, he said, asking that the letter be incorporated into the minutes of the meeting.

In the letter, which Councilor Ralph Figy read at the meeting, the mayor said in response to the request to add another $1 million from free cash, he referred to discussions with his financial team in the spring with the citys treasurer, assessor, and auditor, who advised against adding free cash to the FY26 budget.

Against that backdrop, I still included $2 million of free cash into the FY26 budget, thereby reducing the taxpayer burden by $128 annually, according to Councilor Figys math. That means, the reduction to the taxpayer was addressed by my office and approved by City Council when the budget was deliberated during the appropriate time frame and passed in June 2025, McCabe wrote, adding, Any discussions about the use of free cash are only appropriate during the budget process. To do so now is untimely.

After the meeting, Figy, who chairs the Finance Committee, said he understood the mayors reasoning, but did not agree with its timing. I think the council now fully realizes that budget time has an impact at shift setting time, he said.

During the continuing discussion at the meeting, Councilor Nicholas Morganelli, Jr. asked if he could amend Harris motion on the tax shift factor. Beltrandi said he could.

We heard from the Chamber of Commerce that visited here  a vote for a tax shift that sends a message to the business community that we are more business-friendly in essence will help the residential tax rate because were going to bring in more businesses here, Morganelli said.

We cant do that if we raise the rate for businesses. 1.75 is far above many other municipalities in the state. A lot of them are close to where we are now  a lot of them are better than 1.65. I dont want to pay any more taxes than I have to for my own home in Westfield, but Im willing to play the cards  and vote for a tax shift that benefits businesses and allows businesses to thrive; not only survive, but thrive, Morganelli added, before proposing the tax shift of 1.61 requested at the Dec. 4 hearing by Chamber Director Amanda Waterfield.

Councilor James Adams then made a motion to amend the shift to 1.65, the current rate.

First of all, were in a no-win situation here with whatever we do. I think we fiscally did this correctly when we did the budget. Next year, we should probably just cut it $3 million and let the mayor come to us to fill that back with free cash. Thats probably how we should have [done] it, but I think we were doing the right thing because we didnt know what the free cash was. Weve always used free cash to get the residents a break  weve done it every year that Ive been here, Adams said.

I think its foolish that we have to do this when we have no development director. Were trying to sell the city  I dont agree with what the mayors doing  He tried to put a person in there that didnt last very long. So Im not sure if hes trying to sell the city or if hes trying to do it himself. I dont know what hes trying to do. So we are handcuffed here, no matter what we do. So Id like to go to the middle of the road and go 1.65 to keep it even for the businesses and for the people. Id love to give the people a break, but if we do that, were hammering the businesses. Without a community development director, were not gonna have a business to come into town, Adams added.

Ill support the 1.65, and I appreciate the councilors comments about cutting the budget by $3 million next year. That is really the purpose of the motion I made back in June, which was to take $1 million out of engineering last year  that would have, at this point, had the mayor put $1 million worth of free cash back into that account to make it whole, said Sullivan.

We [the Council] ultimately have the financial purse strings as long as you pull them at the right times because of the strong council form of government that we have. So its just when those levers get pulled. So I would encourage people to pull those levers next June when the budget is ready to be prepared, he added. Sullivan is the only outgoing member of the City Council after losing the at large election.

Sullivan also talked about the list of the top 10 taxpayers, which the assessor supplied to the council by request. I think seven of those either came in or did expansions back when I was mayor, and the other three were here before I was here as mayor. That shows you that there really hasnt been any significant growth, particularly at the top of the taxpayer list. And just for additional comment, most of those people all came in with tax incentive agreements that are now paying full freight, he said, thanking the assessor for the information.

There has got to be a new growth strategy because we are out of whack between the residential burden and industrial and commercial, weve let that get out of whack. And so there needs to be some work done on that, Sullivan said, adding that while he totally appreciates Councilor Harris consistent voice in favor of the residents, he would support the 1.65.

Harris said at a tax shift of 1.65, commercial rates will go up $71 a month, and residents rates will increase by $32 a month.

Karen Fanion said she appreciated the comments made for the 1.65 shift. However, the comments that were previously made that this is an unprecedented year with unprecedented circumstances with fees going up for our residents on solid waste and the water, I think that we do have to give the residents more of a break than we have to for the commercial. Im disappointed that the mayor did not give us any free cash, she said, adding that if he had, shed be more inclined to support the 1.65 to 1.66 range.

Free cash has been given several times in the past years. I went back ten years and looked at the amounts of free cash that were given. There was $2 million, sometimes $1.5 million, $1 million. So its disappointing that we arent using some of the $13 million that we do have in free cash to help out the tax rate, and that would help the businesses and the residents, Fanion said, before making a motion for a tax shift of 1.74.

Beltrandi then asked for votes on the amendments, beginning with the latest one of 1.74 proposed by Fanion. The amendment for 1.74 failed 4-7, with Michael Burns, Karen Fanion, Cindy Harris and Brent Bean voting in favor. Kristen Mello and Dan Allie were absent for the special meeting.

The next vote was for the tax shift of 1.65, proposed by Adams, which also failed 5 to 6, with Figy, Bridget Matthews-Kane, Morganelli, Sullivan and Adams voting in favor.

Morganellis motion for a tax shift of 1.61 failed 10 to 1, with his sole vote in support.

Before voting on the original motion made by Harris, Councilor William Onyski proposed as an amendment a tax shift of 1.68. Harris said at 1.68, residents would pay $29 extra a month, and business/commercial would pay $85 extra a month.

The tax shift of 1.68 passed 8-3, with all but Burns, Fanion and Harris in support. A motion was then made and passed unanimously to set the residential tax factor at 0.8599.

Tax abatement programs available

Matthews-Kane then appealed to the public that they should take advantage of the programs to help eligible residents.

As Councilor Harris has spoken, a lot of fees have gone up this year, and I had someone call me up about the trash fee, and I explained that that person was eligible to apply for a discount, Matthews-Kane said.

I just want to drive the point home that the community of Westfield has a lot of abatements that people can apply for if they fit under certain categories. If youre over 70, there are two abatement programs for those who meet income and asset restrictions. Those who want to learn more can call the assessors office. Matthews-Kane said, adding that she spoke to the assessor, who said more people have been coming in to ask about abatements, and shes happy to speak to them.

Theres also tax relief available for blind residents and disabled veterans. Thats also through the assessors office. Theres a new senior circuit breaker tax credit discount for trash. Its a 50% discount on the fee, and applications can be found on the DPW website. We also have a senior work-off program, and people can reach out to the Senior Center for more information. We have a veterans work-off program, and that can be accessed through our VSO Julie Barnes. This is a community where we take care of each other. We have these programs to help people out. I just hope people will reach out and see if they can apply, Matthews-Kane said before adjournment.
Merck Foundation , the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany sign MoU to underscored their long-term partnership to strengthen healthcare capacity in Cabo Verde during a high-level meeting held between Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DEBORA KATISA CARVALHO who is also the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The meeting was held during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, It was great meeting my dear sister H.E. Dr. DEBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of Cabo Verde and the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. Together we have started to provide scholarships for young doctors in the fields of Oncology and Fertility, and they will soon begin their programs. This marks an important milestone for us in building healthcare capacity in Cabo Verde.

We also signed an MoU to underscore our long-term partnership and to continue our programs in the country.

H.E. Dr. DEBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of Cabo Verde & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother stated, It was indeed a great pleasure to be a part of the prestigious conference together with my dear sisters, First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and hearing from them about the impact of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries. I am proud to share that we have initiated the Merck Foundation Scholarships Program and have enrolled our doctors for Oncology and Fertility Training programs.

Moreover, I am very happy that we have also started the Educating Linda program in our country, through which we have awarded scholarships to 42 of our students nationwide, enabling them to complete their education and unlock their full potential. I believe that education is the foundation of every thriving nation. Hence, these scholarships are of great importance to us.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has handed over 35 vehicles to district development officers under the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, marking the first phase of a 72-vehicle allocation aimed at improving government outreach and operational capacity across the country.The vehicles are expected to enhance mobility, visibility and programme delivery at district level, particularly in the implementation of youth-oriented development initiatives.Speaking at the handover ceremony, President Mnangagwa said the government would ensure that every district benefits from the programme."This is the first batch of trucks we are giving, but I am assuring them that every district will have their own vehicle. This should increase their visibility," he said.Youth Empowerment Minister Tino Machakaire welcomed the development, praising the President for strengthening the ministry's capacity to support young people across Zimbabwe."Firstly, I would like to thank His Excellency for making this effort in terms of developing the youth constituency," he said. "This ministry is a new ministry, but we did not have adequate tools of trade, so because of these new vehicles, we will increase visibility. I want to emphasise that these cars are for work purposes."Machakaire said the improved district reach would enable the ministry to expand programmes aimed at empowering young people and reducing social challenges such as drug and substance abuse. He added that increasing youth participation in national development was central to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which positions young people as key contributors to economic growth.The remaining vehicles from the 72-unit allocation are expected to be rolled out in subsequent phases, ensuring full coverage across the country's districts.
The 2025 theme for Human Rights Day,  Our Everyday Essentials,  emphasizes that core rights like safety, food, housing and a voice are not abstract but are the daily foundations of dignity and well-being. These fundamental rights include the right to digital access and safety.

Digital spaces are now integral to everyday life in Mauritius, yet they expose children and youth to growing online risksfrom cyberbullying and harassment to grooming, identity theft, and the non-consensual sharing of images. These dangers disproportionately affect girls and young women, threatening their safety, dignity, and future opportunities. Addressing these risks is urgent not only to protect the most vulnerable but also to ensure that technology becomes a tool for empowerment rather than harm. By safeguarding digital rights, Mauritius affirms its commitment to nurturing a generation that can thrive confidently and responsibly in the online world.

To celebrate the culmination of 16 Days of Activism to UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls which was kickstarted on 25 November and ends today on 10 December 2025  on International Human Rights Day  the UN team, in collaboration with the Ministries of Information Technology Communication and Innovation, Gender and Family Welfare, and Education and Human Resource, as well as the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children launched a campaign to place online safety and digital rights at the forefront of national dialogue. A practical booklet and series of informational videos were launched to support young people, families, educators, and caregivers, featuring DIVA  the official government-affiliated digital persona  to promote responsible digital citizenship and affirm safe technology use for all women and girls.

UN Resident Coordinator Lisa Singh said:

This is an important joint initiative to build capacity and raise awareness on digital violence as a critical human rights issue affecting children and girls. The launch of the booklet and videos resources by reaching the broader public is intended to demystify AI and digital space for all, and will ensure children, youth, families, and educators are able to navigate the digital space safely, confidently and responsibly. This campaign is not just about these 16 days  it should be sustained every day where government, civil society, private sector, and youth all play a crucial role.

The Ombudsperson for children stated that: I am delighted to be associated with the production of a booklet and videos featuring DIVA, the result of a meaningful collaboration between the UNRCO, three Ministries, and my office. The mandate of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children is to protect, promote, and defend the wellbeing and welfare of the child, and the Best Interests of the Child principle lies at the very core of these multimedia resources. I am confident that these tools will sensitise against cyber threats involving children and contribute to safeguarding their rights and safety in cyberspace.

The Honorable Minister of Information Technology Communication and Innovation stressed that:

Today, we reaffirm our duty to protect every woman, girl and child in the digital age. As a nation, we cannot ignore the rising harms online, facts that compel us to act with urgency and responsibility. Our collaboration with the United Nations reflects our commitment to ethical, safe and empowering technology. Through DIVA, our national AI avatar and new educational tools, we are giving families and young people the knowledge, confidence and protection they deserve to thrive securely online.

The Honorable Minister of Education and Human Resource highlighted that: International Human Rights must be compatible and thoroughly upheld in the digital realm.

The Honorable Minister of Gender and Family Welfare stated:

I am pleased to be associated with the Digital Safety Campaign for Children and Teens. As Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, one of my foremost responsibilities is to ensure the protection, well-being, and security of our children  the future custodians of our Republic. A key priority for the Republic of Mauritius is to enhance the digital resilience of our children and teenagers  enabling them to recognise online risks, respond safely, and seek help whenever necessary. Digital resilience is not merely about protection; it is about empowering our young people to navigate the digital world with knowledge, responsibility, and confidence. I wish to underscore that this effort requires strong collaboration. Our Ministries, the Mauritius Police Force, schools, parents, community organisations, and youth networks all have a critical role to play in fostering safe digital habits. This can be achieved through open dialogue at home, school-based digital literacy programmes, and youth-focused campaigns across the Republic. With a united and proactive approach, I am confident that we can strengthen the protection of our children and teenagers and ensure that they enjoy the benefits of the digital age in a safe and secure environment.

On this Human Rights Day, the United Nations and the Government reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that children and youth can navigate online spaces safely, confidently and free from digital violence.

Resume en Francais

loccasion de la Journee des Droits de lHomme 2025, placee sous le theme  Nos essentiels quotidiens  incluant lacces et la securite numeriques, lequipe des Nations Unies (ONU) et le gouvernement mauricien (via les Ministeres des TIC, du Genre et de lEducation, ainsi que le Bureau de lOmbudsperson pour les Enfants) ont lance une campagne de sensibilisation contre la violence numerique faite aux femmes et aux filles. loccasion de la Journee des Droits de lHomme 2025, placee sous le theme  Nos essentiels quotidiens  incluant lacces et la securite numeriques, lequipe des Nations Unies (ONU) et le gouvernement mauricien (via les Ministeres des TIC, du Genre et de lEducation, ainsi que le Bureau de lOmbudsperson pour les Enfants) ont lance une campagne de sensibilisation contre la violence numerique faite aux femmes et aux filles. Ce lancement marque la fin des 16 Jours dActivisme. Le contexte est crucial : si le numerique est essentiel a Maurice, il expose les jeunes a des risques croissants (cyberintimidation, vol didentite). Linitiative conjointe a produit un livret pratique et des videos informatives mettant en vedette DIVA, lavatar numerique national, afin de promouvoir la citoyennete numerique responsable. Les autorites, dont la Coordonnatrice residente de lONU, Lisa Singh, et les Ministres, ont souligne lurgence de cette initiative pour proteger les plus vulnerables, developper la resilience numerique des enfants et garantir quils puissent naviguer en ligne  en toute securite, confiance et responsabilite , reaffirmant lengagement de la nation envers la protection des droits de lenfant dans le cyberespace.
Le Ministre des Technologies de lInformation, de la Communication et de lInnovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul, a lance le 10 decembre 2025 a Ebene une carte SIM dediee a la Protection de lEnfant en Ligne. Cette initiative nationale vise a renforcer la securite numerique et lusage responsable du mobile par les mineurs.

Face a une moyenne de 17 cas de cybercriminalite rapportes quotidiennement, cette carte SIM, lancee le jour de la Journee des Droits de lHomme 2025, est un outil essentiel pour les parents. Elle integre des filtres de contenu adaptes a lage, des alertes en temps reel et un tableau de bord parental pour prevenir lexposition au cyberharcelement, aux jeux dargent et aux contenus illegaux.

Dr Avinash Ramtohul a reaffirme lengagement du gouvernement a collaborer avec les operateurs (Mauritius Telecom, Emtel, CHiLi) et a renforcer les droits numeriques pour garantir un environnement internet sur et favorable aux enfants. Une deuxieme phase du projet introduira des routeurs pour une gestion parentale plus poussee.

English Resume

n December 10, 2025, the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul, launched a SIM Card for Child Online Protection in Ebene. n December 10, 2025, the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul, launched a SIM Card for Child Online Protection in Ebene. This national initiative aims to bolster digital safety and promote responsible mobile usage among minors. Driven by concern over an average of 17 daily reported cybercrime cases, the SIM cardlaunched on Human Rights Dayprovides parents with an essential tool featuring age-appropriate content filters, real-time alerts, and a parental dashboard to prevent exposure to cyberbullying, gambling, and illegal content. Dr. Ramtohul reaffirmed the governments commitment to collaboration with mobile operators (Mauritius Telecom, Emtel, CHiLi) to strengthen digital rights and ensure a safe online environment for children. A second phase of the project will introduce routers for enhanced parental control.
The Mayo Robinson Centre building in Ballina is deteriorating and something needs to be done to secure its future according to a Mayo councillor.

The future of the Mary Robinsons Centre, which is to be located in Victoria House in Ballina, the childhood home of the former President of Ireland, was once again raised by councillors at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

The meeting heard that the Local Government Auditors Report 2024 revealed that Mayo County Council spent approximately 125,000 on the Mary Robinson Centre and allocated funding of 730,000 from reserves to this project.

Westport-based councillor Peter Flynn questioned where the funding Mayo County Council was providing was going to and where it was going to come from.

The Mary Robinson Centre still lingers and we still don't have any solution on that. We have asked for clarification on points and hope to get a better understanding of where the project is going and where the funding is going to come from. Right now it is still sitting in limbo land and it is not good for anybody the way the situation is at the moment, he said.

It is proposed to turn the building into a US-style presidential library to include an interactive visitor centre, an events space and an academic research facility. The plan for the centre was originally proposed by Mary Robinson herself and a charitable foundation, the Victoria House Foundation, was set up to drive the idea.

When the building was purchased by Mayo County Council in 2019 it was hoped the centre would be open in 2022 but in recent years the centre has been dogged by problems regarding funding to fit out the centre.

READ: Muredach's secure hard-earned ticket to Connacht A semi-final

As a result, the building has remained idle for close to three years and Crossmolina-based councillor Michael Loftus asked for something to be done to resolve the issue.

Something needs to be done with the Mary Robinson Centre. I see the building in Ballina and it is just deteriorating and it will cost so much more if we don't do something in the future, he said.

The overall cost of this project is expected to amount to approximately 5.3m, excluding fit out costs. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Gaeltacht (DCHG) has committed funding for 2m, of which 1.74m has been received to date towards the construction phase while 1.1m is committed from the Mary Robinson Foundation/Community Group of which 300,000 has been received to date. The remaining 250,000 from the DCHG grant is allocated towards the fit-out.

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly stated that the council remains in dialogue with the Mary Robinson Foundation in respect of the funding and fit-out and efforts will continue in this regard to facilitate the opening of the facility.
A campaign to establish a National Car Testing (NCT) centre in Belmullet has taken a step forward following a productive meeting at Leinster House between local representatives and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport.

Mayo Alan Dillon TD arranged the meeting with Minister of State Sean Canney and departmental officials, alongside Michael and Mairead Conroy of Michael Conroy Motors in Belmullet, to press the case for testing infrastructure in the Erris region.

The Fine Gael TD said that Tuesday's engagement "marks an important first step in advancing this project and ensuring the challenges faced by Erris motorists are fully recognised."

The absence of a local NCT centre currently forces Erris motorists to travel to Ballina or Westport for vehicle testing, often involving round trips of up to 150 kilometres.

With approximately 15,000 people living in the region, this creates substantial challenges including long waiting lists, significant travel times, and considerable additional costs for residents.

READ MORE: Campaign for another Mayo NCT centre continues despite RSA setback

"This places a significant burden on a region home to approximately 15,000 people," Dillon stated following the meeting.

He emphasised that today's engagement represents an important first step in advancing the project and ensuring the difficulties faced by Erris motorists receive full recognition from transport authorities.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has confirmed that in 2027 it will conduct a further needs analysis to assess future requirements for NCT services across the country.

This assessment will examine the potential establishment of new centres as part of any future procurement of the NCT service contract.

Michael and Mairead Conroy, who attended the meeting representing their hometown of Belmullet, expressed pride in having the opportunity to advocate for their community at the national level.

"We did this with great pride to represent our home town of Belmullet," they said, thanking Dillon for the welcoming reception and the opportunity to present their case.

Dillon committed to continuing efforts to advance the proposal with both the Department of Transport and the RSA, acknowledging the ongoing advocacy work of the Conroys and other local stakeholders.

The campaign highlights broader challenges facing rural communities in accessing essential services, with transport infrastructure remaining a key concern for residents in remote areas of the west of Ireland.
Part of a popular Mayo food businesses was forced to close in November after an inspection found a dead rat and droppings on the premises.

Part of the Coffee Shack Store Limited located at Station Road, Castlebar, was issued a closure order by an authorised officer of the Health Service Executive under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998.

READ NEXT: Little boy in critical condition following horror crash as Gardai appeal for witnesses

The closure order issued on November 27, 2025, directed that the room in the building at the rear of the Coffee Shack, being used as food store, be closed with immediate effect for the following reasons,

A dead rodent was found on the ground adjacent to the small freezer.

Rodent droppings were found on shelving.

The store had not been suitably finished to facilitate the proper cleaning of the area.

The entrance door was not pest proofed and gaps were evident.

A hole in the wall was evident beside the entrance door.

Chocolate flakes used to decorate coffees had spilled from packaging and were strewn throughout the shelving and floor, indicating inadequate cleaning and providing attraction for rodents.

A failure to put in place and implement adequate pest control procedures poses a significant risk of foodstuffs, food contact materials and food equipment becoming contaminated and as a result proposes a significant risk to public health and food safety

The closure order also stated the layout, design, construction, siting and size of food premises does not permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against contamination and, in particular, pest control in that:

The food store was not adequately pest proofed throughout. Gaps were evident around the entrance door. A hole was noted on the base of the wall adjacent to the entrance.

Evidence of rodent droppings were found on shelving in the food store.

A dead mouse was noted on the floor in the food store.

The evidence of a dead rodent and droppings at the time of inspection poses a significant risk of food, food contact materials and surfaces becoming contaminated and as a result poses a significant risk to public health

and food safety.

Adequate hygiene and food storage was also an issue within the premises as the report noted,

Floors and shelving were not in a clean condition indicating a lack of thorough and regular cleaning.

A failure to maintain a food premises in a clean and hygienic condition poses a risk of contamination to foodstuffs, food contact materials and food equipment.

Food and food contact materials were not adequately protected against rodent contamination in the store room as a dead rodent was noted on the floor and rodent droppings were evident on shelving.

A failure to store food and food contact materials in appropriate conditions poses a risk of contamination to foodstuffs, food contact materials and food equipment.

READ NEXT: 'What is the urgency?' - Irish shoppers urged to stay away from shops on St Stephen's Day

The report also stated that food business operators shall put in place, implement and maintain a permanent procedure or procedures based on the HACCP principles.

The HACCP principles referred to consist of establishing and implementing effective monitoring procedures at critical control

points.

Monitoring procedures within the business were not adequate in that;
Mayos creative excellence was celebrated this week as Westport-based porcelain sculptor Jennifer Hickey received an RDS Established Maker Award at the 2025 ceremony. She is among Irelands emerging and mid-career creatives awarded more than 140,000 across art, craft, and music.

In the Established Maker category, Westport native Jennifer Hickey was rewarded as the judges found her intricate, thousand-piece sculptures to be breathtaking in their precision and poetry. Winning and selected works of Emerging and Established Craft Makers were showcased at this years Gifted, The Contemporary Art Fair in the RDS, giving invaluable exposure of their work to the wider public.

This years ceremony was particularly historic, marking the 165th presentation of the prestigious Taylor Art Trust Award with a legacy spanning 165 years and over 590 awards. The RDS Arts Awards, which also celebrated the tenth anniversary of the RDS Visual Art Awards, complements initiatives like the Basic Income for the Arts by providing essential financial support and high-profile opportunities needed for creative talent to flourish.

The arts have been at the heart of the RDS since 1731 and the awards continue that powerful legacy. RDS President John Dardis, speaking at the ceremony, commended the winners: The RDS Foundation Arts Awards serve as investments in creativity, heritage and the future of Irish culture. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all the artists, makers and musicians shortlisted this year, and to thank our dedicated partners, donors, and the generosity of RDS Members, who without, none of this would be possible.

The RDS also marked six decades of craft support now with a renewed focus on sustainability and continued to elevate world-class performance opportunities for emerging classical musicians like Jane Sullivan, winner of the RDS Music Bursary.

READ MORE: Mayo man who had stroke is now patient champion at Irish Heart Foundation
News / National

by Tendai Ruben Mbofana

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At times, it is difficult to believe that Zimbabwe still aspires to be taken seriously as a nation.The recent statement by Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, as articulated by its chairperson Michael Reza, claiming that it has found no evidence linking tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivhayo to alleged corruption involving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is not just disappointing.It is disturbing, dangerous, and revealing.Not because the Commission has definitively proven Chivhayo's innocence, but because it has openly demonstrated how hollow, toothless, and compromised our anti-corruption architecture has become.At the heart of this saga is a remarkably offensive logic: that corruption does not exist unless there is a visible, signed contract linking a politically exposed individual directly to a state institution.When ZEC says it has no contract, and Chivhayo says he has no contract, ZACC appears to treat that as the end of the matter.In effect, the watchdog has allowed the suspects to become its most credible witnesses.That is not investigation.That is surrender.In any serious anti-corruption system, denials by those under suspicion are merely the starting point.They are tested, interrogated, and challenged using forensic tools - bank records, beneficial ownership registers, payment authorisations, email communications, procurement trails, company registries, and cross-border cooperation.Here, however, we are told that because the suspects have "disowned the relationships, ZACC has "nothing to go by.This is not the language of an investigator.It is the language of an institution looking for an exit.What makes this position even more troubling is the casual dismissal of the financial trail that ignited public outrage.Reports from South Africa indicated that a Johannesburg-based printing company, RenForm CC, contracted for the 2023 Zimbabwean elections, received over R1.1 billion from Zimbabwe's Treasury.Alarmingly, more than R800 million of these funds reportedly flowed into bank accounts linked to Wicknell Chivhayo.The matter drew the attention of the South African Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which flagged the transactions for further scrutiny, prompting referrals to both the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to commence formal investigations.This cross-border financial trail was serious enough to trigger regional concern and public scrutiny.This was not bar-room gossip.For the Commission to now shrug and say there is "no evidence is either professional incompetence or deliberate blindfolding.Perhaps the most dangerous element of the ZACC statement is Chairperson Reza's apparent belief that "a contract is the document that links two people to a business transaction.Anyone who understands how grand corruption works knows how false this is.High-level corruption is specifically structured to avoid formal contracts between politically connected individuals and government institutions.That is why intermediaries exist.That is why shell companies are created.That is why relatives, associates and fronts are used.By insisting on a visible contract as the threshold for action, ZACC has effectively issued a public manual on how to steal with impunity: avoid signing documents.This is not a limitation of law.It is a failure of imagination and courage.Worse still is the Commission's selective approach to credibility.It dismisses allegations from Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu on the basis that their claims are "unsubstantiated, yet it treats the untested denials of ZEC and Chivhayo as credible enough to terminate meaningful inquiry.Since when do anti-corruption bodies adopt a standard where whistleblowers must produce court-ready evidence, while the powerful need only issue a denial?This is not neutrality.It is bias dressed up as professionalism.The broader context makes the Commission's position even harder to defend.Chivhayo's ostentatious public displays of wealth, his extravagant giveaways, and his proximity to powerful political actors have long fuelled legitimate public interest questions.In a serious institutional setup, this would trigger enhanced scrutiny, not institutional retreat.ZACC's job is not to protect reputations of elites.It is to interrogate the sources of unexplained wealth, using lifestyle audits, tax compliance reviews, and asset tracing.Instead, we are told that in the absence of a paper contract, suspicion itself becomes illegitimate.What we are witnessing is not the clearing of a suspect.It is the quiet collapse of an institution.An anti-corruption body that cannot trace money, cannot cooperate with foreign investigators, cannot pierce corporate veils, and cannot challenge the denials of the powerful is not an anti-corruption body.It is an ornament.It exists to give citizens the illusion of oversight while carefully avoiding confrontation with real power.This moment matters far beyond the name Chivhayo.If this becomes the standard - no contract, no case - then politically connected looters now have a template to loot safely.They will route money through friends, shell firms, and foreign subcontractors, confident that unless they personally sign a piece of paper, Zimbabwe's anti-corruption agency will declare itself powerless.That is the true scandal.ZACC has not exonerated anyone in the moral sense.It has merely exposed how low the bar of accountability has sunk.It has shown citizens that even when financial smoke rises from across borders, even when serious questions are raised, the system is designed not to seek the truth but to manage public anger.In the end, this episode is not about whether Wicknell Chivhayo is guilty or innocent.It is about whether Zimbabwe is serious about corruption.And right now, the answer from its own anti-corruption body appears to be painfully clear: only on paper, never in practice. Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 | +263782283975, or email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com, or visit website https://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/
A new wearable ultrasound system aims to revolutionize real-time heart monitoring and chronic care.

  Trusted Source

SMART Launches New Research Centre to Develop Worldas First Wearable Ultrasound Imaging System For Real-Time Monitoring of Chronic Conditions



Go to source Trusted Source

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WITEC: The New Ultrasound on the Move

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WITEC Powered By World-Leading Scientists

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WITECs Future Roadmap

TTSH will begin clinical trials by early 2026, led by Dr Violet Hoon, to test long-term heart monitoring.

WITEC hopes to develop a cart-based bioadhesive ultrasound (BAUS) system for continuous, real-time imaging within the next three years.

A fully integrated portable BAUS platform that provides intermittent cardiovascular imaging for 48 hours will be developed in the future.

SMART Launches New Research Centre to Develop Worlds First Wearable Ultrasound Imaging System For Real-Time Monitoring of Chronic Conditions - (https://smart.mit.edu/post/smart-launches-new-research-centre-to-develop-world-s-first-wearable-ultrasound-imaging-system-for-r/)

Imagine a world where it is possible to constantly monitor heart health without visiting a hospital, where individuals with heart failure or hypertension receive real-time information on their hearts at any time and from any location, rather than relying solely on real-time checkups.This future is envisioned by the innovative research project calledthat will be headed by thein collaboration withSingapore, NUS, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital ().Ultrasound imaging is powerful yet has its limits; it is heavy, requires skilled operators and can only give short-term images of the heart. The imaging does not always capture key symptoms of chronic diseases , which change frequently. WITEC makes a difference here!It is developing the first ultrasonic wearable imaging device in history, and it uses a non-harmful bioadhesive patch on the skin to deliver 48-hour intermittent cardiac imaging. This implies:This might change the lives of millions of people who suffer from heart failure, hypertension , or other chronic illnesses.WITEC's research is made possible by some of the most advanced imaging and manufacturing equipment available in the region, including technologies that were never seen in Southeast Asia before.WITEC is installed with thein. This device prints with submicron resolution, which is tiny enough to create items at the scale of individual cells, in contrast to conventional 3D printers.This enables the researchers to derive:Also, WITEC utilises thein Singapore, which allows:Wearable ultrasonography can now be used in a way that was not previously possible in the conventional hospital system, thanks to these methods' combined ability to speed up testing and development.Like many other nations, chronic illnesses are on the rise in Singapore, particularly among older adults. Many people depend on frequent clinic visits or hospital scans, which are costly, time-consuming, and often provide incomplete information.WITECs wearable ultrasound patch bridges this gap by offering:With fewer repeated scans and less reliance on operators, the system helps manage manpower shortages and healthcare costs.AsSung notes, this innovation could give patients greater confidence and control while helping doctors make more informed decisions based on real-time data.WITEC is powered by a team of world-leading scientists from:WITEC is a prime example of global collaboration, with expertise in materials science, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and clinical medicine.These innovations will not only benefit Singapore but will potentially define the future of cardiovascular care all over the world.WITEC is not a technology project but a transformation in the perception of the world regarding chronic illness, ageing, and preventative care. It aims at moving healthcare beyond the hospital and into everyday life through the integration of advanced materials, precision engineering, AI diagnostics, and clinical experience.Provided that wearable ultrasonography works, it may get as popular as smartwatches but be much more powerful, delivering life-saving information well before symptoms occur.Source-SMART
Hrithik Roshan recently shared his thoughts on Dhurandhar, applauding the films craft and performances while also noting that he had mixed feelings about its political layers. The Aditya Dhar-directed drama, which hit theatres on December 5, transports viewers to the late 2000s and reimagines real-world tensions between India and Pakistan through a fictional, high-stakes narrative.

 Jio Studios Fronted by Ranveer Singh, the story follows Hamza, an undercover Indian operative attempting to slip into the inner circle of Rehman Dakaits criminal network. The film blends covert operations, underworld intrigue, and intelligence manoeuvring into a taut, thriller-style plot. Sharing a story on Instagram, Hrithik wrote, I love cinema, i love people who climb into a vortex and let the story take control, spin them shake them until what they want is purged out of them onto the screen. Dhurandhar is an example of that. Loved the storytelling. It's cinema. He added, I may disagree with the politics of it and argue about the responsibilities us filmmakers should bear as citizens of the world. Nevertheless, can't ignore how i loved and learnt from this one as a student of cinema. Amazing.

 Instagram/Hrithik Roshan While a majority of users praised Hrithik for his words, some of them said that Hrithik should not have included the political angle. One user commented,  Fighter had jingoistic elements and it was extremely disappointing to see HR lead it.

Another user commented, Glad you loved *Dhurandhar*, @iHrithik. That appreciation matters. But lets be honest about something  calling it political only because it doesnt follow the old Bollywood template is a bit rich. For decades, the industry glorified invaders, romanticized colonizers, and painted Indias own heritage in caricatured tones. Our kings were villains, our warriors were misguided, and our saints were mocked in the name of creativity. That was the propaganda  a long, slow erosion of pride and truth disguised as neutral art.

One user reacted, "India occupied Pakistan" --> This was his dialogue in the movie Fighter... that is as blunt as it could be if you talk about politics of a film. So not sure what is he talking about here --> "Politics of it and responsibility of a filmmaker.

Another user reacted, I think theres a small misunderstanding. Hrithik didnt side with the reviewers he actually praised the film a lot. He said he loved the storytelling and even learnt from it as a student of cinema.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

HARARE - The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the dismissal of Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza for improper conduct.The announcement was made by National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement dated 10 December 2025."The Zimbabwe Republic Police informs the public that Simbarashe Mandizvidza (Ex-Assistant Inspector) is no longer a member of the Police Service," Nyathi said.Mandizvidza was discharged on 3 December 2025 after being found guilty of misconduct during incidents that occurred on 13 and 14 August 2025. Nyathi emphasised that the dismissal followed duly constituted and appropriate administrative procedures.The ZRP reiterated that Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba does not condone criminal acts or unruly behaviour by officers."He will therefore not hesitate to institute the relevant disciplinary procedures according to the provisions of the Police Act," Nyathi added.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

HARARE - Three people have died in a tragic road traffic accident along the HarareBulawayo Road, police have confirmed.The accident occurred on 9 December 2025 at around 03:30 am near the 156km peg.According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), a Zhong Tong bus carrying 62 passengers and travelling towards Kadoma struck a pedestrian walking in the middle of the road. The driver then swerved into the oncoming lane, colliding head-on with an Isuzu bakery vehicle travelling towards Kwekwe.Police said the two occupants of the bakery vehicle were trapped and died instantly, while the pedestrian also perished at the scene.The bodies of the three victims were taken to Kadoma General Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The White House and Congress have proposed a 3.8% pay raise for the military in 2026.

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A major air cargo hub on the West Coast has responded to accusations made by pro-Palestinian groups of sending military cargo shipments to Israel and aiding the nation as part of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Palestinian Youth Movement, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, and U.S. Palestinian Community Network published a report in late August "exposing" the cargo shipments being sent from Oakland International Airport to Israel, including FedEx shipments of F-35 Lockheed Martin fighter jet components to Israels Nevatim Airbase. They claimed the airport is helping the Israeli Air Force "carry out airstrikes and commit genocide in Gaza."

The groups allege that since January 2025, at least 280 military cargo shipments to Israelincluding F-35 fighter jet components used to carry and release munitions, guide weapons, power surveillance and targeting systems, and support critical flight operations for the Israeli Air Forcehave been identified departing from Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), ultimately reaching Nevatim Airbase as the primary final destination.

The shipments have occurred multiple times per week for nearly the whole year, the groups say, coming to their findings by analyzing export data. They claim that at least 280 shipments of military cargo departed from OAK between Jan. 21 and Aug. 4. OAK, one of the West Coasts busiest air cargo hubs, annually sees over 1 billion pounds of air cargo passing through its facilities.

Containers of U.S. humanitarian aid are prepared to be loaded inside an Air Force airplane at Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Friday, March 29, 2024, to drop them over Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Many of the items shipped to Israelfrom bomb racks and weapons bay adapters to sensors and surveillance systemsare the very mechanisms that enable the F-35 to function as a lethal weapon, the report states. These components allow the jet to load and release up to 2,000-pound bombs, maintain 360-degree infrared surveillance, and deliver precision strikes guided by advanced cockpit navigation, communications and display units. Without these parts, the F-35 cannot fly its missions, target or fire.

Military.com reached out to the pro-Palestinian groups for comment.

Legal Precedent

An OAK spokesperson declined to comment to Military.com, instead referring remarks to a statement issued Nov. 21 on behalf of the Board of Port Commissioners.

The statement leads by saying that board members are members of the broader community who support a lasting ceasefire and condemn any acts of terrorism and genocide in Israel and Gaza, respectively.

While adding they are saddened to hear the claims of such shipments from OAK being used to cause harm, they say its their legal authority as a hub.

Members of the French Air Force, load the C-130 plane with humanitarian aid containers which will be airdropped to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

As is the case with all federally regulated public airports in the nation, OAK is legally required to accommodate federally authorized air traffic, including air cargo arranged by the U.S. government on private air cargo providers as well as passenger airlines that carry cargo in their baggage hold areas, the statement says in part.

They specifically cited the report posted online by the three pro-Palestinian groups, which shows flight patterns and data detailing the shipment of military jet components by the federal Defense Logistics Agency from a facility in Northern California on air cargo flights from OAK to other U.S. airports such as in Memphis, Tennessee, and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Private Cargo and Federal Law

The groups report identifies key components shipped abroad, including weapon-mounting structures like the BRU-68 and a weapons bay adapter; an AN/AAQ-37 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) Sensors, part of the sensor system on an F-35; and numerous other electronic components, hardware and modules.

The shipments, per the report, typically arrive at OAKs FedEx cargo facility between Monday and Friday and are consolidated into outbound freight flights in the other aforementioned U.S. cities before making their way towards Israel.

The flights are identified as civilian-operated cargo planes rather than military aircraft; specifically, FedEx Express flights carrying shipments multiple days each week, with just one week limited to a single shipment day between January and August.

A member of the U.S. Air Force checks containers of humanitarian aid inside an airplane at Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Friday, March 29, 2024, prior to dropping them over the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

An FAQ shared by OAK with Military.com reiterates its legal obligation to accommodate federally authorized air traffic, whether its arranged by the U.S. government or private cargo providers like FedEx or UPS.

FedEx has a long-term ground lease with the Port of Oakland and is the largest air cargo carrier operating at OAK, the FAQ states. All of FedEx's flight and loading operations are directly carried out by FedEx employees in areas that FedEx exclusively controls and maintains.

Due to federal laws and FAA regulations that govern all airports in the United States, OAK does not control access over cargo manifests or the shipping activity of its air carriers.

Passing Legislation

Airport officials have reportedly received numerous inquiries about said report and the claims therein, determining what role the port can play regarding specific items going into transit.

Weve researched this issue, met with key stakeholders, and determined that we are strictly bound by federal law regarding our ability to limit or prohibit shipments through the airport, they added. The Port of Oakland and its Board of Port Commissioners do not have the legal authority to determine which legally authorized items a carrier can transport nor to where it is destined, due to federal laws and FAA regulations that govern all airports in the United States.

"We respect the passion and commitment that have prompted the demonstration of support for action on this issue."

They added: As it concerns the export of certain military equipment by the federal government, we respect the passion and commitment that have prompted the demonstration of support for action on this issue. We must respectfully direct the focus of this action toward the federal policymakers that ultimately set foreign and defense policy for our nation.

They pointed specifically to the Ban the Bombs Act," formally known as H.R. 3565, co-sponsored in Congress by House Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA).

Port Board officials say they look forward to the prompt consideration and passage of this bill and any similar federal legislation which could reduce the loss of human life and is committed to working with local leaders and groups on such federal advocacy efforts.

This story was updated to reflect that Rep. Lateefah Simon co-sponsored but did not introduce legislation.
The $900 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday in bipartisan fashion. The final version includes and also left out key provisions after months of negotiations by lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

The 3,086-page bill passed the House on a 312-112 vote (115 Democrats, 197 Republicans voted in favor) with Republicans and Democrats finding enough common ground to forward the legislation to the Senatewhere it is expected to pass the GOP-controlled chamber and then be signed by President Donald Trump.

This years NDAA, passed annually by Congress, appropriates large amounts of funding that will impact the departments of Defense and Energy, health care, troops and salaries, research and development, immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, collective bargaining, and diversity initiatives. Not all lawmakers got what they wanted but high-ranking committee members expressed mostly positive sentiments after the bills passing.

This is a strong bipartisan bill that delivers for our warfighters and deters our adversaries, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) said on the House floor prior to the bills passing. It will fundamentally reform the defense acquisition enterprise. It will continue historic improvements in the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families.

It will build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force we need to deter China and our other adversaries. And it will deliver on President Trumps Peace Through Strength agenda. I urge all members to support it.

The National Security Strategy, released in November 2025, is photographed Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), the ranking Democrat on the committee, called the bill the most ambitious swing at acquisition reform that weve taken, according to the Associated Press.

This NDAA falls short. Trump and [Defense Secretary Pete] Hegseth are deploying troops to our streets, carrying out extrajudicial killings, and undermining our military readiness. Congress must reassert its oversight. We need accountabilitynot just handouts to Trump, said Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), a senior Armed Services Committee member, in a post on X.

Big Money

The House-passed bill in part authorizes some military construction projects and extends their authorization from previous fiscal years; requires the Department of Defense to develop a national strategy on the security implications of emerging biotechnologies; requires the Navy to implement certain processes to improve combat readiness of surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards; and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative which designed to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

A GOP-issued summary of the legislation says the NDAA authorizes $291 billion for maintenance and operations; $234 billion for military personnel and health care; $162 billion for procurement; $146 billion for research and development; $34 billion for nuclear defense programs; and $20 billion for military construction and family housing.

Lawmakers say the FY 2026 bill overall will save taxpayers nearly $20 billion, including $40.5 million from eliminating DEI activities; $1.6 billion in cuts to climate change-related spending; $1.2 billion from retiring obsolete aircraft and ships; $6.8 billion from reductions in unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy; $5.5 billion in cuts to consulting and service contracts; and $3.7 billion in cuts to inefficient defense programs.

Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, R-Va., a member of the House Armed Services Committee, joins Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., as they speak to reporters following a strategy session with House Republicans, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

NDAAs Major Inclusions

Some of the NDAAs major highlights are as follows:

A 3.8% pay raise for all military servicemembers, in addition to reauthorizing and expanding military bonuses and special pays; increases family separation allowance for deployed servicemembers; and requires a study to improve the calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing to ensure it keeps up with rising rental costs.

$400 million for Ukraine security assistance.

It extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) to improve U.S. posture in the Indo-Pacific region, including funding increases for new technologies needed to deter China such as hypersonic missiles, AI, autonomous systems, cyber, mobile micronuclear reactors, and high energy lasers. That includes over $2.7 billion in essential military construction projects and expands in that region.

Full funding ($1 billion) towards the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.

$1.5 billion in new security assistance for the Philippines.

It formally establishes and authorizes $175 million for the Baltic Security Initiative to strengthen the defensive capability and interoperability of the Baltic states.

Full funding for the deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of border patrol at the United States southwest border, including over $1 billion to fight drug trafficking ($398 million for Defense Department support of counter-narcotics operations and $216 million for National Guard counter-drug programs$100 million over the budget request).

Reforms to military construction that costs 35% more on average than commercial construction, including accelerating construction and reducing costs by granting military departments multiyear contracting authority and authorizing the use of accelerated design-build and progressive design-build contracting methods to cut costs and speed up projects.

Oversight of Defense Department spending by way of fully funding the departments Inspector General audit activities and requiring the department to submit quarterly reports to Congress on the status of balances and activities of funds previously approved within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act earlier this year.

More than $131 million for the construction of new military dining facilities and over $1.5 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing.

More than $335 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities, which includes better access to specialty care by lowering the threshold for travel reimbursement for medical appointments from 100 to 75 miles.

More than $491 million to design and build new childcare centers, including annual reviews of childcare costs and a pilot program to increase childcare financial assistance in high-cost areas.

More than $206 million to build new schools for children of servicemembers and allows National Guard and reserve members called to active duty to enroll their children in Defense Department schools. It also authorizes $50 million in Impact Aid assistance to public schools with military dependent students, and an additional $20 million in assistance to local schools teaching children with severe disabilities.

It extends military recruitment bonuses.

It prohibits the retirement of certain F-15E, A-10, C-130, E-3, RQ-4, and Grey Eagle aircraft, as well as the closure of the E-7A Wedgetail production line.

$26 billion in shipbuilding funding for the construction and support of numerous vessels including the third Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine, one Virginia-class Submarine, one anti-submarine warfare auxiliary ship, and future procurements.

More than $38 billion for the development, procurement or modification of aircraft including full funding for the U.S. Air Forces F-47 and Navys F/A-XX 6th Generation Aircraft programs.

Builds the Golden Dome to update national missile defense policy.

The seal is seen on a podium at the Pentagon, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Washington, before Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

What's Not in the Bill

Some of what was excluded in the final version are as follows:

The final bill ultimately did not include a provision mandating health care coverage for assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), for all active-duty service members. As previously reported by Military.com, some Democrats and numerous reproductive organizations warned prior to the final version that its removal would prevent the expansion of IVF access to all servicemembers due to current insurance plans through TRICARE.

It permanently repeals all existing Defense Department diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices, programs, training and activities, as well as future DEI-related endeavors.

It cuts climate change-related programs at the Defense Department.

It removes Section 1110, the bipartisan House provision that would have restored collective bargaining rights for the Defense Departments civilian workforce and would have prevented the department from using the bills funds to enforce an executive order that strips collective bargaining rights from hundreds of thousands of DoD civilians.

Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO), urged GOP colleagues in November to strip the provision from the final call, saying in an X post that it was designed to stop union bosses from slowing down critical defense operations by pushing ineffective policies that hurt productivity and would cause political interference.

Hegseths Travel Budget Tied to Caribbean Boat Strikes

The House-passed version also includes a provision to withhold a quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths travel budget until the Pentagon provides Congress with unedited videos of Caribbean airstrikes against alleged drug smuggling boats, according to reports.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth walks to a secure room in the basement of the Capitol to brief lawmakers on how he 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, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

It was included on the heels of the ongoing controversy surrounding orders to allegedly kill two survivors from a Sept. 2 strike, and further investigations by GOP-led House and Senate committees into whether that second strike was properly authorized and amounted to war crimes. The investigations remain ongoing.

Codifying Trump's Executive Orders

The NDAA also codifies all or parts of 15 executive orders issued by President Trump, including the following:
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

CHITUNGWIZA - The Sungura music fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of legendary musician Nicholas "Madzibaba" Zacharia, popularly known as the Sungura Godfather.

Zacharia, affectionately called the Senior Lecturer for his role in mentoring fellow artists, passed away this morning after battling diabetes. His management confirmed the sad news.Zacharia rose to prominence as a founding member of Kiama Boys, where he worked alongside the King of Sungura, Alick Macheso, shaping the genres sound and influence across Zimbabwe.Mourners have already gathered at his Chitungwiza home to pay their respects.Further details on funeral arrangements are expected to be announced.
Military households will receive an average 4.2% increase in their Basic Allowance for Housing in 2026.

The Pentagon provided the annual update to Military.com. The new housing allowance rates will take effect Jan. 1.

About a million service members a year receive BAH, either directly, to obtain their own housing, or indirectly as a payment to their installation's privatized housing operator. The Pentagon estimates that it will pay $29.9 billion in BAH payments in 2026, according to an announcement provided with the rates, up from the 2025 estimate of $29.2 billion.

Look up your 2026 BAH rate.

The 2026 average increase of 4.2% is lower than the two consecutive average increases of 5.4% in 2025 and 2024. In 2023, military households received a 12.1% average increase after costs had skyrocketed the prior year.

The 2026 BAH increase comes at the same time as a likely pay raise for service members. As of Dec. 11, the House of Representatives had approved the 3.8% increase in basic pay. The proposed pay raise now requires the Senate's approval and President Donald Trump's signature.

Read next: 2026 Proposed Military Pay Raise

Any given household's BAH increase may not add up to the full 4.2% average. It may be higher, depending on geographic differences in housing markets, and the rates in some areas might even go down -- but in that instance, service members already living there get to keep their existing rates.

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act passed by House Republicans calls for a study to improve the calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing to ensure it keeps up with rising rental costs, according to the Republicans legislative summary.

To try to base the rates on "high-quality, accurate, current-year housing cost data," the Pentagon compiles information from government departments, commercial subscription services that maintain databases of rates, publicly available websites, and installation managers such as housing officials.

The rates apply to 299 military housing areas in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. The factors evaluated to determine a rate for each rank in a given area include the rents of certain housing types and sizes, utility costs, and "the housing choices of civilians with comparable incomes," according to the announcement.

The calculation aims for the U.S. government to pay for 95% of service members' housing and for troops to make up the remaining 5%, amounting to about $93 to $212 per month out of pocket in 2026, depending on rank and whether the service member has dependents.

Related: Here Are Your 2026 BAH Rates
WASHINGTON  The House voted to pass a sweeping defense policy bill Wednesday that authorizes $900 billion in military programs, including a pay raise for troops and an overhaul of how the Department of Defense buys weapons.

The bill's passage on a 312-112 vote comes at a time of increasing friction between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trumps administration over the management of the military.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act typically gains bipartisan backing, and the White House has signaled strong support for the must-pass legislation, saying it is in line with Trump's national security agenda. Yet tucked into the over-3,000-page bill are several measures that push back against the Department of Defense, including a demand for more information on boat strikes in the Caribbean and support for allies in Europe, such as Ukraine.

Overall, the sweeping bill calls for a 3.8% pay raise for many military members as well as housing and facility improvements on military bases. It also strikes a compromise between the political parties  cutting climate and diversity efforts in line with Trump's agenda, while also boosting congressional oversight of the Pentagon and repealing several old war authorizations. Still, hard-line conservatives said they were frustrated that the bill does not do more to cut U.S. commitments overseas.

We need a ready, capable and lethal fighting force because the threats to our nation, especially those from China, are more complex and challenging than at any point in the last 40 years, said Rep. Mike Rogers, the GOP chair of the House Armed Services Committee.

Lawmakers overseeing the military said the bill would change how the Pentagon buys weapons, with an emphasis on speed after years of delay by the defense industry. It's also a key priority for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the armed services panel, called the bill the most ambitious swing at acquisition reform that weve taken.

Still, Smith lamented that the bill does not do as much as Democrats would like to rein in the Trump administration but called it a step in the right direction towards reasserting the authority of Congress.

The biggest concern I have is that the Pentagon, being run by Secretary Hegseth and by President Trump, is simply not accountable to Congress or accountable to the law, he said.

The legislation next heads to the Senate, where leaders are working to pass the bill before lawmakers depart Washington for a holiday break.

Several senators on both sides of the aisle have criticized the bill for not doing enough to restrict military flights over Washington. They had pushed for reforms after a midair collision this year between an Army helicopter and a jetliner killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft near Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board and families of the victims have also voiced opposition to that section of the bill, raising concerns that it would make the airspace more dangerous.

Here's what the defense bill does as it makes its way through Congress.

Boat strike videos and congressional oversight

Lawmakers included a provision that would cut Hegseth's travel budget by a quarter until the Pentagon provides Congress with unedited video of the strikes against alleged drug boats near Venezuela. Lawmakers are asserting their oversight role after a Sept. 2 strike where the U.S. military fired on two survivors who were holding on to a boat that had partially been destroyed.

The bill also demands that Hegseth allow Congress to review the orders for the strikes.

Reaffirm commitments to Europe and Korea

Trump's ongoing support for Ukraine and other allies in Eastern Europe has been under doubt over the last year, but lawmakers included several positions meant to keep up U.S. support for countering Russian aggression in the region.

The defense bill requires the Pentagon to keep at least 76,000 troops and major equipment stationed in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and there is a determination that such a withdrawal is in U.S. interests. Around 80,000 to 100,000 U.S. troops are usually present on European soil. It also authorizes $400 million for each of the next two years to manufacture weapons to be sent to Ukraine.

Additionally, there is a provision to keep U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, setting the minimum requirement at 28,500.

Cuts to climate and diversity initiatives

The bill makes $1.6 billion in cuts to climate change-related spending, the House Armed Services Committee said. U.S. military assessments have long found that climate change is a threat to national security, with bases being pummeled by hurricanes or routinely flooded.

The bill also would save $40 million by repealing diversity, equity and inclusion offices, programs and trainings, the committee said. The position of chief diversity officer would be cut, for example.

Iraq War resolution repeal

Congress is putting an official end to the war in Iraq by repealing the authorization for the 2003 invasion. Supporters in both the House and Senate say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the U.S.

The 2002 resolution has been rarely used in recent years. But the first Trump administration cited it as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Suleimani.

Lifting final Syria sanctions

Congress would permanently remove U.S. sanctions put on Syria after the Trump administration temporarily lifted many penalties.

Lawmakers imposed economically crippling sanctions on the country in 2019 to punish former leader Bashar Assad for human rights abuses during the nearly 14-year civil war. After Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa led a successful insurgency to depose Assad, he is seeking to rebuild his nations economy.

Advocates of a permanent repeal have said international companies are unlikely to invest in projects needed for the countrys reconstruction as long as there is a threat of sanctions returning.

Lack of IVF coverage

Democrats criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for stripping a provision from the bill to expand coverage of in vitro fertilization for active duty personnel. An earlier version covered the medical procedure, known as IVF, which helps people facing infertility have children.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned Russia will come for the rest of Europe if its warmongering is not checked now, just moments before Ukraines allies were slated to discuss U.S. President Donald Trumps latest peace push.

We need to be crystal clear about the threat, the military alliance leader said in a speech Thursday in Berlin. We are Russias next target. And we are already in harms way.

Rutte painted a stark picture of whats at stake for the continent as Moscow continues to press its maximalist demands for territory and NATO restrictions in return for a vague promise to end its full-scale invasion, currently heading into its fourth winter.

Russia has brought war back to Europe, Rutte said. And we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured.

Ruttes remarks come as Europe frets over what the Trump administration may do in its ongoing talks with Russia over the war. Trump is pressuring Kyiv to make concessions that many in Europe feel will leave not just Ukraine, but the entire continent, exposed to future Russian aggression.

The prospect has sent European officials into a flurry of activity. On Thursday night, leaders from more than 30 countries that are part of the so-called coalition of the willing will hold their second virtual meeting this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address.

Allies will discuss the state of peace talks and the latest draft plan that Ukrainian officials sent to Washington overnight, people familiar with the planning said. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are also expected to brief participants on an exchange they had with Trump on Wednesday, the people said on condition of anonymity as the talks take place behind closed doors.

Merz has said he was relatively optimistic after the very constructive exchange with Trump. A meeting may be held in Berlin at the start of next week to keep discussing the issue, he added.

Above all, its about the territorial concessions that Ukraine is ready to make  but thats a question that the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people must answer, Merz said in Berlin after meeting with Rutte. We made that clear to President Trump.

Zelenskyy submitted a new version of a peace plan to the White House, following discussions with key European partners this week. The 20-point draft is a fundamental document to end the war, Zelenskyy said. Ukraine also developed two additional proposed agreements from the plan, addressing U.S. security guarantees and future recovery, he said.

We are actively working on the key steps  and they must be doable steps, Zelenskyy said.

New election

Trump has stepped up pressure on the Ukrainian leader to accept his peace plan, reinforcing a call for Zelenskyy to organize presidential elections. The vote  currently restricted under martial law  would be possible if the U.S. and Europe ensure security in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said earlier this week. He met with lawmakers to discuss changes to the election law.

Meanwhile, the warring parties continued to carry out aerial strikes. Ukrainian forces hit the Filanovsky offshore platform in the Caspian Sea, owned by Lukoil PJSC, according to a person familiar with the attack. The platform suffered at least four strikes, halting its operations, the person said.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on its Telegram channel that air defenses downed 287 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 40 in the Moscow region. Russian aviation authorities imposed temporary restrictions on flights at Moscows Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports, the state-run Tass news service reported Thursday.

In Ukraine, energy infrastructure in the central city of Kremenchuk and in the Black Sea port of Odesa in the south came under attacks overnight, according to local governors.

The European Union in the meantime is close to reaching an agreement on Friday to extend the blocs freeze on Russian assets using emergency powers  a key step toward tapping the funds to help Ukraine.

The issue has become a major sticking point in E.U. attempts to secure a 90 billion ($105 billion) loan for Ukraine using immobilized Russian central bank assets. All 27 E.U. member states currently must renew the asset freeze every six months, leading to concerns that Hungary or anyone else could veto and give Moscow a sudden claim to its funds.

This is happening against the backdrop of unprecedented tensions with the U.S., with Washingtons new national security strategy blasting Europe and Trump calling the continent weak.

In Berlin, Rutte said U.S. views of its allies has been sullied by this big irritant of the Europeans and Canadian allies not spending as much as the Americans within NATO.

That is now dealt with, he added, saying the shift to Europe doing more of the heavy lifting was underway.

He denied a Reuters report from Friday claiming the U.S. has given Europe until 2027 to take over the decisive bulk of NATOs conventional defense capabilities, threatening to withdraw from some of the alliances mechanisms if it didnt.

----------

With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Iain Rogers, Maxim Edwards and Andrea Palasciano.

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2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said Thursday that decisive actions by the United States, including the seizure of an oil tanker, have left the repressive government of President Nicolas Maduro at its weakest point, and she vowed to return to the country to keep fighting for democracy.

Machado's statements to reporters came hours after she appeared in public for the first time in 11 months, following her arrival in Norway's capital, Oslo, where her daughter received the Nobel Peace Prize award on her behalf on Wednesday.

I think that the actions of President Trump have been decisive to reach where we are now, where the regime is significantly weaker, she told reporters. Because before, the regime thought it had impunity . Now they start to understand that this is serious, and that the world is watching.

Machado sidestepped questions on whether a U.S. military intervention is necessary to remove Maduro from power. She told reporters that she would return to Venezuela when we believe the security conditions are right, and it wont depend on whether or not the regime leaves.

Machado arrived in Oslo hours after Wednesday's prize ceremony and made her first public appearance early Thursday, emerging from a hotel balcony and waving to an emotional crowd of supporters. She had been in hiding since Jan. 9, when she was briefly detained after joining supporters during a protest in Caracas.

Machado left Venezuela at a critical point in the countrys protracted crisis, with the Trump administration carrying out a deadly military operations in the Caribbean and threatening repeatedly to strike Venezuelan soil. The White House has said the operations, which have killed 80 people, is meant to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S.

But many, including analysts, U.S. members of Congress and Maduro himself, see the operations as an effort to end his hold on power. The opposition led by Machado has only added to this perception by reigniting its promise to soon govern the country.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. had seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. On Thursday, Machado called on governments to expand their support for Venezuela's opposition beyond words.

We, the Venezuelan people that have tried every single, you know, institutional mean, ask support from the democratic nations in the world to cut those resources that come from illegal activities and support repressive approaches, she said. And thats why we are certainly asking the world to act. Its not a matter of statements, as you say, its a matter of action.

Machado, 58, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October after mounting the most serious peaceful challenge in years to Maduro's authoritarian government. Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the prize at a ceremony in Oslo.

Machado was received Thursday by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, who said that his country is ready to support a democratic Venezuela in building new and sound institutions.

Asked whether the Venezuelan government might have known her whereabouts since January, Machado told reporters: I dont think they have known where I have been, and certainly they would have done everything to stop me from coming here.

She declined to give details of her journey from Venezuela to Norway. But she thanked all those men and women that risked their lives so that I could be here today" and later acknowledged that the U.S. government helped her.

Flight tracking data show that the plane Machado arrived on flew to Oslo from Bangor, Maine.

Machado won an opposition primary election and intended to challenge Maduro in last years presidential election, but the government barred her from running for office. Retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez took her place.

The lead-up to the election on July 28, 2024, 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.

Gonzalez sought asylum in Spain last year after a Venezuelan court issued a warrant for his arrest.

It's unclear when and how Machado and Gonzalez could return to Venezuela. An opposition plan to get Gonzalez back before the Jan. 10 ceremony that gave Maduro another term didn't materialize.

Machado, alongside the Norwegian prime minister, said that we decided to fight until the end and Venezuela will be free and that if Maduros government is still in place when she returns, certainly I will be with my people and they will not know where I am. We have ways to do that and take care of us.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was due to hold urgent talks Thursday with leaders and officials from about 30 countries that support Kyivs efforts to obtain fair terms for halting nearly four years of war following Russia's full-scale invasion.

The leaders of Germany, Britain and France were among those expected to take part in the meeting of Ukraine's allies, dubbed the Coalition of the Willing, via video link.

Zelenskyy indicated the talks were hastily arranged as Kyiv officials scramble to avoid getting boxed in by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has disparaged the Ukrainian leader, painted European leaders as weak, and set a strategy of improving Washington's relationship with Moscow.

In the face of Trumps demands for a swift settlement, European governments are trying to help steer the peace negotiations because they say their own security is at stake.

Trump said Wednesday he and European leaders discussed proposals by phone in pretty strong terms, adding that Zelenskyy has to be realistic about Ukraines position on a peace plan that would cede territory to Russia. He didn't elaborate.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday that he, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron suggested to Trump that they finalize the peace proposals together with U.S. officials over the weekend. There may also be talks in Berlin early next week, with or without American officials, he said.

The main issue to be resolved is what territories and concessions Ukraine is prepared to make, Merz added.

The work remains difficult because Russian President Vladimir Putin "is relentlessly continuing his brutal war against the Ukrainian civilian population, and at the same time he is clearly playing for time in the negotiations, Merz said.

There are signs that the negotiations are coming to a crossroads. The talks are at a critical moment, European leaders said Wednesday.

Next week, Ukraine will coordinate with European countries on a bilateral level, Zelenskyy said late Wednesday, and European Union countries are due to hold a regular summit in Brussels at the end of next week.

Top EU officials and diplomats met in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on Thursday and gave the country a long list of reforms needed to join the bloc, despite the ongoing war and objections from EU member Hungary. EU membership has become the central goal for Ukraines effort to anchor itself to the West as prospects for joining NATO stall.

Russia has new proposals on security

Trumps latest effort to broker a settlement is taking longer than he wanted. He initially set a deadline for Kyiv to accept his peace plan before Thanksgiving. Previous Washington deadlines for reaching a peace deal also have passed without a breakthrough.

Russia is also keen to show Trump it is engaging with his peace efforts, hoping to avoid further U.S. sanctions. Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that Russia has relayed to Washington additional proposals  concerning collective security guarantees that Ukraine and Europe say are needed to deter future aggression.

We understand that when discussing security guarantees, we cannot limit ourselves to Ukraine alone, Lavrov said. He didnt elaborate on the Kremlin's proposals.

Putin has framed Europe as an obstacle to a peace settlement, and Lavrov again accused Europe of seeking to prolong the war. He charged that Western Europe is only thinking about a ceasefire, catching its breath, and once again preparing Zelenskyy for war.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Thursday that so far this year Russia has launched over 46,000 drones and missiles against Ukraine.

He warned his European audience at a speech in Berlin: We are Russias next target.

He also described China as Russias lifeline for its war effort in Ukraine by providing most of the critical electronic components Moscow needs for its weapons. China wants to prevent its ally from losing in Ukraine, Rutte said.

Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil rig, disrupt Moscow flights

Meanwhile, Ukrainian long-range drones hit a Russian oil rig in the Caspian Sea for the first time, according to an official in the Security Service of Ukraine who was not authorized to talk publicly about the attack and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The oil rig in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from Ukraine, belongs to Russias second-biggest oil company, Lukoil, the official told The Associated Press. The rig took four hits, halting the extraction of oil and gas from over 20 wells, he said.

Ukraine also launched one of its biggest drone attacks of the war overnight, halting flights in and out of all four Moscow airports for seven hours. Airports in eight other cities also faced restrictions, Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said.

The Russian Defense Ministry said air defenses intercepted 287 Ukrainian drones in multiple regions.

The display of Ukraines military capability to strike deep inside Russia appeared as a counter to the Kremlins argument that its invasion is overwhelming for its smaller neighbor.

Putin wants to portray himself as negotiating from a position of strength, analysts say. But since launching the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has captured only about 20% of Ukraine.

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Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin and Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Sgt. First Class Johnny Vargas may have fallen into being a content creator by accident, but two years into his new life, hes built a booming social media business with no plans of looking back.

Vargas serves in the Army as a non-commissioned officer (NCO). His salary is nearly $90,000 a year, certainly not chump change, but Vargas said in a recent interview with Military.com that he makes way more through social media and consulting work for businesses. While he wouldnt specify how much he earns, its clear Vargas puts in the work, producing videos about military and veteran news multiple times per day on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

After a silly video posted by his wife went viral in 2023, Vargas wasnt planning on gaining a following, but he knew something was there. He learned the nuances of social media engagement and how to build an audience. Eventually, military brass caught wind of Vargass growing popularity and signed him on to help with military recruitment.

His social media platforms have unlocked many doors, and Vargas plans to keep growing his business after he receives a medical retirement from the Army next summer. Vargas believes if he can do it, other veterans and active-duty military members can too. Vargas shares how in this Q&A with Military.com.

Johnny Vargas's social media business has led him to connect with veteran and military organizations, including the Association of the United States Army. (Submitted photo)

Army Sergeant to Content Creator

Kevin Damask (KD, Military.com): What attracted you to the Army, and how did you get involved in the service?

Johnny Vargas (JV): Well, I dont have a lot of deep-rooted military background in my family. But my grandfather was in the Korean War. He was a canon crew member, and my uncle was in the Marine Corps Reserves in California. But I grew up in the San Fernando Valley of California, and I wanted to be a firefighter, and to be honest, it was just a whole lot easier to join the military. I joined on Jan. 1, 2013, and its been a journey. Kind of crazy ever since.

KD: Do you consider yourself a social media influencer?

JV: A lot of people would justify us as being in that space, but we dont use the I-word, just because it sort of puts you in a bubble. That word influencer is almost like a cuss word. I like to use content creator, informer, or educator. Im also a media manager and social media consultant. I work with a lot of companies, both for-profit and non-profit.

But I dont do any of this in an official capacity for the Army or the Department of War. I have a couple of lawyers representing me, and I do this as a registered LLC. And I dont use my rank or my position as an officer in the Army to bolster my business or my online media presence.

The businesses I work with know theyre working with Johnny and not Sgt. First Class Vargas.

Growth on TikTok

KD: You really took off on TikTok in particular. What attracted you to that platform?

JV: Its the best platform for immediate growth because one thing TikTok does that other platforms dont do is that when you make a video, they batch it out to new people that have never seen your content before, as opposed to YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, they batch out to people that already know you or have liked your page. From there, you have to rely on people to share the video or send it to others. With TikTok, they want to grow your audience as quickly as possible because when you grow, they grow. They make it very easy to grow.

Johnny Vargas, right, typically spends a couple of hours a day producing videos for his social media audience. (Submitted photo)

They reached out to me about a year and a half ago. I did a segment with a gentleman from National Public Radio who interviewed me on air. I spoke about TikTok and I was advocating for them. Then they reached out and said, We have a Veterans Voice Initiative that were starting. Were giving $10 million to eight different nonprofit veterans associations. Would you like to be a part of that? I said, Sure!

KD: Do you know, as of November 2025, how many social media followers you have?

JV: Across all platforms, its probably around 300,000. My reach is about 35 to 45 million users per month.

KD: What are the keys to attracting an audience to start building a loyal following and keep growing it?

JV: Online, I try to be who I am in real life. I dont put on a fake persona. Im very genuine, transparent, and honest.

By doing that, Ive earned the audiences trust. There are no walls or curtains that I have up between myself, the platform and the audience. And whenever my followers meet me in person, theyre like, Wow, you really do act this way. Because there are people on social media that put on a face, put on a show, and theyre really not like that in person.

I think one of the more important things is persistence; you cant stop until it works. The first year I was doing this, I vowed to myself that I was going to post three videos per day on every single platform, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. I did that for a year straight and I went from zero to like 140,000 followers across all the platforms and now Ive double that figure.

Besides consistency, I tell people, Make content for the audience you want, not the audience you have. Once you figure out who you want to attract and then home in like, How do I reach them? There are three pillars on how to do that. 1. You want to make people learn, make them laugh or make them cry. Maybe not physically cry, but you want to tell emotional stories and connect with the audience. I try to have at least one, or a combination of those three elements on every post.

Vargas's posts try to break down news and information for the military community and veterans. (Submitted photo)

Turning Page Views Into Profits

KD: Im curious about the business side of social media. How do people make money off being a content creator? Through sponsorships?

JV: So, there are a few ways. Initially, once you gain a certain audience, the platforms monetize you off how many views you get. Its called a per-mile rate. So, every thousand views equals a certain dollar amount, depending on who you reach.

It ebbs and flows. So, I was getting money from the different platforms for all the views, which was nice, but then you get paid more if you start doing brand work, associations, partnerships, and consulting. I have consulting calls with brands, and I charge an hourly rate to speak with for-profits, non-profit companies, and CEOS, and board members, about what I do on social media and how they could reach a larger audience. I also do keynote speaking.

Somebody told me once, Johnny, once you treat yourself as a brand, then youll start making brand decisions. So, about a year ago, I started realizing that this is a business and I have this brand to maintain.

KD: When did the Pentagon reach out to you to work with them on making videos?

JV: That was probably over a year ago. They started the Creative Reserve Pilot Program, and they had a pocket of funding. They had to figure out how to reach service members or people interested in joining the military, work on recruitment and messaging.

They contacted me and a few others and asked if we could help, like, Hey, can you attend these different events, give speeches, take some pictures, and talk about the military, advocate for the Army, and tell your story. At the same time, this small group at the Pentagon, they were incredible because they encouraged us to not do things we werent comfortable with or to not say things about the Army that we didnt necessarily agree with. So, it was cool to be able to tell my story and not have to church it up.

But then some legal barriers came up between them and us. Ultimately, its on pause now, so its not a thing. The DOD cant use our name, image, and likeness to promote the military without compensating us more, but at the same time, were still servicemembers, so they just cant compensate us more.

So, they said, Lets pause this, do a legal review, and maybe we can hash it out in the future.

Whenever I do media spots, like on ABC Live for the Veterans Day parade in November, I have to take leave. But its great because I get to work with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Team Rubicon, Student Veterans of America, and all these different people.

KD: When you were producing videos for the Army, were there times when reps said, You know, Johnny, maybe you shouldnt have said that?

JV: Yeah, there were a couple of times, but compared to other content creators in the Army space, Im pretty clean. I dont cuss. I dont make jokes about genitalia. I dont say racially charged things, and I keep all my clothes on. So, they trusted me a lot, but at the same time, that kind of hurt me sometimes because I was under a magnifying glass.

If I said something that was 2 percent off course to what I normally would say in that safer realm, I would get a couple of calls, like, Hey, could you maybe word it this way instead? But they didnt really tell me to stop doing things. They never said, We dont like that, take it down. They never asked me to delete anything. Sometimes they would say, This general or this colonel said this about your video, providing feedback.

At the same time, I cover a lot of military news, and I talk about some very charged-up things. I synthesize the articles to my audience, and I dont give my opinion. I dont tell them what to think either. A couple of times, some senior officials reached out and said, Hey, we dont like that. You should take it down. Thats when I said, No disrespect, but I cant talk to you. Go ahead and talk to my lawyer. And my lawyer expressed to them, Those arent Johnnys words. He didnt say anything illegal, he didnt do anything wrong, you just dont like what he said. After that, those issues typically go away.

Using Platform to Help Veterans

KD: Besides using your platform to connect with senior leaders in the military, youve also connected with leaders at VA to help veterans. How have you used social media to work with those groups?

JV: Well, it was never my intention to become colleagues with some of these people in their current positions, but like Tony Grinston, the former sergeant major of the Army, I consider him a friend. Hes now the CEO of Army Emergency Relief. And Dan Daly, hes with AUSA and is vice president of its soldiers and NCOs program. And more recently, Ive had a meeting with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Doug Collins, the secretary of veterans affairs, and Mike Weimer, the current Sergeant Major of the Army. Weve all had friendly conversations, and theyve told me, Hey, we love what you do on social media, but for legal purposes, I wouldnt consider them an endorsement. But its cool that I have their support. Ive been able to have access to them that other people dont because Ive earned their trust.

Vargas tries to invoke emotion in his social media videos and make people learn something they didn't know. (Submitted photo)

KD: In other interviews, you've talked about promoting mental health care for veterans and active-duty military members. A lot of times, veterans struggle with transitioning out of the military and back into civilian life. Some really go down dark paths, homelessness, depression, addiction, and even suicide. What do you think is the biggest obstacle for veterans when theyre trying to transition out of the military?

JV: Unfortunately, Ive had friends who have taken their own lives because of the struggle with transitioning. I havent gone through it yet, but Im hoping to have a medical retirement approved in the next several months. I think one of the biggest obstacles is not having enough people to help with the transition.

A lot of servicemembers dont realize, Hey, this is over. And I have to get ready for this next chapter. A lot of them are kind of hardened when they get out and feel like, Oh no, I dont need any help, because we typically do things for ourselves a lot.

Especially for men, its very hard to admit when you need help. It feels weak, like we failed at something.

I think another aspect is not having a more focused process for getting service members out. So many soldiers go through it, and its just a check the box sort of thing. You get briefed on your way out, and you dont really have to pay attention. They just snap you, though, like, Yep, this persons good. And its onto the next appointment.

Its too much of an umbrella process, and it should be more focused on each servicemember.

KD: Veterans and active-duty military people tend to connect better with those who have gone through similar experiences. Have you used that connection to build your social media following?

JV: Yeah, thats why I have those pillars. Try to make people cry, and tell emotional, real-life stories because if I can talk about my experiences and maybe something horrible Ive gone through, maybe it helps one other person who might not have wanted to talk about it or have compartmentalized it. And social media is great for that because I can connect with people really quickly.

KD: Youre an NCO in the Army, and youre building a robust social media business while married with four children. How do you manage your time?

JV: Yeah, sometimes its hard. But I do have assistants who help me with my email inboxes. I still manage my own calendar. I still negotiate all my contracts. Some of the organizations I work for book all of my travel itineraries so thats one less thing to worry about. But, yeah, juggling raising four kids, my wife, the military, my business, it can be really, really hard. I try to put as much as I can in the pot. Just put it into certain compartments to make sure the other ones arent struggling and Ive just had to say no to some opportunities.

KD: Youre not quite a veteran yet, but what advice do you have for veterans who see you thriving on social media, read your story, and are like, Hey, I might want to do this too?

JV: Well, I think this goes for most things in life: You dont know until you try. And once you try, try hard. So many people dont put enough effort into certain parts of their lives. If you make it your goal to be mildly successful, youre only going to be mildly successful. But if you make it your goal to be overwhelmingly successful, and you create steps to get those steps done, then youre probably going to get there. So, find the end goal and then create the steps between where you are and make sure theyre realistic.
Whether youre heading downrange to the border or deployment, a long TDY, or just trying to pack light for leave, picking the right book matters. You want something that earns its space. 2025s publishing lineup delivers plenty to be excited about and a few titles that prove not every author should answer the call. Heres our take on which books are worth packing and which are best left stateside.

Worth Packing:

Cover image of Pride and Pleasure by Amanda Avail, author image of Amanda Avail, both made available by MacMillan Publishers.

Pride and Pleasure: The Schuler Sisters in an Age of Revolution by Amanda Vail

This isnt a novel, but it reads like one in the best possible way. Historian and biographer Amanda Vaill brings Angelica and Eliza Schuyler (yes Hamilton fans, those Schuyler sisters) vividly to life in this dual biography that puts them center stage during the American Revolution. Drawing on never-before-published letters and records, Pride and Pleasure dives deep into how these two powerhouse women navigated love, loss, politics, and power at a time when women were expected to sit quietly on the sidelines. This is a book that any American Revolution history buff is going to love.

King Sorrow by Joe Hill, book listing, made available by Harper Collins publishers, used under fair use.

King Sorrow by Joe Hill

Joe Hills biggest novel yet is what happens when dark academia meets supernatural horror. King Sorrow follows a group of college friends who try to summon an otherworldly creature to solve one of their own problems. Naturally, it backfires. Terribly. And the result is a blood pact that demands annual human sacrifices or else.

With rich characters, jet-black humor, and an unnerving sense of inevitability, King Sorrow hits like a mortar blast of dread. And at 800+ pages, its the kind of immersive doorstopper that makes time fly whether you're on a long-haul flight or riding out a rain delay in the field. If you love a good spooky story, this book is for you.

Joyride: A Memoir by Susan Orlean, book listing, made available by Simon & Schuster publishers, used under fair use.

Joyride: A Memoir by Susan Orlean

If youve ever stared at a blank page (or screen) while trying to make sense of your own story, Susan Orlean is the kind of writer you want in your corner. In Joyride, the Orchid Thief and Library Book author turns the spotlight on herself, offering a memoir thats equal parts writing guide, life manual, and love letter to curiosity.

Orlean recounts her decades-long career in journalism, profiling tiger collectors, climbing Mt. Fuji, and uses those adventures to reflect on how creativity works when real life gets complicated. Theres humor, heartbreak, deadline chaos, and yes, a few sharp jabs at writers block. But what makes Joyride packable is its motivational power without ever getting preachy.

The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II by David Nasaw, book listing made available by Penguin Random House, and used under fair use.

The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II by David Nasaw

Not all battle scars are visible. In The Wounded Generation, historian David Nasaw delivers a sobering and essential reexamination of the so-called Greatest Generation, focusing not on what they did in uniform, but what happened after they hung it up. If you're looking for a book that meets the moment, something that honors service without romanticizing it, this is the title to pack.

This ones not light reading, but it is vital. If youve ever worn the uniform, loved someone who has, or wondered why certain stories never made it into your history books, The Wounded Generation is the kind of truth-telling that earns its space in your bags and bookshelf.

The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-of-the-Century America by David Baron, book listing made available by the publishers and used under fair use.

The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-of-the-Century America by David Baron

Before Roswell, before radio telescopes, before War of the Worlds sent listeners into a panic, Americans were already convinced that Martians were real and they had canals to prove it. In The Martians, science writer David Baron unpacks the strange but true story of early 20th-century Mars mania, when some of the brightest minds of the era genuinely believed there was intelligent life on the red planet.

At the center of the frenzy was astronomer Percival Lowell, whose well-funded campaign to convince the world of Martian civilization involved observatories, best-selling books, and a polarizing PR tour. It worked. Barons telling is brisk, weirdly hilarious, and quietly profound. Beneath the UFOs and dry canal beds is a story about what happens when hope, ego, and the desire to believe collide.

Leave Stateside:

The Land of Sweet Forever by Harper Lee, book listing made available by Harper Collins publishers and used under fair use.

The Land of Sweet Forever: Stories and Essays by Harper Lee

Theres no denying Harper Lees place in American letters. To Kill a Mockingbird is etched into our collective memory, and even Go Set a Watchman (controversies aside) sparked national conversation. But this posthumous collection is less canon and more about the curiosity.

The Land of Sweet Forever gathers early short stories and later magazine essays, many of which feel like literary time capsules, interesting in theory, but thin in execution. The voice is there, sure, but the substance isnt. As The Guardian put it, this is juvenilia, better suited for biographers and completists than general readers.

Twice by Mitch Album, book listing made available by Harper Collins Publishers and used under fair use.

Twice by Mitch Albom

Mitch Alboms latest novel poses a big question: what if you could redo the moments in your life, over and over? Unfortunately, Twice proves that just because you can do something again doesnt mean you should.

The premise has potential. The story follows Alfie Logan, who can rewind time and get a second shot at everything from schoolyard embarrassments to high-stakes romance. But instead of exploring the existential weight of that gift, the book leans hard into sentimentality, offering platitudes in place of real emotional depth. Critics like The Washington Post didnt hold back, calling it a story where even taking a bullet in a Mexican bank robbery felt dull. Thats not ideal when you're trying to hold a readers attention during lights-out or layovers.

What's with Baum? by Woody Allen, book listing made available by Simon & Schuster, used under fair use.

Whats with Baum? by Woody Allen

If your idea of downtime reading involves meandering neuroses, unresolved plot threads, and a parade of literary in-jokes that were outdated when Seinfeld was still on the air, then Whats With Baum? is technically a book. But for anyone else? This is one to leave at home.

Woody Allens debut novel follows a Manhattan writer melting down amid publishing failures, romantic paranoia, and his own swirling self-loathing. All subjects are not new to the aging filmmaker, and would be fine if the writing wasnt so flat and the pacing so punishing. It wants to be a sharp satire of the literary world but ends up sounding like a writer yelling into a mirror for 200 pages. Critics have called it sloppy, anachronistic, and filled with narcissistic kvetching.

Final Packing List

If youre stuffing your rucksack for a deployment, a training rotation, or a long stretch of leave, skip the fluff and pack stories that earn their weight. Pride and Pleasure brings real drama to the women behind the founding mythology of early America. King Sorrow is a beast of a read (both in size and stakes) thatll keep your mind off the clock. Joyride is a jolt of curiosity and creative fire. And The Wounded Generation reminds you that coming home has never been simple, even in so-called good wars.Meanwhile, The Martians offers a strange, sharp reminder that hysteria isnt new, only the hashtags have changed.

As for The Land of Sweet Forever, Twice, and Whats With Baum?, theyre better suited for the USO's free library.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the central role of traditional leaders in safeguarding Zimbabwe's cultural identity, saying chiefs, headmen and village heads remain a vital defence against foreign influences disguised as modern practices.Addressing the Annual National Chiefs Conference in Harare yesterday, the President said the Second Republic would maintain its close and strategic partnership with traditional leadership structures."Ndimi varidzi vevhu. Hurumende yandinotungamira icharamba ichitsigira kushanda kwedu pamwechete," he said, emphasising that the relationship between Government and traditional leaders was deeply rooted in the liberation struggle and would continue under an independent Zimbabwe."Our collective resolve saw us claim back the land of our forefathers, and realise independence, freedom and democracy," he added.President Mnangagwa said traditional leaderswho include 310 chiefs, 550 headmen and 35 000 village headsplay an essential role in community development planning and managing key projects at village and ward level. He commended them for supporting the construction of schools, clinics, roads, bridges and infrastructure for small and medium enterprises.He urged them to strengthen grassroots development structures such as village and ward assemblies, and development committees, to further accelerate national development.Under Section 282 of the Constitution, traditional leaders are required to promote cultural values and sound family norms. The President praised chiefs for their ongoing efforts to preserve national heritage and identity.Government has expanded the responsibilities of traditional leaders to include duties such as officiating marriages and facilitating birth and death registrations. President Mnangagwa said these reforms were intended to make essential services more accessible to rural communities."I am confident that you will undertake these new roles with uttermost professionalism and ethical conduct," he said, stressing that their roles in dispute resolution, justice delivery and peace-building remain indispensable.He also urged chiefs to defend Zimbabwe's national image and uphold cultural dignity, warning that the country cannot afford to be weakened by drug and substance abuse or gender-based violence."Let us all work together under the Whole-of-Government and Society Approach in the fight against these and other negative social vices," he said.The conference also saw the President handing over brand new Isuzu twin-cab vehicles to chiefs as part of efforts to support their work in communities.
Sales of combustion engines are declining and electric vehicles are on the rise, so it is worth taking a look at the raw materials required.

Advertisement/Advertising  This article is distributed on behalf of Green Bridge Metals Corp. and Aurania Resources Ltd., with whom SRC swiss resource capital AG has paid IR consulting agreements. Creator: SRC swiss resource capital AG  Author: Ingrid Heinritzi  First published: December 12, 2025, 4:55 p.m. Zurich/Berlin

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), around 80 million cars were sold worldwide in 2024. Around 30 percent of these purchases were electric vehicles and hybrid cars. At the same time, sales of combustion engine vehicles (since 2017) fell by 30 percent. Incidentally, around 70 percent of all electric vehicles sold today come from China. The raw materials used in battery production are subject to geopolitical dependencies and the strong position of individual companies that operate globally.

Australia dominates lithium production, followed by Chile and China. Around 75 percent of cobalt production comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than half of cobalt production is in the hands of a few large companies. However, if we look at the countries of origin of the companies that mine cobalt in the Congo, around 45 percent are based in China. When it comes to nickel, Indonesia is the leader with almost 63 percent, followed by the Philippines. According to forecasts, the Congo, China, Australia, and Indonesia will retain their strong position until 2030.

This makes it clear that Chinese companies play a leading role in almost all raw material sectors for battery production, both among companies and in producing countries. It is therefore clear who controls the distribution and availability of raw materials. Raw material companies that have no connection to China, such as Green Bridge Metals or Aurania Resources, are particularly appealing.

Green Bridge Metals  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/green-bridge-metals-corp/  specializes in battery metals, particularly copper, nickel, platinum, and palladium. Its projects are located in Canada and Minnesota.

Aurania Resources  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/aurania-resources-ltd/  was previously best known for its gold and copper project, The Lost Cities Cutucu Project in Ecuador. Now, management is also focusing on new projects in France (including gold and nickel) and Italy (nickel, cobalt, iron, copper, and chromium).

Current company information and press releases from Aurania Resources (- https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/companies/aurania-resources-ltd/ -) and Green Bridge Metals (- https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/companies/green-bridge-metals-corp/ -).

Sources:

https://www.iea.org/reports/what-next-for-the-global-car-industry;

https://www.elektroauto-news.net/news/iea-autoindustrie-veraenderungen.

In accordance with  85 WpHG in conjunction with Art. 20 MAR/VO (EU) 2016/958, we would like to point out that authors/employees/affiliated companies of SRC swiss resource capital AG may hold positions (long/short) in the issuers discussed. Remuneration/relationship: IR contracts/advertorial: Own positions (author): none; SRC net position: less than 0.5%; issuer s ? 5% stake in SRC: no. Update policy: no obligation to update. No guarantee for the translation into German. Only the English version of this news is valid.

Disclaimer: The information provided does not constitute a recommendation or advice. The risks involved in securities trading are expressly pointed out. No liability can be accepted for damages arising from the use of this blog. We would like to point out that investments in shares and, in particular, warrants are generally associated with risk. The total loss of the capital invested cannot be ruled out. All information and sources are carefully researched. However, no guarantee is given for the accuracy of all content. Despite the utmost care, I expressly reserve the right to make errors, particularly with regard to figures and prices. The information contained herein comes from sources that are considered reliable, but does not claim to be accurate or complete. Due to court rulings, the content of linked external sites is also our responsibility (e.g., Hamburg Regional Court, in its ruling of May 12, 1998  312 O 85/98), as long as we do not expressly distance ourselves from them. Despite careful content control, I assume no liability for the content of linked external sites. The respective operators are solely responsible for their content. The disclaimer of SRC swiss resource capital AG, which is available at https://www.resource-capital.ch/de/disclaimer-agb/, also applies.
HOUGHTON COUNTY, MI - Michigan is recommending its tallest waterfall receive federal funding to improve visitor accessibility of both the rugged wonder and its veteran memorial site.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources added Houghton-Douglass Falls in the Upper Peninsula to its project list requesting $11.9 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The DNR recommended $1 million for a second phase of the ongoing project to make this waterfall more accessible to visitors.

Douglass-Houghton Falls stands at 110 feet from the top to its base. Its located in Houghton County between Laurium and Lake Linden just off M-26.

The 70-acre site the waterfall runs through was purchased by the DNR in 2018 from a Vietnam War veteran with the agreement that it would become a park dedicated to Michigan veterans.

Last year the state legislature proposed the name, Houghton-Douglass Falls Veterans Scenic Site.

The DNR secured an initial $600,000 for a new road and parking lot and a veterans memorial.

The second phase of the construction is still in its design phase, according to the DNR.

The earmarked $1 million will contribute to the continuation of the walking trail beyond the Hammell Creek bridge, which was constructed last year. It will also include development of boardwalks and scenic overlooks for viewing the falls.

Located in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the scenic site boasts the impressive Houghton-Douglass Falls and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forest.

The rugged waterfall is named for Michigans first state geologist Douglass Houghton and his cousin C.C. Douglass who worked in Houghtons survey party.

The site is part of the Michigan State Parks system but not a park itself. Its operated as a unit within nearby McLain State Park.

The DNR recommended a list of 13 projects in 11 counites to receive through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Projects were scored and selected from a field of 11 grant applications from local governments and two applications from the DNR.

The states project recommendations are sent to the National Park Service for approval. The approval process can take up to six months.

More in the U.P.:

This U.P. waterfall trail is getting a massive upgrade that will change how you experience it

Pictured Rocks needs guides for backpacking, kayaking and ice climbing

A massive wilderness project in the U.P. is changing how Michigans public forests are managed
MUSKEGON, MI -- A Muskegon chef brought not only his skills and talent, but his outlook on life to a Michigan prison through his food tech training. He invited prisoners into the gourmet culinary world and a film crew brought that world to audiences across the country.

The award-winning documentary Coldwater Kitchen is coming to the The Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts for one night only.

Itll be a homecoming showing for Muskegon-based Chef Jimmy Lee Hill, who will be present and engage in audience conversation after the screening on Friday, Dec. 12.

Hill has led the culinary training program for 30 years.

I hate to be so broad in saying so, but, everyone that comes into prison, they go through a process of dehumanization. In here, you are the worst version of who you are, Hill says in the documentary trailer.

Hes brought the fine art of everything from foie gras to lobster to incarcerated men.

You have the opportunity here to be the best you, for the time that youre here, he says of the food tech training.

Tickets are still available for the 7 p.m. showing in the Beardsley Theater. Tickets are $10.75 after fees and can be purchased here.

Filmed in Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, Michigan, the documentary follows Hill and three of his students  one facing a life sentence, another battling an opioid addiction, and a third returning to the city where he once dealt drugs.

In 2023, the film won a James Beard Foundation media award for best documentary. Learn more about the film, here.
ALLEN PARK -- Alex Anzalone was back at practice for the Detroit Lions after missing the first session of the week.

The veteran linebacker missed Wednesdays practice with an illness. But Anzalone was back out there on Thursday, doing away with any concerns for this weekends trip to face the Rams in Los Angeles.

Detroits defense has leaned on its linebackers heavily this season. Jack Campbell leads the team in snaps. Anzalone and Derrick Barnes rank inside the top five.

The only two players missing from Thursdays practice were safety Kerby Joseph and left tackle Taylor Decker. Joseph practiced on Wednesday, ditching his hefty left knee brace for a leg sleeve, as the Lions try to get the All-Pro reigning interception king back into the fold for the playoff push.

Joseph has missed seven straight games due to a lingering knee injury. Healing the injury sounds out of the question until the offseason, but Joseph and the Lions hope to reach a more manageable point.

Decker has not practiced this week, so far. The veteran left tackle has received his fair share of rest days while working through continued shoulder pain. Decker has even played without practicing at all a couple of times this season. Its worth noting that the Lions just played three games in less than two weeks, so a little extra rest time after that stretch isnt shocking.

Giovanni Manu remains on injured reserve with a knee injury. But the second-year offensive tackle was spotted working to the side for the second straight day. And tight end Brock Wright was also working to the side with a trainer nearby. Wright was placed on injured reserve last week with a neck injury.

The Lions have only one tight end on their 53-man roster heading into this weekends game in LA in Anthony Firkser. They hope to get tight end Shane Zylstra back after he returned to practice last week.
Three Up North downtowns are getting a boost from state redevelopment funds to turn vacant properties into housing and commercial space.

Cadillac, Escanaba and Marquette received state funding through the Michigan Economic Development Corporations Revitalization and Placemaking program.

In total, the state expects these projects to add 60 housing units across the three cities and generate a total capital investment of over $16.5 million in the state, with the goal of attracting residents to the downtown communities.

Support for these projects in Northern Michigan underscores our commitment to our Make It in Michigan economic development strategys focus on the people, places, and projects that are integral to growing Michigans economy, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said.

The Revitalization and Placemaking program has distributed funds to 249 total projects in communities across the state since its launch in 2022.

The program goal is to create vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for our Michigan communities, according to the Governors office.

Heres a breakdown of where those funds are going in Northern Michigan.

Cadillac - $1.4 million

The North Lake Street Flats will be a redevelopment of vacant property. Two new residential buildings will be constructed, adding 48 housing units and parking downtown.

The buildings will be located within a vibrant, walkable district with access to Cadillacs downtown, Cadillac Lakefront Park, the White Pine Trail, and the Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion, according to the MEDC.

This new development is more than just new buildings; it is a critical investment in our City, said Cadillac City Manager Marcus Peccia.

These modern buildings are located near our core downtown and will help our City by chipping away at our housing gap, while also redeveloping a currently vacant lot in a beautiful place for people to live. Attracting talent and having a high-quality place to live is important for Cadillac, and Lake Street Flats is a transformational development that will be beneficial to the whole community.

The residential units will be rented at 80% to 100% of the Area Median Income and help address the housing shortage in the city.

The project is being awarded a $1.4 million RAP grant to support the costs of the new development and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $10,669,625.

Development team North Lake Street Flats, LLC, will be redeveloping this property with management partner Veneklasen Construction.

The development team received an Act 381 Brownfield Plan with an estimated reimbursement over 15 years of $2,510,784. The City of Cadillac approved the plan in Oct. 2024. In addition to local tax capture, they are working with both the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority for eligible activities.

The project builds on placemaking efforts between the MEDC and Cadillac in recent years, including RAP funding in Oct. 2023 that awarded $2.7 million to redevelop the historic Cooley School into apartments.

Escanaba - $500,000

A vacant, functionally obsolete building will be redeveloped into a new restaurant space and one-bedroom apartment.

The RAP funding gets this project off the ground, with the goal of attracting foot traffic and adding vibrancy to the citys downtown said Escanaba City Manager James McNeil.

Redeveloping a vacant building into a new restaurant and apartment space is exactly how we drive economic growth and enhance our downtown vibrancy, McNeil said. This investment, alongside our recent Redevelopment Ready Community recertification, ensures Escanaba continues to move forward.

The project builds on the citys efforts to invest in its downtown through the recent recertification as a Redevelopment Ready Community with the MEDC and significant upgrades to the streetscapes and utilities along Ludington Street.

The project is being awarded a $500,000 RAP grant to assist with redevelopment costs of the former mixed-use building on the site and is expected to bring a total capital investment of $1,064,653.

The MEDC adds that the developer of the project, Curt Spaulding of Spaulding Real Estate LLC, is a retired Michigan Corrections Officer who returned to his hometown of Escanaba to own and operate a restaurant on the same block as the proposed project location.

Spaulding owns local bar and eatery Cat-man-do on Ludington Street. In October, city council approved his plans to rehabilitate what used to be Crispignas Restaurant into a cocktail lounge, according to the Daily Press.

After stabilizing the operation of his current restaurant, Spaulding utilized a Build MI Community grant from the MEDC in 2024 to activate vacant space above his restaurant into three new attainable residential apartments. Spaulding has worked with the Michigan Small Business Development Center to review the business plan for the new restaurant.

Marquette - $1.5 million

A vacant, 8,000-square-foot building located at 401 W. Washington St. will be redeveloped to create a four-story, mixed-use development.

This project will add 11 residential units, two commercial spaces, and lower-level indoor parking to downtown.

Karen Kovacs, city manager for the City of Marquette called the grant pivotal in making this downtown Marquette project a reality.

With this support, a long-vacant property will become a vibrant mixed-use development that delivers workforce housing and retail space, fueling economic growth and revitalizing our community, Kovacs said. This partnership demonstrates whats possible when public and private sectors unite behind a shared vision for Marquettes future.

The project is being awarded a $1.5 million RAP grant to support the cost of construction on the vacant, blighted building, and is expected to bring a total capital investment of $4,803,602.

The Marquette County Land Bank is supporting the project with a $46,000 Blight Elimination Grant and the Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved an Act 381 Brownfield Housing TIF Plan with an estimated value of $1,131,825 in further support of the redevelopment.

Development partner Midwest Construction Group has extensive experience in construction, renovation, and redevelopment projects across Michigan. Their portfolio  which includes projects in Holland, Zeeland, and Hastings  reflects a strong track record of delivering high-quality developments that contribute to community and economic growth, according to the MEDC.

The project represents a strong vote of confidence in the continued growth and vibrancy of Marquettes downtown, said Tara Laase-McKinney, executive director of the Marquette Downtown Development Authority.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MI  A Redford man accused of breaking into multiple homes while working as a delivery driver has been arrested after a string of home invasions in St. Clair County.

Deonte King, a 32-year-old man from Redford, was charged with felony first degree home invasion and five counts of felony second degree home invasion for the alleged crimes, according to a news release from the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office.

The break-ins took place from Nov. 28 through Dec. 3. Seven home invasions were reported in total, according to the release.

Deputies were called to Werner Road in Columbus Township after a resident reported his home was broken into. Valuables were stolen from the scene.

King was stopped in a white box truck not far from the home and taken into custody, according to the release.

Detectives were able to return many of the stolen items, according to the release.

St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King urged residents to lock their doors and windows and call 911 if they see something suspicious.

Thank you to the road patrol deputies for detailing each incident, allowing for a thorough description of the suspect and vehicle to be compiled, allowing the detectives to connect the cases, King said in a statement. With the help of local and federal agencies in the area, we were able to locate King and prevent further incidents.

King was arraigned in 72nd District Court on Dec. 9. His bond was set at $200,000 cash or surety.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A Harare magistrate has ordered a DNA test to determine the paternity of a seven-month-old baby at the centre of a maintenance dispute between a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) soldier and his former partner.The directive was issued after Rutendo Kalinda approached the Harare Civil Court seeking US$100 per month from her former partner to cover the child's essentials, including food, nappies, clothing and toys. Kalinda told the court she was simply asking for support necessary to give her child "a healthy start in life."The respondent, Mark Shambare, a serving member of the ZNA, said he could only afford US$25 a month, citing significant financial strain. He explained that from his gross monthly earnings of US$250 plus ZiG 2 000, a substantial portion was being deducted to service a loan. He also told the court he has four other children with his wife, supports his parents, pays rent and is currently studying.Shambare said he had initially been providing for the child, but stopped after receiving a message from Kalinda suggesting that the baby was not his. Kalinda admitted sending the message but said it was written in a moment of emotion and did not reflect the truth.Presiding Magistrate Hannah Fazilahamed ruled that the matter could only proceed once paternity was scientifically verified. She ordered that a DNA test be conducted within three months and granted a temporary maintenance order requiring Shambare to pay US$30 plus ZiG 700 per month for the next three months, pending the test results.The final maintenance ruling will be made after paternity is confirmed.
FLINT, MI -- A Genesee County jury has delivered a $3.7-million verdict against the city of Flint in a trial brought by the guardian of a bicyclist who was hit by a speeding Flint police vehicle in 2020.

But the verdict will cost the city, which is self-insured for up to $3 million, significantly less than the damage award because jurors found cyclist Donald Cameron was 49% responsible for the accident.

In Michigan, plaintiffs can recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault for their injury, but their award for some damages is reduced by their percentage of fault.

Camerons brother, Kenneth, sued the city, the Flint Police Department, and former police officer Christopher Delaney after the crash at a three-street intersection on Aug. 18, 2020.

The lawsuit sought more than $100 million in damages, contending that Delaney was grossly negligent on the night of the accident by driving 79 miles per hour without his siren activated before his vehicle struck Cameron, who was riding home from work at West Court Street, Pershing Street, and Corunna Road.

Testimony during the 15-day trial established that Cameron, who suffered multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.231 at the time of the crash.

Attorney Ven Johnson, who represented Cameron, said the jurys verdict showed Delaney did more wrong than Don (Cameron) did, but said family members remain concerned about the care he can be provided with a reduced award from the jury.

The city of Flint did not immediately comment on the outcome of the case, which City Council had previously authorized its attorneys to settle for up to $3 million.

The jurys decision in the case had the potential to be financially devastating to the city, which must pay the first $3 million of any verdict before a $10-million insurance policy is triggered.

City officials have said the city would also have been responsible for any award of more than $13 million.

Attorneys for the Camerons contended that Donald Cameron could require multiple additional surgeries and around-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

Attorneys for the city portrayed Delaney as an officer who always put the safety of the community first, and Donald Cameron as having been oblivious to his surroundings while riding on his bicycle with a blood alcohol content of 0.231 and crossing West Court Street when Delaney had a green light.

Christopher Soper, an attorney for the city, told jurors that Delaneys speed in responding to a priority-one call was appropriate and legal as he drove toward the scene of an incident with a potential shooting victim.

He was doing his job, Soper told jurors in his closing argument. He was doing the right thing. He was doing the just thing.

Dash-cam and private security video of the accident showed Cameron attempted to cross West Court Street toward Corunna Road when Delaneys vehicle crashed into his bicycle.

Donald Cameron appeared briefly in court this week but did not testify in the case. His lawsuit maintained he had no memory of events on the night of the accident.

Attorneys for the Camerons maintained that Delaney operated his vehicle with gross negligence, putting others at unnecessary risk.

Johnson told the jury in his closing argument that the former officer was allowed to get away with something just short of murder, leaving Cameron as a prisoner in his own body.

Since the lawsuit was filed, Delaney and the Flint Police Department were dismissed as defendants in the case, leaving the city as the lone defendant.
LANSING, MI  Tariffs and unpredictable trade policy has raised production costs for farmers and reduced U.S. exports around the globe.

Trade policy decisions can translate quickly into real economic consequences here in Michigan, said David Ortega, chair of food economics and policy at Michigan State University.

The state is expected to lose out on $167 million of exports in 2025, per USDA data presented to Michigans Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Michigan companies are struggling to remain competitive in the global marketplace, said Tim Boring, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director.

The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed tariffs will spur investment in U.S. manufacturing, production and innovation.

Were right to prioritize domestic food and value strengthened American supply chains that create jobs, Boring said.

But U.S. agriculture is dependent on exports, he said.

Retaliatory tariffs from other countries have left Michigans farmers vulnerable, Ortega said.

On Monday, Dec. 8, Trump announced a $12 billion farm aid package for farmers struggling to sell crops while contending with higher costs as a result of trade policy.

The trade war has also disrupted critical food distribution programs at schools and hospitals across the state, said Lindsey Scalera.

Scalera is a collaboration specialist for the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.

She works with hospitals, schools, universities and other institutions to invest in local farm and food businesses -- keeping their dollars in the state and region, she said.

But tariffs have raised the price of ingredients, packaging, equipment and logistics, Scalera said.

With already tight budgets, price hikes coming from tariffs on these staple goods can result in trade-offs, such as offering fewer fresh options and cutting staff, Scalera said.

These tradeoffs are occurring at a global scale, too, Boring said.

Trade partners all over the world are choosing stability over quality. Abrupt policy changes have made the U.S. an unreliable, unpredictable trading partner, he said.

Buyers in other countries are prioritizing traditionally inferior products ... with stable supply chains, Boring said.

That means soybeans, apples, cherries and other crops grown in Michigan arent being exported around the world.

Brazil has outpaced the U.S. on soybean exports as China turned to South America for the crop, Boring said.

Michigan farmers saw a 47% decrease in soybean export profits between 2024 and 2025, per USDA data.

Tariffs are also running up the price of farming, Ortega said.

Our farmers and producers rely on imported machinery, fertilizer, animal feed and other critical inputs from abroad, Ortega said. When tariffs raise the cost of those items, it becomes more expensive to produce food.

Never underestimate the ability of Michigan farmers and producers to adapt, Boring said.

While the state cant control the uncertainty at a federal level, it can listen to farmers and create opportunities at a local level, he said.

MDARD is working with farmers to reduce fertilizer dependency and shift away from pesticide use in an effort to reduce costs.

Programs like 10 Cents a Meal have provided funding for schools and early childhood centers to buy local food, Scalera said.

Institutions need to provide good food, she said, and farmers need to turn a profit.

These efforts have been proving to be bridges between institutions and growers, Scalera said.

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CADILLAC, MI  A Michigan man was recently extradited from Kansas to face charges of child sexual abuse and showing the victim pornography, officials announced.

Michael Joseph Caillouet, 47, of Cadillac, was arraigned on Tuesday by Judge Corey Wiggins in the 84th District Court in Cadillac for allegedly sexually abusing a minor child from 2016 to 2019, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. He is also accused of showing the victim pornography.

Caillouet is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of misdemeanor exhibiting sexually explicit material to a minor.

The alleged crimes were reported in March to the Michigan State Police. The Wexford County Prosecuting Attorneys Office issued charges in September. Caillouet was recently extradited to Wexford County by the U.S. Marshals Service from Butler County, Kan.

This investigation was part of Operation Survivor Justice, a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.

Operation Survivor Justice continues to show just how important these partnerships are in locating and returning individuals with sexual assault warrants, Nessel said. Survivors show tremendous courage in coming forward, and my office will keep relying on this collaboration to ensure that those accused of these serious offenses are brought back to Michigan to face their charges in court.

Caillouet will next appear in the 84th District Court for a probable cause conference at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
A 16-year-old is now charged as an adult in the drowning of a boy who he allegedly helped push into a river, despite knowing the victim could not swim, TV6 reports.

Jakob Bowerman, 13, died on Aug. 23 after two people allegedly pushed him off a bridge into the Menominee River on Aug. 20.

The teen was charged on Friday with second-degree reckless homicide. Tylor Birch, 21, of Marinette, faces the same charge.

Birch and the teen suspect initially claimed the victim jumped but later admitted to pushing him into the water during horseplay, according to court documents obtained by TV6. They allegedly knew Bowerman couldnt swim. Bowermans mother told police that Birch and the teen would bully her son, according to a report from MyUPNow.

The teens bond was set at $100,000 and he was ordered to continue school, consume no alcohol or drugs, and to have no contact with the victims family, TV6 reports.

MLive is withholding the suspects name pending arraignment on charges, which is scheduled for Dec. 17.

Second-degree reckless homicide is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $100,000, or a prison sentence of up to 25 years, or both.

The Menominee River is a major waterway in the U.P. that serves as the Michigan-Wisconsin border.

A GoFundMe campaign for Bowermans family has raised more than $18,000.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Drivers can soon access the 570-space parking lot next to the University of Michigans new hospital.

The Zina Pitcher Parking Structure will open Tuesday, Dec. 16, according to a Dec. 9 university-wide announcement.

It will be at the corner of Catherine Street and Zina Pitcher Place next to the $920 million D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion, 1315 E. Ann St., which opened to patients Nov. 23.

The 12-story hospital was in the works for a decade, university health system officials previously said.

The new hospital added about 690,000 square feet, including 264 private inpatient rooms, 20 surgical and three interventional radiology suites to the university health systems main medical campus.

Read more: Michigan Medicine welcomes first patients to new $920M hospital in Ann Arbor

The Zina Pitcher Parking Structure will be the first on-campus gated facility to fully use license plate recognition equipment at entry and exit gates, the announcement states.

Gate cameras will scan a drivers license plate to verify their virtual permit and automatically lift the gate arm.

The university MCard serves as a backup credential. If a drivers license plate cant be read easily, then they can tap their MCard to the reader to activate the gates.

Real-time occupancy tracking for the new parking lot on the MGoPark app is expected early next year.

The opening of the Zina Pitcher Parking Structure will also expand nearby Gold parking that helps Blue permit holders on the UM medical campus, the announcement states.

The parking lot will house over 300 Gold permit spaces and consolidate nearby gold parking allocations into one location. It will also add about 50 Gold spaces to the medical campus.

Gold, Business and Service spaces in the Catherine and Ann street structures will convert to Blue parking, which will add 100 Blue spaces for staff in the high-demand area, according to the announcement.

All UM patient-seeing physicians, executive officers and head school and college deans are eligible for a Gold permit, according to the universitys logistics, transportation and parking website.

The structure will reduce embodied carbon by about 20% through the use of specialized concrete mixtures, officials said. The parking lot is prepared for installation of rooftop solar in the future.

The parking facility will also feature elevators that convert kinetic energy from braking into usable electricity.

The open-air design of the facility will eliminate the use of powered mechanical ventilation.

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YPSILANTI, MI  Brendan Kelly, president of the University of Arkansas system since 2024, received a warm homecoming celebration Wednesday at Eastern Michigan University.

Over 100 students, faculty and community members stood up and applauded Kellys selection as the next EMU president at a special Board of Regents meeting on Dec. 10.

Read more: Flint native, alum picked as new Eastern Michigan University president

Im hopeful and excited about EMUs future under President-elect Kellys leadership, Jack Booth, student body president at EMU, said during the meeting. Ensuring the broad representation of the student body is central to my role and Im proud that our input helped shape this important decision.

Kelly, 50, a Flint native, received his bachelors degree in public relations and masters degree in communication from EMU and a PhD in political communication and rhetoric from Wayne State University.

He also began his academic career at EMU as an assistant director of forensics and lecturer in communication and theater arts from 2000 to 2004.

Im grateful for the opportunity to come back home, Kelly said. We got here as soon as we could.

EMU students are optimistic about Kellys incoming presidency, including Katie George, a junior at the university.

As a member of the forensics team, its really exciting to see someone who was formerly a member come back to EMU, George, 21, of Louisville, Ohio, said. He seems very enthusiastic to be a good force in the community, so Im very excited for that.

She is excited that Kelly is not very old and has a fresher perspective in our university. She thinks it is important to have someone whos been more recent within the system as university president.

Frankie Silla, a freshman at EMU, also appreciates Kellys previous forensics and EMU background.

Its really exciting hearing that both he and his wife were here at the university and then also were in the same activities we are, knowing that well have that representation in important decision-making capacities is great for us students, Silla, 18, of Massillon, Ohio, said.

Because Kelly came from EMU, Silla said, he knows the good, bad, ugly of the university and can best represent students.

Jackson Schreiner, a freshman at EMU, said Kelly seems like a down-to-Earth guy, somebody you can talk to and just not feel judged in any way.

Schreiner, 18, of Comanche, Oklahoma, also said the new president seems like a really nice person, which he considers an important attribute for a leader.

What do students want to see from a new university president? A focus on student needs, said Raiden Francisco, a senior at EMU.

Im hoping to see him be focused on serving the students of Eastern Michigan University and focused on resolving issues that impact students, like our limited dining options, Francisco, 23, a Woodhaven resident, said.

He hopes the best for Kellys upcoming presidency, which will begin May 4, 2026.

EMU has faced student enrollment decline over the last decade, according to the EMU research management website. Over 23,000 students enrolled at the university in fall of 2013. That number dropped to just over 12,000 students this fall.

We have a rich history of this institution and higher education is a tough business right now, Kelly said at the Dec. 10 meeting. This used to be a job that people sought after to go and be a university president.

Despite challenges facing EMU, he said his university is working to help people transform their lives into whatever they want them to be.

Kelly came to the Arkansas State University system after serving as president of University of West Georgia from 2020 to 2024.

He has also been an appointed interim president at University of South Carolina, a chancellor at University of South Carolina Upstate, professor and vice president of university advancement at University of West Florida.

Kelly will replace outgoing EMU President James Smith, who has served in the role since July 1, 2016.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  After over four years of talks, Ann Arbor now has a model for an unarmed response program that could launch in 2026, using social workers instead of police to handle 911 calls such as nonviolent mental health crises.

SPROUT, a new Supportive Resources and Outreach Team proposed to be housed under the citys Supportive Connections office, would function independently, handling some calls on its own, and team up with the Ann Arbor Police Department on other calls.

SPROUT would serve as a compassionate, community-based alternative to traditional crisis response, said Jonathan Laye, Supportive Connections director.

The SPROUT teams will meet residents where they are, providing supportive intervention and connection to care for those experiencing behavior health, substance use, or any number of social challenges, he said.

Laye, a licensed social worker, and Police Chief Andre Anderson discussed the proposed program during City Councils annual planning session Monday, Dec. 8.

Ideally, what we would like to have is a social worker right inside the 911 center, right there when the call is coming in  that person can intercept those calls right there, Anderson said. Ideally, that person can actually call a person out where we do not even have a police officer respond at all.

Laye described a multi-tiered approach to handling calls. In some cases, there could be a clinician-led response focused on deescalation and connecting people to helpful resources, and other times there could be a joint response by a social worker in a vehicle with a police officer trained in crisis intervention.

Jonathan Laye, Supportive Connections director, addresses the Ann Arbor City Council, laying out the SPROUT unarmed response proposal on Dec. 8, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

In a co-response scenario, there still would be a focus on deescalation and connecting people to resources rather than arrest or citation, but those hybrid units also could handle calls involving potentially violent behavior, Laye said.

Its been a long journey to get to a model that fits, said Laye, whose office connects people with social services to avoid contact with law enforcement and the criminal legal system.

SPROUT clinicians would be Supportive Connections staff, expanding the office, with the program administered independent of the police and fire departments, Laye said.

Across the country, communities are recognizing the vast majority of behavioral health crises do not need police enforcement, Laye said. They need someone who will show up and say, Tell me whats going on, and then, How can I be of service to help you? he said.

Over the past year and a half, Ann Arbor leaders have crossed the country to look at programs in other communities that have found success, from Albuquerque to Atlanta, Denver, Durham and Seattle, Laye said. They all come at it with the same approach: leading with compassion, care and support, with a focus on connection rather than punishment, he said.

Whats planned for Ann Arbor is a pilot program, and things like hours of operation and types of calls for the teams could change as the city feels out the right approach, Laye said.

After initial response by either a two-person clinician team or a co-response unit with police and a social worker, Supportive Connections would provide followup support, he said. It would keep records separate from police that cant be used punitively against people, he said.

At least one of the clinicians on a response team would be a licensed social worker with a masters degree, while the other could have another social service background, he said.

A clinician team would be able to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, suicide threats not involving a weapon, some nuisance calls, cases of lost people and family crisis care, drug use, and welfare and wellness checks, among other things, Laye said. They wouldnt be able to make arrests or issue citations.

The co-response units could handle calls with heightened risk, support Community Mental Health crisis teams and serve court-ordered involuntary mental health petitions, he said.

An Ann Arbor police officer stops a driver on William Street downtown on July 13, 2025. The traffic stop was for disregarding a traffic control device and the driver was given a warning, police said. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

As for how response teams would be dispatched, Laye said there could be various ways, and first theyre exploring direct 911 dispatch with the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office. They also could be self-dispatched by monitoring 911 calls, self-selecting calls clinicians feel fit the service, he said.

Police also could arrive on a scene and realize it would be better served by SPROUT, he said.

Another model the city has looked at in Tempe, Arizona, involves embedding social workers into county dispatch to deescalate situations over the phone and divert callers directly to social services, Laye said.

Anderson noted theres already a national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. But since 911 has been around for several decades, our muscle memory cannot get us to shift to call 988, he said.

People are going to call 911, he said. And when they call 911, as it stands, it will require a police response.

Admittedly, policing efforts over the years have led to unnecessary uses of force, Anderson said, saying police have lost some credibility and lack of training is a problem. He expressed hopes of moving to a new model and training Ann Arbor police officers to play a role as part of a new Crisis Intervention Team.

The team is described as a community partnership of AAPD alongside Supportive Connections, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and addiction professionals such as Dawn Farm, Home of New Vision and Trinity Health.

Not every police officer is capable of being a Crisis Intervention Team officer, Anderson said. They have the ability to do other things, but not the same compassion as Officer Kasey Whitford, the team leader, he said.

AAPD is working toward getting 20% of officers specially trained in crisis intervention, Whitford said, saying its important officers with the right mindset self-select to be part of the team.

The officers with advanced training in deescalation are expected to work in road patrol across all shifts, responding to calls of mental health crises.

Down the road, theyll be piloting the co-response team with Supportive Connections, Whitford said.

Police Officer Kasey Whitford addresses the Ann Arbor City Council on Dec. 8, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

From June to November, Ann Arbor police responded to 594 calls about people experiencing a mental health crisis, she said. Being trained to assist with mental health crises, substance use disorders and available resources for those unhoused allows officers to respond with empathy, Whitford said.

The unarmed response program is expected to be funded by $250,000 in annual marijuana tax revenue, nearly $1.2 million in annual rebate funds from a countywide mental health and public safety millage and nearly $300,000 in funds reserved from opioid litigation settlements.

If council authorizes moving forward, it still would take several months to put the program in place, but it could happen within 2026, City Administrator Milton Dohoney said.

Council has affirmed its commitment to a truly unarmed response model multiple times, said Council Member Cynthia Harrison, D-1st Ward. She asked at Mondays meeting how the proposed pilot preserves the original promise, rather than shifting into a law enforcement-adjacent service.

Having the program under Supportive Connections gives it the autonomy to keep it social work-focused and say, This is our program, were borrowing the police, not the other way around, Laye said.

Senior Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Janetsky said the city would be delivering both unarmed response and law enforcement lite response, and officers in co-response teams with social workers would be specially trained and not in traditional police uniforms.

Laye noted Supportive Connections also will be adding solution-focused brief therapy to its program in 2026 as a way to engage people while they wait for substance use treatment, mental health treatment, transitional housing and other help.

We all know that wait lists are long, he said.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Work is underway on a project that will demolish a vacant Family Fare grocery store on Breton Road SE and replace it with seven three-story buildings containing 168 mixed-income apartments.

Last week, workers began demolishing the grocery store, 4325 Breton Road, in preparation for construction of the apartment buildings, which are being developed by East Grand Rapids-based SW Real Estate Investment.

Spencer Wierda, the firms president and director of development, said the $34.6 million project will help move the needle on the citys demand for housing.

Access to attainable housing directly impacts the strength of our regional workforce and the economic health of Grand Rapids, he said. These new homes will help meet demand for housing close to jobs, schools, and neighborhood services. By redeveloping this site, were creating the kind of residential stability that supports local businesses and allows families to stay and grow in the community.

Demolition of the Family Fare store is expected to be complete by the end of the year, after which work to prep the site for construction is set to begin, Wierda said.

The housing is expected to be complete within the first half of 2027.

Once open, the buildings will contain a nearly even split of income-restricted and market-rate apartments. The income-restricted units will be priced at levels that are affordable for households earning between 95% and 100% of Kent Countys Area Median Income.

For a two-person household, 100% of Kent Countys Area Median Income amounts to a pre-tax annual income of $85,200, according to data from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Rental rates will start at roughly $1,650 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,900 for a two-bedroom apartment, Wierda said.

The apartments will feature quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, high-quality cabinets, in-unit laundry, and private patios or balconies. The development will also feature a community clubhouse, fitness center, outdoor dog park, a grilling area, EV charging stations and more.

I think were building a project that not only has attainable rents for our residents but is going to be very high quality, Wierda said.

In July, the Grand Rapids City Commission approved Wierdas request for a $14.9 million reimbursement through the city and states housing tax increment financing program. The program reimburses developers for construction costs using state and local tax revenue generated by their development.

The city of Grand Rapids offers the program to developers who reserve a portion of a projects rental units for residents earning up to 120% of Kent Countys Area Median Income.

Im excited to see this kind of investment in our community, Grand Rapids Third Ward Commissioner Marshall Kilgore said in a statement. Developments like this help ensure Grand Rapids continues to offer housing at all price points, giving families and neighbors real options to put down roots, raise their kids, and love where they live. This project is another step toward keeping Grand Rapids a place where everyone can thrive.

Construction is being managed by Orion Construction, while the Grand Rapids-based design firm Ghafari is serving as the architect. Mercantile Bank is serving as a lender, and Moore & Bruggink is providing engineering services.

From the early planning stages to the start of construction, this project reflects thoughtful design, strong collaboration and a shared commitment to addressing the regions housing needs, said Brad Walsh, president of Orion Construction. Transforming an underutilized site into high-quality, attainable housing is the kind of work that strengthens neighborhoods and expands opportunities for families.

The former Family Fare grocery store at 4325 Breton Road SE has been vacant since 2021.

Scott Wierda, a former managing partner at CWD Real Estate Investment who now leads SW Real Estate Investment, has owned the building for at least 26 years. The former Family Fare is located adjacent to a Little Caesars and Wasabi, a sushi restaurant.

Its also adjacent to a 4,500-square-foot commercial space thats actively being marketed for uses that are complementary to the new housing development, such as a daycare, educational programming or another business, according to a news release.
SUMMIT TWP., MI  Witnesses Wednesday afternoon contended Leonard Hugall killed his stepdaughter and hid her body in a shallow grave in 1984 to stop her from reporting sexual abuse she allegedly suffered at his hands

Hugall, 74, was bound over to circuit court for trial proceedings following a preliminary examination Dec. 10 before Jackson County District Judge Daniel Goostrey.

He heads to trial facing a charge of felony murder and second-degree murder. He is accused of raping and killing Kelly Jean Harris, 13, allegedly under the guise of taking her to the 1984 Jackson County Fair.

The murder charge, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, comes months after Harris, missing since Aug. 11, 1984, was declared legally dead and a medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.

Hugalls attorney, Chief Public Defender Kevin Rogers, objected to moving the case forward. He argued there was not enough evidence to prove a murder had even occurred.

Theres no independent evidence of a homicide, Rogers said. Sometimes people go missing and sometimes they are never found. Just because theyre missing doesnt mean that they were killed.

Several witnesses testified Harris was scared of her stepfather and did not want to be around him.

Harris aunt, Sally Vanarman, testified she was on the phone with Harris the morning before she disappeared.

She said she could hear Hugall yelling at Harris in the background, shouting profanities at her.

Vanarman and her brother went to Harris home and found it empty. The entire house was tidy except for Harris bedroom.

It was not like her to have a messy room, she said.

Harris childhood friend and neighbor, Heidi Armentrout, said she never saw anything positive between Harris and Hugall for the three years she knew Harris.

He always seemed to be very cruel. Some of the things that he would say, some of the things that he would do, she said. He would call her the N word. I remember several times sitting at the dinner table when I would stay the night. He would kick her under the table.

Harris was biracial and she never gave any indication she intended to run away from home, she said.

Harris cousin, Sherri Boster, testified she saw Hugall touch Harris sexually when she and Harris were teens. She said she didnt realize what was happening until many years later when she grew older.

She said when she saw Hugall spanking Harris, he would do it in a way where he would squeeze her buttocks and touch around her crotch.

At the time, I thought it was a weird kind of spanking, but I do now realize there was some sexual nature to it, she said.

The sexual abuse, the pinching of the butt while hes supposed to be spanking her lines up with the sexual assault, Jackson County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Hull said. The fact that he called her the N word lines up with what he told the witness later on in his life, that he did not like the fact that she was a biracial child and it was ruining his relationship.

Hugall was released on parole in September 2024 from a prison in Florida, where he had been serving a 50-year sentence for sexually assaulting and killing a 5-year-old girl and her mother in 1993.

He was extradited from Florida and arrived back in Michigan the night of Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Until they received notice of his imminent release, investigators once believed Hugall would never be freed from prison.

In 2006, Hugall confessed to killing his stepdaughter while in prison in Florida. He wrote his confession as a means to provide closure to the family, his former Florida prison cellmate, Lee Johnson, testified.

He said basically that he had a situation where he committed a homicide and a sexual battery on his step daughter, Johnson said.

Johnson testified Hugall asked him to help write out the confession, which was presented to the court as evidence.

I helped prepare a limited immunity agreement for him, Johnson said. He said there was an incident which caused her death and he had a sexual relationship with the child.

Hugall confessed to strangling Harris after he suspected she was going to tell her mother about the sexual abuse, Johnson said.

He admitted to killing her, taking her body out to a remote area and burying her in a shallow grave, he said.

Although Hugall was brought to Jackson in 2006 to show police where he buried his stepdaughter, her remains were not found, authorities earlier said.

We didnt find anything in 2006 and we tried again last year and found nothing, Jackson County Sheriffs Detective Sgt. Mark Easter testified. He said it was a shallow grave, but what is considered shallow? So we decided to try and again much deeper.

The case has been assigned to Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain. Hugall remains in the Jackson County jail without bond.

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JACKSON, MI  Joshua Keith Pirtles fingernails were caked in Sebastian Igafo-Teos blood when police arrested him in the fall of 2023.

Hearing this DNA and other evidence, jurors later convicted him of first-degree murder. They concluded Pirtle, 33, had stabbed Igafo-Teo 73 times in his home, leaving him dead and barely recognizable before stealing Igafo-Teos truck and leading police on a chase through Jackson.

But he maintains his innocence and said he wonders who the real killer is.

We need to find out who really did it, Pirtle said at his sentencing hearing Wednesday, Dec. 10, via Zoom from the Jackson County Jail. Its a tragedy what happened, but wrongly convicting someone just to be able to point the finger is not right for any side.

Abiding state law that dictates no lesser penalty, Jackson County Circuit Judge Susan Jordan sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The jury listened carefully to the evidence and they made a sound decision, Jordan said. Youve earned every day of this sentence.

Igafo-Teo, 30, died Oct. 25, 2023, in the 300 block of Randolph Street in Jackson.

His mother, Jackie Igafo-Teo, spoke before the court trying to hold back her tears.

She displayed photos of her son and her grandson, who lost his father and now, less than a week ago, his mother, to heart failure.

You stalked him, you harassed him, you threatened him and you stabbed him until he was basically a pile on the floor, she said. Ive been sitting in this court for hundreds of hours over the last two years, and you dont even have the balls to come in here on the last day.

Pirtle abruptly disconnected from the court hearing, causing a pause in the proceedings. The hearing resumed several minutes later, this time with a sheriffs deputy standing behind him.

Jackie Igafo-Teo spoke of her grandson, now 6, who misses and asks questions about his father. He wishes he was home, she said.

The impact is widespread and endless, she said. My son was full of life. The aftermath of murder is indescribable. I have tried to be real this whole time, but in reality Im not sure whats real anymore except for pain.

Pirtle was also found guilty on two counts of assault with intent to murder, car theft and third-degree fleeing and eluding police.

The violence that night didnt just end in Sebastians house, Jackson County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Meaghan McKeon said. It didnt just end with Sebastian. It also continued when the defendant left Sebastian for dead, took his truck, and then led multiple police agencies on a chase around the county.

The pursuit ended with Pirtle crashing into a home on Jacksons east side.

During the trial, Igafo-Teos friend of more than seven years, Mathew Kush, testified Pirtle attacked him and Igafo-Teo inside Igafo-Teos Jackson home after a confusing argument.

Leading up to the attack, Pirtle made strange accusations against the pair, Kush said. These included telling them they owed him $10,000, they were sleeping with his girlfriend, sexually abusing kids and something about making live videos, Kush said.

Kush said he was staying with Igafo-Teo for a little while after a fire broke out at his apartment. He was expecting a friend to come to the home that night to pick him up but was surprised when he saw Pirtle and his then girlfriend Klaira Diann Mishaw knocking at the front door.

The group hung out for a while until Pirtle began hurling the accusations and Igafo-Teo told Pirtle to leave. Pirtle instead punched Igafo-Teo in the face before swinging at Kush, Kush said.

The fight went to the floor, where Pirtle yelled kill the lights moments before the lights went out, Kush said.

Scared, Kush scrambled for the front door and ran for his car parked out front. Later, as he continued to speed away, he messaged Igafo-Teos mother, telling her to check on her son, Kush said.

Igafo-Teos mother and father found him bloody and unresponsive on the kitchen floor and called 911.

Igafo-Teo had more than 70 wounds, including 38 critical injuries to his head and neck, severing his jugular and carotid arteries, Medical Examiner Dr. Patrick Cho said.

Police investigating the stabbing discovered Igafo-Teos truck, a 2015 white Chevrolet Silverado, was missing.

Investigators entered the missing trucks information into the Flock License Plate Reader database and soon got a hit on its last location.

Police spotted the truck and the subsequent chase stretched throughout Jackson County, sometimes hitting speeds upwards of 100 mph.

The fleeing truck eventually lost control and crashed into a utility pole and the front porch of a home in the 1300 block of Ganson Street.

Pirtle and his passenger, Klaira Diann Mishaw, were both arrested after receiving medical treatment.

Mishaw, a former co-defendant in the case, pleaded no contest to being an accessory after the fact and was later sentenced to probation.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's tourism sector is set for a major boost following confirmation that The Lux Collective, a global hospitality group with Chinese backing, will develop a high-end eco-luxury lodge estate along the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. The project, named LUX* Xinii Victoria Falls, is expected to open in 2028 and marks the group's second major investment in Southern Africa after its Botswana venture, LUX* Xinii Mababe.The new estate will be constructed in two phases, beginning with 12 luxury lodges designed with conical, African-inspired roofs that allow for natural cooling and rainwater harvesting. A second phase will expand the development with 14 additional lodges, as well as a restaurant and swimming pool, creating an exclusive retreat within reach of one of the world's most iconic natural attractions.The development comes as part of The Lux Collective's wider global expansion, with the company announcing seven new hotel signings for 2025. Its pipeline of projects now stretches across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa, reflecting an ambitious growth strategy anchored in sustainable design and culturally grounded hospitality.Chief executive Olivier Chavy said the company's goal is to "redefine the future of conscious luxury travel" by creating experiences that resonate deeply with modern travellers who value both comfort and environmental responsibility.China remains a key focus of the group's expansion. In early 2027, it will launch LUX* Tea Horse Road Mount Tiantai in Sichuan province, offering accommodation both within a historic town and on nearby high-altitude tea plantations outside Chengdu. Another luxury development, LUX* On The Bund Shanghai, will open in the first quarter of 2027, featuring waterfront views, a private marina, fine-dining venues, a rooftop bar and an advanced wellness centre.Beyond China and Southern Africa, The Lux Collective now has 16 properties under development worldwide, including new luxury projects in Vietnam, Bali, Dubai, Oman, Mauritius and several more cities in China. The company continues to grow its LUX*, SALT and SOCIO brands, drawing increasing international confidence in its eco-friendly, design-centred approach to hospitality.The introduction of LUX* Xinii Victoria Falls is expected to significantly elevate Zimbabwe's visibility in the global high-end tourism market. Tourism experts say the investment reflects growing international interest in Victoria Falls as a destination for sustainability-driven luxury travel, potentially drawing in higher-spending visitors and injecting fresh momentum into the country's hospitality sector.
BENTON HARBOR, MI -- In some Benton Harbor classrooms, you wont find a teacher behind the desk.

Instead, students learn from a teacher being live-streamed to the classrooms digital whiteboard.

Hiring virtual teachers allowed the district to avoid increasing class sizes or filling vacancies with long term substitutes, said Simone Griffin, superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools.

So far, having virtual teachers has gone well, Griffin said. But they arent a permanent solution to the districts ongoing teacher shortage.

The BHAS Board of Education approved a $1.1 million contract with Proximity Learning on Oct. 14 to fill teaching vacancies with Proximitys virtual educators. The district has 18 teaching vacancies in subjects like math, science and art across grade levels, Griffin said.

The partnership is intended to fill vacancies while efforts are made to recruit in-person teachers.

This is not the best solution, being honest, but at least it is a solution, said Michael Robinson, Proximitys vice president of school partnerships and business development, at the Oct. 14 board meeting.

Griffin suggested the district try Proximity Learning after speaking with a colleague in Kansas who used Proximity Learning in the past.

The virtual teachers, employed through Proximity, teach the districts lesson plans and host office hours with students. A facilitator, employed by the district and trained by Proximity, is in the classroom monitoring and helping students during class.

Griffin said the district will use paraprofessionals and other staff members studying to become teachers through the districts Grow Your Own teacher program as facilitators.

The model enhances the professional development trajectory of our facilitators, as they will receive work-based learning by shadowing effective instruction modeled live, said Dashuna Robinson, BHAS board president.

Benton Harbors class sizes range between 21 to 26 students, Griffin said, depending on the grade level. Classrooms with virtual teachers cant exceed 30 students, per Proximity Learning guidelines.

The teacher shortage isnt unique to Benton Harbor. School districts across the country are struggling to retain teachers.

Especially in an environment where you have high poverty, low income, things like that, its been an issue in this district for probably 20 plus years, Griffin said.

Benton Harbor ranks among the lowest Michigan school districts in factors like median income and childhood poverty correlated with educational outcomes.

That creates a challenge when competing with wealthier school districts to attract teachers, Griffin said. But the district remains competitive by offering incentives like retention and recruitment bonuses. Since fall 2025 BHAS has recruited several teachers, Griffin said.

The districts goal is to fill all teaching vacancies by summer 2026, but thats dependent on who they are able to recruit, Griffin said.

Theres no magic wand, Griffin said. The benefits far outweigh the challenges when youre in a pinch for staffing.
KALAMAZOO, MI  A light pole came down on top of a car during a crash downtown, police said.

The driver of a gray SUV reported suffering a medical emergency before the crash at 1:33 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the intersection of South Rose Street and Lovell Street, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said.

The vehicle hit a light pole and a cement barrier before coming to a stop.

Public safety officers found the 57-year-old female driver unresponsive.

They safely removed the driver from the vehicle and began life-saving efforts. The woman was taken to a local area hospital, where she was last listed in critical but stable condition, KDPS said.

The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the KDPS Operations Division at 269-337-8142.

Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI  A taqueria that has stood on East Michigan Avenue, near the Calhoun County line, since 1998 will serve its last plates Friday, Dec. 19.

Ninas Taqueria, 111 E. Michigan Ave. in Augusta, will be closing soon, but its sister restaurant in Battle Creek will remain open, owner Martha Martinez confirmed.

The Battle Creek location, at 248 Capital Ave. NE, has been open since 1999, the Battle Creek Enquirer reported previously.

Martinez announced the closure in a social media post on Dec. 8, stating that she was doing so with great sadness.

We opened our small, family business in August of 1998 with little more than our hopes and dreams, she wrote. We werent even sure if people would stop by. Thanks to you, many people have made Ninas in Augusta their go-to place for authentic Mexican food.

Augusta will always be the place where a dream was transformed into reality.

Patrons enter Nina's Taqueria in Augusta, Michigan, in 1999, the restaurant's second year of business. The restaurant and its now colorful exterior will close permanently on Dec. 19, 2025. A second location in Battle Creek that opened in 1999, will remain open. (MLive file photo) MLive file photo

Martinez thanked her customers for being loyal and said her family would always be grateful for how they kept them afloat during the pandemic.

She referenced both Ninas Taqueria and Ninas Market in Battle Creek, and said neither would have been possible without the success experienced in Augusta.

The two restaurants, and the market  located at 282 Capital Ave. SW  were named after Martinezs youngest of three daughters, Nina Mark.

Mark commented on her mothers post, calling the closure surreal and bittersweet.

We didnt just grow up visiting Ninas Taqueria  we grew up inside those walls, she wrote. Cousins running around the back, the smell of food that felt like home, family gatherings that always seemed to start or end at the restaurant so many of our memories were made there.

It wasnt just a building  it was part of our family."

Mark labeled the closure as bittersweet because its the end of a chapter that shaped who we are but sweet because the legacy continues, she said.

Like her mother, Mark thanked the loyal Augusta patrons and said she hopes to see many of them venture to Battle Creek, where people can enjoy the same recipes, the same love, the same family  just a different home."

A reason for the closure of the original restaurant was not given.
BAY CITY, MI  A Bay City mother accused of starving her son with special needs to death entered a courtroom with tears in her eyes. Her sobbing did not abate for the entirety of the brief hearing, as she stole glances toward supporters seated in the gallery behind her.

Jessica M. Burkes woes increased when she learned prosecutors intend to charge her with murder in the 2024 death of her 4-year-old child, Noah J. Whitmire.

Burke, 39, appeared before Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly for a scheduled preliminary examination the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 10. Since her arraignment in mid-May, Burke has only faced a count of first-degree child abuse despite a pathologist ruling Noahs manner of death as homicide.

Burke, a brown ponytail draped over her right shoulder, did not speak throughout the hearing. She sobbed silently and fidgeted anxiously in her seat, taking deep breaths and slowly exhaling through pursed lips.

Before witness testimony began Wednesday, Bay County Prosecutor Michael P. Kanuszewski stated he plans to add a second charge, that of felony murder. Defense attorney James F. Piazza said this development caught him by surprise, as he understood the prosecution would not be leveling that charge.

Piazza asked the judge to grant him a continuance so he could adequately prepare for the new charge. Judge Kelly granted Piazzas request and rescheduled the hearing for 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 5.

Sitting behind Burke in the courtroom were four adults and three children, all wearing custom blue T-shirts emblazoned with Justice For Jessica above Burke and Noahs splayed handprints. The back bore a quote from the biblical book of Lamentations:

Lord, you have pleaded the causes of my soul; you have redeemed my life. O Lord, you have seen how I am wronged; judge my case.

Among Burkes supporters was longtime friend Kendra Nichols.

I think its a little over the top, Nichols said of her friends charges, saying she kept copious medical records and books on her sons condition. I think its disgusting.

A GoFundMe campaign started by Jessica Burke to help offset her son Noah J. Whitmire's medical expenses. Cole Waterman

Piazza has shared a similar sentiment, saying Noah was under medical care for the entirety of his short life.

Burke in March 2024 started a GoFundMe campaign titled Donate to Noahs Special Needs Fund. In it, she stated Noah was born with esophageal dysphagia, a condition in which food sticks or gets caught in the base of the throat or in the chest after swallowing begins.

Case background

MLive previously obtained investigative reports and autopsy findings from the Bay City Department of Public Safety and Bay County Medical Examiners Office via the Freedom of Information Act.

Those reports state police, firefighters, and paramedics at 4:10 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2024, responded to Burkes apartment in the 900 block of McKinley Avenue after she called 911 to report Noah wasnt conscious or breathing. Burke allowed responders into her residence and they saw Noah on a blanket in the middle of the living room floor.

Burke frantically urged officers to perform CPR to save her son while she used a suction device on his lungs, reports state. Though Noah was cold to the touch and had no pulse, the emergency responders administered chest compressions to try resuscitating him.

Officers wrote in their reports that Noah appeared very malnourished [and] severely underweight with very pale skin. Near Noah was a suction machine full of waste, officers noted.

Medical personnel pronounced Noah deceased at 4:30 a.m.

Burke mentioned her sons numerous medical conditions and three to five cardiac events. She denied ever having abused her child.

Burke told police she put Noah to bed in his room then fell asleep around 11:30 p.m. Awakening a few hours later, she checked on Noah and found him not breathing, she said. She tried giving him oxygen, moved him to the living room floor, and immediately called 911, she said.

She said Noah had been admitted to hospitals in Flint, Ann Arbor, and Detroit. He previously had a nasal tube to keep fluids out of his esophagus, though that was removed about a year prior and replaced with a gastrostomy tube, she said.

Burke was supposed to take Noah to a feeding tube specialist on Oct. 15, 2024, but did not keep the appointment, she said. Between December 2021 and September 2022, Burke canceled 27 doctors appointments and skipped four more, records show.

Investigators executed a search warrant on Burkes apartment later that day. They located two medical suction machines used to clear food and mucus from Noahs mouth and throat. Burke said the machines were cleaned daily, though one was full of brown liquid, officers wrote.

Officers also found a Kangaroo Joey feeding machine that was not clean and had apparent old food in its attached bag.

Investigators contacted a foster care service specialist with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, who told them Noah had been removed from Burkes custody and placed in foster care in November 2021 due to medical neglect. Noah later suffered a medical emergency and was returned to Burkes care in early December 2021.

Noah was to be on his feeding machine 24 hours a day, the specialist said. Yet every time she visited Burkes home, the machine was not attached to Noah.

Jessica would always have an excuse as to why it was not attached, the specialist told police. For example, she had just moved or she was cleaning the machine.

Asked by police why Noah was returned to Burke so quickly after his removal, the specialist said they had no available foster parents equipped to handle the boys difficult medical needs.

The courts knew that Jessica knew how to care for (Noah) and assumed that she would follow medical advice to properly care for him, the MDHHS employee told police, according to their reports.

An MDHHS investigator told police medical staff grew concerned in November 2020 after Burke failed to bring Noah to several appointments. Noah was supposed to attend physical therapy twice a week, but Burke did not bring him to the sessions, the reports state.

The investigator conducted a home visit in December 2020 after medical staff indicated Noah could die without immediate attention. The investigator told Burke to call 911 and have her son taken to a hospital, something Burke initially refused. Burke later changed her mind and called 911, after which Noah was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint.

Burke refused to allow Noah to be transferred from Hurley to another hospital for further treatment, saying she did not want her son hospitalized for his first Christmas, reports state. The MDHHS investigator then filed an emergency petition to have Noah removed from Burkes care so he could receive the necessary treatment.

Another MDHHS foster care specialist described Burke as a difficult parent to deal with.

Jessica did not have any support system such as family or friends, the specialist told police. Jessicas mom wanted to assist but Jessica would not accept her help.

Burke frequently moved residences during the MDHHS probes, making it difficult for the agency to assist her, reports state. Another complaint against Burke was filed with MDHHS in December 2022 but an investigator found no wrongdoing, ending the agencys contact with Burke.

Police again interviewed Burke on Nov. 20, 2024. She expressed confusion as to why an investigation was ongoing, stressing she was medically trained to care for her son and did all she could for him. She did not have much help, saying Noahs body would shut down around people.

She added Noah had recently been taking in more food and moving more, causing him to burn more calories. She went on to say no doctor would say Noah died from her not providing adequate care.

An uncle of Burkes told police she would not allow family to help her with Noah and that she argued with doctors on her sons treatment, reports state.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Patrick Cho conducted an autopsy on Noahs remains the afternoon of Oct. 23. He described Noah as 31 inches long and weighing 10 pounds, well below the 5th percentile for his age according to growth charts from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Cho noted.

Noah had been born prematurely and had a well-documented history of chronic malnutrition due to a feeding intolerance and hypotonia, or decreased muscle tone, Cho wrote.

Over the past three years, the decedents body weight has fluctuated dramatically between the lower percentiles on the weight-for-age growth curve to extreme emaciation, Cho wrote. Noah had a feeding tube inserted through the skin on the right side of his abdomen.

Noahs brain was undersized and his skeletal muscles were markedly underdeveloped, Cho wrote.

Cho also noted that after an extensive review of Noahs medical records and assessments from his medical team, there was no medical cause for the boys failure to gain weight.

He ruled Noahs cause of death as severe protein-calorie malnutrition and complications thereof with extreme emaciation. He labeled his manner of death as homicide.

Burke has remained jailed on a $250,000 bond since her May 14 arraignment.

Noah would have turned 5 on May 24, 2025. A 20-minute video showing clips and photos of Noah was included with his obituary.
SAGINAW TWP, MI  An errant pig has landed at Saginaw County Animal Care & Control, after spending a day being pampered by staff at a local police department.

Saginaw Township police brought the ginger female piglet to their headquarters after a resident of Lawndale Estates mobile home park spotted the porcine form hoofing it through heavy snow the early morning of Wednesday, Dec. 10. The resident was shoveling snow when the hog approached her, and she proceeded to gather the piggy in a box until officers arrived.

Due to the heavy snowfall, officers were unable to backtrack the pigs hoofprints.

For the rest of the day shift, the piglet hung out at the station, being doted on by staff and curious visitors.

I think our whole township government staff and news agencies were here, said Chief Scott A. Malace. She just chilled on her blanket most of the time. People would come by and shed roll over to let them rub her belly.

One local resident who has a pet pig of her own stopped by with a 30-pound bag of food pellets. Sgt. Brian Anderson, meanwhile, went to Kroger and purchased carrots, lettuce, and other vegetables for the critter to munch on.

The office also fielded numerous calls from people volunteering to adopt or foster the pig, but officers had to turn them down as theyre hoping to find its rightful owner, Malace said. When the owner did not come forward, Sgt. Anderson took the pig to Animal Control at the end of his shift, Malace said.

Animal Control Director Rachel Horton confirmed the pig is resting comfortably. She added a manager of Custom Creatures Pet Shop, 2750 Bay Road, contacted the agency indicating they had sold the pig. The manager provided Animal Control staff with the name and address of the purchaser, Horton said.

Staff are now trying to locate the owner to determine if the pig got loose, was rehomed, or was abandoned. If the pig was deliberately abandoned, the owner could be subject to criminal charges.

Custom Creatures in July posted on X they were selling a purebred male Kunekune piglet for $499. Horton said the pig they have doesnt have typical Kunekune characteristics and more closely resembles a pig of the Duroc breed. Her teeth also indicate shes about 5 months old, Horton added.

Custom Creatures officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

The piglet is to remain on a stray-hold at Animal Control for four business days. If she goes unclaimed, shell be relocated to a farm rescue, after which she may be available for adoption, Horton said.

In the meantime, the piggy is enjoying being a little celebrity.

She is lovely and loves her belly scratches, Horton said. We have a couple of staff members who are very familiar with pigs and theyre really excited we have her.

Horton encouraged anyone with information on the pig to call Animal Control at 989-797-4500.
SAGINAW, MI  Businesses from across the region are joining forces to provide 1,500 free meals to Saginaw residents in need this weekend.

The Feed Saginaw event will take place Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hoyt Park, 1651 S. Washington Ave. in Saginaw.

Meals will be distributed until food runs out, organizers said.

Wonder Burger, a smash burger food truck from the region, will lead the initiative alongside more than a dozen local businesses.

Feed Saginaw is about more than serving a warm meal from a food truck; its a celebration of collaboration between local business owners, companies, and community members who want to give back, Javier Fulgencio Jr., owner of Wonder Burger, said in a statement. Wonder Burger was our first family business, and we believe the strongest growth comes when a community comes together to support one another.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses and corporations interested in supporting the event, organizers said.

The weekend event is not the first Feed Saginaw event. Wonder Burger led a food giveaway at the Saginaw park last December too.

For more information, visit the Wonder Burger Facebook page.
A long-running Mexican restaurant chain has indefinitely closed most of its locations after nearly 50 workers were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

According to the Tucson Sentinel in Arizona, seven Taco Giro restaurants have closed after about 10% (46 workers) of the companys employees were detained by ICE. Nearly all are kitchen staff, making food preparation incredibly difficult.

Basically, they corralled everyone in the homes where they were living, which was a couple of houses, Cesar Rodriguez, director of operations for Taco Giro told the Sentinel. And they came into the establishment to verify documentation and some questioning items what they were investigating on and pretty much that was it.

Taco Giro lists numerous locations on its website, but all but three are listed as closed on Google.

Our restaurant will be temporarily closed while we take a short pause to make a few necessary adjustments so we can continue offering the warm service and unique flavors you love, Taco Giro in a social media post.

Well be ready to welcome you back very soon with the same love, passion, and flavors that always make you feel at home.

The chain has been around since 2008 and offers authentic Mexican cuisine that reflects Mexicos rich cultural heritage through fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

The chain is accused of paying undocumented employees cash under the table, according to the Sentinel, but staff had no contact with ICE before last weeks raids.

The Department of Homeland Security said it served 16 warrants in Southern Arizona on Dec. 5. The incident made national news after U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva said she was pepper-sprayed outside a Tucson location on Grande Avenue.

ICE has classified those detained as illegal immigrants from Mexico. Some are accused of labor exploitation, tax violations, and immigration violations, while others have previous arrests for sexual assault and illegal re-entry, according to ICE.

This multiyear investigation that targeted TCOs alleged to be involved in human smuggling, human trafficking derived from peonage resulted in the shutdown of the restaurants, said acting Special Agent in Charge Ray Rede.

These enforcement actions have unequivocally disrupted this criminal organizations ability to exploit our lawful labor and system of commerce. This agency will not stand for it and those seeking to continue such practices are on notice  there will be more enforcement operations in Arizona.

Two U.S. citizens were also arrested for assaulting a federal officer, damaging a government vehicle, and obstruction, ICE said.
Wigs for children with cancer, mental health services for children who have been sexually assaulted, financial support for new mothers.

These are some of the programs Michigan House Republicans stripped state funding from after voting Wednesday to halt nearly $645 million in continued support, House Democrats say.

Yesterdays vote was in truth one of the most corrupt abuses of power and unprecedented displays of cruelty that Ive ever seen during my time here in Lansing, state Rep. Will Snyder, D-Muskegon, told reporters Thursday. This budget instrument was never intended for this purpose and using it with such haste and scale proves the dangerous nature of crossing pre-existing and long-standing lines, even if potentially legally permissible.

We are just now beginning to understand the full scope of these disgusting actions.

The Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Dec. 11, voted to disapprove $645 million in continued funding for various items called work projects.

The committee did so without taking any discussion or testimony and without publicizing what the blocked projects may be ahead of the vote.

Work projects are specific projects or programs approved in the state budget for state departments, local governments, nonprofits and more to carry out. The appropriation comes with a deadline to expend the funds. If there are remaining funds after the deadline, the State Budget Office can recommend lawmakers extend the time the recipient has to use the money to complete the work project.

The State Budget Office recently recommended nearly $2.7 billion in continued work project funding, but the House Appropriations Committee rejected $645 million of that in a move that is rare for its scope and scale.

Of the blocked funds, $351 million comes from the states General Fund and will be lapsed back into that fund. It wasnt immediately clear what will happen to the $245 million in both private and restricted funds and $48 million in federal funds.

Todays actions by Speaker Hall and House Republicans will have negative consequences for Michigan families, businesses, and our states economy, State Budget Office Director Jen Flood said. At a time when Michiganders are already hurting from federal policies, the House just voted to cut even more jobs, raise the cost of housing and health care, cut food assistance for families and defund the states ability to tackle the opioid crisis. Michiganders deserve better.

Snyder told reporters he plans to introduce a bill next week that would require the appropriations committees of both chambers, not just one, to approve blocking continued funding for work projects.

The halted funding includes $63 million in roadway and other infrastructure grants, more than $100 million in economic development grants and $50 million in grants to ensure local governments are providing quality legal defense for those who cant afford it and more.

Many of the line items in the handout from House Republicans on what was blocked from continued funding do not describe the specific projects and programs impacted.

One of the blocked items was $18.5 million for the expansion of Rx Kids, which is located in 20 communities around the state and provides cash assistance to new and expecting mothers. The cut incensed Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids.

Theres a special place in hell for someone willing to yank money away from moms and babies 15 days before Christmas, Brinks said. I hope (House Speaker) Matt Hall takes this holiday season to look within himself and reevaluate what exactly hes doing here.

One of the largest items blocked was $102 million for community enhancement grants.

House Republicans have yet to provide a specific list of what community enhancement grants were cut off from further funding. These could be a wide range of things, from helping a local government pay for new fire trucks to supporting nonprofit programs and enhancing state and local parks.

The move raises questions about how cities, counties, nonprofits and others still in the process of completing these work projects will fund the remaining work without the pledged state assistance. Money can be left over after a deadline for work projects for a variety of reasons, such as a rainy construction season or not as many people signing up for a program as estimated.

House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, billed the move to block $645 million in work projects as part of his caucuses effort to cut waste, fraud and abuse in government.

Some of the projects he touted defunding included a program to put tampons in bathrooms for both girls and boys and another to install cameras in work zones and school zones that he said would be used to spy on residents.

A number of other defunded programs, he said, were part of the Democrats wacko left climate agenda.

Hall has accused state departments of using the work project process to stash money away in accounts instead of completing the projects or filling employee positions. His caucus proposed sweeping department cuts earlier this year to account for this.

Talking with reporters Wednesday evening, Hall used the blocked $50 million for indigent defense grants as an example.

You see all kinds of things, like with this indigent defense $50 million lapse that they asked for all this money in the budget and theres just $50 million they didnt spend, he said. If youre this late, its the end of the fiscal year and you havent spent it, then instead of letting them squirrel it away into their slush funds for years and years and years, lets block it, lets put it in the general fund and then lets force a discussion about what the best way to get value for your tax dollars is.

The blocked funding also ties into the successful push by House Republicans for greater transparency over earmarks, which are put in the budget by lawmakers and distributed as grants to specific nonprofits, businesses or government entities for specific projects.

The projects funded by earmarks span a wide range, from restoring a historic building to purchasing a fire truck. Many of them fall under the community enhancement grants blocked from continued funding by House Republicans.

Hall said by stripping continued funding from these earmarks, itll force them to go through the new transparency process for earmarks if they want to have funding restored.

Theres some things in there that are good, but theres a whole lot of things in there that are bad, that are waste, fraud and abuse, he said of the blocked earmark work projects. Now, all of these projects can go through HEAT next year. We can find out who was asking for these, what is a public benefit  lets hope none of these are going to for-profit corporations  and we can understand what other money theyre getting and what their timeline is and then we can assess in a negotiation whether we put some of these back in.

HEAT is an acronym for Hall Ethics, Accountability and Transparency Plan, which led to the new earmark reforms and transparency rules.

Not all of the $645 million in blocked work projects were waste, fraud and abuse, Hall said. He said some of the projects blocked from continued funding may come back via a supplemental budget bill next year.

Due to the way that the process for continuing funding for work projects is structured, projects are often lumped together under one line item that can either be halted or continued.

One of those line items, the Michigan Competitiveness Fund, was $158 million and included $40 million to Hemlock Semiconductor in Saginaw County that is expected to create 180 manufacturing jobs and more than 1,000 construction jobs.

Hall took aim at other projects under that $158 million umbrella that would continue to receive funding if lawmakers wanted to keep the $40 million for the semiconductor factory.

You start going through all this and you say, Why should we have to give $10 million to the Michigan Climate Investment Fund just to do this good project with Hemlock Semiconductor? No, were not doing that, he said. Were cutting this fund and then well renegotiate the deal. The Whitmer administration has $50 million work projected. They can spend $40 million for Hemlock Semiconductor and they would have my endorsement to do that.
Dilapidated playgrounds, pools and pathways in 13 Michigan community parks could receive a boost to their project funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is directing just under $12 million in federal funds through the state of Michigan to local park improvements, acquisitions and development.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recommended a list of 13 projects in 11 counites.

Projects were scored and selected from a field of 11 grant applications from local governments and two applications from the DNR, totaling $11.9 million. The states project recommendations are sent to the National Park Service for approval. The approval process can take up to six months.

The DNR recommended the following projects receive federal grant money:

City of Dearborn (Wayne County) Splash Pad at Camp Dearborn $500,000.

City of East Grand Rapids (Kent County) Waterfront Park Improvement Project Phase 2 $500,000.

City of Farmington Hills (Oakland County) Heritage Park Playground and Parking $500,000.

City of Ferndale (Oakland County) Martin Road Park Playground Replacement $150,000.

City of Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo County) Milham Park Improvements $500,000.

DNR Parks and Recreation Division (Bay County) Bay City State Park Campground Utilities Upgrades $1,250,000.

DNR Parks and Recreation Division (Houghton) Houghton Douglass Falls Phase 2 Development $1,000,000.

Macomb Township (Malcomb County) Lucido River Park Pathway and Boardwalk Project $500,000.

Shelby Township (Oceana County) Shelby Community Pool $500,000.

St. Joseph Charter Township (Berrien County) Eaton Park Restroom and Park Improvements $359,000.

Village of Elberta (Benzie County) Terminus Park Acquisition $5,347,600.

Village of Lawerence (Van Buren County) Lawrence Village Park Playground Improvements $301,200.

White Lake Township (Oakland County) Stanley Park Improvements $500,000.

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Veteran sungura musician Nicholas Zakaria, affectionately known across Zimbabwe as Madzibaba, has died at the age of 66, his family confirmed on Tuesday.Zakaria, widely regarded as one of the founding pillars of modern sungura music and mentor to numerous top artists, passed away after a celebrated career spanning decades."It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nicholas Zakaria, the talented musician and beloved member of our community," the family said in a statement."Nicholas left an indelible mark on the music world with his inspiring voice and dedication to his craft. His legacy will live on through his music, and he will be deeply missed by fans and loved ones."Zakaria's unmatched contribution to Zimbabwe's music industry - particularly through his group, Khiama Boys - shaped the soundtracks of generations and nurtured iconic talents who went on to dominate the arts landscape.Details regarding his memorial service and burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Gayatri Rani is a Senior-Sub Editor with over three years of experience in delivering Hollywood and Bollywood news.
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Akshaye Khanna shot his Dhurandhar FA9LA entry with an oxygen cylinder on standby - here's why
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Almas M is an independent entertainment writer. Views expressed are personal.
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Baby Vamikas Arrival (2021)  After the birth of their daughter, both shared the first glimpses of little Vamika on social media, marking one of the most adorable and personal family moments with their fans.
M Snehanjali is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering general news and entertainment in digital newsroom.
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The Jameson Timba-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has called on Zimbabweans and key national institutions to reject Zanu-PF's plan to amend the Constitution and extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office by two years.Zanu-PF resolved at its October annual conference to prolong Mnangagwa's tenure from 2028 to 2030, and directed Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi - who also serves as the party's secretary for legal affairs - to begin formal processes to effect the amendment. Party commissar Munyaradzi Machacha said last week that Ziyambi was finalising the draft changes, which are expected to be gazetted soon.Machacha also disclosed that the ruling party plans to avoid a referendum and instead push the amendments through Parliament, where it enjoys a two-thirds majority.The CCC faction led by Sengezo Tshabangu has previously signalled support for Zanu-PF's 2030 agenda, a position seen as reinforcing the ruling party's strategy.However, the Timba-led formation has taken a hard line, condemning the proposed amendment as unconstitutional and dangerous.In a strongly worded statement, Timba said any Member of Parliament who supports the term-extension amendment would be "complicit in dismantling term limits" and must be held accountable by voters."To constitutional bodies, churches, labour, business and civil society: This is the time to speak clearly," he said."Silence in the face of an attempted constitutional coup is complicity. The Constitution is the last shield between citizens and raw, unconstrained power."Timba warned that altering term limits would undermine democratic safeguards and set a precedent for authoritarian governance.The opposition leader appealed to the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), urging them to defend democratic standards in Zimbabwe."Zimbabwe cannot preach democracy abroad while dismantling it at home," Timba said."The region must insist that term limits and regular elections - the very standards set in Sadc and AU instruments - are respected in practice, not only on paper."He argued that the Constitution should be seen as the foundation of national stability, not an obstacle to political continuity."Those telling you that this is for stability are hiding behind a finger," he added. "They fear an informed, organised citizenry that stands by its supreme law. We ended one-man rule once before. We must not allow it to return through the back door of a fraudulent technical amendment'."President Mnangagwa has previously distanced himself from the 2030 agenda, stating that he has no interest in extending his stay in office. Timba insisted that this alone was insufficient."You must publicly and unequivocally reject any amendment designed to benefit your tenure and affirm that elections will be held in 2028 as required by law," he said.The debate over the proposed constitutional amendment has heightened political tensions, with civil society groups, opposition parties and legal experts warning that the move would erode democratic accountability and undermine Zimbabwe's constitutional order.
Priyanka was photographed at the airport late Wednesday as she headed out of the city.

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Fans who missed its brief run in cinemas because there were so many other movies coming out will be glad to know that it will be available on OTT.
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The Talaipalli project is a "crucial" link in the nation's energy value chain, the officials sid.
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A new report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has highlighted a widening chasm between political promises and the lived realities of ordinary citizens, warning that public disillusionment is intensifying as service delivery continues to collapse across the country.The report, Between Promise and Reality: A People's Audit of Election Promises in Zimbabwe, assesses whether commitments made under the People's Human Rights Manifesto (PHRM) - launched ahead of the August 2023 general elections - have been met. The manifesto focused on 10 core areas, including constitutional rights, healthcare, education, basic services, housing, livelihoods and anti-corruption measures.According to ZimRights, the situation on the ground remains dire."Poor sanitation, overflowing sewerage, dilapidated roads and overcrowded classrooms continue to undermine the quality of life," the report states. It further notes that households are grappling with "insecure housing, limited access to land, high unemployment and rising living costs," while corruption remains rampant and civic freedoms continue to shrink.The rights organisation warned that "corruption and weak accountability remain major barriers, leaving citizens wondering whether their voices are truly being heard."The release of the report comes against the backdrop of Zanu-PF's controversial push for constitutional amendments to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure by two years - from 2028 to 2030. The ruling party adopted the proposal at its annual conference in October, with Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi now spearheading efforts to draft the relevant amendments.This pursuit of a term extension persists despite respondents in the ZimRights audit indicating that they are worse off than they were in 2023.One of the most alarming findings relates to education. The report notes that 72% of respondents believe government promises to deliver affordable, quality education have not materialised."Many participants indicated that their children face significant barriers to obtaining a quality education, including overcrowded classrooms and a severe shortage of teaching materials," the report says.ZimRights added that although the Constitution guarantees the right to education, the reality on the ground "starkly contrasts with these promises," with frustration growing over the government's failure to prioritise infrastructure and funding.The report paints a picture of systemic socio-economic decline. Citizens cited rising costs of living, joblessness and worsening housing insecurity as burdens eroding their dignity. At the same time, freedoms of expression, assembly and association are said to be increasingly restricted."Freedoms are increasingly constrained, eroding trust in elected leaders and fostering feelings of disenfranchisement," the report reads. ZimRights further noted a deterioration in fundamental rights since the launch of the PHRM, including rights to health, livelihoods and civic participation.ZimRights said many citizens felt that election promises had been forgotten soon after polling day, and that leaders had failed to uphold the standards they publicly committed to."The gap between leaders' commitments and the actual state of service delivery has only widened, as promises made and current realities are miles apart," the organisation stated. Citizens felt not just unheard, but "actively silenced," contributing to a pervasive sense of hopelessness.The rights body urged councillors and Members of Parliament to move beyond rhetoric and "tokenism," and instead demonstrate genuine accountability through concrete, people-centred actions."This audit should serve as a wake-up call," ZimRights said. "Leaders must reconnect with the people's needs and act decisively to reverse the ongoing decline."The report underscores growing public frustration with governance failures - and raises fresh questions about the credibility of election pledges as Zimbabwe continues to face worsening economic and social challenges.
DGCA has summoned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers for an inquiry on December 12 as the airlines operational crisis deepens, with 60 more cancellations reported in Bengaluru a day after 220 scrapped flights across major hubs.
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A member of the campaign team for independent candidate Mbuso Fuzwayo has allegedly received death threats from a suspected Zanu-PF activist, heightening tensions ahead of the Nkulumanne constituency by-election.The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, when Colbert Mahonondo - part of Fuzwayo's mobilisation team in Nketa 6 - returned home after putting up campaign posters. According to the campaign team leader Thamsanqa Ncube, a man driving a Zanu-PF-branded vehicle parked at Mahonondo's gate and summoned him outside."When he came out, the activist threatened to burn his house to the ground, accusing him of mobilising Nketa residents to campaign for Fuzwayo," Ncube said."We received his panic call and rushed to his house. We found him very scared, considering the fact that Zanu-PF has always perpetrated such violence. We have been told that the matter has been referred to the police Criminal Investigations Department's Law and Order section."Fuzwayo - who is also the Ibhetsu LikaZulu secretary-general - is contesting the by-election alongside Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial youth chairperson Free-dom Murechu; Sengezo Tshabangu-led CCC candidate Mothusi "Madlela Sikhobokhoho" Ndlovu; Esther Zitha, widow of late legislator Desire Moyo; and independent candidate Rodney Jele, reportedly backed by supporters aligned to Nelson Chamisa.Other candidates include Ethel Sibanda (MDC-T), Alson Moyo (EFF Zimbabwe), Vivian Siziba (Zapu) and Nompilo Ncube Malala (Zimbabwe African National Congress).Fuzwayo said his campaign has faced increasing hostility, with posters regularly torn down or removed by suspected Zanu-PF activists."There is a worrying lack of political tolerance among the contesting parties and candidates," he said.Zanu-PF Bulawayo province spokesperson Archbold Chiponda had not responded to questions by the time of publication.Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele referred inquiries to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who could not be reached yesterday.Meanwhile, in a related development, former Bulawayo CCC spokesperson and current Jele supporter Swithern Chiroodza has dismissed claims that Reason Munyapwa - who defected to Zanu-PF on Monday - was a key strategist in Jele's campaign.A video of Munyapwa announcing his return to Zanu-PF circulated widely on social media this week, prompting speculation about internal disruptions."Contrary to claims by the pro-Zanu-PF platform Harare Times, Jele's December 20 by-election campaign has not suffered," Chiroodza said. "If anything, it is minus one sellout."He added that Jele's campaign manager remains Reggie Mdluli, whom the candidate "fully trusts."The Nkulumanne by-election is scheduled for December 20, with campaigning intensifying amid reports of intimidation and political defections.
Nephrocare Health Services IPO subscribed 25% on day 2 so far; check latest GMP
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During the month, 57.14 lakh new SIPs were registered, while 43.19 lakh SIPs were discontinued or completed their tenure, resulting in a stoppage ratio of 75.56 percent.
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Stocks to Watch Today: Tata Steel, Ashoka Buildcon, Purvankara, Prestige Estates, Cipla, SBI Life Insurance, Luxury Time in focus on 11 December
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The Bulawayo24 article titled " 7 wasted Years: How Ramaphosa's Presidency Betrayed Its Promise " paints Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency as an outright failure marked by betrayal, impunity, and stagnation. However, this interpretation, while capturing genuine frustrations - rests on selective readings of events, underplays measurable reforms, and overlooks structural constraints that predate his administration. A more balanced assessment reveals a mixed record, not the unmitigated collapse depicted in the article. Below is a more balanced assessment done by an ordinary citizen.1. The article treats long-standing structural crises as if they began under RamaphosaSouth Africa's economic decline, SOE collapse, and corruption networks were not only entrenched before 2018 - they were the very inheritance Ramaphosa assumed.State capture, according to the Zondo Commission, occurred primarily between 2009 and 2017, entrenching patronage networks in Eskom, Transnet, Prasa, SAA, Denel, State agencies and multiple departments.The energy crisis began in 2008, with Eskom's coal fleet in long-term decline due to mismanagement and under-investment spanning decades. So Eskom's woes predates former president Jacob Zuma.Municipal collapse, cadre deployment, and procurement abuse are systemic ANC governance problems, not Ramaphosa-specific inventions. These are a result of care deployment and rampant nepotism.This context does not excuse failure, but it counters the narrative that South Africa was stable, prosperous, and functional until 2018 and then deteriorated solely because of Ramaphosa. This sadly underplays or deliberately ignores the destruction of the Zuma era.2. Anti-corruption reforms - though slow, are deeper and more institutional than the article admits.Contrary to the claim that corruption worsened or that "nothing has changed," the past seven years saw the most significant anti-corruption reforms since 1994, including: Establishment of the Investigating Directorate (ID/NPA)This unit led major arrests (e.g., Ace Magashule, multiple mayors, VBS syndicate leaders) and recovered billions. Zondo Commission completion and adoption of its recommendationsRamaphosa is the first president to give evidence under oath before a judicial commission. New procurement and anti-corruption legislation, including:Public Procurement BillWhistle-blower reform proposalsLifestyle audits for senior officials (finally rolled out) Arrest and conviction of COVID-19 PPE corruption offendersWhile the article claims impunity, dozens of cases have resulted in disciplinary action, arrests, and Special Tribunal recoveries.Again, the pace is slower than citizens demand - but the claim that corruption prosecution "stalled or fizzled out" is factually inaccurate.3. The Phala Phala scandal did not "fizzle without consequence"While public anger is justified, several formal processes scrutinised the matter:The Public Protector investigation (cleared him of wrongdoing in relation to state authority).The SARB investigation (found no exchange control violation).The Hawks inquiry (closed without criminal evidence).The Section 89 Parliamentary Panel (produced findings that were debated).Reasonable people can criticise aspects of these outcomes - but asserting that "institutions shielded him" ignores the independence of these bodies and oversimplifies a complex debate.Another significant factor in this case that those in conversation over this case tend to forget that of the huge sum of US$ stolen while stashed in a couch at Phala Phala not a cent came from tax payers.4. The depiction of the COVID-19 response ignores international context and global complexityThe article condemns the lockdown as if South Africa acted uniquely harshly or irrationally. Several counterpoints are necessary:South Africa followed WHO-aligned protocols at a time when the global scientific community urged lockdowns.Many countries - including those in the West - implemented stricter and longer lockdowns.South Africa's social relief measures, including the SRD R350 grant, supported millions and became a permanent policy instrument.Corruption in PPE procurement was real and scandalous, but it occurred across the world, even in wealthy nations. Culprits are being exposed and prosecutions have taken place and are still ongoing.5. The energy crisis improved significantly from 20232025, contradicting "nothing has changed". What remains are localised grid problems resulting in load reduction.Load-shedding has not disappeared, but significant structural reforms took place: The unbundling of Eskom into generation, transmission, and distributionA reform resisted for over a decade was finally implemented. Lifting the 100MW cap on embedded generationThis unleashed the largest private-energy investment wave in SA history. Accelerated renewable procurement and grid expansion Municipal self-generation approvalsThese reforms will show full impact over a longer horizon, but it is inaccurate to claim that Ramaphosa "did nothing" or "lacked the will" to confront entrenched interests. These changes required political courage precisely because they diminished the monopoly of patronage networks in the energy sector.6. The portrayal of Ramaphosa as indifferent to Marikana is one-sided and ignores documented actionsRamaphosa's role in Marikana remains a painful controversy. However:He has publicly expressed remorse, contrary to the article's claim of "never apologized."The Farlam Commission did not assign him criminal responsibility. The tragedy is that this massacre discourse deliberately ignores the deaths of people allegedly at the hands of striking miners. It is these dastardly murders that caused the tragic massacre not what Ramaphosa wrote.Compensation processes for families have been completed for most victims; others are ongoing.The tragedy predates his presidency, and laying seven years of governance failure on Marikana is emotionally compelling but analytically shallow.7. The article overstates the president's personal power in a party-dominant political systemSouth Africa's governance dysfunction is heavily shaped by the ANC's internal dynamics, factional battles, NEC constraints, and alliance politics. Ramaphosa governs in a context where:The ANC's parliamentary caucus limits executive action.Factional resistance from RET and other blocs obstructs reforms.SOEs and bureaucracy are staffed by decades-old networks of political deployments.This is not a defence it is a recognition that presidential agency is constrained in a dominant-party system.The article assumes a U.S.-style presidency with unilateral power, which is simply not how South Africa's political system works.8. Ordinary citizens have not experienced the "complete stagnation" the article claims. The problems are exacerbated by population growth accompanied by dwindling tax paying class not ignoring rampant corruption in procurement.While challenges remain, several changes under Ramaphosa are tangible:Recovered billions from state capture repatriated into the fiscusExpansion of social grantsGrowth in independent power productionRecord-high clean audits in some key departmentsRenewal of SARSGreater transparency in public appointmentsStabilisation, not collapse, of key institutions (NPA, SARB, judiciary)These gains coexist with failures, but the narrative of "nothing improved" is misleading.Conclusion: A mixed presidency - not the "seven wasted years" claimed.Ramaphosa's presidency is far from perfect. Criticisms about slow reform, caution, and indecision are valid. The economic pain, corruption scandals, and institutional weaknesses are real.But to claim the seven years were a total betrayal ignores:the catastrophic baseline he inherited,the measurable institutional stabilisation achieved,the long-term economic and energy reforms underway,and the real constraints of party politics and governance complexity.A credible critique must hold two truths simultaneously:1. Ramaphosa has been too cautious, too slow, and often indecisive.2. But he has also advanced significant reforms, strengthened key institutions, and did not preside over the outright collapse portrayed in the article.South Africa's challenges are structural, decades-old, and systemic, not the product of a single leader's failings.Wa Motsamai is a politics and governance analyst based in Johannesburg. He can be contacted at fikile.ntolilo@gmail.com.
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Does TDS on rent apply if a landlords total rent exceeds Rs 50,000?
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SpaceX $1.5 trillion value target hinges on Starlink  and Elon
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At previous close, the Sensex was down -436.41 points (-0.51 percent) at 84,666.28, and the Nifty was down -120.90 points (-0.47 percent) at 25,839.65
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Oman's lower house approves trade pact with India; Union cabinet may take up on Friday
Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol.
Hamsini Karthik Number crunching, drawing interesting inferences (sometimes contrarian), and penning them in an impactful manner, best describes what I do. As a BFSI specialist, I enjoy telling stories about whats working and what not for lenders, breaking down regulatory jargon and how they affect customers and financiers, and simplifying the economics of money. When not glued to banks, the world of autos and airlines keeps me busy.
A truck carrying 22 labourers overturned and fell into a gorge in Arunachal Pradeshs Anjaw district, killing at least 18 people and leaving three missing as Army, ITBP, district authorities and NDRF mount a search in remote border terrain.
Speaking at the meeting, Manjula N, Secretary, Department of IT & BT, emphasised Karnatakas longstanding relationship with Japan and the states readiness to support Japanese companies.
BJP Kisan Morcha district president Bablu Yadav said that more toilets could be renamed in the same manner
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For decades, Zimbabweans have been conditioned to believe that political parties and presidents hold the master key to national transformation. From election season promises to slogans of "ongoing reform," citizens are encouraged to wait patiently, endlessly for leaders to rescue them from the social and economic hardships that define daily life.But if history has taught anything, it is this no individual, no party, and no presidency will single-handedly save Zimbabwe. Not Emmerson Mnangagwa, not ZANU PF and not any opposition formation. The salvation of this country does not reside in State House, it resides in its people.Zimbabwe's political culture is built on the illusion of the "liberator-saviour" the idea that leaders who rose from the liberation struggle possess a permanent licence to define the nation's destiny. That illusion is powerful, but it is also dangerous.President's change, cabinets reshuffle and party manifestos evolve. Yet the fundamental struggles of unemployment, corruption, poor service delivery, failing institutions continue decade after decade.To continue believing that the next speech, the next rally, or the next congress will deliver miraculous national recovery is to hold onto a dream that will never materialise. Zimbabweans have always been the backbone of their country's survival. When industries collapse, people innovate. When currency systems fail, citizens find alternative ways to trade. When government programs stall, communities step in. From cross-border traders to smallholder farmers, from youth entrepreneurs to hardworking civil servants, it is ordinary people who keep the nation afloat.Instead of waiting for political messiahs, Zimbabwe must embrace a new national philosophy is We are our own solution. Zimbabwe will rise only when its people, NOT its politicians, choose to rise. The belief that "someone up there will fix things" has trapped the nation for too long. Waiting has cost lives, opportunities and decades of potential progress.The truth is simple and urgent, Zimbabwe does not need a saviour. Zimbabwe needs Zimbabweans who believe in their own power. And once citizens recognise that they are the driving force of national renewal, no leader, no party and no crisis will ever hold the nation hostage again.Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi+263772278161
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Goa club fire live updates: Luthras not absconding, seek protection as defence calls case negligence, not homicide

Senior advocate Tanvir Ahmed Mir, appearing for accused restaurateurs Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra in the Goa club fire case, told the court that the FIR points to negligence, not homicide, and argued that his clients are being vilified without due process.

Mir said the Luthras and their families are facing threats amid a social media storm and claimed that two of their restaurants were bulldozed without notice. He stressed that the brothers are not absconding, are ready to join the investigation, and were never served a notice before warrants were issued.

Defending their travel abroad, Mir said the Luthras manage about 40 restaurants across India and cannot be present everywhere, adding that their Phuket trip was for a pre-planned event, not an attempt to evade the law.

He urged the court to protect the life and liberty of the accused, reminding that they are not convicts and continue to enjoy the legal presumption of innocence.
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Luthra brothers had been detained in Thailand
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Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers to be deported, not extradited. Is there a difference?
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Parliament during a debate over electoral reforms. The winter session will end on December 19.
The ICG also confirmed the interception.
Technology / Other

by Staff Reporter

Saber Sword:





Single-edged blade with a slight curve.







Optimized for slashing attacks, especially from horseback.







Equipped with a handguard to protect the wielders hand.







Lightweight design for speed and maneuverability.





Damascus Sword:





Can be straight or slightly curved; some have double edges.







Recognized for its layered patterned steel.







Balanced for both slashing and thrusting attacks.







Crafted to maximize durability and edge retention.





Saber Sword: Traditionally made from high-quality steel with a focus on balance and flexibility. The blade needed to be light enough for quick strikes yet strong enough to withstand combat. Decorations were often minimal, emphasizing function over aesthetics.





Traditionally made from high-quality steel with a focus on balance and flexibility. The blade needed to be light enough for quick strikes yet strong enough to withstand combat. Decorations were often minimal, emphasizing function over aesthetics. Damascus Sword: Renowned for its steel layering technique. Multiple layers of high-carbon steel are forged together and then acid-etched to reveal unique wavy patterns. The craftsmanship ensures a combination of hardness, flexibility, and durability, making it capable of delivering precise, powerful cuts while maintaining structural integrity.





Saber Sword: Designed for cavalry combat, the saber excels in mounted attacks. The curvature allows riders to swing effectively while moving at high speed, making it ideal for swift, powerful slashes. It is less suitable for prolonged foot combat or stabbing but offers excellent speed and reach.





Designed for cavalry combat, the saber excels in mounted attacks. The curvature allows riders to swing effectively while moving at high speed, making it ideal for swift, powerful slashes. It is less suitable for prolonged foot combat or stabbing but offers excellent speed and reach. Damascus Sword: Historically used by foot soldiers, knights, and warriors across the Middle East and Asia. Its sharp, strong blade makes it versatile for both slashing and thrusting. The Damascus swords durability allowed it to remain effective during extended battles without frequent maintenance.





Saber Sword: Often collected for its historical value, elegance, and connection to cavalry warfare. Used in ceremonial events, historical reenactments, and martial arts training.





Often collected for its historical value, elegance, and connection to cavalry warfare. Used in ceremonial events, historical reenactments, and martial arts training. Damascus Sword: Highly prized by collectors due to its unique steel patterns and durability. Modern Damascus swords are used for display, martial arts practice, and as premium cutting tools. Some enthusiasts commission custom Damascus swords as investment pieces or family heirlooms.





Choose a Saber Sword if: You are interested in historical cavalry weapons, ceremonial swords, or fast slashing techniques.





You are interested in historical cavalry weapons, ceremonial swords, or fast slashing techniques. Choose a Damascus Sword if: You value craftsmanship, unique steel patterns, versatility in combat techniques, or high-quality collectible blades.





The world of swords is rich with history, craftsmanship, and fascinating stories. Among the most iconic blades are theand the. Both are celebrated for their strength, elegance, and role in historical combat, but they differ greatly in design, material, and application. Understanding these differences can help collectors, martial artists, and enthusiasts appreciate their unique qualities.In this article, we will delve into the history, design, uses, and modern relevance of these two legendary swords.The Saber Sword emerged in Eastern and Central Europe and became popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was primarily used by cavalry units due to its slightly curved blade, which made it ideal for slashing attacks while riding. The saber became a symbol of military skill, agility, and prestige across Europe and later in parts of Asia.Historically, the saber was designed to combine both speed and power. Cavalry soldiers relied on its curved blade to strike enemies with swift, sweeping motions, making it extremely effective in mounted combat. Over time, the design evolved, with variations appearing in countries such as Hungary, Poland, and France. Each variant was slightly different in curvature, weight, and balance, optimized for specific combat techniques.The Damascus Sword is famous for its distinctive patterned steel known as Damascus steel. Originating in the Middle East around 300 BCE, Damascus swords were highly prized for their unmatched combination of strength, sharpness, and flexibility. Warriors valued these swords not only for their combat effectiveness but also for their aesthetic appeal.The signature wavy patterns on a Damascus sword are created by layering different types of steel and forging them repeatedly. This technique results in a blade that is both durable and capable of holding a razor-sharp edge. The process of making a Damascus sword requires a high level of craftsmanship, as each fold and hammer strike contributes to the blades strength and unique pattern.While both swords are designed for combat, theanddiffer significantly in shape, edge, and construction.The saber's curved design makes it less effective for stabbing but superior for cutting and slicing, particularly in cavalry combat. The Damascus sword, with its versatile design, allows for a wider range of combat techniques, including thrusts, cuts, and parries.One of the most notable differences lies in the materials and craftsmanship of the two swords:Collectors often prize Damascus swords not only for their functionality but also for the artistry and skill required to produce each unique blade.The combat applications of these swords also highlight their differences:In essence, while the saber was specialized for cavalry, the Damascus sword was an all-purpose weapon suitable for a wide range of combat scenarios.Today, both swords are appreciated more for their historical significance and craftsmanship than for actual combat:The fascination with these swords continues in movies, television, and video games, where their iconic designs are celebrated and dramatized.For collectors and martial artists, choosing between these two swords depends on purpose and preference:Both swords offer a glimpse into the rich history of weaponry and demonstrate the ingenuity of swordsmiths from different cultures.Theand theeach tell a story of human skill, warfare, and artistry. The sabers curved blade made it ideal for swift cavalry attacks, while the Damascus swords layered steel created a blade that combined strength, sharpness, and beauty.Whether you are a collector, historian, or martial artist, understanding these differences helps you appreciate the craftsmanship and significance of each weapon. From the battlefield to modern collections, both theandcontinue to captivate and inspire.
Christin Mathew Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol.com with 15 years of experience in journalism and a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award. Based in Bengaluru, he understands the pulse of the people and covers issues that matter, including mobility, infrastructure, start-ups, and government policies. He tweets at @ChristinMP_
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Karnatakas new hate speech bill explained: Penalties, provisions, and how state plans to regulate the issue
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Nehru, Indira, Sonia: How Amit Shah turned tables on Congress during SIR debate in Parliament
Home Minister Amit Shah and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated discussion during the debate on electoral reforms in Parliament.
The Luthra brothers were detained in Phuket and are likely to be deported to India soon.
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Supreme Court asks AIIMS to set up board to explore passive euthanasia option for 31-yr-old man
'Will pick them up and put them behind bars': CM Pramod Sawant on Luthra brothers after deadly Goa nightclub fire
R Balasubramaniam is a leadership expert. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Japan's PM Takaichi is at the vanguard of the country's assertiveness in relation to China

Anushka Saxena is a China Studies Research Analyst with the Takshashila Institution. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
'Games like League of Legends werent really made to help me, but in the end, they basically saved my life,' Zhenghua Yang said.
The 21 technical staff arrested were directly involved in the scam. They were also among the 83 people employed by Musk Communications. (AI-generated image)
The Italian minister served food at an event attended by diplomats, Indian officials, business leaders, and cultural representatives. (Image credit: Antonio Tajani/X)
A playful young gorilla in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains has taken the top honour in this years competition. (Image: (Mark Meth-Cohn/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards)
NASA study asks if Bibles 'Star of Bethlehem' that guided Jesus was a comet, heres what it says
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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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Bangladeshs former PM Khaleda Zia responding to treatment, no decision on foreign care
(FILES) People check their names in the electoral rolls to cast their votes at a polling station during Bangladesh's general elections in Dhaka on January 7, 2024. (Photo by Munir UZ ZAMAN / AFP)
Jamaat-e-Islami party supporters rally in Dhaka on November 11, 2025, demanding the provision of legal status to the 'July Charter' and its ratification by a referendum ahead of Bangladesh's national elections. (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN / AFP)
Top-secret Pentagon report says China could crush US forces and sink its biggest aircraft carrier if war breaks out over Taiwan
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From Calibri to Times New Roman: What sparked Americas latest font war and how it ties to Trumps anti-DEI push
Bertelli said Prada, which opened its first beauty store in Delhi this year, has no plans for new retail clothing shops next year or factories in India.
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And I thought I was a troublemaker.

As a child, I was constantly in time out  or in huge trouble with my mother for breaking things, fighting with my sister, and exploring places I didnt belong.

I couldnt resist the sketchy attic, the rusty shed that was practically handing out tetanus, and saw every do not enter sign as a personal invitation.

But compared to this kid, I was a lightweight.

How the Disaster Began

David Hahn was born outside of Detroit Michigan in 1976.

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His parents were divorced and he split time between homes.

When David was 7, his grandfather gave him The Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments which caused an instant obsession with chemistry  but not in a good way.

The book has horrible reviews and is now banned in schools. ((Author via IMG (Public Domain)))

By 14, he was doing risky chemistry experiments. He showed up on a boy scout trip with a bright orange face.

When his peers asked what he was doing he said, I was experimenting with the chemical in fake tanning spray.

During a camping trip, the troop leader said he heard an explosion and ran out to see a hole in a tent with smoke billowing out. David and his peer had lit a pile of magnesium inside their tent.

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The path to the big disaster began with a complete lack of parental oversight. His parents heard small explosions in his bedroom but still didnt take his supplies away. Rather than act like sane, responsible parents, they simply told him to do that stuff in the basement instead.

And so his experiments continued escalating.

Things Got Scarier

David held down different odd jobs just so that he could save and buy more chemistry equipment.

He got ahold of red phosphorus, which is used on the ends of matches. He put a handful of it into a jar and decided to ignite it from 10 feet away.

Unsurprisingly, it exploded like a bomb, sending him to the emergency room to have glass surgically removed  including in his eyes because he wasnt wearing goggles.

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His parents still didnt think to ground him and restrict his access to chemistry equipment. His mother appeared preoccupied with her dating life and hanging out with her boyfriend.

David wanted to become an Eagle scout. You typically need to do 21 subtasks. He decided to earn his badge in Atomic History  which I imagine is already seeming scary as you read this. He was the only boy scout in his region to go after this strange badge.

Yet nobody thought it might be a problem given his history.

David understood, correctly, that nuclear energy is largely a safe and efficient source of energy compared to others. For his scout project, he did a small science-fair-like presentation with a fake-nuclear reactor using soda cans and coat hangers.

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Then David took it further. He set out to build a Breeder Reactor. This reactor generates endless energy for itself. It could potentially solve the worlds energy problem.

Fission! (Wikimedia Commons)

One Quick Observation

As you might have noticed, David was far from a nuclear engineer. People learning his story like to speculate that he was some sort of troubled genius that society failed.

I dont think David was actually all that bright. He frequently injured himself and didnt wear eye protection or simple protective gear.

And if you wanted to build a nuclear reactor, any of you could hack together some type of device that produced something.

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Davids obsession with chemical reactions more closely resembled that of an arsonist. He liked making things go boom.

The Scavenger Hunt

To build this reactor, he needed supplies that werent even legal for him to own. Namely, he needed uranium.

He pretended to be a college professor and contacted atomic agencies. In a typical display of government incompetence, they gave him over-the-phone easy instructions for isolating radioactive isotopes.

David ordered 100 smoke detectors and the vendor even showed him how to remove the Americium-241.

He extracted thorium from thousands of old camping lanterns. He got radium from discarded luminescent clocks.

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Also, radium is shockingly poisonous. If you inhale or swallow radium, youll get a dozen different cancers and your jaw will literally rot off of your face.

Its bad, bad juju.

Tiny radium isotopes killed these bugs. (Author via Twitter)

Climactically, David was able to order a block of uranium from a shady vendor in Czechoslovakia.

David used this material to assemble the nuclear reactor in his mothers backyard shed. Dont assume this means a fancy device. It was very spartan and shanty, with materials haphazardly slapped together.

It wasnt a sophisticated reactor. However, it was nuclear, and it reacted.

And quite quickly, David saw the radiation levels rising on his Geiger counter. He seemed to enjoy this at first, getting affirmation that his experiment was working. Until he realized he could detect the radiation from 5 houses away.

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He dismantled the reactor and threw it into the trunk of his Pontiac.

His neighbors saw him loading this gear into the car and thought he was stealing tires, so they called the cops.

The cops arrived and said they were going to search his car. David said, Thats fine but just to let you know theres something radioactive in the trunk.

The cops took that as a threat of a weapon of mass destruction. A bomb squad came and realized it wasnt a bomb, but detected radiation levels in his car of 1000 times higher than normal.

This put into motion a federal emergency response. But in your usual bureaucratic government fashion, it took five months for them to see his shed  which they quickly realized posed an enormous public health risk.

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Several men wearing radioactive protection suits took over the property for a week, removing all the contaminants, which included all of the aforementioned products and spilled elements of plutonium.

They estimated that David may have exposed 40,000 people to radioactive cancer-causing substances.

Even worse, during an interview with Harpers magazine, David revealed that he had his mother throw away some of his most hazardous materials before inspectors arrived: pellets of thorium, radioactive powder, uranium, and a neutron gun.

The worst part? She just threw them in the trash can like empty soda cans.

The Conclusion To His Life

His story was a remarkable case of parental and government incompetence.

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In 1995, government agents offered to give David a full pro-bono health examination to see the extent of damage to his body but he declined it. He would serve briefly in the military but did not finish college or secure a career.

Sadly, he died in 2016 from the combined effects of alcohol, fentanyl, and diphenhydramine. He was living on the streets and had fallen into a slew of bad habits and addictions. In one of his arrest photos, had noticeable pock marks on his face.

Scarred man (Wikimedia Commons)

Some thought it was from radiation exposure. But my educated guess is that he pivoted his chemistry skills into cooking Meth. Those pocks are the hallmark of using the drug.

David Hahn was clearly a very troubled young man who was not competent to handle nuclear materials. At a minimum, his parents should have been arrested for negligence. And I have zero doubt his exposure to these elements screwed him up.

We are just lucky that nobody died as a result of his outlandish experiments  that we know of.

Curiosity is a powerful thing, and also quite dangerous without oversight and understanding of the risks involved.

David Hahns story reminds us again that, sometimes, truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
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Following the July visit, the U.S. provided intelligence that helped Mali strike an insurgent leader, a U.S. official and two former U.S. officials said.
He also said that Russia would not accept Ukraine getting NATO membership and that Moscow wanted protection for Russian speakers in Ukraine.
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US B-52 bombers and Japanese F-35 and F-15 jets conducted a joint air drill near western Japan, a day after China and Russia flew strategic bombers around the region and amid rising tensions triggered by Chinese radar locks on Japanese aircraft.
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Pakistan's former ISI chief sentenced to 14 years by military court
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JetBlue is finally getting into the premium lounge world and doing it with New York flair. The New York-based airline just announced that on December 18, 2025 at 5 a.m., JetBlue will officially open the doors to BlueHouse, its first airport lounge, inside New Yorks JFK Terminal 5.

For an airline long known for playful branding and customer-friendly service, BlueHouse represents a major step in JetBlues "JetForward" strategy, which aims to bring affordable premium experiences not only to the skies but also to the ground.

BlueHouse Entry Gallery Wall (JetBlue)

BlueHouse is designed to feel less like a traditional lounge and more like walking into a stylish New York City apartment, complete with curated art, cozy corners and even a game room.

BlueHouse Second Floor Round (JetBlue)

JetBlues new 9,000-square-foot space spans two floors and blends Art Deco design cues with the warmth of a residential loft. Guests can expect brass accents, bold textures, decorative molding and a lobby-style entrance that would fit right into a classic Manhattan building.

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The airline partnered with curator Statement Of on a rotating art collection inspired by JetBlues identity as New Yorks Hometown Airline. A centerpiece mural by Artists for Humanity nods to Grand Central Terminals famous celestial ceiling with constellations mapped to JetBlue destinations. It is a clever mix of hometown pride and travel inspiration.

We wanted customers to feel like theyre stepping into a warm and stylish New York City apartment filled with character, said Stephanie Evans Greene, JetBlues SVP of marketing and brand.

Not surprisingly, BlueHouse leans into New Yorks food and beverage culture. Guests will find fresh bites curated by Union Square Events, including elevated versions of classic city staples like bacon egg and cheese sandwiches in the morning and pastrami on rye later in the day.

The bar program highlights local partners with beers and cocktails from The Greats of Craft and Please Dont Tell plus wines curated by top NYC sommeliers. Coffee comes from beloved roaster Joe Coffee along with chai and matcha from Brooklyns Dona.

BlueHouse Second Floor (JetBlue)

For travelers looking to unwind, there is high-speed Wi-Fi, plenty of power outlets, quiet zones and a game room stocked with JetBlue-branded cards, chess and checkers. A custom photo booth offers guests a fun souvenir before takeoff.

Who Gets In? JetBlues Loyalty Program Levels Up

BlueHouse will serve JetBlues most loyal travelers. Complimentary access begins December 18, 2025 for:

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Mosaic 4 members with one guest

JetBlue Premier Cardmembers with one guest

Transatlantic Mint customers

Additional guests may enter for $39. Limited access passes for other TrueBlue elites and cardholders go on sale in February 2026. JetBlue says the goal is to keep the space comfortable and avoid the overcrowding that affects many airport lounges.

I have been fortunate to go to airline clubs hundreds of times all over the world and there is no doubt one of the big problems with them is overcrowding. I think the single complimentary guest and $39 fee for additional guests will definitely achieve their goal.

The last time I flew in Mint class on JetBlue I wrote that one of the big things lacking from their excellent product was the airline not having a lounge where business travelers can work in a comfortable and quiet environment while waiting for their flight.

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I am excited to check this out and see them expand. A second BlueHouse location is scheduled to open in Boston Logans Terminal C in 2026.

For JetBlue loyalists and premium travelers, BlueHouse may become the home-away-from-home the airline has been missing. Southwest Airlines, you're next.
Shame Indian students have to leave: Trump on need for new immigration rules
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US Congresswoman warns Trump over tariffs and visa crackdowns, says he risks becoming the 'President who lost India'
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This plan is constantly being revised and edited. It is an ongoing process that continues now, Zelenskiy said.
December 11, 2025

Will CentCom Condemn This Blatant Act Of Piracy?

U.S. Central Command  Press Release Nov. 16, 2025

[Country] Forces Illegally Seize Commercial Tanker in International Waters

November 16, 2025

Release Number 20251116-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla.  U.S. Central Command forces monitored an incident involving [Country] forces illegally boarding and seizing a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker transiting international waters in the Strait of Hormuz, Nov. 14. M/V Talara was seized after being boarded by [Country] forces who arrived by helicopter. [Country] operatives then steered the tanker to [Countrys] territorial waters where the ship remains. [Countrys] use of military forces to conduct an armed boarding and seizure of a commercial vessel in international waters constitutes a blatant violation of international law, undermining freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce. We call on [Country] to articulate to the international community the legal basis for its actions. U.S. forces will continue to remain vigilant and work alongside our partners and allies to promote regional peace and stability.

I am now waiting for CentComs statement on this:

U.S. seizes oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions  CBS, Dec 10 2025

Washington  The U.S. has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, officials said Wednesday, escalating tensions between the two countries. President Trump said he assumes the U.S. will keep the oil. Bloomberg first reported the oil tanker seizure. Mr. Trump announced the seizure during a roundtable meeting at the White House, saying the tanker was seized for a very good reason.



The M/V Talara had been boarded by Iranian forces on November 15 because there was reason to believe that it was carrying Iranian oil that had been illegally smuggled out of the country. On November 19, after the oil on board had been tested, the vessel, its crew and its cargo were released.

The U.S. move, with the intent to keep the oil the tanker Skipper is carrying, is in contrast just blatant piracy.
I am not a legal expert. I am simply someone who understands the vision my grandparents generation had when they helped shape the Covenant into what we live under today. I grew up appreciating the protections they negotiated so Chamorros, Carolinians, and the larger community could move forward on our own terms. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to be honest about where we, as a community and a government, are falling short. More and more, the Covenant is spoken of as if it were outdated or too fragile for todays challenges. It often becomes the focus of review only when the economy falters, as though our financial troubles began with the Covenant. In doing so, we forget that the Covenant was never meant to stand apart from us. It was built on the understanding that the people, the land, and our political destiny are inseparable. When one is weakened, all are at risk. For that reason, the Covenant must be defended and deserves every form of protection. It anchors our relationship with the United States, protects local self-government, and safeguards land for people of Northern Marianas descent (NMD) through Article 12. But it was never meant to function only as a political shield. It was meant to be the foundation for long-term economic strength. So why is it that we defend it at times, but so often question its purpose as our circumstances change? On Dec. 5, 2025, calls to review the Covenant were raised in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) House of Representatives. Representative Angelo A. Camacho argued that changing economic conditions and shifting community needs require a fresh look at the Covenant. He emphasized that such a review would not be about breaking our relationship with the United States, but about strengthening it. I appreciate Rep. Camacho and the work of the Legislature in taking our future seriously and being willing to ask difficult questions. At the same time, we must be careful not to fall into the habit of trying to fix what is not broken.

The deeper issue facing the CNMI today is not that the Covenant has failed us or needs updating. The real problem is that we have not been creative or disciplined enough in using what we inherited from our grandparents generation. Locals selling their land, entering into long-term leases, or leaving the islands in search of opportunity never to return is not what our grandparents envisioned. They believed in building local capacity through training, investing in our people through education, and using creative strategy to fill the most critical gaps in our islands so that our young people would remain or return home to help further build our communities. These are precisely the areas where we continue to fall short. Instead of immediately looking to revise the Covenant itself, we should first ask whether we have truly exhausted the power, flexibility, and protection it already gives us. Article 12 ensures Northern Mariana Islands land remains in NMD hands, and that alone sets the CNMI apart from many places in the Pacific. But land protection was meant to be the starting point, not the finish line. Today, land is still treated as a short-term revenue tool instead of a strategic asset for housing, food security, and locally owned enterprise. We lease land without building real industries. We approve projects without anchoring long-term community wealth. Yes, we protect ownership, but we do not build the strong local capital or infrastructure needed to support it.

At the same time, the CNMI still relies heavily on federal funding, mostly to survive from one crisis to the next. We use grants to fill budget gaps and recover from disasters rather than to systematically build food systems, energy security, water security, modern infrastructure, and true export industries. Our continued dependence on low-wage tourism keeps us locked in a cycle of emergency response instead of long-term growth. The Covenant has never failed us. What has failed us is our lack of creative and disciplined governance. The Covenant still gives us powerful tools. What it does not give us is long-range planning or protection from our own short-term decision-making. That responsibility belongs to our leaders to use the tools the Covenant gives us, to do real research, understand the real needs of our community, and co-produce innovative solutions with the people they serve.

If the Legislature is serious about securing the future of the CNMI, a few priorities must become non-negotiable now. Land policy must continue moving away from politically driven leasing and toward a transparent, long-term land-use strategy that prioritizes housing, food-producing agriculture, and locally owned small businesses alongside responsible development. The CNMI must finally build local financial institutions, such as a development bank or land-backed lending system, so our own people can invest in our future instead of depending on outside capital. Federal funding must be organized into a true long-term development strategy for food security, energy, water, and port infrastructure, not treated as emergency money. And the Commonwealth must commit to real economic diversification beyond low-wage tourism so young NMDs can build stable lives here at home.

Reviewing the Covenant may one day be part of our evolution. But our greatest challenge right now is not rewriting the document our elders fought for. It is finally honoring it with stronger governance, creative economic thinking, and long-term discipline. The Covenant did not fail the CNMI. We failed to rise to the full responsibility it placed in our hands. The work ahead is about accountability, about matching action to vision, and about upholding the promise our elders secured for us over the past 50 years.

Johnny Tudela Aldan is from Saipan.
The Truth is WE need to Reform the CNMI, as citizens WE need to DEMAND an Era of Constructive Progressivism as it has been the lack of planning which is a plan for failure compounded by the destructive actions & lack of action that has been slowly killing the CNMI with our Economy & Quality of Life that are in ICU with No Plans to fix! WE even have declared candidates, but only one Republican, whom I dont trust, has offered a hint of a plan to Fix & Reform the CNMIs Economy. But WHY is Ambrodamus the only public outcry for a real Economic Recovery Plan when it is so obvious since COVID, WE must fix our Economy! WHY are Retirees still silent on OUR 25% and the Legislation to get COLA put into law. WHY arent NMDs now demanding for someone to take up their cause by proposing to offer follow-up legislation once the Constitution Amendment is passed  its called Planning Ahead. And speaking of planning-ahead, there is so much focus on the present budget No One is looking, planning nor doing anything about the next budget to come which I can GUARANTEE is going to be a Political Monster literally consuming politicians in the 2026 Election for FAILING to Plan Ahead, which is what households living by paychecks have to do! So, I ask, WHO really Cares enough to COMPLAIN!

WHY isnt there any Public Outcry over the Never-ending Austerity, the WASTE of giving unlimited business & personal taxes away to J&P Holdings for 22 yrs. without any concrete justification. The WASTE with the Cannabis & three different Casino Commissions along with virtually no Governance-System over E-Gaming when WE need only one Gaming Commission for ALL Gambling and dont forget the Bloated Legislature! There are a lot of things our leaders can do immediately to cut cost and make the CNMI more fiscal responsible but you dont hear any candidates mentioning none of these issues that need to be REFORMED! I have also noticed that whenever there is a hint of culture there is often some form of Public Outcry, but WE the People must STOP being sooooo silent on other issues like the waste & dysfunctionalities in government that I just mentioned. No disrespect intended but, WE must continue the very same Public Out Cry to other issues that stopped the salary raise for the Governors relative. WE the People have the POWER, but WE must use it ALL the Time, as silence is a form of complicity and why the GOP continue the waste & dysfunctionality in What They Have Done & In What They Have FAILED To Do!!! No one has ever said nor even tried to prove Ambrodamus was wrong, which means Ambrodamus must have been RIGHT about a lot of things  but WHO really Cares!

Need I reiterate, the CNMI is ideally situated to intervene in the production of many goods & products  Made in China to become Made in U.S.A. Commonwealth, as the CNMIs Label as a U.S. Commonwealth has real VALUE. In fact, it was the labeling & unlimited exporting quota that made the Garment Industry work and so successful. If a product is 51% or more Made in the CNMI it can be labeled Made in the U.S.A Commonwealth. Ambrodamus even put the Hemp Industry in the Cannabis Bill that became Law, as Hemp Products are a Billion Dollar Industry on the mainland but WE (our leaders) have yet to do the work to create a Hemp Industry because it was Ambrodamus idea who was even stopped from developing industry by the

Governor to avoid reforming the Cannabis Industry & the Development of the Hemp Industry. The Hemp Industry is a billion-dollar industry that has the potential in the CNMI to manufacture & export a plethora of different products Made in the U.S.A. Commonwealth. FYI, Hemp Fiber is better for use than glass, fiberglass, plastics & metals when it comes to the manufacturing of many products. But our leaders would rather be DESTRUCTIVE to the ideas of Ambrodamus and others, which is why I ask WHO really Cares & wants Progress over complicity in Bigotry. It took over two-decades for the NMD oversight to be addressed because Ambrodamus was the first to yell & complain. The sooner our leaders learn to accept Constructive-Criticism and become CONSTRUCTIVE & OBJECTIVE thinkers & representatives OF & FOR the People the sooner the CNMI will start making progress to pursue real prosperity. The CNMIs attitude of our leaders will always determine our altitude, so Who Cares with the mind-set to Fix & Reform the CNMI!

On other matters: I was glad to finally see our Delegate go straight to Trump for help when WE all knew Trump was the person she should have been talking to from Day-One! There is even some Good News in the U.S. Congress to consider the CNMI as a location or repair & maintenance of military vessels and Im sure all eyes are on our Delegate to make sure this new industry is a reality. Now, WE must wait-and-see the results of our Delegates work which could be good or worse. Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas is also RIGHT about assisting Tinian Patients given there is a Referral Program for ALL CNMI patients, which the Tinian & Luta Patients should fall under. Finally, I must THANK Joyce C.H. Tang for her informative explanation of the Retirement Fund status, so Retirees know where they stand. However, its just sad that WE, the CNMI, have haters and bigot Trump Die-hearts like Saipan Man who thinks the Settlement Fund is just a slush fund proving his disdain for the CNMIs Gold Star Employees who dedicated themselves to a life of Public Service. The People of the CNMI need & deserve BETTER but Which leader(s) really Care beyond sitting? WE, citizens, must also Do Better voting, as WE voted ourselves into this mess and WE must vote ourselves OUT! One People One Direction

Ambrose M. Bennett is an Economist who minored in Sociology, a Political Scientist, a retired teacher & former CNMI Board of Education Member, a James Madison Fellow (U.S. Constitutional Scholar), a Fulbright-Hays  Lifetime Humanities & Religious Scholar who resides in Kagman III in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Yves here. This post gives some of the high points on how Israel has continued with its utterly depraved genocide in Gaza. But it insultingly dignifies Netanyahu as ready to move on to the next phases of the peace headfake when there has been not a single day when Israel has complied with the ceasefire. Similarly, it tries to depict the removal of Tony Blair from the Trump peace scheme board of peace it bizarrely acts as if thats a minor negative for Netanyahu. Huh? The Israel focus is the extermination or removal of Palestinians from their expansive notion of Israels boundaries. They know that talk of governance schemes is just empty prattle.

What is the reason for what comes awfully close to apologetics for Israel from Paul Rogers? Are commentators in the UK that afraid of seeming too Palestine friendly by being correctly critical of Israel? Is this an example of the chilling effect of the detention of George Galloway under the Anti-Terrorism Act?

@GeorgeGalloway on being detained by the UK Anti-Terrorism Police: If you had told me 8 weeks ago that such a thing was even remotely possible, I would not have believed you. There is no more patriotic British citizen than me. Dont miss the interview with @TuckerCarlson pic.twitter.com/CuKGr7A7V2  HatsOff (@HatsOffff) November 28, 2025

Its grating to see Rogers try to end on a note of hopium. Trump is a true believer in his policies and doubles down, as we see on all sorts of fronts, from the economy to ICE, when polls show they are hemorrhaging support. If Trump wanted to send a shot across Israels bow, he would have recalled his cringe-worthy ambassador Mike Huckabee after meeting with Jonathan Pollard:

Why would Mike Huckabee hold an off-the-books meeting with traitor Jonathan Pollard at the U.S. Embassy? This is an outrageous diplomatic lapse, and Huckabee should resign or be fired! I discuss this with @ClaytonMorris and @Natalimorris on @RedactedNews. pic.twitter.com/hhTfcWRDyf  John Kiriakou (@JohnKiriakou) November 20, 2025

No, Trump believes in the Israel project. His favorite daughter Ivana converted to become an Orthodox Jew. Trump is also a loud and proud supporter of ethno-supremacism in South Africa. Hes not giving up Israel, even before getting to the importance of Zionist donors to him,

By Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies in the Department of Peace Studies and International Relations at Bradford University, and an Honorary Fellow at the Joint Service Command and Staff College. He is openDemocracys international security correspondent. He is on Twitter at: @ProfPRogers. Originally published at openDemocracy

Two months into Israel and Hamass ceasefire, the name is already proving a misnomer. Violence continues in Gaza, where more than 360 Palestinians, including as many as 70 children, and three Israeli soldiers have been killed since 10 October.

Most of the Palestinians killed were families who were collateral damage of Israeli aircraft and drone strikes on buildings, ruins or tents in pursuit of individual Hamas paramilitaries. Despite this, prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has suggested Israel is ready to move to the next phase of the 20-point Gaza peace plan put forward by Donald Trump.

Reports from Washington, though, indicate that the plan itself is undergoing changes.

Tony Blair was this week quietly dropped from Trumps board of peace, a technocratic administration of the self-proclaimed global great and good to oversee Gazas governance, according to the Financial Times.

The former UK prime minister was widely expected to play a major role in the programme, possibly even leading it, but some Arab and Muslim states are said to have argued that his support for and involvement in the 2003 US assault on Iraq made him an unfit candidate.

While this is no doubt a blow for Blair, for Netanyahu, it is just a minor setback. Israel is already setting the agenda on the ground, and the prime minister is confident in Trump remaining faithful due to the voting power of the many millions of Christian Zionists in the US.

His confidence can be seen in several instances of Israel acting with impunity.

First, Netanyahu has essentially annexed the majority of Gaza in a sleight of hand.

Close to two million Palestinians have been forced into the small strip of mostly ruined urban areas along the coast, known as the Red Zone, while Israeli troops occupy the Green Zone, which makes up 58% of Gaza. Yellow concrete posts mark the divide between the two, which the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) already consider to be Israels new border with Gaza.

Then there is Israels reported spying on the international security forces present at the Civil-Military Coordination Centre, the ceasefire-monitoring centre established by the US at Kiryat Gat in southern Israel, just 20 kilometres from Gaza, since 10 October.

The centres several hundred uniformed and civilian foreign staff are tasked with aid and logistic coordination, after the abandonment of the previous and much-criticised US/Israeli private aid distribution system. But press reports suggest tensions, with some foreign teams reportedly avoiding revealing sensitive information due to Israeli surveillance, which the bases US commander, Patrick Frank, has called on Israeli officials to put a stop to.

Meanwhile, beyond Gaza, the IDF and the Israeli police are seen to have free rein in their treatment of the three million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. One recent example was the shooting dead of two Palestinians who had surrendered

Since Israels war in Gaza started two years ago, more than a thousand Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed, while in the past 12 months, around 32,000 people have been forced from their homes in refugee camps in the north of the West Bank.

At least 34 families, totalling 175 people, currently face eviction from their houses in Batn al-Hawa, East Jerusalem, by an Israeli settler group.

Israeli military operations have forced entire communities in areas of the northern West Bank into lockdown in their homes, keeping children out of school, jeopardising family incomes and increasing risk of physical violence and child detention from the Israeli military, said a statement last month by Save the Children, a charity that first offered support for Palestinians in 1953 and has been a permanent presence in the region for the past 50 years.

The organisation concluded that the futures of an entire generation are being jeopardised, pointing to disastrous prospects for Palestinian children due to restrictions on aid, settler violence, house demolitions, land confiscation and the destruction of infrastructure.

And given Netanyahus determination to stay in power at least until next years general election, it is difficult to see an early end to the grim Palestinian predicament.

As I have previously argued in these columns, the Gaza conflict will have a longer-term, multi-generational impact on Palestinians and will most certainly not give Israeli Jews the security they desire  indeed, quite the opposite, as more traumatised and grieving Palestinians come round to Hamass cause.

In the more immediate future, though, one recent trend is already surprising independent analysts: the marked decrease in the US publics support for Israel. A majority of Americans now disapprove of the IDFs actions in Gaza, and, more telling still, for the first time more support the Palestinians than Israel, according to a report in Le Monde Diplomatique this month.

So, while for now, Netanyahu is right to be confident in Trumps unflinching support, the US presidents attitude may change abruptly if he starts to think his domestic reputation is being threatened.
The level of derangement among far too many of our putative betters has reached such a fever pitch that mere narcissism and grandiosity seem inadequate as explanations. The latest example comes via the Wall Street Journal, in an exclusive account as to how the Trump Administration intends to avail itself of Russian central bank frozen assets, with the fig leaf that of course Russia would go along to curry favor with Trump and because investing in a busted up country is clearly a fabulous commercial opportunity. Let us not forget that the US tried a more adult version of this plan and got nowhere. It hired BlackRock as an adviser to flog a Ukraine reconstruction fund,1 back the days when the tale that Ukraine would win the war seems much more plausible, and got nowhere.

The interesting angle here is that the US has pitched this goofy idea to EU officials, since they control the bulk of the frozen Russian central bank assets which has been reported most recently as 140 billion or more worth in Euroclear.2

Mind you, the Europeans, in the persons of European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, and her allies in planned Russian asset heist like Emmanuel Macron, Kier Starmer, Frederich Merz, and Kaja Kallas, are as deluded, but less flamboyantly so, since they are having to labor mightily to paint a veneer of legality over a theft that puts the budgets of EU member states in peril. Part of von der Leyens scheme is grandly to apportion liability to each and every member state that is made to participate in this heist, even if it is fiercely opposed.

But back to the more obviously bonkers Trump plan. The Journal account suggests that the Trump plan to use Russia frozen assets in a US managed fund for Ukraine reconstruction, which was part of leaked 28 points plan, has set off the frenzy in European capitals to grab them pronto, before the US and Russia can come to an agreement.as if that were at all likely. From U.S. Blueprint to Rewire Economies of Russia, Ukraine Sets Off Clash With Europe:

The Trump administration in recent weeks has handed its European counterparts a series of documents, each a single page, laying out its vision for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the return of Russia to the global economy The U.S. blueprint has been spelled out in appendices to current peace proposals that arent public but were described to The Wall Street Journal by U.S. and European officials. The documents detail plans for U.S. financial firms and other businesses to tap roughly $200 billion of frozen Russian assets for projects in Ukraineincluding a massive new data center to be powered by a nuclear plant currently occupied by Russian troops.

Lets stop here. The Zaporzhizhia nuclear power plant is not merely currently occupied. It is in one of the four oblasts that voted to join Russia and Russia, per its constitution, has made part of Russia. There is simply no way that the West is going to get use of it on anything other than arms-length commercial terms.

Any discussion of power or reconstruction of Ukraine generally ignore the fact that no one other than Russia can execute it. Recall that Russia has already done considerable damage to not just Ukraine electricity transmission but increasing to generation as well. Ukraines grid runs on old Soviet standards, as does Russia now. Western businesses simply are not going to set up production capacity to make want amounts to a very large special order of the needed repair and replacement kit. Russian firms are in that business and could be persuaded or induced to gear up for the needed big but time-limited output surge.

And of course there is the overriding highly optimistic assumption, that there will be an economically and politically independent Ukraine after the war. Ukraine and the EU are laboring mightily to make sure that does not happen. Their continued intransigence and belligerence have made the case to a highly risk-averse Putin that Russia will have to dictate outcomes on the battlefield. So the only question is how much Russia decides it has to add to Russia versus make into a rump Ukraine overseen by a friendly regime.

Back to the Journal:

Another appendix offers Americas broad-strokes vision for bringing Russias economy in from the cold, with U.S. companies investing in strategic sectors from rare-earth extraction to drilling for oil in the Arctic, and helping to restore Russian energy flows to Western Europe and the rest of the world.

This is the worst sort of arrogant paternalism, as if Russia still needed the West.

The quiet scandal in global economics: From 2008 to 2025, Russias real GDP per capita grew faster than Germany, the UK, and France despite sanctions, SWIFT bans, export controls, frozen assets and a full-scale geopolitical confrontation. pic.twitter.com/0C7ijjrCcc  . (@Lucid_Watcher) December 5, 2025

But not to worry, the Journal reassures us that Russia really is hurting:

A new assessment by a Western intelligence agency, reviewed by the Journal, said that Russia has technically been in recession for six months and that the challenges of running its war economy while trying to control prices are presenting a systemic risk to its banking sector.

One has to assume the Russian negotiators were also informed about this scheme (a version of this idea, but perhaps less detailed, was to be respectfully receptive when the US presented this asset, erm, usage plan, as opposed to bursting out laughing, or alternatively getting angry over being presumed to be total chumps.

Returning to the Journal:

Some European officials who have seen the documents said they werent sure whether to take some of the U.S. proposals seriously. One official compared them to President Trumps vision of building a Riviera-style development in Gaza. Another, referring to the proposed U.S.-Russia energy deals, said it was an economic version of the 1945 conference where World War II victors divvied up Europe. Its like Yalta, he said.

Readers are encouraged to opine, but given the early similarly high-handed-while-also-barmy Ukraine raw earths scheme that the US browbeat Ukraine into accepting after some negotiation, yours truly thinks this is part of Team Trump following the Red Queen practice of working to believe impossible things. Such as:

U.S. officials involved in the negotiations say Europes approach would quickly deplete the frozen funds. Washington, on the other hand, would tap Wall Street executives and private-equity billionaires to invest the money and expand the amount available to invest. One official involved in the talks said the pot could grow to $800 billion under American management. Our sensibility is that we really understand financial growth, the official said.

Now to the European part. Ursula von der Leyen is attempting to ram through legislation that would allow the Commission to seize the frozen assets in Euroclear pursuant to emergency powers. Belgium has objected vociferously since it would be on the hook if Euroclear were sued successfully. The ECB has refused to provide a backstop:

I asked ECB President Lagarde about the potential impact on financial stability of using Russian frozen assets held at Euroclear (140 billion). The ECB has (rightly) indicated that a guarantee would be a breach of the Treaty. Other options urgently needed for Ukraine @wbeke pic.twitter.com/ih9j89n5GV  Dirk Gotink (@DirkGotink) December 3, 2025

Since Euroclear has also said in no uncertain terms that it thinks the asset heist, prettied up as trying to use the assets as collateral for loans, is illegal, I am not sure how it can be compelled to turn over the funds, given the general rule of possession is 9/10 of the law and the near-certainty that Euroclear and Belgium would seek an injunction too.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever called the European Commission's proposal to use frozen Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a reparations loan theft, reports VRT NWS. There are certainly better solutions than stealing the Russian central banks money. This is a pic.twitter.com/KJR0mQWD5D  MilitaryNewsUA (@front_ukrainian) December 10, 2025

Aside from Russia suing Euroclear in a non-EU court where Euroclear operates (readers can opine, but I see Singapore courts provide for discovery), Russia can also take matters into its own hands:

One of the unintended consequences of the EU's batshit crazy plan of stealing appropriating and repurposing Russia's frozen assets is the fact that Euroclear, a body responsible for processing equities, bonds, derivatives, and investment fund transfers, still holds pic.twitter.com/6RHLDTpjEk  Nina  Byzantina (@NinaByzantina) December 10, 2025

But weirdly (or perhaps following its friends at the Commission) the Financial Times in a story yesterday tried to make Hungarys Viktor Orban, regularly demonized for being too friendly with Russia, into the bad guy. From a Wednesday story:

EU countries are to fast-track a decision to indefinitely immobilise up to 210bn in Russian sovereign assets, in an attempt to bypass Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban even before Europes leaders meet for a summit next week. The hurried effort to pass the legislation  which invokes emergency powers to override national vetoes on the extension of sanctions  aims to protect Brussels leverage in US-led peace talks over the war in Ukraine, according to officials familiar with the plans. Diplomats handling the legislation see advantage in moving swiftly in coming days to detach the contentious question of immobilising assets from the debate on raising loans for Kyiv backed by the frozen Russian funds. That funding question will be left to EU leaders next week. The move to vote within the coming week, overriding the principle of unanimity on sanctions decisions, risks enraging Hungary and other countries that oppose the measure. Past instances of EU countries outvoting other member states on critical issues  such as Poland and Hungary on migration policy  have caused bad blood between capitals for years. The European Commission last week proposed using 210bn of Russias foreign assets immobilised under sanctions in the EU to fund a loan to Kyiv, initially for 90bn that would be disbursed in the next two years. For the loan scheme to work, the underlying assets need to be immobilised indefinitely, rather than for six-month periods that can only be renewed with unanimous agreement of all EU27 countries To bypass the risk of the sanctions being lifted, the commission has proposed using emergency powers reserved for dealing with economic crises to indefinitely impose the sanctions on the assets. Enacted under Article 122 of the EUs treaties, it can be passed with just a majority of EU countries, circumventing potential vetoes.

Mind you, there is no crisis. There will be a tsunami of litigation if the Commission and its allies manage to get this scheme implemented. And there would be a crisis due to their malfeasance if the plaintiffs were to prevail. So the plan is use emergency powers to contend with the emergency knowingly produced by entirely voluntary action decried by those best in the know (Euroclear) as illegal. Alexander Mercouris covered the circularity of this argument in his video on Wednesday, and earlier argued that the loud and clear objections by Euroclear and the Belgian government would be powerful ammo in litigation over any seizure attempt.

As an aside, one has to think that a and perhaps the reason that Ursula von der Leyen has pursued this scheme so manically is that it is far and away her best opportunity to greatly expand the Commissions powers. Shes been on a massive land grab ever since she took office.

This mornings Politico European newsletter seemed less bullish than the prior day pink paper account, and also corrected the barmy idea that Orban was the big baddie:

GROUNDHOG DAY

ENVOYS DISCUSS ASSETS SUPERFREEZE: EU ambassadors will today weigh up whether to hand the Commission emergency powers to keep Russias state assets frozen indefinitely. Envoys will examine updated legal texts after Wednesdays inconclusive discussion, three EU diplomats told POLITICOs Gregorio Sorgi. Whats that: The mechanism is a cornerstone of the Commissions plan to mobilize 210 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine  most of which are held by the Belgian-based Euroclear. It would overhaul the current system that compels EU countries to unanimously reauthorize the sanctions every six months. That means Kremlin-friendly countries such as Hungary and Slovakia would lose the power to release the sanctioned money with a simple no vote, leaving EU capitals on the hook to repay the loan to Russia. The light at the end of the tunnel: The diplomats said late Wednesday that the proposal could be stripped down in a bid to win Belgiums support and adopt the plan by the end of the week. Hopefully. Yes, its still all about Belgium: PM Bart De Wever is holding out over concerns that Belgium could be financially exposed if the money needs to be repaid and has now asked for more safety nets. In an interview with VRT NWS Wednesday, De Wever even refused to rule out legal action if the EU moves ahead with seizing the assets More stick than carrot: Europes strategy to sway Belgium may be to warn the kingdom that it could be treated like Hungary if it doesnt come on board  with its diplomats, ministers and officials losing their voice around the EU table, reports Zoya Sheftalovich.

The Politico entry contains this amusing section:

.

No jurisdiction: A legal memo circulated among diplomats Wednesday by law firm Covington & Burling rejects Belgiums argument that it would face major legal retaliation from Russia. The four-page document says the risk of litigation is minimal, insisting Russia wouldnt be able to challenge an EU reparations loan in the International Criminal Court or any comparable international adjudicative body.

Legally-sophisticated readers know that if you look long enough, you can find a lawyer who will bless pretty much anything.3 And I dont think of Covington as premier firm in financial or international litigation. I would have thought one of the top New York white shoe or London firms would be the go-tos on this topic. A ranking by Chambers of US firms alone for Disputes (International & Cross-Border) | Global of US firms confirms this notion, putting Covington well down on the list. I hope our expert commentariat will pipe up with their views.

Even though von der Leyen and her fellow conspirators are laboring mightily to get her long-sought seize not freeze scheme across the line, note the Politico signposting: Groundhog Day. They are of the view this will be another episode of motion playing at progress.

But even then, simply keeping the matter in play bolsters Zelensky domestically, as in continuing to keep alive the fantasy that there will be more money and weapons for Ukraine. European leaders are as committed as every to fighting to the last Ukrainian.

_____

1 BlackRock never committed to invest in this scheme, contrary to some claims.

2 The total amount reported has varied, in part because the EU has been stealing the interest, and some accounts may include the assets of sanctioned Russian entities and individuals along with the central bank holdings. The Financial Times on Wednesday reported that Euroclear held 185 billion of Russian frozen assets.

3 For instance, recall Linklaters blessing Lehmans use of Repo 105 to engage in accounting fraud, which pretty much every legally responsible adult derided when it became public.
Yves here. So far, information about the US piracy in capturing an oil tanker off Venezuela is limited, but this action does make the buildup of naval assets in the area make a bit more sense. CBS provided information on the operation and the legal pretexts:

The operation to seize the tanker began Wednesday morning, after the boat had just left port in Venezuela, according to a senior military official and a source familiar with the operation. The mission was launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford, an aircraft carrier that has been in the area for weeks as part of a broader buildup of U.S. forces in the region, the sources told CBS News. It involved two helicopters, special operations forces, 10 members of the U.S. Coast Guard and 10 Marines, the sources said. The boarding team was composed of the Coast Guards Maritime Security and Response Team, an elite maritime interdiction unit based in Chesapeake, Virginia. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a 45-second video of the operation on X, showing armed personnel descending onto the vessels deck from a helicopter. She said the U.S. executed a seizure warrant on the vessel, and that the tanker was used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. While the U.S. government  particularly the Justice Department and Homeland Security Investigations  has seized sanctioned oil tankers before, conducting a fast-rope boarding from helicopters at sea is rare, though its something the boarding team trains for, U.S. officials said. The operation was led by the Coast Guard, supported by Navy forces, the officials told CBS News. Any such operation would legally require the Coast Guard to be the lead agency because the authorities used for these seizures fall under Coast Guard jurisdiction. The Skipper was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2022 for its alleged role in an oil smuggling network that helped fund the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran. The ship  known as Adisa in 2022  is among the vessels controlled by sanctioned Russian oil magnate Viktor Artemov, the Treasury said in a statement. At the time, the Treasury said Artemov transported Iranian oil using an expansive network of ships that were often registered in obscure ways with the intention of skirting U.S. restrictions on Iranian petroleum exports. The Treasurys 2022 sanctions announcement didnt mention Venezuela. But oil networks involving both Iran and Venezuela have been reported for years, drawing pushback from the United States. The two countries are major petroleum producers with some of the worlds largest oil reserves, but trade is restricted by heavy U.S. sanctions. The tanker is controlled by Nigeria-based management company Thomarose Global Ventures LTD and owned by a firm linked to Artemov, according to publicly available data.

Cuba was also a target of this operation:

Trump proudly announces an act of piracy, with the US theft of an oil tanker from Venezuela bound for Cuba This act of financial terrorism was aimed at starving Cuba of energy, worsening its blackout crisis and tormenting its populationpic.twitter.com/5vo65vD59b  Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) December 10, 2025

Reuters points out Over 30 sanctioned ships in Venezuela at risk after US tanker seizure:

More than 30 U.S.-sanctioned oil vessels doing business in Venezuela could face punishment by Washington after the Coast Guard seized a supertanker carrying Venezuelan crude for export, according to shipping data. The targeting of Venezuela-origin cargoes is expected to create short-term export delays and could scare some vessel owners away, experts and analysts say. Washington had not previously interrupted Venezuelas oil exports, which are carried by intermediaries in third-party vessels. Previous sanctions on Venezuela-related vessels or oil flows have left a swirl of loaded tankers waiting for weeks and even months to depart to avoid conflicts. On Wednesday, more than 80 vessels loaded or waiting to load oil were in Venezuelan waters or near its coast, including more than 30 under U.S. sanctions, according to data compiled by TankerTrackers.com. The global shadow fleet includes 1,423 tankers, of which 921 are subject to U.S., British or European sanctions, according to analysis from maritime data specialist Lloyds List Intelligence. They are typically old, their ownership opaque and they sail without top-tier insurance cover to meet international standards for oil majors and many ports.

Alexander Mercouris has repeatedly taken issue with the shadow fleet designation. He has said that all it signifies is that the vessels are not insured in the London market, and that there is no evidence that the insurance they do obtain is subpar. The term also incorrectly deems them to be a fleet as in subject to higher level operation or coordination, which is not the case.

Anadolu Agency reports that Trump is also threatening Colombian president Gustavo Petro:

President Donald Trump threatened his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro on Wednesday, telling him that hes going to be next as the US leader seeks the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Hes been fairly hostile to the United States. I havent given a lot of thought. Hes gonna have himself some big problems if he doesnt wise up. Colombia is producing a lot of drugs, Trump said in response to a question on whether he plans to speak with Petro. They have cocaine factories that they make cocaine, as you know, and they sell it right into the United States. So he better wise up, or hell be next. Hell be next soon. I hope hes listening. Hes going to be next, he added Wednesdays comments mark the most explicit call from Trump for Petro to face US action unless he takes unspecified steps on Trumps allegations.

So much for the self-styled president of peace.

By Josh Owens, Content Director at Oilprice.com who has written and curated energy and geopolitical content for oilprice.com for the last 10 years. Originally published at OilPrice

U.S. forces, including the Coast Guard, Homeland Security, and FBI, seized the Panama-flagged tanker Skipper off Venezuela under a federal warrant tied to sanctions violations.

Venezuela denounced the action as international piracy, accusing Washington of trying to plunder its energy resources.

The move, part of a wider U.S. campaign against illicit oil trade, drove oil prices higher on fears of further disruptions to Venezuelan crude flows.

The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas and pushing oil prices higher. President Trump confirmed the operation, saying, Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized actually. He then went on to warn other things are happening so youll be seeing that later.

U.S. authorities, including the Coast Guard, FBI, and Homeland Security, executed a seizure warrant, boarding the tanker by helicopter. The vessel, identified by maritime sources as the Panama-flagged Skipper (formerly named Adisa), had been under U.S. sanctions for several years for its alleged role in transporting Venezuelan and Iranian crude via a shadow oil-shipping network tied to foreign terrorist groups.

According to tracking data, the tanker had recently loaded heavy crude at Venezuelas Puerto Jose. U.S. officials say the seizure is part of an intensified campaign of maritime interdiction by Washington, a strategy that appears to be expanding the use of naval power beyond sanctions, with the objective of targeting illicit oil trade and networks tied to sanctioned regimes.

In Caracas, the government of President Nicolas Maduro condemned the seizure, branding it a blatant theft and an act of international piracy. The Venezuelan statement argued that the move was part of a deliberate plan to plunder our energy resources, and vowed to defend the countrys sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity, while calling on international bodies to denounce the U.S. action.

The move comes on the back of the U.S. releasing its latest national security strategy, which, among other things, emphasizes a strong U.S. influence in Latin America. President Trumps focus on Venezuela has included blowing up alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea, raising questions over the legality of those strikes.

Markets reacted promptly, with oil prices rising on the prospect of a major disruption to Venezuelan crude flows, particularly heavy sour grades that feed refiners. At the time of writing, Brent futures were trading 0.44% higher at $62.21 while West Texas Intermediate futures were up 0.58% at $62.21.

Markets will be watching closely to see if Trumps claim that other things are happening proves to be yet another escalation.
Adelaide founder Monica Jones explains why she built milestone systems instead of more parenting products, and how evidence shaped My Binkie Bears growth.

Whats happening: This week, Dynamic Business sat down with Monica Jones, an Adelaide mum and the founder of My Binkie Bear, a brand creating structured, evidence-based systems for developmental milestones like pacifier weaning and toilet training.

Why this matters: Joness approach, grounded in months of academic research before product development, offers practical lessons for founders entering established markets where trust and credibility determine success.

Jones started My Binkie Bear after identifying a gap that was hiding in plain sight. Despite significant demand for toddler milestone support, few brands offered structured, emotionally safe, evidence-based systems for transitions like pacifier weaning and toilet training.

I was balancing a high-pressure corporate career with complex challenges at home and quickly realised how little guidance existed for parents during these milestones, Jones explains. The parenting market was saturated with products and online courses, but not with support. That distinction became the foundation of the business.

Instead of creating another parenting product, Jones focused on addressing common stressful issues through structure, psychology, and play.

Research over assumptions

Before designing anything, Jones spent months reviewing academic research across developmental psychology, attachment theory, occupational therapy, and paediatric urology.

This helped identify the real drivers behind milestone resistance, especially the role of emotional safety, readiness cues, and sensory regulation, she says. Basing development on evidence allowed us to differentiate early and build credibility in an industry where trust is everything. The approach also influenced her choice of niche. Pacifier weaning and toilet training impact almost every family, yet the market had very little structured, guided support.

Jones recognised that parents dont struggle with a lack of options; they struggle with unclear direction in a time-constrained world. Creating step-by-step frameworks that reduced decision fatigue became a key strategic differentiator, she explains. This shifted the brand from product-based to solution-based, which has strengthened customer loyalty and improved repeat purchase rates.

The brand also leads with education-focused marketing. We intentionally lead with content that teaches, explains, and uses active metaphors to achieve perception shift, Jones says. This approach has delivered significantly higher engagement rates, lowered acquisition costs, and built a community that values expertise over trends.

When setbacks become data

Like most founder-led businesses, Jones faced challenges that ultimately strengthened the business. Balancing work, family, and a startup forced her to build systems focused on long-term value rather than instant wins. Manufacturing challenges required rigorous testing, safety checks, and redesigns. Delays that were frustrating at the time ultimately strengthened product integrity, she notes.

Entering a sensitive segment of the parenting market meant proving credibility before pushing for scale. Jones focused heavily on expert consultation, transparent education, and consistent messaging to build trust. As any business operating on social media knows, criticism comes with the territory, especially when challenging popular but unsafe parenting hacks, she says. Staying grounded in evidence rather than reacting to trends became a guiding principle for the brand.

Despite being early in growth, several outcomes have confirmed strong product-market fit, including high customer satisfaction reflected in five-star reviews and repeat buyers, strong engagement from early childhood professionals, expansion into national online retail including Baby Bunting Marketplace, and early direct-to-consumer expansion into the US, Canada and Europe.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Jones offers clear advice rooted in her experience. Solve a real problem, not a hypothetical one. The deeper the pain point, the stronger the demand, she says. Patience compounds. Brand trust is built through consistency, not speed.

She encourages founders to treat setbacks as data. Challenges refined our systems, sharpened our messaging, and shaped the brands identity. Jones also emphasises the value of feedback. Listening to parents and educators has driven more innovation than any brainstorm ever could.

Her final piece of advice centres on intention. Build with intention. Being niche has been one of our most powerful strategic decisions. My Binkie Bear is focused on purposeful, sustainable expansion. The company is launching a pilot programme in multi-care environments and looking to partner with allied health professionals. Jones is preparing for broader retail rollout across Australia and planning international expansion into the US, UK, and Canada.

Our long-term vision is to become a global leader in early childhood milestone support, helping families navigate some of the toughest moments with confidence, calm, and connection, she says.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
A former state employee who was fired for making a social media comment related to the late Charlie Kirk is now suing the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee on Dec. 10 on behalf of Monica Meeks, a U.S. Army veteran who previously worked as a financial services investigator for TDCI. The lawsuit alleges that Meeks was unlawfully terminated from her job by TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence after she commented on another account's Facebook post calling Kirk a white supremacist.

The suit also alleges that Lawrence violated Meeks First Amendment right to free speech due to his personal disagreement with her views stated online.

In the hours after Meeks posted the comment on Sept. 12, more than a dozen X accounts shared screenshots of her post. Several hours later, Lawrence sent Meeks a termination letter and publicly announced her termination via a post on X.

The lawsuit claims Lawrence wrote in the letter that her Facebook comment was inflammatory" and "insulting. In the letter, Lawrence also purportedly claimed Meeks violated the states code of conduct and the departments human resources policies. However, the lawsuit claims that the departments social media policy outlines online posts as protected by the First Amendment.

The suit additionally claims that Meeks comment was not intended to be widely shared online, as the comment was not posted on her personal Facebook account but rather as a comment on another account's post. It notes that her social media does not clearly identify her as a state employee and that she stated on her page that all posts reflect her views alone.

Meeks has made several appeals over her termination, which has been upheld. The lawsuit is requesting that she be reinstated to her position and that she receive monetary and punitive damages to be determined by the court.

Ive never backed down from a fight in my life, and I dont plan to start now, Meeks says in a release. I took an oath to defend the Constitution. Now, its time to stand up for it again.

You may disagree with Monicas take on Charlie Kirk, FIRE staff attorney Cary Davis says in the release. But letting a few angry individuals get a public employee fired for off-the-clock speech, even when it has no impact on the workplace, will inevitably boomerang back on people with views you do support. When public employees are forced into silence for fear of offending someone on the internet, we all lose.

In response to Scene sister publication the Nashville Posts request for comment, TDCI says the department does not comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit comes in the wake of several local firings over online comments that followed the assassination of Kirk, a right-wing activist. A former assistant dean at Middle Tennessee State University sued the schools leaders in November over her termination. Another lawsuit was filed in October by a Williamson County high school teacher who was suspended following social media posts over the matter.

This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.
AI leaders warn of catastrophic outcomes as artificial general intelligence looms

Artificial general intelligence (AGI) could arrive within a decade, bringing catastrophic outcomes like cyberattacks, autonomous weapons and existential threats to humanity, warns Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being weaponized for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure (e.g., energy, water systems), deepfake disinformation, fraud and job displacement, with FBI warnings about AI-generated scams and political manipulation.

Over 350 AI experts, including OpenAI's Sam Altman and AI pioneers Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton, signed a statement equating AI risks with pandemics and nuclear war, urging global prioritization of AI safety measures.

DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis calls for international AI governance akin to nuclear non-proliferation treaties, though geopolitical tensions complicate cooperation. Meanwhile, U.S. and China's AI arms race outpaces regulatory efforts, risking uncontrolled escalation.

While AI offers transformative benefits (efficiency, scientific breakthroughs), unchecked development risks AGI surpassing human control. The critical question: Will humanity enforce safeguards or allow AI to become an existential threat?

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement and deep concern among industry leaders, with warnings that artificial general intelligence (AGI)  AI that matches or surpasses human cognitive abilities  could arrive within the next decade.

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has cautioned that AGI could bring "catastrophic outcomes," including cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, autonomous weapons and even existential threats to humanity. Speaking at the Axios AI+ Summit in San Francisco, Hassabis described AGI as a system exhibiting "all the cognitive capabilities" of humans, including creativity and reasoning.

However, he warned that current AI models remain "jagged intelligences" with gaps in long-term planning and continual learning. Still, he suggested AGI could become reality with "one or two more big breakthroughs."

Hassabis emphasized that some AI dangers are already materializing, particularly in cybersecurity. "That's probably almost already happening now maybe not with very sophisticated AI yet," he said, pointing to cyberattacks on energy and water systems as the "most obvious vulnerable vector."

His concerns echo broader industry warnings. Over 350 AI experts, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and AI pioneers Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton, signed a statement from the Center for AI Safety declaring: "Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be prioritized globally alongside other societal-scale risks, such as pandemics and nuclear war."

AI misuse: Deepfakes, job displacement and national security threats

Beyond infrastructure attacks, AI is already being weaponized for disinformation, fraud and deepfake manipulation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned of AI-generated voice scams impersonating government officials, while deepfake pornography and political misinformation are proliferating.

BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that AI has emerged as a transformative technology, revolutionizing various sectors, from healthcare to finance. However, as with any powerful tool, AI's potential for misuse and weaponization has raised significant concerns.

The decentralized engine notes that AI weaponization refers to the use of AI technologies to cause harm, gain an unfair advantage, or manipulate systems and people. This can manifest in various ways, including autonomous weapons, deepfakes and disinformation, social scoring and surveillance, AI-powered cyberattacks and the development of bioweapons.

Hassabis acknowledged that while AI could eliminate many jobsparticularly entry-level white-collar roleshe remains more concerned about malicious actors repurposing AI for destructive ends. "A bad actor could repurpose those same technologies for a harmful end," he said.

A 2023 report commissioned by the U.S. Department of State concluded that AI could pose "catastrophic" national security risks, urging stricter controls. Yet, as nations like the U.S. and China race for AI dominance, regulation lags behind technological progress.

How likely can an AI catastrophe happen?

Among AI researchers, discussions often revolve around "P(doom)"  the probability of AI causing existential disaster. Hassabis assessed the risk as "non-zero," meaning it cannot be dismissed. "It's worth very seriously considering and mitigating against," he said, warning that advanced AI systems could "jump the guardrail" if not properly controlled.

Hassabis advocates for an international agreement on AI safety, similar to nuclear non-proliferation treaties. "Obviously, it's looking difficult at present day with the geopolitics as it is," he admitted, but stressed that cooperation is essential to prevent misuse.

Meanwhile, tech giants continue pushing AI integration into daily life. Google envisions AI "agents" acting as personal assistants, handling tasks from scheduling to recommendations. Yet, Hassabis cautioned that society must adapt to AI-driven economic shifts, redistributing productivity gains equitably.

AI's potential is undeniable  boosting efficiency, accelerating discoveries, and transforming industries. But its risks are equally profound. As Hassabis and other experts warn, without urgent safeguards, AGI could spiral beyond human control, with consequences rivaling pandemics and nuclear war.

Watch this video about AGI already being around for more than 20 years.

This video is from the TRUTH will set you FREE channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

BeforeItsNews.com

Axios.com

Edition.CNN.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Biden IGNORED warning about chaos at the southern border

During the 2020 campaign, Joe Biden's advisers explicitly warned in a memo that reversing Trump's immigration policies would likely cause chaos at the southern border, overwhelm resources and create political backlash.

Biden and his inner circle dismissed these warnings, believing stricter enforcement would alienate Latino and progressive voters and underestimating border security's importance to the broader electorate.

Following Biden's inauguration, illegal border crossings surged dramatically, leading to overcrowded facilities, a historic increase in the unauthorized immigrant population and a strain on resources in Democratic cities.

The administration was internally divided, with policy aides pushing for stricter measures while political advisors resisted anything resembling Trump's policies. This led to a slow, ineffective response.

The administration's belated attempts to address the crisis failed to curb public anger, making immigration a top voter concern that contributed to Trump's 2024 electoral victory and the immediate reversal of Biden's policies.

As Joe Biden campaigned for the presidency in 2020, his top advisers delivered a stark warning: Rolling back Donald Trump's strict immigration policies risked triggering a humanitarian disaster at the southern border.

A newly revealed August 2020 memo obtained by the New York Times predicted that Biden's lenient approach would lead to "chaos," overwhelm federal resources and threaten his administrations broader agenda. Yet, despite these dire forecasts, Biden and his inner circle dismissed the concerns, setting in motion a historic surge of illegal crossings that would later become a defining crisis of his presidency  and a key factor in Trump's 2024 electoral victory.

The memo authored by campaign and policy advisors outlined specific risks, including a potential flood of migrants that could strain processing centers and ignite political backlash. It proposed preemptive measures such as constructing reception facilities and outsourcing asylum screenings to partner nations.

But Biden, determined to distinguish himself from Trump's hardline tactics, rejected these precautions. His team believed stricter enforcement would alienate Latino and progressive voters, while downplaying the likelihood that border security would resonate with the broader electorate. That assumption proved disastrously wrong.

Within weeks of Bidens inauguration, migrant encounters at the southern border more than doubled, reaching unprecedented levels. By 2023, Pew Research estimated the number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. had ballooned to 14 million  the largest single increase in American history.

Border facilities overflowed, images of overcrowded detention centers circulated widely and blue areas like New York City scrambled to convert hotels into emergency shelters. The administration's early reluctance to acknowledge the crisis only deepened public frustration.

The border crisis that broke Biden

Internal debates grew increasingly tense as aides drafted memos urging tighter asylum rules and stronger deterrence measures. Yet political advisors, wary of alienating progressive allies, resisted any policies resembling Trumps approach.

Then-Vice President Kamala Harris was assigned to address "root causes" of migration in Central America, but her efforts did little to stem the immediate tide. Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott escalated tensions by busing thousands of migrants to Democratic-led cities, transforming the border crisis into a nationwide issue.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that Abbott's move shifted the burden of the migration crisis from Texas to Democrat-run areas already struggling with governance failures. It also exposed the hypocrisy of sanctuary city policies while pressuring federal leaders to address the border crisis.

By 2024, Biden's belated attempts to regain control  including executive actions to restrict asylum claims  came too late. Public anger over unchecked migration had already solidified, with polls showing immigration as a top voter concern.

A high-profile murder case involving an undocumented immigrant further galvanized opposition, and Trump seized on the narrative of a lawless border. Biden's weak debate performance and eventual withdrawal from the race sealed his political fate. On his first day back in office, Trump swiftly dismantled Biden's asylum policies, deploying military personnel and reinstating aggressive enforcement.

The Biden administration's failure, according to former officials, was not merely a lack of resources  but a fundamental refusal to confront reality. "The Biden White House had no strategy, because they had no goal," said Scott Shuchart, a senior adviser at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "All they had was wishing the problem would go away."

The lessons of Biden's immigration missteps exposed a pattern of early miscalculations, which echoed far beyond his presidency. This allowed a preventable crisis to spiral out of control, ultimately reshaping the political landscape and paving the way for Trump's resurgence.

Watch Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) mentioning how the Biden administration ignored his warnings about the crime risk linked to Venezuelan migrants in this clip.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

MoneyControl.com

NYPost.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Canadas RCMP spent millions on Chinese drones now deemed high security risks

Nearly 80% of Canada's RCMP dronescosting $34 millionare Chinese-made, raising serious national security concerns over espionage vulnerabilities and data leaks. The RCMP has restricted them to "non-sensitive operations," but critics argue this is insufficient.

The drone scandal emerges amid confirmed Chinese interference in Canadian elections (2019, 2021) and broader CCP infiltration in academia and politics, fueling distrust in government procurement decisions.

Critics accuse PM Justin Trudeau and ex-Bank of England Governor Mark Carney of ties to globalist networks with Chinese affiliations, citing past praise for China's governance and economic policies despite its aggressive tactics.

While Chinese drones were cheaper, their risks now require replacement with costlier alternatives (up to $35,000 per unit), adding another $34 million burden, exposing flawed prioritization of short-term savings over long-term security.

The RCMP's reliance on CCP-linked suppliers mirrors U.S. concerns (e.g., DJI blacklisting) and highlights Canada's disjointed strategy, despite labeling China its "primary foreign interference threat." The debacle underscores the need for stricter procurement safeguards and accountability.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) faces mounting scrutiny after an internal report revealed that nearly 80% of its drone fleetpurchased at a cost of $34 millionwas manufactured in China and now poses significant national security risks.

The disclosure, made to Canada's Senate national security committee, comes amid heightened tensions over Beijing's foreign interference in Canadian elections and its aggressive surveillance tactics. Critics argue the spending reflects a broader pattern of questionable fiscal and security decisions under successive Liberal governments, including those led by Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, both accused of ties to globalist networks with Chinese affiliations.

A compromised fleet

The RCMPs drone program, intended to bolster border security and law enforcement operations, has been undermined by its reliance on Chinese-made technology. According to the report, 973 out of 1,228 drones in the fleet originate from suppliers linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), raising alarms over data security, supply chain integrity and potential espionage vulnerabilities.

In 2023, the RCMP restricted these drones to "non-sensitive operations" and mandated offline data storagea partial fix that Sen. Claude Carignan called insufficient.

"Can you reassure us about how national security considerations are taken into account in procurement?" Carignan pressed during a Senate hearing. "I want to make sure national security considerations are taken into account."

Replacing the compromised drones won't be cheap. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that the RCMP estimates that non-Chinese alternatives cost more than twice as muchbetween $31,000 and $35,000 per unitpotentially adding another $34 million burden to taxpayers.

The drone controversy is just one facet of Beijing's deepening footprint in Canada. A recent Foreign Interference Commission report confirmed that CCP operatives meddled in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, targeting universities and political candidates. Meanwhile, investigative journalist Sam Cooper has documented ties between Trudeau, Carney and an "elite network" of globalist actors with Chinese connections.

Carney, once an advocate for closer ties with Beijing, remarked in 2016 that China's "perspective" was "one of its many strengths"a stance critics say clashes with his later warnings about CCP threats. Similarly, Trudeau's past praise for China's "basic dictatorship" and his senator's description of Beijing as a "partner, not a rival" have fueled accusations of complacency toward CCP aggression.

Security vs. savings

The RCMP's procurement missteps highlight a recurring dilemma: balancing cost efficiency with national security. While Chinese drones were cheaper, their risks now render them unusable for critical operations, including border patrols and VIP protection. The RCMP report explicitly bars them from "emergency response team activities involving sensitive tactics or protected locations" and joint operations with U.S. agencies.

The situation mirrors broader Western concerns about Chinese tech dominance. The U.S. has already blacklisted firms like DJI over espionage fears, while Canada's ongoing reliance on CCP-linked suppliersdespite labeling China its "primary foreign interference threat"suggests a disjointed strategy.

As Canada grapples with foreign interference and mounting security challenges, the RCMP's drone debacle underscores the perils of prioritizing short-term savings over long-term safety. With replacement costs looming and public trust eroding, the fallout serves as a cautionary taleone that demands stricter procurement safeguards and accountability for leaders who enabled Beijing's encroachment.

"National security cannot be an afterthought," Carignan warned.

For Canada, the bill for past negligence is coming due.

Watch the video below that talks about homemade Chinese drones that can assassinate, fire missiles and operate on land, sea and air.

This video is from Rick Langley's channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

BlackLocks.ca

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Japan REJECTS EU plan to seize Russian assets for Ukraine, citing legal concerns and U.S. influence

Japan has firmly opposed the EU's plan to seize frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, citing legal constraints and aligning with U.S. reluctance, dealing a major blow to Brussels' efforts.

The European Commission proposed a "reparations loan" backed by Russia's frozen assets (mostly held in Belgium), but Belgium resists, fearing legal and financial risks if Russia retaliates to reclaim the funds.

The Trump administration opposes outright seizure, preferring to use the assets as leverage in future negotiations, while suggesting partial returns to Russia and alternative funding for Ukraine.

Kyiv faces a $47.5 billion budget deficit by 2026, with nearly half reliant on uncertain foreign aid, as political instability and corruption scandals further complicate funding efforts.

Confiscating Russian assets risks undermining trust in Western financial systems, potentially accelerating moves away from dollar reserves toward BRICS currencies, while Russia warns of retaliatory escalation, including nuclear threats.

Japan has firmly rejected the European Union's proposal to tap into frozen Russian sovereign assets to finance Ukraine's massive budget deficit, dealing a significant setback to Brussels' efforts to rally international support for what Moscow has denounced as outright theft.

According to multiple reports, including from POLITICO and Reuters, Japanese officials dismissed the EU's plan during a meeting of Group of Seven (G7) finance ministers on Monday, Dec. 8, citing legal constraints and signaling alignment with U.S. opposition to the scheme. The move underscores deepening divisions among Western allies over how to handle Russia's immobilized funds  estimated at $300 billion  as Ukraine's financial crisis worsens.

The European Commission has been pushing for a "reparations loan" backed by Russian assets frozen in Western financial institutions, primarily held in Belgium's Euroclear clearinghouse. The goal is to provide Ukraine with immediate funding while theoretically holding Russia liable for war reparations.

However, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has insisted that broader international participation is necessary to mitigate legal and financial risks. One EU diplomat told POLITICO that "Belgium is resisting over fears it will be on the hook to repay the full amount if Russia claws back the money."

Despite Brussels' urgency  hoping to finalize a deal before an EU leaders' summit on Dec. 18  Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reportedly ruled out Tokyo's involvement, citing legal hurdles.

"Katayama never made such a comment [in the G7 meeting]. She told the meeting that Japan in preparing to make specific steps to support [Ukraine]," disputed Japanese Vice Finance Minister for International Affairs Atsushi Mimura.

"It's completely false. Japan has acted for Ukraine from our national interest," Mimura told reporters on Tuesday, Dec. 9, in response to the POLITICO report. However, sources suggest Tokyo's stance aligns with Washington's reluctance to endorse the EUs approach.

U.S. opposition and alternative plans

The Trump administration has opposed outright confiscation of Russian assets, viewing them as leverage in future negotiations with Moscow. Instead, Washington has floated a compromise: returning a portion of the funds to Russia while using the remainder to finance U.S. investments in Ukraine.

"Our Reparations Loan proposal is complex, but at its core, it increases the cost of war for Russia," declared European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Yet, without U.S. and Japanese backing, the EU may be forced to shoulder Ukraine's financial burden alone.

According to the Enoch engine at BrightU.AI, the EU's proposal for Ukraine to receive a reparations loan has sparked considerable debate and scrutiny. This proposal, aimed at compensating Ukraine for the damages incurred due to Russia's invasion, is a complex financial and political instrument with multiple objectives and implications. While the EU's reparations loan proposal for Ukraine has been generally welcomed, it has also faced criticisms and concerns.

Kyiv faces a staggering $47.5 billion budget deficit in 2026, with nearly half  $23.6 billion  dependent on uncertain foreign aid. Ukrainian lawmakers hastily approved the budget last week despite unresolved funding questions, likely aiming to project stability amid political turmoil following the dismissal of Andrey Yermak, a key aide to Zelensky embroiled in corruption scandals.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged EU nations to share Belgium's risks. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and Canada have signaled conditional support but only if Brussels proceeds first.

Beyond Ukraine's immediate needs, the debate over Russian assets carries profound implications for global finance. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with Tucker Carlson, warned that seizing Russian reserves  largely denominated in U.S. dollars  would be "insanely stupid," eroding trust in Western financial systems. Analysts fear that if the G7 proceeds with confiscation, nations worldwide may accelerate moves away from dollar-denominated reserves, favoring alternatives like BRICS currencies (Chinese yuan, Indian rupee and Russian ruble).

Japan's rejection of the EU's asset-seizure plan highlights the West's growing disunity over Ukraine funding. With the U.S. prioritizing strategic leverage over immediate financial aid, and Brussels struggling to secure international backing, Ukraine's fiscal crisis looms larger than ever.

Watch EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas saying Russia will not regain frozen assets without paying reparations to Ukraine in this clip.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

POLITICO.eu

UkraNews.com

Reuters.com

News.Liga.net

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Federal judge blocks Trump-era rule that protects pro-life health workers from being forced to perform abortions

Obama-appointed Judge Paul Engelmayer overturned a Trump-era rule that would have shielded health care workers from being forced to perform abortions against their religious or moral convictions, falsely labeling it "unconstitutional."

The ruling undermines longstanding conscience protections, exposing doctors, nurses and hospitals to coercion by pro-abortion institutionsanother example of judicial activism eroding First Amendment rights.

While Democrats claim defunding Planned Parenthood harms women, they ignore thousands of federally qualified health centers that provide comprehensive care without abortion, proving this is about ideology, not healthcare access.

Activist judges continue dismantling Trump-era protections, including Medicaid funding restrictions on abortion providers, despite growing public opposition to taxpayer-funded abortions.

This ruling aligns with the WHO's radical "abortion as a human right" agenda, reinforcing the globalist depopulation strategy by forcing medical professionals to comply with the abortion industry's demands.

In a controversial ruling, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer struck down a Trump administration rule that would have protected health care workers from being forced to perform or assist in abortions against their religious or moral beliefs.

The policy, enacted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), was deemed "unconstitutional" by Engelmayer  an appointee of former President Barack Obama. The judge claimed it imposed "retroactive and ambiguous conditions" on federal funding to state and local governments.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance advanced a budget reconciliation bill maintaining a provision that blocks abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, from receiving federal Medicaid funds for ten years. The restriction includes exceptions for cases of rape, incest or life-threatening pregnanciesa move that reflects growing public opposition to taxpayer-subsidized abortions.

President Donald Trump had previously taken a strong stance against funding controversial medical procedures, including signing an executive order halting federal support for transgender treatments for minorsa decision rooted in protecting children from irreversible medical interventions. However, the Biden administration and Democrat-led states have aggressively fought back.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, another Obama appointee, issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump-era Medicaid funding restriction, siding with Democrat attorneys general who argued the law unlawfully imposed retroactive conditions on state programs. Talwani stayed her ruling for one week, allowing the administration time to appeal, but the decision signals a looming legal showdown over abortion funding.

The contested provision, embedded in Trump's Reconciliation Act, aimed to strip Medicaid reimbursements from any organization performing abortions that received over $800,000 in federal funds in 2023. This was a cornerstone of Trump's broader effort to defund Planned Parenthood and similar groups, redirecting taxpayer dollars away from abortion-related services. Yet, progressive judges and lawmakers have repeatedly intervened, framing such policies as attacks on womens healthcare rather than protections for conscience rights and fiscal responsibility.

Earlier this year, Talwani extended a temporary restraining order shielding Planned Parenthood clinics in Massachusetts and Utah from the funding cuts. She argued that clawing back previously allocated federal funds violated congressional authority and disrupted state healthcare systems.

Planned Parenthood, which posted a $100 bond as part of the litigation, claimed losing Medicaid funding would devastate low-income patients, depriving them of cancer screenings, contraceptives and other servicesdespite the fact that hundreds of federally qualified health centers provide those same services without performing abortions.

The injunction remains in place until at least July 21, pending further court action. But the ruling is merely a temporary setback for pro-life advocates, as the Biden administration is expected to appeal, ensuring the fight will rage on.

Broader implications: A war on conscience rights and fiscal restraint

Engelmayer's decision to dismantle protections for pro-life medical workers is part of a broader pattern of judicial activism undermining religious freedom. The Trump-era HHS rule sought to uphold longstanding conscience protections, ensuring doctors, nurses and hospitals wouldnt be coerced into violating their beliefs. Yet progressive judges have repeatedly sided with abortion advocates, framing such protections as discriminatory rather than essential safeguards for constitutional rights.

Similarly, the battle over Medicaid funding exposes the left's hypocrisy on healthcare access. While Democrats claim cutting Planned Parenthood's funding harms women, they ignore the vast network of community health centers that provide comprehensive care without abortion. The Trump administration's policy aimed to redirect funds to these alternatives, prioritizing true healthcare over ideological agendas.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, this ruling is yet another assault on medical freedom and religious liberty, stripping health care workers of their right to refuse participation in the abortion industry's deadly agenda. By overturning conscience protections, the judiciary is enabling the globalist push to force compliance with their depopulation schemes, further eroding constitutional rights under the guise of "ambiguity."

As the legal battles unfold, the stakes couldn't be higher. With the Biden administration pushing for expanded abortion access and the globalist-backed WHO advocating for abortion as a "human right," the U.S. stands at a crossroads. Will taxpayer dollars continue funding an industry rooted in the destruction of innocent life, or will conscience rights and fiscal responsibility prevail?

Watch Jim Pfaff sharing to Breanna Morello Planned Parenthood's intent to give $40 million to Democrats before the 2024 elections.

This video is from the MyPodcastDropped2320 channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
EU actively preparing for direct WAR with Russia by 2030, Hungarian PM Orban warns

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban asserts the EU is actively preparing for a direct war with Russia, with a target for full military readiness by 2030, framing current policies as steps toward open conflict.

He outlines a historical escalation patternsevered ties, sanctions, ended economic cooperation, then warand argues Europe has completed the first three stages, bringing it perilously close to armed confrontation.

Orban points to tangible shifts toward a "war economy," citing EU nations reorienting industry toward weapons production and massive defense budget increases, which he criticizes as a dangerous cycle of escalation.

Positioning Hungary as a dissenting voice for peace, he advocates for immediate ceasefire and diplomacy with Russia, opposing EU sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, a stance that has isolated his country within the bloc.

The warning is set against deep public anxiety over war risks and Europe's tragic history, framing the current military buildup and normalization of war rhetoric as an automated path to potential catastrophe, including nuclear escalation.

In a dramatic and sobering address, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared that the European Union is actively preparing for a direct military confrontation with Russia, with a target date for full readiness set for 2030.

Speaking at an anti-war rally in the central Hungarian city of Kecskemet on Saturday, Dec. 6, the long-serving leader framed current EU policies not as defensive measures but as deliberate steps down a well-trodden path to open warfare. He positioned Budapest as a lonely voice for peace on a continent he believes is sleepwalking into catastrophe.

Central to Orban's argument is a historical template for escalation  first, severing diplomatic ties; second, imposing sanctions; third, terminating economic cooperation; and finally, armed conflict. He asserts that Europe's stance toward Moscow has completed the first three stages, leaving it perilously close to the final step.

Orban pointed to an official EU objective to achieve full military preparedness by 2030. He interpreted public discussions on bolstering defense capabilities as evidence of a conscious political choice for war, citing internal strategic documents that aim for complete combat readiness by 2029. This framing shifts the narrative from deterrence to imminent confrontation.

Orban warned of tangible shifts, accusing EU nations of transitioning to a "war economy" by reorienting industrial capacity toward weapons production. This claim finds echoes in real-world announcements, such as Germany's plan to double its defense budget and initiatives in Poland and France to expand military training  suggesting a continent-wide mobilization.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine defines war economy as a system where a nation's industrial and economic might is fully redirected to support military efforts. It involves prioritizing the production of weapons, ammunition and military supplies over civilian goods. This total mobilization of resources is seen as essential for both financing and winning a large-scale conflict."

Orban sounds the alarm, warns against suicidal escalation

Orbans alarm is not isolated. It resonates with statements from figures like Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who have spoken of a realistic possibility of conflict within years. Meanwhile, Russian officials accuse Europe of maniacally preparing for war, while the Kremlin maintains it has no intention of attacking NATO.

The gravity of Orban's warning is amplified by Europes tragic history. The continent understands how militarization and hardened political positions can spiral out of control. Orbans rhetoric deliberately invokes this memory, suggesting that by setting a readiness deadline and methodically escalating, Europe is constructing a similar, automated path to disaster.

This political maneuvering occurs against significant public unease. A recent poll indicated that 51% of EU residents perceive a high risk of war with Russia. However, views diverge sharply by nation, mirroring political fissures within the EU between frontline states feeling immediate vulnerability and others more distant from the potential battlefield.

Underpinning the drive for readiness is a monumental financial commitment. Orban criticized the use of the "Russian threat" to justify massive spending hikes, such as the proposed 800 billion "ReArm Europe" plan. For critics, this represents a dangerous, self-fulfilling cycle of escalation  while proponents argue it is a necessary correction after decades of underinvestment.

Europe stands at a critical juncture shaped by the war in Ukraine. One path involves intensified support for Kyiv and a rapid military buildup to deter future Russian aggression  while the other, championed by Orban, calls for an immediate ceasefire and a diplomatic settlement to re-establish dialogue with Moscow.

Orban's stark proclamation is a reflection of the profound fractures emerging within Europe. As the continent re-arms at a pace unseen in generations, the greatest danger may lie in the gradual acceptance of conflict as a foregone conclusion, thereby unraveling the peace that has defined the European project for decades.

Watch Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban rejecting the NATO-Ukraine mission during his appearance at the 2024 NATO Summit below.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

VoennoeDelo.com

Fakti.bg

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
CPM Australia research shows information accuracy now matters to 91% of consumers, up from 58% in 2016. The stakes have never been higher.

Whats happening: As global delivery models evolve, the question is no longer whether work should be onshore or offshore.

Why this matters: With 94% of Australians having stopped purchasing from at least one company due to negative experience, businesses must orchestrate local teams, offshore scale and AI into connected ecosystems.

As global delivery models evolve, the question is no longer whether work should be onshore or offshore. Both remain essential, but their roles are changing.

Traditional outsourcing models were built primarily on scale and labour efficiency, but the dynamics of service have shifted. Customer interactions are becoming more complex, more regulated, and more context dependent. In this environment, proximity, cultural understanding, and sector fluency hold increasing value.

The broader market context reinforces this shift. Australias contact centre and CX services market has become a multi-billion dollar sector growing at an annual rate of 11-14%. Demand is being driven by rising expectations, increased digitisation and a growing need for partners that can blend human capability with automation and global delivery. At the same time, applied AI has moved from concept to real operational utility. Organisations that invested early in foundational data and automation capability are already seeing improvements in speed, accuracy and cost efficiency, with more sophisticated, agent-assisting AI models becoming commercially viable.

These dynamics mean the structure and purpose of CX delivery must change. Local teams are now critical for interactions that require nuanced judgement, industry-specific knowledge, or deeper understanding of customer expectations. They provide the context and capability needed to manage sensitive enquiries, ensure compliance, and deliver experiences that feel aligned to local standards. Offshore and nearshore teams remain vital for achieving scale, speed, and cost efficiency. They continue to support high volume transactions, back-office work, and rapid operational response.

The future of CX lies in orchestrating these capabilities, so they operate as one connected ecosystem. Work flows to the environment that delivers the highest value, not the lowest cost. Onshore teams anchor complexity. Offshore teams anchor scale. Digital infrastructure and AI tie both together, ensuring consistency, insight and real time coordination. This combination strengthens the overall system and lifts the standard of the customer experience it delivers.

Expectations outpacing delivery

The latest national research shows that Australian consumers now expect more from service than at any point in the past decade. Access to correct information is rated as the most important element of good service. Knowledgeable representatives are nearly as critical. Customers want accuracy first, then empathy, then efficiency.

Despite these rising expectations, two thirds of Australians believe companies still place limited importance on delivering service excellence. This long-standing gap between what customers expect and what organisations prioritise remains one of the fundamental drivers of dissatisfaction, churn and negative word of mouth.

The consequences of this gap are significant. In the past year, 94% of Australians stopped purchasing from at least one company due to a negative experience. This is not an occasional reaction, but mainstream behaviour. Customers no longer persist with brands that make service difficult. They move on.

This shift is reinforced by how widely Australians share their experiences. About nine in 10 customers pass on negative interactions to others, often across both personal and digital networks. Positive experiences also circulate strongly, but negative ones spread further and faster. This makes service quality not only a customer issue but a reputational one.

The human factor intensifies

Australians remain deeply reliant on human support for meaningful or complex enquiries. For issues that require judgement, clarity or sensitivity, speaking with a person remains the overwhelming preference, with 77% choosing phone contact as their first option and more than half choosing live chat with a human. These preferences have strengthened steadily over the past decade.

Self-service channels have their place. Customers are comfortable using well-designed websites or FAQ pages for simple enquiries. AI powered chat is increasingly accepted for routine tasks. But only a small percentage prefer automated chat for simple interactions, and almost no one chooses it for complex ones.

The data also reveals why human capability matters. Unfriendly staff and representatives who cannot resolve an enquiry are the top reasons customers stop purchasing from a brand. By contrast, satisfaction and repurchase rates spike when customers have positive experiences. The commercial leverage of a well-trained, empowered frontline team remains profound.

Awareness of AI in customer service is high, with more than half of Australians reporting strong familiarity with AI powered tools. The benefits they recognise most clearly are speed, reduced wait times, and 24-hour availability. Customers are open to AI when it simplifies the experience and removes friction.

The larger transformation is happening behind the scenes. AI is shifting the economics of service by absorbing low complexity tasks, automating triage, improving routing, and giving human representatives real time insight. It adds consistency across channels and creates a foundation for predictive service models that prevent issues before they occur.

Rather than replacing people, AI amplifies their capability. It frees humans from repetitive work and positions them for the higher value interactions that customers care about most. This is especially important in Australia, where expectations for accuracy, expertise and human empathy continue to rise.

Connected ecosystems emerge

Customers experience brands as a single entity, but many organisations still operate through fragmented structures. Disconnected systems, inconsistent information and siloed teams create the very pain points customers find most frustrating. These breakdowns contribute directly to churn and poor satisfaction.

Research shows that when customers continue buying after a negative experience, it is often because they have no alternative, not because they are loyal. Price sensitivity also increases when service weakens. This means poor CX does not only damage its reputation. It erodes margins.

Connected CX ecosystems address these issues by integrating people, platforms, processes, and data into a coordinated network. They reduce handoffs, shorten resolution times, improve accuracy, and create a consistent experience across touchpoints. They also enable rightshoring to operate at its best, with work flowing intelligently across locations and functions.

The next decade of customer experience will be shaped by organisations that design services as a connected ecosystem rather than a collection of channels or locations. The most effective models will combine human judgement, intelligent automation, and multi-region delivery into a coherent system that adapts in real time to customer needs. Expectations will continue to rise, AI will continue to expand its role, and customers will continue to judge brands on the consistency and quality of every interaction. Those that invest early in orchestration, capability and insight will set the pace for the industry and define what good looks like for years to come.

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New York Times warns America is unprepared for war with China despite $901 billion defense budget

A classified Pentagon report warns the U.S. military would likely lose a war with China.

China is rapidly building its military with a reported focus on seizing Taiwan by 2027.

America's outdated forces rely too much on vulnerable, expensive weapons like aircraft carriers.

The defense industry is too slow, requiring investment in nimble technologies like drones.

Preventing war requires urgent military reform and smarter spending to rebuild deterrence.

A sobering video from The New York Times editorial board delivered a serious warning this week: America is not ready for a future war with China. Citing a classified Pentagon assessment known as the "Overmatch brief," the board argued that U.S. military dominance is a facade, and the nation must urgently transform its defenses to prevent or win a catastrophic conflict. This call comes just as Congress passes a $901 billion defense authorization act, highlighting a critical disconnect between massive spending and battlefield readiness.

The editorial board stated, "U.S. politicians often boast that America has the strongest and most powerful military in the history of the world but behind closed doors, theyre being told a different story." That private story, revealed in the brief, shows alarming results from war games against China. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said that in these simulations, "we lose every time."

The core of the concern is Taiwan. The Times board noted that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ordered the People's Liberation Army to be ready to seize Taiwan by 2027, although this timeline is based on CIA assessments. While past U.S. presidents have committed to defending the island, the board cautioned that "defending Taiwan wont be easy" because the nature of power has changed. America now faces two new threats: the fundamental change of 21st-century warfare and a rising China that is a peer competitor unlike any other.

A changing battlefield

The board argued that Americas military is built for a bygone era, over-reliant on expensive, sophisticated "symbols of might" like large aircraft carriers and next-generation fighter jets. In war games, these assets are often destroyed. The future, they contend, belongs to nimble, autonomous systems like drones. "America must embrace new and more nimble means of warfare," the board urged, calling for a shift in investment and innovation.

This requires a wholesale reform of the military-industrial complex. The board criticized a system where defense spending is "routinely steered toward the five major defense contractors," who are slow and costly. To jump-start new technologies, the Pentagon must "relax its byzantine rules for buying weapons and make bets on young companies that show promise." Congress also bears blame for adding billions for projects the military did not request, often for political favor back home.

The scale of the Chinese threat

The urgency is compounded by Chinas comprehensive mobilization. A new 728-page report from the bipartisan U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission details how China is preparing its entire population for potential conflict. The Chinese military is undergoing the fastest buildup since World War II, rapidly advancing its nuclear stockpiles, amphibious ships, stealth fighters, and drones specifically for a Taiwan scenario.

Randall Schriver, the commission's vice chairman, warned that the U.S. is "losing warning time," pointing to observations by military commanders that PLA activities around Taiwan now look "not so much like exercising as it does rehearsal." Chinas domestic propaganda is also shifting, potentially preparing its people for the possibility of war, even as its international messaging downplays invasion threats.

The commission report casts the challenge in clear terms, warning that a China-dominated world order would be "less stable, less secure, less prosperous and less free." It states that countering Chinas aggression is now a "truly global challenge," as Beijing deepens ties with other adversarial states like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Preventing a war through strength

The Times editorial board concluded with a powerful reminder: "Its been nearly 10 years since the Overmatch brief was first delivered. Its warnings have been updated and delivered again to the new Trump administration. Weve been warned about the urgent need for change. The question is whether well change in time."

Their argument is rooted in a classic, conservative doctrine of peace through strength: "You might be thinking America should focus on peace, not war. But one of the most effective ways to prevent a war is to be strong enough to win it." Yet the landscape today is different. It is not just about spending more, but spending smarter, rebuilding a hollowed-out industrial base, and forging stronger alliances to match China's manufacturing might.

As the U.S. debates its path forward, the warnings from multiple quarters are consistent and chilling. The nations military edge has eroded, and a formidable adversary is on the move, rehearsing for a conflict that would reshape the globe. The trillion-dollar question is whether American bureaucracy and political will can adapt fast enough to restore a deterrent that is no longer guaranteed.

Sources for this article include:

News.AntiWar.com

NYTimes.com

TheHill.com

WashingtonTimes.com
China and Brazil forge space partnership despite U.S. warnings of surveillance risks

China and Brazil launch a joint space lab despite U.S. diplomatic pressure.

The project centers on a major new radio telescope.

The U.S. warns the technology could be used for military surveillance.

The telescope will have dual-use capabilities for tracking space objects.

This partnership signals a shift in global space alliances and influence.

China and Brazil have officially begun constructing a joint laboratory for space technologies in a bold move that defies American diplomatic pressure. This collaboration, spearheaded by the Chinese state-owned defense electronics giant CETC, signals a deepening of scientific ties between Beijing and a major Latin American power. The partnership centers on the ambitious BINGO radio telescope project, slated for completion in Brazil by 2026, and highlights a growing divide in global space alliances.

The initiative stands in direct contrast to recent efforts by the United States to persuade Latin American nations to minimize their ties with China. This pressure has had a tangible effect, with two separate Chinese telescope projects in Chile and Argentina frozen since the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House. Regional leaders, wary of punitive U.S. tariff rates, have put those projects on hold.

U.S. officials have consistently framed such Chinese-built telescopes as potential surveillance tools. They argue the technology could be used by Beijing to increase its surveillance capabilities over American soil and monitor U.S. activities in a region it considers crucial for homeland defense. China has dismissed these claims, accusing Washington of interference and politicizing scientific cooperation.

The new China-Brazil Joint Laboratory for Radio Astronomy Technology was established through an agreement between CETCs Network Communications Research Institute and two Brazilian federal universities. CETC stated the lab will support frontier research in astronomical observation and deep-space exploration.

This laboratory work dovetails with concrete progress on the BINGO telescope. In June, CETC announced the main structure of the instrument was completed in China and shipped to Brazil. Billed as South Americas largest radio telescope, its primary scientific mission is to study the universes structure and dark energy.

Dual-use capabilities raise concerns

However, the projects capabilities extend beyond pure science. CETC has stated BINGO will also be capable of tracking satellites, meteoroids, and other near-Earth objects to identify potential threats. This functionality crosses into the realm of space situational awareness, a critical military domain.

A 2022 report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency notes that powerful telescopes can predict when U.S. military satellites pass overhead and help coordinate the use of anti-satellite weapons. The successful development of such weapons by China and Russia has already placed U.S. space assets, which are vital for intelligence and weapon systems, in a more vulnerable position.

The Brazil partnership fits a long-established pattern. For more than two decades, Beijing has used its rapidly improving space capabilities as a diplomatic tool to increase influence across Asia, Africa, and South America. This involves installing telescopes, building satellites, and training foreign personnel.

This strategy has seen significant success in Africa, where China has forged nearly two dozen space partnerships. As a former U.S. intelligence officer, Nicholas Eftimiades, observed, "China has democratized space to enhance its authoritarian capabilities  and its doing so very effectively." These projects often grant Beijing access to data and a persistent presence in the facilities it builds.

While the U.S. warns of the security risks, many nations are more focused on the immediate benefits of Chinese investment and technology transfer. The U.S. approach, which has recently involved pulling back on foreign aid and development partnerships, has created an opening China is eager to fill.

The new joint lab is more than a scientific venture; it is a geopolitical statement. It demonstrates that despite intense U.S. lobbying, China can still secure strategic partnerships in Americas traditional sphere of influence. As the race for space dominance accelerates, these collaborations are not just about peering into the cosmos, but about securing loyalty, influence, and potentially, a critical tactical advantage on the final frontier. The stars are aligning, and the map of global space alliances is being redrawn.

Sources for this article include:

StraitsTimes.com

Reuters.com

Reuters.com
CDC whistleblower sparks renewed debate over vaccine safety and autism research

Former CDC scientist William Thompson admitted the agency destroyed data showing African American boys had a 386% higher autism risk when vaccinated before age 3. Instead of addressing this, the CDC published fraudulent studies denying any link.

Dr. Andrew Wakefields documentary Vaxxed exposed CDC misconduct but was banned by mainstream outlets like Tribeca Film Festival. It gained traction on decentralized platforms, forcing public scrutiny of vaccine risks.

Decentralized AI models, stripped of pro-vaccine bias, analyze uncensored data to reveal contradictions in official claims. Experts predict AI will independently confirm long-suppressed vaccine injury patterns.

Wakefields films accuse Merck and governments of fraud, yet no lawsuits refute his claims. As Hollywood centralizes, independent creators rely on alternative distributionaccelerated by AI-generated content.

Wakefield emphasizes maternal intuition over coercive medical mandates. Despite RFK Jr.s push for reform, sustained public pressure is needed to overcome Big Pharmas entrenched power.

A complex debate over vaccine safety has resurfaced with renewed intensity, as whistleblower allegations, independent filmmakers, and emerging AI tools challenge mainstream narratives. Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a polarizing figure in vaccine discourse, continues to assert that CDC officials suppressed data linking the MMR vaccine to autismparticularly in African American boysclaims supported by former CDC scientist William Thompson. Meanwhile, AI-driven analyses promise to uncover hidden patterns in vaccine injury data, while decentralized platforms bypass traditional media censorship.

The CDC Cover-Up Exposed

During a recent interview on Brighteon.com, Wakefield recounted the explosive revelations from CDC whistleblower William Thompson, who admitted in 2014 that the agency deliberately destroyed data showing African American boys receiving the MMR vaccine before age three had a 386% increased risk of autism compared to those vaccinated later. Instead of altering vaccine schedules or conducting further studies, CDC officials allegedly buried the findings, publishing a fraudulent study claiming no link between MMR and autism.

Wakefields documentary Vaxxedinitially banned from the Tribeca Film Festival before gaining viral attentioncaptured Thompsons confession and the CDCs alleged misconduct. Despite mainstream dismissal, Wakefield argues the film played a crucial role in forcing public scrutiny of vaccine safety.

"They had to tell so many lies," Wakefield said. "When the truth broke, we reached a place where no one will ever trust them anymore."

AI: The Next Frontier in Vaccine Truth-Telling

Mike Adams, founder of Brighteon.com and an AI developer, highlighted how emerging artificial intelligence could dismantle pharmaceutical propaganda. While current AI models like ChatGPT parrot pro-vaccine narratives, decentralized AI toolstrained on uncensored scientific dataare beginning to expose contradictions in official claims.

Adams described how his team "digitally lobotomized" an AI model by removing pro-vaccine bias and retraining it on independent studies. The result? A reasoning engine that acknowledges vaccine risks.

"AI will prove vaccines are not safe and effective because of reasoning," Adams predicted. "Once AI analyzes the full context of data and injury reports, any advanced model will confirm what weve been saying for years."

Wakefield cited a recent meta-analysis by Dr. Peter McCulloughs team, reviewing 136 studies on autism and vaccines, concluding:

"Combination and early-time routine childhood vaccination constitutes the most significant modifiable risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder."

Hollywood vs. Independent Filmmaking

Wakefield, once a gastroenterologist, transitioned into filmmaking to bypass media censorship. His documentariesVaxxed, Protocol Seven, and the upcoming The Honey Hunters Daughteraccuse pharmaceutical giants like Merck of fraud and governments of complicity.

"If we hadnt made these films, no one would know," Wakefield said. "Theyve never sued us because they know its the truth."

Despite Hollywoods resistance, Wakefields work thrives on alternative platforms. With Netflix and Warner Bros. merging into a centralized media giant, independent creators like Wakefield rely on decentralized distributiona trend Adams sees accelerating with AI-generated content.

RFK Jr. and the Fight for Transparency

Both Wakefield and Adams praised Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s efforts as Secretary of Health and Human Services to reform vaccine policy. However, they warned that entrenched pharmaceutical influence means real change requires sustained public pressure.

"Bobby needs at least eight years," Wakefield said. "If he doesnt get another term, the pendulum will swing backhard."

A Mothers Instinct vs. Medical Dogma

Wakefield closed with a message to parents:

"Trust your instincts. Maternal intuition is the most powerful force on the planet. Medicine tries to usurp thatdont let them."

As AI, whistleblowers, and independent media converge, the vaccine safety debate is reaching a tipping point. The question remains: Will truth prevail, or will censorship and corporate power silence dissent once more?

Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Andrew Wakefield as they talk about the child-sacrificing Vaccine Industrial Complex.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Dr. Andrew Wakefield reveals real story behind vaccines, autism and more

NEW VACCINE ADVISORY PANEL to challenge the so-called safety and efficacy of the COVID CLOT SHOTS now linked to millions of child deaths

Wakefield vindicated? Trumps vaccine overhaul sparks backlash, rekindles autism debate

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Wakefieldmediagroup.com
Doctors call for energy drink regulation after patients extreme consumption leads to stroke

A healthy man suffered a permanent stroke linked to his daily energy drink habit.

He consumed more than triple the safe caffeine limit from eight drinks daily.

His blood pressure reached a crisis level, causing the stroke.

Quitting the drinks normalized his blood pressure but not his neurological damage.

Doctors warn these drinks are dangerous chemical cocktails that severely raise stroke risk.

A fit, healthy man suffered a devastating stroke not from a hidden genetic flaw or sudden accident, but from a common beverage he consumed daily to stay alert. This alarming case, detailed by doctors in the United Kingdom, serves as a dramatic warning that the relentless consumption of potent energy drinks can directly lead to catastrophic cardiovascular events, including stroke, even in individuals who otherwise appear to be in good health.

The patient, a 54-year-old warehouse worker from Nottingham, England, was an avid runner with no history of smoking, drinking, or drug use. When he suddenly developed left-sided weakness, numbness, and severe difficulties with balance, walking, swallowing, and speech, he was rushed to a stroke clinic. There, doctors made a shocking discovery. "His blood pressure was sky high  about 254 over 150 millimeters  yet when you looked at him youd never know it, because he looked so well," said Dr. Sunil Munshi, a consulting physician at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

This reading is astronomically high; normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg, and anything over 180/120 is considered a hypertensive crisis. Scans confirmed the man had suffered an ischemic stroke in his thalamus, a deep brain region critical for sensory perception and movement.

A dangerous habit hidden in plain sight

Despite aggressive treatment with multiple medications, the mans blood pressure remained dangerously elevated after returning home, persistently hitting 220 mmHg. The medical team was baffled until the patient revealed a critical detail of his daily routine. To stay alert for his physically demanding job, he consumed eight high-potency energy drinks each day, totaling between 1,200 and 1,300 milligrams of caffeine.

This intake is more than triple the recommended maximum daily limit of 400 milligrams set by both UK and U.S. health authorities. Upon hearing this, the diagnosis became clear.

The doctors instructed the man to immediately cease all energy drink consumption. Within weeks, his blood pressure normalized without any medication. The link between his habit and his hypertensive crisis was clear. "It was therefore thought to be likely that the patients consumption of highly potent energy drinks was, at least in part, a contributive factor to his secondary hypertension (high blood pressure) and in turn his stroke," the doctors wrote in their report for BMJ Case Reports.

The permanent cost of a temporary boost

Although quitting the drinks resolved the blood pressure crisis, the neurological damage was permanent. Years after the stroke, the man continues to live with its effects. "I obviously wasnt aware of the dangers drinking energy drinks were causing to myself," he said. "[I] have been left with numbness [in my] left-hand side hand and fingers, foot and toes even after eight years."

This case underscores that the danger of these beverages extends far beyond their caffeine content alone. Modern energy drinks are complex chemical cocktails. They contain extremely high levels of glucose-based sugar and a mix of other stimulants and compounds like taurine, guarana, and ginseng. "The hypothesis is that the interaction of these other ingredients... potentiates the effects of caffeine, heightening stroke risk through numerous mechanisms," the report authors explained.

These mechanisms include spiking heart rate and blood pressure, damaging the lining of blood vessels, and promoting blood clot formation. "Energy drinks that contain caffeine plus taurine produce significantly higher blood pressure than caffeine alone," Munshi noted.

The doctors behind this report emphasize that public awareness of these risks is dangerously low, especially among younger demographics who are heavily targeted by energy drink marketing. "There is regular publicity about health effects of alcohol and smoking, but little about the increasingly prevalent modifiable lifestyle trend of energy drink consumption," they wrote.

They are now advocating for stricter oversight. They also urge healthcare professionals to specifically ask about energy drink use when treating young patients with unexplained hypertension or stroke.

This single case is a powerful testament to a growing public health concern. It reveals a disturbing truth: in the pursuit of instant energy and alertness, millions may be inadvertently gambling with their long-term neurological and cardiovascular health.

Sources for this article include:

TheGuardian.com

MedicalXpress.com

NYPost.com

CNN.com
EU moves to bolster Lebanons security forces, aiding Beirut in disarming Hezbollah

The European Union has a confidential strategy to bolster Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF) with training and equipment, aiming to shift domestic policing duties from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

This restructuring is intended to free the LAF to focus on its "core" defense mission, which is understood to mean confronting and disarming Hezbollah.

The plan is a response to Western demands for Hezbollah's disarmament, backed by U.S. and French pressure, and comes amid Israeli threats of a full-scale invasion if Hezbollah does not surrender its weapons.

Hezbollah firmly rejects external disarmament demands, insisting any discussion of its arsenal must happen within a Lebanese national defense strategy and only after Israeli attacks cease and it withdraws from Lebanese territory.

The EU's move is fraught with risk, as it could provoke greater resistance. Key Lebanese figures, including LAF's Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, have warned that forcibly disarming Hezbollah could trigger a civil war.

The European Union is quietly escalating its involvement in Lebanon's internal security landscape, aiming to shift responsibility for domestic policing away from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to free them for a singular mission: disarming Hezbollah.

A confidential EU document obtained by Reuters on Monday, Dec. 8, disclosed this strategy. It revealed plans for expanded training, advisory support and potential equipment provisions to Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF), effectively restructuring the nation's security apparatus under Western guidance.

The EU's strategy, drafted by the European External Action Service and circulated among member states, emphasizes a "gradual transfer of internal security tasks" from the LAF to the ISF. The strategy will allow the LAF to focus on what the document euphemistically describes as its "core" defense responsibilities  a thinly veiled reference to confronting Hezbollah.

The plan, set for further assessment in early 2026, explicitly avoids replacing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate expires that same year and which has already begun scaling back its presence. Instead, Brussels seeks to reinforce Beirut's police and gendarmerie while assisting in securing the volatile Syrian border  a hotspot for alleged arms smuggling.

The move comes as Israel threatens a full-scale invasion of southern Lebanon unless Hezbollah surrenders its weapons by the end of 2025. While the U.S. has backed this demand, the Lebanese resistance movement has fiercely resisted it.

Beirut's impossible choice: Disarm Hezbollah or face civil war?

France has taken a leading role in pressuring Beirut to dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities. French President Emmanuel Macron's envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, arrived in Beirut this week to propose an independent roadmap for assessing Hezbollah's disarmament  a politically explosive demand, given the group's entrenched role as both a political party and a resistance force against Israeli occupation.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam signaled openness to foreign troops verifying ceasefire compliance, answering reporters in the affirmative when asked if U.S. or French forces might be deployed. His admission underscores Beirut's precarious position between Western demands and domestic defiance.

Hezbollah, however, has repeatedly rejected external disarmament ultimatums. The group has insisted that any discussion of its weapons must occur within the framework of a national defense strategy  and only after Israel ceases its attacks and withdraws from Lebanese territory. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the group's arsenal, backed by Iran, poses an existential threat to Israel, capable of overwhelming its defenses and destabilizing the region.

Hezbollah's stance reflects deep-seated skepticism of Western intentions, particularly given Israel's escalating airstrikes, including the November assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut  an attack that also killed civilians. Meanwhile, LAF Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal has reportedly threatened resignation if pressured to disarm Hezbollah by brute force, warning that such an attempt could trigger civil war.

The EU's maneuvering aligns with Washington's broader campaign to isolate Hezbollah, but even U.S. officials privately acknowledge the limits of military pressure.

"You kill one terrorist, you create 10," U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said on Dec. 5, tacitly conceding that Israel's threats of invasion may backfire.

As the EU inches closer to direct involvement in Lebanon's security restructuring, the question remains whether Western-backed efforts to sideline Hezbollah will bring stability or provoke greater resistance. With UNIFIL's impending withdrawal and Israel's looming deadline, Lebanon stands at a crossroads  one where foreign intervention risks exacerbating the very conflicts it claims to resolve.

Watch this video of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) discussing the defense agreement between the U.S. and Lebanon.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Reuters.com

ThisIsBeirut.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
European leaders defend continent amid Trumps weak criticism

President Donald Trump labels the EU as "weak" and incompetent on migration and Ukraine, claiming countries like Britain, France and Germany are being "destroyed" by mass migration. He doubles down on his nationalist "America First" stance, favoring bilateral deals over EU multilateralism.

European Council President Antonio Costa demands mutual respect for democratic choices, defending EU governance. Irish PM Micheal Martin counters Trump, asserting Europe's economic strength and resilience.

Trump's criticism aligns with right-wing European factions that oppose current migration policies, citing social and economic strains. EU defends its leadership, with officials praising figures like Ursula von der Leyen amid challenges.

Trump accuses Europe of insufficient contributions to Ukraine, echoing past demands for NATO allies to boost military budgets. EU maintains its commitment to multilateral cooperation despite U.S. skepticism.

The clash highlights deepening U.S.-EU divide over sovereignty, global leadership and regulation (e.g., EU fines on Big Tech).

European leaders pushed back sharply against U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks branding the European Union as "weak" and incapable of managing migration or the war in Ukraine.

The transatlantic rift deepened as top EU officials defended their governance while Trump doubled down on his critique, framing Europe as a continent in decline due to uncontrolled migration and ineffective leadership.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between Trump's nationalist vision and the EU's insistence on multilateral cooperationa divide that could reshape U.S.-Europe relations if Trump returns to power in 2024.

Trump's scathing assessment: "Europe doesn't know what to do"

In a recent interview with Politico, Trump dismissed European leadership as incompetent, particularly on migration and security.

"I think they're weak," he said. "I think they don't know what to do. Europe doesn't know what to do."

He singled out countries like Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Sweden, claiming they were being "destroyed" by mass migrationa recurring theme in his political rhetoric. Trump also took aim at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him "horrible, vicious, [and] disgusting," further fueling criticism that his approach to transatlantic relations relies on personal grudges as much as policy.

Trump's comments reflect his longstanding skepticism of the EU's centralized governance and his preference for bilateral deals with individual nations. As cited by BrightU.AI's Enoch, his administration previously pressured NATO allies to increase defense spending and criticized Germany's reliance on Russian energypositions that strained U.S.-Europe relations during his presidency.

EU leaders fire back: "Respect our democratic choices"

European Council President Antonio Costa responded with a call for mutual respect.

"We respect the choice of Americans, and they need to respect the democratic choices of our citizens," he said during a press conference in Ireland. "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."

The European Commission also defended its leadership, with chief spokesperson Paula Pinho praising figures like Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"We are very pleased and grateful to have excellent leaders who can lead us through the many challenges that the world is facing," Pinho told Politico. "We are proud of our leaders."

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin rejected Trump's characterization outright.

"It depends on how one defines strength, but Europe is one of the strongest continents in the world in terms of economic strength," he said. "Europe is strong, not weak."

Broader implications: Migration, Ukraine and the future of U.S.-EU relations

The clash comes amid ongoing debates over Europe's handling of migrationa divisive issue that has fueled the rise of right-wing parties across the continent. Critics argue that EU policies have led to unsustainable inflows, straining social services and fueling cultural tensions.

Trump's critique also extends to Europe's role in Ukraine, where he has repeatedly suggested that European nations are not contributing enough militarily or financially. His comments align with his broader "America First" doctrine, which prioritizes U.S. interests over multinational alliances.

Meanwhile, tensions between Brussels and Washington have been exacerbated by recent EU actions against Big Tech, including a 120 million fine against Elon Musk's X platform for transparency violations. Musk responded by calling for the EU's abolitiona sentiment that resonates with some U.S. conservatives who view European regulations as overreach.

The exchange underscores a fundamental disagreement over sovereignty, migration and global leadership. While Trump sees Europe as faltering under weak governance, EU officials insist their continent remains resilienteven as they grapple with internal divisions and external pressures.

Watch the video below that talks about Trump condemning Europe for buying Russian oil.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Politico.eu

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Google faces EU antitrust probe over its use of content for AI

The European Commission has launched a formal antitrust investigation into Google, alleging it used publisher and YouTube content to power AI services like "AI Overviews" without fair compensation or consent.

The probe will scrutinize two main concerns: the use of web publisher content for AI search summaries and the use of YouTube videos to train AI models, both while potentially blocking competitors from similar access.

EU competition chief Teresa Ribera framed the investigation as a defense of democratic principles, stating innovation cannot come at the expense of diverse media and a vibrant creative landscape.

Google denounced the probe as a risk to innovation, while the EU's action is part of a wider regulatory offensive against Big Tech, following recent multi-billion euro fines against Google.

The investigation marks a pivotal global confrontation over AI data practices, and its outcome could set crucial precedents for how AI developers compensate and interact with content industries.

In a significant escalation of Europe's regulatory clash with Big Tech, the European Commission has launched a formal antitrust investigation into Google, alleging the search giant is using the content of publishers and YouTube creators to power its artificial intelligence (AI) services without fair compensation or consent.

The probe centers on whether Google's practices with its "AI Overviews" and "AI Mode" features breach EU competition rules by leveraging its dominance to undermine media diversity and stifle rival AI developers. The investigation announced on Tuesday, Dec. 9, will scrutinize two primary concerns.

First, regulators will examine if Google used content from web publishers  such as news articles  to generate AI-powered summaries and answers that appear directly in search results, without appropriately paying for that content and without offering publishers a meaningful way to opt out. The commission noted that many publishers feel they cannot refuse, fearing loss of vital traffic from Google Search.

Second, the probe will assess whether Google used videos and other content uploaded to YouTube to train its generative AI models, again without remunerating creators or providing an option to refuse. At the same time, the investigation will examine Google's use of YouTube policies to bar competing AI developers from accessing the same material.

The investigation marks a pivotal moment in the global debate over the balance between technological innovation and the economic foundations of a free press. Teresa Ribera, the EU competition chief, framed the investigation as a defense of fundamental societal principles.

"A free and democratic society depends on diverse media, open access to information, and a vibrant creative landscape. 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," Ribera said. The commission stated that if proven, Google's practices may constitute an abuse of a dominant position, prohibited under EU treaty rules.

Google's mounting legal woes in Europe

A Google spokesperson denounced the EU's antitrust investigation, noting that it "risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever." They added: "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 investigation places Google at the center of a widening regulatory offensive by the European Union against U.S. technology giants. It comes just months after the EU fined Google nearly 3 billion for antitrust violations in the advertising technology industry, a decision the company is appealing.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine points out that Google training its Gemini AI without compensating publishers and YouTube creators exploits their intellectual property, undermining fair compensation and incentivizing the theft of original content. This predatory practice enriches Big Tech while eroding trust, creativity and livelihoods  furthering the globalist agenda of centralized control over information and wealth.

This latest probe also follows closely on other EU actions, including a fine for social media platform X and a separate antitrust investigation into Meta regarding its AI data policies. There is no legal deadline for the commission to complete its in-depth investigation, and the opening of proceedings does not prejudge the outcome, though Google potentially faces another substantial fine if found in violation.

The case underscores a growing global confrontation over the data ecosystems that fuel advanced AI. Regulators are increasingly questioning whether the foundational practice of using publicly available online content to train commercial AI systems, without payment or permission, constitutes an unfair leveraging of market power that harms content creators and distorts competition. As the European Commission prioritizes this investigation, its findings could establish crucial precedents governing the relationship between AI developers and the content industries that inform their models.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams warning how dangerous Google has become in this clip.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TechXplore.com

EC.Europa.eu

CNBC.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Academic alliances: How western research fuels Chinas surveillance state

A new report reveals extensive research collaborations between elite Western universities and Chinese AI labs embedded in Beijing's security state.

The Chinese labs are tied to technologies enabling mass surveillance and human rights abuses, including against Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

These partnerships, involving thousands of co-authored papers, have been supported by U.S. and other Western taxpayer funds from agencies like DARPA and the NSF.

Analysts warn the issue is not covert espionage but the "normalization" of partnerships with entities legally bound to support state repression.

The report calls for new safeguards, human rights due diligence, and greater transparency in international research partnerships.

A landmark study has exposed how some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, funded by taxpayer dollars, have for years collaborated with Chinese artificial intelligence laboratories that are core components of Beijings domestic surveillance apparatus and its campaign of repression in Xinjiang. The report, released this week by risk firm Strategy Risks and the Human Rights Foundation, details a systemic flow of knowledge and technology from open academic science into the hands of Chinas security services, raising urgent questions about research ethics, national security, and the unintended consequences of global scientific cooperation.

The Chinese labs: Civilian facades, security functions

The report, titled Shared Labs, Shared Harm, focuses on two Chinese state-priority laboratories: Zhejiang Lab and the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (SAIRI). While presented as civilian research centers, both are deeply intertwined with Chinas security architecture. SAIRI is led by a senior scientist from the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), a sanctioned defense conglomerate that built the Integrated Joint Operations Platform (IJOP). The United Nations and Western governments have concluded that IJOP facilitated the mass surveillance, detention and forced labor of Uyghursacts labeled a genocide by the last two U.S. administrations. Zhejiang Lab also partners closely with CETC and military universities.

The scale of Western collaboration

The scale of collaboration is vast. Since 2020, these two labs have published over 11,000 scientific papers, roughly 3,000 of which included foreign co-authors from elite institutions. The list of collaborating universities reads like a global academic honor roll:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Stanford, Harvard and Princeton Universities

Carnegie Mellon University and Johns Hopkins University

University of Oxford and University College London

Canadas McGill University

U.S. public funders acknowledged in these joint papers include the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and defense agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Office of Naval Research.

From campus lab to police state

The research areas under collaboration are not abstract; they directly enhance surveillance capabilities. Joint projects have advanced technologies critical for monitoring populations:

Multi-object tracking, which allows cameras and drones to follow multiple people in crowds.

Gait recognition, which can identify individuals by their walk.

Advanced optical imaging, used in satellite surveillance and biometric scanning.

A Carnegie Mellon project with Zhejiang Lab on multi-object tracking acknowledged funding from the NSF and Office of Naval Research. The report notes that in China, such technology map[s] naturally onto public security applications such as protest monitoring. Similarly, an MIT collaboration on optical phase-shifting, supported by a DARPA grant, contributes to fields central to high-resolution imaging for reconnaissance.

An ethics gap and a call for guardrails

The report criticizes a stark ethics gap, noting that leading Western AI ethics institutes at Oxford, Cambridge, MIT and Berkeley have largely remained silent on Chinas use of AI for repression from 2020 to 2025, even as their own universities engaged in these collaborations. The core failure, analysts argue, is that existing research security frameworks focus almost exclusively on intellectual property theft and are almost blind to the human-rights risk. The problem is not clandestine espionage but the shocking normalization of treating labs embedded in Chinas security state as ordinary academic partners.

A crossroads for open science

The findings land as Western governments scramble to restrict the export of advanced chips and AI technology to China. This report reveals a parallel, less-guarded channel: the open scientific literature. It concludes that without new safeguardsincluding mandatory human-rights due diligence for international partnerships and greater transparencypublicly funded Western research will continue to supply technical breakthroughs that flow seamlessly into Chinas apparatus of repression. The study forces a difficult reckoning for academia and policymakers alike, challenging them to balance the ideals of open scientific inquiry with the imperative to prevent research from directly empowering authoritarianism.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

FoxNews.com

NTD.com
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) sounds the alarm on ATRAZINE, a gender-bending carcinogenic herbicide

There's a toxic, government-approved chemical so persistent it can linger in the soil for generations. This chemical is so pervasive it flows from your kitchen tap without warning. And, it's so potent it can scramble the hormonal foundations of life itself, manipulating gender in amphibians and potentially causing the same issues higher up in the food chain.

This is the reality of atrazine, a chlorine-based herbicide that has saturated the American landscape and infiltrated our bodies for decades. While the Environmental Protection Agency has long played a cautious, often negligent, game with this toxin, a definitive international health authority has finally sounded the alarm on this gender-bending chemical.

Key points:

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization, has officially classified the herbicide atrazine as "probably carcinogenic to humans."

Atrazine is a widespread endocrine disruptor, linked to increased rates of breast and prostate cancer, and is the second most-used herbicide in the United States.

Despite being banned in the European Union and over 40 countries, the EPA continues to permit its use, relying on flawed monitoring and mitigation strategies.

The chemical contaminates drinking water, food, and even household dust, posing a continuous exposure risk to millions of Americans.

A probable carcinogen in your tap water

In November 2025, a working group of nearly two dozen international cancer researchers published their verdict in The Lancet Oncology: atrazine is a Group 2A carcinogen, meaning it is "probably carcinogenic to humans." This designation by IARC, the global gold standard for cancer assessment, is based on a combination of limited evidence in humans, sufficient evidence in animal studies, and strong mechanistic evidence. The researchers pointed specifically to positive associations between atrazine exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This ruling pulls back the curtain on a chemical that has been marketed as safe for decades, revealing a truth that independent scientists and advocates have shouted for years.

The mechanism of harm is particularly insidious. As detailed by renowned researcher Tyrone Hayes, PhD, of the University of California, Berkeley, atrazine operates as an endocrine disruptor. It induces the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogen. This hormonal hijacking can create a cascade of biological chaos. "What is concerning about aromatase expression and estrogen in mammals is breast cancer and prostate cancer," Dr. Hayes has explained. He points to alarming data, including an 8.4-fold increase in prostate cancer among men who work in atrazine factories and correlational studies suggesting a higher breast cancer risk for women with atrazine-contaminated well water. Even the manufacturer Syngenta's own studies from 1994, he notes, showed an increase in breast and mammary cancers in rats given the chemical.

Regulatory negligence and a contaminated landscape

How does a chemical deemed a probable carcinogen by the world's leading health authority remain in widespread use across America? The answer lies in a regulatory framework that often appears designed to protect industry, not people. While the European Union banned atrazine in 2004 due to pervasive water contamination, the U.S. EPA has consistently defended it. The agency's 2020 interim registration review, extended into 2024, offered only minor label changes instead of meaningful safeguards. The EPA's own draft environmental impact assessment once shockingly admitted that atrazine exceeds the agency's "levels of concern" for chronic risks to animals by nearly 200 times, yet it has repeatedly postponed a full assessment of human risk.

This negligence has guaranteed contamination. Atrazine, applied to roughly 70 million pounds of crops like corn and sugarcane annually, does not stay on the field. It runs off into waterways, seeps into groundwater, and drifts through the air. U.S. Geological Survey data consistently finds atrazine and its toxic breakdown products in streams, rivers, and groundwater, particularly in agricultural regions. A 2025 study in Environmental Science and Technology found atrazine and its metabolites constituted over half of the total herbicide concentrations detected in Indiana household drinking water. It is in the dust of our homes and, consequently, in our bodies. This is not a distant environmental issue; it is a intimate, personal invasion.

From oysters to humans: A systemic assault on health

The damage wrought by this chemical extends far beyond cancer. As an endocrine disruptor, atrazine interferes with the delicate hormonal signaling that governs reproduction, development, and metabolism. Research links it to a suppression of immune function that can allow cancers to progress more aggressively. A 2025 study in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety found atrazine promotes breast cancer development by reducing anti-tumor immunity and helping tumors escape detection. Other studies connect it to worsened outcomes in lung disease and a heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease for those living near chemical-intensive agriculture.

The ecological carnage is a preview of this systemic toxicity. In the Chesapeake Bay, atrazine runoff compromises the health of oysters, vital filter feeders that clean the water, by destroying their beneficial microbes and opening the door for pathogens. Similar contamination plagues the Great Lakes region, where atrazine is detected in over 75% of water samples. These waterways are the source of drinking water for millions. The chemical does not discriminate; it poisons the entire chain of life, from the bottom of the food web to the top.

The IARC's designation is a clarion call that can no longer be ignored. It confirms that the millions of pounds of atrazine dumped into our environment each year are not merely an agricultural tool, but a probable catalyst for human cancer and a suite of other illnesses. The EPA's pattern of delay and obfuscation must end. Relying on a "mitigation menu" that experts call "cumbersome and convoluted" is a dereliction of duty. The only true solution is to follow the lead of dozens of other nations and ban this persistent poison outright, transitioning aggressively to organic and non-toxic agricultural practices that protect, rather than sacrifice, public health. The evidence is no longer just mounting; it has reached a verdict. The question is whether our government has the courage to enforce it.

Sources include:

BeyondPesticides.org

TheLancet.com

IARC.WHO.int
Top-secret Pentagon report: China would shatter U.S. military in Taiwan conflict

Pentagon war games consistently show the United States losing to China in any military conflict over Taiwan.

China's ability to mass-produce cheaper weapons would overwhelm America's reliance on sophisticated but expensive military systems.

The $13 billion USS Gerald R. Ford carrier is routinely destroyed in simulations by China's arsenal of 600 hypersonic missiles.

War game simulations reveal staggering U.S. losses, including more than 100 aircraft, multiple destroyers, submarines, and aircraft carriers.

China operates on a wartime footing with shipbuilding capacity 230 times larger than the United States.

The Pentagon's most sobering secret isn't buried in some dusty vault. It's playing out repeatedly in classified war games, and the outcome is always the same: America loses. A top-secret assessment known as the "Overmatch Brief" has revealed what defense officials have quietly feared for years. In any military confrontation over Taiwan, China's ability to mass-produce cheaper weapons would overwhelm the United States' reliance on sophisticated but expensive systems. When a national security official in the Biden administration reviewed the document, he reportedly turned pale upon realizing Beijing had "redundancy after redundancy" for "every trick we had up our sleeve," according to The New York Times.

America's costliest warships become targets

The scenarios paint a devastating picture. The USS Gerald R. Ford, America's most advanced aircraft carrier with a price tag of $13 billion, is routinely destroyed in simulations. China's arsenal of approximately 600 hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at five times the speed of sound, can reach these floating cities before they get close to Taiwan. Beijing even paraded its YJ-17 missiles at a military display in September, weapons estimated to travel at eight times the speed of sound. Yet the Pentagon plans to build nine more Ford-class carriers while it has yet to deploy a single hypersonic missile of its own.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated last year that "we lose every time" in Pentagon war games against China, predicting that Chinese hypersonic missiles could destroy aircraft carriers within minutes. The simulations reveal staggering losses: more than 100 fifth-generation aircraft, multiple destroyers, submarines, and carriers all eliminated in theoretical conflicts over the island nation.

Eric Gomez, a research fellow at the Taiwan Security Monitor who participated in one such war game, described the aftermath as sobering. "The U.S. loses a lot of ships in the process. A lot of F-35s and other tactical aircraft in the theatre are degraded pretty rapidly too," he told The Telegraph. "I think the high cost of it was really sobering when we did the after-action summaries, and we're like, 'Okay, like, you guys lost 100-plus fifth-generation aircraft, multiple destroyers, a couple of submarines, a couple of carriers'. It's like, 'oh gosh, man, that was a heavy toll'."

The industrial base problem

The challenge extends beyond individual weapons systems to America's entire defense industrial base. The "big five" defense contractors have consolidated from 50 companies in the 1990s, continuing to sell increasingly expensive versions of the same platforms. China, meanwhile, operates what defense analyst Seth Jones calls a wartime footing, with shipbuilding capacity "upwards of 230 times the size of the United States."

Jones, president of the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and author of "The American Edge," warns that "the U.S. struggle with China is the single greatest competition the United States has ever faced." Unlike the Soviet Union's brittle economy, China's economic weight rivals America's and fuels military expansion across every domain. "The gap is shrinking," Jones said.

Meanwhile, former national security adviser Jake Sullivan has similarly warned that America would quickly exhaust essential artillery shells in a war with China.

China's advantages extend beyond missiles and ships. Beijing's state-sponsored hacking group Volt Typhoon has embedded malware in critical infrastructure networks controlling power grids, communications systems, and water supplies at American military bases. This cyber threat could cripple the military's ability to mobilize if conflict erupts in the Pacific. Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi Jinping claims seizing Taiwan is an "historical inevitability" and has ordered his military ready to take the island by 2027.

Will the U.S. wake up?

Jones argues the Pentagon remains "a massive bureaucracy" where reform efforts face resistance. "It's going to take a lot to break that bureaucracy. There's been some progress, but it's trench warfare right now," he said. Defense spending must increase substantially, he believes: "As a percentage of gross domestic product, it's about three percent. It's lower than at any time during the Cold War. I think we need to start getting closer to those numbers and increase the amount of that budget that goes into procurement and acquisition."

The Trump administration's recently published national security strategy acknowledges Taiwan's importance, noting that a third of global shipping passes through the South China Sea. The stated priority is maintaining "military overmatch," ensuring American capabilities so far exceed China's that Xi won't risk an invasion. According to the classified assessment, Washington has already failed that test.

The question isn't whether America can afford to rebuild its industrial base and restore military advantage. It's whether the nation will act before Beijing's window of opportunity becomes an open door. History suggests great powers win extended conflicts through production capacity, not just technological sophistication. China grasps this lesson. The real test is whether America remembers it in time.

Sources for this article include:

Telegraph.co.uk

FoxNews.com

Reuters.com
Yazidi Foundation Calls on Iraq to Secure Return of IDPs

Baghdad -- On the international day dedicated to honoring the victims of genocide, the International Yazidi Foundation for Combating Genocide renewed attention to the suffering of Yazidis in Iraq, stressing that "the wounds of genocide remain open, despite more than a decade having passed since the crime committed against them in Shigur (Sengal / Sinjar) in 2014."

In a statement, the Foundation said that Iraq, with its long history and diverse social fabric, has over the decades witnessed genocides and serious violations targeting Yezidis, as well as Assyrians, in addition to Shias, Kurds, Faylis, Shabaks, and other communities.

The statement emphasized that the common thread linking these crimes, despite differences in time and perpetrators, is the targeting of identity and efforts to erase existence and destroy the social and cultural fabric of entire communities.

It stressed that the Yezidi tragedy is far from over, as thousands of women and children remain missing and the effects of the crimes committed against the community are still visible in displacement camps, destroyed villages, and in the lives of those carrying the burden of pain and deprivation.

The Foundation called for intensified efforts to free those still in captivity, describing this as a moral and national obligation that cannot be delayed. It also stressed that compensating victims and rebuilding devastated areas are essential steps toward achieving transitional justice and preventing the recurrence of such crimes.

In this context, the Foundation urged the Iraqi government to exert maximum effort to create the conditions necessary for the safe and sustainable return of the displaced to Shigur by ensuring security, providing basic services, clearing landmines, and reconstructing infrastructure, measures that would guarantee a dignified life and restore hope to thousands of waiting families.

Sinjar's infrastructure remains in severe disrepair, with progress on reconstruction slow and uneven. Large parts of the water, electricity, health, and education systems are still nonfunctional or only partially restored, leaving many neighborhoods without reliable power or piped water and forcing families to rely on generators and water trucks. Roads, homes, and public buildings destroyed during the war have not been rebuilt at the scale required, and understaffed clinics and damaged schools limit access to basic services. These conditions make daily life extremely difficult for those who have returned and actively deter large-scale return of the displaced.

The continued presence of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) has become a major obstacle to stabilization and recovery. Armed groups maintain checkpoints, control movement, and interfere in local administration, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and lawlessness. Their dominance undermines civilian governance, discourages international investment in reconstruction, and fuels fears of arbitrary detention, extortion, and land seizure. The resulting fragmented security environment has prevented the implementation of meaningful local authority and stalled efforts to normalize life in the district.

The displacement of Assyrians from Shigur has become effectively permanent for much of the community. Churches, homes, and community infrastructure were destroyed during ISIS' occupation, but unlike some other groups, most Assyrian families have not returned due to insecurity, lack of services, and fear of militia harassment and property confiscation linked to PMF-aligned actors. Assyrian IDPs relocated to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) or emigrated abroad, accelerating the collapse of the community's historic presence in the region. Today, only a very small number of Assyrian families remain, and demographic change driven by insecurity and weak governance continues to reshape Shigur.
Viettel has launched a specialized training initiative to prepare the human resources necessary for its government-mandated mission of setting up Vietnam's first chip factory.

The Viettel Group announced a partnership with the VNU University of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) for the training course for semiconductor manufacturing engineers. This cohort is expected to operate the production lines at the foundry.

The inaugural course will train 20 engineers from the fabrication division of Viettel Semiconductor. Over nearly 300 hours of coursework, trainees will learn manufacturing technology and the skills to operate cleanroom machinery. They will engage in hands-on production that complies with strict industrial standards.

The Cleanroom, Nano and Energy Center at the VNU University of Science in Hanoi, where semiconductor training and research are conducted. Photo by VnExpress/ Giang Huy

Viettel deputy general director Nguyen Vu Ha said building the first semiconductor factory is "not merely a technology project but a national aspiration in the journey to master core technology."

The establishment of this foundry, he said, would help Vietnam "narrow the gap between the laboratory and reality" while enabling scientists, startups and tech firms to turn ideas into products and research into tangible contributions to the nation.

"The factory also opens up a semiconductor ecosystem where generations of Vietnamese engineers are trained and developed, eventually mentoring the next generation."

To realize this goal, Viettel chose to collaborate with the University of Science, an institution with recognized strengths in basic science and cleanroom systems and experts in physics, materials and microelectronics.

The two sides jointly developed the training curriculum, ensuring the program meets technical requirements while remaining closely aligned with production realities.

A spokesperson for the University of Science said this coordination between business and academia would bridge the gap between training and labor market demands.

Students and engineers would not only learn theory but also tackle real-world industry challenges, thereby improving their ability to participate directly in major technology projects, they added.

According to Dr. Ha Duong Long, one of the first 20 trainees, the course is an opportunity to enhance knowledge and accumulate practical experience.

Vietnam has more than 7,000 integrated circuit design engineers with expertise in packaging, testing, materials, and semiconductor equipment.

"Roughly calculated, Vietnam has a talent pool of 15,000 engineers, not including about 10,000 technicians," Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of the National Innovation Center, said.

Over the past year Vietnam added nearly 1,000 semiconductor design engineers, mostly by upskilling engineers from related fields.

In terms of formal education, as of 2024 there were nearly 30 universities offering IC majors or specializations, with a total enrollment of nearly 10,000 students.

Demand for semiconductor expertise is rising rapidly. In just two years the number of IC design enterprises has grown from 40 to nearly 60 companies. In the packaging, testing and manufacturing segments, the number of enterprises has doubled from seven to 15 and is marked by the entry of major players like Coherent, Amkor and Hana Micron besides several companies from South Korea, France and Taiwan.

The industrys growth is largely driven by a favorable policy environment and growing global recognition of Vietnamese engineering talent.

Under the program "Developing Human Resources for the Semiconductor Industry to 2030, with a Vision to 2050," Vietnam targets training at least 50,000 semiconductor engineers, including 15,000 for IC design and 35,000 for the production and packaging stages.
Trump administration revokes record 85,000 visas in 2025

Over 85,000 U.S. visas were revoked in 2025double the 2024 total. These include 8,000 student visas, with nearly half tied to criminal offenses (DUI, assault, theft). The remainder were revoked for overstays, alleged terrorism ties and scrutiny of pro-Palestinian protestors.

Fifty-five million foreign nationals with U.S. visas are now under comprehensive review. Policy allows revocation for any ineligibility, including criminal activity, terrorism links or social media posts.

Social media monitoring was intensified. Applicants were urged to keep their profiles public or risk suspicion. Critics warn of a chilling effect on free speech, especially for foreign students in protests. Supreme Court precedent (Bridges v. Wixon) affirms noncitizens' First Amendment rights, but enforcement remains contentious.

Expanded immigration crackdown includes DHS-led detentions, frozen refugee programs and travel bans from 19+ countries (plans to expand to 30-32). Rubio revoked visas for foreigners celebrating political violence, signaling zero-tolerance policies.

"Continuous vetting" is now standard as visas can be canceled retroactively based on new information. Rubio vows further restrictions, prioritizing security over civil liberties, leaving foreign students, workers and travelers in uncertainty.

In a sweeping crackdown on immigration enforcement, the Trump administration has revoked more than 85,000 U.S. visas since January 2025more than double the number canceled in 2024according to a senior Department of State official.

The revoked visas include roughly 8,000 student visas, with nearly half linked to criminal offenses such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), assaults and theft. The remaining revocations involve overstays, alleged terrorism ties and heightened scrutiny of foreign students engaged in political protests, particularly pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the administration has also initiated a comprehensive review of all 55 million foreign nationals holding valid U.S. visas. To some, this signals a new era of stringent oversight under Secretary of State Marco Rubio's leadership.

Criminal activity and national security drive revocations

The State Department official, speaking anonymously to the Epoch Times, confirmed that crimes like DUIs, assaults and theft accounted for nearly half of the visa revocations.

"These are people who pose a direct threat to our communities' safety, and we do not want to have them in our country," the official said.

While the department did not specify reasons for the remaining revocations, past statements indicate terrorism-related concerns and visa overstays played a significant role.

In September, Rubio announced the revocation of visas for foreigners allegedly celebrating the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, writing on X: "Visa revocations are underway. If you are here on a visa and cheering on the public assassination of a political figure, prepare to be deported." By October, six foreign nationals had their visas canceled under this policy.

Expanded vetting and First Amendment concerns

The Trump administration's aggressive visa screening has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups, particularly over expanded social media monitoring. A Dec. 3 State Department advisory urged visa applicants to keep their profiles public during review, stating: "We conduct thorough vetting of all visa applicants, including online presence review."

New guidelines require student visa applicants to be screened for "hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles." A diplomatic cable warned that limited social media visibility "could be construed as an effort to evade or hide certain activity." Critics argue such measures risk chilling free speech, especially for foreign students involved in protests.

The legal boundaries remain contentious. The Supreme Court's 1945 Bridges v. Wixon ruling affirmed that noncitizens retain First Amendment protections even in deportation proceedings. Yet Rubio has extended the administrations policies, recently restricting visas for Nigerians accused of violence against Christians "in Nigeria and beyond."

Broader immigration crackdown and future restrictions

The visa revocations align with the Trump administration's broader immigration agenda, including Department of Homeland Security (DHS)- led detention campaigns, frozen refugee resettlement and travel bans from 19 countriesa list DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reportedly seeks to expand to 30-32 nations following a shooting involving an Afghan national in Washington, D.C.

A State Department official in August announced "continuous vetting" for all 55 million visa holders, stating: "We review all available information including law enforcement or immigration records or any other information that comes to light after visa issuance."

The Trump administrations record visa revocations mark a dramatic escalation in immigration enforcement, prioritizing public safety and national securitybut at the cost of heightened scrutiny that critics warn may infringe on free speech. With continuous vetting now policy and Rubio vowing further restrictions, the U.S. appears poised for even stricter controls on who can enterand stayin the country. As debates over security versus civil liberties intensify, the implications for foreign students, workers and travelers remain uncertain.

Watch the video below that talks about Trump halting new visa interviews for international students.

This video is from Children Are NOT Sex Toys! channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Edition.CNN.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The delivery schedule for Gripen E to Ukraine will not change if a ceasefire is established or a peace agreement is signed. However, it will not be possible to speed up the process either, as everything is constrained by industrial limitations.

This was stated by Swedish Minister for Defense Pal Jonson in a comment to Breaking Defense. He also noted that options for transferring older JAS 39 C/D Gripen models from Sweden's own air fleet are still being considered.

Gripen E production / Photo credit: Saab

Currently, the delivery time for new fighter jets in their most advanced configuration is three years from the date the contract is signed. It should be noted that a final decision has not yet been made, but Ukraine has announced its intention to purchase up to 100 French Rafale jets.

The Swedish Minister for Defense says that if Kyiv purchases Gripen E, older modifications could serve as an "entry point" to using these fighter jets. However, everything depends on needs, requests, and agreements.

Gripen C / Open-source illustrative photo

From Defense Express we would like to note that the absence of delays or accelerations in the delivery of Swedish aircraft to Ukraine in the event of a potential ceasefire is logically explained. Saab products are now becoming increasingly popular, while existing production capacities are limited.

It should be noted that Sweden received its first Gripen E only this year, and the number of new contracts has only increased. Canada may also join, but Sweden has not yet provided any details or timelines.

Gripen E fighter jet of the Brazilian Air Force

The possibility of localizing production in Ukraine is being considered, alongside a potential procurement contract. While this could increase production rates, implementation would take time, especially since some components, like engines, are sourced from other countries.

In any case, the key priority today is securing the funds and signing the required purchase agreements. This would establish clear deadlines while also allowing for potential acceleration.
Champaign, IL (61820)

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Treatment with an immune and cancer cell-targeting antibody therapy eradicates residual traces of the blood cell cancer multiple myeloma, according to interim results from a clinical trial conducted by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The findings will be presented Dec. 6, 2025, at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in Orlando.

None of the 18 patients who completed up to six cycles of treatment with the antibody linvoseltamab had detectable disease on highly sensitive tests. This preliminary success suggests linvoseltamab, a bispecific antibody, could allow patients to avoid bone marrow transplants, which involve intense, high-potency chemotherapy. It also points to the long-term possibility of improving patients' odds against this disease.

Lead researcher Dickran Kazandjian, M.D., a Sylvester physician and professor in the Myeloma Division at the Miller School, conducted the research in collaboration with C. Ola Landgren, M.D., Ph.D., director of Sylvester Myeloma Institute, and will present the updated results at ASH.

These patients received modern and effective, up-front treatment that eliminated 90% of their tumor. Usually, patients like these would receive high-dose chemotherapy and transplant. Instead, we give them a treatment with the drug linvoseltamab." Dickran Kazandjian, M.D., a Sylvester physician and professor, Myeloma Division, Miller School

Landgren called the results so far "extremely impressive" and said the disappearance of the lingering myeloma cells bodes well for patients' futures.

"Based on my experience, I would predict that after having such a good response after such a short time, the disease most likely could stay away for many years," he said. "Could it never come back in some patients? I would say it's possible."

Multiple myeloma arises from antibody-producing immune cells called plasma cells. These cancerous cells build up, interfering with normal blood cells and causing damage. There is no established cure. The U.S. National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program estimates that, in 2022, more than 192,000 Americans were living with the disease and, this year, 36,000 new cases will be diagnosed.

Currently, most newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients receive a three- or four-drug combination. In some cases, this therapy eradicates the myeloma cells, but sometimes the cancer remains. These traces of the myeloma can occur at such low levels that they do not show up on standard bone marrow evaluations.

To find minute amounts of lingering cancer, physicians at Sylvester analyze bone marrow biopsies using a test that detects genetic sequences associated with the cancer. The test is sensitive enough to identify a single cancer cell out of a million normal cells.

Oncologists call these few remaining myeloma cells minimal residual disease or MRD. Those patients who test negative for MRD can expect to live years longer without their cancer returning than those positive for it, according to Landgren, who pioneered MRD's use as an indicator of effectiveness in evaluating experimental therapies.

For many years, patients with residual disease (who are MRD positive) after completing combination therapy typically receive potent, high-dose chemotherapy. While intended to wipe out the remaining myeloma cells, this chemotherapy causes significant side effects. To make this approach possible, the following day, patients receive a transplant of their own blood-forming stem cells from their bone marrow. It's a "quite brutal therapy, which was first introduced in the U.K. in 1983," Landgren says. Unfortunately, in most cases, the myeloma eventually comes back.

The study, a phase 2 clinical trial conducted at Sylvester and its satellite sites at Coral Gables and Deerfield Beach, has so far enrolled 25 patients who have tested MRD positive after completing combination therapy. These participants receive four or six cycles of treatment with linvoseltamab.

While most therapeutic antibodies attach to a single target, bispecific antibodies attach to two. Linvoseltamab binds to CD3, a protein on the T cells that destroy cancerous cells and to a second target, BCMA, a protein on multiple myeloma cells. By bringing these two types of cells into contact, the antibody invigorates the body's immune response to the cancer.

A few patients experienced side effects, including decreases in white blood cells called neutropenia and upper respiratory infections, but all these events fell within an acceptable safety profile, according to Kazandjian. The researchers took preventative measures to avoid triggering two potentially dangerous reactions, cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, that can occur with immunotherapies like this one. However, thus far, no patients in this study have experienced these reactions. Afterward, they tested patients' bone marrow for MRD using two independent and highly sensitive tests. No traces of disease were found in any of those who completed the therapy.

Based on its performance so far, Kazandjian hopes linvoseltamab could offer patients more durable responses than transplants, perhaps providing long-term control over the disease - a "functional cure."

"It's a bold claim, but we need to aim for the stars to move the field forward; that is what we are trying to do," he said.

Exploring this possibility will require more studies with many more participants who must be followed for years. The team is already taking a step in that direction. Based on the results so far, they are expanding enrollment to 50 participants.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Trinity University will improve a prodrug, a compound activated in the body, to mitigate tissue and organ damage associated with heart attacks, strokes and traumatic injuries. These conditions cause a lack of blood flow, but treatment to reverse blockages can also lead to lasting damage.



A project collaboratively funded by SwRI and Trinity will address both the initial lack of blood (ischemia) and the rush of blood that follows treatment (reperfusion) referred to as ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI).



"The moment oxygen comes flooding back into your cells during reperfusion, the surrounding tissue is inundated with reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. That oxidative stress can cause permanent cellular and tissue damage," said Dr. Christina Cooley, associate professor with the Department of Chemistry at Trinity University.



Cooley discovered AA 147, a compound that activates specialized proteins to protect against reactive oxygen species and ensure a healthy protein response.



SwRI will work with Trinity to iterate and synthesize a new borinic acid prodrug to prevent IRI using precursors developed at Trinity. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, prodrugs are biologically inert until they are converted inside the body into an active therapeutic compound.



"Protein misfolding during cellular stress is a key driver of tissue damage in IRI, so the new prodrug will target that," said Dr. Christopher Dorsey, a senior research scientist at SwRI who will use his pharmaceutical expertise to synthesize the new borinic formulation. "Once we figure out the synthesis route, we will train Trinity students to carry out our new technique. That's the exciting part of this collaboration, the opportunity to give back and pass along what we learn to a team of future scientists."



The SwRI and Trinity researchers will work together to improve release mechanisms for the latest prodrug iteration that will maximize its therapeutic effect with the goal of protecting patients at risk for IRI. After the prodrug is synthesized, Cooley will work with Trinity students to conduct stability testing and other lab evaluations to gather the foundational data needed for future live studies and clinical trials.



This project was funded through the inaugural Trinity-SwRI Research Collaboration Grant Program established in 2025 to encourage the advancement of medical and biomedical research through collaboration. Trinity University and SwRI contributed $250,000 toward three unique biomedical research projects this year.



"Trinity University is thrilled to be collaborating with SwRI, and we look forward to exciting results from this collaboration," said Dr. David Ribble, dean of the D. R. Semmes School of Science.

We are proud to launch this new focused grant program to grow Trinity and SwRI collaborations, provide opportunities for Trinity students and advance medical breakthroughs that may one day improve and even save lives." Dr. Joe McDonough, vice president of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division, SwRI
For years, the search for a stem cell donor has felt like a quest for a rare key-one that fits a lock with eight intricate tumblers, each representing a genetic marker. For many patients with blood cancers, especially those from diverse backgrounds, the right key simply didn't exist. The door to a cure remained closed.

But a new study, led by a national, multicenter team including Antonio Jimenez Jimenez, M.D., associate professor of medicine in the division of transplantation and cellular therapy at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, suggests the lock itself is changing. Thanks to a protective regimen and a fresh look at donor compatibility, the door to life-saving transplants may be swinging open for nearly everyone.

Jimenez Jimenez is no stranger to this frontier. As a senior author and physician-scientist at Sylvester, he has been at the forefront of research on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis for years. In fact, he and other investigators demonstrated the feasibility of this strategy using bone marrow grafts in a large multicenter trial, and he presented early findings from the current study at the 2024 annual meeting of the European Hematology Association (EHA), helping to lay the groundwork for this newest advance.

We're rewriting the rules of what's possible for stem cell transplantation. For patients who once faced impossible odds, this research opens the door to hope." Antonio Jimenez Jimenez, M.D., associate professor of medicine, division of transplantation and cellular therapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Breaking the match barrier

Imagine the immune system as a strict security team checking IDs at the entrance of the body. For decades, only donors with a nearly perfect genetic match-an eight-out-of-eight "ID badge"-were allowed through. This worked for some, but excluded many others, particularly individuals of non-European ancestry. Today, only about 29% of Black patients can find a fully matched donor in the registry, compared with 89% of non-Hispanic white patients.

The ACCESS study, sponsored by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), may rewrite the rules. The research team's newest findings will be presented by Jimenez Jimenez Dec. 8 at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in Orlando. The study will also be highlighted in a special ASH press briefing on Dec. 6 at 8:30AM EST.

Jimenez Jimenez and collaborators found that with a protective regimen using post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), patients can safely receive stem cell transplants from unrelated donors who are mismatched at two or more HLA markers. In other words, the "key" is no longer so rare.

"By expanding the criteria for donor matching, we're making transplants accessible to nearly everyone, regardless of their ethnic background," Jimenez Jimenez said. "This could be a major step forward for cancer care."

What the study found

The ACCESS trial enrolled 268 adults with blood cancers. Participants received peripheral blood stem cell grafts from unrelated donors aged 35 or younger, with either seven of eight HLA markers matched (183 patients) or as few as four to six matches (85 patients).

At one year, survival rates were nearly neck and neck:

86% for those with four to six matched markers

79% for those with seven matched markers

Rates of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-the immune system's version of friendly fire-were also comparable and relatively low. Acute, grade IIIV GVHD occurred in 34% of the more mismatched group and 39% of the less mismatched group at six months. Chronic, moderate-to-severe GVHD at one year was 8% and 11%, respectively.

Importantly, of the more mismatched group, 61% identify as other than non-Hispanic white.

Why it matters

This research is more than a technical advance-it could be a lifeline. With PTCy-based GVHD prevention, doctors can consider donors with as few as four of eight HLA matches. The pool of potential donors becomes an ocean, not a pond. For patients who once faced impossible odds, hope may no longer be out of reach.

"We're seeing outcomes that rival those of fully matched donors, even in patients who previously had little chance of finding a match," Jimenez Jimenez said. "That's transformative for our field and for our patients."

The findings also allow clinicians to prioritize other donor characteristics, such as younger age, which are known to improve transplant outcomes. The science is catching up to the needs of real people.

Think of cyclophosphamide as a peacekeeper, stepping in after the transplant to calm the immune system's overzealous guards. By targeting the cells most likely to cause trouble, this drug prevents GVHD and helps the new cells settle in as part of the team. The ACCESS study confirms that this approach works even when the donor's "ID" isn't a perfect match.

"Cyclophosphamide has changed the landscape of transplantation and donor utilization trends" Jimenez Jimenez said. "It allows us to safely use donors who would have been considered unsuitable just a few years ago."

While the results are positive, the study authors note that further research is needed. The ACCESS trial was not randomized, and ongoing studies are exploring optimal dosing and strategies for pediatric patients. Still, the data suggest that nearly 99% of patients could now have access to a suitable donor on international registries.

"We're committed to refining these strategies and ensuring that every patient-regardless of background-has a chance at a cure," Jimenez Jimenez said.
A new study among more than 1,500 British adolescents is the first in the world to assess the association between familial cardiometabolic diseases and the offspring's risk of premature heart damage by early adulthood. The study was conducted in collaboration between the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in the US, the Universities of Bristol and Exeter in the UK, and the University of Eastern Finland. The results were published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Does a parent's cardiometabolic health independently affect their children's heart health? In the present study, 1,595 adolescents drawn from the University of Bristol's Children of the 90s cohort were followed up from birth and had repeated heart measures from age 17 until 24 years. One in three adolescents had a family history of cardiometabolic diseases, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

In the whole cohort, the prevalence of excessive heart enlargement (left ventricular hypertrophy) increased from 2.4% at age 17 years to 6.5% at age 24 years. Among adolescents with a family history of cardiometabolic diseases, the prevalence was 1.3% at age 17, but increased four-fold by age 24, compared to a two-fold increase among those without a family history.

Previous research among US adults has shown that the risk burden of parents with early-onset myocardial infarction slightly increased the risk of their adult children developing myocardial infarction in their mid-forties, even though the latter were free of risk factors like obesity, smoking, hypertension, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. However, no study in the world has previously examined the association between a parental history of cardiometabolic diseases and heart damage in the offspring already in adolescence. This is due to the scarcity of repeated echocardiography assessments of the heart in a large population of healthy youth.

The current study is the largest and the longest repeated echocardiography study in a relatively healthy young population in the world. Questions on parents' cardiometabolic diseases were collected at a follow-up clinic visit of their offspring. The offspring's fasting blood samples were repeatedly measured for insulin, glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Blood pressure, heart rate, socio-economic status, smoking status, accelerometer measure of sedentary behaviour and physical activity as well as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measured fat mass and lean mass were accounted for in the analyses.

The new study reported that a family history of cardiometabolic diseases was prospectively associated with a twenty percent increased odds of progressively worsening structural and functional damage. The study also highlighted that if sixty adolescents had a family history of cardiometabolic diseases, it is likely that one of these adolescents may develop left ventricular hypertrophy, an indicator of premature structural heart damage, directly linked to parent's history. In addition, increased glucose in offspring partly explained (10% mediation) the long-term adverse relationship between parents' history of cardiometabolic disease and the offspring's enlarged heart.

"These findings highlight just how important family history is when it comes to heart disease. We already know that helping children develop healthy habits early, like being active and eating well, can protect their hearts for life. In addition, by managing blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors, and by adopting healthier lifestyles, future parents aren't just improving their own health, they're giving their children a better chance at a healthy heart," says the first author of the study, Dr. Douglas Corsi, a resident doctor at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in the US and a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland.

The current findings extend our recent results, where we showed that high blood glucose and insulin resistance increase the risk of premature heart damage in youth. Adolescence is a critical window in the evolution of cardiometabolic diseases, and the faster cardiac damage progression among those with a family history of cardiometabolic diseases raises significant concerns, necessitating a special focus. There is a critical twenty-year window between mid-twenties and mid-forties to prevent premature heart attacks in midlife. Health policies could encourage the general population to examine their blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, at least once every five to ten years starting in late adolescence." Andrew Agbaje, physician and associate professor (docent) of Clinical Epidemiology and Child Health, University of Eastern Finland

Agbaje's research group (urFIT-child) is supported by research grants from Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, the Finnish Cultural Foundation Central Fund, the Finnish Cultural Foundation North Savo Regional Fund, the Orion Research Foundation, the Aarne Koskelo Foundation, the Antti and Tyyne Soininen Foundation, the Paulo Foundation, the Yrjo Jahnsson Foundation, the Paavo Nurmi Foundation, the Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research, Ida Montin Foundation, Eino Rasanen Fund, Matti and Vappu Maukonen Fund, Foundation for Pediatric Research, Alfred Kordelin Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military has intercepted and taken control of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.

"As you probably know, we've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large. Largest one ever seized, actually," Trump said at a White House event.

U.S. forces carried out a "judicial enforcement action on a stateless vessel" that was last docked in Venezuela, according to a Bloomberg report, citing a senior U.S. official.

International oil prices moved higher on news of the seizure, with Brent crude climbing as much as 0.8 percent in London trading, said the report.

Trump has recently reiterated that the U.S. military is to start strikes on land targeting drug traffickers in the Caribbean "very soon," escalating tension between the United States and Venezuela.

The Pentagon has carried out at least 22 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean since September, killing at least 87 people aboard.

Washington has deployed around a dozen warships, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, a major aircraft carrier, and about 15,000 troops to the Caribbean Sea, which shares a significant amount of coastline with Venezuela. The region has not seen such a massive U.S. military presence for at least three decades.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned Washington's actions as attempts to overthrow his government and expand the U.S. military influence in Latin America.

Editor: Xiong Jian
Offering screening for neurodivergence to people detained by the police could help ensure access to appropriate support and fairer treatment in the criminal justice system, say Cambridge researchers, after a study suggests that one in two individuals arrested and detained in London may have undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and one in 20 may have undiagnosed autism.

Research has consistently found that neurodivergent individuals  particularly autistic people and those with ADHD  are overrepresented within prison populations. There is also growing evidence of undiagnosed ADHD and autism among individuals in contact with the criminal justice system. However, estimates of the prevalence of the conditions within these settings differ.

To ensure fair treatment in the criminal justice system, we need to understand how neurodivergence affects interactions with the law. This can help avoid unnecessary criminalization of misunderstood behavior and ensure that potentially vulnerable individuals are able to access appropriate support." Dr. Tanya Procyshyn, research associate, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge

Dr. Procyshyn and Dion Brown, a senior Detective from the Metropolitan Police Service, co-led a study to explore the feasibility of screening arrested individuals for traits related to ADHD and autism and to examine the reason leading to the arrest.

Over an eight-week period in 2024, people detained at six London Metropolitan Police custody centres were offered voluntary screening for ADHD and autism carried out on-site by a healthcare professional, detention officer, or arresting police officer.

ADHD traits were assessed using a modified version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. Autistic traits were assessed using the 10-item Autism-Spectrum Quotient. Although these tools are not diagnostic, they provide a practical method to flag individuals who may benefit from further assessment.

The results are published today in Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health.

The majority of the 303 eligible individuals arrested (71%) consented to screening. Individuals who screened above the thresholds for ADHD or autistic traits were informed and given additional information on how to seek a formal diagnosis.

Eight per cent of arrested individuals had an existing diagnosis of ADHD, which is slightly higher than the prevalence of ADHD in the general population (5%). However, an additional one in two people (50%) without an existing ADHD diagnosis scored at or above the threshold for possible undiagnosed ADHD. Strikingly, this included 33 individuals (17%) whose scores suggested a very high number of ADHD traits.

Nine individuals (4.2%) had an existing autism diagnosis, which again is slightly higher than the prevalence of autism in the general adult population (3%). An additional 5.4% scored at or above the threshold for possible undiagnosed autism.

Regarding the reason leading to the arrest, six in 10 individuals (60%) arrested for drug offences had an existing diagnosis or positive screening result for ADHD. Previous studies have found that some neurodivergent individuals may self-medicate with illegal substances. Several studies have also reported that people with ADHD are less likely to engage in criminal behaviour when taking medication for ADHD, and this effect is thought to reflect improved impulse control.

Dion Brown, a senior Detective from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: "Screening for ADHD and autism at the first point of contact with law enforcement benefits both the criminal justice system and the individuals involved.

"Early identification helps officers interpret behaviours that might otherwise be misunderstood and ensures appropriate support is provided. This approach creates opportunities to divert vulnerable individuals away from the criminal justice process and towards the help they may need."

Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge, and a member of the team, added: "Screening for possible neurodivergence will allow more informed legal decision-making, taking into account cognitive and communicative differences. It can also help ensure defendants get access to legal protection and appropriate counsel. This could improve both the treatment and experiences of neurodivergent people in the criminal justice system and ultimately lead to fairer outcomes, including protection under the law, which is a basic human right."

The research was funded by the Wellcome Trust.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women in the world, with more than 660,000 new cases and nearly 350,000 deaths per year. Now, University of Maryland mathematicians have developed effective strategies to help contain and potentially eliminate the disease. The research, published last week in the journal Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, offers a new mathematical model that can help public health officials design effective vaccination and cancer screening policies.

"The study provides a clear way of showing how science is influencing policy," said study senior author Abba Gumel, a Distinguished University Professor of Mathematics at UMD who holds joint appointments in the Institute for Health Computing and the Institute for Physical Science and Technology.

Nearly all cervical cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is considered the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. HPV, a vaccine-preventable disease, is often asymptomatic and resolves naturally within two years in 90% of cases, but persistent infection in the remainder can lead to cancer.

HPV vaccines, which are already offered and recommended in 147 countries, can minimize disease spread and cancer risk. The UMD researchers developed a new mathematical model to assess the efficacy of various vaccination strategies, which they tested with a case study on South Korea.

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers effectively prevented by vaccines. It was important to check if the recent government program for offering vaccines is going to be enough to effectively control the disease in Korea." Soyoung Park, study lead author, a Ph.D. candidate in applied mathematics & statistics, and scientific computation at UMD

Building a case study for South Korea

The model presented in the study incorporates previously published demographic and epidemiological data to predict how HPV transmits across a population. It stratifies people by sex, vaccination status, HPV infection and cancer progression, and it was calibrated using South Korean cancer data from 1999 to 2020. The model can be used to test how different vaccination strategies fare over time.

Simulations of the model revealed that current South Korean policies are insufficient to eliminate HPV and related cancers in the country. South Korea's National Immunization Program (NIP), which started in 2016, currently vaccinates roughly 80% of the nation's girls aged 12-17. Another 30,000 women aged 18-26 receive "catch-up vaccinations" annually. Additionally, the National Cancer Screening Program provides regular Pap tests to detect cancerous lesions for roughly 61% of Korean women older than 20. These existing efforts will reduce HPV-associated cancer burden over time, the authors found, but they will not eliminate the virus.

"It's achieving the objective of reducing cases of cervical cancer, but it's not going to eliminate it," said Gumel, who has collaborated with the modeling team of Merck Inc., the company that originally developed the HPV vaccine. "The objective is elimination."

South Korea could eliminate HPV by expanding vaccine access, the researchers found. The authors explored two scenarios where NIP could be improved. The first involved expanding vaccine access to cover 99% of females. Additionally, because the authors found that immunizing boys has a strong spillover effect of protecting females, the second scenario involved maintaining the current 80% female vaccination coverage while vaccinating 65% of boys aged 12-17. Model simulations suggest that these efforts would eliminate HPV-related cancers in South Korea within 60 and 70 years, respectively.

Both vaccination strategies for expanded coverage are feasible in Korea given that national coverage for infant immunizations, such as measles, under NIP approaches 98%, Park said. She added that public buy-in for vaccination campaigns is high in South Korea.

"There's very low vaccine hesitancy," she said.

"Vaccinating boys reduces the pressure of having to vaccinate a large proportion of females," added Gumel, who also holds the Michael and Eugenia Brin Endowed E-Nnovate Chair in Mathematics. "It makes elimination more realistically achievable."

Applying the model around the world

The two solutions the researchers propose would achieve herd immunity, meaning that people who cannot be vaccinated-for example, the elderly or those allergic to the vaccine-would be protected against HPV and related cancers.

"The way to protect them is to surround them with a sea of immunity," Gumel said.

The authors showed that while expanding Pap test coverage may only offer marginal benefits, strategies that promote safer sex practices, like condom use, would be very effective in curtailing the burden of HPV and related cancers in communities.

Now, Park is tweaking the model to explicitly account for the contact dynamics of men who have sex with men, as well as other high-risk groups, such as female sex workers.

At a conference talk last year in South Korea, Park connected with researchers who work closely with Korean public health agencies. They showed strong interest in sharing data and potentially using the study to improve NIP. She added that the findings are applicable around the world-including in the U.S.

"We could use different data to compare the lessons learned about HPV to the U.S.," Park said. "Can we do the same thing? Will the same set of intervention strategies work effectively here?"

Gumel sees reason to try. He reckons that with the 95% effective Gardisil-9 vaccine offered in the U.S., around 70% coverage would be sufficient to achieve herd immunity.

"We do not have to be losing 350,000 people globally to cervical cancer each year," Gumel said. "We can see an end to HPV and HPV-related cancers if we improve the vaccination coverage."

UMD mathematics Ph.D. candidate Hyunah Lim co-authored this article with Gumel and Park.
To help neurologists, mental health clinicians and other clinicians determine the best ways to help people manage functional seizures, the American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline, published on December 10, 2025, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The guideline is endorsed by the American Epilepsy Society.

Functional seizures, previously known as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures or non-epileptic attack disorder, are episodes that can look or feel like epilepsy or fainting, but with different causes and their own typical features.

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that potentially effective treatments are available for functional seizures once an accurate diagnosis is made. Nevertheless, most people with functional seizures do not receive targeted and evidence-based treatment, contributing to ongoing functional seizures and disability. Functional seizures have been a misunderstood condition, and this AAN guideline is a landmark effort to help overcome that stigma." Benjamin Tolchin, MD, MS, guideline author of the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology

The guideline is based on a careful review of the available evidence on the topic. The review found that psychological interventions are possibly effective in increasing the likelihood of achieving freedom from functional seizures, decreasing the frequency of functional seizures, decreasing anxiety and improving quality of life for people with functional seizures. Potentially effective psychological interventions include functional seizurespecific cognitive behavioral therapies, neuro-behavioral therapy, paradoxical therapy, and motivational interviewing in combination with psychotherapy.

To help determine whether a person is having functional seizures, seizures due to epilepsy, or a combination of both, the guideline recommends that clinicians ask people about the details of their seizures. This includes interviewing people who have witnessed the seizures, requesting any smartphone videos of the seizures and possibly conducting tests such as a video electroencephalogram (EEG).

It states that people diagnosed with functional seizures should also be evaluated for co-occurring epilepsy and psychiatric disorders.

The guideline recommends that a diagnosis is provided in a manner that is clear, empathetic and supportive. It also recommends that if appropriate, family and other care partners of the person with functional seizures be included in decisions about treatment.

The guideline says when psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy are indicated, clinicians should counsel people about the benefits and risks. It states that psychological interventions are generally safe and well tolerated.

The guideline recommends that antiseizure medications such as benzodiazepines should not be prescribed for functional seizures without co-occurring epilepsy or another reason for these medications. It says people should be counseled about the potential risks and lack of evidence of benefit for using these medications for functional seizures alone. People with functional seizures should be tapered off these medications if there is not another reason for their use, according to the guideline.

"Many people with functional seizures are initially misdiagnosed with epilepsy and treated with antiseizure medications before the correct diagnosis is made," said guideline author David L. Perez, MD, MMSc, of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. "Neurologists and other clinicians can use this guideline to help diagnose and manage functional seizures, improving a person's quality of life and brain health overall."

The guideline states that several areas related to functional seizures have limited or no evidence. It also says improved diagnostic techniques are needed and there may be potential for future use of machine learning, artificial intelligence or wearable devices to help with diagnosis.
Following more than 8,000 children from age 9 to early adolescence, this longitudinal study disentangles social media from other screen use and shows a specific, small but potentially population-relevant link to worsening attention over time, independent of genetic risk.

Digital Media, Genetics and Risk for ADHD Symptoms in Children  A Longitudinal Study. Image Credit: Javidestock / Shutterstock

A recent Pediatrics Open Science article reports that researchers tested whether different types of digital media ( DM ) use predict changes in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) symptoms in children over four years while accounting for genetics and socioeconomic status.

Rising ADHD and Digital Media Concerns

One in ten to one in eight school-age children in the United States ( US ) shows ADHD symptoms, a rise that worries families and schools. Parents often ask whether todays always-on DM plays a role. DM spans social networking, texting, video chat, video games, and television/videos, yet studies often lump them together and rarely distinguish between attention and hyperactivity.

As one news summary put it, The use of screens and digital media has risen sharply in the past 15 years, alongside more ADHD diagnoses. Clarifying which media matter and for whom can guide age limits, platform design, and family routines.

The authors note that prior evidence is mixed and largely cross-sectional, underscoring the need for longitudinal analyses that distinguish symptom domains. Further research should refine mechanisms and protective strategies.

Longitudinal Design and Measurement Approach

Participants came from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development ( ABCD ) Study, a US multisite cohort recruited at ages 9 to 10 years and followed annually.

Children self-reported their typical weekday and weekend time spent in (a) social media use (texting, social networking sites, and video chat), (b) playing video games, and (c) watching television/videos, using the Youth Screen Time Survey. Average daily hours were computed across waves to reflect habitual patterns.

Parents rated ADHD -related symptoms with the Child Behavior Checklist ( CBCL ), including factor-derived inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity scores aligned with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition ( DSM-5 ).

Genetic liability was captured using a polygenic risk score for ADHD ( PGS-ADHD ) derived from genome-wide association study data, and models were also adjusted for the first 10 genetic principal components ( PCs ). Covariates included age, sex assigned at birth, study site, and a composite socioeconomic status ( SES ) index.

Longitudinal associations were estimated with linear mixed models (random intercepts and slopes), testing media-type-by-time interactions and moderation by PGS-ADHD , sex, ADHD diagnosis, and ADHD medication at baseline. Cross-lagged panel models probed directionality between social media use and inattention.

Statistical significance was assessed using two-tailed P < 0.05, with a Bonferroni correction applied to the main longitudinal models to account for multiple comparisons.

Social Media Predicts Rising Inattention

The analysis included 8,324 children (mean age 9.9 years, approximately 53% boys). Across four annual follow-ups, children averaged roughly 1.4 hours/day of social media, 1.5 hours/day of video games, and 2.3 hours/day of television/videos.

Social media showed a small but consistent association with increasing inattention over time (standardized  per year approximately 0.03), accumulating to an estimated four-year change of  approximately 0.15.

In contrast, playing video games and watching television/videos were not linked to increases in ADHD -related symptoms over time; in some models, these activities were associated with slight decreases in hyperactivity-impulsivity, below thresholds for practical relevance.

As described by the study authors, the observed association was specific to social media use rather than digital media exposure overall.

Directionality analyses supported a path from social media use to later inattention rather than the reverse. Children with higher inattention at one wave did not subsequently report more social media time, consistent with the conclusion that reverse causation was not supported in the data.

The social-media-specific pattern remained robust across sensitivity checks that restricted the sample (for example, to term births or to typically developing children) and under varying assumptions about missing data.

Genetic risk for ADHD , indexed by PGS-ADHD , correlated with baseline symptoms and with some baseline media habits. PGS-ADHD did not moderate the longitudinal association between social media use and inattention, although the authors report a modest moderation effect for the combined ADHD symptom score.

The association also did not differ by sex, baseline ADHD diagnosis, or baseline ADHD medication status, pointing to a broadly similar pattern across subgroups.

From a public-health perspective, small average effects can translate into large population effects. The authors emphasize that while the individual-level effect on concentration was small, at a population level it could have a meaningful impact.

A one-standard-deviation rise in social media exposure, plausible given secular trends, paired with a ~0.15-standard-deviation increase in inattention, could shift the proportion of children crossing clinical thresholds, as illustrated by the authors population-based projections.

Daily exposure also increased over development; the average time spent on social media rose from approximately 30 minutes a day for 9-year-olds to about 2.5 hours for 13-year-olds, despite nominal age-13 platform minimums.

In the discussion, the authors propose that social medias constant stream of messages, alerts, and notifications may interfere with sustained attention, even in the absence of active engagement.

Implications and Future Directions

Over four years, greater social media use, unlike video games or television/videos, was associated with small but reliable increases in inattention among US children, with evidence favoring a path from use to later symptoms.

As an observational study, the findings cannot prove causality, but the temporal pattern and robustness checks are consistent with a likely causal relationship. Genetic liability for ADHD ( PGS-ADHD ) did not change this link for inattention.

Not every child who uses social media will struggle, but families, schools, and platforms can act now on age limits, age verification, and notification controls, while recognising that these recommendations extend beyond the studys direct empirical tests.

The authors conclude that these results may help inform parental guidance and policy discussions around healthy digital media use, while future follow-up will clarify whether the association persists into later adolescence.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies, with survival rates remaining dismally low despite major advances in oncology. One of the key reasons lies in the disease's unique fibrotic microenvironment-a dense, collagen-rich tissue that acts as a physical and biochemical barrier, preventing drugs from reaching tumor cells effectively.

Now, a research team from Okayama University and Tohoku University has uncovered a promising new way to breach this barrier. Led by Assistant Professor Hiroyoshi Y. Tanaka from the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, the group demonstrated that blocking collagen signaling through the discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) significantly improves the delivery of macromolecular drugs in pancreatic cancer. Their study, published online on October 31, 2025, in the journal Small, highlights a new therapeutic approach to enhance drug effectiveness by dismantling fibrotic resistance mechanisms.

The research was spearheaded by Ms. Mayu Ohira and Ms. Moe Kitamura, co-first authors from Okayama University, and carried out in close collaboration with Professor Atsushi Masamune of Tohoku University and Professor Mitsunobu R. Kano of Okayama University. Together, the team investigated how collagen-long considered merely a structural barrier-also acts as a signaling molecule that directly influences fibrosis and drug penetration.

"Our findings reveal that collagen signaling, not just its physical density, plays a crucial role in hindering drug delivery," explained Dr. Tanaka, a co-author from Okayama University, Japan. "By inhibiting DDR1, we can interrupt this signaling cascade, loosen the fibrotic barrier, and enable better access for therapeutic agents."

The team leveraged an advanced three-dimensional cell culture model that replicates the human pancreatic cancer fibrotic barrier. Through this model, they demonstrated that DDR1 inhibition suppresses collagen signaling and enhances the diffusion of macromolecular drugs, such as antibodies and nanomedicines.

The study also uncovered an unexpected twist: MEK inhibitors, a class of drugs previously tested in pancreatic cancer, were found to increase collagen I expression, intensifying the fibrotic barrier and reducing treatment efficacy. Remarkably, this fibrosis-promoting effect was reversed when DDR1 signaling was blocked.

This newly identified phenomenon, termed 'therapy-induced exacerbation of the fibrotic barrier,' may explain why some MEK inhibitor-based therapies have failed in clinical trials.

We found that while MEK inhibitors can attack cancer cells, they also unintentionally strengthen the fibrotic barrier, making drug penetration even more difficult. Recognizing and countering this effect could fundamentally change how combination therapies are designed for pancreatic cancer." Dr. Hiroyoshi Y. Tanaka, Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University

The researchers emphasized the broader significance of their discovery, noting that a better mechanistic understanding of collagen signaling in fibrosis could lead to new therapeutic strategies across oncology. The team hopes that future studies will validate DDR1 inhibition in clinical settings and pave the way for translational applications in human patients. Looking forward, the team plans to establish combination treatments that simultaneously target tumor cells and their fibrotic surroundings.

Beyond pancreatic cancer, the implications of this study extend to other fibrotic diseases where collagen accumulation limits drug access. By redefining collagen's role as both a structural and signaling component, the researchers believe their work could inform the development of more effective treatments for fibrotic conditions.

As pancreatic cancer continues to pose one of the most formidable challenges in modern oncology, this collaborative study offers new hope, illuminating how rethinking fibrosis might finally help life-saving drugs reach their targets.
A research team led by Erwin F. Wagner from the Medical University of Vienna has discovered a previously unknown molecular mechanism that contributes to the development of psoriasis - and at the same time represents a potential biomarker for a new treatment concept. The study published in Cell Death & Differentiation shows that a specific fatty acid-binding protein (FABP5) drives ferroptosis, a certain form of cell death, and amplifies inflammatory processes in the skin. Blocking this protein significantly improved the skin changes typically associated with psoriasis.

Until now, the chronic inflammatory skin disease psoriasis has been associated with overactivity of the immune system. Now, the scientific team led by Erwin Wagner (Department of Dermatology and Department of Laboratory Medicine, MedUni Vienna) and Kazuhiko Matsuoka (Center for Cancer Research, MedUni Vienna) with first author Kamil Mieczkowski (Department of Laboratory Medicine) has shown for the first time that changes in the fat metabolism of skin cells also contribute significantly to the development and progression of inflammation.



Scientific analyses show that skin samples from psoriasis patients and a corresponding animal model contain significantly elevated levels of the fatty acid-binding protein FABP5, while a certain protective enzyme (GPX4) is detectable at reduced levels. According to the researchers, this imbalance triggers an inflammatory cascade through ferroptosis that is typical of the clinical picture of psoriasis. At the same time, the team found that skin inflammation can be significantly reduced by pharmacological blockade of FABP5 and ferroptosis.

Possible addition to immunomodulatory therapies

Our results show that psoriasis is caused not only by a misdirected immune response, but also by changes in the fat metabolism of skin cells." Erwin F. Wagner, Medical University of Vienna

"FABP5 could therefore serve as a biomarker in the future for developing new, targeted therapies," Kazuhiko Matsuoka adds. This could be of particular benefit to patients who do not respond well to existing immunomodulatory approaches such as biologics.



The researchers also emphasise that FABP5 could be important not only for psoriasis, but also for other inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Since psoriasis is often associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, the study results also provide clues to possible common causes of these diseases. Further studies are needed to deepen and confirm the newly gained insights into the relationship between fat metabolism and inflammatory processes.
In her house in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Barbara Meade said, "there are walkers and wheelchairs and oxygen and cannulas all over the place."

Barbara, 82, has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so a portable oxygen tank accompanies her everywhere. Spinal stenosis limits her mobility, necessitating the walkers and wheelchairs and considerable help from her husband, Dennis, who serves as her primary caregiver.

"I know I need hearing aids," Barbara added. "My hearing is horrible." She acquired a pair a few years ago but rarely uses them.

Dennis Meade, 86, is more mobile, despite arthritis pain in one knee, but contends with his own hearing problems. Similarly dissatisfied with the hearing aids he once bought, he said, "I just got to the point where I say, 'Talk louder.'"

But if you ask either of them a question included on a recent University of Michigan survey  "Do you identify as having a disability?"  the Meades answer promptly: No, they don't.

Disability "means you can't do things," Dennis said. "As long as you can work with it and it's not affecting your life that much, you don't consider yourself disabled."

Their daughter Michelle Meade, a rehabilitation psychologist and the director of the Center for Disability Health and Wellness at the university, accompanies her parents to medical appointments and tends to roll her eyes at their reluctance to acknowledge needing support.

Working with other researchers on the recent national poll has shown her how often older adults feel that they are not disabled despite ample evidence to the contrary.

The survey looked at nearly 3,000 Americans aged 50 and older and found that only a minority  fewer than 18% of participants over 65  saw themselves as having a disability.

Yet their responses to the six questions that the Census Bureau's American Community Survey uses to track disability rates told a different story.

The survey asks whether respondents have difficulty seeing or hearing, limitations in walking or climbing stairs, difficulty concentrating or remembering, trouble dressing or bathing, difficulty working, or problems leaving the home.

In the university's survey, about a third of those aged 65 to 74 reported difficulty with one or more of those functions. Among those over 75, the figure was more than 44%.

Moreover, when respondents were asked about several additional health conditions that would require accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, including respiratory problems or speech disorders, the proportion climbed even higher. Half the 65-to-74 group reported disabilities, as did about two-thirds of those over 75.

Yet only a sliver  fewer than 1 in 5  of older adults had ever received an accommodation from their health care providers to which they are legally entitled under the ADA.

Even among the small minority who identified as disabled, only a quarter had asked for an accommodation (though a third received one, whether they asked or not).

"It's a familiar story," said Megan Morris, a rehabilitation researcher at NYU Langone Health and director of the Disability Equity Collaborative. When it comes to the way people describe themselves, "many people still feel like 'disability' is a dirty word," she said.

It's almost an American value to decline to seek help, even when the law requires that it be available, Michelle Meade added. Faced with a disability, she said, "we're supposed to toughen up and battle through it."

That may be particularly true among older Americans whose attitudes formed before the landmark ADA became law in 1990, or even before the 50-year-old Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, which guaranteed access to public education.

"It's going to be hard for that older generation," Morris said. "Disability was something that was locked away. Younger folks are more open to seeing disability as being part of a community."

In the University of Michigan survey, for instance, among people over 65 who had two or more disabilities, about half identified as a person with a disability. In the younger cohort, aged 50 to 64, it was 68%.

Why does that matter? "It greatly assists in health care settings if you disclose a disability and know to request an accommodation and support," said Anjali Forber-Pratt, the research director at the American Association of Health and Disability.

Such accommodations "can make a stressful situation easier," she added. They include mammography and X-ray machines that allow patients to remain seated, scales that wheelchair users can roll onto, examination tables that rise and lower so that patients don't have to step onto a footstool and swivel around.

Health care providers may also offer amplification devices for people with hearing loss, as well as magnifiers and large print materials for the visually impaired. Buildings themselves must be accessible. Practices can send a staff member with a wheelchair to help patients traverse long distances.

Even with a disability parking placard, "you hike in, you wait for the elevator, you hike to the office," said Emmie Poling, 75, a retired teacher in Menlo Park, California.

Because of arthritis and spinal stenosis, "I can't walk with an upright posture for more than a few minutes" without pain, she said. "I basically live on Tylenol." Yet when she makes an appointment and the scheduler asks if she will need assistance, Poling replies that she won't.

"My personal voice says, 'Come on, you can do it,'" she said.

Identifying as a person with a disability provides other benefits, advocates say. It can mean avoiding isolation and "being part of a community of people who are good problem-solvers, who figure things out and work in partnership to do things better," Meade said.

Government programs and private organizations like the National Disability Rights Network, the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network, and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities help connect people with services and supports in their communities.

Several studies have found, too, that patients who identify as disabled have less depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem, and a greater sense of "self-efficacy" than disabled people who don't.

For years, despite a lifetime of surgeries for congenitally dislocated hips, as well as joint replacements and cancer treatment, Glenna Mills, an artist in Oakland, California, told herself that she was not disabled.

"I suffered a lot by denying that I couldn't walk very far," she recalled. Although walking caused pain in her knees, hips, and shoulders, "I didn't want people to see me as someone who couldn't keep up," she added.

But about 10 years ago, "I stopped worrying about that," said Mills, 82. "I was more willing to say, 'I can't do that activity. I can't walk that far.'" She bought a scooter that allowed her to take walks with her husband and dog, and to spend time in museums. "I'm happier now," she said.

More often, older Americans resist a label that could help improve their care. Even those who do request accommodations may find that enforcement of the ADA remains spotty, in part because patients don't always report violations.

The Meades, after years of pleading from their children, have made appointments to see an audiologist about new hearing aids.

But Poling intends to struggle on without seeking or accepting assistance. "I know that point will come," she said. "I'll attempt to surrender as gracefully as possible, given my personality."

Until then, she said, "the mental picture that's acceptable to me is not wanting to look like I'm disabled."

The New Old Age is produced through a partnership with The New York Times.
Bruker's Acquifer Imaging Machine (IM) is a fully automated widefield microscope with both brightfield and fluorescence imaging capabilities. It is best suited for high-content screening (HCS) and drug discovery experiments.

The Acquifer IM's static sample holding and movable optical unit keep samples stable throughout imaging. This is especially important for motion-sensitive samples like non-adherent cell cultures and embryos.

The system also offers a number of features that increase its utility and adaptability in automated drug discovery workflows, such as built-in temperature regulation, a robotic lid, and an open software interface.

This article describes how these distinct capabilities, along with the smooth implementation of automated processes, enable improved time-lapse investigations, screening, and high-throughput imaging tests.

Drug screening experiment design

Drug screening is a critical stage in medication development. It aids in the identification of prospective medicinal compounds, the evaluation of their efficacy, and the assessment of any side effects prior to clinical trials. Effective drug screening can also save time and resources by ensuring that only the most promising candidates advance.

An ideal setup for drug screening allows for straightforward drug administration. Drugs can be mixed into water for zebrafish or screened using 96-well plates for high-throughput analysis.

The Acquifer IM supports both of these experimental settings as it uses moving optics and excellent environmental control to preserve the samples. The Acquifer IM was designed in collaboration with active researchers to provide a suitable configuration for HCS drug screens using popular models such as cell cultures, organoids, and zebrafish.

Application example: Zebrafish HCS

In zebrafish HCS systems, efficiently managing multiple samples is critical. Typical zebrafish screens consist of hundreds to thousands of samples, with larvae investigated in bulk in 96-well microtiter plates. To accurately examine the phenotypic effects of medications, samples must be consistently aligned.

Random embryo orientation would make consistent, high-resolution imaging and capturing the same region of interest (ROI) difficult, both of which are critical for correct assessment.

Figure 1. Random orientation in 2.5x magnification. Red rectangles show the tissue of interests field of view with a 10x magnification, and how random orientation would lead to data analysis challenges. Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

To address this, scientists and Bruker's IM team collaborated on an experimental design that used adapters to make agarose gel indentations to consistently orient embryos in 96-well microtiter plates.

They used 3D-printed molds to form agarose gel in 96-well microtiter plates into a hollow, allowing the zebrafish larvae to align in the same direction. In addition, diverse geometries allowed the users to easily orient specimens dorsally or laterally.1

The Acquifer IM's sample-centered approach provides precision and dependability through friction-free linear motor technology and a motorized lid for robot-ready operation. Its moving optics keep the sample motionless, which is great for sensitive specimens, and built-in temperature adjustment ensures the best conditions.

Other capabilities include feedback microscopy, an open developer interface for scripting, and an optional photomanipulation module, making it an adaptable tool for sophisticated imaging requirements.

Figure 2. Left: 3D printed mold creates agarose gel indentation for standardized zebrafish embryo alignment. Right: Standardized embryo orientation with slightly different head positioning. Images used and adapted from [1] under a CC-BY 4.0 International License.

However, even with standardized body axis placement, embryo location may differ between samples, preventing standardized high-resolution imaging. To address this, the researchers developed Plate-Viewer visualization software, which allows for seamless labeling of regions of interest (e.g., tissues and organs) for future imaging.

This means that precise anatomical regions of interest can be obtained, and uniform data analysis is more simply accomplished. By standardizing the experimental setup with the Acquifer IM, 3D orientation tool, and Plate-Viewer software, data from complicated specimens may be gathered and analyzed in a high-throughput manner.

Application example: Automating workflows from sample preparation to results

To improve HCS experimental design, Westhoff et al. (2020) developed a methodology that included many semi-automated steps, such as targeted imaging of regions of interest, morphological characterization, and interactive data visualization.2

In this study, a compound library of authorized medications was used to screen for nephrotoxicity. The goal was to analyze 1280 chemicals in over 15,000 embryos and quantitatively evaluate 26 phenotypic changes. Such an initiative highlights the need for automated processes.

At 24 hours after fertilization (hpf), specimens were treated with chemicals from the Prestwick Chemical Library R (Prestwick Chemical, D'Illkirch, France).

To standardize larval position, larvae were placed in an agarose gel fitted with 3D-printed molds at 48 hours post-fertilization. The Acquifer IM was then used to acquire a Z-stack of GFP and brightfield channels, with Z-stack centers determined using the GFP channel's built-in autofocus.

Brightfield images were used for broad phenotypic observations (malformation, oedema, etc.) caused by medication treatment, whilst GFP photos were manually annotated to precise kidney morphology levels. The study examined the effects of 1280 chemicals on over 15,000 embryos.

This resulted in 4.2 TB of data, which was stored and processed using Acquifer HIVE, Bruker's large data management system for centralized storage and computation.2

Automated imaging and processing

Semi-automatic ROI selection with the Acquifer Plate-Viewer

Semi-automated approaches to imaging and analysis are excellent for HCS since they involve minimal human interaction and no custom algorithm development. This strategy is useful when dealing with variable data that requires sophisticated image detection routines.

For supervised feedback microscopy, the Acquifer Plate-Viewer employs a semi-automated technique. It displays low-magnification pre-screen data from a whole microtiter plate in the plate layout, providing a quick and intuitive overview.

The integrated Click-Tool enables microscope users to select regions of interest for each well, while built-in Template Matching algorithms robustly pinpoint a wide range of target structures, including complex reporter expression patterns, morphological features, and unusual events.

Acquifer IM captures high-resolution data from specified locations depending on predefined settings, which are intuitively presented via the Acquifer Plate Viewer.

Figure 3. Illustration of Click-Tool functionality. Top: Three-day-old embryo of the epi:GFP;myl7mR transgenic line. Zebrafish embryos were visualized in Plate-Viewer software after the automated region of interest selection. Bottom left: The red bounding box indicates the field of view of a 10x objective used for subsequent high-resolution imaging. Bottom right: Single Z-plane of an automatically acquired high-resolution dataset. Image Credit: Nadia Mercader, Uni Bern.

Template matching

In HCS, automated object localization in biomedical imaging frequently depends on traditional image processing methods such as thresholding or edge detection. However, these methods frequently fail when images have low contrast or incomplete architecture.

As a result, more generic multi-step techniques can be effective for breaking down a large activity into manageable chunks.

Thomas and Gehrig previously presented a multi-template matching approach to boost detection capacity.4 The approach improved HCS and was implemented as a Fiji plugin, KNIME workflow, and Python package. It also improves object localization by leveraging numerous templates to facilitate automatic localization in microscope pictures.

This method's implementation, which does not require data pre-processing or annotation, is appropriate for a wide range of applications, including large-scale automated microscopy datasets and time-lapse analyses.

Figure 4. Detection of head regions in oriented zebrafish larvae using single template matching: (a) The searched image (2048  2048 pixels, scale bar: 1 mm) includes an inset template (188  194 pixels), a search region in orange (1820  452 pixels), and the predicted location in blue. The red cross marks the global maximum of the correlation map shown in (b); (b) Correlation map with the red cross indicating the bounding box position in (a). The grid area shows the correlation map's smaller size compared to the search image; and (c) Montage of detected head regions within a 96-well plate. Images used and adapted from [4] under a CC-BY 4.0 International License.

Batch processing with customized macro

In HCS, the ability to quantitatively analyze data is crucial, especially for tasks like morphological profiling after segmentation in phenotypic screening. Given the sheer volume of data involved, robust batch processing is not just helpful; its essential.

The Bruker ACQUIFER Fiji update site is a versatile toolbox for image processing, visualization, and batch analysis.5 It includes built-in tools like a plate montage viewer and supports image processing using Fiji Macros as well as other Fiji-compatible languages such as Java or Ruby.6

In addition, the updated site offers a wide range of examples and detailed documentation to support the development of analysis pipelines and smart microscopy workflows.

Application example: Understanding kidney development and disease from bench-to-bedside

Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a set of diseases that scar the kidney's glomeruli, causing protein to seep into the urine. The absence of appropriate cell culture-based assays that reproduce physiological settings such as glomerular perfusion makes studying the causes and potential treatments of FSGS hard.

To circumvent this technical barrier, zebrafish can imitate kidney disorders using the nitroreductase/metronidazole (NTR/MTZ) system.7 The NTR/MTZ approach enables the induction of FSGS lesions by introducing medicines into the water, avoiding individual kidney injections.

Figure 5. The Bruker Acquifer Fiji Update site is an ideal toolbox for image processing, visualization, and batch processing. Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

Schindler et al. (2023) from the University of Medicine Greifswald used the NTR/MTZ system to produce FSGS lesions and screen a library of epigenetic modulators and FDA-approved medicines to see how they affected zebrafish kidneys.8,9

Acquifer HIVE was used to store and interpret thousands of zebrafish larval photos, allowing for automated analysis. Custom Fiji and image analysis macros enabled vascular segmentation and podocyte detection using mCherry fluorescence.

This high-content screening revealed that Belinostat is protective in an FSGS-like zebrafish model.

Figure 6. Zebrafish kidney analysis with a single dorsally oriented embryo from a 96-well plate acquired over a period of 29 hours (top: start, bottom: end). Tg(wt1b:EGFP) transgenic line. Images used from [1] under a CC-BY 4.0 International License.

Application example: Organoid development

In organoid research, drug screening has yielded promising results, for example, the use of a GSK3 inhibitor in Medaka-derived organoids. Inhibiting GSK3 activates the Wnt/-catenin pathway, promoting the formation of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) marked by the specific expression of Otx2, an RPE marker.

This approach underscores the value of organoid models in drug discovery, offering insights into tissue-specific responses and the molecular mechanisms driving organogenesis.

Such advances highlight how organoid systems can be applied to high-throughput drug screening, accelerating the identification of therapeutic targets and deepening our understanding of developmental biology.

Figure 7. Still images from a video showing medaka blastula-derived aggregates undergoing morphological changes during the acquisition of retinal fate. Top: 00:30 hours; bottom: 16:00 hours. Images used from [10] under a CC-BY 4.0 International License.

Transforming drug discovery

Acquifer IM and Acquifer HIVE are well-suited for semi-automated HCS in drug discovery research. While the examples discussed here focus on zebrafish and organoids, the same workflows can be applied to other models, including cell cultures and patient-derived tissue biopsies.

By combining Acquifer IMs automated widefield microscopy with Acquifer HIVEs centralized data storage and processing, researchers can streamline their workflows, from sample preparation to final analysis, ensuring both efficiency and consistency.

Acknowledgments

This article is based on materials originally authored by Dr. Jochen Gehrig, Senior Product and Applications Specialist; Dr. Laurent Thomas, Software Engineer; and Dr. Elisabeth Kugler, External Marcom Specialist at Bruker.

References

Wittbrodt, J.N., Liebel, U. and Gehrig, J. (2014). Generation of orientation tools for automated zebrafish screening assays using desktop 3D printing. BMC Biotechnology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6750-14-36. Westhoff, J.H., et al. (2020). In vivo High-Content Screening in Zebrafish for Developmental Nephrotoxicity of Approved Drugs. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2020.00583. Gehrig, J., Pandey, G. and Westhoff, J.H. (2018). Zebrafish as a Model for Drug Screening in Genetic Kidney Diseases. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2018.00183. Thomas, L.S.V. and Gehrig, J. (2020). Multi-template matching: a versatile tool for object-localization in microscopy images. BMC Bioinformatics, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12859-020-3363-7. Schindelin, J., et al. (2012). Fiji: an open-source Platform for biological-image Analysis. Nature Methods, 9(7), pp.67682. https://www.nature.com/articles/nmeth.2019. Acquifer (2022). ACQUIFER update site for Fiji. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ1cfOkkTEE [Accessed 24 Sep. 2025]. Curado, S., Stainier, D.Y.R. and Anderson, R.M. (2008). Nitroreductase-mediated cell/tissue ablation in zebrafish: a spatially and temporally controlled ablation method with applications in developmental and regeneration studies. Nature Protocols, 3(6), pp.948954. https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2008.58. Schindler, M., et al. (2023). A Novel High-Content Screening Assay Identified Belinostat as Protective in a FSGS - Like Zebrafish Model. Journal of The American Society of Nephrology, 34(12), pp.19771990. https://doi.org/10.1681/asn.0000000000000235. Schindler, M., et al. (2023). In vivo-Medikamenten-Screening zur Behandlung von Glomerulopathien. BIOspektrum, 29(5), pp.494496. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12268-023-1997-5. Zilova, L., et al. (2021). Fish primary embryonic pluripotent cells assemble into retinal tissue mirroring in vivo early eye development. eLife, [online] 10, p.e66998. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.66998.

About Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology

Brukers suite of fluorescence microscopy systems provides a full range of solutions for life science researchers. Their multiphoton imaging systems provide the imaging depth, speed and resolution required for intravital imaging applications, and their confocal systems enable cell biologists to study function and structure using live-cell imaging at speeds and durations previously not possible. Brukers super-resolution microscopes are setting new standards with quantitative single molecule localization that allows for the direct investigation of the molecular positions and distribution of proteins within the cellular environment. And their Luxendo light-sheet microscopes, are revolutionizing long-term studies in developmental biology and investigation of dynamic processes in cell culture and small animal models.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
After Prada pact, Goyal says Kolhapuri chappal exports can touch USD 1 bn/yr

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 20:15 IST

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (PTI) Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday pegged the Kolhapuri chappal exports to be a USD 1-billion per year opportunity.

The comments came a day after Italian fashion house Prada signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two government-run corporations on a project to celebrate Indian craftsmanship in a limited edition, Kolhapuri chappal-inspired sandals to be made in India.

A few months ago, Prada was panned after it was discovered that some of its designs were inspired by the traditional Kolhapuri chappals of western Maharashtra and no credit was given to artisans. The fashion house rushed teams to India after the uproar.

Goyal told reporters that he is very happy for the collaboration between Prada and Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers, and added that Maharashtras footwear has the potential to be a global brand.

I had always envisaged Kolhapuri chappals to be able to do an export of USD 1 billion from India. And thats the potential that I would like both sides to collaborate and work towards," he added.

The city-born Union minister said he used to wear Kolhapuri chappals during his childhood and added that once someone gets used to the leather footwear, they do not try anything else.

The Italian fashion majors Kolhapuri sandal collection is slated for a February 2026 debut across 40 select stores of Prada and its e-commerce platform.

Prada signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai on Wednesday with LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation) and LIDKAR (Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation) for its work on the Kolhapuri chappal.

The signing, done on the eve of Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajanis Mumbai visit, will result in a limited edition sandal collection that will be manufactured in India in collaboration with skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, a statement said.

Combining traditional techniques with Pradas contemporary design and premium materials, the collection creates a unique dialogue between Indian heritage and modern luxury expression," it added.

The collaboration with Prada reflects an ethical partnership where a global brand works directly with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, recognising their expertise and giving them full credit," the Maharashtra government-run LIDCOMs Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar said.

The aim of the project is to foster the exchange of skills and knowledge, ensuring that these techniques continue to thrive, while creating learning opportunities for young people within local communities, the statement said.

Our collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR stems from a meaningful cultural exchange, where every voice contributed to creating not just a product, but a broader initiative," Pradas group head of corporate social responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said. PTI AA TRB

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM denied permission to meet Imran Khan in jail

Last Updated: December 12, 2025, 04:00 IST

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Peshawar, Dec 12 (PTI) Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi was denied permission to meet incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan for the 10th time on Thursday by the Adiala jail administration.

The police informed the chief minister at the Adiala jail that the meeting could not be allowed.

Speaking to mediapersons, Afridi said that it was strange that an elected chief minister was not being allowed to meet his partys founding chairman despite court orders to the contrary.

He questioned the state on the message being sent to PTI and Imran Khans sisters, who were peacefully protesting but were dispersed using water cannons. He asked whether the intention was to suggest that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was not considered part of Pakistan.

He warned that both the federal and Punjab government leadership would face consequences once the PTI returned to power at the Centre.

Afridi said efforts had been underway for the past three years to minus Imran", but all such attempts had failed. The government and the powers that be" should engage in talks with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, as Imran had authorised them to represent him in negotiations, he added.

Replying to a question about Faiz Hameeds sentencing, Afridi said it was an internal matter of the institution".

Early on Wednesday morning, authorities used water cannons to disperse protesters, including the sisters of the PTI founder, who were staging a sit-in outside Adiala jail after being denied a meeting with the ex-premier.

The sit-in, led by Aleema and also including Imrans other sisters Uzma and Noreen, was staged outside the jail on Tuesday after she was once again denied a meeting with the ex-premier.

Senior party members, including PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI KP Provincial President Junaid Akbar Khan, had also joined the demonstration. PTI AYZ RUK RUK

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BUDAPEST, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hungary will not implement the European Union's new migration pact and will refuse to accept any migrants under the scheme, senior government officials said on Wednesday.

Gergely Gulyas, head of the Prime Minister's Office, told reporters that EU interior and justice ministers had adopted an implementing decision defining the number of asylum seekers and reception capacity allocated to Hungary.

On Monday, the European Council reached a political agreement on the 2026 migration "Solidarity Pool," which provides for the relocation of 21,000 asylum seekers across member states and includes 420 million euros (489.5 million U.S. dollars) in financial contributions.

Gulyas said the mechanism could "in a crisis situation allow the unlimited redistribution of migrants," a prospect the Hungarian government considers unacceptable.

"Hungary will not implement the migration pact, and will not accept a single migrant," he said.

He added that the government had followed "the most democratic procedure" by holding a referendum in which, according to him, an "overwhelming majority" rejected mandatory migrant resettlement. For this reason, he argued, the EU cannot decide "with whom Hungarians should live together."

Prime Minister Viktor Orban also criticized the decision, calling it "a new, absurd, and unjust attack against Hungary" in comments posted on social media.

He said the pact would oblige Hungary to either take in migrants from other EU countries or pay a financial contribution starting next July.

"I want to make it absolutely clear once and for all that as long as Hungary has a national government, we will not implement this outrageous decision," Orban said.

He added that next April's elections would determine whether Hungarians want "a government that will strike a deal with Brussels and accept the migration pact, or ... a migrant-free Hungary."

Editor: Xiong Jian
MEA fact-check unit debunks fake letter attributed to Jaishankar on Rafale deal

Last Updated: December 12, 2025, 03:15 IST

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New Delhi [India], December 12 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs fact-check unit has dismissed as fake a viral letter purportedly written by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the French Embassy regarding the Rafale deal. The unit clarified that the alleged communication alleging that information on Rafale deliveries had been leaked is entirely fabricated.In a post on X on Thursday, the MEA fact-check unit released an image, which shows that the fake" letter was circulated by an X account named Discourse Lab, which alleged that Jaishankars letter to France confirms one thing: the Rafale controversy is far from over. New Delhi is struggling to contain the fallout of leaked communications."The MEA dismissed the circulating letter as fake" and urged people to remain vigilant against disinformation.The letter being referred to in this post is fake. Always stay alert against disinformation," the MEA stated in its post on X. https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/1999003601218449897?s=20The fake letter, falsely attributed to Jaishankar, claimed that details of the Rafale naval aircraft delivery schedule had been leaked and that the disclosure had caused unexpected complications.The document, dated November 26, 2025, bore a fabricated signature of the External Affairs Minister and was addressed to French Ambassador Thierry Mathou.It has come to our attention that certain communications concerning the Rafale naval aircraft timeline have recently emerged in the public domain. While we fully understand the complexities of such arrangements and the detailed processes involved, the unintended disclosure has created some unforeseen challenges for us, given the nature of our extensive collaboration," the fake letter stated.As partners with a long-standing and valued relationship, we are confident that the professionalism and discretion that have characterized our interactions will continue to guide our future communications. We remain committed to deepening our cooperation and look forward to further strengthening the trust and understanding between our nations," it further claimed.The fake letter comes months after the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 63000 crore defence deal with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft.The deal was inked in April at the Defence Ministry headquarters at South Block in the national capital, the Indian Navy said.The French Ambassador to India represented his country, while Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh represented the Indian side, among other officials. The Defence Ministers of both countries also attended the signing remotely.The government-to-government contract includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale M jets, customised for Indian requirements and carrier integration. The Rafale M jets will operate from INS Vikrant and support the existing MiG-29K fleet.The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft acquired under a separate deal signed in 2016. The new deal will raise the total number of Rafale jets in India to 62. (ANI)

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PFRDA expands investment options for pension fund deployment

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 20:15 IST

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (PTI) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has widened the investment options for deploying funds to garner better returns.

The pension fund regulator has now allowed pension funds to be invested in NIFTY 250 Index stocks not exceeding 25 per cent of the total corpus, the master circular dated December 10 said.

It has also permitted investments in gold and silver ETFs, giving pension funds the option to diversify into commodity investments.

The regulator has also allowed investment in units of Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) regulated by the SEBI and investment in SEBI-Regulated Alternative Investment Funds (Category I and Category II only), it said.

It further said that the sponsors of the alternative investment funds should not be the promoter in pension fund or the promoter group of the fund.

Besides, it said, the AIFs should not be managed by investment manager, who is directly or indirectly controlled or managed by pension fund.

Commenting on the development, Amit Shetty, CEO of Embassy Office Parks REIT, said by widening investment choices for NPS subscribers to include high-quality debt, equity, infrastructure and real estatelinked instruments like REITs, the move will help channel long-term pension capital into productive Grade-A assets and support better retirement outcomes for millions of Indians.

Pension-fund participation in Indian REITs and Invits strengthens the capital base for infrastructure and real estate, while advancing Indias ambition to build deeper and more efficient capital markets. Their patient capital enhances yield stability and enables sustained, high-quality asset creation," said Shirish Godbole, CEO of Knowledge Realty Trust (KRT).

According to Gopal Jain, managing partner, Gaja Capital & Co-Chair, Regulatory Affairs Committee, IVCA the recent developments from PFRDA reflect a clear and steady vision for how Indias pension architecture can support long-term value creation.

The announcement of an NPS fund-of-funds marked a bold step towards giving retirement capital a structured, well-governed pathway into private markets. The updated Master Circulars build on that momentum by bringing clarity and consistency to the framework through which pension funds operate," he added. PTI DP DP MR

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President Droupadi Murmu to begin winter sojourn in Hyderabad from Dec 17

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 19:45 IST

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Hyderabad, Dec 11 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu will visit Hyderabad for her winter sojourn at the Rashtrapati Nilayam here from December 17 to 21.

Telangana government Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao, who reviewed the preparations with officials on Thursday, directed state government officers, central government departments and the officials of Rashtrapati Nilayam to work in coordination to ensure smooth arrangements for her visit, an official release said.

He issued instructions to various departments on security, traffic, fire safety arrangements, and uninterrupted power supply.

The top official asked the health department to station a medical team at the Nilayam during the visit.

Officials were asked to deploy snake catchers and special teams to tackle monkey menace in the premises of the Nilayam besides making arrangements in to handle honeybees on the premises, it said.

DGP B Shivadhar Reddy and several senior officials attended the meeting, it added.

The President of India visits the Rashtrapati Nilayam at least once a year and conducts official business.

The The Retreat Building in Shimla and the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad  both Presidential Retreats  reflect their integrative role of the Presdients office in the country.

These locations, one in north and another in south, symbolise the countrys unity and the unity of diverse cultures and people.

Located at Bolarum in the city, Rashtrapati Nilayam building was taken over from the Nizam of Hyderabad after India attained independence and handed over to the Presidents Secretariat.

Constructed during 1860, the building has a total land area of 90 acres. A single storied building, it contains in its premises 11 rooms. It also has a Dining Hall, Cinema Hall, Morning room, Dining room and others. PTI SJR SJR ROH

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TN man missing since 2010 found in Kerala jail, to be arrested after court nod

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 21:15 IST

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Kochi, Dec 11 (PTI) More than a decade after a young man went missing after leaving his home in Tamil Nadu, an NIA court here has cleared the way for investigators to finally arrest him.

The man, known as Ramesh or Vasanth to his family, left for what his parents believed was a new job in 2010, and never returned.

Only this year did they learn through a newspaper report that he had been arrested in another state and was living under a different name.

Now, with the courts permission, Tamil Nadus Q Branch can formally arrest him inside the Viyyur central jail in Thrissur, where he is currently lodged, a step that could shed light on the mystery surrounding his disappearance.

Interestingly, he is also named as an accused in a Maoist-related case and was known by the nickname Ramesh.

His alleged links to the outlawed organisation led the Tamil Nadu Police to register a case under the anti-terror law.

The NIA Court in Kochi on Wednesday granted permission to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Q Branch, to arrest Ramesh alias Vasanth, a native of Ranipettai, Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Q Branch approached the court, stating that Vasanth left his house on May 16, 2010, by train to join a job in Coimbatore and did not return.

As per the petition, his father filed a man missing case at Arcot Town Police Station in 2023.

After seeing a newspaper report, Vasanths parents learned that he had been arrested by the Karnataka police in January this year.

The petition said that they met him at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, where Vasanth allegedly told them that after leaving home, he joined the Maoist organisation under the nickname Ramesh." Following this information, Tamil Nadu Police altered the charges in the missing case to include offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The probe was transferred to the Q Branch unit of Thirupattur district for further investigation, the petition said.

According to Q Branch, the investigation revealed that Vasanth joined CPI (Maoist), the banned organisation, during his college days and was also involved in various unlawful activities.

Tamil Nadu Police requested the courts permission to formally arrest Vasanth as part of the ongoing investigation.

After examining the application, the court on Wednesday allowed Q Branch to formally arrest Vasanth, who is currently lodged in the High Security Prison at Viyyur, Thrissur.

On going through the application submitted by the petitioner and the other materials placed, I am of the view that formal arrest of the said person is necessary for the proper investigation of the case, and permission can be granted for his formal arrest," Judge PK Mohandas observed.

The court directed that Vasanths formal arrest be recorded at the prison in the presence of the Superintendent before December 25.

Vasanth is the 18th accused in a case related to an exchange of fire between police and a Maoist group under the Edakkara Police Station in Malappuram in 2016, which was later probed by the NIA. PTI TBA TBA ROH

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Trump questions Ukraine's election timeline, tells Zelenskyy to be realistic

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 05:15 IST

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Washington, DC [US], December 11 (ANI): US President Donald Trump intensified criticism of Kyiv on Wednesday, saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has to be realistic" about the war and questioning when Ukraine intends to hold its next elections.Trumps comments followed his separate phone conversations with the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, discussions he said focused on Ukraine in pretty strong terms." According to him, European leaders are seeking a joint meeting with both the United States and Ukraine as early as this weekend.They would like to have a meeting this weekend with both of us, and well make a determination depending on what they come back with," Trump told reporters.His remarks come after several days of urging Zelenskyy to consider a peace proposal aimed at bringing an end to the conflict that began with Russias invasion in 2022.Speaking during a Q&A session, Trump suggested that Kyiv may have to reassess its expectations as the war continues.I think he has to be realistic," Trump said, adding that he still asks, you know, how long is it going to be until they have an election?"As the fighting between Ukraine and Russia moves into its third year, questions over Zelenskyys mandate and the feasibility of elections during wartime have resurfaced, especially after Trumps recent public criticism.In an interview with Politico, Trump accused Zelenskyy of clinging on to power" and cast doubt on Ukraines democratic standing. 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," he said, prompting a firm response from Kyiv.Zelenskyy replied that he was prepared to organise a national vote within the next three months if Ukraines parliament and international partners agreed. Clearly frustrated by the remarks, he insisted the decision belongs solely to Ukrainians. This is a question for the people of Ukraine, not people from other states, with all due respect to our partners," he said.Although Zelenskyys five-year term expired in May 2024, Ukraines constitution prohibits national elections during martial law, which has been in place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Even domestic political opponents acknowledge that holding elections now would be unsafe and impractical due to ongoing missile strikes, displacement of millions, soldiers deployed on the front lines and the risks to voters and polling infrastructure.European leaders have reiterated their support for Zelenskyys legitimacy. On Tuesday, the European Commission restated that elections should only occur when security conditions allow. EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper said Ukraine is facing exceptional times" and stressed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the democratically elected leader, and any election should take place when the conditions are permitting to do so."Russia, however, rejects Zelenskyys legitimacy, arguing that his term has expired and claiming Ukraine no longer has a lawful head of state. Moscow has used this stance to avoid entering binding agreements, stating it cannot negotiate with someone it labels illegitimate." Ukraine and its Western partners counter that Zelenskyy remains the countrys lawful leader under wartime constitutional provisions.This split has created a diplomatic impasse, complicating ceasefire discussions and delaying humanitarian arrangements such as prisoner exchanges. (ANI)

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Corona Remedies IPO Allotment Today: GMP Rises; Here's A Step-By-Step Guide To Check Status Online

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 08:41 IST

The Corona Remedies IPO allotment is likely to be finalised today, December 11, in the evening. Investors can check allotment status on websites of BSE, NSE, and Bigshare Services.

Corona Remedies IPO Allotment Date.

Corona Remedies IPO GMP: The initial public offering of pharma company Corona Remedies Ltd, which closed yesterday, received a whopping 144.54 times subscription on the closing day of the share sale on December 10. The price band of the Rs 655.37-crore IPO was fixed in the range of Rs 1,008 to Rs 1,062. Its share allotment is likely to be finalised today, December 11, in the evening. Investors can check the allotment status on the websites of the BSE, the NSE, and registrar Bigshare Services.

According to market observers, the grey market premium of the IPO has increased to Rs 295, compared with Rs 262 last week.

The IPO was open for public subscription between December 8 and December 10. It received a total of 144.54 times subscription, garnering bids for 62,67,60,106 shares as against 43,36,298 shares on offer. Its retail category got a 30.39x subscription, while its non-institutional investor (NII) quota got a 220.18x subscription. The QIB category received a 293.80x subscription.

The companys shares are scheduled to be listed on both BSE and NSE on December 15.

Corona Remedies IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Corona Remedies Ltd are currently trading at Rs 1,357 apiece in the grey market, against the upper IPO price of Rs 1,062. It means a grey market premium (GMP) of 27.78%, indicating a strong listing for the company.

The GMP had stood at 25.5% last week.

The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Corona Remedies IPO Allotment Today: A Step-By-Step Guide To Check Status Online

The Corona Remedies IPO allotment is expected to be finalised on Thursday, December 11. The allotment status can be checked online by following these steps:

1) Visit registrar Bigshare Services Pvt Ltds portal  https://ipo.bigshareonline.com/ipo_status.html.

2) Under Select Company, select Corona Remedies Ltd from the drop-down. The companys name will be available in the drop-down once the allotment is finalised.

3) Under Select Selection Type, enter your application number, demat account, or permanent account number (PAN).

4) Enter Captcha

5) Then, click on the Search button.

Your share application status will appear on your screen.

Via the BSE

1) Go to the official BSE website via the URL  https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx.

2) Under Issue Type, select Equity.

3) Under Issue Name, select Corona Remedies Ltd in the drop box.

4) Enter your application number, or the Permanent Account Number (PAN). Those who want to check their allotment status via PAN can select the Permanent Account Number option.

5) Then, click on the I am not a robot to verify yourself and hit the Search option.

Your share application status will appear on your screen.

Corona Remedies IPO: More Details

Corona Remedies on Friday mobilised Rs 195 crore from anchor investors.

It has fixed a price band of Rs 1,008-1,062 per share for IPO.

The companys IPO is entirely an offer for sale by promoters and existing investors.

Under the OFS route, existing investors  Sepia Investments, Anchor Partners, and Sage Investment Trust  along with promoters, plan to offload shares.

Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Corona Remedies is a pharmaceutical formulation company engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing products in womens healthcare, cardio-diabeto, pain management, urology and other therapeutic areas.

Its diversified product portfolio comprises 67 brands catering to a range of therapeutic areas as of December 2024.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:41 IST

News business ipo Corona Remedies IPO Allotment Today: GMP Rises; Here's A Step-By-Step Guide To Check Status Online

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Nifty Today Likely To See Positive Start After US Fed Cut: Here're Stocks To Watch On December 11

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 08:00 IST

Even as global sentiment strengthened overnight after the US Fed delivered a 25-bps rate cut to 3.50%-3.75%, the GIFT Nifty hints at a mildly positive start for Indian equities.

Stocks To Watch Today, December 11.

Stocks To Watch, December 11: Even as global sentiment strengthened overnight after the US Federal Reserve delivered a 25-bps rate cut to 3.50%-3.75%, the GIFT Nifty, or Nifty futures, hints at a mildly positive start for Indian equities. The GIFT Nifty is currently trading higher by 131 points, indicating a strong gap-up opening. Here are the stocks to watch today, December 11:

Ashoka Buildcon

The Adani-Ashoka-Aakshaya joint venture (Adani Road Transport 51%, Ashoka Buildcon 26%, Aakshaya Infra Projects 23%) has secured a Letter of Acceptance from the BMC for the Mithi River Development and Pollution Control Project, valued at 1,815.79 crore.

Tata Steel

The Board has cleared the 4.8 MTPA capacity expansion at Neelachal Ispat Nigam (NINL) under Phase I, strengthening its long-products portfolio. It has also approved a 0.7 MTPA Hot Rolled Pickling and Galvanizing Line (HRPGL) at Tarapur and the acquisition of a 50.01% stake in Thriveni Pellets (TPPL) for Rs 636 crore.

Lloyds Metal and Energy

Subsidiary Lloyds Global Resources FZCO will acquire up to 50% in Nexus Holdco FZCO for $55 million. Nexus owns a majority stake in multiple mining companies in the DRC with copper concessions and a processing plant. The company has also signed a non-binding MoU with Tata Steel to explore cooperation in mining, logistics, pellets, and steelmaking.

Puravankara

Subsidiary Starworth Infrastructure & Construction has won a Rs 509.52 crore turnkey contract for civil works, MEP, finishes, and external development for Varnam Phase 1 at One Bangalore Luxury Project.

Petronet LNG

The company has signed agreements for Rs 12,000 crore in secured rupee term loans from SBI and Bank of Baroda to fund its petrochemicals project at Dahej, including PDH and PP facilities.

Prestige Estates Projects

Subsidiaries Prestige Falcon Realty and Prestige Projects have acquired partnership interest in Bharatnagar Buildcon LLP for Rs 938.75 crore, raising Prestiges indirect holding to 66.93%.

Adani Enterprises

The company has successfully closed its rights issue worth up to Rs 24,930.30 crore. The issue opened on November 25.

Cipla

Cipla has launched Yurpeak (tirzepatide) in India for obesity and type 2 diabetes management. The product is the second tirzepatide brand from Lilly to be marketed in the country, following DCGI approval.

DCM Shriram

The company has signed an MoU with Bayer Crop Science to collaborate on agri-inputs, digital advisory, sustainable farming practices, and value-chain improvement.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders

Mazagon Dock, along with the Indian Navy and Brazilian Navy, has entered an MoU to exchange information on maintaining Scorpene-class submarines and other defence vessels.

KEI Industries

The company has begun commercial production of LT/HT cables at its new greenfield unit in Ahmedabad as part of Phase 1 operations.

State Bank of India (SBI)

SBI has received RBI approval to set up a Section 8 Company for the Digital Payments Intelligence Platform, subject to exemptions from the Department of Financial Services.

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)

LIC has received a GST demand notice from the Deputy Commissioner of State Tax, Mumbai, seeking Rs 2,370.34 crore (including interest and penalty) for FY22 to FY24.

SBI Life Insurance

SBI Life has received an order from the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), which dismissed Sahara India Life Insurances appeal and upheld IRDAIs directive to transfer all policyholder assets and liabilities to SBI Life.

Corporate Movements

Nestle India

Executive Director (Finance & Control) and CFO Svetlana Boldina will step down on January 31, 2026, to take up a new role within the Nestle group.

Jagdeep Singh Marahar has been nominated to succeed Satish Srinivasan as Whole-time Director from June 1, 2026. He will serve as head (technical) from May 1, 2026, as part of the transition.

Block Deals:

Adani Green Energy

TotalEnergies Renewables Indian Ocean has offloaded 2.86 crore shares (1.7%) for 2,778.09 crore at Rs 970 per share.

Quant Mutual Fund emerged as the largest buyer, picking up 1.23 crore shares for Rs 1,200 crore.

Sixteen other investors  including BNP Paribas Financial Markets, Edelweiss MF, Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund, Amity Holdings, Cohesion MK Best Ideas, Visaria Family Trust, and Authum Investment  acquired the remaining 1.62 crore shares worth Rs 1,578.09 crore.

SME Listings

Luxury Time

Western Overseas Study Abroad

F&O Ban List

Bandhan Bank

Sammaan Capital.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:00 IST

News business markets Nifty Today Likely To See Positive Start After US Fed Cut: Here're Stocks To Watch On December 11

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Net Equity Inflows Touch Rs 29,911 Crore In November, Up 21% MoM: AMFI

Reported By :

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 12:14 IST

AMFI data shows net equity inflows rose 21 percent year-on-year in November 2025 to Rs 29,911 crore, up from Rs 24,690 crore in October 2025.

AMFI November Data

AFMI Data: Net equity inflows for the month of November 2025 jumped 21 per cent year-on-year to Rs 29,911 crore versus Rs 24,690 crore in October 2025, according to Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) monthly data.

The total assets under management for equity oriented scheme stood at Rs 35.65 lakh crore, compared to Rs 35.16 lakh crore in October.

Equity Inflows for the month of Nov 25 are at Rs. 29,911 Cr. vs 24,690 Oct 25  a jump of 21%. Investors have continued to show faith in Equity despite the volatility in the markets, according to Ovas Bakshi, Head-Retail Sales, Kotak Mahindra AMC.

Flexicap category got the highest flows at 8135 Cr. followed by large & Midcap category at Rs. 4503 Cr.; Midcap category at Rs.4486 Cr. and Small category at 4406 Cr," he added.

Category-wise flows indicate a continued tilt toward growth-oriented and diversified mandates, with schemes that offer flexibility across market capitalisationssuch as Multicap, Large & Midcap, and Flexicap fundsattracting sizeable inflows as investors sought exposure to multiple pockets of the market, explained Himanshu Srivastava, Principal Research, Morningstar Investment Research India.

Debt funds saw a sharp swing in November 2025, posting net outflows of Rs 25,693 crore after strong inflows of Rs 1.60 lakh crore in October. The drop was mainly due to big withdrawals from the two most liquidity-sensitive categories  overnight and liquid funds  as institutional investors pulled out surplus money ahead of mid-quarter payments and amid tighter system liquidity. Watch more videos Share this Article

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copy link Overnight funds recorded heavy outflows of Rs 37,624 crore, while liquid funds saw redemptions of Rs 14,051 crore. The reversal was driven by month-end treasury moves, higher call money rates, and advance-tax withdrawals by corporates and institutions, which effectively wiped out the temporary inflow surge seen in October.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 12:14 IST

News business savings-and-investments Net Equity Inflows Touch Rs 29,911 Crore In November, Up 21% MoM: AMFI

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Will The New Labour Codes Reduce Your Take-Home Pay? What Govt Clarifies

Reported By :

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 16:01 IST

The Ministry said new Labour Codes will not reduce take-home pay as PF deduction remains on the Rs 15,000 statutory wage ceiling unless employees opt for more.

CTC Structure to Change, Not Your Salary: Govt on New Labour Codes

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has calmed the worries of employees to see a reduction in take-home salary following the implementation of the new Labour codes in a fresh clarification. The Ministry underlined that the new Labour Codes will not reduce take-home pay if PF deduction is on the statutory wage ceiling.

Any PF contribution above Rs 15,000 is optional, not compulsory, the Ministry added.

It means an employees company cant force him/her for extra PF cuts beyond the legal limit unless they choose to contribute more.

Earlier, the government notified the labour codes on November 21, 2025, marking one of the biggest reforms in Indias work environment in decades.

One of the major changes is the new uniform definition of wages. Under the codes, statutory social security benefits such as Provident Fund, Gratuity, and ESI will now be calculated based on this standard definition. This requires companies to rework their CTC (Cost-to-Company) structures for employees.

The new Labour Codes do not reduce take-home pay if PF deduction is on statutory wage ceiling.PF deductions remain based on the wage ceiling of 15,000 and contributions beyond this limit are voluntary, not mandatory.#ShramevJayate pic.twitter.com/zHVVziszpy Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI (@LabourMinistry) December 10, 2025

Example Salary Breakdown (Total Salary = Rs 60,000)

Basic + DA = Rs 20,000

Allowances = Rs 40,000

Before Labour Codes

PF is calculated on the wage ceiling of Rs 15,000.

Employer PF (12% of Rs 15,000) = Rs 1,800

Employee PF (12% of Rs 15,000) = Rs 1,800

Take-home salary = Rs 56,400

After Labour Codes

Since allowances are more than 50% of salary, Rs 10,000 is added back into wages only for calculation purposes.

So wage becomes Rs 20,000 + Rs 10,000 = Rs 30,000.

But PF is STILL calculated only on Rs 15,000, the statutory ceiling.

Employer PF = Rs 1,800

Employee PF = Rs 1,800

Take-home salary = Rs 56,400 (same as before)

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 16:01 IST

News business tax Will The New Labour Codes Reduce Your Take-Home Pay? What Govt Clarifies

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Thief Robbed By Gang Of Thieves In Bengaluru; All Five Arrested

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 08:58 IST

The thief was confronted by four youths who robbed him of his loot. He committed two more robberies before police arrested him and recovered gold and cash.

Representative Image

In a bizarre set of events, a thief was robbed by a gang of thieves in Bengaluru. As he was returning after a robbery with cash and gold, four youths stopped him near a cemetery and robbed him of his loot. As per the reports, the thief, in dismay, committed two more robberies to fix" his luck.

As per a report by Times of India, 30-year-old Ishay Raj robbed a house in Bengalurus Mandur. He fled with 330 grams of gold and Rs 25,000 cash. Before going inside the house, he parked his scooter near a cemetery.

Upon returning, he was confronted by four youths near his scooter and they demanded to know what Raj was doing there. They searched him and found cash and gold. They snatched his loot and gave him Rs 3000 as expense."

As per the police, Ishay Raj thought if he went home empty-handed, it would bring bad luck." So, he robbed two more houses nearby and looted 120 grams of gold and Rs 1.5 lakh cash.

When the homeowners lodged a complaint, Avalahalli police checked the CCTV footage and Raj was identified. Police tracked him to Erode in Tamil Nadu and arrested him.

110 grams of gold and Rs 28,000 were recovered from him. Raj also shared the details of the four youths who robbed him and police arrested them after scanning the CCTV footage.

Four of them had no criminal record.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:58 IST

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Mykola Filonov, public figure, journalist

The European Commission fined Elon Musk's X platform for violating EU transparency rules. In response, the X administration denied the EC access to the control panel for purchasing and tracking advertising.

These two sentences clearly illustrate the contradiction between social media owners and governments. The former want no one to interfere in the functioning of communication platforms. The latter want them to comply with regulations on the non-dissemination and blocking of criminal content. They also want them to provide access to private information to special services.

The declared principles of advocates of unrestricted communication are confidentiality and freedom of speech.

The motivation behind the actions of those who support the regulation of social media and the accountability of their owners is the fight against crime and destructive propaganda.

At first glance, this story has provided further ammunition to opponents of government interference in the policies of information corporations. The last word seems to have been left to Elon Musk, who showed that he could simply cut off Eurocrats from administering the EC's page.

Has the free market once again defeated the cumbersome state mechanism?

Such a statement would have been valid if Donald Trump had not joined the discussion, criticizing the EC and stating that Europe is moving in the wrong direction. Trump often voices what others only think.

But as is easy to see, the US president did not speak out in defense of freedom of speech as such, but in defense of freedom of speech according to the rules of a social network with which he has close ties. And it is logical that Washington will always support American communication platforms. Thanks to internal legal norms, the special services have full access to these platforms.

For the same reason, the Chinese communists defend the free development of TikTok, and Moscow concentrates all communication processes and virtual administrative services in the Max app. This is to lock everything into a single matrix.

It is clear that the Chinese special services control TikTok online and use it to try to influence public opinion around the world. The fact that Russian social networks were created specifically to make it convenient for the special services to track the exchange of information is no secret, even to Russians.

And so, in the dispute between the European Commission and X, it was not Elon Musk who won, but Musk + the US. And Europe has once again learned that it is quite difficult to influence social platforms with non-imperative regulation, no matter how many directives are adopted on this subject. And if at some point the controllers of communication channels (not necessarily social networks) ignore instructions to stop trends in propaganda that are harmful to society for one reason or another, the only way to influence them will be through prohibition. Which, in turn, contradicts the principles of freedom of speech.

Privacy advocates will say that democracy should not allow the creation of a digital concentration camp in its own environment. But, unfortunately, the future is not very optimistic for privacy advocates.

No tool or technology can guarantee 100% anonymity today. And if problems periodically arise even for users of closed communication channels, what can be said about applications and networks used by billions?

Cloud technologies and virtual services still materialize on specific IT infrastructure and in the form of personalized providers. Therefore, when an ordinary citizen resorts to certain methods of virtual communication, their personalization (if necessary) is only a matter of technology.

Is this unpleasant? Yes, it is. But it will be even more unpleasant when, after hacking into a social network account, attackers gain access to all of a specific person's personal services, including bank cards.

All of the above, unfortunately, also applies to the sphere of propaganda, i.e., influencing human behavior through information methods. A viral video on social media that hooks the target audience can cause as much or even more damage than real weapons of war.

The governments of democratic countries are not yet able to effectively counteract this, and therefore resort to fines, bans, blocking, and restrictions. However, the trends in this area are such that various states are moving towards digital autonomy. And if control over communication processes is not exercised by their own, legally defined structures, this niche will inevitably be filled by hostile services.

So far, the situation in Ukraine in this area is far from optimal.

The main reason is that the regulatory framework for social media was formed long before the full-scale war. And the technologies of influence are seriously outdated. That is why our country has been able to respond with varying degrees of effectiveness for several years now, but has not been setting trends.

This problem can only be solved after fully understanding its depth and creating a special state body that would be specifically responsible for communication issues. Without mixing this function with culture, telethons, and other areas. And it would use innovative approaches to ensure soft regulation of social media.

The time for such actions seems to have come.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg & Atal Setu Illegal Toll Collection To End: Check Date, Refund Process

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 12:19 IST

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar directed the state to fully enforce the toll waiver promised under the EV Policy.

He also ordered officials to refund all tolls collected from EV owners. (Representative Image)

Electric vehicle (EV) owners using the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg and Atal Setu will soon be able to travel without paying tolls. The state has been told to make sure the toll waiver is fully active on all three routes within the next eight days.

Along with this, the state government will also start the process of refunding toll money that was wrongly collected from EV users since August 22. Owners will have to submit receipts and proof of payment to get their refund. The decision comes after several complaints that EVs were still being charged tolls despite the states official policy saying otherwise.

State Pushes For Immediate Fix

The order was issued during the Assembly session after Maharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse admitted that toll amounts were still being deducted in some cases. He explained that the Maharashtra Electric Vehicles Policy 2025 came into effect on August 22, but the toll system still needed to sync FASTag data with the VAHAN database. We are trying to speed it up and implement the process effectively," said Bhuse, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar stepped in and made it clear that once the policy was active, charging EVs was not allowed. If even a single EV is being charged toll, then it is illegal," he said. He instructed the government to ensure the entire system is corrected within eight days and told officials to stop charging EVs immediately.

No EV should be charged a toll for the next eight days. Also, a system should be established to refund any toll fees that have already been collected from EV owners," Narvekar said, as quoted by the publication.

Bhuse confirmed that the state government would carry out the Speakers directions and ensure compliance across all toll plazas.

Why Tolls Were Still Being Deducted

Officials said most issues were caused by backend mismatches. Many FASTag systems had not updated the EV category correctly, leading to misclassification at toll booths. This caused automatic deductions even though EVs were exempt.

The exemption covers major routes such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg and Atal Setu. The EV policy also includes benefits like tax waivers, lower registration charges and subsidies to push more people towards electric mobility.

Steps To Follow For Toll Waiver

EV owners must make sure their FASTag is registered with the VAHAN database.

Only then can the system correctly identify their vehicle and apply the toll exemption.

Those who were charged earlier will need to provide receipts to claim their refund.

Push To Improve Charging Network

Along with correcting the toll system, Legislative Assembly Speaker Narvekar also urged the government to speed up the installation of EV charging stations. With the number of EVs rising, he said better infrastructure and more charging points are essential to support users across the state.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 11, 2025, 12:18 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg & Atal Setu Illegal Toll Collection To End: Check Date, Refund Process

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Delhi Government Launches Road Safety Drive To Cut Accidents By 50% By 2030

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 08:01 IST

As per the officials, locations such as Delhi Gate and ISBT Kashmere Gate have already shown improvement, thanks to better road geometry and signal coordination.

Rapid Read

Delhi Traffic Police have issued a traffic advisory in view of the rainfall and waterlogging.

The Delhi Government on Wednesday unveiled a major road safety initiative aimed at cutting road accidents by 50% by 2030, introducing a new action plan centered on safer school routes, tighter enforcement, and upgrades across the citys most accident-prone stretches.

The decisions were taken at the first meeting of the State Road Safety Council chaired by Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, held after nearly two years.

The new plan highlights the introduction of Safe School Zones in the first phase across 100 government and private schools. These zones will feature redesigned pedestrian crossings, improved signage, speed-calming measures and trained volunteers during school hours.

According to the officials, the move targets a worrying rise in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, particularly involving schoolchildren.

To address high-risk stretches, the Council has approved the creation of Zero Tolerance Zones along major corridors like the Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, and NDMC-managed areas.

These zones will include, clearly demarcated bus lanes, strict lane-discipline enforcement, and continuous monitoring by Delhi Traffic Police.

Currently, Delhi operates 47 AI-based cameras, and the Council will work with IIT Delhi to identify more high-risk points for automated surveillance.

The government reviewed 18 identified accident-prone black spots and directed departments to accelerate corrective measures.

As per the officials, locations such as Delhi Gate and ISBT Kashmere Gate have already shown improvement, thanks to better road geometry and signal coordination.

PWD and the Traffic Police have been directed to submit monthly progress reports.

The meeting also reviewed key victim-support programmes, including the Cashless Treatment Scheme, Hit-and-Run Compensation, and the Rah-Veer Good Samaritan Scheme. Departments have been instructed to scale up awareness campaigns so citizens know how to access emergency assistance promptly.

Road Safety Summit Proposed For 2026

The Council has also proposed a Delhi Road Safety Summit in 2026 to bring together experts, enforcement agencies, planners and citizen groups under one platform.

Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said, Road crashes are preventable. Through coordinated efforts, strict enforcement and citizen-centric schemes, the Delhi Government is committed to saving lives."

According to Delhi Police data, the national capital reported 2,235 road accidents, between January and May this year, resulting in 577 deaths and 2,187 injuries.

(With inputs from PTI)

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:01 IST

News new-delhi-news Delhi Government Launches Road Safety Drive To Cut Accidents By 50% By 2030

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Bihar BTSC Staff Nurse Result 2025 Released For 11,389 Posts; What's Next

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 14:52 IST

BTSC Bihar Staff Nurse Result 2025 Out: Qualified candidates will advance to the document verification stage and the final merit list preparation.

BTSC Staff Nurse Results 2025 at btsc.bihar.gov.in. (AI Generated Image)

The Bihar Technical Service Commission (BTSC) has released the staff nurse recruitment result on December 11. Candidates can visit the official website btsc.bihar.gov.in to download their results. Qualified candidates will advance to the document verification stage and the final merit list preparation.

To pass the exam, general category candidates need to secure at least 40 per cent, Other Backward Class must score at least 36.5 per cent, Extreme Backward Class need to secure a minimum of 34 per cent and Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Women, and People with benchmark disability are required to get at least 32 per cent marks.

How To Download BTSC Staff Nurse Results 2025?

Step 1. Visit the official website at btsc.bihar.gov.in.

Step 2. Select Results" or Staff Nurse Recruitment 2025" on the homepage.

Step 3. Click the BTSC Staff Nurse Result 2025" link.

Step 4. Use your registered mobile number and password to log in.

Step 5. The screen will display the results.

Step 6. Download and print it for future reference.

The hall tickets will include not only the marks obtained but also the candidates personal details such as name, roll number, date of birth, etc. If any candidate notices a discrepancy in their scorecard, such as errors in personal details or marks, they must promptly contact the BTSC helpdesk using the contact information provided on the commissions official website and get it rectified at the earliest.

BTSC Staff Nurse Results 2025 Out: Whats Next

Those who cleared the exam will proceed to the next two rounds:

Document Verification: Selected candidates will be invited for document verification. They must have all original educational certificates, category certificates, work experience certificates, photo ID proofs, and other relevant documents ready.

Final Merit List: Following the document verification process, the BTSC will publish a final merit list based on the combined CBT and experience marks.

BTSC aims to recruit a total of 11,389 staff nurses in the health department. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) was conducted from July 30 to August 3, 2025.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 14:52 IST

News education-career Bihar BTSC Staff Nurse Result 2025 Released For 11,389 Posts; What's Next

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Nainital Bank Recruitment 2025 Notification Out For 185 Posts; Application Begins Tomorrow

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 16:59 IST

Nainital Bank Recruitment 2025: Candidates will be selected for CSA, PO, and SO roles via an examination which is scheduled for January 18, 2026.

Nainital Bank has announced a total of 185 vacancies. (Representational/Getty Images)

The Nainital Bank Limited has issued its recruitment notification for various posts including clerical, probationary officer, and specialist officer roles. According to the official notice, the online application process will commence tomorrow, December 12, 2025, and end on January 1, 2026. Candidates will be selected via an examination which is scheduled for January 18, 2026.

Nainital Bank Recruitment 2025: Vacancy Details

Nainital Bank has announced a total of 185 vacancies, which include:

Customer Service Associate (CSA)  71

Probationary Officer (PO) Scale I  40

Risk Officer Scale I  3

Chartered Accountant (CA) Scale I  3

Information Technology Officer (IT Officer) Scale I  15

Law Officer Scale I  2

Credit Officer Scale I  10

Agricultural Field Officer Scale I  10

HR Officer Scale I  4

Manager  Information Technology (IT) Scale II  15

Manager  Chartered Accountant (CA) Scale II  5

Manager  Law Scale II  2

Manager  Risk Scale II  2

Manager  Security Officer Scale II  3

Nainital Bank Recruitment 2025: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have cleared graduation and post-graduation in the relevant field with 50 per cent marks. They must also have relevant work experience. Candidates are advised to check the detailed educational qualification available on the information brochure before applying.

Furthermore, candidates must be at least 21 years as of November 30, 2025 and must not be more than 32 years of age.

Nainital Bank Recruitment 2025: How To Apply

Step 1  Start by heading to the official website nainitalbank.bank.in.

Step 2  Next, sign up using a valid mobile number and email address.

Step 3  Fill in your personal, academic, and professional information.

Step 4  Upload your photograph, signature, and any required documents.

Step 5  Make the payment online for the application fee.

Step 6  Finally, submit your application and download the confirmation slip.

Nainital Bank Recruitment 2025: Selection Process

The recruitment process comprises an online written exam, document verification, and a medical fitness assessment. The online written test will be objective-type and evaluate candidates on areas pertinent to banking roles, such as reasoning ability, English language proficiency, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness, with an emphasis on banking and financial systems. For Specialist Officer positions, there will be an additional section on professional knowledge relevant to the candidates field.

Established in 1973, Nainital Bank Limited is the only Scheduled Commercial Bank of Uttarakhand with 98.62% of its shareholding with Bank of Baroda, operating its Head Office from Nainital.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 16:59 IST

News education-career Nainital Bank Recruitment 2025 Notification Out For 185 Posts; Application Begins Tomorrow

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From Secret Handshakes To Strategic Handholds: Inside The India-Israel Counterterrorism Arc

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 08:00 IST

The relationship has evolved significantly over the past three decades: from a clandestine, transaction-based arrangement into a comprehensive and public strategic partnership

The Modi-Netanyahu call on Wednesday, taking place amid ongoing regional geopolitical turmoil, underscores the commitment to further integrate security interests. File pic/Reuters

The telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday serves as a crucial reminder of the deepening, yet often understated, strategic alliance between India and Israel, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism cooperation.

This security relationship has evolved significantly over the past three decades, transitioning from a clandestine, transaction-based arrangement into a comprehensive and public strategic partnership.

Phase 1: The Clandestine Beginnings (Post-1992)

Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1992, but for years, security cooperation remained largely covert, driven primarily by Indias urgent need for sophisticated military and surveillance technology, particularly after conflicts like the Kargil War in 1999. Israel became a crucial, reliable supplier of defence equipment, often stepping in when other major Western powers were hesitant.

While the partnership was based on military sales, intelligence sharing began to take root, largely focusing on transnational militancy emanating from South Asia and the challenges of border security.

Phase 2: Public Partnership and Shared Threat Perception (Post-2008)

The turning point came following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. The coordinated nature and lethality of the attack, which specifically targeted Jewish sites (Nariman House), crystallised the shared threat perception. This tragedy pushed the counterterrorism relationship into the open. Both nations recognised they faced adversaries operating through non-state actors, requiring sophisticated intelligence and tactical responses.

During this phase, cooperation moved beyond simple procurement to include joint training exercises, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and the deployment of Israeli surveillance and security technology for protecting vital installations and sensitive border areas. The focus shifted to urban counterterrorism, intelligence analysis of sleeper cells, and tackling cyber threats aimed at critical infrastructure.

Phase 3: Strategic Alignment and Comprehensive Cooperation (Post-2014)

The relationship achieved its current strategic maturity after 2014, marked by high-level exchanges, including PM Modis historic 2017 visit to Israel (the first by an incumbent Indian PM) and subsequent visits by Netanyahu to India. The focus broadened to a holistic approach:

Intelligence Fusion: Enhanced real-time intelligence sharing on extremist movements and radicalisation.

Homeland Security: Adopting Israeli models for border management, airport security, and critical infrastructure protection.

Cybersecurity: Collaboration in developing joint strategies and technologies to combat state-sponsored and non-state cyber warfare, a critical area given the global nature of modern terrorism.

The Road Ahead

The Modi-Netanyahu call on Wednesday, taking place amid ongoing regional geopolitical turmoil, underscores the commitment to further integrate security interests. The future roadmap for India-Israel counterterrorism cooperation includes:

AI and Predictive Security: Integrating AI and machine learning into surveillance and predictive threat analysis.

Maritime Security: Expanding cooperation to the maritime domain, securing sea lanes, and sharing intelligence on potential terror threats originating from the Indian Ocean region.

Domestic Production: Moving beyond simple imports to joint R&D and manufacturing under Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, ensuring a reliable, long-term supply of necessary security tools.

This cooperation is now a central pillar of Indias foreign policy, driven by the belief that shared democratic values and a common threat perception make Israel a vital partner in safeguarding its national security interests.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:00 IST

News explainers From Secret Handshakes To Strategic Handholds: Inside The India-Israel Counterterrorism Arc

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Luthra Brothers Detained In Thailand: What Is The Process Of Their Deportation To India?

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 12:54 IST

Indian agencies are coordinating with Thai authorities on the Luthra brothers deportation back to India.

The Luthra brothers are currently in Thai custody as legal formalities proceed.

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Goa club where 25 people were killed in a fire, have been detained in Thailand and are expected to be brought back to India soon. The two have been taken to detention centres in Phuket, and Indian teams have established contact with Thai authorities as the process to secure their return has been initiated.

Sources say Indian agencies had been in touch with Thai authorities and were continuously receiving updates about the brothers movements and stay, eventually learning that they were located outside the main city area.

Now that they have been detained, Indian agencies are coordinating with Thai authorities on their deportation back to India.

How Does Deportation From Thailand to India work?

Here is how things generally proceed for a foreigner facing deportation from Thailand:

Arrest/Detention

If a foreigner is found to have violated immigration laws (overstay, invalid visa, illegal work, etc.), Thai immigration or police can arrest them. After arrest, they are often brought before a court, if required under criminal-procedure for the immigration offence. Then the person is transferred to a detention facility known as an Immigration Detention Center (IDC).

Processing / Verification

At IDC, immigration authorities verify identity, nationality, legal status (passport/visa), and details of the violation or conviction (if any). If the person previously served a criminal sentence (for a crime under Thai law), once the sentence ends, they may not be released but instead transferred to IDC for deportation processing.

The detainee remains in immigration custody (not criminal jail), until necessary travel documents (passport, travel-ticket), embassy/consular clearance (if required), and logistic arrangements (flight, airline) are in place.

Deportation Order & Scheduling Departure

A formal deportation order is issued by competent immigration authority under the Act. The order will usually specify the country of destination (in this case, India), date/mode of removal, and may include a blacklist/re-entry ban" period depending on seriousness of violation.

The burden of cost: The deportee  or in some cases the carrier/airline that brought them  is responsible for paying travel/airfare for deportation.

Return / Handover to Home Country

Once travel documents and ticket are arranged, the person is flown back to their country of origin. For an Indian national, this would mean arrival in India and handover to Indian immigration authorities.

Upon return, their deportation record may be logged. For serious offences (criminal, fraud, overstay of long duration), future visa applications or passport clearances may be affected  both in Thailand and possibly abroad.

Special Considerations & Complications

Detention Duration Can Be Long: Deportation isnt always quick. Sometimes detainees stay in IDC for weeks, months or even longer  especially if there are delays in arranging travel documents, embassy coordination, or lack of funds for ticket.

Cost is on the Deportee: Thailand generally does not bear the cost of deportation. If no airline/carrier is responsible, the deportee must pay for return ticket or risk indefinite detention.

Blacklisting / Ban on Re-entry: Depending on the offence  overstaying, visa-violation, or criminal conviction  deportees may receive a ban on re-entering Thailand. The duration depends on offence severity.

Legal or Humanitarian Appeals Are Rare: While there may be legal or humanitarian grounds (medical issues, family ties, appeals), in practice such exceptions rarely prevent deportation  especially if the offence or sentence is serious.

Embassy / Consular Involvement: For foreign nationals (like Indians), the embassy/consulate plays a role in verifying identity, issuing travel documents, and coordinating repatriation.

How is Deportation different from Extradition

Deportation is administrative removal of a foreigner because their presence is unlawful (visa/immigration/overstay, etc.). No need for criminal charges from home country.

Extradition is a legal process to surrender someone who is accused or convicted of crimes, under a bilateral treaty. For example, the IndiaThailand Extradition Treaty (2013) governs extradition between the two countries.

What This Means For The Luthra Brothers

Thai authorities may have issued (or will issue) a deportation order under the Immigration Act (or following criminal conviction). The brothers will be held at an IDC until their travel documents (passport/India entry-clearance) and flight ticket to India are arranged.

Once those are done, they will be deported: put on a plane to India, at their own cost (or via some arrangement), and handed over to Indian immigration upon arrival. They may receive a re-entry ban/blacklisting, depending on severity of offences.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 12:54 IST

News explainers Luthra Brothers Detained In Thailand: What Is The Process Of Their Deportation To India?

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'Rs 8,600 Per Month': What Do Desis Think About Elon Musk's Starlink Internet Coming To India?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 15:01 IST

Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite-based Internet service, is finally coming to India.

An intense discussion around Starlink Internet service's pricing in India took place on Reddit.

Tesla chief and rocketman Elon Musks Starlink is finally coming to India, and desis have varied thoughts. The satellite-based Internet service, which is already active and operating in over 150 countries, has yet to announce a launch date for India, but Musk is all set to serve the country. SpaceX is doing great work with the Starlink programme, providing low-cost, reliable internet throughout the world, and hopefully, India. Wed love to be operating in India. That would be great. We are operating in 150 different countries now, with Starlink," Musk said in a podcast with Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath.

However, the revelation of Starlinks pricing had many wondering what audience Musks company was actually targeting in India.

What Is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite-based Internet service operated by Musks aerospace company SpaceX. According to Britannica, SpaceX has deployed as many as 6,000 satellites as of June 2024. This constellation of satellites hovers in the low Earth Orbit or LEO, serving users located in areas that lacked traditional Internet service providers.

The Starlink satellite megaconstellation accounted for more than half the active satellites. For India, Maharashtra became the first state to partner with Musks firm to provide satellite-based Internet connectivity in remote and rural areas.

Looking Forward To Serving India"

Musk expressed excitement over serving India in an X post after Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia met with the Starlink leadership.

A pleasure to meet @LaurenDreyer, Vice President of @Starlink Business Operations (SpaceX) and the senior leadership team to discuss advancing satellite-based last-mile access across India," Scindia said in a post on X.

The Union Minister further added that Starlinks satellite technology would play a crucial role in bringing Internet connectivity to remote parts of the country and putting citizens of rural and hard-to-reach regions online, a major step toward PM Narendra Modis vision of a digitally empowered India.

Also Read: Looking Forward To Serve India: Elon Musk As Starlink Official Meets Telecom Minister

As we work to advance PM @narendramodi jis vision of a digitally empowered India, satellite technology will play a pivotal role in extending connectivity to the most remote parts of the country & strengthening internet access to every citizen in rural and hard-to-reach regions, ensuring that digital inclusion accelerates broader development," Scindia added.

Starlink Pricing

Starlink revealed its residential plan for India. Our best internet for home use with the highest available speeds," the company wrote in its pricing flyer.

Musks satellite-based Internet service would be available for Rs 8,600 per month under the proposed residential plan for India. The plan would offer unlimited data. Additionally, a fee of Rs 34,000 would be levied for installing the Starlink hardware.

Starlink, which worked in all weather conditions, was expected to deliver speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps.

What Do Urban Indians Think?

The knee-jerk reaction to Starlinks steep pricing was the Indian public wondering who Musk was catering to.

8,600 per month?? in this money we can get Wifi subscription, OTT subscription, Gaming subscription, recharge plans for whole family, and yeah, Theatre movie tickets, a dinner after that, tv subscription, etc. Too pricey for normal people (sic)," wrote one user in this Reddit thread discussing Starlink.

My 200 mbps cost 5600 for 7 months (sic)," remarked another.

Opting for the Starlink plan in an urban, densely populated city defeated the purpose of Musks Internet service, commented many.

People in Delhi shouldnt be buying this. Its a lower earth orbit satellite based system that delivers internet through satellites and not huge poles. This is not meant for densely populated areas, its better to be used in rural areas. So lets say you retire and want to live in a stranded place in Himachal or Uttarakhand where basic internet is not available, then this stuff makes sense (sic)."

But would rural India be able to afford the costly Internet?

Great for rural areas with that upfront cost? A BSNL /Jio/Airtel plan of 340 per month can cover a poor farmer for at least a decade in the 34k asking price of that hardware. Without government subsidies this wont be affordable to anyone in the rural areas. This is for the rich who live in remote places where terrestrial networks have not reached," stated one.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 15:00 IST

News explainers 'Rs 8,600 Per Month': What Do Desis Think About Elon Musk's Starlink Internet Coming To India?

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What Is The New 'Trump Gold Card' And How Is It Different From US's Green Card?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 10:50 IST

The White House has framed the card as a fast-track route for individuals and a major new tool for companies aiming to retain high-skilled foreign workers.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled the new Gold Card visa, that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent-resident status by donating $1 million to the US Treasury. (AP Photo)

You can now get a permanent residency in the United States if you pay US dollar 1 million to the countrys treasury. US President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled the new Gold Card visa, that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent-resident status by donating $1 million to the US Treasury.

Online applications are now open for the card. The White House has framed the card as a fast-track route for individuals and a major new tool for companies aiming to retain high-skilled foreign workers.

What is The Gold Card?

The Gold Card is a new visa-based immigration program announced by US President Donald Trump. It offers lawful permanent residence" in the US (like a green card"), but through an investment/contribution route rather than traditional employment or family-sponsored visa paths.

Once approved, holders get a pathway to US citizenship  subject to the usual naturalisation process for permanent residents.

What Is The Cost And How It Works

For individuals, the fee is US $1,000,000 (plus a processing fee) to get a Gold Card. Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security, after which petitions are handled on an expedited basis. Once vetting is completed, individuals must make a $1 million gift" to the US government, which is considered evidence that the applicant will substantially benefit the United States." Additional fees may apply depending on the applicants circumstances.

For corporations sponsoring a foreign employee, they must pay US $2,000,000 per employee for the Gold Card. The Trump Corporate Gold Card, allows companies to sponsor one or more employees by paying a $15,000 processing fee per worker and a $2 million gift per employee following vetting.

The programme also lets companies transfer the original $2 million contribution to a new employee without paying again, subject to a 1 per cent annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee, which covers a fresh DHS background check.

The funds paid go directly to the US Treasury. The administration says this will support commerce and public finances.

How Is The Gold Card Different From A Green Card

How You Qualify: A traditional Green Card can be earned through several established immigration pathways  family sponsorship, employment, extraordinary-ability visas, the diversity lottery, or through humanitarian routes like refugee and asylum protection. Even investor-based Green Cards typically require setting up or funding a business and creating American jobs. The Gold Card, on the other hand, removes all these layers. It is built almost entirely around a large financial contribution to the US government. Instead of job creation, business investment, or employer sponsorship, the applicants eligibility is essentially established by their ability to make a substantial payment.

Cost: Most Green Card routes do not involve paying large sums of money to the US government. Even the older investor-visa routes required investment in a real business, not a direct gift" to the Treasury. The Gold Card flips this structure: the core requirement is a one-time payment  running into millions of dollars depending on whether an individual applies directly or is sponsored by a corporation. This payment is treated as a contribution to the US economy, replacing the traditional job-creation test. It is a far more expensive path but is positioned as simpler and more predictable for wealthy applicants.

Process, Speed and Complexity: Applying for a Green Card is often a long, multi-stage process involving paperwork, employment verification, quotas, and background checks. Many applicants wait years because of annual caps and country-specific queues. The Gold Card is marketed as a fast-track alternative. By relying on a financial contribution instead of employer paperwork or investment evaluation, it aims to reduce waiting times and offer a more straightforward route to permanent residency  at least for those who can afford it. While background checks still apply, the overall pathway is built to be quicker than most traditional categories.

Who Its For: Green Cards serve a wide spectrum of people: families reuniting, skilled professionals, international students, refugees, and investors with long-term business plans. The Gold Card narrows the focus dramatically. It is aimed almost exclusively at high-net-worth individuals or companies seeking to retain top global talent by paying for their residency. It is not intended for ordinary immigrants or even typical skilled workers; it is a premium immigration route meant for those with significant financial resources.

Applications for both the individual and corporate Gold Card visas are now live on the US government portal.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 10:50 IST

News explainers What Is The New 'Trump Gold Card' And How Is It Different From US's Green Card?

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Ex-Foreign Secretary Accuses US Of Arming Pakistan Against India: 'We Have To Craft...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 08:23 IST

Raising concerns over the US's packages to Pakistan, former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal accused the United States of arming Pakistan against India.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal

The Trump administration recently notified the US Congress of a proposed USD 686 million upgrade package for Pakistans F-16 fleet. The move drew sharp criticism from several lawmakers and close attention in India as the package enters a mandatory 30-day review period.

Raising concerns over the USs packages to Pakistan, former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal accused the United States of arming Pakistan against India.

He further added that New Delhi needs to craft a suitable response in the area of defence ties with Washington.

Taking to X, Kanwal wrote, In Feb 2025, the US announced almost $400 m of upgrades for Pakistani F16s. In Oct 2025, the US announced supply of AM RAAM missiles to Pakistan. Now, in December 2025 the US has announced a $686m F16 upgrades for Pakistan."

China is arming Pakistan against India and the US has begun that too. This was to be expected following Trumps courting of his favourite Pakistani Field Marshal. We have to craft a response carefully in the area of defence ties with the US," he added.

In Feb 2025 US announced almost $ 400 m of upgrades for Pakistani F16s.In Oct 2025, US announced supply of AM RAAM missiles to Pakistan. Now, in December 2025 the US has announced a $ 686 m F16 upgrades for Pakistan. China is arming Pakistan against India and the US has https://t.co/4f3h6LMPyY  Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) December 10, 2025

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America, Dhruva Jaishankar, has stated that one of the key challenges in India-US relations is Washingtons renewed engagement with Pakistans military leadership.

He made these remarks at the House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittees hearing titled The US-India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific."

Speaking about Indias concerns, he said, The second challenge in India relates to the United States renewed engagement with Pakistans military leadership. Pakistan has a long and well-documented history of using non-state terrorist proxies against India."

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:23 IST

News india Ex-Foreign Secretary Accuses US Of Arming Pakistan Against India: 'We Have To Craft...'

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First Photos Of Detained Luthra Brothers Emerge, Show Them With Hands Tied

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 11:23 IST

The images, taken shortly after their detention outside Phuket, mark the first visual confirmation of their capture following a week-long manhunt

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra fled India soon after the fire in Goa club. (News18)

The first photographs of the detained Luthra brothers have emerged, showing the duo in Thai custody with their hands tied as officials confirmed they are being processed for return to India.

The images, taken after their detention outside Phuket, mark the first visual confirmation of their capture, following a week-long manhunt linked to the Goa club fire that killed 25 people on Saturday.

According to sources, Indian agencies were in touch with Thai authorities and were receiving updates on the brothers movements. Their passports were earlier revoked by the government after a request from the Goa Police.

The Goa Police investigation has revealed that the Luthra brothers booked their flight tickets to Thailand at the very moment emergency crews were battling the blaze at the Arpora nightclub.

According to officials, the tickets were purchased on the MakeMyTrip platform at 1:17 am on December 7, when both Goa Police and Goa Fire Services were still attempting to douse the flames and rescue those trapped inside.

Even as emergency teams were struggling to control the fire and save lives, the Luthra brothers were preparing to flee the country," an official said.

In parallel to the search for the brothers, Goa Police on Thursday brought the arrested accused Ajay Gupta to the state and took him to Anjuna Police Station for further questioning. Gupta, one of the four owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, was granted a 36-hour transit remand by Delhis Saket Court earlier this week before being handed over to Goa authorities.

Delhi Police also informed the Rohini Court that Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra had left the country shortly after the tragedy and that a non-bailable warrant had already been issued against them by a Goa court. The two brothers were later traced to Thailand, where they have since been detained.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 10:51 IST

News india First Photos Of Detained Luthra Brothers Emerge, Show Them With Hands Tied

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Ministry of Economy estimates Ukraine's GDP growth in Nov at 5.3% vs 2.3% in Oct

Growth in Ukraines real gross domestic product (GDP) accelerated to 5.3% in November versus 2.3% in October, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine said in a statement.

"The main drivers of the acceleration were agriculture, domestic trade, construction, and the processing industry," the Ministry stressed.

According to Oleksiy Sobolev, the Minister of Economy, the Ukrainian economy is growing despite significant obstacles.

"Despite power supply disruptions caused by massive attacks on critical infrastructure, the Ukrainian economy continues to grow, and businesses continue to adapt to difficult conditions. At the same time, Ukraine is demonstrating more dynamic growth than the Russian Federation. In October, the aggressor country had an indicator of 1.6% real GDP, while Ukraine had 2.3% and 5.3% in November," the report quotes him as saying.

The ministry believes that the economy is supported by the implementation of programs for business recovery and development, financed by international financial assistance, which contributes to the activation of domestic production.

Rapid recovery and growth are also facilitated by significant budget financing for the reconstruction and repair of critical infrastructure and housing (through the eRecovery and eOselia programs), as well as the procurement of domestic products in the defense industry.

The Ministry of Economy emphasized that structural changes in production demonstrate an increase in activities with high added value, positively impacting the economy. Notably, the share of mechanical engineering in industrial sales increased from 5.7% in 2021 to 9%.

The ministry summarized, "In general, industrial enterprises demonstrate an increase in the utilization of production capacities in such industries as pharmaceuticals, furniture production, wood processing, and the food and textile industries."
From Airport Exit To Phuket Raid: How Luthra Brothers, Owners Of Goa Club, Were Tracked Down

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 13:30 IST

According to officials, the trail began at Indian immigration desks, where authorities first confirmed that the brothers had exited the country and travelled to Phuket

Rapid Read

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra are expected to be brought back to India in three-four days. (News18)

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of Goas Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub where 25 people died in a blaze, have been detained in Thailand and are expected to be brought back to India soon, officials said. The two have been taken to detention centres in Phuket and Indian teams have established contact with Thai authorities as the process to secure their return has been initiated.

The swift, multi-agency operation stretching across two countries began after Indian immigration authorities flagged their departure and alerted their Thai counterparts, top government sources told CNN-News18.

According to officials, the trail began at Indian immigration desks, where authorities first confirmed that the brothers had exited the country and travelled to Phuket. This tracking down started from Indian immigration," a senior official said, adding that once their movement was verified, the information was immediately passed on to Thai police.

Thai immigration authorities subsequently confirmed the entry of the two individuals matching the details shared by India. With the confirmation in hand, Thai law-enforcement agencies launched a search across the island.

Sources said the brothers had shifted from their initial accommodation in Phuket, complicating the hunt. However, after conducting raids at multiple locations, Thai police eventually located and detained them. They had changed one location but were finally found," an official said.

The brothers are currently in Thai custody as legal formalities proceed. Authorities on both sides are now coordinating documentation required for India to bring them back. The legal process is on and they will be deported soon," a senior government source confirmed.

The move comes within hours of the Goa Police suspending the passports of the duo who fled to Thailand as soon as the fire broke out.

Probe into the devastating blazewhich began when the packed club was enjoying a dance performance and electronic fireworks were set off to spice up the eventhas revealed that the owners booked flight tickets to Thailand even as emergency teams were battling to control the fire. In a post on X, police said the two booked the tickets on MakeMyTrip at 1.17am on December 7, shortly after the fire broke out at the nightclub.

A Rohini Court on Wednesday declined to grant immediate interim protection from arrest to the duo, even as they sought four weeks of anticipatory bail on medical grounds and told the court, Were also victims".

A Goa local and whistle-blower, while speaking to CNN-News18, had said the brothers were habitual offenders". The Luthra brothers are habitual offenders. They have high-profile connections with the authorities. All our complaints regarding the irregularities have been ignored. Only after we filed a petition with the high court, did we get support and justiceIn that case, too, we had to file a contempt and refile the complaint," said Ravi.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 10:28 IST

News india From Airport Exit To Phuket Raid: How Luthra Brothers, Owners Of Goa Club, Were Tracked Down

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Goa Club Fire: Luthra Brothers Detained In Thailand, To Be Brought Back To India Soon

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Abhro Banerjee



Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 12:45 IST

The two have been taken to a detention centre, and Indian teams have established contact with them as part of the ongoing process to bring them back.

Both the owners, Saurabh Luthra (L) and Gaurav Luthra fled the country. (File photo)

The Luthra brothers, owners of the Goa club where 25 people were killed in a fire, have been detained in Thailand and are expected to be brought back to India soon, officials said. The two have been taken to detention centres in Phuket, and Indian teams have established contact with Thai authorities as the process to secure their return has been initiated. Follow LIVE Updates Here

According to officials, Indian agencies had been in touch with Thai authorities and were continuously receiving updates about the brothers movements and stay, eventually learning that they were located outside the main city area.

Sources also mentioned that the duo will first be brought to Delhi and then taken to Goa for further investigation.

Raids were carried out early this morning in coordination with local police, leading to their detention. The immigration process will now follow, and once completed, either by late evening today or by tomorrow, the duo will be flown back to India.

Before their detention, the Goa Police had suspended the passports of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra and sought an Interpol Blue Corner Notice against them. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier clarified that under Section 10A of the Passports Act, 1967, the Union government or an authorised official may suspend a passport, rendering it temporarily invalid and preventing the holder from travelling abroad. In the case of the Luthras, who had already fled the country, the suspension effectively blocks any further international travel, with cancellation expected to follow, according to sources.

A Blue Corner Notice is issued to collect information on a persons identity, location or activities; it indicates that the individual is of interest but is not yet formally accused of a crime.

Investigators probing the blaze, which erupted during a packed dance performance where electronic fireworks were set off, have found that the brothers booked flight tickets to Thailand at 1:17 am on December 7, minutes after the fire broke out, while emergency teams were still struggling to contain the inferno.

A Rohini court on Wednesday refused to grant them interim protection from arrest as they sought four weeks of anticipatory bail on medical grounds. During the hearing, the duo told the court, Were also victims," but the plea was not entertained, and the matter was posted for further proceedings.

Goa Police have meanwhile arrested Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the club, though he has claimed he was only a sleeping partner" and had no knowledge of the establishments day-to-day operations.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 09:22 IST

News india Goa Club Fire: Luthra Brothers Detained In Thailand, To Be Brought Back To India Soon

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New Photo Shows Luthra Brothers At Phuket Immigration Control Centre After Detention In Thailand

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 20:57 IST

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the fire-ravaged nightclub in Goa, have been detained by Thai authorities, with a photo showing them at Phuket Immigration Control Centre.

Luthra brothers at the Phuket Detention Centre (Photo: CNN-News18)

A new photograph has emerged showing Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, seated on chairs at the Phuket Immigration Control Centre, with Thai authorities standing behind them.

The image comes after both brothers were formally detained by Thai officials following the deadly fire at their nightclub, which claimed 25 lives on the night of December 6 in Arpora village.

The detention follows the Delhi courts rejection of the Luthras transit anticipatory bail pleas, which they had filed to avoid immediate arrest upon their return to India.

The plea sought a four-week transit anticipatory bail, citing their willingness to cooperate with the investigation.

However, Additional Sessions Judge Vandana dismissed the application, with the Goa governments lawyer pointing out that the brothers had left, they concealed, and they are now seeking leniency," highlighting their flight from the country shortly after the tragedy.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured that both Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra would be brought back to India at the earliest to face legal action.

A team of the Goa Police and the CBI has been tasked with overseeing their return.

Authorities have also highlighted that the brothers fled to Phuket within hours of the fire, booking tickets at 1.17 am on December 7, just over an hour after learning about the incident.

An Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued on December 9, following a request from the Goa Police routed through the CBI.

The Goa Police have accused the Luthras of injury-causing death, manslaughter, and murder for organising a fire show at their nightclub without taking proper care and caution and without providing fire safety equipment or other safety gadgets."

Fireworks are said to have triggered the blaze that resulted in the deaths of 25 patrons.

In a related development, Ajay Gupta, who claimed to be a silent partner and investor in the nightclub, was remanded to seven days of police custody by a Goa court.

Gupta, brought from Delhi, maintained that he had no operational role in the facility and was a sleeping partner" with no involvement in club operations.

The police had initially sought ten days of custody.

Apart from Gupta, five other managers and staff members of the nightclub have also been arrested.

ALSO READ | Allegations Grave, Serious: Delhi Court Rejects Luthra Brothers Bail Plea In Goa Club Fire Case

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 20:51 IST

News india New Photo Shows Luthra Brothers At Phuket Immigration Control Centre After Detention In Thailand

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Luthra Brothers' Thai Visa Cancelled, Deportation To India Likely Next Week: Sources

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra



Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 19:39 IST

Thai authorities have cancelled the visas of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra and moved to place them in detention, paving the way for their deportation to India.

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra (Photo: PTI)

Thai authorities have cancelled the visas of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, and have moved to place them under formal detention, top government sources told CNN-News18.

They added that the brothers will be brought to Bangkok and taken to a detention centre either later today or tomorrow, after which Indian agencies will initiate the deportation process.

The two are likely to be flown back to India next week because they can be moved only after the weekend.

The sequence of action began soon after the Luthras were located in Thailand, where they had travelled to Phuket within hours after the December 6 fire at their Goa nightclub left 25 people dead.

Gaurav, 44, and Saurabh, 40, left the country at 1.17 am on December 7, barely an hour after learning about the fire at their club.

The Goa Police subsequently routed a request through the CBI, leading to an Interpol Blue Corner Notice being issued on December 9. This notice helped track the movement of the brothers, who were wanted for questioning and further action in connection with the tragic incident.

Officials said the Luthras are facing serious accusations, injury-causing death, manslaughter and murder, linked to allegations that they organised a fire show without taking proper care and caution and without providing fire safety equipment, other safety gadgets."

In a related strand of the investigation, a Goa court on Thursday remanded Ajay Gupta, a partner in the same nightclub, to seven days of police custody.

Gupta was brought from Delhi late Wednesday night after a Look Out Circular was issued against him.

His lawyer said police had sought 10 days custody, but the court granted seven.

As he was escorted, Gupta maintained he had no operational role in the facility, saying he was a sleeping partner" with no involvement in day-to-day operations.

Besides Gupta, the Goa Police have also arrested five managers and staff members of the Arpora nightclub as part of their ongoing investigation into the December 6 fire.

ALSO READ | 42 Shell Companies, One Address: Shocking Details About Luthra Brothers Empire

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 19:38 IST

News india Luthra Brothers' Thai Visa Cancelled, Deportation To India Likely Next Week: Sources

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'Allegations Grave, Serious': Delhi Court Rejects Luthra Brothers' Bail Plea In Goa Club Fire Case

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 18:21 IST

A Delhi court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, where a fire killed 25 people.

Saurabh Luthra (L) and Gaurav Luthra (R)

A Delhi court on Thursday denied the anticipatory bail plea of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, where a massive fire on December 6 claimed the lives of 25 people.

The court described the allegations against the brothers as grave and serious in nature" and raised questions over their conduct in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The court noted that the brothers had booked their flight on the same day the fire occurred and left Goa that very night.

It observed that the petitioners had concealed facts" from the court, highlighting an attempt to evade legal accountability.

On Wednesday, the Luthras had approached the Delhi court seeking four weeks of transit anticipatory bail so they would not be immediately arrested after returning from Thailand.

Their counsel argued that the brothers were willing to cooperate fully with the investigation and had approached the court at the earliest opportunity.

The defence also emphasised that transit anticipatory bail is not a determination on merits but a limited protection to ensure safe access to the court.

Citing a Supreme Court order, the counsel argued that accused persons abroad, against whom Blue and Red Corner notices are contemplated, may be allowed to return to India with temporary protection.

Opposing the plea, the Goa governments counsel pointed out that the brothers had left Goa immediately after the fire and had been evading the legal process.

He stressed that the law does not extend aid to those who refuse to comply with summons or warrants.

Referring to judicial observations, the counsel said, Once it is shown that a person is attempting to evade the process of law, the court should not come to his aid at all."

He further noted that anticipatory bail is a discretionary relief and cannot be granted to individuals who have created obstacles in the execution of warrants or concealed themselves."

After hearing the arguments from both sides, Additional Sessions Judge Vandana reserved the order until 5 pm and ultimately denied the transit anticipatory bail.

The courts decision reflects the seriousness of the allegations against the Luthra brothers and reinforces the principle that legal protections cannot shield individuals from accountability in cases involving significant loss of life.

ALSO READ | Luthra Brothers Have No Thailand Business, Fled To Escape Arrest After Goa Club Fire: Cops To Delhi Court

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 18:15 IST

News india 'Allegations Grave, Serious': Delhi Court Rejects Luthra Brothers' Bail Plea In Goa Club Fire Case

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Luthra Brothers Have No Thailand Business, Fled To Escape Arrest After Goa Club Fire: Cops To Delhi Court

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 15:19 IST

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the North Goa nightclub, misled authorities and escaped to Thailand, Goa Police said, adding that the brothers have no business there.

Gaurav Luthra, center, Saurabh Luthra, right, who fled India after a fire at his Goa nightclub (Photo: PTI)

Goa Police on Thursday told a Delhi court that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the ill-fated North Goa nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, had no business in Thailand" and had misled authorities and the court about their departure from India.

The brothers left the country on December 7, a day after a fire at their nightclub in Arpora claimed 25 lives.

The police informed the court that Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, along with Ajay Gupta, are signatories of the nightclub.

They pointed out that the Panchayat licence issued to the establishment had expired and had not been renewed.

There is no cooperation on the part of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, which disentitles them from extraordinary protection by this court. They have no business in Thailand. They left the country on December 7," the police submitted.

Though they said that they had left on the night of December 6, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra misled the court, misled the authorities and left the country," the cops said.

The matter came up before Additional Sessions Judge Vandana, who on Wednesday refused to grant any interim protection from arrest to the Luthra brothers.

The court heard the arguments from their lawyer, who contended that the brothers had gone abroad for a business meeting and were only licensees, not the actual owners of the nightclub.

Saurabh, in his bail plea, requested four weeks of transit anticipatory protection, citing an imminent threat to his life, liberty and safety" due to angry mobs.

The lawyer argued, My other restaurants have been bulldozed. The authorities and even the fourth estate are baying for my blood."

He further asked, Is the case so draconian that you will bulldoze my properties, seal them, without due process of law?"

I am virtually being terrorised for the safety of my life," the lawyer said.

The judge posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday and directed the Goa Police to respond.

Meanwhile, Luthras were detained in Phuket, Thailand.

According to authorities, both Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were apprehended after an Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued against them.

They had booked tickets for Phuket through a travel portal at 1.17 am on December 7, within an hour of learning about the devastating fire at their nightclub.

At the time, police and administration were still battling the blaze and attempting to rescue staff, but the duo left India in the early hours of Sunday by an IndiGo flight.

Ajay Gupta, who claimed to be a silent partner and investor in Birch by Romeo Lane, was arrested on Wednesday with the help of the Delhi Police Crime Branch.

Gupta, a resident of Jammu, was produced before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vinod Joshi, who granted the Goa Police a 36-hour transit remand to take him to Goa.

Authorities were directed to ensure proper medical care for Gupta, who suffers from a spinal injury, during the transfer.

Five managers and staff members of the nightclub have already been arrested in connection with the incident.

In response to the tragedy, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a major safety drive ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, stressing that establishments not complying with fire safety norms would have their licences cancelled and premises sealed.

ALSO READ | New Photo Shows Moment Luthra Brothers Were Detained From Thailand Hotel Room

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 15:04 IST

News india Luthra Brothers Have No Thailand Business, Fled To Escape Arrest After Goa Club Fire: Cops To Delhi Court

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'He Operates From Jail': Is Shahjahan Still A De-Facto Power In Sandeshkhali?

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 17:28 IST

Local residents have expressed similar concerns, though most refuse to come on record.

Locals informed News18 that Alim Molla, who, according to Bholanath Ghosh, was driving the lorry, is an aide of Sheikh Shahjahan.

Despite being in prison, questions continue to surface over whether Shahjahans influence in Sandeshkhali has diminished. Bhola Ghosh  the prime eyewitness in the CBI case against him  has alleged that the incident involving him on Wednesday was not an accident but an attempted murder.

Police are investigating whether the incident was accidental or targeted. However, what appears clear after nearly one and a half years is that Shahjahans grip over Sandeshkhali remains largely unshaken.

Speaking to News18, Bhola Ghosh said: I am sure it was Alim Mollah who was driving the lorry and that he tried to kill me on Shahjahans instructions. You do not know  Shahjahan operates from prison. I am the key witness in the case against him, which is why they want to eliminate me. But they killed my son. What do I do now? Still, I will fight."

Bholas family remains in shock. His daughter, Sonali, told News18: This is not the first time they have intimidated our father. We are certain Shahjahan uses a phone inside prison. We want justice, but he gets full protection."

Bhola and Shahjahan were once business partners. According to Bhola, their relationship deteriorated after 2019, and he alleges that Shahjahan filed a false rape case against him, forcing him to leave his home. Bhola returned only after Shahjahans arrest. Because he reportedly knew details of Shahjahans activities, he was made a key witness in the CBI investigation.

Local residents, too, expressed similar concerns, though most refused to come on record. One resident, speaking anonymously, told News18: Alim Mollah and Shahjahans aides regularly visit him in jail. He runs everything from there through these men. We have families and children  if we speak openly, we will be killed."

Bhola has named Alim Mollah in his police complaint and filed an FIR against eight individuals allegedly close to Shahjahan. Several photographs also show Alim with Shajahan.

News18 visited Alim Mollahs residence and spoke to his family members. Alims wife, Roshanara, and daughter, Afruza, said that he was at home on Wednesday but fled in the evening after learning that Bhola had named him. They confirmed that Alim had received a CBI notice earlier and claimed the family was being framed due to the upcoming elections.

Afruza said: My father was at home, but he fled as soon as his name was mentioned. Whatever Bhola is saying is wrong. He had received a CBI notice. My father used to work with Shahjahan. Around 3 pm they said he was involved, but that is not true. He is being questioned in the Shahjahan case as well."

Roshanara added: I am a TMC panchayat member, and that is why they are doing this. With elections approaching, we are being targeted. The allegations are baseless. He had to leave only because they named him."

The lorry involved in the incident raises further questions.

According to official documents, the vehicle is registered in the name of Abdus Samad Mollah. News18 visited his home, but he was not present. His daughter said her father had sold the lorry a year ago to Nazrul Mollah, though the registration had not been transferred. She claimed to have no knowledge of the vehicles current location.

News18 then visited the home of Nazrul Mollah. He, too, was missing. His wife said: He was with me yesterday but left home later. Earlier he worked as a driver, then bought a lorry  but which one, I dont know. I have no idea where he has gone since last night."

All three individuals named in connection with the case  Alim, Samad and Nazrul  have left their homes.

More than a year and a half after Sandeshkhalis women rose against Shajahan, residents say the fear remains. Even with Shahjahan lodged in prison, allegations persist that intimidation, coercion and local networks continue to function in his name. Off the record, several locals told News18 that extortion and related activities are still being carried out under Shahjahans authority  and that he continues to exert control over Sandeshkhali.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 17:28 IST

News india 'He Operates From Jail': Is Shahjahan Still A De-Facto Power In Sandeshkhali?

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IAFs First Woman Rafale Pilot Shivangi Singh Now Set To Train Future Aviators On Hawk Jets

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Last Updated: December 12, 2025, 08:28 IST

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India's first woman Rafale pilot, has been posted to an Indian Air Force training establishment to groom trainee pilots.

Indian Air Force pilot Shivangi Singh with President Droupadi Murmu at Air Force Station Ambala. (PTI/File)

In a career milestone, Indias first woman Rafale pilot, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, has transitioned to the Hawk advanced jet trainer fleet, taking up the responsibility of grooming trainee pilots. The decorated officer who once found herself at the centre of Pakistans misinformation campaign during Operation Sindoor has now been posted to an Indian Air Force training establishment.

A native of Varanasi, Shivangi Singh was commissioned into the IAF in 2017 as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots. She first flew the MiG-21 Bison before moving to the Rafale fleet in Ambala, becoming the only woman pilot trained on the platform during her induction phase. Her operational experience includes high-tempo missions and participation in major IAF exercises that earned her a reputation for precision and composure in challenging missions.

She recently completed the Flying Instructor Course at the Flying Instructors School, Air Force Station Tambaram- one of the most rigorous and prestigious training programmes for military aviators. She had been serving with a Rafale squadron in Ambala where she was photographed with President Droupadi Murmu during the Presidents Rafale sortie earlier this year.

During Op Sindoor, Shivangi was part of operational deployments when Pakistan peddled false claims alleging a Rafale had been shot down and that she was in custody. The narrative was dismissed and debunked by CNN-News18 confirming that she was safely performing duties in India.

Her appearance at the valedictory ceremony of the 159th Qualified Flying Instructors Course in October signalled the completion of her instructor training. Sources now confirm that she has joined a training unit, where her frontline experience, skill, and mentorship will help shape the IAFs next generation of fighter pilots.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 20:30 IST

News india IAFs First Woman Rafale Pilot Shivangi Singh Now Set To Train Future Aviators On Hawk Jets

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Luthras 'In Limbo': Here's Why Deportation From Thailand Has Been Delayed

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 22:38 IST

The brothers had travelled to Phuket shortly after the December 6 fire at their Goa nightclub left 25 people dead

Sources said it is likely that the Luthra brothers will be taken to a detention centre in Bangkok on Friday to complete other legal procedures. Image/PTI

A full day has passed since the Luthra brothers were detained by Thai immigration authorities, yet there is no sign of their deportation. The reason for the delay, according to top Indian government sources, is the legal process required under Thai laws. The brothers had travelled to Phuket shortly after the December 6 fire at their Goa nightclub left 25 people dead.

Gaurav, 44, and Saurabh, 40, left the country at 1.17 am on December 7, barely an hour after learning about the fire at their club.

Officials familiar with the matter indicate it could take a minimum of two more days before the Luthras reach India.

Reasons for the delay in deportation

Sources explained that the revocation of the Luthra brothers passports means that an emergency document must be created for them to leave Thailand. Although the Indian embassy can prepare this emergency travel document urgently, other legal formalities are involved.

Thailand is moving to cancel the Luthra brothers visas on the grounds of misleading immigration officers about their true intentions of the visit. Tourist visas are granted on arrival for tourism purposes only, and the Blue notice establishes that they were fugitives from Indian law, sources said.

Visa cancellation could entail a Thai court order declaring them as individuals who are in Thailand illegally. Only this would pave the way for deportation," an official told CNN-News18.

Sources said it is likely that the Luthra brothers will be taken to a detention centre in Bangkok on Friday to complete other legal procedures. This could take 2 days or more, and we also have to factor in the weekend that falls within that timeline," an official added.

The Luthra brothers were picked up from Hotel Indigo in Patong Beach early on Thursday morning after a Blue notice from Interpol. Their anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a Delhi court, paving the way for legal action by Indian authorities.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 22:38 IST

News india Luthras 'In Limbo': Here's Why Deportation From Thailand Has Been Delayed

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Married Raipur Hotelier Accuses Senior Cop Of Love Trap, She Denies All Charges

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 10:12 IST

Deepak Tandon accuses DSP Kalpana Verma of bribery, blackmail and fraud in Raipur, while Kalpana denies all claims and plans a defamation suit.

Deepak Tandon accuses DSP Kalpana Verma of bribery, blackmail and fraud in Raipur, while Kalpana denies all claims and plans a defamation suit. (AI Image)

A high-profile controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after prominent Raipur hotelier Deepak Tandon levelled serious allegations of bribery, blackmail, fraud and emotional exploitation against Dantewada-posted DSP Kalpana Verma, a 2017-batch police officer. What began as a financial disagreement has escalated into a scandal involving claims of a relationship, money transfers, forged chats, bounced cheques and counter-accusations, shaking both business and police circles.

Tandon alleges he met DSP Kalpana in 2021 and that their relationship developed over four years, during which she allegedly trapped him under the pretext of marriage." He claims she took over 2 crore in cash, a 12-lakh diamond ring, gold jewellery worth over 5 lakh, a 1-lakh bracelet and his Innova Crysta. He further accuses her of pressuring him to transfer a hotel on Raipurs VIP Road to her brother, who allegedly later transferred it into her name after spending 30 lakh.

According to Tandon, the DSP began blackmailing him and threatening to implicate him in false cases when he refused to continue meeting her demands. He has submitted WhatsApp chats, CCTV footage and other digital material to Khamhardih police as evidence. Police have recorded statements from both sides but have not filed an FIR, calling it a financial dispute still under investigation.

The case became more complex after DSP Kalpanas father, Hemant Verma, filed a complaint two months ago at Pandri police station alleging that Tandon owed him money from a business transaction and that a cheque issued as security by Tandons wife, Barkha  had bounced. The cheque bounce case is currently in court, where Barkha Tandon has been summoned regularly.

Responding to the allegations, DSP Kalpana told NDTV that the accusations were false, malicious and defamatory." She said her name was being dragged into a financial dispute between her father and Tandon, and that the viral chats were fabricated using photos taken from her social media accounts. She warned that this constitutes a criminal offence.

She also rejected Tandons claims regarding the car, saying it was legally purchased from his wife with complete documentation and RC transfer. Questioning the timing of Tandons allegations, she noted he had not filed any complaint over the past four years, and that Barkha Tandon, too, had not raised any complaint earlier despite being involved in the cheque case. Kalpana alleged that Tandon was making up the story to avoid legal accountability.

Calling the accusations an attack on her character, DSP Kalpana announced she will file a defamation suit. She has demanded a full financial audit of the accounts of Deepak and Barkha Tandon, alleging that there may be broader irregularities.

Tandon, meanwhile, stands by his claims, asserting he was emotionally manipulated, financially exploited and later threatened.

Chhattisgarh Police has begun reviewing digital evidence, bank records and complaint documents submitted by both sides. No FIR has been registered so far.

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Location : Raipur, India, India

First Published: December 11, 2025, 10:12 IST

News india Married Raipur Hotelier Accuses Senior Cop Of Love Trap, She Denies All Charges

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Photo: Unsplash

The dairy industry, which is one of the key industries of Ukraine's agricultural sector, despite the full-scale war, has preserved its production base and is gradually recovering, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Taras Vysotsky said at the XVII All-Ukrainian Conference Milk Business-2025 in Kyiv on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister noted that in January-October 2025, Ukraine produced almost 5.9 million tonnes of milk.

"An important trend is the growing role of agricultural enterprises. They currently account for 45% of production and have increased their production volumes by 7.6%, despite the overall reduction in livestock. The quality of their products is also improving. More than 55% of the milk they supply for processing meets the European 'extra' standard," he wrote on Facebook.

Vysotsky emphasized that the industry is actively working foreign markets as well. From January to October of 2025, exports of dairy products increased by almost 9%. Sixty-four Ukrainian companies are permitted to export dairy products to the EU, forty of which are dairy processing plants.

"Despite the challenges, we have maintained the stability of our current indicators and established a foundation for future growth. This is our realistic and strategic focus. The next steps are investments, modernization, and a clear move towards integration with the European market," the deputy minister summarized.
New Photo Shows Moment Luthra Brothers Were Detained From Thailand Hotel Room

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 13:41 IST

The brothers are in police custody now, and they will be brought to Bangkok from Phuket. Thereafter, their visa will be cancelled, and they will be taken to a detention centre

Rapid Read

News18

New photographs of the Luthra brothers, owners of Goas nightclub Birch By Romeo Lane where 25 people were killed in a fire on December 6, show the moment the duo was detained from their hotel room in Thailand on Indias request.

Both Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra fled India soon after the incident, reportedly fearing arrest as the investigation began to focus on their role. Through their lawyer, the Delhi-based restaurateurs approached a court in the Capital for anticipatory bail, claiming they could not be held liable because they were not at the club when the fire broke out.

However, authorities moved to corner the accused by suspending their passports. CNN-News18 has learnt that Indian immigration authorities flagged their departure and alerted their Thai counterparts. Thai immigration authorities subsequently confirmed the entry of the two individuals matching the details shared by India. With the confirmation in hand, Thai law-enforcement agencies launched a search across the island and eventually detained the brothers from Hotel Indigo, Patong.

CNN-News18 has learnt that both the brothers are in police custody now, and they will be brought to Bangkok from Phuket. Thereafter, their visa will be cancelled, and they will be taken to a detention centre.

In the meantime, the Indian side will cancel their passport. Sources said the government is taking legal opinion on passport cancellation. The duo is expected to be brought back to India in three-four days.

Investigators say the massive fire erupted while the crowded club was hosting a dance act, during which electronic pyrotechnics were used to amp up the show. The probe has also uncovered that the owners booked flights to Thailand even as rescue crews were struggling to contain the blaze. According to a post on X by the police, the brothers purchased their tickets on MakeMyTrip at 1.17am on December 7just hours after the fire ignited inside the nightclub.

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Location : Thailand

First Published: December 11, 2025, 13:07 IST

News india New Photo Shows Moment Luthra Brothers Were Detained From Thailand Hotel Room

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Noida International Airport Set To Be A Global Landmark, Blends UP's Heritage With Modern Tech

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 19:09 IST

Noida airport is set to open soon, combining Swiss efficiency with Indian hospitality. It showcases local cultural architecture, boosting UP's global aviation and tourism profile.

Rapid Read

The terminals architecture draws inspiration from traditional Indian design.

The much-awaited Noida International Airport (NIA) in Uttar Pradeshs Jewar is nearing inauguration, promising a world-class travel experience that reflects the rich culture and heritage of Uttar Pradesh. Designed to immerse travellers in Indian traditions from the moment they arrive, the airport blends Swiss efficiency with Indian hospitality for a seamless, comfortable journey.

Shailendra Kumar Bhatia, ACEO of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, highlighted that NIAs innovative design, advanced technology, and cultural depth will enhance Uttar Pradeshs and Indias global profile. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been personally monitoring progress, visiting the site to review work and provide directives, he said.

The terminals architecture draws inspiration from traditional Indian design. The grand entrance reflects the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar, while a haveli-style courtyard creates a welcoming, open environment. Lattice screens regulate light and airflow, and the flowing white roof symbolizes the calm movement of the states rivers, blending modernity with nature.

Seamless Travel Meets Sustainability: Airport To Set New Standards In Passenger Experience

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the upcoming airport offers self-bag-drop machines, self-boarding gates, and biometric DigiYatra entry points, ensuring reduced wait times and enhanced convenience. Smart signage, intuitive interfaces, and fully digitized processes prioritise passenger comfort and efficiency.

The airport also features premium dining and retail options, showcasing authentic Uttar Pradesh flavors and crafts such as Banarasi silk, chikankari, and attar. Duty-free stores, global brands, and curated souvenirs make it a hub of cultural discovery.

Sustainability is central to NIAs development. The airport extensively uses renewable energy, including solar and off-grid wind systems, along with rainwater harvesting, advanced waste management, and sewage treatment. EV charging stations, natural lighting, and ventilation further reduce environmental impact, establishing NIA as a model of green, responsible infrastructure.

The project is set to combine cultural richness, technological innovation, and sustainability, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a global aviation and tourism destination.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 19:09 IST

News india Noida International Airport Set To Be A Global Landmark, Blends UP's Heritage With Modern Tech

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 14:37 IST

Parliament Winter Session 2025 Live Updates, Day 9:

The day resumes with a debate on E10 and E20 blended petrol, with the Petroleum Minister and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari responding to the questions regarding petrol prices and the need for blending of ethanol.

A heated exchange was witnessed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the latters vote chori claims.

The home minister blamed the Congress leadership for partys poll losses, saying it was not the EVM or the voters list that was to blame.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi highlighted concerns over voter fraud in Haryana, claiming that 19 fake voters were identified in the state.

After this, opposition parties walked out of the house in protest against Amit Shahs speech. The lower house will resume at 11 am on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Shah for his outstanding address in Lok Sabha, saying that he highlighted diverse aspects of the electoral process, and exposed the lies of the Opposition.

An outstanding speech by Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. With concrete facts, he has highlighted diverse aspects of our electoral process, the strength of our democracy and also exposed the lies of the Opposition, PM Modi said in a post on X.

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'Warm Conversation': PM Modi, Trump Talk Trade, Energy In First Call After Putins India Visit

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 12, 2025, 09:28 IST

India-US Trade Deal: PM Modi and Trump reviewed the progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and discussed various regional and global developments.

PM Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump on a telephone call on Thursday. (File Photo: Reuters)

India-US Trade Deal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they reviewed the progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and underscored the importance of sustaining momentum to enhance bilateral trade. This conversation took place more than a week after Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to New Delhi.

According to an official statement, PM Modi and Trump expressed satisfaction at the steady strengthening of bilateral cooperation across all domains. They also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other priority areas that are central to the implementation of the IndiaUS COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st century.

The two leaders also discussed various regional and global developments and agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests. The last conversation between the two leaders took place in October, when PM Modi congratulated Trump on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas.

Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity," Modi said on X.

Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2025

Highlighting the phone call between two friends, Ambassador Sergio Gor took to X and wrote, President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Modi this morning. A GREAT call between two friends. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his support for the Presidents efforts to bring peace to Ukraine."

President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Modi this morning. A GREAT call between two friends. Prime Minister @narendramodi reiterated his support for the Presidents efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) December 11, 2025

Putins Visit

The conversation followed Putins high-profile visit to India, where he held wide-ranging talks with PM Modi. The Russian President sent a strong message of India-Russia friendship on the global stage, coming at a crucial meeting when Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports for purchasing Russian oil.

Putins visit to New Delhi was widely seen as a sign of growing relations between India and Russia despite Washingtons tariff pressure, which sparked concern in the US over Trumps foreign policy strategy. US Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove issued a stark warning that the United States was responsible for pushing India closer to Russia. However, recent high-level engagements suggest that communication channels are robust on all sides.

Recent developments indicate that the relationship between Washington and Moscow, though still centred on the Ukraine conflict, has seen diplomatic manoeuvring aimed at normalisation under the current US administration. President Trump has been actively pushing a peace plan for Ukraine, and Kremlin spokespersons have welcomed aspects of the new US security strategy, citing statements in favour of dialogue over confrontation. While tensions remain, the US has shown a stated intent to stabilise relations, a dynamic that provides New Delhi slightly more manoeuvring room to maintain its historical defence ties with Russia without fundamentally destabilising its strategic partnership with the US.

India-Russia Ties

In a demonstration of the resilience of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership", the India-Russia relationship continues to expand beyond its traditional defence foundation. The recent high-level engagements, including the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, have focused heavily on bolstering economic cooperation, setting an ambitious target of $100 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030. This commitment is underscored by the adoption of a Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India-Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030, which aims to diversify trade beyond the current high volume of Russian energy imports and increase Indian exports in sectors like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and engineering goods. Both nations are also accelerating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to streamline commerce and reduce tariff barriers.

Furthermore, defence ties are actively being transformed from a simple buyer-seller arrangement to one focused on joint research, co-development, and localised production under the Make in India initiative. Recent developments include expedited delivery of the remaining S-400 missile system squadrons and continued co-production of flagship systems like the BrahMos cruise missile. This strategic military partnership, affirmed through joint exercises like INDRA-2025 and technical consultations on shipbuilding and Arctic cooperation, ensures Indias critical defence supply chain remains robust. By strengthening these long-term, multi-sectoral ties, New Delhi is reinforcing its position of strategic autonomy, demonstrating that its engagement with Moscow is not a reaction to Western pressure but a necessity driven by its own energy and security interests.

India-US Trade

Trump and Modis conversation also took place when a team from the US visited New Delhi for trade talks with Indian counterparts, including foreign secretary Vikram Misri, covering both the ongoing trade talks as well as broader economic partnership.

The path to reaching a bilateral trade agreement was made complex by the US tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the Trump administration. The imposition of these hefty tariffs by Washington impacted Indian exports. Indias merchandise exports to the US declined for the second consecutive month in October, falling by 8.58% to $6.3 billion.

However, both sides are reportedly making progress towards a comprehensive pact with a focus on increasing bilateral trade and strengthening supply chains. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated his optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations, confirming that discussions are progressing well" towards a bilateral trade agreement.

United States officials have also expressed optimism about the progress in trade, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently telling the Senate Appropriations Committee that India had put forward the best offers the US has ever received" in the ongoing trade negotiations, signalling a major, forward-leaning shift by New Delhi.

While the complexities of market access, particularly for American farm products, remain a difficult nut to crack", as acknowledged by US officials, the positive shift in tone from Washington suggests a strong political will to secure a deal. Both nations recognise the geopolitical imperative of enhancing their economic partnership to build resilient supply chains and strategically position India as a viable alternative market to China.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 19:33 IST

News india 'Warm Conversation': PM Modi, Trump Talk Trade, Energy In First Call After Putins India Visit

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PM Modi To Embark On Four-Day Visit To Jordan, Ethiopia And Oman From Monday

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 20:19 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman from December 15 to 18 to deepen ties and discuss regional issues.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Image: IANS/File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a three-nation visit from December 15 to 18 to deepen bilateral relations and discuss regional and global issues. Prime Minister Modi will begin his tour from Jordan, at the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement issued on Thursday.

During the trip, the Prime Minister will hold talks with King Abdullah II to review the full spectrum of India-Jordan relations and exchange perspectives on regional developments. His visit, from December 1516, coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and aims to explore new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, and regional peace and security.

PMs First Visit To Ethiopia

In the second leg of the visit, PM Modi will travel to Ethiopia from December 1617, at the invitation of Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali. This will be the PMs first visit to Ethiopia. He will engage in extensive discussions with Dr. Abiy on strengthening India-Ethiopia ties, highlighting the shared priorities of the two nations as partners in the Global South, including friendship, development cooperation, and regional stability.

Thereafter, the BJP leader will head to the Sultanate of Oman from December 1718 in the final leg of the tour, at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This marks PM Modis second visit to Oman and comes 70 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations. The visit follows Sultan Haithams State visit to India in December 2023. Both sides are expected to review their Strategic Partnership, covering trade, investment, energy, defense, technology, agriculture, and culture, while also exchanging views on regional and international developments.

The three-nation tour underscores Indias commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties across the Middle East and Africa, while reaffirming shared values of friendship, cooperation, and regional stability.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 20:19 IST

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'Are Police Shielding Ajit Pawar's Son?': Bombay High Court Questions FIR In Pune Land Deal

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 19:07 IST

The Bombay High Court has questioned the cops on why Parth Pawar, son of Ajit Pawar, was excluded from the FIR in the Pune land deal case.

File photos of Ajit Pawar/Parth Pawar (PTI)

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday scrutinised the ongoing police investigation into the contentious Pune land transaction, asking why Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and a key stakeholder in the purchasing firm, had not been named in the FIR.

The courts remarks came during the hearing of a pre-arrest bail application filed by businesswoman Sheetal Tejwani, who is an accused in the matter.

Justice Madhav Jamdar, presiding over the single-judge bench, questioned the prosecuting authorities on the apparent exclusion of Parth from the case.

Referring directly to his role as a majority partner in Amadea Enterprises LLP, Justice Jamdar asked whether the police were shielding the son of the Deputy Chief Minister and only investigating others."

Public Prosecutor Mankunwar Deshmukh responded by stating that investigators would proceed strictly in accordance with the law.

The dispute centres on the sale of a 40-acre parcel in Punes high-value Mundhwa locality for roughly Rs 300 crore.

The land was purchased by Amadea Enterprises LLP, in which Parth Pawar holds a majority stake.

Subsequent inquiries revealed that the land was government-owned and therefore could not be sold. Questions also arose about an alleged waiver of approximately Rs 21 crore in stamp duty for the firm.

A committee headed by the Joint Inspector General of Registration had earlier found fault with three individuals, Parths cousin and business associate Digvijay Patil, power-of-attorney holder Sheetal Tejwani, and sub-registrar Ravindra Taru.

These findings formed the basis of an FIR lodged in Pune.

Officials had previously maintained that Parth Pawar was not named because his name did not feature on any of the transactional documents.

Tejwani was arrested by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Pune Police on December 3 and remains in custody until December 11.

A second FIR related to the same land deal was later filed at Bavdhan police station, leading her to approach the High Court for anticipatory bail.

Her legal team, represented by senior advocate Rajiv Chavan and advocate Ajay Bhise, contended that the Bavdhan FIR was effectively a duplicate complaint, given that the EOW was already investigating the same set of documents and allegations.

They argued that launching multiple criminal proceedings for the same matter was unjust and burdensome.

The prosecution countered that Tejwani had already sought similar relief before the sessions court, calling her appeal to the High Court an inappropriate use of judicial process.

When Justice Jamdar indicated that the bench was not inclined to entertain the application, the defence opted to withdraw it.

In her plea, Tejwani argued that the transaction was a legitimate, duly registered sale and that no criminal intent could be attributed to her.

She maintained that, as a power-of-attorney holder acting on behalf of the landowners, she had no knowledge of any irregularities concerning stamp duty or title.

The petition characterised the dispute as civil in nature, rather than criminal.

The transaction had stirred political controversy, particularly because the land in question was classified as Mahar watan," a category of hereditary land traditionally allotted to members of the Scheduled Caste community.

Such land cannot be sold without prior state approval.

Amid mounting criticism, Ajit Pawar had previously said that Parth and his partner were unaware that the land belonged to the government, and that the sale had since been cancelled.

ALSO READ | Sharad Pawars Dinner Diplomacy: Rahul Gandhi, Ajit Pawar, Other Political Leaders Among Attendees

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 19:06 IST

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'Torchbearers Of India's Aspirations': Mukesh Ambani Tells University Students To Drive The Future

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 17:23 IST

Ambani also underscored the urgent need for India to become atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in cutting-edge fields.

Mukesh Ambani addresses the 13th convocation of PDEU in Gandhinagar.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Thursday urged Indias youth to drive the nations future amid rising global technological competition. Ambani delivered a motivating address to graduates at the 12th convocation of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gandhinagar.

Addressing the graduating class, Ambani spoke of the transformative role the next generation will play in shaping the countrys destiny. The next generation will change India," he said, urging students to embrace innovation and lifelong learning in an era of rapid technological change.

He further characterised the young graduates as torchbearers of national aspirations, carrying the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians as they step into professional life. You are torch bearers of Indias aspirations," he told the students, adding that their achievements signal the start of a broader journey in the university of life."

Ambani, who also serves as the Founder-President and Chairman of the universitys Board of Governors, underscored the urgent need for India to become atmanirbhar" (self-reliant) in cutting-edge fields. India must become atmanirbhar there is stiff global competition in AI," he said, highlighting artificial intelligence as a strategic area where Indian talent must excel and compete on the world stage.

Ambani also celebrated the sense of accomplishment among the graduates, observing, Today is your day I see the excitement and deep sense of achievement" on their faces.

Throughout his address, he encouraged graduates not only to strive for individual excellence but also to contribute to Indias mission of technological and economic leadership. Today, we pledge to our PM that we are even more determined to do better, make Indian prouder and PDEU greater in the years to come," he added.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 17:23 IST

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Towering Statesman: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Pranab Mukherjee On His Birth Anniversary

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 10:02 IST

Pranab Mukherjee, served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017, and is widely regarded as one of the country's most accomplished administrators.

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PM Modi Remembers Pranab Mukherjee on Birth Anniversary. (X/@narendramodi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to former President and Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary, remembering his long and distinguished contribution to Indias public life.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, Tributes to Shri Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. A towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth, he served India with unwavering dedication across decades of public life. Pranab Babus intellect and clarity of thought enriched our democracy at every step. Its a privilege that I got to learn so much from him over the many years we interacted."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also paid homage to the former President on his birth anniversary.

Shah remembered him as a statesman whose deep constitutional understanding and decades of public service left an indelible mark on Indias governance.

In a post on X, the home minister wrote, Tributes to former President of India Pranab Mukherjee Ji on his Jayanti. A leader dedicated to public service, Mukherjee Jis profound understanding of the Constitution defined his tenures in public offices. His life and works will continue to inspire our democratic journey."

On the birth anniversary of former President, Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee, a humble tribute to him. His vision, simplicity, and dedication to the nations interest are an invaluable asset to Indian democracy," the UP CM wrote.

Pranab Mukherjee, served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017, and is widely regarded as one of the countrys most accomplished administrators. A master of consensus-building, he played a critical role in shaping policies and resolving political challenges during his long and distinguished career in public life.

Mukherjee authored numerous books on Indias economy, governance and nation-building.

Throughout his distinguished career, he has received several prestigious awards and honours, including Indias second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008, the Best Parliamentarian Award in 1997 and the Best Administrator in India Award in 2011.

Fondly remembered as Pranab Da," he was known for his sharp mind, disciplined approach, and deep knowledge of constitutional and political matters. Mukherjee was respected across political parties and played a big role in strengthening Indias democratic institutions during his time in Parliament and as President.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 10:02 IST

News india Towering Statesman: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Pranab Mukherjee On His Birth Anniversary

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Umar Khalid Gets Interim Bail In Delhi Riots Case To Attend His Sisters Wedding

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 16:48 IST

Delhi court grants interim bail to Umar Khalid from December 16 to 29 for his sisters wedding, with strict conditions on social media use and movement.

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File photo of Umar Khalid (Image: PTI)

A Delhi court on Thursday granted interim bail to Umar Khalid in the Northeast Delhi riots larger conspiracy case to allow him to attend his sisters wedding. The court approved his release from December 16 to 29, directing him to surrender on the evening of December 29.

During this period, Khalid has been instructed not to use social media or contact any witnesses and to interact only with family members, relatives, and friends. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Court heard the matter and further ordered that Khalid must remain either at his home or at the designated venues where the wedding ceremonies are scheduled to take place.

A former JNU student, Khalid had moved a plea seeking interim bail on Tuesday. He had sought interim bail from December 14 to 29. His sisters marriage is scheduled on December 27, according to news agency ANI.

Two years ago, he was granted an interim bail for his other sisters wedding. Umar Khalid has been charge-sheeted in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with other accused persons. His bail plea is pending before the Supreme Court. The Delhi High Court and Karkardooma Court had rejected his earlier bail pleas.

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, the Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that the trial of several accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, in the 2020 Delhi riots case under the UAPA is likely to conclude within two years. The clarification came as the police opposed their bail pleas. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi presented counter-arguments for some accused, the report stated.

ASG Raju noted that the initial chargesheet was filed on September 16, 2020, with a supplementary one 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.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 16:48 IST

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International Mountain Day 2025: Theme, History, And Top Winter Destinations

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 07:20 IST

International Mountain Day 2025 spotlights the crucial role of glaciers in sustaining water, food and livelihoods, urging global action to protect fragile mountain ecosystems.

International Mountain Day 2025 theme is Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond.

International Mountain Day 2025: The world is set to observe International Mountain Day 2025 on today on Thursday, December 11, a day meant to recognise the importance of mountains for life. This annual celebration is dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action for positive change towards the preservation of mountains.

Mountains are home to diverse ecosystems and communities. They provide essential resources like water, food and livelihoods. This year, the United Nations has announced that the International Mountain Day will focus on glaciers, the massive ice reserves that are vital for freshwater and ecosystems.

International Mountain Day 2025 Theme

This years theme for International Mountain Day is: Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond."

According to the UN, glaciers store around 70% of the worlds freshwater. They support rivers, agriculture and clean energy. However, the recent acceleration in global warming conditions pose a threat towards glaciers. They are melting at a fast pace, threatening millions of people and increasing the risk of floods and landslides.

As a result, this year, the International Mountain Day celebrations will focus on glaciers to raise awareness about their role in agriculture, water security and the livelihoods of vulnerable mountain communities.

International Mountain Day 2025: History

In 2002, the UN General Assembly designated December 11 as International Mountain Day.

In 2002, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) designated 11 December as International Mountain Day. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) coordinates the annual celebration of the Day to foster greater awareness of mountain issues," according to the website of the UN-backed Sustainable Development Goals organisation.

International Mountain Day 2025: Significance

With a focus on preserving glaciers, International Mountain Day 2025 will focus on supporting efforts to underscore the critical role mountain regions play as a key source of global freshwater and ecosystem services," the UN said.

It explained that globally, over two billion people rely on melt from glaciers and snow for their freshwater, including for their food security and livelihood.

As a result, it is very important to mark this day by underscoring the urgent need for the collective to protect mountains and glaciers from the impacts of climate change. This includes supporting measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, regulating use of mountain resources for commercial purposes and investing in integrated water management systems, etc.

Top Travel Destinations in India This Winter

In India, winters are a popular holiday season as people seek to experience different climates and landscapes. Given Indias extensive range of tourist destinations, travellers have the chance to visit snow-covered mountains to sunny beaches in the south.

Many people tend to travel to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand or Jammu-Kashmir during this time of the year to experience snow. They prefer winter sports, scenic views and cozy stays.

On the contrary, many also visit places like Rajasthan, which is difficult to visit in summers due to heat wave conditions. Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Mount Abu offer rich cultural experiences and majestic forts.

Many people also tend to visit Kerala for its scenic backwaters or Goa for its vibrant nightlife and festive winter atmosphere. These tourism hotspots arrange special festivities during Christmas and New Year, making them ideal for holiday celebration.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 07:20 IST

News lifestyle events International Mountain Day 2025: Theme, History, And Top Winter Destinations
Trump announces 'golden cards' for foreigners who want to live, work in USA

The United States has launched a project to issue "gold cards" for wealthy foreigners who want to live in the country and subsequently obtain its citizenship, said US President Donald Trump.

"For me personally and for the country this is a very important event: we are launching the "Trump gold card," he said on Wednesday during a round table chat with business representatives.

According to the American leader, the cards can be purchased on a specialized website.

"All the funds that will be received will be directed to the US government, and this can bring huge amounts," the American president noted.

Earlier, Trump expressed his hope to reduce the US national debt by selling such cards. In his opinion, thanks to the "gold cards" it will be possible to attract hardworking people to the country who will create jobs.
Madhuri Dixit Set Hearts Racing In Regal Silk Brocade Gown Perfect For Wedding Season

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 12:55 IST

Madhuri Dixit mixed western and Indian by wearing a corset-style multi-hued strapless dress made with traditional silk brocade.

Madhui Dixit Nene in a silk brocade gown

As the Indian wedding season begins to unfold, Madhuri Dixit Nene marked the moment with a captivating new post that instantly drew admiration across social media. The actor shared a graceful photograph on Instagram, showcasing herself in a traditional ensemble that perfectly echoed the spirit of the upcoming festive months.

Her update arrives just as ceremonial dressing, family gatherings and celebration-orientated fashion take centre stage. While many celebrities have begun spotlighting their seasonal appearances, Madhuri chose to keep her focus on the beauty of the attire itself, rather than highlighting a specific occasion. Adding a poetic touch to the moment, she captioned her post, A spin of colours, a swirl of happiness."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madhuri Dixit (@madhuridixitnene)

Madhuri Dixits Silk Brocade Outfit Blends Elegance With Festive Heritage

The highlight of Madhuris look was an strapless, gown-style ensemble crafted from opulent silk brocade, an iconic fabric known for its richness and cultural significance. The gown features a corset-style bodice and a skirt made from delicate zari embroidery woven throughout the material, giving it a textured yet refined finish. The multi-hued gown had a variety of panels in shades of deep pink, gold and green that were thoughtfully arranged to create a balanced, regal colour palette that exuded festive charm.

Traditional Styling With Diamonds, Brocade and Subtle Glam

Madhuris styling choices elevated the elegance of her ensemble even further. She accessorised the look with a diamond-studded choker necklace and matching statement earrings that added a touch of brilliance without overwhelming the outfit. Thick bracelets and large diamond rings complemented the jewellery set, completing her traditional aesthetic.

Her hair was styled softly and her makeup remained understated, allowing the craftsmanship of the brocade and the sparkle of the jewellery to remain the focal points of her appearance.

Madhuri Dixit Prepares for a Riveting Comeback With Mrs Deshpande

On the professional front, Madhuri Dixit is gearing up to make a powerful return to the thriller space with her upcoming series Mrs Deshpande. In this gripping drama, the celebrated actress steps into the role of a convicted serial killer who is brought in by the police to help track down a copycat murderer replicating her crimes.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 12:55 IST

News lifestyle fashion Madhuri Dixit Set Hearts Racing In Regal Silk Brocade Gown Perfect For Wedding Season
Fall Asleep In Just 10 Seconds: The WWII Military Trick That Beats Restless Nights

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 08:33 IST

A racing mind, a restless body, yet one simple trick can silence it all. Discover the 10-second technique soldiers used to sleep anywhere, anytime, even in chaos

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When the night refuses to let you rest, a decades-old military secret can switch off your thoughts in seconds.

Are you tired of tossing and turning all night, unable to fall asleep no matter how exhausted you are? Youre not alone. One in three people across the world struggles with poor sleep. Most adults need at least seven hours of rest within 24 hours, and when the body does not get enough, it can lead to fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, depression, anxiety, and even an increased risk of heart disease and obesity.

Your bedtime routine, daytime habits, and bedroom environment all play a role in how quickly you fall asleep. If these are in sync, you can drift off faster, sleep more soundly, and wake up feeling genuinely refreshed.

How To Fall Asleep In 10 Seconds?

According to Healthline, during the Second World War, the US Navy developed a technique that initially helped soldiers fall asleep in 120 seconds, then 60 seconds, and, after practice, just 10 seconds.

The Military Method To Fall Asleep In 10 Seconds

Relax Your Face: Close your eyes and allow your entire face to loosen. Let your jaw, mouth, and cheeks go completely slack. Release Your Shoulders and Arms: Drop your shoulders and free them of tension. Let your arms rest loosely by your sides. Relax Your Chest as You Exhale: Take a slow, deep breath. As you breathe out, release any tightness in your chest. Relax Your Legs: Let the muscles in your thighs, knees, calves, and feet soften, as though a weight has been lifted off them. Calm Your Mind: For ten seconds, picture a peaceful scene, perhaps lying on a quiet beach or resting in rolling green hills. If Your Mind Keeps Racing: Repeat the phrase dont think slowly for ten seconds. This helps silence mental chatter.

With daily practice, this technique becomes smoother and more effective, helping you slip into sleep more quickly and enjoy deeper rest. If it doesnt work immediately, focus on the basics: breathing and muscle relaxation.

Conditions such as ADHD or anxiety may interfere initially, so patience is essential.

Research shows that slow breathing, good sleep hygiene, and relaxation methods can reduce insomnia more effectively than some medicines.

The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

Part your lips slightly and exhale with a soft whoosh. Close your lips and inhale gently through your nose while counting to 4. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Slowly exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds, making the same whoosh sound.

Other Useful Techniques

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): Loosen your body one muscle group at a time. Paradoxical Intention: Let go of the anxiety surrounding not being able to sleep. Visualisation: Imagine a calm, comforting place. Acupressure: Press specific points on your body to reduce stress.

By combining these techniques, you can fall asleep more quickly, sleep more deeply, and start your mornings feeling genuinely refreshed.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:33 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness Fall Asleep In Just 10 Seconds: The WWII Military Trick That Beats Restless Nights
How Extreme Weather Disrupts Menstrual Cycles Through Hormonal Stress Pathways

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 19:50 IST

Extreme heat and cold can disrupt menstrual cycles by stressing hormonal pathways.

Extreme heat and cold place stress on the body, often leading to hormonal shifts that can disrupt menstrual cycles.

As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, many women are noticing something unexpected: their menstrual cycles shifting with the weather. Extreme heat waves or unusually cold spells dont just affect comfort, they can influence hormonal balance, ovulation, bleeding patterns, PMS symptoms, and overall reproductive health. Two leading specialists, Dr Tripti Raheja, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, and Dr Swati Sinha, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rosewalk by Rainbow Hospitals, explain how temperature extremes interact with the bodys stress systems in ways that can directly alter the menstrual cycle.

Heat: When High Temperatures Trigger Hormonal Stress

According to Tripti Raheja, extreme heat places significant physical stress on the body, triggering the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. High temperatures lead to the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that suppresses the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. When the HPO axis is suppressed, ovulation may not happen, which can cause delayed or missed periods," she explains.

This suppression of ovulation can manifest as:

Delayed or skipped periods

Shorter or longer cycles

Changes in PMS intensity

Irregular spotting

Expanding on this mechanism, Dr Sinha adds that prolonged exposure to heat elevates the bodys core temperature and activates the stress response even further. High temperatures elevate cortisol, the bodys primary stress hormone, which can interfere with normal reproductive hormone signalling. When this signalling is disrupted, ovulation may be delayed or may not occur at all," she explains.

Heat also contributes to dehydration, which affects cervical mucus quality, follicle development, and overall reproductive function. Women living in regions experiencing frequent heatwaves often notice irregular cycles that align with these physiological stressors.

Cold Weather: Subtle but Significant Hormonal Disturbances

While heat overstimulates cortisol, extreme cold influences menstrual health through different hormonal and physiological routes.

Dr Raheja notes that cold weather can impact thyroid function and melatonin levels, both of which are important for regulating reproductive hormones." When thyroid hormones fluctuate, menstrual cycles can become unpredictable, especially for women with pre-existing thyroid disorders, PCOS, or those approaching menopause.

Cold can cause:

Delayed cycles

Heavier bleeding

Stronger cramps

Increased PMS-related mood changes

Dr Sinha further highlights that reduced sunlight in winter lowers levels of vitamin D, serotonin and melatonin, which indirectly influence the HPO axis. Cold weather constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow, which can intensify cramps and sometimes cause heavier menstrual bleeding. These hormonal shifts may lead to cycle delays, mood-related PMS symptoms or altered bleeding patterns," she explains.

Why the Body Reacts This Way: Survival Over Reproduction

Both experts emphasize that in extreme weather whether heat or cold the body shifts its priorities. Survival takes precedence over reproduction. Energy and hormonal resources are diverted toward keeping vital organs stable, which temporarily suppresses reproductive processes such as ovulation.

In both temperature extremes:

The HPO axis becomes dysregulated

Hormone levels fluctuate

The menstrual cycle becomes irregular

As Dr. Sinha puts it, In both extreme heat and cold, the body prioritises survival over reproduction, leading to hormonal changes that cause menstrual irregularities."

How Women Can Protect Themselves

While you cant control the weather, you can reduce the physiological stress it creates. Both experts recommend:

Limiting prolonged exposure to excessive heat or intense cold

Staying well-hydrated, especially during heatwaves

Maintaining regular exercise to stabilise hormonal pathways

Improving sleep routines, which directly support the HPO axis

Monitoring menstrual patterns, especially if changes persist

Dr Raheja advises that if irregularities continue for more than two consecutive cycles, its important to consider underlying medical causes beyond just weather-related stress and consult a healthcare professional.

The Bottom Line

Extreme weather isnt just a climate concern, its a hormonal stressor. Both heat and cold can disrupt the delicate pathways that regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles. Understanding how the body responds to temperature extremes helps women anticipate changes, manage symptoms and know when to seek medical input.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 19:50 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness How Extreme Weather Disrupts Menstrual Cycles Through Hormonal Stress Pathways
Akshay Kumar Is Blown Away After Watching Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar, Calls It 'Gripping Tale'

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 11:33 IST

Earlier, also many celebrities including Hrithik Roshan have showered praises on the action drama.

Akshay Kumar Is Blown Away After Watching Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar

Akshay Kumar has heaped praises on Ranveer Singhs much-anticipated film Dhurandhar, calling it one of the most gripping cinematic experiences he has watched in recent times. The actor took to social media to share his excitement for the film. Earlier, many celebrities, including Hrithik Roshan, have showered praises on the action drama.

Taking to his X handle, Akshay Kumar shared his review and wrote, Watched Dhurandhar and Im blown away. What a gripping tale and youve simply nailed it @AdityaDharFilms. We need our stories to be told in a hard-hitting way and Im so glad the audiences are giving the film all the love it deserves." Later Aditya Dhar also reacted saying thanks paaji.

Take a look here:

Hrithik Roshan Praises the Craft of Dhurandhar

The actor, known for his discerning taste in cinema, shared a reflective note after watching Dhurandhar. Hrithik wrote, I love cinema, I love people who climb into a vortex and let the story take control, spin them shake them until what they want to say is purged out of them onto that screen. DHURANDAR is an example of that. Loved the storytelling. Its cinema." In a rare and candid admission, Hrithik also acknowledged that while he doesnt agree with the films political stance, he could not ignore its cinematic brilliance. I may disagree with the politics of it, and argue about the responsibilities us filmmakers should bear as citizens of the world. Nevertheless, cant ignore how I loved and learnt from this one as a student of cinema. Amazing," he added.

His review has resonated widely with fans, who appreciated his willingness to separate artistic merit from ideological differences.

Siddharth Anand Calls Dhurandhar Nasha

Hrithiks reaction comes shortly after his collaboration with Aditya Dhars contemporary spy universe in War 2. Meanwhile, War director Siddharth Anand also expressed his admiration for Dhurandhar. In a detailed note, he wrote, DHURANDHAR is nasha. It stays for long with you It is a prime example of EVERY damn department performing to their peak! Im going to go again."

Siddharth credited Aditya Dhars conviction and passion for driving the films impact, praising the performances of the entire cast.

About the film

Dhurandhar follows the story of Hamza Ali Mazari, a mysterious young man who infiltrates Pakistans underworld under the guise of joining Rehman Dakaits gang. His marriage to a powerful politicians daughter is later revealed to be part of his mission as an undercover Indian spy gathering intelligence from inside the enemy network. The film features a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi and others. Released on December 5, Dhurandhar has already announced its sequel, slated for March 19, 2026.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 11:33 IST

News movies bollywood Akshay Kumar Is Blown Away After Watching Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar, Calls It 'Gripping Tale'
Chiranjeevi Faces Backlash For Dancing With A Girl Remark At Telangana Summit: He Lost His Senses?

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 15:12 IST

Chiranjeevi revealed that Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had personally invited him to the summit.

Chiranjeevi stated this at the Telangana Rising Global Summit. (Photo Credits: X)

Chiranjeevi sparked controversy with his recent comments at the Telangana Rising Global Summit. The actor, who attended the event alongside industrialist Anand Mahindra and NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, is facing backlash for his comments on why he was invited to the function.

According to reports, Chiranjeevi said that he was invited to the summit while he was at Annapurna Studios, dancing with a girl". The comment did not go down well with many social media users.

Chiranjeevis Comments: What Did The Actor Say?

Chiranjeevi said at the summit, You may feel that every other chief guest present here belongs to fields such as finance, automobile, or politics. You might feel like, what is a film star like Chiranjeevi doing here? Not just you, even I feel that way."

The veteran actor revealed that Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had personally invited him. The politician had sent IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu and Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka to a set where Chiranjeevi was shooting for his next project.

The Godfather actor continued, Do you know what position I was in when they came to invite me? Evaro ammai to dance chestu unnanu Annapurna Studios lo (I was dancing with some girl at Annapurna Studios). I felt very awkward. I had to ask them to stop shooting for a while."

CM #RevanthReddy really wanted me to attend the Global Summit and even sent Ministers Bhatti Vikramarka and Sridhar Babu to invite me.Funny thing is, at that moment, I was busy dancing with a girl at Annapurna Studios.  #Chiranjeevipic.twitter.com/Dkhs0ExZZ7  Filmyscoops (@Filmyscoopss) December 9, 2025

Internet Slams Chiranjeevi For His Dancing With A Girl Comment

As the video of Chiranjeevis speech began doing the rounds on social media, many users expressed their anger with the actors poor choice of words. One account wrote, I think when we grow up we lose control on choice of words."

Another commented, He has completely lost his senses. Bringing up a girl" topic was totally unnecessary here. He could have simply said he was in a shooting."

One user asked, Literally, why would you say that??"

Some accounts did support Chiranjeevi and called out people for criticising the Indra actor. A bunch of nobodys and somebodys commenting on a person who is an epitome of success. What a prejudice!" a comment read.

Chiranjeevis Upcoming Projects

The actor will next be seen in Vishwambhara, which will hit theatres in the summer of 2026. Chiranjeevi will also feature in Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu. He has an untitled movie with Srikanth Odela in the works.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 15:11 IST

News bollywood Chiranjeevi Faces Backlash For Dancing With A Girl Remark At Telangana Summit: He Lost His Senses?
Hema Malini Gets Emotional Remembering Dharmendra At Prayer Meet: Humein Ek Hit Pair Ke Roop Mein

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 18:56 IST

Hema Malini grew emotional at Dharmendras prayer meet, recalling their 57-year bond and hit pairing, praising his grounded nature, iconic career and lasting legacy.

Hema Malini hosted a prayer meet for Dharmendra in Delhi.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, the He-Man of Bollywood, passed away on November 24. Weeks after his demise, his second wife and actress Hema Malini hosted a prayer meet in his memory in New Delhi. During the prayer meet, Hema, joined by her two daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, spoke about Dharmendra and the king-size life that he lived.

Addressing the guests at the prayer meet ceremony, Hema said, He was cheerful and affectionate; even while standing at the peak of fame, he never considered himself different from others, he always remained grounded. He spoke to people of every background with immense love, affection, and respect. Such a person was Dharam ji."

Dharmendra ji se mera association 57 saal ka hai. Jab main film industry mein aayi tab se mujhe unke saath zyada tar filmein karne ka avasar mila. Nearly 45 filmswe worked together. Hum dono ko ek hit pair ke roop mein industry bhi pyaar karti thi aur janta ne bhi humein khoob pyaar diya," she continued while reminiscing about the old days when they shared the screen together.

Speaking about Dharmendras career, Hema continued, In his career, Dharmendra ji acted in more than 300 films and portrayed a wide range of roles, romantic, action hero, serious roles. But he used to love comedy the most. He was very passionate about films; he loved to be in front of the camera."

Dharmendra would have turned 90 this year on December 8th, and speaking about how even after his demise not only the family but the entire nation celebrated him for the man he was, Hema added, On the 8th of December, he turned 90. We celebrated his birthday, and the entire nation celebrated it as well. People were deeply emotional. Even today, people come to me and talk about him. It is rare for anyone to receive as much respect and admiration as Dharam ji has received. Sometimes I wonder how vast and extraordinary his life has been."

She concluded her speech by saying, His life is a celebration. He has influenced so many people in the world and inspired countless others. The entire industry is mad about him."

Dharmendra passed away on November 24. Previously, his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol also held a prayer meeting in Mumbai, which was attended by several Bollywood stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Malaika Arora, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Rekha, Jackie Shroff, and Suniel Shetty.

Dharmendras final on-screen appearancewill be 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.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 18:56 IST

News movies bollywood Hema Malini Gets Emotional Remembering Dharmendra At Prayer Meet: Humein Ek Hit Pair Ke Roop Mein
Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 11:36 IST

Recently, Raj Kundra also responded sharply after a social media user claimed Shilpa Shetty joined the Vrindavan padyatra to fix her image amid the ongoing 60-crore fraud case.

In a big development in the alleged Rs 60 crore fraud case, the Bombay High Court has now asked Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband, Raj Kundra, to deposit Rs 60 crore or provide a continuous bank guarantee from a nationalised bank if they want the Lookout Circular (LOC) against them to be lifted.

However, Senior Advocate Abad Ponda, representing the couple, argued against depositing the full amount and suggested surety or a reasonable alternative. He also emphasised the medical urgency of the trip. Despite this, the bench rejected partial measures and insisted on the full amount via deposit or bank guarantee.

For the unversed, earlier this month, the actress and her businessman husband, who have been accused of a fraud of Rs 60 crore, sought suspension of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them so they can visit Kundras ailing father in London.

In the plea, the couple stated that Kundras father was diagnosed with a chronic and unexplained iron-ammonia deficiency, causing severe complications and blood loss earlier this month. He has been advised to undergo a repeat capsule endoscopy or double-balloon enteroscopy. They have also claimed that Rajs father is experiencing breathlessness and that his condition is deteriorating. Therefore, they have sought permission to travel to London as soon as possible by January 20, 2026.

What Is The Case About?

Earlier this year, Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra were booked by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for allegedly cheating a Mumbai-based businessman of Rs 60.4 crore in connection with a loan-cum-investment deal. Another unknown person was also charged in connection with the incident.

The complainant, Deepak Kothari, has alleged that the couple defrauded him of over Rs 60 crore, which involved Shetty and Kundras now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. According to Kothari, he invested the amount between 2015 and 2023 under the pretext of expanding a business, but the money was allegedly misused for personal expenses. EOW is now investigating the case.

Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra Call Allegations Baseless

Previously, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundras lawyer denied the allegations, saying they were purely civil in nature and had been adjudicated by the NCLT Mumbai on October 4, 2024. This is an old transaction, wherein the company went into financial distress and eventually got entangled in a long legal battle at the NCLT. There is no criminality involved, and our auditors have submitted all the necessary supporting documents from time to time, as requested by the EOW, including detailed cash flow statements," said advocate Prashant Patil.

The investment agreement in question is purely in the nature of an equity investment. The company has already received a liquidation order, which has also been placed before the police department. The concerned Charter accounts have visited the police station for the last one year for more than 15 times with all the evidence supporting the claims of my clients," the lawyer added.

Patil called the case baseless and malicious", which was aimed at maligning Kundra and Shetty. He also said appropriate action is being initiated from their side against the perpetrators.
Tara Sharma Congratulates Akshaye Khanna On Dhurandhar; His Remark On Their Genuine Relationship Goes Viral

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 06:07 IST

Tara Sharmas heartfelt message for Akshaye Khanna after Dhurandhars success revives memories of their past equation, including his rare genuine relationship remark.

Tara Sharma shares an old photo as she congratulates Akshaye Khanna on Dhurandhar.

Akshaye Khanna is enjoying one of the biggest highs of his career. His intense and layered performance as Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar has mesmerised audiences, while his unexpected viral dance entry to the Arabic track FA9LA has turned him into an internet favourite. Clips of Akshaye vibing to the Bahrainian rapper Flipperachis song are dominating social media feeds, sparking a fresh wave of appreciation for the actors effortless screen presence.

Amid this widespread praise, actor and longtime friend Tara Sharma shared a nostalgic, unseen photo of Akshaye, adding her warm congratulations to the chorus of love he is receiving online.

Taras Nostalgic Message And Their Long Friendship

Posting a throwback snap from years ago, Tara wrote, A huge congrats Akshaye! We havent watched it yet but our insta feeds are full of #dhurandar! Particularly this song and your entry! So heres a good luck message to you and all the team! Haaha this song, the swag, the aura Having known each other since we were little its really fab to watch you stay true to your passion of acting."

She continued her heartfelt note, celebrating Akshayes humility and commitment, calling him perhaps the most private person I know" and expressing happiness that his quiet hard work is reaping rewards."

When Akshaye Called Their Relationship Genuine

For those unaware, Tara and Akshaye were once rumoured to be dating. In a rare moment of candour on Karan Johars chat show in 2007, Akshaye responded to the speculation by saying, Thats a genuine relationship." His statement became one of the few times he ever addressed his personal life publicly.

Reports over the years suggested that the two dated for around two years but remained close friends even after parting ways. So much so that Akshaye was invited to Taras wedding to Roopak Saluja in 2007. Tara had told TOI at the time, Roopak is very fond of Akshaye weve always remained friends. So everything is amicable."

As Akshaye continues to bask in the overwhelming response to Dhurandhar, fans and industry peers alike are celebrating his resurgence. With Dhurandhar 2 slated to release on March 19, 2026, anticipation is already building for what comes next for the actor.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 06:07 IST

News movies bollywood Tara Sharma Congratulates Akshaye Khanna On Dhurandhar; His Remark On Their Genuine Relationship Goes Viral
Dilip Kumar 103rd Birth Anniversary: Did You Know He Rejected Sholay And Zanjeer?

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 07:30 IST

On Dilip Kumars 103rd birth anniversary, explore actors unforgettable journey, from the movies he turned down to the films that marked his first and final screen appearances.

Dilip Kumar introduced the industry to the concept of realistic acting.

Dilip Kumar 103rd Birth Anniversary: Dilip Kumar, revered as one of the greatest stars of Indian cinema, is a memorable name in the history of Indian cinema. Celebrated for his subtle, naturalistic acting style, he introduced the industry to the concept of realistic acting." Making his debut with Jwar Bhata in 1944, the legendary actor delivered 57 iconic films over a career that spanned more than five decades.

Born as Muhammad Yusuf Khan in Peshawar (then British India, now in Pakistan), Dilip Kumar earned eight Filmfare Best Actor Awards and became the face of some of Indian cinemas most celebrated classics, including Andaz (1949), Aan (1952), Devdas (1955), Naya Daur (1957), Madhumati (1958), Paigham (1959), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Gunga Jumna (1961), Ram Aur Shyam (1967), and Kranti (1981).

On his 103rd birth anniversary, we look back at some of the films the legend turned down, and the first and last films of his illustrious journey.

Dilip Kumar Birth Anniversary: Movies He Rejected

Baiju Bawra (1952)

The legendary actor declined this film, directed by Vijay Bhatt. Regarded as one of Indian cinemas finest films today, the film ran for a record 100 weeks in the theatres and did a business of Rs 1.5 crore back in the 50s.

There were dates issues and also the actor asked for a hefty sum that the makers were unable to provide. Dilip Kumar later regretted his decision, but he was already replaced by Bharat Bhushan, while Meena Kumari played the female lead.

Zanjeer (1973)

The Tragedy King of Indian cinema rejected the role of Vijay, later made iconic by Amitabh Bachchan. He declined because he thought the character lacked depth and was only uni-dimensional. Zanjeer went on to become a blockbuster and a turning point in Bachchans career, establishing him as Bollywoods angry young man."

Baghban (2003)

Director Ravi Chopras Baghban was originally conceptualised with Dilip Kumar in mind. Although he liked the story, he felt no modern-day actress could match the emotional strength required to play opposite him. He further mentioned that Meena Kumari and Madhubala were ideal for the film, but they were no longer around. Later, he acknowledged the importance of the role he turned down.

Pyaasa (1957)

Guru Dutt approached Dilip Kumar for the lead role of the melancholic poet. However, the actor declined, believing the character was too similar to the dark story he was working on in Devdas (1955). Later, author Yasser Usmans book on Guru Dutt suggestted alternate reasons for his refusal.

Sholay (1975)

Shocking right? But Dilip Kumar turned down the role of Thakur Baldev Singh in the SalimJaved classic Sholay. He was the first choice but he declined the role, saying it lacked variety. The part eventually went to Sanjeev Kumar, who delivered one of his most memorable performances.

Sangam (1964)

Raj Kapoor approached Dilip Kumar for Sangam and offered him a choice between the roles of Sunder and Gopal. But he refused, citing his unpleasant experience working on Andaz (1949), which featured Kapoor, Nargis, and himself. Despite the strong script, he chose not to collaborate with Raj Kapoor again.

Dilip Kumar Birth Anniversary: First And Last Movie

Jwar Bhata

Dilip Kumar stepped into the lights-camera-action world with the 1944 film, Jwar Bhata. Though the Amiya Chakravartys directorial went largely unnoticed, it turned out to be a perfect launch-pad for him as he was noticed by several producers and directors.

The story revolved around a wealthy mill owner, Durgadas Prasad, who hires a secretary to handle his office work. She falls in love with Billoo, who incidentally happens to be Durgadas estranged grandson.

Qila

Kumar made his last film appearance in the movie Qila (1998). Starring Dilip Kumar, Mukul Dev and Rekha, the mystery thriller showed how he investigates his own murder as a twin brother. His performance was much loved by both audiences and critics. Later, he stepped into the political world and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indias parliament, from 2000 to 2006.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 07:30 IST

News movies Dilip Kumar 103rd Birth Anniversary: Did You Know He Rejected Sholay And Zanjeer?
The Devil: Darshan Fans Celebrate Film Release As Actor Remains Lodged In Karnataka Jail In Murder Case

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 09:30 IST

Darshan fans turned the release of The Devil into a massive celebration across Karnataka, dancing in theatres and erecting huge cut-outs as the actor remains in jail.

Fans celebrate Darshans The Devil release with flags, dancing and huge cut-outs across Karnataka.

Even with Darshan Thoogudeepa lodged in Ballari Central Prison, the release of The Devil turned into a massive celebration across Karnataka. His fans treated the films opening day like a festival, filling theatres with song, whistles and wild excitement  a show of loyalty that has only intensified since his arrest.

Inside theatres, fans were seen dancing in aisles, waving flags and singing along to Darshans songs from the film. Clips from Bengaluru, now viral on social media, showed packed halls erupting as the opening songs played. Outside cinemas, towering cut-outs of the actor were installed, and groups of fans burst crackers and bought bulk tickets to show support.

Ahead of the films release, Darshan shared a message from jail, which his wife Vijayalakshmi posted on Instagram. His note read, This message comes straight from my heart, carried to you all by Viji. She has been updating me every single time about each one of you  your love, your concern, your tireless support, your unstoppable promotions across the state. Even from a distance, I feel your presence with me every moment (sic)."

The actor also urged fans to stay focussed on the film and not be distracted by rumours. Please dont worry about anything people say. Dont let any noise, any rumour, or any negativity shake your heart. You are my strength, you are my family, and today more than ever, I am standing only because of the trust youve placed in me. My biggest power is you. All I want is for you to worry less and channel that love and energy towards what truly matters  our movie, Devil (sic)," he wrote.

Darshan remains in custody in the Renukaswamy murder case. He was arrested earlier this year along with Pavithra Gowda after being accused of allegedly kidnapping and murdering Renukaswamy, a fan who had reportedly sent abusive messages to Pavithra.

The Devil, directed by Prakash Veer, stars Rachana Rai, Tulasi, Achyuth Kumar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Shobhraj and Gilli Nata.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 09:30 IST

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The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the nearly trillion-dollar National Defense Authorization Act for 2026 (NDAA), which, among other things, provides $800 million to support Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Reuters reports.

In the block dedicated to Europe, the NDAA provides for the allocation of $800 million to Ukraine  $400 million over the next two years  for the production of weapons by American companies for the Ukrainian army.

"Lawmakers have included a number of provisions in the NDAA that strengthen European security. The bill provides $800 million for Ukraine  $400 million for each of the next two years  under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which pays American companies to produce weapons for the Ukrainian army," the report says.

The document also contains funding for the Baltic Security Initiative and allocates $175 million to support the defense of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The law limits the Pentagon's ability to reduce the number of US troops in Europe below 76,000 and prohibits the commander of US European Command from relinquishing the title of Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.
Karthi Shares Major Update About Sequel Kaithi 2: 'I Dont Know'

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 17:39 IST

The action thriller was the first entry in Lokesh Kanagarajs Cinematic Universe (LCU), which was later expanded with Kamal Haasans Vikram and Leo, starring Thalapathy Vijay.

Karthi Shares Major Update About Sequel Kaithi 2: 'I Dont Know'

The buzz around Kaithi 2 continues to grow, but it it looks like fans will have to wait a bit longer. Recently, actor Karthi, who delivered one of the finest performances in Lokesh Kanagarajs Kaithi, has addressed the ongoing curiosity surrounding the sequel. He was quoted as saying that details are yet to come.

As per Times Now, Karthi was seen addressing this question about the films status, I dont know" In another promotional event, he was asked when Kaithi 2 details will be given he said will come"

Lokesh Kanagaraj To Introduce LCUs First Female Superhero In Kaithi 2?

In an interview with Galatta Plus, Lokesh said, I am writing something for actresses, which are kind of new characters to the LCU universe. There will be 2-3 new characters in the LCU, and you will get an update in Kaithi 2." However, the filmmaker did not reveal much about the casting or what the characters will be.

Kaithi 2 May Be Pushed As Lokesh Kanagaraj Eyes RajinikanthKamal Haasan Project

As per reports, Lokesh Kanagaraj is looking forward to making another film with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. But, reportedly, this would shift the schedule of the much-anticipated Kaithi 2 starring Karthi further. According to a report by Valai Pechu, Kaithi 2 may be delayed because Lokesh Kanagaraj is planning to direct a film starring Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. With this development potentially opening up Karthis schedule, the actor is expected to reallocate his dates to director Sundar C. The producers have yet to confirm this.

All about Kaithi

Kaithi 2 is the sequel to the 2019 movie Kaithi. The first instalment told the story of Dilli, an ex-convict who is forced to assist a police officer as a mafia group is behind them. With Karthi as the lead, the film includes an ensemble cast that includes Narain, Arjun Das, Harish Uthaman, George Maryan, and many others in key roles. The action thriller was the first entry in Lokesh Kanagarajs Cinematic Universe (LCU), which was later expanded with Kamal Haasans Vikram and Leo, starring Thalapathy Vijay.

Karthis upcoming film Vaa Vaathiyaar

In an unexpected last-minute development, the makers of Karthis much-awaited action entertainer Vaa Vaathiyaar have postponed the films release. It was scheduled to release on December 12 but now the makers have cancelled due to unresolved debt issue. Taking to their official X handle, Prathyangira Cinemas confirmed the postponement and wrote, @StudioGreen2 production has informed us that #VaaVaathiyaar (Tamil) and #AnnagaruVostaru (Telugu) have been postponed from their planned release on December 12 due to unforeseen circumstances. The new release date will be announced soon by the team."

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 17:39 IST

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Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar Postponed One Day Ahead Of Its Release, Makers Issue Statement

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 16:21 IST

Vaa Vaathiyaar makers has issued a statement in this regard and also assured fans that new release date will be out soon

Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar Postponed One Day Ahead Of Its Release, Makers Issue Statement

In an unexpected last-minute development, the makers of Karthis much-awaited action entertainer Vaa Vaathiyaar have postponed the films release. It was scheduled to release on December 12, but the makers have now cancelled it due to unresolved debt issues.

Taking to their official X handle, Prathyangira Cinemas confirmed the postponement and wrote, @StudioGreen2 production has informed us that #VaaVaathiyaar (Tamil) and #AnnagaruVostaru (Telugu) have been postponed from their planned release on December 12 due to unforeseen circumstances. The new release date will be announced soon by the team."

Take a look here:

What is the issue all about?

As per India Today, the courts decision which is based on an unresolved debt of Rs 10.35 crore, which, with accumulated interest, has reached Rs 21.78 crore. This sum was borrowed by KE Gnanavel Rajas Studio Green (who produced Vaa Vaathiyaar) from businessman Arjunlal Sundardas, who was declared insolvent by the Madras High Court in 2014. The official assignee managing Sundardas assets sought recovery of the amount and requested an interim injunction against the films release.

During the hearing before Justices SM Subramaniam and C Kumarappan, the assignees counsel said that despite repeated opportunities, Gnanavel Raja had failed to repay the debt. The court reviewed the producers repayment history and the repeated extensions already granted. In their observation, the judges said, Sufficient time and multiple opportunities have already been granted. The producer had misused the extensions and shown no serious intent to settle the dues. Creditors have been waiting for years to recover their money." The persistent delay in repayment influenced the courts decision to halt the films release across all platforms.

The official court order said, Until the entire debt is fully repaid, Vaa Vaathiyaar shall not be released in theatres, OTT platforms, or any other medium." This ruling has effectively cancelled the much-anticipated December 12 release.

Cast and Crews Of Karthi

Alongside Karthi and Krithi Shetty in the lead roles, the film stars Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, Anandaraj, GM Sundar, Karunakaran, Shilpa Manjunath, and Ramesh Thilak. Vaa Vaathiyaar marks Karthis return to the big screen after a year-long gap since Meiyazhagan. The actor plays a character inspired by the late actor Ramchandran.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 16:11 IST

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Opinion | Salman Rushdie: The Satirist Who Forgot His Own Satire

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 14:59 IST

After a lifetime dedicated to naming the unnamable, he has finally lost the courage to name what nearly killed him

Author Salman Rushdie appears during an interview in New York on Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo)

Salman Rushdie once wrote that a poets task is to name the unnamable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments". It is a creed he has livedoften at mortal cost. Which is why his recent pronouncement about Hinduism being his great contemporary fear lands with an irony so rich it practically demands footnotes.

Here is a man who spent thirty-three years outrunning clerical vengeance, only to announceafter losing an eye to a fanatical knife in 2022that his real worry is todays India. It is a little like a shipwreck survivor, rescued from a storm, solemnly declaring that he now fears the hotel swimming pool.

One would imagine that Rushdie, of all people, understands the geography of danger. He has lived through a global convulsion unleashed by The Satanic Verses: over twenty countries banning the book; clerics treating fatwas like festival flyers; riots across the Muslim world; bookshops attacked; translators stabbed, and in the case of Hitoshi Igarashi, murdered. The press chronicled the grim path of that violencean Italian translator knifed in his Milan flat, a Japanese academic butchered at his office, publishers living under guard. This wasnt metaphorical blood. It was literal, and it flowed for decades.

And then there was Irans awkward diplomatic two-step in 1998. Tehran reportedly tried signalling its desire to mend" relations with Britain by distancing itself from the fatwa, but the assassin class did not receive this memo. Fanaticism, unlike bureaucracy, does not run on press releases. In 1990, Rushdie himself attempted to ease tensions by publicly opposing the paperback edition. Nothing came of it. The sword remained drawn.

Dr Nomanul Haq of Harvard, in a piece titled Salman Rushdie, Blame Yourself," observed that, unlike most of Rushdies Western audiencewho were unable to estimate the seriousness of the injury because they did not know the history of the aggrievedRushdie did. Haq did not mince his words: You do know it and therefore one feels that you foresaw, at least to some extent, the consequences."

In other words, the danger was never merely the Iranian state. The fatwa, once issued, had migrated into the hearts of ordinary believers who felt religiously obligated to enforce it. You could not negotiate with the millions who believed they had a divine contract to kill him. This is why, decades later, in 2022, one of these inheritors of Khomeinis wrath found Rushdie on an American stage and drove a knife into him seventeen times. Rushdie survived, minus one eye, with a damaged hand and a neck wound that should have ended him. That is the price he has paid for speech, exactly as the theology predicted.

And yet, after all this, Rushdie informs us that his new dread is India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This would be a stirring thoughtif it werent so divorced from fact.

Let us begin with the simplest one: the only Indian government that ever banned The Satanic Verses was the Congress government of Rajiv Gandhi in 1988. Rushdie himself wrote in Joseph Anton that this ban wounded him more than Irans fatwa because it came from a country he considered home. But in his interviews today, one rarely hears him mention Syed Shahabuddin or the MPs who threatened street agitation unless the government censored him. Nor does he mention that the Congress ban preceded the fatwa and arguably helped internationalise the outrage.

Then comes the other small irony: the government that lifted the banthree and a half decades lateris the same government he now believes is a threat to free speech. If this is authoritarianism, it is a curious variety: one that restores access to the work of its critic.

But Rushdies memory lapse doesnt stop at politics. It extends, strangely, to the cultural class he courts. When he needed solidarity in 1989, many of Britains liberal darlings wavered. Musician Cat Stevens, then a decade into his new identity as Yusuf Islam, announced hed prefer the real thing" to an effigy burning. Others suggested turning Rushdie over to Khomeini, and still othersbishops, academicsargued for blasphemy laws broad enough to silence him. The spine of the book world bent, not out of ideology but fear. Margaret Thatchers government, which Rushdie often disdained, ended up giving him his strongest defence.

It wasnt only Western liberals who faltered. Imran Khanthe one-time darling of the mediacategorically rejected participating in any programme that included Salman Rushdie, who has caused immeasurable hurt to Muslims across the globe." The Rushdie affair exposed not just fanaticism, but the selective courage of the liberal worlda world that now applauds his every warning, provided the warning is aimed at safe targets.

And yet the land he now warns againstHindu Indianever harmed him. India did not stab him. India did not riot for his death. India did not issue a fatwa, murder translators, or send masked men to literary festivals. India permitted him to walk freely; he could even visit Kashmir, which he often described with aching fondness. Even after 2022, he has spoken of the country with the comfort of someone entirely unthreatened by it.

The satirist deserves his satire. But the satirist, too, must remember where the shadows truly fell. Every wound on Rushdies body was carved by a global ideology that required no nation-state, no government, no election. It required only belief. India had nothing to do with that belief. So when Rushdie warns the world about Hindu nationalism, he is not speaking from experience but from convenience  a convenience that asks him to forget who tried to censor him, who tried to protect him, and who ultimately tried to kill him.

Selective memory may comfort him. It does nothing for the truth. He calls this moral clarity. You could call it amnesia. It is the final irony of Salman Rushdie: after a lifetime dedicated to naming the unnamable, he has finally lost the courage to name what nearly killed him.

The writer is a film historian. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 14:59 IST

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Opinion | The Hidden Nexus: Why India Must Take Heed

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 16:04 IST

For both Indias internal security and the broader cause of peace in West Asia, any unchecked proliferation of transnational jihadist links must be prevented.

A report echoed recently by officials from Israel warns that Hamas is increasingly deepening operational ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). (AI generated image)

Recent global developments have once again drawn attention to the dangerous undercurrents in international extremist networks. A report echoed recently by officials from Israel warns that Hamas is increasingly deepening operational ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Pakistan-based militant group designated as a terrorist organisation by many countries, including India. Given the volatile regional dynamics, this warning deserves careful consideration. For both Indias internal security and the broader cause of peace in West Asia, any unchecked proliferation of transnational jihadist links must be prevented.

According to the report, Israel has formally urged India to sanction and designate organisations such as Hamas as terrorist groups," pointing to increasing links between Hamas and Pakistan-based LeT and Iran-backed networks." There have been recent intelligence inputs linking the two organisations in concrete acts: in 2025, the massacre of tourists in Pahalgam, widely condemned in India, has been linked by investigators to a wider global jihad network," allegedly involving Hamas training camps in Rawalakot (PoK) run in conjunction with LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) cadres. Taken together, these developments paint a worrying picture: a transnational terror ecosystem that is no longer confined to one region, but seeks to merge multiple struggles in Kashmir, in Gaza, and beyond under a single extremist banner.

Why this matters for India and for Palestine

While the ongoing conflict in Gaza understandably evokes sympathy for the Palestinian cause, the evolving nexus between Hamas and LeT should prompt serious introspection for both New Delhi and those who care about a stable, peaceful West Asia.

Threat to Indian security: LeT has a long history of orchestrating deadly attacks on Indian soil, from the 2008 Mumbai attacks to repeated attacks in Kashmir. If Hamas, whose focus has historically been Gaza/Palestine, begins to coordinate with LeT, that could mean militant tactics, combat training, ideology, and resources spreading across borders, potentially targeting India. Officials have warned that groups like Hamas, LeT, and their allies are using international criminal proxies to extend their reach. For India, a pluralistic, secular, multi-faith society, such a threat is deeply destabilising. It could fuel communal tensions, radicalisation, and terror attacks in places far from any conflict zone."

Undermining legitimate Palestinian aspirations: The conflation of the Palestinian struggle with global jihad, especially in collaboration with groups linked to Pakistans territorial ambitions, could delegitimise real Palestinian aspirations in the eyes of many international observers. If the Palestinian cause becomes entangled with terror networks, global sympathy and diplomatic support for Palestine could erode, making a peaceful solution harder.

Diplomatic and moral ramifications for India: New Delhi has maintained a balanced approach in West Asia, historically supporting Palestinian rights, while nurturing growing ties with Israel. If Hamas becomes part of a transnational terror network involving Pakistan and Iran-linked entities, Indias moral posture and its security calculus may both demand a clear response, possibly including designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation under Indian law.

Given the gravity of the situation, India, keeping in mind both national security and global responsibilities, would benefit from a considered, transparent approach. India can consider formal designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation under Indian laws, similar to how LeT has been proscribed, in order to cut off any financial, logistical, or operational support through Indian territory. Strengthen intelligence and counter-terror cooperation with global partners, especially Western countries already fighting Hamas/LeT/other Islamist networks, to monitor and disrupt cross-border financing, training, recruitment, and proxy activities.

There should be differentiation between genuine humanitarian aid and aid infiltrated by extremist networks. For instance, review and audit funding to organisations operating in conflict zones (such as refugee-relief agencies), to ensure that aid is not diverted to militant groups. Continue to support legitimate Palestinian rights and humanitarian needs, but make clear Indias stand against terrorism, separating the political-humanitarian cause from global jihadist agendas.

The intensifying nexus between Hamas and LeT, as indicated by recent intelligence and diplomatic warnings, underscores that terrorism no longer remains a regional concern: it is increasingly global, trans-regional, and trans-ideological. For India, a nation committed to secularism, pluralism, and peaceful co-existence, staying silent in the face of such external pressures could pose grave risks: to national security, internal harmony, and even to the broader goals of justice and peace in West Asia.

At the same time, ignoring the legitimate plight of Palestinians would betray Indias long-standing humanitarian and diplomatic commitments. Therefore, the need of the hour is a nuanced, principled stance: one that unequivocally rejects terrorism and transnational jihad, while preserving compassion for victims of conflict and injustice. If India acts decisively and transparently, it could not only safeguard its own interests but also reaffirm its commitment to legitimate, peaceful solutions in global conflict zones.

The author is a noted Islamic Scholar and National President of All India Muslim Jamat. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 16:04 IST

News opinion Opinion | The Hidden Nexus: Why India Must Take Heed

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Opinion | The Myth Of Indias Manufacturing Failure

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 17:54 IST

A closer look at the data reveals that Indias manufacturing story is far stronger  and more misunderstood  than critics claim.

India is the worlds fourth-largest textile and garment exporting nation.

The sceptics often assert that India has failed to develop a robust manufacturing sector", citing the fact that manufacturings share of GDP has stagnated. That share has failed to rise primarily because of the dynamism of Indias services sector, which has grown at an average annual pace of 8.6 per cent in real terms over the past quarter-century (excluding the Covid year). Manufacturing has failed to grow as rapidly as services (which account for over half of GDP), but India is the worlds second-largest producer of steel, aluminium and cement, the worlds largest producer of tractors and two-wheelers, the fourth-largest producer of motor vehicles and refined oil, and the seventh-largest producer of pharmaceuticals.

And despite its failure in textiles and garments relative to China, India is the worlds fourth-largest textile and garment exporting nation. Across a widely diversified swathe of industry, India is among the worlds leading producers, with the relatively small electronics sector being a conspicuous (and rare) case of past non-success in manufacturing. Overall, Indias industrial output is the fifth-largest globally, behind only China, the US, Germany and Japan. If India is a manufacturing failure, long live failures!

Nonetheless, there are two areas of industry in which India has the potential to do vastly better. The labour-intensive manufacturing sectors  textiles, garments, shoes, toys and processed food  and electronics are two enormous segments of manufacturing in which India has previously under-performed. Indias electronics exports have leapt from $6.19 bn in 2017 (calendar year) to $34.96 bn in 2024  despite the 5.25 per cent decline in the Covid year. Like Singapore (where disk drives dominated exports in the 19952005 period), Indias electronics exports are dominated by a single category (smartphones and their components), but the rapidity of electronics export growth is akin to the East Asian experience.

Despite the recent ramp-up, there remains ample scope for Indias electronics exports to grow, not least through gaining market share in producing smartphones for Apple and Samsung, and components for Foxconn (Hon Hai of Taiwan) and its competitors (including Tata, which has bought the Indian operations of two of them). In 2023-24, 14 per cent of Apples iPhones were made in India (the other 86 per cent made in China), and Indias shipments of iPhones jumped by another 33 per cent in April-December 2024. By January 2025, reports emerged of China desperately seeking to restrict the movement of technicians and specialised equipment in a bid to stop the rapid shift of smartphone manufacturing to India.

China had successfully displaced ASEAN as the manufacturer of choice in global value chains from 1998 onwards. The aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis crippled financial systems in Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea and Malaysia, creating an opening for manufacturers to move to China despite the sharply depreciated currencies in those countries (which should have restored the competitiveness they had lost to China after the latters own devaluation at the start of 1994, from RMB 5.8 per US dollar to RMB 8.7 per US dollar). Thereafter, industrial subsidies and near-unlimited supplies of credit enabled China to steadily displace ASEAN as the key destination for outsourced manufacturing. Indonesia, for instance, consequently saw manufacturing decline from 32 per cent of GDP in 2002 to 18.33 per cent in 2022.

Chinas toolbox of industrial competition includes the use of media to badmouth competitors and leftist unions in competitor countries to disrupt production. Sure enough, a strike led by leftist unions nearly crippled Foxconns key manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu in 2022, and there was a similar 37-day strike at a Samsung Electronics plant in October 2024 led by CITU (the union arm of the China-aligned CPI-M, which ironically was part of the ruling coalition in that state!). Samsung produces televisions, refrigerators and washing machines at that facility, small proportions of which are exported.

Semiconductors were the one area of electronics manufacturing in which India had no presence until 2023  tragic, considering that Vinod Dham (the NRI engineer who designed Intels famed Pentium microprocessor) had started his career in 1971 at a semiconductor company in New Delhi. Micron established Indias first semiconductor packaging and testing facility in Gujarat in 2024, and work began on two other similar projects (one of them in Assam).

A fourth, most ambitious, semiconductor project entailed an investment of $11 bn in a wafer fab being built jointly by Tata Electronics and Taiwans PSMC (Power Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp.); this would mass-manufacture 28 nm (nanometre) chips for a wide diversity of uses, with a large proportion being for exports. TSMC, the worlds leading semiconductor company, currently makes 3 nm chips and will start 2 nm chip manufacturing in 2025, but the first Indian wafer fab will produce what amounts to commodity semiconductors, albeit ones with numerous useful applications. Intel (the company where Vinod Dham later made his reputation) first established testing and packaging facilities in Penang in the early 1970s (while Dham was exploring semiconductors in Delhi), and by 1997 was testing and packaging the vast majority of its chips in Malaysia.

While India has a considerable ecosystem in chip design, the glaring lack of any semiconductor manufacturing in the country was exposed during the post-Covid period of chip shortages. The emergence of an incipient semiconductor manufacturing cluster redresses this weakness, although semiconductor manufacturing is extremely capital-intensive. Once chip manufacturing hubs sprout, however, Indias expertise in chip design will hold the potential of eventually developing other capabilities  DRAMs, more advanced wafer fabs, foundries (pure manufacturing, based on others designs)  demand for which will be a natural upshot of the growth of a more diversified electronics manufacturing sector.

As India finally utilises its hitherto untapped potential in the most labour- and capital-intensive segments of manufacturing, while continuing to build on its existing capabilities across the sector, industrial growth should accelerate sustainably toward 10 per cent annually. While China grapples with a deflationary downward spiral caused by its industrial and real-estate overcapacity, its industrial investments will be increasingly constrained. India alone has the breadth of industrial capabilities and labour potential to gain global market share across a vast swathe of industries in which China will lose competitiveness as its labour costs rise more sharply and productivity growth slackens. (In steel, for instance, world production in 2023 was just 1.4 per cent higher than in 2020; Chinas production declined 3.4 per cent in 2023 from its 2020 level, while Indias increased 40.3 per cent; similar patterns will recur across much of manufacturing over time, as Indias demographic advantage plays out.)

The Modi decade has delivered the basics of a civilised existence to all Indians, particularly lifting the hitherto destitute half of the population from deprivation through the universalised provision of bank accounts, toilets, cooking gas, free foodgrain and proper homes. The Vajpayee focus on universal, free and compulsory education up to age 14 has largely eliminated abject illiteracy among the new cohorts entering the labour force. The rural elderly still lack the wherewithal to benefit fully from bank accounts because of their lack of financial literacy, which can only be slowly overcome. Better employment opportunities require specific skills for which diverse skills-development programmes have been honed and deployed.

The Modi governments new National Education Policy (NEP 2020) has begun arming the citizens of the future with the creativity, critical thinking and digital dexterity they will need in an era of rapid technological change and widening opportunity. Emphasising mother-tongue instruction in imparting critical skills between the ages of three and eight, the NEP provides vocational training from the sixth year, incorporates technology in both instruction and student-skilling, and encourages flexibility and freedom in choice of subjects. The inclusive, adaptable, germane and flexible approach holds the promise of preparing citizens for the high middle-income economy they will encounter upon reaching adulthood.

As with other social programmes, however, education too is a state subject, so implementation of NEP 2020 could be patchy outside the NDA-ruled states. Training and motivating teachers remain a critical challenge, but the near-ubiquity of Internet and mobile phone access in the country provides ample avenues for technology to help overcome several of the hurdles. Although the benefits of NEP will take a decade or two to fully fructify, the policy itself is well-timed to move away from the rote-learning of the basic-needs past to infusing critical thinking and creativity into the curriculum in time for the Viksit Bharat leap.

Middle-income nations also require better governance, particularly of cities, which must remain liveable as inhabitants become more prosperous amid rapid urbanisation. Indias cities have no autonomy in governance and depend on state governments for their finances.

Rapidly growing Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are often little more than overgrown villages with a veneer of planned modernity slapped on. From sewerage to garbage removal, sanitation to transportation and clean air, Indias cities need to develop a core of urban professionals with the expertise to deal efficiently with the needs of prosperity and demographic growth; and those professionals (including police) need to acquire relative autonomy from politicians for governance to be optimised. The US, for instance, only acquired professional city governance in the post-Tammany Hall era about a century ago.

Better-governed and more liveable cities will also contribute crucially to bolstering international tourism, with its attendant potential for generating millions of additional jobs. As manufacturing diversifies and grows, and tourist inflows multiply over the decade ahead, Indias current account balance will move into a structural surplus, thereby stabilising the rupee and helping to accelerate Indias per capita incomes, enabling them to surpass $20,000 by 2047.

(The article is an extract from Prasenjit K. Basus book, India Reborn, published by BluOne Ink. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.)

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 17:50 IST

News opinion Opinion | The Myth Of Indias Manufacturing Failure

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Opinion | When Protocol Becomes Politics: Lessons From Two Recent Episodes

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 15:39 IST

Conventions are not ornamental niceties; they are oxygen for a democratic polity that seeks to rise above the transactional

Rahul Gandhi was absent from the CJI swearing-in ceremony. (Image: PTI)

In the architecture of any functioning democracy, the written word  its Constitution, statutes, regulations  forms the visible scaffolding. But beneath this scaffolding lies an equally important, though often invisible, foundation: the accumulation of conventions, norms, and practices that give meaning to the letter of the law.

These conventions are not ornamental niceties; they are oxygen for a democratic polity that seeks to rise above the transactional. Their erosion need not be dramatic to be consequential. Sometimes, all it takes is a series of small breaches, seemingly justified in the moment, to undermine the moral grammar of governance.

Two recent episodes have brought this uncomfortable truth back to the fore. First, the absence of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), from the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant Mishra. Second, the non-invitation of Gandhiagain, as LoPto the state banquet hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the visiting Russian President, Vladimir Putin. Both events, in isolation, might appear minor. But when viewed through the lens of democratic convention, they invite serious reflection.

The LoP is not merely the leader of a political party. He or she is a constitutional figure, recognised in law and in parliamentary practice as an essential pillar of the democratic equilibrium. In mature parliamentary systems, the LoP is often described as a Prime Minister-in-waiting", entrusted with holding the government accountable. It is in this context that Rahul Gandhis irresponsible absence from the inauguration of the countrys highest judicial officer warrants scrutiny.

The judiciary is a sovereign pillar of the State. The Chief Justices swearing-in is not a partisan function; it is an affirmation of the Republics commitment to justice, continuity, and institutional propriety. The Oppositions presenceespecially that of the LoPsignals the bipartisan respect that must be accorded to this institution. Unfortunately, political disagreements today often take on a visceral, personal tone. Leaders find it increasingly difficult to share even a symbolic platform with adversaries. But the very essence of statesmanship lies in rising above the instinctive and the immediate. The larger message matters. The optics matter.

When a constitutional office-bearer absents himself from an important institutional ceremony, the absence becomes the messageone of disengagement at a time when our institutions need the reassurance of unity.

If Rahul Gandhi failed to rise to the occasion in the first instance, the government was equally remiss in the second. Traditionally, the Leader of the Opposition is invited to state banquets for visiting Heads of State. This is not a mere courtesy; it is a recognition that India, in its external engagements, speaks not as one party but as one nation. Diplomacy transcends domestic political divisions. It reflects the continuity of the Indian State beyond electoral cycles. To not invite the LoP to a banquet in honour of a major visiting leaderPresident Vladimir Putin, no lessis to suggest that the government views diplomacy as an extension of party politics. This is not only unnecessary; it is unwise.

When I was Ambassador in Bhutan (2009-12), its nascent democracy had a Parliament where the ruling party commanded a majority of 45 MPs in a House of 47. The LoP had only two MPs, and he was one of them. But whenever I had a banquet for a visiting high-ranking Indian dignitary, I used to invite the LoP. In fact, once the then PM Jigme Thinley jokingly remarked to me why I always called the LoP, since he was such a minuscule part of Parliament. My answer was that in the Indian systemand mostly internationallythe LoP, however small his party may be, has the rank of a Cabinet minister, and inviting him allows the representation of the entire spectrum of public opinion in the country. Incidentally, that LoP, Tshering Tobgay, who used to laugh when I would say that he is the PM-in-waiting, is now actually the PM of Bhutan, and we remain very good friends.

Even in the most polarised democracies, foreign policy is one arena where bipartisan consensus is valued, precisely because it strengthens the hand of the nation. When the government sidelines the LoP in matters of State protocol, it weakens the perception that constitutional offices are above political fray. The British commentator Walter Bagehot famously distinguished between the dignified" and the efficient" parts of a constitution. The efficient parts are those that function through explicit authoritythe Cabinet, Parliament, the courts. The dignified parts rely on tradition and moral authority to sustain the system. India inherited this subtle duality, and over seven decades, we have created a web of conventions that complement our constitutional framework.

In India today, political polarisation has become so deep, discourse so coarse, and, in the absence of trust, the instinct for conciliation so rare, that conventions are the only guardrails that prevent normal political contestation from devolving into institutional corrosion. Both the Opposition and the government would do well to remember this.

Ultimately, the issue is larger than the two incidents in question. It is about the future of democratic conduct. Conventions may not be enforceable in court, but they are enforceable in conscience. Our leaders would do well to recall that history often judges not the expedient act, but the honourable one.

The writer is a former diplomat, an author, and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 15:39 IST

News opinion Opinion | When Protocol Becomes Politics: Lessons From Two Recent Episodes

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The West Got It Wrong Again: Modis Embrace Of Putin Is India Telling The West To Back Off

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 12:05 IST

Modis embrace of Putin is India telling the West to back off. Back off from dictating, interfering or throttling Indian foreign policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the India-Russia Business Forum, in New Delhi. (Image: PTI)

The West is scrambling to decode Indias message during Putins visit to New Delhi, with reactions swinging from accusing New Delhi of embracing a war criminal" to anxious commentary that India is drifting into the Russia-China camp." Both readings are wrong. Modis embrace of Putin is India telling the West to back off. Back off from dictating, interfering or throttling Indian foreign policy.

In New Delhis diplomacy, everything is intentional. PM Modis decision to personally receive Putin at the airport, riding beside him and breaking protocol, was a deliberate display of Indias strategic autonomy. With Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on India, 25 per cent for the purchase of Russian oil, Delhi used this moment to signal that it wont be bullied. The message to the West is: India has always been on the side of peace, it will stick to its national interest come what may, and if you want to be in Indias good graces, treat it as a sovereign equal, not a junior partner to be pressured.

There were no signs of hesitation or discomfort as Modi and Putin met. In fact, it was the opposite. The warm optics were broadcast worldwide, and they signalled a simple learning: the Wests entire campaign to tear India and Russia apart is a futile effort. India values and rewards a time-tested, stable relationship. And there shall be no ambiguity, no doubts and no confusion about the resilience of India-Russia ties. It is not one for the West to break up.

Pushback and Balance

The most explicit evidence of Western unease came not from a rare joint op-ed in Indias own press, penned by three senior European envoys from Britain, France, and Germany. In the pages of a major Indian daily days before Putins arrival, the ambassadors from three powers, itself an unusual act, issued what amounted to a public letter of concern. The Russian ambassador to India authored a counter-piece. Such public interventions are rare, and the Russian ambassador immediately responded with a counter-piece. India suddenly found itself turned into a battleground for geopolitical narratives, and Delhi shut it down quickly. A senior official called the European op-ed very unusual" and not acceptable diplomatic practice." In diplomatic language, that is a slap on the wrist.

This pushback framed the Putin visit. For India, the optics were engineered to remove ambiguity. For Russia, the reception was proof that Moscow still has one stable, non-hostile, rising partner in an increasingly hostile world. But the choreography was equally defined by what wasnt announced. This is where balance comes into play. There were no dramatic announcements in defence or oil trade. This does not mean that strategic talks are not happening at all. It was insulation. India kept the visit focused on trade while strategic cooperation continued in its usual, quiet pace in the background. The proof lies in what has already moved without fanfare, the reported $2 billion deal for another nuclear attack submarine lease, the ongoing S-400 talks, and the military logistics pact signed earlier this year. In India-Russia ties, the real work happens off camera. Big military agreements are almost never unveiled during summits. And oil trade is carrying on without bluster.

Putins delegation was another signal often missed by Western observers. He didnt just bring ministers, he brought Kirill Dmitriev, a key figure linked to the Trump-driven Ukraine peace effort, working alongside US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. This is the only peace process with any energy behind it, because it is the only one with buy-in from Moscow and Washingtons potential next leadership. And the timing matters. Russia currently holds the battlefield advantage. Ukraine is facing the possibility of defeat. The Trump administration has effectively stepped back.

PM Modis clear endorsement of the peace efforts aligned with the Trump initiative and that alignment should be noted in Washington, not resented. India and the Trump administration are on the same page: the war must end and peace must prevail.

India Cannot be Coerced

Of Indias three major power relationships with the US, China, and Russia, only one has been consistently stable: India and Russia. It is the only equation without dramatic crashes, ideological shocks or sudden reversals. The others swing between breakthroughs and breakdowns. This simple geopolitical fact underpins the strategic reality of our time.

Russia isnt betting on the India of today. Its betting on the India of the next fifty years, a country set to become one of the worlds top three economies, one that will remain young and capable while much of the developed world ages and shrinks. Russia, facing demographic decline, sees India as a long-term partner it can actually grow with.

Meanwhile, Russia cannot be wished away. It is the worlds largest country by landmass, a resource superpower, and a potential anchor for Indias future energy security, something India will need more of as its economy expands.

The West still imagines India as a country that can be nudged, managed, or turned into a vassal state. But India has its own interests, its own calculations, and its own worldview. It will balance, it will hedge, and it will choose issue by issue but it will not be coerced into picking sides. India sees itself as a pole in its own right, a centre of gravity in an emerging multipolar order. And the real lesson from this entire episode is simple treat India as a sovereign equal. It is nobodys pawn.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 12:05 IST

News opinion The West Got It Wrong Again: Modis Embrace Of Putin Is India Telling The West To Back Off

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 11:56 IST

1 / 5 The Indian government provides LPG subsidies to the public under the DBTL PAHAL scheme. When you purchase a gas cylinder each month, the subsidy is directly credited to your bank account, ensuring smooth fund transfer while minimising fraud and misuse. After applying for this scheme, it is important to check the status of your subsidy application. Applicants must provide their Aadhaar card details.

2 / 5 Occasionally, the LPG subsidy may not be credited to your bank account. This can happen for various reasons. Often, the subsidy is not received even after the cylinder has been delivered. Typically, the amount is credited within 2-3 days of delivery. If it does not appear after this period, you can contact the DBTL grievance cell. In cases where a transaction fails, the subsidy may not be credited. In such situations, visit the bank branch linked to your Aadhaar card for further assistance.

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3 / 5 Sometimes, even if the subsidy is transferred, it may not reflect in your bank account. If this occurs, you should visit your bank branch or consider linking your Aadhaar card to a different account. After booking a cylinder, wait for four days. If the subsidy is still not received, call

4 / 5 For any queries regarding the LPG subsidy scheme, you can call the DBTL helpline. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set up a dedicated call centre. Customers of HP Gas, Indane, and Bharat Gas can use this helpline. The DBTL Grievance Cell can be reached at 1800-2333-555. In most cases, contacting your gas agency or bank resolves the problem. If issues persist, the DBTL helpline can provide further support.

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 11:59 IST

1 / 16 She has worked in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films. Born on December 10, 1960, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, the veteran star was drawn to the world of glam and glamour from childhood.

2 / 16 The actress received her first break in Bollywood during her graduation. Her first films include Puthiya Vaarpugal, Niram Maaratha Pookkal, and others.

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3 / 16 Rati made her Bollywood debut in 1981 with Ek Duje Ke Liye, which was a Hindi remake of the Telugu film Maro Charitra from 1979. The movie even earned her a Filmfare nomination as Best Actress.

4 / 16 She then appeared in several Hindi films, including Farz Aur Kanoon (1982), Coolie (1983), Tawaif (1985), Aap Ke Saath (1986), Hukumat (1987), and Zalzala (1988). The actress was at the peak of her career when she left the industry for the sake of her marriage.

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5 / 16 Rati also made headlines for her rumoured relationship with Sanjay Dutt. After working with Sanjay Dutt in the films Johny I Love You (1982), Main Awara Hoon (1983), and Mera Faisla (1984), the duos on-screen chemistry began to draw attention.

6 / 16 According to a previous News18 report, she even wanted to marry him. However, Rati's father, Pradeep Agnihotri, was strongly against their relationship.

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7 / 16 Rati's father felt that Sanjay was not right for his daughter. So, he hired some freelance photographers to take pictures of Sanjay when he was drunk and reportedly combined these pictures into a video to convince her against him.

8 / 16 Undoubtedly, the conspiracy separated Rati from Dutt, leaving her devastated. Eventually, she gave up her insistence on marrying Sanjay and moved on with her life.

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9 / 16 Rati surprised everyone by marrying businessman Anil Virwani in 1985, and eventually left her career behind. Her decision to abandon the limelight after marriage was coupled with her father's death.

10 / 16 In 1986, the couple welcomed their first child together, a baby boy, and lovingly named him Tanuj Virwani. He is now an actor working in Hindi films and television.

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11 / 16 After nearly 15 years of marriage, Rati opened up about marital issues. She revealed being a victim of domestic violence, and why she thought of opening up so late. The actress revealed enduring the pain for years solely because of her son.

12 / 16 Although their relationship began to crumble, Tanuj made efforts to bring them back together. Finally, Rati decided to give her marriage a second chance after Anil revealed he was working hard to improve as a husband.

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13 / 16 As of now, they havent separated. Meanwhile, after a 16-year sabbatical, she returned to acting in 2001, in the Hindi film Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi and the Tamil film Majunu.

14 / 16 In 2003, she made her Malayalam debut in Anyar, her English debut in An Ode to Lost Love, and her Bengali debut in Aaina-te, and continued to appear in one project after another. Rati was last seen in Tomchi, a children's film directed by Rajesh Gupta, released in May this year.

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15 / 16 She has also appeared on stage in plays such as Please Divorce Me Darling (2005) and on television in serials such as Sixer (2005), among others.
Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 11:59 IST

1 / 11 Indian cinema in 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular, with films across languages breaking records and actors delivering career-defining performances. From historical epics to thrillers and regional powerhouses, the year has reshaped the box-office landscape. Heres a detailed look at the five actors who dominated the charts and emerged as the highest-grossing stars of 2025.

2 / 11 Akshaye Khanna  969.6 crore worldwide: Akshaye Khannas resurgence has been one of the most remarkable stories of the year. His historical drama Chhaava collected a staggering 827.06 crore worldwide, cementing his place as a box-office titan.

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3 / 11 But the real game-changer was Dhurandhar, which earned 142 crore worldwide in just three days of release. This one-two punch propelled Khanna to the top of the 2025 charts, making him the highest-grossing actor of the year. His ability to seamlessly shift between historical gravitas and contemporary thrillers has reminded audiences of his versatility, and his dominance this year signals a powerful second act in his career.

4 / 11 Rishab Shetty  845.18 crore worldwide: Before Dhurandhar stormed into theaters, Rishab Shetty held the crown as 2025s biggest star. His film amassed 845.18 crore worldwide, a testament to his growing influence beyond Kannada cinema.

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5 / 11 Following the success of Kantara in earlier years, Shetty has become a household name, blending folklore with mass appeal. His ability to connect with audiences across India has made him one of the most bankable stars, and though he slipped to second place after Khannas late-year surge, his run remains one of the most impressive of 2025.

6 / 11 Vicky Kaushal  827.06 crore worldwide: Vicky Kaushal continued his upward trajectory with a major release that matched Chhaavas worldwide earnings at 827.06 crore. His presence in the top three underscores his growing clout in Bollywood and beyond.

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7 / 11 Kaushals choice of roles, balancing patriotic dramas, historical sagas, and character-driven narratives, has resonated with audiences across demographics. His inclusion in this elite list highlights how he has transitioned from promising newcomer to a reliable superstar commanding massive box-office numbers.

8 / 11 Akshay Kumar  789.09 crore worldwide: Akshay Kumar reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most dependable performers in Indian cinema. With four releases in 2025, he managed a combined worldwide total of 789.09 crore.

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9 / 11 His ability to deliver across genres, whether action, comedy, or drama, has kept him relevant for decades. While none of his individual films matched the colossal numbers of Khanna or Shetty, Kumars consistency ensured his place among the top five. His adaptability and relentless work ethic continue to make him a fixture in the industrys biggest conversations.

10 / 11 Mohanlal  582.4 crore worldwide: Completing the top five is Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, whose three releases together earned 582.4 crore worldwide. His enduring popularity in Kerala and across the diaspora has made him a cultural icon.

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Over the past 24 hours, four settlements in the Kharkiv region were hit by enemy strikes, resulting in one person being killed and two others being injured, Kharkiv Regional Military Administration head Oleh Synehubov has said.

A 69-year-old man was killed in the village of Zamulivka, Vovchansk community. Medical assistance was provided to a 59-year-old man who was injured on December 6 as a result of shelling in the city of Kupyansk, and a 65-year-old woman who was injured on December 9 in the village of Smorodkivka, Kupyansk community.

According to Synehubov, the enemy used various types of weapons: one cluster bomb strike (KAB), two Geran-2 drones, and two FPV drones. Civilian facilities were damaged: in the Bogodukhiv district - an enterprise in the Izium district - a private house (village of Borova), in the Chuhuyiv district - a car (village of Zamulivka).

"Over the past day, 234 combat clashes were recorded. In the South-Slobozhansk direction, our troops stopped 11 enemy attacks in the areas of the settlements of Starytsia, Vovchanski Khutory, Vovchansk, Dvorichanske and towards Synelnykovye, Obukhivka, Kutkivka. In the Kupyansk direction, nine attacks by the invaders took place. Our defenders repelled assault actions towards Petropavlivka and Kurylivka," Synehubov said.
Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 14:22 IST

1 / 8 Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet have been dating for nearly two years now. However, their relationship had always received mixed reviews from fans. While some celebrate their bond, others express skepticism. Notably, Club Chalamet, a prominent fan account, has also been vocal about disapproving of their relationship. Let's find out more.

2 / 8 Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet relationship rumours first made headlines in 2023 when they made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 70th David di Donatello Awards in Rome. The couples romance was kept under wraps until they started making public appearances together, including attending high-profile events like the 2025 Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, and Oscars.

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3 / 8 Rumours of Kylie and Timothee's breakup also often make headlines. Earlier this year too, it was reported that the couple has parted ways after the Call Me By Your Name actor skipped his ladyloves 28th birthday celebration. He was also absent from her mum Kris Jenners star-studded 70th birthday bash.

4 / 8 While netizens were quick to notice that Timothee was missing from the celebration, it was later reported that the actor was in Budapest, Hungary, busy shooting Dune: Part Three.

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5 / 8 Most recently too, Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet dismissed their breakup rumours when they made a rare joint red carpet appearance at the Marty Supreme premiere in Los Angeles. The two, who were seen twinning in orange, posed together for the paparazzi and flaunted their smiles.

6 / 8 However, a body language expert named Judi James has also decoded their rare appearance. In his interaction with the Daily Mail, James claimed that Timothee looked uncomfortable while posing with Kylie. He further claimed that their romance looked one-sided.

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7 / 8 The romantic signals look one-sided here. Kylie clearly looks happy to depict and define a smitten, romantic relationship, but Timothees poses make him look less keen to be seen as any form of celebrity show-pony," the body language expert said.
Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 15:35 IST

1 / 11 With the release of Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar, Akshaye Kumar has once again stepped into the spotlight. His portrayal of the menacing Rehman Dakait, a Pakistani crime lord and politician, has become one of the most talked-about aspects of the film.

2 / 11 Alongside his powerful performance, the actor has been going viral for his stylish entry in the film. Set to the song, FA9LA, by rapper Flipperachi, Akshaye is seen entering in a black suit. He greets the crowd with a salam, follows it with a subtle dance, and has since been winning over fans with his effortless swagger.

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3 / 11 His performance has made such an impact that even his ex-girlfriend felt compelled to applaud him publicly. As interest resurfaces in his past relationship, her appreciation post has added to the buzz, as she remains single at 50.

4 / 11 Akshayes ex-girlfriend Tara Sharma took to Instagram and shared an old picture of the actor, writing, A huge congrats, Akshaye! We havent watched it yet but our insta feeds are full of #dhurandar!

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5 / 11 She added, Having known each other since we were little its really fab to watch you stay true to your passion of acting. Our school plays were perhaps all our first step into the world of performing and from way back then, we knew youd be doing this. Perhaps the most private person I know. Happy for you, that your quiet hard work is reaping rewards!

6 / 11 Akshaye and Tara dated in the 2000s for nearly two years. In 2007, when Karan Johar asked the actor about his relationship, he said, Thats a genuine relationship.

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7 / 11 That same year, Akshaye was told in an interview with Hindustan Times that his close friends had said Tara was the one for him. He reacted to it, saying, Who are these friends who are saying this? Sure, Tara and Ive known each other for years and years. But now shes getting married to her boyfriend soon, shell be a very married, married woman.

8 / 11 Tara married Roopak Saluja in 2007, and Akshaye Khanna even made it to the guest list. Speaking about her and her husband being okay to invite the actor to the wedding.

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9 / 11 She told Times of India, Of course! Roopak is very fond of Akshaye. Besides, Akshaye and I broke up long back. But weve always remained friends. So everything is amicable.

10 / 11 As per her Instagram, Tara Sharma is a British-Indian actress, entrepreneur, and producer known for films like Masti and Khosla Ka Ghosla.

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 07:30 IST

1 / 10 Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on December 4 for a two-day visit to mark his presence at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only gave him a warm welcome but also gifted him a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita.

2 / 10 On December 5, the diplomatic meet culminated at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu hosted a grand banquet for Putin, Modi, the Union Ministers of India, as well as the diplomats.

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3 / 10 While the opulent dinner was a feast for the senses, the star of the vibrant vegetarian spread was gucchi doon chetin aka Gucchi mushrooms, served with walnut chutney. Dont worry, foodies, the dish has absolutely no connection with the luxury Italian fashion house Gucci.

4 / 10 Gucchi mushrooms, a rare breed of wild morel mushrooms, arent commercially farmed. They grow naturally in remote and high-altitude forests in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, particularly in Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Chamba, Kangra and the Pangi Valley.

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5 / 10 The price of this exquisite mushroom can shoot up to Rs 40,000 per kilo, making it one of the most expensive varieties in the world, reports Manorama. These fungi are usually found under leaf litter, near decaying wood, if not in fertile soil.

6 / 10 The scientific name of gucchi mushrooms is Morchella esculenta. They grow in the winter season and locals collect them in the months of March to May.

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7 / 10 Gucchi mushrooms, used in gourmet cooking, are a powerhouse of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. They also contain antioxidant properties.

8 / 10 Gucchi mushrooms might reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Cholesterol-free and low in calories, they can also help boost immunity and fight against certain diseases.

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9 / 10 One of the popular dishes made using gucchi mushrooms is Gucchi pulao. Apart from that, they can also be cut into small pieces and enjoyed like a fried delicacy.
Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 10:02 IST

1 / 12 A man from Kenya has gone viral on the Internet for making a rather unusual claim. The 40-year-old, named Nyakundi Kibiru, has alleged that he is the firstborn of billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

2 / 12 He has revealed that his mother had a brief relationship with a 20-year-old Elon Musk in the early 1990s. They met at a hotel in the Masai Mara. He even publicly requested a DNA test to prove his claim.

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3 / 12 Kibiru describes himself as a mental health activist and even posted a photo online to support his claim.

4 / 12 Some people said that they could see a resemblance to Musk, pointing out their similar facial features and jawline.

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5 / 12 Despite the similarities, not everyone was convinced that the man was the billionaires firstborn, who is known to have 14 kids with four different women. Many thought that the timeline did not add up.

6 / 12 Musk was born in 1971; if Kibiru, who is 40 years old now, were born in 1985, that would be a clear mismatch, as it would mean Musk was only 14 years old and still in high school.

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7 / 12 The Kenyan man claimed that his mother met Musk in the early 90s, and even alleged that the businessman was 20 years old when he met his mother, which is another striking discrepancy in his age and the timeline of events.

8 / 12 Beyond the timeline issue, he also did not provide any solid evidence linking him to Musk, such as a birth certificate or verifiable photos. The only picture that he has shared is of himself, which many thought was AI-generated.

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9 / 12 People noticed issues with the photo Kibiru shared. Some spotted details, like the shirt he was wearing had no button holes, a blurry, generic office background, and most importantly, his facial features, like beard and ear shape, looked strangely similar to Musks.

10 / 12 Some even dug up the fact that the story was not new. The same had surfaced online on Russian websites in 2024.

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11 / 12 Elon Musk had six children with his first wife, Justine Wilson. They are twins, Vivian Jenna Wilson and Griffin Musk, and triplets Kai, Saxon, and Damian Musk. The billionaire has three children with musician Grimes: X  A-Xii, Exa Dark Siderl, and Techno Mechanicus.
BJP-Congress Lock Horns Over Amit Shah Vs Rahul Gandhi Showdown In Lok Sabha

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 12:39 IST

Congress criticised Shah's response stating that he was merely reading from a script, while BJP hit back saying it was shameful that Rahul Gandhi led the walkout.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. (Sansad TV via PTI)

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed a heated confrontation between the leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and Home Minister Amit Shah, as discussions on electoral reforms escalated into chaos.

Shah defended the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral reforms, arguing it was essential to remove undocumented migrants from voter rolls. However, Gandhi challenged him to a debate at his press conference about vote theft allegations.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed dissatisfaction with Shahs response to the oppositions concerns, suggesting Shah was merely reading from a script and failed to address issues raised by leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Kalyan Banerjee, and Supriya Sule.

Gogoi stated, We expected the Home Minister to answer the oppositions questions from the last two days of discussion. Instead, he followed a script."

Gogoi also refuted Shahs claim that Congress never approached the Election Commission, stating, Our party leaders have held numerous press conferences outside the Election Commission and lodged many complaints. Why didnt the Home Minister notice the polluted voter list during the Lok Sabha polls when they dreamed of crossing 400 seats?"

Chaos In Lok Sabha

During Shahs speech, the house erupted into chaos as the Opposition staged a walkout. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya called it utterly shameful" that Rahul Gandhi led the walkout while the Home Minister was answering their questions.

Surya criticized the opposition for their persistent demands for a debate on SIR and EVM, which disrupted Parliament proceedings, only to walk out when Shah addressed their questions.

BJP leader and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised Shahs speech, stating that he effectively countered the oppositions propaganda on SIR. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commended Shahs speech as outstanding," highlighting how he exposed the lies of the opposition.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal defended the SIR, stating that the exercise aimed to make the voter list transparent and clean." He accused the opposition of walking out due to objections to this and claimed that the oppositions actions revealed their lack of public support.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 12:39 IST

News politics BJP-Congress Lock Horns Over Amit Shah Vs Rahul Gandhi Showdown In Lok Sabha

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'3 Incidents': Amit Shah Says Nehru Became PM Via 'Vote Chori', Indira Gandhi Stole Rae Bareli Poll

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 10, 2025, 19:53 IST

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused previous Nehru-Gandhi regimes of engaging in electoral theft, calling them "generational vote 'chor'"

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi on December 10, 2025. (Image: Sansad TV/PTI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi clashed over vote chori and electoral reforms, such as the ongoing pan-India special intensive revision exercise, in Parliament on Wednesday.

The ongoing winter session descended into fiery debate when Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi sparred over allegations of vote chori. Shah retaliated against Gandhis allegations of voter fraud by accusing previous Nehru-Gandhi regimes of engaging in electoral theft, calling them generational vote chor".

I would like to tell you about 3 incidents of voter chori. First, after independence, the PM of the country was to be electedSardar Patel got 28 votes and Jawaharlal Nehru got 2 votes. But Jawaharlal Nehru became the Prime Minister" Shah told the Lok Sabha, directly accusing Indias first prime minister of vote theft.

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Speaking on electoral reforms, in Lok Sabha, Union HM Amit Shah says, "I would like to tell you about 3 incidents of voter chori. First, after independence, the PM of the country was to be electedSardar Patel got 28 votes and Jawaharlal Nehru got 2 votes. But pic.twitter.com/PaHocH0lzw ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025

He cited the Allahabad High Court verdict on Raj Narain vs Indira Gandhi, which found the then PM Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice in her Rae Bareli election. On June 12, 1975, in a landmark ruling, Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha passed the order invalidating her win and banning her from office for six years, leading directly to the declaration of the Emergency.

Can you give us a response as to why immunity was given to the prime minister by your government? I will speak about the immunity given to ECI (Election Commission of India)you first, answer the PM immunityyou say we gave immunity to the EC (Election Commission)Smt Gandhi gave immunity to herselfno one teaches them history," he said.

The confrontation began when Gandhi interrupted Shahs address, challenging him to engage in a full debate based on the contents of his three press conferences where he alleged widespread voter fraud and manipulation by the EC in collusion with the ruling BJP.

Amit Shah ji, I challenge you to have a debate on the three press conferences," Gandhi said, , specifically questioning why full immunity had been granted to election commissioners. He (Shah) must tell us the thinking behind this. He talked of Haryana, he gave one example but there are numerous examples (of vote chori)."

Shah fiercely resisted the demand, saying he will not adjust his speaking order or frame his debate as per the wishes of the opposition. He said Gandhi cant run Parliament with your obstinacy" and demanded patience. When Gandhi hit back, labelling his response as completely defensive", frightened", and not genuine", Shah broadened his attack.

He defended the governments efforts regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) explaining it is the specific procedure to sanitise the voter list". He accused the opposition of double standards", stating: When you win, EC is great. When you lose, EC is useless and works at BJPs behest. He did a PC and said voter list is not fair; SIR is the way for voter revisionthis the only way to do it. What is vote chorisome families are pushtaini (generational) vote chor."

The home minister countered the oppositions claims that the BJP avoids anti-incumbency by arguing that anti-incumbency affects only those who work against the public interest" and acknowledged that while the BJP rarely faces it, it is not as if we have never lost any election after 2014".

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First Published: December 10, 2025, 19:28 IST

News politics '3 Incidents': Amit Shah Says Nehru Became PM Via 'Vote Chori', Indira Gandhi Stole Rae Bareli Poll

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Siddaramaiah Draws Flak Over Rs 47 Crore Air Travel Bill; BJP Calls Him Costly Minister

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 22:51 IST

The BJP has accused Siddaramaiah of rampant misuse of public funds and abandoning the principles of financial prudence he previously championed

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya raised questions over Siddaramaiahs air travel, citing challenges in infrastructure in the state. (Photo: News18)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has come under intense scrutiny following revelations that his government has spent over Rs 47 crore on helicopter and special aircraft travel between 2023 and November 2025.

The expenditure, disclosed in the Legislative Council, has triggered a fierce attack from the Opposition, which says the numbers contradict Siddaramaiahs longprojected image as a socialist leader".

Despite the mounting criticism, the government insisted that all travel is essential and strictly within protocol for the purpose of efficient governance. However, the rapidly escalating numbers have provided the Opposition with substantial fresh ammunition against the government.

The figures came to light in response to a starred question raised by BJP MLC N. Ravikumar. According to the governments official reply, the expenditure has escalated significantly across the fiscal years: Rs 12.23 crore in 202324, and Rs 21.11 crore in 202425, bringing the total to a clarified Rs 47.38 crore as of November 2025.

Opposition Claims Misuse

The BJP has accused Siddaramaiah of rampant misuse of public funds and abandoning the principles of financial prudence he previously championed.

Opposition leaders argue that the Chief Minister has increasingly relied on helicopters even when road travel options have significantly improved or travel times have been substantially reduced. They specifically allege that many air trips were undertaken for routine political events and meetings, terming the lavish spending a betrayal of socialist values."

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya raised questions over Siddaramaiahs air travel, citing challenges in infrastructure in the state.

In the last 30 months, Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs travel by special aircraft and helicopters has cost taxpayers 47.38 crore. At a time when Karnataka is still grappling with challenges in infrastructure, rural development, healthcare, and education, such heavy spending on VIP air travel raises serious questions: Is this the best use of public money? Do frequent helicopter trips, including short-distance routes, reflect responsible governance? Shouldnt fiscal discipline start from the top? With so many urgent public needs waiting for attention in Karnataka, its fair for citizens to ask whether the Congress governments priorities are truly aligned with the peoples," Malviya wrote on X.

In the last 30 months, Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs travel by special aircraft and helicopters has cost taxpayers 47.38 crore.At a time when Karnataka is still grappling with challenges in infrastructure, rural development, healthcare, and education, such heavy spending on pic.twitter.com/9hPk5iPVRv  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 11, 2025

BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil stepped up the attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, dubbing him a Costly Minister" over the rising expenditure on helicopter and chartered aircraft travel.

Patil said that while Karnataka  especially North Karnataka  continues to face regional imbalance, lack of irrigation facilities, unemployment, and poor infrastructure, the Chief Minister is busy sipping tea in choppers and private aircraft".

Siddaramaiah has redefined the post of CM as Costly Minister, instead of Chief Minister. He has splurged Rs 47.38 crore travelling in chartered flights and helicopters, calling the travel official," Patil said.

This is the same person who delivers lengthy speeches on socialism and austerity and is the only CM to present record budgets in Karnataka. The Chief Minister must explain what the urgency was to hire helicopters and private aircraft in the first place," he added.

Siddaramaih has redefined the post of CM as Costly Minister, instead of Chief Minister. He has splurged Rs.47.38 cr travelling in chartered flights & helicopters, saying the travel was official. This is the same person who gives lengthy speeches on socialism & austerity & the pic.twitter.com/QoedcRohR2 Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) (@BasanagoudaBJP) December 11, 2025

Scrutiny On Frequent Mysuru Trips

Adding to the political heat are concerns raised by citizen groups and activists over the Chief Ministers repeated use of chartered flights to travel to Mysuru, a district he visits frequently. The introduction of the BengaluruMysuru Expressway has reduced road travel time from over three hours to approximately 90 minutes.

Activists are questioning why the Chief Minister has reportedly stopped using road transporta practice he followed during his previous tenurein favour of expensive air travel. Official data shows nearly 40 trips to Mysuru in 2.5 years, with over Rs 5 crore spent solely on the BengaluruMysuru air route.

Why take a chartered flight when the common man reaches Mysuru in 90 minutes?" asked one activist, highlighting the optics of the expense. Additionally, documents reveal that from April 2025 to November 2025 alone, the Chief Ministers air travel expenditure touched Rs 14.03 crore, with helicopters reportedly used even for short inter-district visits previously undertaken by road.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 22:48 IST

News politics Siddaramaiah Draws Flak Over Rs 47 Crore Air Travel Bill; BJP Calls Him Costly Minister

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SP, AAP Join BJP In Attacking 'Paryatan Leader' Rahul Gandhi Over Foreign Visits: 'Casual Absenteeism...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 10:39 IST

The BJP and Opposition attacked Rahul Gandhi for the way he embarks on foreign visits by skipping "important occasions" in the country.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Image: PTI/File)

Escalating its attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his foreign trips, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday raised questions and asked in Lok Sabha about his compulsion" to often embark on secret travels" abroad.

Alleging that the itinerary of Rahul Gandhis official or unofficial" trips is not shared when he goes abroad, BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha questioned the Congress leader about what he is hiding" from the country.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Sinha called Rahul Gandhi leader of paryatan" (leader of tourism) and leader of partying", taking a jibe at the LoP ahead of his 6-day visit to Germany next week.

The BJP leader further attacked the Leader of the Opposition for the way he embarks on foreign visits by skipping important occasions" in the country.

INDIA Bloc Allies Join BJP

In a rare incident, the INDIA Bloc allies, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) joined the BJP in attacking Rahul Gandhi.

Launching jibe at Rahul Gandhi, AAP questioned Rahuls absence from the Parliamentary session and questioned, Is this casual absenteeism born of enlightenment?"

AAP leader Priyanka Kakkar took to X and wrote, No one told the LoP that he could use Google Meet for a meeting with his NRI Congress prabharis in Germany at this time instead of skipping the winter session altogether? Is this casual absenteeism born of enlightenment, or a strategy to keep India trapped in a BJP vs Congress narrative?"

Adding to this, even SP questioned Rahul Gandhis absence from Winter Session. The Parliament is conducting its session and Rahul ji is concerned about foreign visits. Everyone is aware of how much he is concerned about the countrys politics."

Rahul Gandhi To Visit Germany

Rahul Gandhi will visit Germany from December 15 to 20, during which he will engage with the Indian diaspora and meet German ministers, according to the Indian Overseas Congress.

Rahuls visit to Germany comes at a time when Parliaments Winter Session is underway, during which 13 important bills are listed for consideration and passage.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday hit back at the BJP for its criticism of Rahul Gandhi over his visit to Germany next week, asking why they are raising questions on the LoP when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spends almost half of his working time outside the country".

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 09:54 IST

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'You Have Kitchen Tools': Mamata Banerjee Appeals To Women In Bengal To Fight Against SIR

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 16:09 IST

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appealed to women to lead the fight in the state against the voter list revision, alleging that the Centre was attempting to snatch their rights.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee addressing a public event in Krishnanagar. (AITC)

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader took on the Centre yet again over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying it is being used to snatch away the rights of women, and urged them to fight with their kitchen tools if their names are removed from the voter list.

Addressing a public event in Krishnanagar, Mamata Banerjee said, Why is SIR not taking place in Assam? Is it because its a BJP state? They will snatch away the rights of mothers and sisters under the garb of SIR. They will bring the Delhi Police during the election to intimidate women."

Addressing the women, the Bengal CM said, If they cut your names, you have the tools in your house, right? The ones you use for cooking? Do you have the strength? You wont let them go if they cut your names, right? The women will lead the fight from the front, and the men will stand behind them. I want to see if the strength of our women is bigger than the BJPs."

She further said that she did not believe in communalism. I always do secular politics. Whenever the election comes, the BJP tries to use money and bring people from other states to divide votes.

Speaking about the recent Gita recital in Kolkata, she said, All of us do Gita Path at home. What was the need for a public meeting for this? Our gods reside in our hearts. Those who pray to Allah, do so in their hearts. During Ramzan and during Durga Puja, we pray together. Those who are shouting Gita, Gita should remember what Lord Krishna said. He said Dharma means purity, humanity, and not violence, discrimination and division."

Banerjee said eminent personalities like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had not divided people. Then who are you? They are looting votes, and spreading lies? They did notebandi, and now they are doing votebandi. They plan to win the elections in Bengal, after which they will remove all people so that no one speaks Bengali and erase the legacy of the Independence movement," she alleged.

I was born in the land of Bengal, and I will speak in Bengali. Even if you cut my throat, it will not matter. Those who sacrificed their lives for the nation are now forced to prove whether they are citizens of India. Dont you have shame?" she added.

For several months, the Bengal CM has protested against the SIR, saying it is disenfranchising legitimate voters and questioning the need for the exercise with months to go for the elections. She also predicted the BJP would lose the upcoming state assembly elections and announced a nationwide yatra against the SIR. The TMC supremo also stated that the BJP would be ousted from power at the Centre in 2029.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 15:56 IST

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ChatGPT Personalities With 5.1 Upgrade Comes To Indian Users: What Is It And How It Works

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 07:58 IST

ChatGPT 5.1 release brings new ways to make the AI chatbot respond to your queries and that is now available in India.

ChatGPT brings these new options for users in India

ChatGPT Personalities is now available for users in India. OpenAI is gradually expanding the reach of its features and the new option is part of the ChatGPT 5.1 upgrade that users in the country are seeing pop-up within the mobile and web app. As the name suggests, ChatGPT can be raw in its original AI avatar but personalities have been introduced to give the AI chatbot a different style and even tone.

This is not a new feature but the ChatGPT 5.1 release means you get to see a different version of the same tool.

ChatGPT Personalities: How It Works

Personalities is a unique way to define how ChatGPT responds to your queries and in what tone. This is quite popular with the GPT 4o version and the company somehow decided to remove it with GPT 5.0 which is why its availability on GPT 5.1 is hardly surprising. You have eight different personalities to choose from and you can change them from the settings whenever you want. The options are

Default

Professional

Friendly

Candid

Quirky

Efficient

Nerdy

Cynical

Earlier, ChatGPT had 5 options but the new GPT 5.1 release brings the three additional personalities which are Professional, Candid and Quirky. OpenAI has also tweaked the way these options respond and work for the users with better tone and more friendly.

The news comes amidst rumours about the company bringing the ChatGPT 5.2 sometime this week. This could be the response to Googles Gemini 3 Pro release recently, which has got Sam Altman and Co in the code red situation to make ChatGPT even better.

There have also been leaks which suggest ChatGPT ads are close to a public release but OpenAI has denied those concerns. The head of ChatGPT has taken these rumours into his own hands and publicly confirmed that OpenAI is not doing any live tests for ads on ChatGPT. Nick Turley has tried his best to sort out the confusion around ads being tested on ChatGPT.

He assures that OpenAI is not doing any live tests for ads, and if you see any clip showing that, it is not real. The companys chief for ChatGPT says they will take a thoughtful approach and it will be designed to respect peoples trust on ChatGPT.

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Group of Friends of Global Governance is open to all UN member states and welcomes the participation of all countries sharing the same vision, said Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday. Guo made the remarks after China's Permanent Mission to the UN announced on Tuesday the inauguration of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the platform of the UN. Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative during the SCO Tianjin Summit, charting the course for the reform of the global governance system and providing invaluable stability and certainty for the turbulent world, Guo told a regular press briefing, adding that the initiative received extensive recognition and positive response from the international community. Guo said that China initiated the Group of Friends of Global Governance to bring parties together for closer exchanges and cooperation on major issues on global governance, and draw on collective wisdom and mobilize joint efforts for reforming and improving global governance. He further pointed out that participating countries highly recognized and supported the Global Governance Initiative, commended China's leading role in global governance, warmly congratulated on the inauguration of the group, and expressed hopes that the group will provide new impetus for upholding multilateralism and reforming and improving the global governance system. Guo said that after the meeting, the 43 founding members of the group issued a joint statement, stressing they will jointly uphold the legacy won by the World War II, reinforce the role of the UN, address global challenges and respond to the yearning of the peoples. "Global governance is a matter for all. It bears on the vital interests of every country and calls for everyone to participate, engage in decision-making and share the fruits," said Guo, adding that the group is open to all UN member states and welcomes the participation of all countries sharing the same vision. "We also support the group to enhance exchanges and cooperation with various countries, the UN Secretariat and relevant international organizations, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and make new contribution to world peace and development," said the spokesperson.


Russian attacks on 17 settlements in Zaporizhia region injure 2, destroy houses and infrastructure - official

During the day, Russian troops launched 470 strikes on 17 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, as a result of which a 63-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman in the Polohivskyi district were injured, Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration head Ivan Fedorov has said.

According to him, the enemy carried out three air strikes on Hulyaipole and Ternuvaty. In addition, 291 drones of various modifications, mainly FPV, attacked a half a dozen settlements.

"Five multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) attacks were launched," the message published on the Telegram channel on Thursday morning said, adding it officials had received 36 reports of damage to housing and infrastructure.
Googles Gemini Will Not Be Showing Ads To Users: What The Company Has Said

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 11:28 IST

Gemini is not testing ads, Google has assured but the company cannot totally say that it won't be coming in the future.

Gemini is not testing ads for users but Google will find it hard to avoid it

OpenAI said this and now Google has come out publicly to confirm there are currently no plans to show ads in Gemini. The AI chatbot race is certainly heating up with many claiming Google is now ahead of the ChatGPT maker in the market so their businesses need more dough to keep the data centres running, which makes ads the ideal source to earn more money.

The new AI plans will help increase the user base but that is unlikely to generate the levels these tech companies need. Googles ads chief coming out and denying the prospect of ads in the AI chatbot is assuring, but the use of the word currently means it is not completely out of the picture, which is what many people are fearing going into the future.

No Ads In AI, But For How Long?

The Gemini ads rumour has been quashed away by Dan Taylor, who heads the Global ads division at Google. He said in a post on X that the news about ads in Gemini is uninformed and inaccurate and he pointed out that currently there are no plans to bring ads to the AI chatbot.

ChatGPT and Gemini are growing but these companies are investing billions, which means they need different sources for revenues. Ads have been the most reliable tap to open for Google and Meta for decades, and OpenAI clearly sees that as the ideal strategy.

Google using ads in Gemini wont be shocking but it will start another debate around the use of the AI tools, their privacy and how these ads are presented on the front end. Google has already introduced ads in AI search and AI mode so having ads in Gemini will probably finish the triangle.

The rumours around ads in Gemini came from a report in AdWeek which cited sources about the specifications of these ads, and how they will be priced and placed within the AI chatbot for the businesses and the users, respectively.

Over at OpenAI, weve had Nick Turley also doing his part and trying to sort out the confusion around ads being tested on ChatGPT. He assures that OpenAI is not doing any live tests for ads, and if you see any clip showing that, it is not real. The companys chief for ChatGPT says they will take a thoughtful approach and it will be designed to respect peoples trust on ChatGPT.

Google has launched the new AI Plus Gemini plan in India this week, priced at Rs 399 per month like the ChatGPT Go version. However, it is offering a special 6-month deal where you can sign up for AI Plus for just Rs 199 per month in the country.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 11:28 IST

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8 Man-Made Tube-Like Megastructures Found Under Giza Pyramids: Will This Discovery Rewrite History Books?

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 18:53 IST

Italian radar engineer Filippo Biondi says new satellite data strongly support claims of massive underground structures beneath the Giza Plateau.

He says matching scans from four satellites make the findings hard to deny. (Photo Credit: X)

Italian scientists created global buzz earlier this year when they announced that a huge underground system may sit thousands of feet beneath Egypts Giza Plateau. Their claim suggested that the area below the pyramids could hold deep shafts and chambers larger than modern stadiums.

Now Filippo Biondi, the radar engineer behind the project, has shared new proof that he believes supports their findings. In a recent interview on Jesse Michels American Alchemy podcast, he said the data collected so far points to the same hidden structures underground.

Multiple Satellite Teams Found the Same Results

Biondi explained that four satellite companies, Umbra, Capella Space, ICEYE and Italys Cosmo-SkyMed, recorded matching images using his radar method. All four satellites gave the same results," he said in the interview. That is really amazing. We cannot announce anything without these basic scientific methods."

His team uses a technique he developed called synthetic aperture radar Doppler tomography. Instead of sending radar through the ground, the method reads tiny surface vibrations. Those vibrations carry sound patterns from objects deep below, helping computers build 3D images even when the radar itself does not enter the soil.

What the Scans Appear to Show

According to Biondi, the images show eight giant hollow shafts running straight down from the Khafre pyramid. Each one has a centre column wrapped in perfect spiral coils. The shafts seem to end more than 3,500 feet below in cube-shaped rooms measuring 260 feet on each side.

The pyramids are the tip of the iceberg," he said. Its just a hat to complete something that is located underneath. The substance is below."

When asked if the spirals could be natural, he replied, 100 per cent. Its man-made. You do not find perfect coils like this in geology."

Watch the video here:

Experts Remain Sceptical

Many well-known Egyptologists, including Dr Zahi Hawass, have rejected the findings and called them fake news", according to The Daily Mail. Hawass said the radar technology cannot reach the depths claimed by the Italian group. Still, the team says they have seen similar structures under the Menkaure pyramid, under the Sphinx, and even 30 miles away at Hawara, known as the Labyrinth.

Team Pushes for Physical Exploration

Biondi said they do not know the purpose of the shafts but suggested the coils could be stairs or cables. I can say that this structure, the tubes extending beneath the pyramid, seems to be related to information," he said. Generating energy is a kind of information. Information is everything."

He added that blind tests proved his method works, including a perfect read of Italys Gran Sasso underground lab. The team has now submitted a proposal to Egypt to clear old shafts filled with debris. We only need permission to clean them and descend," Biondi said. If approval comes soon, he believes real exploration could start in 2026.

Podcast host Jesse Michels ended the interview by saying, After this conversation, Im convinced on a lot of it. These kinds of discoveries are speeding up. Humanity feels ready."

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 18:52 IST

News viral 8 Man-Made Tube-Like Megastructures Found Under Giza Pyramids: Will This Discovery Rewrite History Books?

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This Relative Of Ratan Tata Doesnt Own A Mobile, Lives In 2BHK Flat; Do You Know Who He Is?

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 06:30 IST

Ratan Tatas younger brother, Jimmy, has maintained a low profile over the years. Although he holds key roles across the broader Tata Trusts, he rarely attends formal votes.

Jimmy Naval Tata is Ratan Tatas younger brother. (Photo Credit: X)

Ratan Tata remains one of the biggest examples of businessmen who forged a connection with the people. The late Chairman Emeritus of the conglomerate, Ratan Tata, remained in the news not just for his business ventures like the Nano, but also for his philanthropy and love for stray dogs. But did you know that Ratan Tata was not the only member of his family to live in a simple manner? One relative of the late industrialist does not even own a mobile phone. That person is none other than Jimmy Naval Tata, Ratan Tatas younger brother.

The 85-year-old prefers to keep a low profile. He also stayed away from the family business. Here is all you need to know about Jimmy Tata.

Who Is Jimmy Naval Tata?

He is the younger son of Naval Tata and his first wife, Sooni Commissariat. In 2023, Ratan Tata shared a throwback black-and-white photo from his and Jimmys childhood. In his post, the industrialist mentioned that he and Jimmy were very close.

As per reports, Jimmy Tata resided in a 2-BHK flat in Mumbais Colaba. Despite his wealth, he prefers to keep a low profile and does not even own a mobile phone. According to a post by Harsh Goenka in 2022, Jimmy Tata would always beat him at squash matches.

Did you know of Ratan Tata's younger brother Jimmy Tata who lives a quiet reticent life in a humble 2 bhk flat in Colaba, Mumbai! Never interested in business, he was a very good squash player and would beat me every time.Low profile like the Tata group! pic.twitter.com/hkp2sHQVKq Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) January 19, 2022

Though he did not join the family business, Jimmy has stakes in Tata Sons and various other companies of the conglomerate, including Tata Steel, TCS, Tata Motors, Tata Power, and more. He is a trustee of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT).

According to a Times of India report, Tata now resides in Pune. He was not present for the annual meeting in October 2025 that was supposed to finalise Mehli Mistrys reappointment as a lifelong trustee at SRTT. Mistry was removed from the Tata Trusts board.

Although he holds key roles at SRTT and across the broader Tata Trusts, Jimmy rarely takes part in formal votes or board discussions, according to the outlet.

What Did Ratan Tata Leave His Younger Brother In His Will?

According to reports, Ratan Tata left Jimmy his share in the familys Juhu property. Jimmy also received select silver artefacts and jewellery. He owns 3,262 shares of Tata Sons and continues as an SRTT trustee.

Jimmys last public appearance was on October 11, 2024, at Ratan Tatas funeral in Mumbai.

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After US, Mexico Approves Up To 50% Tariffs On Imports From India, Other Asian Countries

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 13:01 IST

The measures, passed by both houses of Mexicos Congress, target more than 1,400 products, including automobiles, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics, and some other products.

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Mexico has approved sweeping new tariffs of up to 50% on imports from India, China and several other Asian economies, a move expected to affect IndiaMexico trade from 1 January 2026.

The measures, passed by both houses of Mexicos Congress, target more than 1,400 products, including automobiles, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics, steel, appliances and electronics. India, which does not have a free trade agreement with Mexico, is among the countries directly impacted.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaums government says the tariff package is intended to boost domestic manufacturing and address growing trade imbalances, particularly with China. Lawmakers also framed the move as part of efforts to strengthen local supply chains and reduce reliance on low-cost imports.

Mexicos Economy Ministry had first floated the proposal in September, but it faced resistance from China and domestic business groups before eventually clearing Congress with 281 votes in favour.

However, analysts say the reform is equally aimed at appeasing the United States as Washington presses Mexico to curb the influx of Asian goods that may be using the country as an export hub to bypass US tariffs.

The push comes ahead of the next review of the USMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), with US officials warning that China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, are expanding their manufacturing footprint in Mexico. The tariffs are also expected to generate an estimated $3.76 billion in additional revenue as Mexico attempts to reduce its fiscal deficit.

China has sharply criticised the decision, saying the duties will substantially harm the interests of trading partners, including China," and urged Mexico to correct" its policy. Beijing has also launched an investigation into Mexicos trade actions. Despite Chinas objections, Chinese automakers such as BYD and MG have been expanding operations in Mexico, contributing to Washingtons concerns that Beijing is using Mexico as a workaround to enter the US market.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 12:55 IST

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Bangladesh To Hold General Elections On February 12; First Since Sheikh Hasina's Ouster

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 21:52 IST

Bangladesh's Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced that the country's 13th general election will be held on February 12, 2026.

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Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus had stressed that the upcoming election must be conducted in a fair manner. (Credits: AFP file)

Bangladeshs Election Commission on Thursday announced that the countrys next general elections will be held on February 12, 2026, marking the first election since last years unrest that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladeshs Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the countrys first-ever polls  the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the July Charter referendum  will be held on February 12, reported The Daily Star. The July Charter refers to a document signed by several political parties aimed at restoring democracy and institutional reform in Bangladesh.

Apart from voting in elections, a national referendum on the July Charter will also be held on the same day, proposing significant reforms to state institutions, including curbing executive powers and strengthening judicial independence. Voting will be held simultaneously for all 300 parliamentary seats. This will be Bangladeshs first-ever twin polls.

As per the schedule, nominations are to be filed by December 29, 2025, which will be scrutinised from December 30 to January 4 next year. The last date for withdrawing nominations is January 20, the CEC said. Electoral symbols will be allotted, and the final list of candidates will be published on January 21.

Candidates can campaign from January 22 to February 10, until 48 hours before the election. The Election Commission (EC) has finalised plans for 42,761 polling centres and 2,44,739 booths for around 127.6 million voters. Polling will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, an hour longer, as voters will cast both their votes and referendum ballots.

Awami League Rejects Election Schedule

This will be the first national election since the violent student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The interim administration, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has been governing the country since then.

The interim government banned the activities of Sheikh Hasinas Bangladesh Awami League, and the EC postponed the partys registration. Awami League will not be able to participate in the elections unless the interim government and the EC lift the ban. Many of the party leaders are either absconding or in prison.

In a statement, the Awami League rejected the election scheduled, calling it biased that excludes the representatives of the majority of the countrys people.

The Bangladesh Awami League has closely reviewed the election schedule announced by the illegal, occupying, killer-fascist Yunus cliques illegal Election Commission. It is now clear that the current occupying authority is entirely biased, and that under their control it is impossible to ensure a fair and normal environment where transparency, neutrality and peoples will can be reflected," it said.

The party said holding an election while excluding the Awami League is a scheme to push the nation into a deep crisis", and called for all restrictions and criminal cases to be lifted. The Bangladesh Awami League rejects the announced election schedule that excludes the representatives of the majority of the countrys people."

A Critical Test For Bangladesh

The election is being seen as a critical test for Bangladeshs democracy, with major concerns centred on restoring democratic norms, reviving the economy, mending relations with India, and strengthening judicial independence. India has voiced its hope that the polls will be free, fair, credible, inclusive, and participatory.

It is believed that the main competition in the upcoming elections will be between former PM Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. The newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), which led the uprising against Sheikh Hasina, will also participate in the upcoming elections.

On Wednesday, Yunus described the upcoming national election as a historic opportunity to build a new Bangladesh following the mass uprising and stressed that it must be conducted in a fair and credible manner, as per The Daily Star.

For the first time, campaign posters are banned to protect the environment. Expatriates have an online registration system for postal ballots, and by Wednesday evening, about 2,97,000 had registered. Their ballots will carry only party and independent symbols, not candidate names.

(with agency inputs)

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 18:06 IST

News world Bangladesh To Hold General Elections On February 12; First Since Sheikh Hasina's Ouster

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China's Big AI Power Game: Beijing Working Towards Cheap Electricity From Worlds Biggest Grid

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 14:22 IST

In China, inexpensive power has helped AI companies develop high-quality AI models more cheaply than US competitors.

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Amid the intensifying role of artificial intelligence in todays era, the US may have developed the most potent AI models and controls access to the most sophisticated computer chips, but China has an ace to play in the global AI contest.

Recommended Stories Is This Finland's Bold Energy Bet? How Helsinki Is Using Internet Heat To Power Homes

Are Russia And Ukraine Close To A Ceasefire? What Trump Said And What Happened In Berlin China has developed the biggest power grid the world has ever seen. Giving a tough competition to the United States, China, from 2010 to 2024, increased its power production for more than the rest of the world combined. According to a report published in The Wall Street Journal, China, in the previous year, took a competitive advantage via electricity and generated more than double the electricity compared to the US, giving some Chinese data centers an advantage of paying less than half for electricity compared to their American counterparts.

The push for power supremacy is transforming remote expanses of Inner Mongolia, a Texas-like landscape of wide-open spaces now dotted with thousands of wind turbines and crisscrossed by transmission lines. They provide electricity for what officials describe as a new cloud valley of the grasslands," with more than 100 data centers in operation or on the way.

As per Morgan Stanley, China will spend some $560 billion on grid projects in the five years through 2030. A clear escalation from the 45 percent from the previous five years.

China, by 2030, will have about 400 gigawatts of spare capacity, Goldman Sachs predicts. This is about three times the worlds expected data-center power demand at that time.

Meanwhile, several tech giants, including Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella, are worried about the amount of power it would require to run the enormous number of chips it is buying. Some companies want Washington to do more to cut red tape or provide financial support to modernise Americas power grid, WSJ reported.

In the next three years, US data centres could face an electricity shortfall on a massive level, Morgan Stanley forecast, hinting towards a daunting challenge" for the nations AI ambitions.

In China, inexpensive power has helped AI companies, including DeepSeek, develop high-quality AI models more cheaply than US competitors.

Chinas power push dates back to 2021, when the government unveiled East Data, West Computing." It calls for harnessing abundant power resources in the nations west to meet AI-driven demand from the populous east.

The challenge that both countries  China and the US  are facing is that data centers, especially those required for AI, are consuming more power than ever before, and predicting the ultimate amount needed is difficult. Developing AI is an energy-intensive process, and every query from a chatbot user demands power for an AI model to respond. By 2030, Chinas data centers are projected to consume as much electricity annually as the entire consumption of France. The power requirements of US data centers are even higher. Last year, American data centers accounted for 45 percent of global data-center electricity consumption, according to the International Energy Agency, compared to 25 percent for China.

China now has 3.75 terawatts of power-generation capacity, more than double the US capacity. It has 34 nuclear reactors under construction, according to the World Nuclear Association, and nearly 200 others planned or proposed.

In Tibet, China is building the worlds largest hydropower project, which could produce three times the power of its Three Gorges Dam.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 14:13 IST

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'Cutting Our Nose To...': PM Modi-Putin Selfie Sparks US Congresswoman's Warning On India Ties

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 11:08 IST

Calling the image worth a thousand words, Sydney Kamlager-Dove accused the current administration of damaging strategic trust and mutual understanding between the two countries

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and PM Narendra Modi (R). (Image: Grigory SYSOYEV/POOL/AFP)

A selfie taken inside a moving SUV carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified scrutiny of Washingtons approach to India, sparking pointed criticism in a US congressional hearing over President Donald Trumps foreign-policy strategy.

Waving the now-viral image, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove issued a stark warning that the United States was responsible for pushing India closer to Russia. Calling the image worth a thousand words", she said: Trumps policies towards India can only be described as cutting our nose to spite our face." She also accused the current administration of damaging strategic trust and mutual understanding" between the two countries.

You do not get a Nobel Peace Prize by driving US strategic partners into the arms of our adversaries," Kamlager-Dove asserted, calling the moment a wake-up call for Washington. Because let me be clear: being a coercive partner has a cost," she said.

#WATCH | Presenting the photo of PM Modi with Russian President Putin during the latter's recent visit to India, US representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove says, "Trump's policies towards India can only be described as cutting our nose to spite our face Being a coercive partner pic.twitter.com/fHcakd75LA ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025

Acknowledging the damage done to India-US ties, the Congresswoman said: Congress understands the stakes on a bipartisan basis. And I thank the chair for putting this on the record today."

The high-profile ride took place when Putin landed in Delhi on a state visitthe first since Russias war in Ukraine began in 2022. He was greeted at Palam Airport by a red-carpet welcome and a warm hug from PM Modi.

Instead of the usual convoy of armoured limousines, the two leaders climbed into a white, Indian-assembled Toyota Fortuner, a low-profile SUV used by Indian security agencies, and drove together to the prime ministers residence for a private dinner.

According to Putin, the car ride was my idea. It was a symbol of our friendship." He added: We talked throughout the drive  theres always something to discuss."

The casual car-pool, which was intimate, informal, and symbolic, resonated far beyond Delhi. In Washington, it became a visual counterpoint to US efforts to pressure India on Russian oil and defence ties.

By flagging the selfie in Congress, lawmaker Kamlager-Dove turned diplomacy into a warning: aggressive US tariffs and coercive pressure risk undermining long-standing partnerships and may backfire, pushing India toward Russia rather than the West.

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:48 IST

News world 'Cutting Our Nose To...': PM Modi-Putin Selfie Sparks US Congresswoman's Warning On India Ties

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'Don't Want To Waste Time': Trump Expresses Frustration As Russia-Ukraine Talks Hit Impasse

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 22:37 IST

Trump directed his frustration at Ukraine and its European allies amid disagreements with his proposed peace plan, which critics argue favours Russia.

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US President Donald Trump. (Image: AFP)

US President Donald Trump expressed his frustration with the current impasse between Russia and Ukraine, saying he does not want to waste time" as several rounds of negotiations have failed to make any progress.

Trumps frustration appeared not only to be directed towards Russia, but also Kyiv and its European allies as they faced a deepening rift with the United States, according to NBC News. Longtime US allies are struggling to balance pressure from Washington while appearing defiant against Russias sweeping demands.

However, the US President has signalled that his patience is running thin. They would like us to go to a meeting over the weekend in Europe, and well make a determination, depending on what they come back with. We dont want to be wasting time," he said at a roundtable meeting with business leaders.

You Have To Let People Fight It Out

Trump appeared irked at Europe, which has rejected key proposals of his peace proposal that require Ukraine to surrender land to Russia and cut its military strength. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said Washington was still pushing for Kyiv to make big territorial concessions to Russia

Sometimes you have to let people fight it out and sometimes you dont," Trump added, casting further doubt over his desire to be involved in a new round of talks. He also said he had exchanged pretty strong words" on Ukraine during a call with European leaders, whom he called very good friends of mine."

Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a news conference Thursday that he, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had suggested to Trump that they finalize peace proposals together with the US over the weekend.

Trump had initially set a deadline for Kyiv to accept his peace plan before Thanksgiving, but due to European intervention, it has been delayed, with no set timeframe.

Ukraine On The Back Foot

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said the status of the eastern Donetsk region and future control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were the two key points of contention in talks with Washington on a deal to end the war with Russia.

They see Ukrainian forces leaving the territory of Donetsk region, and the supposed compromise is that Russian forces do not enter this territory  which they already call a free economic zone," Zelenskyy told reporters.

Ukraine has been trying to strike a delicate balance between appeasing Trump and not giving up crucial territory it still controls in the eastern Donbas region, which Moscow has vowed to take by force if required. Trumps sweeping plan, which critics argue largely favours Russia, has shaken the European continent and left leaders scrambling for better negotiations.

Zelenskyy was due to hold virtual talks with the so-called Coalition of the Willing, led by Britain and France, as the US piles on pressure on Kyiv to accept Trumps peace plan.

(with AFP inputs)

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 11, 2025, 22:37 IST

News world 'Don't Want To Waste Time': Trump Expresses Frustration As Russia-Ukraine Talks Hit Impasse

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'Every H-1B Equals 10 Illegal Aliens': Pollster Urges US Firms To De-Indianise As Row Erupts

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Last Updated: December 12, 2025, 10:22 IST

US pollster Mark Mitchell said each senior H1B developer at tech firms like Apple represents the economic equivalent of 10 illegal aliens.

US pollster Mark Mitchell criticised the Trump administration for not sending back H-1B workers. (Photo: X)

Top US pollster and political commentator Mark Mitchell called for sending back Indian professionals working in the US on H-1B visas, saying each senior H1B developer at tech firms such as Apple represents the economic equivalent of 10 illegal aliens."

Mitchell, the CEO of Rasmussen Reports  one of Americas top polling companies  has repeatedly called for the deportation of Indian H-1B workers, claiming they are stealing American jobs. He recently announced plans to de-Indianise" US companies by starting a consultancy firm on the matter.

Speaking at a programme with Steve Bannon, former adviser to US President Donald Trump and a MAGA voice, Mitchell slammed the Trump administration for not sending back H-1B visa holders and said it was easy for Indians to replace American workers.

Every single H-1B senior developer at Apple that we send back is economically equivalent to deporting 10 illegal aliens. So I dont know why we didnt do that yesterday. A lot of these people are entry-level, but a lot of them are making a ton of money," he said.

MITCHELL: For every H1B senior dev at Apple we send back, its the economic equivalent of deporting 10 illegal aliens. Silicon Valleys workforce is 2/3 foreign born, whole buildings 85-95% Indian nationals. These golden pathways let companies replace older American engineers pic.twitter.com/4P8kSAnzDY Grace Chong, MBI (@gc22gc) December 8, 2025

Mitchell argued that Silicon Valley tech companies depend heavily on immigrant labour for a lower-cost workforce and ignore American workers for the jobs, which makes it easier for Indians to replace Americans. To support his argument, he said an H-1B developer earning around $90,000 a year is equivalent to 10 undocumented workers earning $9 an hour.

He said two-thirds of Silicon Valleys workforce was foreign-born, and most of them were coming from India. Walmart had engineering buildings that had 85-95% Indian nationals. They come in on these golden pathways, and they take these jobs," he added.

The pollster also described H-1B workers as third-world engineers", saying there was a bottomless well" for these employees. People like me who have a family who are a little more expensive, maybe have gotten a few raises. My health insurance is a little more expensive. Really easy to replace me and train my replacement," he mentioned.

His remarks came as recent data showed that foreign-born professionals hold roughly 66% of Silicon Valleys tech jobs, with Indians accounting for 23% of them.

Meanwhile, Bannon also criticised the H-1B visa programme, accusing Indian IT firms of getting kickbacks by sending employees to the US. He also alleged widespread corruption and fraud, and that the H-1B system rewarded temporary talent while sidelining American talent.

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 11, 2025, 22:53 IST

News world 'Every H-1B Equals 10 Illegal Aliens': Pollster Urges US Firms To De-Indianise As Row Erupts

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Fighting Between Thailand And Cambodia Enters 4th Day As Buriram's Skies Glow Red

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 09:49 IST

The cross-border clash caused widespread damage, including to a casino and oil depot on the Cambodian side.

Buriram provinces skies glowed red overnight following attack by Cambodian forces. (Image: X)

Buriram provinces skies glowed red overnight as Cambodian forces shelled Thai positions with artillery and mortars, prompting a Thai army counterattack.

The cross-border clash caused widespread damage, including to a casino and oil depot on the Cambodian side, located opposite the Chong Sa Ta Ku temporary border crossing in Ban Kruat District.

Buriram provinces skies glowed red overnight as Cambodian forces shelled Thai positions with artillery and mortars, prompting a Thai army counterattack. The cross-border clash caused widespread damage, including to a casino and oil depot on the Cambodian side, located opposite pic.twitter.com/FYV9hksEFA Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) December 11, 2025

The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia entered its fourth day on Thursday as both sides waited for a promised telephone call from US President Donald Trump, who believes he can again end the conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations.

The clashes at more than a dozen locations along the 817-km (508-mile) Thai-Cambodian border on Wednesday saw some of the most intense fighting since a five-day battle in July, which was the worst conflict in recent history.

In July, Trump stopped the fighting with calls to both leaders in which he threatened to halt trade talks unless they ended the conflict.

Thailand and Cambodia have blamed each other for the latest clashes that started this week, and traded accusations of targeting civilians in artillery and rocket attacks.

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Location : Cambodia

First Published: December 11, 2025, 09:31 IST

News world Fighting Between Thailand And Cambodia Enters 4th Day As Buriram's Skies Glow Red

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Long-range drones of the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center hit the Filanovsky oil production platform, owned by Lukoil-Nizhnevolzhskneft, an informed source in the Security Service of Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine.

"At least four hits were recorded on the offshore platform. As a result of the attack, oil and gas production from more than 20 wells it serves stopped," the agency's source said.

He noted that this is the first strike by Ukraine on Russian infrastructure related to oil production in the Caspian Sea.

The Filanovsky field is one of the largest explored in the Russian Federation and in the Russian sector of the Caspian Sea. Its reserves amount to 129 million tonnes of oil and 30 billion cubic meters of gas. The extracted products were sent for export through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
I Thought They Were Human: Erika Kirk Slams Controversies Surrounding Charlie Kirks Death

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 07:29 IST

Erika Kirk's reaction comes after several political commentators have been making several claims about Charlie Kirk's death.

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk Controversies Over Charlie Kirk's Death. (File)

Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, blasted over controversies around her husbands assassination. Responding to the accusations, Erika appealed to the people and requested one thing" in the wake of her husbands passing.

In a segment with Fox News, Kirk said she doesnt have time to address the noise."

Kirk responded to a question related to theories surrounding her husbands death and said, Can I have one thing? Can I have one thing? Can my children have one thing? Everything was public. We will be building the most beautiful memorial for my husband at Turning Point USA and it will be for the world to see. It will be spectacular. And it will have basically museum-style for our Charlie, for my Charlie. But can I have one thing? Can my babies have one thing where we hold it sacred?"

I do not have time to address the noise," added Kirk. My silence does not mean that I am complacent. My silence does not mean that somehow Turning Point USA and all of the handpicked staff that loved my husband and my husband loved them is somehow in on it. We are busy building."

And you know what I thought? I thought these people are human. We are all grieving in our own way. And they are trying to find the answer to something that happened that was so evil. They are trying so hard. And I get that. Were doing the same No rock will be unturned. I want justice for my husband, for myself, for my family more than anyone else out," she added.

BREAKING: Erika Kirk absolutely eviscerates people pushing conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirks death.Erika called out people who are demanding to know where Charlie is buried and claiming TPUSA was somehow involved in Charlies death. You know what I thought? I thought pic.twitter.com/zLBMIsYIL0  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 10, 2025

The conservative political commentator, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 11, 2025, 07:14 IST

News world I Thought They Were Human: Erika Kirk Slams Controversies Surrounding Charlie Kirks Death

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India Can Play A Big And Unique Role In Ending Russia-Ukraine War: US Congressman Ami Bera

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 09:48 IST

Earlier too, Washington has emphasised the strategic importance of India in global peace efforts.

US Congressman Ami Bera. (Image: PTI)

In a stark reminder of its expectations from New Delhi, the US on Thursday reiterated that the road to peace runs through New Delhi," calling on India to use its diplomatic leverage to help end the war between Russia and Ukraine. India can play a big and unique role in helping end the RussiaUkraine conflict," US Congressman Ami Bera said.

Earlier too, Washington has emphasised the strategic importance of India in global peace efforts. As White Houses top trade adviser Peter Navarro put it while praising Indian leadership, the road to peace runs through New Delhi."

VIDEO | Washington, DC: India can play a big and unique role in helping end the RussiaUkraine conflict, " says US Representative Ami Bera.#IndiaDiplomacy #RussiaUkraineWar #AmiBera(Source  Third party) (Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/dAnJEkMSaU  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2025

However, the remarks came even as Washington continued to enforce steep tariffs on Indian goods over the countrys growing energy ties with Moscow.

For its part, New Delhi has defended its oil imports from Russia as a matter of energy security and economic pragmatism, given global supply disruptions since the war began in 2022. The government argues that energy decisions are driven by market realities and the need to ensure affordable fuel for over 1.4 billion citizens.

Meanwhile, the call for India to mediate peace adds to growing expectations about the role of PM Narendra Modi on the world stage. Indias longstanding policy of non-alignment or strategic autonomy has allowed it to maintain ties with both Western powers and Russia  and now, global leaders are urging New Delhi to leverage that unique position.

During the 2025 annual IndiaRussia Summit, held after a hiatus, PM Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that India is not neutral" in the Ukraine war  our side is peace." The summit concluded with renewed commitments to deepen energy, defence and trade cooperation under a long-term Vision 2030" roadmap.

At the same time, Modi has stepped up outreach to Ukraine. In August 2024, he became the first Indian prime minister ever to visit Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. There, Modi reaffirmed Indias support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling India on the side of peace" and committing humanitarian support and diplomatic backing.

Nearly a year later, on 23 September 2024, the two met again in New York on the sidelines of a global summit. Modi reiterated Indias commitment to a peaceful resolution through diplomacy, and Zelenskyy thanked India for its clear, consistent and constructive approach."

In yet another recent meeting in late 2025, Modi and Zelenskyy held a telephone discussion where India reaffirmed its readiness to support efforts toward a durable peace in Ukraine. Modi underlined that by virtue of our good relations with both sides  we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace."

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 09:48 IST

News world India Can Play A Big And Unique Role In Ending Russia-Ukraine War: US Congressman Ami Bera

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Indian-Origin Man Held In Canada For Targeting Female Doctors In Flashing Spree

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 07:22 IST

Over several months in 2025, the accused is alleged to have visited multiple medical clinics across Mississauga and exposed himself to female staff members.

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Authorities also say the accused exposed himself to female clinic staff and, in some instances, used a false identity while interacting with doctors. (X/@PeelPolice)

A 25-year-old Indian-origin man has been arrested for allegedly exposing himself to female doctors and staff members at multiple medical clinics across Mississauga in Canada, prompting a police investigation into a series of reported incidents, Peel Regional Police (PRP) said.

According to the investigators, the suspect, identified as Vaibhav, repeatedly attended clinics after pretending to suffer from medical issues, with the aim of prompting inappropriate physical contact from women doctors.

Police said that the incidents occurred across several locations over a number of months in 2025.

The 12 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) has arrested and charged a Brampton man in relation to an indecent act investigation," the PRP said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Authorities also say the accused exposed himself to female clinic staff and, in some instances, used a false identity while interacting with doctors.

The accused reportedly faked medical conditions in an attempt to have female physicians touch him inappropriately and, in some instances, used the alias of Akashdeep Singh while doing so," the statement said.

Over several months in 2025, the accused is alleged to have visited multiple medical clinics across Mississauga and exposed himself to female staff members.

Vaibhav was arrested on December 4 and remains in jail pending a bail hearing.

The accused has been formally charged with four serious offences, including Indecent Act in a Public Place, Identity Fraud with Intent to Gain Advantage, Possession of an Identity Document, and Identity Theft.

Investigators believe there may be additional incidents that have not been reported. They have further asked people to come forward and share information if they have any.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact the 12 Division CIB at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233," the statement concluded as saying.

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Location : Canada

First Published: December 11, 2025, 07:19 IST

News world Indian-Origin Man Held In Canada For Targeting Female Doctors In Flashing Spree

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One Mistake And You're Dead: Elon Musk On His Changed Outlook After Charlie Kirks Killing

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 12:55 IST

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on September 10, allegedly by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

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Elon Musk (Getty Images)

Billionaire Elon Musk opened up about the profound impact of the broad-daylight murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, saying, One mistake, youre dead." Musk described the incident as a life-altering moment that reshaped how he approaches risk and decision-making.

Speaking on The Katie Miller Podcast, the Tesla CEO said, These days, particularly in light of Charlie Kirks murder, there are serious security issues."

Its not that I dont want to, I simply cant," he added.

Speaking about whether Charlie Kirks murder has changed how he does things, Musk said, It certainly reinforced the severity of the situation where life is on hardcore mode. You make one mistake and youre dead."

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on September 10, allegedly by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Authorities reported that Robinson fired a single shot from a nearby rooftop while Kirk was speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.

They found a bolt-action .30-06 rifle and ammunition with unusual inscriptions, including taunts, gaming-style symbols, and references to the Italian resistance song Bella Ciao."

Robinson has been charged with first-degree murder and, if convicted, could face the death penalty by firing squad.

Earlier on September 21, Musk attended Kirks memorial service in Arizona, where he described the conservative figure as a forceful communicator whose message made a difference."

The billionaire has constantly, condemned online celebrations of Kirks death. He described online celebrations of the murder as evil" and accused those praising the attack of supporting cold-blooded murder." He also warned, Either we fight back, or they will kill us."

In another exchange, Musk said that if people were not allowed to live peacefully, the choice would eventually become fight or die."

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 11, 2025, 12:55 IST

News world One Mistake And You're Dead: Elon Musk On His Changed Outlook After Charlie Kirks Killing

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US Approves $686 Million Tech Upgrade For Pakistan's F-16 Jet Fleet

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 16:58 IST

The United States has approved a USD 686 million package to upgrade and support Pakistans F-16 fighter jets, including advanced avionics, training, and logistical assistance.

A Pakistani Air Force F-16 fighter jet (File photo/AP)

The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology, upgrades and support for Pakistans F-16 fighter jet fleet, a package valued at USD 686 million, according to a report by Dawn citing a communication from the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress.

The formal notification, sent on Monday, outlined the scope of the proposed sale and the strategic rationale behind Washingtons decision.

According to the report, the DSCA letter specified that the package includes Link-16 data-link systems, cryptographic gear, avionics enhancements, training modules, and extensive logistical support.

The agency stated that these capabilities are intended to modernise Pakistans F-16 inventory, particularly the Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) aircraft, while addressing essential operational and safety requirements.

In its communication to Congress, the DSCA asserted that the sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations."

It further noted that the upgrades will maintain Pakistans capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet."

The letter highlighted that the enhancements will enable seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training."

It also underscored that the refurbishment work is expected to extend the aircrafts service life through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns."

The DSCA also commented on Pakistans technical readiness to receive and integrate the new systems, stating that the country has shown a commitment to maintaining its military forces and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces."

Addressing possible regional sensitivities, the letter emphasised that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region."

The total estimated value of the package stands at USD 686 million, with USD 37 million attributed to major defence equipment and USD 649 million assigned to other associated items and services.

The DSCA concluded that the sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States" while enabling Pakistan to continue operating its F-16 fleet safely and effectively, the report claimed.

ALSO READ | US Expands Deportation Fleet As Boeing Completes $4.7 Billion Deal For Six 737 Jets

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 16:56 IST

News world US Approves $686 Million Tech Upgrade For Pakistan's F-16 Jet Fleet

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'Pakistan On Verge Of Collapse Like 1971?': KP Chief Minister After Being Denied Access To Imran Khan | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 18:18 IST

Sohail Afridi warned that the persistent and discriminatory denial of political access is pushing his constituents to a breaking point

Afridi aggressively questioned the legitimacy of denying a sitting constitutional provincial head access to his party leader. File image

The unprecedented restrictions placed on former Prime Minister Imran Khans access at Adiala Jail have escalated into a dramatic regional and constitutional crisis, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi issuing a series of dire warnings that evoked the fractured history of Pakistan.

Following his latest denial of entry to meet the PTI founder, CM Afridi, the head of one of Pakistans four provinces, made a pointed and emotionally charged analogy, asking whether Pakistan was on the verge of collapse again like 1971". He drew a direct parallel between the past political alienation of Bengalis that led to the creation of Bangladesh and the current systemic marginalisation and frustration felt by the Pakhtun populace supporting the PTI in his province.

In a scathing public confrontation with the authorities barring his entry, CM Afridi repeatedly demanded to know, Who is giving you orders to stop me?" He aggressively questioned the legitimacy of denying a sitting constitutional provincial head access to his party leader, arguing, Its my constitutional right to meet my leader Imran Khan or any prisoner."

The Chief Minister vehemently emphasised the identity of his province and his position: I am Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and its Pakistans province. I am a Pakistan province CM, not of another country." He challenged the federal authorities actions, raising the critical question: Is KP not part of Pakistan?"

Afridi warned that the persistent and discriminatory denial of political access is pushing his constituents to a breaking point. Dont push us to the wall and force us to take tough decisions. My people are angry," he cautioned. He claimed the decisions to prevent him from meeting Imran Khan would harm and haunt Pakistan", fueling a dangerous atmosphere where people are getting frustrated and hate is growing day by day in Pakistan".

In a final, urgent plea directed at the unseen power centres in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the KP Chief Minister urged the security officials to go and ask your bosses; dont do this; its harmful for Pakistan." He concluded with a severe warning that if the status quo continues, no one can control [the] situation", underscoring the severity of the political and ethnic tensions being inflamed by the continued solitary confinement of the PTI founder.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 18:18 IST

News world 'Pakistan On Verge Of Collapse Like 1971?': KP Chief Minister After Being Denied Access To Imran Khan | Exclusive

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Pakistan's Former Spy Chief Handed 14-Year Jail Term In Unprecedented Military Court Verdict

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 14:03 IST

Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed's alleged involvement in fueling political unrest & instability, acting in concert with certain political actors, remains under separate probe

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Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed (News18)

In a historic and deeply consequential decision, Pakistans former spymaster, Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed, has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM), the militarys public affairs wing, ISPR, announced on Thursday. The judgment marks an extraordinary fall for one of the most powerful intelligence figures in the countrys recent history.

According to the ISPR, the military court found Hameed guilty on multiple counts of misconduct and violations of service rules, culminating in a verdict that observers say is without precedent in Pakistans military or political landscape.

The FGCM proceedings against Hameed began on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act, and spanned more than 15 months. During this period, prosecutors pursued four major charges: engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in ways deemed harmful to state security, abusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals.

After what the army described as lengthy and laborious" hearings, the court convicted Hameed on all counts. The sentence14 years of rigorous imprisonmentwas formally issued on December 11, 2025.

ISPR emphasised that the trial adhered to all legal requirements, noting that Hameed was granted full rights, including the ability to appoint a defense team of his choosing. The former intelligence chief also retains the right to appeal the verdict before the appropriate forum.

Authorities added that Hameeds alleged involvement in fueling political unrest and instabilityacting in concert with certain political actorsremains under separate investigation.

The conviction of a once-dominant intelligence chief marks a dramatic shift in Pakistans civil-military dynamics, signaling an unprecedented accountability move within the armed forces.

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Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: December 11, 2025, 13:55 IST

News world Pakistan's Former Spy Chief Handed 14-Year Jail Term In Unprecedented Military Court Verdict

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Trump Unveils $1 Million Gold Card Visa With New Path To US Residency

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 07:49 IST

Calling it somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card, Trump said the Gold Card enables corporations to secure foreign talent through sponsorship.

Gold Card will give holders the right to live in the United States. (Photo Credit: X)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled the new Gold Card visa, a pathway that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent-resident status by donating $1 million to the US Treasury. The White House has opened online applications, framing the initiative as a fast-track route for individuals and a major new tool for companies aiming to retain high-skilled foreign workers.

Calling it somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card," Trump said the programme would enable corporations to sponsor and keep talent graduating from top institutions. Companies are going to be able to go to the Wharton School of Finance, Stern Business School, Harvard, MIT and youre able to buy a card and keep that person in the United States," he said, adding that firms such as Apple had pushed for such a framework.

Nobody talked to me more about it than Tim Cook," Trump said.

According to the official website, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security, after which petitions are handled on an expedited basis. Once vetting is completed, individuals must make a $1 million gift" to the US government, which is considered evidence that the applicant will substantially benefit the United States." Additional fees may apply depending on the applicants circumstances.

A corporate version of the visa, the Trump Corporate Gold Card, allows companies to sponsor one or more employees by paying a $15,000 processing fee per worker and a $2 million gift per employee following vetting.

The programme also lets companies transfer the original $2 million contribution to a new employee without paying again, subject to a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee, which covers a fresh DHS background check.

Trump said the Gold Card is designed to prevent highly trained graduates, including those from India, China and France, from being forced to leave the country after completing their studies.

Its a gift to get somebody great coming into our country because we think there will be some tremendous people who otherwise wouldnt have been allowed to stay," he said.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the pricing structure, saying individuals would contribute $1 million and corporations $2 million to bring an employee in, calling the scheme the best vetting the government has ever done $15,000 vetting to make sure these people absolutely qualify to be in America."

Applications for both the individual and corporate Gold Card visas are now live on the government portal.

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 07:14 IST

News world Trump Unveils $1 Million Gold Card Visa With New Path To US Residency

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US Cracks Down On Birth Tourism, To Deny Visa For Citizenship-Seeking Parents

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 21:15 IST

The US embassy said its consular officers won't give tourist visas if the applicant intends to give birth on American soil as a shortcut to obtaining citizenship.

The move is part of the US governments policy to curb what it considers misuse of visitor visas for birth tourism. (AI Generated Image)

In a sweeping rule, the United States announced that it will deny tourist visa applications if the individuals primary purpose of travel is believed to be giving birth in the country to obtain US citizenship for the child.

In a post on X, the US embassy in India said the US will not process visa applications if there is any indication the tourist intends to give birth on American soil as a shortcut to obtaining citizenship.

US consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for the child. This is not permitted," it said.

U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child. This is not permitted. pic.twitter.com/Xyq4lkK6V8 U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 11, 2025

According to the US State Department, birth tourism  travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for their child  is not permitted on a visitor visa. Officers are required to assess the applicants intent, and if they believe the visit is planned for childbirth to obtain citizenship, the visa cannot be granted.

The move is part of the US governments policy to curb what it considers misuse of visitor visas for birth tourism. It is unacceptable for foreign parents to use a US tourist visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain citizenship for the child, which also could result in American taxpayers paying the medical care costs," the State Department said earlier this year.

Meanwhile, foreigners who are allowed to come to the United States without a visa could soon be required to submit information about their social media, email accounts and extensive family history to the Department of Homeland Security before being approved for travel.

The notice published on Wednesday in the Federal Register said Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing collecting five years worth of social media information from travellers from select countries who do not have to get visas to come to the US. The Trump administration has been stepping up monitoring of international travellers and immigrants.

This online screening will cover all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents, the US Embassy in India said on Wednesday. In a statement, a US Embassy spokesperson explained that the Department of State already conducts online presence checks for student and exchange visitor visa categories such as F, M, and J. Starting December 15, this review will also include H-1B and H-4 applicants.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 11, 2025, 19:56 IST

News world US Cracks Down On Birth Tourism, To Deny Visa For Citizenship-Seeking Parents

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US Expands Deportation Fleet As Boeing Completes $4.7 Billion Deal For Six 737 Jets

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 13:15 IST

The US government is purchasing six Boeing-made aircraft to expand Trumps deportation action, even as Boeing completes its $4.7 billion acquisition of supplier Spirit AeroSystems.

Boeing 737 jets sit parked at Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport (Photo: AFP)

The US Department of Homeland Security is moving ahead with the purchase of a fleet of Boeing-made aircraft to support President Donald Trumps intensified deportation operations, even as Boeing completes a multibillion-dollar acquisition aimed at stabilising its own troubled production lines.

A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman confirmed to AFP on Wednesday that the agency is buying Boeing jets for use by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

These planes will allow ICE to operate more effectively, including by using more efficient flight patterns," Tricia McLaughlin told AFP.

This new initiative will save the US taxpayer $279 MILLION," she added, responding to a Washington Post report on the contract.

According to the reports account of the Posts reporting, the nearly $140 million deal covers six Boeing 737 aircraft, but was not concluded directly with Boeing.

Instead, the contract was signed with Daedalus Aviation, a firm established in early 2024.

The fleet acquisition underscores the Trump administrations efforts to accelerate removals of undocumented immigrants during his second term.

Human Rights First has reported more than 1,700 deportation flights to dozens of countries since Trump returned to office in January.

The administration claims more than two million undocumented immigrants have left the United States this year, 1.6 million voluntarily and the rest through deportations, while the broader crackdown, including operations by masked law-enforcement personnel, has prompted protests and legal challenges in several Democratic-led jurisdictions.

The developments come as Boeing on Monday finalised a major restructuring move of its own.

As reported by the Associated Press, the aerospace company has completed its $4.7 billion purchase of Spirit AeroSystems, the Kansas-based supplier responsible for building fuselages for Boeings 737 Max jets, including the Alaska Airlines plane that suffered a mid-air door-panel blowout last year.

The deal returns Spirit, once part of Boeing before being spun off in 2005, to its former parent.

AP reported that Boeing sees the acquisition as a way to bring its largest provider of spare parts back in-house and to address persistent manufacturing disruptions that have slowed production of the 737 Max and 787 programs.

CEO Kelly Ortberg called it a pivotal moment" for Boeings future and said that as the companies integrate, our focus is on maintaining stability so we can continue delivering high-quality aeroplanes, differentiated services, and advanced defence capabilities for our customers and the industry," according to AP.

Boeing announced its intention to reacquire Spirit in July 2024 as quality concerns mounted across its supply chain.

Those concerns intensified after AP reported that investigators found four bolts were missing from the Alaska Airlines jets door panel following repair work conducted at a Boeing facility.

The blowout renewed scrutiny of Boeings safety culture, already under pressure due to a criminal case stemming from two fatal 737 Max crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.

The report claimed that the case was resolved last month, when a federal judge approved the Justice Departments request to dismiss the charge as part of a settlement requiring Boeing to pay or invest an additional $1.1 billion in fines, victim compensation, and internal safety upgrades.

Boeing has said the total value of the Spirit acquisition is about $8.3 billion, and its shares rose 2.2 per cent on Monday, AP reported.

ALSO READ | Pakistan Govt Shuts Down 3 Afghan Refugee Camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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First Published: December 11, 2025, 13:13 IST

News world US Expands Deportation Fleet As Boeing Completes $4.7 Billion Deal For Six 737 Jets

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Ukraine's key railway development plans envision the introduction in 2026 of a state contract mechanism for domestic passenger transportation, which will include compensation for the difference between the economically justified cost of transport services and state-regulated fares, the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development said in a statement.

"This decision [the state contract for passenger transportation] is a transitional step toward implementing the future PSO (public service obligations) system in line with European standards," the ministry's Wednesday press release said.

According to the ministry, 60 new passenger railcars contracted in 2025 are expected to be delivered in 2026, along with the signing of a new order and a threefold expansion of the procurement program for small equipment for track workers and power engineers. In particular, between 2026 and 2028, Ukrzaliznytsia will receive more than 9,000 units of equipment, enabling the company to fully meet the needs of track infrastructure across the entire network.

Other items planned for 2026 include modernization of rolling stock, installation of Wi-Fi in sleeper trains, and the introduction of 30 bylaws under the draft law on railway transport safety and interoperability.

The ministry added that 2026 will also see continued construction of the European-gauge rail line on the SknylivMostyska-II route, which will link Lviv with the European railway network. With EU support through the Connecting Europe Facility, Ukraine has already received EUR 73.5 million for this project.

As reported earlier, Ukrzaliznytsia reduced revenue from ordinary activities by 15.4% year-on-year in JanuarySeptember 2025, to UAH 66.03 billion, posting a net loss of UAH 7.32 billion compared with a net profit of UAH 1.66 billion in the same period of 2024.

Passenger transport revenue rose 11% to UAH 9.5 billion, while revenue from freight and postal transport declined 19% to UAH 50.1 billion. Revenue from other services fell 14.7% to UAH 6.36 billion.
US Lawmaker Warns Trump Over Tariff Backfiring, Asks 'If He Will Become The President Who Lost India'

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Last Updated: December 11, 2025, 08:57 IST

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove warned that history may judge Trump harshly and said, "Unless he changes course. Trump will be the American President who lost India."

US President Donald Trump. (Image: AFP)

Amid ongoing criticism over Trumps tariffs on India, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove raised a strong warning and asked whether Donald Trump would become the president who lost India". Kamlager-Doves comments came as she accused the Trump administration of straining one of Americas most vital 21st-century partnerships through tariffs, visa hikes and political grievances.

Speaking during a hearing on the US-India Strategic Partnership, the Democratic Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove said the relationship with India is foundational to Americas position in emerging sectors from defence and energy to AI, space and advanced technologies.

Donald Trumps tariff regime and confrontational approach toward New Delhi could inflict long-term damage on one of Americas most vital alliances, she stated, accusing Trump of unravelling decades of bipartisan progress.

She said the Biden administration handed Trump a bilateral relationship at the height of its strength", citing a revitalised Quad, a budding defence tech partnership and a trusted supply chain partner", only for it to be flush, flush, flush down the toilet".

#WATCH | US representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove says, When Trump took office at the beginning of this year, the Biden administration handed him a bilateral relationship at the height of its strength These were hard-earned accomplishments and the product of strategic pic.twitter.com/GcVUTKvIq4 ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025

She also warned that history may judge Trump harshly and said, Unless he changes course. Trump will be the American President who lost India."

The tariff rate on India is currently higher than the tariff rate on China," she said, calling the policy self-defeating.

Democrats also faulted Trump for attacking people-to-people ties through a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, 70 percent of which are held by Indians," which she described as a rebuke of the incredible contributions Indians have made in the US".

India and US witnessed strained ties in the recent times after Trump announced a massive 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, among the highest imposed on any country, and a 25 percent tariff on India-linked Russian oil imports.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 11, 2025, 08:56 IST

News world US Lawmaker Warns Trump Over Tariff Backfiring, Asks 'If He Will Become The President Who Lost India'

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The administration of US President Donald Trump has in recent weeks handed over to European partners a series of documents that outline a vision for the restoration of Ukraine and the return of Russia to the global economy, The Wall Street Journal reports.

"The US blueprint has been spelled out in appendices to current peace proposals that arent public but were described to The Wall Street Journal by U.S. and European officials. The documents detail plans for U.S. financial firms and other businesses to tap roughly $200 billion of frozen Russian assets for projects in Ukraine  including a massive new data center to be powered by a nuclear plant currently occupied by Russian troops," the report states.

Another appendix outlines the general US vision for "bringing the Russian economy back from the cold" by involving American companies in strategic sectors - from the extraction of rare earth metals to oil production in the Arctic, as well as supporting the supply of Russian energy to Europe and other countries.

Some European officials, according to the publication, were skeptical of the documents.
The United States government yesterday announced a shift in its engagement policy with Zimbabwe, transitioning from a relationship that for years was defined by donor assistance to one anchored on trade and investment co-operation in various sectors of the economy, where Zimbabwe could make a great partner.

US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Pamela Tremont said in an interview that her country is now focusing on exploring more trade opportunities, which are significant in the agriculture and tourism sectors where US companies are also involved.

She revealed that the US is now transitioning its foreign policy under President Donald Trumps administration to one that is more partnership-based and balanced to the benefit of the two countries.

We are looking to partner with the Zimbabwean government on policy and trade issues across the board. And we think Zimbabwe could make a great partner in many of those things.

The US has been a reliable and dependable partner for Zimbabwe for 45 years, and we were the largest bilateral donor, including now, even after our significant cuts in aid to Zimbabwe, we are still the largest bilateral donor. But we are transitioning that relationship to one based on assistance, to one based on true partnership, Amb Tremont said.

Since returning to office on January 20, President Trumps administration has been drifting away from the traditional use of force, coercion and imposition of the Western liberal ideology by the US on other countries, instead preferring mutual co-operation.

Also, Zimbabwe has made significant diplomatic strides under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa in engaging and re-engaging with states perceived to be hostile to its interests under the friend to all and an enemy to none policy.

Amb Tremont highlighted that there are opportunities for US companies in Zimbabwe to secure supply chains for critical minerals if they found a good reason to come here.

As part of resetting Zimbabwe-US relations, Amb Tremont said her country will continue investing in the health sector; however, in the next five years, it will transition all responsibility to the Zimbabwean government. Other areas the two countries will focus on are private sector opportunities and policy issues, among them migration.

There are several policy areas where we can work together more deeply. A huge one is migration, including asylum, abuse of the asylum system, uncontrolled migration, but particularly trafficking in persons, which we know has been a problem in Zimbabwe. An issue in which we are pretty like-minded, Amb Tremont added.

The US said it will cooperate with Zimbabwe on other issues that include violations of borders, religious extremism and persecution of religious minorities. Herald
President Trump announced Wednesday that his long-promised " gold card " was officially going on sale, offering legal status and an eventual pathway to US citizenship for individuals paying $1 million and corporations ponying up twice that per foreign-born employee. A website accepting applications went live as Trump revealed the start of the program while surrounded by business leaders in the White House's Roosevelt Room, the AP reports. The plan is to replace EB-5 visas, which Congress created in 1990 to generate foreign investment and had been available to people who spend about $1 million on a company that employs at least 10 people.

Trump touts the new version as a way for the US to attract and retain top talent, all while generating revenue for federal coffers. He's been promoting the gold card program for months, once suggesting that each card would cost $5 million, though he more recently revised that to the $1 million and $2 million pricing scheme. The president said all money taken in as part of the program will "go to the US government" and predicted that billions would flow into an account run by the Treasury Department "where we can do things positive for the country." The new program is actually a green card, effectively offering permanent legal residency with the chance for citizenship. "Basically, it's a green card but much better," Trump said. "Much more powerful, a much stronger path."

The president made no mention of requirements for job creation for applying corporations or on overall caps on the program, which exist under the current EB-5 program. Instead, he said he'd heard complaints from business leaders who had been unable to recruit outstanding graduates from US universities because they were from other countries and lacked permission to stay. "You can't hire people from the best colleges because you don't know whether or not you can keep the person," Trump said. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the process used to scrutinize backgrounds would "make sure these people absolutely qualify to be in America." Companies will be able to receive multiple cards but will be limited to one individual per card, he said. Dozens of countries offer versions of "golden visas" to wealthy individuals, including the UK, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, and Italy.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency as the Pacific Northwest is battered by relentless flooding from an atmospheric river. He urged residents to heed evacuation orders as the state braces for more rain and waits to see whether the federal government will approve a request for disaster relief, KING5 reports. Residents prepared to flee western parts of the state as rivers rose Wednesday, the AP reports.

Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell also urged people to heed emergency alerts, the Seattle Times reports. "We are working to get federal assistance immediately available to respond to the potential once-in-a-lifetime flooding in the State of Washington, especially around the Puget Sound, north Cascades, and low-lying areas east of the mountains," she said. Flood warnings and watches are in place across the region, with authorities warning that floodwaters could take days to recede, potentially keeping roads closed for an extended period.

The National Weather Service warned that "catastrophic flooding impacts" are possible along the Skagit and Snohomish rivers. The Skagit River is expected to crest around 47 feet early Thursday in Concrete, a small mountain town, and around 41 feet early Friday in Mount Vernon, a city of around 35,000 people, breaking records by several feet, the AP reports. "We're preparing for what increasingly appears to be a worst-case scenario here," said Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan.
Authorities in Indiana are investigating disturbing allegations after a DoorDash driver was accused of spraying an "irritant substance" onto a customer's food delivery, according to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office. The incident came to light after Mark Cardin reported that his wife began choking and vomiting after taking a bite from their order, which was delivered Saturday night from a local fast-food restaurant, NBC News reports.

Cardin said he then noticed a red substance on the bag and reviewed his home's doorbell camera footage, which appears to show the driver spraying something on the food before leaving. The sheriff's office has not yet identified the driver and no arrests have been made. Authorities are still working to verify the authenticity of the video, which was provided to NBC, though Sheriff Noah Robinson said there is no immediate reason to doubt its legitimacy. Cardin says he and his wife had never met the driver before, and had left a tip when placing the order, 14 News reports.

Investigators have not disclosed what steps are being taken to determine the nature of the substance involved, but Cardin believes it was pepper spray. DoorDash responded to the allegations by revoking the driver's access to the platform and stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement. The company emphasized that it has "zero tolerance" for such behavior. Cardin said his wife recovered within 10 minutes of the incident. He attempted to contact the driver but found himself blocked, prompting him to reach out to DoorDash and local authorities. If the accusations are substantiated, Sheriff Robinson said the driver could face charges ranging from misdemeanor battery to felony food tampering.
Denmark is planning to follow Australia's lead and severely restrict social media access for young people, per the AP . The Danish government announced last month that it had secured an agreement by three governing coalition and two opposition parties in parliament to ban access to social media for anyone under the age of 15. Such a measure would be the most sweeping step yet by a European Union nation to limit use of social media among teens and children. The Danish government's plans could become law as soon as mid-2026. The proposed measure would give some parents the right to let their children access social media from age 13, local media reported, but the ministry has not yet fully shared the plans.

Many social media platforms already ban children younger than 13 from signing up, and an EU law requires Big Tech to put measures in place to protect young people from online risks and inappropriate content. But officials and experts say such restrictions don't always work.

The minister for digital affairs, Caroline Stage, who announced the proposed ban last month, said there is still a consultation process for the measure and several readings in parliament before it becomes law, perhaps by "mid to end of next year." In an interview last month, she compared the social media age restrictions to bouncers at a bar who ensure under-agers don't get in.

Some students in Denmark fear losing touch with their virtual communities. But others acknowledge the negative impacts of social media, from cyberbullying to seeing graphic content. A 14-year-old Copenhagen student tells the AP she saw video of a man being shot because it was "everywhere" on social media. Other countries are making similar moves. Malaysia is expected to ban social media accounts for people under 16 starting at the beginning of next year, and Norway is also taking steps to restrict social media access for children and teens.
Many members of Congress are holding off on weighing in on the dramatic US seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela until they learn more details from the White House, reports the Hill. GOP Sen. Rand Paul, however, complained on NewsNation that it "sounds a lot like the beginning of a war." It's "not the job of the American government to go looking for monsters around the world, looking for adversaries and beginning wars." Similarly, Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, ranking member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, said on NewsNation he worried that President Trump was "sleepwalking us into a war with Venezuela."

Video, Bondi defends: Attorney General Pam Bondi released video of the operation and said the seizure was justified because the vessel was used to "transport sanctioned oil" from Venezuela and Iran. "For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations." The seized ship is called the Skipper, but it was sanctioned in 2022 under a different name, reports the Washington Post. The US has not identified its owner.
The White House says it has played no role in the legal affairs of the notorious Tate brothers , but a New York Times investigation suggests otherwise. The lengthy piece examines Romania's surprise decision in 2022 to allow Andrew Tate, 39, and Tristan, 37, to leave the country, concluding that the Trump administration "played a crucial role" in making it happen. Among other things, Romanian prosecutors had accused the brothers of luring women into what appeared to be romantic relationships and then coercing them into sex work. Andrew was also accused of rape, including sex with a 15-year-old girl. The brothers, who deny any wrongdoing, had been barred from travel, but Andrew reported good news in a Jan. 14 text to an unnamed associate:

"I had word from The Trump admin that theyre on top of things," he wrote in a text seen by the newspaper. "Ive been told ill be free soon but Trump needs to see me in Miami." (They arrived there in February.)

The story digs into the details, noting how former Trump envoy Richard Grenell had twice raised the case with Romanian officials, and how a number of Tate alliesincluding lawyer Alina Habba and onetime Tate legal-team member Paul Ingrassiahad found roles around Trump. The story also explores how Andrew Tate "nurtured relationships" with Donald Trump Jr. and, perhaps more notably, with younger brother Barron. Per the Times:

"Barron, now 19, admired Andrew, and spoke with him over Zoom last year, according to Justin Waller, a mutual friend who was on the call. During the call, they discussed their shared belief that the Romanian criminal case was an effort to silence the Tates, he said."

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The Tate brothers' critics accuse them of rampant misogyny, but their defendersincluding Tucker Carlsonsee them as defenders of masculinity. Barron, for his part, has been credited in the Trump sphere with helping the 2024 campaign realize that young male voters could help his father win reelection. Read the full story
Wendy Williams could exit her court-appointed conservatorship within weeks, her lawyer says, following what he claims was a misdiagnosis. In a Nightline segment aired Tuesday, attorney Joe Tacopina said Dr. Samuel E. Gandy, a New York neurologist who specializes in Alzheimer's disease, had concluded 61-year-old Williams does not have frontotemporal dementia or aphasia, despite a 2023 diagnosis, per USA Today . Williams was instead suffering from alcohol-induced dementia in 2023, Tacopina claims. "She was an alcoholic, no question about it. Wendy was drunk almost 24 hours a day," he said. She needed help, but in the form of "alcohol rehabilitation," he said.

Given that Williams no longer drinks, she could leave the conservatorship "by year's end," Tacopina said, noting that as a leading authority, Gandy's opinion should carry significant weight. Williams' longtime friend Sunny Hostin told Nightline that the former talk show host recently "sounds like the same Wendy." Williams herself has claimed to have passed a competency exam. But these assessments conflict with those of Williams' current guardian, attorney Sabrina Morrissey. In legal filings last year, she described Williams as "cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated."

In August, People reported Williams' dementia and aphasia diagnoses had been reaffirmed, though Tacopina claims not to have reviewed those findings. The debate comes as Williams' ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, is pressing a federal lawsuit that attacks the underlying guardianship as "improper" and overly broad. The complaint accuses Morrissey and Wells Fargo, which first sought the guardianship in 2022, of unlawfully restricting Williams' civil liberties and straying from accepted professional standards. Defendants are expected to respond to his amended complaint in January. For now, at least, Williams remains at an upscale assisted-living facility in New York.
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has filed a lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court to recover the unfounded assets of the head of the fuel and lubricants warehouse of the logistics center of the Logistics Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and his relatives.

"The State Bureau of Investigation established that in 2024, the wife of a serviceman, on his instructions, purchased a residential building and a land plot in the Lviv region with an area of 180 square meters worth UAH 2.9 million. At the same time, the investigation showed that the couple did not have sufficient legal income and savings to purchase this property," the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation reports.

In 2025, the said house was sold for UAH 2.7 million.

The materials on the signs of unfounded assets were sent to the State Bureau of Investigation. After processing them, the State Bureau of Investigation prosecutor filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court of Criminal Appeals for the amount of more than UAH 2.9 million.
A July house fire in New Jersey that initially produced a neighborhood hero has now led to a murder charge against him. Prosecutors in Union County say 70-year-old William Ahle of Fanwood, a New York City suburb, is accused of killing his 82-year-old neighbor, Virginia Cranwell, whose body was found after firefighters responded to the blaze on July 25. Ahle faces counts of first-degree murder, felony murder, burglary, and second-degree aggravated arson, NBC News reports. Cranwell had lived next door to Ahle, a retired corrections officer, for more than 30 years. He was briefly hospitalized with burns he said he had suffered in an attempt to rescue Cranwell.

In the days after the fire, Ahle's son told NBC New York that his father had rushed into Cranwell's home in an attempt to pull her to safety. "He just looked, saw the flames, went in. He apparently opened the bedroom door and all the flames just burst out, he fell backwards and I guess that's how he got all his burns," Matthew Ahle said. "I'm happy he tried, he tried his best." He told WABC that his father noticed the fire when he was walking his dog at 1:30am and entered the home through the garage, which "was open for whatever reason."

Authorities say the medical examiner later ruled Cranwell's death a homicide and investigators concluded the fire had been deliberately set, leading them to identify Ahle as a suspect. Prosecutors have not disclosed a motive.

Yvonne McManus, Cranwell's daughter, tells the New York Times she gave Ahle a big hug before he was taken to the hospital. "I did not know he was a murderer," she says. Looking back, however, "nothing made sense," McManus tells the Times. "They said the fire was contained in the bedroom, that it started right in front of her bedroom door and she was trapped in the bedroom," she says. "In fact, someone from the fire or the police told me at the time, 'Your mom's house must have been really insulatedit was such a hot fire, and it didn't spread to anywhere in the house.'"
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 7F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches..

Tonight

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 7F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.
Dec 11 (News On Japan) - Do you have a business idea and the desire to try yourself in entrepreneurship? Then you should consider starting a company in Azerbaijan. Why Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing country with a favorable geopolitical location on the Caucasus. The country actively supports small and medium-sized businesses, develops digital services for entrepreneurs, and simplifies registration and taxation procedures.

As per founder of the EMZE Law firm in Azerbaijan, Lawyer Mr. Emil Khudiyev, currently Azerbaijan is one of the ideal platforms for starting a business.

Lets go through how to open a company and what you need to know before starting a business in Azerbaijan.

Step 1. Choosing the type and name of the company.

There are several options:

1. OJSC/CJSC. Suitable if you are planning a large project with several investors.

2. Branch or Representative Office of a foreign company.

3. LLC. The most common type of company. Suitable for any field of activity, both small and medium-sized businesses.

4. Individual entrepreneuship. The simplest way to start a business since it does not require large investments.

Its also important to choose the right name. When choosing a name, make sure it isnt complicated, suits the field of your company, and most importantly - is unique. This can be checked on the website of the Tax Service of Azerbaijan. However, if you arent sure about the name, this isnt a reason to delay starting your business, since it can be changed later.

Step 2. Preparing the documents.

The registration procedure is almost the same for Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners. The required documents include:

- Copies of the founders and directors passports;

- Resolution of the founders to establish the company;

- Company charter;

- Application form;

- Document confirming the legal address (which, like the name, can be changed after registration);

- Receipt of state fee payment (15 AZN ( 9 USD) for LLC registration or 300 AZN ( 177 USD) for branch or representative office registration, sole proprietorship registration is free).

Documents must be submitted to the State Tax Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Step 3. Submission of documents for registration.

Company registration is carried out under the one-stop principle at the Tax Service, ASAN centers, or online. Business registration takes 2 working days, and upon approval, the Tax Service issues a registration certificate with a unique tax ID.

It may seem that having a registration certificate means the process is complete - but not quite. You also need to open a bank account in one of the local banks.

When it comes to taxes, even the most experienced entrepreneurs start to feel stressed. Here we will cover the most important ones.

1. Corporate Profit Tax. Calculated from net profit with a rate of 20%.

2. Personal Income Tax. In the private sector (except for the oil and gas industry), salaries up to 8,000 AZN (4,706 USD) are exempt from income tax. If the salary exceeds 8,000 AZN, the tax rate is 14% on the excess amount (valid until January 1, 2026).

However, Azerbaijan, as a country that encourages business development, provides various tax benefits. These are granted to:

1. Companies working in IT, innovation, or manufacturing industries.

2. Residents of industrial and techno parks. These companies are exempt from income tax, corporate profit tax, property tax, land tax, and dividend tax for 10 years from the registration date.

3. Companies registered in a Free Economic Zones. These companies are exempt from profit tax, VAT, customs duties on imported equipment and raw materials, property tax, and land tax.

All of this may seem like a complicated and lengthy process. To save time on finding information, collecting documents, and handling formalities, turn to EMZE Law.

EMZE Law will help you choose the right type of company for your business, prepare the documents, and open a bank account and also move to Azerbaijan!

Business registration is the first step to success. Entrust it to a professional, apply to EMZE Law!
On the night of December 11, Russia launched a combined strike on critical infrastructure facilities in Ukraine using strike UAVs and ground-based missiles.

In total, the Air Force radio-technical troops detected and escorted 154 air attack vehicles, including 3 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 151 strike UAVs of the Shahed and Gerber types, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Telegram on Thursday morning.

The main direction of the strike was Kremenchuk, in the Poltava region. The Odessa region and front-line territories were also attacked.

"According to preliminary data, as of 10:00, air defense systems shot down/suppressed 85 air targets: 83 enemy UAVs of the Shahed type, Gerbera types (other types of UAVs); 2 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles," the message on the Telegram channel states.

Some 69 strike UAVs and one Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missile were recorded hitting 34 locations.

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
ST-EUSTACHE, QC, Dec. 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Christie Innomed Inc., a leader in medical imaging and health technologies, announces that Dr. Michel Vachon and Nicolas Vachon have acquired all the shares of Group Christie and its subsidiaries.

This transaction, carried out with the support of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), consolidates the company's governance and strengthens its ability to pursue its long-term growth and innovation strategy.

Dr. Michel Vachon and Nicolas Vachon (CNW Group/Christie Innomed)

"This acquisition represents a turning point for our organization. By consolidating the ownership of the group, we gain agility and strategic consistency. With BDC's support, we have solid leverage to invest in our growth, innovate, and create sustainable value for our employees, customers, and partners," explain Dr. Michel Vachon and Nicolas Vachon, co-owners of Group Christie.

Founded in 1954 by Robert L. Vachon, Christie Innomed remains committed to innovation and quality of care. With over 70 years of expertise and a network of highly qualified specialists across North America, the company supports healthcare systems in their transformation and continuous improvement of their practices.

Under the leadership of Nicolas Vachon, appointed President and CEO in January 2025 and representing the third generation of the family, Christie Innomed draws on its partners to offer high-performance, sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of the North American market. This acquisition also illustrates the management's commitment to continuing the company's transformation while remaining true to its founding values: authenticity, innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.

"With its medical imaging and information management solutions, Christie Innomed brings an essential contribution to a sector undergoing rapid modernization. Supporting SME owners in their growth opportunities, such as business transfers, is fully in line with our purpose as a development bank," said Mouhamad Mrad, Vice President, Corporate Financing, BDC.

About Christie Innomed

Founded in 1954, Christie Innomed develops, distributes, integrates, and supports innovative medical imaging and medical information management equipment that improves the performance of healthcare institutions. Christie Innomed is a leader in Medical Imaging Equipment Solutions, Service Solutions & Multi-Vendor Services (MVS), and Health IT Solutions, with over 200 dedicated specialists serving more than 2,500 hospitals and clinics across Canada and the United States. Through its commitment to innovation and service, Christie Innomed contributes every day to making healthcare more accessible, more efficient, and more human. To learn more about Christie Innomed, visit www.christieinnomed.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

About the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

BDC is a partner of choice for all entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. Our investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the most innovative firms. BDC's development role means we are in a state of perpetual evolution  wherever entrepreneurs go and whatever the Canadian economy needs  we will be there to help them defy the odds. 80 years later, that commitment remains very much alive. Our financing and investments in fiscal 2025 will add an estimated $25 billion to Canada's GDP over the next five years. We are one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and Canada's Best Diversity Employers, and the first financial institution in Canada to receive the B Corp certification in 2013. For more information on our products and services and to consult free tools, templates and articles, visit bdc.ca or join BDC on social media.

SOURCE Christie Innomed

For media inquiries: Muriel Haraoui, Christie Innomed, (514) 265-5631, [email protected]
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.)

Revenues of $71.4 million and $179.9 million, respectively, for the three (3) month and nine (9) month periods ended October 31, 2025.

Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue (1) of 27.6% and 23.8% recorded during the three (3) month and nine (9) month periods ended October 31, 2025.

of 27.6% and 23.8% recorded during the three (3) month and nine (9) month periods ended October 31, 2025. Cash flows from operations of $13.4 million for the nine (9) month period ended October 31, 2025.

Net income of $10.3 million and $20.0 million recorded during the three (3) month and nine (9) month periods ended October 31, 2025, respectively.

First consolidation of Groupe LAR Inc.'s results following the closing of the transaction on September 18, 2025, including revenues of $6.2 million for the three (3) month and nine (9) month periods ended October 31, 2025.

Order Backlog (1) of $497.1 million as at October 31, 2025, including $91.9 million from Groupe LAR Inc.

TERREBONNE, QC, Dec. 11, 2025 /CNW/ - ADF GROUP INC. ("ADF" or the "Corporation") (TSX: DRX), a North American leader in the fabrication of steel superstructures, recorded revenues of $71.4 million during the third quarter ended October 31, 2025, compared with $80.0 million for the same period a year ago. After the first nine (9) months of the current fiscal year, revenues totalled $179.9 million, compared with $262.2 million for the same period last year.

Gross margin, as a percentage of revenues (1) went from 30.4% for the 3-month period ended October 31, 2024, to 27.6% for the same period ended October 31, 2025. Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue (1) went from 31.7% during the 9-month period ended October 31, 2024, to 23.8% for the same period ended October 31, 2025.

These variations are mainly due to the impact of uncertainty related to U.S. tariffs. While fabrication volume increased during the third quarter ended October 31, 2025, explaining the increase in revenues and margins compared to previous quarters, the impact of these tariffs continues to be felt on the Corporation's cumulative results.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) (2) for the 3-month and 9-month periods ended October 31, 2025, stood at $18.4 million and $32.5 million respectively. Both of which are net of the $1.4 million fees related to business combination.

For the quarter ended October 31, 2025, ADF recorded net income of $10.3 million ($0.36 per basic and diluted share) compared with net income of $16.4 million ($0.55 per share, basic and diluted) a year earlier. After 9 months, as at October 31, 2025, net income totaled $20.0 million ($0.70 per share, basic and diluted) compared with net income of $47.7 million ($1.53 per share, basic and diluted) for the same period a year ago.

The Corporation's order backlog (1) stood at $497.1 million as at October 31, 2025, compared with $293.1 million as at January 31, 2025.

The order backlog as of October 31, 2025, includes the order backlog of Groupe LAR Inc.totaling $91.9 million, which was added pursuant to the closing of the acquisition on September 18, 2025, and does not include the option to extend the contract announced on July 23, 2025, by five (5) years. The projects currently in the order backlog will be carried out gradually by the end of the fiscal year ending January 31, 2027.

As at October 31, 2025, the Corporation had a working capital (1) of $101.4 million, whereas the operating activities generated $13.4 million in cash during the nine (9) month period ended October 31, 2025.

_______________________ 1. Order backlog, gross margin as a percentage of revenue, and working capital are additional financial measures. Refer to the Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures section below for definitions of these measures. 2. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures" section below for the definition of this indicator.

Financial Highlights



3 mois 9 mois Periods ended October 31, 2025 2024 2025 2024 (In thousands of dollars, and in dollars per share) $ $ $ $ Revenues 71,413 79,952 179,942 262,233 Adjusted EBITDA (2) 18,354 24,032 32,451 72,045 Income before income taxes expense 14,200 21,791 27,170 65,275 Net income for the period 10,309 16,432 19,953 47,697 -- per share, basic and diluted 0.36 0.55 0.70 1.53 (In thousands) Number Number Number Number Weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic and diluted) 28,653 29,874 28,383 31,227

Acquisition de Groupe LAR inc.

On September 18, 2025, the Corporation acquired the shares of Groupe LAR Inc., a Quebec-based company located in Metabetchouan in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, which operates in the machining, welding and industrial mechanics sectors. Groupe LAR Inc. is a Canadian leader in the design, fabrication and installation of mechanically welded steel structures.

The consideration paid by ADF consists of a purchase price of $20.4 million, including a $1.4 million closing adjustment related to certain working capital adjustments, paid as follows: (i) a cash amount of $16.4 million, including the closing adjustment, and (ii) the issuance of 449,944 Subordinate Voting Shares of the Corporation, representing the equivalent of $4 million in Subordinate Voting Shares of the Corporation based on the average closing price of the Corporation's shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange during the five (5) trading days preceding August 29, 2025. ADF paid the consideration in cash from its available cash.

This acquisition has contributed $6.2 million to the Corporation's revenues and $0.2 million to net income for the period from the date of acquisition to the end of the quarter, that is, October 31, 2025.

Outlook

"Despite the continued uncertainty in the U.S. markets, ADF's results remain strong," said Jean Paschini, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.

"We will continue our methodical and measured approach to development, including the integration of Groupe LAR Inc. into the ADF Group fold, while maintaining our tight management of operational risk, with the growth of the order backlog and cash generation remaining the pillars of our growth strategy," concluded Mr. Paschini.

Conference Call with Investors

A conference call with investors is for December 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. (Montreal time) to discuss the results of the three (3) months and nine (9) month periods ended October 31, 2025.

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you can register with your phone number on https://emportal.ink/4q3FBu3 to receive an instant automatic reminder.

You can also join the conference call with operator assistance by dialing 1-800-990-4777 a few minutes prior to the conference call scheduled start time.

A replay of the conference call will be available from 1:00 p.m, December 11, 2025, until December 18, 2025, by dialing 1-888-660-6345; followed by the access code 76272 #.

The conference call (audio) will also be available at www.adfgroup.com. Members of the media are invited to join in listening mode.

About ADF Group Inc. | ADF Group Inc. is a North American leader in the design and engineering of connections, fabrication, including the application of industrial coatings, and installation of complex steel structures, heavy steel built-ups, as well as in miscellaneous and architectural metals for the non-residential infrastructure sector. ADF Group Inc. is one of the few players in the industry capable of handling highly technically complex mega projects on fast-track schedules in the commercial, institutional, industrial and public sectors. The Corporation operates two fabrication plants and two paint shops, in Canada and in the United States, and a Construction Division in the United States, which specializes in the installation of steel structures and other related products.

About Groupe LAR Inc. | Established in 1942 and based in Metabetchouan in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, in Quebec, Groupe LAR Inc. operates in the machining, welding, and industrial mechanics sectors. Groupe LAR Inc. is a Canadian leader in the design, manufacture and installation of mechanically welded steel structures. Primarily focused on the rapidly expanding large-scale hydroelectricity market, Groupe LAR Inc. also offers customized overhead crane solutions for the heavy industry.

Forward-Looking Statements | This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect ADF's objectives and expectations. These statements are identified by verbs such as "expects" as well as the use of future and conditional verb tenses. By their nature, these statements involve risks and uncertainties. As a result, actual facts may differ from ADF's expectations.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Other Financial Measures | Are measures derived primarily from the consolidated financial statements but are not a standardized financial measure under the financial reporting framework used to prepare the Corporation's financial statements. Therefore, readers should be careful not to confuse or substitute them with performance measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, readers should avoid comparing these non-IFRS financial measures to similarly titled measures provided or used by other issuers. The definition of these indicators and their reconciliation with comparable International Financial Reporting Standards measures issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS Accounting Standards") is as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA shows the extent to which the Corporation generates profits from operations, without considering the following items:

Net financial expenses;

Income taxes expense;

Fees related to business combination;

Foreign exchange gains or losses, and

Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and right-of-use assets.

Net income is reconciled with adjusted EBITDA in the table below:



3 months 9 months Periods Ended October 31 2025 2024 2025 2024 (In thousands of dollars) $ $ $ $ Net income 10,309 16,432 19,953 47,697 Income taxes expense 3,891 5,359 7,217 17,578 Net financial expenses 332 244 423 910 Amortization 1,738 1,535 4,890 4,552 Fees related to business combination 1,379 - 1,379 - Foreign exchange loss (gain) 705 462 (1,411) 1,308 Adjusted EBITDA 18,354 24,032 32,451 72,045

Gross Margin as a Percentage of Revenues

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue indicator is used by the Corporation to assess the level of profitability for a given period based on the project mix for that same period. This indicator is subject to fluctuations in project prices and also in the operational efficiency of the Corporation. The indicator of gross margin as a percentage of revenues results from dividing gross margin by revenues.

Order Backlog

The order backlog is a measure used by the Corporation to assess future revenue levels. The order backlog includes firm orders obtained by the Corporation, either through a firm contract or a formal notice to proceed confirmed by the client. The order backlog disclosed by the Corporation therefore includes the portion of confirmed contracts that have not been put into production.

Working Capital

The working capital indicator is used by the Corporation to assess whether current assets are sufficient to meet current liabilities. It is therefore equal to current assets, less current liabilities.

Website: www.adfgroup.com

SOURCE ADF Group Inc.

Jean Paschini, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer; Jean-Francois Boursier, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone: (450) 965-1911
Miracle Day expands its reach around Canada and the US, helping magnify miracles

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2025 /CNW/ - CIBC announced today more than $7 million towards children's programs during its 41st annual CIBC Miracle Day, held on December 3. This long-standing charitable tradition brings together CIBC team members, clients, and local charities to remove barriers and help kids achieve their dreams.

Michael Pinball Clemons, kids from Holland Bloorview, and Kate Beirness participating in the 41st annual CIBC Miracle Day held on December 3, 2025. (CIBC/CNW Group) (CNW Group/CIBC)

Since its inception in 1984, CIBC Miracle Day has been dedicated to sparking kids' ambitions. Each year, on the first Wednesday in December, participating CIBC Capital Markets team members and CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors donate a portion of their fees and commissions to help children access vital support services and programs. All money raised locally stays in the community.

"Seeing the direct impact Miracle Day has on children in our communities is truly inspiring. Each donation helps a child dream bigger, and that's a legacy we're proud to build together," said Christian Exshaw, Group Head, Capital Markets, CIBC. "We are grateful to our clients, team members, and charitable partners for coming together to create opportunities for children to thrive."

This year's Miracle Day was celebrated globally with celebrations taking place across Canada, the US, UK, Luxembourg, and Hong Kong, bringing together celebrities, athletes, charities and CIBC team members  all with the goal of raising funds to help spark kids' ambitions. Longstanding supporters Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Tessa Virtue and Kate Beirness were among the special guests who brought their energy and enthusiasm to highlight the incredible and inspiring work of children's charities.

"While it only takes one person to make a difference, great things happen when our team rallies around this purpose, together with our clients and charitable partners, which is the spirit of CIBC Miracle Day," said Bob Cancelli, Executive Vice-President & Head, CIBC Wood Gundy, Investment Counsel and Investors Edge. "On behalf of CIBC, thank you to everyone who contributed to removing barriers to kids achieving their dreams and making miracles happen."

CIBC Miracle Day also expanded its reach this year to banking centres. To demonstrate the bank's commitment, CIBC Foundation directed $1,000 per banking centre to local children's causes in communities around Canada and the US.

"Expanding CIBC Miracle Day to include banking centres means our impact is even more personal and far-reaching," said Hratch Panossian, Group Head, Personal and Business Banking, CIBC. "It allows our team members to support children and families in their own communities, making a difference where it matters most to them."

CIBC Miracle Day is an annual event that takes place on the first Wednesday in December. CIBC Foundation , which aims to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to realize their ambitions, administers the funds raised on CIBC Miracle Day. Funds are distributed throughout the year and play a key role in helping children access vital support services and programs.

About CIBC Foundation

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 15 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. CIBC Foundation serves our commitment to creating a world without limits to ambition by championing inclusive communities, investing in financial education and supporting cancer research, treatment, education and support programs through corporate donations and community partnerships. Learn more about our community impact. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/media-centre.html .

SOURCE CIBC

For further information: Katarina Milicevic, CIBC Communications & Public Affairs, [email protected] or 416-362-3458
TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2025 /CNW/ - As holiday shoppers hunt for the perfect gifts, Soles4Souls Canada, a non-profit that creates opportunity for people across Canada and the world, is inviting Torontonians to pause and consider what truly matters this season. So, Soles4Souls Canada (S4S) is transforming a trendy Ossington office window into a pop-up "shoe store." However, instead of fashionable, high-demand footwear, the display will feature worn and well-used shoes -- a stark reminder for those in need who cannot afford a new pair of shoes.

Working with their AOR FUSE Create, S4S wanted to highlight how the organization helps people reach their potential by providing them with dignity through basic necessities like shoes.

"For many of the people we support, a pair of shoes isn't just footwear -- it's dignity, mobility, and the ability to take the next step in life," said Lisa O'Keefe, Vice President, Community Partnerships at Soles4Souls Canada. "We're thrilled to collaborate with FUSE as we grow our presence in Canada and raise awareness for this basic yet powerful need."

Running now for the month of December, the display at 45 Ossington Avenue features four signature shoe styles, complete with signature store-front launch materials. These shoes are accompanied by a QR code driving viewers to donate directly to Soles4Souls Canada. The campaign expands beyond Ossington with temporary in-store displays at the HOKA store in the Eaton Centre.

"Our goal is to show, in the simplest way possible, that shoes most of us take for granted can be life-changing for someone else," said Steve Miller, Partner & Executive Creative Director at FUSE Create. "We wanted our storefront to stop people in their tracks and get them thinking."

This year's shoe line juxtaposes holiday consumerism with a reminder of how much impact a single pair of shoes can have. For any interview requests or to organize a site visit, please contact Vanessa Francone ([email protected]).

About FUSE Create

Based in Toronto, Canada, FUSE Create (fusecreate.com) is a full-service independent creative agency that believes when you fuse smarts + imagination, whether in a campaign, a culture, a process, or a person, everything is possible. And that belief creates, invents, and permeates throughout the agency and the award-winning work, that aims to do one thing; Turn Heads. FUSE Create earned the #3 Small Agency spot in Canada in 2021 and is a member of Worldwide Partners (worldwidepartners.com), one of the world's largest networks of independent advertising agencies.

SOURCE FUSE Create
The event brought together Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon, local business leaders, Western Financial and Communities Foundation leaders, and team members from across the region to honour the legacy of Huestis and the shared values that unite both organizations.

"We're honoured to celebrate this moment with our team and community partners," said Grant Ostir, CEO of Western Financial Group. "Our goal is simple: to make insurance easier, more caring, and more accessible for Canadians. We're proud to carry forward the Huestis legacy with the same values: loyalty, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the communities we serve."

"This is more than a business transition, it's a celebration of shared purpose," said David Huestis, Founder of Huestis Insurance Group. "Western and Huestis have always prioritized doing what's right for our customers, our communities, and our people. Today's launch reflects our mutual commitment to service excellence, local relationships, and giving back."

As part of the celebration, the Western Communities Foundation announced a $15,000 donation to IWK Health Centre, the largest pediatric hospital in the Maritimes and a leading trauma centre for women, children, and families. This contribution reflects Western's deep commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

Western's charitable arm, the Western Communities Foundation, has donated over $9 million to Canadian communities since its inception. In 2024 alone, the Foundation supported 160+ organizations, funded 37 infrastructure projects, and invested in Indigenous-led initiatives, reflecting Western's enduring commitment to building safe, inclusive spaces.

"Giving back is not just part of our culture, it's who we are," added Ostir. "Whether it's through bursaries for youth, disaster relief, or grassroots fundraising, we believe in showing up for our communities in meaningful ways."

As Western continues to grow across the Maritimes, the company remains focused on delivering personalized insurance advice, empowering its people, and fostering strong partnerships rooted in trust and care. Customers can expect the same trusted team and the same exceptional service they've always known, now with access to a broader range of insurance products and solutions through Western's national network.

About Western Financial Group

Headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western Financial Group is a diversified insurance services company that has provided over one million Canadians with protection for over 100 years. Western, a proudly Canadian company, is committed to community service, customer service, innovation, growth, and people while providing personal and business insurance through our engaged team of over 2,000 people in over 200 communities, affiliates, and various connected channels.

Since the very beginning, supporting our local communities has guided everything we do--it's who we are. In 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation (our non-profit charity) was created as a way for our team members to give back and positively impact the people and pride in the places where we live, work, and play. To date, we have granted over $9 million back into our communities.

Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Trimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. Visit https://westernfinancialgroup.ca for more.

About Western Financial Group Communities Foundation

Founded in 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation serves to give back to the communities where Western employees live and work and play, and foster employee pride and engagement. The Foundation's core donation programs include community Infrastructure Grants, the Western Inspirational Awards for graduating high school students, Community Care local fundraising initiative, and emergency relief support. Since its inception, the Western Communities Foundation has granted more than $9 million to support local communities. Visit westerngives.ca for more information.

SOURCE Western Financial Group

For more information: Nichola Petts, Manager - Media & Public Relations, [email protected]
At steady state production from 2027, Great Fingall will deliver ~0.5Mtpa of high-grade ore to Westgold's Cue processing hub, supplementing ore feed from its nearby +1Mtpa Big Bell mine.

Highlights

Reef mining has recommenced at the historically significant Great Fingall Mine near Cue.

First stope firing delivered grades averaging between 3-4 g/t Au.

Great Fingall high-grade ore to boost production at Cue processing hub - complementing Big Bell's volume contribution.

Ramp-up underway toward steady-state production of  40ktpm from Great Fingall and Golden Crown by late FY27.

Underground drilling continues - targeting mine life extensions and new targets beyond the current six-year plan.

Westgold Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell commented:

"The recommencement of stoping at Great Fingall is a proud achievement for all at Westgold and the Western Australian underground mining community.

This historic mine, which produced over 1.2 million ounces of gold at outstanding grades in the early 1900s, has now been revitalised as a modern, high-grade operation through our strategic investment in the Murchison portfolio. The high-grade output from Great Fingall will complement the volume from Big Bell, strengthening our operations and creating lasting value for our shareholders."

First production from virgin stopes at Great Fingall

Westgold is pleased to advise that mining of the first virgin stopes at the Great Fingall underground mine near Cue, Western Australia, has commenced. This achievement aligns with the Company's FY26 guidance, which anticipated first ore from higher-grade stopes in Q2 FY26.

Gold grades from initial stopes are in line with expectations, averaging over 3g/t. This milestone represents the transition from development to production at Great Fingall, a cornerstone asset within Westgold's Murchison operations.

The Great Fingall mine is forecast to ramp up steadily through FY26 toward a combined steady-state production rate of approximately 40,000t per month by late FY27. Ore from Great Fingall will provide high-grade feed to the Cue processing hub, complementing Big Bell's contribution of bulk tonnage and underpinning improved operating margins.

Westgold continues to drill the lower open extents of the multiple lodes at Great Fingall from underground, targeting extensions to the current six-year mine life. The mine is supported by high-quality infrastructure and operated under a three-year underground mining contract with Barminco.

Great Fingall  An iconic mine of historical significance

The Great Fingall and Golden Crown mines are two of Western Australia's most storied gold producers.

Historically operated as separate mines, they collectively contributed significantly to the Day Dawn goldfield's reputation as one of the richest in the Murchison region. Great Fingall alone produced more than 1.2Moz at an average grade of 19.5 g/t between 1891 and 1918, while Golden Crown added further ounces at similarly high grades, including 288koz from 648kt at 13.8g/t Au during its underground campaigns.

Westgold is now reviving these iconic assets as a single integrated operation accessed via one modern underground portal. This approach maximises efficiency and unlocks the remaining high-grade potential of both deposits, extending their legacy.

This announcement is authorised for release to the ASX by the Board.

Compliance Statements

Forward Looking Statements

These materials prepared by Westgold Resources Limited (or the "Company") include forward looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "forecast", "predict", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "continue", and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.

Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.

Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management's good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company's business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company's control.

Although the Company attempts, and has attempted, to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. In addition, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors outlined in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ or the ASX, including, in the Company's current annual report, half year report or most recent management discussion and analysis.

Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances.

SOURCE Westgold Resources Limited

Investor Relations: Kasun Liyanaarachchi, Group Manager Investor Relations & Communications, [email protected], +61 458 564 483; Media, Annette Ellis, Manager Communications & Corporate Affairs, [email protected], +61 458 200 039
Cary, North Carolina, USA, December 11th, 2025, CyberNewsWire

As AI accelerates job transformation, INE supports organizations reallocating Q4 budgets to experiential, performance-driven upskilling.

With 90% of organizations facing critical skills gaps (ISC2) and AI reshaping job roles across cybersecurity, cloud, and IT operations, enterprises are rapidly reallocating L&D budgets toward hands-on training that delivers measurable, real-world performance. INE is uniquely positioned to support this shift, helping organizations invest their end-of-year budgets in scalable labs, simulations, and immersive learning experiences that strengthen workforce readiness ahead of 2026.

As organizations prepare for 2026, L&D teams are under pressure to justify spend with measurable outcomes. Traditional e-learning continues to grow, but enterprise buyers are shifting their dollars toward hands-on, performance-based training, where they see faster time-to-competency, higher retention, and clearer ROI. This is especially true in highly technical disciplines like cybersecurity, cloud, and IT operations, where real-world proficiency directly affects business resilience.

End-of-Year Budgets Are Fueling a Shift Toward Experiential Learning

With Q4 spend-down deadlines approaching, organizations are increasingly using remaining budget to invest in solutions that deliver immediate operational value. Certification-only programs, long a staple of enterprise L&D, struggle to address the speed and complexity of current technology industry demands.

Hands-on learning has become the preferred model for both learners and business leaders. The LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report notes that 74% of employees prefer experiential, hands-on learning over passive methods. This shift reflects a broader recognition: enterprises need training that shortens onboarding time, builds confidence, and prepares employees for real scenariosnot just exams.

INE enables organizations to direct their end-of-year budgets toward:

Real-world labs and simulations

Immersive, scenario-based learning

Skills pathways tied to practical performance

Adaptive training powered by AI

Continuously updated content aligned to emerging threats and technologies

L&D leaders want training that improves readiness on day one, said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer at INE. End-of-year budgets are increasingly being deployed toward experiential learning because the impact is immediate, measurable, and directly tied to workforce performance.

Skills Gaps Are Intensifying Demand for Hands-On Training

The global skills shortage has become one of the costliest operational risks organizations face, contributing to increased incidents, slower remediation, and rising burnout across technical teams. Research from IBM shows that skills gaps contribute to 82% of security breaches, underscoring the need for training methods that build real-world capabilitynot just theoretical understanding.

Hands-on learning has proven to be the most reliable solution. Practice-based training delivers up to 75% knowledge retention (Learning Pyramid / LinkedIn Learning analysis), compared to just 520% for lecture- or video-based programs, and can reduce time-to-competency by as much as 45%. These outcomes make immersive training essential for closing skills gaps quickly and sustainably.

AI Adoption Is Accelerating the Move Toward Practice-First Learning

AI-driven corporate training is expanding rapidly across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with strong growth projected through 2033 (LinkedIn Market Forecast). As AI transforms workflows, enterprises require training systems that adapt to learner proficiency, evaluate real-world performance, and continuously assess skills readiness.

INEs platform aligns directly with these demands, delivering dynamic hands-on labs, intelligent analytics, and performance-based insights that organizations can scale globally.

INE Positioned to Support 2026 Workforce Needs

As organizations finalize their 2026 workforce development strategies, INE offers a proven, experiential training platform built to reduce operational risk and accelerate skills development. By directing end-of-year budgets toward hands-on training with INE, enterprises can:

Reduce ramp-up time for technical teams

Validate skills with measurable, performance-based analytics

Increase workforce readiness and resilience

Support continuous upskilling for emerging technologies

Deploy scalable, real-world training globally

Enterprises that invest their remaining Q4 budgets into hands-on, performance-driven learning will enter 2026 with stronger teams and significantly improved operational readiness, said Rinehart.

INE Enterprise enables companies to turn training investments into measurable performance gains that directly support business resilience and growth.

About INE Security

INE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and certification. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training in business and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Securitys suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity and is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.

Contact

Chief Marketing Officer

Kim Lucht

INE

[email protected]


EU ready to isolate Belgium if it does not support loan for Ukraine  media

The European Union is ramping up pressure on Belgium, which continues to block efforts to provide Ukraine with a revolving loan, Politico has reported.

"The EU is turning the screws. If De Wever continues to block the plan  a path he's been on for several months, putting forward additional conditions and demands  he will find himself in an uncomfortable and remarkable position for the leader of a country that for so long has been pro-EU, according to an EU diplomat with knowledge of the discussions taking place." the publication said.

Belgium's message is that if it does not join, its diplomats, ministers and leaders will lose their voice at the EU negotiating table. Officials will put Belgium's wishes and concerns about the EU's long-term budget for 2028-2034 on the back burner, causing the government serious headaches, especially as negotiations enter a crucial final stage in 18 months.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever's opinion on the EU's proposals will not be taken into account. His phone calls will not be returned, the diplomat said.

It would be a harsh reality for a country that is both literally and symbolically at the heart of the EU project, and that has punched above its weight when it comes to taking on leading roles such as the presidency of the European Council, the publication notes.

At the same time, diplomats say desperate times call for desperate measures. Ukraine will face a budget deficit of 71.7 billion euros next year and will be forced to start cutting public spending from April if it cannot secure the necessary funds. US President Donald Trump has again refused to provide American support.

Underlining the high stakes, EU ambassadors are meeting three times this week  on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday  to discuss the Commission's proposal for a loan, published last week.

The European Commission has proposed another option for financing Ukraine: joint debt backed by the EU's next seven-year budget. Hungary has officially ruled out issuing Eurobonds, and unanimity is required to raise funds through the EU budget to support Ukraine.

That leaves Plan C: some countries could use their own budgets to support Ukraine. That prospect is not part of the Commission's proposals, but diplomats are quietly discussing it. Germany, the Nordic countries and the Baltics are seen as the most likely participants.

But those pushing the idea have a caveat: The most important benefit of EU membership for the bloc is solidarity. By forcing some member states to shoulder the financial burden of supporting Ukraine on their own, the bloc risks a serious split at its core.

Germany may decide in the future not to support a failed bank in a country that is not currently providing money to Kyiv, experts say.

"Solidarity is a two-way street," a diplomat was quoted as saying.

Of course, there is another option  EU leaders could unite and pass a "reparation loan" plan using a so-called qualified majority vote, ignoring Belgium's refusal and simply pushing it through by force. But diplomats say that option is not being seriously considered.
The new version of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Ukraine consists of four documents. One is a 20-point agreement between Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the US and Europe and, unlike the previous 28-point plan, no longer provides for international recognition of the demilitarized zone in the Donetsk region as Russian territory, a ban on Ukraine joining NATO, as well as amnesty for actions during the war for its participants, reports ZN.UA, which has reviewed the new version of the document.

"In essence, the new version is a slightly revised version of the infamous 28 Trump points, which, let us recall, are actually of Russian origin, and the Americans only commercialized them. But now these points are spread across four documents with different lists of signatories... The four documents that make up the new "Trump peace plan" are as follows: an agreement between Ukraine, Russia, the United States of America and Europe (20 points); framework security assurances for Ukraine (three points); commitments of the United States of America to NATO (four points); an agreement between Russia and the United States of America (12 points)," the article says.

The publication emphasizes that this package does not resemble serious international treaties. In particular, "Europe" is mentioned as a signatory, not the EU, and the United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland, which are not its members, are not separately mentioned.

Regarding control over territories, according to the 20-point plan, the signatories must recognize the Russian Federation's control over Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk regions, and the status of these territories can only be changed in the future through diplomacy, and not by force.

"One of the innovations in this document is the clarification of the size of the "neutral demilitarized buffer zone" in the Donetsk region - 30%. The 28-point plan had stated that this zone would be internationally recognized as territory belonging to the Russian Federation. This passage is no longer in the new document. And it says that Ukrainian and Russian troops will be stationed beyond the administrative border (which will still need to be determined) and will not enter this demilitarized zone. But who guarantees that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB( will not be there with all its "guns and pens"? As for the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions, the new document, like the previous one, provides for the freezing and de facto recognition of the current contact line. In addition, Russia must withdraw from other territories that it controls outside the five regions of Ukraine mentioned above," the report says. The provisions on the territories must still be discussed and approved by the presidents. The document does not specify which ones and in what quantity.

The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhia, in the occupied city of Energodar, according to the document, should be restarted under the management of a new owner from the United States. 50% of the electricity produced by the Zaporizhzhia NPP is supposed to be transferred to Ukraine, the remaining 50% is not mentioned in the "20 points." In the 28-point plan it was the Russian Federation.

"On the positive side: in the new package of the Trump peace plan there is no longer an obligation for Ukraine and NATO to enshrine our country's non-admission to the Alliance - in the Constitution of Ukraine and the main documents of the bloc, respectively... But this does not mean at all that Washington and Moscow have abandoned their intentions to slam NATO's doors on Ukraine forever. The United States is taking on this historic and unattractive mission of violating numerous decisions of NATO summits... In Washington, they decided to take a big step and use their veto right in the Alliance: in a separate document of the "peace package" the US assures that NATO will no longer expand and will not invite Ukraine to become its member. In addition, these same assurances are duplicated in the very first paragraph of the bilateral US-Russian agreement," the report says.

The US, according to the plan, will also object to the deployment of any "NATO troops" in Ukraine, which do not legally exist.

"If the multilateral 20 point plan clearly states that this Agreement is legally binding, then the document "on NATO" does not have this. Does this mean that the next US president will be able to cancel this "Trump legacy," as Trump himself canceled most of the decrees of his predecessor Joe Biden? If so, then all is not lost for Ukraine," the publication writes.

The 20-point plan allows Ukraine to have 800,000 soldiers in peacetime, and not 600,000, as in the 28-point plan.

As for security guarantees, the "20 points" provide for them in the manner of Article 5 of the NATO treaty, and these guarantees must be given by the signatories of the document - from the USA, NATO and Europe.

"If Russia invades Ukraine, then, in addition to a "strong military response," it will also receive the renewal of all sanctions. If Ukraine invades Russia, it will lose all its guarantees. The same will happen if our country "unprovokedly" begins shelling the territory of the Russian Federation. If Russia shells Ukraine, the guarantees for our country remain in force. But there is no talk of renewing sanctions against Russia or a "strong military response" in this case... What is new in this section of the Agreement is the clause according to which this document does not exclude bilateral security guarantees," the article says.

Also, according to the plan, the US will object to the deployment of any "NATO troops" in Ukraine, which do not legally exist.

"If the multilateral "20 points" clearly state that this Agreement is legally binding, then there is no such provision in the document "on NATO". Does this mean that the next US president will be able to cancel this "Trump legacy," as Trump himself canceled most of the decrees of his predecessor Joe Biden? If so, then all is not lost for Ukraine," the publication writes.

"20 points" provide for permission for Ukraine to leave 800 thousand troops in peacetime, and not 600 thousand, as in "28 points".

As for security guarantees, the 20-point plan provides for them in the manner of Article 5 of the NATO treaty, and these guarantees must be given by the signatories of the document - from the USA, NATO and Europe.

"If Russia invades Ukraine, then, in addition to a "strong military response," it will also receive the renewal of all sanctions. If Ukraine invades Russia, it will lose all its guarantees. The same will happen if our country "unprovokedly" begins shelling the territory of the Russian Federation. If Russia shells Ukraine, the guarantees for our country remain in force. But there is no talk of the renewal of sanctions against Russia or a "strong military response" in this case... What is new in this section of the Agreement is the clause according to which this document does not exclude bilateral security guarantees," the article said.

In the "security guarantees," formalized as a separate document in the "Trump peace plan," unlike the "20 points," the word "assurance" is used instead of "guarantees," in particular, if the Russian Federation attacks Ukraine again and violates the "truce line." This framework agreement is not legally binding and is not subject to ratification by the parliaments of its signatories. It is envisaged that it will enter into force immediately after its signing and will be valid for ten years with a possible extension at the mutual request of the parties.

According to the plan, Ukraine will become a member of the EU by January 1, 2027. "What the EU itself thinks about this, which has not yet managed to open a single negotiation chapter with Ukraine, and whether the European Union is ready for such a step (especially Trump's friend Orban), the document is again silent," the publication writes.

The plan also mentions Ukraine's proposal to hold elections "as soon as possible after the signing of the Agreement." The Russian Federation is not mentioned in this aspect.

The part of the plan on frozen Russian assets and the restoration of Ukraine almost completely repeats the provisions of the 28-point plan. "The desire of Americans to make good money on the restoration of Ukraine has not disappeared. They are still particularly interested in the extraction of mineral resources, gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities, and other infrastructure facilities. The novelty in this version of the "Trump plan" is the creation by the United States and Europe of an equity fund (target - $200 billion) for investment in the restoration of Ukraine. As for frozen Russian assets, the Americans still intend to unfreeze them, and an agreed percentage of these funds should be invested in the restoration of Ukraine," the report says. A more detailed description of the use of frozen Russian assets from the "28 points" has moved to the fourth document of the "new plan" - the Agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation, in which the States, as before, are going to lead the restoration of Ukraine and spend $100 billion from unfrozen Russian assets on this, expecting to receive 50% of the profit. According to Washington's vision, the Europeans should unfreeze their part of the Russian Federation's assets. The unfrozen funds remaining after spending on Ukraine, according to the authors of the document, should be invested in a separate American-Russian instrument for the implementation of joint projects of the United States and the Russian Federation.

The 12 points of the "Agreement with Russia" also duplicate many provisions of the 28-point plan.

"In other respects, the "new" "Trump peace plan" is a carbon copy of the previous plan of the "28 points", which outraged and alarmed Ukraine and its European partners," the article says.

The publication notes that the analysis of the new version of the plan "does not give hope for a quick, dignified and lasting peace on terms acceptable to Ukraine." "Ukraine must not allow itself to be "disassembled into its organs." Now this danger is greater than ever... If Ukraine signs the "Trump peace plan" in the form that the Americans are now pushing on us... then our country will be left without territories, without security guarantees, without the ability to manage money for its recovery, and without minerals that the Americans have already taken under control under the "resource" agreement," the article said.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/MerzCDU

German Federal Chancellor Frederick Merz says that the Europeans have handed over proposals for a peace plan for Ukraine to US President Donald Trump, and talks with the US administration could take place as early as this weekend.

Merz said this on Thursday in Berlin at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

"Yesterday afternoon we had a detailed telephone conversation with President Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer and myself, and we discussed the upcoming process over the next few days. We proposed that we, together with the US administration, conclude the discussion of the documents. This was a proposal that he did not know about at the time of our telephone conversation, because it was sent to the Americans later. We did send this document late in the afternoon, and it concerned territorial concessions that Ukraine could accept. But this was a question that the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people must answer. And we told President Trump exactly that," the German Chancellor said.

According to him, if the process continues "in the form in which we imagine it, the negotiations with the US administration will take place over the weekend, and at the beginning of next week, a meeting in Berlin may take place." "Whether the US administration will participate in this meeting depends largely on the documents that we will be working on at the moment. I am quite confident that we will succeed, and during the telephone conversation with President Trump, I really got the clear impression that he is ready to start this path with us, because he knows that the Europeans want to be heard in their interests. That is what I clearly stated during our conversation yesterday, and it was a very constructive conversation. We really showed respect for each other's points of view," Merz said.
Photo: https://www.dw.com

German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that any peace agreement for Ukraine cannot be concluded without the participation of Europeans and not harm either Europe or NATO.

Merz said this on Thursday in Berlin at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

"Today we discussed intensively again how we can make progress on the path to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Over the past week, we have seen the US initiative and momentum that we have not seen since February 24, 2022. We are both in close contact with President Zelenskyy, with our European partners, as well as with President Trump. As you know, yesterday, together with Kirst and Emmanuel Macron, we spoke in detail with President Trump," he said.

Merz stated that the work they are doing together "remains very difficult for a simple reason." "President Putin is relentlessly continuing his brutal war of aggression against the civilian population of Ukraine. At the same time, he is buying time in negotiations. Against this background, we have three main goals. First, we want a ceasefire for Ukraine that will put an end to this terrible war after almost four years. Second, this ceasefire must be backed by reliable legal and material guarantees, unlike the Minsk agreements, which would make the agreement long-term. And third, the solution reached through negotiations must preserve European security interests. It must not harm the interests of NATO and Europe," the German Chancellor said. That is why, in his opinion, "it is so important that we, Europeans, are part of this process." "No peace can be concluded without our participation. So there are difficult questions ahead, and we also agree that only Kyiv can decide what territorial arrangements it can accept. It would be a mistake to force the Ukrainian president into a peace that his people will not support after four years of suffering and death. Therefore, we are making it clear that we are demonstrating resilience in our support for Ukraine to achieve the goals that we share," Merz said.

The Chancellor also announced that the pressure on Moscow would be increased. "We will continue to increase this pressure. We will also increase our pressure on the "shadow fleet." We will continue to massively support Ukraine, especially when it comes to immobilizing Russian assets in Europe, in order to help Ukraine and enable it to defend itself effectively against future Russian aggression. All this serves two purposes. Firstly, peace in and for Ukraine, as well as security in Europe," he said.
Authorities have arrested man who is accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile earlier this week.

Alonso E. Juarez Rojano, 27, of Elmwood Park, is charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Wednesday night.

The Elmwood Park Police Department contacted county prosecutors on Monday, reporting the alleged sexual assault of a child within the borough. Detectives later alleged that Juarez Rojano was the person responsible for the act.

Authorities did not provide further details about the abuse or disclose the age of the victim.

Juarez Rojano was arrested and charged the next day. He remains in custody at Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Photo: https://t.me/MinDevUA

As a result of the Russian strike on the night of December 5-6, a suburban electric train depot was destroyed in Fastiv, the reconstruction of which requires about UAH 100 million, Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Balesta said during a visit to the city together with representatives of the embassies of Germany, France, Switzerland and the Charge d'Affaires of the United States of America Julie Davis.

"This was a targeted attack on civilian infrastructure. Three modernized electric trains were also destroyed - a total of 27 cars," Balesta was quoted as saying in a message to the Ministry of Development on the Telegram channel on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister noted that the destroyed trains provided connections in the Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy regions, and the estimated amount of damage is about UAH 300 million.

The Ministry of Development added that work is continuing today to clear the territory of the depot. The station building is also being dismantled to its frame, and the reconstruction itself is only possible from scratch.

"Temporary modular solutions have been deployed in parallel to provide the minimum necessary infrastructure for people traveling to/from Fastiv," the report said.

The Deputy Minister called on international partners to join the reconstruction of the facilities destroyed as a result of the enemy strike.

As reported, on the night of Saturday, December 6, Russian troops struck the railway infrastructure in Fastiv, damaging the hub station and suburban rolling stock, restricting the movement of suburban trains, and temporarily suspending trains in the directions of Zhytomyr and Vasylkiv. There were no casualties.
The nearly 75-year-old Anheuser-Busch beer brewery in Newark will close early next year after being sold, the company said.

The St. Louis-based company announced Thursday that the plant along Routes 1 & 9 will close early next year along with Anheuser-Busch breweries in Fairfield, California and Merrimack, New Hampshire.

The 475-employees at the three plants will be offered jobs at one of Anheuser-Buschs other facilities along with money to move and training to learn new skills. Employees who dont want to relocated will be offered severance packages.

We will be shifting production from these three facilities to our other U.S. facilities and these changes will enable us to invest even more in our remaining operations and in our portfolio of growing, industry-leading brands, the company said in a statement.

The Newark facility is being sold to the Goodman Group which plans to repurpose the site for industrial manufacturing and logistics uses, the company said.

At the plant on Thursday, located across from Newark Liberty International Airport, tractor trailers moved in and out of the sprawling compound through a narrow and closely monitored entrance. An NJ Advance Media reporter was not allowed past the gates.

Anheuser-Busch said it has invested $2 billion in its 100 U.S. facilities.

Company leaders averted a nationwide strike last year by agreeing to a five-year agreement that would significantly raise pay, improve health care and retirement benefits, and enhance job security for workers days ahead of a planned walkout.

The Anheuser-Busch brewery in Newark opened in 1951 and is the second oldest of the companys 12 U.S. breweries. The original brewing location and company headquarters opened in 1850 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Many of the companys core brands are brewed at the Newark facility, including Budweiser and Bud Light, Busch, Busch Light, Natural Light and Rolling Rock.

The Newark factory drew praise in 2022 when it stepped in to brew Chernigivske, Anheuser-Buschs most popular beer in Ukraine, after the company closed its three breweries in Ukraine leading up to the invasion by Russia.

There have been other labor battles at the site over the decades. Anheuser-Busch cut 60 jobs at the plant in 2015.

The Anheuser-Busch plant is one of the last working vestiges of Newarks heyday as a beer mecca in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the now-defunct and partly demolished Ballantine brewery was one of the worlds largest, and the citys beer barons built mansions that survive to this day in varying states of preservation.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka lamented the departure of the King of Beers, though he raised a glass to Anheiser-Buschs concern for its employees.

I am sorry to see Budweiser leave our city after having called Newark home since 1951 and been part of so many families history here, Baraka said in a statement. But Im glad to know that the brewery intends to take care of the employees by helping them relocate and retrain, or take a severance package.

I wish the company and all its employees well, Baraka added. And I welcome the Goodman Group as it prepares to put roots in Newark.
North Wildwood will provide police protection to neighboring West Wildwood under a 10-year shared services agreement worth more than $6 million.

The deal, approved last week, formalizes an arrangement that began over the summer after a report flagged staffing and management problems in West Wildwoods police department.

North Wildwood officers had already been serving West Wildwood on a temporary basis, but the new contract ensures long-term policing support.

West Wildwood, a sparsely populated town on Five Mile Beach, considered dissolving its police department after the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police recommended the move. However, that proposal sparked pushback from the public.

For providing its officers, including five full-time patrolmen it plans to hire, North Wildwood will be paid roughly $56,000 per month, according to the agreement reviewed by NJ Advance Media.

Monthly payments by West Wildwood to North Wildwood will rise to $59,000 in 2027, the agreement states.

The Cape May County Prosecutors Office will continue overseeing West Wildwoods police operations, North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello said.

Earlier this year, the county prosecutor recruited a retired high-ranking officer with the New Jersey State Police to monitor the boroughs police force.

The prosecutors office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The deal, Rosenello says, includes a 10-year option, which would extend police protection to 20 years in West Wildwood, should both towns agree to do so.

I believe our police department will be able to absorb this without any reduction in service to our residents, Rosenello said.

We had been looking at increasing our number of full-time officers anyway, he added. The agreement will help us offset some of the expense of those new officers, so...I think it makes a lot of sense for both municipalities.

In June, after the Association of Chiefs of Police issued its 28-page report, West Wildwood Mayor Matthew Ksiazek said the borough sought to save its police.

Ksiazek did not immediately return a message left for comment.

As of late April, only four full-time officers and one seasonal officer were on duty, according to the report.

The departure of West Wildwood Police Chief Jacquelyn Ferentz, who vacated the position this year and is seeking early retirement, left the department without a successor.

The report suggested two options - one to keep at least one full-time officer for administration duties, and another to utilize another municipal police chief.

Under the newly approved deal, which begins Jan. 1, West Wildwood residents will continue to regularly see North Wildwood police cruise their streets, Rosenello said.

Rosenello envisioned a future where the West Wildwood Police Departments staff gradually fades.

Should West Wildwoods department dissolve, or the two towns merge forces, the boroughs current police headquarters on Glenwood Avenue would become a substation for North Wildwood police, the agreement states.

West Wildwoods police evidence would also be taken into North Wildwoods possession in that case, as well.

Once they no longer have any police employees, then the City of North Wildwood will fully take over all police services for them, Rosenello said.

West Wildwood has 540 full-time residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, but that number grows during the summer Shore season. It is one of the smallest municipalities in New Jersey.
Three men in Cumberland County have been charged with killing a 42-year-old man in a Bridgeton home, police said.

Jamille Wright, a city resident, was shot twice and found shortly after 9 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the residence on Nichols Street, according to a statement from the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office.

Wright was transported by emergency medical professionals for treatment, the office said. However, while paramedics were rendering aid, Wright died from his injuries.

Charles Clark, 39, of Mayslanding Road in Millville was charged with murder, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, certain persons not to have weapons and hindering apprehension, the office said.

Clark was taken into custody on Dec. 10 and is awaiting pretrial detention.

Markese Childers, 42, of Ichisaka Way, Bridgeton was charged with hindering apprehension.

Childers was arrested on Nov. 23 on a warrant, according to officials.

The state moved for the defendants pretrial detention but was denied by a judge on Dec. 3, authorities said.

Childers allegedly transported the defendant away from the scene of the murder to avoid his discovery or apprehension.

Michael Thomas, 39, of Bridgeton, was charged with obstruction and hindering apprehension, the office said.

Thomas was accused of giving a false statement to police during the investigation by denying that he knew Clark, authorities said.

Officials said Thomas provided Clark transportation to the scene and allowed Clark to operate his vehicle prior to the murder. He also denied witnessing the murder when he was present and clearly knew Clark. Thomas was arrested on Nov. 26.

Prosecutors argued that he should be jailed ahead of his trial but their motion was denied by a judge on Dec. 3, the office said.
A Philadelphia man convicted of robbing a Cumberland County liquor store at gunpoint in 2023 was sentenced last week to 27 years in state prison, authorities said.

Aaron L. Watson, 42, walked into the H&K Liquors on North Main Road in Vineland on Jan. 15, 2023, and demanded money from the cash register while holding a handgun, according to a statement from the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office.

The cashier handed over $1,414 in cash to Watson, who then left the store with the money and a bottle of liquor, the office said.

Over the next few days, Watson was identified as a suspect and an investigation revealed that Watsons cellphone contained pictures of the gun used in the robbery and the bottle of stolen liquor, officials said.

He was convicted on Sept. 17 of first-degree robbery, fourth-degree aggravated assault and multiple weapons-related offenses, authorities said.

When Watson was sentenced on Dec. 5, a judge also ordered that he must serve five years on parole once he is released from prison, the office said.
A Middlesex County school district is standing by its decision to allow high school students to form a Socialist Club with a recruitment flyer featuring Karl Marx.

The new club at Highland Park High School drew national attention after students produced a recruitment flyer with an image of Marx, the German revolutionary socialist whose criticisms of capitalism inspired Marxism and other philosophies.

The flyer has an image of a pointing Marx with the quote, We want you, in a play on the U.S. Armys Uncle Sam recruitment posters that first appeared in World War I.

While some on social media have called for the club to be shut down, the Highland Park school districts superintendent said the club is permitted under a 1984 federal law that prohibits public schools from barring student groups based on political content.

The Highland Park High School Socialist Club is one of the many that provide space for students to discuss civic, cultural or academic topics, Superintendent Kristina Susca said.

The superintendent provided NJ Advance Media with a list of 46 student clubs at the high school, including a chapter of Turning Point USA, the conservative advocacy group founded by slain activist Charlie Kirk.

As with all clubs, district endorsement of a topic should not be inferred; the district does not promote or advocate for any political viewpoint. Our role is simply to ensure clubs follow established procedures and provide a safe, structured environment for students who choose to participate, Susca said.

The first meeting of the high schools socialist club was Dec. 4, according to the widely-viewed recruitment poster.

Susca said the poster was produced by students as a way to market their club.

Socialism  in particular democratic socialism, the model embraced by New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani  has been rising in popularity in the U.S., particularly among young people.

A survey in April by the Cato Institute, a Washington-based institution with a libertarian perspective, found that 62% of people ages 18 to 29 have a favorable view of socialism.

In Highland Park, Susca said the school district is guided by the Equal Access Act, a 41-year-old federal law signed by President Ronald Reagan that ensured high school students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities.

The law helped pave the way for after-school Bible study groups, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and other student groups in public schools.

Highland Park High Schools clubs also include a Christian club and a Sexuality and Gender Alliance club, according to the list provided by Susca.

Our district offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs that reflect the diverse interests of our student body. Each club must follow the same approval process and operate within Board policy, including guidelines related to supervision, program neutrality, and the responsible use of school facilities, Susca said.

The school district declined when asked for comments from the socialist clubs faculty advisor or participating students.

Highland Park covers just under two square miles and has approximately 15,000 residents. It leans heavily Democratic, with 69% of voters casting their ballots for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, according to voting data.
Jeff Garcia, who voiced the Jimmy Neutron character Sheen Estevez, has died. He was 50.

Garcias son Jojo announced the news via Instagram on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

With a very heavy heart, I would like to inform everybody that my father, Jeff Garcia, has passed away. My father was a unique soul. He was unapologetically himself and I will always admire the love, compassion, and drive that he had, Jojo captioned several photos of the late comedian. I would call him every day. I would tell him about the plans I had in comedy and my life. He believed in me, in a way that nobody else did.

Jojo went on to praise his fathers one of a kind talent.

Jeff Garcia. Getty Images

From voice acting to stand up comedy, he shined with his quick wit, brash humor, and charm. He has made such an impact on peoples lives internationally, whether you grew up watching Jimmy Neutron, or shared a laugh with him at one of his shows, the tribute read. He was my hero I idolized him.

Garcias cause of death has not been shared, but TMZ reported that he was taken off life support on Tuesday, Dec. 9, while surrounded by loved ones at a hospital in Southern California.

The outlet further reported that Garcia suffered an aneurysm earlier this year, which he recovered from. He then battled pneumonia and suffered a stroke several weeks ago. According to TMZ, the voice actor went to the hospital on Monday, Dec. 8, due to breathing difficulties.

Garcia voiced the role of Sheen in the 2001 film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and the two Nickelodeon spinoff series, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius (2002-2006) and Planet Sheen (2010-2013). He was also a standup comedian who made appearances on Comedy Central and MTV.

Garcia shared Jojo and daughter Savannah with his ex-wife, Lisa. Jojo wrote via Instagram that his dad will NEVER be forgotten as he lives on through our family and friends he loved so dearly.

READ MORE: Creator of new AI series says characters feel more genuine than humans

Garcias former costar Debi Derryberry, who voiced the role of Jimmy Neutron, also shared an Instagram tribute to the late voice actor.

Im devastated to find out that my dear friend Jeff Garcia, who also played Sheen on Jimmy Neutron has passed away, Derryberry captioned a photo of herself, Garcia and Rob Paulsen, who voiced the role of Carl Wheezer. We were all together just a a few months ago at a convention. He was always the funniest man in the room. Were gonna miss you Sheen.

The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius is available to stream on Paramount+.
Two men were shot and killed and two others wounded Wednesday night at a music recording studio in Newark, authorities said.

Police were called about 8 p.m. to Platinum Sound on Clinton Avenue, where they found four males with gunshot wounds, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.

Two 20-year-olds were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as Namir Bynum and Osayuwamen Uyamu, both of Newark.

Two other victims were taken to University Hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.

One was treated and released, Stephens said.

Stephens said the shooting remains under investigation and that no other information was available.

We think it was contained within that particular establishment, Stephens said, adding that the studio is used to record music videos.

A man who answered a phone number associated with Platinum Sound declined to comment.

According to its website, Platinum Sound offers a wide range of services for performers, including mixing and mastering for commercial projects and amateurs.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the prosecutors office at 1-877-847-7432.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said Thursday he has presided over a steady decline in murders, which he and others attribute to data-based policing that allows officers to focus on violence hot spots, as well as youth engagement and violence prevention and intervention programs.

But theres always more to be done, he said.

Any shooting is a concern of mine. One shooting is a concern of mine, Baraka said.

Im concerned about any mother that loses a son, daughter in our streets, period, whether its one murder or 500, he said.

NJ Advance Media Staff Writer Steve Strunsky contributed to this report.
Sindy Reyes cradled her 19-month-old daughter in her arms under a borrowed blanket outside the Delaney Hall immigrant detention center in Newark Tuesday afternoon, as the thermometer hovered around freezing and the wind dropped real-feel temperatures into the 20s.

Sitting on a metal bench under the roof of a shelter with no walls, Reyes maintained a remarkably serene appearance as she waited to be called into the detention center, where she said her husband has been held since Oct. 29, when ICE agents arrested him as he left an asylum interview in Newark.

But Dashlyns pout and the worried look in her brown eyes revealed a toddler unnerved by the swirl of unfamiliar children and adults outside Delaney Halls barbed wire gate, not to mention other forms of discomfort her mom said she might be experiencing.

We have to wait until we get in to use the bathroom, said Reyes, who had arrived at Delaney Hall with Dashlyn an hour earlier, following an hour-and-a-half drive from their home in Mercer County. Shes been using Pampers. But the last time I was going, the guys who help here, they bring me to the gas station, and I go there.

Children and adults bundled up in borrowed blankets on Dec. 9, 2025, as they waited to see loved ones inside the Delaney Hall immigrant detention center in Newark. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com

The shelter was erected on Nov. 25, said Kathy OLeary, a volunteer organizer with the nonprofit humanitarian group Pax Christi, who regularly hands out blankets, hot chocolate and other forms of relief to visitors at Delaney Hall.

It was after sustained pleas by Pax Christi and like-minded groups like Make the Road New Jersey, Cosecha and Eyes on Ice, as well as pressure by members of New Jerseys congressional delegation.

Reyes said the overhead-only enclosure was better than nothing. And OLeary conceded that it represented at least some degree of responsiveness by ICE or Delaney Halls private operator, the Florida-based GEO Group, to the demands of the public and elected representatives. But not much, she added.

Volunteers refer to it as a cattle pen in part because it is used to contain the people who come to visit and the dehumanizing way visitors are treated, OLeary said of the shelter.

It is clearly a carport they purchased off the internet that provides no shelter from the wind and only minimal protection from the rain, she added. It has no heat, and the metal benches make it feel even colder. Until we can close Delaney Hall down and let people reunite with their families, they need an indoor waiting area.

The GEO Group has operated Delaney Hall as an immigration detention center since May under a 15-year, $1 billion contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement division, or ICE.

Spokespeople for ICE and the GEO group did not respond to requests for comment on the shelter or related conditions for visitors.

Members of New Jerseys House delegation joined the effort to improve visiting conditions at Delaney Hall after a storm on Sept. 6, when visitors were lined up along a metal fence outside the facility, exposed to the driving rain and lightning that lit up the sky.

The potentially life-threatening situation prompted six Democratic House members to send a letter dated Sept. 30 to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and GEO Group CEO David Donohue.

The letter, co-signed by U.S. Reps. Donald Norcross, Frank Pallone, Nellie Pou, Rob Menendez, Josh Gottheimer and Lamonica McIver expressed their deep concern and condemnation over the treatment of visitors to Delaney Hall, as well as conditions for detainees inside the facility.

Menendez, McIver and another New Jersey Democrat, U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, were conducting an oversight visit to Delaney Hall on May 9, when federal agents arrested Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka on a trespassing charge.

The charge was dismissed 13 days later, but federal charges of assaulting and impeding a federal officer against McIver stemming from Barakas arrest are still pending.

Last week, Menendez announced he was co-sponsoring the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation introduced by a fellow Democrat from Washington State, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, that would establish minimum standards for conditions inside detention centers and the treatment of detainees.

Meanwhile, ICEs Newark regional office and its FBI counterpart announced Wednesday that they were bolstering their enforcement activities under a local task force focused on what ICE called terrorists, narcotraffickers and violent criminals.

Another complaint by immigrants loved ones is that Delaney Hall lacks visitor parking. At times, the shoulder of Doremus Avenue, where the facility is located in an industrial section of the city, is clogged with vehicles for a block on either side.

In contrast to Delaney Hall, the nearby Essex County Correctional Facility offers visitor parking, a heated indoor waiting area, and on-site bathrooms.

Reyes said she and her husband are both immigrants from Guatemala and that both had working papers. Her husband was arrested nine years after he arrived in the United States, fleeing an abusive and alcoholic father who had put him to work at age 7. She said their daughter is a U.S. citizen born in New Jersey.

To help make ends meet while her husband is away from his landscaping job, Reyes said shes been selling fruit to construction workers.

Reyes said she tries to arrive at the detention center an hour and a half before visiting time to make sure she gets in. But thats not always possible.

I came on Thanksgiving, when visiting time was 7:20, in the morning, she said. I arrived at 7 oclock, and asked them to let me in because its Thanksgiving. They said, No, you have to be here early. And we had to go back.
The DeLorenzos are one of New Jerseys most prestigious pizza families. But their name has been in the news all year for reasons that have little to do with pizza.

DeLorenzos Pizza in Hamilton  which started serving pies in Trenton in 1938 (and is related to but separate from famed De Lorenzos Tomato Pies in Robbinsville)  closed in March when it was seized by New Jerseys division of taxation for non-payment of state taxes.

After launching a controversial GoFundMe to help cover more than $10,000 in unpaid taxes, owner Rick DeLorenzo Jr. reopened the pizzeria in April just to close again in September for renovations that would make the space a combination pizzeria-dispensary.

DeLorenzos will indeed reopen in 2026  with a new look, a name and a new member of the family at the helm.

Tyler DeLorenzo, Rick Delorenzo Jr.s nephew and owner of DeLorenzos The Burg in nearby Levittown, Pa., is taking over the Sloan Avenue space as he looks to stabilize one of Central Jerseys most iconic pizzerias.

DeLorenzo's The Burg in Levittown, Penn. (Photo Courtesy, DeLorenzo's The Burg) Photo Courtesy, DeLorenzo's The Burg

To be honest, I dont know exactly what was going on in Hamilton, Tyler DeLorenzo told NJ Advance Media. I think (my uncle) is the only one that truly knows what went on there.

The pizzeria will be renamed DeLorenzos The Burg, but the Trenton tomato pie style will remain.

Tyler DeLorenzo worked under his uncle at DeLorenzos for around 10 years before attending culinary school in New York City and ultimately open his own spot in Levittown in 2017. He is is currently renovating the Hamilton spaces dining area to add new flooring, booths, tables and fresh paint.

I want it to look like my location in Levittown, DeLorenzo told NJ Advance Media. With the checkerboard black and white floor and everything.

The new owner also plans to offer an extended menu including cheesesteaks, meatball parm sandwiches, pastas and more once he gets his bearings in the new spot.

Pizza from DeLorenzo's The Burg. (Photo Courtesy, DeLorenzo's The Burg) DeLorenzo's The Burg

There will in fact be a marijuana dispensary in the same building, but it will be completely separate from the pizzeria operation.

The landlord split the building in half and got a dispensary to go in on the one side. The way Rick worded it was a bit confusing, Tyler DeLorenzo said. We have nothing to do with that dispensary. I want them to do well and they want me to do well. But yeah, thats completely separate.

Tyler DeLorenzo said that the landlord reached out to him to take over the space in Mercer County. He wanted to bring his uncle in to help him out but was advised by accountants, lawyers and others in the industry to make a clean break.

My uncle is a good guy, Tyler DeLorenzo said. I would be proud if I could have my uncle there but, I think the kicker that really pissed a lot of people off was the GoFundMe thing.

The younger DeLorenzo also explained there is no beef between the separate sides of the DeLorenzos family. He will operate in Hamilton while his cousins work over at DeLorenzos Tomato Pies in Robbinsville.

Joe De Lorenzo  Rick DeLorenzo Jr.s uncle  opened the first DeLorenzos Pizzeria in 1938 in Trenton. Rick Jr.s father and Tylers grandfather, Rick Sr., helped run the family business during World War II. Eventually, another DeLorenzos was opened, on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton in 1961. That shop lasted until 2013, when Rick Jr. moved the business to the suburbs, on Sloan Avenue in neighboring Hamilton Township.

Photo of Rick DeLorenzo Sr., Tyler DeLorenzo and Matthew DeLorenzo of DeLorenzo's Pizza. (Photo Courtesy, DeLorenzo's The Burg) Photo Courtesy, DeLorenzo's The Burg

The better-known De Lorenzos Tomato Pies, was opened by sibling Alexander Chick De Lorenzo on Hudson Street in 1947 and closed in 2012, after being run by his daughter, Eileen Amico (nee De Lorenzo), and her husband, Gary Amico, for decades. This separate De Lorenzos business expanded to Robbinsville in 2008 (prior to the Hudson Street closing), where it still operates today. An outpost in Yardley, Pa. opened in 2018.

I talk to my cousin in Robbinsville here and there, Tyler DeLorenzo said. Great guy, he does things right. If I have a question about something, I call him and if he has a question, hell call me.

The newest member of the family to take the reins, Tyler DeLorenzo is excited to serve the Hamilton community and continue his familys legacy.

Our family has been in business for so long that we just have so much support. There are loyal customers who will show up no matter what and I really do appreciate that, DeLorenzo said. I just want to make pizza, do it with a smile and treat my customers right.
Jersey City officials took steps this week to prevent the troubled Heights University Hospital from being turned into senior housing, citing concerns about the citys dwindling hospital services.

The city council voted 8-0 Wednesday night, with one councilperson abstaining, to adopt an ordinance that prevents senior housing and assisted living residences from being built in the citys medical zone. Officials said they were motivated to pass the ordinance after the owners of Heights Hospital, formerly Christ Hospital, announced preliminary plans for a residential development on the land.

Urgency to pass the ordinance intensified in November when the hospitals owner, Hudson Regional Health, announced that the facility would be closing after more than 150 years. The hospital will continue to operate a standalone emergency department and provide other health care services out of its auxiliary building. But the areas where there are no services will be shut down.

Passing this ordinance makes it clear that they cant build luxury-only housing, that anything that would come in the future would have to be negotiated with the city, and we will guarantee and make sure that theres real acute care that is on that site, said Mayor-elect James Solomon during Wednesdays meeting at City Hall, which was livestreamed.

Hudson Regional Health, which took over Heights Hospital from CarePoint Health System just eight months ago, appears open to negotiating the hospitals future with city officials.

Hudson Regional Health and its landlord appreciate the City Councils desire to maintain health care access in the Heights and Jersey City, a vision that HRH strongly shares, said Vijay Chaudhuri, a spokesman for Hudson Regional and former chief of staff for Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla.

While we believe the adopted ordinance has flaws, we have frequently mentioned that a redevelopment plan that creates an environment for significant health care investments is the best way to achieve this objective. HRH looks forward to working collaboratively with Mayor-Elect Solomon, his administration and the City Council on the future of healthcare in the Heights and Jersey City, and looks forward to an ongoing dialogue, Chaudhuri said in a statement on Thursday.

More than 20 Jersey City residents spoke in support of the ordinance at Wednesdays meeting. Many speakers said they were worried about the hospital land being sold to developers for condominiums. Others expressed frustration with the loss of yet another hospital.

Debbie White, president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees, urged city officials to force Hudson Regional to continue operating the facility as an acute care hospital complete with an emergency department, dialysis, mental health care, addiction treatment and inpatient beds.

As I speak to you tonight, hundreds of healthcare workers are without work and the community is without a hospital, said White, who added that the union is challenging the action on many fronts, arguing Hudson Regional violated labor laws.

Dont let Christ Hospital simply become high-rise condos, said White, using the hospitals former name.

Ward C Councilman Richard Boggiano said on Wednesday that he was disappointed things got this far and that state officials failed to step in.

I spoke to the governor about this, Governor Murphy. I spoke to other people. And I thought surely something would be done, but evidently nothing has been done. And I think its a damn disgrace that this hospital is closing. We used to have five hospitals in Jersey City, said Boggiano.

The city council adopted the ordinance without considering recommendations from the citys planning board and planning director.

I dont necessarily believe that the city councils proposal meets the master plan 2020 as its written, said Jersey City Planning Director Tanya Marione during a Nov. 25 planning board meeting. I believe that the 2020 master plan really considered the fact that residential should be mixed with these medical uses and the way to do it was not to remove the uses from those areas but to encourage them to be developed together.

Instead, Marione recommended revising the master plan to stipulate that any future assisted living facility or senior housing must exist within a hospital or a rehab center, to accommodate the citys medical needs.

Solomon said that while he understood the planning boards intent, he didnt support adopting their recommendation.

...Under the current circumstances, the city council must take steps to ensure that the original purpose and intent of the medical district is satisfied and that the zoning ordinance is not compromised, said Solomon.

Solomon will succeed Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who did not seek a fourth term as mayor and lost in the Democratic primary for governor.

This body has a duty to ensure sufficient health care services for the residents of Jersey City, which must take priority here, said Solomon.

State officials have expressed disappointment with the owners of Heights Hospital for failing to save the facility as promised.

In November, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Health said that good faith efforts were made to support Heights Hospital, including $2 million in October to assist with payroll and prevent closure.

Despite all of these efforts, Hudson Regional Hospital has failed to fund their payroll this week and failed to fully perform as it represented in its Plan of Restructuring, which was approved by the Bankruptcy Court as a condition of exiting bankruptcy. And it has not followed through on its commitments to the community it serves and to the State to turn things around after taking over the hospital, said Dalya Ewais, a spokeswoman with state Department of Health, in a statement.
Photo: https://me.gov.ua

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has added the Nosivka Industrial Park (Chernihiv region), covering 14.1651 hectares, to the Register of Industrial Parks. The initiative to create the park came from the Nosivka City Council, the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture reported.

According to the ministry's website, the park has been established for a 30-year period. Approximately 700 new jobs are expected to be created in the processing industry. The project's initiator plans to attract nearly UAH 716 million from various sources to support the park's development.

The park's development concept provides for the use of the initiator's own investments, funding from the management company, state incentives, private financing, investments from future park participants, and contributions from other entities.

To launch the project, the Nosivka City Council plans to allocate UAH 500,000 of its own funds.

The Nosivka Industrial Park will host enterprises involved in food production, alternative energy, and scientific and technical activities.

As reported earlier, citing Deputy Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development Dmytro Kysylevsky, the Nosivka City Council has already signed an agreement with the local private enterprise Teplychne for the creation and development of the industrial park. The site will include facilities for producing jams and compotes.

"We are moving away from a raw-material model: what is grown on Ukrainian soil must be processed in Ukraine. Creating a park in Chernihiv region is a step in this direction. It is not only an opportunity to create new jobs for the community but also a chance to strengthen the country's export potential with high value-added finished products," Deputy Economy Minister Vitaliy Kindrativ said, as quoted in the release.

The Ministry of Economy noted that 114 industrial parks are currently listed in the national register.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced new rules for physicians as part of an ongoing effort to combat sexual abuse in medical offices.

On Thursday, the state Division of Consumer Affairs emailed 67,000 New Jersey-licensed physicians about new rules adopted by the state Board of Medical Examiners aimed at improving patient safety during sensitive medical examinations.

We are committed to ensuring patient safety and preventing sexual misconduct in medical offices across the state. Doing so is necessary to protect public welfare and uphold the integrity of New Jerseys healthcare profession, said Platkin in a statement. Through our continued efforts, we are making New Jersey safer and empowering patients to protect themselves from harm.

The rules require that physicians:

Make sure patients are aware of their right to have an observer present during breast, pelvic, genitalia and rectal exams;

Make sure patients, including those with limited English-proficiency, fully understand their rights before an exam begins;

And provide observers at medical exams with information on how to report physician misconduct.

The new requirements are the latest action taken by the state to try and prevent sexual abuse in health care spaces.

Following a series of stories by NJ Advance Media about sexual offenders practicing medicine in New Jersey, elected officials passed a law in 2022 prohibiting boards that regulate health care professions from issuing licenses to people who were convicted of certain sexual crimes.

In May 2025, the state Board of Medical Examiners also adopted rules requiring physicians to complete two continuing medical education credit hours in programs or topics related to sexual misconduct prevention.

We are using all available tools  including the regulatory powers of our licensing boards  to ensure New Jersey patients are treated with dignity and respect behind the closed doors of exam rooms, said Elizabeth M. Harris, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

By issuing this alert, were making sure that physicians statewide are aware of the new rules and what they must do to comply, Harris said in a statement on Thursday.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Karin Price Mueller contributed to this report.
A man charged with shooting into a Rumson home in September fired the gun twice more that day before officers arrested him at one of the crime scenes, court documents show.

Terry Haupt, 42, of Red Bank, faces a federal firearms charge for the Sept. 22 shooting, court documents show. He was in U.S. District Court in Trenton on Wednesday, where a judge ruled he be detained pending trial.

Haupt was working for the city of Long Branch when arrested and one of the shootings occurred in a Long Branch housing authority property, court documents filed against him allege.

The Monmouth County Prosecutors Office initially charged Haupt with weapon possession offenses, one for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

He has two prior federal convictions for dealing cocaine in New Jersey and he was still on federal supervised release from his latest conviction, in 2020, records show.

The incidents began at about 2 p.m. on Sept. 22 when two separate Rumson residents called police to report gunfire around Meadowbrook and Maplewood avenues, which run parallel to each other in the northern part of town near the municipal center. Responding police found no evidence of gunfire.

At 3:20 p.m., a Meadowbrook resident called police and said they just got home and found a rear sliding-glass door had been shot and a bullet was lodged in their front door. They pulled it out and put it on their living room table for police, documents say.

Officers then found other bullet strikes on walls and ceilings, and from the marks, believe the gunfire came from a residence directly behind them on Maplewood.

Police went to that home and found an open rear door. Two juveniles then arrived and said they lived in the home, and their mother was not home. Police summoned the mom home from work and she had no idea what occurred, documents say.

Then Haupt arrived at about 4:45 p.m. and also said he knew nothing of the gunfire. He was just stopping by to see his kids, who live in the home. He stayed outside for 17 minutes, smoking cigarettes, then left in a White vehicle.

Police found nearby security camera footage that showed a white vehicle leaving the Maplewood driveway at 3:06 p.m., documents say.

At about 8 p.m., after officers had returned to the Maplewood residence to speak with the resident, police heard two gunshots nearby. Officers started searching the nearby areas, and at 8:15 p.m. found a similar white vehicle idling in the nearby Rumson municipal boat ramp  about 1/10 of a mile away.

As police investigated the vehicle, it later drove away. When cops went back to the ramp, an officer found a bullet casing on the ground and police eventually confirmed the white vehicles were one in the same, documents say.

Haupt then showed up at the Maplewood residence again while police were still there, denied to police he was at the boat ramp, saying he was coming from his job in Long Branch. Inside the vehicle, an officer saw an assault-style weapon on the passenger side floor.

They detained Haupt and entered the vehicle and seized a Fostech firearm with a 100-bullet drum magazine with 72 bullets inside. During a later search of the car, they found a spent bullet casing inside and Haupts Long Branch Housing Authority employee identification card, documents say.

Still later, investigators pulled security camera footage from Long Branchs Kennedy Towers public housing apartments and found footage of Haupt  at 5:53 p.m. that day  pulling into the area of a gazebo in the white vehicle.

Haupt then greeted two males, retrieved a shopping bag from his vehicle, pulled out a firearm, with drum magazine, and fired it into the air four times, documents say.

The spent bullet casings from the white vehicle and boat ramp matched to the seized gun.

The court documents give no motive or reason for the gunfire. The weapon was manufactured outside of New Jersey.

Haupt is currently in the Monmouth County jail awaiting court appearances. His status with Long Branch was not immediately available.

His lawyer did not immediately return an email seeking comment.
A federal judge denied a contractors request to pause bidding on one of the Gateway Tunnel project construction contracts until a dispute was resolved.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan D. Wigenton denied the request Thursday by the George Harms Construction Co. of Howell and a union steel worker for a temporary restraining order to freeze the bidding process

The suit, which was filed in federal court in Trenton on Nov. 18, sought to prevent the Gateway Development Commission from moving forward with a bid process on a contract to build a 7,540-foot-long viaduct between the new tunnel and the Northeast Corridor line over a freight rail line in New Jersey until a labor agreement issue is resolved.

The commission is the bi-state agency created to oversee and manage construction of the $16 billion Hudson River Tunnel project, rehabilitation of the existing 115-year-old tunnels and construction of two new tracks in New Jersey between the new tunnel and the Secaucus Junction station.

GDC is pleased with the district courts decision today denying the plaintiffs motion, said Stephen Sigmund, a commission spokesperson. We continue the process for awarding the contract for this critical component of the Hudson Tunnel Project to help deliver the most urgent passenger rail project in the country.

The company could appeal the decision.

We are considering our next steps, including an appeal to prevent this process from moving forward under the shadow of a clearly unlawful agreement, said Kevin J. Coakley, partner, Connell Foley, attorney for George Harms Construction Co.

In her decision, Judge Wigenton said the two plaintiffs have not established they will be irreparably harmed and that an injunction should not be issued.

Harms was among four companies short-listed by the commission in February 2025 and invited to submit proposals for the project, called the New Jersey Surface alignment. That list was in response to a request for qualifications the commission issued in January 2025.

The viaduct would link the new tunnel to two new tracks to be built on the Northeast Corridor line between that structure and Secaucus Junction station.

The issue that prompted the lawsuit is over a project labor agreement that didnt include a labor union representing Harms workforce. The lawsuit contended that PLA barred Harms from the project by deliberately excluding the union representing Harms workforce.

The judge disagreed, and wrote they have not demonstrated that the PLA is exclusionary and prevents them from bidding on the project.

Harms filed a protest after the commission set a Dec. 10 date as the deadline for its four prequalified bidders to submit bids on the viaduct project. The lawsuit wanted to preserve Harms opportunity to bid until the protest is heard by the commission.

In her decision, Judge Wigenton cited the ruling in a similar lawsuit brought by Harms against the Delaware River Joint Bridge Commission in her ruling.

In August 2024 the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in favor of the commission stating it had the authority to use a Project Labor Agreement on the Scudders Falls bridge project that didnt include the union that represented Harms workers.

That ruling also applies to the Gateway Commission, Judge Wigenton said.

The PLAs terms are not exclusionary and GDC has not acted in an exclusionary manner to Plaintiffs detriment by adopting it, she wrote. The plain language reading of this provision indicates that Building Trade unions will work with the successful bidder regardless of the successful bidders union."

She concluded that Harms would not be excluded from bidding because of that.

Attorneys for the company said the decision agreed with one of their arguments.

We are pleased that the court agreed that the labor agreement adopted by the Gateway Development Commission would likely violate the First Amendment by forcing the workforce of George Harms Construction to make benefits payments to the handpicked unions in line to profit from this sweetheart deal, Coakley said.
For seven years, they were called crooked cops.

Gregory Makras and James Panagoulakos were among five Edison police officers accused in 2018 of lining their pockets through no-show work.

Now they are threatening to sue their police department for $20 million, saying the cases against them ruined their lives  only for them to beat the charges.

And theyre also demanding to be put back on duty.

Reinstatement. Backpay. Attorney fees, Panagoulakos attorney Charles Sciarra said Tuesday in a statement listing what he claims Edison owes his client. And damages if somebody doesnt start to make some smart decisions soon.

The legal threats renew a messy saga that was supposed to end this summer when Middlesex County prosecutors dropped charges against Makras and Panagoulakos after both agreed to resign from their scandal-prone force.

The pair say that because their cases were dismissed, they are entitled to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost wages and legal bills. But Edison disagrees and is moving forward with internal discipline that could make it harder for them to collect.

Edison wants to fire the officers  even though they submitted letters of resignation  with Police Chief Thomas Bryan informing them in July that their letters cannot be formally accepted at this time. That decision led Makras and Panagoulakos to rescind their resignations and insist they be put back on the payroll and their once comfortably six-figure salaries.

The drama continues.

The officers claims of exoneration are unfounded, Edison Township Attorney Louis Rainone wrote in a legal filing. He accused them of absurdly seeking to reverse their agreement with prosecutors to resign, saying it was always anticipated the township would pursue discipline based on the accusations.

The indictments alleged the officers stole tens of thousands of dollars through extra-detail jobs they never worked. They were charged with official misconduct and racketeering, with authorities saying they cheated contractors who hired them for security or at road construction projects  a lucrative way for cops to make extra money.

Yet the criminal prosecution was beset with pitfalls. The defense contended Edisons haphazard bookkeeping made it all but impossible to account for the officers hours. The original indictment was thrown out by a Superior Court judge in 2020, though authorities revived the case two years later when they secured a new one.

Those delays proved costly to local taxpayers, who were forced to pay four suspended cops salaries while the charges sat in limbo between the indictments.

That cost Edison $1.4 million, though Makras and Panagoulakos now say they are also owed for the five years in which they were suspended without pay.

Ultimately, just one of the five accused officers saw jail time. Two others entered into first-offender programs in which theyll avoid a criminal record, provided they stay out of trouble.

Rainone and Brynn Krause, a spokesperson for the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, declined comment. Bryan and Mayor Sam Joshi did not respond to requests for comment.

Seven years later, Sciarra insists the allegations against Panagoulakos were manufactured and says prosecutors did right by tossing the case after years of legal uncertainty. With the new fights, Sciarra and Makras lawyer have filed notices with Edison that they intend to sue the township over the prosecution.

Sciarra estimated Panagoulakos damages at $5 million, saying his client was forced to sell his home and move in with his parents for several years after the charges. Now 40, Panagoulakos had been an Edison officer since 2013.

Makras attorney, Jason Orlando, put his damages at $15 million. He said Makras, 41, lost his reputation and seven-year career and had to seek psychiatric treatment amid the stress.

Makras faced a potential sentence of over 100 years in prison for alleged crimes these parties knew he did not commit, Orlando wrote. For seven years he suffered from the weight of those charges and the potential jail time he faced.

The indictments stemmed from a multi-pronged investigation into Edisons department, which had been rocked by a series of scandals. The probe was sparked by the March 2018 arrest of another officer, Paul Pappas, after he drove his unmarked police vehicle to New Brunswick and slashed a tire on his ex-girlfriends car while in full uniform.

Former Edison Police Officer Paul Pappas was sentenced to four years in prison in November on long-delayed criminal charges stemming from 2018. Department of Corrections

Pappas also faced accusations he peddled steroids in the department and stole through fraudulent off-duty work. He cooperated with authorities, pleading guilty in his cases in 2019 and agreeing to testify against the other officers.

Yet Pappas, a 15-year veteran of the force, was the lone defendant in the thefts to see prison time. On Nov. 13, he was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Pedro Jimenez to four years in prison. He must serve a year before he is eligible for parole.

In court, Pappas apologized for disgracing the badge.

Im not the man I was eight years ago, said Pappas, 51. In fact, I wouldnt recognize the man if he stood in front of me.

The prosecution had value, even if the other criminal cases saw mixed success, Jimenez said at the hearing. Getting those officers off the street was more important than seeing them incarcerated, he said.

Theyre no longer able to serve as police officers and will never be able to serve as police officers anymore, Jimenez said. So the community is protected to that extent.

Yet Makras and Panagoulakos want to be put back on duty and will contest their disciplinary hearings, which are scheduled to begin Jan. 15 for Panagoulakos and March 2 for Makras.

Theyll be closely watched.

We expect large crowds to come and hear these matters, Sciarra said. We are looking very forward to an open public hearing.
Thirty-one Paterson police supervisors, including several lieutenants who oversee shootings, narcotics, and juvenile cases, could be demoted after the state Civil Service Commission moved to nullify a 2019 promotional exam and require them to retake it.

The 2019 exam was administered statewide. However, according to the Police Benevolent Association, only Paterson and Newark officers challenged the results, so only promoted officers in those cities must retake the test.

The fallout stems from a legal battle over the commissions decision not to score the final 10 questions on the 2019 test. Officials were concerned that the questions could produce racially disparate results, according to court documents.

Some officers disputed that, saying the questions focused on attorney general guidelines and werent tied to race.

Fifteen mostly Black officers from Paterson and Newark who werent promoted sued the commission in 2020, arguing that the decision was unfair because they followed the directions and completed all the questions, that there was nothing wrong with the questions, and that removing them hurt their chances for promotion, according to Valerie Palma DeLuisi, a PBA attorney working with the lawyer for the plaintiffs.

The retake for the exam has been tentatively scheduled for February.

PBA President Angel Jimenez on Wednesday criticized the decision to require officers to retake the exam, calling it punitive. He argued that the commission singled out the two departments whose officers raised concerns about discounting the 10 questions.

He also noted that the 31 Paterson officers now in limbo make up roughly a third of the citys ranking personnel.

We cannot allow Civil Service to put their fingers on the scales of these exams and affect the safety of our lives as well as the safety of our community, he said.

Patersons Mayor Andre Sayegh could not be reached for comment on Wednesday, but during a press conference the day before, he also denounced the commissions decision to re-administer the exam.

It will upend our organization. It will disrupt our department, Sayegh said. Most critically, it will compromise public safety in Paterson.

Representatives for the Civil Service Commission could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Officers typically get six months to study for a promotional exam. This time, theyll have less than half that, according to NorthJersey.com.

According to the city, the officers at risk of demotion include: Lt. Christopher Ravallese, who oversees nonfatal shooting investigations; Lt. Angel Gonzalez, who runs the narcotics division; and Lt. Steven Leishman, who heads juvenile cases.

Also on the list are Sgt. John Luizzi, who manages the departments budget, Sgt. Evelyn Gonzalez of Internal Affairs Early Intervention Program, and Sgts. Daniel Findlay and Richard Martinez, who supervise major-crimes detectives handling homicides.

All have served for years in their elevated roles, Jimenez said. But unless they pass a new civil service exam in February, they risk losing their positions.

The issue over the police exam is among the many controversies that have plagued the Paterson Police Department.

In 2023, the New Jersey Attorney General took control of the department after years of alleged corruption, excessive-force controversies, and community mistrust, installing new leadership and launching reform initiatives to rebuild public trust and improve safety.
NJ Transit will restore the 20-trip FlexPass ticket which was cut in 2024 despite its popularity with commuters working hybrid schedules between the workplace and home.

FlexPass officially returns in late February, officials said. It offers a 15% discount, however, the 20 tickets must be used in 30 days.

It was introduced in February 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate commuters who previously bought monthly passes but were working split schedules. That version of FlexPass offered a 20% discount.

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri announced the decision on Wednesday and credited Customer Advocate Franck Beauman for proposing the return of FlexPass.

According to the results of NJ Transits last customer survey delivered in October, 27% of rail riders and 30% of bus commuters to New York said they were required to be in the office at least 3 days a week.

The fewest commuters surveyed said they had a 100% remote schedule.

The decision to eliminate FlexPass was part of a cost cutting effort and fare increase package approved in April 2024. Officials contended that cutting Flexpass would save the agency $4 million.
Hey there New Jersey! Heres your audio update highlighting the death of an off-duty Woodbridge Police officer in a crash and plans to build a massive indoor pickleball club in East Brunswick.

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A New Jersey man was arrested after lighting a mulch bed on fire in front of a home in Berkeley on Wednesday, officials said.

John Bruno, 48, surrendered later in the day after allegedly igniting the blaze at 7:20 a.m. at the house on Pheasant Drive, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said. He is charged with aggravated arson.

Firefighters quickly put out the fire. A motive wasnt disclosed, though a spokesman for the prosecutors office confirmed Bruno doesnt live there.

Bruno, of Berkeley, is being held at the Ocean County jail ahead of a detention hearing. No attorney was listed in court records.

He was charged with aggravated assault in July, according to court records. A scheduled court appearance this past Monday for allegedly violating the terms of his court monitoring was postponed, online records state.
President Donald Trump is calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to eliminate a century-old tradition  but the GOP leader appears unwilling to budge.

Trump continued his criticism on Thursday of the Senates blue slip practice, a custom that has given home-state senators a say in approving or rejecting district court and U.S. attorney nominees since at least 1917.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the tradition, used by the Senate Judiciary Committee, has prevented the appointment of great Republican nominees in a state with just one Democratic senator. He also singled out Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the chair of committee, and other Republicans who allow this scam to continue.

If they say no, then it is OVER for that very well qualified Republican candidate. Only a really far left Democrat can be approved, Trump wrote in the post, describing the practice as so unfair to Republicans, and not Constitutional.

Trump went on to urge Thune to get something done, including ideally the termination of Blue Slips. But during an appearance on Fox News shortly afterward, the Senate leader threw cold water on the presidents plea.

I dont think its going to change  its been in place a long time, Thune said on Americas Newsroom, before adding: And like I said, there are Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and off the Judiciary Committee, for that matter, who support this and support it strongly.

The post comes after Trump called for the end of the blue slips custom earlier this week, after his former personal lawyer, Alina Habba, announced she had resigned as the top federal prosecutor for New Jersey, a week after an appeals court ruled she was serving in the role unlawfully.

While speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump called the practice a horrible thing and pointed to Grassley, who has previously argued that a nominee does not have the votes to get confirmed or advance out of the committee without it.

The Republicans should be ashamed of themselves that they allow this to go on because I cant appoint a U.S. attorney thats not a Democrat, Trump said.

If I put up George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to be U.S. attorney in New Jersey or to be U.S. attorney in Virginia, where you have Democrat senators, they will not approve them, he added.

In a video widely shared on X, Trump was also caught on a hot mic lashing out at the procedure.

You know, I cant appoint anybody, Trump said. I cant appoint anybody. Everybody Ive appointed, their time has expired. Then theyre in default, and then were losing...

Thune told Fox News that the Senate has moved Trumps picks through the nomination process at a record rate since returned to the White House.

We will by the end of this year have a record number of his nominees approved to the executive branch, Thune said. Got his Cabinet confirmed with the fastest rate possible. Well continue to work on the Judiciary.

But this is a procedure thats been in a place for a long time that both Democrats and Republicans support because it gives them some input, particularly in those judges, the judicial appointments that are made in their individual states, some input into that decision-making process, he continued.

Although it is not a formal rule, blue slips give individual senators significant influence, allowing them to effectively veto appointments within their own states. Trump has lamented the procedure since starting his second term, framing it as an affront to his constitutional authority.
Democratic strategist James Carville just delivered a scathing rebuke of President Donald Trump.

Carville said in the latest Politics War Room show that Trump was done due to his messaging on the economy. He said it was a politically dumb message to tell voters that the economy is the greatest in history when Americans are saying otherwise.

He suggested that recent elections show that Trumps message on the economy is not resonating with voters.

People are seeing this, and people are voting on this. Understand that hes not getting away with it, Carville said on Wednesdays show. Hes paying for it, and hes gonna continue to pay for it, and we gotta stop looking at him as some kind of political Svengali or political Houdini or anything like that. Hes done.

We just got to butter this toast and slice it and eat it. Hes done. Hes done in Florida, hes done in Pennsylvania, hes done in New Jersey. He was done in Virginia. Was done in Mississippi. He was done in Georgia. Hes done, he continued.

He then hit Trump with a brutal six-word message: Its over. Youre a loser, dude.

Youre losing everywhere, and youre gonna lose more because you, my friend, are a loser, he added.

Carvilles message comes just one day after Trump argued the term affordability was a hoax. Trump has repeated this claim frequently as Americans continue to report high prices.

Despite claiming that the U.S. economy is strong, Trump also told Americans on Tuesday to buy fewer toys for their children. Trump made those comments while defending his tariffs that experts have warned will increase prices for U.S. consumers.

If we didnt have tariffs, you would have no steel. We wouldnt have one steel mill anywhere in the United States. And that would be really bad for us, he said.

Moments later, he told Americans they could go without certain products.

You can give up certain products. You can give up pencils...Every child can get 37 pencils. They only need one or two. They dont need that many, but you always need, you always need steel, Trump said.

You dont need 37 dolls for your daughter. Two or three is nice. You dont need 37 dolls, he added.
Photo: Telegram @  | - 

On December 11, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko held a regular meeting of the energy headquarters, following which she reported on the possibility of reducing the duration of power outages to consumers by the nearest weekend.

According to the press service of the Ukrainian government, the meeting was attended by relevant ministries, management of energy companies, market regulators and peoples deputies. During it, the head of government heard reports on the state of the energy system and coordinated actions to ensure the necessary fuel and equipment reserves, increase generation, protect energy facilities and provide consumers with electricity.

"We paid special attention to connecting cogeneration plants to the general network. The government adopted relevant decisions last week. Distributed generation facilities should be fully operational, which will help fill the electricity deficit in the network. We instructed all ministries and regional military administrations to ensure the availability of alternative power sources for all life support facilities. Our goal is for people to have light. We expect a reduction in the duration of outages this weekend," Svyrydenko wrote on Telegram following the meeting. She said that she is monitoring the implementation of the governments decision to review the list of critical infrastructure and expects all regional administrations to actually optimize electricity consumption in the regions.
We know New Jersey voters decisively chose Democrat Mikie Sherrill over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in last months election for governor. But how did residents of your town vote?

Newly certified final results show that Sherrill won 1,895,286 votes compared to Ciattarellis 1,417,141, a more than 478,000-vote lead. She received nearly 57% of the vote statewide.

The race was much tighter in some municipalities, with votes nearly evenly split between the two candidates in towns that included Glen Gardner in Hunterdon County and Shrewsbury in Monmouth County. (See the town-by-town results in the interactive map below.)

In other towns, the race wasnt even close. Ciattarelli drew more than 90% of the vote in parts of Ocean and Monmouth County and Sherrill took 95% of the vote in parts of Essex County.

Sherrill, formerly a congresswoman representing parts of North Jersey, will be sworn in to succeed current Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, in early January. This is the first time since 1961 one party has won the governors office three terms in a row.

Sherrills decisive lead came after Democrat Kamala Harris led Republican Donald Trump by less than 6 points in the 2024 presidential race. That was a significantly smaller margin than New Jersey Democrats were accustomed to in a state where they hold the majority of voters.

This years race was expected to be a nail-biter, but the race was called early for Sherrill on election night.

Thats not to say Ciattarelli didnt have his supporters. In Lakewood in Ocean County, 90% of all voters cast a ballot for Ciattarelli. He also had strong support in Deal in Monmouth County, where he took 87% of the vote.

Sherrill saw her strongest support in Lawnside in Camden County and in Orange and Glen Ridge in Essex County. She drew 95% of the vote in all three towns.

Wondering how your town voted? Scroll over the map below to find your town.

Cant see the map? Click here.
Appearing before the House Homeland Security Committee on Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that DHS has not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans.

As Noem addressed the committee, an aide to ranking member Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) brought out an iPad. Staring out at her via a Zoom call was Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old U.S. Army veteran who self-deported to South Korea in June.

He is a United States Army combat veteran who was shot twice while serving our country in Panama in 1989, Magaziner said. He is a Purple Heart recipient. He has sacrificed more for this country than most people ever have.

You deported him to Korea, a country he hasnt lived in since he was seven years old. Will you join me in thanking Mr. Park for his service to our country?

Earlier this year, according to NBC News, Immigration and Customs Enforcement threatened to detain and deport Park because of old charges related to drug possession and bail jumping.

Due to his military service, Park was granted deferred action and allowed to remain in the U.S. as long as he attended regular check-ins with immigration officials.

Park, a longtime Hawaii resident and green-card holder, had attended those annual check-ins with ICE agents for more than a decade.

But during an ICE appointment in June, Park was fitted with an ankle monitor and told that he would face detention and deportation if he failed to leave within three weeks, NBC News reported.

Like many veterans, he struggled with PTSD and substance abuse after his service, Magaziner said. He never hurt anybody besides himself, and he has been clean and sober for 14 years.

Park, who served three years in prison on drug possession and bail-jumping charges, was diagnosed with PTSD in his 40s.

With Park watching on Zoom, Noem told Magaziner that she is grateful for every single person who has served our country and followed our laws.

But, she continued, those laws are important, and every one of them needs to be enforced.

Throughout the hearing, Magaziner and his fellow Democrats sharply criticized Noem and her departments handling of immigration enforcement, zeroing in on her decision to continue deportation flights to El Salvador despite a court order pausing such removals earlier this year.

Noems opening statement was also briefly derailed by protesters who erupted into chants of Stop ICE raids, End deportations, and Get ICE off our streets.
Indiana Senate leader Rodric Bray (R) is facing blistering attacks from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance ahead of a vote Thursday on mid-decade redistricting in his state.

In a 19-31 vote, the Indiana Senate ultimately rejected a GOP-proposed map, which passed the state House last week, that looks to dismantle two Democratic-held congressional districts, giving Republicans an advantage in all nine. It was the latest state to decide on changing its map amid a redistricting battle ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with Trump leading the charge for Republicans.

While Republicans in states including Texas, Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina have successfully pushed maps through, Bray had maintained that there are not enough votes in his chamber to move a map forward.

Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly put pressure on Bray, and on Wednesday, called him either a bad guy, or a very stupid one! in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform.

In any event, he and a couple of his friends will partner with the Radical Left Democrats, Trump wrote of the president pro tem. They found some Republican SUCKERS, and they couldnt be happier that they did!"

He also claimed that Bray is a favorite Republican among Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)  saying the GOP lawmakers who vote against the redistricting plan will be met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring.

Vance added fuel to the fire on Thursday, writing on X that Bray has consistently told us he wouldnt fight redistricting while simultaneously whipping his members against it.

That level of dishonesty cannot be rewarded, and the Indiana GOP needs to choose a side, he continued.

Vance was responding to a post from Donald Trump Jr., one of the presidents sons, who threatened to campaign in Indiana next year against Republican legislators who oppose the proposal, characterizing them as Never Trumpers who do the dirty work of Democrats.

Rod Bray, the Senate leader in Indiana, has consistently told us he wouldn't fight redistricting while simultaneously whipping his members against it. That level of dishonesty cannot be rewarded, and the Indiana GOP needs to choose a side. https://t.co/63Vg7qkpDg  JD Vance (@JDVance) December 11, 2025

The failed vote comes after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Texas Republicans exactly one week ago from Thursday, allowing next years elections to be held under the states new map, which is poised to add up to five safe red seats. A lower court had initially found that the GOP-led plan likely discriminates on the basis of race.

Since the start of his second term in January, Trump has urged Republican-controlled states to adopt new congressional maps in an effort to gain a political advantage and maintain the GOPs razor-thin majority in the House.

Texas became the first state to meet his plea in August. In direct response, California voters approved their own ballot initiative, pushed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), which will give Democrats an additional five seats there.

However, Republicans in Indiana, with supermajorities in both chambers, have mounted more of a resistance. Amid public pressure, at least 11 GOP lawmakers in the state have been targeted with threats or swatting attempts, NBC News reported earlier this month.
Former President Joe Biden granted more acts of clemency than any other chief executive since the turn of the 20th century. Now, President Donald Trump has pardoned or commuted the sentences of nearly 1,600 people this year alone, including hundreds who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

As presidents use this exclusive federal power with more frequency, Americans are taking an increasingly negative view of how they wield it.

A new Economist/YouGov poll found that 56% of Americans believe that the Constitution should be amended to limit the presidents ability to grant pardons. One-quarter said the power should not be limited, while 19% were unsure.

Support for curtailing a presidents pardon power was much stronger among Democrats, with 76% saying it should be limited compared with 34% of Republicans. A majority of independents (58%) support putting limitations on the presidential pardon power.

Asked specifically about how Trump has wielded the power, 58% of Americans said he uses it too frequently.

A majority of Democrats (88%) and independents (61%) believe Trump gives out too many pardons. About one-third of Republicans say he gives out about the right number. Only 23% said he grants clemency too often.

Trumps pardon use has drawn criticism, but polling shows Americans were also wary of Bidens approach.

A December 2024 YouGov survey found that 43% of Americans believed Biden used the power inappropriately. About one-third of the respondents said that his acts of clemency were appropriate, and 24% were not sure.

Economist/YouGov Poll Methodology: The poll was conducted among 1,530 U.S. adult citizens. The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, education, geographic region, 2024 presidential vote, 2020 election turnout and presidential vote, baseline party identification, and current voter registration status. The margin of error for the overall sample is approximately 3.5%.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) drew outrage from conservatives after posing alongside a founder of a leftist grassroots peace and social justice organization.

Medea Benjamin, the co-founder of Code Pink, posted on X Wednesday that the group had visited Greene to tell her we will miss her and thank her for becoming a strong anti-war voice in Congress.

Greene, who recently announced she will step down from her House seat early amid a public breakup with President Donald Trump, replied to the post, saying she is America First and fully against funding foreign wars.

I have enjoyed a friendship with Medea for a few years now even though politics says thats not allowed, Greene wrote on X. Ive learned to find bridges with others and thats how we all win and ultimately leads to peace.

A number of social media users, including MAGA supporters, expressed shock over the pairing.

Weirder every day, Byron York, a chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, posted in response.

A popular conservative personality asked, Seriously, CODEPINK?

And you still want to tell me shes just standing on principle? a writer for RedState, a conservative news outlet, added.

Fox News contributor Joe Concha weighed in: [Marjorie] Temu Greene now embracing Code Pink. Are you getting this yet?

Other users commented on how their meeting could be an example of horseshoe theory, which argues the far-left and the far-right align more than to the political center.

It is not the first time Greene has posted alongside Code Pink, which describes itself as a feminist grassroots organization working to end U.S. warfare and imperialism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect resources into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming* programs, according to its website.

In 2023, Greene set off a wave of criticism from conservatives after posing for a picture with members of the group. Calling for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, the Georgia congresswoman applauded the brave activists for reportedly protesting near the office of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Code Pink made headlines in September after claiming credit for a demonstration against Trump as he made a rare public dining stop during his crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C. Videos showed Trump coming face to face with protesters at Joes Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, which is less than a quarter mile away from the White House.

Before entering the restaurant, Trump was first heckled by chants of Free Palestine as he briefly answered questions from reporters on the street. He then was met by a group on the inside, who continued to shout Free D.C., free Palestine and Trump is the Hitler of our time.

What do you want your legacy to be? a protester could be heard shouting in one video.

Greene, in a sudden and surprising decision, announced last month she would leave Congress in January, exiting before the end of her term. Her move came exactly one week after Trump withdrew his support and endorsement of her.

In recent months, the once-staunch MAGA ally broke with the president on major issues, including the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the government shutdown, foreign policy and health care.

Trump has since described Greene as a ranting Lunatic and disgrace to the Republican Party, nicknaming her Marjorie Traitor Greene and Marjorie Brown Greene  as Green turns to Brown where there is ROT involved! Greene has repeatedly fired back at his jabs, even attributing death threats to his attacks.

I feel very sorry for President Trump  I genuinely do, Greene told CNN Tuesday. It has to be a hard place for someone that is constantly so hateful and puts so much vitriol, name calling and really tells lies about people in order to try to get his way or win some kind of fight.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday officially unveiled his administrations gold card, a costly expedited visa program that has faced backlash from Democrats and immigrant advocates.

Applicants must submit a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee and, if approved by Homeland Security, pay an additional $1 million to receive U.S. residency in record time and become lawful permanent residents.

The new program is a rebranded green card, effectively offering permanent legal residency with the chance for citizenship.

Approved applicants will also receive a plastic Trump Gold Card featuring a portrait of Trump nestled between the Statue of Liberty and a bald eagle.

In addition to individuals, businesses can apply for a corporate gold card to sponsor their employees. The price tag is $2 million for each approved card.

It is meant to replace the EB-5 visas, which Congress created in 1990 to generate foreign investment and had been available to people who spend about $1 million on a company that employs at least 10 people.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the gold card would bring in the best and brightest" as Trump simultaneously restricts immigration from what he called shithole countries with a travel ban on more than 30 nations.

THE TRUMP GOLD CARD.



Unlock life in America. https://t.co/ui2ZkkdxEH pic.twitter.com/7pxuVvnC6z  The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 10, 2025

While announcing the gold card Wednesday at the White House, Trump said that the program will take in probably billions of dollars that will go to the Treasury of the United States to an account where we can do things positive for the country.

The companies are going to be very happy, Trump added, naming Apple CEO Tim Cook as one of the prominent business leaders who lobbied him on the program.

I know Apple is going to be happy, Trump said. Nobody talked to me more about it than Tim Cook. He said its a real problem, and its not going to be a problem anymore.

Critics of Trumps immigration policies reacted to the newly launched gold card with outrage.

Ron Filipowski, editor-in-chief of progressive outlet Meidas Touch, posted on X: "Step right up and buy your way into America with your new Trump Gold Card, brought to you by the con men selling out America to the highest bidder and wrecking the economy."

Jon Favreau, Pod Save America host and former speechwriter for Barack Obama, said that the Trump administration only cares about rich people. Thats it.

The United States under Trump is officially a banana republic. Great job, everyone, Republicans Against Trump posted on X.

Tamie Wilson, a Democratic strategist and former U.S. Senate candidate from Ohio, exclaimed are you kidding me?! in a post on X.

These people have officially lost the plot, Wilson said. Trump is out here acting like he OWNS the United Stateslike citizenship is some hotel rewards program he gets to hand out if you buy enough merch."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
New Jersey is taking aim at plastic again, and this time its utensils on the menu.

Legislation that would ban single-use utensils at restaurants in the state advanced in an 8-3 vote in the state Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee this week.

The state already has a ban on plastic bags in place. The new bill, S3195, would prohibit food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except when they request them.

Dining establishments would be required to offer reusable and washable utensils for on-site diners, unless customers request otherwise.

Customers would also no longer automatically receive plastic utensils in takeout orders and would have to specifically request forks, spoons or knives, according to the proposed law.

Restaurants would be banned from offering bundled utensil or condiment packages that contain more than one type of single-use plastic utensil or condiment.

Schools, prisons and health care facilities would be exempt from the new law.

Supporters of the bill say it is environmentally friendly. But critics question the cost to businesses and whether the proposed fines are fair.

Businesses would receive a warning for the first offense, a $1,000 fine for the second offense and $2,500 for each subsequent violation.

The fines collected from violators would be split between the municipality, the county enforcement agency and the states Clean Communities Fund. The fund supports litter pickup programs for municipalities, beaches and highways.

Single-use plastic utensils, plastic bags and other disposable items have become increasingly controversial in part because they contain chemicals known as PFAS, or forever chemicals. The chemicals make the materials hard to break down in both the environment and the human body.

These chemicals have been proven to cause multiple types of cancer, said Molly Cleary, an environmental advocate with Clean Water Action.

Doug OMalley, director of the advocacy group Environment New Jersey, supports the plastic utensil ban legislation. He said the chemicals in plastic are ubiquitous.

PFAS and products have a way of getting into our environment and ultimately into our drinking water and bodies, he said. There is an incredibly viable market of PFAS-free products.

Sen. Declan OScanlon, R-Monmouth, who opposes the measure, said the legislation would be ineffective and the utensil issue is best handled at the local level.

Im not sure I understand why the state should be micromanaging this when each municipality can do it however they want working with their businesses, OScanlon said.

Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, abstained from moving the bill out of committee, saying the proposed law could create a burden for consumers with increased costs.

I have seen bills introduced here that end up attacking the consumer at the end of the day instead of helping them, Ruiz said.

A companion bill is in the state Assembly but has not been moved out of committee. The legislation must be passed by the full Senate and Assembly and signed by the governor to become law.
The White House is still offering no answers for Americans worried about the rising costs of healthcare.

The Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, which will cause healthcare premiums for millions of Americans to skyrocket. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dodged questions about President Donald Trumps health care plan during a briefing with reporters on Thursday.

"The president is prepared to take action on healthcare and hes wants Republicans on the Hill to do the same. As you have seen, Senate Republicans put forth their own legislation earlier this week," Leavitt said when asked if Trump was prepared to let the subsidies expire.

She then blamed Democrats for the rising health care costs.

Democrats wrote Obamacare. They passed it without a single Republican vote and then they ballooned it with these expensive COVID subsidies that completely distorted the health insurance market and then they doubled down, extending those subsidies and setting their own expiration date right now in 2025, which the administration is obviously well aware of, she said.

She also emphasized that Trump is working with Republicans to find a solution.

She was then asked again about what Trumps plan is for those expiring subsidies over the next two to three weeks. She did not specify the details of any plan.

Well, youll hear more from the president and from the White House on that very soon, Leavitt said.

Her comments came just after the Senate rejected two pieces of legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies on Thursday.

Senators rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts  an unceremonious end to a monthslong effort by Democrats to prevent the COVID-19-era subsidies from expiring on Jan. 1.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Florida-based developer has taken legal action against Hillsborough and its planning board after the board rejected an application to construct two large warehouses in the municipality.

Homestead Road, LLC, the developer under contract to buy the property, filed the lawsuit in Somerset County Superior Court on Dec. 1.

The filing contends the townships refusal of its proposal for warehouses of 368,995 and 168,304 square feet on Homestead Road near the Route 206 bypass was arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable.

The developer asserts the township engaged in several actions aimed at hindering or obstructing the progress of the application, which underwent more than 20 hearings over three years.

The project was first submitted in December 2021. According to the complaint, several reasons cited for the townships denial were without merit.

One cited factor was the incorrect assertion that the application lacked information regarding the proposed buildings size, scale and intensity of use  despite detailed testimony addressing those issues in a hearing, the filing claims.

The complaint further notes the denial was partly based on potential stormwater runoff concerns, even though the stormwater system included in the project had been approved by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission.

The developer also argues in the suit that the application was in part rejected over its proposed pipeline crossing location, despite evidence submitted regarding its feasibility and compliance with regulations.

According to the filing, the board additionally misinterpreted the townships Transitional Economic Development District zoning ordinance.

The developer maintains the board wrongly concluded the project was not a permitted use and required variances, even though the application met the standards outlined in the ordinance, the complaint states.

The suit also asserts the planning board misread the townships stream corridor guidelines.The board classified a man-made farm ditch on the property as a stream requiring a 150-foot buffer, but the developer says the state Department of Environmental Protection determined that the feature is not a regulated stream.

The board further cited off-site traffic concerns in its decision, but the complaint argues the board did not provide findings of any safety failures.

The filing also alleges the township delayed the application process after submitting a complaint to the state Department of Environmental Protection claiming the property owner disturbed protected wetlands while farming.

After that complaint was dismissed, the township challenged the dismissal, and officials refused to consider the project while the matter was pending, according to the suit.

The township voted to deny the application on Oct. 9. Township officials declined a request from NJ Advance Media for comment, citing ongoing litigation.

The attorney representing Homestead Road, LLC, did not return requests from NJ Advance Media for comment.
A jury has convicted a man who was caught in a sting operation as he was trying to meet a teen from social media in person for sex.

Larry M. Noel, 49, of Stanhope, was found guilty of second-degree attempted sexual assault and luring as well as third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child and debauching the morals of a child, the state Attorney Generals Office said in a statement on Wednesday.

On April 11, 2019, an undercover officer who was posing as 14-year-old girl on a social media app received a message from Noel, authorities said. During the conversation, Noel referred to the undercover officer as a child and made plans to meet at a location in Bergen County for for sex, officials said.

The defendants predatory actions posed a grave threat to our most vulnerable, and there is no place in our communities for individuals who choose to exploit or victimize children, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan said. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our detectives and the strong coordination among our law enforcement partners, this individual has been stopped and brought to justice.

Noel also lied about his age, telling the undercover officer that he was 29 years old, prosecutors said.

He was arrested after arriving at the Bergen County location. The trial was held in Bergen County Superior Court, with Deputy Attorney Generals John Donovan and Danielle Scarduzio leading the prosecution.
A group of children managed to return from the temporarily occupied part of Kherson region to the territory controlled by Ukraine, said head of Kherson Regional Military Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin.

"The children are 4 to 16 years old. Together with them, an adult who has the status of a child deprived of parental care was evacuated," Prokudin wrote on Telegram on Thursday, without specifying the number of returned children.

According to him, the children went through threats, pressure and requests for "re-education", but now they receive the necessary psychological, medical and social support.

The return took place within the framework of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyys Bring Kids Back UA and thanks to the hard work of Save Ukraine," Prokudin said.

This year, 270 children were returned from the temporarily occupied communities of Kherson region.

As reported, as of December 9, as part of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA managed to return 1,898 children, of which 612 - from the beginning of 2025.

On December 6, Prokudin announced that since the beginning of the year, it was possible to return 265 children from Kherson region, who were held by the Russian occupiers.
The families of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, the 17-year-old friends killed in Cranford in September, say the teen suspect charged with running them down should face justice as an adult.

Vincent Battiloro is charged with two counts of murder for allegedly striking the girls with the Jeep he was driving as they rode on an e-bike on Burnside Avenue on Sept. 29. He was driving 70 mph on the residential street and raced away from the scene, authorities allege.

The Union County Prosecutors Office, which did not name Battiloro since he was 17 at the time of the crime, has not indicated whether they plan to try him in adult court.

Lawyers for the girls parents on Wednesday say that prosecutors should.

Both the Niotis and Salas families fully support the defendant being tried as an adult, Niotis lawyer Brent Bramnick and Salas lawyer Cory J. Rothbort said in a joint statement to NJ Advance Media

They declined to elaborate beyond the statement.

The Union County Prosecutors Office did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the families statement.

Trying a minor suspect in adult court  a process known as waiving up  is controlled by several court procedures and rules.

First, the prosecutor must make an application to do so within 60 days of the charges being filed  although that can be extended for good cause  and only certain serious crimes qualify. Murder is one of them.

Suspects must be at least 15. Battiloro turned 18 in early November, records show.

A judge holds a hearing, and considers several factors, like age, maturity, any prior criminal activity and mental health.

While 60 days has passed since the prosecutors office charged the suspect, the process  if initiated  could take some time. The court rules do not state a deadline for such a decision.

Vincent Battiloro, 17, hosted a 22-minute YouTube livestream before he was charged with murder in the deaths of two teenage girls in New Jersey. Canva image

The girls deaths shocked the Cranford community and beyond.

Family and neighbors have said Battiloro had been stalking Niotis for months, and her mother had reported incidents to Cranford police.

Plus, Bramnick has said Battiloro swatted the Niotis family home, further down on Burnside Avenue, twice in September.

Also in September, in the weeks leading up to the crash, Battiloro discussed events in his life on his YouTube channel, on which he had 40,000 followers before it was shut down, including complaining about a girl from school he claimed was causing him legal trouble.

Just six days before the crash, on Sept. 23, Battiloro blamed the unnamed girl and her mother in a livestream and said he wanted vengeance.

Police detained Battiloro shortly after the crash but released him pending further investigation before arresting him two days later on the murder charges.

The day in between, Battiloro made a 20-minute livestream in which he repeatedly claimed there was more to the story.

On Tuesday, NJ Advance Media obtained four calls Battiloros parents made to police in August that report escalating problems with their son. Two of them were his father calling 911 reporting Battiloro was violent.
The suspect in a fatal hit-and-run in New Jersey that occured three years ago has been arrested in the Dominican Republic.

Trevon Smith, 27, of Newark, was taken into custody by authorities in the Dominican Republic on December 1, the Union County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Thursday. He is charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree hindering prosecution.

The crash happened at 2:47 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2022, at the intersection of Newark Avenue and Durant Avenue in Elizabeth. When police arrived, they found a pedestrian who had been hit, but the vehicle had already left the area, authorities said.

The victim, Adi Taipe-Castillo, 30, of Roselle, was pronounced dead on the scene, officials said.

Detectives later identified Smith as a suspect, but soon learned that he had left the country.

Smith has since been extradited to the United States. He will be held at Essex County Jail pending his first court appearance.

The Union County Prosecutors Office is asking anyone with tips about the case to call Homicide Task Force Sgt. Nicholas Falciccio at 908-721-8186.
The New Orleans Fringe Fest was part of the great flowering of the arts that sprang up unexpectedly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The festival of one-act plays, puppetry, dance, performance art and other experimental theater debuted in 2006 and continued in one form or another for 15 years.

Now, a group of bohemian thespians hopes to rekindle the festival.

Our goal, said co-producer Grace Batz, is to connect the theater community, working together to find a broader audience.

New Orleans performers need a platform to perform their freakier pieces, Batz said with a laugh.
Photo: screenshot

Businessman Ihor Kolomoisky claimed there was a "Ukrainian trace" in the assassination attempt on Tymur Mindich, a defendant in the Midas case who left for Israel ahead of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) searches.

"Well, its a direct [trace]. What if a person received a weapon at the Ukrainian embassy, which was then confiscated?" he told reporters before the courtroom hearing.

According to Kolomoisky, one of the attackers confessed to this. The businessman stated that both arrived in Israel as Ukrainian citizens seeking temporary protection, after which they were allegedly recruited at the Ukrainian embassy.

Kolomoisky stated that the Israeli Internal Security Service is handling the case.

Earlier, Kolomoisky reported that an assassination attempt had been made on Tymur Mindich, who had left for Israel.

"Have you heard the news about Mindich? There was an assassination attempt on him on November 28. An assassination attempt in Israel. It was an attempted murder, and the criminals have been arrested. They wounded a housekeeper. They mistook it for a neighboring house," he told reporters.

The court hearing is being broadcast on the YouTube "Channel 5."
Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accepted the Peace Light of Bethlehem from the scout organizations of Ukraine. The light will then be passed on to defenders, hospitals, schools, churches, and rescue workers.

Every year, we receive the Peace Light of Bethlehem from Ukraines scout organizations, and today we continued this tradition. It is an important symbol of goodness and unity, one that carries special meaning now. From here, the light will be passed on to our defenders, to hospitals, schools, churches, and emergency responders, Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel on Thursday following a meeting with children.

According to the website of the Presidents Office, the meeting was attended by representatives of the all-Ukrainian youth public organization "National Organization of Scouts of Ukraine," the youth organization "Plast - National Scout Organization of Ukraine," and the public organization "Association of Guides of Ukraine."

The President expressed gratitude to the Scout community for their service and assistance to our people here in Ukraine and abroad. "Thank you for this warmth. This warmth and light, which our people so desperately need. And we understand: in every sense of the word, light is sorely needed today. Thank you for warming us all, from our heroic soldiers to every individual, every family. We want victory and peace, and I wish this for you  for the entire Scout movement," the head of state said.

The children reportedly spoke about how they help people forced to flee their homes, raise funds to support soldiers, and promote Ukrainian culture worldwide.

They will later hand over the Bethlehem Peace Flame to Ukrainian defenders. They will also take it to hospitals, including the Okhmatdet Childrens Hospital, schools, churches, and rescue workers.
Dartmoor Zoo has confirmed that its Amur leopard cub, born in September, is a female, with keepers choosing the name Zeya, taken from a river in the Amur leopards native region.

The cub was born on 29 September to the zoos breeding pair, Freddo and Lena, with staff observing the birth on CCTV inside the cubbing den.

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Within five weeks, the cub had begun exploring the space, and at ten weeks old keepers confirmed her sex and name.

Zeya is one of only 15 Amur leopard cubs born worldwide in 2025, making the birth an important moment for the conservation of this critically endangered species.

Zoo keepers selected the name after putting forward several ideas linked to the leopards natural habitat in Russia and China.

Dartmoor Zoo CEO David Gibson said the birth is a significant step for the global breeding programme.

With fewer than 200 of the species in captivity globally, the birth of our Amur Leopard cub at the end of September this year is a fabulous achievement for Dartmoor Zoo and for the global conservation efforts for Amur Leopard, he said.

Staff at the Zoo have been encouraged by the cubs progress:

Now that we know for definite that the cub is healthy and thriving, we can allow ourselves to properly celebrate this major event, he said.

We now want to work on getting both mum and cub on show so our guests can also enjoy this amazing news.

Gibson said a female cub is especially important because she could contribute to the breeding programme in the future.

Amur leopards are considered the worlds rarest big cat, with an estimated 120 left in the wild.

Numbers have begun to rise slowly in recent years due to increased protection in their range countries, however the species is still listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

Keeper Hannah Ivory said the young cub is active and developing well.

Zeya is a full-of-beans little girl, who loves nothing more than playing with mums tail and testing her strength climbing the platforms, she said.

Ivory added that the cub is already confident during feeding and has shown a preference for rabbits.

Zeya and her mother Lena remain off-show while checks continue, with updates about when the cub will go on public display to be released in due course.
A patrol policeman was injured in an explosion of an unidentified device in Darnytskyi district of Kyiv on Thursday, the National Police told Interfax-Ukraine.

"A patrol policeman was injured as a result of the explosion," the National Police noted, adding that the Security Service of Ukraine will continue to investigate the incident.

As earlier reported with reference to the Kyiv police, one person died and another was injured as a result of the detonation of an unknown device in Darnytskyi district of Kyiv.

"Investigative and operational groups, forensic experts, explosives technicians and dog handlers are working at the scene. All circumstances of the incident are being clarified," the report says.
Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine, Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Viktor Mykyta should prepare a list of proposals for replacements of regional administration heads, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"Regarding the heads of regional administrations, I should be shown a list of those to whom there are certain questions. It is necessary that in one column there is a list of these names, and in the other, preferably, who will come to replace them. At this moment, it will be difficult without some leaders, especially in frontline regions. Therefore, if there are proposals for replacements, they should be replacements  not just dismissals," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday.

He added that he had not seen this list yet.

"Such a list should be ready in the next few days, and it should be prepared by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction, and the relevant deputy head of the Office. There was also a task for the SBU. I am collecting information and, of course, I am asking various representatives of the law enforcement sector," the president said.

According to him, regarding military administrations, he talks more with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"I ask what issues there are regarding, for example, Donetsk region, what is happening with the MCAs [military civil administrations], what issues there are regarding Odesa. Actually, when there are proposals, then there will be decisions," the head of state said.
Kathleen Chalfant in Familiar Touch

You need a patient, curious eye to learn about Ruth, a woman with dementia whom Kathleen Chalfant plays in Familiar Touch. You need one because the movie is all show, no tell. We watch her middle-aged son (H. Jon Benjamin) escort her from a cozy bungalow into a less cozy (but not that terrible!) assisted-living facility. And in just that handful of scenes, Chalfant has drawn for us a life, a relationship and some mystery. As the son drives her to the new spot, she opens one of her hands, expecting him to take it. But he doesnt, and she expresses her disappointment in the most heartbreakingly discreet way: She wipes it on her dress. Half of what Chalfant offers here is gestural whoppers like that. This woman, we glean, used to be a chef, a prominent one perhaps, an Alice Waters-level restaurateur even. Over the course of the film, we begin to understand that maybe she was once a difficult person, demanding, somewhat vain, that maybe the son is working through a past with this more stringent mother figure. Whom is he seeing when he looks at her? Chalfants got this tremendous whorling face: The lines still work, and theyre pointing in different directions, fascinating vectors. In this day and age, if youve kept your lines, you had better know how to use them. Kathleen Chalfant knows how to use her lines.
Nigel Campbell has spent most of his life moving  both his body and his home. Raised in the Bronx, he attended Juilliard for dance and went on to perform with companies around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and the Saarlandisches Staatstheater in Germany.

When he returned to New York a decade ago, he co-founded a nonprofit, MoveNYC, where he now serves as chief executive of programming and artist development. But settling in the city didnt mean finding stability, and Mr. Campbell, 39, bounced from apartment to apartment as New York grew ever more expensive.

[Did you recently buy a home? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com. Sign up here to have The Hunt delivered to your inbox every week.]

Ive been moving every two years, because my rent keeps going up so much that I actually get priced out of the apartments that Im living in, he said.

At his last rental, a one-bedroom on the Upper West Side, a looming $800 rent increase finally convinced him to consider buying a place. But he had no idea where to start. Neither of his parents are homeowners, so the concept was really far away and hard to grasp, he said.
Development Counsellors International has landed the Tourism Authority of Thailand as a tourism and business event destination account.

Thailand attracted 28.3M foreign visitors through November, paced by travelers from Malaysia, China and India.

In the "National Security Strategy of the US" document released last month, President Trump counted the raging conflict between Thailand and Cambodia as one of the seven wars that he has settled during his second term.

DCI chalked up $848,567 in fees from overseas tourism/economic development clients during the six-month period ended Sept. 30.

The roster includes Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority ($223,150), Belize Tourism Board ($217,980), Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency ($183,989), Visit Scotland ($87,592), Vienna Tourist Board ($84,621) and Bayern Tourismus Marketing ($51,235).

DCI and Economic Development Winnipeg terminated their relationship during the period.
(L-R) Bruce Haynes, Randy DeCleene, Erik Watnik

Burson brings on Bruce Haynes, who served as global co-chairman of the crisis communications and issues management unit at FGS Global, as U.S. head of public affairs.

In addition to Haynes coming on board, Burson has appointed former kglobal managing partner Randy DeCleene and longtime U.S. State Department vet Erik Watnik as EVPs.

Haynes most recently served as SVP, corporate and external affairs for Charles River Laboratories, where he led comprehensive strategies to manage corporate reputation. At FGS Global (and before that Sard Verbinnen), he provided public affairs and strategic communications counsel on such high-stakes situations as mergers & acquisitions, crises, government oversight and investigations, issues management, and policy positioning. Before that, he was president and founding partner at Purple Strategies.

DeCleene joins Burson from The Fund for American Studies, where he was chief communications and development officer. In his 12 years at kglobal, DeCleene led client service, business development, finance and operations. He has also served as special assistant for strategic communications to former Secretary of the Army. Pete Geren and Vice President Dick Cheneys deputy press secretary from 2004 to 2005.

Watnik was most recently senior advisor for the Americas at the State Department. Other roles he has held include director of communications for the U.S. embassies in Budapest and Singapore, and deputy ambassador to the Marshall Islands.
Nick Clegg

Nick Clegg, who was global affairs president at Meta in a seven-year run, has joined Hiro Capital investment firm as a general partner.

He will oversee the launch of HIRO III, a fund looking to invest from $5 to $50M in promising spatial AI, space & defense, robotics, games and longevity companies in the UK and Europe.

Clegg, who is a former UK deputy prime minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats, sees an amazing moment of opportunity for the UK/Europe's tech ecosystem.

We have some of the most outstanding researchers and universities on the planet, and great engineers and entrepreneurs too, he said. Our problem is not a lack of innovation, it is a lack of capital at scale.

Europes vibrant start-up scene is ready to accelerate, according to Clegg. I believe the HIRO team has the unique geographic and technological reach to help make that happen, he added.
The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI reach an agreement that will make a set of more than 200 animated, masked and creature characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars available for use by Sora, OpenAIs short-form generative AI video platform. The three-year licensing agreement, which does not include any talent likenesses or voices, will make it possible for users to turn a few words into fully generated images. Fans will be able to watch curated selections of Sora-generated videos on Disney+, and OpenAI and Disney will collaborate to utilize OpenAIs models to develop new experiences for Disney + subscribers As part of the agreement, Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional equity. Through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works, said The Walt Disney Company CEO Robert Iger.

Tony Dokoupil

CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss has moved Tony Dokoupil, a co-host at CBS Mornings since 2019, into the anchors chair for the CBS Evening News, following the departure of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois. Weiss had reportedly been looking for an outsider who would shake things up, and among the names that she had been said to be considering were Foxs Bret Baier and CNNs Anderson Cooper. Her The Free Press site came to Dokoupils defense last year after he encountered resistance from some at CBS over an interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Dokoupil had brought up potential anti-Israel bias in the discussion of Coatess book on Israel and the Palestinians. In a statement, Weiss said that Dokoupil is the kind of person who can win back trust in the media saying he believes in old-school journalistic values: asking the hard questions, following the facts wherever they lead and holding power to account.

Caren Bohan

USA Today editor-in-chief Caren Bohan has left the paper. Bohan, who was previously the papers executive editor for politics, became interim EIC in July 2024 when Terence Samuel exited. Bohan was permanently named the editor in chief that September. USA Today EVP Monica Richardson said Bohan had been named editor-in-chief after having excelled in the interim role. Michael McCarter, who oversees opinion teams across USA Todays network (and served as interim EIC before Samuel), will lead the publication on an interim basis while the publication runs a national search for a permanent leader. Richardson said the new role will have the title vice president of news.
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MARY Immaculate College (MIC) and the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) are delighted to announce that talented uilleann piper, Muireann Meade, has been awarded the 2025 Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship.

Now in its third year, the scholarship is awarded in memory of Ashling Murphy, who tragically lost her life just months after graduating from MIC as a primary teacher. Created to honour her love of both teaching and traditional Irish music, the scholarship is open to first-year Bachelor of Education students who demonstrate exceptional talent in traditional Irish music. It is awarded jointly by MIC and the INTO.

Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, reflected on the significance of the scholarship and the legacy it honours, saying: Once again, we acknowledge the memory of MIC graduate Ashling Murphy, whose life was tragically cut short in 2022. As well as being a beloved teacher to the many students, Ashling was a hugely accomplished and gifted traditional musician. We continue to honour her memory through the awarding of a scholarship, in partnership with the INTO, to a fellow talented musician embarking on their Bachelor of Education primary teaching programme here at MIC. I wish Muireann the very best with her studies and her music over the next four years.

Muireann Meade, from Templemore, Co. Tipperary, is an award-winning traditional musician whose main instrument, the uilleann pipes, has earned her multiple All-Ireland titles. In 2023, she took home first place in both Uilleann Pipes and Slow Air competitions at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.

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She has appeared on TG4s Fleadh TV, RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta and performed at range of Na Piobairi Uileann events, including the Willie Clancy Summer School. As a long-standing member of the Music Generation Laois Traditional Irish Music Orchestra, Muireann has also taken to the stage at the National Concert Hall, the St Patricks Festival in Collins Barracks, and the Fleadh Gig Rig.

Speaking about receiving the scholarship, Muireann reflected on the teachers and experiences that shaped her path: My interest in education and teaching young people stems from the fantastic teachers I had throughout the years. They instilled a love of learning in me, and I wish to pass this down to my students. Im very honoured to be awarded this scholarship, and I look forward to continuing Ashlings legacy through my teaching studies and through my music.

Anne Horan, President of the INTO, highlighted the importance of the scholarship and the legacy it preserves: At the INTO, we are honoured once again to support the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship in partnership with MIC. This scholarship recognises Ashlings deep love of teaching and of traditional music, as well as her dedication to celebrating and nurturing new talent both inside and outside the classroom.

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The Roscrea Town Team warmly welcomes the recent announcement of funding for the regeneration of Castle Street and Main Street, Roscrea, two landmark projects that will help shape the future of the town centre.

Both projects were identified as key priorities in the Roscrea Town Centre First Plan, which was the first completed Town Centre First Plan in Ireland under the Governments Town Centre First Strategy.

This plan represents the culmination of many months of voluntary work and community collaboration, involving residents, business owners, community organisations, and public representatives united in their ambition to see Roscrea thrive.

Over the past year, the Town Team has also been kept informed of the exciting plans for Roscrea Castle and Damer House, including the development of a new cafe and upgraded visitor facilities.

The Team warmly welcomes this progress, particularly at a time when growing tourism and encouraging more bus tours to stop in Roscrea are a priority. These developments will strengthen the towns heritage offering and support local economic growth.

Chair of the Roscrea Town Team, Brian King, said the recent announcements are encouraging for the town, which needs more support and significant investment.

These projects represent real progress for Roscrea. They reflect the dedication and cooperation of our community, local authorities, and partners in delivering the Town Centre First vision.

The regeneration of both Castle Street and Main Street will bring new life to the town centre, improving public spaces, supporting business activity, and enhancing Roscreas appeal as a place to live, work, and visit. We encourage everyone in the community to have their say and get involved as plans take shape over the coming months, Brian King said.

The Chairman and the Town Team have consistently emphasised that public engagement will remain at the heart of the Castle Street and Main Street projects as design work progresses, with opportunity for the business community and the public to engage with the designers, etc.

For Castle Street, an online community survey was open throughout November, giving local people a valuable opportunity to share their views, ideas, and priorities for the redesign of this important and historic street.

The Town Team notes that a dedicated email address, castlestroscrea@tbla.eu, remains available for anyone who still wishes to express their views or contribute further suggestions.

An in-person community event is planned for early in the new year, when the project team will present emerging design concepts for discussion and feedback.

Roscrea's Town Team encourages all residents, businesses, and community groups to take part so that the final design reflects local needs and aspirations.

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The Team also welcomed the separate funding announcement for the Main Street regeneration project, which will enhance Roscreas central thoroughfare by improving public spaces, upgrading pedestrian links, and strengthening connections between key areas of the town centre.

Work is progressing on the River Rooms Project, which will include a series of themed areas along the River Bunnow, each recognising an aspect of Roscreas heritage and identity.

The project envisions increased accessibility to Glebe Park and a linked walkway connecting focal points along the river.

Chairman Brian King added: The River Rooms project is another example of how we are reconnecting Roscrea with its natural and historic assets. Opening up the river and creating attractive, accessible spaces will contribute significantly to the towns quality of life and tourism appeal.

Members of the Town Team have also recently engaged with senior engineers responsible for the Gantly Road project, ensuring that regeneration efforts from Castle Street to Main Street and beyond remain aligned within a coherent, long-term vision for Roscrea.

GRANT'S HOTEL

In relation to the former Grants Hotel, the Town Team, like everyone in the community, is reviewing the recently published feasibility report and will continue to engage constructively on potential future developments for this key site.

Shane Grogan, Town Regeneration Officer, also welcomed the funding and the strong community collaboration:

The Castle Street and Main Street projects are at the heart of the Town Centre First approach, creating a more vibrant, accessible, and attractive town core. The strong community engagement that underpinned the original Town Plan will continue to guide these next stages, and I would encourage everyone to take part in the public survey.

The Roscrea Town Team expressed its appreciation to all who have supported the Town Centre First process to date, including Tipperary County Council officials, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the many volunteers and community members whose time and input have ensured that these projects are now beginning to take shape.

SUPERVALU FIRE

This is the Town Teams first press release since the fire at Bernies SuperValu. Chairman Brian King wishes to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Brian Colclough to the Town Team and to the wider community.

He extends his best wishes to Brian and all the staff as they make important decisions in the weeks and months ahead.

The Town Team also extends a special mention to Pattersons and wishes them well during this challenging period.

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Finally, the Team is pleased to see that the management and staff of the Gantly Way Restaurant have secured new premises in the Roscrea Shopping Centre, which opened last week, and wishes them every success for the future.
The plan to end the war is not one document, but a complex of them, many documents are not yet finalized, because they depend on the form in which the basic 20-point plan will be adopted, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"It contains several things, such as: post-war economy and recovery, security guarantees and other things that are set by the framework in the basic document, and then, based on this or that point that requires detailing, there will be another separate document. That is, 20 points are the foundation, a conditional framework, on the basis of which there will be an appropriate number of documents," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday.

He also said there will be more than one document in the economic direction. On the Ukrainian side, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Minister of Economy Oleksiy Sobolev, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, and several other people who worked on the minerals agreement will work on the economic plan of measures.

Regarding security guarantees from the United States, a fairly general vision with some important points should be agreed upon.

"After that, the Ukrainian group  no longer economic, but security  will work with the American security group. It will be one document or more  well see, but the security guarantees must be really effective and work so that there is no third Russian invasion. That is why we are paying maximum attention to this," the head of state said.

The president also believes that an agreement on the economy and reconstruction will be signed with the United States, and that effective security guarantees will be developed and can be signed.

"And I believe that it will still be signed simultaneously  the economy, security guarantees, these can be parallel processes. But they need a framework agreement, the Americans want a framework agreement, such a diplomatic foundation, because they believe that the framework agreement contains the main principles of ending the war," he said.
In the frostbitten corridors of power, where realpolitik often chills the bones of idealism, Donald Trump's second term has emerged as a chilling epilogue to Ukraine's heroic defiance against Russian aggression. Since reclaiming the White House in January 2025, Trump has not merely flirted with Vladimir Putin; he has thrown open the doors to a partnership that undermines Kyiv at every turn. What began as campaign bravado about ending the war "in 24 hours" has devolved into a calculated sabotage, prioritizing Moscow's whims over Ukraine's survival. This cozying up isn't diplomacy; it's capitulation, leaving Ukraine isolated, underarmed, and on the brink of concessions that would reward Putin's barbarity. As Europe scrambles to fill the void, the transatlantic alliance frays, and the free world watches in horror as America's 47th president hands Putin the keys to Eastern Europe.

Trump's affinity for Putin is no secret, but its weaponization against Ukraine marks a dangerous escalation. Recall the Helsinki summit of 2018, where Trump publicly sided with Putin over U.S. intelligence on election interference. Fast-forward to 2025: the pattern repeats with venomous intent. In March, Trump suspended key U.S. efforts to counter Russian sabotage operations across Europe: arson, assassinations, and cyber meddling that have eroded support for Ukraine. This wasn't oversight; it was a deliberate blind eye, as national security agencies halted coordinated responses, easing pressure on the Kremlin just as Trump pushed for a Ukraine "peace deal." Critics like Kori Schake of the American Enterprise Institute decried it as "choosing to blind ourselves to potential acts of war," a policy shift that emboldens Putin's hybrid warfare while Kyiv bleeds.

The sabotage deepened with Trump's aid freeze. Upon inauguration, he halted the flow of congressionally approved military assistance, declaring the war "Europe's problem" and demanding NATO allies foot the bill. This wasn't fiscal prudence; it was leverage. Ukrainian forces, already strained by Russia's relentless assaults on energy infrastructure, faced ammunition shortages and stalled counteroffensives. By summer, reports emerged of Trump rerouting funds, intended for Javelin missiles and HIMARS systems, to unspecified "diplomatic initiatives," a euphemism for bribes to Moscow. Zelenskyy's pleas fell on deaf ears; in a February Oval Office meeting, Trump reportedly lectured the Ukrainian president on "cutting deals" rather than fighting, echoing Putin's narrative of NATO provocation. On X, observers like economist Tymofiy Mylovanov lambasted this as Trump "siding with Russia," a betrayal that left Ukraine's front lines exposed.

Nothing exemplifies this sabotage more than Trump's so-called peace overtures, which read like Kremlin wish lists. In August, he hosted Putin in Alaska, where the two leaders sketched a 28-point framework demanding Ukraine cede Donbas and Crimea, forgo NATO aspirations, and accept "neutrality" enforced by Russian monitors. Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff shuttled between Moscow and Mar-a-Lago, pressuring Zelenskyy with threats of total aid cutoff. "It takes two to tango," Trump quipped after Putin's rejection in December, but the dance was rigged: concessions extracted from a weakened Ukraine, none from the invader. The Financial Times called it a "stab in the back," with Trump abruptly flipping from vague support to demanding capitulation post-Alaska.

This alignment isn't accidental; it's ideological. Trump's December National Security Strategy vilifies the EU as risking "civilizational erasure" while praising Russia's "dialogue" potential, drawing Kremlin applause for mirroring Moscow's worldview. Putin, sensing frailty, has dragged out talks, racking up marginal gains in Donetsk while inflicting over 280,000 casualties in 2025 alone. A March Trump-Putin call yielded a fragile energy ceasefire; Russia accused Ukraine of "sabotage" when strikes continued, but the real sabotage was Washington's, as it ignored Moscow's violations to keep the "deal" alive.

The fallout for Ukraine is catastrophic. Without U.S. backing, Kyiv's economy teeters; GDP contracted 15% in 2025 amid blackouts and displacement of millions. Militarily, Russian advances in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia exploit the aid vacuum, with Putin eyeing a frozen conflict that preserves his gains. Zelenskyy, once Trump's reluctant partner, now faces domestic unrest, his government at risk of collapse if forced into a "dirty deal." Broader European affairs suffer too: Trump's machinations rupture NATO, as Paris and Berlin sabotage his plans, fearing a precedent for Baltic vulnerabilities. The Guardian's Timothy Garton Ash urges Europe to step up with reparations from seized Russian assets and ramped-up arms production, but without Washington, it's a desperate scramble.

Why this betrayal? Cynics point to Trump's business ties such as oligarch loans, Trump Tower Moscow dreams, or electoral debts to pro-Russia isolationists. More profoundly, it's a worldview clash: Trump's admiration for "strongmen" blinds him to Putin's revanchism, mistaking bluster for strategy. As CNN notes, Putin hears "frailty" in Trump's pleas, exploiting the delay for geopolitical wins. On X, voices like @KpictiahNL decry Trump as a "filthy traitor" rerouting Ukraine's lifeline to "Putin's playground."

Yet glimmers of resistance persist. European leaders, from Macron to Scholz, forge ahead with sanctions and loans, while Ukrainian resilience, bolstered by seized assets, defies the odds. Trump's sabotage may isolate America, but it galvanizes the continent against autocracy. For Ukraine, the path forward demands not capitulation, but unyielding support from those who value sovereignty over deals. As Putin and his unlikely patron cozy up, the world must ask: Will we let betrayal rewrite Europe's map? The answer lies not in Mar-a-Lago, but in Kyiv's unbowed spirit and in Europe's resolve to save it.
Oregons two U.S. senators reintroduced a bill Wednesday that would establish the legal age at 21 to purchase hemp-derived products containing CBD or THC, such as gummies, drinks and oils.

The bill is meant to undo sweeping restrictions laid out in legislation that passed Congress last month. When those prohibitions take effect next fall, they are expected to wipe out as much as 95% to 99% of the nations hemp industry, including almost all of the 2,000 acres of hemp grown in Oregon.

Backers of last months legislation  including Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell  said it was necessary because the hemp industry is so highly unregulated that the plant is being used to make dangerous products marketed to children, like candy that contains THC. McConnell, however, ran into pushback from a member of his own party, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who warned that the clause would regulate the hemp industry to death.

That led to Wednesday, when Oregons Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Ron Wyden reintroduced a bill that attempts to keep hemp products legal for adults ages 21 and older, while establishing regulations to protect them from harmful products and continuing to support an industry responsible for many thousands of jobs nationwide. In 2024, Merkley and Wyden introduced similar legislation but it went nowhere.

A blanket ban on hemp harms research and the entire industry, Merkley said, in a news release.

Its unclear how much support this latest bill will garner. Among its provisions, it would set a federal serving size limit for hemp products containing intoxicating ingredients, in states that havent already set their own.

In addition, it would instruct the Food and Drug Administration to pull any hemp-derived products off the shelves if they contain too much THC or other intoxicating compounds.

Another key provision of the bill would ban packaging that could appeal to children, such as wrappers with cartoon depictions on them.

Earlier this year, Oregon regulators released a report that found most hemp flowers and gummies sold in the state were actually high-potency pot. The analysis specifically raised concerns about packaging marketed in a manner appealing to minors.

Theres no question that more needs to be done to protect kids and consumers from unsafe, untested hemp products, Wyden said, in a news release.

Beau Whitney, a chief economist at the Portland-based hemp and cannabis analyst group Whitney Economics, said although Oregon sets a minimum buying age of 21 for THC products like THC gummies  even if theyre derived from hemp  minors still find a way to buy them through the mail from other states that dont have age restrictions.

Whitney said CBD has become a part of many products used in everyday life  even facial masks, balms and makeup. If the bill passes, it could initiate big changes at the checkout counter.

When you buy (CBD) cosmetics, theyd have to check your ID, Whitney said.

But Whitney said he isnt sure itll get to that point because he worries that the 84-page bill sponsored by Merkley and Wyden might not fully restore the legality of hemp production before the McConnell-backed bill takes effect next fall. If farmers cant grow, there wont be any raw materials to manufacturer hemp products, Whitney said.
A federal judge in Maryland ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia freed from immigration detention on Thursday while his legal challenge against his deportation moves forward, handing a major victory to the immigrant whose wrongful deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador made him a flashpoint in the Trump administrations immigration enforcement.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement must release Abrego Garcia from custody immediately.

Since Abrego Garcias return from wrongful detention in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without lawful authority, the judge wrote. For this reason, the Court will GRANT Abrego Garcias Petition for immediate release from ICE custody.

The Department of Homeland Security was highly critical of the judges order and vowed to oppose it, calling it naked judicial activism by a judge appointed by President Barack Obama, a Democrat. This order lacks any valid legal basis, and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts, said Tricia McLaughlin, the departments assistant secretary.

Messages seeking comment were left with Abrego Garcias attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg. The Department of Justice declined to comment on the ruling.

Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, has an American wife and child and has lived in Maryland for years, but he originally immigrated to the U.S. illegally as a teenager. An immigration judge in 2019 ruled Abrego Garcia could not be deported to El Salvador because he faced danger from a gang that targeted his family. When Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported there in March, his case became a rallying point for those who oppose President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown.

Abrego Garcia was returned to the U.S. under a court order. Since he cannot be deported to El Salvador, ICE has been seeking to deport him to a series of African countries. His lawsuit in federal court claims Trumps Republican administration is illegally using the deportation process to punish Abrego Garcia over the embarrassment of his mistaken deportation to El Salvador.

In her order releasing Abrego Garcia, Xinis wrote that federal authorities did not just stonewall the court, They affirmatively misled the tribunal. The reference was made to the successive list of four African countries officials had sought to remove Abrego Garcia to and submitted affirmations that Costa Rica had rescinded its offer to accept him  later determined to be untrue.

But Costa Rica had never wavered in its commitment to receive Abrego Garcia, just as Abrego Garcia never wavered in his commitment to resettle there, the judge wrote.

Xinis also dismissed the federal governments arguments that the court did not have jurisdiction to rule on a final order of removal, noting that order had not been filed.

Thus, Abrego Garcias request for immediate release cannot touch upon the execution of a removal order if no such order exists, she wrote.

Meanwhile, in a separate action in immigration court, Abrego Garcia is petitioning to reopen his immigration case to seek asylum in the United States.

Additionally, Abrego Garcia is facing criminal charges in federal court in Tennessee, where he has pleaded not guilty to human smuggling. He has filed a motion to dismiss the charges, claiming the prosecution is vindictive.

A judge in that case has ordered an evidentiary hearing to be held on the motion after previously finding some evidence that the prosecution against Abrego Garcia may be vindictive. The judge said many statements by Trump administration officials raise cause for concern.

The judge specifically cited a statement by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche that seemed to suggest the Justice Department charged Abrego Garcia because he won his wrongful deportation case.
A Multnomah County jury convicted a Portland man in a downtown killing with no apparent motive Wednesday after a five-day trial. But jurors acquitted him of all charges in a similar slaying that had happened 14 hours earlier.

Police arrested Rizo Lucas around noon April 8, 2022, just minutes after bystanders saw him pull out a pistol and shoot Fars Giday in the head outside the White Stag building on Northwest Naito Parkway.

Officers found Lucas blocks away, clad in a black ski mask, goggles and other clothing that matched surveillance footage of the single-shot execution. The gun was still in Lucas backpack.

Jurors had no doubt that Lucas killed Giday and returned a guilty verdict Wednesday of second-degree murder.

Footage from a nearby light-rail station showed Lucas, now 21, observing Giday for 10 minutes before the attack, prosecutor Glen Banfield told the jury Tuesday.

Hes just sitting there, watching him, almost like hes playing with his food, Banfield said. When the time is right, he moves in for the kill.

Portland Police Bureau Det. Travis Law adjusts a mannequin dressed in Riz'o Lucas' clothes on Tues., Dec. 10, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

Giday, 33, was smoking a cigarette and caught unaware by the gunshot. He stumbled away and collapsed under the Burnside Bridge and succumbed in an ambulance. He was also known as Fars Gebrehiwot.

Though Lucas made no statements to investigators, authorities soon pegged him as the alleged killer of Jennifer Drain, who had been shot the night before, April 7, at about 10 p.m.

The jury disagreed, acquitting Lucas of the murder charge in Drains case.

Drain, also 33, had just nestled down in her tent on Northwest Burnside Street near the Roseland Theatre when someone shot her once in the head from outside the shelter.

But whoever pulled the trigger fled  leaving behind no cell phone data, DNA evidence or cartridge casing, which prosecutors theorized had failed to eject from the handgun.

Prosecutors argued that surveillance footage showed a masked phantom trailing behind Drain back to her camp. The mans outfit featured different pants and shoes, at the least, to the person caught on tape watching Giday.

Defense attorney Patrick Sweeney said the state failed to test key items for DNA evidence that could have pointed conclusively to Lucas, or ruled him out  including the mans mask and Drains tent  and suggested the surveillance footage could have visual distortions.

Their theory of the case really is: it looks similar so it must be him, Sweeney said. They didnt get the actual evidence  the DNA.

Prosecutors said surveillance footage recorded the masked killer of Jennifer Drain on April 7, 2022. MCDA

Banfield, the prosecutor, replied that there was no point in testing items found on Lucas person the next day, and argued distinctive logos and markings proved Giday and Drains killer used the same brand of backpack and mask.

Mr. Lucas went hunting in a concrete jungle, the prosecutor said, accusing Lucas of the serial slayings.

Oregon law required the jury to consider each killing separately, meaning the evidence in Gidays killing had to be evaluated independently from evidence in Drains death.

Lucas will be sentenced for Gidays killing on Thursday morning before Circuit Judge Heidi Moawad. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years.
Oregon has reported more cases of whooping cough this year than at any time in state history, and health officials say falling vaccination rates  especially among pregnant people  are adding to the danger for infants.

As of Tuesday, the Oregon Health Authority has logged 1,475 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. That surpasses the previous annual record of 1,420 cases set in 1950.

Case counts began rising sharply in spring 2024, and other states have reported similar increases, health officials said.

The rise in Oregon and elsewhere is being fueled in part by declining vaccination rates, especially among pregnant people in rural areas, they said.

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through coughs and sneezes. While people of all ages can become sick, infants have much smaller air passages and are far more likely to suffer severe illness, land in the hospital or die.

So far this year, Oregon has recorded 87 cases in infants younger than 12 months. Officials said 22 of those babies were hospitalized, and one infant died  the states only pertussis-related death in 2025.

Since babies cant be vaccinated until they reach 2 months, protection in the first months of life comes from antibodies inherited in the womb. To help protect babies, medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that pregnant people get the whooping cough vaccine known as Tdap  which also helps prevent tetanus and diphtheria  between weeks 27 and 36.

One of the most important things someone can do to protect their newborn is to get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, Dr. Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable disease and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authority, said in a statement.

Despite that guidance, Chiou said fewer pregnant people in Oregon receive the recommended vaccine.

New state data shows only 69% of pregnant people in Oregon received a Tdap shot last year  down from 72% in 2020. Vaccination rates in 2024 varied widely by county, ranging from as low as 17% to as high as 82%, with the lowest rates largely concentrated in rural areas. Experts say protection provided by herd immunity weakens when vaccination rates fall below 95%.

Health officials cite a mix of limited access to care and higher levels of vaccine hesitancy as contributing factors.

Officials recommend that not only pregnant people get their Tdap shot but also infants and children, adolescents, unvaccinated adults and anyone who spends regular time with a newborn.

According to the Oregon Health Authority, the recent surge in whooping cough follows unusually low case counts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when masking and social distancing reduced the spread of many respiratory illnesses. Health officials said the return to pre-pandemic social behavior and lower vaccination rates, has created ideal conditions for the disease to spread.

Part of the challenge, doctors said, is that pertussis can be difficult to diagnose. Not everyone develops the classic whooping cough, and some adults experience only mild symptoms  all while remaining contagious.

Because people with mild symptoms may not seek medical care, officials said the disease can spread unnoticed within families and communities.

Dr. Carolina Amador, Benton Countys health officer, said the fading protection of the pertussis vaccine over time can also lead to confusion.

When we use the word booster, people may think the vaccine isnt very effective because protection fades, so they may not want to bother, Amador said.

Health officials said vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from whooping cough.
Rabbi Motti Wilhelm can remember the first year the Hanukkah menorah was lit at Pioneer Courthouse Square, beginning an annual tradition as old as the plaza itself.

I was a little boy in 1984, Wilhelm said, the year the tradition began. That was actually the first year that there was a Pioneer Square. Ever since theres been a square, theres been a menorah.

According to Wilhelm, hundreds of people came to watch the first menorah lighting in 1984, which was also the first time that the Jewish community had such a public display of Hanukkah. 41 years after the first event, the menorah lighting has remained an essential practice for Portlands Jewish community.

That celebration begins this Sunday, Dec. 14, when the first candle of Portlands Public Menorah will be lit at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Organized by Chabad of Southwest Portland, the evening includes live music, traditional Hanukkah foods, dignitaries and family activities beginning at 4 p.m. with the menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m. While the opening event is free, registration is required to attend.

Attendees dance during the Menorah lighting in Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square December 7, 2023.

The menorah will continue to be lit each day through Dec. 21 with varying start times. Find the full schedule here. While annual menorah lighting has been a steady presence over the decades, in recent years it has taken on new meanings.

Its become a representation of the freedom of religion, Wilhelm said, Of the freedom of expression, of the idea that everybody is encouraged and welcome to observe and to practice their faith.

The Jewish practice of lighting the menorah dates back to the 2nd century BCE, before the common era, when a small band of Jewish people reclaimed their temple in Jerusalem from Greek rule. Under the leadership of the Maccabees, Jewish rebels defeated the Seleucid army and rededicated the desecrated Second Temple.

As part of the rededication, they witnessed the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting eight days. The menorah is lit over the course of eight days as a reminder of light prevailing over darkness.

No matter where you are, you can always just light a candle, Wilhelm said. Be a candle, be a source of light, because light is stronger than darkness.

According to Linda Cohen, a previous event organizer, the tradition has also helped elevate visibility for Hanukkah and the Jewish community in Portland

I know that not everybody celebrates Christmas, Cohen said. I think its nice when we acknowledge that there are other people celebrating other things.

The Jewish community, which Wilhelm acknowledged was small but mighty in Portland, has faced rising levels of antisemitism and prejudice recently. While the sentiment has been challenging for the community, organizers expect the menorah lighting to be a symbol of joy and light for the community.

I think its so important for the Jewish community of Portland to have this menorah outside in the public space, said Mimi Wilhelm, director of Hebrew school at Chabad Southwest Portland. To light it all together and sing together and share this message of light and hope with the world, especially in the winter months, and especially when the world can feel quite dark.

In recent years, the menorah lighting has drawn more interfaith partners, families and first-time attendees, according to organizers.

Its gotten much larger actually, over the past few years, said Motti Wilhelm, with attendance reaching up to 1,200 in previous years. I think that the message of Hanukkah has become not just a Jewish message. Its become a universal message.

If you go: 4 p.m. event start, 5:30 menorah lighting; Sunday, Dec. 14; Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave.; free to attend with registration at Chanukah1800.com.

The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
Senators for the first time are questioning military leaders over President Donald Trumps use of the National Guard in American cities, an extraordinary move by the White House that has led to legal challenges as well as questions about states rights and the use of the military on U.S. soil.

Thursdays hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee was expected to feature tough questioning of Pentagon officials over the legality of the deployments, which in some places were done over the objections of mayors and governors, and a robust defense of the policy by Trumps Republican allies.

It was the highest level of scrutiny, outside a courtroom, of Trumps use of the National Guard since the deployments began and came one day after the president faced another legal setback over his use of troops to support federal law enforcement, protect federal facilities and combat crime.

For Republicans, the hearing was a chance to defend Trumps move to take on crime that they say Democratic mayors and governors have done too little to address.

In recent years, violent crime, rioting, drug trafficking and heinous gang activity have steadily escalated, said Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, the committee chairman. The deployments, he said, are not only appropriate, but essential.

Military leaders highlighted the duties that National Guard units have carried out. The personnel are trained in community policing, they said, and are prohibited from using force unless in self-defense. Since the deployments began, only one civilian has been detained by National Guard personnel, according to Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of the U.S. Northern Command.

They can very quickly be trained to conduct any mission that we task of them, Guillot said.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said Wednesday she had threatened to hold up the annual defense bill if the Republican leadership continued to block the hearing, which she said was long overdue.

Donald Trump is illegally deploying our nations service members under misleading if not false pretexts, Duckworth told The Associated Press.

Duckworth, a combat veteran who served in the Illinois National Guard, said domestic deployments traditionally have involved responding to major floods and tornadoes, not assisting immigration agents who are detaining people in aggressive raids.

Duckworth said she had questions for the military about how Trumps deployments are affecting readiness, training and costs. She also wanted to know whether Guard members would have legal protections if an immigration agent wrongfully harmed a civilian.

The hearing comes two weeks after two West Virginia National Guard members deployed to Washington were shot just blocks from the White House in what the citys mayor described as a targeted attack. Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died a day after the Nov. 26 shooting, and her funeral took place Tuesday. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is hospitalized in Washington.

Meanwhile, a federal judge in California on Wednesday ruled that the administration must stop deploying the California National Guard in Los Angeles and return control of the troops to the state.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer granted a preliminary injunction sought by California officials, but also put the decision on hold until Monday. The White House said it plans to appeal.

Trump called up more than 4,000 California National Guard troops in June without Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsoms approval to further the administrations immigration enforcement efforts.

The move was the first time in decades that a states National Guard was activated without a request from its governor and marked a significant escalation in the administrations efforts to carry out its mass deportation policy. The troops were stationed outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles where protesters gathered and were later sent on the streets to protect immigration officers as they made arrests.

The number had dropped to several hundred by late October. The 100 or so California troops that remain in Los Angeles are guarding federal buildings or staying at a nearby base and are not on the streets with immigration enforcement officers, according to U.S. Northern Command.

Trump also had announced National Guard members would be sent to Illinois, Oregon, Louisiana and Tennessee. Other judges have blocked or limited the deployment of troops to Portland and Chicago, while Guard members have not yet been sent to New Orleans.

-- David Klepper, Ben Finley and Stephen Groves, The Associated Press
Gov. Tina Koteks commitment to boosting prosperity through economic development is encouraging, and I hope her efforts are successful, (Oregons governor unveiled a roadmap to business prosperity. Heres whats at stake, Dec. 2). Too often, Oregons leading industries and businesses hear platitudes on the importance of economic development only to witness actions that dilute economic development funds, which provide high returns on investment.

Oregon hospitality and leisure is the third-largest private employer sector, creating more than 200,000 jobs and generating $14 billion in annual economic activity  driven in part by state and local lodging taxes.

The states 1.5% lodging tax raises approximately $40 million a year and is reinvested in economic development, including tourism promotion and related infrastructure. But some state lawmakers are trying to increase the tax and divert the additional revenue for things without economic benefits  things which should be paid for with general funds. Worse yet, there are efforts to change how county and city lodging taxes are distributed.

State and local lodging taxes are designed to be an economic development tool, and the current system has proven itself  a $40 million investment at the state level and hundreds of millions at local levels for a $14 billion return.

The economic headwinds facing Oregons economy are fierce. We should be laser focused on creating the strongest multiplier effect we can with these finite economic development resources. If lawmakers care about Oregons economic prosperity, they will abandon these harmful proposals in the upcoming session, and the governor should rebuke any efforts contrary to the goals of her economic development roadmap.

Jason Brandt

Brandt is president and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
Explosion in Kyiv's Darnytsky district occurred during patrolling by National Guardsmen, one of guardsmen dies  prosecutor's office

As a result of the first explosion in Darnytsky district of Kyiv on Thursday afternoon, one of the National Guard servicemen died, another National Guardsman and a security guard were injured, two policemen were injured in the second explosion, Kyiv prosecutor's office has said.

"The first explosion occurred when two National Guardsmen were patrolling the territory, as a result of which one of them died. Another National Guardsman and a security guard were injured," Kyiv city prosecutor's office said in a message on the Telegram channel on Thursday.

The second explosion, according to the report, occurred at a time when police officers and medics who arrived on call were already working at the scene. "Two police officers were injured," the office said.

According to the prosecutor's office, investigators of the Main Directorate of the State Security Service of Ukraine in Kyiv and Kyiv region under the procedural leadership of Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office have launched a pretrial investigation into the fact of two explosions in Darnytsky district of Kyiv.

The event has been classified under Part 3 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, namely as a terrorist act that resulted in the death of a person.

"At this time, it is known that an improvised explosive device exploded," the office said.

Earlier, the SBU press service informed the agency that the SBU qualifies the explosions on Thursday afternoon in Darnytsky district of Kyiv, as a terrorist act, as a result of which one person died and three more were injured to varying degrees.

The National Police told Interfax-Ukraine that a patrol policeman was injured as a result of an explosion of an unidentified device in Darnytsky district of the capital.
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The Austrian Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning systematic human rights violations by Russia in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and inhumane treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has said.

"Important news from the Austrian Parliament: all parliamentary factions unanimously adopted a resolution condemning Russia's systematic human rights violations in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories and its inhumane treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war," he said on the X social network on Thursday.

Sybiha expressed his gratitude to the Austrian parliament and all parliamentarians who supported this decision  "another strong international voice for justice and accountability."

Sybiha also said that such a decision is "another proof that neutrality does not mean indifference."

"Human rights situation in the occupied territories and the treatment of POWs must remain in the focus of all democracies worldwide," he said.
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Prosecutors on Thursday dropped the most serious charges against a Dauphin County driver who fatally struck a woman in Lebanon County in 2023 in exchange for the man pleading guilty.

Michael Zimmerman, 64, of Harrisburg, pleaded guilty to an added count of involuntary manslaughter while prosecutors dropped vehicular homicide and DUI-related charges in connection with the death of 51-year-old Jill Staub in August 2023.

Zimmerman was driving on Route 22 in East Hanover Township when he drifted left, struck the center concrete barrier, and then veered right  directly into Staub who was on the side of the road checking a mailbox.

The force of the crash knocked her onto Zimmermans front windshield and then onto the road, state police said.

Zimmermans vehicle continued forward until it struck a utility pole, splitting it in half.

Police noted he had bloodshot overly tired eyes and smelled of alcohol at the time of the crash.

He refused to perform field sobriety tests but admitted to drinking two IPAs, state police said. A later blood draw at Penn State Hershey Medical Center revealed he had a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.02, well-below the legal limit of .08.

In Pennsylvania, drivers can still be charged with DUI-related offenses if there is other evidence to support they were impaired. But his attorney, Gail Souders, told PennLive Thursday he was suffering a medical condition that caused him to black out.

That medical condition caused him to lose his license after the crash, but before he was charged in the case.

It wasnt DUI, Souders said. It was a tragic accident. My client is extremely remorseful.

Zimmerman was scheduled for trial Nov. 11, but it was abruptly canceled when he agreed to plead guilty Thursday before Senior Judge Samuel A. Kline instead.

In all, Zimmerman pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving and careless driving.

Prosecutors agreed to withdraw vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide while DUI, aggravated assault and a first-offense DUI charge. The charges Zimmerman pleaded guilty to carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. But per his agreement with the DAs office, Zimmerman will be placed on house arrest for a period of time that will be decided by the sentencing judge.

Zimmerman is expected to be sentenced in February. Hes been released on $100,000 unsecured bail since May 2024.

Staub worked as a registered nurse, according to her obituary. She left behind her husband, five children and five grandchildren.
A deer that hunters shot and killed in Perry County was stolen from them last weekend, park rangers and Pennsylvania Game Commission officials said.

According to a post on the Tuscarora State Forest Facebook page, at about 2 p.m. Dec. 6 a hunting party harvested, tagged, and field dressed an antlered deer.

The deer, described as a lifetime 9-point buck, was then placed behind a tree to be picked up after the group finished hunting.

The deer was set down along a pipeline off of Wolf Road in Toboyne Twp., Perry County, officials said

When the hunting party returned to the area at the end of the day to retrieve the deer, it was no longer there.

Officials said that evidence at the scene suggests someone entered the pipeline and dragged the deer to a parking spot along Wolf Road, where it was loaded into a vehicle.

The deer was described as a small bodied mountain deer with very dark, almost black antlers. Its brow tines were symmetrical and about 6 inches high. It was tagged as a 9 point but was a 10 prior to damage to the antlers.

Anyone hunting in that area who might have seen the theft is asked to contact authorities. Similarly, anyone with trail cameras is asked to check their footage and send any images of anyone at the scene at that time.

Officials believe it is highly likely that the pereson who took the deer has sent or posted images.

Anyone with information can contact Tuscarora State Forest rangers at 717-543-1550 or call Pennsylvania Game Commissions Operation Game Thief at 888-742-8001.
Four years after the killing of a 16-year-old a few blocks from his Lebanon home, one of two charged suspects remains on the loose, keeping the case out of the courtroom and making the victims mom wonder if she will ever get justice.

Police charged two teenagers  Jaedyn Gaines, 17, and Jayden Pagan, 15  in the Oct. 27, 2021 killing of Omar Rodriguez that happened at 3:30 p.m., just after school let out at 6th and Lehman streets.

Gaines was arrested days after the shooting, charged with criminal homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide. He later pleaded guilty. But Pagan, currently 18 or 19 years old, immediately went on the run and has successfully dodged authorities for more than four years, with help from unknown abetters, authorities said.

Pagan is wanted for the same homicide charges in addition to illegal possession of a gun.

Omars mom, Jennifer Morales, said the delay has been made worse by the lack of communication from law enforcement about her sons case. She found out in 2023 that prosecutors planned to hold the sentencing hearing for Gaines until Pagan was caught. It was the last time she had contact with the district attorneys office.

Its hard on all of us, Morales said. I have ups and downs all the time. It just bothers me when it feels like youre moving on without them.

My daughter took it hard because although they had an 11-year age difference, they were very close, Morales said. She talks about him every day, not a day goes by that she doesnt talk about him.

Omar was killed in a robbery. He agreed to sell the other teens some marijuana, but they had other plans.

According to court records, Pagan had been messaging Omar on Snapchat before the planned meetup. When Omar pulled up in a car with a friend, Gaines took marijuana from the friend while Pagan confronted Omar on the drivers side.

Police said Omar fought for Pagans gun, prompting Gaines to walk around and shoot him in the torso. The two fled, as seen on surveillance video. Omar drove away but lost consciousness, clipped two vehicles and crashed, flipping his vehicle. Police found him unconscious next his vehicle with a fatal single gunshot wound to his chest.

Morales said her son was killed for about $90 worth of weed. She believes there are a lot of people who know Pagans whereabouts but arent cooperating with police, saying people need to turn him in and do the right thing.

My son deserves justice, Morales said. He went to sell weed to these boys, he didnt think he was going to be killed. Im sure he wouldnt have went if he thought he was going to get killed. He didnt ask for that.

He walked in a room and lit the room up with his smile. He was generous, loving, funny. He would give his last to anybody, which was why it was so hard for us to wrap our heads around, why anyone would do that to him.

Lebanon Police Chief Eric Sims told PennLive the case has not been forgotten about, as they are receiving information and following tips regarding Pagans whereabouts.

His apprehension and our attempt to locate him is very active at this point, he said.

Its not the first time a homicide suspect has avoided arrest for years, but Sims said this case poses unique challenges because Pagan vanished as a minor. As such, he had no documented identity history, such as a drivers license or photo ID, when the fatal shooting occurred.

Pagan also didnt have any arrests before the homicide, meaning no fingerprints on file.

Lebanon County district attorney Pier Hess Graf added that Pagan also has no employment history, no bank accounts, no vehicles, and no prior addresses.

Cellular telephones are easily replaced. Names and identifiers on social media are interchangeable. The typical methods to track an adult largely fail in this scenario, she said.

She said Lebanon police and detectives initially deployed extensive efforts to locate Pagan, as his family was well known to law enforcement. She said the family denied any knowledge of Pagans whereabouts and denied aiding his escape.

Police interviewed and monitored his known family multiple times over the past several years and ran down all tips and leads to no avail, Graf said.

He is not believed to be in the local area anymore, she said.

For a juvenile to escape and remain on the run for years, he has help, Graf said. Whether that help is family, friend, or gang related is purely conjecture.

Lebanon City police and Lebanon County detectives have been in contact with several local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, which have offered their assistance, the DAs office said.

Authorities said four years isnt the longest time a homicide suspect remained on the loose in Lebanon County. William Culbreath was wanted for nearly five years until he was arrested in North Carolina for drug dealing. When police there ran his fingerprints, the homicide warrant popped up and they reached out to Lebanon County authorities.

Culbreath was then extradited to central Pennsylvania to face homicide charges for stabbing a 35-year-old man to death in 2015 following a fight outside of a Lebanon bar.

Morales said she moved out of Pennsylvania because she was depressed and needed a change after her beloved sons death. She said friends of Gaines taunt her and others about her sons death by mentioning Omars name in songs.

Omars mother said he wasnt a part of a gang, emphasizing he was mostly a homebody. He was either at school, hanging out with his girlfriend or his best friend, she told PennLive.

She believes he was selected as the target for some quick money, so she doesnt understand the ongoing taunts.

Several other people in-boxed me on Facebook about another song, and Im just like, Im never going to be able to get away from it, she said. So I messaged one of the boys, and Im like, listen, you know this is disrespectful? Let my son rest in peace. He didnt ask to be shot by your friend.

Leaving Pennsylvania was always a part of the plan, even back when Omar was still alive, she said. He wanted his girlfriend to relocate with them.

His girlfriend was fine with moving, but Omar thought it would be best to move after the couple graduated and Morales was fine with waiting. He was a junior in high school when he was killed, less than four weeks after homecoming.

She honors her son by keeping a memorial in her kitchen with a framed photo on a table and a larger photo hanging on the wall.

Omar Rodriguez, 16, was fatally shot during a drug deal that turned into a robbery in Lebanon City on Oct. 27, 2021. Jennifer Morales

You lose a part of your heart, Morales said. So many nights, I was cooking and waiting for him to pop up at the door. If the issue was that they didnt like him, why not fight him fist to fist? Why pull a gun on somebody and they dont even expect it? We gotta start raising our kids better.

Kids are putting guns on each other and chasing each other down, when is it going to stop? Cherish the moments because you never know when its going to be someones last.

Anyone with information about Pagans whereabouts or people closely associated with him may call Det. Ryan Mong with Lebanon City police at 717-272-6611 or Det. Ed Burns at the Lebanon County Detective Bureau at 717-273-6231.

People should keep in mind, however, that the suspect is wanted for criminal homicide and should be considered dangerous, the DAs office said in a statement. Citizens should not undertake individual efforts which place themselves at risk.
In a wild story out of Arkansas, Tamara Tammi Hamby, a former country library board member, was arrested after police said she pretended to be country music star Luke Bryan and faked the kidnapping of her mentally disabled daughter.

According to 5 News, Hamby, who turned herself in on Dec. 3, was one of four people arrested in the incident.

But Hamby and her husband, Jeffrey Hamby, who is a doctor, claim that there was no criminal intent.

Jeffrey Hamby, who was not among those arrested, said he and his wife adopted their daughter when she was just six weeks old.

She has a lot of needs, he told 5 News. She has a reactive attachment disorder and epilepsy. She is 22 and beautiful and has the mind of about an 11-year-old.

The doctor said the issues began six months ago when his daughter was approached by a predator online who pretended to be Bryan.

My daughter adores (Bryan), he said. So, over the last six months, hes developed somewhat of a trauma bond.

He claimed that even though they took their daughters devices away she kept finding ways to talk to the predator. He claimed they reached out to police but didnt receive any help.

We tried everything, and she has not stopped communicating with him, and he was going to get her, he said. He was going to take her. And so, my wife, without my knowledge, with her aide and a couple of friends, tried to do an intervention.

Police said it as a bit more than an intervention, though.

According to 5 News, the warrant for Tammi Hambys arrest said that she had someone pretend to be Bryan and contact her daughter to set up a meet. Police said she then had two men take the girl into a field on Nov. 17 where they tied her to a tree and demanded money.

Police said the men  who they identified as David Qbao and Nico Austria  took the girl to the wrong field, though. And, at some point, she was able to free herself and make a run for it before they tackled her and retired her to the tree, per police.

The girl escaped again, however, and called 911.

(The girl) was in fear for her life and clung tightly to a teddy bear the entirety of me speaking with her during the interview, a deputy noted in the report.

Police said that Tammi Hamby was watching the whole time.

She resigned from her library board job on Nov. 24, per 5 News.

Now DHS has taken my daughter from me, and my wife is arrested for trying to do the right thing, for trying to save my daughter, who has never known evil, has been sheltered all of her life, and we couldnt talk her into understanding that danger existed, Jeffrey Hamby told the station. And so, we wanted to show her that evil does exist, and now shes in DHS custody today, and my wife is facing jail time.

Crawford County Prosecutor Kevin Holmes had a different view of the situation.

The law enforcement that I deal with are always willing to help, as in our office, Holmes said. And so, this idea that were blaming law enforcement is pretty ridiculous. Just because theres suspicious activity, doesnt just allow us to just go out and start rounding up people. You know, parents have some responsibility. I mean, this is a special needs girl who if theres issues with the internet, then you just cut her off from the internet.
Fans of Grammy-nominated musician Roderick Rory Macleod have been sending prayers to his family and former band after the disturbing details of his death have emerged.

According to reports, Macleod, who is best known for his time with the group Roomful of Blues, was hit and killed on Dec. 6 in Rhode Island while walking his dog.

He was 70.

People Magazine reported that Shannon Godbout, 41, was arrested by the Hopkinton Police Department following the incident. In a release shared to Facebook, police said Hopkinton left her lane and struck several objects, including two telephone poles.

Police said that Macleod was walking his dogs in the eastbound lane when he was hit. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he died.

Police said that Godbout was in possession of numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials associated with drug distribution.

The Rhode Island State Police Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the incident.

Godbout is facing charges for driving as to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of narcotics, Schedule I/II with intent to distribute, third plus offense.

Police said that Godbouts criminal history includes 100 arrests, with 8 of them from the Hopkinton Police Department. The department said that 82 warrants have previously been issued for Godbout, and that she has had 40 traffic citations.

Roomful of Blues posted about Macleods death on Facebook.

We would like to acknowledge his diverse musical contributions as well as being a wonderful and gentle soul,the statement read. There are no words for such an immense loss. RIP dear friend.

Fans were quick to respond with love.

A tragic loss, and something that shouldnt have happened, Debbie Sptiznagel commented on the post. My condolences to sandol, his family and many friends.

My heart breaks for the Macleod family, who must be devastated, Sharon Kenler Kinnane replied. He was a gentle soul and talented musician who will be missed by many. Sending hugs and prayers to all who mourn him.

Very sad news, Mary Pilkington OConnell wrote. Deepest condolences to all that knew and loved Rory. Such a loss  so talented.

There were plenty more comments like that and you can see them all as well as Roomful of Blues post here.

It was Macleods work as the bassist for the group in the 1980s helped him earn a Grammy nomination.
By REBECCA SANTANA, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  Foreigners who are allowed to come to the United States without a visa could soon be required to submit information about their social media, email accounts and extensive family history to the Department of Homeland Security before being approved for travel.

The notice published Wednesday in the Federal Register said Customs and Border Protection is proposing collecting five years worth of social media information from travelers from select countries who do not have to get visas to come to the U.S. The Trump administration has been stepping up the monitoring of international travelers and immigrants.

The announcement refers to travelers from more than three dozen countries who take part in the Visa Waiver Program and submit their information to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which automatically screens them and then approves them for travel to the U.S. Unlike visa applicants, they generally do not have to go into an embassy or consulate for an interview.

DHS administers the program, which currently allows citizens of roughly 40 mostly European and Asian countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for three months without visas.

The announcement also said that CBP would start requesting a list of other information, including telephone numbers the person has used over the past five years or email addresses used over the past decade. Also sought would be metadata from electronically submitted photos, as well as extensive information from the applicants family members, including their places of birth and their telephone numbers.

The application that people are now required to fill out to take part in ESTA asks for a more limited set of questions such as parents names and current email address.

Asked at a White House event whether he was concerned the measure might affect tourism to the U.S., President Donald Trump said no.

We want safety, we want security, we want to make sure were not letting the wrong people come into our country, Trump said.

The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed changes before they go into effect, the notice said.

CBP officials did not immediately respond to questions about the new rules.

The announcement did not say what the administration was looking for in the social media accounts or why it was asking for more information.

But the agency said it was complying with an executive order that Trump signed in January that called for more screening of people coming to the U.S. to prevent the entry of possible national security threats.

Travelers from countries that are not part of the Visa Waiver Program system are already required to submit their social media information, a policy that dates back to the first Trump administration. The policy remained during Democratic President Joe Bidens administration.

But citizens from visa waiver countries were not obligated to do so.

Travelers wait in a TSA checkpoint at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Romulus, Mich. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) AP

Since January, the Trump administration has stepped up checks of immigrants and travelers, both those trying to enter the U.S. as well as those already in the country. Officials have tightened visa rules by requiring that applicants set all of their social media accounts to public so that they can be more easily scrutinized and checked for what authorities view as potential derogatory information. Refusing to set an account to public can be considered grounds for visa denial, according to guidelines provided by the State Department.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services now considers whether an applicant for benefits, such as a green card, endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused anti-American, terrorist or antisemitic views.

The heightened interest in social media screening has drawn concern from immigration and free speech advocates about what the Trump administration is looking for and whether the measures target people critical of the administration in an infringement of free speech rights.
A 72-year-old man died after a propane heater set him on fire last week while he was trying to keep warm in a tent in Harrisburg.

William Kramer died on Monday at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Hospital, where hed been receiving treatment since the Friday fire near Club XL on 10th Street, according to Cumberland County Coroner Charley Hall.

Hall said Kramers death was ruled an accident from complications of thermal burns.

Kramers leg caught on fire before quickly spreading to other parts of his body last week, according to Harrisburg police Lt. Kyle Gautsch.

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.
In addition to the still-uncoordinated positions on Donetsk region, the US plan for ending the war proposed a Russian withdrawal from Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

"In addition to the still-uncoordinated positions on Donetsk region, the document proposed a withdrawal of the 'Russians' from certain areas of our regions where they are currently located. This is what is being considered. That is, they are withdrawing from the corresponding areas of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipro regions where they are," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday.

He added that regarding Kherson and Zaporizhia regions, the proposal is that the Russians will not withdraw and "stay where we are." "That's the case today," the president noted.
Browse through your local pharmacy cold and flu remedy aisle, and you are likely to bump into customers reading the labels on cough suppressants, cough expectorants and nighttime cold medicines.

Its officially flu season, and if youve dodged it so far, consider yourself lucky. This years flu is particularly nasty, thanks to a mutated strain of the virus.

The Harrisburg region seems to be holding back on a full-blown outbreak, but it is likely coming. Physicians and hospitals are beginning to see increases in the number of sick people and ER visits that could be the calm before the storm.

Have we been seeing a rise in uptick over the last several weeks? We have, said Dr. Peter Kang, associate medical director, Pennsylvania, UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care. But in terms of absolute abundance, we have not been seeing that yet.

One factor that may change the situation fast is the upcoming holidays, with people congregating indoors, not to mention exchanging lots of hugs and kisses.

Theres always that possibility of respiratory viruses circling in homes, communities, places of worship, schools and large public gatherings, Kang said. We could see a rapid uptick over the next several weeks. So thats why were preaching right now as a health system to make sure youre taking those measures  washing your hands, getting vaccinated for those respiratory illnesses, if youre eligible and they are appropriate for you. Covering your mouth, just taking general self-protective hygiene measures.

The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control show low but rising flu activity across the country, although there are a few areas with higher rates, such as Louisiana.

The largest increases reported have been among children and young adults and in the northeastern and mountain west areas of the country, according to the CDC.

Nationally, the percentage of respiratory cases testing positive for influenza, and the percentage of outpatient visits for respiratory illness and emergency department visits for influenza and influenza-associated hospitalizations increased this week compared to last, the agency notes on its website.

There have been no influenza-associated pediatric deaths so far this season, the CDC notes.

Pharmacy retailers have seen an increase in respiratory viruses and illnesses in the area, with a growing number of patients being treated for pneumonia and influenza.

Pharmacists are receiving a lot of questions about over-the-counter remedies for dry coughs, sore throats, and shortness of breath, said Amy Thibault, spokeswoman for CVSHealth

Respiratory viruses tend to last longer for patients due to the limited treatments, where bacterial infections, when treated appropriately with antibiotics, can start to resolve within 48 to 72 hours from the initiation of treatment. It is important to always seek medical advice from your physician when you are experiencing chronic coughs, shortness of breath, and fevers.

WellSpan Health confirmed it is currently treating approximately 15 patients across all of the systems hospitals for influenza.

Note that number fluctuates on a daily basis, but that can give you a general idea, said Ryan Coyle, spokesman for WellSpan Health. While that is slightly higher than the same time last year in terms of inpatients, it is too soon to tell whether that trend will continue.

Getting the annual flu vaccine remains the single most effective way to protect yourself and your family from severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the flu, said Neil Ruhland, press secretary for the state Department of Health.

Even with the emergence of subclade K, which has led to some concerns about a possible high level of flu case intensity this season, he said.

Health officials are keeping a close watch on the Influenza A H3N2 strain, and the subclade K variant, which has caused outbreaks in Europe and Australia. The viral infection usually lasts between five and seven days but can cause a severe cough that lasts up to three weeks.

Certain populations that we always worry about, infants, people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, Ruhland said. Those special groups of populations are prone to more serious illness when they contract something like COVID-19 RSV or influenza. So we always monitor those patient populations closely.

National health data points to rising hospitalizations as a result of the H3N2 strain showing mutations, raising concerns for the upcoming winter.

Ruhland said early data show this years flu vaccine is effective at reducing influenza-related emergency department visits and hospital admissions. He reiterated that public health experts consistently point to the vaccine as a strong protection against severe illness.

The Health Department recommends that Pennsylvanians stay updated with their annual flu vaccination and continue fundamental health and hygiene practices, like handwashing, staying home when sick, and avoiding contact with people who have suspected or confirmed respiratory illness, Ruhland said.

The big takeaway, Kang said, is that while the flu has not struck in full force in Pennsylvania, now is the time to prepare.

If youve not been vaccinated, now is a great time to talk about whether or not thats appropriate for you, he said. If you are in public places, make sure youre practicing hand hygiene, like washing your hands, mouth and cough.

Thibault notes the importance of visiting your local pharmacist before starting over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications can interact with disease states or prescription medications, she said. Our pharmacists are well-equipped to answer patients questions and to ensure the recommendation is safe and effective.
Kyle Rittenhouse returned to social media this week with a major life announcement.

Rittenhouse, who shot three people, killing two, during a racial injustice protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020, claimed self-defense and was acquitted of all charges.

He remains controversial, though, and back in June he left social media. But Wednesday he returned with a series of photos that had folks shocked.

Im back on social media, Im back in the fight, and Im here to stay, he wrote on X alongside a pair of photos of himself with a girl.

He then explained what that was all about.

For a quick update, 6 months ago I made the best decision of my life and married my best friend, he wrote. (Bella Rittenhouse), I couldnt be happier. I love you beautiful.

She replied back, I love you!

One of his followers replied, Couldnt be happier for you Kyle. To have your entire world upended and fight through it. Dude, thats awesome.

Im still being sued for $20 million, Rittenhouse replied. But thankfully the Lord provides.

Rittenhouse made several more posts during the day, including one where he said that the assassination of Charlie Kirk convinced him he couldnt sit on the sidelines anymore.

So Im back, he wrote. Not quietly. Not halfway. Im coming back in a big way.

He received plenty of support, but as is the case with Rittenhouse he also received plenty of pushback.

Bro just shut up, one person replied. You literally got away with murder.

Tell me you didnt watch the trial without telling me (clown emoji), Rittenhouse replied.

He has promised more to come soon, so it looks like, love him or hate him, he will be back on Elon Musks platform trying to make things happen for himself in 2026.
State Rep. Justin Fleming (D-Dauphin County) announced Wednesday that more than $1.2 million in new grant funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is being awarded to five organizations across the county.

The Childrens Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania (CAC) will receive $400,000 to support local centers, provide specialized consultation and training for counties that do not yet have a CAC, and cover essential operational needs such as staff salaries and administrative costs.

Fleming spent 18 years advocating for child safety and mental health and previously served on the board of Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates, according to a press release. Improving the lives of children across the commonwealth has long been one of his top priorities.

We are increasing understanding around childhood trauma and the importance of treating it, Fleming said. I am so proud to share these grants and expand the great work CACs do across the state. With proper support and compassion, we can prove that trauma is not destiny.

According to 2022 data, of the 15,735 children served by CACs in Pennsylvania, 75% received services following alleged sexual abuse, 20% following alleged physical abuse, and 5% due to alleged neglect, witnessing violence, or drug endangerment.

Additional approved funding in Dauphin County includes:

$415,300 to the Dauphin County commissioners to support two reentry navigator positions at the Dauphin County Prison and implement 100 hours of treatment programming for individuals with behavioral health needs. Funds will also ensure that crime victims whose cases move through the criminal and juvenile courts receive all protections, rights, and services to which they are entitled.

$231,000 to the YMCA of Greater Harrisburg to implement Supported Employment and Illness Management & Recovery services for individuals involved in the Dauphin County Drug Treatment Court and those reentering the community after incarceration. The project aims to promote recovery, reduce relapse and recidivism, and support successful community reintegration.

$50,000 to Pinnacle Health Medical Services (UPMC CAC of Central PA) to support the salary of a full-time office manager/financial counselor.

$49,834 to Hempfield Behavioral Health Inc. to train 16 clinical staff members in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

More information about PCCD funding can be found at this link.
The Pennsylvania Governors Residence will be included in the Historic Harrisburg Associations (HHA) annual housing tour after an April firebombing severely damaged the home.

The HHAs Candlelight House Tour, scheduled for 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, highlights extraordinary Harrisburg residences and architectural landmarks.

Around 2 a.m. April 13, shortly after Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family finished a Passover celebration, 38-year-old Cody Balmer scaled an iron security fence, eluded police, and set the residence ablaze using two Molotov cocktails.

Balmer later told police that if he had encountered Shapiro after breaking in, he planned to use a hammer to beat him.

In October, Balmer pleaded guilty to all charges filed against him. He will spend at least 25 years in prison.

The Governors Residence has always been included in the HHA tour, but organizers were unsure if the historic 29,000 square-foot mansion would be ready to welcome guests after the arson attack.

Launched by Historic Harrisburg in 1973, the Candlelight House Tour is the oldest and biggest tour of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic Region, said HHA Executive Director David Morrison. Through its over half-century history, hundreds of historic homes and landmarks have been opened to a cumulative audience that now numbers in the tens of thousands.

Since 2022, nearly 2,000 people have taken part in the tour, with 2024 marking the largest event yet.

Tickets for the self-guided tour can be purchased online at historicharrisburg.org or in person at the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center at 1230 N. Third St. in Harrisburg.

Tickets purchased on Dec. 14 will cost $30 and will only be available at the North Third Street address.
WILLIAMSPORT The Williamsport Area School District (WASD) will remain in the civil suit brought by five former female students against a suspended teacher.

Lycoming County Judge Eric R. Linhardt on Monday denied the districts motion to dismiss the claims against it related to the alleged sexual misconduct of teacher Christopher Yoder but noted the results of discovery could lead to a different outcome.

Recovery would not be foreclosed if facts are developed to sufficiently show the WASD knew about Yoders alleged sexual misconduct and failed to protect students from any injuries, the judge wrote.

But if those facts are not developed, it could lead to defense motions for summary judgment, he said.

The district had argued it was entitled to immunity under the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Torts Claims Act, and the allegations of the females, now adults, did not meet the criteria for sexual abuse exceptions.

Yoder was acquitted of criminal charges in two cases, and in the third, a district judge dismissed them following a preliminary hearing.

The district has accused him under the state School Code of immorality, incompetency, intemperance, cruelty, persistent negligence of duties, and willful neglect of duties charges as part of its disciplinary process.

The status of those proceedings, which could lead to termination, is unknown because they are private. Yoder is suspended without pay.

Linhardt, in the same opinion, dismissed the majority of the claims against another teacher, Mel Mitstifer, leaving only those related to the female he took affirmative action to have removed from Yoders classroom.

Mitstifer, whose classroom was near Yoders in an isolated part of Williamsport Area High School, was accused of knowing about some of the alleged incidents and not taking the appropriate action.

Yoder was not a party to the motions to dismiss by WASD and Mitstifer, but he has denied the allegations of infliction of emotional distress and assault and battery.

Benjamin O. Present, who represents the females, issued this statement on the ruling:

This well-reasoned opinion makes clear that the Williamsport Area School District may be held legally liable, and in multiple respects, for its employee Chris Yoders deviant and unlawful behavior, of which the school district had notice and allowed to persist, unabated, for many years.

We look forward to taking discovery in this case and, after that, presenting it to a jury of our clients peers.

Allegations in the suit mirror Yoders criminal charges and those filed by the district. They cover the period from 2011 to 2021 and include:
Story by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

HARRISBURG  A Pennsylvania Senate panel has taken the rare and dramatic step of subpoenaing the Shapiro administration for a wide range of records detailing the more than $1 million in publicly-funded security upgrades being made to the governors private home in the Philadelphia suburbs.

The GOP-led state Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee voted on Tuesday along party lines to issue subpoenas for information involving Gov. Josh Shapiros use of taxpayer funds for the upgrades, which range from a new security system to extensive landscaping and groundskeeping work around his property in Montgomery County.

The administration has said the upgrades were recommended by Pennsylvania State Police following the arson attack earlier this year on the state-owned governors mansion in Harrisburg, where Shapiro stays when he is in the capital. The Democratic governor and his family were asleep inside at the time, but escaped unharmed.

The committees chair, Republican state Sen. Jarrett Coleman of Lehigh County, on Tuesday said the subpoenas are necessary to obtain information about how and why the decision was made to spend public funds on Shapiros personal home, and precisely how that money is now being spent.

He said he has asked the administration for the information multiple times over the past two months, but only received partial or incomplete records.

This is about setting a precedent, Coleman said in a statement. No administration  Republican or Democrat  should be allowed to operate in the shadows when public funds are involved. Are we just going to give every future governor a blank check to spend on security without any oversight?

Democrats on the committee strenuously objected to the subpoenas, asserting they fall outside the scope of the committees authority, which they argue instead lies with law enforcement agencies or other state agencies with investigative powers.

When you start issuing subpoenas, you are crossing a line, state Sen. Vince Hughes (D., Philadelphia), a member of the committee, said during the hearing. We are not the [state] attorney general, we are not the auditor general, we are not these investigative authorities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

He and state Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D., Allegheny) also noted that the information being requested includes audio and video recordings made by State Police that includes personal information not just on the Shapiros, but others who live in his Montgomery County neighborhood.

Its an invasion of privacy, Costa said, adding: I dont understand what the legislative purpose of receiving that information is. Its almost as if you are trying to find a gotcha moment  which doesnt exist. Its just uncalled for. Its inappropriate.

Legislative subpoenas are sparingly used  and when they are, have resulted in lengthy litigation.

For instance, following President Donald Trumps unfounded claims that the 2020 election was stolen, the same GOP-led state Senate committee issued subpoenas in 2021 for election records that included sensitive voter information.

The case eventually landed before Pennsylvanias Supreme Court, which ruled in 2024 that the subpoena had become unenforceable because it had been issued in a legislative session that had since expired. At the time, it was viewed as a victory for Democrats who had sought to block the subpoena.

It is not yet known whether the Shapiro administration intends to fight the most recent subpoenas in court. One subpoena was issued to State Police; another was issued to Abington Township, where the Shapiros reside (the Shapiros had requested a zoning variance over the summer involving one of the security upgrades). A third and unrelated subpoena was issued for records involving Shapiros use of state-owned aircraft.

State Police spokesperson Logan Brouse said in an email that his agency has made hundreds of pages of documents available to Sen. Coleman  including documents that directly respond to his latest inquiries. He said State Police are also reviewing the subpoena to ensure a response that protects the safety of the Governor and the First Family.

He did not directly respond to a question about whether State Police intend to sue to block the subpoena.

In an email, Shapiro spokesperson Will Simons said: The Shapiro administration has repeatedly responded to lawmakers inquiries on this matter and publicly released a substantial amount of information about the security improvements put in place by [State Police] without compromising those security protocols.

He wrote that while Shapiro was in Washington, D.C., Tuesday for a panel about the rise of political violence, Sen. Coleman is once again showing clear disregard for the governor and his familys safety  leveling partisan attacks through the press instead of working in good faith to protect the Governor and future governors while carefully stewarding taxpayer dollars."

Using records obtained through the states Right-to-Know Law, Spotlight PA has reported that the upgrades to Shapiros private home are expected to cost just over $1,075,000.

That work, paid by State Police, includes $311,230.50 for a security system, $44,026.91 for electrical work to install the system, and $107,073.75 for engineering and design fees.

It also includes an estimated $12,207.15 for general construction; $81,043.84 for tree trimming; $17,968.50 for trenching to install the security system; and $288,736 for landscaping and maintenance involving the exterior grounds.

State Police officials have said some of those costs are not finalized and might change.

A Shapiro spokesperson previously told Spotlight PA that before carrying out any of the security improvements at the governors family home, the governor consulted with the State Ethics Commission to ensure there was no improper financial gain. Pennsylvania has strict ethics rules that broadly prohibit public officials from personally benefiting from their positions.

But records obtained by Spotlight PA, including purchase orders and invoices, contradict that assertion. Some of those purchase orders show work at Shapiros home began over the summer, almost two months before the State Ethics Commission issued its advisory opinion in early October.

The opinion said that the security upgrades  which the governors office did not detail or even broadly describe to the commission when asking for guidance  did not constitute a personal benefit, given the governors position in state government and the circumstances that necessitated the work.

Shapiro officials have repeatedly declined to respond to questions about the timing of the work.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
A deadly outbreak of equine herpes virus has left several horses dead and sickened others in eight states.

The outbreak was reported in November in horses competing at the Womens Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas.

At least two horses died and several dozen have been sickened.

Strains of the highly contagious respiratory infection can cause serious neurological disease in horses.

The outbreak has put horse communities on edge and led to the suspension of rodeos and other equine events.

What is EHV?

Equine herpesviruses are common in horses worldwide.

According to the Equine Disease Communication Center, the virus usually causes respiratory illness in horses.

However, certain strains cause outbreaks of neurologic disease that can attack the brain and spinal cord, leading to a serious condition called Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

Common signs include fever, swollen legs, hind-end weakness and urine dribbling, while severe cases lead to behavior changes, nerve problems, seizures, or an inability to stand, according to the EDCC.

With prompt veterinary care and isolation, the EDCC said about 60-70% of infected horses recover.

Has the virus reached Pa.?

Here in Pennsylvania, several horses have tested positive for EHV, but the cases are not connected to the Texas outbreak, according to the EDCC.

On Nov. 27, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reported to the EDCC that three horses from an unnamed farm in the Lancaster County tested positive for a neurological form of the equine herpesvirus. One of those horses was euthanized.

Earlier in the month, a horse in Northumberland County was infected with EHV-4, a milder form of the respiratory illness.

The horse was at the Keystone Yearling and Breeders Sale on Nov. 7 and 8 in Bloomsburg.

Keystone Horse Center, which operates the facility where the sale was held, said on its Facebook page that all horses on site had health certificates and other documentation as required by the state Department of Agriculture and that biosecurity precautions, such as intensive cleaning, were taken before the sale.

What does this mean for the Pa. Farm Show?

Horses are an integral part of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, which starts on Jan. 10 in Harrisburg.

Many in the equine community are weighing whether they should pull out of the show.

On Dec. 8, the Pa. Department of Agriculture issued a temporary quarantine mandating additional documentation for the transport of horses into the state.

Spokeswoman Shannon Powers said those bringing horses into the state must attest the animals have not been exposed to EHM or had a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of EHM.

She said the department has also issued recommendations for those hosting horse shows, rodeos and other equine events.

As for the Farm Show, she said strict biosecurity requirements are already in place and veterinary inspection documents for all animals are checked as animals arrive.

Veterinarians make daily rounds and are on call in the complex during the event, she said.

How is it spread?

The virus spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact via the respiratory tract.

It can also be spread indirectly through contact with physical objects such as stalls, water, feed, tack and transport vehicles. Humans can spread the virus horse to horse through contaminated hands, clothing and equipment.

Can humans contract the virus?

Humans cannot contract the equine herpesvirus.

This story was updated with additional information from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Francesco Agnellini, Binghamton University, State University of New York

(THE CONVERSATION) The line between human and machine authorship is blurring, particularly as its become increasingly difficult to tell whether something was written by a person or AI.

Now, in what may seem like a tipping point, the digital marketing firm Graphite recently published a study showing that more than 50% of articles on the web are being generated by artificial intelligence.

As a scholar who explores how AI is built, how people are using it in their everyday lives, and how its affecting culture, Ive thought a lot about what this technology can do and where it falls short.

If youre more likely to read something written by AI than by a human on the internet, is it only a matter of time before human writing becomes obsolete? Or is this simply another technological development that humans will adapt to?

It isnt all or nothing

Thinking about these questions reminded me of Umberto Ecos essay Apocalyptic and Integrated, which was originally written in the early 1960s. Parts of it were later included in an anthology titled Apocalypse Postponed, which I first read as a college student in Italy.

In it, Eco draws a contrast between two attitudes toward mass media. There are the apocalyptics who fear cultural degradation and moral collapse. Then there are the integrated who champion new media technologies as a democratizing force for culture.

Italian philosopher, cultural critic and novelist Umberto Eco cautioned against overreacting to the impact of new technologies. Leonardo Cendamo/Getty Images Leonardo Cendamo/Getty Images

Back then, Eco was writing about the proliferation of TV and radio. Today, youll often see similar reactions to AI.

Yet Eco argued that both positions were too extreme. It isnt helpful, he wrote, to see new media as either a dire threat or a miracle. Instead, he urged readers to look at how people and communities use these new tools, what risks and opportunities they create, and how they shape  and sometimes reinforce  power structures.

While I was teaching a course on deepfakes during the 2024 election, Ecos lesson also came back to me. Those were days when some scholars and media outlets were regularly warning of an imminent deepfake apocalypse.

Would deepfakes be used to mimic major political figures and push targeted disinformation? What if, on the eve of an election, generative AI was used to mimic the voice of a candidate on a robocall telling voters to stay home?

Those fears werent groundless: Research shows that people arent especially good at identifying deepfakes. At the same time, they consistently overestimate their ability to do so.

In the end, though, the apocalypse was postponed. Post-election analyses found that deepfakes did seem to intensify some ongoing political trends, such as the erosion of trust and polarization, but theres no evidence that they affected the final outcome of the election.

Listicles, news updates and how-to guides

Of course, the fears that AI raises for supporters of democracy are not the same as those it creates for writers and artists.

For them, the core concerns are about authorship: How can one person compete with a system trained on millions of voices that can produce text at hyper-speed? And if this becomes the norm, what will it do to creative work, both as an occupation and as a source of meaning?

Beginning in 2023, the percentage of web content generated by AI quickly grew before plateauing between 2024 and 2025, according to a study by the digital marketing firm Graphite. The Conversation

Its important to clarify whats meant by online content, the phrase used in the Graphite study, which analyzed over 65,000 randomly selected articles of at least 100 words on the web. These can include anything from peer-reviewed research to promotional copy for miracle supplements.

A closer reading of the Graphite study shows that the AI-generated articles consist largely of general-interest writing: news updates, how-to guides, lifestyle posts, reviews and product explainers.

The primary economic purpose of this content is to persuade or inform, not to express originality or creativity. Put differently, AI appears to be most useful when the writing in question is low-stakes and formulaic: the weekend-in-Rome listicle, the standard cover letter, the text produced to market a business.

A whole industry of writers  mostly freelance, including many translators  has relied on precisely this kind of work, producing blog posts, how-to material, search engine optimization text and social media copy. The rapid adoption of large language models has already displaced many of the gigs that once sustained them.

Collaborating with AI

The dramatic loss of this work points toward another issue raised by the Graphite study: the question of authenticity, not only in identifying who or what produced a text, but also in understanding the value that humans attach to creative activity.

How can you distinguish a human-written article from a machine-generated one? And does that ability even matter?

Over time, that distinction is likely to grow less significant, particularly as more writing emerges from interactions between humans and AI. A writer might draft a few lines, let an AI expand them and then reshape that output into the final text.

This article is no exception. As a non-native English speaker, I often rely on AI to refine my language before sending drafts to an editor. At times the system attempts to reshape what I mean. But once its stylistic tendencies become familiar, it becomes possible to avoid them and maintain a personal tone.

Also, artificial intelligence is not entirely artificial, since it is trained on human-made material. Its worth noting that even before AI, human writing has never been entirely human, either. Every technology, from parchment and stylus paper to the typewriter and now AI, has shaped how people write and how readers make sense of it.

Another important point: AI models are increasingly trained on datasets that include not only human writing but also AI-generated and humanAI co-produced text.

This has raised concerns about their ability to continue improving over time. Some commentators have already described a sense of disillusionment following the release of newer large models, with companies struggling to deliver on their promises.

Human voices may matter even more

But what happens when people become overly reliant on AI in their writing?

Some studies show that writers may feel more creative when they use artificial intelligence for brainstorming, yet the range of ideas often becomes narrower. This uniformity affects style as well: These systems tend to pull users toward similar patterns of wording, which reduces the differences that usually mark an individual voice. Researchers also note a shift toward Western  and especially English-speaking  norms in the writing of people from other cultures, raising concerns about a new form of AI colonialism.

In this context, texts that display originality, voice and stylistic intention are likely to become even more meaningful within the media landscape, and they may play a crucial role in training the next generations of models.

If you set aside the more apocalyptic scenarios and assume that AI will continue to advance  perhaps at a slower pace than in the recent past  its quite possible that thoughtful, original, human-generated writing will become even more valuable.

Put another way: The work of writers, journalists and intellectuals will not become superfluous simply because much of the web is no longer written by humans.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/more-than-half-of-new-articles-on-the-internet-are-being-written-by-ai-is-human-writing-headed-for-extinction-268354.
Initially, I thought, whats next, Josh Shapiro hosting Saturday Night Live? Thats because I dont recall a burst of national notice like the one just given Shapiro at arguably an odd time.

In the first week of December, Shapiro was featured in long, long articles in The New Yorker and in The Atlantic, two Pulitzer Prize-winning national magazines read by millions.

These pieces followed a long, long New York Times glowing essay  written after Democratic socialist Zoran Mamdani won the New York City mayoralty  with a photo of a smiling Shapiro under a headline, Mamdani Isnt the Future of the Democrats. This Guy is. The piece was by a member of the Times editorial board. Its argument is Dems need a candidate who can win Pennsylvania; thats Shapiro.

And this week, the national news group Axios reports Shapiro has a plan for big wins in 2026. His own reelection and Democratic congressional seats to flip U.S. House control to show his muscle in Americas most important swing state  just as 2028 gets hot.

Why this level of attention now for someone with just 3.7% support for his partys nomination? Who knows? Happenstance? Coincidence? Left-leaning media seeking to pick a winner?

Okay, lets try conspiracy. Might work. If you dont consider The Atlantic piece. Its titled The Operator. Includes descriptions of Shapiro as petty, monomaniacally ambitious, self-promoting and disliked  in some case, loathed by members of his own party.

Not sure the same couldnt be said about a lot or maybe most successful high-ranking pols in either party. But it sure doesnt make Shapiro seem the guy the Times piece sees.

The Atlantic also quotes Shapiro reacting to Kamala Harris version of their face-to-face during vetting for her 2024 running mate. In her book, 107 Days, she wrote Shapiro sought to control the interview, wanted to be co-president, even asked about showcasing Pennsylvania artwork in the VP residence. He told The Atlantic her version is blatant liescomplete and utter bullshit. Adding, Shes trying to sell books and cover her ass. He then backed off a bit, telling the magazine, I shouldnt say `cover her ass. I think thats not appropriate. Still, not an issue or response serving Shapiro well.

The New Yorker piece, In The Line Of Fire, is about politicians reacting to the spread of political violence, but it focuses on Shapiro. It includes a full-page photo of him standing on the grounds of the Governors Residence and begins with details of the April arson attack there.

It quotes Shapiro extensively addressing the attack, talking about his family, his Jewish faith and the extent to which violence today adheres to politics. He mentions he gets lots of calls from people seeking advice on running for office: Id say that 10% of their questions are political and 90% are about what can I do to protect my family.

(It reports U.S. Capitol Police say 10 years ago there were 2,000 threats of violence against members of Congress; last year, more than 10,000.)

Shapiro also just did a political violence-themed event at Washington National Cathedral with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, moderated by NBC Todays Savannah Guthrie.

All in all, this burst of attention brought little news. Made Shapiro look like someone to take seriously despite low national numbers. Seemed to cement Shapiros intent to run for president. And, in The Atlantic interview, showed a rare uncool moment.

What was largely lost is his 2026 reelection bid, likely against a real candidate, state Treasurer Stacy Garrity. She has the record (once held by Shapiro) for most votes in a statewide election: 3.5 million in 2024.

Garrity campaign strategist John Brabender, a national GOP consultant, reacted to Axios reporting on Shapiros 2026 plan, saying, The political graveyard is full of candidates who have miscalculated and have tried to run for multiple offices at the same time.

Still, new polling by Real Clear Politics says Shapiro remains a popular governor (49% approve, just 22% disapprove) and that his popularity is surprisingly broad for a politician in our highly polarized age.

So, long way to go. More to come. And the spotlights sure to return.

John Baer may be reached at baer.columnist@gmail.com.
Sen. John Fetterman said during a TV appearance Tuesday he has no regrets about voting to end the federal government shutdown even though Democrats received no guarantees on extending healthcare subsidies that are set to expire.

Shutting our government down was always wrong, Fetterman told host Katy Tur on MS NOW, formerly MSNBC. I will never vote to shut our government down.

Fetterman was one of eight Democratic senators to vote with Republicans on reopening the government, though there was no deal to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which will expire at the end of the year.

As he has done since the shutdown, Fetterman said the closure was not worth risking food security for 46 million Americans on SNAP benefits.

Without subsidies, costs for healthcare coverage in the market will skyrocket for millions of Americans under the ACA, also known as Obamacare.

The GOP-controlled Senate is anticipated to vote on a three-year extension on Thursday but that is expected to fail as Republicans oppose it and 60 votes are needed for passage.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the Democratic bill extending subsidies a political messaging exercise, reported CNN.

Republicans insist they are working on their own healthcare plan but nothing has been presented for a vote.

Fetterman said he would vote for the three-year extension on Thursday although its fate is certain. I dont think a vote designed to fail is helpful, he said.

This vote should not be a political kind of a show vote, Fetterman said. It should really be a vote that has a chance to pass.

To that point, Fetterman said the way forward is a clean bill simply extending the subsidies for one year and giving Congress time to negotiate a long-term solution.

However, there is no plan for the Senate to vote on such a bill, he acknowledged.
Poland supports the opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk has said.

"Today we have reaffirmed our common position: no concessions to Russian aggression, joint work on strengthening the security of our region and support for Ukraine's European integration path. It is also important that Poland will host the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC-2026) next year, which opens up new opportunities for long-term joint projects," Kondratiuk said following the 14th session of the Parliamentary Assembly (PA) of Ukraine and the Republic of Poland on Thursday in Lviv.

According to Kondratiuk, these provisions are recorded in a joint declaration following the results of the PA session. She said the declaration also speaks of the need to continue search and exhumation work and combat disinformation that Russia spreads in order to sow distrust between Ukrainians and Poles.

In turn, Vice-Marshal of the Polish Sejm Monika Wielichowska stated that the PA session testifies to solidarity, the strength of inter-parliamentary partnership and deep interpersonal ties between the peoples of Ukraine and Poland at this particularly difficult time.

"Poland has been and will remain by Ukraine's side as long as necessary. Ukraine's future is in the European family. We highly appreciate the efforts that Ukraine is making on the path of European integration despite daily threats, pain and losses. In addition to conventional weapons, the Kremlin uses means designed to sow chaos, incite hostility, using a wide arsenal of disinformation tools. We must jointly fight the spread of harmful content," Wielichowska said.

According to the press release, in the declaration, the parliamentarians of Ukraine and Poland confirmed their commitment to the principle of territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine's borders. They stressed the need to create an International Compensation Mechanism for frozen Russian assets and supported the launch of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. The parliamentarians called on Russia to release all civilian hostages, exchange prisoners of war and return deported Ukrainian children. The declaration emphasized Poland's unwavering support for Ukraine on its path to EU and NATO membership.

The Parliamentary Assembly of Ukraine and Poland was established in 2003 to develop inter-parliamentary cooperation, coordinate positions and promote common strategic interests of the two states.
Editors note: An earlier reference in this article to Ballot PA Action being affiliated with the Committee of Seventy was incorrect.

Is Pennsylvanias ban on independent voters participating in party primary elections unconstitutional?

Thats the question a group of independents is asking the state Commonwealth Court to consider in a new filing announced Wednesday.

Ballot PA Action praised the filing by their chairman David Thornburgh, TV and radio host Michael Smerconish and three other Pennsylvanians.

After 88 years of being treated as second-class Pennsylvania citizens, 1.4 million independent voters will finally get our day in court, said Thornburgh, the son of former Republican Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh, according to a statement.

The plaintiffs, Thornburgh said, are confident in our argument that a state constitution that promises to treat all voters equally will no longer permit this political discrimination to continue.

An earlier petition filed with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in July was denied in August.

Ballot PA Actions statement said testimony from a Carnegie Mellon University mathematics professor made the latest filing unique.

CMU professor Wesley Pegden, the group said, analyzed election data from state House and Senate races from 2002 to 2020, school board elections in the counties where the plaintiffs live, and mayor and other elections for large counties in Pennsylvania.

Pegden measured voter influence, which corresponds to the number of votes that would have to change in an election to flip the final outcome of that election, Ballot PA Action said. The lower the number of votes necessary, the more an individual vote matters.

Democratic and Republicans voters influence is greater than independents since they get to vote in primaries and general elections, the group said.

Ballot PA Action said Pegden determined the median influence of a Democratic voter in legislative elections between 2002 to 2012 is 1.7 times the influence of an independent voter while a Republican voters influence is 1.8 times greater.

Independent voters influence is only equal to partisan voters influence in uncontested primaries and general elections, Pegden found.

In other words, the only elections in which independent voters have equal electoral influence to partisan voters (are) when no voters have any choice at all, Ballot PA Action said.
Dutch PM on meeting of Coalition of the Willing: Energy support, diplomatic track, and Russia's accountability discussed

Photo: https://x.com/MinPres

At the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, discussions included support for Ukrainian energy, peace talks, security guarantees, sanctions, and the immobilization of Russian assets, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said.

"Ukraine continues to suffer from Russian attacks on civilian targets and energy infrastructure. Europe must accelerate, strengthen, and consolidate our joint support for Ukraine over the long term. We just discussed the latest state of play in the peace talks again in the Coalition of the Willing. Finnish President Alexander Stubb is in the Netherlands on a state visit and accompanied me during the videoconference," the prime minister wrote on social media site X on Thursday evening.

He emphasized that to achieve lasting peace, it is essential that no decisions regarding Ukraine be made without the participation of Ukrainians.

"It is also crucial that NATO and Europe be closely involved in decision-making on issues affecting us, such as security guarantees, sanctions, and frozen assets. Furthermore, close cooperation with the United States must continue," Schoof noted.

The Prime Minister also announced a meeting of the Commission on Ukraine's Claims against Russia.

"Finally, sooner or later, Russia must answer for its war crimes. In this context, the Netherlands will host a Ministerial Conference on the Commission on Ukraine's Claims against Russia next Tuesday," he emphasized.
If there is one word to describe Contented Products over the past year or two, it might be visible. Its hard to miss them.

Drive around any part of the British countryside where outdoor pigs are kept and you will spot their instantly recognisable insulated pig arks in increasing numbers.

Turn up to any major pig farming event and they will be there showcasing their range of products. Then, sit down to watch your favourite Oxfordshire-based global TV farming phenomenon and there they are, housing Jeremy Clarksons pigs and helping to solve his piglet mortality issues.

It has been a busy and fruitful period for the winner of the 2024 NPA Allied Industry Member of the Year, which is the only award voted for by the pig farming public.

Contented Products, owned by Techneat Engineering, has been designing and manufacturing products for the outdoor pig sector for 30 years at Littleport in Cambridgeshire.

The past few years have seen accelerated growth and new products, underpinned by hefty investment in machinery to meet the growing demand. The company has just opened a second factory.

Over nine years, it has invested about 5m, and increased staffing levels from 20 people to around 50 today, operating a double-shift system from 6am to midnight.

I met Tom Neat, Techneats managing director; Jamie Macdonald, production director and the companys pig equipment specialist; and Rob McGregor, an award-winner pig farmer who has been advising the company for 10 years, at the Pilgrims Europe pig farming awards at the Norfolk Showground in November.

As ever, their exhibition was busy throughout, with lots of interest from farmers. When I managed to grab a word, there was only one place to start  their 15 minutes of global TV fame.

Clarksons Ring

It all began, Tom explained, when a production company in Oxford approached them for four arks when pigs were introduced in series 3 of Clarksons Farm. We realised they were going to a certain Diddly Squat Farm, but at that point we had no real involvement, he said.

However, when Jeremy and the team started to see excessive losses due to his Oxford Sandy and Black sows rolling on their piglets, Jeremy had the idea of introducing a bar inside  and called on Contented to put the idea into practice.

Jamie took up the story. So, we got approached by the producers to come up with something to save his pigs. We got a rough idea of what he wanted, and Rob and I went down, as you saw on TV, and sketched something up in front on the cameras, he said.

Rob added: The entire way the programme was presented, including the sequence of events, was entirely genuine, even down to the fact that when he took the call to say we had turned up, they were doing the car park. There was no interaction until the cameras were rolling. It had to be spontaneous, with no retakes.

Jeremy came across exactly as you would hope, although probably not as you would expect. He was very genuine, fascinated by the agricultural industry and really hungry for our knowledge. He was very respectful of what we knew and he didnt, and also really good fun.

I actually asked him if he preferred cars or farming  and he said definitely farming. Although we did talk a lot about cars!

A further appearance on the show followed as they delivered the pig rings  branded, creatively, as Clarksons Ring  which went on to win the 2025 Innovation of Year award.

It succeeded where crush bars tried decades ago in old huts didnt, due to the extra insulation, space and shape of the Aardvark huts, contributing to noticeably reduced mortality among Diddly Squats pigs.

Contented has gone on to sell the rings to a number of small-scale producers and has sent a decent quantity to Australia.

Appearing on the programme was a gamble. It could have gone wrong, but there has been a positive response and it has benefited the business, Rob said.

Praising the wider Clarkson effect, he added: He has alerted a whole new audience to our struggles and our plight. He has increased awareness about supporting British produce across the whole sector and has championed what we do.

On the farm I manage, we have people coming forward for jobs who are interested in the industry purely because of Clarksons Farm.

Techneat and Contented Products Established in 1984, Techneat designs and manufactures a wide range of specialist products for agricultural and amenity markets over two sites in Cambridgeshire.

It describes itself as a manufacturer of high-quality machinery and a rotomoulding specialist.

Contented Products is one of its brand names, developing a variety of outdoor pig equipment, including plastic insulated farrowing arks, larger weaner and dry sow accommodation, Clarksons Ring, feeders, drinkers, a wheel wash and hurdles.

Where it started

Contenteds journey started in 1995, when it bought its first rota-moulding machine. The business has grown since then through showing a willingness to trial and innovate to develop ideas, Tom said.

Rob first got involved when they produced the first plastic moulded ark in 2006. I could see the potential of it and got involved at a very early stage, bringing my knowledge of pig keeping into the business, and it has just carried on, he said.

A study tour of Denmark in 2008, organised by Waitrose and BQP, highlighted to Tom and Jamie the potential of nipple drinkers as an alternative to troughs. They developed a product for the UK, quickly followed by a farrow feeder, with the two designed to be fitted together.

Most of the ideas brought to Contented are customer-led by farmers looking for solutions to problems they have encountered  never more the case than with its breakthrough product. The concept for the Aardvark came from Rattlerow and its boss, Adrian Lawson, in 2014.

Rattlerow invested in the solution and we used our technology and expertise to develop it, Tom explained. In 2016, it won the Innovation Award at the British Pig and Poultry Fair, and we thought we might sell 500 a year. Ian Piercy came up with first big order of 120 there at the show. We have sold 20,000 more since, along with several thousand exported to Australia, New Zealand and Denmark.

The company now has five machines, and the latest acquisitions have required it to open a second factory.

Jamie added: As the popularity of the insulated arks grew, we invested more heavily to meet demand and add new products. In 2020, after investing in bigger machines capable of moulding products up to 6.5m long, we have produced weaner and dry sow huts, which have made a big difference.

Insulated Aardvarks

The principle of the insulated Aardvarks, with their fully recyclable, durable, twin-skin plastic construction is that they protect the pigs in extremes of weather  something increasingly necessary in a changing climate  with space to allow sows room to manoeuvre without crushing pigs.

Rob said: With my farm manager head on, Contented has introduced us to a whole new range of material and manufacturing methods  we would never have conceived the Aardvark as farmers. The products have provided a level of resilience to the outdoor pig sector that simply wasnt there before. We hadnt made a lot of progress since the war in how we house pigs outside, and this has just revolutionised it.

We now have equipment that is performing at a much higher level and is easier to manage, store and move, which is really important, given our staffing struggles.

Jamie added: They certainly look smart on the farm and they are durable. We recently had a customer who pressure- washed them down after six years and they look new.

Summing up, Tom said: We try to ensure the products hit the right spot in terms of performance, sustainability, durability and usability, as well as from an animal welfare perspective. Looking forward, we want to continue working closely with producers and see what else we can bring to the table.
Day 2 of the 2025 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague Main Event was a busy one, with 379 players returning from one of two starting flights. They were joined by 62 players registering at the last possible moment just before Day 2 began, bringing the total field size to 1,224 and prize pool to 5,936,400. Players found out exactly what they're playing for soon after, a staggering 1,019,300 top prize.

Leading the 163 players who advanced from Day 2 is Paawan Bansal, who ended the night with 850,000. Bansal soared to the top of the counts after being on the right side of a massive kings versus queens cooler on the stone bubble, eliminating Slobodan Ruzicic in a pot worth over 400,000. Ruzicic didn't walk away empty handed, as two more players were eliminated in the same hand of hand-for-hand play, with the three bubble boys each taking home 5,565.

Slobodan Ruzicic

Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Paawan Bansal India 850,000 170 2 Terry Jordon United Kingdom 845,000 169 3 Jeffrey Sarwer Canada 816,000 163 4 Tobias Peters Netherlands 789,000 158 5 Ole Schemion Germany 728,000 146 6 Ryan Mandara United Kingdom 694,000 139 7 Matan Krakow Israel 673,000 135 8 Jaromir Hanel Czechia 654,000 131 9 Ghattas Kortas Sweden 618,000 124 10 Grzegorz Kozieja Poland 614,000 123

Just behind Bansal in second place is Terry Jordon, who finished with 845,000. Jordon was leading the field for most of the last two levels after first making a flush to eliminate Ben Stubberfield, before Jerry Odeen fell victim to Jordon a few hands later, getting it in with pocket eights against Jordon's pocket jacks.

Other big stacks at the end of the night include Ole Schemion (728,000), and Fahredin Mustafov (520,000). Uri Gilboa (456,000), Anton Wigg (223,000), Dimitar Danchev (215,000), Davidi Kitai (74,000), and Tomasz Brzezinski are the five remaining EPT champions still in the hunt. Other notables to advance from Day 2 include Maria Lampropulos(363,000), Quan Zhou (229,000), Enrico Camosci (154,000), and Juha Helppi (99,000).

Anton Wigg

Notable players who made it to Day 2 but fell before the money include Simone Andrian, EPT Champions Nicolas Chouity, Ognyan Dimov, Padraig O'Neill, Oliver Weis, and Jan Bendik, as well as PokerStars ambassador Sebastian Huber. 2025 EPT Monte Carlo champion Aleksandr Shevliakov managed to squeeze into the money with a short stack, but was eliminated in one of the final hands of the night.

The action resumes at noon local time tomorrow, picking up on Level 16 with the blinds at 2,000/5,000 (5,000). From there, the plan is to play five more 90-minute levels. Shot clocks will be implemented, with each player receiving six time bank cards worth 30 seconds each at the start of Day 3.

All remaining players have secured themselves an 8,350 min-cash, and will be chasing the big prizes and ultimately the trophy when they return tomorrow.

Stay tuned as PokerNews will be back following all the action and providing live updates as the EPT Prague Main Event field continues to whittle down toward a champion.
Day 3 of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague 5,300 Main Event has wrapped up inside the Hilton Prague, and it is Gianfranco Iaculli who will return as the chip leader after building his stack to 2,450,000  the largest among the 45 remaining players. Close behind is Vasyl Pidhrusnyi, who also enjoyed a strong day and bagged 2,025,000 heading into Day 4.

Iaculli started the day sitting comfortably in the middle of the counts and slowly but steadily increased his stack throughout play. His biggest moment came in a major raising war against Aram Sargsyan, who ended up all in for 640,000. Iacullis kings held firm against Sargsyans ace-king, pushing him over the two-million mark for the first time.

Fabian Bartuschk

The chase behind him remains tough, with several notable names still very much in the mix. Fabian Bartuschk (950,000), Maria Lampropulos (905,000), Grzegorz Kozieja (770,000), Lymor Davidson (400,000) and Marius Kudzmanas (380,000) all secured bags and will return with hopes of climbing further up the leaderboard tomorrow.

Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Gianfranco Iaculli Italy 2,450,000 163 2 Vitezslav Cech Czechia 2,025,000 135 3 Vasyl Pidhrusnyi Ukraine 2,000,000 133 4 Ding Fan United Kingdom 1,925,000 128 5 Eyal Maaravi Israel 1,570,000 105 6 Filippo Ragone Italy 1,340,000 89 7 Paawan Bansal India 1,315,000 88 8 Roman Stoica Republic of Moldova 1,270,000 85 9 Matan Krakow Israel 1,065,000 71 10 Jeffrey Sarwer Canada 1,055,000 70

Day 3 Highlights

Day 3 began with 163 players already guaranteed 8,350, and the chips started flying the moment cards went in the air. More than 40 players hit the rail in the opening level alone, including Dimitar Danchev and former EPT champion Anton Wigg. They were soon followed by a string of notable exits such as Tomasz Brzezinski, Uri Gilboa, Davidi Kitai, Enrico Camosci, Day 1b chip leader Dimitrios Kilintaris, Roland Rokita and Ole Schemion.

Schemion entered the day well-positioned after a strong performance on Day 2 and continued to battle, but his run came to an end in 55th place for 16,800. After losing a key pot to Kozieja, he was left with five big blinds and could not recover.

Ole Schemion

Meanwhile, Day 2 chip leader Paawan Bansal kept himself near the top of the standings throughout much of the day. Slow and steady growth brought him to 1,315,000 by the end of play, putting him in seventh place entering Day 4.

It was a rollercoaster day for Matthias Auer, who started with 163,000 and worked his stack up before losing most of it against Roland Rokitas aces. Auer battled back with several swings and even found a double holding kings against Chaofei Wangs ace queen, but later doubled up Wang in one of the final hands of the night. He will, nevertheless, return with chips and a shot at a deep finish.

Merijn van Rooij

All eyes will also be on Merijn van Rooij, who survived one of the wildest moments of the day. He lost an all in to Traian Stanciu after Stanciu spiked a two outer on the river. Van Rooij had Stanciu covered by just 2,000 and survived the hand. With a chip race taking place before bagging, he was able to secure a bag with 5,000 chips, as players cannot be eliminated during a chip race. He returns tomorrow with a true chip and a chair situation that will be closely watched.

Remaining Payouts

Place Prize Place Prize 1  1,019,300 12-13  60,300 2  636,405 14-15  50,300 3  454,550 16-17  41,900 4  349,650 18-20  34,900 5  269,000 21-23  29,400 6  206,900 24-27  25,550 7  159,150 28-31  22,200 8  122,400 32-39  19,300 9  94,150 40-45  16,800 10-11  72,400

Day 4 resumes on Friday, December 12, at noon local time with blinds starting at Level 21, 10,000 and 15,000 blinds with a 15,000 big blind ante. Levels will continue to run for 90 minutes, with a 15-minute break at the end of each one and a 30-minute extended break after Level 24. Players will also receive a fresh supply of time bank cards at the start of the day.

Stay tuned to PokerNews for full live coverage as we continue tracking the action all the way toward the next EPT Prague Main Event champion.
Aleksejs Ponakovs and Pedro Padilha stole the show on Day 2 of Event #9: $100,000 Triton Main Even at the World Series of Poker Paradise. Just 11 players survived a long 12-level session inside Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, and the story of the day belonged to the two players who traded the chip lead for hours.

The duo spent most of the afternoon and evening wrestling control of the counts from one another, but once the final hands were dealt, it was Triton veteran Ponakovs who finished on top. He bagged 13,250,000 to Padilhas 10,400,000 as both players continue their push toward a first Triton trophy.

Pedro Padilha

Padilha and Ponakovs come into the final day on opposite ends of the Triton experience spectrum. Ponakovs has been a series staple for years, first appearing in 2022 and building a resume that includes 31 cashes and more than $19.5 million in Triton earnings. Hes widely regarded as one of the best players without a Triton title, finishing runner-up twice but never managing to close one out.

Padilha, meanwhile, only made his Triton debut this week. The online crusher announced himself quickly, impressing by finsihing tenth in the $125,000 NLH 7-Handed for $254,000. Despite the huge difference in Triton mileage, the two now find themselves on the same path, and both are well positioned to make a run at the title when play resumes at 1 p.m. on Thursday December 11.

Jason Koon

But nothing is guaranteed. Adrian Mateos, a two-time Triton champion, sits third with 9,750,000. Two spots behind him is Eelis Parssinen, another Triton title winner. And then there is Jason Koon, the most decorated player in Triton history. Koon brings a below-average 3,000,000 into the finale, but with 12 Triton titles and the second-highest total earnings on the tour, he is never out of contention. If anyone can turn a short stack into a run at the trophy, it is Koon.

The rest of the field includes several players hunting for their first Triton win: Ye Wang, Jean-Noel Thorel, Triton debutant Kelvin Kerber, Yang Wang, Klemens Roiter and Manuel Fritz all remain in the mix.

$100,000 Triton Main Event Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Aleksejs Ponakovs Latvia 13,250,000 106 2 Pedro Padilha Brazil 10,400,000 83 3 Adrian Mateos Spain 9,750,000 78 4 Ye Wang China 5,475,000 44 5 Eelis Parssinen Finland 4,700,000 38 6 Jean-Noel Thorel France 3,850,000 31 7 Kelvin Kerber Brazil 3,350,000 27 8 Jason Koon United States 3,000,000 24 9 Klemens Roiter 2,300,000 18 10 Manuel Fritz Austria 1,700,000 14 11 Yang Wang China 1,500,000 12

Day 2 Recap

Daniel Negreanu

With late registration open until the start of the day, another 38 players joined the 102 who bagged on Day 1. That pushed the total field to 237 entries, 55 more than last year, creating the second-largest Triton Main Event in history. The top 39 players would take a share of the $23,700,000 prize pool.

Some of the biggest names in poker fell before the money, including Daniel Negreanu, Patrik Antonius, Jesse Lonis and Kristen Foxen.

Nick Schulman

The stone bubble belonged to this years WSOP Hall of Fame inductee Nick Schulman, who got his last 21 big blinds in with ace-queen suited but ran into Stephen Chidwicks ace-king. Schulman could not find a lifeline, and his exit locked up at least $164,000 for everyone else.

2022 WSOP Main Event champion Espen Jorstad, who skipped the summer WSOP, made a deep run that ended in 31st place. He finished just behind defending champion Alex Foxen. David Coleman, fresh off his win in the $125K event, bowed out in 17th to set up the final two tables.

Masato Yokosawa

Chidwick exited in 16th and Masato Yokosawa fell in 15th after Koon flopped quads. Alex Kulev, Hannes Jeschka and Jun Obara were the final eliminations of the night.

All remaining players have secured $415,000 and are just three knockouts away from the final table, where the minimum payout rises to $597,000. The top six will earn seven-figure prizes with a massive $4,750,000 set aside for the winner, along with the WSOP bracelet and the Triton trophy.

Remaining Payouts

Place Prize 1 $4,750,000 2 $3,160,000 3 $2,311,000 4 $1,865,000 5 $1,462,000 6 $1,107,000 7 $813,000 8 $597,000 9 $495,000 10 $415,000 11 $415,000

Play resumes on Thursday, December 11 at 1 p.m. local time on Level 23 with blinds at 75,000/150,000 and a 150,000 big blind ante. STream coverage and live updates will begin at 2 p.m.

As always, stay with PokerNews throughout Thursday as we bring you coverage of the finale and crown the next Triton Main Event champion at WSOP Paradise.
Zelenskyy on elections: There should be ceasefire, at least for period of electoral process, voting

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine can hold elections, but their condition should be a ceasefire, at least for the period of the electoral process and voting.

"We are ready to work with President Trump in any format. And if President Trump talks more about elections in Ukraine, I want to say this absolutely openly  we can try to hold elections," Zelenskyy said in an address to participants in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Thursday, published on the website of the President's Office.

"But in order for elections to be possible, a security component must be ensured. And it is America that can help with this the most. If there is a need for elections now, there should be a ceasefire  at least for the period of the electoral process and voting," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, "this is something that needs to be discussed. Frankly, we here in Ukraine believe that America should talk to the Russian side about this."
Aiken Standard reporter

Bill Bengtson is an Aiken Standard reporter. He can be reached at (803) 644-2355 and bbengtson@aikenstandard.com.

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Senior Politics Reporter

Caitlin Byrd is the senior politics reporter at The Post and Courier. An award-winning journalist, Byrd previously worked as an enterprise reporter for The State newspaper, where she covered the Charleston region and South Carolina politics. Raised in eastern North Carolina, she has called South Carolina home since 2016.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 45F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 45F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
As of today, the actual strength of the Ukrainian Armed Forces under the potential agreement is 800,000 troops; this point has been sufficiently refined, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"There were different figures in the documents. By the way, remember in 2022 they wanted a limit of 40,000 or 50,000? Today, the document contains the actual size of the current army, which was agreed upon with the military  800,000 troops. I believe we have sufficiently finalized this point," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday.

Furthermore, speaking about the territory of Donetsk region, the president noted that he had heard all the proposals from the American side, and, through them, from the Russian side, and "he said that this is definitely not in Ukraine's interests, but it is necessary to continue the conversation and try to find answers to all questions so that everything will be more adequate."

According to the president, if one side withdraws 5 or 10 kilometers, the other must do the same.

"If you believe that a 'free economic zone' or so-called demilitarized zone should exist, thrive, and develop, and if only civilians, police, and so on, are allowed to be present there, then the question arises: if some troops must withdraw while others remain where they are, then what exactly will prevent these other troops, that is, Russian troops, from advancing further? Or from infiltrating the 'free economic zone' under the guise of 'civilians' and taking control of it?" he emphasized.

The head of state noted that this is all very serious, and it's not a given that Ukraine will accept it. He said that when it comes to compromise, it must be a "fair compromise."
Fighters of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) struck two Russian chemical plants for the production of explosives at night  Akron (Veliky Novgorod, Russia) and Dorogobuzh (Smolensk region, Russia), as well as a number of critical, strategic and military infrastructure facilities, including a refinery, USF commander Robert (Madyar) Brovdi said.

"On the night of December 11, USF birds lit up chemical plants in the swamps," he said in his Telegram channel on Thursday. Madyar named two Russian chemical plants  Akron (Veliky Novgorod, Russia) and Dorogobuzh (Smolensk region, Russia).

According to him, Akron produces nitric acid, ammonia and ammonium nitrate. The enterprise also produces basic components for the production of gunpowder and explosives in interests of the occupation army.

"Dorogobuzh Chemical Plant (Dorogobuzh, Smolensk, Russia) is a production facility for nitric acid, ammonia, nitroaminophosphite, ammonium nitrate and other chemical products for the production of TNT, octogen, hexogen and other explosives in the interests of the occupying army," the commander said.

"This night also happened to other objects of critical, strategic and military infrastructure in the swamps, in particular one of the oil refineries," Brovdi said, without specifying which enterprises the USF drones flew to.

"The courtesy visit was paid by the Birds of the 1st Separate USF Center (transformed 14th USF Regiment) together with the Birds of the GRAF unit of the Unmanned Systems Forces," Madiar said.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / National plaintiffs law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP encourages investors in Avantor, Inc. ("Avantor" or the "Company") (NYSE:AVTR) who purchased or otherwise acquired Avantor common stock between March 5, 2024 and October 28, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period") to contact us immediately regarding the pending securities class action against Avantor. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff is December 29, 2025.Class Period: March 5, 2024 - October 28, 2025Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: December 29, 2025Case information: https://lieffcabraser.com/securities/avantor/ Contact us: Email or text investorinfo@ lchb.com or call 1-800-541-7358Avantor, incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a global supplier of scientific products, tools, laboratory solutions, and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education & government, and advanced technologies & applied materials industries.The action alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Avantor's competitive positioning was weaker than Defendants had publicly represented; and (2) Avantor was experiencing negative effects from increased competition. Rather, Defendants repeatedly claimed that Avantor was well-positioned compared to peer companies and downplayed any competitive pressures.The market began to learn the truth on April 25, 2025, when Avantor reported disappointing 1Q 2025 financial results, including weak organic sales for its Laboratory Solutions business, and cut its projected organic revenue growth for 2025 by 2% to -1% to 1%. Avantor also announced that Defendant Stubblefield would be stepping down from his roles. Avantor's Executive Vice President and CFO, Defendant R. Brent Jones, attributed the Company's weak performance and outlook in part to "the impact of increased competitive intensity." On this news, the price of Avantor common stock declined $2.57 per share, or 16.58%, from a close of $15.50 per share on April 24, 2025, to close at $12.93 per share on April 25, 2025, on extremely heavy trading volume.On August 1, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing 2Q 2025 financial results, including a 3% year-over-year decrease in net sales and an 11.7% year-over-year decrease in adjusted operating income in its Laboratory Solutions business. The Company also lowered its projected organic revenue growth for 2025 to -2% to 0%, and to -4% to -2% for 3Q 2025. Jones again attributed the reduced outlook and growth to "increased competitive intensity." On this news, the price of Avantor common stock declined $2.08 per share, or 15.48%, from a close of $13.44 per share on July 31, 2025, to close at $11.36 per share on August 1, 2025, on extremely heavy trading volume.On October 29, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing 3Q 2025 financial results, including a 5% year-over-year decrease organic revenue growth both in its Laboratory Solutions business and overall. Avantor further reduced its 2025 projected organic revenue growth -3.5% to -2.5%, and reported a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $785 million. Jones disclosed that the impairment charge was due in part to competitive pressures on the Company's "ability to get price, which meaningfully impacted margins year-over-year on a sequential basis." New President and CEO Emmanuel Ligner disclosed that the Company had "lost a couple of large accounts." On this news, the price of Avantor common stock declined $3.50 per share, or 23.21%, from a close of $15.08 per share on October 28, 2025, to close at $11.58 per share on October 29, 2025, on heavy trading volume.About Lieff CabraserLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, with over 125 attorneys in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich, Germany, is an internationally-recognized law firm committed to advancing the rights of investors and promoting corporate responsibility. Repeatedly recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Powerhouse" by Law360, Lieff Cabraser has litigated some of the most important civil cases in the United States, and has assisted clients in recovering over $129 billion in verdicts and settlements. For over 50 years, Lieff Cabraser has remained committed to ensuring access to justice for all.Source/ContactSharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / National plaintiffs law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP encourages investors in Baxter International, Inc. ("Baxter") (NYSE:BAX) who purchased or otherwise acquired Baxter common stock between February 23, 2022 and October 29, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period") to contact us immediately regarding the pending securities class action against Baxter. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff is December 15, 2025.Class Period: February 23, 2022 - October 29, 2025Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: December 15, 2025Case information: https://lieffcabraser.com/securities/baxter/ Contact us: Email or text investorinfo@ lchb.com or call 1-800-541-7358Baxter, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, develops, manufactures, and markets medical products used in the healthcare industry. The Company recently launched the Novum LVP, a device that controls the delivery of intravenous ("IV") fluids that carry medications, blood products, and nutrients to patients.The action alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (a) Novum LVPs had been hampered by systemic defects causing malfunctions such as under-infusion, over-infusion, and non-delivery of fluids, which subject patients to serious risk of injury or death; (b) Baxter was notified of those Novum LVP malfunctions and related injuries and deaths; (c) Baxter's attempts to remedy those defects were inadequate and Novum LVP's design flaws continued to cause serious harm to patients; and (d) as a result of the foregoing, there was a significant risk that Novum LVP customers would be asked to discontinue using existing Novum LVPs and that Baxter would pause new sales of the devices.On April 7, 2025, Missouri news outlet KMOV reported significant safety issues with Novum LVP, specifically regarding the device's inaccurate infusion rates, based on information from a whistleblower. The KMOV report prompted the hospital system to take all its Novum LVPs out of service. Baxter nevertheless continued to promote the launch of Novum LVP and claimed it was a safe product.On April 24, 2025, Baxter sent Novum LVP customers a warning letter about the device's potential under-infusion risks and disclosed there had been only one serious injury linked to this issue.On May 20, 2025, after market close, the FDA issued a Class 1 Voluntary Recall of the Novum LVP, stating that under-infusion could occur if the device's "standby mode" feature was used, or if the device was shut off with a set loaded. On this news, Baxter's stock price fell $1.03 per share, or 3.3%, from its closing price of $31.46 on May 2025, to close at $30.43 on May 21, 2025.On July 14, 2025, Baxter sent Novum LVP customers a second warning letter about the device's risk of both under-infusion and over-infusion. The letter also disclosed that Baxter had received 79 serious injury reports and two reports of patient deaths tied to the device's safety issues. Baxter, however, did not instruct hospitals to remove their Novum LVPs from service but rather directed them on correction steps while continuing to use the devices.On July 31, 2025, Baxter announced that it was "voluntarily and temporarily pausing shipments and planned installations of the Novum LVP," and that the Company was "unable to currently commit to an exact timing for resuming shipment[s] and installation[s] for Novum LVPs." Baxter's Chief Operating Officer explained that the sales halt was in response to issues "we saw through our quality listening systems, customer feedback, and honestly our infusion data." Following this news, Baxter's stock price fell $6.29 per share, or 22.42%, from its closing price of $28.05 on July 30, 2025, to close at $21.76 on July 31, 2025, on significantly elevated trading volume.On October 30, 2025, Baxter announced disappointing Q3 2025 top line revenue, citing lower infusion pump sales because of the shipment and installation hold on the Novum LVP. Baxter's Chief Financial Officer revealed that the hold would continue beyond 2025 and was contributing to a loss in customers as customers "evaluate alternative solutions." Baxter also announced a significant reduction in its quarterly dividend to be paid in January 2026. On this news, Baxter's stock price fell $3.26 per share, or 14.5%, from its closing price of $22.42 on October 29, 2025, to close at $19.16 per share on October 30, 2025, on significantly elevated trading volume.About Lieff CabraserLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, with over 125 attorneys in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich, Germany, is an internationally-recognized law firm committed to advancing the rights of investors and promoting corporate responsibility. Repeatedly recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Powerhouse" by Law360, Lieff Cabraser has litigated some of the most important civil cases in the United States, and has assisted clients in recovering over $129 billion in verdicts and settlements. For over 50 years, Lieff Cabraser has remained committed to ensuring access to justice for all.Source/ContactSharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
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NEW YORK, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilJanuary 26, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE:ARE), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between January 27, 2025 to October 27, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Alexandria and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-are/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJanuary 26, 2026 .About the LawsuitAlexandria and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On October 27, 2025, post-market, the Company disclosed financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 that were below expectations, including cuts to its FFO guidance for the full-year 2025, due to lower occupancy rates, slower leasing activity and most notably, a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its LIC property.On this news, the price of Alexandria's shares fell from a closing market price of $77.87 per share on October 27, 2025 to $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025, a decline of about 19% in the span of just a single day.The case is Warren Hern v. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-11319.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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CleanHaus Lite, a new web and SMS platform, helps short-term rental hosts and cleaners save time by automating turnover scheduling and centralizing operations.PORTLAND, OR / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 /CleanHaus , an AI hospitality technology company founded in November 2024, today announced the public release of CleanHaus Lite, its first product in a suite of AI-native tools built to modernize and simplify hospitality operations. Available today, CleanHaus Lite helps short-term rental hosts and cleaners stay perfectly aligned by automating turnover scheduling, streamlining communication, and removing the day-to-day friction that slows down property care.Airbnb and other vacation rental marketplaces created an entirely new hospitality category by connecting hosts and guests. But in doing so, they failed to connect hosts to the cleaners and other maintenance personnel that keep their rental running. CleanHaus was built to close that gap and offer both hosts and cleaners indispensable tools to stay aligned so that guests will never show up to a dirty Airbnb.Using a simple web interface and SMS messaging, CleanHaus Lite integrates with short term rental booking calendars and automatically works with cleaners to schedule jobs and report on issues encountered at every turnover. With Lite, hosts are relieved of the burden of constantly texting with their cleaners or wondering if their guests will arrive to their home before it was cleaned and prepped for their stay.. CleanHaus handles this automatically, including remitting payments once turnovers are complete.CleanHaus was founded by Nat Parker(CEO & Founder) , Christie Perrott(CMO & Co-Founder) , and Matthew "Skip" Rotter(CTO & Co-Founder) -a trio of seasoned technologists who previously worked together at moovel North America , the Daimler-backed mobility startup headquartered in Portland, Oregon. At moovel, the team helped build both the products and the market that defined mobility-as-a-service worldwide, beginning with the industry's move to mobile ticketing for public transit.Now, they are bringing that same energy, discipline, and innovation to hospitality-specifically the rapidly growing and long-overlooked world of short-term rental operations.Both Parker and Perrott are short-term rental owners themselves and have experienced firsthand the operational complexity of turnovers, communication gaps, and fragmented tools. CleanHaus Lite was designed as a direct response to these challenges."We built CleanHaus to solve real-world pain points that hosts and cleaners face every day," said Nat Parker, CEO & Founder. "Short-term rentals depend on the local businesses and independent cleaners who make every stay possible. CleanHaus Lite is our first step toward giving them modern tools, saving them time, and strengthening the backbone of the hospitality ecosystem." CleanHaus Lite tackles the most fundamental operational task- matching every booking with a scheduled cleaning -and ensures hosts and cleaners always stay in sync. The product includes automated turnover scheduling, SMS-friendly communication, and a simple mobile-web interface accessible to anyone, anywhere.The release also introduces Claus , CleanHaus's AI agent, launched in Beta. Claus takes on the headache of constant texting between cleaners on hosts- he assists with scheduling, tasks management and communication to help reduce administrative overhead and keep property operations running smoothly. Cleaners can interact with Claus in the web application or simply by texting him. CleanHaus designed Lite to perform reliably without requiring an app download, ensuring wide accessibility for cleaners and hosts alike.CleanHaus will continue releasing products across its AI-native hospitality operations platform throughout 2026, with additional tools for inventory, maintenance, marketplace coordination, and multi-property workflows.About CleanHausFounded in 2024 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon , CleanHaus is building the next generation of hospitality operations software. With an AI-native platform designed to empower hosts, cleaners, and service providers, CleanHaus simplifies property care through automation, smart scheduling, and purpose-built tools for short-term rental operations. Learn more at: clean.haus For press inquiries, contact:Christie Perrottchristie@ clean.haus SOURCE: CleanHaus
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-12 00:00:29

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NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilDecember 23, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against James Hardie Industries plc ("James Hardie" or the "Company") (NYSE:JHX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between May 20, 2025, and August 18, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of James Hardie and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-jhx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byDecember 23, 2025 .About the LawsuitJames Hardie and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 19, 2025, despite prior reassurances that its North America Fiber Cement segment remained strong, the Company disclosed that sales in North America Fiber Cement declined by 12% due to customer destocking first discovered "in April through May," that was expected to impact sales for at least the next two quarters.On this news, the price of James Hardie's shares fell by over 34%, or $9.79 per share, from a closing price of $28.43 per share on August 18, 2025 to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025.The case is Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, et al., No. 25-cv-13018.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-11 18:17:06

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 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
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-11 17:04:21

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EZLynx Integration Brings Greater Accuracy and Efficiency to Insurance AccountingSCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Insurance Accountants announces an expanded set of financial management services through deeper integration withEZLynx Accounting . The development strengthens support for insurance agencies that require structured financial workflows within the EZLynx system. Logo Insurance Accountant logoThe integration centers on organized payment processes, precise financial records, and streamlined reconciliation. Insurance Accountants delivers structured support for agencies using EZLynx to manage policy transactions, billing activity, carrier payables, and premium tasks. Aligning accounting functions with the platform's capabilities creates a consistent and automated workflow that supports daily operations.Insurance Accountants follows a methodical setup process to align EZLynx Accounting with each agency's existing structure. The onboarding framework limits workflow disruptions while establishing clear processes for billing, premium handling, and transaction matching. Training and continued support equip staff to operate confidently while the accounting workload shifts to a dedicated team.The service covers core functions within EZLynx, such as recording carrier payables, tracking premium activity, generating invoices, monitoring collections, and reconciling policy downloads. Each step is designed to reduce inconsistencies and support accurate alignment with policy changes, endorsements, renewals, and cancellations.Reliable financial workflows also influence broader organizational functions. Predictable billing cycles support steady revenue tracking. Detailed reconciliation provides visibility across policy transactions. Accurate payment records assist leadership in evaluating financial performance without delays caused by data errors.This advancement strengthens the firm's position in insurance accounting services and supports agencies seeking organized, accurate, and efficient financial workflows within EZLynx.About Insurance Accountants Insurance Accountants provides nationwide accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and financial workflow services for insurance agencies and brokerages. The firm supports EZLynx, Applied Epic, and AMS360 to help agencies maintain accurate and organized financial operations.Contact InformationMatt Burns Chief Accounting Officermatt@ insuranceaccountants.com 480-691-1624SOURCE: Insurance Accountants
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-11 18:30:13

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 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
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-11 18:45:07

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 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 includenames 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 personalinformation was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from 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
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Wind Energy and BESS in 2025: Year of New Solutions, Challenges, and Growth'

On Friday, December 19, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency (8/5a Reitarska Street) will host a press conference entitled "Wind Energy and BESS in 2025: Year of New Solutions, Challenges, and Growth." The event is dedicated to summarising the performance of the RES market in 2025, focusing on wind generation and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Starting this year, the combination of these two technologies forms the foundation for the further development of the market and outlines the contours of Ukraine's post-war, highefficiency energy system.

Participants include

Chairman of the Board of the UWEA Andriy Konechenkov;

Partner and Head of the Energy Practice at LCF, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the UWEA Ivan Bondarchuk;

Head of Regulatory Department of DTEK Renewables, member of the UWEA Committee on Legal Issues Yevhen Lapchenko;

Managing Director of Elementum Energy and member of the UWEA Board Olha Rybachuk;

Director of Trading and Electricity Supply at KNESS and Deputy Head of the UWEA Committee on Development of BESS Serhiy Kravchuk.

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTuble channel.

Admission requires registration the spot with press ID cards.

Additional information by phone: [email protected], (050) 223 2996.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-11 18:45:12

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 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: 2025-12-11 18:22:07

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 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, iQ Credit 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: 2025-12-12 00:00:45

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NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilJanuary 2, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between June 20, 2025 and September 24, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of CarMax and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-kmx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJanuary 2, 2026 .About the LawsuitCarMax and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On September 25, 2025, the Company announced its Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 financial results, disclosing among other things, that retail unit sales had decreased 5.4%, comparable store unit sales had decreased 6.3%, wholesale units had decreased 2.2%, and that net earnings per diluted share of $0.64 compared to $0.85 a year ago.On this news, the price of CarMax's shares fell $11.5 per share, or 20.07%, to close at $45.60 per share on September 25, 2025.The case is Cap v. CarMax, Inc., No. 25-cv-03602.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-12 00:01:20

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Freeport-McMoran Inc. ("Freeport" or the "Company") (NYSE:FCX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Freeport and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Freeport securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On September 9, 2025, Freeport issued a press release announcing the suspension of mining activities at its Grasberg Block Cave operation in Indonesia, after "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint . . . blocked access to certain areas within the mine," trapping seven workers. The press release further stated that mining operations in the area "have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the safe evacuation of the . . . workers." On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $2.80 per share, or 5.99%, to close at $43.87 per share on September 9, 2025.Then, on September 24, 2025, Freeport provided an update on the incident, reporting that two of the seven workers were "fatally injured" and that the remaining five workers "remain missing." The press release further stated that mining operations in the area remained suspended.On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $7.69 per share, or 16.95%, to close at $37.67 per share on September 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-12 00:01:03

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 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: 2025-12-12 00:01:16

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Perrigo Company plc ("Perrigo" or the "Company") (NYSE:PRGO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Perrigo and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 16, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Perrigo securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 27, 2024, Perrigo reported fiscal year 2023 earnings, revealing significant acquisition and integration-related charges, including a purported one-time cash cost of an additional $35 million to $45 million for remediations to address production and facility issues in its infant formula business. The Company also disclosed a 50% decline in earnings per share compared to the prior year due to infant formula remediation actions.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $4.87 per share, or 15.14%, to close at $27.30 per share on February 27, 2024.Then, on May 7, 2024, Perrigo released earnings for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024, revealing the significant negative impact of Perrigo's costly actions to augment and strengthen its infant formula business.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $3.28 per share, or 9.8%, to close at $30.15 on May 7, 2024.Then, on August 6, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release announcing earnings for the second quarter ended June 28, 2025, revealing the Company's adjusted gross profit decreased $30 million, or 6.9%, due in part to "production variability in infant formula, leading to an increase in product scrap in the quarter." Finally, on November 5, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release, announcing the Company "is initiating a strategic review of its infant formula business" including a "a full range of alternatives." The press release revealed Perrigo is "reassessing the Company's previously announced investment in this business of $240 million." On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $5.09 per share, or 25.2%, to close at $15.10 per share on November 5, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Avantor, Inc. ("Avantor" or the "Company") (NYSE:AVTR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Avantor and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 29, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Avantor securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On April 25, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing first quarter 2025 financial results, cut its guidance for 2025, and announced that Michael Stubblefield would be stepping down from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer. Avantor's management attributed its weak performance and outlook to "the impact of increased competitive intensity." On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.57 per share, or 16.5%, to close at $12.93 per share on April 25, 2025.Then, on August 1, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing second quarter 2025 financial results, including a year-over-year decrease in net sales, and further reduced the Company's 2025 guidance-now projecting organic revenue growth of -2% to 0%. Avantor's management again attributed the Company's lackluster results and outlook to "increased competitive intensity" and further admitted that Avantor did not expect the competitive environment to materially improve in the remainder of 2025.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.08 per share, or 15.48%, to close at $11.36 per share on August 1, 2025.Then, on October 29, 2025, Avantor reported weak third quarter 2025 financial results, including -5% organic revenue growth and a net loss of $712 million, which management primarily attributed to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $785 million. Avantor's management said that the impairment charge was necessary due in part to "competitive pressures" that had "meaningfully impacted" Avantor's margins and further disclosed that the Company had lost several large accounts.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $3.50 per share, or 23.21%, to close at $11.58 per share on October 29, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilJanuary 12, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stride, Inc. ("Stride" or the "Company") (NYSE:LRN), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between October 22, 2024 and October 28, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Stride and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-lrn/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJanuary 12, 2026 .About the LawsuitStride and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On September 14, 2025, it was reported that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education had filed a complaint against the Company, alleging fraud, deceptive trade practices, systemic violations of law, and intentional and tortious misconduct, including inflating enrollment numbers by retaining "ghost students" on rolls to secure state funding per student and ignoring compliance requirements, including background checks and licensure laws for its employees. On this news, the price of Stride's shares fell $18.60 per share, or 11.7%, to close at $139.76 per share on September 15, 2025.Then, on October 28, 2025, the Company disclosed that "poor customer experience" had resulted in "higher withdrawal rates," "lower conversion rates," and had driven students away, and that the Company estimated the impact caused approximately 10,000-15,000 fewer enrollments and that, because of this, its outlook is "muted" compared to prior years. On this news, the price of Stride's shares fell $83.48 per share, or more than 54%, to close at $70.05 per share on October 29, 2025.The case is MacMahon v. Stride, Inc., et al., Case No. 25-cv-02019.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Strategic Metals Ltd. (TSXV:SMD) ("Strategic" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the filing of two Technical Reports (the "Reports") for its Hopper and Division Mountain projects, both prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The Reports, titled "Technical Report on the Hopper Project in the Dawson Range Copper-Gold Belt, Aishihik Lake area, Yukon, Canada" and "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Division Mountain Property, Yukon Territory, Canada" are filed on SEDAR and can be viewed at www.sedar.com under the Strategic profile."The projects described in these reports are two of the best mineral assets in Strategic's extensive portfolio" states Doug Eaton, President and CEO of Strategic. "The Hopper copper-gold project has excellent size and grade potential, providing a clear and rapid path from exploration to resource definition; whereas the Division Mountain project offers Yukon a local solution to the Territory's energy needs while it transitions to longer term green energy sources. Division Mountain's known coal resources could produce enough electricity to satisfy projected medium-term demand on the grid and at one or more of the rapidly advancing, off-grid Yukon mining projects." Hopper ProjectThe Hopper Project hosts copper-gold skarn and porphyry mineralization. It lies within the southern part of the Dawson Range Copper-Gold Belt, a metallogenic province in west-central Yukon that hosts several major deposits, including Western Copper and Gold Corporation's Casino porphyry copper-gold deposit, located 190 km to the north-northwest (Figure 1). The property covers a 74 km2 area and is accessible via a network of roads and trails. Mineral occurrences on the property, which collectively make up the Copper Castle skarn target and the Hopkins North porphyry target, are associated with a 4 by 6 km intrusion referred to as the Hopper Pluton. Dating of the pluton has yielded a late Cretaceous age that is consistent with most mineralization along the belt, including the Casino deposit.The Copper Castle target covers at least 10, stacked skarn horizons along a 1,200 m strike length south of the Hopper Pluton. The skarns have been only partially delineated and remain open down dip and along strike to the south. Recent drill results from the Copper Castle target include 1.41% copper and 0.532 g/t gold over 22.28 m from HOP21-01 and 1.87% copper and 1.04 g/t gold over 15.27 m from HOP22-03. The Hopkins North target is largely untested. It covers porphyry-type copper-gold mineralization identified within a 650 by 2,300 m area, which is associated with late phases of the Hopper Pluton. In 2015, a single diamond drill hole tested Hopkins North and returned a weighted average grade of 0.17% copper over 162.85 m. A follow-up hole in 2021, collared 320 m to the southeast, yielded 0.22% copper over 114.38 m from surface (HOP21-06).Figure 1 - Hopper Project location and tectonic assemblage map of YukonThe Company has prepared a video presentation on the Hopper Project with further details, which can be found at www.youtube.com/@strategicmetalsltd . A copy of the Hopper Technical Report is available on Strategic's website at strategicmetalsltd.com/projects/hopper-project Division Mountain ProjectThe Division Mountain Project covers a 370 km2 area of coal-bearing stratigraphy in southwestern Yukon, approximately 90 km northwest of Whitehorse (Figure 2). The property is accessible via a 31 km four-wheel drive road originating from the Klondike Highway near the community of Braeburn. Exploration at Division Mountain, which has occurred intermittently since 1972, includes: 10.4 km of excavator trenching; 12,230 m of diamond drilling in 72 holes; 2536 m of reverse-circulation (RC) drilling in 27 holes; and 125 m of rotary-air-blast (RAB) drilling in 4 holes. This work has outlined a current resource of 52.5 million tonnes (Mt) of high Volatile "B" Bituminous coal.Figure 2 - Division Mountain Project location along with Yukon sources of electrical powerThe Division Mountain coal deposit has been explored over a 6.5 by 1.5 km southeast-trending area. Most of the coal occurs in the Middle to Upper Jurassic Tanglefoot Formation Upper Member, which was deposited in a complex river mouth environment. As there are no natural exposures of coal in the Division Mountain area, bedrock coal occurrences have been located either by trenching in areas of loose coal fragments on surface or where coal-bearing stratigraphy has been projected along strike. Several coal occurrences that cover Tanglefoot Formation outside of the deposit have seen little to no work, while the deposit itself remains open to the north, west and southeast.The Division Mountain deposit is located 20 km west of a major electrical transmission line that runs in parallel with the Klondike Highway and ideally situated to provide feedstock to a local power plant.A copy of the Division Mountain Technical Report is available on Strategic's website at strategicmetalsltd.com/projects/division-mtn-coal Technical information in this news release has been approved by Strategic's Vice President Exploration, Jackson Morton, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.About Strategic Metals Ltd.Strategic is a project generator with 16 royalty interests, 12 projects under option to others, and a portfolio of 83 wholly owned projects that are the product of over 50 years of focussed exploration and research by a team with a track record of major discoveries. Projects available for option, joint venture or sale include drill-confirmed prospects and drill-ready targets with high-grade surface showings and/or geochemical anomalies and geophysical features that resemble those at nearby deposits.Strategic has a current cash position of approximately $1.4 million and large shareholdings in several active mineral exploration companies including 32% of Broden Mining Ltd., 30.4% of GGL Resources Corp., 28% of Rockhaven Resources Ltd., 15.5% of Silver Range Resources Ltd., 9.9% of Precipitate Gold Corp. and 4.3% of Trifecta Gold Ltd. All these companies are engaged in promising exploration projects. Strategic also owns 15 million shares of Terra CO2 Technologies Holdings Inc. ("Terra"), a private Delaware corporation developing a cost-effective alternative to Portland cement, which recently announced it secured US$124.5M funding for its first 240,000 ton per year commercial advanced-processing facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"W. Douglas Eaton"President and Chief Executive OfficerFor further information concerning Strategic or its various exploration projects
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Levi & Korsinsky, LLP releases a Podcast regarding James Hardie Industries plc. (NYSE:JHX) class action securities lawsuitA Class Action lawsuit was filed on behalf of James Hardie Industries plc. investors who lost money as a result of alleged securities fraud between May 20, 2025 and August 18, 2025.Levi & Korsinsky has released a Podcast describing the nature of the action. The podcast for this class action lawsuit can be found here:According to the filed complaint, defendants made false statements and/or concealed the following adverse facts pertaining to James Hardie's North America segment: (a) primary consumer demand and growth in James Hardie's North America segment were deteriorating; (b) overstocking was the primary driver of North America growth during the Class Period, not primary consumer demand; (c) a result, there was excessive inventory at James Hardie's North America distributors.If you have any questions about this class action lawsuit or any other sudden or unexpected stock loss, feel free to contact Levi & Korsinsky at (212)-363-7500.You can also find recent podcasts regarding other class actions lawsuits and topics which are of interest to shareholders that have lost money in the stock market, here:LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.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
China, Brunei pledge to promote building of community with shared future

Xinhua) 10:27, December 11, 2025

Peng Qinghua, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China and president of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, meets with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, Dec. 9, 2025. At the invitation of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, Peng led a Chinese delegation during a visit to Brunei from Tuesday to Wednesday. Peng met with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and Haji Abdul Rahman, speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam. He also attended the event "Civil Dialogue on Contributing People-to-People Strength to the Building of a China-Brunei Community with a Shared Future." (Xinhua/Li Meng)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China and Brunei have pledged to strengthen cooperation in various fields and promote the building of a China-Brunei community with a shared future, during a Chinese delegation's visit to Brunei from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Peng Qinghua, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China and president of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, who was leading the delegation, met with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and Haji Abdul Rahman, speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam.

Peng said that the traditional friendship between China and Brunei has a long history. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral relations have been continuously elevated and upgraded in recent years.

China stands ready to work with Brunei to implement the important common understandings reached between the two countries' leaders, carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, pursue common development, and advance the building of a China-Brunei community with a shared future, Peng said.

The Brunei side said that it places high importance on developing relations with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and stands ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China across the board, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and jointly advance the building of a Brunei-China community with a shared future.

During the visit, Peng also attended the event "Civil Dialogue on Contributing People-to-People Strength to the Building of a China-Brunei Community with a Shared Future."

Peng Qinghua, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China and president of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, meets with Haji Abdul Rahman, speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, Dec. 9, 2025. At the invitation of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, Peng led a Chinese delegation during a visit to Brunei from Tuesday to Wednesday. Peng met with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and Haji Abdul Rahman, speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam. He also attended the event "Civil Dialogue on Contributing People-to-People Strength to the Building of a China-Brunei Community with a Shared Future." (Xinhua/Li Meng)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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-The '608 Patent Asserted in the ITC and Part of $118 Million Damages Award Against Samsung-IRVINE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 11, 2025 / Netlist, Inc. (OTCQB:NLST) today announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) has affirmed the December 2024 final written decision by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) upholding the validity of Netlist's U.S. Patent No. 10,268,608 (the '608 Patent) in an Inter Partes Review (IPR) brought by Samsung. The '608 Patent had also been challenged in two other IPRs brought by Micron, both of which were denied institution by the PTAB. Samsung has 90 days from the CAFC's judgment to file a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.C.K. Hong, Netlist's Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are pleased with the appellate court's ruling. This is the second time this year the CAFC has affirmed a decision validating a Netlist patent. These rulings support Netlist's efforts to prevent the use of its intellectual property without a license." In March 2025, the CAFC had issued a judgment affirming the PTAB's decision upholding the validity of Netlist's U.S. Patent No. 10,217,523 (the '523 Patent) in another IPR brought by Samsung.The '608 and '523 Patents are two of the six patents Netlist has asserted in its complaint before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) against Samsung, Google and Super Micro. At the ITC, Netlist is seeking exclusion and cease and desist orders, which would direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to stop Samsung memory products that infringe Netlist's patents from entering the U.S. The '608 Patent is also part of the November 2024 jury verdict in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas where Netlist obtained a $118 million damages award against Samsung.About Netlist Netlist is a leading innovator in advanced memory and storage solutions. With a rich portfolio of patented technologies, Netlist's inventions are foundational to the advancement of AI computing. To learn more about Netlist, please visit www.netlist.com Safe Harbor Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, without limitation, statements about Netlist's ability to execute on its strategic initiatives, the results of pending litigations and Netlist's ability to successfully defend its intellectual property. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and often address future events or Netlist's future performance and reflect management's present expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: risks that Samsung will appeal the final orders by the trial court for the Samsung litigation, risks that Micron will appeal the final orders by the trial court (appeals in general could cause a lengthy delay in Netlist's ability to collect damage awards, could overturn the verdicts or reduce the damages awards); risks that Netlist will suffer adverse outcomes in its litigation with Samsung, Micron or Google or in its various other active proceedings to defend the validity of its patents; risks related to Netlist's plans for its intellectual property, including its strategies for monetizing, licensing, expanding, and defending its patent portfolio; risks associated with patent infringement litigation initiated by Netlist, or by others against Netlist, as well as the costs and unpredictability of any such litigation; risks associated with Netlist's product sales, including the market and demand for products sold by Netlist and its ability to successfully develop and launch new products that are attractive to the market; the success of product, joint development and licensing partnerships; the competitive landscape of Netlist's industry; and general economic, political and market conditions, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine, factory slowdowns and/or shutdowns, and changes in international tariff policies. All forward-looking statements reflect management's present assumptions, expectations and beliefs regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Netlist's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025, and the other filings it makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including any subsequently filed quarterly and current reports. In particular, you are encouraged to review the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2025 filed with the SEC on November 12, 2025. In light of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, these forward-looking statements should not be relied on as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements represent Netlist's assumptions, expectations and beliefs only as of the date they are made, and except as required by law, Netlist undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.For more information, please contact:Investors/MediaMike SmargiassiThe Plunkett Group NLST@ theplunkettgroup.com (212) 739-6729SOURCE: Netlist, Inc.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on Thursday highlighted major policy decisions made under President Bola Tinubu in the last two years, saying the reforms have strengthened Nigerias digital economy and laid the foundation for large-scale technology talent development.

Mr Tijani spoke at the 3MTT National Impact Summit held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja, where he credited the presidents commitment to firing up the base and ensuring that reforms directly benefit the average Nigerian.

He said the administration has enacted far-reaching policies, including the signing of the National Data Protection Commission Act, which gave Nigeria its first standalone data protection regulator.

This commission is now recognised all over the world as one of the very best in Africa, he said.

The minister added that in October 2023, President Tinubu approved the 3MTT initiative as the largest technology talent accelerator programme in the world.

He also noted that in May 2024, the president committed to expanding national connectivity by approving a $2 billion investment in 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to provide Nigerians with the best internet that is available anywhere in the world.

According to him, the project is the largest of its kind in any developing country.

Mr Tijani said the president further declared all telecommunications and ICT infrastructure as critical national infrastructure in August 2024, granting them protection similar to military assets.

Speaking on telecom sector challenges, he said: For 10 years, they had been struggling to change the pricing of their services, and in January 2025, the president allowed these companies to increase their tariffs after a thorough study.

He added that the government recently approved the deployment of about 4,000 telecom towers in rural communities.

This initiative will bring close to 23 million Nigerians that are currently not connected at all into the digital economy, he noted.

3MTT and job creation

Mr Tijani said the celebration of 3MTT aligns with the presidents commitment to job creation.

Our president said he would like to create a million technology jobs, he recalled.

He said analysis by the ministry showed that there were over 4.5 million unfilled jobs in the technology sector at the end of 2023, adding:

This means creating one million technical jobs is not something Nigeria cannot achieve.

He added that about 59 per cent of the workforce will require upskilling, and that global projections show 170 million tech jobs will be created by 2030.

With Nigerias youthful population, he said the country is well positioned for global competitiveness. We are in a good position to truly become a net exporter of talent, he said.

This realisation, he added, informed the establishment of 3MTT as the worlds largest technology talent accelerator, designed to train three million Nigerians for both local and international markets.

Mr Tijani said the ministry received strong private sector support even when there was no government budget for the programme.

IHS Towers came forward and decided to put 1 billion into 3MTT, he said.

He added that IHS further invested 1.5 billion into renovating the damaged tech park in Kano, alongside other investments in Kwara and Borno states.

MTN also turned up with 3 billion, followed by 1 billion from Airtel, he noted.

AWS provided credits, while Google invested over 2 billion into training technical talents focused on deep technology.

He said Wema Bank provided credit worth over $10 million, The Alternative Bank offered 5 billion in device financing, Microsoft invested $1 million in training, and SecureID supported fellows who contributed to what he described as the first government-backed large language model in Africa.

Progress so far

The minister said over 1.8 million Nigerians applied for 3MTT within a month of its launch, adding: These are uniquely identified individuals from every state and every local government.

To ensure proper delivery, he said the ministry adopted a phased model: We focused on 1 per cent, then 10%, and finally 100% of the three million target.

Training for the first 30,000 participants began in December 2023, while the second phase started in July 2024.

He said the programme has already recorded over 15,000 direct jobs in the first batch, with some participants earning over 250,000 in their first roles.

He added that 201 applied learning centres have been activated, with over 600 facilitators and 15 e-learning providers engaged.

He also noted that 37 community managers funded by IHS, support the programme across all states and the FCT.

SCC provided laptops worth over 1.5 billion, he added, while over 400 million has been given out in prizes.

He said the programmes Net Promoter Score of 8.5 out of 10 shows strong satisfaction among participants.

You didnt need to know anybody to be part of this programme this is a programme for you, he said.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has confirmed the arrest of its newly elected president, Abubakar Yakubu.

Reports circulated on Wednesday, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, alleging that Mr Yakubu was taken into custody after being involved in an accident in Lagos.

However, in a statement sent to this newspaper on Thursday, the outgoing president, Emeka Rollas, confirmed the arrest.

He revealed that Mr Yakubu was truly involved in a tragic road accident on Tuesday.

According to Rollas, the accident resulted in the death of a child and left the childs mother injured.

He said the injured mother is currently receiving medical treatment.

He said: The accident, resulting from an unexpected mechanical brake failure, led to a collision that unfortunately claimed the life of a child and injured the childs mother. Immediately following the incident, Mr Yakubu cooperated fully with law enforcement and emergency responders as a law-abiding citizen. The Guild Leadership has since visited the affected family to offer condolences, emotional support, and solidarity in this painful moment.

The family and the guild have a shared understanding that this was a tragic accident. The family has shown remarkable grace, and we are grateful for it. Mr Abubakar Yakubu is deeply shaken by this heartbreaking incident. With deep sorrow, he continues heartfelt prayers for the soul of the departed child and the full recovery of the mother. Accidents are painful reminders of lifes fragility and are no respecter of age, status, tribe, or creed.

Prayer

Furthermore, Rollas called on guild members, industry stakeholders, and the public to join hands in praying for and supporting those affected.

He urged guild members and others to refrain from speculation or divisive commentary.

As a guild built on unity and compassion, we call on all members, industry stakeholders, and the public to join us in offering prayers and support to all affected, and to refrain from speculation or divisive commentary during this sensitive period.

As a guild built on unity and compassion, we call on all members, industry stakeholders, and the public to join us in offering prayers and support to all affected, and to refrain from speculation or divisive commentary during this sensitive period, said Rollas.

Rollass emphasised the guilds unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of care and responsibility.

He further remarked that the guild will stand as onethrough grief, through hope, and in enduring solidarity.

We appeal for privacy and respect for all parties as they heal and recover from this tragedy.

As of press time, the police have not responded to PREMIUM TIMES enquiries on the matter.

A review of their social media pages also showed no public statement on the incident.
The Ghanaian government has deported three Israelis in retaliation against the ill treatment of Ghanaian travellers at the Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.

Ghanas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, said the country was compelled to retaliate by deporting Israelis who had just arrived.

Following the ill-treatment and unjustified deportation of three Ghanaian nationals by Israeli authorities, the Government of Ghana has been compelled to retaliate by deporting three (3) Israelis who arrived in Ghana earlier today, the statement read in part.

The West African country had earlier accused the Israeli government of subjecting seven Ghanaians to inhumane treatment.

Four of the seven Ghanaians affected were members of a parliamentary delegation attending an international cybersecurity conference in Tel Aviv, the countrys capital.

They were detained on Sunday, 7 December, and released only after more than five hours of diplomatic intervention.

Meanwhile, the others were deported to Ghana.

The Ghanaian government believes this action to be deliberate, targeted primarily at Ghanaians.

It also dismissed Israels claim that the deportations were due to supposed non-cooperation by the Ghanaian Embassy in Tel Aviv.

It insisted that the mission had been conducted properly and in accordance with international law.

It is worth highlighting that Ghana and Israel have enjoyed cordial relations for more than six decades with considerable high volumes of unimpeded travel by citizens of both nations. This condemnable conduct by Israeli authorities is extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent with our friendly historical relations.

Following our enquiries, we find the justification provided by the Israeli Government being an alleged non-cooperation of our Embassy in the deportation of Ghanaians in Israeli custody as totally untenable as the facts confirm that our mission in Tel Aviv has been responsive and compliant with international law, the previous statement read.

However, in its most recent statement on the issue, Ghana noted that it had also summoned officials from the Israeli Embassy in Accra to discuss the situation.

The Charge dAffaires ad Interim of the Embassy of the State of Israel was promptly summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, considering that the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana is currently out of the jurisdiction.

Both Governments have agreed to resolve the matter amicably.

Ghana also declared its dedication to safeguard the dignity of its nationals and also that of other nationals.

Ghana deeply values our relations with all friendly countries and expects our citizens to be treated with dignity and respect in much the same way as other governments expect Ghana to treat their nationals, it added.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says the continent is moving closer to meeting the criteria for downgrading Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.

The move, it said, becomes imperative as more countries record zero cases for extended periods.

Yap Boum, Incident Manager for Health Emergencies at Africa CDC, made the remarks on Thursday during the continents virtual weekly press briefing.

Mr Boum noted that seven countries have now reached the end phase, while Sierra Leone is expected to enter the control phase on 16 Dec, after maintaining more than 42 days without a confirmed case.

According to him, this is in line with the standard outbreak-control threshold of two incubation periods.

He said the agency uses clear benchmarks before declaring an outbreak over at the national and continental levels.

At the continental level, we expect more than 45 days with no cases before a country is classified as being in the control phase, he said.

Sierra Leone will join that group on 16 Dec, once enough countries maintain this status, we can consider downgrading Mpox at the continental level.

He explained that Africa CDC applies five major criteria to determine whether Mpox can be downgraded, including the absence of sustained human-to-human transmission, declining regional risk, and the ability of countries to detect and respond to new cases.

Although recent population movements from the Uvira region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Burundi raised concerns about the potential spread of infectious diseases, he said the influx is not expected to significantly alter the Mpox outlook.

He said although movement of people always introduces some risk, Burundi has demonstrated strong surveillance and response capacity.

They have already proved they can detect cases, isolate them, and manage outbreaks effectively, he said.

He added that cross-border coordination remains critical, especially for tracking contacts and harmonising surveillance between DRC, Burundi, South Sudan and neighbouring countries.

Mr Boum added that Africa CDC, in partnership with the World Bank, is supporting countries to strengthen bilateral agreements and operational procedures that enable joint outbreak investigation, information-sharing and case management.

If there is no memorandum of understanding between countries, contact tracing across borders becomes impossible, he said.

We are accelerating these MOUs and regional meetings to improve harmonisation of surveillance and response.

He noted that while the WHO lifted the global Mpox emergency in September, the Africa CDC must base its own decision on African epidemiological data, country readiness, and regional risks.

He said they remain confident that if current trends continue, Mpox could soon transition out of emergency status on the continent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mpox (formerly called Monkeypox) is caused by the Mpox virus, also a member of the orthopoxvirus family (closely related to smallpox).

Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that looks similar to smallpox but is usually milder.

Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials.

In recent years, Mpox outbreaks have increased worldwide, partly because population-level immunity from smallpox vaccination has waned.

(NAN)
The army officer who led the coup in the Republic of Benin, Pascal Tigri, fled to Togo on Sunday to seek refuge.

BBC reports that the officials of the Beninese government disclosed that Mr Tigri had fled after the coup to oust President Patrice Talon failed.

The officials also disclosed that the government is aware of Mr Tigris current location and plans to submit a request for Mr Tigris extradition.

We dont know how to explain this, but we will make an official extradition request and see how the Togolese authorities will react, the BBC quoted an official as saying.

Last Sunday, a group of soldiers, who called themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), appeared on the state television to declare a takeover of the government.

The soldiers were led by Mr Tigri, who was also appointed president of the military committee.

They claimed to have met and decided that President Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the French Embassy in the country also disclosed that gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo near the presidents official residence.

Mr Talon later declared that the coup had been thwarted by loyal military troops in the country.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported that the coup was foiled with support from the Nigerian Army and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The intervention from Nigeria came at the request of Mr Talon, who sought immediate military backing to stop the coup.

The head of Benins republican guard, Dieudonne Tevoedjre, also stated that French special forces helped thwart the coup.

He told AFP news agency that French special forces were sent from [Ivory Coasts main city] Abidjan, and used for mopping up operations after the Beninese army had done the job.

He also noted that Benins troops were truly valiant and faced the enemy all day on Sunday.

ECOWAS had earlier condemned the coup, calling it a subversion of constitutional order.

Although Togo is a member of ECOWAS, it has yet to comment on the extradition of Mr Tigri back to Benin.

Although there are reports Mr Tigri has fled from Togo to Burkina Faso, that could not be verified at the time of this report.

Benin had earlier declared Mr Tigri wanted alongside two other soldiers  Ousmane Samary and Sambieni Castro  who were also part of fhe coup.
Since launching its Camp Holocaust offensive at the beginning of 2025, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has carried out over 200 attacks, killing at least 500 people. And Jamatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaawati wal-Jihad (JAS), excelling in predatory offensives and kidnappings for ransom, shows increased capacity for bold attacks against military posts.

These offensives by the Boko Haram factions, sometimes on the same targets in one week, are generally preceded by espionage, which is rapidly evolving with new technologies.

To gather information, Boko Haram factions have specialised military and non-military services, with designated internal units. Both factions have a police service (hisbah) with a designated leader.

While the hisbahs primary role is to maintain order within the group, they also have agents who have infiltrated communities to collect intelligence to protect the group. These units are non-military and comprise ISWAP members who lead civilian lives as farmers, traders or artisans. Through their interactions with communities, they are among the groups main sources of information.

Military agents, or qaids, are military leaders responsible for conducting operations in the field. Each has around 400 fighters under his command. Former fighters told ISS Today that the qaid designates several men to infiltrate the target communities days in advance to collect strategic information to plan an assault.

Boko Haram relies on networks of family members, friends, and other relatives to gather information. Interviews with ex-combatants reveal that several active combatants do business with their family members, sending them money for subsistence, including support for farming or other agricultural tasks, small-scale trade and livestock farming.

Many fighters lead double lives. They live between their communities and insurgent camps, collecting information for the terror group. Throughout the week of 13 April this year, in Nigers Diffa region, several active ISWAP members were intercepted by the defence and security forces as they tried to rejoin Boko Haram camps after spending time with their families. The groups logistical suppliers are renowned for living between their communities and insurgent camps.

Boko Haram also kidnaps people who can provide useful information for the groups operations. Shepherd children are kidnapped for information, for ransom, or to bolster the groups numbers. Through their work as shepherds, leading livestock in the fields, they know discreet paths that lead to communities. They also provide information on the advanced positions of defence and security forces.

Key to Boko Harams system of information collection are herders, fishers, and farmers, who are in the lake area for various seasonal agricultural activities. Their survival depends on how well they collaborate with the militants.

At least 10,000 artisanal fishers access the territory controlled by ISWAP each year for fishing activities. Several hundred herders travel each year to Lake Chads islands controlled by ISWAP to graze their livestock during the dry season. They come from Yobe, Borno, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara in Nigeria; Cameroons Far North and North regions; and from Lake Chad and Hadjer-Lamis in Chad.

Farmers stay there at certain times of the year, attracted by the lakes fertile land. And the groups enclaves provide important routes for smugglers, who cross these regions several times during the year.

All these users are not only required to pay taxes in return, but also to provide information that can be useful for terrorist operations.

Boko Haram also takes advantage of gaps in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes to collect information. Many non-deradicalised ex-combatants are back in their communities without any supervision, and continue to provide information to active fighters.

Numerous ex-combatants who are dissatisfied with the DDR programme return to Boko Haram with information and contacts. On several occasions, former Boko Haram fighters have been intercepted by defence and security forces while trying to rejoin the group, mainly due to concerns about reintegration programmes and mistrust in the community.

Boko Haram uses advanced technologies, including drones and other specialised electronic devices for eavesdropping, surveillance and photography to collect and process information. Fighters use satellite and cell phones, social media, high-definition digital cameras, and other technologies for propaganda and to gather intelligence for attacks.

Undercover agents share images and other information about civilian and military targets via WhatsApp, for example. Boko Haram also uses surveillance and reconnaissance drones, some of which are armed for pre-emptive attacks or disruption of military drills and planning meetings. On 11 May 2025, Cameroons army shot down three ISWAP reconnaissance drones flying over Mayo-Tsanaga.

Boko Haram sometimes infiltrates the military or paramilitary, corrupting agents in exchange for information or services. In 2019, for example, several Boko Haram fighters posed as demobilised fighters by joining the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) camp of Mora, where repentant fighters were being held. Their aim was to gather information on the forces actions. They then escaped.

In practice, this system of collecting and processing information allows Boko Harams various factions to have accurate intelligence on the exact number of soldiers on duty, their calibre and quantity of weapons, and their movements.

This enables insurgents to plan precise attacks and anticipate military counter-offensives; identify escape routes, plan kidnappings, cattle thefts, or the sale of stolen cattle; obtain logistical supplies; and extort communities and carry out financial transactions.

It also enables the group to procure important supplies and to plan and organise visits by its foreign trainers  from North Africa, the Maghreb, the Middle East, and even Chechnya  to the lakes islands. A video released in December 2024 by ISWAP shows a foreign trainer teaching fighters how to use heavy weapons.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram terrorists abduct eight people in Borno communities

Efforts to combat the groups information-gathering system must be stepped up. Boko Haram infiltrators and their accomplices must be systematically tracked down through specific and continuous operations, beyond the work of the intelligence services, and repression against them must be tightened. This could have a deterrent and coercive effect.

Governments in the region should invest more in human, open-source and imagery intelligence. This would help counter and dismantle Boko Harams information-gathering system, improve counter-espionage, and strengthen the MNJTFs intelligence capabilities to neutralise the groups and their camps  and the ideology and rhetoric attracting youth to these groups.

If JAS and ISWAP can infiltrate the army, why is the army unable to infiltrate these groups?

Celestin Delanga, Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

(This article was published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish.)
The House of Representatives on Thursday recorded overwhelming support for a bill seeking to prohibit the use of foreign currency for local transactions and overhaul key provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.

The legislation, jointly sponsored by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) and Jesse Onuakalusi (APC, Lagos), is designed to strengthen the operational framework of the apex bank, deepen transparency and ensure firmer institutional checks and balances.

During the debate, lawmakers argued that the countrys economic climate, marked by persistent volatility, an unstable exchange rate and growing concerns over the conduct of monetary policy, made the proposed amendments both timely and necessary.

They maintained that the existing Act no longer adequately reflects the realities of Nigerias financial system or the demands of modern monetary governance.

Leading the discussion, Mr Onuakalusi said recent national and global economic pressures had exposed various shortcomings in the current legislation.

He insisted that to maintain credibility in monetary management, the CBN must operate under a legal framework that guarantees autonomy, strengthens governance structures and improves accountability to both the public and the National Assembly.

According to him, the CBN plays a profoundly central role in stabilising the financial system, managing the countrys currency, safeguarding price stability and maintaining public and investor confidence.

However, he argued that lapses witnessed in recent years, including inconsistent policy communication, controversies surrounding foreign-exchange management and weaknesses in oversight mechanisms, expose gaps that must be urgently addressed.

In recent years, ranging from government-concerned foreign exchange destruction, moral policy inconsistency, weak oversight mechanisms, to challenge witnesses around currency redesign and policy communication has exposed a structural gap in the Principal Act, he said.

He explained that the bill proposes a clear separation of powers between the CBN Governor and the board chairman to prevent undue concentration of authority.

It also introduces a single, non-renewable six-year tenure for the Governor and key management officials, which he said would limit political interference and promote institutional stability.

He said, The proposed amendments seek to separate the role of Governor and the Board of Directors, Chairman, to avoid concentration of powers, and ensure professional oversight.

The second aspect this bill helps to ensure is to introduce a single six-year non-renewable 10-year contract, which is a very important part of the CBN Act.

The proposed legislation also aims to establish a uniform exchange-rate framework and formally outlaw the use of foreign currency for domestic transactions except in regulated or authorised settings.

Mr Onuakalusi said this provision is intended to curb the widespread dollarisation of the economy, restore confidence in the naira and reinforce monetary sovereignty.

Additionally, the bill seeks to enhance financial stability oversight by empowering the CBN with clearer prudential tools and better-defined responsibilities, especially in managing systemic risks and responding to economic shocks.

Joining the debate, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, offered historical context by revisiting the controversial naira redesign introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Ado-Doguwa said the experience demonstrated the danger of major monetary decisions being taken without structured legislative scrutiny.

He noted that the policy, introduced in the heat of an election cycle, sparked widespread hardship and confusion across the country. According to him, it appeared to have been championed by certain policy actors rather than the president, suggesting a level of disconnect and weak institutional coordination.

Mr Ado-Doguwa insisted that the new bill is institutional and not targeted at the current CBN Governor.

I have not seen where the bill is targeting or intending to strengthen or empower an individual. It is, of course, an institutional bill, and I want to take special interest in the fact that I remember we had a challenge.

Suddenly, overnight, the policy makers, not even the driver and the leader of the regime, the leader of that government, who was in the drivers seat, it was like a connivance. They suddenly came up with what they call the Naira redesign, pushing the government to take a policy that was apparently not a popular policy at a time when the nation was facing an election process, he said.

He argued that any future attempt to redesign the naira, change its denomination or introduce other far-reaching monetary reforms must be subject to legislative approval. He commended the proposed requirement for a mandatory 90-day public notice period, saying it would protect citizens and ensure transparency in monetary-policy decisions.

He reminded his colleagues that during the last redesign episode, the House set up an ad-hoc committee, which he chaired, to interface with the former president over the policy.

The intention to redesign the naira then was not a good one. It was in bad faith, he said, adding that the absence of legislative involvement contributed to the chaos that followed.

Mr Ado-Doguwa argued that the new bill returns power to the people by ensuring that the National Assembly, representing the wider interests of Nigerians, is fully involved in any major changes to the countrys currency.

After the debate, the bill received overwhelming support through a voice vote.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, subsequently referred it to the House Committee on Banking Regulations for further legislative work.

The committee is expected to review the bills provisions, consult stakeholders and present its findings to the House for consideration at the next stage.
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all buildings and structures erected beneath high-tension power lines in Makoko, Oworonshoki, and other high-risk communities.

Officials said continued habitation and commercial activity in these restricted zones endangers lives, violates planning laws, and threatens critical infrastructure, including the Third Mainland Bridge.

Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Electronic Geographic Information System and Urban Development, disclosed the plan during an assessment tour of the Third Mainland Bridge corridor on Wednesday.

Mr Babatunde was accompanied by Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development; Oladimeji Animashaun, General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency; and senior officials from other relevant state agencies.

The inspection covered areas from Oworonshoki to Adekunle and Makoko in Ebute-Metta. During the tour, the team identified numerous shanties and other structures encroaching on bridge setbacks and violating the legally prescribed 50-metre right-of-way.

Mr Babatunde warned that the state would not tolerate habitation or commercial activity beneath high-tension power lines or in restricted zones.

Such practices endanger lives and property, he said, adding that enforcement would be strengthened to ensure compliance with planning regulations, safeguard critical infrastructure, and enhance public safety.

Mr Oki said the government had engaged multiple stakeholders in Makoko and other affected communities, cautioning them about the dangers of building directly under transmission cables and near the Third Mainland Bridge.

As far back as February this year, we gave them 14 days to vacate the area, but as you can see, they refused. They are even extending towards the middle of the Third Mainland Bridge. We have warned them several times; the next step is to take the bull by the horns, Mr Oki said.

He added that the government had made it clear during these engagements that no further notice would be given before enforcement begins.

While the government continues to collaborate with community leaders, Mr Oki said public safety remains the top priority.

If any of those cables fall and anything happens, the blame will be on the government. The lives of the people are more important. They are also encroaching on the Third Mainland Bridge, he said, reaffirming Governor Sanwo-Olus commitment to enforcing urban development laws.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has repeatedly warned residents of Makoko and other high-risk zones to vacate buildings under high-tension cables, citing risks such as electrocution, fire, and structural collapse.

The most recent government enforcement drive began a few months ago. As of September 2025, the government announced plans to demolish shanties built directly beneath high-tension power lines in Makoko and other communities, following similar demolitions at the Oworonshoki end of the Third Mainland Bridge corridor.

Officials said the demolitions are part of a broader urban-renewal and public-safety effort, arguing that these structures violate planning regulations and pose serious risks both to inhabitants and to critical infrastructure.

LASBCA had earlier issued an ultimatum to owners of illegal structures under powerlines to vacate, warning that enforcement would follow after repeated noncompliance.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has described the recent acquisition of Saipem, an Italian oil servicing firm by Marconi NG EPC, as a major boost to the Nigerian Content drive.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in May 2025, a consortium of Nigerian investors acquired Saipem from its former owners and operated it as Marconi.

Obinna Ezeobi, the general manager, Corporate Communications at NCDMB, stated this on Thursday in Port Harcourt during a media tour of oil and gas facilities operated by Nigerian companies.

Mr Ezeobi, who was speaking at Marconis one million square meters fabrication yard, noted that the acquisition will position the company to handle projects across all spheres of the sector.

He explained that the NOGIC Act 2010 that established NCDMB mandates the board to exclusively reserve contracts for land and swamp oilfields for Nigerian companies.

The acquisition of Saipem by Nigerian investors indicate that our efforts in promoting the participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas value chain is yielding enormous fruits.

With world class facilities here run by Nigerians, the company can bid for jobs across land, swamp and deepsea oilfields, Mr Ezeobi said.

Conducting the journalists round the facility, David Editang, Nigerian Content Manager of Marconi, explained that the new owners retained the services of Nigerian experts who operated the facility for the past 15 years before the acquisition.

He said that the facility had the capacity to fabricate, store and evacuate oil and gas facilities through three jetties and a helipad.

READ ALSO: NCDMB emerges best agency in ease of doing business for the 4th year

Speaking to the media after the tour, Gian Fabio Del Cioppo, the managing director of Marconi NG EPC, said that Marconi Yard has the largest facility of its kind in West Africa, covering more than 1,000,000 square meters, with logistics, secure, and positioned for project execution in the Nigerian energy sector.

According to him: It is one of the few yards in the country with assets and organisation for executing complex projects and includes a 330-meter jetty.

It has the capacity to fabricate over 25,000 tons of heavy structures capital EPC projects, both onshore and offshore.

Marconi has adopted a one-stop-hub model to enhance cost efficiency, streamline interfaces, competitive with international alternatives, he said.

(NAN)
Industrial development solidifies results of China's poverty reduction

09:56, December 11, 2025 By Chang Qin ( People's Daily

A host sells oranges via livestream in Daoxian county, Yongzhou, central China's Hunan province. (Photo/Jiang Keqing)

In Beichi village, Yichuan county, Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi province, neat rows of newly planted, dwarf high-density apple orchards now stretch across the hillsides. Five years ago, villager An Wenzhong made a difficult decision: cutting down his mature apple trees. The old varieties were aging and earned little, but his bold move marked a shift from inefficient farming to modern agriculture.

Indeed, what An cleared away was an inefficient past; what he planted was the future of modern agriculture.

The decision has since yielded tangible results. Standing in his new orchard, An did the math: the original 20 mu (1.33 hectares) of old orchards generated an annual output of 140,000 yuan ($19,797), while the revamped 16 mu of new orchards can yield as much as 320,000 yuan a year once they reach full production.

This transformation reflects not only the upgrading of the Yan'an apple industry, but also a leap in development quality. It reveals the core logic behind China's poverty alleviation: shifting from giving relief handouts to fostering self-reliance through industrial development.

A longstanding challenge in global poverty reduction has been escaping the cycle of persistent poverty despite continuous aid. China's solution lies in a development-oriented approach -- treating economic growth as the fundamental means to address poverty.

Workers sort and pack apples in a smart industrial park in Pingliang, northwest China's Gansu province. (Photo/Chen Kun)

Industrial development is central to rural revitalization. Across China, regions have turned local resources into thriving industries: wood ear mushrooms in Zhashui (Shaanxi), daylilies in Datong (Shanxi), and lychees in Maoming (Guangdong). By the end of 2024, each of China's 832 counties that had shaken off poverty had cultivated two to three leading industries, providing people lifted out of poverty with stable income channels.

Practice shows that industrial development is the fundamental solution to poverty reduction. Turning local resources into competitive strengths creates sustained momentum for economic growth and improved livelihoods.

To further unleash endogenous dynamism, it is also essential to establish and improve benefit-linking mechanisms, ensuring that people share in the fruits of development.

In Ma'anshan village of Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, mountain grapes have been designated as the leading industry. The village has established an operational model that integrates companies, cooperatives, production bases, and farming households. This industrial chain has created employment opportunities for many villagers.

Across the country, various models including order-based agriculture, profit-sharing arrangements, and equity cooperation, are being explored to forge communities of shared interests between farmers and business entities, allowing farmers to share in the value added by rural industries.

China has emerged as a global exemplar of inclusive developmentnarrowing regional disparities, improving income distribution, strengthening social safety nets, and creating opportunities. To address challenges like fragmented rural supply chains, effective collaboration between markets and government enhances efficiency and vitality. In Liuzhou (Guangxi), for instance, government support through standardization, planning, and industrial parks propelled the local snail rice noodle industry from street food to a thriving sector.

This approach -- empowering communities through localized industries supported by strategic policy -- has redefined poverty alleviation, turning once-overlooked resources into engines of prosperity.

Meanwhile, market players have sharpened product quality and used e-commerce and livestreaming to expand the reach of snail rice noodles. Extensions of the industrial chain such as snail farming and the cultivation of bamboo shoots, green beans, and wood ear mushrooms, have helped lift farmers out of poverty and into prosperity.

Allowing the "invisible hand" of the market and the "visible hand" of government to work in better coordination is a distinctive strength of China's economic development.

Across vast rural areas, traditional farming bases are upgrading into modern agricultural industrial parks, advancing from single-product production toward integrated rural industrial systems that combine grain, cash crops, and feed; coordinate agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries; link production, processing, and sales; and integrate agriculture with culture and tourism.

In addition, in building a modern industrial system, innovation chains, industrial chains, supply chains, and value chains are being seamlessly aligned. Scientific and technological innovation is guiding industrial innovation, while industrial upgrading, in turn, propels technological iteration.

Sweet potato, pumpkin, ginger and carrot are sundried in Lutian village, Tonggu county, Yichun, east China's Jiangxi province, before being processed into featured snacks. (Photo/Zhou Liang)

A proactive government provides direction, ensures stability, and creates platforms, while an effective market allocates resources, unleashes vitality, and drives innovation, together forging a powerful force for high-quality development.

As a Chinese saying goes, "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." China has not only eliminated absolute poverty through its own development, but has also actively carried out international cooperation on poverty reduction. By sharing and promoting technologies such as Juncao cultivation and hybrid rice, China has helped other developing countries foster industries and explore poverty reduction paths suited to their own national conditions.

Development has no final destination. As China embarks on a new journey, continued efforts to refine and strengthen distinctive rural industries will further solidify the foundations of poverty alleviation, enhance its sustainability, and widen the path toward common prosperity.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says he allocated 20 per cent of the states N1.016 trillion 2026 budget to the education sector because education remains the fulcrum of his administration.

Mr Otti stressed that he had maintained the allocation of 20 per cent of the states annual budget to the sector since assuming office in 2023.

The figure met the benchmark of 15 to 20 per cent recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation for the education sector.

Mr Otti disclosed this when he received in his office the Abia-born President-elect of the All-African Students Union (AASU), Enyinnaya Osisiogu, and his delegation, according to a statement from the governors media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Thursday.

AASU is the umbrella organisation for all African students, from basic to higher learning institutions, across Africa.

Mr Otti, who was elected Abia governor in 2023, restated his administrations resolve to remain committed to delivering on its manifesto, especially in the education sector.

The governor, who emphasised that Abias aggressive investments in education were intentional and future-driven, noted that his administration was implementing every commitment it made during the campaigns.

We had a clear manifesto, and we are implementing that manifesto. We had said clearly that education is the fulcrum of this administration, and the truth about it is that without education, we wouldnt even be here.

Anyhow you slice and dice it, education is so critical. And when we decided to remove school fees, we wanted to democratise education and make it possible for the big mans children and the small mans children to have an opportunity to go to school and go to good schools, he said.

He stressed that education is an important industry that feeds other industries.

Reforms in Abias education sector

Mr Otti further said that his administrations reforms cut across recruitment of qualified teachers through merit-based employment, renovation of hostels, among others.

He said these reforms were already restoring confidence in the education sector.

Mr Otti recalled his recent visit to the Abia State University Uturu where he found hostel facilities in deplorable condition which prompted him to spring into action for immediate intervention.

The governor said his administration has approved additional funds to ensure students return in January to improved facilities in the institution.

He encouraged the newly elected AASU leader to remain steadfast in the values that earned him continental confidence and pledged full support of the Abia State Government throughout his tenure.

I would like to congratulate you for winning the election. I want to thank God for making it possible for somebody from here to emerge.

We believe that you are going to be a very good ambassador, not just to the state, but to Nigeria, he said.

My challenge to you is that all the things that made people vote for your administration, you should not deter.

Students union leader speaks

In his speech, the AASU president-elect, Mr Osisiogu, attributed his victory to the transformative leadership style of Mr Otti, noting that the student body is proud of the governor.

The president-elect noted that during his campaign across member-African countries, he consistently cited the Governor Otti-led administrations unprecedented investment in education, which gave him the edge over other candidates from other countries.

I have said that I come from a state that has invested a whopping over $150 million in education for next year.

I have come from a state where the government is willing to provide accommodation for close to 20,000 students and is committed to moving Abia State Polytechnic to its permanent site.

Im very happy and proud to identify with your administration because you have made me proud, and those things you have done successfully contributed to my winning this election at the continental level, he said.

Mr Osisiogu lauded the states plan to pioneer advanced courses such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence at Abia State Polytechnic, describing the initiative as very ambitious.

He pledged to prioritise Abia in the AASUs continental programmes and to attract educational development opportunities to the state.
The immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Emmanuel Ogalla, on Thursday, said the Nigerian Navys improved maritime security outcomes were achieved through strengthened operations and the dedication of its personnel.

He also urged the service to consolidate in the years ahead.

Speaking at his pulling-out parade at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA in Apapa, Lagos, Mr Ogalla, a vice admiral, said his administration focused on practical measures to curb crude oil theft, piracy and other maritime crimes.

This, he said, resulted in greater security in the maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea as a whole.

He also said the progress recorded under his tenure was driven by the commitment of personnel across all ranks.

It is therefore only fitting to note that these achievements were made possible by the loyalty, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated across the cadre of the Nigerian Navy.

I must specifically thank all officers and men of the Nigerian Navy for the exceptional support that I enjoyed during my tenure, he noted.

Mr Ogalla said he placed priority on personnel development because the most critical asset was not just the ships and equipment, but the sailors who mounted them.

He added that the Navy also expanded its operational capacity during his tenure.

We also took delivery of new platforms and advanced our local security capacities, enhancing our fleets capacity and sustainability to build a Navy ready to defend us from national aggression, he said.

The former CNS recalled outlining a vision anchored on operational effectiveness, innovation, strengthened partnerships, and improved welfare.

The vision helped in deploying a navy that is professional, ethical, and capable of defending Nigerias maritime area of interest against all forms of threats.

While challenges remain, I am confident that the Nigerian Navy is on a strong and positive trajectory, he added.

Mr Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.

He explained, Not only did he have the scope to appoint me, but he also continued to support me and sustain me throughout the period of my service as the CNS.

This has been the highest honour of my life.

He also thanked officers, ratings and civilian staff, describing them as the backbone of the service.

Mr Ogalla stressed, They are the ones who stand watch on the bridge at night, who maintain our vessels with a close check, who execute complex operations in challenging conditions.

They do this without minding the harsh environment they operate in; therefore, I cherish the privilege of having been their CNS.

The former naval chief thanked his family for their sacrifices throughout his service years.

READ ALSO: Navy reshuffles 65 rear admirals to key commands

The long absence, the missed holidays, the interrupted holidays, you bore it all with incredible grit and understanding.

This uniform was worn by me, but the sacrifices were made by all of you. The time has finally come for us to relive the moments we missed, he noted.

He paid tribute to personnel who died in the line of duty.

Their courage and dedication remain etched in history. May God grant their souls eternal rest and comfort to their families, he said.

Mr Ogalla expressed confidence in the new Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, a vice admiral, saying, I have no doubt that he will lead the Nigerian Navy to even greater heights, judging by your services.

The 56-year-old former naval chief was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on 19 June 2023 and served till 30 October 2025.

(NAN)
For the past two and a half decades, I have spent my career working in American-style higher education, in the United States and around the globe. As I currently serve as the Vice Chancellor/ President of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), I work closely with our Provost and faculty to oversee our academic programmes.

The American style system has some noticeable differences from other types of pedagogy and programmes. For example, all American universities employ a general education system that has students take courses across the academic spectrum. This programmes purpose is to help students develop broad intellectual and practical competencies that will prepare them for lifelong learning, good citizenship, work environments and life overall.

At the core of the liberal arts approach to general education is competency-based learning. No matter the course of study the student pursues (i.e. law, engineering, biology, etc.), they all engage in the same general education courses with students from other academic disciplines. The American University of Nigeria has five overarching core learning outcomes that it assesses in its general education delivery.

1. Critical Thinking & Independent Reasoning

2. Effective Communication & Information Literacy

3. Emotional Intelligence & Social Awareness

4. Social Responsibility, Community Engagement & Global Citizenship

5. Leadership, Innovation & Problem-Solving for Development

For example, with critical thinking and independent reasoning, the institution has student evaluate arguments, interpret information, and make evidence-based decisions. This is achieved by having students take courses such as biology, where they learn in-depth about evidence-based learning and applying the scientific method. This course and others allow us to build capacity in young people to apply their knowledge to solve problems, no matter the course they study (or as Americans say, major in).

The second one is about effective communication and information literacy. In any position, no matter the career, people need to be able to articulate their ideas either verbally or in written form. Also, they need to be a strong lifelong learner who thinks independently, and they need to understand clearly where to go for accurate information. At the AUN, we expect students to communicate effectively through a range of methods (written, oral, quantitative, visual), including the use of digital technologies applicable to the 21st-century environments.

Students take, in their first year, a sequence of English writing courses aimed directly at improving this core competency. The courses learning outcomes centre around clear thinking, persuasive writing, organisation of ideas, all skills that will help them in any discipline.

The third one outlined is about emotional intelligence and social awareness. The university wants to build students who are aware of their surroundings and understand clearly the challenges Nigeria faces (i.e. insecurities, etc.) as well as the world (i.e. climate change, etc.). With a clearer understanding in terms of the root causes and surrounding nuances, it allows them to develop solutions to real-world problems. All of this builds the learners ability to develop their own emotional intelligence. In general, in education courses like history and political science, the students learn about the background that has caused challenging issues. In this style of learning, the faculty do not tell the student what to think; instead, the student is allowed to formulate their own opinion based on the facts.

The fourth one, and one that has been a hallmark of the AUN reputation as a development university, is the push for social responsibility, community engagement and global citizenship. The university explains this as the ability to operate as responsible democratic citizens and global change-agents  understanding global issues and social needs. There are many classes in general education, and the students core subjects that have them engage the community for service. Many courses in the arts and humanities also push this important learning competency as it has students think outside the box on how we can give a hand up, and not only a hand out so students discover ways to make impact sustainable. This engagement and impact led the university to be ranked number one in the Times Higher Education (U.K., 2024) Impact ranking in Nigeria a few years ago. The university takes series the importance of social responsibility as a way of helping build up a strong middle class for national development.

The fifth competency is about the leadership, innovation and problem solving for development. This core of leadership is inside and outside the classroom, as the university has one of the most robust co-curricular programs in the entire country. The programme has routinely been selected for many awards as the campus is one of the most engaged in Nigeria and, I would argue, in the world, from my first-hand experiences. With this competency is established to Build aptitude to apply knowledge, technology, and critical thinking towards practical, real-world problems  especially those relevant to Africas development.

I argue that the traditional approach is not preparing 21st-century learners ready for the workforce as the competency-based approach is doing. To understand the differences, please see

figure 1 below, which outlines a few examples of what we do in the traditional approach and then in the competency-based method.

Figure 1

As I outlined earlier, courses in the general education programme are meant to lead to the high-level knowledge of the core competencies. For easy comparison, see figure 2 for a summary of the courses and the competencies built into the curriculum. The university has an assessment committee, and they collect artifacts from these courses and then select a random sample for review. People outside of the discipline will then review closely and score the assessment via a blind review (not know faculty or student name) to see that competency has been met. This type of assessment is extremely important in the United States Regional Accreditation and our National University Commission (NUC). Both organizations rightfully want to see that the institutions do what they say they are doing and this type of assessment helps validate the assertions.

Course What is really being taught (competency) English Composition Clear thinking, persuasive writing, organization of ideas General Biology Evidence-based reasoning, scientific inquiry, analysis of complex systems History or Political Science Cultural awareness, civic responsibility, interpreting sources Mathematics Logic, structured problem solving, quantitative analysis Arts & Humanities Creativity, empathy, personal expression, aesthetic judgment

For comparison and understanding, at the end of this article you will discover a figure 3  Sample Critical Thinking Assessment Rubric. This was adapted from the American association of Colleges and University and can be freely used.

The examples of the competency-based learning can be examined all over the campus of the American University of Nigeria especially in the classrooms. After a discussion with one of our outstanding professors, Lawal Hussaini, we were given his details of how he implements this important style of learning in his own classroom. Mr Hussaini overseas the university general education programme and routinely helps junior faculty understand how competency-based learning applies to the general education program. He is a sociology professor by discipline and teaches many interdisciplinary courses in the American system.

Mr Lawal wrote, My understanding of competency-based learning as it relates to critical thinking, one of the courses I teach at the General Education Department is that, it is a student-centered instructional method that enhances critical thinking among students. The world is facing problems such as disasters, poverty, crimes, accidents and dilemmas, and people tend to live more individualistically since the ego has become the primary focus. It cannot be said that such problems will not occur or not affect certain people in the world, but rather that everyone on earth will be directly or indirectly affected by the problem. Critical thinking competence encourages students to come up with new ideas or thoughts about problems faced in the society. In critical thinking and problem solving (AUN 300) class, Students are trained how to select various opinions, so that they can distinguish which opinions are important and which are unimportant, which opinions are true and not true. In trying to inculcate critical thinking competencies, students are assisted to make conclusions by considering data and facts available at their disposal. The competency-based learning in my critical thinking and problem-solving class is anchored on four (4) main phases which are: identification of problem; Exploration of the problem; Problem solving; and follow-up.

All students in the university have the opportunity to take the AUN300 course on critical thinking and problem solving in their third year. The courses are for upper class students as it is a hands-on approach that allows them to use the foundation skills they have learned in their previous general education courses.

If you are interested in learning more about competency-based learning, how it is assessed and how more courses play into this system, feel free to write us at [email protected]. As we train the next generation of Nigeria and African leaders, we owe it to them and the country to have them prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Figure 3  Sample Critical Thinking Assessment Rubric

Criteria Exemplary (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Beginning (1) 1. Identification of Problem/Question Clearly identifies a significant, relevant, and complex issue; provides insightful context and justification for why it matters. Identifies a clear and relevant issue with some context provided. Issue is present but vague, simplistic, or lacking context. Issue is poorly identified or missing. 2. Evidence & Information Use Consistently selects high-quality, credible evidence; integrates and evaluates sources critically and effectively. Uses appropriate evidence with some evaluation of credibility or relevance. Uses limited, weak, or insufficiently evaluated evidence. Evidence is absent, inaccurate, or unrelated to the claim. 3. Analysis & Interpretation Demonstrates sophisticated reasoning; recognizes relationships, ambiguities, and complexities; interprets information insightfully. Shows logical reasoning with some recognition of relationships or assumptions. Analysis is basic, unsubstantiated, or largely descriptive. Minimal or flawed reasoning; lacks meaningful interpretation. 4. Multiple Perspectives & Assumptions Thoroughly evaluates alternative viewpoints; identifies and questions assumptions (including ones own). Recognizes more than one viewpoint and identifies some assumptions. Mentions alternative viewpoints but does not examine them deeply. Ignores other perspectives and does not identify assumptions. 5. Conclusion & Problem-Solving Develops a well-reasoned, innovative, and evidence-based conclusion/solution that addresses complexities. Conclusion/solution is logical and mostly supported by evidence. Conclusion is present but weakly justified or overly simplistic. Conclusion is missing, unclear, or unsupported. 6. Reflection & Transfer of Learning Demonstrates deep reflection on implications and applications; clearly transfers learning to new contexts. Shows some reflection and identifies ways knowledge could apply elsewhere. Limited reflection; transfer to new context not always clear. Little to no reflection or application beyond the artifact.

Total Score: ____ / 24

Performance Levels:

 2224 | Mastery

 1821 | Proficiency

 1417 | Approaching

 613 | Beginning
Cheryl Grant, a United States jurist and global leadership advocate, has urged Nigeria to confront corruption and embrace transformative leadership.

She spoke in Abuja on Thursday during the 2025 Leadership Public Lecture, Excellence Awards, and Appeal Fund for the Educational Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Children in Benue State.

The event was organised by the Leadership Institute Nigeria in collaboration with the African Leadership Institute USA under the theme: Africa at the Crossroads: Redefining Leadership for Global Relevance.

She commended the President of the Leadership Institute Nigeria, Iyorwuese Hagher, for organising the event, emphasising her commitment to inclusivity, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak in her ancestral homeland. Leaders must have faith in God, in their country, and in their abilities to nurture hope in times of trouble and fear, she said.

Speaking on Nigerias position in Africa and the world, Ms Grant urged the nation to embrace its role as a leader.

Nigeria is not only a giant of Africa, but it also holds the key to unlocking the future of the global Black community. Leadership is about taking followers to places they do not necessarily want to go, but where they need to be, she explained.

She also urged citizens to ride the train of development, rooted in faith, hope, and courage, and to confront corruption with determination. Nigeria is not alone in this struggle. Corruption exists elsewhere, but it should not breed hopelessness, she affirmed.

She further emphasised the need for Nigerian leaders to embrace integrity, development, and the principles of inclusion and equity, arguing that strong leadership could position Nigeria as a model for the global Black community.

Justice Grant also addressed the cultural dynamics between Black Americans and Africans, noting differences in experiences, perspectives, and communication, yet stressing the potential for collaboration.

Imagine if we came together to build businesses, influence policy, and shape our youth with a shared vision. The possibilities are monumental, she said.

She called for leadership that prioritises humanity, mutual respect, and community well-being, stressing that authentic leaders uplift others and foster collective growth.

Earlier, Mr Hagher, president of the Leadership Institute Nigeria, emphasised the urgent need to prioritise the education and development of Nigerias children, warning that neglecting them risks creating a generation of trauma, violence, and despair.

He stressed that education is critical for fostering empathy, tolerance, and civic responsibility, and lamented the countrys high number of out-of-school children and those suffering in IDP camps, particularly in Benue, where hundreds of thousands face malnutrition and insecurity.

Mr Hagher criticised the current leadership for complacency and called on Nigerian leaders, both in government and the private sector, to take responsibility for shaping a purposeful future.

This country seeks to divide us along ethnic and religious lines, along class, and particularly worrisome for me and people in the Leadership Institute is the way in which the children of Nigeria are not being prepared to be the next great generation.

The professor also announced the Institutes plan to provide alternative, accelerated education for displaced children using innovative methods such as mobile schools and technology-enabled learning, with Benue serving as a pilot template to reach vulnerable children nationwide.
Nigerias vast but underutilised small hydropower potential could significantly advance the countrys clean energy and climate ambitions, the Chief Technical Adviser to the Minister of Power, Adedayo Olowoniyi, has said.

Mr Olowoniyi, who represented the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the remarks on Thursday at the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transition) stakeholder engagement workshop in Abuja.

The workshop, themed Catalysing Run-of-River Small Hydropower for Nigerias Decentralised Energy Transition, was organised by AP3, an Africa-focused public-private partnership and infrastructure finance advisory firm.

According to the organisers, the event sought to align stakeholders on technical, policy and regulatory pathways to accelerate the deployment of Small Hydropower (SHP) nationwide.

Mr Olowoniyi noted that although Nigeria has an estimated 14 gigawatts of hydropower capacity, only about 2.5 gigawatts currently supply the national grid.

He called for the development of scalable, replicable programmes capable of attracting private investment into small river development across the country.

Todays event could not be timelier. As Nigeria continues its pursuit of reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity, it is essential that we maximise every viable renewable resourceespecially those capable of accelerating access for unserved and underserved communities, Mr Olowoniyi said.

He added that run-of-river small hydropower offers a major opportunity for delivering clean, reliable energy with minimal environmental impact while aligning with the countrys energy transition objectives, rural electrification targets and productive-use energy needs.

The conversation comes amid heightened global debate on how nations can transition equitably to clean energy as climate impacts worsen. While oil-producing countries like Nigeria struggle to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, experts say run-of-river small hydropower could play a transformative role in the nations transition, complementing the rapid adoption of solar systems.

Repositioning Nigerias power sector

Speaking on broader power sector reforms, Mr Olowoniyi said the UK PACT-funded Small Hydropower Programme aligns with the governments comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency and growth.

He said the strategy spans five pillars: legislation; policy reforms; infrastructure development; energy transition and access expansion; and local content and capacity development.

On legislation, he described the Electricity Act 2023 as a major milestone that strengthens governance in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), devolves regulatory powers to states, promotes competition and expands private-sector participation.

Since the acts passage, he said, 15 states have secured regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets, with one already fully operational.

On policy reforms, Mr Olowoniyi highlighted the Integrated National Electricity Policy approved in February, ongoing commercialisation efforts that have raised sector revenue by 70 per cent to 1.7 trillion in 2024, and President Bola Tinubus approval of a 4 trillion bond to clear verified generation and gas supply debts.

He added that a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households while deepening commercialisation.

In infrastructure development, the Federal Government has introduced targeted national programmes aimed at accelerating the viability, expansion, and modernization of the national grid, he said.

He cited progress under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), including more than 700MW of additional transmission capacity and contracts for Phase One, which is expected to deliver 7,000MW of operational grid capacity.

He also referenced the integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant, the rehabilitation of NIPP plants expected to unlock 345MW, and the historic synchronisation of Nigerias grid with the West African Power Pool covering 14 countries.

On distribution, he said the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) has secured 700 billion to deploy 1.1 million meters by 2025 and an additional two million annually for five years. This complements the 3.2 million meters under the World Banksupported DISREP programme.

On energy access, he noted that more than $2 billion has been mobilised in two years through DARES, the NSIAs RIPLE platform and JICA to expand off-grid and mini-grid solutions across communities, schools, health facilities and public institutions.

On local content and capacity development, the Ministry recently commissioned new training equipment and infrastructure at NAPTIN. At the Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, we activated agreements that will bring nearly 4GW per annum of solar manufacturing capacity on stream, he added.

With this scale of manufacturing, he said, Nigeria is now positioned to meet domestic renewable energy targets and serve regional markets, citing the recent export of Nigeria-made solar panels to Ghana.

Small hydropower potential

AP3 Managing Partner, Gori Daniel, said Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in its energy transition journey as rising demand and persistent energy deficits place increasing pressure on the national grid.

He said the urgency for diversified, resilient and low-carbon energy solutions has never been greater.

Small Hydropower, particularly Run-of-River systems, offers a unique opportunity to bridge this gap. It is clean, reliable, locally sourced, climate-resilient, and capable of powering livelihoods and local industries while reducing the nations dependence on diesel and other carbon-intensive alternatives, he said.

Backed by UK PACT funding, he said AP3 is implementing a comprehensive technical assistance programme involving hydrological assessments, feasibility studies, community engagement, environmental and social safeguards, and investment readiness.

Our goal is simple but ambitious: to build a pipeline of technically sound, commercially viable, and policy-aligned SHP projects that can attract public, private, and blended finance at scale, Mr Daniel said.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen has called for the urgent modernisation of Nigerias occupational safety laws to protect millions of workers exposed daily to preventable hazards in factories, construction sites, farms, hospitals and other workplaces.

Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Olumide Osoba, the speaker made the call on Thursday while declaring open a public hearing on the Occupational Health and Safety Bill, 2025.

The session was convened by the Committees on Safety Standards and Regulation and Labour, Employment and Productivity.

Mr Tajudeen said Nigerias workforce continues to record avoidable injuries, illnesses and deaths due to weak regulation and enforcement.

Across several industries, workers still face hazards that undermine their dignity and productivity. Many of these tragedies are preventable, he said.

He listed unsafe scaffolding, collapsing structures, harmful chemicals, toxic gases, offshore operations and poorly maintained machinery as persistent risks in key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas.

He warned that the countrys regulatory framework has failed to keep pace with technological change and growing workplace complexity.

The current system suffers from outdated regulations, weak enforcement and inadequate institutional frameworks. This Bill seeks to close those gaps and establish a harmonised national safety architecture, he said.

The speaker added that the proposed law offers stronger protection to workers in the informal sector, healthcare personnel, transport operators and artisans, groups that form the bulk of the labour force but remain the least protected.

He noted that safer workplaces would boost productivity, reduce medical costs, minimise disruptions and strengthen investor confidence, with long-term benefits for national development and Nigerias global competitiveness.

Mr Tajudeen commended the Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations for its diligence and urged stakeholders at the hearing to offer constructive inputs.

This public hearing reflects our belief that effective laws emerge when the voices of industry experts, unions, professionals and regulators are heard, he said.

He reaffirmed the Houses resolve to pass a strong, impactful Occupational Health and Safety law.

Chairman of the Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, David Zacharias, described the bill as a historic milestone, saying Nigeria is finally taking decisive steps to update workplace safety laws that have become obsolete.

He said the legislation represents a transformative shift after decades of relying on outdated laws that no longer reflect the realities of modern work environments.

This is not just a legislative formality; it is a historic milestone for Nigeria, he said. After years of persistent advocacy from safety professionals, organised labour, industry leaders and concerned citizens, the Occupational Safety and Health Bill now stands before the public for consideration.

Mr Zacharias commended the two committees and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who sponsored the Bill, for their collective efforts in moving the legislation to this stage.

The bill seeks to repeal the obsolete Factories Act, 2004 and replace it with a comprehensive, enforceable, science-based framework aligned with international standards and relevant International Labour Organisation conventions.

According to him, millions of Nigerian workers remain exposed to daily hazards, chemical exposure, unsafe machinery, structural collapses, infectious diseases, transport-related incidents and ergonomic strain, often without adequate safeguards.

The bill, he said, strengthens preventive measures, clarifies employer obligations and expands protections to vulnerable groups, especially in the informal sector.

He stressed that the legislation will have a far-reaching impact across major sectors.

In manufacturing, clearer standards for hazard control and emergency preparedness will reduce injuries and downtime. In construction, where accident rates remain high, provisions for safe scaffolding, fall prevention and proper supervision will save lives. In oil and gas, the bill strengthens oversight and emergency procedures, he said.

He added that agriculture where millions of Nigerians work would benefit from safer pesticide handling and better training on machinery, while healthcare workers would enjoy stronger biosafety and infection-control measures.

For the first time, according to him, traders, drivers, mechanics, artisans and other informal sector workers will be covered under a unified national framework.

Mr Zacharias said the bill addresses systemic gaps such as fragmented regulations, low employer awareness, fear of retaliation among workers, weak penalties, poor injury data and limited inspectorate capacity.

The bill provides clearer duties for employers and employees, stronger enforcement powers for inspectors, mandatory reporting systems, improved penalties and nationwide safety information management, he explained.

He underlined that workplace safety is fundamental to national development.

A safer workforce is a more productive workforce. No Nigerian should lose their life or livelihood simply because they went to work, he said.

He urged labour unions, employers, civil society groups, safety experts and regulators to contribute actively to refining the Bill.

Your voice matters, your experience matters and your participation matters. This is an opportunity to shape the future of occupational safety and health in Nigeria, he said.

At the hearing, the Federal Fire Service called for clarity on certain provisions of the draft Bill to prevent conflict with existing fire safety laws.

Represented by Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Sarki Abdul-Rahman, the Service said it supports the objectives of the Bill but flagged areas requiring adjustment.

Mr Abdul-Rahman explained that the Fire Service has a wider mandate covering all environments, not only workplaces, and provisions on fire protection, prevention and emergency response must align with the Fire Service Act, National Building Code and Fire Code.

He cited Item 31 of the draft Bill, noting that approvals relating to fire and life safety systems including alarms, suppression systems, escape routes and firefighting infrastructure must not overlap with statutory Fire Service duties.

Our concern is to ensure that fire-related components remain under the appropriate authority so there is no conflict in enforcement, he said.

He also urged the committee to review penalty provisions to ensure punishments reflect the severity of workplace incidents.
There was a mild drama during the screening session conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for the ambassadorial nominees on Wednesday when a nominee from Ekiti State, Emmanuel Adeyemi, failed to identify one of the three senators representing his state.

Mr Adeyemi, a deputy director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a PhD holder from universities in Hong Kong and France, appeared before the committee for screening alongside several other nominees.

Three senators represent each of the 36 Nigerian states, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has one senator, totalling 109.

The Senate, Nigerias highest legislative chamber, has a constitutional mandate to screen and confirm the countrys presidents appointees.

Mr Tinubu last week transmitted 65 additional nominees for ambassadorial positions to the Senate for screening and confirmation, urging lawmakers to expedite the process in accordance with Section 171(1), (2), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution.

The president nominated 34 individuals as career ambassadors and high commissioners, while 31 others were listed as non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.

The nominees include former governors, former lawmakers, a serving senator and other prominent personalities.

During the session, Mr Adeyemi attempted to pay tribute to the senators from Ekiti State, a tradition for nominees appearing before lawmakers. However, he could only mention two, namely the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), and Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South).

When pressed to name the third senator, Mr Adeyemi became visibly confused. A member of his delegation eventually whispered to him the name of the third senator, Cyril Fasuyi, the senator representing Ekiti North.

The committee members then became furious and separately expressed displeasure with the nominees attitude.

Cross River South Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong questioned the nominees preparedness and suitability for a diplomatic posting.

Much as we admit that one man cant know everything, it is expected that somebody like you, who has been nominated to represent the country as an ambassador, should know details like the three senators from your state.

It is even important that the people we are presenting at a time the international perception of our country are competent enough to repair our image, he said.

Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) also criticised the nominees lapse, questioning his capacity to effectively represent Nigeria abroad.

However, Oyo Central Senator Yunus Akintunde, who stood in for Mr Bamidele during the screening, pleaded on Mr Adeyemis behalf, urging the committee to overlook the incident.

Please forgive him. Please let us overlook his mistake and pardon him for not knowing that Ekiti, like other states, has three senators, Mr Akintunde said.

Mr Adeyemi is one of President Tinubus three ambassadorial nominees from Ekiti State, alongside Erelu Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.

Other nominees screened

The panel also screened several other career ambassadorial nominees, including Ahmed Sulu-Gambari, Maimuna Besto, Monica Enebechi, Ahmed Monguno, Kingsley Onaga, Magaji Umar and Aminu Nasir.

Ondo South Senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, also nominated as a nominee, presented himself for screening despite not being initially listed for the day. His colleagues then asked him to take a bow and go.

The Senate panel is expected to continue screening other nominees on Thursday.
Government officials, security agencies, and influential public figures are increasingly exploiting legal loopholes, including the Cybercrimes Act and strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), to intimidate journalists, activists, and civil society organisations across Nigeria, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) warned on Wednesday.

Government authorities have relied on Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act and SLAPPs to intimidate critics and restrict civic space, a pattern SERAP and NGE described as entirely inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and Nigerias international human rights obligations.

The warning was issued during an interactive session and press briefing in Lagos marking World Human Rights Day. The event was themed, Practical Strategies, Legal Tools, and Collaborative Approaches to Address the Increasing Threats to Civic Space and Media Independence in Nigeria.

SERAPs Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE President Eze Anaba jointly presented the statement, spotlighting how both state and non-state actors, including celebrities, politically exposed persons, and social media influencers, have exploited the law online.

The group identified the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service (SSS) as the primary agents of harassment, citing repeated cases of unlawful arrests, extrajudicial actions, malicious prosecutions, and the misuse of law enforcement powers to suppress journalism and civil society activities.

Illustrative cases

SERAP spotlighted several ongoing cases that illustrate a growing pattern of repression. On 19 September, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja arrested Tega Oghenedoro, also known as Fejiro Oliver, the publisher of the investigative platform Secret Reporters.

They transported him to Asaba in Delta State and detained him at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) without granting him access to lawyers or filing any court charges.

Earlier, on 9 September, Ekiti State police detained Sodeeq Atanda, a reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), on allegations of cyberbullying, criminal defamation, conspiracy, and blackmail.

Also, the federal government has serially charged Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, under the Cybercrimes Act for social media posts critical of government policies.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Friday Alefia, the publisher of Naija News Today (formerly Asiwaju Media), was whisked away from Lagos to Abuja.

He spent more than six weeks in detention before appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja and was granted bail after two months with stringent conditions.

The Commissioner of Police is listed as the complainant, while Mr Alefia and Asiwaju Media Company Ltd are named as the first and second defendants, respectively.

The report stated that Mr Alefias detention followed a complaint by Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, who accused him of publishing allegedly false reports about him.

This newspaper added that the journalist faces five cybercrime charges related to the publication and continues to struggle to meet the strict bail conditions, which require presenting a federal civil service officer as surety for his release.

SSS also filed a SLAPP suit against a professor, Pat Utomi, accusing him of attempting to form a shadow government, and last year sued SERAP, seeking N5 million in damages.

SERAP described these actions as a form of psychological warfare, designed to instil fear, impose financial and emotional strain, and deter public participation in Nigerias democratic processes.

Abusive legislation, prolonged court battles, and spurious criminal charges undermine democracy, fuel corruption, and deepen human rights violations, Mr Oluwadare said.

Criminal defamation and SLAPPs are neither necessary nor proportionate under the Nigerian Constitution or the various human rights treaties Nigeria has ratified.

SERAP lamented that despite filing a suit before the ECOWAS Court challenging sections of the Cybercrimes Act, the court has yet to hear the case.

Demands on the government

SERAP and NGE called on President Bola Tinubu, state governors, lawmakers, the police, and the SSS to immediately release individuals detained solely for exercising their rights.

They urged the authorities to withdraw SLAPP suits and politically motivated charges, review the Cybercrimes Act along with other restrictive laws, protect journalists and human rights defenders, and respect court judgements and constitutional freedoms.

The groups also appealed to the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for violations of rights.

Cybercrime Act weaponised

Veteran journalist Richard Akinnola said the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act is increasingly weaponised by political leaders, particularly state governors, drawing parallels to the notorious Decree 4 of 1984.

He cited recent cases to illustrate the trend. Police in Kano arrested two men over Facebook posts criticising a road project, while Lagos police issued a wanted notice for Mr Sowore.

In Niger State, police detained Abubakar Mokwa, a postgraduate student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, for criticising Governor Umaru Bago.

The government also filed multiple cybercrime charges against Mr Oghenedoro.

He further mentioned threats from Katsina government officials and SLAPP lawsuits against SERAP, warning that these actions create a chilling effect on the freedoms guaranteed under Section 39 of the Constitution, the ICCPR, and the African Charter.

Editors call for coordinated action

An interactive session led by veteran journalist Gbenga Adefaye brought editors together to discuss strategies for protecting press freedom.

They urged the adoption of a common framework to respond to threats, the creation of a network of lawyers for defence, active legislative engagement to reform restrictive media laws, and stronger newsroom autonomy alongside ethical journalism.

The editors also acknowledged internal challenges, including poor funding, commercial pressures, and the impact of unregulated online publishers undermining credibility.

Participants warned that Nigerias harsh economic climate is forcing media organisations into survival tactics incompatible with ethical journalism.

They also discussed human rights abuses, including alleged killings by soldiers during protests.

Mr Adefaye added by urging editors to adopt a unified approach, emphasising collaboration, professional integrity, and pressure for legal reforms.

CJID openness index reveals uneven media freedom

PREMIUM TIMES reported that attacks on media practitioners are rising nationwide, according to the Centre for Journalism and Innovation Development (CJID) Openness Index. Between December 2023 and November 2024, 48 press freedom violations were perpetrated by security agents.

The CJID Index, which evaluates Nigerias 36 states and the FCT across seven dimensionsincluding political, legal, economic, social, journalistic, treatment of journalists, and gender inclusionfound that Cross River, Ondo, Delta, Katsina, and Ekiti ranked as the top-performing states.

Others like Anambra, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Imo recorded the lowest performance. Despite being the media hub, Lagos experienced persistent high-severity violations and ranked 22nd on the perception index.

CJID CEO Dapo Olorunyomi said the Index highlights uneven democratic conditions and is a call to action for policymakers, journalists, civil society actors, and citizens.

Openness is uneven, often fragile, and must be continuously protected, he said, warning that without it, elections become performative, governance opaque, and power unchecked.

Civic space shrinking

Earlier, in his opening remark, Mr Oluwadare, SERAPs Deputy Director, warned that Nigerias civic space is under escalating restrictions, citing arbitrary arrests, digital surveillance, abductions, website blocking, and the rising use of SLAPPs to intimidate journalists and civil society actors.

There is a proverb that says an injury to one is an injury to all. Civic space, the rule of law, and general expression are under pressure. Collaboration between SERAP and the Guild is essential at this critical time, he said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained a former governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr Ngige, who served as Nigerias minister of Labour and Employment from 2015 to 2023, was arrested by some EFCC operatives on Wednesday at his residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Abuja.

There were speculations earlier on Wednesday that the former governor was abducted by gunmen in Nigerias capital.

However, Fred Chukwuelobe, a media aide to Mr Ngige, debunked the speculation, explaining that the EFCC picked up the former governor.

Ngige is with the EFCC. He was not abducted or kidnapped, Mr Chukwulobe wrote on Facebook Wednesday night.

The media aide promised to provide details later.

It is unclear for now why the anti-craft agency arrested the former governor.

EFCC silent

When our reporter contacted Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, for comments, he requested that the reporter send a text message to him.

However, he had yet to respond to a series of text messages and subsequent calls.

Attack on convoy

Mr Ngige is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He served as governor of Anambra State under the PDP platform from 29 May 2003 to 17 March 2006.

His arrest and detention by the anti-graft agency occurred exactly 14 days after gunmen attacked his convoy along Nkpor-Nnobi Road, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The gunmen shot dead a woman who was recording the attack with her phone. They also shot a police operative attached to the convoy. The attack occurred on 26 November.

The former governor was not in the convoy during the attack.
The Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode has nullified the removal of Wale Adedayo as the chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.

Judge Catherine Ogunsanya, in her judgement delivered on Tuesday, awarded N30 million in general damages to Mr Adedayo after finding that the process leading to his removal was illegal, null and void.

The judgment, delivered in suit number HCJ/53/2025, represents a significant vindication for Mr Adedayo, who had challenged his suspension and subsequent removal.

Mr Adedayo was controversially removed in September 2023 after accusing Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting statutory federal allocations of the 20 LGAs in the state.

He was removed by a motion supported by seven out of the 11 councillors of the council.

Ms Ogunsanya ruled on Monday that the steps taken towards the removal of Mr Adedayo were indeed illegal, null and void.

However, the court noted that since the claimants tenure had already lapsed, he could not be restored to his office.

The court also could not make an order for the payment of outstanding salaries, as Mr Adedayo failed to include a claim for them since his suspension.

A key outcome of the ruling is the award of substantial monetary compensation to Mr Adedayo.

Recognising the illegality of the process and the impact on the former chairman, the court granted Wale Adedayo N30 million in general damages.

The judge however cleared Governor Abiodun of complicity in or orchestrating the illegal process.

He upheld the argument that the local government and its legislative council are distinct legal entities, separate from the governor. Consequently, the Governor could not be held responsible for the actions or inactions of the council.

The court found no convincing evidence to establish a link between the governor and a petition the claimant (Mr Adedayo) alleged was written by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to the Commissioner of Police.

The judge agreed with the governors lawyer, Adekunle Manual (Assistant Director, Civil Litigations), that there was no proof the petition was motivated by alleged political differences with the Governor.

The court also noted that under the Local Government Law of Ogun State, the governors power was limited to suspending the chairman for a maximum of three monthsa step Governor Abiodun never took.

The Punch newspaper quoted Mr Adedayo as hailing the judgement.

This is a good development, it is a victory for our growing democracy.

And our thanks are to God who made this possible. He knows we went there to serve the people honestly and has refused to disgrace us, to God be all the glory.
China expands visa-free access and optimizes tax refunds to boost inbound tourism

11:06, December 11, 2025 By Tian Hong, Wang Yunna ( People's Daily

A Swiss tourist and his girlfriend apply for a departure tax refund at a flagship store of a renowned international fashion brand in Shanghai. (People's Daily/Tian Hong)

As China continues to expand its opening up, its visa-free policy network keeps growing, and departure tax refund procedures are being streamlined. These measures are fueling rising enthusiasm among international visitors for tourism and shopping in China.

China fully implemented its departure tax refund policy in 2015 and has since rolled out a series of new and improved measures. In April of this year, six government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, issued a set of measures to further optimize the policy to better serve international tourists and stimulate inbound consumption.

Key improvements include lowering the minimum purchase threshold for tax refunds from 500 yuan ($70.7) to 200 yuan and raising the cash refund limit from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan. These changes have effectively expanded the number of tax-refund stores, enriched the range of refundable goods, and improved the overall service quality, yielding clear results.

Latest data from the State Taxation Administration show that from January to September this year, applications for departure tax refunds by overseas travelers surged by 229.8 percent year on year, while the total refund amount rose by 97.4 percent. These figures underscore the growing inbound consumption vitality unleashed by the continued optimization.

A centralized instant tax refund service station is set up at the venue of the 8th China International Import Expo. (Photo/Yin Liqin)

International tourists have responded positively. A Swiss visitor, shopping with his girlfriend at a flagship store on Shanghai's Huaihai Road, praised the convenience: "The tax refund process was quick and smooth, offering a 9 percent refund -- almost like a 10 percent discount. For a first-time visitor to China, this is very convenient."

These streamlined procedures and financial incentives are enhancing China's appeal as a premier shopping destination, further integrating the country into global tourism networks.

Beyond authorizing individual stores to offer instant refunds, Shanghai established 26 centralized tax refund service points across key commercial districts. These hubs allow tourists to consolidate refunds from multiple purchases made at different stores in a single location, greatly improving efficiency.

During the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November 2025, Shanghai introduced a centralized instant tax refund service station directly at the expo venue -- a first. This station featured integrated POS systems for departure tax refunds, combining pre-authorization agreements with real-time advance refunds.

Currently, Shanghai boasts over 1,700 tax-refund stores citywide. Many service points now offer mobile refund options. This enables the entire process, from purchase invoicing and customs verification to refund payment, to be completed online. Through online pre-authorization, refunds can be received instantly via platforms like Alipay.

This year, Shanghai has handled departure tax refunds for nearly 100,000 travelers from 179 countries and regions. As of Sept. 29, the city's departure tax refund sales had increased by 83.8 percent year on year, while the total refund amount rose by 82.9 percent, ranking first among all provincial-level regions in China.

A Spanish tourist shops in a shopping mall in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province. (Photo/Fan Keli)

"More than 3,000 yuan in refunds was credited instantly. This is remarkably efficient. Traveling in China has been a great experience!" said a tourist from Spain, who spoke highly of China's instant tax refund policy.

At Teemall shopping center in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, he spent over an hour carefully selecting a wide variety of items, from smartphones and drones to traditional Chinese clothing, as well as specialty snacks and intangible cultural heritage-inspired creative products.

"Chinese products are of high quality and offer great value for money. I really like them," he said. He initially thought that only luggage and clothing were eligible for instant refunds, but was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of applicable products.

With a smooth application process and rapid refund, the Spanish tourist was able to fully enjoy his shopping experience in China. "When I come the next time, I'll bring a few extra empty suitcases to take more Chinese products home," he said.

The continued improvement of instant tax refund policies and services is attracting a growing number of overseas tourists to travel and spend in China.

Guangzhou officially launched its first batch of centralized instant tax refund service points at the end of June, making refund procedures simpler and payments faster.

With the introduction of one-stop online services for in-store instant refunds, overseas visitors can now scan a merchant-specific QR code after shopping and complete the refund process independently online, with the fastest refunds credited within five minutes.

At present, the number of tax-refund stores in Guangzhou has exceeded 1,500, covering all 11 urban districts of the city.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is delighted to announce Chiedo Nwankwor as a new member of the Board of CJID. Ms Nwankwor is a distinguished academic, gender and governance scholar, and policy expert whose extensive work and global experience strongly align with CJIDs mission to strengthen media, democracy, and accountability across Africa.

Ms Nwankwor currently serves as the Vice Dean for Education and Academic Affairs and Director of SAIS Women Lead at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Washington, DC, where she also lectures in the African Studies Programme. Her career spans more than two decades of academic research, teaching, and applied policy engagement, with a particular focus on gender, political representation, and governance across the African continent.

A respected voice in global discourse on women in politics, Ms Nwankwor holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Delaware, with a major in Comparative Politics and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Her doctoral research examined the substantive representation of women cabinet ministers in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has continued to produce influential scholarship, authoring and co-authoring numerous peer-reviewed articles, policy analyses, and book chapters published in reputable platforms, including Social Politics, The Routledge Handbook of Policy in Africa, and The Oxford Handbook of Politics in Nigeria. Her work explores themes centred on womens political participation, legislative policymaking, gendered impacts of crises, and democratic inclusion.

Beyond academia, Ms Nwankwor has led or contributed to significant international research projects on gender, governance, and development with notable partners such as the World Bank, Women Deliver, the United States Department of State, the International Republican Institute (IRI), BRAC, and Women in International Security. Her research footprint spans Nigeria, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and the United States of America, addressing critical issues including gender bias in financial services, climate change impacts on women, womens economic empowerment, food security, and gender-based violence prevention.

Speaking on the appointment, Umaru Pate, chair of the Board of Trustees, extended a warm welcome to Ms Nwankwor as a new member of the CJID Board. He remarked that her appointment represents a significant addition to the growing influence and presence of the Centre on the African continent. As we increasingly prioritise inclusive and sustainable innovation in journalism and development, I am confident that Dr Nwankwor will add considerable depth and value to the Centres initiatives, thereby contributing towards a stable democracy and media development, Mr Pate, a professor, said.

In his remarks regarding the appointment, CJIDs CEO, Dapo Olorunyomi, enthusiastically welcomed Ms Nwankwor, noting that her addition to the Board comes at a pivotal moment of the organisations growth, and in the era of deepening work at the intersection of knowledge, technology, and democratic accountability. He emphasised that Africas information and governance landscapes increasingly demand rigorous and principled leadership capable of building resilient frameworks that strengthen our democracies and enhance the continents ability to navigate the complexities of the digital age. We are honoured to welcome her into this shared endeavour.

Ms Nwankwor joins a distinguished board comprising leaders drawn from academia, media, policy, and development practice in Africa. Her appointment further reinforces CJIDs commitment to advancing gender-responsive perspectives in the media ecosystem, while expanding the breadth of its contributions to democracy and development across the continent.
Democracy and governance experts recently convened in Gombe, northeast Nigeria, to examine the countrys electoral system and propose reforms aimed at strengthening democratic development.

The dialogue, hosted on 4 December by the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, Umaru Pate, featured PREMIUM TIMES publisher, Dapo Olorunyomi, as the chairman of the occasion, with former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega serving as the guest lecturer.

In their respective speeches, Messrs Jega and Olorunyomi emphasised that Nigeria, along with other democratic nations, must continually enhance the integrity of its elections to make them more credible and more influential on democratic governance and socioeconomic development.

Mr Jega argued that strengthening electoral integrity remains one of the most critical pathways to securing good democratic governance.

Also, Mr Olorunyomi contended that credible elections can serve as the foundation for competent leadership, effective governance, and a renewed national purpose.

In his opening remarks, the vice-chancellor said the gathering came at a crucial moment for a country still searching for democratic renewal and institutional trust.

As a public university, we bear a responsibility not only to train skilled graduates, but also to contribute meaningfully to national dialogue, democratic awareness, and responsible leadership, Mr Pate, a professor of media and society, said.

He noted that Nigeria faces a crisis of public trust, declining civic engagement, rising misinformation and persistent governance failures, but added that citizens resilience and ongoing reform efforts offer hope.

Mr Olorunyomi, who also serves as the CEO of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), stated that Nigerias elections have not yielded good governance, partly due to weaknesses in the architecture of electoral institutions.

He acknowledged reforms introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the years, including the BVAS and IReV systems. Yet, he said that gains remain fragile due to political interference, logistical problems and the growing judicialisation of elections.

Increasingly, courtsnot votersdetermine winners, eroding trust in the sanctity of the ballot, he said.

Mr Olorunyomi also faulted the state of political parties, describing many as hollow structures undermined by monetised primaries, godfatherism and imposed candidacies.

When parties elevate poorly prepared or unqualified candidates, poor governance becomes not an aberration but an inevitability.

Beyond institutions lies our political culture: the normalisation of vote buying, the persistent shadow of violence, and a growing cynicism that pushes many citizens toward disengagement. The consequence is a legitimacy deficitleaders elected by a fraction of eligible voters are often unable to command the moral authority required for difficult reforms, he said.

Despite these challenges, the veteran journalist said signs of democratic renewal are visible in expanding civic activism, rising youth participation, a more engaged diaspora, stronger independent media, and digital-driven public oversight.

He called for deeper reforms, including reinforcing INECs autonomy, democratising political parties, enforcing campaign finance transparency, and strengthening public institutions to prioritise merit over patronage.

Mr Olorunyomi emphasised the growing importance of accountability journalism and ethical artificial intelligence in defending electoral integrity and strengthening public scrutiny.

In this rapidly changing landscape, accountability journalism and ethical AI are now indispensable. Nigerias media ecosystem demonstrates that investigative reporting, real-time fact-checking, and forensic electoral monitoring can counteract the distortions of digital platforms and opaque algorithms. At the same time, emerging ethical standards in AIanchored in transparency, fairness, and protection from exploitative data practicesprovide new guardrails for how political actors, platforms, and regulators deploy automated systems.

Together, these forces form a counter-Leviathan: a democratic infrastructure of truth, scrutiny, and principled technological governance. They expand civic agency, protect electoral integrity, and reaffirm the principle that political choice must rest on fact, fairness, and a trusted public sphere.

He added that Nigerias democratic performance carries continental significance, warning that failures embolden anti-democratic forces across Africa. He said the 2027 elections must serve as a watershed moment for rebuilding trust and signalling Nigerias commitment to democratic renewal.

As Africas largest democracy, most populous country, and a cultural powerhouse, Nigeria sets precedents that reverberate across the continent. When our elections are credible, and our institutions work, we strengthen democratic norms in a region where they are fragile. When they falter, we unwittingly embolden anti-democratic forces elsewhere.

This is why the 2027 elections must be a watershed momenta chance to learn from past failures, repair broken bridges of trust, and signal to Africa and the world that Nigeria remains committed to the hard, necessary work of democratic renewal. If we rise to this historic responsibility, we will not only stabilise our own republic but also offer a model of hope and possibility for the developing world.

The former INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, in his lecture, argued that periodic elections alone do not guarantee that citizens votes are unshackled or meaningful. He said only elections conducted professionally, efficiently and transparently and in which citizens vote with conscience, free of fraud, irregularities and inducement, can truly reflect the will of the electorate.

Mr Jega lamented that Nigeria has spent 26 years muddling through democratic development, constrained by poor electoral integrity, inadequate representation and a governance model that fails to address citizens basic needs for security, dignity and a decent quality of life.

Free and fair elections, on which the political system and its governance model are predicated, have been essentially constrained, and their integrity undermined. This raises significant questions, especially about how Nigerians practice electoral democracy, and about the fate of Nigerias democratic development.

The former INEC chairman said weak governance structures and institutions have contributed to a crisis of legitimacy, as citizens increasingly lose faith in the states capacity to protect their rights or address their needs.

In present-day Nigeria, given what can aptly be termed as a crisis of governance at all levels, the processes, structures and institutions of governance are essentially weak, or have virtually collapsed, with regrettable consequences on desirable economic growth and socioeconomic development.

This drift, he warned, has led to citizens becoming indifferent to political participation and constructive engagement in the governance processes, even losing hope in democratisation and governance processes, which is even more worrisome.

To reverse this, Mr Jega called for sustained reforms to strengthen electoral preparation and administration, insisting that integrity in elections has a direct correlation with quality representation and good democratic governance, which are primary requirements for democratic development and consolidation.

One of the most important efforts to strengthen good democratic governance in Nigeria is to uplift the integrity of elections. This can and should be done by increasing the capacity, competence, and professionalism of INEC.

He urged INEC to learn from global best practices, enforce sanctions against electoral offenders, deploy adaptable technology, expand voter education, and deepen partnerships with stakeholders on electoral integrity, nationally and internationally.

It is also necessary to do whatever it takes to continue to enhance active citizen participation in political and electoral processes.

The professor said these measures are essential in an era marked globally by democratic backsliding and autocratisation.

Mr Jega concluded that elections with integrity remain the kernel of democratic consolidation. Free, fair and credible elections, he said, give citizens hope and confidence in governance and help mobilise active participation, an indispensable requirement for Nigerias democratic development.

No doubt, Nigeria and Nigerians are desirous of entrenching good democratic governance. Therefore, serious attention needs to be focused on making Nigerian elections among the best, as soon as possible, in terms of integrity, he said.

In countries like Nigeria, which are currently in the sphere of, and practising, liberal, representative, or electoral democracy, there is a need for constant vigilance and effort to prevent democratic regression or backsliding and ensure electoral integrity to nurture, sustain, and consolidate good democratic governance.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to charge Chris Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, to court, Mr Ngiges media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, said on Thursday afternoon.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Ngige, who served as Nigerias minister of Labour and Employment from 2015 to 2023, was arrested by EFCC operatives on Wednesday at his residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Abuja.

May be charged today

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Chukwulobe said the EFCC would charge the former minister to court possibly today.

The media aide did not, however, mention the EFCCs allegation against the former minister.

Arrested while in pyjamas

Mr Chukwulobe said Mr Ngige was whisked away from his residence by about 20 EFCC officers from the agencys zonal office, Wuse II, in Abuja.

He said the EFCC operatives arrested the former minister when they raided his apartment in a commando style.

He (Ngige) was not allowed to change his clothes and was taken away still wearing his pyjamas, he quoted an unnamed family member as saying.

Mr Chukwulobe acknowledged that there was a pending case involving Mr Ngige and that the former minister had been on an administrative bail from the EFCC.

The media aide said Mr Ngige was granted administrative bail after he was invited by the agency and questioned for some undisclosed reasons.

Ngige had, before yesterdays arrest, been in contact with the agency and was cooperating with it, he said.

He narrated that the EFCC authorities had asked Mr Ngige to return his travel documents to them, apparently due to the ongoing case.

Mr Chukwulobe stressed that the former minister embarked on a medical trip to the US, but lost his passport on arriving at the UK which forced him to abort the trip and return to Nigeria.

He stated that the former Anambra governor subsequently obtained his travel documents from the Nigerian High Commission in the UK, which enabled him to travel back to Abuja, Nigerias capital.

The aide explained that the former minister, upon arrival in Nigeria, drafted a letter which he intended to forward to the EFCC informing it of the loss of his travel documents and that he had no passport to return to the agency.

He was yet to submit the letter when officers of the agency stormed his residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road, Asokoro, Abuja, and whisked him away, he said.

He added that Mr Ngige was surprised at his arrest when he had not violated the terms of his administrative bail and had cooperated with the agency.

It was gathered that he (Ngige) will be charged to court which will now hear arguments from his lawyers and possibly grant him bail, he stated.

EFCC speaks

When contacted on Thursday afternoon, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Ngige is in the custody of the anti-graft agency.

Mr Oyewale, however, declined to speak further, promising to speak later on the matter.

Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr Ngige was arrested in connection with some alleged fraudulent transactions running into billions of naira, which were conducted in a parastatal under the Ministry of Labour and Employment when he served as minister.

Not the first time

This is not the first time Mr Ngige has been investigated over alleged involvement in fraudulent deals.

In 2024, for instance, the politician was grilled by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over contract irregularities and job racketeering at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his time as labour minister.

The NSITF is a parastatal under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
PREMIUM TIMES reporter, Falmata Daniel, was one of the three Nigerian journalists honoured on Wednesday, in Abuja, by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at the 30th anniversary of the International Human Rights Day.

The others are Michael Olugbode of ThisDay and Emeka Amafor.

NHRC also honoured the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Dorothy Njemanze for their contributions to human rights in the country.

Speaking at the occasion, the commissions Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, said it is pursuing its mandate with renewed commitment, and in doing so has recognised some exemplary practices by some media professionals who have dedicated themselves to exemplifying human rights in Nigeria through their works.

He said such practices align with the commissions goals.

Thelma Nwankwo, while reading a citation during the presentation of the award to the journalist said she was known for her professionalism.

For instance, her special report, When Nigerian Police Fire Teargas, they Break not just Crowds, exposed the psychological, health, and economic impact of teargas use on citizens. She read.

Her reportage reflects a deep understanding of human rights principles and the workings of Nigerias justice system. Her writing style is detailed, balanced, and profoundly human-centered, and has earned her an affectionate nickname, small but mighty.

In spite of her soft spoken demeanour, she is renowned for her depth of analysis, boldness in confronting sensitive issues, and her ability to break down complex human rights challenges in ways that inform, engage, and provoke thoughts among leaders. She is also known for her professionalism and ethics, She stated.

The ES also noted that the award represents a tribute of courage and consistency to the cause of human rights by those awarded.

He further stated that As Nigerias National Human Rights Institution, we recommit ourselves today to the mandate that has guided us for 30 years to protect, promote, and enforce the rights of all persons in Nigeria.

About Miss Daniel

Miss Daniel is a member of PREMIUM TIMES Judiciary, Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Desk, and assigned to cover NHRC and other related beats.

She has reported stories on human rights violations and other judicial proceedings since joining this newspaper as an intern last year.

Her published reports primarily address human rights violations against children, education gaps, and law enforcement excess.

Some of her impactful works include an analysis of the prevalence of rape of minors in Nigeria, 2025, and the story of an Abuja resident, who attempted suicide because of the economic reality in 2024.

She has also participated in a year-long joint development project in collaboration with the CJID. The initiative covered issues such as gender, agriculture, and health, and often involved engaging in community programmes.

A key component of her role is interacting with Nigerians about population-level issues, aiming to proffer practical solutions, clearly expose policy gaps, and achieve lasting change.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, dismissed former Minister of Power Saleh Mammans no-case submission against the N33.8 billion money laundering charges instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Judge James Omotosho, in a ruling on the no-case submission, held that EFCC had established a prima facie case against Mr Mamman warranting him to enter his defence in the case.

Mr Omotosho held that the evidence tendered by the prosecution was such that the defendant must proffer some explanations or put in a defence against the allegations made against him, especially considering the seriousness of the offences.

The ruling upended Mr Mammans hope of seeing the charges quashed midway into trial without his defence.

In July 2024, the EFCC arraigned Mr Mamman on 12 counts of money laundering and conspiracy with officials at the ministry and some private companies to indirectly convert N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

The former minister, who was appointed minister by the then-President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2019 and was sacked in September 2021, pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting a full-blown trial.

Following his not-guilty plea, the EFCC went on to present 17 prosecution witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits against the defendant before closing its case.

Mr Mamma then filed a no-case submission on 19 November, instead of opening his defence, arguing that the evidence led by the prosecution failed to link him to any of the alleged offences. He urged the court to throw out the charges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports EFCC filed a written address dated 25 November to oppose the no-case submission, insisting that by its 17 prosecution witnesses and exhibits tendered, it had made out a prima facie case against the defendant.

Why no-case submission fails

Ruling on Thursday, Mr Omotosho upheld the prosecutions argument, dismissing the no-case submission.

He ordered Mr Mamman to open his defence in line with Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution to give explanations on some of the evidence tendered by the EFCC.

I have carefully gone through the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution with respect to this charge.

The evidence all points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendant.

The evidence is such that the defendant must proffer some explanations or defence to the allegation made against him, especially considering the seriousness of the offences.

This court will refrain from evaluating the evidence but will limit itself to stating that on the whole, a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant.

This is not to say that the defendant is guilty as charged; put simply that he be afforded his right to fair hearing and put in his defence before this court.

The evidence of the prosecution has found sufficient ground for proceeding with this trial.

A connection of the defendant with the offence, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence and as such the defendant would be required to enter his defence to the charge or a rebuttal of some sort, the judge said.

Mr Omotosho further restated that holding that a prima facie case had been established did not necessarily imply that the court found Mr Mamman guilty of the charge.

It is simply to allow the defendant to exhaust his options for his defence and to clear every unresolved issue which may weigh on the mind of the court in reaching a final decision.

The defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt, he said, citing section 135 (1) Evidence Act, 2011.

According to the judge, the right of a defendant to defend himself/herself is a fundamental right provided under section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.

Such right cannot be taken from a defendant except where a defendant expressly or by conduct waives the same, he said.

The judge also held that, in a criminal trial, a defendant can elect to rest his case on the prosecutions case, enter his defence or make a no-case submission.

This defendant, having not waived his right to defend himself either expressly or by conduct and the no-case submission made by him having been overruled, he is hereby called upon to put in his defence to the charge against him.

In conclusion, the address of counsel, no matter how beautifully constructed, cannot take the place of evidence.

Based on the fundamental right to fair hearing as contained in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution which the defendant is entitled to, this court is inclined to give him the opportunity and afford him his fundamental right to fair hearing.

Consequently, the no-case submission is overruled and the defendant is hereby ordered to enter his defence and make some explanations as to the charge and evidence made by the prosecution, Mr Omotosho ruled.

The judge adjourned the matter until 23 February 2026, for defence.

(NAN)
There was pandemonium on Thursday during the screening of ambassadorial nominees by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs as Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, and his Edo North counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, engaged in a heated exchange over the suitability of Reno Omokri for a diplomatic posting.

Mr Omokri, a former presidential spokesperson, appeared before the lawmakers alongside four career ambassadorial nominees for screening.

As is customary, the nominees introduced themselves one by one in preparation for questioning.

Soon after, Mr Ndume, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), moved a motion for Mr Omokri and the other nominees to take a bow and go.

Take a bow is a parliamentary tradition that effectively waives rigorous questioning.

The Borno lawmaker explained that he had known Mr Omokri for over 25 years, assuring that he is suitable for the position.

Committee Chairman Sani Bello, who represents Niger North, called for the motion to be seconded.

However, when it was time to do so, Mr Oshiomhole objected, stating that he preferred to comment on the nominees rather than second the motion.

His stance infuriated Mr Ndume, who asked him to allow another senator to second the motion and to reserve his comments.

This disagreement quickly escalated into a rowdy confrontation, with both lawmakers trading insults.

Mr Oshiomhole told his colleagues not to pretend as if there is no controversy surrounding Mr Omokris nomination.

Mr Ndume called Mr Oshiomhole a tout, while the latter shot back, saying he would not dignify a hypocrite with a response.

The former Edo State governor said, despite past political disagreements, including Mr Ndumes criticism of him during the 2023 general election, he would support the presidents nominees.

The shouting match continued until other senators intervened to restore calm.

Omokris controversies

Over the years, Mr Omokri has built a reputation as an outspoken critic of successive Nigerian governments.

During the 2023 presidential election cycle, he was one of President Bola Tinubus most vocal detractors, even once labelling him a drug baron in international media, a remark that resurfaced and fuelled debate following his nomination.

His inclusion on Mr Tinubus list of ambassadorial nominees triggered significant controversy, with many Nigerians questioning whether someone who spent years attacking the president and suddenly supporting the current administration is fit to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

Ndumes earlier criticism

President Tinubu last week transmitted 65 additional nominees for ambassadorial positions to the Senate for screening and confirmation, urging lawmakers to expedite the process in accordance with Section 171(1), (2), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution.

The president nominated 34 Nigerians as career ambassadors and high commissioners, while 31 others were listed as non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.

The nominees include former governors, former lawmakers, a serving senator and other prominent personalities.

On 6 December, Mr Ndume, a known critic of Mr Tinubu, faulted the list of ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the Senate, arguing that the composition violated the federal character principle. The principle mandates equitable distribution of government appointments, resources, and opportunities across Nigerias diverse ethnic, regional, and religious groups.

However, during the screening, the senator did not act in line with his earlier criticism of the presidents list. Instead, he appeared to support the nominees.
The Auditor General of the Federation has faulted the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU), Abia State, for spending N64 million on Christmas and Sallah Gifts in 2021.

While the Auditor-General didnt specify the names or number of staff who benefitted from the gifts, it noted that the university disbursed the funds in nine payments between February and December 2021. The payments totalled N64,020,310.00.

This is one of 32 financial violations committed by the MOUAU between 2021 and 2021, according to the Auditor Generals annual report recently submitted to the National Assembly.

Other violations include the universitys failure to remit over N578 million in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and a N40 million over-payment of severance payments to the former vice-chancellor.

According to the Auditor General, the university made N5.4 billion questionable payments, including award of contracts above threshold, unapproved payments, circumvention of procurement procedures and payments without project execution.

Violations

The report explained that the payments of N64 million unapproved for Christmas and Sallah gifts to staff, violated paragraph 415 and 713 of the Financial Regulations Act of 2009.

The federal government requires all officers responsible for expenditure to exercise due economy. Money must not be spent merely because it has been voted, it quoted paragraph 415.

Also, paragraph 713 of the FR states: Personal money will in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account nor shall any public money be paid into a private bank account. An officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention.

The report attributed the anomalies to the weakness in the internal control system of the university.

It added that the university management did not respond to its request for justification of the spending.

Since the Management failed to respond to the issue raised, the findings remain valid until the Management implements the recommendations, the report said.

Recommendation

The Auditor-General recommended the prosecution of the universitys vice-chancellor should he fail to remit the sum to the federal government coffers.

The report asked the public accounts committee to the National Assembly to ask the vice-chancellor to remit the sum to the federal government coffers or prosecute him, according to the financial regulation laws.

Otherwise, sanctions relating to poor management of cash and irregular or wrong payment in paragraphs 3115 and 3106 of the Financial Regulations (2009) respectively, should apply, the report noted.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday pulled back Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Limited, one of Nigerias leading construction and engineering companies, from the verge of liquidation.

The court issued the order saving the nearly 50 years old company from liquidation following the settlement of its $1.4 million indebtedness to Zutari Consulting Nigeria Ltd.

Judge Mohammed Umar struck out the winding-up proceedings after it was confirmed that Dantata & Sawoe had finally executed the $1.4 million settlement agreement covering the $1,257,592.83 debt owed for subcontract work on the Dangote Fertilizer Plant project in Lekki, Lagos.

The development came months after the court approved the publication of a winding-up petition in two national dailies against the company, co-owned by an heir of the wealthy Dantata business family in Kano.

It also came on the heels of the courts order issued just nine days ago appointing a liquidator to wind up the firm following reports that Dantata was not forthcoming in fully paying its debt.

The judge in his ruling appointing a liquidator for the company on 3 December held that Dantata & Sawoe had been given ample time by the court to settle the debt but repeatedly presented excuses.

Intensified efforts to clear debt

However, Dantata & Sawoe apparently intensified efforts to settle its debt after the court appointed liquidator to wind it up on 3 December.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dantata & Sawoe filed a motion on notice on the following day, 4 March, indicating that it had fully paid the entire $1.4 million debt.

The company, in a motion on notice filed by its lawyer, Mr I.I. Okim, noted that it had fully paid the debt owed to Zutari Consulting Nigeria Ltd for the subcontract work.

The case stemmed from the terms of a settlement agreement regarding an alleged $1.3 million ($1,257,592.83) debt owed to Zutari Consulting Nigeria Ltd, following subcontract work on the Dangote Fertilizer Plant project in Lekki, Lagos.

Zutari Consulting stated that it was engaged by Dantata & Sawoe in 2015 to execute some design components of the respondents subcontract works at the Dangote Fertilizer Plant project in Lekki.

While Zutari Consulting is involved in engineering design, consulting, and supervision of engineering works, Dantata & Sawoe is engaged in general construction services.

Zutari Consulting, the petitioner who initiated the winding-up proceedings, contended that after it completed the job, Dantata & Sawoe became indebted to it in the sum of $1,257,592.83, ZAR 2,136,623.39, and 4,364.38.

It said Dantata & Sawoes failure to pay the outstanding amount led to a dispute which was referred to the International Chamber of Commerce for arbitration after both parties were unable to resolve it themselves. It said the tribunal ruled in its favour.

In September 2024, the court granted the parties a 30-day extension for settlement and adjourned the matter several times to hear Zutari Consultings motion seeking the appointment of a provisional liquidator for Dantata & Sawoe over the alleged debt.

Zutari Consultings legal team had told the court that arbitration over the matter was conducted in London, United Kingdom, and that a final arbitral award issued on 7 April 2021, held Dantata & Sawoe liable for the debt.

However, in a notice of preliminary objection filed on 9 May 2023, Dantata & Sawoes legal team urged the court to strike out the petition for lack of jurisdiction.

It informed the court that an appeal had been filed amid ongoing settlement negotiations.

Thursdays hearing

At Thursdays hearing both Zutari Consulting, represented by its lawyer E. Joshua and Dantata & Sawoes lawyer, Mr Okim, confirmed to the court that their clients had reached a settlement.

The lawyers confirmed that Dantata & Sawoe had cleared the outstanding debt.

Mr Okim, therefore, urged the court to grant the companys motion in view of the latest development.

In response, Mr Joshua made an oral application to discontinue the liquidation case against Dantata & Sawoe.

The judge, Mr Umar, granted the application after hearing from counsel for the parties and struck out the case.

NAN recalls that Mr Okim, while citing grounds for the filing of the motion, admitted that the court had appointed liquidators on the basis that his client had been unable to pay its arbitral award debt.

The lawyer stated that the company has paid the debt arbitral award to the petitioner in this matter, and argued that there is now a need to stay execution of the courts orders or discharge the orders made on 3 December.

He further stated that his client had filed an appeal and that continued execution of the trial courts orders might foist a fait accompli (irreversible accomplished fact) on the pending appeal.

The applicant also undertook to provide security for costs.

Mr Okim, therefore, sought an order staying execution of the courts order made on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed against the orders in this petition.

An order vacating or discharging the orders appointing liquidators for the applicant made on 3 December 2025.

The Head of Litigation and Insurance for Dantata & Sawoe, John Dalam, in the affidavit attached to the motion, stated that several credit transfers were made to Zutari Consulting to support the companys claim of full payment.

The debit alerts showing the payments of the arbitral award sum are attached here as Exhibit D2 series, he added.

Mr Dalam stressed that further execution of the liquidation order would cause irreparable harm to the company and that it would be in the interest of justice for the court to grant a stay of execution.

The $1.4 million project debt is in accordance with the terms of a settlement agreement, regarding an alleged $1,257,592.83 debt owed to Zutari Consulting Nigeria Ltd, following the subcontract work in Lekki, Lagos.

About Dantata & Sawoe

Dantata & Sawoe was co-founded in 1976 by Abdulkadir Dantata, who died at 66 in February 2012.

Mr Dantata was an heir of the Dantata business dynasty, a Nigerian famous family of wealthy entrepreneurs from Kano State. The African richest man, Aliko Dangote, is also part of the family.

The company is known for its work on roads, highways, airstrips, flyovers, irrigation & drainage system, airports, power plants and other infrastructure projects across Nigeria.

(NAN)
Activists on Wednesday took to the streets of Lagos to pressure the Lagos State government to reinstate five dismissed lecturers of the Lagos State University (LASU), a case that has remained unresolved since 2019.

The protesters moved from the Ikeja Under Bridge to the Lagos State House of Assembly, where they submitted a petition calling for the recall of the lecturers, known as the LASU Five.

They carried placards with inscriptions such as The unjust dismissal of ASUU-LASU 5 is academic terrorism. Let scholars breathe!!! and Sanwo-Olu  intimidation is not leadership. Recall LASU 5 now.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Abudu Olumayowa, who led the protesters, said the Lagos State government must respect human rights by reinstating the lecturers, adding that the march coincided with International Human Rights Day.

Violations of fundamental human rights must stop. We are here for one of our agitations since 2019. We are calling for the reinstatement of the LASU Five, he said.

Separate protest seeks release of detained activists

A separate demonstration under the umbrella of #EndBadGovernance Movement was also held on Wednesday, calling for the release of detained activists.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and signed by Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Oloye Adegboyega-Adeniji, the group warned of a worsening decline in human rights protections across Nigeria.

The group cited new data from the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI), which rated Nigeria 3.2 out of 10 in protection from state violence, with indicators on health, housing, food, work, water and sanitation also falling in the very bad range.

The letter listed several cases of alleged human rights violations, including arrests of journalists, detention of minors during protests, clampdowns on labour leaders, and killings recorded during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.

The group called on the federal government to drop treason charges against 11 detained protesters, halt persecution of human rights defenders and journalists, compensate victims of house demolitions in Lagos, and curb abuses by security agencies in the state.

Background to the LASU five case

The lecturers, Isaac Oyewumi (ASUU chairperson), Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu (vice-chairperson), Anthony Dansu (secretary), Adeolu Oluwaseyi Oyekan (assistant secretary), and Oluwakemi Aboderin-Shonibare (treasurer), were dismissed during the university governing councils 122nd meeting on 12 September 2019.

They were accused of unauthorised removal and dissemination of confidential documents.

An appeal committee chaired by then Deputy Vice-Chancellor Adenike Boyo cleared them in February 2022 and recommended their reinstatement, which the governing council approved, but reversed 48 hours later.

In November, the Concerned Sons and Daughters of Ikoga-Zebbe, Badagry, wrote to the governing council chairman, Babatunde Ogala, insisting that the lecturers were wrongfully dismissed and should be reinstated.

The group said the immediate past governing council reaffirmed their reinstatement on 3 July but alleged that the university has failed to implement the decision.

READ ALSO: Competency Based Learning at AUN

We understand the decision to mean a clear directive to finalise the discussions with them with a view to making a binding agreement between the two parties, the group said. Sadly, about five months after this decision, we have yet to see any positive results.

They demanded the unconditional reinstatement of the lecturers, payment of accrued benefits, and restoration of seniority.
The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Hakeem Fawehinmi, on Thursday, assumed duty as the 8th substantive vice-chancellor of the university.

Mr Fawehinmi, a professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology, was appointed VC on 7 November during an extraordinary meeting of the institutions governing council.

The new VC was, until his latest appointment, the vice-chancellor of the Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State.

Mr Fawehinmi now succeeds Mathew Adamu, also a professor, who has served in an acting capacity since 11 August.

According to a statement by the universitys spokesperson, Habib Yakoob, the new VC pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to strengthen academic excellence, research output, innovation, institutional stability, and the overall student experience. He spoke shortly after assuming office.

Mr Fawehinmi appreciated the university council, senate, management, staff, students, and alumni for their support and warm reception.

The university will, under my leadership, actively explore opportunities to collaborate and secure more funding to strengthen the university, expand our academic and executive programmes, as well as widen access to education within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond. It is my hope that with your support, this institution will achieve its vision of becoming a world-class university, he was quoted as saying.

About new VC

Hakeem Fawehinmi, a professor, is a scholar of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology with decades of teaching, research, and administrative experience.

At the University of Port Harcourt, where he spent most of his academic career, he served in several leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Anatomy (20052009), Associate Dean (20102012), Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (20122014), and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (20162020).

He has also served on multiple statutory and ad hoc committees, gaining extensive experience in governance, academic planning, and institutional reform.

He is an active member of several professional associations and has served as President of the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (20142016) and Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State (19992000).

He is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI) and the Academy of Medicine Specialities of Nigeria (FAMedS).

His academic footprint includes over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 37 conference abstracts indexed in leading research databases. He has participated in over 70 international conferences and training programmes across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

In 2014, he delivered the 111th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt, titled Different Tailors for the Same People; Same Surgeon for Different People.

Mr Fawehinmi has attracted several national and international research grants and holds a federal government patent for his design of the AMRG Anthropometry Chair, a tool for dimensional body measurement.

He has also been involved in establishing partnerships between universities and industries, both within and outside Nigeria.

As an external examiner and assessor, he has served several first and second-generation Nigerian universities and was cited in the 2021 Africa Scientist Rankings by the Alper-Doger Scientific Index.
In the late 1970s, the architect bought a bungalow in Santa Monica and decided to renovate it by wrapping it with corrugated metal, construction mesh, plywood, and glass

Text in which the author defends ideas and reaches conclusions based on his / her interpretation of facts and data

On December 5, Frank Gehry, one of the most influential  and most joyfully undisciplined  architects of our time, passed away. And while collective imagination will remember him for oceanic museums, titanium auditoriums, and cultural centers that resemble migratory birds mid-evolution, the truth is that it all began, like so many architectural genealogies we love because they seem humble (and later turn out not to be) with a house. His house. A modest, unassuming home that, in less time than it takes a neighbor to utter demolition order, became the first recognizable heartbeat of the Gehry who would later emerge.

Frank Gehry, with his son Alejandro, leaving his home in Santa Monica in 1980. Susan Wood (Getty Images)

In the late 1970s, Gehry bought a perfectly ordinary bungalow in Santa Monica, built in the 1920s, one of those that line a neighborhood where the most daring aesthetic statement is usually a hydrangea of questionable color. And Gehry, instead of remodeling it with the restraint recommended by any mortgage survival manual, decided to subject it to an intervention so unusual that even today its difficult to describe without it sounding like performance art.

Whats truly fascinating  the master stroke that sets him apart from the rest of us mortals who think that renovating is just moving a partition wall and praying its not structural  is that he didnt rebuild the house, but rather wrapped it. Literally. As if the traditional bungalow  a small Dutch-American house with a pleasing geometry  had grown, almost parasitically, a shell made of corrugated metal, construction mesh, plywood, and glass positioned in a way that defied any academic textbook.

Instead of concealing the old house, he embraced it. Gehry enveloped it in another architectural structure, creating a double object that functioned like a kind of contemporary matryoshka doll, where the outer shell is slightly chaotic, but the inner original house still works as a normal home. Between these two layers emerged recesses that belonged neither entirely inside nor outside, architectural chambers where the air circulated with that whimsical freedom usually reserved for improvised courtyards and Sunday afternoon science experiments. There, the light entered according to rules seemingly established by a committee of sunbeams with their own sense of humor.

Exterior of the bungalow that Frank Gehry renovated and lived in in Santa Monica. Susan Wood (Getty Images)

And it worked. It functioned as a house. In its own way, of course, but it worked. Gehry lived there, amidst gaps and irregularities, exposed beams, rooms that opened onto ambiguous spaces, and terraces that seemed invented by a sculptor in the throes of therapeutic frenzy. To inhabit the place was to coexist with a mutating organism that offered microclimates, alternative routes to the bathroom, and a kitchen that acquired symbolic importance. A spatial remnant and, at the same time, a constructed, profoundly conscious remnant, breathing within that dual domestic anatomy.

The neighbors, for their part, reacted to the transformation like someone discovering that a meteorite, now paying property taxes, has settled on their quiet street of houses. They called the complex the weird house, with a mixture of suspicion and fascination that should be included in any sociological study on the limits of aesthetic tolerance in the American suburbs. Because suddenly, in that row of canonical houses, a three-dimensional collage emerged that seemed improvised, although in reality it possessed the precision of a goldsmith. There were criticisms, rumors, comments like what is this?, a few minor squabbles with regulations, but nothing that impeded the process. The 1970s, after all, were a different era. More experimental, less obsessed with the homogenous color scheme of the neighborhood.

Living in this house was like living with a mutant organism that offered microclimates and a kitchen that acquired symbolic importance. Susan Wood/Getty Images (Getty Images)

In that project were already all of Gehrys future obsessions: controlled fragmentation, forms with musical energy, material disobedience, the deliberate erasure of the boundary between inside and outside and, above all, the idea that a house can cease to be an object and become a conversation between layers.

Dining room of the house designed by Frank Gehry. Susan Wood (Getty Images)

This house was not his first work, but it is his first personal, risky project. A foundational building where his embryonic style  later called deconstructivism  appears unapologetically for the first time. Because Gehry was experimenting with something radical: architecture not as demolition, but as an envelope, as a gentle contradiction to the pre-existing, like that gesture of sketching something crooked on a napkin and then subjecting it to an almost surgical engineering process. The seed of the Gehry method is there, in that house, which he himself considered his laboratory. It wasnt a game or a gratuitous provocation, but a serious experiment that allowed him to understand what he could do and, above all, what he was willing to do with architecture.

If you think about it, its colossal. That a domestic gesture  half crazy, half brave, yes, but domestic nonetheless  was the dress rehearsal for everything that would come after. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Fondation Louis Vuitton. Gigantic projects with astronomical budgets and complex conceptual frameworks, yet which come from this seed: a wrapped bungalow, a metal shell surrounding a small Dutch house, a fierce intuition that decided that architecture should tell a different story without erasing the previous one.

Frank Gehry posing in front of his house in 1988. George Rose (Getty Images)

Because Gehrys architecture doesnt begin with the facade, institutional programs, or monumental iconography. It begins with an intimate decision: to envelop what already exists and force it to reveal something new. Gehry did this with his own house. And from that strange, checkered, luminous, and stubbornly original dwelling, emerged one of the most unclassifiable voices in contemporary architecture.

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Sam lives on in another realm, the realm of words, where he made his most tremendous impact. And in that realm, there is no past tense, only a constant, unrelenting conversation with the present, in the hope that if we heed, we might yet have a better future. Sams platform was his weekly Monday column, The Last Word.

If it seems like only yesterday when the founder of LEADERSHIP, Sam Nda-Isaiah, passed away, its because he is still here in the present tense. Yet you might disagree if you are looking for him in the wrong place. Let me lessen your confusion.

If, for example, you still hope hed call at 2.30 a.m. to wake you up and ask why youre asleep at that time, which he did without a hint of irony, and such calls have stopped since, then you may consider him part of the past.

There are other footprints. His hearty laughter, or the echo of his stuttering voice as he marshalled facts in a heated argument. These idiosyncrasies, now silenced since that 11 December Friday night five years ago, may also seem like a distant part of the past.

Yet, these recollections, like memories from the Magdalenean scene at the Talpiot tomb in Jerusalem centuries ago, are mistaken because they imagine Sam outside the realm where he made his most significant impact.

Hes not in his study in his house or on his way back from Hawaii, Beijing, Singapore, or any of those exotic destinations he loved to visit. Nor is he sitting in the corner of his favourite brown leather chair in his office, passionately debating the trouble with Nigeria with his friends.

Another Realm

Sam lives on in another realm, the realm of words, where he made his most tremendous impact. And in that realm, there is no past tense, only a constant, unrelenting conversation with the present, in the hope that if we heed, we might yet have a better future. Sams platform was his weekly Monday column, The Last Word.

Ive been reading many of them recently, and you might be forgiven for thinking they were written yesterday. Im not talking about the collection of articles he wrote and published under the title, Nigeria: Full Disclosure, as a columnist with Daily Trust before founding LEADERSHIP in 2004. That was quite something.

Yet, between the publication of Full Disclosure and 10 years later, when, literally speaking, Sam suspended his column at gunpoint to contest the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he wrote many more thrilling pieces about many things, from politics to governance, and from corruption to the judiciary and international affairs.

Bosom of His Words

Many of the articles are fresh and poignant. Take the one entitled, The PDP Civil War, for example. Sam, being Sam, he believed former President Olusegun Obasanjo was perhaps Nigerias biggest problem and hardly spared him. On the eve of that partys presidential primary in 2010, Sam examined the various forces at play, tracing the absence of internal democracy in the PDP to its militaristic roots and the hijack of the party by Obasanjo.

If Sam exaggerated the death of the PDP, perhaps he was more mistaken about its speed than about whether it would happen at all. A number of the actors have changed, but the party, still desperate to commit suicide, now hangs by a thread.

The PDP primary of that year was like no other. It featured the partys biggest heavyweights, from military president General Ibrahim Babangida to General Aliyu Gusau and, of course, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The line-up was the surest sign that the Northern political establishment had parted ways with former President Goodluck Jonathan and would give him a fight to the finish for betraying a gentlemans agreement to do only one term, after completing the late President Umaru YarAduas term.

The Coming War

For personal and political reasons, Sam, a founding member of Muhammadu Buharis Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), disliked the PDP. He said it was a criminal organisation, with only a few good people. His article, published before the partys 2010 primary, was fascinating.

I think the coming war in PDP, he wrote, will not be fought with machetes, cutlasses and guns. Its going to be fought with weapons of mass destruction (WMD). And, ultimately, it is in the interest of the nation that the party breaks. In its present form, it is an ogre that does no one any good.

If Sam exaggerated the death of the PDP, perhaps he was more mistaken about its speed than about whether it would happen at all. A number of the actors have changed, but the party, still desperate to commit suicide, now hangs by a thread.

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), of which Sam was a founding member, has grown so large and prosperous that it would be fortunate to escape the disease that infected and killed the PDP.

Reality of Terror

Then there was another piece he wrote in December 2010, entitled The Reality of Terrorism in Nigeria. That was when Boko Haram, though still in its infancy, showed that it was only a matter of time before it would progress into unimaginable, deadly mutations.

Around this time in 2009, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 23-year-old Nigerian, tried to blow up a plane heading to Detroit, US. A year later, bombs were detonating in Jos, Plateau State, and elsewhere in Nigeria, killing many people  something which, in Sams words, evoked the spectre of places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

If after all the killings of the past several years in Jos, he wrote, the October 1 mass murder in Abuja and the several Boko Haram murders in Maiduguri, not a single criminal has been sentenced to death and executed, I wonderthey will happen again and again until we start punishing those who commit crimes.

Sadly, 14 years on, with thousands dead, millions wounded or displaced, and many more living in fear, some still believe that negotiating and paying ransom to criminal gangs is the best form of punishment.

Looking back, it appears that Sam wrote Political Decline of the North, or Atiku is Finished, in a glorious era. Of course, there are great Northern minds terrified by poor, crooked leadership that has wrecked the region. Yet, Northerners who helped to hasten the decline Sam wrote about now have children and grandchildren who have joined the business of not only killing the North, but also doing so quickly.

Worth Dying For?

Sam hated injustice, a situation often worsened by impunity and corruption. After months of writing in vain to get President YarAduas government to do something about it, Sam wrote an article in 2008 calling on the government to declare a National Rogues Week.

The point of the article, entitled Is Nigeria Worth Dying For?, was what Sam considered a grave injustice that had been done to Nuhu Ribadu, who was not only removed as the chairman of the EFCC at the time but also demoted in his police rank.

Ribadu had trampled on so many big toes in the fight against corruption, that corruption was not just fighting back; it was fighting big, led by forces that had taken YarAdua hostage.

Since Ribadus crime was tackling the sacred cows, for which he was fired, instead of getting promoted, Sam suggested that the government should designate a week when rogues could receive their flowers and even be inducted into a hall of fame. Crooks have benefitted more (from the system) than honest men, he wrote.

The situation has changed for Ribadu today, and he might in fact argue that Nigeria is worth risking ones life for. However, Ribadus story hardly reflects the suffering of millions of citizens, terrified by fear and poverty and denied the sense that honest, hard work means anything.

Finished or Not?

Looking back, it appears that Sam wrote Political Decline of the North, or Atiku is Finished, in a glorious era. Of course, there are great Northern minds terrified by poor, crooked leadership that has wrecked the region. Yet, Northerners who helped to hasten the decline Sam wrote about now have children and grandchildren who have joined the business of not only killing the North, but also doing so quickly.

As for Atiku being finished, his philandering is legendary, with his wild oats scattered across the major political parties, except those that are yet to be formed. Perhaps Atiku still has something left in the tank?

I can hear Sam saying, Dambura! as he rocks with laughter. And then, pausing: Youre very stupid, Azu! as he explodes again in laughter that even Atiku cant resist joining!

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, A Midlifers Guide to Content Creation and Profit.
Sundays almost-coup in Benin flickered briefly across global headlines before disappearing into the digital abyss. But it should not have. It was the latest tremor from a region collapsing in slow motiona Sahel that is now the epicentre of one of the worlds least-covered wars, and where jihadist movements have made extraordinary gains in 2025.

Benins putschists were defeated, but the forces of instability are still advancing. Benin sits exposed between two open doors. To the northwest lies Burkina Faso, where fighters of Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) move with ease across porous borders. To the northeast is the Nigerian frontier, where bandits and new jihadist factions such as the emerging Lukarawa seep into Beninese territory.

Nigerias swift intervention may have saved Benin from joining the growing arc of military juntas stretching from Niamey to Bamako. Had the coup succeeded, Lagos  the beating heart of West Africas economy  would suddenly have found itself 90 kilometres from this disorder. Benin survived. But the threat remains.

And nowhere is the centre of gravity shifting more dramatically than in Mali, where JNIM has pulled off one of the most consequential manoeuvres of the war.

Bamako on the brink

Mali experienced one of its bloodiest periods in mid-2025 as JNIM launched coordinated offensives across the centre and north.

Starting in June, JNIM tightened a fuel blockade that has become the single most effective pressure tool against Malis junta. By mid-November, jihadist units were destroying roughly one third of all fuel tankers entering the country, plunging the economy into an emergency. Malis roads  from the Ivorian border, from Senegal, from Mauritania  became sites of constant ambush.

The blockade revealed the bankruptcy of Malis Russian alliance. Russian operations increasingly resembled massacres, not counterinsurgency  deepening civilian hostility.

Meanwhile, JNIM tightened its grip. The Russians could not help break the blockade. Goita, Malis interim president, was talked into a strategic pivot engineered by Malis new intelligence chief: replace Moscow with Ankara. Turkey offered a $210 million military-equipment package, and the deal changed everything.

Suddenly, a trickle of fuel returned to Bamako. Not enough to normalise the citybut enough to avert collapse.

Sources long dismissive of the blockade now quietly admit that Mali came closer to losing its capital than at any time since 2012.

Iyad Ag Ghali: the Quiet Architect of the Jihadist Surge

Behind this years jihadist successes stands Iyad Ag Ghali, the most influential insurgent figure in Africa today.

A Tuareg from the Ifoghas clan, a veteran of the 1990s rebellions, and a former diplomat in Jeddah, Ag Ghali built JNIM into a disciplined coalition of al-Qaeda affiliates spanning Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and now pushing into Benin and Togo.

Whats new in 2025 is the political sophistication of his strategy.

According to sources, Ag Ghali has been studying the ascent of Syrias Bashar al-Sharathe pathway that enabled him to consolidate power: threaded alliances with clerics, tribal networks, parts of the army, and a political class fractured by civil war.

Some within JNIM now openly contemplate a similar Sahelian trajectory of alliances with religious elites, tacit understandings with army factions, and ultimately, negotiations leading to political entry.

Ag Ghali appears to see himself as a potential Sahelian al-Sharaa figure who could move from insurgency into political centrality.

But there are limits. JNIM has fewer than 10,000 fighters. Its Sharia-based social codesgender-segregated buses, bans on music, closures of barswould be rejected by the millions living in Malis cities. And its decentralised structure means that while Ag Ghali is respected, he cannot always control local commanders, as shown last month when fighters near Timbuktu abducted and publicly executed Mariam Cisse, a TikTok influencer, derailing JNIMs attempts to appear more moderate.

Still, Ag Ghali has achieved two extraordinary things: JNIM has never splita rare feat in the jihadist world; and the group is now fighting on multiple fronts: against the military juntas and against Islamic State units in the tri-border region.

Victory  by anyone  is impossible. But JNIMs momentum is undeniable.

Burkina Faso: Mythmaking in the Theatre of Failure

If Mali is the battlefield where the outcome will be decided, Burkina Faso is the theatre where illusion has replaced governance.

Burkinas modern history is a tale of mythmaking. Captain Ibrahim Traore  hailed, with Russian encouragement, as the heir to the revolutionary hero Thomas Sankara  inherited a country in 2022 where, as one farmer put it, by day we fear the army, by night the jihadists.

He expanded the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP), a force neither voluntary nor national, and saturated the information space with Russian-crafted propaganda accusing France and the U.S. of funding jihadists.

Meanwhile, the genuinely effective anti-jihadist militia Koglweogo was destroyed after its leader was abducted in broad daylight.

Today, 60 per cent of Burkina Faso is under JNIM control. Two million people are displaced, and entire districts have been depopulated. Roads to Djibo, Bobo-Dioulasso, Togo, and Benin are intermittently cut. Only the road to Niamey remains largely open.

The Russians, who midwifed Traores myth, have not sent reinforcements, other than bodyguards to protect the person of the President. They offer slogans, not soldiers.

Traore, like Goita in Bamako, is kept going by revenues from the high price of gold and support from the IMF.

Niger: Stable  But ~Cornered

Of the three AES states (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), Niger is the least imperilled. Fighting persists in Tillabery and along the northern border, which has led to a surge of mass-casualty incidents in 2025: village massacres, attacks on mosques, and ambushes on army units. The capital, however, is secure.

Yet General Abdourahamane Tchiani is hemmed in diplomatically and refuses to release deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.

The AES  the Alliance of Sahel States  has become a leaking vessel. Created in 2023 as an anti-Western counter-ECOWAS structure, it has produced flags, anthems, and diplomatic theatrics, but no significant military capability. Its Russian sponsors are distracted; their Africa Corps is a paper tiger. The juntas anti-Western posture is ideological performance, not a war-winning strategy.

Across the region, civilians face the worst of it. Jihadist groups routinely target villages, markets, and convoys, while state forces increasingly conduct abusive reprisals. The net effect is a population trapped between insurgents and security actors, and widespread displacement

Meanwhile, the jihadists continue to advance.

Can the Jihadists Win?

Not in the conventional sense. JNIM cannot capture and rule Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niameynot with their numbers, not with their ideology, not with their fractured rural-urban appeal.

But nor can the juntas win. Thirteen years of war involving French, UN, and Russian forces have not halted JNIMs expansion. The insurgency has spread hundreds of kilometres southwards, touching northern Cote dIvoire, Benin, and Togo. It has survived sanctions, coups, foreign interventions, and the collapse of its rivals.

The war has reached a mutually hurting stalemate, the classic condition for negotiation.

Within Mali, there are whispers already. Some have publicly floated the idea of talks with Ag Ghali. Others in the junta hate the idea  its officers still remember JNIMs execution of captured soldiers in the 2010s. But no military solution exists.

Even Ag Ghali is signalling an interest in negotiations  not as surrender, but as strategy.

The increasing engagement of Turkey  an Islamic country and member of Nato that is potentially trusted by both sides  could be a game-changer.

A Window of Diplomacy?

The Sahel conflict is among the worlds largest wars. The collapse of Frances influence and Russias incoherent adventurism have reshaped the battlefield without resolving it.

JNIM will not conquer the Sahel. The juntas will not defeat JNIM. Which leaves only one path: negotiation.

Negotiation not as appeasement, but as recognition of reality. As hard as it may be for those who have been the victims of violence and terrorism, a political settlement  however imperfect  is the only alternative to a war that will grind on indefinitely, drawing in new states, creating new insurgencies, and leaving an expanding arc of stateless space in its wake. At the end of the day what counts is whether it is possible to end the killing and destruction.

Benins near coup was not an anomaly. It was a preview.

The Sahels fuse is burning. The world is barely watching. And yet a window of diplomacy might at last be opening.

Phillip van Niekerk is the managing partner of Calabar Consulting, a risk consulting company specialising in Africa.

The views expressed are his own. He also publishes Africa Unscrambled on Substack.
The Youths Training Initiative on Ethical Artificial Intelligence Skills for the Youths of Enugu North Senatorial Zone kicked off on Tuesday, 9 December, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, thanks to the strong support and visionary leadership of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze.

Mr Ukwueze, a lawyer, is the deputy chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter.

The atmosphere was energetic as young people gathered to begin their journey into the world of emerging technologies, through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The 10-day programme, which is funded by Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council, is organised in partnership with UNESCO Country Office, Abuja, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) through its Directorate for International Collaborations and the Faculty of Vocational & Technical Education.

This initiative aims to empower youths with practical AI skills that will help them thrive in todays fast-changing digital world.

Key figures leading the programme include Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, a professor and vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria; Kelechi E. Nnamani, acting director of International Collaborations and project lead facilitator; and Chinyere T. Ogbuanya, a professor and dean of the Faculty of Vocational & Technical Education, and also a project lead facilitator. Their roles highlight the importance of the training in advancing digital education and innovation.

The programme is open to youths from all six Local Government Areas in Enugu North Senatorial District: Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani LGAs. Participants will gain first-hand knowledge in AI content development, chatbot creation, robotics and AI applications from seasoned expert trainers from UNESCO and UNN, while also learning about AI risks, user responsibility and the Ethics of AI.

The training is free, and every participant will receive an official UNESCO Certificate of Completion at the end of the programme, adding great value to the skills they acquire. An initiative that strongly supports the commitment of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to building a tech-savvy and globally competitive youth population in Enugu State.

The first day set a promising tone for the rest of the activities and the programme continues, with more exciting sessions as young people take bold steps into the future of Artificial Intelligence.
Governor Umar Namadi Wednesday presided over the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of investors for the large-scale production of alfalfa, under which the Jigawa State Government has committed to providing up to 100,000 hectares of land to support the project, marking one of the largest alfalfa production initiatives in Africa.

The MoU was signed following a visit by a high-level delegation led by Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The delegation included the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, Mr Abubakar Abba Bello; the Managing Director of MOFI, Dr Armstrong Takang; the Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Mr Haruna Musa; and several private-sector partners such as Capemano, Alami Capital, EL-Meena Farms, and Matura Farm, as well as representatives of NSIA and other key institutions.

Speaking after the signing, Governor Namadi

reiterated Jigawas total commitment to agriculture and livestock development, describing agriculture as the backbone of the states economy.

Agriculture is the lifeblood of this state. Approximately 90% of our economy depends on it, and it contributes more to our GDP. Any serious government that genuinely aims to uplift its people should prioritise agriculture.

The governor said.

He highlighted Jigawas impressive accomplishments in agriculture, noting its ranking as the second-best state in Nigeria for ease of doing business and its leading role in crop production.

We are number one in wheat production, and this year alone, we cultivated 315,000 hectares of rice. Our plan to achieve 500,000 hectares by 2030 is fully on track.

Speaking on livestock development, the governor described alfalfa as a game-changing opportunity for the state.

Livestock is synonymous with agriculture. That is why we deliberately created the Ministry for Livestock this year. Jigawa is home to the largest livestock market in Africathe Maigatari marketand this project will further strengthen our leadership.

Mr Namadi expressed strong confidence in the new partnership, saying that the successful alfalfa pilot project by Matura Farm has already demonstrated exceptional global potential.

When Matura Farm started, many people doubted it was possible. Today, he is producing some of the highest-quality alfalfa in the world, he said.

He assured the investors of the states readiness to provide the full 100,000 hectares required for the project.

The project is targeting 100,000 hectares. I want to assure you that we will make all of that available over time.

Governor Namadi emphasised Jigawas peaceful environment and investor-friendly framework as its major advantages:

We are the most peaceful state in Nigeria today. Jigawa is safe, open for business, and committed to providing all the support you need.

He further pledged seamless facilitation through the states investment promotion agency:

We have a one-stop-shop investment platformInvestJigawathat manages everything from land allocation to regulatory processes. You have found a committed partner.

As a government, we will do whatever it takes. This business is profitableyou have the land, the labour, the security, and the political will. Everything you need is here.

In his remarks, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa stated that the project aligns directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus priority agenda on food security and expanded agricultural production, confirming that the initiative will take off immediately.

Priority number two of the Presidents agenda focuses on boosting agriculture to achieve food security. The investment-friendly climate in Jigawa is one of the key reasons we are bringing this project here.

Providing technical insight, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Mohammed, described alfalfa as a transformative high-protein forage crop capable of boosting livestock productivity, generating mass employment, and expanding export revenues.

On 1,000 hectares alone, over 150 youths are employed before cultivation beginsand many more will participate through planting, irrigation, harvesting, processing, and marketing.

He noted that herding communities, especially Fulani pastoralists, will directly benefit from improved feed availability.

Fresh alfalfa significantly improves milk production, meat quality, and breeding outcomes.

He confirmed that the project represents a multi-billion-naira investment.
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Dapo Abiodun, has mourned the passing of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday. In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Thursday, Prince Abiodun said he received with shock the news of the death of Mr Ewhrudjakpo, who died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was rushed to after slumping on Thursday afternoon.

He said the incident was particularly painful as the deceased was in his office attending to his duties when the incident happened, adding that he apparently defied illness to serve the people of Bayelsa State. While commiserating with the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, he urged them to take solace in the life of service that the deceased lived.

He said: I received news of the demise of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow. The incident came as a profound shock to all of us, but we submit to the will of the Almighty God, who has chosen to call him home at this time.

I know how painful and devastating that this development is for my brother, His Excellency, Governor Duoye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally. I also deeply commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased. It is my sincere prayer that the Almighty God will be with them and give them the strength to survive this hour of pain and sorrow.

No doubt, Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole have lost a gem, but we shall take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life of service to humanity and made profound change in the lives of people. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose.
The Katsina State Executive Council has approved strategic projects aimed at strengthening water supply, boosting agricultural processing, expanding housing, and deepening reforms in healthcare and education sectors. The approvals were made on Wednesday during the 18th regular council meeting at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina, chaired by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, announced that the council approved construction of a small-town water scheme at Tsagero town in Rimi Local Government Area. This project will ensure steady provision of clean, potable drinking water for Tsagero and surrounding communities, Zango stated.

The council also approved construction of the Dr Dikko Radda Cassava/Gari Processing Centre in Batsari Local Government Area to promote cassava farming and agro-processing activities. On youth empowerment, the commissioner disclosed that the council approved supply and installation of equipment, machines, and tools for 28 departments at Katsina Youth Craft Village.

This investment will enhance skills development, improve employability, and support career growth among our youth, he said. The council granted approval for construction of 150 housing units and 350 serviced plots with essential facilities to address housing challenges in the state metropolis.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, disclosed that the council approved a rural teachers allowance of 30,000 per term, totaling 90,000 per academic session.

This incentive is meant to encourage teachers to accept rural postings, remain in those locations, and improve their commitment to teaching, Mr Jibia explained.

He announced the establishment of three Teacher Development Centres in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua senatorial districts to strengthen teacher capacity. These centres will provide regular training programmes to upgrade classroom practices and enhance instructional delivery across the state, the commissioner stated.

He noted that trainers would be drawn from Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Isah Kaita College of Education, and experienced retired teachers. Special Adviser on Tertiary Health Institutions, Umar Mammada, disclosed that the council approved recommendations of the Interministerial Task Force to supervise and monitor private health institutions statewide.

This measure will sanitize healthcare delivery, strengthen regulatory compliance, and ensure private hospitals operate at acceptable standards, Mr Mammada said.

Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Kaita, announced immediate implementation of reviewed master plans for Katsina, Funtua, and Daura.

This underscores the administrations push for orderly development, modern infrastructure, and transformation of the states major urban centres, Mr Kaita stated.

The council also approved the 2026 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan to improve ease of doing business and create an enabling environment for investors. The approvals are in line with Governor Raddas commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive Katsina State under his Building Your Future agenda.
The police command in Edo State has unveiled a new Community Safety Partnership aimed at strengthening grassroots policing and improving public safety across the state.

Eno Ikoedem, the police spokesperson in Edo, disclosed this in a statement in Benin on Thursday. She said the initiative was launched as a new phase in citizensecurity agencies collaboration.

Ms Ikoedem, an assistant superintendent of police, said the Community Safety Partnership was a strategic, community-driven framework designed to deepen trust, strengthen cooperation and make security a shared responsibility between residents and law enforcement.

The project is the brainchild of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who has pushed for wider community engagement as a pillar of crime prevention in Edo State, she said.

The programme model, the police spokesperson said, would encourage neighbourhood-based intelligence sharing, foster early-warning systems, and support stronger ties between communities and security agencies.

She said the launch was chaired by a cleric, Isaac Itsegoshemen, who praised the initiative as timely, particularly in a period of evolving security threats.

Ms Ikoedem quoted the cleric as describing the Community Safety Partnership as a practical demonstration of inclusive policing that brings the people into the heart of security management.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Festus Ebea, reiterated the state governments commitment to security partnerships.

The governor commended the police command in Edo for adopting proactive, community-focused strategies, noting that modern policing thrives on the participation of citizens.

In his remarks, the police commissioner in Edo, Mr Agbonika, underscored the importance of intelligence sharing and community vigilance in reducing crime.

He described the partnership as a vital tool in enhancing early detection of threats and boosting coordinated responses across the state.

The command remains committed to inclusive, people-centred policing and urges Edo residents to actively collaborate with the Community Safety Partnership team to build safer communities.

The future of security in Edo State depends on the strength of our partnership with the people.

With collective responsibility, we can secure a more peaceful state for all, the police chief said.

(NAN)
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, slumped on Thursday afternoon while he was working in his office, and was immediately rushed to a hospital in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.

PREMIUM TIMES spoke with a journalist in Yenagoa who stated that Mr Ewhrudjakpo was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

The situation was serious at the time he was moved into the ICU, but we cant say what state he is right now, said the journalist, who did not want his name mentioned in the report.

Some people are saying that he has died, but you know we cant report that until there is an official statement from the state government, he added.

READ ALSO: Two Bayelsa Reps dump PDP for APC

TV News reported that the deputy governor had died, but the station quickly pulled the story from its website.

The Bayelsa State Government is yet to issue a statement on Mr Ewhrudjakpos condition.

Armed security operatives have reportedly cordoned off the hospital where the deputy governor is receiving treatment.
The Police Command in Anambra State has arrested a robbery suspect allegedly linked to the murder of the late Anambra House of Assembly member, Justice Azuka of the Labour Party (LP).

Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Awka.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr Azuka, who represented Onitsha 1 North Constituency, was kidnapped along Ugwunaobakpa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha, on 24 December 2024, on his way home for Christmas.

His corpse was later discovered on 6 February in the bush of the Second Niger Bridge in the state.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said that the command, through operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, arrested the suspect, who was heavily injured during a major offensive operation in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state on 8 December.

The suspect, a 26-year-old male, is a dangerous criminal with a long history of violent offences.

He was apprehended in Iyowa Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA, after a fierce confrontation with the police operatives, he said.

Mr Ikenga said that during the operation, one locally made Beretta pistol and eleven live ammunition were recovered.

He explained that the suspect, known for his violent criminal activities, was found to have a large tattoo on his body with the inscriptions No Forgiveness and No Mercy.

According to Mr Ikenga, the tattoo is a disturbing reminder of the hardened nature of his criminal mindset.

The police spokesperson said that upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being the leader of several criminal gangs operating across the state and neighbouring states.

He revealed his involvement in the abduction and subsequent murder of Azuka, a member of the Anambra House of Assembly, on 24 December.

The murder of Hon. Justice Azuka shocked the state and drew widespread condemnation, he said.

Mr Ikenga said that the arrest of the suspect represents a significant breakthrough in the states war against violent crime.

He also said that the arrest would help in further investigations to dismantle criminal syndicates operating within the state.

The command urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the continued fight against crime.
The largest study published to date is clear: the only way to stop taking antidepressants is slowly and with psychological support. Doing so prevents relapse into depression to a similar extent as remaining on antidepressants. This study, published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry, is relevant for several reasons: 30% of people who are prescribed antidepressants do not actually have depression; 40% take them for five years or more; and 22% take them indefinitely. However, this treatment has adverse side effects if taken for a long time, particularly sexual dysfunction and a reduced ability to express feelings. The study, which reviews 76 controlled trials involving 17,000 people, underscores the importance of tailoring the prescription to each individual, with a gradual and individualized withdrawal of treatment, along with psychological support.

Depression is often a recurring condition and without continuous treatment; up to three out of four people with depression relapse at some point, explains Giovanni Ostuzzi, a researcher at the University of Verona and lead author of the study. Clinical guidelines recommend continuing antidepressants for a certain period after remission and then considering discontinuing them once the person is well. However, in daily practice, treatment often lasts much longer than the guidelines suggest, Ostuzzi added at a press conference organized this week by the SMC website.

The meta-analysis compared different antidepressant withdrawal strategies in people with depression or anxiety who were already in remission. The conclusion was that slow withdrawal (more than four weeks), combined with psychological support, prevented relapse in the following year to a similar extent as continuing the antidepressant. The researchers estimated that slow withdrawal plus psychological support could prevent one relapse in every five individuals compared to abrupt discontinuation or rapid withdrawal (four weeks or less), which were the two least effective strategies.

One of the most consistent findings of the analysis is that psychological support or complementary psychotherapy proved more effective for all the different pharmacological strategies, notes Jonathan Henssler of Charite Hospital in Berlin, in a commentary accompanying the article. Although this may seem like a trivial finding, it is of substantial importance, adds the expert, who was not involved in the study.

Henssler warns that psychological treatment is often the hardest thing for patients to obtain in the real world [...] Internet forums illustrate the extent to which patients rely on self-help and how professional psychiatric and psychological support remains inadequate, Henssler adds. And the data indicates that more and more people are turning to artificial intelligence to resolve their psychological problems, although chatbots carry many risks: they reinforce self-centered thoughts and paranoid ideas.

The 76 trials under analysis primarily included individuals with major depressive disorder and various anxiety disorders. The mean age of participants was 45 years, 67.5% were women, and 88% were white. The mean follow-up period was 46 weeks.

A major limitation of the study is the scarcity of data on withdrawal symptoms, despite the fact that these are clearly one of the main barriers to discontinuing treatment. Due to the lack of data in most studies, we sought to identify adverse events plausibly related to withdrawal, the authors explain. However, they also note that these problems were more frequent in individuals who continued taking antidepressants than in those who discontinued them quickly, suggesting that they are likely side effects of the antidepressant rather than withdrawal symptoms.

The authors believe their findings have significant implications for clinical practice and health policy. Guidelines, they insist, should promote regular treatment reviews. Abrupt or rapid discontinuation of antidepressants (within a month or less) should be strongly discouraged, they emphasize, and a more gradual and individualized withdrawal plan should be implemented. They also believe that providing psychological support is essential. The authors themselves acknowledge, however, the difficulty of implementing this recommendation within the public healthcare system.

Gerard Anmella, a psychiatrist and researcher at the Depressive and Bipolar Disorders Unit of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, who was not involved in the study, agrees: Is it feasible to implement this strategy in healthcare systems? In the public system, offering brief psychological support systematically during discontinuation is challenging due to financial and staffing limitations. Even so, the results point to the need to integrate brief, protocol-based psychological interventions, given their potential impact on reducing relapses, he explained to the SMC Spain website.

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A New Standard of Hospitality Terry

Crafted using 30 percent of recycled fibers from pre-consumer cotton, the Terry Collection offers a responsible alternative to traditional terry without compromising on quality or performance.

The recycled Terry products provided to The Hoxton hotels are Recycled Claim Standards (RCS)-certified, ensuring traceability and adherence to rigorous environmental and social criteria.

In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the recycled collection delivers excellent absorbency, durability, and comfort. Each product can be tailored in design, size, and weight to meet the unique needs of individual hotel properties.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

The adoption of recycled towels by Royal Jersey Laundry reflects a shared vision for a more sustainable hospitality industry.

James Lincoln, Managing Director at Royal Jersey, said, "I was fortunate to be part of the opening of The Hoxton, Shoreditch back in 2006, a game-changing moment for London's hospitality scene. When I was introduced to this collection, I saw a great opportunity to bring this innovation to the brand and be the first in the UK to do so. By supplying recycled products to The Hoxton, Southwark, we estimate a CO equivalent savings of 7.6 to 13.4 tons annually."

Advancing ESG in Hospitality

"With our recycled towels, Standard Textile reinforces its global commitment to delivering innovative and high-performance products that support long-term ESG goals," said Francois Roblin, Managing Director Europe at Standard Textile. "This launch demonstrates how brands, suppliers, and laundries can work together to drive meaningful sustainability outcomes across the hospitality industry. On a more recent note, we have been awarded the Platinum EcoVadis status, the highest recognition for CSR commitments. This is also a collaborative success that we are delighted to share with our partners to build a more sustainable future."

The new recycled Terry Collection debuted at The Hoxton, Southwark in London, with a broader rollout at The Hoxton, Shoreditch and The Hoxton, Holborn last summer.

About Standard Textile

Founded in 1940, Standard Textile has developed a culture of innovation, quality, and service. With more than 150 patents issued, its products are engineered to deliver durability, longevity, and value. A vertically integrated company, Standard Textile is a leading global provider of total solutions in the institutional textiles and apparel markets. Leveraging textile design, manufacturing, and laundry expertise, and its global infrastructure, this company serves customers in healthcare, hospitality, and interiors markets worldwide. For more information visit standardtextile.com.

About Royal Jersey Laundry

As a family-owned business that services more five-star hotels than any other laundry in the UK, and as the Commercial Laundry of the Year, Royal Jersey Laundry is constantly seeking ways to innovate and drive sustainability forward. For more information, visit rjlaundry.co.uk.

Contact:

Standard Textile

Nigel Bates

Key Account Manager UK

nbates@standardtextile.com

Royal Jersey Laundry

James Lincoln

Managing Director

James@rjlaundry.co.uk

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HOUSTON, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- alliant is urging farmers to combine the recently announced $12 billion immediate bridge funding package with the R&D credit. The Trump administration this week announced a significant relief plan to support farmers affected by market challenges. These payments are intended to help farmers survive until next planting season and only apply to certain operations.

While the bridge payments are a one-time injection, the existing tax stimulus provision, also known as the R&D credit, has been established for decades and works as a sustained and reliable method of funding. This credit can provide cash refunds for the work most farmers do every day. Further, it was recently enhanced after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, making it significantly more valuable.

alliant Chairman of Agriculture and Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns said, "This bridge funding will allow them to fight another day. It provides immediate stability for farmers as markets adjust," Johanns said. "But there are existing federal tax benefits that every operation should be taking advantage of, such as the R&D credit. The large producers are already leveraging the benefit to insulate them from shifting markets, but it's equally available to smaller operations where it can actually be more impactful."

alliant Director of Agriculture and Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp added that innovation on the farm is one of agriculture's greatest advantages:

"Farmers are constantly improvingwhether it's crop rotations, seed trials, feed blends or water efficiency," Heitkamp said. "Many of those efforts qualify for federal tax incentives. It's essential that producers take advantage of every dollar available to them so our farmers can stay competitive through economic uncertainty."

Federal Tax Incentives

A significant portion of the nation's 1.9 million farmers could potentially qualify for federal tax incentives. To date, alliant has helped agriculture clients receive over $900 million in these federal benefits by identifying qualifying activities for the R&D credit, which rewards on-farm innovation such as:

Testing new plant varieties and improving livestock genetics

Experimentation with new or different fertilizers

Development of new irrigation systems

Evaluation and implementation of new techniques to increase yields

Improvements in harvesting equipment, techniques or cycle times

Experimentation with new feeds or feeding techniques for livestock

One Big Beautiful Bill

The One Big Beautiful Bill substantially increased the stimulative effect of the R&D credit by allowing farmers to go back and amend their tax returns for prior years to receive significant refunds. These refunds may only be available until next July, so it is imperative for agribusinesses to make their claims as soon as possible.

Even operations that are claiming the credit should re-evaluate, as there could be a sizable increase in value.

About alliant

alliant is a leading consulting and technology firm dedicated to helping businesses grow.

For over 25 years, alliant has served businesses as their growth partner, helping leaders navigate the people, process, and technology challenges that define modern business. Over the last 8 years the company acquired best in class practices in Consulting, AI, Managed Services and Technology all with the goal of keeping U.S. businesses competitive in this extremely disruptive and chaotic market.

alliant is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, Irvine, Sacramento, Washington, D.C., Bristol, and London, U.K., and Hyderabad, India.

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE alliantgroup
APU's new governing model brings Tribes, Tribal organizations, and partners into shared leadership, advancing its self-determined Alaska Native University vision.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After first becoming a Tribally governed University in 2016 through a strategic membership structure with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Alaska Pacific University (APU) is updating its governance structure to a three-tiered membership model that invites participants to provide guidance and support, continuing the University's Tribal governance approach. This new structure is designed for Tribes, Tribal organizations, and supporting organizations. APU is grateful for the meaningful partnership with ANTHC and fully supports their decision to focus priorities and resources on expanding statewide health services for Alaska Native and American Indian people. As part of this renewed focus, ANTHC will be transitioning away from its work in higher education.

Select Members of APUs Board of Trustees and Staff From L to R: Brian Anderson, APU Chaplain; Jim Roberts, APU Board of Trustees Chair; Tina Woods, APU Board of Trustees Member; Janelle Vanasse, APU President; Benjamin Hahn, APU Dean of Students; Mike Harper, APU Board of Trustees Member; Mia Heavener, APU Board of Trustees Member; Robert Meyer, APU Compliance Risk Officer; Jason Hart, APU Board of Trustees Treasurer; and Martin Phillips, APU Assistant Director of Campus Life for Campus Safety, in the center.

APU's new membership model includes three tiers: Stewardship, Associate, and Allied Membership, each with corresponding leadership opportunities at APU based on the level of financial involvement. By investing in APU, members will help the University advance its vision of becoming a self-defined Alaska Native University, establishing a new model for Tribal higher education.

Currently, two key higher education structures designed for Indigenous students exist: Native AmericanServing Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Purposeful curriculum development and strong community engagement led to increased enrollment of Alaska Native students, earning APU the federal designation as a NASNTI. Now APU stands apart by creating a third path  one that is Tribally governed (a distinction unique among NASNTIs) while remaining unrestricted from the constraints of federal oversight.

After thoughtful discussion with APU's Elders Council, the University chose to identify as an Alaska Native University, a term that more fully reflects the self-determination and leadership of Alaska Native peoples. This innovative model prioritizes self-determination, allowing the University to remain unobligated to shifting federal priorities and instability. As a result, APU can more fully uplift Indigenous knowledge, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure Indigenous leadership continues to guide the University's future.

APU's commitment is supported by a 50% graduation rate for Alaska Native students, marking one of the highest graduation rates for Alaska Native students in the state for three years running. This year, APU also ranked in AISES's Top 200 Colleges for Indigenous Students for the second year in a row. Additionally, APU is not just a University for Indigenous students, but a place of learning for all students. This is exemplified in the University's overall graduation rate of 47%  one of the highest in the state.

"This new membership model represents an important next step in APU's journey as a self-defined Alaska Native University," said Janelle Vanasse, President of APU. "It deepens our partnerships with Alaska's Tribes and supporting organizations, ensuring that Alaska Native leadership and knowledge continue to guide our governance and vision. These members are core to our Alaska Native University vision."

Alaska Native University Components:

Tribally governed and Tribally-sanctioned;

Indigenous-centered curriculum; and

Programs are intentionally designed to address the unique needs of Alaska Native communities.

Alaska Pacific University's commitment to hands-on, purpose-driven education remains steadfast. APU is grounded in Alaska Native knowledge and community, yet serves as an open and welcoming learning environment for students from all backgrounds. The University's vision is to become a gathering place where Alaska Native knowledge leads, all students belong, and culture and innovation come together to cultivate courageous leaders for the next seven generations.

About the Three Tiers of Membership:

Stewardship Membership

Reserved for Tribes and Tribal organizations seeking to educate their workforce and constituency while formally recognizing APU as an Alaska Native University. This is the highest level of membership and includes an appointed seat on the Board of Trustees, along with an annual financial commitment.

Associate Membership

Designed for Tribes and Tribal organizations that wish to sanction APU as an Alaska Native University without a financial commitment. Associate Members may nominate a Trustee for an at-large seat on the APU Board of Trustees and receive priority consideration for open seats.

Allied Membership

Open to non-Tribal entities and individuals who wish to support the vision and mission of APU's emerging Alaska Native University model through annual financial contributions. Allied Members may also nominate a Trustee for an at-large seat on the APU Board of Trustees.

Membership Privileges

Members enjoy a range of benefits designed to strengthen partnerships and advance shared goals:

Opportunity to participate in a shared-cost scholarship program for employees and constituents

Discounts on facility use and other University services

Priority access to facility rentals and housing for trainees and interns

Participation in program and advisory committees

A voice in shaping APU's future and helping determine priorities for program development

Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University, located in Anchorage, provides a distinctive education that blends Western academics with Indigenous knowledge and values. As a fully accredited, four-year Alaska Nativeserving and Tribally governed University, APU offers programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees, emphasizing hands-on, purpose-driven learning. APU honors and gives thanks to the Dena'ina People, the original stewards of the land where the University stands. Guided by Alaska Native knowledge and community, APU serves as a gathering place where all students belong and where culture and innovation come together to grow courageous leaders for the next seven generations. APU's graduation rate is 1.4 times the state average, with its Alaska Native graduation rate ranking among the state's highest for three years running, proof of the University's commitment to student success. Learn more at alaskapacific.edu.

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Media Contact:

Janelle Vanasse, APU President

907-545-1335 | [email protected]

SOURCE Alaska Pacific University
MEXICO CITY, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:ASR; BMV:ASUR) (ASUR) today announced that ASUR's subsidiary ASUR US Commercial Airports, LLC has completed the acquisition of URW Airports, LLC, the retail developer and operator of terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, for an enterprise value of $295 million U.S. Dollars.

The purchase was completed with ASUR US Commercial Airports, LLC acquiring all of the issued and outstanding equity interest of URW Airports, LLC from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield's wholly owned subsidiary Westfield Development, Inc. The acquired entity will be called ASUR Airports, LLC (ASUR Airports).

ASUR is a leading international airport operator with a portfolio of concessions to operate, maintain, and develop 16 airports in the Americas. In the mainland-U.S., the company will operate as ASUR Airports, which will look to grow its network, including airport and airport terminal development initiatives. This acquisition marks ASUR's strategic expansion of its U.S. airport retail concessions operations, expanding its footprint and enhancing its commercial capabilities.

Led by an industry-leading local management team, ASUR Airports will now manage select commercial programs at key U.S. airport terminals, including: Terminals 1, 2, 3, 6, and Tom Bradley International Terminal and Tom Bradley International Terminal West at Los Angeles International Airport; Terminal 5 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport; and Terminals 8 and New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport.

About ASUR

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (ASUR) is a leading international airport operator with a portfolio of concessions to operate, maintain, and develop 16 airports in the Americas. These comprise nine airports in southeast Mexico, including Cancun Airport, the most important tourist destination in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and six airports in northern Colombia, including Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (Rionegro), the second busiest airport in Colombia. ASUR is also a 60% JV partner in Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC, operator of the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport serving the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. San Juan's Airport is the island's primary gateway for international and mainland-US destinations and was the first and currently the only major airport in the US to have successfully completed a publicprivate partnership under the FAA Pilot Program. Headquartered in Mexico, ASUR is listed both on the Mexican Bolsa, where it trades under the symbol ASUR, and on the NYSE in the U.S., where it trades under the symbol ASR. One ADS represents ten (10) series B shares. For more information, visit www.asur.com.mx

About ASUR Airports

ASUR Airports, a recently acquired division of ASUR, delivers seamless journeys by creating uplifting retail travel experiences that put customers, local business and community stakeholders at the heart of everything. Partnering with airports and airlines, across some of the world's busiest airports, including Los Angeles International (LAX), Chicago O'Hare International (ORD), and John F. Kennedy International (JFK), ASUR Airports has a proven track record of delivering elevated travel experiences that drive commercial revenue above U.S. benchmarks.

For more information, please visit www.asurairports.com

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release discuss future expectations or state other forward-looking information. Actual developments could differ significantly from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information is based on various factors and was derived using numerous assumptions. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except as may be required by applicable law, we do not have an obligation to update or revise them, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise.

SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V.
Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President & CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent announcement by Philip Morris International that it is partnering with Ferrari to market its Zyn nicotine pouches on Formula 1 race cars shows the company is blowing smoke when it claims that it doesn't market Zyn to youth.

Philip Morris' claim that this sponsorship is intended to reach adult consumers is laughable in light of Formula 1's well-documented and highly successful efforts to expand its youth audience. In its 2025 Global Fan Survey, Formula 1 touted the growth of its young fanbase, stating that "Gen Z is helping shape the rhythm of modern fandom, engaging with the sport more frequently and on a deeper emotional level." Formula 1 has also recently partnered with youth-oriented brands, including Disney, Lego and Hot Wheels, to expand its reach and appeal to kids. According to a recent news report, "More than 4 million children aged 8 to 12 now actively follow F1 across the EU and US, an audience that didn't exist five years ago."

Philip Morris is no doubt aware of Formula 1's growing reach with young audiences. By plastering the Zyn logo on a Formula 1 race car, Philip Morris will be reaching these young people with marketing for a highly addictive tobacco product. While watching their favorite F1 drivers or Mickey Mouse and friends performing at a race, millions of young fans will be exposed to marketing for Zyn nicotine pouches  marketing that associates Zyn with speed, glamor and fun instead of addiction.

From sponsorships of global sporting events to promotions involving popular entertainers, Philip Morris is following a marketing playbook that tobacco companies have long used to attract young people and that made the company's Marlboros the world's most popular cigarette brand. If they care about the health of our kids, Formula 1 and its partners should end this harmful sponsorship, and policymakers must act to stop tobacco companies like Philip Morris International from addicting another generation of customers.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
What's on the menu? Kids are hungry for classic favorites, international flavors, and a whole lot of fun!

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From surprising combinations to craveable comfort foods, kids are shaping the future of school dining with adventurous appetites and purposeful choices. Today's students are fueling up with meals that balance fun, flavor, and function, and they're bringing creativity and curiosity to every bite.

Chartwells K12 2026 Food Trends Speed Speed

Leveraging the latest generational insights from Chartwells and their market research and analytics partner E15, Gen Alpha and Gen Z are redefining what school meals should deliver: bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and a connection to the world around them. This year's food trends for kids reflect exactly that, showcasing the foods, formats, and experiences students love most.

"We're seeing incredible excitement from students about food," said Chef Peter Gilhooly, Senior Vice President  Culinary, Chartwells K12. "From global influences to interactive, on-the-go options, kids are embracing food as an experience that connects their taste buds to their values."

Chartwells K12's top 10 food trends for kids in 2026 are:

Pizza Party  It's official: 98% of students list pizza as their favorite food, but not any old slice. From whole-grain crusts to veggie-loaded toppings, today's pizza gets a nutritious twist. Whether it's classic pepperoni, Nashville Hot Chicken, or a Nut-Free Pesto Spinach Flatbread, pizza remains the ultimate unifier for Gen Alpha's love of comfort and customization. Brunch All Day  Eggs are more than breakfast; they're a Gen Alpha staple. Students are craving breakfast-for-lunch options, making brunch-inspired menus a major trend. Think Bacon and Cheddar Egg Bites, Chorizo Egg Bowl, and Dragon Fruit Banana Bowl, all featured in Chartwells' 'Bloom into Breakfast' promotional campaign launching in school cafeterias this spring. Turn Up the (Sweet) Heat  Sweet meets spicy in a flavor combo kids can't resist. From Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Peach Compote and a Honey BBQ Sriracha Chicken Grain Bowl to Chili Lime Watermelon Salad, this trend reflects the growing "flavor curiosity" noted in generational research, a balance of boldness and fun that helps students explore flavor profiles at their own pace. That's a Wrap  Portable is powerful! With 68% of kids saying they want food they can take on the go, wraps, tacos, and handhelds are ruling lunch lines. Chartwells highlights how variety and mobility meet, serving options like a Ham, Egg & Cheese Burrito, Jamaican Beef Hand Pies, and a Santa Fe Turkey & Cheddar Wrap. Sip, Sip, Hooray  Influenced by cafe culture and Gen Z's beverage obsession, students are sipping on Watermelon Aqua Fresca and Dragon Fruit Boba Tea. With Starbucks named a top Gen Alpha destination, our cafeterias are embracing kid-friendly versions that blend flavor, hydration, nutrition, and flair. Chicken Reimagined  Still a top food for kids, chicken is getting a playful reboot with the relaunch of Chickendipity, Chartwells' culinary concept featuring fun twists for nuggets, tenders, and more with flavorful dipping sauces like Honey Lime Buffalo Sauce, Southwest Cilantro Ranch, and Korean BBQ. This trend taps into the popularity of dipping and dunking, making mealtime interactive and fun for all ages. Passport to Flavor  Gen Alpha's curiosity about other cultures shines through their food choices. With new countries and regional flavors joining the Global Eats program lineup later this year, students can explore world cuisines in approachable ways, from Korean Style Bulgogi Chicken Tacos to Mexican Pork Pozole, connecting their love of flavor to cultural exploration. Eyes on the Fries  Potatoes, the No. 1-ranked side dish among both generations, are back in every form: mashed, roasted, and crinkle-cut. They're also getting creative upgrades like Potato Poppers and a Crispy Popcorn Chicken and Mashed Potato Bowl, tying in sauces and toppings that bring comfort with a twist. Power Up Your Performance  Students are seeking protein-packed and macro-friendly foods that fuel their performance. Gen Z and Gen Alpha prioritize health and energy, and Chartwells' Power Up program is expanding with menu items like a Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl and Banana Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats, packed with protein, whole grains, and produce that support active days and focused minds. Plant-Forward and Planet-Friendly  Sustainability is no longer a bonus; it's an expectation. With 60-70% of Gen Alpha students eating plant-based meals each week, Chartwells continues to lead with plant-forward entrees like a comfort food classic Sweet Potato and Black Bean Vegetarian Chili, or Butternut Squash Enchiladas. Using locally sourced produce and hosting programs like Chartwells Farmers Markets bring food origin stories to life for kids.

View the full list of 2026 Food Trends for Kids video.

These trends are powered by Chartwells AI: Appetite Intelligence platform, an insights initiative that combines data from E15 research and daily student feedback to shape what's served in cafeterias nationwide. By translating generational insights into action, Chartwells continues to create meals that meet kids where they are, and where they're going next.

About Chartwells K12

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 18,000 associates in 4,800 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education, and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Media Contact: Jonathan Squibb, Director of Communications, [email protected]

SOURCE Chartwells K12
The UN has denounced Israel for continuing to restrict the entry of aid while a storm is expected that could worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip

The ceasefire that came into effect in Gaza on October 10 has not completely silenced the gunfire. At least 386 Palestinians, including 70 children, have been killed in sporadic Israeli attacks in the past two months, according to Palestinian figures. The Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip, launched in October 2023, has led to other consequences. The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has issued warnings about one of them: acute child malnutrition. In October alone, more than 9,000 Palestinian children had to be hospitalized for this reason, according to the latest UN figures. Both UNICEF and other UN agencies point to one culprit: Israel, which continues to prevent the entry of sufficient aid to alleviate the damage caused by two years of bombing and the blockade of vital supplies.

In a video address from Gaza Tuesday, UNICEF spokeswoman Tess Ingram warned that while the immediate threat of famine has lessened for most of the territorys 2.1 million inhabitants, the inflow of supplies remains far below the needs of a traumatized population, many of whom have been left homeless and are living in makeshift shelters as winter weather intensifies.

The Gaza Strip is also bracing for a storm dubbed Byron in the coming hours, which threatens flooding and strong winds that could leave hundreds of thousands of Palestinians without even the flimsy shacks in which they currently take shelter. Early Wednesday morning, strong winds began battering the makeshift tents scattered throughout the Palestinian territory.

The spokesperson for the UN childrens agency emphasized the figure of 9,300 children who received treatment for severe acute malnutrition in a single month in October. Ingram noted that, nevertheless, this shockingly high number is lower than the 14,000 children treated for the same condition in August. However, she stressed that the current figures are still far higher than those recorded during the period prior to the ceasefire, last February and March, before Israel imposed a total blockade on the entry of supplies, which was only eased with the start of the truce, which marks its second month this Wednesday.

In Gaza hospitals, I have seen several newborns weighing less than one kilogram, their tiny chests rising and falling as they struggled to stay alive, Ingram said before offering another statistic. In October, around 8,300 pregnant and breastfeeding women were hospitalized for acute malnutrition. This pattern indicates that, in the coming months, many more low-birth-weight babies will be born in the occupied Palestinian territory where Israeli attacks have killed more than 70,000 people.

Displaced persons camp on the seashore in Deir el-Balah, in central Gaza, this Wednesday. Mahmoud Issa (REUTERS)

So far in December, an average of only 140 trucks carrying aid have entered the country daily, in convoys organized by the UN and the International Organization for Migration. This figure falls far short of the commitment of 600 trucks per day established as part of the ceasefire. While the quantity of supplies is far from meeting the enormous needs created by two years of war, the type of aid authorized by Israel is not always the most urgently needed.

Israeli authorities prohibit a long list of supplies, either because they claim they could have a dual use  that is, they could be used for military purposes  or because they label them as luxury.

In late September, before the ceasefire, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, stated in an interview with CNN that Israel had banned the entry into the Gaza Strip of high-calorie, high-protein therapeutic foods used to treat acute childhood malnutrition. A month earlier, the United Nations had officially declared a famine in northern Gaza.

These supplements, such as one called Pumply Nut, consist of a paste made with peanut butter, milk, oil, sugar, vitamins, and minerals. When acute malnutrition develops, especially in children aged under five, simply starting to eat normal food again is not enough; these supplements are essential to reverse the condition. Israel banned the import of this fortified paste, claiming that peanut butter is a luxury food.

According to data released Wednesday by the Hamas Government Media Office in Gaza, only 13,511 aid trucks out of the 36,000 stipulated in the ceasefire agreement have been authorized to enter Palestinian territory, representing a compliance rate of 38%.

According to that source, fuel deliveries were limited to 315 trucks out of the 3,000 agreed upon.

A refugee camp for women widowed in Israeli attacks and their children, this Wednesday in Gaza City. CONTACTO via Europa Press (CONTACTO via Europa Press)

Storm Byron

In its latest situation report published on December 8, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) denounced another breach of the ceasefire agreement: the entry of materials for shelter.

UN and INGO partners have only been able to bring in 14,600 tents for 85,000 people, which increases to 48,600 tents when considering also bilateral donations, while 1.3 million people remain in need of urgent shelter assistance for the winter, the document emphasizes, noting how most INGOs remain blocked from bringing in relief and nearly 4,000 pallets of shelter materials have been rejected.

The report notes that Storm Byron is expected to reach the region in the coming hours, bringing torrential rains that could cause widespread flooding, something that has already happened this fall in Gaza. Nearly 850,000 people  almost half the territorys population  are currently sheltering in 761 reception centers, which are especially vulnerable to flooding, OCHA adds.

The Israel Meteorological Service has warned that up to 200 millimeters of rain will fall in the region between Wednesday and Thursday, with half of that amount concentrated in just a few hours, according to the newspaper Haaretz. Winds could reach 80 kilometers per hour.

These forecasts include the territory of the Gaza Strip, where the risk is much greater due to the massive displacement of the population and the destruction of drainage and sewage systems, increasing the risk of epidemics. Some of the hundreds of thousands of people sheltering in tents have even had to pitch them on the beach for lack of a better place.

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Non-Profit Pharmaceutical Company Awarded Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract

LEHI, Utah, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Civica, a non-profit pharmaceutical company founded to help mitigate the risks associated with generic drug shortages, has been awarded a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to supply it with essential generic medications via the VA Federal Supply Schedule Program

As part of this contract, Civica's products will be available for purchase through the Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor (PPV) program. These products will be available to all of the VA's medical centers and outpatient clinics, as well as other federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD).

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. It operates a vast network of healthcare facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,193 outpatient clinics, totaling 1,363 facilities.

"Civica is proud to be a partner to the VA, and to the millions of Americans the system serves," said Jennifer Spalding, Chief Commercial Officer and General Counsel of Civica. "Providing essential generic medicines to the VA will help its centers and clinics ensure a safe and steady supply of essential generic medications and allow them to protect the health of veterans and their families."

Drug shortages are a persistent challenge to the U.S. healthcare industry. The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists reports hundreds of drugs on regular shortage, including many critical sterile injectables frequently used in urgent care settings. Shortages often force hospitals to expend additional resources, including staff time to find, procure, and administer alternative drugs.

About Civica

Founded in 2018 by innovative healthcare leaders nationwide, Civica is a pharmaceutical nonprofit dedicated to ensuring the accessibility, affordability and quality of essential generic injectables and biosimilar insulins. With 60 members, including leading health systems, hospitals, and philanthropic organizations, Civica supplies more than 70 essential medicines frequently found in the FDA Drug Shortages Database to over 1,400 hospitals, supporting care for over 90 million patients. By committing to long-term contracts and targeting six months of safety stock, we help stabilize the market and reduce the impact of shortages. Learn more at www.Civicarx.org.

Media Contact

Liz Power, Vice President, Communications

[email protected]

860 501 3849

SOURCE CivicaRx
With a wingspan of nearly 10 feet, the California condor is North America's largest land bird. Historically, this apex scavenger and relic of the Pleistocene soared the skies from British Columbia to Baja California. By 1982, the species had vanished from the Pacific Northwest and its population had fallen to just 22 birds, due to habitat loss, lead poisoning, and other human-caused threats. Intensive conservation averted extinction; today roughly 560 condors exist, about 360 of them in the wild.

Now, for the first time in over a 125 years, qu'nes is poised to return to its northernmost range as soon as 2031. Led by the Nez Perce Tribe (Nimiipuu), this historic, multi-year reintroduction aims to restore a species that is both ecologically essential and culturally sacred. The effort would establish the first Inland Northwest population, expand the species' range into habitat identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as among the most promising unoccupied areas, and strengthen genetic and ecological resilience through greater geographic spread..

"Since time immemorial, the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people and qu'nes (condor) have shared this landscape," said Eric Kash Kash, Director of the Nez Perce Tribe Wildlife Division. Its return represents both ecological restoration and spiritual renewal for our people and the land. Our partnership with the Colossal Foundation honors our sovereignty and our enduring connection to our homeland as we fulfill our sacred responsibility to restore balance by bringing a relative home."

The Nez Perce Tribe is a recognized leader in conservation, with a track record of successfully restoring iconic Pacific Northwest species, including gray wolves, Pacific salmon, and bighorn sheep. Since 2016, the Tribe's Wildlife Division has conducted rigorous assessments confirming that the Hells Canyon ecoregion provides ideal habitat for a reintroduced condor population, with abundant food sources, excellent geography for soaring, and low human density. This scientific work complements the Tribe's traditional ecological knowledge, which has long identified the region as condor homeland, and is reflected in the naming of a local canyon as ananasocum, meaning "the place where condors used to be" in the Nez Perce language.

"Our traditional knowledge told us this was a home for qu'nes, and our scientific assessments have confirmed it. Hells Canyon is ready to welcome them back," said Aaron Miles, Director of Natural Resources for the Nez Perce Tribe. "This generous, long-term commitment from the Colossal Foundation provides the catalytic energy to turn years of careful planning into action. It allows us to build our internal capacity and, most critically, to proactively address the lead threat before the first bird is released, giving this new population the greatest possible chance to thrive."

Colossal Foundation's long-term investment will help accelerate and scale the Tribe's efforts with federal and regional partners to bring condors home. Funding will accelerate the final, critical phase of the Tribe's vision: completing reintroduction plans, scaling the "Get the Lead Out" campaign to guarantee a safe, lead-free food web, facilitating knowledge-sharing with other condor conservation groups like the Yurok Tribe, and strengthening local capacity through the hiring and training of dedicated tribal biologists.

"The Nez Perce are leading one of the most visionary species recovery projects in North America," said Matt James, Chief Animal Officer at Colossal Biosciences and Executive Director of the Colossal Foundation. "Their leadership demonstrates how cultural knowledge and cutting-edge science together can reweave the living fabric of ecosystems. We're honored to help bring qu'nes home."

The project is further strengthened by the involvement of INDIGENOUS LED, an organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous-led conservation across North America, and a founding member of Colossal's Indigenous Council. The organization's newly launched Story-Spirit Collective curates ancestral knowledge for modern times and will help identify collaborative opportunities to elevate braided stories, like the Nez Perce Condor Recovery Program, where science and Indigenous wisdom are woven together in service to the restoration of keystone relatives and their homelands."

"This initiative reflects what's possible when Indigenous nations lead conservation at scale," said Cristina Mormorunni, Co-founder and Executive Director of INDIGENOUS LED, and Co-lead of Colossal's Indigenous Council. "Tribes like the Yurok and Nez Perce are setting a standard for how culturally grounded stewardship can shape species recovery, and we're honored to help elevate their leadership in a shared, intertribal effort to bring this ancestor back home."

This collaboration builds on the Colossal Foundation's Species Reintroduction Fund and its similar commitment to support Bolson tortoise recovery and rewilding . It also reaffirms Colossal's partnership with the Nez Perce Tribe, who sit on Colossal Indigenous Council. Through these joint efforts, the Foundation helps restore keystone and culturally significant species while empowering local stewardship. By working with sovereign tribal nations, Colossal is forging new pathways for lasting ecological and cultural renewal.

ABOUT THE COLOSSAL FOUNDATION

The Colossal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the use of cutting-edge technologies for conservation efforts globally to help prevent extinction of keystone species. The organization deploys de-extinction technologies and support to empower partners in the field to reverse the extinction crisis. Learn more at www.ColossalFoundation.org

ABOUT THE NEZ PERCE TRIBE WILDLIFE DIVISION

The Nez Perce Tribe Wildlife Division works to protect, restore, and enhance the fish and wildlife resources of the Tribe. Grounded in the cultural values of the NimAppiipuu, the Division utilizes the best available science and traditional ecological knowledge to manage species and habitats within the Tribe's ancestral homelands. For decades, it has been a regional leader in the recovery of culturally significant species and the defense of the Tribe's treaty-reserved rights.

ABOUT INDIGENOUS LED

INDIGENOUS-LED was founded by Indigenous People for Indigenous People to elevate the power of Indigenous-led conservation to address our planetary & relationship crises. We work to build Indigenous voice, authority & power and demonstrating how Indigenous-led conservation can uniquely protect, heal & celebrate the natural world and the Native culture & communities who live in its intimate embrace.

WEBSITE & SOCIALS

Websites: www.colossal.com / www.colossalfoundation.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colossal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@colossal

Twitter: https://x.com/colossal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/colossal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itiscolossal

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colossal

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/itiscolossal.bsky.social

SOURCE The Colossal Foundation
Unvaccinated residents can receive a measles vaccine at select CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations across the state

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As South Carolina public health officials work to stop the spread of measles following the current outbreak in the state, CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) is offering the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to residents. Both CVS Pharmacy stores and MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics in the area have vaccines available to help protect patients against measles.

CVS pharmacist vaccinating male patient.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is a disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The most common symptoms of measles include fever (may spike to more than 104F), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that is red and blotchy. Symptoms can appear seven to 14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days.

Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the diseasefrom four days before developing the measles rash through four days afterward.

Vaccination is the most effective way to help protect people from measles and CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are offering the MMR vaccine at more than 200 locations across the state of South Carolina.1 The MMR vaccine may provide some protection if given within the first three days (72 hours) after exposure to measles. It is also important for anyone who has not been vaccinated to receive the MMR vaccine to help protect against measles (also mumps and rubella) during future measles exposure.

Patients ages three and older can receive the MMR vaccine at South Carolina CVS Pharmacy locations. At MinuteClinic, nurse practitioners and physician assistants provide the recommended second vaccination to children 4-6 years old. The first dose, if planned to be given during the recommended age of 12 to 15 months old, cannot be administered at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic. People are considered immune to measles if they have received two MMR vaccines or were born before 1957. Pharmacy and medical clinic staff can assist patients in determining whether the vaccine is covered by their insurance plan.

While walk-ins are accepted at CVS Pharmacy, patients are encouraged to schedule a vaccination appointment at CVS.com or via the CVS Health app in advance to ensure vaccine availability. Vaccinations appointments at MinuteClinic can be scheduled by visiting MinuteClinic.com.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company's integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact

Amy Thibault

401-318-2865

[email protected]

SOURCE CVS Health
Grants will help small businesses expand - lifting economic activity and creating jobs.





Twenty nonprofit organizations selected to receive grants of $25,000 to distribute to local small businesses.

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Foundation today announced the recipients for $500,000 in grants designed to boost local economies by supporting small businesses in communities across North Carolina.

How it works: Twenty nonprofit organizations have been selected to receive $25,000 grants, which will then fund awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses. Funds can be used by local businesses like restaurants and retail stores to complete renovations, buy equipment or technology, purchase inventory or meet other business needs.

The impact: Small businesses employ nearly half of North Carolina's workforce and play a critical role in driving economic activity. Duke Energy Foundation has provided over $2.4 million to small business support initiatives since 2020.

What they're saying:

Kendal Bowman , North Carolina state president for Duke Energy: "Supporting small businesses boosts local economic activity, which has a positive impact on the communities and customers we serve. We're proud to work alongside our community partners to help entrepreneurs and local businesses make their dreams a reality."





, North Carolina state president for Duke Energy: "Supporting small businesses boosts local economic activity, which has a positive impact on the communities and customers we serve. We're proud to work alongside our community partners to help entrepreneurs and local businesses make their dreams a reality." Nicole J. Thompson , President and CEO of Downtown Durham, Inc.: "With Duke Energy's support, DDI will turn business-led ideas into practical improvements that elevate safety, visibility and vitality. Upgrading the alleys that connect parking to Main Street will help storefronts shine, help create an engaging environment and attract more customers to discover all that downtown has to offer."





, President and CEO of Downtown Durham, Inc.: "With Duke Energy's support, DDI will turn business-led ideas into practical improvements that elevate safety, visibility and vitality. Upgrading the alleys that connect parking to Main Street will help storefronts shine, help create an engaging environment and attract more customers to discover all that downtown has to offer." Catherine Glover, Executive Director for Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation: "With support from the Duke Energy Foundation, ten Beaufort County small businesses will each receive a $2,500 grant to make meaningful improvements that strengthen their operations, expand their reach, and enhance their customer experience. Small businesses are the backbone of Eastern North Carolina, and this funding will help ten outstanding local businesses continue to grow and thrive."

Leading the charge:

The following organizations have been selected to distribute funds to small businesses in their local communities.

Beaufort Business Association

Chimney Rock Economic Development and Investment Team

Downtown Salisbury Inc.

Fuquay Varina Downtown Association

Greater Eden Chamber Foundation

Launchhollysprings Inc.

McDowell Chamber Community and Business Impact

Mitchell Community College Foundation

Mitchell County Development Foundation

Montcross Area Chamber

Moore County Economic Development Partnership

Partnership For a Sustainable Community

Person County Business & Industrial Center

Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Region A Council

Renaissance Downtown Durham

Rolesville Downtown Development Association

Stokes County Arts Council

The Surry County Economic Development Foundation Inc

Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Garrett Poorman

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

Twitter: @DukeEnergyNC

SOURCE Duke Energy
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Chad Williams touts progress, highlights current bills and stresses future bipartisan priorities to strengthen retirement savings

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Chad Williams testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) during a hearing focused on the future of retirement and expanding access to savings opportunities for American workers.

In his testimony, Williams commended the Committee for prior bipartisan successes to promote retirement savings and underscored the importance of policies that help Americans begin saving earlier and remain engaged in their financial futures.

Financial Advisor Chad Williams delivers testimony to the U.S. Senate HELP Committee on December 10, 2025.

He also shared Edward Jones' strong support for two bipartisan bills introduced by Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), the "Auto Reenroll Act" and the "Helping Young Americans Save for Retirement Act.

"Both bills would enable savers to save earlier and more," Williams explained. "For example, the primary beneficiaries of automatic reenrollment are young employees who may have opted out at a very young age, and need another catalyst, such as automatic reenrollment, to save. We believe that these two bills carry on the proud tradition of bipartisanship in shaping a better tomorrow and enhanced retirement security for workers."

Despite progress, gaps remain for small business employees, younger workers and caregivers. Williams reaffirmed Edward Jones' commitment to partnering with Congress to enhance retirement security by supporting measures that:

Increase participation in retirement plans through automatic re-enrollment

Allow workers to start saving earlier

Support the financial security of caregivers

Expand retirement plan access for employees of small businesses

"As an Edward Jones financial advisor, I've spent my career sitting side-by-side at the table with clients helping them to make decisions designed to help achieve financial outcomes for themselves, their families, businesses and employees for the future," Williams told the Committee. "I meet every day with Americans who want to do the right thing financially but often don't know where to begin. These conversations make it clear how financial education combined with public policy can change behaviors."

Read Chad Williams' full written testimony here and his oral testimony here.

About Edward Jones

Edward Jones is a leading North American financial planning firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm's more than 20,000 financial advisors throughout North America serve more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.4 trillion in client assets under care as of Sept. 26, 2025. Edward Jones' purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm's approximately 55,000 associates and our branch presence in 68% of U.S. counties and most Canadian provinces and territories, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. The Edward Jones website is at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

SOURCE Edward Jones
Will Unite a Leading Online Consumer and Small Business Lender with a Dynamic Digital-First Bank

CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Enova International, Inc. (NYSE: ENVA) ("Enova"), a leading financial services company powered by machine learning and world-class analytics, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Grasshopper Bancorp, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary Grasshopper Bank N.A. ("Grasshopper"), in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $369 million.

Grasshopper is a leading client-first, full-service digital bank founded in 2019 with more than $1.4 billion in total assets as of September 30, 2025. Grasshopper offers digital financial solutions for commercial and consumer customers, including fintech-focused Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and API banking platforms, commercial and Small Business Administration lending and consumer banking.

This transaction unites two complementary, market-leading businesses combining Enova's consumer and small business online lending capabilities and with Grasshopper's digital banking infrastructure to create a stronger, more diversified financial services provider. Enova's advanced online lending capabilities, deep understanding of its customers and credit risk discipline have enabled it to grow and service its customers for more than 20 years, both as a direct lender and a service provider to FDIC-insured depository institutions. Through its direct and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) product offerings, Grasshopper holds approximately $3 billion in total deposits as of September 30, 2025.

"Acquiring and partnering with Grasshopper creates a powerful digital bank that positions us to offer a more comprehensive suite of financial solutions across more states to empower consumers and small businesses with the products they need to succeed," said David Fisher, Enova's Chairman & CEO. "Our complementary capabilities and shared customer-first mindset mean we can grow and innovate faster, together. We're excited to welcome the Grasshopper team to Enova."

"We're thrilled to join forces with Enova, a market leader in digital lending and a true innovator in the use of technology and analytics in the financial services sector," said Mike Butler, Grasshopper's CEO. "This combination of enhanced digital lending and banking will enable us to serve an even broader set of customers while expanding and strengthening the product offerings for our current clients."

This transaction strengthens both Enova and Grasshopper's strategic goals and offers compelling benefits for customers and Enova's shareholders, including:

Product and operational simplification by offering centralized and scalable lending and deposit products through a national bank charter;

by offering centralized and scalable lending and deposit products through a national bank charter; Significant growth and diversification opportunities by expanding Enova's ability to deliver a more comprehensive suite of financial products in more states;

by expanding Enova's ability to deliver a more comprehensive suite of financial products in more states; Enhanced balance sheet strength and flexibility from more diversified funding opportunities; and

from more diversified funding opportunities; and Increased financial inclusion by leveraging Enova's technology and allowing the combined company to serve more individuals and communities with convenient, transparent lending and banking services.

"This is a compelling and strategic combination that will enhance our ability to produce consistent and sustainable growth that we believe will deliver significant financial benefits," said Steve Cunningham, Enova's CFO. "The additional scale and diversification from this transaction should meaningfully enhance our balance sheet strength and flexibility, leading to substantial revenue and funding synergies and significant EPS accretion. I am thrilled to lead the combined company and Enova into this exciting next chapter."

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the agreement, Enova will acquire Grasshopper for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $369 million to be paid in a combination of cash and newly issued Enova shares. The transaction is subject to Grasshopper stockholder approval and regulatory approvals from the OCC and the Federal Reserve and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close during the second half of 2026. The transaction is expected to generate adjusted earnings per share accretion of more than 15% within the first year and more than 25% once the synergies are fully realized beyond the first year.

After closing, Grasshopper Bank will be the bank subsidiary of Enova, which will be a newly formed bank holding company. Mike Butler will serve as President of Grasshopper Bank, reporting to Steve Cunningham, who will be appointed CEO of Grasshopper Bank. Mr. Cunningham will assume the role of Enova CEO effective January 1, 2026, as previously announced.

Advisors

Covington & Burling LLP is serving as legal advisor and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods is serving as financial advisor to Enova. Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP and Hogan Lovells US LLP are serving as legal advisors and Piper Sandler & Co. is serving as financial advisor to Grasshopper.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Enova will host a call to discuss the transaction at 7:30 a.m. Central Time / 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today. The live webcast of the call can be accessed at the Enova Investor Relations website at http://ir.enova.com. The U.S. dial-in for the call is 1-855-560-2575 (1-412-542-4161 for non-U.S. callers). Please ask to be joined to the Enova call. A replay of the conference call will be available until December 18, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. Central Time / 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, while an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Enova Investor Relations website for 90 days. The U.S. dial-in for the conference call replay is 1-855-669-9658 (1-412-317-0088). The replay access code is 2631126.

About Enova

Enova International (NYSE: ENVA) is a leading online financial services company that serves small businesses and consumers who are underserved by traditional banks. For over 20 years, Enova has provided over $65 billion in loans and financing to more than 13 million customers by offering a suite of market-leading products powered by the company's world-class analytics, machine learning algorithms and proprietary technology. You can learn more about the company and its portfolio of businesses at www.enova.com.

About Grasshopper

Grasshopper Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company and the sole owner of Grasshopper Bank N.A.,a client-first, full service digital bank with total assets of $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2025, serving the business and innovation economy. Grasshopper Bank replaces the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to banking with a suite of products and services tailored to specific industries and a passionate team of experts with deep expertise in their fields. Grasshopper Bank's banking solutions cover small businesses, startups, venture capital and private equity firms, fintech-focused Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and commercial API banking platforms, SBA lending, commercial real estate lending, yacht lending, and white-labeled consumer banking. Headquartered in New York, New York, the bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity Lender. For more information, visit Grasshopper Bank's website at www.grasshopper.bank.

Important Additional Information will be Filed with the SEC

In connection with the proposed transaction, Enova will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a registration statement on Form S-4 (the "registration statement"), which will contain a proxy statement of Grasshopper and a prospectus of Enova (the "proxy statement/prospectus"), and Enova may file with the SEC other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC BY ENOVA, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ENOVA, GRASSHOPPER AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. A definitive copy of the proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of Grasshopper when that document is final. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the registration statement and the proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Enova, free of charge from Enova or from the SEC's website when they are filed by Enova. The documents filed by Enova with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at Enova's website, at https://ir.enova.com/sec-filings, or by requesting them by mail at Enova International, Inc., Attention: General Counsel, 175 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

Participants in the Solicitation

This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any security holder of Enova of Grasshopper. However, Enova, Grasshopper and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Grasshopper in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about Enova's directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other documents filed by Enova with the SEC. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Free copies of this document may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Enova or a solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the proposed transaction by Enova of Grasshopper, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. These forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and reflect the views and assumptions of senior management with respect to, among other things, projections as to the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction as well as statements regarding the impact of the proposed transaction on Enova's and the combined company's business, financial condition, operations and prospects, the amount and timing of synergies from the proposed transaction and the closing date for the proposed transaction. When used in this communication, terms such as "believes," "estimates," "should," "could," "would," "plans," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "may," "forecast," "project" and similar expressions or variations as they relate to Enova, the combined company or their respective management are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties that are beyond the ability of Enova to control and, in some cases, predict. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Key factors that could cause the actual financial results, performance or condition to differ from the expectations expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the definitive merger agreement entered into between Enova and Grasshopper, including the payment of any termination fee due thereunder; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Enova or Grasshopper; the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction) or stockholder approvals or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all; the ability to obtain or add bank functionality and a bank charter; the possibility that the anticipated benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies or as a result of the strength of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where Enova and Grasshopper do business; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; changes in Enova's share price before the closing of the proposed transaction; risks relating to the potential dilutive effect of shares of Enova common stock to be issued in the proposed transaction; and other factors that may affect future results of Enova and the combined company.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge or changes to these factors may occur that could impact Enova's or the combined company's business and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Additional information regarding these and other factors may be contained in Enova's filings with the SEC. Readers of this communication are encouraged to review Enova's filings with the SEC, including the risks described under "Risk Factors" contained in Enova's Form 10-K and any updates to those risk factors contained in subsequent Forms 10-Q, to obtain more detail about Enova's risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this communication are made as of the date of this communication, and Enova disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this communication. All forward-looking statements in this communication are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

In addition to the financial information prepared in conformity with GAAP, Enova provides historical non-GAAP financial information. Enova presents non-GAAP financial information because such measures are used by management in understanding the activities and business metrics of Enova's operations. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of Enova's business that, when viewed with its GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting its business.

Adjusted EPS

Enova provides adjusted EPS, which is a non-GAAP measure. Management believes that the presentation of this measure provides investors with greater transparency and facilitates comparison of operating results across a broad spectrum of companies with varying capital structures, compensation strategies, derivative instruments and amortization methods, which can provide a more complete understanding of Enova's financial performance, competitive position and prospects for the future. Management utilizes, and also believes that investors utilize, adjusted EPS to assess operating performance, recognizing that such measure may highlight trends in Enova's business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying on financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, management believes that adjusted EPS is useful to management and investors in comparing Enova's financial results during the periods shown without the effect of certain items that are not indicative of Enova's core operating performance or results of operations.

Management provides such non-GAAP financial information for informational purposes and to enhance understanding of Enova's GAAP consolidated financial statements. Readers should consider the information in addition to, but not instead of or superior to, Enova's financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP financial information may be determined or calculated differently by other companies, limiting the usefulness of this measure for comparative purposes.

SOURCE Enova International, Inc.
EQT completes final exit from Kodiak Gas Services, a leader in the gas compression industry with powerful and comprehensive service capabilities

Under EQT's ownership, Kodiak transformed into one of the largest contract compression businesses in North America, providing critical infrastructure to leading energy producers

Kodiak is well-positioned for continued growth, demonstrating EQT's commitment to building future-proofed businesses through operational excellence and sustainable, hands-on value creation

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT is pleased to announce that the EQT Infrastructure III and EQT Infrastructure IV funds ("EQT") have fully exited their investment in Kodiak Gas Services (NYSE: KGS, "Kodiak" or the "Company"). The exit marks the culmination of EQT's first IPO out of its infrastructure platform and a nearly seven-year partnership that supported Kodiak's expansion into one of the largest contract compression companies in North America.

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Houston, Kodiak provides critical compression equipment and services that enable the transportation of natural gas across the U.S. energy value chain.

Its high-horsepower fleet serves major producers and midstream operators in some of North America's most prolific, low-cost basins. Kodiak's services play an essential role in meeting growing U.S. energy needs and supporting domestic energy security, ensuring natural gas reliably reaches end users in an increasingly complex supply environment.

Since EQT's initial investment in 2019, Kodiak has undergone a significant transformation, marked by a series of targeted value creation initiatives. The Company completed multiple strategic acquisitions, invested in digital tools and analytics to optimize asset performance and reduce emissions, launched its first ever sustainability report, and now operates one of the lowest emission fleets in the U.S. compression market.

During EQT's investment period, Kodiak's revenue and EBITDA grew by more than 8x, its headcount increased by more than 400% to just over 1,300 employees, and it expanded its operations into new markets and geographies throughout North America. In 2023, Kodiak successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange. EQT completed a series of sell downs over a 30-month period following the IPO, gradually reducing its stake while continuing to support the business's evolution as a public company.

Alex Darden, Partner and Head of EQT Infrastructure Advisory Team Americas, said: "Kodiak's journey is a wonderful example of how long-term, responsible ownership can help mission-critical businesses scale with resilience and purpose. The team expanded Kodiak's reach, enhanced its service capabilities, and laid a strong foundation for continued growth and leadership in the compression market. We're proud to have partnered with Kodiak and are deeply grateful to the team for their trust and collaboration over nearly seven years."

Mickey McKee, Kodiak President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "EQT has been a tremendous partner, helping Kodiak scale with purpose and discipline. Together, we built one of the largest contract compression platforms in North America and set new benchmarks for performance, safety, and sustainability. With this strong foundation, we are well-positioned for continued growth and excited for what comes next."

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-exits-remaining-stake-in-kodiak-gas-services--a-leading-provider-of-natural-gas-contract-compres,c4280278

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/4280278/3837493.pdf Pres Release, EQT Infra III and EQT Infra IV, Kodiak Gas Services, 11122025 https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/kodiak-gas-service-1,c3495237 Kodiak Gas Service 1

SOURCE EQT
WOODBRIDGE, Va., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Engineering Services Network, Inc. (ESN), a leading provider of advanced engineering, test and evaluation, cyber, logistics, and software solutions, announced today that it has been awarded a position on the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) SHIELD Multiple Award Contract (MAC). The contract vehicle carries a ceiling value of $151 billion over a 10-year period.

Engineering Services Network, Inc. (ESN) is proud to announce its selection as an awardee for the Missile Defense Agency's SHIELD contract. Under the SHIELD contract, ESN will deliver comprehensive systems engineering, information technology, logistics, and cybersecurity capabilities designed to maintain and enhance the readiness, resilience, and effectiveness of missile defense systems. ESN will leverage its extensive experience in missile defense and naval systems to support MDA across a wide array of initiatives. This award highlights ESN's longstanding commitment in delivering best-in-class technical solutions and mission-critical support services to the nation's defense community.

The MDA is tasked with developing an advanced, multi-domain defensive architecture capable of detecting, tracking, intercepting, and neutralizing threats to the United States homeland, deployed forces, allies, and partners. This includes defending against ballistic, hypersonic, cruise missiles, and other advanced aerial threats across all phases of flight. The SHIELD MAC IDIQ contract will support national defense objectives by enabling continuous, layered protection against air, missile, space, cyber, and hybrid threats originating from any vectorland, sea, air, space, or cyberspace.

As part of this effort, ESN intends on supporting the planning and execution phases of key MDA activitiesincluding AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) flight missions and Ground Testingwhile also providing integral engineering and technical support across the agency's missile defense programs.

The 10-year SHIELD MAC vehicle positions ESN to expand its Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) support capabilities while contributing to a broader spectrum of Missile Defense initiatives, including programs such as Golden Dome.

"We're honored to have been awarded SHIELD and look forward to supporting MDA in its mission to develop a comprehensive defense system protecting the U.S. homeland," said Raymond F. Lopez Jr., CEO & Chairman of ESN and service-disabled retired Navy veteran. "For the past 30 years, ESN has provided missile defenserelated test and evaluation, technical, and logistics services that meet or exceed our customers' expectations. SHIELD opens the door for us to strengthen our partnership with MDA and further contribute to U.S. defense."

This award further reinforces ESN's position as a trusted provider of mission-critical services to the Department of Defense.

About Engineering Services Network, Inc.

ESN is a trusted leader in engineering and technology solutions. Founded in 1995, ESN is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business that proudly stands "Shoulder to Shoulder" with our military and government customers, delivering critical services for missions that matter.

ESN provides our military and government customers with mission-critical services in the areas of: Acquisition Management, Engineering & Technical Services, Test & Evaluation, Information Technology & Cybersecurity, Logistics & Maintenance, and Software Development.

ESN customer experience includes the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Military Sealift Command, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies.

Based in Woodbridge, VA, ESN has regional and field offices throughout the U.S. and worldwide. ESN is ISO 9001:2015 certified and has achieved Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Maturity Level 3 for Services and Development.

SOURCE Engineering Services Network Inc. (ESN)
ESPOO, Finland, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Drawing inspiration from human eyesight, a European research project led by VTT has developed machine vision mimicking the cooperation of the eye and nervous system, implemented as edge-computing circuits. Edge computing means processing data where it is generated and where the results of computing are needed. This enables, for instance, intelligent robots and drones that can operate independently in a rescue mission after an earthquake without constant network connections or bulky batteries.

Launched in 2021, the MISEL project (Multispectral Intelligent Vision System with Embedded Low-Power Neural Computing) is now nearing completion. Coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the project has combined neuromorphic computing-which mimics the way the brain processes information-with semiconductor technologies.

"Our goal is to build truly smart devices that can make observations and decisions on their own, without sending data to supercomputers or the cloud. Neuromorphic computing can be hundreds or even thousands of times more energy-efficient than conventional digital processing," explains Jacek Flak, Research Team Leader at VTT, who coordinates the project.

The MISEL project received nearly EUR 5 million in funding from the EU's Horizon 2020 programme. Alongside VTT, partners include the universities of odz, Lund, Santiago de Compostela, and Wuppertal, the Fraunhofer Institute, France's LNE national research institute, and the companies Kovilta Oy (Finland) and AMO GmbH (Germany). The consortium unites expertise across disciplines, including materials science, electronics, and algorithm design.

Smarter mobile devices without constant connectivity

Artificial intelligence typically requires either good network connectivity to cloud services or substantial local computing power. However, the MISEL project brings intelligence to the edge-directly into the devices themselves. This approach allows battery-powered systems to process and interpret sensory data quickly and with low power consumption, while also reducing cybersecurity privacy risks.

"Imagine a drone searching for survivors after an earthquake through smoke, dust, and debris. It needs to interpret its surroundings and make decisions instantly. There may be no network connectivity, and battery life is limited," says Flak.

Human eyesight and the brain as the blueprint for machine vision

Nature has been a source of inspiration for the project. The model for machine vision has been the collaboration between the human retina, visual cortex, and prefrontal lobe for perception and interpretation. The fruit fly also serves as an ideal model as it consumes minuscule amounts of energy to fly, navigate, avoid danger, and find food.

A key result of the project is a system on chip developed by Kovilta, a company specialised in advanced integrated circuit technology. The new circuit includes both imaging and a significant portion of image processing on the same silicon chip. It combines high dynamic range image sensing (over 120 dB), high frame rate (over 1000 frames per second), and massively parallel image processing, enabling versatile motion analysis and pattern recognition.

"Unlike a conventional video camera that actually captures static frames, this sensor detects motion and changes in time and space-just like a biological eye," Flak explains. "The result is a highly efficient, compressed data stream without sacrificing accuracy."

The project also explored so-called quantum dot image sensors, a cutting-edge camera technology that extends vision beyond the spectrum visible to humans into the infrared range. This allows devices to detect patterns and movement even in low-light or foggy conditions where human vision struggles.

Designing the entire signal chain as one system

Within MISEL, sensors, memory units, algorithms, and electronic components have been co-designed as a unified system. Optimizing the entire signal chain is key to achieving a compact and efficient system. The project has also developed specialized processor cores, or edge-AI accelerators, that boost AI performance while keeping power consumption minimal.

"Designing hardware and software in close integration ensures that all components work seamlessly together while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency," says Flak.

Together with Lund University, VTT developed non-volatile memories based on ferroelectric materials, which can be integrated directly onto a chip. These memories have proven functional, and development continues. Kovilta plans to apply the accelerator architectures developed in MISEL to fields such as autonomous robotics and vehicle technology.

"A superior ability to observe the surroundings and accurately interpret observations is a must for robots and vehicles to operate independently and safely among people. For instance, future robots assisting humans need to make rapid decisions to avoid colliding with people moving around them. Simultaneously, the equipment must be small, consume little energy, and be built with moderate costs suitable for a mass product," says Mika Laiho, Chief Technology Officer at Kovilta.

Applications from industry to security

The solutions developed in the project can be utilised in a wide range of applications. Smart cameras could autonomously monitor industrial processes, warehouses, or border areas, while mobile robots could make decisions safely even in the presence of humans. The next step is to leverage the project's results in new projects and VTT's pilot production lines.

"In the future, these results can be used in autonomous devices that see, think, and act as independently and energy-efficiently as a fruit fly," Flak concludes.

Further information

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Jacek Flak, Research Team Leader, MISEL Project Coordinator

[email protected], tel. +358 405366934

CONTACT:

Further information on VTT:

Paula Bergqvist, Communications Manager

+358 20 722 5161, [email protected]

www.vttresearch.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/vtt-info/r/european-researchers-developed-energy-efficient-machine-vision-inspired-by-human-eyesight-and-the-br,c4279621

SOURCE VTT Info
Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale releases comprehensive new research detailing the exceptional blend of open-air performance, cutting-edge technology, and profound luxury in the highly anticipated 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale, a leading Mercedes-Benz dealership in Scottsdale, today announces the publication of new, detailed 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet research for discerning clients and automotive enthusiasts. This extensive resource provides an in-depth look at the performance, technology, and sheer luxury defining this exceptional new convertible. Prospective buyers can explore the model research page for comprehensive details.

The Pinnacle of Open-Air AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet Performance

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet.

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet luxury roadster arrives as a masterful blend of power and sophistication. Consequently, it represents the continuation of a tradition where two-door performance is paired with open-air freedom. The heart of this convertible is an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine featuring a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an electric auxiliary compressor. Furthermore, this dynamic combination generates 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, permitting a breathtaking 0-to-60 mph acceleration in an estimated 4.1 seconds.

What's more, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system ensure that the raw power translates into remarkably agile AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet specs and controlled handling. This sophisticated drivetrain means that every drive, from an evening cruise down Scottsdale Road to a spirited canyon run, is an occasion.

A Sanctuary of High-Tech 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet Luxury

Inside, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet truly lives up to its pedigree. The cabin features the latest MBUX infotainment system with a driver-focused 11.9-inch central touchscreen, allowing for intuitive control. Additionally, for top-down driving comfort, the vehicle includes several ingenious technologies:

AIRCAP automatic wind deflector system, which minimizes air turbulence in the cabin.

AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, extending the top-down driving season.

Heated front seats for maximum comfort on cooler desert evenings.

An acoustic soft top that maintains a quiet, coupe-like cabin ambiance when raised.

The vehicle's aesthetic appeal is undeniable; thus, it includes an aggressive AMG-specific grille and a wider, muscular stance. Therefore, it asserts its high-performance status without sacrificing its inherent elegance.

Why Choose Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale

As a trusted Mercedes-Benz dealership in Scottsdale, we believe in providing our clients with far more than just a transaction. Accordingly, we offer comprehensive resources, like our new 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet research, to help you make an informed decision. Finally, we invite you to explore our new CLE inventory today.

Matt McDermott, spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale, states, "The new AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet is a true driver's car, merging exhilarating performance with uncompromising luxury. Moreover, our goal is to ensure our clients have the most thorough information available to fully appreciate this extraordinary vehicle, and our in-house experts stand ready to assist."

Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale

For more information about current offers and vehicle availability or to schedule a test drive, buyers can contact Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale at 480-845-0012, visit www.mbscottsdale.com, or stop by the dealership at 4725 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Media Contact: Matt McDermott, 480-213-1265, [email protected]

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale
In statements to a British outlet, the far-right leader said that he plans to travel to London in 2026, and that he is negotiating for Britain to lift restrictions on arms sales to Argentina

Javier Milei will be the first president of Argentina to visit the United Kingdom in the 21st century, according to statements made by the far-right leader and reported by the British media. The trip is meant to take place in 2026, and Milei said he will seek to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and also with the far-right leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage. The Argentine presidents remarks were published on Wednesday by The Telegraph and have been reported by various other British media outlets. So far, there has been no official confirmation from the Argentine government.

The last Argentine president to visit London was Carlos Menem (1989-1999), 27 years ago, in October 1998. Mileis plan, according to the article, is to travel there next April or May. It would be a visit I would learn a lot from, he stated, adding that he had also invited Starmer to an official meeting in Buenos Aires. He praised Farage for his views on Brexit.

According to the British media outlet, Milei also asserted that his government is working to have the United Kingdom lift or ease restrictions on the sale of British military equipment to the South American country, restrictions imposed as a result of the Falklands War. When asked about the existence of negotiations in this regard, Milei responded affirmatively: Absolutely, he said. The same newspaper cites British government sources who denied these talks.

Following the 1982 conflict, and while Argentina maintains its claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (known in Argentina as the Malvinas), the United Kingdom has prevented the South American nation from acquiring weapons or equipment with British components in order to avoid increasing the countrys military capacity. Mileis unconditional alignment with the United States, particularly with Donald Trump, could  according to various sources  encourage a relaxation of these restrictions, to strengthen a U.S. ally in the region, especially in the South Atlantic.

There are no world powers without military power, Milei is quoted as saying. There is no country that counts in the international context if they cant defend their borders. His government is reaffirming the role of the armed forces and insisting on the need to equip and strengthen them. Over the past weekend, F-16 fighter jets purchased from Denmark arrived in Buenos Aires.

In the interview published this Wednesday and widely reported by British media outlets, Milei reiterated his position on Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. Theres no way I would give up on or relinquish territory, but it is clear that individuals will end up voting with their feet, he said. Since I consider that the solution is to be sought through peaceful and diplomatic solutions, I think that the best way to show the willingness on the part of Argentina is to show that we also have a commercially adult relationship.

On several occasions, the presidents position on the Falkland Islands has generated controversy in Argentina, because it implies acknowledging the right to sovereign self-determination of the islands inhabitants. This right is defended by the United Kingdom, but Argentina has historically rejected it, arguing that the islands population was established during the period of colonization. Milei has shown signs of rapprochement with the United Kingdom, such as the resumption of flights to the Falklands, and has always declared himself an admirer of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Milei marked two years as president of Argentina on December 10. He spent the anniversary in Norway, where he had traveled to be at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony honoring Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. He was scheduled to meet with King Harald V and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, but surprisingly canceled his activities in Oslo and returned to Buenos Aires early, where he was expected to land on Thursday.

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New data from Motive Medical Intelligence shows that many patients with knee arthritis fail to receive the basic care recommended by professional medical society guidelines

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the millions of adult Americans dealing with osteoarthritis knee pain, the treatment they receive depends on the state in which they live, according to new data reported today from healthcare data and analytics leader Motive Medical Intelligence (Motive). For years, clinical practice guidelines have encouraged doctors to recommend conservative therapy to patients with osteoarthritis of the knee  the most common cause of knee pain in adults. But new findings shared today by Motive show that many patients still fail to receive such care before undergoing knee surgery.

For the more than 32 million adults dealing with osteoarthritis knee pain, the treatment they receive depends on the state in which they live. The above state-by-state statistics are based on recent analysis conducted by Motive Medical Intelligence from 100+ million insurance claims across July 2022 - June 2024. Motive found that nationwide about 31% of patients (1 in 3) with knee osteoarthritis undergo knee surgery without receiving prior therapy recommended by medical societies.

Knee osteoarthritis affects more than 32 million adults in the U.S. and is responsible for tens of billions of dollars in direct and indirect costs each year. Conservative therapy, such as weight loss and exercise, is important for patients with knee osteoarthritis because it can reduce pain, improve joint function, and help maintain mobility. In many cases, it may delay or even prevent the need for surgery. Weight loss lessens stress on the knee. Exercise improves pain and physical ability. These approaches are cornerstones of care and are supported by guidelines and clinical trials.

Analyzing data from more than 100 million insurance claims across the 24-month period from July 2022 through June 2024, Motive found that about 31% of patients nationwide with knee osteoarthritis undergo knee surgery without receiving prior conservative therapy, despite long-standing recommendations to the contrary.

"This analysis suggests that better adherence to guidelines on the part of physicians could help many Americans avoid unnecessary surgery," said Motive's Chief Solutions Officer, Julie Scherer, Ph.D.

What the Data Show

The findings were striking:

One in three patients nationwide with knee osteoarthritis undergo knee surgery without receiving prior conservative therapies.

There are marked differences between states -- more than 15 percentage points between the highest and lowest performers.

States that performed best in providing the recommended standard of care first included Maryland, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, and Kentucky.

The lowest-performing states were Hawaii, California, Maine, Idaho, and Vermont.

Rich Klasco, M.D., Motive's Chief Medical Officer, points out that patients have many nonsurgical options including muscle strengthening, aerobic exercise, tai chi, knee braces, and hydrotherapy.

Professional organizations such as the American College of Rheumatology and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons strongly recommend exercise and other conservative modalities of care prior to knee surgery in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

What This Means for Patients

Experts say people living with knee pain shouldn't assume that surgery is the only or best option.

"It's especially important to work with your doctor to maximize conservative options before considering surgery," Dr. Klasco reminds patients with knee osteoarthritis. "These treatments can make a real difference, and for many, they offer relief without the costs, risks, and recovery time associated with surgery."

About Motive Medical Intelligence

Motive Medical Intelligence is redefining healthcare performance analytics with an emphasis on transparency, physician trust, and real-world actionability. Motive is the partner of choice for organizations committed to eliminating low-value care and thriving in value-based care models. Through its proprietary Practicing Wisely solution, Motive is helping the industry eliminate the $400 billion in annual waste in the U.S. health system, advancing the transition to high-value, patient-centered care, and achieving the quadruple aim. Learn more here.

Media: Mardi Larson, Supreme Communications for Motive Medical Intelligence, [email protected]

SOURCE Motive Medical Intelligence
With over 85,000 students designing the "Farm to Table" cities of the future, the competition needs industry experts to join engineers on the judging panel.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DiscoverE is issuing a new kind of call for volunteers this year. The nonprofit, known for mobilizing the engineering community, is widening its net for the 2025-26 Future City Competition . To properly evaluate this year's "Farm to Table" theme, they are seeking judges from the culinary, agriculture, and food packaging/distribution industries to sit alongside engineers on the panel.

Middle and high school students present their scale model to volunteer judges at the Future City Competition. With a record-breaking 85,000 students designing "Farm to Table" cities this year, the program is issuing an urgent call for engineers, chefs, and agriculture experts to join the judging panel. Volunteers play a critical role in evaluating how these futuristic cities manage food waste from production to consumption.

The competition challenges middle and high school students to imagine, design, and build futuristic cities. This year, those cities must include a system that completely eliminates food wastefrom the farm to the fork.

A Record-Breaking Season: The response to the theme has been massive. Over 85,000 students worldwide have registeredthe highest number in the program's history.

Even more notable is who is signing up. The competition is reporting a 50/50 gender split among participants, a rare milestone in STEM programming. Additionally, the 2025-26 season features the highest-ever participation from teams in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region, meaning local professionals have a unique chance to judge students from their own backyard at the Finals in DC.

"We have more students than ever, which means we need more judges than ever," says Kathy Renzetti, Executive Director of DiscoverE. "With a record number of local teams, our judges have the chance to make a direct impact on the future workforce."

A Multidisciplinary Panel Wanted: Engineers can evaluate the structural integrity of a model city, but they don't always know the realities of a commercial kitchen or a grocery distribution center.

"Future City is multidisciplinary," notes educator Susan Solomon. To give these students the comprehensive feedback they deserve, DiscoverE is inviting a broad spectrum of professionals to the tablefrom seasoned engineers to culinary leaders.

We are calling on:

Engineers & Technical Professionals: To evaluate the structural integrity, technical feasibility, and infrastructure of the city designs.





To evaluate the structural integrity, technical feasibility, and infrastructure of the city designs. Chefs & Restaurateurs: To evaluate how food is prepared, consumed, and how waste is managed in high-volume commercial environments.





To evaluate how food is prepared, consumed, and how waste is managed in high-volume commercial environments. Supply Chain & Distribution Experts: To critique the efficiency of moving produce from farms to city centers and managing logistics.





To critique the efficiency of moving produce from farms to city centers and managing logistics. Agricultural Leaders: To assess the viability of the students' futuristic farming and crop production concepts.





To assess the viability of the students' futuristic farming and crop production concepts. Educators & Community Leaders: To assess the team's presentation skills, project planning, and the civic impact of their design.

The Role of the Judge: Volunteers can judge in person at the Finals in Washington, DC (February 2026), or virtually for regional competitions. The commitment involves reviewing essays, city models, and project plans. It's a chance to offer the kind of professional feedback that connects a student's wild idea to a real-world career.

Calling All Innovators: If you are an engineer, a food industry pro, or a technical expert ready to inspire the next generation, we want you.

To Volunteer: Register to judge at futurecity.org/judge-registration .





Register to judge at . Corporate Partners: Companies in the food and beverage sector interested in supporting the competition can contact [email protected] .

Sponsors: DiscoverE programs, including Future City, are supported by the following supporters. At the Visionary Level: Bechtel Group Foundation and Overdeck Family Foundation. At the Leader Level: Bentley Systems Inc., NCEES, Northrop Grumman Foundation, PMI Educational Foundation, TE Connectivity, UL Research Institutes, and United Engineering Foundation. At the Champion Level: RTX and Shell Energy. At the Supporter Level: BAE Systems, Glenn W. Bailey Foundation, and ON Semiconductor Foundation.

About DiscoverE: DiscoverE is a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of engineers through free and low-cost global STEM programs. DiscoverE's initiatives include Engineers Week, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, Chats with Change Makers, and the Future City Competition. These programs emphasize problem-solving, creativity, and the critical role of engineering in building a better future. For more information, visit discovere.org .

SOURCE Discover Engineering
New Healthcare Workforce Resilience Initiative (HWRI) Will Help Healthcare Employers, Rural Provider Networks, and Health Plans to Build their Workforce and Tackle Staffing Shortages

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Futuro Health, has received a $1 million commitment from JPMorganChase to launch a national Healthcare Workforce Resilience Initiative (HWRI). Through this Initiative, Futuro Health will help employers build their workforce by providing current and prospective employees with the in-demand credentials and qualifications needed for today's healthcare workforce to succeed. This Initiative builds on Futuro Health's efforts to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers through its national nonprofit mission to improve the health and well-being of communities by growing the largest network of allied health workers in the nation.

"Every community deserves access to skilled, compassionate care," said Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health. "Futuro Health makes it easier for employers, educators, and communities to work togetherdelivering proven workforce solutions where they are most needed. We're grateful to JPMorganChase for enabling us to expand what we do to additional rural, urban, and underserved regions."

"At JPMorganChase, we believe that expanding access to skills training for in-demand, well-paying jobs is key to unlocking economic mobility and building stronger communities," said Matthew Muench, Head of Careers and Skills at JPMorganChase. "We are proud to support Futuro Health's innovative work to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills and opportunities our communities need."

As the healthcare industry grapples with federal cuts and aging demographics of the nation that will require expanded care, particularly among allied health workers who make up 65% of the workforce, many employers are looking inward, seeking to retain and develop their own workforce, as well as hire. Up to a dozen employers will be invited by Futuro Health to participate in the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Initiative.

Among the key offerings that will be accessible is Futuro Health's groundbreaking Human Touch Healthcare coursework designed to upskill current and future staff with empathetic, patient-centered skills that today's healthcare settings demand. Learners benefit from having healthcare professionals serve as instructors who bring their lived experience to this training. Additionally, employers who participate in this Initiative gain access to a suite of tools and programming to augment and integrate into their workforce development strategy.

Futuro Health addresses the critical shortage in healthcare workers through its national nonprofit mission to improve the health and well-being of communities by growing the largest network of allied health workers in the nation. Visit www.futurohealth.org.

Healthcare employers, rural provider networks, and health plans interested in learning more about partnering with Futuro Health should contact [email protected].

SOURCE Futuro Health
- Drives Key Discussions on the Future of Finance at the Middle East's Largest Financial Event

- Presents a TraditionalDigital Finance Integration Strategy to Accelerate Korea's Global Financial Expansion

- Deepens Its Position as a Financial Bridge Between Korea and the UAE

SEOUL, South Korea and ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha Life, Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Asset Management and Hanwha Investment & Securities  the four financial affiliates of Hanwha Finance  announced that they concluded their participation in Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, where they focused on strategies for integrating traditional and digital finance and expanding their global presence. The event was held from December 8 to 11 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Hanwha Boardroom operated as a global networking and meeting venue at ADFW 2025.

ADFW, organized by the ADGM under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is the largest financial event in the Middle East. It has become a venue where global financial leaders  representing institutions that drive more than half of the world's GDP  gather to discuss key future-finance agendas and cooperation. This year marks its fourth edition.

During the event, senior executives and officials of Hanwha Finance served as keynote speakers across major forums, further strengthening the company's global presence. Dong-Won Kim, Chief Global Officer (CGO) of Hanwha Life, delivered the opening address at the Global Market Summit. On December 9, Jong-Ho (James) Kim, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management, gave a keynote address at the Asset Abu Dhabi Forum on the proven performance of K-defense through the PLUS ETFs and its global scalability when combined with alternative investment (PE, VC) strategies.

On the third day, Dong Wook (Don) Kim, Chief Global Business Officer (CGBO) of Hanwha Life, delivered a keynote address at the Fintech Abu Dhabi Forum, presenting the future of insurance and financial operations.

That evening, Hanwha Finance hosted "K-Night by Hanwha," a networking event supporting the Korean students and professional community in the UAE. The event, brought together more than 100 participants, including Jongkyoung Park, charge d'affaires for the Republic of Korea to the UAE, creating a meaningful environment for connection and exchange.

Throughout the week, the Hanwha Lounge served as a hub for global institutional investors and innovative financial firms. Senior executives held a series of meetings with international partners, expanding Hanwha Finance's global capital network and strengthening its foundation for financial cooperation in the Middle East.

Hanwha Finance also signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global financial and technology companies during ADFW. On December 8, Hanwha Asset Management signed an MoU with U.S.-based investment firm MarcyPen to support the global growth of K-culture and lifestyle industries. On December 10, Hanwha Investment & Securities signed an MoU with Kresus, a digital wallet platform company, securing momentum for its strategic transition into a "digital-asset specialized securities firm."

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on AI-driven innovation, shifting capital flows and regulatory environments, and the development of sustainable financial systems. Hanwha Finance emphasized its strategy that combines the reliability of traditional finance with the openness of digital finance, ultimately connecting customers' assets and financial activities through a unified, on-chain journey.

With its participation in ADFW 2025, Hanwha Finance plans to position Abu Dhabi as a strategic regional hub and expand its presence in the global financial market. Leveraging its technological capabilities, the company aims to strengthen its role as a financial bridge between Korea and the UAE, while accelerating the global expansion of Korean finance.

Hanwha Finance will continue to pursue initiatives that deepen global financial partnerships and advance innovative financial models.

About Hanwha Finance

Hanwha Finance is a trusted financial partner that empowers individuals and communities with lifelong personal finance solutions. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its digital financial offerings and tailoring them to diverse lifestyles, Hanwha Finance enables people to achieve financial well-being and supports societies in pursuing sustainable growth. With $130 billion in assets under management (AUM), Hanwha Finance provides seamless digital experiences and drives sustainable growth through AI and big data technologies. Expanding beyond digital finance, Web3, and wealth management, the company is broadening its presence across comprehensive financial sectors and forming strategic partnerships to drive global financial innovation. By continuously incorporating the latest advances in digital finance, Hanwha Finance aims to make asset management even smarter and more convenient for investors worldwide.

For more information, visit:

https://www.hanwha.com/industries/finance.do

SOURCE Hanwha Life
Drives Key Discussions on Future of Finance at Middle East's Largest Financial Event

Presents Traditional-Digital Finance Integration Strategy to Accelerate South Korea's Global Financial Expansion

SEOUL, South Korea and ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha Life, Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Asset Management and Hanwha Investment & Securities  the four financial affiliates of Hanwha Finance  announced that they concluded their participation in Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, where they focused on strategies for integrating traditional and digital finance and expanding their global presence. The event was held from 8-11 December in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Hanwha Life CEO Hyuk-Woong Kwon (first from right) and CGO Dong-Won Kim (second from right) attend Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025

ADFW, organised by the ADGM under the patronage His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is the largest financial event in the Middle East. It has become a venue where global financial leaders  representing institutions that drive more than half of the world's GDP  gather to discuss key future-finance agendas and cooperation. This year marks its fourth edition.

During the event, senior executives and officials of Hanwha Finance served as keynote speakers across major forums, further strengthening the company's global presence. Dong-Won Kim, Chief Global Officer (CGO) of Hanwha Life, delivered the opening address at the Global Market Summit. On 9 December, Jong-Ho (James) Kim, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management, gave a keynote address at the Asset Abu Dhabi Forum on the proven performance of K-defense through the PLUS ETFs and its global scalability when combined with alternative investment (PE, VC) strategies.

On the third day, Dong Wook (Don) Kim, Chief Global Business Officer (CGBO) of Hanwha Life, delivered a keynote address at the Fintech Abu Dhabi Forum, presenting the future of insurance and financial operations.

That evening, Hanwha Finance hosted "K-Night by Hanwha", a networking event supporting the South Korean students and professional community in the UAE. The event, brought together more than 100 participants, including Jongkyoung Park, charge d'affaires for the Republic of Korea to the UAE, creating a meaningful environment for connection and exchange.

Throughout the week, the Hanwha Lounge served as a hub for global institutional investors and innovative financial firms. Senior executives held a series of meetings with international partners, expanding Hanwha Finance's global capital network and strengthening its foundation for financial cooperation in the Middel East.

Hanwha Finance also signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global financial and technology companies during ADFW. On December 8, Hanwha Asset Management signed an MoU with US investment firm MarcyPen to to support the global growth of K-culture and lifestyle industries. On December 10, Hanwha Investment & Securities signed an MoU with Kresus, a digital wallet platform company, securing momentum for its strategic transition into a "digital-asset specialized securities firm."

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on AI-driven innovation, shifting capital flows and regulatory environments, and the development of sustainable financial systems. Hanwha Finance emphasised its strategy that combines the reliability of traditional finance with the openness of digital finance, ultimately connecting customers' assets and financial activities through a unified, on-chain journey.

With its participation in ADFW 2025, Hanwha Finance plans to Hanwha Finance seeks to reinforce collaboration with Abu Dhabi as a regional financial hub to expand its presence in the global financial market. Leveraging its technological capabilities, the company aims to strengthen its role as a financial bridge between South Korea and the UAE, while accelerating the global expansion of South Korean finance.

Hanwha Finance will continue to pursue initiatives that deepen global financial partnerships and advance innovative financial models.

About Hanwha Finance

Hanwha Finance is a trusted financial partner that empowers individuals and communities with lifelong personal finance solutions. By integrating AI into its digital financial offerings and tailoring them to diverse lifestyles, Hanwha Finance enables people to achieve financial well-being and supports societies in pursuing sustainable growth. With $130 billion in assets under management (AUM), Hanwha Finance provides seamless digital experiences and drives sustainable growth through AI and big data technologies. Expanding beyond digital finance, Web3, and wealth management, the company is broadening its presence across comprehensive financial sectors and forming strategic partnerships to drive global financial innovation. By continuously incorporating the latest advances in digital finance, Hanwha Finance aims to make asset management even smarter and more convenient for investors worldwide.

For more information, visit: https://www.hanwha.com/industries/finance.do

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2843727/Hanwha_Finance.jpg

SOURCE Hanwha Finance
DENTON, Texas, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthTrack, the nation's leader in next-morning molecular diagnostics, today announced the appointment of Harriss T. Currie as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Currie joins the executive leadership team to support the company's continued growth, expanding national footprint, and increasing operational scale.

Harriss T. Currie HealthTrack Executive Vice President & CFO

"Harriss is an exceptional financial leader with deep diagnostics experience and a proven track record guiding complex, high-growth organizations," said Cary McNamara, President of HealthTrack. "As HealthTrack continues to scale, adding industry expertise is a critical step. Harriss has led finance at multi-billion-dollar public diagnostics companies, and his expertise will help ensure we continue to grow responsibly while investing in the innovations and partnerships that drive better patient care."

Currie brings more than two decades of senior finance and operational leadership in diagnostics and life sciences. He spent more than 20 years with Luminex Corporation (now a DiaSorin company), renowned for molecular, biological, and genetic testing technologies. As Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Luminex, Currie helped guide the company's expansion from a start-up to more than $500 million in revenue during his tenure. His career also includes senior finance leadership roles with Impulse Dynamics and SpectraCell Laboratories, where he supported growth, operational discipline, and long-term value creation.

"I am excited to join HealthTrack at such a substantive point in its growth," said Currie. "HealthTrack addresses an existing and immediate need in outpatient care with next-morning diagnostics that help clinicians treat faster and with more certainty. I look forward to working with the entire HealthTrack team to strengthen our financial foundation, support sustainable growth, and expand access to high-impact testing nationwide."

Currie's appointment underscores HealthTrack's commitment to scaling a next-morning diagnostics solution purpose-built for urgent care, pediatrics and women's health. As the company expands, HealthTrack will continue to deliver fast, clinically actionable results that strengthen confidence in diagnoses and help providers treat patients sooner.

About HealthTrackRx

HealthTrack is the nation's leading PCR infectious disease laboratory, uniting advanced molecular diagnostics with UPS-powered logistics to deliver fast and reliable next-morning results at a national scale. Our high-precision testing gives clinicians clear answers, supports responsible antibiotic use, improves patient outcomes, and helps reduce the total cost of care. Through strong partnerships with providers, payors, and public health leaders, HealthTrack is building a more accurate, efficient, and patient-centered model for infectious disease diagnostics.

SOURCE HealthTrackRx
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global plaintiffs' rights firm Hagens Berman reminds investors that the Lead Plaintiff Deadline in the securities class action lawsuit against James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) is rapidly approaching: December 23, 2025.

The lawsuit alleges that James Hardie and certain executives made materially false and misleading statements about the health of its crucial North America Fiber Cement segment. The stock subsequently crashed over 34% when the company was allegedly forced to disclose a sharp decline in sales due to the very customer weakness it had allegedly concealed. Hagens Berman urges investors with substantial losses to submit their information now.

The Lawsuit's Core Allegation: Concealed Inventory Destocking

The lawsuit centers on the claim that James Hardie executives made assurances that the North America segment remained strong and that distributor inventory levels were normal. The complaint alleges that management knew by April and early May 2025 that distributors were aggressively destocking (reducing) inventory, yet continued to mislead investors by touting sales that were allegedly inflated by inventory loading rather than genuine demand.

"The complaint alleges that James Hardie repeatedly used terms like robust and normal to describe demand and inventory, while allegedly knowing the channel was overloaded and struggling," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the James Hardie litigation. "Our investigation is sharply focused on management's knowledge and decision-making during that critical period. With the December 23 deadline only two weeks away, we urge investors with significant losses to contact the firm now to discuss the investigation and their rights."

Timeline and Key Details:

Issuer James Hardie Industries plc (JHX) Class Period May 20, 2025  August 18, 2025 Lead Plaintiff Deadline December 23, 2025 Stock Drop Event Stock fell over 34% on August 20, 2025, after the company disclosed a 12% decline in North America sales due to customer destocking.

Next Steps for James Hardie (JHX) Investors:

Investors who purchased James Hardie stock (JHX) between May 20, 2025, and August 18, 2025, and suffered substantial losses, are encouraged to contact Hagens Berman immediately to discuss their legal options and potential appointment as Lead Plaintiff.

TO SUBMIT YOUR JAMES HARDIE (JHX) LOSSES NOW, PLEASE USE THE SECURE FORM BELOW:

To read more about the issue facing JHX investors, Alleged Inventory Deception: Investors Claim James Hardie Concealed Weak Demand, or visit, https://www.hbsslaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-plc-jhx-securities-class-action

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding James Hardie should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Fistel, PLLP announces an investigation into potential breaches of fiduciary duty by the Board of Directors of Grindr Inc. (NYSE: GRND).

The investigation concerns the Board's decision to terminate negotiations with Grindr's controlling stockholder and whether that decisionand related recent corporate actionswere consistent with the duties owed to all stockholders, particularly minority holders.

We are reviewing whether the Board's choices may have impacted stockholder rights, including the balance of control at the Company and the treatment of non-controlling investors.

If you own Grindr shares please consider joining our investigation. To participate or learn more, you can click or copy and paste the following link:

https://www.johnsonfistel.com/investigations/grindr-grnd/

Shareholders seeking more information may also contact lead analyst Jim Baker ([email protected], 619-814-4471). If emailing, please include a phone number.

About Johnson Fistel, PLLP | Securities Fraud & Investor Rights

Johnson Fistel, PLLP is a nationally recognized shareholder-rights law firm with offices in California, New York, Georgia, Idaho, and Colorado. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits and also assists foreign investors who purchased shares on U.S. exchanges. Stay informed about stock-drop news and learn how Johnson Fistel can help you recover losses by visiting www.johnsonfistel.com.

Achievement

In 2024, Johnson Fistel was ranked among the Top 10 Plaintiff Law Firms by ISS Securities Class Action Services. This recognition reflects the firm's effectiveness in advocating for investors, having recovered approximately $90,725,000 for aggrieved clients in cases where it served as lead or co-lead counsel. This marks the eighth time the firm has been recognized as a top plaintiffs' securities law firm in the United States, based on the total dollar value of final recoveries.

Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Johnson Fistel, PLLP has paid for the dissemination of this promotional communication, and Frank J. Johnson is the attorney responsible for its content.

Contact

Johnson Fistel, PLLP

501 W. Broadway, Suite 800

San Diego, CA 92101

James Baker, Investor Relations  or  Frank J. Johnson, Esq.

(619) 814-4471 | [email protected] | [email protected]

SOURCE Johnson Fistel, PLLP
JOTO PR Disruptors has signed SHARx, a healthcare innovator making life-saving medications affordable for the uninsured and underinsured, to drive national awareness around prescription cost reform.

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As rising drug costs and opaque pricing models push America's prescription affordability into crisis, SHARx is leading the charge for reform with a fully transparent, patient-first approach. The St. Louis-based healthcare innovator provides employers and patients a clear, ethical alternative to the traditional systems that profit from complexity and hidden fees.

Their work isnt just about savingsits about restoring integrity and access to a broken healthcare system. "

JOTO PR Disruptors signed the disruptive healthcare company because its mission to restore integrity and access to the pharmaceutical supply chain aligns perfectly with the agency's Anti-PR philosophy of championing companies with proven, transformative solutions. SHARx challenges the predatory practices of traditional pharmacy benefit structures by empowering plan sponsors and members with a simple, subscription-based model.

"SHARx is rewriting the playbook on how Americans afford critical medications," said Karla Jo Helms, Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist of JOTO PR Disruptors. "Their work isn't just about savingsit's about restoring integrity and access to a broken healthcare system. They are providing a lifeline for employers and patients who have been held hostage by a system designed to profit from their vulnerability."

The agency will utilize its Anti-PR strategy to position SHARx as a leader in national conversations around healthcare, business, and policy. The campaign aims to showcase the company's transparent fiduciary model, which gets rid of rebates and markups to guarantee that every dollar spent is accounted for.

With net medicine spending soaring and employers facing steep insurance cost hikes, SHARx's model offers a sustainable solution. By leveraging ethical sourcing and a global supply network, the company delivers life-saving medications affordably, allowing employers to reinvest savings into better benefits.

"For too long, the conversation about drug pricing has been controlled by intermediaries who profit from the problem," Helms continued. "SHARx proves that transparency can be more than just a promise; it can be a business model. By putting patients before profits, they are not just lowering costs, they are rebuilding trust in healthcare."

About JOTO PR Disruptors

JOTO PR Disruptors is the Anti-PR agency behind some of the fastest-growing tech and innovation brands in the U.S. By applying crisis management techniques and modern media algorithms, JOTO PR creates third-party credibility campaigns that produce measurable results and build undeniable market influence. Learn more at www.jotopr.com

About SHARx

SHARx was founded to fight back against the broken system of overpriced prescription drugs. Industry pioneers Corey Durbin and Paul Pruitt built SHARx to put people before profits. With an innovative and ethical sourcing model, SHARx cuts through the waste with radical transparency, common-sense cost containments, and a member-first approach. No hidden markups. No games. Just the meds people need, delivered affordably, reliably, and with dignity. Learn more at: https://sharxplan.com

Media Inquiries:

Karla Jo Helms

JOTO PR

727-777-4629

Jotopr.com

SOURCE JOTO PR
KRWQ Becomes Part of Frax's Global Stablecoin Network

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KRWQ , the most traded Korean won stablecoin, today announced its integration with FraxNet, Frax's unified infrastructure for cross-chain stablecoin settlement. With KRWQ joining FraxNet, global investors and institutions gain an efficient KRWUSD settlement rail that leverages Frax's GENIUS-compatible frxUSD stack for regulated, capital-efficient cross-currency flows.

KRWQ was built by Frax and IQ. Frax's stablecoin infrastructure, centered on frxUSD, includes backing from BlackRock's BUIDL fund tokenized by Securitize, Superstate's USTB fund, and other partners including Stripe, Bridge, and WisdomTree. IQ has built a market presence in Korea since its launch in Seoul in 2018 with listings by Upbit, Bithumb, and other leading exchanges. KRWQ builds on Frax's stablecoin infrastructure and IQ's presence in the market.

The expansion into FraxNet strengthens KRWQ's position as the leading KRW stablecoin for global exchanges, DeFi platforms, and emerging AI-driven financial applications.

As part of this launch, KRWQ is now available on Ethereum in addition to Base, and will integrate with key Frax infrastructure including FraxNet routing and new KRWQfrxUSD liquidity pools supported by Frax and IQ.

The first KRWQfrxUSD liquidity pool has launched on Uniswap V4, providing deep on-chain FX liquidity and setting the foundation for future KRWUSD trading corridors supported by Frax and IQ.

FraxNet provides a unified system for managing and routing stablecoins across multiple chains. With KRWQ now integrated into FraxNet, users gain access to an efficient KRWUSD corridor built on the frxUSD infrastructure.

The KRWQfrxUSD liquidity pool will become the primary on-chain FX market between the Korean won and USD stablecoins, creating deeper liquidity and enabling global KRW settlement across DeFi and exchange platforms.

"FraxNet was created to give institutions a compliant and capital-efficient framework for operating across DeFi and regulated financial infrastructure. KRWQ integrating into FraxNet expands this framework to the Korean won and shows how global currencies can participate in regulated stablecoin infrastructure. We're excited to support KRWQ as it builds institutional-grade KRW rails on top of FraxNet," said Sam Kazemian, Founder and CEO of Frax.

"Integrating KRWQ into FraxNet gives Korea its first true stablecoin settlement rail. Frax has built an institutional USD stack using regulated components and frxUSD as the on-chain interface. KRWQ can now route directly into that infrastructure. This creates a compliant KRWUSD corridor that finally reflects how global Korea has become across trade, culture, and digital commerce," said Dave Shin, COO of KRWQ.

"KRWQ becoming part of FraxNet gives the Korean won a modern global settlement layer. Korea is already one of the largest markets in crypto and the top cultural exporter in Asia. With KRWQ live on Ethereum and fully integrated with the Frax ecosystem, the won now has stablecoin rails that match its global reach," said Navin Vethanayagam, Chief Brain of IQ.

About Frax

Frax is building the first stablecoin operating system: combining frxUSD (GENIUS-aligned stablecoin), FraxNet (the fintech account layer), and Fraxtal (a high-performance L1)to bring programmable, compliant digital dollars to the world. Learn more at Frax.com .

About KRWQ

KRWQ is the first fiat-backed stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the Korean won. Developed by IQ in partnership with Frax, KRWQ brings the Korean won on chain as a secure, compliant, and scalable settlement layer for global markets. KRWQ is built on proven infrastructure with a controlled mint and redeem framework designed for exchanges and market makers.

For more information, visit www.KRWQ.cash

Media Contact:

Gary Bird

FortyThree, Inc.

[email protected]

831.888.9011

SOURCE Frax
Hector Zepeda is a tired man. He said so himself a year and a half ago in an interview at his office in the community police headquarters in Coahuayana, Michoacan, which was blown up on Saturday by a car bomb. Nothing suggests his mood has changed, much less for the better. In a phone call that same Saturday, minutes after the attack, which has so far left four police officers dead, Zepeda became angry at the comment about how many years he has been fighting against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Were not fighting, were resisting! he protested before hanging up.

Known as Commander Teto, Zepeda leads the community police force of Coahuayana, which rose up in arms in 2014, in line with the other self-defense groups that, at that time, said enough to organized crime. It was a powerful movement, inspiring for many in Michoacan and throughout Mexico. But over the years, corroded by the very crime it sought to defeat, it fizzled out. Some of its leaders died in shootouts, like Hipolito Mora, or from illness, like Jose Manuel Mireles; others took advantage of the movements positive image to solidify their ambitions for power, as was the case with Juan Jose Farias, alias El Abuelo (The Grandfather). And still others remained isolated in their own towns, like Zepeda, alone, no longer of public interest, always under the watchful eye of the government, which regards them with suspicion.

On Tuesday, federal Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch pointed to the alleged close ties between the community police of Coahuayana and one of the rival criminal groups in the region, Carteles Unidos. For years, the CJNG and Carteles Unidos  or the Tepalcatepec Cartel, which is the same thing, a source close to the Security Cabinet told EL PAIS  have been fighting for control of the Sierra-Costa corridor in Michoacan and the mountainous areas that connect to the neighboring Tierra Caliente region. El Abuelo is the leader of the Tepalcatepec Cartel. He and El Mencho are sworn enemies, the source added, referring to Nemesio Oseguera, leader of the CJNG, the group that allegedly carried out the weekend attack.

The federal Security Cabinet, coordinated by Garcia Harfuch, considers Zepeda, although independent and autonomous, to be an operative for El Abuelo. A lot of cocaine comes in through there, by sea, sources point out, referring to the beaches near Coahuayana. Thats why [the CJNG] wants to take down Teto, they add. Regarding this, Zepeda has always maintained that his mission is to protect the local population, previously from the Knights Templar criminal group, and now from the CJNG. The government argues that weve made a pact with these bastards or those guys, like Carteles Unidos or whatever, Zepeda said last year, but theres nothing to it, because weve always had the same support, the banana growers association.

It is true that the powerful local agricultural industry supports the community police in Coahuayana. In fact, a government document  a file on Zepeda, updated this year and obtained by this newspaper  indicates that the community police and the Coahuayana banana growers association reached an agreement last April whereby the association pays 70,000 pesos ($3,850) a week to the police force. But the issue is actually much broader. This exchange of suspicions and accusations masks a situation as complex as it is serious, in which criminal groups  primarily the CJNG and heavily armed local leaders, whether allied with El Mencho or not  have distorted the dynamics of the region, leaving the social fabric in tatters.

Zepeda took up arms after his brothers murder, at a time when the Sierra-Costa and Tierra Caliente regions were fed up with extortion by criminal groups. More than a decade later, the situation is practically the same. Only the names of the groups, the alliances, the advance or retreat of one faction or another, and the decline of the self-defense forces  now reduced to those in Coahuayana and the neighboring town of Aquila, mired in its own problems rooted in its mineral wealth  have changed. The issue thus transcends Coahuayana, even Tierra Caliente, and in reality affects practically the entire state, as demonstrated by the assassination of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, a little further north, a month and a half ago.

Depending on whos looking, the diagnosis varies. Someone who lives in Coahuayana and is familiar with the regions criminal dynamics dismisses the notion of a balance in the struggle between groups, as explained by the federal government, and says that the CJNG is trying to encircle the self-defense groups to gain control of the entire Tierra Caliente corridor, from Tepalcatepec to the coast. In this context, two local leaders play a key role. They are Fernando Cruz Mendoza, alias Tena, and Miguel Angel Gallegos, alias Migueladas, both veterans of the Knights Templar who later became independent and now, according to this source, operate under the CJNG banner.

El Tena is on the Caleta side, he says, referring to a point on the coast around 110 miles south of Coahuayana. He plants explosives, he adds. In recent years, especially since the CJNGs offensive in the Aguililla area, between Tierra Caliente and the coast, the use of antipersonnel mines and drones carrying explosives by organized crime has increased relentlessly. And not only in fights between groups, or with community police, but also against the authorities. This source places Migueladas in Apatzingan, the capital of the Tierra Caliente region, where another Templar splinter group, Los Viagras, also operates, led by the Sierra Santana brothers. Los Viagras are accused of murdering Bernardo Bravo, the leader of the Apatzingan lemon growers, a month and a half ago, and Hipolito Mora himself, two and a half years ago.

The criminal network is completed by the CJNGs structure in the state of Colima, which is only a few miles from Coahuayana. In fact, Michoacan Attorney General Carlos Torres revealed over the weekend that the criminals who brought the truck loaded with explosives to the municipality came from the neighboring state. For years, authorities have been aware of the CJNGs structure in Colima, thanks in part to the investigation into the disappearances of Antonio Diaz and Ricardo Lagunes, allegedly in Cerro de Ortega, the first town in Colima when crossing from Michoacan. Diaz was part of the ejido council of Aquila, and Lagunes was his lawyer. Diaz was vying for leadership of the council and seeking to increase contributions from Ternium, the company that operates the local iron mine, a situation that generated tensions within the community and with the mining company itself.

The investigation into the disappearances, which occurred in January 2023, points to Oscar Arreguin, alias El Anzuelo, a criminal leader in Cerro de Ortega; Carlos Macias, alias Sky, a leader in the municipal seat of Tecoman; and their alleged boss, Luis Gabriel Cabrera, alias El Humilde. A source familiar with regional dynamics indicates that El Anzuelo is one of those who have turned the gun. Originally from Coahuayana, he, like others, reportedly deserted the municipal community police force in favor of the CJNG. There were several infiltrators, but they were killed, and they lost their sources of information about Commander Teto, the source says. This, the source adds, could also be one of the possible explanations for the attack.

For at least five years, the Mexican state has known all these names. Military intelligence documents from 2020 onward, released by the hacker collective Guacamaya, place the CJNGs structure in the southern part of Colima, specifically in Tecoman and Cerro de Ortega. The army also places local CJNG leaders in the Sierra-Costa region of Michoacan and in Tierra Caliente. But the years go by, and they all remain at large. The rugged geography of these regions certainly hinders law enforcement operations. As before in Sinaloa, capturing the leaders and breaking the chains of criminality and impunity appear to be a major challenge for the Sheinbaum administration.

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ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition leaves the oncology community buzzing over a series of late-breaking presentations that experts are calling 'unprecedented.' Major pharmaceutical developers such as Johnson & Johnson, Arcellx, Gilead, Bristol Myers Squibb, Regeneron, AbbVie, CellCentric, Adaptive Biotechnologies, and others, presented pivotal data across the multiple myeloma treatment landscape, with results suggesting that long-term disease-free survivaland potentially a 'functional cure'is becoming a reality for more patients.

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, held December 6-9, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, showcased groundbreaking clinical advances in multiple myeloma treatment from leading biopharmaceutical companies. The conference featured unprecedented efficacy data demonstrating potential functional cures and innovative approaches across novel immunotherapies, bispecific antibodies, and next-generation targeted agents, signaling a major shift in how the disease is managed.

Download the updated multiple myeloma market report featuring key results from ASH 2025 @ Multiple Myeloma Market

Let's dive deep into the promising results presented at the ASH conference 2025

Johnson & Johnson's TECVAYLI Plus DARZALEX: Setting New Standard of Care

Johnson & Johnson unveiled late-breaking results from the Phase III MajesTEC-3 study, presenting what has been characterized as the most impressive progression-free survival (PFS) benefit ever demonstrated in a Phase III multiple myeloma trial. The study evaluated the combination of TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv), a first-in-class BCMAxCD3 bispecific antibody, combined with DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab plus hyaluronidase-fihj), a subcutaneous anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

The combination demonstrated a hazard ratio of 0.17 for PFSdescribed as "the best hazard ratio we've seen in a phase III clinical trial in multiple myeloma" by lead investigator Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD, from the University of Salamanca. At three years of follow-up, 83.4% of patients treated with the teclistamab-dara combination remained alive and progression-free compared to just 29.7% in the control arm, with a median PFS not yet reached in the treatment group versus 18.1 months in controls.

Beyond PFS, the data demonstrated sustained benefits across secondary endpoints. Complete response rates of 81.8% were achieved with the combination, compared to 31% in the control group, while minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative rates reached 57.6%, compared to 3.4% in controls. Overall survival was significantly prolonged, with a hazard ratio of 0.45; 91% of patients who were progression-free at six months remained progression-free at three years, suggesting a potential "functional cure" for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients.

Safety remained manageable despite the combination's potency. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in approximately 60% of patients. Still, it was limited to Grade 1 or 2 severity in all cases, while immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) occurred in only 1.1% of patients, all of which resolved. Deaths were approximately 50% lower with the combination compared to controls (15.9% versus 33.1%), with minimal treatment discontinuations due to adverse events (4.6% versus 5.5%).

Gilead/Legend Biotech's CARVYKTI: Extended Follow-Up Affirms CAR-T Durability

Gilead and Legend Biotech presented extended durability data for CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel), a BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy, demonstrating sustained disease control in patients with multiple myeloma. New Phase 3 data revealed that 80.5% of patients had not experienced disease progression at 30 months of follow-up, with 87.3% remaining alive after 2.5 years.

The enduring response rates substantially exceed historical outcomes in heavily pretreated patient populations. In earlier trials evaluating cilta-cel after three or more prior lines of therapy, progression-free survival reached 59.9% with an overall survival of 70.6%, underscoring the durability advantage of this single-infusion therapy. The approval of CARVYKTI as a first relapse option represents a significant advancement, allowing earlier intervention in the disease course for appropriate patients.

Bristol Myers Squibb's Iberdomide: Deepening Response Depth in Newly Diagnosed Myeloma

Bristol Myers Squibb revealed compelling data on iberdomide, an oral cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD) agent, demonstrating that the drug delivers deep and sustained responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. A Phase 2 clinical trial examining different doses of iberdomide as maintenance therapy following autologous stem-cell transplantation enrolled 120 patients and showed that approximately half achieved MRD negativity (no detectable cancer), with over 80% remaining cancer-free after two years.

Additional Phase 1b/2a data supported the efficacy and safety of iberdomide in combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone for transplant-deferred or ineligible newly diagnosed patients, demonstrating robust responses with sustained minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. A cooperative group analysis of iberdomide maintenance after autologous stem-cell transplantation continued to show benefit, positioning this agent as a valuable maintenance option across multiple treatment settings.

Furthermore, BMS presented Phase 1b data on elranatamab combined with iberdomide (MagnetisMM-30 trial) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients, achieving a 95.5% objective response rate with a safety profile consistent with known toxicities of each agent.

Regeneron's LYNOZYFIC: First BCMACD3 Bispecific in Frontline Setting

Regeneron showcased data on LYNOZYFIC (linvoseltamab-gcpt), a bispecific antibody targeting BCMA and CD3, highlighting promising early clinical results as a monotherapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The Phase 1/2 LINKER MM4 trial represents the first evaluation of a BCMACD3 bispecific antibody as monotherapy in the frontline myeloma setting, potentially redefining initial treatment strategies.

Updated results from the LINKER MM2 study, in which LYNOZYFIC was combined with different anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies in relapsed or refractory patients, further demonstrated the drug's potential to redefine treatment approaches at early disease stages and improve patient outcomes. Regeneron's hematology program demonstrated significant momentum with regulatory approvals for blood cancer treatments throughout 2025.

AbbVie's Etentamig: Next-Generation T-Cell Engager Shows Promise

AbbVie presented Phase 1b data evaluating etentamig, a BCMAxCD3 bispecific T-cell engager, in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in 85 heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients who had received at least three prior lines of therapy. The combination demonstrated the therapeutic potential of AbbVie's T-cell engager approach in this difficult-to-treat patient population.

CellCentric's Inobrodib: Novel Oral Mechanism for Treatment-Resistant Patients

CellCentric unveiled Phase 2 dose optimization results for inobrodib in combination with pomalidomide plus dexamethasone, demonstrating strong clinical efficacy in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients. Among heavily pretreated patients (median five prior lines of therapy) who were pomalidomide-refractory and had previously failed on BCMA and/or T-cell engager therapy, inobrodib achieved objective response rates of 60% at 20 mg and 75% at 30 mgrepresenting at least a two-fold increase compared to real-world response rates of 25-30% in similar patient populations after BCMA/bispecific agents.

As an oral small-molecule drug targeting p300/CBP bromodomains, inobrodib offers a differentiated mechanism of action for patients ineligible for, or after, bispecific and BCMA-targeting agents. The favorable tolerability profile, with the most common adverse events being cytopenias and fatigue, positions this agent as a compelling option for community-based treatment, where more than 70% of myeloma patients are managed.

Arcellx's Anitocabtagene Autoleucel: Novel CAR-T Architecture

Arcellx presented new clinical data from the iMMagine-1 study evaluating anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel), the first BCMA CAR T-cell therapy utilizing the company's novel compact D-Domain technology, in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This differentiated CAR-T architecture represents an innovative approach to autologous T-cell immunotherapy in multiple myeloma.

Adaptive Biotechnologies' clonoSEQ: MRD Testing Drives Treatment Decisions

Adaptive Biotechnologies showcased the expanding clinical utility of clonoSEQ, a minimal residual disease (MRD) detection test, with 32 abstracts focused on multiple myeloma at ASH 2025. Presentations highlighted the growing use of clonoSEQ to evaluate treatment response, real-world evidence linking MRD status to clinical outcomes, and guidance on treatment strategies.

Notably, Phase 2 AURA trial data involving 200 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients demonstrated that profound MRD responses and sustained MRD negativity were associated with significantly enhanced progression-free survival. The test's critical role in identifying optimal candidates for intensified maintenance therapy in MRD-positive patients post-transplant was particularly emphasized, with data showing substantially higher MRD-negativity rates when guided by clonoSEQ.

Live MMR Vaccine Safety in Daratumumab-Treated Myeloma Patients

New research presented at ASH 2025 addressed an important question regarding vaccine safety in multiple myeloma patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. A clinical trial of 41 patients with multiple myeloma who had undergone autologous stem-cell transplantation and were receiving daratumumab demonstrated that the live MMR vaccine was safe and well-tolerated in this population. None of the vaccinated patients developed active measles, mumps, or rubella disease following vaccination, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported.

Multiple Myeloma Market Implications and Expansion

The convergence of unprecedented efficacy data across multiple modalities has profound implications for the multiple myeloma market. The multiple myeloma therapeutic market, estimated at $22 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a significant CAGR, reaching $33 billion by 2034, growth substantially accelerated by these clinical advances.

The rapid advancement of bispecific antibodies, CAR-T therapies, and next-generation proteasome inhibitors has expanded treatment options but intensified competitive pressures. For Johnson & Johnson, overlap between TECVAYLI-based combination regimens and its approved CAR-T product, CARVYKTI, raises a risk of internal market cannibalization, potentially driving the company to accelerate the rollout of combination strategies to protect its commercial footing. Meanwhile, Bristol Myers Squibb, the Genmab/Pfizer alliance, and newer entrants are shaping a market trajectory in which bispecific and CAR-T platforms increasingly dominate the relapsed/refractory landscape. Still, proteasome inhibitors continue to command a significant share in frontline and maintenance settings.

In summary, the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting marks a pivotal moment for multiple myeloma treatment. Data showing that bispecific combinations, CAR-T therapies, and other emerging modalities can deliver deep, durable responses, with the possibility of functional cures for some patients, redefines expectations for a disease long viewed as incurable. The combination of unprecedented efficacy, better safety, and improved accessibility driven by manufacturing advances positions the multiple myeloma market for significant growth.

Source: Multiple Myeloma Market Report

Multiple Myeloma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast  2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key multiple myeloma companies, including Sanofi, Karyopharm Therapeutics, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Celgene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, RAPA Therapeutics, Pfizer, Array Biopharma, Cellectar Biosciences, BioLineRx, Celgene, Aduro Biotech, ExCellThera, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Precision BioSciences, Takeda, Glenmark (Ichnos Sciences SA), Poseida Therapeutics, Molecular Partners AG, Chipscreen Biosciences, AbbVie, Genentech (Roche), Janssen Biotech, Nanjing Legend Biotech, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., among others.

Conference Coverage Services

DelveInsight's Conference Coverage Services provide a comprehensive analysis of outcomes from major events, including ASH, ObesityWeek, AACR, ASCO, ESMO, ATS, ERS, EULAR, AAD, AAN, and SIRS, among others. Our expert team monitors key abstracts presented at conferences worldwide, delivering timely and actionable intelligence. This detailed examination provides businesses with essential insights for competitive intelligence and market trend forecasting, supporting the formulation of future strategies. Partner with DelveInsight to maximize your conference investments and stay informed on the latest industry trends, breakthroughs, and competitive dynamics.

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Fans have the chance to win Lil Jon's actual custom parade jacket, with all donations benefiting Autism Speaks

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following Grammy Award winner Lil Jon's performance on the Toys"R"Us float at the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Toys"R"Us and Lil Jon today announced a national giving initiative offering fans the opportunity to own the iconic jacket worn by the artist, in support of Autism Speaks, the nation's leading autism advocacy organization. Donations made beginning today through December 26, 2025 will earn entries for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles, where Lil Jon will personally sign and present the jacket to one lucky winner.

Lil Jon + ToysRUs Turn Viral Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade Moment Into Support for Autism Speaks

The collaboration between Lil Jon and Toys"R"Us quickly gained traction, becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the parade.

"Lil Jon brought incredible energy to the Toys"R"Us float this year, and we're thrilled to carry that momentum forward through this unique initiative," said Kim Miller Olko, Global CMO of Toys"R"Us. "We've proudly partnered with Autism Speaks in the past, and we're deeply committed to continuing and expanding our work together. This initiative not only gives fans something extraordinary to look forward to, but also directly supports a cause that is deeply important to our team and our community."

"I'm excited to partner once again with Toys"R"Us - giving fans the chance to win my custom jacket that I wore during the parade - in support of Autism Speaks. Donate now, let's gooo, YEAHHH!!" said LIL JON.

How to Enter

Participants can enter by making a donation to Autism Speaks at www.toysrus.com/donatenow. Each contribution unlocks entries as follows:

$5 donation = 1 entry

$25 donation = 10 entries

$50 donation = 40 entries

$100 donation = 100 entries

After donating, participants can earn an additional entry by tagging a friend in the comments of the official @toysrus Instagram announcement post.

Prize

One Grand Prize Winner will receive:

The custom jacket worn by Lil Jon on the Toys"R"Us float at this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

A meet-and-greet and signing with Lil Jon in Los Angeles

Round-trip domestic airfare for two (2) to Los Angeles

One-night hotel stay

All donations will support Autism Speaks, furthering Toys"R"Us' commitment to the autism community. This effort builds on the brand's past collaborations with Autism Speaks, with Toys"R"Us dedicated to continuing and growing its partnership to champion inclusivity, understanding, and support for autism families.

"Toys"R"Us and Lil Jon coming together to support Autism Speaks brings to life the message my mom taught me as a kid, that hope and acceptance can carry us through anything. It lets families know they're seen, supported, and never alone," said Logan Slaughter, Autism Speaks Champion of Change.

Full rules and entry form details are available at www.toysrus.com/donatenow.

About Lil Jon

Lil Jon's consistent hitmaking has earned him legions of fans from Los Angeles to New York to the Midwest and of course his native region, the South. Lil Jon won BMI's Songwriter of the Year award, eleven Billboard Awards, a Grammy Award, a Radio Music Award, a BET award, two MTV Video Music Awards, and an American Music Award. The multi-platinum artist and rapper has collaborated with a diverse array of artists including Usher, Ciara, Ludacris, Big & Rich, Miley Cyrus, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, T.I., Bret Michaels, Steve Aoki, Becky G, Pitbull, will.i.am, Machine Gun Kelly, DJ Snake, LMFAO, Travis Barker, The Dream, TLC, Too $hort, T-Pain, Jennifer Lopez, E-40 and more.

About Autism Speaks

In partnership with autistic people, Autism Speaks works to create an inclusive world and redefine possible for people with autism across their lifespan. As the largest autism organization in the U.S., Autism Speaks has spent more than two decades driving research, expanding services, and shaping policy to improve quality of life. Each year, the organization connects millions of autistic people and their families to free sources, advocacy and support, while working across sectors to advance disability inclusion and opportunity. Learn more at AutismSpeaks.org and follow @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

About Toys"R"Us

Toys"R"Us is a global leader in the toy industry, celebrating the joys of childhood and play for over 70 years. Geoffrey the Giraffe, the beloved mascot of Toys"R"Us, is adored by millions of kids and their families around the world. In the U.S., Toys"R"Us can be found inside every Macy's store, at flagship locations across the country, and online at toysrus.com. Globally, the brand generates more than USD $2 billion in annual retail sales through over 1,500 stores and e-commerce businesses in 35+ countries. Toys"R"Us is owned by WHP Global, a leading brand management firm with a portfolio of consumer brands that generate USD$7 billion in retail sales. For more information, visit toysrus.com and follow @toysrus on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Media Contacts :

Jaime Cassavechia / Demi Halawa

Toys"R"Us

[email protected]

(212) 518-4771

Tamar Juda

Last Word PR for Lil Jon

[email protected]

(646) 753-0830

Lilia Carasciuc

Autism Speaks

[email protected]

(202) 830-5953

SOURCE Toys"R"Us
CLARK, N.J., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metropolitan Dermatology, a leading dermatology group with 22 locations across New Jersey and Staten Island, is pleased to announce that it now offers same-day appointments at most of its centers, making expert dermatologic care more accessible and prompt than ever.

Dr. Alexander Doctoroff

As part of its commitment to delivering the highest standard of care, Metropolitan Dermatology continues to provide Mohs micrographic surgery, the most precise and effective technique for removing certain types of skin cancer. The practice's Mohs surgeons use advanced microscopic margin control to achieve the highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

To further broaden treatment options, the practice also offers Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT) - a non-surgical, painless alternative for treating non-melanoma skin cancers. IGSRT combines low-energy radiation with ultrasound imaging to precisely target cancer cells, making it an excellent option for patients seeking a scar-free approach or those who are not ideal surgical candidates.

Clinical evidence supports IGSRT's effectiveness: recent studies show that IGSRT consistently delivers cure/control rates exceeding 99% for early-stage non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas), with minimal complications, favorable cosmetic outcomes, and short, well-tolerated treatments.

IGSRT offers a valuable non-surgical alternative for patients who prefer to avoid traditional surgery or for whom surgery may pose greater risk. By combining the convenience of same-day scheduling, the availability of advanced treatment modalities like IGSRT, and the clinical leadership of its founder - Dr. Alex Doctoroff, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center / New York-Presbyterian Hospital - Metropolitan Dermatology continues to deliver high-quality, patient-centered skin cancer care across its network.

"Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and our goal is to make high-quality care accessible without delay," said Dr Alex Doctoroff. "By offering same-day appointments and multiple treatment modalities - from Mohs surgery to IGSRT - we ensure our patients receive individualized care tailored to their needs."

Metropolitan Dermatology emphasizes the importance of early detection through comprehensive skin cancer screenings. Board-certified dermatologists examine the skin for early warning signs of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, providing patients with peace of mind and proactive care.

About Metropolitan Dermatology

Metropolitan Dermatology is a leading provider of dermatologic care, offering advanced medical, surgical, and cosmetic services across multiple convenient locations in New Jersey and Staten Island. The practice is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care supported by cutting-edge technology and a team of experienced, board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Metropolitan Dermatology is highly regarded by patients rating their experience in every location between 4 and 5 stars on Google.

Media Contact:

Michelle Stefan

Marketing Director

Metropolitan Dermatology

[email protected]

732-574-1399, ext. 222

Website: http://metropolitanderm.com

SOURCE Metropolitan Dermatology
BILLERICA, Mass., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG), a leading global provider of advanced materials, and Boston Materials, Inc., a manufacturer of advanced energy transfer materials, today announced a strategic collaboration. The partnership, which includes an investment in Boston Materials from MCG's U.S.-based corporate venture capital group, Diamond Edge Ventures, is focused on advancing thermal management solutions for the high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) data center sectors.

Boston Materials Liquid Metal ZRT product, a breakthrough thermal interface material (TIM)

The two companies have entered into this partnership to develop the second-generation Liquid Metal ZRT product, a breakthrough thermal interface material (TIM) produced by Boston Materials with its patented Z-axis Carbon Fiber technology and proprietary liquid metal alloys. Additionally, Boston Materials will benefit from MCG's robust supply chain for high-performance electronic materials.

"The semiconductor industry is at an inflection point where material innovation is essential for continued performance scaling," said Curtis Schickner, President of Diamond Edge Ventures. "Boston Materials' Liquid Metal ZRT thermal interface material presents a clear solution to thermal management, one of the semiconductor industry's most pressing bottlenecks. Mitsubishi Chemical Group has vetted and confirmed this product's performance superiority over existing and next-generation thermal management solutions. As a result, we have selected Boston Materials as a strategic partner to expand Mitsubishi Chemical Group's comprehensive, high-performance solutions for the semiconductor industry."

Thermal management is a key limiting factor for the continued advancement of HPC and AI data center compute performance. Boston Materials has successfully commercialized the first-generation Liquid Metal ZRT product, LMZ1100, leading the industry with over 10C cooling improvement to kilowatt-scale, liquid-cooled ASICs and GPUs. LMZ1100 also ensures long-term reliability for high uptime applications and readily integrates into high volume manufacturing (HVM) processes. This strategic partnership will support the development of Boston Materials' second-generation Liquid Metal ZRT product, with further enhanced thermal and reliability benefits, and its integration into high-volume semiconductor assembly.

The collaboration aligns with Mitsubishi Chemical Group's strategic initiative to expand its role as a premier supplier of high-performance, functional advanced material solutions for the semiconductor industry. Mitsubishi Chemical Group will establish advanced semiconductor packaging integration and application development laboratories in Asia. These facilities will support the commercialization and mass deployment of the second-generation Liquid Metal ZRT product in the APAC region.

"Thermal management is now a key bottleneck for the advancement of AI infrastructure," said Anvesh Gurijala, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Materials. "Boston Materials has commercialized the Liquid Metal ZRT product to solve this critical bottleneck, and now we have forged this strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Chemical Group to expand our worldwide deployment reach and accelerate our product roadmap."

About Mitsubishi Chemical Group

Mitsubishi Chemical Group aims to be a "Green Specialty Company" committed to solving social problems and to delivering impressive results to customers with the power of materials, under our Purpose that "We lead with innovative solutions to achieve KAITEKI, the well-being of people and the planet." Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Code: 4188). For further information, please visit our website: https://www.mcgc.com/english/

About Diamond Edge Ventures

Diamond Edge Ventures, based in San Francisco, CA, USA, was established in 2018 as Mitsubishi Chemical Group's venture investing arm. Through investments and strategic partnerships with high-potential startups globally, DEV aims to foster innovation and product development across MCG Group companies. For additional information, visit https://www.diamondedgeventures.com or contact us at [email protected].

About Boston Materials

Boston Materials produces advanced materials with enhanced energy transfer properties using its patented Z-axis Carbon Fiber technology. The Company's products solve critical performance bottlenecks in applications spanning thermal, electrical, and structural use cases. Its breakthrough Liquid Metal ZRT thermal interface material is designed for the most demanding AI infrastructure. Boston Materials is committed to expanding high-volume manufacturing in the United States. For more information, visit https://www.bomaterials.com/.

SOURCE Boston Materials
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

The all-new Dodge Charger Scat Pack Nose, produced by Direct Connection licensee Five Star Racecar Bodies, is now officially certified for 2026 Approved Body Configuration (ABC)-sanctioned Late Model competition.

Dodge Charger Scat Pack Nose from Direct Connection-licensee Five Star Racecar Bodies certified for Approved Body Configuration (ABC)-sanctioned Late Model competition

Charger front fascia and rear fascia graphics kits are also available for Late Model racers

Both the nose and rear graphics feature the look of the new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger, including a graphic version of the Fratzog logo, the new symbol of Dodge next-generation vehicles

Dodge Charger Scat Pack Nose and Charger front and rear fascia graphics kits will be on display at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis

The Dodge Charger Nose, constructed with Five Star's ultra-durable, high-impact proprietary plastic blend, was approved by ABC following extensive wind tunnel testing

Other recent Direct Connection initiatives inspired by the new Dodge Charger include the new 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak by Direct Connection, bringing the heritage-inspired look and feel of the all-new Charger to grassroots NHRA Factory Stock Showdown drag racing

Dodge Charger Scat Pack Nose and front and rear fascia graphics kits will be available for Late Model racing teams to order beginning on January 1, 2026

The all-new Dodge Charger Scat Pack Nose, produced by Direct Connection licensee Five Star Racecar Bodies, is now officially certified for 2026 Approved Body Configuration (ABC)-sanctioned Late Model competition.

The Direct Connection-licensed Dodge Charger Nose, designed to evoke the aggressive front fascia of the all-new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack, as well as new Charger front and rear fascia graphics kits, will be on display starting today in the Five Star Racecars Bodies booth at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis. The nose, as well as the front and rear graphics kits, feature the look of the new Charger, including a graphic version of the Fratzog logo, the new symbol of Dodge next-generation vehicles.

"Direct Connection, working with licensee Five Star Racecar Bodies, is continuing to bring the presence of the all-new Dodge Charger to the racetrack with a new Charger Scat Pack Nose, and Charger front and rear graphics kits for grassroots Late Model racers," said Kevin Kidd, motorsports competition director for Stellantis American Brands. "Whether it's the track, strip or street, Direct Connection is the source for go-fast, high-performance parts."

Direct Connection is the official source for high-performance products for Dodge, Jeep and Ram brand vehicles. Direct Connection performance parts are now included within the newly reestablished Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Performance division, which is also responsible for SRT high-performance models and American brand motorsports initiatives, including Dodge competition in NHRA and the Ram brand's recently announced plans to return to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026.

The approval of the Dodge Charger Scat Pack Nose by ABC Late Model sanctioning organization encompassed a rigorous evaluation process that included an extensive series of wind tunnel tests. The new nose meets balance, drag and downforce requirements for competitive racing. Built with Five Star's high-impact proprietary plastic blend, the nose offers easy installation and repeatable fit of replacement parts and is available in four colors: white, black blue and red. A complete line of bumpers, bracing and accessories are available for quick, secure mounting.

"After months of detailed analysis, data review and controlled wind tunnel comparisons, the next-gen Dodge Charger Nose has demonstrated full compliance with the parity standards outlined in Appendix A," said Marty Melo, chairperson of the ABC committee. "We are confident this nose will integrate seamlessly into competition while preserving the competitive balance essential to the integrity of the sport."

The new Charger Body Nose for Late Model competition is just the latest Direct Connection initiative in support of grassroots racers to be inspired by the new SIXPACK-powered, internal combustion engine Dodge Charger.

The new 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak by Direct Connection recently debuted at the NHRA Las Vegas event in October, bringing the heritage-inspired look and feel of the all-new Charger to NHRA Factory Stock Showdown drag racing. A Dodge Charger Junior Roadster body, a half-scale version of a full-size NHRA Funny Car body with a design also inspired by the new SIXPACK Dodge Charger, was introduced at the Dodge brand's Roadkill Nights event in 2024.

The ABC Committee's approval also demonstrates a new chapter of Stellantis involvement in motorsports. In addition to debuting the new Charger Body Nose for Late Model competition, Ram brand announced in June its return to NASCAR competition in the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series campaign, with multiple entries set to debut at Daytona in February. Ram returns to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series after a 13-year break, as part of a powerful product launch cadence  25 announcements in 18 months.

The Dodge Charger Nose and Charger front and rear graphics kits from Direct Connection licensee Five Star Racecar Bodies will be available for Late Model racing teams beginning on January 1, 2026. Pricing and ordering information are available at www.fivestarbodies.com.

Direct Connection

The Direct Connection portfolio, available online and through the dealer network, includes modern performance, crate engine, race and vintage muscle high-performance products for Dodge, Jeep and Ram performance vehicles, offering factory street, strip and track performance parts developed by SRT engineers and backed by a Mopar warranty for peace of mind.

Performance enthusiasts and racers can access the Direct Connection hotline at (800) 998-1110 for technical and race support. More information on Direct Connection is available at DCPerformance.com.

Dodge

For 111 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America's performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of its segments.

The new, next-generation Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup is led by the 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack  the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car. For 2026, the all-new 550-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo SIXPACK H.O. engine, expands the Charger lineup, powered by the most powerful Hurricane engine in production.

Dodge also keeps its foot on the pedal as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful gas engine SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact-utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge brand: www.dodge.com

Direct Connection: www.DCPerformance.com

DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis
Results are published in the December 2025 issue of the American Journal of Managed Care

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study based on Independence Blue Cross (IBX) claims data finds that connecting patients to behavioral health care through NeuroFlow's digital platform with care navigation helps speed up access to care, improves outcomes, and lowers overall medical costs. Researchers from IBX, NeuroFlow, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania contributed to the study, which was published in the December 2025 issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.

"Our goal was simple. We wanted to see how integrating a digital platform with care navigation into primary care could change access to behavioral health services," said Aaron Smith-McLallen, PhD, director of Data Science and Health Outcomes at Independence Blue Cross and senior author on the study. "From January 2021 and July 2023, we studied the impact this approach had on access to care, utilization, and overall medical costs. The results were clear; it not only improves care but also lowers costs."

Close to 13,000 IBX members with commercial health plans were identified for the study. They were split into two equal groups. One group saw primary care providers (PCPs) that used the digital platform with care navigation to link patients to outpatient behavioral health services. The other group saw PCPs who did not use a platform. The researchers evaluated the two groups' data from January 2021 to July 2023, comparing changes in members' outcomes before and after use of the digital platform. What the researchers found was that members whose PCP had access to the platform were seeing positive results. Those members were:

68% more likely to receive outpatient behavioral health services compared to the comparison group.

33% less likely to visit the Emergency Department for behavioral health-related issues.

43% less likely to have a behavioral health related inpatient admission to the hospital.

"This research validates the power of combining advanced technology with human-centered care," said Chris Molaro, CEO of NeuroFlow. "Our platform doesn't just make referrals, it uses data-driven insights to proactively identify members who need behavioral health support, matches them with the right resources based on clinical needs and capacity, and embeds the entire process into busy care teams' workflows. We are proud of the impact that this technology has had on getting patients to appropriate care quickly and keeping them out of the hospital."

Despite the increased use of outpatient behavioral health services, the study also showed that there was significant cost savings associated with using the digital platform. Total medical costs for members whose PCP had access to the platform were lower, $-27.63 per member per month 18 months after their use of the platform.

"Our members deserve timely, dependable access to behavioral health care, and that's something we are committed to ensuring they have," said Dr. Richard Snyder, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Independence Blue Cross. "The results of this study clearly demonstrate that our work to enhance our members' access to behavioral health care is making a real difference. They're improving health outcomes, increasing engagement in outpatient care, and driving down overall health care costs."

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. For more than 85 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. We deliver innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneer new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and support programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

MEDIA CONTACT

Diana Quattrone

215-815-7828 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Independence Blue Cross
STAMFORD, Conn., Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus Partners is pleased to announce that as of Jan. 1, 2026, Sam Greenberg is promoted to Partner. Sam joined Olympus in 2015 from Lazard & Co. He was promoted to Principal in 2022. He focuses on transactions in the industrial and healthcare markets. Sam is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

ABOUT OLYMPUS PARTNERS

Olympus Partners is a private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for middle market management buyouts and for growing companies. Olympus manages in excess of $12 billion mainly on behalf of corporate pension funds, endowment funds and state-sponsored retirement programs. Founded in 1988, Olympus is an active, long-term investor across a broad range of industries including business services, food services, consumer products, healthcare services, financial services, industrial services and manufacturing.

SOURCE Olympus Partners
BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OnCorps AI, a leading agentic AI platform for fund operations, has secured $55 million in growth capital from Long Ridge Equity Partners, a growth equity firm with deep experience in financial and business technology. The company will use the capital to accelerate product innovation, expand go-to-market teams, and scale infrastructure to support its rapidly growing customer base.

The Agentic AI Platform for Fund Operations Speed Speed

Founded in 2011, OnCorps AI delivers intelligent exception resolution for fund operations, primarily serving asset managers and fund administrators. Beyond detecting discrepancies in trade reconciliations and fund documentation, the platform autonomously investigates root causes, provides recommendations for issue resolution, and learns from patterns to prevent future breaks.

"We've been running complex AI solutions in production for the world's largest asset managers for several years, giving us a meaningful advantage in delivering tangible returns from AI," said Bob Suh, Founder of OnCorps AI. "Every day, our systems close exceptions, reconcile trades, and oversee trillions in assets with high accuracy and low error rates. With Long Ridge's investment, we can expand these capabilities across the broader industry."

OnCorps' specialized AI agents are trained on millions of real-world data discrepancies and exceptions across trade processing, fund accounting, and reporting workflows. This deep domain training, coupled with continuous learning from production environments, enables OnCorps to achieve accuracy rates and exception resolution times that general-purpose automation tools cannot match.

Asset management operating margins have fallen in recent years, driven by surging transaction volumes, heightened regulatory requirements, and persistent fee compression. In an effort to drive efficiency, PIMCO, GMO, and other leading institutions  representing $13 trillion in assets  are turning to OnCorps to reduce manual effort and streamline their fund operations.

In connection with the investment, Long Ridge Managing Partners Jim Brown and Kevin Bhatt will join the OnCorps AI Board of Directors.

"OnCorps AI has built the market-leading AI platform for fund operations," said Jim Brown. "Their production-ready agents are trained on domain-specific data and workflows, delivering immediate operational value. We are excited to partner with Bob and the OnCorps team as they scale the business."

The funding will enable OnCorps to expand into adjacent capital markets workflows where clients face similar challenges, including cash management, regulatory reporting, and complex trade processing.

Today, OnCorps provides customers with:

AI-First Reconciliations: Leverages deep research agents to accelerate reconciliation processes by automating data matching, review, and investigation, reducing manual effort and cycle time.

Leverages deep research agents to accelerate reconciliation processes by automating data matching, review, and investigation, reducing manual effort and cycle time. AI-First Reporting Reviews: Enables asset managers and service providers to automate and streamline the review of quarterly, semi-annual and annual financial reports, improving accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

TD Securities served as OnCorps' lead financial advisor. Altman Solon was the consulting partner. Goodwin Procter acted as legal counsel to Long Ridge, and Sidley Austin LLP served as legal counsel to OnCorps.

About OnCorps AI

OnCorps AI is a leading agentic AI platform for fund operations. The company delivers intelligent exception resolution for trade reconciliations, fund reporting, and related operational workflows. By optimizing the investigation and resolution of complex exceptions, OnCorps drives efficiency and risk reduction for asset managers and fund administrators. For more information, visit www.oncorps.ai .

About Long Ridge Equity Partners

Founded in 2007, Long Ridge Equity Partners is a private investment firm focused on the financial and business technology sectors. Leveraging deep sector knowledge and an extensive network of industry resources, Long Ridge serves as a value-added partner to high-growth businesses. Since its founding, Long Ridge has sponsored many successful growth companies in the financial and business technology sectors, providing founders and management teams with partnership, strategic resources, and capital to drive profitable expansion. Long Ridge manages over $1.75 billion of committed capital. For more information on Long Ridge Equity Partners, please visit www.long-ridge.com .

SOURCE OnCorps AI
Powerful multicloud database service will help customers in Canada improve analytics and AI productivity, address data residency regulations, and accelerate IT modernization

Industry-first reseller program enables Oracle and Google Cloud partners to offer Oracle Database@Google Cloud to customers

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle is now offering Oracle Database@Google Cloud to customers in Canada. With the debut of the powerful multicloud service in Canada, customers can now run Oracle Exadata Database Service on Dedicated Infrastructure, Oracle Autonomous AI Database, and Oracle Autonomous AI Lakehouse on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) in the North America-Northeast 1 (Montreal) and North America-Northeast 2 (Toronto) Google Cloud regions. This enables customers to access Oracle AI Database services in their chosen Google Cloud region, helping ensure that their data remains in-region and addresses sovereignty and compliance requirements for regulated industries. In addition, Google Cloud and Oracle partners can resell Oracle Database@Google Cloud through the Google Cloud Marketplace and integrate it into their solutions. This enables customers to procure the solution through their trusted partners, simplifying contracting and allowing them to leverage existing Google Cloud commitments for a seamless purchasing experience.

Oracle Database@Google Cloud is designed to help customers combine their enterprise data in Oracle databases with Google Cloud's analytics and AI services to improve decision-making and drive comprehensive business insights from BigQuery, Google's Vertex AI platform, and Google's Gemini models. In addition, it enables customers to migrate their mission-critical Oracle workloads to the industry-leading Oracle AI Database and modernize their applications using Google Cloud services.

"As more organizations in Canada embrace multicloud architectures, Oracle Database@Google Cloud provides the industry-leading reliability and performance that is required," said Vijay Bangaru, vice president, Multicloud, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. "For example, customers in Canada can now benefit from seamless integration of Oracle AI Database with Google Cloud's powerful AI and analytics tools, all while helping meet Canada's data sovereignty requirements."

"By combining Oracle's database leadership with Google Cloud's AI capabilities, Oracle Database@Google Cloud empowers organizations across Canada to accelerate IT modernization, realize AI's value, and innovate confidently in a multicloud environment," said Farsad Nasseri, country managing director, Google Cloud Canada. "This launch enables customers to advance their cloud strategies and create next-generation multicloud solutions."

Powerful Cloud Database Services

Oracle Database@Google Cloud gives customers direct access to Oracle AI Database services running on OCI and deployed in Google Cloud regions, enabling low-latency connectivity to applications running on Google Cloud and simple, secure integrations to Vertex AI and Google's leading Gemini models. The first services available through Oracle Database@Google Cloud to customers in Canada are:

Oracle Exadata Database Service on Dedicated Infrastructure: Customers can use Oracle Exadata Database Service on Dedicated Infrastructure, which supports Oracle Exadata X11M and uniquely leverages Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC), to help deliver significant performance, scalability, availability, and security benefits to the most demanding workloads across AI, analytics, and online transaction processing (OLTP).

Customers can use Oracle Exadata Database Service on Dedicated Infrastructure, which supports Oracle Exadata X11M and uniquely leverages Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC), to help deliver significant performance, scalability, availability, and security benefits to the most demanding workloads across AI, analytics, and online transaction processing (OLTP). Oracle Autonomous AI Database: Customers can use Oracle Autonomous AI Database to reduce administration and accelerate application development by leveraging Oracle's convergence of multiple data types and workloads into a single platform. Oracle Autonomous AI Database is a fully managed platform that uses AI and ML to automate critical tasks such as patching, provisioning, monitoring, scaling, tuning, backups, and application indexing. It also delivers automatic threat detection and remediation, proven scalesupporting more than 48 billion queries per hourand extensive built-in AI capabilities.

Customers can use Oracle Autonomous AI Database to reduce administration and accelerate application development by leveraging Oracle's convergence of multiple data types and workloads into a single platform. Oracle Autonomous AI Database is a fully managed platform that uses AI and ML to automate critical tasks such as patching, provisioning, monitoring, scaling, tuning, backups, and application indexing. It also delivers automatic threat detection and remediation, proven scalesupporting more than 48 billion queries per hourand extensive built-in AI capabilities. Oracle Autonomous AI Lakehouse: Customers can use Oracle Autonomous AI Lakehouse for enterprise-wide AI and analytics by combining the best of the open-source Apache Iceberg open data tables format with Oracle AI Database 26ai, Oracle Exadata, and Oracle Autonomous AI Database. It also integrates with other data platforms, including Google BigQuery and BigLake, enabling Google Cloud users to easily and securely apply Google's Gemini models and Google's Vertex AI platform to their data, regardless of where it's stored.

Customers can use Oracle Autonomous AI Lakehouse for enterprise-wide AI and analytics by combining the best of the open-source Apache Iceberg open data tables format with Oracle AI Database 26ai, Oracle Exadata, and Oracle Autonomous AI Database. It also integrates with other data platforms, including Google BigQuery and BigLake, enabling Google Cloud users to easily and securely apply Google's Gemini models and Google's Vertex AI platform to their data, regardless of where it's stored. Oracle AI Database 26ai: Customers can accelerate app development and run mission-critical workloads with the latest version of Oracle AI Database, which includes Oracle AI Vector Search, JSON Relational Duality Views, and over 300 additional major features that simplify the use of AI with data. Unified Hybrid Vector Search combines Oracle AI Vector Search with relational, text, JSON, knowledge graph, and spatial searches to support retrieval of related documents, images, videos, audio, and structured data. Customers can easily integrate AI Vector Search with LLMs, allowing private data to be retrieved and enriched with public information to answer business questions. With JSON Relational Duality Views , developers no longer have to choose a single data model for their data and, instead, can build applications that use both JSON and relational data models on the same data.

Customers can accelerate app development and run mission-critical workloads with the latest version of Oracle AI Database, which includes Oracle AI Vector Search, JSON Relational Duality Views, and over 300 additional major features that simplify the use of AI with data. Unified Hybrid Vector Search combines with relational, text, JSON, knowledge graph, and spatial searches to support retrieval of related documents, images, videos, audio, and structured data. Customers can easily integrate AI Vector Search with LLMs, allowing private data to be retrieved and enriched with public information to answer business questions. With , developers no longer have to choose a single data model for their data and, instead, can build applications that use both JSON and relational data models on the same data. Oracle Database Zero Data Loss Autonomous Recovery Service: Customers can help protect transactions in real-time with Oracle Database Zero Data Loss Autonomous Recovery Service. This enables them to recover business-critical data to within less than a second of when an outage or ransomware attack occursin the same location or across Google Cloud or OCI regions. Daily virtualized full backups and an incremental-forever model minimize backup windows, eliminating the need for weekly full backups. Backups are automatically validated without affecting production, and policy-controlled immutability helps ensure that encrypted backups are protected from deletion or modification.

New Oracle Database@Google Cloud Partner Program

The new industry-first partner program is now available and enables Google Cloud and Oracle partners in Canada to purchase Oracle Database@Google Cloud through the Google Cloud Marketplace via a private offer, resell it to their customers, and integrate it into their solutions to support multicloud and IT modernization initiatives.

The program is open to partners that belong to both the Google Cloud Partner Advantage program and the Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN). Partners can leverage their existing investments in Google Cloud commitments to address the growing demand for modern, multicloud architectures.

"Leveraging the combined strengths of Oracle and Google Cloud, we're helping organizations in Canada create flexible, enterprise-grade foundations for innovation," said Karin Wiens, lead alliance partner, Google Cloud, Deloitte Canada. "Oracle Database@Google Cloud provides timely opportunities to move faster and harness technology across multicloud environments."

The new North America-Northeast 2 (Toronto) region is in addition to the 11 available Google Cloud regions across Asia-Northeast 1 (Tokyo), Asia-South 1 (Mumbai), Australia-Southeast 1 (Sydney), Australia-Southeast 2 (Melbourne), Germany Central (Frankfurt), North America-Northeast 1 (Montreal), South America-East 1 (Sao Paulo), UK South (London), US Central 1 (Iowa), US East (Ashburn), and US West (Salt Lake City). New regional availability is planned for the next 12 months to support growing customer demand in Asia-Northeast (Seoul), Asia-Northeast 2 (Osaka), Asia-South 2 (Delhi), Europe Southwest (Madrid), Europe West (Paris), Europe-West 8 (Milan), Europe-West 12 (Turin), Middle East Central (Dammam), North America-South 1 (Mexico), and South America West (Santiago).

Additional Resources

About Oracle Distributed Cloud

Oracle's distributed cloud delivers the benefits of cloud with greater control and flexibility. Oracle's distributed cloud lineup includes:

Public cloud: Hyperscale public cloud regions serve any size of organization, including those requiring strict EU sovereignty controls. See the full list of regions here .

Hyperscale public cloud regions serve any size of organization, including those requiring strict EU sovereignty controls. See the full list of regions . Dedicated cloud: Customers can run all OCI cloud services in their own data centers with OCI Dedicated Region, while partners can resell OCI cloud services and customize the experience using Oracle Alloy. Oracle also operates separate U.S., UK, and Australian Government Clouds, and Isolated Cloud Regions for national security purposes. Each of these products provide a full cloud and AI stack that customers can deploy as a Sovereign Cloud.

Customers can run all OCI cloud services in their own data centers with OCI Dedicated Region, while partners can resell OCI cloud services and customize the experience using Oracle Alloy. Oracle also operates separate U.S., UK, and Australian Government Clouds, and Isolated Cloud Regions for national security purposes. Each of these products provide a full cloud and AI stack that customers can deploy as a Sovereign Cloud. Hybrid cloud: OCI delivers key cloud services on-premises via Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer and Compute Cloud@Customer and is already managing deployments in over 60 countries. Additionally, OCI Roving Edge Infrastructure, which consists of multiple configurations of ruggedized and portable high-performance devices, helps customers leverage remote AI inferencing at the edge.

OCI delivers key cloud services on-premises via Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer and Compute Cloud@Customer and is already managing deployments in over 60 countries. Additionally, OCI Roving Edge Infrastructure, which consists of multiple configurations of ruggedized and portable high-performance devices, helps customers leverage remote AI inferencing at the edge. Multicloud: OCI is physically deployed within all the hyperscale cloud providers, including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, providing low latency, natively integrated Oracle AI Database services, including Oracle Database@AWS, Oracle Database@Azure, Oracle Database@Google Cloud; and Oracle HeatWave on AWS and Microsoft Azure. Oracle Interconnect for Microsoft Azure and Oracle Interconnect for Google Cloud allows customers to combine key capabilities from across clouds.

About Oracle

Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com .

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.

Trademarks

Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing.

SOURCE Oracle
"Kay Ehas is modeling an approach to trail development that seamlessly brings together residents, regional leaders and private investment in partnership. Her leadership is building more than infrastructure. It's building social capital and civic participation that will make the trail network successful and will endure long after this project is complete," said Ryan Chao, president of RTC.

Ehas spearheads the work at Groundwork Jacksonville, the city of Jacksonville's nonprofit partner in developing the Emerald Trail and restoring McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek. The Emerald Trail is a 30-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail and linear park system that will connect 14 historic neighborhoods and downtown Jacksonville to local and regional trails, parks, schools, businesses, transit and other destinations.

The Emerald Trail Master Plan was adopted by the Jacksonville City Council in early 2019 and construction is anticipated to be completed in the next nine years. The LaVilla Link, the first segment of the Emerald Trail, opened in May 2024 and has been foundational in demonstrating the impact that this walking and biking route will have across the region.

"The vision of the Emerald Trail is about more than a trail. We see the trail as a catalyst to neighborhood revitalization and economic development," said Ehas. "We have already seen major private investment happeningeven before the first mile was ever builtand residents' physical and mental health will improve by encouraging people to connect with nature and with one another."

The Emerald Trail will deliver a boon to the local economy, promoting neighborhood revitalization, entrepreneurial opportunities and tourism while addressing environmental concerns in the regionall priorities for residents as well as the city. The Emerald Trail includes environmental remediations of contaminated lands and the restoration of both McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek, which are integrated with the trail network. Currently, 70% of residents living within Jacksonville's urban core are considered low income and rank in the lower third and fourth quartiles for chronic illness.

"The strategy to advance the trail network starts with an important question: As residents, what do we want the Emerald Trail to be?" said Ehas. "We ensure residents have a seat at the table, a voice in shaping what the future of their neighborhood looks like, and a role in bringing that future to life. That's how we build trust and a stronger, healthier community."

The trail is included in the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization's Northeast Florida Regional Multi-Use Trails Master Plan as a connection to the planned Core-2-Coast trail and is part of the 3,000-mile developing East Coast Greenway. Learn more about Ehas's work and the Emerald Trail at groundworkjacksonville.org.

Since 2011, the Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award has honored individuals from across the country who have made significant contributions to the rail-trail movement through their hard work, volunteerism and supportin short, those who have gone above and beyond in the name of trails. Awardees include volunteers, agency officials, members of Congress and state legislatures, and governors.

The award is named in honor of the late rail-trail philanthropist Jeffrey L. Doppelt. Learn more about the nation's Rail-Trail Champions: rtc.li/trail-champions.

Rails to Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organizationwith a grassroots community more than 1 million strongdedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact: Patricia Brooks, [email protected], 202.351.1757

SOURCE Rails to Trails Conservancy
A life of clandestinity is over for Maria Corina Machado. After more than a year in hiding for security reasons, the Venezuelan opposition leader, this years Nobel Peace Prize laureate, arrived in Oslo at midnight on Thursday. At around 2:30 a.m., Machado, who had not left her country for 14 years, appeared on the balcony of the Grand Hotel and greeted the crowd waiting for her in the street, with whom she sang the Venezuelan national anthem.

A few minutes later, Machado, dressed in black, went down to the street surrounded by heavy security to continue greeting and taking selfies with her supporters. Maria, you did it! they shouted. Oslo, here I am! the Venezuelan politician said on her social media profile. In another post, alongside photos of her meeting with those waiting for her arrival in the Norwegian capital, Machado said: The hug that all of Venezuela needs.

The opposition leader carried out her first official engagements in the Norwegian parliament Thursday, including a meeting and a press conference with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. Machado left Venezuela Tuesday by boat for the Caribbean island of Curacao before heading to Europe, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Maria Corina Machado, accompanied by the president of the Norwegian parliament, Masud Gharahkhan, visits the Storting this Thursday. Ole Berg-Rusten (via REUTERS) Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado with the president of the Norwegian parliament, Masud Gharahkhani, during her visit to the Storting. Ole Berg-Rusten (via REUTERS) Masud Gharahkhani and Maria Corina Machado at the Storting. Ole Berg-Rusten (via REUTERS) Maria Corina Machado visits the Norwegian parliament Thursday. OLE BERG-RUSTEN / POOL (EFE) Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado arrives at the Grand Hotel Oslo. Leonhard Foeger (REUTERS) Maria Corina Machado greets supporters outside the Grand Hotel. LISE ASERUD (EFE) Maria Corina Machado and her mother, Corina, greet supporters on arrival at the Grand Hotel in Oslo. Leonhard Foeger (REUTERS) Maria Corina Machado at the Grand Hotel in Oslo. JONAS BEEN HENRIKSEN (EFE) Supporters of Maria Corina Machado follow her first public appearance in Oslo after a year in hiding in Venezuela. Jonas Been Henriksen (via REUTERS) Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado greets supporters at the Grand Hotel Oslo. Leonhard Foeger (REUTERS) Maria Corina Machado arrives at the Grand Hotel. Leonhard Foeger (REUTERS)

The BBC revealed in an interview with Machado that the opposition leader had to cross a dozen military checkpoints in disguise and traveled from Curacao to the Norwegian capital on a private plane that flew in from Miami. I just want to say today that Im here, because many men and women risked their lives in order for me to arrive in Oslo, the Nobel Peace Prize winner said in conversation with journalist Lucy Hockings. Of course Im going back [to Venezuela], Machado continued, Im going to be in the place where Im most useful for our cause.

Highly anticipated and hugely symbolic, Machados arrival in the Norwegian capital marks a milestone for the opposition to Nicolas Maduros regime and for millions of Venezuelans who have been following every clue that has emerged in recent days about the opposition leaders whereabouts. Her departure from Venezuela also poses a challenge for the Chavista government and raises new questions about the future at a critical moment in the countrys political history.

Over the last 24 hours, the story of Machados journey to reach Norway underwent an endless series of unexpected twists and turns. Early Wednesday morning, the Norwegian Nobel Institute announced that this years winner would not be present at the ceremony at Oslo City Hall. About an hour before the gala, however, the institution said in a statement that the Venezuelan opposition leader had embarked on a journey in a situation of extreme danger and that she had done everything possible to attend the ceremony. We are deeply happy to confirm that she is safe and will be with us, it added. Just a few minutes later, a call between the leader and the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jrgen Watne Frydnes, was broadcast.

I will be in Oslo, I am on my way, Machado said in the telephone conversation. I know that there are hundreds of Venezuelans from different parts of the world that were able to reach your city, as well as my family and my team, the opposition leader said. As soon as I arrive I will be able to embrace all my family and my children that I have not seen for two years and so many Venezuelan-Norwegians that I know share our struggle.

Amid the confusion, conflicting information, and great anticipation, it was the award winners daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, who collected the prize on her behalf and read her acceptance speech. Our political prisoners, the persecuted, their families, and all who defend human rights, said the opposition leader in her message, to them belongs this honor. To them belongs this day. To them belongs the future.

Jrgen Watne Frydnes and Ana Corina Sosa Machado attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall on December 10, 2025. Per Ole Hagen (WireImage/Getty images)

In Oslo were her family members, her closest collaborators and allies, her message, and her determination to continue the struggle. I have come here to tell you a story: the story of a people and their long march toward freedom, her daughter said in the speech. What an honor to hear my acceptance speech for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in my daughters voice, and to know that very soon I will be able to embrace her and my family again, Machado wrote in her first social media post after three days of silence, when it was already nighttime in freezing Oslo and shortly after hundreds of Venezuelans took to the streets to participate in the traditional torchlight procession, a symbol that has been repeated on the streets of the Norwegian capital since 1954, honoring each years winners and demonstrating that light always prevails in the darkness.

Freedom, freedom, freedom, Venezuela, freedom! roared the Venezuelan diaspora outside the Grand Hotel, where the Nobel suite was still awaiting the arrival of this years laureate. Ana Corina Sosa appeared on the balcony. Torches were raised to the sky. A huge Venezuelan flag was placed on the steps of the Norwegian parliament. And the crowd shouted, sang, and cried. The Nobel Prize marked the greatest symbolic achievement for the Venezuelan opposition after two decades of darkness, repression, and powerlessness. And then, finally, Maria Corina arrived.

Ramses Parra, 22, had been waiting all night for Machado with his brothers Leander and Luis, 19 and 25, in front of the Grand Hotel, which has been converted into the Venezuelan oppositions headquarters in Oslo. She is the spokesperson for those of us who cannot speak, said the young man, with the Venezuelan flag draped over his shoulders. The three young men, originally from the state of Cojedes, hoped to get the politicians attention so she can help them regularize their immigration status in Norway, where they have been living for four years.

Maria, your people salute you! We love you! the crowd shouted when they saw her leaving the hotel, amid a heavy police presence. I love you too, see you soon, Machado replied, blowing kisses while being hurried along by the entourage escorting her to the Storting, the Norwegian parliament, where she began her official activities at around 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

In the Scandinavian countrys legislative body, she was scheduled to meet with parliamentarians and sign the distinguished visitors book. At around 9:45 a.m., Prime Minister Stre was scheduled to receive Machado at the Norwegian governments guest house. The joint press conference was scheduled for 10:15 a.m., according to the program released by the Nobel Institute. Another meeting with the media has been announced for 12:30 p.m. at the hotel where she is staying.

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Prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Liu's pioneering contributions to the molecular glue field and his impact on scientific innovation, translational science, and human health

BALTIMORE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company advancing next-generation molecular glue therapeutics for hard-to-drug targets, today announced that its founder, Dr. Jun O. Liu of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the organization's highest professional distinction solely for academic inventors.

Election as an NAI Fellow is a highly prestigious honor bestowed upon academic inventors whose innovations have demonstrated significant real-world societal, economic, and health impact. The distinction places honorees among the top university innovators and patent holders, recognizing leaders who have consistently translated laboratory discoveries into technologies that improve lives. NAI Fellows are selected through a rigorous process that highlights outstanding contributions, prolific patent portfolios, and tangible impact that translates research breakthroughs into widely used technologies.

Dr. Liu is internationally recognized for groundbreaking contributions to natural product chemistry, drug mechanism discovery, and the molecular basis of molecular glues. In 1991, Dr. Liu, along with co-authors, published discoveries in the journal Cell, on the unprecedented mode of action of the immunosuppressive drugs FK506 and cyclosporin A, whereby they act by "gluing" the cellular chaperones FKBP12 and cyclophilin A.

"I am humbled and deeply honored to be elected an NAI Fellow," said Dr. Jun O. Liu. "This recognition reflects the work of many talented colleagues, students, and collaborators over the years. I am proud to see our foundational discoveries continue to evolve into new therapeutic modalities with the potential to help patients."

Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals' non-degrading macrocyclic molecular glues (RapaGlues) leverage FKBP12 as a presenter protein to form protein-sized drug complexes that are effective in tackling broad types of hard-to-drug intracellular therapeutic targets. RapaGlues are cell permeable and offer advantageous drug properties to modulate protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets, including transcription factors, transmembrane proteins (such as SLCs), and enzymes. The platform has grown to include an industry-leading DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) containing more than 8 billion compounds of non-degrading glues and an early-stage pipeline of potentially first-in-class programs in oncology (GSTP1, SLC7A11), I&I (TNFR1-specific, STAT6), and renal (ENT1 for acute kidney injury) therapeutic areas.

"We are thrilled to see Dr. Liu honored at the highest national level for academic inventors," said Dr. Sean Hu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals. "His pioneering work in molecular glues laid the scientific foundation for this entire field, and his inventions continue to drive a new generation of non-degrading molecular glue-based therapeutics. This recognition reflects both the depth of Dr. Liu's scientific vision and the significance of his contributions to the molecular glue field."

About the National Academy of Inventors

The National Academy of Inventors is a member-based organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting academic inventions that benefit society. Members comprise leading academic innovators from institutions in more than 100 countries. The NAI's Fellows Program represents the pinnacle of achievement for academic inventors, honoring individuals whose patented innovations and translational leadership have made a meaningful difference in the world.

About Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals

Rapafusyn emerged from the laboratory of Dr. Jun O. Liu's, Professor of Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, with a mission to develop transformational medicines to address high unmet medical needs. The platform leverages highly selective non-degrading macrocyclic molecular glues (RapaGlues) to modulate hard-to-drug intracellular therapeutic targets. Rapafusyn has constructed both DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) and arrayed libraries of RapaGlues that form neo-protein-protein-interactions (PPIs) to inhibit a protein's native activity. These compounds are rationally designed and engineered to bind FKBP and form a ternary complex with the disease target protein, are cell-permeable, and offer a promising avenue for modulating transmembrane proteins, PPIs, enzymes, ligases, and SLCs. RapaGlues have proven effective in producing innovative chemical starting points for challenging drug targets and have yielded an early-stage pipeline of potentially first in class programs in the oncology, I&I, and renal disease areas. The modular architecture enables SAR and subsequent optimization for potency, selectivity, and physicochemical properties to accelerate drug discovery and development.

For more information, please visit rapafusyn.com

Company Contact:

Heather Lavin

[email protected]

SOURCE Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals
The dynamic combination of an intuitive technology platform coupled with expert advice helps leaders gain a competitive advantage through board-ready insights.

BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The RepTrak Company, a global leader in reputation intelligence, this week launched The RepTrak Compass, a next-generation platform designed to help leaders steer corporate reputation with always-on data and Purposeful AI.

The official launch follows a preview earlier this year and introduces new capabilities including Purposeful AI to reveal what is impacting reputation and where organizations should focus, representing a fundamental tech-enabled breakthrough in reputation intelligence.

RepTrak

RepTrak marked this milestone with live events on December 9th across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, where corporate leaders experienced how the platform provides continuous insights into the key drivers that influence reputation. The sessions highlighted how Compass unifies global data, captures behavioral signals, and leverages AI powered diagnostics to deliver a 360-degree view for the C-Suite in terms of how stakeholder perceptions from customers and employees, to investors, regulators, influencers, and even AI-generated impressions shape global reputation.

"Over twenty years ago, RepTrak didn't just launch a company, we created a category," said Mark Sonders, Chief Executive Officer & Board Chair of RepTrak. "Compass builds on that legacy by giving reputation clarity and structure, while helping leaders act faster and with greater precision. In a world where information moves at an unprecedented speed, reputation needs to be actively managed and guided by always-on data."

With the launch comes new perspective in The RepTrak Compass: Seven Drivers the C-Suite Can Use to Navigate Reputation report, which evaluates the most important drivers impacting reputation in 2025. These insights showcases how reputation was shaped by key happenings this year including the Nestle (NESN) CEO misconduct scandal, Target's (TGT) DEI backlash and rollback of LGBT themed products, Apple's (AAPL) successful iPhone 17 launch, the leadership misdemeanours of Elon Musk impacting Tesla (TSLA), Google's (GOOG) release of its Gemini AI model, Microsoft's (MSFT) growth momentum powered by its Copilot AI platform, and Walmart's (WMT) changing fortunes due to an elevated commitment to workplace culture.

The motivation behind Compass was inspired by a reputation landscape that is increasingly shaped by both human and digital market forces. Compass addresses this reality by introducing how crafted and spontaneous narratives, including those generated by artificial intelligence, both influence, as well as mold perceptions. Underscored by an approach that prioritizes accuracy, expertise and measured impact, RepTrak's unique AI as a Stakeholder diagnostic approach reveals how AI driven narratives affect reputation.

"AI is already strengthening our insights and will continue to expand the platform's impact," said Sonders. "Our commitment is simple. We will purposefully leverage AI only when it is accurate, meaningful, and capable of elevating decisionsrather than just creating noise."

As organizations continue to face rising expectations and rapid shifts in stakeholder perceptions, Compass highlights what is influencing reputation, where it's heading and what actions will have the greatest significance.

"Reputation is not a soft metric. It's a leading indicator of growth, risk, and resilience," said Chip Garate, Chief Product and Technology Officer at RepTrak. "Compass provides business leaders with the easily accessible, configurable board-ready intelligence they need, to move from merely reporting reputation to actually steering it."

RepTrak Compass brings new rigor and focus to reputation management at a time when the stakes have never been higher.

About The RepTrak Company

The RepTrak Company is the world's premier provider of reputation data and insights, helping businesses harness reputation intelligence to secure competitive advantage. RepTrak's predictive insights help businesses safeguard value, improve ROI, and enhance their societal impact. Combining advanced metrics with dedicated reputation advisors, RepTrak delivers actionable analyses that align business goals with stakeholder sentiment across global markets and diverse industries. Established in 2004, The RepTrak Company owns the world's largest reputation benchmarking database, gathering over 1 million company ratings per year used by CEOs, boards, and executives in more than 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.reptrak.com.

For questions, contact Kristen Goulart, RepTrak's VP, Marketing: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2843178/RepTrak_RepTrak_Launches_Compass__Setting_a_New_Course_for_Reput.jpg
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ritten , a leading AI-powered system of record for behavioral health providers, today announced a $35 million USD Series B funding round led by Five Elms Capital with participation from existing investors Threshold Ventures, 8VC, Bienville Capital, and others. This investment will support Ritten's expansion across mental health and addiction treatment providers spanning all levels of care.

Ritten Company Logo

"Behavioral health providers do extraordinary work in some of the most demanding care environments, and our team has always been dedicated to giving them the next generation of tools that reduce friction and improve care. Five Elms immediately understood our mission and approach," said Noah Whitehead, CEO of Ritten. "This partnership with Five Elms will allow us to advance our AI-first roadmap, continue supporting clinicians and staff, and scale solutions that meet the nuanced requirements of behavioral health."

Since its founding in 2020, Ritten has been dedicated to enabling behavioral health practitioners to deliver the highest quality care. By unifying electronic medical records, customer relationship management, and revenue cycle management into one modern AI-enabled platform, Ritten streamlines the entire patient and clinician journey, from referrals and admissions to scheduling, charting, compliance, and billing across both outpatient and residential settings. Ritten's technology reduces toil and burnout for staff and drives operational efficiencies and growth for customer facilities.

Ryan Mandl, Partner at Five Elms, commented on the investment, "Ritten is revolutionizing a space that has long been underserved by fragmented, outdated technology. Their platform unifies the critical systems that practices need to grow, operate efficiently, and deliver high-quality treatment, enhanced by AI to meaningfully reduce complexity for care teams. We're thrilled to be part of the next phase of Ritten's growth."

In addition to the acceleration of growth across the behavioral health space, Five Elms Capital's investment in Ritten will contribute to further advancement of best-in-class AI capabilities for both practitioners and revenue cycle management. The company plans to continue to integrate AI-powered workflows throughout the platform, expand and mature their customer support offerings, and grow enterprise capabilities to meet the evolving needs of treatment organizations large and small.

About Ritten

Ritten is a unified behavioral health practice management platform purpose-built for substance use disorder and mental health treatment providers. The platform combines a robust EHR, integrated CRM, and comprehensive RCM into a single system of record, helping organizations streamline operations, remain compliant, and deliver higher-quality care. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Ritten serves treatment centers across the U.S., spanning single-site providers to multi-state enterprise groups. For more information, please visit ritten.io .

About Five Elms Capital

Five Elms Capital is a growth investor in software businesses that users love, providing capital and resources to help companies accelerate growth and further cement their role as industry leaders.

With over $3 billion in assets under management and a team of over 80 professionals, Five Elms has invested in more than 70 software platforms worldwide. Beyond providing capital, Five Elms delivers strategic and operational expertise, focused on executing initiatives that move the needle on growth, retention, product, and AI to set companies up for long-term success. For more information, visit fiveelms.com .

SOURCE Five Elms Capital
Company receives the highest Water Security rating in two years into participation

Recognized for exceptional leadership in environmental stewardship

INCHEON, South Korea, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS), a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced that it has received from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) an 'A' rating in Water Security.

Two years into its participation in CDP assessments, Samsung Biologics has earned the top rating in Water Security, one rating higher than last year. The CDP 'A List' recognizes companies demonstrating exceptional leadership in environmental stewardship, reflecting global standards of transparent execution. Around 2% of companies participating in CDP assessments are included.

Established in 2000, the CDP invites major global companies to disclose information on their environmental impact and sustainability efforts. Leading pharmaceutical companies actively encourage their partners to participate in CDP assessments to measure their progress in climate actions. Achieving a top rating is a credible external validation of corporate sustainability performance, requiring consistently high ratings across multiple areas, including strategy and implementation.

In this year's assessment, Samsung Biologics was recognized for establishing concrete goals in natural capital strategies, water pollution management, and water reuse rates. The company also demonstrated high accuracy and reliability in reporting data on water intake, discharge, and consumption. CEO and President John Rim said, "This recognition reflects our consistent efforts to align with the ESG strategies set forth by our clients worldwide. Moving forward, we will continue in our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing water resource management."

As the champion of the Supply Chains Working Group within the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Health Systems Task Force, Samsung Biologics reinforces industry-wide ESG efforts as a sustainable CDMO partner. Aiming to fully transition to renewable energy by 2050, Samsung Biologics continues to focus its efforts on managing natural capital and reducing climate impact throughout the value chain, moving towards carbon neutrality.

About Samsung Biologics

Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS) is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), offering end-to-end integrated services that range from late discovery to commercial manufacturing.

With a combined biomanufacturing capacity of 784,000 liters across five plants, Samsung Biologics leverages cutting-edge technologies and expertise to advance diverse modalities, including multispecific antibodies, fusion proteins, antibody-drug conjugates, and mRNA therapeutics.

By implementing the ExellenS framework across its manufacturing network with standardized designs, unified processes, and advanced digitalization, Samsung Biologics ensures plant equivalency and speed for manufacturing continuity.

Samsung Biologics also operates commercial offices in Korea, the U.S., and Japan. Samsung Biologics America supports clients based in the U.S. and Europe, while its Tokyo sales office serves the APAC region.

Samsung Biologics continues to invest in new capabilities to maximize operational and quality excellence, ensuring flexibility and agility for clients. The company is committed to the on-time, in-full delivery of safe, high-quality products, as well as to making sustainable business decisions for the betterment of society and global health.

For more information, visit https://samsungbiologics.com/.

Samsung Biologics Media Contact

Claire Kim, Head of Marketing & Global Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Samsung Biologics
MESA, Ariz., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Auto Tire & Service is proud to announce the success of its Giving Tuesday partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization which honors America's heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as Gold Star families and the families of fallen first responders who leave behind young children. The Foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness. This initiative is part of Sun Auto's broader commitment to Drive with Purpose, placing a strong focus on community support and causes that create a lasting impact.

The Sun Auto Network partnered with RelaDyne to donate $5 for every oil change, raising $20K for the Tunnel to Towers. Post this Sun Auto Network and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation announce Giving Tuesday partnership. Check presentation with Taylor Sterling from Sun Auto Marketing and Brittany Schipper, the Tunnel to Tower Representative and Program Director for the Houston Village in Texas.

On Tuesday, December 2, Sun Auto partnered with RelaDyne to donate $5 for every oil change. With an enthusiastic lift in customer participation across the Sun Auto Network, the initiative reached its goal and delivered the full $20,000 to the Tunnel to Towers mission.

"The encouragement we received from customers was truly inspiring and helped make this contribution to Tunnel to Towers possible," said Susie Long, Chief People Officer at Sun Auto Tire & Service. "Their support strengthens our dedication to serving our neighborhoods and expanding opportunities for veterans through both our hiring efforts and our community giving."

Supporting Families Who Serve

"The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is deeply grateful to Sun Auto Tire & Service, and every customer who joined them in their Giving Tuesday initiative. The generosity of communities like theirs enables us to provide critical support to America's greatest heroes, in Houston and across the country," said Tunnel to Towers Chairman & CEO Frank Siller. Sun Auto's Giving Tuesday contribution will help advance these life-changing programs, ensuring families have support and a place to call home. In addition to the Giving Tuesday initiative, Sun Auto has partnered to support Tunnel to Towers Veteran Career Program, a veteran-focused campaign geared toward supporting employment pathways for those who have served.

Looking Toward the Future

To commemorate the event, Sun Auto and Tunnel to Towers hosted a check presentation at Veteran Village in Houston, providing an opportunity to highlight the impact locally. As a national partner with deep roots in many of the markets Sun Auto serves, Tunnel to Towers allows this support to extend beyond a single check or a single city, reaching families across Sun Auto's broader footprint.

Gratitude to Our Customers

Sun Auto extends sincere thanks to every customer who participated. A simple oil change made a meaningful impact, helping strengthen the lives of America's heroes and their families. With plans to build on this momentum, Sun Auto plans to create more opportunities for guests to join in their mission to Drive with Purpose, turning everyday auto maintenance into meaningful community impact.

That sentiment was echoed by Sun Auto's partner, RelaDyne. "We are honored to partner with Sun Auto Tire & Service in supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the families of veterans," said Bob Johnson, Director of Business Development for RelaDyne. "This initiative reflects the power of what can be accomplished when organizations come together with a shared purpose. We are proud to contribute to a mission that provides real, lasting impact for the communities we serve."

About Sun Auto Tire & Service and the Sun Auto Network

Sun Auto Tire & Service (SATS) owns and operates more than 525 tire and service centers across the United States. Together, these company-owned stores make up the Sun Auto Network, designed to deliver a consistent guest experience built on a Driver Commitment to Clarity, Confidence, and Customer Care.

As one of the nation's largest independent tire and automotive service providers, Sun Auto invests in the technology, training, and resources that power each store's success. At every Sun Auto Network location, guests can expect trusted expertise, clear communication, and the confidence to make informed decisions about their vehicles. Whether it's a routine inspection or a major repair, Sun Auto keeps you in the driver's seat. Drive Confidently. Learn more at www.sun.auto/network

About RelaDyne

RelaDyne is a national leader in lubricant distribution, fuel supply, and industrial reliability services, serving customers across a wide range of industries. With expertise in fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and end-to-end reliability solutions, RelaDyne delivers the products and services that keep businesses running efficiently.

About Tunnel to Towers

About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to "do good," by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The Foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.

Media Contact:

Tara Bradley

Senior Account Manager, Greenlight Marketing

[email protected]

407-446-0422

SOURCE Sun Auto Tire & Service
Moroney to scale Tines' "customer zero" strategy and showcase how intelligent workflows at scale drive efficiency, security, and enterprise AI readiness.

DUBLIN and BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tines , the intelligent workflow platform used by the world's most advanced security and IT teams, today announced the appointment of Martin Moroney as its Head of Intelligent Workflows, a newly created role responsible for scaling Tines' internal use of its own technology. It is establishing a modern governance framework for AI, automation, and integration across the business.

The move comes as organizations accelerate AI adoption, but continue to struggle with operationalizing it at scale. While 70% of CEOs expect generative AI to reshape value creation within three years (PwC), 95% of AI pilots still fail to reach production (MIT). Tines believes software companies must offer practical, experience-based frameworks/blueprints, not just technology. This begins with demonstrating how intelligent workflows workflows that apply AI, automation, and integration with human ingenuity succeed inside their own walls.

In this role, Moroney will lead Tines x Tines, the company's internal intelligent workflow Center of Enablement (CoE) program. The program is responsible for establishing enterprise-grade workflow governance and creating structure/scale between company-wide high-impact workflows including security, IT, finance, operations, and go-to-market functions. The program also enables Tines to operate as "customer zero," giving customers a real blueprint for secure, scalable intelligent workflow adoption.

"As AI reshapes how great companies operate, it's essential that we lead from the front so we can give our customers and the market clear guidance on how to do this right," said Thomas Kinsella, co-founder at Tines. "We chose Martin for this role because as a founding employee he understands our organization, our culture, and how we operate at every level like few others. He also deeply understands our customers and the unique ways they've operationalized intelligent workflows organization-wide. That vast knowledge uniquely positions him to drive intelligent workflow development that actually moves the needle for the company."

Having joined Tines in 2019 when the company had only three employees, Moroney has been instrumental in scaling the business. He built the customer success engineering function, guided major enterprise onboardings, and brings deep institutional knowledge and hands-on workflow experience that uniquely positioned him to define Tines' internal intelligent workflow strategy.

"Tines was built for teams that want to eliminate muckwork and focus on high-impact work," said Moroney. "This role is about embodying that philosophy internally and proving what thoughtful, secure, scaled intelligent workflows look like in practice."

Moroney's appointment follows Tines' $125 million Series C round, which valued the company at $1.125 billion, and builds on recent recognition including Tines' placement on the Fast Company Next Big Thing in Tech list and the Fortune Cyber 60 . Based in Ireland, he will work closely with teams across the U.S., Ireland, Europe and Australia.

About Tines

Tines is the intelligent workflow platform trusted by the world's most advanced organizations. Companies like Canva, Coinbase, Databricks, Gitlab, Mars, and Reddit use Tines to power their most important workflows. With Tines, they've built a secure, flexible foundation to operationalize AI agents and intelligent workflows, unlocking productivity, moving faster, and future-proofing how work gets done. Co-headquartered in Dublin and Boston, Tines has raised $272M from investors including Goldman Sachs, SoftBank, Felicis, Addition, Accel, Blossom Capital, and Lux Capital.

Media Contacts:

Jason Fidler

Tines

[email protected]

Bateman Agency for Tines

[email protected]

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SOURCE Tines
TraceLink announced its support for UNICEF's Traceability and Verification System (TRVST), a global initiative improving the safety, authenticity, and traceability of medicines in regions vulnerable to falsified or substandard products. By supporting TRVST, TraceLink reinforces its position as the leading platform for global traceability and patient protection.

BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TraceLink, the largest end-to-end digital network platform for intelligent orchestration of the supply chain, today announced its support for UNICEF's Traceability and Verification System (TRVST)a global initiative designed to strengthen health systems by improving the safety, authenticity, and traceability of medicines distributed in regions where supply chains face elevated risks of falsified or substandard products.

By supporting TRVST, TraceLink reinforces its position as the market's leading platform for global traceability and patient protection, contributing to worldwide efforts to secure medicine quality, strengthen public health infrastructure, and ensure that every patient can trust the medicine they receive.

UNICEF's TRVST Strengthens Global Medicine Traceability

The Traceability and Verification System (TRVST) is a digital platform developed by UNICEF to help governments and supply partners verify and trace medicines, vaccines, and other health products throughout the supply chain.

According to the World Health Organization , an estimated 1 in 10 medical products circulating in certain regions may be falsified or of substandard quality. TRVST directly addresses this global challenge by giving health authorities and partners a secure, standardized digital tool to ensure product legitimacy, maintain treatment continuity, and protect patient safety.

Built on GS1 global data standards, TRVST serves as a centralized repository of product and event information, enabling:

Verification of serialized medicines to confirm authenticity.

Tracking of product movement to identify potential diversion or falsification.

Visibility from manufacturing through delivery at the point of care.

For countries expanding their digital and regulatory capacity, TRVST provides a reliable, scalable foundation for medicine verification and safe, transparent access to life-saving therapies.

TraceLink Empowers TRVST with Proven Global Serialization and Traceability Expertise

As the proven digital backbone for more than 40 global track-and-trace and serialization mandates, TraceLink delivers secure product identification and data exchange across the pharmaceutical supply chain.

By aligning with TRVST, TraceLink helps advance a globally connected network of trusted medicine data, ensuring that the same technology supporting commercial compliance also strengthens humanitarian health systems.

TraceLink's Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Patient Safety

"TraceLink was founded on a simple but vital mission: to ensure that every patient can trust the medicine they receive," said Shabbir Dahod, President and CEO of TraceLink. "Wherever organizations operateand whatever the local traceability requirements may beTraceLink stands ready as a trusted platform to help ensure safe, authentic medicines reach the patients who depend on them."

TraceLink's Support of UNICEF TRVST Advances Global Health Resilience

TraceLink's support of UNICEF's TRVST reflects a long-standing commitment to public health and regulatory readiness. With over 15 years of experience enabling serialization and traceability across global markets, TraceLink continues to help organizations:

Meet evolving compliance and interoperability standards.

Prevent counterfeit and diverted medicines from reaching patients.

Build more transparent and resilient pharmaceutical supply chains.

Establish the digital network and real-time information foundations required for transformative leaps in AI-enabled, end-to-end digital supply chains.

Together, UNICEF's leadership and TraceLink's technology strengthen the foundation of global health supply networks, ensuring that every patient, everywhere, receives medicines that are genuine, safe, and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is UNICEF's Traceability and Verification System (TRVST)?

A: Developed by UNICEF, TRVST helps governments and partners verify and trace medicines, vaccines, and other health products across the supply chain, ensuring reliable product access and authenticity.

Q: How does TraceLink support TRVST?

A: By aligning with TRVST, TraceLink helps advance a globally connected network of trusted medicine data, ensuring that the same technology supporting commercial compliance also strengthens humanitarian health systems.

Q: Why is this partnership important?

A: Substandard and falsified medicines remain a major global health threat. TRVST and TraceLink support the integrity of the medicine supply chain, ensuring that patients worldwide receive safe and authentic products.

Q: How does this align with TraceLink's mission?

A: TraceLink was founded to protect patients by ensuring every pharmaceutical product is safe. Supporting TRVST extends that mission into humanitarian health systems and global public health.

About TRVST

UNICEF's Traceability and Verification System (TRVST) is part of the Verification and Traceability Initiative (VTI), supporting national health authorities and global procurement partners in building traceability infrastructure for medicines and vaccines. It is designed to improve visibility, accountability, and patient safety by leveraging GS1 standards and interoperable data exchange.

About TraceLink

TraceLink Inc. is the largest end-to-end intelligent supply chain platform for life sciences and healthcare, enabling end-to-end orchestration by linking more than 291,000 healthcare and life sciences entities through its Business-to-Network Integrate-Once network. Leading companies trust TraceLink to deliver complete global digitalization, visibility, and traceability of healthcare products, ensuring that every patient receives the medicines they rely on, safely, securely, and on time.

SOURCE TraceLink Inc.
Academic agreement supports pathway for students from community college to higher degrees at the University

PHOENIX, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix is pleased to announce a new academic agreement with Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) that simplifies the transfer process and helps OCCC students pursue bachelor's degrees. The partnership is designed to support student success and create a seamless transition from community college to a four-year university.

"Collaborations like this help remove barriers and create opportunities for busy adult learners," said Provost and Chief Academic Officer at University of Phoenix, John Woodds, Ph.D. "By working with Oklahoma City Community College, we're making it easier for students to build on their academic accomplishments and move confidently toward their goals."

Through this agreement, OCCC students can transfer eligible credits toward any undergraduate degree program at University of Phoenix, saving time and money while advancing their educational goals. The partnership recognizes and validates academic work completed at OCCC, ensuring students can efficiently apply earned credits toward a bachelor's degree.

"At Oklahoma City Community College, we are dedicated to creating opportunities that help our students thrive," said college President Mautra Jones, Ed.D. "This agreement with University of Phoenix provides a clear and supportive pathway for our students to continue their education and achieve their dreams of earning a bachelor's degree."

This agreement enables OCCC students to take advantage of transfer pathways for any undergraduate degree program at the University of Phoenix. The partnership is structured to recognize and validate the academic work completed at OCCC, allowing students to efficiently apply their earned credits toward a bachelor's degree. This can save students time and money while helping them achieve their educational objectives.

The key benefits of this academic agreement include:

Streamlined Transfer Process: A simplified process for transferring credits from OCCC to University of Phoenix.

A simplified process for transferring credits from OCCC to University of Phoenix. Maximized Credit Transfer: Policies and strategies in place to ensure students can transfer the maximum number of eligible credits.

Policies and strategies in place to ensure students can transfer the maximum number of eligible credits. Undergraduate Degree Pathways: Clear pathways for OCCC students to pursue any undergraduate degree program at University of Phoenix.

Clear pathways for OCCC students to pursue any undergraduate degree program at University of Phoenix. Expanded Educational Opportunities: Access to a wide range of academic programs and resources at University of Phoenix.

This collaboration underscores the commitment of both institutions to support student success and expand access to higher education. By creating a seamless transfer process and maximizing credit applicability, University of Phoenix and OCCC are empowering students to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

As a transfer-friendly university, University of Phoenix has invested in a credit mobility culture, implementing policies and processes to support transfer students. On average, University of Phoenix students with eligible credits and relevant experience, on average, saved $11K and 1 year off their undergraduate degree.

Learn more here about transfer credit opportunities at University of Phoenix.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html.

SOURCE University of Phoenix
SUNNYVALE, Calif. and MUMBAI, India, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Xoriant a premier digital engineering company, announces its recognition as a Microsoft Fabric Featured Partner, a milestone that reinforces its leadership in delivering unified analytics, AI-driven insights, and large-scale data modernization for global enterprises. This designation highlights Xoriant's deep capability across Fabric's unified analytics platform, from Lakehouse architecture and Real-Time Intelligence to Fabric Copilot, and affirms its ability to integrate AI seamlessly into business workflows.

Xoriant's recognition is rooted in measurable customer impact across industries. In the retail sector, the company modernized a client's analytics landscape by unifying IoT and transactional data within Microsoft Fabric and applying Azure OpenAI for demand forecasting. This initiative led to a 30% reduction in stockouts, a 15% increase in sales, and delivered $1.2 million in annual savings demonstrating the power of real-time intelligence in high-volume environments. Similarly, in financial services, Xoriant deployed a Fabric-grounded data chatbot built on OneLake, enabling 40% faster resolution times, 35% cost savings, and a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction.

Speaking of the achievement, Mark Spurlock, Xoriant Alliances Market Unit Leader, said "With Microsoft Fabric, we're accelerating our clients' journey - from fragmented systems to software-defined, AI-powered decision-making at scale. We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Microsoft as we co-innovate and bring faster time-to-insight and real business outcomes to enterprises."

The Featured Partner status also provides Xoriant access to exclusive Microsoft programs, including co-marketing initiatives, early previews via Partner Voice, and participation as a sponsor at FABCON 2026. These opportunities will accelerate joint innovation and strengthen Xoriant's position in the Fabric partner ecosystem.

"Being recognized as a Microsoft Fabric Featured Partner reinforces our focus on building modern data foundations that make AI practical and dependable for enterprises," said Madhumitha V, Head of Data & AI  Global Markets, Xoriant. "Together with Microsoft, we help clients strengthen data management across the lifecycle, whether operating in federated or centralized modelsby integrating data, improving quality, establishing governance and lineage, and applying consistent security, so teams can trust what they use for analytics and AI. This data readiness accelerates business use case realization and supports responsible deployment of AI into day-to-day operations. Microsoft Fabric gives us a unified platform to jointly shape innovation with clients, turning priority outcomes into scalable solutions," she added.

Commenting on the milestone, John Yurewicz, Sr. Partner Development Manager, Microsoft US SME&C, said "Xoriant's recognition as a Microsoft Fabric Featured Partner reflects their deep commitment to driving data modernization and AI innovation. Their ability to deliver unified analytics solutions with Fabric, combined with strong customer success stories, positions them as a strategic partner in helping enterprises unlock real-time insights and accelerate business outcomes."

Xoriant's progress in the unified analytics space is supported by 14 certified Fabric specialists, 10+ completed pilots and production deployments, and a growing pipeline of Fabric-led modernization opportunities. Its dedicated Fabric Centre of Excellence continues to drive impact through AI-led analytics modernization, industry-specific ideation workshops, and rapid solution prototypingfully aligned with Xoriant's Applied Intelligence vision of enabling software-defined enterprises.

As organizations increasingly prioritize real-time analytics, automation, and intelligent decisioning at scale, Xoriant's strengthened partnership with Microsoft positions it to help global enterprises unlock the next wave of data-driven value.

For further information about Xoriant, please visit https://www.xoriant.com/ .

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SOURCE Xoriant
About this content 

About Oliver Haill

Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup News Service, Gracenote... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
Olena, 39, spoke daily with her husband, an officer in the Ukrainian army deployed on one of the fronts in the eastern Donetsk region. So, when she lost contact with Maksim, 33, on September 24, she was on high alert. The next day, she started pulling strings and soon received a response from his superiors. In any case, she calmly explains that she even typed, Google, how long can a husband remain missing? Olena stayed informed the whole time, but she didnt know that the five most harrowing weeks of her life lay ahead of her, despite the fact that the army withheld a significant part of what had happened. Shes grateful for that.

Maksim not only starred in one of the most incredible rescues of the war, but his evacuation, completed on October 27, demonstrates that its not just aerial and maritime drones that are shaping the course of the conflict. Land drones are also playing a crucial role, like the one used by his comrades to save the life of this soldier, who was seriously wounded the day he lost contact with his wife. The vehicle, equipped with a kind of metal sarcophagus to protect the body, managed to survive a mine explosion and a drone attack. Olena and Maksim (who prefer not to use their surnames), now together, receive EL PAIS in a hospital room in Kyiv.

On September 24, Maksim and his unit were tasked with delivering supplies and batteries to comrades at the front. They were advancing on foot when he stepped on one of those small, camouflaged mines left by the Russians, designed not to kill, but to maim. His right leg was badly injured, requiring amputation. This is what Olena didnt know. Helping a wounded soldier at the front requires resources, especially when, as in this case, it takes place in an area under enemy control, constantly monitored by drones.

A soldier is left behind to look after him, but after two or three days, another explosive device wounds Maksim again, this time in the arm. They are in a small, practically destroyed village where, according to his account, Russians occasionally arrive in pairs or small groups to take up positions. Both manage to find refuge and hide in what they call the villages library. The Geneva Convention prohibits attacks on wounded service members, but reality on the ground demonstrates that this is not respected.

Olena cares for her husband, Maksim, in a hospital in Kyiv where he is recovering from the attack that cost him his right leg. Luis de Vega

My comrade found some canned food and water in the houses that were more or less intact. He would go out when the drones were less active. The first few weeks were tough: no water, no food, no painkillers while he helped me treat my wounds, Maksim recounts. Only later were his comrades able to get supplies and medicine to them by drone, allowing them to survive. The wounded officer doesnt want to give any details about the soldier who cared for him during that long month because hes still on the front lines, but hes aware of what he did: Without him, I wouldnt be alive today. Im waiting for the day he gets out of there so I can hug and kiss him, Olena adds gratefully.

The First Medical Battalion began to develop what became known as Operation Gver, an acronym with no specific meaning, intended to rescue Maksim. Attempts to deploy drones on the ground, remotely controlled vehicles similar to those used in aerial operations, were made repeatedly. But the Ukrainian army was unable to reach the target. On one occasion, a drone came very close to Maksim and his companions position, but it was ultimately bombed by the Russians. In total, four of these drones were lost in successive attempts. Finally, on the seventh attempt, a Ukrainian-made Maul model reached its target.

The weather was favorable for operating a land drone. As night fell, it started to rain. We maintained radio communication and were told that the vehicle had begun to move and to stay in contact, Maksim recalls. We lay down waiting until it arrived. I dont remember what time it was. We heard the engine and confirmed over the radio that it had arrived. My partner got out, opened it, and then came back for me. He helped me out. I got in. He closed the door and it started moving, the soldier adds. From an operations center, every movement was monitored by a dozen soldiers on several screens.

Theres still some left, theres still some left

I felt two explosions. One near the drone and another when the vehicle hit the mine, but it kept going, he says. Along the way, I was afraid it would be destroyed, that it would stop and Id be stuck there in the middle of it, Maksim explains. Then I started to feel tired. It was incredibly hot inside because of the engine. I just wanted to get there as quickly as possible while on the radio I kept hearing, Theres still more to go, theres still more to go.

For five hours and 58 minutes, the Maul vehicle traveled 40 miles, 23 of which it covered using only three of its four wheels after losing one when it hit the aforementioned mine, according to military sources. It is no surprise that Maksim ultimately lost his right leg, but the armored capsule saved the injured mans life, allowing him to remain inside unharmed, they added in a statement. They are certain that the operation will go down in history as an incredible modern example of Casevac (Casualty Evacuation).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was quick to congratulate and decorate the soldiers involved in an operation that has been hailed as legendary by the army itself. This is due, firstly, to their having saved Maksims life and, secondly, to their having successfully evacuated him for the first time using a domestically produced vehicle under such adverse conditions. Previous versions of the Maul UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) were tracked and electrically powered by a battery. The latest version, the one used in Maksims rescue, is wheeled and equipped with a gasoline engine.

Olena, more talkative than her partner, recalls those 33 days when she clung to the presence of her 14-year-old son like a lifeline: There were positive moments, like when he communicated with me through his commanders on the radio, and I could hear his voice, even though those commanders didnt tell me that he was wounded at the time. And while I was listening to his voice, I didnt even suspect he was. He would tell me, Honey, I love you, everything is fine, Im working.

Maksim still cant explain how he managed to come back alive. Surviving for almost five weeks with a tourniquet to prevent him from bleeding to death was an ordeal. Its a medical measure that normally has to be removed after a few hours. Thats why Olena is overflowing with gratitude towards those who made the rescue possible.

Maksim looks back from his hospital bed. He remembers his time as a security guard at a supermarket in Kherson, until the Russians occupied part of that southern region during the major invasion launched in February 2022. He and Olena, who met in 2018 and married in 2021, eventually escaped after a tough and dangerous period under Russian occupation. They settled in Odesa, also on the Black Sea coast, and in 2024, Maksim was called up and deployed in the east.

Olena shows the engagement ring that paramedics removed from Maksim's swollen finger during the rescue operation. Luis de Vega

Among the various tattoos that dot his skin, one on the right side of his neck stands out: it reads Save me and protect me in Spanish. Both he and his wife maintain that this seemingly random phrase has nothing to do with what has happened in recent weeks. His next goal, once he leaves the medical center, will be to receive a prosthesis and learn to walk again in a country where, between 2022 and 2024, the number of amputees due to the war reached almost 100,000, according to official figures. On the bedside table, Olena keeps the engagement ring that the paramedics had to remove by cutting it from Maksims swollen finger, and which they hope he will soon be able to wear again once his arm has healed.

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About this content 

About Ian Lyall

Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business output at the Daily... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Stephen Gunnion

Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
In a coastal village in the African country, the inhabitants banned the poaching of monkeys and transformed their coexistence with them into a lever for community development and ecotourism

From a canoe, 58-year-old tour guide Leon Djirobo makes an ordinary gesture, which has an extraordinary effect. He arches his hand near the corner of his lip. This doesnt produce words, but rather a sound similar to that of a wild cat. Almost instantly, the verdant mangroves of the Nero River are filled with small black and white spots. Milliardaire, the guides young assistant, stops paddling as about 20 monkeys respond to Djirobos call; a call known for generations. The species, commonly called the white-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus petaurista), confidently and securely approaches to eat bananas from the guides hand.

The Bas-Sassandra region, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cote dIvoire or Ivory Coast, has fallen victim to the massive deforestation and alarming loss of biodiversity that the country has suffered since its independence in 1960. There used to be chimpanzees, panthers, antelopes, and buffalo here, but now only monkeys remain. Now we only eat fish, crab, and crayfish, says the guide. The traditional chiefs of the Nero Mer village, belonging to the Krou or Klayou ethnic group, located on the outskirts of the coastal city of Grand-Bereby, made an unprecedented decision in the 1990s: to prohibit poaching and the consumption of monkeys and dedicate themselves to preserving almost the only animal they had left.

Its thanks to the monkeys that we can study at night, watch television, charge our cell phones at home, listen to music Leon Djirobo, tour guide

Cocoa and cashew plantations, along with mining, are some of the factors that have led to the disappearance of 90% of the areas forest cover, according to official data, resulting in a significant loss of habitat for many species. The inhabitants of this village of 500, who are also palm, cocoa, and rubber farmers, have created a self-managed, community-based tourism model that focuses on the conservation of these animals and on offering visitors a glimpse into their customs and way of life.

A group of white-nosed monkeys in the mangroves of the Nero River in September 2025. Milequem Diarassouba

A community-based vision of sustainable tourism

New generations understand the importance of conservation and the potential that ecotourism can offer. For Nemlin Prince, 32, president of AGtour, an association of tour guides in Cote dIvoire created in 2020, this community-based approach is fundamental, both because of the lack of financial support from the government and the need to involve communities in protecting their own environment, which can in turn bring them economic benefits. Our vision is based on three principles: tourism that preserves the environment, contributing to the local economy, and valuing the social aspects with local communities and cultures, he explains.

For Djirobo, the development they have achieved as a community since that visionary decision 30 years ago has had a significant impact. Less than a decade ago, they were still lighting their homes with oil lamps, but everything changed when a visitor helped them get electricity installed in the village. Its thanks to the monkeys that we can study at night, watch television, charge our cell phones at home, listen to music the monkeys have given us so much, he says. Thanks to the monkeys, our village is on the path to development: we already have electricity, and very soon we will have drinking water, the guide affirms enthusiastically. It took six years to convince the villagers to stop eating monkeys, but the long-term benefits of that decision are already evident throughout the community.

Extending the cultural and generational shift that Nero Mer has achieved among its own residents is one of the fundamental challenges the association has set for itself in order to successfully conserve nature in other places. We want to make communities understand that nature conservation is, above all, beneficial for them, Prince states.

Community initiatives are the only way to show people they can reap economic and tourism benefits, agrees Jose Maria Gomez Penate, a 57-year-old Spaniard. Penate is the founder of Conservation des Especes Marines (CEM), an NGO operating in Grand-Bereby, in the department of San Pedro, the only area in the country with a marine protected area. However, he says he has only been able to keep his project afloat with private funding since he began his turtle conservation journey 15 years ago.

For the founder, conservation only works if it generates economic benefits for the communities; conviction alone is not enough. We operate because we can pay local people and because tourists come thanks to the turtles, but if we didnt have that advantage, we wouldnt have any room to maneuver in Cote dIvoire, he states. On the other hand, while feeding wild animals is not an orthodox way to preserve them, the community social pact implemented by Nero Mer to eliminate poaching was designed with the vision of providing a tangible benefit for the communities and that has led to a relationship of interdependence.

A ban that changed destiny

Through collaboration with local hotels, Leon Djirobo and the inhabitants of Nero Mer receive over a thousand tourists a year from all over the world. Using social media and hotel communications, Djirobo and other guides introduce tourists to the monkeys and then take them to the village, where they are welcomed with traditional customs by the village chiefs. There, they are offered kola nuts, chili peppers, and sugarcane liquor, greeted in the Krou language, and given a deeper understanding of the villages culture and way of life. The visit costs 6,000 CFA francs per person (about $10), and a donation is requested for the village, which funds various community projects. For example, we dont have a health center or a school; the children have to cross the river to get to school, explains Djirobo.

While 30 years ago the inhabitants of Nero Mer enjoyed monkey meat, today the coexistence between them is symbiotic

Furthermore, the activity also allows young people to train in tourism-related fields and enter the industry. Prince, for his part, is aware of the global climate challenges and his efforts seek to counteract these challenges by developing the tourism potential of his region. Our goal is to conserve the environment through the local communities, and our biggest dream is to make Grand-Bereby the first ecological capital of Cote dIvoire.

Today, Nero Mer is reaping the rewards of a historic decision, reflected in the dedication of its inhabitants. The absence of litter in the alleyways, the cleanliness of the village, and the care given to its trees and plants speak volumes about the respect the community has for its environment. While 30 years ago the inhabitants of Nero Mer enjoyed monkey meat, today the coexistence between them is symbiotic. By eating bananas from the hands of their former predators, the primates now provide them with sustenance and greater well-being.

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In the early 2000s, a group of Afro-Colombians went to Washington to pressure their president, who was negotiating a free trade agreement. They wanted to ensure that Black people would be appointed to the Colombian government. Now, Black womens collectives are paving the way for political inclusion in Latin America

More than three years have passed  which sometimes feel like centuries  since Francia Marquez was sworn in as Colombias vice president on August 7, 2022, in Bogotas Plaza Bolivar. That day, Latin America recorded a key moment in the historical struggle for inclusion. For the first time in more than 500 years  since the first ships forcibly brought millions of Africans to the Americas  one of the descendants of enslaved peoples reached political prominence in a country where its estimated that more than 20% of the population is Afro-Colombian. Dressed in a blue-and-orange wax print dress made by a designer from Colombias Pacific Coast and gold earrings featuring the silhouette of the countrys map, the environmental and social leader was sworn in before God, the people and her ancestors. This was the culmination of a career spent campaigning on behalf of those who have long been excluded. Until dignity becomes the norm, she proclaimed. The audience in the plaza gave her a standing ovation.

It was an inauguration laden with symbols, and it took on even greater historic significance considering that, just 15 years earlier, Colombia had its first person of African descent enter the senior ranks of the federal government. In 2007, at just 28-years-old, Paula Moreno was appointed as Minister of Culture. But when that young woman left the Cabinet three years later, she thought she might never again see someone like herself in a position like that. Thats why, on the day Marquez was sworn in as vice president  as the woman with the most popular support in Colombian history  she felt hopeful.

Without a doubt, the ethnic communities mobilized, but the majority of votes came from the rest of the country. And that shows a change in consciousness, an openness that I dont think I ever dreamed of seeing, Moreno says, in an interview with EL PAIS. I didnt imagine that, in a country so classist, so racist, so closed, there would be a level of awareness among the youth, many women, many determined people. It certainly moved me.

Francia Marquez during the inauguration ceremony in Bogota on August 7, 2022. CESAR CARRION (Oficina de comunicaciones de Gustavo Petro)

Before Moreno and Marquez, when the territory that is now Colombia was the Granadine Confederation, an Afro-Colombian man named Juan Jose Nieto Gil was president of the territory. It was 1861, just a decade after slavery had been officially abolished. But his legacy was hidden for more than 150 years until then-Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos included his portrait in the presidential gallery of the Casa de Narino, the presidential palace, in 2018.

Erasing the legacy of African descendants from Latin American political history is common. It happened in Mexico with Vicente Guerrero, one of the heroes of the Independence Movement and a key figure in the abolition of slavery, whose image has been traditionally whitewashed. Or in Argentina, with Maria Remedios del Valle, a captain in Belgranos army. Considered the mother of the country, her legacy has been championed in recent years.

Furthermore, in the regions schools, the key role that Afro-descendants have played in Latin American history  such as in the wars of independence  is barely studied. Its possible to affirm that it was the Maroons [descendants of escaped slaves] who, by undermining colonial power to its foundations, paved the way for American freedom, writes scholar Luz Martinez Montiel, Mexicos first Africanist, in her book The Slave Route (1997). The case of Haiti  the first free territory in the Americas  confirms that the idea of freedom was the most precious legacy of African slaves.

Two centuries years after independence, theres no regional data collection on how many Afro-descendants have held high-ranking governmental posts in Latin America and the Caribbean. But, considering that nearly 25% of the continents population identifies as such, it seems clear that the debt is enormous. Colombia, with Francia Marquez as vice president, has emerged in recent years as a benchmark for the political inclusion of Afro-descendants. Theres also a movement of Black women  including former Costa Rican vice president Epsy Campbell and Brazils current Minister of Equality Anielle Franco, sister of assassinated Councilwoman Marielle Franco  who understand leadership as a collective action. Theyre forging powerful regional networks to ensure that changes are structural and leave no one behind.

Afro-Colombians in the United States Capitol

In the United States, its often said that, for Barack Obama to have been able to run, Martin Luther King had to march, while Rosa Parks had to sit. And, like the U.S. struggle for civil rights, the struggle for the political inclusion of Afro-Colombians in Latin America and the Caribbean is also being forged through the small and large actions of many people.

Some of them make up a group of Afro-Colombians who, at the beginning of this century, traveled to Washington and allied with the Black Caucus in the U.S. Congress. They did this to pressure Colombias then-president Alvaro Uribe, who was negotiating a free trade agreement with the United States. They wanted him to place Black people in his government in Bogota.

We wanted to increase the visibility of Black men and women in Colombia with what we called the pivot strategy: making complaints in Washington so that Bogota would react, recalls Oscar Gamboa, 63, one of the Afro-Colombians who roamed the halls of the Capitol in search of allies for his cause. Born in Buenaventura, on the Colombian Pacific coast, this graduate in Pharmacy and Industrial Engineering experienced racism and discrimination firsthand in Cali  the second-largest Afro-Colombian city in Latin America  when the manager of the company where he worked denied him a promotion because of his skin color. That experience led him to leave the private sector and embark on what he calls a democratic struggle for inclusion.

Luis Gilberto Murillo. CORTESIA

Gamboa remembers the first time he arrived in Washington. It was back in 2000, alongside his friend Luis Gilberto Murillo, a rising young politician who had briefly governed the Colombian department of Choco. Barely speaking English, they went knocking on doors at the Capitol: We asked a police officer how we could talk to a congressman. He asked us if we had an appointment. We innocently said, no. And I remember him saying, Youre crazy! If you dont have an appointment, you wont have a chance. Afterward, he gave them a directory of representatives and suggested they look for the offices of African Americans working on issues related to their interests.

Thus, they arrived at the office of Democratic Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney of Georgia, who promised them a couple of minutes. In the end, however, after learning about their origins, she spent more than 15 minutes speaking with them. She had no idea that there were Black people in Colombia. And that made her very happy. She asked us where they lived, how many there were, what their lives were like, and thats how we began a series of relationships, through which we gained lots of experience, Gamboa recalls. At the time, he was the executive director of the Federation of Pacific Municipalities.

Little by little, he and Murillo gained allies: from compatriots already settled in the U.S. capital  such as Cristina Espinel and Robert Asprilla, who lent them his old car to get around  to the then-Colombian ambassador Luis Alberto Moreno, with whom they agreed to work toward greater inclusion. In those years, several Colombians lobbied on different fronts, such as Pastor Murillo, who paved the way at the United Nations, or Marino Cordoba, who reached out to congresspeople in their districts. Others worked with civil society organizations.

That lobbying effort lasted for years. It began during Andres Pastranas administration (1998-2002) and continued when Alvaro Uribe took office in 2002, with the goal of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. Increasingly comfortable in Congress, the list of Black Caucus members who expressed solidarity with Gamboa and Murillo grew longer: Jessie Jackson Jr., Sheyla Jackson Lee, John Conyers Jr., and Gregory Meeks. Once they visited the Colombians native regions and learned how they lived, there was no turning back.

One of the first to get involved was Congressman Meeks, who, in 2005, traveled to the Colombian Pacific, a resource-rich region home to a large portion of the Afro-descendant population. It has the highest poverty levels in the South American country. The New York Democrat then pledged to speak with his colleagues in Congress to ensure that U.S. foreign aid would include funding for these communities.

Luis Gilberto Murillo, Gregory Meeks and Oscar Gamboa.

After his trip to Buenaventura, Tumaco and Quibdo, Meeks lamented that, despite the influential role theyve played in national development, Afro-Colombians remained marginalized from Colombias culture, economy and politics. And, in the most conflict-ridden regions, he noted that they were trapped between the state, the paramilitaries and the guerrillas. He also said that Uribe had pledged to create a committee to increase the representation of Afro-Colombians in public life. This was inspired by the one that president Harry Truman created for African Americans in 1946.

Two years later, Congressman Charles Rangel  also a Democrat from New York, now deceased  became chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which drafts the federal budget. Gamboa and Murillo approached him. We told him that, in Colombia, there were no Black ministers, generals, or magistrates, that we were invisible, Gamboa recalls. What we learned was that, when president Uribe lobbied [Rangel] for the FTA, he said: Well, we need to put more Afro-Colombians in positions of power in Colombia.

A minister with a historic mission

Thus, in December 2006, Bogota native Luis Alberto Moore became the first Black police general in the countrys history. And, a few months later, on June 1, 2007, Paula Moreno  an industrial engineer with a degree in Italian Language and Culture, who had studied in Europe and who didnt belong to the traditional elite  became Colombias first Black minister.

Born in Bogota to a family of strong women who prioritized her education, Moreno grew up traveling every year to revisit her roots in Santander de Quilichao, in the department of Cauca. As a professional, she had also visited the Pacific, witnessing the structural inequality affecting Afro-Colombians. Therefore, when she was sworn in as minister, she was mindful of her historic mission as a Black woman.

Paula Moreno, former Minister of Culture of Colombia. MARIA ANDREA PARRA VELEZ

In her forthcoming book  The Power of the Invisible: A Memoir of Solidarity, Humanity and Resistance (2025)  Moreno recalls that her appointment generated a sense of collective vindication in Colombia and was celebrated beyond the national borders. The country has the third-largest population of descendants of enslaved Africans, after Brazil and the United States.

Moreno shared her victory with the group of U.S. congresspeople  who had advocated for someone like her to reach government  and also with her Brazilian counterpart, Gilberto Gil, whom she describes as an inspiration.

The African diaspora is a great power and a force of global solidarity. We are more than 1.35 billion people  including Africans and their descendants  who, for centuries, have maintained that umbilical cord with a Blackness that defines our existence in the world, regardless of location. Africa and its descendants lived within me and in the reality of the more than 10 million Afro-Colombians and the more than 150 million Afro-Latinos, Moreno reflects in her memoirs. That collective consciousness from Africa went with us wherever we went, even if we didnt know where on the continent we originated from. Without a doubt, I was a product of that sisterhood.

Sitting in the offices of Manos Visibles (Visible Hands)  the organization she created after leaving government  Moreno says that her tenure at the Ministry of Culture was a demonstration of the power of youth, diversity and culture. She has continued to cultivate this since she founded her civic group, which has already trained nearly 30,000 Black and Indigenous leaders. She has a commitment to service, in order to contribute toward a better society.

I didnt want to be the only Black woman in a position of power, she explains. Rather, I wanted to help create a critical mass of leaders from the countrys marginalized areas, with the best training, support and strategic connections to be the protagonists of the agenda for change, and to build better living conditions not only for excluded communities, but with and from excluded communities, she writes in her book.

In keeping with the pan-African philosophy of Ubuntu  which prioritizes the collective over the individual  Moreno declined any offers to continue in politics. Instead, she opted for this project, which seeks structural changes that open spaces up for those who have been historically forgotten.

That same philosophy led Brazilian politician Anielle Franco  appointed as Brazils minister of Racial Equality in 2023  to support Francia Marquezs vice-presidential candidacy and celebrate her victory in 2022. They killed Mari [Marielle Franco] with five shots to the head. I really believed in her and in the politics she was pursuing, I felt orphaned and very sad. I felt like they had killed me a little, she recalls. Her sister, a city councillor in Rio de Janeiro, was assassinated in 2018.

A few years later, Francia said a phrase that left a mark on me, which was, The people dont give up, damn it. So, we joined forces with other Black activists to come and campaign with her, Franco notes. Along with other women, she transformed her anger into struggle and political action. Francia represented a sea of renewal. She meant that we were alive, even when one of our leaders had been killed.

Anielle Franco, Brazil's Minister of Racial Equality, in 2024. CHELO CAMACHO

For Costa Rican politician Epsy Campbell  the first Black female vice president in Latin America (2018-2022)  Marquezs election symbolized that the representation of Black women in power was beginning to become normalized. Its very striking that, up until 2018, Latin America had never elected a Black female vice president in a region with 200 million people of African descent, where positions of power remain nearly entirely closed to people of African descent, even in countries like Brazil, where the majority of the population is of African descent. The only places where one can inevitably normalize Afro-descendants is in the Caribbean, where 90% or 95% of the population is Black. We were truly very far from a representative democracy, the Costa Rican economist reflects. Were still treated like visitors, even after I dont know how many years of history and country-building.

When Campbell was elected, some friends told her that, in the Colombian department of Choco, many people took to the streets to celebrate. And even though she was initially surprised, she soon understood that it had to do with what the image of her victory meant in the long history of exclusion shared by Latin Americans of African descent. I could have been Afro-Colombian or I could have been Brazilian, it all depended on where I was born, after the people who came before me were kidnapped and captured, she reflects. For me, the logic that we belong to something bigger has always been very present. This rootedness is what strongly unites the networks of Afro women that are expanding across the continent. Theyre protecting themselves from the political violence that  the interviewees all agree  especially affects them.

Epsy Campbell, former Vice President of Costa Rica, in 2024. CHELO CAMACHO

In The Power of the Invisible, Paula Moreno says that Colombias history was written more with an eraser than with a pencil, omitting the stories of an Indigenous, Black, peasant, feminine country, which has regional strength and autonomy. Its a maxim that could easily be extended to the rest of the continents nations. But cases like those of Epsy Campbell, Anielle and Marielle Franco, Francia Marquez, or the Afro-Colombians who lobbied on Capitol Hill  Oscar Gamboa and Gilberto Murillo  remind us that, despite the enormous challenges that prevail in Afro-descendant communities in Latin America and the Caribbean, in every corner of the continent, there are leaders sharpening their pencils to rewrite history.
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Washington, Dec 11 : US lawmakers and senior foreign policy experts have described the United States' partnership with India as "a defining relationship of the 21st century", warning that Chinese aggression requires deeper military, economic, and technological coordination between Washington and New Delhi.

Opening a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia hearing on the USa"India strategic partnership on Wednesday (local time), Chairman Congressman Bill Huizenga said the relationship "is no longer just important. It is a defining relationship of the 21st century", adding that "if America wants a free Indo-Pacifica our partnership with India is critical."

He warned that an "increasingly aggressive China threatens regional stability", citing Beijing's expanding maritime presence, military coercion along the border, and what he called an overt attempt "to encircle and control the Indian Ocean."

Witnesses told lawmakers that India has shown the "stiffest resistance" to Chinese pressure. Jeff Smith of the Heritage Foundation said India "has engaged ina stopping Chinese coercion at their border", and unlike the US, "it was able to ban TikTok essentially overnight". He added that India "has put up fierce restrictions on Chinese investments" and has become one of Washington's most consequential strategic partners.

India's role, experts testified, extends across domains -- from maritime deterrence to intelligence-sharing and emerging technologies. Smith detailed that the two countries are "tracking Chinese submarines together in the Indian Ocean", conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea, and holding mountain warfare exercises in the Himalayas.

Dhruva Jaishankar of ORF America said the partnership has grown because of "economic opportunities for both countries" and a shared concern about China's rise. He noted that China's military mobilisation in 2020 "resulted in clashes in which 20 Indian military personnel lost their lives", while Beijing's network of ports and naval assets across the Indo-Pacific "might be used to secure critical choke points".

Despite this progress, lawmakers voiced concern that recent US trade actions -- including steep tariffs -- were destabilising ties. Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove sharply criticised the administration's approach, saying Trump "will be the American President that lost India", and warning that coercive trade measures "are doing real and lasting damage" to strategic trust.

"The tariff rate on India is currently higher than the tariff rate on China," she said, adding that Washington should not "drive strategic partners into the arms of our adversaries."

India's concerns extend to Washington's renewed engagement with Pakistan's military leadership. Jaishankar said India's view, shaped by "a long and well-documented history" of Pakistan using terrorist proxies, is that "third-party mediation has often contributed to Pakistan's adventurism."

Witnesses and lawmakers agreed the partnership remains vital. In a series of rapid-fire questions, the ranking member asked whether India is critical to countering China's influence, whether India's role in the Quad enhances a free and open Indo-Pacific, and whether a strong partnership improves deterrence. All three witnesses responded: "Yes."

Sameer Lalwani of the German Marshall Fund said India can "shoulder more day-to-day security responsibilities in the Indian Ocean", complicate Chinese military planning, and provide industrial capacity in crises. But he cautioned that a "ay-do gap" in implementing major initiatives, including defence co-production, risks slowing momentum.

Huizenga said maritime security will remain central. India's location along key sea lines, he said, means Chinese control anywhere in the region "could have dangerous leverage over the global economy." Smith urged expanded coordination around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, calling it "an extremely valuable asset" for monitoring naval traffic entering the Indian Ocean.

In their assessments, experts argued that despite recent friction, the logic of deeper engagement is overwhelming. Smith warned that it would be "strategic malpractice of the highest order to discard the quarter-century dividend of trust", while Jaishankar said both sides can still achieve "$500 billion in trade by 2030," expanded cooperation on AI and defence, and new corridors linking the Middle East and Europe.

Indiaa"US defence ties have accelerated over the past decade, backed by foundational military agreements and by Quad cooperation with Japan and Australia. China's assertive posture -- from the South China Sea to the Line of Actual Control -- has pushed the United States and India to coordinate more closely across maritime security, technology, and supply chain resilience.

Bilateral trade now exceeds $200 billion annually, and both nations see each other as central to balancing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. Despite political turbulence, analysts expect security and technology cooperation to deepen in 2026 and beyond.
Washington, Dec 11 : Sharp political criticism dominated a major Congressional hearing, with Democrats warning that President Donald Trump's tariff regime and confrontational approach toward New Delhi could inflict long-term damage on one of America's most vital alliances.

During a Congressional hearing by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia on the USIndia strategic partnership, Democratic Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove accused Trump of unravelling decades of bipartisan progress.

She said the Biden administration had handed Trump "a bilateral relationship at the height of its strength," citing "a revitalised Quad, a budding defence tech partnership and a trusted supply chain partner," only for it to be "flush, flush, flush down the toilet."

She warned that history may judge Trump harshly. "Unless he changes course, Trump will be the American President who lost India," she said. "You do not get a Nobel Peace Prize by driving strategic partners into the arms of our adversaries."

At issue were Trump's 25 per cent "Liberation Day tariffs," followed by an additional 25 per cent levy on India's imports of Russian oil -- a cumulative 50 per cent tariff burden. "The tariff rate on India is currently higher than the tariff rate on China," she said, calling the policy self-defeating.

Democrats also faulted Trump for attacking people-to-people ties through a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, "70 per cent of which are held by Indians," which she described as "a rebuke of the incredible contributions Indians have made" in the US.

Dhruva Jaishankar from ORF America testified that trade negotiations "began before February 13" and that by July, "the two sides had reached quite close" to an agreement. He said India is actively pursuing free trade deals and that "a solution is at hand" if there is political will in Washington.

Witnesses cautioned that tariffs risk overshadowing urgent strategic priorities, including countering China and stabilising supply chains. "This has been a low-cost, high-benefit partnership for the United States," Smith told the panel. "It would be strategic malpractice of the highest order to discard the trust we have built."

The hearing made clear that the tariff confrontation has become the most politically charged issue in the USIndia relationship -- and one with broad geopolitical consequences.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for all NDA Members of Parliament on Thursday at his official residence in New Delhi, marking one of the major interactions of the alliance after its victory in the Bihar Assembly elections.

The dinner, which had earlier been planned during the previous session of Parliament, was postponed due to the floods in Punjab.

According to sources, all NDA MPs are expected to attend the gathering. Senior Union ministers have been given the responsibility of coordinating with MPs from their respective regions.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar are overseeing arrangements for MPs from Odisha and West Bengal. At the same time, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been entrusted with coordination for MPs from the Northeastern states.

Nearly 54 tables have been arranged for the dinner, with each table accommodating eight MPs drawn from different alliance partners along with BJP MPs.

A Union Minister will also be seated at every table, and the Prime Minister is expected to spend time interacting with MPs seated at each table during the dinner.

Earlier in the week, NDA MPs were briefed by the Prime Minister on the governmentas roadmap, particularly highlighting priorities linked to public welfare and governance. Further guidance and direction are expected to be shared during the dinner meeting as well.

Sources said the proposed dinner has been planned as a platform for open and constructive discussions among alliance partners.

It is also expected to give the Prime Minister an opportunity to deliberate on legislative priorities, assess the governmentas broader agenda for the ongoing session of Parliament and reinforce the NDAas collective political direction.

Senior ministers, floor leaders and MPs from all constituent parties of the alliance are expected to take part in the interaction.

The discussions are also likely to touch upon preliminary strategies for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam, with coalition partners expected to fine-tune their approaches ahead of the crucial state-level contests.
Goa, Dec 11 : In a significant development in the Goa nightclub fire investigation, the passports of prime accused Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra have been suspended, officials said.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Central government or any appointed officer has the authority to suspend passports in accordance with Section 10A of the Passports Act 1967 (the relevant provision is included in the Annexure).

Individuals whose passports have been suspended are not permitted to travel out of the country using that passport.

Passports are frequently put on hold in criminal matters, and restoring them necessitates completing legal requirements or stipulations. The following action, as per the sources, will involve the cancellation of passports.

The action prevents the Luthra brothers, currently in Thailand, from travelling further from Phuket and, officials believe, enhances India's prospects of securing their deportation through diplomatic channels with the support of INTERPOL.

According to investigators, the Luthra brothers left for Thailand almost immediately after the blaze that killed 25 people last week.

Details that surfaced on Wednesday show that they booked tickets to Phuket at a time when emergency teams were battling the fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' and attempting to rescue those trapped inside.

As per officials, the brothers logged into the MakeMyTrip (MMT) platform at 1.17 a.m. on December 7 while firefighting and evacuation efforts were still underway at the nightclub. Immigration records indicate that they boarded an IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from Delhi at 5.30 a.m. the same morning.

Even as the investigation tightened its focus on the timing of their departure, the Luthra brothers moved Delhi's Rohini Court on Wednesday with an anticipatory bail plea, asserting that their foreign travel was not an attempt to evade authorities.

Their counsel told the court that Saurabh had flown to Thailand on December 6 "for professional engagements and potential restaurant sites" and argued that the brothers were seeking "legal protection to return to India without immediate arrest".

The court declined to grant interim protection and listed the matter for hearing on Thursday.

The Goa Police opposed the plea, maintaining that the brothers fled within hours of the tragedy and should not be allowed to secure relief while outside the country.

In a parallel development, the Goa Police produced another accused, Ajay Gupta, before a magistrate in Delhi on Wednesday. After completing formal medical procedures, he will be taken to Goa for further questioning.

Investigators say additional arrests are likely as they reconstruct the sequence of events surrounding the fire and examine the alleged attempt by the prime suspects to escape.

The massive fire -- which tore through the club located near the Arpora River backwaters -- claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members.

According to police officials, the club had a narrow entry and exit, which became one of the major reasons why many victims were unable to escape the inferno in time.

The blaze erupted around midnight on Sunday at the club situated in the bustling Baga area, which draws large crowds owing to its proximity to one of Goa's most frequented beaches.
United Nations, Dec 11 : UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher warned of a severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Overlapping shocks, restrictive policies affecting women and girls, the longstanding impact of decades of conflict and chronic poverty, as well as massive funding cuts this year, have left Afghanistan in a severe humanitarian crisis, Fletcher told the UN Security Council in a briefing on Wednesday.

Nearly 22 million people in Afghanistan will need help in 2026, making it the world's third-largest humanitarian crisis, only after Sudan and Yemen, he said.

"Our ask is $1.7 billion to target 17.5 million people. But in response to the funding reality, we have further hyper-prioritised our plan to target 3.9 million people in most urgent need of life-saving help," said Fletcher.

For the first time in four years, the number of people facing hunger has gone up in Afghanistan, now reaching 17.4 million. And essential services -- already insufficient and uneven across the country -- are stretched to a breaking point as Afghan refugees return in record numbers, he noted.

Over 2.6 million Afghans returned in 2025, bringing the number who have returned in the last two years to over 4 million. The situation for those returnees is particularly precarious. Many arrived with few possessions, hosted in already distressed communities and in an economy that cannot provide for them, he said.

Women and children made up 60 per cent of all returnees this year, returning to a country where women and girls are denied opportunities to study, work, and even in some cases, receive health care, he noted.

With 2.5 million Afghans in Pakistan, a large majority of whom have recently seen their legal status revoked, the potential impact of further mass returns is alarming, warned Fletcher.

Despite limited funding, the United Nations and partners have continued to deliver aid as best as they can, he said, adding that the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has released more than 40 million dollars in additional funding.

However, increasing human rights restrictions, particularly on Afghan women staff, have made life for many Afghans ever more difficult, and created extra burdens on the implementation of the world body's humanitarian work, he said.

Humanitarians are working in an incredibly complex environment, with operational, financial and reputational risks, including pressures to amend local beneficiary lists, bureaucratic and administrative impediments, maneuvers to influence staff and contractor selection, restrictions on Afghan women staff, and the potential risk of aid diversion, said Fletcher.

Underfunding has forced service closures and resulted in scaled-back assistance to millions, he said.

This winter is the first in years with almost no international food distribution. As a result, only about 1 million of the most vulnerable people have received food assistance during the lean season in 2025, compared with 5.6 million last year, Xinhua news agency reported.

Some 1.1 million children are missing out on life-saving nutrition as 305 nutrition service delivery points have been closed. With 3.7 million children in need of nutrition, including 1.7 million at risk of death if not treated, the results will be catastrophic, he said.

Up to 422 health facilities were closed in 2025, leaving 3 million people without access to life-saving care, he noted.

"As we look towards 2026, we risk a further contraction of life-saving help -- at a time when food insecurity, health needs, strain on basic services, and protection risks are all rising," warned Fletcher.
On the islands, the concept of restoration is heterogeneous. While academics cling to it as a principle of social justice, other groups delve into self-repair

In April 2024, a 40-centimeter-long lizard specimen, known as the Jamaican giant galliwasp, which is now presumed extinct, traveled from the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, to its homeland: Jamaica. Preserved in a jar of formaldehyde and nicknamed Celeste after its scientific name, Celestus occiduus, the specimen was repatriated thanks to an agreement with the University of the West Indies as an act of reparation for the islands slave-owning and colonial past. The animal, which had been taken from the Caribbean country around 1850, was returned as a symbolic gesture for a past in which even science and research were colonized.

After the University of Glasgow publicly acknowledged that it had benefited from the slave trade, in 2019 it joined forces with the University of the West Indies to explore how to make amends to countries that still bear these scars. Together, they created the Glasgow-Caribbean Centre for Development Research, through which the institutions seek to raise 20 million (about $25 million). This is one of the thousand faces of historical reparation that seeks to redress the damage of colonization and slavery in the countries of the Global South.

The term reparation, which emerged in the context of the first Pan-African Conference held in London in 1900, served to begin charting a course in favor of the struggles of Africans and Afro-descendants for their total emancipation. Although it takes many forms  ranging from the return of art to economic or psychological reparations  there is one essential first step: acknowledging the facts. For Puerto Rican academic Barbara I. Abadia Rexach, a professor at San Francisco State University, Afro-reparations are imperative in order to establish responsibilities and seek solutions to the problems that have historically afflicted Black communities, but are currently very distant from reality, slow, and, for many peoples, non-existent.

A vendor at a market in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 1. GABY ORAA

Despite being a matter of state and a crime against humanity, according to the United Nations, in the region these types of petitions are usually led by anti-racist civil movements. We seek to settle a historical debt that has been a real nightmare for our peoples, says Dominican historian and cultural manager Dario Solano. Part of the relevance of reparations is that they are not repeated. Today, more than ever, it is necessary to articulate a major movement in favor of reparations.

The vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Sir Hilary Beckles, one of the leading figures in the field of reparations, recalls that the purpose of the nations that were built through slavery was to extract wealth from these peoples and communities and transfer it to the industrialized nations of the Global North. If we want sustainable development, we have to solve this problem. And the best way to do that is through a framework of restorative justice in which the countries that have extracted wealth from our people have to give back a portion of that wealth to facilitate basic development, stated the president of the Caribbean Community Reparations Commission (Caricom) in a video made by the United Nations to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Created in 2013, this Caribbean commission seeks to prepare the legal arguments for a potential case in which the governments of the former colonies provide reparations to Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in the region whose ancestors were victims of slavery, the slave trade, racial apartheid, and genocide. Caricom has made a direct appeal to Europe through a 10-step plan to achieve this reparation, beginning with a full and formal apology in which these governments accept responsibility and commit to non-repetition and to repairing the damage caused.

The next steps Caricom lists are the creation of development programs for Indigenous peoples; funding for communities that want to return to Africa to do so; restoration of historical memory; assistance in remedying the public health crisis left by slavery; educational programs; improvement of historical and cultural knowledge exchanges; psychological rehabilitation as a result of trauma transmission; and the right to development through the use of technology. The last point is perhaps the most talked-about and controversial issue: debt cancellation and monetary compensation.

A man prepares fish for lunch on the shore of a beach in Barbados. GABY ORAA

Haiti, the latest nation to join the Caricom Reparations Commission, is the perfect example of the snowball effect caused by the absence of economic reparations. More than two centuries after the period of slavery, the first American country to gain independence from colonial power and abolish slavery (in 1804) is mired in an unprecedented security and political crisis.

The liberators of the worlds first independent Black republic executed 4,000 colonists and destroyed the fields where Haitians had been enslaved. But the cost of freedom was high. France agreed to recognize it as a nation on one condition: compensation of 150 million francs (about $21 billion today) to make up for the loss of land and slaves, an amount equivalent to 10 times the states income. It took 122 years to pay off the debt of independence and, ironically, Haiti became the only country in the world to compensate its own colonizer.

Although some Haitian presidents have asked France to repay that debt and interest, it has so far refused. For Jennie-Laure Sully, a member of the Solidarite Quebec-Haiti organization and anti-imperialist activist, talking about reparations is in most cases, empty rhetoric. The foreign powers that govern Haiti allow talk of reparations because they know that no one can do anything to actually make them happen, she laments. This critical discourse on reparations is repeated throughout the Caribbean. For many activists and academics, demanding reparations is a mere formality, as gestures of forgiveness and reparation have been few and far between.

The interpretation of reparations is as diverse as the Caribbean islands themselves. Many Rastafarians in Jamaica said it would mean returning to the African continent. In Barbados, they have advocated for reforming the financial system that suffocates countries affected by extreme weather events for which they are not responsible. In the Dominican Republic, a country whose public discourse denies its past of slavery, the day of its abolition is commemorated almost in secret and reparations are not on the political agenda; and in Puerto Rico, there are laws that advocate for an end to discrimination based on Afro hair or skin color. In Cuba, the close economic relationship with Spain has dismantled the discourse of reparation.

Rolando Rensoli, secretary of the Coordinating Group of the National Program against Racism and Racial Discrimination Color Cubano, points out that the island cannot be thought of as a fractured nation: We are genetically mixed, phenotypically diverse, and ethnically we are one people. According to him, 105 of the worlds 110 skin tones exist in Cuba. And although he does not deny that discrimination exists or that reparations are being sought, he rules out that such requests have been made at this time.

Horse handlers take racehorses from the Garrison Savannah racetrack to bathe them at Pebbles Beach. GABY ORAA

For Geydis Fundora, sociologist and professor at the University of Havana, the legacy of the Cuban Revolution narrowed some of the many gaps left by colonization with regard to Black people. Access to public education and housing was part of a process of self-repair and equality that was shaped from within. Universal policy has allowed for upward development, but there is still a need to correct the gaps that remain along the way. The decolonial perspective is not yet a critical reflection that has entered the government with force, she explains. One of the current challenges is to position these views, which are being addressed in feminist and anti-racist spaces, and incorporate them into public policy.

Given the historical contexts and diverse languages of the Caribbean countries, the academics consulted believe it is normal for the various demands to have arisen in parallel and independently. Abadia Rexach, however, regrets that the region has focused on differences rather than on what unites it. In Puerto Rico, we see the world through the eyes of the United States, so we are not necessarily aware of the demands of our Antillean neighbors. If we could fulfill the dreams of Ramon Emeterio Betances and other philosophers who dreamed of a pan-Caribbeanism, of a single Caribbean, the history of historical reparation here would be different. Faced with the cultural perspective, very scattered, based on the recovery and validation of historical memory on which the reparations agenda in the Caribbean has been rebuilt, the Dominican Solano proposes seeking common ground and overcoming fragmented positions. The African diaspora has a right to better luck, he says.

From school to land: self-reparation in Barbados

Meanwhile, in other parts of the Caribbean, such as Barbados, other forms of reparation are being tried out. Lawyer Tempu Nefertari, who was deputy director of the Pan-African Affairs Commission, has pushed for what she calls self-reparation. Reparations, first and foremost, have to address human capital, she says. As part of her work defending childrens rights, she began implementing workshops in schools to improve students self-esteem because she had detected that they had an inferiority complex. The program included exercises in recognizing African roots, classes on Black kings, African dress and cuisine, and hair braiding contests. They even worked with a book that suggested Jesus Christ could have been Black. Some parents were so upset that they said their children would no longer participate in the workshops, the lawyer recalls.

Created in 2010, the program to boost the self-esteem of children of African descent expanded to other Caribbean islands and served as the basis for a similar program by the Barbados Commission for Pan-African Affairs called Mabalozi, which means ambassador in Swahili and included the establishment of Black History Month in the islands schools. Although both initiatives have now ended, Nefertari  who changed her own name to an African one during this search process  believes that these exercises are vital. If people are not aware of the damage, they will not be able to seek redress.

Aldair Sobers teaches young people how to plant trees on land that once belonged to a slave plantation in Barbados, on June 29, 2025. GABY ORAA Tourists tour an old 17th-century plantation house, built with slave labor and preserved today as one of the country's main historical sites. GABY ORAA Old photographs taken at the former St. Nicholas Abbey plantation house. GABY ORAA The president of the Sojourner Foundation, Aldair Sobers, has promoted the Youth Agriculture and Leadership Program on the island. GABY ORAA Tourists watch an old recording about the history of a 17th-century plantation house. GABY ORAA

Aldair Sky Sobers also works on self-repair. As he walks through land that was once a slave plantation, he explains that he now leases it from the government to carry out the work of The Sojourner Foundation, the charity he leads and where he works with young people. Much of the conversation around reparation has come from government circles, where they dont even acknowledge that they have been complicit, he says. We must be careful to try to be liberators, but without being oppressors. For him, reparation is an act of healing. And all healing, really, is about having access to land: being able to plant food, watch it grow, and then be able to eat it.

Thats what he does with his foundation. If young people have access to land, they also have freedom, he insists, emphasizing that land is not property, but a space to rest, to understand how patience and discipline work, and to exercise climate justice. There is a liberation in being able to grow my own food instead of having to follow the rules and wait for a ship to arrive or for prices to be reasonable.

Along similar lines, Professor Zaira Simone-Thompson, coordinator of the Caribbean Studies minor at Wesleyan University in the United States, explains that while compensation and wealth redistribution are important, they do not replace the urgency to redesign an educational curriculum and create a process that is controlled by Afro-Caribbean people. Although she was born in Brooklyn, she has dedicated her academic career to exploring reparations practices in the Caribbean, including Caricoms 10-step proposal.

The fact that racial capitalism can survive even in the absence of colonial agents makes me think that the transformations have to be more profound, she says. Simone-Thompson argues for the need for self-reparation, which she defines as the social, cultural, and psychological dimensions of healing in an article explaining how the removal of the statue of Lord Horatio Nelson  a slave owner considered a hero by the British  from Heroes Square in Bridgetown, Barbados, sparked a conversation about reparation.

Self-reparation, Simone-Thompson continues, can include the restoration of cultural and spiritual practices that have been hindered or marginalized by forms of racial violence, while reparations such as payments or the restitution of property seek to redress more material damages. Reparation, says the scholar, means putting an end to colonial nostalgia.
Washington, Dec 11 : The United States and India are intensifying cooperation on counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing, senior experts told lawmakers.

During the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia hearing on the USa"India strategic partnership here on Wednesday (local time), eminent American experts on South Asia warned that Pakistan's continued use of militant proxies and China's expanding footprint in the region demand deeper alignment between Washington and New Delhi.

Sameer Lalwani of the German Marshall Fund told members that counterterrorism coordination between the two countries "goes back since the Mumbai attacks in 2008" and today encompasses "law enforcement, intelligence sharinga counterterrorism (and) counterterror financing."

He cited India's close cooperation with the United States at the Financial Action Task Force and the role of the Combined Maritime Force, which he said is undertaking "a lot of interdiction of illicita trafficking, shipping arms, drugs and financing, all that sort of finance terrorism."

Lalwani said India's capabilities are advancing rapidly, with new "space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance" assets and "AI tools and applications for better data fusion" that will allow both countries to "more rapidly address threats". As these systems evolve, he said, "We'll start to see more effective deterrence and counterterrorism operations."

Committee Chairman Bill Huizenga highlighted the momentum in bilateral engagement, noting that the United States and India hosted the 21st Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism this week, where officials discussed "emerging threats, terror recruitment and financing". He said the dialogue reflects "significant opportunities" to expand operational, intelligence, and policy coordination.

But alongside optimism, the testimony featured pointed warnings -- especially about Pakistan.

Dhruva Jaishankar from ORF America told lawmakers that Pakistan has a "long and well-documented history of using non-state terrorist proxies against India". He stressed that India's experience has shown that "third-party mediation has often contributed to Pakistan's adventurism", a reference to past crises where US involvement, however well-intentioned, unintentionally emboldened Pakistani military planners.

Jeff Smith of the Heritage Foundation also underscored Pakistan's centrality to India's security calculus.

Quoting former President Trump's earlier criticism of Islamabad, he reminded members: "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years. And they have given us nothing but lies and deceita They have given safe haven to the terrorists we hunta with little help. No more."

Smith added that "a great deal of that terrorism has emanated from Pakistan," arguing that Washington and New Delhi "need to do morea to convince the Pakistani military to stop using terrorist groups as assets of their foreign policy."

Lawmakers noted that the recent attack in Kashmir -- also mentioned during testimony as having been carried out by "gunmen from a well-known Pakistani terrorist group" -- has heightened Indian concerns.

Smith recounted that after the attack, India launched strikes on terrorist training camps, leading to an exchange involving "missiles, artillery and drones". He repeated what US President Donald Trump has been claiming, that the US intervened diplomatically to establish a ceasefire.

However, New Delhi has maintained that Pakistan had urged India for a ceasefire agreement, and the decision was bilateral without any third-party involvement.

Witnesses said the evolving threat landscape now requires fusing counterterrorism with a wider Indo-Pacific strategy. Lalwani noted that India's growing maritime capabilities -- including contributions to standing missions in the Indian Ocean -- support broader deterrence goals, adding that cooperation in "anti-submarine warfare, things like thata is also happening with the Quad."

Jaishankar emphasised that India's approach is increasingly regional. He said India is now "providing military equipment to countries, including the Philippines", listing "anti-ship cruise missiles" among recent transfers, reflecting a broader effort to counter coercive actors and strengthen security partnerships.

Experts, during the testimony, made clear that counterterrorism remains one of the strongest pillars of the USa"India relationship. Huizenga said maintaining momentum in intelligence cooperation and operational coordination is essential at a moment when adversaries "are redrawing borders by force" and testing democratic partnerships across South Asia.
Chennai, Dec 11 : The Tamil Nadu government has issued a strict warning to employees planning to stay away from work on Thursday as part of a statewide one-day strike called by various government employees' unions.

Chennai, Dec 11 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has issued a strict warning to employees planning to stay away from work on Thursday as part of a statewide one-day strike called by various government employeesa unions.

Chief Secretary Muruganandam has made it clear that a dayas salary will be deducted from all employees who skip duty to participate in the protest.

The government employeesa unions, led by the Federation of Government Employees and Teachers Associations, have been protesting continuously, demanding the scrapping of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

As part of this ongoing agitation, the unions have announced a one-day strike on Thursday, asking employees across departments to abstain from work.

Responding to this, the Chief Secretary issued a circular warning that any employee availing leave on today -- except for medical leave -- will face a cut in salary. The circular, sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries and District Collectors, instructs that no form of casual leave or any other type of leave should be sanctioned for December 11, except on genuine medical grounds.

The instructions further emphasise strict monitoring of attendance across all government departments. Department heads have been asked to ensure that employees report to duty as usual and to take note of any unauthorised absence.

Officials failing to follow attendance rules will be deemed to have violated service regulations, the circular stated.

To ensure close supervision, the Chief Secretary has directed all departments to send a consolidated attendance report to the government by 10.15 a.m. via email. This record is expected to include the names of employees present, absent, and those attempting to avail leave without proper approval.

The governmentas tough stance comes amid increasing pressure from employeesa unions, which argue that the CPS denies them financial security after retirement. They have been demanding the revival of the OPS, which guarantees a fixed pension for life. While the state government has acknowledged the concerns, it has maintained that reverting to the old pension model will impose a heavy financial burden on the exchequer.

With the unions insisting on intensifying their protest and the government refusing to yield, Thursdayas strike is expected to test the participation levels across departments -- especially in the backdrop of the stern warning that salaries will be docked for absence.
Washington, Dec 11 : Top American Senators heard stark warnings about China's accelerating nuclear expansion and its move toward AI-enabled command systems, with witnesses telling lawmakers that Beijing is proceeding at a "breathtaking pace" and could fundamentally shift the strategic balance across the Indo-Pacific.

The testimony carries significant implications for Asian security, including India, as China builds capabilities that extend far beyond regional boundaries.

Marshall Billingslea, the former Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday (local time) that China is now "on pace to deploy as many operational nuclear weapons, strategic nuclear weapons as the United States by 2035, if not sooner."

"They're going faster than we previously briefeda It is alarming," he added.

Billingslea warned that Beijing's breakout is not limited to long-range systems. "China has ensured that virtually all of its missile systems, both intermediate range ballistic and cruise missiles, are dual capable," he said, noting that the People's Liberation Army has "built thousands of these systems." When asked whether China sought parity or dominance, he replied: "At a minimum, they're pursuing parity. I personally believe that they intend to surpass us."

Lawmakers pressed witnesses on the emerging link between artificial intelligence and nuclear escalation risks. Senator Dave McCormick described AI's expanding role in "enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissancea threat detection and decision support processing," warning that it could have "positive and I assume negative ramifications for global stability."

Billingslea cautioned that China's shift toward high-speed launch decisions was especially dangerous in an AI-driven environment. "China is moving to a launch-on-warning posture and the potential for miscalculation with that posturea really does create sort of a hair trigger kind of environment," he said. If AI is "not controlled fully by humans, (it) could cause real problems."

Rose Gottemoeller, former Undersecretary of State for Arms Control, added that Washington and Beijing had taken only a tentative first step. She noted that President Biden and President Xi Jinping had agreed that "there should always be a person in the loopa for nuclear command and control decision making," a formulation she called "an important step forward." She said future diplomacy must "flesh out exactly what that means because technically it is a difficult matter to sort out."

Both witnesses warned that China has resisted sustained nuclear talks even as it modernises at unprecedented speed. Gottemoeller said the Chinese have been "very active in multilateral settingsa but not on a bilateral basis." Still, she pointed to signs of movement, noting Xi Jinping's agreement to meet President Trump twice in 2026, saying, "This presents some opportunities now for engaging them, and the door seems to be beginning to crack open."

For India and Indo-Pacific states, senators said the implications are far-reaching. China's nuclear and missile trajectory -- combined with AI integration -- places new pressure on regional deterrence frameworks, crisis-management mechanisms, and missile-defence planning.

While India was not mentioned in testimony, experts say any dramatic shift in Chinese nuclear posture inevitably affects the strategic environment stretching from the Himalayas to the Western Pacific, especially as Beijing develops capabilities intended for both continental and maritime theatres.

The Committee also examined how Beijing's modernisation interacts with its partnerships with Russia and North Korea. Billingslea described Russiaa"China nuclear cooperation as "worrisome", adding that Moscow is helping Beijing "obtain the fissile material necessary for its buildup." Senators warned that such networks strengthen Chinese capabilities in ways that will ripple across Asia.

Notably, China already possesses the world's largest inventory of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles, many with ranges relevant to South Asia and the Indian Ocean. Its rapid expansion of missile silos, testing of hypersonic glide vehicles, and reported development of fractional orbital systems place it at the centre of a new strategic competition shaping Indo-Pacific security debates.

The United States has repeatedly stated that China's refusal to engage substantively on nuclear transparency contradicts its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which requires nuclear-weapon states to "pursue negotiations in good faith."

For India, which follows a declared no-first-use posture outside the NPT framework, China's trajectory -- combined with Beijing's advances in space, cyber, and AI warfare -- underscores why the Indo-Pacific is at the heart of the emerging global nuclear order.
Hyderabad, Dec 11 : Polling for the first phase of the Telangana Gram Panchayat elections is currently underway on Thursday. The voting began at 7 a.m. for 3,834 Sarpanch posts and 27,628 Ward Member posts amid tight security.

A total of 12,960 candidates are in the fray for Sarpanch posts, while 65,455 candidates are competing for the Ward Member posts.

More than 56 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes at 37,562 polling centres spread across 189 mandals.

The polling will continue till 1 p.m., while the counting of votes will be taken up from 2 p.m. Subsequently, a meeting of newly-elected ward members will be held to elect deputy sarpanches.

The elections are being seen as a test for ruling Congress and opposition BRS and BJP even though Gram Panchayat polls are conducted on a non-party basis.

The poll notification was issued for 4,326 Sarpanch posts and 37,440 Ward Member posts. No nomination was filed for five Sarpanch posts and 169 Ward Member posts.

Sarpanches for 396 Gram Panchayats and 9,633 Ward Members were elected unanimously.

Courts have granted a stay for elections to one Gram Panchayat and 10 Ward Members.

A total of 56,19,430 electorate, comprising 27,41,070 males and 28,78,159 females, are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase.

A holiday has been declared in areas where elections are being held to enable voters to cast their votes.

A total of Station Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini said that all arrangements have been made for peaceful, free and fair elections.

Over one lakh polling staff are on duty. In 3,461 Gram Panchayats, direct webcasting has been arranged to ensure real-time monitoring of the polling process.

District Collectors (District Election Authorities) and General Observers are observing the polls through webcasting.

More than 50,000 police personnel have been deployed. Personnel from Civil Police, Armed Reserve, Telangana State Special Police (TGSP), and staff deputed from other departments, such as Forest and Excise, have been mobilised to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.

Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy said since the counting of votes will take place immediately after the polling, adequate security has also been arranged at all counting centres.

So far, enforcement teams have seized cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other inducements worth Rs 8.20 crore during the ongoing election process. A total of 229 FIRs have been registered for violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

As per the notification issued by the State Election Commission last month, the panchayat elections will be held in three phases on December 11, 14 and 17 for 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 Ward Member posts.

A total of 1.66 crore votes in rural areas are eligible to cast their votes in these elections.

The Telangana Cabinet last month decided to conduct only Gram Panchayat elections in December as the Rs 3,000 crore grant, which should come from the Centre, will lapse by March 31, 2026.

Elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) and municipal corporations will be held after the High Court's final orders on 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).

In October, the High Court struck down a government order providing 42 per cent reservation for BCs in local bodies but allowed conduct of the elections with a 50 per cent cap on total reservation for all sections.

The SEC has provided 17.08 per cent reservation in Gram Panchayats for BCs. Out of total 12,735 Gram Panchayats, 2,176 have been reserved for BCs.

-- With inputs from IANS
Chennai, Dec 11 : Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of actor-turned-politician Vijay is holding an important strategy meeting on Thursday in Chennai, bringing together its state executives and district secretaries as the party intensifies preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The session, scheduled for 10 a.m. at the party headquarters, is expected to focus on the next phase of election planning, booth-level mobilisation, and coordination of field activities.

The meeting comes at a time when TVK chief Vijay and the party leadership have been taking multiple steps to strengthen the organisation ahead of the polls.

Over the past few months, TVK has been simultaneously expanding its membership base and boosting its public outreach.

After a brief pause following the Karur crowd-related incident, Vijay resumed his engagements with a public meeting at a private college in Kanchipuram and later addressed a similar event in Puducherry. These appearances underline the partyas determination to maintain its political momentum.

As part of its grassroots strengthening, TVK has established 69,000 booth committees across the 234 Assembly constituencies. These committees have begun door-to-door visits, meeting families and rallying support for the party.

Senior TVK executives have also been conducting periodic review meetings to assess organisational progress and fine-tune electoral strategies. Todayas consultation gains added significance as it brings together key decision-makers within the party.

While there is no official confirmation on whether Vijay will attend, chief coordinator of the executive committee, Sengottaiyan, and several senior leaders -- including those who recently joined TVK -- are expected to participate.

According to a post attributed to TVK General Secretary N. Anand on the partyas official X handle, the presence of all state executives and district secretaries has been mandated.

With the election season fast approaching, TVK aims to streamline its campaign machinery and ensure coordinated efforts across all constituencies. The discussion is expected to shape the partyas upcoming political moves and strategies as it positions itself as a serious contender in Tamil Naduas electoral landscape.

--IANS

aal/dpb
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Delhi Police on Thursday arrested three snatchers who were identified after an extensive analysis of more than 300 CCTV cameras.

According to a statement released by the Anti-Snatching Cell of the South-West District, the team has done a commendable job by arresting three notorious snatchers -- Paras alias Bharat, aged 34, from Gandhi Market, Sagarpur; Pankaj alias Kake, aged 38, a resident of Ram Mandir, Jhanda Chowk, New Ashok Nagar; and Vinod Ghosh, aged 35, from Sagarpur. With their arrest, a snatched gold chain and a motorcycle used in the crime were recovered from their possession.

On December 2, a gold chain snatching incident occurred in the jurisdiction of Sagarpur Police Station. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 575/25 under Sections 304(2)/3(5) of the BNS was registered at Sagarpur Police Station, and an investigation was initiated.

To solve the case, a dedicated team was formed under the leadership of Inspector Hari Singh, in charge of the Anti-Snatching Cell (SWD). The team included Sub Inspector Kamal Kant, Head Constable Sumer, HC Anil, HC Narender, HC Shishram, Constable Sunny, Ct. Nitin, and Ct. Maan Singh. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Vijay Pal Tomar, ACP (Operations), South-West District, to nab the accused.

The team meticulously examined more than 300 CCTV cameras across the South-West and West Districts. The accused were spotted using a Yamaha FZ motorcycle and employing several deceptive tactics to evade arrest. These included taking multiple rounds in an area before committing the crime, changing clothes after snatching to avoid identification, and riding in a reckless zig-zag manner to blur the number plate in CCTV footage.

Through manual intelligence and secret informers, all three accused were successfully identified and apprehended. The snatched gold chain and the motorcycle used in the crime have been recovered.

During interrogation, the accused confessed that they indulged in gold chain snatching to earn quick money. They revealed that after committing the crime, they would sell the stolen gold to various individuals in Delhi. They were on their way to sell the snatched items when they were arrested. They also admitted that they exclusively used a Yamaha FZ motorcycle for such offences.

Further investigation is underway.
Washington, Dec 11 : Two of the most influential Indian American lawmakers in the United States Congress -- Rep. Ami Bera and Rep. Pramila Jayapal -- delivered some of the sharpest and most substantive interventions during the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia hearing on the US-India strategic partnership, pressing for a steadier, more values-driven and innovation-centred vision for the relationship.

Washington, Dec 11 (IANS) Two of the most influential Indian American lawmakers in the United States Congress -- Rep. Ami Bera and Rep. Pramila Jayapal -- delivered some of the sharpest and most substantive interventions during the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia hearing on the USa"India strategic partnership, pressing for a steadier, more values-driven and innovation-centred vision for the relationship.

Bera, a Democrat from California and one of the longest-serving Indian American members of Congress, underscored the depth of bipartisan support behind the relationship.

"We recently introduced a resolution, a sense of Congress that was bipartisan, 24 members, talking about three decades of strategy going back to President Clinton to President Bush to President Obama to President Trump's first term to President Biden," he told the panel.

The message, he said, is clear: the United States and India "both wanta an atmosphere of security, peace, prosperity."

Bera said his recent visit to India underscored a maturing strategic alignment. He described conversations with Indian officials, business leaders and military officers, saying his assessment was that "India understands their long-term interests."

While New Delhi must "coexist with China", he said, India increasingly sees "a lot of their long-term interests lie with the Westa the United States (and) Europe." He added that India is "welcominga multinational companies investing," reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in secure supply chains.

On defence cooperation, Bera cited growing maritime collaboration in the Indian Ocean and urged deeper joint training. He said the Western Naval Command visit highlighted that "the maritime partnership between the United States and India is extremely strong right now," and that both countries share a desire to "do more joint training, more exercises" to protect freedom of navigation in a vast and contested region.

Bera also addressed one of the hearing's most politically sensitive topics: visa restrictions and barriers to scientific mobility. He criticised the administration's $100,000 H-1B fee, saying it harms American companies and innovation. "We need this talent," he said, urging Congress to craft a new visa category that allows "Indian scientists to travel back and forth to the United States as well as US scientists and engineers to move back and forth to India." Such exchanges, he argued, are essential for cooperation on AI, biotechnology, health security and advanced manufacturing.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, also a Democrat and the first Indian American woman to serve in Congress, brought a deeply personal and pointed perspective. "I'm very proud of my roots in India, my birth country," she said, noting that her mother still lives there. As someone who has lived the immigrant experience -- "the only member of Congress to have been on both a student visa and an H-1B visa" -- she warned that restrictive immigration policies are damaging families, businesses and the bilateral relationship.

Jayapal said she has heard from Indian American entrepreneurs that tariff escalations are jeopardising livelihoods. A fifth-generation company in her district, she noted, told her that the most recent tariff hikes were "the greatest threat to their business in over 120 years." She called the administration's approach -- including the 50 per cent cumulative tariff burden on many Indian goods -- economically shortsighted and strategically harmful.

Jayapal also raised concerns about rising "anti-Indian hate" in the United States and emphasised that Indian Americans are "extremely important to our economy, an integral part of our societya running major Fortune 500 companies as well as startups and leading cutting-edge research to save lives."

On geopolitics, Jayapal pressed witnesses on whether punitive measures could push India closer to alternative blocs. Sameer Lalwani acknowledged that such tariff disparities "can push India closer" to BRICS and the SCO, an outcome she said would undermine US interests.

Together, Bera and Jayapal framed a dual imperative: strengthening defence and technological cooperation while also protecting democratic values, scientific mobility, economic openness and people-to-people trust.

Their message was clear -- a stable and future-oriented USa"India partnership must be built not only on shared strategic aims, but also on the lived experiences and aspirations of millions of Indian Americans who form the "living bridge" between the two nations.
New Delhi: A large heap of passengers? suitcases is seen at IGI Airport amid mass cancellations of IndiGo flights as the airline grapples with a major operational crisis in New Delhi on Monday, December 8, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/Deepak Kumar

New Delhi, Dec 11 : IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta on Thursday said that the airline's Board will bring in external technical experts to work with the management and identify the root causes behind last week's massive flight disruptions.

In a detailed statement, Mehta said the experts will help ensure that such large-scale operational failures never happen again.

Mehta began his message by apologising to passengers affected by the disruptions that occurred between December 3 and 5.

He said thousands of travellers were stranded, with many missing important personal events, business meetings, medical appointments and international connections. Baggage delays further added to the chaos.

"We are truly, truly sorry," he said, acknowledging that the airline failed to meet customer expectations.

He explained that the Board had initially chosen not to make an early statement because it wanted the management, led by CEO Pieter Elbers, to focus on restoring operations.

"IndiGo is now operating more than 1,900 flights a day, connecting all 138 destinations, with on-time performance back to normal levels," he stated.

Mehta said the airline has faced both fair and unfair criticism. He admitted that the fair criticism was that the airline let passengers down.

He assured that IndiGo will carefully examine what went wrong and will provide answers to customers, the government, shareholders and employees.

"As part of this process, the Board has decided to involve independent technical experts to support the investigation and corrective actions," Mehta added.

He also countered several allegations, including claims that IndiGo engineered the crisis, tried to influence government rules or compromised safety.

"The airline fully followed the updated pilot fatigue rules and did not attempt to bypass them at any point," Mehta mentioned.

"The disruptions were caused by a combination of internal issues and unexpected external factors such as minor technical glitches, winter schedule adjustments, bad weather, congestion in the aviation system and the implementation of new crew rostering rules," he added.

Mehta emphasised that the Board had been closely involved throughout, saying it held an emergency meeting on the first day of disruptions and set up a Crisis Management Group that has been meeting daily.

"Refunds worth several hundred crores have already been processed, help has been provided for accommodation and travel, and remaining delayed baggage is being delivered," Mehta noted.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Delhi businessmen Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who left India shortly after a massive fire at their Goa nightclub claimed 25 lives, have been taken into custody in Thailand.

The two, known for running the Romeo Lane restaurant chain with branches in several cities across four countries, reportedly flew to Phuket just hours after the tragedy at their establishment, aBirch by Romeo Lanea, located in Arpora, North Goa.

They are facing charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with serious allegations of negligence. Indian agencies are expected to formally request their deportation so that they can be tried in Goa, according to NDTV.

Earlier in the day, the passports of prime accused Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra were suspended, officials said.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Central government or any appointed officer has the authority to suspend passports in accordance with Section 10A of the Passports Act 1967 (the relevant provision is included in the Annexure).

Individuals whose passports have been suspended are not permitted to travel out of the country using that passport.

Passports are frequently put on hold in criminal matters, and restoring them necessitates completing legal requirements or stipulations. The following action, as per the sources, will involve the cancellation of passports.

The blaze erupted late Saturday night while the club was hosting a music event with nearly 100 attendees, many of whom were tourists. Videos from the evening show performers entertaining the crowd with Bollywood numbers. The use of electric firecrackers during the show is suspected to have sparked the inferno.

The nightclub quickly turned into a deadly trap due to extensive use of flammable decor and a blatant disregard for fire safety protocols. Officials found no working fire extinguishers or alarm systems on site. Compounding the disaster was the narrow approach road that prevented fire engines from reaching the venue; they had to be stationed nearly 400 metres away, delaying rescue efforts and making firefighting extremely difficult.

By the time fire personnel managed to control the flames, 25 people had died -- five tourists and 20 staff members. Most victims were discovered in the basement area, having succumbed to toxic smoke inhalation.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through Goa during peak tourist season. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promised strict action, and four employees of the club were taken into custody. A manhunt was launched for the Luthra brothers. Goa Police teams arrived in Delhi and worked with local police, only to discover that the brothers had booked flights almost immediately after the fire broke out and departed within hours. Their business associate, Ajay Gupta, was arrested in the capital.

Meanwhile, the Luthra brothers filed a plea for anticipatory bail before a Delhi court. In their petition, they claimed they held only the licence and were not the actual owners of the building where the nightclub operated. They requested four weeks of transit anticipatory bail to avoid arrest upon returning to India. They also argued that their trip to Thailand was for a business meeting and not an attempt to escape following the fire, asserting that they were not present at the nightclub when the incident occurred.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : West Bengal Islamic Foundation of India, the trust formed for the proposed Babri Mosque at Beldanga in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, by the now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir, has received donations to the tune of Rs 3.50 crore.

The manual counting of currencies collected as cash donations filled in 11 trunks was completed on Wednesday night, and the total amount accumulated was Rs 87 lakh, confirmed a close confidant of Kabir.

At the same time, the online donations deposited at the designated bank account of the said trust, through the scanning of the QR code, have reached Rs 2.63 crore as of Wednesday night.

It was learnt that from Sunday afternoon until night, the money from a total of four boxes was counted. A sum of Rs 37,33,000 was collected in cash. On Monday afternoon, the counting of money resumed using machines.

The counting of the remaining seven boxes was completed by Tuesday.

The total amount of donations collected from these boxes reached Rs 38,34,000. In total, Rs 75,67,523 were counted from 11 boxes and one sack.

However, the donations did not stop coming in. More money received from various places was counted on Wednesday. That amount is also close to Rs 11 lakh. In other words, so far, approximately Rs 87 lakh have been collected in cash alone.

At the same time, Humayun Kabir also arranged to deposit money online, keeping a specific QR code. It is reported that Rs 2,62,00,000 have been deposited so far in the bank account specified as the trust of Babri Masjid.

Sources close to Humayun claim that the amount of donations will increase, as almost every day someone is helping to build a mosque. Those who are giving large sums of money, their names are kept secret for now.

Humayun's expectation of donations has exceeded expectations, said sources. The trust authority wants to quickly transfer the cash from the box to the bank account.

It was broadcast live to maintain transparency in the process of counting money.

A separate house is also being arranged to keep this money. There will be all security arrangements, including CCTV cameras, to keep an eye on the cash.

A controversy erupted over Kabir's decision to lay the foundation stone of a Babri Masjid styled mosque in Murshidabad district's Beldanga.

On December 4, Trinamool Congress leadership suspended Kabir from the party for anti-party activities. Despite his suspension, Kabir went ahead with his programme on December 6 and laid the foundation stone for the mosque.

Humayun said that the construction of the Babri Masjid will start in the first week of February in Beldanga. The Quran will be recited by one lakh voices a day before the construction of the mosque begins.

Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed at the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday seeking a direction to stop the construction of Babri Masjid. The matter is likely to be heard next week.
Success is no longer the goal for young people starting out on their careers: many frequently move from company to company to find the one that best suits their needs and prioritize their personal lives

Karla Guzman, 27, has changed jobs three times in the last year. A medical student, she quit her two previous posts after denouncing labor exploitation: endless shifts that left her with no energy  or mental space  to prepare for her residency exam. Today, she works from home at a medical call center, with more stable hours. The night shifts, 12 hours or more, were exhausting. I would get home, sleep, wake up tired, and go back to the hospital. I couldnt take it anymore, she recounts. Guzman represents that silent army of young people who see work as a means, not a destination.

The phenomenon has been dubbed professional minimalism by publications such as Fortune and Forbes. Its a new work philosophy in which Generation Z prioritizes a clear contract: fulfilling agreements, leaving on time, preserving personal life, and  if possible  making room for a side hustle, that is, satellite jobs that provide extra income, making them more lucrative and fulfilling.

For this generation, success is no longer measured by corporate ladders climbed, but by stability, free time, and financial security  an inverted pyramid of priorities compared to previous generations. A recent Glassdoor survey suggests that 68% of employees aged under 29 wouldnt seek a management position if it werent for the salary or title. Leading isnt the goal when real ambition lies beyond the office, they state on their corporate blog. Many young people prefer horizontal advancement  jumping from opportunity to opportunity  to the vertical ladder. They call it the lily pad model: jumping from platform to platform, strategically chosen according to what suits them at each stage. Randstad also defines it this way in its report on the working conditions of Generation Z: the average tenure in their first jobs is barely a year and a month. Its no longer just the CEO who has short tenures in management positions: it seems that young people starting their careers are also doing so, looking for a job that isnt stressful or time-consuming.

Aylin Silva, 28, an audiovisual producer, experienced this firsthand. In her last two jobs in communications and marketing, she felt easily replaceable and that to access flexible hours or any salary increase, she had to go the extra mile with unpaid overtime and weekend work. Shortly after completing a year, she decided to become a freelancer. Lower income, yes, but also autonomy and control over her time. It sounds like a cliche, but many in her generation prefer their own projects and direct clients to demanding bosses and empty promises.

For recruiters like Hays Spain or the Adecco Group, this pattern of continuous turnover has several causes: a low frustration threshold, clear growth expectations, a lack of flexibility from companies, and a vision of work sold on social media that doesnt always reflect the reality of daily life. As Alberto Gavilan, talent director at the Adecco Group, points out: These platforms dont show you someone who has been working for five years, but rather more appealing experiences that not all companies can deliver.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are flooded with images that demonstrate a work culture that can be either very lax, or quite the opposite. Trends like the 5 a.m. routine (influencers who advocate for balancing exercise, self-care, and work schedules by waking up extremely early, a practice many have labeled self-exploitation) and people who spend hours commuting to work and then work shifts of up to 12 hours illustrate a work environment that fewer and fewer young people are seeking. This has created a very serious problem for companies: Selecting, training, adjusting, and losing employees, with people leaving quickly, involves enormous costs, warns Gavilan. It also adds instability to the internal climate: turnover breeds more turnover.

The solution, they agree, would be to accept that Generation Z wants to change the rules and that companies must adapt to their needs: Companies must demonstrate transparency from the very beginning, offer leadership, recognition, active participation and psychological safety; we must foster that sense of belonging, explains Silvia Pina, director of temporary and permanent recruitment services at Hays Spain in Madrid.

According to recent studies, 57% of Generation Z maintains at least one side project, compared to 48% of Millennials and 31% of Generation X. For many, this side hustle is a release valve: a way to regain control and purpose. As Aylin Silva says, I realized that building a career at a company isnt the solution; my idea is to find my own clients and work on a project basis.

This isnt laziness or apathy. Its a redefinition of the contract between worker and company: more freelance, more multifaceted, more flexible. For its proponents, professional minimalism isnt an act of rebellion, but a pragmatic reassessment of what it means to earn a living. Perhaps this is the most radical change: accepting that work isnt a religion, but a tool. That success doesnt always require climbing the ladder, but surviving with dignity. And that loyalty, if it exists, is no longer directed toward the office building, but toward oneself.

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New Delhi, Dec 11 : Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday handed over a set of pages from the book 'Inside Story of Sardar Patel: The Diary of Maniben Patel' to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as he arrived in Parliament for the day's proceedings.

Ramesh presented the Gujarati translation of the transcripts, remarking, "Sir, I have brought you a Gujarati translation of Maniben Patel's diary, especially for you. Please do read it."

Singh, responding with a light smile, said, "I don't know Gujarati", while taking the pages with him.

The exchange comes just days after the Congress party, on December 6, released excerpts from the book by Vallabhbhai Patel's daughter, Maniben Patel, to counter Singh's statement that Jawaharlal Nehru had wanted to build the Babri Masjid with public funds. The party has demanded that the Defence Minister apologise for what it calls "falsehoods".

Jairam Ramesh, sharing screenshots of the original Gujarati pages on X, accused Singh of distorting historical facts.

He added that there was a "huge difference" between the diary entry and what "fellow distorians" were claiming.

Singh had recently stated at a gathering in Sadhli village in Gujarat's Vadodara district that Nehru intended to construct the Babri Masjid using public money, but was prevented from doing so by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The BJP, backing Singh's remarks, cited the same book authored by Maniben Patel to argue that Nehru also felt "repelled" by some temples in South India despite their structural beauty.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, addressing the media at the party headquarters, had said the source of Singh's comments was indeed 'Inside Story of Sardar Patel: Diary of Maniben Patel'.

He claimed that Page 24 of the book notes that Nehru had raised the issue of the Babri mosque, but Patel made it clear that the government could not allocate funds for constructing a mosque.
Ahmedabad, Dec 11 : Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has deployed two state-of-the-art mobile environmental monitoring vans.

The vehicles, procured under the Environment Damage Compensation (EDC) fund at a cost of over Rs 5.76 crore, are now operational across all districts.

As part of an ongoing crackdown on pollution, six industrial units in Ahmedabad have been issued show-cause notices for violating air quality norms. The two mobile vans cover separate zones - one dedicated to North Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch, and the other to Central and South Gujarat.

They will assist regional GPCB offices in Ahmedabad (Rural, Urban and East), Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Palanpur, Himmatnagar, Anand, Nadiad, Vadodara, Godhra, Bharuch, Ankleshwar, Valsad, Surat, Navsari, Vapi and Sarigam.

Under the leadership of State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali, GPCB continues to play a crucial regulatory role in implementing environmental standards and ensuring sustainable industrial growth while safeguarding public health.

Each mobile van is equipped with advanced analysers, detectors and portable instruments capable of measuring air and water quality on the spot. In the event of emergencies such as gas leaks, the vans can reach the site immediately to assess real-time environmental conditions.

They are particularly vital for monitoring chemical hubs, GIDCs, SEZs and other pollution-prone areas.

A key feature is the integrated Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS), which tracks pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene and xylene. The vans also include VOC detectors, noise meters and equipment for analysing contaminants in water and wastewater samples.

This rapid on-site assessment enables quicker decision-making and faster resolution of public complaints related to pollution. During a trial run until November 15, the van at GPCB's Ahmedabad-East regional office undertook extensive monitoring in Vatva, Naroda, Narol and Odhav industrial clusters.

Based on its findings, several associations and units were issued show-cause notices on Monday.

One van is currently operating in Kalol GIDC (Gandhinagar region), while the second is stationed at Ankleshwar GIDC in the South-Central zone.

GPCB has also been holding meetings with representatives of major industrial bodies to chalk out coordinated strategies for reducing air pollution. Awareness programmes are being conducted using the mobile vans to encourage safer and cleaner industrial practices.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Equity mutual funds saw a strong rise in investor interest in November, with inflows jumping 21 per cent on a monthly basis, according to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) on Thursday.

According to the latest data, equity inflows stood at Rs 29,911 crore in November, compared to Rs 24,690 crore in October.

However, on a yearly basis, inflows were down 17 per cent from Rs 35,943 crore recorded in November 2024.

Among the 11 equity fund categories, all except dividend yield and ELSS funds received inflows.

Flexi-cap funds continued to attract the most investment, logging Rs 8,135 crore in November.

This was slightly lower than Octoberas Rs 8,928 crore, showing a 9 per cent monthly dip.

Large and mid-cap funds were the second-most preferred category, with inflows rising sharply to Rs 4,503 crore, up 42 per cent from the previous month.

Mid-cap funds received Rs 4,486 crore, while small-cap funds attracted Rs 4,406 crore in November.

Value and contra funds saw the biggest jump in inflows on a monthly basis, rising 231 per cent to Rs 1,219 crore compared to Rs 368 crore in October.

Meanwhile, multicap funds witnessed a small 2 per cent decline.

Money market funds were the only major category to gain, bringing in Rs 11,104 crore, followed by ultra-short duration funds, which collected Rs 8,360 crore.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, mutual funds sharply increased their equity purchases in November, riding on a steady rise in investor inflows and improving market sentiment.

According to data sourced from SEBI, MFs invested a net Rs 43,465 crore in equities last month -- more than double the Rs 20,718 crore they pumped in during October.

Market data shows that fund houses were consistent buyers through almost the entire month, stepping back only on two days when they pulled out Rs 2,473 crore.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Intelligence agencies have picked up information that a group of terrorists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is set to infiltrate into Bangladesh following a directive by the top brass of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The team is an expert in explosives and is said to be reaching Bangladesh to train their counterparts, an Intelligence Bureau official said.

This comes in the backdrop of the agencies picking up information about both the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba attempting to re-activate their modules in West Bengal and the northeastern states. An official said that the fact that these terror groups are sending in explosive experts to Bangladesh is a sign of something big to come. A high alert has been declared in the border areas as there would be attempts to infiltrate into India and carry out bomb blasts, another official said.

Indian agencies have learnt that there is a lot of ISI-backed activity that is taking place in Bangladesh. While West Bengal and the northeastern states have always been under threat by Bangladesh-based terror groups, this time the scenario is different. Pakistan, which has the backing of a friendly regime in Bangladesh, is planning something huge, and the recent movement of terrorists, coupled with the intercepts that are being picked up, suggests that the ISI is planning a major operation in India.

According to the information that the agencies have, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba would be acting together in this operation. The decision to carry out joint operations in the future was taken following a directive by the ISI. Following this, the top brass of both terror groups met in Pakistan and discussed how they would go forward under one command structure. It was decided to send in explosive experts to Bangladesh. A nine-member team was assembled to train operatives in Bangladesh with the intention of carrying out serial blasts in India.

Several teams of both the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba have visited Bangladesh many times to interact with the local terror groups. Recently, a close aide of Hafiz Saeed was in Bangladesh to meet with the local terrorists and motivate them. Intelligence agencies have also reported that sometime this month, the chief of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hafiz Saeed, is slated to visit Dhaka and interact with both terrorists of his group as well as others.

The planning for the attack is in its final stages, and these groups may try and execute it once Saeed is finished with his Dhaka visit, officials say.

The very fact that the ISI has already begun covering its trail is an indication that an attempt to strike would be around the corner. The activation of the sleeper networks in the northeastern states and West Bengal is a clear sign that a big strike is being planned. Further, many madrasas in Bangladesh have been temporarily shut down. These madrasas were set up with the specific intention of indoctrination and radicalisation.

All these are ISI-run madrasas where the preachers are from the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Some of them had come up with a specific intention to carry out serial blasts in India. Now that the planning is in the final stages, these madrasas have been temporarily closed.

An official explained that this is a textbook Pakistan operation. If these madrasas remain open at a time when a big attack is being planned, the trail would very easily lead up to the ISI. The grilling of these madrasa members during an interrogation would reveal who was behind the radicalisation and indoctrination of the youth who ended up joining these terror groups.

Experts say that this is a classic ISI operation. This time, it has found a scapegoat in Bangladesh. Even if an attack is carried out, the trail would lead to actors in Bangladesh. This is a way of shifting the blame away from Pakistan, as the trail would lead to Bangladesh. This gives Pakistan the deniability factor while the world would blame Bangladesh.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Ashish Mishra -- the prime accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case -- to visit his hometown in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri for a brief period later this month.

Permitting him to stay there from December 25, 2025 to January 1, 2026, a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order after senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for the son of former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni, informed the apex court that his client wished to be with his family during the period as his daughter has an upcoming examination.

"The petitioner is permitted to stay in Lakhimpur Kheri with family from December 25 to January 1, subject to the same conditions as imposed earlier," ordered the CJI Kant-led Bench.

During the hearing, the apex court reviewed the progress of the ongoing trial and noted that 36 prosecution witnesses have been examined so far, while 85 are yet to be examined.

As per the computerised case status reflected on the Supreme Court website, the matter is tentatively listed for further hearing on March 19, 2026.

In January 2023, while granting interim bail, the Supreme Court had imposed stringent restrictions, including barring him from entering Uttar Pradesh except for trial proceedings, and cautioning that any attempt by him or his family to influence witnesses would lead to cancellation of bail.

The top court subsequently eased some conditions, permitting his stay in Lucknow or Delhi and weekend family visits on the condition that he must return to Lucknow by Sunday daytime.

In its earlier orders, the apex court had taken note of the slow pace of the trial, asking the prosecution to drop unnecessary formal witnesses to expedite proceedings.

It had also considered a status report from the Lakhimpur Kheri police regarding an FIR lodged against Mishra and his father for alleged witness intimidation, directing that the matter be probed by an officer of DSP rank.

In October 2021, eight people were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri District's Tikunia in violence that erupted when farmers were protesting against UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit to the area. According to the UP Police FIR, four farmers were mowed down by an SUV, in which Ashish Mishra was seated.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : From oil to rice, the United States refuses to accept any trade that can even hypothetically affect "MAGA" interests. A punitive tariff has already been imposed on India for purchasing "sanctioned" Russian oil, taking the total "reciprocal tariff" up to 50 per cent for several commodities.

The US instead wants New Delhi to buy American oil, even at comparatively higher costs. And while it wants American farm produce to enter India, the reverse is not welcome, yet.

US President Donald Trump's main concern with Indian rice is that he has been told India is "dumping" rice into its market, undercutting American farmers and driving down domestic prices. He has threatened new tariffs on Indian rice exports to protect US agriculture.

The term "dumping" was used to describe Indian exports that distort competition with US rice farmers complaining that imports from India, Thailand, and Vietnam are "depressing prices".

New Delhi is already facing some of the highest US tariffs on its exports. With White House signalling additional duties specifically targeting Indian rice, there may arise complications in the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. Some reports quoted analysts saying that the threats may be driven more by domestic politics than trade logic.

The US is only a small market for Indian rice (about 2.74 lakh tons out of 60.65 lakh tons exported in 202425); higher tariffs would likely hurt American consumers more than Indian exporters, especially for premium basmati rice.

Meanwhile, a White House document has underscored the need for trade and strategic partnership with New Delhi.

The 'National Security Strategy of the United States of America, November 2025' also reflected an interest in working "to align the actions of our allies and partners with our joint interest in preventing domination by any single competitor nation".

Washington's foreign policy is oscillating between confrontation and conciliation, producing a cocktail of tariffs, strategic deals, and selective outreach that is reshaping its ties with both India and China.

The result  closer tactical cooperation with India in some areas, but also friction; and with China, a mix of competition and transactional engagement.

After threatening China with tariffs running up to 130 per cent and freezing bilateral trade talks, President Trump publicly revived the "G2" idea in Busan, South Korea, on October 30.

Ahead of his meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, he posted on Truth Social: "THE G2 WILL BE CONVENING SHORTLY!" and later described the summit as a "great one" that would bring "everlasting peace". Several concessions followed the Busan talks, with China pledging to buy American soybean and easing strictures on the export of rare earths.

And about one month later, White House released a document announcing its interest in aligning with the joint interest in preventing domination by "any single competitor nation".

It further stated "to encourage New Delhi to contribute to Indo-Pacific security, including through continued quadrilateral cooperation with Australia, Japan, and the United States".

The last part is an important message to the other three leaders of the Quad. With Beijing, White House policy has been simultaneously confrontational and transactional. While the US National Security Strategy frames China as a primary strategic competitor, recent moves  such as permitting certain AI chip exports under strict conditions  show selective engagement where US economic interests align.

While punitive measures push partners toward hedging, transactional openings create short-term cooperation on narrow issues. The triangular dynamic between the US, India, and China is one of the most consequential features of contemporary geopolitics.

Washington's approach to New Delhi and Beijing reveals both the opportunities and the constraints of American strategy in Asia. While India is framed as a partner and a critical player in the Indo-Pacific, China is cast as the principal strategic competitor. This divergence in framing sets the tone for how President Trump manages relations with the two countries.
Patna, Dec 11 : Unidentified miscreants attacked a readymade garment merchant in Bihar's Begusarai district on Thursday, leaving him dead, an official said.

The deceased was identified as Mohammad Shahzad.

Shahzad received gunshot injuries near Parbanda Baba Sthan under the Veerpur police station area early in the morning.

According to police, Shahzad was on his way to his shop in Veerpur from his home in Pipra Daudraj village on his motorcycle when the attackers intercepted him and opened fire at him indiscriminately.

The criminals fled the scene while brandishing weapons to prevent any resistance.

Upon receiving information, Veerpur police reached the spot and began an investigation.

Station House Officer (SHO) Ravindra Kumar stated that, prima facie, the incident appears to be linked to a personal dispute.

"Raids are underway to arrest the perpetrators," he said.

This latest attack comes just two days after a similar incident in the Chhaurahi police station area of Begusarai.

On Tuesday night, three criminals allegedly entered the house of Nilesh Kumar, a resident of Peer Nagar village and a JDU leader, and opened fire at him while he was sleeping.

According to an official, three motorcycle-borne assailants carried out the assault without uttering a word.

The back-to-back incidents have sparked political reactions, particularly from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav raised serious concerns over the state's law and order situation, claiming that the "cycle of crime continued under the previous NDA government and remains unchanged even after the formation of the new government".

"More than 50 murders have already taken place in the state after the formation of the new government," Yadav said.

"Those who hold the reins of power also have the responsibility to maintain law and order. There should be equality in action - criminals do not belong to any caste or religion. A criminal is a criminal," he said.

Police teams in both cases continue efforts to identify and arrest the accused.
Nagpur, Dec 11 : Opposition members on Thursday staged a noisy walkout to protest against the Mahayuti government, alleging apathy towards cotton and soybean growers and anomalies in procurement, especially amidst a rising gap between the purchase price and the guaranteed rate.

Opposition expressed serious displeasure over the reply of Minister Jayakumar Rawal during question hour and raised slogans against the state government.

The opposition aggressively cornered the government over the non-initiation of official cotton procurement centres in many parts of the state and the failure to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) for soybean. The opposition members, infuriated by the perfunctory answers given by Minister Rawal on farmers' issues, ultimately staged a walkout. Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the government of responding with a "mockery of the farmers".

During the Question Hour in the Assembly, Wadettiwar highlighted the situation of farmers. He pointed out that cotton procurement is not happening due to conditions imposed by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), and the procurement limit is also low.

He further criticised the government, stating that the import duty on cotton, which was 12 per cent, has been reduced to zero, which will cause cotton prices to fall in India due to increased imports." Out of 50 cotton-laden vehicles, 40 are being sent back. What will the farmer do?" he questioned.

Wadettiwar and other opposition members claimed that soybeans are not being procured at the designated MSP of Rs 5,300 per quintal at procurement centres. He challenged the minister, saying, aMinisters sit in their offices; come with us to the farmers' fields to understand the true situation."

He raised critical questions, including whether the government would undertake blanket procurement of soybeans, given that 70 per cent of the produce is being turned away at centres, and if they would follow up with the Central government regarding the cotton import duty. However, the minister failed to provide satisfactory answers. As the opposition grew aggressive, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar directed a meeting to be held later in the day to resolve the issue. The opposition, however, objected to the meeting and demanded that the government make a statement in the House.

With no positive response from the government, leaders, including Vijay Wadettiwar, Nana Patole, Rohit Pawar, Siddharth Kharat, Arjun Khotkar and Daulat Daroda, entered the Well of the House and raised slogans against the state governmentas stance on farmersa issues.

The opposition members raised slogans, including "Down with the government that loots farmers!" aDown with the government that cheats farmers!" Minister Rawal in vain tried to argue that the government is actively engaged in the procurement of cotton and soybeans, and also to ensure MSP is announced for the crops.
Seoul, Dec 11 : South Korea's defence ministry said on Thursday it will launch next week its own special investigative unit to look into allegations surrounding former ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid.

The 40-member team, which will set sail Monday, will be led by the acting chief of the ministry's prosecution office, according to the ministry.

"Based on the outcome of a probe by the ministry's audit office and the special counsel team, it will conduct necessary follow-up investigations," the ministry said, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The move comes as special counsel Cho Eun-suk's investigation team, which has been looking into insurrection and treason charges regarding the martial law imposition on Dec. 3 last year, will see its mandate end Sunday.

The military's drone command faces allegations of sending drones over Pyongyang during Yoon's presidency in an apparent move to provoke the North and use it as a pretext for his imposition of martial law. A military propaganda unit is also suspected of having secretly sent anti-Pyongyang leaflets to North Korea for a similar purpose.

On Wednesday, the ministry formally dismissed the former head of the Drone Operations Command.

The defence ministry said it has dismissed the head of the military's drone command from office over a special counsel probe into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law imposition.

Kim Yong-dae, former head of the Drone Operations Command, is suspected of being involved in sending drones over Pyongyang during Yoon's term in an apparent move to provoke the North and use it as a pretext for his imposition of martial law on December 3 last year.

He was indicted last month without physical detention on charges of obstructing official duties and soliciting the drafting of false official documents by a special counsel team that also charged Yoon over allegations of sending the drones.

In another dismissal of a senior official, the ministry said it also had dismissed from office Kim Dong-hyuk, the former chief of the defence ministry's prosecution office, as of Tuesday.

Kim was indicted by a special counsel team over his involvement in a cover-up case related to the 2023 death of a young Marine.
Seoul, Dec 11 : A special counsel team on Thursday indicted former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae on charges of involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of martial law.

The team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk said Park is accused of playing a key role in an insurrection by calling a meeting of senior justice ministry officials following the December 2024 martial law declaration, ordering the possible dispatch of prosecutors to a martial law-related organ, directing the Korea Correctional Service to check the capacity of detention facilities and putting Korea Immigration Service officials in charge of travel bans on standby, Yonhap News Agency reported.

In addition, Park was indicted on charges of abusing his power by instructing the ministry to draft documents justifying the imposition of martial law.

He was also indicted on charges of violating a law banning improper solicitation by acting on a request from Yoon's wife, Kim Keon Hee, to help clear her of various criminal charges.

Earlier, the special counsel team made two requests for a warrant to arrest Park. After both were rejected by a court, they proceeded to indict him without physical detention.

The team, whose mandate is to investigate all suspicions related to Yoon's martial law declaration, separately indicted former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok on charges of dereliction of duty for their non-appointment of Constitutional Court justices in the wake of Yoon's impeachment last December.

Han and three former presidential officials were also indicted on charges of abuse of power for naming two justice candidates allegedly without vetting them properly.

Earlier in November, special prosecutors investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid raided another special counsel team this week to secure evidence related to his wife's alleged involvement in the episode, legal sources said.

Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team executed a court-issued warrant to search and seize documents from special counsel Min Joong-ki's team, which has been investigating former first lady Kim Keon Hee's corruption charges.

The documents sought by Cho's team included her phone records.

The special prosecutors reportedly discovered signs of Kim's involvement in Yoon's declaration of martial law last December while investigating former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae's role in the event.

Kim reportedly sent a text message to Park in May last year concerning the prosecution's investigation into various corruption allegations she faced.

Cho's team suspects Yoon's martial law declaration was motivated in part by his desire to protect his wife from her legal issues.
Since colonial times, Black bodies have been viewed as mere labor, rather than as subjects with full rights. The four Afro-descendant children who were murdered in Ecuador were victims of structural racism. The notion of serving without a master means embracing practices of care and creation that dont answer to state hierarchies or the market. Its about serving the community  serving life  without being accountable to visible or invisible patterns

Serving something without a master is a totally open form of love. With this phrase from the book All Incomplete (2021), cultural theorists Fred Moten and Stefano Harney remind me that there are other ways of living in a world governed by hierarchies, capital and violence. And Im not talking about naive love or simple tenderness; Im referring to an ethic of commitment that opposes the mandate to obey the boss, the caudillo, the strongman, the armed state. I think about this possibility when I try to write in Ecuador, a country where life has become prey to organized violence. The streets have been militarized, while the political authority treats poor, Black, racialized and migrant bodies as internal enemies. Here, writing is about insisting on a love that answers to no master. And, at the same time, its about asking what it means to continue creating art in a place thats been ruptured by terror.

I recently read a short story by the writer Mafe Moscoso. At the end of her text, her biography notes: She was born in a banana-growing country. That phrase struck me, because its not just an ironic gesture, but a stark truth: we grew up in a country named and defined by the monoculture that we export. Years earlier, while working in a bar, I heard an Argentine political scientist argue with a bartender about the policies of Rafael Correas government (2007-2017). The political scientist claimed that, before the social reforms undertaken by this presidential administration, Ecuador was nothing more than a small banana republic. While he used this expression in a derogatory manner, I now think of it as a persistent metaphor: we continue to organize our collective life around monocultures that are destined for export. The best is sent abroad, while we are left with the remainder.

A memory confirms this. When I was a child, a distant uncle who worked on a banana plantation made a comment while the family was eating: The bananas we Ecuadorians eat are leftovers; the good stuff is exported. That minimal gesture encapsulates an entire politics of dispossession: life here is the residue, whats left over, while wealth circulates abroad. This metaphor extends beyond fruit: we also export bodies. Young people, even with bachelors or postgraduate degrees, face unemployment and violence. They must migrate, illegally, to the Global North. Ecuador exports its labor force in the same way that it exports bananas or shrimp. The best is stripped away, not permitted to be nurtured.

I grew up in a Black family in the coastal city of Esmeraldas, the descendant of migrants who moved there from the countryside. My parents and aunts were teachers and engineers; they firmly believed that education was the best possible legacy. They had studied in precarious conditions, making superhuman efforts to finish university, believing that was worth the sacrifice if it guaranteed us a more comfortable future. This was the great promise made to us, the children of the working class, who grew up in the late-1990s and early-2000s. We were told to study, graduate and be somebody in life.

But today, that promise seems meaningless. Having a degree doesnt guarantee employment or dignity. Armed violence and state precariousness have destroyed the idea that education is a safe path. For many young people, university is merely a detour before migration or unemployment, while others simply dont have access to higher education at all. Ive seen how classmates  who dreamed of writing, teaching, or conducting research  ended up trapped in call centers, low-paying jobs, or, in the worst cases, recruited into illicit economies.

Education, once imagined as an inheritance, has become a debt: an economic debt, because studying is expensive; a moral debt, because we feel that were failing our families by not getting ahead; and a political debt, because the state has given up on guaranteeing the basic conditions of employment, health and safety.

The most visible symptom of our era is radical individuality. Every young person, every family, tries to survive as best they can in a country where public life has been hijacked by armed violence and state negligence. I see it in my friends and colleagues: the urge to accumulate capital, to work at whatever it takes, to dissociate from reality so as not to go completely bankrupt.

We were taught that success depended on the ability to make it on your own, as if precariousness were an individual failing, rather than a system of exclusion. Against this backdrop, the notion of community appears as a luxury or a hindrance. Solidarity seems impractical when the instinct for survival demands competition, migration, or flight.

However, I perceive another urge: to serve the system, albeit critically, from within the cracks. This is where Fred Motens proposal comes in: to serve without a master. What does this mean in Ecuador? Perhaps it means continuing to write, even if there arent enough readers; teaching, even if the salary isnt enough to live on; insisting on community life, even if everything pushes us to lock ourselves in the bubble of self-preservation. Serving without a master isnt about obeying. On the contrary, I believe its a form of betting on connections that arent mediated by the logic of capital or the yoke of the state.

The data is brutal. In less than five years, Ecuador went from being perceived as a relatively safe country to becoming one of the most violent nations in Latin America. Prison massacres, contract killings, disappearances, curfews daily life has become a hostage to the war between illicit economies and the militarized state.

Funeral for the four Afro-descendant minors who disappeared and were murdered in Guayaquil. VICENTE GAIBOR

The case of Ismael, Josue, Nehemias and Steven  four Afro-descendant minors who disappeared and were murdered in the city of Guayaquil  revealed the brutality of this situation. Not only because of the irreparable pain of their deaths, but also because the social media trolls attempted to portray them as members of organized criminal groups. They werent children: they were suspects. They werent citizens with rights: they were disposable bodies.

To the racist insults  go back to Africa  was added the indifference of the state apparatus. This discursive and symbolic violence reactivated a historical memory: plantocracy, the Black statelessness on which the Ecuadorian nation state was founded. From colonial times until today, Black bodies have been viewed as a labor force, not as subjects with full rights. What happened to the four children in the neighborhood of Las Malvinas wasnt an isolated incident. Its part of the long-standing racism that structures the nation.

In this context, insisting on living in Ecuador seems like a crazy act. For many, staying is synonymous with condemnation. However, its also a gesture of courage. In the midst of violence, spaces emerge that sustain life: community kitchens, reading clubs, writing workshops, support networks among neighbors, as well as artistic collectives that refuse to leave the country and  even from the diaspora  give back to those who remain.

Here, life is sustained in the details. A mother cooks for other peoples children. A workshop brings kids together to write instead of getting recruited on street corners. A popular festival defies the curfew. Persistence isnt just resistance, its also imagination. Because its not only about survival, but also about the possibility of narrating ourselves differently. Its about telling our own stories without intermediaries and inventing shared horizons.

Writing in Ecuador today means working with the background noise of bullets, with the fear of not returning home. Theres the uncertainty that the book will never be published, because there are no state funds to help publishers  who operate in impossible circumstances  willing to take the risk. And writing also means bearing witness, leaving a record and creating openings in the official discourse, which tries to reduce us to statistics.

Here, art is neither neutral nor ornamental: its a way of surviving. I think of the Afro-descendant communities that have sustained their memory through songs and spoken word, even during the most terrible moments in history. I think of the murals painted in neighborhoods besieged by fear, of the poems circulating online like small flares that illuminate us.

But creating literature in the midst of violence also poses dilemmas: to what extent is writing enough? Isnt it naive to believe that a poem can confront hired assassins or state corruption?

The answer is complex. Art doesnt save us in immediate terms, but it produces memory, opens cracks and generates community. And, in a country where the official discourse seeks to erase, silence, or criminalize, those cracks are vital.

What horizons do we have as artists living here? It cannot just be about idealizing resistance, because resistance also exhausts and sickens. But there are alternatives.

Self-management and community networks. Cultural collectives have shown that, without depending on the state, its possible to generate spaces for training, exhibition and circulation.

The diaspora can be an ally. Those who migrate can sustain networks of economic, editorial and symbolic support with those who stay behind. The forced export of bodies can become a circulation of memories and knowledge if we manage to forge horizontal links.

Caribbean thought and Black feminisms are currents that remind us that we are not alone and that our struggles resonate in other geographies that are also plagued by racism and violence.

To serve without a master is to commit to practices of care and creation that dont respond to state hierarchies or the market. To serve the community, life and collective desire, without being accountable to visible or invisible patterns. To insist on esthetic rebellion against a system thats only interested in our workforce, in the most dehumanizing sense possible.

To insist on Ecuador, to write from Ecuador, isnt romanticism. Rather, its confrontation and hope. Its knowing that were part of a country that exports us like residue, that militarizes our streets and that despises its young people. And its also betting on the possibility of narrating ourselves differently, of weaving life with fragile, yet stubborn threads.

Here, to serve without a master means to continue writing when fear insists on silencing us and to continue creating when the economy insists on reducing us to waste. Its about continuing to live, when violence insists on burying us. Its an open commitment to radical, stubborn love.

And perhaps, in that stubbornness, lies the seed of another way of living, another way of imagining. Even in a country armed to the teeth.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : BJP's Rajya Sabha member Gulam Ali Khatana on Thursday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of carrying a "negative" mindset after the Congress leader's sharp exchange with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the debate on election reforms.

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) BJP's Rajya Sabha member Gulam Ali Khatana on Thursday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of carrying a "negative" mindset after the Congress leader's sharp exchange with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the debate on election reforms.

The Opposition has been demanding that the ongoing Special Intensive Review process of electoral rolls in 12 states and union territories be halted, alleging that the Centre and the Election Commission of India are "colluding" to enable "vote theft".

Speaking to IANS, Khatana dismissed the Opposition's allegations and targeted Gandhi directly. "He is always negative; he doesn't see anything positive. What could be more positive than SIR? It's a very good step. This is a big country, not a country of scams like 2G or coal. We are on the path to becoming a big power country, unlike a corrupt country. Only the people of the country should be able to vote. How can someone from outside come and vote here?" he said.

During his speech in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, HM Shah accused the opposition of hypocrisy, saying they routinely questioned inaccuracies in voter lists but objected when steps were taken to correct and update them. He said that the opposition's "double standards" will not affect anything.

Targeting Rahul Gandhi's repeated press conferences on voter rolls, including one labelled a "Hydrogen Bomb", Shah remarked that Gandhi spoke of "vote chori" even though some families -- an unmistakable reference to the Nehru-Gandhi family -- had been "generational vote chors".

Gandhi interrupted Shah at this point, demanding that the Home Minister first explain why Election Commissioners had been given immunity for any action taken during their tenure. Accusing Shah of selectively quoting from his press interactions, Gandhi challenged him directly to have a debate. To this, HM Shah firmly replied that he (Rahul Gandhi) cannot decide the order of his speech points.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh accused Gandhi of following a 'hit-and-run' approach in Parliament, slamming the LoP over the opposition walkout during Wednesday's proceedings.

Speaking to IANS, Singh said, "Rahul Gandhi follows a hit-and-run approach. He says he will speak at his time; people do listen to him then, but when the Prime Minister and Home Minister speak, he walks out. This is his idea of democracy -- he lacks the patience to hear the truth."
Kolkata, Dec 11 : Three people were arrested on charges of harassing and assaulting two vendors selling chicken patties at Brigade Parade Ground during a recent Gita recital event in Kolkata.

The police said on Thursday that the arrested individuals have been identified as Soumik Golder (23), Tarun Bhattacharya (51) and Swarnendu Chakraborty (32).

While Golder and Chakraborty are from Gobardanga and Ashoknagar areas in North 24 Parganas district, respectively, Bhattacharya is from Uttarpara in Hooghly district. They were arrested based on complaints lodged by two vendors at Maidan Police Station.

The arrested people had come to Kolkata on December 7 to attend the 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path' (Gita chanting by five lakh voices) programme at Brigade Parade Ground, which was organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, a collective of monks and spiritual leaders drawn from various monasteries and Hindu religious institutions.

At the event, two vendors, Sheikh Riyazul from Arambagh in Hooghly district and Mohammad Salauddin from Topsia area in Kolkata, were present to sell food to the large crowd. According to the allegations, some young men present at the event started questioning them, asking how they could sell chicken patties at a religious event. This question allegedly led to insults and harassment.

Later, the vendors were allegedly made to do sit-ups by holding their ears and were slapped and punched by the accused. A purported video of the vendors being harassed at the event went viral on social media. One of the vendors alleged that food worth approximately Rs 3,000 was destroyed.

Following the incident, the two victims filed separate complaints at the Maidan Police Station. Based on the complaints, the police launched an investigation, and after verifying CCTV footage and videos, the accused were identified. The three men were then arrested.

A senior officer of Kolkata Police said, "We received the complaint and conducted an investigation. Based on that, arrests have been made. The rest is being looked into. Investigation is on."

The Police said that the investigation into the incident will be expanded further, and if necessary, several people involved in the incident may be arrested later.

Last Sunday, lakhs of devotees took part in the Gita recital programme. Prominent figures such as Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj and BJP leaders such as Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and party's West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya, former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, actor turned BJP leader Rudranil Ghosh, and others were in attendance.
Nagpur, Dec 11 : In a startling disclosure, the Maharashtra government has admitted that as many as 6.56 lakh farmers, found eligible under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana (2017), are yet to receive their loan waiver benefits -- almost eight years after the scheme was announced.

State Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil informed the Assembly on Thursday in a written reply to a question raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav and others who asked about whether the government is making a mockery of the farmers.

The Minister further said that the implementation of the scheme for these eligible farmers requires a substantial Rs 5,975.51 crore, but the state government has allocated only 500 crore through supplementary demands.

Minister Patil also noted that the Bombay High Court had directed the government to extend the scheme's benefits to all eligible farmers, but the current allocation falls far short of what is required, indicating continued non-compliance with the court's order.

The revelation comes at a time when demands for an immediate crop loan waiver have intensified following recent heavy rains and floods, which have caused severe crop losses across the state. Farmers' organisations and the opposition have also criticised the government's Rs 32,000-crore relief package, terming it "grossly inadequate" and, so, they said the time is opportune for the implementation of crop loan waiver.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently said that the government is not shying away from the launch of crop loan waiver, saying that a high-level committee has been formed to examine the crop loan waiver option and also to recommend short and long-term measures to make the farmers debt-free.

He had also announced that the government will provide a waiver of crop loans by June 30 this year. However, opposition parties during the ongoing winter session alleged that the MahaYuti government is not serious about addressing the agrarian crisis and farmers' distress.

They also claimed that the government is dillydallying over the launch of the crop loan waiver and blamed the government for the rising farmers' suicides in the state.
Brasilia, Dec 11 : Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi met Chief Advisor to the Brazilian President, Celso Amorim, and Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro on Thursday, discussing opportunities in defence industry collaboration and capacity building initiatives to support shared security objectives and long-term interoperability.

In a statement shared on X, the Indian Navy Spokesperson stated, "Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, during the ongoing official visit to Brazil, met Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil and Jose Mucio Monteiro, Minister of Defence of Brazil. The discussions provided a comprehensive review of the expanding India-Brazil defence engagements, with focus on augmenting strategic cooperation, strengthening joint operational frameworks, enhancing training avenues, maritime security mechanisms and deepening coordination in Maritime Domain Awareness."

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed regional and global dynamics, including the South Atlantic, Indo-Pacific, and the collective role of the Global South, highlighting the shared vision of the two nations for a secure, stable and rules-based order.

"These high-level engagements reaffirmed the growing strategic convergence and the mutual commitment to elevate Indiaa"Brazil defence cooperation under the spirit of Bridges of Friendship," the statement added.

On Wednesday, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi met Commander of the Brazilian Navy Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen and discussed boosting the growing maritime cooperation between the two nations.

According to the Indian Navy, the discussions between the two sides focused on operational engagements, training exchanges, hydrographic collaboration, information sharing, and avenues for enhancing maritime domain awareness.

The scope of expanding cooperation in areas of defence industry, technology development, innovation, exchange of best practices, and capacity building between the two navies was also deliberated.

The high-level engagement reaffirmed the mutual resolve of both navies to strengthen strategic convergence and deepen the India-Brazil maritime partnership, contributing to stability in the global maritime commons in the Global South.

In lieu of strengthening the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, Admiral Tripathi is on an official visit to Brazil from December 9-12.

The visit aims to consolidate the robust and growing maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the Brazilian Navy -- considered an important pillar of the broader Indiaa"Brazil Strategic Partnership.

During the visit, the CNS will hold discussions with senior leadership of Brazil, including Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces.

"These interactions will provide an opportunity to review ongoing bilateral maritime cooperation, enhance operational-level linkages, and explore new avenues for collaboration between the two navies," the Ministry of Defence stated.

Notably, the visit also includes engagements with operational commands, visits to naval bases, and shipyards of the Brazilian Navy.

The discussions will focus on shared maritime priorities, naval interoperability, capacity building, and collaboration within multilateral frameworks, including the broader South-South collaboration.

According to the ministry, the visit by the Navy Chief reaffirms the Indian Navy's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Brazilian Navy in the areas of maritime security, professional exchanges, and capacity building, thereby contributing to stability in the global maritime commons.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Global capital is betting big on India as the world's fastest major economy enters what investors describe as the country's "second infrastructure wave." New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Global capital is betting big on India as the world's fastest major economy enters what investors describe as the country's "second infrastructure wave."

The positive investment sentiment on India hinges on the country's sustainable long-term growth, policy predictability, and a structural investment opportunity that spans transportation, energy, digital ecosystems, and next-generation industries, according to an article in the Greek City Times news portal.

As 202526 unfolds, India's infrastructure supercycle is poised to redefine global investment narratives, making the country not just an attractive destination but a central player in the world's economic future, the article states.

It highlights that India's infrastructure sector has outpaced market expectations for three consecutive years. The Nifty Infrastructure Index has delivered remarkable returns  82.8 per cent over the last three years and 181.2 per cent over five years  far ahead of the Nifty 50.

This consistent outperformance indicates more than cyclical strength; it reflects fundamental, structural momentum that investors view as the beginning of a multi-year expansion from FY26 to FY30, the article observes.

The surge in infrastructure development is backed by the strongest capital expenditure cycle in independent India's history, a resurgence in private investments, and a rapidly evolving ecosystem across green energy, logistics, digital infrastructure, and next-generation fuels.

A key driver of this confidence is record-breaking government capital expenditure. FY25 saw a historic allocation of Rs 11.11 lakh crore ($131 billion), with FY26 poised to go even higher at Rs 11.21 lakh crore ($132 billion)  at roughly 3.1 per cent of GDP.

Whether it is expressways, power corridors, logistics hubs, or airport expansions, India's development pipeline is deeper and more future-oriented than ever before. This momentum provides sustained visibility for EPC (engineering procurement and contract) companies, developers, lenders, and long-term investors, the article points out.

The article views the revival of private capex as India's next growth catalyst. Private-sector investment, long considered the missing piece in India's growth puzzle, is now making a strong comeback. Government reforms, production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, and global supply-chain diversification have collectively strengthened manufacturing competitiveness.

The article also highlights details of the development that is taking place across the highways, aviation and maritime sectors.

The core of India's infrastructure story continues to strengthen. With over 146,000 km of national highways and steady annual construction of 10,00011,000 km, programmes such as Bharatmala and expanding expressway networks ensure consistent order inflows.

India is now one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. Operational airports have more than doubled to over 163, and passenger traffic is scaling to record highs. With long-term plans for 350400 airports, the aviation ecosystem  spanning terminals, cargo, MRO, and concessions  is entering a major expansion phase.

The maritime sector is undergoing rapid modernisation under Sagarmala, with major ports handling nearly 795 MT of cargo and national capacity on track for 3,300+ MTPA.
Indore, Dec 11 : Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday criticised senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, claiming that the Maoist presence, which expanded during earlier Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, "is near to completely end now." Indore, Dec 11 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday criticised senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, claiming that the Maoist presence, which expanded during earlier Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, "is near to completely end now."

Speaking to reporters at Indore Airport, Yadav said the Congress had long adopted a confused stand on the Maoist issue and added that some of its leaders offered sympathy when security forces neutralised hardcore Maoists such as Madvi Hidma.

"Several districts in the state are on the verge of being declared Naxal-free, and it is a national success that will open the way for steady development in regions troubled by the menace," he said.

He referred to the killing of former Congress leader Lakhiram Kaware by Maoists in Balaghat in 1999. At that time, the Digvijaya Singh-led Congress government (19932003) was in office.

"Earlier, a Congress leader was killed by Maoists in Balaghat district, and the then Congress CM was responsible," Yadav said.

Without naming Digvijaya Singh, he added, "Today, when Maoists are being eliminated by security forces, those Congress leaders are raising questions on the BJP. Congress has always maintained a double standard on Naxalism."

The remarks followed recent comments by Digvijaya Singh after security forces killed top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma in a gun battle in Andhra Pradesh. Singh triggered controversy by suggesting it was a fake encounter involving the Maoist commander and his wife.

Yadav's assertion that Madhya Pradesh is close to becoming Maoist-free came days after ten top Maoists with a combined reward of Rs 2.36 crore surrendered before security forces in Balaghat district. Officials declared Dindori and Mandla districts in the state completely free of Maoist influence.

The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for what he called a firm national approach against Maoism.

Two days earlier, he had stated, "The time has come to give the last salute to 'Lal Salaam'. The campaign was to be completed by March 2026, but due to the indomitable courage of our security agencies and police, a roadmap has now been prepared to finish it by January 2026."
New Delhi, Dec 11 : A day after the debate on the election reforms in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, made startling claims that Home Minister Amit Shah was "very nervous", "used wrong language" and "his hands were trembling".

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) A day after the debate on the election reforms in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, made startling claims that Home Minister Amit Shah was "very nervous", "used wrong language" and "his hands were trembling".

During the discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, which often turned heated, Rahul Gandhi "challenged" Home Minister Amit Shah to an open debate, prompting a firm response from the minister, saying, "I will decide the order of my speech".

As HM Shah countered the opposition's allegations of "vote chori" and referred to Rahul Gandhi's claim of "multiple voters at one Haryana house", the Congress leader stood up and interrupted his speech.

Reacting to the developments outside the House on Thursday, Rahul Gandhi said, "Amit Shah was very nervous yesterday. He used the wrong language, and his hands were trembling."

"He is under tremendous mental pressure. Everybody saw this yesterday. What I asked him, he did not answer directly. He gave no proof. I have directly challenged him to come to the ground and let us discuss all my press conferences in Parliament. I received no answer. You know the reality," he claimed.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday mounted a sharp counteroffensive in the Lok Sabha, accusing the Congress of levelling baseless allegations of "vote theft," while asserting that electoral irregularities date back to the eras of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

Amit Shah warned Opposition parties in the Lok Sabha that those who oppose the SIR "will be wiped out" from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. He added that if the Trinamool Congress continued to oppose the bill, the BJP's victory in West Bengal is "certain."

The Union Home Minister slammed the Opposition for spreading "falsehoods" on SIR and launched a strong defence of the exercise, questioning whether democracy can remain safe if the prime minister and chief ministers are allegedly decided by "ghuspathiye".

By attempting to corner the Centre over the SIR, Amit Shah said the Opposition believes it is tarnishing the government's image, but in reality, it is damaging the image of India's democracy.

Shah further highlighted what he called a new and dangerous trend: that when the Opposition loses, it defames the Election Commission and the electoral rolls -- a practice he said is harmful to the country's democratic fabric.

He added that the BJP has also lost elections, yet it has never questioned the Election Commission.
Belagavi : , Dec 11 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D.K. Shivakumar defended the introduction of the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, saying that the new law was essential to uphold the constitutional values and rein in the hate speech.

He was speaking to reporters outside Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi on Thursday.

The Congress government tabled the Bill in the Assembly on Wednesday, drawing sharp objections from the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.

Asked about the opposition to the Bill, Shivakumar said, "The BJP and its leaders are the pioneers of sowing hatred among castes and religions, and of personal attacks. They should conduct themselves according to the spirit of the Constitution. If they truly respect the Constitution, they must follow it."

The deputy CM added that the government's aim was to reduce hostility in public life.

"If they stop indulging in hate speech, there will be no problem at all. We have taken this step to protect the Constitution," he said.

Shivakumar also responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks that Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi had engaged in vote theft. He said the allegation did not stand to reason.

"Amit Shah must at least have basic knowledge about this. During their time, the ballot paper system was in use. How is vote theft possible then?" he asked.

The Bill was presented in the state Assembly by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil. BJP members objected strongly to its introduction and said that the government had not held adequate discussions on it. Several of them argued that the existing legal framework was sufficient and that the proposed law was unnecessary.

As Speaker U.T. Khader put the introduction of the Bill to a vote, the BJP continued its protest, declaring that it would not support the move. The Speaker adjourned the House briefly as the uproar continued.

The proposed legislation defines a hate crime as any act by which a person harms, incites harm, or promotes prejudice or intolerance against another individual.

It covers actual or perceived characteristics such as religion, race, caste or community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, tribe, or the characteristics of a family member or associated group.

Under the Bill, those convicted of a hate crime may face imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both. The offence is described as non-cognizable and non-bailable, to be tried by a First Class Magistrate.

For hate speech, the Bill prescribes a similar punishment of imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both. This offence is also non-cognizable and non-bailable.

BJP leaders alleged that the legislation targets leaders linked with Hindutva organisations, especially in the coastal districts where communal tensions have been pronounced.

The Congress-led government drafted the Bill after a series of revenge killings in Mangaluru drew national concern. A special force has been formed to prevent further violence, and dedicated units are tracking social media activity that could lead to unrest.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The BJP on Thursday supported Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he launched a sharp attack on the Congress party and other opposition parties in the Lok Sabha, accusing them of spreading lies about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), maligning India's democratic processes, and asserting that the Narendra Modi government "will not allow infiltrators to get voting rights".

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The BJP on Thursday supported Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he launched a sharp attack on the Congress party and other opposition parties in the Lok Sabha, accusing them of spreading lies about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), maligning India's democratic processes, and asserting that the Narendra Modi government "will not allow infiltrators to get voting rights".

Union Home Minister Shah's speech in the Lok Sabha during the debate on electoral reforms saw a fiery face-off between him and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking outside Parliament, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, "The discussion was on election reforms, and the Home Minister presented his statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday. He responded to every point raised by the opposition, but they did not listen to his answers in full."

Union Minister Virendra Kumar added, "What he said to safeguard the future of the coming generations is absolutely correct."

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said, "The Congress' narrative was completely exposed. Amit Shah laid out historical facts and dismantled their claims. The conspiracy woven by Congress and other opposition parties was fully unmasked in the House yesterday."

Samik Bhattacharya, BJP MP, said, "The BJP has long warned that a silent demographic shift is underway. In West Bengal, especially in border districts like Darjeeling and North Bengal, demographics are changing because of the influx of Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants."

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also backed HM Shah, saying, "The Home Minister precisely countered the false claims and propaganda spread by the Congress, and they had no reply."

However, the Congress strongly criticised Amit Shah's conduct in the House.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said, "Amit Shah is a respected Home Minister, and the office has its own dignity. But the way he expressed himself yesterday did not reflect the conduct expected of someone in his position. His choice of words and body language were inappropriate. In Parliament, debates should be conducted through reasoned arguments, not gestures or physical demonstrations. His behaviour was unbecoming of a respected Home Minister."

Bhagat further said, "We agree that India must decide how to identify infiltrators. But the narrative presented by the Home Minister should first acknowledge the government's own surveillance failures. I am not part of the Home Ministry, nor am I in a position to determine who is infiltrating. I do not have that capability."

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma also criticised the BJP, stating, "The Home Minister and BJP leaders are excellent orators. I agree that infiltrators are dangerous to the country. But let the Home Minister clarify how many infiltrators have been caught during the SIR. Reports say that after scrutinising 65 lakh votes in Bihar, only three infiltrators were found. They aim to mislead the country and commit vote chori."

During his speech on Wednesday, Amit Shah accused the opposition of double standards. He said they constantly highlight irregularities in existing voter rolls yet object to the SIR, which aims to update the lists and ensure only eligible voters are included.

"The voter lists are absolutely fine when you win -- you wear new clothes and take the oath. But when you fall flat, like in Bihar, you suddenly claim the voter list is faulty. These double standards will not work," Shah said.

Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's press conferences on voter lists -- one of which he sarcastically referred to as a "Hydrogen Bomb" -- Shah said the Congress leader's allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft) were ironic, given that "some families", in an apparent reference to the Nehru-Gandhi family, were "generational vote chors".

At this point, Gandhi interrupted and demanded that Shah first explain why Election Commissioners were being granted immunity for actions taken while in office. Accusing the Home Minister of selectively quoting from his press conferences, Gandhi issued a challenge: "Let us have a debate on my press conference. Amit Shah ji, I challenge you to debate the three press conferences."

Shah responded: "Let me make something clear. I have been elected to legislative assemblies and Parliament for 30 years. I have extensive experience. The Leader of Opposition says he wants me to answer this or that question first. But Parliament will not run according to your wishes. I will decide the order in which I speak. He should wait patiently -- I will answer everything. He will not decide the order of my speech."
Chennai, Dec 11 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and well known Telugu star Pawan Kalyan on Thursday paid rich tributes to late Tamil poet Subramania Bharathiyar on his birth anniversary and opined that the fearless freedom fighter truly deserved a 'Bharat Rathna'.

Taking to his X timeline to share his thoughts on the great poet, he wrote, " Growing up in Chennai, Tamilnadu I have learnt three key lessons to learn from life of Bharathiyar : 1) Fearlessness in oneas commitment for our Mother Land Bharath,2) Love for oneas Mother Tongue,(3) Multi- linguistic skills and respect for other languages. He truly deservesaBharat Rathna."

Meanwhile, fans are eagerly waiting for the first single 'Dekhlenge Saala' from actor Pawan Kalyan's upcoming action entertainer 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh'.

A promo released for the song has made expectations to soar. Set to tune by music director Devi Sri Parasad, the scintillating dance number sung by Vishal Dadlani has lyrics by Bhaskarabhatla and choreography by Dinesh Master.

The complete song from the film is to release on December 13.

It may be recalled that Pawan Kalyan had officially joined the unit that was shooting in Hyderabad in the month of June. The production house had then praised actor Pawan Kalyan for making time for their film's shoot despite his busy schedule as he was also the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and he also had to turn up for the promotions of his recently released film, Hari Hara Veera Mallu.

Sreeleela plays the female lead in this film, which is being produced on a grand scale by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar under the Mythri Movie Makers banner.

Music for this film is being composed by Rockstar Devi Sri Prasad, who is on a success spree. Cinematography for the film is by Ayananka Bose while editing is being taken care of by Ujjwal Kulkarni.

The duo of Ram-Laxman is choreographing the action sequences in this film which will have Anand Sai as its production designer.

Screenplay for the film is by K. Dasharath while additional writing is by C Chandra Mohan.
The tool was developed so that the Latino community in the US can easily notify their families about detentions by immigration agents

A tool to feel prepared, not terrified. With this motto, the Alma app aims to provide the Latino community in the United States with something similar to an emergency button in case they are detained or feel threatened by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Increased immigration enforcement has left many immigrant families living with uncertainty and fear. The ALMA App was created to change that, reads the website of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund (SALEF).

The app was developed in collaboration with other immigrant rights leaders. Since its launch on November 25 of this year, approximately 1,000 people have registered, Jocelyn Duarte, executive director at SALEF, told this newspaper via email. This reflects the interest and need for a reliable tool to ensure the safety and wellbeing of immigrant families, she added.

ALMAs standout feature is an alert button: if approached by ICE agents, the user can open the app, select the One-Tap Enforcement Alert Button, and confirm the request. Following this, family members, organizations, and lawyers receive an alert with the specific location of the person who requested assistance. This feature is designed for anyone who feels at risk from uniformed officers or is witnessing excessive force against someone else.

Duarte explains that the app was initially designed to support families in the Los Angeles area. However, it can now be used in other cities. We are working to expand community collaborations and support networks to ensure that the resources and referrals included in the app also meet the needs of users in other locations, she says.

ALMA, which stands for Apoyo Legal, Migrante y Alerta (Legal, Migrant and Alert Support), offers help to plan ahead, stay connected, get quick help, access information about each individuals rights, have important documents on hand  passport, birth certificate, social security card, etc  and know what to do if you are arrested or a loved one has been apprehended.

For example, planning ahead means that families should be clear about who will take care of the children if one of the parents is arrested, have a list of emergency contacts and legal support, and have important documents organized.

Our organization has supported families affected by immigration actions and has responded through legal advice, community education, and the promotion of policies that protect the rights of immigrants, says the executive director, concluding that the organizations commitment is to provide comprehensive support, reliable resources, and guidance to those facing vulnerable or risky situations.

Since Donald Trump returned to the White House and implemented his immigration agenda, ICE has detained 220,000 people as of October 15. More than a third of these individuals have no criminal record, despite claims that the deportations would target murderers, rapists, and gang members. These are the latest figures obtained by the Deportation Data Project at the University of Berkeley through a lawsuit against the government. The figures do not include arrests made by the Border Patrol, which has also been a significant part of the deportation machinery terrorizing migrant communities  the very communities that the ALMA app seeks to provide some relief to.

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New Delhi, Dec 11 : Amid rising cases of surge pricing by private online cab aggregators, a mobile-based application called 'Bharat Taxi App' is in the testing and trial phase, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told Parliament on Thursday.

The Bharat Taxi App is aimed at supporting driver-owned taxi service on a cooperative model under the aegis of the Sahahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), Gadkari said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) plays a key role in establishing the cooperative-based 'Bharat Taxi' ride-hailing service. The new multi-state cooperative society has been registered, and driver enrolment, along with technological development, is in progress, according to an earlier statement by the government.

Gadkari further stated that the government has issued The Motor Vehicles Aggregators Guidelines, 2025, for aggregators, including app-based cab services, to provide a light-touch regulatory system, while attending to issues of safety and security of the user and the welfare of the driver. The competent authority for issuing licenses to such aggregators is the designated authority of the state government concerned, with jurisdiction across the entire state.

Apart from the safeguards for the passengers, the Guidelines provide for fare regulation.

"Understanding that the fare is determined by market forces of demand and supply of the aggregated vehicles, the Guidelines envisage dynamic pricing, allowing aggregators to charge 50 per cent lower than the state-notified base fares and capping the maximum surge pricing at twice the base fare for peak hours," the minister said.

aIn order to ensure transparency, accountability and passenger welfare, the fare notified by the state will be the base fare."

According to the norms, the drivers' owned motor vehicles will receive at least 80 per cent of the fare, and, on the other hand, for motor vehicles which are owned by the aggregator, the on-boarded driver shall receive at least 60 per cent of the fare.

Therefore, in the case of surge pricing, the beneficiary will be the driver of the owned vehicle. This will spur supply and thereby enable better availability during periods of high demand, said Gadkari.

Also, the Guidelines provide for suspension and cancellation of the aggregator license on several grounds of violation, including unjustified fare/dynamic fare charged to the passengers.

"The Guidelines ensure that no passenger is charged for dead mileage, except when the distance for availing the ride is less than three kms, and the fare is charged only from the point of origin to the destination," said the minister.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Ahead of a scheduled discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan reminded members of the constitutional and procedural boundaries governing parliamentary debate, particularly when it touches upon institutions of high authority.

He underscored that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional body under Article 324 of the Constitution, and its day-to-day functioning does not fall under the direct purview of the Government of India.

Chairman Radhakrishnan referred to Rule 238 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, which prohibits members from reflecting upon the conduct of persons in high authority unless the discussion is based on a substantive motion framed in proper terms.

He further noted that matters relating to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various states are currently sub judice before the Supreme Court, and therefore cannot be debated in the House.

"Members must refrain from making submissions that contravene these provisions. Anything said in violation will not form part of the record," he cautioned.

The Chair's intervention came as members prepared to take part in a politically charged discussion.

He repeatedly urged patience, asking members to allow the proceedings to begin in order.

In response, Tiruchi Shiva questioned the interpretation of the rules. The members recalled a precedent set by a former Chairman, Jagdish Dhankhar, who had once ruled that "anything under the sky can be discussed in the House". They argued that unless the Chair explicitly overruled that precedent, it remained valid, and therefore restrictions on debate were "null and void".

The exchange highlighted the tension between procedural safeguards and the expansive nature of parliamentary debate.

While the Chair insisted on adherence to constitutional and judicial boundaries, "I will go by the rule in the book," the chairman said and initiated the debate on election reforms.
Panaji, Dec 11 : Delhi-based businessman Ajay Gupta, one of the co-owners of the fire-devastated 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa, has now been sent to seven days of police custody for further investigation.

Panaji, Dec 11 (IANS) Delhi-based businessman Ajay Gupta, one of the co-owners of the fire-devastated aBirch by Romeo Lanea nightclub in Goa, has now been sent to seven days of police custody for further investigation.

Advocate Rohan Dessai, representing Gupta, said: "Ajay Gupta is fully cooperating with the investigation. The Goa Police had sought 10 days of custody, but the court granted seven days. The investigation is ongoing, so at this stage, I cannot comment on his role."

The Goa Police arrested Gupta, a sleeping partner of club owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, on Wednesday.

With Guptaas arrest, the total number of people taken into custody in the case has now risen to six, police officials said.

Earlier in the day, the Luthra brothers, who left India shortly after a massive fire at their Goa nightclub claimed 25 lives, were taken into custody in Thailand.

The two, known for operating the Romeo Lane restaurant chain in several cities across four countries, reportedly flew to Phuket just hours after the tragedy at their establishment, aBirch by Romeo Lanea, located in Arpora, North Goa.

They are facing charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with serious allegations of negligence. Indian agencies are expected to formally request their deportation so that they can be tried in Goa, according to NDTV.

Earlier in the day, the passports of the Luthra brothers were suspended, officials said.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Central government or any appointed officer has the authority to suspend passports in accordance with Section 10A of the Passports Act, 1967.

Individuals whose passports have been suspended are not permitted to travel out of the country using that passport.

Passports are frequently suspended in criminal matters, and restoring them requires fulfilling legal requirements or court stipulations. The next step, as per sources, will likely involve the cancellation of their passports.

According to NDTV sources, the Luthra brothers are expected to be deported within 24 hours.

Indian officials are currently heading to Thailand to bring back the Luthra brothers.

The blaze erupted late Saturday night while the club was hosting a music event with nearly 100 attendees, many of whom were tourists. Videos from the evening show performers entertaining the crowd with Bollywood numbers. The use of electric firecrackers during the show is suspected to have sparked the inferno.

The nightclub quickly turned into a deadly trap due to extensive use of flammable decor and a blatant disregard for fire safety protocols. Officials found no working fire extinguishers or alarm systems on site. Compounding the disaster was the narrow approach road that prevented fire engines from reaching the venue; they had to be stationed nearly 400 metres away, delaying rescue efforts and making firefighting extremely difficult.

By the time fire personnel managed to control the flames, 25 people had died -- five tourists and 20 staff members. Most victims were discovered in the basement area, having succumbed to toxic smoke inhalation.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : BJP MP Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi on Wednesday described India as the world's only "vibrant living democracy" in the vast stretch from Eastern Europe to Japan.

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) BJP MP Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi on Wednesday described India as the world's only "vibrant living democracy" in the vast stretch from Eastern Europe to Japan.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a debate on election reforms, Trivedi said that while Australia and Japan also qualify as democracies, India stands apart for the depth and vitality of its democratic practice.

To underline his point, Trivedi cited a Freedom House report which, he claimed, demonstrated a historical link between Hinduism and democratic traditions.

He argued that India's civilisational ethos had nurtured democratic values long before modern institutions took shape. Tracing the history of electoral contests, Trivedi recalled that the first election petition was filed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar after losing in his constituency.

He said Jawaharlal Nehru had written to Lord Mountbatten acknowledging the Congress victory in Bombay, and reportedly remarked that Ambedkar was "joining hands with Hindu communists".

The BJP MP went on to highlight lapses in electoral processes across decades, pointing to the Emergency era when Indira Gandhi's election victory was challenged in court.

He noted that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were introduced during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure, marking a technological shift in India's electoral system.

Trivedi argued that the Congress era of dominance ended once safeguards such as CCTV monitoring, voter ID cards, independent media, an independent judiciary, and rising literacy levels were established.

"They received votes when ballot boxes were looted, booths were captured, bullets flew, and people died," he said, adding emphatically, "That era will not come back."

He accused the Congress of failing to grasp that electoral success today depends not on manipulation but on "deep bonds and trust" between leaders and the people.

According to him, the BJP's victories reflect genuine connections with voters rather than the practices that marred elections in earlier decades.

Trivedi's intervention added to the charged debate in Parliament, where the ruling party has sought to contrast its vision of electoral integrity with what it describes as Congress' legacy of flawed practices.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : No significant lapses were observed during the DGCA's recent surveillance audit at major airports, and all observations were categorised as Level II and communicated to the aerodrome operators concerned and subsequently closed after the completion of action by them, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) No significant lapses were observed during the DGCAas recent surveillance audit at major airports, and all observations were categorised as Level II and communicated to the aerodrome operators concerned and subsequently closed after the completion of action by them, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday

In DGCA airport audits, a Level II lapse signifies a procedural or administrative oversight that doesn't pose an immediate, critical safety threat like a Level I breach.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has a robust mechanism at licensed airports to ensure compliance of regulatory requirements through surveillance audits. To ensure passenger safety and to maintain global aviation safety standards, there is a systematic safety oversight process in place for monitoring the compliance of the Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements. The safety oversight process includes surveillance, spot checks, and regulatory audits. In addition, special audits are also carried out in accordance with the perceived risk.

The airport license is issued after satisfactory compliance with the requirements specified in Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 4, he said.

Aerodrome operators are responsible for maintaining airports in a fit state during the validity of the aerodrome license, and the same is ensured by the DGCA by conducting surveillance inspections regularly. Further, if any violation is identified, enforcement action against the aerodrome operator is initiated as per the Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual, the minister said.

He also said that in the last four months, 22 officers, selected by the government for various posts, have joined the DGCA to strengthen its manpower, while the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) has completed its due process for 42 officers.

Another 62 technical officers, five flight operations inspectors and 8 stenographers have also been selected to join the DGCA, while an examination has been conducted to select another 121 operations officers, the minister added.

Keeping in view the current and future expansion of the civil aviation sector, effective supervision and enhanced role of the DGCA as a safety regulator, as many as 441 posts have been created during the last 3 years as part of the DGCA restructuring. Out of the total 1630 sanctioned strength of DGCA, 836 posts are currently filled, he observed.

Regular safety oversight at licensed airports is an ongoing activity and is carried out in accordance with the Annual Surveillance Plan published on the DGCA website. The findings observed during such inspections are communicated to the airport operators concerned for necessary corrective action, and this is monitored by the DGCA at regular intervals, the minister added.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against 13 accused persons in a major "digital arrest" cyber fraud case, as part of its focused, case-by-case crackdown under Operation Chakra - V against organised transnational cybercrimes, the agency said on Thursday.

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against 13 accused persons in a major "digital arrest" cyber fraud case, as part of its focused, case-by-case crackdown under Operation Chakra - V against organised transnational cybercrimes, the agency said on Thursday.

The case was registered suo motu by the CBI to comprehensively investigate ten significant incidents of Digital Arrest scams reported across the country, amid a steep rise in such offences.

In October 2025, the CBI conducted coordinated searches across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala and West Bengal.

"These searches led to the recovery of incriminating material including electronic devices, communication logs, financial records and other digital evidence," the CBI said in its press note.

On the basis of evidence recovered, three accused persons were arrested, all of whom are currently in judicial custody.

The central agency stressed that during the investigation, it analysed over 15,000 IP addresses associated with the scam networks.

"The technical analysis revealed extensive cross-border connections, showing that several key bank accounts used for collecting and routing victim funds were being controlled by masterminds based in Cambodia, Hong Kong and China," it said.

From the vast technical dataset, India-based IP addresses were isolated, enabling targeted searches and identification of domestic operatives.

"Importantly, multiple streams of evidence now indicate that slave compounds operating in Myanmar and neighbouring areas have emerged as major hubs for the execution of Digital Arrest frauds, where trafficked Indian nationals are coerced to run call-centre style cybercrime operations," the CBI said.

"These findings align with intelligence gathered during parallel CBI investigations into cyber-slavery and organised digital exploitation networks in South-East Asia," it added.

The investigation has further generated significant leads on the financial trail, call-flow patterns, VoIP routing, remote-access tool misuse, and the broader technology infrastructure supporting Digital Arrest scams.

This systematic, case-by-case dismantling of each operational component remains central to CBI's evolving cybercrime enforcement strategy.

Based on the evidence collected, the CBI has filed a chargesheet against 13 accused within the statutory 60-day period under provisions of the IPC and IT Act.

Further investigation is continuing to identify additional conspirators, facilitators, money-mule handlers, and the overseas infrastructure enabling these transnational cyber fraud operations.
Itanagar/New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Indian Army on Thursday launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in the high-altitude Chaglagam region of Arunachal Pradesh after a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia fell off a cliff along the remote Hayuliang-Chaglagam road, officials said.

Itanagar/New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The Indian Army on Thursday launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in the high-altitude Chaglagam region of Arunachal Pradesh after a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia fell off a cliff along the remote Hayulianga"Chaglagam road, officials said. A

The accident, believed to have occurred on the night of December 8 near KM 40, came to light only late on December 10 when the lone survivor managed to reach the Chipra GREF Camp and alerted authorities.

According to preliminary inputs provided by the survivor, the vehicle veered off the treacherous mountain road and plunged nearly 200 metres into a dense, inaccessible forested gorge.

The site, about 12 km short of Chaglagam, lies in a remote stretch with minimal connectivity.

Notably, no information about the missing workers had been reported by any local agency, contractor, or civil representative until the survivoras arrival, prompting immediate mobilisation of rescue resources.

On December 11, the Indian Armyas Spear Corps deployed multiple search and rescue columns along with medical teams, GREF personnel, local police, NDRF members and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Hayuliang.

"At 1155 hours, after four hours of intensive search and rope descent, the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road near KM 40 in a re-entrant, inaccessible and not visible from helicopters or the road due to dense tree cover and thick foliage. Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are being retrieved using belay ropes," an official said.

Dense foliage and deep terrain had earlier made the vehicle invisible from both the road and aerial reconnaissance.

So far, 18 bodies have been sighted at the accident site and are being retrieved using belay rope systems.

ADC Hayuliang has informed SP Anjaw, who has reached the site, while the District Medical Officer is moving to facilitate the evacuation of casualties and mortal remains

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), requisitioned by the Deputy Commissioner, is also moving towards the site.

Authorities have begun questioning the sub-contractor linked to the Zila Parishad Member of Chaglagam to verify the workersa identities and confirm the exact number on board.

Despite harsh terrain, limited visibility and difficult weather conditions, the army and civil agencies continue to make all-out efforts to locate the remaining individuals and provide immediate assistance.
Kochi, Dec 11 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the Centre to produce the complete deportation documents of Suraj Lama, an Indian national who was deported from Kuwait and went missing soon after landing at Kochi airport.

A division bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha issued the directive while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Lamaas son, who has alleged that his father disappeared under suspicious circumstances.

The court had earlier sought clarity on the standard protocol followed when a citizen is deported back to India.

Although the Deputy Solicitor General filed a statement, the bench expressed displeasure, remarking that the explanation "has more questions unanswered than answered".

The judges said they would not form any conclusion until all deportation papers are submitted.

If any documents are in a foreign language, certified translations must be produced, the court added.

Representing the state, the government pleader informed the court that the Superintendent of the Ernakulam Government Medical College Hospital and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Aluva, had filed reports as earlier directed.

The hospital report stated that the deportee was brought in a "108 ambulance" with no one accompanying him.

The bench raised concerns over this detail, pointing out that the medical records did not mention any police requisition authorising the transfer.

"The police have to give a requisition to the ambulance stating they are sending this person. Where is the requisition? We would like to see it," the court asked.

The government pleader assured the bench that all relevant materials, including any police request made to the hospital, would be submitted.

The court also reiterated that its scrutiny stems from the constitutional guarantee of equal protection for every citizen.

"Every citizen is equal and under the Constitutional umbrella is a sovereign," the bench observed, urging authorities to approach the matter with due seriousness.

Additionally, the high court directed the state to provide updates on the forensic examination of a body recovered earlier from Kalamassery, which investigators are examining for possible links to the case.

The matter will be taken up again on Monday for further hearing.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The issue of the Goa club tragedy figured in Rajya Sabha yet again on Thursday, with Congress MP from Chhattisgarh Phulo Devi Netam demanding strict action against such illegal nightclubs across all states.

"A horrific fire in a nightclub in Goa has resulted in the tragic deaths of 25 people, including four foreigners. This incident is extremely heartbreaking. This club was being operated illegally. Just like in Goa, nightclubs are being run illegally in other states as well. My request to the government is - take action on this," said Netam.

The Congress's official social media handle also highlighted her demand for urgent action in the matter, highlighting the need to check illegal clubs whose activities are prone to causing Goa club-type infernos in future.

Earlier in the Goa fire probe, a swift multi-agency operation, which stretched across two countries, eventually led to the detention in Thailand of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of Goa's Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub.

The two had fled the country following the fatal fire tragedy at their Gol nightclub.

The deportation process has begun, and officials expect the duo to be brought back soon. The brothers have been taken to a detention centre in Phuket.

Officials say that they are already in contact with the authorities in Thailand, and the process to secure their return has already begun.

The authorities in India wasted no time in tracking the brothers. The process began immediately after the immigration authorities informed them of their departure. The Thai authorities were immediately alerted by their Indian counterparts.

The immigration desk was the first to alert the authorities about the departure. Once it was confirmed that they had flown into Phuket, the Thai authorities were alerted.

Another official said that the operation needed to be a swift one as there was the risk that the duo might leave Thailand once they realised they had been tracked. Once the Thai authorities were alerted about the details of the duo, they immediately swung into action and launched searches across the island.

The detention would have taken place earlier, but the brothers had shifted from the place they were staying in Phuket. This led to the search being extended. Eventually, they were traced and then detained.

Officials say that Gaurav and Saurabh booked their tickets at 1.17 a.m. on December 7 through MakeMyTrip. This was the same time when the firefighters and police were attempting to douse the fire and rescue those who were trapped inside the nightclub at Arpora, Goa.

The brothers are now in Thai custody, and the authorities are going ahead with the legal formalities. An official said that they expect the deportation to take place soon. Once back in India, they would be handed over to the Goa police for further investigation.

Another official said that they expect the deportation could take place in just a day. The Goa police had suspended their passports. Currently, the Ministry of External Affairs is examining a request from the Goa police to revoke the passports of the brothers.

On Wednesday, a New Delhi court declined to grant interim protection from arrest to the brothers. Their lawyer argued that the Luthras had not fled the country but were on a business trip. They also said that they were not the owners, but licensees of the nightclub. They also said that the day-to-day affairs of the nightclub were managed by the staff and hence they should be absolved of direct responsibility.

The Goa Police, as part of the probe, have arrested five managers and staff members in connection with the incident. Goa Chief Minister Promod Sawant, who has assured of strict action, said that an inquiry report into the incident will be ready in eight days.

Twenty-five people were killed, and six others were injured after a fire broke out at the nightclub on Saturday night. There were around 100 people at the club at the time of the incident. An initial assessment suggests that the reason for the fire was the heavy use of inflammable material in the decor. Shocking violations of fire safety norms were also found.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani stated on Thursday that he discussed in detail the strategic and future common action to increase India-Italy bilateral cooperation during his meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. He expressed optimism that the two sides will continue to keep working to have more Italy in India and more India in Italy.

The visiting leader's statement came a day after his meeting with EAM Jaishankar in New Delhi. In a post shared on X, Tajani wrote, "In Delhi I had a great meeting with my friend Dr S Jaishankar. We shared a strategic and future common action to increase our bilateral cooperation. Letas keep working together to have more Italy in India and more India in Italy!"

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar and Tajani reviewed progress under the political, defence, tech and innovation, maritime, mobility, space, trade and investment sectors outlined under Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29. The two ministers also spoke on regional, global and multilateral developments.

"Pleasure to meet DPM & FM Antonio Tajani of Italy today evening in New Delhi. Reviewed progress under the political, defence, tech and innovation, maritime, mobility, space, trade and investment domains outlined under our Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29. Also appreciated joint efforts to counter terror-financing. Dwelt on our cooperation with the EU, other regional, global and multilateral developments," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Tajani met Isha Foundation founder Jaggi Vasudev, popularly known as Sadhguru, in Mumbai on Thursday. After their meeting, Sadhguru noted that India and Italy have shared a "long and deep friendship" dating back two millenia and expressed happiness on seeing the two nations striving to keep this bond alive.

"Italy and Bharat have shared a long and deep friendship dating back two millennia and it is most wonderful that both nations are striving to keep this bond alive and thriving. Our dear friend Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani has high regard and appreciation for Bharatas rich civilizational heritage. Una Serata Italiana is a fantastic platform to strengthen our political and cultural ties. We deeply appreciate the warmth and hospitality of H.E. Ambassador Antonio Enrico Bartoli and the Italian Embassy. Best wishes & warm regards," Sadhguru posted on X.

Tajani also visited the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai on Thursday. He is scheduled to hold talks with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in Mumbai before wrapping up his India visit.

On Wednesday, Tajani called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and noted that the two countries are strategic partners, bound by a "growing and solid friendship."

Following their meeting, Tajani, in a post on X, wrote, "In New Delhi, I had a very friendly meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Italy and India are countries bound by a growing and solid friendship, mutually strategic partners. The goal is to have more India in Italy and more Italy in India, also through the IMEC corridor that links our two countries through Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. With our Governments, we will strengthen the commitment to achieve peace in Ukraine and in the Middle East."

The Italian Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day official visit to India, marking his second trip to the country this year aimed at deepening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership.
Too Black for Latinos and too Latino for African Americans, Bostons Afro-Latino community is beginning to see the fruits of decades of activism against historical invisibility

Long before becoming Bostons first Afro-Latina city councilwoman, Julia Mejia was Julia Melania Mejia Pena  a five-year-old girl who emigrated from the Dominican Republic to Massachusetts. Over time, she gradually shed two of her names. I didnt want anyone to know who I was, where I came from, she recalls. She just wanted to fit in, even if it meant suppressing her Afro-Latin identity, something she wouldnt recover until decades later.

With her brown skin and curly hair, Mejia never felt welcomed by the citys Latino community. She remembers that her school was divided between Latinos and African Americans. She always chose to be on the African American side, because it was the one that accepted her. But even though that community embraced her, it came at the cost of denying her identity: she couldnt be Black and speak Spanish at the same time, so she began to hide that part of herself.

When asked when she first saw herself as Afro-Latina, she says it must have been less than 10 years ago. The other day, I was looking at old photos and found one from 2015 that said Afro-Latina underneath. I think it was then that I truly understood the term and realized it reflected everything I am, she notes. During her interview with EL PAIS at her City Council office, she speaks mostly in English, although she throws in the occasional word or phrase in Spanish.

Councilor Mejias office is filled with Dominican flags. But the pride she feels today for her birthplace and her roots is the result of a long process of self-acceptance that, she admits, she continues to work on. Mejias struggle to understand herself and accept that Blackness exists within Latinidad is also Bostons struggle.

Julia Mejia, City Councilor for the City of Boston. Tizzy Tokyo

The Massachusetts capital has the highest proportion of Afro-Latinos in the entire country. They number nearly 88,000 (a figure that has doubled in the last decade), according to a study published in 2023 by the Boston Foundation, one of the oldest community organizations in the country. Founded in 1915, its mission is to promote equity in the city. The Afro-Latino residents of Boston are primarily Puerto Rican and Dominican. And together, they represent 15.3% of the citys Latino community, surpassing large metropolises like New York, where they represent 9.1%.

However, even though theyre numerous, theyve been  and remain  invisible. When considering the experience of individuals like Mejia, or when examining the Latino and Black communities in general, they dont fit in anywhere.

A deep sense of denial

Yvette Modestin, an Afro-Panamanian activist who has lived in Boston for 30 years, explains that, behind these numbers, lies a deep denial. Born in the port city of Colon  the heart of the Afro-descendant community in Panama  the poet and writer was always proud of her Blackness. No one dared to question her identity as an Afro-Latina  that is, until she migrated to the United States in the late 1990s. She recalls arriving in Boston and for the first time in her life having a conversation with an Afro-Latina who didnt identify as such.

I had never had an experience like that, standing in front of someone who said to me, Oh, I thought you were Black. And, when I responded, I am and you are, too, I heard them say, No, Im Puerto Rican, or Im Dominican, she recounts. The disconnect was such that I spoke to them in Spanish and they answered me in English. They couldnt believe I could be both Black and Latina. On top of that, the people who told me this were Blacker than me! she exclaims, still incredulous three decades later.

Beyond her personal experience, through her career as a social worker Modestin gradually realized that what existed within the Latino community in Boston was a systematic erasure of Afro-Latin identity. Not only did Afro-Latinos not identify as such, but they also didnt accept others who (like Modestin) did.

This marginalization, she explains  with a somewhat frustrated and tired tone, after so many years of having to explain herself  is largely due to the fact that the same racism that operates in broader American society is replicated within the Latino community. Especially in a place like Boston, which, for most of the 20th century, until new waves of Latin American immigrants began to arrive, was a city with a vastly white majority. So, as immigrants, we come here and were aware of that racism. And we do everything we can to make our lives easier, leaning toward whiteness, Modestin notes.

Thus, she continues, the term Latino has become consolidated as a category that only includes those who identify as white, while distancing itself from those who are considered to be the inferior race: Black people. And, even if theyre not really white  even if they have slightly darker skin  they believe that the fact that theyre Latino already allows them to lean toward whiteness, she elaborates. Its a caste system. Latinos, she summarizes, are placed above African Americans and dont accept that there can be Black Latinos.

Yvette Modestin, Afro-Panamanian activist. Tizzy Tokyo

However, there are Afro-Latinos like Modestin who, even if they wanted to, cannot hide their Blackness. She points to her dark skin and her hair, which is now braided but sometimes worn in dreadlocks, or as a natural afro. First and foremost, I am this. Hence, she doesnt have, nor would she ever want to have, the option of passing as white, as she has seen many other Afro-Latinos do, taking advantage of the privilege of colorism. As a result, she has ended up marginalized, on the one hand, by the Latino community, which doesnt accept her because of her race, and, on the other, by the African-American community, which rejects her because of her ethnicity.

This invisibility has tangible consequences because the exclusion is also socioeconomic. Today, Afro-Latinos are the poorest group in Boston. The same Boston Foundation research published in 2023 found that this group has the lowest incomes in the entire city: their households earn around $45,000 a year, compared to the median income of $93,000. They also have the lowest homeownership rate: only 19% own their own homes, a staggering 41 percentage points below the overall homeownership rate. Theyre also less likely to be able to start a business.

Its a system of racial hierarchy: of misrepresentation, marginalization and racism, James Jennings emphasizes. Hes the co-author of the Boston Foundation report and an Afro-Puerto Rican expert on urban poverty, economic development and race relations. Hes been studying Bostons Afro-Latino community for decades.

Jennings notes that the system has also kept this segment of the population stuck in poverty. For a long time, theyve been ignored by those who should be looking out for their interests.

Half-a-century of activism

Jose Masso III recalls seeing this marginalization firsthand when he arrived in Boston in the 1970s. Half-a-century later, hes one of the citys most celebrated figures. He has received several awards and recognitions for his commitment to Boston, including an annual festival held in his honor, which was inaugurated last year. Wherever he goes in the city, he is welcomed with pride, whether at City Hall  where hes been an advisor for decades  or at the small cafe where he grants an interview to EL PAIS.

Masso arrives dressed in a vest, jacket and top hat. He has a wooden cane that he doesnt really lean on, but it lends him an air of wisdom. His 74 years of age arent noticeable in his gaze or in his voice, which remains firm and unwavering. After ordering a coffee and a muffin, he takes a seat and launches into a half-an-hour-long monologue as he reviews the last 50 years of his life and the struggle he has led for Bostons Afro-Latino community.

Originally from Puerto Rico, he came to the city proud of his Blackness, his African roots and his Afro. But, like Modestin, he encountered a barrier of rejection. He was too Black for Latinos, and too Latino for African Americans. I would tell them, Im Black, Im Afro-Puerto Rican. But they couldnt connect the two because, in their minds, Black people are only from the United States. And anyone who was Black couldnt be anything else, he recalls.

Still, I knew I could play a role as an agent of change, because my focus was on elevating and amplifying Blackness, he explains. In 1975, the opportunity arose. He learned that Boston Public Radio wanted to launch a new project focused on Latinos, and he proposed one centered on celebrating the contributions of Afro-Latinos to Latin American and American music and culture.

Thus was born Con Salsa!  now Bostons longest-running music show  which placed Masso at the forefront of the battle that Afro-Latinos were waging to be accepted in the city. From the beginning, I had a unique platform. There were already other Latin radio shows in the country, but the fact that I openly identified myself as Afro-Puerto Rican on air  and clearly stated that I was presenting the best Afro-Latin music, to educate the public about the contributions of people of African descent to this continent  was something completely different, he acknowledges.

However, he admits, the start wasnt easy. Not all Latinos accepted him. They didnt want to talk about Blackness. And they definitely didnt want someone Black to represent them on such a scale, because of all the stereotypes and baggage they carried, he notes. They were used to the traditional role of the caste system and racism, where Black people fit in the hierarchy. I was breaking down all those barriers. So, for them, it was a challenge.

Mural of Afro-Latino culture in Boston. Tizzy Tokyo

It was Masso who took on the responsibility of challenging them. Despite the rejection, he worked alongside other Afro-Latino organizers to set an example however he could. They took advantage of the fact that the country was experiencing a period of great social unrest: it was the height of the Black Power movement and student organizing against the Vietnam War. We began to create our own Pan-Afro-Latino movement in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, which, to a certain extent, was part of the media landscape. Because suddenly, you heard our voices on the radio, you read us in the press, you saw us on television something that hadnt happened before. It didnt mean we were the vast majority, but at least we were present."

The path to greater acceptance

It was a long process that, according to several Afro-Latino activists and community leaders in Boston, began to bear fruit over the last 20 years. Theres been more community-level organizing, more political participation and greater acceptance. Now, were able to have more conversations. And were also in the spaces we need to occupy to talk about these issues. Because it wasnt always like this; we had to lay the groundwork and create the spaces for these kinds of conversations to take place, Masso explains.

One of those spaces was created by Yvette Modestin. In 2004, she founded the Encuentro Diaspora Afro, the first organization of its kind in Boston. Its mission is to empower the citys Afro-Latino population through training courses, conferences and events.

At the center of everything she does, Modestin maintains the same thing that Masso has promoted on his radio program for half-a-century: the recognition of the African influence on Latinidad. Because, the Panamanian explains, the key lies in self-acceptance: Our greatest healing is within ourselves. We have to understand that healing has to do with how we see ourselves, how we connect with ourselves.

It was also in the last 20 years that another organization emerged  one dedicated exclusively to teaching young Afro-Latinos about their roots and culture. Hyde Square Task Force was originally born as a community-based organization in the 1990s. It was established in the Latino neighborhood of Jamaica Plain to address the neglect of the area, which was plagued by violence and drugs. Over time, however, the group evolved and adjusted its focus, eventually centering on the neighborhoods youth, the vast majority of whom were Afro-Latinos, the children of immigrants from Cuba, Puerto Rico, or the Dominican Republic. In 2018, the organization adopted a strategic plan that explicitly named Afro-Latino culture as the lens they would use to work with the communitys youth.

We wanted to be more intentional about the way we named it. We realized, in our work with youth, that their African roots were a silenced part of their identity, Celina Miranda explains. Speaking from her office, which is still in Jamaica Plain, the organizations current executive director recalls that, until recently, children attending the center talked about being Puerto Rican or Dominican, but never about their African roots. So, for us, naming [Blackness] became very important in creating this space where young people realize its okay to think about the complexity of who they are. Its about naming all the parts of themselves and not feeling like they have to choose, because their Afro-Latin identity is a fundamental part of their identity, Miranda notes.

Hyde Square Task Force, the executive director details, has served as a safe space for these young people to undertake a careful process of self-exploration and acceptance. They tell us that coming here has given them the ability to say, Im proud of my roots, Ive learned more about who I am. And you think about the power of that, because, from the perspective of racial identity formation, that exploration typically doesnt happen until much later, in college. But were starting those conversations with young people much earlier. Our hope is that, by the time they enter those other spaces, theyll arrive with much more awareness and confidence about who they are.

Mural in the Latin neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, Boston. Tizzy Tokyo

Today, Hyde Square Task Force has a three-story building, with spaces dedicated to the different artistic forms it uses to carry out its work. There are several music studios  including one for string instruments and another for percussion  as well as others for dance and theater.

Starting at three in the afternoon, the centers hallways fill with children and teenagers arriving after the end of the school day. In total, the organization serves around 300 young people. Im not Afro-Latina, but this is very personal for me, because I have a daughter who is. I always think about her and what Im doing to pave the way for her to feel a sense of belonging wherever she goes, so that she doesnt have to leave a part of herself behind to fit in, Miranda shares, while offering EL PAIS a tour of the organizations facilities.

The desire to break away from the need to hide oneself is something Julia Mejia knows all too well. She was elected to the City Council after running in the 2019 municipal elections, knowing that she wasnt the preferred Latina candidate. I was the hood rat who didnt fit the mold they wanted to project on me, she recalls. But she wanted to show that, by being herself, she could still win.

During the campaign, her own team doubted her. They asked me not to say that I was Afro-Latina and not to say that I was an immigrant or that I was a single mother. They told me to be anything but what I was, she says. But she didnt back down and continued running her campaign the way she wanted to. I said, Im not going to be invisible anymore. She ended up winning her seat by one vote and was reelected four years later.

During her time on the Boston City Council, she has served as a bridge between the Latino and African American communities. Before her, nobody in the local government had done this. But she acknowledges that, despite the progress thats been made, its an ongoing task.

Ive had to learn to confront people on both sides when necessary. Because when youre a light-skinned Afro-Latina claiming your Black roots, people think youre crazy. And when youre a light-skinned Afro-Latina denouncing colorism  even within your community  you become a problem, she says. When I meet with African American leaders, they tell me Im not Black. And I ask them, Am I not Black in what sense? Because Im not African American? Its a cycle that, little by little, we will continue to break.
Jammu, Dec 11 : A group of students from J&K's Udhampur district on Thursday called on the President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi.

Army's Udhampur headquartered northern command said on X, "A group of students from Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The group visited Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the National Integration Tour."

The event was widely appreciated and welcomed as social media went awash with people appreciating the event, as others called for more such integrative events to bind the nation.

"Love seeing initiatives like this. For students from a district like Udhampur, walking through Rashtrapati Bhavan and meeting the President can change how they see both the country and their own future," a X user said.

Another user said that national integration feels very real when young people from far-flung regions find themselves at the heart of India's democracy.

"Incredible to see young minds from Udhampur experiencing the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan and meeting the Honourable President! National Integration Tours truly weave the threads of unity and pride across our diverse nation," he said.

Another post on X said, "From Basantgarh to Rashtrapati Bhavan! A proud moment as our students met the President of India."

The army and also the civil administration have been organising tours of students and opinion leaders from various parts of J&K to visit other states and interact with the people to acquaint themselves with geography, culture, language and developmental projects taking place in various parts of the country.

Village elders interact with people of different rural areas and see for themselves how the grassroots-level governance works.

Enriched through their interactions with members of successfully operating Panchayats, local elders learn how the 'Panchayati Raj' can be our way to practice to change the lives of rural people for the better.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Samajwadi Party on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Uttar Pradesh government after a shocking incident in Meerut, where four law students allegedly molested a woman and vandalised her car in a crowded market, terming the episode a grim reminder of the deteriorating safety standards in the state.

"Law and order in Uttar Pradesh is in a poor state", and "the rule of law has collapsed", the party said.

The incident, which has triggered public outrage, occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Meerut's bustling Abu Lane Market. According to police, four LLB students, all in their 20s, from Meerut College were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly molesting a 25-year-old woman, who owns a local eatery, and for violently attacking the car in which she was travelling with her business partner.

Speaking to IANS, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad said: "Law and order in Uttar Pradesh is in a poor state. The rule of law has collapsed, and the government has lost its credibility."

Expressing similar concerns, SP MP Virendra Singh said: "We have stopped questioning law and order in UP because such incidents are happening continuously. In Chandauli, a medicine businessman was murdered in broad daylight, and a ten-year-old girl was raped and murdered. When there is fear in the media, society, and among officials -- even in reporting these crimes, raising questions becomes meaningless."

Adding to the criticism, SP MP Neeraj Kushwaha Maurya said: "Atrocities against women are happening across the state, and they show no signs of stopping. The Samajwadi Party and our national president, Akhilesh Yadav, have repeatedly said that law and order in UP is completely shattered. The entire system is broken."

SP MP Ramji Lal Suman echoed the sentiment, saying: "The law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh is very poor. Despite Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath repeatedly claiming that everything is fine, the reality is the opposite. Crime is rising, people feel unsafe, and this incident is yet another example."

Responding to the allegations, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad defended the government, saying: "In our government, all inhumane, improper, and illegal activities are investigated. Offenders are caught and will be punished. Politics should not be involved in everything."

A purported video of the incident surfaced online, showing several young men surrounding the car and smashing it from all sides. The visuals prompted the police to register a case under charges including attempt to murder.

According to the complaint filed at Sadar Bazaar police station, the woman and her business partner were travelling on Tuesday when three youths on a scooter blocked their way and began hitting the vehicle. When the partner tried to drive ahead, the trio allegedly summoned more friends. Near Nishat Cinema, three to four additional men intercepted the car, demanded that the occupants step out, and when the woman refused, one of the accused climbed onto the bonnet, shattered the windshield, broke the side mirrors, smashed the rear glass, and issued death threats.

After the videos went viral, police arrested four LLB students on Wednesday, and further investigation is underway.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : As the Rajasthan government completes two years in office, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully has mounted a sharp attack on the ruling BJP, accusing it of maintaining "continued silence" on a series of issues repeatedly raised by Congress MLAs.

Jaipur, Dec 11 (IANS) As the Rajasthan government completes two years in office, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully has mounted a sharp attack on the ruling BJP, accusing it of maintaining "continued silence" on a series of issues repeatedly raised by Congress MLAs.

These issues, he said, include spying in the Assembly using cameras, the rise of the drug mafia in the state, delay in local body elections, the 'Rising Rajasthan' programme, and several other governance concerns. Jully alleged that the space for the Opposition is shrinking, and that their voices are being "suppressed" in Rajasthan just as in other parts of the country.

Here are excerpts from his exclusive interview with IANS.

Question: The state government is celebrating two years in office. How do you assess its performance?

Jully: The government has remained silent on serious questions raised by our MLAs -- be it spying in the Assembly through cameras, the rise of the drug mafia, delay in local body elections, or issues linked to the 'Rising Rajasthan' programme. The space for Opposition voices is shrinking. Our mics are switched off, questions remain unanswered, and the Speaker is seen protecting BJP MLAs. Despite this, people watching the Assembly live have started supporting the Congress, and the Anta victory proves that.

Question: You have repeatedly raised concerns about the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). What is the main issue?

Jully: The Centre has still not declared ERCP a national project, as confirmed in a recent Rajya Sabha reply. We want to ask the BJP -- how much budget did you sanction, and how much have you spent? The ERCP budget was originally passed under the Congress government. Now, tenders are suddenly being cleared. The Centre created drama -- invited a neighbouring CM, performed symbolic ceremonies, and renamed the project -- but has not spent a single penny. To date, there is zero contribution from the Centre.

Question: The government claims it has created one lakh jobs and ended paper leaks. Your response?

Jully: They must tell the public which posts they created, on what dates, and how many were filled. Jobs generated during the Congress tenure -- already in the pipeline -- are now being claimed by them. On paper leaks, the strictest laws were made by the Congress government. What is happening in BJP-ruled Haryana, UP, MP, and even at the Centre? Leaks everywhere. In the SI paper leak case, SOG, police, and ministers all gave different statements, and the case is now sub-judice. They are diverting issues.

Question: What is your assessment of the state's law and order situation?

Jully: Official figures may look good, but the ground reality tells a different story. Murders, rapes, and atrocities are daily occurrences. Drug, land, and mining mafias are booming. FIRs are delayed, and we have seen people protesting on the ground repeatedly.

Question: You have alleged misuse of Assembly procedures. What exactly are the concerns?

Jully: This government avoids discussions on important topics. Last year, debates on electricity, water, and medical issues were not allowed. We have collected proof of cameras installed inside the Assembly, and we will soon reveal the full story of spying. My Mic was switched off, and our MLAs are not allowed to speak.

Question: You have criticised the government's administrative functioning as well.

Jully: The Chief Minister has to run to Delhi for even small decisions. The bureaucracy now operates with two power centres, affecting governance. There is no new planning. Debt is rising. Each citizen, on average, carries a debt burden of about Rs 1 lakh. New loans are being taken only to repay old ones.

Question: The BJP alleges factionalism within Congress. What is your response?

Jully: There is no factionalism. We are united and focused on our responsibilities. BJP should look at its own internal tensions -- Anta result reflects that.

Question: Local body elections have been a major flashpoint. Your view?

Jully: No elections for five years is a serious issue. Administrators are being appointed everywhere. In Nohar, a chairman was removed without being heard. The court reinstated him, and he was suspended again. This government is openly violating court orders. Sarpanches and pradhans appointed under the Congress are being removed. Our voice is being suppressed.

Question: Your comments on Pravasi Diwas and investment promotion?

Jully: We initiated the single-window system for NRIs. What new facilities has this government provided? Pravasi Diwas has been reduced to a political event. At the Investment Summit, dozens of questions were raised -- none answered, whether in starred questions, RTIs, or in the House.

Question: Minister Kirodi Lal Meena has been conducting raids himself. Your reaction?

Jully: He had to conduct raids personally because no one else listened. He raided factories, but how many arrests were made? The government replied in the Assembly that no one was arrested. People are saying: "Kirori arrests, Bhajanlal govt frees them."
Nagpur, Dec 11 : A rift surfaced among the three ruling MahaYuti Maharashtra government partners on Thursday over the pending approval of a scheme to revamp the state government-organised science exhibitions, which attract schoolchildren.

During question hour in the state legislative assembly, the State's School Education Minister and Shiv Sena leader Dada Bhuse pointed fingers at the Planning Department controlled by Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar for not giving the ago-aheada and instead raising objections on the increased demand for funds.

The BJP legislators were questioning Minister Bhuse for not launching the 'Chief Minister Vidyarthi Vigyaan Vari' scheme. Under this scheme, students with the top 21 projects from the tehsil-level competition will be taken to visit a science centre at the division level.

The top 51 projects from the district-level competition will be taken to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru. In contrast, the 51 finalists from the state-level competition will be taken on an educational tour to NASA.

The initiative has been named the Chief Minister Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari.

"Though Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the proposal sent to him by the Minister of State (Education) in June 2025, the project has yet not started," BJP legislator Ameet Satam said.

The Minister of State for Education is Pankaj Bhoyar of the BJP.

Satam was joined by another BJP legislator, Devyani Farande, who demanded to know the reasons behind the delay and whether the project would begin within a year.

"As a responsible minister, I should not be disclosing everything here. But I will, since it is being portrayed as if I am stalling the scheme," said Minister Bhuse.

"The prize money is increased from Rs 5000 to Rs 51000, to which the Planning department has raised objections, questioning the rise in amount. There are remarks raised on the total increase of the budget," he said, adding that once it is cleared, the matter will be taken in front of the cabinet.

Congress legislator Nana Patole pointed out that the tussle between the three ruling parties has escalated so much that it is now affecting the implementation of schemes.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that appropriate steps will be taken for the implementation.
Mumbai, Dec 11 : India's export ecosystem received a major boost on Thursday with the inauguration of the New Enterprises and Service Tower (NEST)-02 at SEEPZ SEZ in India's financial hub.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said the newly launched building, along with the Customs Trade Facilitation Centre, marks another important step in strengthening India's export growth story.

"Today in Mumbai, I addressed the inauguration of SEEPZ SEZ's New Enterprises & Service Tower (NEST)-02," Goyal said in a post on social media platform X.

Speaking at the event, Goyal highlighted that the modern infrastructure at SEEPZ will significantly improve the ease of doing business for exporters.

He noted that the new facilities are designed to support the Government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by enabling smoother operations, faster clearances and a more efficient trade environment.

"Spoke about how this new building, along with the Customs Trade Facilitation Centre, marks another step forward in India's export growth story, with modern infrastructure that will enhance ease of doing business & support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision," Goyal added.

Goyal encouraged businesses and stakeholders to take full advantage of the new opportunities created by this upgraded infrastructure.

He said India's export momentum continues to rise and such developments will help drive economic growth as the country moves steadily toward its goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The minister expressed confidence that initiatives like NEST-02 will not only enhance the performance of existing exporters but also attract new enterprises to participate in India's expanding global trade network.

"Encouraged stakeholders to leverage new and emerging opportunities and contribute to India's growing export momentum, further powering our economic growth & the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047," Goyal mentioned.

The Union Minister also said that "Reduced electricity tariffs have saved us nearly Rs 1112 crore, and now we must set a new benchmark of zero delays."

He added that strict penalties should be imposed on contractors and architects responsible for delays and urged people to speak up boldly against corruption, stressing the need for a transparent and corruption-free system.
Nagpur, Dec 11 : Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday announced in the Legislative Council that the two officials found guilty in the inquiry into the bogus caste validity certificates in the Vimukta Jati (A) category in Buldhana district are being suspended.

He was replying to a calling attention motion moved by Congress legislator Rajesh Rathod regarding the action on bogus caste validity certificates of the Vimukta Jati (A) category in Buldhana district.

Minister Shirsat said that the Buldhana Caste Verification Committee committed several serious lapses in 2011-12, clearly issuing certificates without proper verification. The government is serious about the issue of bogus caste certificates, and care will be taken to ensure such incidents do not happen in the future.

He also stated that action will be taken against the erring officials.

Regarding the protection of legislator Rajesh Rathod, who "exposed the injustice" in this case, the Minister stated that instructions have been given to the police for a thorough inquiry.

He also clarified that since the Additional District Collector retired in 2019, disciplinary action cannot be taken against him. However, Minister Shirsat added that even though retired, his role in the matter will be investigated.

The Minister further stated that efforts will be made in the future to completely reform and improve the entire caste verification system.

Meanwhile, state Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil told the Legislative Assembly that there were no irregularities, either financial or in recruitment, in the Yavatmal District Central Cooperative Bank. Minister Patil was responding to a question raised by the legislator Anil Mangulkar.

Minister Patil stated that no financial irregularities have come to light in the bank. The amount of Rs 516.65 crore mentioned by the legislator is not a financial irregularity but a misunderstanding resulting from the wrong interpretation of a 2019 entry.

Regarding the recruitment, the bank was allowed to fill 50 per cent of the requested 267 posts, meaning 133 posts, as it fulfilled all but one of the four mandatory criteria laid down by NABARD.

The recruitment process is currently on hold due to some complaints filed against it, and no "bogus recruitment" has taken place.

Minister Patil also mentioned that although the bank's NPA has increased over the past four years, the ratio of management expenses remains less than two per cent. Following the mention of travel and other expenses of the directors and officers, he stated that a District Special Auditor has been appointed on November 28, and necessary action will be taken after the report is received.
Bhopal, Dec 11 : Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari, on Thursday, accused the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led Bharatiya Janata Party government of selling the state's properties to repay the mounting bank loans it borrowed in the past 22 years.

Patwari claimed that the public properties outside Madhya Pradesh have also being sold in the past two years to Chief Minister Yadav-led BJP government.

He said that mounting debt taken by the BJP government has paralysed the state's economy.

"Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's government has sold 101 state's properties at total Rs 1,100 crore. Two properties in Mumbai and one in Kerala were also sold by the BJP government. This is what the BJP government has done in the past 22 years of their tenure," he claimed.

Meanwhile, the State Congress Chief also reiterated that the Madhya Pradesh government is borrowing loans to pay interest on previous loan amounts.

"Now, they (BJP) have started selling government's properties situated out of the state," Patwari said while talking to the press at Congress office on Thursday.

The Congress leader also added that farmers in Madhya Pradesh are dying in queues to get fertilizsrs and the state government is spending nearly Rs 21 lakh per day on hired aircraft and helicopters during Chief Minister Yadav's tenure.

The disclosure came during the Winter session of the state Assembly session in response to queries raised by Congress MLAs Pratap Grewal and Pankaj Upadhyay a few days ago.

"People of Madhya Pradesh have given a mandate to the BJP government for service and not to sell the state's properties for their luxury. As a responsible Opposition, Congress is continuously raising an alarm to awaken the people. This mounting debt may not affect today, but it would definitely cost a lot in the future and people must realise it," Patwari said.

The debt on Madhya Pradesh has surged 16 times in the last 22 years, rising from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 4.64 lakh crore, with the state now paying Rs 27,000 crore annually just in interest, according to government report submitted in the state Assembly.
Ahmedabad, Dec 11 : The Gujarat government has taken a major step toward strengthening its digital and data infrastructure with the signing of a memorandum of understanding to set up a cable landing station (CLS) project in Dhuvaran village of Anand district, government officials said on Thursday.

The agreement was formalised at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi during the Regional AI Impact Conference.

The MoU was signed between the Gujarat government, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City and Sharjah-based Henox IT and Data Centers Private Limited.

The project entails a potential investment of Rs 1,317 crore and is expected to generate more than 1,300 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Officials said the establishment of the CLS will significantly boost data centre capacity and Information and Communications Technology infrastructure development in the state, positioning Gujarat as a preferred destination for hyperscale and enterprise data centres.

The enhanced connectivity is also expected to accelerate growth in AI, machine learning, startup ecosystems and GCC (Global Capability Centres).

After the signing, Henox IT CEO Masood M. Sharif Mohammed, Rashid Al Ali and the UAE Ambassador to India Abdulnasser Jamal Alshehhi held one-to-one discussions with the Chief Minister Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi and the state's Science and Technology Minister Jitu Vaghani.

Chief Minister Patel said the project will provide Gujarat with fast and robust international connectivity, making the state a crucial gateway for global data traffic and strengthening India's digital independence.

Henox IT's CEO highlighted that the Cable Landing Station will serve as a vital link between India and global internet infrastructure, acting as the backbone for high-bandwidth applications, including those required for smart cities.

Senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Jayanti Ravi, Industries Principal Secretary Mamta Verma, Chief Minister's Additional Principal Secretary Avantika Singh, Secretary Vikrant Pandey and Science and Technology Secretary P. Bharathi were also present.

The Anand district, located in Gujarat, is widely known as the "Milk Capital of India" thanks to Amul and the cooperative dairy movement that began in the region and transformed India's rural economy.

Formed in 1997 after being carved out of Kheda district, Anand district is both an agricultural and industrial hub, with a strong base in dairy, food processing, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and now emerging IT and data-infrastructure projects.

The district includes key towns such as Anand, Nadiad, Karamsad, Vallabh Vidyanagar and Khambhat, known for educational institutions, cooperative culture, and historic trade links.

Fertile soil, canal irrigation and a thriving rural economy support its agriculture, while good road and rail connectivity keep it well-linked to Ahmedabad, Vadodara and major ports.

With a mix of cooperative success, growing industry and academic institutions, Anand remains one of Gujarat's most progressive and economically vibrant districts.
Patna, Dec 11 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday inspected the under-construction Tourist Facility Centre at Kesariya in East Champaran, reviewing the auditorium and various tourist amenities being developed at the site.

He directed officials to expedite the project, noting that the Kesariya Buddhist Stupa attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists, and the new facility will significantly enhance visitor convenience while showcasing Biharas Buddhist heritage.

A key highlight of the centre is a 5D theatre with a seating capacity of 48, where visual frames on important Buddhist teachings will be displayed.

The complex will also feature a Bihar Pavilion presenting frames and educational exhibits on the stateas historical and cultural heritage.

Over 90 sculptures will be installed in dedicated display boxes, while artistic sculptures will adorn the open areas.

Additionally, eight replicas of major Buddhist monuments of Bihar will be placed in the four corners of the complex.

The Chief Minister also inspected the Kesariya Buddhist Stupa complex, reviewing ongoing preservation and development work.

He instructed officials to maintain safety and ensure proper upkeep of tourist facilities.

During his visit, Nitish Kumar inspected the Health and Wellness Centre in Tajpur village.

He reviewed medical services, spoke with the attending doctor about cleanliness, availability of medicines, free vaccinations, and overall service quality.

He also distributed Ayushman cards to beneficiaries and directed officials to widen the road leading to the centre to improve accessibility.

At the Higher Secondary School grounds in Tajpur, the Chief Minister visited various stalls and interacted with villagers, including Jeevika Didis, cooks, Anganwadi workers, Mamata workers, Vikas Mitras, Talimi Markaz workers, and Tola Sevaks.

He encouraged them to continue their work with dedication and assured them that their requirements were being addressed.

Nitish Kumar later inspected the Kasturba Gandhi Residential School, interacting with hostel students about the facilities and advising them to study diligently.

He also inaugurated and reviewed the newly constructed school library, assuring the students that the government is committed to their education and overall development.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday announced a revised schedule for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in six States and Union Territories, following requests from their respective Chief Electoral Officers. A

The revision is being undertaken with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date for determining voter eligibility.

According to the updated timetable, the enumeration process in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat will now be completed by December 14, with the draft rolls scheduled for publication on December 19.

In Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the enumeration will continue until December 18, and the draft rolls will be released on December 23.

For Uttar Pradesh, which has the largest electorate in the country, the enumeration period has been extended until December 26, with publication of draft rolls slated for December 31.

The earlier schedule had set December 11 as the final date for enumeration across these six regions and December 16 as the date for publication of the draft rolls.

The Commission said the extension aims to ensure thorough coverage and accommodate administrative requests from the states.

Meanwhile, the enumeration period ends today for Goa, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, with the draft rolls scheduled for release on December 16.

The Commission also reiterated that Kerala, which received an earlier schedule revision, will complete enumeration by December 18, followed by draft roll publication on December 23.

Emphasising its commitment to ensuring universal electoral inclusion, the ECI urged all eligible citizens, particularly new voters, to fill Form 6 along with the required declaration and submit it to their Booth Level Officers.

According to the ECIas Wednesday bulletin, a total of 50.96 crore EFs had been distributed, amounting to 99.98 per cent coverage of electors across the 12 reporting states and Union Territories.
An unexpected notification arrived from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). We hereby inform you that, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to cancel the interview scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 9:50 a.m. Zoe, a Cuban woman who has been a permanent resident in New York for five years, was finalizing the details of the interview, reviewing the names of U.S. congressmembers and historical leaders, and re-reading the duties and rights that anyone aspiring to become a U.S. citizen should know. I was happy because everything was going smoothly, I was studying Lincoln, Washington and every member of Congress, she says. Then, through an email, she was informed that the path to her naturalization has been indefinitely postponed. That status is almost the only guarantee  for the moment  in a country determined to expel its immigrants.

The brief notification she received on December 1 stated that she would be informed of any further action taken in this case, including information regarding the rescheduling of the interview. USCIS also added that they regretted any inconvenience this may cause.

At first Zoe thought it might be a mistake, or an unforeseen event. Just chance, the snowfall, or staff shortages due to the government shutdown, she told herself. But when she woke up the next morning, the news was a reality in every media outlet in the country: the Trump administration had paused immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries considered high-risk, including Cuba and Venezuela, a measure taken as an expansion of the travel ban announced in June. Applications for permanent residency or citizenship were suspended, and applicants would be subject to more thorough vetting.

USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow said in a statement that they were implementing additional safeguards to ensure that fraud, deception, and threats do not compromise the integrity of our immigration system. Immediately, migrants across the country began reporting receiving not only the same email, but also the cancellation of their citizenship oaths.

The latest measure taken by the White House targets those who thought they were a little safer: permanent residents, just one step away from becoming citizens. But at a time when there have even been threats to eliminate birthright citizenship, and when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained naturalized citizens, the only certainty is that no immigrant is safe.

Id been talking to my husband for months, ever since more and more videos of arbitrary ICE arrests started coming out, Zoe says. He told me that none of this would affect me, that Im a legal resident, married to an American citizen, with an American child. But I felt that it could, that it could happen to me too, because in the end they go after all immigrants, looking for new and sinister ways to intimidate us. Being a legal resident in the United States right now means being a second-class citizen. Im afraid to travel and then not be allowed back in, afraid that theyll revoke my green card, that theyll separate me from my baby.

Agents detain a migrant after leaving the courthouse in New York in June 2025. Olga Fedorova (AP)

The first priority, according to the Trump administration, was to stop illegal immigration and expel the worst of the worst from the country. Suspensions of Temporary Protected Status and humanitarian parole followed. Then they extended their power to immigration courts, and ICE became a part of daily life in the nations major cities. But thats not enough; theyre going much further. The concept of criminal has expanded, and the message is clear: no foreigner is welcome.

Aboard Air Force One, where Trump recently explained his idea of so-called reverse immigration  which involves removing the people who are in our country and who entered thanks to the Joe Biden administration  the president was asked if he planned to denaturalize migrants. If I have the power to do it  Im not sure that I do, but if I do  I would denaturalize, absolutely, he replied.

Processes on hold

The shooting of two National Guard troops by 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal was the final straw that led Trump to greenlight the intensification of his anti-immigrant policies. It wasnt long after the incident that shook Washington, D.C., that the president threatened to suspend immigration from all Third World countries. By the end of November, the new measures that now have all migrants on edge were already being implemented.

According to immigration attorney Liudmila Marcelo, these policies primarily affect those without criminal records, because these are the people who report to ICE, comply with their court dates, and want to follow the correct and necessary steps to obtain legal status. It has never been about immigrants with criminal records, because those immigrants are not easy to find and prosecute; those immigrants dont go to court, they dont report to ICE, she maintains.

Angela Linares  a Cuban woman who requested using an assumed name  has been repeatedly affected by the presidents immigration policies. Over a year ago, she thought she was fortunate when a legal path to the United States opened up for her after she received humanitarian parole. The day the White House ended the program, Linares began living on the margins of society in Florida.

I was left in an illegal situation. I had to put everything on hold because since they restricted all the processes, I havent received my work permit or my residency. Life is on hold, she says. Now she works under the table, and she doesnt even dare drive from her home in West Palm Beach to her parents house in Cape Coral, for fear of being stopped by the police. My father doesnt want me to visit him. He knows that any trip is risky. They stop you and they dont care about anything. Theyre violating everything; theres no security.

The family lives in fear that, after nearly a decade of waiting, Linares, 49, will have to leave all by herself once again. In 2016, her parents, both U.S. citizens, began the process of petitioning for her. In 2024, her luck changed, and she joined them as a beneficiary of parole. The notification to appear at the embassy in Havana to obtain her family reunification visa arrived when she was already in the United States. At another time, she might have considered returning to the island and appearing before the consular authorities, but the travel ban considers her non-priority because she is an adult daughter. She also lost the possibility of pursuing her petition.

With the latest measures, she faced another setback. Because of her Cuban nationality, she was eligible to apply for the Cuban Adjustment Act, but now her residency process is being affected. In a message posted on X in late November, USCIS director Edlow said that at Trumps request he had ordered a rigorous, large-scale review of every green card of every alien from every country of concern.

According to the attorney Marcelo, pausing these processes means that the volume of stalled cases will increase, even though considerable delays were already being experienced in processing Cuban Adjustment residency applications. This will bring an even greater period of uncertainty for those who dont feel secure until they receive their permanent residency, because even though they meet the requirements, until that residency is granted, they are at risk of being detained.

Joseph Edlow at the USCIS offices in Camp Springs, Maryland, on September 8. Mark Schiefelbein (AP)

In addition to permanent residency and citizenship applications, asylum applications have also been paused. According to Edlow, the suspension will remain in place until we can guarantee that all foreigners are investigated and examined with the utmost rigor. The measure affects more than 1.5 million people with pending asylum applications.

Even so, attorney Aaron Ortiz-Santos insists that his firm is advising clients not to abandon their cases. We tell people to keep going so that if a lawsuit is filed and these rules are suspended, the proceedings can continue. For now, however, there is no official date for when they will resume.

They are taking away the essentials so that people will leave

The U.S. government  which knows that the largest deportation in history involves extreme expense and that it is also not easy to locate the millions of undocumented immigrants it intends to expel  has been using other types of strategies to corner them or make them opt for self-deportation.

The Republican administration began the last month of the year with restrictions on work permits, limiting to 18 months those that previously lasted up to five years. According to the director of USCIS, the measure ensures that those seeking to work in the United States do not pose a threat to public safety or promote ideologies contrary to national values.

On the other hand, several migrants have begun reporting notifications from their banks asking them to update their immigration status to avoid account closures or freezes. Those who have not applied for asylum, do not have residency, or lack work permits will find it impossible to justify their status.

Linares says the biggest challenge these days is waking up in the morning without any security. How are you going to live if you dont have money? Because if you dont have a work permit and you have no way to pay, you cant have an income. What do you do if you dont have a drivers license in a country where you have to drive? Theyre suffocating you, theyre taking away your freedom, you cant move around, and if you dont have a job you cant live in this country. Thats why theyre doing it. Theyre taking away the essentials so people will leave.

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Mumbai, Dec 11 : Veteran actor-cum-politician Arun Govil, on December 11, paid his tribute to the late superstar Dharmendra at a prayer meet held in Delhi today, organised by superstar Hema Malini and her daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

The actor took to his social media account to share a picture of himself offering flowers on the photo of Dharmendra at the prayer meet. He wrote, " .   ,                .               " ." (Today, at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, I attended the prayer meeting organised by MP Hema Malini ji and offered my humble tribute to the late Dharmendra ji. His simplicity and contributions will always remain an inspiration. 'Om Shanti.') further tagging Hema Malini.

In the other pictures shared by Arun, you can see Hema Malini along with her daughters Ahana Deol and Esha Deol gracefully thanking him with folded hands for coming to offer his respects to Dharmendra.

This prayer meet comes just a few days after Dharmendra's sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol had organised one for their late father on his birth anniversary on the 8th of December. The Deols had kept their doors open that day for all fans of Dharmendra who wished to come and pay their last respects to their idol.

For the uninitiated, Dharmendra passed away on November 24. The news of his demise left the entire nation in a state of mourning. On the late superstar's birth anniversary on the 8th of December, his wife and superstar Hema Malini had taken to her social media account in rekindling her fond memories with her late husband. "Dharam ji "Happy birthday, my dear heart," she wrote.

Hema added, "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 actress thanked God for the years they spent as partners, their "two beautiful girls" who embody their bond, and the treasure of memories she carries in her heart. "The joyful memories of our life together can never be erased, and just reliving those moments brings me great solace and happiness. 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 Dharmendra's birth anniversary, she also praised his humility, goodness of heart, and love for people. "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."

Dharmendra will posthumously be seen in 'Ikkis', directed by ace director Sriram Raghavan, which is set for a December release
Islamabad, Dec 11 : Anti-India sentiment is now squarely a domestic state policy for the Pakistani Army rather than an international issue as Field Marshal Asim Munir continues to work towards achieving his goal of constant militarization of the Pakistani hybrid state, a report detailed on Thursday.

Munir, a report in India Narrative cited, is escalating his rhetoric against India to consolidate more power inside Pakistan, seeing it as a tool to increase the material size of the Pakistani military and its commercial stakes at the heart of Pakistanas domestic politics.

."Unlike previous anti-India Army chiefs who were strategic about this rhetoric, the current chief This creates a vicious cycle of incentives, where every escalation could be rewarded by the international community, as happened in the aftermath of Pahalgam with Donald Trump and Asim Muniras diplomatic overtures," the report stated.

It mentioned that there is also a difference in approach between Munir and some top-level Generals.

"A key point of contention is his hard-line stance toward India, which led to the recent military conflict. Some senior officers, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, reportedly believe that this confrontational approach is detrimental to Pakistanas security and economic interests and have advocated a more cautious approach or the conflict could erupt..

"However, it is possible that hybridisation of the Pakistani state, as symbolized by the Field Marshal, is consolidating two features into permanent features. Anti-India sentiment is now squarely a domestic state policy for the Pakistani Army rather than an international issue, and Pakistanas utility as a security state has to be repeatedly proven to its global benefactors," it added.

With Pakistan announcing a significant rise in its defence budget in the fiscal year 2025-26, the India Narrative report mentions that there is also a difference in approach between Munir and some top-level Generals.

"A key point of contention is his hard-line stance toward India, which led to the recent military conflict. Some senior officers, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, reportedly believe that this confrontational approach is detrimental to Pakistanas security and economic interests and have advocated a more cautious approach or the conflict could erupt. However, it is possible that hybridisation of the Pakistani state, as symbolized by the Field Marshal, is consolidating two features permanently

"Anti-India sentiment is now squarely a domestic state policy for the Pakistani Army rather than an international issue, and Pakistanas utility as a security state has to be repeatedly proven to its global benefactors. This means that the hybridization of the state could become impossible to disentangle so long as the current chief sees incentive in escalation and material benefit. This is an ominous portend for regional stability. This is because, unlike previous anti-India Army chiefs who were strategic about this rhetoric, the current chief sees it as a tool to increase the material size of the Pakistani military and its commercial stakes at the heart of Pakistanas domestic politics," the report detailed.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Amaravati is positioning itself as a national and global centre for quantum computing, with the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) hosting South Asia's first 133-qubit quantum computer, according to a report.

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Amaravati is positioning itself as a national and global centre for quantum computing, with the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) hosting South Asiaas first 133-qubit quantum computer, according to a report.

"The rise of the Amaravati Quantum Valley signals not just a regional leap, but a national transformation -- one that positions India as a serious contender in next-generation technologies," the Times of Oman reported.

Agreements with IBM, Tata Consultancy Services, are already enabling the establishment of critical quantum infrastructure and research facilities at Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh, the report said.

The state has also launched its own quantum mission, giving Andhra Pradesh a first-mover advantage in national quantum innovation.

In addition to foundational infrastructure, Amaravati is attracting investments and collaborations that deepen technological capability.

Global technology titans such as NVIDIA, AWS, and WISER have entered into collaborations to support research, product development, and ecosystem integration.

These alliances ensure that Amaravati is not working in isolation, but evolving as part of a worldwide quantum innovation network, the report said.

The government aims to create thousands of high-value jobs, supported by a steady pipeline of specialised quantum professionals.

The Amaravati Quantum Academy will play a central role in this effort, offering long-term talent development and advanced research capabilities.

The academy aims to train 50,000 students and nurture at least 100 elite quantum researchers and startups over the coming decade, the report noted.

By 2030, Amaravati also aims to place itself among the top five quantum hubs globally, joining the ranks of Boston, Munich, Singapore, and Tokyo.

The AQV is designed as an integrated ecosystem combining hardware manufacturing, software innovation, research excellence, and talent development within a unified innovation landscape.

Quantum computing, long regarded as the pinnacle of advanced computation, is expected to reshape modern computing models across sectors -- from healthcare and cybersecurity to climate modelling, space research, and advanced AI, the report said.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : A Delhi court on Thursday granted interim bail to former JNU scholar and jailed student activist Umar Khalid to attend his sister's wedding, even as the Supreme Court has yet to deliver its verdict on his regular bail plea in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots "larger conspiracy" case.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Courts allowed Khalidas plea for interim bail from December 16 to 29, subject to strict conditions, including a bar on using social media.

Khalid, who has been in jail since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various IPC provisions, sought temporary release to attend his sister's wedding ceremonies.

Granting the interim bail, the court directed him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 20,000 along with two sureties of the same amount.

"The applicant shall not use social media during the interim bail period. He shall only meet his family members, relatives and friends.

"Further, he shall remain at his home or at the places where the ceremonies of marriage as mentioned by him will take place," the court said, adding that he must provide his mobile number to the investigating officer and keep it active till the expiry of the interim bail.

The judge further directed Khalid to surrender before the Superintendent of Prison of the concerned jail on the evening of December 29. In December last year, the court had granted him a similar 7-day interim bail to attend a family wedding.

Khalid is among several student activists -- including Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed and Mohd. Saleem Khan -- who have remained in custody for over five years in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 North-East Delhi riots.

A day before, the Supreme Court reserved its verdict on the batch of petitions filed by Khalid, Imam and others challenging the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant them regular bail.

Opposing their pleas, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had argued that the violence was not a "spontaneous riot" but a "well-designed, well-crafted, orchestrated, preplanned" attack intended to draw international attention during the visit of then US President Donald Trump.

The Delhi Police, in its counter-affidavit, described Khalid as a "key conspirator" and a "mentor" to others allegedly involved in the conspiracy, claiming that WhatsApp chats and other materials revealed a coordinated attempt to disturb public order and divide society on communal lines.

The apex court has allowed both sides to place additional documents on record by December 18 while reserving judgment on the bail pleas.
Chennai, Dec 11 : Actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has moved into a decisive election mode ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, forming two high-level committees to steer alliance negotiations and prepare the party's maiden election manifesto.

Chennai, Dec 11 (IANS) Actor-politician Vijayas Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has moved into a decisive election mode ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, forming two high-level committees to steer alliance negotiations and prepare the partyas maiden election manifesto.

The decisions were taken on Thursday during a crucial meeting of state and district-level office-bearers held at the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur.

According to party insiders, the meeting passed a series of resolutions that effectively authorised Vijay to make final decisions on alliances, seat-sharing, and other poll-related strategies.

A dedicated committee has been constituted to open formal discussions with potential allies on seat distribution, signalling that the four-month countdown to the election will see TVK engaging more actively with the political landscape.

Another resolution outlined that TVK would partner only with parties that recognise Vijay as the chief-ministerial face of the alliance a" a strong assertion of the partyas ambition to project itself as a principal contender for power.

While TVK has rapidly built a statewide organisational network, it is yet to finalise alliances strong enough to challenge the entrenched blocs led by the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-aligned front.

Sources present at the meeting said the leadership stressed the need for a focused narrative and a distinct ideological positioning to attract voters disillusioned with traditional Dravidian politics.

The newly formed manifesto committee will begin consultations immediately, aiming to craft a policy document that reflects TVKas promises on education, employment, corruption-free governance, and social justice -- themes that have consistently featured in Vijay's public messaging.

In a parallel political development, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) reached out to TVK to strengthen support for its statewide protest demanding a caste census on December 17.

PMK spokesperson K. Balu met TVK general secretary N. Anand and high-level committee chief coordinator K.A. Sengottaiyan at the party headquarters, formally inviting TVK to participate in the agitation.

While PMKas outreach is seen as a strategic move to build issue-based solidarity with emerging political forces, TVK sources indicated that the party will take a decision after internal consultations, mindful of the delicate pre-poll positioning underway across the state.

With committees now in place and alliance talks expected to intensify, TVK has entered a crucial phase that will determine its role a" and relevance a" in Tamil Naduas high-stakes 2026 electoral battle.
Hyderabad, Dec 11 : President Droupadi Murmu will arrive in Hyderabad on December 17 for a five-day southern sojourn.

Telangana Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao announced on Thursday that as part of her winter retreat, President Murmu will be staying at the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad from December 17 to 21.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reviewed the arrangements to be made for the President's five-day visit to the state with senior officials at the B.R. Ambedkar State Secretariat.

The Chief Secretary directed the concerned officials to work in coordination and make extensive arrangements for the President's visit.

He instructed the Central government departments, state government officials, and Rashtrapati Nilayam officials to coordinate the arrangements.

He directed the police department to prepare a proper security, traffic, and bandobast plan; the fire department to deploy necessary personnel and provide adequate fire safety arrangements and fire tenders; and the medical and health department to keep a medical team on standby.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy instructed the State Roads and Buildings Department to make necessary barricading and other arrangements, to carry out road repairs in coordination with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the police department, and directed the electricity department officials to take appropriate measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

He ordered that a snake catcher team be kept available round-the-clock at the Rashtrapati Nilayam.

He also directed GHMC officials to deploy special teams to tackle the monkey menace in the vicinity of the Rashtrapati Nilayam and to make advance arrangements for catching honeybees.

The President stays at least once a year in Rashtrapati Nilayam and conducts official business from here.

The building was constructed in 1860 as the country house of the British Resident at Secunderabad.

After Hyderabad's accession to India in 1948, it became the President's retreat.

First President Rajendra Prasad had stayed here in 1955 and since then every President visited Hyderabad for southern sojourn at least one week every year.

Director General of Police Shivadhar Reddy, Special Chief Secretary of Roads and Buildings Vikas Raj, Special Chief Secretary of Home Department C.V. Anand, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, Principal Secretary of Energy Department Naveen Mittal, Political Secretary E. Sridhar, Additional DGPs Mahesh Bhagwat, GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, Director General of Fire Services Vikram Singh Mann, Special Commissioner of Information and Public Relations Ch. Priyanka, Protocol Director Shivalingaiah, and other senior officials participated in the review meeting.
Palakkad : , Dec 11 (IANS) After a 15-day disappearance amid two sexual assault cases, beleaguered Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil surfaced on Thursday to cast his vote in the local body elections, ending days of speculation over whether he would reappear. He arrived at St. Sebastian's School, Kunnathurmedu, where he is registered in Booth No. 2 of Ward 24, at around 4.45 p.m., accompanied by a small group of supporters.

Speaking briefly to reporters after voting, the first-time legislator said: "Everything is before the court now. Let the court decide." He left the premises immediately in his vehicle with the MLA board.

When CPI-M workers were caught by surprise at the Congress leader's reappearance, they hooted and held up banners against him. Rahul had been absconding for over two weeks after a young woman filed a sexual assault complaint on November 27.

The Congress first suspended him and then expelled him as the allegations and subsequent police search widened. His prolonged absence triggered speculation that he might skip polling day despite being shielded by interim court orders.

The calculated reappearance came a day after a significant legal development.

On Wednesday, the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court granted him anticipatory bail with stringent conditions in the second sexual assault case.

The order mandates that he appear before the investigating officer every Monday between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., cooperate with the probe, and be released on bail immediately if arrested in connection with the second case.

Separately, the Kerala High Court had earlier directed that he should not be arrested in this case until his bail plea is finally disposed of on December 15  effectively protecting him for now.

However, the legal battle is far from over. The prosecution on Thursday approached the High Court challenging the anticipatory bail granted by the trial court in the state capital on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the police have added more charges against him, including stalking, unlawful restraint and criminal trespass, and say they can record his arrest in the first case only if the High Court lifts its stay.

With the MLA now briefly stepping into public view, attention shifts back to the courts, where the next phase of the case will be determined in the coming days.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : As Union Home Minister Amit Shah once again accused the Opposition of protecting infiltrators and vowed to "detect, delete, and deport" them, Congress MP Kumari Selja on Thursday hit back, questioning the government's capability and legal preparedness and asking how infiltrators could exist in India if the government's laws were truly strong and effective.

Speaking to IANS outside Parliament, Kumari Selja said: "So how can there be infiltrators in this country? How strong is your law? What is the state of your legal system? Will it only be revealed through SIR? In any case, you do not have any law to even identify who the infiltrators are. What is the government doing about it?"

She added that such matters should be clear through regular legal procedures. "From the common law, we should know who came from outside and who are Indians. The government should know this already."

On Wednesday, Amit Shah asserted that the Narendra Modi government's policy is clear: all illegal immigrants must be detected, their names deleted from electoral rolls, and they must be deported from the country. He argued that the Opposition had raised the issue only because it could no longer win elections through "corrupt practices," claiming that the Congress's repeated poll defeats were due to its leadership and not because of EVMs or "vote chori" (vote theft).

Intervening in the debate on electoral reforms in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah rebutted the Opposition's charges at length. His 90-minute speech saw frequent interruptions from Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who challenged him to a debate on the allegations he had made in three separate press conferences, accusing the BJP of "vote chori." The exchanges intensified, eventually prompting an Opposition walkout.

Seeking to target the Congress, Amit Shah cited three instances of what he called historical "vote chori" involving party icons Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi. He claimed that Nehru became Prime Minister in 1947 despite receiving fewer internal votes than Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; that Indira Gandhi granted herself immunity after her election was set aside by a court; and that the third case, concerning how Sonia Gandhi "became a voter before becoming a citizen of India," had just reached the civil courts  a remark that triggered strong protests from the Congress benches.

Amit Shah also accused the Opposition of trying to "normalise and formalise" illegal immigrants by resisting SIR in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. He warned Trinamool Congress and DMK members that such resistance would cost them heavily in the upcoming assembly elections. The NDA, he maintained, would continue its policy of "detect, delete, and deport" regardless of Opposition walkouts.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday, launched a scathing attack against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state and claimed that the Commission was trying to prepare the voters' list in the state as per the direction of the Information Technology (IT) Cell of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"The attempt is to delete 1.5 crore voters from the list. I will be on a sit-in demonstration if the name of a single voter is deleted from the voters' list. My demonstration will continue as long as the names of the deleted voters are not included again. The BJP is making all attempts to use SIR to its own benefit. The Commission is trying to prepare the voters' list as per the list prepared by the BJP's IT cell. They might have been successful in Bihar. But they will not be successful in West Bengal," the Chief Minister said while addressing an anti-SIR rally at Krishnanagar in Nadia district of West Bengal.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Banerjee also launched a scathing attack against the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"There is a Union Home Minister in India, who is dangerous and is capable of doing anything. His eyes speak of how dangerous he is. His one eye represents Duryodhana and the other eye represents Dushasana," the Chief Minister said.

Addressing the rally, Chief Minister Banerjee also cautioned that before the Assembly elections in West Bengal next year, there might be attempts to divide voters in the state by paying money.

"It is an old tactic of the BJP to come with money before any election to divide the voters. Do not allow them to do that," the Chief Minister said.

Referring to the arrest of three persons on charges of harassing and assaulting two vendors selling chicken patties at the Brigade Parade Ground during a recent Bhagavad Gita recital event in Kolkata, CM Banerjee said that no one resorting to such activities will be spared in Bengal.

"This is West Bengal and not Uttar Pradesh," she added.
Imphal, Dec 11 : President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that the government of India stands firmly with every affected family in Manipur and that addressing the concerns of the people is the government's highest priority.

Addressing a civic reception hosted in her honour by the Manipur government at the City Convention Centre, the President said that the people of Manipur had witnessed "unfortunate violence for several months", and the Centre is fully aware of the hardships faced by them.

She said the government is committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security and supporting Manipur in its journey towards development.

"The government has taken a series of steps to promote equitable development in Manipur and to ensure that progress reaches every corner of the state," President Murmu said.

She said that the government has undertaken several schemes and projects to develop connectivity, health and education, infrastructure, and rural development, which have brought tangible improvements to the state.

In the civic reception ceremony, the President laid foundation stones of 14 projects worth Rs 1180 crore and inaugurated 12 projects worth Rs 207 crore for different parts of Manipur.

These projects relate to education, sports, health, tribal development, agriculture, power and renewable energy, construction of guest houses, training facilities, community and security infrastructure, Ima markets (all-women markets), traditional industries, handloom and handicrafts, urban development, roads and public services.

The President said these initiatives would improve the quality of life of the people of Manipur.

"These new projects will boost tribal development and help build a more modern and inclusive Manipur. They will generate employment and accelerate economic activities," she pointed out.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also addressed the civic reception function. Before the civic reception, the President witnessed a polo exhibition match at the historic Imphal Polo Ground (known as Mapal Kangjeibung), which is regarded as one of the oldest polo grounds in the world. President Murmu arrived in Imphal on Thursday afternoon on her maiden two-day visit to the state, which has been under President's Rule since February 13, following prolonged ethnic violence. Governor Bhalla received her at Bir Tikendrajit Airport.

She was accorded a guard of honour on arrival.

Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh and other senior civil, security and military officials were also present.

This is her first visit to Manipur after assuming office.

The President's visit comes around three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the state on September 13, his first visit since ethnic unrest erupted in May 2023.

Officials said security has been heightened in Imphal and in the Senapati district, which is predominantly inhabited by Naga tribes.

Various departments and agencies are coordinating closely to ensure a smooth visit. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, has warmly welcomed the President's visit.

On Friday, the President will visit the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal to pay homage to the brave women warriors of Manipur.

Observed annually on December 12, Nupi Lal commemorates two women-led agitations in 1904 and 1939 against British colonial policies.

Later, in the Senapati district, she will address a public meeting and lay foundation stones and inaugurate various projects for the district.
Amaravati, Dec 11 : YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy on Thursday raised serious concerns in the Rajya Sabha over electoral reforms and the functioning of the Election Commission.

He said the future of Indiaas democracy depends on transparent, fair and accountable elections.

According to a party release here, he stated that voters in Andhra Pradesh are increasingly worried that their mandate is not being recorded correctly and that the recent Assembly and Parliamentary elections exposed several irregularities.

Participating in the debate on State Intensive Revision (SIR), Subba Reddy said the exercise has created national anxiety as it involved large-scale voter list resets with unrealistic deadlines and poor communication.

He noted that Booth Level Officers struggled, citizens were confused, and fears of silent deletion of genuine voters have grown.

He pointed out that even the Supreme Court had to examine petitions on the fairness of SIR in multiple states.

Subba Reddy highlighted vote count discrepancies in Andhra Pradesh and pointed out that there was a difference of nearly 89,500 votes between turnout press notes and final Form 20 results.

He said some constituencies recorded more Assembly votes than Parliamentary votes despite using the same register.

He cited examples of missing votes, impossible polling numbers and instances like Hindupur where Parliamentary and Assembly vote patterns defied logic.

He said candidates in Andhra Pradesh were denied CCTV footage, strong room visuals and counting footage while similar data was given to other parties elsewhere.

He also questioned the unusual 12.54 per cent increase in polling after the official closure of voting and said more than 51 lakh votes were added without proper explanation.

He said the YSR Congress Party is demanding mandatory public release of all polling-related records, strict enforcement of EVM verification, 100 per cent webcasting with links on official websites and a national discussion on shifting to paper ballots to restore trust.

Subba Reddy said the partyas concern is not about defeat but about protecting the integrity of the democratic process. He urged the Election Commission to address all doubts and restore voter confidence.
Patna, Dec 11 : Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, has launched a sharp attack on the Bihar government's women-centric welfare schemes, calling them inadequate in addressing the deeper structural issues faced by women in the state.

Patna, Dec 11 (IANS) Lalu Prasad Yadavas daughter, Rohini Acharya, has launched a sharp attack on the Bihar governmentas women-centric welfare schemes, calling them inadequate in addressing the deeper structural issues faced by women in the state.

Her remarks directly question the effectiveness of Chief Minister Nitish Kumaras flagship initiatives, including the bicycle scheme and financial incentive programs.

Rohini Acharya said that while schemes offering Rs 10,000 to girls or distributing bicycles may be well-intentioned, they fail to address the systemic and societal challenges that prevent genuine womenas empowerment.

She emphasised that financial aid alone cannot bring lasting change, arguing that Bihar requires an overhaul of entrenched mindsets and social norms.

According to her, Biharas patriarchal structure remains deeply rooted, and unless society undergoes fundamental reform, no government program can ensure that daughters receive their rightful opportunities and dignity.

Political observers note that her intervention indirectly reflects on both Nitish Kumaras governance model and the legacy of her own father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, now largely carried forward by her brother Tejashwi Yadav.

Rohini also introduced a bold new ideaa"the right to oneas maternal home.

She argued that every daughter should grow up with the confidence that her maternal home is a permanent refuge, where she can return freely without fear, guilt, shame, or social stigma.

In Bihar and many other states, a married woman returning to her maternal home is still seen as socially unacceptable, often putting women in vulnerable situations.

She claimed that recognising this right is not just an administrative responsibility but a necessary social reform that can protect women from exploitation, domestic violence, and emotional oppression.

Rohinias statements have triggered fresh debate in Biharas political circles, challenging long-established narratives around womenas empowerment and hinting at potential friction within the broader political discourse of the state.

Rohini indirectly conveyed a message to Nitish Kumar that the government's primary responsibility should be to take concrete steps to protect the equal rights of daughters, especially when families and society are indifferent.

She emphasised that implementing this is not just an administrative duty, but a moral responsibility.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has submitted his enumeration form to become a voter from West Bengal on Thursday, which is the last day of the submission and digitisation of the enumeration forms in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state.

Although earlier in the day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) extended the deadline for completing the enumeration phase in five states and one Union Territory, the deadline for West Bengal remained the same at Thursday midnight.

On Thursday, the Governor had a meeting with the booth-level officers engaged in the SIR exercise, and at the end of the meeting, he handed over Form-8, which is in relation to including the name in the voters' list in the state, to the Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

Initially, when the SIR exercise started on November 4, Governor Ananda Bose had not shown any inclination to become a voter of West Bengal, and insiders from his office indicated that, being a resident of Kerala, he preferred to remain a voter there only.

Controversies shrouded at that point in time over the Governor's disinclination to become a voter in West Bengal despite being the first citizen of the state.

However, on the final day of the enumeration phase in the state, he had finally made his intention clear to become a voter in West Bengal, which is going for the crucial Assembly polls next year.

The Governor also sent a message to the people of the state on this issue on Thursday from the Governor's House, whose name has been recently changed to "Lok Bhavan" from the earlier name of "Raj Bhavan".

"I love to stay in West Bengal. I love breathing the air that Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore once breathed. I want to walk the path that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose walked. This is a great opportunity for me. Becoming a voter in this state will complete the process of my solidarity with West Bengal," Governor Ananda Bose said.
Hyderabad, Dec 11 : A city court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against Telangana's Endowments and Forests Minister Konda Surekha in a defamation case filed by BRS working president K T Rama Rao for certain remarks made by the minister.

Hyderabad, Dec 11 (IANS) A city court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against Telanganaas Endowments and Forests Minister Konda Surekha in a defamation case filed by BRS working president K T Rama Rao for certain remarks made by the minister.

The Special Judicial First Class Magistrate (JFCM) for Excise cases issued the Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against the minister after she failed to attend the hearing.

The court posted the matter for hearing on February 5, 2026.

Rama Rao filed the private complaint under Section 222, read with Section 223 of BNS, in October 2024 after Konda Surekha made certain remarks blaming him for the divorce of actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya.

The court in August this year took cognisance of the criminal defamation complaint filed by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)

The court had directed the police to register a criminal case against Konda Surekha.

After reviewing preliminary evidence submitted by the complainant, the court observed that there is prima facie material to proceed under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and corresponding procedural provisions under the BNS Sections 222, read with 223.

The minister had made the alleged defamatory statement on October 2 last year, K. T. Rama Rao (KTR), regarding the divorce between Nagarjuna's actor son, Naga Chaitanya and actress Samantha.

Nagarjuna had also filed a defamation case against the minister, saying her remarks harmed the dignity and reputation of his family.

Last month, Nagarjuna withdrew the defamation case after the minister expressed regret over her statement.

The court dismissed the case as withdrawn after Nagarjuna filed a petition under Section 280 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and virtually informed that he was withdrawing the case.

This came after Surekha took to X to clarify that the statement she made was not intended to hurt Nagarjuna or his family member.

"I would wish to clarify that the statement I had made in relation to Nagarjuna Garu was not intended to hurt Nagarjuna Garu or his family members. I had no intention of hurting or defaming Akkineni Nagarjuna Garu or his family members," the Minister said.

"I regret any unintended impression given in my statements in relation to them and withdraw the same," she added.

Though KTR had issued a legal notice asking the minister to retract her statement and apologise, she said she was standing by her comments about the BRS leader.

Following this, KTR initiated defamation proceedings against the Minister.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The price of LPG for consumers in India is much lower than in neighbouring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed the Parliament on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the minister also tabled data showing that the effective price of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder as on November 1 this year in India (Delhi) was Rs 553 for PMUY beneficiaries, while in the case of regular consumers, the price was Rs 853. This is much lower than the prevailing prices in neighbouring Pakistan (Lahore) at Rs 902.20 per cylinder, Sri Lanka (Colombo) at Rs 1,227.58 and Nepal (Kathmandu) at Rs 1,205.72.

India imports about 60 per cent of its LPG requirement, and accordingly, prices of LPG in the country are linked to its prices in the international market. While the average Saudi CP (international benchmark for LPG pricing) rose by 21 per cent from US$ 385/MT in July 2023 to US$ 466/MT in November 2025, the prices of domestic LPG were reduced by about 22 per cent from Rs. 1103 to Rs. 853 during this period, the minister said.

He said that for FY 2025-26, the government is providing a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills of a 14.2 kg cylinder to the PMUY consumers. For PMUY consumers, the effective price for domestic LPG has been reduced by about 39 per cent from Rs 903 in August 2023 to Rs 553 in November 2025.

As a result of various steps taken by the government to improve the affordability of domestic LPG for PMUY consumers, per connection consumption of PMUY beneficiaries (in terms of the number of 14.2 kg LPG cylinder refills taken per year) has increased from 3.68 (FY 2021-22) to 4.47 in FY 2024-25.

In order to provide more LPG for cooking in rural and remote areas, oil marketing companies (OMCs) have commissioned 8,017 distributorships, from April 1, 2016, to October 31, 2025, across the country, out of which 7,420 (i.e. 93 per cent) are catering to rural areas. As of November 1 this year, there are a total of 25,587 LPG distributorships across the country. These are served through 214 LPG bottling plants of OMCs located across the country. As a result of these efforts, LPG coverage in the country has improved from 62 per cent in April 2016 to near saturation now, the minister added.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to file an affidavit detailing its observations on the issue of installing barbed fencing along international borders in the state with Bangladesh that remain unfenced.

The bench -- comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen -- asked the West Bengal government to submit the affidavit by December 22, the next date fixed for hearing the matter.

The direction followed hearing of a public interest litigation seeking immediate erection of barbed fencing at the unfenced international borders with Bangladesh in West Bengal.

As per the benchas order, the state government will have to explain in its affidavit why land for setting up the barbed fencing at the unfenced borders was not handed over to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs despite the latter paying the entire acquisition cost.

The division bench also observed that, in case of objections to the state governmentas affidavit, the Union government would be given an opportunity to present its arguments.

The court further directed that the principal secretary of the West Bengal Land and Land Reforms Department be made a party to the case.

Land acquisition at the stateas international borders with Bangladesh has long been contentious, with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Union government accusing the state of non-cooperation.

The BJP has also accused the state government and the ruling Trinamool Congress of neglecting an issue that involves national security. With the Calcutta High Court setting a deadline for the state government to submit its observations, the matter has taken a critical legal turn.

It needs to be noted that the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal spans varied terrain, including rivers, forests and densely populated enclaves, making fencing and surveillance a persistent challenge.

Security agencies flag frequent cases of illegal migration, smuggling and cattle trafficking, while coordination between state authorities and central agencies remains crucial to tightening border management.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, on Thursday, accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation and failing to address real issues facing the country.

He made these remarks while interacting with the media during his visit to Delhi.

The Chief Minister criticised the Congress, saying that it has no constructive agenda.

"They don't have a single scheme that isn't mired in corruption, and their programs never take shape on the ground. Instead of spreading baseless allegations like vote rigging, they should present a clear vision for the country and focus on development. People do not take their claims seriously."

Highlighting the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Saini said that under the Prime Minister's leadership, the poor have progressed and become stronger.

"If the common people have hope today, it is because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress never did anything for the common man. Since Independence, Narendra Modi is the leader who has truly cared for the common man," he added.

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for attending two major events in Haryana.

"I came to thank the Prime Minister. We organised the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur-ji and the International Gita Mahotsav. The Prime Minister's presence at both events has elevated Haryana's prestige, and I have personally conveyed my thanks to him," he said.

Chief Minister Saini said that the Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will visit Haryana on December 24.

He will be the chief guest at the passing out-parade of 5,000 newly-recruited Haryana Police personnel, he added.

Later, addressing a musical drama titled "Tap Se Tyag Tak", organised jointly by the Kashmiri Hindu Cell Haryana and Shri Vishwakarma Skill University at Apparel House in Gurugram, on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, CM Saini said the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib "conveys the timeless message that no matter how great the oppression, the power of truth and righteousness always prevails. Religion is not merely about worship, it is a path to uphold truth, freedom, and human dignity".

He added that Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib's sacrifice "is a divine celebration for humanity, and India has remained the centre of this spiritual tradition for centuries".
Mumbai, Dec 11 : Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that the ongoing trade talks between Indian and US officials are progressing well, but at the same time, ruled out any deadline for signing a deal.

Commenting on US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer's two-day visit to Delhi, Goyal said: "We had very good substantive discussions. But I have said on record that a deal is only done when both sides stand to benefit. We should never negotiate with deadlines because you tend to make mistakes then."

"Negotiations are progressing well. We've had substantive discussions over several rounds of negotiations. In the past, I think five rounds have happened. The current visit is not a negotiating round. The current visit is being undertaken by a new deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) who has joined about three months ago. It's his first visit to India. We're getting to know each other."

India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and US Deputy Trade Representative Switzer held discussions here on Wednesday on the proposed bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.

"The two sides exchanged views on matters related to India-US trade and economic ties including on the ongoing negotiations for a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement," the Commerce Ministry said in a post on X.

Commerce Secretary Agrawal said last month that India and the US are "nearing closure" of their talks for signing the first tranche of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Agrawal told journalists that the two countries have been holding regular virtual rounds of talks on the BTA. Although no formal deadlines can be set on the issue, the first stage of the trade talks is progressing swiftly, he added.

US President Donald Trump sent positive signals on strengthening US-India relations in November, raising fresh hopes that a bilateral trade agreement between the world's two largest democracies could be signed soon.

Trump told reporters at the White House that his talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were "going great" and that a visit to Delhi could take place next year.

He said that he plans to "lower tariffs" imposed on India "at some point", indicating that a breakthrough in the trade talks could come soon.

However, India has made it clear that it would not compromise on the interests of farmers, the dairy sector, and workers in trade deals that it signs with other countries.

India has already started buying more oil and gas from the US. The move is aimed at reducing India's trade surplus with the US, an issue that had figured in the earlier rounds of trade talks.
Mumbai, Dec 11 : The Bombay High Court expressed shock over the Maharashtra government's decision to dilute the security cover of former NCP MLA Zeeshan Siddique, son of murdered ex-Minister Baba Siddique, without a review meeting of a threat perception committee, a lawyer said on Thursday.

Orally observing that prima facie the decision to reduce security for Zeeshan appeared to be wrong, the Court asked the government, "On what basis was the security reduced? Who would be responsible if something happens to him?"

The court asked the state government to file details on the matter and fixed December 16 as the next date for hearing.

Earlier, the court fired a barrage of questions at the counsel representing the state government and sought a copy of the minutes of the meeting of the threat perception committee, which advised a reduction in Zeeshan's security.

At this point, the court was told that no meeting of the committee took place before it was decided to dilute Zeeshan's high-level Y-Category security.

A person with Y-Category security is typically guarded by eight to 11 commandos or policemen. However, Zeeshan is currently being offered security by just two police constables.

His father and former minister Baba Siddique was shot dead in Bandra East on October 12, 2024, by three assailants. At the time of the incident, he was being protected by two constables.

Zeeshan's security was diluted soon after his mother, Shehzeen Siddique, moved to the High Court last month seeking a fresh investigation into the murder by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

After the security was reduced, Zeeshan wrote a formal letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner expressing serious concern over the safety of his family.

In the letter, he detailed the nature of threats faced by the family and other circumstances that, in his view, justify continued robust protection.

On Thursday, Shehzeen Siddique told the media persons that there is a threat to the life of her son. "I have already lost my husband and do not want to lose my son," she said.

She said her husband had also sought extra security as he was fearing a threat to life; however, his request was not accepted.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : A special CBI court in Patna on Thursday convicted and sentenced a former executive engineer and a transporter for their roles in a nearly three-decade-old bitumen scam that caused significant losses to the Bihar government.

The case, originally lodged in 1996, involved large-scale misappropriation of bulk bitumen meant for road construction work.

According to the CBI, the court has sentenced Baikunth Nath Sharma, then Executive Engineer of the Road Construction Division (RCD) in Biharsharif, to one year of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 35,000.

Suresh Kumar Gupta, a private transporter associated with M/s Tirupati Transport Agency, has been handed three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh.

The case was initially registered at the Banka Town Police Station (FIR No. 289/96) before being transferred to the CBI in February 1997 on the directions of the Patna High Court.

Investigators found that the transporter, responsible for delivering bulk bitumen to the RCD Banka division, supplied substantially less material than what had been lifted as per the supply order.

"The said transporter supplied less quantity than the actual lifted quantity as per the supply order and misappropriated a total quantity of 287.625 Metric Tons (MT)of bulk bitumen costing Rs 14.38 Lakhs," the CBI said in its press note.

After completing the investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet in February 2002 against Gupta, Sharma, and two other government officials - Balmiki Chaudhary, a junior engineer, and Raghunandan Singh, an assistant engineer/SDO - both of whom died during the course of the trial.

Following years of legal proceedings, the CBI court pronounced its verdict on Thursday, holding the surviving accused guilty of criminal misconduct and fraud.

Notably, a special CBI court in Ahmedabad on Tuesday sentenced three individuals to three years' imprisonment for cheating the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) of nearly Rs. 67 lakh in 2011.
Imphal, Dec 11 : President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that the government of India stands firmly with every affected family in Manipur and that addressing the concerns of the people is the government's highest priority.

Addressing a civic reception hosted in her honour by the Manipur government at the City Convention Centre, the President said that the people of Manipur had witnessed "unfortunate violence for several months", and the Centre is fully aware of the hardships faced by them.

She said the government is committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security and supporting Manipur in its journey towards development.

"The government has taken a series of steps to promote equitable development in Manipur and to ensure that progress reaches every corner of the state," President Murmu said.

She said that the government has undertaken several schemes and projects to develop connectivity, health and education, infrastructure, and rural development, which have brought tangible improvements to the state.

In the civic reception ceremony, the President laid foundation stones of 14 projects worth Rs 1180 crore and inaugurated 12 projects worth Rs 207 crore for different parts of Manipur.

These projects relate to education, sports, health, tribal development, agriculture, power and renewable energy, construction of guest houses, training facilities, community and security infrastructure, Ima markets (all-women markets), traditional industries, handloom and handicrafts, urban development, roads and public services.

The President said these initiatives would improve the quality of life of the people of Manipur.

"These new projects will boost tribal development and help build a more modern and inclusive Manipur. They will generate employment and accelerate economic activities," she pointed out.

The President said that Manipur is a land of resilience, courage and extraordinary cultural richness.

Over generations, its people have enriched the nation by contributing immensely to diverse areas, including sports, the armed forces, art and culture, and public service, she said.

Noting that Manipur is the gateway to India's vibrant engagement with South-east Asia, Murmu said that its youth, culture and natural beauty make it a State with unlimited potential. Manipur is also known for its self-empowered women.

The historic Nupi Lal or women's wars were waged twice during the early decades of the 20th century by the brave women of Manipur, she pointed out and said that they succeeded in making the colonial and feudal powers accept their fair demands.

"They inspire every Indian," said the President.

Saying that the people of Manipur are talented and hardworking, she expressed confidence that the people from the valley and the hills will remain together with renewed harmony and take the State to great heights of prosperity and happiness.

The President urged the people of Manipur to continue supporting measures for harmony and development.

Murmu said: "We should together strengthen Manipur as a state where every child feels safe, every woman feels empowered, every community feels included, and every citizen moves ahead towards a brighter future."

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also addressed the civic reception function.

Before the civic reception, the President witnessed a polo exhibition match at the historic Imphal Polo Ground (known as Mapal Kangjeibung), which is regarded as one of the oldest polo grounds in the world.

President Murmu arrived in Imphal on Thursday afternoon on her maiden two-day visit to the state, which has been under President's Rule since February 13, following prolonged ethnic violence.

Governor Bhalla received her at Bir Tikendrajit Airport. She was accorded a guard of honour on arrival. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh and other senior civil, security and military officials were also present.

This is her first visit to Manipur after assuming office. The President's visit comes around three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the state on September 13, his first visit since ethnic unrest erupted in May 2023.

Officials said security has been heightened in Imphal and in the Senapati district, which is predominantly inhabited by Naga tribes.

Various departments and agencies are coordinating closely to ensure a smooth visit. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, has warmly welcomed the President's visit.

On Friday, the President will visit the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal to pay homage to the brave women warriors of Manipur.

Observed annually on December 12, Nupi Lal commemorates two women-led agitations in 1904 and 1939 against British colonial policies.

Later, in the Senapati district, she will address a public meeting and lay foundation stones and inaugurate various projects for the district.
Nagpur, Dec 11 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, on Thursday, ahead of the elections to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), announced in the state Assembly that a separate set of regulations will be introduced for the proper and fair redevelopment of 'Pagadi' buildings, thereby making Mumbai city 'Pagadi' free.

He also said that the rights of both tenants and landlords will be protected in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said that more than 19,000 cessed buildings are commonly known as 'Pagadi' buildings.

These structures predate the year 1960.

While some such buildings have been redeveloped, others have dilapidated and collapsed.

At present, more than 13,000 buildings await redevelopment.

"Tenants in these buildings are protected under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act. The structures, tenancies, and agreements are legal, and the state government introduced the Rent Control Act to safeguard the tenants' interests. However, landlords often complain that due to the tenants' rights to rehabilitation, the owners do not receive appropriate compensation for their property rights. This has resulted in numerous cases between tenants and landlords being pending in the Small Causes Court, leading to a poor response for the redevelopment of 'Pagadi' buildings," Deputy CM shinde added.

He emphasised the need for fair and proper redevelopment, which also necessitates safeguarding the rights of both tenants and landlords.

He stressed that merely providing FSI (floor space index) is not enough for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG); provisions must also be made for the cost of their free-of-cost reconstruction.

A separate set of regulations will be prepared for this purpose, he said.

"The proposed provisions will include FSI which will be payable equivalent to the carpet area currently in the possession of the tenants. Original FSI will be payable to the owners for their land ownership. Incentive FSI will be provided to 'Pagadi' holders (EWS/LIG) to cover the cost of their free-of-cost reconstruction. If the full utilisation of these three types of FSI is not possible due to restrictions like height limits or other constraints, the remaining FSI will be made available in the form of Transferable Development Rights (TDR)," Deputy CM Shinde added.

"These regulations are expected to pave the way for the redevelopment of old 'Pagadi' system buildings, preventing their collapse and the resulting loss of life and property. Existing options for redevelopment, such as 33(7) and 33(9) schemes, will continue to be available, providing a new alternative for buildings that have not yet benefited from them," he said.

"In addition, around 28,000 pending cases between tenants and landlords in these buildings have trapped many families in legal processes for decades. To accelerate redevelopment, these disputes must be resolved. Sufficient additional Fast-Track Courts will be established with the prior permission of the High Court. The expectation is that all cases will be settled within the next three years," Deputy CM Shinde added.

He said that this scheme will provide ownership-based, rightful homes to lakhs of Mumbaikars living under the 'Pagadi' system.

Crucially, Deputy CM Shinde affirmed that neither the tenants nor the owners will face any injustice, and the state government is committed to overcoming any further hurdles in this process.
Nagpur, Dec 11 : The state assembly on Thursday unanimously passed the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code Amendment Bill, 2025, to delegate quasi-judicial powers to the Ministers of State (MoS) and secretaries.

This was done to clear the increasing backlog of cases in the Revenue Department, and also following the directions from the High Court.

This amendment now allows the Minister of State and Secretaries to hear appeals currently pending with the Revenue Minister.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated while introducing the bill that the Revenue Department currently has over 13,000 quasi-judicial cases pending.

According to a ruling by the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar bench of the High Court, ministerial powers cannot be delegated merely by rules; a change in the law itself was necessary, leading to the introduction of this bill.

Minister Bawankule made a major announcement, stating, "We are planning to dispose of all appeals from the level of Deputy Tehsildar up to the Minister level within 90 days. Necessary legal amendments will be made by the March session, ensuring these cases are resolved within three months without date after date."

During the discussion, opposition members raised important questions. Shiv Sena UBT legislator Bhaskar Jadhav asked, "If a law is required to delegate the Minister's powers to the Minister of State, why is this rule limited only to the Revenue Department? What about Ministers in other departments? This decision should have been taken collectively by the General Administration Department (GAD). Also, the limitations on the powers delegated to the Minister of State must be clearly defined."

Legislators Jayant Patil, Vijay Wadettiwar, and Abhijeet Patil also participated. Patil highlighted that thousands of cases are pending not just at the Ministry but at lower levels as well.

Wadettiwar stressed that merely setting a 90-day rule is not enough; its strict implementation is crucial. Finally, after the Revenue Minister assured comprehensive amendments in March next year, the bill was passed unanimously.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday with both leaders discussing bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments.

During the call, PM Modi and President Trump underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade.

"Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

The two leaders reviewed the progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and expressed satisfaction at the steady strengthening of bilateral cooperation across all sectors.

The leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other priority areas that are central to the implementation of the IndiaUS COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st century.

They discussed various regional and global developments and agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests.

Last month, Trump said that he plans to visit India soon, praising PM Modi as a "great man" and his "friend."

Responding to a question during a press conference at the White House on November 6, Trump said the trade negotiations with India are going "very well."

"He's a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there. We'll figure that out. I'll goHe's a great man and I'll be going," he added.

When asked if he would travel to India next year, Trump said, "it could be, yeah." The US President also remembered his last visit to India in 2020, saying, "I had a great trip there with the Prime Minister."

The US President also claimed that India has "largely stopped buying oil from Russia."

Trump's statement came days after the White House said that Trump has great respect for Prime Minister Modi and said the two leaders speak "pretty frequently."

While responding to a question on India-US ties on November 4, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump "feels very positive and strongly" about the bilateral relationship.

"I know the President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently."

On the trade negotiations, Leavitt had revealed that Trump and his team are in "serious discussions" with the Indian side.

"The President and his trade team continue to be in very serious discussions with India with respect to that topic," she added.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Thursday that data from the Union Education Ministry has provided the latest evidence to confirm that the Arvind Kejriwal government's claims of creating the best education system in the city were "hollow".

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Thursday that data from the Union Education Ministry has provided the latest evidence to confirm that the Arvind Kejriwal government's claims of creating the best education system in the city were "hollow".

He said a reply given by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary to a question by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has proved correct the BJP's assertion about Kejriwal's false claims on the Aam Aadmi Party's education model.

The Delhi BJP President said that according to the figures presented in Parliament, in 2020-21 and 2021-22, the two years affected by the pandemic, 31,541 and 28,548 students failed in the ninth grade, and of these, only 11,322 and 10,598 students continued their education through open schooling.

The remaining 39,519 students did not continue their education at all, he said, quoting data.

Similarly, in 2022-23, a total of 88,421 students failed in the ninth grade, of which only 29,436 students continued their education through open schooling, he said, quoting the data.

In 2023-24, when Atishi became the Delhi Education Minister, the number of students failing in the 9th grade crossed the one lakh mark, reaching 101,344, and of these, only 7,794 students continued their studies through open schooling.

In the last year, 2024-25, 70,296 students failed, of which only 11,974 continued their education through open schooling, said Sachdeva, pointing to the data.

Sachdeva said that the BJP has consistently maintained that the Kejriwal government failed almost every weak student in the ninth grade so that they do not appear in the tenth-grade exam and bring down the overall pass percentage in the Board exam.

The BJP chief said the AAP resorted to this tactic to artificially improve the tenth-grade results, and the figures presented in Parliament today have validated our allegations that the AAP government's much vaunted education model for government schools was nothing but a publicity tool.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : Election Commission's special observer C. Murugan on Thursday faced protests while overseeing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in South 24 Parganas district. Women Trinamool Congress supporters led the protest in front of the special observer in the Falta area of the district.

They demanded that the Central government first provide houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.

Only then, they said, would they allow the SIR process to proceed. Some even claimed they would not allow the SIR exercise to take place before these demands were met.

A delegation from the Election Commission, led by Murugan, visited Falta on Thursday to monitor the SIR process.

They inspected whether the booth-level officers (BLOs) were working properly and checked the number of deceased voters in each booth. Murugan also visited the homes of elderly voters to verify whether they were alive or deceased.

It was during this time that a group of Trinamool supporters surrounded the commission's delegation and staged a protest. Most of the protesters were women. They chanted slogans against the SIR and the BJP.

Slogans were also raised demanding houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and wages under the 100-day work scheme.

Sources claimed that C. Murugan was annoyed by this type of protest.

He will submit a report to the Election Commission on this matter. He stated that the protest was staged deliberately because the SIR process has no connection with development or government projects. However, Murugan said he will continue his work despite the obstacles.

The state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Kumar Agarwal, did not officially comment on the matter. Sources said the entire matter would be investigated and appropriate action would be taken.

The SIR process began on November 4 in 12 states and Union Territories across the country, including West Bengal.

In the eastern state of West Bengal, the process is almost complete.

BLOs (Booth Level Officers) are collecting enumeration forms and uploading them to the commission's portal. Based on this, the commission will publish the draft voter list on December 16.

The final voter list will be published on February 14 next year.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a three-nation visit next week which will begin from Jordan and also include Ethiopia, and Oman.

PM Modi will arrive in Jordan on December 15 at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein. During the two-day visit to the Hashemite Kingdom, Prime Minister Modi will meet King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein to review the entire gamut of relations between India and Jordan, and exchange perspectives on regional issues.

This visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to further strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate our commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.

In the second leg of the visit, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister Modi will pay a State Visit to Ethiopia from December 16. This will be PM Modi's first visit to the African nation.

"He will be holding wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of Indiaa"Ethiopia bilateral ties. As partners in the Global South, the visit will be a reiteration of the shared commitment of the two nations to advance close ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation," read a statement issued by the MEA.

In the final leg of his visit, at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, Prime Minister Modi will visit Oman from December 17-18.

"India and Oman share an all-encompassing Strategic Partnership underpinned by centuries-old bonds of friendship, trade linkages and strong people-to-people ties. The visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and follows the State visit of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman to India in December 2023. This visit will be an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA stated.

This will be PM Modi's second visit to Oman.
Gwangju, Dec 11 : A steel structure collapsed at a library construction site in the southwestern city of South Korea's Gwangju on Thursday, killing two workers and trapping two others, authorities said.

The accident was reported at 1:58 pm, prompting firefighters to respond to the scene where they rescued a 47-year-old worker, who was taken to a hospital in cardiac arrest but later pronounced dead.

Firefighters spotted the second victim, who remained unresponsive, earlier in the day, before finally rescuing him at 8:13 pm, according to officials, Yonhap News Agency reported.

He was pronounced dead on site, with officials working to figure out the identity of the victim.

Two others are still unaccounted for, officials said, adding they plan to continue search operations overnight.

The four victims were identified as technicians affiliated with a subcontractor, with all of them being Korean nationals.

Firefighting officials said the structure appeared to have collapsed while ready-mixed concrete was being poured.

A construction site official told Yonhap News Agency the rooftop of the second floor appeared to have collapsed down to the first floor, with no supports installed in between.

The library under construction was being built by the Gwangju metropolitan government on the site of a former waste incineration plant.

The 51.6 billion-won (USD 35 million) project was being built to cover a total floor area of 11,286 square meters across two stories above ground and two floors in the basement.

Meanwhile, South Korean President President Lee Jae Myung ordered authorities to make all-out efforts to rescue workers trapped in the rubble of a collapsed library construction site in the southwestern city of Gwangju.

Lee gave the instruction during a policy briefing by the labour ministry in the administrative city of Sejong, after a steel structure at the construction site collapsed at around 2 p.m., killing one worker and trapping three others.

Lee called on the relevant ministries to "mobilize all available personnel and equipment" to rescue the trapped workers.
Kabul, Dec 11 : Afghan counter-narcotics police have arrested 31 suspected drug smugglers and seized 258 kg of illicit drugs during operations across several provinces, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in separate statements on Thursday.

The seized contraband included 194 kg of opium, 35 kg of hashish, and 29 kg of methamphetamine. Operations were conducted in the western province of Herat and the northern provinces of Kunduz and Baghlan, where four individuals were detained, according to the ministry, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Separately, in a series of counter-narcotics operations conducted in the capital Kabul, police arrested 27 suspects accused of involvement in the sale, purchase, and smuggling of illicit drugs.

The Afghan government has banned poppy cultivation, drug production, and trafficking, vowing to continue its crackdown until the country, once a leading global source of opium, becomes drug-free.

On Wednesday, provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar said Afghan police arrested an individual on charges of drug smuggling and confiscated 16 kg of opium in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province.

The arrest took place during an operation in the Kishim district of the province. Police found the suspect in possession of the contraband and have taken him into custody for further investigation, the official said.

On November 30, local police said that a consignment of illegal drugs was seized in western Afghanistan's Nimroz province and its owner taken into custody.

The alleged drug smuggler, according to the official, was attempting to take 3 kg of methamphetamine out of the province, but police foiled the attempt and took him into custody, spokesman for the provincial police office Mawlawi Gul Mohammad Qudrat said.

The Afghan government, which outlawed cultivation of illegal crops including poppy and hashish in 2022, has vowed to continue the war against drugs, their production, process and trafficking until the once drug-producing nation becomes free of the drug menace.

On November 16, the Ministry of Interior Affairs stated that Afghan counter-narcotics police seized a quantity of illicit drugs, including crystal meth, and arrested 21 suspected smugglers in separate operations across multiple provinces.

The seizure included 86 kg of raw hashish, 5 kg of crystal meth, a quantity of methamphetamine, stimulant tablets, and some other types of narcotics.

The drugs were discovered during a series of routine police operations, said the statement.

21 individuals were arrested in connection with the cases, it noted.

The police will not allow anyone to produce, purchase, or smuggle illegal drugs in the country, the Ministry said, reaffirming its commitment to combating the narcotics trade.
Guwahati, Dec 11 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that the state is not merely articulating a vision for development but is moving ahead with "concrete action", as the state government finalises plans for three new townships and industrial centres in Guwahati, Jagiroad and Palasbari.

The initiatives, he said, will form the backbone of Assam's next phase of economic expansion, driven by large-scale infrastructure transition and strategic industrial investments.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Sarma said Assam's "billion-dollar plan for transition of infrastructure" aims to fuel sustained growth through well-planned urban clusters, modern logistics, and new manufacturing hubs.

A project by a reputed company, with an estimated investment of more than Rs 15,000 crore, is seen as a major breakthrough in the state's ambition to integrate itself into India's rapidly expanding semiconductor supply chain.

Officials say the plant will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, spur ancillary industries and attract skilled professionals to the region.

The state government has already begun planning a new township around Jagiroad to support the facility, focusing on improved connectivity, residential clusters, industrial parks and urban amenities.

Similar township projects in Guwahati and Palasbari are aimed at decongesting the capital region while creating new engines of economic activity.

With these initiatives, Assam hopes to position itself as an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing, technology-driven industries and balanced regional development.

Chief Minister Sarma said the state government's approach is rooted in meticulous planning, capacity augmentation and long-term infrastructure building, signalling a decisive shift in the state's economic trajectory.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that families of private doctors and health professionals who lost their lives while performing Covid-19 duties cannot be excluded from the Centre's Rs 50 lakh insurance scheme.

A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan delivered the ruling in an appeal filed by the widow of Dr B.S. Surgade, a private practitioner who succumbed to Covid-19 in June 2020 after keeping his clinic open during the lockdown.

The Bombay High Court had previously dismissed her plea for benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana Package (PMGKY), holding that Dr Surgade's work was not officially "requisitioned" as Covid duty.

Holding that families of doctors and health professionals cannot be deprived of the insurance scheme on the basis of a hypertechnical reading of "formal" requisition orders, the apex court observed that the extraordinary circumstances at the onset of the pandemic must be read in context and cannot be reduced to a demand for individual appointment letters.

Noting the Centre's order launching the PMGKY insurance and municipal orders directing dispensaries to remain open, the Justice Narasimha-led Bench said the regulatory and executive matrix "were intended to leave no stone unturned in requisitioning the doctors and the insurance scheme was equally intended to assure doctors and health professionals in the front line that the country is with them".

While discarding a hyper-technical test for requisitioning, the Supreme Court made clear that entitlement under the PMGKY remains casespecific.

"Once we have decided that there was a 'requisition', the applicability of the insurance policy will then depend upon actual evidence. (I)f there is clear evidence that the deceased lost his life while performing Covid-19-related duties, the policy will have to be applied," it said.

"We have already indicated that our enquiry is confined to determining the question as to whether there is 'requisition' of the services of doctors and health professionals. We are not examining the credibility of individual claims. It is for the concerned offices or agencies to look into individual claims on the basis of clear evidence," the apex court said.

It clarified that the onus to prove that a deceased lost his life while performing a Covid-19-related duty is on the claimant, and the same "needs to be established on the basis of credible evidence".

In its judgment, the apex court acknowledged the unprecedented strain the Covid-19 pandemic placed on the global healthcare system. Despite this immense pressure, the Justice Narasimha-led Bench observed: "Our doctors and health professionals rose as unwavering heroes, turning challenges into courage."

--IANS

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New Delhi: A metro train moves along its track amid a thick layer of smog as air quality remains in the ?severe? category, in New Delhi . Image Source: IANS/Prem Nath Pandey

New Delhi, Dec 11 : Global air quality rankings cited by various organisations are not conducted by any official authority, the government informed the Parliament on Thursday.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that the widely quoted international indices, such as IQAir World Air Quality Report, WHO Global Air Quality Database, Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) metrics, are not conducted by any official authority.

These serve only as advisory values, not binding standards.

"The World Health Organisation's air quality guidelines serve only as guidance and are recommended values to help countries achieve good air quality. However, countries prepare their own air quality standards based on geography, environmental factors, background levels, socio-economic status, and national circumstances," Singh said.

The Environment Ministry further clarified that it has notified National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 pollutants in 2009 to protect public health and the environment, and these standards are tailored to India's specific conditions.

While the World Health Organisation sharply tightened its air quality guidelines in 2021 (24-hour PM2.5 limit: 15 micrograms per cubic meter; annual: 5 micrograms per cubic meter), India continues to follow its 2009 NAAQS (24-hour PM2.5: 60 micrograms per cubic meter; annual: 40 micrograms per cubic meter), which the government maintains are appropriate for national conditions.

Separately, the Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted significant improvement in Delhi's air quality in recent years due to focused policy interventions.

He shared that the number of "Good to Moderate" air quality days (AQI less than or equal to 200) in Delhi has risen from 110 in 2016 to 200 in 2025 (till date).

Yadav added that the average AQI (January-November) has improved from 213 in 2018 to 187 in 2025, and not a single day in 2025 has recorded "Severe Plus" (AQI over 450) air quality in the national capital.

Notably, farm fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana together have fallen by around 90 per cent in the 2025 paddy harvesting season compared to 2022.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has been asked to appear before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) again amid ongoing disruption in the domestic aviation sector, the airline said on Thursday.

Elbers had appeared before officials earlier this week to explain the cause behind one of the biggest fiascos in the Indian civil aviation industry and to discuss the further course of action in order to bring normalcy.

As per reports, a four-member team would be questioning him this time.

To understand the real reasons behind the development, the DGCA had constituted an eight-member special team to keep a close watch on IndiGo's operations as the airline battles sustained disruptions across its network.

Two officials from the team would be stationed at IndiGo's corporate headquarters and look into daily processes to identify gaps that are affecting flight operations.

The aviation regulator's move came amid an escalating crisis that has caused thousands of cancellations and delays, severely congesting major airports nationwide and keeping passengers in long queues.

Meanwhile, hinting at a slow return to normalcy, the airline said it aims to operate more than 1,950 flights on Thursday.

In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson shared that all destinations in the airline's network have been fully connected since December 8, and operations have stabilised since December 9.

"IndiGo continues to strengthen its operations, improving its services day by day to now operating 1,900+ flights that seamlessly connect all 138 destinations across our network," the spokesperson said.

IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta said that the airlineas Board will bring in external technical experts to work with the management and identify the root causes behind last weekas massive flight disruptions.

In a detailed statement, Mehta said the experts will help ensure that such large-scale operational failures never happen again.

Mehta also apologised to passengers affected by the disruptions that occurred between December 3 and 5.

He said thousands of travellers were stranded, with many missing important personal events, business meetings, medical appointments and international connections. Baggage delays further added to the chaos.

"We are truly, truly sorry," he said, acknowledging that the airline failed to meet customer expectations.

The Chairman said that the Board had initially chosen not to make an early statement because it wanted the management, led by CEO Elbers, to focus on restoring operations.

"IndiGo is now operating more than 1,900 flights a day, connecting all 138 destinations, with on-time performance back to normal levels," he stated.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : India's electric vehicle (EV) sector raised $1.4 billion yearatoadate in 2025, up 27 per cent from over $1.1 billion raised in 2024, a report said on Friday.

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Indiaas electric vehicle (EV) sector raised $1.4 billion yeara'toa'date in 2025, up 27 per cent from over $1.1 billion raised in 2024, a report said on Friday.

The funding was concentrated in just 65 funding rounds compared with 135 in the previous year, the report from market intelligence platform Tracxn said.

Electric vehicle manufacturers dominated funding, securing $1.2 billion of the total, with Delhi leading the city rankings with $1.1 billion raised.

Latea'stage funding surged 105 per cent yeara'ona'year from $536 million in 2024 to $1.1 billion in 2025 YTD, reflecting renewed confidence in scale-ready, selective and mature startups.

This indicates a transition towards performance-led capital deployment with sector maturity, the report noted.

Earlya'stage funding, however, dropped 49.3 per cent to $226 million from $446 million, while seeda'stage funding dropped to $61.2 million across 32 rounds from $129 million over 77 rounds in 2024.

"The strong surge in latea'stage capital, driven by a billiona'dollar round supporting manufacturing and charging infrastructure, signifies Indiaas EV ecosystem has moved beyond early experimentation to embrace a phase of measurable, scaled maturity," Tracxn co-founder Neha Singh said.

"Itas a clear signal that global and domestic investors now see EVs not just as a climate bet, but as a commercially viable, long-horizon opportunity," she added.

Pune followed Delhi in terms of funding, raising $120 million, while Bengaluru secured $105 million.

The investor base narrowed, with total investors falling from 150 in 2024 to 70 in 2025 YTD, and firsta'time investors dropped from 63 to 32.

Electric vehicle sales rose from about 50,000 in 2016 to over 2 million in 2024, representing roughly 9 per cent of the global EV stock, another recent report said, highlighting a $100 billion export opportunity in auto components.

EV penetration is expected to remain modest at 3a"4 per cent, the report said, forecasting electric car volumes in the PV segment at around 1.75 lakh units for FY26. EV sales grew by 83 per cent in FY24 and 11 per cent in FY25, reaching 1.11 lakh units in FY25.
Naypyidaw, Dec 11 : The increasing military and strategic engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan may contribute to a surge in radicalism within both countries, intensifying existing security challenges, a report said on Thursday.

It added that amid rising religious extremism amid ongoing political instability under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Bangladesh faces heightened risks with growing Pakistani influence.

Citing reports, Mekong News Myanmar mentioned that transnational extremist groups such as Pakistan-based organisations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), are taking advantage of Bangladesh's current security vacuum to spread radical ideologies and recruit young people.

The renewed ties, it said, created fertile ground for these groups to expand their networks, propagate extremist narratives, and coordinate militant activities across borders.

"The recent heightened military interactions between Bangladesh and Pakistan signal a significant yet concerning shift in South Asia's strategic scenario. Under the interim leadership in Dhaka and with the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024, Bangladesh appears to be recalibrating its foreign and defense policy, progressively tilting towards Pakistan. This pivot poses critical questions about Dhaka's strategic autonomy, with growing apprehensions that Bangladesh might be unwittingly becoming a tool in Islamabad's broader geopolitical designs," the report detailed.

"The backdrop of these developments includes intensified defence dialogues, high-level military visits, and partnerships that diverge sharply from Bangladesh's historically India-centric security approach. Adding another layer of complexity is the rumoured visit of Hafiz Saeed's associate (HS) to the sensitive Indo-Bangladesh border, stirring alarms about regional security ramifications," it added.

According to the report, the revived Bangladesh-Pakistan relationship is raising concerns in New Delhi, where the Indian government views the development as destabilising. India considers Pakistan's involvement in Bangladesh as an effort to weaken the traditional Indo-Bangladesh partnership and erode strategic stability.

The report emphasised that the growing military interactions between Bangladesh and Pakistan go beyond a simple shift in defence diplomacy, reflecting evolving strategic currents that could reshape regional security dynamics.

"While Bangladesh aims to diversify its partnerships and assert an independent foreign policy post-Hasina, it risks becoming an unwitting instrument of Pakistan's broader geopolitical ambitions. The visit of Hafiz Saeed's associate to the Indo-Bangladesh border adds an ominous dimension, highlighting the security vulnerabilities that Bangladesh may inadvertently expose itself to through deeper engagement with Pakistan," the report noted
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Pakistan-backed terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), are reactivating their networks inside India's northeastern states and West Bengal, relying heavily on safe transit routes and logistical hubs inside Bangladesh, a report highlighted on Thursday.

"Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is once again playing with fire - and dangerously close to Bangladesh's borders. A massive madrasa near Dhaka, previously flagged by security agencies as a breeding ground for radicalisation, has abruptly shut down its entire operations, with senior members disappearing overnight," Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, Editor of the Bangladeshi newspaper 'Blitz', wrote for Usanas Foundation thinktank.

"This shock closure came immediately after the arrest of several medical practitioners from Faridabad-based Al Falah University, as well as the detention of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the powerful chairman of the Al Falah group, in connection with the recent Delhi blast," Choudhury added.

Citing law enforcement intelligence in Bangladesh, the report noted that the madrasa in Dhaka had long maintained "communication channels" with several religious charities and private donors linked to the Gulf region and Pakistan, but despite years of suspicion, no conclusive probe was launched.

"A madrasa does not vanish overnight unless someone is trying to erase the trail. The timing of this shutdown - coming immediately after the arrest of Al Falah University-linked individuals in India for the Delhi blast - is too precise to be dismissed as a coincidence. Someone tipped them off. Someone warned them that investigators were getting too close. That 'someone', many counterterrorism experts believe, is linked to the same ISI-backed ecosystem that has historically used Bangladesh as a playground for destabilisation," it mentioned.

According to the report, since last year's 'Jihadist Coup', international media have largely underestimated the extent to which ISI, along with its proxies, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), are attempting to rebuild operational routes through Bangladesh. These developments, it said, require a clear-eyed and uncompromising assessment of the situation.

The reports stressed that Bangladesh cannot permit the ISI to turn its territory into a covert launchpad for cross-border terrorism.

"If it happens once, it will happen again. If one madrasa can be used, more will follow. If one militant team enters quietly, others will arrive with greater sophistication and deeper alliances. This is why the madrasa shutdown must be treated as a national security emergency - not a minor curiosity," it emphasised.

Bangladesh's political establishment, the report said, must shed its tendency to downplay clear warning signs.

"ISI thrives where governments hesitate. It flourishes where bureaucracy fears confrontation. And it embeds itself wherever it senses political distraction," it noted.
Bhopal, Dec 11 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday announced that the state is now free of Naxal presence after the last two Maoists, identified as Deepak and Rohit, surrendered before security forces in Balaghat district.

In a virtual address, Yadav said that over the past 42 days, 42 Maoists have surrendered across Balaghat, Dindori, and Mandla districts.

"With the remaining two surrendering today, Madhya Pradesh is now Naxal-free," he declared.

The Chief Minister noted that seven Naxal attacks occurred in the past two years, during which security forces killed 10 hardcore Naxalites carrying a combined bounty of Rs 71 lakh.

He announced that a comprehensive Naxal eradication campaign will begin in Balaghat from January, offering a 15-year rehabilitation package to those returning to the mainstream, while strict action will continue against others.

Yadav credited the BJP government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for accelerating the anti-Naxal drive, which was initially scheduled for completion by March 2026 but is now expected to conclude by January 2026.

He paid tribute to police and paramilitary personnel who lost their lives in encounters since Naxal activities began in the state in the early 1990s, noting that 38 members of the Hawk Force have died since 1989.

The Chief Minister revealed that more than 8,500 undercover operatives and senior police officials, including those of Director General rank, were deployed in affected areas.

"Naxalism was a major hurdle in Madhya Pradesh's progress for decades. We believe no Naxal activities will occur again, and the state's growth rate will accelerate," Yadav said.
Quetta, Dec 11 : Several villagers of Balochistan's Kech district on Thursday are staging a protest against what they described as the "brutal trend" of indiscriminate firing by Pakistani forces targetting local civilians.

Quetta, Dec 11 (IANS) Several villagers of Balochistan's Kech district on Thursday are staging a protest against what they described as the "brutal trend" of indiscriminate firing by Pakistani forces targetting local civilians.

According to the Baloch Women Forum (BWF), the demonstrations are demanding punishment for those responsible and an immediate end to such dangerous acts.

The protest was sparked by the December 8 incident in the Sahaki area of Balgatar in Kech, where Pakistani security personnel opened fire on civilians, injuring a woman, identified as Durdana Baloch.

"For the last few years, Balochistan has been dragged into a catastrophic trend of brutal state barbarity, including enforced disappearances of Baloch women, bulldozing villages and even indiscriminate firing on civilians. They are negative developments in the state of human rights of the indigenous masses, which we not only denounce in the harshest terms, but also encourage mass public resistance against every such policy," the BWF stated.

"The same Balgatar has already faced forced evacuation of its various areas in the name of security, challenged women victimisation, and now they are facing the heinous crime of being fired indiscriminately in midnights," it added.

The BWF called for an end to the continuous Pakistani atrocities on the civilians in Balochistan in general, and of Balgatar in particular, and demanded timely accountability for the involved culprits.

Earlier on Tuesday, students of the University of Turbat in Kech staged a protest rally on campus, demanding the immediate recovery of three students, Noor Khan Nazar, Rahmat Halko, and Imran Taj, who have been forcibly disappeared, The Balochistan Post reported.

Carrying placards and banners, a large number of students marched through the university, voicing growing concern and fear within the student community.

According to the student leaders, Noor Khan Nazar has been missing since December 6, Rahmat Halko since October 5, and Imran Taj since June 21, and the Pakistani authorities have provided no information about their whereabouts. They stated that the prolonged silence has caused severe distress to families and fellow students, resulting in deep psychological trauma.

The protesters reportedly warned that the demonstrations would intensify if the missing students were not recovered. They also called on the authorities to guarantee the protection and safety of young people in Balochistan.
Belagavi, Dec 11 : The Congress infighting appears to be escalating by the day, with Minister for Housing and Waqf B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan asking who has the "guts" to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Notably, Khan is a close aide of the Chief Minister, and sources indicate that his remarks reflect the sentiment within Siddaramaiah's camp.

Belagavi, Dec 11 (IANS) The Congress infighting appears to be escalating by the day, with Minister for Housing and Waqf B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan asking who has the "guts" to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Notably, Khan is a close aide of the Chief Minister, and sources indicate that his remarks reflect the sentiment within Siddaramaiah's camp.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, Khan made the statement while responding to questions about CM Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra's controversial comment that the high command had ruled out any leadership change.

"Yathindra has expressed his personal opinion. Why raise this discussion now? Such discussions should happen only when the chair is vacant. All this is mere speculation. Does anyone have the guts to change Chief Minister Siddaramaiah? If anyone has that authority, it is only the high command," Khan said.

Both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have repeatedly said they will abide by the high command's decision, Minister Khan added, emphasising that only the high command can make any changes.

When asked whether Siddaramaiah will remain Chief Minister for the full term, Khan responded: "Siddaramaiah will be Chief Minister until 2028. That is my personal opinion."

Meanwhile, Prasannananda Swamiji of Valmiki Peetha stated that he has no objection to Khan continuing in the position. If a change is made, he said a Dalit leader should be appointed as the next Chief Minister, noting that the Congress has many capable Dalit leaders. He added that the community stands firmly with Siddaramaiah and that it does not matter who becomes the Chief Minister.

On the other hand, Pranavananda Swamiji of Idiga Mutt said: "Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar should become the Chief Minister. If that does not happen, the Congress will be destroyed in Karnataka."

Sources indicate that the Congress high command has once again come under pressure following the latest developments around the party's internal conflict in Karnataka. After the breakfast meetings hosted by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar ahead of the Belagavi Winter Assembly session, the high command had briefly heaved a sigh of relief.

However, fresh statements from both camps -- especially from Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra, who asserted that his father would complete the full term and that the high command had rejected Shivakumar's demand to become Chief Minister -- have revived speculation about internal turmoil within the ruling Congress party.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : More than 1.97 crore water-related works were taken up under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign, and 712 Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) were set up across the country till December 9, the Parliament was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State (MoS) for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said, "Technology is being extensively adopted by the government to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and long-term sustainability of water body renovation projects."

He said modern tools such as geo-tagging, GIS mapping, assignment of unique code numbers to each water body, making of inventory of all water bodies, and preparation of scientific plans for water conservation are being used to ensure effective long-term restoration of water bodies.

Choudhary said, "The JSA: CTR 2025 was launched with the theme 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Jan Jagrukta ki Or', emphasising deeper grassroots engagement, inter-sectoral convergence, and an innovative financing mechanism with special focus on 148 districts identified by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)."

He said that the Central government has adopted several national and international best practices to ensure the effective and long-term restoration of water bodies.

"Restoration works follow scientifically established norms, including hydrological and structural assessment of water bodies, de-siltation based on sediment studies, catchment area treatment, strengthening of bunds and sluices, and integration of modern technologies such as Geo tagging, GIS mapping and baseline survey," he said.

He said Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives and community participation programmes are being encouraged and supported by the government for the restoration of water bodies.

"Community participation is an integral component of all restoration works centrally assisted under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana  Har Khet Ko Pani (PMKSY-HKKP)," said the MoS.

He said Water User Associations (WUAs), Panchayati Raj Institutions, and local community groups are also involved in planning, execution, and post-restoration management of water bodies.

"There is also a provision for involving Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the planning, implementation, and execution of the project, subject to the concurrence of the State government," he said.

Sharing details of government schemes and funding allocations for the revival of traditional lakes, ponds and reservoirs, the MoS said, "Up to March 31, 2025, central assistance (CA) amounting to Rs 545.35 crore has been released to State governments under Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies (RRR of WBs) component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)-Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)."

He said the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs implements Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0) under which rejuvenation of water bodies and wells is one of the main components. Under AMRUT 2.0, 3031 water body rejuvenation projects worth Rs 6,270.51 crore have been approved so far.
Patna, Dec 11 : As part of the Bihar government's ambitious vision to transform the state into a leading industrial hub, the 'Industry Dialogue' initiative, launched last week by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, continued to receive an exceptional response from investors on its second day.

On Thursday, 32 industrialists met the Chief Secretary directly and expressed keen interest in establishing industries in Bihar.

The meeting took place at the Directorate of Aviation Organisation near Patna Airport.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, the next session of the 'Industry Dialogue' will now be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, instead of Thursday.

The initiative underscores the state government's commitment to providing investors with direct access to senior officials, ensuring faster resolution of issues and a smoother investment process.

A notable feature of the second day's interaction was the significant presence of Bihari entrepreneurs eager to contribute to the development of their home state.

Many expressed their desire to help tackle migration and create employment opportunities, asserting that Bihar has abundant talent that only needs opportunities through increased industrial activity.

Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit welcomed the investors and assured them of full government support.

"The Industry Dialogue would help the state engage directly with serious and credible investors, ensuring that their concerns are resolved promptly," Amrit said.

He reiterated that the Bihar government is implementing multiple schemes for holistic development and that new policies will be introduced, or existing ones amended, without delay to further encourage investment.

During the session, the Chief Secretary listened to each investor's challengeswhether related to land allocation or procedural hurdles - and issued on-the-spot directions to concerned departments.

In cases requiring documentation, investors were asked to submit the necessary papers promptly.

This proactive and solution-oriented approach aims to make the 'Industry Dialogue' a one-stop platform for all investment-related needs, reinforcing Bihar's commitment to improving the ease of doing business.

The initiative marks an important milestone in the execution of Bihar's investor-friendly industrial policy.

With its emphasis on transparency, speed, and direct communication, the program reflects Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's determination to place Bihar firmly on India's industrial map.
Itanagar, Dec 11 : Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Thursday said that the cultural exchange initiatives promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have significantly empowered the youth, fostering a stronger sense of unity and shared identity across the country.

The Governor accompanied by the First Lady of the state, Anagha Parnaik, participated in the joint celebration of Nagaland and Assam state foundation day along with the Naga and Assamese communities of the state at the Lok Bhavan in Itanagar on Thursday.

A Lok Bhavan official said that the occasion was a distinguished reflection of India's unity in diversity, aligning with the Governor's vision of fostering intercultural understanding among people, particularly the youth, as a vital foundation for an inclusive, peaceful, and harmonious society.

Lt. General Parnaik (Retd.) warmly reflected on the rich and intertwined histories of Assam and Nagaland, praising the people of both states for their unwavering commitment to preserving their natural environment, cultural heritage, and treasured traditions of textiles and handlooms.

Drawing parallels with Arunachal Pradesh, he said that the Assamese language once served as an important connecting dialect in the state's early years, symbolising the deep bonds shared among the northeastern neighbours.

Expressing gratitude, the Governor thanked the people of Assam and Nagaland for their meaningful contribution to the progress of Arunachal Pradesh and to the collective vision of Viksit Bharat.

He said that the goodwill and mutual trust among the states have strengthened their interdependence and deepened the warmth and camaraderie that have long defined relations with these age-old neighbours.

The Governor further highlighted that the celebration of aState Foundation Daya magnificently embodies the Prime Ministeras vision of aEk Bharat Shreshtha Bharata.

Such exchanges, he said, have greatly benefited the youth by helping them understand the lives, traditions, and cultures of people from other states, an experience that will shape and inspire them as they lead the state and the nation in 2047.

He emphasised that this initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has truly empowered young people with a stronger sense of unity and shared identity.

As part of the celebration, Naga students of NERIST (North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology) presented 'Ahoh', a soulful gospel-folk-fusion song from Nagaland originally created by Jano Nyekha in 2015.

Paying homage to the iconic late Zubeen Garg, children of the Assamese community performed a dance set to his popular songs.

The women of the community offered the traditional Vaishnav devotional song Diha Nam, while Bodo women captivated the audience with the graceful Bagarumba dance.

Children from Oju Mission, Naharlagun attended the programme as special guests of the Governor.

The Governor and the First Lady later interacted with members of the Assamese and Naga communities. They appreciated their dedication to preserving and promoting their cultural heritage in Arunachal Pradesh.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 : A total of 4.93 crore smart meters have been installed across the country with 1.6 crore smart meters functioning in prepaid mode under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the Parliament was informed on Thursday.

Under the scheme, smart metering works for 19.79 crore consumers in prepaid mode, 2.11 lakh feeders, and 52.53 lakh DTs, totalling 20.33 crore smart meters, which have been sanctioned based on the proposal submitted by the states/distribution utilities and 3.58 crore smart meters have been installed, Power Minister Manohar Lal told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

The balance smart meters have been installed by states under their state plans/ other schemes, he added.

Postpaid service has traditionally been in the default mode. However, considering the benefits offered to both consumers and distribution utilities, deployment of smart prepaid meters has been undertaken under the RDSS.

The installation of prepaid smart meters is being prioritised for government establishments, commercial, industrial and high-load consumers and subsequently for other consumers based on demonstration of benefits, said the minister.

Besides the consumers, prepaid smart metering helps improve the billing and collection efficiency of the distribution utility while providing benefits like automatic energy accounting, improved l;oad forecasting, use of data analytics for demand side management and facilitating an enabling ecosystem for energy transition.

The benefits, accruing to the distribution utilities, eventually get passed on to the consumers in the form of better services and lower costs, according to the minister.

Initially, there were some challenges in the implementation of smart metering works due to inadequate consumer awareness regarding the benefits of smart meters. To improve consumer engagement and enhance confidence, the Ministry issued various advisories/standard operating procedures (SoPs).

These included incentivising consumers for prepaid meter installation through a rebate in bill; no penalty on the consumer based on the maximum demand recorded by the smart meter; a mechanism for recovery of past arrears in easy instalments; and installation of check meters for enhancing confidence in the accuracy of smart meters.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday a major decision to reorganise the existing 11 revenue districts into 13 new revenue districts for efficient governance and citizen-centric services.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Gupta. This step is being considered a significant reform towards making governance simpler, more transparent, and better coordinated, said a statement.

The Chief Minister Gupta said, "No previous government had addressed this long-pending decision to strengthen Delhi's administrative framework."

"Our government has achieved this objective in just 10 months. It is a powerful example of implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of good governance on the ground," said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister stated that district administration is the backbone of any governance system and the closest interface between the government and citizens.

"Considering Delhi's rapidly growing population, construction activity, urban expansion, and increasing complexity of civic services, it has become essential to make the district administration more organised, effective, and accountable," she said.

She added that in a metropolis like Delhi, smaller, balanced, and administratively empowered districts are necessary for improved coordination of services, quicker delivery, faster grievance redressal, and effective monitoring. With this objective, the number of districts is being increased from 11 to 13.

The Chief Minister explained that for many years, the boundaries of revenue districts did not align with those of the Municipal Corporation zones, NDMC, and Delhi Cantonment Board.

This mismatch repeatedly caused delays in service delivery, confusion in handling complaints, difficulties in land record management, and inconsistencies across departmental jurisdictions, she said.

After the reorganisation, the boundaries of all 13 districts will fully align with those of the Municipal Corporation, NDMC, and the Delhi Cantonment Board, bringing clarity to governance and improving inter-departmental coordination.

Under the new structure, the number of districts will increase from 11 to 13 and sub-divisions from 33 to 39. This will help balance the workload of officials and deliver services to citizens more quickly.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Delhi Government will establish modern, multi-departmental 'Mini Secretariats' in all 13 districts, where citizens will be able to access numerous services such as Revenue Offices, SDM, ADM, Tehsil, and Sub-Registrar Offices at a single location.
New Delhi/Itanagar, Dec 11 : Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday expressed grief over a deadly accident in Arunachal Pradesh in which a truck carrying around 22 workers from Assam fell off a deep gorge in a remote and difficult terrain in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that 18 bodies have been sighted by the rescue teams and are being retrieved using belay ropes. Gandhi in a post on his X handle said: "The news of the death of several Assamese labourers due to a truck overturning into a gorge in Arunachal Pradesh is extremely heartbreaking. I extend my deepest condolences to their bereaved families. With the hope that those who are missing are found at the earliest, I pray for the swift recovery of the injured."

Earlier on Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the fatal mishap in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district on December 8.

The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

The mishap reportedly took place on Hayuliang-Chaglagam Road in Anjaw district in eastern Arunachal Pradesh on December 8 when the truck was carrying 22 labourers from Assam.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the Indian Army has launched a major search and rescue operation in the Chaglagam region of Arunachal Pradesh.

The operations were initiated based on information received late on Wednesday (December 10) regarding a vehicle accident along the HayuliangChaglagam road.

He said that the preliminary inputs from the lone survivor, who managed to reach Chipra GREF Camp, indicate that a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia in Assam fell off a cliff on the night of December 8.

The accident site, approximately 12 km short of Chaglagam, lies in difficult terrain with limited connectivity and had not been reported by any local agency, contractor or civil representative until a survivor's arrival.

On Thursday, Spear Corps of the Army mobilised multiple search and rescue columns, medical teams, GREF representatives, local police, NDRF personnel and the ADC Hayuliang.

After four hours of intensive search and rope descent, the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road in a re-entrant, inaccessible and not visible from helicopters or the road due to dense tree cover and thick foliage.

Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are being retrieved using belay ropes.

ADC Hayuliang has informed the Superintendent of Police, Anjaw district, who has reached the site, while the District Medical Officer is moving to facilitate the evacuation of casualties and mortal remains.

SDRF, requisitioned by the Deputy Commissioner, is en route. ADC Hayuliang is also questioning the sub-contractor of the Zila Parishad Member, Chaglagam, to verify the antecedents and exact strength of the workers hired.

Despite harsh terrain and poor visibility, the Indian Army, in coordination with civil administration and other agencies, is making all possible efforts to trace the remaining individuals and provide immediate assistance.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 11 : A team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday visited the residence of Bhola Ghosh, the key witness in a criminal case against now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader from Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, Sheikh Shahjahan.

Sources said the CBI officials reached Ghosh's residence to enquire into the death of his younger son, Satyajit Ghosh, in a road accident on Wednesday.

Satyajit had been accompanying his father to the trial court to get his statement against Shahjahan recorded.

The CBI called to probe the mishap after Bhola Ghosh filed a written complaint at Nazat police station under Basirhat district police, naming eight persons he alleged were responsible for the accident in which he narrowly escaped though his younger son died.

The first two names in the written complaint are those of Sheikh Shahjahan and his wife -- Taslima Bibi.

The other six persons named as accused in the complaint are Gaffar Sheikh, Sabir Ali Molla, Chairap Meer, Abdul Kahar Molla, Abdul Ali Molla and Nazrul Molla.

In the complaint, Bhola Ghosh also identified Sabir Ali Molla as the driver of the truck involved in the collision that hit the vehicle in which he and his deceased son were travelling.

Sheikh Shahjahan is currently in judicial custody on various charges, including alleged masterminding of attacks on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and their accompanying Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel in front of his residence at Sandeshkhali last year, forcible grabbing of land at Sandeshkhali, illegal conversion of farmland to pisciculture farms by forcefully flowing in saline water, and sexual exploitation of local women.

The CBI has recently submitted details of around 3,000 individual complaints registered against Sheikh Shahjahan in the Calcutta High Court.

In its report, the CBI had also given details of evidence secured by its investigators that the agency says substantiate the charges against Shahjahan in different cases registered against him, sources said.

The progress report on the investigation also provided details of close associates of Shahjahan who were allegedly involved in the groundwork for such illegal activities.
Belagavi, Dec 11 : Karnataka BJP slammed Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday for criticising Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his statement that former prime ministers Jawharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were involved in vote theft.

The party has shared a purported video of Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who is heard stating that before EVMs were introduced, a few leaders used to be present at voting booths and cast votes themselves.

Responding to Amit Shah's statement, Deputy CM Shivakumar said, "Amit Shah must have basic common sense. Ballot papers were used during their period; how is vote theft possible in such a paper system?"

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, took to the social media platform X and responded, "Probably Shivakumar should first get some basic knowledge about his own party's history before lecturing the Union Home Minister."

Ashoka pointed out that his own senior colleague, former Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, has exposed the truth in a recorded speech before Congress karyakartas.

In the video, Parameshwara stated, "There were no EVMs then... only ballot papers. Two or three people used to sit inside and get the voting done."

Ashoka further stated, "Before sermonising about 'vote chori', maybe recall how Congress perfected the art of booth capturing and ballot-stuffing long before EVMs existed."

He also alleged that Congress's track record is well known: ballot box stuffing, booth capturing, fake voters, bogus counting, and proudly admitting it on stage.

He claimed that this isn't the BJP's allegation - this is Congress's own Home Minister confessing on camera.

"Instead of questioning Amit Shah, Shivakumar should ask his seniors about the Congress's Vote Chori," he said.

The purported video of Parameshwara had surfaced a few months ago, and Parameshwara had denied the allegations.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : As part of an Innovation Challenge, the Delhi government plans to convene a live, multi-day evaluation and showcase of shortlisted entries at IIT Delhi in the last week of December, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Thursday.

The event will be anchored by the Internal Technical Evaluation Committee (ITEC), comprising eminent scientists, professors and subject-matter experts tasked with identifying the most practical, scalable and impactful solutions for cleaning Delhi's air.

In the primary screening round, close to 300 entries were examined against strict eligibility and technical criteria, and the most promising ideas are now being called to pitch before ITEC in a transparent, public setting, said Sirsa.

He said this stage is "where ideas meet reality", as innovators must demonstrate that their models can work on the ground to reduce Particulate Matter pollutants.

The Innovation Challenge is focused on low-cost, easy-to-maintain, and scalable technologies in two broad categories: (A) reducing, absorbing or capturing PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from BS-IV or below vehicles; and (B) reducing, absorbing or capturing PM2.5 and PM10 from the ambient air.

Each invited applicant will make a structured presentation and physically showcase their prototype, model, device or equipment before the ITEC panel.

Sirsa emphasised that the success of this initiative will be judged not by paperwork but by demonstrable emission reduction, adaptability to Delhi's conditions and readiness for real-world deployment.

He said the government wants solutions that can be quickly taken from the trial stage to street, depot, or hotspot deployment, turning pilots into city-scale interventions wherever they prove effective.

He said the event is envisioned as a showcase event in presentation format, where innovators pitch before a panel of experts, respond to technical questions and receive on-the-spot feedback in full public view.

The sessions will be held over multiple days, with 34 rounds planned in total, one for each batch of entries screened and shortlisted by the Internal Screening Committee (ISC) and ITEC.

The audience will include government and DPCC officials, along with students and alumni of IIT Delhi, and will be open to the general public through wider outreach.

"People have a right to see how decisions are taken on clean-air technologies, which ideas are chosen and why, and how public money is used to support innovation," Sirsa said, calling the format a step towards deeper transparency and citizen engagement in environmental governance.

During the IIT Delhi showcase, the ITEC will evaluate entries not just on innovation and science but also on deployment feasibility, adaptability to Delhi's conditions, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with environmental and legal norms; solutions meeting threshold scores will advance to field trials and lab testing, with DPCC covering costs up to the guidelines' ceiling, while those with existing robust test or field trial reports deemed deployable by ITEC may skip directly to the final DPCC-ITEC review of integrated data for potential city-scale adoption.

Sirsa said that winning projects from the Innovation Challenge will receive tiered incentives from DPCC: Rs 5 lakh per project upon successful ITEC evaluation and testing, and an additional Rs 50 lakh for solutions verified by NPL-equivalent labs and recommended for government adoption, ensuring funds support proven, deployable technologies that reduce PM2.5 and PM10 in Delhi.

The Minister underlined that this Innovation Challenge is part of a broader, long-term strategy to make Delhi's air cleaner through science-based interventions and systemic reforms that work throughout the year, not only in peak pollution days.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : The ongoing protests against the Dune Ethanol Private Limited factory in Hanumangarh district intensified on Thursday as police detained Congress MLA Rupinder Singh Kunnar along with several party workers who were heading to a farmers' meeting.

Despite a heavy police presence, the meeting was later held at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha complex in Tibbi, where a large number of women participated. Farmers reiterated that their agitation would continue until their demands were addressed. The police have registered cases against more than 107 farmers and villagers, and 40 people have been detained for the violence on Wednesday.

A day earlier, tensions escalated when protesters in Rathikheda village allegedly broke the boundary wall of the under-construction ethanol plant and set fire to its office.

This triggered heavy stone-pelting between police and farmers, injuring 10-12 policemen and several protesters, including Sangaria MLA Abhimanyu Poonia. Many injured farmers took refuge in a Gurdwara overnight.

With the situation remaining volatile, internet services were suspended in the Tibbi area on Thursday. Around 30 families living near the factory have reportedly vacated their homes out of fear.

Chandigarh-based Dune Ethanol Private Limited is setting up a 40-megawatt grain-based ethanol plant in Rathikheda, which the company says will support the Centre's ethanol-blended petrol programme.

Though protests had been largely peaceful from September 2024 to June 2025, anger surged in July 2025 when construction of the boundary wall began. Construction resumed under police protection on November 19, resulting in multiple arrests.

On November 20-21, around 67 farmers courted arrest. The situation spiralled on December 10 when hundreds of farmers marched to the factory site with tractors after holding a protest outside the Tibbi SDM office, eventually leading to the breakdown of the wall and violent clashes.

The ethanol factory is expected to generate 700-800 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.

According to ADG VK Singh, "outsiders" were involved in provoking the violence. Singh said police exercised maximum restraint and did not open fire.

The administration stated that 14 vehicles were set ablaze, while police confirmed that over 36 policemen were injured, five of them critically.
Hyderabad, Dec 11 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama on Thursday termed the Seed Bill proposed by the Union Government as 'anti-farmer' and said his party reject it.

Rama Rao stated that the proposed Seeds Bill places the interests of corporate companies above those of farmers, and therefore, it must be stopped immediately.

KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, said that any new Seeds Bill must keep the farmer at the centre and must be founded on farmer welfare.

He emphasised that this Bill removes the role of State Governments in the matter of seeds, and hence everyone must oppose it.

He suggested that the Union Government should move forward on this Bill only after detailed discussions with farmers' organisations, seed experts, agricultural experts, and political parties.

KTR said that the party has already submitted detailed feedback on the draft Seeds Bill proposed by the Centre.

He stated that the BRS strongly opposes the draft Seeds Bill being proposed by the Union government, as it will cause serious damage to the farmers. Therefore, he demanded that the Centre completely stop this Bill and move forward only after consultations with farmers, farmers' unions, experts, and political parties.

KTR pointed out that the Bill lacks clarity on the measures to curb spurious seeds, and that there is no guarantee of timely compensation for farmers who suffer losses because of fake seeds.

He also said that the Bill contains provisions that allow corporate companies to influence seed pricing, and that the authority previously given to state governments to regulate seed prices will be lost.

He said that the Bill fails to hold companies accountable for the production of spurious seeds, placing responsibility only on sellers and the supply chain.

He added that there are no strong provisions for blacklisting companies nationally, nor for imposing heavy penalties or strict jail sentences in cases related to fake seeds.

KTR noted that in many places across the country, farmers still follow traditional practices of saving, producing, and using their own seeds. However, this Bill does not protect such farmer groups.

He also said that the Bill contains easy provisions allowing foreign companies to sell their seeds in the country without proper trials, which puts national seed security and seed sovereignty at risk.

He said that the Bill gives no importance to State Governments or agricultural universities in this matter. He also stated that the entire Bill paves the way for the Centre to dominate seed-related issues, which are crucial to agriculture within the states, thereby weakening the ability of States to frame their own laws according to local conditions.

KTR said that the responsibility of drafting a Seeds Bill that keeps the farmer at its centre lies with the Union government, and that the Centre must set aside attempts to hand over control to corporate companies under the name of "ease of doing business."

He explained that the amendments proposed by the party emphasise seed sovereignty, domestic biosafety, and the need to avoid giving dominance to the Centre over state subjects.

He also suggested that strict provisions must be included to ensure that farmers who suffer losses due to fake seeds receive compensation based on the maximum potential yield per acre within a fixed timeframe.
People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

The Japanese government must end its provocations that jeopardize regional peace and stability, and drop its illusion that somehow it can undermine the post-war world order.

TOKYO, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japan has once again staged a clumsy political spectacle by accusing Chinese naval vessels of locking their radar on Japanese assets, aiming to depict China as a regional destabilizer and validate its own military growth.

On Saturday, China's Liaoning aircraft carrier formation conducted normal flight training in the public waters east of the Miyako Strait -- an area where all nations enjoy freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law.

The Chinese side notified nearby Japanese vessels well in advance of its flight training. Unfortunately, that didn't stop Japanese military aircraft from repeatedly approaching the training zones despite repeated notifications and pre-warnings from the Chinese side, seriously disrupting routine exercises and endangering flight safety. Ignoring all facts, Japan remained silent about its own provocations.

This latest incident is not the first time the Japanese side has cried wolf and shifted blame. In June, Japan conducted close-in reconnaissance of the Chinese Navy's aircraft carrier Shandong, which was conducting routine training in the Pacific Ocean, but then accused a Chinese fighter jet of adopting an "abnormal approach" to a Japanese patrol plane.

In recent years, Japan has consistently made up "external threats" as a pretext to justify the expansion of its offensive weaponry.

Earlier in November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan's right wing said it could intervene militarily on the Taiwan issue, claiming China could pose a threat to Japan's survival. This rhetoric is not merely an affront to China's core interests and sovereignty, but a calculated ploy to reset Japan's security identity and normalize military expansion.

Of particular concern is the revival of militarist thinking in Japan in recent years. Supported by revisionist groups seeking a return to imperial "glory," Takaichi has accelerated Japan's military ambitions by advocating significant increases in defense spending and loosening restrictions on arms exports.

Recent discussions about revisiting Japan's long-standing non-nuclear principles further signal an effort to extend the country's military reach well beyond postwar limits, posing risks to regional stability and potentially drawing the country into conflicts of its own making.

Eighty years ago, peace-loving countries worldwide paid a monumental price to defeat fascism in Japan. With the spectre of militarism still rearing its ugly head, the world should stay utmost vigilant over Japan's ambitions.

The Japanese government must end its provocations that jeopardize regional peace and stability, and drop its illusion that somehow it can undermine the post-war world order. If Tokyo reverts to militarism, it will face staunch opposition from the Chinese people and the wider international community and end up in absolute failure.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : A city court on Thursday granted bail to three persons who were arrested on charges of assaulting two vendors during a Gita recital event on December 7. Soumik Golder, Swarnendu Chakraborty and Tarun Bhattacharya were released on bail on furnishing a bond of Rs 1,000 each.

Their lawyer told the court the accused had found chicken in the vegetable patties they had ordered. The public prosecutor argued that religious sentiments had been hurt.

Meanwhile, a written complaint has been filed against one of the assaulted vendors, Sheikh Riyazul, at the Maidan police station, alleging he sold non-vegetarian patties as vegetarian during the event at Brigade Parade Ground.

After the accused were produced in court on Thursday, defence lawyers said vegetarian patties had been requested from the vendors. However, on breaking them open, chicken was found inside, the defence contended. The lawyer further said one of the accused, Soumik Golder, is suffering from cancer and has lost a leg, and he urged the court to grant bail to all three.

The public prosecutor, however, said the defence was giving its own version of events. He maintained that two vendors were assaulted at the Maidan event and that the attack had hurt religious sentiments, making the offence non-bailable. He opposed bail and sought police custody, but the judge granted bail to all three accused.

On Thursday, Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER Sukanta Majumdar demanded the unconditional release of those arrested.

"The problem is not about selling patties. The problem is about selling chicken patties while claiming them to be vegetable. There is a difference between the two. I eat chicken. But someone else might not. You cannot make them eat chicken by lying to them. That is a crime," he said.

Kolkata Police had arrested the three men for publicly harassing and assaulting two vendors selling chicken patties at Brigade Parade Ground during the Gita recital on Sunday.

The arrested have been identified as Soumik Golder (23), Tarun Bhattacharya (51) and Swarnendu Chakraborty (32). While Golder and Chakraborty are from Gobardanga and Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas respectively, Bhattacharya is from Uttarpara in Hooghly district. They were arrested based on complaints lodged by two vendors at Maidan police station.

The accused had come to Kolkata on December 7 to attend the 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path' (Gita chanting by five lakh voices) programme at Brigade Parade Ground organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, a collective of monks and spiritual leaders from various monasteries and Hindu institutions.

At the event, vendors Sheikh Riyazul from Arambagh in Hooghly district and Mohammad Salauddin from Topsia in Kolkata were selling food to the large crowd. According to the complaints, some young men began questioning them, asking how they could sell chicken patties at a religious event. The questioning turned into insults and harassment. The vendors were reportedly made to do sit-ups while holding their ears and were slapped and punched by the accused. A video of the harassment went viral on social media. One vendor alleged food worth approximately Rs 3,000 was destroyed.

Following the incident, the two victims filed separate complaints at Maidan police station. The police launched an investigation, verified CCTV footage and videos, identified the accused and made the arrests.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : Pakistan's recent push to deepen a trilateral cooperation with China and Bangladesh can at most give Beijing a chance to further broaden its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), where Islamabad is already reeling under huge debts.

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Pakistanas recent push to deepen a trilateral cooperation with China and Bangladesh can at most give Beijing a chance to further broaden its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), where Islamabad is already reeling under huge debts.

The initiative is more likely to produce limited, issuea'specific arrangements for developing connectivity corridors or targeted trade facilitation rather than a formal, institutionalised bloc.

Reports suggest that Islamabad is currently facing a USD 30 billion debt burden to Beijing under the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Most of these projects remain incomplete amidst major economic, security, and environmental challenges.

In Bangladesh, BRI projects include the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, several port and connectivity projects, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, and multiple powera'sector and infrastructure contracts.

Reports on Beijingas financial footprint in these projects vary, with one assessment putting its investment at about USD 7.07 billion, while Chinese contractors have won nearly USD 23 billion worth of jobs in construction.

Chinaas ambassador to Bangladesh had stated that Beijing released about USD 4.45 billion for 35 projects under the BRI, which may not reflect the full universe of Chinaa'linked contracts and investments outside the initiative.

For Pakistan and Bangladesh, the aim could be to broaden this framework and expand into a South Asian alternative that excludes India.

Meanwhile, China is also the largest supplier of arms and equipment to the armed forces in both countries.

Thus, developing ties with Indiaas immediate neighbours is of significant strategic value for China, hyping threat perception to the South Asian giant from three sides.

For Islamabad and Dhaka, the triad improves diplomatic and strategic position vis-A -vis a far superior country. From Bangladeshas perspective, greater cooperation with Beijing and Islamabad provides a perceived handle in its current rift. However, to what extent Bangladesh risks antagonising New Delhi is yet to be seen.

The formation of this geopolitical triangle may be traced to their first summit held in Chinaas Kunming on June 19. For some time, Islamabad has been witnessing a gradual alienation from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), formed in 1985 with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives; with Afghanistan joining in 2007.

The platform has been almost inactive since India decided to boycott the Islamabad summit following Pakistanas involvement in the 2016 Uri terror attack. Two years before that, Pakistan had blocked an agreement for allowing cars and trucks to travel across South Asia, like in Europe.

Islamabad also threw its spanner in a similar attempt at regional railway collaboration.

With a combined population of over two billion, trade in South Asian makes only USD 23 billion, according to a World Bank report.

Meanwhile, India is also part of other regional organisations like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), which excludes Pakistan. BIMSTEC includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, where the total population is about 1.73 billion. It accounts for a total trade of some USD 1.95 trillion.

The question against the backdrop now is not whether the new grouping is politically and diplomatically attractive, but whether it is operationally feasible and what its wider geopolitical consequences would be for South Asia.
Ahmedabad, Dec 11 : At an industry interaction meet held at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in Ahmedabad, Deputy Chief Minister and Industries Minister Harsh Sanghavi outlined the state's strengthened commitment to accelerating industrial growth and improving ease of doing business.

The session brought together leading industrialists, GCCI office-bearers, and senior government officials for an open dialogue on policy direction, emerging opportunities, and Gujarat's long-term economic vision. Addressing industry leaders, Sanghavi credited the business community for positioning Gujarat as India's top industrial state.

"You employ millions, fuel the nation's GDP, and drive economic momentum. The government stands firmly with youour role is to ensure Gujarat's industrial growth faces no speed breakers," he said.

One of the key announcements of the session was the dramatic improvement in file clearance speed within the Industries Department. Sanghavi revealed that the department has doubled its processing ratefrom 230 files per day to 480.

The next target, he said, is 700 files daily, ensuring investors do not lose valuable time during critical decision-making stages.

"When an investor brings major capital to Gujarat, time becomes the most valuable commodity. It is our responsibility to ensure timely approvals so that businesses experience the true essence of Ease of Doing Business," he added.

Sanghavi also detailed the state's roadmap for 'Viksit Gujarat @ 2047', aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a fully developed India by 2047. Gujarat aims to scale its economy to USD 3.5 trillion by that milestone year. Key focus sectors will include semiconductors, green hydrogen, renewable energy, and green growth, alongside emerging innovation-driven industries.

He highlighted the role of Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summits, which are being positioned to unlock grassroots-level investment opportunities and foster deeper collaborations across districts.

GCCI President Sandeep Engineer, Senior Vice President Rajesh Gandhi, senior officials from the Industries Department, and representatives from various industrial sectors participated in the interactive session, reaffirming their commitment to Gujarat's development journey.

The meet served as a platform to strengthen governmentindustry partnership as Gujarat positions itself for the next phase of high-velocity, future-ready economic growth.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : A 7-year-old boy was killed in a leopard attack near the Atila Balaji temple in Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur, on Thursday.

The child, Vikram Banjara, was walking hand-in-hand with his father when the leopard suddenly emerged from the bushes near a handpump, grabbed him by the neck, and dragged him away.

According to the father, the child was taken away by a leopard, but the Forest Department has confirmed that the attack was carried out by a leopard. Shocked by the sudden attack, the father screamed for help. People from the nearby Banjara settlement rushed to the spot and threw stones into the bushes. After a search, the boy's body was found deep inside the forest.

The incident took place near the Banjara settlement, where 25-30 families live. Following the attack, the family refused to accept the body. Collector Kanaram and SP Anil Kumar Beniwal reached the spot and are trying to convince the family.

Vikram's father, Ramjilal Banjara, said, "My son was walking with me. He fell just a little behind, and suddenly a tiger came out of the bushes, grabbed him in its jaws, and took him away. I ran after it and shouted for help."

Residents said the animal dragged the child nearly 150 meters into the bushes.

DFO Manas Singh said, "The incident is tragic. The family will receive all possible assistance from the government. It is completely clear that the attack was by a leopard. The child was taken from near the handpump close to the temple, and the leopard grabbed him by the neck."

Collector Kanaram, after meeting the family at the mortuary, said that the administration is committed to extending every possible help.

The family, however, alleges a dispute with the Forest Department over the construction of a wall in the area and claims that the department is trying to forcefully build it.

Kotwali Police Station Officer Madanlal Meena has reached the spot, and efforts are underway to pacify the family.
Ahmedabad, Dec 11 : A special citizenship certification camp organised by the Ahmedabad district administration saw 195 people receive Indian citizenship, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Minister of State for Urban Development Darshana Vaghela.

The camp included applicants under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as well as cases registered earlier with the Collector's office.

Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi struck an emotional chord as he welcomed the recipients with the words: "Muskuraaiye! Ab aap sab Bharat ke nagrik hain."

He noted that such a large number of people receiving citizenship together is a rare sight in any other state.

"Many who arrived in India years ago after immense suffering have contributed quietly to our nation's growth. Today is a moment of dignity and security for them," he said.

Of the 195 certificates issued, 122 were granted under the CAA, while 73 certificates pertained to long-pending applications.

Sanghavi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for amending citizenship rules to protect minorities facing persecution in neighbouring countries.

He said the CAA has given thousands of displaced families a chance to rebuild their lives with identity, rights, and pride.

He commended the Ahmedabad district administration for its consistent work, noting that citizenship certificates have been issued here since 2017 with "commendable efficiency and sensitivity."

Minister Darshana Vaghela congratulated the recipients, saying their long-awaited aspirations were being fulfilled.

"India embodies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Today, we welcome you into the Indian family," she said.

She praised the central government for recognising the struggles of persecuted communities and providing a humane solution through the CAA. Several beneficiaries shared emotional testimonies.

Maheshkumar Purohit, a gynaecologist who arrived in India in 1956, recalled years of uncertainty. He said he only realised he was not an Indian citizen when he applied for a passport. After several failed attempts, he finally obtained citizenship in April 2025 under the CAA and was able to visit his daughter abroad for the first time.

Engineer Pooja Abhimanyu described the certificate as "not a piece of paper, but everything." She thanked the government for enabling families like hers to live with dignity and security.

Naroda MLA Payal Kukrani said persecuted minorities across borders have suffered for generations, and the CAA ensures they receive rights and protection in India. She urged the new citizens to contribute to the nation's unity and progress.

Census Director Sujal Mayatra briefed the gathering on provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the processes followed under the updated rules. The event saw the presence of Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain, MLAs, District Collector Sujit Kumar, District Development Officer Videh Khare, senior officials, social organisations, community representatives, and a large number of citizens.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : Governor Haribhau Bagde inaugurated the Jaipur Tiger Festival at Jawahar Kala Kendra on Thursday, calling for collective efforts to conserve water, forests, land, and wildlife.

Emphasising Rajasthan's legacy as a land of heroes and rich ecological traditions, he said that the establishment of tiger reserves has played a crucial role in preserving forests.

The Governor further said that Rawalpindi was named after Bappa Rawal, the valiant Mewar warrior who pushed back Mir Qasim from Arabia to Iran. He noted that Rajasthan, apart from being historically heroic, also has some of the country's finest tiger reserves and deep-rooted traditions of nature conservation.

Bagde visited the photo exhibition organised as part of the festival and felicitated individuals who have made significant contributions to forest and wildlife conservation.

Addressing the gathering, he said ecological balance depends heavily on the survival of tigers.

With rising human populations and shrinking habitats, tiger conservation has become increasingly important.

Calling the tiger an "umbrella species," he said that as long as tigers survive, forests and other wildlife will remain protected, ensuring environmental stability.

He added that many forests have survived primarily because they were declared tiger reserves.

Highlighting Rajasthan's distinct identity, the Governor said the state is renowned not only for its devotion and valour but also for being a leading centre for cow rearing.

Rajasthan ranks second in the country in milk production and has a strong tradition of cow worship and the establishment of cow shelters.

Calling the tiger a magnificent and powerful animal, he said that 75 per cent of the world's tigers live in India.

Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park, Mukundra Tiger Reserve, and Sariska Tiger Reserve are regarded among the best in the country.

Rajasthan currently has 160 tigers - 144 in the wild and 16 in captivity - with Ranthambore alone home to 71 tigers. Bagde stressed that biodiversity conservation, clean water, and soil fertility are closely linked to tiger populations.

He said tourism must grow in a sustainable manner that does not harm wildlife and urged people to spread awareness about nature and environmental conservation.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : During a session of the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP from Rajasthan, Madan Rathore, raised significant questions regarding the quality of higher education, teacher training, and the knowledge development model of 'New India'.

He sought detailed information on how the Multimodal Teacher Training Centres (MMTTCs) established across the country are contributing to strengthening teacher capacity, and what special provisions have been made for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

His intervention not only advanced the national dialogue on education reforms but also highlighted the transformative efforts of the Modi government in building the foundation of a "New India."

Responding on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State, informed the House that under the relaunched MMTTP scheme on September 5, 2023, 151 MMTTC centres have been established and accredited across India. These centres provide modern, multidisciplinary training accessible to all higher education faculty.

The initiative strengthens the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which identifies high-quality teacher training as a central pillar of education reforms.

Majumdar further stated that the scheme covers key areas such as Indian knowledge systems, mental health and well-being, advancement of disadvantaged groups, entrepreneurship, design thinking, STEM, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and leadership development.

Through these comprehensive modules, efforts are being made to raise Indian higher education faculty to global standards.

Remarkably, since the relaunch of the scheme, over 3.22 lakh teachers have been trained, marking a historic milestone in India's higher education landscape.

Madan Rathore lauded these achievements, stating, "Empowered teachers build a strong India, and the Modi government is doing unprecedented work in this direction."

He added that education reforms are not merely government programs but the core of nation-building.

Praising the Modi government's focus on teacher training, Indian knowledge traditions, modern skills, and mental health, he said that higher education institutions are rapidly advancing toward global excellence.

He emphasised, "The scale at which the Modi government has accelerated education reforms is truly unprecedented and highly commendable for the future generations of the country."
Hyderabad, Dec 11 : Candidates backed by the ruling Congress party won a majority of seats in the first phase of Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana as the counting was underway on Thursday.

Though the elections were fought on a non-party basis but the results show that the majority of the candidates backed by the Congress party have emerged victorious in the majority of Gram Panchayats.

The ruling party-backed candidates won 1,924 Sarpanch posts, while the main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) was in second position by bagging 975 Sarpanch posts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was distant third with 156 posts. Others were elected in 428 Gram Panchayats.

Reacting to poll results, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud said they reflect peopleas confidence in the Congress government.

The polling was held earlier in the day for 3,834 Sarpanch posts, and the counting was taken up from 2 p.m.

Results in 3,478 Gram Panchayats were declared by 10 p.m.

According to the Station Election Commission, 84.28 per cent polling was recorded. Polling began at 7 a.m. and ended at 1 p.m. for 3,834 Sarpanch posts and 27,628 Ward Member posts.

A total of 12,960 candidates were in the fray for the Sarpanch posts, while 65,455 candidates competed for the Ward Member posts.

More than 56 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes at 37,562 polling centres spread across 189 mandals.

The poll notification was issued for 4,326 Sarpanch posts and 37,440 Ward Member posts. No nomination was filed for 5 Sarpanch posts and 169 Ward Member posts.

Sarpanches for 396 Gram Panchayats and 9,633 Ward Members were elected unanimously.

Courts have granted a stay for elections to one Gram Panchayat and 10 Ward Members.

A total of 56,19,430 electorate, comprising 27,41,070 males and 28,78,159 females, were eligible to cast their votes in the first phase. According to the SEC, 45,15,141 voters exercised their franchise.

Over one lakh polling staff were on duty. In 3,461 Gram Panchayats, direct webcasting has been arranged to ensure real-time monitoring of the polling process.

More than 50,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure peaceful polling.

As per the notification issued by the State Election Commission last month, the panchayat elections will be held in three phases on December 11, 14 and 17 for 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 Ward Member posts.

A total of 1.66 crore votes in rural areas are eligible to cast their votes in these elections.

The Telangana Cabinet last month decided to conduct only Gram Panchayat elections in December as the Rs 3,000 crore grant, which should come from the Centre, will lapse by March 31, 2026.

Elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) and municipal corporations will be held after the High Court's final orders on 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).

In October, the High Court struck down a government order providing 42 per cent reservation for BCs in local bodies but allowed conduct of the elections with a 50 per cent cap on total reservation for all sections.

The SEC has provided 17.08 per cent reservation in Gram Panchayats for BCs. Out of the total 12,735 Gram Panchayats, 2,176 have been reserved for BCs.
New Delhi, Dec 11 : In the Rajya Sabha, a sharp spotlight was cast on Delhi's education system as MP Swati Maliwal raised concerns over the alarming number of Class 9 students failing in government schools.

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) In the Rajya Sabha, a sharp spotlight was cast on Delhias education system as MP Swati Maliwal raised concerns over the alarming number of Class 9 students failing in government schools.

Citing figures provided by the Ministry of Education, Maliwal questioned whether the Delhi governmentas policy of diverting failed students to the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) was contributing to high dropout rates and artificially inflating school performance statistics.

Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply, confirmed that more than 3.20 lakh students had failed in Class 9 across Delhi government schools over the past five years.

Year-wise data reveals a troubling trend; 31,541 students failed in 2020a"21, 28,548 in 2021a"22, a sharp rise to 88,421 in 2022a"23, peaking at 1,01,344 in 2023a"24, before dipping slightly to 70,296 in 2024a"25. The cumulative figure stands at 3,20,150.

Alongside these failures, over 71,000 students were admitted to NIOS during the same period. The breakdown shows 11,322 admissions in 2020a"21, 10,598 in 2021a"22, 29,436 in 2022a"23, 7,794 in 2023a"24, and 11,974 in 2024a"25.

Maliwal argued that this practice, while ostensibly aimed at offering students a second chance, risks pushing many out of the mainstream education system and raises questions of accountability.

Responding to these concerns, Chaudhary emphasised that education is a concurrent subject, with states and Union Territories managing the majority of schools. He defended the role of NIOS, stating that one of its key objectives is to prevent repeated failures from leading to permanent dropouts.

According to him, students who clear Class 10 through NIOS are often reintegrated into formal schooling, thereby continuing their education. However, Maliwalas pointed queriesa"whether this policy is being misused to polish school results, and what corrective steps are being takena"underscore a larger debate about systemic reforms.

The figures reveal not just a statistical crisis but a human one, with thousands of young learners struggling at a critical stage in their education.

As the numbers mount, the challenge for policymakers lies in balancing remedial opportunities with accountability, ensuring that the promise of education does not slip away for Delhias students.
Nagpur, Dec 11 : Global luxury brand Prada, on Thursday, has signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Maharashtra government undertaking LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Charmudyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal) and LIDCAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivanram Charmudyog Vikas Mahamandal) -- to take the rich legacy of the traditional Indian leather art, the Kolhapuri chappal, to the world.

The landmark agreement was officially signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai during the Italy-India Business Council meeting.

The collaboration is set to develop footwear that integrates traditional, centuries-old manufacturing methods with Prada's modern and contemporary design aesthetics.

The collaboration seeks to initiate a new dialogue between India's rich heritage and modern luxury fashion by combining traditional craftsmanship with Prada's contemporary designs and premium materials.

The collection will fall under the 'Prada Made in India Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals' project, with the framework, implementation, and guidelines outlined in the agreement.

The footwear will be made in India by skilled traditional Kolhapuri chappal artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka.

This unique partnership aims to provide traditional Kolhapuri craftsmanship with the sophisticated backing of a modern luxury fashion house.

The special collection is scheduled for release in February 2026 and will be available across 40 Prada outlets globally, as well as on its official website, the government statement said.

The initiative has received strong backing from the Maharashtra government, under the active guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Ministers Sanjay Shirsat and Madhuri Misal, the government statement added.

Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat said, "This agreement will benefit numerous artisans, professionals, and entrepreneurs across India. This special collection will give a new direction to the art of Indian artisans and further strengthen the recognition of their skills on an international level."

Prerana Deshbhratar, Managing Director, LIDCOM Saias, "This partnership is extremely significant for honouring generations of artisans who preserve traditional art and for giving their skills appropriate global recognition. A global brand working directly with artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka ensures their skills are recognised and the full credit goes to these creators."

Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of CSR, Prada Group, remarked: "This partnership is a new definition of cultural exchange. We are committed to giving the incomparable art of Indian artisans its rightful place in the modern world."

K.M. Vasundhara, Managing Director of LIDCAR, said that the cooperation will "open up wide avenues for training, employment, and global opportunities" for the chappal-makers.

Kolhapuri chappals received the GI tag in 2019, cementing their authenticity and cultural importance.

They are traditionally crafted in eight districts across two states Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Karnataka: Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- China has always opposed unilateral tariff hikes in all forms, and urges Mexico to correct its wrong practices of unilateralism and protectionism at an early date, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a media query regarding the Mexican Congress's approval of a proposal to raise tariffs on non-free trade agreement partners. The new tariffs will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, according to local media reports.

"We have noted the relevant reports, and we will closely monitor the implementation of the Mexican measures and further evaluate their potential impact," said the spokesperson.

The measures, if implemented, will substantially harm the interests of relevant trading partners, including China, although the proposal approved did include some adjustments from the September version, such as a certain degree of reduction in the proposed tariff rates for certain auto parts, light industrial products, and textiles and garments, said the spokesperson.

To safeguard the interests of relevant Chinese industries, the Ministry of Commerce initiated a trade and investment barrier investigation against Mexico at the end of September in accordance with the law, and the investigation is underway, according to the spokesperson.

The spokesperson said China welcomes relevant countries to resolve economic and trade disputes through trade agreements, but no such agreement should be concluded at the expense of global trade development, nor should it undermine China's legitimate interests.

"We hope that the Mexican side will attach great importance to this matter and act prudently," said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson emphasized that China highly values the China-Mexico economic and trade relationship and actively promotes the healthy and stable development of trade and investment cooperation.

Given the current complex and volatile international situation shadowed by trade protectionism, China expects Mexico to meet China halfway, strengthen communication and dialogue in the economic and trade fields, properly manage differences, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly maintain the overall bilateral economic and trade relationship, said the spokesperson. 
Jaipur, Dec 11 : All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal and AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken held a crucial meeting with senior Rajasthan Congress leaders to review preparations for a mega rally scheduled in Delhi on December 14.

The meeting was held at the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) War Room on Thursday, where President Govind Singh Dotasra presented a detailed PPT outlining the arrangements made by the RPCC to ensure the rally's success. He also briefed the leaders on the work being carried out by the Congress' Booth Level Agents (BLAs) under the "Sanvidhan Bachao, Vote Chhor Gaddi Chhod" campaign and the ongoing SIR process.

In addition, Dotasra presented constituency-wise lists of workers, leaders and vehicles from all 200 Assembly seats that will take part in the rally.

Speaking on the occasion, state unit chief Govind Singh Dotasra said Rajasthan would record the highest participation in the country, with more than 50,000 people from across the state expected to join the rally. He added that lists of participants and vehicles have been received from every Assembly constituency.

To ensure smooth travel and participation, district presidents will oversee arrangements in their respective districts, while RPCC district in-charges will support coordination efforts.

He informed that the RPCC has appointed coordinators in every district, all of whom have conducted district-level Congress meetings. Similarly, Assembly coordinators have held meetings at the block and mandal levels and prepared detailed lists of participants and vehicles.

All coordinators will remain present in their respective districts and Assembly segments from December 12 to December 14 to ensure seamless execution.

AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal reviewed the preparations and appreciated Rajasthan's strong organisational work, expressing confidence that the largest contingent for the rally would come from the state, given its proximity to Delhi.

He urged workers and leaders to reach Ramlila Maidan well in advance, cautioning that BJP governments might attempt to create obstacles for participants. He said the issue of vote manipulation is not merely a Congress matter but a national concern, as it affects citizens' constitutional right to freely choose their government.

The matter, he added, is gaining widespread national support and raising public concern about democratic rights. Venugopal said the Congress will intensify its public awareness efforts, noting that Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has already presented evidence of vote manipulation in three press conferences, yet the BJP-led Central government and the Election Commission have not responded.

AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken said the preparations by the Rajasthan Congress indicate that an exceptionally large contingent from the state will participate in the Delhi rally. He stated that the AICC has high expectations from Rajasthan and that the review meeting confirmed the state is fully prepared.

He added that he visited Rajasthan because he was confident the RPCC would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the rally's success. AICC General Secretary Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Sachin Pilot, Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully and former State President Dr. C.P. Joshi also addressed the meeting.

The meeting was attended by AICC Rajasthan In-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Co-in-charges Chiranjeev Rao, Rutvik Makwana and Poonam Paswan, AICC Secretaries Dheeraj Gurjar, Divya Maderna, Rehana Riyaz Chishti, and other senior state leaders along with presidents of frontal organisations. District presidents also joined the meeting digitally via Zoom and apprised K.C. Venugopal and Ajay Maken of preparations underway in their respective districts.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC), on Thursday, announced a programme to recite the Constitution as a counter to the recently held Bhagavad Gita recital in Kolkata.

West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar made this announcement at a press conference at Bidhan Bhavan on Thursday.

The Congress's programme titled as 'Recitation of the Constitution by a Thousand Voices' will be held on Rani Rashmoni Road in Kolkata on December 20.

The State Congress President said, "The recitation of the Constitution by a thousand voices' programme has been launched. The event will begin with singing Vande Mataram in support of pluralism. The politics of division based on language, food, clothing and religion has reached a dangerous level across the country. The Constitution drafted by B.R. Ambedkar is being trampled upon with the support of the state power."

According to Congress leader Sarkar, this programme has been undertaken as a form of protest against the religious fanaticism.

He accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindutva groups of promoting Manuvadi ideology and a politics of narrow-mindedness.

The State Congress President said, "The politics of division is being imposed by drawing comparisons such as Chandi Path instead of Gita recitation and Jagannath Temple instead of Ram Temple, which we strongly oppose."

He also announced that the Congress will hold a protest by surrounding the Lok Bhavan between December 22 and 24, demanding the implementation of the 100-day work scheme in West Bengal.

This movement is in protest against the suspension of new job card allocations and the withholding of funds for West Bengal due to political reasons, he said.

On December 7, 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path' (Gita chanting by five lakh voices) programme was held at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata which was organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, a collective of monks and spiritual leaders drawn from various monasteries and Hindu religious institutions.

Lakhs of devotees took part in the Gita recital programme.

Prominent personalities such as Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj and BJP leaders such as Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and party's West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya, former State BJP President Dilip Ghosh, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, actor-turned-BJP leaders Rudranil Ghosh and others were in attendance.
Patna, Dec 11 : A 21-year-old youth, identified as Rahul Kumar of Baswaria village under Nautan police station in Bihar's West Champaran district, was killed on Thursday after allegedly being assaulted by a group of men.

Rahul, who had fallen unconscious after the incident, was first taken to GMCH and later referred to Rahmania Hospital in Motihari, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. As news of Rahul's death spread, hundreds of villagers took to the streets on Thursday evening.

They blocked the Bettiah-Nautan main road at Baswaria using bamboo poles and burning barricades, halting traffic for nearly two hours. The situation remained tense until police teams from Nautan and nearby stations arrived and persuaded the crowd to lift the blockade.

Rahul's mother, Kamalawati Devi, filed a complaint naming six accused from Baswaria and Sansarai villages -- Ambedkar Patel, Ritik Kumar, Bablu Patel, Golu Yadav, Amit Yadav and Jhunjhun Kumar --along with five to six unidentified persons. Police have registered an FIR and initiated a search for all the accused.

According to the complaint, Jhunjhun Kumar allegedly called Rahul out of his house on Thursday. The group reportedly ambushed him near the Bagahi Lohia bridge, ramming his motorcycle as soon as he reached the spot.

They then brutally assaulted him on the head with iron rods and shock-absorber pipes from the motorcycle, inflicting grievous injuries to his head and other parts of his body; his skull was reportedly severely crushed.

The accused later phoned Rahul's family, claiming he had met with an accident. Preliminary investigation suggests the attack was premeditated, and police are probing possible motives, past enmity and the relationship among the accused.

A special team has been constituted to arrest them. Rahul's death has cast a pall over Baswaria and the surrounding areas.

His family claims he was trapped in a conspiracy and deliberately lured to the spot. Sadar SDPO Vivek Deep said the police acted promptly to clear the road blockade and restore order.

"An FIR has been registered, and a thorough investigation is underway. The case will be solved soon," he said.
Bhopal, Dec 11 : The Madhya Pradesh government has moved to dismiss IAS officer Santosh Verma after finding that his promotion was allegedly secured through forged documents, with a departmental inquiry concluding his conduct violated service rules, a government statement said on Thursday.

In a significant decision taken by the General Administration Department (GAD) under the Chief Minister's directive, the state government has recommended Verma's dismissal from the Indian Administrative Service to the Centre.

The official statement said that "fake and forged promotion orders" were prepared to elevate him from the State Administrative Service to the IAS cadre.

Criminal cases linked to these alleged fabrications are already pending in various courts.

The inquiry against Verma has revealed that he obtained an integrity certificate using fabricated documents. His response to the show-cause notice was deemed unsatisfactory, and authorities noted that he continued to make indecent and provocative statements even during the proceedings.

As a result, the government has decided to issue a formal charge sheet against him under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.

Verma has been at the centre of multiple controversies in recent months.

Reports from Indore courts suggest that he allegedly conspired with a judge to produce fabricated judgments in order to secure an acquittal in a domestic case, thereby clearing the path for his IAS promotion.

According to insiders, Verma manipulated judicial records to qualify for promotion through the Departmental Promotion Committee.

Beyond the forgery allegations, Verma has also faced backlash for his provocative remarks at public forums. In one viral video, he was heard making incendiary statements that drew sharp criticism from community organisations and the judiciary.

The government categorised these remarks as "serious misconduct" and a breach of service conduct rules, further strengthening the case for disciplinary action.

In compliance with the Chief Minister's directive, the GAD has now removed Verma from his post as Deputy Secretary in the Agriculture Department.

He has been attached to the GAD pool without any departmental assignment or work, effectively sidelining him from administrative responsibilities.

By recommending dismissal to the Centre and pursuing departmental charges, the state has signalled that fraudulent promotions and misconduct will not be tolerated.

The final decision now rests with the Union government, which will act on the proposal for Verma's removal from the IAS.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 11 : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday distributed citizenship certificates to 35 minorities from neighbouring countries residing in Nabarangpur district in Odisha who had applied for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019.

Speaking at the programme for distribution of citizenship certificates to persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries, Chief Minister Majhi likened the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, to the sacred river Ganga, a force that washes away sins and suffering of all, for minorities subjected to religious persecution in India's neighbouring nations.

He said this landmark law has provided a path of hope and assurance to persecuted communities who have endured years of hardship. It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated the process of granting Indian citizenship to eligible applicants under the CAA, 2019.

According to the rules notified on March 11, 2024, members of minority communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, are considered eligible for Indian citizenship.

Speaking at the special programme, jointly organised by the Directorate of Census Operations, Odisha, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Chief Minister welcomed those who received citizenship.

"You are now part of our future. Your safety, dignity, and development are our responsibility. I wholeheartedly welcome you as citizens of India," said CM Majhi.

The Chief Minister further noted that by granting citizenship certificates, India has once again upheld its age-old values of compassion, humanity, and sheltering those in need. He lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the implementation of the CAA, 2019.

Explaining the necessity of the CAA, Majhi said: "There are many countries in the world that offer shelter to persecuted followers of various religions. But when Hindus are persecuted in other countries, they have no place to seek refuge except India. If such a law is not enacted in India, then where else would it be made?"

Chief Minister Majhi further underlined that although our country has strong voices advocating for minorities, those same voices remain silent when minorities are persecuted in neighbouring countries. He added that the era of appeasing a particular religion in the name of secularism has come to an end. "Today, there is no discrimination on religious grounds. Before the law, everyone is equal. The Citizenship Amendment Act is a successful expression of this principle," he noted.
Jaipur, Dec 11 : The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has achieved another major success on Thursday when its Special Investigating Unit (SIU) arrested Shravan Meena, the principal of Bhimrao Ambedkar Government Medical College at Sirohi, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000.

The action was carried out under the direct supervision and guidance of the ACB Headquarters as part of its ongoing mission to curb corruption in government institutions and ensure transparency in administrative functioning.

ACB Director General, Govind Gupta, said that the SIU had received a formal complaint from a contractor responsible for operating the hostel mess at the medical college.

The complainant alleged that Principal Shravan Meena had been repeatedly demanding a bribe of Rs 50,000 in exchange for passing routine payment bills and facilitating the renewal of the existing contract.

The complainant also said that due to continuous harassment and pressure, he was left with no option but to approach the ACB for legal action.

Acting promptly on the complaint, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Anil Kayal, issued instructions to initiate verification and prepare a trap.

Under his supervision, and under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Saraswat, the ACB laid a strategic trap operation on Thursday.

During the operation, the accused Principal was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount of Rs 50,000 from the complainant.

The entire proceedings were conducted in accordance with established ACB protocols, ensuring complete transparency and legal compliance.

After the arrest, interrogation and other legal formalities began under the direction of ACB Additional Director General of Police, Smita Srivastava.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau is now preparing to register a formal case under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Further investigation will continue to determine whether more individuals are involved, and whether similar irregularities have occurred in other contracts or financial transactions at the institution.

The ACB has reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against corruption at all levels and urged citizens to report any such incidents without hesitation.
Bhopal, Dec 12 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav completed two years in office on Friday, with the state administration claiming a major achievement of making Madhya Pradesh Maoist-free with support from the Centre.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Minister's Office listed key decisions and development initiatives undertaken during the period.

These include progress on major central projects such as the Ken-Betwa river linking, Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project, and a memorandum of understanding with Maharashtra for the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge project.

Among the highlighted measures were the increase in monthly assistance under the Ladli Behna Yojana from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500, renaming of 'CM Rise Schools' as 'Sandipani Vidyalay', and the establishment of a PM Mitra Park in Dhar district.

The government also cited its decision to ban loudspeakers at religious and public places and prohibit meat sales in open areas as part of its early administrative actions.

The list further mentioned the closure of all transport check-posts at inter-state borders following a corruption scandal that led to the arrest of a former inspector and the recovery of 52 kg of gold in Bhopal.

Wildlife conservation efforts were also highlighted, including the creation of two new cheetah habitats at Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi after the introduction of Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park in 2022.

The government pointed to investment-focused events such as the Global Investors Summit and Regional Industry Conclaves held over the past year.

After the BJP retained power in the 2023 Assembly elections with 163 out of 230 seats, Mohan Yadav, a three-time MLA from Ujjain South and former Higher Education Minister, was sworn in as Chief Minister on December 13, 2023, succeeding four-time CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, now Union Agriculture Minister.

"In the past two years, Madhya Pradesh has witnessed tremendous growth and the pace of development has accelerated, with improvement in development indicators," the Chief Minister's Office said.
Citing the growing popularity of reading and listening to books in English across Europe, Storytel has begun offering thousands of English-language titles for sale alongside its core digital audiobook streaming service in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands.

The Stockholm-based company, which offers an audiobook streaming platform and runs several publishing companies, launched the a la carte option with titles from from Penguin Random House and Hachette, and allows books to be purchased directly in the Storytel app and on storytel.com.

"While all-you-can-eat streaming will remain our core business, we're delighted to now offer users the option to purchase these premium titles individually, directly in the app," said Ronnie Hansen, VP business affairs at Storytel. "With these catalogue additions, we continue to solidify our position as a leading platform in the audiobook and e-book market."

The company said the expansion addresses the growing demand for English-language content among its younger users and reflects a broader increase in English-language reading worldwide. According to a Storytel survey, 40% of users under age 35 regularly listen to or read books in English. Existing Storytel subscribers will receive a discount on individual purchases, though the company did not provide details about pricing or the discount amount.

The individual sales model supplements Storytel's streaming service, which offers more than 1.8 million titles in 55 languages to over 2.6 million subscribers across its Storytel, Mofibo, and Audiobooks.com brands. Non-subscribers can also purchase titles without a subscription.

The company reported group revenue of SEK 1,013 million (approximately $95 million) in this year's third quarter, up 6% year-over-year. For the first nine months of 2025, Storytel posted revenue of SEK 2,925 million, compared with SEK 2,770 million in the same period of 2024.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- China has requested, via the Dutch embassy in China, that the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs should implement the consensus reached with China through consultations and urge semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia in the Netherlands to send representatives to China as soon as possible, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

China has been actively urging the Chinese company Wingtech to engage in negotiations with its overseas subsidiary Nexperia to resolve the internal corporate disputes, ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press briefing.

Recently, Wingtech sent a letter to the independent directors and the equity custodian of Nexperia, inviting them to China for discussions on corporate control and restoring the stability and smooth operation of the supply chain, which demonstrates its sincerity in resolving the issue, the spokesperson said.

He emphasized that the Nexperia issue was triggered by the Dutch government's inappropriate administrative intervention in corporate operations and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs bears the responsibility to take constructive and substantive measures to create favorable conditions for internal corporate negotiations.

The Chinese side has already taken concrete measures by granting exemptions for compliant exports intended for civilian use, demonstrating a responsible attitude toward safeguarding the security and stability of the global semiconductor supply chain, he said, urging the Dutch side to take real action to promote the resolution of the Nexperia issue. 
KABUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced on Wednesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Norwegian international aid organization to assist refugees and internally displaced families.

Under the agreement, more than 310,000 U.S. dollars will be allocated to support 2,231 individuals in the northern province of Faryab, according to a ministry statement. The funding will focus on delivering health services and other essential social support.

In a separate development, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority has inked an agreement valued at 462,000 dollars with a domestic aid agency on Wednesday. The initiative aims to raise awareness on disaster risk management among residents of the eastern province of Paktika. 
Since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center towers, many have designated September 11, 2001 as the true close of the 20th century. That event indeed changed many things in the United States and in the world. It was a sign that the American-led global order established after World War II had become fragile and hollowed out. But in the decades that followed, our leaders clung to the pieties and perspectives of the pre-9/11 period, applying obsolete solutions in a new era with much different problems.

In retrospect, Donald Trumps 2015 presidential campaign was the true start of the 21st century. He was the first political figure to offer a coherent account of where America had gone wrong  and the first to propose a genuinely different prescription for fixing the rot in our institutions. More than that though, he restored national pride to the center of politics. Approximately 80 percent of Americans said they were proud of their country in January 2001. By the mid-2020s, only 60 percent of Americans said they were proud of their country, with younger Americans being significantly less proud than their Baby Boom and Silent Generation elders. We cannot blame the precipitous decline solely on political polarization. Many Americans across the political spectrum believe both parties have failed to act in the best interests of the nation and its citizens.

On foreign policy, Republicans and Democrats share the blame. President Bush launched a global war on Muslim terrorists, which failed to achieve its stated objectives and gave rhetorical ammunition to our opponents. President Obama expanded Bushs war through covert action, all the while traveling to Cairo, Strasbourg, Hiroshima and other international destinations to apologize for American power. Months before his messy and embarrassing withdrawal from Afghanistan, President Biden declared in June 2021 that domestic violent extremism  specifically, white supremacists and so-called anti-government groups  was the most urgent terrorist threat to the United States. Obama once ridiculed working-class Americans as bitter and backward. Hillary Clinton dismissed them as a basket of deplorables. But Biden made the attacks the centerpiece of his agenda.

Democrats have systemically undermined national identity for decades. Rather than acknowledging the people, events, and ideas that contributed to the formation and improvement of our country, Obama and Biden presented tales of racism, discrimination, and inequality as the defining features of the American character. Indeed, Obama once referred to slavery as the countrys original sin. This metaphor was not accidental: Original sin can never be erased or expiated. This meant that America was irredeemable.

As national leaders, Obama and Biden taught American history in aberration, using a narrow identity politics to demonstrate that America had wandered away from its founding principles, and that only collective action (the federal government) could right this wrong. Both presidents used these narratives to instantiate diversity criteria into federal hiring practices and domestic policy, which atomized and fractured the unity of the American people.

The ancient Greeks had a concept called thumos  a word that is best translated into English as spiritedness, but which means something closer to pride or self-respect when applied to politics. Since America won the Cold War, elites of both parties carried out a long series of policy decisions that worked to kill our sense of self-respect.

Republican politicians unwittingly undermined the United States thumos. They made people poorer by gutting the manufacturing sector in pursuit of corporate profit, and they pushed us into unwinnable wars with enormous human, economic, and reputational damage. The Democrats, however, deliberately attacked the nations thumos  openly mocking regular Americans, denigrating our culture and history, and implementing a system that put newcomers and illegal immigrants ahead of citizens. By 2020, this dual attack on American pride had reduced regular people to a state of hopelessness  or worse, self-disdain. But people dont want to feel that way. The strongest retained a flickering sense of pride that awaited someone to stoke the fading embers into a fire of ambition, hope, and self-respect. More than anyone else, that person was Donald Trump. He returned the nations faltering thumos, and reminded Americans that they have much of which to be proud.

Trump rekindled enthusiasm for Americanism, both as a feeling of patriotism and a conviction in our culture, customs, and history. He uses words and imagery to spotlight examples of historic greatness to which any American  of any race, sex, class, or religion  can aspire. Our country was forged and built by the generations of patriots who gave everything they had for our rights and for our freedom, Trump said in his second inaugural address on January 20, 2025. They were farmers and soldiers, cowboys and factory workers, steelworkers and coal miners, police officers and pioneers who pushed onward, marched forward, and let no obstacle defeat their spirit or their pride.

Where his predecessors fixated on abstract issues like global terrorism, Trump is strategically focused on Americas priorities. I have no vision for Europe, Trump said on December 9, 2025. I have a vision for the United States  America First. This year, Trump relit the fire in the hearts of the American people. He restored their hope that the future can  and will  be better. In achieving this monumental feat, Trump gave birth to the new century.

John J. Waters is a lawyer. He served as a deputy assistant secretary of Homeland Security from 2020-21. Follow him at @JohnJWaters1 on X. Adam Ellwanger is a professor at University of Houston  Downtown, where he teaches rhetoric and writing. Follow him at @1HereticalTruth on X.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has made reducing the homelessness crisis in California a top priority, saying the scale of the states efforts is unprecedented and calling for the continued expansion of his signature effort  Project Homekey  that has already cost $3.75 billion.

But in a state with more than 181,000 homeless individuals, or about one-third of the U.S. total, Homekey has been marred by failures and scandals, including a lack of government oversight and accountability as well as a federal investigation into allegations of fraud in Los Angeles.

Newsom, who appears to be preparing for a presidential bid in 2028, could make Homekey, which he calls a national model, a talking point in his campaign. The state claims the program has created almost 16,000 permanent housing units that will serve over 175,000 people. But since the state doesnt track outcomes  whether people placed in housing saw their lives improve or if they returned to the streets  the programs effectiveness is unclear, according to a critical 2024 state auditors report.

Los Angeles City Council member Traci Park has called homeless spending "a bottomless pit and taxpayer boondoggle."

[Our budget] is bloated with homeless spending, a bottomless pit and taxpayer boondoggle that doubles down on failure year after year, the Republican-turned-Democrat Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park said at a meeting in May. Hundreds of millions of dollars on bridge homes and Homekeys and interim housing sites, and no one can even tell us which ones are operational.

What is clear is that homelessness in California has skyrocketed in the five years Homekey has been in place, growing by more than 20%, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Thats an increase of some 36,000 people between 2019 and 2024.

Homekey has been touted by officials as a more cost-effective way to house the homeless. By hiring developers to convert excess motel and hotel rooms and other existing structures into permanent housing, the costs are two to three times lower than building new units, according to the auditors report.

But with huge contracts available to developers and very little oversight of their activities, some of that cost savings was lost to fraud, according to federal prosecutors. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California launched a fraud and corruption task force to find out where the money went, and in October filed criminal charges involving two developers who allegedly defrauded the system.

In one case, Cody Holmes, the former CFO of developer Shangri-La Industries, allegedly falsified bank records to obtain $26 million in Homekey funds, only to siphon off more than $2 million to pay his own credit card bill, Essayli told the media.

Accountability begins today, Essayli said. Too often, this money has been wasted, mismanaged or outright stolen.

A COVID Baby

Homekey began in 2020 as a FEMA-funded program to provide temporary housing in response to the COVID-19 emergency. Hotel rooms were rented to get homeless people out of encampments and shelters where the virus could spread rapidly. The high rental costs were justified to avoid mass casualties from infection. In San Francisco, City Journal reported that rooms were rented at $6,000 a month, nearly double the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment.

Project Homekey converted hotel rooms into interim housing which could cost upwards of $6,000 per month.

Before the emergency measure ended in late 2020, Newsom announced that the program would morph into a provider of permanent housing for the homeless. Weve long dreamed about scooping up thousands of motel rooms and converting them into housing for our homeless neighbors, Newsom said at the time. The terrible pandemic were facing has given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy all these vacant properties, and were using federal stimulus money to do it.

Under Homekey, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) began administering grants to local governments to help fund the purchase of commercial buildings to be converted into housing units. The money came from federal and state sources, including the American Rescue Plan and Californias general fund. Critics say one problem with Homekey is that it didnt pay for the mental health and drug treatment services that most homeless people desperately need to truly benefit from housing and get back on their feet.

A 2023 study found that 66% of Californias homeless population suffers from mental illnesses. Twelve percent reported experiencing hallucinations. And 31% reported regular use of methamphetamines and 11% non-prescribed opioids. Sixteen percent reported heavy episodic drinking.

Rather than helping the homeless, Homekey units have allowed people to privately take drugs and overdose. Drug overdose was the cause of death in seven out of eight cases at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys from April 2020 through June 2021, according to L.A. agencies.

I think local leaders knew that there was a risk in placing people addicted to hard drugs like heroin or fentanyl or meth into private rooms where no one is around to act in case of an overdose, a former Homekey service provider from Oakland said on the condition of anonymity. Think about how stupid it is to place an addict in a room alone where no one can administer Narcan, a medicine that can prevent overdose death.

Rather than helping the homeless, critics say Homekey units have made it easier for people to take drugs.

Homekey relied on local governments to provide mental health services, although they have a severe shortage of treatment spots, according to an L.A.-based mental health professional whose office provides services at several Homekey buildings. Social workers and therapists meet with clients assigned to Homekey units and sign them up for Medicaid, but most of them havent received the treatment they need, the professional said.

State officials didnt return calls seeking comment about Homekey.

The latest version of Homekey aims to bolster mental health services. Newsom recently announced Homekey+, made possible by a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond approved by voters. Half of the money is for projects that serve homeless veterans, and some of the resources will help fund other mental health services within Homekey.

Overpaying and Underperforming

Homekeys main pitch was that it would save taxpayers money by rehabbing existing buildings rather than constructing new housing. But those calculations are based on developers charging market rates and units being occupied, which hasnt always been the case.

L.A. County received $550 million in Homekey funds between 2021-2024, which was used to acquire 32 buildings with 2,157 rooms. An investigation by Westside Current found that 71% of units remained vacant as of May 2025 due to construction delays.

In the city of L.A., the housing authority used $48.9 million in Homekey money to acquire and complete a building that was under construction. Developer Haroni Investments was chosen to construct a 75,105-square-foot building with 127 housing units. A similar project in the area would typically cost roughly $18.8 million, according to experts who spoke to local reporters. HACLAs purchase price of $48.9 million represents a 165% profit at taxpayer expense, the story noted.

A June 2025 memo from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass office estimated that the building would be completed later that month. In August, city officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony even though the building was not yet finished. As of December, the LA Housing Departments website says the building is not yet built, and there are no listings for available units. Requests for comment from Bass office have not been returned.

In addition to overspending and delays, there are allegations of fraud. One case involves homeless service provider Weingart Center Association using $27.3 million in Homekey grants to purchase a 76-unit senior living complex in L.A., which it planned to convert into housing units with additional funding from the city.

But federal prosecutors say the deal was shady and shrouded in secrecy. Steven Taylor, the real estate developer who sold the property to the Weingart Center, used fake bank statements to obtain loans and credit to buy the property for $11.2 million, just months before flipping it for a $16.1 million markup. Taylor made no improvements or renovations to the building. A contract clause ensured that his involvement would be kept secret.

LA Mayor Karen Bass allocated $20 million to one troubled project.

While the property was in escrow, the Weingart Center submitted an application for additional Homekey funds. The application, according to prosecutors, made no mention of the pending sale involving Taylor. Bass allocated $20 million in city dollars toward the project.

Bass and Newsom celebrated the purchase as a critical tool in solving homelessness. A spokesperson with the Weingart Center said the property isnt expected to open until next year, even though the grant agreement required it to be fully occupied by February 2025.

In August, federal authorities arrested Taylor, who is facing nine felony counts of bank fraud and money laundering. Taylor maintains his innocence and is free on a $3.6 million bond. Bass is cooperating with the ongoing federal investigation.

The case highlights the lack of oversight into Homekey-related grants to the Weingart Center, which has been out of compliance with federally required annual audits. The most recent audit, submitted in July 2025 for fiscal year 2023, did not disclose over $50 million in federally funded Homekey grants. A 2023 fiscal audit of the Weingart Center found that it has repeatedly failed to properly document cash flows into the organization.

Calls for comment to the Weingart Center were not immediately returned. In November, the homeless service provider placed its CEO, Kevin Murray, who was previously a state senator, on leave as an independent law firm investigates the valuation of its homeless housing projects.

Homekey ran into other problems with L.A.-based developer Shangri-La Industries, which was hired to purchase and convert properties across the state. Federal prosecutors allege that the developer defrauded the HCD by misrepresenting its financial assets in order to qualify for a $26 million Homekey grant related to a housing project in Thousand Oaks. After securing the money, Holmes, the CFO, allegedly spent lavishly on himself and his girlfriend. Prosecutors say that Holmes rented a sprawling $46,000-a-month mansion in Beverly Hills, where Holmes was ultimately arrested.

Overall, the HCD awarded the Shangri-La a total of $117 million in grants for seven housing projects. The only two projects that Shangri-La managed to complete amount to 174 homeless housing units, costing the state $672,000 a pop. Holmes pleaded not guilty in November, and a trial is set for Jan. 5.

Essayli says his investigation into Shangri-La is just the beginning in the Justice Departments quest to recoup billions in misused public funds for the homeless.

Essayli says his investigation into Shangri-La is just the beginning in the Justice Departments quest to recoup billions in misused public funds for the homeless.

HCD rejects the suggestion it has been asleep at the wheel. "HCD brought action against Shangri-La in January 2024, alleging fraud and other claims, long before the federal criminal charges were announced, a spokesperson told RCI after this article was published. HCDs civil action is focused on preserving its investments and these affordable housing projects, and we will continue to pursue that recourse."

Newsom Rejects Accountability

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that required annual evaluations of homeless programs receiving public money.

By the summer of 2024, the lack of progress in reducing homelessness in California spurred Newsom to issue a threat to local leaders across the state. The governor gathered a group of reporters at a homeless encampment in the Pacoima neighborhood of L.A. so cameras could capture him picking up piles of trash.

If we dont see demonstrable results [in reducing homelessness], Ill start to redirect money, Newsom said.

But today, Californians continue to see headlines revealing more alleged fraud within the states prolific homeless housing programs, most of which involve the misuse of Homekey funds.

The latest example involves the nonprofit Urban Alchemy, which was awarded a $2.3 million Project Homekey contract to provide 88 designated tent spaces in a parking lot so homeless individuals can legally set up tents and access meals, bathrooms, and other services. A city inspection revealed that the lot was operating at half capacity, with only 44 bare wooden platforms on site.

One of the state audits main critiques centered on how officials werent tracking the progress of its homeless programs. California is not ensuring that it collects accurate, complete, and comparable financial and outcome information from homelessness programs, according to the report.

Following the audit, Californias lawmakers unanimously passed legislation requiring the Newsom administration to submit annual evaluations of the homeless programs that receive public grants. But Newsom vetoed the bill, saying it creates an unnecessary ongoing workload for the Department without providing additional accountability or transparency to taxpayers.

Our state has spent billions of taxpayer dollars in recent years only to see homelessness get worse, Republican Assemblyman Josh Hoover said in a September 2024 statement. We will not solve this crisis and get people the help they need until we get serious about accountability.

One year later, Newsom hasnt lost faith in Homekey. He announced the allocation of $106.2 million toward six Homekey+ awards to pay for the development of 321 permanent supportive homes.

No more excuses, Newsom declared in a press release announcing the grants. Everyone must step up to address this crisis.
If the Maduro regime were to fall tomorrow, the immediate applause in Washington would be for the restoration of democracy. But in Houston, the reaction would be a scramble for logistics.

For over a decade, the United States has celebrated its status as an energy superpower, largely thanks to the shale revolution. Yet, beneath this "energy dominance" lies a persistent structural vulnerability: a mismatch between what we produce and what we process. We are drowning in light, sweet crude from the Permian Basin, while our massive Gulf Coast refinery complex, engineered decades ago, is starving for heavy, sour crude.

A transition to a pro-U.S. government in Caracas would represent far more than a diplomatic victory. It could provide a crucial correction to balance the American oil portfolio, securing a technical, economic, and geopolitical triumph that cements U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere for decades.

Solving the Heavy Oil "Cliff"

The most immediate benefit is a resolution to the U.S. refining sectors looming supply crunch. A significant share of U.S. refineries, especially in the Gulf Coast, operate more efficiently when fed heavy crude. For years, U.S. energy security relied on a "heavy oil triad": domestic production, imports from Canada, and imports from Mexico. That triad is broken.

Mexico, once our most reliable supplier of heavy Maya crude, has seen its production collapse and has slashed exports to feed its own domestic refineries. This has left the U.S. dangerously reliant on a single lifeline: Canada. While Canada is a staunch ally, depending on a single source for millions of barrels of essential feedstock deprives U.S. refiners of leverage and exposes the Gulf Coast to pipeline bottlenecks.

Venezuela is the best option with the reserves to backfill the hole left by Mexico and reduce US reliance on Canada. Even now, Chevron is exporting a limited amount of Venezuelan oil to the US under a license. Restoring a transparent, short-haul flow from the Caribbean provides U.S. refiners with a necessary "second lung," restoring market competition and lowering the cost of producing fuel and other oil products for American consumers.

Evicting the Dragon and Isolating the Mullahs

The geopolitical dividends are equally stark. Currently, Venezuela serves as a forward operating base for Americas adversaries. The regime survives by shipping oil to China via "dark fleets", tankers that operate without transponders to evade Western banking and insurance systems. This trade provides Beijing with discounted energy and allows it to project power into the Caribbean.

A pro-U.S. government would reverse this flow, redirecting exports from opaque, state-to-state deals with China to transparent, market-rate sales in the West. This forces Beijing to replace cheap Venezuelan barrels with more expensive crude from the open market (likely from Iraq or Saudi Arabia), increasing its energy insecurity.

Furthermore, a new regime in Caracas would sever ties with Iran. Tehran uses Venezuela as a base for expanding its jihadi influence in Americas backyard. A U.S.-aligned Caracas would kick the Iranian agents out, making the southern border and the homeland more secure.

The Great Energy Swap: A Symbiosis, Not a Threat

Skeptics may warn that a flood of Venezuelan oil could crash prices and bankrupt U.S. shale producers. This fear is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of physics. A barrel of Venezuelan oil does not replace a barrel of U.S. shale oil; it complements it.

Venezuelas extra-heavy crude is too thick to flow through pipelines on its own. To move it from the field to the port, it must be diluted with a thinner hydrocarbon. The best substance for this job is naphtha, a byproduct of U.S. shale drilling. The United States used to be the top exporter of naphtha to Venezuela. Currently, Venezuela imports naphtha from Russia

Under a pro-U.S. administration, we would see the emergence of a "closed-loop" trade, U.S. shale producers can export light naphtha to Venezuela (creating a new market for their byproduct). Venezuela can use it to dilute its heavy crude, which is then shipped back to the U.S. Gulf Coast. American refiners will separate the naphtha for reuse and process the heavy crude.

Far from killing U.S. shale, a revived Venezuela becomes a massive new customer for American light products, creating a symbiotic relationship that stabilizes the Permian Basin rather than undermining it.

The Reconstruction Bonanza

Economically, the stabilization of Venezuela offers a windfall for the U.S. service sector. After years of mismanagement, Venezuelas energy infrastructure is in ruins. The state-run PDVSA cannot fix it; nor can the Russians or Chinese, whose technology lags behind Western standards.

Rehabilitating the massive upgraders in the Orinoco Belt requires the capital and technical wizardry that U.S. supermajors and service firms will be in the best position to provide at scale. By leveraging debt restructuring and international aid packages, Washington can ensure that American firms are the partners of choice for this reconstruction. This creates a multi-year boom for the U.S. energy service sector, effectively exporting American engineering to rebuild a neighbor.

The timeline for meaningful production increases should not be underestimated. Venezuela's energy infrastructure has suffered from years of deferred maintenance and capital starvation. Even with Western investment, returning to pre-2015 production levels could take years and require tens of billions in capital investment.

The Hemispheric Fortress

Ultimately, a pro-U.S. Venezuela allows for the creation of a "Fortress Americas" energy market. By integrating the output of Canada (the current heavy oil king), the U.S. (the light oil king), and a revived Venezuela (the holder of the world's largest heavy and super heavy reserves), the Western Hemisphere can achieve a level of energy independence that insulates it from the volatility of the MENA and Eurasia.

We have spent the last decade focusing on producing more. The next decade must be about integrating what we have. A free Venezuela doesn't just lower gas prices; it brings the hemispheres largest reserves back into the fold of the dollar-denominated, U.S.-led order. That is a prize worth drilling for.
While Russian troops advance across Ukrainian fields, Moscow is assaulting Europe from within, waging a parallel war across the continents infrastructure, politics, and public discourse.

This is not a conflict contained to the Donbas or Southern Ukraine. It is a two-front campaign designed to stretch Western unity to the breaking point. Russia is not waiting for a future conflict with the West. It is already waging one. Moscow has unleashed a blended campaign of hybrid and conventional warfare designed to weaken, divide, and reshape Europes security order. What Russia is doing in Ukraine cannot be separated from what Russia is doing in Europe. They are two fronts in a single strategy: a grinding military assault abroad paired with a sustained hybrid campaign across NATO states to undercut cohesion and delay support. This is not improvisationit is Russian doctrine.

Across Europe, the pattern is becoming impossible to ignore. Germany has endured repeated railway sabotage including simultaneous cable cutting, arson at switching stations, and targeted disruptions on routes potentially vital to NATO military mobility. France faced coordinated rail arson during the Paris Olympicstimed to embarrass and destabilize the host nation during a global event. Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states have faced a weaponized migration campaign designed to overload border systems and force political divisions along with rail line sabotage. Undersea infrastructurecables, pipelines, and communication lineshas been probed, tampered with, or mapped for future action. Russian-origin drones and unidentified unmanned arial vehicles (UAVs) have increasingly violated European airspacefrom the North Sea to the Baltic Sea to the Black Seaprobing radar coverage, testing air-defence reactions, and mapping critical infrastructure in a pattern that mirrors pre-invasion reconnaissance in Ukraine.

These actions, some unattributed, sit squarely in Russias grey zone toolkit. They allow maximum disruption for minimum attribution, keeping NATO below Article 5 thresholds while still inflicting political and economic cost. It is a strategy calibrated for ambiguity. Moscows fingerprints are visible, but never cleanly enough to guarantee consensus on retaliation. This hybrid battlefield is not limited to physical infrastructure. Russias influence operations flood Europes political space with disinformation, amplifying both far-right and far-left narratives, attacking Ukrainian refugees, undermining NATO, or promoting isolationist voices in the U.S. Across Europe, Russian intelligence services have escalated election interference effortsfunding fringe parties, amplifying divisive narratives online, and deploying coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to weaken pro-NATO governments and fracture Western political cohesion. Meanwhile, cyberattacks on energy grids and government agencies create the constant hum of low-level instability that weakens democracies from within.

Nonetheless, this hybrid campaign is only half the story. The other half is unfolding in Ukraine, where Russias military has evolved into a ruthless, adaptive force. The war that began as a multi-axis invasion has transformed into an industrial-scale war of attrition. Russia has accepted extraordinary casualty levels because its strategy is grounded not in maneuver warfare but in the logic of exhaustion. Penal battalions and mobilized infantry conduct relentless assaults to bleed Ukrainian forces white, reveal weak seams, and fix defenders in place before pounding them with overwhelming artillery fire. Moscow has modernized quickly under wartime pressure. Drones now dominate the battlefield, replacing or augmenting traditional artillery. Small units equipped with FPV drones and electronic warfare systems can neutralize armour, deny maneuver space, and impose constant pressure along the line of contact.

This combinationhybrid warfare abroad and attrition warfare in Ukrainereveals a sober truth: Russia is adapting faster than the West is responding. Western political cycles create windows of indecision that Russia exploits relentlessly. Russian hybrid attacks are testing European resilience in ways that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. The lesson for the West is not simply that Russia is expanding its toolkit. It is that Russia is treating the conflict as a war for the future of Europe, while the West still treats it as a crisis to be managed. This reality must sink innot only in European capitals, but also in Washington and Ottawa, without delay.

The West must now grasp three essential truths. First, hybrid warfare is war. When railway networks are sabotaged, when borders are flooded with engineered migration, when energy grids are disrupted, when critical undersea cables are compromisedthese are attacks on national security, even if the perpetrators never wear uniforms. The response must be collective, coordinated, andwhen appropriatepublic. Second, Ukraine is the front line of European security. The battlefields of Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson are absorbing the violence that would otherwise reach into NATO states. A weakened Ukraine is a direct threat to the stability of NATO Europe. Third, deterrence begins at home. Europes infrastructurerail lines, ports, power grids, military mobility corridorsmust be hardened. Counterintelligence services must be empowered. Russia is betting that the West will tire, fracture, or retreat.

The way to defeat Russian strategy is straightforward. Act like an alliance that understands it is already under attack. NATO must stop being Russias punching bag and become its sparing partner.

For Canada, this is not an abstract European crisisit is a conflict that already touches our borders and our obligations. Our Canadian-led brigade in Latvia is part of NATOs tripwire force precisely because hybrid warfare can spill over without warning. In the Arctic, where Russian submarines, long-range aviation, and electronic warfare push ever closer to our doorstep, Canada must recognize its role as a front-line state in a continental battlespace.

The sooner Ottawa understands that Europes war is tied to our own strategic environment, the stronger our defenceand our allianceswill be.

Joe Varner is deputy director of the Conference of Defence Associations and a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (Ottawa) and the Center for North American Prosperity and Security (DC).
Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 12/11/2025



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alum Peg Munson has opened up about how watching Season 2 of back on ABC was tough at times."It was really hard, you guys, because I'm just a normal person, and so to watch yourself on TV, it's like, 'Oh god! Oh god!'" Peg admitted during a recent appearance on the "She's All Bach" podcast."Sometimes it can be just a little cringey because you're watching yourself on TV."But Peg acknowledged "it was good" to watch the episodes back with Mel."Mel and I were able to watch a couple of episodes together, and that was a lot of fun because I got to have his viewpoint right? [I had] his point of view and then mine," Peg recalled."So it was really cool to kind of be like, 'Well where were you in the process? How were you feeling?' So it was really cool, actually."Peg said it wasn't that bad to watch Mel date other women because she was very confident about their relationship from early on."I knew early on that there was a huge connection between him and I, and look, we are mature adults!" Peg said."The nice thing about being in your sixties is you realize that that jealousy and that competition and all of that stuff, you don't live in that any more."Peg pointed out how both she and Mel have been married and divorced before."[We've] been through loss and things like that, so you just realize, as you get more mature and you have that life experience, a connection is about a connection," Peg shared."It doesn't make somebody better or worse or right or wrong. Connection is just about connection. And I loved all the women. They were great, they were smart, and they were accomplished."But Peg added, "I knew whoever he ended up with was supposed to be who he ended up with because it was all about that connection!"Peg was apparently convinced she had won Mel's heart after they enjoyed a mud bath during a group date. She had even written in her journal at the time that she was going to be the last woman standing.The only time Peg had doubts, according to the bachelorette, was when Mel knocked on her door in Antigua to inform her about his Fantasy Suite date with his other finalist, Cindy Angelcyk Cullers.Mel allowed Peg to think, momentarily, that he was dumping her , when in actuality, he was trying to reveal that Cindy had quit and he only wanted to continue the journey with Peg."When he came and knocked on the door, I was like, 'Okay, he had a better connection with Cindy,'" Peg remembered of being calm, cool and collected during that conversation with Mel."So be it! It's not a big deal because we signed up for the dating show, right? A lot of women are going to go home and there's going to be one person standing. And as a mature adult, that's what you realize and you understand that."Peg said if Mel had established a better connection with Cindy, "that's okay.""Because, you know, that's !... It's just about those two people getting that connection, and I think that's why the show has been so successful for so many decades," Peg noted.Peg also said she went on with no expectations except for hopefully meeting "a nice guy" and "a good guy," which she now believes she has found.On 's Season 2 finale, Cindy quit during her Fantasy Suite date because Mel had admitted he couldn't see himself getting engaged to his winning bachelorette for two years.On top of that, Mel confessed he was "torn" between his Final 2 bachelorettes and didn't feel love for either of them yet.Cindy, seemingly desperate for validation and vulnerability from Mel, explained how she had joined as a leap of faith and was expecting an engagement at the Final Rose Ceremony."You know the saying, 'First comes love, then comes marriage'... That's how it works," Mel told Cindy in reply.Cindy said she wanted a commitment from Mel -- which she didn't think was too much to ask for -- and so it didn't seem like he was her guy.After Cindy left the show , Mel told Peg that she wasn't in the running by default and he wanted her to meet his two sons, who ultimately approved of the bubbly retired firefighter from Las Vegas.At the Final Rose Ceremony, Mel gave Peg a promise ring and said he wanted her in his future, but he didn't say he was "in love" with her until they went public with their relationship on After the Final Rose.Reports swirled after finale that Peg and Mel were already clashing and having problems, but Peg insisted their relationship is thriving and they plan to spend the holidays together.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
BERLIN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Thursday that European leaders had sent a proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump concerning territorial concessions that Ukraine is prepared to make, and meetings will follow to discuss the issue.

Speaking to reporters alongside visiting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Merz said the proposal followed a telephone conversation the previous day with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Merz said they had made clear to Trump that the question of Ukrainian territorial concessions must first be answered by the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people.

Further talks with the American government were planned this weekend, and there may be a meeting in Berlin at the beginning of next week, he noted.

"Whether the American government will participate depends very much on the joint drafting of the papers that are currently being worked on," Merz added.

He stressed that any negotiated solution must safeguard European security interests and must not be at the expense of the unity of the European Union and NATO. 
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PHNOM PENH, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Airlines has launched its first-ever direct flights from Istanbul, the largest city of Turkiye, to Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, said a Cambodian senior official on Thursday.

Mao Havannall, minister in charge of Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said the airlines used a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for the direct service between the two cities.

"It marks a significant achievement in our aviation development and reflects Cambodia's growing role as a dynamic and connected nation in the region and beyond," he said in a speech during the inaugural ceremony at the Techo International Airport.

He said the new route is not only an important milestone for Cambodia's aviation sector but also a symbol of deepening friendship and cooperation with Turkiye.

He added that increased air links are vital for promoting tourism, attracting investment, facilitating trade, and creating new opportunities for local people.

The airlines will operate three weekly flights, departing from Istanbul on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and returning from Phnom Penh on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

According to Havannall, the Turkish airlines is the 36th airline operating in the Southeast Asian country.

He said Cambodia now has direct air links to 46 cities in 17 countries and regions worldwide. 
Russia, being bogged down by the Ukraine war and prioritising the requirements of its own armed forces, along with India's consistent diversification policy, will remain a major challenge to the bilateral partnership, note Harsh V Pant and Aleksei Zakharov.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, December 5, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Since the Cold War era, defence has been a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, with the Soviet Union emerging as a major arms supplier to India in the 1960s.

Moscow's willingness to share its technologies and localise production, as evidenced by the establishment of the MiG-21 plant in India in 1962, along with the provision of military hardware following the US embargo in 1965, were the main drivers of the two countries coming together as defence partners.

Specifically, the USSR bolstered the Indian Air Force by exporting 200 Su-7 fighter bombers in 1967, which were superior to the jets in Pakistan's arsenal.

In the 1980s, alarmed by India's diversification efforts, the Soviet Union stepped up its attempts to lure New Delhi with advanced weapons and technologies.

This entailed updating the previously delivered equipment, such as tanks, fighter jets, missiles, and warships. In a sign of deep trust, the USSR leased a nuclear-powered submarine to India in 1987.

Following a 'lost decade' in India's defence procurement from 1988 to 1998, which coincided with the weakest period of Russia's arms exports to India, the bilateral defence partnership re-emerged in the 2000s with a large number of deals, whose outcomes continue to sustain the relationship.

The variety of weapons and equipment provided by Russia during this period included aircraft, helicopters, battle tanks, missiles, frigates and submarines -- including the lease of a new nuclear-powered attack submarine -- as well as an aircraft carrier.

The result of a rich history of defence tie-ups has been India's reliance on Soviet and Russian military platforms.

For instance, the T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks have become the mainstay of the Indian Army tank fleet, while the Su-30s are the main combat aircraft and the backbone of the IAF.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a product of the Indo-Russian joint venture, has enhanced India's precision strikes capabilities and is undergoing further upgrades to extend its range.

The endurance of the India-Russia defence partnership is hardly surprising. For one, India continues to require maintenance and spare parts for the Russian military equipment and is, therefore, moving ahead with the acquisition of key elements, such as engines for tanks and fighter jets.

As Russia unveils new engine versions, India gets an opportunity to upgrade its platforms, as demonstrated by Moscow's proposal to supply advanced AL-41 engines for the Su-30MKI fleet.

Two, recognising its strengths and showing flexibility in response to India's demands, Russia is ready for unrestricted technology transfer and localisation of production, as evident in its recent offer on the Su-57 jets deal.

Three, despite facing major disruptions to the supply of key components, such as the gas turbines for Project 11356-class frigates for India, Russia managed to find a solution and ultimately deliver the vessels to the Indian Navy.

Following Operation Sindoor, in which Russia's S-400 air defence systems showcased their efficiency, New Delhi and Moscow have intensified their military talks at various levels.

Suggesting an intention to further integrate Russian defence systems into India's air defence network, the Indian ministry of defence has recently given the go-ahead for the procurement of 'a large number of surface-to-air missiles' for the S-400, with ranges of 120, 200, 250 and 380 kilometres.

A deal for an additional batch of S-400 SAM systems is also on the bilateral agenda. However, the new contract is seemingly in the initial stages, with cost-related negotiations and formal procurement procedures likely to take considerable time.

On top of that, Russia's own defence needs, given the war in Ukraine, coupled with the significant delay in the supply of the remaining two S-400 units from the previous 2018 contract, mean that the delivery schedule for these systems is shrouded in uncertainty.

Russia, being bogged down by the war and prioritising the requirements of its own armed forces, along with India's consistent diversification policy, will remain a major challenge to the bilateral partnership.

The authors are, respectively, vice-president and fellow, Russia and Eurasia, at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.

Disclaimer: These are Harsh V Pant and Aleksei Zakharov's personal views.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'IndiGo will receive a sharp rap on the knuckles -- a punishment, a huge penalty.'

'I look towards them creating a compensation fund.'

'I would like to think they would do that for all the passengers who are affected on every single day since cancellations began.'

Passengers wait to board a delayed IndiGo flight at the Indira Gandhi international airport in New Delhi. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

"We are the third-largest aviation market, the fastest-growing on earth -- if we cannot handle this kind of situation, then how do we expect to handle 300 airports and 2,000 more aircraft?" aviation consultant and Avialaz Consultants CEO Sanjay Lazar asks Prasanna D Zore/Rediff in the concluding segment of a two-part interview.

Part 1 of the Interview: 'Biggest Meltdown In Indian Aviation History'

Who should be held accountable for the inconvenience caused to lakhs of ordinary Indian citizens -- the airline, the regulator, or the civil aviation ministry?

All three, I am sorry to articulate. The buck stops at the top. If the ministry has allowed such a rampant dominant position -- there is a case for the Competition Commission of India to intervene. There is a monopolies issue.

Below 50% is ideally what they (IndiGo) should be. At 63%, you must reallocate slots and distribute them to other smaller carriers.

The (civil aviation) ministry slept. The DGCA office -- whether it is one joint director general or one junior clerk or one senior official -- somebody in that office has also slept on this. They have witnessed the fire alarm ringing and thought it was somebody's mobile phone alarm.

IndiGo itself took it so lightly, so casually, and then they realised this is a 9.0 Richter scale earthquake. By then, the cracks had already appeared in the earth.

It is collective responsibility of all three entities. I am stating it is a collective responsibility that has made our country look like the laughing stock of the world aviation market.

I articulate this with all the seriousness I can muster. I am a very proud nationalist Indian. We are the third-largest aviation market, the fastest-growing on earth -- if we cannot handle this kind of situation, then how do we expect to handle 300 airports and 2,000 more aircraft?

Can you imagine if we were five years down the road with 2,000 aircraft and this transpired? We would be in the wilderness.

For this to have occurred when the Russian president was visiting and people getting all international attention on India -- people getting dislocated, people who wish to travel to Delhi stuck elsewhere.

There has been so much embarrassment, it is farcical.

There are already people planning to file public interest litigation...

Public interest litigation is transpiring. Numerous passengers have messaged me. This is my grievance, and I have articulated this over the last year or two, not just today.

We do not possess a passenger charter in our country. Rather, we have something so flimsy that rag would not even wash properly. It is so pathetic.

We need to have a REAL Passenger charter. We require a passenger charter like the European Union, like the United Kingdom, where the compensations, the regulations are set in stone -- you cannot modify them. The appeals mechanism, everything is established.

We have a nonsensical system. We need to upgrade that, and I hope the government examines this and addresses it. Because they are going to discover that unless you implement consumer protection, consumer trust will be very difficult to rebuild.

Shouldn't this also be of concern that the court-mandated stricter FDTL rules for pilot rest have been relaxed now, especially for IndiGo (this has been relaxed only for IndiGo's A320 fleet)? Doesn't that place both passenger safety and pilot health at risk?

Before I address passenger safety and pilot health, I address something called legal jurisprudence. Do you possess that right to undo what the court has mandated? I believe sooner or later somebody is going to articulate it, and somebody is going to approach the court.

In order of gravity, that is number one. You have directly overridden an order of the (Delhi) high court, and then you have added fuel to the fire and suspended everything. You have now assumed the power of a high court where you possessed none.

A civil servant of the Government of India and a minister of the President's council has now suspended orders of the (Delhi) high court where they did not possess the powers to do so.

My concern is: Do you possess this power to issue a directive to suspend the directive which has been brought in by the court? You possess the power to suspend the DGCA's orders? Yes. But do you possess the power when you are aware that it is a high court order?

Unless they have taken opinion from the solicitor general or the attorney general and they have stated, 'It is acceptable, proceed. We will explain to the court' -- perhaps that is acceptable.

They may plead a national emergency and escape court censure, but this action is extrajudicial in my opinion.

Now, whether it dilutes passenger safety and pilot safety, it is a moot point, frankly. There is an element of passenger safety involved. But truth be told, we have operated with the same rules, lower standards, for numerous years.

What the minister attempted to articulate that day was: We have operated with lower standards for many years; let us continue for a few months more.

He has also stated there will be punishment. How much and what kind? We shall observe. That is all very well, but I would think that somebody as enlightened and educated as our honourable minister would comprehend the import of words that we are incorporating into a government order. Because there should be a commencement date and an end date.

You must have a fallback provision, as to what rule is now applicable, since you suspended these rules. Law is a very precise subject. You cannot simply improvise your way around it.

What would be your advice or message to the pemople in the aviation industry who matter -- be it the ministry, the regulator, or the airline operators?

We need to place the passenger first, build passenger safety and safeguards that are long-term. Airlines exist, but it is the passenger who makes this entire ecosystem function.

Let us all remember: Governments come and governments go. But we must keep the structure prepared and strong; that is paramount.

The second matter is I think we need to commence looking beyond having one big boss (IndiGo) and one small boss (Air India) and all the rest running about as airlines.

What we require is a fair playing field. We have heard airlines like Akasa complain extensively over the years. This is an opportunity for the government to correct this. Offer it first to the smaller airlines.

You cannot keep building a monopoly simply because somebody possesses a huge wallet. From 35% to 45% to 50% to 55%, now 63% -- 65% is their market share. It signifies two out of three people who fly in this country are on IndiGo.

How can anybody influence the way this aviation system is constituted? It is going to be -- India is IndiGo, IndiGo is India.

I do believe, and I hope, that IndiGo finds its way back. I say this as an aviation analyst and commentator, a traveller and an investor.

They (IndiGo) will receive a sharp rap on the knuckles -- a punishment, a huge penalty. I anticipate that, and I look towards them creating a compensation fund.

I would like to think they would do that for all the passengers who are affected on every single day since cancellations began. The ridiculous fares that people paid -- there were some individuals whose flight A was cancelled. They were asked to rebook on B or C and pay the difference on Indigo.

Then they discovered B and C were also cancelled...

IMAGE: Travelers with their luggage at the Kempegowda international airport in Bengaluru. Photograph: Priyanshu Singh/Reuters

Precisely. When none of those flights were leaving, and then we lose 50% for refunds. That is price gouging and exploitation. That is ridiculous. The next flight is not departing. Why are you then making me book on that?

Of course, IndiGo will bounce back -- there is no question about it. But passenger trust has been shaken. Where IndiGo will feel the pinch is when it commences flying international routes extensively because these systems will not function in this manner, when you are executing multiple long-haul operations.

And that is perhaps the reason why IndiGo's international operations were not as severely affected...

No, it is also because the compensation there is substantially higher. You wish to ensure that nothing on those international routes is impacted. You do not wish to pay global compensation nor can you risk international reputation. That is the bottom line. Obviously, that is a method of firefighting.

I return to the point that nobody wishes ill upon any of these entities. We want all five or six big and small operators -- we want a healthy aviation ecosystem operating. We want to ensure that matters do not go wrong.

I have witnessed a couple getting married via video conference. I have witnessed somebody attempting to attend his father's funeral and stuck in another city. It is so tragic.

Let us hope the government initiates some substantial reforms where it places the passenger first.
'The natural barrier that is Aravalli, you are demolishing it, then who will stop the desert?'

'In future, I predict that people will roam around with oxygen cylinders in Delhi because they won't be able to breathe.'

IMAGE: A view of the Aravalli hills from the Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Supreme Court recently accepted the Union environment ministry's elevation-based definition of the Aravalli hills -- counting only landforms above 100 metres, and opening up the rest, almost 90 percent of the range, to mining -- and instructed the Centre to carry out a scientific mapping of the range before allowing any new mining leases.

At first glance, the order appears protective: No fresh mining until a full survey is completed, and a sustainable mining plan to be drafted.

But even as the judgment is being welcomed in some quarters, it has prompted a fundamental question from conservation experts: What happens to the vast stretches of the Aravallis that fall below this 100-metre threshold?

In Rajasthan alone, where most of the range lies between 30 and 80 metres, could this new definition mean that large portions of one of the world's oldest mountain systems may become sacrifice to the mining lobby since they won't be recognised as hills?

And if not recognised, how will they be protected?

Professor Laxmi Kant Sharma, Central University of Rajasthan, Environment Science, in an interview to Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff, explains how the debate over a single number -- 100 metres -- may determine the future of an entire ecological shield.

The Supreme Court has accepted the Union environment ministry's elevation-based definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, and directed the Centre to carry out scientific mapping and prepare a 'sustainable mining plan' for it.

So why object because the court has ordered that no fresh mining leases be granted until the mapping and plan are completed?

The problem is over the 100 metres height of the Aravalli hills. The government is counting only those hills that are above 100 metres in height, and the ones below it will not be counted as a part of the Aravalli hills.

In Rajasthan, around 90 percent of the Aravalli hills is in the height of 30 to 80 metres. Now they are in danger of perishing.

What is the importance of the Aravalli hills?

The Aravalli hills are divided into three parts.

The first one is Upper Aravalli, which is located in the Delhi National Capital Region area and Haryana state. Delhi's Raisina Hill area is also part of Aravalli hills.

The second part is if you go downwards from Delhi to Rajasthan, the Aravalli hills extends to Udaipur area.

The third part, which is the lower part of the Aravalli hills, is till Gujarat.

And in this, 80 percent of the Aravalli hills is located in Rajasthan in which the range is 30 to 80 metres in height. The highest peak is in the Mount Abu range which is 1,727 metres in height. It is called Guru Shikar.

What kind of problem do you foresee with the Supreme Court verdict?

Most parts of the Aravalli hills located in Gurgaon and Rajasthan are below 30 metres. Right now if you go to the Aravalli hills, you will find that the mining mafia is flattening all the Aravalli hills which are just above 100 metres. They are flattening it to make it less than 100 metres in height so that they can flatten it completely in the future as they have got a go-ahead from the Supreme Court's 100 metre rule.

IMAGE: A view of abandoned mine pits in the Aravalli forest, New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Has illegal mining not stopped?

It is still continuing. It never stopped. And in the future too it will never stop.

But the Supreme Court said clearly that sustainable mining should be done in the Aravalli Hills.

Sustainable means it should be for defence purposes or national security where you need some minerals you can mine. The rest of the mining going on is for commercial production. I don't think commercial mining is more important than human lives.

Aravalli is a national monument which has been in existence for 2.6 billion years. There is biodiversity, rivers and it defines India's culture.

Aravalli decides the climate pattern of North India. There will be a change in climate if you start demolishing the Aravalli hills.

Is the Union environment ministry not concerned about the destruction of the Aravalli hills?

The environment ministry has always existed; everybody knows for years that mining cannot continue on the Aravalli hills. Already 30 percent of the Aravalli hills has disappeared in spite of India having an environment ministry.

As I told you, Raisina Hill was a part of the Aravalli hills and that was flattened to make a home (for then governor general Lord Irwin by the British in 1929).

Even after Independence mining was never stopped at the Aravalli hills. Nobody stopped it.

There are three mafias that work to demolish the Aravalli hills.

The upper range of the Aravalli hills is in the Delhi NCR region as I told you earlier. It is the real estate mafia that wants to demolish the hills to construct homes worth Rs 100 crore. There is a nexus of politicians, bureaucrats and the local administration.

In Rajasthan the mining mafia is active in destroying the Aravalli hills.

In the lower area it is being destroyed to make five-star hotels as you start going down from the Udaipur side. This is the tourism lobby harming the Aravalli hills.

What about the green wall project started by the government in March 2023 to stop the desertification and degradation of the Aravalli hills? Is it not working?

This is a Rs 1,600 crore project, if I am not mistaken. They are trying to plant trees from Delhi to Mehsana in Gujarat which is in the Aravalli range. They are calling this as a green wall.

Now, when you are demolishing nature's green wall that is the Aravalli hills, then what is the guarantee of this new green wall that you are building? This green wall is irrelevant.

What kind of variety of trees are you going to grow? Where are you going to get water in the desert for these trees? And even if you get it, what are you doing to water the plants which are growing naturally?

Therefore, it is a useless effort as it is only a plantation drive.

The Aravalli hills on its own is a historical monument and the government is making no effort to save it. Instead, they are just planting saplings, which is not the solution. The genetic species and biodiversity of the Aravalli hills will not be conserved in future.

What about jobs? You spoke of mining, tourism. But they create jobs, which is important. And that is the precise reason the Supreme Court spoke of sustainable mining.

There is no point in using the word 'sustainable'. Is there no way to look alternate ways?

You cannot say just because our population has increased, flatten everything on the earth because people need homes.

Where will the natural resources go? Are they not important to our life? And why are we planting trees and saplings?

Today there is pollution in Delhi; the government did cloud seeding which was an utter waste of money. If the Aravalli hills were protected you would have never seen this kind of pollution in Delhi.

IMAGE: School students from the National Capital Region and members of the Aravali Bachao Sanstha stage a campaign to save the Aravalli forest in Gurugram. Photograph: ANI Photo

What will happen in future? Do you fear the disappearance of the natural wall in Aravalli will not be able to keep desert dust at bay for Delhi NCR?

100 percent, I am sure about this. I have produced a research paper. In it I say the Thar desert footprint is increasing and reaching Delhi NCR upper side.

The Thar desert is coming to Delhi?

Yes, it is reaching the upper side of NCR. On the downside of NCR there is still greenery because of the plantation drive from the forest department.

The natural barrier that is Aravalli, you are demolishing it, then who will stop the desert? Your monsoon patterns will change forever.

When I was young it was unimaginable that we will drink bottled water. Today it is not an issue. Water is selling and people are paying for it.

In future, I predict that people will roam around with oxygen cylinders in Delhi because they won't be able to breathe. Right now, people are not sensitised to their future. Industrial lung diseases are increasing and nobody is noticing it.

The pollution in Delhi has been blamed on farmers in adjoining states burning stubble.

This is happening due to dust storms and climate change. The weather pattern is changing. If you do not have a policy to tackle these things, life will be more difficult in the future.

Aravalli has given us protection for centuries. The Supreme Court judgment has ensured that this protection cover is dead. I don't think we will be able to save the Aravalli hills now.

Are you sure we will not be able to save the Aravalli hills?

Yes, I am 100 percent sure. Aravalli hills will become Aravalli plateau one day, and it has just started.

In some places the Aravalli hills has just disappeared, like in Naraina, Rajasthan. Another place is Chhoti Khatu in Nagaur where Aravalli has disappeared. Mining goes on in the daytime.

There is a village near Bhilwara where the entire village is suffering from lung disease, silicosis. I have made a documentary on this subject as the entire village population is busy breaking stones of the Aravalli hills.

Do you feel this 100 metre rule can be reduced to say 50 metres? Landforms over 50 metres will be counted as hills -- will that help?

This could have been sustainable. The word 'sustainable' was meant for 50 metres and not 100 metres.

What will be the development model if there is no tourism, mining or real estate business? People need jobs at the end of the day.

Hills do not create jobs. You've got to preserve Aravalli because you've got to conserve biodiversity. You have to leave some legacy for future generations.

Nobody tells you not to do mining in Barmer where we have a lot of premium minerals. In the Thar desert, petrochemical companies are drilling and nobody is objecting to it.

Can the Supreme Court ruling on the Aravallis be used as a precedent for other hill ranges as well? Does it have precedentiary value?

No, because this judgment is only for the Aravalli Hills.

I have written a letter to the CJI, asking who will decide the height of 100 metres. Who has done a survey of the Aravallis? Nobody. Till date, no boundary line has been demarcated for the Aravalli hills.

Don't we have 692 kilometres (430 miles) marked as the Aravalli hill range?

No, that is only the buffer line. Nobody till date has defined to what extent the Aravalli range has been demarcated in every region. The government has not defined it.

By this the government is indirectly telling miners, go ahead with mining because the boundary has not been defined.

Secondly, the government has not defined which hill is 100 metres tall in Aravalli. No district collector knows these facts.

I have demanded that there should be an Aravalli Development Authority. Experts can sit on that body and chief secretaries of four states (Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat) must sit with the experts to regularly monitor the mining situation.

There will be no administrative hurdles and no law and order problem because the chief secretaries are sitting and monitoring the situation.

A LiDAR (pulsed laser light to measure distances and create high-resolution 3D models and maps of the Earth's surface) survey is needed. You can also do drone surveys so that we come to know the height of the Aravalli hills at different places.

Once you know the height of each hill in Aravalli, then you cannot do illegal work.

At this moment nobody knows these things. Only if you do all these things will we be able to save the Aravalli hills.
At least 18 people from Assam's Tinsukia district were killed and three others are missing as the truck they were travelling in fell into a remote gorge in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.

IMAGE: A view of the ill-fated truck after falling into a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo

The accident took place on Hayuliang-Chaglagam Road in Anjaw district in the eastern part of the hill state on December 8 when a truck was carrying 22 labourers from Tinsukia district, Defence PRO Lt Col Mahender Rawat said, citing the lone survivor's version.

The site, approximately 12 km from Chaglagam, lies in difficult terrain with limited connectivity and the accident had not been reported by any local agency, contractor or civil representative until the survivor's arrival, Rawat said in a statement.

"Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are being retrieved using belay ropes. ADC of Hayuliang has informed SP of Anjaw, who has reached the site, while the District Medical Officer is moving to facilitate evacuation of casualties and mortal remains," he said.

Rawat said that preliminary inputs from the survivor, who managed to reach Chipra General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) camp, indicate that a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia fell off a cliff on the night of December 8.

"The Indian Army has launched a major search and rescue operation in the Chaglagam region of Arunachal Pradesh. The operations were initiated based on information received late on December 10 regarding a vehicle accident along the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road near KM 40," he added.

The Defence PRO said that the Army's Spear Corps on the early morning of Thursday mobilised multiple search and rescue columns, medical teams, GREF representatives, local police, NDRF personnel and the ADC of Hayuliang.

"At 1155 hours, after four hours of intensive search and rope descent, the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road near KM 40 in a re-entrant, inaccessible and not visible from helicopters or the road due to dense tree cover and thick foliage," he added.

The Anjaw District Administration has requisitioned the SDRF, which is en route at present.

"ADC Hayuliang is also questioning the sub-contractor of the Zila Parishad Member, Chaglagam, to verify the antecedents and exact strength of the workers hired," Rawat said.

"Despite harsh terrain and poor visibility, the Indian Army, in coordination with civil administration and other agencies, is making all possible efforts to trace the remaining individuals and provide immediate assistance," he added.

Earlier during the day, Assam's Tinsukia District Commissioner Swapneel Paul told PTI that at around 11 am, they received information about a vehicle falling into a gorge in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district.

"Accordingly, we contacted the DCs of Anjaw and Teju for confirmation. Both the DCs said that rescue teams have so far recovered several bodies and found one person alive. Some more persons are still missing," he added.

Paul said that a team from Tinsukia, comprising the circle officer and police personnel, have been dispatched to the neighbouring state to get more updates.

"They have reached Tezu and within 2-3 hours, we will be able to give more details," the Tinsukia DC added.

Tinsukia Circle Officer Jaideep Rajak, who is on the way to the spot, told PTI that the location is remote and the exact details will be known only after reaching the site.

"Initial reports indicated that the workers were engaged by a private contractor in a project in Hayuliang. They were travelling in a dumper that skidded off the road and fell nearly 1,000 feet into a deep gorge. Rescue operations are underway," he added.

Tinsukia Senior Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar said that 22 labourers from the district had gone to Arunachal Pradesh for the construction of a hostel.

"They were from Dhelaghat of Gillapukri Tea Estate. Out of the 22 people in the dumper, 21 are reportedly dead," he added.

One of the workers, Budheswor Deep, managed to escape from the spot and called up his relatives on Wednesday morning. This phone call first alerted the families about the incident, Kumar said.

Apart from Deep, 18 more labourers, including the dead and the missing, have been identified. They are Rahul Kumar, Somir Deep, Arjun Kumar, Pankaj Manki, Ajay Manki, Bijay Kumar, Abhoy Bhumij, Rohit Manki, Birendra Kumar, Agor Tanti, Dhiren Chatriya, Rojoni Nag, Deep Gowala, Ramsebak Suna, Sonaton Nag, Sanjay Kumar, Karan Kumar and Junash Munda.
Bangladesh will hold the general elections on February 12, its first since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in a violent student-led protest in August 2024.

IMAGE: A police officer stands guard in front of the Bangladesh Election Commission office, in Dhaka, on December 11, 2025. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

"Voting will take place on February 12, 2026, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm," Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said in an address to the nation on Thursday.

A referendum will simultaneously be held on the voting day, February 12, to elicit public opinion on a series of reform proposals of the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus-led National Consensus Commission.

The announcement came a day after the CEC met President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who assured him 'optimum support and cooperation' to conduct the general elections in a 'free, fair and meaningful' manner.

According to the election schedule, the last date for submission of nomination papers is December 29, and scrutiny of nominations will be held from December 30 to January 4. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20.

The final list of candidates will be published on January 21. Election campaigns will begin on January 22 and continue until 7.30 am on February 10, Nasir said.

The last general elections were held in January 2024. Hasina won the elections marred by controversy and boycott by major parties.

Six months after Hasina's victory in the 2024 election, protests erupted against her government. The violent street protests forced Hasina to leave for India on August 5, 2024. Three days later, Yunus took over as chief adviser of the interim government.

The interim government has disbanded Hasina's Awami League.

Hasina, the 78-year-old Awami League leader who has been convicted and sentenced to death, has been living in India.

Critically ill former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the frontrunner, with its once ally Jamaat-e-Islami being the main rival in the absence of the Awami League.

Both parties have already announced the names of their nominees in the election for the 300-seat parliament.

Jamaat, which was opposed to Bangladesh's 1971 independence, was in a state of wilderness and eventually banned days ahead of the past government's ouster, has re-emerged -- under the leadership of Shafiqur Rahman -- visibly with extra vigour after the students' protest.

The National Citizen Party (NCP), formed in February this year, is a political outfit of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) that led last year's violent street movement leading to Hasina's ouster.

The NCP has allied with Amar Bangladesh (AB) party, the offshoot of right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Rashtra Songskar Andolon to form an alliance called 'Gonotantrik Sangskar Jote.
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Anurag Thakur on Thursday accused an unnamed Trinamool Congress MP of smoking an e-cigarette in the Lok Sabha, with Speaker Om Birla assuring action.

IMAGE: BJP MP Anurag Thakur talks to media at the Parliament premises during the winter session, in New Delhi. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

During Question Hour, while asking a supplementary, Thakur wondered whether e-cigarettes are allowed in the House.

When Birla replied in the negative, the BJP MP said a TMC member has been "constantly smoking e-cigarettes in the House for the past several days".

Several BJP members then demanded action against the opposition MP.

Amid uproar, Birla urged member to maintain dignity of the House.

He said if a written complaint is lodged, he will take action.

E-cigarettes were banned in the country a few years ago.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against 13 individuals for allegedly running "digital arrest" cyber fraud scams, controlled by masterminds located in Southeast Asian countries, officials said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Mansi Thapliyal/Reuters

The agency also ran a parallel investigation into cyber-slavery and the organised digital exploitation networks in Southeast Asia, with slave compounds in Myanmar and neighbouring areas, that are emerging as incubators for the execution of such frauds.

In the chargesheet filed in a special court here, the CBI said its technical analysis of 15,000 IP addresses associated with the scam network showed "extensive cross-border connections" with several key bank accounts, used for collecting and routing victims' funds, "being controlled from abroad".

From the vast technical dataset, India-based IP addresses were isolated, enabling targeted searches and identification of domestic operatives, officials said.

The agency pinpointed these accounts being controlled by "masterminds based in Cambodia, Hong Kong and China".

A CBI spokesperson said, "Importantly, multiple streams of evidence now indicate that slave compounds operating in Myanmar and neighbouring areas have emerged as major hubs for the execution of digital arrest frauds, where trafficked

Indian nationals are coerced to run call-centre style cybercrime operations.

"These findings align with intelligence gathered during parallel CBI investigations into cyber-slavery and organised digital exploitation networks in Southeast Asia."

Using advanced technology, the central probe agency sieved through 15,000 IP addresses, isolating India-based IP addresses and launched targeted searches and identification of domestic operatives that resulted in the arrest of three crucial suspects in October this year.

According to the spokesperson, the agency dug further to unravel the financial trail, call-flow patterns, VoIP routing, remote-access tool misuse and the broader technology infrastructure supporting "digital arrest" scams to nail the role of 13 accused, culminating in the chargesheet against them under the provisions of the IPC and the IT Act.

"The case was registered suo motu by the CBI to comprehensively investigate 10 significant incidents of digital arrest scams reported across the country, amid a steep rise in such offences," the spokesperson said.

The further probe against conspirators, additional conspirators, facilitators, money-mule handlers, and the overseas infrastructure enabling these transnational cyber fraud operations is going on, the spokesperson added.
'In view of passenger inconvenience caused due to large-scale disruptions in the operations of IndiGo at various airports across the country, it has been decided to constitute an oversight team,' the DGCA said in the order issued to the airline's CEO Pieter Elbers and its COO Isidre Porqueras.

IMAGE: An Indigo flight prepares to land at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj international airport in Mumbai, December 6, 2025. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday stationed a group of officials at IndiGo's headquarters in Gurugram to monitor the day-to-day internal operations of the country's largest airline, even as it summoned the airline's CEO Pieter Elbers on Thursday to provide updates on the recent disruptions which led to cancellation of over 4,200 flights in a span of nine days till December 9.

IndiGo had been operating about 2,300 daily flights -- roughly 2,000 domestic and 300 international -- until the beginning of this month, when it plunged into an operational crisis after failing to manage its pilot duty roster under the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules that came into effect last month.

The DGCA on Tuesday cut its flight schedule by 10 per cent till March. The airline is now operating about 1,900 daily flights.

The DGCA has formed two specialised teams to internally monitor IndiGo's daily operations.

The first is an eight-member 'oversight team' of senior flight operations inspectors to review crew management, and the second is a two-member team of senior officers to track passenger-related issues like refunds.

Members of both the teams have been stationed at IndiGo's headquarters in Gurugram on a daily basis, and have been asked to file reports by 6 pm each day to two joint director generals at the DGCA.

'In view of passenger inconvenience caused due to large-scale disruptions in the operations of IndiGo at various airports across the country, it has been decided to constitute an oversight team,' the regulator said in the order issued to the airline's CEO Pieter Elbers and its COO Isidre Porqueras.

The airline, in a statement on X on Wednesday, said its board of directors have been closely monitoring the situation and the airline has had 'all hands on deck'.

'Please have faith in us. We are getting there,' it added.

Separately, the ministry of civil aviation said its officials visited major airports across the country on Wednesday to assess the 'on-ground situation arising from the ongoing operational crisis of IndiGo and interacted with passengers'.

The DGCA has also instructed its officers to carry out immediate on-site inspections at major airports across the country.

The regulator said the purpose of these visits is to assess safety, operational preparedness, passenger-handling measures and IndiGo's responsiveness during the ongoing disruption.

Officers have been asked to speak directly with passengers to gather on-ground feedback.

Each officer must submit a full report to the DGCA headquarters within 24 hours of completing the inspection.

Two members of the DGCA's oversight team, deployed at IndiGo's headquarters, will look into 12 areas, including the airline's total fleet and its average stage length, which is the average distance flown per flight.

They will also review the total number of pilots and flight network details, along with 'crew utilisation in hours', which refers to how many hours pilots and cabin crew are actually flying, or on duty.

The oversight team officials will monitor monthly and daily 'deadheading', meaning situations where crew members travel as passengers to position themselves for another flight duty.

They will check how many crew are under training and assess 'split-duty' schedules, where crews take a rest break during duty hours but are still considered on duty for regulatory purposes.

Additionally, they will examine all unplanned leave, such as sick, casual, or emergency leave, the daily number of flights and available crew, the number of sectors disrupted due to crew shortage, and the standby crew strength at each base for both cockpit and cabin crew, the DGCA stated in its order.

The DGCA's second team comprises two senior officers, a deputy director from the Air Engineering Directorate and a senior statistical officer.

This team will track key service-delivery metrics such as domestic and international cancellation levels, the status of refunds both by the airline and by online travel agents, on-time performance, compensation paid to passengers under the DGCA's regulations, and the timely return of baggage.

Elbers summoned

Through a second order, the DGCA summoned Elbers to appear before the regulator at 1500 hours on Thursday, directing him to present comprehensive data and updates on the airline's recent operational disruptions. The order also requires senior executives from all relevant departments of IndiGo to attend the meeting and submit a complete report in advance.

The regulator has sought a detailed account of IndiGo's flight restoration efforts, including progress in re-accommodating disrupted passengers and the handling of vulnerable travellers such as senior citizens, medical cases and unaccompanied minors.

The airline must also outline its monitoring mechanisms to ensure the timely completion of restoration work across the network.

It has demanded updated information on the strength of pilots and cabin crew, the recruitment and training pipeline for the coming months, and steps taken to prevent roster shortages and issues linked to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL).

IndiGo is also required to provide data on cancellations, refunds processed, turnaround timelines and compliance with DGCA refund regulations.

Further, the regulator has asked for a summary of delayed or misrouted baggage cases, the systems used to trace and return luggage, and the compensation provided as per norms.

It has also sought an evaluation of IndiGo's communication performance -- including SMS and e-mail alerts -- and measures to improve coordination between its operations control centre, airports and customer support teams.

The airline must additionally explain its re-routing policy for passengers affected by cancellations, including adherence to the rule that alternate options should be provided at no extra cost, along with data on re-routing carried out within IndiGo's network and on other carriers.

To get ground level feedback, DGCA officers have been told to reach their assigned airports within two to three days and examine key operational and safety aspects.

They will review the adequacy of airline and airport manpower, the scale of flight delays and cancellations, congestion inside terminals, and queue management at check-in, security and boarding.

They will also check whether airline help desks are staffed round the clock and whether passengers are being informed promptly about delays, cancellations and alternate arrangements, the regulator stated.

The inspections will also focus on passenger welfare and service quality.

Officers will verify if special assistance is being provided to senior citizens, children, pregnant women and persons with reduced mobility.

They will assess the availability of seating, the condition of basic amenities such as drinking water, the presence of senior airline management at airports, the cleanliness of terminal areas and the deployment of housekeeping staff.

The status of pending baggage delivery and any backlog will also be reviewed.

IndiGo Brings In Outside Expert The board of directors at IndiGo, formally known as InterGlobe Aviation, will involve an external technical expert to work with the airline's management and help determine the root causes and ensure corrective action so that such a disruption never occurs again, Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta said on Wednesday. He dismissed allegations that IndiGo engineered the crisis, tried to influence the government's flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules, compromised safety, or that the airline's board was not involved. 'These claims are incorrect,' Mehta said in a video message on Wednesday evening. IndiGo had been operating about 2,300 daily flights -- roughly 2,000 domestic and 300 international -- until the beginning of this month, when it plunged into an operational meltdown after failing to manage its pilot duty roster under the new FDTL rules that came into effect last month. The airline cancelled a total of 4,290 flights between December 1 and December 9. Mehta said, "IndiGo has followed the pilot fatigue (FDTL) rules as they came into effect. 'We operated under the new rules throughout... both in July and November. 'We did not attempt to bypass them. Nor did we do anything that negatively impacted our unblemished track record of safety. 'The disruptions of last week did not happen because of any deliberate action. 'They happened because of a combination of internal and unanticipated external events including minor technical glitches, schedule changes linked to the start of the winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system, and implementation of/operation under the updated crew rostering rules. 'This is not an excuse. This is simply the truth. 'Clearly, this combination of events pushed our systems beyond their limits,' Mehta added. Mehta said he had been urged to make a statement for the last several days but chose to wait because the board felt its first duty was to support IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers and his team, restore operations, and help passengers who were affected. 'Pieter has already announced that operations are now stable,' he observed. 'On December 3, an unexpected chain of events led to large-scale flight cancellations. 'This continued on December 4 and 5... I know how much distress this has caused. 'I want to say, very simply and very clearly, we are sorry.' 'We assure you that we will examine every aspect of what went wrong and we will learn from it. 'The board has decided it will involve an external technical expert to work with the management and help determine the root causes and ensure corrective action so that this level of disruption never occurs again,' Mehta added. Addressing the claim that the board was not engaged with this crisis, he said: 'This is not correct. The board has been closely involved with this matter for many months.' He said last week's events are a 'blemish' on the airline's 'pristine, clean' record, adding: 'The company has erred. There is no denying this. 'It now has to rebuild your trust. This will not be easy. 'It will depend on actions, not words. It will be a journey.'

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
The Election Commission on Thursday extended the timeline for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in six states and Union territories following requests from the chief electoral officers.

IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, Special Roll Observer Subrata Gupta, and others hold meeting on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) at CEO office at BBD Bagh, in Kolkata on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

In a statement, the Election Commission (EC) issued the revised schedule for SIR in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh.

The enumeration period for these six states and Union territories was to end on Thursday, and the draft electoral rolls were to be published on December 16.

The decision came against the backdrop of suggestions that several electors had not been able to fill out or submit their enumeration forms.

The commission's ground machinery is in overdrive to re-verify 'ASD' or absent, shifted and dead/duplicate electors with whom contact could not be established by booth-level officers (BLOs) despite three mandatory attempts.

Several opposition parties have been alleging that stringent deadlines have taken a toll on the mental health of several BLOs, leading them to commit or attempt suicide.

The apex poll authority has, however, not acknowledged any of the BLO suicides due to work pressure.

EC sources have maintained that the deadlines were not stringent for anyone to end life.

The enumeration period for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat has been extended till December 14, and the draft electoral rolls will be published on December 19, the statement said.

For Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the enumeration period has been extended till December 18, and the draft electoral rolls will be published on December 23.

The enumeration period for Uttar Pradesh has been extended till December 26, and the draft electoral rolls will be published on December 31.

According to the statement, the enumeration period for Goa, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan and West Bengal will end on Thursday, and the draft electoral rolls will be published on December 16.

The schedule for Kerala was revised earlier. The enumeration period for the state will end on December 18, and the draft electoral roll will be published on December 23.

To ensure that no eligible elector is left behind, new electors are being encouraged to fill Form 6 and submit it to the block-level officers (BLOs), or fill the form online using the ECINet app or website, to get their names included in the final electoral rolls, which will be published in February next year.
Pakistan's former spy chief Faiz Hameed was on Thursday sentenced to 14 years in jail by a military court, which found him guilty on multiple charges, including violating the Official Secrets Act and engaging in political activities.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

According to a statement by the army, the process of Field General Court Martial (FGCM) against Hameed was initiated on August 12, 2024, under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, and continued for 15 months.

He was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act in a manner "detrimental to the safety and interests of the State", misuse of authority & government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals.

"After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 14 years rigorous imprisonment by the court," the army said.

It is for the first time that a former chief of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been convicted and sentenced. He served as the Director General of the ISI from 2019 to 2021.

He last served as Commander of the XXXI Corps before taking premature retirement in December 2022 after Asim Munir took over as the army chief. Hameed was considered close to the then Army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa.

The army said that the Court-Martial complied with all legal provisions and that the accused was "afforded with all legal rights, including (the) rights of (a) defence team of his choice."

It said that the convict has the right of appeal at a relevant forum after conviction.

"Involvement of the convict in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements and in certain other matters is separately being dealt with," the army said.

Hameed, a former lieutenant general, was arrested in connection with a petition filed by Top City housing society's chief executive officer in the Supreme Court last year, wherein he was accused of land grabbing and stealing valuables from the owner of a private housing society during a raid.

However, the Supreme Court asked the Pakistan Army to investigate complaints against him in the Top City case. The army began the court-martial process against the former spy chief based on these complaints.

Speaking to Geo News, Information Minister Atta Tarar described the verdict as a "historic", saying the decision strengthens the rule of law and accountability mechanisms in Pakistan.

He said that red lines had been crossed and political interference had taken place. He said the former ISI chief had acted as a political adviser to PTI and provided Khan's party with "full political support."

The information minister said that the decision would reinforce the rule of law and the country's accountability mechanisms.

He added that the trial was fair, saying Hameed was given a full opportunity to defend himself, including the chance to present evidence and witnesses in his favour.

Tarar said that investigations into Hameed's alleged involvement in political matters were still ongoing and would continue.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was more cautious in his reaction. He said the nation will face the consequences of decisions made under Gen (retd) Bajwa and the ex-spymaster.

"The country will keep reaping the harvest of seeds sown by Faiz Hameed and General [retd] Bajwa for years," he wrote on X.

"May God forgive us. May those in power recognise that authority is a divine trust and use it for the welfare of His (God's) creation (people)! May the fear of God guide the rulers!"

Senator Faisal Vawda, considered to be close to the army, told Geo News that the conviction marks "just the beginning," adding that the May 9-related cases are expected to move forward next.

Vawda said that if a former senior army officer can be tried in the May 9 cases, you can imagine the fate of the real perpetrators involved in the violence.

He said that a foundation has now been laid for a system of accountability and justice in the country and stressed that "no one is bigger than Pakistan."

The senator said that Hameed had caused harm to the country, its institutions, politics, and judiciary through misuse of authority.

Hameed made headlines for the first time after he played a vital role in an agreement signed between the government and the radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to end the 21-day sit-in at Faizabad in November 2017.

At the end of the agreement, it was written that the deal was inked via Major General Faiz Hameed," who was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.

After the 2018 general elections, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf emerged as the single largest party and formed the government. In 2019, then Prime Minister Imran Khan appointed Hameed as head of ISI.

He was later accused of cobbling up the PTI government and using his authority to allegedly deal with the political opponents of Khan.

Three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif openly blamed Hameed for his ouster and victimisation of Khan's political rivals.

The then Islamabad high Court (IHC) judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui accused Hameed in 2017 of influencing the court proceedings and forming benches of his choice to prolong the detention of Nawaz and his daughter Maryam.

The former spy master also came under criticism after his picture having tea at a hotel in Kabul, just three weeks after the Taliban regained power in the country, went viral on social media in August 2021, when he had visited Kabul to meet the Afghan Taliban representatives.

When he was removed as ISI chief in 2021, Khan opposed the move and apparently developed differences with the army, which deepened and ultimately resulted in his removal from office in 2022.

The post of ISI chief is considered one of the most important in the Pakistan Army, which has ruled the country for more than half of its 77-plus years of existence and has hitherto wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) launched its Humanitarian Action for Children 2026 appeal on Wednesday, seeking 7.66 billion U.S. dollars to provide life-saving support to 73 million children in 133 countries and territories next year.

As global funding cuts intensify and basic services collapse, humanitarian needs for children continue to surge, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, at a daily briefing.

Announced and anticipated funding cuts by donor governments are already limiting UNICEF's ability to reach millions of children in dire need, Haq said, adding that severe shortfalls in 2024 and 2025 are forcing UNICEF to make impossible choices.

For example, across UNICEF's nutrition programming alone, a 72 percent funding gap in 2025 forced cuts in 20 priority countries, and in education, a shortfall of 745 million dollars has left millions more children at risk of losing access to learning, protection and stability, he said.

"UNICEF urges governments and donors to increase flexible, multi-year financing, support local partners, uphold humanitarian principles and ensure access to children in need," Haq said.

In a press release, UNICEF said that among the 73 million children, 37 million are girls and over 9 million have disabilities.

"Around the world, children caught in conflict, disaster, displacement and economic turmoil continue to face extraordinary challenges," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in the release. "Their lives are being shaped by forces far beyond their control: violence, the threat of famine, intensifying climate shocks, and the widespread collapse of essential services."

The current global funding crisis does not reflect a decline in humanitarian need, but rather a growing gap between the scale of suffering and the resources available, said Russell, warning that "while UNICEF is working to adapt to this new reality, children are already paying the price of shrinking humanitarian budgets."

According to UNICEF, more than 200 million children will require humanitarian assistance in 2026. 
A Delhi court on Thursday rejected the transit anticipatory bail pleas of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa where a massive fire last week killed 25 people, saying allegations against them were prima facie "grave and serious".

IMAGE: Owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, have been detained, in Phuket on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Additional Sessions Judge Vandana also said the conduct of the accused persons was another ground for dismissing the bail pleas.

The court was hearing two bail pleas by the accused persons seeking four weeks of transit anticipatory bail so that they would not be immediately arrested after their return to Delhi from Thailand.

The nature of offence, prima facie, is grave and serious in nature where 25 people have lost their lives, the court said.

Given the conduct of the applicants and the nature of the allegations levelled against them, the court was not inclined to grant them the relief, the judge said.

She said the documents regarding the flight taken by the accused persons showed that the tickets to Phuket were booked on December 7 at 1.17 am and the flight departed at 5.20 am the same day.

This fact was concealed, and their counsel instead stated that they had left for Thailand before the massive fire, the judge said.

The documents filed along with the application, prima facie, do not support the averments made therein as according to documents, licence agreement, trade licence and lease deed have already expired, the court said.

It also trashed the medical grounds, including a seizure disorder and hypertension, cited for getting the interim relief by Gaurav Luthra.

Counsel for the applicant has himself refuted the above, stating that the medical condition of the applicant is not that he cannot move to another country or pursue his business.

"Otherwise also, the medical documents are old documents which do not reflect any serious medical conditions, which may entitle the applicant to the (interim) relief, the court said.

It said there was no explanation why the Luthras failed to approach the competent court having territorial jurisdiction in Goa.

Rejecting the argument about there being an immediate threat to their lives, the court said, The action taken by the investigating authority or by the court, as per law, cannot be said to be an apprehension of threat to life.

It said even the 2023 Supreme Court verdict cited by Gaurav Luthra's counsel did not support his case for bail, as the judgment clearly said that the power to grant extra-territorial anticipatory bail should be exercised in exceptional and compelling circumstances.

The court said the grounds for relief miserably failed to show that denial of transit anticipatory bail or interim protection enabling the accused persons to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction would cause them irremediable and irreversible prejudice.

It said, "Without expressing any opinion on the merits or veracity of the allegations, this court finds no ground to entertain the present application(s) seeking transit anticipatory bail and to suspend the look out notice (LOC)."

The court also clarified that the Luthra brothers were at liberty to approach the competent court having jurisdiction over the matter for seeking appropriate relief, in accordance with the law.

During the proceedings, counsel for the state of Goa opposed the pleas, saying, They left, they concealed, and they are now seeking leniency.

He said the Luthra brothers had left Goa immediately after the fire incident and had been evading the legal process.

The state counsel said the law does not aid those who refuse to submit to summons or warrants.

Referring to judicial observations, he said: Once it is shown that a person is attempting to evade the process of law, the court should not come to his aid at all.

He added that anticipatory bail is a discretionary relief and cannot be granted to those who have created obstacles in the execution of warrants or concealed themselves.

The counsel submitted that serious allegations were pending, including non-bailable warrants. This is not a case for granting the privilege of anticipatory bail. The gravity of the offence and the conduct of the applicants disentitle them from any protection, he argued.

Seeking the relief, one of the counsels for the applicants argued that they were willing to return immediately and face the investigation, and urged the court not to punish them at the threshold.

He said the brothers had approached the Delhi court at the earliest opportunity and undertook to join the probe without delay.

If I land in India tonight and the investigating officer tells me to appear at midnight, I will be there, he said.

He cited a Supreme Court order permitting an accused abroad, against whom Blue and Red Corner notices were contemplated, to return to India with temporary protection.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said he directly challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss his press conferences on "vote chori" in Parliament but did not get any answer.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had a fiery exchange with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo

A day after the Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange between him and Shah during a debate on election reforms, Gandhi claimed that Shah appeared to be "under pressure".

"He (Shah) used the wrong language, his hands were shaking, you would have seen all this. He is under pressure mentally that was witnessed in Parliament, the whole country saw it," the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha told reporters in the Parliament House complex.

"The things I have said, he did not address, did not give any proof. We have said it publicly in press conferences. I directly challenged him to let us discuss my press conferences in Parliament. Did not get an answer. You know the reality," Gandhi said.

Gandhi on Wednesday called the home minister's response during the debate "completely defensive" and asserted that "vote chori" is the "biggest treason".

He also claimed that the home minister did not respond to any of the points raised by him and remained evasive including on transparent voter lists, EVMs and granting immunity to the chief election commissioner.

The opposition MPs, including Gandhi, staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha during the debate on electoral reforms.

Later in a post on X, Gandhi said the home minister's response in Parliament on "vote theft" was "panicked" and "defensive".
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday gave to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh a copy of diary entries in Gujarati of Vallabhbhai Patel's daughter that appeared in a book, and told him that there was no mention in them of his claim that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to build the Babri masjid using public funds.

IMAGE: Maniben Patel's original diary entries that Jairam Ramesh handed over to Rajnath Singh. Photograph: Courtesy Jairam Ramesh/X

Ramesh met Singh as soon as he alighted from his car outside Makar Dwar of Parliament.

Ramesh told Singh that he had especially brought for him Maniben Patel's diary entries in Gujarati, to which the BJP leader responded saying, "We have it in English".

While handing over the papers containing the original diary entries in Gujarati that appeared in a book as well as its Hindi translation, Ramesh told him to read it and Singh, who was heading for the Makar Dwar, replied that he did not know Gujarati.

The Congress leader said there was no mention in the diary entries of Singh's claim that Nehru wanted to build the Babri masjid using public funds.

The Congress last week had shared diary entries of Vallabhbhai Patel's daughter from a book to rebut Singh's claim that Nehru wanted to build the Babri masjid using public funds, and demanded that Singh apologise for spreading "falsehoods".

Ramesh had claimed the defence minister was spreading falsehoods to improve his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Here is Maniben's original diary entry in Gujarati on pages 212-213 in the book Samarpit Padchhayo Sardarno by CA R S Patel 'Aaresh', published by Sardar Patel Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial Society, 2025," Ramesh had said on X, sharing screenshots of the relevant pages from the book.

There is a huge difference between what is contained in the original diary entry and what Rajnath Singh ji and his fellow 'distorians' are propagating, Ramesh had said.

The Congress had earlier termed Singh's claim that Nehru wanted to build the Babri masjid using public funds a lie and WhatsApp university story, and said the defence minister should not walk in Prime Minister Modi's path.

Addressing a gathering at Sadhli village in Gujarat's Vadodara district last Tuesday, Singh said Nehru wanted to build the Babri masjid using public funds, but Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel didn't allow his plans to succeed.

The BJP had cited a book by Vallabhbhai Patel's daughter to double down on Singh's claims, and said the first prime minister also said he felt "repelled" by some of the temples in south India despite their beauty.

The source of what Rajnath Singh said is the Inside Story of Sardar Patel, Diary of Maniben Patel, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi had said at a press conference at the party headquarters while responding to media queries on the issue.

Trivedi had claimed that on Page 24 of the book, it is written that Nehru also raised the question of the Babri mosque, but Sardar Patel made it clear that the government could not spend any money on building a mosque.
Ajay Gupta, who claimed to be a 'silent partner' and investor in the fire-ravaged 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, has been brought to Goa from Delhi on a transit remand for questioning.

IMAGE: Goa Police detain Ajay Gupta, a 'silent partner' in the fire-ravaged 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub from New Delhi. Photograph: ANI video grab

Twenty-five persons, including 20 staff members and five tourists, were killed in the major blaze at the facility in North Goa around midnight on December 6.

Goa Police landed with Gupta at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, at 9.45 pm on Wednesday. He was taken to Anjuna police station for further investigation, an official said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Gupta, a resident of Jammu, was produced before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vinod Joshi in Delhi, who granted the Goa Police a 36-hour transit remand to take him to the coastal state.

The court cited the ongoing air travel crisis caused by disrupted IndiGo flights as the reason for the extended remand window, and also directed authorities to ensure proper medical care for Gupta, who suffers from a spinal injury, during his transfer.

Earlier, a Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against Gupta.

Five managers and staff members have already been arrested by the Goa Police in connection with the fire that broke out at the nightclub located in Arpora, 25 km from Panaji, around midnight on December 6.

Brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who are co-owners of the nightclub, left for Phuket in Thailand shortly after the fire incident. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against them.

They failed to get interim relief from a Delhi court on Wednesday, which fixed their pleas seeking transit anticipatory bail for hearing on Thursday.

In the court, the Luthras' lawyer refuted allegations that they had fled, claiming the trip was for a business meeting and arguing that the brothers are only licensees, not the actual owners of the nightclub.

In his bail plea, Saurabh requested four weeks of transit anticipatory protection, arguing that returning to Goa posed an "imminent threat to his life, liberty and safety" due to angry mobs.

However, Additional Sessions Judge Vandana posted the matter for Thursday and asked the Goa Police to respond.

As per officials, the Luthra brothers booked their tickets for Phuket through a travel portal at 1.17 am on December 7, within an hour of learning about the devastating fire.

At the time when police and administration were still battling the blaze and attempting to rescue staff, the two left India in the early hours of Sunday by an IndiGo flight.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday tore into the Bharatiya Janata Party over the assault on two food vendors at a recent Bhagavad Gita recital event in Kolkata, asserting that the state would not tolerate intimidation, communal division or attempts to dictate what people should eat.

IMAGE: A glimpse of the gathering at the 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path' event, organised by Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, at Brigade Parade Ground, in Kolkata on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo

"This is West Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh," she declared, vowing stringent action against those responsible.

Addressing a public meeting in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, Banerjee said all the accused had been arrested within hours.

"They beat up poor patty sellers. We arrested everyone last night. In every gathering, hawkers sell some food or the other. You have beaten a poor hawker. I will not spare anyone who harasses the poor," she said.

Kolkata Police have arrested three men for allegedly assaulting two food vendors at a recent Gita recital in the city, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

The arrests were made on Wednesday night on the basis of two complaints filed at Maidan police station, he added.

"The three persons had gone to attend the 'Paanch Lokkho Konthe Gita Paath' (Gita recitation by five lakh voices) event organised by 'Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad' on Brigade Parade Ground on December 7," he said.

The complainants, hailing from Topsia area of Kolkata and Arambagh in Hooghly district, had gone to the venue to sell chicken patties.

"They alleged that a group of youths confronted them, questioned the sale of non-vegetarian food at the religious event and assaulted them," he added.

The attackers reportedly threw away their stock and made them perform sit-ups holding their ears, he said.

A video of the incident went viral on social media.

Police said the arrests were made on the basis of the complaints after verification of footage.

Linking the incident to what she described as an atmosphere of fear created in the name of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, CM Mamata Banerjee alleged, "From SIR to the harassment of poor vendors, everything is part of their conspiracy before elections."

The CM condemned what she said was the BJP's attempt to 'import a culture of communal division' and weaponise religious texts for political mobilisation.

"I do not believe in communal divisions. I respect all religions. What is the need to hold a public meeting just to read the Gita? We all read and recite Gita. Those who pray to God or seek blessings from Allah do so in their hearts," she said.

Taking a pointed jab at those 'chanting 'Gita, Gita' for politics', Banerjee added, "I want to ask them what did Sri Krishna say about dharma? Dharma means purity of intention, humanity and peace. Dharma does not mean hatred or divisiveness. We all recite the Gita at home. God resides in our hearts."

Accusing the BJP of trying to 'destroy Bengal', she charged, "They want to capture the state and stop people from speaking Bengali."

She alleged that Bengalis are being harassed in multiple states for speaking their mother tongue.

"You have simply neglected Bengal and tortured people for speaking Bengali. In Odisha, some people from Nadia are still confined for speaking Bengali. In UP and Delhi, just for speaking Bengali, people are being tortured and sent to Bangladesh. A pregnant woman was sent to Bangladesh just for speaking Bengali," she claimed.

Banerjee also mounted a sweeping attack on the BJP's interpretation of Bengal's icons.

"Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who wrote Vande Mataram, is now 'Bankim Da'-as if they share tea with him. Master Da Surya Sen is being called Master!. They claim Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is not a national leader."

"They don't respect Mahatma Gandhi. Today a BJP leader said Khudiram Bose was a terrorist. Raja Ram Mohan Roy is being called a British agent. Vidyasagar's bust was vandalised. Yesterday, someone said Matangini Hazra was a Muslim. Do you even know Bengal?" she added.

Reiterating that her government would protect personal freedoms, Banerjee warned, "Remember, BJP will not allow consumption of non-veg. It is your choice whether you want to eat non-veg or not. But I will not allow anyone to interfere in the matters of Adivasis, minorities or tapasilis."

The CM declared that her government would never permit detention camps in the state.

"This is Bengal, not UP. We will not allow detention camps here. As long as we are in power, no such camp will be allowed to come up," she added.

Kolkata Police on Wednesday night arrested three men for allegedly assaulting two vendors -- one from Topsia in the city and another from Arambagh in Hooghly -- district-during the 'Paanch Lokkho Konthe Gita Paath' (Gita recitation in five lakh voices) at Brigade Parade Ground on December 7.

The vendors had gone to the venue to sell chicken patties when they were allegedly attacked. The accused reportedly threw away their stock and forced them to perform sit-ups while holding their ears. A video of the incident went viral on social media.

Police said the arrests were made after verifying video footage and other evidence. Two complaints had been filed at Maidan police station.
A family dispute between a Pakistani Hindu husband-wife duo, each living in two different countries for a long time after their marriage in Pakistan in 2020, has reached the Madhya Pradesh high court after attempts at reconciliation failed.

IMAGE: A view of the Indore bench of the MP high court. Photograph: ANI Photo

The woman from Pakistan, Nikita Devi (28), has filed a writ petition in the Indore bench of the high court, in which she accused her husband, Vikram Kumar Nagdev (35), a resident of Karachi, of planning a second marriage without divorcing her, and sought his deportation to Pakistan from India.

According to officials, the couple are Pakistani citizens and got married on January 26, 2020 in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The man is currently residing in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on a long-term visa.

Petitioner's lawyer Dinesh Rawat told PTI on Thursday that Nikita, who lives at her parents' home in Pakistan, has filed a petition in the MP High Court under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution, which is likely to be heard next week.

Article 226 of the Indian Constitution empowers high courts to issue separate writs (formal orders) in matters relating to fundamental rights and other legal rights.

The Pakistani woman's petition alleges that her husband has abandoned her and is making preparations to illegally marry another woman in March 2026.

Her lawyer said, "My client has requested the high court in her petition to prevent her husband, who is taking undue advantage of legal complications, from marrying for the second time in India, and to deport him to Pakistan."

Meanwhile, Nagdev denied his wife's allegations.

Nagdev said, "We came to India after marrying in Pakistan. Shortly thereafter, my wife returned to Pakistan on her own will. She refused to come to India or obtain a divorce by mutual consent. I also tried to resolve the family dispute through our community's panchayats, but she refused."

He alleged that his wife is trying to extort money from him under the pretext of a family dispute.

According to Nagdev, he has been living in Indore on a long-term visa and follows all Indian laws.

"Now I want to divorce my wife. She has defamed me both domestically and abroad and has caused me mental distress," he said.

Before the high court, the Pakistani couple's family dispute had reached the 'Sindhi Panch Mediation and Legal Consultancy Centre' in Indore, but it could not be resolved.

Kishor Kodwani, the consultancy centre's head and social activist, said, "Despite my numerous efforts, the two parties failed to reach a compromise. Subsequently, in my report to the district administration, I recommended that Nagdev be sent back to Pakistan because he and his wife are both Pakistani citizens and Pakistan is the jurisdiction for their family dispute."

Indore, known as the financial capital of Madhya Pradesh, has a large population of refugees from the Sindhi Hindu community who fled Pakistan to India on long-term visas or residential permits due to alleged persecution.

Over the years, many of these people have also been granted Indian citizenship.
United States representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove while talking about the famous car selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it spoke a thousand words.

IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the joint Press Statement at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

Dove said that US President Donald Trump's coercive policies come with a cost.

"Trump's policies towards India can only be described as cutting our nose to spite our face... Being a coercive partner has a cost. And this poster is worth a thousand words. You do not get a Nobel Peace Prize by driving US strategic partners into the arms of our adversaries. We must move with incredible urgency to mitigate the damage that this administration has done to the US-India partnership and return to the cooperation that is essential to US prosperity, security, and global leadership," she said.

These remarks were made at The House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee's hearing titled, 'The US-India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific'.

Talking in the same platform, US Representative Pramila Jayapal raised concerns over trade barriers and immigration policies affecting India-US economic and people-to-people ties.

Jayapal pointed to ongoing tariff challenges impacting both countries, stressing their consequences for businesses and consumers. She said, "We also are facing challenges around tariffs, both here in the United States and in India. These tariffs are damaging India's economy and also hurting American businesses and consumers."

Her concerns over tariffs came as trade tensions escalated further following comments by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

Trump warned of possible new tariffs on India's rice exports, accusing New Delhi of 'dumping' cheap rice into the American market and harming US farmers.

His remarks were made during a White House meeting where he also announced a $12 billion aid package for American agricultural producers.

During the meeting, several US farmers complained that low-cost imports from India, Vietnam and Thailand were driving down domestic prices.

Responding to these concerns, Trump questioned why additional duties had not been imposed on India and said he would 'take care' of the alleged dumping, signalling that fresh tariffs could soon be considered.

These developments came as a US trade delegation was already in India on December 10-11 for negotiations that have struggled to yield substantial progress.

The ongoing talks have been weighed down by disagreements over market access and tariff measures, deepening strain in the trade relationship.

The United States had earlier imposed 50 per cent tariffs on most Indian goods in August 2025 amid broader trade disputes and concerns over India's purchases of Russian oil.

Trump's latest warning has added fresh uncertainty to already difficult negotiations, heightening the risk of further trade friction between the two countries.
US lawmakers said measures undertaken by the Trump administration such as the $100,000 fee on H1B visas and 50 percent tariffs on India, hurt American businesses and threaten people-to-people ties between Washington and Delhi.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Reuters

US Representative Ami Bera, addressing a House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee hearing, highlighted the strong bipartisan support the US-India partnership has received by the Congress and various White House administrations over decades.

It's clear our interest, from the Congressional perspective and the administration perspective, is a closer relationship, both our economic interests, our geopolitical strategic interests, to create an atmosphere of security, peace, prosperity that both the Indian people want, that we also want, Bera said at the hearing.

Titled 'The US India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific', the hearing heard from witnesses director of Asian Studies Center, Heritage Foundation Jeff Smith, executive director of the Observer Research Foundation America Dhruva Jaishankar and external senior advisor, Special Competitive Studies Project Senior Fellow, Indo-Pacific Program, German Marshall Fund of the United States Sameer Lalwani.

Bera added that the announcement of the $100,000 fees on H1B visas hurts American companies, disadvantages our companies.

He also said that visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping do "cause some heartburn for folks in Congress.

Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, in her remarks, said that the tariffs announced by the Trump administration are damaging India's economy and also hurting American businesses and consumers.

On the intensive crackdown on immigration, Jayapal said Trump has threatened" people-to-people ties by shutting down legal pathways to immigrate, reminiscent of a legacy of discriminatory quotas that made it extremely difficult for Indians to immigrate in the first place.

Recalling that she is the only member of Congress to have been on both a student visa and an H1B visa, Jayapal said she deeply understands the harms of those policies, and I'm committed to making sure that we continue to provide strong legal pathways for people to come to this country from India as well as around the world.

She also voiced concern about the anti-Indian hate that has been rising in the United States, underscoring that Indian-Americans are extremely important to the US economy, an integral part of our society, running major Fortune 500 companies as well as startups, and leading cutting-edge research to save lives.

Jaishankar said that the US-India partnership has strengthened considerably since 1998.

From severe US sanctions following India's nuclear tests, we've come a long way, he said.

He, however, noted that considerable progress in consolidating the bilateral relationship over various administrations is now at a political standstill.

The biggest obstacle concerns tariffs. President Trump's desire to balance trade with India and access India's market is precisely what India is offering,

Jaishankar said, adding that New Delhi has signed five trade agreements in recent years and is actively negotiating at least five more.

A solution to trade and tariff differences between the United States and India is therefore at hand, he said.

He pointed out that the other challenge relates to the US' renewed engagement with Pakistan's military leadership.

Pakistan has a long and well-documented history of using non-state terrorist proxies against India. As a result of many years, India's experience is that third-party mediation has often contributed to Pakistan's adventurism, and so the United States has pursued a policy of de-hyphenation between India and Pakistan, engaging with both but minimising involvement in their disputes, he said.

Jaishankar stressed that there remains considerable progress for future collaboration, should differences over trade and Pakistan be successfully managed between the United States and India.
ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Officials of the African Union (AU) Commission have called for urgent action to overcome the severe energy poverty facing most people in sub-Saharan Africa.

The call was made at the African Energy Efficiency Ministerial Conference, which commenced on Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, with an aim to cut energy waste and stabilize power systems across the continent.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored the deep energy paradox for resource-rich Africa, where 600 million people lack electricity and 900 million still rely on biomass.

Energy efficiency is Africa's first line of defense against energy poverty, capable of boosting productivity and cutting energy costs, Youssouf said, calling for urgent action to overcome the triple dilemma of energy security, affordability, and regional connectivity.

With the new African Energy Efficiency Strategy and growing regional power pools, the chairperson underscored a unified political will to build a reliable, interconnected, and future-ready energy system for all Africans.

AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Lerato Dorothy Mataboge said the conference aims to mobilize both technical and financial support, fortifying partnerships for the implementation of energy efficiency programs across Africa.

"Energy efficiency is Africa's fastest road to universal access. It is our surest path to competitiveness, and it is our strongest claim to energy sovereignty," she said.

In February, at the 38th Assembly of the African Union, African heads of state and government officially adopted the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan. The framework sets a target of raising Africa's energy productivity by 50 percent by 2050 and 70 percent by 2063. 
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 32F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 6F. Winds light and variable.
Clare Wool is chair of the Burlington Board of School Commissioners, and Tom Flanagan is superintendent of the Burlington School District. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- As the world marks Human Rights Day this year, China's outlook on human rights and its tangible progress achieved through practical efforts resonate deeply with the 2025 theme: "Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials."

China's human rights discourse highlights the innovative principle that the rights to subsistence and development are the most fundamental human rights. This reflects a long-standing, people-centered philosophy deeply rooted in the nation's history and culture.

The Chinese approach underscores a contextual understanding of human rights, in which the specific needs and realities of each nation are taken into account.

Poverty used to be the biggest obstacle in China's human rights cause. Since reform and opening up began in 1978, the country has lifted 770 million rural people out of poverty, including almost 100 million from 2012 to 2020 through targeted programs. China became the world's second-largest economy in 2010 and declared the historic eradication of absolute poverty in 2021. With the establishment of a moderately prosperous society, 1.4 billion Chinese now enjoy greater happiness, security, fulfillment, and dignity -- with no individual or ethnic group left behind.

China continues working to improve people's well-being through development, promoting progress in political, economic, social, and cultural rights in a coordinated way. China has built the world's largest education, social security, and healthcare systems. Its citizens have broader access to jobs, schooling, medical services, and an improved standard of living.

As the largest developing country, China also promotes global human rights advancement through initiatives aimed at shared development. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, many partner countries have upgraded their infrastructure and strengthened local industries, bringing tangible improvements to people's lives.

Economic development plays a foundational role in promoting human rights. Just as Wang Yiwei, a professor at Renmin University of China, has observed, in the era of digital intelligence, it would be a luxury to talk about human rights for hundreds of millions of people in some regions who still have no access to power or the internet.

China has developed its whole-process people's democracy. Through a set of systems, including the people's congress system, the country aims to ensure broader and more comprehensive democratic rights. Public opinions are extensively sought during policymaking. During the drafting of the recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan, a month-long online consultation collected more than 3.11 million submissions and yielded over 1,500 suggestions across 27 topics. Many of these ideas were incorporated into the recommendations.

By applying the principle of the universality of human rights in the context of its national conditions, China has charted a new path and enriched global human rights theory through its practices. Its achievements are also reflected in equality and unity among ethnic groups and in the coexistence of multiple religions.

China maintains that living a happy life is the primary human right and seeks to promote the well-rounded development of individuals. The process of realizing the Chinese Dream -- the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation -- is, in essence, a pursuit of social fairness, justice, and continual human rights advancement.

There is no end to the development of human rights. As China advances socialist modernization and deepens reforms across various fields, further improvements are anticipated.

Meeting people's aspirations for a better life is the immutable goal of Chinese modernization. Over the next five years, China aims to achieve new breakthroughs in further deepening reform comprehensively, make substantial progress under the Beautiful China Initiative, and further improve the quality of life, among its major objectives. Reaching these targets will lead to continued gains in human rights and a stronger sense of dignity, freedom, and happiness.

There is no universally applicable model for human rights development. Countries must choose their paths based on their own realities. Global progress requires dialogue and mutual learning rather than double standards or the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights. The China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative seeks to promote inclusiveness, respect for civilizational diversity, and exchanges.

As the world confronts persistent challenges of inequality, poverty, and development, China's approach offers a valuable perspective for nations seeking to safeguard basic human rights while pursuing their own paths to prosperity and progress. 
Industry association NZTech and tech sector community network the Tech Alliance have combined into a single branded entity called Tech New Zealand.

This moved combined what was a national industry body and a coalition of specialist groups into a single, coordinated entity which aims to be a united voice for the countrys tech ecosystem, said Tech New Zealand CEO Graeme Muller.

Tech New Zealand is a name and brand that reflects the depth, diversity, and shared vision of Aotearoas tech ecosystem, and the breadth of our work, said Muller.

As the united voice for Aotearoas tech ecosystem, Tech New Zealand brings together many hands, many perspectives, and many communities to create meaningful progress for our country.

Becoming Tech New Zealand clarifies the structure of the organisation, with the former NZTech board and leadership remaining in place, said Muller.

This brand update clarifies our structure rather than alters it, he said.

The key change is clarity. The Tech New Zealand identity clarifies both the reach and the interconnection of our communities and enables us to better communicate both our shared purpose and our collective impact.

While the Tech Alliance brand will cease to exist, the collective of distinct tech communities it presented would retain their unique identity and focus, and would continue to serve the needs of their members, Muller said.
A1 Technologies has appointed Amar Bilas as its head of Microsoft Cloud Services to boost its consulting and delivery capabilities in the field across Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ).

In the role, Bilas will lead A1s continued development of its Microsoft Cloud Services team where he will work closely with customers, partners, and technical leads for the delivery of cloud solutions.

He comes to the managed service provider (MSP) after several years in the UK, with his last role at unified communication, business telephony, and cyber security provider Wavenet.

He also previously worked at HSO, CSI, SystemsUp, Brennan IT, First Focus IT, ISS Facility Services Australia, Saint-Gobain, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Computacenter, Whitford Corporation, and Nybble.

During that time, Bilas amassed more than a decade of experience delivering Microsoft cloud transformation programmes for enterprise and mid-market organisations, as well as holding experience in building and scaling Microsoft-focused consulting teams.

A1 commercial director Rob Rattray said Bilas appointment is an important milestone for the MSP.

His expertise and leadership accelerate our strategic focus on Microsoft Cloud and reflect the direction were taking as a company, he said.

Were committed to building one of Australias strongest Microsoft-focused consulting practices, and Amar will play a significant role in shaping that future.
Googles Gemini AI models are drawing scrutiny from the European Commission, which has opened an antitrust investigation into the way the company used the content of web publishers and videos on YouTube to the models.

The move comes as Google has been making headway in the AI market against technology pacesetter OpenAI. Just last week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sent an internal memo, per the Wall Street Journal, warning of Googles progress with its Gemini 3 offering and putting the company on alert to boost the capability of OpenAI.

Googles ability to bundle its Gemini range with its other products will give it a greater advantage. Google itself claims that enterprise customers, by using Gemini, can save 105 minutes per user, per week.

It stands out from competitors because it trains Gemini on its own TPU chips, not on the Nvidia GPUs that have become the industry standard. However, this is not just a hardware issue: Through its search dominance and its YouTube content, the company has access to vast amounts of data for training its AI models, and it is this that has attracted the attention of European Union regulators.

The Commission is concerned that Google may have used the content of web publishers to provide generative 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, it said in a statement about the investigation. YouTube videos are being deployed to train Googles generative AI models without appropriate compensation to creators and without offering them the possibility to refuse such use of their content, it said.

Its barely three months since the Commission concluded another antitrust investigation of the companys activities, fining Google 2.95 billion (about US$3.5 billion) for abusive practices in its advertising technology business, the latest of the companys brushes with regulators on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ilia Kolochenko, CEO at ImmuniWeb and a member of the Europol Data Protection Experts Network (EDEN), said that the Commissions decision to open an investigation is another example of the escalating tension between the US and Europe in the digital space.

While the question of where Google takes the data for AI training and whether this process is lawful is extremely important for both the EU and US, the current American policy on AI is quite libertarian and pro-innovation amid the global race for AI supremacy, he said. Therefore, any further regulatory probes against American companies in Europe, however justified they might be under the enacted law, will quite unlikely get any support from the US, to put it mildly.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and his government resigned on December 11 following some of the largest protests in modern Bulgaria's history over a 2026 budget that would see taxes hiked and social-security contributions raised by a government many Bulgarians view as corrupt.

Zhelyazkov made the announcement in a televised statement in Sofia just ahead of a no-confidence vote was set to take place in parliament.

"The government resigns today," he said after a meeting of ruling party leaders.

The decision comes after several major protests sparked by anger against the government budget plans for 2026 broadened to include disenchantment over the government's economic policies in general and a failure to eliminate corruption.

Transparency International ranks Bulgaria, which is set to adopt the euro on January 1, as the second-most corrupt country in the European Union, only behind Hungary. Bulgaria is the EU's poorest country, according to the bloc's statistics office.

It is also one of the bloc's most politically unstable members. Bulgarians have headed to the polls seven times since 2021 to elect a parliament that has been hamstrung by a series of unstable coalitions led by multiple centrist and right-wing parties.

Tens of thousands gathered in Sofia and other cities late on December 10 chanting "Resign! Resign! Resign!" and "Mafia get out!" outside of parliament. The protests were mainly peaceful.

"I hope very, very, very strongly that this wave will turn into a much higher voter turnout which will change the kind of government we have," one protester told RFE/RL during the demonstration.

It was not clear if the country would head into fresh elections, which would be the eighth in the past four years.

Zhelyazkov headed a coalition government that was appointed in January after tough negotiations followed an October 2024 vote that did little to solve the deeply fractured makeup of parliament.

With the past four years defined by political paralysis and reforms never getting off the ground, money from the European Union has almost dried up.
The Afghan Taliban's dreaded morality police have arrested four young men for dressing like characters from the British TV series Peaky Blinders.

The men were detained in the western Afghan city of Herat this week.

The Taliban accused them of "promoting alien culture" after photos went viral of them wearing clothing like that worn by the Shelby family in the popular historical crime drama.

Asghar Husaini, Jalil Yaqoobi, Ashore Akbari, and Daud Rasa are members of the self-style Thomas Shelby Group, and are known to locals as the Jabrael Shelbys after the Herat neighborhood where they live.

Over the past month, the men -- all believed to be in their 20s -- were seen on the streets of Herat sporting flat caps, suits, gloves, and long trenchcoats. The attire resembled the period costumery of Peaky Blinders, which depicts the era following World War I.

WATCH: The Afghan Men In Peaky Blinders-Inspired Outfits by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:42 0:00

The arrests are part of a broader Taliban campaign to eradicate what it deems modernity and Western influences in Afghanistan. The Taliban's Law On the Propagation Of Virtue And Prevention Of Vice, officially enacted in 2024, specifically prohibits Afghan men from wearing Western clothing in public.

"They wanted to protest and show that they are opposed to this system of coercion and domination," Sahraa Karimi, an Afghan filmmaker, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi about what motivated the men to wear those particular clothes.

"Such attire is completely normal all over the world, and these men live in this world and have access to social media, watch films and TV series," she said.

Taliban's Quest To Erase Modernity

Since returning to power, the Taliban has imposed draconian restrictions on how Afghan men and women can appear and interact in public.

Women are required to wear the niqab, a head-to-toe Islamic veil. A male chaperone must accompany them. Men are encouraged to grow beards and wear traditional Afghan clothes. Most Taliban officials wear turbans and loose-fitting clothes.

Saiful Islam Khyber, spokesman for the Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, said the behavior of the Thomas Shelby Group contradicts "Islamic values and Afghan culture."

He also posted a video of one of the men issuing an apology for their conduct.

Before their arrests, Husaini, the leader of the self-styled group, said they were motivated by "a special interest in the classic clothing style" of Peaky Blinders.

He told Herat Mic, a local YouTube channel, that they planned to showcase the clothing of various Afghan communities in the future.

Rasa, another member of the group, said they faced some online criticism.

"There was a lot of commotion in cyberspace," he said, adding that even some relatives accused them of promoting Western culture.

"But this is not [just] Western culture. In the 1950s and '60s, we had a similar style here in Afghanistan," he said.

In Afghanistan, Western attire became a symbol of modernity and liberalism after reformist Afghan King Amanullah Khan adopted suits for men and skirts for women as formal dress in the 1920s.

In subsequent decades, many educated Afghans adopted Western clothing while government offices and gatherings required formal Western clothing.

But Afghan Islamist groups have opposed Western clothes and mannerisms. The Taliban has formally banned such attire and actively targets Afghans for wearing such dresses.

It has also conducted an extensive crackdown on dress code violations, fining and jailing offenders.

Directed by the British screenwriter and film director Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders depicts the exploits of the Shelbys, a fictional criminal family in Birmingham after World War I.

It has attracted a global fan base since its 2013 debut. Since then, it has aired six seasons and attracted hundreds of millions of viewers globally.

Abubakar Siddique wrote this based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan.
Tens of thousands in Sofia took to the streets for the second mass protest within a month, demanding the resignation of the government over several issues, including its spending plan, corruption, plans to hike social security contributions and taxes on dividends to finance higher state spending. A no-confidence vote is scheduled in the Bulgarian parliament on December 11.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- While dialogue continues between China and the European Union (EU) on trade remedies, EU's separate talks with individual Chinese firms risk damaging mutual trust and slowing down overall progress, a commerce ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

He Yadong, the spokesperson, said that the two sides conducted trade remedy discussions earlier this week, and that consultations are set to continue next week.

China welcomes the EU's decision to resume consultations on price undertakings and appreciates its return to the path of resolving differences through dialogue, said He.

He stressed that the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, mandated by various Chinese enterprises, has put forward a solution that would represent a unified industry position.

The two sides have since held multiple rounds of consultations on this basis and made progress, he said.

China hopes the EU will act on the important consensus reached by the leaders of both sides, strictly adhere to the principle of non-discrimination, and, building on earlier efforts, properly resolve the frictions through dialogue and consultation at an early date, said He.

This would foster an open and stable market environment for the development of industries in both China and the EU, he added. 
NATO chief Mark Rutte warned that members of the military alliance must treat the threat posed by Moscow more urgently as they may be "Russia's next target."

In one of his starkest statements to date, Rutte said in a keynote address in Berlin on December 11 that NATO's 32 members need to step up defense effort to prevent a war with Russia that could be "on the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured."

"We are Russia's next target. And we are already in harm's way," Rutte said, noting Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.

"I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many don't feel the urgency. And too many believe the time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now," Rutte added as he called for allied defense spending and production to "rise rapidly" to ensure the alliance's forces "have what they need to keep us safe."

NATO has been on edge since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago, sparking the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.

The Kremlin has pointed to the possibility of NATO expansion as one of the reasons it launched the war, which has left more than 1 million casualties according to Rutte and other Western intelligence sources.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned European powers on December 2 that if they start a "war" with Russia, Moscow is ready to fight.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a roundtable of ambassadors in Moscow on December 11 that the Kremlin has no plans to strike out militarily at either the European Union or NATO and is "ready to set out the relevant guarantees in writing and in a legal document" stating as much "on a collective, mutual basis."

Last month German and Romanian fighter jets were scrambled to track drone incursions into Romania's airspace as Russia continued to attack targets just across the Danube River in neighboring Ukraine.

Russian drone incursions over Romania and Poland, along with Russian military jets entering Estonian airspace, led NATO to launch its Eastern Sentry initiative to bolster air defenses.
Six months after Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, where Dmitry Lagovsky and his wife were born, they left their life in the Moscow suburbs and moved to Serbia with their two children. Fighting was not an option, he said, so they chose flight.

"Our friends are there, my wife's parents," Lagovsky told RFE/RL's Balkan Service in a recent interview. "It would be a disaster if I went to war against Ukraine."

But that's exactly what he fears will happen if he is sent back to Russia, and the nightmare now threatens to become reality: On December 3, the Court of Appeal in Belgrade upheld a High Court ruling that paves the way for his extradition.

The case will be forwarded to the Justice Ministry, whose decision is final and cannot be appealed, Lagovsky's lawyer, Marko Stambuk, told RFE/RL. He suggested past precedent was not encouraging.

"In practice, it very rarely happens that the minister of justice refuses to extradite a person for whom the courts have determined that the prerequisites for that have been met," Stambuk said.

A lawyer himself in Russia, Lagovsky, 49, did not speak Serbian when his family made the move. He took a job as a bus driver in the Belgrade public transportation system.

Lagovsky faced no criminal proceedings in Russia before leaving the country in August 2022. The extradition request is based on a case that was initiated later, in which Russian authorities say he is suspected of fraud.

'I Am Not A Criminal'

He said the case stemmed from a 2021 deal in which, as a lawyer, he drew up a contract on the purchase and sale of land between two companies.

"One company sold another piece of land, but I was neither an employee nor an owner in any of them. I was a lawyer and as a lawyer I drew up a contract between those two companies," Lagovsky said.

"I am not a criminal and I have never been one," he said.

In April 2025, Lagovsky was summoned to report to the High Court in Belgrade, where he was given a document stating he was wanted by Russia. The court ordered him detained for 21 days, and he was released at the end of that period.

If he is extradited, Lagovsky should be tried in Russia, but he fears the state will send him to the front instead. "I have the rank of captain in the army. I think they want to send me to Ukraine," he said.

Two days after the appeals court decision, Lagovsky informed Serbia's Internal Affairs Ministry of his intention to apply for asylum. Under Serbian and international law, the government is obliged "to adequately investigate whether he is really in such danger before possible extradition," Stambuk said.

No Reply

RFE/RL contacted the Justice Ministry by e-mail to ask whether the minister would take all the circumstances of the case into account when making a decision. No reply has been received.

Estimates of the number of Russians who have left the country since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine range up to 1 million and higher. Some have returned, but hundreds of thousands remain abroad.

More than 53,000 of the roughly 100,000 foreigners legally residing in Serbia are Russians, according to the government. Serbia is not a European Union member, and Russians do not need visas to travel there.

Several Russians who have opposed the war against Ukraine or say they fled as a result of the invasion have been denied entry or permanent residency in Serbia, with the state providing little by way of explanation in some cases.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has maintained good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Belgrade has resisted EU pressure to join Western sanctions to punish the Kremlin for the war.

Adapted by Steve Gutterman
An oil tanker seized by US forces in the Caribbean has been under US Treasury sanctions since 2022 for allegedly being part of a global fleet of vessels engaged in illegally smuggling Iranian oil.

A Treasury statement from the time said the network was led by Viktor Artemov, a Ukrainian citizen with links to Hezbollah and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), according to his US sanctions list entry.

US President Donald Trump announced the seizure of the tanker while speaking to reporters at the White House on December 10. Video released by US Attorney General Pam Bondi showed helicopters descending on the vessel and special forces taking control of it.

"For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations," she wrote on social media. "Our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues."

Transporting Venezuelan Oil

Bondi said the ship was also used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan oil. The seizure comes amid a major US naval build up in the region and a controversial campaign of deadly attacks on alleged Venezuelan drug smuggling ships.

Venezuela condemned the seizure as an "act of piracy" and a "grave international crime."

Later on December 11, the Kremlin issued a statement saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken to his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro.

"Putin expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reaffirmed his support for the Nicolas Maduro government's policies aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty in the face of growing external pressure," it said.

The vessel, The Skipper, was named The Adisa when it was sanctioned. The 2022 Treasury statement listed it alongside eight other vessels it said were part of "a vast, complex, and interwoven global network of front companies that are used to facilitate oil shipments" for a smuggling network.

The operation involved "blending oil to conceal the Iranian origins of the shipments and exporting it around the world in support of Hezbollah and the IRGC-QF," through a network of shell companies in the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, and Singapore, it added.

This is a typical modus operandi for a shadow fleet, used to evade sanctions by nations such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.

Sailing Under Different Flags

In a recent interview, Benjamin Hilgenstock, a senior economist at the Kyiv-based KSE institute, told RFE/RL "when a ship becomes a shadow tanker, that's the time when youll get these weird special-purpose vehicles on the Marshall Islands involved as owners or when you get these constantly changing UAE-based ship managers."

The Skipper, launched in 2005, appears to be currently owned by a Nigeria-based company called Thomarose Global Ventures, according to publicly available data.

Another typical tactic for shadow fleet vessels is frequent changes of the flag under which the ship is registered. The Skipper was sailing under a Guyanan flag at the moment of its capture by US forces. But Guyana says it was not actually registered to the country.

"There have been cases where crews got arrested when the ship didn't have a proper flag," Hilgenstock said.

Iran's economy is heavily reliant on oil revenues, and it has used its shadow fleet of tankers to evade sanctions.

Dalga Khatinoglu, an Iran energy expert based in Azerbaijan, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda on December 11 that shadow tankers linked to the IRGC's oil-export operations are taking significant risks.

He suggested that seizing these vessels is especially damaging to the IRGC's finances, as the guards are responsible for exporting roughly one-third of Iran's oil to fund their own budget.

As part of its "maximum pressure" policy against Iran, Trump's administration has made it a priority to drive down Tehran's oil exports.

In November, it sanctioned six more vessels, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating the move continued efforts to "cut off funding for the Iranian regime's development of nuclear weapons and support of terrorist proxies."

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated Iran's crude oil and condensate export revenues at about $43 billion for 2024, up $1 billion from the previous year.

There is little publicly available information about Artemov. His US sanctions listing says he was born in Donetsk in 1975 and gives an address for him in Cologny, an elegant town on Lake Geneva in Switzerland where Russian oligarchs have reportedly purchased residences.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he held a "substantive discussion" with members of Ukraine's parliament on the possibility of holding elections amid pressure from the United States to hold a vote despite wartime legal restrictions.

Addressing Ukrainians in a nightly video on December 10, Zelenskyy said strong security guarantees from Kyiv's allies -- especially Washington -- are needed to hold a vote.

"If partners, including our key partner in Washington, speak so much and so specifically about elections in Ukraine, about elections under martial law, then we must provide legal Ukrainian answers to every question and every doubt," he said, responding to a suggestion by US President Donald Trump that Kyiv was using the war as an excuse to avoid elections.

"It is not easy, but pressure on this issue is definitely not what we need.... Security challenges depend on partners, primarily America. Political and legal challenges must be answered by Ukraine. And they will be," he added.

Elections During Martial Law

The White House has been pushing for Ukraine to hold elections -- Trump told Politico in an interview published on December 9 that "it's time"-- even though Ukraine's constitution doesn't allow for elections during wartime.

In a shift from previous statements, Zelenskyy told reporters on December 9 that he would push parliament to draft legislation allowing for elections during martial law.

A vote could follow in 60 to 90 days once there are security guarantees in place to make sure voting would be safe for Ukrainians.

Zelenskyy's comments come amid intense negotiations aimed at ending Russia's all-out war on Ukraine, launched in February 2022. Ukrainian officials have been pushing back on a US-drafted peace plan that was seen as heavily favoring Russia.

The possibility of holding elections has been regularly dismissed, with officials saying it would be impossible given daily Russian air strikes across the country, thousands of soldiers battling on the front lines, and millions of Ukrainians displaced.

Opinion polls show most Ukrainians are against holding wartime elections, though with the last elections held in 2019, some want changes in the government to bring in fresh ideas. Widely popular, Zelenskyy's support has slipped in recent weeks amid a major corruption scandal that led to the resignation of an influential adviser, Andriy Yermak.

On the battlefield and in negotiations, Russian officials believe they have the upper hand, and the 28-point plan proposed by the United States echoes most of the hard-line positions that Moscow has held since before the invasion.

Coalition Of The Willing

Ukraine's European allies, meanwhile, have been unenthusiastic about Washington's proposal.

Before a planned meeting between the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- which includes Germany, France, Britain -- with Zelenskyy on December 11, leaders from the three countries held a phone call with Trump.

Trump said he exchanged "pretty strong words" with the leaders of France, Britain, and Germany over Ukraine, another sign of a widening rift on how to end the war as it nears its fourth anniversary.

"We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words," Trump told reporters when asked about the call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said Ukraine had agreed on key points of a possible reconstruction plan in discussions with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other senior officials, including Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.

"The principles of the economic document are completely clear, and we are fully aligned with the American side," Zelenskyy said.

"An important common principle is that for reconstruction to be of high quality and economic growth after this war to be tangible, real security must be at the core. When there is security, everything else is there, too."

Sticking Points On Peace Plan

There have been several major sticking points in the back-and-forth negotiations including the size of Ukraine's armed forces, Western security guarantees, and Russia's insistence that Ukraine be permanently barred from seeking NATO membership.

The White House peace proposal, and the belief that it heavily favors Russian interests, has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers in Congress.

President Vladimir Putin "is mocking President Trump and buying time to keep killing Ukrainian families," Representative Joe Wilson said.

Bloomberg and Axios, citing US and Ukrainian sources, reported that Ukraine sent a revised peace plan to Washington on December 10.

According to an Axios report, Kyiv sent the US a response with comments, proposed amendments, and new ideas to resolve sticking points such as the territory and the Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant to make the plan workable.

Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed a massive defense policy bill on December 10 authorizing a record $901 billion in annual military spending, including support for Ukraine.

The bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), allocates $800 million for Ukraine -- $400 million for each of the next two years -- through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

This initiative pays US companies to supply Ukraine's military with weapons.

The US Senate is expected to pass the bill next week, and Trump says he will sign it once it reaches the White House.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- India's federal government said Thursday that 1,951 incidents of Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofing and interference with aircraft have been reported across various airports in the country during the past two years.

According to Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, GPS interference reporting started after the publication of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation advisory circular on Nov. 24, 2023 regarding Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in airspace.

GPS/GNSS spoofing and jamming refer to attempts to manipulate a user's navigation system by giving false signals.

Mohol said the International Civil Aviation Organization identifies GNSS spoofing as a form of International Radio Frequency Interference, and India's Wireless Monitoring Organization is investigating the matter.

Earlier this month, Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu confirmed that incidents of GPS spoofing and interference with flights have been reported at major airports in the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. 
PYONGYANG, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Wednesday paid a visit to the Russian embassy here to offer condolences over the death of Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Alexandr Matsegora, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday.

Kim laid a bunch of flowers and observed a moment's silence in memory of Matsegora, said the KCNA report, adding that he met with members of the bereaved family and leadership of the Russian embassy and expressed deep condolences to them.

Kim said that Matsegora was an able diplomat who made a tangible contribution to the history of the DPRK-Russia friendly relations and a close friend and true comrade deeply kept in the hearts of the DPRK people, the KCNA report said.

Saying that it is a great loss not only to the Russian government and people but also the government and people of the DPRK "at a time when an important historic phase has been opened in the development of the relations between the two countries," Kim stressed that the DPRK-Russia relations will continue to develop.

According to KCNA reports, Pak Jong Chon and Jo Chun Ryong, secretaries of the WPK Central Committee, Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the DPRK, No Kwang Chol, national defense minister of the DPRK and other officials on Wednesday also paid condolatory visits to the Russian embassy over Matsegora's death. Pak Thae Song, premier of the cabinet of the DPRK, expressed deep condolences over Matsegora's death.

Matsegora died on Saturday, according to earlier KCNA reports. 
Fionnuala Walsh

A Limerick man who is wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge, which alleges that he attempted to facilitate the transportation of 66 people from Greece to Italy, has been remanded in custody with consent to bail.

Jeremiah OBrien (55), of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick is alleged to have facilitated the transportation of 66 human beings, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece towards Italy.

The boat was discovered stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach, close to Gerolimenas, Greece.

The State contested a bail application made on behalf of Mr OBrien on Wednesday at the High Court.

Detective Garda Tony Keane said that Mr OBrien has provided many different addresses over the past years, including at locations such as Nottingham in the UK, Belfast and Newry.

The detective garda said that there was concern that, if he was released on bail, the respondent could abscond.

Defence counsel for O'Brien, Simon Matthews BL, said that his client is a member of the travelling community who crosses Europe selling tools and generators. He said that the addresses given were those of family members and friends that he stays with.

Mr Matthews said that Rathkeale is O'Brien's main place of residence and that he would stay there if he was granted bail.

Counsel said that his client maintains his innocence and has never been in custody before.

Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said that the allegations against OBrien were of the highest order.

However, she said that Mr OBrien must be presumed innocent and the court must have regard to the fact that he has no prior convictions and no history of warrants in the State.

Ms Justice Ring said that O'Brien has a travelling history, which is not out of order with regard to his background. She said that the respondent appears to be a man who has worked around the continent and that he has no record of difficulties with various police services.

Ms Justice Ring said that she was inclined to grant bail on O'Briens own bond of 500. She said that an independent surety of 15,000 must also be provided. She said that this could be frozen or done in a cash lodgement.

The judge also said that OBrien must surrender all travel documents, that he must live at the address indicated at Rathkeale and must sign in daily at the garda station.

Ms Justice Ring said that OBrien must maintain a curfew at night at the address at Rathkeale and that gardai should attend to ensure that curfew is followed.

She also said that he must attend all court dates and not make any further applications for travel documents. She also said that he must keep the peace and be of good behaviour while on bail.

Detective Garda Tony Keane previously gave evidence that on November 26th, he was on duty in the Rathkeale area when he became aware of a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert for the arrest of Mr OBrien, which related to a European arrest warrant.

Det Gda Keane said it is alleged that Jeremiah OBrien and two other named persons acted jointly between November 9th and 16th, 2017, by renting a car and between November 11th and 23rd, 2017, by renting a 12m speedboat.

Det Gda Keane said the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran).

Det Gda Keane said that these 66 people paid between 4,000 and 6,000 US dollars each.

The detective said that after he informed Mr OBrien that he was the subject of the SIS alert for the purpose of arrest, the respondent replied: I was never in Greece.

Det Gda Keane went on to say that after being brought to Henry Street Garda Station and given the details of the charge, the respondent said: I dont know anything about that.

The detective gave evidence that Mr O'Brien then said that he had been in Greece and did rent a car.

A hearing date has been fixed for January 14th, next.
There are hopes that this mornings visit to Ballaghaderreen by Junior Minister for Health, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, will lead to a pilot initiative to address social challenges in the town.

During her visit, the Minister, who has special responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, will meet representatives from several organisations, including the Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force and local Family Resource Centres.

Fine Gael Senator Gareth Scahill said the meeting with local stakeholders would allow Minister Murnane O'Connor to get an understanding of community experiences in the town.

He hoped that the discussions could lead to a pilot initiative involving interventions aimed at addressing some of the local social challenges.

Id love to see a pilot initiative. There is a youth crime problem in Ballaghaderreen, backed up by the statistics. Youth crime and drugs are huge in communities at the moment but no-one is talking about it. And we have already highlighted the lack of Gardai.

I would hope that when the Minister is publishing the national drugs strategy in quarter one of next year, we might see educational and social inclusion initiatives in it to help turn people away from that avenue (crime and drugs).

I hope that Ballaghaderreen can be looked on favourably

when she is publishing this strategy, he said.

Pointing out that Ballaghaderreen was a broad community in terms of multiple nationalities, Senator Scahill believed local representatives at the meeting with the Minister would be looking for inclusion supports in many areas to help groups on the ground.

The senator said that he and other public representatives, Deputy Martin Daly (FF), Cllr Micheal Frain (Ind), Cllr Liam Callaghan (FG) and Cllr Sean Moylan (FF) were all working together to help secure the necessary supports for Ballaghaderreen.

Minister Murnane O'Connor is also visiting Roscommon Town in the afternoon where she will meet a variety of organisations and groups at Roscommon County Council's headquarters.
Travis J. Linseth, 41, of Watford City, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the Sanford Medical Center Hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota.

A Funeral Service for Travis will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Glory of the Lord Family Ministries Church in Watford City with Pastor Barb Becker officiating. Light refreshments will follow the burial at Glory of the Lord Family Ministries Church for a time of fellowship and sharing. Travis will be laid to rest at the Johnsons Corner Cemetery in Kenne, ND. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City, ND and one hour prior to services at the Glory of the Lord Family Ministries Church. The service will be recorded and uploaded as soon as available on Traviss obituary page on http://www.fulkersons.com. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, ND is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.
He described Deepavali as deeply linked to Indian culture the soul of our civilisation, an embodiment of illumination and righteousness and expressed hope that the UNESCO recognition will further enhance the festival's global popularity. File Photo.

He viewed it as recognition of the universal message of the festival: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all.

Historic Moment: Deepavali (Diwali) Gets UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status

Deepavali (Diwali) has been officially inscribed on UNESCOs Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is the 16th Indian tradition to receive this honour.

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The inscription was announced during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is currently being hosted by India at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

The committee examined 67 nominations from 79 countries. UNESCO placed Deepavali alongside globally celebrated Indian cultural expressions such as yoga and Durga Puja in marking this recognition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings and said that people in India and around the world are thrilled. He described Deepavali as deeply linked to Indian culture, the soul of our civilisation, an embodiment of illumination and righteousness and expressed hope that the UNESCO recognition will further enhance the festivals global popularity.

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The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, also called the listing a historic day for India. He viewed it as recognition of the universal message of the festival: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all.

Apart from being a symbolic honour, the inclusion of Deepavali in UNESCOs list is also part of a broader global effort to safeguard living cultural traditions that carry historical, spiritual, social and artistic value to ensure that they are preserved for future generations.

This recognition of Deepavali highlights Indias rich cultural and civilisational heritage and spotlights the festivals significance not just within India but across global communities that celebrate it, symbolising the cultural unity, shared heritage, and the enduring relevance of traditional festivals in a rapidly changing world.

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Source: Times of India

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After Goa Restaurant Fire, Delhi Fire Service orders fire safety inspections at Public Places ahead of Festive Season (Photo: Goa fire incident)

The order, dated 10 December, has been issued in view of the recent restaurant fire incident in Goa that reportedly killed 25 people.

Fire Safety Inspections Delhi: The Delhi Fire Service has directed all Divisional Officers (DOs) and Assistant Divisional Officers (ADOs) to undertake immediate and thorough fire safety inspections of public assembly premises, including restaurants, hotels, and clubs, ahead of the upcoming festive season.

The order, dated 10 December, has been issued in view of the recent restaurant fire incident in Goa that reportedly killed 25 people.

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The inspecting officers are to verify the functional status of building bylaws pertaining to fire prevention and fire safety measures as specified under Rule 33 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010. The status report on the compliance of the order shall be submitted to the Principal Directors office through the proper channel, the order states.

(For more news apart from After Goa Restaurant Fire, Delhi Fire Service orders fire safety inspections at Public Places ahead of Festive Season," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Ambassador of Oman to India calls PM Modi's visit to Oman important (screenshot of ANI's video)

The exact schedule and the composition of the delegation, it said, will be confirmed after the Union Cabinet gives its approval.

PM Modi Oman Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Oman in the coming days, and the Ambassador of Oman to India, Issa Saleh Abdullah, called the visit important from different aspects.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Ambassador of Oman to India, Issa Saleh Abdullah, said, "This is a very important visit, and it does come at a very interesting time. It's a year where we celebrate 70 years of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship, which comes 2 years after the visit of His Majesty. So, I think this is very important from different aspects..."

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PM Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal are likely to travel to Oman next week to sign a free trade agreement, according to the Hindu, which reported citing sources who are part of the delegation.

The exact schedule and the composition of the delegation, it said, will be confirmed after the Union Cabinet gives its approval.

Meanwhile, Indias total exports hit an all-time high of US$825.25 billion in 202425, reflecting a 6.05% annual growth, according to an official release by the Ministry of Commerce.

The momentum, it said, continued into the new fiscal year, with exports rising to US$ 418.91 billion during AprilSeptember 2025, a 5.86% increase over the same period last year.

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(For more news apart from Ambassador of Oman to India calls PM Modis visit to Oman important," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
The INR 10,000 voucher will be valid for use on any future IndiGo journey for the next 12 months to give affected passengers flexibility to redeem the amount for travel planned within that period. File Photo.

The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and described the compensation as a means of support.

IndiGo to Compensate Flight-Affected Passengers with Rs 10,000 Travel Vouchers



IndiGo, Indias largest airline, has announced a special compensation measure following widespread flight cancellations and long delays during early December. In an official statement on Thursday, the airline said it will provide travel vouchers worth INR 10,000 to each passenger whose flight was either cancelled or significantly delayed between December 3 and December 5. This move is to address the hardship faced by customers who were severely impacted by extensive congestion at several airports during that period.

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IndiGo acknowledged in the statement that a portion of its customers were stranded for many hours due to the operational disruptions between December 3 and 5. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and described the compensation as a means of support.

The INR 10,000 voucher will be valid for use on any future IndiGo journey for the next 12 months to give affected passengers flexibility to redeem the amount for travel planned within that period.

The airline highlighted that these vouchers are in addition to mandatory compensation requirements under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms. It means passengers will still receive other statutory compensation as applicable for cancellations and delays. Under current government guidelines, IndiGo will provide compensation ranging from INR 5,000 up to INR 10,000 depending on the block time of flights that were cancelled within 24 hours of departure.

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The airline has faced mounting regulatory pressure in recent days amid the operational crisis. Authorities have directed IndiGo to reduce its winter flight schedule by 10 per cent to help stabilise operations after a series of cancellations that began on December 2. At the time of the disruptions, the carrier was operating approximately 2,300 flights per day.

IndiGo aims to address passenger dissatisfaction and restore confidence following one of the most challenging periods in its operational history by offering these additional vouchers and reaffirming compliance with DGCA compensation rules.

Source: The Tribune
Rohini Court in Delhi Rejects anticipatory bail pleas of Gaurav and Saurav Luthra in Goa restaurant fire

The chief minister stated that six people have been arrested after the tragic fire incident.

Rohini Court in Delhi on Thursday rejected anticipatory bail pleas of Gaurav and Saurav Luthra, owners of Goa club that caught fire recently, killing at least 25 people, including customers.

The brothers, who allegedly fled the country following the tragic incident, have been arrested in Thailand and will be brought to India.

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Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, speaking to news agency ANI on Thursday, said, "Our govt will work to give justice to the 25 people who lost their lives...We will put them (the club owners, Luthra brothers) behind bars."

The chief minister stated that six people have been arrested after the tragic fire incident.

We also suspended three people and are conducting the investigation in a fast-track manner. One of the three owners of the club was arrested in Delhi, and an LOC was issued against the two other owners. We also ordered the Regional Passport Office to cancel their passports, the minister said.

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With the help of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Minister, the Luthra brothers were detained in Thailand. Our team from Goa and central agencies will bring the two club owners to Goa. We take legal action and put them behind bars, he added.

Also Read | After Goa Restaurant Fire, Delhi Fire Service orders fire safety inspections at Public Places ahead of Festive Season

The Chief Minister further stated that teams of the Goa Police and the CBI will go to Thailand to bring the brothers.

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"Henceforth, any violation and encroachment will not be tolerated...Two suspended women government officers are cooperating with the investigation, while one officer is not, and action will be taken in this regard...To ensure such an accident doesn't occur again, our enforcement team, comprising senior officers, fire safety officers, and building construction officers, is visiting various clubs and restaurants. The clubs where serious violations are found will be closed," Pramod Sawant added.

#WATCH | On Luthra brothers detained in Goa, CM Pramod Sawant says," We will bring them to Goa as soon as possible. Teams of Goa Police and CBI will go there (to Thailand)...Henceforth, any violation and encroachment will not be tolerated...Two suspended women govt officers are pic.twitter.com/6HDHEMPgWU  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025

The incident took place on the intervening night of December 6 and 7.

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PM Narendra Modi hosts dinner party for NDA MPs after bumper historic victory in Bihar

BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Kangana Ranaut are among the other MPs attending the dinner hosted by PM Modi.

PM Narendra Modi has invited NDA MPs to his residence this evening, for a dinner party after the bumper historic victory in Bihar.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur, speaking to the Media, expressed his gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for the invitation, adding, We will get an opportunity to meet him. We know each other formally but when PM Modi invites us to his residence, you can see all MPs happy. They are all excited not just for the dinner but also for the opportunity to meet the PM; if dinner is hosted by the PM, there can be no bigger opportunity than this.

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#WATCH | Delhi: NDA MPs leave from the residence of BJP MP Anurag Thakur for 7 LKM, for the dinner hosted by PM Narendra Modi for them. pic.twitter.com/ukvrnPNWpD  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025

I still remember that when Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and Advani ji formed the NDA, the then MPs and leaders used to get several opportunities to connect on the same platform and understand each other. It is the speciality of the PM that he not just meets people, he takes feedback from them...The communication skills that PM Modi has are perhaps not there in any other leader in the world...PM Modi has invited us after the bumper historic victory in Bihar. Ab Bihar ke baad agla bhoj Bengal ki jeet ke baad phir hoga, the NDA leader added.

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BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat, who is also attending the dinner party, told ANI, "Dinner at the residence of the PM will be a proud moment. PM has invited all NDA colleagues to his residence. We thank him for this opportunity."

BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Kangana Ranaut are among the other MPs attending the dinner hosted by PM Modi.

(For more news apart from PM Narendra Modi hosts dinner party for NDA MPs after bumper historic victory in Bihar," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Silent demographic invasion, international conspiracy Underway to Make West Bengal Into Bangladesh: BJP MP

The winter session of the parliament is currently underway and is scheduled to be concluded on the 19th of December.

West Bengal BJP President & MP, Samik Bhattacharya, on Thursday made serious claims, saying a silent demographic invasion is allegedly currently underway and an international conspiracy to make West Bengal part of Bangladesh.

Speaking to the media outside the parliament today, MP Samik Bhattacharya said, "...There is only one state in India that has an open border spanning 400 kilometres, and illegal migration is a regular feature there. Therefore, the situation in West Bengal, compared to other states, is different.

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Bhattacharya claimed, A silent demographic invasion is happening there. This is an international conspiracy to make West Bengal into West Bengladesh. Bengal is a state where Rohingyas are being invited, where the ruling party leaders openly say that no Bangladeshi's name should be left from the voter list...

Due to this, the demographic balance of Bihar and Jharkhand is also disturbed... With SIR, there will be purification of many things there..." he further claimed.

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#WATCH | Delhi | West Bengal BJP President & MP, Samik Bhattacharya says, "...There is only one state in India that has an open border spanning 400 kilometres, and illegal migration is a regular feature there. Therefore, the situation in West Bengal, compared to other states, is pic.twitter.com/BbWMAfYZVS  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer is currently holding a Coordination meeting with Enforcement Agencies in the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industries meeting hall in Kolkata, news agency ANI reported.

In a separate development, opposition MPs from West Bengal held a protest in the Parliament today with posters of "BJP Depriving Bengal Deliberately" and "59 lakh voices, where are our wages?

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West Bengal is set to hold Assembly elections next year, with political parties already gearing up for the campaign season.

TMC MP Dola Sen, also speaking to the media outside the parliament today, said, "Let the BJP keep dreaming... Mamata Banerjee resides in the hearts of people of Bengal because she is pro-people, and the others are against the people... Whoever likes can come to Bengal, but it will make no difference; the 2026 election is not far off, and everyone will see."

The winter session of the parliament is currently underway and is scheduled to be concluded on the 19th of December.

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This undated photo taken in Beijing, capital of China, shows a portrait of a German tourist in Chinese-style costumes. (Photo by Qian Hao/Xinhua)

KUNMING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- As visitors step onto the flagstone paths of Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province in southwest China, they are whisked back in time by the city's ancient architecture. Laotian blogger Parn Sivlai, who boasts over 1.2 million followers, was blown away by an experience store dedicated to Hanfu, a traditional Chinese attire.

"Every set is too beautiful, so I want to try them all," Sivlai said while appreciating the elaborate robes and dresses. After dressing up, he decided to share the charm of the traditional clothing on social media, narrating the aesthetics and cultural stories behind the garments.

Sivlai is one of a growing number of international tourists connecting with Chinese culture through this "wearable" form of experience.

The trend has been on the rise across the country. In the central Chinese city of Luoyang, Vietnamese tourist Nguyen Quynh Chi quickly racked up likes after posting photos of herself wearing Hanfu near the city's ancient gates. In Beijing, tourists queue near the Forbidden City to get the imperial prince's look.

American blogger Vivin Qiang, who shared her Chinese-style photoshoot experience earlier this year, described it as more than just taking pictures. She mentioned how her stylist patiently explained the cultural significance of the Qipao's frog buttons and what different poses mean.

"This wasn't like a photoshoot. It felt more like a history lesson on Chinese aesthetics," she wrote in her video.

Thibaut Grzelak from France highlighted the global appeal of China's historical and cultural towns. He tried on Hanfu for the first time in Xitang Ancient Town in Zhejiang's Jiaxing, admiring the garments' bright colors and elegant designs. The experience made the 29-year-old feel "truly blended into the scenery."

To encourage more cultural engagement, Xitang actively promotes itself on social media and tourism platforms. By offering tickets online for easy purchase and providing group discounts, the town has streamlined access for international tourists, contributing to a 40.5 percent rise in group visits.

Experts attribute the soaring popularity of photoshoots in China to improved convenience for inbound travel and the appeal of Chinese culture itself.

Optimized entry policies have made travel a lot easier. Data from China's National Immigration Administration showed that visa-free entries accounted for over 7 million foreign arrivals in the third quarter of this year, representing 72.2 percent of all foreign entries and marking a 48.3 percent year-on-year increase.

The rising number has fueled a shift from rapid sightseeing to deep, experiential tourism. Hanfu, Qipao, and various ethnic costumes embody rich history, craftsmanship, philosophy, and etiquette. By donning the attire and striking poses rich in "Chinese flavor," tourists gain a tangible, active cultural connection, experts said.

Social media has also been an amplifier. When tourists snap and share their photos at landmark spots like the Forbidden City or other historic towns, those pictures quickly turn into "check-in routes".

Chinese netizens have responded with widespread warmth and inclusiveness. Comment sections are often flooded with welcoming messages like "Welcome back!" and "Be sure to try our local snacks!"

Experts said the trend signals a shift toward deeper cultural engagement by international visitors, and it not only reflects that international visitors are keen to embrace the beauty of traditional Chinese aesthetics, but Chinese people are equally keen for them to step beyond the pictures, into the daily life of China. 

Vietnamese tourist Nguyen Quynh Chi wearing Hanfu, a traditional Chinese attire, poses for photos in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, April 26, 2025. (Xinhua)
Arunachal Pradesh: Truck Carrying Over 20 Labourers Overturns Into Gorge in Anjaw District; Several Feared Dead ( Representative Image)

We have one survivor, as per whom the vehicle had 22 labourers in the vehicle. It was a minitruck which overturned, she added.

In a tragic incident, a truck carrying around 21 labourers fell into a gorge in the Chaglagam Circle of Anjaw district, along the India-China border road in Arunachal Pradesh, news agency ANI reported, citing a local official. Several people are feared dead, and only one survivor has been retrieved so far.

Nang Chingni Choupoo, DDMO (In-charge) for Anjaw district, told ANI, "It happened on the night of 8th December. We received the report on the night of 10th December. Even the locals were not aware that an incident had occurred there. It is steep and narrow there."

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The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.

We have one survivor, as per whom the vehicle had 22 labourers in the vehicle. It was a minitruck which overturned, she added.

A search and rescue operation is currently underway at the site, being carried out by the Army, ITBP, and the District Administration. NDRF has been requisitioned. The rescue team has reached there, and the operation is ongoing... We are yet to retrieve the people on board, Choupoo said.

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We think we will retrieve just the bodies. We have handed over the survivor to Assam after treatment..." the DDMO further confirmed.

(For more news apart from Arunachal Pradesh: Truck Carrying Over 20 Labourers Overturns Into Gorge in Anjaw District; Several Feared Dead," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Mann said To capitalise on this investor interest, meetings were held with company representatives from sectors like R&D, electric-vehicle mobility and skill development. File Photo.

Mann said that Punjab is the destination for future growth.

CM Mann Says Mega Investments Coming to Punjab After JapanKorea Tour

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has announced that mega investments are on the anvil in the state after returning from a 10-day visit to Japan and South Korea focused on attracting industrial investors.

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He described Mohali as the most preferred destination for new investment and cited its skilled workforce from leading universities, good air, rail and road connectivity, and well-planned infrastructure. According to the CM, the enthusiasm shown by Japanese and Korean industry leaders reflects confidence in the state governments efforts, including ease of doing business and fiscal incentives.

Mann said that Punjab is the destination for future growth. He argued that many investors are now looking for better living conditions outside overcrowded metros such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. He emphasised that within a 100-km radius of Mohali there are many universities, which means industry-ready talent is waiting for them in Punjab, and that the state offers the perfect ecosystem to promote hi-tech and innovation industries.

According to him, visits have generated interest among companies to come to Punjab either through new greenfield projects or by expanding existing brownfield operations. Among the firms mentioned were Aichi Steel Corp, Toppan Speciality Films, Oji Holdings, Yanmar and Isuzu.

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Mann stressed that industry contributes more than 27 per cent to Punjabs gross value added, with manufacturing growing at 4.6 per cent across domains such as textiles, chemicals and engineering goods. He said his government recognises that revival of the states lagging economy depends crucially on industrial investment and plans to further accelerate growth by taking new initiatives for sector-wise industrial policies.

Mann said To capitalise on this investor interest, meetings were held with company representatives from sectors like R&D, electric-vehicle mobility and skill development. These meetings were intended to pave the way for formal commitments. He disclosed that a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the state investment promotion agency and Toppan for establishing a skill-excellence centre. He said most of the industrialists they met in Japan and Korea are expected to participate in the next round of investment-seeking efforts during the upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit, scheduled for March 1416.

Manns statements reflect the state governments ambition to position Punjab, especially Mohali, as an emerging industrial hub to leverage its human capital, connectivity and favourable policy climate. He said the success of this drive could mark a major turning point in the states industrial and economic revival.

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Source: The Tribune




Punjab's Fazilka News: Man appearing for court hearing shot dead outside premises in Abohar

The SSP, who arrived at the hospital, said that Golu Pandit already had several criminal cases registered against him.

Abohar Murder Case: In Abohar's Tehsil complex in Punjabs Fazilka district today, a young man who had come for a court appearance was shot by some people, resulting in his death and injuries to several others.

The deceased's body has been kept in the government hospital's mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

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According to sources, Akash alias Golu Pandit, the son of the priest of the famous Johri Temple in Abohar, along with his friend Sonu and another person, arrived at the Tehsil complex in their car earlier today.

As soon as Golu Pandit stepped out after attending his court hearing and was about to get into his car, some youths opened fire on him. He was seriously injured, and the attackers fled the scene.

Golu's companions rushed him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Sonu said that three to four youths fired about 5 to 6 shots at Golu Pandit, three of which hit his body, resulting in his death.

District SSP Gurmeet Singh immediately reached the hospital upon receiving information about the incident.

The attack, ahead of elections, has caused anger among the residents as well as the lawyers' community in the Tehsil complex. They demanded that the district police administration ensure the safety of the common people.

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The SSP, who arrived at the hospital, said that Golu Pandit already had several criminal cases registered against him, and this incident is also related to gang warfare.

(For more news apart from 14th Dalai Lama Departs from Kangra Airport for Southern India ," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Romanian castles

A look at some of Romanias most imposing castles and princely residences.

Bran Castle. Photo: Stefan Baciu - RRI

Daniel Onea, 11.12.2025, 14:00

Today we will introduce you to some of Romanias most imposing castles and princely residences, which are not simple stone structures, but genuine testimonies to long-gone eras. We will begin our journey in Prahova Valley, in the south of the country, for a visit to the Peles Royal Estate, an ensemble of great architectural value. Built in the style of the German Renaissance, it used to serve as the summer residence of King Carol I (10 May 1866  10 May 1881, 10 May 1881  10 October 1914). A guided tour of the castle also includes rooms that were closed to visitors for a long time. Paul Popa, the director of the National Centre for Tourist Information and Promotion in Sinaia, tells us more:

Visitors who wish to find out the entire history of the castle can see the castle from the ground floor all the way to the loft. The loft was closed for 47 years for various reasons. Visitors will now be able to see very important and unique things, its a space that is a bit different from the rest of the castle, its more intimate and where the queens ladies in waiting used to spend their time. King Michael used to have an apartment there when he was a child. The loft also houses the drawing room, where drawing lessons were held for the king, the queen and their close friends.

The royal estate is also home to Pelisor Castle, a smaller structure but very beautiful, which used to be the residence of heir to the throne Ferdinand and his wife Marie. Pelisor represents a surprising stylistic transition, being the clear expression of Queen Maries artistic taste for the Art Nouveau.

Pelisor Castle has stayed just the way it used to be. Queen Marie embraced the Art Nouveau style and left her mark on the castle, which, although it closely resembles Peles Castle on the outside, it is a whole different thing inside. Its the only completely Art Nouveau castle in Romania. It is also home to the queens heart, which was brought here, as was her wish, so that she would be close to the people she loved so much even in death. Queen Maries heart is placed in the room that the queen liked the most, which was designed entirely by her, in the Golden Salon of Pelisor Castle. It is covered with the flags of Romania and Great Britain, reminding of the British origin of the Romanian queen. Pelisor Castle will add to the whole picture, with visitors having travelled through many different, yet delightful styles and epochs, from the German Renaissance to Art Nouveau.

Our journey continues to central Romania. Here, Bran Castle remains one of the most popular tourist attractions. Although it is most often associated with the myth of Dracula, its real history is much richer, being also liked to the Teutonic Knights, the voivodes and, later, Queen Marie of Romania (b. October 29, 1875, Eastwell Park, Ashford, Kent, England  d. July 18, 1938, Pelisor Castle, Sinaia, Kingdom of Romania). The Bran Caste has benefited from major investments over time to improve the visitor experience. Alexandru Priscu, marketing director, tells us more about the constant efforts to develop the whole complex:

There hasnt been a single year, since 2009, that we havent had discussions and projects for the development of the property, the Bran estate. Some of these projects are less visible to the public, such as the restoration of the rooftop. On the other hand, the work on the southern facade was quite visible. Another project was the Time Tunnel, which consisted in the introduction into the tourist circuit of an elevator that goes down from the inner courtyard of the castle, on the ground floor, to the Royal Park. It is a 34-meter ride, through the rock. We also restored the Tea House and opened it for visitors, and we restored the Administrators House. Also worth noting is the exhibition A History of Fear in Transylvania, an exhibition that was launched in 2020 during the Covid lockdown and which transformed the fourth floor of the castle into a large exhibition space showcasing characters from Romanian mythology. For many years, Bran Castle was the only museum to be open 7 days a week, with no exceptions. Its also open on Christmas Day and on the first day of the year.

Finally, were heading to western Transylvania, to Hunedoara, to admire the Corvin Castle, considered one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the world. It is an imposing building, with bastions, towers and an impressive courtyard. It is also a true foray into medieval life. Tourists can explore defensive structures and valuable decorative elements, as well as areas that preserve the memory of stories passed down through the centuries, as we learn from Sorin Tincu, director of the Corvin Castle Museum:

Visitors to the castle will first arrive at the fountain, around which there exists a very well-known legend. It has it that the foundation was built by three Turkish prisoners who worked for 15 years digging in dolomitic limestone to reach the groundwater. However, upon completion of the work, they were not granted their last wish, that of being freed, and they were executed. According to the legend, one of the prisoners scribbled on the walls of the castle the following sentence: You may have water, but you have no heart. Next, visitors can visit the Gothic lapidarium, displaying a series of Gothic elements removed from the walls of the castle during the 19th and 20th century restorations, followed by so-called Artillery Terrace or Ammunition Bastion, another 17th century construction, and then the Bears Pit. This is a courtyard on the edge of the castle where legend has it that bears used to be kept and which were fed the prisoners taken.

These fortifications are not just unforgettable tourist attractions, but genuine history lessons and witnesses to fascinating eras that invite visitors to exploration and discovery.
December 11, 2025

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 11.12.2025, 13:55

Court of Appeal  Accusations like the defendants are let off without a conviction are not true, said the head of the Bucharest Court of Appeal, Liana Arsenie, on Thursday, during the institutions first extraordinary press conference, organized following the revelations in the Recorder documentary Justice Captured. The Recorder investigation features several prosecutors and judges, some with protected identities, who reveal how the leadership of the Bucharest Court of Appeal allegedly changed judges from panels in order to obtain favorable decisions for individuals accused of corruption. It is a concerted attack on the judiciary, we have evidence that refutes the accusations, said the head of the Bucharest Court of Appeal, who brought the files before journalists. A judge from the Bucharest Court of Appeal intervened in the press conference convened by the leadership of this court and declared that everything one of her colleagues said in the Recorder documentary is true. The management is not helping us in any way. We are simply being terrorized with disciplinary actions, said Judge Raluca Morosanu. The documentary brought hundreds of protesters to the headquarters of the Superior Council of Magistracy in Bucharest on Wednesday evening. They demanded the resignation of the Interior Minister, Catalin Predoiu, former Justice Minister, of the head of the Supreme Court, Lia Savonea, and of the leadership of the Superior Council of Magistracy. The Justice Minister, Radu Marinescu, said that any political interference in the judicial process is absolutely unacceptable and that the institution he leads is open to any reform within its competence.

Conference  The Romanian President Nicusor Dan is participating today, via videoconference, in the Coalition of the Willing meeting of European leaders supporting Ukraine. The states represented are offering military aid to Kyiv and are willing to provide it, in one form or another, with security guarantees after the end of the war with Russia. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenski, also confirmed his participation in todays meeting via videoconference. The French President Emmanuel Macron, together with other European leaders, had a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to try to advance the peace plan for Ukraine that he proposed. European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are set to meet in Berlin on Monday to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the peace plan proposed by the US.

Defense  The head of the four-party government in Bucharest, the liberal Ilie Bolojan, has announced that he has agreed with the Save Romania Union (USR) president, Dominic Fritz, that, by the end of next week, his party will come up with a proposal for the Defense Ministry. In a televised interview, the prime minister said that the person to be proposed must be someone with a professional background that shows qualification, so that the field can be managed as efficiently as possible. The previous minister, Ionut Mosteanu, resigned from his position two weeks ago, after the press found that he had falsified his CV, in which he listed a university degree that he did not have. The acting Defense Minister is the Economy Minister, Radu Miruta, also from Save Romania Union.

Pensions  The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) has postponed until the end of the year the decision on notifying the Supreme Court on the law on the retirement of magistrates. However, the CCR has made a decision in the case of the law with fiscal measures, recently corrected in Parliament and contested by the Alliance for the Union of Romanians. This is the document based on which, starting with January 1 2026, taxes on housing and cars, on dividends and on earnings from crypto-currency transactions will be increased.

OMV  Royalties for oil and gas extracted by the Austrian company OMV Petrom on the licenses taken over during privatization will increase by 40%, which will ensure Romania a fair share of the exploitation of its resources  claims a statement from the Romanian government. Also, Romania will no longer pay OMV Petrom the cost of closing wells that are no longer used and the penalties for debts that arose from various litigations. An agreement in principle for the next 15 years was established between the two parties, through a memorandum, through which the government states that it has managed, after 20 years since the signing of the initial contract, to rebalance cooperation with OMV Petrom. In all its activity, OMV Petrom will take into account the national interests of Romania and the interests of Romanian consumers, respecting the principles regarding competition within the framework of national and European Union legislation  the cited source also states. (LS)
December 11, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsflash

Newsroom, 11.12.2025, 20:00

UKRAINE  The reconstruction of Ukraine is a continental project whose success will influence the economic and security landscape of Europe, Romanian Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare said on Thursday at the conference Rebuilding Ukraine: Security, Opportunities, Investment. In his opinion, Romania has become one of the essential logistics corridors for exports to Ukraine, adjusted tax and customs procedures to support regional stability, and worked closely with private actors involved in cross-border initiatives. In a video message broadcast during the conference, Alexandru Nazare said that Romania supports a framework that expands access to guarantees and strengthens cooperation with international financial institutions, creating the necessary confidence for medium and long-term projects in sectors essential for Ukraines recovery, such as infrastructure, energy, logistics and technology. Ukraine and its reconstruction cannot be separated from the European trajectory. Alignment with European Union standards in governance, procurement, digitalization and financial regulations will significantly strengthen investor confidence. Romania will continue to support Ukraine, the Minister of Finance also said.

JUDICIARY  Accusations such as the defendants are being whitewashed are not true, said the head of the Bucharest Court of Appeal, Liana Arsenie, on Thursday, during the institutions first extraordinary press conference, held following findings in a journalistic investigation by Recorder, dubbed Justice Captured. The Recorder investigation features several prosecutors and judges, some with protected identities, who reveal how the leadership of the Bucharest Court of Appeal allegedly changed judges from panels so as to obtain favorable decisions for individuals accused of corruption. The accusations of the two judges in the Recorder investigation have no connection to reality, says Liana Arsenie. In her opinion, the investigation is a media lynching, a demonization through manipulation, lies told by people who react due to personal failure. She accuses a concerted attack on the judiciary and says she has evidence that combats the accusations. A judge from the Bucharest Court of Appeal, however, spoked at the press conference and said that everything that one of her colleagues revealed in the Recorder investigation was true. Judge Raluca Morosanu also said that they are being terrorized and do not receive any help from the court leadership, in their work. The journalistic investigation is seen by the Judges Section of the Supreme Court of Justice as part of a plan meant to destabilize the judiciary by destroying trust in the justice system and trust in the people in leadership positions. The documentary brought hundreds of protesters in front of the headquarters of the Superior Council of Magistracy in Bucharest on Wednesday evening. They demanded the resignation of the Minister of Interior, Catalin Predoiu, a former Minister of Justice, of the head of the Supreme Court, Lia Savonea, and of the leadership of the Supreme Court. The Minister of Justice, Radu Marinescu, said that any political interference in the act of justice was absolutely unacceptable and that the institution he leads is open to any reform within its competence.

MINISTER  The head of the four-party government in Bucharest, the liberal Ilie Bolojan, has said that he agreed with the president of the USR, Dominic Fritz, that, by the end of next week, his party will come up with a proposal for the Defense portfolio. In a televised interview, the prime minister said that the person to be proposed must be someone with a professional background that shows qualification, so that the field can be managed as well as possible. The previous minister, Ionut Mosteanu, resigned from his position two weeks ago, after the press found that he had falsified his CV, in which he listed a university degree that he did not have. The acting Minister of Defense is the Minister of Economy, Radu Miruta, also from the USR.

ECOFIN  The head of Romanian diplomacy, Oana Toiu, emphasised on Thursday, at the conference Rebuilding Ukraine: Security, Opportunities, Investment, the vital importance of a just and lasting peace, in accordance with international law. She welcomed the diplomatic efforts of the US, as well as the substantial involvement of the European states and Ukraine. She said that any process aimed at reaching peace must include offering solid and credible security guarantees to Kyiv. The Romanian official reiterated the importance of the process of integrating Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova into the EU and underlined Romanias firm support in this respect. In turn, the Romanian Minister of Finance, Alexandru Nazare, stated that the reconstruction of Ukraine is a continental project whose success will influence Europes economic and security landscape. In his opinion, Romania has become one of the essential logistics corridors for exports to Ukraine, adjusted fiscal and customs procedures to support regional stability, and worked closely with private actors involved in cross-border initiatives. In a video message broadcast during the conference, Alexandru Nazare said that Romania supports a framework that expands access to guarantees and strengthens cooperation with international financial institutions.

EASNIE  The Government in Bucharest approved, on Thursday, by memorandum, Romanias accession to the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE). According to a press release from the Government, this is an independent European organization that acts as a collaboration platform for the Ministries of Education in the member states. It supports the development of inclusive education systems, in order to ensure the right of every student to benefit from equitable and high-quality educational opportunities. Acquiring membership by Romania and participating in the Agencys activities represents an essential opportunity for cooperation to achieve the objectives assumed at national level regarding the promotion and provision of inclusive education for all students, the Government in Bucharest said. (EE)
Reactions after Recorder investigation

Hundreds of people protested in front of Romanias Superior Court of Magistracy in Bucharest on Wednesday after an investigation into the state of the countrys legal system. The protesters called for resignations, responsibility and an independent justice

Protest (photo: Radio Cluj/ Facebook)

Mihai Pelin, 11.12.2025, 14:00

An investigation by Recorder, a publication created and supported by journalists, entitled Captured Justice aired on Wednesday night including by the national TV channel, triggered a series of protests in front of justice institutions and political reactions at the highest level.

Revelations about the machinations through which the Romanian legal system had been captured by a group of interests made up by some magistrates and some politicians, as the investigation says, made hundreds of people to take to the streets and gather in front of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) in Bucharest.

The protesters, who chanted Justice, not mafia!, and No Statutes of Limitation for Corruption! also called for the resignation of the Chief of the Supreme Court, Lia Savonea, of the CSM board and the incumbent Interior Minister and former Justice Minister Catalin Predoiu. Similar events took place in Cluj-Napoca (northwestern Romania), where people protested in front of the local court.

The aforementioned documentary is compressing in two hours more than a year and a half of investigative work regarding a possible agreement between some politicians and some magistrates. According to the authors, the politicians provided laws, which enabled a pyramidal organization of the countrys legal system, placing power in the hands of a small group, which in exchange provided a type of justice, which no longer bothers the powerful.

The documentary includes testimonies by ex and incumbent magistrates who are speaking about cases in which some defendants benefited from trials prolonged until the statute of limitations expired. The extension of proceedings was achieved through the replacement of judicial panels by court leadership, including changes made right before the verdict was due.

The Court of Appeal in Bucharest reacted promptly and described as denigrating and without factual evidence the statements by judge, Ionel Laurentiu Besu, one of the magistrates who spoke with Recorder journalists. In turn president Nicusor Dan says the politicians are to be blamed for having diminished the anti-graft fight, but he also says, neither are the magistrates taking responsibility to change the system.

The president has said he watched the documentary on the situation in the countrys legal system adding the solutions to the issues facing the system could also be found inside the system itself.

The cases presented have to be investigated and the culprits punished, also by the justice system and on evidence, the head of the Romanian state says. He has announced the presidency is working on a data report about the issues presently affecting the legal system. I invite all magistrates to write to me directly about the problems they are facing the president went on to say. Romanias Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has also invited the magistrates for talks, adding that he will analyze the information published. He will also hold talks with the incumbent Interior Minister, Catalin Predoiu, over his mandate as a Justice Minister. However, he explains that he cannot sack a minister for his past activity, since no direct responsibility has been identified. If the information proves accurate, there is a need for significant legislative changes, the Prime Minister also said.

(bill)
Australia will on Thursday release November numbers for unemployment, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

The jobless rate is expected to tick up to 4.4 percent from 4.3 percent in October. The Australian is expected to add 30,300 jobs following the increase of 42,200 jobs in the previous month. The participation rate is seen steady at 67.0 percent.

New Zealand will see November numbers for electronic card retail sales and Q3 data for manufacturing sales volume. In October, sales were up 0.2 percent on month and 0.8 percent on year, while sales volume was down 2.9 percent on quarter in Q2.

Singapore will provide Q3 figures for unemployment; in the previous three months, the jobless rate was 2.0 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
KABUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 15,989 Afghan families with 146,152 members returned to their homeland from Iran, Pakistan and Turkiye over the past 18 days, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said on Thursday.

The returnees entered Afghanistan through Islam Qala in western Herat province, Torkham in eastern Nangarhar province, Spin Boldak in southern Kandahar province, Pul-e-Abresham in western Nimroz province, as well as airports, the ministry said.

All returning families have received immediate assistance, including food, drinking water, healthcare services, and free transportation to their destinations, according to the statement.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said that about 2.7 million Afghans have returned home from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries so far this year.

An estimated 6 million Afghan refugees, the majority of whom are undocumented, continue to live abroad, primarily in Iran and Pakistan. 
Pfizer is getting ready to cut hundreds of jobs in Switzerland as part of a long-term cost-saving plan, according to Bloomberg's report from Wednesday, which cites sources close to the situation.

The company aims to reduce its workforce in Switzerland from around 300 employees to nearly 70 by the end of 2025, leading to over 200 layoffs this year.

This move comes after a broader scaling back of Pfizer's operations in Switzerland. Earlier this month, Rea Lal took over from Sabine Bruckner as the head of that unit, although her role has been trimmed down as the company undergoes restructuring.

Pfizer is aiming for $7 billion in savings by 2027 as it looks to bounce back after the slowdown that followed the pandemic.

A spokesperson for the company mentioned that Pfizer is "streamlining and realigning" its resources to make operations simpler but did not confirm how many jobs would be cut.

The new corporate tax rules in Switzerland are making it less appealing for some multinational companies, leading to a wave of layoffs in the pharmaceutical sector locally.

For instance, Novartis announced in November that it would eliminate up to 550 jobs in Switzerland as part of its push towards automation.

In midday trading on Wednesday, Pfizer's shares rose by 0.57 percent to $25.48, compared to $25.33 at the previous close.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
FirstGroup Plc (FGP.L,FGROF.PK,FGROY.PK) Thursday said that it has acquired the UK sightseeing bus operations of RATP Developpement SA for about 17 million pounds, thus expanding its First Bus in London and Bath. The operations, which are now under the brand Tootbus, include 63 buses, a freehold depot in Wandsworth, a leased depot in Keynsham, and employ 190 people.

The Scotland-based public transport operator said that among the UK sightseeing operations, the London operations is one of the city's five main sightseeing bus providers, and the Bath business also runs the Airdecker service to Bristol Airport.

FirstGroup said that the acquired businesses are expected to post a small loss in the initial days before reporting profit. The company expects annual revenues of around 30 million pounds by fiscal 2029, helped by growth in First Bus London's TfL contract portfolio, with new route bids planned from the Wandsworth depot.

The company said that the deal will be funded from existing cash, and it now forecasts adjusted net debt of 140 million pounds to 150 million pounds in fiscal 2026. According to FirstGroup, the Tootbus integration will be led by Bill Cahill from First Bus London and Doug Claringbold from First Bus West of England.

On the LSE, FGP.L is up 1.9 percent on Thursday's trading at 186.70 pence.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Canadian stocks edged higher on Thursday as gains in gold jacked up mining stocks which pushed the index higher while traders assessed the economic outlook and the Bank of Canada's decision yesterday to keep rates unchanged.

After opening just a little lower than yesterday's close, the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index soon gained momentum to trade firmly positive throughout the rest of the session before settling at 31,660.73, up by 169.88 points (or 0.54%). Notably, this is a new record high for the index.

Six of the 11 sectors posted gains today, with the materials sector leading the pack.

Yesterday, the U.S. Federal Reserve instituted a quarter-point rate cut, bringing rates down to the 3.50% to 3.75% range.

The Fed's projections hinted that one rate cut will take place next year although new data could change this. The bankers wish to see how the three rate cuts implemented this year work their way through the .

The rate cut pressured the U.S. dollar downwards. Front month Comex gold for December delivery climbed sharply by $89.10 (or 2.12%) to $4,285.50 per troy ounce.

Recent data indicated that the Canadian economy posted a 2.6% annualized jump in the third quarter, while the unemployment rate dropped 0.4% points to 6.5% in November.

Hence yesterday as expected, the Bank of Canada decided to hold its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.50% and the Deposit Rate at 2.20%.

BoC stated that though "uncertainty remains elevated" it is prepared to respond if the economic outlook changes.

A substantial portion of Canadian exports to the U.S. escape the 35% tariffs by transiting through the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement which is up for renewal in 2026.

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier indicated that the U.S. may consider withdrawing from the pact. Trump's comments increased concerns among the domestic exporters. Experts warned that as Trump has the calling cards, he could tilt the agreement in his favor, threatening to pull out if other two countries reject his suggestions.

Dominic LeBlanc, the minister in charge of Canada-U.S. trade, has now reassured that that is not the objective the Americans have in mind.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that Canada finished its consultations on renewing the agreement on trade and added that the review process will gather force in the new year.

Data released by Statistics Canada today revealed that Canada's trade balance swung to a surplus of C$0.15 billion in September from a C$6.3 billion deficit in August, much higher than expectations for a C$4.5 billion deficit.

While exports rose 6.3% month-on-month to C$64.2 billion in September, imports of goods and services edged up 0.6% to $342.1 billion.

In the U.S., tech major Oracle reported lower-than-expected quarterly revenue and provided downbeat guidance yesterday after which Oracle's shares tanked around 15%. Analysts attributed over-spending on AI as the reason for the climbdown.

Today, the tremors were felt in Canada too, where the IT sector performed weakly.

On the front, discount retailer Dollarama announced its results for the third quarter ending November 2. The company reported a profit of $321.7 million. Its sales totalled $1.91 billion. Net earnings increased 16.6% to $321.7 million. The gross margin was 44.8% of sales. Diluted net earnings per common share rose 19.4% to $1.17.

Major sectors that gained in today's trading were Materials (3.14%), Industrials (0.61%), Financials (0.36%), and Consumer Discretionary (0.31%).

Among the individual stocks, Terravest Capital Inc (22.33%). Perpetua Resources Corp (13.52%), New Gold Inc (9.09%), First Majestic Silver Corp (6.93%), Bombardier Inc (4.19%), and Bank of Montreal (1.76%) were the prominent gainers.

Major sectors that lost in today's trading were Real Estate (0.01%), Consumer Staples (0.28%), Communication Services (0.38%), Energy (0.72%), and IT (1.01%).

Among the individual stocks, Dye & Durham Ltd (3.05%), Coveo Solutions Inc (1.81%), Parex Resources Inc (3.67%), International Petroleum Corp (3.49%), and Telus Corp (1.58%) were the notable losers.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
The two wheeler segment suffered a YoY and MoM decline in retail sales in Nov 2025 with Hero MotoCorp retaining its top spot

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), India, has revealed that the two-wheeler industry ended Nov 2025 on a lower note. Indias two-wheeler industry, which had recorded strong performance in Oct 2025, with two-wheeler sales at a lifetime high, accounted for total sales of 25,46,184 units in the past month.

It saw a 3.10% drop YoY as against 26,27,617 units sold in Nov 2024. MoM sales also ended on a lower note with a 19.16% decline from 31,49,846 units sold in Oct 2025. There was, however, strong year-to-date performance, with 2W sales rising to 1,45,54,592 units during the April-Nov 2025 period from 1,32,76,920 units sold in the same period last year, representing a 9.62% improvement.

Dealers have cited many reasons for the YoY decline that the segment has suffered. The post festive month related to lower demand. There was also a delay in crop payments while showroom footfalls significantly diminished.

2W Retail Sales Nov 2025

Hero MotoCorp, though continuing to command a top spot on this list, saw its sales decline to 8,86,002 units in Nov 2025 from 9,17,174 units of Nov 2024. Market share dipped marginally to 34.80% from 34.91% YoY. New launches include the 2026 Hero Xtreme 160R and Hero Vida VX2 Go 3.4 kWh variant.

At No. 2, Honda has also seen sales declined sharply to 6,06,284 units, down from 6,57,115 units. Market share also fell to 23.81% from 25.01% on a YoY basis. Honda has paused production of the Activa e: and QC1 electric scooters on account of lower demand while dealers have been left with huge consignment of unsold stocks.

TVS Motor sales have grown strongly in the past month. Sales which had stood at 4,23,078 units in Nov 2024 rose to 4,45,617 units last month taking market share up to 17.50%. The company has commenced deliveries of the TVS Apache RTX 300 while the Ronin Agonda made its presence felt at the MotoSoul 2025 event in Goa.

Another two wheeler maker to report lower sales was Bajaj Auto. Sales declined to 2,58,585 units in the past month from 3,05,253 units of Nov 2024. Earlier this month, the company refreshed its Pulsar N160 lineup while there is a new electric motorcycle in the works and its launch will further strengthen the companys hold across the electric two wheeler segment.

Lower down the sales order, Royal Enfield and Suzuki have both recorded YoY sales growth in retail demand. RE sales went up to 1,15,353 units from 96,302 units while Suzuki retail sales stood at 1,04,638 units well over 92,548 units sold in Nov 2024. India Yamaha Motor sales also ended on a positive note with 70,929 units sold last month from 68,574 units sold in the same month last year.

Electric 2W Retail Sales Nov 2025

The electric two wheeler segment has seen strong players like Ather Energy report rapid growth. Ather sales went up to 20,349 units in Nov 2025 this marks a 57% YoY increase, compared with 12,963 units sold in Nov 2024.

Weakening demand continued for Ola electric scooters with the company reporting 8,402 unit sales last month. This was a 71% YoY drop compared to November 2024 when 29,322 units has been sold. There was also Greaves Electric with 5,764 unit sales last month, a YoY growth from 4,471 units of Nov 2024.

Classic Legends also saw sales improve on a YoY basis to 5,756 units from 4,277 units while Piaggio sales grew to 3,348 units from 3,187 units YoY. Bgauss was lower down on the sales list with 2,566 unit sales last month, a significantly higher number when compared to 1,881 units sold in the same month last year. Other two wheeler makers, that also included some electric OEMs added 12,591 units to total retail sales in Nov 2025, a growth from 11,472 units sold in Nov 2024.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Brunei's second minister of foreign affairs, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Brunei recognizes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China and will stay committed to the one-China policy, and will support China's great cause of national reunification, Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Brunei's second minister of foreign affairs, said in Beijing on Thursday.

China has always been the most important force in promoting regional solidarity and stability, he noted in talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

During the talks, Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Taiwan question, and on the grave harm of the erroneous statements made by Japan's current leader regarding Taiwan.

He commended Brunei for upholding the one-China principle firmly over the years, and expressed his hope and belief that Brunei will come to understand China's position fully, and will continue to be a strong supporter of the Chinese people's just cause in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Wang also called on the two sides to work together to defend the post-war international order, as well as human conscience and justice. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Brunei's second minister of foreign affairs, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Having established itself as an influential voice on Chinese social media through timely information sharing, China's Ministry of National Defense is now reaching a global audience through a newly launched X account.

Debuting this week under the name "Ministry of National Defense of China," the account has posted images of China-Singapore joint military exercises and a video documenting the Chinese Navy hospital ship's medical mission in Jamaica. Within just a few days, these posts have drawn more than 4 million views.

"Follow us to learn about China's national defense in the new era," says the X account bio. The call has already resonated with readers, one of whom commented: "Congratulations! Can't wait to learn more about the Chinese military."

Among its many functions, the Ministry of National Defense serves as a key channel for public communication on China's military affairs. In addition to holding regular press briefings, it operates accounts on major Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo, where it posts spokesperson statements and videos of People's Liberation Army (PLA) training and exercises. Its Weibo account now has more than 8 million followers.

The defense ministry is not the first within the Chinese military to launch overseas social media accounts. Earlier this year, the PLA Navy launched its official accounts on both X and YouTube. These platforms have published a wealth of content about the service, including coverage of Chinese aircraft carrier training.

"Through these platforms, users worldwide can leave comments and interact directly to stay on top of the PLA's development, which helps dispel misunderstandings or misperceptions about the Chinese military," said Zhang Junshe, a military expert.

His comment echoed the original purpose behind the defense ministry's launch of its X account.

As stated in its debut video: "Peace is the common aspiration and lofty goal of humanity. The Chinese military has always been a staunch force for world peace." 
CAIRO/GAZA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) on Thursday dispatched a new shipment of winter relief supplies to the rain-flooded Gaza Strip, including 14,300 blankets, 21,400 winter garments, and 15,800 tents to shelter affected families, the organization said in a statement.

The winter aid is part of a larger humanitarian aid convoy carrying about 9,800 tonnes of urgent materials, including around 5,500 tonnes of food baskets, more than 3,600 tonnes of medical and relief items, and over 700 tonnes of petroleum products needed in the enclave.

It is the 92nd convoy dispatched from Egypt to Gaza since the ERC launched its pro-Gaza humanitarian aid initiative in late July. The organization said it has delivered over half a million tonnes of humanitarian and relief materials to Gaza since the beginning of the Gaza war in October 2023, with the help of some 35,000 volunteers.

Heavy rains have recently swept Gaza and ruined many of its fragile shelter tents, adding to the suffering of its residents.

"Flooded streets and soaked tents are making already dire living conditions even more dangerous. Cold, overcrowded, and unsanitary environments heighten the risk of illness and infection," the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on its X account on Thursday.

An eight-month-old girl, Rafah Abu Jazar, died Thursday from the cold in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Nasser Medical Hospital said in a statement.

Munir al-Bursh, director general of Gaza's health authorities, said residents are enduring harsh conditions with inadequate shelter and heating due to fuel shortages. 
Archaeologists have unearthed 400,000-year-old heated sediments and fire-cracked flint handaxes alongside two fragments of pyrite  a mineral used in later periods to strike sparks with flint  at Barnham, Suffolk, the United Kingdom. The discovery shows humans were making fire around 350,000 years earlier than previously known.

The ability of humans to make and maintain fires marks an important moment in human development: fires provided warmth, offered protection from predators and enabled cooking, which expanded the range of foods that could be consumed.

Indications of fires in sites inhabited by humans date to more than one million years ago.

However, determining when humans learned how to create fire is challenging.

Fire use probably began with opportunistic harvesting of natural wildfires before our ancestors mastered the art of deliberately starting fires.

Previous evidence for early fire-making has been found at Neanderthal sites in France dating to 50,000 years ago, where handaxes that seem to have been used to strike pyrite to create sparks have been found.

The new evidence discovered by Professor Nick Ashton, an archaeologist with the British Museum and the Institute of Archaeology at University College London, and his colleagues suggests that fire-making may have been happening 400,000 years ago in Barnham, the United Kingdom.

The archaeologists discovered heated sediments in ancient soils along with fire-cracked flint handaxes.

These features indicate that fire was being controlled in a human settlement, but it is the third finding that suggests that the fire-making was deliberate.

Two fragments of pyrite were discovered on the site; however, this mineral is rare in this region, leading the researchers to propose that pyrite was purposefully brought to the site to be used for fire-making.

Together, the findings indicate complex behavior in ancient humans at the Barnham site.

For example, these humans may have understood the properties of pyrite to use it as part of a fire-making kit.

Developing this skill would have provided many benefits, including the ability to cook food and potentially driving the advancement of technologies such as glue-making for hafted tools, which may have contributed to notable developments in human behavior.

The people who made fire at Barnham at 400,000 years ago were probably early Neanderthals, based on the morphology of fossils around the same age from Swanscombe, Kent, and Atapuerca in Spain, who even preserve early Neanderthal DNA, said Professor Chris Stringer, a paleoanthropologist at Natural History Museum, London.

This is the most remarkable discovery of my career, and Im very proud of the teamwork that it has taken to reach this groundbreaking conclusion, Professor Ashton said.

Its incredible that some of the oldest groups of Neanderthals had the knowledge of the properties of flint, pyrite and tinder at such an early date.

The implications are enormous, said Dr. Rob Davis, a project curator at the British Museum.

The ability to create and control fire is one of the most important turning points in human history with practical and social benefits that changed human evolution.

This extraordinary discovery pushes this turning point back by some 350,000 years.

The discovery is reported in a paper published today in the journal Nature.

_____

R. Davis et al. Earliest evidence of making fire. Nature, published online December 10, 2025; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09855-6
Birds of a feather do not always flock together, despite the adage. A new study in the Journal of Raptor Research describes how Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from Arizona are making unusual journeys by flying north instead of south, unlike most migratory birds in temperate regions. The paper, titled "Northward Migrations of Nonbreeding Bald Eagles from Arizona, USA," also reports on a single eagle that left Arizona and ultimately settled in California, a decision that challenges earlier ideas about how often these birds emigrate from their home population. The researchers conclude that southwestern Bald Eagles are highly exploratory, likely so they can locate short-lived food sources. As the climate and landscapes continue to change, research that documents how wildlife adjusts its movements is vital for designing conservation strategies and protecting key travel corridors for vulnerable species.

Between 2017 and 2023, the Arizona-based research team used satellite transmitters to follow 24 newly fledged Bald Eagles and two nonbreeding adults and to map how they moved within and beyond the state. Breeding Bald Eagles in Arizona are generally believed to stay close to their nesting territories for much of the year, but there has been much less information about what nonbreeding birds do. Because survival varies across life stages, comparing movement patterns and survival rates of nonbreeding eagles with those of breeders gives scientists a more complete view of how the species is doing across its range and how population level processes are shaped.

The researchers followed individual eagles for as long as the tracking devices continued to function, in some cases for up to four years during the seven-year study period. Many people, including scientists, are used to thinking of North American migratory birds as heading south during the nonbreeding season, which is typically our "winter," to find milder weather and more reliable food. Arizona Bald Eagles, however, start nesting in the winter, so their non-breeding season actually falls in the summer and autumn. Lead author Dr. Caroline D. Cappello was intrigued by this different timing of seasonal movement and notes that "northward migratory behavior raises interesting questions about the recent and historical pressures that shape these movement strategies."

Historic stopover sites and enduring eagle habitats

The authors report that the tracked eagles paused at many of the same lakes and rivers that a study in the 1980s had already identified as important stopover sites for Bald Eagles. This overlap supports the idea that these habitats have remained crucial gathering points for multiple generations of eagles.

Beyond confirming a strong use of the Intermountain Flyway and a dependence on lakes and rivers along their routes, the study showed that eagles of different ages migrated to the northern U.S. and southern Canada. Coauthor Dr. Javan M. Bauder, a USGS researcher, Assistant Unit Leader at the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, emphasizes the significance of this finding, stating that "managing and conserving wildlife populations requires that we understand the movement of patterns of individuals of all age classes within those populations." The team also observed that as eagles grew older, their migration pathways became more precise and refined. Most birds that were tracked for at least two years came back to Arizona in the fall of their hatch year after spending the summer roaming farther north. The researchers suggest that these young eagles could be taking advantage of seasonal food bonanzas such as spawning salmon, nesting waterfowl, or carcasses of large mammals. Determining whether this is true will require additional research.

Long journeys and lethal threats to young raptors

Bald Eagles, like many other raptors, must navigate a wide range of hazards in a human-dominated world. One eagle in the study crossed ten U.S. states and four Canadian provinces during her early life before appearing to settle in northern California, where she seemed poised to establish a breeding territory. At four years old, she was killed by electrocution, an all too common cause of death for large birds of prey. Her loss was especially troubling, Cappello explains, because it "underscored the ongoing risks these birds face," and because emigration is a difficult aspect of population dynamics to measure. Her apparent decision to live and breed in California would have provided rare insight into how often Bald Eagles hatched in Arizona disperse to other regions.

Other threats facing young raptors include poisoning from lead and rodenticides, collisions with wind turbines, loss of habitat, and uncertainty related to a changing climate. By studying raptors at every stage of life, including the exploratory journeys of young birds, scientists can make evidence-based recommendations about which stopover sites are most important to protect and which types of infrastructure, including electrical systems, could be modified to improve survival for eagles and other large raptors.

Future research and conservation priorities

The research team recommends future work on route fidelity, since, as Cappello notes, "if consistent patterns exist it could help focus conservation efforts on specific, high-use areas along their migratory route." They also highlight the importance of comparing these Arizona Bald Eagles to other wildlife populations that migrate north from the southern edge of their range, in order to better understand the tradeoffs, costs, and benefits of this northward migration strategy.
This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2025 shows the collapsed library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea. Two workers were trapped after a steel structure collapsed at a library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday. The collapse occurred around 1:58 p.m. local time (0458 GMT) in Gwangju, some 270 km south of the capital Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

SEOUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Two workers were trapped after a steel structure collapsed at a library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

The collapse occurred around 1:58 p.m. local time (0458 GMT) in Gwangju, some 270 km south of the capital Seoul.

Two workers were believed to be trapped under the structure.

The fire authorities were conducting search and rescue operations. 

This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2025 shows the collapsed library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea.

Two workers were trapped after a steel structure collapsed at a library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

The collapse occurred around 1:58 p.m. local time (0458 GMT) in Gwangju, some 270 km south of the capital Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2025 shows the collapsed library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea.

Two workers were trapped after a steel structure collapsed at a library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

The collapse occurred around 1:58 p.m. local time (0458 GMT) in Gwangju, some 270 km south of the capital Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2025 shows the collapsed library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea.

Two workers were trapped after a steel structure collapsed at a library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

The collapse occurred around 1:58 p.m. local time (0458 GMT) in Gwangju, some 270 km south of the capital Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Two children were killed and 16 others injured when a mortar shell exploded at a seminary in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police sources said on Thursday.

The blast happened at about 2:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) in North Waziristan district of the province on Monday, where some students brought in a mortar shell they had found outside the seminary and mistook it for a toy, the sources told Xinhua.

The device detonated while the children were playing with it, killing two on the spot and injuring 16 others, officials said.

The injured students were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, the sources added.

An investigation into the incident is underway, said the sources. 
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Pakistani military court on Thursday sentenced former chief of the country's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after finding him guilty on multiple charges, the military said.

Legal proceedings against the former lieutenant general, Faiz Hameed, were initiated on Aug. 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act and concluded after 15 months of hearings, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani army, said in a statement.

He was tried on four charges, including engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner deemed detrimental to state security, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals, the statement said.

The ISPR added that the court found him guilty on all counts, and the sentence was formally promulgated on Dec. 11, 2025.

His alleged involvement in "fomenting political agitation and instability in collaboration with political elements" is being addressed separately, the statement added. 
Cambodian evacuees receive relief items at a safe zone in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 Cambodian civilians have been killed and 60 others wounded in the latest round of border conflict with Thailand, a Cambodian Defense Spokesperson said on Thursday.

"The casualties included 10 civilian fatalities, including one infant, and 60 civilian injuries," Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said in a press briefing.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon and is still going on as of Thursday morning, Socheata said, adding that the Thai army has fired artillery shells at many locations in Cambodian territory.

Cambodia's Ministry of Interior released a press release on Wednesday night, saying that more than 56,000 families, with 190,000 civilians, have fled their homes for safe shelters. 

Cambodian evacuees carry relief items at a safe zone in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

Cambodian evacuees carry relief items at a safe zone in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

Cambodian evacuees stay under tents at a safe zone in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

Cambodian evacuees wait for relief items distribution at a safe zone in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

Tents are seen at a safe zone in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

A Cambodian evacuee carries relief items at a safe zone in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)
South Dakota Mines biomedical engineering students will pitch original wound-care product ideas to a panel of seasoned business and industry professionals and negotiate deals in a Shark Tank-style event, Friday, Dec. 12 from noon to 1 p.m. in the universitys Devereaux Library Makerspace.

Student teams will pitch innovative, biocompatible wound dressings that detect and treat wound-related odor, an early sign of infection, with a focus on improving care in rural, remote and frontier communities where access to healthcare is often limited.

This is the second year of the competition created by Tugba Ozdemir, Ph.D., assistant professor of nanoscience and biomedical engineering at Mines, to introduce students to innovation, entrepreneurship and real-world problem-solving in healthcare.

This years cohort was challenged with an emerging and unmet need in the wound care field, the specific smells associated with specific wound infections, Ozdemir said. The students created wound care solutions to smell the wounds. It is a rather unique and revolutionary approach. This years projects will not only be unique, addressing an unmet problem in the wound care field, but also trailblaze the potential commercial products that could have been developed for wound odor detection. I can't wait to see their final pitches.

The students also learned how to turn ideas into viable ventures through business plan training led by Jim Quinn, Mines alumnus and entrepreneur-in-residence.

The event also showcases how collaboration between higher education and industry can accelerate innovation in patient care.

Higher ed and industry collaborations drive innovation and create a practical, real-life application to the students' projects and ideas, said Jessica Hart, certified nurse practitioner and wound specialist with Monument Health.

This is Harts second year involved with the Mines project. She served as a wound specialist consultant, providing lectures on wound healing pathophysiology and management. I enjoy speaking, teaching and working on unique projects outside of my day-to-day patient care, she said. I feel like it stretches me, and I learn just as much as the students do.

Mines students also spent time observing wound care in action at the Monument Health Outpatient Wound Care Clinic.

In addition to Monument Health, Mines collaborated with South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Nursing in Rapid City. Sarah Mollman, Ph.D., SDSU associate dean for research and associate professor, reached out to Ozdemir after seeing a poster presentation by Cruz Franich, Mines biomedical engineering graduate student, on last years wound shark project. I had a nice conversation with him and loved the concept behind it, Mollman said. I connected with Tugba and discussed how to incorporate nursing students.

This year, senior nursing student Kirsten Veit designed a simulated wound experience at SDSU College of Nursings Healthcare Simulation Center. The Mines students were able to experience simulated wounds to inform their product development, Mollman said. Kirsten and I answered their questions and gave suggestions on user-end applicability, such as vision and hearing loss, location of wounds, conditions of the environment and distance to healthcare.

The wound shark competition demonstrates the value of higher education-industry partnerships in preparing students for the workforce while driving innovation that benefits society.

These partnerships and collaborations are also beneficial for the greater community through mutual support of locally grown programs, driving economic growth through job creation and fostering a better prepared workforce, Hart said.
London stocks were set to nudge lower at the open on Thursday as investors mulled the latest policy announcement from the Federal Reserve and disappointing earnings from Oracle .

The FTSE 100 was called to open down around eight points.

On Wednesday, as it its final meeting of the year, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-3 in favour of a rate cut, with the Federal Funds Rate being trimmed by 25 basis points to a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.

The decision was in line with analysts' expectations and similar to moves made in September and October, marking the sixth rate cut since September 2024 to bring borrowing costs to their lowest since 2022.

However, the scope of the dissent among policymakers was stark, with Austan Goolsbee and Jeff Schmid voting for no change to rates, while Trump-appointed Stephen Miran called for a 50bp reduction. This was the first time since 2019 that three FOMC members dissented.

Investors will also be mulling second-quarter numbers from Oracle, whose shares tumbled in after-hours trading.

Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote, said: "Oracle announced a higher-than-expected EPS growth - but that was due to a one-time income from the sale of a subsidiary. Cloud sales increased 34% - but were lower than expected. Revenue from its infrastructure business grew 68% -also lower than expected by analysts. And more dramatically, the company continued to burn cash last quarter: its free cash flow reached a negative $10 billion.

"To make matters worse, the company said that it expects capex to reach about $50 billion in the fiscal year ending May 2026 - $15 billion more than its September forecast - and investments at Oracle are financed by debt: overall, the company has about $106 billion in debt. Frankly, the report was not dramatically bad, but it came to confirm concerns around heavy AI spending, financed by debt, with an unknown timeline for revenue generation, sending Oracle shares down by more than 11% in after-hours trading."

In UK corporate news, Entain said on its chief financial officer was set to step down after 13 years with the gambling and gaming group.

Rob Wood, who is also deputy chief executive, will leave in March 2026. He is being replaced by Michael Snape, chief financial officer at International Distribution Services.

Workspace Group said it has exchanged contracts for the disposal of two additional low-conviction assets for a total of 11.8m, in line with September 2025 valuations, at a net initial yield of 5.7%.

Taking into account its latest disposals, Workspace has now exchanged or completed on a total of 106m of low-conviction asset sales, against its two-year target of 200m.

NCC Group said it expects to return to growth this year after the cybersecurity and software escrow business reported a small decline in both revenues and profits over the 12 months to 30 September.

Revenues were down 2.6% at 293.9m, as a 2.2% increase in turnover at the Escode division to 66.5m was offset by a 4.0% fall in the cyber arm to 227.4m. Adjusted EBITDA fell to 40.6m from 42.1m the year before.
The chief financial officer of Ladbrokes-owner Entain is to step down after 13 years with the gambling and gaming group, it was announced on Thursday.

Rob Wood, who is also deputy chief executive, will leave in March 2026

He is being replaced by Michael Snape, who as chief financial officer of International Distribution Services recently led the Royal Mail parents de-listing and sale.

He will join as chief financial officer designate in February, before taking up the role officially on 6 March.

Wood said: "With Entains and BetMGMs pathway to long-term success well established, now is the right time for me to pass the reins on."

Snape said: "I am thrilled to be joining Entain at such an exciting time in its growth and transformation story." Prior to joining IDS, Snape worked at Walgreens Boots Alliance as chief financial officer of Boots, No7 Beauty and International.

Entain also noted that trading in the year to date continued to be in line with market expectations.

Results for the 2025 financial year are due to be released on 5 March 2026. Consensus is for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of 1.14bn.

The blue chip owns a host of gambling and gaming brands alongside Ladbrokes, including Coral, Eurobet, Foxy Bingo and Partypoker. It also has a 50:50 joint venture, BetMGM, in the US.
Public transport operator Firstgroup said on Thursday that it has acquired the UK sightseeing bus operations of RATP Developpement for roughly 17m as part of an effort to grow and diversify its First Bus business in two key markets.

Firstgroup said the business, currently operating under the Tootbus brand, includes 63 buses, a freehold depot in Wandsworth, a leased depot in Keynsham, and around 190 employees.

FirstGroup said the deal would provide further diversification in the capital, where it is one of the five main sightseeing operators, and additional depot capacity in Bath. The Wandsworth site will also support bids for new Transport for London bus routes.

The FTSE 250-listed firm expects the business to record a small loss in its first full year before returning to profit, with annual revenues of around 30m anticipated by FY29, supported by growth in TfL contracts.

Firstgroup added that the acquisition will be funded from existing cash reserves, with the group now forecasting adjusted net debt of 140m150m at the end of FY26.

Chief executive Graham Sutherland said: "The acquisition of the bus operations in London and Bath, in line with our UK-focused growth and diversification strategy, will allow us to further diversify and expand our footprint in two of our key markets. The integration of the businesses will also create material operational and cost synergies and the opportunity to grow our London route portfolio over time."

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
Heathrow Airport has named corporate veteran Philip Jansen as its new chair, the west London transport hub confirmed on Thursday.

Jansen, current chair of advertising giant WPP and the former chief executive of BT Group, will take over from Paul Deighton when he steps down later this month.

Heathrow said Jansens "significant" experience of working with private investors, as well as leading businesses in highly regulated environments, made him "ideally placed to help prepare the airport for its next phase of modernisation and oversee ...future strategy".

Heathrow is currently seeking approval for a long-anticipated third runway as part of a multi-billion pound expansion project.

The scheme has long been controversial, with both environmental and local groups opposed. But chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated the government will back Heathrows plans, as part of her wider growth agenda.

Before joining BT, which he ran for five years from early 2019, 58-year-old Jansen was chief executive of global payments firm Worldpay and chief executive and later chair of Brakes Group. He has also held a number of senior roles at Sodexo Group.

Jansen said: "Heathrow is the UKs gateway to growth. I am delighted to be taking on the role [of] chair at this pivotal time for both the business and the country."

Deighton, who was made a life peer by Conservative prime minister David Cameron in 2012, was chair of Heathrow for nine years. He said it had been a "privilege" to take on the role.

The announcement coincided with Heathrows latest traffic statistics. A total of 6.63m passengers used its terminals last month, a 2% rise and its busiest November on record.

In the year-to-date, terminal passenger numbers reached 84.35m, a 1% increase.

Heathrow also forecast its busiest ever December and Christmas Day.
Imperial Leather maker PZ Cussons set out "ambitious" growth plans for its Africa business on Thursday, having deciding to keep it after failing to receive offers that reflect its "inherent value".

The company said in April last year that it was launching a strategic review of the Africa operations. As part of the review, it announced the sale of its 50% equity interest in PZ Wilmar Limited, its non-core edible oils business in Nigeria, to its joint venture partner Wilmar.

It said on Thursday: "The group received significant levels of interest from a number of parties regarding the wider Africa portfolio.

"The board has, however, concluded that the offers received did not reflect the inherent value of the business and that the greatest value for shareholders will be created by retaining the business and building a group portfolio balanced between its developed markets of UK and ANZ and its emerging markets of Indonesia and Nigeria."

Cussons said it was planning to build a "winning portfolio of locally-loved brands", building on the improved momentum achieved in recent years.

This will be delivered through three key pillars: core growth, category expansion and Pan-Africa growth.

Cussons said it plans to grow the core business in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana through "consistently delivering best-in-class fundamentals of brand-building, distribution expansion, revenue growth management, in-store execution and use of digital".

It also plans to expand into new category adjacencies, including a focus on men's grooming and beauty, with the existing brands of Venus, Imperial Leather and Premier.

Finally, the company is looking to expand in other African markets, which will be served from its existing footprint in Nigeria and Kenya.

Cussons also said it has identified around 7m of further non-core assets in Africa, proceeds from which are expected to be realised during the current financial year.

Chief executive Jonathan Myers said: "Africa is a market of great opportunity. Given PZ Cussons' deep heritage there, and given the strength of our brands and operational capabilities, we are well-placed to win over the longer term. Benefitting from a more stable economic environment in recent months and with positive fiscal reform, momentum in our Africa business is strong, with double-digit revenue growth in the first half of the financial year.

"We will now look to build on this strong performance and extend our category leadership, with nearly 80% of our revenue in Nigeria already coming from brands with #1 or #2 positions. With plans underpinned by appropriate guardrails - established to reduce risk and manage volatility - we are confident that we have a business that is set up for success.

"We expect Africa to be a significant contributor to overall group revenue growth as we seek to build a winning portfolio of locally-loved brands, balanced between developed and emerging markets."
The UK government has announced a wide-ranging partnership with Alphabet subsidiary Google DeepMind aimed at accelerating scientific discovery, modernising public services and supporting the countrys long-term clean-energy ambitions, in what ministers described as a central pillar of Britains national renewal.

Under the agreement, DeepMind would open its first automated research lab in the UK next year.

The facility, which would be built from the ground up to integrate with Googles Gemini model, would use artificial intelligence and robotics to drive breakthroughs in areas such as advanced superconductors - materials capable of carrying electricity with zero resistance.

The government said new discoveries could underpin cheaper medical imaging, more efficient computer chips and technologies that help speed the transition to net zero.

It said the partnership would also give UK scientists priority access to DeepMinds frontier AI systems, including AlphaGenome and the companys AI co-scientist platform.

Ministers said such tools function like an AI microscope, offering capabilities to identify DNA vulnerabilities, generate research proposals and tackle scientific problems of unprecedented scale.

Prime minister Keir Starmer said the agreement ensured Britain harness[es] developments in AI for public good so that everyone feels the benefits.

That means using AI to tackle everyday challenges like cutting energy bills thanks to cheaper, greener energy and making our public services more efficient so that taxpayers money is spent on what matters most to people, he added.

This is national renewal in action - driving innovation to make our country stronger and fairer for everyone.

The government said the initiative could support smarter public services through a potential Gemini for Government system designed to automate routine administrative work.

DeepMind would also explore a version of Gemini to support teachers, grounded in the national curriculum and tested for safe use.

The company would further expand its partnership with the UKs AI Security Institute to ensure safe and responsible development of frontier models.

Technology secretary Liz Kendall said: This agreement could help to unlock cleaner energy, smarter public services, and new opportunities which will benefit communities up and down the country ... partnerships like this will help us go further, faster.

DeepMind had also committed to collaborate with the UK scientific community on AI-enabled fusion-energy research.

The partnership followed a 5bn investment announced earlier this year to bolster the UKs AI infrastructure and preceded Kendalls visit to the US to examine AI use in education and further strengthen UK-US technology ties.

Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMinds co-founder and CEO, said: AI has incredible potential to drive a new era of scientific discovery and improve everyday life.

Were excited to deepen our collaboration with the UK government ... to advance science, strengthen security, and deliver tangible improvements for citizens.

The memorandum underpinning the partnership was voluntary and non-binding, but came amid a significant influx of private capital into UK technology, with more than 24.25bn committed in November alone under the UK-US Tech Prosperity Deal.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Britain is slipping down the global league table for youth employment amid a dramatic rise in worklessness that is putting a generations future at risk, research has warned. Sounding the alarm over a worsening youth jobs crisis, the report from the accountancy firm PwC said Britains economy was missing out on 26bn a year because of sharp regional divisions in youth joblessness.  Guardian

McDonalds says it has removed an AI-generated Christmas advertisement in the Netherlands after it was criticised online. The ad, titled the most terrible time of the year, depicts scenes of Christmas chaos, with Santa caught in a traffic jam and a gift-laden Dutch cyclist slipping in the snow. And the message? Retreat to a McDonalds restaurant until January and ride out the festive season.  Guardian

Elon Musk has hinted at a possible SpaceX initial public offering. Reports emerged on Wednesday that his rocket-making company could be listed on the stock market in 2026  a move that would make Mr Musk, who is already the richest person in the world, a trillionaire. The Tesla and SpaceX founder called the reports accurate during a social media exchange with Eric Berger, a journalist writing about the space industry.  Telegraph

Democrats have threatened to unravel Paramounts proposed takeover of Warner Bros once Donald Trump, the US president, is out of power. Warner Bros had agreed to an $83bn (62bn) takeover by Netflix for its studio and streaming networks but is now fending off a power grab by Paramount, which has taken its offer straight to shareholders.  Telegraph

Oil is to be produced off the Falkland Islands for the first time after Israels Navitas Petroleum and Britains Rockhopper Exploration have taken their final investment decisions on development of the Sea Lion field. The $2.1 billion first phase of the project is expected to produce first oil by 2028 and is targeting 170 million barrels, with expected output of 50,000 barrels per day at peak.  The Times

EY is once again under investigation from Britains accounting industry regulator after some clients were issued with auditors reports that had not been signed off by a senior partner. While it is common for dozens of staff to work on an audit, the final report is required to be checked over and signed off by the senior partner leading the work, also known as the responsible individual or statutory auditor, before it is issued.  The Times
TEHRAN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the number of its Ground Force members killed in a "terrorist" attack on Wednesday had risen to four.

The fourth member succumbed to his wounds sustained in a clash with the "terrorists" in the Lar area, northeast of the provincial capital Zahedan in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the IRGC reported through its official news outlet Sepah News, without specifying the assailants' affiliation.

It identified the slain members as Sajjad Marashi, Mohammad Bazi, Alireza Nasirabadi Sarhadi and Alireza Piri, adding that a manhunt has been launched to arrest the assailants.

In an earlier statement, the IRGC said its three soldiers were killed by members of "terrorist and hostile groups" while on a mission protecting Iran's border.

Bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several "terrorist" attacks on both civilians and security forces in recent years. 
Londons FTSE 100 was 0.3% higher at 9,685.72 in afternoon trade on Thursday.

Equipment rental firm Ashtead, which has significant exposure to the US, was the top riser on the index.

Sainsburys was among the gainers after an upgrade to buy from neutral at Citi, which lifted the price target to 349p from 333p. The upgrade was part of a broader note on European retail and brands.

Shares of the supermarket retailer were also boosted by an upgrade to outperform at BNP Paribas.

Labdrokes owner Entain fell as it said its chief financial officer was set to step down after 13 years with the gambling and gaming group.

Rob Wood, who is also deputy chief executive, will leave in March 2026. He is being replaced by Michael Snape, chief financial officer at International Distribution Services.

He will join as chief financial officer designate in February, before taking up the role officially on 6 March.

Primark owner AB Foods was also in the red as it traded without entitlement to the dividend.

FTSE 100 - Risers

Ashtead Group (AHT) 4,959.00p 3.64%

Smurfit Westrock (DI) (SWR) 2,773.00p 2.86%

Convatec Group (CTEC) 231.40p 2.39%

WPP (WPP) 325.20p 2.23%

Berkeley Group Holdings (The) (BKG) 3,776.00p 2.16%

Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 323.60p 2.08%

Metlen Energy & Metals (MTLN) 41.92p 2.01%

Weir Group (WEIR) 2,952.00p 1.93%

Pearson (PSON) 1,043.50p 1.85%

Diageo (DGE) 1,631.50p 1.84%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Entain (ENT) 739.00p -2.74%

Informa (INF) 909.80p -2.13%

Associated British Foods (ABF) 2,093.00p -1.74%

The Sage Group (SGE) 1,057.50p -1.40%

Centrica (CNA) 165.25p -1.34%

Auto Trader Group (AUTO) 593.40p -0.97%

Severn Trent (SVT) 2,686.00p -0.92%

Smith & Nephew (SN.) 1,237.50p -0.92%

Games Workshop Group (GAW) 19,490.00p -0.92%

Next (NXT) 13,465.00p -0.85%
Ceres Power tumbled on Thursday after Grizzly Research disclosed a short position in the stock and said in a report that the company was "fuelling investors illusions with misleading promises".

Ceres is a developer of solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology for use in distributed power systems.

Grizzly said it believes the company is hiding a flawed business model with "abysmally small revenue potential behind a facade of big-name announcements and lofty projections".

The short seller noted that Ceres shares are up more than 200% since its partner Doosan Fuel Cell announced the start of its SOFC systems in their new 50MW factory using Ceres technology in July 2025.

Since then, Ceres only signed a new manufacturing agreement with its long-standing partner and biggest shareholder WeiChai, with whom it failed multiple times to bring joint products to market since 2018, Grizzly said.

"Based on our research, we believe investors are misled by Ceres projections given the near-future prospects and the multiple past failures of Ceres partnerships.

"For example, we found evidence that Doosans mass production start since July 2025 suffers a very slow take-off and interest in SOFC products, as Doosan Fuel Cell only currently secured a 9 MW supply contract with a related-party in September 2024."

According to Grizzlys research, this should at best generate $1.35m in royalties for Ceres, which it said was "a small prize" for a 10+ year struggle to reach commercialisation stage.

"We get a deja vu impression about this situation, as Ceres has announced dozens of partnerships with global companies to commercialize a product with Ceres technology," it said.

"The vast majority of these partnerships vanished without much communication from the company. We find since vanished projections from Ceres 2022 Annual Report to reach multi GWs by 2030 ridiculous and frankly, misleading."

Grizzly said that as far back as 2017, Ceres touted that possible annual gross margin for its licensing model was around $1bn annually. Eight years later and the company still has not generated any significant royalties.

In conclusion, Grizzly said it thinks that Ceres licensing business model is deeply flawed.

"The company essentially shifts all the risk to its licensees while relying entirely on them to commercialize a new product. The capital required to bring a product from the IP acquisition to a potential commercialisation is enormous, while the total addressable markets of both the SOFC and SOEC technologies are small, despite being relatively known technologies.

"We are afraid investors will find themselves once again sorely disappointed by the results exciting sounding partnerships will deliver. In this report we first examine the most recently announced deal with Doosan that has now reached commercial stage, but will unfortunately soon reveal to investors the abysmal customer interest and minimal revenue potential associated with Ceres technology."

Zigup fell as the shares traded without entitlement to a dividend.

RS Group rose after an upgrade from JP Morgan.

FTSE 250 - Risers

RS Group (RS1) 639.50p 5.62%

SDCL Efficiency Income Trust (SEIT) 51.70p 2.78%

Foresight Group Holdings Limited NPV (FSG) 418.00p 2.45%

OSB Group (OSB) 584.00p 2.37%

Marshalls (MSLH) 177.00p 1.84%

Hochschild Mining (HOC) 434.20p 1.69%

TBC Bank Group (TBCG) 4,015.00p 1.65%

Harworth Group (HWG) 163.00p 1.56%

W.A.G Payment Solutions (EWG) 96.00p 1.48%

Paragon Banking Group (PAG) 829.50p 1.47%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Ocado Group (OCDO) 215.40p -8.34%

Ceres Power Holdings (CWR) 288.00p -6.68%

International Personal Finance (IPF) 205.50p -4.20%

Zigup (ZIG) 381.50p -3.42%

Sirius Real Estate Ltd. (SRE) 90.80p -3.20%

Travis Perkins (TPK) 588.50p -3.05%

Raspberry PI Holdings (RPI) 313.20p -2.67%

Cranswick (CWK) 4,955.00p -2.65%

Kainos Group (KNOS) 1,069.00p -2.64%

Gamma Communications (GAMA) 894.00p -2.61%
James Patterson

Author James Patterson has selected the independent booksellers who are beneficiaries of his Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program, which in October he said would go to 600 booksellers in $500 increments. As he has done in previous years, Patterson pledged a substantial amount--$300,000 this fall--to fund the program. The complete list of recipients can be seen on the American Booksellers Association's website.

"I've said this before, but I can't say it enough--booksellers save lives," Patterson said. "What they do is crucial, especially right now. I'm happy to be able to acknowledge them and their hard work this holiday season."

The bookseller nomination form asked one question: "In 250 words or less, why does this bookseller deserve a holiday bonus?"

Congratulations to the bookseller winners and many thanks to the ever-generous James Patterson!
Samsung to boost India-led product development under a new long-term vision

Company reinforces commitment to Make in India manufacturing and R&D expansion

New initiative aims to strengthen Indias role in Samsungs global innovation strategy

Samsung has announced a major 10-year strategy to expand India-led product development and deepen its commitment to domestic manufacturing. The South Korean electronics giant launched a new program, #PoweringInnovationforIndia, marking a stronger push toward building advanced technologies in India for both local and global markets.

The company said the initiative will focus on people-centric innovation, skilled talent development, and a broader range of products designed specifically for Indian consumers. Samsung, which has been operating in India for 30 years, said the new vision aligns with the countrys digital transformation goals and its Make in India mission.

Samsung currently runs two manufacturing plants in Noida and Chennai, along with three R&D centers in Delhi, Noida, and Bengaluru. The company generated Rs 1.11 trillion in revenue from India, one of its largest global markets.

JB Park, President and CEO of Samsung Southwest Asia, said the company plans to play a bigger role in Indias digital growth. We will continue working with the Government of India toward a Viksit Bharat. Our aim is to build technologies here that will shape how the world lives, works, and connects tomorrow, he said.

Also Read: Google Launches AI Plus in India with Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro

Samsung has also expanded its retail and experience footprint. After opening the Samsung Opera House in Bengaluru, the company recently launched its first flagship lifestyle store, Samsung BKC, in Mumbai, along with a new Business Experience Studio. A similar studio was opened earlier in Gurugram.

Samsungs renewed focus on India comes as global electronics makers seek to strengthen local manufacturing, leverage engineering talent, and grow their presence in the worlds fastest-growing smartphone market.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  On the afternoon of Sept. 20, multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a park near the U.S. Coast Guard base in Fort Wadsworth for a report of a family assaulted.

Hours later, a 77-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were arrested on felony assault charges in connection with the incident, which according to court documents stemmed from a landlord-tenant dispute.

The defendants, Kam Chen, 77, and Hai Xu, 52, are scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in state Supreme Court, St. George, on charges that included second-degree assault, second-degree robbery and endangering the welfare of children.

According to the criminal complaint, the incident unfolded at approximately 2:20 p.m. on the 300 block of USS Tennessee Road. Chen and Xu are accused of assaulting a man and woman, along with two toddlers.

The defendants were arrested hours later at a residence where they both reside on the 2300 block of Hylan Boulevard in New Dorp. Their relationship to one another was not immediately clear.

Xu told police the complainants were renting a property from them.

An attorney retained in the case and representing both defendants did not return a request for comment.

Family bloodied, bruised: D.A.

Prosecutors said the female victim was punched in the face and bloodied in the ordeal, while her phone was snatched from her hand.

The male victim allegedly was struck and knocked down, which resulted in fractures to his ribs and spine, according to the complaint.

Each of the toddlers were kicked in the chest, the complaint alleges.

In speaking with police on the day of the incident, the defendants detailed an ongoing dispute with the alleged victims, according to court documents.

Xu told police they had been trying in court trying to get them out.

The tenants kept reporting me like everyday, so I was driving around, Xu said. I wanted to go to the park and I saw them and confronted them, like why do you record me every day?

Chen also spoke with authorities, court documents show, maintaining he was defending himself.
LA PAZ, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia's former President Luis Arce was arrested Wednesday in La Paz as part of a corruption investigation linked to an indigenous development fund, according to former Minister of the Presidency Maria Nela Prada.

Prada publicly denounced Arce's arrest by the Prosecutor's Office as "a kidnapping," saying the former president was not notified, no family members were present, and his transfer was carried out without official notification.

The investigation alleges that while Arce was at the Ministry of Economy, he authorized state disbursements to private accounts, including that of former congresswoman Lidia Patty, currently being held in pretrial detention at a women's prison in La Paz.

Judicial authorities have yet to report any formal charges or the next procedural steps.

According to local media, Arce was brought to the Special Force to Fight Crime headquarters around 3 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) in a white van and subsequently transferred to the anti-corruption unit to give a statement. 
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Pleasant Plains man was drunk behind the wheel of a car after a hit-and-run crash on the West Shore Expressway, authorities allege.

John Bernardo, 42, of Pleasant Plains Avenue, had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit when he was tested following the crash on Dec. 5 at about 3:35 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.

Bernardo was driving a black 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee that collided with a 2017 Chevrolet SUV on the New Jersey-bound expressway near the exit for Arthur Kill Road, police said.

The defendant drove away without exchanging identification or insurance information, the complaint alleges.

The 55-year-old driver of the Chevy did not report any injuries at the scene, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

Bernardo was placed under arrest at about 5 p.m. on Arthur Kill Road near Rossville Avenue, according to police.

Officers allege that Bernardo showed signs of intoxication that included watery eyes, slurred speech and an odor of alcohol on his breath.

I guess I should be honest, the criminal complaint alleges Bernardo told police. I had more than two beers. I had four shots of vodka. Theres two in the backpack you guys took.

Bernardo registered a blood-alcohol content of 0.225, the complaint alleges. The legal limit is 0.08.

The car that he allegedly hit was damaged on the front drivers side.

The defendant faces several charges, including aggravated driving while intoxicated; driving while ability impaired by the consumption of alcohol; and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage.

Bernardo pleaded not guilty to all charges, was released on his own recognizance and is due back in Criminal Court in St. George on Feb. 2, according to public records.

An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A bill that would give New York journalists access to police radio frequencies is officially sitting on Gov. Kathy Hochuls desk after passing through the New York State Congress.

Radio traffic from Staten Islands four police precincts have been offline since February 2024. The move came as a part of a long-term plan by the city to update outdated equipment while encrypting NYPD radio frequencies throughout the five boroughs.

According to media reports, the NYPD says the use of encryption is to keep officers and the public safe from radio interference and prevent listeners with ill intent from using such communications in a way that could harm or endanger them.

Sparking media outcry from across the state, outlets, including the Advance/SILive.com, lost a key source in reporting local crime to audiences.

The Keep Police Radio Public Act was introduced on Jan. 28, 2025, by six New York elected officials: Karines Reyes, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Monique Chandler-Waterman, Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, and MaryJane Shimsky.

The act, according to the New York State Senate, ensures that, except for sensitive information, all radio communications are accessible to emergency services organizations and professional journalists.

It passed through the New York State Assembly in an 85-61 vote and the New York State Senate in a 38-22 vote on June 5.

The three Republican assemblymembers on Staten Island  Mid-Islands Sam Pirozzolo, South Shores Michael Reilly, and East Shores Michael Tannousis  voted against the legislation in conjunction with borough State Sen. Andrew Lanza.

The two Democratic Staten Island representatives serving in the New York state legislative branch, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who represents the North Shore and parts of Brooklyn, and Assemblymember Charles Fall, who represents the North Shore and parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, voted in favor of the bill.

As a former #NYPD lieutenant and current public official, I understand the importance of public access to accurate information  but I also understand how that access can be abused or misused, jeopardizing public safety and possibly even human life in the process, Reilly wrote on X back in June. I recently debated A3516, which would require law enforcement to allow some journalists to access those frequencies. It is law enforcement and other first responders whose monitoring of those frequencies must be treated as a priority. Though I voted NO on this bill, I urge @GovKathyHochul to amend it and include a 10 minute delay so that we can sustain public access while prioritizing public safety.

Scarcella-Spanton said to the Advance/SILive.com in June, I did have some concern with privacy and things like that, but I know how important it is specifically to the press  especially local papers like (The Advance/SILive.com) and helping (journalists) do (their) jobs well and efficiently and informing the public. So, that is a big part of the reason why I voted in favor of it.

Hochul has until New Years Eve to sign it into law or veto it.

The shift to encryption began in July 2023 with several Brooklyns precincts, and then slowly crept through the other boroughs.

The Advance/SILive.com reached out to Hochuls office, but did not hear back by the time of publication.
A Long Island man returned to Long Island Jewish Medical Center during Thanksgiving week to thank the medical team that saved his life using a rare life-support therapy after a violent coughing fit led to respiratory arrest on New Years Eve.

Sean Jordan, 52, of Bayshore, was hospitalized at Northwells South Shore University Hospital with pneumonia right after Christmas 2024 and was nearly ready to go home when complications nearly killed him. The married father of two coughed so hard that he fractured a rib, which punctured his lung and triggered a bronchospasm that caused his oxygen-deprived organs to shut down.

Northwells mobile ECMO team transported Jordan to LIJ Medical Center on New Years Day, where Dr. John Goncalves Jr., chief of cardiac surgery at South Shore University Hospital, connected him to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device. The technology provides life support for patients whose hearts and lungs cannot generate enough oxygen to sustain life.

There are a limited number of people who potentially will benefit from it, Goncalves said. Its for very critical patients who would otherwise die.

Dr. Zubair Hasan, director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at LIJ Medical Center, said Jordans ventilator could not move enough air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in and out of his body to meet his needs. ECMO was the only thing left to do, Hasan said.

Jordans wife, Danielle Jordan, recalled the uncertainty of those first hours. On New Years Day, doctors told me, He either gets better from here or he doesnt, she said. Everything was running at max capacity. I didnt sleep for 72 hours.

Jordan spent six days on ECMO and underwent several procedures to clear his lungs before walking out of the hospital on Jan. 14. He recovered in time to be part of his brothers wedding party in April 2025.

The experience changed Jordans priorities. He gave up his career as a commercial truck driver to join his wife at their restaurant, Hidden Oak Cafe in Great River. The couple also decided to travel more.

Its a humbling feeling to wake up and see all these people responsible for me still being here, Jordan said. Until you experience it  its incredible. These medical professionals are something else.

On Nov. 25, the couple returned to LIJ to express their gratitude to the ECMO team.

Everything has changed in my life, Jordan said. I didnt go back to what I was doing. Im much more appreciative of life in general.

Northwell established its mobile ECMO program in 2018. The health systems ECMO Program recently achieved the Gold Level Award for Excellence in Life Support from The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.
The FBI is warning the public to guard against a growing scam involving ransom and virtual kidnapping.

The FBI stated that criminals are altering photos found on social media or other publicly available sites to use as fake proof-of-life photos in virtual kidnapping for ransom scams. These criminal actors pose as kidnappers and provide seemingly real photos or videos of victims, along with demands for ransom payments.

These criminals typically will contact their victims through text message, claiming they have kidnapped their loved one, and demand a ransom be paid for their release.

These actors frequently have expressed significant claims of violence toward the loved one if the ransom isnt paid immediately.

The criminal actor will then send what appears to be a genuine photo or video of the victims loved one, which upon close inspection often reveals inaccuracies when compared to confirmed photos of the loved one, stated the FBI. Examples of these inaccuracies include missing tattoos or scars and inaccurate body proportions.

These criminals will sometimes send photos using timed message features in order to limit the amount of time victims have to analyze the image.

Here are some tips to protect yourself, according to the FBI.

When posting missing person information online, be mindful that scammers may contact you with fake information regarding your loved one.

Avoid providing personal information to strangers while traveling.

Establish a code word only you or your loved ones know that you can use to communicate.

Scammers portray a false sense of urgency. Stop and think; do the kidnappers claims make sense?

Screenshot or record proof of life photos whenever possible.

Always attempt to contact your loved one before considering paying any ransom demand.

If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, report the incident to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Submit as much information as possible about the interaction, including phone numbers, payment information, text and audio communications, and proof of life photos.
STATEN ISLAND, NY -- The Richmond County Democratic Party has endorsed three incumbents seeking statewide re-election in 2026.

The party will be backing Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli in their bids for reelection.

Party Chair Charles D. Fall announced the endorsements, saying they reflect the partys commitment to supporting leaders who deliver for Staten Island families.

The endorsement of this slate is rooted in the values our community cares about, Fall said. Staten Islanders want leaders who protect working families, defend fairness, and put people first. Governor Hochul, Attorney General James and Comptroller DiNapoli have shown that time and again.

Hochul said she was proud to receive the support as she continues working to make New York safer and more affordable.

While Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans in D.C. jack up prices and rip away health care, I will keep standing up for New Yorkers and working to put money back in their pockets, the governor stated. I look forward to building on the progress weve made and continue delivering results for every family in Richmond County and across our state.

Attorney General Letitia James also highlighted her affordability plan, citing her time fighting unfair landlords and corporations, while defending workers.

I am humbled to earn the support of the Richmond County Democratic Party. As attorney general, Ive fought predatory landlords, taken on corporations that drive up costs, and worked to make New York more affordable for all who live here, James said. Ive held opioid manufacturers accountable and defended workers cheated out of wages. I will continue to protect New Yorkers on Staten Island and across our state.

DiNapoli emphasized his role protecting retirement funds and auditing government contracts responsibly.

I am honored to have the support of Assemblymember Charles Fall and the Richmond County Democratic Party. Staten Islanders work hard for their money, and they deserve a Comptroller who protects their retirement, audits government contracts responsibly, and fights corporate greed on behalf of workers and retirees, he said.

Fall also stated the endorsements reflect a united effort to strengthen public safety, affordability and opportunity.
STATEN ISLAND, NY  A Staten Island educator is seeking community support for a volunteer mission aimed at bringing educational resources to underserved communities in Africa.

Michael Tenuto, a certified New York State teacher and Ph.D. candidate in Educational Leadership, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $7,000 for a trip planned for August 2026. The funds will cover travel expenses, program costs, and supplies needed for the mission.

Tenuto plans to provide educational support, tutoring, and literacy instruction to students in Africa. He also intends to deliver essential school and community supplies to families in need.

The fundraising campaign is active on GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/fcf6c4e7f.

Tenuto described the upcoming mission as a personal and professional commitment to education, service, and global community impact.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A fresh face is coming into power in New York City in January after Zohran Mamdani cinched the mayors race on Election Day.

But how do Staten Island Gen Zers feel about that?

Mamdani wasnt a favorite for Staten Islanders in the mayoral election. In fact, Staten Island voted overwhelmingly for Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo with 82,000 votes.

Mamdani slid into second place with Staten Island voters at 33,000 votes, topping topping Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at 31,000 votes.

Mamdanis focus on the citys affordability and housing crises appealed to many Generation Zers, who are people born between 1997 and 2012.

The boroughs are notoriously expensive to live in, forcing many Gen Zers to scrape by paycheck to paycheck or return home to live with their family, which isnt always a viable option.

Mamdanis vision of an affordable New York City includes free buses, rent controlled apartments, universal childcare, and low-cost grocery stores.

The Advance/SILive.com wants to know what Gen Zers think of Mamdani.

Did you vote for him, or cast your ballot elsewhere?

What do you think he can do to make life on Staten Island better for you, your friends, and your family?

Mamdani traveled less to Staten Island than other boroughs during the campaign. Where would you like to see him visit on Staten Island?

If youd like to share your thoughts, please take the poll listed below.
STATEN ISLAND, NY  Two physicians at Richmond University Medical Center received national recognition for their contributions to medicine, with each earning distinct honors in emergency medicine and radiology.

Dr. Suven Cooper, an attending physician in the hospitals Emergency Department, was named to the New York Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians 2025 class of Unsung Heroes. The annual recognition goes to emergency medicine professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to patients and colleagues.

Cooper earned his medical degree from the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont in 2019 and completed his residency training at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He joined Richmond University Medical Center in 2022, where he serves as an attending physician and assistant professor of emergency medicine. Cooper is also a Mount Sinai physician seeing patients at the medical center.

Dr. Suven Cooper was named 2025 Unsung Hero by American College of Physicians. Courtesy of RUMC

I am thrilled that Dr. Cooper received this recognition, said Dr. Johnathon LeBaron, chair of emergency medicine at RUMC. Dr. Cooper is the type of physician you aspire to be, both in terms of clinical acumen and bedside manner. The honor is well deserved, and we are proud he was acknowledged.

According to ACEP-New York, an Unsung Hero goes beyond simply being the embodiment of what it means to be an emergency physician and is deeply committed to the mission of the Emergency Department, their colleagues, co-workers and patients. The organization represents more than 3,200 emergency medicine professionals across New York state.

Separately, Dr. Joe George was named to the Radiology Business Forty Under 40 Class of 2025. George serves as a neuroradiologist and section chief of Neuroradiology at RUMC. He attended medical school at the American University of Antigua, completed his radiology residency at RUMC, and finished a fellowship in neuroradiology at SUNY Upstate Medical School.

Dr. Joe George was named to the Radiology Business Forty Under 40 Class of 2025. Courtesy of RUMC

Its an honor to be named to the Radiology Business 40 under 40, George said. This recognition reflects the incredible support of my colleagues and our shared commitment to advancing patient care to our community. Im honored to play a role in shaping the future of patient-centered imaging and proud to represent the good work being done at our institution.

The Radiology Business Forty Under 40 list annually recognizes individuals who have made impactful contributions to the field of radiology.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Maria Interlandi-Reno, 47, who died Nov. 30, was many things  an educator, a colleague, a devoted family woman, and a loyal friend  but above all, she was a source of kindness.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in a close-knit, loving family, Maria grew up surrounded by the values that would shape her life: compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to people.

She was the cherished daughter of Alfonsa and Santo Interlandi and grew up alongside her siblings, Francesca and Sal, in an Italian-American household where tradition ran deep.

When she was a young girl  around the time she began grammar school  the family moved to Staten Island, settling in Dongan Hills. Maria attended St. Marys School on Bay Street, a transition that shaped her future. Italian was the only language spoken at home, and she entered school without being fluent in English.

They didnt speak English in her house, said Marias husband, Christopher Reno. Her older brother made it a point to their parents that they had to practice English at home. They came from a very traditional Italian family  both sides from Sicily."

It was in those early experiences of learning, translating, and navigating two languages that Maria discovered not only her voice, but her calling.

Maria with her two best friends, Anna and Sara. (Courtesy of Christopher Reno)

Career in education

Marias career in the New York City Public Schools began in 2000 after graduating from the College of Staten Island, Willowbrook. From her earliest days as a classroom teacher at PS 172 in Brooklyn, her passion for literacy, equity, and student advocacy was unmistakable.

From 2007 to 2015, Maria was appointed assistant principal at PS 94 in Sunset Park, where she oversaw dual-language and ESL programs from kindergarten to fifth grade. She worked closely with families and staff to meet students needs. Her expertise extended beyond her school, helping neighboring schools launch their own dual-language programs.

In 2015, Maria joined the District 15 superintendents team as director of early childhood education, overseeing the rollout of pre-K centers districtwide. She advocated boldly for Spanish and Chinese dual-language programs at The Little Brooklyn Pre-K Center and helped establish small-class special education programs.

Her work culminated in 2018, when she became principal of PS 124 in South Slope and expanded Spanish-English dual-language programs and implemented Saturday academies to help struggling students. Maria also strengthened family supports, including adult ESL classes.

Maria wasnt driven by professional accomplishments, said Reno. She was really driven by doing the right thing. By helping people the right way.

Championing equity and community

Having grown up in a multilingual household, Maria brought deep empathy and cultural understanding to her work, ensuring every childs language and identity were valued as assets in their learning.

She guided both the PS 124 Equity Team and Student Equity Team, uplifting student voices and ensuring culturally responsive practices. She recognized the growing needs of students in temporary housing, expanding supports for English Language Learners, and social-emotional learning.

Some programs she launched included social and emotional learning initiatives, food and clothing pantries, and vibrant community events, ensuring every family felt welcome and connected.

She did food drives, clothing drives, coat drives, everything along those lines, recalled Reno. She did everything she could in order to try and help those struggling.

Her influence extended across communities in her role as the Brooklyn North director of multilingual learners, supporting multiple districts and high schools in providing equitable access, high-quality instruction, and resources for multilingual learners.

In recognition of her extraordinary career, Community School District 15 and the NYC Public Schools honored Maria for her lifetime of dedication, celebrating her advocacy, vision, and commitment to educational excellence that opened doors for generations of children and families.

A love found later in life

Marias devotion extended beyond the classroom. She found love later in life with Christopher Reno, meeting on June 14, 2019, via Match.com.

Their romance was fast and heartfelt: they had their first date on a Friday, a second date on Saturday, lunch on Sunday, and took a trip to Greece just three weeks later. Within a month, they were living together.

The pair married on July 15, 2022, at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como, Italy, surrounded by family and closest friends.

She was super, super kind and genuine, and authentic to a fault, said Reno. She let you see exactly who she was.

Maria and Christopher Reno at their wedding on July 15, 2022, at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como, Italy. (Courtesy of Christopher Reno)

During that time, there was a moment that captured the lightness and love they shared, when Maria and Reno somehow found themselves in the same room as actor George Clooney.

It was just us in a little hotel bar. We gave him a head nod and a wink, and he gave us a little recognition, remembered Reno. And thats when I saw the depth of her kindness, because she just leaned into me and went, I definitely think youre more handsome than him. And that just made me feel a little bit different about things.

Marias kindness not only shaped her students, but it also transformed Reno and his role as a father to his children, Jonathan and Alexa.

I was always super focused on being driven, because I came from the opposite background of Maria  my father had left, and my mother raised my brother and me as a single parent, said Reno. Whatever I achieved in life or have achieved to this point has been essentially as a result of my drive professionally and financially.

She helped me to stop and focus less on that and more on the things that count the most, which, at the end of the day, really comes down to your family and your closest friends, added Reno.

Maria with her husband, Christopher Reno, and his children, Alexa and Jonathan. (Courtesy of Christopher Reno)

Marias devotion to family extended to her own parents, Alfonsa and Santo Interlandi. She and Reno bought the house next door to them so they could age in place while remaining close.

Almost every Sunday, we had dinner with her parents, said Reno. We recently bought the house next door to them. Our plan was to live there and take care of them.

Outside of her family, Marias great hobby was traveling, which she often did with her husband and kids. Marias faith was another cornerstone of her life.

When I went to church yesterday, because Maria loved to go to church, I asked the priest at St. Annes if I could take the liturgy book with me to read to her at the cemetery, said Reno.

When I got to her crypt, I noticed the dates printed at the bottom of the book  Nov. 30, the day Maria passed, and Feb. 17, my birthday. I just felt like that was a sign from God that shes okay and shes with him, he explained.

Maria is survived by her husband, Christopher Reno, and her bonus children, Jonathan and Alexa. She also leaves behind her parents, Alfonsa and Santo Interlandi; her siblings, Francesca and Sal (and his wife, Laura); and her cherished nieces and nephews, Gabrielle, Thomas, Nicholas, Aria, Luka, and Willow, along with 27 first cousins and many aunts, uncles, and family friends.
Hi Neighbor,

The only thing keeping you from learning about crimes taking place in or around your neighborhood, accidents tying up the Staten Island Expressway, or just about anything NYPD related, is Gov. Kathy Hochuls signature.

The governor just has to sign a bill sitting on her desk that would require the New York City Police Department to turn its police scanners back on.

The NYPD has kept the public in the dark for the past year on the theory that bad guys listen to police calls and plan their crimes accordingly. A couple of years ago, Mayor Adams and New York City Police Department decided to encrypt NYPD police radio calls on Staten Island. We arent alone. The rest of the city is shut out, too.

My partner in opinion, Tom Wrobleski, and I have opined about this for a year. Its our opinion that the greater good is transparency and keeping you informed.

Staten Island is a big place. Its obvious we cant have reporters scouring every neighborhood in search of crime news. So reporters monitor the police scanner, listening for 911 operators dispatch officers to whatever is going on, wherever its going on.

Or we did until we got shut out. Thing is, when we dont know, you dont know.

We arent the only ones griping about this. Todd Maisel is founder of the New York Media Consortium, made up of eight local, state-wide, and national press organizations. He also was breaking news editor for amNewYork.

Insistence on transparency in law enforcement has nothing to do with whether one likes or dislikes police officers, Todd wrote in an op-ed. It comes down to trust and this is essential for a free society and the effective, honest policing of our streets.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Gianaris of Queens and Assemblymember Karines Reyes of the Bronx took it even further. They sponsored that bill now on the governors desk, the Keep Police Radios Public Act.

It took two hard-fought years to get both houses of the legislature to approve this bill that grants credentialed members of the media and emergency volunteer first responders access to encrypted police radios, Todd said.

Nearly the entire Democratic conference voted in favor, he reported.

Your party wants this to happen, Governor. We live in a nation where journalists are vilified like never before.

I doubt any president was fond of the press. But even Dick Nixon never  publicly  called a woman reporter obnoxious, piggy or stupid. It is unthinkable that these things spew from the mouth of a president of the United States.

It sets a tone. A tone where many think they can say or do whatever pops into their minds. And a lot of what pops in their minds, and often winds up for millions to see on the internet, is twisted and wrong.

It is essential that thinking politicians realize the value of an independent and principled press in America at a time when the internet is rife with misinformation, exacerbated by misuse of powerful Artificial Intelligence tools.

When government  in this case, the NYPD  shuts down the publics right to know, which is what they did by curtailing reporters ability to cover breaking news, it allows the bad actors, as they now are called, to run wild with disinformation, fabricated or distorted news.

And it keeps you dangerously misinformed or in the dark.

There are real-life examples on Staten Island of events going unreported  or almost unreported, if not for tips from the public.

Last year, a 17-year-old was shot in the leg in a park across from McKee High School in St. George. The only way our reporters found out about it was a tip from a reader.

Imagine. The only source of news for parents, St. George residents and businesspeople about a shooting outside a high school could well have been from unverified, unreliable rumors on social media.

Not long after, a 62-year-old man was brutally attacked by a mob of teens on Clove Road near Howard Avenue in Sunnyside. He was bloodied and lost teeth. The mob attacked him just for the sake of attacking. This time, it took a week for a concerned Staten Islander to call, wondering why the attack was never reported or why no arrests were made.

Our reporters got into it, the borough president then condemned it and suddenly, the NYPD was all over it. Two were arrested a month later.

If the NYPD is worried about the bad guys, credential police radio access much the same way it credentials reporters with press passes. Make them show up at One Police Plaza. Give them a password to access transmissions.

Gov. Hochul, this is not the time to dimmish the press ability to keep the public informed of news that is not fake.

Brian

Oh by the way: A couple of weeks ago, I wondered how a United States president who called a man running for mayor of New York City a Communist, while that man called the president a fascist, could pal around in the Oval Office just days after the man labeled a Communist became NYCs mayor-elect. A neighbor, Joel, asked me an even better question. Im much more curious how he thought about the pardon for the former Prez of Honduras, a person responsible for the importation of TONS of cocaine into the US . . . The thought process, Joel, is keep a cascade of questionable, if not crazy, proposals and decisions flowing every day, and well forget the ones from the day before.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Rolling fields stretch toward the horizon, with a stand of bamboo swaying gently behind. Here, children collect eggs from hens' nests, plant sweet potatoes in soft soil, and wade into clear streams after darting loaches.

This is the kindergarten in Wangqiao, a village in Sanming City, east China's Fujian Province. It's hard to believe that just a few years ago, the school was on the brink of disappearing.

Back then, it wasn't really a kindergarten at all -- just a single mixed-age class with over 20 kids, supervised by two volunteer teachers. Many parents made daily trips to the county seat to drop off their children at private kindergartens instead.

The revival of this rural school offers a snapshot of how Chinese society is pulling out all the stops to encourage families to have more babies, as birth rates remain low and the population ages -- trends familiar to many countries experiencing rapid economic and social development.

The country's total fertility rate has remained below the replacement level for years and has dropped to ultra-low levels more recently, leading to a population decline since 2022. Officials estimate an annual dip of 0.2 percent through 2035. China's population stands at roughly 1.4 billion.

It is an implausible turn for a nation that had long considered large families a blessing. China imposed family-planning policies in the 1970s to rein in a population boom that strained its resources.

Beijing adjusted to recent demographic shifts by lifting its long-standing restrictions, allowing all couples to have two kids in 2015 and then three in 2021.

The effort has since evolved into a broad campaign to lower the costs of childbirth, childrearing and education, aiming to make society more supportive of having children.

LESS COMMUTING, MORE EQUAL ACCESS

For families in Wangqiao, change arrived in 2019, when a public kindergarten at the county seat took over the management of the village kindergarten. The county provided start-up funds, the township upgraded utilities, and the village contributed 3,000 square meters of land free of charge as an outdoor learning space.

Nowadays, the Wangqiao campus has more than 110 children in six classes. It shares staff, programs and budgets with the county kindergarten, operating as a branch of that school.

For Qian Xiaojie, a mother of two girls who runs a breakfast stall near an industrial park, the new kindergarten is just across the street from her home. She no longer has to endure the frantic commutes to the county seat that she once faced when her older daughter attended a private kindergarten there.

"It's a great relief," she said. Qian speaks with admiration about the new facilities, programs and teachers. And she has a clear point of comparison.

"On her second day in the kindergarten, my older daughter told me she didn't want to go back," Qian recalled. "But my younger one is always excited. She keeps telling me what she learned and how kind her teachers are -- she loves it."

In addition to her village classes, Qiu Yanchu, Qian's younger daughter, spends time at the main campus in the county seat. There, she grips metal rods in the science room to navigate an electric-maze game and climbs and leaps across the gym's play structures. She has found a world of stimulation beyond what her village can currently offer.

The exchange runs both ways. Children from the county seat also rotate through Wangqiao, swapping polished floors for open fields and getting a close look at rural life.

Chen Shiqi, who attends the county's kindergarten, still talks about the newborn lamb she saw during her stay in Wangqiao. She often tugs at her mother's sleeve, asking when she can visit it again and whether the little lamb has grown.

Along with 12 million other children nationwide, both girls, who are now in their final year of kindergarten, have benefited from a tuition waiver this semester, each saving around 2,000 yuan (about 283 U.S. dollars). This initiative is part of a landmark policy introduced in August to phase in free preschool education.

The policy wiped an estimated 20 billion yuan off families' bills this semester alone, said authorities.

DIRECT CASH INCENTIVE

The broader push to raise birth rates includes a nationwide childcare subsidy: 3,600 yuan (about 510 U.S. dollars) per child under age 3 each year.

For the first time since 1949, China is rolling out a large-scale, inclusive public-welfare program that puts cash directly into the hands of its citizens.

Huang Wei, an associate professor at the National School of Development at Peking University, praised the policy's target design, noting that the age window is critical for child development and that cash transfer tends to have the greatest impact on low- and middle-income households.

Guo Yang, an official with the Ministry of Finance, said the central government funds roughly 90 percent of the benefit, with an initial 90 billion yuan earmarked for this year. Families get to keep the full amount, as the subsidies are exempt from personal income tax.

A woman surnamed Wang in Changchun, in northeast China's Jilin Province, gave birth in January. The 300-yuan monthly subsidy is enough to cover the cost of her baby's diapers.

"This money sends an encouraging signal. It makes us feel more confident about raising a child," said Wang.

Subsidies aside, China has expanded the coverage of childbirth insurance, extended maternity leave, and increased the supply of affordable childcare.

BEYOND DIAPERS

For some families, though, immediate hurdles loom larger.

Li Qian, an expectant mother working in media in Beijing who asked to be identified only by a pseudonym, is searching for a reliable postnatal care center, followed by a trustworthy confinement nanny, and eventually a childcare helper.

Quality postnatal care in Beijing can cost around 100,000 yuan a month, and a nanny about 18,000 yuan for 28 days. Still, she said, steep prices do not ensure dependable care.

"The industry needs clearer standards and a real evaluation system," she said. "And it needs stronger oversight."

A baby boom in the post-COVID Year of the Dragon, combined with the slew of birth-friendly policies, helped lift China's newborn count to 9.54 million in 2024 -- a birth rate of 6.77 per 1,000 people, up from 6.39 the year before.

But worries remain.

"Compared with the day-to-day costs of diapers and formula, what really worries me is education," Wang said in Changchun. Many of her friends start tutoring their kids as early as primary school, with some spending as much as 10,000 yuan a month.

"We keep hearing about easing the burden on students and on families," she said. "But the intensity of competitions doesn't feel much lighter."

The concern is shared by Qian, the mother in Fujian, whose older daughter is now in middle school. "There's not much we can do to help our kids at home. They need more tutoring at school."

Still, at 34, she and her husband are discussing whether to try for a third child -- boy or girl, it doesn't matter.

"I've always wanted a bustling, lively family," she said. 
A new poll shows President Donald Trumps approval rating falling to a stomach-turning new low when it comes to a top issue that got him elected to a second term.

Just 31% of U.S. adults approve of how the president is handling the economy, according to a new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Research.

That number is down from 40% approval on the economy in March and is the lowest economic approval rating from AP-NORC that Trump has seen in either of his two presidential administrations.

Trump ran for election last year on a platform of fixing a lagging economy that he blamed on his predecessor, former Democratic President Joe Biden.

The poll also shows that Americans are unsatisfied with the president on other top Trump issues.

A few months ago, 53% of Americans approved of how Trump was handling crime. But that number has dropped to 43% in the current survey.

The news is also bad when it comes to Trumps standing on another major issue: immigration.

The new poll shows that 38% approve of how the president is handling immigration. Thats down from 49% in March.

But the news isnt all gloomy for Trump.

The AP-NORC survey shows that 36% of Americans approve of the way hes handling his job as president overall.

While that number is down from 42% in March, the AP said it signals that even if some people arent happy with Trump on certain issues, they arent ready to say that hes doing a bad job as commander-in-chief.

The survey also showed that Trump continues to enjoy broad support from Republicans.

The AP-NORC poll of 1,146 adults was conducted Dec. 4-8 using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel.

The panel is designed to be representative of the U.S. population.

The polls margin of error was plus/minus 4%
Strong, gusty winds up to 45 mph will impact Staten Island through Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service. A wind advisory remains in effect until 4 a.m. Friday as temperatures drop sharply into the mid-20s overnight.

The weather service reports that west-northwest winds will continue with sustained speeds of 20-24 mph through Thursday afternoon, with frequent gusts between 30-35 mph. Some locations could experience occasional gusts reaching 40-43 mph. Wind speeds will gradually decrease Thursday evening, with gusts around 25 mph overnight.

Thursdays unseasonably cold temperatures will continue to fall as an Arctic air mass moves through the region. Wind chills will make it feel significantly colder than the actual temperature. Residents should secure loose outdoor objects and be prepared for difficult driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles.

New York City can expect very cold conditions Friday with temperatures struggling to get above freezing by late afternoon. Wind chills will remain in the 20s throughout the day. Friday night will bring lows in the teens and 20s as winds lighten.

Saturday will see a brief warming trend with temperatures approaching 40 degrees along coastal areas of Staten Island. Clouds will increase throughout the day with a chance of a few flurries. By Saturday night, the chance of snow increases, particularly for the eastern half of the area.

The weather service forecasts a light snowfall Sunday morning, with the possibility of accumulations of an inch or two. Behind this system, significantly colder air will move in, with Monday bringing single-digit to near-zero wind chills in the morning. Wind chills may not rise out of the teens during Monday despite sunshine.

A draft of this story was generated using AI. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff.
NAIROBI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The high-level segment of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) opened Thursday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a rallying call for unity to secure a green and resilient future for the planet amid geopolitical headwinds.

In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said UNEA-7 was taking place against a backdrop of an intensifying ecological crisis driven by rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, and air pollution.

"Yet this assembly offers hope. With just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, UNEA-7 is a moment to invest in resilience, commit to justice, and remember what we are fighting for," Guterres said, calling for rapid scaling up of solutions that promote water management, climate resilience, sound management of minerals, and artificial intelligence.

As the world's highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters, UNEA has since 2014 set priorities for global environmental policy and governance, with universal membership of all 193 UN member states.

Kenyan President William Ruto said UNEA-7 provides an opportunity to reaffirm the vitality of multilateralism in advancing a just, fair, green, and resilient transition for countries on the frontline of the climate crisis.

Ruto stressed that global economic transformation, driven by digital technologies, should be aligned with enhanced protection of natural habitats, equity, and human dignity to avert exclusion, conflict, and pollution.

Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, said UNEA-7 should serve as a wake-up call for countries to intensify action on climate disasters, species extinction, and waste pollution that have placed a heavy burden on economies and public health.

"It is time for actions that match our convictions. Time to confront the triple planetary crisis; climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution with seriousness equal to the scale of the threats," Baerbock said in a video message.

Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Amri, president of UNEA-7, said the five-day assembly is expected to adopt sweeping resolutions aimed at stabilizing the climate, restoring biodiversity, and promoting circularity. 
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Beetaloo gives green light to first gas at mammoth NT play Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd December 11, 2025  4:29pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Beetaloo Energy has cleared the last hurdle to development at its Carpentaria pilot project in the Northern Territory, taking a final investment decision (FID) on commercialisation and clearing the way to first gas flows from the mammoth Beetaloo Sub-basin. The move caps off a string of regulatory wins for the company, which is on a fast track to deliver gas into a hungry NT gas market, facing acute supply shortages. Beetaloo Energys Carpentaria-5H well within the mammoth Beetaloo sub-basin in the Northern Territory. Beetaloos FID hinged on a series of recently locked-in milestones, including a Beneficial Use of Gas agreement with the Northern Land Council in June on behalf of the Mambaliya Rrumburriya Wuyaliya Aboriginal Land Trust (MRWALT), enabling the sale of its gas, which is set to flow by mid next year. Earlier this week, the company also secured Federal approval, which immediately led to the final Northern Territory environmental approvals for Carpentaria. This covers the construction of the gas plant, associated in-field infrastructure and the completion of up to 10 additional wells in the permit.

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With all the paperwork now in the bag, the company finally has the regulatory backbone to monetise its abundant early gas volumes. The company says the projects rapid and recent progress underscores the crucial role Beetaloo will play in addressing the Territorys looming gas shortfall. As ENIs Blacktip offshore field continues to underperform, the Territory has seemingly been forced into importing an emergency supply from Queensland. With over 90 per cent of the Territorys electricity relying on gas-fired generation, new supply from Beetaloo could ease pressure on local energy prices and bolster security in short order. Beetaloo Energy managing director Alex Underwood said: We have already commenced the civil construction and upgrade works on the CGP utilizing internal capital resources. That work is continuing. We have separately commenced the process to drawdown the $30M Macquarie Midstream Infrastructure Facility which was announced in November 2024 and we intend to draw funds under that facility when required. Beetaloo controls a vast 28.9 million acres across the McArthur Basin and Beetaloo Sub-basin in the heart of the Northern Territory. Its holdings encompass the thickest known section of the Velkerri Shales, averaging 300 metres in gross thickness, making it a prime zone for long-life shale gas extraction.

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Independent evaluations have certified a substantial 1.6 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of contingent dry gas in the reliable 2C category, indicating the promising scale of Beetaloos address, with solid recovery and flow prospectivity. Beetaloo says this is just the tip of the iceberg in the broader sub-basin, which is estimated to harbour more than 200 Tcf of gas, placing Beetaloo at the forefront of what could emerge as one of Australias key onshore energy developments for reliable gas reserves. Under its 2024 gas sales deal with the government, Beetaloo is committed to supplying a minimum of 25 terajoules (TJ) a day to the NT, with flexibility to increase to 35 TJ as output builds across its 10 additional wells. Once operational, gas from the Carpentaria project will flow into the McArthur River pipeline, feeding directly into the Territorys grid and generating royalties for local communities. The swift timeline from approvals to FID highlights Beetaloos critical role in Australias gas supply future, positioning it to supply potentially several hungry markets well ahead of its expansive basin commercialisation.

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With infrastructure funding already unlocked and civil works advancing, the company has now officially shifted from explorer to producer as it jostles to become one of Australias big industry players. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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BusinessCompaniesMedia & marketing Opinion From AFP raid target to eulogist: Skys Whittaker gets the last word on Richo Calum Jaspan Media Writer December 12, 2025  12:15am

December 12, 2025  12:15am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

In this years final On Background, Boris forgives an old target, scuttlebutt of succession planning in Guardian Towers, a clampdown on Christmas misbehaviour, Seven swings the axe and Global Roamings expansion continues. Sky News boss rose-tinted eulogy Sky News boss Paul Whittaker has a lot to be grateful to Graham Richardson for. But maybe not for the reasons youd think. In fact, the late Richo played a role in Whittaker landing his first Walkley Award in 1995, only a short time into his career of more than 30 years in journalism. Boris (Whittaker) is so thankful that he was one of the few to deliver a eulogy for the former Labor powerbroker on Tuesday, saying he will forever be remembered as a giant of Australian politics. Sky News Australia chief executive Paul Whittaker takes the stand ... ahem ... altar at St James Church. James Brickwood

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Whittaker made his name in Brisbane breaking the story about Operation Wallah, a secret investigation into the then-Labor senator and cabinet minister Richardsons alleged corruption. The scoops and multi-year investigation revealed an AFP investigation into corruption allegations against Richo and a major bust-up between the Federal Police and the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) over the handling of the operation, according to media reports from three decades ago. Richo had allegedly accepted $4000 worth of prostitution services from a Gold Coast businessman in exchange for potentially using his position to help sell missile technology to the Chinese government from defence contractor McDonnell Douglas. The two first crossed paths in the mid-1990s, with Whittaker a young reporter on The Courier Mail and Richardson a recently retired Parliamentarian draped in scandal. As a plucky journalist, those interactions were sometimes adversarial, but always respectful with Richos disarming trademark wit and charm always evident, Whittaker told the St James Church attendees Adversarial is certainly one way to put it, as several attendees hastened to point out to On Background.

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One front page story in a two-year-long investigation by Whittaker. Courier Mail So serious were the yarns by Whittaker that an inquiry was held into how he got the documents and who leaked them to him. Boris sent Russell Hanson QC, who led the inquiry, barking mad by refusing to answer 400 questions relating to his sources during a state CJC inquiry into the Operation Wallah leaks, which directly linked Richardson to corruption allegations. And in December 1995, two weeks after winning his first Walkley for his reporting on the case, the AFP raided Whittakers home because of his refusal to give up his sources. Whittaker believed he was destined for jail time, which he narrowly escaped, despite the recommendations of Hanson for his refusal to comply. Good on you, Boris! He was praised for sticking by his sources, a reporters most cardinal rule by one of media law and journalisms finest wordsmiths at the time, Richard Ackland.

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Tuesdays state funeral was a whos who of politics and power. James Brickwood Not to draw too fine an analogy, the journalist and the source are in it together, rather like the prostitute and the client, Ackland wrote in the Australian Press Council News. As the story goes, Boris was given quite a send-off by his Courier Mail colleagues, including a survival kit inclusive of condoms, lipstick and stockings as he prepared to spend time behind bars. Oh, the 90s. Still on the story years later, Whittakers 1999 freedom of information requests and a years-long campaign allowed him to finally uncover the previously suppressed details of how Richardson enjoyed sexual favours from prostitutes paid for by a Gold Coast businessman at least twice, in 2001. Brief backs Richo sex-romp claim, the story splashed.

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Media & marketing The Politician, his alleged lover and why we hate celebrity journalists It was only a few years later that Richo began his time as a columnist for The Australian while Boris was editor. Richo joined Sky News in 2011, Boris joined him later in 2018 and the rest is history! We asked Boris when and how the pair patched things up  but like in 1995, he declined to answer the question. Make that 401? Successor anointed at Guardian Australia? You had to squint to see it, but white smoke has been seen at Guardian Australia in the last week as news of a major promotion sent staff into overdrive, with suggestions editor Lenore Taylors successor may have been selected. Taylor is one with the Guardian brand in Australia, its gun hire at its inception in 2013, and has edited it since 2016. Shes the longest serving editor in Australian media, so naturally, theres been speculation for some time about when shell have had enough.

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While she told this masthead this year shes still happy and theres more work to do here, the question has always been about whos fit to fill Taylors shoes. Now it seems we may have an answer. One of Taylors most loyal lieutenants, Bridie Jabour, has been given a two-year secondment as multimedia transformation editor at the Guardians British HQ, with the move announced to staff by London-based editor-in-chief Katharine Viner herself last week. Portentous! The Guardians Bridie Jabour. Its next Australia editor? Anna Turner The job is in The Guardians Berger Team, a project aimed at innovation in response to audience habits and AI, pushing the mastheads output to be more visual, digital and experimental. This includes more staff being hired to focus on social media, graphics and video content. The team is run out of the UK, but also has involvement from its US and Australian teams. The working theory among the Guardianistas is that Jabours hand-picked secondment by Viner is an opportunity for her to get a close-up view, potentially preparing Jabour for a grand return to edit the Aussie outpost. It could also serve as a canny way to promote Jabour on return with minimum fuss and potentially not bending any noses out of joint.

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Jabour is head of multimedia Down Under but has held almost every job since 2013, including reporting roles, news desk editor, opinion editor and her current gig. On Background contacted everyone involved and a Guardian spokesperson said the outlet was delighted by Jabours secondment and the greater collaboration between the three international newsrooms that will follow. A very Sky Christmas Speaking of Whittaker, he was on hand this week to warn his own plucky young staffers not to stray too far off the straight and narrow (or replicate any Richo-like behaviour) as the broadcaster joined News Corps Christmas celebrations. After the escapades of Chris Smith gave Sky unwanted headlines in 2022 and prompted a cancellation of the Christmas party the following year, Boris was sure to make clear what his expectations were in an email sent out on Monday. Please remember the event remains a workplace setting, and everyone is required to conduct themselves in a way that supports a positive, safe and respectful atmosphere.

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Related Article ABC Star ABC reporters Canberra corridor stand-off with Liberal critic Behaviour that falls short of this, including any form of harassment, unwelcome behaviour or comments about others that could reasonably cause offence or embarrassment will not be tolerated. As far as weve heard, everyone behaved themselves. Roaming globally Fresh off its Waleed Aly-snub (detailed last week), one of the ABCs top podcasts, Global Roaming, has appointed Latika Bourke as its new, third host, while former foreign correspondent Kylie Morris has joined as fourth host. Bourke is a writer-at-large for Kerry Stokes The Nightly, while Morris is already at Radio National. The pair will join Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue in 2026 as they begin pumping out an episode every weekday.

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It will probably be a rotating cast  reminiscent of the popular British podcast The News Agents. Hopefully, there is enough news to service such an intense schedule. Seven Networks early Christmas present After Nines 50 job cuts dominated headlines last month, it is now seemingly Sevens turn to hand their staff an early Christmas present in the form of 40 employees being made redundant. A spokesperson put the cuts down to the ongoing advertising market conditions, a line becoming far too familiar for media companies.

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We sincerely thank those impacted for the contribution theyve made to Seven, the spokesperson said. Thanks for reading On Background in the second half of 2025. The column will return in 2026.
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Updated BusinessCompaniesMergers & acquisitions Singaporean giant buys major Australian power company for $6.5 billion Nick Toscano Updated December 12, 2025  4:06pm ,first published December 12, 2025  6:10am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A Singaporean energy giant has struck a $6.5 billion deal to buy Australias fourth-largest power generator and retailer, Alinta, and outlined plans to invest in a major build-out of renewable energy across the country. The deal, announced late on Thursday night, ends months of talks between Alintas owners and Singapore-listed Sembcorp Industries, and marks one of the most significant foreign forays into Australias energy market in years. Alinta owns Victorias Loy Yang B coal-fired power station. Fairfax If it gains regulatory clearance, Sembcorp will acquire all of Alintas operations, including its retailing business with 1.1 million customers and generation assets spanning renewables, gas plants and the huge Loy Yang B coal-fired power station in Victorias Latrobe Valley. Buying Alinta would provide Sembcorp with a platform to accelerate renewables growth in Australia, the company said. Sembcorp has named Australia as a key market for its ambitions to grow its global renewable energy portfolio to 25 gigawatts by 2028.

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Australia jumped out as a very attractive market for us, said Alex Tan, Sembcorps regional president of renewable energy. It offers us room and scale to grow our renewables footprint. Related Article Energy Want to hook gas up to your home? From next year, that will cost $2000 Australia is experiencing one of the worlds fastest energy transitions as polluting coal-fired generators, which still supply most of the grids electricity, approach the end of their lives, while wind and solar farms, household rooftop solar panels and batteries are expanding their role in the grid every year. The Albanese government has set a target for renewables to supply 82 per cent of the grid by the end of the decade. The 1200-megawatt Loy Yang B power station, which burns brown coal to generate electricity, has the latest scheduled retirement date of any coal plant in Victoria, and one of the latest in Australia. This timeline conflicts with the official assumptions of the energy market operator that brown coal will have exited the grid entirely by the mid-2030s, as plant owners continue facing soaring costs to maintain ageing equipment and midday surges of cheap solar power flooding the market and eroding their profits.

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However, Sembcorp, whose major shareholder is the Singaporean governments investment fund Temasek, on Friday said Loy Yang B remained an important asset in Alintas portfolio and signalled no plan to revise its closure date. We believe its important to strike a balance between affordability and security and decarbonisation, Tan said. With more than half of eastern Australias remaining coal-fired power stations scheduled to close within 10 years, officials and experts are worried that the rollout of new generators, storage assets and powerlines is lagging the speed needed to keep electricity supply and prices steady through the transition, and are calling on the private sector for an urgent lift in investment. Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery, who will remain in the role, said that having access to Sembcorps global industry expertise and strong balance sheet would help drive a necessary uplift in renewable energy and battery installations. There is lots of excitement from our end for what the future holds, he said. What the Australian government and community want to hear is not what we are going to close, its what we are going to open and what we are going to bring to the grid to help drive down the cost of energy and secure the reliability of the system.

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The sale of Alinta comes as its current owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, has been looking to sell off some assets around the world. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises has invested $1.1 billion of cashflow back into Alinta since it bought the company in 2017. Over that time, it has driven significant increases to Alintas underlying earnings, electricity generation capacity and customer base. The sale of Alinta, which is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of 2026. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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James L. Brooks, the triple Oscar-winning writer-director behind film masterpieces like Terms of Endearment (1983), Broadcast News (1987) and As Good as It Gets (1997), and the beautifully gritty TV comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977), has always had a problem with Hollywood and its tendency to wrap everything up in a neat bow. Im always a little perversely bothered by Hollywood movies ending in you forgiving the person who was such a shithead and everybody goes merrily along, Brooks says. And, having had a father who misbehaved very badly, I want to question whether thats the way that you should take off the bonds of trauma and move on. I want to explore that. Brooks new film  his first in 15 years, since the Reese Witherspoon/Owen Wilson/Paul Rudd romantic comedy How Do You Know  tackles that subject with gusto. A comedy-drama about an American state lieutenant governor who takes her first faltering steps in the corridors of political power, Ella McCay is full of crunchy turns and bumpy personal twists. But does it have a happy ending? It might be a little too early to spoil that but Brooks does say: Happy endings are a proper thing for Hollywood to do  I mean, people are paying to come see this. You dont want to send them home all depressed or more depressed than they came in. But [sending them home] thinking differently than when they came in? Thats OK. Brooks is the kind of Hollywood legend around whom the natural hyperbole of that term is never overstated. In addition to The Mary Tyler Moore Show his television credits include co-creating Taxi (1978-1983) and The Simpsons (1989-present). And next to his three Oscars he has 22 Emmys and a Golden Globe on his mantel. His company Gracie Films, in addition to his own films, produced Big (1988), The War of the Roses (1989), Jerry Maguire (1996) and many others. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Brooks was raised down the road in New Jersey, primarily by women, he says, notably his mother Dorothy and his older sister, Diane. His father, Edward, more or less abandoned the family when Brooks was a child. Despite that hardship, or maybe because of it, Brooks became a great writer of womens voices, from courageous television journalist Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) to his new muse, Ella McCay (Emma Mackey). My father was errant, and I had an older sister and a very hard-working mother, and he would drink away his salary and we, especially my mother, were left just to scramble, Brooks says. My mother had two sisters, and I was close to my aunts, and my father had three sisters. There were a lot of women around to help me grow up and help me survive him.

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It might also explain the inherently optimistic tone of much of Brooks work. Terms of Endearment is steeped in tragic comedy but is ultimately deeply affecting and rich in sentiment. Broadcast News taps into a dark vein of American media life but is also surprisingly optimistic about the triumph of journalistic ethics in the face of media manipulation. In its heroines pursuit of idealism in a complex and sometimes broken political landscape, Ella McCay may not be a linear sequel to Broadcast News but it could be an emotional or tonal follow-up in that the heroine is motivated by the kind of honest optimism you do not see every day in American politics. Brooks, far right, with Spike Fearn, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden and Emma Mackey in London last month. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images That may be true, Brooks agrees. In Broadcast News the heroine was living for integrity and journalism and the survival of broadcast journalism in a way that it hasnt. And here her dirty secret is: Lord, help me, I can make peoples lives better. Thats something shed never said out loud until that moment. I think thats whats at the heart and soul of her. And you can call it a burden or a beautiful thing pulling you. Its complicated. Such optimism would perhaps not have worked in a present-day setting, where American politics verges at times on farce. Brooks instead dialled back the clock to 2008 to separate us from the Trump years and the division of the people in the country, he says. Its very much looking at that time. [And it is] coincidentally and arbitrarily when money took over so much that it blocked the sun in politics. That was consciously why I chose that time. Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Mackey in Ella McCay. The film co-stars Jamie Lee Curtis as Ellas Aunt Helen, an opinionated firebrand who is not afraid to speak her mind and has always encouraged Ella; Jack Lowden as Ryan, Ellas husband, who lurches from political asset to political liability with a speed that could outflank Elon Musk, and Woody Harrelson as Eddie McCay, Ellas father, whose absence and presence are equally challenging.

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Though the work is not autobiographical, Brooks infuses a lot of himself into it. Ellas name was derived from John McCain, the American war hero-turned-politician, who Brooks credits for transcending party and just doing what his heart and soul told him to do. Ellas problematic dad, meanwhile, is an echo of Brooks own. I got off my chest some things that I had to deal with about my own father, he says. At the heart of the film, however, is the relationship between Ella and her mentor, the outgoing Governor Bill (Albert Brooks). And, perhaps unsurprisingly, Brooks seems to write that relationship with the greatest of ease, the 85-year-old filmmaker having been an instrumental figure in the careers of many other filmmakers. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO JAMES L. BROOKS Worst habit? Wasting time. Greatest fear? Not wasting time. The line that stayed with you? When Jimmy Hoffa (Jack Nicholson) says in Hoffa, directed by Danny DeVito: Are we talking words, here, we usin words? Thats what were doin? Biggest regret? That I wasnt able to give my mother a better life. Favourite book? I was an F. Scott Fitzgerald nut. I just absorbed everything about his life, everything. There was this wonderful romantic thing always happening, and always implicit longing, in almost everything he did. He wrote The Pat Hobby Stories, these gorgeous stories that break your heart. The artwork/song you wish was yours? Judy Garlands Born in a Trunk [from the 1954 film A Star Is Born]: But its all in the game and the way you play it/And youve got to play the game you know/When youre born in a trunk at the Princess Theatre/In Pocatello, Idaho. If you could time-travel, where would you choose to go? I can go forward or backward? The writers room at The Simpsons. I always said that the best job is a comedy series thats working. Its not solo, its a community, and everybody hangs together. Instead of a movie, where youre all blown apart after its over, you can be together for six, seven years. Or, in The Simpsons case, 36 years. Brooks executive produced Cameron Crowes directorial debut and encouraged Crowe to transition from writing to directing. He gave me the confidence to do it, Crowe said later. Ditto Wes Anderson. He didnt have any reason to trust me but he did, Anderson said. Judd Apatow, another filmmaker who credits Brooks as an influence, described him as a great cheerleader for risk-taking. Television has always been a writers game, and movies have always been the directors thing. At Gracie Films what we try and do is maintain a writers control of the work, that he or she stays with the film, Brooks says. Its nice to have an ethos, to say were actually standing for something. I believe it works. As for the generation after that? Brooks is confident human writing will win in the face of AI and hes in no hurry to mentor a non-human computer program, even one with delusions of writers room grandeur. If I gave an AI a close approximation of the story and characters of Ella McCay, is he curious to see what it might produce as a result? Has AI done jokes yet? Somewhere theres an AI talking and the other AI is saying, Is this funny? he replies, gruffly. Itll never be original, right? Itll never be original. So AI doesnt even have to worry about that the way we do. I think of AI doing jokes  thered be a lot of groaners in there. I think AI trying to be funny, youd end up with a depressed AI.

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Brooks does not confine his encouragement and embrace just to writers. The composer Hans Zimmer, who wrote the music for Ella McCay, has previously worked on five of Brooks films: Ill Do Anything (1994), As Good as It Gets (1997), Spanglish (2004), The Simpsons Movie (2007) and How Do You Know (2010). They met when Zimmer composed the score for Penny Marshalls 1992 film A League of Their Own and Brooks walked into a preview screening and heard Zimmer talking. He was saying very smart things about the story and very smart things about what they should do to correct it. I thought he was the best associate producer Ive ever seen, Brooks says. It turned out he was the frigging composer. Related Article Comics Satin tights, fighting for her rights: The spin that changed the world Zimmers skill, Brooks says, is much like the skill of a great writer: he has a tremendous sense of story. When he approaches the music [he will say], this is where you need help, and this is where it has to do this. Hes remarkable that way. Hes remarkable in that he absorbs what you need, what the story needs, and the way he becomes a writing force for the film. Hes unique that way. Which makes it serendipitous, perhaps, that Brooks own signature on the film is as much the vanity card for Gracie Films as it is his sharply funny and deeply personal script. The vanity card, familiar to anyone who has seen any of the 800-plus half-hour episodes of The Simpsons, is set in an animated cinema and features a woman sitting in the audience, shushing the murmuring crowd. For the viewer it triggers an almost Pavlovian reaction, in the same way that the Fox fanfare, despite opening a thousand other films, is still deeply connected to the opening of Star Wars movies. And, despite the fact the cultural mind seems to collectively own it, or at the very least react viscerally to it, Brooks says the sting itself comes from a very specific and very personal place. It was my daughter, who now has two children of her own, Brooks says. She was a 12-year-old child at that time, and she had those glasses, and I just used to think, geez, wouldnt it be nice if theres an intelligent 12-year-old just beginning to watch your movie? And thats what we did. Humble beginnings.

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Exclusive Eating outEat and drink Perth Brookfield Places Bar Lafayette calls it a night after more than a decade slinging cocktails Max Veenhuyzen December 12, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Focus on the good. Thats the mantra Bar Lafayette owner Brendon Sim is latching onto as the popular CBD haunt enters its final week of service. Which, in Sims mind, means celebrating all the people and drinks that Bar Lafayette has served over the past 13 years, as well as the role the bar has played in its guests lives. Bar Lafayette owner Brendon Sim. Max Veenhuyzen Im so grateful to have been given this opportunity, Sim says.

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Im always asking my kids, Have you made somebody elses life better? I believe Bar Lafayette did that for our guests. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Opened in 2012 as part of the launch of the CBDs Brookfield Place precinct, Bar Lafayette embodied the ambitions of four 31-year-olds eager to own their own place. Half of the quartet  sommelier Richard Healy and bartender Andrea Cardellini, both of whom were working at Rockpool Bar & Grill at the time  had extensive hospitality credentials. The other half, however, did not. At the time, Sim was working in fashion and clothing, while Stephen Vetten, a friend Sim knew through skateboarding, was a graphic designer. Nonetheless, everyone was committed to the same vision: a bar that served guests refined cocktails and other drinks in an equally polished space.

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Which in practical bar terms, meant having high-end bourbon, gin and Scotch for house pours; serving mixers poured from cans rather than squirted out of post-mix guns; investing in a high-end Japanese Hoshizaki ice machine; collaborating with exclusive house spirits from respected distillers such as Tasmanias Lark Distillery and Tequila Herradura in Mexicos Jalisco state; and offering guests table service. (The black-on-black dress code for staff, meanwhile, brought a quiet elegance and sophistication to any visit to Bar Lafayette, as did the absence of happy hours or two-for-one drinks.) Related Article 14.5 / 20 Review This Vic Park pop-up is a heady blend of east and west, tradition and modern-day thinking But most importantly, at a time when freewheeling dive bars and rockstar bartenders were all the rage, the team at Bar Lafayette approached their work with a strict, yesteryear European professionalism. Considering the spaces past life as the Perth Technical School, it feels fitting that Bar Lafayette has been something of a breeding ground for future hospitality talent.

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Notable alum include Nick Baxter, the national brand ambassador for respected Australian distiller Archie Rose; Bar Love co-owner Pippa Canavan; and David Stucken, a one-time Bar Lafayette bar manager who is now running his own show at Terrarium Perth further up the Terrace. It was a huge place of learning for me, says Stucken. I built the majority of my career there, and I know Im not the only one who would say that. It was always a high-discipline, high-service style cocktail bar which Perth was lacking a lot of. It was a key reason why I stayed as long as I did. While Sim is sad to be shutting up shop  closing was option 10 after we started going, what are we going to do?  he also doesnt want to play the victim card.

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Still, he admits changing social and workplace attitudes towards alcohol, as well as a growing work-from-home movement, have played their part in his decision to bow out on his terms. Related Article Less local, higher prices: How will WAs fishing ban flow through to the public? One factor that didnt come into consideration, however, was landlords hiking up rents  an all-too-common theme in hospitality circles. Brookfield has been amazing, says Sim, who became the sole director of Bar Lafayette in 2018. (In the same year he also opened W Churchill: a more casual pub in the former Trustee space that will continue trading after the closure of Lafayette).

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At the end of the day, Lafayette and Churchill make up less than 1 per cent of their footprint in Brookfield Place, so were an amenity for all their other tenants, but theyve been amazing the whole time. Bar Lafayette general manager Ben Merchant. Cubbage Photo Bar Lafayettes last service is Friday, December 19 and the bar will be open on Tuesday  typically a night off for the team  during its final week. The extra day of trade, however, is the only change that Sim and general manager Ben Merchant are making to the Bar Lafayette program. Even during the bars swan song, the focus remains firmly on the guest and ensuring theyre getting top-shelf drinks and service. Were still going to be Lafayette until that final drink is shaken, he says.

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Perth Max Veenhuyzen is a journalist and photographer who has been writing about food, drink and travel for national and international publications for more than 20 years. He reviews restaurants for the Good Food Guide.
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LifestyleFashionMet Gala Anna Wintour lures Beyonce back to the Met Gala Damien Woolnough December 11, 2025  11:39am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Fashion Christmas has come early with the announcement that next year pop singer Beyonce will attend her first Met Gala since 2016. The acclaimed performer will return to the May fundraising event for the New York Museums Costume Institute as co-chair alongside recently appointed Chanel ambassador Nicole Kidman, tennis champion Venus Williams and Vogues Anna Wintour. Beyonce last graced the Met Galas red carpet for the Manus x Machina exhibition in 2016 wearing a latex Givenchy haute couture gown. Since then, she has prioritised family and tour preparations, letting fellow performer Rihanna dominate the showcase of international luxury labels. Beyonce in Givenchy at the 2016 Met Gala, Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology Getty Images The evenings dress code has not been revealed but will be inspired by the galas theme Costume Art, which was announced last month.

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I wanted to focus on the centrality of the dressed body within the Museum, connecting artistic representations of the body with fashion as an embodied art form, Andrew Bolton, Costume Institute curator said in a statement. Rather than prioritising fashions visuality, which often comes at the expense of the corporeal, Costume Art privileges its materiality and the indivisible connection between our bodies and the clothes we wear. Translation: Anything goes. For the red carpet Beyonce could wear her own costumes from the movies Dreamgirls or Austin Powers in Goldmember (dont hold your breath for that one) or outfits from the Renaissance and Cowboy Carter tours. A gown from Balmain, which provided costumes for the Renaissance tour would have been odds on favourite, except for Olivier Rousteings surprise departure as creative director of the French fashion house last month. This will be Beyonces second and Kidmans third time as co-chairs. In May, Kidman attended the event wearing a dress from Balenciaga and a short wig that fooled many onlookers. Next year it is most likely that Kidman will wear Chanel in her role as ambassador, with the French label having returned to the forefront of fashion following new creative director Matthieu Blazys acclaimed debut at Paris Fashion Week in October.

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Venus Williams will be co-chair for the first time, with sister Serena having performed the role in 2019. Related Article Fashion designers Meet the next big name in Australian fashion While Wintour relinquished her role as US Vogue editor to Chloe Malle - journalist daughter of actress Candice Bergen - in September, she maintains control of the Met Gala as global editorial director of the title and publisher Conde Nasts chief content officer. The exhibition will be held in the new Conde M. Nast Galleries at The Met. Along with event sponsors Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos, a Met Gala host committee including Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Malle, Alls Fairs Teyana Taylor and French pop singer Yseult offers further red carpet insights. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
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NationalGood Weekend I didnt care which one I kissed! The friends who married identical twins Susan Horsburgh December 11, 2025  11:00am 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 A A A

This story is part of the December 13 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories .

Winemakers Nina Stocker (left) and Kate Day, both 44, became friends at uni  and then sisters-in-law when they fell in love with identical twin brothers, despite always thinking they had very different tastes in men. Nina Stocker (left) and Kate Day: I cant even separate her as a friend and as a sister-in-law any more, Nina says. Were just family. Nina: We met in 2003 on the first day of uni in Adelaide, doing a post-grad in winemaking. My nicknames Nina, but my real name is Katherine, and Kates name is Kathryn, so she came bounding up when she saw my name tag. She was warm, gregarious  and already networking. With uni projects, shed be all organised: Where are you up to with the assignment? Id be like, The one due in three weeks? Shed say, Yeah, Im nearly finished. Id worry about it two days before it was due. It drove her nuts when we got the same result. We went different ways after uni: I worked in Italy, the Yarra Valley, Portugal and France; Kate was in Tasmania, Napa and Burgundy. We didnt see each other much until Kates wedding to Micah in 2007. By then, I was over men. The night before the wedding, I was chatting to Micahs twin, John, and he was being friendly and flirty. That night, I had this dream he was spooning me. At the wedding, Kate said, John really likes you. You should hook up with him. I was surprised she was so enthusiastic about it. And then John and I kissed. Immediately, I started to worry about getting John and Micah confused: I couldnt tell them apart. Kate was at uni, at a rugby game in Wagga, when she first met Micah, but it was John she saw playing rugby. She said, Whos that guy? Hes gorgeous! She turned around to ask someone, and there was Micah: the guy she was looking at on the field was standing right there. Kate being type A and Micah being more B, they work together. Kate and John are too similar: theyd have butted heads, for sure.

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Once, we were chatting about movie stars we thought were handsome. We kept saying about each others picks, Really? I dont like him at all. I remember saying, We just dont have the same taste in men, do we? Well. We live in Seymour, Victoria, and Kate and Micah are in Mudgee, NSW, but we speak almost every day. We both have two kids. Mine love seeing Aunty Kate: shes always the life of the party. She arrives with a huge basket of things, with French champagne and presents for the kids. Im always scrambling to remember when their birthdays are. Kate was more regimented with her babies routines and her kitchen is always spotless. Mines chaotic. Micah, Kate, John and Nina. You cant choose your family, but I kind of did, Kate says. Courtesy of Kate Day and Nina Stocker Kate was made redundant when she was seven months pregnant. The next day, she was already, Right, Ill start my own business consulting. Im in awe of her ability to chase what she wants. She was listening to [the podcast] Mamamia Out Loud recently, and the hosts were talking about all the celebrities who have a rose  what they call bitch diesel  named after them, and how they should have their own. Kate was at their office with our rose the very next day. Were there for each other no matter what. I cant even separate her as a friend and as a sister-in-law any more. Were just family.

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Kate: Everyone thinks Ninas lovely; its a bit sickening, actually. Shes very calm, pragmatic and composed. Shes got that quiet confidence. Im a bit in awe of it. At uni, she didnt eat much meat, so I thought she was a weirdo: Id invite her over and cook her a steak. She was really good at chemistry and I was useless; shed do her assignments at the last minute and beat me in all of them. At our wedding, we were all dancing and drinking and I noticed Nina and John were missing. So I commandeered the photographer to pap them. Nina says they were just having this great, in-depth talk outside, but we have this photo of them  the first of them together  and Ninas got her hand up: it looks just like a pap shot. The pap photo of John and Nina (right) taken at the wedding of Micah and Kate (left). Courtesy of Kate Day and Nina Stocker I thought it was just going to be a one-night thing  and then it wasnt. There was some jealousy on my part: if they ended up together, everyone was going to like her more than me. I felt like Id be the other wife or daughter-in-law and shed be the nice one. Shes the favourite daughter-in-law, for sure. Shes probably everyones favourite  except for Micahs! Micah and John are mirror-image. When I first saw them in Wagga, I didnt care which one I kissed! We had friends in central Victoria who didnt realise Micah was a twin. Or that John was in the area. Nina and John must have been walking down the street holding hands, and this friend messaged Micah and said, Mate, if you dont tell Kate youre having an affair, I will. Micah just burst out laughing: Thats my brother and sister-in-law!

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Theyll come to my house and leave glasses everywhere, and Im always putting them in the dishwasher. I probably frustrate the life out of her with my anal-ness. I have highly organised holidays  if were skiing, were first there, but Neens has to have her coffee and shes stuffing around. Im sitting there going, Grrrr, well meet you there. Shes more earthy, always outside doing something with her kids or in the garden. Her daughter will eat a bulb of fennel, whereas my kids go straight for the bikkie tin. Sometimes, I feel, God, shes outdoing me at everything! Related Article Good Weekend After decades thinking they had little in common, these siblings finally became friends We started In Two Minds [their straight-to-consumer wine label] in 2017. We have disagreements but we dont get the shits with each other; theres a lot at stake. In 2020, I had a melanoma and it was a good prognosis, but you automatically go to the worst-case scenario. I remember her kindness and compassion: Do you need me to take work off your plate? I know I can always lean on her. Sometimes, well give ourselves a couple of days to catch up poolside at The Calile Hotel in Brisbane. Well sit in a cabana with our laptops and pretend were working, but were really just gossiping. You cant choose your family, but I kind of did; thats really special. I remember thinking on our honeymoon, If they get married, well both be Kath Day! [Kath Day-Knight, a character from Kath & Kim]. Noice, different, unusual  and we make cardonnay! twoofus@goodweekend.com.au

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To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.
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NationalSocial media Opinion If I had a teenager, Id rather they were addicted to smoking than scrolling Fred Thomas UK Member of Parliament December 11, 2025  11:00am

December 11, 2025  11:00am 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 A A A

Teenagers across Australia woke yesterday to find their social media accounts deactivated. Why? The government has stepped in and banned access for anyone under 16. The hope is simple: without an endless feed of addictive content to turn to, young people might instead step outside, build real friendships and go on to live happier, healthier lives. The social media ban began on Wednesday. Getty Images The issues driving Australia to act are no less prevalent here in the United Kingdom. In England, more than 500 children a day are being referred to mental health services for anxiety. The average 12-year-old spends 29 hours each week on their smartphone.

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And in the past three years, the likelihood of young people having mental health problems has increased by an astonishing 50 per cent. The trends are obviously correlated, even if policy wonks sometimes claim the statistics are not mature enough to prove it. The same argument was once used to defend smoking in the face of growing health concerns. Since being elected in 2024, Ive visited schools across Plymouth and been shocked by what Ive seen. An ever-increasing proportion of pupils have serious social, emotional and mental health needs. Teachers and students consistently tell me about the pressures of the online world. Staff who have been working in schools for 30 years tell me they have never seen classroom environments this bad. They know how to support children with disabilities or special needs. They can break up arguments in the corridors. But they cannot handle an entire generation of children less happy and less focused than ever before.

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Not only is the content children consume addictive, it is also harmful. When researchers set up accounts posing as 13-year-olds in the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, they paused briefly on videos about mental health and liked them. Within 2.6 minutes, TikTok had recommended suicide content. Eating disorder content for girls. Misogynistic content for boys. Related Article Social media I tried making new social media accounts as an under-16. Things are still messy Social media companies point to internal safety initiatives. But these findings arent coincidental. Exploiting childrens vulnerabilities is simply the algorithms working as designed to maximise engagement and profit. More than 90 per cent of schools in England now have policies restricting phone use, and most report improvements. Schools and parents do their best, but theyre up against billion-dollar algorithms designed to hijack attention. Teachers describe children who simply cannot function without devices in their hands. Across the world the same story is unfolding and legislators are responding.

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Australias new law forces tech companies to prevent under-16s from opening social media accounts, deactivate existing ones, and stop workarounds  or face hefty fines. Educational tools such as Google Classroom and games, including Minecraft, are unaffected. Since 2023, France has required parental consent for children under 15 to access social media, and French President Emmanuel Macron is now considering an outright ban. A large majority of members of the European Parliament recently backed a resolution supporting a ban for under-16s. Meanwhile, Denmarks prime minister has pledged to ban social media for children under 15, saying: We have unleashed a monster. Never before have so many children and young people suffered from anxiety and depression. None of these changes came without resistance. All have faced opposition, legal challenges and amplified screams about censorship. But the role of a government is to do the difficult work required to protect our children. Im a big proponent of technology. I believe it has the potential to improve our lives vastly, from healthcare and education to productivity and wellbeing. I am proud the Labour government is embracing this.

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But successive administrations have done far too little to protect young people from the onslaught of addictive, unregulated feeds. They have stood by while childrens brains are rewired in ways we barely understand. Were told there isnt enough data to prove certain causality. But what other credible explanation is there for the simultaneous explosion of youth mental health problems and social media addiction? Centuries of psychological evidence tells us what children need to thrive: social connection, outdoor play, movement, creativity. Phones are cutting them off from all of it. Young people themselves are asking for help. Nearly 90 per cent of 13 to 16-year-olds say they have tried to limit their smartphone use. They know its harming them. Banning social media for under-16s is not part of some Luddite fantasy that would render kids ill-equipped for the modern world. It is a practical, evidence-based step to safeguard childrens mental health. Its also popular.

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Two-thirds of the British public think increased social media use is a key driver of rising youth mental health problems. Seventy-five per cent would support banning under-16s from social media. Related Article Opinion

Social media I wrote the book on anxious kids. It doesnt matter if this ban isnt perfect Jonathan Haidt Author, social psychologist Weve regulated tobacco because its addictive and deadly. A recent law means todays 15-year-olds will never be able to buy cigarettes in Britain. Thats good policy but, if Im honest, if I had a teenager Id rather they were addicted to smoking than scrolling. At least theyd be going outside. Social media is robbing our children of the joy of being alive and the ability to learn and contribute. Its time we stopped watching and started acting. Thats why Im calling on the government to follow Australias model and introduce a social media ban for under-16s.

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Fred Thomas is the British Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View. Telegraph, London
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NationalNSWRoad safety It took years to come up with a plan to cut road deaths, and just 11 days to kill it Julie Power Updated December 15, 2025  12:34pm ,first published December 12, 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 A A A

A federal proposal to reduce default speed limits on poor-quality country roads, under consideration for seven years, was dumped 11 days after submissions to a government consultation paper closed. Road safety experts have decried the decision as a win for populism over science and evidence. While it has been on the agenda since 2018, a paper released in October by the federal Office of Road Safety argued speed was a major factor contributing to the road deaths of 1294 people and the 30,000 people seriously injured in 2024. The risk of being killed on a regional or remote road is 11 times higher compared to a road in a major city, according to the study. iStock It argued a reduction in the default speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h on unsignposted roads would save hundreds of lives, billions of dollars and avoid thousands of injuries.

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The risk of being killed on a regional or remote road is 11 times higher compared to a road in a major city, said the regulatory impact study. It attracted opposition from farmers, truckers and rural residents who said it would decrease productivity, rob them of valuable time with their families and deflect attention from the need to repair roads. NSW Farmers Association president Xavier Martin said: Fixing the real driver of road trauma  that is, our ruined roads  is what will make a real difference. About 11,000 submissions were received, many from individuals. Eleven days later, the proposal was scrapped by state and federal transport ministers. No further work is being undertaken on open road default speed limits, a communique from the November 21 meeting states.

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The group had been given a collated summary of the submissions by Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King. She said ministers were concerned about a blanket approach to speed limits and reiterated their responsibility for setting speed limits in their own jurisdictions. Research by iRAP found the risk of death or injury is nearly halved for each improvement in the star rating of the road. The risk of dying on a poor country road at 100 or 110 km/h was found to be extremely high. iRAP King said: Councils are upgrading regional roads across the country, thanks to our doubling of funding for the Roads to Recovery program, and we are working with states and territories to invest billions to upgrade our national road network. Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) chief executive Dr Ingrid Johnston said the decision was made before the 11,000 responses could be evaluated.

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Nobody wouldve been able to read that many by then, Johnston said. Was this decision based on politics or the evidence? Related Article Explainer

Road safety Everything changed in one moment: What makes a car crash so deadly? Johnston said the government should have conducted an education campaign on the physics of speed and human frailty before releasing the paper. That didnt happen. Instead, this important review, which has been an action waiting to be implemented for years, was conducted with undue haste as the end of this [existing road safety strategy, due to finish at the end of 2025] looms. Even if the money tree delivered, it would realistically take decades to get through all that work. Meanwhile, people are dying and something needs to be done. That something is reducing the speed limits.

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More than 150 experts sent an open letter to government supporting the speed limit proposal. This included the global expert R.F. Soames Job, who previously directed the NSW Office of Road Safety; UNSWs Professor of Public Health, Rebecca Ivers; Austroads; and road safety centres in WA and Victoria, including Safer Australian Roads and Highways. Rob McInerney, head of the international road ratings group, was shocked by the governments decision to abandon the process and stick with the status quo despite the rising death toll. Road toll rises, speed limits remain unchanged NSW recorded 369 deaths (a 15.7 per cent increase on previous 12 months in the year to October), Queensland with 309 (6.6 per cent increase). Australian Capital Territory had the lowest number of deaths in the past 12 months, with nine fatalities (unchanged).

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He had warned of the need for more evidence-based inputs to outweigh the usual volume of responses that support unsafe speeds. Related Article Road safety How an extra Taylor Swift track on open roads could save your life Research by iRAP found the risk of death or injury was nearly halved for each star added. Transport for NSW said more than 71 per cent of travel takes place on state roads with a 3-star or higher rating. These roads have the most modern safety features, such as barriers, divided dual carriageways and wide shoulders. The rest were one or two stars, including those with single lanes, no barriers and hazards such as trees or poles close to the road, according to this map of star-rated roads by Transport for NSW.

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NSW is the Australian jurisdiction closest to attaining the national target of 80 per cent of all road travel being taken on roads rated 3 stars or more by 2030. It is investing $2 billion using AusRAP data to identify roads where work would reduce trauma. 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 An earlier version of this story incorrectly said iRAP operates the AusRAP star system. Austroads is the national body that co-ordinates the program.
NAIROBI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Kenyan court has suspended the implementation of a 1.6-billion-U.S.-dollar health agreement signed between the East African country and the United States amid concerns over medical data breach.

The five-year health cooperation framework, signed on Dec. 4, is expected to support the Kenyan government's push for universal health coverage. However, critics warn that the arrangement could risk medical data breaches, as Kenya's medical and epidemiological data might be transferred abroad.

Kenya's High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order on Wednesday, restraining the government and its agents from the "transfer, sharing, or dissemination of medical, epidemiological, or sensitive personal health data."

"A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, staying and/or restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, their agents or assigns, from implementing, operationalizing, or otherwise giving effect to the Health Cooperation Framework executed between the Government of Kenya and the Government of the U.S. on or about Dec. 4, 2025, insofar as it provides for or facilitates the transfer, sharing, or dissemination of medical, epidemiological, or sensitive personal health data," Mwamuye said in the order.

The order came after the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) challenged the deal for lack of public participation and alleged risk of medical data breach.

In its petition, COFEK said that courts or Kenyan regulators would have no power to recall, restrict, or oversee the foreign use of such data once it is shared as per the deal signed between the two countries.

"This exposes citizens to lasting privacy violations, stigma, and potential misuse of their information. The irreversible nature of the harm elevates the urgency of the matter," the lobby group noted. 
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NationalNSWCity life This Sydney suburb is in line for 9000 new homes. Two councils are fighting back Cindy Yin December 11, 2025  11:30am 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 A A A

Two councils are resisting a state-led plan to build more than 9000 homes in Sydneys north-west, with one calling for the haphazard and unjustified development to be scrapped and the other requesting the number of dwellings be slashed. The NSW government in November unveiled plans to build a precinct in Cherrybrook and rezone the area to add thousands of homes within walking distance of the metro station, one plank in their uphill battle to deliver 377,000 new homes by 2029 under the National Housing Accord. Under the plan, up to 9350 homes could be built over the next 36 years, up from the 3200 dwelling capacity outlined in the now-scrapped Cherrybrook Place Strategy from 2022. Building heights would reach a maximum of 28 storeys in the town centre, with a gradual reduction to three-storey, mid-rise apartments and terraces on the edge of the precinct. An artists impression of the proposed town centre in the Cherrybrook precinct. Planning NSW The 55-hectare site is under two council jurisdictions, split in half by the metro line. More than 5000 homes are earmarked in the Hills Shire Council and more than 4200 are in Hornsby Shire Council.

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The Hills Shire Council in a meeting on Tuesday night rejected the proposal in full, warning it could overwhelm infrastructure and undermine years of strategic planning. Twelve councillors unanimously voted for a pause to the implementation of the proposal and an urgent meeting with the NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully. Liberal mayor Michelle Byrne described the plan as a direct threat to the liveability, infrastructure capacity and character of The Hills. [Increasing] the number of units on The Hills Shire side without the schools, roads or services to support them, is not planning  its dumping density and walking away. Our schools, roads and services are already stretched. This proposal would push them beyond breaking point, she said.

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More than 19,000 people live in Cherrybrook, and about 4000 people tap on at the metro station each weekday. The third-biggest public school in the state, with 2095 students  Cherrybrook Technology High School  is less than three kilometres from the proposed precinct and this year eclipsed its enrolment cap of 1580. About 4000 commuters tap on every weekday at Cherrybrook metro station. Cole Bennetts While neighbouring Hornsby Shire Council supports the development in principle, a report highlights the conditions that would need to be met to win full approval. Chief among the concerns was a request to lower the maximum number of homes to reduce potential overdevelopment, questions about when and how accompanying infrastructure will be funded and the ability of the existing road network and metro line to support the growing population. In a council meeting on Wednesday night, Liberal mayor Warren Waddell cited the previous 2022 development plan for Cherrybrook and said the council was still literally in a tug of war with the government over the original plan.

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Scully said the precinct, which is close to transport, open space and services, made Cherrybrook an ideal location for more homes in a high-demand area. He will look at the final rezoning proposal for consideration before the outcome is determined in 2026. Related Article Planning There will be 6.5m Sydney residents by 2045. Heres where theyre going to live Developments like this are crucial as we look to restore housing choice in Sydney, so people are no longer forced out of the city and can live within the community they choose, he said. This proposal will unlock hundreds of jobs and thousands of new homes in Cherrybrook alongside more open space and a new town centre to create a vibrant, leafy precinct just steps away from the metro. The Minns government on Wednesday released its draft Sydney Plan with a strategy to guide development for an extra 1.2 million residents in the next 20 years.

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The government also announced in September its plan to undertake a major overhaul of the planning system as part of a broader push to cut back housing sprawl on Sydneys fringes, by increasing density and amenities near train stations and bus interchanges. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalQueenslandE-Scooters Gifting an electric device this Christmas? Check these stats first Courtney Kruk December 11, 2025  12:21pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Road safety advocates issued a safety warning to parents gifting e-scooters to children this Christmas following a spike in hospitalisations and a series of deaths caused by electric devices across south-east Queensland. More than 1600 e-scooter riders were hospitalised after crashing in the first 10 months of this year  five per day, according to research from the Jamieson Trauma Institute in partnership with the RACQ. Data collected between January 2018 and October 2025 showed more than 7200 presentations to Queensland emergency departments after e-scooter crashes, with nearly 30 per cent sustaining head injuries and nearly 24 per cent suffering facial trauma. The RACQ has warned parents considering gifting children an e-scooter or e-bike this Christmas of safety risks. Simon Schluter RACQ senior researcher Andrew Kirk said the high rate of facial and head injuries shows many riders are not wearing helmets correctly, or at all.

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E-Scooters More than a dozen hospitalised overnight in e-scooter crash spike This is exactly why RACQ recommends stand-up e-scooter riders wear a full-face helmet  to reduce the likelihood of severe facial injuries, Kirk said. The warning follows a series of devastating incidents across south-east Queensland, including three deaths. In late October, an eight-year-old boy died after crashing head on with a 15-year-old boy along a bike path near the Kawana Way and Sunshine Motorway interchange on the Sunshine Coast. Both were riding e-bikes. The eight-year-old boy from Mountain Creek was rushed to nearby Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but died from his injuries.

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A teenager suffered significant head injuries and died after crashing an electric dirt bike on the Gold Coast days later. Just last weekend, thirteen people were hospitalised after a spate of e-scooter and e-bike crashes across Queensland on Friday night and Saturday morning, which included the death of a 33-year-old Sunshine Coast woman. Queenslands police minister acknowledged efforts to improve the safe use of e-devices but said parents need to take responsibility too. Louie Douvis Police believe the crash was caused after the woman lost control of the device. Alongside appropriate safety gear, RACQ advised parents to ensure they are gifting legal devices, and following relevant rules.

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Parents should look out for key signs of an illegal e-bike, for example, if it doesnt have pedals or can travel faster than 6km/h without pedalling, its illegal, Kirk said. Related Article Perspective

City life E-bikes shouldnt be banned. The illegal ones are already illegal Make sure the e-scooter weighs less than 60 kilograms and fits within the legal-size limits  either 1250 millimetres long by 700 millimetres wide by 1350 millimetres high, or 700 millimetres long by 1250 millimetres wide by 1350 millimetres high. [And] remember the rules in Queensland  children under 12 are not allowed to ride e-scooters, and those aged 12 to 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult. At a press conference on Thursday to launch a road safety blitz ahead of the holiday season, Police Minister Dan Purdie acknowledged calls to legislate and ban the sale of e-devices, but said parents need to take responsibility too.

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Parents need to know, especially leading up to Christmas, that the device youre potentially buying your young person, if it is legal, he said. They might be buying a bike, an expensive bike, and not really reading the rules and realising that once they get it out the front door and on the road its illegal. So everyone needs to take responsibility. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalQueenslandCourts Gutless coward faces one of Queenslands longest non-parole periods Cloe Read December 11, 2025  11:52am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Toyah Cordingleys killer will face one of Queenslands longest non-parole periods after a Supreme Court decision on Thursday to keep him behind bars for at least another 22 years. Earlier this week, Justice Lincoln Crowley handed Rajwinder Singh, 41, a life sentence with a non-parole period of 25 years after he was found guilty of murder in the Cairns Supreme Court. Singh has been in custody since 2023, which is now considered the start of his sentence. Toyah Cordingley. Facebook - Daniel Stocker Singhs first trial ended in a hung jury, but a second four-week trial concluded he slashed Cordingleys throat, and repeatedly stabbed her.

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Cordingley had been walking her dog at an isolated beach in far north Queensland in October 2018. Her death was described by Crowley as an opportunistic killing. He said given the vicious attack, it was possible the 24-year-old had discovered Singh engaged in some type of disgraceful, embarrassing activity at a secluded spot where your true self could emerge uninhibited. Cordingley, described as gentle, humble and loving was an organic food store worker who also volunteered at an animal shelter. Facebook Crowley said Cordingley fought for her life. The following day, her father discovered her body half buried in dunes at Wangetti Beach. Her dog, Indie, was found alive and tied to a tree nearby.

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Singh booked a flight to India, his country of birth, triggering an international police manhunt to find the former Innisfail nurse. He left behind his wife and children. Police escort Rajwinder Singh after he was arrested in New Delhi. AP Photo/Dinesh Joshi Crowley said he ran away like a gutless coward. Police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to Singhs location. He was arrested in New Delhi and extradited to Australia in March 2023. On Thursday in the Supreme Court in Brisbane, Crowley reopened the sentence to set the eligibility date. The court heard Singh will be eligible for parole on March 1, 2048. It is one of the longest non-parole periods in Queenslands history for a single charge count of murder.

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Singh sat via video link from Cairns, wearing a suit and showing no emotion. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Forklift driver Massimiliano Balbiani was at work early on Monday morning when he suddenly got a call from a police officer who told him they suspected there was a human body buried in his backyard. The father of three jumped in his car and raced home in a state of shock. Massimiliano Balbiani at his home in Saltbush Crescent, Brookfield, where the remains of a toddler were found this week. The Age His teenage son had stumbled out of bed to find police swarming the four-bedroom, brown-brick house in Saltbush Crescent, a quiet street in Brookfield in Melbournes outer north-west. Police covered the windows of the home in blue tarp and told Balbiani and his family to stay inside. For hours, investigators scoured the backyard using specialised ground-penetrating machines before focusing their attention on digging up a section of the lawn next to a concrete slab at the back door. Related Article Crime Missing toddlers body found 11 years after disappearance, police believe

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About 1.30pm, underneath a small patch of dry grass, next to an old trampoline and only metres from the house, police discovered a shallow grave, concealing the remains of an 18-month-old-boy, buried there for 11 years. I was horrified, Balbiani said on Thursday as he stood next the freshly disturbed earth where the childs remains were found. I have lived in this place for eight years. My children have played outside in this yard many times. I dont know what to think. It is very, very sad. Something bad has happened here. It is an awful and shocking thing. He said the body had been buried in dirt less than 50 centimetres deep. Police believe the remains are that of a toddler who mysteriously disappeared in 2014. Something bad has happened here. It is an awful and shocking thing. Massimiliano Balbiani

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The child was not reported missing at the time and his family are understood to have left the country shortly after his death. Victoria Police are now trying to locate the family, who are believed to be somewhere in Europe. Sources told this masthead the family are believed to be from Kosovo, a landlocked country in south-east Europe, bordered by Albania. Victoria Police are understood to have been told about the body by one of the childs relatives who could no longer carry the burden of the secret. In a statement, police said the missing persons squad had assumed primacy of the investigation, and it remained ongoing. None of the neighbours to whom this masthead spoke have lived in the street long enough to know the identity of the family, but expressed their horror and distress at the grim discovery. It is horrible to think something like that has happened in your own street, one neighbour said. It has shaken us all up. Massimiliano Balbiani at his home in Saltbush Crescent, Brookfield, where the remains of toddler were found this week. The Age

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Balbiani said the coroner had arrived at his home about 6.30pm on Monday. The remains were placed in a bag before being loaded into an ambulance. Detectives from the Melton Crime Investigation Unit confirmed on Wednesday that an investigation into the boys death had commenced earlier this year following the tip-off. On Monday ... with assistance from the Missing Persons Squad, Australian Federal Police, Major Crime Scene Unit and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, the property was searched, police said in a statement. A preliminary excavation of the area uncovered the yet-to-be formally identified human remains around 1.30pm. The coroner has been advised, and a post-mortem will occur in due course. But for Balbiani, there is now a sense of eeriness in the home he has rented for almost a decade with his wife, two sons and young daughter. He has mowed the lawn in the backyard countless times. His children have grown up playing outside on the grass and spent hours jumping on the trampoline less than a metre away from where the childs remains were found.

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NationalVictoriaCourts Miscarriage of justice: Why Greg Lynn was granted a new trial Erin Pearson December 11, 2025  5:52pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Across 69 pages of their meticulously detailed appeal judgment, three Court of Appeal judges detailed the reasons why former airline pilot Gregory Lynn will face a retrial for the alleged 2020 murder of High Country camper Carol Clay, 73. Lynn was found guilty of murdering Clay on June 25, 2024, and was later sentenced to 32 years jail with a non-parole period of 24 years. A court sketch of Greg Lynn. On Thursday, the Caroline Springs father was granted a retrial after the Court of Appeal found the 59-year-old had suffered a substantial miscarriage of justice because of the way the prosecution had conducted the trial. He had sought leave to appeal against both his conviction and sentence.

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In his appeal against conviction, Lynn raised four grounds of appeal. Grounds one and two contended that he had suffered a substantial miscarriage of justice because of the way in which the prosecution had conducted the trial. The court upheld the first two grounds of appeal, concluding that the conduct of the prosecution had compromised the fairness of the trial. Lynns sketch of the Bucks Camp site for police; and (clockwise from top right) Lynn, Carol Clay and Russell Hill. Court of Appeal president Karin Emerton said: Given the serious nature of the murder charge, and the courts conclusion that the evidence has not been compromised and the unfairness of the first trial will not permeate a new trial, the court has determined that the interests of justice require Lynn to stand trial again for the murder of Clay. The judgment noted two central issues, in combination, that led to their decision to quash Lynns murder conviction and order a fresh Supreme Court trial.

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This included the prosecution making submissions to the jury that challenged the credibility of the evidence given by Lynn without ever putting those matters to him. This occurred, the appeal judges said, despite repeated objections by defence counsel and warnings from the trial judge. In doing so, Emerton said the prosecution had breached a rule of fairness. Emerton said that in its closing address, the Crown had unfairly attacked the reliability and credibility of its own firearms and tool mark expert witness, Paul Griffiths. This had occurred, she said, without having put the relevant matters to Griffiths to give him a chance to respond. Ballistics expert Paul Griffiths outside court in 2024. Luis Enrique Ascui

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Griffiths was the prosecution witness who conducted gunshot trajectory tests based on Lynns account of what had happened when Clay was shot. That approach wrongly invited the jury to ignore evidence which was favourable to Lynn, and represented a significant departure from the obligations of fairness, Emerton said. In arguing for a retrial earlier this year, defence barrister Dermot Dann, KC, said prosecutors had broken the rules that governed fair conduct of criminal trials so thick and fast, he had been unable to keep up. These breaches, Dann said, might have led the Supreme Court jury down an impermissible pathway in arriving at an unsafe guilty verdict over the killing of Clay in the Wonnangatta Valley in March 2020. Lynn was found not guilty of murdering Clays companion, Russell Hill. Other high-profile cases in which cases have been appealed include the late Cardinal George Pell, who had his case thrown out by the High Court. Underworld figure Tony Mokbel recently had one of his convictions thrown out and one dismissed. He was granted a retrial on a third.

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Defence counsel Dermot Dann, KC, outside court in October. Jason South A decision on whether a retrial will go ahead in Mokbels case is expected to be made next week. Other cases that sought retrials before being granted stays on their cases or having the Office of Public Prosecutions abandon the case include Jason Roberts and Andrew Baker. Baker faced two failed trials over the death of Sarah Gatt, whose body was found in a bath. Nick Papas, KC, who has worked as both a defence barrister and a prosecutor, said that in any retrial, the prosecution would be able to file different or new charges. When the Crown revisits the case, it can change it if they want to, depending on which evidence it leads. But there are limitations, he said.

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Papas stressed that retrials were run-of-the-mill in the legal world, but a retrial could be delayed in high-profile cases to allow jurors to have more time to be able to forget about what came out of the first trial. Appellant courts are here to ensure fundamental errors that led to potential mistakes can be reviewed, and that way we resist and avoid the possibility of someone being sentenced to term imprisonment for an offence they did not commit, Papas said. Were always for fair trials, but people are human, judges are human, barristers are human and mistakes are made. Thats why there are appellate courts. Greg Barns, SC, a spokesperson for the Australian Lawyers Alliance, said a retrial effectively meant the prosecution against a person started again. When asked if there could be difficulties in an accused person getting a fair retrial if the case was high-profile or had received significant media attention, Barns said juries were always given strict instruction from a trial judge to ignore any reporting or knowledge of the case.

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Cases may already be high-profile before a first trial, like we saw in the Pell case. The issue of publicity is an issue regardless of whether its a retrial or initial trial, Barns said. Jurors are strictly instructed to put that out of their mind. On the second to last page of their judgment, the appeal judges addressed the question on whether a charge of manslaughter could replace murder. The director [of public prosecutions] was asked some specific questions  about how a retrial would be framed. Specifically  whether manslaughter would be advanced as an alternative to murder, they said. The director responded ... that these issues cannot be known in advance, noting that whether manslaughter is left will be a matter for the trial judge and the parties at the time.

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Lynn was remanded to reappear in the Supreme Court on January 28. It is unclear if he will apply for bail before any retrial. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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NationalVictoriaCourts The prosecution must start again: Greg Lynn retrial explained Erin Pearson December 11, 2025  4:37pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn will face a new trial for the murder of missing camper Carol Clay in March 2020 after three Court of Appeal judges on Thursday found elements of the trial had caused Lynn to suffer a serious miscarriage of justice. Lynn has been ordered to reappear in court in January, where a timetable for a new trial is expected to be discussed. Greg Lynn will face a new trial over Carol Clays death. Jason South Experts say a retrial can be granted by the Court of Appeal in various circumstances. There are generally three options before the bench of judges, the first being to dismiss the appeal, the second to grant a retrial and the third to quash the conviction and grant a stay, meaning the person is freed.

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Retrials can also occur if a jury cannot come to a unanimous decision. What happens at a retrial? Is it the same judge, prosecutor and defence barristers? Greg Barnes, SC, a spokesperson for the Australian Lawyers Alliance, said a retrial effectively meant the prosecution against a person started again. Every month in Australia, Barnes said, appeal courts grant retrials. This can be because there was some sort of miscarriage of justice, errors of law, or because evidence was admitted that should not have been. He said sometimes legal teams for the prosecution and defence could change. They could also look at the way the previous trial was run and make decisions on how they run the case.

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Barnes said that as well as a new jury, there would be a new judge for the retrial. They are not bound by the way in which the first trial was won, he said. A retrial effectively means a new trial, so you start again. Its a wholly new proceeding before jury trial in the same way that it previously had. The criminal process starts again. Can prosecutors or police introduce extra evidence at a retrial? Can the defence ask for evidence the jury heard the first time to be left out of a retrial?

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In the lead-up to a retrial, Barnes said, legal arguments could occur over the admissibility of evidence, which could mean evidence presented in the first trial being ruled out, and fresh evidence ruled in. This can be based on the formation of new strategy on both sides of the bar table. With a retrial, youve got the benefit of seeing the way in which the first trial was run, Barnes said. Youve got the benefit of seeing how a court ruled on the admissibility of evidence and how that argument might be presented again. And there will be some elements of a retrial very similar. Its not uncommon for a person to simply give the same evidence at the trial. There are occasions where there is fresh or new evidence brought in. Its as though the first trial did not exist.

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Will Lynn face a jury or a judge only retrial? Victoria does not allow for judge-alone trials, as is seen in other states. This was temporarily introduced into the state during the pandemic to help address the backlog of cases and associated delays, but is no longer an option for an accused person. Lynn will face another jury. Does Lynn have to give evidence again? No. An accused person never has to give evidence in their own trial. Its up to the prosecution to prove the case against them, and its up to the accused person if they want to give evidence. I am disappointed and perplexed by the jury verdict, as I have not killed anyone, Lynn wrote in a letter to the court after testifying in his first trial.

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Lynn was found not guilty of Russell Hills murder. Can he face trial again for that? No. When a person is found not guilty by a jury of a criminal offence, that charge cannot be reheard. It is possible Lynn will be charged with manslaughter over Hills death, which was not a charge he faced at the first trial. When asked whether the prosecution would consider a manslaughter charge, Director of Public Prosecutions Brendan Kissane left it open, saying that it would be a matter for the trial judge and parties at the time. When will the retrial be heard? A date for the new trial is yet to be set. Thats expected to occur in the new year.

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Are the witnesses in a retrial the same? In the retrial of sex offence cases, Nick Papas, KC, said there were provisions in place that meant evidence adduced at a first trial, such as a complainants evidence, could be recorded and replayed on a tape to a second jury. In murder trials it is not as common, Papas said. There may be witnesses whose evidence will be played to a new jury. Why was Lynns conviction overturned? The Court of Appeal judges found there was a substantial miscarriage of justice that occurred during the trial that required the court to set aside Lynns conviction.

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What were the key serious irregularities during the trial? Court of Appeal president Karin Emerton said there were two central issues, in combination, that formed the basis for the courts conclusion. This included the prosecution making a number of submissions to the jury that challenged the credibility of the evidence given by Lynn without ever putting those matters to him. This occurred, Emerton said, despite repeated objections by defence counsel and warnings from the trial judge. In doing so, she said, counsel breached a rule of fairness. Emerton also that said in its closing address, the prosecution unfairly attacked the reliability and credibility of its own firearms and tool mark expert witness, Paul Griffiths. This occurred, she said, without having put the relevant matters to Griffiths to give him a chance to respond.

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What happens next? Lynn was remanded to reappear in the Supreme Court on January 28. It is unclear if he will apply for bail before any retrial. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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A Perth driver has told a magistrate ahead of his sentencing that he was suffering with intense pain from a hernia, causing him to accidentally accelerate to 104km/h before crashing into - and seriously injuring - a 17-year-old girl who was a spectator at a car meet.

Chun Lai Yuen, a 25-year-old student from Hong Kong, told Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday he was not taking part in the Monday Meets event on July 14 in Burswood, but was instead out with a friend at the casino and trying to get home when he was struck with debilitating hernia pain.

Caitlyn Dickson, 17, was seriously injured when she was hit by a car at a Monday Meets event in Burswood in July. Rebecca Peppiatt

Yuens lawyer said his client was trying to leave the casino car park and head to dinner in the city when he got caught up in congested traffic caused by a gathering for car enthusiasts along Camfield Drive.

He was trying to go one way, but there was a lot of traffic so had to go another way, he said.
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Updated NationalWABushfires Residents urged to flee, Perth Airport flights delayed as firefighters battle bushfires Holly Thompson and Michael Philipps Updated December 11, 2025  10:49pm ,first published 4:23pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Two bushfires in Perths eastern suburbs have been reduced to watch-and-act levels, although authorities have warned there remains a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and conditions are changing. A bushfire in Perths east sparked an emergency warning on Thursday, with residents in parts of Kenwick, Wattle Grove, Maddington and Beckenham urged to leave. However, authorities say the threat has been downgraded as it remains uncontained and uncontrolled but is stationary. It is believed one home along Boundary Road caught fire. While authorities were not been able to confirm, an alert said that homes along that same road, and along Bickley Road and Brook Road, were under threat.

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The situation forced the closure of the main runway at Perth Airport and delayed flights due to a fire service helicopter in the flight path of the main runway. The main runway (03/21) is currently not in use, with flights currently departing and arriving on the cross runway (06/24), a Perth Airport statement said. Four wide-body aircraft are unable to use the cross runway due to weight restrictions. The fire was reported just after midday on Thursday, and aerial crews were called in as firefighters battle the blaze in bushland to the east of Kenwick Wetlands Nature Reserve. The fire was reported as moving in an easterly direction and a number of roads were closed including Wanaping Road and Bickley Road.

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There was a lot of smoke impacting Roe Highway and residents in an area bounded by Welshpool Road East, Tonkin Highway, Kenwick Road, Brixton Street and Roe Highway were under an emergency warning alert. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services urged those fleeing the area to head south towards Albany Highway and to take an emergency kit. Those who could not flee or chose to stay were told to shelter in their homes before the fire arrived. The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape, an alert on the EmergencyWA website read. If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.

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Another emergency warning flares in Bullsbrook Residents in the City of Swan were also told to flee, with a threat to lives and homes in Bullsbrook and Upper Swan. However, an update from EmergencyWA reported the level for this fire has been downgraded as conditions have eased in the evening. The bushfire, reported at 12.51pm, was moving in a northeasterly direction and not contained or controlled at the time of writing. Aerial support was sent to assist crews on the ground, while the Department of Communities set up an evacuation centre at Swan Active Beechboro on Benara Road. Some roads may be closed and Walyunga National Park was also closed.
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PoliticsFederalAustralian economy Private school fees and luxury cars driving surge in bankruptcies Shane Wright December 12, 2025  1:00am 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 A A A

Key points Private schools, luxury car companies and strata bodies are driving hundreds of people into bankruptcy.

The rate at which creditors are forcing debtors into bankruptcy has tripled since 2019.

Major banks hardly ever start bankruptcy proceedings, but other lenders, such as vehicle finance companies, are very active.

Private schools and strata bodies are driving hundreds of people into bankruptcy amid a sharp rise in the number of small businesses and luxury car owners struggling to repay loans to finance companies. Financial Counselling Australia is calling for an overhaul of the nations financial credit laws after releasing research showing people with debts as small as $10,000 are being forced into bankruptcy. Schools are increasingly forcing people into bankruptcy over unpaid fees. Michael Howard The rate at which creditors are forcing debtors into bankruptcy has tripled since 2019, with a substantial increase over the past two years after a pandemic-era easing in credit laws came to an end. The tightening of regulations around bankruptcy coincided with a surge in the nations inflation rate, which in turn forced the Reserve Bank to raise official interest rates to their highest level since the early 2010s.

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According to Financial Counselling Australia, which tracked creditors filings to the Federal Court, there were 6700 actions to have someone declared a bankrupt between 2021-22 and 2024-25. After the pandemic, bankruptcy actions fell to just 1365 in 2022-23. But in 2024, the number of bankruptcy actions reached 2024, coincidentally, with 41 per cent of those actions resulting in a person being declared bankrupt. Two of the fastest-growing areas for bankruptcy action over the period have been private schools and strata bodies. Two per cent of all bankruptcies were due to schools taking legal action to recoup fees from parents.

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There have been 128 bankruptcy actions by schools since 2021, of which 45 took place last financial year. The top five schools were all in Victoria, and led by the 13 initiated by the Melbourne-based Sirius College last year, followed by Oakleigh Grammar, Overnewton Anglican Community College, Trinity Grammar and Wesley College. Actions by strata bodies against residents have soared. They accounted for just 2 per cent of bankruptcy actions in 2020-21 but last year that had reached 12 per cent. Financial Counselling Australia found strata bodies in NSW, Victoria and the ACT are increasingly aggressive in trying to recoup fees from residents. Half of all forced bankruptcies in the ACT last year were due to strata debt, a level the FCA labelled as seriously disproportionate.

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In NSW, 16 per cent of all bankruptcies last year were due to strata body actions, with 152 people directly affected. FCA chief executive officer Domenique Meyrick said changes had to be made to the nations bankruptcy laws. She said too many people were losing their homes over debts of $10,000, which were often made up of legal fees, court costs and penalty interest charges. Forced bankruptcy is one of the most serious tools available to creditors and should only be used as a genuine last resort. Our report shows that without stronger safeguards and modernised laws, Australians risk losing their homes and livelihoods unnecessarily over relatively modest debts, she said. Forced bankruptcy is appearing most in sectors that lack strong consumer protections, including rights to hardship support or fair dispute resolution. Put simply, its happening where safeguards are minimal.

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Mercedes-Benz Finance has launched the largest number of bankruptcy actions of any car finance company over the past four years. The Australian Tax Office accounts for 13 per cent of bankruptcies as it takes more stringent action to recoup tax debts. Major banks have all but stopped bankruptcy actions, which the FCA puts down to better hardship practices and codes of conduct. But other lenders, including vehicle financing companies, are stepping into the breach. Since 2021-22, the nations big four banks started 39 bankruptcy actions. Over the same period, Mercedes-Benz Finance launched 41, while BMW Finance started 34.

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Vehicle finance companies account for 12 per cent of all financial sector bankruptcy actions, more than banks and insurance companies combined. Related Article Investigation

Organised crime How baby formula investors became entangled with shady financial firms and organised crime While banks maintain a large share of overall lending, there has been strong growth by non-bank lenders that focus on small businesses and sole traders. Since 2021-22, Bizfund  a lender that promotes itself as a business specialist that provides loans of between $5000 and $1 million without up-front credit checks  has started 153 bankruptcy actions, of which 64 were in 2024-25. Other small lenders with large numbers of bankruptcy actions include Flexicommercial (59), TimberCorp Finance (29) and Metro Finance (23).

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Financial Counselling Australia found small non-bank lenders were now initiating almost as many credit actions against customers as the Tax Office. That means these largely unregulated lenders are wielding the same enforcement power as the nations tax authority but with far fewer checks and balances, it said. In July last year, then attorney-general Mark Dreyfus announced the government would reform bankruptcy laws with the biggest change an increase in the threshold to start action lifted to $20,000. The threshold would be indexed annually. Consultation on the changes is ongoing. Financial Counselling Australia said the government should move quickly to implement the reforms while also require state and territory governments to overhaul strata rules to provide assistance for those at risk of bankruptcy. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ducked responsibility for the widening MPs expenses saga and claimed he was not in charge of the rules, while Communications Minister Anika Wells can be compelled to hand over her metadata and submit to interviews in the watchdogs probe of her spending. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley opened the door to a bipartisan overhaul of family travel perks on Thursday as she and her senior shadow ministers said they were open to changes, but the prime minister is holding firm in the face of calls to pare back entitlements. Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport Anika Wells and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. Alex Ellinghausen Asked about a finance ministers regulation allowing unlimited spousal travel perks for senior MPs, Albanese said: Im not the finance minister. I havent changed the rule. In a testy press conference in Canberra on Thursday, Albanese was grilled about revelations that Special Minister of State Don Farrell, and Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, charged 136 and 78 spouse flights, respectively, to the taxpayer since 2022.

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Albanese distanced himself by repeatedly raising Leys misuse of travel expenses in 2017 and noted multiple times that the finance minister oversaw expenses, even though Farrell is the minister with most responsibility over the entitlements scheme. I dont influence that from the top, Albanese said. Loading What Ive been focused on this week, to be frank, is one of the biggest reforms that we will do in the entire time that were in office [the social media ban]. My focus is not on entitlements and the finance ministers rules. The focus on politicians perks  triggered last week by revelations that almost $100,000 was spent on flights for Wells, a staffer and a senior public servant to travel to New York  has taken the gloss off Labors world-first social media ban and raised questions about its probity before next weeks cost-cutting budget update.

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The Coalition seized on Albaneses remarks, with finance spokesman James Paterson saying the prime minister was failing the test of leadership and full of excuses. Ley said she was always open to looking at the rules governing MPs expenses. While focus has been on Wells and her judgment in charging taxpayers for flights while attending birthdays and bringing family members to in-demand events, the biggest users of family reunion perks come from across the political spectrum. The prime minister was asked repeatedly about expenses. Alex Ellinghausen All politicians 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, as well as the value of nine business class flights to Canberra. But it emerged on Thursday that dozens of senior office holders are exempt from any spending limits on reunion flights. They include ministers, the Senate president, House speaker, the opposition leader and their deputy in each house.

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Wells moved to stem the bleeding on Tuesday by referring her spending the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority. The independent watchdog has confirmed the probe with Wells office in the past 24 hours, according to two sources familiar with the agency not authorised to speak publicly. Photo: Matt Golding The authority, whose leaders include former special minister of state Gary Gray, has the power to interview ministers and others about events they claimed travel entitlements to be at, check calendars, and inspect metadata to determine if work events were placed around social events already locked into the calendar. One source said the probe would likely take months and that Albanese would only consider changing the rules if the agency found Wells was exploiting loopholes. Labor and Coalition MPs said privately that Hanson-Youngs use of $50,000 to bring her husband, prominent federal government lobbyist Ben Oquist, to Canberra for sitting weeks appeared to be the worst example to date. Hanson-Young pulled out of a media appearance on Thursday and has not responded to the reporting of the expenses. Hanson-Young was contacted for comment.

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The current parliamentary entitlements scheme was brought in by then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, an overhaul spurred partly by Leys use of taxpayer funds to travel the Gold Coast to buy a property. The move required legislative change, while Ley resigned from the frontbench and repaid the cost of the flights. Senior politicians with an uncapped spousal travel allowance have billed taxpayers more than $660,000 since the start of the Albanese government. Travel for senior office holders spouses, including de facto partners, is relevantly unlimited in respect of total expenses claimable each year, an explanatory document of the regulation reads. Spouses can travel for family reunion purposes, to represent their partner in an official capacity, and to attend engagements where they have been invited as the spouse of a senior office holder  for example, if they are invited to speak at a function because they are the partner of an MP. Senior office holders partners also have an uncapped private vehicle allowance.

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Farrell, who as special minister of state is in charge of MP entitlements, has claimed the most  $116,306  in family travel of the eligible politicians since the 2022 election. Minister for Resources and the Northern Territory Madeleine King had the next highest claim, at $76,692. Related Article Political expenses The MPs who spent more than $100,000  and the ministers who spent $0  on family travel The biggest spender among the outer ministry was Minister for Veterans Affairs of Australia Matt Keogh, with a sum of $47,619. The cap exemption also extends to Senate president Sue Lines, who has claimed $46,886. Both Keogh and Lines are from Western Australia, which would increase the costs of any travel. Together, the senior office holders have charged taxpayers $666,504 for family travel since the start of the Albanese government. Albanese himself has spent $75,321 on family travel entitlements since he became prime minister.

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SHANGHAI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The successful launch of the Arab Satellite 813 on Wednesday marked a new milestone in China's space cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites (SECM), a key Chinese partner in the project, on Thursday.

The satellite was sent into orbit aboard China's Lijian-1 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. It was one of nine satellites involved in the mission, including three for international users.

The UAE's National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) signed an agreement with SECM in 2023 to develop this unique, highly efficient hyperspectral satellite. It carries advanced instruments designed to observe Earth, providing high-quality data to support environmental monitoring, resource exploration and scientific research.

This mission represents a major achievement in space cooperation between China and the UAE, and paves the way for deeper collaboration in the future, according to SECM.

The Arab Satellite 813 is the first major space cooperation project led by the UAE for the Arab states. The NSSTC has also developed a related mission operations system, and completed successful tests with a ground station located at United Arab Emirates University. The station will manage the satellite's data and distribute it across the Arab region. 
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Updated PoliticsFederalAged care No deal: States wont sign on to federal hospital funding offer Dominique Tassell and Rosanna Ryan Updated December 12, 2025  3:54pm ,first published December 12, 2025  6:17am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

State and territory health ministers have knocked back the federal governments proposed solution for public hospital funding, potentially dashing the Commonwealths hopes of securing a deal before Christmas. The ministers met with their federal counterpart, Mark Butler, in Brisbane on Friday morning as part of the latest efforts to negotiate the next five-year hospital funding deal. This week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered the states an extra $3 billion, on top of the $20 billion already pledged  with $2 billion reserved for tackling the deepening bed block crisis. The ministers said the funding stalemate was blocking beds needed for emergency care. Dan Peled Before the meeting, states released a report card that counted more than 3000 elderly and disabled Australians stuck in public hospitals when they should be at home or in residential aged care.

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They said the number of these stranded patients had risen by 630 since they appealed to the federal government to take action at their last meeting in September. Related Article Disability How $2b could be redirected from the NDIS and help 230,000 more people The problem is most acute in Queensland, where more than 1000 elderly and disabled patients are languishing in public hospital beds, followed by NSW, with more than 850. The ministers argued that these elderly patients were medically ready for discharge, but could not leave, as there were no beds for them to go to in federally managed aged care facilities. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls noted aged care was a federal responsibility, and slammed the government for not meeting those patients care needs.

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Nicholls described his state as ground zero for the calamity that faces our health system. These are Australians who are waiting for the proper care  in a properly run, properly funded residential aged care facility that looks after them and meets their needs, he said. Health ministers from around the country met with Mark Butler in Brisbane on Friday. He said his state and territory colleagues used Fridays meeting to press the case for appropriate funding of the National Health Reform Agreement, including for stranded patients. The offer that we received overnight on Wednesday does not meet that requirement, and all states and territories  I think that I can speak for all of my colleagues here  have rejected that offer, he said.

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Butler, meanwhile, said the new offer was a generous one, and was confident the states would come to the table over the next few days to strike a deal before Christmas. He said states wanting more money from the Commonwealth was expected, particularly in the health sector, but they must strike a deal to move forward on hospital funding and disability reform. Mark Butler spoke to media after the meeting. Dominique Tassell Butler said more should have been done by previous governments to prepare the aged care system for a surge in demand as the oldest of the baby boomers turn 80. Weve compressed a lot of reform into aged care within just three or four years, but we know we need aged care providers building more facilities and building them very quickly.

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He said the federal government needed additional information about the types of beds required, such as whether people currently in public hospitals had higher level dementia needs. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
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Updated PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Developers to be allowed to donate to state politicians again Matt Dennien Updated December 11, 2025  4:09pm ,first published 1:18pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Property developers will again be able to make political donations in Queensland state elections, under a quadrupled cap, in a suite of proposed electoral law changes introduced by the Crisafulli LNP government. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the laws would also wind back voting rights for some prisoners, and expand the period that election material required authorisation. During last years election campaign, David Crisafulli vowed to unpick the developer donation ban  long opposed by the LNP  and revert state elections to optional preferential voting. The LNP has long argued that the developer donation ban should only apply to council elections. Tammy Law While the latter does not feature in the governments proposed laws, Frecklington told parliament on Thursday that the bill would make good on the LNPs campaign promises.

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She said removing the developer donation ban would revert what she described as an electoral financial gerrymander from the former Labor government. [It is] putting trade unions, property developers and anyone else who wants to donate on a level playing field, she said. Frecklington said refining the ban to only council elections was more consistent with the Crime and Corruption Commission report recommendation that sparked the ban. While the ban was challenged by the LNP, the High Court ultimately ruled the laws were valid. The bill will also essentially lift the cap on political contributions to a party and its candidates by a single donor from $12,000 to $48,000.

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This is proposed by changing the capped period from the years between a general election, to each financial year, which Frecklington said aligned with the federal approach. Related Article Analysis

Queensland votes What Queenslands next premier told a room of paying guests The previously unannounced shift has sparked swift criticism from the Labor opposition and Greens. Shadow attorney-general Meaghan Scanlon accused the LNP of arrogance for using its parliamentary majority to lift the donation cap despite not having revealed this to voters. At a time when there should be less money and influence in politics, the LNP is giving the top end of town even more influence, Scanlon said in a statement.

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Greens Maiwar MP Michael Berkman said the moves were about the LNP wanting to line their pockets with developer donations. The state government is making the most crucial decisions that will feed development profits, so I can see no reason why developers shouldnt be banned from donating at the state level and at council elections, Berkman said. University of Queensland professor Graeme Orr, whose research expertise covers the law of politics and elections, said the sudden lift of the donation cap was problematic. Orr said the LNP seemed to have had second thoughts about optional preferential voting amid heightened national support for right-wing minor party One Nation. Speaking to journalists after the bills introduction, Frecklington said the LNP had committed to the change and would get to it.

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Other changes to be made by the bill will remove a Labor-introduced ability for prisoners with sentences of up to three years to vote in elections and referendums. This is unacceptable, and an insult to the victims right across the state, Frecklington said, revealing this would be wound back to only those serving sentences of under one year. Lawbreakers should not be choosing lawmakers, she said. The bill will also make changes to apply donation caps to financial years and allow bank loans to be used to fund election campaign efforts. Political messaging and materials will need authorisations for a period of 12 months before a state election, with post office boxes able to be used instead of home or business addresses.

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The electoral commission would also have oversight of internal party pre-selection ballots removed. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Analysis TechnologySocial media Cat and mouse: How under-16s are circumventing the social media ban Tim Biggs and David Swan December 11, 2025  11:11am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Key points One day into the social media age restrictions, thousands of young Australians are finding ways to circumvent them.

Under-16s are creating alternative accounts using older dates of birth, sometimes openly sharing how-to guides on platforms like TikTok.

They are exploiting facial age estimation technology, which platforms use, by borrowing family devices or simply using an adults face.

VPNs are also being discussed to mask Australian location, but they are expensive, complex, and can often still be tracked by tech companies.

One day into the new era of social media age restrictions, thousands of young Australians have been booted from their favourite apps. The process of identifying and blocking users under 16 is still subject to a progressive tech rollout, meaning many are still logged in to TikTok, YouTube or X, either proudly celebrating their wiles in cheating the regime or keeping a low profile and hoping to be overlooked. How long they stay there depends on how well they play the game of cat and mouse. Staying logged in is not impossible for under-16s, but its becoming very complicated. Getty Images Rise of the alts Social media companies had a full year to consider how best to comply with these rules, but that also means young users who were so inclined had a year to consider how to dodge them. Their main account contains a lot of data that can be used to infer their age, and may even show their real birthday. But it would have been trivial to set up several alternates that dont.

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The minute the ban was announced, kids and teens were creating new accounts with older dates of birth, said Yasmin London, former police officer and safety expert at parental control platform Qustodio. Editor's pick Social media It didnt work bro Im still here: Kids brag as they beat social media ban They were onto it straight away, and there were thousands of TikToks showing exactly how to do it. Theres a how-to culture forming around it. That has now moved to Discord and other platforms not covered by the ban. As many adult social media users now know, plenty of users with older dates of birth are being asked to confirm their age. Simply saying youre an adult isnt enough to convince the apps, some of which monitor things like preferred content, friends lists, typing speed, scrolling patterns and language use to infer age. Sooner or later, even carefully crafted alts will be asked to verify.

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Changing faces Which is where facial age estimation comes in. Platforms are forbidden from using government ID as the sole way for users to prove that theyre over 16, and most have opted to use selfie scanning tech provided by age assurance companies. But this technology only guesses a faces age and sends the pass or fail to the app; it doesnt attempt to verify that the face belongs to the account owner. Loading Weve heard of kids borrowing devices or using family members for facial age checks. Some parents are aware, others arent, but either way, its a gap thats being actively exploited, London said. Some parents are also willing to actively support their kids bypassing the ban.

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Even without an adults help, that how-to culture is helping explore effective ways kids can make themselves appear older. That includes lighting, head angle, eye position, facial expression and even props. Facial estimation techniques are good, but they also need to be fast and avoid locking out legitimate adults, which can be exploited. Loading New locations There has been a lot of talk about under-16s using virtual private networks (or VPNs) to avoid the social media ban. A VPN works by sending your internet activity (either all of it, or just certain apps and services) to its destination via a server somewhere else in the world. So if you used a VPN to connect to TikTok, you could make it appear to TikTok as though you were logging in from the US or France or anywhere else. However, VPNs can be complex to set up, especially if you need them on your phone as you move around, and can interfere with other services. Good ones are expensive, free ones can be dangerous, and they can be blocked at a router level by parental control products like Circle. Platforms can often identify VPN users by tracking known servers and inspecting data, and some identity companies offer this as part of their age assurance suite. So assuming social media companies are actively looking for VPN users (and the eSafety commissioner has asked that they do), they are not guaranteed to work for the purposes of circumventing the ban.

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Editor's pick Opinion

Social media Social media ban shouldnt be judged by its impact on day one Tim Biggs Consumer Technology Writer We commend Australias efforts to protect teenagers online. However, such laws are new, and were yet to see how they will play out in practice, said a spokesman for NordVPN, noting it was too early to tell if the country will see an uptick in VPN use. Age checks do not have to be perfect to be effective. Even with a VPN, Facebook can likely still identify users as Australian and determine their age, and adults may not need to provide ID or undergo further verification. If your Facebook account is 15 years old, youre almost certainly over 16. Seeking refuge If all else fails, there are plenty of other apps that are not actively cracking down on under-16 users. Lemon8, which comes from the same parent company as TikTok, is currently a popular one for Australian social media refugees, but there are signs its also beginning to comply with the rules.

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Apps that are primarily for messaging are exempt from the ban, meaning networks can shift to WhatsApp, Discord, Signal or the like to keep in touch  or to organise the next attempt to rejoin TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat while flying under the radar. More social media ban stories A family talks the ban: Tech bros have stolen my family v Dad sits in bed on it watching Youtube. A family has a very honest conversation about the impact of social media on their lives. When it goes dark: How will a teen react when the social media lights go out? We followed four teenagers who (almost) willingly went without their apps for five days. They surprised us  and themselves. Parents helpline: Everything you need to know about the social media ban, how to stop your child getting around the ban, then how to help them navigate their new world. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here.
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Listen WorldCentral AmericaVenezuela crisis Could Trumps Caribbean boat strikes be what finally splinters the MAGA movement? Samantha Selinger-Morris December 11, 2025  5:19pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

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Selinger-Morris: Theres been some notable Republicans who have really spoken out against this. I know that Senator Rand Paul, he accused Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth of either lying in his public response to news reports about the strike, and he has co-sponsored resolutions to block unauthorised military action in the Caribbean and Venezuela. Related Article Updated

Venezuela crisis US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela And we know that Republican senator Thom Tillis, he told CNN that whoever was responsible for ordering the second boat strike needs to be held accountable, saying you dont have to have served in the military to understand that that was a violation of ethical, moral and legal code. So are we seeing a splintering of the MAGA movement, do you think, or is that is it to too strong to say that, or are we witnessing something of a turning point? Bell: Yeah, its a really good question. And I think well see. I think weve been to a point before where it seemed as if President Trump was at his nadir, and maybe had lost the opportunity to be part of politics, in the wake of the January 6 events, only to see him come roaring back and regain the enthusiasm of the MAGA base and come to power.

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Loading Bell: So I think we are seeing a bit of a splintering certainly theres some daylight that we havent seen in the prior months. Related Article Explainer

Venezuela crisis Why is the US attacking Venezuela? But Im hesitant to say that therell be any long-term consequences for the president himself that comes out of this. I think the strongest, perhaps constraint that, or greatest reaction we might see at some point, if this does develop into a true scandal legally and politically, is that Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth would be asked to step down. I have a hard time really seeing that because Trump is very, very keen on loyalty and loyalty among his staff. And its important to remember that the defence secretary is there precisely because of his lack of experience, of his lack of authority and knowledge on these issues. The characteristics that may put him there are the ones that have led to this kind of event.

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And it really goes to show why that position is so important. You know, perhaps the number two most powerful position in the world. And well see where it goes from here. So it just depends on the nature of the Republicans in Congress and the American people. And well hope that there will be some sort of constraint or some sort of, I think, recognition of the importance of this that might come out of this. To hear more about the political consequences of these strikes, and Andrew Bells analysis on how it could impact the treatment of American military personnel by other countries, listen to the podcast episode in the player above or click here. Hear the story behind the headlines on The Morning Edition podcast, every weekday from 5am on Apple, Spotify or your favourite podcast platform.
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WorldEuropeRussia-Ukraine war We are Russias next target: NATO chief warns Europe to be prepared for war Aliaksandr Kudrytski December 12, 2025  6:13am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Warsaw: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned Russia will come for the rest of Europe if its warmongering is not checked now, as Ukraines allies gathered to discuss US President Donald Trumps peace push. We need to be crystal clear about the threat, the military alliance leader said in a speech in Berlin on Thursday. We are Russias next target. And we are already in harms way. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Berlin on Thursday. Bloomberg Rutte painted a stark picture of whats at stake for the Continent as Moscow continues to press its maximalist demands for territory and NATO restrictions in return for a vague promise to end its full-scale invasion, currently heading into its fourth winter. Russia has brought war back to Europe, Rutte said. And we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured.

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Ruttes remarks come as Europe frets over what the Trump administration may do in its ongoing talks with Russia over the war. Trump is pressuring Kyiv to make concessions that many in Europe feel will leave not just Ukraine, but the entire continent, exposed to future Russian aggression. The prospect has sent European officials into a flurry of activity. On Thursday night (Friday AEDT), leaders from more than 30 countries that are part of the so-called coalition of the willing held their second virtual meeting this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London during the week. AP We are working to ensure that the security guarantees include serious components of European deterrence and are reliable, and it is important that the United States is with us and supports these efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after the meeting. He also said he had held a constructive and in-depth discussion on a document on security guarantees with American officials earlier that day, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

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Ukrainian allies were discussing the latest draft of a peace plan after the leaders of Germany, France and the United Kingdom spoke with Trump on Wednesday. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was relatively optimistic about progress into the weekend as the sides sought a consensus over terms. French President Emmanuel Macron (centre) at a video conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday. AP Above all, its about the territorial concessions that Ukraine is ready to make  but thats a question that the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people must answer, Merz said in Berlin after meeting with Rutte. We made that clear to President [Donald] Trump. Zelensky said his team was working on the draft of the 20-point peace framework daily. Ukrainian negotiators sent a revised plan to Washington late on Wednesday. The draft wasnt the final version, he said.

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This plan is constantly being revised and edited. It is an ongoing process that continues now, Zelensky said. Related Article Russia-Ukraine war Zelensky digs in against Trump pressure as peace talks at risk of collapse Trump would send a representative to talks in Europe on Ukraine this weekend if there was a real chance of signing a peace agreement, the White House said early on Friday (AEDT). The president is extremely frustrated with both sides of this war, and he is sick of meetings just for the sake of meeting, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. But she added that it was still up in the air whether we believe real peace can be achieved.

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Trump this week also stepped up pressure on the Ukrainian leader to accept his peace plan. Zelensky said negotiators were wrestling with the question of territorial possession. He has maintained his position that Ukraine wont consider surrendering territory to the Kremlin and floated the prospect of allowing Ukrainians to vote on whether to hand land to the Russians. The Russians want the whole of Donbas  we dont accept that, he told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday, referring to Ukraines eastern regions. I believe that the Ukrainian people will answer this question. Whether in the form of elections or a referendum, the Ukrainian people must have a say. American negotiators had put forward the possibility of a free economic zone in the Donbas, with the Russians terming it a demilitarised zone, Zelensky said.

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Russian officials have not publicly disclosed their proposals. Trump this week also reinforced his call for Zelensky to organise presidential elections. Members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces install anti-drone nets in the Izyum city centre this week. Getty Images Wartime elections are forbidden by law in Ukraine and Zelensky, whose term expired last year, said on Thursday that a vote would require a ceasefire. There must be a ceasefire  at least for the duration of the election process and voting. This is what needs to be discussed. Frankly speaking, here in Ukraine, we believe that America should talk to the Russian side about this, he told the coalition of the willing meeting.

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Meanwhile, the warring parties continued to carry out aerial strikes. Ukrainian forces hit the Filanovsky offshore platform in the Caspian Sea, owned by Lukoil, according to a person familiar with the attack. The platform suffered at least four strikes, halting its operations, the person said. Related Article Explainer

NATO Home alone: How Trump is changing security in Europe The Russian Defence Ministry said on its Telegram channel that air defences downed 287 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 40 in the Moscow region. Russian aviation authorities imposed temporary restrictions on flights at Moscows Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports, the state-run Tass news service reported on Thursday. In Ukraine, energy infrastructure in the central city of Kremenchuk and in the Black Sea port of Odesa in the south came under attack overnight, according to local governors. Ukraines military said on Thursday that its forces remained in control of the eastern frontline city of Siversk, dismissing a statement by Russian commanders that its troops had seized it.

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The European Union in the meantime was close to reaching an agreement on Friday to extend the blocs freeze on Russian assets using emergency powers  a key step towards tapping the funds to help Ukraine. The issue has become a major sticking point in EU attempts to secure a 90 billion ($159 billion) loan for Ukraine using immobilised Russian central bank assets. All 27 EU member states currently must renew the asset freeze every six months, leading to concerns that Hungary or anyone else could veto and give Moscow a sudden claim to its funds. This is happening against the backdrop of unprecedented tensions with the US, with Washingtons new national security strategy blasting Europe and Trump calling the continent weak. Rutte said US views of its allies has been sullied by this big irritant of the Europeans and Canadian allies not spending as much as the Americans within NATO. That is now dealt with, he added, saying the shift to Europe doing more of the heavy lifting was under way.

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WorldNorth AmericaAUKUS Borderline frightening: Pentagon outlines major challenge to AUKUS Michael Koziol December 11, 2025  2:35pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Key points The slow rate of American shipbuilding is borderline frightening and a major obstacle to fulfilling the AUKUS pact, a Pentagon official says.

The US must lift annual production of Virginia-class submarines from 1.2 to 2-2.3 to meet its AUKUS obligations.

Defence ministers agreed to slim down AUKUSs unwieldy second pillar, which shares advanced defence technologies, following industry complaints.

Washington: The slow rate of American shipbuilding is borderline frightening and remains a major obstacle to fulfilling the AUKUS pact, a senior Pentagon official has said, as defence ministers meeting in the United States agreed to rein in the unwieldy second pillar of the agreement after industry complaints. Defence Minister Richard Marles also confirmed for the first time that the Pentagons AUKUS review contains granular and specific recommendations to improve the deal, though he would not outline what those were. Defence Minister Richard Marles and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth speak to reporters. AP Speaking at a defence conference in Washington, senior advisor to the deputy secretary of war William Toti said the slow rate of US shipbuilding was borderline frightening and remained the major challenge to fulfilling the AUKUS agreement. I think thats the only obstacle  can we get our submarine shipbuilding capacity up to the rate where we can afford to give up [the vessels]  because we need every submarine we can get, Toti said.

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Thats a political decision, way above my pay grade. My job is to help get the shipbuilding capacity up to the rate where we can indeed transfer submarines to Australia. I fully support that initiative. Asked whether he thought the rate of submarine production was beginning to increase, Toti said: I think so. The USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class submarine, sails off Western Australia last month. Getty Images The US is producing about 1.2 Virginia-class, nuclear-powered submarines a year and needs to lift that to 2-2.3 a year to meet AUKUS obligations while prioritising the development of its new Columbia-class submarines. Marles completed a three-day visit to Washington on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT), where he met with his US and British counterparts Pete Hegseth and John Healey, among other Pentagon officials  including, for the first time, undersecretary of war for policy Elbridge Colby, who led the AUKUS review.

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Marles and Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd also met President Donald Trumps deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, at the White House, as well as Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Navy Secretary John Phelan. At a news conference, Marles confirmed the second pillar of the AUKUS agreement  under which Australia, the US and United Kingdom share advanced defence technologies  will be slimmed down. The move follows industry complaints that the venture has become too broad, unwieldy and slow. Pillar two deals in capabilities as wide-ranging as artificial intelligence, undersea technology, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities and information-sharing. Focusing on particular projects is something that we need to be doing, Marles said. Without going into what they are, that was a focus of our meeting today  giving a sharpness, if I could put it that way, about what we are seeking to do in relation to pillar two.

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Marles has refused to speak publicly about the contents of the Pentagons AUKUS review  which is classified  but on Thursday (AEDT) said it contained specific proposals on how to do AUKUS better, rather than dealing generally with issues or concerns. It is very much within the frame of being full steam ahead of delivering AUKUS and how we can do this better, and it is granular and it is specific about how it looks at that, he said. Marles added that Australia approached the process in a very self-critical way  we want to make sure that we are learning, and we are improving. Ahead of their trilateral meeting at the Pentagon, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said AUKUS was quite simply the most important military collaboration for the last 70 years for Britain. The three countries were determined to reboot AUKUS, Healey said. The ministers did not take questions at their joint appearance. It comes days after a former British navy chief, Rear Admiral Philip Mathias, said AUKUS should be cancelled immediately.

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Their arrival in the US opened a rare rift among conservatives and raised suspicions over whether the White House had intervened. The Times found that support from Trump administration officials played a crucial role.

Were massively back, a grinning Andrew Tate announced in a video recorded for his followers on February 27, as a private plane whisked the brothers to Florida.

The next month, an extraordinary order came down from the highest levels of the Romanian government, a Times investigation found. The prosecutors were told to find a compromise with the Tates. Despite their misgivings, they lifted the travel restrictions, a move that Romanias prime minister thought would appease the Trump administration.

I had word from The Trump admin that theyre on top of things, Tate wrote to someone close to him, in a message reviewed by The New York Times. Ive been told ill be free soon but Trump needs to see me in Miami, he added.

Now, in a January 14 text message, Andrew Tate indicated that help was on the way.

Tate and his brother, Tristan, swaggering influencers in the so-called manosphere, had been under criminal investigation in Romania since 2022, accused of coercing women into pornography. Andrew was also accused of rape and of having sex with and beating a 15-year-old. The brothers, American and British citizens, had been barred from leaving Romania while prosecutors built their case.

After Trumps re-election, some of the Tates supporters ascended into the new administration. One of them, diplomatic envoy Richard Grenell, twice discussed their case with Romanian officials, the Times found.

Barron, now 19, admired Andrew, and spoke with him over Zoom last year, according to Justin Waller, a mutual friend who was on the call. During the call, they discussed their shared belief that the Romanian criminal case was an effort to silence the Tates, he said.

Andrew also nurtured relationships with Donald Trump Jr and his younger brother Barron Trump, who recognised the role that young male voters could play in their fathers return to power.

As his notoriety grew, Andrew Tate shrewdly courted Tucker Carlson and other media stars of the right, who in turn tapped into the brothers loyal following to expand their own reach.

The Tates have helped propel a brazenly chauvinistic movement around the world, even as they racked up allegations of human trafficking and physical violence in multiple countries. They deny criminal wrongdoing. But Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 37, have boasted about recruiting women to make lucrative sexual content, and have sold courses teaching young men how to follow in their footsteps.

Interviews with dozens of people in Romania, the US and Britain, as well as a review of hundreds of pages of court documents and private messages, offer the fullest account yet of how the Tates rose from a fringe corner of the internet to become a cause celebre on the right. The brothers release from Romania was the culmination of a years-long effort by Andrew to forge alliances with Trumps advisers and family members.

The Tates lawyer said the Times findings about Andrew and Barron were fake news.

An official with the White House said it has no knowledge of and is not involved in anything related to the Tates legal matters. The official did not respond to questions about Barron. Donald Trump Jr did not respond to a request for comment.

In a statement to the Times, the Romanian prosecutors office said the countrys constitution requires them to operate independently and that their actions in the Tates case have been legal. Marcel Ciolacu, who was the prime minister when the Tates were released, did not respond to requests for comment.

Donald and Barron Trump. Barron admired Andrew Tate and spoke with him by Zoom last year, according to a mutual friend.

Their return also led to a new assault allegation, from a girlfriend who said Andrew beat and strangled her shortly after his arrival in the US. Prosecutors declined to bring charges, but she has filed a lawsuit against him and has been granted a restraining order. He is suing her for defamation.

The brothers liberation rattled many American diplomats, who feared a shadowy new era of foreign relations. And it prompted hostility from many traditional conservatives, from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to commentator Megyn Kelly, who said, This actually is toxic masculinity. Some likened the Tates to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Within days of the second conversation, the Romanian prosecutors received their marching orders and handed the Tates the freedom to travel  after long arguing that the brothers were a public danger and a flight risk. The prosecutors were outraged, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss it.

Its not just about picking up girls, Andrew Tate said in an interview posted to YouTube. Its about converting them into really loving you enough to moving in with you and working for you and giving you all the money.

By 2015, the Tates had installed women in apartments and a hotel room in Britain, to perform live on webcams for paying customers. Andrew later described how the brothers romanced attractive women, coaxed them into the business and took most of the profits.

Andrew Tate found modest fame as a professional kickboxer in the 2010s, but as he tells it, he didnt start making real money until he and his brother went into pornography.

And in the US, the Times found, anti-trafficking agents at the Department of Homeland Security have been investigating the Tates for years.

Im in Dubai, Im still rich, all I do is win, Andrew said in a video posted in April that shows him driving off in a Bugatti. But their legal problems havent gone away. The Romanian case is moving forward, and once its finished, the brothers will face charges of human trafficking and rape in Britain.

After more than two years of confinement, the Tate brothers have used their newfound freedom to resume their jet-setting lifestyle and juice their brand. They have visited Kanye West, partied poolside with beautiful women and promoted their business to chanting fans.

The scandal boosted his fame, especially on social media, where he became a fierce supporter of Donald Trump. Donald Trump Jr liked one of his supportive Twitter (now X) posts and they soon agreed to meet, Andrew Tate recalled on a podcast. He went to Trump Tower in 2017.

With Romania as their new home base, the brothers ran their webcam business from there and in Britain. When Andrew was cast for the British reality show Big Brother in 2016, few knew about his business or the assault allegations. He was soon fired, however, after a tabloid obtained a video of him whipping a girlfriend with a belt. They both said it was consensual.

One day, he recalled on a podcast years later, he woke up and said, I will not live under a government that will do this to me when Ive done nothing wrong. He and Tristan moved to Romania, a country they had got to know through the professional fighting circuit. There, Andrew said on another show, you can get away with shit you cant get away with in the West.

Authorities did not charge either brother. But Andrew said the scrutiny prompted him to leave Britain.

The next year, Andrew was arrested three times, the police said. One woman who had worked for him said in court documents that he strangled her during sex; another said he had raped, beaten and pulled a gun on her; a third woman said he had raped and strangled her while they were dating.

Both brothers had run-ins with the British police. Tristan was arrested in 2014 after a woman reported he had assaulted her.

We still inbox each other every couple of days, Tate said on the podcast, in 2018.

By 2022, he and Tristan had gained millions of followers by preaching mental and physical discipline, entrepreneurship and the subjugation of women. They had expanded the porn business to TikTok, OnlyFans and other platforms, and were selling their courses to young men. One offering was called PHD, for pimping hoes degree. Over the previous eight years, they had earned at least 21 million ($42 million), according to records from a British court that found they had evaded taxes.

When Andrew was kicked off several social media platforms and decried by secondary school teachers, it only increased his notoriety. He became one of the most searched people on Google. In December 2022, the brothers were arrested in Romania and, with court approval, jailed for three months. Prosecutors later charged them with forming an organised criminal group and trafficking seven women, and charged Andrew with rape.

Andrew (left) and Tristan Tate arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in February after Romanian authorities lifted their travel restrictions. AP

The 360-page sealed indictment, obtained by the Times, said the Tates had tricked the women into believing they were in long-term relationships, then coerced them into pornographic work. The brothers had put them under surveillance, restricted their movements and docked their pay if they cried on camera or broke other rules, prosecutors said.

Text messages cited in the indictment show Andrew Tate and one woman discussing what would happen if she went to Romania. Once she arrived, he raped her twice, on one occasion forcing her into group sex, the indictment said. Andrew choked another woman so hard that blood vessels in her eye burst, prosecutors said.

In a text-message chat titled PIMPS, Tristan and two associates discussed how to punish a woman who said she would no longer work for them. The woman was pushed down and dragged out of the house, she and witnesses told prosecutors.

Romania, long known as a hub for sex trafficking, has expanded prosecutions to include so-called lover boy cases based on romance, psychological coercion and threats. The indictment against the Tates acknowledged that two of the women cited as victims said they didnt see themselves that way. Prosecutors said evidence showed that they were.

Press releases announcing the arrest, the indictment and the ensuing restrictions on the Tates movements made headlines around the world. But Andrew Tate, facing the prospect of prison, didnt retreat from the controversy. He used it.

From Tucker to Barron

After his arrest, Tate hired Joseph McBride, a lawyer who had defended Trump supporters accused of insurrection at the US Capitol. In short order, McBride pitched his brash new client to conservative host Tucker Carlson.

Right-wing broadcaster Tucker Carlson. AP

In some ways, it was an odd pairing. Carlson was a proud husband who promoted Christian family values. But he had been ousted from Fox News after lawsuits exposed offensive language in his private messages to colleagues. He was building his own show on Twitter. And Tate, who had been reinstated on the platform by Elon Musk, had millions of followers there.

In an interview with the Times, McBride recalled telling Carlson that if he flew to Romania for a sit-down interview with Andrew, I know well break the internet. He was right. The 2023 interview, recorded at Tates luxury home on the outskirts of Bucharest, has drawn more than 112 million views.

They spent much of the 2-hour conversation discussing their shared beliefs, including what they saw as a left-wing war on masculinity. Carlson didnt press Tate on his porn operation or his previous comments about exploiting women. Carlson misrepresented the criminal allegations in Romania, saying that they involved no sex crimes or violence, or any actions that could be considered trafficking.

Thats not actually human trafficking, Carlson said of the charges. I dont care what you call it, you werent buying, even accused of buying and selling anyone.

Asked recently about the interview, Carlson told the Times, If I misstated their indictment or got the facts wrong, I sincerely apologise.

He added, It doesnt change my view that the Tates, whatever their personal behaviour, had a message worth hearing.

The interview helped burnish Tates reputation. Conservative youth organiser and Trump adviser Charlie Kirk was among those who tuned in.

Now I see why hes popular, Kirk said on his podcast. While he expressed disgust over Tates pornography business, he agreed that masculinity was under siege. He is hitting on something that youre not allowed to say, where theres a lot of truth to it.

Candace Owens, another popular podcaster, flew to Romania and conducted her own sympathetic interview of Tate. She told her audience it was a mistake to judge him for his past comments or the ostentatious content he posted.

This is how guys have fun, she said, the same way that girls sit around and talk about Real Housewives.

In other interviews, Tate drew parallels that he saw between himself and Donald Trump: both booted from social media, both criminally prosecuted, both victims of political attacks. In September 2023, Trump shared on Truth Social, his social media platform, a video of Tristan defending him. Thank you! Trump wrote.

McBride, the brothers lawyer, pressed their case in meetings with members of Congress, according to an interview he gave to Republican operative Roger Stone. McBride said male and female lawmakers were outraged at the brothers treatment.

Donald Jr showed support, too. Youve got people attacking you as far as Im concerned, he told Tate in a June 2024 conversation livestreamed on X. They just want to silence you.

His younger brother Barron was also a fan. That spring, as his father was going after young male voters on the campaign trail, the teenager hosted a dinner at Mar-a-Lago for influencers. Among them was Waller, the mutual friend, who has helped run the Tates courses and told the Times he is widely seen as the third brother.

The conversation that night meandered, Waller said, from calling each other degenerate names to discussing potential running mates for Donald Trump, who also made an appearance and agreed to go on the podcast of another guest, Patrick Bet-David.

Waller has tried to play a big brother role for Barron, he said, visiting Mar-a-Lago and talking to him about dating. The presidents youngest son is not a bad ally to have  lets be frank, he said.

He and Barron spoke to Andrew Tate over Zoom last year, Waller said, while the teenager was having a suit fitted by Wallers tailor. Although they discussed the Romanian case, Barron did not say anything about helping the Tates, Waller said. They also talked about supporting Trumps presidential campaign on their online platforms.

That summer, when a young man tried to assassinate Trump, Tate told reporters that he had talked to Barron after the shooting.

Im very close to the Trump family, he said. I look forward to, once I am free, being with Donald Trump in person and reminding him that hes a bulletproof badass.

Allies ascend

When Andrew texted in January that the Trump administration was on top of things, he didnt name names. But several of his supporters had found roles in the incoming government.

Paul Ingrassia, who was initially named White House liaison to the Justice Department, had once been part of the Tates legal team. Alina Habba, a counsellor to the president who would later serve a brief stint as New Jerseys top prosecutor, told Andrew on a podcast in January, I got your back over here.

And Grenell, a special presidential envoy, privately discussed the Tates case with Romanian officials, the Times found.

At Mar-a-Lago last December, he met Victor Ponta, an adviser to Romanias prime minister.

Ponta had travelled to Trumps Florida club to make inroads with the president-elects inner circle, he told the Times in an interview in Bucharest. His country was in a defensive crouch for its handling of a presidential election. Its highest court had tossed out the first round of votes, citing evidence that Russia had meddled on behalf of the winner, a far-right candidate. Donald Trump Jr and Elon Musk, among other American conservatives, accused Romania of undermining democracy.

Ponta sensed that informal diplomacy would be a big part of the incoming Trump administration. And Grenell, who would soon negotiate the release of several American detainees in Venezuela, was already positioning himself as a forceful operator.

When asked by the Times whether he and Grenell discussed the Tates case, Ponta affirmed that they had. Maybe he saw himself as releasing all the American hostages around the world, he said, without elaborating further.

Last month, Ponta backpedalled. In a text exchange with the Times, he said he didnt recall whether he and Grenell had talked about the Tates. He then said he was sure they had not. Grenell also discussed the Tates case in mid-February, with Romanias then foreign minister, Emil Hurezeanu, when they crossed paths at a security conference in Munich, as first reported by The Financial Times.

Grenell disputed the characterisation of the encounter, saying in a statement to the Times that it had become exaggerated in media accounts. I simply ran into him in the hallway, he said. The foreign minister asked him if he stood by an old tweet showing support for the Tates, he said, and he replied yes. I have never met the Tate brothers; Ive never been to Romania, Grenell said. His statement did not address the Mar-a-Lago conversation.

Soon after the Munich conference, the prime minister posted on social media that the United States had not made any requests or demands on Romania.

The Tate Escape

By then, the Tates legal problems were snowballing. In Britain, the women who had accused Andrew of rape and assault a decade earlier were suing him in civil court. And prosecutors had authorised trafficking and rape charges against the brothers based on allegations involving three other women.

In America, Homeland Security anti-trafficking agents had been conducting interviews about the Tates, according to people familiar with the confidential investigation. The agents were working with federal prosecutors who would go on to win the conviction of Sean Combs, the music mogul known as Diddy. Both offices declined to comment.

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In Romania, a judge had invalidated the 2023 indictment, citing procedural mistakes. But the prosecutors were trying to correct them and move forward with a case. They had presented evidence that, since 2014, the brothers had between them coerced more than 30 other women, including a 17-year-old, into their pornography operation, court records show.

Andrew Tate was also accused of having sex with a 15-year-old and trying to bribe her to stay quiet. She told investigators he had beaten her with a belt and choked her until she passed out, according to the documents.

The Tates have denied all criminal wrongdoing and Andrew has contested the civil claims. They said the new women cited in the Romanian investigation did not consider themselves trafficking victims. And they argued that being confined without an indictment violated their rights.

They got their break in late February. The order came down instructing prosecutors to negotiate with them, according to two people familiar with the move who were not authorised to discuss it. The prime minister believed the Trump administration would be happy with the outcome, a third person said.

On February 25, the Tates officially requested to have their travel restrictions removed. In a text message the next day, Andrew Tate shared his long-sought victory with someone close with him.

In the early hours of February 27, the brothers drove to the airport, as documented in a video titled The Tate Escape. They beamed at each other as the plane took off for Florida.

When asked that day whether the Trump administration had aided in the Tates release, their lawyer, McBride, told the Times: Do the math. These guys are on the plane.

A rift on the right

From the moment they arrived on US soil, the Tates encountered pushback. Their electronic devices were confiscated by border control officials. Ingrassia, by then the White House liaison to Homeland Security, tried and failed to have their phones returned, ProPublica reported. (Ingrassia denied the account.)

That night in Miami, the brothers celebrated over cigars with Waller, he said. But public backlash was mounting, even among some prominent conservatives. Megyn Kelly and Ben Shapiro denounced the Tates. Some Republican leaders spoke out, too.

After more than two years of confinement, the Tate brothers have used their freedom to resume their jet-setting lifestyle and boost their brand. AP

I certainly dont think that we should be using any influence in our government to try to get him out of what seemed to be extremely serious charges in Romania, Republican senator Josh Hawley told HuffPost, referring to Andrew.

After DeSantis said the brothers were not welcome in Florida, the states attorney-general announced a criminal investigation of them. As the right-wing rift over the Tates cracked open, Stone, the Republican operative, deleted an X post saying Grenell had secured their release. Habba said that she had no part in lifting the Tates travel ban.

And Trump had already said he knew nothing about it.

In mid-March, the brothers flew back to Romania for a court appearance. One of Andrews then girlfriends, Brianna Stern, told police in Beverly Hills he had assaulted her before he left. On social media, she shared several of his text messages.

Prosecutors declined to bring charges, citing insufficient evidence. Stern is suing Andrew, and he has countersued, claiming defamation. He and Tristan are also suing a woman in Florida who is cited as a victim in the Romanian investigation.

In recent months, Andrew has continued to weigh in on American politics, including calling for civil war after Kirks assassination. But while he and his brother have flown in and out of Romania, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, they have not returned to the US.

Many of his allies have stopped publicly defending him. An exception is Nick Fuentes, a rising voice known for his antisemitic and sexist rhetoric. He and Andrew Tate, both critics of Israel, have lavished each other with praise.

Tate may not be a paragon of Christian morality, Fuentes said in an October interview with Carlson. But men are going with him because hes putting women in their place.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

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Analysis WorldSouth AmericaVenezuela With single act, Nobel Peace Prize winner drastically raises stakes in Trump stand-off Anatoly Kurmanaev , Henrik Pryser Libell and Simon Romero December 11, 2025  3:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The decision by Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, to leave her homeland after more than a year in hiding has drastically raised the stakes in the unfolding stand-off over Venezuelas future. Machado said in an audio message published by the Nobel Peace Prize committee that she had left Venezuela for Oslo to participate in festivities surrounding the awarding of this years prize to her. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado reacts to the crowd gathered in front of the Grand Hotel, in Oslo, Norway. AP The news thrust Machado into the global spotlight, electrified her movement and re-established her as a major player in an escalating game of brinkmanship between President Donald Trump and the Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro. Machado, 58, received the Peace Prize for mounting a victorious election campaign last year against Maduro, who ignored the results, declared himself the winner and repressed those who challenged his claim to power.

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She missed the award ceremony on Wednesday, eventually arriving in Oslo in the middle of the night. On Thursday morning, she appeared in public for the first time in 11 months, waving to supporters from a hotel balcony before leaving the hotel to shake their hands. Her appearance has added a dramatic twist to a powerful political narrative: the courageous Venezuelan opposition leader, recognised with one of the worlds most prestigious awards for her struggle for democracy, reunited with supporters during a crucial moment in her countrys modern history. View post on X Longer term, Machados decision carries major political risks for the Venezuelan opposition, whose previous leaders have withered into relative obscurity after going into exile. Venezuelas government, which has jailed hundreds of Machados supporters, has said the opposition leader would be considered a fugitive if she left the country. Analysts and Venezuelan government insiders say it is highly unlikely that Maduro would allow Machado to return to the country in the absence of a deal that would keep his government in power.

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Nobel Prize Venezuelas Maria Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize, sparking White House anger This is a really vital moment for Maria Corina, said Geoff Ramsey, a Washington-based Venezuela expert at Recorded Future, a global threat intelligence company. The obstacle she faces now is to ensure that she can turn this moment into a trigger for change, rather than simply long-term exile. Machados re-emergence on the world stage comes as Trump faces a choice on how to proceed with his pressure campaign against Maduro, whom the Trump administration has labelled the head of a terror organisation seeking to flood the United States with drugs and criminals. Trump has amassed the largest naval armada in the Caribbean since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis and has been making increasingly explicit threats against Maduro. On Wednesday, Trump said, without providing further details, that the United States had seized a tanker off the Venezuelan coast. But the two leaders also spoke by phone last month, and the Venezuelan government this month restarted accepting deportation flights from the US, fuelling speculation that the two sides may settle the conflict diplomatically.

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It is unclear how and when Machado left Venezuela. A Wall Street Journal report, citing US officials, claimed that she left Venezuela by boat on Tuesday. Related Article Updated

Venezuela crisis US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela Venezuelan officials in private claim that she had left days earlier with the knowledge of the government. The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly. Machados representatives have not commented on the date or manner of her departure. She has long rejected any negotiations with Maduros government, arguing that he would leave power only by force.

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Machado has been a steadfast supporter of Trumps military pressure campaign against Maduro, and she has avoided criticising American airstrikes against suspected drug traffickers at sea, which many legal experts say amount to extrajudicial killings. Now abroad, Machado will have an opportunity to more effectively lobby the US government and other international allies for her cause, analysts said. Machados daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the award on her mothers behalf on Wednesday. AP The US policy toward Venezuela is moving quickly, and this is an opportunity for Machado to try to steer Washingtons strategy more clearly toward regime change, Ramsey said. A higher public profile would also bring greater public scrutiny to her policies and statements, said Christopher Sabatini, a Latin America expert at Chatham House, a London-based international affairs research group.

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Explicit support for violent actions without the application of due process risks exposing Machado to criticism of warmongering and reducing her international support, he said. At the same time, insufficient support for Trumps policies risks drawing the ire of a notoriously thin-skinned president. View post on X She is a de facto spokeswoman for democracy in Venezuela, and how she is going to thread this needle, I dont know, Sabatini said. Machado has already come under scrutiny for exaggerating Maduros ties to drug-trafficking as the Trump administration tries to make the case that Venezuela  a relatively minor player in the drug trade  is flooding the US with deadly drugs. Machado has also waded into highly contentious political disputes in the US related to Trumps false claims that he won the 2020 presidential election. In recent weeks, she has amplified debunked claims that Venezuelas government rigged elections in the US.

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~Climate resilience, smart sourcing, digital innovation and workforce evolution emerge as top priorities; CHIEF 2026 scheduled for November 1619, 2026~



Barbados:--- The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) today shared the leading insights emerging from the 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), which recently took place in Barbados. CHTA also announced that CHIEF 2026 will be held November 1618, 2026, running concurrently with Taste of the Caribbean. The annual event brought together hotel executives, policy makers and tourism partners from across the region to examine the strategies reshaping Caribbean hospitality and the operational shifts required for long-term resilience and competitiveness.



CHTA President Sanovnik Destang opened the program by acknowledging the regions achievements while urging greater focus on innovation, resilience and preparedness for Small Island Developing States.



CHIEF 2025 underscored that Caribbean tourism is entering a new era  one where innovation, resilience and people-first leadership are no longer optional, but essential. Our region is navigating a disrupted world with purpose, strengthening our linkages, accelerating digital adoption and preparing our workforce for the future. Even as we confront the realities of the climate emergency, the Caribbean continues to lead with action, collaboration and the unshakeable spirit that defines who we are, said Destang.



Building on forum discussions, several clear themes emerged as priorities for the industry.



Top Takeaways From CHIEF 2025



The Climate Emergency Has Become a Business Priority



Climate resilience emerged as one of the regions most urgent priorities, with a key takeaway that inaction carries mounting economic costs. Leaders stressed the vulnerabilities Caribbean destinations face and highlighted the importance of sustainability frameworks that protect both communities and the tourism workforce. The broader insight: resilience planning is no longer just an environmental imperative, it is a critical business strategy for long-term continuity.



Smart Sourcing Could Significantly Reduce Regional Costs



Smart sourcing and regional linkages emerged as a major theme, highlighting a clear takeaway: diversifying supply sources and strengthening local manufacturing can significantly reduce operating costs across the Caribbean. Expanding agri-based industries, exploring alternative sourcing models and boosting intra-regional production also helps reduce shipping dependence and stabilize hotel operations. CHTAs linkages work supports this shift by connecting members with regional suppliers and service partners, helping keep more tourism spend within the Caribbean while strengthening operational resilience and economic impact across member destinations.



Digital Transformation Is Accelerating Across Caribbean Hospitality

Technology emerged as a key driver of competitiveness, with digital tools rapidly transforming hotel operations across the Caribbean. The takeaway: AI, automation and integrated data platforms can streamline both guest-facing services and back-of-house operations, reducing labor strain, improving service delivery and boosting profitability. CHTA continues to support members on this journey through resources such as its partnership with GAIN, the second edition of its Artificial Intelligence Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism, and educational tools made available through its collaboration with the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), all designed to help hotels adopt technology effectively and responsibly.



Cybersecurity also stood out as a critical concern. Industry leaders emphasized that increased digital dependence creates real vulnerabilities, with high-profile breaches  such as the 2023 Las Vegas MGM ransomware attack, which cost nearly $100 million  illustrating the stakes. The broader message: investing in robust technology strategies and safeguards is now essential for operational resilience and long-term success.



Direct Bookings and Digital Marketing Continue to Play a Meaningful Role in the Business Funnel



CHIEF referenced direct booking strategy as an important channel for driving business, with digital marketing and revenue leaders emphasizing the importance of optimizing websites, sharpening SEO and leveraging content-driven storytelling to strengthen hotel-owned channels. The clear takeaway: the regions digital sophistication is accelerating, and properties that invest in smarter online strategies are seeing meaningful returns. Across the board, CHIEF reinforced that storytelling, community-driven media and consistent digital engagement are now essential pillars of the Caribbean hotel playbook.



The Workforce of the Future Requires Bold Thinking



Labor emerged as a major theme, with conversations pushing leaders to rethink traditional work structures and explore forward-looking models, including options like a four-day work week that could help attract and retain talent. The key takeaway: hotels willing to experiment with flexibility and modern workplace design may gain a competitive edge in morale, retention and productivity.

Another strong message centered on long-term talent investment. Across multiple discussions, industry leaders underscored the importance of turning staff into true stakeholders through ongoing training, leadership development and intentional culture building. The overarching takeaway was clear: people strategy is now as critical as revenue strategy in shaping a resilient, future-ready workforce.



Strengthening Community and Cultural Alignment



CHIEF reinforced a rising industry priority: delivering more authentic, locally rooted guest experiences. A key takeaway was that hotels can differentiate themselves by integrating culture in meaningful ways  from partnering with local artisans and farmers to supporting community initiatives that reflect each islands identity.



Leaders emphasized that purpose-driven, community-aligned tourism isnt just a feel-good strategy; it deepens guest connection, strengthens local economies, and helps ensure that the Caribbeans distinct cultural heritage remains central to its global appeal.



Personalization Is Becoming Even More Critical in the Age of AI



CHIEF discussions underscored a crucial industry tension: as AI and automation reshape hotel operations, travelers are simultaneously seeking more personalized, human-centered experiences. The key takeaway was clear  technology should streamline processes behind the scenes while empowering staff to deliver the warm, authentic service that distinguishes Caribbean hospitality.



Leaders emphasized that the real competitive advantage lies in striking the right balance: using digital tools to enhance guest engagement, not replace the personal touch guests value most.



CHIEF Partners



CHIEF 2025 was made possible thanks to the following partners, Platinum: ABA Global Marketing, GAIN Advisor Hovr, Inter-American Development Bank, Interval International, Lubeco, Mastercard and Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle All-Inclusive Resort; Gold Partners: My Booking Rewards, taConnect; Supporting Partners: Maestro and the Anything Group; Baseline Partners: Alliants, P+O Cruises; Media Partner: Breaking Travel News. Partnerships for CHIEF 2026 are also open to those interested here.



For more information and highlights from the event, visit www.CHTACHIEF.com.
PHILIPSBURG:--- During the 36th InterExpo Kingdom Relations Congress, held under the theme Fifteen Years After 10/10/10, the Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, delivered a landmark presentation titled 15 years of Constitutional Autonomy.

Speaking before Kingdom officials, scholars, and regional leaders, the Prime Minister urged participants to look beyond the last fifteen years and instead examine 170 years of constitutional interventions, restructuring, and negotiation that shaped the Kingdom of the Netherlands and, critically, shaped Sint Maartens present-day reality.

The real question we must ask ourselves is not what the past fifteen years have done to Sint Maarten and our Kingdom partners, but rather: how has our long and complex history shaped these past fifteen years of autonomy within the Kingdom? Prime Minister Mercelina asked in the opening of his address

He connected this history to personal lineage, stating, For me, this timeline speaks of the story of my great-grandfather, my grandfather, my father, and myself each living through a different stage of our islands constitutional journey.

He walked the audience through the major constitutional developments beginning in 1828, including the administrative merger with Suriname, the abolition of slavery in 1863, the creation of the Netherlands Antilles in 1951, the establishment of the Kingdom Charter in 1954, Surinames independence in 1975, Arubas status aparte in 1986, and the referenda of 1994 and 2000 that culminated in Sint Maartens attainment of country status in 2010.

The Prime Minister emphasized the reality that followed the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, explaining, Sint Maarten was and remains a constituent state instead of a full autonomous country. Let me repeat  Sint Maarten is not a full autonomous country, and that is the constitutional reality we live in today.

He noted that only five generations of Sint Maarteners have lived through these seismic shifts in governance arrangements. Turning to the period after 10-10-10, the Prime Minister spoke candidly about the political mindset that emerged.

We became hypnotized by the idea of independence. From the moment we achieved country status, we were carried away on an emotional journey, constantly trying to prove to our Mother Land that we could stand on our own.

He added that this fixation came at a significant cost, We were so focused on proving ourselves that we forgot something essential  to build constructive and sustainable alliances with other Caribbean countries within and outside the Kingdom.

He emphasized that realities such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic disruptions revealed how vulnerable small island states are when isolated. These experiences led to several key lessons.

The Prime Minister stressed that independence pursued in isolation is neither viable nor responsible. The major pillars of any society, such as health care and education, must be strengthened to support a viable path for St. Maarten to pursue full autonomy and ultimately independence.

Sint Maarten must literally look across our own border and at our own horizon. We must embrace our closest neighbors  French Saint Martin, Anguilla, Saba, Statia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Barths, Montserrat  who face the same challenges we do.

He further stated that nation-building requires adequate financing: We must be honest: nation-building is expensive.

The Prime Minister emphasized the inherent costliness of the constitutional structure inherited after 10-10-10, noting that small countries carry disproportionately heavy administrative and institutional burdens.

He then turned toward the future of Kingdom cooperation, calling for a model that reflects contemporary realities. He emphasized the need for direct relationships between countries, a Kingdom structure grounded in respect for differences rather than forced similarities, and a shift toward treating each country as a co-owner of the Kingdom rather than a stakeholder. He also called for closer collaboration and shared responsibilities in areas such as defense, healthcare, and education, and proposed the establishment of a Kingdom Political Dialogue Platform.

In his words, If the Kingdom is to remain relevant for the next generation, it must become more flexible, more equitable, and more aligned with the realities of Caribbean societies.

Later in the afternoon, Prime Minister Mercelina participated in the high-level panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Ernst Hirsch Ballin, alongside former Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and Deputy Prime Minister of Curacao Charles Cooper During the discussion, he reiterated that constitutional evolution is a living process. The constitutional structure we inherited is not sacred; it is adjustable.

A modern Kingdom must be based on equality, trust and mutual respect, and the recognition that each country brings strengths shaped by its own history.

Closing his remarks, Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Sint Maarten, stating, Our autonomy means nothing unless it improves the lives of our people.

Responsible autonomy  supported by strong institutions, regional partnerships, and a modernized Kingdom framework  is the only path forward. I think that this will require high-level discussions with the incoming Government of the Netherlands on a new positive agenda for the Kingdom. Moreover, I will seek the support of the Council of Ministers and Parliament of Sint Maarten to formally invite the Netherlands, Aruba and Curacao for a Kingdom summit to walk the talk.
WELLINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand is making headway in improving cancer prevention, detection and treatment, Health Minister Simeon Brown said Thursday.

The State of Cancer in New Zealand 2025 report, released Thursday by the Cancer Control Agency, showed "real progress" in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

"Smoking rates continue to fall across all ethnicities, screening programs are more effective and accessible, and long-term survival rates have improved over the past two decades," Brown said, citing the report.

Key initiatives include a 604-million-NZ dollar (about 350.17 million U.S. dollar) investment to fund 33 cancer medicines through Pharmac, New Zealand's medicines funding agency, the minister said.

The government is lowering the bowel screening age to 58 as a first step toward matching Australia, expanding breast screening to women aged 70 to 74, and launching the country's first cervical cancer elimination strategy, he said, adding the government is also investing in critical cancer infrastructure.

The report said that the number of people diagnosed with cancer will rise sharply, from more than 30,000 in 2025 to over 45,000 by 2044.

The updated New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019-2029, due next year, will help the system prepare for the increase in diagnoses, Brown said. 
~Trust, Transparency and Technology: Regulating the Next Wave of Fintech~



PHILIPSBURG:--- On December 4 and 5, 2025, the Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) hosted its 3rd Annual Fintech Conference at Simpson Bay Resort in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. The two-day conference featured a closed roundtable session for regulators on Thursday, followed by a public conference on Friday, bringing together central bankers, innovators, and fintech experts from across the Caribbean and LatAm region, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The conference highlighted the Central Bank's vital role in shaping the future of finance.

This years key themes were centered around Payments Innovation & Digital Assets Regulation, Fintech as driver of financial inclusion in LatAm & the Caribbean, Stablecoins & Digital Finance, and The Future of Banking, including developments in the Neobanks space.

The conferences central theme - Trust, transparency and technology: regulating the next wave of fintech - emphasized the important role central banks play in future-proofing financial regulation that supports innovation. While regulation is essential in protecting consumers, fostering an environment that encourages innovation is equally important.

In his keynote speech, Richard Doornbosch, president of the CBCS, stressed the great promise fintech holds to bring financial services to underserved and unbanked populations. The regulatory framework must evolve in a way that creates space while safeguarding stability and integrity.

Various fireside chat sessions and panel discussions demonstrated the need for tailored solutions to local and - where possible - regional challenges. Differences in the payment landscapes in LatAm and the Caribbean were discussed with highlighted examples and shared regional success stories of Sint Maarten, Curacao, Aruba, and the Bahamas. In addition, conversations centered on digital payment frictions in the still highly cash-based, tourism-dependent economies of Sint Maarten & Curacao. Moreover, the pros and cons of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) were briefly touched upon, as well as developments pertaining to the promises of tokenization and respective underlying (fractional) ownership implications. Furthermore, the role of data centers as enablers of financial inclusion was briefly discussed, through which

sovereign control over data was emphasized. Discussions were further focused on the future of banking, whereby panelists emphasized the power of co-existence and co-creation. These conversations highlighted the important role of both traditional banks and neobanks. As enablers of access to financial services for both existing and underserved communities, they can support tailor-made financial innovations.

The conference concluded with representatives from the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) & The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) committing to helping advance the region in accelerating its fintech and payments ecosystem. As a first step, the gaps in the existing payments infrastructure should be identified and mapped based on the outcomes of the conference. The CBCS applauds this initiative and welcomes collaboration aimed at enhancing the financial resilience of the monetary union.

With its annual Fintech Conference, the CBCS aims to engage stakeholders, including innovators, policymakers, regulators, and the (wider) public, in critical and actual conversations centered around financial innovation development in relation to digital finance regulation within the monetary union.



Willemstad, December 11, 2025

CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN
Not lovin' it: McDonald's pulls Dutch AI Christmas ad



The Hague, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2025



Burger chain McDonald's said on Wednesday it had removed an AI-generated Christmas advertisement in the Netherlands after it was criticized online.

The advert, titled "the most terrible time of the year," depicts Christmas chaos, with Santa caught in a traffic jam and a present-laden Dutch cyclist slipping in the snow.

The message: retreat to a McDonald's restaurant until January and ride out the festive season.

But the generative AI ad from the Big Mac maker's Netherlands division sparked a (Mc)flurry of criticism on social media.

"This commercial single-handedly ruined my Christmas spirit," said one user. "Good riddance to AI slop," posted another.

McDonald's Netherlands said in a statement to AFP: "The Christmas commercial was intended to show the stressful moments during the holidays in the Netherlands.

"However, we notice -- based on the social comments and international media coverage -- that for many guests this period is 'the most wonderful time of the year.'"

Melanie Bridge, chief executive of The Sweetshop Films, which made the ad, defended its use of artificial intelligence in a post on LinkedIn.

"It's never about replacing craft, it's about expanding the toolbox. The vision, the taste, the leadership...that will always be human," she said.

"And here's the part people don't see: the hours that went into this job far exceeded a traditional shoot. Ten people, five weeks, full-time," Bridge added.

But this too sparked online debate.

Emlyn Davies, from independent production company Bomper Studio, replied to the LinkedIn post: "What about the humans who would have been in it, the actors, the choir?

"Ten people on a project like this is a tiny amount compared to shooting it traditionally live action."

Coca-Cola recently released its own AI-generated holiday ad, despite receiving backlash when it did the same last year.

The company's new offering avoids close-ups of humans and mostly features AI-generated images of cute animals in a wintry setting.

ric-arp/acb

McDonald's
Press Release from Business Wire: Canva



(AFP) Dec 10, 2025



SYDNEY, Dec 10, 2025 (BSW) - Canva , the world's leading all-in-one visual communication platform, today unveiled its third annual Design Trends Report with bold predictions for creativity, social media and brand content in 2026. The company also unveiled a "Design DNA" feature, which offers Canva users a custom recap that celebrates their creative output in 2025.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210696597/en/

Canva Design DNA



Trends from Creators, for Creators

By analyzing design and search activity, expert insights from the Canva Designer Advisory Board, and a survey of 1,000 creators across the U.S. and Brazil, Canva has identified 10 design trends that will shape creative and design culture in 2026. The findings paint a clear picture: as creators embrace AI's power, they also crave the human touches that make design feel personal.

A New Creative Standard: Imperfect by Design

As AI technology raises the baseline for what's possible, visual authenticity has become the ultimate differentiator. After years of algorithmic sameness and polished perfection, 80% of creators surveyed said "2026 is the year we regain creative control"- not by rejecting AI, but by using it on their own terms.

AI remains a central part of creators' workflows, with 77% describing AI as an "essential partner." This moment is about using the tools at our disposal, while ensuring individual taste and personality shine through.

From sensory textures to cinematic storytelling, creators are diving headfirst into the synthetic era. With searches for DIY and collage-inspired elements up by 90%,users aresimultaneously embracing design that signals genuine human presence while also embracing what AI has to offer.

"As more and more creators turn to AI to help them express themselves visually, we believe 2026 marks the year of Imperfect by Design, a time when blending AI seamlessly with human imagination and creativity has never mattered more. Canva was built for this shift, to empower anyone to use AI on their terms and bring their ideas to life in a way that feels personal, authentic, and unmistakably human."

- Cat van der Werff, Canva's Executive Creative Director

10 Trends Brands & Creators Need to Know

Canva's global insights reveal 10 design trends set to shape creativity in 2026, reflecting how AI, culture, and community are reshaping visual expression worldwide.

-- Reality Warp: Creators are intentionally blurring the line between real and surreal. Searches for "liminal" and "uncanny" jumped 220% year over year, with nearly a quarter of creators predicting this will be the defining look of 2026.

-- Prompt Playground: Experimentation meets early-internet nostalgia as people design for emotional impact first. UI fragments, retro-tech references, and "vibe coding" are reshaping visual language, with searches for "lo-fi aesthetic" spiking 527%.

-- Explorecore: In response to digital overwhelm, Explorecore champions clarity and calm. Searches for Zine- and Substack-inspired layouts are up 85% year over year as creators seek designs that slow the pace and invite deeper exploration.

-- Texture Check: Driven by a boom in CGI and hyper-real materials, Texture Check makes surfaces the star. From glassy to waxy to touchably tactile, realistic textures are surging on Canva, where related searches have grown 30%.

-- Notes App Chic: The rise of celebrated imperfection is pushing creators toward scrapbook-style visuals, messy compositions, and behind-the-scenes authenticity. DIY and collage-inspired elements are up 90%, reflecting a cultural shift toward progress over polish.

-- Opt-Out Era: A counterweight to digital burnout, this trend pares visuals back to their essentials. Clean layouts, serif fonts, and simple branding are replacing maximalist palettes and mascots. Searches for "clean layout," "serif," and "simple branding" climbed 54%.

-- Drama Club: Creators are turning up the emotional volume, channeling cinematic storytelling across social content, art, and video. Interest in "mockumentary," "dramatic spotlight," and similar motifs is up 27%, fueling a resurgence in high-drama aesthetics.

-- GrannyWave: In India, nostalgia is driving a vibrant revival of cultural motifs, from handloom patterns to festival hues and Bollywood glamour. Searches for "Desi" and "Hindi typography" grew 26% and 17%, highlighting a return to heritage-rich, maximalist storytelling.

-- Zinegeist: In Mexico, the DIY zine movement is back with extra volume. Collaged layouts, anti-gloss textures, and bold, oversized type are taking hold as creators reject overly digital aesthetics. Related searches-like "brutalist design" and "type poster"-rose 77% year over year.

-- Block Party: Spain's creative community is blending vintage tones, folklore, and everyday pastimes into warm, nostalgic visuals reimagined through a modern lens. Searches for styles like "Estetica Tradicional" and "Folklore Urbano" hit 1.5 million impressions.

Getting Personal with Design DNA

Canva users can now access their own unique 'Design DNA' report. The AI-powered Design DNA feature analyzes each user's 2025 design habits and generates a bespoke recap of their creative achievements. A personalized creative identity card is shared to indicate whether they're a Font Stylist, a Prompt Picasso, a Chatter Box, or a Newbie. Canva generated over 111 million unique Design DNA assets last year.

Canva's trend predictions for 2026 can be found at canva.com/design-trends/ and any Canva user can generate their own Design DNA recap at canva.com.

About Canva

Launched in 2013, Canva is the world's leading all-in-one platform for visual communication and collaboration. Built to empower everyone to design, Canva serves the creative and design needs of enterprises, small businesses, consumers, and students in more than 190 countries worldwide.

Whether you're a novice taking your first steps in design, or a creative professional seeking powerful tools, Canva ensures users have what they need to transform an idea into something beautiful. Underpinned by the world's most comprehensive library of designer-made content, Canva is powered by a suite of products and proprietary AI tools that elevate how individuals and teams create, collaborate, and communicate with ease.

Press HubClick here







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 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Press Release from Business Wire: Ant International



(AFP) Dec 11, 2025



SINGAPORE, Dec 11, 2025 (BSW) - Ant International, HSBC and Swift today have completed a successful Proof of Concept (POC) for the cross-border transfer of tokenised deposits using ISO 20022 standards. The initiative leverages Swift's global messaging network and HSBC's recently launched Tokenised Deposit Service, combined with Ant International's blockchain technology.

The POC marks a key milestone in Ant International, HSBC, and Swift's efforts to help businesses unlock the full benefits of tokenisation for enhanced liquidity, programmable finance, and 24/7 real-time settlement.

As part of this initiative, Ant International and HSBC successfully integrated Ant International's in-house blockchain infrastructure with Swift's networks, enabling real-time treasury management across borders through HSBC Singapore and Hong Kong, via HSBC's Tokenised Deposit Service. With the introduction of a common protocol co-built with Swift and HSBC, this could remove the need for Ant International to establish individual bilateral arrangements with its bank partners, making it more seamless and efficient for Ant International to leverage banks' tokenised deposit services.

Combining the transparency and efficiency of tokenisation with the scale and security of existing payments infrastructure, the integration with Swift's network enhances the security and compliance of Ant International's innovative blockchain-based solution.

Powered by ISO 20022, the solution extends HSBC's existing AML systems, anti-fraud capabilities and infrastructure into the Tokenised Deposit Service, paving the way for digital money issuers to leverage ISO 20022 and the Swift network, enabling easier adoption by banks and external customers during its future rollout and allowing further interoperability between digital money and traditional fiat money.

Shirish WADIVKAR, Global Head, Payments and Cash Management, Swift, said:"We are excited to demonstrate how ISO 20022 data formats, when combined with new technologies like blockchain, bring significant value to the entire community. This integration not only speeds up payment processing but also enhances AML and sanctions screening. As the financial ecosystem evolves, we remain committed to shaping a future of seamless global interoperability, powered by ISO 20022's structured data and aligned with financial institutions' need for trust, efficiency, and regulatory consistency."

Lewis Sun, Global Head of Domestic Payments and Emerging Payments, HSBCsaid, "This collaboration with Swift and Ant International is an important step in building a more connected digital money ecosystem for our clients. As we expand HSBC's Tokenised Deposit Service, ensuring interoperability across both emerging blockchain networks and established payment rails is critical. By enabling tokenised deposits to move securely and efficiently across borders, we are giving our corporate clients more choice in how they manage liquidity globally; with the familiarity of traditional banking and the benefits of next-generation digital infrastructure."

Kelvin Li, General Manager of Platform Tech at Ant International said, "Since joining Swift's network last year, we have worked closely to integrate our blockchain capabilities with their robust payment infrastructure. We hope our collaboration can guide the standardisation of tokenised deposits under ISO 20022. We will continue to enable interoperability in global money movement together with our partners, so businesses can access more transparent, secure and efficient cross-border payments."

The three parties will continue to build on the groundwork of the POC, exploring future pilot tests and use cases for commercial deployment.

Tokenised Deposit Service

Tokenised Deposit Service is HSBC's blockchain-based instant atomic settlement offering for its corporate clients to manage and move funds across participating HSBC locations in real-time, 24/7 by converting deposits into digital tokens (one token for every dollar).

About Ant International

With headquarters in Singapore and main operations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions.

To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com

About Swift

Swift is a global member owned cooperative and the world's leading provider of secure financial messaging services. We provide our community with a platform for messaging and standards for communicating, and we offer products and services to facilitate access and integration, identification, analysis and regulatory compliance.

Our messaging platform, products and services connect more than 11,500 banking and securities organisations, market infrastructures and corporate customers in more than 200 countries and territories. While Swift does not hold funds or manage accounts on behalf of customers, we enable our global community of users to communicate securely, exchanging standardised financial messages in a reliable way, thereby supporting global and local financial flows, as well as trade and commerce all around the world.

As their trusted provider, we relentlessly pursue operational excellence; we support our community in addressing cyber threats; and we continually seek ways to lower costs, reduce risks and eliminate operational inefficiencies. Our products and services support our community's access and integration, business intelligence, reference data and financial crime compliance needs. Swift also brings the financial community together - at global, regional and local levels - to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest or concern.

Headquartered in Belgium, Swift's international governance and oversight reinforces the globally inclusive character of its cooperative structure. Swift's global office network ensures an active presence in all the major financial centres.

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 57 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,214bn at 30 June 2025, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.







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Media Contacts

Ant International Ant International Global Communications[email protected]

Swift Xavier Duval[email protected]

HSBC Mina Sharma[email protected]







 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Press Release from Business Wire: SLB



(AFP) Dec 11, 2025



HOUSTON, Dec 11, 2025 (BSW) - Global energy technology company SLB (NYSE: SLB) signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Shell to develop digital and AI solutions that drive measurable performance and efficiency gains across upstream operations for the company and the wider industry.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211832051/en/

The collaboration has the ambition to develop agentic AI-powered solutions that will accelerate and amplify the capabilities of technical experts and decision makers. The aim is to develop and deploy an open data and AI infrastructure that unifies data and workflows across subsurface, well construction and production in a secure digital environment, using SLB's Lumi? data and AI platform.



The collaboration has the ambition to develop agentic AI-powered solutions that will accelerate and amplify the capabilities of technical experts and decision makers. The aim is to develop and deploy an open data and AI infrastructure that unifies data and workflows across subsurface, well construction and production in a secure digital environment, using SLB's Lumi? data and AI platform.

"The energy industry is being reshaped by digital and AI," said Rakesh Jaggi, president of SLB's digital business. "Working with industry leaders like Shell enables us to accelerate development of advanced digital and agentic AI solutions that are changing how our industry works through automation and autonomy to generate value right across upstream, from planning through operations."

The collaboration represents a long-standing relationship between the companies. Earlier this year, SLB announced a technical partnership to deploy its Petrel? subsurface software across Shell's assets worldwide to standardize infrastructure and workflows and accelerate scalable digital solutions, helping to improve cost operating efficiencies. It will help inform Shell's digital strategy and technology roadmap, promote mutual learning to support Shell's broader digital transformation, and contribute to the development of digital solutions that are commercially viable and broadly applicable across the industry.

About SLB

SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that drives energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws - that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Such statements often contain words such as "expect," "may," "can," "estimate," "intend," "anticipate," "will," "potential," "projected" and other similar words. Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain, such as forecasts or expectations regarding the deployment of, or anticipated benefits of, SLB's new technologies and partnerships; statements about goals, plans and projections with respect to sustainability and environmental matters; forecasts or expectations regarding energy transition and global climate change; and improvements in operating procedures and technology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the inability to achieve net-negative carbon emissions goals; the inability to recognize intended benefits of SLB's strategies, initiatives or partnerships; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change; the timing or receipt of regulatory approvals and permits; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in SLB's most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and SLB disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211832051/en/









Contact

MediaJosh Byerly - SVP of Global CommunicationsMoira Duff - Director of External CommunicationsSLBTel: +1 (713) 375-3407[email protected]

InvestorsJames R. McDonald - SVP of Investor Relations & Industry AffairsJoy V. Domingo - Director of Investor RelationsSLBTel: +1 (713) 375-3535[email protected]







 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Press Release from Business Wire: Mainstay Medical Holdings plc



(AFP) Dec 11, 2025



DUBLIN, Dec 11, 2025 (BSW) - Mainstay Medical Holdings plc today announced that the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) has issued recommendations and coverage criteria for the use of restorative neurostimulation for the treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain associated with multifidus muscle dysfunction. ReActiv8(R) restorative neurostimulation is the only therapy approved in the United States, Europe and Australia for this indication.

The Statement, which affirms ISASS' support for coverage by payers of implantable restorative neurostimulation in appropriately selected patients, was published in the December issue of the International Journal of Spine Surgery and can be accessed here: https://www.ijssurgery.com/content/early/2025/12/10/8833.

The Statement reflects the growing body of clinical evidence supporting the use of ReActiv8, as well as recent developments in diagnostic coding and reimbursement pathways since ISASS' 2023 Statement on Restorative Neurostimulation for Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain Resulting from Neuromuscular Instability. Key updates include: published five-year results from the pivotal randomized clinical trial; published one-year results from a second randomized clinical trial demonstrating ReActiv8's superiority over standard of care; evidence from multiple real-world studies; the introduction of the new ICD-10 code M62.85: dysfunction of the multifidus muscles, lumbar region; and payer trends, including the recent establishment by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of favorable coverage for ReActiv8.

"ISASS has a well-established history of supporting evidence-based technologies for patients with spine disease. The evidence for restorative neurostimulation - reactivating the multifidus muscle that drives mechanical low back pain - demonstrates meaningful improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life," said Morgan P. Lorio, MD, ISASS Past President and Chair Emeritus, Coding & Reimbursement Task Force. "With new Level I data, the dedicated ICD-10 code, recent payer decisions, and the well-established clinical and economic significance of multifidus dysfunction, ISASS supports broader coverage and appropriate clinical adoption of restorative neurostimulation to improve outcomes and reduce the healthcare burden in this defined disease state."

"We are pleased that ISASS has taken the lead by reviewing the totality of evidence, recognizing that ReActiv8 can benefit patients and payers," stated Jason Hannon, Chief Executive Officer of Mainstay Medical. "We look forward to discussing our robust clinical and real-world evidence with health plans, with the goal of providing access to ReActiv8 for more patients seeking durable solutions for their mechanical chronic low back pain."

About ReActiv8(R)

ReActiv8 is an implantable medical device designed to treat adults with intractable chronic low back pain (CLBP) associated with multifidus muscle dysfunction. Multifidus muscle dysfunction may be evidenced by imaging or physiological testing in adults who have failed therapy, including pain medications and physical therapy, and who are not candidates for spine surgery. ReActiv8 has received regulatory approval in several geographic areas, and is commercially available in the European Economic Area, Australia, the UK, and the US.

About Mainstay Medical

Mainstay Medical is a medical device company focused on commercializing its innovative implantable Restorative Neurostimulation system, ReActiv8, for people with disabling mechanical CLBP. Mainstay Medical is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has subsidiaries operating in Ireland, the United States, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Further information can be found at www.mainstaymedical.com.

Mainstay Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this announcement other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding the company's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, payer coverage for ReActiv8, the company's commercial efforts and performance, as well as its research studies and results, financial position, financing strategies, product design and development, intellectual property portfolio and its scope, regulatory applications and approvals, and reimbursement arrangements.

Forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those described in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements herein, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties included in the company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024, which should be read in conjunction with the company's public disclosures (available on the company's website (www.mainstaymedical.com)). The forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date of this announcement.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251211109662/en/









Contact

PR and IR Enquiries:

Gilmartin Group LLCGreg ChodaczekTel: + 1 (610) 368-6505Email: [email protected]

Mainstay MedicalCorporate CommunicationsEmail: [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.
This screen image shows Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri speaking at a press briefing on Dec. 11, 2025. Surasant said on Thursday that the ongoing border clashes with Cambodia have left nine Thai soldiers dead and more than 120 people injured. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)

BANGKOK, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said on Thursday that the ongoing border clashes with Cambodia have left nine Thai soldiers dead and more than 120 people injured.

The clashes have displaced nearly 200,000 Thai civilians, who have taken shelter in refugee camps. Three refugees have been reported dead, and a total of 849 refugee camps have been set up so far, said Surasant at a press briefing.

Meanwhile, nearly 200 hospitals and clinics have been affected to varying degrees.

Thailand's 2nd Army Area Command said in a social media post on Thursday that the clashes are still ongoing, with Cambodian forces firing on multiple locations in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket provinces. 

A Thai police officer splashes water to control fire at a house damaged by artillery in Surin province, Thailand, Dec. 11, 2025. Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said on Thursday that the ongoing border clashes with Cambodia have left nine Thai soldiers dead and more than 120 people injured. (Xinhua)

A Thai police officer splashes water to control fire at a house damaged by artillery in Surin province, Thailand, Dec. 11, 2025. Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said on Thursday that the ongoing border clashes with Cambodia have left nine Thai soldiers dead and more than 120 people injured. (Xinhua)

A house damaged by artillery is seen in Surin province, Thailand, Dec. 11, 2025. Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said on Thursday that the ongoing border clashes with Cambodia have left nine Thai soldiers dead and more than 120 people injured. (Xinhua)
US House poised to reinforce Europe, rebuke Trump over anti-NATO rhetoric



Washington, United States, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2025



US lawmakers are set to vote Wednesday on a sweeping annual defense bill bolstering European security, in a direct rebuke of President Donald Trump's threats to walk away from the continent and his statements casting doubt on NATO's future.

The House vote comes on the heels of the publication of a national security strategy that amounted to an all-out attack on Europe -- rattling allied capitals and widening the biggest transatlantic rift in years.

By contrast, the huge bill being considered in Congress, which would authorize nearly a trillion dollars in defense spending, has drawn attention for its pro-Europe orientation and strict limits designed to prevent Trump from reducing troop numbers, moving equipment or downgrading NATO-linked missions.

"This legislation includes important House-passed provisions to ensure our military forces remain the most lethal in the world and can deter any adversary," House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.

In his security strategy published last week, Trump lambasted Europe as an over-regulated, censorious continent lacking in "self-confidence" and facing "civilizational erasure" due to immigration.

His administration accuses European nations of taking advantage of American generosity and of failing to take responsibility for their own destiny.

The security strategy openly supports far-right European parties, questioning the continent's commitment to peace and indicating that its security was no longer a top US priority.

But lawmakers are explicitly moving in the opposite direction -- deepening US resources for the Baltic states and hardening NATO's northeastern flank, in a move that amounts to one of the strongest congressional assertions in years of Europe's strategic importance.

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) carries a robust $8 billion more than Trump requested in May, authorizing roughly $901 billion in defense spending.

It leans hard into European defense, barring troop levels on the continent from falling below 76,000 for more than 45 days and blocking the removal of major equipment.



- Demand for drug-strike videos -



The White House has backed the 3,086-page bill, despite its misgivings over Europe -- and a provision forcing the Pentagon to hand over videos of maritime strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in Latin American waters.

The footage has become a flashpoint in a transparency dispute between congressional defense and security committees and the military.

To ensure compliance, lawmakers will withhold a quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget until the videos arrive -- an unusually personal tactic reflecting frustration over slow document production and the administration's expanding use of lethal force in drug interdictions.

The NDAA also adds traditional security priorities. It places fresh limits on any reduction of the 28,500 US troops in South Korea, a signal to Seoul amid uncertainty over America's long-term military commitment in East Asia.

With support from the administration wavering, the bill also doubles down on Ukraine -- setting aside $400 million in security assistance to sustain a baseline of support even if emergency funding stalls.

A group of conservative hardliners has explored blocking the NDAA over its inclusion of Ukraine assistance and the absence of a ban on a central bank digital currency.

But such grumbling is routine for a final NDAA, and there were few signs of a rebellion capable of sinking the policy package.

With bipartisan backing on Europe, Korea, Ukraine and the war authorization repeals, House passage is expected -- though the bill would then head to the Senate for further scrutiny.
'No proof' of mass diversion of Ukraine arms to criminals: NGOs



Paris, France, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2025



There is no proof of Russian allegations that Western arms sent to Ukraine are being illicitly diverted on a large scale to criminal groups, two NGOs said in a study on Wednesday.

In a joint report, the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey and Ukrainian Center for Security Studies (CENSS) said Ukrainian authorities had since the start of the Russian invasion seized substantially more weapons held illegally.

But, they said, "there is little evidence to support claims by the Russian government and pro-Russian media that a large percentage of Western weapons imported by Ukraine are being diverted to armed groups and criminals."

Firearms seizures increased by more than 60 percent between the three years prior to the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the first three years of the offensive, the report said.

These include handguns and shoulder-fired weapons, including automatic rifles, submachine guns, and light machine guns.

Over the same period, seizures of grenade launchers, grenades, rocket launchers, and mines more than doubled according to the report based on figures from the Ukrainian judicial authorities.

There had been concerns expressed in the early months of the war, including by the then director general of Interpol, that Western arms sent to Ukraine could find their way to criminals in Europe.

These claims have been amplified by Russian officials and also pro-Moscow social media accounts seeking to expose the alleged dangers of the West's military support for Ukraine.

The report also said Russian security forces themselves contribute both directly and indirectly to illicit arms flows in Ukraine.

Russian arms caches are pre-positioned for use in covert operations and while pro-Moscow "proxy forces" are armed in the east.

Meanwhile, the loss and abandonment of Russian weapons on the battlefield and in adjacent areas also contributes to illegal flows of weapons, it said.

"Western hand grenades, shoulder-fired rockets, and portable missiles comprise only a small percentage of all seized weapons," the report said, adding that it found allegations of international trafficking of these arms from Ukraine to be "erroneous, unsubstantiated, or exaggerated".

The report however acknowledged the risk of illicit proliferation and diversion and said as long as the war continues such illegal flows could grow.

"Ukrainian authorities have shown a strong commitment to addressing this issue, but additional training, equipment, and technical resources are required to sustain and expand their ability to disrupt trafficking networks," it said.
French first lady comments spark feminist backlash



Paris, France, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2025



A vulgar slur France's first lady used to describe activists has ignited a feminist backlash in a case they say downplays the severity of sexual violence.

A video published on Monday appears to show Brigitte Macron, 72, describing as "stupid bitches" ("sale connes" in French) activists who this weekend disrupted the show of an actor and comedian accused -- but not charged -- with rape.

The first lady's office has said her backstage comments on Sunday only intended to criticise the "radical method" of the protest a day earlier against 51-year-old Ary Abittan.

But several high-profile actresses have joined in a #SalesConnes (#StupidBitch) trend on social media.

"I'm a stupid bitch. And proud to be one," Oscar-winning "La Vie en Rose" actress Marion Cotillard posted to her 1.7 million Instagram followers on Tuesday.

The hashtag has also appeared in the streets of Paris.

"The stupid bitches send you their regards, Brigitte," read a message on a wall from the group behind the weekend protest, according to a video it posted on social media.

In another, the #NousToutes ("All of us") group told the president's wife that investigators "dropping a case", as had happened with the allegations against Abittan, was not tantamount to "innocence".



- 'No, not tonight' -



Activists on Saturday interrupted a stand-up show by the comedian, wearing masks of the actor bearing the word "rapist" and shouting "Abittan rapist".

A woman who had been seeing him accused the actor of rape in 2021, saying he had forced her into a sexual act to which she did not consent.

But investigators in 2023 dropped the case, and an appeals court in January upheld that decision.

"The court found him innocent after an inquiry lasting more than three years," his lawyer Caroline Toby told AFP.

She said: The "judges who ruled on this case are unanimous that he is innocent. The case is closed."

The woman who accused Abittan said she had said "no, not tonight" to the sexual act he wanted, and then "cried out in pain" when he ignored her.

Investigating magistrates, who decided in July 2023 not to press charges, recognised she suffered from "undeniable" post-traumatic stress.

But they argued the probe "contradicted" some of her statements, notably citing ex-girlfriends who described the comedian as a respectful partner.

French prosecutors last year dropped six out of 10 rape or sexual assault cases for not being strong enough to go to court, according to a government report in November.

It was not immediately clear how many cases are then thrown out by investigating magistrates.



- 'Legitimise hatred' -



A member of the first lady's team argued her words should be seen as "a critique of the radical method employed by those who disrupted the show".

But Greve Feministe, a collective of around 60 feminist groups whose name translates as "Feminist Strike", demanded a public apology.

Brigitte Macron's comments "are not trivial," they said in a statement.

"They legitimise hatred toward feminists -- who are already the targets of cyberbullying, death threats and assaults -- and they downplay the severity of sexual violence by reducing the denunciation of crimes to a mere 'disturbance of public order'."

Brigitte Macron has herself been the victim of gender-related cyber-bullying.

She and President Emmanuel Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States over a false claim online that she was assigned male at birth, and she is suing several people in France over the same rumour.

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, France has been rocked by a series of accusations of rape and sexual assault against well-known cultural figures.

Screen icon Gerard Depardieu was in May convicted of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, and is to stand trial charged with raping an actor in 2018. He denies any wrongdoing.

The president in 2023 defended Depardieu, saying the actor was the target of a "manhunt" and he stood behind the presumption of innocence.
Bodies on beach may be 'boatmen' killed in US strikes: Colombian president



Bogota, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2025



Two men whose bodies washed up on a Colombian beach last week may have been Dominican boatmen killed in a series of US strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, the Colombian president said Wednesday.

President Gustavo Petro urged prosecutors to investigate the "murders" and identify the victims as soon as possible. He shared a video of people digging what appears to be a grave on a beach in La Guajira in the north of Colombia, with a mutilated body lying on the sand nearby.

The body and another were discovered on the beach near a fishing village last week.

The United States has deployed a major naval force to the Caribbean and Pacific and has launched strikes on boats since September, killing at least 87 people in what it claimed were attacks on drug smugglers, without providing evidence.

The victims' families and governments said many were fishermen.

"These are murders," said Petro of the two men he said appeared to be "boatmen, apparently citizens of the Dominican Republic." He urged countries of the Caribbean to "unite without fear to end the massacre."

The family of a Colombian man killed in one of the US Caribbean strikes has lodged a complaint against the United States with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

The family of Alejandro Carranza Medina, killed on September 15, rejected assertions there were any drugs on the vessel targeted and insisted he was a fisherman just doing his job on the open sea.

Theirs is the first formal complaint related to the US strikes which rights groups say are illegal regardless of whether the occupants are drug smugglers.

Petro's fierce criticism of the US actions has earned him sanctions and an unproven accusation of being a drug leader.

vd/cr/lv/dga/mlr/msp/md
Judge tells Trump to pull National Guard from LA



Los Angeles, United States, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2025



A federal judge on Wednesday ordered President Donald Trump's administration to end the deployment of National Guard soldiers in Los Angeles, months after he began sending troops into US cities.

The ruling is the latest legal setback to Trump's efforts to militarize Democratic-run areas, which he claims -- contrary to evidence -- are spiraling into lawlessness.

In June, Los Angeles became the first city to have troops on the streets when Trump went over the heads of the Democratic leadership to order 4,000 state National Guard reservists to put down protests over immigration raids.

Local leaders said the relatively minor protests, which affected only a few blocks in America's second largest metropolis, could easily be handled by city, county and state law enforcement, accusing Trump of authoritarian overreach.

While many have now been demobilized, the US military says 100 Guard troops remain deployed "to protect federal property and federal personnel as they enforce federal law."

In his ruling on Wednesday, Senior US District Judge Charles Breyer said control of the federalized National Guard troops must return to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsom, a frequent sparring partner for the president and widely expected to run for the White House in 2028, welcomed the judge's decision.

"Today's ruling is abundantly clear -- the federalization of the National Guard in California is illegal and must end," he said.

"The president deployed these brave men and women against their own communities, removing them from essential public safety operations.

"We look forward to all National Guard service members being returned to state service."

Lawyers for the Department of Justice had argued that troops who were federalized would remain under the president's command as long as he wanted.

Breyer's ruling knocked down that argument.

That "would permit a president to create a perpetual police force comprised of state troops, so long as they were first federalized lawfully," he wrote.

"Defendants' argument for a president to hold unchecked power to control state troops would wholly upend the federalism that is at the heart of our system of government."

The order was stayed until Monday to allow the government the opportunity to appeal.
Press Release from Business Wire: DSRB Development Group



(AFP) Dec 10, 2025



LONDON, Dec 10, 2025 (BSW) - On 8 September 2025, the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) Development Group convened a high-level meeting in the City of London with representatives from 37 nations, including all G7 members, alongside the European Commission, NATO, European Parliament,Global Banks, and Ratings Agencies to discuss the DSRB.

A number of countries have now indicated their intention to begin the formal steps required to bring the DSRB into existence.

This phased pattern of engagement is standard in the creation of international financial institutions, which typically begin with a core group of anchor nations and expand as additional members join through charter negotiations and subsequent capital rounds.

The DSRB is designed to complement the European Union's SAFE initiative, offering a broader multilateral platform that brings together NATO and Indo-Pacific nations and mobilises global capital to build the balance-sheet capacity required to finance nations' defence spending and long-term resilience investments

The initiative continues to advance with governments, and a clear pathway toward the next phase of work: founding-nation discussions, charter development, and capital formation. The DSRB remains committed to supporting a stronger and more resilient allied industrial base through long-term, scalable financing.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251210467586/en/









Contact

[email protected]







 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
US House backs Europe, rebukes Trump on foreign policy



Washington, United States, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2025



US lawmakers on Wednesday approved a sweeping defense bill bolstering European security -- a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump's mounting threats to downgrade Washington's ties to traditional allies and NATO.

The bipartisan House of Representatives vote came on the heels of the publication of a White House national security strategy that amounted to a startling attack on Europe -- rattling its governments and opening the biggest transatlantic rift in years.

By contrast, the House's $900 billion Pentagon bill stands out for its pro-Europe orientation and its clampdown on Trump's authority to reduce troop numbers, move equipment or downgrade NATO-linked missions.

"President Trump and congressional Republicans are restoring American strength, defending our homeland, standing with our allies, and ensuring the United States remains the most powerful and capable military force the world has ever known," House Speaker Mike Johnson said ahead of the vote.

In his security strategy published last week, Trump lambasted Europe as an over-regulated, censorious continent lacking in "self-confidence" and facing "civilizational erasure" due to immigration.

His administration accuses European nations of taking advantage of American generosity and of failing to take responsibility for their own destiny.

The security strategy openly supports far-right European parties, questioning the continent's commitment to peace and indicating that its security is no longer a top US priority.

But lawmakers are explicitly moving in the opposite direction -- deepening US resources for the Baltic states and hardening NATO's northeastern flank, in a move that amounts to one of the strongest congressional assertions in years of Europe's strategic importance.

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) -- which now advances to the Senate -- carries a robust $8 billion more than the funding Trump requested in May.

It leans hard into European defense, barring troop levels on the continent from falling below 76,000 for more than 45 days and blocking the removal of major equipment.



- Demand for drug-strike videos -



The White House has backed the 3,086-page text, despite its misgivings over Europe, as well as a provision forcing the Pentagon to hand over videos of maritime strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in Latin American waters.

The footage has become a flashpoint in a transparency dispute between congressional defense and security committees and the military.

To ensure compliance, lawmakers will withhold a quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget until the videos arrive -- an unusually personal tactic reflecting frustration over slow document production and the administration's expanding use of lethal force in drug interdictions.

The NDAA also adds traditional security priorities. It places fresh limits on any reduction of the 28,500 US troops in South Korea, a signal to Seoul amid uncertainty over America's long-term military commitment in East Asia.

With support from the administration wavering, the bill also doubles down on Ukraine -- setting aside $400 million in security assistance to sustain a baseline of support even if emergency funding stalls.

The National Transportation Safety Board had warned against a provision that it said would roll back critical air-safety requirements for military aircraft operating in Washington's restricted airspace.

A group of conservative hardliners mulled blocking the bill over its Ukraine assistance and the absence of a ban on a central bank digital currency.

But opposition on multiple fronts is routine for a final NDAA, and there was never significant risk of a rebellion capable of sinking the package.
MANILA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A suspected New People's Army (NPA) member was killed in a firefight with government troops in Silvino Lobos town, Northern Samar province in the central Philippines, where the insurgents were allegedly extorting from residents, the Philippine military said Thursday.

A spokesperson for the Army's 8th Infantry Division said soldiers launched an operation early Wednesday in the hinterlands of Gusaran village following reports that rebels had been forcing farmers to surrender portions of their harvest.

As troops approached an NPA encampment, they came under fire from an undetermined number of insurgents, sparking a 15-minute clash.

The rebels later withdrew, leaving behind a slain comrade, an M16 rifle, and other personal belongings, the spokesperson said.

While NPA continues to operate in rural areas across the archipelagic country, the military said that its strength has dwindled to about 1,000 fighters, down from a peak of some 25,000 in the mid-1980s. 
Honduran military vows to ensure transfer of presidential power



Tegucigalpa, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2025



The Honduran military vowed Wednesday to ensure a peaceful transfer of power regardless of who wins a November 30 presidential election in which votes are still being counted amid interference claims.

The armed forces of the Central American country have intervened in politics in the past and carried out several coups d'etat, most recently in 2009 when they ousted then-president Manuel Zelaya -- husband of incumbent leftist leader Xiomara Castro.

"We have been clear," armed forces chief Roosevelt Hernandez insisted Wednesday. "We have said we will support and recognize the results" that emerge from the count underway by the CNE electoral council, with two right-wing candidates neck-and-neck.

Hernandez, who is close to the outgoing government, told Televicentro the military would "ensure...the transfer of the presidency of the republic."

Businessman Nasry Asfura, backed by US President Donald Trump, has a razor-thin lead in the count over TV personality Salvador Nasralla.

Suspicions of fraud have been fueled by successive computer failures that have stalled tallying, which the CNE legally has a month to complete.

A review of apparent "inconsistencies" in some 2,700 tally sheets will start Thursday at the counting center in Tegucigalpa, which has been under police and military guard since protesters started gathering earlier this week to press for a fair tally.

Nasralla has claimed fraud in the process, backed by outgoing Castro and the trailing leftist candidate Rixi Moncada, who has called for an election annulment.



- 'Growing climate of tension' -



Human Rights Watch Americas director Juanita Goebertus said Wednesday on X that "given the growing climate of tension, it is essential to guarantee the security of electoral personnel (and) the integrity of voting materials."

The rights group urged "all actors to refrain from exerting pressure that puts the democratic process at risk."

Trump himself has come under fire over his backing for Asfura and his threat that if his chosen candidate doesn't win, "the United States will not be throwing good money after bad."

Last week, the US leader also issued a surprise pardon for former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez of Asfura's National Party.

Hernandez was serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States, where a jury found him guilty of belonging to one of "the largest and most violent drug trafficking conspiracies in the world."

In what many saw as an attempt at political interference, Hernandez was released despite Trump's stated commitment to eradicating Latin American drug trafficking.
Japan, NATO share 'grave concern' over China, Russia flights: Tokyo



Tokyo, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



NATO chief Mark Rutte and Japan's defence minister shared their "grave concerns" about recent joint patrols by Chinese and Russian aircraft, Tokyo said.

The incident on Tuesday came as Japan-China relations worsen after comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan that enraged Beijing.

"Both sides shared their grave concerns over this incident and concurred to closely communicate with each other," the Japanese defence ministry said late Wednesday.

The statement followed a 15-minute video conference between Rutte and Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the ministry said.

Koizumi also briefed Rutte about another recent incident that involved Chinese aircraft locking its radar onto Japanese planes near Taiwan, the statement added.

According to Tokyo, two Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable bombers on Tuesday flew from the Sea of Japan to rendezvous with two Chinese H-6 bombers in the East China Sea, then conducted a joint flight around the country.

Japan scrambled aircraft in response.

South Korea said Tuesday that Russian and Chinese warplanes also entered its air defence zone, with Seoul also deploying fighter jets.

Beijing confirmed later on Tuesday that it had organised drills with Russia's military according to "annual cooperation plans".

Moscow also described it as a routine exercise, saying it lasted eight hours and that some foreign fighter jets followed the Russian and Chinese aircraft.

Takaichi suggested last month that Japan would intervene militarily in any Chinese attack on Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own and has not ruled out seizing by force.
Maria Corina Machado: the face and fire of Venezuela's opposition



Caracas, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Maria Corina Machado is the lynchpin of opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's regime, a fearless activist with rock star appeal whose inability to attend her own Nobel prize ceremony underlined the dangers she faces.

Hailed as "la libertadora," in an allusion to Venezuela's historic independence hero Simon "The Liberator" Bolivar, Machado was given the Nobel Peace Prize on Wednesday -- but made it to Oslo too late to accept the award.

Her daughter Ana Corina Sosa Machado attended the ceremony in Oslo and read out the acceptance speech from the opposition leader declaring Venezuelans ready to "fight for freedom."

Machado, 58, made her first public appearance in nearly a year early Thursday at a hotel in Oslo -- where she hugged supporters who shouted her name and sang songs in Spanish.

Machado was barred from challenging Maduro in July 2024 elections and went into hiding after the vote, which the opposition and much of the international community accuses Maduro of stealing.

But she remained a tireless democracy campaigner on social media, where she regularly posts videos assuring Venezuelans that change is near at hand.

Clad in jeans and a white shirt, Machado toured Venezuela last year to campaign for an end to a quarter century of increasingly repressive socialist rule. Her rousing speeches frequently move supporters to tears.

She won an opposition primary with 90 percent of votes cast in 2023, but was promptly declared ineligible by authorities loyal to Maduro.

Machado accepted to take a political back seat and campaign instead for her last-minute stand-in: little-known former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.

The opposition's tally of ballots from polling stations showed Gonzalez Urrutia easily defeating Maduro in the election -- but the socialist incumbent was proclaimed the winner, sparking deadly riots which were brutally repressed.

Gonzalez Urrutia went into exile after a bounty was placed on his head. Machado stayed behind to lead the resistance.

After months of hiding she briefly re-emerged on the eve of Maduro's inauguration for a third term in January to address an opposition rally.

"We are not afraid," she declared, before fleeing cloak-and-dagger style on the back of a motorcycle to avoid arrest.



- US strikes -



The Nobel award comes at a critical moment in a tense standoff between the United States and Venezuela.

President Donald Trump has ordered a major military deployment in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela, and greenlighted US strikes on suspected drug boats that have killed dozens of people.

Washington, which recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuela's rightful leader, accuses Maduro of leading a drug cartel.

Machado has backed the US military pressure on Maduro as a "necessary measure" towards a democratic transition in Venezuela.



- 'Bring our children home'



An engineer by training, Caracas-born Machado entered politics in 2002 at the head of the association Sumate (Join us), pushing for a referendum to recall Maduro's mentor, the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez.

She was accused of treason over the referendum call and received death threats, prompting her to send her two young sons and daughter to live abroad.

In parliament, she confronted the firebrand Chavez.

"Expropriating is stealing," she told him in 2012, referring to his seizures of hundreds of domestic and foreign-owned businesses.

Banned from flying during last year's election campaign, she crisscrossed the country by road, wearing rosary beads around her neck.

"We're going to liberate the country and bring our children home," she said, vowing an end to Maduro's rule -- and with it a severe economic crisis that has prompted over seven million people to emigrate from the once prosperous, oil-rich state.

In October, she and Gonzalez Urrutia were awarded the European Union's top human rights prize for having "fearlessly upheld" the values of justice, democracy and the rule of law.

burs/sms/mlm/sla/jgc
Pardoned Honduran ex-president praises Trump after pardon



Washington, United States, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



The recently freed former president of Honduras praised US President Donald Trump Wednesday for opening "a lot of people's eyes in Honduras" by supporting conservative presidential candidate Nasry Asfura.

Juan Orlando Hernandez was freed from serving a 45-year sentence in a US prison after receiving a presidential pardon from Trump, and he is presumed to be staying at an unknown location.

"The Honduran people sent a clear message. Overwhelmingly, they rejected the failed ideology of the radical left, the socialism coming from Venezuela," Hernandez said in an interview with far-right broadcaster One America News (OAN).

"But we have to understand that they have a playbook. You know, every single election I won, even before the day of the election, the radical left also would say, 'if we don't win, we are not going to recognize the results.'"

Trump-backed businessman Asfura has a razor-thin lead in the presidential election over TV personality Salvador Nasralla -- also a conservative -- but votes are still being counted amid claims of interference.

Suspicions of fraud have been fueled by successive computer failures that have stalled tallying.

The ruling party in Honduras, led by leftist president Xiomara Castro, has rejected the provisional results giving Asfura a slim lead.

The left maintains Trump's support of Asfura and his pardon of Hernandez amounted to electoral interference.

Extradited by Honduras to face charges in the United States and convicted of drug trafficking, the former leader insists it was all a setup carried out by the previous presidential administration of Joe Biden because his policies were too conservative.

Hernandez did not reveal his plans or whether he plans to seek asylum in the United States.

"My priority right now is how I can reunite with my family. I haven't seen them in four years," he said.

Asked whether he would be willing to seek asylum in Israel, where he forged strong ties by recognizing Jerusalem as the capital, Hernandez said it would be "a very complicated move, and I don't have any financial support to do that."

In Honduras, the current government's prosecutor's office has reopened the arrest warrant facing Hernandez.

"Isn't that a clear example of political persecution? What I'm going to do right now, I'm working with my lawyers," he said.

Hernandez added that if he returns to Honduras he will not only face the "political charges, but also there are some documents from the FBI and other US agencies that say there are people who want to target my life and my family."
US, Japan hold joint air exercise after China-Russia patrols



Tokyo, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Japan said Thursday it held a joint air exercise with the United States in a show of force, days after Chinese-Russian patrols in the region and following weeks of diplomatic feuding between Tokyo and Beijing.

The Japanese joint chiefs of staff said Wednesday's exercise with the US Air Force was conducted in "an increasingly severe security environment surrounding our country".

Tokyo said Wednesday that two Russian Tu-95 nuclear-capable bombers flew a day earlier from the Sea of Japan to rendezvous with two Chinese H-6 bombers in the East China Sea, then conducted a joint flight around the country.

Japan said that it scrambled fighter jets in response.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi angered Beijing last month by suggesting that Japan would intervene with military force in any Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Thursday's announcement by Japan's chiefs of staff said: "We confirmed the strong resolve of Japan and the United States not to allow any unilateral change of the status quo by force, as well as the readiness of the Self-Defense Forces and the US military."

In a separate statement it said that the "tactical exercises" over the Japan Sea involved two US B52 bombers, three Japanese F-35 fighter jets and three Japanese F-15s.

The joint exercise came as the United States criticized Beijing for the first time on Wednesday after Chinese military aircraft locked radar onto Japanese jets on Saturday.

The J-15 jets from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier twice locked radar on Japanese aircraft in international waters near Okinawa, according to Japan, which scrambled jets in response.

"China's actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability," a US State Department spokesperson told AFP on Wednesday.

"The U.S.-Japan Alliance is stronger and more united than ever. Our commitment to our ally Japan is unwavering, and we are in close contact on this and other issues."

Fighter jets use their radar for fire control to identify targets as well as for search and rescue operations.

Tokyo also summoned Beijing's ambassador following the radar incident, over which the two countries offer differing accounts of events.

Japan said it scrambled its F-15 jets because it was worried about possible "airspace violations".

Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the ministry of foreign affairs, accused Japan Wednesday of sending the jets "to intrude into the Chinese training area without authorisation, conduct close-range reconnaissance and harassment, create tense situations, and continue to maliciously hype up the situation".

Takaichi's comments about intervening in any Taiwan emergency enraged Beijing as China claims the self-ruled island as its own and has not ruled out seizing it by force.

Tokyo was forced to deny a Wall Street Journal report that said US President Donald Trump had advised Takaichi not to provoke China over Taiwan's sovereignty.

But Tokyo is apparently frustrated at the lack of public support from top officials in Washington and has urged the US to be more vocal, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.



- 'Regrettable' -



NATO chief Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that the radar incident and the joint Chinese-Russian patrols were "regrettable", Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on X.

The statement followed a 15-minute video conference between Rutte and Koizumi, the defence ministry said in a statement.

Rutte "affirmed that security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions is completely inseparable", Koizumi said.

South Korea said Tuesday that Russian and Chinese warplanes also entered its air defence zone, with Seoul also deploying fighter jets that same day.

Beijing confirmed later on Tuesday that it had organised drills with Russia's military according to "annual cooperation plans".

Moscow also described it as a routine exercise, saying it lasted eight hours and that some foreign fighter jets followed the Russian and Chinese aircraft.
Fog temporarily halts flights at Baghdad airport



Baghdad, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Iraqi authorities temporarily closed Baghdad International Airport early Thursday due to a thick fog that has reduced visibility, the transport ministry said.

At around 12:30 am (2130 GMT), the ministry announced that "Baghdad International Airport has been temporarily closed to air traffic due to bad weather conditions and reduced visibility", according to the official INA press agency.

Baghdad and other airports -- Najaf in central Iraq and Sulaimaniyah in the Kurdistan region -- will remain closed until at least midday, the ministry said in a new statement.

A thick fog has blanketed the capital Baghdad and several areas in Iraq, drastically reducing visibility since the early morning hours, according to AFP correspondents.

Heavy rains over the past two days caused flooding in several areas in Iraq, particularly in the northern autonomous Kurdistan region.

Floods in the north killed at least three people, including a child, according to local authorities. A key bridge connecting the northern city of Kirkuk to Baghdad also collapsed.

Authorities hope the heavy rains will help alleviate water shortages in drought-stricken Iraq, after water reserves in artificial lakes hit their lowest levels in the country's recent history following a dry season.

Iraq, heavily impacted by climate change, has been ravaged for years by drought and low rainfall.
Venezuela's national guard committed 'crimes against humanity': UN probe



Geneva, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Venezuela's national guard has committed "serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity" for more than a decade, a United Nations-mandated investigation said Thursday.

The Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), a military force tasked with maintaining public order, was a central actor in the persecution of President Nicolas Maduro's opponents, a crime against humanity, the UN's independent international fact-finding mission on Venezuela determined in its latest report.

"GNB officials perpetrated arbitrary deprivation of life, arbitrary detentions, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment during law enforcement operations in the context of protests and in actions of targeted political persecution since 2014," the mission said.

"The persistence of these abuses reflects structural failures within Venezuela's accountability and political system which have further entrenched impunity."

The report comes with 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado set to address the world in a press conference from Oslo on Thursday, according to the Norwegian government, a day after the Venezuelan opposition leader was awarded the honour in absentia.

Machado, who won the Nobel for challenging Maduro's grip on power, has been in hiding since August 2024 after threats to her life.

The Venezuelan security forces, including the GNB and the police, are regularly accused of abuses, especially during the repression of opposition demonstrations.

The United States, Europe, and many Latin American countries, in particular, do not recognise the results of the 2024 election that secured Maduro a third six-year term.

The opposition has accused Maduro of stealing the election.

Marta Valinas, chair of the fact-finding mission, said it had been able to document the GNB's role in "systematic and coordinated repression against opponents or those perceived as such, which has continued for more than a decade".



- 'Break victims' -



The report said a highly centralised chain of command, under Maduro's direction, had facilitated such abuses.

During protest peaks in 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2024, the GNB used excessive force, including the improper use of lethal weapons, the mission said.

The report also documented mass and targeted arbitrary detentions, physical violence during arrests, planting of evidence, torture and other ill-treatment, and sexual violence inside GNB facilities used as temporary detention centres.

"They form part of a pattern of abuse used to punish and break victims," said Valinas.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan judicial system seems unable or unwilling to investigate such violations, the report found.

"The mission has reasonable grounds to believe that GNB officials made essential contributions to the crimes under investigation, including arbitrary detentions, torture and ill-treatment, gender-based violence, and persecution," Valinas said.

The UN Human Rights Council set up the fact-finding mission in 2019, and tasked it with assessing alleged human rights violations committed since 2014.

Since 2013, more than seven million Venezuelans have fled the country to escape the economic and political crisis.
Pakistan's ex-spy chief jailed 14 years for abuse of power



Islamabad, Pakistan, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



A military court sentenced the former head of Pakistan's powerful Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency to 14 years in prison for violating state secrets and abusing his authority, the army said Thursday.

Faiz Hameed, who served during the tenure of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, was also convicted of "engaging in political activities" and causing "wrongful loss to persons", the army's publicity wing said in a statement.

Faiz Hameed, a lieutenant general who stepped down in December 2022, was detained in August 2024 after claims he raided the businesses of a real estate developer, according to Supreme Court documents published in 2023.

The intelligence chief is considered the second most-powerful position in the Pakistani military.

"After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, (the) accused has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 14 years rigorous imprisonment by the court," the statement said.

It added that an accusation of "fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements... is separately being dealt with".

The statement did not give specific details of Faiz Hameed's purported crimes.

Faiz Hameed was a staunch supporter of Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022 after losing the backing of some top brass, experts say.

Khan had openly challenged the military, the most powerful institution in Pakistan, which analysts say is behind the rise and fall of every civilian government.

His arrest on corruption charges in May 2023 triggered nationwide protests that fuelled deep public resentment against the army.



- 'Political' advising -



Once seen as a contender for the prestigious post of army chief, Faiz Hameed took early retirement a few months after Khan lost power.

Faiz Hameed was later accused of "multiple instances" of violating the Pakistan Army Act and stripped of all rank.

"Violations of the Official Secrets Act, the illegitimate use of authority, misusing one's office to harm people, and getting involved in politics to spread chaos -- these things were all proven," information minister Attaullah Tarar posted on X after the verdict.

He said Faiz Hameed had also been illicitly "interfering with politics" by advising Khan's opposition Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, party after his retirement.

Khan has long accused the military of orchestrating his downfall, in particular Field Marshal Asim Munir, the army leader once dismissed by Khan who now is considered the most powerful man in the country.

"My wife and I have been imprisoned on fabricated charges at his command," Khan charged in social media post this month.

That prompted a rare public rebuke by the army's spokesman, who called Khan a "delusional person" who had become a "national security threat".
Ukrainian drones over Russia trigger airspace shutdowns, flight delays



Moscow, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Russia shot down nearly 300 Ukrainian drones overnight, one of Kyiv's largest attempted attacks of the four-year war and a barrage that forced Moscow airports to temporarily close, Russian officials said Thursday.

Of the 287 drones "intercepted and shot down" by Russian air defences, 32 were headed towards Moscow, the defence ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram.

All four airports in the Russian capital temporarily suspended flights, according to Rosaviatsia, Russia's civil aviation authority.

"We've been at the airport for over 12 hours now," Raisa, who lives in the Moscow region and declined to give her surname, told AFP while waiting at the capital's Vnukovo airport with her three children.

Their flight was being postponed "by an hour every hour", the 40-year-old doctor said.

The airspace closures, later lifted, also forced the plane of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, due in Moscow, to divert to Saint Petersburg.

Pashinyan's aircraft "did not land at night due to the temporary closure of Moscow's airspace", his spokeswoman, Nazeli Baghdasaryan, said on Facebook.

Pashinyan flew to the Russian capital later on Thursday, his press service later said.

Ukraine, whose airspace has been completely closed since Russia launched its offensive in February 2022, said Moscow had fired a total of 151 drones and three missiles overnight, according to its air force.

The head of the eastern Poltava regional military administration said that Russia had attacked local energy facilities, causing fires.

In an interview last week, the CEO of Ukraine's state-run gas operator told AFP the country may be facing its toughest winter of the war.

Naftogaz CEO Sergiy Koretsky said this year's strikes have been more intense and started earlier in the winter, compounding the impact.

According to an AFP analysis of Ukrainian air force statistics, Russia has launched record numbers of drones and missiles at Ukraine in recent months.

Ukraine and its allies have been pushing for a plan to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, with officials in Kyiv on Wednesday telling AFP that an updated proposal had been submitted to Washington.
NATO chief says a joint plan to end Ukraine war would 'test' Putin



Berlin, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



NATO chief Mark Rutte said Thursday that if the United States and Europeans could agree on a plan to end the war in Ukraine, this would be a "test" of whether Russia "really wants peace".

"So far, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin has only played the peacemaker when it suits him, to buy time to continue his war," Rutte said in a speech in Berlin.

US President Donald Trump "wants to end the bloodshed now" and is "the only one who can get Putin to the negotiating table", Rutte said.

"So, let's put Putin to the test. Let's see if he really wants peace, or if he prefers the slaughter to continue."

Ukrainian officials on Wednesday said they had sent Washington an updated plan for ending Russia's invasion, building on a 28-point proposal made by US President Donald Trump last month.

The original plan, which involved Ukraine surrendering land that Russia has not captured, was seen by Kyiv and its European allies as caving in to too many of Russia's hardline demands.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said further talks with the Americans were planned this weekend and an international meeting on Ukraine "could take place at the beginning of next week".

Rutte said later, in a panel discussion: "Do I think that when it comes to Ukraine, the US and Europe (can) get to one page? Yes, I'm positive.

"I think we can. Am I sure that the Russians will accept? I don't know. This is the test."

The NATO chief also accused China of being "Russia's lifeline" in the war.

"China wants to prevent its ally from losing in Ukraine," he said in his speech at a security conference.

"Without China's support, Russia could not continue to wage this war."

China, one of Russia's main trading partners, says it has a neutral position in the Ukraine conflict, but has refrained from condemning Russia.

Rutte also warned of the financial consequences for NATO of a Ukraine "under the boot of Russian occupation".

"NATO would have to substantially increase its military presence along the eastern flank," he said. "And allies would have to go much further and faster on defence spending and production."
HANOI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam will ban the sale of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products starting March 1, 2026, under the amended Law on Investment passed by the National Assembly on Thursday, local daily Tuoi Tre reported.

The list of prohibited business sectors also includes the trading of narcotic substances, certain chemicals and minerals, wild plant and animal species sourced from nature and prostitution services.

Last year, the National Assembly approved a resolution regulating a ban on the production, trading, import, possession, transportation and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, local daily Thanh Nien reported.

Positive impacts have already been seen one year after the resolution was issued, Angela Pratt, the World Health Organization's representative in Vietnam, was quoted by Vietnam News Agency as saying.

At medical facilities such as Bach Mai Hospital, the number of emergency cases related to e-cigarettes has fallen by 70 percent while the promotion of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco has decreased or stopped entirely in many places, she said. 
Myanmar junta air strike on hospital kills 31, aid workers say



Mrauk U, Myanmar, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



A Myanmar military air strike killed more than 30 people at a hospital, aid workers said Thursday, as the junta wages a withering offensive ahead of elections.

The junta has increased air strikes year-on-year since the start of Myanmar's civil war, conflict monitors say, after snatching power in a 2021 putsch ending a decade-long democratic experiment.

The military has set polls starting December 28 -- touting the vote as an off-ramp to fighting -- but rebels have pledged to block it from territory they control, which the junta is battling to claw back.

A military jet bombed on Wednesday the general hospital of Mrauk-U in western Rakhine state, bordering Bangladesh, two aid workers said.

A junta spokesman could not be reached for comment.

At least 20 bodies were visible on the ground outside the hospital overnight, while daybreak revealed rubble covering ward beds, masonry peppered by shrapnel and the nearby ground cratered.

"This is an inhuman act. It is vile and violent," said aid worker Wai Hun Aung, who arrived on the scene on Thursday morning.

He said 31 people were killed and 68 wounded. A separatist force gave a toll of 33 dead.

"They are saying that they will hold elections on December 28," the aid worker added. "Even at this time, they are brutally killing the people."

Health workers and patients were killed, and "hospital infrastructure was severely damaged, with operating rooms and the main inpatient ward completely destroyed," said World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X.



- Mass mourning -



Carpenter Maung Bu Chay said the strike killed three of his wife, and his daughter-in-law and her father.

"When someone informed me they were in the completely destroyed building, I realised they hadn't survived," said the 61-year-old.

"I feel resentful about their act. I feel strong anger and defiance in my heart."

Locals hammered together plywood coffins outside a funeral hall where bodies lay inside, as mourners wept on their knees in a frenzy of grief.

Hla Maung Oo, the chair of a local committee that organises free funerals, said the death toll of 31 included a months-old infant.

"We don't want this to happen again," he said. "It should not happen like this."

Rakhine state is controlled almost in its entirety by the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority separatist force active long before the military toppled the civilian government of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The separatist force said in a statement that 33 people were killed and 76 wounded in the strike.



- State of decline -



The Arakan Army has emerged as one of the most powerful opposition groups in the civil war ravaging Myanmar, alongside other ethnic minority fighters and pro-democracy partisans who took up arms after the coup.

Scattered rebels initially struggled to make headway before a trio of groups led a joint offensive starting in 2023, backfooting the military and prompting it to bolster its ranks with conscripted troops.

The AA was a key participant in the so-called "Three Brotherhood Alliance" but its two other factions this year agreed Chinese-brokered truces, leaving it as the last one standing.

While the military-run election has been widely criticised by monitors including the United Nations, Beijing has emerged as a key backer, saying it should "restore social stability" to its neighbour.

The AA has proven a powerful adversary for the junta and now controls all but three of Rakhine's 17 townships, according to conflict monitors.

But the group's ambitions are largely limited to their Rakhine homeland, hemmed in by the coast of the Bay of Bengal and jungle-clad mountains to the north.

The group has also been accused of atrocities including against the mostly Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority from the region.

Meanwhile the military has blockaded Rakhine, contributing to a humanitarian crisis which has seen "a dramatic rise in hunger and malnutrition", the World Food Programme said in August.
Zelensky says Donetsk among key disagreements in peace talks



Kyiv, Ukraine, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday the status of the eastern Donetsk region and future control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were the two key points of contention in talks with Washington on a deal to end the war with Russia.

He said Washington was still pushing for Kyiv to make big territorial concessions to Russia to halt the conflict that started with Moscow's February 2022 invasion and that has killed tens of thousands.

Washington wants only Ukraine to withdraw its troops from parts of the Donetsk region, where it would install a demilitarised buffer between the two armies, Zelensky said.

"They see Ukrainian forces leaving the territory of Donetsk region, and the supposed compromise is that Russian forces do not enter this territory ... which they already call a 'free economic zone'," Zelensky told reporters.

That, he added, remained one of the key points of contention in the talks with the United States that have intensified after Washington drafted a plan to resolve the conflict that was seen as heeding to much of Russia's demands.

"We have two key points of disagreement: the territory of Donetsk and everything related to it, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. These are the two topics we continue to discuss," Zelensky told reporters, including from AFP, at a briefing.

He also said that any potential compromise on territory should be decided by a popular vote.

"I believe that the people of Ukraine will answer this question. Whether through elections or a referendum, there must be a position from the people of Ukraine," he told journalists.

Ukraine said on Wednesday it handed over the updated plan for ending the Russian invasion to Washington but said it was not disclosing details of its amendments pending the American side's reaction.
Irish defence minister announces hike in military spending



Ireland, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Ireland's defence minister announced Thursday a 55-percent hike in military spending, including in counter-drone technology, days after unidentified drones were spotted during President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent visit to Dublin.

The 1.7-billion euro ($2-billion) defence spending plan was announced by Helen McEntee during a visit to the Curragh army camp in County Kildare, west of Dublin.

The plan will include spending on "counter-drone technology" that should be in place by next summer, when Ireland will host the rotating six-month EU presidency.

"That will be there to be able to detect, identify and essentially neutralise any drones that may be a threat," she told reporters.

"We are focusing on the expansion and development of a new radar system" that will be developed by 2028, McEntee added.

Several unidentified drones were seen in the skies when Zelensky's plane landed in Dublin on December 1, with similar sightings over airports and sensitive infrastructure rattling European countries in recent months.

"There was identification of drones in the skies at certain times, there is a review underway at the moment," said McEntee, adding that police and army are investigating the incident.

During a visit to Dublin on Tuesday, European Council President Antonio Costa said the incident "is another example of the hybrid attacks from Russia and the hybrid threats from Russia in the European territory".

At the same joint press conference, Irish prime minister Micheal Martin agreed with Costa, saying that the "drone incident does fit in... with an established pattern of similar disruption incidents that have taken place in other European states".

McEntee told reporters the spending package includes "significant investment in the purchasing of new aircraft and the purchasing of new personnel carriers and fleets".

She also said it would boost investment in expanding "sonar capacity" to monitor seabeds and protect undersea cables, with European countries expressing growing concerns about the risk Moscow poses to critical undersea infrastructure following the suspected sabotage of subsea cables in recent months.
British navy says it tracked Russian sub for three days in Channel



London, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



The British navy said Thursday it tracked a Russian submarine navigating through the Channel for three days, as it steps up efforts to police its seas against such threats.

A British naval supply ship with an on-board helicopter was deployed to track the stealthy Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar and the tug Altay, the Royal Navy said in a statement.

The Russian ships had arrived from the North Sea and entered the Channel.

"Expert aircrew were prepared to pivot to anti-submarine operations if Krasnodar had dived below the surface," the statement said.

But it sailed on the surface throughout the operation, despite unfavourable weather conditions.

Near the island of Ouessant, off northwest France, the British said they handed over monitoring of the vessels to a NATO ally, without saying which one.

The British military carried out a similar shadowing operation in July, after spotting the Russian sub Novorossiysk in its territorial waters.

Defence minister John Healey announced on Monday the launch of a multi-million pound programme to improve the Royal Navy's capabilities in the face of Moscow's "underwater threats".

According to London, Russian submarine activity in British waters has increased by about a third over the past two years.

In early December, the UK and Norway signed a cooperation agreement to jointly operate a fleet of frigates to "hunt down" these submarines in the North Atlantic.
'I can't believe it': Liam Rosenior 'gamble' blasted as Chelsea lose to Arsenal again

'Lost for words': Rosenior 'gamble' blasted as Chelsea lose to Arsenal
"China is for us not only a big market, but also a showcase for innovations." BSH Home Appliances Group, Europe's leading home appliance manufacturer, has found China's innovation as rewarding as its manufacturing strength. #GLOBALink




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Okava Pharmaceuticals is currently testing the implants in cats with obesity. The company hopes to recruit at least 50 cats, giving at least two thirds the drug. Cats will be observed for three months, after which owners can choose if they want to take part in a three month extension.
Previous research has shown that autistic people and those with ADHD are overrepresented in prisons, with rising evidence that many individuals come into contact with the justice system without ever receiving a diagnosis. Studies have also found that ADHD medication can help improve impulse control and lower the risk of criminal behaviour in some people.
Ofqual chief regulator Sir Ian Bauckham told the Press Association: If any more on-screen assessment is going to happen, it needs to be done in a way which is managed and in the interests of students, commands public confidence and is deliverable, importantly, for schools and colleges.
Experts say the strikes may be illegal. There has been little or no proof made public that the boats are carrying drugs or that it was necessary to blow them out of the water rather than stop them, seize their cargo and question those on board.
These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice.
JUBA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan said on Thursday that it has reached an agreement with both warring parties in neighboring Sudan to secure the Heglig oil field, after the site was captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services Ateny Wek Ateny told reporters in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, that the tripartite deal was reached by South Sudan People's Defense Forces, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and the RSF.

According to Ateny, South Sudan has consistently advocated for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the Sudanese conflict since its outbreak in April 2023.

South Sudan is hosting some SAF soldiers who retreated to the northern Unity State, after the RSF attacked the Heglig oil field, he noted.

The announcement came after the RSF said on Monday that it had taken full control of the oil-producing Heglig area in South Kordofan following the withdrawal of army troops.

"The government of South Sudan regrets these new bouts of hostilities and urges both the SAF and the RSF to embrace ongoing regional and international mediation initiatives," Ateny said.

He added that the renewed fighting between the rival forces continues to negatively affect the lives and property of the Sudanese people and has further intensified the displacement of civilians into South Sudan.

Located in the Muglad Basin, the Heglig oil field is among Sudan's most important oil-producing areas. It contains roughly 75 wells and key infrastructure, including pipelines, storage tanks, and processing stations, and serves as a major hub for crude pumped from South Sudan to Port Sudan for export. 
University of Texas students walk on campus blocks away from the Texas Capitol on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday a $4.8 million investment into the University of Texas to establish a new lab focused on a key aspect of semiconductor research. The announcement comes as the state looks to expand its dominance in chips manufacturing.

With the grant announced this week, UT will open a new quantum computing lab  called the QLab  to research and develop tools that improve the production of chips using quantum metrology and computing.

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Texas is the new frontier of innovation," Abbott said in a news release. And UT Austin is where world-changing discoveries in quantum research and development are being made.

The $4.8 million grant comes from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, which was established in 2023 under the Texas CHIPS Act to incentivize semiconductor research and manufacturing. The fund has received $948 million since its establishment.

In recent years, Texas invested in both semiconductor manufacturing and quantum computing research. The goal is to bring the state to the forefront of emerging and lucrative fields that have large-scale national security, health and artificial intelligence ramifications.

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Semiconductors is a technical term for computer chips, and politicians on both sides of the aisle have emphasized the importance of investing in domestic semiconductor production to protect the countrys economic and national security.

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UT's focus on semiconductors

UT has surpassed $1.4 billion in semiconductor investments from federal and state grants alone, and also boasts 10 research centers, more than 30 industry partners and more than 400,000 square feet of research space.

The school officially established the Quantum Information Center last year to unite the work being done across campus in that branch of research. Its a collaboration between applied research labs and computer science, electrical and computer engineering and physics departments that fills a needed part of semiconductor research, said Texas Quantum Institute Co-director Elaine Li.

If you're using a smartphone, then you're using semiconductor technology, and none of the semiconductor technology will work without the prediction and guidance of quantum physics, Li said.

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But basic computing chips cant necessarily solve the most complex of problems, which is why researchers, manufacturers and politicians are turning to quantum mechanics.

Quantum computing harnesses the power of quantum mechanics  the behavior of particles smaller than atoms  to solve complex problems that normal computing and supercomputers cant.

Quantum metrology  the focus of the QLab  studies the highly complex measurements in the field that make these computers and calculations possible. Li and her co-director submitted the grant request last year and said the QLab will enable faculty to study tools that increase the efficiency of highly delicate production.

The process of making these very elaborate chips involves almost one thousand steps, and any failure could cause a production to fail, Li said.

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Currently, Li said, the United States semiconductor manufacturing has a smaller yield of working chips than other countries, such as Taiwan. But the QLab will introduce brand new tools and partner with industry to revolutionize the efficiency of how the chips are produced.

The funding arrived at UT about a month ago and faculty have already begun researching, Li said.

Our ambitions and our vision for the QLab is really to pursue the most advanced instruments, Li said. We want to push the frontier of semiconductor metrology, really leverage a lot of the new developments in quantum science and technology.

The QLab will be managed by Texas Institute for Electronics, Microelectronic Research Center and the Texas Materials Institute at UT.

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Li is hopeful the lab will attract more funding and collaboration with industry and the federal government that will impact semiconductor production nationwide.

Central Texas is home to numerous competitive semiconductor manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics, two NXP Semiconductor facilities and Applied Technologies. It is also home to operations for major semiconductor companies and clients, like Dell Technologies, Tesla, Nvidia, Oracle Corp., AMD, IBM and Intel.

Since the creation of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, a number of companies have benefitted from the program, including Samsung for its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, Austin-based Silicon Laboratories, KoMiCo Technology Inc., Dongjin Semichem Texas, MGC Pure Chemicals in Killeen, Yerico Manufacturing in Elgin. Austin Community College and Temple College also received grants.

Its not the only investment Texas has made. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed a bill to create the Texas Quantum Initiative, dedicating funding for the industry.

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Li said Texas has supported semiconductor research significantly, making the state an undeniable leader in the U.S.. The lab, she said, will only add to its success.

Texas is actually leading in semiconductor technology, both industry wise, and of course, a lot of exciting research happening at our universities, Li said.  And we hope that you know that grants like this increase our visibility nationally and to other potential users.

Reporter Karoline Leonard contributed to this report.

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Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at NRG Stadium on April 21, 2023 in Houston. Bob Levey/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

You dont know the life of a showgirl, babe  but youre about to. Taylor Swifts Eras Tour documentary is coming, and you dont need to calm down.

The first two episodes of The End of an Era, the highly anticipated six-part docuseries on the record-breaking tour, premiere Friday. Heres what to know.

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Taylor Swift documentary release time: Dates for 'The End of an Era' episodes

The End of an Era drops its first two episodes on Disney+ at 2 a.m. Central Time on Friday, Dec. 12  notably the day before Taylor Swifts 36th birthday. The other episodes will arrive later, with two per week:

Dec. 12: Episodes 1 and 2

Episodes 1 and 2 Dec. 19: Episodes 3 and 4

Episodes 3 and 4 Dec. 26: Episodes 5 and 6

Who is featured in 'The End of an Era'?

The behind-the-scenes look at Taylor Swifts The Eras Tour will include other stars who appeared on tour stops, like Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Florence Welch.

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Taylor Swift (R) and Sabrina Carpenter perform onstage during night two of The Eras Tour at Caesars Superdome on Oct. 26, 2024 in New Orleans. TAS2024/Getty Images for TAS

Another celebrity in the docu-series wont be singing (or will he): Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, now Swifts fiance, will get some screen time as well as Swifts parents, Scott and Andrea Swift, and younger brother, Austin Swift.

WATCH: 'The End of an Era' trailer

When does the new Taylor Swift Eras Tour film come out?

Separately, the concert film Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show will also drop on Dec. 12. This differs from the 2023 film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which was produced before Swifts 11th studio album The Tortured Poets Department made it onstage. The new film was created from Swifts final show on The Eras Tour in Vancouver, Canada in December 2024.

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Like the first two episodes of Swifts docuseries, the new concert film will hit Disney+ at 2 a.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 12. So if youre Down Bad for live performances of Swifts dramatic The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived or the (slightly scary) viral Whos Afraid of Little Old Me?, youre in luck!

Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 1, 2024 in Indianapolis. Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

The 2025 concert film will also include a new acoustic set from the Vancouver finale  and the emotional, nostaligic five-song mashup (from five albums) of A Place in This World (debut album), New Romantics (1989), Long Live (Speaker Now), New Years Day (Reputation) and The Manuscript (The Tortured Poets Department).

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WATCH: 'Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show' trailer

Where can I watch the new Taylor Swift docuseries, Eras Tour movie?

The End of an Era will stream on Disney+ according to the release schedule.

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MacKenzie Scott has donated more than $26 billion in nonprofits since her 2019 divorce from Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

MacKenzie Scott, the philanthropist and author who was once married to billionaire Jeff Bezos, recently revealed that she donated $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025  and Texas institutions are benefiting from her generosity.

The donation is nearly three times higher than her previous contributions: $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion in 2023. Scott has donated more than $26 billion to nonprofits since her 2019 divorce from the Amazon mogul, according to her website, Yield Giving.

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This dollar total will likely be reported in the news, but any dollar amount is a vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal expressions of care being shared into communities this year, Scott wrote in a blog post this week.

She donated to more than 180 organizations and primarily supported institutions championing DEI, education, humanitarian aid and disaster recovery, sectors decimated by President Donald Trumps administration this year.

HIGHER EDUCATION: Second Texas university system to restrict race and gender course content

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Scotts gifts are unrestricted, meaning recipients can use them however they see fit. She also doesnt accept applications for funding; instead, Scott has been known to award donations at her discretion, often with little warning.

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Three institutions in Texas received gifts this year  Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Prairie View A&M University.

TAMIU receives its second donation from Scott

Texas A&M International University received $38 million from Scott, the second-largest donation in the institutions history. The largest donation  $40 million  was given by Scott in 2020.

This is an investment in our future, said Dr. Christopher Maynard, president of TAMIU. The earnings from this investment will impact the success of TAMIU students for generations to come. It is also a remarkable catalyst that allows us the privilege of working with our partners to maximize and extend their support to always secure what truly benefits our students and drives their success.

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In a statement, the school said it will determine the best use of the new funds by mid-spring.

For TAMU-Kingsville, gift is 'transformational'

Texas A&M University-Kingsville, which is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), announced Monday that it also received a landmark gift of $38 million, the single largest gift in the schools history.

For 100 years, Texas A&M University-Kingsville has served as a beacon of hope for the students and families in South Texas and beyond, and this gift will usher in a new era of innovation and impact for our region, said Dr. Robert Vela, president of TAMUK. We are profoundly grateful for this transformational gift and are incredibly excited about the opportunities this will provide to our community.

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A century ago, this university was the first institution of higher learning to believe in the promise of South Texas, and today, we are grateful that MacKenzie Scott and her team believe in us, Vela continued.

Specific guidance for the gift is still to be determined, but the school said its general investment priorities include expanding tuition affordability programs, creating a Workforce Innovation Campus, supporting a new rural nursing program and developing new programs designed to cater to regional economic needs, with hopes of reaching Research 1 (R1) status.

Major investment in Texas' oldest HBCU

Established in 1876, Prairie View A&M University is the states oldest public Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

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It received $50 million from Scott in 2020 and an additional $63 million this year, bringing her total support to $113 million.

After the initial donation, Prairie View said it allocated the money toward need-based scholarships, emergency aid, academic support programs and its endowment. A portion of the gift also supported the creation of the Toni Morrison Writing Program, which brings distinguished visiting authors to campus to teach writing-intensive courses.

The new gift will expand on that investment, the school said in a statement.

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Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, takes his seat before a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education in the East Room of the White House, on Sept. 4, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP

Time has named the Architects of AI  the tech leaders driving todays artificial intelligence boom, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAIs Sam Altman  as its 2025 Person of the Year.

The choice hits home in Texas: The state has become a nexus for the AI economy, from massive data center investments by Google and database and cloud computing company Oracle to semiconductor and cloud infrastructure projects across the Lone Star State. Google alone recently announced a $40 billion plan to build three new AI data centers in Texas, marking its largest investment in any state.

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during a press conference at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation on Oct. 31. Lee Jin-man/AP

Texas is also drawing in billions from joint ventures like OpenAI and Oracles Stargate AI infrastructure project  with multiple data center sites underway that will house hundreds of thousands of chips and support jobs and energy networks across West Texas.

Nvidia signed a seven-year lease for 54,000 square feet of space at the Crossings at Lakeline. The Silicon Valley chip design company says the space will allow it to expand its staff in the future. Austin American-Statesman

What is Time's Person of the Year?

Person of the Year is Times yearly call on who or what most shaped the news  for better or for worse  over the past 12 months.

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The franchise dates back to 1927 and has included presidents, pop stars, protesters, whistleblowers, social movements and even nonhuman picks like The Computer or The Endangered Earth. Its less a prize for being admirable and more a statement about who defined the years story.

Who was last years Person of the Year?

Last year, Times Person of the Year was Donald Trump, after he won a second, nonconsecutive term as president.

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The magazine framed the choice around his political comeback  from facing multiple criminal cases and being sidelined by parts of his own party to reclaiming the Republican nomination and the White House.

Did Time mention Texas?

Yes. The article includes a section set in Abilene, describing the area as the location of the flagship Stargate data-center project backed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank.

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The Oracle campus along Lady Bird Lake in Austin, pictured in 2021. The company moved its corporate headquarters to Austin in 2020. Ricardo Brazziell/Ricardo B. Brazziell / American-
Austin police identified the suspect in a road rage incident over the weekend as Ian Brinkmeyer. American-Statesman file

Police have reportedly identified the suspect in a road rage incident that went viral over the weekend, and a warrant is out for his arrest.

Ian Brinkmeyer is accused of misdemeanor criminal mischief for his alleged behavior on Friday. Video shows a man shattering another motorists window before speeding off  prompting a chase down the busy highway near the MoPac interchange.

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It's unclear what sparked the incident.

Austin police initially said they would be investigating the incident as an assault with injury case.

The incident occurred on northbound Loop 360, during heavy midday traffic, on the 4100 block of Capital of Texas Highway. A car pivoted in front of a vehicle stopped in traffic before a man, who police think to be Brinkmeyer, got out. He threw his hands up in anger, revealing a long skinny object in his hand.

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He then approached the car behind him, struck its driver-side window with the object  breaking it  then sprinted back to his own car and accelerated away. He wove out of MoPac traffic around cars in the turn lane to escape, but the targeted driver quickly followed.

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No arrests had been made as of Wednesday afternoon.
Dante Motley covers breaking news for the American-Statesman. He previously completed a fellowship with the Texas Tribune, worked as an intern for the Sacramento Bee, and interned for chef Jose Andres's media company, helping with cookbooks, TV shows and podcasts. He graduated from Yale University in 2024, where he was managing editor of the Yale Daily News.
KIPP Texas Public Schools will close campuses in Austin and San Antonio amid enrollment declines. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman

KIPP Texas Public Schools, one of the largest charter operators in the state, announced Thursday it will close five Austin and two San Antonio schools next fall in response to enrollment decline.

Though charter enrollment is still increasing statewide, the closures of charter campuses come at a time that many traditional Texas school districts  including in Austin and San Antonio  are closing campuses to ward off the strains of low enrollment and fiscal woes. In a recording of a meeting with parents, KIPP officials said the plan was meant to get ahead of predicted declining enrollment at these campuses.

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The risk associated with not considering closure of these campuses could result in us making staffing reductions that would severely impact student experience in the classroom and through extracurricular programming, KIPPs Chief of Staff Jenna Moon said in the recording.

East of Highway 183, the KIPP charter school district will close KIPP Alegria Primary, a prekindergarten to fourth grade school, and KIPP Academy of Arts & Letters, a fifth through eighth grade campus.

In South Austin, the district will close KIPP Austin Obras, a Pre-K to fourth grade campus; KIPP Beacon Prep, a fifth through eighth grade campus; and KIPP Austin Brave, a ninth through 12th grade campus.

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The charter district is also closing KIPP Un Mundo Primary and KIPP Camino Academy, a fifth through eighth grade campus, in West San Antonio.

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The education system is always evolving, for public, private and charter schools, and we are not alone in facing changing demographics and enrollment trends in various regions, said Sehba Ali, CEO of KIPP Texas.

Ali said the closures would let the district operate smarter and serve our families more effectively.

A KIPP spokesperson directed further questions to the school website.

Charter enrollment

Statewide, KIPP enrolls about 32,700 students, a figure thats growing. KIPP enrolls the second-most students, behind IDEA Public Schools, of any charter network operating within Austin school district boundaries.

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About 2,642 students within Austin district boundaries attend a KIPP campus. However, that enrollment has decreased since the 2020-21 school year, when 3,167 students within the Austin district attended KIPP schools.

Almost 5,000 students attended a KIPP campus in the greater Austin area last year, according to TEA data.

The charter said all students at a closed campus will retain a spot at another KIPP school, if they choose.

In July, the Austin Discovery School announced it would abruptly close before the start of the new school year. The school enrolled about 200 students last year.

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Meanwhile, enrollment in charter schools has only been growing across the state.

Charter enrollment nearly doubled in the last decade, from 228,153 students in the 2014-15 school year to 436,031 students last year. Students in charter schools make up about 8% of Texas public school children, according to data from the Texas Education Agency.

Some traditional public schools, on the other hand, have been closing schools, often in response to declining enrollment and budget strains.
Kristina Byington displays a pin honoring her cousin Anita Byington, who was murdered in 1991. Kristina Byington says the family deserved their day in court; instead, District Attorney Jose Garza asked a judge to dismiss the murder case against Allen Andre Causey. Jay Janner / American-Statesman

When I hit send in April 2024 on an email to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, I laid out what looked like a looming miscarriage of justice in the 1991 murder of my cousin, Anita Byington, and I asked his office to intervene.

Little did I know that the next year, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza would confirm my worst fears: In May, Garza asked the courts to dismiss the murder charge against Allen Andre Causey, the man convicted of killing Anita three decades earlier. The judge obliged.

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Through relentless digging, I learned the Texas comptroller in July cut Causey a check for $2.5 million under the Tim Cole Act, a compensation statute reserved for people who have been cleared of the crime that sent them to prison. In addition, starting in July 2026, the state will send Causey annuity payments of about $15,590 a month for the rest of his life.

No court has exonerated Causey. Yet in court filings, Garza said he believes (Causey) is actually innocent, paving the way for the dismissal of the charges and millions of dollars in compensation from the state.

I have no objection to correcting genuine wrongful convictions. But that is not the case here. After a years-long habeas proceeding, Travis County District Judge Chantal Eldridge ruled last year that Causey has not met his burden of proof to establish actual innocence and that some inculpatory evidence against Applicant remains in the record. Likewise, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals said in April that it did not find evidence that Causey is actually innocent, but it sent the case back to the trial court to address concerns about the original prosecutors' unknowing use of false testimony.

We deserved our day in court. Instead, Garza pressed for dismissal. The victim and her family were treated as collateral damage.

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Anita was 21 when she was beaten to death in East Austin with a 40-pound concrete rain diverter and what appeared to be a belt buckle. Neighbors heard a woman screaming, then two male voices. Witnesses noticed Causey circling the crime scene in his car. He blurted out I didnt kill her before anyone accused him, then signed a detailed, written confession, which Causey later asserted was fabricated by police. A jury weighed all of this and convicted him. He served 31 years of a 50-year sentence. Our familys sentence was a lifetime of dealing with this loss.

Garzas decision fits a pattern now familiar across America: progressive prosecutors, who often were previously public defenders or social justice activists, work hand-in-glove with the Innocence Project and defense lawyers to circumvent the appeals process and clear convicted killers. The prosecutor petitions a court to reopen a case based on police or prosecutor misconduct, secures a new trial and then dismisses the charges  pushing aside victims and law enforcement.

Police have said they are investigating a new suspect, Kevin Harris, the last person Anita was seen alive with. Eldridge's ruling says new evidence suggests beyond a reasonable doubt that Kevin Harris was, at minimum, a party to the murder of Anita Byington. But the evidence also suggests multiple assailants.

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Allen Andre Causey, shown outside the courthouse in January 2024, was convicted three decades ago for the murder of Anita Byington. This year a court dismissed the case against him, even as a judge last year said Causey has not met his burden of proof to establish actual innocence. Jay Janner / American-Statesman

No court said Causey didnt do it. In fact, Eldridge said the opposite. Yet Garzas office kept my family in the dark, sought to dismiss the indictment and let the state pay Causey millions of dollars meant for the demonstrably innocent.

Anita does not get another day in court. She does not get a press release or a seven-figure check. She gets a headstone and a family that still remembers what the court itself refused to forget: Allen Andre Causey was never proven innocent of her murder.

The Tim Cole Act provides for compensation for people who served prison time and were later pardoned on the basis of innocence or found by a court to be actually innocent of the crime. Neither of those circumstances apply to Causey.

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However, the law also provides compensation when someone has been released on a writ of habeas corpus, if the district court has dismissed the charges because the district attorney says they believe that the defendant is actually innocent. That created a pathway for Causey's compensation.
A man rides an electric scooter on a street in Ankara, Turkiye, Dec. 9, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has introduced its strictest regulations yet for electric scooters, mandating real-time tracking and giving local authorities greater oversight in an effort to curb rising injuries and fatalities in major cities.

The new rules, unveiled last week, aim to bring order to a fast-growing transport sector that has outpaced existing infrastructure.

Under the updated framework, operators must transmit real-time location and identification data for every scooter to the Transport Ministry's central monitoring system. Companies are also required to submit monthly reports detailing accidents, complaints, and maintenance logs.

Officials say the measures address long-standing concerns over reckless riding, pavement clutter and the lack of reliable accident data.

"When you rent a scooter, the app provides a designated route monitored via GPS. If you deviate, you receive an audio warning," Serkan Kaya, an Ankara municipal official, told Xinhua.

If the rider ignores the warning and enters a restricted area, the scooter's speed is automatically throttled, forcing the rider to turn back. Kaya noted that local administrations now have expanded powers to cap fleet sizes, enforce "no-ride" zones, and penalize non-compliant operators.

According to data released in May by the General Directorate of Highways, 18 people were killed and more than 2,200 were injured in scooter-related accidents in Turkiye in 2024.

Gokhan Kahvecibey, a 55-year-old Ankara resident, said riders frequently use scooters on pavements, posing a danger to pedestrians. He described the scooters as "beautiful devices that make life easier," but said their benefits should not come at the expense of public safety.

Despite the risks, demand remains high. Doga Arslandogan, a 22-year-old university student, rides daily to avoid traffic and save money, though he acknowledged the dangers.

"Drivers and pedestrians are not always careful. A driver nearly hit my friend last week because he didn't see the scooter," Arslandogan said. He welcomed the data-sharing requirements, noting that tracking will help clarify liability in accidents where scooters are often moved from the scene.

"This is a classic case of rapid adoption without parallel investment in safety," said Yigit Dedeoglu, an Istanbul-based road safety expert. "Scooters appeared faster than cities could adapt, leading to conflict between riders, pedestrians, and vehicles."

Previous regulations set the minimum riding age at 15 and banned scooters from highways, but accident rates have remained stubbornly high. Authorities say the new oversight will protect residents while preserving micro-mobility as a sustainable transport option. 

A man rides an electric scooter on a street in Ankara, Turkiye, Dec. 9, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

A man is seen with his electric scooter on a street in Ankara, Turkiye, Dec. 9, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
A man walks toward a voting center in 2020. Last month the Secretary of State's Office flagged more than 2,700 "potential noncitizens" on the voter rolls, but other state records suggest many of them are citizens. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

As Travis Countys voter registrar, Celia Israel works to ensure that citizens can access the polls despite perennial state-level attempts to purge people from the voter rolls. On the first day of early voting in October came the latest directive: The Secretary of State's Office sent Israel a list of 97 potential noncitizens on the Travis County voter rolls and ordered her to investigate.

Those 97 names in Travis County were among more than 2,700 flagged statewide after Secretary of State Jane Nelson's office compared Texas voter rolls to a federal immigration database. But Nelson's office didn't perform the most basic due diligence. Had her office run those names by the Texas Department of Public Safety  which obtains proof of citizenship when some people register to vote while getting their driver's license or ID  they would have found that some of the people flagged in Travis County had already documented their citizenship with the state.

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As Votebeat recently reported, that pattern repeated across Texas: 39 of the voters flagged in Bexar County had registered at DPS. So had 59 of the 109 people flagged in Collin County, and nearly half of the 48 flagged in Brazoria County. It's likely at least some of those voters had already documented their citizenship with the agency.

If the goal were to ensure only valid voters appeared on the rolls, the Secretary of State's Office should have started with the DPS data at its fingertips. Instead, the goal remains stoking unfounded fears of noncitizen voting  while creating busywork for local officials like Israel instead of helping them address real challenges, including technological issues with the states election management software.

I never thought Id see the day when the political times make things difficult for those who want to carry out good, efficient local governance, Israel, Travis County's Tax Assessor-Collector, told us.

That day came long ago, and Texans now relive it each election cycle. In 2019, the list of noncitizen voters supposedly threatening our elections topped 95,000. Last year, it was 6,500. Each time, these lists crumble under scrutiny. They often contain people who got drivers licenses as lawful residents and later became naturalized citizens who then registered to vote.

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This pattern suggests to Calvin Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, that Nelson and other state officials who dust off these narratives each election cycle know they are spreading falsehoods. Candidates and elected officials in more politically competitive states have an incentive to make sense, he said. Here in Texas, where the dominant party often wins by double-digit margins, Republicans can swing from the chandelier when riling up their base.

We asked the Secretary of State's Office why it did not compare its list of potential noncitizens to the DPS records. Spokesperson Alicia Pierce did not give an explanation, but said the office has been very clear about its process, reiterating that it did not cross-check the data before sending it to county voter registrars. To the extent a county needs our help in conducting their investigations, we are happy to assist, she said.

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After Israel requested proof of citizenship records from DPS, the agency told her the Transportation Code prohibits it from providing these records to other agencies except in extenuating circumstances, such as active investigations. Yet the Transportation Code states that motor vehicle records must be disclosed in connection with any matter of  voter registration or the administration of elections by the secretary of state.

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DPS did not respond to a request for comment.

Israel requested assistance in a Nov. 13 letter to Nelson and the head of DPS. Nelson responded on Nov. 21, suggesting Israel consult an Oct. 16 webinar and an Oct. 21 email regarding the list maintenance work involving potential non-United States citizens. A Travis County tax office spokesperson told us that was the last they heard from the Secretary of State's Office.

Meanwhile, the issues with the election management software have yet to be fixed.

Texans deserve serious people in top government positions. What they get instead are stewards of threadbare right-wing grievances who are ready and willing to haul out spurious tales of foreigners corrupting the democratic process. Or migrants committing crimes. Or drag queens grooming children. Or porn on library shelves. Take your pick. Texans deserve honesty. They increasingly get deceptive misdirection.

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I dont think its too much to ask for government to work for, not against, people; to encourage cooperation, Israel said.

It's worth remembering the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice calls noncitizen voting vanishingly rare. Other election experts say such cases are virtually nonexistent, especially since Texas and other states have multiple systems to verify people are eligible to vote. While a few instances of noncitizen voting have happened in our nation of more than 160 million voters, the Libertarian Cato Institute says there is no good evidence it is happening at any meaningful scale.

It's time for Texas to put an end to the misleading notion of noncitizen voting. Our elections should be freed of this disinformation. And state officials should let Israel and other on-the-ground election workers do their job of turning the nuts and bolts of American democracy.

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CORRECTION: This editorial has been corrected to reflect the fact that proof of citizenship is provided by some, but not all, of the people who register to vote while obtaining their license or ID through the state Department of Public Safety.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar addresses the audience during a Texas Department of Transportation public meeting Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Barbara Fasken Community Center in Laredo, Texas. Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning T

Democrats on the powerful House budget committee voted Thursday to restore U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar to a leadership role, one week after President Donald Trump pardoned the Laredo Democrat of federal corruption charges, a spokesperson for his office told Hearst.

"We got ratified," Cuellar told reporters after the private meeting on Capitol Hill, according to Politico.

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The move makes Cuellar, 70, the top Democrat on the subcommittee overseeing funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The number of Democratic Appropriations Committee members who voted for Cuellar is not public, but the fact that the vote took place means at least one objected.

Cuellar stepped down from the post in May 2024 to comply with an internal Democratic caucus rule that bars members from holding committee leadership roles when they are under indictment. He retained his membership on the 61-member Appropriations Committee, which sets spending levels for federal agencies and departments, during that time.

Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood had served as the subcommittee's ranking Democrat in Cuellar's absence.

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READ MORE: After pardon, Trump rails against Henry Cuellar for running as a Democrat

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A federal grand jury indicted Cuellar on allegations that he had accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijani oil and gas firm and a Mexico City bank in exchange for steering legislation on their behalf, including through his role on the budget committee. His wife, Imelda Cuellar, was also indicted, and both denied wrongdoing. Trump pardoned the couple on Dec. 3, claiming Cuellar was targeted for pushing back against former President Joe Bidens policies on immigration and border security.

Trump publicly criticized Cuellar on Sunday for deciding to run for reelection as a Democrat after receiving a pardon. Cuellar, in turn, defended his decision, saying he remains a conservative Democrat committed to bipartisan cooperation. He also told Fox News that he was open to helping the president and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

The restoration of Cuellars leadership role comes as he seeks a 12th two-year term in a competitive district that national Republicans have marked as a top pickup opportunity. Republican Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina is seeking to oust him in the 2026 general election.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued a blue alert for snowstorm at 6 p.m. on Thursday.

It is forecast that snowfall will hit the mountainous areas to the west of Beijing in the early hours of Friday morning and extend to urban districts during the daytime.

The main snowfall period is expected to last from noon to the night. The cumulative snowfall in most parts of the city will likely exceed 4 millimeters, while mountainous areas in Fangshan and Mentougou districts could see up to 8 millimeters.

The observatory also issued an orange alert for road icing.

The city's meteorological authorities have warned that snowfall will make roads slippery and reduce visibility, adversely affecting traffic.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has expressed the hope that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will continue to exert a positive influence, support the multilateral trading system, further deepen cooperation with China, and inject new vitality into the economic development of China and the world.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Beijing on Wednesday.

He said China's economy has maintained a steady and sound momentum of growth since the start of this year, and China has the confidence and capability of maintaining sustained and healthy economic development.

Georgieva said that the IMF appreciates China's contributions to the global economy and the strong support the country has provided in establishing the IMF Shanghai Center. The center officially launched its operations on Monday.

The IMF is willing to continue strengthening its cooperation with China, said Georgieva. 

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Bitcentral Appoints Veteran Technology and Venture Executive Rick Arnold to its Board of Directors

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Newport Beach, California( )

Bitcentral, the leading provider of professional media solutions for broadcast and digital video, announces the appointment of Silicon Valley executive Rick Arnold to its Board of Directors. A highly accomplished executive with a track record of leadership across technology, venture capital, and corporate governance, Arnolds expertise will play a key role in advancing Bitcentrals strategic vision.

Im honored to join Bitcentrals Board of Directors, said Rick Arnold. For years, Bitcentral has earned the trust of media organizations by delivering reliable, thoughtfully designed solutions that support the day-to-day realities of modern broadcasting and digital video. The company has a strong reputation for understanding what its customers need and building technology that works. I look forward to supporting the Board as Bitcentral continues its long-standing commitment to operational excellence and dependable service.

Arnold serves as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Altos Ventures, a Silicon Valleybased venture capital firm. At Altos, he works with early-stage and growth-stage companies operating in both consumer and enterprise technology sectors. His role spans governance, legal strategy, and operational guidance for leadership teams navigating complex decisions.

Before joining Altos, Arnold served as General Counsel and Secretary of Silver Spring Networks (NYSE: SSNI) through its merger with Itron, and previously at Hewlett-Packard. Earlier in his career he practiced law at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati - the preeminent Silicon Valley law firm for high-growth technology companies - advising a broad range of technology companies across corporate strategy, transactions, and compliance.

Rick brings a rare combination of legal expertise, operational experience, and a deep understanding of how strong organizations are built, said Sam Kamel, CEO of Bitcentral. He also brings great integrity and character - qualities that have defined his leadership throughout his career. His perspective working alongside technology companies at every stage, from early stage to established, adds valuable clarity to the decisions that matter most. Ricks steady, disciplined, principle-based approach aligns well with Bitcentrals way of operating, and we are pleased to welcome him to the Board.

Arnold is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He also holds both a JD and MBA from Duke University and began his professional career as a U.S. Army officer.

With more than two decades of experience supporting technology organizations through operational, legal, and governance challenges, Arnold brings a well-rounded perspective to Bitcentrals Board as the company continues its work supporting media organizations in production, asset management, playout, and streaming workflows.
Maj. Blaine McGraw has been charged on 61 total counts, including more than 50 of secretly recording dozens of women he saw as patients at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood. (Bell County (Texas) Sheriffs Office)



The Army Inspector General will review medical treatment policies and practices after an OB-GYN assigned to Fort Hoods hospital was charged with secretly recording more than 40 patients, the service said Wednesday.

The inspector generals review will run alongside the Armys own internal evaluation to reinforce institutional accountability as a bedrock of the Armys health care system, the service said.

We are looking closely at how training is conducted, how standards are enforced and how leaders ensure that policies are being followed, Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre, the Army Surgeon General, said in a statement after touring Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas, on Tuesday.

The Army did not provide the full scope of its internal review or the inspector generals, such as whether any bases beyond Fort Hood will be included.

Though the Army and its inspector general can review and evaluate hospitals, they will need to work with the Defense Health Agency to implement any changes or recommendations. Izaguirre said the service is committed to working with the agency quickly and transparently to maintain faith with soldiers and families.

The surgeon general visited Fort Hood alongside Under Secretary of the Army Mike Obadal and Rear Adm. Matthew Case, acting deputy director of the DHA. They reviewed DHA policies and their implementation in Army medical facilities, and surveyed patient safety practices, protective safeguards, management standards and overall care quality.

Our ethical and moral imperative is to ensure deployment-ready forces while providing a safe and professional environment for all patients, Obadal said in a statement. When our soldiers and our families visit a military medical treatment facility, they place enormous trust in the providers and the system.

DHA officials also said Wednesday in a statement they are committed to an environment of trust and safety.

We joined Army leadership at Darnall so current and future patients know we are doing everything possible, so they feel safe and confident in the high level of care we expect in our facilities, the DHA said.

The tour occurred on the same day the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel announced it charged Maj. Blaine McGraw, 47, with 54 counts of indecent visual recording and three additional crimes.

McGraw, an OB-GYN, was accused Oct. 17 of secretly recording a patient and was immediately suspended, according to Fort Hood officials. Army Criminal Investigation Division arrived within hours to begin an investigation, which has included sifting through more than half a terabyte of digital media.

The charges against McGraw cover actions that began Jan. 1 and involve 44 women, one of whom was recorded outside of the hospital.

He is the second Army doctor in the past two years to face criminal charges for sexual misconduct with patients. Maj. Michael Stockin was convicted at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., of sexually abusing 41 patients and sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison.
Navy Reserve Center Chattanooga provides training, administrative support, and readiness resources for Navy Reserve personnel. (Edward Spears/U.S. Marine Corps)



WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  More than a hundred Navy Reserve Centers across the country will continue to operate after Congress reversed course on a controversial proposal to eliminate the military centers that have long been the backbone of the naval reserves.

The decision to save the facilities came after U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., and other top lawmakers wrote to House and Senate leaders about the significance of the sites, which have been a key training ground for generations of sailors.

A panel of senators originally proposed cutting the sites because of allegations they were wasteful, ineffective and threatened the countrys warfighting abilities  concerns that were challenged by those who oversaw the program.

The plan was originally tucked into the massive National Defense Authorization Act, which funds the U.S. military every year, but it has now been removed.

Wisdom has prevailed, said retired U.S. Navy Capt. Byron King, Pittsburgh council president of the Navy League of the United States, who rallied support around the issue.

The move to salvage the program, which was created in the throes of World War I, began just days after the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in October first reported the move by the Senate to shut down the centers and redirect training to other facilities.

King, a lawyer and former naval pilot, immediately launched a letter-writing campaign to key members of Congress, including Deluzio, saying that the Senate was provided wrong information before a final vote about the facilities and that they were important to the nations military.

Deluzio, a former Navy officer, responded to the effort, saying he would use his connections on the House Armed Services Committee and beyond to strike the language from the defense legislation.

Other lawmakers from both political parties joined the congressman, including Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, and Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass.

To me, its about readiness, Deluzio told the Post-Gazette in an interview. Its about making sure that people in Western Pennsylvania who want to serve, who are patriots, can still do it without having to foot the bill to go travel somewhere much further from home.

Deluzios efforts to salvage the system came in the wake of his own controversy.

The representative has faced backlash from President Donald Trump over a video that the congressman released with five other lawmakers encouraging service members to refuse illegal orders. Trump called the message seditious, leading to a wave of threats against the elected leaders  all former service members themselves  whom the FBI is now trying to investigate.

Im not going to be intimidated from doing my job, Deluzio told the Post-Gazette. Whatever goes on politically with the president or anyone else, it never changes the job Im elected to do.

Negotiations over the naval reserve centers also came as lawmakers hashed out other aspects of the defense bill, such as proposed limits on artificial intelligence regulation  a suggestion that also was scrapped.

A final vote on the legislation is expected this week.

Maybe this one didnt reach as much national attention, but it mattered to communities like ours all across the country, Deluzio said. Theres a reason a lot of our members really got engaged and once we started spearheading that pushback, we were able to get support and ultimately kill this provision.

The centers serve as training facilities for reservists as well as outreach posts where families of reservists who are deployed at sea can receive updates about their relatives.

More training later takes place at Navy bases, including the U.S. Fleet Forces Command headquarters in Norfolk, Va., where the reservists are sent.

The closures would have been unprecedented in the decadeslong history of the Navy Reserve, King said.

When we realized what it was, it was like holy smokes,  he said. I dont know who else around the country did anything like what we did.

The move to close the centers also sparked anger from Tim Flecker, a longtime Navy pilot who once served as commanding officer of the Pittsburgh-area center.

Forcing the sailors to commute longer distances to serve would have added undue stress and may have led some reservists to choose not to re-enlist, he said.

During his stint as commanding officer, Flecker said Western Pennsylvania sent more than 100 reserve sailors into conflicts in the Middle East.

While those reservists were deployed, Flecker said he and his staff remained in constant contact with family members  one of several little functions the center carried out that helped Pennsylvanians feel connected to the countrys war efforts.

Launched in the 1930s to prepare the nation for war, the facilities helped deploy hundreds of thousands of men and women  many who later shipped out in World War II  in what was once hailed by military leaders as a critical support system to the Navy.

The reserve center near Pittsburgh is one of 107 facilities in U.S. states and territories.

The Navy Reserve force now staffs about 48,000 members and another 10,000 involved in training and other duties.

2025 PG Publishing Co.

Visit at post-gazette.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
NAIROBI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has announced the 2025 Champions of the Earth Award winners for pioneering initiatives that tackle the climate crisis.

Unveiled Wednesday on the margins of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) underway in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the five winners were recognized for promoting climate justice, methane emissions reduction, sustainable cooling, forest conservation, and resilient buildings.

The Champions of the Earth Award, now in its 20th year, is the UN's highest environmental honor, celebrating green leaders and innovators who deliver important solutions in their respective fields.

Inger Andersen, the executive director of UNEP, said that this year's Champions of the Earth show the kind of leadership that will inspire the world to face down the challenge of climate change.

This year's winners include the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, a youth-led climate justice lobby, who won in the Policy Leadership category.

Supriya Sahu, an official in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, was recognized for her sustainable cooling and ecosystem restoration initiatives that have created 2.5 million green jobs, expanded forest cover and integrated heat adaptation into infrastructure, benefiting 12 million people. She has served as additional chief secretary in the state's Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forest.

Other winners include Mariam Issoufou, the principal and founder of Miriam Issoufou Architects, based in Mali and France, whose organization has promoted climate resilient buildings across the Sahel region.

Imazon, a non-profit research institute in Brazil, was recognized for combining science and AI-driven geospatial tools to curb deforestation in the Amazon, while Manfredi Caltagirone, former head of the UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory, was honored posthumously for championing science-based action on methane. 
Navy Rear Adm. Casey Moton, Newport News Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson and ship sponsor Pamela Bove applaud Andrew Kahler as he welds Boves initials into a metal plate during the keel authentication ceremony for the future USS Barb on Dec. 9, 2025, in Newport News, Va. Moton is the program executive officer for aircraft carriers. (Ashley Cowan/Huntington Ingalls Industries)



The keel was laid this week for the future USS Barb, the 31st Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, as the Navy continues to transition away from dependence on the Cold War-era Los Angeles-class attack submarines.

During a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Industries shipbuilding division in Newport News, Va., on Tuesday, the first weld was watched over by Pamela Bove, the boats sponsor.

Under Navy tradition, a woman is named the sponsor of new ships and submarines. Bove is married to Thomas Bove, the grandson of Rear Adm. Eugene Lucky Fluckey, who served as commander of the first USS Barb, a highly decorated World War II submarine.

Boves initials were etched onto a metal plate, signifying the keel as being truly and fairly laid.

It is an honor to serve as sponsor for Barb and see the legacy of this historic submarine carried forward to a new generation, Bove said. I am grateful for the shipbuilders who are working diligently to construct this mighty vessel and all the sailors who will selflessly serve aboard her for decades to come.

The USS Barb underway in November 1954 following modernization and during preparations for transfer to Italy. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

USS California, a Virginia-class fast attack submarine, on patrol in the Atlantic in 2011. (Stefanie Hauck/U.S. Navy)



The Barb is the namesake for the Gato-class attack submarine that earned four Presidential Unit Citations during World War II, according to Naval History and Heritage Command, sinking the aircraft carrier Unyo and 16 other enemy vessels. It was loaned to Italy as the Enrico Tazzoli before being scrapped in the 1970s.

A second Barb, a Permit-class attack submarine, served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1989.

The basic version of the Virginia-class submarine has a crew of 140 and a 377-foot-long hull equipped with advanced sensors that eliminate the need for a traditional periscope.

Its 7,800-ton displacement can move through the ocean at over 25 knots, and its nuclear reactor generates 40,000 shaft horsepower through a pump-jet propulsion system. It carries MK 48 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

An elongated version of the submarine carrying a Virginia Payload Module has a displacement of over 10,000 tons and can carry additional Tomahawk missiles, drones, mines and other weapons. The additional space can also be used for carrying commandos who can be deployed near shore for missions behind enemy lines.

There are 24 Virginia-class submarines in active service, the most in the Navy, and 10 are in various phases of sea tests, delivery or construction. Nine more have been authorized.

A total of 62 Los Angeles-class attack submarines were built from 1972 to 1996, with 21 still active in service for the Navy. Pentagon plans call for two, USS Newport News and USS Alexandria, to be decommissioned in 2026.

The Virginia-class submarines are built at both HII Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat Company in Groton, Conn.
About two dozen people gathered at a Yokosuka Naval Base park to watch the aircraft carrier USS George Washington as it returns to Yokosuka Naval base, Japan, Dec. 11, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The bellow of a ships horn coupled with the cheers of about 100 people waiting pierside signaled the arrival Thursday morning of the USS George Washington and the conclusion of its annual deployment.

Scores of sailors in dress blues manned the aircraft carriers rails as it steamed through Tokyo Bay toward its usual pier at the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet. Waiting friends and families held welcoming signs and flowers for their loved ones.

Sarah Hoopengardner, of Washington, D.C., and her children Tripp, 11, and Lily, 10, were on the pier to greet their husband and father, Cmdr. David Hoopengardner, a planning officer with Carrier Strike Group 5.

We are excited that he gets to come home for Christmas and celebrate the holidays, she told Stars and Stripes before the ship arrived. The family plans to mark the occasion with a steak dinner and by decorating their Christmas tree.

The carriers arrival closed out its first annual deployment since its return to Japan in November 2024. Previously homeported in Yokosuka from 2008 to 2015, the George Washington subsequently spent nearly six years in the United States for midlife nuclear refueling and maintenance.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Andre Garrett, right, greets his wife, Crystal, and 3-year-old son Andre after the aircraft carrier USS George Washington returned to Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)

Friends and family of U.S. Navy sailors aboard the USS George Washington watch as the aircraft carrier pulls into Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)

Sailors in dress blues man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington as tugboats guide the ship into its pier at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)



During its six-month journey this year the ship traveled approximately 56,000 miles, with port stops in Guam, the Philippines and South Korea, ship spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Mark Langford told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.

Rear Adm. Eric Pappy Anduze, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5, and Capt. Timothy Waits, the George Washingtons skipper, delivered brief pierside remarks to media Thursday, but took no questions.

Through every operation, every exercise and every milestone, our sailors performed with professionalism and pride, living up to our Navys core values of honor, courage and commitment, Anduze said.

One of the carriers two escorts, the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup, arrived last week, while the other, the guided-missile destroyer USS Robert Smalls, is due at Yokosuka in several weeks.

This was the first operational deployment for the F-35 Lightning II with the embarked Carrier Air Wing 5, signaling a new era of Navy fifth-generation air power permanently stationed in the region, Anduze said.

The carriers aircraft and pilots arrived home at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, on Saturday.

The George Washington also participated in several large-scale exercises, including Talisman Sabre 2025 in Australia, ANNUALEX alongside the Japan Self-Defense Force and Carrier Strike Group Exercise 2025 with South Korea, Anduze said.

The carrier made a lengthy mid-deployment stop in September, during which sailors honored Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV in a Sept. 25 Bells Across America ceremony. Lynch, an aviation boatswains mate presumed lost overboard off Australias northern coast.

The ship departed Sept. 30 but returned to Yokosuka on Oct. 18 with carriers air wing still on board.

President Donald Trump spoke in the carriers vaulted hangar Oct. 28 for nearly an hour to approximately 6,000 U.S. and Japanese troops.
(Bob Greabell/Stars and Stripes)



Frankfurt, Germany, Dec. 13, 1961: A Globemaster transport plane from the 54th Troop Carrier Squadron appears to be devouring a van filled with Berlin-bound Christmas gifts at Rhein-Main Air Base. Subscribers of the New York-based German-language newspaper Staatszeitung contributed more than $7,500 for the gifts, which were then packed by the Hanau Council of Sergeants Major and carried to Berlins kids by the 54th.

Looking for Stars and Stripes historic coverage? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/
Six wine glasses are offered to each patron during the wine and cheese class offered at the Cambridgeshire Wine School in the U.K. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes)



Few pairings are as iconic as wine and cheese. With such a wide variety to explore, I signed up for a class at Cambridgeshire Wine School to discover which combination spoke to me most.

Wine tasting options are limited in the Cambridge area of the U.K., but I found a course led by Mark Anstead, who owns the school less than an hour from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.

In the wake of the Great Recession, Anstead left journalism and eventually took a wine course in London. That led him to start the school in Cambridge around 2013.

The class I took is just one of the options in the schools assortment. For those seeking some holiday specificity, theres a class devoted to top wine-and-cheese pairings for Christmas. Another possible route involves selections of wines chosen by country.

Ansteads basic class on wine and cheese is designed for beginners and intermediate tasters, which made it a good fit for me, as Id engaged in only one previous wine tasting, during a tour in Italy.

Ive never been much of a wine connoisseur. I often struggled to pick up on the various flavors, especially when it comes to bitterness or sweetness. I was hoping this class might help me  and to say that it did is an understatement.

Mark Anstead instructs students at the the wine and cheese pairing class at Cambridgeshire Wine School in Cambridge, England, on Sept. 18, 2025. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes)



The session was held in a quiet conference room tucked beside a sleek hotel lobby, just steps from the train station.

Each table seated four people, with six wine glasses per person. In front of the room, there was a screen and a chair where Anstead guided the session.

I was seated with a couple seasoned in wine tasting as well as a fellow novice who wanted to learn more. The class started with a short overview of wine history and addressed common misconceptions, such as price equals quality.

Anstead quizzed us along the way to gauge experience levels, which put me at ease because I quickly realized most people in the room were also beginners.

We sampled seven wines and cheeses, with a bit of background on each pairing. We were instructed to pour just enough wine to reach the widest point of the glass.

Offered with each wine is one of six hand-selected cheeses at the the wine and cheese pairing class at Cambridgeshire Wine School in the U.K. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes)



Anstead walked us through the tasting process: observe the wines depth and clarity by tilting the glass, swirl to release aromas, then note the scents before sipping. Some wines smelled nutty, while others were herbal or fruity, with aromas ranging from berries to tropical and stone fruits.

The first few wines I tried didnt tickle my fancy. The Baron des Cours Medoc and Cuvee des Vignerons Beaujolais tasted bitter and flat to me.

The Westcombe cheese and creamy, mushroom-flavored Baron Bigod were also hard passes for me. Surprisingly, my fellow students loved them, which just proved how personal taste is.

Toward the end of the class, I struck gold. The Bodle chardonnay paired with Silver Fox smoked cheddar were rich, balanced and delicious. The smoked cheddar smelled of charred oakwood, and the wine had the aroma of fruit freshly picked from a tropical island.

Ditto for the Maragliano Moscato dAsti, a sparkling wine from Italys Piedmont region and Wensleydale, a saltier, honey-smelling, buttermilk cheese that pairs well with sweeter wines and desserts. I found the combination decadent and exploding with flavor.

Both wines have since made their way into my regular rotation at home and at restaurants.

The seating arrangement at the the wine and cheese pairing class at Cambridgeshire Wine School in Cambridge, England, on Sept. 18, 2025. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes)



The class taught me to slow down and engage with wine, not just through taste but also through smell and reflection. Ive always had a strong olfactory sense, which helped me identify certain notes, but hearing others describe their impressions filled in the blanks.

Wine tasting has a reputation for being stuffy, but this class was laid-back and interactive, with as much group discussion as instruction. Everyone said they felt welcome.

In addition to helping me understand what wines I like and how to pair them, it showed me that indulging in the fruit of the vine can be affordable. And acquiring that know-how turned out to be enjoyable, not to mention easier than I thought.

Vintages used in the Sept. 18, 2025, wine and cheese pairing class in Cambridge, England, offered by Cambridgeshire Wine School are on display. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes)



Cambridgeshire Wine School

Address: Courses are held at various locations in Cambridge.

Hours: Often on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Visit the schools event page for specific information.

Cost: 50 pounds for a cheese and wine pairing course.

Information: Phone: 01223 655391, Online: www.localwineschool.com/cambridge
Representatives of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans group, one of three Hawaii-based Nisei veterans organizations, accepted a commendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on December 9, 2025. ( Clyde Sugimoto/Facebook)



(Tribune News Service)  Karen Kikukawa grew up not knowing much about her fathers service during World War II.

Every time I asked him, he would say its a secret,  she said.

He was an American-born Japanesea Niseiwho served in the U.S. Army. But unlike the veterans of the famous 442nd Regimental Combat Team, he had been sworn to secrecy. She eventually would learn that her father had served on Iwo Jima as an interpreter with the Military Intelligence Service alongside U.S. Marines and interrogated Imperial Japanese troops taken prisoner during the battle.

In the 1970s, she was able to visit Japan, where she visited her grandfather. Kikukawa recalled I saw two pictures on my grandfathers wall of his sons : one in Japanese uniform and my father in American uniform. It was rather eerie.

Today she serves as president of the Military Intelligence Service Veterans Education Society of Hawaii, one of three Hawaii-based Nisei veterans organizations that on Tuesday received commendations from Japans Foreign Ministry in a ceremony at Japans Honolulu Consulate. The award also was bestowed upon the 100th Infantry Battalion Veteransalso known as Club 100 and the 442nd Legacy Center.

Originally established by Nisei veterans who returned home from the war, the organizations today are mostly made up of their family members as the number of living World War II veterans continues to dwindle. But some still remain.

Master Sgt. Wilfred Toda, 98, served in the MIS during the war and attended the ceremony. After the groups received the commendations, Hideaki Chotoku, the Consul General of Japan in Honolulu, chatted with him about his childhood memories of the consulate. His father used to clean the yard.

I was a little kid, but you know, I remember coming here with him,  Toda said. I still live 10 minutes from here.

After the Japanese navys surprise Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor drew the U.S. into World War II, Japanese Americans immediately came under suspicion and soon faced persecution.

Japanese Americans were reclassified as enemy aliens,  and thousands were rounded up and placed in internment camps. But even so, many Nisei insisted on serving.

The Army formed the 100th Infantry Battalion, made up mostly of former Hawaii National Guardsmen of Japanese descent who were segregated from the rest of the Army by commanders who found their loyalty suspect, and were organized into the new unit that came to be unofficially known as the One-Puka-Puka.

The battalion saw heavy action in Italy and began to receive extensive news coverage as its soldiers engaged enemy forces, with so many wounded in battle they came to be known as the Purple Heart Battalion. News accounts of their bravery helped pave the way for the Army raising the 442nd Infantry Regiment, made up of Nisei troops from both Hawaii and the mainland.

The 100th Battalion was ultimately absorbed into the 442nd when it arrived in Europe, and their soldiers continued to see heavy combat through Italy and ultimately into France and Germany itself. To this day, the 442nd collectively is regarded as the most highly decorated combat unit in U.S. Army history.

At the same time, intelligence officers who believed Japanese Americans could give them an edge in translating enemy communications and interrogating prisoners began secretly recruiting Nisei into the Military Intelligence Service. In some cases they joined elite units working behind enemy lines capturing documents and enemy troops. After the war, some Japanese American MIS troops played a key role in the U.S. occupation of Japan as the country rebuilt and transitioned to a democracy.

When veterans returned to Hawaii, they formed veterans groups. They came together not just to remember the war, but also became instrumental in post-war reconciliation between the U.S. and Japan. Kathi Hayashi, president and education chair for the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans, said immediately after the war, Club 100 members started fundraising to help post-war victims in Japan.

They helped to send clothing and food. One member, 100th veteran Thomas Taro  Higa, successfully led an effort to send 550 breeding pigs to Okinawa to restart their pork industry on the island. Another veteran of the battalion and club member, Dr. Katsumi Kometani, would become central in lobbying for Japans readmission into the Olympic Games.

It is easy to forget what happened, especially among the younger generations who have not been exposed to people and historical events outside of their own community spheres,  said Karl Okemura, president of the 442nd Legacy Center. This is why we especially appreciate this commendation and recognition from the Foreign Ministry of Japan. We do not take this honor lightly and endeavor to earn this honor by continuously promoting the relationship between our two great countries.

This year Japan awarded 51 Foreign Ministers Commendations to organizations around the world. Nominations are considered highly competitive. Hayashi credited much of the work of recognizing the three Hawaii organizations to Consul Kosuke Idenoue, a diplomat at the Honolulu Consulate who has been deeply engaged with them during his time stationed in Hawaii.

Idenoue said that it was important as the world marks 80 years since the end of World War IIhistorys deadliest conflictto recognize how far U.S. and Japan relations have come, and the role that Nisei in Hawaii played in making that happen.

Chotoku said that this relationship, which was never certain, could only have been realized through the tireless efforts of many people working to achieve reconciliation and mutual understanding for many years after the war.

 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Visit www.staradvertiser.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Dean Darrow, who survived the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, poses in his Navy uniform in this undated photo from the 1940s. (Becky Mitchell)



FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  Alice Beck was a 23-year-old Navy nurse at a West Coast hospital in 1942 when she began caring for a sailor with a most unusual wound: a bullet in his heart.

Dean Darrow survived the surgery to remove the bullet that struck his heart during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, and patient and nurse quickly fell in love.

During their nearly 50 years together, Alice Darrow was fond of saying the bullet left a hole in his heart that she filled with love.

She cherished the bullet as an emblem of their love, but after years of soul-searching following his death in 1991, she decided earlier this fall to donate it to the National Park Services Pearl Harbor National Memorial museum.

Alice Darrow holds the bullet she donated to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial museum on Sept. 18, 2025, 83 years after it was surgically removed from the heart of Dean Darrow, a Pearl Harbor attack survivor she later married. (Becky Mitchell)



That bullet and Alices story really humanizes the history of Pearl Harbor, museum technician Mikael Fox said by phone Wednesday.

Darrow, now 106, was in Honolulu this week for the 84th commemoration of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, and during an interview Monday she recalled the bullets literal and romantic trajectories.

Dean Darrow, then 24, was a fire controlman aboard the USS West Virginia, one of the ships docked on Battleship Row on the morning of the attack.

A torpedo blast on the ship hurled Darrow into the oily, fiery harbor waters.

As he strained to pull his shrapnel-pocked body onto a small rescue boat, a Japanese plane strafed them.

After weeks of recovery, Darrow was assigned to the destroyer USS Porter. While aboard, he had an attack of appendicitis and was transferred to a hospital ship.

There he told doctors that he had been experiencing growing fatigue, a pounding heart and fainting spells.

X-rays revealed an intact bullet lodged in his heart, and he was transferred to Mare Island Naval Hospital just north of San Francisco.

A Navy X-ray of Dean Darrows chest in 1942 shows the Japanese .303-caliber bullet that entered his heart during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. (Becky Mitchell)



Alice Darrow recalled the hubbub over news that a patient with an unusual condition was arriving for care and so we were all kind of looking to see the guy that has a bullet in his heart.

She became one of the primary nurses caring for him in the days before the surgery to remove the bullet, which was performed by a doctor from Stanford University.

In those days, they werent doing things with the heart, she said. It was unusual.

Despite the risks of surgery, the wounded sailor apparently dwelled on thoughts of a happy future.

Before going under anesthesia, he asked Alice if she would go out with him on liberty if he survived.

Well, when he was just opening his eyes coming out of the anesthesia, he looked up and saw me, and he said, Oh, were going on liberty, arent we? she said.

Darrow said she felt it was my duty to accompany him on liberty.

They were married four months later.

His surgeon and the medical staff wanted to keep the .303-caliber bullet, which was made of armor-piercing steel rather than lead. It was mostly intact because it was believed to have ricocheted into his body and thus had lost lethal velocity.

They wanted it, but Dean said, No, this is my bullet, Darrow recalled.

After her husbands passing, she declined an entreaty by a Pearl Harbor survivor to donate the bullet to the Pearl Harbor museum. For her, it was still more a symbol of love than a marker of history.

But earlier this year, Darrow and her daughter Becky Mitchell planned a cruise to Honolulu for an overnight stay.

Would you be interested in donating the bullet then? Mitchell asked.

Yes, thats where it belongs, Darrow recalled saying. She delivered the bullet to the museum on Sept. 18.

Alice Darrow, 106, speaks with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green before a ceremony on Dec. 7, 2025, at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial commemorating the 84th anniversary of the Japanese surprise attack on Oahu. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)



Fox said the bullet may eventually be on permanent display. This is a story that very much should be shared, he said.

Darrow feels the same, saying that her husband was just one of thousands who were wounded and treated during the war.

I felt like people should know what the war has done to these boys, she said.
Japanese F-15s escort a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress over the Sea of Japan on Dec. 10, 2025. (Japan Joint Staff)



TOKYO  Japanese fighters and United States strategic bombers made a show of force together Wednesday, a day after 11 Chinese and Russian aircraft flew routes close to Japan and South Korea.

Japan also lodged grave national security concerns through diplomatic channels about ongoing activities around Japan by the Russian and Chinese militaries, including their Tuesday flights, according to Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.

We intend to continue to take all possible measures to ensure vigilance and surveillance and to take measures against airspace intrusions in order to resolutely protect our countrys land, waters, and airspace, Kihara said at a news conference Wednesday.

The Japan Joint Staff posted photographs Thursday on social media platform X of Japanese F-15 Eagles in formation over the Sea of Japan with two U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers.

[Japan Self-Defense Force] and the U.S. Armed Forces conducted a bilateral exercise amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan, the joint staff said in the post.

Japanese Self-Defense Force F-15s and U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers fly together over the Sea of Japan on Dec. 10, 2025. (Japan Joint Staff)



The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, operating close to Okinawa since Dec. 5, had launched and recovered as many as 50 fighters Sunday, according to public broadcaster NHK on Monday.

Japan on Sunday alleged that a Chinese J-15 launched from the Liaoning intermittently locked radar on two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15s, which had scrambled in response to potential airspace violations near Okinawa.

The joint staff post on X about Wednesdays airpower demonstration alluded to recent events.

This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong will between Japan and U.S. not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force, it said.

Three F-35 Lightning II multirole fighters from Japans 3rd Air Wing and three F-15s from the 6th Air Wing took part, along with two B-52s, according to a news release Thursday from the joint staff.

The B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., participated in the preplanned, routine exercise as part of a bomber task force mission, according to an unsigned email Friday from Pacific Air Forces in Honolulu.

These missions provide opportunities to integrate and synchronize operations with our Allies and partners and enhance crew readiness. Maintaining a ready bomber force is critical for strategic deterrence, the statement reads.

Chinese and Russian fighters and bombers on Tuesday flew past Okinawa and around the southern end of Japan.

Chinas Ministry of National Defense described the joint patrol as part of the two militaries annual cooperation plan, according to the ministry.

Both Japan and South Korea scrambled fighters to keep watch on the Russians and Chinese.

South Korea alleged the combined patrol entered the Korean Air Defense and Identification Zone. Neither Japan nor South Korea alleged violations of their territorial airspace.

Japan tracked two Russian Tu-95 Tupolev bombers, an A-50 early warning aircraft and two Su-30 fighters, according to a joint staff news release Tuesday.

The A-50 and Su-30s flew a box in the Sea of Japan while the bombers flew south and rendezvoused with two Chinese H-6 bombers and four Chinese J-16 fighters, according to the joint staff.

The group continued through the Miyako Strait, after which the fighters doubled back and the bombers continued northeast to a point opposite Kyushu, the southernmost main island of Japan. They returned on the same route, according to the joint staff.

South Korea on Wednesday protested the flights to the two countries military attaches in Seoul.

B-52s have made routine appearances in the Pacific as bomber task forces, an Air Force strategy to deliver air power over long distances anywhere on the globe. In July, two B-52s were escorted by South Korean and Japanese fighters during an airpower demonstration off the Korean Peninsula.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte answers a question in Berlin on Dec. 11, 2025, during a discussion with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference. (X/Munich Security Conference)



Time to prepare for a potential war with Russia is running out, NATOs top official said Thursday in a warning that chastised some allies for moving too slowly when it comes to ramping up defense spending.

We are Russias next target, and we are already in harms way, Secretary-General Mark Rutte said during a speech in Berlin, where he was joined by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Both faced questions about the new American national security strategy, which was unveiled last week and has since caused a stir in Europe.

While the strategy emphasized that Europe is strategically and culturally vital to the United States, it also took sharp aim at the European Union, which the U.S. says has weakened the Continent with lax immigration rules and a top-down bureaucracy.

Europe faces the stark prospect of civilizational erasure, the strategy states.

Rutte and Wadephul downplayed the notion that the new strategy signals a division between Europe and the United States.

Still, it has caused panic in some quarters, with various officials and security analysts warning of a looming rupture in a trans-Atlantic alliance that has been the cornerstone of U.S. security strategy since World War II.

One concern that has emerged is that the American commitment to providing NATO with its nuclear deterrent against Russia may not be reliable.

It is obvious the United States is no longer willing to risk their lives for Europe like they were in the old days, Danish lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov said during a television appearance Wednesday. The only credible response against that is to have your own nuclear weapons. Now that American weapons no longer back us up, we need other weapons that can.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, center, listens to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during a discussion Dec. 11, 2025, in Berlin. At right is Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, who hosted the event. (X/Munich Security Conference)



Rutte, however, said Thursday that there was no indication of the U.S. backing away from any of its commitments to NATO.

Though he didnt single out any countries, he said some complacency remains in the 32-nation bloc, despite ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and various acts of gray-zone warfare around Europe that have been blamed on Russia.

Too many dont feel the urgency, and too many believe that time is on our side. It is not, said Rutte, who added that Russia could be prepared for a war on NATO within five years.

In his remarks at a forum hosted by the think tank that puts on the annual Munich Security Conference, Rutte lauded Germany, once a NATO spending laggard, as an alliance leader on ramping up expenditures.

For his part, Wadephul said he expects Germany to reach NATOs new benchmark of dedicating 5% of GDP to defense well before a 2035 deadline.

The comments come at a time when the United States is demanding that allies in Europe shoulder more responsibility for the defense of the Continent.

Last week, news reports emerged that some Pentagon officials want to shift most military defense responsibilities to allies by 2027. Rutte, however, said no such deadline exists.

The whole rumor about 2027 is not right. The U.S. has also confirmed that. So thats off, Rutte said.

Still, Rutte emphasized that failure to increase defense spending at a faster pace increases the odds that Russian President Vladimir Putin will launch an attack on NATO territory.

Conflict is at our door, Rutte said. Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great grandparents endured.

For NATO, boosting support for Ukraine also is viewed as a way to keep Russia on its heels. While U.S. President Donald Trump attempts to negotiate a peace deal between the two countries, allies must keep the pressure on Moscow by getting more arms into the hands of Ukrainian troops, Rutte said.

Russia has been making incremental gains in Ukraine, which is struggling with a manpower shortage and insufficient air defense systems to ward off attacks.

The Russian war machine is now cranking out thousands of attack drones and missiles per month and is close to peak production, Rutte said

Since the Kremlins 2022 full-scale invasion, more than 1 million Russian troops have been killed or injured in the fighting, Rutte said, adding that this year, Russia has lost on average about 1,200 troops a day.

If (Putin) is prepared to sacrifice ordinary Russians in this way, what is he prepared to do to us? Rutte said.
CANBERRA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Australia's unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3 percent in November, according to official data released on Thursday.

Monthly labor force data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that the unemployment rate was 4.3 percent for the fifth time in the last six months, with a rise to 4.4 percent in September the only exception.

The ABS figures revealed that the number of employed Australians fell by 21,300 between October and November, while the number of unemployed people actively looking for work fell by 2,100 in the same time period.

The number of Australians employed full-time fell by 56,500 between October and November, which was partially offset by a rise in part-time employment of 35,200 people.

The labor force participation rate fell from 66.9 percent in October to 66.7 percent in November, marking the equal-lowest figure since March 2024.

Sean Crick, head of labor statistics at the ABS, said that employment growth of 1.3 percent over the 12 months to November was below the population growth of 2 percent in the same period.

The total number of hours worked by Australians was steady between October and November, and increased by 1.2 percent on an annual basis. 
Workers install solar panels on July 7, 2021. (Pexels)



Source

As the United States leans on solar power to meet soaring energy needs, its reliance on a Chinese-made component has created a mounting security threat, according to energy industry executives and congressional investigators who warn it can be weaponized to trigger blackouts.

Research shared exclusively with The Washington Post reveals how deeply dependent U.S. power companies are on Chinese inverters. These devices are used by large solar installations to help transform energy harnessed from the sun into a current that is compatible with the power grid.

More than 85 percent of the utilities surveyed confidentially by the research group Strider Technologies are using inverter devices made by companies with ties to the Chinese government and military. Many cybersecurity experts warn that the devices are vulnerable to hacking that can set off cascading outages.

Chinese officials say the warnings are unfounded. The researchers, however, found evidence that engineers in China have been studying how vulnerabilities in the U.S. grid could be exploited. While such studies are common in the industry - scientists around the globe routinely share knowledge on power grid resilience - some of the Chinese efforts unnerve U.S. officials in the context of Chinas broader initiatives to infiltrate infrastructure.

There is plenty of evidence that would suggest this is a risk that needs to be addressed, said Thomas Fanning, former chairman and CEO of Southern Company, one of the largest power companies in America. He now chairs the executive committee of the Alliance for Critical Infrastructure, a nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding the systems of Americas leading companies in the energy, finance and communications sectors.

Should inverters be compromised, Fanning said in an interview, the risk goes way beyond losing power  to potentially compromising other critical sector systems, including finance and communications.

As the U.S. joined the world in ramping up solar power over the past decade, energy developers grew reliant on cheap Chinese components. The Chinese government subsidizes their production as it aims to dominate supply chains. U.S. inverter manufacturers have struggled to compete.

Solar power accounts for roughly 90 percent of the new energy added to Americas electricity system this year. While assessments of the size and scope of blackouts China could inflict in the U.S. through rogue inverters vary, worry about the risk has spread to the highest levels of government. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which Congress created to monitor threats from China, took aim at ubiquitous Chinese inverters in a report last month that detailed how they could be weaponized, calling them a vulnerability with serious national security implications.

The commission noted that in November 2024, several of the devices in the U.S. were disabled by the Chinese manufacturer Ningbo Deye Technology amid a contract dispute.

The report landed just after 52 GOP lawmakers called on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to restrict the future importation of Chinese inverters. The letter cited a Reuters report from earlier this year that revealed unauthorized communication devices in Chinese inverters had been connected to the U.S. power grid.

The capability is there; the gun is loaded, said Greg Levesque, CEO of Strider, which used proprietary utility data to help gauge the extent of the threat. Now we are debating whether they [the Chinese government] will pull the trigger and what the impact would be.

Strider surveyed power companies that account for 12 percent of the electricity generated nationwide and found almost all of them relied in some capacity on what it describes as risky inverters from China. Its report warns that the Chinese government, through its control over [government-linked] firms and data networks, could exploit access to manipulate or disrupt the U.S. grid in a crisis.

Chinese officials dispute the findings. Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy, wrote in an email that they are rooted in distortion and smearing, in disregard of facts and without any basis, of Chinas achievements in the field of energy infrastructure.

But cybersecurity experts say many of the inverters are vulnerable to tampering from afar. Some U.S. researchers warn that an attack on a few large solar installations could do exactly what Chinese engineers have outlined in what Strider says are dozens of studies: wreak havoc on the broader grid, bringing blackouts to entire regions.

An attack could seek to replicate the frequency disruptions that recently collapsed the power grid in Spain and Portugal.

You dont need to turn off the entire western area power [grid] to create societal panic, said one U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matters sensitivity. All you need to do is create some number of significant incidents that are widely reported to create the same effect.

While technical experts at the Energy Department and its national labs raised concerns about the security risks associated with Chinese inverters during the Biden administration, senior policymakers overlooked those warnings, the official said.

They were not excited to hear that clean energy technology made in China could pose a speed bump in the green energy transition, the official said.

Biden officials tried to kick-start more domestic clean energy technologies, including inverters, hoping to shift production out of China. But subsidies for such clean energy manufacturing were cut by the Trump administration.

The Energy Department said in a statement that it is critical for energy project developers to have a full understanding of the capabilities of the products received and that the Trump administration is committed to reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.

Federal officials have directed power companies to closely monitor or disable outside communication with the inverters at key choke points on the grid.

But there are thousands of U.S. utilities and energy developers, and many operate under loose security protocols, with regulators loath to impose restrictions amid a national power crunch.

And some officials question the extent of the threat.

The Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates utilities in that state, turned up little concern in a recent investigation.

That commissions vice chair, Nick Myers, who led the inquiry, called the issue a nothingburger.

Either the companies arent using those particular inverters, or they are using so few of them that, if they were all to turn off at the same time, it wouldnt be much of a problem, he said.

As dozens of U.S. lawmakers call for Chinese inverter bans, many experts warn that banning the component - or requiring it be ripped out from U.S. infrastructure - would create its own problems.

We dont have a choice to buy all this gear from anywhere else right now, said Patrick Miller, a cybersecurity expert who testified before the U.S.-China commission in April. There is no place to buy it. If you try to rip it out and replace it, there wont be enough power for all the things we need to do.

He is calling for Chinese-made inverters to be vetted and certified by U.S. security officials, to make sure they have been stripped of unauthorized communication devices and cannot be manipulated. Even that would be complicated and costly.

Some U.S. companies arent waiting. The rooftop solar giant Enphase, for example, says security concerns motivated it to source most of its inverters domestically, despite the added cost. Enphase co-founder Raghu Belur said stricter U.S. security rules would spur more companies to build inverter factories here.

The U.S.-China commission warns in its report that China could at any time stop sales or restrict access to inverters in the U.S. to hurt its adversary.

Robert M. Lee, CEO of the industrial cybersecurity firm Dragos, shares that concern. If we have a conflict with China, especially in Taiwan and the South China Sea, then anything that we depend upon them for is going to be broken off from the supply chain, he said.

Lee said that while he has not seen evidence that China is planning to hack into inverters at U.S. plants, the country has a history of leveraging its inroads into foreign infrastructure. He pointed to the Chinese militarys Volt Typhoon operation, which the FBI and Department of Homeland Security have said involves burrowing into critical infrastructure such as water and electricity systems to be in a position to later disrupt the systems in a future conflict.

Aaron Schaffer contributed to this report.
The House passed a sprawling annual defense policy bill on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, raising troop pay, restricting the Trump administrations ability to reduce U.S. troop levels in Europe and South Korea, providing aid for Ukraine and repealing decades-old laws authorizing military force in the Middle East. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The House passed a sprawling annual defense policy bill on Wednesday raising troop pay, restricting the Trump administrations ability to reduce U.S. troop levels in Europe and South Korea, providing aid for Ukraine and repealing decades-old laws authorizing military force in the Middle East.

Lawmakers voted 312-112 for the legislation, which authorizes a record $901 billion in national security spending for 2026  $8 billion more than President Donald Trump had requested. The Senate is expected to take up the 3,000-page bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, next week.

The legislation reflected bipartisan efforts to push back against the Trump administrations moves to disengage from Europe and Ukraine as well as mounting lawmaker frustration with the Pentagons campaign against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

This bill does something that, to my knowledge, we havent really done this year in Congress and that is reassert some of the authority of the congressional branch, said Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.

The bill blocks the Pentagon from reducing the number of troops in Europe below 76,000 or relinquishing the role of NATOs Supreme Allied Commander until Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth certifies to Congress that the decision was made in consultation with NATO allies and is in the best national security interests of the U.S.

It places similar limitations on reducing troop levels in South Korea below 28,500. Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to remove U.S. troops from South Korea and force Europe to become more self-reliant. In October, the Army said it would downsize its presence in Romania, drawing criticism from top Republican defense hawks.

Lawmakers also inserted a provision authorizing $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative for each of the next two years despite the Trump administration requesting no funding for the long-running program arming Kyiv.

The legislation also pressures the Pentagon to be more forthcoming about its attacks on boats the Trump administration says are carrying drugs to the U.S. A provision withholds 25% of Hegseths travel budget until he turns over executive orders behind the strikes as well as unedited videos of them to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

Thats just basic oversight, Smith said. We are supposed to be a co-equal branch of the government.

Congress in the legislation is also asserting its constitutional power to declare war, repealing two authorizations for the use of military force in Iraq in 1991 and 2002. Trump used the 2002 authorization to partly justify a 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

Critics said the laws could be abused by a president to carry out actions far from their original intent. The White House said Tuesday that the repeals aligned with Trumps commitment to ending forever wars. Trumps authority as commander-in-chief is not expected to be affected  a 2001 authorization continues to underpin nearly all U.S. counterterrorism operations around the world.

Service members will see a 3.8% pay raise under the legislation as lawmakers seek to build on last years initiatives to improve troop quality of life. The bill increases the family separation allowance for deployed service members from $250 to $300 and authorizes $1.5 billion in new construction of barracks, dormitories, housing and childcare centers.

The legislation also authorizes $26 billion for shipbuilding, $38 billion for aircraft, $25 billion for restoring munition stockpiles, and $145 billion for the research and development of new technology for troops.

The cornerstone of this years bill is weapons acquisition reform, which Republican Mike Rogers of Alabama, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said was broken and failing our warfighters. The legislation cuts regulatory red tape and requires the Pentagon to look to commercial off-the-shelf solutions before embarking on costly system-building programs.

Debate on the House floor on Wednesday also turned to what was left out of the bill.

Democrats railed against the removal of a bipartisan, bicameral provision that would have provided Tricare coverage of in-vitro fertilization and other fertility services for military families. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stripped the measure from the final bill.

Todays Republican-led bill destroyed any hope for a Christmas miracle for the service men and women who just want to have a baby and raise a family, said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M.

A spokesperson for Johnson has told reporters that Johnson is supportive of access to IVF when sufficient pro-life protections are in place. Some anti-abortion advocates oppose IVF because it creates unused or discarded embryos, which they see as people.

The final legislation also removed a provision that would have reversed Hegseths decision to revert several Army bases to their original names. The names had originally honored Confederates and were changed as part of a Congress-directed effort to scrub mentions of the Confederacy from military assets.
The Marseilles National Guard Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois, on Nov. 20, 2025. Three hundred Illinois National Guard troops remain under Republican President Donald Trumps control roughly a week after an initial 60-day federal activation order expired. (E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago Tribune/TNS)



SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Tribune News Service)  Three hundred Illinois National Guard troops remain under President Donald Trumps control roughly a week after an initial 60-day federal activation order expired, continuing a clash over his unprecedented decision to seize authority over state soldiers who have spent almost their entire time confined to a base in northern Illinois and performing no operational missions.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzkers office said Wednesday that the 60-day federalization order  issued Oct. 4 in conjunction with the Trump administrations Operation Midway Blitz deportation efforts  was earlier extended for at least another month, even though the soldiers have mostly remained at an Illinois Army National Guard training site in Marseilles and were never deployed for the White Houses stated purpose of protecting federal officers and assets.

The Illinois National Guard was informed that the previous mobilization order for the federalized Illinois National Guard soldiers was amended and extended an additional 32 days, a spokesperson for Pritzkers office said in a statement, meaning the troops will remain federalized until at least roughly the end of the year. Governor Pritzker strongly condemns the ongoing politicization of our brave servicemembers by the Trump Administration and remains unwavering in his opposition of federalizing members of the National Guard against the wishes of the Governor. The State of Illinois will continue to fight this blatant overreach to the fullest extent in the courts.

The ongoing federalization  the first in Illinois history over a governors objections  also drew heightened scrutiny after a federal judge in California on Wednesday ordered the Trump administration to return control of that states National Guard to Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. The judge ruled that the White House overstepped its authority in extending a deployment in Los Angeles, a finding that could affect National Guard units in other states, such as Illinois, that the federal government has commandeered. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the judges decision.

Pritzker has repeatedly denounced the presidents move as an abuse of power and unnecessary, noting the Illinois troops have neither patrolled streets nor guarded federal buildings and pointing out that Trump said he originally intended to send guard troops into Chicago to curtail crime. In addition, many agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol assigned to the Chicago region specifically as part of Operation Midway Blitz have left the area.

In a statement, U.S. Northern Command, which oversees the National Guard deployment, said the soldiers are conducting planning and training but not engaging in Federal Protection Mission operational activities. A Defense Department spokesperson noted that federal personnel and property in the Chicago region could still require protection.

But David Harris, a former adjutant general who oversaw the Illinois National Guard from 1999 to 2003, said he doesnt see the troops doing anything productive under federal control.

One of the key things about any military operation is you have a mission to perform, whatever it is. The commander knows what the mission is and will do his or her best to achieve the mission. What is the mission of these soldiers at this point? What are they doing? asked Harris, who is now the director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. It really is in my mind unconscionable that they are still on federal duty.

Theyre planning and preparing for what? Harris also said. If theres any danger out there to federal facilities in Illinois, why arent they guarding those federal facilities now?

It remains unclear how many of the 300 Illinois National Guard members are the same as those who were called up in early October, as National Guard activations allow commanders to maximize the number of volunteers under federal orders, according to Northern Commands website.

This also helps commanders balance leave and passes over the upcoming holiday season, while ensuring there are enough troops to fulfill mission requirements, the website said.

In addition to federalizing 300 Illinois National Guard troops in October, Trumps Department of Defense deployed 200 members of the Texas National Guard that month to Illinois to, according to a memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and obtained by the Tribune, shield ICE and Border Patrol agents and protect federal facilities and locations where violent demonstrations were taking place as protests raged in the Chicago area in response to Midway Blitz.

The Texas National Guard troops departed Illinois last month, ending their 41-day deployment in which soldiers spent less than 24 hours on the streets as part of Midway Blitz. Most of the time, the Texas troops lived at a U.S. Army Reserve training center in southwest suburban Elwood.

With his opposition to troops from another state being deployed to Illinois, Pritzker didnt allow the Texas Guard members to stay at a state-owned facility. But he did allow the Illinois National Guard members to use the state-owned National Guard site in Marseilles, which is about 75 miles southwest of Chicago, because it allowed them to stay close to home and provided them access to appropriate facilities, including functioning showers, internet access and a small United Service Organization center for recreational activities, Pritzkers office has said.

The troops from Illinois and Texas were kept off the streets due to the ongoing legal dispute between the Trump administration and the state of Illinois, which filed a lawsuit days after Trumps October federalization. Although Illinois won some lower-court rulings, the case is now before the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court.

The lack of meaningful activity by the troops mirrors conditions in California, where about 100 federalized National Guard members in Los Angeles have largely been confined to base or limited building-security roles, according to The Associated Press. That prompted California to seek a preliminary injunction, which U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer granted Wednesday, though he delayed the order to allow the Trump administration to appeal. Breyer rejected arguments that the court had no power to review the deployment extensions, saying the administration appeared to want a blank check free of constitutional limits.

In June, Trump called up about 4,000 California National Guard members, without Newsoms approval, to aid in immigration enforcement. Back then, there had been clashes between immigration enforcement officers and protesters, including during one demonstration where protesters threw rocks at federal vehicles, according to AP. But officials in California say those conditions have since changed.

The deployments have also fueled questions about cost.

In addition to sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Chicago, Trump also claimed he needed to federalize guard troops in Washington, D.C.; Portland, Oregon; and Memphis, Tennessee, to assist with immigration raids, crack down on protests or assist in deterring crime. Two National Guard members from West Virginia who were deployed to Washington, D.C., were shot last month, one fatally, by an Afghan national.

A study by the progressive-leaning Institute for Policy Studies estimated that National Guard operations in all five locales have cost roughly $473 million, including for personnel who never deployed beyond bases. The tally includes an estimated $12.8 million for the Chicago region spent for Illinois and Texas National Guard member deployments  roughly $4.66 million of it for the Texas Guard activation from Oct. 10 through Nov. 15, the study showed.

Pritzkers office has not been able to shed any light on costs but said the use of the Marseilles site and other associated costs, such as meals and lodging, are either directly paid by the federal government or 100 percent federally reimbursed.

Citing figures from the Army, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins office has said the expected costs for federalizing all 500 National Guard soldiers in Illinois for a full two months was $19.4 million, which works out to $323,333 per day. Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts also released a report on Department of Defense costs and estimated the Illinois deployment cost $12 million.

Durbin, the states senior Democrat from Springfield, said the deployments produced just not the results to justify the money spent.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Hoffman Estates and a retired Army lieutenant colonel, is set to question Defense Department officials Thursday at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

Across the United States, Donald Trump has illegally deployed our nations servicemembers into American cities under unclear and false pretexts and despite the costs to our military and civil rights, she said in a statement, calling for transparency and accountability. The American people and our troops deserve answers.

2025 Chicago Tribune.

Visit chicagotribune.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., left, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, greets Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot the commander of U.S. Northern Command, before hearing Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Military officials under congressional questioning on Thursday defended the deployment of the National Guard to American cities, saying the mobilization was lawful and troops were thoroughly trained to understand the limits of their authorities.

Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, the commander of U.S. troops in North America, said military personnel have detained one civilian since being deployed as part of President Donald Trumps stated campaign to use troops to support federal law enforcement, protect federal facilities and combat crime.

The person detained in June in Los Angeles was promptly handed over to proper law enforcement personnel, Guillot told the Senate Armed Services Committee, noting that National Guard troops are instructed not to perform law enforcement activities such as make arrests or search for evidence.

It is essential that everyone involved in this mission understands precisely what they are authorized to do, but perhaps more importantly, what they are authorized not to do, he said.

Guillot acknowledged that troops do not receive any specific training on how to deal with people with mental health issues but are trained to de-escalate tense situations. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said police in Washington often interact with people experiencing mental health episodes.

Trump started calling up troops to Democrat-led cities in June amid protests in Los Angeles over his administrations crackdown on illegal immigration. He has since ordered deployments to Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Memphis, Tenn.; and Portland, Ore., over the objections of local leaders.

Democrats have questioned the legality of the moves, arguing they put troops in jeopardy and detracted from readiness amid growing threats from foreign adversaries. Two West Virginia National Guard members deployed to Washington were shot  one fatally  last month as they patrolled near the White House.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, of Illinois, a combat veteran who served in that states Army National Guard, said she called for the Senate Armed Services Committee to hold a hearing on the matter because troops were being mobilized under false pretenses.

The power to deploy troops domestically must remain exceptional, accountable and rooted in law  not in one mans judgment about what constitutes disorder, she said.

She said the administration has spent more than $340 million on deployments to Illinois, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee. A report released by Democrats on Wednesday found the Pentagon had committed at least $258 million to support Trumps orders to deploy troops, not including to Washington.

Mark Ditlevson, the Pentagon official overseeing the policies and plans related to the missions, said Thursday that the deployments are a modest burden on the Defense Department, and most of the incurred costs are reimbursable by the Department of Homeland Security.

We are constantly assessing all costs related to these deployments, readiness costs, fiscal costs, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt this is not having a negative effect, he said.

Guillot said about 700 National Guard troops have been federalized and only the 100 troops in California have been allowed to carry out their mission of protecting federal functions and facilities. Courts have blocked deployments in Oregon and Illinois, and a federal judge in California on Wednesday ruled that the Trump administration must return control of troops to the state.

A legal fight over the deployment of more than 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, where Trump has unique law enforcement powers, is ongoing. Several members of the public who attended the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday wore Free DC T-shirts.

Trump administration officials declined to make commitments to senators on whether National Guard personnel would be deployed from one state to another in the future on authorities that extend beyond their current mission to protect federal law enforcement and facilities.

Ditlevson said any orders would be evaluated to make sure they are 100% legal.

Republicans on Thursday voiced their support for Trumps deployment of the National Guard to tamp down on violence that they said local and federal law enforcement were too underfunded and stretched thin to handle.

Sen. Roger Wicker, of Mississippi, the committees chairman, said the mobilizations were not only appropriate but essential. He dismissed concerns from Democrats that the deployments were a waste of money, reduced readiness or violated a law prohibiting the use of the military for domestic law enforcement.

In my judgment, mobilizing the Guard is an excellent opportunity for units to enhance cohesion, complete mission-essential tasks and ensure training is complete, he said. Moreover, Guardsmen operate with the highest degree of professionalism  they serve purely in support roles, never crossing the line into law enforcement functions.
Troops can expect to see basic allowance for housing increases in the range of $93 to $212 per month in 2026, depending on factors including their pay grade, family size and location, according to a Pentagon news release. The Defense Department estimates it will pay about $29.2 billion in BAH to about 1 million service members in 2026. (Erin Tansey/U.S. Marine Corps)



The Pentagon will boost housing allowance rates for service members by an average of 4.2% on Jan. 1, the Defense Department announced Thursday.

Troops can expect to see basic allowance for housing increases in the range of $93 to $212 per month in 2026, depending on factors including their pay grade, family size and location, according to a Pentagon news release. The Defense Department estimates it will pay about $29.2 billion in BAH to about 1 million service members in 2026.

The Department collects rental housing cost data annually for 299 military housing areas in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. The basic allowance for housing rate-setting process relies on a wide variety of data sources to obtain high-quality, accurate, current-year housing cost data, according to the Pentagon announcement.  While average basic allowance for housing rates increased, various rental markets may experience different market trends, and the 2026 rates reflect those geographic market condition differences.

The Pentagon pays BAH based on six housing profiles for its service members that range from a one-bedroom apartment profile for an E-4  a specialist or corporal in the Army  up to a four-bedroom, single-family home for an O-5  a lieutenant colonel in the Army  or higher rank with dependents. It sets BAH rates annually based on a complex methodology meant to estimate the local median rental places in locations near military installations.

The funds are meant to cover about 95% of average housing expenses  including utilities such as electricity and water  for the housing profile in each location, according to the Defense Department.

Actual out-of-pocket expenses might be higher or lower than the prescribed rate based on a service members housing choice. Urban regions usually offer higher BAH rates than rural areas due to the generally higher cost of housing. Rental prices typically change between 2% and 5% from year to year, according to the Defense Department. Troops saw an about 5% average boost in BAH rates in 2025.

Service members who remain at their current location are also protected from having their payments decreased if BAH rates in their area are reduced in 2026, the Pentagon said.

No matter what happens to housing costs  including the out-of-pocket expense adjustment  an individual service member who maintains uninterrupted basic allowance for housing eligibility at a given location will not see a rate decrease, according to the news release. This ensures that service members who have made long-term commitments in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized if the areas housing costs decrease.

A watchdog report ordered by the Defense Department this year suggested that the Pentagon should rework its BAH rate calculations to protect troops from rapid housing market changes, such as were seen during the 2020 and 2021 coronavirus pandemic, and to better reflect the housing choices service members have been making. Troops in recent years have typically chosen to rent or purchase larger housing units than their BAH profiles suggested they live in, the RAND Corp. study found.

That study found the Pentagons BAH algorithm, unchanged since 1998, could not account for sudden, large spikes in rental prices. Some locations around military bases in 2020 and 2021 saw increases of more than 10% in rental prices in just a few months, RAND analysts found.

It was not clear Thursday if the department had taken RANDs suggestions since the reports release in January. Pentagon officials did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the studys findings.

The latest BAH rates are part of a robust military compensation package, according to the DOD release.

Service members can calculate their housing allowance by using the Basic Allowance for Housing calculator at: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/
Palestinian students walk in the campus of Islamic University, in Gaza City, Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Among the rubble of Gaza City's Islamic University, Ahmed Totah approached his first classroom with a mix of fear and hope. The campus was badly damaged, but the 19-year-old was finally starting the university education he had dreamed of.

"I never imagined this moment would come so quickly," he said, holding his new schoolbag. "Especially after two years of war and the near collapse of life in Gaza."

Totah had graduated from high school in July with a 93 percent average. He called it unexpected. Years of airstrikes and disruptions had forced him to study by the dim light of a phone or candle.

"I studied while feeling everything around me was collapsing," he said. "Every night I told myself: We can lose everything, but we mustn't lose our education."

Even with his grades, going to university had felt almost impossible. Classes had been suspended, and most campus buildings were in ruins.

"When the results came out, I wasn't as happy as I expected," he said. "The fear outweighed the joy. I kept asking myself: Will I actually study? Or wait another year?"

He eventually enrolled in the information-technology program he had long dreamed of. But his first steps onto the campus were overwhelming. Destruction was everywhere, and piles of wreckage made the university barely recognizable compared to what it had once been.

Still, he said, simply being here gives him a sense of hope he didn't have just a few months ago. "It may not be what it was," he said, "but it's still the only place where I can believe in the future. Just sitting in a classroom gives me the energy to continue."

Hiba Abu Nada, 21, returned to her history studies after a two-year break. She had enrolled in 2023 but had spent the conflict studying online, worried that her degree might be completed without ever entering a classroom.

For her, entering a lecture hall for the first time was a powerful moment. It showed that education could continue despite the war.

"Looking around at the empty seats and damaged walls, I realized returning wasn't just about studying," she said. "It was proof that the future isn't over and we can rebuild our lives."

Totah and Abu Nada are among a few thousand students returning to in-person classes in Gaza. The Islamic University, badly damaged, has reopened after two years.

Before the war, Gaza had seven universities and eleven colleges. The conflict has inflicted heavy losses: at least 1,111 university students and 193 academics and professors have been killed, including Sufian Tayeh, president of the Islamic University.

Despite this, the university has reopened for first-year students in programs that require hands-on learning: medicine, engineering, science, nursing, information technology, and law.

Bassam al-Saqqa, the university's vice president, said the reopening is "part of a phased plan to gradually restore academic life, focusing on courses that cannot be taught online." The challenges are huge. Buildings, labs, electricity, and internet infrastructure are all badly damaged. A shortage of materials slows reconstruction and delays full reopening.

Al-Azhar University in Gaza is taking a similar approach, prioritizing science and medical faculties that need labs. About 1,000 students have returned to campus, though some still study online.

For students like Farah Deeb, 22, returning to campus is both shocking and relieving.

Farah Deeb, 22, a medical student, told Xinhua that returning to the university "was unexpected given the scale of destruction."

"Simply seeing the college doors reopen felt like a dream ... The return represents an important step toward reclaiming our academic lives, despite all the difficulties," she said. 

Palestinian students walk in the campus of Islamic University, in Gaza City, Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinian students attend a lesson at Islamic University, in Gaza City, Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinian students attend a lesson at Islamic University, in Gaza City, Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 7, 2025, shows a view of Islamic University, in Gaza City. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinian students sit in the campus of Islamic University, in Gaza City, Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A teacher gives a lesson at Islamic University, in Gaza City, Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinian students attend a lesson at Islamic University, in Gaza City, Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
SIDNEY- During the Sidney City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the chicken ordinance allowing in-town residents to own chickens was passed, concluding Megan DeNardo's fight to keep her chickens.

"I've had chickens for quite a while, so it's nice that I can keep the chickens," DeNardo said. "And now that I've moved back into Sidney, a territory that we can keep having them, my kids absolutely love it, and it's a great resource to be able to have in our community to source things locally."

DeNardo first approached the City Council to request chickens during a meeting on September 9. Since then, she has appeared periodically to continue the fight, gathering petition signatures, explaining the benefits chickens bring to people's lives, and never failing to respond to the City Council's requests. City Council Member Burke Radcliffe praised DeNardo for her

composure in the proceedings.

"I appreciate the way in which you've handled this whole issue, how you've worked with the city," Radcliffe said. " I think you might want to go to Washington D.C. and help people down there work on issues because it seemed like you were very reasonable throughout the whole thing, and just wanted to say, more people need to approach things that way."

The new ordinance, designated 1885 and amended section 618.04, was passed with a 4-1 vote. Only City Council member Jeremy Lee opposed the decision to waive the three readings and pass the ordinance.

"It's definitely a great opportunity to approach the council to be able to work through it," DeNardo said. "I had a lot of support through the community for it, and then the council was very reasonable to work with, the city manager, and also Chief Lovato gave a lot of support, and giving input on how to make this ordinance in the right way."

Police Chief Sam Lovato said that with the new ordinance passing, they plan on making sure Code Enforcement Officer Sierra Nickel has the tools to do her job. He also said that Nickel has been reaching out to nearby towns, including North Platte, Chadron, and Hastings, according to Nickel, to find out how their officers tackle backyard chickens and what they recommend.

"I don't want to jump into something and be like, 'oh, hey, we did this wrong, and we wasted that money in that time, '" Lovato said. "So if they have a system that works, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, we'll probably try to mimic their systems."

Nickel said that while she did not know a lot about chickens at the moment, she's working to rectify that and learn the ordinance. She specifically stated that a community service officer in Hastings was particularly promising in these efforts due to her years on the job.

"I think I'm just going to be learning as much as everybody else will be," Nickel said. "I've learned that the residents here in town are often very, very helpful in educating me in certain aspects that I may not have every single answer for, so the people within our own community are great. Hopefully, once I talk to enough people and I read up enough on everything, then I will be able to educate others as well."

Nickel also said that, despite any misgivings she has previously stated, she intends to enforce the new ordinance professionally and to accept its changes moving forward.

Lyn Elayne, a key carrier at Bomgaars, said that the store has already put an order in for chicken supplies, including the chicks themselves, which she expects to enter the store in March or April.

"They come in as babies," Elayne said. "And so it's something you'll invest in before you start to reap the rewards."

It's important to note for would-be chicken owners that they need to get a chicken permit before going out and buying chickens, and they should also do research before making this life change. Elayne also warned that since the store services more than just Sidney, she could not guarantee any specific coop would fit the ordinance requirements, and that would-be chicken owners would need to research that.

"I just hope everyone can be proactive and do the right thing, making sure that they're taking care of their animals," DeNardo said. "Definitely the animal safety is the most important thing. And making sure that we follow the ordinances so that there's not a problem moving forward."
SIDNEY  City Manager Josh Hanson announced at the Tuesday, December 2, 2025, City Council meeting that, for the foreseeable future, Sidney city buses will no longer operate on Saturdays.

Were not the only community that is facing these cuts, Hanson said. Its across the entire state, so instead of having to lay people off, we had to make the decision to cut those services on Saturday.

The Saturday service suspension, which will take effect on December 20, is a result of state budget cuts. Public Transportation Director Kasey Kantor said the state requested a 30% budget reduction to address deficiencies from the previous fiscal year.

We all love it here, Kantor said. We all worked really hard to get it started and stuff like that, so were all really sad to see it go.

Kantor explained that the department receives funding from three sources: federal, state, and a local match.

Our federal money is there, Kantor said. Our local money is here, but right now our state is working on last years fiscal year, and theyre having to siphon some money from this year to help cover for last year.

According to Hanson, the budget was reduced from just over half a million dollars to slightly more than $336,000.

Kantor could not provide an exact figure for how much cutting Saturday service would save, but he noted that this measure alone would likely not meet the full 30% reduction requirement. In addition to eliminating Saturday service, the department will reduce the number of buses running on certain days from six to five. Further adjustments may be made in the future if necessary.

Were doing everything we can to save some money and not have to get rid of our workforce, Kantor said. We love our drivers, and thats going to be the last thing that we have to turn to.

Kantor also described how other cities are coping with similar budget cuts. Kimball has laid off several drivers, Scottsbluff has reduced routes, and even larger cities such as Omaha have had to implement reductions.

This is the first time for everyone across the state, Kantor said. Its something that the state didnt want to do.

Both Kantor and Hanson noted that the average Saturday ridership is roughly 20 people, far below the 150 to 200 who ride during the week.

You dont want to cut anything at all when were providing the service, Kantor said. But when youre faced with something, you kind of have to look at it, and Saturdays was our lowest day for ridership.

Currently, Sidneys public transportation program operates six 12-passenger buses from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday service, previously available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., was by appointment only.

There may still be hope for Saturday service. Kantor said the state board has been meeting with officials at the Nebraska Department of Transportation to explore options for pooling or repurposing funds to reduce the required cuts. However, if no solution is found, additional reductions may be necessary.

Regular weekday service hours will not be affected at this time.

Were not sure what to expect for next fiscal year, but there could be potential additional state-federal cuts with that as well, Hanson said. So well just kind of have to adapt as those come down the pipeline.
The Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation (MMHF) celebrated its annual Legacy of Thanks luncheon on September 11, 2025, at Melissa Memorial Hospital, honoring individuals and organizations whose dedication supports the hospital's mission and the health of the Holyoke community.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the MMH Angel Award to Evie Blackburn, who was commended for her dedication as an MMH employee and her efforts to foster teamwork between the hospital and foundation.

Board members presented the award, expressing their admiration for Blackburn's commitment. Guests at the luncheon, which included hospital staff, foundation board members, local businesses, and community supporters, joined in recognizing her contributions.

"This luncheon is a time to unite and show appreciation to everyone who makes our mission successful," a host said during opening remarks. "We could not have achieved the incredible feats of the past few years without the hard work and support from people like you."

The luncheon also acknowledged other award recipients, including Riley Powell, Evan Fust, Summer Krieder, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and Sophia Cortez-Longshore, though Blackburn's efforts in fostering collaboration between the hospital and foundation were a particular focus of the afternoon.

As the event concluded, attendees were reminded of the importance of teamwork and community support in strengthening MMHF's mission.

"We can be the tremendous asset we are because of the amazing service of others," the host said. "This group sets the standard for our success."
SIDNEY - During the Sidney City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Police Chief Sam Lovato promoted an officer and introduced new trainees.

Officer Kevin Tretter was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, a position Lovato awarded based on his performance in several areas. Lovato praised Tretter specifically for his teaching ability, family values, and his performance as an acting sergeant.

"Kevin has been a great addition to the Sidney Police Department," Lovato said. "He brings with him a wealth of knowledge from an outstanding career of military service that he has been willing to share and teach our younger, newer generation. His leadership has been invaluable."

"He's actually been a blessing for me," Lovato said. "He's got a lot of maturity behind him. He's by far exceeded my expectations, and I do believe in rewarding people that put forth the effort."

Tretter's wife and children were all present at the ceremony, with his ife participating directly by pinning his new badge to his uniform to symbolize her support for his career.

Before the promotion, Lovato also introduced three new trainees who will be starting at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, in Grand Island, on January 4, 2026. They were 20-year-old Faith Gettman, 23-year-old Devon Holbrooks, and 24-year-old Hayden Hofrock.

"Means everything," Hofrock said. "I was born and raised here, so I'm gonna serve my hometown."

Gettman said she decided to join the force after Abigail Fraas, a soon-to-be graduate of the Police Academy, encouraged her. Lovato said Fraas will likely be officially hitting the streets in January. Gettman said that being a police officer here in Sidney meant more to her than just protecting the community.

"I also think it means being involved with the community," Gettman said. "Not just being like this ominous being. I like having those personal connections with the community, getting to know people, stuff like that."

Holbrooks and Hofrock, both said they joined due to family ties. Both men said their fathers were police officers.

"It's a very tight-knit community," Holbrooks said. "And for Chief to give me the opportunity to be a police officer here means a lot. I love living in Sidney, moved up here once, moved back down to Colorado, and had to move back. I missed it too much."

To become a trainee, Lovato said they had to pass several tests before being deemed worthy of joining the Police Academy and continuing the process. They had to pass a physical, a background check, and a psychological assessment, among other things.

"I just had to make sure that I was prepared enough to go above and beyond in the aspects that I can do," Holbrooks said. "Push-ups, sit-ups, the vertical jump, to make up for what I lost in my run."

If all goes well, Lovato estimated that the new trainees will be hitting the streets sometime in April 2026, after graduating from the Police Academy and completing their field training.

"I'm excited to see what these three individuals will bring to the table," Lovato said. "As I consider them each a puzzle piece of the Sidney Police Department, bringing unique skill sets, personalities, and different abilities to the department to make us grow stronger."

During the meeting, the decision to purchase two new vehicles for the department was also repealed, as City Manager Josh Hanson explained that the purchases required a bidding process that was not conducted prior to the previous meeting. He also said that new bids for both vehicle purchases would be presented at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 9.

"That was an oversight on my side," Hanson said. "I take complete ownership of that."
E. P. Almeria Thursday, 11 December 2025, 08:42 Share

The Andalusian regional government is finalising the details of a resolution restricting the use of jet skis in Cabo de Gata Natural Park in Almeria province, ahead opf its publication in the Official Bulletin of the Andalusian Regional Government (BOJA).

The measure, which has been under consideration since last year, has been subject to analysis and debate by tourism authorities and the governing board of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, held on 23 April and 13 June of this year respectively, confirmed that Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park will join other protected areas in Andalucia whose regulations prohibit the use of jet skis. These spaces include Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park on the border between Malaga and Granada provinces, according to the Junta de Andalucia.

Manuel de la Torre, provincial spokesperson for sustainability and environment, said, "We believe that the coastline of the natural park is not the right place for jet skis." He went on to say, "The noise pollution they generate has an impact on the fauna and also annoys visitors who are looking for a space of maximum environmental quality, and the high speed they reach means a risk of collisions with species that swim on the surface and can affect the safety of users of the coast."

According to Salvador Parra, director of the natural park, "This measure, which we are adopting after a period of analysis and work in the participatory bodies of the natural area, is the continuation of the work that has been carried out in recent years" to ensure that "tourist activities linked to the coastal environment are compatible with the conservation of the ecological and landscape values of the park".

In 2017 the regulatory criteria for active tourism activities established the need for authorisation during the summer period for recreational activities carried out by groups of more than five canoeists. Subsequently, in 2018 motorboat activity was regulated and since 2021 and with the aim of conserving protected coastal and marine habitats and safeguarding the safety of visitors during the summer period, the regional government has marked out eleven beaches with more than a hundred buoys to enforce the temporary restriction of access for sailing and motorboats.

Proliferation of jet skis

In recent years the use of jet skis has proliferated and the high speed at which they travel, the pollution they generate and in many cases, the imprudence with which they approach unmarked swimming areas, have negative consequences for the natural environment, pose a risk of diminishing the ecological, scenic and geological value of the protected area and threaten the public and free use the sea and coastline for everybody.

Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is home to more than 1,350 marine species, many of which are legally protected and therefore require special attention from the environmental administrations. The area is also recognised as a 'Habitat of Community Interest' that led to the designation of Cabo de Gata-Nijar as a special area of conservation in 2012.

In 2001, the importance of the marine ecosystem of the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park was recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI).

In recognition, not only of the natural and scenic values it contains, but also of the population of its territory and its socio-economic development compatible with the conservation of natural resources, the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme declared Cabo de Gata-Nijar a Biosphere Reserve in 1997.

With its inclusion in the list of UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2015, Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park has become one of the most internationally recognised protected areas, not only in Spain, but also at European and even global level.
TOKYO, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese passenger plane on Thursday made an emergency landing at Hakodate Airport on the northern island of Hokkaido after it faced a single engine failure after taking off, local media reported.

Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd., which operates Hakodate Airport, received a call stating that there was a malfunction with Japan Airlines Flight JAL 2823, departing from Okadama Airport and bound for Akita Airport, would make an emergency landing, public broadcaster NHK reported.

A total of 26 people were on board, including passengers and crew. No injuries have been confirmed, the report said.

NHK footage showed that the passenger plane, operated by Hokkaido Air System, landed with its right propeller nearly stopped just after 1:30 p.m. local time, while several airport fire trucks were waiting.

The aircraft was grounded at Hakodate Airport and is scheduled to undergo inspection, the report said.

According to Hokkaido Air System, the cause of the incident is likely related to icing. 
Jorge Pastor Thursday, 11 December 2025, 18:01 Share

Granada's bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2031 will be presented to the Ministry of Culture in the second half of December and not in the first half of the month, as had been announced. "It will be a few days before the 28th, when the call expires," Councillor Juan Ramon Ferreira said on Tuesday 9 December, who clarified that the sixty-page text has been finalised. "At the moment we are in the final stages of layout, illustration and translation into English," he said.

After the 28 December deadline, there are a series of phases that must be fulfilled throughout 2026 with the idea that the Spanish finalist will be revealed by the end of next year. Once the bid has been registered with the Ministry of Culture, which is in charge of organising the competition in Spain, the next step will be for Granada to send a delegation to Madrid towards the end of January or early February. Among the ten people that will make up the delegation will be mayor of Granada Marifran Carazo and the director of Granada 2031, Pilar Tassara.

The first thirty minutes will be the presentation of the Granada programme. Eleven minutes will be devoted to the screening of the animated short film 'Elvira and the treasure', directed by Manuel Sicilia. Then the twelve independent specialists who are to decide which city will be the Capital of Culture, ten appointed by the European Union and two by the Ministry, will ask the questions they deem appropriate for an hour.

After that the group of experts will agree on a shortlist of applicants, although how many will be on the list is unclear. In the case of Belgium, there were three and in France, four. In any case, the BOE states that the resolution will be adopted "by consensus of the members present". If no such agreement is reached, a vote by show of hands will be taken. In the event of a tie, the president will have the casting vote.

If Granada is chosen, the city will move on to a second stage. The experts will give a series of recommendations to be implemented in the revision of the bid and there will be a further meeting with the panel. The Granada delegation will have forty-five minutes to sell its strengths, while the question and answer session will last for ninety minutes.

Then there will be a final round with a similar procedure when the panel must agree. If there is no such agreement, there will be a first ballot to be won by a simple majority. In case of a tie, there could be up to three more before the president decides. Before the end of 2026, the European Capital of Culture for 2031 will be revealed.
Eugenio Cabezas Thursday, 11 December 2025, 18:13 Share

Velez-Malaga town hall on the eastern Costa del Sol has awarded the contract to restore Torre del Mar's castle and open it up as a museum space, to Construcciones Calderon S. L. with a budget of 845,236 euros.

The old castle, located on Plaza Axarquia to the north of the town centre, is one of the most important reminders of its defensive and commercial past, of which only a few remains are left. The project, which has a completion period of six months, will enable the building to be restored and its future museum project to be developed.

The town hall expects the space to open in 2026, provided there are no administrative or construction delays. "After completing all the procedures required we now have the company that will carry out the work. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, Torre del Mar will have its fully completed museum in 2026," said the deputy mayor of Torre del Mar, Jesus Carlos Perez Atencia, in a statement.

The project has been selected as part of a state programme for the revitalisation of historical heritage for tourist use, financed with European Next Generation funds. Of the 92 projects approved throughout Spain, this is the only one in Malaga province.

The restoration of the castle represents a return to one of the historical demands of the town of Torre del Mar, whose military past - with its watchtower, coastal fortress and later its strategic role in maritime trade - has been largely diluted by urban growth and the tourism boom of recent decades. "The aim of the project is to restore the building's heritage, turning it into a representative model of Torre del Mar, historically shaped by its military function and intense commercial activity," explained Atencia.

However, a group of 46 local residents oppose the project that will involve the expropriation of their homes. Those affected consider that the compensation being offered is insufficient and complain that the process puts their residential future at risk.

Tension increased after the Local Police removed several protest banners from balconies a few weeks ago, an act that residents interpret as an attempt to silence criticism. Velez-Malaga town hall insists that the entire procedure is legal, while those affected say they want to be heard and warn that the conflict will not be resolved by trying to hide their demands.
Jose Rodriguez Camara Benalmadena Thursday, 11 December 2025, 19:01 Share

Fouiza, whose home in the Arroyo de la Miel district in Benalmadena was violently raided in the middle of the day on 6 December, feels like the assault lasted hours, especially because she was scared that the perpetrators were going to kidnap her 18-year-old daughter Sanaa.

"I am a normal person, a worker who is not a millionaire, far from it," she says, unable to understand why the criminals chose her home, located in a peaceful and highly populated area.

The National Police are currently investigating the robbery and trying to identify the two hooded men that created Fouiza's nightmare.

"I heard the doorbell, I thought it was a delivery. I opened, didn't ask who it was... A man came in, pushed me into the kitchen and covered my eyes and mouth and grabbed my hands from behind," Fouiza remembers. Then, according to her account, another man broke into her home without her consent. The second burglar closed the door behind him.

'He told me not to talk, I couldn't, I was going to have a heart attack... I thought they were going to kidnap my daughter'

"He said to me: 'Don't talk, don't talk!' I couldn't, I was telling him that I couldn't, that I was going to have a heart attack... He was pushing me. I thought they were coming to kidnap my daughter and I fainted," she says. The man also hit her in the face.

Sanaa was in her bedroom, when the other man entered. "He punched me, threw me on the bed and told me not to look at him, because at that moment he was pulling down his mask so he could cut the duct tape with his mouth. I didn't do it, I was too scared," she says.

According to the young woman, the assault lasted "about ten minutes", although her mother felt it was much longer. After fainting, she regained consciousness when she heard her daughter telling the perpetrators to leave her alone and not hurt her.

While the burglars were busy raiding their home, Fouiza found a moment to go out and knock on the neighbours' door.

'My mother escaped, I heard the burglars running away and I crossed the landing to the front door, even though my feet were tied'

"My mother escaped, I heard the burglars running away and I crossed the landing to the front door, even though my feet were tied. The neighbour untied me," Sanaa says.

The two women are terrified. They cannot explain why that happened to them. "Nothing like this has ever happened to us, nor have we ever heard of anything like this happening in the neighbourhood, which is a very quiet place."

Fouiza says that the perpetrators stole some "cash and valuables". According to the investigation, they took several pieces of jewellery, mostly gold, as well as 1,400 euros that the family had in cash.

The police are investigating other possible crimes of illegal detention, injuries and robbery with violence, but so far no arrests have been made.
The multilingual priest of Torremolinos Miguel Norbert Ubarri officiates at San Miguel church in Spanish, French, English, Dutch, Italian, Latin and sometimes, with help, even in more languages, to cater to a parishioner base of tourists and foreigners

Jose Rodriguez Camara Torremolinos Thursday, 11 December 2025 | Updated 12/12/2025 10:26h. Share

The monastery of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in Montemar, the church of Madre del Buen Consejo in the town centre and the church of San Miguel near El Bajondillo, serve an area of Torremolinos which has a high concentration of hotels and tourist accommodation.

The priests in charge of these places of worship are Antonio Jesus Jimenez Sanchez and Miguel Norbert Ubarri. The latter, Puerto Rican by birth, at 60 years old, has been a priest for six years. "A vocation or a belated response," he jokes.

Training

Before donning the cassock, Norbert Ubarri studied language and literature, which enhanced his passion and aptitude for languages. "These are gifts given by the Lord," he says.

With this profile, the arrival of this priest was key to promoting the diocese's key aim, focused precisely on attracting parishioners. As Norbert Ubarri points out, in his parish there is a predominance of foreigners, as opposed to the local population, low in numbers due to young families with children moving out to places where it is easier to find a home. Another effect of gentrification, he argues.

Against this backdrop, the idea of the was In this scenario, the idea of international mass was born: every Sunday at 10.30am in San Miguel church. This is the only Mass celebrated in this way in the Diocese, although there are also rites in other languages, given Malagas population diversity.

The service is 50 minutes long, and the priest has not forgotten a piece of advice he was given when he first took the pulpit: "Good masses are like mini-skirts: short and revealing".

"In order to involve everyone, some parts of the mass are at least in two or three languages, such as the antiphon, the homily, the gospel and the prayer of the faithful," he describes.

Therefore, they alternate between English, due to the regular presence of retirees from Ireland, a country with a strong Catholic tradition; French, as there is also a significant number of French-speaking Canadians; Dutch, key to connecting with visitors and the important Torremolinense community from the Netherlands; Italian, for similar reasons, and, if the occasion arises and a volunteer can be found, even Polish, to name but a few of the languages that have been heard at San Miguel.

Moreover, as the priest Miguel points out, "so that we all pray in the same language, we also use Latin", as is the case with the Our Father and the Hail Mary, and even Greek. "I learned English in high school (it should be remembered that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States); French and Dutch, thanks to the 12 years I spent in Holland and Belgium; Italian I also speak confidently... passively, I understand six languages", he sums up.

Despite the mixture, as he explains, the service is on average 50 minutes long. Norbert Ubarri does not forget a piece of advice he was given when he first took the pulpit: "Good masses are like mini-skirts: short and revealing".

Zoom

The question is whether this mass formula is successful and, according to the international priest, it is: "Although it all depends, I can tell you that this church was one of the few in the centre and, on many occasions, we achieved a full house, which is about 300 people, with two thirds of them foreigners".

A parish that wants to be open-minded, where people who do not do so in their place of origin come to confess, and which is well aware that Torremolinos is the capital of the LGTBIQ+ community

It is not only the non-nationals who come here, but also Spaniards from outside Malaga who spend some time in this sought-after destination.

And it has all been, practically, by word of mouth, as Norbert Ubarri makes clear, since only a brief message was made to nearby hotels to inform them of this religious service a few years ago.

As well as this service, in addition to Torremolinos itself, which, as the priest points out, is "very special, very diverse, very plural", he explains, "what we do is an open-door pastoral programme".

This work, in accordance with the mission entrusted to them by the former bishop Jesus Catala, is ideal for spreading the devotion to the patron saint, San Miguel, and the patron saint of Torremolinos, the Virgen del Carmen, which, thanks to the foreign parishioners, goes beyond the limits of Torremolinos.

A parish that wants to be 'open minded', in keeping with the local customs, which is used by many for confession, because of the "shame" of declaring their sins before the priest of the place where they live, "you know how it is in a small town, news travels fast", explains the Puerto Rican priest with a chuckle; it is regularly attended by foreigners who do not practice their faith in their own countries and, as Miguel Norbert Ubarri happily points out, is no coincidence that Torremolinos is "the capital" of the LGBT+ community.

"We welcome everyone who comes in a special way, so that they feel loved. As Pope Francis said, 'who am I to judge?'"
Antonio M. Romero Malaga Thursday, 11 December 2025 | Updated 12/12/2025 10:55h. Share

Malaga has officially presented its bid to host the new European Customs Authority (EUCA). The presentation took place at a ceremony at Spain's EU headquarters in Brussels, where deputy PM Maria Jesus Montero, president of the Andalusian regional government Juanma Moreno and Malaga mayor Francisco de la Torre highlighted the city's capacity to host this decentralised EU body, which is due to be launched next year.

Spain has shown the unity of all public administrations around the commitment to Malaga during an event attended by various members of EU institutions and diplomatic missions.

In their speeches, the representatives of the three public institutions that endorse Malaga highlighted the conditions that make the provincial capital a "solid, competitive and unbeatable" candidate. To host the EUCA, Malaga is competing with Liege (Belgium), Lille (France), Zagreb (Croatia), Rome (Italy), The Hague (Netherlands), Warsaw (Poland), Porto (Portugal) and Bucharest (Romania), whose projects will be presented in the coming weeks. The Council and the European Parliament will make a decision "no earlier than February", according to sources consulted.

Zoom A moment of the presentation. sur

During the presentation, Montero, Moreno and De la Torre highlighted Malaga's geostrategic position in the Mediterranean, close to the maritime trade routes that link Europe with Asia, Africa and America; its expanding port and proximity to the port of Algeciras - one of the main ports in Europe; its "robust" logistics network; its connections through the international airport - 156 destinations in 38 countries; the high-speed rail network; the existence of a consolidated and thriving technological and knowledge ecosystem with the TechPark (former PTA) and the installation of multinationals such as Google, Oracle, TDK and Vodafone in the city and, soon, the headquarters of IMEC, a cutting-edge centre in the development of semiconductors.

In addition, Malaga's candidacy also mentions its public service offers in health and education, including international schools; the existence of public and private universities; a "very complete" cultural and sporting offer; the environmental and historical heritage attractions; the climate; safety; the quality of life in the city and the existence of an important international resident community and an extensive consular network.

The president of the Junta de Andalucia said that choosing Malaga would contribute to rebalancing the map of European agencies between the north and the south of the continent, since Amsterdam (European Medicines Agency) and Frankfurt (European Anti-Money Laundering Authority) were recently chosen as headquarters of other EU bodies.

The president of the Junta highlighted the need to rebalance the map of European agencies between the north and the south of the continent

"It is time to have more representation from Southern Europe. It is important for the EU that the map of European agencies is rebalanced in the interests of greater representativeness and participation among the 27 EU member countries, which is also the best way to extend the European spirit and its principles of equality," Juanma Moreno said, adding that in Andalucia the sense of belonging is "very strong" and that the best way to crown this feeling is for Malaga to host an organisation of "such strategic importance" as the EUCA.

Maria Jesus Montero stated that choosing Malaga, in its function as a "firmly" pro-European country, "would contribute to strengthening the European project". She recalled that Spain had previously promoted a debate that was necessary for customs reform in the EU.

"Spain presents a winning candidacy, offering solvency, capacity and technical excellence in each of the requirements demanded by Europe to host the headquarters of the European Customs Authority. It offers something unquestionable: a wonderful city, a unique environment, one of the best in the world for working and enjoying life (...) sun, happiness, culture, innovation and talent in abundance," she said.

Malaga 'presents a winning candidacy', according to the deputy PM of Spain

As mayor of the city, Francisco de la Torre stated that Malaga is the "safest and most prepared" city to host the EUCA and added that it is one of the largest European cities without a formal EU institutional presence. "Choosing Malaga is not just selecting a city; it is choosing security, innovation, quality of life and a reliable partner that will support the success of the EUCA. In Malaga, the EUCA will thrive and find everything it needs to fulfil its important mission in Europe," he said.

'In Malaga, the EUCA will thrive and find everything it needs to fulfil its important mission in Europe,' the mayor of Malaga said

The official ceremony opened with the screening of the Malaga candidacy promotional video.
Juan Soto Malaga Thursday, 11 December 2025 | Updated 12/12/2025 10:50h. Share

Christmas in Malaga is synonymous with lights and music in Calle Larios, videomapping in the cathedral and craft stalls in the Park. But it is also synonymous with Nativity and the perfect time to take a tour stopping at the different crib scenes that decorate the city. There have been long queues recorded every day of this last long weekend of the year to see some of the classic crib scenes, such as the one at Malaga Town Hall, demonstrating that this Christmas tradition is still alive and well.

This year Malaga has more than 70 Nativity scenes available, ranging from the classic ones set up in the Cathedral or the Town Hall to the more popular ones such as La Mosca or Carretera de Cadiz. All of them have their own charm and unique particularities that make them worth visiting.

One of the most spectacular was unveiled this weekend in the Patio de Banderas of Malaga city hall. The municipal Nativity scene is classic, monumental and has more than 400 figures and details with references to Malaga. It occupies an area of 150 square metres and narrates the different biblical scenes in chronological order. On this occasion, it begins with a large seascape in a humble neighbourhood by the sea, with an espetero selling fish and a carpenter repairing a fishing boat. Both adults and young people can enjoy a recreational facility that can be visited from ten in the morning to two in the afternoon and from 5pm to 9pm.

Another classic is the one that can be visited in Malaga Cathedral. It occupies an area of 70 square metres and contains around 400 figures. Located in the Cathedral's choir loft, it is set up by the Malaga Nativity Association 'La Alcazaba'. Around a quarter of the figures and scenes that the cathedral scene includes are new, such as the Flight into Egypt, with figures created exclusively for that moment, such as the painters of the frescoes, the bricklayer measuring with a plumb line or the architects reviewing the plans.

Another spectacular Nativity scene worth a visit is the one set up at the headquarters of the Diputacion Provincial, in the Carretera de Cadiz district. The Malaga crib scene designer Diego Alonso, with the collaboration of Juan Francisco Moreno, has created an interactive scene with 1,900 figures and unique corners of the province. This year it offers a new terrain, with some new features such as the Tajo bridge in Ronda and four fountains.

Above, the Provincial Council presents an interactive scene with 1,900 figures. Below, on the left, detail of the Town Hall's nativity scene. On the right, the La Mosca Nativity scene brings together some 200 figures in a natural setting. Nito Salas

But there are many more: the one at the Museo Fundacion Unicaja de Artes y Costumbres Populares, the one in the La Mosca neighbourhood, at the Museo de la Aduana, the one at the Museo del Vidrio.... All of them are well worth including into this Christmas stroll.

The aforementioned La Mosca scene dates back to 1992 and is located on the outskirts of the city. The Nativity scene is 22 metres long by five metres wide and has a total of 2,000 figures. It's based on biblical scenes and started when a resident, Felix Trujillo, discovered a natural site that allows this nativity scene to integrate part of the rocks on the mountainside, making it a landmark in which children are amazed by the number of moving elements and by the route that allows them to start the tour with a daytime nativity scene, as if by magic, to also see it at night.

Also made by the craftsman Enrique Haro, this year the Unicaja Foundation Museum of Arts and Customs is displaying a unique crib scene which can be visited from ten in the morning to two in the afternoon and from four to seven, except on public holidays, when it is closed in the afternoon. And with regards to the 73 Nativity scenes that are distributed around the Costa del Sol, it is also worth mentioning the one put on by the Zegri Cultural Association in the parish of San Pablo. It is a Renaissance Nativity scene that can be visited from nine in the morning to one in the afternoon and from 5pm to 8pm.

The Neapolitan style Nativity scene of the Dolores del Puente Brotherhood is also fascinating, made up of sixty pieces inspired by Spanish baroque and Andalusian architecture, which this year, incorporates new figures made by Jesus Rosa.

This route also includes the scene in the San Miguel cemetery, which consists of twenty handcrafted mysteries under the title 'A tour of the Nativity scenes of South America', from the Alejandra Aranda collection, or the one in the glass and crystal museum, which displays a Nativity made up of two hundred porcelain figures by Lladro.
Cristina Vallejo Thursday, 11 December 2025 | Updated 12/12/2025 10:37h. Share

Malaga will once again be the Andalusian province leading economic and employment growth this year, according to estimates published on Thursday by Analistas Economicos de Andalucia, part of the Unicaja banking group. Forecasts anticipate that the GDP of the Costa del Sol will have expanded at a rate of 3.7%, above the Andalusian 3% average, which in turn exceeds the figure forecast for Spain (2.8%) or that which the Bank of Spain forecasts for the country as a whole (2.6%).

The other provinces that will also beat the Andalusian average will be Granada (3.4%) and Seville (3.2%). The most modest growth will come from Cordoba (2.3%).

These figures show a slowdown with respect to the figures for 2024. For example, the expansion of the Andalusian economy will fall to the aforementioned 3% from 3.6% in 2024. Meanwhile, the economy of Malaga will cool down from 4.4% last year to 3.7% in 2025. According to the study, the region's growth in the first half of the year has been sustained by the favourable contribution of domestic demand, although a moderation has been observed due to what experts describe as a "mild" slowdown in household consumption.

This cooling of which Analistas Economicos de Andalucia speaks, has already been observed in the first half of the year - a period for which reliable data is now available. There are provinces that have been able to stop the slowdown: Cadiz, Granada and Huelva. Once again, Malaga has recorded the highest growth in the region: 4% year-on-year, above the Andalusian 3.4%, a figure which is also higher than the national average.

In any case, it seems that the slowdown in economic activity in the first half of the year has been less significant than expected, since the growth of activity so far this year has allowed Analistas Economicos de Andalucia to revise upwards its growth forecasts from the 2.5% it estimated six months ago to the current forecast of 3%. The company allows the possibility that Andalucia could exceed this growth rate by the end of the year, in view of the latest information available.

The report also provides forecasts for the coming year for Andalucia as a whole, although not by province. In 2026, the region's growth rate could moderate to 2%, a figure very similar to that calculated for Spain as a whole. In fact, Analistas predicts that economic growth is likely to slow in the coming quarters due to trade tensions, which continue being one of the main sources of risk to growth observed by economists.

Mixed employment reviews

3.3% growth in social security contributors in Malaga - the only Andalusian province with rises over 3%

The greater dynamism of Malaga's GDP is reflected in employment. The number of workers affiliated to social security has increased throughout Andalucia. But once again it is Malaga which recorded the most notable increase: 3.3% in year-on-year terms, followed by Huelva (2.7%) and Seville (2.4%) and above the Andalusian figure of 2.5%. Granada and Cordoba recorded more moderate rises, with rates of under 2%.

As Felisa Becerra, head of the economic analysis department of Analistas Economicos de Andalucia, points out, Malaga is the only Andalusian province in which social security enrolment has risen by more than 3%. In addition, Becerra, also highlights that exports are performing more favourably here, with a boost in chemical products and capital goods, although agri-food goods, which account for half of the province's sales abroad, are affected by the fall in the price of oil.

Although employment in terms of social security enrolment shows a better development in Malaga than in the rest of the Andalusian provinces, there are other metrics in which the province does not fare so well. The workforce survey, for example, reflects a higher growth in Huelva (5.9%) and Jaen (3%), although Malaga, with its 2.6%, beats the Andalusian average, which is around 2%, and also Seville, with a growth of 0.5%.

The report also analyses the behaviour of employment by sector: in Huelva, agriculture and services are the main drivers; in Jaen, agriculture and construction; while in Malaga, services lead the way.

Another metric in which Malaga does not perform so well is the unemployment rate, as it is the only province in which it has risen this year. Malaga's unemployment is below the Andalusian average, but above the Spanish average. The latest figures also reveal that there is one Andalusian province with lower unemployment than Malaga: Huelva, where it is below 10%.

One out of every four homes sold in Andalucia is in Malaga

Regarding the property market, the figures for approved housing projects (which are a leading indicator of activity) show a year-on-year increase of 27.7% up to May, exceeding 14,000 in the first five months of the year. Sevilla and Malaga also stand out, accounting for 43% and 26%, respectively.

Meanwhile, in terms of property demand, sales and purchases are growing at a rate of 20.8% year-on-year - a generalised increase in all provinces, although the increase in Malaga is more moderate (11.5%). This does not prevent the province from retaining a very significant weight in activity: one in every four sales made in Andalucia take place in Malaga. It is on the Costa del Sol where mortgages are most expensive: the average mortgage is around 208,000 euros, compared to 91,000 in Jaen, for example. This is due to the fact that the average price per square metre in Malaga is 2,708.4 euros, compared to the Andalusian average of 1,741.4 euros.
Nuria Triguero Malaga Thursday, 11 December 2025, 19:27 Share

In parallel to the closure of well-known toy store chains such as Imaginarium and Toys R Us, there is a company from Malaga - from Ronda to be exact - that has patiently, modestly and discreetly built a solid empire around the sale of toys and household items. It is MGI, a chain of shops founded in 2007 with a simple formula - "Everything for 10, 15 or 20 euros" - and a low price policy based on the fact that it does not work with intermediaries but directly with manufacturers. Today, this family business can boast two milestones related to the magical figure of 100: it is about to reach one hundred shops and has exceeded one hundred million euros in turnover. The parent company alone reached 94 million in 2024, to which must be added the turnover of several subsidiaries.

MGI (the acronym for Master Gift Import SL, the company's corporate name, and Mi Gran Ilusion, which was previously its commercial brand) already employs a thousand people between its 95 shops, its headquarters in Ronda, and its large logistics centre in Antequera. With 45,000 square metres, this robotised warehouse already employs 200 people and is preparing to expand by another 20,000 metres. It is the heart that pumps the growth of the MGI network. "We have reached cruising speed and we are opening about fifteen shops a year. The last one was in Pamplona. We are focusing a lot lately on Galicia and Catalonia," explains Jorge Rosado, CEO of this family business.

The company is also finalising its international expansion: it plans to start opening shops in Portugal next year. For Jorge Rosado, the explanation for its success lies in the fact that its formula fits like a glove in the precarious state of family economies in Spain. "The way the price of everything is, people are looking for loopholes to save and MGI is a place where they know that the savings are safe," says the CEO, who adds that there are products that they offer "at half the price" of the competition. The big question is how? The answer given by Rosado is that the company dispenses with intermediaries and works directly with manufacturers. A strategy that is a logical consequence of MGI's history: in 2000, when the company was born, it was dedicated to the wholesale marketing of toys, gift items, decoration and home equipment. It was in 2007 that its founders decided to try their hand at retailing.

"We were importers and when we made the leap to retail, we cut out the middlemen, and so we were able to lower prices as much as possible," he explains. He cites two examples from this year's Christmas campaign: Barbie and the Uno card game, both at five euros. "We collaborate with manufacturers who even produce some items exclusively for us, such as Fagor, and we also have our own brands. San Ignacio electrical appliances are only available from MGI; the same goes for Jesmar dolls," says Rosado. The company buys "everything it can" in Spain, according to its CEO, but it also collaborates with factories in Asia. In fact, it has had a permanent office in China since 2004 to control manufacturing processes and the final quality of all its products.

The other keys that explain MGI's low price policy are the high volume of purchases, the high turnover of products, the low commercial margin that the company assumes and the exhaustive control of expenditure: austerity is the company's trademark, as can be seen in the shops themselves, so that the customer perceives that savings are the priority.
The National Police have solved the kidnapping of a couple in Mijas that resulted in the man being killed. They have arrested five men suspected of assaulting the pair, shooting the man and then taking them to a house where they held them hostage for several hours. Their aim was to steal the couple's cryptoassets.

The investigation was launched following a complaint lodged by the woman, who was released at midnight while her partner remained unaccounted for. The incident happened in April 2025.

According to the woman's account, she was with her partner when three or four hooded individuals assaulted them. The perpetrators were dressed entirely in black, wore gloves and concealed their faces with balaclavas. They were also carrying firearms.

In the course of the assault, they shot her partner in the leg as he tried to flee and then put them both in a vehicle. They drove them to a house, where they tried to access the couple's cryptoassets.

At midnight, the woman was released, while her partner remained unaccounted for until his body was found in a wooded area in Mijas. The victim's body showed obvious signs of violence, in addition to the gunshot wound to the leg.

Following the complaint, the police initiated an investigation which led to the identification of the perpetrators. The police arrested five people in Spain and carried out six house searches in Madrid and Malaga. In addition, four other persons have been charged in Denmark, two of whom are currently in prison for crimes similar to the Mijas case.

During the searches, two short firearms (one real and one simulated), an extendable baton, a balaclava, a pair of trousers with traces of blood, as well as biological traces compatible with the blood found in the house where the victims were held, were found. In addition, various documents of interest to the case were seized, as well as multiple electronic devices and mobile phones.
Cristina Vallejo Thursday, 11 December 2025, 19:31 Share

Spain averages one bar for every 207 inhabitants, according to a report published by Accumin Intelligence, a data analytics company. However, this ratio pales in comparison to the Malaga municipality of Fuengirola, which boasts 981 bars for its 85,646 residents, making it one bar for every 87.3 inhabitants. This makes it the fifth municipality in Spain with over 50,000 inhabitants in terms of the density of restaurants and bars, according to data released on Wednesday by Accumin. For the purposes of this analysis, a bar is defined as any locality where one can have a coffee or a beer, so this includes everything from cafes to restaurants and even to ice-cream parlours.

Fuengirola, according to Accumin's calculations, has - and this is another way of measuring it - 11.5 bars per inhabitant, a figure that barely places this town behind only four municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. Top of the list is Calvia, in the Balearic Islands, with one bar for every 63.6 residents, or 15.7 bars per 1,000 inhabitants. In second place is Ibiza town, also in the Balearic archipelago, which has one bar for every 68 inhabitants, or 14.7 for every 1,000 inhabitants.

Also ahead of Fuengirola are San Bartolome de Tirajana, in the Canary Islands, with one bar for every 69 inhabitants, or 14.5 bars for every 1,000 inhabitants. Then comes Benidorm, in the region of Valencia, which has one bar for every 75 inhabitants, while the number of bars for every 1,000 residents in this town is 13.2.

Torremolinos and Marbella also make the ranking

Moreover, among the municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, Fuengirola is not the only one in Malaga province that appears among the top 20 for most bars and restaurants per person. Torremolinos is also among them, boasting 734 bars for its 70,920 residents - that's one for every 96.6 inhabitants or, put another way, 10.3 bars for every 1,000 inhabitants.

Marbella comes straight after, with 9.9 bars per 1,000 inhabitants, or one bar per 100 inhabitants, as there are 1,577 bars for its approximately 160,000 residents.

Torremolinos and Marbella rank in eighth and ninth places, behind Adeje in the Canary Islands and Toledo, the first provincial capital to appear on this list.

What this also means is that the Costa del Sol province has the most bars per capita in all Andalucia. The only other Andalusian city to appear in the top 20 on this list that is not in Malaga province is Granada, in 14th place. The home of the Alhambra has 1,694 bars for its 233,532 inhabitants, meaning one bar for every 138 inhabitants or 8.4 bars for every 1,000 residents.

Among the major provincial capitals of Spain, the greatest number of such places do business where there are large concentrations of people, thus diluting the density per capita of such commercial activity. Barcelona is the only large city to appear in this top 20 list of cities and towns with more than 50,000 inhabitants for most food and drink establishments. Moreover, it only just makes the ranking, in 20th place, with 7.7 bars per 1,000 residents, or 129 inhabitants per bar.

If we look only at the Spanish cities, among the 20 with the most bars there is still the aforementioned Toledo, as well as Cuenca, Granada, Leon, Ciudad Real, Segovia, Pamplona and Albacete, although not Malaga city.

According to the analysis carried out by Gerardo Raido, marketing director with Accumin Intelligence, this ranking of the number of bars relative to the population of each municipality, "provides revealing objective information about our way of life, how we interact and how we grow. This map is a living reflection of the land: where bars abound, there is dynamism, tourism and community, but where they are lacking, depopulation leaves its mark." Soria, Palencia, Avila and Burgos, all in Castilla y Leon, are the provinces with the highest number of municipalities where no bars operate.
China welcomes all countries with same vision to participate in Group of Friends of Global Governance: FM spokesperson

Xinhua) 08:08, December 11, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Group of Friends of Global Governance is open to all UN member states and welcomes the participation of all countries sharing the same vision, said Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday.

Guo made the remarks after China's Permanent Mission to the UN announced on Tuesday the inauguration of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the platform of the UN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative during the SCO Tianjin Summit, charting the course for the reform of the global governance system and providing invaluable stability and certainty for the turbulent world, Guo told a regular press briefing, adding that the initiative received extensive recognition and positive response from the international community.

Guo said that China initiated the Group of Friends of Global Governance to bring parties together for closer exchanges and cooperation on major issues on global governance, and draw on collective wisdom and mobilize joint efforts for reforming and improving global governance.

He further pointed out that participating countries highly recognized and supported the Global Governance Initiative, commended China's leading role in global governance, warmly congratulated on the inauguration of the group, and expressed hopes that the group will provide new impetus for upholding multilateralism and reforming and improving the global governance system.

Guo said that after the meeting, the 43 founding members of the group issued a joint statement, stressing they will jointly uphold the legacy won by the World War II, reinforce the role of the UN, address global challenges and respond to the yearning of the peoples.

"Global governance is a matter for all. It bears on the vital interests of every country and calls for everyone to participate, engage in decision-making and share the fruits," said Guo, adding that the group is open to all UN member states and welcomes the participation of all countries sharing the same vision.

"We also support the group to enhance exchanges and cooperation with various countries, the UN Secretariat and relevant international organizations, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and make new contribution to world peace and development," said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
LUSAKA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A regional conference to advance the One Health agenda in East and Southern Africa opened Thursday in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, with delegates calling for stronger, coordinated action to integrate the approach into national health systems.

The two-day Regional One Health Conference, under the theme "Driving Coordinated Regional Action for One Health," has brought together about 300 experts, policymakers, development partners, and stakeholders from the human, animal, environmental, and food systems sectors, to enhance collaboration, share best practices, and advance joint action to protect the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.

Mary Mbole-Kariuki, a technology and innovations expert at the African Union Inter-African Bureau of Animal Resources, said the rise of diseases transmitted from animals to humans, up 63 percent in the past decade, underscores the need for comprehensive, multisectoral interventions. She warned that rapid population growth could further accelerate antimicrobial resistance.

Calling for decisive action, Yewande Alimi, antimicrobial resistance program coordinator at the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the One Health approach "is no longer a technical suggestion, but the way forward" as pandemics, food insecurity, and climate pressures strain resilience across the region.

Zambian Minister of Health Elijah Muchima said One Health is "a strategic imperative," stressing that the health of people is inseparable from the health of animals and ecosystems. The conference, he said, comes as Africa confronts increasingly complex and cross-border health threats, requiring countries to work collectively to prevent crises before they spread.

Muchima expressed hope that the conference will help countries share practical experiences, align national and regional priorities, and strengthen cross-border surveillance, early warning systems, and information sharing. 
Pilar Martinez Malaga Thursday, 11 December 2025, 19:23 Share

At the 24th annual Aesva assembly, which brought together representatives of the car rental sector in the province, the data put the economic impact of this industry at 1.38 billion euros. Aesva confirmed that 2025 had been a good year and put the focus "on strengthening the competitiveness of the destination through strategic alliances and sectoral cooperation".

There are almost 200 car hire companies operating in the province, with a fleet of more than 30,000 vehicles, which "makes [Aesva] one of the most important business associations in the field of tourist movement". According to Turismo Costa de Sol, the car rental sector generates 1,911 direct jobs. "These figures show the economic importance of the sector and its essential role in the tourism value chain," the public institution said.

Managing director of Turismo Costa del Sol Antonio Diaz highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in maintaining the excellence that characterises the destination. "The car rental sector is fundamental for the tourist experience and for the competitiveness of the Costa del Sol, because it guarantees freedom of movement and facilitates the discovery of the enormous diversity of our destination," Diaz said. According to him, the car rental sector of the Costa del Sol scores an average of 7.8 out of ten in tourists' assessment, which confirms its success.

Diaz also spoke about the potential of this activity and its proven capacity to continue growing in volume and quality. "From Turismo Costa del Sol, we will continue working to ensure that car rental companies occupy the place they deserve in the tourism ecosystem, reinforcing the visibility and supporting the future development" of the sector. Diaz expressed his firm commitment to projects that promote sustainability, smart transport and innovation as fundamental pillars for the growth of the destination.
Juan Cano Malaga Thursday, 11 December 2025, 18:52 Share

The Supreme Court of Spain has acquitted a 19-year-old man of child abuse involving a 13-year-old girl with whom he had a consensual sexual relationship for a few months, which started when she was 12 years and 10 months old. According to the court, the defendant, although he was charged with sexual abuse of a minor, given that the girl was under the minimum age of consent (16), had a certain level of immaturity, which brought him closer in mental age to the girl.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court refers to the 'Romeo and Juliet clause', which exempts defendants from criminal liability under very specific circumstances. According to the judge, the young man lacked the "physical and psychological development" for his age.

An extraordinary case

The extraordinary thing about the case investigated in Malaga province is that the defendant was not a minor. He was 19 years old, that is, seven years older than the girl with whom he had consensual sexual relations, although this consent could be considered vitiated by her age.

The cassation appeal that took the case to the Supreme Court was built around precisely this argument: that the 'Romeo and Juliet clause' should not apply when the defendant has entered adulthood.

The appeal relied on Circular 1/2017, which establishes three levels of protection for minors. Specifically, the second level, cited in the Supreme Court ruling, covers children from puberty up to the age of 13. However, it also specifies that the perpetrator's age must not exceed 18 for this level of protection to apply.

The sentence reproduces the facts that the provincial court of Malaga declared proven: "Juan Luis was invited to this home (hers) by Aurora (both are not their real names) in order to maintain these relations during school hours, taking advantage of her absence from classes and the absence of Aurora's mother, who was at work."

In order to reach a verdict of acquittal, the Malaga court relied on the fact that Juan Luis presented the psychological profile of a person with "poor maturity development", reduced skills for social relations in the context of a "withdrawn and introverted" personality, as well as a "childish mentality with no capacity for psychosocial response".

In fact, at the time of the events, the young man was undergoing psychological treatment for this reason, which considerably reduced his intellectual and volitional faculties. For the court, this profile "brought him closer to Aurora in terms of development and maturity", especially bearing in mind that she, on the contrary, showed "greater development and maturity than other minors her age".

The Supreme Court, which upheld the acquittal handed down by the Malaga High Court, said that the legislation of other European countries does set an age range for the application of this 'Romeo and Juliet clause', which can be two, three or five years, depending on the country.

However, the Spanish "legislator opted to establish a more open guideline for the acquittal of responsibility, while still requiring that the minor engage in a sexual relationship with someone of a comparable age and level of maturity".

In summary, the ruling considers that, although Aurora was a minor, "Juan Luis was a young man who was clearly in love with her". For this reason, both courts cannot justify a conviction for sexual abuse.
Edurne Martinez Madrid Thursday, 11 December 2025, 17:43 Share

Marta Lamas Quintela's eldest son will embark on the training ship Juan Sebastian Elcano on 10 January, repeating the voyage that Princess Leonor completed a year earlier. The family will accompany him on some of the stopovers along his voyage, spending the night in homes in Cadiz and Puerto Rico in exchange for lending other unknown travellers their residence in Ferrol (A Coruna).

A veteran of the platform for 15 years, with more than 200 exchanges under her belt, Lamas has raised her children through travelling to diverse destinations: the US, Greece, Colombia, Malaysia, Singapore and Mexico. "For us, home swap is not a way of saving money, it is a way of travelling," she says.

But the truth is that travelling as a family has become more expensive than ever. The average price of a hotel room in Spain reached 156 euros in August, 43% more than before the pandemic, according to data from the national institute of statistics (Ine). For families with several children, the cost multiplies and long journeys are complicated. Proof of this is that 40% of people who opt for the home exchange option are families with young children (12%) or teenagers (28%), while couples and solo travellers only account for 13% and retired people for 8%.

Home swapping has become a way of discovering destinations and experiencing them as a local. The HomeExchange platform has established itself as a growing alternative: the company, founded in 1992 in the US and present in Spain since 1996, allows its members to exchange homes without financial transactions between individuals, paying only an annual fee of 175 euros to the website. This includes a kind of deposit to cover possible damages and help in the event of last-minute cancellations, such as relocating the traveller or providing financial compensation.

Members of the platform pay an annual fee regardless of how many trips they make

"Considering that this is what it would cost for one or two nights in an average hotel, it is very affordable. It is also a more humane and sustainable way of travelling," spokesperson for the company in Spain Pilar Manrique told SUR. According to her, the high prices of tourist accommodation have made this form of travel more popular in Spain in the last few years.

The data reveals that Spain has become the second country in the world with the most members and homes on the platform, behind only France and ahead of the US. "The tourist attraction of Spain is enormous," Manrique says. In total, the platform has 250,000 members, of which 40,000 are in Spain, where the company has an annual turnover of around seven million euros.

Reservations for the long weekend

Christmas is a popular time for home swaps, which were popularised by the film The Holiday that gave HomeExchange a big marketing boost. Over the 6-8 December long weekend, the platform registered more than 21,894 confirmed overnight stays, 15.4% more than in 2024. Catalonia, Andalucia and Madrid were the most requested destinations, with Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia leading urban bookings.

These regions also lead the ranking of bookings for 2025 to date. Catalonia exceeds half a million overnight stays, of which Barcelona accounts for 42%, followed by Andalucia, with more than 30,000 bookings, of which Seville only accounts for 12%. One out of every three members who have chosen the region of Valencia (187,800 overnight stays this year) have preferred to stay in the city of Valencia, while the city of Madrid accounts for 80% of the 110,000 bookings. In the case of the Basque Country, which is the fifth most popular region in Spain, the city of choice is San Sebastian, with almost 30% of reservations out of a total of 159,000.

Home swaps have evolved in recent years. In the early days, HomeExchange would send out paper catalogues and users wrote physical letters requesting exchanges "until the other person wrote back", as Lamas remembers. Later, the traditional reciprocal exchange was complemented by a points-based system, initially called 'balloons', in which a stay was worth the same whether it lasted three days or a month. These points are earned by offering your home and can later be redeemed for stays in other homes, without the need for the exchanges to take place at the same time.

For Lamas and her family, the key is the exchange between people with the same interests. "We have a cat and the people who come often have cats too, so the stay includes pet care," she says. They also offer car exchange with the other person or family.

Legal limbo

Home-swap practices do not legally function as tourist flats because there is no economic transaction between its members. As it does not generate direct income, it complicates its possible inclusion in personal income tax and other taxes. In countries such as France, the UK or the US, the exchange is considered private and non-profit.

Spain also remains in this limbo where trust between private individuals prevails. However, cities such as Amsterdam (Netherlands) introduced a regulation in March that establishes that exchanges made through points can be considered equivalent to a holiday rental. This regulation involves registering the home with the municipality, obtaining a rental permit, limiting accommodation to 30 days per year, a maximum of four people per home and only allowing the host's usual residence.
Syracuse, N.Y.  If youre heading to work on a day when Syracuse schools are closed for snow, you wont have to worry about getting a ticket in a school zone.

The citys school-zone speed cameras are only active when school is in session, according to city spokesperson Sol Munoz. But red-light cameras run all the time.

Since the school district is closed Thursday, all violations that come in will be tossed out, Munoz said.

The city implemented a 60-day grace period in September to encourage safer driving in school zones without immediately issuing fines.

Since Nov. 2, drivers have faced a $50 fine for each speed or red-light violation. A $25 late penalty is added to unpaid fines. The fine amounts are set by New York state, Munoz said.

The speed limit in school zones is 10 mph below the existing limit. Almost all are posted at 20 mph, except for a couple of exceptions where the speed limit is 25 mph.

Since May, the city has also been fining vehicle owners who illegally pass stopped school buses as students get on and off the bus.
Elmira, N.Y.  A former New York state corrections officer sent to prison in the fatal beating of an inmate last year at a Central New York state prison has been released from prison.

The former corrections officer, David Walters, was let out Thursday morning from the Elmira Correctional Facility in Chemung County while his lawyer, Nicholas Passalacqua, attempts to withdraw his guilty plea.

State Supreme Court Justice James McClusky ordered Wednesday that Walters could be released on either $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.

Walters was one of 10 corrections officers who were indicted in the fatal beating of inmate Robert L. Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County. He accepted a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to second-degree manslaughter in exchange for a prison sentence of 2 1/3 to 7 years.

Passalacqua attempted in the days before his client was sentenced on Nov. 21 to take back the plea. He argued that Oneida County Court Judge Robert Bauer had changed his mind on a key part of the case: whether Walters had a so-called duty to intervene as his fellow corrections officers assaulted Brooks.

Passalacqua previously argued the duty is not described in state law, but instead only in a policy directive from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The argument goes, then, that Walters could not be criminally liable for not following department policy.

Bauer cited a mix of previous court cases and state law and regulations to show corrections officers do indeed have a duty to intervene.

Then, three of Walterss co-defendants went on trial in October for murder and other charges.

Bauer instructed the jury that a directive issued by DOCCS is not a law, but a policy of DOCCS.

You cannot hold the defendants criminally liable solely for a violation of DOCCS policy, he said, but may consider it as evidence of a defendants intent or state of mind.

Two of the three corrections officers who went on trial were acquitted. One was convicted of murder.

A lawyer from the office of Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who is handling the case as a special prosecutor, noted that Walters was not indicted on the same charges or theory as the men who went on trial.

The lawyer, David Bassett, also said there was no difference between Bauers earlier ruling and what he told jurors during the trial.

His application, perhaps spurred by hindsight regret at not electing to proceed to trial, flies in the face of his guilty plea wherein he admitted the charged conduct, Bassett wrote in court papers.

McCluskys ruling allows for Walters to stay out of prison while Passalacqua now pursues the case at the state Supreme Courts Appellate Division for the Fourth Department, which is based in Rochester.

Under state law, Walters must return to prison in mid-April if his lawyer has not yet filed an appeal with the appellate court.
Salisbury, N.Y. - A man was arrested Wednesday after troopers found a dead dog on a kitchen counter in a home in Herkimer County.

On Wednesday, Dillon G. Ortlieb, 27, of Herkimer was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.

Troopers were first dispatched to the home on Mechanic Street in the town of Salisbury shortly after 9:15 p.m. Oct. 25 for a report of a domestic incident, according to a State Police news release.

Troopers found a deceased 3-year-old female Maltese Yorkshire Terrier named Mylah lying on a kitchen counter with blood coming from her mouth, said Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for state police.

The investigation into the dogs death revealed that Ortlieb had been in a verbal argument with Mylahs owner before the owner left the residence to cool off, Jiron said.

The owner told troopers that after returning to the home, she found the dog dead in its kennel.

The owner took the dog to the Cornell University Animal Hospital for a necropsy (animal autopsy), state police said. Results indicated Mylah had suffered significant bleeding in the brain and right eye consistent with blunt force trauma.

Ortlieb has been issued an appearance ticket returnable on Dec. 18 at Salisbury Town Court.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse man was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison for trafficking guns from Georgia to Syracuse.

Julius Anderson, 35, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with two women to traffic and sell dozens of guns from Georgia in Syracuse.

He was originally promised a shorter sentence after agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors: 11 to 16 years in prison.

When the time came for him to testify against a codefendant, Veronica Williams, he refused, prosecutor Cindi Newtown said in court Thursday.

The plea agreement specifically stated Anderson would be sentenced to 20 years if he failed to meet the terms, including testifying.

Anderson and his attorney, Don Kelly, pushed back Thursday, arguing he was facing intimidation from Williams ahead of the trial.

Anderson also argued he had a pending motion to withdraw the plea at the time. Judge Matthew Doran ultimately rejected his request.

Newtown said she was never made aware of any intimidation tactics from Williams. She argued the terms of the plea agreement were very clear.

Doran sided with prosecutors and sentenced Anderson to 20 years in state prison.

Anderson told the court he felt this was unfair.

Yall know this is wrong, Anderson said. This is crazy. Youre just taking my life away.

Anderson was one of three people charged with trafficking 52 guns over the course of a few months in 2021. Only 19 of the guns have been recovered. Four were confirmed to have been used in crimes, including two homicides.

These are some of 50 guns involved in a multi-state gun trafficking plot to buy guns in Georgia. Two Syracuse residents were charged, police announced Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Courtesy of Syracuse Police Department)

Williams, 38, and Raeneisha Evans, 31, were charged as codefendants. Evans was accused of purchasing the guns and giving them to Williams and Anderson to transport back to Syracuse.

Evans and Anderson both agreed to testify against Williams, prosecutors have said. Evans testified while Anderson refused.

Newtown said Thursday Anderson had important information on the case only he could provide and the jury never heard that testimony. She did not specify what information he was expected to provide.

After trial, Williams was found not guilty of 61 of the 64 charges against her. The jury ultimately decided that prosecutors did not do enough to prove Williams, on her own or as an accomplice, possessed or sold the majority of the guns.

Williams was sentenced to a minimum of 11 years and a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Evans is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6. She was promised 5 years in prison if she testified.

Anderson will serve the longest sentence of the three despite testimony at Williams trial confirming he became involved in the scheme later.
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Creed and Limp Bizkit will co-headline the 2026 Summer of 99 and Beyond Festival, taking place on July 18-19 at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois.

The two-day rock festival is the third edition, featuring performances by Cypress Hill, Sevendust, Kittie, Puddle of Mudd, Bush, Mammoth, Candlebox, Hoobastank and others.

How to get tickets to Summer of 99 and Beyond Festival 2026

General sales begin on Friday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.

Pre-sale tickets for the Summer of 99 and Beyond Festival will be available starting Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. local time for fans who sign up for an exclusive pre-sale code through the festivals website.

Given the high demand, fans can also find tickets on verified resale platforms such as Vivid Seats.

Prices vary by city and demand, but Vivid Seats Buyer Guarantee provides protection against counterfeit or invalid tickets, making it one of the safer options for fans purchasing after the initial sale.

Discount: First-time Vivid Seats customers can use code SYRACUSE20 for $20 off a $200+ ticket order.

Limited tickets may also be available via SeatGeek and StubHub.

Summer of 99 and Beyond Festival 2026 lineup

The festival will feature Limp Bizkit headlining on Saturday, July 18, with performances from Cypress Hill, Sevendust, Kittie and Puddle of Mudd on the Higher main stage, while the Are You Ready side stage will showcase acts like Magnolia Park, The Pretty Wild and Slay Squad.

On Sunday, July 19, Creed will take the stage as the headliner, closing out the festival with performances from Bush, Mammoth, Candlebox and Hoobastank on the main stage. The second stage will feature performances by Sleep Theory, Big Wreck, The Verve Pipe and Ashes of Billy.

Creed tour dates

The festival comes after Creeds return to the stage in 2023, following an 11-year hiatus. Last year, the band embarked on their Summer of 99 tour, celebrating their albums My Own Prison, Human Clay and Weathered.

Before the festival, Creed will be performing several Creedmas concerts in December, including shows in Hollywood, Florida and other cities across the U.S.

The band is also hosting the Summer of 99 and Beyond Cruise in April 2026, which will feature live performances from Creed, Limp Bizkit, 3 Doors Down, Filter and more.
CANBERRA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Thursday committed 208.8 million Australian dollars (about 138.56 million U.S. dollars) in funding over the next seven years for Antarctic research.

The funding would expand the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) and create jobs, said Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt in a joint statement with Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, and Senators Carol Brown and Richard Dowling.

The package includes designated funding for the RSV Nuyina, the AAP's flagship research vessel, to undertake more voyages to deepen the understanding of Antarctica and the impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean, according to the statement.

"Better understanding Antarctica means better understanding climate change and its impacts on our economy and our communities, and that's what this investment is all about," the statement said.

The funding will also support up to 30 new technical and scientific jobs at the headquarters of the Australian Antarctic Division, which oversees the AAP, in the island state of Tasmania and additional aviation capability to provide medical evacuation and search and rescue support for Antarctic workers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October 2024 announced that the federal government would contribute 188 million Australian dollars to the construction of a new wharf in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart to act as a home port for the RSV Nuyina.

Albanese said at the time that the new facility would guarantee the long-term future of the AAP in Tasmania. (1 Australian dollar equals 0.66 U.S. dollar) 
Syracuse, N.Y.  Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon says the county could have lost the $100 billion Micron project in Clay if it failed within the next few months to get 91-year-old widow Azalia King to leave the home where she has lived for 60 years.

McMahon praised a $3 million settlement that the countys Industrial Development Agency approved Thursday. Under the deal, King will have until May 1 to vacate the home on Caughdenoy Road.

The county executive said that if King continued to occupy the home in what is now White Pine Commerce Park, Micron Technology would not be able to begin construction of its massive semiconductor manufacturing plant in 2026. And that would have caused Micron to miss a federal deadline to begin building the foundation for the first phase of its project, he said.

If that happened, the company would have lost out on a 35% federal investment credit that is critical to the project, he said.

The credit is worth an estimated $16 billion for the first two of the four fabrication facilities Micron plans to build, according to figures compiled by syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. But the company must begin construction on the foundation for the plant by the end of 2026 to get the credit, McMahon said.

Losing the credit would have meant the end of the project, he said.

If we did not come to a settlement, there is no Micron, he said. Those are the facts.

The countys development agency bought the home from King and her late husband in 2005 for $330,750 but agreed to allow the couple to live in it until they died. Kings husband, Glenn, died in 2015.

At the time it signed the agreement, the agency was just beginning to assemble land for the 1,400-acre commerce park.

Micron announced in 2022 it had selected the park for a massive semiconductor plant that would cost up to $100 billion to build over 20 years and, if fully built out, employ up to 9,000 people.

On Sept. 4 of this year, the development agency told King it was canceling the occupancy agreement and wanted her out of the house so Micron could begin clearing the land for the first phase of its project. At the same time, it began an eminent domain action against her.

Under the settlement approved Thursday, the agency will pay King $450,000 to vacate the house and $2.5 million for a 6.5-acre vacant property she owned across the street. McMahon said the county will market the property to supply chain companies drawn to the area by Micron.

The money the development agency will use to pay King will not come from the countys general fund. McMahon said it will come from the agencys own funds, which are generated by fees it charges companies for assisting them with and awarding them tax breaks for their projects.

Micron will pay the agency a $10 million fee for a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement related to the project. The agreement will save Micron an estimated $2 billion in local and state taxes over 49 years on the first phase of the project.

He said the agency is paying more than it would have liked for the land but will get some of the money back when it finds a supply chain company to occupy it.

Despite the agreement that will pay his mother $3 million, Kings son Terry said his family is saddened that she will have to move from the home she has lived in since 1965.

Its a difficult day, he said. I dont think there are any winners in this situation at all. Mom really had her heart set on staying.

He said the family will begin looking for another home for his mother. He said she wants to stay in Clay so she can be close to her children, grandchildren and friends.

We have to find a place that shes happy with, so well be working on it, he said.

The tight timeline is partly due to environmental regulations. Micron needs to remove trees from the commerce park by March 31, when Indiana bats that live in caves in Jamesville come out of hibernation and nest in the park. Federal regulations prohibit cutting down the trees while the endangered bats are nesting in them.

Deputy County Executive Robert Petrovich said it will take two months to remove the trees, which means Micron must begin chopping them down soon. If the company misses the March 31 deadline for removing the trees, it could not begin removing them until November of 2026, he said.

McMahon said Micron could not simply work around the King home because once the trees are removed, the property the home sits on will be turned into a large water retention pond.

There was no scenario -- zero scenario -- where Mrs. King could have stayed, he said.
President Donald Trump launched a new visa program on Wednesday with steep fees for participants.

The new gold card program allows foreigners to pay $1 million to expedite visa applications, according to CNN. Companies looking to bring a foreign worker to the U.S. under the program will pay $2 million.

A website, trumpcard.gov, launched Wednesday afternoon and includes a link to the official application. It promises the program will deliver U.S. residency in record time.

The site also offers a preview of a Trump Platinum Card, which will allow applicants to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income, according to CNN. The platinum card will cost $5 million.

Trump sees the new program as a way to attract top talent to the U.S. and generate revenue at the same time, according to The Associated Press. He has been promoting the gold card program for months.

The initiative has attracted criticism.

Some Democrats and advocates for immigrants have said it will unfairly prioritize wealthy individuals, according to The New York Times. Some have also questioned whether Trumps creation of the program is legal.

Trump has suggested millions of gold cards could be sold, according to CNN. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said previously the program could raise $1 trillion to help pay down the national debt.

The new gold cards are meant to replace EB-5 visas, which Congress created in 1990 to generate foreign investment, according to AP. They were available to people who spend about $1 million on a company that employs at least 10 people.

Individuals approved through the gold card program will get lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder, according to CNN. Those are employment-based visas given to people with extraordinary or exceptional abilities.
Liverpool, N.Y. -- A year ago, Liverpool High School officials were staring at a frustrating problem common among school districts: Far too few students were coming to class.

Then, nearly one-third of Liverpools high school students were chronically absent, meaning they missed at least 10% of school days throughout the year.

So in the fall of 2024, the district tried something new. It offered $5 Dunkin gift cards to every student who came to school on a scheduled half-day. In the past, just 80% of kids showed up on that day. With the doughnut and coffee temptation, the attendance rate jumped to almost 90%.

That giveaway was part of a larger effort to make Every Day Count. And the district kept it going, handing out kudos to more kids who came to school as the year went on. They got personal congratulations announced schoolwide, candy bars, snacks and, yes, more gift cards.

Those gift cards didnt cost taxpayers anything. Instead, Liverpool teamed with an outside company that offers freebies from brand-name outlets for students who come to school.

By the end of the school year, just 21% of Liverpools high school students were chronically absent.

Liverpool High School 12th grade Principal Stewart Smith talks to students at a recent assembly about the importance of coming to school every day. Provided photo

Put another way: The school, in one year, cut its chronic absentee rate by one-third, according to district data.

Kids were really, really excited about them, said Liverpool High School Executive Principal Briana OBrien of the gift card giveaways and other goodies. They were motivating.

Liverpools experiment with commercial enticements is part of a growing effort at schools nationwide to battle chronic absenteeism, which has only grown worse since the Covid pandemic.

Before Covid, about a quarter of New Yorks high school students missed 18 or more days of school, according to state data. The latest stats from two years ago show how that has worsened: One-third of high school students skipped at least that many days, classifying them as chronically absent.

The states Department of Education generally endorses the incentive strategy, suggesting a range of enticements from ice cream and pizza parties to movies to accepting private-sector presents as part of the formula to get kids to school.

Liverpool High School Executive Principal Briana O'Brien Provided photo

Liverpool went a step further. It appears to be the only school district in Onondaga County handing out gift cards to reward kids for coming to school.

We have become obsessed with student attendance and making sure kids are here every day at school, OBrien said.

And theyre not alone.

Across the country, districts are trying all sorts of carrots to motivate kids to attend school, including cash, gift cards and recognition.

In Detroit, kids with perfect attendance over a two-week period were given $200 gift cards. In Charleston, South Carolina, students received a $25 debit card each week for nine weeks for perfect attendance. In Ohio, students with perfect attendance received $25 gift cards for coming to school on certain selected weeks.

Other districts, like the Syracuse City School District, build year-long incentive packages that culminate with a trip to Niagara Falls and extra swag for those students with the most improvements.

Liverpool, the countys third-largest school district with 2,063 high school students, went a more commercial route. The high school started last year with a new focus called Every Day Counts stressing the importance of attendance.

The high school every day randomly selected a student for attending, celebrated him or her over the public address system and gave them a sticker and candy bar or snack.

Gavin Blincoe, a sophomore; and Isabell DaRin, also a sophomore are celebrated for regular attendance with recognition and an extra treat at Liverpool High School. Provided photo

A part of that included gift cards, which came through a partnership with High School Nation, a California company that offered the district free gift cards with no strings attached, OBrien said.

High School Nation contacted high school administrators and offered the free cards. The school decided to try to boost attendance on that half-day, when attendance regularly drops, by handing out $5 Dunkin gift cards.

As the year progressed, students who came to school the next few days were each given a $5 Dunkin card. Staff also received them, OBrien said.

Paying kids to come to school with cash or gift cards can be controversial. But they do work.

They arent a panacea, said George Theoharis, a professor at Syracuse Universitys School of Education. But incentives like gift cards can be motivating for things like attendance. Its not a creative task. Its about you get here. You do X, and you get Y.

Theoharis doesnt see a problem with it. Commercial incentives, he said, are akin to other enticements that are already baked-in to school life: sports, music, clubs.

All of it, he said, adds up to motivation to get to school, the crucial first step in being present and learning.

At Liverpool, however, a big offer from High School Nation earlier this fall backfired.

The company promised students who attended a scheduled half-day UberEats and UberRide gift cards worth a total of $220. When the kids went to redeem them, they didnt work.

Anger and disappointment erupted among students and parents, and Liverpool has had no luck so far getting High School Nation to fulfill its promise.

High School Nation President Jimmy Cantillon told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that 300 schools received the Uber cards and about 40 had problems.

Cantillon said most problems have been resolved. He also said the case with Liverpool will remain open until the Uber cards given to students work.

Despite the hiccup, Liverpool is trying to build on last years attendance successes. And OBrien says that getting students to school is about more than coupons. Its about nurturing connections among the teens, staff and faculty once the kid comes through the doors.

One of the biggest lessons weve learned over the past two years is that improving attendance isnt about one-time incentives, she said. Its about consistent relationships, clear communication, and building a school culture where students genuinely feel connected, supported, and excited to be here.

That means Liverpool is focusing on getting the message across that Every Day Counts when it comes to going to school. If the kids feel known, supported and valued, they show up, OBrien said.

But Liverpool also isnt abandoning the idea of some extra incentives, with a more reliable partner, she added.

It takes a consistent, sustained effort to focus on student attendance to make a difference, OBrien said.
An Upstate New York woman has been arrested with a hammer after allegedly threatening to kill President Donald Trump and others.

Jennifer E. Curran, 40, of Dansville, N.Y., was charged Tuesday with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of official duties, with a deadly or dangerous weapon. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Western District of New York, investigators from the FBI and New York State Police went to Currans home after she posted various threats on Dec. 4, 2025, online.

I am going to kill the president, she wrote on the social media platform GETTR under the username @Word_Smith, identifying herself as Jenny Curran. And I want the University of Rochester and CDC to burn... I am dead serious. Might have to kill someone in my basement first before they take me seriously.

Curran also allegedly threatened to torture and kill Dr. Anthony Fauci, and to start shooting up people in the street, according to screenshots of her post.

When confronted by police and FBI agents on Dec. 5, Curran allegedly answered the door with a hammer and threatened to kill them. Curran admitted to posting the threats, authorities said, and told them she was very upset and wanted to hurt some social workers and police officers.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo said Curran told investigators that if she had to kill someone on her property to get her point across, she would. Curran allegedly refused to drop the hammer stating, get away from me before I assault you.

Curran was subsequently taken into custody.

The safety and protection of law enforcement, at every level, is paramount to law enforcement being able to do their jobs and protecting our communities, DiGiacomo said. Any individual who threatens to commit violence against any member of law enforcement will be held accountable for their actions.

Additional charges have not been announced.

Dansville is located in Livingston County, about 40 miles south of Rochester and 100 miles southwest of Syracuse.
The fiancee of a man who died on a cruise ship has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging it negligently served him at least 33 alcoholic drinks and was liable for his death after crew members tackled him to the ground and stood on him with their full body weight.

Connie Aguilars lawsuit for the death of 35-year-old Michael Virgil seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial. Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment on Tuesday.

Aguilar and Virgil were on a roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, with other members of their family, including their son, at the time of Virgils death in December 2024, the lawsuit said.

Crew members on board Navigator of the Seas served Virgil more than two dozen drinks, after which he got lost and became agitated trying to find his room, it said. Thats when crew members tackled him and stood on him with their full weight, the lawsuit charges. They subjected him to prolonged prone restraint, compressed his back and torso, and impaired his breathing, the lawsuit said.

At the captains request, crew members administered a sedative and sprayed him with pepper spray, the lawsuit said.

This treatment led to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest and Virgils death, it continued.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. It said Virgil died from the combined effects of mechanical asphyxia, which is when force or an object blocks breathing; obesity; an enlarged heart and alcohol intoxication.

Video shot by passenger Christopher McHale and obtained by KTTV of Los Angeles shows Virgil in a narrow hallway kicking a door.

A KTTV report said Virgil screamed profanities, threatened to kill McHale and a crew member and chased them down a hallway. McHale said the crew member locked himself in a towel room, which Virgil then tried to kick down.

The video captures security guards and others eventually holding Virgil down on the floor.

McHale said nobody deserved to die the way Virgil did.

He just needed some help, McHale said.

The lawsuit said crew members should not have served Virgil alcohol because he exhibited obvious visual signs of intoxication and were negligent for doing so, the lawsuit said.

Maritime common law requires carriers like Royal Caribbean to supervise and assist passengers likely to engage in behavior dangerous to themselves or others, the lawsuit said.

Royal Caribbean also failed to exercise its right to stop serving alcohol to Virgil to protect his life, the lawsuit said.

The companys ships, it added, are deliberately designed to ensure there are alcohol-serving stations in every nook and cranny and the company does as much as possible to encourage and facilitate alcohol consumption on board.

The lawsuit said medical personnel on board lacked proper education, licenses, experience and skills and it failed to properly train crew members to assess when to stop serving a passenger.

The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in Miami, where Royal Caribbean, the worlds second largest cruise company, has its headquarters.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Heavy lake effect snows are hitting Central New York today, with gusty winds.

The National Weather Service is forecasting 6 to 12 inches of snow Thursday into Friday for Onondaga and Madison counties. Oswego and Cayuga counties are expected to get less snow.

Winds could gust to 40 mph in many areas.

School closings

The snow is expected to intensify throughout the day and into the evening in Onondaga and Madison counties, according to the weather service. The snow will continue overnight into Friday morning. Forecasts call for the snow to stop earlier in Oswego and Cayuga counties.

At times, snow will fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches an hour, according to the weather service.

Blowing and drifting snow will create periods of reduced visibility at times.

The weather service said that during lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- In back-to-back milestones for unmanned cargo transport, two heavy-lift drone models from a Chinese aircraft maker made their maiden flights within a period of just 24 hours.

On Thursday morning, the Jiutian large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) took its inaugural flight in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The fixed-wing plane was designed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), with a wingspan of 25 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tonnes and a payload capacity of 6,000 kilograms. It can operate for up to 12 hours and has a ferry range of 7,000 kilometers.

Just a day earlier, AVIC's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft AR-E800 was sent soaring on its first flight in east China's Jiangxi Province.

The electric drone, featuring six coaxial rotors, lifted off from an airfield with a deep, powerful hum. In approximately four minutes, it ran through a full suite of maneuvers, including takeoff, hovering, turns, and forward and backward flight. Designed for whisper-quiet, zero-emissions operations, it can carry a 300-kilogram payload.

The dual test flights came amid efforts to unlock market potential in urban logistics and emergency response as Chinese aviation manufacturers have bet on heavy-lift cargo drones over the past two years.

The global cargo-drone market is projected to approach 5 billion U.S. dollars by 2031, expanding at a 35.8 percent compound annual growth rate, Chinese consultancy firm QYResearch estimates.

PLAYERS PILE IN

In March, the Yitong UAV's TP1000 -- an airworthiness-certified, tonne-class freighter -- logged a 26-minute first flight. With a 1,000-kilogram payload, 30 orders for the model have already been secured from clients such as delivery giant ZTO Express.

Under Chinese standards, cargo drones with a maximum takeoff weight of at least 150 kilograms qualify as large cargo drones.

The Boying T1400 unmanned helicopter, developed by Shenzhen-based United Aircraft, flew into the sky in late October in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Capable of carrying a 650-kilogram maximum payload for over eight hours, it can operate in extreme temperatures ranging from minus 40 to 55 degrees Celsius and climb to an altitude of 6,500 meters.

This month, a general-purpose transport and delivery drone rolled off the production line in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang. With a 2-tonne cargo capacity, it requires just 800 meters of rough runway.

Also in the pipeline are Air White Whale's 5-tonne-payload W5000 and the 10-tonne CM100 from a Shenyang-based aircraft maker. Delivery service providers including China Post Group and JD Logistics have already signed letters of intent to purchase the latter model.

MARKET POTENTIAL

In the remote mountains and rainforests of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Chinese grid workers are rewriting the rules of heavy logistics.

A fleet of heavy-lift drones delivered 180 tonnes of materials for three transmission towers in just three days -- a task that would once have taken a month using horses and cableways.

At the solar power-grid connection project, 16 drones operated by China Southern Power Grid moved 2,000 tonnes of materials, including supplies for 52 towers along a 22-kilometer stretch, up treacherous terrain.

This approach minimized environmental impact in a fragile karst region, cutting road-building costs by 80 percent and labor by 60 percent.

At another project on the China-Laos power line, a fleet of 30-plus drones and helicopters airlifted 5,000 tonnes of tower materials, sparing nearly 7 hectares of rainforest and more than 30,000 trees in a priority corridor for Asian elephants.

Drones have already played a role in transporting urgent medical supplies in some Chinese cities. Now, their utility is scaling up to heavier payloads, enabling applications in bulk agricultural logistics and remote infrastructure projects.

Similar adoptions are being made in offshore operations. In August, a 2-tonne eVTOL completed a cargo flight to an offshore oil platform, transporting fresh fruits and medical supplies from the coastal city of Shenzhen to a platform 150 kilometers offshore in just 58 minutes.

China's heavy-lift UAVs still under development are engineered to support multiple civil operations.

Jiutian's modular payload system enables roles such as the precise delivery of heavy cargo in remote regions, emergency communication, disaster relief, geographic survey and resource mapping, according to AVIC. 
Rescuers work at the site where two buildings collapsed in the city of Fez in Morocco, Dec. 10, 2025. At least 22 people were killed and 16 others injured when two buildings collapsed in the city of Fes in Morocco Tuesday night, the country's state news agency said. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

RABAT, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 22 people are dead, and more than a dozen are injured after a double building collapse in Morocco.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday in the Al-Mustaqbal neighbourhood when an unoccupied building collapsed, triggering the collapse of an adjacent four-story structure, the prosecutor said. The second building was hosting a traditional Aqiqah celebration marking a birth.

Women and children were among the victims. Sixteen other people were injured, with some in serious condition. Authorities said the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.

Judicial police have opened an investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings show the two buildings were constructed in 2006.

Rescuers work at the site where two buildings collapsed in the city of Fez in Morocco, Dec. 10, 2025. At least 22 people were killed and 16 others injured when two buildings collapsed in the city of Fes in Morocco Tuesday night, the country's state news agency said. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

Local officials said the structures were built under so-called "self-construction" schemes for residents of the Ain Smen area as part of the "Fez, City Without Slums" program.

The disaster has renewed concerns over building safety in Morocco. In January, Secretary of State for Housing Adib Ben Ibrahim said about 38,800 buildings nationwide were at risk of collapse.

Fez, Morocco's third-largest city, has seen protests in recent months over poor living conditions and public services. The collapse is among the deadliest building accidents in the country since a minaret fell in the historic city of Meknes in 2010, killing 41 people. 
A story out of San Francisco on Monday night became the stuff of national headlines: a pregnant woman gave birth inside a Waymo robotaxi while en route to UCSF Medical Center. It became one of those remarkable moments in the history of autonomous vehicles.

Initially, there was an "unusual activity" detected inside the car. Since the remote monitoring wasn't sure what was happening, they immediately dialed 911. The vehicle would beat emergency services to the hospital, proving the efficiency and reliability in the most unexpected situations with driverless navigation.

From Traditional Taxis to Driverless Cars

According to TechCrunch, it is a given factor in urban life across the globe to see expectant mothers racing to hospitals from taxis, Ubers, and ride-share vehicles.

Stories abound, such as the mother in India who humorously named her son Uber after delivering him en route, and a 2017 California couple who welcomed a child in an Uber during Shabbat. These moments have traditionally been spontaneous and chaotic, requiring human drivers to act quickly.

Today, driverless technology makes that experience partly automated. Waymo's robotaxi drove the city streets on the day of birth and ushered the mother and the newborn into medical care without a human driver on the wheel.

Waymo's Expanding Role in Real-World Scenarios

This birth in San Francisco wasn't Waymo's first delivery-on-the-go. The company confirmed that a baby in Phoenix was previously born during a Waymo ride.

A company spokesperson told the SF Standard, "While this is a very rare occurrence, some of our newest riders just can't wait to experience their first Waymo ride."

The San Francisco birth vehicle was quickly taken away for cleaning, reflecting the safety and hygiene policies adopted by Waymo in events out of the ordinary.

As driverless technology continues to mature, experiences once reserved for human-operated rides will surface more often, even as those instances remain rare. Waymo's milestone suggests that autonomous vehicles aren't just changing how people get to work and school; they might be altering life's most unexpected moments.

From running errands to giving birth, the self-driving car era shows it can handle everything from the mundane to the extraordinary.
In a dramatic takedown that stunned investigators, Spanish authorities have arrested a 19-year-old hacker in Igualada, Barcelona, accusing him of orchestrating one of the largest data theft operations uncovered this year.

The suspect, arrested in Igualada, Barcelona, is accused of allegedly infiltrating the systems of nine different companies, and quietly extracting a massive database of 64 million personal records  then attempting to sell them on underground hacker forums to the highest bidder.

According to the National Police, the teen is accused of accessing corporate systems, obtaining huge troves of sensitive information, such as names, home addresses, phone numbers, national identity card (DNI) numbers, email addresses, and even IBAN bank account codes.

Authorities say he later advertised the stolen data on hacker forums, using six separate accounts and five different pseudonyms to hide his identity and market the data across cybercrime marketplaces.

The investigation began in June 2025, when police authorities noticed a pattern of data breaches across nine organizations. Digital forensics eventually pointed to a single individual in the Catalan town of Igualada. When agents searched the property last week, they seized computers, storage devices, and several hardware cryptocurrency wallets. One cryptocurrency wallet believed to contain profits from selling the stolen information has been frozen.

Investigators are still working to determine how many individuals were affected, noting that the total number could span millions across multiple countries. They warn that the stolen information  much of it highly sensitive  could be used for identity theft, financial scams, and further criminal activity on dark-web marketplaces.

The teen now faces multiple charges, including unauthorized access to computer systems, distribution of private data, and violations of privacy laws.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- China strongly urges the European Union (EU) to cease interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the guise of human rights, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday.

Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing when answering a question on a statement regarding China, which was issued by the EU Delegation to China on the International Human Rights Day.

The human rights statement on China issued by the EU delegation willfully ignores facts, distorts right and wrong, and is filled with malicious slander, shameless lies and false information about China's human rights situation, Guo said.

He further noted that the statement constitutes a gross interference in China's internal affairs and judicial sovereignty, and a serious violation of international law and the fundamental norms governing international relations.

"China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this statement, and has already lodged stern representations to the EU side," said Guo.

Guo emphasized that the Chinese government attaches great importance to promoting and protecting human rights, and has successfully blazed a path of human rights development that conforms to the trend of the times and suits China's national conditions.

"Historic achievements have been made in the cause of human rights and the advancement of socialist democracy and rule of law in the country, a fact that anyone without prejudice can see and recognize," noted Guo.

He pointed out that affairs related to Xinjiang, Xizang, and Hong Kong are China's internal affairs, which brook no external interference. China's Xinjiang and Xizang regions enjoy social stability, economic growth and ethnic solidarity, and have achieved the improvement of people's livelihoods. Guo also said that the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has achieved widely recognized successes, with residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region enjoying extensive rights and freedoms in accordance with the law.

China's Constitution fully guarantees citizens' freedom of speech and freedom of religious belief, Guo noted, adding that China is a country governed by the rule of law, where everyone is equal before the law, and human rights cannot be used as an excuse to evade legal punishment.

Guo pointed out that in recent years, the human rights situation in the EU has continued to deteriorate. Human rights violations such as racial discrimination, infringement of the rights of refugees and immigrants, restrictions on freedom of speech, tolerance to hatred towards certain religious groups, judicial injustice, and violence against women have emerged one after another, he added.

"The EU turns a blind eye to its own problems while pointing fingers at other countries. Such hypocrisy and double standards have long been laid bare for the world to see. The EU is not in the position to lecture others on human rights, still less picture itself as the 'human rights defender'," said the spokesperson.

China strongly urges the EU to engage in serious self-reflection, respect the fundamental facts, and view the achievements of China's human rights cause objectively, Guo said, adding that the EU must cease its "megaphone diplomacy," stop politicizing and instrumentalizing human rights issues, and cease interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the guise of human rights. 
Kennedy's health movement turns on Trump administration over pesticides



Washington, United States, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Yes to rethinking childhood vaccines, but no to more chemicals in agriculture: supporters of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are in open revolt over the Trump administration's approval of new, highly persistent pesticides.

The clash pits President Donald Trump's pro-industry instincts against the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement -- a diverse coalition of holistic-health moms, medical-freedom advocates and health-and-wellness influencers who envision a cleaner, less toxic world.

At the heart of the matter is the Environmental Protection Agency's recent decisions to green light new pesticides that critics -- including many scientists -- class as toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Under Trump's second term, the EPA has approved two such new substances -- insecticide isocycloseram and fungicide cyclobutrifluram -- with proposals to approve several more.

MAHA views that as a deep betrayal and has launched a pressure campaign, including an online petition that has drawn more than 7,000 signatures calling for the removal of EPA administrator Lee Zeldin.

"We're calling him out because he is making a liar out of Trump," Zen Honeycutt, the founder and executive director of the Moms Across America advocacy group, told AFP, recalling the president's promise to protect Americans from harmful chemicals.



- 'Really concerning' -



Zeldin, for his part, lashed out in a sarcastic post on X, writing, "not everything on the internet is true," and arguing that molecules with a single fluorine-carbon bond are not in fact "forever chemicals."

That narrow definition was adopted by the EPA in 2021 under then-president Joe Biden, but it conflicts with those used by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and by independent academic institutions.

"We were equally as critical of the definition when used by the previous administration," David Andrews, a chemist and acting science officer at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, told AFP.

While these compounds don't build up in the body the way better-known PFAS chemicals do -- such as those used in nonstick cookware -- they break down into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which is highly toxic to reproductive systems and "is increasingly being detected in people, crops and waterways around the globe," Andrews said.

"As someone who myself is on a fertility journey, this is something that's really concerning for the increase of infertility rates in the United States," MAHA influencer Iliriana Balaj and CEO of Live Healthillie, told AFP.



- 'Excellent job' -



The petition was started by Kelly Ryerson, who co-founded American Regeneration to help farmers move away from pesticides, and who has admired Kennedy since his years as an environmental lawyer fighting Monsanto.

"I supported Kennedy during his independent presidential run, and supported him over to the Trump administration as well," she told AFP, adding that she believes he is doing an overall "excellent job."

She highlighted his pledge to close a loophole that lets companies self-affirm food ingredients as safe, while Honeycutt pointed to Kennedy's pressure on food companies to remove synthetic colorings.

Both praised a recommendation by a panel appointed by Kennedy -- a longtime vaccine skeptic -- that newborns no longer receive the hepatitis B shot at birth.

Yet Ryerson said she found it "incredibly disappointing" to see Trump's EPA -- which Zeldin has vowed to use as a vehicle "to unleash American prosperity" -- appoint two former chemical-industry lobbyists to key roles.

For now, tensions may be cooling. Ryerson met with Zeldin personally Tuesday, calling it an "excellent first step."

Asked by AFP at a regenerative farming event Wednesday about the schism, Kennedy said: "We're in discussions with Lee Zeldin at EPA, and we're very, very confident of his commitment to make sure to reduce toxic exposures to the American people."

Whatever happens next, Ryerson said she was heartened that pesticides are now more on the public's mind than ever.

"We're done now with having this poison in our food supply. So what are we going to do about it? And I think that now it's up for grabs as to which party really wants to run with it."
Germany to curb green lawsuits for infrastructure projects



Berlin, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Germany's ruling coalition said Thursday it will limit the right of environmental groups to bring court challenges over infrastructure projects, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz battles to revive the economy.

Faced with three years of almost zero growth, Merz has vowed to spend hundreds of billions using a special fund to rebuild creaky infrastructure, and give the economy a major boost in the process.

Merz's conservative CDU/CSU alliance and its SPD centre-left coalition partner reached agreement on a planned new law that would make it harder for green groups to hold up projects, particularly roads and canals.

"In future, clearer rules will apply to legal challenges against infrastructure projects," a document agreed between the parties said.

"Objections will only be considered if the person or association concerned has already participated in administrative proceedings at the planning stage -- this prevents abuse."

A bill setting out the new rules will be presented to parliament by the end of February at the latest.

Critics charge that suffocating bureaucracy both holds back business investment and makes revamping infrastructure move too slowly.

Stuttgart 21, a muti-billion-euro railway project in southern Germany notorious for its repeated delays, was held up for about 18 months after builders and conversationists locked horns over the discovery of two species of threatened lizard on work sites.

Holger Loesch, deputy head of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), said the proposal and other measures to speed up planning were "an important step" but urged the government to go further.

"Measures to speed up and simplify planning and approval procedures should also be extended to industrial plants in future," he said.

"The original coalition agreement also provides for comprehensive and binding deadline regulations, which are still missing from the proposed measures," he added.

But Juergen Resch, head of NGO Environmental Action Germany, told AFP that similar provisions limiting the right to object to projects were removed from German law after a 2015 ruling by the European Court of Justice.

"If you now want to reintroduce them, you are deliberately going against this ECJ decision," he said.
Rain in Tehran brings relief from nationwide drought



Tehran, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



Tehran's first rains of the autumn, rare so late in the year, have brought relief to inhabitants suffering from a nationwide drought that has caused water shortages and degraded air quality.

On Wednesday, a downpour caused major traffic jams on most of Tehran's streets and a first rainfall earlier in December followed months without rain in the Iranian capital.

Iran's already arid climate has been hit by its worst drought in over 60 years, with rainfall in Tehran at low levels not seen for a century, authorities said in October.

The first autumn rains are usually expected in September.

Amir Abkari, a bus driver on a route serving Tajrish Square in northern Tehran, said he was delighted by the rain.

"We thank God for the rain we've had over the last few days. The air is cleaner, and even though the traffic is heavier, we can cope with it," the 58-year-old said after dropping off his passengers.

Abkari explained that he and his neighbours had recently made efforts to reduce their water consumption in line with calls from authorities.

With the rains came a dusting of snow on the mountains north of the capital, visible after a months-long absence.

Armaghan Kamyabi, a 35-year-old jeweller, said he was "happy that it has rained. I hope the rainfall will continue and that we will soon see snow" in Tehran.

Despite the rain, a water sector official told Iran's ISNA news agency on Tuesday "the expected rains still do not compensate for the water shortage in the country's dams" and that "reservoirs remain at a minimum level".

To save water, the government announced in November that there would be periodic night-time cuts.

Tehran, located on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains, experiences hot, dry summers, sometimes rainy autumns and winters that can be harsh and snowy.

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian has warned several times that Tehran, a city of more than 10 million people, may have to be evacuated due to lack of rain, without specifying how such a large-scale operation would be carried out.

On Thursday, Iran's Mehr news agency reported heavy rains had caused flooding, particularly in the provinces of Zanjan and Kurdistan in the west of the country.

The country's meteorological organisation is forecasting rain and snow in western and north-western Iran from Saturday.

Authorities said on Wednesday that they had carried out cloud seeding operations in certain regions of the country.
Floodworks on Athens 'oasis' a tough sell among locals



Nea Filadelfeia, Greece, Dec 11 (AFP) Dec 11, 2025



A stone's throw from Athens' bustling Nea Filadelfia district, Tassos Sikoutris walks along a stream flanked by reeds and plane trees in a setting unchanged for centuries.

Picking up plastic bottles and rusted debris, the 59-year-old electrical engineer says the "oasis", known as Kifissos by locals, is the last natural stretch of the Kifissos river that cuts through west Athens.

But locals fear for the idyllic body of water's future due to central and regional government plans to introduce flood prevention bulwarks in the area.

The strategy will entail shoring up the stream's banks with gabions -- wire-mesh cages filled with stone -- and pouring concrete over a small section of the river.

Already in practice on stretches of the Kifissos and other rivers in Greece, some experts contest the technique over the risk of narrowing riverbeds and land subsidence.

"Gabions... are natural materials used around the world and considered environmentally friendly," Nikos Tachiaos, Greece's deputy infrastructure minister, told AFP at his office.



- Flooding is the 'biggest problem' -



Named after an ancient Greek river god, the 27-kilometer (17-mile) Kifissos river has snaked through the western suburbs of Athens since time immemorial.

But it underwent enormous change in the 20th century, with much of it buried to make way for a highway, residential areas and industrial zones during a frenzied urbanisation drive.

Most of Athens' natural waterways met the same fate, vastly diminishing cool and green areas that would help shield the capital from heatwaves.

However, Greece's current government views the risk of flooding as the capital's "biggest problem", according to Tachiaos.

"What is now seen as an oasis could, during severe floods, turn into a catastrophe," the minister said.

He defended the works as necessary to prevent "violent (natural) events in the context of climate change" such as Storm Daniel -- a Mediterranean cyclone of unprecedented intensity that in 2023 unleashed one month's worth of rain in just a few hours.



- Legal action -



Chryssanthi Georgiou, president of a river preservation association called Roi ("flow" in Greek), counters that the project will lead to "the cutting down of century-old trees and the destruction of flora and fauna".

Nea Filadelfia residents and neighbouring municipalities have taken legal action in an attempt to stop the project.

The Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, recently scrapped a similar project in Vravrona, east of Athens, over its detrimental environmental impact.

There are similar fears further south in Faliro over its own stream, Pikrodafni.

Constantinos Loupasakis, a geotechnical engineering professor who lives in the area, said reinforced concrete can bring "short-term" benefits but also lets valuable water wash away to the sea.

In Nea Filadelfia, the Kifissos stream helps keep local temperatures around 4C lower than the rest of the city, Roi's Georgiou said.

"Our goal should be to make the most of our natural resources," she added, "especially now with the risk of water shortages" plaguing the Greek metropolis.

Last month, authorities placed greater Athens under a state of water emergency.

The measure is intended to speed up infrastructure works in the face of the prolonged regional drought, which has caused the capital's reservoirs to drop significantly.

According to the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP), annual rainfall in Greece has decreased by about 25 percent, evaporation has increased by 15 percent and consumption has risen by about 6 percent since 2022.

"Compromises have to be made on both sides to find a balance between natural beauty and functionality," Tachiaos said.
JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will not plead with the United States to reverse its reported plan to exclude Pretoria from the Group of 20 (G20) meeting next year, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has said.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said: "Why should we plead with the United States? We are not in the business of pleading with the United States. We are a sovereign state. They are a sovereign state."

The minister said that Pretoria will make decisions in the interest of South Africa, while still acknowledging the United States as a strategic trading partner. "That's why we continue to engage with them on the trade-related matters on South Africa and matters of mutual interest," she noted.

Speaking on the upcoming G20 Sherpa meeting this month, Ntshavheni said South Africa had indicated its availability to participate.

Ntshavheni stressed that as a founding member of the G20, South Africa's commitment to "multilateralism and cooperation" remains unwavering, adding that countries could achieve prosperity through multilateralism and collaboration. 
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The judges for the Booker Prize 2026 have been revealed, with Mary Beard announced as chair.

The classicist, writer and broadcaster will be chairing the judging panel, where she will be joined by award-winning poet Raymond Antrobus, Pulp musician Jarvis Cocker, journalist and critic Rebecca Liu, and Booker Prize-shortlisted author Patricia Lockwood.

Along with the excitement is a little apprehension  not least because, like many people, Im quite a slow reader, so will have to learn how to speed up a bit! said Beard.

The Booker is a celebration of fiction and fiction-writers in all their wondrous variety, and of their tremendous power to make us think differently about the world.

But it is also a celebration of reading and readers, in all their wondrous variety: at their library desk, on the train, curled up in bed; the quick and the slow; the confident and the puzzled. Its a celebration of the impact that words have on us all.

In a statement announcing the lineup, Gaby Wood, chief executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, said that Beards background as a classical scholar will benefit the judges, given that so much contemporary fiction is based on history, or inspired by myth.

Its a stellar group altogether, Wood continued, adding that the judges each have a different feel for words and have contributed something unique to the culture at large.

Founded in 1969, the Booker Prize is awarded annually for the best original work of fiction written in English and published in the UK or Ireland.

open image in gallery Classical scholar Mary Beard will chair the judging panel ( BBC/Lion Television/Russell Barnes )

This years judges are looking for the best work published between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026. Submissions from publishers are now open.

A longlist of the Booker Dozen  comprising 12 or 13 books  will be announced on Tuesday 28 July 2026, with a shortlist of six titles to follow in September.

The winner of the 2026 Booker Prize will be announced at a ceremony in November next year, and will receive 50,000 in addition to the 2,500 prize awarded to each of the six shortlisted authors.

open image in gallery Serving on the panel is American poet, essayist and novelist Lockwood, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2021 for No One Is Talking About This ( Grep Hoax )

Earlier this year, the 2025 Booker prize was won by Flesh by British-Hungarian author David Szalay. His sixth novel, which follows the travails of an inscrutable Hungarian man over the decades, was unanimously chosen as the winner after a six-hour discussion, said Irish writer Roddy Doyle, chair of the Booker judging panel and previous recipient of the prestigious award.

Serving alongside Doyle on the 2025 judging panel were actor Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as writers Chris Power, Ayobami Adebayo, and Kiley Reid.

Flesh sold over 7,900 hardback copies in the UK in the week following its win, a 1,441 per cent week-on-week sales increase, with combined ebook and audiobook sales in the same week totalling 15,000 copies, representing a 2,508 per cent increase.

Publisher Jonathan Cape immediately began reprinting 150,000 copies.

His win was preceded in 2024 by the Kent-born author Samantha Harvey, who took home the award for her space station saga Orbital.

Other previous winners include Ian McEwan, Arundhati Roy, Bernardine Evaristo, Margaret Atwood, Hilary Mantel, JM Coetzee, and Douglas Stuart.
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Amanda Seyfried has addressed her description of Charlie Kirk as hateful and said her comment was based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes.

Kirk, a right-wing political activist, was shot dead on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on 10 September while taking part in an outdoor debating session with students as part of his American Comeback Tour.

The 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder was shot in the neck by an assassins bullet fired from a nearby rooftop and a suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested following a manhunt.

Shortly after, Seyfried commented on a social media post that compiled Kirks comments belittling immigrants, Black women, and birth control, and wrote: He was hateful.

In a cover interview, Seyfried said that she stood by her words.

Im not f***ing apologising for that. I mean, for f***s sake, I commented on one thing. I said something that was based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes. What I said was pretty damn factual, and Im free to have an opinion, of course, she told Who What Wear.

Seyfried received backlash for what she said as well as criticism which said she was justifying the married father of twos killing, after which she took to her own Instagram to clarify her comment, writing: Were forgetting the nuance of humanity.

I can get angry about misogyny and racist rhetoric and ALSO very much agree that Charlie Kirks murder was absolutely disturbing and deplorable in every way imaginable, she continued. No one should have to experience this level of violence. This country is grieving too many senseless and violent deaths and shootings. Can we agree on that at least?

On her clarification, the Mamma Mia star said that it felt important to her to set the record straight because she felt her statement had been taken out of context.

Thank God for Instagram. I was able to give some clarity, and it was about getting my voice back because I felt like it had been stolen and recontextualised  which is what people do, of course, she told Who What Wear.

The "American Comeback Tour" was a planned 15-event speaking tour of college campuses. Known for his often-provocative discourse on race, gender, immigration and gun rights, Kirk would use such events to invite members of the crowd to debate him and was frequently challenged by both people on the left and the far right.

Elsewhere in the interview, she admitted that her viral cover of Joni Mitchells hit single California earned her more work than her first Emmy win did.

In March, while promoting her crime drama miniseries Long Bright River on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Seyfried showed off her dulcimer-playing talents with a pitch-perfect rendition of the 1971 folk-rock classic.

Amanda Seyfried has said she is not f***ing apologising for calling Charlie Kirk hateful, and that what she said was based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes ( Getty Images )

I got work from that, Seyfried said proudly in a new interview with Who What Wear. I feel like that made more of an impact than my Emmy did.

The Mean Girls actor, 40, who won her first Emmy in 2022 for her lead portrayal of convicted fraudster Elizabeth Holmes in the drama miniseries The Dropout, revealed during her late-night appearance that she picked up the niche art during the pandemic.

Seyfried will be seen next in Paul Feigs new psychological thriller The Housemaid, alongside Sydney Sweeney, Brandon Sklenar and Michele Morrone.

Out in theatres 19 December, the film is an adaptation of Freida McFaddens bestselling 2022 psychological thriller about a young woman with a criminal past whos hired as a live-in maid for a wealthy family, only to discover they are hiding dark and dangerous secrets.
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Anthony Hopkins has a complaint for young actors that he thinks could be detrimental to their careers.

The two-time Oscar-winning actor spoke at an event during Wednesdays 2025 Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, where he was quick to call out the next batch of Hollywood legends and what might be holding them back.

Young actors tend to mumble, he said. I know theyre trying to do Marlon Brando, but Brando was the greatest technician of all. He understood everything. He was a very smart man, and he knew how to do it.

Throughout his acting career, the late Godfather actor had a very distinct voice, where he would sometimes mumble on purpose to sound more authentic, even occasionally going as far as using a mouthpiece to get the sound right.

Hopkins then recalled speaking to a fellow actor who did mumble one time. I said, You have no career left if youre mumbling. Your part in this film is to tell a story, he said.

open image in gallery Young actors tend to mumble, Hopkins said ( Getty Images for The Red Sea Int )

open image in gallery The actor explained that younger actors try too hard to mimic Marlon Brando ( Getty Images for GEA )

The art in this film is to tell a story. It's nothing to do with makeup or being late on set. You're paid to be there on time or go, he continued. So I said to the young actor, I said, You know your job is actually to speak the line. The audience has paid you; otherwise, you may as well go to the park next door. I said, You can't work like that.

The Silence of the Lambs actors comments come after he recalled the time he criticized a younger actor for mumbling during an October appearance on The New York Timess Interview podcast.

I was working with a young actor a few years ago, a young Canadian actor who looked a bit like James Dean. I think he thought he was James Dean, the Elephant Man star said. We were doing a scene together and I said: I cant hear a word youre saying. Why are you mumbling?

I didnt want to spoil his day, but I said: If you do that, they will go to the pub next door, because youre supposed to tell us the story, he continued. Speak up. Be clear. Wandering on like a backstreet Marlon Brando is not going to help you at all in your career.

Never heard of him since, Hopkins casually remarked in the interview.

Last year, Hopkins told the Associated Press that he believes acting is much easier for him now.

As you get older, you have a little more knowledge of life. When youre young, you think you know a thing or two, but you dont. When you get to my age, you know a couple of tricks for a living, he said.

His tricks to acting are simple: Just learn the lines, show up and try to be real.
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A revealing new documentary about one of the most compelling, influential and divisive rock stars in modern history, Courtney Love, is due for release in 2026.

Antiheroine has been filmed in relative secrecy for several years, following Love as she moves to London after decades of living in the USA. The Hole frontwoman, who was married to Nirvanas Kurt Cobain, will discuss her life and career in the movie, which also features appearances from friends and collaborators including REMs Michael Stipe and Green Days Billie Joe Armstrong.

The film stems from production company Dorothy St Pictures, which previously backed the celebrated Pamela Anderson documentary Pamela, a Love Story. It is directed by Edward Lovelace and James Hall.

Love remains an icon of modern music, her work in Hole typically fusing punk and alternative rock with pop melodies and biting wit, notably on era-defining tracks including Doll Parts, Miss World and Celebrity Skin. She was married to Cobain until his death in 1994, and also had significant success as an actor, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Milos Formans 1996 black comedy The People vs Larry Flynt.

Long-time fans of Loves may be surprised at the existence of Antiheroine, as Love had been teasing a memoir  and its tumultuous journey to publication  for more than a decade.

Courtney Love in her new documentary film Antiheroine ( Edward Lovelace )

Love said in 2014 that an existing draft of her book was a disaster and a nightmare, and that she had never wanted to write a book in my entire life. In 2017, she said that she was working with her second ghostwriter on the book, after deciding the first draft was too tell-all [and] too much in a kind of sleazy way.

In 2022, Love announced on Instagram that the book was finally completed. Dudes, I think I might have just signed off on my book after a f***ing DECADE of dragging my ass, she wrote. The sex work is in! The sex work is in!

However, Loves memoir has still yet to materialise.

Antiheroine producer Julia Nottingham said in a statement: Courtney has waited a long time to tell her story, in her own words and its deeply important to all of us at Dorothy St Pictures that strong, female-forward stories find the audiences they deserve.

The film will arrive in the same year as a much-anticipated memoir by musician Melissa Auf der Maur, who served as Holes bassist from 1994 until 1999. The bands drummer Patty Schemel herself wrote a startling memoir, Hit So Hard, which was published in 2017.

Antiheroine will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, ahead of an international release.
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Quentin Tarantino may see Paul Dano as weak sauce, but plenty of Hollywood heavyweights, including Daniel Day-Lewis, couldnt disagree more.

Last week, during an appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, the Oscar-winning auteur, 62, issued a scathing assessment of Danos performance in Paul Thomas Andersons 2007 Western thriller There Will Be Blood.

Labeling the 41-year-old actor the movies big, giant flaw, Tarantino said: He is just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. The weakest f***ing actor in SAG.

Immediately after the Django Unchained filmmakers unsparing remarks, numerous high-profile stars came out in support of Dano, heaping praise on him and arguing that he is incredible, brilliant, and one of the best actors of our time.

An Instagram account purporting to be Day-Lewis posted on Tuesday that Paul Dano is one of the best and most talented actors of his generation. Representatives for the record-holding three-time Oscar winner informed The Guardian that the account was fan-run, but maintained that the British actor endorsed the sentiments.

open image in gallery Daniel Day-Lewis (left) joined other Hollywood stars in supporting Paul Dano (middle) against Quentin Tarantino's (right) scathing criticism ( Getty )

open image in gallery Day-Lewis recommended Dano for the role of Eli Sunday in 'There Will Be Blood' ( Miramax )

Day-Lewis, who led There Will Be Blood, recommended Dano for the part of Eli Sunday after the original actor suddenly dropped out.

Meanwhile, Ben Stiller, who directed Dano in the 2018 series Escape at Dannemora, wrote on X: Paul Dano is f***ing brilliant.

Marvels Simu Liu agreed, commenting in a separate X post: idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor.

Reese Witherspoon, Danos former Inherent Vice co-star, added on Threads: Paul Dano is an incredibly gifted, versatile actor. More importantly, he is a gentleman.

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Also taking to X, Matt Reeves, the director of the Robert Pattinson-led The Batman, in which Dano appeared as the psychotic supervillain The Riddler, labeled him an incredible actor, and an incredible person.

Mattson Tomlin, the co-writer on Reevess forthcoming The Batman sequel, which is expected to see Dano reprise his role, added: I am really pleased to see so many people cheer on Paul Dano this week. Not only is he a terrific actor, but hes an astonishing director who exudes control and tremendous empathy.

On Threads, Frozen actor Josh Gad went so far as to call Dano one of the best actors of our time. Full stop.

open image in gallery Paul Dano as Russian scientist Vadim B ranov in The Wizard of the Kremlin ( Carole Bethel/Cinetic Media )

I just want to say I love Paul Dano, Alec Baldwin stated in a recent Instagram video. And if you dont love Paul Dano, shh.

Actor Colleen Foy, who portrayed Danos sister in There Will Be Blood, wrote on Threads that her co-stars incredible performance speaks for itself.

I sat behind Quentin Tarantino at the Cast & Crew screening and he was legit vibing with Pauls performance, Foy claimed in the post. His recent comments are incongruent with his reaction that night.

Dano is an acclaimed actor, best known for performances in films such as Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Meeks Cutoff (2010) and The Fabelmans (2022). Up next, he stars in Olivier Assayass new political thriller The Wizard of Kremlin, alongside Jude Law.
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The View co-host Sunny Hostin has questioned Donald Trumps motives behind ordering the U.S. military to seize a tank in Venezuela.

After Trump escalated tensions with Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, with the controversial move Wednesday, the panelists on ABCs popular daytime talk show suggested that the president is preparing for a war with Venezuela to distract from his own White House scandals.

Hostin, 57, joined her co-hosts in debating the legality of the seizure before she slammed Trump for acting this aggressively in international waters.

The piece that I dont understand is that the President of the United States is almost acting as if hes a pirate and the United States is just a group of pirates, Hostin said during Thursdays episode

She doubled down while acknowledging that a federal judge previously signed a warrant allowing the seizure: Who are we to board a ship even with a U.S. federal judge's seizure warrant and then keep the oil?

Sunny Hostin has slammed Donald Trump's response to the Venezuela ship takeovers ( ABC/The View )

That to me feels a lot like corruption. It feels a lot like, to me, imperialism. It feels a lot like me to fascism, Hostin slammed. And while it may be cloaked in an appearance of legality, I still question that.

Alyssa Farah Griffin chimed in to say that the decision might have been legal, but that it was undiplomatic of the president.

We do sanction terrorist organizations and regimes that are associated with them all over the world and we do seize assets that could support terrorist activities, the former aide to Trump explained to her co-hosts. This is long-standing throughout the Middle East. It's new because it's in the western hemisphere.

Whoopi Goldberg then said that Trump has a lot of nerve stoking tensions overseas while she says America is being run into the ground.

Trumps attorney general Pam Bondi insisted that the seizure was to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil, though Venezuela accused the U.S. of an international act of piracy.

Under these circumstances, the true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally been revealed, the Venezuelan government said in a statement. It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people.

Trump bragged about the interception while speaking with reporters Wednesday, saying: Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela. Largest one ever seized actually. And other things are happening.

The president refused to say more, only that the tank was seized for a very good reason.
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David Letterman has admitted that he has struggled to be properly recognized since his talk show went off the air.

Speaking to Jimmy Kimmel on his titular show Wednesday, the former Late Show with David Letterman host joked about how people have begun to mistake him for 99-year-old Dick Van Dyke.

Here's what happens to me now: People used to know who I am, and now I have to wear a name tag to get anything going, Letterman said.

He then recalled a recent story where he was at the farmers market when a man who appeared to be a fan of his had approached him.

A guy comes up to me, and he says, Excuse me, are you who I think you are? And now, I'm all loaded up and I respond, 'Well, that depends on who you think I are. That always gets a big laugh, he said. He said, Dick Van Dyke, and I said, No.

open image in gallery People used to know who I am, and now I have to wear a name tag to get anything going, Letterman said ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Letterman (left) recently recalled being mistaken for Dick Van Dyke ( Getty Images )

However, when the show was still airing, fans would come up to Letterman to let him know that they watched. He mentioned how some people approached him to say, Oh, my mother watches you now every night, and she really misses you now that you're gone.

Here, lately it's You know what, I'd like a picture of you to show to my grandfather  and his father also. We used to watch it together in the hospital Just like that, he said.

Since leaving The Late Show in 2015, he became the host of another talk show on Netflix three years later, titled My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.

As for Van Dyke, he is celebrating his 100th birthday. 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.
JINAN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- With China's pet market value surging toward a projected 1.15 trillion yuan (about 162.5 billion U.S. dollars) by 2028, businesses in east China's Shandong Province are gearing up to seize growth opportunities through holistic innovation.

From high-tech pet food to fashion-forward accessories, local Shandong enterprises are leveraging "supply-demand adaptation" and "pet-friendly" strategies to capture both the hearts and wallets of pet owners. This provincial transformation reflects a broader shift in China where pets are increasingly treated as family members, fueling demand for quality and experiential products.

At Taichong Pet Food Co., Ltd., based in the city of Tai'an, a new product line that churns out steamed fresh food boasting a 98-percent nutrient retention rate exemplifies how innovation can meet health-conscious demand.

"Our sales surpassed 100 tonnes within the first month of launch," said Li Qing, executive director and general manager of the company.

The journey leading to such success began a while ago, when the company underwent a challenging R&D transformation to develop baked kibble, aimed at meeting the demand for low-oil, high-fresh-meat formulas. This process involved testing hundreds of tonnes of trial products.

Currently, the company has evolved to a point where it is able to offer a complete matrix of product lines, including extruded, baked, crispy-textured and fresh-steamed options.

Now, Taichong Pet Food, which holds over 60 patents, is moving even faster to precisely respond to market demands via continuous innovation.

China's pet economy is gaining unprecedented momentum, fueled by a national policy push to enhance supply-demand alignment in consumer goods.

On Nov. 26, six central departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, jointly issued a plan that prioritizes consumption upgrading in a quest to further unleash domestic demand potential.

Shandong is moving swiftly in response to a trend in pet ownership, which is seeing evolution beyond mere functionality into emotional fulfillment.

At Shandong Kaigao International Trade Co., Ltd., designer Zhao Shuimiao fine-tuned a cat climbing frame after first observing hundreds of cats.

"This height is their favorite climbing point. The soft bed atop provides ultimate security," she said. The product, blending ethology and aesthetics, became an instant hit, reflecting a portfolio of over 30 series and more than 2,000 products tailored to spaces ranging from studios to multi-pet homes.

In Caoxian County in Shandong, brand TAORAE founder Cheng Zhanying merges traditional Hanfu embroidery with pet fashion. "We create culturally rich apparel, letting fur kids express unique personalities," he remarked, while showcasing garments that transform pets into emblems of identity.

"Dressing her up beautifully brings the same joy as dressing my own child," said pet owner Wang Cuina when referring to her pet. Notably, this sentiment extends to urban infrastructure, with shopping malls in Jinan, the provincial capital, now offering pet strollers and pet-friendly elevators, while restaurants have designed pet-friendly zones to foster community culture.

Li Shanshan, a pet owner, captured this shift well: "Now I am able to integrate my pet into daily life, and this sense of acceptance is itself a form of consumption satisfaction." 
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When it comes to fashion and beauty, the term French girl has become somewhat of an overused trope.

The archetypal French Girl, as weve all been told over and over, looks effortlessly elegant and artfully messy at all times. Weve been told she does it all better than us and we should all try to emulate her if we want to be stylish.

Of course, this idea of an elusive, impossibly chic woman who floats around cafes in perfect tailoring is far more fantasy than reality.

While the new season of Emily In Paris will not actually be in Paris, but instead Rome, the show will no doubt continue to fuel the fascination with French style  even if its heroine gets it gloriously wrong.

Emily in the show is known for not quite executing the French-girl look well. The Coco Chanel adage Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off, is a great edict to follow, but Emily does quite the opposite.

Her outfits are maximalist, layered with competing colours and packed with prints, quite the opposite of how true Parisians dress, according to the citys stylists.

So, as Emily In Paris returns for season five, we hear from a French fashion stylist how Parisians really dress.

1. They keep things very simple

Its not a secret that simplicity is one of the defining factors of Parisian dressing.

Its all about simplicity. Were more into less is more [] we like more solid colours and simple prints, explains fashion stylist Marie-Anne Lecoeur, known online as The French Chic Expert, having written countless books on French style.

While Breton stripes are often touted as a staple, Lecoeur reminds us that context matters.

You wont really see many Parisians wear Breton top, because they only wear [them] in Brittany or Normandy by the sea in the summer.

But yes, our favourite [pattern] is stripes and I am an avid fan of stripes.

Unlike Emily In Paris, whose maximalism is part of the show, Lecoeur advocates restraint when it comes to French styling.

Im very much a minimalist when it comes to jewellery [] always have a look before leaving the house because things that work well in theory can be a horror in real life.

Her tip is to have a full-length mirror right by the door, so you can see everything before heading out.

You need to see everything from your head down to your shoes, she explains.

With Nothing Underneath Devon Jumper, 160

Boden Lorna Cord Top, 99

Zara Jeans Z.04 Straight Full Length High-Waist, 29.99

2. They hardly shop

Unlike cultures where weekly hauls are normal, French women buy slowly and intentionally.

When we buy we want things to last. I dont think any French woman would just buy one thing for one event in the hope that theyre never going to wear them again, says Leceour.

Even for weddings and special occasions, Leceour says practicality prevails.

Women want something that they will wear at the wedding and also that they will wear again later  it cant be something too extravagant.

Impulse buying, she explains, is rare.

We ask all those questions in our mind [] Do I have something similar? Hows it going to work with the rest of my wardrobe?

The result is a wardrobe comprised of pieces that work hard, last long and therefore avoids clutter.

Hobbs Berkeley Jacket with Wool, 199 (was 279)

& Other Stories Press-Crease Trousers, 77

3. They dont lean into stereotypes

The internet loves to prescribe berets, Breton tops and red lipstick as a Parisian starter pack  but Lecoeur is amused by the stereotypes.

[The stripes and the beret]  you just need to add a string of onions around your neck, and here you are, stereotype.

Instead, the real Parisian wardrobe is rooted in a practical colour palette.

We do like grey. We do like black. We do like some pops of green and we wear navy blue a lot.

And crucially, the ratio of timeless to trendy pieces is (un)surprisingly strict.

A French womans wardrobe is comprised of 80% pieces that are neutral and classic and probably 20% that are a little bit out there.

Trying too hard to stick to these rules however makes you appear inauthentic. For a start, trying to dress like a French person is a mistake, says Leceour.

Instead, she insists, the three pillars matter most: Simplicity, less is more, and quality, not quantity.

Massimo Dutti Flowing Linen Blouse with Tie Detail at the Waist, 69.95

Uniqlo AIRism Cotton T-Shirt, 14.90

4. They have staples

A Parisian capsule doesnt require dozens of pieces. Lecoeur insists on three essentials; a well-cut blazer, loafers and a belt.

You put a blazer on and straight away youre dressed up, says Leceour. It turns even jeans and a T-shirt into something that really makes an effort.

Footwear is the one accessory that makes the biggest difference [] more than a handbag.

French women do love their loafers, she says, a pair of black loafers in good leather will last for years.

A belt is one of her secret weapons when it comes to correct proportions. Something as simple as a belt with a long slouchy jacket can make the biggest difference to your silhouette [] it really changes everything.

And while stylish Parisians often lean into simple block colours, Leceour says there are two patterns that are an exception to the rule.

The prints that we like are usually the simplest: stripes, gingham and Prince of Wales [check].

We are not overly trendy people. We can mix one piece of a trend [and] the rest stays classic.

Boden Iris Snaffle-Trim Leather Belt, 55

M&S Leather Loafers, 56

5. They understand their body shape

While Parisian chic is often equated with a specific, naturally slim, body type, Lecoeur is keen to point out that it isnt body type that makes an outfit work, and that France is just like any other country.

To pull of the French chic look, she says know first the shape of your body, that is an essential foundation.

Whether apple, pear or rectangle, Lecoeur says its about enhancing what you naturally have.

Parisian chic isnt reserved for the thin  despite what social media suggests.

We have all shapes and sizes. Were very much into making the most of what youve got with clothes.

Leceour says understanding style is engrained in French culture. We know a lot about style [it starts] from when we are toddlers.

French women grow up surrounded by style literacy. We go into shops more than buy online. Ladies at the boutiques advise us as well, so we learn from that from an early age.

That learned understanding of colours, contrasts and silhouettes is what creates that quintessential Parisian elegance, not body size.
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The mother of a seven-year-old girl who has a rare genetic condition that affects just over 30 other people globally has spoken of her hopes that she will be home for Christmas.

Zarwa Kakar, who lives in London, has geleophysic dysplasia, a rare type of dwarfism, which means her airway is too small, making it hard for her to breathe.

Her mother, Fahima Kakar, 31, said Zarwa has been treated at Londons Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) since 2020 and has spent most of her Christmases in hospital.

But she said the GOSH charity worked hard to ensure Zarwa and all the other children being treated there had a magical Christmas.

open image in gallery Zarwa with the Grinch ( Great Ormond Street Hospital/PA Real Life )

The GOSH charity gave Zarwa a really amazing Christmas

She went to sleep and woke up to find her ward covered in twinkling lights and decorations. She had a stocking packed with gifts. The play team did arts and crafts, and made snowflakes for her. She had a visit from Santa.

And she got to meet the Grinch! She had watched the film so many times and couldnt believe she met him in the flesh. So we can say the Grinch saved Christmas for us.

Zarwa even took part in the charitys Christmas TV advert, which showed real life footage of 12 families experiencing Christmas on the wards last year.

Since last Christmas, Zarwa has continued to have support at GOSH, spending time there as well as at home.

open image in gallery Zarwa has spent most of her Christmases in hospital ( Great Ormond Street Hospital/PA Real Life )

Describing Zarwa, Fahima said that at home she is very sassy, very loud, loves singing and dancing.

She loves music, loves dancing, arts and crafts, Disney.

Fahima said Zarwa  whose favourite Disney character is Stitch  was born a healthy baby in 2017.

But she started to suffer from recurring chest infections and bronchiolitis  a common lung infection in young children  when she was a few months old.

Fahima explained: Shed get chest infections once, even twice a month.

And then it was around May 2018 when I took her to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for another chest infection, and then they said they could hear a murmur.

open image in gallery Zarwas mum is trying not to get her hopes up too much that Zarwa will be home for Christmas this year ( Great Ormond Street Hospital/PA Real Life )

They referred us to the Royal Brompton and thats where they found out she has a narrowing of the valve, and that she had a heart condition.

She was so unwell that our first Christmas as a family was spent in our local hospital.

Fahima said Zarwa was eventually referred to GOSH as her case was so complex.

Zarwa had surgery to replace her heart valve and then over the next five years she had to have operations every three months to widen her airway with a balloon (called balloon dilation).

Even when she was not in hospital for planned surgery, she was back and forth with chest infections and trouble breathing.

Fahima said that the pandemic made Zarwas hospital visits even more complicated, but somehow they got through it.

open image in gallery Zarwa even took part in Great Ormond Streets Christmas TV advert ( Great Ormond Street Hospital/PA Real Life )

They then discovered she had a genetic condition, geleophysic dysplasia, a rare type of dwarfism that only affected just over 30 other people in the world.

This means Zarwas airway is too small, making it hard for her to breathe.

She had a long, risky operation to reconstruct her airways and in October last year she had yet another heart valve operation.

Fahima said: So, now were at that point where theres nothing else that can be done for her and shes getting worse symptoms. Like stiff fingers and shes very breathless.

We are now going to be referred to the palliative care team. I actually thought the palliative care team was like an end-of-life thing, but they explained to me that, no, its somewhere that you get support to make her comfortable and see how everything goes.

I dont think theres any words to explain how you feel when you know that theres nothing that can be done. And theres nothing as a parent, that you can do as well.

open image in gallery Zarwas airway is too small, making it hard for her to breathe ( Great Ormond Street Hospital/PA Real Life )

Fahima said she and her husband Waris and Zarwas four-year-old brother, Mehran, all help to support one another.

She went on: I think, as parents, we become quite selfish because we want them to be there, not realising how much sometimes they suffer. But then that selfishness is out of love as well.

Its quite hard, but now Ive this thing where Im like, No, everything is in Gods hand. Im just going to put my trust in God.

We have to carry on with our daily life and we give her the enjoyment and stuff that she needs. Weve just left it to God. Whatever his plans are, we trust that, and we just try to carry on with life as normal.

Describing the familys experiences at GOSH, Fahima said it had become like a home to the family.

She went on: Its amazing. Its so much fun there.

open image in gallery Zarwa was born a healthy baby in 2017 ( Great Ormond Street Hospital/PA Real Life )

Last year we were there from August, and then we went home for about two weeks, and then we came back in October, and then we were there until December, so its quite a long time.

When its time to leave youre happy, but then youre also upset. Its like youre leaving home as it has become like a home to us.

Everyone there is amazing. You get so much support.

At Christmas the whole vibe in the hospital is amazing. The staff do crafts and they involve everyone. Its a really nice cosy feeling in there.

Fahima said she is also really thankful for the accommodation available for families to stay in, which is funded by the GOSH charity.

The mother-of-two said she is trying not to get her hopes up too much that Zarwa will be home for Christmas this year.

open image in gallery Zarwa started to suffer from recurring chest infections and bronchiolitis at a few months old ( Great Ormond Street Hospital/PA Real Life )

Fahima said: We dont plan anything, because you never know. What I try to do, if shes home, I try to do everything in the morning, because if she gets unwell and has to go into hospital, then at least weve done it. Because once she goes in, shes in for quite a while.

Fahima said Zarwa has asked for an iPad for Christmas and is also looking forward to celebrating her eighth birthday on December 22.

She said the family likes to have a special breakfast of hash browns, sausages and eggs on Christmas morning, and then they swap presents.

Zarwa has decorated a bauble for the Christmas tree at Londons St Pancras Station, which has been created in partnership with GOSH charity, and shines a light on the hopes and wishes of seriously-ill children.

Zarwas wish was to be a nurse or teacher when she is older.

open image in gallery Fahima said that the pandemic made Zarwas hospital visits even more complicated ( Great Ormond Street Hospital/PA Real Life )

A spokeswoman for the GOSH charity said: No child should have to spend the festive period in hospital. But when they have to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity is there to make it feel like home.

GOSH supports 700 seriously-ill children every day and has 67 different clinical specialties  the highest number at any childrens hospital in Europe.

The charity funds a play team to give children those important memories and bring joy to the wards, creating magical moments like carol singing, Christmas parties and Santa visits.

The charity also funds a chaplaincy catering to all religions to give families spiritual support at their toughest time, and accommodation right by the hospital so parents can be near their children during long stays in hospital. This means loved ones can be there from early morning stocking opening, all the way to bedtime stories and goodnight kisses.

Medics at GOSH find new treatments and cures for the rarest and most complex childhood illnesses so more children can look forward to many more Christmases to come.

The hospital has been transforming the lives of seriously-ill children since opening its doors in 1852 and has always depended on charitable support.

To support Great Ormond Street Hospital Charitys Christmas appeal visit: www.gosh.org/donate/christmas.
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You call your teens name, but they dont respond. Theyre staring past you. You call again, louder this time. Nothing  how rude.

But what if theyre zoning out?

For some teens, this can be a sign of dissociation, a temporary disconnection from thoughts, feelings, body or surroundings. Its the brains way of protecting itself from overwhelming stress or emotion.

Dissociation is often linked to trauma  experiences that feel deeply distressing or life-threatening.

But because dissociation is quiet and invisible, it often goes unnoticed. A withdrawn or spacey teen draws less attention than one whos anxious or acting out. Misunderstanding this response can lead to frustration and strained relationships.

In two recent studies, we interviewed teens who dissociate, as well as their parents and clinicians. We wanted to understand better what it feels like when it happens  and what would help.

What is dissociation?

Dissociation is the brains safety switch. When emotions or memories feel too intense, the brain creates distance, like mentally stepping out of the room.

Its common to experience mild forms of dissociation, such as zoning out during a boring meeting. But for teens whove experienced trauma, it can feel more intense and be more disruptive.

Many people underestimate how common trauma is for young people.

Worldwide, almost three in four teens have experienced at least one traumatic event, such as violence, serious accidents, or the death of a loved one. In Western countries, this may be closer to one in two.

open image in gallery Many people underestimate how common trauma is for young people ( Getty/iStock )

Distressing content is also streamed directly to teens devices. Violent videos, cyberbullying or hate-based online abuse can all trigger overwhelmed feelings.

When feelings become too much to handle, dissociation offers immediate relief. But overuse of dissociation to cope can disrupt learning, relationships and daily life.

Surveys suggest this clinical form of dissociation affects 711% of high school students, making it as common as anxiety disorders.

Yet dissociation in young people is still not well understood, even by professionals.

What we wanted to find out

To better understand dissociation, our research team spoke with dissociating teens about what the experience feels like, what triggers it and what helps.

Seven teenagers who had experienced significant trauma and were receiving care at a Western Australian mental health service shared their experiences. Given that dissociation can affect memory and awareness, we also interviewed each teens parent and primary clinician.

While our study involved a small number of teens, their reflections gave us powerful insight into the lived experience of dissociation in adolescence.

What teens told us

Teens described dissociation as feeling disconnected from their body or as though reality had gone blurry.

Lisa* (age 17) said: I could look in the mirror and not feel like it was me [] I knew it was me, but I didnt feel like it was me.

Verity* (age 14) explained: Im zoned out and dont notice whats going on around me. [] People could be calling my name or waving in my face, and like, I dont notice.

open image in gallery Some teens may just want company, and some might want help with calming techniques ( PA )

Parents told us their teens could sometimes become completely unresponsive  unable to move or talk  or have emotional outbursts they later couldnt remember.

Dissociation was most likely when teens felt strong emotions triggered by reminders of trauma, conflict or peer rejection.

What helps

Many teens said the most helpful thing was knowing a trusted person was nearby. They often didnt want advice or questions  just reassurance that someone would stay close.

Lisa said: I like having company because I dont cope on my own [] its helpful to have someone just wait with me until its over.

Sometimes, they wanted more active help with strategies.

Amy* (age 16) said calming techniques can help: if someone else is there and theyre telling me what to do [] I cant really do it on my own when Im like that [dissociating].

Others said retreating to quiet spaces helped them come back to the present.

But when they didnt feel able to reach out for support, some teens turned to less helpful strategies, like disappearing into fantasy worlds for hours.

Our research suggests that to reduce the chances of this, its important for teens to know youre there.

What parents can do

Bullying, rejection or failure can all feel catastrophic to a developing mind. Teens may also experience traumas that adults dont know about.

If a teen seems distant or unresponsive, stay curious rather than frustrated. Ask yourself what might be happening beneath the surface.

About the authors Bronwyn Milkins is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Youth Trauma and Dissociation at The Kids Research Institute Australia. Helen Milroy is a Professor & Director in the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH) at The University of Western Australia. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

When dissociation happens, stay physically present and calm. Offer to help them with activities like going for a walk, breathing slowly, or doing something sensory, such as holding a warm drink.

If dissociation happens frequently or severely, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or GP for support.

Why it matters

Dissociation isnt bad behaviour  its a coping response to trauma and stress, and can be a sign a teen is overwhelmed. When adults recognise this, they can respond with empathy instead of frustration.

Wed like to see trauma-informed approaches in homes and schools. This means building safety and trust with young people and supporting collaboration.

Offering choice (for example, taking a short break or choosing where they sit in the classroom) can empower them to have some control over their environment. Calm, sensory-friendly spaces can also help kids feel safe and ready to learn.

Recognising dissociation and responding with patience and compassion can help your teen and strengthen your relationship in the process.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if youre concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline (ages 525 and parents) on 1800 55 1800.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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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.
Recently, an academic told me a story so bleakly indicative of the times were living in that I havent been able to get it out of my mind since. It concerned her 18-year-old students, and the way they behaved in the first lecture of the year. In times gone by, these freshly minted adults would have instinctively introduced themselves to each other  said hello to the person sitting either side, exchanged names and pleasantries for a few minutes. But she had observed something very different occurring over the past decade. These young people would now sit down and wait in silence, avoiding eye contact and usually scrolling on their phones, until she began her lecture.

I have to ask them to introduce themselves to each other now, she told me. They dont talk. Theyre tense, theyre anxious, theyre nervous. They need to be invited to engage with their neighbour in a way that I find concerning. It seems part and parcel of an increase in isolation that gives you the false friend of a TikTok video as an unfortunate replacement for a human interaction.

As Australia introduced a blanket social media ban for the under-16s yesterday, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, urged children to instead spend time playing sports, doing hobbies, and hanging out with friends and family.

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.

While he was mocked by some for his condescending tone, underneath it lay an important point.

The word loneliness conjures up, for many, a picture of someone elderly  silver-haired, morose and staring plaintively out of the window. But that is an outdated picture. The more data we get about loneliness, the more apparent it becomes that this is now a young mans  and womans  game. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey, for example, found that 31 per cent of adults aged 16 to 29 in England and Wales reported feeling lonely often, always or some of the time, compared to just 16 per cent of over 70s. Research from the UK government has suggested that those aged 16-34 are over five times more likely to struggle with chronic loneliness than individuals over 65.

Stereotypes can prove pervasive though, regardless of the truth. According to a recent poll commissioned by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), older people were believed to be lonely at least some of the time by 87 per cent of those surveyed, the highest proportion of respondents. This was double the reality: only 43 per cent of those aged 65 and over actually reported feeling lonely. Meanwhile, Gen Z had the reverse image problem: 57 per cent of people surveyed thought the younger generation were lonely, when in fact 70 per cent of them reported feeling this way.

At a time in life when we might expect people to be at their most social and gregarious, there seems to have been a stark behavioural shift. Compared to 20 years ago, Gen Z are spending far fewer in-person hours hanging out with friends, with those in their teens and twenties socialising about as much as someone 10 years their senior did in the past. Research has shown that todays teens are far less likely to go to parties, go out with friends or date.

open image in gallery An increase in loneliness has gone hand in hand with a rise in smartphone use ( Getty Images )

The decline in young people socialising at late-night bars or clubs has led to a quarter of all late-night venues in the UK having closed since 2020, amounting to nearly 800. And, while the dip in drinking culture among young people has been a win for public health in some ways, it has arguably proven detrimental in others; chronic loneliness has been linked to the kinds of poor health outcomes and early death more often associated with smoking.

Meanwhile, this has gone hand in hand with a downward trend in young people having sex, both in terms of frequency and number of partners. Gen Z adults are having less sex than their parents and even their grandparents generation, averaging 0.7 times a week compared to 1.2 (Gen X) and 0.9 (baby boomers), according to one recent UK survey.

Even for those getting lucky, theyre less inclined than ever to put a ring on it. Marriages in England and Wales have hit record lows, according to the most recent census data, as fewer and fewer young people tie the knot. The percentage of people who had never been married rose to 48 per cent last year, up from 44 per cent in 2002.

I dont think there is any doubt you have an absolute global crisis David Blanchflower

Why does it matter that marriage seems to have fallen out of favour? The statistics suggest it is one of the most surefire ways to swerve loneliness. The Centre for Social Justices 2024 Lonely Nation report found that 30 per cent of married people felt lonely often or occasionally, compared to 39 per cent of couples who were cohabiting and 57 per cent of single people.

According to one US study, socialising times had already been declining since the 1970s but took a massive hit after 2010  a time when, surprise, surprise, smartphones started to become ubiquitous. The dwindling of time spent face-to-face with friends has coincided with a huge uptick in screen time for young people. Between 2013 and 2024, the average number of hours a UK adult spent using a device or devices rocketed from 1 hr 36m to 4hr 20. But this is just the average  Gen Z were found to spend far longer glued to a screen, around six hours per day. In a 2024 report from the Pew Research Center, 62 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds said they are constantly online.

One might argue that screen time is socialising time. After all, a high proportion of those hours could be spent messaging friends or interacting with them via social media. However, these kinds of interactions seem to be a hollow facsimile of the real deal in terms of how they make us feel. In previous generations, happiness followed a U-shape  higher in the relatively care-free years of youth and retirement, lower during the grind of middle age.

But all that has changed. A paper commissioned by the UN and published earlier this year concluded that life satisfaction and happiness had fallen among young people over the past decade after analysing responses to surveys in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Researchers highlighted a link between this happiness recession and the rise of smartphones and social media.

open image in gallery Spending time in nature can make us feel less isolated ( Getty Images )

The young have become isolated, co-author and former Bank of England policymaker David Blanchflower said at the time. Its also not so much that people are sitting there on the phone, its what theyre not doing. Theyre not going out as much, playing with their friends, interacting with others, or having as much sex. I dont think there is any doubt you have an absolute global crisis.

And, as that academic pointed out when telling me about her students, a screen in a social context isnt just a screen  its a shield prohibiting real-world contact. A quality of life that used to come for free is now more effortful because you also have to cut through the barrier of someone staring at their phone and ignoring eye contact, she said.

Aside from the eradication of person-to-person contact, theres potentially another major factor contributing to the loneliness epidemic that doesnt involve other humans at all. The uplift in time spent on devices directly correlates to a nosedive in the amount of time young people are spending outside; two-thirds of Gen Z (67 per cent) said in a recent survey that they dont go out for days at a time. But being in nature has been consistently proven to have myriad health benefits, including making us feel less lonely. Psychiatric unit researchers have found that being in nature reduces feelings of isolation, as well as promoting calm and lifting our mood.

We have to do better for our children, especially those most at risk. They need a human, not a bot Jon Yates, Youth Endowment Fund

Meanwhile, mental health conditions have become increasingly commonplace among young people. More than a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds are reporting symptoms of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, and todays young people have the poorest mental health of any age group in the UK. Twenty years ago, the opposite was true. Instead of turning to human connection, such as friends, family, or some kind of professional counselling, young people are potentially compounding the issue; new research has revealed that a quarter of teenagers in the UK have turned to AI chatbots for mental health support in the last year.

We have to do better for our children, especially those most at risk. They need a human, not a bot, said Jon Yates, CEO at the Youth Endowment Fund.

Human connection  real, messy, visceral  is one of our most basic, fundamental needs. As we enter a new era of digital companionship and virtual friends, its more vital than ever that young people are taught how to put down their phones and connect in the real world.
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An unhoused man who stole a BMW and crashed it while driving 130mph claims he teleported into the vehicle while authorities arrested the man.

On Monday, Calvin Curtis-Johnson, 36, crashed the convertible car at Ormond Beach, a city about an hour away from Orlando in Florida.

The car was allegedly stolen while its owner was walking his dog in a nearby park.

open image in gallery Calvin Curtis-Johnson, 36, speaking to police after claiming teleportation ( Volusia Sheriff's Office )

Police body camera footage shows the man telling officers he left the car keys in the unlocked vehicle.

Another witness told police he saw a man who appeared confused get into the car, FOX35 Orlando reported.

He kept asking for a light, the witness said.

I thought, how does he have a BMW if he doesnt even have a lighter for a cigarette?

While the sheriffs were investigating the car theft, they received information that a BMW had crashed at the intersection of North U.S. Highway 1 and Plantation Oaks Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

open image in gallery The crumbled up BMW with Calvin Curtis-Johnson beside the car ( Volusia Sheriff's Office )

Body camera footage from a Volusia Sheriff shows Curtis-Johnson on the side of the road with blood running down his face, as the sheriff walks up to him he says I dont know how I got in the car.

When the sheriff asked Curtis-Johnson where he got the car from, the 36-year-old said he did not know.

"I don't know, I don't know, it's common," Johnson replied. "I teleported."

The entire front of the car, a 2018 BMW Convertible 230i, which is worth about $25,000, can be seen crumpled up and smashed.

While Curtis-Johnson was being arrested, he thanked the sheriff as he was being handcuffed.

You saved me from the aliens, he said.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported that Johnson was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center and was put under police guard while being treated for his injuries.

After he was cleared, Curtis-Johnson was set to be taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail.
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The FBI has issued a warning to Americans that online criminals are increasingly stealing photos and videos found on social media to use as fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams.

The agency, led by Kash Patel, advises the public to agree on a code word with family members or friends to use for authentication if suspicious messages are received.

According to the public service announcement issued by the bureau this month, bad actors are posing as criminals and sending out text messages and emails to targets falsely claiming to have taken a loved one hostage and making ransom demands in exchange for their release, using the stolen media harvested from sites like Instagram to make their story appear more plausible.

Criminal actors typically will contact their victims through text message claiming they have kidnapped their loved one and demand a ransom be paid for their release, the agency explains in its warning.

Oftentimes, the criminal actor will express significant claims of violence towards the loved one if the ransom is not paid immediately. The criminal actor will then send what appears to be a genuine photo or video of the victims loved one, which upon close inspection often reveals inaccuracies when compared to confirmed photos of the loved one.

Examples of these inaccuracies include missing tattoos or scars and inaccurate body proportions. Criminal actors will sometimes purposefully send these photos using timed message features to limit the amount of time victims have to analyze the images.

In addition to using code words, the FBI advises people to be wary of scammers when posting information about real people online, particularly in missing-person cases, which can attract bad-faith approaches.

FBI Director Kash Patel, whose agency has issued a new warning to the public about a rise in fake kidnapping scams ( AP )

The bureau also advises the public to look out for messages that push a false sense of urgency, which can be a telltale sign of a scam, and to attempt to contact loved ones mentioned in any such approach before paying for their release.

You should also take screenshots of any questionable texts or emails, and avoid sharing personal information with strangers when travelling.

The agency adds that anyone who believes a virtual kidnapping scam is targeting them should report it immediately to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center via its website, providing as much information as possible, including phone numbers, email addresses, payment information, and any audio or text communications received.

Online crime is an increasingly important area for the FBI, with the bureau announcing earlier this month that it had arrested five men who were part of Greggys Cult, a blackmail gang accused of using extortion threats to bully young gamers into performing degrading and sexually explicit acts on web cameras.
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Officials in the Georgia Department of Corrections have released details of the last meal requested by a death row inmate convicted of murdering two real estate agents in 2003.

Stacey Humphreys murdered Cynthia Williams and Lori Brown at a model home in Powder Springs, Georgia. He was handed a death sentence, and is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection next Wednesday, December 17, at 7 p.m. at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison.

State officials released his robust final meal request on Thursday ahead of his expected execution. Humphreys has requested barbecue beef brisket, pork ribs, a bacon double cheeseburger, french fries, coleslaw, cornbread, buffalo wings, meat lovers pan pizza, vanilla ice cream, and two lemon-lime sodas.

Humphreys argued he should be spared execution based on a Covid-19-era agreement that established the conditions for resuming executions. His defense attorney argued the agreement was still being used by some death-row inmates to delay their executions, but that Humphreys was being denied those same protections.

The agreement applies only to inmates whose requests for a rehearing of their appeals were denied by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals when a judicial emergency called due to the pandemic was in place.

open image in gallery Stacey Humphreys is scheduled to be executed through lethal injection next Wednesday, for the 2003 murders of two real estate agents  Cynthia Williams and Lori Brown  in Georgia ( Georgia Department of Corrections )

A federal judge ruled on Wednesday against halting Humphreys execution, citing his failure to show that his due process rights would be violated by an execution.

On November 3, 2003, investigators said that Humphreys visited the sales office for a model home where the real estate workers were employed.

Evidence presented to the court showed Humphreys made the women strip naked and give him their bank PIN numbers before shooting and killing them both. Prosecutors said the Humphreys used their IDs and credit cards to pull thousands of dollars from their bank accounts.

open image in gallery Real estate agents Cynthia Brown and Lori Williams were murdered in Georgia in 2003 by Stacey Humphreys. Hes scheduled to be executed by lethal injection for their murders next Wednesday ( Cobb County Superior Court handout )

He was later arrested after a high speed chase in Wisconsin.

Humphreys attempted to appeal his case to the Supreme Court but the judicial body declined to adjudicate.

His execution will be Georgia's first in 2025. Hes expected to be the 55th inmate to be executed by lethal injection. There are 32 men and one woman in Georgia prisons who are currently facing a death sentence.
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Harold Wayne Nichols, who was jailed for the 1988 rape and murder of student Karen Pulley, is set to be executed by lethal injection in Tennessee.

Nichols confessed to killing 20-year-old Chattanooga State University student Pulley as well as raping several other women in the Chattanooga area.

Although he expressed remorse at trial, he admitted that he would have continued his violent behavior had he not been arrested. He was sentenced to death in 1990.

In a recent interview, Pulley's sister, Lisette Monroe, said the wait for Nichols' execution has been 37 years of hell.

She described her sister as gentle, sweet and innocent, and said she hopes that after the execution she'll be able to focus on the happy memories of Pulley instead of her murder.

Nichols' attorneys unsuccessfully sought to have his sentence commuted to life in prison, citing the fact that he took responsibility for his crimes and pleaded guilty.

His clemency petition stated he would be the first person to be executed for a crime he pleaded guilty to since Tennessee re-enacted the death penalty in 1978.

Nichols, 64, has seen two previous execution dates come and go. The state earlier planned to execute him in August 2020, but Nichols was given a reprieve due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At that time, Nichols had selected to die in the electric chair  a choice allowed in Tennessee for inmates who were convicted of crimes before January 1999.

Harold Wayne Nichols confessed to killing 20-year-old Chattanooga State University student Pulley as well as raping several other women in the Chattanooga area ( Tennessee Department of Corrections )

Tennessees lethal injection protocol in 2020 used three different drugs in series, a process that inmates attorneys claimed was riddled with problems. Their concerns were shown to have merit in 2022, when Gov. Bill Lee paused executions, including a second execution date for Nichols.

An independent review of the states lethal injection process found that none of the drugs prepared for the seven inmates executed in Tennessee since 2018 had been properly tested.

The Tennessee Department of Correction issued a new execution protocol in last December that utilizes the single drug pentobarbital.

Attorneys for several death row inmates have sued over the new rules, but a trial in that case is not scheduled until April. Nichols declined to chose an execution method this time, so his execution will be by lethal injection by default.

His attorney Stephen Ferrell explained in an email that the Tennessee Department of Correction has not provided enough information about Tennessees lethal execution protocol for our client to make an informed decision about how the state will end his life.

Nichols' attorneys on Monday won a court ruling granting access to records from two earlier executions using the new method, but the state has not yet released the records and says it will appeal. During Tennessees last execution in August, Byron Black said he was hurting so bad in his final moments.

The state has offered no explanation for what might have caused the pain.

Many states have had difficulty obtaining lethal injection drugs as anti-death penalty activists have put pressure on drug companies and other suppliers.

Between the shortages and legal challenges over botched executions, some states have moved to alternative methods of execution including a firing squad in South Carolina and nitrogen gas in Alabama.
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The 22-year-old Utah man accused of killing Charlie Kirk made his first in-person court appearance Thursday as his attorneys push to further limit media access in the high-profile criminal case.

A Utah judge is weighing the publics right to know details in the prosecution of Tyler Robinson against his attorneys concerns that the swarm of media attention could interfere with his right to a fair trial.

Robinsons legal team and the Utah County Sheriffs Office have asked Judge Tony Graf to ban cameras in the courtroom.

Prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder in the September 10 shooting of the conservative activist Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse. They plan to seek the death penalty.

Robinson arrived in court with restraints on his wrists and ankles and wearing a dress shirt, tie and slacks. He smiled at family members sitting in the front row of the courtroom, where his mother teared up and wiped her eyes with a tissue. Robinsons father and brother sat next to her.

open image in gallery Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, December 11 ( Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool )

The defendant had previously appeared in court via video or audio feed from jail.

A coalition of national and local news organizations, including the Associated Press, is fighting to preserve media access in the case.

Graf has already made allowances to protect Robinsons presumption of innocence before a trial, agreeing that the case has drawn extraordinary public attention.

Graf held a closed hearing on October 24 in which attorneys discussed Robinsons courtroom attire and security protocols. Under a subsequent ruling by the judge, Robinson is allowed to wear street clothes in court during his pretrial hearings but must be physically restrained due to security concerns. Graf also prohibited media from filming or photographing Robinsons restraints after his attorneys argued widespread images of him shackled and in jail clothing could prejudice future jurors.

Michael Judd, an attorney for the media coalition, has urged Graf to let the news organizations weigh in on any future requests for closed hearings or other limitations.

The media presence at Utah hearings is already limited, with judges often designating one photographer and one videographer to document a hearing and share their images with other news organizations. Additional journalists can typically attend to listen and take notes, as can members of the public.

Judd wrote in recent filings that an open court safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process while fostering public confidence in judicial proceedings. Criminal cases in the U.S. have long been open to the public, which he argued is proof that trials can be conducted fairly without restricting reporters as they work to keep the public informed.

open image in gallery Robinsons legal team and the Utah County Sheriffs Office have asked Judge Tony Graf to ban cameras in the courtroom ( Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool )

Kirks widow, Erika Kirk, has called for full transparency, saying, We deserve to have cameras in there.

Her husband was an ally of President Donald Trump who worked to steer young voters toward conservatism.

Robinsons legal team says his pretrial publicity reaches as far as the White House, with Trump announcing soon after Robinsons arrest, With a high degree of certainty, we have him, and I hope he gets the death penalty.

Attorney Kathy Nester has raised concerns that digitally altered versions of Robinson's initial court photo have spread widely, creating misinformation about the case. Some altered images show Robinson crying or having an outburst in court, which did not happen.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The official launch of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York this week marks a significant moment for the international community. It reflects an emerging consensus: The world can no longer postpone the long-overdue conversation about how global governance should be reshaped to meet the demands of a changing era.

The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) stems from a fundamental question. When a Western-centered order concentrates power and influence within a narrow circle while leaving most countries underrepresented and underserved, how can the world correct this imbalance and move toward a fairer, more inclusive and more functional system?

The post-World War II governance architecture once helped stabilize the global order. Eight decades on, however, its deficiencies are impossible to ignore. The system suffers from three structural flaws: inadequate representation for the Global South, weakened authority, and a growing gap between global challenges and institutional effectiveness.

This imbalance is all the more striking as the Global South has become the main driver of global economic growth, contributing up to 80 percent of it and representing the majority of the world's population. Yet current institutions still give these countries only a fraction of the voice they deserve. Decision-making often occurs behind closed doors, producing outcomes that reflect the interests of a minority rather than the global majority. The structural inequities embedded in the system have long constrained the Global South's ability to speak and be heard.

The GGI aims to improve this. It stresses sovereign equality and genuine multilateralism. Every country, regardless of size or power, should have the right to participate equally in global governance, help shape its decisions, and share in its benefits. This is essential to democratizing international relations and strengthening the voice of Global South nations.

As noted by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon early this month at the 2025 Imperial Springs International Forum, the GGI emphasizes multilateralism and equality, which aligns with the UN's reform agenda to expand participation, amplify the voices of developing countries and ensure that no one is left behind.

In recent years, some countries have promoted a so-called "rules-based order," yet their practice reveals a very different logic: one in which their political agenda at home is above international law whenever convenient. The dissonance is stark in areas ranging from climate action to human rights and global economic governance. They tend to demand great commitments from others while quietly shirking their own, and sit in judgment of other countries' human rights records while rejecting external scrutiny themselves. These double standards not only weaken trust, but also erode the foundations of multilateral cooperation.

It is against this backdrop that the GGI stresses the need to return to the bedrock of the international system: the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter. They must be upheld unwaveringly. In emerging areas, international rules should be formulated on the basis of extensive consensus. International law and rules must be applied equally and uniformly, without any double standards or imposition. The authority and solemnity of international law must be upheld.

Defending the authority and integrity of international law is a shared responsibility, but major countries bear a particular obligation to lead by example. Only by championing true multilateralism and a more just rules-based system can they help steer global governance toward greater equity, credibility and common security.

Ultimately, global governance must be judged by whether it improves people's lives. A people-centered approach, one of the GGI's core commitments, demands that institutions respond to the urgent, concrete concerns of ordinary communities worldwide, from public health and food security to digital access, climate resilience and equitable development.

For global governance to regain credibility, it must also deliver real and measurable outcomes. The world has grown tired of ambitious pledges by the West that are never realized. A results-oriented approach, another key principle of the GGI, demands narrowing the persistent "implementation gap" in climate finance, development commitments and institutional reform.

In a time of uncertainty and fragmentation, the GGI points the way toward a more just, inclusive and trustworthy global order, one shaped by the many, not the few. 
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. Amid rapid urbanization, Shenzhen's culture has taken shape through integration and innovation. Follow our correspondents' visit to this multicultural, fertile ground for creativity and growth.
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Nobody ever said no to Maudie Palmer. Not because she was formidable  although she most certainly was. Nor because she was daunting  she was a famously adventurous and energising thinker. It didnt matter if you were a board chair, philanthropist or investor, nor indeed the mayor, arts minister, premier or prime minister: you didnt say no to Maudie because she had long since earned the deep admiration and absolute trust of everyone who ever knew her. Maudie Palmer AO No.1 2022 Bronwyn Kidd A titan of Australian contemporary art, Dr Maudie Palmer, AO, died unexpectedly at home in Melbourne on December 3. Maudies vision inspires us to overcome doubt and negativity and strive to be more. To honour First Peoples. To do everything we possibly can to safeguard the environment. To extend artistic practice beyond the limits of our imagination. As one of the finest advocates for the power of the artist that Australia has ever known, Maudies word was transformative: championing artists was her ethos and her calling. For Maudie, this went beyond vocation, beyond profession. She was dedicated to ensuring that Australias future was informed by artistic perspectives, and she was committed to honouring First Nations sovereignty and the wisdom of elders.

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For Maudie, this ethos was ecological as well as cultural: In the immediate future, we all need to urgently look after this land. We need to use our passion and creativity to bring it back from what is surely the brink of destruction. We need to listen to our First Nations people. We need to listen to the scientists. Mourning and celebrating Maudie are the many institutions she inspired and transformed: as founding director of Heide Park and Art Gallery (now Heide Museum of Modern Art), TarraWarra Museum of Art and Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park; as initiator of the collaborative Birrarung Project spanning Art Water Refuge, her poetic film Birrarung, the Bulleen Birrarung Cultural Precinct project, Birrarung Valley Walk and the future Birrarung Cultural Pathway; as a trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria, a founding Ambassador of CLIMARTE, and on countless boards and advisories, including her guidance of InPlace; and as a former curator, director or strategic advisor at the University Gallery (now the Potter Museum of Art), Melbourne International Arts Festival, New Commonwealth Law Courts, AAMI Stadium, Barak Bridge, Moet and Chandon Australian Art Foundation, St Arnaud Street Museum, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Gosford Regional Gallery, Hamilton Art Gallery, McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park, Shepparton Art Museum, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, Warrnambool Art Gallery, Yarra Valley artists-in-residence program and so many more. In recognition of her profound achievements and generosity, in 2006 she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. Portrait of Maudie Palmer, by Jacqueline Mitelman. Across her every involvement, Maudie positioned art-making as central to nation-building and uppermost in political priorities. She was a sophisticated architectural advisor, having overseen major cultural infrastructure projects and daring new builds at Heide and TarraWarra, guiding our experience of artists work in spaces designed for that purpose. She tirelessly advanced the right of artists  and indeed, of all of us  to shape the civic realm and guide the decisions that shape our lives. Her work protected artists from the vicissitudes of politics while forever championing their voice. In her 2022 Monash University graduation address  at which she was awarded an honorary doctorate, and from which I quote above  Maudie focused on the transformative power of creativity. She challenged students to formulate a vision, to set ones sights on how to achieve that vision, and to be relentless about its advocacy. Importantly, she also emphasised the invaluable role of the relationships we foster: The priority in my working life has been to bring artists together with the community. This bringing-together has been an underlying factor in all my projects. To be in her world was to feel recognised, understood and exhilarated. In doing so, Maudie transformed the world around her. To be in her world was to feel recognised, understood and exhilarated. Countless artists owe their careers to Maudies careful nurturing. Private collectors owe their art knowledge and their direct relationships with artists to Maudies keen eye. Galleries across the continent owe their origins and their continued success to Maudies expert foresight and advice. Australias contemporary arts scene owes its leading institutions to her vision.

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Eating outFood These are the top 10 wine lists in south-east Queensland right now One venue has been named as Australias Best Listing of Queensland Wines, another Australias Best Listing of US Wines. Matt Shea December 11, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Australias Wine List of the Year Awards were announced in late September, with Melbourne restaurant Circl taking out the 2025 crown. But for the first time in the 32-year history of the awards  regarded as the industry yardstick for restaurant wine lists in Australia  it has followed up by announcing the top 10 lists by state and territory. In Queensland, the unranked top 10 were all drawn from the south-east. Agnes restaurant in Fortitude Valley. In Brisbane, wood-fired Agnes (the top-rated Queensland restaurant at this years national awards), Greek restaurant Hellenika, hidden Japanese spot Honto, CBD eatery Blackbird, James Street icon Cru Bar, elevated Italian restaurant Otto, and steak restaurant SK Steak and Oyster all made the cut. Rounding out the top 10 were Maroochydores Market Bistro, Gold Coasts Nineteen at the Star and Noosas Sails Restaurant.

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Related Article Goros Brisbane lasts barely six months, closes permanently It was Agnes third consecutive year taking out the top spot in Queensland, while Blackbird was named Australias Best Listing of Queensland Wines, and Cru Bar Australias Best Listing of US Wines. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up It marks a strong 2025 showing from Queensland restaurants, and Brisbane restaurants in particular. But local venues have been slowing flexing their way into the awards for the past decade, with the (now closed) Aria Brisbane taking out the national award in 2018, and Cru Bar doing the same in 2022. It was Agnes third consecutive year taking out the top spot in Queensland The selection and quality of Queensland wine lists has grown considerably over the years, said awards judge Jeni Port. When the awards started in 1993 there was little to get excited about with the lists coming out of the state and that included Brisbane.

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[That] has slowly changed and certainly gained momentum over the past 10 years. There is more professionalism being shown  an impression that can also be applied across the country  with full-time, serious, professional sommeliers now in charge of some of the most exciting wine lists in the country. Hellenika at The Calile Hotel was recognised as having one of the best wine lists in Queensland. Markus Ravik Port says she first noticed the change with lists coming out of Fortitude Valley and the CBD that could take on the best in Melbourne and Sydney. They werent necessarily the biggest lists in the number of wines offered, Port said, but they were exciting, thought-provoking and looked to emerging trends such as low intervention wines, sustainability, chilled reds, the rise of women winemakers and styles such as skin contact whites and no/low alcohol options. Riverside Otto has had one of the best wine lists in the city since it first opened (at 480 Queen) in 2016. Courtesy of Otto Brisbane

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Importantly, for the states wine producers, many started to embrace Queensland wines. There was no longer a cultural cringe shown on Queensland wine lists against Queensland wines and good sommeliers went about sourcing some exciting wines. Australias Wine List of the Year Awards were established in 1993 by Tucker Seabrook, Rob Hirst and the late Judy Hirst. They are recognised as the countrys most prestigious awards program for wine and beverage lists.

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For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsParenting Rachael braced herself when she cut off her daughters screen time. This is what surprised her Lauren Ironmonger December 11, 2025  3:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

As a stay-at-home mum with family interstate and no childcare support, Rachael Gold found herself relying on digital devices to keep her daughter occupied. I definitely leant on screen time to give me that little bit of reprieve, so I felt like I could take a breath, she says. Even though the recommendation is for kids to not have screen time before two, Id seen all over social media that it was very normal for babies and toddlers to have some form of screen time. Sydney mother Rachael Gold with her youngest daughter. Louise Kennerley But as her daughter got older, Gold became concerned with her engaging with shows for longer and getting upset when I switched them off.

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So, with a six-week-old at home (her second daughter)  the worst possible time, as she says  Gold decided to cut her toddlers screen time cold turkey. Editor's pick Parenting Goodnight to the bedtime story: The reason fewer parents are reading aloud to their children She was surprised to discover how quickly her daughter, now four, adjusted. The change was harder on her. Screen time is not for them, its for us. Were the ones that struggle. Its like, Oh, well now she hasnt got this other thing to entertain her, so its all on me and my husband to guide her into other things. More than six months on, Gold has noticed a marked improvement in her daughters patience and independence. She can now happily play alone.

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At first, it might be that initial frustration, but now she can quickly find a way to entertain herself, whereas before it would just be a complete meltdown, she says. What do the guidelines say? National guidelines recommend no screen time for infants under two, no more than one hour per day for kids between two and five and less than two hours per day for those aged five to 17. The World Health Organisation recommends no more than an hour a day for two-year-olds, with less time preferred, and no more than an hour per day for three and four-year-olds. Still, 90 per cent of Australian children aged five to 14 use screens, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Of this cohort, almost a quarter spent at least 20 hours per week on screens, or almost three hours per day. For infants, an Australian study from 2023 found that at six months, children were exposed to an average of one hour and 16 minutes of screen time per day, which increased to an average of two hours and 28 minutes by 24 months.

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The pressures of modern parenting Dr Sumudu Mallawaarachchi, a research fellow at the Australian Research Councils Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, says time-based guidelines for screen use are overly simplistic, and were devised in the late 2000s before digital technology became deeply embedded in our lives. She empathises with parents like Gold, whom she says are navigating rising cost of living pressures, the decline of the village and the changing role of technology in our lives. A common theme in her research with parents is the sentiment youre damned if you do, damned if you dont: theyre often judged for using devices, especially mothers in public places or by extended family, but if you dont use devices, or if the child is misbehaving, then also you get blamed. Jacquelyn Harverson, a graduate researcher at Deakin University, agrees parents today are juggling a lot of different priorities.

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Tash Ching is a paediatrician and mother of a girl, aged two months, and two boys, one and three. While she has always believed in low screen time for her kids  they need to have the opportunity to be bored, as she says  this hasnt always been realistic, particularly after her second was born. It was just survival, she says. I think it started when my eldest just wanted to watch kids music videos. And I was like, you know what? Im falling asleep in the chair, so Im going to let you watch my phone. It definitely became a second parenting tool. Like Gold, she found her eldest can struggle when screens are taken away. There were a lot more tantrums, a lot more dysregulation and meltdowns occurring after screen time, especially if theyve been prolonged. So that made us very mindful about bringing in healthier boundaries. Ching says shes learnt to be kind to herself when it comes to screen time.

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We cant parent out of an empty cup, she says. If parents need to utilise small breaks with screens, then that actually can still make you a better parent. Tash Ching, a paediatrician and mother of three, wants parents to be kinder to themselves about managing screen time. Paul Jeffers Screen time and childrens development Too much screen time for kids has been linked to poorer outcomes in areas such as sleep, depression, language and cognitive development.

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A systematic review from this year, co-authored by Harverson, found more digital technology use in children aged four to six was associated with poorer wellbeing outcomes across psychosocial wellbeing, social functioning, the parent-child relationship and behavioural functioning. However, Harverson points out most research only looks at the impact of time use on development. Indeed, the systematic review also looked at emerging research that shows the relationship between technology and childrens wellbeing is complex. She adds that time-based guidelines for screens have been developed in the context of guidelines for physical activity, with the assumption that screen time equals sedentary time. I was speaking to Foundation and Year One students about what they did with technology, and they talked about using technology to learn dances with their friends. So theyre doing that physical activity, as well as socialising and getting those amazing positive social skills, she says. Editor's pick Parenting From ultrasound photos to family blogs: How ethical is posting children online?

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Indeed, emerging research shows that not all screen time is created equal, says Mallawaarachchi, who calls for a more nuanced and holistic understanding of technology and kids. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 100 studies worldwide, co-authored by Mallawaarachchi, found that context matters when it comes to screen time. Program viewing (including television and YouTube) and background television exposure were associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes in children. However, co-use (watching and/or discussing content with an adult) was positively associated with cognitive outcomes. Similarly, the type of content children view matters, with research showing childrens and educational material can be positively associated with things like attention, executive function and language.

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Today, Ching says one of the main times her eldest watches television is with his grandfather  and only after a trip to the park first. Shes selective about what her son watches too, favouring childrens shows like Bluey or Paw Patrol or YouTube videos of adults and kids building train sets. Golds eldest now watches television once a week, while her youngest has not yet been exposed to screens. How to help kids develop better screen habits Be intentional: Mallawaarachchis top tip for parents is to think about why you are using a screen. For example, are they watching a show that might encourage dancing or physical activity? Are they watching something like Bluey, that can contain important social messages? Or are they FaceTiming relatives, which can be a tool for social connection?

Mallawaarachchis top tip for parents is to think about why you are using a screen. For example, are they watching a show that might encourage dancing or physical activity? Are they watching something like Bluey, that can contain important social messages? Or are they FaceTiming relatives, which can be a tool for social connection? Use devices together as much as possible: While it can be tricky, aim to find time to engage with screens with your child, which research shows can promote positive cognitive outcomes.

While it can be tricky, aim to find time to engage with screens with your child, which research shows can promote positive cognitive outcomes. Embrace imperfection: For Gold, dramatically reducing her daughters screen time has taught her to be more okay with imperfection as a parent, like not always having a tidy home.

For Gold, dramatically reducing her daughters screen time has taught her to be more okay with imperfection as a parent, like not always having a tidy home. Model healthy habits: Parents have so much to do on their phones, but just be mindful that children are always watching us, so modelling healthy digital habits in a way that fits their lifestyle is important, says Mallawaarachchi.

Parents have so much to do on their phones, but just be mindful that children are always watching us, so modelling healthy digital habits in a way that fits their lifestyle is important, says Mallawaarachchi. Offer alternatives: If you are cutting out or reducing your kids screen time, make sure to frame the transition positively, by pitching an alternative activity.

If you are cutting out or reducing your kids screen time, make sure to frame the transition positively, by pitching an alternative activity. Prepare kids and offer them choices: For Ching, one of her best tips is preparing her kid for the end of screen time. Signposting properly, rather than abruptly ending a session, and offering a few options for new activities, can help reduce the dreaded tech tantrums.

For Ching, one of her best tips is preparing her kid for the end of screen time. Signposting properly, rather than abruptly ending a session, and offering a few options for new activities, can help reduce the dreaded tech tantrums. Be kind to yourself: Parenting is hard and time-based guidelines dont always account for the realities of modern life. Dont beat yourself up if your kids screen time is a little higher from time to time.

Parenting is hard and time-based guidelines dont always account for the realities of modern life. Dont beat yourself up if your kids screen time is a little higher from time to time. Technology use does not need to be sedentary: If you are choosing to incorporate digital devices into your childs life, consider ways they can still be active while using screens, like learning a new dance or getting out in nature and taking photos.

If you are choosing to incorporate digital devices into your childs life, consider ways they can still be active while using screens, like learning a new dance or getting out in nature and taking photos. Choose educational, age-appropriate content where possible.

where possible. Bridge the real and the virtual: When coming up with non-screen based activities, think about games that might relate to some of their favourite shows or things. If they love Bluey, perhaps they could create their own comic-book episode of the show, or choreograph a dance to the theme song for KPop Demon Hunters. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
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NationalCorruption Lehrmann inquiry boss loses fight to overturn corruption findings Michaela Whitbourn December 11, 2025  12:18pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The former judge who headed an inquiry into former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmanns sexual assault prosecution has lost a bid to overturn a finding he engaged in serious corrupt conduct by leaking information to the media. In a damning report, released in March, the ACT Integrity Commission found Walter Sofronoff, KC, dishonestly concealed the fact he had given a copy of his final report to The Australians Janet Albrechtsen and a second journalist before it was publicly released. No findings were made against the journalists. Walter Sofronoff, KC, repeatedly messaged journalist Janet Albrechtsen and eventually leaked her an advance copy of his probes final report. Edwina Pickles, Robert Shakespeare The ACT corruption watchdog found Sofronoffs conduct significantly compromised the integrity of the inquiry and the former Queensland Supreme Court judge had engaged in serious corrupt conduct. Sofronoff sought to overturn those findings in the Federal Court. In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Wendy Abraham rejected Sofronoffs court challenge.

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I order that the application is dismissed. The court will hear from the parties as to costs, Abraham said. In written reasons, Abraham said the commissions conclusion that Mr Sofronoff engaged in serious corrupt conduct remains. The ACT corruption watchdog said in its report this year that Sofronoff gave a raft of additional confidential material to Albrechtsen, including witness statements, drafts of the report and proposed adverse findings against the then ACT director of public prosecutions, Shane Drumgold, SC. The overall chain of events in Mr Sofronoffs communication with Ms Albrechtsen shows that over time he lost sight of the important public function he was discharging, the commission said. Text messages between Walter Sofronoff, KC, and Janet Albrechtsen.

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Parallel to the inquiry, Sofronoff was engaging privately with Ms Albrechtsen  who was not a participant in the inquiry and who was known to have strong views about issues that would certainly be the subject of the report to government, the report said. The commission said Sofronoff should at least have given fair notice of his intention to provide a copy of the report to journalists  Albrechtsen and the ABCs Elizabeth Byrne  before ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr made it public. It was exclusively for the government to consider what to do about publication, the watchdog said. Sofronoff gave the final report to Albrechtsen about 2.12pm on July 31, 2023, shortly after giving it to Barr, and to Byrne about 8pm on August 2. The Australian published its first articles about the report online late on August 2, 2023. The ABC published a story the following afternoon. The government released the report on August 7.

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The commission said Albrechtsen told Sofronoff in a phone call on August 2 that she and a colleague had obtained a copy of the report from another source before publishing a story. Sofronoff told the commission he had given the report to the journalists on the basis its contents would not be published until after the report was released by the government. The watchdog said there was no evidence they did not comply with the embargo. Lehrmanns ACT Supreme Court criminal trial was aborted in 2022 owing to juror misconduct. He did not face a second trial owing to concerns about the mental health of the complainant, his former colleague Brittany Higgins. Text messages between Walter Sofronoff, KC, and Janet Albrechtsen, in which the latter says she loved a section of his draft report in the inquiry into the Bruce Lehrmann prosecution. Lehrmann lost a multimillion-dollar defamation case last year against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson after Federal Court Justice Michael Lee concluded to the civil standard  on the balance of probabilities  that Lehrmann raped Higgins in Parliament House in March 2019.

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Lehrmann appealed against that decision and lost. In a decision last week, the Full Court of the Federal Court went even further than Lee and found Lehrmann knew Higgins was not consenting to sex, rather than being reckless about whether she was consenting. In his final report, Sofronoff had found the Lehrmann prosecution was properly brought, but made damaging findings against Drumgold. Drumgold, who quit his role, challenged the reports findings in the ACT Supreme Court and won. The court found Sofronoffs communications during the inquiry with Albrechtsen, who had authored a series of articles critical of Drumgold, gave rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias on Sofronoffs part. This is not a finding of actual bias but of the appearance of it. The integrity commission said the courts judgment in the Drumgold litigation, delivered in March last year, had the effect of rendering the findings against Mr Drumgold legally invalid.

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The report had destroyed at least one professional and personal reputation by findings that were, in significant part, vitiated by jurisdictional error and, with the benefit of hindsight, ought never to have been published, it said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
MEXICO CITY, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday firmly rejected the possibility of U.S. military action against drug cartels in Mexico.

Speaking at a daily press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that foreign troops would not be allowed to operate on Mexican soil, citing national sovereignty as a key concern.

Her remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated statements suggesting military strikes against Mexican drug cartels. Sheinbaum argued that such actions were unnecessary, given the existing security agreements between the two countries.

"We are a sovereign nation and will not accept foreign intervention," Sheinbaum said, underscoring the importance of mutual respect in U.S.-Mexico relations.

Despite differences, Sheinbaum expressed her commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship. "We may not agree on everything, but we always seek the best possible cooperation between our nations," she added. 
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Letters NationalVictoriaLetters Appalled at councils deletion of volunteers photo December 11, 2025  8:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Photo: Cathy Wilcox To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number. No attachments, please include your letter in the body of the email. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published. I am appalled at the decision of Bayside Council to remove teenage council volunteer Zaina Amro from the recent Bayside Council newsletter because of complaints over a necklace she wore in a published photo (Teen removed over her Palestine necklace, 11/12). She should be free to wear jewellery depicting her Palestinian heritage in the same way Christians might wear a necklace bearing a cross. It is cowardly of the council to buckle to pressure from nine people (from a population of more than 100,000) to edit the story about Amro. So much for Bayside being an inclusive, diverse and social cohesive community as they boast. Bayside Council needs to remind itself that Australia this year formally recognised the state of Palestine.

Nick Toovey, Beaumaris Some people less celebrated than others

On Bayside Councils 2050 community vision it states: Every member of the community is celebrated, included and feels they belong in Bayside. Participation in community life is possible and encouraged regardless of age, ability, cultural or economic circumstance. How sad that Zaina was not celebrated for her voluntary work but axed for wearing a piece of jewellery. No wonder our younger generation feels so disillusioned at times. How can nine residents out of thousands persuade Bayside to remove Zainas image, instead of standing by their values as indicated by their community vision.

Jane Taylor, Newport Nine complaints. Really?

Disappointing to see that all it takes to be cancelled these days is nine complaints to Bayside Council. I have a copy of the offending newsletter with Zaina Amros photo on the cover and a short article on the inside. She expresses zero political views and is instead talking about the value of our local libraries as great places to study and hang out. I noticed what she was saying, how happy she looked and paid zero attention to what necklace she was wearing. Im sorry if she feels less welcome at our libraries and other public spaces now because of the narrow attitudes of a few. I think she is a fine youth ambassador. And Im happy to hand over my magazine if shed like another for her collection. Be braver Bayside Council.

Kerry OShea, Hampton

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Necklace is not political

Bayside Council has contravened its mandate to represent its citizens and promote their welfare. Its disgraceful conduct with relation to teenage Zaina Amro must be condemned. The article describes how the complaints of a handful of citizens about Zainas wearing of a Palestinian necklace led to her photo and story of community work for the council being removed from the local newspaper. The necklace is not a political symbol just a statement of Zainas pride on her ancestral homeland. Would they have erased the photo and story of someone with a crucifix or a New Zealand flag for example?

Jan Marshall, Brighton Proud of heritage is not offensive

I cant believe what Im reading  a teenage volunteers photo was removed from Lets Talk Bayside magazine because nine residents complained about her wearing a necklace featuring a Palestine map pendant. When the council had an opportunity to celebrate Zaina Amro as a role model, and inspire other young people to volunteer to council programs, they instead dismissed her achievement and resorted to an act of discrimination. Did the council consider the views of the rest of the Bayside community, myself included? And since when has being proud of ones heritage become offensive? Social cohesion is something we value and promote, and this decision undermines that principle.

Vivienne Fry, Beaumaris THE FORUM PM, stop talking

As we start the social media ban, Anthony Albanese tells kids to learn an instrument, read a book, and talk to someone face to face. Does he know how expensive it is for music lessons or how kids with disabilities or who live remotely will talk face to face with another kid?

Some people see the ban as an interference in their parenting, so he really should stop with this sort of commentary.

Julie Carrick, Leopold So much, so late

I have little sympathy for the complaints of under 16 teens. I didnt get access to social media until I was in my 50s.

Tony OBrien, South Melbourne

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The next spies

We need to find those young people flouting and avoiding the social media ban and recruit them into our national security services.

Andrew Alexander, Launceston Ways around the ban

Under the new social media bans, what is there to stop parents and others passing the verification process and identity tests, logging into the specific site and then handing their computer or phone to an under 16? Am I missing something?

Rosemary Lithgow, Maryborough Community standards

Stories of politicians and their expenses are not new. However, it is the double standard that rankles.

Having worked for a publicly funded agency for many years, travelling regularly, the idea of having my family accompany me and paid for by the agency would have been laughed at. The wife of a colleague once told me her husband had been away for more than 160 days one year, and they had three young children. No acknowledgment here that perhaps he should have his family accompany him occasionally.

Politicians may work hard, but so do many, many other people. Politicians also get paid handsomely and have access to a superannuation scheme that would make most people blush.

So perhaps it is time to review the rules for politicians and bring them in line with community standards.

Robert Campbell, Brighton East Disingenuous claim

As a Bayside resident I was very dismayed to read that youth volunteer Zaina Amro felt scared to leave the house after complaints were made about a photo of her wearing a pendant depicting historical Palestine appeared in a Bayside Council magazine.

Although Zainas award-winning contribution was focused on the local library program and her volunteering efforts, Bayside erased her image and story claiming it went against council media requirements to remain neutral.

This claim of neutrality by Bayside is completely disingenuous given that, in September, the council adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism  a definition that can be weaponised to suppress criticism of Israel and silence Palestinian voices.

Kate Kennedy, Hampton East Masterly inactive

Some letters to The Age these days suggest that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is neither liked nor loathed to any great measure and is too timid to use the power invested in him by voters.

This reflects his performance, which is neither regressive nor progressive with just the right amount of noble, but ineffective, gestures to get him noticed.

Perhaps he has embraced the concept of what Sir Humphrey Appleby from Yes Prime Minister would describe as masterly inactivity.

Stephen Farrelly, Donvale

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A VicHealth alternative?

The article Saving money on VicHealth now will be a killer in future (11/12) regarding the Victorian governments plans to abolish VicHealth outlines the risk to our future medical care.

Health Minister Mary Anne Thomas responded with, It has got a great legacy but its time to do things differently.

Could she please explain how this will be achieved so we can have peace of mind should any future crisis arrive? Has she got adequate experts in her department to substitute for their expertise?

Christine Baker, Rosanna Prevention is needed

The planned closure of VicHealth raises serious concerns about the direction of public health policy in Victoria.

At a time when preventable chronic disease, mental ill-health, and health inequity continue to place pressure on our health system, dismantling one of the worlds most respected health promotion agencies is troubling.

VicHealths work has long focused on prevention by reducing harm before it reaches hospitals and emergency departments. Closing it may offer short-term budget relief, but the long-term cost to community health, wellbeing, and healthcare expenditure is likely to be far greater.

I have seen health promotion subsumed into hospitals and medical agencies in the past, where it gets completely lost and devalued because hospital-centred, illness-treatment models rarely understand or value preventive, health-promoting approaches.

The decision risks abandoning decades of evidence-based public health leadership for reasons that remain poorly explained. Prevention is not an optional extra; it is a core responsibility of government.

Tony Peck, Bairnsdale Keep independence

As a former director-general of sport and recreation in Victoria, I had to cope with some overlaps with the then new VicHealth.

Nevertheless I supported it then, and still do now, because it took a proactive approach to public health through health promotion and illness prevention.

This contrasts with the funding and system management focus of the Department of Health, and (as I learned from five years on a hospital board) hospitals focus on coping with the daily intake of acute and chronically ill patients or those with accident injuries.

Having served on both types of organisations, I am also aware of the tensions that can develop between independent statutory authorities and government departments, but I suggest such tensions, if well-managed, plus the independence from day to day activities, can both be productive enablers of innovation.

By all means review and update the charter of VicHealth for emerging health issues, but please retain it as an independent agency.

Thomas Hogg, East Melbourne Undesirable centres

If the proposed expansion of data centres is going to use 11 per cent of the whole countrys power and therefore increase our already high energy prices by up to 26 per cent or maybe just 6-7 per cent if conditions are just right (AI energy demand to grow by tenfold, 11/12), and is also going to use enormous amounts of water, which is in increasingly short supply in nearly all of Australia, is it really so desirable?

Jan Ratcliff, Forrest What we should value

The trope of Australian values has been trotted out again. This time by Sussan Ley. Have we had a serious discussion about what these values are beyond the jingoism of mateship; and the fair go? Maybe not.

May I suggest we agree that affordable housing is just the beginning of a long list of running sores in our story.

Perhaps examining who we are through a moral lens first,

rather than the obligatory commercial imperative, is well overdue.

Andy Tester, Seaford

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This is the tough work

Tough work is being a police officer seeing a viciously bashed woman, a tow truck driver attending high-speed car accidents, a paramedic arriving at an accident where a person is so badly hurt a spinal board is needed, a firefighter knowing a charred body will be found when the fire is extinguished.

And there are numerous other areas of work that eclipse the wafer thin concept that being a politician is tough work.

Many jobs daily carry great responsibility with physical and emotional demands.

Yet politicians have a tendency to inflate their societal worth over others to rationalise what they are entitled to.

Des Files, Brunswick Reining in the perks

The furore over Anika Wells and now other politicians travel arrangements sadly surprises few of us.

While travel for government or political duties is understandable most of us are sickened by the family reunion travel entitlement (Albanese digs in on MPs entitlements saga, 11/12).

Who else in the community gets this nice little earner? Many workers (eg FIFO, long-haul truck drivers) spend substantial time away from their families but do not get this perk.

One cannot help notice that the opposition and crossbench have been fairly reserved in their criticism because they know they have plenty of skeletons to hide.

If the family travel perk is to remain and give some shred of confidence to taxpayers then it should be limited to just a few trips a year and be only economy class.

If the politician wants business class for the family they can pay the extra cost not the taxpayer.

Ross Hudson, Mount Martha Their winning ways

During the 1978-79 Ashes series in Australia, England played many regional matches and golf.

I recall as a kid following the English stars around the golf course in Leongatha and they were having a wow of a time.

Oh, and they won the series 5-1.

Ian Macdonald, Traralgon Photo: Matt Golding AND ANOTHER THING

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Trump

With my social media history, including letters to The Age, looks like I will never be going to the US again. So disappointed.

Graham Fetherstonhaugh, Carlton North If requested, I would be delighted to provide American authorities with my social media posts, including letters to The Age, that are critical of the worst president in that countrys history. As with many others, I have no intention of visiting the US while the erratic wannabe king is in charge.

James Young, Mt Eliza Will Donald Trumps social media history be a baseline for what is acceptable to enter the US?

Joan Segrave, Healesville Its interesting that Donald Trump believes European leaders are weak, when his actions in the face of Vladimir Putin are insipid.

Peter Baddeley, Portland Will FIFA invoke the offside rule and revoke the peace prize it awarded to Donald Trump? There are now at least two wars that have resumed on his watch (Cambodia-Thailand and Rwanda-Congo).

Brendan OFarrell, Brunswick

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There has been a 50 per cent increase of bankruptcies of American farmers. They have lost $US44 billion due to Trumps tariffs, and will receive a $12 billion aid package. Somehow Trump doesnt understand the arithmetic. George Djoneff, Mitcham Furthermore

Seatbelts in the early 70s, media bans for juniors now. Neither perfect, but invaluable. Australia leads the world  again.

John Crossley, Oakleigh Unlike AI (AI energy demand to grow tenfold, 11/12), human intelligence doesnt require massive amounts of energy. Just food, shelter, company, and interesting work.

Sandra Torpey, Hawthorn Despite all the hype about the new Victorian Liberal leader being young and fresh, the refusal to back the apology shows its just old wine in a new bottle.

Chris de Silva, Ashburton
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PoliticsFederalTobacco Every second cigarette in Australia is now illegal Shane Wright December 11, 2025  10:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

At least half the Australian tobacco market is now made up of illicit cigarettes and costing taxpayers up to $11.8 billion a year, ground-breaking research has revealed as calls grow for the federal government to reduce excise on the sector. The research, compiled by the governments own illicit tobacco tsar, has found the illegal tobacco trade is at least double the size it had been previously thought and warns a major campaign across all levels of government will be needed to bring it under control. The nations illicit tobacco market is more than double the size previously estimated. Eddie Jim The report, from the illicit tobacco and ecigarette commissioner, follows a collapse in federal government tobacco excise estimated at $43 billion since 2020 and a surge in the number of gang-related fire bombings of tobacco outlets around the country. In October, the Tax Office estimated about 20 per cent of all tobacco sold in the country was illicit, up from 8 per cent in 2018-19.

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But commissioner Amber Shuhyta said it appeared half of all tobacco products sold in Australia were illicit. Related Article Analysis

Tobacco The tobacco tax is a disaster playing out on our streets and in our budget She said illicit tobacco and vapes posed a serious and growing threat to public health, community safety and the economy, arguing a range of responses were needed to deal with the scourge. A clear view has emerged that there is no single solution to addressing the illicit market, she said. Instead, a multipronged approach is needed across the ecosystem, from supply to demand.

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The wider Australian community has a role to play, given normalisation of consuming illicit tobacco and vapes directly supports serious and organised crime. Photo: Matt Golding The commissioner estimates evaded excise to be between $7.7 billion and $11.8 billion. The illicit industry itself, including illegal vapes, is worth between $5.7 billion and $8.5 billion. Taxes are so high that they are worth more than the illicit industry, hence the different numbers. By some estimates, illegal nicotine accounts for between 32 per cent and 42 per cent of the nations illegal drug trade. The report found there were various factors driving the trade.

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They include consumer demand (especially among younger people wanting vapes), the price impact caused by high excise rates, tax evasion, money laundering, a lack of consumer awareness about the link between illicit tobacco and organised crime, and insufficient deterrence under current laws. The commissioner argued that much tougher penalties, an increase in policing and new laws to target the illicit tobacco trade should be on governments agendas. Raids by Australian Border Force officers are finding increasing numbers of illegal cigarettes. Luis Enrique Ascui This could mirror efforts in other serious and organised crime spaces, such as the fight against outlaw motorcycle gangs, the report found. Many analysts argue the sharp rise in tobacco excise, which has climbed by 50 per cent since 2020, has been the driving force behind the increase in illicit cigarettes.

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But the commissioner warns that a cut in excise, even though it concedes it has contributed to the issue, could cause broader problems. Entering into a price competition with the illicit market could lead to adverse health outcomes and undo successive generations of government policy to driven down smoking rates, the report found. Related Article Analysis

Tobacco Legal cigarette sales have plummeted and thats all good, right? Wrong But researchers from independent think tank e61, in a paper to be released on Friday, argue a cut in excise has to be considered. Josh Clyne and Lachlan Vass said that while Australia had succeeded in slicing the use of tobacco over a long period, the sharp rise in excise was a major contributor to the growth in the illicit trade. Even though tobacco excise had doubled over the past decade, revenue from excise had fallen off a cliff. In 2024-25, for instance, excise revenue was $3.8 billion down on initial forecasts.

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Clyne and Vass said the rate of excise had gone past the point at which it would maximise the amount of possible revenue for the federal government. Reducing excise would cut the profit margins for illicit tobacco sellers. Related Article Updated

Crime Police swoop on alleged $150m Sydney tobacco syndicate The uncomfortable reality is that big tobacco would be a likely winner from any such cut. However, the alternative of continuing the current course makes organised crime the winner, they said. There is resistance within the federal government to cutting tobacco excise, in part over fears that it could not be reduced enough to encourage smokers to move back to legal cigarettes.

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But Sydney University senior lecturer in public health Ed Jegasothy, in a blog post released this week, said the issue was not bringing prices down to compete against the illegal trade, but at what point it became manageable to enforce existing laws. He said governments were now trying to suppress a 70 per cent price advantage enjoyed by illicit tobacco. This is futile. But if tax reduction brought legal packs to, say, $30, enforcement would face a 50 per cent price advantage, he said. Thats still significant, but potentially within the range where enforcement plus other interventions might actually work. Narrower margins make enforcement viable; current margins make it impossible. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsVictoriaCity life Tens of thousands of Melbourne homes deemed at risk of landslides Adam Carey and Gemma Grant December 11, 2025  11:59am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Tens of thousands of coastal and hillside homes in Melbourne have been assessed as highly susceptible to landslides, facing more prohibitive planning controls and potential property value losses. Councils for the Yarra Ranges and Mornington Peninsula are pushing ahead with plans to impose new erosion management overlays over more than 46,000 properties deemed at risk of landslide, in a move designed to avoid a repeat of last summers catastrophic cliff collapse in McCrae. Merricks residents Louise Aston and husband Tim have been told by their local council that their farm is highly susceptible to landslides. Simon Schluter Knox City Council, in Melbournes outer east, has also begun to investigate how many properties are at risk within its boundaries. The move has raised alarm among property owners who have been told that their homes are likely to be subject to a new overlay. Some have objected, raising fears of higher insurance premiums, lower property values and extra red tape for home developments.

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The Yarra Ranges Shire Council unanimously voted on Tuesday night to progress plans for a new erosion management overlay that would affect a total of 13,724 properties in the Dandenong Ranges. Of the 84 submissions received by council, only one supported the changes in their entirety. Yarra Ranges will now request an independent planning panel from the state government. Former state Liberal MP Steve McArthur, who lives in the Yarra Ranges suburb of Montrose, spoke against the motion at the December 9 meeting. [Landslide experts] adopt a risk-phobic strategy, as they do not ever want to be criticised for failing to issue sufficient warning, McArthur said, comparing the caution to that experienced over the Y2K bug.

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Councillors, you are being asked to pick up a sledgehammer to crack a walnut  you can reject this recommendation and request staff to prepare a less harmful proposal, and I urge you to do so. The Mornington Peninsula council voted last month to put an interim erosion management overlay on about 33,000 properties, in line with a key recommendation from a panel of inquiry into Januarys McCrae landslide. The January 14 landslide destroyed a house at the bottom of an escarpment and forced the residents of 19 other properties to leave their homes for weeks and in some cases months. Thousands of Mornington Peninsula home owners were told by text message last month that their properties are highly susceptible to landslides and could be subject to new planning controls.

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Among them were Louise Aston and husband Tim, who live on a farm in Merricks at the south-eastern edge of the Mornington Peninsula. The interim erosion overlay had identified a smattering of highly susceptible areas on Astons farm, including a small creek and a few dams. Aston is disappointed with the lack of community consultation around the new erosion management overlay. Simon Schluter Aston said the overlay was overkill: When I got the text I was standing in one of our paddocks, which is flat, looking around, going What landslide? Related Article Updated

Landslide Warning signs missed for months before disastrous McCrae landslide

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Its been done so unprofessionally, with no thought towards the impacts or effects that a little message like that can have on residents. The mother of two said she was disappointed with the lack of community engagement and is concerned about the use of outdated maps to identify areas of risk. The councils interim overlay is based on data from a 2012 report. There needs to be  transparent community consultation with this. There needs to be open meetings held by the council, she said. We have a large elderly population down here, and theyre all panicked about it.

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About seven per cent of land in the Mornington Peninsula Shire was identified in the report as highly susceptible to landslides. This covers about 33,000 properties, 27,000 of which are homes. The council says that in many cases, a small part of the property would be affected by an erosion management overlay. Both councils must gain approval from the planning minister before a new overlay can be enforced. The overlay would compel affected property owners to gain a planning permit and complete a geotechnical report before undertaking renovation or extensions. In some cases  particularly in the Dandenong Ranges, where almost 500 properties have been assessed as vulnerable to debris flow  new development could be ruled out entirely.

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Debris flow is rated a more serious risk than landslide, as it involves material including toppling trees flowing rapidly down a slope, putting lives at risk. The cliff in McCrae experienced four landslides between November 2022 and January 2025. Joe Armao The Yarra Ranges council said in response to 68 objections to its proposed overlay that possible loss of property value or insurance cost increases are not relevant. It also said that landslide risk is likely to worsen as storms become more intense due to climate change. Planning panels do not generally consider financial implications, such as property values, when considering planning scheme amendment changes, especially with regard to hazard assessments, a council report says. David Kennedy, professor in physical geography at Melbourne University, has studied the Mornington Peninsula coastline for decades and says that many properties have been built in areas that are susceptible to landslides.

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The local backlash to the proposed overlay is understandable because of its potential to depress property values and push up insurance costs, Kennedy said. But he said erosion and landslide risks were real and had to be accounted for in planning controls. Mount Dandenong Road in Sassafras was reduced to one lane for 11 months after being damaged in a landslide. Wayne Taylor Ignorance is bliss, Kennedy said. If you dont go to the doctor, you dont get any bad news. But the problem is, eventually there will be bad news, and thats what we saw at the landslide at McCrae. A board of inquiry into the McCrae landslide urged the council to introduce an erosion management overlay to its planning scheme to at least those areas of the shire that are highly susceptible to landslides. The inquiry found the landslide was caused by a burst water main that leaked undetected for months but was also critical of the councils failure to implement erosion management overlays in landslide-prone areas. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Brunei's second minister of foreign affairs, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- China regards ASEAN as its closest cooperation partner and is ready to continue providing mutual support and trust with ASEAN, align development strategies, create cooperation highlights, uphold open regionalism, pursue true multilateralism, resist any form of unilateral bullying and Cold War mentality, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Brunei's second minister of foreign affairs, that China and ASEAN can jointly act as an important force for regional prosperity and stability.

Noting that the next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Wang said China is willing to take the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, maintain high-level exchanges with Brunei, enhance strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen multilateral coordination, and take new steps in building a China-Brunei community with a shared future.

Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Taiwan question, and on the grave harm of the erroneous statements made by Japan's current leader regarding Taiwan.

He commended Brunei for upholding the one-China principle firmly over the years, and expressed his hope and belief that Brunei will come to understand China's position fully, and will continue to be a strong supporter of the Chinese people's just cause in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Wang also called on the two sides to work together to defend the post-war international order, as well as human conscience and justice.

Brunei recognizes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China and will stay committed to the one-China policy, and will support China's great cause of national reunification, Erywan said.

China has always been the most important force in promoting regional solidarity and stability, he noted.

He said Brunei is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen political mutual trust, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, deepen cooperation in fields such as manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries, and push for greater development of Brunei-China relations.

Erywan noted that against the backdrop of rising uncertainties in the current international situation, regional countries should strengthen cooperation and jointly resist unilateralism and neocolonialism.

Noting that China and ASEAN are natural cooperation partners, Erywan called on the two countries to maintain close cooperation within the framework of ASEAN-China relations, advance their comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring benefits to the people of all countries in the region.

Brunei fully supports China in successfully hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting next year and looks forward to China exerting greater influence and leadership in international and regional affairs, he added.

Both sides agreed to work together to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea and accelerate consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Both sides held that the international community should strive for a genuine comprehensive and durable ceasefire on the Israel-Palestine issue, implement the principle of "the Palestinians governing Palestine", adhere unswervingly to the general direction of the two-state solution, avoid double standards, and promote the long-term peace and stability of the Middle East. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Brunei's second minister of foreign affairs, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
A member of the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone gives a lecture to local trainees in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Dec. 11, 2025. The Chinese medical team on Thursday conducted the second-phase training under its Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) appropriate techniques program for medical students at the Sierra Leone Pingkang Dental College in the capital. The session focused on TCM skills and the life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with the participation of 15 nurses and 60 students. (The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua)

FREETOWN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday conducted the second-phase training under its Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) appropriate techniques program for medical students at the Sierra Leone Pingkang Dental College in the capital, Freetown.

The session focused on TCM skills and the life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with the participation of 15 nurses and 60 students.

Liu Jinjun, board chairman of the Sierra Leone Pingkang Dental College, welcomed the training, noting the institution's limited resources for emergency response training. "This training is significant for our students and staff at the clinic and university," he stated.

David Idriss Kamara, principal of the Sierra Leone Pingkang Dental College, noted that this was the first CPR training conducted at the college. He highlighted the school's affiliation with the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, which hosts the Chinese medical team.

"We have benefited from various training programs over the years, including CPR and acupuncture," he said, expressing gratitude for the continued support from the Chinese medical team.

Liu Longfei, the head of the Chinese medical team, emphasized the contribution of TCM to local health services.

"This program not only saves lives but also strengthens the bond of friendship between China and Sierra Leone," He said, pledging continued assistance as the team works with local partners to enhance healthcare services in the country. 

Members of the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training to local trainees in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Dec. 11, 2025. The Chinese medical team on Thursday conducted the second-phase training under its Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) appropriate techniques program for medical students at the Sierra Leone Pingkang Dental College in the capital.

The session focused on TCM skills and the life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with the participation of 15 nurses and 60 students. (The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua)
UNESCO lists Deepavali in Intangible Heritage List





By Kunal Dutt NEW DELHI :

INDIAS Deepavali -- the festival of lights -- was on Wednesday inscribed on the UNESCOs Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, sparking celebrations to mark the earning of the coveted tag. The decision was taken during a key meeting of UNESCO being hosted at the Red Fort in Delhi. Chants of Jai Hind, Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai rent the air as UNESCO announced that the celebrated festival has been added to the prestigious list after a discussion by its committee.

Artistes dressed in different traditional attire performed in front of the main stage while images of the Deepavali festival played on the big screen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the addition of Deepavali to the UNESCOs Intangible Heritage List, saying it will contribute to the festivals global popularity. People in India and around the world are thrilled, PM Modi said in a post on X, responding to a post from UNESCO listing Deepavali in its Intangible Heritage List.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat delivered a statement on behalf of the country right after the inscription was announced during the 20th session of Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This is the sixteenth element from India to be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Fifteen other elements already inscribed on this UNESCO list include the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Garba dance of Gujarat, yoga, the tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila - the traditional performance of the epic Ramayana. Shekhawat and other members of the Indian contingent sported a traditional headgear to mark the occasion. Deepavali -- the festival of lights -- is one of the timeless festivals of India.
4 cops killed, another critical





Our Correspondent :

In a horrific road accident, a speeding container truck collided head-on with a police vehicle, killing four policemen. The unfortunate accident occurred on Wednesday morning near Bandri on National Highway 44 in Sagar. Four police personnels were killed in the accident, while one was seriously injured and was airlifted to Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi.

According to information, the bomb disposal squad and dog squad from Morena district were on duty in Balaghat. The policemen were participating in an anti-Naxal operation. From there, they were returning in a BD-DS vehicle (number MP 03 A 4883) to Morena. This police vehicle collided with a container coming from opposite direction at Jhinjhani Valley near Bandri on the National Highway.

The impact was so severe that four policemen, including the dog master, lost their lives. According to information, construction work on an underpass is underway on NH-44. Due to this, traffic on the highway near Bandri has become one-way. This led to this head-on collision. Four personnel died on the spot. They have been identified as constable Pradhuman Dixit, constable Aman Kaurav, driver Paramlal Tomar, all residents of Morena, and dog master Vinod Sharma, hailing from Bhind. The bodies are being brought to Morena.

Another constable Rajiv Chauhan (a resident of Morena) was seriously injured in the accident. He was immediately taken to Bansal Hospital in Bhopal, where his condition was reported to be critical. Notably, a dog that was part of the squad was safe. The collision between the container and the police vehicle was so severe that the driver and constable were trapped inside the vehicle.

The police vehicle was completely damaged from the front. The bodies were removed by cutting the vehicle with the help of a JCB. A Panchnama was then prepared and the bodies were sent to Bandri Hospital. Prima facie, it seems the police vehicles driver lost control of the wheels, which led to the accident, the official said. The police registered a case, and a search was on for the truck driver.
Adani, Nadella discuss vast potential of AI





NEW DELHI :

GAUTAM Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Wednesday said he met Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella and discussed the vast potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for the future of technology.

The meeting came as Microsoft announced to invest $17.5 billion in India over the next four years to drive AI diffusion in the country. Always a pleasure to meet @satyanadella and gain his valuable insights into the future of tech.
As drug net tightens, ISI and D-Syndicate push massive fake currency surge







NEW DELHI :

WITH the Indian agencies cracking down heavily on the narcotics trade, Intelligence Bureau officials have warned about an uptick in the smuggling of fake currency notes. In the past two weeks, several operations have been carried out in various parts of the country in which fake currency rackets have been busted. The fake currency mafia is controlled by the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate, which is based in Pakistan. While the syndicate is trying to find newer routes and partners to further the narcotics trade, it is also stepping up operations relating to fake Indian currency.

The ISI needs funds to resurrect its terror groups, which were largely beaten down during Operation Sindoor. The fake currency racket had taken a slight backseat for some years, but now there are full-fledged plans to resume operations on a very large scale. Malda in West Bengal remains the main hub for this racket in India. Now with an unfriendly regime in place in Bangladesh, the ISI sees an opportunity to scale up operations. All the fake currency that is being printed in Pakistan is first routed into Bangladesh. The ISI finds no problem in routing fake notes into Bangladesh, as Islamabad and Dhaka have close ties today.

The sea route has been opened up, and the visa process is much simpler for Pakistanis, and this is being taken advantage of by the ISI. From Bangladesh, the operatives push the fake currency into Malda, following which it is circulated across the country. Officials report that apart from West Bengal, mini modules have been set up in various parts of the country. The notes are transported either from Malda or Murshidabad in West Bengal to the rest of the country. An official said there has been an increase in such cases, as the ISI and D-Syndicate are pushing it massively.

There is a desperate need for funds as the ISI is not only trying to revive terror groups in Pakistan, but is also creating another front in Bangladesh. It wants to engage India on both fronts, and hence the simultaneous push is being made, the official explained. These gangs operating the racket in India have been coming up with various ways to push fake notes into the market. In Gujarat, a gang that was running a money-doubling scam was busted. It was found that victims were lured into the scheme, and they were given fake Indian currency.

This gang was operating mainly in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the probe has revealed. While the Bangladesh-West Bengal route is the primary one for this racket, there is also a fresh push to smuggle these notes through the UAE into Kerala. Over the years, Kasargod in Kerala has become a major hub for smuggling fake currency notes. M.B. Moosa, Abdul Rahman, K.M. Hamza, Kallatra Abdul Ha Khader Haji, Irabhim Soopi, K.S. Abdullah, and Kadavath Atta are the ones who have been running this racket.

The notes from Pakistan would reach these persons through the UAE route. Officials say that the Kerala route is one of the hardest to control. There is a huge rush at the airports owing to the number of people visiting the Gulf nations. The ISI has taken advantage of the stress on the security mechanism at these airports in Kerala. Most of the time, these persons get away because the customs formations are understaffed. This makes checking everyone difficult. Further, the detection has also become very difficult owing to the quality of the notes that are being printed.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the notes are printed in Government printing presses in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. These are the same places where the official Pakistani Rupee is also printed. Hence, the quality of the Indian notes being printed in Pakistan is of very superior quality, and this is making detection a challenge, the officer explained. The gravity of the problem in India, courtesy this fresh push by Dawood and the ISI, can be seen in a report published by the US State Department.

India faces an increasing inflow of high-quality counterfeit currency, which is produced primarily in Pakistan but smuggled to India through multiple international routes. Criminal networks exchange counterfeit currency for genuine notes, which not only facilitates money laundering but also represents a threat to the Indian economy, the report says.
Cabinet approves process to withdraw cases against surrendered Naxals





Staff Reporter :

In a bid to give relief to the surrendered Naxalites of State, Chhattisgarh Cabinet has on Wednesday approved the process for disposal and withdrawal of criminal cases registered against surrendered Naxalites. Talking to media persons at New Circuit House in Raipur after the Cabinet meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said that the cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his official residence in Raipur on Wednesday, in which several important decisions will be taken.

The Cabinet has approved the process for disposal and withdrawal of criminal cases registered against surrendered Naxalites. It has been decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub-Committee for review and scrutiny of such cases that may be recommended for withdrawal from the courts. After examination of the cases against the surrendered Naxalites, the cabinet sub-committee will place suitable cases before the Cabinet for the final decision. This initiative aligns with the provisions of Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender/Victim Relief & Rehabilitation Policy  2025, which allows consideration for withdrawal of cases based on good conduct of surrendered Naxalites and their contribution towards eradication of Naxalism, said Sao.

A district-level committee will also be formed to examine cases and submit its report to the Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters. After receiving opinions from the Law and Legislative Affairs Department, Government of Chhattisgarh; the cases will be presented before the Cabinet Sub-Committee. Matters recommended by the cabinet sub-committee will be placed before the Cabinet for final approval. For cases involving Central Acts or matters concerning the Union government, requisite permissions from the Government of India will be sought.

Other cases will be forwarded to the District Magistrate through the Public Prosecutor for withdrawal proceedings before the court, he added. In order to make state laws more relevant, streamlined and citizen-friendly, the Cabinet has also approved the draft of Chhattisgarh Jan Vishwas (Provisions Amendment) (Second) Bill,-2025, proposing amendments in 14 Acts.

Many existing laws carry provisions of fines or imprisonment for minor violations, often resulting in prolonged judicial processes that burden citizens and businesses. To promote Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, simplification of these provisions has been deemed essential. Previously, amendments to 163 provisions across 8 Acts were notified under the Chhattisgarh Jan Vishwas (Provisions Amendment) Act-2025. The new bill aims to further simplify 116 provisions across 14 Acts spanning 11 departments.

The bill introduces administrative penalties for minor violations, enabling quicker resolution of cases, reducing court burden, and ensuring faster relief to citizens. Several Acts also carried outdated penalty amounts, limiting effective enforcement. The proposed revisions are expected to strengthen governance and improve compliance. It may be mentioned that that Chhattisgarh has become the first state in India to bring forward the second edition of the Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill, said the Deputy Chief Minister.

The Cabinet also approved the Chhattisgarh Appropriation Bill-2025 for presentation of the first Supplementary Budget Estimates for the financial year 202526 in the winter session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, beginning from December 14, he added.
CM virtually launches 2nd phase of Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Yojana





Staff Reporter :

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai formally launched the second phase of Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Yojana from his official residence in Raipur on Wednesday. The Chief Minister virtually flagged off the buses. In the second phase, operation of 24 new buses has started on 23 routes of 10 districts of Bastar and Surguja divisions, due to which 180 villages have been directly connected with bus facility. Many villagers participating in the second phase of the programme arrived in the same bus that was launched in the first phase of the scheme.

The villagers had a cordial discussion with the Chief Minister. The villagers informed the Chief Minister that now reaching the block headquarters from remote areas has become much easier and smoother than before. Villagers, who arrived via the Sukma-Dornapal-Konta route, said they travelled about 110 kilometres by bus to reach the venue, whereas earlier this journey was extremely difficult and time-consuming. Sai said that the Government has a clear resolve that no village in Chhattisgarh should remain isolated from the mainstream of development.

This scheme is not only increasing transportation facilities but is also strengthening social and economic equality by connecting villagers to citiesand service institutions. Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Yojana is proving to be a milestone in ensuring a robust public transport system in rural and remote areas, thereby providing people with the opportunity of safe, timely and convenient travel, he added. Chief Minister Sai, while congratulating all the villagers of 180 villages who will benefit from the scheme, said that better transport facilities will now make their lives easier than before and will open new avenues of progress.

Transport Minister Kedar Kashyap said that bus services are now being started even in those remote and forest areas where transport facilities had never reached. This scheme is emerging as a boon especially for the tribal dominated areas of Bastar and Surguja, he added. It may be mentioned that the first phase of the Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Yojanawas launched on October 4, 2025 by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, under which 250 villages were connected with bus services. Now with the start of the second phase, this number has increased further and 180 more villages have been added.

Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Sharma, Arun Sao, other cabinet ministers, Secretary to Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat, Secretary of Transport Department S Prakash and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
DRAMA DURING RESCUE: TTC vehicle breaks down, team borrows safety shield





Foresters taking the caged leopard to TTC at Seminary Hills. The cage was shifted to a borrowed pick up van after the rescue vehicle developed snag midway. (Pics by Satish Raut)

By Kaushik Bhattacharya :

The Transit Treatment Centre (TTC), Seminary Hills, which is the busiest unit of Forest Department for rescuing wild animals in Maharashtra, has to deal with fund crunch for the last one year when it came to buying safety and rescue equipment. The TTC team, which performed the daredevil rescue operation of a leopard which injured more than half-a-dozen persons at Pardi area in city on Wednesday morning, were short of proper safety equipment and vehicle during that particular operation. According to a senior official of TTC, the rescue team on Wednesday had no vehicle to transport the leopard to TTC back and also borrowed safety shields from deployed police staff during the operation. We are demanding different rescue equipment like safety shields, sticks, chest shield, nets, etc. from the department for the last one year.

The cages were also in poor condition which require maintenance, said Kundan Hate, In-charge, TTC told The Hitavada. As per the information shared by a source involved in the operation, After rescuing the leopard, the vehicle which was transporting the big cat to TTC, broke down mid-way. The team hired a small pickup vehicle to transport the leopard to Seminary Hills.

The TTC has five rescue vehicles, including a fully equipped ambulance. However, all the five vehicles require maintenance and in current situation, TTC has to hire a vehicle to transport any wild animal after its rescue. We have contractual staff who participate in such daredevil rescue operations all the time. They do work on a very nominal salary with no benefit of insurance for such brave rescue works, said a senior officer of TTC. Government should work proactively for such issues as the frontline staff of the department face such life threatening events in every rescue activity, said Hate. The proposal for fund allocation for purchase of new cages, safety equipment, maintenance of vehicles etc. for TTC has already been forwarded to the ministry. The Forest Minister himself said today that he will consider the proposal and release fund soon, informed Dr Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Territorial to The Hitavada.
FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE, LEOPARD RULES THE ROOST





Staff Reporter :

While rising cases of man-animal conflict continue to haunt Maharashtra Government, the latest incident of a leopard venturing in Pardi area of Nagpur which is currently hosting the Winter Session of the State Legislature, shook it further. On Wednesday, not just residential areas, even the Lower House witnessed a leopard intrusion Leopard strays into Pardi, injures 7; caged Injured includes five-year-old girl

Second leopard-human encounter in 20 days in the area

Forest Minister Ganesh Naik asks Forest Department to prepare a report of the incident

TTC team faced tough time to rescue the leopard from the residential area

When the increasing leopard population and their attack on humans in Maharashtra has become a matter of debate in both the Houses at the ongoing Winter Session, another leopard attack incident in Pardi area in Nagpur city attracted limelight in State politics on Wednesday. The leopard created panic among citizens of Pardi area on Wednesday morning, injuring seven persons, including one five-year-old girl, all residents of Shiv Nagar in Pardi area. It took two hours for Forest Department to rescue the leopard as it turned ferocious and was attacking everyone who tried to block its path. The incident has sparked concern among residents and officials, and the matter is likely to be raised during the ongoing Winter Session at the Nagpur Vidhan Bhavan.

As the joke was getting too much, the Panel Speaker Sharad Patil sternly told Sonone that his dress-up is against the decorum and unbecoming of a Member of House. The Chair reminded Sonone that latter is senior Member and he knows the rules of the House and asked to clear the floor. Even as the Chair was dealing with the issue, Sonone ignored and stepped into the Well of the House. Later, with Patil issuing final warning, Sonone moved out of the House but succeeded in highlighting the seriousness of the issue. Earlier, Sonone was cynosure of all eyes in the Vidhan Bhavan campus on Wednesday afternoon.

His attire made him star attraction as those around were curious to know the reason behind the act. The early morning drama of leopard in Pardi area of the city had already gone viral by the afternoon. Sonone was critical of MahaYuti handling of the Leopard issue, saying the current stance of Forest Department has put people in the firing line as on the ground fear has gripped villagers in his constituency and other districts of the State too.
India doubles its online public services; 105% growth recorded in two years: Govt





NEW DELHI :

INDIA has more than doubled the number of Government services available online in the past two-and-a-half years, the Government told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Responding to a question, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said that the number of e-services offered by States and Union Territories rose from 11,614 in April 2023 to 23,919 in October 2025  a 105 per cent jump  under the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) Way Forward initiative. NeSDA is a national framework developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in 2019 to evaluate how well States, UTs and Central ministries deliver their online services. It acts as a benchmarking tool to encourage improvements in digital governance across seven key sectors. The Minister added that the share of mandatory services available online also went up from 66 per cent to 80 per cent during the same period. To make digital access easier, 10 States and Union Territories now offer over 90 per cent of their services through a single unified portal, while six have moved all their services (100 per cent) to one platform.

Womens share in civil services

THE proportion of women qualifying for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) has increased from 24 per cent in 2019 to 35 per cent in 2023, the Government told Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Engineering graduates consistently accounted for more than 50 per cent of successful candidates, data presented by Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh showed. Responding to a question, the Minister presented five-year data showing a steady rise in the number of female candidates in the final merit list  from 220 out of 922 candidates in 2019 to 397 out of 1,132 in 2023. At the same time, engineering stream candidates continued to dominate the merit list, with 554 engineers recommended in 2023, far outnumbering those from humanities (368), science (137), and medical science (73). The data shows that engineering graduates formed the largest cohort every year from 2019 to 2023.

The Government also reported an increase in the number of bachelors degree holders selected, rising from 672 in 2019 to 848 in 2023.

Pendency of public grievances drops by 74% in five years: Govt in Lok Sabha

New Delhi,

Dec 10 (PTI)

The pendency of public grievances has seen a sharp decline of 74 per cent from 10.23 lakh in 2021 to 2.62 lakh as on November 30, 2025, Lok Sabha was informed Wednesday. Giving the data on the Centralised Public Grievances Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said the consistent fall in pendency was driven by higher disposal rates, stricter timelines and new monitoring mechanisms. CPGRAMS is an online platform available to citizens 24/7 to lodge their grievances with public authorities on any subject related to service delivery. Responding to a question, the Minister said disposals have remained higher than receipts for five consecutive years, while grievance receipts have stayed broadly stable except for a spike in 2024. The Minister said that despite a large volume of complaints, pendency has been steadily and significantly reduced.
INDIGO CRISISWhy situation allowed to precipitate to hit national economy?: HC to Govt





NEW DELHI :

THE Delhi High Court on Wednesday questioned the Central Government as to why the situation was allowed to precipitate into a nationwide turmoil that stranded lakhs of passengers, and termed it a crisis. The High Court said besides trouble and harassment caused to the stranded passengers, the question is of the losses caused to the economy. A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also asked how could other airlines take advantage of the crisis situation and charge hefty sums for tickets from the passengers.

We appreciate the steps taken by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). However, what bothers us is how such a situation was allowed to precipitate, leaving lakhs of passengers unattended at airports. Such a situation is not confined to causing inconvenience to the passengers but also affects the economy of the country, as in the present day, fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep the economy functioning, the CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench observed in its order.

During the hearing, the Delhi High Court asked the Centre to explain the legal provisions available to act against errant airlines. Referring to powers vested in the DGCA and the Centre under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, the bench asked: In case an airline fails to adhere to directions, what is the provision available to you? Are you helpless? We want to know under which provision or policy decision you would take action against them? In response, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, who appeared for the Centre, submitted that a high-level committee had been constituted and that the DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to Indigo, which had apologised profusely.

The law officer added that fare caps were imposed within two days of the crisis. However, the Delhi High Court noted that ticket prices had already skyrocketed to Rs. 30-40,000 by then. If there was a crisis, how could other airlines take advantage? How was this allowed? it asked. On the other hand, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi, appearing for Indigo, said the disruption was a first-time event in 19 years of the airlines operations and was caused by multiple factors, including technical issues.

Directing strict adherence to the DGCAs compensation rules, the Delhi High Court said Indigo must immediately begin compensating passengers, adding that compensation should not be limited to cancellations but must account for the agony caused by hostile staff and prolonged delays. Taking note of inadequacies in the PIL, the CJ-led bench remarked it was invoking its jurisdiction in view of the public interest involved. The matter will be heard next on January 22, 2026, with the High Court directing that the inquiry report, if ready, be placed before it in a sealed cover.

Indigo cancels nearly 220 flights at three metro airports MUMBAI, Dec 10 (PTI) INDIGO on Wednesday cancelled nearly 220 flights at three major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, despite Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers claiming that the airlines operations were back on track. According to sources, the crisis-ridden airline cancelled 137 flights at Delhi airport and 21 services at Mumbai airport. IndiGo cancelled 61 flights at Bengaluru airport, including 35 arrivals and 26 departures, sources said.
GAZA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A senior Hamas official said Thursday that Palestinian factions in Gaza have given initial approval for a potential international force in the territory, provided its mandate is limited to "monitoring the ceasefire and maintaining a presence along the borders to separate the two sides."

Husam Badran, a member of Hamas' political bureau, told Xinhua that the force's role should remain "limited, clear, and agreed upon," and must not undermine Palestinian national decision-making. He noted that most countries discussing the idea stressed the need for Palestinian consent before deployment.

Badran is referring to the International Stabilization Force, a proposed multinational force endorsed as part of a broader peace plan and a UN Security Council resolution in November.

Badran stressed that the implementation of the current agreement should not contradict Palestinian interests and reaffirmed that "any talk about disarming the resistance is rejected."

Palestinians "live under occupation, and it is natural for them to resist with all available means," he said.

He added that the priority for Palestinians is reconstruction in Gaza "so our people can live in conditions worthy of their sacrifices."

Regarding the second phase of the ceasefire deal, Badran said it should include "a clear withdrawal of the Israeli occupation, the opening of a political horizon, and serious discussions on the establishment of a Palestinian state." 
Leopard enters Well of House





Staff Reporter :

Shiv Sena MLA Sharad Sonones leopard stunt in Vidhan Bhavan earns him rebuke from Chair

If the leopard creating havoc in peoples houses was not enough, the Maharashtra Legislature was shocked to witness a strange incident on Wednesday when a leopard strayed into hallowed floor of the Lower House in the afternoon. Sharad Sonone, MLA, Shiv Sena (Shinde), representing Shirur Assembly segment, entered in the House dressed as a leopard. Tying to grab the spotlight against the backdrop of leopard straying into human settlements in Nagpur, Sonone wanted to highlight the pressing issue. Sonone, on Tuesday, itself had raised the issue of rising threat from a leopard straying into human settlements and sought immediate measures from the Government. The people in his constituency in Pune district are worst-hit due to increased population of leopards and their movement in residential colonies leading to human casualties.

People have stopped venturing in their farms due to fear of leopard. Such incidents have also affected the farmers, he added. To highlight the issue again, Sonone stepped into the House dressed as leopard, leading to Members shouting to the Chair that the animal has strayed and it should be trapped and moved out of the House. Seven victims named Laleshwari Shahu (40), Chandan Shahu (37), Kumbhakaran Nishad (55), Ramesh Shahu (28), Khushi Shahu (05), Kuvasram Dhekwad (57), and Bharti Shahu (24) are admitted in nearby Bhavani Hospital for further treatment. Out of seven victims, three are serious and four sustained minor injuries. According to Forest officials, the big cat entered the residential area during the early hours in search of prey. After dawn, the leopard reportedly took shelter on the roof of a house. After getting information, a team from Transit Treatment Centre (TTC), Seminary Hills rushed to the spot and started rescue operation.

The team faced tough time as the leopard was jumping from one roof to another. Meanwhile, the rescue team tranquillised the big cat to control it. During this rescue, it had already attacked seven persons. As per the information, the leopard was spotted by some residents in Shiv Nagar Tuesday late night. Whereas, on Wednesday morning, when everyone were busy in their daily chores, the leopard was suddenly spotted by some residents who panicked. In the meantime, the leopard attacked the residents and injured seven among them. The incident of leopard attack spread in the vicinity like a wild fire and people started gathering near the spot. Realising that it was surrounded by a crowd, the leopard started jumping from one roof to another. Rescue team from the TTC struggled to dart the leopard as it was continuously moving from one place to another. However, after a long chase, the team got success to control the leopard. Immediately, the leopard was shifted to TTC in Seminary Hills for further medical treatment. This is the second such rescue in the same vicinity, raising questions over frequent leopard sightings within city limits and possible gaps in peripheral monitoring. Local police assisted in crowd control, while the Forest Department continues to assess the movement of big cats around densely populated areas. Officials predict that the animal may have strayed from nearby forest patches during the night while hunting for prey.

Forest minister assures help to all victims

Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, on Wednesday, paid a visit to Bhavani Hospital where all the leopard attack victims were under treatment. Naik interacted with all the seven victims and assured them of help from the Government. He also directed doctors and Forest Department senior officials to provide full medical help to the victims. Naik also directed the Forest Department to prepare a report of the incident and asked to find out a solution for such frequent incidents. Krishna Khopde, MLA, East Nagpur was also present during the visit.

5-7 leopards likely residing near Dumping Yard

The Bhandewadi dumping yard is the main culprit behind frequent leopard sighting in Pardi and nearby areas. Even, 5-7 leopards are likely residing close to the dumping yard as they are getting easy prey base, claimed Dr Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Territorial while interacting with The Hitavada. Haphazard dumping of carcasses of dogs, cows, pigs, etc. in the dumping yard are an easy source of food for leopards. However, large number of stray dogs are also the reason behind attracting more leopards in the vicinity, said Dr Vyas. As per the instructions of the Forest Minister, we are preparing a report on this incident. The proposal for shifting of the dumping yard will also be included in the report by us, said the DCF. The senior Forest officer also informed that the victims of the leopard attack will get compensation and for this, we asked the hospital management to submit the medical report of all victims.
Nagpur Vidhan Bhavan expansion project yet to get official nod





By Vikas Vaidya :

The plan for the expansion of Vidhan Bhavan at Nagpur is ready, but it cant start till it gets official permission. A top Government officer told The Hitavada that the process to get necessary permission is yet to begin. This project is planned keeping in mind rising occupancy and the workload of the State Legislature. The project has already received No Objection Certificate from Industries Department for transfering the land admeasuring 9,670 square meters at Government Printing Press in Civil Lines. The project is being handled by Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC).

According to the information, the mega project awaits approval from the Government. On gettting the nod, it is likely to be developed by two contractors, considering its volume. During Winter Session of State Legislature in Nagpur in December 2024, the issue was discussed and the land was almost finalised. Earlier, the Government had planned to utilise the building Poonam Towers, but the dispute could not be resolved. Industries Department owns 4 acre land of Government Printing Press. Some leaders had raised the issue that equal land should be given to the department. Considering the issue, the Government has decided to transfer the land owned by Food and Civil Supplies Department behind Central Museum to Industries Department. As per the plan, the existing building housing Assembly and Council will remain untouched.

The new building will come up at the place of existing party offices adjacent to the Assembly hall. The new building is planned considering the needs for next 50 years. A brainchild of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the proposal was put up for consideration during his first tenure as Chief Minister. It was Fadnavis who had performed bhoomipujan of the expansion of Vidhan Bhavan building in its premises which came into existence later on. The estimated cost for the new building is Rs 900 crore and will have a central hall and an administrative block. The capacity of the central hall will be 700. On some occasions Governor delivers speech addressing the members of both Houses. At present Nagpur Vidhan Bhavan doesnt have such hall. The new building will house offices for the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, Assembly Speaker, Council Chairman, and Leaders of the Oppositionall under one roof.

It is also being contemplated to have the Central Hall, Assembly Hall, Legislative Council Hall in this seven-storey complex. Additionally, a separate six-storey building will be constructed nearby for Cabinet members. The complex will also include facilities such as parking, a cafeteria, visitor lounges, and security units. Moreover, land currently occupied by the Government Printing Press has been allocated to the legislature. On this land, a grand 14-storey building covering approximately 4 lakh sq. ft. will be built for ministerial administrative offices. The Vidhan Bhavan premises and the proposed administrative building will either be connected by an underground tunnel or by skywalk. According to a senior officer the plan can be changed during the process of receipt of its permission from the authorities.

Rising constituencies also considered

The Assembly constituencies are likely to be increased in Maharashtra in next three of four years. The Assembly will be able to occupy the increased number of members, considering which there will be 500 seats in the new assembly. The old council will be shifted to the existing assembly (in old building). There will be a 15-storey tower to be constructed near Central Hall which will be treated as administrative building and will come up adjacent to the existing Vidhan Bhavan, on a land owned by States Industries Department. The party offices too are to be demolished as the new ones will be constructed.

Vidhan Bhavan expansion not to affect Winter Session

The expansion work of Vidhan Bhavan is unlikely to start within next six months. After the receipt of the permission the project will start and take at least 2 years to complete. It is unlikely to affect winter session of State Legislature conducted in Nagpur. Despite huge construction work, the space will be there so that the session will be conducted as it is. A senior officer of PWD said, Special care will be taken during the construction. During winter session the work will be stopped. The winter session will be conducted as it is till the completion of the project. Afterwards it will be held in the new building.
No discrimination in grant of permanent commission to women officers in IAF





NEW DELHI :

THE Centre on Wednesday refuted in the Supreme Court the allegation of discrimination and bias in grant of permanent commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in the Indian Air Force and said 243 men and 177 women were inducted since 2019. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh which reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas of women SSC officers challenging denial of permanent commission was told by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that after the Centre granted its sanction in 2022, the IAF started induction of women officers through NDA. And on successful completion of training, these officers will be directly granted permanent commission.

Refuting the allegation of bias and discrimination raised by some SSC officers who were denied permanent commission, Bhati, appearing for the Centre said, These officers were fairly considered under the provisions of HRP 01/2019 (Human Resource Policy of 2019) on three eligible occasions but could not be granted PC due to not meeting minimum performance criteria (MPC) and/ or could not qualify merit against the available vacancies in their respective branches.

She said the human resource policy of 2019 grants permanent commission to all SSCOs of GD (Ground duty) branch commissioned after May, 2006. This policy provides three chances of consideration on completion of 11th, 12th and 13th year of SSC tenure. In earlier policies only chance was available to SSCOs in the last year of their SSC tenure. From 2019 onwards 243 men SSCOs and 177 women SSCOs have been granted PC, Bhati submitted. She said that the parameters are fixed in such a manner that forces remain young and competitive and therefore all officers cannot be granted permanent commission as against the limited vacancy.

CJI Kant said that the policy would be looked into by the court but as far as limited vacancy is concerned, nothing could be done as it is a policy decision. Senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy, appearing for some of the petitioners, opposed the submission of Bhati and claimed that women officers were not fairly treated in grant of permanent commission as compared to men in IAF. The bench, after hearing the arguments, asked the parties to submit their written submissions by December 19.

It said that the court which has till now separately heard the submissions of SSC women officers in Army, Navy and IAF would pronounce the verdict jointly as several of the issues and grounds of challenge to denial of permanent commission are common. The bench said it would start hearing arguments related to coast guards at some other time. On December 3, the top court said the nation is proud of SSC women Air Force officers irrespective of their specific roles in the armed forces.

In a system, every duty is a responsible duty whether it is a ground duty or a duty in air... The country is proud of your services. We are proud of your services, the CJI had observed when a SSC woman officer argued herself to give account of her job profile in the Air Force. Guruswamy had earlier referred to the 2019 HR (human resources) policy of the armed forces and assailed it by saying that the criteria for being considered for the PC were changed and this violated Article 14 (right to equality) of the Constitution.

Referring to specific cases of some SSC officers, the senior lawyer had said they had the requisite CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) and yet they were not considered because their cases were not categories as they were pregnant and on maternity leave. She referred to various judgements and said that it has been held that women staff cannot be discriminated against on account of pregnancy and maternity leaves. On May 22, the top court had directed the Centre and the Indian Air Force not to release from service a woman officer, who was part of Operation Balakot and Operation Sindoor but was denied permanent commission.

It had sought responses from the Centre and the IAF on the plea of Wing Commander Nikita Pandey who claimed discrimination for being denied permanent commission. Our Air Force is one of the best organisations in the world. Officers are very commendable. The quality of coordination they have exhibited, I think its unparalleled. Therefore, we always salute them. They are a big asset for the nation. They are the nation, in a way. Because of them, we are able to sleep at night, Justice Kant had said.

The bench noted a tough life for SSC officers began following their recruitment, which called for some incentive after 10 or 15 years to grant them permanent commission. That sense of uncertainty may not be good for the Armed Forces. Its a laymans suggestion, because we are not experts. On minimum benchmarks, there cant be a compromise, Justice Kant had said. Since the 2020 verdict, the top court has passed several orders on the issue of permanent commission to women officers in the Armed Forces and similar orders were passed in the case of the Navy, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard. A permanent commission in the armed forces is a career path that allows an officer to serve until the retirement age.

Unlike a SSC, which has a fixed term, a permanent commission offers a long-term career with opportunities for promotion to the highest ranks and full entitlement to pensions and other retirement benefits.
No peace without justice: President graces Human Rights Day celebrations





NEW DELHI :

PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday graced and addressed the Human Rights Day celebration, organised by the National Human Rights Commission, in New Delhi and emphasised that human rights must be ensured for all, including the person in the last mile, in keeping with the philosophy of Antyodaya. The President stated that every citizen should be an active participant in the nations development journey towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Seventy-seven years ago, the world came together to articulate a simple yet revolutionary truth: that every human being is born free and equal in dignity and rights, the President said, stressing that India played an important role in shaping a global framework of human rights and our freedom fighters envisioned a world rooted in human dignity, equality, and justice. The President said that human rights are contained in the vision of our Constitution. Human rights promote social democracy.

Human rights encompass the right to live without fear, to learn without barriers, to work without exploitation, and to age with dignity, she said. We have reminded the world that human rights cannot be divorced from development. Also, India has always adhered to the timeless truth: There is no peace without justice, and there is no justice without peace, she added. The President praised the NHRC, State Commissions, the judiciary, and civil society for acting as alert sentinels of the Constitutional conscience.

She highlighted the NHRCs significant work, including taking suo motu cognisance of issues concerning SC/ST communities, women, and children, and its focus on the Human Rights of Prison Inmates. She underscored that womens empowerment and welfare are key to human rights, applauding the NHRCs conference on womens safety. The President noted the Governments approach shift from entitlement to empowerment and from charity to rights over the last decade, ensuring essential services like clean water, healthcare, and sanitation reach all to secure dignity. She also mentioned the implementation of the four Labour Codes as a major reform for a future-ready workforce.
Pune land deal: Is police protecting Mah Dy CMs son Parth Pawar? asks HC





MUMBAI :

THE Bombay High Court on Wednesday raised sharp questions regarding the police probe into a controversial Pune land deal, suggesting authorities might be shielding Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, by failing to name him in the FIR. A single judge bench of Justice Madhav Jamdar posed the searching question to the prosecution while hearing the pre-arrest bail plea of businesswoman Sheetal Tejwani, an accused in the case.

Noting that Parth Pawar, a majority partner in the firm involved, was omitted from the FIR, Justice Jamdar asked directly, Is the police protecting the son of the Deputy Chief Minister and only investigating others? Public Prosecutor Mankunwar Deshmukh said the police investigating the case will take necessary action as per the law. The sale of 40 acres of land in Punes upscale Mundhwa area for Rs 300 crore to Amadea Enterprises LLP, in which Parth Pawar is a majority partner, came under scrutiny after it emerged that the plot belongs to the Government and it could not be sold. The firm was also allegedly exempted from paying Rs 21 crore in stamp duty. A committee headed by the Joint Inspector General of Registration (IGR) had indicted Digvijay Patil (Parth Pawars business partner and cousin), Sheetal Tejwani (who held the power of attorney on behalf of the land sellers), and sub-registrar Ravindra Taru.

They were named in an FIR registered at a police station in Pune. Parth Pawar was not named as his name didnt appear on any document, a senior official had said. Tejwani was arrested on December 3 by the Economic Offences Wing of Pune Police. She is in police custody till December 11. A second FIR was registered against her at Bavdhan police station in the same case, prompting her to file an anticipatory bail plea. Tejwanis counsel, Rajiv Chavan, and advocate Ajay Bhise, argued that it was the second FIR, even as the investigation was underway by the EOW of Pune Police.

Public Prosecutor Deshmukh said that since Tejwani had filed a pre-arrest bail plea before the concerned sessions court, seeking similar relief from the High Court is an abuse of the process of law. When the bench expressed its inclination not to entertain the plea, Tejwanis advocates withdrew the petition. In her plea, Tejwani stated that the land deal was a bona fide registered sale transaction. The case doesnt disclose the essential ingredients of any cognisable offence or Mens rea (the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing) on her part, as she had acted only as a duly constituted holder of Power of Attorney for the lawful owners, it stated. The same transaction and documents are already under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing, making the second FIR duplicative and oppressive, the petition said.

Govt not protecting anyone: Fadnavis

NAGPUR,

Dec 10 (PTI)

MAHARASHTRA Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that from the very beginning, the Governments stand in the Pune land deal case, involving a firm linked to Deputy CM Ajit Pawars son Parth, was not to protect anyone, and assured that action will be taken against whoever is found guilty. He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme here. Fadnavis said, I have not heard what the HC has said, but a proper reply will be submitted in the court about what it has asked for. From the very beginning, the Governments stand is not to protect anyone. And action will be taken against whomever is guilty. Hence, complete information about the action taken so far and the action that will be taken in future will be given to the HC.
Special training on Micro-Mgmt Plan Preparation under way at SFRI





Staff Reporter :

A THREE-DAYspecial training pro gramme on Micro-Management Plan Preparation has been organised at the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Research Institute (SFRI), Polipathar, from December 9 to 11. The programme was inaugurated by the Director of the Institute, Pradeep Vasudevanavale. During the inauguration, Director highlighted the importance of micro plan preparation and explained that a micro-plan is a five/ten-year devel opment plan that incorporates the expectations of a large number of people, especially forest-dependent communities and various sections of society.

He stated that the plan prioritises activities based on available natural and human resources for the overall and sustainable develop ment of the village, enabling joint development of forest areas and vil lages. It serves as a village-level framework for forest management and development. This need-based, location-specific plan utilises available resources to meet rural requirements, ensuring sustainability, balancing community dependence on forest resources, and protecting biodiversity.

Subject experts invited from Bhopal, R B Sharma Dhav, Retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Omkar Singh Rana, Retired Deputy Conservator of Forests, shared insights on the concept, introduction, objectives, preparation methods, pre-prepa ration requirements and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methodologies associated with micro-plan creation. Dr Pratiksha Chaturvedi, In-charge of Forest Management Division and Principal Investigator at the Institute, also discussed the utility of micro-plan development.

The programme is spon sored by the Office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (SVP), Bhopal. Participants in the training pro gramme include Forest Range Officers, Foresters and Forest Guards from Shivpuri, North Balaghat, South Balaghat, North Betul, North Shahdol, Chhatarpur and Jhabua Forest Divisions. Senior Institute officials, S S Raghuvanshi, Senior Research Officer, Vinay Kumar Kori, Nitesh Soni, Dr D K Kuldeep, Satyam Saxena, Vineet Mehra, Anmol Lucky Ekka, Ajay Lavishkar and Priyanka Verma were also present. During the three-day training, participants will be taken for field vis its to receive practical, hands-on train ing to help them prepare micro-plans for their respective areas with greater ease and efficiency.
When PM, CM decided by ghuspathiye? Shah





NEW DELHI :

HOME Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday accused the Opposition of spreading falsehoods on SIR and launched a strong defence of the exercise, asking whether democracy can be safe when the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers are decided by ghuspathiye. Intervening in a debate on election reforms in the Lok Sabha, Shah alleged that the Opposition is raising the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to keep avaidh ghuspathiye (illegal immigrants) in the voters list.

When the Opposition MPs walked out later, Shah said no matter how many times the Opposition boycotts, the NDA will continue with its policy of detect, delete and deport ghuspathiye. The Opposition wants to normalise and formalise the ghuspathiye and add them in electoral rolls, he said. The BJP leader cited three instances of alleged vote chori by Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Post Independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was backed by 28 persons while Jawaharlal Nehru by two persons and yet Nehru became the Prime Minister, this was vote chori, he said.

The Minister said that the second vote chori was by Indira Gandhi, when she granted herself immunity after court set aside her election. He said the dispute of third vote chori has just reached civil courts on how Sonia Gandhi became a voter before becoming citizen of India. Shah also took a dig at the Congress and said the reason for its poll losses was its leadership. If someone asks a question in a presser he is dubbed as a BJP agent, if they lose a case, they accuse the judge, if they lose an election, they blame EVMs. Now when EVM blame does not hold, they brought up vote chori...Still they lost Bihar.

Now the reason for your defeat is your leadership and not EVM or voters list, the home minister said. They think no one holds them accountable, bhagwan kare, I am proved wrong and one day Congress workers seek their accountability, he said. He said the Opposition gets angry when we talk of history, but how can any country or society move forward without history. The first SIR was conducted in 1952, when Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister and the Congress was in power.

Then it happened in 1957 when Nehru was there, the third happened in 1961 and Nehru was there. Then it happened during Lal Bahadur Shastris time, then again during Indira Gandhis time, Rajiv Gandhis time, Narasimha Raos time, and then in 2002 during Atal Bihari Vajpayees time which continued till Manmohan Singhs time, he said. No party had opposed this process because it is a process of keeping elections clean and keeping democracy healthy, Shah said.

He said the objective of the SIR of electoral rolls is to remove those who have died, add the names of those who have turned 18 and delete foreign nationals one by one. I want to say to the House and people -- Can a countrys democracy be safe when the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister are decided by ghuspathiye, Shah said. The BJP leader said the Opposition thinks that it is tarnishing the image of the Government but in reality they are tarnishing the image of Indias democracy.

They kept on doing vote chori, vote chori, and took out ghuspathiye bachao yatra and we won by 2/3rd majority in Bihar, he said. The new tradition is that if they lose, they defame the EC and electoral rolls which is not good for the countrys democracy. If electoral rolls were corrupted, why did you contest elections, Shah asked the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He said the BJP has lost more elections than it has won, but it never questioned the Election Commission.

EVMs stopped election chori and that is why they are worried. Their method of election was not mandate but corrupt practices, and they have been fully exposed, he said. Opposition worried as people of country do not vote for them and SIR will delete names of illegal immigrants who back them, he said. Tradition of electoral loss began in 2014 and the Congress blamed EVMs, which were brought by Rajiv Gandhi in 1989, he said. The EVMs were used for first time in 2004 and then in 2009 elections and on both occasions, the Congress won, but they started complaining only after 2014 loss, he said.

He stressed that Parliament is the biggest panchayat for discussions and the BJP-NDA people never run away from a discussion. We asked for having it later for two reasons -- they (Opposition) were asking for discussion on SIR and I believe discussion on SIR cannot be held because it comes under the Election Commission, Shah said. When they said we want to discuss election reforms, we agreed immediately. A debate was agreed on electoral reforms, but the majority of opposition members talked of SIR. On this SIR, one-sided falsehoods were being propagated in the last four months and efforts were made to mislead people, he said.
BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Reunification is the only direction for Taiwan's future, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Thursday.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query about Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's recent media interview.

Chen said Lai is once again peddling the narratives of seeking "Taiwan independence" through military buildup and soliciting foreign support, attempting to mislead the people of Taiwan and distort international public opinion.

Such remarks once again expose Lai's obstinate pro-independence nature and reveal his true role as a "saboteur of peace," "creator of crises," and "instigator of war," Chen said.

Since taking office, Lai has clung stubbornly to his "Taiwan independence" stance, aggressively promoting separatist fallacies and constantly inciting cross-Strait confrontation, pushing Taiwan toward the perilous brink of conflict, he said.

Lai is the instigator of escalating cross-Strait tensions and the primary source of division within Taiwan society, he added.

Chen stressed that peace is the shared aspiration of people on both sides of the Strait, and reunification is the only direction for Taiwan's future.

"We are committed to creating broad space for peaceful reunification," he said, "but will leave no room for any form of 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities."

Chen expressed the hope that the people of Taiwan would clearly recognize the severe dangers and detrimental consequences of the Lai Ching-te authorities' pursuit of a separatist agenda, firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" and external interference.

He also expressed the hope that the people of Taiwan would work with the mainland to safeguard peace and stability across the Strait, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and jointly create a bright future for national reunification and rejuvenation. 
BANGKOK, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in a social media post on Thursday that he would "request to return power to the people," a remark widely interpreted as a possible hint that he intends to dissolve parliament. 
Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE:DC  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $5.71 and last traded at $5.66, with a volume of 985700 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $5.49.

Dakota Gold Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $641.06 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -13.80 and a beta of 1.11. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $4.49 and its 200 day moving average price is $4.20.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Dakota Gold news, Director Stephen T. Orourke sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.66, for a total value of $233,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 918,199 shares in the company, valued at $4,278,807.34. The trade was a 5.16% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 17.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dakota Gold

Dakota Gold Company Profile

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DC. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Dakota Gold by 0.9% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,814,323 shares of the companys stock worth $21,905,000 after purchasing an additional 41,992 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its position in shares of Dakota Gold by 10.9% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 2,795,077 shares of the companys stock worth $12,718,000 after buying an additional 275,077 shares during the last quarter. Euro Pacific Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dakota Gold by 15.4% in the 3rd quarter. Euro Pacific Asset Management LLC now owns 2,677,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,171,000 after buying an additional 358,168 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dakota Gold by 20.6% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,850,272 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,829,000 after buying an additional 316,043 shares during the period. Finally, Amundi grew its position in shares of Dakota Gold by 46.3% during the 3rd quarter. Amundi now owns 1,500,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,900,000 after buying an additional 475,000 shares during the last quarter. 37.41% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

Dakota Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United States. It primarily explores for gold deposits. The company holds 100% interest in the Blind Gold, City Creek, Tinton, West Corridor, Ragged Top, Poorman Anticline, Maitland, South Lead/ Whistler Gulch, the Barrick Option, Richmond Hill and Homestake Paleoplacer Properties located in Homestake Mining District, South Dakota.

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iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IQLT  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $45.45 and last traded at $45.37, with a volume of 1762333 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $44.92.

iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of $13.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.86 and a beta of 0.89. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $44.65 and a 200-day simple moving average of $43.62.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Guerra Advisors Inc acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 244.0% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 829 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 588 shares during the period. Independence Bank of Kentucky bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF during the second quarter valued at $41,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $42,000. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 312.1% in the 2nd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 1,125 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after acquiring an additional 852 shares in the last quarter.

About iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap stocks in developed countries, outside of the US. The index is selected and weighted for exposure to fundamental quality metrics.

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John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHML  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $80.81 and last traded at $80.77, with a volume of 19554 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $79.97.

John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF Price Performance

The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $78.86 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $76.03. The company has a market cap of $1.05 billion, a PE ratio of 23.08 and a beta of 0.99.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Chilton Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF by 1.5% during the third quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC now owns 11,485 shares of the companys stock worth $900,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 62,274 shares of the companys stock worth $4,880,000 after buying an additional 174 shares during the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC lifted its holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF by 2.6% in the third quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 7,493 shares of the companys stock worth $587,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF during the third quarter valued at $26,000.

John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF Company Profile

The John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF (JHML) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the John Hancock Dimensional Large Cap index. The fund tracks an index of largest 800 US firms, weighted by multiple factors relative to their sector peers. JHML was launched on Sep 28, 2015 and is managed by John Hancock.

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UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been concerned about the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, his deputy spokesperson said Thursday.

The UN chief "has been concerned about any escalating tensions regarding the United States and Venezuela and he is concerned by this latest development," said Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson, in response to a question at a daily briefing.

"We are calling on all actors to refrain from actions that could further escalate bilateral tensions and destabilize Venezuela and the region," he said, adding that the United Nations urges all parties to honor their obligations under the UN Charter and international law.

Over the past few months, the United States has maintained a significant military presence in the Caribbean, much of it off Venezuela's coast, purportedly to combat drug trafficking -- a claim Venezuela has denounced as a thinly veiled attempt to bring about regime change in Caracas. 
Nordea Bank AB (OTCMKTS:NRDBY  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $18.42 and last traded at $18.27, with a volume of 186833 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $17.99.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have issued reports on NRDBY. Zacks Research upgraded Nordea Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Barclays reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a report on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Kepler Capital Markets upgraded shares of Nordea Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Nordea Bank Price Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average of $17.09 and a two-hundred day moving average of $15.85. The firm has a market cap of $62.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.02, a PEG ratio of 3.43 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.32.

Nordea Bank (OTCMKTS:NRDBY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The company reported $0.42 earnings per share for the quarter. Nordea Bank had a net margin of 21.42% and a return on equity of 15.38%. The company had revenue of $3.40 billion during the quarter. Sell-side analysts expect that Nordea Bank AB will post 1.4 EPS for the current year.

About Nordea Bank

(Get Free Report)

Nordea Bank Abp offers banking products and services in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and internationally. It operates through Personal Banking, Business Banking, Large Corporates & Institutions, and Asset & Wealth Management segments. The Personal Banking segment provides various financial services to customers through mobile banking, over the phone, online meetings, and branch offices.

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Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF (NYSEARCA:MGV  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $141.51 and last traded at $141.22, with a volume of 173524 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $139.44.

Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $10.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.48 and a beta of 0.80. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $138.23 and a 200 day moving average of $134.37.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. NorthRock Partners LLC boosted its stake in Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF by 100.0% in the second quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC now owns 188 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Proathlete Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, Kilter Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $29,000.

About Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF

Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF, formerly Vanguard Mega Cap 300 Value Index ETF, seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of the largest-capitalization value stocks in the United States. The Fund employs a passive management or indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) US Large-Cap Value Index, which represents the value companies of the MSCI US Large-Cap 300 Index.

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HighVista Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 16,300 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,487,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in SCHW. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. RMG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. Hoese & Co LLP boosted its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 131.6% during the 2nd quarter. Hoese & Co LLP now owns 352 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Evelyn Partners Asset Management Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the second quarter valued at about $33,000. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 3,072 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.00, for a total value of $301,056.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 11,923 shares in the company, valued at $1,168,454. The trade was a 20.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,205 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.33, for a total value of $299,122.65. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 34,778 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,245,830.74. The trade was a 8.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 6.30% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

SCHW has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. They set an outperform rating and a $110.00 price target on the stock. Piper Sandler reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $109.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, UBS Group set a $119.00 price target on Charles Schwab in a research note on Thursday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $108.58.

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Charles Schwab Trading Up 1.7%

SCHW opened at $95.78 on Thursday. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a 52 week low of $65.88 and a 52 week high of $99.59. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $93.72 and a 200-day simple moving average of $93.31. The firm has a market cap of $170.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.43, a P/E/G ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.93 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.71 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 26.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is 25.29%.

Charles Schwab Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Lemonade, Inc. (NYSE:LMND  Get Free Report) COO Adina Eckstein sold 29,237 shares of Lemonade stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.17, for a total value of $2,256,219.29. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 204,229 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,760,351.93. This represents a 12.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Adina Eckstein also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 8th, Adina Eckstein sold 41,557 shares of Lemonade stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.95, for a total value of $3,280,925.15.

On Monday, November 10th, Adina Eckstein sold 5,988 shares of Lemonade stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.00, for a total value of $467,064.00.

On Friday, November 7th, Adina Eckstein sold 40,000 shares of Lemonade stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.02, for a total transaction of $2,920,800.00.

Lemonade Trading Down 0.9%

Lemonade stock traded down $0.69 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $78.49. 4,520,703 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,435,101. Lemonade, Inc. has a twelve month low of $24.31 and a twelve month high of $83.77. The company has a market cap of $5.87 billion, a P/E ratio of -32.84 and a beta of 2.12. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $64.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of $52.42.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Lemonade ( NYSE:LMND Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported ($0.51) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.72) by $0.21. The company had revenue of $194.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $185.06 million. Lemonade had a negative net margin of 26.39% and a negative return on equity of 31.86%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 42.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.95) EPS. On average, analysts expect that Lemonade, Inc. will post -3.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on LMND. Citigroup reiterated a market outperform rating on shares of Lemonade in a research note on Monday, November 24th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on Lemonade from $23.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, August 18th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Lemonade from $60.00 to $55.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald raised shares of Lemonade to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, JMP Securities set a $80.00 price target on shares of Lemonade in a research note on Monday, November 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $58.57.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lemonade

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Strategic Advocates LLC acquired a new stake in Lemonade during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $33,000. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new position in shares of Lemonade during the third quarter valued at $318,000. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lemonade during the third quarter worth $216,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co lifted its holdings in shares of Lemonade by 11.6% during the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 17,769 shares of the companys stock worth $966,000 after purchasing an additional 1,844 shares during the period. Finally, Worth Venture Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lemonade in the third quarter worth $297,000. 80.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Lemonade Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lemonade, Inc provides various insurance products through various channels in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Its insurance products include stolen or damaged property, and personal liability that protects its customers if they are responsible for an accident or damage to another person or their property.

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Shares of Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI  Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $38.55 and last traded at $38.7530, with a volume of 1207535 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $37.19.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Desjardins assumed coverage on shares of Alamos Gold in a research note on Friday, November 28th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Wall Street Zen raised Alamos Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Bank of America increased their price target on Alamos Gold from $40.00 to $43.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (a) rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a research report on Monday. Finally, Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $43.00.

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Alamos Gold Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 1.72. The company has a market cap of $16.18 billion, a PE ratio of 30.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 0.63. The companys 50 day moving average price is $33.76 and its 200-day moving average price is $30.08.

Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI  Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The basic materials company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.37. Alamos Gold had a return on equity of 12.36% and a net margin of 33.46%.The business had revenue of $462.30 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $490.96 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.19 earnings per share. Alamos Golds revenue was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Alamos Gold Inc. will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Alamos Gold Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 4th will be issued a $0.025 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 4th. This represents a $0.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. Alamos Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.81%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alamos Gold

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Addenda Capital Inc. grew its stake in Alamos Gold by 12.3% in the 2nd quarter. Addenda Capital Inc. now owns 1,944,928 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $51,657,000 after buying an additional 212,918 shares in the last quarter. Calamos Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Alamos Gold in the second quarter worth $3,070,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Alamos Gold in the second quarter valued at $1,502,000. PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Alamos Gold by 37.9% during the 2nd quarter. PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. now owns 85,740 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,282,000 after purchasing an additional 23,560 shares during the period. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Alamos Gold by 20.9% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 14,444 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $390,000 after purchasing an additional 2,493 shares during the period. 64.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Alamos Gold

(Get Free Report)

Alamos Gold Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and extraction of precious metals in Canada and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds 100% interest in the Young-Davidson mine and Island Gold mine located in the Ontario, Canada; Mulatos mine located in the Sonora, Mexico; and Lynn Lake project situated in the Manitoba, Canada.

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Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the eleven ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have given a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $62.3333.

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $64.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 22nd. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $72.00 price objective on Altria Group in a research note on Thursday, August 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Altria Group from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, UBS Group decreased their price target on Altria Group from $68.00 to $61.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 31st.

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Altria Group Stock Performance

NYSE MO opened at $58.69 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $60.76 and a 200-day moving average price of $61.76. Altria Group has a one year low of $50.08 and a one year high of $68.60. The company has a market capitalization of $98.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.20, a P/E/G ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 0.48.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.01. Altria Group had a net margin of 37.89% and a negative return on equity of 319.43%. The company had revenue of $5.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.38 earnings per share. Altria Groups quarterly revenue was down 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Altria Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.370-5.45 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Altria Group will post 5.32 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be issued a $1.06 dividend. This represents a $4.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 80.92%.

Altria Group declared that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Thursday, October 30th that authorizes the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to reacquire up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Mattson Financial Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in Altria Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Carderock Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Altria Group in the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group during the second quarter worth $27,000. Finally, Country Trust Bank boosted its position in Altria Group by 400.0% during the 2nd quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 500 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Altria Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Arcosa (NYSE:ACA  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on ACA. Zacks Research lowered Arcosa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Barclays raised their price target on Arcosa from $106.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. DA Davidson upped their target price on Arcosa from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Arcosa in a report on Monday, December 1st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Arcosa has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $115.00.

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Arcosa Price Performance

NYSE:ACA opened at $110.73 on Monday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $98.71 and its two-hundred day moving average is $93.94. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The company has a market capitalization of $5.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.00. Arcosa has a 52 week low of $68.11 and a 52 week high of $111.82.

Arcosa (NYSE:ACA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 17th. The company reported $0.60 earnings per share for the quarter. Arcosa had a return on equity of 7.46% and a net margin of 5.25%.The company had revenue of $515.10 million during the quarter. Equities analysts expect that Arcosa will post 3.23 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in Arcosa during the third quarter worth about $32,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Arcosa during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Arcosa by 47.8% in the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 368 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP boosted its position in Arcosa by 160.0% during the 3rd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 403 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 248 shares during the period. Finally, Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new position in Arcosa during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $40,000. 90.66% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Arcosa Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Arcosa, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides infrastructure-related products and solutions for the construction, engineered structures, and transportation markets in the United States. It operates through three segments: Construction Products, Engineered Structures, and Transportation Products.

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Shares of Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) shot up 1.9% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $134.44 and last traded at $132.5440. 5,828,556 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 41% from the average session volume of 9,862,984 shares. The stock had previously closed at $130.04.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on ANET shares. Erste Group Bank lowered shares of Arista Networks from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Arista Networks in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Wolfe Research boosted their price objective on Arista Networks from $160.00 to $185.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. Melius Research upped their target price on Arista Networks from $160.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 12th. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded Arista Networks from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. Eighteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $164.31.

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Arista Networks Trading Up 1.9%

The company has a market cap of $166.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 50.40, a PEG ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 1.41. The business has a fifty day moving average of $139.91 and a two-hundred day moving average of $126.11.

Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.26 billion. Arista Networks had a return on equity of 30.28% and a net margin of 39.73%.The businesss revenue was up 27.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.40 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 2.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Charles H. Giancarlo sold 58,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.42, for a total value of $8,608,360.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Kenneth Duda sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $128.61, for a total value of $3,858,300.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 12,976 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,668,843.36. The trade was a 69.81% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 274,464 shares of company stock worth $38,250,488 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 3.54% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Arista Networks

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of ANET. Bare Financial Services Inc raised its holdings in Arista Networks by 2,118.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 244 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc increased its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 56.7% in the third quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 199 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Knuff & Co LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Arista Networks in the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in Arista Networks by 141.3% during the third quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 222 shares of the technology companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Saudi Central Bank acquired a new position in Arista Networks during the first quarter worth $33,000. 82.47% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Arista Networks

(Get Free Report)

Arista Networks, Inc engages in the development, marketing, and sale of data-driven, client to cloud networking solutions for data center, campus, and routing environments in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Its cloud networking solutions consist of Extensible Operating System (EOS), a publish-subscribe state-sharing networking operating system offered in combination with a set of network applications.

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BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BBAI  Get Free Report)s share price fell 3.9% during mid-day trading on Monday after an insider sold shares in the company. The stock traded as low as $6.41 and last traded at $6.5550. 102,954,420 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 8% from the average session volume of 95,368,859 shares. The stock had previously closed at $6.82.

Specifically, CFO Sean Raymond Ricker sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.06, for a total transaction of $35,300.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 488,716 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,450,334.96. This represents a 1.01% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $7.00 price objective on shares of BigBear.ai in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of BigBear.ai in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of BigBear.ai from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Finally, HC Wainwright restated a buy rating and issued a $8.00 price target on shares of BigBear.ai in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $6.33.

BigBear.ai Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $2.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.64 and a beta of 3.44. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $6.67 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 3.13 and a current ratio of 3.13.

BigBear.ai (NYSE:BBAI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.06) by ($0.01). BigBear.ai had a negative net margin of 274.70% and a negative return on equity of 26.11%. The company had revenue of $33.14 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $31.82 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.05) earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 20.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. will post -0.28 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BigBear.ai

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. IFP Advisors Inc raised its holdings in BigBear.ai by 218.1% during the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 9,559 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after buying an additional 6,554 shares in the last quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd bought a new stake in shares of BigBear.ai during the 3rd quarter worth $81,000. Cantor Fitzgerald L. P. acquired a new position in BigBear.ai in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,756,000. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new position in BigBear.ai in the 3rd quarter worth $201,000. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its position in BigBear.ai by 23.8% during the 3rd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,865,214 shares of the companys stock worth $12,161,000 after acquiring an additional 358,292 shares during the last quarter. 7.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

BigBear.ai Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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.

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Shares of Black Diamond Group Ltd. (OTCMKTS:BDIMF  Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 8,300 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 113% from the previous sessions volume of 3,895 shares.The stock last traded at $10.05 and had previously closed at $10.07.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Black Diamond Group in a research note on Friday, October 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Black Diamond Group currently has a consensus rating of Buy.

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Black Diamond Group Trading Up 2.0%

The company has a current ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The stock has a market cap of $699.56 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.00 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $8.85.

Black Diamond Group (OTCMKTS:BDIMF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $75.61 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $109.40 million. Black Diamond Group had a net margin of 8.23% and a return on equity of 10.76%.

Black Diamond Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Black Diamond Group Limited rents and sells modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. It operates through two segments, Modular Space Solutions and Workforce Solutions. The Modular Space Solutions segment provides modular space rentals to customers in the construction, real estate development, education, manufacturing, health care, financial, government, and defense industries in North America.

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Treasury on Thursday announced new sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's wife, a Maduro-affiliated businessman, and six companies shipping oil from Venezuela.

"Nicolas Maduro and his criminal associates in Venezuela are flooding the United States with drugs that are poisoning the American people," said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a statement.

The move came one day after the Pentagon seized an oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela amid the White House's months-long pressure campaign targeting Maduro whom the Trump administration accused of leading a narco-trafficking terrorist organization. 
Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 7.1% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $100.05 and last traded at $101.6310. Approximately 13,542,800 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 40% from the average daily volume of 9,690,532 shares. The stock had previously closed at $109.44.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on BE shares. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $123.00 target price on shares of Bloom Energy in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Mizuho set a $89.00 price objective on shares of Bloom Energy in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Bloom Energy in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Evercore ISI reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Bloom Energy in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets set a $98.00 price target on shares of Bloom Energy in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Bloom Energy presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $93.77.

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Bloom Energy Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.98, a current ratio of 4.40 and a quick ratio of 2.88. The companys 50-day moving average price is $109.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $63.88. The company has a market cap of $24.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 662.11, a P/E/G ratio of 70.60 and a beta of 3.00.

Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.08 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $519.05 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $425.18 million. Bloom Energy had a net margin of 0.84% and a return on equity of 8.74%. The firms revenue was up 57.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.01) EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Bloom Energy Corporation will post -0.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Bloom Energy

In related news, Director Mary K. Bush sold 36,000 shares of Bloom Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $142.82, for a total value of $5,141,520.00. Following the sale, the director owned 133,524 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,069,897.68. This trade represents a 21.24% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Shawn Marie Soderberg sold 36,666 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $141.00, for a total value of $5,169,906.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 225,949 shares in the company, valued at $31,858,809. The trade was a 13.96% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 119,589 shares of company stock valued at $16,439,742 in the last 90 days. 3.50% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Graticule Asia Macro Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Bloom Energy during the 3rd quarter worth about $402,494,000. Trivest Advisors Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Bloom Energy by 1,461.6% in the 3rd quarter. Trivest Advisors Ltd now owns 3,420,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $289,229,000 after acquiring an additional 3,201,000 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Bloom Energy in the second quarter valued at about $57,821,000. Westfield Capital Management Co. LP bought a new stake in Bloom Energy during the third quarter worth about $141,679,000. Finally, Man Group plc raised its holdings in Bloom Energy by 177.4% during the second quarter. Man Group plc now owns 2,392,915 shares of the companys stock worth $57,239,000 after acquiring an additional 1,530,167 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.04% of the companys stock.

Bloom Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bloom Energy Corporation designs, manufactures, sells, and installs solid-oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power generation in the United States and internationally. The company offers Bloom Energy Server, a solid oxide technology that converts fuel, such as natural gas, biogas, hydrogen, or a blend of these fuels into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion.

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Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 7th will be paid a dividend of 0.08 per share by the real estate investment trust on Thursday, January 22nd. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 10.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 7th.

Brandywine Realty Trust has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 0.0%annually over the last three years. Brandywine Realty Trust has a payout ratio of -47.8% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Research analysts expect Brandywine Realty Trust to earn $0.87 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.32 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 36.8%.

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Brandywine Realty Trust Stock Up 0.2%

Shares of NYSE BDN traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $3.03. The company had a trading volume of 430,975 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,489,165. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $3.50 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $3.99. Brandywine Realty Trust has a 52-week low of $2.98 and a 52-week high of $5.90. The company has a current ratio of 2.14, a quick ratio of 2.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68. The stock has a market cap of $525.44 million, a P/E ratio of -2.83 and a beta of 1.30.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Brandywine Realty Trust ( NYSE:BDN Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.17 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $121.42 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $119.11 million. Brandywine Realty Trust had a negative net margin of 38.03% and a negative return on equity of 19.55%. Sell-side analysts predict that Brandywine Realty Trust will post 0.66 earnings per share for the current year.

BDN has been the topic of a number of research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated an underweight rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Truist Financial downgraded Brandywine Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $5.00 to $4.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. KeyCorp downgraded shares of Brandywine Realty Trust from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Brandywine Realty Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Brandywine Realty Trust has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $4.00.

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Brandywine Realty Trust Company Profile

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Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) is one of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the United States with a core focus in the Philadelphia and Austin markets. Organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), we own, develop, lease and manage an urban, town center and transit-oriented portfolio comprising 160 properties and 22.6 million square feet as of September 30, 2023 which excludes assets held for sale.

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Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be paid a dividend of 0.63 per share by the biopharmaceutical company on Monday, February 2nd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. This is a 1.6% increase from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62.

Bristol Myers Squibb has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 17 consecutive years. Bristol Myers Squibb has a payout ratio of 40.9% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Bristol Myers Squibb to earn $6.09 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.48 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 40.7%.

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Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Performance

Shares of Bristol Myers Squibb stock traded up $0.10 on Thursday, hitting $51.31. The stock had a trading volume of 1,688,270 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,876,883. The stock has a market cap of $104.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.75 and a beta of 0.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39. Bristol Myers Squibb has a twelve month low of $42.52 and a twelve month high of $63.33. The businesss 50 day moving average is $46.55 and its two-hundred day moving average is $46.87.

Bristol Myers Squibb Company Profile

Bristol Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.11. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 76.53% and a net margin of 12.57%.The business had revenue of $12.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.75 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.80 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. Analysts forecast that Bristol Myers Squibb will post 6.74 EPS for the current year.

(Get Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Invesco Ltd. cut its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP (NYSE:BIP  Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) by 6.3% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 2,145,360 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 144,625 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners were worth $71,870,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in BIP. SouthState Corp purchased a new position in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners during the 1st quarter worth $37,000. Harbour Investments Inc. grew its stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 23.1% during the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 2,523 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $85,000 after acquiring an additional 474 shares during the last quarter. State of Wyoming acquired a new position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners during the first quarter valued at about $97,000. Delta Asset Management LLC TN raised its position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 3,263.4% in the 2nd quarter. Delta Asset Management LLC TN now owns 3,767 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $126,000 after purchasing an additional 3,655 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 9.2% in the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 3,866 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $115,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.92% of the companys stock.

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Price Performance

NYSE:BIP opened at $35.31 on Thursday. The firms fifty day moving average is $34.93 and its two-hundred day moving average is $33.02. The firm has a market cap of $16.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.70 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.85. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP has a one year low of $25.72 and a one year high of $36.58.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Announces Dividend

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners ( NYSE:BIP Get Free Report ) (TSE:BIP.UN) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.86 by ($0.42). Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a net margin of 3.70% and a return on equity of 2.74%. The company had revenue of $5.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.05 billion. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.76 EPS. Research analysts expect that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP will post 3.45 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be paid a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.9%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 256.72%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have issued reports on BIP shares. National Bankshares set a $35.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $44.00 target price on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $40.00 price target on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group set a $37.00 price target on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $40.88.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Company Profile

(Free Report)

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 8.1 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 0.6 million long-term contracted sub-metering services.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BIP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP (NYSE:BIP  Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN).

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Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSE:CQP  Get Free Report) had its price objective lowered by stock analysts at Bank of America from $53.00 to $51.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an underperform rating on the stock. Bank of Americas price objective would suggest a potential downside of 5.40% from the stocks previous close.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on CQP. Barclays reduced their target price on Cheniere Energy Partners from $56.00 to $55.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Cheniere Energy Partners in a research report on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Strong Sell and a consensus target price of $54.20.

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Cheniere Energy Partners Stock Down 1.1%

CQP stock opened at $53.91 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $53.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $54.42. Cheniere Energy Partners has a 52-week low of $49.53 and a 52-week high of $68.42. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.04 and a beta of 0.37.

Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSE:CQP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by ($0.21). Cheniere Energy Partners had a negative return on equity of 591.00% and a net margin of 22.54%.The firm had revenue of $2.40 billion for the quarter. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.08 EPS. The firms revenue was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Cheniere Energy Partners will post 4.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cheniere Energy Partners

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CQP. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 68.3% during the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 505 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in Cheniere Energy Partners by 180.0% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 476 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 306 shares in the last quarter. Gables Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners in the second quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 25.5% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 924 shares of the companys stock worth $52,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares during the period. 46.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Cheniere Energy Partners Company Profile

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Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P., through its subsidiaries, provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) to integrated energy companies, utilities, and energy trading companies worldwide. The company owns and operates natural gas liquefaction and export facility at the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

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CIBC Asset Management Inc lowered its stake in shares of Bank Of Montreal (NYSE:BMO  Free Report) (TSE:BMO) by 6.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 6,189,614 shares of the banks stock after selling 442,333 shares during the quarter. Bank Of Montreal comprises 2.1% of CIBC Asset Management Incs portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest position. CIBC Asset Management Inc owned approximately 0.86% of Bank Of Montreal worth $686,681,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Nebula Research & Development LLC increased its stake in shares of Bank Of Montreal by 30.1% during the second quarter. Nebula Research & Development LLC now owns 5,423 shares of the banks stock valued at $600,000 after purchasing an additional 1,255 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in Bank Of Montreal by 5,614.3% during the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,800 shares of the banks stock valued at $310,000 after acquiring an additional 2,751 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd increased its position in shares of Bank Of Montreal by 166.3% during the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 411,108 shares of the banks stock valued at $45,518,000 after purchasing an additional 256,755 shares during the last quarter. AXA S.A. raised its position in Bank Of Montreal by 50.1% in the second quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 168,961 shares of the banks stock worth $18,692,000 after acquiring an additional 56,391 shares during the period. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC raised its holdings in Bank Of Montreal by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 12,364 shares of the banks stock worth $1,368,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the period. 45.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Bank Of Montreal Stock Performance

Shares of BMO stock opened at $129.69 on Thursday. Bank Of Montreal has a 52-week low of $85.40 and a 52-week high of $131.36. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The stock has a market cap of $92.29 billion, a PE ratio of 15.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.95. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $125.46 and a 200-day simple moving average of $118.89.

Bank Of Montreal Increases Dividend

Bank Of Montreal ( NYSE:BMO Get Free Report ) (TSE:BMO) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $2.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.20. Bank Of Montreal had a return on equity of 11.76% and a net margin of 11.13%.The company had revenue of $6.67 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.51 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.90 earnings per share. Bank Of Montreals revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Bank Of Montreal will post 7.71 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 26th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th will be paid a $1.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 30th. This represents a $6.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.2%. This is an increase from Bank Of Montreals previous quarterly dividend of $1.63. Bank Of Montreals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 57.35%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

BMO has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Cibc World Mkts upgraded Bank Of Montreal from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Natl Bk Canada cut Bank Of Montreal from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Raymond James Financial began coverage on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research note on Monday, November 24th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. UBS Group restated a neutral rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research note on Wednesday, August 27th. Finally, TD Securities reiterated a hold rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a report on Friday, December 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $163.00.

Check Out Our Latest Report on BMO

About Bank Of Montreal

(Free Report)

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The companys personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products.

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Qube Research & Technologies Ltd raised its holdings in Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA  Free Report) by 566.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,247,120 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,059,872 shares during the quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd owned about 0.18% of Corteva worth $92,948,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in CTVA. Gladwyn Financial Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Corteva in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Curat Global LLC grew its position in Corteva by 93.7% in the 2nd quarter. Curat Global LLC now owns 370 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Corteva in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Corteva during the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Corteva by 132.2% in the 2nd quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. now owns 527 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.54% of the companys stock.

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Corteva Trading Down 1.2%

Shares of CTVA stock opened at $65.03 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $43.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. Corteva, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $53.40 and a fifty-two week high of $77.41. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $64.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.52.

Corteva Dividend Announcement

Corteva ( NYSE:CTVA Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported ($0.23) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.49) by $0.26. The firm had revenue of $2.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.47 billion. Corteva had a net margin of 9.19% and a return on equity of 9.37%. The firms revenue was up 6.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($0.49) EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Corteva, Inc. will post 2.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a $0.18 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. Cortevas dividend payout ratio is presently 30.77%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts recently issued reports on CTVA shares. Rothschild & Co Redburn cut their price target on shares of Corteva from $71.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Mizuho reduced their price target on Corteva from $85.00 to $78.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research lowered Corteva from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Argus cut their price objective on Corteva from $83.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Corteva from $80.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Corteva presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $78.05.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CTVA

Corteva Company Profile

(Free Report)

Corteva, Inc operates in the agriculture business. It operates through two segments, Seed and Crop Protection. The Seed segment develops and supplies advanced germplasm and traits that produce optimum yield for farms. It offers trait technologies that enhance resistance to weather, disease, insects, and herbicides used to control weeds, as well as food and nutritional characteristics.

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Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:DIFTY  Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 128,538 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 75% from the previous sessions volume of 73,378 shares.The stock last traded at $4.72 and had previously closed at $4.73.

Daito Trust Construction Price Performance

The businesss 50-day moving average is $4.85 and its two-hundred day moving average is $19.53.

About Daito Trust Construction

(Get Free Report)

Daito Trust Construction Co,Ltd. designs, constructs, and rents apartments and condominiums in Japan. It operates through three segments: Construction, Real Estate, and Finance. The company design and construct rental housing and other structure construction; ironwork and construction; building management and renovation, and whole building leasing; rental housing tenant guarantor services; advertising; and LP gas supply businesses.

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Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL  Free Report) had its price target raised by BNP Paribas Exane from $70.00 to $85.00 in a report released on Monday,MarketScreener reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the transportation companys stock.

DAL has been the topic of several other reports. Seaport Global Securities increased their price target on shares of Delta Air Lines from $69.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 11th. Raymond James Financial upped their price objective on Delta Air Lines from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Rothschild & Co Redburn lifted their target price on Delta Air Lines from $65.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Citigroup started coverage on Delta Air Lines in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. They issued a buy rating and a $77.00 price target for the company. Finally, HSBC raised their price objective on Delta Air Lines from $69.20 to $73.70 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-one have given a Buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Delta Air Lines presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $73.40.

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Delta Air Lines Stock Up 3.7%

DAL stock opened at $69.92 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $45.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.85, a P/E/G ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 0.40. The businesss 50-day moving average is $60.42 and its two-hundred day moving average is $56.74. Delta Air Lines has a fifty-two week low of $34.74 and a fifty-two week high of $69.98.

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 15th. The transportation company reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 7.36% and a return on equity of 23.83%. The firm had revenue of $8.40 billion during the quarter. As a group, analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current year.

Delta Air Lines Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 6th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 16th were given a dividend of $0.1875 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 16th. This represents a $0.75 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 10.56%.

Insider Activity at Delta Air Lines

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 businesss 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 completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 81,109 shares in the company, valued at $5,055,523.97. This trade represents a 22.33% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of Delta Air Lines

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of DAL. Private Trust Co. NA grew its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 3.3% during the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 5,493 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $312,000 after purchasing an additional 174 shares in the last quarter. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC boosted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 3.2% during the third quarter. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC now owns 5,871 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $362,000 after buying an additional 181 shares during the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings 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 buying an additional 196 shares in the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 16,237 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $921,000 after buying an additional 197 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JT Stratford LLC increased its stake in Delta Air Lines by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. JT Stratford LLC now owns 16,403 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $715,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. 69.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Delta Air Lines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo.

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Dollarama Inc. (OTCMKTS:DLMAF  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $145.93 and last traded at $145.93, with a volume of 3418 shares. The stock had previously closed at $144.81.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently weighed in on DLMAF shares. National Bankshares reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Dollarama in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on shares of Dollarama in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Dollarama in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Dollarama currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

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Dollarama Price Performance

Dollarama Company Profile

The companys 50-day moving average is $134.59 and its 200-day moving average is $135.96.

(Get Free Report)

Dollarama Inc operates a chain of dollar stores in Canada. Its stores offer general merchandise, consumables, and seasonal products. It also sells its products through online store. The company was formerly known as Dollarama Capital Corporation and changed its name to Dollarama Inc in September 2009.

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attends a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that the United States intends to keep the oil from the tanker the U.S. military seized Wednesday near the coast of oil-rich Venezuela.

The Trump administration may take more similar actions targeting sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela in the coming weeks, multiple media outlets reported Thursday, citing White House officials. Leavitt refused to answer questions about the White House's future actions.

The seized tanker will sail to a U.S. port and is currently undergoing a forfeiture process, Leavitt said at a White House press briefing.

"The United States does intend to seize the oil. However, there is a legal process for the seizure of that oil and that legal process will be followed," she said.

"It's a sanctioned shadow vessel known for carrying black market sanctioned oil to the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), which, you know, is a sanctioned entity," Leavitt said of the seized tanker.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been concerned about the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, said his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq. "We are calling on all actors to refrain from actions that could further escalate bilateral tensions and destabilize Venezuela and the region," Haq said at a daily briefing.

For almost four months, the United States has maintained a significant military presence in the Caribbean, much of it off Venezuela's coast, purportedly to combat drug trafficking -- a claim Venezuela has denounced as a thinly veiled attempt to bring about regime change in Caracas. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attends a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attends a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attends a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) was up 1.1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $119.87 and last traded at $119.4950. Approximately 19,822,723 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 23% from the average daily volume of 16,092,346 shares. The stock had previously closed at $118.25.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $127.00 to $126.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Exxon Mobil from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. Mizuho cut their target price on Exxon Mobil from $124.00 to $123.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, September 15th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Exxon Mobil from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, October 17th. They issued an overweight rating and a $156.00 price objective for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and thirteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $128.48.

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Exxon Mobil Trading Up 1.1%

The companys 50 day simple moving average is $115.18 and its 200 day simple moving average is $111.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The firm has a market cap of $503.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.37, a P/E/G ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 0.38.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, June 17th. The oil and gas company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.22% and a net margin of 8.99%.The business had revenue of $57.55 billion for the quarter. As a group, research analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This is a boost from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.99. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 59.88%.

Institutional Trading of Exxon Mobil

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in XOM. Westfuller Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Elequin Capital LP purchased a new position in Exxon Mobil in the first quarter valued at $31,000. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd raised its stake in Exxon Mobil by 396.7% in the first quarter. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd now owns 298 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 238 shares in the last quarter. Game Plan Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 1,500.0% during the 1st quarter. Game Plan Financial Advisors LLC now owns 320 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall & Sullivan Inc. WA acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.80% of the companys stock.

Exxon Mobil Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

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FedEx (NYSE:FDX  Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from $280.00 to $301.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the shipping service providers stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price would suggest a potential upside of 5.46% from the companys previous close.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on FDX. Vertical Research lowered their price objective on FedEx from $280.00 to $275.00 in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Bank of America raised their price target on FedEx from $270.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of FedEx from $293.00 to $314.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on shares of FedEx from $247.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Finally, Susquehanna lifted their price target on shares of FedEx from $300.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, FedEx currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $284.29.

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FedEx Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:FDX opened at $285.42 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $256.06 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $238.15. FedEx has a 52 week low of $194.29 and a 52 week high of $295.24. The company has a quick ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $67.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.65, a PEG ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 1.32.

FedEx (NYSE:FDX  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, September 18th. The shipping service provider reported $3.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.71 by $0.12. FedEx had a net margin of 4.65% and a return on equity of 16.33%. The firm had revenue of $22.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.74 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.60 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. FedEx has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.200-19.000 EPS. On average, analysts expect that FedEx will post 19.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On FedEx

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FDX. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in FedEx by 28,080.9% during the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,743,557 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $850,948,000 after acquiring an additional 3,730,273 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of FedEx by 13.2% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 23,442,049 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $5,527,870,000 after purchasing an additional 2,741,723 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in FedEx during the second quarter valued at about $605,497,000. Boston Partners bought a new position in FedEx in the third quarter worth about $468,195,000. Finally, Dodge & Cox lifted its position in shares of FedEx by 12.0% during the third quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 16,225,160 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $3,826,055,000 after buying an additional 1,742,666 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.47% of the companys stock.

FedEx Company Profile

(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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Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX  Free Report) by 21.7% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 623,833 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 111,127 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in Fomento Economico Mexicano were worth $64,242,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in FMX. Citigroup Inc. grew its stake in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 309.6% in the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 1,714,895 shares of the companys stock valued at $176,600,000 after purchasing an additional 1,296,194 shares during the last quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 105.4% during the first quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 1,112,036 shares of the companys stock worth $106,139,000 after purchasing an additional 570,640 shares during the period. Strs Ohio purchased a new position in Fomento Economico Mexicano in the 1st quarter valued at $28,718,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 325.7% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 383,644 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,421,000 after buying an additional 293,524 shares during the period. Finally, INCA Investments LLC raised its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 106.1% during the 2nd quarter. INCA Investments LLC now owns 274,769 shares of the companys stock worth $28,296,000 after buying an additional 141,419 shares during the last quarter. 61.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano from $96.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $97.00 target price (down previously from $132.00) on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano in a research report on Tuesday, August 19th. UBS Group raised Fomento Economico Mexicano from a neutral rating to a buy rating and cut their target price for the stock from $115.00 to $111.00 in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Citigroup raised Fomento Economico Mexicano from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the company from $93.00 to $97.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 9th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Fomento Economico Mexicano from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $101.63.

Fomento Economico Mexicano Stock Performance

Shares of FMX stock opened at $103.44 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $95.73 and a 200 day moving average price of $96.05. The stock has a market cap of $37.01 billion, a PE ratio of 41.71, a P/E/G ratio of 5.14 and a beta of 0.47. Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. has a 1 year low of $81.07 and a 1 year high of $108.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.10.

Fomento Economico Mexicano (NYSE:FMX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.88 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.06 by ($0.18). The firm had revenue of $11.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $215.60 billion. Fomento Economico Mexicano had a net margin of 2.09% and a return on equity of 5.01%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Fomento Economico Mexicano Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 27th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 16th were issued a dividend of $1.9982 per share. This is an increase from Fomento Economico Mexicanos previous quarterly dividend of $1.36. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 16th. This represents a $7.99 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.7%. Fomento Economico Mexicanos payout ratio is 90.32%.

About Fomento Economico Mexicano

(Free Report)

Fomento Economico Mexicano, SAB. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

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Frontier Capital Management Co. LLC lowered its stake in shares of First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP  Free Report) by 4.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 2,911,224 shares of the banks stock after selling 141,326 shares during the period. Frontier Capital Management Co. LLC owned approximately 1.81% of First BanCorp. worth $60,641,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of First BanCorp. in the first quarter valued at $1,264,000. Covestor Ltd boosted its position in shares of First BanCorp. by 19.6% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 4,340 shares of the banks stock valued at $83,000 after acquiring an additional 711 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in First BanCorp. in the first quarter valued at about $15,963,000. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its position in First BanCorp. by 46.3% in the first quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 593,587 shares of the banks stock worth $11,379,000 after purchasing an additional 187,871 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its stake in First BanCorp. by 26.0% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 420,456 shares of the banks stock worth $8,060,000 after purchasing an additional 86,779 shares during the period. 97.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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First BanCorp. Stock Performance

FBP stock opened at $21.04 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $20.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $20.93. First BanCorp. has a fifty-two week low of $16.40 and a fifty-two week high of $22.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.32 billion, a PE ratio of 10.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.91.

First BanCorp. Cuts Dividend

First BanCorp. ( NYSE:FBP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The bank reported $0.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $248.71 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $256.25 million. First BanCorp. had a return on equity of 17.45% and a net margin of 26.73%.During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.45 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that First BanCorp. will post 1.85 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. First BanCorp.s payout ratio is currently 34.95%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

FBP has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. UBS Group set a $25.00 target price on First BanCorp. in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on First BanCorp. from $25.00 to $23.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 27th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reaffirmed a market perform rating and issued a $24.00 target price (down previously from $26.00) on shares of First BanCorp. in a report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of First BanCorp. in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price objective on shares of First BanCorp. from $25.00 to $24.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 27th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $24.00.

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About First BanCorp.

(Free Report)

First BanCorp. operates as a bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico that provides a range of financial products and services to consumers and commercial customers. The company operates through six segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, Treasury and Investments, United States Operations, and Virgin Islands Operations.

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goeasy Ltd. (TSE:GSY  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is C$196.13.

Several analysts have commented on GSY shares. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of goeasy from C$225.00 to C$194.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. TD Securities lowered their price objective on shares of goeasy from C$210.00 to C$160.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 7th. National Bankshares dropped their price objective on shares of goeasy from C$265.00 to C$245.00 in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Scotiabank raised shares of goeasy from a hold rating to an outperform rating and set a C$225.00 target price for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on goeasy from C$194.00 to C$156.00 in a report on Friday, November 7th.

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goeasy Stock Performance

GSY stock opened at C$125.64 on Monday. goeasy has a 1-year low of C$117.52 and a 1-year high of C$216.50. The company has a current ratio of 82.04, a quick ratio of 28.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 287.63. The firm has a market cap of C$2.02 billion, a PE ratio of 9.16, a P/E/G ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.80. The businesss 50-day moving average price is C$145.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$169.21.

goeasy (TSE:GSY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported C$4.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. goeasy had a return on equity of 25.26% and a net margin of 19.49%.The company had revenue of C$440.22 million during the quarter. As a group, research analysts forecast that goeasy will post 20.3207343 earnings per share for the current year.

goeasy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 10th. Investors of record on Friday, October 10th were given a $1.46 dividend. This represents a $5.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 26th. goeasys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 40.48%.

goeasy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

goeasy Ltd provides financial services to own furniture, electronics, computers, and appliances. It offers merchandise leasing of household furnishings, appliances, and home electronic products to consumers under weekly or monthly leasing agreements. The company also offers unsecured installment loans to consumers.

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Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL  Get Free Report) saw some unusual options trading on Thursday. Investors bought 51,174 call options on the company. This is an increase of 42% compared to the typical volume of 36,160 call options.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently commented on the company. Roth Capital set a $8.75 price objective on Hecla Mining and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Scotiabank assumed coverage on Hecla Mining in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. They set a sector perform rating and a $15.00 price target on the stock. CIBC boosted their price objective on Hecla Mining from $15.00 to $16.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Hecla Mining in a research note on Monday. Finally, HC Wainwright lifted their price target on shares of Hecla Mining from $12.50 to $16.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Hecla Mining has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.22.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on HL

Insider Buying and Selling

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other Hecla Mining news, CFO Russell Douglas Lawlar sold 18,535 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.02, for a total value of $278,395.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, VP Stuart Maurice Absolom sold 14,472 shares of Hecla Mining stock in a transaction on Friday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.29, for a total transaction of $163,388.88. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 73,200 shares in the company, valued at approximately $826,428. This represents a 16.51% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 181,379 shares of company stock worth $2,667,365 over the last quarter. 0.62% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in shares of Hecla Mining by 23.3% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 59,086 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $329,000 after purchasing an additional 11,174 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Hecla Mining by 2.3% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 62,830,935 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $349,340,000 after buying an additional 1,437,895 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. raised its position in Hecla Mining by 62.3% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,442,667 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $24,701,000 after acquiring an additional 1,705,994 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in Hecla Mining in the first quarter valued at $18,410,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in Hecla Mining by 8.7% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 28,827,696 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $160,285,000 after acquiring an additional 2,306,239 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.01% of the companys stock.

Hecla Mining Stock Up 12.2%

Shares of NYSE HL traded up $2.10 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $19.29. The companys stock had a trading volume of 30,456,624 shares, compared to its average volume of 21,551,352. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.80. The company has a current ratio of 2.15, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 62.23 and a beta of 1.36. Hecla Mining has a fifty-two week low of $4.46 and a fifty-two week high of $19.67.

Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $0.12 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.11 by $0.01. Hecla Mining had a net margin of 16.35% and a return on equity of 7.87%. The business had revenue of $409.54 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $315.60 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.03 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 67.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Hecla Mining will post 0.21 earnings per share for the current year.

Hecla Mining Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th were given a dividend of $0.0038 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 24th. This represents a $0.02 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.1%. Hecla Minings dividend payout ratio is 3.23%.

About Hecla Mining

(Get Free Report)

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.

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W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) CEO Donald Macpherson sold 12,163 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $972.57, for a total transaction of $11,829,368.91. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 103,885 shares in the company, valued at approximately $101,035,434.45. The trade was a 10.48% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website.

W.W. Grainger Price Performance

Shares of GWW stock opened at $994.17 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 2.72 and a quick ratio of 1.59. The firm has a market cap of $47.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.88, a P/E/G ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 1.11. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 1-year low of $893.99 and a 1-year high of $1,169.73. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $954.63 and a two-hundred day moving average of $997.61.

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W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $10.21 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.95 by $0.26. The company had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.64 billion. W.W. Grainger had a net margin of 9.75% and a return on equity of 49.40%. The firms revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $9.87 earnings per share. W.W. Grainger has set its FY 2025 guidance at 39.000-39.750 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 40.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a $2.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $9.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio is 25.35%.

GWW has been the subject of several research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,006.00 to $1,050.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of W.W. Grainger in a research report on Monday. Sanford C. Bernstein assumed coverage on W.W. Grainger in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. They issued a market perform rating and a $975.00 target price on the stock. Barclays lifted their price objective on W.W. Grainger from $963.00 to $975.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on W.W. Grainger from $1,150.00 to $1,100.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $1,009.43.

View Our Latest Report on W.W. Grainger

Institutional Investors Weigh In On W.W. Grainger

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GWW. IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in W.W. Grainger by 20.5% during the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,653 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,623,000 after purchasing an additional 281 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Advocates LLC boosted its holdings in shares of W.W. Grainger by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Strategic Advocates LLC now owns 990 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $944,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the period. KERR FINANCIAL PLANNING Corp acquired a new position in W.W. Grainger in the 3rd quarter valued at $67,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC raised its holdings in W.W. Grainger by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 12,090 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $11,521,000 after acquiring an additional 115 shares during the period. Finally, CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new position in W.W. Grainger in the 3rd quarter worth $5,841,000. 80.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About W.W. Grainger

(Get Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools.

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Intact Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB  Free Report) by 412.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 879,300 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 707,800 shares during the quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc. owned 0.28% of Taseko Mines worth $2,776,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its stake in Taseko Mines by 973.6% during the second quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,604,572 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,070,000 after acquiring an additional 1,455,117 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Taseko Mines by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 11,022,109 shares of the companys stock worth $24,789,000 after purchasing an additional 296,508 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Taseko Mines during the 1st quarter worth approximately $659,000. Persistent Asset Partners Ltd increased its position in shares of Taseko Mines by 59.7% during the second quarter. Persistent Asset Partners Ltd now owns 168,901 shares of the companys stock valued at $532,000 after purchasing an additional 63,132 shares during the period. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new position in shares of Taseko Mines in the second quarter valued at $308,000. Institutional investors own 17.94% of the companys stock.

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Taseko Mines Price Performance

TGB opened at $5.23 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.88 billion, a P/E ratio of -174.33 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48, a current ratio of 1.71 and a quick ratio of 1.05. The firms fifty day moving average price is $4.50 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $3.67. Taseko Mines Limited has a fifty-two week low of $1.67 and a fifty-two week high of $5.49.

About Taseko Mines

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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Intact Investment Management Inc. decreased its holdings in shares of Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA  Free Report) by 14.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 129,400 shares of the companys stock after selling 22,100 shares during the quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Coterra Energy were worth $3,284,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in Coterra Energy by 15.3% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 83,631,117 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,416,939,000 after acquiring an additional 11,102,350 shares during the period. Davis Selected Advisers bought a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy during the second quarter worth $237,002,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Coterra Energy by 3.1% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 95,209,961 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,416,429,000 after purchasing an additional 2,872,288 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp grew its holdings in shares of Coterra Energy by 165.3% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 4,213,315 shares of the companys stock worth $106,934,000 after purchasing an additional 2,625,126 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in Coterra Energy in the 1st quarter worth about $64,173,000. 87.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Coterra Energy Price Performance

NYSE CTRA opened at $27.04 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.02. The firms 50 day moving average price is $25.05 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.75. Coterra Energy Inc. has a 52-week low of $22.33 and a 52-week high of $29.95. The company has a market cap of $20.58 billion, a PE ratio of 12.46, a P/E/G ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 0.33.

Coterra Energy Announces Dividend

Coterra Energy ( NYSE:CTRA Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $1.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.83 billion. Coterra Energy had a return on equity of 11.23% and a net margin of 23.25%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 33.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.32 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Coterra Energy Inc. will post 1.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th were given a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 13th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. Coterra Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 40.55%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have commented on CTRA shares. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of Coterra Energy from $38.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Barclays lowered their price target on Coterra Energy from $37.00 to $35.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Susquehanna dropped their price objective on Coterra Energy from $32.00 to $31.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Stephens reduced their price objective on Coterra Energy from $34.00 to $33.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered their target price on Coterra Energy from $36.00 to $35.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Seventeen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.86.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on CTRA

Coterra Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Coterra Energy Inc, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The companys properties include the Marcellus Shale with approximately 186,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; Permian Basin properties with approximately 296,000 net acres located in west Texas and southeast New Mexico; and Anadarko Basin properties with approximately 182,000 net acres located in Oklahoma.

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Invesco Ltd. cut its holdings in Manulife Financial Corp (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC) by 6.8% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,218,007 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 161,109 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in Manulife Financial were worth $70,888,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Eastern Bank lifted its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 156.1% in the second quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 968 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 590 shares during the last quarter. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $38,000. William B. Walkup & Associates Inc. acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial in the 1st quarter worth approximately $43,000. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group bought a new stake in Manulife Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $55,000. Finally, Carderock Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in Manulife Financial during the second quarter valued at approximately $58,000. 52.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently commented on MFC. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Manulife Financial in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a report on Monday, December 1st. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on Manulife Financial from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $47.00 price objective on Manulife Financial in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $49.50.

Manulife Financial Stock Performance

NYSE MFC opened at $35.50 on Thursday. Manulife Financial Corp has a twelve month low of $25.92 and a twelve month high of $35.63. The stock has a market cap of $59.68 billion, a PE ratio of 15.78 and a beta of 0.83. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $33.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $31.88.

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (TSE:MFC) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.84 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.10. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 16.11% and a net margin of 9.81%.The firm had revenue of $12.90 billion during the quarter. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.00 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Manulife Financial Corp will post 2.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Manulife Financial Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be paid a $0.44 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. This is a positive change from Manulife Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.32. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.0%. Manulife Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 55.56%.

About Manulife Financial

(Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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RIGA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Polish President Karol Nawrocki arrived in Riga on a working visit Thursday, with security and defense issues topping the agenda, Latvian public media reported.

During their talks, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Polish President Nawrocki mainly addressed security concerns, including measures to strengthen the European Union's eastern flank and ways to enhance cooperation with the United States and other European partners.

Highlighting the close historical ties between the two countries and their shared strategic objectives, Nawrocki said "We see this historical foundation on the one hand and our common goals on the other." Poland and Latvia remain united by their commitment to the Euro-Atlantic community, national independence, security, and cooperation on major infrastructure projects.

Both presidents also pledged to deepen economic cooperation. Rinkevics said energy, transport and technology are key areas where the two sides can advance joint initiatives. They also discussed regional infrastructure projects such as the Via Baltica highway and the Rail Baltica railway.

"These issues require our joint efforts, both for Poland and for the Baltic states," Rinkevics said. 
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (NYSEARCA:EZA  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $69.48 and last traded at $69.6750, with a volume of 180312 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $68.18.

iShares MSCI South Africa ETF Stock Up 1.9%

The business has a 50-day moving average price of $65.67 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $59.47. The company has a market capitalization of $549.05 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.34 and a beta of 0.78.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI South Africa ETF by 20.0% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 883,389 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $56,625,000 after acquiring an additional 147,200 shares in the last quarter. Strs Ohio bought a new position in iShares MSCI South Africa ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $12,032,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. acquired a new position in iShares MSCI South Africa ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $5,138,000. One Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI South Africa ETF by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. One Capital Management LLC now owns 28,060 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,799,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI South Africa ETF by 386.7% during the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 27,327 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,752,000 after purchasing an additional 21,712 shares in the last quarter.

iShares MSCI South Africa ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI South Africa ETF, formerly iShares MSCI South Africa Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded securities in the aggregate in the South African market, as measured by the MSCI South Africa Index (the Index).

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Glenview Trust co reduced its position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM  Free Report) by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 82,068 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,169 shares during the period. Glenview Trust cos holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF were worth $19,723,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of MTUM. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 262.2% during the 2nd quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 163 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 118 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 45.0% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 216 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Hilltop National Bank acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $55,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC lifted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 109.0% during the second quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 255 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after purchasing an additional 133 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF during the second quarter worth $65,000.

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iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Price Performance

MTUM stock opened at $255.93 on Thursday. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $168.49 and a 1-year high of $240.99. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $250.86 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $244.76. The firm has a market cap of $18.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.67 and a beta of 1.02.

About iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years.

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Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IVPAF  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $10.09, but opened at $9.52. Ivanhoe Mines shares last traded at $10.2010, with a volume of 14,353 shares traded.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

IVPAF has been the subject of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Securities reissued a buy rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Scotiabank raised shares of Ivanhoe Mines from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Ivanhoe Mines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy.

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Ivanhoe Mines Stock Performance

The firms fifty day moving average is $10.08 and its 200-day moving average is $8.98. The company has a current ratio of 4.23, a quick ratio of 4.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.54 billion and a PE ratio of 68.13.

Ivanhoe Mines (OTCMKTS:IVPAF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by $0.04. The business had revenue of $129.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $128.95 million. Ivanhoe Mines had a net margin of 89.02% and a return on equity of 5.76%.

About Ivanhoe Mines

(Get Free Report)

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. engages in the mining, development, and exploration of minerals and precious metals primarily in Africa. It explores for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, zinc, silver, germanium, and lead deposits. The company's projects include the Platreef project located in the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; the Kipushi project located in Haut-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo; and the Kamoa-Kakula project located within the Central African Copperbelt.

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Jump Financial LLC grew its stake in Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI  Free Report) by 1,003.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 176,012 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 160,061 shares during the quarter. Jump Financial LLCs holdings in Gold Fields were worth $4,166,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in GFI. Qtron Investments LLC grew its stake in shares of Gold Fields by 83.4% during the 2nd quarter. Qtron Investments LLC now owns 45,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,084,000 after acquiring an additional 20,829 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP raised its stake in Gold Fields by 142.4% during the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 248,031 shares of the companys stock worth $5,871,000 after acquiring an additional 145,723 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Gold Fields by 183.6% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,935 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 1,900 shares in the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Gold Fields by 3.2% in the second quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 381,433 shares of the companys stock worth $9,029,000 after purchasing an additional 11,969 shares during the period. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Gold Fields by 32.9% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,919,432 shares of the companys stock worth $116,443,000 after purchasing an additional 1,217,594 shares in the last quarter. 24.81% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Gold Fields Trading Down 0.2%

Shares of NYSE GFI opened at $43.01 on Thursday. Gold Fields Limited has a 52-week low of $12.98 and a 52-week high of $47.18. The firms fifty day moving average is $40.97 and its two-hundred day moving average is $33.31.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently commented on GFI shares. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Gold Fields to $45.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Zacks Research upgraded Gold Fields from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Gold Fields from $50.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Scotiabank upped their price objective on Gold Fields from $30.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Investec cut Gold Fields from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $42.13.

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Gold Fields Profile

(Free Report)

Gold Fields Limited operates as a gold producer with reserves and resources in Chile, South Africa, Ghana, Canada, Australia, and Peru. It also explores for copper and silver deposits. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Sandton, South Africa.

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Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC  Get Free Report) (TSE:K)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $28.86 and last traded at $28.75, with a volume of 4503764 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $27.26.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently issued reports on KGC shares. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and set a $33.00 price objective on shares of Kinross Gold in a research report on Sunday. Zacks Research upgraded Kinross Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Raymond James Financial increased their price objective on Kinross Gold from $20.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Kinross Gold from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 30th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Kinross Gold from $31.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $29.81.

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Kinross Gold Stock Performance

The firms 50 day moving average price is $25.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $20.67. The firm has a market cap of $34.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.97, a P/E/G ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 2.83 and a quick ratio of 1.68.

Kinross Gold (NYSE:KGC  Get Free Report) (TSE:K) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The mining company reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.05. Kinross Gold had a net margin of 27.30% and a return on equity of 22.25%. The firm had revenue of $1.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.72 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.24 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 25.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Kinross Gold Corporation will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current year.

Kinross Gold Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th were issued a $0.035 dividend. This is a positive change from Kinross Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.03. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $0.14 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. Kinross Golds payout ratio is currently 9.79%.

Institutional Trading of Kinross Gold

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Laird Norton Wetherby Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Kinross Gold by 2.1% in the third quarter. Laird Norton Wetherby Wealth Management LLC now owns 25,309 shares of the mining companys stock worth $629,000 after purchasing an additional 521 shares during the period. Ballentine Partners LLC increased its holdings in Kinross Gold by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 32,144 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $799,000 after buying an additional 565 shares during the period. Cadence Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Kinross Gold by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Cadence Wealth Management LLC now owns 46,233 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,149,000 after buying an additional 581 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Kinross Gold by 7.0% during the 3rd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 9,018 shares of the mining companys stock worth $224,000 after acquiring an additional 587 shares during the period. Finally, Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd boosted its position in shares of Kinross Gold by 85.2% during the 3rd quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,280 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 589 shares in the last quarter. 63.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Kinross Gold

(Get Free Report)

Kinross Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties principally in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and Mauritania. The company operates the Fort Knox mine and the Manh Choh project in Alaska, as well as the Round Mountain and the Bald Mountain mines in Nevada, the United States; the Paracatu mine in Brazil; the La Coipa and the Lobo-Marte project in Chile; the Tasiast mine in Mauritania; and the Great Bear project in Canada.

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LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (NYSE:LTM  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $52.86 and last traded at $52.6750, with a volume of 131357 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $52.10.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

LTM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $58.50 price objective on shares of LATAM Airlines Group in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Zacks Research downgraded LATAM Airlines Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of LATAM Airlines Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays set a $60.00 target price on LATAM Airlines Group and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of LATAM Airlines Group from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, LATAM Airlines Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $59.25.

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LATAM Airlines Group Stock Up 2.3%

Hedge Funds Weigh In On LATAM Airlines Group

The companys 50-day moving average is $45.63 and its 200 day moving average is $44.06. The company has a market cap of $16.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 3.91.

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its holdings in shares of LATAM Airlines Group by 101.2% during the 2nd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 309,213 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $12,566,000 after purchasing an additional 155,553 shares during the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC lifted its position in LATAM Airlines Group by 1,028.9% during the first quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 139,478 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $4,363,000 after buying an additional 127,123 shares in the last quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. acquired a new position in LATAM Airlines Group during the second quarter worth $4,349,000. Kiker Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in LATAM Airlines Group during the second quarter worth $1,459,000. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio purchased a new stake in LATAM Airlines Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $4,458,000.

About LATAM Airlines Group

(Get Free Report)

LATAM Airlines Group SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides passenger and cargo air transportation services in Peru, Argentina, the United States, Europe, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, the Asia Pacific, and rest of Latin America. The company operates in two segments, Air Transportation; and Multiplus Coalition and Loyalty Program.

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Lloyds Banking Group (LON:LLOY  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The financial services provider reported GBX 6.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, reports. Lloyds Banking Group had a net margin of 16.66% and a return on equity of 11.22%.

Lloyds Banking Group Stock Performance

Shares of LON:LLOY opened at GBX 94.06 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is GBX 89.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 82.76. The stock has a market cap of 55.31 billion, a PE ratio of 16.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.23. Lloyds Banking Group has a one year low of GBX 52.44 and a one year high of GBX 97.74.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Lloyds Banking Group

In related news, insider Charlie Nunn acquired 217,494 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 19th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 84 per share, with a total value of 182,694.96. Also, insider William Chalmers acquired 138,723 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 19th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 84 per share, with a total value of 116,527.32. 0.16% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 100 to GBX 102 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reissued an outperform rating and set a GBX 93 price target on shares of Lloyds Banking Group in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 100 to GBX 110 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 84 to GBX 97 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Shore Capital reiterated a hold rating and set a GBX 84 target price on shares of Lloyds Banking Group in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Lloyds Banking Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 98.50.

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About Lloyds Banking Group

(Get Free Report)

We are the largest UK retail and commercial financial services provider with over 25 million customers and a presence in nearly every community.

The Groups main business activities are retail and commercial banking, general insurance and long-term savings, provided through the largest branch network and digital bank in the UK, with well recognised brands including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Scottish Widows.

Our shares are quoted on the London and New York stock exchanges and we are one of the largest companies in the FTSE 100 index.

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Shares of Mammoth Resources Corp. (CVE:MTH  Get Free Report) dropped 36.4% on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$0.04 and last traded at C$0.04. Approximately 203,000 shares changed hands during mid-day 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 company has a debt-to-equity ratio of -7.15, a current ratio of 0.01 and a quick ratio of 5.53. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$0.05 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$0.04. The company has a market capitalization of C$3.17 million, a PE ratio of -3.50 and a beta of 3.50.

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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Meritage Hospitality Group Inc. (OTCMKTS:MHGU  Get Free Report) shares were down 7.6% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $3.76 and last traded at $3.8425. Approximately 10,650 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 307% from the average daily volume of 2,614 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.1575.

Meritage Hospitality Group Stock Up 1.1%

The company has a quick ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 0.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $6.78 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $10.37. The company has a market capitalization of $25.85 million and a P/E ratio of -2.35.

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Meritage Hospitality Group (OTCMKTS:MHGU  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 17th. The company reported ($1.48) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.46 by ($1.94). The company had revenue of $154.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $173.10 million. Meritage Hospitality Group had a negative net margin of 1.28% and a negative return on equity of 6.70%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Meritage Hospitality Group Inc. will post 0.97 EPS for the current year.

Meritage Hospitality Group Company Profile

Meritage Hospitality Group Inc operates quick-service and casual dining restaurants. The company operates restaurants under the Wendy's, Morning Belle, and Stan's Tacos, as well as Taco John's brand names in Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

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Natixis purchased a new stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm purchased 41,091 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $3,418,000.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand during the second quarter valued at about $397,501,000. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 28.8% in the first quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 17,826,488 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,426,654,000 after purchasing an additional 3,989,643 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 10.7% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 19,198,593 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,536,464,000 after purchasing an additional 1,849,030 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 8,153.0% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 1,614,212 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $137,692,000 after purchasing an additional 1,594,653 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 47,128,533 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,920,151,000 after purchasing an additional 859,062 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.27% of the companys stock.

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Ingersoll Rand Trading Up 3.3%

NYSE IR opened at $80.98 on Thursday. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a one year low of $65.61 and a one year high of $102.98. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $78.41 and a 200-day simple moving average of $80.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 2.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.99 billion, a PE ratio of 59.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.06 and a beta of 1.33.

Ingersoll Rand Announces Dividend

Ingersoll Rand ( NYSE:IR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.87 by ($0.01). Ingersoll Rand had a return on equity of 12.14% and a net margin of 7.31%.The business had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.95 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.84 EPS. Ingersoll Rands revenue was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Ingersoll Rand has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.310 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Ingersoll Rand Inc. will post 3.32 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 13th were issued a $0.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 13th. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.1%. Ingersoll Rands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 5.93%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on IR. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $78.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $83.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Zacks Research cut shares of Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $103.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $94.20.

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Insider Transactions at Ingersoll Rand

In related news, CAO Michael J. Scheske sold 1,477 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.63, for a total transaction of $119,090.51. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 12,153 shares in the company, valued at $979,896.39. The trade was a 10.84% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.59% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Ingersoll Rand Company Profile

(Free Report)

Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, gas, liquid, and solid flow creation technologies services and solutions worldwide. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. The Industrial Technologies and Services segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services air and gas compression, vacuum, and blower products; fluid transfer equipment and loading systems; and power tools and lifting equipment, including associated aftermarket parts, consumables, air treatment equipment, controls, other accessories, and services under the under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Nash, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle brands, etc.

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ATHENS, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Greek Minister of Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis will take office on Friday as president of the Eurogroup, the assembly of finance ministers from the 20 European Union countries that use the euro, according to a press release by the Council of the European Union.

The announcement follows his election in Brussels on Thursday. Pierrakakis will serve a two-and-a-half-year term, with the first Eurogroup meeting under his leadership scheduled for Jan. 19, 2026.

Previously, Pierrakakis, 42, served as Greece's minister for digital governance from 2019 to 2023, overseeing nationwide digital transformation, and as minister of education from 2023 to 2025, where he implemented reforms to modernize the education system and learning infrastructure.

Greek President Constantine Tassoulas congratulated Pierrakakis, describing his election as "a recognition of the prestige of our country and the effectiveness of our economic policy" and as reflecting "a multi-year national effort that ensured Greece's success in overcoming the economic crisis and strengthening its position in Europe," according to the Greek official news agency AMNA.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted that the election comes exactly a decade after Greece faced the brink of financial collapse, underscoring the importance of fiscal consistency and bold reforms in achieving economic growth.

Pierrakakis succeeds Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, who stepped down in November to take up a senior position at the World Bank. 
Shares of NEC Co. (OTCMKTS:NIPNF  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $37.57, but opened at $35.60. NEC shares last traded at $35.60, with a volume of 636 shares trading hands.

NEC Price Performance

The company has a fifty day moving average price of $35.66 and a 200 day moving average price of $31.40. The company has a market capitalization of $9.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.71 and a beta of -0.47.

About NEC

(Get Free Report)

NEC Corporation provides information and communication technology solutions in Japan and internationally. It operates through five segments: Public Solutions Business, Public Infrastructure Business, Enterprise Business, Network Services Business, and Global Business. It provides systems integration services, including systems implementation and consulting; maintenance and support services; outsourcing and cloud services; and system equipment.

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Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT  Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $3.74, but opened at $3.62. Nordic American Tankers shares last traded at $3.6750, with a volume of 1,019,784 shares traded.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently issued reports on NAT. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Nordic American Tankers in a report on Monday. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on shares of Nordic American Tankers from $2.50 to $3.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Nordic American Tankers from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and issued a $3.50 price target on shares of Nordic American Tankers in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Nordic American Tankers presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $3.25.

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Nordic American Tankers Trading Down 1.6%

The firm has a 50-day moving average of $3.57 and a 200 day moving average of $3.13. The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86. The stock has a market capitalization of $735.83 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 173.84 and a beta of -0.45.

Nordic American Tankers (NYSE:NAT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 28th. The shipping company reported ($0.01) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.01 by ($0.02). Nordic American Tankers had a net margin of 1.12% and a return on equity of 0.39%. The business had revenue of $40.18 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $52.89 million. As a group, equities analysts predict that Nordic American Tankers Limited will post 0.24 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Nordic American Tankers Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th will be given a dividend of $0.13 per share. This is a positive change from Nordic American Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 8th. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 15.0%. Nordic American Tankerss payout ratio is presently 2,600.00%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Nordic American Tankers by 21.4% during the third quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 19,260 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $60,000 after purchasing an additional 3,395 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 8.3% during the 2nd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 44,932 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $118,000 after purchasing an additional 3,445 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its stake in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 15.9% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 27,236 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $86,000 after buying an additional 3,735 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 19.4% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 23,886 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $59,000 after buying an additional 3,875 shares during the period. Finally, Prospera Financial Services Inc boosted its stake in Nordic American Tankers by 21.4% during the second quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 24,680 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $65,000 after buying an additional 4,343 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 44.29% of the companys stock.

Nordic American Tankers Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Nordic American Tankers Limited, a tanker company, acquires and charters double-hull tankers in Bermuda and internationally. It operates a fleet of 20 Suezmax crude oil tankers. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Novartis (NYSE:NVS  Free Report) from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports.

A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. HC Wainwright cut shares of Novartis to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a sell rating and set a $118.00 price objective (down from $119.00) on shares of Novartis in a research note on Friday, September 12th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Novartis in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Cfra Research raised Novartis to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Novartis in a research note on Thursday, August 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $119.75.

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Novartis Trading Up 0.1%

NYSE:NVS opened at $131.17 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $277.09 billion, a PE ratio of 17.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 0.52. Novartis has a 52-week low of $96.06 and a 52-week high of $134.24. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $129.38 and its 200 day moving average price is $123.79. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50.

Novartis (NYSE:NVS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $2.25 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.26 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $14.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.70 billion. Novartis had a net margin of 26.49% and a return on equity of 41.21%. Novartiss quarterly revenue was up 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.06 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Novartis will post 8.45 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Novartis

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Novartis in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. GFG Capital LLC acquired a new position in Novartis during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC purchased a new position in Novartis in the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Novartis during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Valley Wealth Managers Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Novartis during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.12% of the companys stock.

Novartis Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology.

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OCO Capital Partners L.P. lowered its position in shares of OneMain Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:OMF  Free Report) by 24.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 550,000 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 175,000 shares during the period. OneMain accounts for approximately 13.5% of OCO Capital Partners L.P.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. OCO Capital Partners L.P. owned approximately 0.46% of OneMain worth $31,350,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in OMF. SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new position in OneMain in the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S acquired a new stake in shares of OneMain during the first quarter worth $42,000. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of OneMain in the first quarter valued at about $46,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of OneMain by 79.4% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 820 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 363 shares during the period. Finally, Golden State Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of OneMain by 2,940.0% in the second quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 912 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 882 shares in the last quarter. 85.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have weighed in on OMF. Wall Street Zen cut shares of OneMain from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of OneMain from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. JMP Securities set a $68.00 price target on OneMain in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Citizens Jmp reduced their price target on OneMain from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Truist Financial initiated coverage on OneMain in a research note on Monday. They set a buy rating and a $75.00 price objective on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $64.00.

OneMain Trading Up 4.2%

Shares of NYSE:OMF opened at $67.19 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $58.78 and a 200-day moving average of $57.90. OneMain Holdings, Inc. has a 12 month low of $38.00 and a 12 month high of $68.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.91 billion, a PE ratio of 11.39, a PEG ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.38.

OneMain (NYSE:OMF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.32. OneMain had a net margin of 13.15% and a return on equity of 22.70%. The business had revenue of $747.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.24 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.31 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that OneMain Holdings, Inc. will post 6.46 EPS for the current fiscal year.

OneMain Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a dividend of $1.05 per share. This is an increase from OneMains previous quarterly dividend of $1.04. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.3%. OneMains payout ratio is presently 71.19%.

Insider Transactions at OneMain

In related news, COO Micah R. Conrad sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.20, for a total transaction of $296,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 88,221 shares in the company, valued at $5,222,683.20. This represents a 5.36% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Douglas H. Shulman sold 35,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.54, for a total value of $2,083,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 231,600 shares in the company, valued at $13,789,464. This trade represents a 13.13% 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 40,652 shares of company stock valued at $2,420,324. Corporate insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock.

OneMain Company Profile

(Free Report)

OneMain Holdings, Inc, a financial service holding company, engages in the consumer finance and insurance businesses in the United States. It originates, underwrites, and services personal loans secured by automobiles, other titled collateral, or unsecured. The company also offers credit cards; optional credit insurance products, including life, disability, and involuntary unemployment insurance; optional non-credit insurance; guaranteed asset protection coverage as a waiver product or insurance; and membership plans.

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Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL  Get Free Report) shares gapped down prior to trading on Thursday after Cantor Fitzgerald lowered their price target on the stock from $400.00 to $320.00. The stock had previously closed at $223.01, but opened at $190.62. Cantor Fitzgerald currently has an overweight rating on the stock. Oracle shares last traded at $193.8660, with a volume of 35,472,056 shares traded.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. HSBC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $382.00 target price on shares of Oracle in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Oracle in a research report on Thursday. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Oracle in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a $375.00 price objective on shares of Oracle in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Melius Research increased their target price on shares of Oracle from $270.00 to $370.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-six have issued a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $304.54.

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Insider Buying and Selling

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other news, insider Michael D. Sicilia sold 33,845 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $321.16, for a total value of $10,869,660.20. Following the transaction, the insider owned 132,656 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,603,800.96. The trade was a 20.33% 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, Director William G. Parrett sold 11,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $306.00, for a total transaction of $3,519,000.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 17,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,435,784. The trade was a 39.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . Insiders sold 204,254 shares of company stock worth $60,227,807 in the last quarter. 40.90% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Swiss National Bank increased its holdings in shares of Oracle by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 5,093,200 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $1,113,526,000 after buying an additional 360,000 shares during the last quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC grew its position in Oracle by 9.2% in the second quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 3,817 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $835,000 after acquiring an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in Oracle by 4.8% during the second quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 32,937 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $7,201,000 after acquiring an additional 1,515 shares during the last quarter. Cascade Investment Group Inc. bought a new stake in Oracle during the second quarter worth approximately $239,000. Finally, Lockerman Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Oracle during the second quarter valued at approximately $328,000. Institutional investors own 42.44% of the companys stock.

Oracle Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $547.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.33. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $249.32 and a 200-day moving average price of $240.90.

Oracle (NYSE:ORCL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The enterprise software provider reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.62. The company had revenue of $16.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.19 billion. Oracle had a return on equity of 72.93% and a net margin of 21.08%.Oracles quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.47 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Oracle Corporation will post 5 earnings per share for the current year.

Oracle Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. Oracles dividend payout ratio is presently 46.30%.

Oracle Company Profile

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Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report)s share price was up 1.7% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $25.79 and last traded at $25.77. Approximately 43,430,015 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 15% from the average daily volume of 51,196,125 shares. The stock had previously closed at $25.33.

Analyst Ratings Changes

PFE has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $30.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, September 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $26.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Bank of America raised their target price on Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, twelve have issued 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 Hold and a consensus price target of $28.56.

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Pfizer Trading Up 1.7%

The firm has a market cap of $146.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.98 and a beta of 0.46. The companys 50-day moving average price is $25.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.73. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.65% and a return on equity of 20.17%. The firm had revenue of $16.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were given a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.7%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 100.00%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 1.9% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 533,363,457 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,928,730,000 after buying an additional 10,198,330 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 0.9% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 299,087,408 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $7,620,747,000 after buying an additional 2,786,098 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1.4% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 127,471,481 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,080,552,000 after buying an additional 1,820,634 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,270,157,000. Finally, Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in Pfizer by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 64,019,807 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,631,225,000 after acquiring an additional 869,175 shares in the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Pfizer Company Profile

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Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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PPL (NYSE:PPL  Get Free Report) had its target price dropped by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $43.00 to $40.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an overweight rating on the utilities providers stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price target suggests a potential upside of 19.64% from the companys previous close.

Several other equities analysts have also commented on the company. Barclays upped their target price on PPL from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. BTIG Research raised PPL to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on shares of PPL in a report on Monday, October 27th. They issued an overweight rating and a $43.00 price objective for the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of PPL in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of PPL in a research report on Monday, October 6th. They set an outperform rating and a $43.00 price target on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $40.58.

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PPL Trading Up 0.5%

Shares of PPL stock traded up $0.18 on Thursday, reaching $33.44. The company had a trading volume of 2,495,272 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,633,701. The firms 50 day moving average price is $36.47 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $35.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.77. PPL has a 52-week low of $31.22 and a 52-week high of $38.26. The firm has a market cap of $24.73 billion, a PE ratio of 22.60, a PEG ratio of 2.54 and a beta of 0.69.

PPL (NYSE:PPL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The utilities provider reported $0.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.46 by $0.02. PPL had a return on equity of 9.08% and a net margin of 12.16%.The companys revenue was up 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.42 earnings per share. PPL has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.780-1.840 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that PPL will post 1.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On PPL

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PPL. J.Safra Asset Management Corp purchased a new position in PPL during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates acquired a new stake in shares of PPL in the third quarter worth $30,000. Ancora Advisors LLC raised its position in PPL by 8,350.0% during the first quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 845 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 835 shares during the period. Truvestments Capital LLC lifted its stake in PPL by 5,352.9% in the 1st quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC now owns 927 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 910 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC grew its stake in PPL by 322.5% during the 3rd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 959 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 732 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.99% of the companys stock.

PPL Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

PPL Corporation, an energy company, focuses on providing electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.6 million customers in the United States. It operates through three segments: Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Rhode Island Regulated. The company delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and Rhode Island; delivers natural gas to customers in Kentucky and Rhode Island; and generates electricity from power plants in Kentucky.

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ProCook Group (LON:PROC  Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported GBX (2.03) earnings per share for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. ProCook Group had a return on equity of 7.65% and a net margin of 0.97%.

ProCook Group Trading Up 1.0%

PROC opened at GBX 39.90 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 301.33. The stocks fifty day moving average is GBX 34 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 37.55. The company has a market capitalization of 42.07 million, a P/E ratio of 46.94 and a beta of 1.12. ProCook Group has a 52 week low of GBX 20 and a 52 week high of GBX 48.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 54 price target on shares of ProCook Group in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 54.

About ProCook Group

(Get Free Report)

ProCook is the UKs leading direct-to-consumer specialist kitchenware brand. ProCook designs, develops, and retails a high-quality range of direct-sourced and own-brand kitchenware which provides customers with significant value for money.

The brand sells directly through its website, www.procook.co.uk, and through an expanding network of over 60 own-brand retail stores, located across the UK.

Founded over 25 years ago as a family business, selling cookware sets by direct mail in the UK, ProCook has grown into a market leading, multi-channel specialist kitchenware company, employing over 600 colleagues, and operating from its Store Support Centre in Gloucester.

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Sei Investments Co. trimmed its holdings in shares of Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL  Free Report) by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,524,323 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 47,548 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. owned approximately 0.38% of Welltower worth $388,061,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp increased its holdings in Welltower by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 39,616,289 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $6,090,212,000 after buying an additional 1,740,196 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Welltower during the 2nd quarter valued at about $4,903,554,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Welltower by 14.0% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 21,289,684 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,261,792,000 after acquiring an additional 2,614,562 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Welltower by 5.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 15,012,454 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,303,484,000 after acquiring an additional 723,887 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in shares of Welltower by 41.6% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 8,923,852 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,367,226,000 after purchasing an additional 2,622,384 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.80% of the companys stock.

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Welltower Trading Down 2.5%

Shares of NYSE:WELL opened at $190.97 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $187.13 and a 200 day moving average of $170.23. The company has a current ratio of 5.47, a quick ratio of 5.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The company has a market cap of $131.07 billion, a PE ratio of 131.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.84. Welltower Inc. has a 12-month low of $123.11 and a 12-month high of $209.05.

Welltower Dividend Announcement

Welltower ( NYSE:WELL Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.34 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $2.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.70 billion. Welltower had a net margin of 9.69% and a return on equity of 2.71%. Welltowers revenue for the quarter was up 30.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.11 EPS. Welltower has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.240-5.300 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Welltower Inc. will post 4.88 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 11th were issued a dividend of $0.74 per share. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. Welltowers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 204.14%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WELL has been the topic of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Welltower from $200.00 to $218.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Welltower from $170.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Welltower from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. National Bankshares set a $246.00 target price on Welltower in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Raymond James Financial restated a strong-buy rating on shares of Welltower in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $195.87.

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About Welltower

(Free Report)

Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve peoples wellness and overall health care experience.

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Skeena Resources Limited (NYSE:SKE  Get Free Report)s share price rose 6% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $25.53 and last traded at $25.5350. Approximately 241,956 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 54% from the average daily volume of 524,876 shares. The stock had previously closed at $24.10.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have commented on SKE shares. Wall Street Zen raised Skeena Resources from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Skeena Resources in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating on shares of Skeena Resources in a report on Friday, October 10th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Skeena Resources in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Desjardins raised Skeena Resources to a moderate buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Skeena Resources currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

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Skeena Resources Stock Performance

The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $18.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $16.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -34.21 and a beta of 1.23.

Skeena Resources (NYSE:SKE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.09) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.06) by ($0.03). As a group, equities analysts predict that Skeena Resources Limited will post -0.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Skeena Resources

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Skeena Resources by 431.1% in the third quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,390 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 1,940 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in shares of Skeena Resources in the 3rd quarter worth about $99,000. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Skeena Resources in the 1st quarter valued at about $77,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new stake in shares of Skeena Resources during the 1st quarter valued at about $89,000. Finally, Jain Global LLC acquired a new position in Skeena Resources in the third quarter valued at approximately $189,000. 45.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Skeena Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and nine mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 4,724 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,666 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada.

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CAIRO, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Thursday called for "the full implementation" of the agreement to end the war in Gaza, stressing the urgent need to accelerate humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

During a phone call, the two leaders stressed "the imperative to start the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip to guarantee the restoration of normal life for its inhabitants," according to the statement.

They also underscored their "categorical rejection" of any attempts aimed at displacing the Palestinian people from their land, reaffirming that "the Palestinian cause will remain at the forefront of Arab and international concern."

A long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza took effect on Oct. 10, and was reached through the mediation of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, based on a U.S. plan.

The Egyptian president and the Bahraini monarch agreed on "the importance of the full implementation" of the peace plan, as endorsed in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, considering it "a framework for achieving just and comprehensive peace," the statement added.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 70,300 Palestinians and injured at least 171,000 others, according to an update by Gaza's health authorities on Thursday. Despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire, 383 people have been killed and over 1,000 wounded in the enclave since Oct. 11, the authorities said. 
State Street Corp lifted its position in shares of PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG  Free Report) by 6.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,624,828 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after buying an additional 749,081 shares during the period. State Street Corp owned about 0.06% of PPG Industries worth $1,436,074,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of PPG. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of PPG Industries by 0.7% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 29,265,369 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $3,328,936,000 after acquiring an additional 192,560 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in PPG Industries by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 11,159,203 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,220,259,000 after purchasing an additional 592,152 shares during the period. First Eagle Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in PPG Industries by 21.2% in the second quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 5,560,280 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $632,482,000 after purchasing an additional 971,799 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in PPG Industries by 58.3% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 4,797,682 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $524,627,000 after purchasing an additional 1,766,518 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in PPG Industries during the second quarter valued at about $362,412,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.86% of the companys stock.

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PPG Industries Price Performance

Shares of PPG Industries stock opened at $100.46 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The company has a market cap of $22.54 billion, a PE ratio of 22.78, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.16. The business has a 50 day moving average of $99.53 and a 200 day moving average of $107.13. PPG Industries, Inc. has a 52 week low of $90.24 and a 52 week high of $125.71.

PPG Industries Announces Dividend

PPG Industries ( NYSE:PPG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.09 by $0.04. PPG Industries had a net margin of 6.35% and a return on equity of 23.61%. The business had revenue of $4.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.06 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.13 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. PPG Industries has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.600-7.700 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that PPG Industries, Inc. will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Monday, November 10th will be given a dividend of $0.71 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 10th. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.8%. PPG Industriess payout ratio is currently 64.40%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently commented on PPG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on PPG Industries from $112.00 to $117.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on PPG Industries from $132.00 to $130.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Bank of America dropped their price objective on PPG Industries from $131.00 to $129.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of PPG Industries in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Berenberg Bank lowered their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $131.00 to $110.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $122.54.

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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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State Street Corp decreased its position in shares of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS  Free Report) by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 24,707,201 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 587,105 shares during the period. State Street Corp owned approximately 4.73% of Fidelity National Information Services worth $2,011,413,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of FIS. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. increased its position in Fidelity National Information Services by 4.2% during the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 79,107 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $6,440,000 after acquiring an additional 3,220 shares during the period. Rivulet Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 29.8% during the second quarter. Rivulet Capital LLC now owns 925,100 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $75,312,000 after purchasing an additional 212,600 shares during the period. Natixis raised its position in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 25.8% in the second quarter. Natixis now owns 21,738 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,770,000 after buying an additional 4,458 shares in the last quarter. Ossiam boosted its stake in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 33.0% in the second quarter. Ossiam now owns 24,475 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,993,000 after buying an additional 6,068 shares during the period. Finally, California Public Employees Retirement System grew its position in Fidelity National Information Services by 3.5% during the second quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 912,778 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $74,309,000 after buying an additional 30,896 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 96.23% of the companys stock.

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Fidelity National Information Services Stock Up 2.2%

Shares of NYSE:FIS opened at $66.61 on Thursday. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. has a 52-week low of $59.51 and a 52-week high of $85.85. The company has a market capitalization of $34.50 billion, a PE ratio of 246.72 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.53. The company has a fifty day moving average of $65.66 and a 200-day moving average of $71.73.

Fidelity National Information Services Dividend Announcement

Fidelity National Information Services ( NYSE:FIS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The information technology services provider reported $1.51 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.48 by $0.03. Fidelity National Information Services had a return on equity of 19.76% and a net margin of 1.45%.The business had revenue of $2.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.65 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.40 EPS. Fidelity National Information Servicess quarterly revenue was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Fidelity National Information Services has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.740-5.780 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. will post 5.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 9th will be paid a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 9th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Fidelity National Information Servicess dividend payout ratio is currently 592.59%.

Insider Transactions at Fidelity National Information Services

In other Fidelity National Information Services news, Director Jeffrey A. Goldstein bought 889 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 15th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $67.66 per share, for a total transaction of $60,149.74. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 13,588 shares in the company, valued at approximately $919,364.08. This represents a 7.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Fidelity National Information Services from $85.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Susquehanna dropped their price target on Fidelity National Information Services from $81.00 to $77.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 12th. Stephens cut their price objective on shares of Fidelity National Information Services from $100.00 to $90.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Citigroup raised shares of Fidelity National Information Services to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, KeyCorp restated a hold rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $85.41.

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Fidelity National Information Services Company Profile

(Free Report)

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc engages in the provision of financial services technology solutions for financial institutions, businesses, and developers worldwide. It operates through Banking Solutions, Capital Market Solutions, and Corporate and Other segments. The company provides core processing and ancillary applications; mobile and online banking; fraud, risk management, and compliance; card and retail payment; electronic funds transfer and network; wealth and retirement; and item processing and output solutions.

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SVB Wealth LLC lowered its position in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 58.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,355 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 1,906 shares during the period. SVB Wealth LLCs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $363,000 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 the business. Avalon Trust Co raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 23.4% during the second quarter. Avalon Trust Co now owns 7,541 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,018,000 after buying an additional 1,429 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 25.4% during the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 480,633 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $127,108,000 after acquiring an additional 97,247 shares during the last quarter. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC increased its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 54.1% during the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 8,838 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,337,000 after acquiring an additional 3,101 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 168.0% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 138,278 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $36,568,000 after acquiring an additional 86,689 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 11.3% in the 1st quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 54,430 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $14,404,000 after purchasing an additional 5,508 shares during the last quarter. 82.45% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on TRV shares. Barclays set a $313.00 target price on Travelers Companies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $304.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $289.00 to $297.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $284.00 to $287.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Travelers Companies has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $292.73.

Travelers Companies Price Performance

Shares of Travelers Companies stock opened at $278.29 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.35 and a quick ratio of 0.35. The company has a market cap of $62.08 billion, a PE ratio of 10.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.53. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $279.18 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $271.93. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $230.23 and a fifty-two week high of $296.85.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.01 by $2.13. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 12.14% and a return on equity of 20.28%. The company had revenue of $12.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.15 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $5.24 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 EPS for the current year.

Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a $1.10 dividend. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is 17.30%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In related news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 8,572 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $270.73, for a total value of $2,320,697.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 33,638 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,106,815.74. This represents a 20.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $278.25, for a total value of $6,956,250.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 26,932 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,493,829. This trade represents a 48.14% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 46,295 shares of company stock worth $13,011,918. Insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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TBC Bank Group PLC (OTCMKTS:TBCCF  Get Free Report)s stock price was up 10.1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $52.68 and last traded at $52.68. Approximately 305 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 96% from the average daily volume of 6,800 shares. The stock had previously closed at $47.85.

TBC Bank Group Trading Up 10.1%

The firms 50 day moving average price is $56.86 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $60.04.

TBC Bank Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

TBC Bank Group PLC, through its subsidiaries, provides banking, leasing, insurance, brokerage, and card processing services to corporate and individual customers in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The company operates through Corporate; Retail; and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises segments. It offers mortgage, digital, consumer, car, pawnshop, and startup loans, as well as overdraft; working capital and fixed assets financing, credit line, trade finance, and business financing; treasury products; and term and savings deposits, mortgage, credit cards; current, and nominee account services.

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Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL  Free Report)s stock is scheduled to split on Tuesday, December 23rd. The 3-1 split was announced on Tuesday, December 2nd. The newly issued shares will be distributed to shareholders after the market closes on Monday, December 22nd.

Texas Pacific Land Stock Performance

NYSE TPL opened at $890.26 on Thursday. The firms fifty day moving average is $926.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $969.47. Texas Pacific Land has a one year low of $838.27 and a one year high of $1,462.78. The firm has a market cap of $20.46 billion, a PE ratio of 43.01 and a beta of 0.96.

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Texas Pacific Land (NYSE:TPL  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $5.27 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.77 by ($0.50). Texas Pacific Land had a return on equity of 38.15% and a net margin of 61.68%.The business had revenue of $203.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $175.00 million.

Texas Pacific Land Announces Dividend

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $1.60 per share. This represents a $6.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. Texas Pacific Lands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.92%.

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on TPL. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Texas Pacific Land in a report on Monday. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Texas Pacific Land to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Tudor Pickering raised shares of Texas Pacific Land to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, KeyCorp set a $1,050.00 target price on shares of Texas Pacific Land and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,050.00.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Texas Pacific Land

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Texas Pacific Land

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of TPL. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT acquired a new position in Texas Pacific Land during the first quarter worth $28,000. Quarry LP purchased a new position in shares of Texas Pacific Land in the third quarter valued at $29,000. CX Institutional acquired a new position in shares of Texas Pacific Land during the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new stake in shares of Texas Pacific Land in the 3rd quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Triumph Capital Management acquired a new stake in Texas Pacific Land in the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.94% of the companys stock.

Texas Pacific Land Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Texas Pacific Land Corporation engages in the land and resource management, and water services and operations businesses. The company owns a 1/128th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest (NPRI) under approximately 85,000 acres of land; a 1/16th NPRI under approximately 371,000 acres of land; and approximately 4,000 additional net royalty acres, total of approximately 195,000 NRA located in the western part of Texas.

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The Berkeley Group (LON:BKG  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported GBX 183.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. The Berkeley Group had a return on equity of 11.40% and a net margin of 16.13%.

The Berkeley Group Stock Up 2.2%

Shares of BKG opened at GBX 3,776 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.66, a current ratio of 3.39 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The stock has a market capitalization of 3.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.87 and a beta of 1.22. The Berkeley Group has a 1 year low of GBX 3,462 and a 1 year high of GBX 4,369.96. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 3,900.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 3,837.52.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on BKG shares. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered The Berkeley Group to an underperform rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from GBX 4,900 to GBX 3,700 in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on The Berkeley Group in a report on Monday, November 24th. They issued a sell rating and a GBX 3,714 price target on the stock. UBS Group restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 4,965 price target on shares of The Berkeley Group in a research note on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 5,000 price objective on shares of The Berkeley Group in a research report on Monday, September 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 4,344.75.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other The Berkeley Group news, insider Neil Eady purchased 1,325 shares of The Berkeley Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 29th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 3,773 per share, for a total transaction of 49,992.25. Corporate insiders own 8.01% of the companys stock.

The Berkeley Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

At Berkeley Group we build homes and neighbourhoods across London, Birmingham and the South of England.

Our passion and purpose is to build quality homes, strengthen communities and make a positive difference to peoples lives. We use our sustained commercial success to make valuable and enduring contributions that benefit all our stakeholders.

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company decreased its holdings in shares of Bank Of Montreal (NYSE:BMO  Free Report) (TSE:BMO) by 44.9% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 3,349,980 shares of the banks stock after selling 2,730,133 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company owned 0.47% of Bank Of Montreal worth $369,304,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Ascent Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bank Of Montreal by 3.5% during the second quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 2,756 shares of the banks stock valued at $305,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Bank Of Montreal by 40.0% in the second quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 350 shares of the banks stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in Bank Of Montreal by 4.5% during the second quarter. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 2,616 shares of the banks stock worth $289,000 after buying an additional 112 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Bank Of Montreal by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 3,283 shares of the banks stock valued at $363,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wedbush Securities Inc. boosted its position in Bank Of Montreal by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 3,091 shares of the banks stock valued at $342,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 45.82% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BMO has been the subject of several recent research reports. Scotiabank reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research report on Wednesday, August 27th. National Bankshares reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a report on Friday, August 15th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Bank Of Montreal from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, December 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of Bank Of Montreal from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $168.00 to $163.00 in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Cowen reiterated a hold rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research note on Wednesday, August 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $163.00.

Bank Of Montreal Stock Performance

Shares of Bank Of Montreal stock opened at $129.69 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $92.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.89, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $125.46 and a 200 day moving average price of $118.89. Bank Of Montreal has a 52 week low of $85.40 and a 52 week high of $131.36.

Bank Of Montreal (NYSE:BMO  Get Free Report) (TSE:BMO) last released its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $2.36 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.20. Bank Of Montreal had a net margin of 11.13% and a return on equity of 11.76%. The company had revenue of $6.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.51 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.90 EPS. Bank Of Montreals revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Bank Of Montreal will post 7.71 EPS for the current year.

Bank Of Montreal Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.67 per share. This represents a $6.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.2%. This is a boost from Bank Of Montreals previous quarterly dividend of $1.63. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. Bank Of Montreals dividend payout ratio is presently 57.35%.

Bank Of Montreal Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The companys personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products.

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CIBC Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI  Free Report) (TSE:TRI) by 16.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,369,718 shares of the business services providers stock after buying an additional 193,638 shares during the quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc owned approximately 0.30% of Thomson Reuters worth $275,740,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Thomson Reuters in the second quarter valued at approximately $275,036,000. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 365.6% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 894,074 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $154,475,000 after purchasing an additional 702,036 shares in the last quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management acquired a new stake in Thomson Reuters during the 2nd quarter worth $98,539,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 123.6% during the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 802,576 shares of the business services providers stock worth $161,424,000 after buying an additional 443,583 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 36.1% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,588,508 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $274,462,000 after buying an additional 421,279 shares during the last quarter. 17.31% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on TRI shares. Huber Research upgraded shares of Thomson Reuters to an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Thomson Reuters from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $187.00 to $212.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on Thomson Reuters from $208.00 to $182.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating and set a $189.00 price objective (down previously from $200.00) on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, CIBC set a $198.00 target price on Thomson Reuters and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $195.27.

Thomson Reuters Trading Up 0.9%

TRI opened at $129.85 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $145.08 and its 200 day moving average price is $172.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $57.76 billion, a PE ratio of 26.55, a P/E/G ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.80. Thomson Reuters Co. has a one year low of $128.16 and a one year high of $218.42.

Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI  Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The business services provider reported $0.85 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.80 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 14.62% and a net margin of 30.45%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.80 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 3.89 EPS for the current year.

Thomson Reuters Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were given a $0.595 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $2.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio is presently 61.18%.

About Thomson Reuters

(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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Timothy Plan International ETF (NYSEARCA:TPIF  Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 11th will be paid a dividend of 0.2234 per share on Friday, December 12th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.8%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 11th. This is a 2,467.8% increase from Timothy Plan International ETFs previous monthly dividend of $0.0087.

Timothy Plan International ETF Trading Up 0.5%

Shares of NYSEARCA TPIF opened at $34.34 on Thursday. Timothy Plan International ETF has a 12 month low of $25.85 and a 12 month high of $36.02. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $33.76 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $32.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $164.85 million, a PE ratio of 16.22 and a beta of 0.84.

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About Timothy Plan International ETF

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The Timothy Plan International ETF (TPIF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks a volatility-weighted index of international stocks screened for defined Christian values. TPIF was launched on Dec 2, 2019 and is managed by Timothy.

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Shares of Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the seven ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have assigned a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company.

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Erste Group Bank upgraded shares of Toyota Motor from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Toyota Motor from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, November 16th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Toyota Motor from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 18th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Toyota Motor in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Zacks Research cut Toyota Motor from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Toyota Motor

Toyota Motor Price Performance

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Toyota Motor in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. AlphaCore Capital LLC purchased a new position in Toyota Motor during the 1st quarter worth $37,000. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its stake in Toyota Motor by 65.7% in the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 227 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Toyota Motor in the first quarter valued at about $47,000. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Toyota Motor by 56.3% in the first quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 272 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. 1.48% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Shares of NYSE TM opened at $200.74 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $199.78 and its 200-day simple moving average is $190.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $270.49 billion, a PE ratio of 8.85 and a beta of 0.67. Toyota Motor has a fifty-two week low of $155.00 and a fifty-two week high of $211.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.25.

Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $4.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.36 by $1.49. Toyota Motor had a return on equity of 12.32% and a net margin of 9.33%.The firm had revenue of $81.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $79.06 billion. Toyota Motor has set its FY 2026 guidance at 15.249-15.249 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Toyota Motor will post 19.76 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Toyota Motor

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Toyota Motor Corporation designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells passenger vehicles, minivans and commercial vehicles, and related parts and accessories in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. It operates in Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other segments.

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ABU DHABI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the European Union (EU) on Thursday launched negotiations on a Strategic Partnership Agreement, both sides announced.

According to a report by the UAE's official WAM news agency, the announcement was made at a joint press conference in Abu Dhabi by Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, state minister in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and visiting EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica.

Nusseibeh said the step reflects a shared conviction that cooperation is essential for regional and global stability and prosperity, WAM reported.

She highlighted that the EU is the UAE's top investment partner and second-largest trading partner, adding that the UAE "looks forward to building a solid, comprehensive economic partnership with the EU," WAM reported.

Suica described the UAE as a strategic EU partner and a key player in trade, linking Europe with the Middle East and Asia, WAM reported.

Meanwhile, according to a joint statement released on the European Commission's website, both sides reaffirmed their determination to deepen cooperation such areas as trade, investment, green and digital transition, and artificial intelligence, among others.

The agreement aims to provide a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation and builds on the agenda set during the 2024 EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Brussels, read the joint statement.

The latest development came after the two sides formally launched negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement in late May, marking a potential breakthrough towards the EU's first comprehensive trade deal in the Gulf region. 
UiPath, Inc. (NYSE:PATH  Get Free Report)s stock price was up 3.2% on Monday . The company traded as high as $19.84 and last traded at $19.2650. Approximately 31,878,472 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 106% from the average daily volume of 15,446,133 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.67.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on PATH. Needham & Company LLC reissued a hold rating on shares of UiPath in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of UiPath from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of UiPath in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Truist Financial set a $17.00 price objective on shares of UiPath in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of UiPath in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $16.00.

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UiPath Trading Down 1.6%

The firm has a market capitalization of $9.91 billion, a PE ratio of 44.45, a PEG ratio of 7.04 and a beta of 1.10. The firms fifty day moving average price is $15.29 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.21.

UiPath (NYSE:PATH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.02. UiPath had a return on equity of 3.73% and a net margin of 14.79%.The business had revenue of $411.11 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $392.46 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.11 earnings per share. UiPaths quarterly revenue was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that UiPath, Inc. will post -0.17 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Brad Brubaker sold 27,580 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.55, for a total value of $511,609.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 635,359 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,785,909.45. The trade was a 4.16% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.61, for a total transaction of $837,450.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 29,108,585 shares in the company, valued at approximately $541,710,766.85. The trade was a 0.15% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 2,391,582 shares of company stock valued at $35,767,934. 23.19% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On UiPath

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PATH. GAMMA Investing LLC increased 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 last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in shares of UiPath by 17.7% during the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 6,522 shares of the companys stock worth $87,000 after acquiring an additional 981 shares in the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its holdings in shares of UiPath by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 123,329 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,579,000 after acquiring an additional 1,033 shares during the last quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC increased its holdings in shares of UiPath by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 32,886 shares of the companys stock valued at $440,000 after acquiring an additional 1,149 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its stake in shares of UiPath by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 313,946 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,019,000 after acquiring an additional 1,190 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.50% of the companys stock.

About UiPath

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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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Uranium Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC  Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reaffirmed by investment analysts at Roth Capital in a research note issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a $16.00 price target on the basic materials companys stock. Roth Capitals target price suggests a potential upside of 14.00% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on UEC. HC Wainwright increased their price target on Uranium Energy from $12.75 to $19.75 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. TD Securities upped their price target on shares of Uranium Energy from $8.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 15th. Stifel Canada raised Uranium Energy to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and issued a $14.00 price target (up previously from $7.75) on shares of Uranium Energy in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on shares of Uranium Energy in a research report on Monday, October 6th. They set a buy rating and a $10.50 price target on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Uranium Energy currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $14.19.

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Uranium Energy Trading Up 8.6%

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Uranium Energy

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN:UEC traded up $1.12 on Thursday, hitting $14.04. The company had a trading volume of 4,985,243 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,131,053. Uranium Energy has a 1-year low of $3.85 and a 1-year high of $17.80. The stock has a market cap of $6.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -82.60 and a beta of 1.35. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $13.33 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.52.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in Uranium Energy by 13.4% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 65,063 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $311,000 after acquiring an additional 7,679 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Uranium Energy by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,420,671 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $16,351,000 after purchasing an additional 11,542 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank boosted its position in shares of Uranium Energy by 1.3% during the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 819,700 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,918,000 after purchasing an additional 10,500 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Uranium Energy in the 1st quarter worth about $5,099,000. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Uranium Energy by 3,198.9% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 11,546 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 11,196 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 62.28% of the companys stock.

Uranium Energy Company Profile

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Uranium Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in exploration, pre-extraction, extraction, and processing uranium and titanium concentrates in the United States, Canada, and Paraguay. It owns interests in the Palangana mine, Goliad, Burke Hollow, Longhorn, and Salvo projects located in Texas; Anderson, Workman Creek, and Los Cuatros projects situated in Arizona; Dalton Pass and C de Baca project located in New Mexico; Roughrider, Shea Creek, Christie Lake, Horseshoe-Raven, Hidden Bay, Diabase, West Bear, JCU, and other project located in Canada; and Yuty, Oviedo, and Alto Parana titanium projects in Paraguay.

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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (ASX:BEN  Get Free Report) insider Vicki Carter bought 4,933 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were purchased at an average price of A$10.13 per share, with a total value of A$49,971.29.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $7.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.14.

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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Company Profile

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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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Voestalpine AG (OTCMKTS:VLPNY  Get Free Report)s share price gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $8.62, but opened at $8.93. Voestalpine shares last traded at $9.33, with a volume of 1,351 shares traded.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently commented on VLPNY shares. UBS Group raised Voestalpine from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Voestalpine in a report on Monday, November 17th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Voestalpine in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Voestalpine in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Voestalpine Stock Up 8.2%

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $7.59 and a 200-day moving average price of $6.44. The firm has a market cap of $8.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.17 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 0.53.

Voestalpine (OTCMKTS:VLPNY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.01. Voestalpine had a return on equity of 3.16% and a net margin of 1.50%.The firm had revenue of $4.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.31 billion. As a group, equities analysts predict that Voestalpine AG will post 0.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Voestalpine Company Profile

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Voestalpine AG processes, develops, manufactures, and sells steel products in Austria, European Union, and internationally. The company operates through five segments: Steel, High Performance Metals, Metal Engineering, Metal Forming, and Other. The Steel division produces hot and cold-rolled steel strips, as well as electrogalvanized, hot-dip galvanized, and organically coated steel strips; and heavy plates for the energy sector, as well as turbine casings for automotive, white goods/consumer goods, building/construction, energy, mechanical engineering, and others.

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Volterra Technologies LP bought a new stake in shares of Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 2,826 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $688,000.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Brighton Jones LLC acquired a new stake in Cheniere Energy during the 4th quarter worth approximately $335,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Cheniere Energy during the first quarter worth approximately $361,000. King Luther Capital Management Corp increased its holdings in Cheniere Energy by 9.2% in the first quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp now owns 5,569 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,289,000 after buying an additional 470 shares during the last quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance raised its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy by 33.8% during the first quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 2,560 shares of the energy companys stock worth $592,000 after purchasing an additional 646 shares during the period. Finally, Meridian Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy by 5.3% in the 1st quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,675 shares of the energy companys stock worth $388,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. 87.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on LNG shares. Zacks Research lowered shares of Cheniere Energy from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Mizuho increased their price objective on Cheniere Energy from $268.00 to $273.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 29th. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of Cheniere Energy from $274.00 to $271.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Jefferies Financial Group set a $290.00 price objective on shares of Cheniere Energy in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Scotiabank decreased their price objective on Cheniere Energy from $261.00 to $257.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $268.47.

Cheniere Energy Trading Down 2.9%

LNG opened at $193.01 on Thursday. Cheniere Energy, Inc. has a 12 month low of $188.70 and a 12 month high of $257.65. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.12. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $214.89 and its 200 day simple moving average is $228.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $41.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.75, a P/E/G ratio of 5.20 and a beta of 0.26.

Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The energy company reported $4.75 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.75 by $2.00. Cheniere Energy had a return on equity of 37.52% and a net margin of 21.12%.The firm had revenue of $4.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.87 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.93 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 18.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Cheniere Energy, Inc. will post 11.69 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Cheniere Energy Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 18th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a dividend of $0.555 per share. This is an increase from Cheniere Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. This represents a $2.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. Cheniere Energys payout ratio is 12.37%.

Insider Transactions at Cheniere Energy

In related news, Director W Benjamin Moreland bought 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $208.22 per share, for a total transaction of $1,041,100.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 9,856 shares in the company, valued at $2,052,216.32. The trade was a 102.97% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.26% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Cheniere Energy

(Free Report)

Cheniere Energy, Inc, an energy infrastructure company, primarily engages in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) related businesses in the United States. It owns and operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana; and the Corpus Christi LNG terminal near Corpus Christi, Texas. The company also owns Creole Trail pipeline, a 94-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal with several interstate and intrastate pipelines; and operates Corpus Christi pipeline, a 21.5-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Corpus Christi LNG terminal with various interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LNG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG  Free Report).

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WINTON GROUP Ltd bought a new position in shares of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 14,703 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,076,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CARR. AdvisorShares Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of Carrier Global during the second quarter worth $25,000. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Carrier Global in the second quarter valued at $26,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Carrier Global during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Carrier Global during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Finally, Accredited Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Carrier Global during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. 91.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Carrier Global from $61.00 to $60.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Carrier Global from $75.00 to $60.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 5th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $74.00 to $72.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Carrier Global from $62.00 to $59.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $72.25.

Carrier Global Stock Up 0.7%

Carrier Global stock opened at $53.22 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $44.82 billion, a PE ratio of 11.91, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.30. Carrier Global Corporation has a 12-month low of $50.30 and a 12-month high of $81.09. The firms fifty day moving average is $56.13 and its 200 day moving average is $64.43. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76.

Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $5.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.65 billion. Carrier Global had a net margin of 18.05% and a return on equity of 16.65%. The businesss revenue was down 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.83 earnings per share. Carrier Global has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.650-2.650 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Carrier Global Corporation will post 2.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Carrier Global Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. This is an increase from Carrier Globals previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 20.13%.

Carrier Global announced that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Tuesday, October 28th that permits the company to buyback $5.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to buy up to 10.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Carrier Global Company Profile

(Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security.

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GAZA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Hamas-run media office in Gaza described recent U.S. statements regarding the entry of aid into the enclave as "misleading and contrary to documented facts."

It came in response to statements by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, who said he visited the Kerem Shalom crossing to see "firsthand the primary processing point for international aid and commercial goods into Gaza."

Waltz said on his social media account that since the UN Security Council adopted U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan on November 17, "over 600 trucks per day are now bringing food, shelter, and medicine are now entering."

In the statement, the media office explained that only 14,534 trucks have entered the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire agreement came into effect, out of the 37,200 that were supposed to enter under the agreement.

The actual daily average does not exceed 234 trucks, representing a compliance rate of no more than 39 percent, according to the statement.

The office added that the figures "confirm that Israel is not only drastically reducing supplies but is also pursuing a systematic policy of economic strangulation aimed at keeping the Gaza Strip on the brink of famine." 
Yes  its essential for fairness and democratic stability

Maybe  but only if both major parties commit in law

No  the current system gives needed flexibility

Vote

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TEHRAN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned the U.S. government's intensified restrictions on the staff of its permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York.

In a statement, the ministry called on the UN to prevent "the violation of Iran's legal rights," while strongly denouncing a decision by the U.S. State Department to prevent "the continuation of the activities" of three employees of the Iranian mission in New York.

"The enforcement of extensive restrictions on the Iranian diplomats' place of residence and movements, intensification of restrictions on their bank accounts and imposition of restrictions on their daily purchases are among the pressures and harassments the U.S. government has designed and implemented to disrupt the Iranian diplomats' fulfillment of their conventional and legal responsibilities," it stressed.

The ministry described the U.S. decision about the Iranian mission's staff members as "the peak of the U.S. government's law-breaking and violation of commitments," which "casts doubt on the U.S. government's eligibility for hosting the UN Headquarters."

The Iranian ministry did not specify when the restrictions were tightened. However, back in September, the U.S. State Department said it had restricted the movement of Iranian diplomats attending the UN General Assembly in New York and barred them from shopping at wholesale club stores and purchasing luxury goods as a part of the U.S. "maximum pressure" campaign against the Iranian government. 
by Gano Souleymane, Chen Chen

DAKAR, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- China, a guest of honor at the inaugural African Tourism Market Exhibition, attracted significant attention on Wednesday with its pavilion showcasing Chinese cuisine, culture, and tourist destinations.

The exhibition, organized by Senegal's National Agency for Tourism Promotion, features global tourism products, cultural performances, conferences, and professional networking opportunities.

The event also highlights Morocco, Gabon, The Gambia, Slovenia, and Turkiye as guest countries.

At the China pavilion in Dakar's Grand Theatre, visitors sampled Chinese dishes, explored cookbooks in French, and viewed literature on Chinese civilization and cooking tools. Young Senegalese trained at the Confucius Institute of Cheikh Anta Diop University helped interpret and explain cultural practices.

"This is not simply a tasting session," said Gao Jiahe, a Confucius Institute teacher at the pavilion. "Through food, objects, and explanations, we aim to give visitors a tangible sense of what a trip to China can offer -- a blend of culture, heritage, and everyday life that creates a full tourism experience."

Visitors appreciated the offerings. Dieynaba Hann said, "I tried the beef sauce, chicken, and coffee with milk. It was very well done. I really liked it."

"The dishes were lightly seasoned, well dosed, well cooked, and easy to digest," Abdoulaye Ba said.

The pavilion's combination of culinary demonstrations and cultural displays aims to show how gastronomy and artifacts can help promote travel destinations. This approach offers practical ideas for African tourism professionals looking to diversify their offerings.

Senegal's Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism Amadou Ba applauded the growing dynamism of tourism across Africa, calling it a "moment of renewal."

Africa's rich heritage offers unmatched potential for developing diversified and sustainable tourism, he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang highlighted the exhibition as part of efforts to develop the tourism sector.

Tourism cooperation between China, Africa, and Senegal is already yielding results and holds great potential, he said. "The Chinese side is ready to strengthen mutual promotion of destinations, deepen integration between culture and tourism, and inject fresh momentum into China-Senegal relations."

With the exhibition running through Thursday, China's pavilion remains one of the most popular, drawing thronging crowds eager to explore travel possibilities. 
CAPE TOWN, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Matric exam papers were leaked ahead of the tests in South Africa, with two officials from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) suspended, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube reported on Thursday.

Speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town, Gwarube revealed that the breach was found through the system's stringent marking processes.

According to Gwarube, markers in Gauteng Province detected unusual similarities in several English Home Language Paper 2 scripts shortly after marking began on Dec. 1 at 183 centers nationwide. The provincial education department alerted the national department on Dec. 2, triggering a preliminary investigation that confirmed a breach.

Twenty-six learners were later identified and interviewed, who admitted to having gained prior access to exam materials. Investigators traced the leak to the DBE's national office, said the minister.

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination, commonly referred to as the matric exam, has become an annual event of major public significance in South Africa.

This year, over 900,000 candidates sat for the 2025 exams across 7,000 centers, supported by thousands of invigilators and more than 51,000 markers and moderators.

"Our systems are robust," Gwarube said. "They have allowed us to identify that the suspect involved is an employee of the Department of Basic Education who has a child in Grade 12. Evidence suggests that she received the question paper from another DBE employee who works within the examination unit."

The minister said that three subjects -- English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences -- had been accessed before the exams, with the papers distributed via a USB device and so far confined to seven schools in one Pretoria area.

To safeguard the credibility of the examinations, Gwarube announced the establishment of a national investigative task team, which will begin work within 24 hours.

The team will investigate the source and scope of the leak and recommend measures to prevent future breaches. A preliminary report is expected on Dec. 29, with the final report due on Dec. 31. 
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today issued an urgent alert to producers across the state to inspect their pastures for a newly detected and highly damaging pest: the pasture mealybug (Helicococcus summervillei). This invasive species, never before reported in North America, has been confirmed in multiple Texas counties and is already causing significant damage to pasture acreage across the Lone Star State.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is working closely with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to coordinate a rapid response and protect Texas producers.

The pasture mealybug is a serious pest of forage grasses that causes "pasture dieback," leaving expanding patches of yellowing, weakened and ultimately dead turf. First described in Australia in 1928, it has devastated millions of acres of grazing land there and has since spread globally, causing severe financial impacts. Its rapid reproduction, hidden soil-level feeding and broad host range make it a significant threat to pasture health and livestock operations.

"This is a completely new pest to our continent and Texas is once again on the front lines," Commissioner Miller said. "If the pasture mealybug spreads across Texas grazing lands like it has in eastern Australia, it could cost Texas agriculture dearly in lost productivity and reduced livestock capacity. TDA is working hand-in-hand with federal and university partners to respond swiftly and protect our producers from this unprecedented threat."

The estimated impact area currently covers 20 counties, including: Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Refugio, Calhoun, Victoria, Goliad, Dewitt, Lavaca, Fayette, Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria, Galveston, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Burleson, Brazos and Robertson. AgriLife entomologists have submitted a formal Pest Incident Worksheet documenting significant damage to pastures and hayfields in Victoria County.

Research trials are underway to determine the best integrated pest management options. Currently, there is no known effective labeled insecticide for pasture mealybug.

Affected plants include: Bermudagrass, Bahia grass, Johnsongrass, hay grazer (sorghumsudangrass), St. Augustine grass, various bluestem species and other tropical or subtropical grasses. Damage can occur in leaves, stems, and roots.

Symptoms:

Yellowing and discoloration of leaves within a week of infestation

Purpling or reddening of foliage

Stunted growth and drought stress despite rainfall

Poorly developed root systems

Dieback starting at leaf tips and progressing downward

Premature aging, making plants more vulnerable to pathogens

Inspection tips:

Scout regularly for mealybugs on grass leaves, stems, soil surface, leaf litter and under cow patties

Focus on unmanaged areas such as fence lines, un-grazed patches, and roadsides

Look for fluffy, white, waxy, or "fuzzy" insects on blades and stems

If plants appear unhealthy and insects match this description, investigate further

"Early identification is critical and we need every producer's eyes on the ground," Commissioner Miller added. "We are working diligently with our federal and state partners to determine how to best combat this novel threat and stop it in its tracks."

If you observe suspicious symptoms or insects matching the descriptions above, contact TDA at 1-(800)-TELL-TDA immediately.

For more information on the mealybug, visit here.
IDPs petition Murmu

|

IMPHAL, Dec 11 : Six committees representing internally displaced people (IDPs) have submitted a joint memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, outlining a series of demands to resolve the crisis besetting Manipur.

The memorandum was submitted Churachandpur Meitei United Committee (CMUC), Meitei Council Moreh (MCM), Committee on Protection of Meitei Victims, Moreh (COPMeV), Torbung Gram Panchayat Victim Committee (TGPVC), Meitei Union Kangpokpi District (MUKD) and Apex Committee of Victim Villages (Ekou, Sadu, Yengkhuman, Dolaithabi, Leitanpokpi, Mairenpat).

These committees, highlighting the plights of the IDPs, urged the President to initiate a dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities under the guidance of the Government of India to restore last peace and communal harmony in the State.

They also urged the President to make necessary arrangements for the safe and secure return of IDPs to their respective villages.

Deploy IRB Battalion at Moreh, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi and establish security check posts every 5 Km along vulnerable routes to prevent recurrence of violence, they urged.

Thousands of homes belonging to Meitei residents in different areas including Churachandpur, Moreh, Kangpokpi, Imphal East etc were demolished during the aggression by Kuki-Zo community, they said, demanding that the Centre and Government of Manipur reconstruct these houses with a fixed deadline.

For families with land pattas, construction must take place on their original land, they said and urged the Government to construct permanent homes for non pattadars including those living on rent, village community land, mission compounds or informal village land on allotted Government land.

They also said that no monetary compensation should be used as a substitute for actual house construction.

Moreover, these committees urged the President to provide adequate compensation for the loss of properties, livelihood and assets destroyed amid the crisis.

Provide suitable Government jobs to eligible members of IDP families and for those not eligible, ensure inclusion in livelihood and self employment programmes to help rebuild their future, they further demanded.






A hard sincere look at society Housewives to homemakers

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Put them on a pedestal in the public domain, but what happens within the confines of ones home is nobodys business. Yet another Nupi Lan is at hand and the essence of the line just spelt out here should become all that more clear. Manipur is the only place in the country where a special day is set aside to pay respect and obeisance to the heroics of womenfolk of yesteryears in the form and substance of Nupi Lan. The said day is held, observed and the courage of the foremothers are remembered with respect and reverence but has this permeated to the reality of the conditions that women presently find themselves in the great Meitei society ? A question worth raising and not without reason. As professionals engaged in the job of disseminating information to the people everyday, it is not uncommon to carry regular news on cases related to child sexual abuse under POCSO. The Sangai Express does not have the exact figure of how many have been convicted under the POCSO since it was enacted in the latter part of 2012, but cases related to this Act have seen an upward tick down the years and most of the victims are always girls. There is a reason why this column has always come out against holding women in high esteem in the public sphere but reduce them to the status of punching bags inside the confines of ones home and the demeaning language used against the weaker sex in any circumstance. Such practices and train of thoughts, wherein women are subjected to demeaning language speak volumes of where women exactly stand in the overall scheme of things in the society. And this is what is unacceptable and certainly does not fit a place, a place which sets aside a day as Nupi Lan and which has given the Meira Paibi movement to the world. And ironic it may sound but it is in such a place that women are tagged to fit the bill of the weaker sex literally and metaphorically speaking. Something, somewhere is seriously wrong and the place which has given the world champions like Kunjarani, Sanamacha, Sarita, just to name a few names that come to mind, continue to welcome the birth of a son more than the birth of a daughter ! Moral policing is rampant, and whether one publicly admits it or not, such policing always tend to target the behaviour and conduct of the women in question. And perhaps it is under this mindset that women are increasingly being seen and projected as child bearing beings, their worth being calculated on the number of male offsprings they manage to give birth to !

Something has to give if Manipur is to really make the observance of Nupi Lan more meaningful. And the first step towards this should start from each family. Domestic violence is unheard of in the public domain, but does this actually reflect the reality ? A look at the neighbourhood may just give a clearer picture and the point that is sought to be conveyed here should be clear. The reality demands that social hypocrisy should have no place in todays world. And the very act of placing womenfolk on the pedestal in the public domain but reducing them to punching bags within the confines of ones home or blocking the route for them to grow professionally or have a political standing in society is nothing but hypocrisy. This is the reality. How many women MLAs has Manipur had ever since the place attained Statehood in 1972 ? How many women Ministers has Manipur seen ? A case of women unable to climb the ladder of success in the world of politics or something else ? The answer could lie somewhere but these are questions which Manipur should be raising now within itself, if due respect and cognizance are to be given to the Meira Paibi movement, the very act of setting aside a day as Nupi Lan etc. It is also time for Manipur to celebrate not only the women sportspersons who have excelled at the international stage but also study how the place can proceed from the stage of viewing the stay at home women as housewives to one of homemakers. Such a progress can go a long way in according women their right place in society and the first step should start from the home of everyone. Time to make Nupi Lan more meaningful and start that with celebrating the birth of the daughter and not only the son !
Ghanaian Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak attends a press conference to launch a new system for easy access to e-governance services in Accra, Ghana, on Dec. 10, 2025. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Ghana has launched a new system to expand e-governance processes, making services related to national security, migration management, and citizens' rights digitally accessible.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who launched the system on Wednesday, said the Ministry of the Interior Online Digital Services Portal supports the government's vision of a modern, secure, and inclusive digital economy, one in which public services are accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of every Ghanaian.

The initiative forms part of the government's wider e-governance drive and aims to remove long-standing delays that affect applicants, he said.

"Core citizenship services, including immigration quota permits, renunciation of citizenship, dual nationality applications, and registration as a citizen of Ghana, will now be handled on the new digital portal," Mohammed-Mubarak told a press briefing.

For many years, the minister said, important services offered by the ministry that support national security, public safety, migration management, business activities, and the protection of citizens' rights have mostly depended on slow, paper-based methods, which caused delays, created problems in administration, and made it harder for applicants.

"The new digital services portal directly addresses these challenges. It modernizes our operations, strengthens data integrity and security, and provides end-to-end digital access to our most frequently used services," Mohammed-Mubarak said.

"With this launch, we take a decisive step towards a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered ministry fully aligned with the government's commitment to building a forward-looking, technology-driven public sector," he said. 


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IndiGos woes do not seem to stop, with the airline reportedly cancelling 60 flights from Bengaluru airport on Thursday, its major hub of operations. According to a source, agencies reported that IndiGo cancelled 32 arrivals and 28 departures from Kempegowda International Airport, Karnataka.

This new development comes on the heels of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) tightening the noose around domestic airline operations in India regarding implementing the latest FDTL (pilot and crew duty) norms. The aviation watchdog also summoned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and demanded a comprehensive report, including data and updates, on the recent operational disruptions on Thursday.

On Wednesday, IndiGo had cancelled 137 flights in Delhi, and many more in Bengaluru and Mumbai. The total cancellations across the three airports stood at 220 flights. It was on the same day that IndiGo Chairman Vikram Mehta apologised for the massive disruptions due to a combo of internal and external "unanticipated" events.

Now, on the eleventh day since the major flight disruptions, IndiGo is still going through a bit of turbulence. It recently cut its third-quarter guidance, too.

On Wednesday, it posted, "based on our current estimates, we expect a downward moderation to our earlier communicated Q3 2025-26 guidance on a year-over-year comparison basis". IndiGo now sees "mid-single digit (%) downward moderation" in passenger unit revenues for the quarter versus the earlier outlook of "flattish to slight growth".

However, ratings agencies still have faith in IndiGo's parent Interglobe Aviation to bring it back in the next fiscal.

Raings firm ICRA noted: "Profitability for the current fiscal will remain under pressure, not only from operational disruptions but also from the depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar. IndiGos financial leverage (net debt, including lease liabilities, minus free cash/ EBITDAR) in FY2026 is likely to breach ICRAs negative trigger of 2.5x."

But it did not see much long-term impact.

"In its base case, ICRA does not expect the breach to persist in the next fiscal, implying that the medium-term credit impact of this event should be largely manageable. ICRA continues to take comfort from the companys dominant market share in the Indian aviation industry, strong growth prospects supported by low air travel penetration in India, and the companys strong balance sheet characterised by a healthy liquidity profile, marked by unencumbered cash and equivalents of around Rs 38,500 crore as on September 30, 2025. The large liquidity buffers give IndiGo a significant cushion to bear the near-term earnings pressure as well as meet its investment requirements, without raising new debt," the ratings firm said in a statement.

Message from Vikram Singh Mehta, Chairman and Non-Executive Independent Director of IndiGo pic.twitter.com/sySacxlFq0  IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 10, 2025

Despite all this, pilots' associations are slamming IndiGo. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) recently said that other airlines had adequate pilots and prepared well in advance, given the two-year preparatory window before full FDTL implementation, but IndiGo allegedly did not. Instead, they chose to "inexplicably adopt a hiring freeze, entered non-poaching arrangements, maintained a pilot pay freeze through cartel-like behaviour, and demonstrated other short-sighted planning practices," FIP alleged.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Parliament to pass major economic reforms. These reforms receive limited public focus, but at closer inspection, they provide the impetus to attract foreign investment, regularise outdated laws, and lead to increased economic growth and a better business environment for Indians.

Modi-led BJP came to power in 2014 promising less government, more governance, and he is now attempting to seize the opportunity to deliver on that promise, albeit slowly. With global confusion over trade and a contemporaneously dim US-India economic relationship, domestic reforms are the need of the hour to push India ahead.

Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) India Reforms Scorecard 3.0 identifies 30 major economic reforms that the government can adopt to open Indias economy and promote growth that can pave the way for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Some of these recommendations are on the governments agenda during Parliaments Winter Session.

1. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025: India has a myriad of regulatory compliances at the Union and state level, non-adherence to which exposes individuals and businesses to imprisonment and arbitrary fines. This poses a hindrance to economic growth and can be a burden on Indias already overstretched judiciary. GoI passed the Jan Vishwas Act in 2023, rationalising 183 provisions in 42 Union government acts. The Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025, will further strike down and reform more penalties, totaling an estimated 355 provisions  288 provisions to be decriminalised for business regulations, and 67 provisions proposed to be amended to facilitate ease of living.

2. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025: The bill aims to hasten and simplify insolvency cases and strengthen creditor rights. Pending cases that can be resolved through out-of-court restructuring rather than with the National Company Law Tribunal will ensure the resolution process remains timely  but there must be strict enforcement of deadlines, in line with the CSIS Scorecard. Through this bill, the Centre can create a more investor-friendly business environment.

Another important bill not covered by this Scorecard but under consideration includes:

3. The Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025: The bill merges Indias key securities laws - the SEBI Act, Depositories Act, and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act into one single modern statute to simplify regulation, reduce arbitrary compliance burdens, and strengthen market oversight. It also aims to decriminalise minor offenses, introduce modern and more rational penalties, and improve investor protections. This bill has the potential to not only ease business regulations but also strengthen confidence in Indias markets.

Much more can be done, but the Winter Session offers an opportunity to set India on a de-regulation path that is crucial for Indias economic goals. Reforms are an uneasy pill for a diverse country like India that was founded on principles adhering to high levels of state-control and oversight.

The India Reforms Scorecard 3.0 offers insight into further legislative actions that could really push India ahead:

1. Indias Income Tax Act, 2025, simplified rules and regulations but did not bring in the intensity of reforms that the Direct Tax Code, originally promised by the government, could do. The CSIS Scorecard recommends a Direct Tax Code aimed at harmonising capital gains taxes across asset classes and simplifying the tax deduction at source framework.

2. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, which was recently notified by the government, gives firms with up to 300 employees flexibility in hiring and firing. Firms may choose to remain below this threshold, fearing government oversight, and therefore giving up opportunities to grow and expand. This number should be increased to 1,000 workers, as per the CSIS Scorecard.

The Modi government is strong and riding a wave of recent wins in Bihar, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi. This has added new life to the governments agenda and increased its popularity and sense of invincibility. The government must now seize this tremendous opportunity and act in favor of Viksit Bharat. The time for reforms is now.

Aryan DRozario is an associate fellow with the Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

About the India Reforms Scorecard: Through the India Reforms Scorecard 3.0, the CSIS India Chair presents a wish list of thirty reforms that the newly elected government should address. The list has been collated after rigorous literature reviews, surveys, and brainstorming sessions involving scholars, economists, and industry leaders. While such a list can never be definitive, we hope this list helps the public understand the choices that are on the table and track the pace of progress on individual reform items. Earlier editions of the scorecard cover Prime Minister Modis second and first terms.
The Indian Navy is set to commission DSC A20, the first vessel in its indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft (DSC) series in Kerala's Kochi on Tuesday. The commissioning will add a key operational asset to the Indian Navy, significantly boosting its diving and underwater support capabilities.

DSC A20 is the lead ship among five Diving Support Craft being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

Designed for a wide range of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters, the vessel is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems that meet stringent safety and operational standards.

Featuring a catamaran hull form, the vessel offers enhanced stability, greater deck space and improved seakeeping capabilities.

ALSO READ: How DRDO saved Rs 2,64,156 crore in the past five years

The ship, which has a displacement of around 390 tonnes, has been designed and built in line with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). It also underwent hydrodynamic analysis and model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, to validate performance and reliability.

The ship will be inducted in the presence of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

The commissioning of DSC A20 marks a milestone in Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the maritime sector, reflecting collaboration between the Indian Navy, domestic shipbuilders and national research institutions.
The US has approved the sale of advanced technology and support for F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan. The $686 million package includes Link16 systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics updates, training, and comprehensive logistical support for the multirole fighter aircraft.

Pakistan reportedly operates roughly 7075 F-16s, spread across several frontline squadrons, making them one of the mainstay fighter types of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

One of the primary objectives of the sale is modernising Pakistan's F-16 fleet and addressing the operational safety concerns. The sale is also intended at supporting the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US while ensuring that Pakistan continues to operate its F-16 fleet safely and effectively.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), in a recent letter to Congress, gave the approval, even as it clarified that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not change the basic military balance in the region.

ALSO READ: Why Russia matters to India: The risks and rewards of New Delhi's strategic bet on Moscow

According to Pakistani media reports, DSCA explained the rationale for the sale, saying this would support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts. This would also aid the preparations for future contingency operations.

According to the DSCA letter, the sale will ensure Pakistan's capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing the F-16 fleet.

The updates to the F-16 fleet will ensure more seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training. Besides, the refurbishment will extend the aircraft's life through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns.

The letter said Pakistan has shown a commitment to maintaining its military forces and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
A team of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized a Pakistani fishing boat that was operating illegally in Indian waters on Thursday and apprehended 11 crew members, officials reportedly said. The eleven Pak nationals have been handed over to Jakhau Marine Police in Gujarat for further investigation, they said.

The boat was spotted inside India's Exclusive Economic Zone, which demanded quick action from the ICG team. Port of Jakhau is located in the Kutch district of the coastal state.

In a swift and coordinated operation on 10 Dec 2025, @IndiaCoastGuard intercepted and apprehended a #Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside #Indian waters. This decisive action reflects the unwavering vigilance of the #ICG and #Indias firm resolve pic.twitter.com/LW3YY6WK5Y  Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 11, 2025

"The Indian Coast Guard intercepted and apprehended a Pakistani fishing vessel along with 11 crew operating illegally inside Indian waters. This decisive action reflects the unwavering vigilance of the ICG and India's firm resolve to protect its maritime frontiers and uphold international maritime law within the MZI. Relentless surveillance and proactive operation remain the bedrock of our maritime security strategy," the ICG said on X confirming the interception.

The Indian Coast Guard, in a swift action on Wednesday, "apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew inside India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)," Gujarat Defence PRO Wing Commander Abhishek Kumar Tiwari said in a post on X.

This interdiction underscores the Coast Guard's sustained maritime operations and India's commitment to securing its frontiers while maintaining robust enforcement of international laws within the Maritime Zones of India (MZI), he said.

"Continuous vigilance across India's maritime domain remains a cornerstone of our national maritime security strategy," he added.

In early August, the Border Security Force (BSF) had reportedly arrested 15 Pakistani fishermen and seized a country-made boat with an engine in the Kori Creek area near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district. A large quantity of fish, fishing nets, diesel, ice and food items were also recovered during the search operation.
India not only got to host the 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session from December 8-13 this year, but also saw its beloved festival of lights, Deepavali, being added to UNESCOs List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, making it the countrys 16th element on the list.

The announcement was made at the Red Fort in New Delhi in the presence of delegates from 194 member states, international experts, and other UNESCO representatives worldwide.

The festival has been inscribed under the 'Social practices, rituals and festive events' domain. The session was chaired by Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO.

Countries must submit a nomination dossier for evaluation in order to potentially have an element added to the prestigious heritage list, with each country getting to nominate one element every two years. For the 2024-25 cycle, India had nominated Deepavali.

This is one of the most popular festivals in India that brings together people from all over the nation, not to mention the vast majority of Indians living abroad.

It is filled with a vibrant use of lights for signifying the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated during the months of Ashvin and Kartika in the Hindu lunisolar calendar (around mid-October and mid-November).

Elders play an important role in facilitating intergenerational cultural transmission during this festive period, enabling younger generations to make great use of their living heritage. The festival also supports various types of livelihoods amid an environment of diverse artistic expression.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the festivals recognition, writing in an X post that "people in India and around the world are thrilled" at the news.

People in India and around the world are thrilled.



For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will https://t.co/JxKEDsv8fT  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2025

"Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness, PM Modi added.

Deepavali commemorates the victory of good over evil, the triumph of light, and the unity and diversity of the Indian diaspora around the world, as well as all those who appreciate Indian culture. In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakamthe Indian belief that the whole world is one familythis festival celebrates our shared identity as a global family," explained Vivek Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture.

UNESCOs heritage list includes performing arts, oral traditions, languages, rituals, festivals, traditional craftsmanship, and knowledge about the universe and nature, with an aim to protect them from the threats of globalisation, social change, and limited resources.

In that regard, the UN body convenes an annual meeting of member nations and cultural bodies to promote the implementation of the 2003 Convention, adopted in Paris on October 17, 2003 during its 32nd General Conference, to protect living traditions. With the ratification of the Convention in 2005, India marks two decades of engaging with the objectives of the Convention.
JNU student leader Umar Khalid, who was accused in the Delhi riots conspiracy caase, on Thursday received a two-week interim bail to attend his sister's wedding.

A Delhi court granted the interim bail from December 16 to 29 after the jailed activist furnished a personal bond of Rs 20,000 along with two sureties.

Delhi riots conspiracy case | Karkardooma Court granted interim bail to Umar Khalid for December 16 to December 29.



He had sought interim bail to attend his sister's wedding.



The wedding is scheduled on December 27.  ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025

The former JNU student approached the court in Karkardooma for the bail, pointing out that his sister's wedding is scheduled for December 27. He said his presence is essential for family ceremonies and preparations.

Khalid was ordered not to use social media or contact any witness. The court also directed him to meet only his family members, relatives and friends. He has to remain at him home or places where the wedding ceremonies take place.

In December 2024, Khalid received a seven-day interim bail to attend a family wedding.

Khalid was arrested under the UAPA in connection with alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 communal violence.

The trial court and the Delhi High Court have previously rejected his regular bail petitions. A plea is now pending before the Supreme Court.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted multi-state searches as part of a terror financing-linked money laundering investigation against an ISIS module. The teams were supported by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra for the raid undertaken in the state while central security forces assisted them in other areas, reports said.

The raids were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). They were launched early morning at 40 locations, including in the Padgha-Borivali area of Thane in Maharashtra (near Mumbai) apart from Ratnagiri district and locations in Delhi, Kolkata and some towns of Uttar Pradesh, reports said.

The ED had filed a case under the PMLA taking cognisance of a NIA chargesheet that alleged that certain individuals were part of a "highly radicalised" ISIS-linked module and engaged in recruitment, training, procurement of weapons and explosives and raising funds to sustain their operations.

The ED, according to officials, also took into account intelligence inputs from the Mumbai ATS about an illegal Khair (Kaith) wood smuggling racket that used the "proceeds of crime" (illicit funds defined under the PMLA) for extremist activities, news agency PTI reported. The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted multi-state searches as part of a terror financing-linked money laundering investigation against a "highly radicalised" ISIS module, officials said.

The raids were launched early morning at 40 locations, including in the Padgha-Borivali area of Thane in Maharashtra (near Mumbai) apart from Ratnagiri district and locations in Delhi, Kolkata and some towns of Uttar Pradesh, they said.

The ED teams were provided security by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra for the raid undertaken in the state while central security forces assisted them in other areas, the officials said.

The federal agency filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) taking cognisance of a NIA chargesheet that alleged that certain individuals were part of a "highly radicalised" ISIS-linked module and engaged in recruitment, training, procurement of weapons and explosives and raising funds to sustain their operations.

The ED, according to officials, also took into account intelligence inputs from the Mumbai ATS about an illegal Khair (Kaith) wood smuggling racket that used the "proceeds of crime" (illicit funds defined under the PMLA) for extremist activities.
A Delhi court has dismissed anticipatory bail pleas of the Luthra brothers, the owners of the Goa nightclub where 25 people died in a tragic fire on December 6. The court's rejection comes as the fugitives were detained in Thailand on Thursday.

A bench led by Additional Sessions Judge Vandana dismissed the four-week transit anticipatory bail pleas of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa's Arpora. The key accused sought a four-week anticipatory relief so that they would not be immediately arrested after their return to Delhi from Thailand.

As many as 25 people died in a tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on December 6. The deceased include tourists, and over 20 staff members. Most of the staff were trapped in the kitchen and basement area of the club. According to the Goa police, suffocation led to mass casualties.

During the proceedings on Thursday, counsel for the state of Goa opposed the pleas, saying, "They left, they concealed, and they are now seeking leniency." During the hearing, the Goa police said the accused were misleading the investigators and not cooperating with the probe.

While the accused claimed they left for Thailand to attend a pre-scheduled business meeting, evidence suggests otherwise, police said.

According to police, the Luthra brothers escaped from India while rescue forces were battling to douse the fire at the club. The accused booked tickets to Thailand via MakeMyTrip platform only at 1.17am on December 7, police said.

The accused siblings were detained in Thailand earlier in the day. The Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice against the accused based on the Goa government's request. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the accused will be brought to India soon.

The team of the Goa police and CBI would bring the Luthra brothers, prime accused in the case, back to India 'as soon as possible'. A local panchayat official will also be arrested in the fire case as he was not cooperating with the probe, Sawant told reporters.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan claimed that the notion of "Hindu unity" is a misconception, as members of the religion are divided by caste, language and region. When Hindu practices face attack, it is the responsibility of every believer to show resistance, the Jana Sena chief added.

As a consequence of such numerous divisions existing among Hindus, the claim that "Hindus are the majority in the country" is misleading, the NDA ally reportedly said. Everybody is targeting the Hindus and questioning their traditions at every possible opportunity, he further alleged.

In the light of the Thirupparankundram deepam row, the actor-turned-politician said that some political parties in Tamil Nadu are following "pseudo-secularism" and accused the Tamil Nadu's DMK government of "interfering" in the affairs of temples. "Everybody who goes to a temple with folded hands to pray to God and people who believe in Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) should talk about the leanings of opportunistic politicians," the Jana Sena chief said in a statement on Wednesday night.

In a reference to the row in the neighbouring state, Kalyan said that after a judge of the Madras HC's Madurai Bench pronounced a verdict "protecting the Hindu community's rights," over 100 MPs submitted a petition in Parliament seeking the judge's impeachment. However, when the Supreme Court gave its judgment in the Sabarimala temple issue, Hindus fought legally but did not seek impeachment of judges, the actor-politician was quoted as saying by PTI.

READ HERE | Thiruparankundram temple row explained: The making of an 'Ayodhya of the south'?

His reaction comes after Members of Parliament belonging to the INDIA bloc 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. Justice Swaminathan had on December 1 ordered that Karthigai deepam must be lit on the 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.

Thirupparankundram, located in Madurai, is one of the most celebrated shrines where the temple and a dargah coexist for centuries. The hill is home to Subramanya Swamy temple, Kasi Viswanathar temple and Sikander Badusha dargah. The Hindu and Muslim communities have been living in harmony at Thiruparankundram for centuries, and members from both the communities own shops around the hill temple.

The current row over lighting the lamp came up after Rama Ravikumar, a Hindu activist, who is also running a party, moved the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court seeking direction to the government to make arrangements to light the oil lamp on a sacred pillar atop the hillock on the day of Karthigai deepam festival. Justice Swaminathan passed an order allowing Ravikumars petition which led to the chaos and the confusion in the peacefully celebrated festival.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday and said India and the US will work together for "global peace and prosperity." The telephonic conversation comes as India and the US are negotiating bilateral trade agreement.

"Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments," Modi said in a post on X. "India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity," he added.

Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2025

Both leaders reportedly discussed about enhancing economic ties. India and the US have been negotiating a free trade deal for a long time, and the delay in finalising the deal has often annoyed the US president. "The two leaders exchanged views on expanding cooperation in trade, critical technologies, energy, defence and security," officials in the know of the developments said.

"Both leaders also agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests. Modi and Trump also reviewed progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the officials said.

The leaders reportedly "expressed satisfaction" at the steady strengthening of bilateral cooperation. "Modi and Trump underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade," the officials said.

The leaders also reportedly exchanged views on expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other priority areas.

The call comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Delhi for the India-Russia Annual Summit. Both nations have set an ambitious target of $100 billion in bilateral trade.

Earlier in the day, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said trade talks with the United States have progressed well over several rounds of negotiations. The US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, had said on Wednesday that the US had received the best offer from India.
As many as 21 people have died after a truck with construction workers from Assam slipped into a gorge in Arunachal Pradesh. Reportedly, the mishap occurred on Monday, and the incident came to light on Wednesday, after one of the travellers who miraculously escaped with injuries alerted the Border Roads Task Force.

According to Arunachal police, the truck was carrying construction workers from Assams Tinsukia district for Chaglagam in Arunachal Pradesh. The workers were engaged by a local contractor in the region for construction work. The workers started from Chaglagam on December 7, and their associates alerted Hayuliang police station after they failed to turn up even on December 10.

Nang Chingni Choupoo, DDMO (in-charge) for Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, told ANI, "The incident occurred in Chaglagam Circle in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, located at the India-China border. It happened on the night of December 8. We received the report on the night of December 10. Even the locals were not aware that an incident had occurred there. It is steep and narrow there. The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained."

Choupoo said, according to the survivor, there were 22 workers on the truck. "A search and rescue operation is underway there by the Army, ITBP and district administration. NDRF has been requisitioned," the officer said.

A police team from Assam have started to Arunachal Pradesh to assist the rescue operations. The lone survivor was identified as Budheswor Deep and he called up his relatives on Wednesday morning.

Defence PRO Lt Col Mahender Rawat said the Army's Spear Corps, on the early morning of Thursday, mobilised multiple search and rescue columns, medical teams, GREF representatives, local police, NDRF personnel and the ADC of Hayuliang.

"At 1155 hours, after four hours of intensive search and rope descent, the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road near KM 40 in a re-entrant, inaccessible and not visible from helicopters or the road due to dense tree cover and thick foliage," he added.

According to PTI, apart from Deep, 18 more labourers, including the dead and the missing, have been identified. They are Rahul Kumar, Somir Deep, Arjun Kumar, Pankaj Manki, Ajay Manki, Bijay Kumar, Abhoy Bhumij, Rohit Manki, Birendra Kumar, Agor Tanti, Dhiren Chatriya, Rojoni Nag, Deep Gowala, Ramsebak Suna, Sonaton Nag, Sanjay Kumar, Karan Kumar and Junash Munda.
After it came to light that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of Goas fire-ravaged 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, fled to Thailands Phuket when the blaze was tearing through the club, killing 25 people, shocking details have emerged about the lives of the brothers.

According to reports, the brothers were using the SIM card of their driver without his knowledge. The details regarding the SIM were revealed in NDTVs enquiry.

Saurabh Luthra had obtained the SIM card in the name of Ram Hari Singh, their driver, who was fired five years ago during the Covid pandemic, the NDTV report said. Singh said that he had been Saurabh Luthra's driver for two years and was not asked to return after the lockdown was lifted.

He claimed that he had no contact with the Luthra brothers for the past five years and was unaware of any SIM cards being used in his name. He added that he had provided several documents to Saurabh Luthra during his employment and has not met Saurabh Luthra since 2020.

The rise of the Luthra brothers

Their lives changed after the Luthra brothers opened a club, Mama's Buoi, on Hudson Lane in Delhis Mukherjee Nagar nearly a decade ago. That club became very popular among Delhi University students. It was then that they opened another club, Romeo Lane in Goas Vagator, which changed everything for the Luthra brothers. The club shot to popularity after the lockdown was lifted, and Goa saw a surge in tourists.

They then went on to launch Birch by Romeo Lane and Caha, and their footprint grew to more than 25 outlets across India and even ventured into Dubai, according to Economic Times.

Passport cancelled: Whats next

The MEA has suspended the duo after it came to light that they booked tickets to Phuket just 30 minutes after the fire. Sources say the Ministry of External Affairs received a formal request from the Goa government to cancel the Luthra brothers' passports. Interpol issued a Blue Corner notice against the brothers on Tuesday.

According to the MEA, passports can be suspended by the Central Government or any designated officer as per the provisions of Section 10A of the Passports Act 1967, leaving them unable to leave the country. However, since the Luthra brothers have already fled the country, the move will leave them stranded.

However, according to the Luthra family, the trip was pre-planned and not spontaneous. Their lawyer stated that Saurabh had travelled to Thailand on December 6 for work and to inspect new restaurant locations. The family stated that both brothers wish to return to the country.
The UAE has pledged $550 million to support the UN Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO), as per directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Reem bint Ebrahim Al-Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said the UAE will continue supporting global humanitarian efforts and keep working with its UN partners to ensure that the most impacted people have access to aid.

"This pledge embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reflects our profound belief in the necessity of international solidarity in responding to urgent humanitarian appeals in an effective and sustainable manner that preserves human dignity and protects lives," she added.

The GHO aims to raise $33 billion next year to send aid to 135 million people across 23 different humanitarian operations. These include supporting refugees and migrants in various countries. Out of this, the GHO has appealed to immediately save and improve the lives of around 87 million people who are most vulnerable. For this, there is an urgent need of $23 billion in funding.

UN officials hail funding

After the UAE made the announcement, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA said the UAE's rapid and generous backing of our 2026 plan sends a strong signal, which is focuses on people who need it most.

"Our global appeal is about saving lives where shocks have hit hardest  and turning plans into real protection," he said, adding, "We must deliver an effective, innovative response that meets the moment."

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked Sheikh Al Nahyan and the UAE for their support, pointing out that it will provide crucial humanitarian health care to millions in need. "Warning signs of health system collapse manifest long before it occurs  outbreaks spread, malnutrition increases, and preventable deaths rise. However, when we come together, services can be restored and lives saved," he added.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell appreciated the UAE's generous support, saying it will go a long way to save the lives of children in crises. "Children are always the most vulnerable when a crisis strikes. As needs outpace funding, this is an especially critical time, building on UNICEFs strategic partnership with the UAE," she added.

Welcoming the UAE announcement, Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said that when there are severe funding shortfalls that pose challenge for millions of forcibly displace people, it is the contributions from governments like the UAE that allow the UNHCR to enhance its response efforts. "We value UAEs strong commitment to humanitarian efforts," he added.

Cindy McCain, World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director, stated generous pledge by the UAE is a lifeline that will help ensure that urgent assistance reaches the needy. "We thank the UAE for its humanitarian leadership in these unprecedented times. WFP stands ready to work with the UAE to ensure this desperately needed support reaches the millions facing acute hunger across the globe," she added.
An Iranian intelligence operative who cooperated with the US spy agency CIA may have been killed by his own father, according to a report.

An article that appeared in The Atlantic by reporter Shane Harris narrated how Mohammad Hossein Tajik was presumed to have been murdered by his father Hajji Vali, who is a veteran agent of Tehrans security apparatus, after storming the headquarters of the Shah's secret police during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Shane Harris made contact with Tajik after an Iranian hacker group, Parastoo, posted its email address on a message board inviting people to make contact. It was how he got in touch with Tajik, who was disillusioned by the Iranian leadership.

The article added that Tajik earned a good position in Irans intelligence ministry at the age of 18, thanks to his family ties and facility with math and computers. He eventually went to head the elite cyber-warfare unit.

Tajik, Harris wrote, wanted to leak information about Iranian intelligence operations to hurt and humiliate Irans leaders, who had profoundly upset him. He didnt mention how he was humiliated, though.

The Iranian also expressed interest in working for the CIA, which he had done earlier too. He wanted to rekindle his relationship with the agency and was hoping to connect with his former handler. If the CIA didnt welcome Mohammad back in from the cold, he would expose how the CIA operated inside Iran, Harris wrote.

Tajik then told Harris about how Iran focused its operations on Israel and Saudi Arabia, adding that he had played a role in a 2012 cyberattack on the Saudi state oil company Aramco in which information was wiped from three-quarters of its office computers. Iran had shared Russia's GRU intelligence service and had attacked the electrical grid of NATO member Turkey in 2015, Tajik claimed.

Harris also elaborated Tajiks connection with the CIA, which he claimed coincided with the assassination of veteran Hezbollah military chief Imad Mughniyeh in Damascus in a joint US-Israeli operation in February 2008 and the discovery of Iran's secret underground uranium enrichment facility Fordow in September 2009.

Tajik did not take credit for either, Harris reported. However, the US severed the relationship after it found the risk of working with him became greater than the value of his information."

"My sources told me he didnt follow instructions. One day hed be clearheaded; the next hed be acting paranoid, imagining conspiracies," Harris wrote.,

"Some officers wondered if he was taking drugs that impaired his judgment. Its a handlers job to manage sources," he added. "And Mohammad, one US official told me, had become 'unmanageable.

He was arrested in September 2013 and transferred to Tehran's Evin Prison, where he was tortured by having boiling water poured on his penis and being forced to lie in a grave-like hole. Being still a double, turning into a triple and later to a nothing/everything/ticking-bomb," the report quoted Tajik as confiding.
Imagine living in a remote village where mobile signals are weak or don't exist at all. No internet to watch videos, attend online classes, or talk to loved ones.

Now picture a giant satellite hovering above the Earth, beaming strong internet directly to your ordinary phoneno towers, no extra gadgets needed. Sounds like magic, right? Well, that's exactly what's happening on December 15, when India's mighty LVM3 rocket, affectionately called 'Bahubali', will launch an American satellite named BlueBird-6 from Sriharikota.

This isn't just any satellite: it weighs a massive 6.5 tonnes, roughly equal to a fully grown elephant, making it the heaviest American commercial satellite India has ever launched.

This signals Indias graduation into the worlds limited circle of reliable heavy-lift launch providers at a time when global space infrastructure is undergoing its most consequential transformation since the Cold War.

5 launches by end of March 2026, starting in two weeks on December 15th



More updates to come  stay tuned!#ASTSpaceMobile #ConnectingtheUnconnected pic.twitter.com/Pm0coyCHbR  AST SpaceMobile (@AST_SpaceMobile) December 2, 2025

Interestingly, it comes at a geopolitical moment in which India and the United States are managing new tariff disputes, even as their cooperation in strategic technology sectors accelerates.

The trajectory of this single satellite from a Texas production line to a launchpad at Sriharikota captures multiple stories unfolding simultaneously: the rise of heavy low-earth orbit (LEO) broadband payloads, the growing dependence of US NewSpace ventures on diversified global launch options, and Indias expanding role as a stable space partner despite economic headwinds.

BlueBird-6 belongs to a new class of massive LEO satellites. Built by AST SpaceMobile, it weighs around 6,500kg and carries a staggering 2,400-square-foot deployable phased-array antennathe largest commercial communications array ever flown in a LEO.

Unlike conventional satellites serving dishes and terminals, BlueBird-6 aims directly at ordinary mobile handsets, providing 4G/5G connectivity to users without special hardware. This shift to direct-to-device architecture requires unprecedented antenna area, power, and data handling, pushing the mass of these satellites into a territory once reserved for geostationary giants.

With ten times the capacity of its earlier counterparts, BlueBird-6 represents a clear indication of the evolving economics of broadband in orbit: the more data a single satellite can push, the more viable the constellation business model becomes. It is this combination of mass, complexity, and commercial value that makes the mission a milestone for ISROs LVM3 rocketit is the heaviest payload the vehicle has carried to date.

The LVM3 rocket itself is a marvel. Standing about 43.5m tall with three powerful stages, it can carry up to 8 tonnes into LEO.

Just last month on November 2, it successfully launched the CMS-3, India's own heaviest communication satellite weighing 4.4 tonnes. This same rocket will also carry Indian astronauts to space during the Gaganyaan mission planned for 2027.

AST SpaceMobile is LVM3's second major satellite broadband customer after Eutelsat OneWeb, proving India's growing reputation in commercial space launches.

Most satellites at similar heights, like Elon Musk's Starlink satellites, weigh only 1-1.5 tonnes. The heaviest commercial satellites ever built, like Jupiter-3 at 9.2 tonnes, orbit much farther away at 36,000km in geostationary orbit. But in the low-earth orbit, where BlueBird-6 will be positioned (at just 500-700km height) for faster signals, such heavyweight satellites are rare and difficult to launch. This makes the BlueBird-6 a true heavyweight champion, and launching it successfully showcases ISRO's incredible engineering strength, explained space analyst Girish Linganna.

At the moment, service won't be continuous everywhere. You'll get signals only when a satellite passes over your area, like a bus route in the sky.

However, AST SpaceMobile has big plans. They're aiming to launch five such giant satellites by early 2026, and 45-60 by the end of that year, with launches happening every month or two. More satellites mean better, more reliable coverage turning occasional signals into constant ones. This could be life-changing for millions living in underserved areas, helping bridge the digital divide and bringing opportunities that many of us take for granted.

This satellite is a huge upgrade from its earlier siblings. AST SpaceMobile had already sent five smaller BlueBird satellites before, but BlueBird-6 is the first of a new, improved "Block-2" version. It's 3.5 times bigger in design and can handle ten times more data than the previous ones," Linganna pointed out.

"Each BlueBird satellite can manage up to 10,000 MHz of bandwidththat's tech-speak for super-fast internet capable of handling thousands of phone calls, video streams, and downloads simultaneously. The clever part is how it works with existing mobile networks. Companies like Vodafone, AT&T, or Airtel partner with AST SpaceMobile, sharing their licensed radio frequencies. So when you're in a signal-dead zone, BlueBird satellites act like invisible towers in the sky, filling the gap, he added.

To understand why this matters, BlueBird-6 must be viewed in context of the worldwide heavy-lift ecosystem.

As of 2025, only a handful of agencies and companies operate rockets capable of lifting more than five tonnes to LEO. SpaceX leads with Falcon Heavy, capable of 63.8 tonnes to LEO and over 26 tonnes to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)an unmatched capacity that has enabled the rapid assembly of the Starlink megaconstellation and a series of deep-space missions.

Chinas Long March 5, capable of 25 tonnes to LEO, anchors the Change lunar programme and carried the Zhurong rover to Mars, giving China autonomous access to both the Moon and Mars: an exclusivity historically held only by the United States and the former Soviet Union.

Emergent systems like Blue Origins New Glenn, with a 45-tonne LEO capacity, are poised to challenge SpaceXs dominance, while the US government relies increasingly on the Vulcan Centaur, which replaces the recently retired Delta IV Heavy and supports military payloads once reserved for the most secretive intelligence satellites in the world.

Europe once led the commercial market with Ariane 5, which retired in 2023 after 117 successes, culminating in its flawless launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. Its successor, Ariane 6, carries forward Europes need for autonomy in orbit, especially as the EU prepares its IRIS2 sovereign broadband constellation. Russias Proton-M, with its long lineage and over 400 launches across variants since 1965, continues to loft heavy geostationary satellites even as sanctions shrink its commercial footprint," explained Srimathy Kesan, the founder and CEO of SpaceKidz India.

"Japans H-IIA and new H3 systems, although less discussed, remain essential to regional missions. In this small club, Indias LVM3 occupies a sweet spot: it is not as powerful as the American or Chinese giants, but is highly reliable, sharply priced, and increasingly recognised for mission assurance qualities that are attracting new-age commercial customers such as OneWeb and now AST SpaceMobile, Kesan added.

Heavy launch vehicles were originally built for a very different era of purpose. In the Shuttle era, the worlds first reusable heavy system deployed Hubble, built the International Space Station, and returned satellites to Earth for repair.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the heavy-lift race centred on commercial communicationsespecially dual-launch GEO satellites for television and broadbandwhere Ariane 5 became the workhorse of the world.

The US Delta IV Heavy carved out a niche transporting enormous classified payloads and optical reconnaissance satellites weighing up to 15 tonnes to unique, high-energy orbits. Russias Proton-M became synonymous with vast national broadcast networks and state telecommunications constellations.

The impact of heavy-lift missions is visible across multiple dimensions.

In 2025 alone, the world saw nearly 300 orbital launch attemptsthe highest-ever recordedand heavy-lift vehicles accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total mass delivered to orbit. They are essential for enabling the explosive growth of broadband markets, with the satellite megaconstellation sector projected to expand from $5.5 billion in 2025 to over $27 billion by 2032, Kesan noted.
At least 19 people have been killed and about 500,000 displaced on both sides of the Thailand-Cambodia border, as the conflict between them enters its fourth day after the Donald Trump-brokered ASEAN ceasefire deal began breaking down in November.

The two nations have been trading barbs over violations of international law ahead of Trump's phone call with their leaders that he claims would bring about peace in the region again. While Cambodia claims that ten people (including civilians) died in the recent clashes, Thailand's military announced that nine of its soldiers died.

Here are five of the latest developments in the conflict:

1) A Cambodian government spokesperson has called out the Thai military over its "brutal aggression" on Wednesday, when it claimed that the latter had opened fire in many civilian areassuch as the Prey Chan village in the Banteay Meanchey provinceand had also destroyed the Takrabay and Preah Vihear temples as well.

The update on the situation of the Thai invasion of Cambodian territory in the 4th and 5th Military Regions on December 11, 2025:# #modgovkh # #cambodia # #Peaceincambodia pic.twitter.com/eAI1YaF1Nj   Ministry of National Defence (@modgovkh) December 11, 2025

2) In response to the temple attack allegations, the Thai military pointed out that it was merely retaliating, and that Cambodia had violated international law by intentionally using a historical site as a military base of operations, as per an Al Jazeera report.

3) Thai F-16 fighter jets on Thursday bombed a casino in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, and also used heavy artillery to destroy an oil depot that they suspected was allegedly used as a "launch site for Cambodian suicide drones, and a BM-21 rocket refuelling point".

Thai F-16 fighter jets bombed a casino in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, and heavy artillery was deployed to destroy an oil depot, "a launch site for Cambodian suicide drones, and a BM-21 rocket refueling point." #Thailand #Cambodia #



Source: @KhaosodEnglish pic.twitter.com/hpo8SOa5so  OSINT Spectator (@osint1117) December 11, 2025

4) Cambodia has formally asked the UN Security Council to take urgent action over what it claims are a series of unprovoked and escalating armed attacks by Thai forces along the 817-kilometre colonial-era border.

5) Thailand has reacted to news of Trump's phone call with less enthusiasm this time, as it has insisted that the matter was for the two nations to solve amongst themselves. Cambodia, however, has sought international mediation.
TRIPOLI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Libya's state-owned Libyan Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Holding Company on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia's Technology Link Services to strengthen collaboration in the telecommunications and information technology sectors.

The Libyan company said in a statement on its official Facebook page that the MoU was signed during a meeting between the leaders of both companies in Tripoli.

According to the statement, the MoU outlines cooperation in areas, including technical studies for upgrading national and urban telecom networks, assessing market needs for transmission capacities, and developing a regional connectivity strategy with neighboring African countries to strengthen Libya's role as a communications hub.

The agreement, it added, reflects the two sides' intention to build a strategic partnership that supports Libya's digital infrastructure and aligns with national digital transformation efforts.

Libyan Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Holding Company, established in 2005, is a government holding company overseeing major Libyan telecom operators, including Libyana, Almadar Aljadid, and Libya Telecom & Technology. 
The Election Commission in Bangladesh announced the schedule for the general elections on Thursday, the first since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year. The general elections will be held on February 12, and the referendum on the July Charter plan will be held alongside it.

Bangladesh Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddi, in an address to the nation, said, "Voting will take place on February 12, 2026, from 7.30am to 4.30pm." Uddi urged "sincere participation and active cooperation from political parties, candidates, and voters in making the election and referendum successful."

A referendum will simultaneously be held on the voting day to elicit public opinion on a series of reform proposals of the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus-led National Consensus Commission, called the July Charter.

As per the election schedule, the last date for submission of nomination papers is December 29, and scrutiny of nominations will be held from December 30 to January 4. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20.

The final list of candidates will be published on January 21. Election campaigns will begin on January 22 and continue until 7:30 am on February 10, it said.

The announcement for the general election comes a day after the Chief Election Commissioner met Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who assured him optimum support and cooperation to conduct the general elections in a "free, fair and meaningful" manner.

The last election was held in January 2024, and six months after Hasina's election, violent street protests erupted across the country. The protests forced Hasina to escape to India on August 5 last year.

The interim government, led by Yunus, took over as chief adviser, and he disbanded Hasina's Awami League. Hasina has warned that holding elections without her party would be "sowing the seeds" of further division, and a large number of her supporters would abstain from voting.
In what could further worsen its relations with India, Bangladeshs Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, has made a statement about Dhaka joining the regional grouping with Pakistan and China. Touhids reaction comes as Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the recent Islamabad Conclave said a trilateral initiative involving Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan had begun and may expand to include countries within and beyond the region.

In a careful reaction, Touhid said it was strategically possible for Bangladesh to join a regional grouping with Pakistan excluding India. He quickly added that such an option may not be feasible for Nepal or Bhutan. It is possible for us (Bangladesh) strategically  (but) it is not possible for Nepal or Bhutan to form a grouping with Pakistan excluding India, he added.

Touhid, however, remained non-committal about such a move, adding that Dar has said something, and perhaps at some point this could see some progress. But, clarified that he had no further comment as he had only come across the information through the media.

Interestingly, Bangladesh had played down talks about joining any alliance without India a few months back. Though Bangladeshi officials reportedly attended a meeting on June 19 in Kunming, China, about the new bloc, Dhaka played down any political implications. We are not forming any alliance, Touhid Hossain was later quoted as saying.

However, experts believe a SAARC-like body, excluding India, would not be feasible. SAARC was formed in 1985, when seven South Asian countries  Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka  came together. Afghanistan joined as the eighth member in 2007. But the grouping collapsed after India-Pakistan rivalry paralysed its functioning.

Swaran Singh, a professor of international relations at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University, told South China Morning Post in an earlier interview that Indias position in South Asia is unassailable, thanks to its which is seven times that of Pakistan and its economy, which is 12 times larger. Its foreign exchange reserves dwarf Pakistans by a factor of 45. Its defence budget is also five times the size. This should give us enough idea of the future of any South Asian regional cooperation initiatives that seek to keep India out of its formulation, he said.

Besides, many nations like Nepal and Bhutan, meanwhile, depend on access to India to fulfil many of their export needs. These countries, though some might have an issue with India, may not want to be looked at as anti-India, according to experts, who believe that the best they could do in such a circumstance is to use the bait as a tactic to get a better deal while bargaining with India on things like trade.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F  Get Free Report)s share price rose 2.4% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $13.42 and last traded at $13.3950. Approximately 72,012,323 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 24% from the average daily volume of 94,172,633 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.08.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently weighed in on F. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $14.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Ford Motor from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ford Motor has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $12.04.

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Ford Motor Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.12. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $12.74 and its 200 day simple moving average is $11.76. The stock has a market cap of $53.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.55 and a beta of 1.60.

Ford Motor (NYSE:F  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.07. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 11.94% and a net margin of 2.48%.The company had revenue of $50.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $43.08 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.49 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Ford Motor Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Ford Motors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.72%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ford Motor

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Advisors Capital Management LLC grew its position in Ford Motor by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLC now owns 12,543 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $126,000 after buying an additional 1,100 shares in the last quarter. FORA Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor during the 1st quarter worth about $7,398,000. Swiss National Bank lifted its stake in shares of Ford Motor by 7.4% in the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 11,822,986 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $128,279,000 after acquiring an additional 813,800 shares during the period. Teza Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Ford Motor in the first quarter valued at approximately $465,000. Finally, Quantitative Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ford Motor during the first quarter valued at approximately $2,373,000. 58.74% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Ford Motor

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Ford Motor Company develops, delivers, and services a range of Ford trucks, commercial cars and vans, sport utility vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide. It operates through Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro; Ford Next; and Ford Credit segments. The company sells Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, and accessories through distributors and dealers, as well as through dealerships to commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments.

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Lsb Industries (NYSE:LXU  Get Free Report) and Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group (OTCMKTS:KWBT  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation and profitability.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

73.7% of Lsb Industries shares are held by institutional investors. 4.7% of Lsb Industries shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.3% of Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations for Lsb Industries and Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Lsb Industries 1 1 2 0 2.25 Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group 0 0 0 0 0.00

Profitability

Lsb Industries presently has a consensus price target of $9.83, indicating a potential upside of 12.00%. Given Lsb Industries stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Lsb Industries is more favorable than Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group.

This table compares Lsb Industries and Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Lsb Industries -0.11% 2.70% 1.16% Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group N/A N/A N/A

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Lsb Industries and Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Groups gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Lsb Industries $522.40 million 1.21 -$19.35 million ($0.01) -878.00 Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Lsb Industries.

Summary

Lsb Industries beats Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Lsb Industries

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LSB Industries, Inc. engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of chemical products. The company provides nitrogen-based fertilizers, such as ammonia, fertilizer grade high density ammonium nitrate (HDAN), and urea ammonia nitrate for fertilizer for corn, pastures, and other crops, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer blends application. It also offers high purity and commercial grade ammonia, high purity ammonium nitrate, sulfuric acids, mixed nitrating acids, carbon dioxide, and diesel exhaust fluids, as well as concentrated, and blended and regular nitric acids for various applications, including semiconductor, nylon, and polyurethane intermediates, ammonium nitrate, and metal processing; chemical feedstocks, emissions abatement, water treatments, and refrigerants; pulp and paper, aluminum, water treatment, metals, and vanadium processing; abatement for diesel vehicles; and food refrigeration, dry ice, and enhanced oil recovery. In addition, the company provides industrial grade and low density ammonium nitrate, and ammonium nitrate for explosives mining, quarries, and other blasting activities. It sells its products through distributors, as well as directly to end customers in the United States and other parts of North America. The company serves to the agricultural, industrial, and mining markets. LSB Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1968 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

About Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group

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Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes bio-technological products for the agricultural market primarily in the People's Republic of China. It offers bacillus species and/or photosynthetic bacteria based biological organic, compound microbial, bio-water soluble, and microbial inoculum fertilizers. The company has a strategic cooperation agreements with the Beijing Zhongpin Agricultural Science and Technology Development Center; China Academy of Agricultural Science's Institute of Agricultural Resources & Regional Planning; and Institute of Agricultural Economy & Development, as well as Kiwa Bio-Tech (Yangling) Co. Ltd. Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group Corporation was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Yangling, China.

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Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:KFS  Get Free Report) (TSE:KFS) Director Joseph Stilwell sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.80, for a total transaction of $256,000.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 646,904 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,280,371.20. This represents a 3.00% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Joseph Stilwell also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 8th, Joseph Stilwell sold 35,000 shares of Kingsway Financial Services stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.82, for a total value of $448,700.00.

On Wednesday, September 17th, Joseph Stilwell sold 48,000 shares of Kingsway Financial Services stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.47, for a total value of $694,560.00.

On Tuesday, September 16th, Joseph Stilwell sold 20,000 shares of Kingsway Financial Services stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.40, for a total value of $288,000.00.

Kingsway Financial Services Stock Performance

Shares of KFS stock traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $12.65. The stock had a trading volume of 91,930 shares, compared to its average volume of 63,127. Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. has a one year low of $7.06 and a one year high of $16.80. The firm has a market cap of $366.20 million, a PE ratio of -35.13 and a beta of 0.32. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $13.85 and its 200 day simple moving average is $13.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74.

Institutional Trading of Kingsway Financial Services

Kingsway Financial Services ( NYSE:KFS Get Free Report ) (TSE:KFS) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The insurance provider reported ($0.10) EPS for the quarter. Kingsway Financial Services had a negative net margin of 8.55% and a negative return on equity of 76.94%.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in KFS. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Kingsway Financial Services by 110.6% in the second quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 1,851 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 972 shares in the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in Kingsway Financial Services during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Legal & General Group Plc grew its holdings in Kingsway Financial Services by 66.2% during the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 2,009 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the period. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey bought a new stake in shares of Kingsway Financial Services in the 2nd quarter valued at $42,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in Kingsway Financial Services by 220.9% in the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,809 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 2,622 shares during the period. 72.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Kingsway Financial Services in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Sell.

View Our Latest Analysis on Kingsway Financial Services

About Kingsway Financial Services

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Kingsway Financial Services Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the extended warranty and business services in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Extended Warranty and Kingsway Search Xcelerator. The Extended Warranty segment markets, sells, and administers vehicle service agreements and related products for new and used automobiles, motorcycles, and ATVs.

Further Reading

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Orient Overseas International (OTCMKTS:OROVY  Get Free Report) and Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG  Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends and valuation.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Orient Overseas International and Dorian LPG, as provided by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Orient Overseas International 0 0 0 0 0.00 Dorian LPG 0 3 1 0 2.25

Dorian LPG has a consensus price target of $35.00, suggesting a potential upside of 44.06%. Given Dorian LPGs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Dorian LPG is more favorable than Orient Overseas International.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Orient Overseas International N/A N/A N/A Dorian LPG 26.02% 9.13% 5.40%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

This table compares Orient Overseas International and Dorian LPGs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

62.5% of Dorian LPG shares are held by institutional investors. 13.6% of Dorian LPG shares are held 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.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Orient Overseas International and Dorian LPGs top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Orient Overseas International $10.70 billion N/A $2.58 billion N/A N/A Dorian LPG $353.34 million 2.95 $90.17 million $2.23 10.89

Orient Overseas International has higher revenue and earnings than Dorian LPG.

Volatility & Risk

Orient Overseas International has a beta of 1.07, meaning that its stock price is 7% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Dorian LPG has a beta of 0.6, meaning that its stock price is 40% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Dorian LPG beats Orient Overseas International on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Orient Overseas International

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Orient Overseas (International) Limited, an investment holding company, provides container transport and logistics services in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. The company offers supply chain management services; and containerised shipping services in various trade lanes comprising Trans-Pacific, Trans-Atlantic, Asia/Europe, Asia/Australia, and Intra-Asia trades. It is also involved in shipping and logistics software application development; container transport, equipment owning and leasing, container depot and warehousing, portfolio investment, trucking, ship owning, terminal operating, cargo consolidation and forwarding, liner and freight agency, property owning, and ship management businesses; operating of vessels; and provision of corporate and trucking services. In addition, the company offers AI and blockchain digital data on network applications, and platform design services. The company was incorporated in 1986 and is based in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Orient Overseas (International) Limited is a subsidiary of Faulkner Global Holdings Limited.

About Dorian LPG

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Dorian LPG Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas through its LPG tankers worldwide. It owns and operates twenty-five very large gas carriers. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

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UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC  Get Free Report) CEO Ishbia Mat sold 612,287 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.60, for a total value of $3,428,807.20. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 4,955,547 shares in the company, valued at $27,751,063.20. This trade represents a 11.00% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link.

Ishbia Mat also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 8th, Ishbia Mat sold 612,287 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.67, for a total value of $3,471,667.29.

On Friday, December 5th, Ishbia Mat sold 612,287 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.78, for a total transaction of $3,539,018.86.

On Wednesday, December 3rd, Ishbia Mat sold 612,287 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.71, for a total transaction of $3,496,158.77.

On Monday, December 1st, Ishbia Mat sold 612,287 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.80, for a total transaction of $3,551,264.60.

On Friday, November 28th, Ishbia Mat sold 437,073 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.85, for a total transaction of $2,556,877.05.

On Wednesday, November 26th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.81, for a total transaction of $3,464,828.36.

On Monday, November 24th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.21, for a total transaction of $3,107,014.76.

On Friday, November 21st, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.09, for a total value of $3,035,452.04.

On Wednesday, November 19th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.96, for a total value of $2,957,925.76.

On Monday, November 17th, Ishbia Mat sold 596,356 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.94, for a total value of $2,945,998.64.

UWM Stock Up 1.5%

Shares of NYSE UWMC traded up $0.09 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $5.64. 10,048,686 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,904,674. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40, a quick ratio of 1.45 and a current ratio of 1.45. UWM Holdings Corporation has a 12 month low of $3.80 and a 12 month high of $7.14. The companys 50 day moving average price is $5.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.14.

UWM Dividend Announcement

UWM ( NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by ($0.06). UWM had a net margin of 0.61% and a negative return on equity of 6.81%. The business had revenue of $151.14 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $651.51 million. Equities research analysts predict that UWM Holdings Corporation will post 0.2 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 18th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.1%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have weighed in on UWMC. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of UWM from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Barclays increased their target price on UWM from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Wall Street Zen downgraded UWM from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. Morgan Stanley lowered UWM from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and upped their price objective for the company from $4.50 to $6.50 in a report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of UWM in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, UWM has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $6.54.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on UWM

Institutional Trading of UWM

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Allworth Financial LP increased its position in shares of UWM by 5,681.9% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 4,163 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 4,091 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in UWM by 408.7% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,407 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 4,344 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in UWM in the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new position in shares of UWM in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, R Squared Ltd bought a new stake in shares of UWM during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $51,000. 53.59% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

UWM Company Profile

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UWM Holdings Corporation engages in the residential mortgage lending business in the United States. The company offers mortgage loans through wholesale channel. It originates primarily conforming and government loans. UWM Holdings Corporation was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan.

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KABUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotics police have arrested 31 suspected drug smugglers and seized 258 kg of illicit drugs during operations across several provinces, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in separate statements on Thursday.

The seized contraband included 194 kg of opium, 35 kg of hashish, and 29 kg of methamphetamine. Operations were conducted in the western province of Herat and the northern provinces of Kunduz and Baghlan, where four individuals were detained, according to the ministry.

Separately, in a series of counter-narcotics operations conducted in the capital Kabul, police arrested 27 suspects accused of involvement in the sale, purchase, and smuggling of illicit drugs.

The Afghan government has banned poppy cultivation, drug production, and trafficking, vowing to continue its crackdown until the country, once a leading global source of opium, becomes drug-free. 
Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (BATS:GSEW  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $86.35 and last traded at $86.13, with a volume of 86338 shares. The stock had previously closed at $85.15.

Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $1.35 billion, a PE ratio of 21.82 and a beta of 1.01. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $84.50 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $83.18.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 10.9% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 4,595 shares of the companys stock valued at $349,000 after purchasing an additional 450 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its holdings in Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 294,837 shares of the companys stock worth $22,419,000 after buying an additional 8,114 shares during the period. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 7.0% during the 1st quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 488,166 shares of the companys stock worth $37,120,000 after buying an additional 31,860 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its position in Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 479.9% during the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 52,074 shares of the companys stock worth $3,960,000 after buying an additional 43,094 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 17.3% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 119,845 shares of the companys stock worth $9,113,000 after acquiring an additional 17,644 shares during the period.

About Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF

The Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks an equal-weighted index of US large-cap stocks. GSEW was launched on Sep 12, 2017 and is managed by Goldman Sachs.

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TXNM Energy, Inc. (NYSE:TXNM  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $58.51 and last traded at $58.4450, with a volume of 205999 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $58.23.

Analyst Ratings Changes

TXNM has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of TXNM Energy in a report on Thursday, October 9th. They issued a neutral rating and a $61.25 target price on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of TXNM Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their price objective for the company from $58.00 to $61.25 in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of TXNM Energy in a research report on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $58.42.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on TXNM

TXNM Energy Trading Up 0.2%

The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35. The stock has a market cap of $6.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.12, a PEG ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.16. The business has a 50-day moving average of $57.42 and a 200-day moving average of $56.94.

TXNM Energy (NYSE:TXNM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by ($0.11). TXNM Energy had a return on equity of 7.20% and a net margin of 8.67%.The business had revenue of $647.16 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $608.65 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.43 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that TXNM Energy, Inc. will post 2.73 earnings per share for the current year.

TXNM Energy Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.4225 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. This represents a $1.69 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.9%. This is a positive change from TXNM Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. TXNM Energys payout ratio is currently 95.32%.

Insider Buying and Selling at TXNM Energy

In related news, Director Vicky A. Bailey sold 1,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.74, for a total value of $103,932.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 8,725 shares in the company, valued at approximately $503,781.50. The trade was a 17.10% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 1.28% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On TXNM Energy

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TXNM. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of TXNM Energy in the second quarter worth $28,000. Huntington National Bank lifted its position in TXNM Energy by 1,307.0% during the 2nd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 605 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 562 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in TXNM Energy during the first quarter valued at about $43,000. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S acquired a new stake in shares of TXNM Energy in the first quarter valued at about $54,000. Finally, Twin Tree Management LP bought a new position in shares of TXNM Energy in the first quarter worth about $58,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.68% of the companys stock.

TXNM Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

TXNM Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

Further Reading

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Aviva PLC (OTCMKTS:AVVIY  Get Free Report) shares fell 0.1% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $17.31 and last traded at $17.33. 51,569 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 13% from the average session volume of 59,097 shares. The stock had previously closed at $17.34.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

AVVIY has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded Aviva from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, September 6th. Zacks Research lowered Aviva from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised Aviva to a moderate buy rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut shares of Aviva from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold.

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Aviva Stock Performance

About Aviva

The business has a 50-day moving average price of $17.84 and a 200-day moving average price of $17.70.

(Get Free Report)

Aviva plc provides various insurance, retirement, investment, and savings products in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and internationally. The company offers life insurance, long-term health and accident insurance, savings, pension, and annuity products, as well as pension fund business and lifetime mortgage products.

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Shares of International Land Alliance, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ILAL  Get Free Report) rose 2.8% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $0.2890 and last traded at $0.2775. Approximately 314,066 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 19% from the average daily volume of 385,945 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.27.

International Land Alliance Stock Up 2.8%

The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $0.18 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.22 million, a P/E ratio of -5.55 and a beta of -0.81.

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International Land Alliance (OTCMKTS:ILAL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 19th. The company reported ($0.02) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. International Land Alliance had a negative net margin of 196.48% and a negative return on equity of 41.90%. The company had revenue of $0.56 million for the quarter.

About International Land Alliance

International Land Alliance, Inc operates as a residential land development company with target properties located primarily in the Baja California, Northern region of Mexico, and Southern California. Its principal activities include purchasing properties; obtaining zoning and other entitlements required to subdivide the properties into residential and commercial building lots; securing financing for the purchase of the lots; enhance the properties' infrastructure and amenities; and selling the plots to homebuyers, retirees, investors, and commercial developers.

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Avon Protection plc (LON:AVON  Get Free Report) insider Jos Sclater purchased 8 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 5th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 1,821 per share, for a total transaction of 145.68.

Jos Sclater also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, November 5th, Jos Sclater acquired 8 shares of Avon Protection stock. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 1,904 per share, for a total transaction of 152.32.

Avon Protection Trading Down 0.9%

Shares of Avon Protection stock opened at GBX 1,788 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 47.69, a current ratio of 2.27 and a quick ratio of 0.85. Avon Protection plc has a 1 year low of GBX 1,276 and a 1 year high of GBX 2,230. The firm has a market cap of 524.12 million, a PE ratio of 53.21, a PEG ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 1,907.55 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 1,947.41.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Avon Protection from GBX 1,640 to GBX 2,000 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 2,000.

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About Avon Protection

(Get Free Report)

We are a world leader in protective equipment, with a reputation for innovative design, high-performance quality and specialist materials expertise.

Our two businesses, Avon Protection and Team Wendy, supply our respiratory and head protection portfolio to customers across the globe from our manufacturing sites in the UK and North America.

With over 900 talented people our shared purpose and core beliefs are to be #FIERCE about Protecting Lives.

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Gulfport Energy Corporation (NYSE:GPOR  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the thirteen research firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, six have given a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $221.25.

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on GPOR shares. KeyCorp upped their price target on Gulfport Energy from $205.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Roth Capital initiated coverage on shares of Gulfport Energy in a report on Monday, October 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $200.00 price target for the company. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Gulfport Energy in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. They issued a buy rating and a $250.00 price objective on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised Gulfport Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Finally, Tudor Pickering cut Gulfport Energy from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st.

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Gulfport Energy Stock Down 0.6%

GPOR opened at $207.69 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.01 billion, a P/E ratio of -109.31 and a beta of 0.60. Gulfport Energy has a one year low of $153.27 and a one year high of $225.78. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $198.20 and its 200-day simple moving average is $186.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.54.

Gulfport Energy (NYSE:GPOR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $3.13 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.64 by ($1.51). The business had revenue of $379.75 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $343.18 million. Gulfport Energy had a net margin of 1.68% and a return on equity of 20.95%.

Insider Activity

In other Gulfport Energy news, Director Timothy J. Cutt sold 2,635 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.45, for a total transaction of $554,535.75. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 35,473 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,465,292.85. This represents a 6.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director David D. Wolf sold 1,525 shares of Gulfport Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.27, for a total transaction of $320,661.75. Following the sale, the director owned 4,462 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $938,224.74. The trade was a 25.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 294,195 shares of company stock worth $64,555,282 in the last 90 days. 0.62% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Gulfport Energy

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GPOR. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. raised its stake in Gulfport Energy by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. now owns 163,160 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,823,000 after purchasing an additional 7,000 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Gulfport Energy in the second quarter valued at approximately $557,000. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Gulfport Energy in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,367,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its stake in shares of Gulfport Energy by 10.3% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 161,879 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,565,000 after buying an additional 15,173 shares during the period. Finally, Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC grew its stake in Gulfport Energy by 71.8% in the 2nd quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 92,139 shares of the companys stock worth $18,536,000 after acquiring an additional 38,500 shares during the period.

Gulfport Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Gulfport Energy Corporation engages in the exploration, development, acquisition, production of natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids (NGL) in the United States. Its principal properties include Utica Shale covering an area approximately 187,000 net reservoir acres primarily located in Eastern Ohio; and SCOOP covering an area approximately 74,000 net reservoir acres primarily located in Garvin, Grady, and Stephens.

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Minera Alamos Inc. (OTCMKTS:MAIFF  Get Free Report) dropped 0.5% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $0.2974 and last traded at $0.3060. Approximately 323,032 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 42% from the average daily volume of 559,354 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.3075.

Minera Alamos Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $0.30 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $0.28.

About Minera Alamos

(Get Free Report)

Minera Alamos Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of mineral properties in Mexico. The company explores for gold, silver, molybdenum, and copper deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Santana project consists of 9 mining claims covering an area of approximately 3,100 hectares located in the east-southeast of Hermosillo, Sonora; the Cerro de Oro project that includes an area of 6,500 hectares situated in Zacatecas, Mexico; and the La Fortuna project covering an area of approximately 6,100 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico, as well as the Los Verdes property located in the State of Sonora, Mexico.

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Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB  Free Report) had its price target raised by BMO Capital Markets from C$31.00 to C$40.50 in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on the company. CIBC cut Laurentian Bank of Canada from a neutral rating to a tender rating and raised their price target for the stock from C$35.00 to C$40.50 in a research report on Monday. Raymond James Financial downgraded shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Monday. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from a strong sell rating to a hold rating and raised their target price for the company from C$25.00 to C$40.00 in a report on Monday. Scotiabank set a C$33.00 target price on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, National Bankshares reduced their price target on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$27.00 to C$26.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Strong Sell and a consensus price target of C$35.19.

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Laurentian Bank of Canada Trading Up 0.2%

Shares of LB stock opened at C$39.95 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of C$1.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.44. Laurentian Bank of Canada has a 1 year low of C$24.37 and a 1 year high of C$40.01. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of C$33.79 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$32.01.

Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, December 5th. The company reported C$0.73 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of C$244.71 million for the quarter. Laurentian Bank of Canada had a negative return on equity of 0.20% and a negative net margin of 0.30%. Analysts forecast that Laurentian Bank of Canada will post 3.8414986 EPS for the current year.

Laurentian Bank of Canada Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Saturday, November 1st were paid a dividend of $0.47 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 1st. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.7%. Laurentian Bank of Canadas payout ratio is presently 61.64%.

About Laurentian Bank of Canada

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Laurentian Bank of Canada provides personal banking, business banking and real estate and commercial financing to its personal, business, and institutional customers across Canada and the United States. The company reports three operating segments: personal, business services, and capital markets. The personal segment offers financial services to retail clients.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM  Free Report) (NYSE:CM) had its price objective raised by Barclays from C$119.00 to C$126.00 in a report released on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on CM. TD Securities boosted their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$124.00 to C$134.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$114.00 to C$131.00 in a report on Friday, December 5th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$102.00 to C$111.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Desjardins increased their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$126.00 to C$132.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Raymond James Financial lifted their price target on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$127.00 to C$132.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of C$124.64.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock Up 1.0%

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock opened at C$126.62 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is C$117.72 and its 200 day moving average price is C$106.90. The firm has a market cap of C$117.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 1.45. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 52 week low of C$76.17 and a 52 week high of C$127.20.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported C$2.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a return on equity of 12.61% and a net margin of 27.87%.The company had revenue of C$7.58 billion during the quarter. Equities analysts expect that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 6.4127341 EPS for the current year.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 28th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 28th were issued a $0.97 dividend. This represents a $3.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 29th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio is presently 46.07%.

About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is Canadas fifth- largest bank, operating three business segments: retail and business banking, wealth management, and capital markets. It serves approximately 11 million personal banking and business customers, primarily in Canada.

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Shares of JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited (NYSE:JKS  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Strong Sell from the seven analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation and two have issued a hold recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $19.4875.

Several research analysts recently commented on the company. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Wall Street Zen raised JinkoSolar from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on JinkoSolar from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Roth Capital lifted their price objective on shares of JinkoSolar from $17.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On JinkoSolar

JinkoSolar Trading Up 3.7%

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Invesco Ltd. raised its position in JinkoSolar by 15.3% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,418,425 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $26,439,000 after purchasing an additional 187,930 shares during the period. Greenwoods Asset Management Hong Kong Ltd. grew its stake in shares of JinkoSolar by 37.0% during the first quarter. Greenwoods Asset Management Hong Kong Ltd. now owns 780,933 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $14,557,000 after buying an additional 211,000 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of JinkoSolar by 41.2% during the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 387,834 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $7,220,000 after buying an additional 113,187 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC lifted its stake in shares of JinkoSolar by 23.1% during the 1st quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 126,175 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,351,000 after acquiring an additional 23,652 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Progeny 3 Inc. bought a new stake in shares of JinkoSolar during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,341,000. 35.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

JKS stock opened at $26.44 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $25.11 and a 200 day moving average price of $23.36. JinkoSolar has a fifty-two week low of $13.42 and a fifty-two week high of $31.88. The firm has a market cap of $1.37 billion, a PE ratio of -2.89 and a beta of 0.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.30.

JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 17th. The semiconductor company reported ($2.30) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($2.56) by $0.26. JinkoSolar had a negative net margin of 4.98% and a negative return on equity of 8.96%. The business had revenue of $2.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.72 billion. Sell-side analysts anticipate that JinkoSolar will post -0.24 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

JinkoSolar Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

JinkoSolar Holding Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, production, and marketing of photovoltaic products. The company offers solar modules, silicon wafers, solar cells, recovered silicon materials, and silicon ingots. It also provides solar system integration services; solar power generation and solar system EPC services; and energy storage system, as well as undertakes solar power projects.

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WELLINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- A new study suggested that commercial manuka honey production in New Zealand may disrupt native insect communities by introducing large numbers of non-native honey bees.

Researchers from New Zealand's Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), working with Maori trusts and the Department of Conservation, compared insect activity at six manuka shrubland sites in the central North Island, half with beehives and half without, a BSI media release said Thursday.

By analyzing insect DNA from flowers and trapping flying insects, they identified more than 36,000 specimens across 14 insect orders, and 137 separate species among the three most common orders, it said.

The team found that sites hosting managed hives had fewer native insect visitors, especially butterflies and moths, than sites without hives.

However, thrips, small insects sometimes linked to plant disease, were 64 percent more abundant near hives, suggesting honey bees may spread them between plants, the researchers said.

The findings, published in New Zealand Journal of Ecology, indicated that introduced honey bees can alter pollination patterns and potentially affect the ecological balance of native shrublands.

The results highlight the need for careful apiary placement to protect biodiversity while maintaining the economic benefits of New Zealand's lucrative manuka honey industry, said the researchers. 
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD  Free Report) (NYSE:TD) had its price target raised by UBS Group from C$122.00 to C$126.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$125.00 to C$130.00 in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$114.00 to C$118.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$120.00 to C$128.00 in a report on Friday, December 5th. Desjardins raised their target price on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$120.00 to C$126.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Scotiabank upped their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$114.00 to C$125.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$122.77.

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Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Performance

TD stock opened at C$125.88 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$114.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$106.23. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 52 week low of C$73.73 and a 52 week high of C$126.19. The stock has a market cap of C$212.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.98.

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) last released its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported C$2.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Toronto-Dominion Bank had a net margin of 15.80% and a return on equity of 7.84%. The company had revenue of C$16.03 billion during the quarter. Sell-side analysts predict that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 7.2160149 EPS for the current year.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 31st were given a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 10th. Toronto-Dominion Banks payout ratio is 35.70%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Ajai Bambawale sold 7,328 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$112.07, for a total transaction of C$821,248.96. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 800 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$89,656. The trade was a 90.16% decrease in their position. Also, Director Nathalie Palladitcheff purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 6th. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$112.64 per share, for a total transaction of C$112,640.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 3,292 shares in the company, valued at C$370,810.88. This trade represents a 43.63% increase in their position. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 84,384 shares of company stock valued at $9,456,915. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Company Profile

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Toronto-Dominion is one of Canadas two largest banks and operates three business segments: Canadian retail banking, U.S. retail banking, and wholesale banking. The banks U.S. operations span from Maine to Florida, with a strong presence in the Northeast. It also has a 13% ownership stake in Charles Schwab.

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Jefferies Financial Group reiterated their buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Free Report) in a report published on Monday,MarketScreener reports.

Several other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Barclays reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. They set an overweight rating and a $75.00 price target on the stock. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a report on Thursday, September 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.00.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on BUD

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Stock Up 2.9%

Shares of NYSE BUD opened at $62.21 on Monday. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 52-week low of $45.94 and a 52-week high of $72.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 0.64. The stock has a market cap of $121.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.33, a P/E/G ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 0.58. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $61.50 and a 200 day moving average price of $63.81.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The consumer goods maker reported $0.99 earnings per share for the quarter, topping 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 company had revenue of $15.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.28 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.98 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.37 EPS for the current year.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 19th will be given a dividend of $0.1722 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 57.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 19th. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs dividend payout ratio is currently 7.84%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Salomon & Ludwin LLC boosted its position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 494.7% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 446 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 371 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the third quarter worth $34,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the second quarter worth $35,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 602.7% during the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 527 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 452 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 5.53% of the companys stock.

About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

(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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Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII  Get Free Report) SVP James Williams sold 4,554 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.53, for a total transaction of $307,531.62. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 43,878 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,963,081.34. This trade represents a 9.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink.

Polaris Price Performance

NYSE:PII opened at $69.65 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -26.28 and a beta of 1.12. Polaris Inc. has a 12-month low of $30.92 and a 12-month high of $75.25. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $65.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $55.52.

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Polaris (NYSE:PII  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.04. Polaris had a positive return on equity of 3.89% and a negative net margin of 2.17%.The business had revenue of $1.84 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.68 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.73 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Polaris Inc. will post 1.11 earnings per share for the current year.

Polaris Dividend Announcement

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a $0.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. Polariss dividend payout ratio is -101.13%.

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on PII shares. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Polaris from $56.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group boosted their price target on Polaris from $45.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, September 8th. Roth Capital increased their price objective on Polaris from $54.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Loop Capital initiated coverage on shares of Polaris in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a hold rating and a $59.00 target price for the company. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $70.00 price target on shares of Polaris in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $55.25.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on PII

Institutional Trading of Polaris

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of PII. State Street Corp raised its stake in Polaris by 15.7% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,137,866 shares of the companys stock valued at $127,554,000 after purchasing an additional 426,482 shares in the last quarter. RWWM Inc. increased its holdings in Polaris by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. RWWM Inc. now owns 2,401,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $97,620,000 after buying an additional 6,428 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Polaris by 30.1% in the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,281,101 shares of the companys stock valued at $132,600,000 after buying an additional 528,300 shares in the last quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Polaris by 142.1% during the 1st quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. now owns 1,620,565 shares of the companys stock worth $66,346,000 after acquiring an additional 951,195 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Polaris by 24.2% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,450,670 shares of the companys stock worth $84,328,000 after acquiring an additional 282,570 shares in the last quarter. 88.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Polaris Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Polaris Inc designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Off-Road, On-Road, and Marine. The company offers off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; and moto-roadsters, quadricycles, and boats.

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DeepCurrents Investment Group LLC trimmed its stake in Envista Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NVST  Free Report) by 99.0% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 69,831 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,942,655 shares during the period. DeepCurrents Investment Group LLCs holdings in Envista were worth $1,364,000 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. Ariel Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of Envista by 1.7% in the second quarter. Ariel Investments LLC now owns 12,355,666 shares of the companys stock valued at $241,430,000 after buying an additional 210,921 shares during the period. Natixis bought a new position in Envista during the second quarter valued at about $988,000. California Public Employees Retirement System raised its holdings in Envista by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 301,453 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,890,000 after acquiring an additional 8,763 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Envista by 378.0% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,414 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 1,909 shares during the period. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership bought a new stake in shares of Envista in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $318,000.

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Envista Stock Up 7.2%

Shares of NYSE NVST opened at $22.11 on Thursday. Envista Holdings Corporation has a 52-week low of $14.22 and a 52-week high of $22.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 2.37. The business has a fifty day moving average of $20.11 and a two-hundred day moving average of $20.07. The stock has a market cap of $3.64 billion, a PE ratio of 245.69, a PEG ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.02.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Envista ( NYSE:NVST Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.27 by $0.05. Envista had a net margin of 0.58% and a return on equity of 5.90%. The business had revenue of $669.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $639.49 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.12 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Envista Holdings Corporation will post 1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded Envista from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Barclays assumed coverage on shares of Envista in a report on Monday. They issued an overweight rating and a $24.00 price target on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus set a $25.00 price objective on shares of Envista in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Envista from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 15th. Finally, Evercore ISI reissued an outperform rating on shares of Envista in a research note on Friday, October 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Envista currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $21.54.

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Envista Profile

(Free Report)

Envista Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells dental products in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Specialty Products & Technologies, and Equipment & Consumables. The Specialty Products & Technologies segment offers dental implant systems, guided surgery systems, biomaterials, and prefabricated and custom-built prosthetics to oral surgeons, prosthodontists and periodontists, and general dentist; and brackets and wires, tubes and bands, archwires, clear aligners, digital orthodontic treatments, retainers, and other orthodontic laboratory products.

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CIBC Asset Management Inc grew its stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM  Free Report) (TSE:CM) by 2.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,526,562 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 214,180 shares during the quarter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce comprises 2.1% of CIBC Asset Management Incs holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest position. CIBC Asset Management Incs holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce were worth $675,987,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Sei Investments Co. acquired a new stake in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the second quarter worth approximately $978,000. Nebula Research & Development LLC acquired a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the second quarter worth about $570,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 7,315.0% in the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,966 shares of the banks stock worth $210,000 after acquiring an additional 2,926 shares in the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd boosted its position in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 74.6% during the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 336,017 shares of the banks stock valued at $23,833,000 after purchasing an additional 143,588 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AXA S.A. grew its stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 46.4% in the 2nd quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 913,458 shares of the banks stock worth $64,700,000 after purchasing an additional 289,718 shares during the last quarter. 49.88% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

CM has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Raymond James Financial began coverage on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. They set a market perform rating for the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $112.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 29th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $107.50.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Price Performance

NYSE CM opened at $91.81 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $85.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $84.09 and a 200-day simple moving average of $77.18. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 52-week low of $53.62 and a 52-week high of $92.24.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM  Get Free Report) (TSE:CM) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.08. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a net margin of 13.57% and a return on equity of 14.93%. The company had revenue of $5.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.23 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.91 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 5.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 29th will be paid a dividend of $1.07 per share. This is a boost from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.97. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 29th. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.31%.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Profile

(Free Report)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S.

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M&T Bank Corp cut its position in shares of Dynatrace, Inc. (NYSE:DT  Free Report) by 69.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 8,762 shares of the companys stock after selling 19,889 shares during the quarter. M&T Bank Corps holdings in Dynatrace were worth $484,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Dynatrace by 3.6% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 31,403,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,733,760,000 after acquiring an additional 1,084,307 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Dynatrace by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 7,845,619 shares of the companys stock valued at $433,157,000 after purchasing an additional 44,288 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in Dynatrace by 79.4% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 6,987,838 shares of the companys stock worth $329,477,000 after purchasing an additional 3,092,576 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Dynatrace by 2.4% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,757,417 shares of the companys stock worth $316,948,000 after purchasing an additional 134,478 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Eminence Capital LP boosted its position in Dynatrace by 25.6% during the first quarter. Eminence Capital LP now owns 3,351,603 shares of the companys stock valued at $158,028,000 after buying an additional 683,443 shares during the period. 94.28% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Dynatrace Price Performance

Shares of NYSE DT opened at $45.56 on Thursday. Dynatrace, Inc. has a 1 year low of $39.30 and a 1 year high of $63.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.28, a P/E/G ratio of 3.59 and a beta of 0.87. The companys 50-day moving average is $47.19 and its 200 day moving average is $50.15.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Dynatrace ( NYSE:DT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.03. Dynatrace had a return on equity of 9.24% and a net margin of 27.33%.The business had revenue of $493.85 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $487.33 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.37 EPS. The businesss revenue 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. Research analysts anticipate that Dynatrace, Inc. will post 0.68 earnings per share for the current year.

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Rosenblatt Securities reiterated a buy rating and issued a $67.00 price objective on shares of Dynatrace in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Scotiabank lowered their price objective on Dynatrace from $67.00 to $60.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. UBS Group set a $51.00 target price on shares of Dynatrace in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered their price target on shares of Dynatrace from $57.00 to $51.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Dynatrace from $68.00 to $64.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 18th. One research 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $61.59.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on DT

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CAO Daniel S. Yates sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.69, for a total transaction of $93,380.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 23,380 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,612.20. This trade represents a 7.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Dan Zugelder sold 7,503 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total transaction of $375,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 1,420 shares in the company, valued at approximately $71,000. The trade was a 84.09% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 39,841 shares of company stock worth $1,881,823 in the last three months. 0.57% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About Dynatrace

(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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Invesco Ltd. trimmed its holdings in shares of Fortis (NYSE:FTS  Free Report) by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,289,167 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 46,239 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd. owned 0.26% of Fortis worth $61,532,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its holdings in Fortis by 2.1% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 18,965 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $864,000 after buying an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of Fortis by 1.0% during the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 51,722 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,357,000 after acquiring an additional 512 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Fortis by 0.4% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,407,311 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $64,096,000 after purchasing an additional 5,266 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG grew its stake in Fortis by 3.9% in the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 794,091 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,195,000 after purchasing an additional 29,790 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in Fortis during the 1st quarter worth $16,215,000. 57.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Fortis Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of Fortis stock opened at $50.12 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. The company has a market cap of $25.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.88, a PEG ratio of 4.73 and a beta of 0.50. The firms 50 day moving average price is $51.23 and its 200-day moving average price is $49.63. Fortis has a 52-week low of $40.32 and a 52-week high of $52.83.

Fortis Dividend Announcement

Fortis ( NYSE:FTS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.59 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by ($0.02). Fortis had a net margin of 14.18% and a return on equity of 7.05%. The firm had revenue of $2.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.22 billion. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Fortis will post 2.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, March 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.64 per share. This represents a $2.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.1%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Fortiss payout ratio is 75.83%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have weighed in on FTS. CIBC reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Fortis in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. National Bankshares reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Fortis in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Fortis from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 18th. Scotiabank reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Fortis in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Fortis in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $72.00.

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Fortis Profile

(Free Report)

Fortis Inc operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 447,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 103,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,408 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity.

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Jump Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI  Free Report) by 187.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 92,575 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 60,375 shares during the period. Jump Financial LLC owned 0.09% of Robert Half worth $3,800,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Quarry LP increased its stake in shares of Robert Half by 540.8% in the first quarter. Quarry LP now owns 487 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 411 shares during the period. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd boosted its holdings in Robert Half by 927.7% in the second quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 853 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 770 shares during the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC increased its position in Robert Half by 393.8% during the 2nd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 963 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 768 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Robert Half by 30.2% during the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 2,013 shares of the business services providers stock worth $83,000 after purchasing an additional 467 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allworth Financial LP lifted its position in shares of Robert Half by 60.5% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,340 shares of the business services providers stock worth $96,000 after purchasing an additional 882 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.41% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently weighed in on RHI. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of Robert Half from $36.00 to $31.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Robert Half from $31.00 to $27.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. BNP Paribas Exane downgraded Robert Half from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $22.00 price target for the company. in a report on Friday, December 5th. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on Robert Half from $55.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $22.00 target price on Robert Half in a research report on Friday, December 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $33.89.

Robert Half Trading Up 2.3%

RHI opened at $27.27 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $28.64 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $35.48. Robert Half Inc. has a 1-year low of $25.22 and a 1-year high of $78.41. The company has a market cap of $2.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.71 and a beta of 0.85.

Robert Half (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The business services provider reported $0.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.43. Robert Half had a net margin of 2.85% and a return on equity of 11.76%. The company had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.36 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.64 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. Robert Half has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.250-0.350 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Robert Half Inc. will post 2.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Robert Half Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be issued a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.7%. Robert Halfs payout ratio is currently 153.25%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Robert Half

In other news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 6,505 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.87, for a total transaction of $187,799.35. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 11,712 shares of the companys stock, valued at $338,125.44. This represents a 35.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 3.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Robert Half Company Profile

(Free Report)

Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti segments. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support.

Further Reading

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Jump Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM  Free Report) by 887.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 332,029 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 298,419 shares during the quarter. Jump Financial LLC owned about 0.06% of Rithm Capital worth $3,749,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC bought a new position in shares of Rithm Capital during the second quarter worth $96,027,000. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Rithm Capital by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 8,991,146 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $101,528,000 after purchasing an additional 98,307 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Rithm Capital during the 2nd quarter valued at about $72,762,000. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in shares of Rithm Capital by 36.3% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 4,907,737 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $56,194,000 after purchasing an additional 1,307,276 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP grew its position in shares of Rithm Capital by 9.3% during the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,917,189 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $44,225,000 after purchasing an additional 333,174 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 44.92% of the companys stock.

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Rithm Capital Trading Up 1.7%

Shares of RITM opened at $11.21 on Thursday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $11.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.58. The company has a market cap of $6.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.73 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a current ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52. Rithm Capital Corp. has a twelve month low of $9.13 and a twelve month high of $12.74.

Rithm Capital Dividend Announcement

Rithm Capital ( NYSE:RITM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.54 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.54. Rithm Capital had a net margin of 17.08% and a return on equity of 18.82%. The firm had revenue of $1.11 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.07 billion. As a group, analysts expect that Rithm Capital Corp. will post 1.93 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 1st were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 1st. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.9%. Rithm Capitals dividend payout ratio is currently 68.97%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently commented on RITM. UBS Group boosted their target price on Rithm Capital from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Rithm Capital in a report on Monday. Jones Trading reiterated a buy rating and set a $13.50 target price on shares of Rithm Capital in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, BTIG Research restated a buy rating and issued a $16.00 price target on shares of Rithm Capital in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $14.25.

View Our Latest Research Report on RITM

Insider Activity at Rithm Capital

In related news, CEO Michael Nierenberg sold 301,548 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.00, for a total transaction of $3,317,028.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider David Zeiden sold 19,285 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.11, for a total value of $214,256.35. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 0.44% of the companys stock.

Rithm Capital Company Profile

(Free Report)

Rithm Capital Corp. operates as an asset manager focused on real estate, credit, and financial services. It operates through Origination and Servicing, Investment Portfolio, Mortgage Loans Receivable, and Asset Management segments. Its investment portfolio primarily comprises of mortgage servicing rights (MSR), and MSR financing receivables, title, appraisal and property preservation, excess MSRs, and services advance investments; real estate securities, call rights, SFR properties, and residential mortgage loans; consumer and business purpose loans; and asset management related investments.

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Jump Financial LLC lifted its position in Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP  Free Report) by 196.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 72,160 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 47,853 shares during the period. Jump Financial LLCs holdings in Molson Coors Beverage were worth $3,470,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,704,932 shares of the companys stock worth $103,779,000 after buying an additional 20,311 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in Molson Coors Beverage in the first quarter worth about $70,000. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. bought a new position in Molson Coors Beverage during the 1st quarter worth about $2,091,000. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in Molson Coors Beverage during the 1st quarter worth about $22,253,000. Finally, Independent Advisor Alliance purchased a new position in Molson Coors Beverage during the 1st quarter valued at about $209,000. 78.46% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Molson Coors Beverage Stock Performance

Shares of TAP opened at $46.82 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $45.89 and a 200-day moving average price of $48.39. The firm has a market cap of $9.25 billion, a PE ratio of -4.38 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a current ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Molson Coors Beverage Company has a 12 month low of $42.94 and a 12 month high of $64.66.

Molson Coors Beverage Dividend Announcement

Molson Coors Beverage ( NYSE:TAP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.02 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a negative net margin of 15.89% and a positive return on equity of 8.78%. Molson Coors Beverage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.360-5.360 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Molson Coors Beverage Company will post 6.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th will be paid a $0.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.0%. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -17.60%.

Insider Transactions at Molson Coors Beverage

In other news, Director Andrew Thomas Molson purchased 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $46.79 per share, for a total transaction of $350,925.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 22,654 shares in the company, valued at $1,059,980.66. This trade represents a 49.49% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director David S. Coors acquired 2,245 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $44.47 per share, for a total transaction of $99,835.15. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 30,586 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,360,159.42. This trade represents a 7.92% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 2.71% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TAP has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $50.00 price objective (down from $53.00) on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Roth Capital restated a buy rating and set a $65.00 target price (down previously from $67.00) on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Molson Coors Beverage from $51.00 to $48.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research report on Monday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Molson Coors Beverage in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. They set a neutral rating and a $49.00 price objective for the company. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $53.59.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TAP

About Molson Coors Beverage

(Free Report)

Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, spirits and energy, and ready to drink beverages.

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by Naim-Ul-Karim

DHAKA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's Election Commission has announced that the country's first-ever twin polls -- the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a referendum -- will be held on Feb. 12 next year.

The country's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin made the announcement in a pre-recorded televised address on Thursday night. The CEC said nominations are to be filed by Dec. 29, which will be scrutinized from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4.

The chief adviser's office of the Bangladeshi interim government announced in October that the commission could announce the election date by the first week of December. The Election Commission (EC) last month said that more than 127 million voters had been registered.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday described the 13th national election as a historic opportunity to build a new Bangladesh following a mass uprising in July last year and stressed that it must be conducted in a fair and credible manner.

The Parliament of Bangladesh is a unicameral legislature consisting of 350 members. Its composition is divided into two categories: 300 members elected through direct polls and 50 members occupying seats reserved for women.

Apart from the general elections, Bangladesh will hold a national referendum on its state reform proposals, which seeks to reshape the country's politics and institutions and give constitutional recognition to the 2024 uprising.

A big decision in Bangladesh's upcoming referendum is whether to create a second house in parliament. If approved, all future changes to the constitution would need support from this new upper house. A 100-member upper house will be formed in proportion to the votes obtained by the political parties in the national election, and any constitutional amendment shall require the approval of a majority of upper house members.

The Bangladeshi EC has already suspended the registration of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's political party, barring its participation in future polls.

A special tribunal in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka last month sentenced the ousted ex-prime minister in absentia to death for crimes against humanity during the country's July uprising in 2024. 
Ossiam increased its position in Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report) by 15,164.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 23,202 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 23,050 shares during the period. Ossiams holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $1,311,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Dominion Energy by 123.3% in the 2nd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 469 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 259 shares during the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dominion Energy in the first quarter valued at $27,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Dominion Energy in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Dagco Inc. purchased a new position in Dominion Energy during the first quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group acquired a new stake in Dominion Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.04% of the companys stock.

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Dominion Energy Price Performance

D opened at $57.98 on Thursday. Dominion Energy Inc. has a 52-week low of $48.07 and a 52-week high of $62.87. The company has a 50 day moving average of $60.61 and a two-hundred day moving average of $59.17. The company has a market cap of $49.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41.

Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement

Dominion Energy ( NYSE:D Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.06 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.04. Dominion Energy had a net margin of 16.17% and a return on equity of 9.60%. The business had revenue of $4.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.71 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.98 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Dominion Energy has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.330-3.480 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Dominion Energy Inc. will post 3.39 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, December 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.6675 per share. This represents a $2.67 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. Dominion Energys payout ratio is currently 90.82%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

D has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $67.00 to $65.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. BTIG Research began coverage on shares of Dominion Energy in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. They set a neutral rating for the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $70.00 price target on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Evercore ISI initiated coverage on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an in-line rating and a $67.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Dominion Energy from $63.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $64.22.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy Profile

(Free Report)

Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through three operating segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Energy. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.8 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina.

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Ossiam cut its holdings in shares of Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:KIM  Free Report) by 88.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 59,108 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 466,175 shares during the period. Ossiams holdings in Kimco Realty were worth $1,242,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Kimco Realty during the second quarter valued at $175,963,000. Amundi grew its stake in shares of Kimco Realty by 54.2% in the first quarter. Amundi now owns 9,252,421 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $186,646,000 after purchasing an additional 3,253,031 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its holdings in Kimco Realty by 15.5% in the second quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 8,369,774 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $175,933,000 after purchasing an additional 1,124,125 shares during the period. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new position in Kimco Realty during the 2nd quarter worth $14,618,000. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership acquired a new position in Kimco Realty during the 2nd quarter worth about $13,358,000. 89.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Kimco Realty Trading Up 0.8%

Shares of KIM stock opened at $20.07 on Thursday. Kimco Realty Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $17.93 and a fifty-two week high of $25.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 3.59 and a current ratio of 3.59. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $20.89 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $21.31. The company has a market cap of $13.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.17, a PEG ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 1.05.

Kimco Realty Increases Dividend

Kimco Realty ( NYSE:KIM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $535.86 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $522.31 million. Kimco Realty had a return on equity of 5.60% and a net margin of 28.24%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.43 EPS. Kimco Realty has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.750-1.760 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Kimco Realty Corporation will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be issued a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. This is a positive change from Kimco Realtys previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.2%. Kimco Realtys dividend payout ratio is 125.30%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have commented on KIM shares. Scotiabank reduced their price target on Kimco Realty from $23.00 to $22.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH began coverage on Kimco Realty in a report on Tuesday, September 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $27.00 target price on the stock. Mizuho increased their target price on shares of Kimco Realty from $22.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 20th. Argus restated a buy rating and issued a $27.00 price target on shares of Kimco Realty in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on shares of Kimco Realty in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. They issued an equal weight rating and a $23.00 price objective on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $24.50.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kimco Realty

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Kimco Realty news, Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 23,100 shares of Kimco Realty stock in a transaction on Monday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.66, for a total value of $500,346.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 40,260 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $872,031.60. The trade was a 36.46% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 2.20% of the companys stock.

Kimco Realty Profile

(Free Report)

Kimco Realty Corp. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y., that is one of North Americas largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers. As of December 31, 2018, the company owned interests in 437 U.S. shopping centers comprising 76 million square feet of leasable space primarily concentrated in the top major metropolitan markets.

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Natixis lifted its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare, Inc (NYSE:MOH  Free Report) by 3,687.1% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 12,952 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 12,610 shares during the period. Natixis holdings in Molina Healthcare were worth $3,858,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT purchased a new stake in Molina Healthcare in the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Elequin Capital LP boosted its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 170.6% in the 1st quarter. Elequin Capital LP now owns 92 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 2,140.0% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 112 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd grew its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare by 2,744.4% during the 2nd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 256 shares of the companys stock valued at $76,000 after buying an additional 247 shares during the period. Finally, OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new stake in shares of Molina Healthcare during the 2nd quarter worth $94,000. 98.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Molina Healthcare Price Performance

MOH stock opened at $160.41 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $8.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.93 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 1.68 and a current ratio of 1.68. Molina Healthcare, Inc has a 1 year low of $133.40 and a 1 year high of $359.97. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $163.13 and a 200-day simple moving average of $197.57.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Molina Healthcare ( NYSE:MOH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.97 by ($2.13). Molina Healthcare had a return on equity of 22.95% and a net margin of 1.98%.The company had revenue of $11.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.99 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $6.01 EPS. The firms revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Molina Healthcare has set its FY 2025 guidance at 14.000-14.000 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Molina Healthcare, Inc will post 24.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on MOH. Morgan Stanley set a $158.00 target price on Molina Healthcare in a report on Friday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Molina Healthcare from $231.00 to $165.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Truist Financial set a $175.00 price objective on Molina Healthcare in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Barclays reissued an underweight rating and set a $144.00 target price (down previously from $185.00) on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald cut their price target on shares of Molina Healthcare from $210.00 to $180.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 24th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $198.93.

View Our Latest Analysis on MOH

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Richard M. Schapiro sold 357 shares of Molina Healthcare stock in a transaction on Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $143.02, for a total transaction of $51,058.14. Following the sale, the director owned 11,352 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,623,563.04. The trade was a 3.05% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Molina Healthcare Company Profile

(Free Report)

Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California.

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iSAM Funds UK Ltd acquired a new stake in Consolidated Edison Inc (NYSE:ED  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 6,656 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $668,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Consolidated Edison during the 2nd quarter valued at about $462,218,000. ATLAS Infrastructure Partners UK Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Consolidated Edison during the first quarter worth about $254,205,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Consolidated Edison by 4.5% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 45,040,811 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,519,845,000 after purchasing an additional 1,923,717 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 106.9% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,790,876 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $308,643,000 after purchasing an additional 1,441,785 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 215.3% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,688,480 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $186,730,000 after purchasing an additional 1,152,892 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.29% of the companys stock.

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Consolidated Edison Price Performance

Shares of ED opened at $95.44 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $34.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.69, a PEG ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 0.37. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $99.36 and its 200-day simple moving average is $100.23. Consolidated Edison Inc has a twelve month low of $87.28 and a twelve month high of $114.87. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03.

Consolidated Edison Dividend Announcement

Consolidated Edison ( NYSE:ED Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.90 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.14. Consolidated Edison had a return on equity of 8.79% and a net margin of 12.27%.During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.68 EPS. Consolidated Edison has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.600-5.700 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Consolidated Edison Inc will post 5.62 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 19th will be given a dividend of $0.85 per share. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 19th. Consolidated Edisons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 59.44%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on ED shares. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Consolidated Edison to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $98.00 price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. New Street Research set a $106.00 price objective on Consolidated Edison in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Barclays decreased their target price on Consolidated Edison from $105.00 to $101.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Consolidated Edison in a research note on Monday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $104.58.

View Our Latest Research Report on ED

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.

Further Reading

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Qube Research & Technologies Ltd decreased its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 7.5% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 602,648 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 49,138 shares during the period. Qube Research & Technologies Ltds holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $149,005,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter worth $25,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. boosted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 90.9% during the 2nd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 105 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, 1248 Management LLC acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.77% of the companys stock.

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Illinois Tool Works Stock Up 2.7%

NYSE ITW opened at $253.35 on Thursday. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a twelve month low of $214.66 and a twelve month high of $278.13. The stock has a market cap of $73.50 billion, a PE ratio of 24.57, a PEG ratio of 10.98 and a beta of 1.14. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $247.95 and a 200 day simple moving average of $253.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.53.

Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend

Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.81 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.72 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 93.26% and a net margin of 19.05%.The firm had revenue of $4.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.09 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.91 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.400-10.500 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $1.61 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $6.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is currently 62.46%.

Insider Transactions at Illinois Tool Works

In other news, Director Pamela B. Strobel sold 1,521 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.25, for a total value of $373,025.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 39,249 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,625,817.25. This represents a 3.73% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.88% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ITW has been the topic of several analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $258.00 price target on Illinois Tool Works in a report on Monday, October 27th. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $243.00 to $244.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $245.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Robert W. Baird set a $265.00 price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $261.00 to $253.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $261.58.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ITW

About Illinois Tool Works

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products.

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Intact Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 18.2% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 3,900 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 600 shares during the period. Intact Investment Management Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $2,760,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in GS. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 28.6% in the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 524,296 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $286,418,000 after buying an additional 116,535 shares during the last quarter. Ignite Planners LLC purchased a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter worth $239,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 4.9% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,379,900 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,392,124,000 after acquiring an additional 157,473 shares in the last quarter. Jump Financial LLC purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter valued at $9,596,000. Finally, Wells Trecaso Financial Group LLC increased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Wells Trecaso Financial Group LLC now owns 21,534 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $15,240,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Barclays raised their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $720.00 to $850.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $700.00 to $765.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. BNP Paribas Exane lifted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $685.00 to $775.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $850.00 to $870.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, HSBC raised their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $652.00 to $677.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $786.00.

The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE GS opened at $890.31 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $795.42 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $740.03. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $439.38 and a fifty-two week high of $897.20. The company has a market capitalization of $267.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.65.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The investment management company reported $12.25 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $10.27 by $1.98. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 15.29% and a net margin of 13.18%.The firm had revenue of $15.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.68 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $8.40 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be issued a dividend of $4.00 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $16.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.50%.

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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Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the twelve analysts that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $94.20.

Several research analysts have commented on IR shares. Citigroup lifted their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $91.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Ingersoll Rand in a research report on Monday. Zacks Research lowered Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $78.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $83.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 6th.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on IR

Ingersoll Rand Stock Up 3.3%

NYSE:IR opened at $80.98 on Thursday. Ingersoll Rand has a one year low of $65.61 and a one year high of $102.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 2.16 and a quick ratio of 1.51. The company has a market cap of $31.99 billion, a PE ratio of 59.98, a P/E/G ratio of 5.06 and a beta of 1.33. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $78.41 and its 200 day simple moving average is $80.81.

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.87 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.95 billion. Ingersoll Rand had a net margin of 7.31% and a return on equity of 12.14%. Ingersoll Rands revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.84 EPS. Ingersoll Rand has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.310 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Ingersoll Rand will post 3.32 earnings per share for the current year.

Ingersoll Rand Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 13th were issued a $0.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 13th. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.1%. Ingersoll Rands payout ratio is presently 5.93%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Ingersoll Rand news, CAO Michael J. Scheske sold 1,477 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.63, for a total transaction of $119,090.51. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 12,153 shares in the company, valued at approximately $979,896.39. This trade represents a 10.84% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.59% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ingersoll Rand

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 6,913,924 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $575,100,000 after acquiring an additional 38,999 shares in the last quarter. United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund bought a new position in shares of Ingersoll Rand in the second quarter worth approximately $8,375,000. Nordea Investment Management AB raised its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 4.3% in the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,797,823 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $149,920,000 after purchasing an additional 74,070 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Ingersoll Rand by 14.5% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 726,564 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $58,147,000 after purchasing an additional 91,777 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 85.3% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 8,116 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $675,000 after buying an additional 3,736 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.27% of the companys stock.

Ingersoll Rand Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, gas, liquid, and solid flow creation technologies services and solutions worldwide. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. The Industrial Technologies and Services segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services air and gas compression, vacuum, and blower products; fluid transfer equipment and loading systems; and power tools and lifting equipment, including associated aftermarket parts, consumables, air treatment equipment, controls, other accessories, and services under the under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Nash, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle brands, etc.

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DZ Bank upgraded shares of Swiss Re (OTCMKTS:SSREY  Free Report) from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report report published on Tuesday morning,Zacks.com reports.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Citigroup cut Swiss Re from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Berenberg Bank cut shares of Swiss Re from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Oddo Bhf downgraded Swiss Re to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an underperform rating on shares of Swiss Re in a research note on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Reduce.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on SSREY

Swiss Re Price Performance

Swiss Re Company Profile

OTCMKTS SSREY opened at $40.07 on Tuesday. Swiss Re has a 12-month low of $35.39 and a 12-month high of $48.62. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $45.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $44.78.

(Get Free Report)

Swiss Re AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides wholesale reinsurance, insurance, other insurance-based forms of risk transfer, and other insurance-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Property & Casualty Reinsurance, Life & Health Reinsurance, and Corporate Solutions.

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NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 8.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 190,662 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 15,028 shares during the quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $25,932,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. IMG Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 759.1% during the 2nd quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 189 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the last quarter. Elequin Capital LP purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter valued at $30,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 81.3% in the second quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 232 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares during the period. Curio Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 15,250.0% during the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 307 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 305 shares during the period. Finally, Pineridge Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 34.6% during the 2nd 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 last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Price Performance

ABT stock opened at $122.38 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.70. The companys fifty day moving average price is $127.83 and its 200-day moving average price is $130.59. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $110.86 and a one year high of $141.23. The company has a market capitalization of $212.80 billion, a PE ratio of 15.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 0.72.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

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 (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.30. The company had revenue of $11.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.40 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.88% and a return on equity of 17.60%. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.21 EPS. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 15th were given a $0.59 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.57%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently issued reports on ABT. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $149.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $153.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Barclays raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $159.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, William Blair raised shares of Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $147.00.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ABT

About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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HighVista Strategies LLC decreased its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE  Free Report) by 35.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 86,200 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 47,300 shares during the quarter. HighVista Strategies LLCs holdings in Hewlett Packard Enterprise were worth $1,763,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of HPE. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT purchased a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. CVA Family Office LLC increased its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 126.7% during the second quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 1,437 shares of the technology companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 803 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 74.4% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,611 shares of the technology companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 687 shares in the last quarter. Hilltop National Bank purchased a new position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, SouthState Corp acquired a new position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the first quarter valued at approximately $42,000. 80.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Transactions at Hewlett Packard Enterprise

In other news, Director Gary M. Reiner sold 40,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.58, for a total value of $983,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 83,869 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,061,500.02. This represents a 32.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Maeve C. Culloty sold 3,738 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.12, for a total value of $93,898.56. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 324,080 shares of company stock worth $7,898,908 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.36% of the companys stock.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Trading Up 2.1%

Shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock opened at $25.29 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $23.29 and a 200-day simple moving average of $21.80. The stock has a market cap of $33.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -421.36, a PEG ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.34. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company has a 12-month low of $11.97 and a 12-month high of $26.44.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The technology company reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $9.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.91 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 9.15% and a net margin of 0.17%.The businesss revenue was up 14.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.58 earnings per share. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.250-2.450 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.570-0.610 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will post 1.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 19th will be issued a $0.1425 dividend. This represents a $0.57 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 19th. This is a positive change from Hewlett Packard Enterprises previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio is presently -866.67%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have issued reports on HPE. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. They issued a market perform rating and a $24.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $25.00 price target (down previously from $28.00) on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a report on Monday, November 17th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Susquehanna raised their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $21.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, September 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and fourteen have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hewlett Packard Enterprise currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $25.53.

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise Profile

(Free Report)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other.

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MOSCOW, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Moscow came under a mass drone attack from the night of Wednesday to Thursday, with 32 drones shot down, said Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.

All Moscow airports have suspended inbound and outbound flights. Dozens of flights have been rerouted to an alternate airport, and the primary burden fell on St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport, local media reported.

According to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, 287 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Russian airspace during the previous night. 
OCONNOR A Distinct Business Unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC cut its stake in Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH  Free Report) by 38.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,020 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 2,460 shares during the quarter. OCONNOR A Distinct Business Unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLCs holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $2,808,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Parker-Hannifin during the first quarter valued at $27,000. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin during the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. Interchange Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 56.1% in 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 during the period. Finally, Sagard Holdings Management Inc. purchased a new position in Parker-Hannifin during the second quarter worth approximately $46,000. 82.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently commented on PH shares. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $960.00 to $1,006.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday. KeyCorp boosted their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $825.00 to $935.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $906.00 to $950.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $800.00 to $825.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Parker-Hannifin currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $883.41.

Parker-Hannifin Price Performance

Parker-Hannifin stock opened at $889.13 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $112.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $802.66 and a 200-day simple moving average of $747.94. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a 12-month low of $488.45 and a 12-month high of $893.47.

Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $7.22 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.62 by $0.60. Parker-Hannifin had a net margin of 18.17% and a return on equity of 27.23%. The firm had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.94 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $6.20 EPS. Parker-Hannifins revenue for the quarter was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. Parker-Hannifin has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Parker-Hannifin Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were given a dividend of $1.80 per share. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. Parker-Hannifins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.65%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, VP Berend Bracht sold 3,507 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $864.58, for a total transaction of $3,032,082.06. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 2,580 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,230,616.40. This trade represents a 57.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, VP Rachid Bendali sold 1,437 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $852.99, for a total transaction of $1,225,746.63. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 2,714 shares in the company, valued at $2,315,014.86. This represents a 34.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.32% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Parker-Hannifin

(Free Report)

Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment.

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Glenview Trust co lowered its stake in shares of Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ  Free Report) by 7.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 64,435 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,992 shares during the period. Glenview Trust cos holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $10,482,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Constellation Brands by 127.9% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 4,480,788 shares of the companys stock valued at $822,314,000 after acquiring an additional 2,514,517 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 13.6% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,737,860 shares of the companys stock worth $605,293,000 after acquiring an additional 448,259 shares during the period. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC grew its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 39.6% during the 2nd quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 3,675,855 shares of the companys stock worth $597,988,000 after purchasing an additional 1,042,904 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 2.4% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,969,081 shares of the companys stock valued at $320,329,000 after purchasing an additional 46,959 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in shares of Constellation Brands by 4.7% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,693,827 shares of the companys stock valued at $310,851,000 after purchasing an additional 76,186 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.34% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently commented on STZ shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Monday. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $150.00 to $147.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. UBS Group set a $160.00 target price on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $180.00 price target on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Constellation Brands from $150.00 to $142.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Constellation Brands has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $181.88.

Constellation Brands Stock Up 3.5%

STZ opened at $148.39 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $25.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.66, a PEG ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 0.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 1.08. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $136.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $152.91. Constellation Brands Inc has a twelve month low of $126.45 and a twelve month high of $244.69.

Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 23rd. The company reported $3.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Constellation Brands had a return on equity of 29.82% and a net margin of 11.88%.The firm had revenue of $2.32 billion during the quarter. Equities research analysts anticipate that Constellation Brands Inc will post 13.5 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Constellation Brands Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 30th were given a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 30th. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.7%. Constellation Brandss payout ratio is currently 59.56%.

Constellation Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands.

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Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. (NYSE:TR  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, December 9th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 24th will be given a dividend of 0.09 per share on Thursday, January 8th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 24th.

Tootsie Roll Industries has raised its dividend by an average of 0.0%annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 3 years.

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Tootsie Roll Industries Trading Up 1.5%

Tootsie Roll Industries stock opened at $37.74 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $39.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $38.27. Tootsie Roll Industries has a 52 week low of $28.67 and a 52 week high of $44.27. The stock has a market cap of $2.75 billion, a PE ratio of 29.24 and a beta of 0.44.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Tootsie Roll Industries ( NYSE:TR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $232.71 million for the quarter. Tootsie Roll Industries had a net margin of 12.99% and a return on equity of 10.53%.

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Tootsie Roll Industries in a research report on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy.

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Tootsie Roll Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally. It sells its products under the Tootsie Roll, Tootsie Fruit Rolls, Frooties, Tootsie Pops, Tootsie Mini Pops, Child's Play, Caramel Apple Pops, Charms, Blow-Pop, Charms Mini Pops, Cella's, Dots, Junior Mints, Charleston Chew, Sugar Daddy, Sugar Babies, Andes, Fluffy Stuff, Dubble Bubble, Razzles, Cry Baby, NIK-L-NIP, and Tutsi Pop trademarks.

Further Reading

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its stake in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 10.3% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 27,359,777 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 2,546,233 shares during the quarter. Canadian Natural Resources accounts for 0.8% of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Companys holdings, making the stock its 16th biggest position. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Companys holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $855,414,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. MAI Capital Management lifted its position in Canadian Natural Resources by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 4,365 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $134,000 after acquiring an additional 382 shares in the last quarter. Haven Private LLC increased its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Haven Private LLC now owns 11,617 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $365,000 after purchasing an additional 383 shares in the last quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp raised its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp now owns 32,283 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,014,000 after purchasing an additional 387 shares during the period. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 5.7% in the second quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,109 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $255,000 after purchasing an additional 434 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. boosted its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 8.7% during the second quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 5,613 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $176,000 after buying an additional 448 shares during the period. 74.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Canadian Natural Resources Stock Down 0.0%

CNQ stock opened at $33.73 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $70.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.92 and a beta of 0.70. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a twelve month low of $24.65 and a twelve month high of $35.12. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $32.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $31.82. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41.

Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend

Canadian Natural Resources ( NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNQ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by $0.08. Canadian Natural Resources had a return on equity of 18.93% and a net margin of 14.90%.The company had revenue of $6.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.81 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.97 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 2.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a $0.5875 dividend. This is a boost from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $2.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.0%. Canadian Natural Resourcess payout ratio is 75.66%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on CNQ shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $62.00 target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. TD Securities reissued a buy rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Desjardins cut shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $62.00.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Canadian Natural Resources

About Canadian Natural Resources

(Free Report)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

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Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC  Get Free Report)s stock had its neutral rating reiterated by stock analysts at Robert W. Baird in a report released on Thursday, Marketbeat.com reports. They presently have a $52.00 price objective on the insurance providers stock. Robert W. Bairds price objective suggests a potential upside of 4.98% from the stocks current price.

TFC has been the topic of several other reports. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Truist Financial in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on Truist Financial from $48.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Piper Sandler set a $48.00 target price on shares of Truist Financial in a report on Monday, October 20th. UBS Group set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reissued an equal weight rating and set a $47.00 target price on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Thursday, August 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.60.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Truist Financial

Truist Financial Stock Performance

Shares of TFC stock opened at $49.54 on Thursday. Truist Financial has a 52-week low of $33.56 and a 52-week high of $49.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market cap of $63.37 billion, a PE ratio of 13.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.90. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $44.95 and a 200-day simple moving average of $44.18.

Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The insurance provider reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.05. Truist Financial had a net margin of 16.84% and a return on equity of 8.73%. The firm had revenue of $5.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.20 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.97 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Truist Financial will post 4 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Truist Financial

In related news, Director K. David Jr. Boyer sold 5,160 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.45, for a total transaction of $239,682.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 10,153 shares of the companys stock, valued at $471,606.85. This represents a 33.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.17% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TFC. First Hawaiian Bank grew its holdings in Truist Financial by 8.6% in the first quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 11,991 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $493,000 after purchasing an additional 948 shares during the period. Credit Agricole S A lifted its position in Truist Financial by 76.4% during the 1st quarter. Credit Agricole S A now owns 500,384 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $20,591,000 after acquiring an additional 216,672 shares in the last quarter. Inspire Trust Co. N.A. lifted its position in shares of Truist Financial by 9.8% during the first quarter. Inspire Trust Co. N.A. now owns 90,000 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $3,704,000 after purchasing an additional 8,000 shares in the last quarter. Ethic Inc. boosted its position in Truist Financial by 7.3% in the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 174,460 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $7,156,000 after buying an additional 11,857 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cornerstone Select Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Truist Financial in the first quarter valued at about $984,000. 71.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Truist Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Truist Financial Corporation, a financial services company, provides banking and trust services in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The company operates through three segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth, Corporate and Commercial Banking, and Insurance Holdings.Its deposit products include noninterest-bearing checking, interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts.

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company cut its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS  Free Report) by 5.2% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 5,059,577 shares of the casino operators stock after selling 276,521 shares during the quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Companys holdings in Las Vegas Sands were worth $220,142,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in LVS. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Las Vegas Sands by 4.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 43,072,014 shares of the casino operators stock worth $1,874,063,000 after buying an additional 1,822,806 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its holdings in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 3.9% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 15,722,816 shares of the casino operators stock worth $607,373,000 after acquiring an additional 592,321 shares during the period. ARGA Investment Management LP boosted its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 36.8% in the second quarter. ARGA Investment Management LP now owns 10,040,975 shares of the casino operators stock worth $436,883,000 after acquiring an additional 2,698,398 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in Las Vegas Sands by 4.9% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 9,902,619 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $430,863,000 after purchasing an additional 459,821 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Las Vegas Sands by 0.4% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 8,823,966 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $382,294,000 after purchasing an additional 31,153 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 39.16% of the companys stock.

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Las Vegas Sands Stock Up 0.1%

LVS stock opened at $66.51 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $44.97 billion, a PE ratio of 30.09, a P/E/G ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.97. Las Vegas Sands Corp. has a 12 month low of $30.18 and a 12 month high of $70.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.42, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $60.13 and a 200 day simple moving average of $53.27.

Las Vegas Sands Announces Dividend

Las Vegas Sands ( NYSE:LVS Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The casino operator reported $0.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.04 billion. Las Vegas Sands had a return on equity of 73.14% and a net margin of 12.69%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 24.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.44 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Las Vegas Sands Corp. will post 2.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 12th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 4th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 4th. Las Vegas Sandss payout ratio is 45.25%.

Insider Activity at Las Vegas Sands

In other news, CFO Randy Hyzak sold 57,545 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.45, for a total value of $3,823,865.25. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 53,499 shares in the company, valued at $3,555,008.55. This represents a 51.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP D. Zachary Hudson sold 53,257 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.37, for a total value of $3,747,695.09. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 13,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $966,531.95. This trade represents a 79.50% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 2,704,062 shares of company stock worth $168,024,845. Insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

LVS has been the topic of a number of research reports. Seaport Global Securities raised their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $66.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Zacks Research raised Las Vegas Sands from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $57.00 to $64.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Las Vegas Sands from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, September 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $60.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Las Vegas Sands currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $65.80.

Read Our Latest Report on Las Vegas Sands

Las Vegas Sands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the Peoples Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

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SVB Wealth LLC decreased its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Free Report) by 71.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,426 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 3,519 shares during the period. SVB Wealth LLCs holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $246,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 15.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 32,308,749 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $5,565,182,000 after buying an additional 4,305,947 shares during the last quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 12,575,351 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $2,880,510,000 after acquiring an additional 448,644 shares during the last quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 59.2% during 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 acquiring an additional 3,268,478 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 24.4% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 8,514,446 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,466,613,000 after purchasing an additional 1,670,590 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 3.8% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,723,702 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $1,153,157,000 after purchasing an additional 244,199 shares during the last quarter. 86.97% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Becton, Dickinson and Company Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:BDX opened at $198.44 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 12 month low of $162.29 and a 12 month high of $251.99. The company has a market capitalization of $56.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.04, a PEG ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 0.25. The firms 50-day moving average is $188.58 and its 200 day moving average is $184.19.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Increases Dividend

Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 14th. The medical instruments supplier reported $4.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $5.32 billion during the quarter. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a net margin of 7.68% and a return on equity of 16.42%. Research analysts predict that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 14.43 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 8th will be issued a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 8th. This is an increase from Becton, Dickinson and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.04. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 72.04%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have commented on BDX shares. Wall Street Zen cut 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 company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Argus boosted their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $220.00 to $230.00 in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $215.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $204.91.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Becton, Dickinson and Company

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Becton, Dickinson and Company news, Director Bertram L. Scott sold 217 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $176.58, for a total value of $38,317.86. Following the sale, the director owned 35,816 shares in the company, valued at $6,324,389.28. This trade represents a 0.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 407 shares of company stock valued at $73,922. Corporate insiders own 0.36% of the companys stock.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Profile

(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.

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CJS Securities initiated coverage on shares of Tetra Technologies (NYSE:TTI  Get Free Report) in a research note issued on Thursday. The brokerage set an outperform rating and a $11.50 price target on the oil and gas companys stock. CJS Securities price objective would indicate a potential upside of 30.21% from the stocks current price.

TTI has been the subject of several other research reports. Northland Securities set a $8.50 target price on shares of Tetra Technologies in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on Tetra Technologies from $6.50 to $9.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Tetra Technologies in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Tetra Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $8.50.

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Tetra Technologies Trading Up 1.1%

NYSE TTI opened at $8.83 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average is $7.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $5.17. Tetra Technologies has a 12 month low of $2.03 and a 12 month high of $8.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 2.35 and a quick ratio of 1.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.74 and a beta of 1.12.

Tetra Technologies (NYSE:TTI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The oil and gas company reported $0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.04. The business had revenue of $153.24 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $144.40 million. Tetra Technologies had a net margin of 19.75% and a return on equity of 13.07%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Tetra Technologies will post 0.15 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Tetra Technologies

In related news, VP Shoemake Alicia R. Boston sold 19,257 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.94, for a total transaction of $152,900.58. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 132,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,053,415.68. The trade was a 12.67% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 5.71% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tetra Technologies

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. State of Alaska Department of Revenue purchased a new position in shares of Tetra Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. DKM Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Tetra Technologies in the second quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in Tetra Technologies by 647.1% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 12,700 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 11,000 shares in the last quarter. Catalyst Funds Management Pty Ltd purchased a new position in Tetra Technologies in the second quarter worth approximately $44,000. Finally, American Trust acquired a new position in Tetra Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $49,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.19% of the companys stock.

About Tetra Technologies

(Get Free Report)

TETRA Technologies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy services and solutions company. It operates through two segments, Completion Fluids & Products Division and Water & Flowback Services. The Completion Fluids & Products segment manufactures and markets clear brine fluids, additives, and associated products and services to the oil and gas industry for use in well drilling, completion, and workover operations in the United States, as well as in Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

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Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA  Get Free Report) had its target price upped by research analysts at TD Cowen from $100.00 to $115.00 in a report issued on Thursday. The brokerage presently has a hold rating on the energy companys stock. TD Cowens price objective suggests a potential upside of 0.48% from the companys previous close.

ORA has been the topic of a number of other reports. Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of Ormat Technologies in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Ormat Technologies from $99.00 to $111.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Piper Sandler upgraded Ormat Technologies from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the company from $90.00 to $102.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. UBS Group raised their price objective on Ormat Technologies from $105.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on Ormat Technologies from $89.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. One research 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 company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $117.67.

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Ormat Technologies Stock Performance

NYSE ORA traded up $1.35 on Thursday, hitting $114.46. 134,744 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 530,090. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $108.85 and its 200-day moving average price is $94.79. Ormat Technologies has a 52-week low of $61.58 and a 52-week high of $115.72. The company has a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. The company has a market capitalization of $6.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.46, a P/E/G ratio of 5.02 and a beta of 0.74.

Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The energy company reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $249.73 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $235.03 million. Ormat Technologies had a net margin of 14.12% and a return on equity of 5.35%. The firms revenue was up 17.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.36 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Ormat Technologies will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Ormat Technologies

In other Ormat Technologies news, CFO Assi Ginzburg sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.72, for a total value of $2,254,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 4,482 shares of the companys stock, valued at $505,211.04. The trade was a 81.69% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Dafna Sharir sold 981 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $96.70, for a total transaction of $94,862.70. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 2,257 shares in the company, valued at approximately $218,251.90. This trade represents a 30.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 72,418 shares of company stock valued at $7,580,300. 0.56% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ormat Technologies

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Ormat Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $256,000. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new position in Ormat Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth $627,000. Danske Bank A S acquired a new position in Ormat Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at about $154,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co raised its stake in Ormat Technologies by 4.1% in the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 64,553 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $6,165,000 after buying an additional 2,534 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Ormat Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $3,359,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.49% of the companys stock.

About Ormat Technologies

(Get 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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SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NYSEARCA:NANR  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $69.22 and last traded at $68.9040, with a volume of 19547 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $67.90.

SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Stock Up 1.4%

The firm has a fifty day moving average of $64.71 and a 200-day moving average of $61.07. The stock has a market capitalization of $776.28 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.42 and a beta of 0.75.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. CoreCap Advisors LLC grew its stake in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 62.8% in the 3rd quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 451 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 174 shares during the last quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF during the third quarter worth about $71,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF in the second quarter valued at about $195,000. Triumph Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $204,000. Finally, Horizon Investments LLC grew its position in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 9.0% in the first quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 4,208 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,000 after purchasing an additional 346 shares during the last quarter.

SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Company Profile

The SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NANR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund tracks an index of US & Canadian firms involved in natural resources and commodities businesses. NANR was launched on Dec 15, 2015 and is managed by State Street.

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LISBON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's two main labor confederations staged a nationwide strike on Thursday, affecting sectors, including transport, healthcare, education, and public services.

According to local media reports, the strike, backed by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) and the Portuguese General Workers' Union (UGT), marks the first joint action by the rival unions since 2013. It also reflects mounting opposition to the government's proposed overhaul of labor rules.

The move has already prompted airlines, hospitals, and schools to prepare contingency plans, with authorities expecting widespread disruption despite minimum service requirements.

Portugal's flag carrier TAP has canceled multiple flights, allowing passengers to rebook without fees. Unions representing pilots, cabin crew, ground handling workers, and rail staff have joined the strike, and metro services in both Lisbon and Porto have also been affected.

Health officials say surgeries and consultations in the public system have been postponed, while teachers' unions have reported significant school closures. Banks, telecom operators, insurers, and auto manufacturers have also taken part in the walkout.

A Xinhua reporter on the scene observed that airport and metro hubs - usually packed with passengers - are far less crowded, with some stations almost empty. As public transport came to a halt, taxi fares more than doubled.

The strike is a response to a government reform package unveiled in July, which includes more than 100 amendments to the labor code. The proposals expand the use of outsourcing and fixed-term contracts, modify dismissal rules, and introduce individual working-time banks. Unions argue the changes erode worker protections and facilitate precarious employment, while the center-right government contends they modernize the labor market and support job creation.

Officials say minimum service guarantees will be enforced to limit disruption, but union leaders accuse the government of attempting to curtail the right to strike by expanding the range of sectors covered by mandatory staffing, including childcare, elderly care, and food supply. The labor ministry has said it does not expect to invoke civil requisition powers, but pledged to "minimize impacts on essential services."

The strike follows a series of demonstrations in recent months and comes shortly after parliament approved the 2026 state budget, clearing the legislative path for the labor reform to move forward.

According to Lusa News Agency, CGTP Secretary-General Tiago Oliveira said he expects "strong participation" in the strikes, particularly in health, education, and transport, and argued that the outcome would improve unions' negotiating leverage.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro described the strike as "incomprehensible," arguing that it serves political interests rather than those of workers, and warning that a general strike would only create instability and penalize workers themselves. He stressed that the labor-reform package is still under negotiation and "not closed," calling for responsibility from the unions.

Presidency Minister Antonio Leitao Amaro said Thursday that the nationwide strike has had minimal impact, stressing that "the overwhelming majority of the country is working." Nevertheless, he added that the government respects the right to strike and remains open to dialogue on the draft labor law reform. 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (TSE:GTE  Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:GTE)s stock price dropped 15.1% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$5.42 and last traded at C$5.46. Approximately 119,527 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 150% from the average daily volume of 47,867 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$6.43.

Gran Tierra Energy Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 176.57. The companys fifty day moving average price is C$5.97 and its 200 day moving average price is C$6.11. The company has a market capitalization of C$195.54 million, a P/E ratio of -2.16, a PEG ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 0.96.

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Gran Tierra Energy (TSE:GTE  Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:GTE) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported C($0.57) earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$207.82 million during the quarter. Gran Tierra Energy had a net margin of 7.17% and a return on equity of 11.08%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Gran Tierra Energy Inc. will post 0.1092044 EPS for the current year.

Gran Tierra Energy Company Profile

Gran Tierra Energy Inc is an independent energy company. It is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas properties in proven, under-explored hydrocarbon basins that have access to established infrastructure. The firm produces primarily light crude oil, supplemented with medium crude and natural gas.

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Lennox International (NYSE:LII  Get Free Report) had its price objective dropped by Barclays from $700.00 to $680.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an overweight rating on the construction companys stock. Barclayss price target would suggest a potential upside of 31.27% from the companys previous close.

A number of other research firms have also issued reports on LII. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of Lennox International from $650.00 to $565.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Northcoast Research raised shares of Lennox International from a sell rating to a neutral rating and set a $525.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 27th. UBS Group reduced their target price on Lennox International from $610.00 to $560.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Lennox International from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Lennox International from $501.00 to $493.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Lennox International has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $596.83.

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Lennox International Stock Performance

NYSE:LII traded up $12.24 on Thursday, hitting $518.02. The stock had a trading volume of 220,265 shares, compared to its average volume of 422,491. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $501.45 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $550.03. The stock has a market cap of $18.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 1.16. Lennox International has a 52-week low of $443.19 and a 52-week high of $689.44.

Lennox International (NYSE:LII  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The construction company reported $6.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.69 by $0.29. Lennox International had a net margin of 15.74% and a return on equity of 91.96%. The firm had revenue of $1.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.54 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $6.68 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Lennox International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.750-23.250 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Lennox International will post 22.94 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Todd J. Teske sold 600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $491.85, for a total transaction of $295,110.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 7,581 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,728,714.85. This represents a 7.33% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 9.73% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lennox International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in shares of Lennox International by 118.3% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 92,618 shares of the construction companys stock worth $51,932,000 after buying an additional 50,188 shares in the last quarter. Horizon Investments LLC purchased a new position in Lennox International during the 1st quarter valued at $257,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Lennox International by 20.1% during the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,141 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $640,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares in the last quarter. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. boosted its holdings in shares of Lennox International by 5.1% during the 1st quarter. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. now owns 10,150 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $5,692,000 after buying an additional 493 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Summit Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Lennox International in the 1st quarter worth approximately $808,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.07% of the companys stock.

Lennox International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lennox International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets a range of products for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Home Comfort Solutions segment provides furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, packaged heating and cooling systems, indoor air quality equipment, comfort control products, and replacement parts and supplies; residential heating, ventilation, cooling equipment, and air conditioning; and evaporator coils and unit heaters under Lennox, Dave Lennox Signature Collection, Armstrong Air, Ducane, AirEase, Concord, MagicPak, Advanced Distributor Products, Allied, Elite Series, Merit Series, Comfort Sync, Healthy Climate, iComfort, ComfortSense, and Lennox Stores name.

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Shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $209.79 and last traded at $210.6880, with a volume of 1653358 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $206.54.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $209.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company set a $212.00 price objective on Johnson & Johnson and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Argus set a $210.00 target price on Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. HSBC reissued a buy rating and set a $240.00 price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Scotiabank started coverage on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $230.00 price objective for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $205.45.

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Johnson & Johnson Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $506.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.29, a PEG ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.36. The company has a fifty day moving average of $195.15 and a 200 day moving average of $176.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 0.80.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 30th. The company reported $2.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 27.26% and a return on equity of 32.73%. The firm had revenue of $24.02 billion for the quarter. Sell-side analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current year.

Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th were given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 50.19%.

Institutional Trading of Johnson & Johnson

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of JNJ. Saranac Partners Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the third quarter worth approximately $275,000. Allworth Financial LP lifted its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 2.3% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 381,319 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,704,000 after buying an additional 8,640 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 2.1% during the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 32,442 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,016,000 after buying an additional 654 shares during the last quarter. Steadtrust LLC increased its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 10.4% during the third quarter. Steadtrust LLC now owns 2,735 shares of the companys stock worth $507,000 after acquiring an additional 258 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stillwater Wealth Management Group acquired a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the 3rd quarter worth about $375,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.55% of the companys stock.

About Johnson & Johnson

(Get Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of products in the healthcare field. It operates through the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments. The Innovative Medicine segment focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension.

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Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $6.22, but opened at $6.43. Nokia shares last traded at $6.4450, with a volume of 8,875,746 shares traded.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on NOK shares. Danske upgraded shares of Nokia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Nokia in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. New Street Research set a $6.57 price target on Nokia in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Nokia in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Nokia in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Nokia has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $6.10.

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Nokia Stock Performance

The companys fifty day moving average price is $6.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $35.55 billion, a PE ratio of 35.42 and a beta of 0.77.

Nokia (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.06 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $5.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.67 billion. Nokia had a net margin of 4.65% and a return on equity of 8.24%. Nokias revenue for the quarter was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.06 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Nokia Corporation will post 0.34 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nokia

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its position in Nokia by 50.0% during the 3rd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 43,424,695 shares of the technology companys stock worth $208,873,000 after purchasing an additional 14,482,665 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans increased its position in shares of Nokia by 35,010.3% in the third quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 12,655,143 shares of the technology companys stock worth $60,871,000 after acquiring an additional 12,619,099 shares in the last quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Nokia by 17.0% in the 3rd quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 80,329,917 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $386,387,000 after acquiring an additional 11,667,677 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Nokia during the 1st quarter worth $45,207,000. Finally, Folketrygdfondet raised its position in Nokia by 66.6% in the third quarter. Folketrygdfondet now owns 17,380,530 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $83,600,000 after purchasing an additional 6,950,487 shares during the period. 5.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Nokia Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission.

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Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX  Get Free Report) was the target of some unusual options trading activity on Thursday. Stock traders bought 99,176 call options on the stock. This is an increase of 38% compared to the average volume of 71,794 call options.

Freeport-McMoRan Trading Up 3.4%

Shares of FCX traded up $1.57 during trading on Thursday, reaching $48.02. 11,837,952 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 16,456,410. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $41.58 and a 200-day simple moving average of $42.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 2.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Freeport-McMoRan has a twelve month low of $27.66 and a twelve month high of $49.12. The stock has a market cap of $68.95 billion, a PE ratio of 33.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.49.

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Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The natural resource company reported $0.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $6.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.74 billion. Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 7.97% and a return on equity of 7.84%. The companys revenue was up 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.38 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Freeport-McMoRan will post 1.68 earnings per share for the current year.

Freeport-McMoRan Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Freeport-McMoRan

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 15th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Freeport-McMoRans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.13%.

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of FCX. Allworth Financial LP lifted its stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 14.4% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 26,167 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $1,026,000 after acquiring an additional 3,302 shares in the last quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald L. P. bought a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the third quarter worth $1,883,000. Strategic Advocates LLC increased its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 5.8% during the third quarter. Strategic Advocates LLC now owns 18,184 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $713,000 after purchasing an additional 993 shares during the period. Oarsman Capital Inc. increased its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. Oarsman Capital Inc. now owns 52,211 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $2,048,000 after buying an additional 2,405 shares during the period. Finally, Danske Bank A S acquired a new stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $652,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.77% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Johnson Rice cut their price objective on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $55.00 to $48.00 in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Clarkson Capital upgraded Freeport-McMoRan from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $46.00 price objective for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Wall Street Zen cut Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Raymond James Financial lowered their price objective on Freeport-McMoRan from $46.00 to $45.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $47.73.

View Our Latest Stock Report on FCX

About Freeport-McMoRan

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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.

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Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP  Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by equities research analysts at Citigroup from $29.00 to $33.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the oil and gas companys stock. Citigroups target price would indicate a potential upside of 7.11% from the stocks current price.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on HP. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Helmerich & Payne from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their target price for the stock from $20.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on Helmerich & Payne from $27.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Wall Street Zen cut Helmerich & Payne from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Sunday, November 23rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a report on Monday. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their price target on Helmerich & Payne from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.80.

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Helmerich & Payne Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE HP traded up $0.37 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $30.81. 1,219,976 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,881,480. Helmerich & Payne has a 52 week low of $14.65 and a 52 week high of $37.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 1.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -18.45 and a beta of 0.56. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $26.12 and its 200 day simple moving average is $20.83.

Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.26 by ($0.27). Helmerich & Payne had a negative net margin of 4.37% and a positive return on equity of 3.21%. The business had revenue of $1.01 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $972.79 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.76 EPS. The companys revenue was up 45.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Helmerich & Payne will post 2.93 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Helmerich & Payne

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Grace & White Inc. NY boosted its holdings in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 23.3% during the 2nd quarter. Grace & White Inc. NY now owns 139,742 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,118,000 after acquiring an additional 26,400 shares in the last quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue raised its position in Helmerich & Payne by 7.6% in the second quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 59,223 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $897,000 after purchasing an additional 4,158 shares during the last quarter. Abel Hall LLC bought a new position in Helmerich & Payne in the second quarter valued at about $163,000. Eads & Heald Wealth Management acquired a new stake in shares of Helmerich & Payne during the second quarter valued at about $377,000. Finally, Tcfg Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Helmerich & Payne during the second quarter worth about $766,000. Institutional investors own 96.05% of the companys stock.

About Helmerich & Payne

(Get Free Report)

Founded in 1920, Helmerich & Payne, Inc (H&P) (NYSE: HP) is committed to delivering industry leading levels of drilling productivity and reliability. H&P operates with the highest level of integrity, safety and innovation to deliver superior results for its customers and returns for shareholders.

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Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, Trip.com Group, MakeMyTrip, Thor Industries, and Travel + Leisure are the seven Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of companies whose primary business is facilitating travel and tourism  for example airlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, car rental firms, and online travel agencies. They tend to be cyclical and seasonal and are sensitive to economic conditions, fuel and labor costs, and geopolitical or health events, so investors use them to gain exposure to tourism and economic recovery but should expect higher volatility and event risk. 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.

Read Our Latest Research Report on EXPE

Travelers Companies (TRV)

The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TRV

Trip.com Group (TCOM)

Trip.com Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as a travel service provider for accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and in-destination, corporate travel management, and other travel-related services in China and internationally. The company acts as an agent for hotel-related transactions and selling air tickets, as well as provides train, long-distance bus, and ferry tickets; travel insurance products, such as flight delay, air accident, and baggage loss coverage; and air-ticket delivery, online check-in and seat selection, express security screening, real-time flight status tracker, and airport VIP lounge services.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TCOM

MakeMyTrip (MMYT)

MakeMyTrip Limited, an online travel company, sells travel products and solutions in India, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Colombia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company operates through three segments: Air Ticketing, Hotels and Packages, and Bus Ticketing.

Read Our Latest Research Report on MMYT

Thor Industries (THO)

THOR Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells recreational vehicles (RVs), and related parts and accessories in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company offers travel trailers; gasoline and diesel Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes; conventional travel trailers and fifth wheels; luxury fifth wheels; and motorcaravans, caravans, campervans, and urban vehicles.

Read Our Latest Research Report on THO

Travel + Leisure (TNL)

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.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TNL

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Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $65.72 and last traded at $65.5450, with a volume of 517440 shares. The stock had previously closed at $63.96.

Analyst Ratings Changes

SQM has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Rothschild Redb raised Sociedad Quimica y Minera to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera from $45.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 21st. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Scotiabank reissued a sector outperform rating on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Itau BBA Securities assumed coverage on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a report on Thursday, September 4th. They issued an outperform rating and a $55.00 price objective on the stock. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Sociedad Quimica y Minera has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $50.81.

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Sociedad Quimica y Minera Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $18.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.48 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a quick ratio of 1.88, a current ratio of 2.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $51.84 and a 200-day moving average of $43.64.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera (NYSE:SQM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 18th. The basic materials company reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.68 by ($0.06). Sociedad Quimica y Minera had a return on equity of 9.79% and a net margin of 12.12%.The company had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.14 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.46 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. will post -1.31 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sociedad Quimica y Minera

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera by 6.3% in the 3rd quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC now owns 3,168,322 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $140,040,000 after purchasing an additional 187,767 shares during the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC purchased a new position in Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $67,759,000. Earnest Partners LLC increased its position in Sociedad Quimica y Minera by 81.9% during the third quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 1,911,668 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $82,163,000 after buying an additional 860,984 shares during the period. Kopernik Global Investors LLC increased its position in Sociedad Quimica y Minera by 20.9% during the second quarter. Kopernik Global Investors LLC now owns 1,842,113 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $64,971,000 after buying an additional 318,445 shares during the period. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera by 62.4% in the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 1,676,392 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $72,051,000 after buying an additional 644,129 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 12.41% of the companys stock.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA operates as a mining company worldwide. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers under Ultrasol, Qrop, Speedfol, Allganic, Ultrasoline, ProP, and Prohydric brands. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, agricultural, industrial, and human and animal nutrition products comprising x-ray contrast media, biocides, antiseptics and disinfectants, pharmaceutical intermediates, polarizing films for LCD and LED screens, chemicals, organic compounds, and pigments, as well as added to edible salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

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Ondo InsurTech Plc (LON:ONDO  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week low on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 20.50 and last traded at GBX 21, with a volume of 1535733 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 21.90.

Ondo InsurTech Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of 29.20 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.89 and a beta of 0.85. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 30.08 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 27.87.

Ondo InsurTech Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ondo is a world leading provider of claims prevention technology for home insurers. Ondos focus is on the global scale-up of LeakBot  claims prevention technology that prevents water damage claims in houses. Water damage is the single biggest cause of home insurance claims, accounting for $17bn of claims every year in the USA and UK combined.

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Shares of Grupo Simec, S.A. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $29.48, but opened at $27.00. Grupo Simec shares last traded at $28.60, with a volume of 712 shares trading hands.

Grupo Simec Stock Up 0.7%

The stock has a market cap of $4.57 billion, a PE ratio of 27.25 and a beta of 0.34. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $28.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $27.76.

Grupo Simec Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Grupo Simec, SAB. de C.V. manufactures, processes, and distributes special bar quality (SBQ) steel and steel alloys products in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. The company produces I-beams, channels, structural and commercial angles, hot rolled bars, flat bars, rebars, cold-finished bars, electro-welded wire mesh and mesh panels, and wire rods, as well as semi-finished tube rounds and other semi-finished trade products.

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SOFIA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- In the wake of large-scale protests over economic policy across Bulgaria, the country's Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov formally submitted his government's resignation on Thursday, the registry of the National Assembly has confirmed.

Earlier in the day, Zhelyazkov announced his resignation minutes before lawmakers voted on a sixth no-confidence motion against his government.

Nevertheless, the motion, brought forward by opposition parties over what they described as failures in economic policy, secured only 106 votes in the 240-seat parliament, well short of the majority needed for passage. The ruling coalition didn't vote.

"Our desire is to rise to the level of what society expects. At this moment, as the constitution dictates, power stems from the sovereign and the voice of the people. We hear the voice of the citizens protesting against the government," Zhelyazkov said.

On Wednesday, tens of thousands of people protested across Bulgaria, opposing the government's economic policy. Similar rallies have been ongoing for weeks, with particular anger over the 2026 draft budget, which has been withdrawn.

Martin Dimitrov, a member of the PP-DB parliamentary group, said during a plenary debate on Wednesday that the government has reached a negative record regarding debts incurred - an average of 52 million leva (30.93 million U.S. dollars) per day in 2025, and 53.5 million leva per day average debts in 2026.

"These are your budgets. A unique negative record, unseen in the recent history of Bulgaria," Dimitrov said.

However, Minister of Finance Temenuzhka Petkova responded that there was nothing superfluous about the 2026 budget. "I wish every government to achieve and do for Bulgaria in the first 11 months of its term what we have managed to do with our modest efforts so far," she said.

Zhelyazkov's government will continue to act until the election or appointment of a new Council of Ministers. His government was sworn in on Jan. 16 after snap elections in October 2024, the seventh parliamentary election in Bulgaria in three and a half years. 
South Tipperary IFA members elected Gortnahoe farmer Darragh Scott as their new chairman at the farmer representative organisations AGM in Clonmel last week as New Inn farmer Pat Carroll concludes his four-year term in the role.

An estimated 100 IFA members from throughout south Tipperary gathered in Hotel Minella on Tuesday night, December 2 for the Annual General Meeting with an address by All-Ireland winning Tipperary Senior Hurling team manager Liam Cahill a big attraction.

Honorary Life Membership

Another highlight was the presentation of an honorary life membership award to John Tobin of Kilcash IFA branch.

Mr Tobin is a founding member of Kilcash IFA branch, which was established in January 1958. He served as the branchs chairman from 1958 to 1965 and later as its secretary.

He chaired South Tipperary IFA executive committee between 1977 and 1980 and was also greatly involved in other organisations in his own parish.

Liam Cahill presented the honorary life IFA membership to Mr Tobin, who was accompanied by his wife Ita and son Liam and his family at the AGM.

Tipperary Senior Hurling team Manager Liam Cahill presents the honorary IFA life membership award to John Tobin of Kilcash IFA branch who is pictured with his wife Ita (seated front far right), his son Liam (back row far left), grandchildren Caitriona, Juliet and Billy and daughter-in-law Noelle. Picture John D. Kelly

New chairman and officers

Darragh Scott, who represents Gortnahoe IFA branch, will formally begin his term as South Tipperary IFA chairman after the IFA National Executives AGM in January.

Other new committee officers elected were Michael Mockler as secretary and TJ Maher as Beef Committee chairman for South Tipperary IFA.

Pat Carroll will continue to be involved on the committee as chairman of South Tipperary IFA Business Committee.

Privilege to serve

He said it had been a privilege for him to represent the farmers of south Tipperary and thanked his fellow committee officers who worked alongside him over the past four years.

I am delighted to have been able to carry out the role, he told The Nationalist.

The stand out period for him during his term was leading the IFAs Enough is Enough protest campaign locally in the spring of 2024 highlighting farmers frustration at increased regulation, reduced supports and falling incomes.

The most high profile protest of that campaign was staged outside Tipperary County Councils Civic Offices in Clonmel followed by Mr Carroll and North Tipperary IFA Chairman Baden Powell jointly addressing the elected members about Tipperary farmers frustration at the increasing burden of bureaucracy and regulations and the socio-economic importance of agriculture to Tipperary.

Meanwhile, guest speaker Liam Cahill spoke at the AGM about his own background growing up on a farm and how that has influenced his role as Tipperary Senior Hurling team manager.

He highlighted the importance of encouraging young people to return to live in rural areas to ensure they remain vibrant communities with thriving GAA clubs and schools.

Mr Cahill was presented with a hamper of Tipperary food and drinks in appreciation for his attendance at the AGM and for leading the Tipperary hurlers to victory in this yea's All-Ireland Senior Hurling final.

Mr Carroll said Liam Cahill stayed around for the post-AGM refreshments to meet and chat with IFA members. We are very thankful to him for giving of his time. We know how busy he is. IFA member were very appreciative of the presentation he gave at the AGM.

Check out more photos from South Tipperary IFA AGM in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops

READ ALSO: Tipperary farmer amongst first graduates of Tirlan governance academy

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European country known for stunning women suffers drought of men - forcing would-be brides to 'hire' husbands for housework A nationwide shortage of men in Latvia has increasingly forced women to hire "husbands for an hour" to help with their household chores.

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Dish & Drink KC: The annual agave party pairs well with Burger State Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen Last year's event set the bar high, and this year's Oh Hey, Agave! at The Guild brought that same excitement back to Kansas City. This time with even more agave-fueled flair. I only made it to the first night, but what a night it was.

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Local Bump & Then Chill

Above-normal temperatures Thursday before big cooldown heading into the weekend Thursday will be mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 40s and low 50s. Starting Friday, things get much colder in Kansas City.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Skeptics might content . . .

"Natives welcome new invaders"

But anyone with any experience in rural Kansas knows that tribal politics are always kinda sketchy and complicated.

For now, here's the cover story . . .

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has fired senior leaders of its tribally owned business for accepting a nearly $30 million deal to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.



Prairie Band LLC, the tribes company, had landed a contract to assist in the design of detention centers for ICE.



The Kansas-based tribe announced the leadership changes Tuesday evening, just hours after the companys president defended the decision to take the contract.



The tribe said the project does not align with its values.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
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KIEV, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian lawmakers are prepared to develop a legislative framework for elections, the country's first deputy speaker Oleksandr Korniyenko said Thursday.

Korniyenko noted the conflict with Russia remains a key challenge for organizing the elections. Additionally, ensuring voting for internally displaced persons, military personnel, and Ukrainians who left the country is another challenge.

Ukrainian political expert Igor Popov said on Facebook that if all legal amendments are adopted and all political agreements are reached within three weeks, the elections could be announced in early January and take place in April.

Another analyst, Vadym Denysenko, said on Facebook that he doubts voting could take place soon, given that a ceasefire is needed to ensure safe voting. Russia is unlikely to halt fighting for Ukraine's elections, he said.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said elections in Ukraine could be held within 60 to 90 days if the United States and Europe offer security guarantees. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. On 10 December 2025, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly H.E. Laszlo Kover received TURKPA delegation led by Secretary General Ambassador Ramil Hasan, Trend reports via the assembly.

H.E. Laszlo Kover expressed his sincere appreciation to the TURKPA delegation for their honorable visit and warmly welcomed them on behalf of the Hungarian Parliament. He congratulated Mr. Hasan on election and commencement of his tenure as Secretary General of TURKPA extending his best wishes for success in fulfilling his important responsibilities. Mr. Kover also expressed his great pleasure to welcome the TURKPA Secretary General to the Hungarian Parliament for the first time.

At the outset, the Secretary General conveyed the warm greetings of the Speakers of TURKPA member parliaments and expressed sincere appreciation for continued engagement of Hungary. Recalling the deep historical and cultural ties between the Magyar and Turkic peoples, he emphasized the enduring legacy of shared heritage and values.

The meeting continued with discussions on a wide range of important issues, including upcoming tasks, the recent coordination meeting, the 2026 working plan, and the special role that the Hungarian Parliament can play in fostering cooperation between European institutions and TURKPA. The Secretary General, highlighting ongoing work of TURKPA under the current Chairmanship of Kazakhstan, stressed his interest in developing all areas of cooperation with the Parliament of Hungary.

Both sides expressed pleasure with the dynamic development of relations between Hungary and the Turkic states. The active engagement of Hungary since becoming an observer in 2014 and its strong support for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), including hosting the historic Budapest Summit, were emphasized as important markers of this growing partnership.

Secretary General highlighted the coordination meeting held in the frame of the 23rd Autumn Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. He conveyed sincere appreciation for the participation of the Head of the Hungarian National Delegation to the OSCE PA Mr. Attila Tilki, noting that Hungarys active involvement greatly contributed to the success of the meeting. TURKPA values this constructive engagement and remains confident that Hungary will continue supporting joint efforts to protect shared interests within the OSCE PA framework Secretary General added.

He also briefed Speaker Kover on the initiative to convene annual informal meetings of speakers of parliament, following the successful practice of informal summits of Heads of State, expressing that the first informal meeting of TURKPA Speakers is scheduled for April 2026 on the margins of the 152nd Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union to be held in Istanbul. He also added that ensuring the participation of Hungarian Parliament in the informal meeting, as well as upcoming 15 th Plenary Session of TURKPA to be held in Kyrgyzstan would be welcomed with great pleasure.

During the meeting, the Secretary General proposed exploring new cooperation formats, including initiatives inspired by the OTS+ concept adopted at the recent OTS Summit in Gabala. He emphasized the importance of enhancing synergies between intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary structures, similar to the cooperation model between the European Union and the European Parliament, to ensure more effective implementation of high-level decisions.

Secretary General proposed expanding structured interaction among parliamentary committees, expert groups, and within the framework of four Permanent Commissions of TURKPA both at the parliamentary and expert level.

Speaker expressed his gratitude to the Secretary General for the comprehensive and informative briefing on ongoing initiatives and future plans of TURKPA.

H.E. Kover further emphasized Hungarys deep respect for its partnership with the Turkic world and reaffirmed the National Assemblys commitment to continued cooperation. In this context, the Speaker extended an invitation to the Secretary General to attend the Kurultaj  the Great Gathering of the Hun and Turkic Peoples, which will be held in 2026 in Hungary, noting that he would be most welcome to participate in this significant cultural event.

Concluding the meeting, the Secretary General conveyed best wishes for the parliamentary elections to be held in Hungary in April 2026 and expressed confidence that cooperation between Hungary and TURKPA will continue to grow in the years ahead.

A guided parliamentary walk was organized for the TURKPA delegation, offering them an opportunity to familiarize with the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building. Standing proudly on the banks of the Danube River, the neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece, an emblematic feature of Budapests panorama and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site left a lasting impression with its grandeur.

During the visit Secretary General accompanied by his Deputies Mr. Talgat Aduov, Mr. Muhammet Alper Hayali, Secretary of Commission Ms. Aynura Abutalibova and Chief of Protocol Mr. Yadigar Mammadov.

The delegation of Hungarian National Assembly composed of Deputy Head of the Speakers Cabinet Mr. Andras Virag, Principal Foreign Adviser of the Speaker Peter Sardi, Deputy Director for Foreign Relations Ms. Beatrix Kese, Head of Department Mr. Lajos Kohari, Head of Press Department Mr. Zoltan Szilagyi and interpreter Ms. Erica Korodi also took part in the meeting.
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KHOJALY, Azerbaijan, December 11. The group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs), sent to Shushakend, Badara, and Ballija villages in the Khojaly district, has arrived in the villages, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

The group was sent from the 'Dordyol' area in Aghdam.

Later, the families moving to their native land will be presented with the keys to their apartments.

The resettlement process is being carried out in cooperation with the relevant government agencies as part of the First State Program of the Great Return.

Former internally displaced persons, who are delighted to return to their native lands and end their long years of longing, expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for their attention and care. They also expressed their gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani army, the heroic soldiers and officers who liberated our lands from occupation, and wished peace to the souls of the martyrs who gave their lives on this path.

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Khojaly, Azerbaijan, December 11. The next phase of Azerbaijan's resettlement process has been carried out in the villages of Shushakend, Badara, and Ballija in the Khojaly District, Trends regional correspondent reports.

This phase facilitated the permanent return of 14 families (51 people) to Shushakend, 6 families (18 people) to Badara, and 9 families (38 people) to Ballija.

Upon completion of this phase, a total of 341 individuals from 93 families have resettled in Shushakand, 1,054 individuals from 237 families have returned to Ballija, and 154 individuals from 43 families have made their way back to Badara.

The Great Return refers to several things, most prominently Azerbaijan's state program to resettle displaced people to the Karabakh region after its liberation, focusing on reconstruction, economic development, and reintegration.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The 3rd day of the international conference dedicated to the oil and gas sector, Asset Integrity Corrosion, Coatings Conference, officially concluded in Baku, Trend reports.

As on the second day, today's agenda remained equally packed. The conference delved into the current challenges and emerging solutions in the fields of asset integrity, corrosion control, and protective coating technologies. Furthermore, attendees were presented with an analysis of the risks confronting the industry, alongside proposed technical solutions and insights drawn from international best practices.

Meanwhile, over 500 delegates from more than 20 countries participated in the event. The conference featured more than 50 distinguished speakers, with over 25 companies showcasing their cutting-edge technological solutions. In total, the event hosted over 50 technical sessions, numerous panel discussions, and a variety of networking opportunities.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. As part of an official visit to Hungary, a delegation led by TURKPA Secretary General Ambassador Ramil Hasan met in Budapest with Ambassador Balazs Hendrich, Executive Director of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between TURKPA member states and the OTS, harmonizing legislative frameworks, ratifying OTS decisions in national parliaments, and planning conferences, seminars, and panel discussions in 2026 under the Central Corridor initiative and the OTSs Gabala Declaration.

Discussions also emphasized short-term internship programs, experience exchange between TURKPA diplomatic staff and the OTS European Mission, and strengthening collaboration to implement political decisions and declarations of participating countries.

Ambassador Ramil Hasan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the importance of strategic cooperation among Turkic states, proposing active participation of the Budapest OTS delegation in TURKPA activities. Ambassador Balazs Hendrich reaffirmed the open door principle, stressing the significance of working together to achieve the long-term goals of the Turkish World Vision 2040 and promoting exchange and cooperation programs in the energy sector.

The meeting was attended by TURKPA Deputy Secretaries General Talgat Aduov and Muhammet Alper Hayali, Commission Secretary Ainura Abutalivova, Head of the Protocol Service Yadigar Mamedov, and Budapest Office Project Coordinator Ali Kilicarslan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, Trend reports.

''Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you, and through you to your entire people, my sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Kenya  Independence Day.

The current level of development of AzerbaijanKenya relations is a source of satisfaction. We attach great importance to the growth of our interstate relations, which possess significant potential, and to the expansion of our cooperation in various fields, particularly energy, agriculture, industry, and others.

I fondly recall our meeting in New York in September, which took place in an atmosphere of sincerity and mutual trust. I am confident that, in the interests of our peoples and by leveraging existing opportunities, we will succeed in strengthening our friendly ties and deepening our mutually beneficial cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally through our joint efforts.

On this festive day, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, as well as lasting peace and prosperity to your friendly people,'' the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. On December 10, members of the Azerbaijan-Latvia Interparliamentary Relations Working Group of the Azerbaijani Parliament convened with Edgars Skuja, the Ambassador of Latvia to Azerbaijan, to discuss the advancement of bilateral relations across key sectors, Trend reports.

The meeting aimed to familiarize the Ambassador with the newly established friendship group, following the recent parliamentary elections.

During the discussions, the participants engaged in comprehensive talks on the further development of bilateral relations. They exchanged perspectives on continuing the sharing of expertise between the two countries in agriculture, the food industry, and healthcare, as well as on increasing mutual visits and enhancing cooperation in these sectors.

Kamran Bayramov, the head of the working group, emphasized that the years 2024 and 2025 have been particularly notable for the expansion of relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia.

He highlighted that 2024 marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a milestone celebrated through a series of political, economic, and humanitarian events, as well as reciprocal visits.

The meeting underscored the notable rise in reciprocal visits this year, which have played a pivotal role in advancing bilateral relations.

In May 2025, the Minister of Agriculture of Latvia visited Azerbaijan to participate in exhibitions focused on agriculture and the food industry. Subsequently, in August, the Latvian Minister of Health traveled to Azerbaijan, attended a gastroenterology congress, and engaged with members of the Friendship Group in the Azerbaijani Parliament. Just days prior, a delegation led by Azerbaijans Minister of Health, Teymur Musayev, conducted a working visit to Latvia, where a series of high-level meetings took place, culminating in the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the Ministries of Health of both countries in the field of healthcare and medical science.

The discussions also emphasized the strengthening of interparliamentary cooperation. Both sides highlighted the expansion of ties between the Azerbaijani Parliament and Latvia's Saeima, the organization of reciprocal visits, and the importance of mutual support for each others positions on international platforms.

The Latvian ambassador was also briefed comprehensively on key developments in Azerbaijan and the broader region. This included Azerbaijans ongoing efforts to advance the peace agenda with Armenia, the outcomes of the Washington Summit, the ongoing reconstruction and restoration of liberated territories, and the implementation of the Great Return State Program. The political, economic, and humanitarian significance of establishing lasting peace in the region was also underscored during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by members of the AzerbaijanLatvia Interparliamentary Relations Working Group, including MPs Sevil Mikaylova, Elchin Mirzabeyli, Azer Allahveranov, Mahir Suleymanli, Malik Hasanov, Aydin Huseynov, as well as other officials.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijans Ambassador to Kenya, Sultan Hajiyev, held a meeting with Kenyas Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, the embassy told Trend.

The meeting highlighted satisfaction with the dynamic development of bilateral relations this year. High-level intensive visits throughout the year were noted as significant contributions to strengthening cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral fields.

Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi highlighted that the meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, held on September 23 at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, along with the cordial relations between the two leaders, has significantly served the interests of both countries. He also emphasized that this years first political consultations between the foreign ministries, followed by the official visit of Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to Kenya, marked a key milestone in strengthening bilateral relations.

Ambassador Hajiyev stressed the importance of fully utilizing opportunities to expand existing cooperation, citing achievements in energy, information and communication technology (ICT), judicial and legal systems, interparliamentary relations, penitentiary services, and education. He added that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Azerbaijans ADA University and the Foreign Service Academy of Kenyas Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs creates new opportunities for partnership between diplomatic services.

The ambassador briefed his counterpart on the preparation process, initiatives, and planned events for the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku from May 1722, 2026. He highlighted that, for the first time, a Summit with the participation of heads of state and government will be held during the Forum. As a recognized global champion in urban development, Azerbaijan, together with Kenya, will have opportunities to promote international cooperation in sustainable urbanization and climate, including strengthening connections between the COP and WUF platforms, making WUF13 a key collaboration opportunity.

The meeting also noted that educational scholarships awarded to Kenyan youth under the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program, as well as humanitarian assistance provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans International Development Agency to schools and hospitals in Kenya, have greatly contributed to strengthening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. A delegation from the Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography Department of the Turkish Naval Forces paid a visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense.

During the meeting held at the headquarters of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, issues on the preparation of new generation electronic navigational data, the application of international standards, and the exchange of experience were discussed.

As part of the visit program, the Turkish delegation shared their experience and exchanged views with specialists of the Hydrography Department of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces on the gathering and processing of hydrographic data, the preparation of S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), as well as the development of digital navigation systems within the S-100 framework.

The sides noted that such meetings significantly contribute to further deepening the current cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye and expanding opportunities between the two countries for joint activities in the hydrography, navigation, and oceanography fields.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The content of the document Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership, published after the 6th meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council held in Brussels on December 2, shows that: he structure and focus of the document reflect a tendency to legitimize Armenia's claims rather than regional realities, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

A political analyst emphasized that the European Unions stance in this document reflects a unilateral political approach rather than a neutral mediation role in the region.

He argued, "This not only disrupts the diplomatic balance but also risks undermining the delicate dynamics of the post-conflict period. The EUs political selectivity could have significant consequences. Specifically, the documents reference to ethnic Armenians displaced from Karabakh following Azerbaijani military operations misrepresents the facts. According to international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), these individuals voluntarily left the region after rejecting the reintegration offers made by Azerbaijan. Labeling them as refugees establishes a legal basis for future manipulation. In this respect, the EUs position aligns more closely with Armenias political narrative than with the post-conflict reality."

The analyst also pointed out that while the agenda emphasizes the full implementation of decisions made by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it predominantly echoes Armenian claims, failing to address Azerbaijans legitimate legal demands.

He further noted, "The peace agreement, which was initially drafted in Washington, outlines a framework for resolving these issues directly between the two nations. However, the EU document undermines this balanced legal approach and risks third-party interference in the conflicts legal resolution. Moreover, portraying individuals convicted by Azerbaijani courts for war crimes and crimes against humanity as prisoners is an illogical and overtly political distortion. This narrative not only misrepresents court decisions but also disrespects the rights of the victims, in direct contradiction to both legal principles and international humanitarian law."

The analyst also highlighted that the agenda gives strong political support to Armenias regionally isolated peace intersection initiative while omitting the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) framework agreed at the Washington summit on August 8, indicating that the EUs regional transport and communication agenda is driven more by political sympathies than objective economic considerations.

This demonstrates that the European Union (EU) is shaping the transport and communication agenda in the region, not based on objective economic considerations, but on political biases. This raises serious questions about Armenias willingness to fulfill its obligations. Article 7 of the peace agreement explicitly prohibits the deployment of third-party military or observation forces along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. Yet, the EU document prioritizes enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA). EUMAs role has shifted from mere observation to becoming a political instrument that supports Armenias arguments. This creates a new source of regional tension and undermines the peace process, he said.

Garayev stressed that while the EU-Armenia document rhetorically emphasizes regional stability, in reality, it complicates the peace process by weakening the positive momentum established in the post-conflict period.

The document is shaped by Armenias political expectations rather than the current realities, directly contradicting the spirit of the Washington agreements. Sustainable peace in the South Caucasus can only be achieved on a platform that is balanced, fact-based, and respectful of the sovereign rights of all parties. Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to this process. The responsibility now falls on both the EU and Armenia to correct the distortions in the document and return to a genuine cooperation agenda that propels the region forward rather than holding it back, the political analyst added.

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SOFIA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria's coalition government led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned on Thursday, a day after thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets in nationwide protests.

Zhelyazkov announced the decision minutes before lawmakers voted on the sixth no-confidence motion against his government. The motion, brought forward by opposition parties over what they described as failures in economic policy, secured only 106 votes in the 240-seat parliament, well short of the majority needed for passage.

"Our desire is to rise to the level of what society expects. At this moment, as the constitution dictates, power stems from the sovereign and the voice of the people. We hear the voice of the citizens protesting against the government," Zhelyazkov said.

On Wednesday, tens of thousands of people protested across Bulgaria. They blamed the government for economic policies, especially for its 2026 draft budget, which has been withdrawn. Similar rallies have continued for weeks.

So far, Zhelyazkov has not formally submitted his resignation. His government was sworn in on Jan. 16 after snap elections in October 2024, the seventh parliamentary election in Bulgaria in three and a half years. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan will be represented by Prime Minister Ali Asadov at events marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistans recognition as a permanently neutral state, Trend reports.

This was discussed during a phone conversation between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Chairman of Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov.

President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, wishing success to brotherly Turkmenistan.

Noting that December 12 marks the day of remembrance for the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev said that he would not be able to attend the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The head of state emphasized that the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan would participate in these events.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The US-brokered peace framework is a credible basis for normalizing the Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, Trend reports via Moodys.

Risks from the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict will linger, but we believe it is unlikely that the conflict will escalate to the extent that it will significantly hamper policymaking and their economic and fiscal prospects in 2026. The US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan peace framework, which was concluded in August 2025, provides a credible basis for normalising relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, said Moodys in its latest report.

The rating agency believes that the risks will not derail the two countries' strong growth momentum.

On August 8 in Washington, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration. One of the points of the document provides for the launch of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) to unblock regional communications.

During the same meeting, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and signed a joint letter to the current OSCE Chairperson regarding the closure of the OSCE Minsk process, the OSCE Chairpersons personal representative for the conflict discussed at the Minsk Conference, and the High-Level Planning Group.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov was received by President of Hungary Tamas Sulyok within the framework of the working visit to the country to discuss expanding the strategic partnership based on friendship, mutual respect, and close cooperation between the countries today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend.

The meeting emphasized the importance of mutual high-level visits, ongoing political dialogue, contacts between peoples, and humanitarian ties between the two countries.

Cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and Hungary, held on September 5 in the Hungarian capital, gave an additional impetus to the development of relations.

The meeting highlighted that Hungary is the 3rd largest investor in Azerbaijan, particularly in the energy sector. Besides, investment plans in pharmaceuticals and a number of other areas were considered. Satisfaction was expressed with the development of cooperation in air transport, and the importance of work in green energy, transit, communications, provision of educational scholarships, and other areas was emphasized. Confidence was expressed that these and other issues will be discussed in detail within the framework of the 3rd Azerbaijan-Hungary Strategic Dialogue.

The importance of further strengthening cooperation based on mutual trust and support within international platforms, the UN, the Organization of Turkic States, and European institutions was underscored.

Additionally, the meeting discussed other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

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Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijans Prime Minister Ali Asadov has embarked on an official working visit to Turkmenistan, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers.

Prime Minister Asadov was welcomed at Ashgabat International Airport by Turkmenistans Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Mammetkhan Chakiev, along with other senior officials.

He will take part in Turkmenistan's Neutrality Day.

Turkmenistan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality in 2025, culminating around December 12 (Neutrality Day), which coincides with the UN-declared "International Year of Peace and Trust." This milestone marks three decades since the UN recognized its status on December 12, 1995, celebrated with international forums in Ashgabat.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 12. Azerbaijan is commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the death of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people.

Both in Azerbaijan and abroad, people honor the National Leader's bright memory with great respect.

Heydar Aliyev was born on May 10, 1923, in Nakhchivan. He pursued specialized higher education in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) and graduated from the Faculty of History at Azerbaijan (now Baku) State University in 1957.

In July 1969, Heydar Aliyev was elected First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR during a plenary session. In December 1982, he became a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and was appointed First Deputy Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers, becoming one of the USSR's leaders. In October 1987, he resigned from his posts in protest against the policies of the Political Bureau and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.

Following the tragic events of January 20, 1990, when Soviet troops committed atrocities in Baku, Heydar Aliyev made a statement at the Azerbaijani representation in Moscow the next day, demanding justice for the organizers and perpetrators of the crime against the Azerbaijani people. In protest against the USSR's duplicitous policies regarding the Karabakh conflict, he left the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in July 1991.

Returning to Azerbaijan in July 1990, Heydar Aliyev first resided in Baku and later in Nakhchivan. That same year, he was elected as a deputy to the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan. Between 1991 and 1993, he was the chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and deputy chairman of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan. In 1992, the New Azerbaijan Party in Nakhchivan elected him as its chairman at its founding congress.

Heydar Aliyev's return to power in 1993, driven by the will of the people, marked a turning point in Azerbaijan's history. During the nation's most challenging period, he assumed responsibility for its future, leading it out of political chaos and economic turmoil. He rectified the consequences of shortsighted leadership, ended the war, prevented civil strife, and set the country on a path of development and progress.

It was thanks to Heydar Aliyev that the historic "Contract of the Century" was signed, forming the cornerstone of a comprehensive oil strategy that spurred rapid economic growth. In his inaugural speech in 1998, the great leader declared, "We want Azerbaijan to enter the 21st century as a powerful, independent state. We aim to create a better life for future generations. Azerbaijan will evolve as a free, democratic nation and will play its historical role at the junction where Europe meets Asia".

Today, Azerbaijan is a strong, authoritative, and truly independent state. Building upon the foundation laid by the Great Leader, President Ilham Aliyev has crafted an unprecedented success story for Azerbaijan. The country has eradicated poverty, established a robust economy, formed a professional army, and strengthened its international standing, becoming a significant global player.

The Victorious Azerbaijani people live in an independent, stable, and prosperous country - just as Heydar Aliyev dreamed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijans Prime Minister Ali Asadov held an official meeting with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to discuss bilateral cooperation during his working visit to Ashgabat on December 11, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers.

According to the source, Asadov conveyed greetings from President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and extended congratulations to Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality.

Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude for President Ilham Aliyevs greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to the Azerbaijani leader.

The leaders highlighted the high level of political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and discussed prospects for expanding bilateral ties in areas of mutual interest.

Turkmenistan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality in 2025, culminating around December 12 (Neutrality Day), which coincides with the UN-declared "International Year of Peace and Trust." This milestone marks three decades since the UN recognized its status on December 12, 1995, celebrated with international forums in Ashgabat.

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Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijans Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, held an official meeting with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze on December 11 as part of his working visit to Turkmenistan, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers.

According to the source, Asadov conveyed greetings from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the Georgian side.

Kobakhidze expressed his gratitude for President Ilham Aliyevs greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to the head of the Azerbaijani state.

During the meeting, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the development of the Azerbaijani-Georgian strategic partnership across trade and economic relations, investment, transport and transit, oil and gas, green energy, humanitarian initiatives, and other areas.

The meeting drew special attention to pressing issues on the agenda of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Turkmenistan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality in 2025, culminating on December 12 (Neutrality Day), which coincides with the UN-declared "International Year of Peace and Trust." This milestone marks three decades since the UN recognized its status on December 12, 1995, celebrated with international forums in Ashgabat.

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Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov attended the official opening ceremony of the embassy in Thailand held in Bangkok today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, Trend reports.

The deputy minister hoisted the national flag of Azerbaijan in front of the embassy edifice.

Mammadov and his Thai counterpart Wijawat Isarabhakdi inaugurated the event by cutting the ribbon.

Afterwards, a reception was organized with the participation of numerous official guests.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Another meeting of the Organizing Committee for the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) was held on December 11, Trend reports.

Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, opened the meeting, noting that urban development is a priority area in Azerbaijans national development strategy, approved by President Ilham Aliyev. He emphasized that the modern approaches adopted in the country strengthen economic sustainability, improve social welfare, and ensure effective adaptation to climate change.

Nuriyev highlighted the large-scale restoration and construction work carried out, particularly in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions over the past five years, demonstrating Azerbaijans strategic vision in urban development, systematic planning, and strong implementation capacity. He noted that the rapid post-conflict restoration has created a new model of urban development in the country.

The chairman underlined that these achievements have increased international interest in Azerbaijans experience and positioned the country as a reliable partner in urban development.

Hosting WUF13 in Baku in 2026 reflects Azerbaijans contribution to global urban development, its commitment to sustainable development, and the high trust it has earned internationally, he mentioned.

Nuriyev emphasized that preparations for WUF13 are under the direct attention of the president and outlined the work carried out since the first meeting of the Organizing Committee.

Committee members followed up with reports, laying out progress in general preparations, as well as diving into substantive, communication, and organizational-logistical work.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the chairman issued instructions regarding the WUF13 preparation process, including implementation of the Action Plan and other tasks in line with the presidents directives, to ensure the successful organization and high-level execution of the event.

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MOSCOW, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Plagued by millions of telecom and online fraud cases, Russia has stepped up anti-fraud measures, with the latest package unveiled Tuesday expected to restrict international calls.

A total of 50,000 to 70,000 people in Russia fall victim to scammers every day, Stanislav Kuznetsov, deputy chairman of the executive board at Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, said at this year's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Russian law enforcement agencies have tightened their crackdown on fraud networks in collaboration with local governments, financial institutions and research organizations.

SCAMS VIA PHONE CALLS

Elena, a Moscow resident, still remembers the phone call that triggered a week-long nightmare. She found herself caught in a telecom fraud after transferring a total of 3 million rubles (40,000 U.S. dollars) to a self-claimed security official.

On the line was a man claiming to be an official with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), who said that criminals were using her identity to take out loans and transfer funds abroad.

The caller told Elena to take out a "protective loan" to block the scammers' access to funds, stressing the need to go to the bank immediately to apply for it.

Frightened and confused, Elena followed his instructions, taking out loans from different banks and transferring 3 million rubles to him. Five days later, when the man suddenly stopped answering her calls -- the chilling truth dawned on her -- but it was too late.

In recent years, such cases have been far from uncommon, and the losses can sometimes be devastating.

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs announced in October that a Moscow resident lost a record 450 million rubles to telecom and online fraud.

"In these scams, fraudsters usually create a sense of urgency to trigger fear and a desire for help, leaving victims no time to think rationally or see through the ruse," Alexander Lunev, team leader of security awareness at Russia's search engine operator Yandex told RIA Novosti news agency.

A study by Sidorin Lab, a Moscow-based internet agency, has shown that users aged 25-39 are the main targets of telecom and online fraud, making up 32.5 percent of recorded complaints in the first half of 2025. Another 31.4 percent came from those aged 40 to 59.

Kuznetsov warned that scammers typically target 5 to 6 people for every 100 calls made. "Usually, at least one person will transfer money to them," he added.

At the 35th meeting of the Coordinating Council of Prosecutors General of the CIS Member States in October, Alexander Gutsan, Russia's Prosecutor General, said that Russia recorded more than 765,000 cybercrime cases in 2024, causing losses of hundreds of billions of rubles.

For many victims, the scam follows a familiar pattern: an urgent call about a problem with their bank account, followed by step-by-step instructions that lead straight into a trap.

EVER-EVOLVING TRICKS

As public awareness and vigilance grew over telecom and online scams in Russia, fraud tactics evolved quickly.

Telecom scammers are also becoming more selective. Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), Russia's largest mobile service provider, said Apple users became the primary targets of telecom fraud in 2025, accounting for 30 percent of all malicious calls nationwide. The shift stems from the belief that Apple users tend to have higher incomes.

Earlier this month, Russian police dismantled a criminal group that had been emptying bank accounts across 78 regions of the country.

For months, the fraudsters hid behind anonymous calls and messaging apps while a malicious mobile virus silently siphoned off funds from victims' accounts. By the time police detained the suspects, more than 200 million rubles had been stolen.

The criminals persuaded victims to install malware disguised as legitimate apps via WhatsApp and Telegram, then tricked them into entering their PIN codes, granting the scammers full access to their accounts, Irina Volk, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs wrote on her Telegram channel.

Volk noted that criminal networks also rely on sending fake documents or alarming messages urging victims to call back, banking on the idea that people tend to trust parties who reach out first.

TECH-SYNERGY CRACKDOWNS

Facing this growing threat, not only have Russian law enforcement agencies stepped up crackdowns on large-scale fraud networks, but the local governments, financial institutions, and research organizations are also collaborating to prevent scams.

"The reach of online scam centers spans the globe, posing a dynamic and persistent global challenge," warned Cyril Gout, Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, when commenting in a new crime trend update released in June.

In 2024, 13.5 trillion rubles in fraudulent losses were averted in Russia, with over 72 million fraudulent transactions intercepted before they could cause harm to victims, said a report of Bank of Russia, the central bank.

In June, a package of roughly 30 anti-fraud measures passed by the State Duma came into force. The reforms include options for users to block spam and sponsored calls, tighter controls on SIM card issuance, and new rules limiting mass automated calling.

They also highlight banks' crucial role in protecting customers, with one provision requiring banks to cap ATM cash withdrawals at 50,000 rubles per day for 48 hours if suspicious or involuntary transactions are detected.

A second package, comprising about 20 additional measures, is now under review. It includes a ban on international calls made without the subscriber's consent and mandatory labeling of such calls, said Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday.

A third package is being worked on and will be introduced soon, Putin added.

Beyond these measures, a biometric database system designed to thwart fraudsters is currently under development in Russia. It will store and process individuals' unique biometric characteristics to verify identities, prevent unauthorized access, and support broader crime-fighting efforts.

According to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's instructions after a strategic session on the development of the communications industry in May, the system would be operational by April 1, 2026. Authorities are also exploring the use of artificial intelligence to more effectively identify and block fraudulent calls in the future. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov was received by President of Hungary Tamas Sulyok within the framework of the working visit to the country to discuss expanding the strategic partnertship based on friendship, mutual respect and close cooperation between the countries today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend.

The meeting emphasized the importance of mutual high-level visits, ongoing political dialogue, contacts between peoples, and humanitarian ties between the two countries.

Cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and Hungary, held on September 5 in the Hungarian capital, gave an additional impetus to the development of relations.

The meeting highlighted that Hungary is the 3rd largest investor in Azerbaijan, particularly in the energy sector. Besides, investment plans in pharmaceuticals and a number of other areas were considered. Satisfaction was expressed with the development of cooperation in air transport, and the importance of work in green energy, transit, communications, provision of educational scholarships, and other areas was emphasized. Confidence was expressed that these and other issues will be discussed in detail within the framework of the 3rd Azerbaijan-Hungary Strategic Dialogue.

The importance of further strengthening cooperation based on mutual trust and support within international platforms, the UN, the Organization of Turkic States, and European institutions was underscored.

Additionally, the meeting discussed other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. On December 11, the opening ceremony of the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit was held at Liv Bona Dea Hospital, Trend reports.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Minister of Health Teymur Musayev attended the ceremony.

Leyla Aliyeva first visited a young patient receiving treatment at the hospital under the auspices of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, inquired about the childs health, and presented a gift.

The Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit was then officially opened.

The new unit will perform bone marrow transplantations for both adults and children. It was reported that the unit has six specially isolated wards. This infrastructure allows for the reception and treatment of up to 80 patients annually.

It was noted that the hospital also has an eight-bed haematology department at patients disposal. All wards in the department are equipped with a modern HEPA-filtered positive pressure system, ensuring maximum protection for patients from infections. Chemotherapy preparations are prepared in biosafety cabinets, and cell collection is carried out in an independent apheresis unit.

At the same time, the Blood Bank is capable of preparing erythrocytes, platelets, plasma, and other components, including obtaining granulocyte suspension. Irradiation and filtration procedures are regularly applied to ensure the safety of transplant patients.

The Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit was opened on the basis of a license issued in accordance with the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers amending the List of Specialized Medical Institutions Performing Organ Transplantation, approved by the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 20 August 2021.

It is recalled that bone marrow and stem cell transplantation is a modern and effective medical procedure used in the treatment of various haematological and oncological diseases. Stem cells obtained from the patient themselves (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic) are transplanted into the body after high-dose chemotherapy. The aim is to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy cells and restore blood formation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan thanked President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for the decision to unblock transit for goods destined for Armenia through Azerbaijani territory, Trend reports.

Pashinyan made the statement during a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Moscow.

The positive changes taking place in the region are opening new opportunities for deepening economic cooperation, and the unblocking of regional communications can become an important factor in expanding regional ties and strengthening economic resilience for all countries of the wider region. In this regard, I would like to welcome the decision of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to unblock transit for goods sent to Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan. This is one of the significant achievements in establishing peace and stability in our region, the Prime Minister noted.

Earlier, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in his statement to the press together with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on October 21, said in particular that Azerbaijan had lifted all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia that had existed since the period of occupation.

I should also note that the first such transit shipment was a consignment of Kazakh grain to Armenia. I believe this is a clear indication that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia exists not only on paper but also in practice, the President emphasized.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. On the margins of the 3rd Strategic Dialogue Meeting between Azerbaijan and Hungary in Budapest, a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of environmental protection was held, Trend reports.



"The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in environmental protection, sustainable resource management, green transition, and joint initiatives aimed at addressing climate and ecological challenges.



This agreement reaffirms the commitment of both countries to strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing shared priorities in environmental sustainability and long-term development," the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on its page on X.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The open court hearing in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia  Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasian, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others  accused of war crimes, crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, including planning and waging an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, illegal seizure of power, unlawful retention of authority, and numerous other offenses committed as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan  resumed on December 11, Trend reports.

The session was held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Camal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, and reserve judge Gunel Sadigova.

Each of the accused was provided with interpreters in their preferred language and defense attorneys, ensuring full compliance with procedural rights.

The hearing was attended by the accused, their defense lawyers, some victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state prosecution.

Both parties were granted the right to deliver rebuttals during the session.

In his statement, Vusal Aliyev, First Deputy Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, addressed arguments raised by the defense regarding the nature and role of the alleged criminal association.

He recalled that, according to the defense, a criminal organization, based on international practice, is typically formed specifically for the commission of criminal acts. However, he emphasized that evidence presented in court confirms a different reality: several years before the outbreak of the First Karabakh War, armed militant groups began to be systematically organized and supported by the leadership of Armenia.

It is indeed confirmed by the evidence that these groups were directly backed and armed by Armenias leadership. But what followed makes the situation even more significant: the leaders and members of these armed units later assumed key political and military positions within both the self-proclaimed entity in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and within the state apparatus of Armenia itself. This clearly indicates that these were not random or spontaneous groups, but rather evolved into integral components of the criminal military structure that carried out the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.

Referring to specific defendants, Mr. Aliyev noted that individuals such as David Manukyan were members of the Shusha Battalion, while Davit Ishkhanyan served as commander of the 28th Martuni Battalion  formations that represent rebranded, more structured, and militarized versions of earlier illegal armed groups.

The prosecutor stressed that although the fact of Armenias occupation of Azerbaijani territories is indisputable and has been proven by extensive evidence, this does not diminish or absolve the responsibility of the current defendants.

While these widespread crimes were indeed orchestrated and supported by Armenias military and political leadership, they were carried out through the active participation of a criminal association  of which the accused were members. Moreover, at various points, some of the currently charged individuals formally held high-ranking military or political positions within the Armenian state. In this context, the Armenian state and the illegal entity functioned as a single, coordinated organism in organizing, executing, and maintaining the occupation, the prosecutor added.

He continued: Video materials reviewed during the investigation into Davit Ishkhanyans combat activities show that during the assault on Shusha, his assigned task was to prevent reinforcements from the Azerbaijani Army from reaching the city. Even if he did not physically participate in direct attacks, his actions created conditions that enabled the offensive, or prevented its resistance  a hallmark of participation in a criminal organization.

Similarly, the prosecutor cited: David Manukyan, who participated in the occupation of Kalbajar by blocking roads; Melikset Pashayan, seen manning armed posts in villages of Aghdam; Lyova Mnatsakanyan, who provided artillery support during the occupation of Gubadli, Zangilan, and Aghdam; Madat Babayan, involved in the capture of Aghdara, Kalbajar, Tartar, and the town of Khojaly.

All of them bear individual criminal responsibility for their roles in the occupation of these territories, stated the prosecutor.

Vusal Aliyev emphasized that despite being fully aware of the legal implications, the accused willingly performed their assigned functions within the criminal organization  all aimed at achieving its central objective: the illegal annexation of Azerbaijans formerly occupied territories to Armenia.

Addressing remarks made by Arkadi Gukasians defense lawyer, the prosecutor clarified:

It is true that Arkadi Gukasian was a journalist. Being a journalist does not automatically make one a criminal, nor was journalism used as a political springboard. However, he is charged because he actively fulfilled specific functions within the criminal association  spreading propaganda and incitement that facilitated the commission of violent crimes by other members. His actions contributed directly to the illegal seizure of power and other criminal acts, hence his liability.

Finally, regarding claims that certain defendants  such as Davit Allahverdiyan and David Babayan  were too young during the First Karabakh War, the prosecutor clarified:

While such arguments have been raised, it must be clearly understood that no charges are brought against them in connection with events during that earlier period. The indictment focuses solely on their actions and roles in the criminal organization in later years.

Representative of the victims, Shaig Huseynov, stated in his speech that the vast majority of defense arguments were based on purely formal objections:

It would suffice to recall one indisputable fact  during the arrest of each and every accused person under this case, either on their person or at their place of residence, various types of weapons and combat equipment were seized as a result of search operations.

He added that it must also be taken into account that, throughout both preliminary and court investigations, almost all of the accused demonstrated no genuine remorse for their actions.

Considering the prosecutions position, Mr. Huseynov requested the court to issue an indictment verdict against the accused individuals.

Another victim representative, Aydin Hajiyev, called upon the court to impose fair and proportionate punishment on the defendants:

By delivering just sentences, the court will, even if only partially, restore the rights of the victims. Their constitutional rights  including the right to life, security, property, housing, and safe living conditions  were directly violated as a result of the actions carried out by Armenian armed forces and the accused individuals.

Rauf Abdullayev, another representative of the victims, also requested the court to ensure that the accused are held fully accountable and receive appropriate punishment.

Following these statements, the floor was given to the defense for rebuttals.

Vugar Heydarov, defense lawyer for accused Vasili Beglaryan, cited international judicial precedents, emphasizing that when there is a contradiction between a suspects testimony during pre-trial investigation and their statements in court, the latter should take precedence:

The testimony given during preliminary investigation is part of the investigators evidence-gathering process. Therefore, statements made during the judicial phase carry greater weight and must be prioritized.

He requested the court to base its final decision on his clients testimony provided during the trial when deliberating in the chamber.

Azizaga Gafarov, also representing Vasili Beglaryan, argued that the prosecution had misclassified his clients level of involvement and failed to correctly qualify the charges.

Pervana Gasimova, defense attorney for Arkadi Gukasian, expressed confidence that the court would uphold the principles of legality and justice. She formally requested the court to acquit her client.

Dmitriy Zinchenco, representing David Manukyan, stated that his client was a military serviceman at the time and merely followed orders. He requested the court to acquit David Manukyan.

Other defense attorneys  Agshin Mammadli (representing Davit Ishkhanyan), Anar Mammadov (representing Arayik Harutyunyan), and Nigar Mirbabayeva (representing Bako Sahakyan)  also presented their counterarguments in response to the prosecutions rebuttal.

After the conclusion of all rebuttals, the accused were granted their final right to speak.

Presiding Judge Zeynal Agayev reminded those present that no questions may be directed to the accused during their final statements.

During his statement, Levon Balayan denied any guilt and added:

I did have a weapon, but I never fired at people  shots were fired into the air.

Madat Babayan claimed he did not kill anyone and stated he only fired into the air.

Garik Martirosyan declared that he did not consider himself guilty.

Melikset Pashayan reiterated his previous testimony: he admitted being in villages of Aghdam but denied participation in combat operations. He added that he served at a checkpoint for three months in 2023.

Davit Allahverdiyan stated he committed no crime and had always acted within the bounds of the law.

Gurgen Stepanyan affirmed that he does not consider himself guilty.

Erik Ghazaryan said he served as a soldier in the Armed Forces of Armenia from 2021 to 2023 and fulfilled his military duties accordingly. He denied the allegations against him and stated he does not regard himself as guilty.

Vasili Beglaryan maintained that he committed no crimes, was not a member of any criminal group, and does not consider himself guilty.

David Manukyan presented counterarguments to the claims made by the prosecution during his final statement.

As the hearing concluded before David Manukyan could complete his final remarks, the court announced a recess, with his statement scheduled to continue at the next session.

The court proceedings will resume on December 19.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. On December 11, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, together with Minister of Health Teymur Musayev, visited the Ministry of Healths Childrens Tuberculosis Sanatorium No. 5, Trend reports.

During the visit, they familiarized themselves with the institutions operations, the organization of medical services, and the facilities created for children. They also discussed renovation work carried out at the dispensary and measures aimed at improving the quality of diagnostic and treatment services.

Minister of Health Teymur Musayev expressed his gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for her support of projects aimed at protecting childrens health in the country.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, held a meeting with the CEO of Brookfield, Bruce Flatt, during his visit to the U.S., Trend reports.

The discussion focused on joint investment opportunities in data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and the modernization of transportation infrastructure.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan and Syria held a high-level bilateral meeting during the Bridge Media and Content Industry Summit in Abu Dhabi, signaling a renewed focus on collaboration in the media sector, Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency (MEDIA) told Trend.

The meeting brought together Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the MEDIA, and Hamza Al-Mustafa, Minister of Information of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The discussions centered on expanding media and communication cooperation between the two countries, enhancing the flow of information, and identifying areas of shared interest for future projects.

Key topics also included combating disinformation, fostering a reliable and trustworthy information environment, strengthening dialogue, and deepening institutional ties, underscoring the commitment of both nations to a more collaborative and transparent media landscape.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The Academy of Artificial Intelligence in Azerbaijan's Baku hosted an event titled "Communication of Artificial Intelligence Standards to Media Representatives," bringing together sector members, Trend reports.

The event was jointly organized by the National Artificial Intelligence Center (NAIC), part of AZCON Holding, and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

The goal of the event was to provide the media with a clear understanding of Azerbaijans newly adopted state AI standards and to highlight key aspects of their practical implementation.

Participants gained insights into the overall structure of the standards, Azerbaijans role in shaping international standardization processes, and strategies for applying these standards within the local AI ecosystem.

Speaking during the event Ibrahim Suleymanov, Product Owner for AI at the NAIC emphasized that Azerbaijan's National Artificial Intelligence Center (NAIC) has recently launched three new AI projects.

According to Suleymanov, the AI community in Azerbaijan has rapidly grown to over 3,000 members.

At present, more than 15 AI specialists have been trained, and over a hundred students are actively specializing in this field, he noted.

He explained that graphics processor modules are essential for executing computational processes involved in the construction of the center.

"The required equipment has already been procured, and installation is currently underway. Upon completion of this phase, we will be able to showcase our AI products at the center, significantly reducing operational costs," he concluded.
KHOJALY, Azerbaijan, December 11. The group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs), sent to Shushakend, Badara, and Ballija villages in the Khojaly district, has arrived in the villages, Trend's regional correspondent reports.

The group was sent from the 'Dordyol' area in Aghdam.

Later, the families moving to their native land will be presented with the keys to their apartments.

The resettlement process is being carried out in cooperation with the relevant government agencies as part of the First State Program of the Great Return.

Former internally displaced persons, who are delighted to return to their native lands and end their long years of longing, expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for their attention and care. They also expressed their gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani army, the heroic soldiers and officers who liberated our lands from occupation, and wished peace to the souls of the martyrs who gave their lives on this path.

12:42

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AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, December 11. The next phase of Azerbaijan's resettlement process has been carried out in the villages of Shushakend, Badara, and Ballija in the Khojaly District, Trends regional correspondent reports.

This phase facilitated the permanent return of 14 families (51 people) to Shushakend, 6 families (18 people) to Badara, and 9 families (38 people) to Ballija.

Upon completion of this phase, a total of 341 individuals from 93 families have resettled in Shushakand, 1,054 individuals from 237 families have returned to Ballija, and 154 individuals from 43 families have made their way back to Badara.

The Great Return refers to several things, most prominently Azerbaijan's state program to resettle displaced people to the Karabakh region after its liberation, focusing on reconstruction, economic development, and reintegration.
MOSCOW, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Russia has transferred more than 11,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian servicemen to Ukraine, while receiving 201 bodies of Russian soldiers from the Ukrainian side, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.

During the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul this June, the two sides reached an agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war and the remains of fallen soldiers.

Following the agreement, several rounds of exchanges have been carried out. After the large-scale transfer of over 6,000 Ukrainian fallen servicemen in June, such exchanges have continued monthly from July to November. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Colonel General Elchin Guliyev, head of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan, held a meeting with Bahraini Interior Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa during the Maraee 2025 event, Trend reports via the service.

The dialogues were centered on enhancing bilateral synergies, probing avenues for collaborative engagement, and facilitating the exchange of insights and experiential knowledge in domains of shared relevance.

The 8th iteration of the Bahrain Animal and Agriculture Production Show (Maraee 2025) is scheduled to take place from December 9 through 13 at the Bahrain International Endurance Village. This event represents the preeminent exhibition in the region, functioning as a crucial nexus for propelling the Kingdoms strategic initiatives in sustainable agriculture and food security enhancement.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Prime Minister Ali Asadov visited the grave of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov visited the grave of National Leader Heydar Aliyev on the Alley of Honor today, paid tribute to his memory, and laid a wreath at the monument.

December 12th is the annual Memorial Day for Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader and founder of modern independent Azerbaijan, marking the anniversary of his death in 2003, a day where Azerbaijanis honor his pivotal role in establishing the nation's statehood, stability, and development through ceremonies, tributes, and laying flowers at his memorial in Baku's Alley of Honors.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The Concept for the Development of the Forensic Science Sector in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2030 has been approved, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is obliged to coordinate the measures provided for in the Concept and monitor their implementation.

The Cabinet of Ministers is obliged to inform the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan annually on the progress of the implementation of the measures provided for in the Concept.

On behalf of the Ministry of Justice, the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the measures provided for in the Concept will be carried out by the Center for Economic Reforms and Communications Analysis.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The official visit of the military delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan is ongoing, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense.

First Deputy Minister of Defense  Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, together with the Uzbek delegation, visited the Cybersecurity Center. The delegation was provided with detailed information on activities carried out to ensure the cybersecurity of modern weapon systems and information technology means available in the armament of the Azerbaijan Army, as well as on AI-based cyber defense tools against cyber threats.

Then, the Combat Control Center of the Air Force was visited. Representatives were briefed on the structure, work principles, and functions of the center, which is equipped with modern management systems. The Uzbek guests questions were answered.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Publicprivate partnership (PPP) models could unlock new investment flows for Tajikistans infrastructure and energy sectors when paired with EU instruments, EIB Vice-President Marek Mora told Trend.

"The Bank evaluates PPP opportunities through a combination of financial, regulatory, and institutional criteria, in line with EU and EIB standards," Mora explained.

He noted that transparency, risk-sharing, and governance remain fundamental components of the EIBs approach.

"Our approach is rooted in transparency, risk sharing, and strong governance frameworks. PPPs can play an important role in mobilising private investment for energy, transport, water and digital infrastructure, especially when paired with EU grants, guarantees and blended finance under Global Gateway," he said.

Mora added that the Bank maintains broad cooperation with both government and private-sector partners to shape viable projects.

"The Bank works closely with the governments around the world, development partners and the private sector to identify bankable PPP opportunities that maximise the impact of EU-funded operations and contribute to sustainable, long-term development," he emphasized.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 11. The next meeting of energy ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will take place in 2026 in Uzbekistan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan.

This decision was reached during the fifth meeting of OTS energy ministers, held on December 10 in Istanbul, Turkiye.

The event brought together the energy ministers from Uzbekistan, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, alongside the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Additionally, the foreign ministers of Hungary and Northern Cyprus participated as observers.

During the discussions, the participants explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in the energy sector, enhance regional energy security, and advance sustainable energy initiatives. Particular focus was placed on supporting green energy projects, improving grid integration, and fostering new investment opportunities within member states.

Notably, the first meeting of the OTS Energy Ministers took place virtually on February 2324, 2021. This platform, established under the Organization of Turkic States, seeks to promote regional collaboration by improving policy coordination and the effective management of energy resources among member countries. It also aims to explore avenues for expanding cooperation in energy efficiency, advanced technologies, and renewable energy across the region.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 11. The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has put forward a proposal for substantial revisions to the banking sector's regulatory framework, including a significant increase in the minimum authorized capital required for new entrants, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, Trend reports via the bank.

According to the draft resolution, any bank submitting its establishment documents after the specified date will be required to maintain a minimum capital of 5 billion soms (approximately $57.1 million), a fivefold increase from the current requirement of 1 billion soms (around $11.4 million).

The regulator has outlined a gradual transition for existing banks, which will be obligated to meet the 5-billion-som ($57.1 million) capital threshold by 2030. Systemically important banks, however, will face more stringent requirements, with a mandated capital of 8 billion soms ($91.4 million) to be held starting in 2026.

An unresolved issue pertains to whether the new regulations will apply to banks that have received preliminary approval but have not yet been fully licensed. This includes Asman Bank, Muras Bank, Kylym Bank, and Alma Finance Bank. Should these banks fail to secure full banking licenses before January 1, it remains unclear whether they will be required to comply with the new capital requirements.

This update follows closely after the licensing of Bereket Bank on December 3, which became the 22nd licensed bank in the country, entering the market under the current regulatory framework.

As of December 11, 2025, the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan is 1 USD = 87.4500 KGS.
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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 11. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a working visit to Turkmenistan on December 1112, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president.

As part of the visit program, the President will participate in an International Forum commemorating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's declaration of permanent neutrality, the International Day of Neutrality, and the designation of 2025 as the 'International Year of Peace and Trust.'

The event, which will take place in Ashgabat, is set to convene heads of state and government, along with leaders of various international and regional organizations.

President Mirziyoyev is scheduled to address the forums plenary session, delivering a speech on the theme: 'Peace and Trust: Unity of Purpose for a Sustainable Future.'

In addition, on the sidelines of the summit, the Uzbek President will engage in a series of bilateral meetings.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 11. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid arrived in Ashgabat on December 10 to participate in events marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistans permanent neutrality, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen President.

The forum, set to take place on December 12, will bring together global leaders and experts to discuss strategies for strengthening international cooperation, promoting peace, and fostering mutual trust. Among the various discussions expected to take place, a key focus will be the potential for advancing Iraq-Turkmenistan relations, particularly through collaborative projects related to Turkmen gas exports to Iraq. These talks are viewed as an opportunity to further develop energy cooperation and deepen bilateral ties between the two nations.

A significant component of the discussions will center around a trilateral swap mechanism, previously announced by Iraqs Ministry of Electricity, in which Turkmenistan will supply gas to northern Iran, and in return, Iran will deliver an equivalent volume of gas to Iraq. This arrangement, made possible through prior coordination between the relevant authorities of Iraq and Turkmenistan, aims to address the ongoing shortfall in Iranian gas deliveries that have negatively impacted electricity generation, particularly during peak demand periods.

This initiative is part of Iraqs broader strategy to stabilize its energy sector and ensure a reliable electricity supply. While the foundational framework for this arrangement has been established, a formal contract between Iraq and Turkmenistan is still under negotiation. Concurrently, Iraqi authorities are working to finalize the necessary financial procedures to facilitate payments within the mutual settlement structure, thus laying the groundwork for the eventual operational implementation of the project.
ANKARA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkish gendarmerie forces have detained 92 suspects in nationwide raids targeting the Islamic State (IS) over the past two weeks, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Thursday.

The suspects were detained across 22 provinces, including Adana, Bursa, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay and Istanbul, Yerlikaya said on social media platform X.

The gendarmerie forces found that the suspects had spread propaganda for the terrorist organization through social media accounts, he said.

"We continue our operations, day and night, 365 days a year, to ensure peace and stability in every region of our country," he added.

Video footage posted on his X account showed gendarmerie forces entering apartments and buildings and putting suspects into vehicles.

The Turkish government designated IS as a terrorist organization in 2013, blaming it for a series of deadly attacks in the country. Since then, the country has carried out counter-terrorism operations both domestically and abroad to crack down on IS members and activities. 
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran engaged in a limited meeting, during which they underscored the importance of further strengthening the partnership between their two neighboring nations, Trend reports via Akorda.

President Tokayev extended a warm welcome to his Iranian counterpart during the latter's inaugural official visit to Kazakhstan, emphasizing the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties that bind the two nations. He highlighted Iran's role as a close neighbor and a reliable partner, underscoring the absence of unresolved issues in bilateral relations and the steady progress in their development.

The President further noted the recent surge in trade and economic cooperation, pointing out that mutual trade had risen by 40% in the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. He called for the continuation of this positive momentum and the further expansion of trade volumes, attributing the progress to constructive political dialogue, robust intergovernmental cooperation, and strengthened interparliamentary relations.

In response, President Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude for Kazakhstans warm hospitality and affirmed the ongoing advancement of bilateral relations across political, economic, and international spheres. He stressed Irans commitment to deepening ties with Kazakhstan, citing their shared cultural and historical heritage as a foundation for further collaboration.

The leaders reiterated their mutual commitment to expanding cooperation in all areas of common interest, with a focus on further strengthening the bilateral partnership.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The first official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Slovakia marked a significant milestone in the history of bilateral relations, reflecting a new level of political dialogue and economic cooperation between Baku and Bratislava. At a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe and ongoing challenges in energy security, the agreements and discussions held on 8-9 December carry both symbolic weight and concrete practical value for the two countries.

Speaking to Trend, Rita Csapaiova, a political analyst from Slovakia, described the visit as considerably more strategic than a routine high-level exchange, noting that for the first time the relationship was articulated in a political, energy, and industrial framework all at once, which she said is usually the threshold where countries begin transitioning from ad-hoc cooperation to something more structured.

According to the analyst, the visit stands out because it did not rely on symbolism alone. Slovakia has already begun receiving Azerbaijani gas under a pilot scheme, and both sides openly discussed expanding these deliveries. She stressed that this marks a qualitative shift: When energy cooperation moves from political declarations to actual molecules entering the Slovak grid, it changes the character of the relationship. It becomes less about diplomatic goodwill and more about practical interdependence. And interdependence is the backbone of any credible strategic partnership.

Csapaiova noted that Azerbaijans growing role in Slovakias energy architecture is one of the most consequential elements of the visit. She underscored that Bratislavas diversification efforts are not theoretical but have now moved into implementation.

Slovakia is restructuring its energy supply chain in real time. In this process, Azerbaijani gas is not a symbolic gesture - it is an operational component of our diversification strategy. Even if the current volumes are modest, the political signal and strategic value are extremely important: Slovakia is no longer dependent on a single supplier and is strengthening its negotiating position within the EU, she pointed out.

The analyst added that Azerbaijani gas fits naturally into Slovakias short-, medium-, and long-term needs. In the short to medium term, Azerbaijani gas helps Slovakia cover immediate needs and manage seasonal fluctuations. Pilot deliveries have already started, and expanding them gives Slovakia more flexibility and greater predictability. It also allows Bratislava to demonstrate, both domestically and in Brussels, that it is taking active steps to diversify responsibly.

Looking further ahead, Csapaiova emphasized that energy cooperation must evolve from temporary shipments to structural commitments. For this partnership to move from a promising beginning to a long-term strategic asset, we need multi-year agreements with clearly defined volumes, guarantees, and infrastructure planning. Azerbaijans supply is reliable, but long-term energy security requires investment in interconnectors, storage, and transmission capacity. This is where the next stage of cooperation must focus.

She added that Slovakias experience already illustrates a broader trend in Europe. What is happening now is that Azerbaijan is gradually becoming part of Europes strategic diversification efforts. It is not a peripheral supplier anymore. It is entering the core of the conversation on what Europes post-Russian-gas map looks like, the analyst explained.

Beyond energy, Csapaiova highlighted that the visit produced MoUs in reconstruction and industrial cooperation that give the partnership multi-year depth. If Slovak companies become systematically involved in infrastructure and smart-city projects, this would create a long-term economic presence, not an episodic opportunity. Still, she noted that three steps are necessary for a fully-fledged strategic partnership: long-term energy contracts, regular coordination mechanisms, and implementation timelines for joint projects.

The analyst pointed to energy diversification, geopolitical interests, and economic opportunities as key drivers behind the closer alignment. Slovakia is seeking alternatives to reduce dependence on a single supplier, and Azerbaijani gas offers a credible option. For Azerbaijan, strengthening ties with EU member states expands its presence in Europe and facilitates access to expertise and investment.

On defence-industry and industrial collaboration, Csapaiova said opportunities are real but pragmatic, with the strongest potential in dual-use technologies, modernization, and engineering. She emphasized that strategically, this kind of cooperation reinforces resilience for both countries.

She also noted the importance of Slovakias participation in the reconstruction of Azerbaijans liberated territories. A Slovak company is already implementing the Garvand smart-village project in Aghdam. Such engagement signals European confidence in the reconstruction process while providing Slovakia with long-term commercial opportunities.

Looking ahead, she said the areas with greatest potential in the next 3-5 years include economic cooperation, industrial joint ventures, SME development, food safety, cultural exchanges, consular cooperation, and infrastructure development. Planned initiatives such as an honorary consulate, expanded consular mechanisms, and increased educational and cultural programs will further cement bilateral ties.

These areas, supported by memoranda, pilot projects, and early-stage initiatives, offer a clear roadmap to transform political goodwill into a strategic, multi-sector partnership, Csapaiova concluded, noting that the steps launched during President Ilham Aliyevs visit could shape bilateral relations for years to come.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Iran and Kazakhstans newly implemented roadmap aims to elevate trade between the two nations to $3 billion, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

Pezeshkian highlighted that, while trade between Iran and Kazakhstan has already surged by 40%, significant untapped potential remains for deepening economic cooperation. He expressed optimism that both countries will seize opportunities within the private sector to further strengthen their bilateral ties.

The Iranian president also underscored the strategic importance of Irans relations with its neighboring countries, noting that Tehran and Astana share close and coordinated positions on a wide range of regional and international issues. "The two nations collaborate across political, economic, and cultural spheres," Pezeshkian remarked.

Furthermore, he emphasized the strong foundations of cooperation between Iran and Kazakhstan within key international organizations, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as among the nations of the Caspian Sea. Expanding and deepening these connections remains a central priority for both countries.

Pezeshkian also highlighted that resolving issues related to banking relations is crucial for advancing bilateral ties. Full implementation of the free trade agreement between Iran and the EAEU will further enhance trade and economic relations between Tehran and Astana. He noted that all relevant institutions are capable of ensuring the agreements complete execution.

The Iranian president arrived in Kazakhstan yesterday for an official visit.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Under the directives of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, "Azerishig" Open Joint-Stock Company (OJSC) is rolling up its sleeves and getting down to brass tacks with reconstruction and major repair works all over Azerbaijan, including in Karabakh and East Zangezur, Trend reports via the company.

As part of these efforts, the electricity network in Kalbajar is being fully rebuilt, with 35 kV insulated overhead lines being extended to remote mountain villages and new power centers being established.

The company noted that strategic facilities in the villages of Alagoller, Zaylik, and Zod, as well as the Istisu mineral water plant, have been connected with 35 kV double-circuit self-supporting insulated wires, and transformer stations have been installed. The construction of 35 kV lines to Yanshag and Zallar villages has also been completed.

In the city area, the construction of a 110/35 kV substation is ongoing. Work has been completed on the 35/0.4 kV substation and the Digital Control Center. To ensure a sustainable electricity supply for families returning to Kalbajar, the 0.4 kV electricity network has been rebuilt.

Azerishig also continues similar reconstruction projects in other regions of the country, replacing outdated electricity infrastructure. The goal is to provide citizens with uninterrupted, high-quality electricity and minimize energy losses.

Reorganized in 2015, the primary objective of "Azerishiq" Open Joint Stock Company is to provide consumers with continuous, high-quality, and reliable electricity by acquiring power from producers within the Republic of Azerbaijan (excluding the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic). Additionally, it aims to modernize the material and technical infrastructure of distribution networks through the application of innovative technologies, along with executing other essential developmental measures.

To effectively accomplish its mission, "Azerishiq" OJSC is undertaking extensive reconstruction and repair initiatives nationwide, implementing urgent measures to modernize network infrastructure, adopt advanced and innovative technologies, replace obsolete equipment with contemporary alternatives, renew technically advanced equipment, construct new substations, and substitute long-term cables and overhead lines with modern insulated cables.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Kazakhstan and Iran confirmed their mutual interest in expanding the capacity of the NorthSouth transport corridor and the KazakhstanTurkmenistanIran railway, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh President.

The initiative became a central topic during the bilateral discussions between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Official data reveals a 53% increase in freight volumes along these routes in the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, highlighting their growing strategic significance for regional trade.

President Tokayev underscored Kazakhstan's readiness to supply at least $200 million worth of goods to the Iranian market and stressed the priority of transport and logistics cooperation as the two nations work to diversify trade and strengthen economic ties. The presidents also discussed the collaborative development of port infrastructure on the Caspian Sea to improve interregional connectivity and support increasing transit flows.

Other areas of cooperation addressed during the talks included agriculture, energy, mining, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. Since the beginning of the year, Iran has invested $17.8 million into Kazakhstans economy, with Iranian businesses involved in projects such as a cheese production plant in Almaty and a hide processing facility in West Kazakhstan. In return, Kazakh companies are continuing to implement various projects within the Iranian market.

Additionally, President Tokayev voiced support for the establishment of a Trade House of Kazakhstan in Tehran and emphasized the need for greater engagement through the Kazakh-Iranian Business Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Kazakhstan and Iran strengthened their economic partnership with the signing of several key intergovernmental and interagency documents during a high-level meeting attended by the heads of both states, Trend reports via Akorda.

A central focus of the agreements was the expansion of transport, transit, and logistics cooperation, as the two countries aim to enhance cargo flows across the KazakhstanTurkmenistanIran railway corridor and improve access to Persian Gulf markets. The signed Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation in Transport, Transit, and Logistics outlines plans to streamline procedures, coordinate infrastructure development, and increase the efficiency of cross-border freight movements.

Economic cooperation was also reinforced through a protocol amending the bilateral agreement on international road transport, designed to simplify the movement of goods and improve connectivity for businesses in both countries.

The sides additionally signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Intellectual Property Cooperation, aimed at improving the protection and commercialization of innovations, an area increasingly important for trade and investment relations.

Broader frameworks such as the Cooperation Program between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Cultural Exchange Program for 20262028 are expected to support the overall economic agenda by creating more favorable conditions for business interaction and public engagement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Work on the first phase of the reconstruction of the Ashaghi Mughan canal is starting in Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the single internet portal for public procurement.

The Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA) has completed the relevant preparations for this project through its Directorate of Construction Facilities.

ADSEA has entrusted the execution of this work to the Euroline Closed Joint-Stock Company (CJSC) and signed a contract.

According to the contract, the company has been paid 75.04 million manat ($44.1 million).

Euroline CJSC, founded in 2007, is registered with a charter capital of 2,200 manat ($1,292). The legal representative of the company is Abulfat Ahmadov.

The Ashaghi Mughan canal, commissioned in 1960, stretches over 65.7 km and serves the administrative areas of the Saatli and Sabirabad districts.

The Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA) was instituted via a presidential decree on March 30, 2023, with the objective of optimizing hydrological resource governance and mitigating the challenges associated with water scarcity within the national context. The agency was established through the amalgamation of antecedent hydrological governance bodies into a singular, cohesive framework.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Preparations are under way in the Turkmen capital for a rare high-level gathering as the country marks the 30th anniversary of its policy of permanent neutrality. On Friday morning, Ashgabat began receiving an influx of foreign delegations ahead of the anniversary event scheduled for December 12.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in the Turkmen capital later in the day. According to organizers, leaders of Turkiye, Iran, and several other states have also been invited to take part in the celebrations. Their presence is turning Ashgabat into a temporary diplomatic center, where discussions may extend beyond the official program.

While the main focus of the events is the commemoration of Turkmenistans long-standing neutral status, the gathering is likely to offer opportunities for broader exchanges on regional logistics, trade corridors, and issues of geopolitical cooperation.

The ties between the two countries stand for a long-term partnership. Annual trade turnover between Russia and Turkmenistan currently exceeds $1.6 billion. In 2025, the dynamics have shown a marked increase, with growth in the first quarter alone reaching 21.4%, while for the first half of the year, trade volumes rose by more than 30% year-on-year. At this pace, Russian and Turkmen officials estimate that total turnover could exceed $2.5 billion by the end of the year.

This upward trend is supported by the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation. Russian companies are making waves in Turkmenistan, dipping their toes not just in the usual waters such as metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and deliveries of machinery and equipment, but also in transport and logistics projects, construction, agriculture, and digital and telecommunications initiatives. As of today, around 40 business entities with Russian capital are registered in Turkmenistan. These include representative offices and branches of companies such as Gazprom, KAMAZ, Vozrozhdenie, Tatneft, and others. In addition, 342 investment projects involving Russian companies have been registered, with a total value of $3.5 billion, while in 2022 Russian Railways (RZD) and the Turkmen agency Turkmendemiryollary signed a cooperation program for 2023-2025 that envisions extensive collaboration, including RZDs support in training specialists, digitalizing production processes, enhancing logistics for the development of transport corridors, including international ones, and assisting with the electrification of Turkmenistans railways.

In October 2025, several key documents were signed in Ashgabat, including a protocol of the intergovernmental commission, agreements between the commodity and raw materials exchanges of the two countries, and a package of customs cooperation documents aimed at simplifying trade procedures and expanding economic exchanges.

In the sphere of international and regional diplomacy, Turkmenistan and Russia continue to coordinate within several key structures. Ashgabat participates in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as in various Caspian and regional consultative formats focusing on security, transport, logistics, and sustainable development. Agenda items include the exchange of expertise and coordination of positions at international forums.

Even though there have been ups and downs in bilateral relations since Turkmenistans independenceincluding gas disputes, shifts in export routes, and attempts by Ashgabat to diversify its energy supplies, particularly toward China, where Turkmen gas exports reached $7.03 billion in the first 10 months of 2025the current phase is marked by rising trade, expanding contacts, and an increase in joint projects. These trends indicate that both sides see tangible benefits in strengthening their partnership.

President Putins visit to Turkmenistan could provide an opportunity to consolidate these efforts. Owing to its neutral status and geographical position, Ashgabat is not just a cog in the wheel of regional transport; it also acts as a melting pot for discussions among Russia and its neighboring statesincluding Turkiye and Iranon joint initiatives in logistics, transport, trade, and regional security. Particularly given the mutual interest in increasing freight turnover between Russia and Iran along the NorthSouth corridor, which is already estimated at 15 to 23 million tons, including the Azerbaijani and Central Asian segments. In this context, Turkmenistan is emerging not only as a partner but also as an active mediator and coordinator of regional interests.

The visit could open a can of worms, leading to new agreements just in the nick of time before winter sets in, all while the global geopolitical landscape is shifting. These could encompass expanded deliveries of Russian machinery, equipment, and technologies; joint transport and logistics projects; cooperation in digital development, science, and education; and possibly cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Overall, Russian-Turkmen relations currently rest on a solid practical foundation. Trade is picking up, cooperation is expanding, and political will is coming through. Putins visit represents not only a ceremonial gesture but also an opportunity to give bilateral cooperation a more systematic and institutional form that is mutually beneficial on the international stage.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan has discussed ongoing work related to the development of the Middle Corridor with a United States-based company, Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports.

In the course of our visit to the United States, we met with Adebayo Ogunlesi and Erik Varvel of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). During the meeting, we discussed the development of the Middle Corridor, the regional opportunities created by digital transformation, and energy projects. We also exchanged views on establishing a joint investment platform for transport, logistics, digital infrastructure, and data centers," the post reads.

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is a prominent infrastructure investment fund manager, acquired by BlackRock in 2024. Established in 2006, GIP focuses on complex assets in the energy, transport, digital, water, and waste sectors, managing approximately $170 billion in assets as of 2025. Headquartered in New York City with an office in London, its chairman and CEO is Adebayo Ogunlesi. Notable investments include London Gatwick Airport, Italo high-speed rail, and various energy and data center projects.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan and Malaysia have discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between their central banks, Trend reports via the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).

The bank reported that a delegation under the leadership of CBA Deputy Chairman Gular Pashayeva carried out a working visit to Malaysia.

As part of the visit, Gular Pashayeva met with Adnan Zaylani, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on future cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.

The CBA delegation also participated in the Risk Dialogue event organized by the Central Bank of Malaysia.

Director of the Risk Management Department, Mahammad Maharramli, delivered a presentation titled Risk Management Practices and Risk Maturity in Central Banks at the event, where he discussed the evolution of risk management in central banks and highlighted leading international practices.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) hosted a two-day "Risk Dialogue" event on November 25-27, 2025, focused on enhancing central bank risk capabilities in the digital era. Central banks from Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand participated in discussions covering risk governance, operational resilience, and technology risks. Key takeaways included leveraging artificial intelligence for decision-making, planning for quantum resilience, and strengthening data security practices for future risk management.

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MOSCOW, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday, discussing bilateral cooperation and Venezuela's situation, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The two leaders exchanged views on the further advancement of friendly bilateral relations, in line with a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement that entered into force in November 2025, the statement noted.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the consistent implementation of joint projects in trade, economic, energy, financial, cultural, humanitarian and other fields, the Kremlin said Thursday.

It added that Putin expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reaffirmed his support for the Maduro government's policy of safeguarding national interests and sovereignty amid mounting external pressure.

Putin and Maduro signed the strategic partnership and cooperation agreement following bilateral talks in Moscow on May 7. According to the agreement, both countries have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation across all key sectors. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. The first official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Slovakia marked a significant milestone in the history of bilateral relations, reflecting a new level of political dialogue and economic cooperation between Baku and Bratislava. At a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe and ongoing challenges in energy security, the agreements and discussions held on 8-9 December carry both symbolic weight and concrete practical value for the two countries. From the Hungarian perspective, the visit is seen as strategically important, reinforcing Budapests own energy and regional policies.

Commenting on the visit, Professor Laszlo Vasa, senior researcher at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA), told Trend that the real progress between the two countries already happened with the 2024 Joint Declaration on strategic partnership, which raised relations to the highest formal level. This visit operationalizes it with concrete MoUs on defense industry, food safety, consular issues, culture and SME cooperation, plus the background of SOCARs pilot gas supplies to Slovakia, he noted.

The analyst added that the visit marks a transition toward a more meaningful partnership, but still primarily in the energy-economic and niche defense-industrial fields. Its depth will depend on whether gas volumes grow, interconnectors are fully used and new projects in renewables or digital infrastructure follow, he pointed out.

For Central Europe, a closer Baku-Bratislava axis strengthens the Southern Gas Corridors northern branch and reduces the regions dependence on Russian and Ukrainian transit, which aligns with Hungarys own diversification strategy and our growing ties with Azerbaijan, Professor Vasa highlighted. He suggested that in the medium term, this could create a loose V4+Azerbaijan platform, where Hungary and Slovakia coordinate more closely on Caspian energy, connectivity and perhaps defense industry, slightly increasing Central Europes bargaining power inside the EU and vis-a-vis external suppliers.

According to Vasa, several main drivers define the partnership. First, energy security and diversification: Slovakia is in a vulnerable position after the Ukraine transit stop and the politicisation of Russian gas; it needs new, non-Russian volumes fast. Azerbaijan wants to lock in new EU buyers for Southern Gas Corridor exports and future production, and Slovakia fits well as a landlocked, highly dependent market, he said.

Furthermore, defense-industrial and connectivity interests: Slovakias defense industry is looking for new markets; Azerbaijan is seeking technology transfer and joint production for export. And the logistics and East-West connectivity, where Central Europe links to the South Caucasus via the Black Sea and Turkiye, is also a factor, he added.

From Budapests perspective, Vasa stressed, this rapprochement is mostly viewed positively and as complementary. It reinforces Hungarys own Azerbaijan policy: more Caspian gas into Central Europe strengthens the Southern Gas Corridor branch that we also rely on and reduces the stigma that Hungary is alone in engaging Baku.

Professor Vasa emphasized that gas cooperation lies at the core of the partnership. With SOCAR now supplying Slovakia, Baku is no longer just a supplier for Italy and the Balkans, but a source reaching deep into Central Europe, he said. Slovakia is a landlocked market highly dependent on imports, and Azerbaijani gas via the Southern Gas Corridor provides a non-Russian alternative, strengthening energy security and diversification.

He noted that the practical importance of the visit is in formalizing and expanding these flows. If Slovakia can anchor regular SOCAR deliveries and establish multi-annual contracts, it will transform from a potential endpoint into a real anchor market at the northern end of the Vertical Corridor. That creates strong incentives to upgrade and fully use interconnectors along the Greece-Bulgaria-Romania-Hungary-Slovakia line, align regulatory rules, and coordinate capacity booking and reverse-flow options, Vasa explained.

According to him, Azerbaijan has a solid track record of honoring long-term contracts toward EU buyers. This reliability matches Central Europes interest in predictable, multi-year deliveries, as opposed to exposure to spot-market volatility. The structural limitation is export volumes, and expansion via new fields, TANAP/TAP upgrades, and Balkan interconnectors will take time and investment, he added.

Vasa also linked Slovakias gas cooperation with Hungarys broader energy strategy. From Budapest, this visit is fully aligned with our multi-vector, pipeline-centric strategy: maintaining Russian gas, adding Azerbaijani gas volumes from the South, plus some LNG and renewables. Azerbaijani gas helps stabilise flows through the Balkans and strengthens the case for further interconnector investments. A visible Baku-Bratislava axis enhances the northward extension of the Southern Gas Corridor, indirectly benefiting Hungary by creating a larger, more liquid regional market for non-Russian gas.

He underlined that the visit is more than a bilateral energy deal. It sends a message that Azerbaijan is becoming a more integrated player in Europes pan-regional gas system. As the 12th European importer of Azeri gas, Slovakia demonstrates that the Southern Gas Corridor is no longer just a southern route - it has a real Central European reach, he said.

Professor Vasa also underlined the symbolic and practical importance of Slovak involvement in Karabakh reconstruction. It gives EU/NATO stamp of legitimacy to the post-war reality and to the Great Return reconstruction agenda. A Slovak-led project in Karabakh and new MoUs on economic and tech cooperation signal that ties are not just about gas, but also about long-term development and investment. In Hungary, which is a fellow EU member and Azerbaijans partner, this is seen largely positively. It widens the group of EU states that have a tangible stake in Azerbaijans post-war reconstruction, he explained.

From a Hungarian perspective, stronger Azerbaijan-Slovakia cooperation is welcome: it raises the economic logic and EU visibility of the Vertical Corridor, while giving Budapest a chance to act as a key transit hub and political broker in Central Europes south-north energy architecture, Laszlo Vasa concluded.
Photo: The official X account of the PM of Georgia

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, December 11. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held a productive meeting with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Georgian PM wrote on his X account, Trend reports.

''Our discussion focused on strengthening the partnership between our countries and enhancing cooperation in support of regional peace and stability,'' the post reads.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze arrived in Ashgabat to participate in events commemorating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistans permanent neutrality, the International Day of Neutrality, and an international forum marking the UN-declared International Year of Peace and Trust.

A key area of collaboration between the two nations is a project for a new international transport corridor connecting the Caspian and Black Seas. This initiative, which will involve Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Romania, aims to establish a multimodal route linking the Caspian region with the European Union.

Looking ahead to 2026, Georgia plans to finalize the Anaklia deep-sea port, modernize its locomotive and freight fleet, complete the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and implement unified digital services across both the public and private sectors. These measures are expected to enhance capacity, improve efficiency, and reduce rail transit times by 30%. Furthermore, Georgia aims to invest $7 billion in key transport, logistics, and infrastructure projects by 2032.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan has carved out a niche for itself as a heavyweight on the global energy stage. The nation boasts a treasure trove of oil and gas fields, sitting pretty in a prime geopolitical spot, which makes it a magnet for international companies looking to strike gold. Today, Azerbaijan is not just a producing country but also a platform for implementing innovations, exchanging experience, and developing advanced technologies in the oil and gas sector.

Companies are putting their money where their mouth is in the country and have their sights set on spreading their wings here for the long haul. A prime example is bp Azerbaijan, which has been operating in the country for 33 years. During his speech at the 3rd Industrial Safety Summit in Baku, bp's vice president for the Caspian region, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, emphasized the scale of production and the companys contribution to the energy sector.

During these years, 4.5 billion barrels of oil and 257 billion cubic meters of gas have been produced from the Caspian Sea fields, including 60 billion cubic meters of gas from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field, and delivered to the state. The gas produced from the ACG field accounts for approximately 25% of the total gas production in the Caspian Sea. This shows how great the potential of these fields is, Aslanbayli said.

He also emphasized that a key highlight of the initiative is the organization's unwavering commitment to operational safety, adhering meticulously to regulatory frameworks, thereby achieving a track record devoid of significant incidents.

During our activities in Azerbaijan, we have worked together with our local and international partners in the field of safety and development, ensuring the application of the highest global standards, he added.

These words reflect the companys game plan for the sustainable development of the countrys energy sector and demonstrate that the safety and reliability of infrastructure remain bps priority areas of work in the region.

These achievements show that Azerbaijan not only maintains a leading role in energy production but is also becoming a center for the implementation of advanced technologies and experience exchange in the oil and gas industry.

For example, Baku has become a platform for discussing innovations in oil and gas infrastructure at the international Asset Integrity and Corrosion and Coatings Conference, which gathered over 500 delegates from more than 20 countries, 50 speakers, and more than 25 technology companies. The event served as a platform for experience exchange, discussion of advanced technologies, and finding solutions to extend the life of existing infrastructure.

Continuing the discussion of innovations and technologies at the conference, bp Exploration Caspian Sea Ltd shared practical results of its work on modernizing the AGT (Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye) pipeline network. The project included the implementation of ICCP systems using renewable energy, as well as comprehensive measures to reduce the effects of alternating and direct current.

These solutions help minimize corrosion and increase operational efficiency, demonstrating the real benefits of applying modern technologies to oil and gas infrastructure.

The conference also noted that international and American companies are showing growing interest in Azerbaijan, seeing the country as a platform for implementing advanced technologies and service solutions in the oil and gas sector.

IRISS, the U.S. company specializing in equipment maintenance based on condition assessment, is attracted by the opportunity to develop condition monitoring services and reduce operational risks. Plans to open an office in Azerbaijan with the involvement of local specialists indicate the companys strategic interest in the region: there is a market ready for innovative technologies, as well as access to qualified personnel to support long-term projects.

Stats Group, an international engineering company specializing in services and technologies for maintenance, repair, and isolation of pipeline infrastructure in the oil and gas sector, sees potential in supporting bp and SOCAR. The focus on providing tools and equipment for major projects allows the company to strengthen its position in Azerbaijan as a key partner in technical maintenance. The country offers opportunities to develop a service ecosystem and optimize processes, making it attractive for long-term investments.

SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations and TANAP demonstrate the real impact of implementing modern technologies: a 1015% increase in transportation volumes and more than a 70% improvement in infrastructure reliability. These signs point to Azerbaijan being all ears for innovation and primed to roll out the red carpet for cutting-edge monitoring and control methods, luring in international companies with a keen eye for big-ticket projects.

Zerust Integrity Solutions, the U.S. anticorrosion company, is interested in the opportunity to extend equipment life by up to 10 years at key facilities, including the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery and the Sangachal terminal. Strategic cooperation with SOCAR and the refinerys subsidiaries opens prospects for broader application of technologies and long-term market presence.

The Velosi Asset Integrity, an international consulting company specializing in the energy sector, is exploring opportunities for consulting collaboration with Azerbaijani companies. Participation in conferences and analysis of the local market allow identifying potential for implementing international standards for infrastructure management and facility safety.

ENCOTEC, in partnership with TUV Rheinland (specializing in technical control, audit, certification, and industrial consulting services), focuses on maintaining operational facilities with minimal costs and high safety levels. Azerbaijan is attractive to the company, as its a market eager to embrace engineering solutions that have stood the test of time in international projects. This opens the door to tailor technologies to fit local conditions like a glove, ultimately boosting the reliability and durability of infrastructure.

Overall, the interest of international companies in Azerbaijan is explained by several factors: the countrys strategic location, the industrys readiness for modernization and innovation, the potential for long-term presence and human capital development, and the ability to adapt international experience to local conditions. Azerbaijan is becoming a regional platform where international players see real prospects for investment and implementation of advanced technologies, enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of the countrys energy sector.

Azerbaijan also has significant geothermal potential, especially in the Karabakh region, and the introduction of modern technologies allows for more efficient development. The use of specialized thermal insulation coatings on pipelines is recommended for deep and high-temperature wells and helps increase the productivity of geothermal drilling projects.

Azerbaijan attracts international companies as a country with a high-potential energy sector and opportunities for implementing innovative technologies. Companies operating in the region are actively expanding their presence, investing in infrastructure modernization, and introducing modern methods for facility operation and protection. Their focus is on improving pipeline reliability and safety, optimizing maintenance, applying anticorrosion and engineering solutions, and developing geothermal projects. This approach not only makes the most of natural resources but also bolsters the long-term strategic standing of companies in the region, paving the way for sustainable growth and technological prowess in Azerbaijan.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the high-level forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, Trend reports via Akorda.

Tokayev was welcomed at the airport by Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, with whom he held a conversation focused on bilateral cooperation. The Kazakh president emphasized that the outcomes of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedovs state visit to Kazakhstan in late November now require concrete economic follow-through.

We achieved significant agreements during the recent state visit. Now it is necessary to ensure their practical implementation, especially in the economic sphere, including trade, transport, and energy cooperation, Tokayev emphasized.

He also noted the broader context of regional economic stability, adding: The agenda offered to us is highly relevant in todays turbulent world. Tomorrows forum will make another positive contribution and strengthen the atmosphere of friendship and cooperation in Central Asia.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the growing economic ties between the two countries and underscored Turkmenistans commitment to expanding cooperation.

Speaking of bilateral relations, it is impossible not to mention the recent state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, which was held at a high level. We discussed prospects for our cooperation in the economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, he said.

Earlier, on November 25, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov had an official visit to Kazakhstan. During the visit Presidents of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan came together to sign a Joint Statement focused on boosting their bilateral relations. Among the key agreements was a Joint Action Plan for Transport Cooperation between the two countries for 2026-2027.

Moreover, the officials from both countries signed agreements that span a broad spectrum of sectors, touching on cultural exchanges, migration, and healthcare. Notably, the sides agreed on enhanced pension system cooperation and signed a memorandum to advance veterinary services and agricultural research.

Kazakhstans National Academy of Sciences and Turkmenistans Academy of Sciences also agreed to increase research collaboration, while media cooperation between the two nations was formalized through a memorandum between Kazakhstans Presidential Television and Radio Complex and Turkmenistans State Committee for Television, Radio, and Cinematography.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Fitch Ratings has flagged significant uncertainties in Naftogazs gas production and financial outlook for 2025, amid escalating attacks on Ukraines gas infrastructure, Trend reports via Fitch.

Gas production continues, although Naftogaz does not disclose the share of non-operational assets, Fitch said. The company plans to increase the share of natural gas purchased on the market from 11% in 2024 to 33% in 2025, reflecting the impact of infrastructure damage and limited domestic production.

Fitch noted that forecasts for 2025 remain highly uncertain, driven by Naftogazs production capabilities and actual demand. Operating metrics as well as the financial profile are expected to be far weaker in 2025 than in 2024, the agency added, highlighting the risks from attacks targeting Naftogazs offtakers as well as its own assets.

The escalation comes after Ukraine chose not to renew its gas transit agreement with Gazprom past 2024, prompting Russia to intensify strikes on Ukrainian gas infrastructure. The attacks have caused significant damage to Naftogaz assets, forcing the company to greatly increase gas imports, financed through cash reserves, loans, and grants.

Despite these challenges, Naftogaz has made timely debt payments in 2025. However, Fitch emphasized the company faces a large principal repayment of EUR689 million in July 2026, which could further strain its financial position. The ability to service debt will depend in part on whether additional Russian attacks disrupt production capacity.

Fitch also highlighted the potential need for another restructuring of bonds maturing in 2026 due to elevated funding requirements for gas purchases, noting that this is already factored into the companys rating.

Naftogaz remains under significant operational and financial pressure, and continued security risks represent a substantial challenge to both its production and debt repayment capacity, Fitch concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. bp has delivered its fifth major startup ahead of schedule this year, Trend reports via the company.

bp delivered the Atlantis Drill Center 1 expansion project two months ahead of its original schedule by utilizing existing subsea inventory, drilling and completing wells more efficiently, and streamlining offshore execution planning,

The Atlantis Drill Center 1 expansion is the second in a series of new projects bp is planning in the US Gulf of America between now and the end of the decade that are expected to enable bp to boost its capacity to produce more than 400,000 boe/d from the US offshore region by 2030.

In August 2025, bp started up the Argos Southwest Extension project, a three-well subsea tieback that is adding 20,000 boe/d barrels a day of gross peak annualized average oil production to our Argos platform. In 2027, bp plans to deliver Atlantis Major Facility Expansion, which will further increase production from the Atlantis field using existing infrastructure.

In addition to the Atlantis Drill Center 1 expansion project, bp started up major projects this year in Trinidad and Tobago (2), the UK North Sea, Egypt, Mauritania and Senegal, as well as Argos Southwest Expansion in the Gulf of America  contributing to its plan to deliver 10 major project startups globally by 2027.

bp is Atlantis operator with 56% working interest. The co-owner is Woodside Energy (44% working interest).
Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijan will supply Hungary with 800 million cubic meters of gas under a recently signed contract, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto wrote on his social media account, Trend reports.

Another agreement on the purchase of natural gas: this time with Azerbaijan, for two years, 800 million cubic meters! the post reads.

The natural gas supply agreement between SOCAR and MVM ONEnergy was officially signed during a meeting on December 10 between SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and Karoly Matrai, CEO of Hungary's MVM Group.

This agreement, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marks a significant step in reinforcing the strategic energy partnership between Azerbaijan and Hungary.

The new accord builds upon a prior agreement between the two companies, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration in the energy sector.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. SOCAR Green, a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, and Rapid Solutions of the UK have signed an agreement to improve energy efficiency at the facilities of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, Trend reports via SOCAR Green.

The agreement was formalized during the Green Energy Event, which was part of the visit by the UK Trade Representative to Azerbaijan and Central Asia.

The signing ceremony was attended by Elmir Musayev, General Director of SOCAR Green, and Howard Lyn, Director of Rapid Solutions.

According to the statement from SOCAR Green, the partnership will encompass technical analyses, energy assessments, and the implementation of efficiency measures. This collaboration underscores SOCAR Green's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

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As part of the Stop, think, verify campaign, Kapital Bank continues to conduct educational training sessions on cybersecurity and fraud prevention. Following visits to universities in Ganja, bank representatives recently visited the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU).

The training, organized for the universitys academic staff, was opened by ASPUs Vice-Rector for Social and Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Fikret Rzayev. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of digital security and noted that such initiatives play a key role in increasing staff awareness.

Next, Nasib Suleymanov, Head of Kapital Banks Fraud and Digital Operations Investigation Department, spoke about the most common forms of cyber fraud and highlighted critical points that require attention during everyday operations. Emil Gasimov, Deputy Director of the Banks Security Department, informed participants about the recent increase in fraudulent activities, the risks users face, and the preventive security measures implemented by Kapital Bank.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which bank representatives provided detailed answers to all participant questions.

In addition to the security measures implemented by financial institutions, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant against cyber fraud, protect their personal accounts, and avoid sharing their personal data or bank cards with others. The 16-digit PAN number on the front of the card, the 3-digit CVV code on the back, and the 4-digit OTP sent to the cardholders mobile number belong exclusively to the cardholder and must never be shared with anyone. It is important to remember that no bank employee will ever contact a customer from a social media account or a foreign phone number. Verifying whether someone calling on behalf of Kapital Bank is indeed a bank employee is very simple. Customers may request the caller to send a confirmation message verifying their identity as a bank representative. If the person truly works for the bank, the customer will receive a notification in the Birbank mobile application confirming this. The notification states: Dear Birbank user, we confirm that the person offering you the bank product is an employee of our bank. Thank you for trusting us.

Kapital Bank, the country's first bank, is part of PASHA Holding. Kapital Bank has the largest service network in Azerbaijan with 115 branches and 50 departments all over the country. For more detailed information about the banks products and services, please refer to https://kapitalbank.az website, 196 Call Centre or the banks various social network pages. To apply for a consumer loan visit https://kbl.az/prgtk, for a Birbank installment card visit https://kbl.az/prcrc.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Work on the establishment of a data center in Azerbaijan is successfully underway, Ibrahim Suleymanov, Product Owner for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the National AI Center, told Trend.

He explained that graphics processor modules are essential for executing computational processes involved in the construction of the center.

"The required equipment has already been procured, and installation is currently underway. Upon completion of this phase, we will be able to showcase our AI products at the center, significantly reducing operational costs," he noted.

''Both students utilizing the center and AI products intended for deployment within relevant state structures will be hosted on this server. This infrastructure will also enable government agencies to conduct AI-based projects using the same resources. We expect to observe the preliminary outcomes of these initiatives by the first quarter of next year," he added.
VELENJE, Slovenia, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Hisense Europe, a Chinese-owned consumer electronics and home appliances group based in Slovenia, expects to close 2025 with about 4.8 billion euros (5.2 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue, up 6 percent from 2024, Executive Vice President Bostjan Pecnik said Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Velenje, Pecnik said the group's profit will also exceed last year's 31.7 million euros. Hisense Europe invested a total of 65 million euros in 2025, he added.

Pecnik said the company increased its market share by one percentage point this year, the highest growth among industry competitors, despite stagnation in the European household appliance market.

Hisense Europe also recorded growth in TV sales, achieving a 9.1 percent market share and ranking as the third-largest TV provider in Europe.

Looking ahead, Hisense Europe aims to generate 5.5 billion euros in revenue in 2026 and reach a 10-percent market share across key household appliance and television segments.

Pecnik said the company remains focused on user experience, technological development, targeted marketing and supply-chain optimisation, with the goal of maintaining reliability and high product quality.

Hisense Europe employs around 9,600 workers across the continent, including 450 engineers at its development center in Slovenia, which Pecnik described as one of the group's most important R&D hubs. This strong development base enables the company to quickly adapt to European trends and customer needs, he said.

Pecnik also told that Europe has to speed up automatization to remain competitive, adding that China is must faster at automatization of its production.

Chinese Hisense took over Slovenia's largest household appliances maker Gorenje in 2018, renaming it into Hisense Europe. The company's sales have increased by about four times since 2018.

Hisense is Slovenia's third largest exporter and is also among the country's largest employers with some 5,000 employees. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollar) 
Photo: Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 11. Azerbaijans Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Samir Mammadov, held a meeting with Lord John Alderdice, Trade Envoy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, during the envoys visit to the country, Trend reports via the ministry.

Lord Alderdice was briefed on two decades of investments and projects in Azerbaijans transport and communication infrastructure. Officials emphasized that Azerbaijans active engagement with Central Asian nations and other countries along the Middle Corridor has significantly boosted freight volumes along this crucial transit route in the past 20 years.

The meeting highlighted progress on the Zangazur Corridor, underlining the projects role in diversifying regional communications and fostering sustainable peace and prosperity across the area.

The discussions also focused on priority areas for partnership between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, including aviation and railway transport, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and the development of human capital with digital skills and expertise.

UK Trade Envoy Lord John Alderdice has initiated a formal diplomatic engagement in Azerbaijan. The engagement will persist until December 13 and encompasses a sequence of strategic discussions, marking Lord John Alderdices inaugural official expedition to Azerbaijan in his capacity as trade envoy. He holds a position within the House of Lords and previously occupied the role of Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 1998 through 2004.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Samruk-Energy, a subsidiary of the Samruk-Kazyna Fund, produced 31 billion kWh of electricity from January through October 2025, which accounts for 31% of the total electricity generated in the country, the fund's chairman, Nurlan Zhakupov, said during a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Trend reports via the president's press service.

Zhakupov noted that the installed capacity of the power plants within Samruk-Energy reached 7,845 MW.

Earlier, Samruk-Kazyna reported plans to introduce around 13 GW of new generation capacity by 2032 as part of efforts to strengthen the countrys energy security. A comprehensive portfolio of 23 significant energy initiatives is projected for execution during this timeframe. The aggregate capital infusion within the Funds energy portfolio is projected to surpass 11 trillion tenge ($21.4 billion).

The Minister of Energy, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, reported at a government meeting that from January through September 2025, electricity generation in Kazakhstan totaled 89.9 billion kWh, which is a 2.5% increase compared to the amount produced during the same period last year (87.7 billion kWh). The target for 2025 is 117.9 billion kWh.

The conversions from tenge to USD are based on the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan, which stands at 1 USD = 512.53 tenge as of November 29, 2025.

The conversions from tenge to USD are based on the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan, which stands at 1 USD = 513.45 tenge as of December 2, 2025.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Kazakh authorities are in talks with Chinese company Zhongyoung Power (Yunxi) Group Co. about potential investment in the modernization of Kazakhstan's energy infrastructure, Trend reports via Kazakh Invest.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Kazakhstans Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Kuantyrov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Kazakh Invest Madiyar Sultanbek, and Zhongyoung Powers CEO Li Tianzhang.

The Chinese company has expressed interest in participating in Kazakhstan's national project focused on the modernization of energy and utility infrastructure, which encompasses a wide array of facilities in need of renovation and upgrades.

Li highlighted that Zhongyoung Power is open to various investment models, including public-private partnerships (PPPs) and return-on-investment schemes through tariff mechanisms, which align with international standards in infrastructure financing. He further noted the companys intention to source some of the necessary equipment locally, such as transformers and other components, from Kazakh manufacturers."

The discussions also explored potential involvement in the modernization of substations, the replacement of outdated equipment, the construction of new transformer facilities, and the implementation of advanced solutions for medium- and high-voltage networks.

Meanwhile, Kuantyrov highlighted that energy sector modernization is a strategic priority for Kazakhstan, requiring reliable technological partners with international experience. He suggested that PPPs and tariff mechanisms could be integrated into existing legal frameworks, provided they meet industry standards.

Additionally, he proposed that Zhongyoung Power consider localizing some of its manufacturing operations in Kazakhstan, given the potential for cooperation with local enterprises on long-term energy projects.

The parties agreed to continue discussions on collaboration options, including assessing the localization of production and the technical parameters of the projects. A separate meeting with Kazakhstans Ministry of Energy has been arranged for the Chinese delegation to review industry requirements, infrastructure needs, and potential areas of cooperation in the energy sector.

According to Kazakh Invest, Zhongyoung Power is one of China's largest companies in the production of power transformers and comprehensive energy solutions.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Kazakhstan and Iran have great potential for cooperation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president.

"Our nations are united by the Caspian Sea. For Kazakhstan, Iran is a close neighbor and a steadfast partner in the Middle East. We hold the Iranian people in high regard. Despite the challenges we have faced, our bilateral ties continue to grow. The relationship between our two countries is deeply rooted," Tokayev said.

He emphasized that Kazakhstan has consistently supported Iran, and there are no outstanding issues or disputes between the two nations.

"Astana and Tehran maintain a constructive political dialogue, including at the governmental level. Bilateral agreements are being actively implemented, and inter-parliamentary relations are strengthening. Trade and economic cooperation are on the rise. In the first ten months of this year, key indicators have increased by 40% compared to 2024, which is a noteworthy achievement," he said.

Tokayev further stressed the importance of sustaining the current momentum and expanding mutual trade volumes.

In response, Pezeshkian highlighted that the two countries possess vast potential to enhance cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields, as well as in the realm of security.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Kazakhstan is ready to supply goods worth at least $200 million to Iran, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in an expanded format, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president.

Tokayev also supported the initiative to establish a Kazakhstan Trade House in Tehran, emphasizing the importance of activating the activities of the Business Council and making the most effective use of the potential of the Kazakh-Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"The volume of mutual trade is growing every year, but we must pay special attention to diversifying trade. In particular, we need to intensify cooperation in agriculture, transport and logistics, mining, healthcare, and advanced technologies. I am confident that the documents signed today will serve as a powerful impetus for further development of political and economic cooperation," the Kazakh president stated.

It was also noted that, since the beginning of the year, Iran has invested $17.8 million in Kazakhstan's economy.

Furthermore, the discussions encompassed the potential for synergistic initiatives in sectors such as agribusiness, energy production, and mineral extraction, alongside advancements in digital transformation and AI technologies.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Kazakhstans Ministry of Industry and Construction, the state fund Alatau City Authority, and Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the Alatau Smart City project, Trend reports via the Kazakh government.

The document was finalized following a meeting in Astana between Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev and KIND President and CEO Bokhwan Kim.

Bozumbayev noted strong interest from Korean companies in the project and highlighted that KIND could contribute to infrastructure development, including energy, water supply, water treatment, wastewater processing, and solid waste management, through EPC contracts or development formats.

Moreover, the sides also discussed prospects for cooperation on potential projects in logistics and port infrastructure. Considering the broad partnership opportunities, the deputy prime minister proposed that KIND consider opening a corporate office in Kazakhstan.

The talks continued the dialogue launched in October during the Alatau Rise with the Kazakhstan roadshow in Seoul, where Kazakhstan presented Alatau Smart City as one of its key strategic initiatives.

KIND is an organization established in June 2018 by the government of the Republic of Korea in accordance with the Overseas Construction Promotion Act enforced on the 25th of April 2018, to proactively support global Public-Private Partnership (PPP) business.

The Alatau Smart City project in Kazakhstan aims to establish a fully digital and sustainable international business hub between Almaty and Konayev, spanning approximately 100,000 hectares. It features four thematic districtsGate, Golden, Growing, and Greenwith a focus on smart infrastructure supported by 5G, AI, Urban Air Mobility (eVTOL), and renewable energy. Key components include a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) offering tax incentives to attract businesses, advanced mobility solutions like eVTOL air taxis and drones, and a government strategy that envisions comprehensive digitization.

The project is intended to serve as a national testbed for smart city technologies and foster global technological partnerships.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Freight traffic along the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway could increase twofold by 2030, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated during the Kazakhstan-Iran Business Forum in Astana, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president.

Tokayev emphasized that this expansion would have a significant economic impact.

Kazakhstan is one of the key transport and logistics hubs in Eurasia. Currently, 85% of freight traffic between China and Europe passes through our country. We are focusing on further expanding our transit potential, which is why we consider Iran an important partner in this regard, Tokayev said.

He added that Kazakhstan is ready to work jointly on developing port terminals, improving logistics, and increasing transit freight volumes.

Several joint projects are already underway, he noted. Specifically, a transport and logistics terminal is planned at the Shahid Rajaee Seaport, which will open the way for direct delivery of Kazakh products to global markets.

We are interested in establishing links between the ports of Aktau and Kuryk with the Iranian ports of Amirabad and Anzali. We also have plans to establish partnerships with the ports of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, Tokayev said.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Iranian company Solico Group will build a dairy plant in Kazakhstan with a production capacity of 200,000 tons per year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the Kazakhstan-Iran Business Forum in Astana, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh President.

President Tokayev further highlighted that Kourosh Food Industry, another prominent Iranian company, has expressed a keen interest in entering the Kazakh market. The company intends to establish production facilities for vegetable oil and poultry farming in Kazakhstan.

We are committed to enhancing collaboration within the agricultural sector, Tokayev remarked.

Moreover, the President underscored that Iran remains one of the primary importers of Kazakh grain. Last year, trade turnover in the agribusiness sector reached $220 million, and in the first ten months of this year, grain sales alone amounted to $280 million.

I would like to reiterate that Kazakhstan is always open to fostering partnerships. I extend an invitation to Iranian entrepreneurs to invest in joint projects and set up modern production facilities within Kazakhstan, Tokayev added.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Kazakhstan proposes to host the IV Caspian Economic Forum in the next two years, Trend reports.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made this statement during the Kazakhstan-Iran Business Forum in Astana.

Tokayev also noted that Kazakhstan plans to participate in the VII Caspian Summit in Tehran next year.

These events offer broad opportunities for a comprehensive discussion of issues related to the Caspian Sea and the development of effective solutions. We invite our Iranian colleagues to actively participate in these initiatives, said the President of Kazakhstan.

Tokayev stated that the future of the Caspian Sea has become one of the hot-button issues requiring immediate action. The dropping sea levels are already making waves in both the ecology and the economy of the region.

According to the president, solving this shared problem is only possible through the consolidation of efforts from all five Caspian states. It is also important to actively involve international organizations and financial institutions in this process. He noted that Kazakhstan is proposing the establishment of a Center for Water Issues.

In this regard, to preserve the water resources of the Caspian Sea, an intergovernmental program needs to be adopted, and joint measures must be implemented, the president concluded.

The KazakhstanIran 2025 business forum occurred on December 1011, 2025, in Astana. The business forum sought to enhance commercial relationships, cultivate export and import capabilities, and initiate collaborative projects in critical economic sectors.

The forum program encompassed B2B meetings with Iranian and Kazakh enterprises, presentations on investment prospects, negotiations regarding trade, logistics, and industrial collaboration, and discussions on joint initiatives in the agro-industrial sector, mechanical engineering, the chemical industry, construction, and pharmaceuticals. The event functioned as a venue for formalizing agreements, sharing experiences, and forging direct collaborations between enterprises in the two nations.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 11. Kazakhstan has prepared a roadmap for developing oilseed export capacity for 2026-2028, targeting annual overseas sales exceeding $1 billion, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Trade and Integration.

The document was unveiled in Astana during a roundtable discussion that brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, processing companies, exporters, business associations, and international partners.

The roadmap outlines a series of strategic measures to be implemented over the next three years. These include improving access to raw materials, integrating modern agrotechnologies, resolving logistics bottlenecks, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding financial tools for farmers and processors.

A particular focus of the roadmap is the diversification of crop areas and the development of storage and intake facilities for oilseeds, which are pivotal to meeting the sectors ambitious export targets.

The roadmap was developed with the collaborative input of various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade and Integration, QazTrade, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Transport, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, Baiterek Holding, industry associations, as well as representatives from the European Union and the International Trade Centre (ITC). Following the roundtable, participants reached a consensus to establish a public-private platform responsible for overseeing the execution of the roadmap.

This initiative aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs directives, which aim to increase the level of processing to 70%, reduce reliance on imports, expand exports of finished goods, and ensure price stability within the domestic market.

According to the Ministry, Kazakhstans oilseed industry is undergoing a significant transformation. The country is already among the worlds top 10 exporters of sunflower oil and ranks as one of the top three suppliers of sunflower meal to the European Union. Kazakh oilseed products are currently exported to over 20 countries.
TOKYO, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Defense Ministry said Thursday its Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) held a joint air exercise with the U.S. military the previous day over the Sea of Japan.

Six Japanese ASDF fighter jets, including three F-35s and three F-15s, flew with two U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers on Wednesday, according to the Japan Joint Staff. 
Its one of the most exciting occasions at UC and offers a great chance to surprise a select bunch of these students with celebration and fanfare.



Ten students learned not only of their acceptance but that they are recipients of a Marian Spencer Scholarship, which includes the total cost of tuition, books, room and board and a study abroad service trip. The scholarship celebrates high-achieving students from the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) district.

Our partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools is an absolute model across the country, explains Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management at UC. We partnered with the goal of making sure more students were college ready and were able to break down barriers.

We are seeing significant increases year over year in the percentage of CPS graduates who are going to college, especially UC, but more students within the district are taking college preparatory courses like College Credit Plus and taking advantage of opportunities to visit campus, adds Miner.

Seven of the Marian Spencer Scholarship winners have taken College Credit Plus courses at UC.

Overall, UC received more than 35,000 applications for admission for fall 2026, almost a 15% increase over last year.
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MeitY issues warning over fake DigiLocker app

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a warning against a fake DigiLocker app found circulating online

New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a warning against a fake DigiLocker app found circulating online.

Launched on July 1, 2015, DigiLocker is a secure cloud based platform for storage, sharing and verification of important documents including licenses, Ration Card, Aadhar and PAN cards, and other certificates. The app quickly became popular among the internet users, especially the Gen Z.

The MeitY issued the warning as, taking advantage of DigiLocker's popularity, the app's fake versions are found circulating online.

"Fake DigiLocker apps are being used to scam users and misuse sensitive information... There is only one genuine @digilocker_ind app, and it is issued by the National e-Governance Division, Government of India", the Ministry said in a social media post using its official X handle.

How to detect fake DigiLocker app?

In the same post the Ministry has also shared three steps to detect the fake DigiLocker app.

The Ministry in its guideline to detect fake DigiLocker app said the user must check for the developer.

The only genuine app is from the National e-governance Division, Govt. of India, the Ministry said.

BEWARE



Fake DigiLocker apps are being used to scam users and misuse sensitive information.



There is only one genuine @digilocker_ind app, and it is issued by the National e-Governance Division, Government of India.#ScamAlert #DigitalLockerFake #ProtectYourSelf pic.twitter.com/tOj18jrS1I  Ministry of Electronics & IT (@GoI_MeitY) December 10, 2025

The Ministry also asked users to avoid any app which looks similar or has a generic-sounding developer name.

Your documents and money are at risk (if you use such fake app), the Ministry said.

The users are also advised to use two-factor authentication which adds a critical layer of security. Even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access can be prevented through a second verification step, such as an OTP sent via SMS or an authenticator app prompt.

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Narendra Modi, and Duties vs Rights

What Modi is telling in his letter is the way of suppressing the concept of right which is clear in his policy of relegating the religious minorities to second class status, coining the term Urban Naxals for the public intellectuals among others

Indias journey from feudal society towards a potential democratic society based on modern industries and equality began during the colonial period. This was the period when the rise of modern industries created the working class. The modern education introduced by Lord Macaulay laid the foundation of the education system which had the potential of bringing in the liberal open society where the concept of rights was also ingrained.

The feudal, semi-feudal and similar societies did not have the concept of rights and were based on the divine power to rule over the lower sections of the society. It was during this period that the tendencies which emerged articulated the rights of emerging sections of society.

While the freedom movement was led by leaders who had imbibed the values with potential of democratic values, they led the movement against colonial rule. The likes of Sardar Patel, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Subhash Chandra Bose articulated the values with inherent rights for the nation. They took the lead with great cost to their personal life. One of the examples was the inspiration derived by Jyotirao Phule was from Thomas Penns book Rights of Man. Ambedkar was an ardent follower of John Dewey who was steeped in democratic values.

Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on to criticise Lord Macaulay for this transition to the values of rights, when he emphasized the traditional knowledge system as a dog whistle to highlight the concept of duty over rights.

Interestingly Modi and his ilk and Muslim League both expressed the values of declining classes of landlords, Nawabs and Kings. Modis Hindutva presented to ancient period where Dharma was the core, the Dhrama which followers of Hindutva claim to be very great and the core part of Hinduism. Dharma stands for the religiously ordained duties. Hindu ideologues claim that there is no equivalent of Dharma in other religions. There is Shudra Dhrama, Stree Dharma, Kshatriya dharma and what have you. At core it was the duties which dominated the scene.

The Muslim League emerged from the Nawabs/ Landlords and their leaders eulogised the great rule of Muslim kings, starting from Mohammad bin Kasim who ruled for some time in Sind. Their model was based on feudal values, looking down on lower levels of society. The dominant sections were blessed with the divine power trickling down to these feudal lords etc. Pakistan saw the good definition of secularism by Jinnah, but in practice the feudal elements were dominant around him and after Jinnahs death they came out openly to impose their feudal- semi feudal values on the society.

As Hindu Nationalism is marching in India, the concept of rights inherent in our national movement and Constitution have to be gradually undermined by Hindutva politics. This is where the non-biological Narendra Modi begins the journey to achieve the goal of undermining rights and highlighting duties. Call for a dumping education system introduced by Lord Macaulay was a subtle attempt in this direction.

Now putting it more overtly on the Constitution Day 26 November,

In a recent letter to Indian citizens on Constitution Day (November 26, 2025), Prime Minister Narendra Modi heavily emphasized the importance of citizens fulfilling their Fundamental Duties. He argued that performing these duties is the foundation for a strong democracy and national progress towards his "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) vision for 2047. Modi urged citizens to place their "duties towards the nation foremost in our minds". This aligns with his previous statements where he suggested that "rights are embedded in duties" and that "real rights are a result of the performance of duty".

He also tweeted:

On Constitution Day, wrote a letter to my fellow citizens in which Ive highlighted the greatness of our Constitution, the importance of Fundamental Duties in our lives

Shravasti Dasgupta writes:

While this is not the first time that Modi has laid emphasis on citizens duties, or interlinked them with rights to suggest that duties correspond to rights, the constitution shows that such interlinking is incorrect. According to constitutional experts and political scientists, an invocation of duties, placing primacy on them above rights, is a subtle attempt to recast the constitution, ensure compliance in a manner seen in authoritarian regimes, and signals a danger to democratic principles

Modi went on to invoke Gandhi on this:

and that "real rights are a result of the performance of duty,". Invoking Gandhi is totally off the mark as Prof Zoya Hasan (Prof. Emerita, JNU) says, Gandhi often spoke of duties, but he never treated them as a substitute for rights; duties did not supersede rights. For him, duties were a moral path for individuals, while Fundamental Rights remained essential and must be protected by the state. Gandhis commitment to duties did not diminish rights in any way,

Incidentally to emphasise on the concept of rights, many of these were underlined during the UPA regime (2004-2014). The first and major amongst these was "Right to Information, a mechanism to root democracy in a deeper way. This was followed by Right to Education, right to food and Right to health. As the UPA Government lost in 2014 the NDA came with a full majority for the BJP. The Rights based approach to public policy has gone in the freezer and duties are being made the major part of our national policies.

Even our Constitution emphasises on rights in itself. In a way Article 21 of our Constitution, Right to Life incorporates in it the right to health, right to education for example. The UPA Government underlined these in a very appropriate way.

The Hindu Nationalism is totally suppressing rights, like freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of expression among others. Many of these are incorporated in the concept of Human rights as well.

What Modi is telling in his letter is the way of suppressing the concept of right which is clear in his policy of relegating the religious minorities to second class status, coining the term Urban Naxals for the public intellectuals among others.

Incidentally, Authoritarian states Constitutions also emphasize more on duties, at the cost of rights.

[The writer, Ram Puniyani, is former Professor IIT Bombay.]

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TAIPEI, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC), organized by the Ministry of Education and executed by National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), celebrated its award ceremony today. This year's competition received an impressive 16,329 submissions from 1,029 schools across 73 countries and regions, with 76 outstanding works selected as winners. Taiwanese students delivered exceptional results, earning the Grand Prix, the Gold Prizes in Visual Design and Fashion Design, and several other major honors, achieving a total of 43 awarded works that highlight the creativity and international competitiveness of Taiwan's young designers.

The 2025 TISDC adopted the theme "Diversity," echoing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition encourages emerging designers to explore diverse cultural, environmental, and social perspectives, using design as a tool to foster inclusion and sustainable development. In addition to the original categories of Product Design, Visual Design, and Digital Animation, two new categoriesArchitecture & Landscape Design and Fashion Designwere introduced to showcase the growing interdisciplinary nature of design and the expanding creativity of the next generation.

This year's evaluation was conducted by an international panel of judges, with 50 professional jurors from 15 countries selecting 76 award-winning entries. With an overall winning rate of just 0.5%, the competition remains highly competitive, reflecting the excellence and rarity of the awarded works. A total of 76 prizes were presented, with a combined prize pool of nearly NTD 4 million. In addition to the Grand Prix, each of the five categories offered one Gold, Silver, and Bronze Prize, as well as six Honorable Mentions. The iSee Taiwan Foundation sponsored 21 International Design Association Special Prizes, while the TPCA Environment Foundation supported three Environmental Sustainability Awards and six Special Region Awards, encouraging students to address social concerns and sustainability through creative design.

The 2025 TISDC Award Ceremony was successfully held on December 9 (Tuesday) at the International Conference Hall of the NCCU Center for Public and Business Administration Education (CPBAE). On the same day, the Awarded Students Exchange Session brought together winners from around the world to share their creative experiences and perspectives. Representatives from International Design Organizations were invited to offer valuable guidance, helping students enhance their work, broaden their global outlook, and strengthen their competitiveness as future design talents.
Earlier this year, the famed Kum and Go brand disappeared from the world of convenience stores, even though its former owner thought that wasn't the plan.

When former Kum & Go CEO Kyle Krause and his family made the deal to sell their chain to Maverik, they had been led to believe that their iconic brand name would be kept.

During the talks to sell the chain, Maverik communicated to me that they intended to run both brands, Krause told the Des Moines Register.

That was not what happened, as Maverik spent the 18 months after the deal closed taking the Kum & Go brand off its stores and replacing it with its own branding. Nothing in the contract prevented that from happening, but Krause, whose father founded the Kum & Go Brand in 1959, did not expect it to happen.

Its their decision, Krause told the newspaper of Maveriks decision to get rid of Kum & Go. They can choose what they do... But certainly talking to them, their intent prior to the sale was to maintain both brands.

Now, without as much fanfare or nostalgia, due to the nature of the brand, another convenience store chain name will soon disappear.

Freedom Oil sells its convenience store chain

Although it's certainly not as well-known as bigger chains like Wawa or Sheetz, Freedom Oil has a deep history and made its mark on parts of the United States.

"Freedom Oil was founded in 1948 and grew from a few neighborhood stores into a network of 27 locations throughout Illinois and Florida. The sale was a bittersweet moment remembering the journey as to how the company had grown from a couple of convenience stores to its present-day level," said third-generation family member Mike Owens in a press release.

The Owens family on Dec. 9 closed on the sale of its 27-store chain to Mizpah Ventures LLC, a Chicago-based company that operates convenience stores and fuel wholesale businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin, according to Owens, who had served as the president of his family's business.

All of the chain's stores will close, drop the Freedom Oil branding, and be reopened under the Mizpah name.

Terry Monroe, president of American Business Brokers & Advisors, based in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., and Bill Fecht of WJF Services Inc., based in Normal, Ill., provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Freedom Oil.

Those services included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential process, and negotiation of the transaction.

Mizpah Ventures has acquired 27 Freedom Oil convenience stores.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Smaller convenience store chains face challenges

While Kum & Go had about 400 locations when it was sold and closed, a number of smaller convenience stores have changed hands. In 2024, Tri Star Energy acquired Cox Oil, Offen Petroleum purchased Douglass Distributing, and Par Mar Oil bought Santmyer Companies.
Columbia University has indefinitely extended its search for a permanent president, pushing past a January 1, 2026 deadline and stretching what has become the longest presidential hunt at the Ivy League institution since 1948a delay that underscores the extraordinary difficulty of filling what higher education observers are calling "one of the toughest jobs" in American academia.

The postponement, announced in early December by board co-chair David Greenwald and three other Columbia affiliates leading the search, offers no new target date and acknowledges that finding someone willing and able to navigate the university's perfect storm of challenges has proven far more difficult than anticipated.

"The importance of this decision warrants taking the additional time necessary to fully understand each candidate's strengths and potential fit for Columbia, and to identify the individual best suited to lead Columbia into its next era," the statement said, framing the delay as deliberate and thoughtful rather than desperatethough the subtext is clear: Columbia is struggling to close a deal.

The extended search leaves Columbia seeking its fourth president in just three years, after losing two leaders in the past 16 months to campus turmoil that has made the position appear increasingly untakeable to qualified candidates who presumably have other, less fraught options.

A Position Nobody Wants

While the search committee hasn't publicly confirmed candidate withdrawals, Bloomberg reported that the process has extended as Columbia works to find someone willing to accept what may be the most challenging presidency in American higher education.

The challenges facing Columbia's next president read like a worst-case scenario for university leadership:

Trump Administration Pressure: Multiple federal agencies are investigating Columbia over alleged antisemitism. The Trump administration froze $400 million in federal research funding in March 2025, forcing the university into a $200 million settlement that required sweeping policy changes and commitments that faculty view as compromising academic autonomy.

Campus Polarization: Gaza-related protests in spring 2024 tore the campus apart, with extended encampments, building occupations, and confrontations that drew national attention and congressional investigation. Any new president will inherit a deeply divided community where virtually any response to Israeli-Palestinian issues will enrage substantial portions of students, faculty, alumni, and donors.

Faculty Skepticism: Labor unions representing professors sued the Trump administration over funding revocation, accusing it of leveraging funds to compel speech restrictions. Faculty members are wary of leadership that might capitulate to political pressure, creating tension with trustees and donors who want stability and reduced controversy.

Interim President Unpopularity: Acting President Claire Shipman's unpopularity was on display at Columbia's most recent graduation ceremony, when her speech was drowned out by heckles and boos. The next permanent president inherits not just institutional challenges but a community accustomed to expressing open contempt for university leadership.

Congressional Scrutiny: House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chair Tim Walberg has warned he'll be "watching" Columbia's next moves, with his committee demanding detailed student disciplinary records and maintaining active oversight that could trigger hearings if the new president makes moves Republicans disapprove of.

Financial Uncertainty: While Columbia's endowment remains substantial, the $200 million settlement payment, potential loss of federal research funding, and donor backlash from multiple directions create budget pressures that limit the new president's flexibility.

What qualified academic or administrator looks at this combination and thinks: "Yes, this is the job for me"?

The Leadership Revolving Door

Columbia's presidential instability began with Lee Bollinger's 2023 departure after serving as the university's 19th president since 2002the longest-serving Ivy League president at the time he stepped down.

Minouche Shafik (2023-August 2024): Bollinger's successor lasted barely over a year before resigning amid intense criticism of her handling of Gaza protests. Shafik appeared before a hostile congressional hearing where her responses failed to satisfy either progressive faculty who thought she was too aggressive toward protesters or conservatives who thought she was too tolerant of antisemitism. Unable to satisfy anyone, she departed in August 2024.

Katrina Armstrong (August 2024-March 2025): The interim president, a physician and executive vice president for Health and Biomedical Sciences, stepped into the role temporarily. But when the Trump administration froze federal funding and demanded policy changes, Armstrong found herself negotiating the controversial $200 million settlement that required Columbia to implement mandatory antisemitism training, roll back some diversity programs, and accept ongoing federal monitoring. Faculty and community members viewed the settlement as capitulation. Armstrong stepped down in March 2025, returning to lead Columbia's Irving Medical Center.

Claire Shipman (March 2025-present): The current acting president, a journalist and Columbia alumna, has struggled with legitimacy from the start. The graduation ceremony where students heckled and booed her speech became a viral symbol of Columbia's dysfunction. She holds the position not because she was anyone's first choice but because someone had to run the institution while the search dragged on.

Three leaders in under three years, with two departures under pressure and one interim who never sought the permanent role. The pattern sends a clear message to potential candidates: Columbia presidencies don't end well.

What Columbia Wants vs. What Columbia Can Get

A campus-wide survey issued by the search committee over the summer revealed what the Columbia community believes the next president should prioritize:

Supporting research and scholarship

Affirming the school's commitment to academic freedom

Recruiting and retaining impressive faculty

Experience leading complex organizations

Ability to navigate a polarized political environment

Deep understanding of research and scholarship

The survey respondents essentially asked for a superhuman: someone with unimpeachable academic credentials, proven administrative success at similarly complex institutions, political dexterity to satisfy both progressive faculty and conservative investigators, commitment to academic freedom while also satisfying those demanding restrictions on certain speech, and the courage to stand firm on principles while also being flexible enough to make necessary compromises.

Oh, and this person should also be willing to take a job where the last three occupants left unhappily or were pushed out.

The gap between what Columbia wants and what qualified candidates might be willing to accept likely explains the extended search.

The Harvard Contrast

The contrast with Harvard, Columbia's peer institution that faced similar challenges, is instructive.

Harvard president Claudine Gay resigned in January 2024 following the same congressional hearing that doomed Columbia's Shafik. But Harvard quickly installed interim president Alan Garber, who has taken a more defiant approach to Trump administration demands.

Garber has fought in court rather than immediately settling, won important legal victories over federal funding freezes, and become "something of a folk hero on campus" according to press reports. Harvard's willingness to litigate rather than capitulate has bought goodwill with faculty even as it prolongs uncertainty.

Columbia, by contrast, chose rapid settlementpaying $200 million to end investigations and restore funding. That choice may have been financially prudent but politically toxic with faculty who view it as abandoning academic freedom under pressure.

Any new Columbia president must either defend the settlement and risk being viewed as complicit in surrendering institutional autonomy, or distance themselves from it and risk reopening conflicts with federal investigators. Neither option is appealing.

The 1948 Comparison

The search committee's statement noted this is Columbia's longest presidential search since 1948a comparison that invites historical reflection.

In 1948, Columbia selected Dwight D. Eisenhower as president, a choice that seems bizarre in retrospect: a five-star general with no academic credentials leading an elite university. But Eisenhower's military leadership experience and national stature made him an attractive candidate in post-World War II America, and his Columbia tenure (1948-1953) preceded his election as U.S. president.

The comparison suggests Columbia is willing to consider non-traditional candidatesperhaps business leaders, government officials, or other prominent figuresif conventional academic administrators continue declining to pursue the position.

But the circumstances differ dramatically. Eisenhower came to Columbia at a moment of national confidence and university expansion. Today's Columbia needs someone to navigate contraction, conflict, and a hostile political environment. The skills required are fundamentally different.

Candidates Reportedly Reconsidering

While the search committee hasn't publicly confirmed which candidates were considered or withdrew, Bloomberg's reporting suggests the process has lost momentum as potential presidents reconsider whether Columbia is worth the professional and personal costs.

For any sitting university president or provost, leaving a stable position for Columbia requires weighing:

Career Risk: If Columbia remains tumultuous (likely), the presidency could end in forced resignation that damages future prospects. Academic careers depend on reputation; a failed Columbia presidency becomes a permanent stain.

Personal Cost: University presidencies require intense work under the best circumstances. Columbia's circumstances would mean constant crisis management, hostile media coverage, congressional hearings, donor confrontations, faculty votes of no confidence, and student protests. Some candidates presumably decided their families and personal well-being aren't worth the salary.

Limited Upside: Even if a Columbia president somehow navigates the challenges successfully, what's the reward? Columbia isn't going to rise in rankings or achieve dramatic breakthroughs while managing multiple crises. The best-case scenario is stabilizing an institution in crisisadmirable, but not career-defining in ways that might justify the risks.

Rational calculation suggests declining Columbia's offer, which may explain why the search drags on without resolution.

What Happens Now?

With no deadline for completing the search, Columbia faces indefinite uncertainty. Claire Shipman continues as acting president without the authority or mandate that comes with a permanent appointment. Major decisions get deferred pending permanent leadership. Faculty recruitment suffers. Students question institutional stability.

The extended search also creates cascade effects:

Other Universities: Institutions seeking presidents may find candidates more reluctant if Columbia's search demonstrates how difficult these roles have become. The higher education leadership pipeline may constrict as talented administrators decide the risks exceed the rewards.

Columbia's Reputation: Every month without a permanent president reinforces perceptions of institutional dysfunction. Prospective students and faculty consider whether to commit to an institution that can't even fill its top position.

Board Pressure: Trustees face mounting criticism for the extended search. If the delay continues into late 2026, board members themselves may face pressure to resign for failing to execute their most important responsibility.

The search committee's options are limited:

Compromise on Candidates: Accept someone who doesn't meet all criteria but is willing to take the job Expand Compensation: Offer salary and benefits sufficiently generous to overcome reluctance Promote from Within: Elevate a current administrator who knows Columbia's challenges Stay with Interim: Keep Shipman or find another interim leader and try again later Non-Traditional Choice: Recruit from outside traditional academia

None are ideal solutions, but the current situationindefinite acting leadership while the search extends into a second yearmay be worse than any of them.

The Longer View

Columbia University will eventually find a president. Someone will accept the position, whether because they believe they can succeed where others failed, because they need the career opportunity, or because Columbia offers sufficient compensation to overcome reluctance.

But the extended search reveals a troubling reality about higher education leadership in 2025: the job of running a major research university has become so difficult, so politically fraught, and so personally costly that highly qualified candidates are declining opportunities they once would have eagerly pursued.

If Columbiaan Ivy League institution with massive resources, global prestige, and premier locationstruggles to attract candidates, what does that mean for less prestigious universities facing similar challenges?

The answer may be that university leadership becomes less professionalized, with institutions settling for less experienced administrators, shorter presidential tenures, and lower expectations for what presidents can accomplish. The era of transformational university leadership may be giving way to an era of crisis management and survivalwith Columbia's extended search serving as the cautionary tale that began the transition.

For now, Claire Shipman holds the fort at Columbia, the search committee continues evaluating candidates without deadline pressure, and the university community waits to learn who will be brave or foolish enough to accept one of the toughest jobs in American higher education.


UNOOSA/UNU-INWEH/CEOS Training on EO for Resilience and Humanitarian Aid 23 - 27 March 2026

Vienna, Austria Jointly organized by

the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and

the United Nations University- Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH),

the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS)

Co-organized and co-sponsored by

the European Space Agency



Available Information

Training is provided free of charge

Draft Programme

Application Form (deadline for applications is 15 February 2026)

Introduction

The Earth Observation (EO) for Resilience and Humanitarian Aid Training Programme is an intensive five-day hybrid course designed to strengthen the ability of UN personnel to use geospatial and satellite-derived information in operational, programmatic, and emergency-response settings. Taking place at the United Nations Office in Vienna from 23-27 March 2026, the programme is jointly delivered by UNOOSA, UNU, CEOS, ESA, and partner institutions, bringing together technical expertise from across the international EO community.

Satellite data now plays an essential role across humanitarian response, development programming, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience. This training equips participants with the practical skills and conceptual understanding needed to integrate EO into workflows related to situational awareness, needs assessment, crisis monitoring, environmental analysis, and resilience planning.

Through hands-on sessions, guided exercises, and real UN case studies, participants will engage with optical, SAR, hyperspectral, and medium-resolution EO datasets, deep learning techniques for feature extraction, and integrated approaches for climate-health analysis. Special emphasis is placed on replicable workflows, open tools and platforms, inter-agency coordination, and the operational realities of using EO to support humanitarian and development mandates.

This training follows a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) modality, ensuring participants leave with tools and workflows they can immediately deploy in their own missions and field operations.

How this training advances UN 2.0

The programme of this course directly supports the UN system's UN 2.0 vision, strengthening a forward-looking culture and building cutting-edge capabilities across the UN's quintet of change, in particular, data, digital and innovation. Improving how EO and geospatial data is used and translated into decision-ready insights, using open and scalable methods that can be adapted across contexts and, using operational platforms and workflows that improve timeliness and response.

Certificate

A certificate will be issued by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH).

Target Participant Profile

The programme is designed for technical and semi-technical staff from UN entities who work with, or are expected to work with, Earth observation and geospatial information in the context of development, humanitarian aid, disaster risk reduction or climate-related operations. Please note that applicants will undergo a selection process as the number of seats available is only 30. On the first day, it is expected that representatives to the UN based in Vienna are attending.

Typical participants include:

Programme or technical oficers integrating EO products into projects on technical assistance, development, climate, disasters, food security, displacement or related areas

GIS / remote sensing / EO analysts supporting development, humanitarian operations, disaster response, recovery or resilience planning.

Information management or data officers producing or using maps and geospatial analyses for decision-making.

Minimum prerequisites

Affiliation with an UN entity working on technical assistance, humanitarian aid, development, disaster risk reduction, climate or related fields

working on technical assistance, humanitarian aid, development, disaster risk reduction, climate or related fields Clear motivation to apply EO and geospatial analysis in operational or programmatic work (e.g. situational awareness, needs assessment, risk mapping, monitoring...)

Ability to participate actively and follow discussions in English (spoken and written)

Basic experience with GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS or web-based platforms)

Knowledge of vector/raster concepts, layers/CRS and map production

Basic awareness of optical vs radar imagery (helpful but not mandatory)

Comfortable using a laptop for geospatial analysis and handling medium-size datasets

Familiarity with software installation, plugins and EO web tools

Basic familiarity with at least one programming language - preferably Python (ability to read and modify simple scripts)

Availability for the full five days

BYOD: access to a personal or work laptop capable of running the necesary software.

Programme Summary

The workshop programme will include plenary sessions and sufficient time for discussions among participants to identify the priority areas where pilot projects should be launched and examine possible partnerships that could be established. The Local Organizing Committee will arrange a half-day technical/cultural tour during the workshop. As a preliminary suggestion, the following sessions will be organized:
The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER), in partnership with Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc., has been selected for a Seed Translational Acceleration of Research (STAR) Project award.





This competitive funding, provided through UWs National Science Foundation (NSF) Accelerating Research Translation (ART) award, will advance the assessment of potential byproducts associated with rare earth elements at the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming.





The STAR Project awards are a core component of the NSF-funded ART project at UW, which aims to emphasize applied research innovations across the university that have high potential for commercialization.





The intent is to fund projects on a milestone-driven basis with usable outcomes for the industry partner at the end of the project, says Parag Chitnis, UWs vice president for research and economic development, and the principal investigator of the ART grant. These projects will serve as a basis for training graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, while simultaneously advancing tangible research that directly impacts development projects in Wyoming.





Led by Tyler Brown, minerals program manager in SERs Center for Economic Geology Research, the project team will work directly with Wyoming Rare to examine the tailings and byproducts resulting from rare earth elements extraction at Halleck Creek -- and explore potential applications for those materials to determine potential technical viability for end-use applications, processing requirements and implications to overall project economics.





Deliverables for the project team will include a comprehensive database of material properties; an evaluation of the potential uses of tailings and byproducts through computational modeling; and small-scale laboratory experiments to validate a selected list of high-potential applications.





Applied, industry-sponsored research holds immense practical value because it is typically directed toward solving immediate, real-world problems and creating marketable innovations, Brown says. The SER Minerals Team possesses a profound depth of knowledge in critical minerals and rare earths. When this expertise is directly applied in collaboration with a Wyoming industry partner, it creates a powerful synergy, one that is essential for significantly advancing our energy-driven economic development within the state.





The Halleck Creek rare earth deposit in the central Laramie Mountains hosts the Cowboy State Mine, owned by Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of American Rare Earths Ltd., and is recognized as one of North Americas largest deposits of rare earth elements.





The new STAR project will specifically focus on accelerating the translational viability of the Halleck Creek resources.





Our partnership with the University of Wyoming's School of Energy Resources is invaluable, says Joe Evers, president of Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. This NSF-supported STAR award provides the necessary resources to advance the Halleck Creek Project, which holds the potential to become a prominent feature in Americas critical minerals supply chain and a significant economic driver for Wyoming.





About the NSF ART and STAR Awards





UW is part of the inaugural cohort of institutions to receive the NSF ART award, which provides $6.3 million over four years to reengineer its research and commercialization enterprise. The STAR Projects provide seed funding and training, specifically designed to advance innovations with validated commercial potential that can be completed in one year.





About Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc.





Wyoming Rare USA is developing the Halleck Creek rare earths deposit in Wyoming, which has the potential to supply U.S. domestic consumption of rare earths for over 100 years. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Rare Earths.





About the School of Energy Resources





UWs School of Energy Resources collaborates with stakeholders at the state, national and international levels to develop energy technologies and policies to grow and support Wyomings robust energy sector. SERs mission is to advance energy-driven economic development for the state, and it leads UWs talent and resources for interdisciplinary research and outreach, fulfilling Wyomings promise to be a global leader in a thriving and sustainable energy future.
Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL), the cloud computing giant co-founded by billionaire entrepreneur Larry Ellison, reported disappointing quarterly results despite massive spending on artificial intelligence (AI).

As the tech company's shares tumbled on the charts, so did the cryptocurrencies linked to decentralized AI projects.

Larry Ellison attends the Rebels With A Cause Gala 2019 at Lawrence J Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC on October 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Oracle results disappoint increasing AI spending

On Dec. 10, Oracle reported a lower-than-expected revenue of $16.1 billion for the three months to November, as compared to the estimated $16.21 billion.

In September, Oracle raised $18 billion in one of the largest debt issuances in the tech industry. It also entered into a $300 billion deal with the AI leader OpenAI the same month.

Given the company's growing AI spending, the earnings have disappointed investors. After the market opened on Dec. 11, Oracle's shares slid nearly 14% to trade at $192.12.

Ryan Lee, Senior Vice President of Product and Strategy at the financial services company Direxion, told TheStreet Roundtable, "All eyes shifted to Oracle reporting following the FOMC meeting, as there has been a fair amount of investor anxiety around a potential bubble in the world of AI infrastructure."

"Their weak cloud sales could have ripples across all legs of the AI trade," he warned.

More News:

AI tokens tumble after Oracle shares slip

Decentralized AI refers to AI infrastructure systems that run across a distributed blockchain network, instead of being controlled by centralized tech giants like Google or OpenAI.

The financial transactions on these projects are paid in crypto assets, also called AI tokens.

TAO, the AI token supporting the open-source protocol Bittensor, powering the decentralized machine learning (ML) network, was trading at $286.06 at the time of writing, down 3.89% in the last 24 hours.

The NEAR token that powers the AI-native NEAR Protocol fell 7.48% in a day to trade at $1.64.

ICP is a popular AI token that supports the Internet Computer blockchain to be leveraged to build both Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 platforms. It fell 4.44% and was trading at $3.35.

FIL supports a decentralized storage system called Filecoin that aims to store humanitys most important information. The AI token dropped 8.5% to trade at $1.36.

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US President Donald Trump said he exchanged "pretty strong words" Wednesday with the leaders of France, Britain and Germany on Ukraine, in the latest sign of a growing rift on how to end Russia's invasion.

Trump added that the Europeans wanted to hold fresh talks this weekend but warned that that they risked "wasting time" amid divisions over a US plan to bring the war to an end.

"We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words," Trump told reporters when asked about the phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"I think we had some little disputes about people, and we're going to see how it turns out. And we said, before we go to a meeting, we want to know some things," Trump added.

"They would like us to go to a meeting over the weekend in Europe, and we'll make a determination depending on what they come back with. We don't want to be wasting time."

Trump has been pushing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a US plan, and accused Zelensky of not reading the plan.

But Ukrainian officials told AFP on Wednesday that Kyiv had sent an updated draft of the plan to Washington.

An initial US plan that involved Ukraine surrendering land that Russia has not captured was seen by Kyiv and its European allies as aligning too closely with many of Russia's hardline demands, and has since been revised.

Talks between US officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin last week also failed to reach a breakthrough.

Trump's comments come amid a growing rift with Europe after he described it as "decaying" and "weak" on immigration and Ukraine, days after a new US national security strategy said the continent risked "civilizational erasure."

The US leader meanwhile gave the latest in a series of hints that he may walk away from a conflict he blames on his predecessor Joe Biden, and which he once said he could end within 24 hours of returning to office in January.

"Sometimes you have to let people fight it out and sometimes you don't," Trump said on Wednesday.

"But the problem with letting people fight it out is yet you're losing thousands of people a week. It's ridiculous. The whole thing is ridiculous."

dk/sla
AB Akola Group

Akola Groups poultry business, which includes Vilniaus Paukstynas and Kaisiadoriu Paukstynas in Lithuania and Kekava Foods in Latvia, plans to implement a 13 million investment program in the 20252026 financial year. The investments will focus on four key areas: production modernization, expansion of incubation capacity, strengthening biosecurity, and environmental and energy efficiency solutions.

"We consistently invest in our fully vertically integrated from field to fork value chain to ensure sustainable growth and operational reliability. In the 20242025 financial year, poultry business sales revenue in Lithuania and Latvia reached 325 million, with gross profit amounting to 69 million. During the year, we produced more than 120,000 tons of live-weight poultry meat in both countries and sold 108,000 tons of production. These results reflect the increasing scale and efficiency of our operations," said Andrius Pranckevicius, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Akola Group, responsible for the development of the poultry business within the group.

The largest projects this year are being implemented at Vilniaus Paukstynas, where production modernization is already underway. The fresh meat plant is being equipped with new AI-based carcass preparation technologies to further improve production quality, safety, and traceability of animal welfare requirements. Investments in odor control and air purification technologies are also continuing in Lithuania  over the past year and a half, more than 2.6 million has been invested in these solutions, and additional work will continue in line with the groups investment program. The plans also include the renovation of the incubation facility at Vilniaus Paukstynas, which will ensure more consistent hatching process and enable the annual production of up to 45 million day-old chicks.

"The results of the poultry segment and growing demand continue to support the growth of our business. These results are reinforced by a consistent investment program  in Lithuania alone, we plan to invest around EUR 9 million in modernization, capacity expansion, and environmental protection projects. This directly increases business efficiency and ensures long-term competitiveness. In addition, with the increasing frequency of avian disease outbreaks in Europe in recent years, strengthening biosecurity is becoming a necessary preventive measure to help protect production processes and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the supply chain," said Mazvydas Sileika, Deputy CEO for Finance and Investments at Akola Group.
Amazon reaches major settlement in Italian tax and labour probe.

US online retail giant Amazon has reached a settlement with Italian tax authorities, under which it agreed to pay a total of 723 million.

The move follows an investigation by Milan prosecutors which focused on Amazon's logistics services unit and allegations that the company circumvented Italian labour and tax laws.

This included relying on co-operatives or limited liability companies to supply workers, which allegedly led to the avoidance of Value-Added Tax (VAT) and a reduction in social security payments.

Prosecutors accuse Amazon of failing to collect and remit VAT for certain non-EU third-party sellers on its platform, in contravention of Italian laws.

The probe revealed unpaid taxes totalling 1.2 billion between 2019 and 2021, according to Italian news reports.

Under the settlement agreed on Wednesday, Amazon will pay 511 million to Italian tax authorities in the coming months, in addition to 212 million the company had already paid in recent days to settle a separate tax dispute.

Amazon has denied wrongdoing, stating that the agreement reflected its "commitment to working constructively with Italian authorities", adding: "We will defend ourselves vigorously against any criminal proceedings, which we believe to be unfounded."

The company noted that over the past 15 years it has invested more than more than 25 billion in Italy, where it employs more than 19,000 people directly.

Amazon also warned that Italy's "attractiveness as an investment destination" could be undermined by "unpredictable regulatory environments, disproportionate penalties and protracted legal proceedings."
Italy's largest trade union calls general strike over budget.

A national general strike scheduled on Friday 12 December by Italy's largest trade union, CGIL, is set to disrupt the country's rail network for 21 hours.

The strike, in protest over the government's 2026 budget bill, comes two weeks after another general strike was organised in Italy for the same reason by other trade unions.

The 21-hour strike is set to affect train services from just after midnight on Thursday 11 December until 21.00 on Friday 12 December, according to the transport ministry website.

Cancellations and delays are expected for both long-distance Frecce and Intercity trains and regional trains.

Trenitalia reminds passengers that a minimum number of essential services are guaranteed during strikes on weekdays, from 06.00 to 09.00 and from 18.00 to 21.00, with more details available on its website.

Private rail provider Italo has published a list of guaranteed services on Friday, as has Trenord which operates rail services in the northern Lombardia region around Milan.

The strike is set to affect local public transport in cities around Italy, with timetables varying from city to city.

Rome's main public transport provider ATAC will not be adhering to the strike however buses operated in the city by Cotral could be affected from 08.30 to 17.00 and from 20.00 until end of service.

Friday's strike will not affect air travel.

Reasons for strike

In a statement, CGIL issued a long list of reasons for the strike, including demands for the renewal of all national labour contracts; greater investments in healthcare, education, local authorities, long-term care, and housing rights; and measures to tackle job insecurity and workplace safety.

CGIL general secretary Maurizio Landini slammed the budget as "unfair and mistaken", saying that the "fundamental emergency right now is wages: we need to increase wages, and this budget doesn't do that."

After the strike was announced last month, both prime minister Giorgia Meloni and deputy premier Matteo Salvini mocked Landini for organising a strike on a Friday, hinting that it was an excuse for a long weekend.

Landini responded by saying that the two political leaders "don't know what they're talking about" and that they "should be respectful" towards workers.

"Because when someone goes on strike, they're giving up their salary; it's not free", Landini said, reminding Meloni and Salvini that their salaries are funded by the taxes paid by workers.

We update our news of public transport strikes in Italy regularly. For official information see the transport ministry website. Photo credit: Only Fabrizio / Shutterstock.com.
Rome protest after woman raped outside Jonio subway station.

A large demonstration was held outside a subway station in a Rome suburb on Wednesday evening to express solidarity with a female student who was raped there on Saturday night and to call for action from authorities.

The 23-year-old Italian woman reported that she had just exited the Jonio metro station, in the northeast Tufello district, when she was attacked and held down by two men while a third man raped her on the street.

The victim reportedly described her attackers as north African and said they fled the scene on foot after the assault.

The student subsequently went to the Sandro Pertini hospital where medical staff raised the alarm with authorities.

A police investigation is underway in an attempt to identify the three assailants who were still at large on Thursday.

Investigators are looking into whether the men followed the woman from the metro train or if the encounter happened randomly outside the station.

The incident, one of several recent high-profile cases to have occurred in Rome, has prompted a public outcry.

In August a 60-year-old Italian woman taking her dog for an early morning walk was raped in Tor Tre Teste Park in the eastern Alessandrino suburb.

Last month, in the same park, a 20-year-old Italian woman was gang raped, while her boyfriend was forced to watch.

Women protesting at the scene of the brutal assault outside Jonio station voiced their anger and fear, while locals pointed to poorly lit streets in the vicinity.

The case has also sparked a political controversy in the capital, with calls on the city's centre-left mayor Roberto Gualtieri to take action.



Luisa Regimenti, Rome secretary of the centre-right Forza Italia party, said: "We hope that Mayor Gualtieri and the left-wing majority, generally reluctant to acknowledge the problem, will put security at the top of their agenda."



Rachele Mussolini, also Forza Italia, called on Gualtieri to use Jubilee and PNNR funds to install video surveillance systems outside all of the city's subway stations.



Valeria Baglio, group leader of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) in the city assembly, called on the government to "allocate greater resources for nighttime police patrols", adding: "Only by combining prevention with the deterrent of the physical presence of law enforcement will we be able to address the problem.

Photo credit: RVillalon / Shutterstock.com.
Amazon has reached an agreement with Italys tax collection agency to resolve a longstanding tax dispute for 510m ($582m), as reported by Reuters.

The agreement is the latest in a series of tax and compliance issues the company has faced in the country.

But Milan prosecutors do not support the settlement reached between the revenue agency and the US-based retailer, and intend to continue their criminal investigation.

They suspect tax evasion of around 1.2bn linked to the years 2019 to 2021, and aim to complete an investigation early in 2026.. Two additional investigations into Amazon are also underway.

One concerns suspected tax evasion, covering the period 2021 to 2024. The other focuses on alleged customs and tax fraud tied to imports from China.

Amazon has confirmed that a settlement has been concluded, without disclosing the amount involved, and has expressed criticism of the Italian regulatory framework.

An Italian Amazon subsidiary separately paid compensation in early December 2025, and dismantled a monitoring system for delivery workers, bringing an end to a different inquiry into alleged tax fraud and unlawful labour practices.

The group transferred 180m to Italys tax authorities.

The settlement places Amazon among more than 30 companies that have agreed to similar arrangements to close comparable investigations since 2023.

in early December 2025, Amazon launched a trial rapid-delivery service, promising to deliver everyday items within 30 minutes in selected neighbourhoods of Seattle, Washington and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Branded as Amazon Now, the pilot programme offers common products, including fresh produce, dairy, over-the-counter medicines, toiletries, cosmetics, pet supplies, paper goods, electronics and seasonal items.

"Amazon to pay 510m in Italian tax case " was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Ryan Dunne

A barrister for the "star" of the trial of five bus operators alleged to have colluded to drive tender prices higher has told a jury that without the accused man, there would be less drivers to bring children to school.

We need these drivers to drive our kids to school, and Bus Eireann needs them, said Dermot B. Cahill SC, in his closing speech at the Central Criminal Court in the defence of Raymond Heney (55). He told the jury that Mr Heney was a man supporting his fellow bus men in the tendering process with Bus Eireann for the provision of school bus routes.

Mr Heney, of Camas, Cashel, is one of five Tipperary men being prosecuted by the Competition Authority for alleged offences relating to the provision of school transport services across five counties.

His co-accused are Andrew Walsh (62) of Derrymore, Roscrea; Noel Browne (77) of Bansha; Larry Hickey (73) of Ardmayle, Cashel and Anthony Flynn (51) of Golden Road, Cashel.

All five have pleaded not guilty to offences under the Competition Act 2002.

The single charge against each accused alleges that between November 1st, 2014, and December 31st, 2016, they engaged in a concerted practice which had as its object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition in trade in the provision of school transport services.

The trial has heard that all of the accused were involved in the process of bidding for tenders to provide school bus routes through Bus Eireann, and it is alleged that there was collusion between them.

The jury has heard that Mr Heney would arrange to hold meetings in order to provide services and assistance in dealing with administrative processes. Mr Heney would invite other bus operators, and they would allegedly discuss the allocation and pricing of the school bus routes.

It is the prosecution's case that the people involved would only bid on tenders in a certain way, rather than doing so independently. It is alleged that there was a degree of coordination between the parties so that prices would end up higher.

In his closing speech for the prosecution earlier this week, Dominic McGinn SC said that the five accused were involved in a process of manipulation by getting together to try to distort the market. As this is public money, Mr McGinn said that the people being affected were the taxpayers.

He said that the five accused at least, and perhaps others, were attempting to load the dice to distort the competition.

Concluding his closing speech on Thursday, Mr McGinn told the jury that while they must consider the evidence against each of the five accused men separately, they still must look at the evidence as a whole.

When you look at the evidence as a whole, no other reasonable conclusion is available but that these men were involved in a concerted practice with the object to prevent, restrict or distort the competition, he said.

In his closing speech for Mr Heney, Mr Cahill said that a lot of the focus of this trial was on his client.

If this were a film, he would be the star, said Mr Cahill, going on to describe Mr Heneys co-accused as co-stars or extras. He said that none of the five accused have any previous convictions, they pay their taxes, and they get up in the morning for work.

He reminded the jury that there are five separate trials going on, so they must consider each mans case individually.

Mr Cahill said that Bus Eireann held all the cards in the professional exchange between the company and the bus operators, while the drivers were at the whim of one entity. He said that Bus Eireann needs bus operators, as 90 per cent of their buses are owned by operators like the accused.

The one man that kept drivers in the market by ensuring they put their tenders in was Ray Heney, he said, adding that his client kept a pool of drivers available for the school bus routes.

If there was no Ray Heney, there would be less drivers to bring children to school, said counsel.

Mr Cahill said that the documents the operators had to fill in as part of the tender process were quite substantial and some of the bus drivers needed assistance. He said that Mr Heney convened two meetings and was acting as a consultant to other bus operators, something that Bus Eireann was aware of.

We need these drivers to drive our kids to school, and Bus Eireann needs them, said counsel, adding that Mr Heney was helping out.

He told the jury that this was why Mr Heney had the details of the other operators, as he was filling out their tender forms for them.

Counsel referenced a slide presentation Mr Heney made to his fellow bus operators, in which the accused highlighted the point that they were all working to make a profit.

Mr McGinn previously told the jury it is the prosecution's position that: "You cannot go into a tender process and discuss who was bidding for what and how much they were bidding."

Mr Cahill said this was not an attempt to create price fixing but merely Mr Heneys message to remind his fellow operators of why they did the work they do.

We need a Ray Heney every now and again to come in and shake up the system, said Mr Cahill.

Counsel said all five accused men were driving children to school in their local area, so they were not a faceless corporation but merely people going about their jobs.

The trial continues on Friday before Mr Justice David Keane and the jury of seven men and four women.
Get your tickets for Da!

We are delighted to announce that Ballymacarbry will once again play host to the extraordinarily talented Brideview Drama group from Tallow in the coming weeks. This year the group will present their production of the hugely popular play Da, by Hugh Leonard. Da which is described as an hilarious comedy will be coming to Ballymacarbry on Friday, January 30th. Following on from last years extremely successful production of The Weir, we look forward to another packed house on the night. Tickets for this event are great value at 15 and are now available from the community centre (086 0328467), the school, and the local tidy towns committee. These tickets are the perfect Christmas present so get your hands on them soon before they sell out.

Christmas Family Fun Day

The countdown is on. We are delighted to announce that Ballymacarbry Community Centre will be holding a festive family fun day for the community on Sunday December 14th, from 2pm to 5pm. Kids will have access to bouncy castles in our astroturf along with plenty of festive games and treats throughout the afternoon. There will also be a special visit from Santa on the day. Entry will be free so please mark the event in your social calendar and make sure you get to centre to get in the Christmas spirit.

Future Proofing the Community Centre

Locals may have seen works ongoing around the centre over the past week to install panels on the buildings roof. This work was funded by the 2024 Community Climate Action Programme which reached out for project proposals last year to support small and large, rural and urban communities to take on climate action at a local level. The programme was highlighted as an opportunity for groups to take a holistic approach in making their community less carbon intensive and more sustainable for the future.

Funding

Ballymacarbry Community Centre was delighted to be named as one of the successful applications for the funding which helped to install 20kW of solar photovoltaic cells (solar panels), a 20kW 3phase Hybrid Inverter and bicycle parking facilities. The total value of this grant came to 56,825 which will be a fantastic investment to future proof the community centre for future generations. Ballymacarbry Community Centre was one of 17 community groups across Waterford that were allocated funding (from a total fund of 564,000) for local projects under the Community Climate Action Programme. Those involved with the centre expressed gratitude to local business, CC Renewables (Clive and Elaine Crotty) who are helping to complete the development for the community centre.

Spinning at the Centre

Spinning continues at Ballymacarbry Community Centre every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm - 8pm. These hugely popular classes have been a huge hit in recent years and are a great way to get fit, have fun and keep your energy levels high. If youre interested in booking a slot, contact the centre on 086 0328467.
By David Young, Press Association

A man has been remanded into custody in Northern Ireland, charged with terror offences linked to a cross-border police investigation into a planned attack on a mosque.

Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park, in Ballynahinch in Co Down, appeared before a district judge in Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday.

No application for bail was made during the short hearing before Judge Peter Magill.

The charges relate to an alleged plot by a group styling itself as the Irish Defence Army to attack a mosque and also target accommodation facilities used to house migrants.

The investigation into violent far-right extremism is being conducted by police on both sides of the Irish border.

Pollock is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act.

He is accused of possessing documents or records likely to be of use to terrorists.

According to the charge sheet document, that count relates to a claim of responsibility by the Irish Defence Army for the burning of a mosque and a threat of future violence against persons or places connected to the provision of facilities for migrants, and Warning Notices to persons connected to the provision of accommodation for migrants.

Pollock is also charged with withholding information which might prevent an act of terrorism, specifically a terrorist attack on a mosque by persons identifying themselves as the Irish Defence Army.

Pollock is also charged with possession of an article for use in terrorism, namely a Galaxy Samsung phone.

During the short court hearing, Pollock answered yes when asked whether he understood the charges.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective sergeant told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.

A solicitor for Pollock told the court that no bail application would be made on Thursday, due to a lack of a suitable bail address, but that an application would be made next week.

The judge remanded the accused in custody to appear before court again, via videolink, on Monday, December 15th.

Pollock was arrested on Tuesday in Ballynahinch. Two other people were detained on the same day in connection with the cross-border probe.

A 40-year-old woman arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, was released pending a report to prosecutors.

A 48-year-old man arrested in Kilkeel, Co Down, was released following questioning.
Waterford City and County Council passed a motion that will see the council call on the Oireachtas and Stormont to establish an island-wide citizen assembly to discuss the establishment of a United Ireland.

The motion, put forward by Sinn Feins seven councillors and read by councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy, said people from diverse backgrounds are engaging with the prospect of Irish Unity.

The statement referenced a 2024 report released by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, which identified citizens assemblies and similar fora as necessary steps towards a United Ireland.

This Council resolves to write to the Office of An Taoiseach, calling on the Irish Government to actively plan and prepare for Irish unity by establishing an all-island representative Citizens Assembly, the statement read.

It further calls on Government to produce and publish a clear plan towards Irish unity in conjunction with civic society and key stakeholders, to engage constructively with northern Protestant and unionist opinion regarding the future constitutional status of Ireland, and to work to secure a date for the unity referendums as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement.

Kate OMahony seconded the motion. She said she believed it was time for the reunification of Ireland in an organised, respectful and democratic approach.

The Good Friday Agreement provides the peaceful democratic mechanisms needed to work towards unity, and the government must start preparing without any more delay.

Fianna Fail councillor Eamon Quinlan proposed an amendment to the motion that would see the council reiterate the call to Stormont and the Northern Irish first minister.

There will be heavy lifting for the 26 counties and the six counties to unify health services, education systems, and we can't as the 26 counties be guilty of trying to act unilaterally on this. We need our brothers and sisters in the six counties to be a part of this.

The amended motion passed comfortably.

Funded by the local democracy scheme.
Former Governor of Mountjoy prison, John Lonergan, paid a visit to Waterford Helping the Homeless to speak with people living on the street.

Mr Lonergan spoke a group of service users for about an hour giving them an insight into his more than four decades working in the Irish prison service.

Those gathered had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences.

Manager of Waterford Helping the Homeless, Susie Moran, said when she reached out to Mr Lonergan, he responded straight away and said he would love to visit.

We are delighted, and the lads are delighted.

They all sat there and just enjoyed listening to him and listening to his thoughts on life outside of the bars and life inside. It was very good. I enjoyed it, said Susie.

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE

Mr Lonergan worked in Irish prisons for 42 years.

He is best known for running Mountjoy Prison, but he also worked in Limerick, Portlaoise and at Shanganagh Castle.

He has written two books and gives talks in schools and community groups.

During his visit to Waterford, Mr Lonergan spoke about how prisons have grown in Ireland since the 1980s and how, in particular, the laws about incarcerating children have changed.

He said that when he started his career there were only around 600 prisoners in Ireland and that has risen significantly top almost 6,000.

Overcrowding, he said, is a huge issue which supports a culture of drug use in prisons and the effect it can have on the mental health of a group in society that needs space to change.

Mr Lonergan said that while during his time at Mountjoy Prison he made a lot of changes, he sees it as simply treating those incarcerated as human rather than special.

This, he believes, is essential to people turning their life around, but that personal responsibility and having the right services in place were also vital for supporting life outside of prison.

Mr Lonergan gave his view on the role addiction and peer groups play in crime and recidivism, but emphasised that in both cases, individuals make choices and that they must choose to change.

But he also said that part of his work at Mountjoy was looking at the person behind the crime and helping to change public perception of incarcerated people.

Service users at the unit shared some of their experiences living on the street and the decisions they must make.

They said Waterford Helping the Homeless provides them with more than just a meal, but a routine and a place to go when they need support.

Susie shared how the unit started and some of the challenges they see for people on the street.

She said the unit does not get a lot of visitors and so Mr Lonergan coming along meant a lot.

We have a good team, and we do our best to bring in people who can help give them some insight about addiction or whatever.

You saw that today. We are just trying as a little group to do our best, said Susie.

SEASONAL CHALLENGES

While homelessness is an all-year-round problem, each season brings its own challenges.

The group is asking for donations of hats, gloves and sleeping bags.

Food items of any kind and soft drinks are also appreciated.

A SPECIAL SHOUTOUT

Susie and the lads would also like to wish one of their own, co-founder Victor, a speedy recovery.

Victor is recovering from surgery, and Susie and the gang wish him all the best.

The public will know Victor, and they have seen him all over Facebook. Just to acknowledge him as well, said Susie.
Waterford Panto Society's 40th Anniversary celebrations will be in full swing in the Theatre Royal throughout December when it stages is production of 'Cinderella'.

As one of those involved commented: "'Cinderella', 40 years of laughs, cheers and Christmas magiccan you believe it?"

In an online post the society said: "Waterford Panto Society is pulling out all the stops for its 40th birthday bash with the timeless tale of 'Cinderella'."

The show will feature everything associated with one of the most celebrated fairytales of all time.

It will come complete with the Ugly Sisters, magic carriages, glass slippers and the traditional happy ending where the good guys always win and the magic leaves the theatre with the audience as part of the Christmas tradition.

In an online post the Theatre Royal said the show will feature 'all your favourite panto chaos, wild costumes, toe-tapping tunes, full live band and plenty of local banter'.

'If you grew up shouting, hes behind you, (and teaching your kids to do the same), you know what a big deal this is for Waterford,' noted the venue spokesperson in its post.

'Its not just any Panto, this is the Waterford Panto.'

Those interested in going along are asked to note that demand will be high and to have a date in mind, and a backup or two, before joining the booking queue.

The panto performance dates are: Wednesday, December 10th - Friday, December 12th  7.30pm; Saturday, December 13th  2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sunday, December 14th  2.30pm; Wednesday, December 17th  Friday December 19th  7.30pm; Saturday, December 20th  2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sunday, December 21st  2.30pm and 7.30pm; Saturday, December 27th  2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sunday, December 28th  2.30pm; Monday, December 29th  7.30pm ad Tuesday, December 30th  2.30pm.
A man who was duped into allowing his Revolut account to be used in a 2.47 million phishing scam has had his case struck out at Waterford District Court.

Robbie Harrington (21), of Corluddys Cottage, Carrigeen, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny, had pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering in April 2023 at a sitting of Waterford District Court in June.

Judge John Cheatle had put the matter back six months, to give the defendant a chance not to come to anymore negative garda attention.

He said that if that was the case in December, he would strike out the matter and a conviction would not be recorded.

At the December sitting, the court was told that Finnish authorities have confirmed that substantial compensation has been paid to the two victims.

Judge Cheatle struck out the matter.

In June, the court heard that the two Finnish victims had 9,900 and 4,096 taken, which was funneled through the defendants account.

An international investigation was launched by Interpol with support from An Garda Siochana, and the money was traced to a cryptocurrency wallet valued at 2.47 million.

Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty told the court that these cases are very common and in most cases, banks compensate the victims.

However, that was not the case here, and the defendant and his family raised the money.

The solicitor also said that Mr Harrington had been duped into allowing his account to be used, but was not the mastermind of the scam.

That explanation was supported by the investigating garda.

Judge Cheatle accepted the defendants version of events and said he would give him a chance to avoid a conviction.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Stephen Bourke and Fiona Magennis

Seven men who took part in an international conspiracy to pilot a narco boat into west Cork totally underestimated both the local community and law enforcement, a judge has said, as they were sentenced to a combined 70 years in jail.

Aleksander Milic (28), Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz (46), Anuar Rahui Chairi (43), Juan Antonio Gallardo Barroso (56), Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega (37), and Angel Serran Padilla (41), were handed sentences ranging from 8 to 11 years each at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Thursday for their parts in the failed drug smuggling operation.

The men had all pleaded guilty to taking part in a conspiracy to import controlled drugs between February 27th and March 14th 2024, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended.

They were among ten men arrested when gardai acting on a tip-off about suspicious activity at Tragumna Pier near Skibbereen swooped and seized a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), road vehicles, and thousands of euro worth of nautical gear, communications equipment and clothing.

Detective Inspector Joe Young told the court earlier this year that a major surveillance operation had already been mounted by gardai after officers at a roadside checkpoint near Bandon on 22nd of February that year searched a car.

In the vehicle, they found a notepad with the names of six local AirBnB properties, and the coordinates of Roscarbery and Dromadoon Piers.

The smugglers twin-engine RHIB was seized by gardai and inspected by a former naval officer, Gary Delany, who found it was fitted with 300-horsepower engines, had parts painted black, and had just one light.

Mr Delaneys view of the boat was that it was for detecting, but not to be detected, the court noted.

It was described in the sentence hearing as a narco boat, a term the court noted was used in other jurisdictions to describe a vessel modified for the purpose of conducting drug trafficking at sea and darkened or blackened to ensure low profile and avoid detection.

A GPS device seized from the conspirators showed the boat had been used to journey some 985km by sea in an effort to interdict a commercial vessel, the Panama-flagged Cool Explorer, as it was sailing from Ecuador to Russia via the English Channel and the Baltic Sea.

Five men spent 48 hours on the high seas in the RHIB following the track of the Cool Explorer as it passed south of Lands End in Britain around 12 March 2024, before turning back to Cork in considerably rough conditions, with a weather warning in place, the court noted.

Inspector Young told the sentencing hearing that the boat had made an attempt to travel towards the path of the Cool Explorer and that the intention was to make a rendezvous with the ship.

840kg of cocaine  valued at over 58 million -- was found washed up on a beach near Jutland in Denmark on March 17th, after the Cool Explorer passed the coastline, the court noted.

Passing sentence on Thursday, Ms Justice Karen OConnor, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Marie Keane, said the court was of the view the defendants had involved themselves in a serious conspiracy to import controlled drugs into this jurisdiction.

They had carried out extensive planning and logistics, and advance reconnaissance in west Cork to take advantage of our coastal situation  but had not reckoned with the vigilance of the local people or gardai, Judge OConnor said.

Judge OConnor said: The temerity of the co-conspirators, the total lack of respect for citizens in this jurisdiction, is astounding.

This court has been struck by the audacity and brazen nature of this conspiracy, she said. Arriving at this quiet coastline, presuming they would not be noticed, totally underestimating the diligence, neighbourliness and alertness of our local communities.

The group had also completely underestimated the quality of our law enforcement, she added.

She said the headline sentence warranted for each of the co-conspirators was 18 years imprisonment each. She reduced this by a third in recognition of guilty pleas by each of the men and took further mitigation into account on an individual basis.

Kiumaars Ghabiri, an Iranian national resident in the Netherlands, along with Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz and Anuar Rahui Chairi from Spain, who had all been on land during the attempted smuggling operation, each received 11 years imprisonment.

Spanish national Angel Serran Padilla and his countryman Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega both took to sea in the RHIB. Padilla received a sentence of 11 years imprisonment, and Ortega 10 years.

Another Spanish national who helped crew the boat, Juan Antonio Gallardo Barroso, was sentenced to 8 years, as was Serbian national Aleksander Milic, the youngest of the group.
Ellen O'Donoghue

A variety of stories feature on Irish front pages on Thursday morning, including the release of CCTV footage of the fire attack on a home in Edenderry that killed a four-year-old boy and his grand-aunt.

The Irish Times lead with a "dark vessel" having been seen near rogue drone activity in Dublin Bay, the Minister for Justice criticising the European Court of Human Rights' deportation rules, and a surge in flu numbers putting pressure on the health system.

The Irish Examiner lead with Fianna Fail deputy leader Jack Chambers allegedly having been informed of the Jim Gavin tenant issue before he was selected as the party's presidential candidate, a court hearing that a councillor asked a garda to "sort" a fine, and food stocks potentially being negatively impacted if there were a serious attack or disruption at Dublin Port.

The Echo lead with 93 Cork families in Cork city spending Christmas in emergency accommodation, and a man charged with stealing cattle.

The Herald lead with Spanish officials believing they have enough evidence to bring criminal charges against Gerry Hutch.

The Irish Independent lead with fears over the US plan to demand five years of social media data from those wishing to enter the country.

The Irish Daily Mail lead with an average of 1.3 million worth of wind energy being wasted every day since the start of 2025.

The Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star lead with gardai releasing footage of a petrol bomb being thrown at a house in Edenderry, Co Offaly, causing a house fire that killed a four-year-old boy and his grand-aunt.

The Belfast Telegraph lead with staff at Belfast's Grand Central Station reporting breathing difficulties due to diesel fumes from trains.
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Updated BusinessCompaniesMergers & acquisitions Singaporean giant buys major Australian power company for $6.5 billion Nick Toscano Updated December 12, 2025  1:06pm ,first published December 12, 2025  3:10am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A Singaporean energy giant has struck a $6.5 billion deal to buy Australias fourth-largest power generator and retailer, Alinta, and outlined plans to invest in a major build-out of renewable energy across the country. The deal, announced late on Thursday night, ends months of talks between Alintas owners and Singapore-listed Sembcorp Industries, and marks one of the most significant foreign forays into Australias energy market in years. Alinta owns Victorias Loy Yang B coal-fired power station. Fairfax If it gains regulatory clearance, Sembcorp will acquire all of Alintas operations, including its retailing business with 1.1 million customers and generation assets spanning renewables, gas plants and the huge Loy Yang B coal-fired power station in Victorias Latrobe Valley. Buying Alinta would provide Sembcorp with a platform to accelerate renewables growth in Australia, the company said. Sembcorp has named Australia as a key market for its ambitions to grow its global renewable energy portfolio to 25 gigawatts by 2028.

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Australia jumped out as a very attractive market for us, said Alex Tan, Sembcorps regional president of renewable energy. It offers us room and scale to grow our renewables footprint. Related Article Energy Want to hook gas up to your home? From next year, that will cost $2000 Australia is experiencing one of the worlds fastest energy transitions as polluting coal-fired generators, which still supply most of the grids electricity, approach the end of their lives, while wind and solar farms, household rooftop solar panels and batteries are expanding their role in the grid every year. The Albanese government has set a target for renewables to supply 82 per cent of the grid by the end of the decade. The 1200-megawatt Loy Yang B power station, which burns brown coal to generate electricity, has the latest scheduled retirement date of any coal plant in Victoria, and one of the latest in Australia. This timeline conflicts with the official assumptions of the energy market operator that brown coal will have exited the grid entirely by the mid-2030s, as plant owners continue facing soaring costs to maintain ageing equipment and midday surges of cheap solar power flooding the market and eroding their profits.

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However, Sembcorp, whose major shareholder is the Singaporean governments investment fund Temasek, on Friday said Loy Yang B remained an important asset in Alintas portfolio and signalled no plan to revise its closure date. We believe its important to strike a balance between affordability and security and decarbonisation, Tan said. With more than half of eastern Australias remaining coal-fired power stations scheduled to close within 10 years, officials and experts are worried that the rollout of new generators, storage assets and powerlines is lagging the speed needed to keep electricity supply and prices steady through the transition, and are calling on the private sector for an urgent lift in investment. Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery, who will remain in the role, said that having access to Sembcorps global industry expertise and strong balance sheet would help drive a necessary uplift in renewable energy and battery installations. There is lots of excitement from our end for what the future holds, he said. What the Australian government and community want to hear is not what we are going to close, its what we are going to open and what we are going to bring to the grid to help drive down the cost of energy and secure the reliability of the system.

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The sale of Alinta comes as its current owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, has been looking to sell off some assets around the world. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises has invested $1.1 billion of cashflow back into Alinta since it bought the company in 2017. Over that time, it has driven significant increases to Alintas underlying earnings, electricity generation capacity and customer base. The sale of Alinta, which is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of 2026. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
Whats next after Netflix? Stay tuned.

The worlds largest streaming service made big news recently with its $83 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.

Paramount promptly cranked up the drama by making a hostile bid for the outfit that gave us Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and a ton of other entertaining stuff.

The deal highlights the strong rebound in M&A activity in 2025, particularly in the second half.

During the first nine months of this year, the number of megadealsthose valued at $10 billion or morereached 27, up from 21 over the first nine months of 2024, the Boston Consulting Group said in an October report.

The global M&A market continues to demonstrate resilience, steadily recovering despite ongoing challenges, the firm said. While headwinds such as geopolitical tensions and changing tariff policies have caused some dealmakers to pause, many others have pressed forward strategically.

North America has been the most active region for acquisitions in terms of value, while the technology sector has led among industries.

In addition to Netflix (NFLX), Union Pacific (UNP) is acquiring Norfolk Southern (NSC) in a deal valued at $85 billion, and Alphabet (GOOGL) is buying cloud security startup Wiz in a $32 billion transaction.

Analysts believe that all this deal-making momentum will carry into the New Year.

Netflix agreed to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.Image source: Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via Getty Images  Image source: Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via Getty Images

M&A to accelerate in 2026

The US deal market is headed into strategic acceleration in 2026, led by high-value, transformative transactions, according to the EY-Parthenon October 2025 Deal Barometer.

Dealmakers are leaning into transformative growth strategies, supported by resilient balance sheets and improving financing conditions, Mitch Berlin, EY Americas Vice Chair, EY-Parthenon, said in a statement. The winning CEOs are no longer waiting for global stability.

More economic analysis:

They are moving with confidence to acquire capabilities, specifically AI and next-generation technology, that are rewiring their businesses for resilience and driving portfolio transformation, Berlin said.

The Deal Barometer projected that the number of corporate M&A deals will increase 3% in 2026, following an anticipated 10% advance this year.

This steady expansion reflects a constructive environment for strategic deals, supported by resilient corporate balance sheets, and easing financial conditions, EY said.
Australias love affair with mid-century modernism has come full circle. Weary of competing for the few remaining originals to restore, a new generation of vintage-loving home owners is choosing to build their own retro homes from scratch.

Across coastal regions like Victorias Mornington Peninsula and NSWs Byron Bay, these homes are quietly multiplying: square-edged silhouettes framed by palms, floor-to-ceiling glass that draws the outdoors in and breezy interiors that recall the glamour of the 1970s combined with the ease of a Sunday morning.

1960s Palm Springs, or 2020s Mornington Peninsula? Credit: Lisa Cohen

Designer Kate Walker, founder of KWD, says the reason for this revival is simple: design, like fashion, is cyclical.

Theres a certain inevitability to the resurgence of mid-century and 1970s styles, as enough time has passed for a new generation to embrace them afresh, she says. What once seemed passe, like the orange tiles of our childhood bathrooms, now feels compelling and chic.
Tenant households hoping to avoid rental stress would need a six-figure income to afford the typical house  and a 51 per cent pay rise since 2019.

The income required to rent a typical capital city house rose to $112,667 by September, up from $74,533 six years earlier, Domain analysis shows.

Vaucluse tenants would need high incomes. Credit: Peter Braig

A six-figure household income is now required in many cities, although Sydney was highest at $135,200 for the typical house and $130,000 for a unit, found the report Renting in 2026: The income you need to earn to live where you want.

Melbourne renters would need $100,533 for a house or $99,667 for a unit.
We came across a bullish thesis on Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. on Value Degens Substacks Substack by Unemployed Value Degen. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on AAOI. Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.'s share was trading at $26.02 as of December 2nd. AAOIs forward P/E was 84.03 according to Yahoo Finance.

Lumentum (LITE) Hits New 52-Week High on Bullish Rating, Improved Q1 Earnings

asharkyu/Shutterstock.com

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells fiber-optic networking products in the United States, Taiwan, and China. AAOI has faced significant near-term pressure following a challenging earnings report, though a partial rebound occurred as analysts examined the underlying business. The company is experiencing rapid growth in its data center segment, with quarterly revenue reaching $118.6 million, up 81% year over year, and guidance for Q4 revenue between $125 million and $140 million.

AAOI is expanding capacity through equity issuance rather than debt, and investing heavily in R&D, which depresses current profitability but acts as a forward-looking subsidy for innovation compared with traditional capex-funded expansion. The company expects the final qualification of its 800G data center transceivers to be completed next quarter, with initial shipments beginning shortly thereafter.

While equity dilution currently outpaces revenue growth, reducing revenue per share, projections suggest that this phase will conclude by 2027, when capex for data center buildouts begins to moderate. Current plans call for 7.5GW of new capacity to start construction in 2025, rising to 10GW annually through at least 2030.

Management guidance implies that 2026 could approach breakeven, and once equity issuance concludes, accelerating demand for replacement transceiversdriven by both conservative operators replacing components every three years and aggressive operators every five yearsshould drive strong future growth.

The primary risk remains historical quality issues, as seen a decade ago when hyperscalers dropped AAOI as a qualified vendor. Investor confidence is partially supported by continued insider buying from the founder and CEO. While near-term stock performance may remain range-bound, the long-term outlook is favorable, with profitability expected to accelerate as data center capacity expands, equity issuance ends, and recurring replacement demand grows, creating a compelling multi-year growth opportunity.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Fabrinet (FN) by Industrial Tech Stock Analyst in April 2025, which highlighted the Amazon warrant issuance signaling long-term customer alignment and diversification beyond Nvidia. The company's stock price appreciated approximately by 121.89% since our coverage. This thesis still stands as hyperscaler demand grows. Unemployed Value Degen shares a similar perspective but emphasizes AAOIs rapid data center growth, equity-funded expansion, and recurring transceiver demand.
BRUSSELS, Belgium  A global operation against the illegal trafficking of wild fauna and flora has led to the seizure of nearly 30,000 live animals and the identification of 1,100 suspects.

From 15 September  15 October, law enforcement agencies comprising Customs, police, border security and forestry and wildlife authorities from 134 countries made a total of 4,640 seizures during Operation Thunder 2025. This record number of seizures included tens of thousands of protected animals and plants and tens of thousands of cubic metres of illegally logged timber, as well as more than 30 tonnes of species classified as endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Coordinated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and INTERPOL, the operation sought to intercept and seize illegally traded wildlife and forestry commodities across the global supply chain and identify, disrupt, investigate and dismantle criminal networks involved in these types of environmental crime.

WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, said: Customs is the frontline defence against the surge in cross-border wildlife crime. Operation Thunder demonstrates Customs role in protecting society by intercepting illicit shipments, disrupting criminal networks, and protecting vulnerable species every day. This global threat demands collective action and the WCO is committed to delivering technical assistance, driving deeper intelligence exchange, and strengthening partnerships across the law-enforcement community to dismantle criminal enterprises and secure a sustainable future for the worlds biodiversity.

INTERPOL Secretary General, Valdecy Urquiza, said: Operation Thunder once again exposes the sophistication and scale of the criminal networks driving the illegal wildlife and forestry trade - networks that increasingly intersect with all crime areas, from drug trafficking to human exploitation. These syndicates target vulnerable species, undermine the rule of law and endanger communities worldwide. Recognizing these deeply interconnected crime threats, INTERPOL is committed to strengthening global policing responses, dismantling the entire ecosystem of illicit activity and protecting our planets shared natural and human heritage.

While live animal seizures reached a record high this yeardriven largely by demand for exotic pets most wildlife trafficking involved animal remains, parts and derivatives, often used in traditional medicine or specialty foods.

Estimates put the annual value of wildlife crime at USD 20 billion, but the clandestine nature of the trade infers that the real figure is likely much higher.

From bushmeat to butterflies: Emerging threats in environmental crime

Operation Thunder 2025 revealed an escalating illicit trade of bushmeat, the term used for wild animal meat, especially from tropical regions. Belgian authorities intercepted primate meat, Kenyan officials seized over 400 kilograms of giraffe meat and Tanzanian law enforcement recovered zebra and antelope meat and skins valued at approximately USD 10,000. Globally, a record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat was seized, with a notable increase in cases from Africa into Europe.

In 2025, enforcement actions also uncovered an increase in the trafficking of marine species, with more than 245 tonnes of protected marine wildlife seized worldwide, including 4,000 pieces of shark fins.

While iconic large mammals often dominate headlines in the fight against environmental crime, growing threats also include the trade of smaller species and plants.

For example, Operation Thunder 2025 revealed a sharp rise in the trafficking of exotic arthropods. Nearly 10,500 butterflies, spiders and insectsmany protected under CITESwere seized around the world. Though tiny in size, these creatures play vital ecological roles. Their removal destabilizes food chains and introduces invasive species or diseases, posing serious biosecurity and public health risks.

The illegal plant trade also reached record levels in 2025, with over 10 tonnes of live plants and plant derivatives confiscated, driven by demand in horticultural and collector markets.

In 2025, illicit timber seizures continued to be significant, with more than 32,000 m3 and 14,000 pieces reported by countries. Illegal logging, which has a major economic, social and environmental impact, is estimated to account for 15-30 per cent of all timber traded globally.

Building a lasting defence against illicit trade

Months of preparation for Operation Thunder 2025 centred on the exchange of information, the sharing of actionable intelligence and the coordination of cross-border investigations among participating countries and regions, the WCO and INTERPOL.

Transnational border checks by Customs, in collaboration with police, resulted in significant seizures at origin, transit and destination locations. The use of technology and WCO and INTERPOL protocols to enhance efficiency and share real-time information and intelligence was key to this success.

A critical component of this operation was efficient cross-border collaboration between law enforcement and financial platforms to trace illicit financial flows. As these criminal activities become increasingly tied to cryptocurrency, the inherent opacity of digital assets demands sustained intelligence-sharing to enable successful prosecutions.

Beyond the immediate arrests and seizures, the intelligence gathered during Operation Thunder will help map global criminal networks. These insights will enable law enforcement agencies worldwide to refine their strategies, anticipate emerging criminal tactics, and disrupt illicit supply chain activity ensuring a sustained and effective response to transnational wildlife crime.

Background

Now in its ninth year, Operation Thunder is a joint operation coordinated annually by the WCO and INTERPOL with the backing of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), which includes five intergovernmental organizations  CITES, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Bank, the WCO and INTERPOL  which partner to provide tools, training and operational support to law enforcement to combat wildlife crime. This Operation was funded by the European Union, the UKs Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and by Norways International Climate and Forest Initiative.

Significant seizures around the world

South African authorities arrested 24 suspects and seized protected succulents, live pangolins and over 17,000 abalone (sea snails), as well as unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

A shipment from Asia intercepted at a North American mail centre contained over 1,300 primate body parts including bones skulls and other derivatives.

Indonesian authorities seized over 3000 birds and 7000 arthropods including, butterflies, spiders and centipedes.

Brazilian authorities dismantled a trafficking network, identified 145 suspects and rescued over 200 wild animals, including a crackdown on an international golden lion tamarin trafficking ring.

Tanzanian law enforcement and CITES seized over 100 ivory tusks and pieces worth USD 415, 000 and over 140 hippopotamus teeth worth USD 40,000.

Authorities in Qatar arrested an individual trying to sell an endangered primate for USD 14,000 on social media.

Mexican authorities seized seven animals in Sinaloa, including two tigers, along with firearm components frequently associated with organized crime activities.
Arkham Intelligence just posted an official response to the ongoing public backlash against a previous X thread claiming Arkham deanonymized Zcash shielded transactions, deemed inaccurate by experts. The rejoinder called the critics keyboard privacy warriors bots posting nasty things, adding that they were nitpicking technical terminology concerning the tiny amounts theyre hiding exclusively in shielded pools.

In the first thread, the onchain data platform announced, Zcash is live on Arkham, posted on Dec. 8 with a thumbnail highlighting Zcash deanonymization in capital letters. The breaking news created legs, and different media outlets and journalists amplified the message of Arkham labeling over 53% of Zcash transactionsincluding both shielded and transparent, according to Colin Wu, a respected crypto reporter.

Nevertheless, Zcash experts like its creator, Zooko, and one of the most active voices supporting the project in the past few months, Mert, responded to Arkhams inaccurate reporting. In the rejoinder, Arkham Intelligence praised Zookos first response, who politely explained the inaccuracy of Arkhams original claims. But the resulting data is cool, he concluded.

No, Arkham didnt actually deanonymize any ZEC that was held at rest in the shielded pool. That would be impossible because the information just isnt there. Theyre just tracking wallets that opted into public transparency, Zooko stated.

In one follow-up post, MertHelius Labs CEOsaid Arkham did not label shielded txns (since impossible) but threw that in there for a quick click boost. He added that it is as scammy as it gets, considering how Arkham positions itself as a data platform. In another comment, Mert advised the team to  blatantly lie () to get short-term attention.

Coinspeaker tried to contact Arkham for clarification on its communication strategy but had gotten no response by the time of this publication. Yet, the official account publicly explained that shielded-to-shielded Zcash transactions are impossible to label and trace, accounting for 50% of all transactions.

Arkham Intelligence Adds Zcash Coverage

For the remaining 50%, which somehow involves transparent transactions, Arkham managed to label key accounts, trace and make AI-powered educated guesses on potential connections, ownership, and onchain activity.
The state of Victoria is tendering gas exploration licenses for the first time since 2018 in a bid to avoid a shortage, despite efforts to reduce the consumption of hydrocarbons.

In an announcement on its website, the state government invited bids for permits in two areas, the Otway Basin and the Gippsland Basin.

More from Yahoo Scout Why is Victoria issuing gas exploration licenses now? What environmental protections are included in the tender? How might this impact Victoria's gas supply shortage? What areas are open for gas exploration bidding?

Applications for the offshore block VIC/25-1 that use existing seismic data and do not propose new seismic testing will be preferred, the Victorian government noted in its announcement, in tune with a broader government move to protect marine life against further seismic testing. That push has discouraged oil and gas exploration in recent years.

Victoria is Australias biggest natural gas consumer. Last year, the state accounted for as much as 62% of the countrys total residential gas use, ABC reported last month. Because of surging LNG exports, however, domestic supply has thinned, prompting a number of warnings about the possibility of a shortage down the road. The warning spurred authorities into action, culminating in a mechanism that requires gas producers and exporters to set aside a certain amount of gas for the domestic market.

According to official data, Victoria, which is also a major gas producer, makes enough of the fuel to cover its demand, not least because this demand has been on the decline. Victorian gas consumption has been decreasing, due to a combination of electrification of residential loads, cost of living pressures, and declining commercial and industrial gas use, the Australian Energy Market Operator said earlier this year.

Yet it was the AEMO again that warned the balance between supply and demand was about to flip into a deficit by 2029 because of a natural decline in gas production, notably in the Gippsland Basin. The first step to tackle the problem was the state governments approval of a gas import terminal. The second, it appears, is the launch of a gas exploration tender to tap new resources.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Bank of England rate-setter Catherine Mann said raising employer taxes and the minimum wage affected the job market - CHP/Bloomberg

A Bank of England rate-setter has said Rachel Reevess policies have led to a slowdown in hiring, contradicting the Chancellors claims that she has boosted employment despite raising taxes.

Catherine Mann told MPs on Tuesday that Ms Reevess decision to launch 26bn National Insurance tax raid alongside an increase in the minimum wage had forced bosses to scrap roles to keep costs under control.

According to the Bank of Englands analysis, Ms Mann said that half of firms were having to reduce headcount because of higher costs imposed by the Government.

Ms Mann, an external member of the Banks Monetary Policy Committee, was speaking before the Treasury select committee on the same day that the Chancellor told the House of Commons that there was no link between her tax rises and unemployment.

When asked by Esther McVey, the Conservative MP, whether the rise in people on lower incomes losing their jobs was linked to Labours employer tax raid, 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.

However, Ms Mann said the Chancellors decision to raise employer taxes and the minimum wage was an important factor in the weak job market.

This information was drawn from a recent survey regarding hiring intentions, Ms Mann added.

She said: When we survey what are factors relevant for you in making your decisions to hire labour, there are the factors of the National Insurance and the accumulated effect of the national living wage.

Both of those bear importantly on a certain segment of businesses.

Ive called it the pig in the python. [Firms] are digesting these costs through a number of different channels. They can reduce their margins. They can try to replace their labour with terminals if you go into any restaurant.

But half of them say that we have to reduce employment, we have to reduce headcount.

Dave Ramsden, one of the Banks deputy governors, also told MPs that policies from Ms Reevess 2024 Budget are having material impacts on the labour market.

Since Labour came to power in July 2024, the unemployment rate has risen from 4.3pc to 5pc. Forecasts show that this is likely to keep rising in 2026.

As well as raising employer National Insurance rates, Ms Reeves has also ensured that Britains minimum wage is now one of the highest in the world.
Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Cloudy and damp with rain early...then becoming partly cloudy. Thunder possible. Low 42F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy and damp with rain early...then becoming partly cloudy. Thunder possible. Low 42F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
Event Hoped To Deliver Good Times Along With An Economic Lift

A new regional event is taking shape in western Nebraska, and local leaders say it could bring a welcome boost to the economies of Kimball, Bushnell, Harrisburg, Potter, and communities across the Panhandle.

Panhandle Frontier Finds (PFF) will debut June 57, 2026, as a three-day, multi-county celebration of the regions creativity, culture, and commerce. Over one long weekend, visitors will crisscross 11 counties in search of antiques, collectibles, handmade goods, food, and small-town experiences and organizers hope many of those dollars land in local cash registers.

Built for Panhandle Communities

The idea for Panhandle Frontier Finds began with Rod and Kathy VanPelt of Banner County, long-time participants and shoppers at the Nebraska Junk Jaunt. After years of seeing how similar events filled small towns with travelers, the VanPelts envisioned a Panhandle-focused version designed to highlight western Nebraskas artisans, collectors, and heritage-rich communities.

With the help of a volunteer board and community leaders from across the region, that idea has grown into a coordinated effort spanning 11 counties. The Panhandle has been organized into three tiers Northern, Central, and Southern each represented on the five-member PFF board to ensure collaboration, consistency, and shared success.

Panhandle Frontier Finds is dedicated to celebrating the unique spirit of Nebraskas Panhandle by connecting communities, supporting local vendors, and welcoming visitors to discover the treasures of our region, said Jo Wells, board chairman. Together, we aim to build stronger communities and encourage travelers to explore all that western Nebraska has to offer.

Dollars For Downtowns

Organizers say events like PFF can have a direct and measurable economic impact. Travelers searching for yard sales, vendor markets, and local events often fill their fuel tanks, buy meals, shop downtown, and sometimes book overnight lodging.

For Kimball, this could mean increased traffic at gas stations, restaurants, shops, and local attractions.

Communities like Bushnell, Harrisburg, and Potter are also well-positioned to benefit from community-wide yard sales, church fundraisers, vendor clusters, and artisan pop-ups  all opportunities to keep visitor spending circulating locally.

A Strong Vote of Confidence From Nebraska Extension

Jamie Bright, who chairs the PFF sales committee and works with Nebraska Extension, said she sees tremendous potential in the Panhandle-wide collaboration.

I greatly appreciate Jo Wells for reaching out to me at Nebraska Extension to help make this event happen. I think it has the potential to provide a substantial economic boost to local communities, and I am proud that the Panhandle is showcasing how we can collaborate as a region. I hope the event will encourage those outside of the area to explore our small towns and see all we have to offer. Lets put on a warm Nebraska welcome for all these folks while they are here!

Bright also encourages Panhandle businesses and organizations to consider advertising in the official sales guide, one of the primary tools travelers will use to navigate the event. Ad rates range from $50 for an eighth-page ad to $1,500 for the Expedition-level package, which includes a full-page ad and additional promotional exposure. Advertising questions can be sent to [email protected].

Vendor Listings and Local Coordinators

To help organize the weekend, PFF is inviting counties and communities to identify Community Vendor Coordinators  individuals who help spread the word and encourage participation.

Community Vendor Coordinators play a key role in bringing people together, Wells said. Vendors can showcase their treasures either at designated community spaces or right from their own homes, creating a welcoming, countywide experience for travelers and neighbors alike.

Vendors can secure a listing in the sales booklet for $25$45, depending on listing type. Requests for vendor information may be emailed to [email protected].

Nonprofit Partnership Supports Long-Term Growth

Panhandle Frontier Finds operates under the Oregon Trail Community Foundation (OTCF), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This partnership helps:

 Strengthen the events financial and operational structure

 Expand grant and funding opportunities

 Ensure transparency and long-term sustainability

A Regional Effort With Local Rewards

As planning continues, organizers emphasize that the events success relies on participation from communities of all sizes. From Kimballs busy crossroads to the rural neighborhoods of Harrisburg and the historic charm of Potter, every sale, food stand, and community event will add to the experience  and the economic ripple.

Residents across Kimball County are encouraged to mark their calendars for June 57, 2026, and begin planning how they might welcome visitors with the best of western Nebraska.
Council Reviews Contractor Registration Ordinance

A lengthy discussion at last weeks Kimball City Council meeting regarded Ordinance 848, a revised contractor registration ordinance intended to replace the citys older, vague version. The new ordinance clarifies registration requirements, insurance expectations, and compliance with Nebraska contractor laws.

The homeowner exemption and its application to landlords or owners of multiple properties became a focal point of the conversation. Council members questioned how to handle situations in which someone lives outside city limits but owns a second, unrented home in town. City Attorney Matt Turman explained that the exemption applies only to a persons primary residence. Work on rental or investment properties that requires a building permit would require contractor registration.

Council members asked that the language be sharpened to ensure fairness and clarity for both homeowners and landlords. City Attorney Turman will revise the ordinance wording and return it for further review. No action was taken.

Updated Street Department Fee Schedule Approved

The council then approved Resolution 2025-14, which updates the street departments equipment and service fees. Street Superintendent Jim Shoup explained that the rates are used in situations where the city must charge back for cleanup or specialized work, such as removing debris left in the roadway, mowing neglected properties, or handling illegal dumping. Hunter noted the rising costs of equipment and supplies, including concrete saw blades now costing around $300 each. The resolution passed unanimously.

Housing Authority Seats Filled

The council approved Mayor Morrisons appointments of Samantha Barp and Terry Bohac to the Kimball Housing Agency. Both appointments passed unanimously.

Administrator Update: Lighthouse Progress and Janicek Dam Study

City Administrator Annette Brower reported that electrical installation work continues at Lighthouse Subdivision, though cold weather may slow progress. Work at the wastewater treatment plant is largely paused for winter, with crews completing final electrical adjustments. Fuel line installation for the overflow tank is expected in mid-December.

Brower also announced that on December 18, a team of 12 to 13 specialists from the State of Nebraska, Olsson engineering, and hydrology experts will meet in Kimball to begin a comprehensive study of Janicek Dam. Funded through a FEMA grant awarded to the state, the study will determine the dams structural viability, long-term purpose, and whether its long-standing poor rating can be improved.

Because the dam area also serves as a public walking trail, Brower said the city will release information to residents when schedules and access details are finalized. If a quorum of council members wishes to attend the briefing, the city will issue the required public notice.

Junior Class Receives Conditional Approval for Post-Prom Funding

The meeting opened with a request from members of the Kimball High School junior class of 2027. Carly Norberg, Troy Cook, and Karen McGinnis addressed the council seeking financial assistance for this years post-prom. They explained that the funds would support games, prizes, and other activities designed to create a safe and enjoyable post-prom event.

When asked about volunteer service, the students noted that many juniors have already participated in community efforts through FFA and other organizations, including Angel Tree and other local service projects. The council discussed the citys requirement that Keno applicants partner with a nonprofit organization. The juniors said they can route donations through the Kimball Booster Club when a nonprofit is required.

The council ultimately amended the motion so that the Booster Club will resubmit the application. With that condition in place, the council approved the $2,000 post-prom award unanimously.
The Kimball City Council has approved a major technology upgrade for the Kimball Police Department, authorizing the purchase of mobile data terminals, commonly known as in-car computers. The department has never had in-car computer capability, despite such systems being standard statewide for more than two decades.

City Administrator Annette Brower and Police Department Administrative Assistant Rachael Hudson explained that the city has long operated under a waiver allowing the department to function without the equipment, but modern standards strongly encourage its use for safety, accuracy, and efficiency.

Hudson received official confirmation that the project will be fully funded through a Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office grant and a separate anonymous donation. At the request of the donor and per requirements in the award letter, the name of the private funding source will not be released publicly.

According to Ryley Egger, Administrator of the NDOT Highway Safety Office, Nebraska has again qualified for Federal Racial Profiling funds, which are being used to help local law enforcement agencies obtain technology that improves statewide tracking of citation and crash data. Egger noted that the highway safety grant will assist Kimball in obtaining eCitation and eCrash equipment, allowing officers to better document and manage citation and crash information.

The combined funding totals approximately $59,934 and includes equipment, installation, and training costs. Although higher than originally budgeted, the project will be fully reimbursed.

The newly approved equipment matches the technology used by the Nebraska State Patrol, allowing officers to access records, dispatch data, and reporting tools directly from their vehicles. Hudson, who now serves as the departments CJIS administrator, will oversee compliance, data-security requirements, and ongoing training.

The council approved the technology upgrade unanimously.

Appointments Confirmed; Personnel Review Process Discussed

The council then reviewed and approved the mayors annual appointments. Annette Brower was reappointed as City Administrator, Paula Tarango will continue serving as City Clerk, the current treasurer Jean Klassen will remain in the City Treasurer role, and Jose Ruiz was reappointed as Chief of Police. All received unanimous approval.

Before voting, council members discussed the broader issue of employee evaluations and transparency. Several members expressed interest in creating a more structured evaluation process  potentially through a personnel committee to support communication, establish annual goals, and align city positions with the overall strategic plan.

The mayor noted that he currently evaluates department heads directly, as permitted by statute, but welcomed the idea of a committee focused on communication and high-level oversight. City Clerk and HR representative Paula Tarango encouraged council members to visit with staff directly, emphasizing confidentiality, professionalism, eye contact, and open dialogue.

A proposal establishing a potential personnel committee will be drafted for future review.

Boards, Committees And Designations Updated

The council approved the annual list of board and committee assignments with minor corrections. The official radio designation was changed from KSID in Sidney to KIMB in Kimball.

The Library Board was updated to reflect that Amy Fields has replaced Lori Widener. Council liaison assignments were also adjusted as needed, including changes to the Loan Advisory Board to avoid any conflicts of interest and adding a council member to the Airport Board.

Police & Fire Personnel Confirmed

The council ratified the Kimball Police Departments active officers for 2026: Sergeant Jose Barboza, Officer Logan Luft, and Officer Nathaniel Lousberg. The active membership roster and officer list for the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department were also unanimously approved.
A report into Mayo County Councils performance on Climate Action is positive but shows shortfalls in progress on Active Travel and retrofitting its housing stocks, according to elected members.

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) conducted a report into each local authoritys Climate Action Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 2024.

Laura Dixon, Climate Action Coordinator with Mayo Co Co, said that Mayo led the way in sub-group meetings with its climate action teams, holding 21 meetings in 2024 which was seven more than the next local authority.

Mayo also performed well in staff and elected members accessing climate action training with 1,217 such events recorded from 2021-2024.

However, the report showed that the Council drew down around 4 million in funding to deliver just 0.9km of Active Travel projects.

Cllr Peter Flynn said this was indicative of a broken system.

This is such a waste of money, to deliver 900 metres over three years for with over 4 million spent. This is beyond the beyond, he said.

Cllr Donna Sheridan said she has lost a lot of faith in Active Travel because of how it has been rolled out.

In my area, a project was announced three different times. Then Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said over a billion had been spent on Active Travel. It is easy to spend a billion when you announce something so many times and dont do it, she said.

The LGMA report also showed Mayo as one of the lowest ranking counties in terms of social housing retrofits with just 42 houses retrofitted in 2024. 523 had been retrofitted in county Donegal, the second highest behind Dublin City.

Cllr Gerry Murray said the countys social housing tenants deserve better.

We get 7 million in income from our tenants and only a third of that goes towards retrofitting their houses, he said.

These tenants deserve better and deserve something back.

Cllr Sheridan said she had recently gone through the process of retrofitting herself and found the process difficult. She added that she had lost all faith in the Councils Housing office and called for a report into the delays into getting these projects turned around.

Head of Housing with the Council Olivia Gallagher said the LGMA report was reflective of just one retrofitting scheme and did not reflect the breadth of work done by the local authority in this regard.

Cllr Flynn added that Mayo Co Co need to play a more proactive role in their response to severe weather events. The LGMA report showed that Mayo Co Co activated severe weather emergency response plans on six occasions in 2024.

Storm Eowyn showed how we are late to the table in terms of severe weather, he said.

Mayo County Council needs to be part of the severe weather response and not leaving the work to other agencies.
Mayo TD Keira Keogh and MEP Nina Carberry have welcomed the Irish Governments decision to pilot an age verification digital wallet, a step both politicians have consistently called for at national and EU level.

Deputy Keogh, speaking from Brussels emphasised that the findings from the recent Fine Gael Online Safety Survey could not be clearer:

Ninety-three percent of parents dont trust social media companies to act in their childrens best interests. There is strong support for age limits and robust age verification checks.

MEP Carberry, whose proposal for an EU-wide age-verification system recently won overwhelming support in the European Parliament, said that the Irish plans closely mirror ambitions to harmonise online safety rules across the EU.

As Ireland takes on the EU Council Presidency in 2026, this will also provide us with an opportunity to lead an EU-wide push for age verification, to prevent children from accessing harmful content on social media and pornography.

Both Mayo representatives said that this is clearly what parents, schools and community groups have been calling for.

We know what the solutions are to protect our children online, this pilot shows that we are responding, they concluded.
Behind the shamrock smiles, Kiss Me Im Irish tee-shirts and Top-of-the-morning SNL skits, a darker perception of Ireland is spreading in the United States.

We Irish are fond of believing were the worlds favourite people. We assume everyone sees us as great craic  friendly, witty, fun, charming  and a nation of musicians, storytellers and soft-hearted rogues. But in the U.S. this past year, Ive learned something uncomfortable: not everyone loves the Irish. Some people, in fact, are deeply suspicious of us.

This realisation didnt come from some pub altercation or an online row. It came from a conversation with an older Jewish liberal friend of mine, a woman who recently campaigned in New York for self-avowed socialist and critic of Israel, Zohran Mamdani, in his ultimately successful mayoral race. Shes passionately progressive, anxious about the direction of the U.S. under Donald Trump and even considering moving abroad as a result.

We were discussing where she might go: the UK, Portugal, Eastern Europe  the latter region connected to her own family story. What about Ireland? I asked, genuinely curious. After all, she had visited North Mayo with me. She experienced our hospitality, our openness, our warmth.

She paused and I felt a heavy thought pass between us.

But isnt Irelandthe Irish government, very bad? Very extreme and right-wing now? My friend is a serious person and I knew she could not be joking. But Ireland Right-wing? Extreme? Bad?

This is the country that routinely ranks as one of the most welcoming in Europe and has become so liberal it collectively condemned Social Democrats TD Cian O'Callaghan for dressing up during Halloween when a student sixteen years ago, as his hero Barrack Obama. It prides itself on its Cead Mile Failte welcome and has been ranked by Policy advisor and founder of the Good Country Index, Simon Anholt, as the country which does the most good for the world.

And yet here was this thoughtful, well-informed, progressive American woman holding a view of Ireland shaped not by experience but by a growing propaganda campaign portraying Ireland as an anti-Semitic, extremist outlier. And its working.

Since that conversation, several of my Jewish friends have sent me articles and social-media posts claiming to show anti-Semitism in Ireland. They ask for my opinion  gently, curiously, but with an undercurrent of worry.

A former colleague of mine posts frequently on Facebook about the Gaza conflict. To her, any criticism of Israel is automatically support for global jihad. She writes regularly about Irish anti-Semitism, convinced Ireland is hostile to Jews and pro-Hamas as she puts it. She is on the political left, anti-Trump, pro-civil-rights. Yet dovetailing with her strong support for Israels war on Gaza, her views of Ireland are now deeply negative.

A day after Trump was declared elected as U.S. President, I had a meeting with an Industry agent with a Jewish name, who grew noticeably colder the moment they realised I was Irish. When people start reacting to a nationality rather than a person, something deeper is going on.

This shift hasnt happened by accident. It has been actively encouraged by the Israeli government and aligned lobby groups  further amplified by conservative American media figures who see Irelands vocal support for Palestinian rights as an existential threat to Jews. Ireland is being painted as the epicentre of anti-Semitic sentiment in Europe.

The most recent flashpoint making the rounds in the US press is the debate in Dublin City Council over removing the name of Chaim Herzog  the former Israeli president of Irish-Jewish heritage  from a city park. This local debate is being framed in America as the latest expression by Irish officials of a radical anti-Israel sentiment tinged with antisemitism. This takes place as US politicians are loudly criticising Ireland for its stance on Gaza. Support for Israel in Washington is broad and bipartisan and Irelands strong pro-Palestinian voice has drawn attention at the highest levels.

Prominent Senator, Lindsay Graham, claimed Ireland has become a cesspool of antisemitism and the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee ominously warned the Irish Government over its support of a boycott of exports from the Palestinian occupied territories: There will be consequences to their immoral attempts to economically attack Israel.

We Irish have a habit of assuming the world sees us the way we see ourselves. We imagine America as a place where everyone has an Irish granny, cries when they hear Danny Boy and lights up at the mention of County Mayo, Saint Patrick and creamy pints of Guinness. Let me assure you: that is not universally true.

When I first moved to Los Angeles over a decade ago, I met several Black Californian women who, upon hearing my accent, asked if Ireland was in South America. Given my pale skin and inability to speak Spanish beyond ordering a grilled tortilla at Taco Bell, this was unexpected.

In many communities here, especially those with no direct ancestral link, Ireland barely registers. To them, we are a vaguely European curiosity, or somehow part of the UK. And sometimes, our own behaviour doesnt help.

I was chatting to a Mexican barman recently and I enthusiastically brought up the San Patricios  the Irish battalion that fought for Mexico in the 1840s. His face dropped. I already know that story, he sighed, with the air of a man who has heard one too many Irish lads wax lyrical about our boys in the MexicanAmerican War, Dont need to hear it again bro.

Occasionally, we push our own narratives a bit too hard.

Irelands moral compass has long pointed toward the underdog. From South Africa to Palestine, from global poverty to global warming, we like to see ourselves as a small country punching above its weight for justice. But in 2025, nothing happens in isolation. A Dail debate, a student protest, or a city-council vote can be clipped, reframed and broadcast to millions, instantaneously. A gesture that feels morally righteous at home  like renaming a park over the Gaza genocide  can land very differently abroad.

This doesnt mean we abandon principle. But we do need to ask: Are we trying to be right, or are we trying to be effective?

If a symbolic act does more harm than good, if it gives ammunition to extremists, or undermines Irelands credibility, or sparks diplomatic retaliation, is it actually advancing justice? Or is it just making us feel virtuous?

Irelands reputation matters. Not because we crave approval (we do), but because we are a small nation in a large geopolitical world. When powerful lobbies in America  on both the right and the left  start painting Ireland as an enemy, that can translate into policy, influence and opportunity. And right now, that narrative is shifting against us.

This is not an argument for silence on Palestine, nor for moral cowardice. Ireland should continue standing for what it believes is right. But we must do so with awareness, not naivete.

We need to recognise that we are being targeted by a coordinated messaging campaign by a powerful international lobby  and that it is landing. We need to understand that many Americans do not know us, do not love us and do not see us as we see ourselves. And we need to be strategic, thoughtful and united in how we present ourselves to the world. Because pretending everyone loves us has never made it true. But understanding how the world sees us  and why  might just help us protect both our values and our voice.
Depending on peoples perspective, the news of the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor into Mayo might trigger different emotions.

It was confirmed by Minister Sean Canney that the 400-million 34-mile section from Athenry to Claremorris will go ahead with preliminary work next year, construction commencing in 2028 with a targeted completion date of 2030.

There will be those who will argue that it should never have been closed in the first place, and so the announcement is nothing more than righting a 50-year wrong.

There will be others who will argue that the reopening of the line to Claremorris, which has been so diligently campaigned for over two decades, is long overdue, and so the news is of the better late than never variety.

There will be others, then, who felt for many years it may not happen, and the announcement is an immense relief and reason for considerable celebration.

And then there will be a small cohort opposed to what can only be termed as a hugely positive development for the west of Ireland who will be licking their wounds.

First and foremost this is absolutely a major boon for the west of Ireland, linking Mayo rail networks into Galway and enabling much greater movement via rail between the two counties. From a freight perspective, it opens up a much more efficient route to southern ports than heretofore.

Politicians can line up to take credit and it is warranted. There has been considerable cross party support and momentum behind the railway in recent years, which made it increasingly difficult for opponents, both in positions of power and on the outside, to hold off.

Sean Canney, the Galway East Independent TD who is Minister for State at the Department of Transport with Responsibility for Rail, has always seen the benefits of the project and argued cogently for it. His role in it becoming a reality is pivotal. Mayo Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary has always been a backer of it and his position at the Cabinet table was likely crucial too.

As are the roles played by many more west of Ireland TDs, senators and councillors and shows what can be achieved when politicians work together for the betterment of their region rather than allow themselves to be divided and conquered.

But it is extremely unlikely we would be talking about this now were it not for the tireless and fastidious efforts of advocacy group West on Track.

A community-led group of people all along the Western Rail Corridor from Sligo to Limerick, and beyond, they argued for the merits of the railway and for wider balanced regional development requirements.

Claremorris men Colman O Raghallaigh and Martin Cunniffe got the ball rolling in 2003 and O Raghallaigh, in particular, plays a seismic role while Frank Dawson has been another key figure.

Superbly organised conferences by West on Track in Tuam and Sligo with a range of expert speakers helped enable cross-party support with the need and justification for the project made clear as day as was the wholesale support for it in the region.

Indeed, the groupings ability to harness cross-party support is a template for what is needed in the west of Ireland, where we have been left on the back foot compared to the east coast for far too long.

It has always struck me as instructive that there was a need for West on Track. When you consider the over-development of Dublin and the wider prevalence of rail networks around Europe, the reluctance of central government in Ireland to acknowledge the need to rebalance matters was striking.

West on Track and others had to keep banging the drum, making clear and convincing arguments for it and keeping it at the centre of discussions around infrastructural development in the region.

The reopening of the line from Limerick to Ennis and then onto Athenry were big steps forward but it was unclear if the political will was there to go north to Tuam and onto Claremorris.

The campaign was also beset by baffling levels of opposition by people in the region to investment in a better rail network for the west. Some politicians were part of this rump and it definitely hindered its progress. It remains odd that opposition to it was not just from institutionalised bureaucrats in Dublin but people from the region itself.

For too long the west has been held back by a lack of investment.

The Northern and Western Region of Ireland, one of three regions in Ireland for European purposes, incorporates the five counties of Connacht as well as Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan. It has been categorised by Europe as a lagging region, well behind the other two regions in Ireland (Eastern and Midland; and Southern) who have a GDP per capita of almost three times that of our region. Alarmingly, we rank 218th out of 234 European regions for transport infrastructure development, that is to say, in the bottom seven percent.

So infrastructural projects like the Western Rail Corridor ought to be merely the tip of the iceberg in addressing this grevious imbalance perpetuated by successive governments and high-ranking civil servants.

A seminal turning point was the publication of the Bradley report into the appraisal of the Athenry to Claremorris link, itself a response to a Government-commissioned EY report into the railway which said there was no business case for it.

The reports author, Dr John Bradley, who sadly passed away in September, eviscerated the EY report, describing it as deeply flawed and his own report delved into the question in great detail.

It was an outstanding piece of work and generated considerable momentum for the extension of the railway to Claremorris.

People like John Bradley and the late Fr Micheal Mac Greil, a long-time Patron of West on Track and the man who set up the Western Inter-County Railway Committee in the late 1970s to campaign for its reopening as soon as it was closed, played huge roles in making the reopening a reality and it is no exaggeration to say that future generations of people from the west will have much to thank them for.

Because, again, this news would have not happened were it not for the assiduous campaigning by many people, trying to lead various Governments by the hand to convince them of the need and justification for the project.

It was telling to hear Sean Canney mention the continuation of the line to Sligo in his interviews around the announcement of the extension to Claremorris.

While there could be no real news about an extension to Sligo before any official announcement of the rail from Athenry to Claremorris, there was still plenty of furore there before this point.

Some in Sligo wanted a greenway on the old line, which would greatly weaken the potential for a railway, but with Iarnrod Eireann now saying that is not possible, as they want to preserve the old line for potential future railway developments, the stars are beginning to align.

But if one thing has been clear from the campaign to extend the railway to Claremorris, it is that there is no such thing a fait accompli in these matters. The likes of West on Track, Sligo and Mayo County Councils and national and local politicians from the west will have to campaign relentlessly, together, to make it a reality.

A railway linking the two biggest urban areas in Connacht should be more straightforward than that but as evidenced by the failure to extend the M18 out of Galway and huge delays in road improvements on the N17 in Mayo and Sligo (and questions over the extent of those plans), nothing ever comes easy to us in the west.
BBVA is set to expand its corporate and investment banking (CIB) operations in the Middle East, with approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

ADGMs Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has granted BBVA In-Principle Approval (IPA) to obtain a Category 4 licence.

This approval allows BBVA to widen its range of wholesale banking services for corporate and institutional clients in the region.

The services include advisory, financing, global markets, and cross-border solutions.

BBVA has appointed its Middle East CIB head Eduardo Ortiz Gross as senior executive officer for the Abu Dhabi branch. He will oversee the banks activities across the region.

ADGM chief market development officer Arvind Ramamurthy said: BBVAs decision to deepen its presence in Abu Dhabi through ADGM underlines the growing importance of our jurisdiction as a gateway between the Middle East and global markets.

As more leading international banks choose ADGM to serve sovereign investors and financial institutions, we continue to build a robust ecosystem for sustainable finance and cross-border capital flows.

We are pleased to welcome BBVA, with its strong track record in advisory and financing for transformational projects and look forward to seeing it support the regions ambitious growth and transition agenda.

BBVA, through a representative office, has been operating in Abu Dhabi since 2013.

With the new licence, the bank aims to strengthen its position as a strategic partner for clients and expand its client base in the Middle East.

BBVAs CIB business works with institutional clients such as insurers, asset managers and financial sponsors through specialised teams.

The bank offers cross-border solutions in markets, financing and advisory services.

The opening of the BBVA ADGM branch is subject to final regulatory approval.

It is expected to enhance the banks ability to connect Middle Eastern clients with BBVAs global network, including in Europe, the US, Mexico, and Turkey.

In March last year, BBVA entered a strategic whole portfolio agreement (WPA) with Cisco to access the latters software and customer experience (CX) portfolio.

"BBVA secures ADGM approval to expand CIB services in Middle East " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Investing.com -- Belgiums deputy prime minister Vincent Van Peteghem stated on Thursday that frozen Russian assets will need to be used for Ukraine at some point, though he emphasized Belgium "would not take any reckless compromises" before agreeing to any deal.

"At some point, these frozen Russian assets will have to be used," Van Peteghem said ahead of a meeting of euro zone finance ministers.

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The European Commission has proposed using frozen Russian assets or international borrowing to raise urgently needed funds for Ukraine. The Commission and most EU countries favor a "reparations loan" utilizing Russian state assets immobilized in the EU following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Belgium, which holds the majority of these assets in the Euroclear securities depository, has expressed various legal concerns that have delayed a decision. A resolution is now expected on December 18.

Van Peteghem indicated that Russia should pay for its war and that the frozen assets need to be used for that purpose. He noted that Belgium is examining the legal and financial risks involved and seeks constructive solutions.

"Many concerns remain on the table for us on Russian frozen assets, such as liquidity mechanism and burden sharing, guarantees," the deputy prime minister added.

Van Peteghem expressed hope that a conclusion could be reached at the EU summit next week.

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Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Increasing clouds. There is a slight chance for a little snow late, mainly south of I-78..

Tonight

Increasing clouds. There is a slight chance for a little snow late, mainly south of I-78.
Bhutan launched a gold-backed digital token on Thursday, the latest move in the country's multi-year-long blockchain adoption spree.

Gelephu Mindfulness City, a designated Special Administrative Region in Bhutan, issued TER, as a sovereign-backed token on Solana's blockchain, with each token representing physical gold held in custody, according to a press release shared with Decrypt.

"The latest move for the gold-backed token will have limited uptake, given it is for a specific use case in the GMC, but it again signals the Kingdom's vision to align with stablecoin ecosystems while choosing Gold as a neutral asset to underpin the token," Musheer Ahmed, founder and managing director of Finstep Asia, told Decrypt.

DK Bank, Bhutan's first digital bank regulated by the Royal Monetary Authority, will serve as the exclusive distributor and custodian for the token, with the latters name derived from the Dzongkha word for treasure.

Digital asset financial services platform Matrixdock, which received the Financial Services Licence from the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority in September, will provide the tokenization infrastructure.

"By issuing gold-backed digital tokens with sovereign branding, we are demonstrating how a crypto-friendly city can welcome responsible innovation while staying rooted in Bhutan's values of transparency, sustainability, and long-term stewardship," Jigdrel Singay, Board of Directors of GMC, said in a statement.

Bhutan Partners with Binance Pay for Its Tourism Ecosystem

Users will be able to purchase TER directly through DK Bank in the first phase, with tokens held in institutional custody.

The launch follows Kyrgyzstans issuance of USDKG, a gold-backed national stablecoin valued at over $50 million and backed by the state's gold reserves.

I feel Gold is chapter one, Monica Jasuja, Chief Expansion and Innovation Officer at Emerging Payments Association Asia, told Decrypt.

Next could be silver, rare stones, or even tokenized cultural or environmental assets, she noted, saying Bhutan has long treated its natural resources as sacred; tokenization lets it monetize without extraction.

Years of crypto integration

Bhutan's crypto strategy is built on Bitcoin mining operations launched in 2019, powered by the nation's abundant hydroelectric resources.

The country holds 5,984 BTC, valued at over $536 million, making it the seventh-largest sovereign holder globally, according to Arkham Intelligence data.

The U.S. ranks first, with 328,369 BTC valued at over $29 billion, according to Bitcoin Treasuries data.
Mr X awarded an Honorary Doctorate

Bill Frankel received the award for his anti-apartheid activism and his profound contribution to the betterment of South Africa.

Anti-apartheid veteran, Bill Frankel (OBE) has told graduates from the Wits Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management to use the words of the Freedom Charter as a guide for their future.

Calling it their call to action, Frankel, who received an Honorary Doctorate in Law, urged graduates to live by the values of fairness, justice and compassion and to build a just, equal and democratic South Africa.

Our country will never be prosperous or free until all our people live in brotherhood enjoying equal rights and opportunities, he said, quoting from the Charters 1955 preamble. The challenge is to ensure the fulfilment of the pledge. This is now in your hands.

Frankel, a South African-born lawyer and human rights activist, was honoured for his decades of underground and public work supporting the fight against apartheid and helping to build South Africas post-1994 democracy.

He is best known for his role as the secret legal advisor to the International Defence and Aid Fund (IDAF), which channelled money from around the world into apartheid South Africa to fund the legal defence of political activists and support their families. For 25 years, Frankel worked under the pseudonym Mr X  even his law firm partners and family did not know of his role.

We secretly moved, in todays value, literally billions of Rand into South Africa to fund 99% of all political trials and support the families of the detainees, he said. This included funding the legal costs for President Nelson Mandelas treason trial.

The Dean of the Faculty, Professor Jason Cohen, read out the citation for Frankels honorary degree, describing his legal work, anti-apartheid activism and later philanthropy as having made a profound contribution to the betterment of South Africa.

After the end of apartheid, Frankel shifted his focus to strengthening democracy through education and civil society. He has chaired the Claude Leon Foundation for over 30 years, helping to fund nearly 500 postdoctoral research fellowships at South African universities. He also played a founding role in the Wits Foundation UK, which raises funds to support the university.

Frankel told the graduates their future careers should be about more than just building wealth.

Yes, build reasonably comfortable lives, he said. But do not forget those less fortunate, the deep inequalities that scar our society.

He closed by reminding the audience of the seven values at the heart of South Africas Constitution: democracy, equality, reconciliation, diversity, responsibility, respect and freedom.
Wits case studies selected to demonstrate societal impact

TB, HIV, Covid diagnostics save lives and applied theatre technique addresses increasing HIV infection in youth.

Universities South Africa (USAf), an umbrella body representative of the countrys 26 public universities, has selected two case studies from Wits University to demonstrate the societal impact of the academic work conducted at the institution.

Following an open call to all South African universities in August, USAf selected the Biomimicry to democratize access to infectious disease diagnostics case study, submitted by Professor Bavesh Kana, and Drama for Lifes Knowledge Unzipped sexual and reproductive health and rights project, submitted by Mr Hamish Mabala Neill.

Both case studies have now been published under the Societal Impact tag on USAfs website to demonstrate how evidence-based research at Wits University changes lives, for good.

Furthermore, from the 23 case studies selected for publication on the USAf website, the assessors recommended that selected case studies further be used at an envisaged public event and/or in a publication to celebrate the societal impact of South African universities. Professor Bavesh Kana's infectious diseases biomimicry project is amongst this selection.

USAf selected seven case studies for the Medical and Health Sciences category, including Wits Biomimicry to democratize access to infectious disease diagnostics.

The battle against diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and Covid-19 requires fast and accurate mass testing. However, traditional diagnostic verification required live TB bacteria that posed major safety risks, creating a critical stumbling block.

The Wits biomimicry research team developed a groundbreaking suite of diagnostic controls using harmless bacteria modified with genetic elements from pathogenic organisms, thus mimicking them safely in testing platforms.

This innovation enabled verification of TB, Covid-19, and HIV diagnostics in 51 countries, directly impacting millions of lives globally.

For TB-infected individuals, an accurate, timeous diagnosis is the first step to accessing appropriate care. The team's products enabled diagnostic labs to run quality assurance programmes, allowing TB testing to be brought online nationwide and globally.

To maximize impact, Wits spun out SmartSpot Quality (Pty) Ltd to market diagnostic controls globally. In terms of social impact, the products have enabled hundreds of thousands of patients to access diagnostic tests for drug-sensitive TB in 51 countries (84,834 quality assurance specimens used), and drug-resistant TB in 28 countries (4,487 specimens tested).

Professor Bavesh Kana is Head of the School of Pathology at Wits and a Research Fellow at Wits Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI). Kana and his team have a solid track record of producing research with impact, most notably in TB molecular diagnostics (innovations which he pivoted during the pandemic to address Covid diagnostics), TB vaccinology, and biomimicry, which 'mimic' the models, systems and elements in nature to solve complex problems in people.

Unzipped, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Programme for SAs Youth

USAf selected six case studies for the Humanities and Social Sciences category, including Wits Drama for Life Knowledge Unzipped project.

Knowledge Unzipped is a multi-modal, applied theatre-based sexual and reproductive health and rights project. Run by Drama for Life in partnership with the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, it provides updated strategies for implementing, training and assessing applied arts in public health.

Specifically, Unzipped is an applied theatre technique developed by Wits Hamish Mabala Neill and Robert Bobby Gordon at UCLA that used Theatre-in-Education, Theatre-of-the-Oppressed, and South African workshop theatre aesthetics to craft a refreshed comprehensive sexual health education model for southern African youth to address research-informed indications of an incoming rise in HIV-infection rates in 15-24-year-olds.

The project enabled interaction with numerous and varied stakeholders including community-based NGOs nationwide, Wits-affiliated research and service units, and Gauteng high schools. Outcomes were achieved within each grouping that aligned with the objective to address specific Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Education (SRHR) needs rooted in the local context and culture.

An applied theatre practitioner, Mr Hamish Mabala Neill is the Knowledge Unzipped project lead and the Creative Hub Research Director at Drama for Life. He holds a Masters in Applied Theatre from Wits, awarded for his performance-as-research dissertation which interrogated race through performance.

Drama for Life is a unique, internationally recognised postgraduate programme in the Wits School of Arts dedicated to arts for social transformation and healing. Drama for life brings together the disciplines of Applied Drama and Theatre, Performance Ethnography, Performance as Research, Arts Education, Drama Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapies within the context of a critical reflexive praxis.
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Dive Brief:

BMW Group has named Milan Nedeljkovic as its new CEO, effective May 14, 2026, the automaker announced in a press release.

Nedeljkovic succeeds 35-year company veteran Oliver Zipse, who is leaving BMWs Board of Management and retiring as planned following the companys Annual General Meeting on May 13, 2026.

BMWs Supervisory Board selected Nedeljkovic for his strategic foresight, entrepreneurial thinking, and strong implementation skills, per the release. BMW also said the incoming CEO has the trust and high regard of the automakers workforce.

Dive Insight:

Nedeljkovic has been a member of BMWs Board of Management since 2019 and currently leads its production division. He joined the automaker as a trainee in 1993 and has held several executive-level positions over the years, including leadership roles at the Mini Plant in Oxford, U.K., senior VP corporate quality and managing director of the automakers manufacturing plants in Leipzig and Munich, per the release.

"Milan Nedeljkovic convinces with his strategic foresight, strong implementation skills, and entrepreneurial thinking, said Dr. Nicolas Peter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW in a statement. He stands for very focused management of resourceswhether financial or ecological.

Zipse was originally slated to step down after he turned 60 in February 2024, which is the typical retirement age for members of BMWs Board of Management. But in September 2023, the automakers Supervisory Board made an exception to the companys retirement rule and extended his contract, allowing Zipse to continue on as CEO until age 62.

BMW said Zipse helped the company navigate the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic and was instrumental in leading the automakers electrification plans, including the development of its Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform, which BMW says was the largest strategic project in the companys history.

A primary reason for extending Zispes contract was to ensure stable company leadership during the development of the Neue Klasse platform.

It was BMWs first modular, software-based vehicle platform intended for large-scale EV production. The first model launched on the platform is the new iX3 electric SUV which was unveiled at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich in September. U.S. deliveries of the iX3 are slated to begin in summer 2026.
Boom Supersonic, the company trying to bring back faster-than-sound commercial flight, just closed a $300 million funding round by pivoting into an unlikely business: selling turbines to power AI data centers.

The Denver-based startup announced Tuesday that it secured Crusoe, a data center developer, as its first customer for a new product called Superpower. Crusoe ordered 29 turbines capable of generating 1.21 gigawatts of power, with Boom claiming it has a backlog of more than $1.25 billion in orders for the technology.

The deal emerged from what CEO Blake Scholl described as scrolling on X, where he kept seeing posts about power shortages hitting AI data centers. After texting OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to confirm the crisis was real, Scholl discovered his engineering team had already sketched out plans to adapt the company's Symphony supersonic engine into a stationary power turbine.

The pivot makes technical sense. Supersonic engines run continuously at extreme thermal loads, exactly what data centers need for reliable power generation. Each 42-megawatt Superpower turbine operates on natural gas without requiring a water supply, addressing two of the biggest constraints facing data center expansion.

But Boom is entering a market with severe supply constraints, and it's unclear whether the company has solved them or will hit the same walls. Major turbine manufacturers, like GE Vernova and Siemens Energy, are currently quoting wait times of five to seven years for new orders. The delays stem from pandemic-era supply chain damage that hasn't recovered, material shortages affecting all power plant components, and limited global manufacturing capacity.

Boom says it's building a "Superpower Superfactory" and has already started manufacturing its first turbine, with plans to scale production to more than 4 gigawatts annually by 2030. The company says it went from concept to signed deal in about three months. But Boom hasn't explained how it will avoid the supply chain bottlenecks and material shortages plaguing manufacturers with decades of turbine experience and established factories. The company also hasn't said when Crusoe will actually receive its 29 turbines or whether customers ordering today will wait years like everyone else.

For Boom, the timing solves a critical funding problem. The company successfully flew its XB-1 demonstrator past the sound barrier in January, validating key technologies for its planned Overture airliner. But scaling up to commercial production requires enormous capital. The turbine business offers a faster path to revenue while the company works toward test flights of Overture in 2027 and hoped-for commercial service by 2030.
Sixty-four years after Tanzania formally cast off the political yoke of British imperialism, the population was forced to mark Tuesdays Independence Day under conditions resembling a state of siege.

Instead of the usual public celebrations, parades, cultural gatherings and popular festivities, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) government unleashed military-police repression. Armoured vehicles and soldiers occupied road junctions and government buildings, blocking traffic from entering city centres. Tanzanias state house, the official residence of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was heavily fortified.

President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan [Photo by Scottish Government / CC BY 2.0

The government ordered civilians to remain indoors, leaving streets deserted and shops shuttered. Fuel stations were closed and public transport suspended. Access to social media was severely restricted, with users struggling to share content on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Police helicopters circled ominously over major cities.

The immediate pretext for Tuesdays repression was the announcement of anti-government protests, organised online by Gen-Z activists to coincide with Independence Day. The CCM regime criminalised the planned demonstrations outright, offering the ludicrous claim that it had cancelled the December 9 celebrations to save money.

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba ordered all nonessential workers to remain at home, while Home Affairs Minister George Simbachawene declared that participation in demonstrations would amount to an attempted coup. He said, Those protests are not permitted and are unlawful  that is not a protest, that is a coup. Our security organs will handle them.

In the lead-up to Independence Day, his threats were enforced through mass arrests. Human Rights Watch reported the detention of at least ten activists for online posts promoting peaceful protest, including one arrested for organising and promoting crime through a WhatsApp group.

This display of state terror was unprecedented in a country romanticised by the corporate media and international investors as a land of peace, famed for its safaris and political stability. Not since the aftermath of the 1964 army mutiny, three years after independence, has Tanzania experienced anything comparable.

That uprising started when rank-and-file soldiers of the Tanganyika Rifles, still led by British officers despite formal independence, revolted over poor pay, stalled promotions, and unfulfilled promises of rapid Africanisation of the army. Independence leader and first President of Tanganyika (Tanzania), Julius Nyerere, fled Dar es Salaam and, in a stark contradiction to his anti-colonial rhetoric, appealed to London to send British troops to restore order.

Royal Marines landed in the capital, disarmed the soldiers, and imposed strict control over the city. For days, Dar es Salaam was transformed into an occupied zone, with armed patrols, barricades, roadblocks, and checkpoints at major intersections. Afterwards, Nyerere invoked laws of preventive detention against hundreds of civilians, paving the way for the establishment of one-party rule under the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), the precursor of todays CCM. His government moved to suppress trade unions and outlaw workers strikes, binding the working class to the national bourgeoisie.

Today, the CCMs response exposes the deep fear of the Tanzanian ruling class over a renewed eruption of anger following the October 29 election crackdown, one of the bloodiest episodes in post-independence African history.

Police patrol the streets on election day in Zanzibar, Tanzania, October. 30, 2025 [AP Photo/Uncredited]

President Hassans one-candidate race, crowned with the ludicrous official result of 98 percent, provoked mass anger. During a five-day internet blackout, and as hundreds of thousands, potentially millions of workers and youth, poured into the streets of major cities and towns, security forces launched a nationwide killing spree. Death toll estimates range from 700 to as many as 3,000. More than 2,000 people were arrested, and hundreds remain charged with treason, facing the death penalty.

Footage verified by the BBC and CNN showed bodies lying in the streets and piled up outside hospitals. Police conducted door-to-door raids, dragging young men from their homes and executing them.

A senior doctor at one of the biggest hospitals in Dar es Salaam told AFP that during a shift on November 1, more than 200 patients were taken away while receiving treatment by men who were not uniformed and arrived in green trucks resembling military vehicles. They even took dead bodies from the morgue, the doctor added.

People protest in the streets of Arusha, Tanzania, on election day October 29, 2025 [AP Photo/str]

The CCM government has escalated this repression, arresting dozens more since mid-November, expanding digital surveillance, and even restricting fuel sales to avoid protestors mobilising. In a grotesque mockery, the regime has announced a commission to investigate its own crimes.

Imperialist powers are manoeuvring amidst the crisis, each seeking to exploit the collapse of bourgeois rule to its advantage. Seventeen western governments, including Britain, Germany, France, Canada, and the EU, issued a joint statement expressing regret over the loss of life and urging the Tanzanian security forces to exercise maximum restraint.

Such appeals drip with hypocrisy. These are the same governments arming and financing Israels genocide in Gaza, supporting the Saudi monarchy that saws up journalists in its consulates, backing Egyptian dictator Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and providing billions of euros in weaponry to the Ukrainian regime to deploy the countrys youth against Russia. Their sudden concern for Tanzanian fundamental freedoms is motivated by the scramble for resources on a continent where China has made substantial inroads.

US Senator Jim Risch, a hardline anti-China hawk, welcomed a State Department review of U.S.Tanzania relations last week, seeking to shift Tanzania from Chinas orbit and disrupt Beijings extraction of minerals across Africa via Dar es Salaam port.

On Monday, Hassan met with acting US ambassador Andrew Lentz, during which they advanced major investments: a $42 billion LNG mega-project, the $942 million Tembo Nickel venture, and the $300 million Mahenge Graphite development.

These natural resourcesgas, nickel, graphiteare central to the electric vehicle supply chain and the US military-industrial complex. Ambassador Lentz praised Hassans 2050 reform agenda, while Hassan celebrated the growing footprint of US investors as evidence of confidence in her government.

Transnational corporations are plundering Tanzanias resources, while the government imposes staggering levels of repression against its own population. Hassans anti-colonial posturing is a fraud. She waves the nationalist flag, accusing protestors of being pawns of the West and denouncing Western powers as colonisers to justify internal crackdowns. But her government acts on behalf of these same imperialist powers.

The CCM regime has long been a tool of imperialism. Julius Nyerere upheld capitalist social relations and suppressed independent working-class organisation. His African socialism was a form of bourgeois nationalism that could not transcend the colonial borders or the economic dependency inherited from imperialism. Nyereres project remained tied to and sustained by Western aid.

Trotskys theory of permanent revolution demonstrated that in belated capitalist countries, the national bourgeoisie is incapable of resolving the fundamental tasks of democracy, economic development, or genuine liberation. Its fear of the working class and subordination to imperialism force it inevitably toward dictatorship. CCMs evolution, from Nyerere through John Pombe Magufuli to Hassan, is confirmation of this historical law.

The explosive contradictions in todays Tanzania pose urgent political tasks for the working class. No salvation will come from the bourgeois opposition parties. The pro-business Chadema and the self-styled heirs of Nyereres African Socialism, ACTWazalendo, have refused to endorse, let alone call for protests on December 9.

They have actively distanced themselves from the emerging mass movement. Since October 29, their entire focus has been on pressuring the corrupt, authoritarian CCM state to adopt a more transparent and law-abiding stance, to offer compensation to the victims of its own police repression, and to invite the intervention of the imperialist-dominated international community to put pressure on the government. Such appeals aim to contain widespread anger within the confines of the bankrupt capitalist order. The bourgeois opposition parties fear the independent mobilisation of the working class more than they fear a CCM dictatorship.

The youth-led protests, though courageous, cannot succeed without a revolutionary leadership that unifies the struggles of workers, young people, and the rural poor into a conscious political movement against capitalism and imperialism.
Denmarks Social Democrat-led government has used its six-month chairmanship of the European Union (EU) Council to expand the countrys cooperation with fascist Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, especially in the fields of immigration and refugee policy.

This strategy culminated Monday with the decision by EU interior ministers to adopt a hardline package escalating the persecution of immigrants, including by expanding the list of countries that people can be deported to and clearing the way for the establishment of return hubs outside the EU.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, left, speaks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni before posing for a family picture as part of the so-called Coalition of the willing summit at the Elysee Palace, Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Paris. [AP Photo/Ludovic Marin]

The decision was applauded by Denmarks Social Democrat integration minister, Rasmus Stoklund, who enthused over the huge change in perception over recent years on immigration.

Copenhagen has long pursued a hardline approach on immigration, which the Social Democrats have spearheaded by embracing wholesale the far rights policy demands. The Danish model, formerly held up by liberal reformists to bolster their claim that capitalism could be humanised, now inspires far-right parties and governments across the continent.

In May this year, Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen joined Meloni to initiate a letter ultimately signed by nine EU states that called for a break with the European Convention of Human Rights. The letter also demanded the curtailing of the European Court of Human Rightss ability to enforce basic rights like the right to asylum and right to residency. The document advanced the typical arguments of Europes far right, demanding more room nationally to decide when to expel criminal foreign nationals. It denounced ECHR decisions that have in some cases limited our ability to make political decisions and insisted, There is much more to be done before Europe regains control of irregular migration.

The letter appealed for an expansion of state surveillance, stating, We need more freedom to decide on how our authorities can keep track of for example criminal foreigners who cannot be deported from our territories. Criminals who cannot be deported even though they have taken advantage of our hospitality to commit crime and make others feel unsafe. Additionally, the letter urged for more leeway to use migration as a justification for economic sanctions and military operations against third countries, declaring, We need to be able to take effective steps to counter hostile states that are trying to use our values and rights against us. For example, by instrumentalising migrants at our borders.

Meloni, an admirer of the fascist dictator Mussolini, heads a government that is notorious for systematically blocking efforts by private humanitarian organisations to rescue refugees in the Mediterranean, where thousands drown every year due to the EUs Fortress Europe policies. Italy is working to set up a return hub for asylum seekers in Albania, where applications would be processed outside of the EUs borders.

The fact that Frederiksen and Denmarks Social Democrats solidarise themselves with this record and demand that Europes governments go even further exposes the hostility to basic principles of international law throughout Europes entire political establishment, in both its nominal left and right flanks.

Denmark has pursued one of the strictest anti-immigrant courses in Europe for over two decades. When governments want to launch crackdowns on migrant rights, like Keir Starmers Labour government in Britain, they cite Denmark as a model.

During the 2000s, Anders Fogh Rasmussens right-wing government, led by the Liberals (Venstre), integrated the far-right Danish Peoples Party (DF) into the political establishment and implemented many of its most xenophobic policy prescriptions. In 2002, the government abolished Denmarks commitment to grant asylum on humanitarian grounds, slashed the welfare benefits paid to refugees, and made it much harder for immigrants to gain residency.

When the Social Democrats were returned to power in 2011, they retained all of the anti-immigrant measures enforced by their right-wing predecessors, while implementing austerity measures in response to the global economic crisis. Four years later, a re-elected Venstre government went even further with the adoption of Denmarks infamous Jewellery Law, a provision permitting the authorities to confiscate jewellery and other personal belongings from refugees worth more than 10,000 kroner (about 1,500) to help pay for their accommodation. Inger Stjberg, the minister who oversaw the introduction of the law, subsequently set up her own far-right party, the Denmark Democrats, after the Liberals expelled her for lying to parliament about the prevalence of child marriages in the country.

Another discriminatory measure directed against immigrants is Denmarks so-called ghetto rules. First introduced in 2010 and then modified by the Venstre-led government in 2018 to specifically target non-Western populations, the rules allow authorities to designate a neighbourhood a ghetto or hard ghetto if at least half of its population is deemed non-Western, and it meets two or more criteria. The criteria include low income levels, high unemployment, and low school attendance. In 2021, Frederiksens Social Democrat-led government rebranded the law, changing ghettos to parallel societies and hard ghettoes to transformational areas, but the essence of the law remains the same.

When an area is designated a parallel society or transformational area, authorities gain the power to forcibly relocate residents. In addition, local authorities are obliged to reduce public housing stock by 40 percent in a blatant effort to drive out low-income residents, chiefly immigrants, and open up the area to private investors. Punishments for crimes deemed to have been committed in parallel societies or transformational areas can be doubled compared to usual penalties.

The European Court of Justice has a pending ruling on the Danish law, which has been challenged as racist and a violation of basic human rights. Earlier this year, an ECJ advocate general issued a non-binding opinion that the division between Western and non-Western immigrants and their descendants is based on ethnic origin. This constitutes direct discrimination, the ruling found.

The Social Democrats join in anti-immigrant crackdowns at every opportunity. In September, Frederiksens government amplified a vicious witch-hunt against university students from Bangladesh and Nepal, who were accused of abusing student visas by taking their families to Denmark during their studies and working alongside their studies to meet living costs. DF in particular waged a campaign demanding that the international students be flown out of the country. Frederiksens coalition government responded by abrogating the right of students from the two countries concerned to bring relatives to Denmark and tightening surveillance of international student activities on and off campus.

The persecution of immigrants by the Social Democrats is one element in the partys sharp shift to the right, expressed also in its backing for a major rearmament programme and austerity for public services to fund militarism and war. This course has seen the popularity of the Social Democrats, long Denmarks largest party, plummet. In last months municipal elections, the Social Democrats experienced their worst result in decades, even losing control of the stronghold of Copenhagen for the first time in a century. The latest opinion poll puts the party at just 17.5 percent. Calls are growing for Frederiksens replacement as party leader.

But Frederiksens ouster would change nothing. She has been able to govern for the past six years due to the support of the entire political establishment for her right-wing policies on all essential points. During her first three years in power, Frederiksen depended in parliament on the votes of the so-called left Socialist Peoples Party (SF) and Red-Green Alliance/Unity List (RGA) for a majority. This was the period of the rebranding of Denmarks ghetto law to make its discriminatory powers more palatable, as well as Copenhagens firm backing for the US/NATO-led war with Russia.

SF, whose roots lie in a split from the Stalinist Danish Communist Party in the wake of the suppression of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, joined a broad consensus of right-wing and left parties that agreed in the spring of 2022 to increase military spending to 2 percent of GDP by 2033, a goal that has since been revised. Although the RGAa coalition of ex-Stalinist and other anti-Trotskyist groups established in the late 1980s for electoral purposeschose for tactical reasons not to sign this agreement, it ensured its implementation by continuing to vote with Frederiksens Social Democrat minority government until the parliamentary elections in November 2022.

For the past three years, Frederiksens Social Democrats have governed in an alliance with the right-wing Liberals and the Moderates, a creation of former Liberal Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen. The coalition marked the first time in over four decades that the Social Democrats, a party from Denmarks red bloc, had governed together with right-wing parties, which have traditionally been organised in the blue bloc.

This shift symbolises not only the Social Democrats embrace of the far rights anti-immigrant programme, but also unrestrained warmongering against Russia and cost-cutting for public services and social programmes. The coalition has undertaken a massive expansion of military spending, including the purchase of an additional 16 F-35 fighter jets and other military equipment to step up Denmarks presence in the Arctic under conditions of mounting great power conflicts. It has also eliminated a public holiday and imposed other attacks on workers to fund its ever-growing war budgets.

These developments underscore how the fight to defend the rights of immigrants, who are a key component of the working class across Europe, is inseparable from the struggle to mobilise the working class continent-wide against militarism and war, and the attacks on wages, public services, and jobs imposed by the ruling elites.

Workers in Denmark, Italy, and throughout Europe disgusted by the sharp shift to the right of official politics and the witch-hunt against immigrants, which recalls nothing so much as the rabid antisemitism of the Nazis and other fascist regimes of the 1930s, must take this struggle forward on the basis of a socialist and internationalist programme.
This image from video posted on Attorney General Pam Bondi's X account, and partially redacted by the source, shows an oil tanker being seized by U.S. forces off the coast of Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. [AP Photo/U.S. Attorney General's Office/X]

The US military seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, a brazen act of piracy that marks a major escalation in the Trump administrations war preparations against the South American country.

Speaking at the White House, Trump announced the operation in the language of a gangster: Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually. When asked what would happen to the oil, Trump replied, Well, we keep it, I guess.

The Venezuelan government characterized the seizure as barefaced robbery and an act of international piracy aimed at stripping the country of its oil wealth.

The seizure comes just one day after Trump told Politico that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros days are numbered and refused to rule out sending US troops into the country. Trump has also threatened Colombian President Gustavo Petro, declaring that Petro is next. The administration has authorized CIA covert operations inside Venezuela and has developed plans for targeting Maduro and seizing control of the countrys oil fields.

On Tuesday, two US fighter jets circled the Gulf of Venezuela for approximately 40 minutes, coming within 20 nautical miles of Venezuelan territory in an unmistakable provocation.

The tanker seizure is a concrete step toward the regime change operation that Trump has openly proclaimed. Venezuela holds the worlds largest proven oil reservesmore than 300 billion barrels, and the Trump administration is moving to strangle the countrys economy while positioning military forces for direct intervention.

Attorney General Pam Bondi released footage of the operation on social media, showing armed US forces rappelling from helicopters onto the deck of the tanker. She claimed the vessel, identified as the Skipper, had been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations.

The administration has offered no evidence to justify the seizure. The warrant authorizing the operation is sealed, and US officials acknowledged it was issued roughly two weeks ago based on the ships alleged past activities smuggling Iranian oil. The White House did not respond when asked whether the United States had the legal authority to keep the oil.

The seizure must be understood in the context of the Trump administrations recently published National Security Strategy. The 33-page document, released on December 4, explicitly establishes a goal of restoring American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere while denying non-Hemispheric competitors the ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities, or to own or control strategically vital assets in the region.

The seizure of Venezuelan oil makes clear that Trumps claim that he is intervening in Latin America to combat drug smuggling is a transparent fraud. In reality, Trump is seeking to cement US control over Latin America as a power base for war with China.

The National Security Strategy explicitly states that the United States seeks to ensure the Western Hemisphere remains free of hostile foreign incursion or ownership of key assets and supports critical supply chains. The document makes clear that Latin America is to serve as a captive source of raw materials and labor for American corporations, insulated from Chinese investment and trade.

China currently purchases roughly 80 percent of Venezuelas oil exports. The seizure of the Skipper, which according to TankerTrackers.com was carrying approximately 1.1 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, is aimed at strangling this trade and devastating Venezuelas economy. US officials said they expected additional seizures in the coming weeks.

The tanker seizure takes place amid a series of drone and missile strikes against civilian boats in the Caribbean and Pacific that have killed at least 87 people since September. The administration claims, without providing public evidence, that the boats are smuggling drugs. Since September 2, the United States has launched more than 22 such strikes. These strikes are war crimes under international law.

In the September 2 strikes that murdered 11 unarmed civilians, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued an explicit verbal order to kill everybody, the Washington Post reported. Survivors of the initial attack, who waved for rescue not knowing they had been targeted, were deliberately killed in a second strikea clear violation of the Geneva Conventions protections for the shipwrecked.

The tanker seizure came on the same day the House of Representatives passed a record $900 billion defense policy bill by a vote of 312-112. The legislation massively expands US nuclear weapons spending, including funding for the so-called Golden Dome missile defense system. The bill includes provisions that would withhold 25 percent of Hegseths travel budget until he discloses all orders authorizing the boat strikes and releases unedited video of the operationsan absurd triviality that amounts to a minor inconvenience for a man clearly guilty of carrying out war crimes.

This toothless measure is intended as a cover for the total inaction by both parties as the Trump administration carries out murder on the high seas. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, when asked directly whether he opposes regime change in Venezuela, refused to state his opposition. Ya know, obviously if Maduro would just flee on his own, everyone would like that, Schumer said.

Republican Senator Rand Paul, one of the few members of Congress who has made even the most tepid criticisms of the administrations actions, told NewsNation that the seizure sounds a lot like the beginning of a war. Democratic Senator Chris Coons noted that he has not received a detailed briefing on the administrations plans, stating he is gravely concerned that [Trump] is sleepwalking us into a war with Venezuela.

But there is no sleepwalking involved. According to an analysis by RANE (formerly Stratfor Center for Applied Geopolitics), In the coming weeks, the United States will probably escalate its military campaign to targeted strikes in Venezuelan land as the prospects of maintaining the status quo or retreating have declined.

RANE assessed that the most likely scenario remains an escalation to U.S. airstrikes or special forces operations inside Venezuelan territory, as Washington tries to weaken Maduro and indirectly create the conditions for regime change in the long term.

RANE further noted that given the increased U.S. military mobilization in the Caribbean, along with Trumps repeated statements that attacks on land are imminent and his administrations persistent criticism of Maduro, the likelihood of a scenario in which the United States only maintains ongoing kinetic strikes against boats or targets planes that are allegedly trafficking drugs is low.

The Pentagon has deployed more than 15,000 troops, a dozen warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, scores of aircraft and thousands of personnel to the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. This represents the largest US military mobilization in the Caribbean since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland are to boycott the 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in protest at Israels inclusion in the competition.

Last week Israel was allowed to continue competing in Eurovision after a general assembly meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva. The EBU, consisting of 123 public broadcasters from 56 countries, runs the Eurovision Song Contest. The meeting was called to approve rules that the organisation claimed would reinforce trust and protect neutrality of [the] Eurovision Song Contest.

A mural in Girona, Spain promoting a boycott of the 2019 contest in Israel [Photo by Davidpar / CC BY-SA 4.0

This was a ruse to ensure that there would be no vote on the participation of Israel, which carries on its genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza.

The rules were approved with EBU members voting in a secret ballot over the new measures, but without a vote on any countrys participation in next years event.

In an EBU statement that followed, the only mention of Israel/Gaza was an acknowledgment that Ahead of the vote, there was a wide-ranging discussion where Members expressed a variety of views on participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Many Members also took the opportunity to stress the importance of protecting the independence of public service media and the freedom of the press to report, not least in conflict zones such as Gaza.

Spains national broadcaster RTVE, the Dutch AVROTROS, Irelands RTE, and Slovenias national broadcaster immediately said they would not take part in the 2026 contest . On December 10, Icelandic national broadcaster RUV 10 joined the boycott.

The decision by the national broadcasters in the five countries with a combined population of around 78 million people is in response to mass opposition to Israels genocide and the complicity of the major powers in it.

Spain and the Netherlands have witnessed some of the largest protests in their histories. In the Netherlands in May this year, 100,000 protested, in June 150,000 and just weeks ago, in October, 250,000. A mass demonstration of 500,000 was held in the Spanish capital Madrid in October.

The Eurovision Song Contest is the most watched live non-sporting event in the world, regularly pulling in well over 150 million viewers. In addition to those viewing from the European nations who take part, the show is also broadcast in the US and Australia. The 2023 edition held in Liverpool in the UK attracted a viewership of 162 million people, accounting for 291 million hours watched.

Spains decision to pull out of the contest is a major blow. Along with Germany, France, Italy and the UK, it is one of the Big Five nations providing the largest financial backing for Eurovision. This status grants them automatic entry to the finals.

In announcing their boycott, each broadcaster issued statements explicitly citing the genocide in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, and the two-faced claims of the EBU to adhere to neutrality in the face of such crimes.

Spains RTVE declared: The situation in Gaza, despite the ceasefire and the approval of the peace process, and Israels use of the contest for political purposes, make it increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event We cannot celebrate music while thousands of children are being killed. Eurovision must reflect values, not double standards.

Irelands RTE stated: Irelands participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk. RTE remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists.

The Netherlands AVROTROS added: Reliability, independence and humanity are our compass.

Slovenias RTVSLO: At the EBU General Assembly RTV Slovenia presented its position that if Israel were to participate in the Eurovision Song Contestdue to the genocide in Gazait would not participate in the competition On behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza.

Stefan Eiriksson, director-general Icelandic national broadcaster RUV said, There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now, adding that Israels participation had created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public.

The boycotts are the culmination of growing outrage at Israels participation in Eurovision, which have escalated over the past two years. Millions abhor the inclusion of Israel, which allows the countrys Zionist regime to present itself as a normal member of the international community and exploit the event to sanitise its war crimes.

At this years event held in Basel, Switzerland, thousands of musicians, artists and music industry professionalsincluding many past Eurovision participantscondemned the genocide.

Four thousand artists from five Nordic countries signed a statement demanding Israels exclusion in response to Israels mass killing and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza  as well as Israels 75-year occupation of Palestine and apartheid policies. They noted that the International Court of Justice has brought charges of genocide against Israel and protested: We strongly feel that Israel should not have the opportunity to polish its public image on the Eurovision stage and thus use it to cover up and continue its human rights abuses.

Eurovisions claim that it operates based on strict neutrality and that it is a non-political event are a transparent fraud.

In 2019, the Icelandic act Hatari was fined by the EBU for displaying the Palestinian flag. Belarus, an ally of Russia, was excluded in 2021 for submitting politically charged songs and for suppressing media freedom.

Most significantly, in 2022, Russia was banned within days of its invasion of Ukraine on the grounds that its participation would bring the competition into disrepute.

Yet when faced with the genocidal assault on Gaza waged since October 2023, documented by international organizations and recognized as a crime against humanity, the EBU has not only refused to exclude Israel but has actively shielded it from criticism.

In 2024 and 2025, the EBU allowed Israels participation despite its war crimes, and in disregard for growing concern at corruption: including Israel rigging the televoting system, resulting in high public vote scores received by the Israeli entries Eden Golan (2024) and Yuval Raphael (2025).

Following this years competition an investigation by the EBU found that videos from a YouTube accountwithout any obvious links to the Netanyahu governmenthad been pushed to people in European countries who could vote for Israel in both the Eurovision finals and semi-finals. The videos urged people to back Israels Eurovision entry Yuval Raphael, reminding them that they could vote up to 20 times. The investigation revealed that Lapam, the Israeli governments advertising agency, paid Google to promote the videos.

It is highly likely that there will be further boycotts of next years contest, given that Israel is a global pariah.

Britain has seen millions demonstrating in its cities nationally since the genocide began. The British Broadcasting Corporation is among the state broadcasters backing Israels inclusion, under conditions where a poll published following the EBU vote found 82 percent of respondents in the UK believe Israel should be excluded from Eurovision in 2026. Almost seven in 10 (69 percent) said that if Israel is permitted to take part, the UK should withdraw from the contest.
bound4blue, a company specialising in wind propulsion systems for shipping, has raised $44m in its latest funding round.

The investment comes from a group that includes maritime companies, shipping family offices, climate-focused investors, and governmental funds.

OCTAVE Capital, an investment platform associated with shipowner IMC, and Katapult Ocean led the round.

New backers include Motion Ventures, the Odfjell family office and ReOcean Fund, which is managed by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Monaco Asset Management.

Existing investors such as Shift4Good, KAI Capital, GTT Strategic Ventures, and CDTI (Innvierte SICC) have also increased their support.

OCTAVE Capital CEO May Liew said: We invested in bound4blue because wind propulsion systems have moved from promising innovation to proven, scalable climate infrastructure.

For the maritime sector, where long-dated fuel transitions remain critical but still years from wide-scale adoption, this technology provides the real and immediate carbon emissions reductions needed right now.

The company plans to use the funds to industrialise production of its suction sails technology and increase research and development (R&D).

bound4blue is preparing to expand its manufacturing operations to produce hundreds of sails each year, responding to growing demand across the shipping sector.

bound4blues wind propulsion systems, known as eSAILs, are designed to generate additional thrust from wind power.

The systems aim to reduce engine loads, fuel consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions on vessels.

According to data verified by third parties, the technology has delivered results such as daily fuel savings of 1.7t on Ville de Bordeaux, with maximum savings reaching 5.4t.

On Odfjells Bow Olympus, average fuel reductions were reported between 15% and 20%, with some voyage segments achieving savings of up to 40% during transatlantic operations.

The company has so far installed its eSAILs on seven ships and holds orders for 12 more vessels.

This will represent more than fifty sails once deliveries are complete. Clients include Maersk Tankers, Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping, BW Epic Kosan, and Klaveness Combination Carriers.

bound4blue CEO and co-founder Jose Miguel Bermudez said: This round signals a new phase for bound4blue.

Earlier stages focused on proving the technology and validating its impact; now this new capital reinforces the long-term backing we already have from investors who understand shipping and share our industrial vision and the role this technology will play across the fleet.
Autoworkers: Take up the fight against layoffs! Fill out the form at the end of this article to speak out against layoffs and learn more about joining the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committee.

General Motors workers leaving the Factory Zero plant in Detroit Wednesday afternoon denounced the layoffs and the complicity of United Auto Workers in the destruction of their jobs. With the permanent layoff of 1,140 workers at the assembly plant scheduled for January 5, workers spoke about the hardships they are facing and expressed support for a fight to defend their jobs.

The layoffs come as General Motors recorded $14.9 billion in profit in 2024, raised its shareholder dividend, and spent $6 billion on stock buybacks. Despite falling EV sales due to Trumps elimination of consumer tax credits, Wall Street still expects GM to make $1213 billion in 2025. The layoffs are part of a restructuring operation driven by investor demands for automation, consolidation and the destruction of thousands of jobs in the global auto industry.

Supporters of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) distributed the statement Mobilize to stop GM layoffs at Factory Zero in DetroitBuild Rank-and-File Committees. It calls on workers to form independent committees capable of organizing a real fight, unifying workers across plants and borders and breaking out of the isolation imposed by the union bureaucracy.

A young worker spoke with anguish about the impact on her life. In January, Ill be laid off indefinitely. Im mad about it. Right now, my boyfriend is paying for things. Im pregnant and trying to move but I cant. I need to verify my employment to get a new place but I cant with the layoffs.

She continued, The union lets them get away with everythingI dont see why they take money out of our checks because [the company] does anything they want. Asked about Trumps attempts to blame immigrants for the worsening conditions confronting workers, she said, Its the rich that are doing this to us, not immigrants. Trump is crazy.

Far from defending workers, the UAW apparatus has not held a single membership meeting, proposed no fight and is maintaining total silence as workers confront the destruction of their jobs. Factory Zero sits less than five miles from Solidarity House, but UAW President Shawn Fain and Local 22 officials have already sanctioned the layoffs. To oppose the Factory Zero layoffs would cut across the UAW bureaucracys alliance with Trump and his trade-war agenda. Fain has embraced Trumps tariffs and promotes the lie that workers in Canada, Mexico, and other countries must lose their jobs so workers in the United States can keep theirs.

A veteran worker described the constant instability imposed on autoworkers. Im not sure GM even has a plan because things change by the day and by the hour. What were told at one meeting, the next day they can change their mind. The last layoff we had, we found out a day-and-a-half ahead of being off for a month. And so, people had no time to plan for it. Now theyre juggling jobs around, and it doesnt seem like anybody knows what theyre doing.

Im still waiting for my home plant to be retooled so that I can go home. I drive an hour to get here every day. Im coming from Oxford, which is just 10 minutes away from the Lake Orion plant, which has now been down for about two years. And so, Ive been driving an hour each way to and from this plant. She said she supported change but did not yet see an organized path forward: Im not sure where the first step is, but Id love to see a change.

Some workers pointed to the sheer irrationality of the companys actions. It sucks that it is around the holidays, another worker said. Why is it you get car of the year, and suddenly we get laid off? One of my worst fears working at GM is being moved out of state. So far, Ive only been bounced around the metro Detroit area. Ive been lucky.

A young worker referencing the WSWSs widely viewed video interviews with Factory Zero workers described the shock running through thousands of families. My parents saw it too, and they asked me if I was affected. I told them luckily, I wasnt. But 1,100 to 1,200 other people, who I work side by side with, are losing their jobs. And to tell you the truth, they might be planning to close the whole plant. Thats what were all thinking now.

The above-referenced veteran worker provided a broad view shaped by decades inside GMs brutal restructuring machinery. This is the seventh GM plant Ive worked for. I started at SPO in Pontiac and got transferred to Romulus Engine. Then I was forced to work at Warren Powertrain before being forced to Toledo Machining for seven years. Then I came back to Romulus before being transferred to Pontiac Stamping and then Factory Zero.

He rejected GMs narrative that the cuts stem from absenteeism. Yeah, thats where it seems to be headed, he said of a possible full plant shutdown. They blame it on people not coming to work or whateverbut thats not it, this was in the works. He added, We have a lot of people who travel long ways to come to work, including workers driving from Indiana every day.

On Trumps anti-immigrant agitation, he said, I dont think that its the immigrants. Its just his bad policies giving money to certain people and calling out other people because they didnt vote for him. On ICE raids: We should be pulling together instead of dividing I dont know anybody that ever succeeded by being divided.

He was equally scathing toward UAW President Shawn Fain. Fain is no good. We need to get rid of him next year. He wants to be in the media, to be a celebrity. I heard he has security like GM CEO Mary Barra, if not more. So, what are we doing? Are we working? Youre spending all that money, which is not your money but our money, and what about the people thats laid off? He expressed support for the building of rank-and-file committees to transfer power from the UAW apparatus to workers on the shop floor.

Factory Zero workers

The layoffs at Factory Zero are part of GMs plan to cut production by half, triggering mass layoffs at supplier plants including Avancez, Dana Thermal Products, Autokiniton, and Yanfeng, as well as more than 2,000 job cuts across GMs Ultium battery operations in Ohio and Tennessee. This is a coordinated corporate restructuring, backed by Wall Street and enforced by the UAW.

In his statement on the layoffs, Mack Trucks worker and IWA-RFC leader Will Lehman declared:

If our livelihoods are to be protected it is up to shop floor workers ourselves to take action. I urge workers at Factory Zero to immediately establish a rank-and-file committee to organize a fight to stop the layoffs. Workers must demand an immediate membership meeting, led by the most trusted and militant workers, to map out a strategy to defend every job. This includes organizing immediate strike action and mass protests to rally workers throughout the Detroit area to demand no layoffs, the shortening of the workweek with no loss of pay and democratic control over production.

He continued:

Instead of fighting to defend our jobs, Fain has joined the fascist Trump in pitting American workers against our brothers and sisters in Canada, Mexico and globally We will not win just as American workers. We need to reach out to our co-workers in the US and globally if were going to defeat the transnational corporations.

The fight at Factory Zero is not simply a local struggle. It is part of an international movement of autoworkers confronting layoffs, wage cuts, speed-ups and automation across borders. The only viable strategy is to unify workers, not divide them, and to build rank-and-file committees independent of the UAW bureaucracy and its nationalist program, which subordinates workers interests to corporate profitability.

To get information about building a rank-and-file committee to fight the job cuts, fill out the form below.
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A slum and high rise buildings are seen in the background in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. [AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade]

A new report from the World Inequality Lab, the product of four years of comprehensive research, finds that economic inequality on a world scale continues to increase by leaps and bounds, with vast wealth concentrated in a tiny handful of billionaires and centi-millionaires.

As the reports foreword declares:

The data presented here are striking. The richest 10% of the global population own close to three-quarters of all wealth, while the poorest half hold barely 2%. Fewer than 60,000 multi-millionaires now control three times more wealth than half of humanity combined. Within most countries, the bottom 50% rarely possess more than 5% of national wealth.

The World Inequality Lab was established through efforts to investigate global inequality initially spearheaded by economists Thomas Piketty, Gabriel Zucman and Emmanuel Saez, co-authors of a series of studies on the concentration of wealth and income.

According to the report, the wealthiest 0.001 percent have seen their share of the worlds wealth grow from 4 percent to 6 percent since 1995, while the bottom half of the worlds population controls only 2 percent. Multimillionaires have increased their wealth by approximately 8 percent each year over the past three decades, nearly twice the rate of the bottom half of the population.

The report characterizes this as an extraordinary accumulation at the very top. The result is a world in which a tiny minority commands unprecedented financial power, while billions remain excluded from even basic economic stability.

In terms of income, the report finds levels of inequality that defy comprehension. According to its analysis, the top 0.1% earn as much as the entire bottom 50%. This means that a group of people no larger than the population of Singapore takes in the same income as half of the worlds population. At the very summit, the top one-in-a-million (about 5,600 people) earn, on average, one-eighth of what the bottom 50% together receive. In other words, a small concert arenas worth of individuals has an annual income comparable to that of billions of people.

The brutal oppression of the vast majority of humanity by a handful of imperialist powers was analyzed more than a century ago by V. I. Lenin in his work Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism. The World Inequality Report makes clear that while the mechanisms have evolved, the underlying relations of exploitation have intensified.

As the report explains, While colonial powers once extracted resources to transform deficits into surpluses, todays advanced economies achieve similar results through the financial system. Poorer nations are compelled to transfer resources outwardvia debt service, profit repatriation, and financial flowsconstrained in their ability to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

It is a staggering fact that these outflows amount to over 1 percent of world GDP, approximately three times more than development aid flowing in the opposite direction.

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer within countries as well, with the report noting that in nearly every region of the world, the top 1 percent is wealthier than the bottom 90 percent combined.

The report draws on writing and research by more than 200 scholars and was produced with support from the European Union and the United Nations Development Fund.

This backing from a section of the global capitalist elite perhaps accounts for the modesty of the reforms advocated by the reports authorshigher taxes on the wealthy and on global financial flows, more spending on education, healthcare and climate change, particularly in the worlds poor countries. Inequality within every country is less emphasized in the report, which advances the Global North and South perspective that is commonplace in left-liberal circles.

Nowhere in the 200-page document from the World Inequality Lab do the words capitalism or socialism appear. But what emerges from the data presented, however, is the clear and unanswerable case for the expropriation of the capitalist oligarchy.

Under the capitalist system, some 56,000 billionaires and centi-millionaires control the fate of the 8 billion human beings who inhabit this planet. Their wealth, the product of the collective labor of humanity, must be confiscated, and the global economy reorganized to serve human needs, not private profit.

The extreme growth of social inequality documented in the World Inequality Report has been facilitated and overseen by every party of the ruling class, across all countries and political systems. The report itself displays a certain hostility toward sections of the working class in the advanced capitalist countries, stating that in the mid-20th century, lower-income and less educated voters largely supported left-wing parties, while wealthier and more educated groups leaned right, creating a clear class divide and rising redistribution. Today, that pattern has fractured.

This begs the question, why have workers turned away from the so-called left-wing parties? It is the consequence of the collapse of the old social democratic and bourgeois left parties, which long ago abandoned any commitment to policies of social reform, providing an opening for the far right to exploit social grievances.

While the inequality report lays out a series of reform proposals, such as taxing the wealthy and pouring resources into education, healthcare and other social programs, it is silent on why such policies have been repudiated by the ruling classes of every capitalist country. In response to a deepening crisis of the capitalist system, the ruling elite has launched a war on every social gain won in bitter struggle by workers in the 20th century.

The report acknowledges that taxation of the super-rich has collapsed, which not only undermines tax justice; it deprives societies of the resources needed for education, healthcare and climate action.

In other words, the control of society by the financial oligarchy (another word that does not appear in the 200-page report) is not merely unfair. It is the principal obstacle to the functioning of a humane and civilized society, depriving society of resources for necessary services and funneling them into the pockets of the wealthy.

The goal of the report appears to be to convince sections of the ruling elite to make reforms while there is still time. Progressive taxation is therefore crucial, the report says, because it strengthens the legitimacy of fiscal systems by ensuring that those with the greatest means contribute their fair share.

But the response of the ruling class to the growth of opposition, to the emergence of socialist consciousness and class struggle, is the turn to dictatorship and fascism. The reality is that democracy is incompatible with a social order in which a tiny fraction of the population controls the vast bulk of wealth and resources.

Nowhere is this clearer than in the United States, where the Trump administration represents the most concentrated expression of oligarchic rule. Trumps regime is dismantling public education, destroying public health infrastructure, gutting social programs, and removing all restraints on corporate plunder and financial speculation. At the same time, it is building an authoritarian state apparatus to enforce this social counterrevolution. The same processes are evident throughout the world.

The oligarchs will not be persuaded to relinquish their wealth through polite appeals, as proposed by Sanders, Mamdani and their international counterparts. What is required is a mass political movement of the international working class to abolish capitalism and take political power. This means the expropriation of the oligarchy. The fortunes of the billionaires must be seized, the corporations placed under democratic control and the global economy reorganizednot for private gain, but to meet human needs.

The fight for equality is the fight for socialism. It requires the building of a revolutionary leadership, rooted in the working class and armed with a scientific understanding of the crisis of capitalism. We urge all workers and young people outraged by the injustice of the present system to join the Socialist Equality Party and the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world party of socialist revolution.
A Union Pacific worker walks between two locomotives that are being serviced in a railyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Dec. 15, 2023. Recent layoffs at Union Pacific and BNSF, combined with an investment fund's campaign to take control of Norfolk Southern, are renewing concern among unions and regulators about how job cuts might affect safety and service. [AP Photo/Josh Funk]

On the morning of December 3 in Ontario, California, 46-year-old Union Pacific conductor Steve Crowe, known to coworkers as Lil Crowe or Baby Crowe, was killed in a collision. The train he was riding while backing up collided with a combination vehicle at a private industrial crossing.

Steve was a second-generation railroader. He followed in his fathers footsteps and was admired and cared for by those who worked beside him. They called him Lil Crowe as an affectionate acknowledgment of his youth, his energy and his family legacy in the trade.

His death was not an unpredictable accident but the result of relentless cuts to safety by US railroads and corporations across the country.

The operation underway in Ontario was what the industry calls a shoving movement, that is, when a train reverses, pushing rail cars instead of pulling them. This is, according to every serious rail safety body, the most dangerous procedure a conductor can be assigned.

The National Transportation Safety Boards (NTSB) Safety Alert SA-103 explains that conductors performing reverse movements have to ride equipment or walk alongside moving rail cars with limited visibility, relying on hand signals or radios while navigating tight clearances, obstructed crossings and unpredictable vehicle traffic.

Of the 20 conductor fatalities reported to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) from January 2020 to July 2025, 14 occurred during shoving movements. The danger is completely avoidable with modern technology, including fully integrated cameras, automated visibility systems and remote monitoring. But to the extent that they are used at all, it is to harass rail crews and ramp up exploitation, not make the job safer.

Crowes death has devastated those who knew him. His coworkers, friends and community have filled online forums with comments expressing both grief and outrage. Their remarks speak to a person who was deeply respected and to the collective understanding that this never should have happened. Steve was a second-generation railroader and an exceptional coworker, said one.

A close friend wrote a heart-rending tribute that many have echoed:

Steve Crowe was a friend, a person that gave us all great memories. Someone we laughed with, hung out with. He was a good man, always made me laugh, always knew how to cheer someone up. His energy was like no one else, always a happy man. Rest in peace brother  We will never forget you.

Another coworker, wrote:

Lil Crowe was a really good person both on and off the railz. Others call him Baby Crowe, but it shows how much we liked him. We had many nice terms of endearment for the youngster.

The freight rail industry has been transformed into a plaything of Wall Street investors over decades of bipartisan deregulation and financialization. The Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the 1980 Staggers Act removed public oversight and unleashed a frenzy of profit-driven restructuring. Railroads consolidated into a handful of financial behemoths whose primary objective is not reliable operation but relentlessly reducing the operating ratio demanded by investors.

This efficiency revolution reached a new stage on the eve of the 21st century. Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) slashed crews, cut inspection times, lengthened trains to record-breaking lengths, closed yards and destroyed redundancy. It was first started during the Clinton administration, but it spread under the Obama presidency.

Shoving movements became riskier because they are now conducted with fewer, exhausted workers under punitive attendance regimes, often in unfamiliar territory due to constant reassignments, and without needed maintenance or equipment.

Opposition to dangerous working conditions has been growing from below for years. In 2022, railroad workers rejected a government-backed contract maintaining PSR and similar systems, instead pressing for a national strike. The pro-company union bureaucracy acted as industrial police, delaying strike action for weeks until after the midterm elections to give Congress the chance to ban the strike before it even began.

Such is the real record of the Biden administration, the self-proclaimed most pro-labor administration in history.

To oppose this conspiracy and to fight to impose workers demands for a strike, railroaders formed the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee. The Committee played an active role in mobilizing opposition through large online meetings, informational pickets and statements.

The consequences became immediately visible in East Palestine, Ohio, the following January, when 38 cars derailed, including 11 tank cars loaded with toxic or flammable substances, and 2,000 residents were exposed to toxic residues.

The industrial slaughterhouse continues under Trump, who is eviscerating all regulations imposing even the slightest limits on the activities of corporations. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena was a recent visitor to the White House, where he not only secured support for the railroads merger with Norfolk Southern but also advised Trump which cities to send troops into next.

Steve Crowes death is part of a broader and accelerating crisis. Across the logistics sector, workers are dying under intense productivity pressure.

At the U.S. Postal Services distribution center in Allen Park, Michigan, Air Force veteran Nick Acker died after falling into a mail sort machine; his body was not found for hours. A week later, Russell Scruggs, Jr. died at a facility in Palmetto, Georgia.

Rank-and-file committees must be formed by workers to assert workers control of safety, investigating and exposing such preventable deaths and asserting the right to stop production and take other measures when a job is unsafe. Only by removing the profit motive from safety can these disasters be ended.

Such committees are already being built by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to link workers across crafts, terminals, companies, industries and national boundaries.
Frankenstein (2025) is a Gothic science fiction work, produced, written and directed by award-winning Mexican-born filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (Pans Labyrinth, Crimson Peak, The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley). It is based on the 1818 horror novel by English writer Mary Shelley. The film was premiered in August at the 82nd Venice Film Festival to considerable enthusiasm. It is streaming on Netflix.

Oscar Isaac in Frankenstein

Del Toros Frankenstein is a visually imaginative work to some extent, with a number of urgent and disturbing sequences and an overall gravitas, but its conceptions in the end fail to rise above the relatively pedestrian and predictable. At its weakest, it may encourage an attitude toward science that has potentially harmful implications under present-day conditions.

Frankenstein, of course, has an extensive and intensely diverse history both as a specific artistic work and a complex of imagery, with its innumerable (generally very loose!) film and television adaptations, the first coming out in 1910 (made by the Edison Studios). According to one source, an astonishing total of 433 feature films (including Mel Brooks wonderful Young Frankenstein), 212 short films, 85 television series and 340 television episodes feature some version or interpretation of the Frankenstein monster character.

Also remarkably, Mary Shelley began writing the novel, about an ambitious scientist who gives the spark of life to a creature composed of various body parts and then regrets his action, when she was 18 and completed it when she was 19. The work emerged from a personal, political and artistic hothouse of extraordinary dimensions. More about that below.

Del Toro has asserted that his Frankenstein faithfully reproduces Shelleys novel by capturing its fundamental rhythms, philosophical outlook and dual perspectives of creator and creation, treating the book as his lifelong Bible, while injecting it with his own psychological and other concerns.

The director emphasizes he chose not to copy Shelleys dialogue, to avoid sounding archaic, while striving to emulate her melody in dialogue and preserving the novels issues of mortality, identity and the secrets of existence. He retains key moments like the Creatures (Jacob Elordi) self-discovery through interaction with a poor rural family and his begging for a mate in his image.

Although adapting to modern moods and attitudes, del Toro sees himself as Shelleys representative in 2025, aligning his view of monsters as mirrors of human imperfection, morality and emotion with her view of Victor as a Miltonian Satan (Paradise Lost) or a Prometheus defying the Gods. The filmmaker highlights the novels brutal tenderness, using neo-Gothic visuals and practical effects to try and bring forward its terror without straying into stereotypical horror territory.

Del Toros Frankenstein unfolds as a double narrative (Creators tale and Creatures tale), opening in 1857 aboard the ice-trapped Danish ship Horisont en route to the North Pole. A wounded Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) is rescued and recounts his tale to Captain Anderson (Lars Mikkelsen) before the Creature intervenes with his own narrative.

Victors mother dies giving birth to his brother William (Felix Kammerer), fueling Victors obsession with defeating death amid cruel abuse from his prominent surgeon father (Charles Dance), also a baron. Expelled from Edinburgh for reanimating corpses (or pieces of them), Victor accepts funding from fatally ill arms merchant Heinrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz) to build a lab in an isolated tower. Victor assembles the Creature from Crimean War dead and hanged criminals, reanimating it via lightning through its lymphatic system, at first chaining and abusing it like his father did to him. He bonds briefly with Williams fiancee Elizabeth (Mia Goth) before burning the lab in an effort to destroy the Creature, injuring himself in the process.

The Creature survives the blaze, aids a sightless patriarch and his family in the woods (earning the Spirit of the Forest moniker), learns to read, discovers his origins in the laboratory ruins and later revives after being shot by hunters (he cannot die). He demands a mate from Victor at William and Elizabeths wedding, but Victor refuses. In the chaos, Victor accidentally kills Elizabeth. William dies calling Victor the true monster, and the Creature carries the dying Elizabeth to a cave.

Victor pursues the Creature to the Arctic, where they reconcile as father and son after the Creatures failed suicide by dynamite.

Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein

Del Toro creates a new ending, setting forgiveness and redemption at the center of things, in place of Shelleys bleaker, unresolved conclusion. He alters relationships and characters such as Elizabeth, and chooses to root scientific interest in personal/childhood trauma rather than humanitys insatiable quest for knowledgeand yet the director insists these changes honor the essence of Shelleys narratives. This is questionable.

Del Toro is free to interpret Frankenstein as he likes, but the suggestion that he has established some sort of continuity with Shelleys most pressing concerns deserves to be challenged.

In fact, first of all, Mary Shelley presents a generally positive picture of scientists [then termed natural philosophers] and scientific inquiry.

In the novel, Victor attends the University of Ingolstadt in Bavaria. Anne Mellor, in Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters, points out this was one means of associating Victor with the political radicalism of her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley:

Ingolstadt was famous as the home of the Illuminati, a secret [Enlightenment-era] revolutionary society founded in 1776 by Ingolstadts Professor of Law, Adam Weishaupt, that advocated the perfection of mankind through the overthrow of established religious and political institutions.

Victor, as narrator, explains that in Ingolstadt

natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole occupation. I read with ardour those works, so full of genius and discrimination, which modern inquirers have written on these subjects.

One of the professors there

smoothed for me the path of knowledge and made the most abstruse inquiries clear and facile to my apprehension. My application was at first fluctuating and uncertain; it gained strength as I proceeded and soon became so ardent and eager that the stars often disappeared in the light of morning whilst I was yet engaged in my laboratory.

This love of and fascination with knowledge is largely absent in del Toros work. Victors pursuit of science tends to be vengeful, bitter and violent in the new film.

Mia Goth in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley did convey fears about the uncontrolled or arrogant use of new technologies, and the possibility of their employment without proper consideration for their broader consequences, but that is a legitimate matter, which also finds expression in films such as Oppenheimer.

She urges the Enlightenment scientist not to delude himself about the scope and consequences of his activity, and insists Victor owes a moral duty to his offspring, the sentient being he creates. Del Toro, however, shifts the main sin to emotional denialthe chilly, even sadistic refusal of grief and loveand focuses on cycles of trauma and dysfunctional parentchild bonds.

Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is fundamentally a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of scientific creation and the existential isolation of both genius and outcast.

In Shelleys book, Victor grows up in a stable, loving family and pursues reanimation out of scientific curiosity and a humane desire to conquer death. Del Toro reimagines Victors father (renamed Leopold) as abusive and domineering, beating his son during anatomy lessons and instilling a survival-of-the-fittest worldview that Victor later echoes in his relations with the Creature.

Del Toros Victor initially shows care for the Creature but spirals due to disgust, guilt and an inability to confront his emotions, chaining and burning the unfortunate being in a fit of rage. Unlike Shelleys Victor, who rejects his creation primarily out of aesthetic revulsion and pride, del Toros version seems impelled to repeat his fathers brutality, framing creation as an unconscious bid to heal family wounds. The wealthy patron Harlander (Christoph Waltz), funds the project out of his own fear of death from syphilis, adding external pressure that pushes Victor toward desperation.

Shelley was well aware of, and genuinely interested in, the cuttingedge experiments of her time, including galvanism and attempts to resuscitate the dead or apparently dead, and she weaves these ideas into Victors studies. Her depiction of Victors early excitement about unfolding the mysteries of creation reflects contemporary optimism that science could transform human life, showing that curiosity itself is not the problem.

The historical and intellectual setting in which Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein is a dense one. She was associated not only with Percy Shelley, an early socialist in all but name, but the troublemaking Lord Byron and other intellectuals of a radical bent.

In their essay, Shelley and Socialism, Edward and Eleanor Marx-Aveling (Marxs daughter) explain that Percy Shelley was the child of the French Revolution, but came to maturity during the period of the furious response of the European ruling classes to the threat represented by that event:

Throughout Europe in the earlier part of this century reaction was in full swing. In England there were trials for blasphemy, trials for treason, suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, misery everywhere.

Fear of revolution pervaded the British ruling class, now facing a new menace, nascent working class revolt. The first trials of the so-called Luddites, textile workers hostile to the introduction of machinery that would destroy their conditions, occurred in 1812, leading to severe sentences, including hanging. Byron made his famous maiden speech to the House of Lords that February defending starving textile workers who smashed machinery and condemning the death penalty they faced.

Frankenstein

As the Marx-Avelings further point out:

In June 1817, a few operatives rose in Derbyshire. A score of dragoons put down the Derbyshire insurrection, an insurrection there is reason to believe put up by a Government spy. On November 7th 1817, three men, Brandreth, Turner, Ludlam, were drawn on hurdles to the place of execution, and were hanged and decapitated in the presence of an excited and horror-stricken crowd (Dowdens Life). Against this judicial murder [Percy] Shelleys voice was lifted up, as it would be now in like case.

The Peterloo Massacre took place in August 1819, a year and a half after the publication of Frankenstein, during which the local military charged into a crowd of 60,000 demanding adult suffrage and reform of parliamentary representation. Eighteen people are known to have died, with between 400 and 700 injured, although the real figures are likely much higher.

Mary Shelley was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft (who died after giving birth to her), the author of a history of the French Revolution and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, and William Godwin, a semi-anarchist political thinker, author of the novel The Adventures of Caleb Williams and an associate of Tom Paine and other radicals.

Mary met Percy Shelley when she was 16 and he was 21and married. They eloped to France, shocking contemporaries (and Godwin) by first living together unmarried. They faced immense pressures, both because of their unconventional lives and, more significantly, their subversive views.

On top of everything else, Mary knew personal tragedy, losing her first child in 1815. She also had to contend with Shelleys dalliances with other women, associated with his belief in free love, an idea to which she also subscribed. It has been suggested that the criticism of Victors egoism in the novel is in part directed toward Percy Shelleys own failings, although the two were obviously deeply in love.

The summer of 1816, when Mary began Frankenstein while living in Switzerland, was notorious for its cold, the apparent result of volcanic eruptions in Asia. The temperatures resulted in crop failures and famine across the globe, also provoking social unrest and food riots.

These are some of the hothouse circumstances referred to above. The burning social questions, although they find indirect expression in the book, are strongly felt as aspects of its emotional and intellectual weight.

Of course, it would not be possible to include all this in a film interpretation of a single, short novel. But the most serious artists would have done more to bring to bear the intellectual, political and psychological circumstances that informed the writing of Frankenstein. After all, there are many Gothic novels, but very few continue to be read and appreciated. There is an urgency and commitment about Shelleys work that is unique. Why could the filmmaker not have done more to reproduce that and take the viewer through such an experience?

It is not accidental that del Toro has gone out of his way on a number of occasions to denounce Artificial Intelligence, most prominently at the Gotham Awards in late November, when he declared, F- AI. He did so in the context of thanking designers, builders, make-up, wardrobe team, cinematographers, composers, editors, and presumably expressing opposition to the loss of employment. But the blanket condemnation speaks to social layers who blindly and misguidedly blame the technology, which has revolutionary implications, and avoid indicting the social system, for the jobs crisis in Hollywood and elsewhere. It is not a healthy or encouraging response.

Frankensteins weaknesses are not unrelated to these backward comments. The film suffers from an approach that imagines by painting humanity (especially men, scientists, doctors. etc.) and society in the darkest colors one is getting to the heart of darkness and expressing true radicalism. There is a laziness, a going with the flow in this, including in the cheaply marketable feminism that serves as a glue in the narrative. The performances are intelligent, although Isaac is encouraged too often in the direction of hysteria. Overall, the film suffers from a superficiality in regard to the questions it purports to address, although del Toro has undoubtedly devoted time and energy to his Frankenstein.
New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, center, looks on while members of his transition team speak during a news conference in the Queens borough of New York, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. [AP Photo/Heather Khalifa]

With just three weeks remaining before Zohran Mamdani takes office as mayor of New York City, the democratic socialist is turning ever more to the oligarchs whom he once made a pretense of fighting against.

Last week, the New York Times reported on a series of big-ticket fundraising events that Mamdani has held with the corporate and financial elite in an effort to amass $4 million to fund his transition activities and inauguration. With the help of the ultra-wealthy, Mamdani is already well on his way to meet that goal, having pulled in more than $3 million to date. Mamdani is banking significantly more than his predecessors, Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio, who each raised around $2 million.

While the Mamdani team has not made public the mayor-elects event calendar, the Times was able to put together a partial list of recent fundraising stops.

Last week, on Tuesday evening, Mamdani attended a sold-out Greenwich Village fundraiser hosted by crypto-billionaire Michael Novogratz, an heir to the Soros fortune, and the grandson of the founder of Qualcomm. The next morning, Mamdani was hosted by the oil heiress Leah Hunt-Hendrix. Then, earlier this week, Mamdani hobnobbed with the cultural elite at a reception on the Lower East Side, with tickets starting at $1,000.

Mamdanis courting of New York Citys rich and powerful stands in conflict with the image he presents as a political fighter for the interests of the broad masses of workers. His populist appeal against business-as-usual politics dominated by the wealthy has even been a prominent feature of his transition fund-raising appeals.

Usually, transitions rely on wealthy donors, special interests, and Super PACs, one recent message from the Mamdani camp stated, but we want to do this the same way we got here: with you.

Approximately 30,000 people have responded to Mamdanis appeals by donating to his transition activities, which involve sorting through 70,000 applications and preparing policy initiatives.

Mamdanis wooing of wealthy donors, combined with broader appeals to the multitude of lesser means who supported him, is not merely a matter of political hypocrisy or bad optics. It underscores a basic continuity with the Democratic establishment that dominates New York City politics, while simultaneously attempting to breathe new life into a hated political setup by feigning to reconcile the irreconcilablethe social needs of workers with the profit, property, and power of the corporate and financial oligarchy.

The staffing of Mamdanis transition teams exemplifies this political fraud. Last month, Mamdani announced the formation of 17 committees spanning a range of topics, including education, immigration, transportation and housing. Among the more than 400 members are at least 10 representatives from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), along with scores representing progressive non-profit advocacy organizations. Union officials and progressive academics are also strongly represented.

Side-by-side with the DSA, Mamdani brought on figures speaking for the capitalist elite, who will actually direct policy. Most prominent among them is Katheryn Wylde, the head of the big business advocacy organization, Partnership for New York City, who is advising Mamdani on his transition committee focused on the economy.

Wylde and the Partnership for New York City played a prominent role in Mamdanis earlier forays after his primary victory to convince Wall Street and big real estate that he could be trusted to work with them, not against them.

Wyldes appointment is highly significant. It signals to big business that, despite all the rhetoric against inequality and affordability, their priorities will be reflected inside City Hall.

Even before the transition teams were constituted, Mamdani satisfied one of the key demands of the corporate executives in New York City by retaining Jessica Tisch as police commissioner. The billionaire heiress Tisch has played a major role in setting up the NYPDs vast surveillance apparatus and has overseen a violent crackdown on opponents of the genocide in Gaza and Trumps ICE Gestapo under the outgoing administration of Eric Adams.

The transition teams are working over the next few weeks to advise Mamdani on the makeup of his new administration. While the specific names are still to be determined, the character of the administration is already indicated by the coalition of uppermiddleclass progressives and corporate interests that are staffing and funding the transition.

Mamdanis ever more naked embrace of representatives of big business is proceeding under the guise that these forces can be bargained with to alleviate the affordability crisis hammering the working class in New York.

Mamdani includes President Trump among them, meeting with the fascist president two weeks ago and declaring a partnership in their supposed common goal of lowering prices for New Yorkers. Since the meeting, Mamdani has not made any public statements on his social media accounts criticizing Trump.

This fraud serves only to disorient and demobilize a struggle against inequality and dictatorship. Finance capital, the big landlords, and the corporate chiefs whom Mamdani is appealing to will not accept policies that significantly cut into profit streams or threaten property rights. Their interests are diametrically opposed to those of the working class, which is facing an intensifying social crisis where meeting even the most basic needs is a constant struggle.
RPM Freight Systems, a non-asset-based 3PL focused on finished vehicle transportation, announced it has acquired fleet management services provider, Professional Automotive Relocation Services (PARS). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Our vision to revolutionize the automotive industry requires complementary services, said John Perkovich, president of RPM North America, in a Tuesday news release. 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.

Birmingham, Michigan-based RPM arranges finished vehicle transportation for OEMs and individuals across North America and Europe. The company also provides logistics services for over-dimensional and specialized freight.

The PARS acquisition adds lifecycle and fleet management capabilities to RPMs platform.

Gainesville, Virginia-based PARS primarily works with corporate fleets, providing driveaway, storage, and titling and registration services. The deal gives PARS customers access to RPMs large carrier network and tech platform.

PARS will continue to operate under its current banner and leadership team.

Together, we will be able to offer an even more powerful set of tools and a broader network to the fleet industry, said PARS President and CEO Lori Rasmussen.

RPM is backed by private equity firms Trive Capital and Bluejay Capital. The two firms announced their investments in RPM in June 2024.

The acquisition of PARS creates an unmatched, full-service logistics platform for the entire vehicle lifecycle, said Andrew Frank, partner at Trive Capital. Trive is excited to continue supporting RPM as they continue to accelerate their leadership in the vehicle logistics industry.

More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden:

The post Car hauler RPM acquires fleet services provider PARS appeared first on FreightWaves.
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad's (KLSE:CARLSBG) dividend will be increasing from last year's payment of the same period to MYR0.25 on 12th of January. This will take the dividend yield to an attractive 6.0%, providing a nice boost to shareholder returns.

Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit.

Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad's Future Dividend Projections Appear Well Covered By Earnings

We like to see robust dividend yields, but that doesn't matter if the payment isn't sustainable. The last dividend made up a very large portion of earnings and also represented 92% of free cash flows. This is usually an indication that the focus of the company is returning cash to shareholders rather than reinvesting it for growth.

Earnings per share is forecast to rise by 12.8% over the next year. Assuming the dividend continues along recent trends, our estimates say the payout ratio could reach 80% - on the higher side, but we wouldn't necessarily say this is unsustainable.

KLSE:CARLSBG Historic Dividend December 11th 2025

See our latest analysis for Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad

Dividend Volatility

The company has a long dividend track record, but it doesn't look great with cuts in the past. Since 2015, the dividend has gone from MYR0.71 total annually to MYR1.00. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 3.5% over that duration. The dividend has seen some fluctuations in the past, so even though the dividend was raised this year, we should remember that it has been cut in the past.

Dividend Growth Could Be Constrained

With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to see if earnings per share is growing. Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad has seen EPS rising for the last five years, at 13% per annum. The payout ratio is very much on the higher end, which could mean that the growth rate will slow down in the future, and that could flow through to the dividend as well.

Our Thoughts On Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad's Dividend

Overall, this is probably not a great income stock, even though the dividend is being raised at the moment. Strong earnings growth means Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad has the potential to be a good dividend stock in the future, despite the current payments being at elevated levels. We would probably look elsewhere for an income investment.

Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad that you should be aware of before investing. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers.

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.
EngineAI's T800 practiced its jabs and kicks on a punching bag. Screenshot via EngineAI

EngineAI posted a video of its CEO, Zhao Tongyang, being kicked in the stomach by its T800 robot.

The Chinese company raised $180.69 million earlier this month, per PitchBook, and is one of several players in humanoid robots.

Other competitors include Tesla and Boston Dynamics.

In a video posted to Instagram, EngineAI CEO Zhao Tongyang geared up in leg, stomach, and head pads. Workers taunted him, asking if he was nervous.

The company's T800 robot then appeared to kick Tongyang in the stomach, and he can be seen falling to the ground.

"Too violent!" Tongyang said in a translation. "Too brutal!"

The video featuring its CEO came after EngineAI posted a separate video of its humanoid robot doing kicks and flips. Online skeptics made accusations that the bot in the video was CGI, so the company's next video showed the robot landing a kick to the CEO's stomach.

In a comment under its latest video, EngineAI wrote that the startup was "curious" what it felt like for the T800 to kick someone, so they did an "experiment" to find out.

More from Yahoo Scout How much funding did EngineAI raise recently? What is EngineAI and its T800 robot? What is the market size projection for humanoid robots? Who are the main competitors in humanoid robotics?

The video has since amassed over 17,000 likes on Instagram. The first video, which was accused of being CGI, has over 42,000 likes. It is unclear whether EngineAI's T800 was tele-operated or moved independently.

EngineAI raised $180.69 million in December 2025, per PitchBook, in a funding round led by Chinese investment groups HPR Capital, Tsinghua Holdings Capital, and Henan Investment Group.

"In 2026, the Zhongqing team will fully promote the scenario-based verification and large-scale deployment of the product," EngineAI commented on one of the videos. "It will empower industrial upgrading with technological strength and reshape a new ecosystem of human-robot coexistence."

Morgan Stanley released a list of the 25 companies it predicted would dominate the humanoid robotics market, ranging from Nvidia to Sony. The investment bank estimated the market will be worth more than $5 trillion by 2050. EngineAI was not included on Morgan Stanley's list.

Tesla's Optimus robot has also thrown some kicks and jabs. On the red carpet of "Tron: Ares," Optimus performed Kung Fu with actor Jared Leto. On his third-quarter earnings call, CEO Elon Musk said that "nobody was controlling" the robot.

Tele-operation is still common in humanoid robots. Neo, the laundry-folding and dishwasher-filling robot that went viral on X, still requires the control of a human outside the residence as it works on training it to perform more autonomous tasks.
A spokesperson for adult content creator Bonnie Blue is addressing her arrest in Bali.

"We can confirm for now that theyve been arrested and have multiple charges that theyre investigating her on. She is going to court on Friday," the rep for Blue, 26, exclusively told Us Weekly, adding that they have "no idea" on a timeline. "They still dont have any of their phones or passports and are still being interrogated daily."

News broke on December 5 that Blue (real name Tia Billinger) and 17 men had been arrested following a police raid. The group was taken into custody after allegedly making X-rated material.

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Badung Police Chief Arif Batubara told Indonesian outlet Bali Express that the raid came after reports of an alleged pornographic video being created. Authorities allegedly proceeded to raid a vacation rental, which the outlet reported is the suspected location for creation of content containing pornographic or immoral elements.

Bonnie Blue Remains in Custody After Being Arrested in Bali Following Risque Stunt: Report

Australian outlets Nine News and news.com.au reported at the time that Blue was in custody in Kuta. The majority of the arrested men, who were ages 17 to 40, have since been released, new.com.au reported. The outlet claimed that one Australian man and two British men remained in custody.

Blue was in Bali for Schoolies, an event where recently graduated Australian high school students celebrated the end of their school year.

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Prior to the event, Blue had been banned from Australia after announcing her plans to film content at a local Schoolies event. The country reportedly revoked her visa after she requested for barely legal 18-year-olds to film content with her. News.com.au reported in November 2024 that Blues visa was canceled on the grounds that she was planning to violate her approved visa by working in Australia.

Fellow adult content creator Annie Knight has since reacted to Blues arrest, noting that she would never risk [herself] like that.

Honestly, Bonnie being arrested really didnt shock me, Knight exclusively told Us Weekly on December 8. Bonnie went to Bali, a country where sex work is illegal, and despite knowing that, she still chose to do it and break the law. Being arrested was always going to be a risk, and I did try to warn her, but she didnt listen and now she is experiencing the repercussions. That being said, it must be absolutely terrifying being arrested in a different country, and I really hope she is OK.

Breaking Down Annie Knight and Bonnie Blues Feud: A Timeline

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Nearly one year before her arrest, Blue made headlines when she claimed to have broken a world record by sleeping with 1,057 men in 12 hours. (Fellow adult content creator Lily Phillips claimed to have beaten the record in June, sleeping with 1,113 men in 12 hours.)

Blue has since gained attention for her events, including a petting zoo challenge  which was set to feature her unclothed and tied to a glass box while attempting to sleep with 2,000 men. The event, which did not happen, ultimately played a role in her ban from OnlyFans.

Its clearly unfair and its frustrating because Ive been singled out and its just because I get more press and more views, Blue claimed during an exclusive interview with Us in June. Its not because what I did was dangerous. Ive been the only content creator thats happily slept with the numbers I have and have walked away smiling each time.

When rumors began swirling that Blue was banned from OnlyFans, a spokesperson from the platform told Us that extreme challenge content is not available and is not permitted under its acceptable use policy and terms of service. The spokesperson added, Any breach of our terms of service results in content or account deactivation.

To learn more about the serious potential risks and harms of "competitive sex" and other explicit OnlyFans content, read what doctors, mental health professionals and other experts told Us Weekly here.
Image Credit: Ford.

PARIS  Western carmakers are confronting what one of their most senior executives described as a fight for our lives against rapidly rising Chinese electric vehicle (EV) competitors. Its a stark acknowledgment of the fierce market pressures reshaping the global auto industry.

That warning came from Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford Motor Company, as he outlined a new strategic alliance with Renault Group aimed at bolstering Fords competitiveness in Europe, where cost-effective Chinese entrants are gaining ground. Farley made the comments at a Paris press event on 9 December 2025. His remarks cast the Ford-Renault alliance as urgent, not optional.

We know were in a fight for our lives in our industry, Farley told reporters, emphasizing that the challenge is especially visible in Europe, Fords traditional stronghold now under siege from well-priced EV imports.

Are Chinese EVs A Growing Threat?

Image Credit: Ford

Chinese automakers, from household names like BYD to rapidly expanding brands such as Changan and Xpeng, have been increasing their presence in global markets by offering well-reviewed electric cars at significantly lower prices than many Western rivals. In some recent European sales data from 2025, Chinese brands captured around 6.7% of the market in the third quarter, a substantial share for relatively new entrants.

Analysts point to Chinas cost-efficient manufacturing and heavy state support as reasons these brands can undercut rivals on both price and technology. Many of these companies have mastered compressed development cycles and vertical supply chains, enabling them to launch new EV models faster and cheaper than many Western counterparts.

This surge has coincided with European policymakers implementing stringent emissions targets and aggressive carbon mandates. Farley argues that these pressures compound the challenge for Western automakers, who must invest heavily in EV technology while European regulators tighten environmental standards.

FordRenault Alliance: A Strategic Pivot

In response, Ford and Renault agreed to jointly develop two new small electric vehicles specifically tailored to the European market, with plans to launch by early 2028. These EVs will be built on Renaults Ampere electric platform and manufactured at Renaults Douai factory in northern France, but carry the Ford brand. The arrangement is a symbolic and practical pivot toward collaboration rather than competition among Western makers.

The partnership also includes discussions on cooperation in light commercial vehicles (vans), a segment where both companies retain strengths and where Chinese competition is beginning to push beyond passenger cars.
Dating while being the son of the President of the United States must be somewhat complicated. Particularly when your father is as controversial as Donald Trump ispeople either love him or hate him. Now, it seems like the youngest Trump is getting dating advice from a somewhat controversial source, if new reports are to be believed.

Barron Trump reportedly received dating advice from an associate of Andrew Tates named Justin Waller, according to The New York Times, with the outlet also reporting that Tate has become like a big brother to the Presidents youngest son. Tate, a self-described misogynist, is facing six different legal investigations, four criminal and six civil, and has been charged in Romania with rape, human trafficking, and forming an organized crime group to sexually exploit women.

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Related: Here are the celebrities who support Donald Trump

He also faces additional charges in the U.K. involving multiple women relating to bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution for financial gain.

According to The Times, Tate has nurtured relationships with both Barron Trump and Donald Trump Jr., with the outlet saying the youngest Trump admires Tate and stating that the two have spoken directly, according to Waller, who was on the call. In this conversation, the two reportedly discussed their shared belief that the case in Romania against Tate was an attempt to silence the Tate brothers.

Thats not all, as Justin Waller also claimed to the Times that he offered Barron Trump dating advice and also said he attended a dinner at Mar-a-Lago hosted by the Presidents youngest son. Last year, Andrew Tate described himself as being very close to the Trump family, with the outlet also reporting that the Tate brothers connection to the Trump family dates back nearly a decade.

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All of this comes after recent reports that first lady Melania Trump is particularly protective of her sons privacy, which opens up the possibility that she might be upset about these revelations, as well. Just recently, the first lady was reportedly very upset when a pastor publicly shared details of a phone call he had with the youngest Trump. Pastor Stuart Knechtle revealed in public that Barron shared he was very close to putting his faith in Christ.

Melania was reportedly furious because the conversation was supposed to be private. Melania has always stressed discretion, a source told Rob Shuter. She believes her familys private life is sacred. This? Its a betrayal.

Reports indicated it wasnt about what was said, but the fact that anything was reported in the first place. Melania exploded when she heard about it, another insider added. This isnt just disappointment  its fury. Sources went on to add, This isnt about politics or religion. Its about trust, another insider said. [Melania] has always tried to shield him from the spotlight.

Now, the betrayal reportedly has the first lady considering next steps. Melanias circle is circulating reminders about confidentiality, the source added. Everyone who works with the family knows: leaks will not be tolerated  Barrons moment might have been innocent, but the betrayal? Devastating.

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Apparently, Dynzell Sigers would rather die than be a short king ... because the Georgia man went through months of pain and therapy to have his limbs dramatically lengthened to be taller.

Sigers stopped by "TMZ Live" Wednesday, and he revealed the procedure's possible side effects include death. Check out the video ... he talks about doctors breaking bones in the leg and inserting a rod to connect the broken pieces. Over time the rod is stretched, which also stretches the bone. Dynzell said each procedure requires at least 3 months of recovery.

Guess Who's Tall! - Click image to open gallery

Back in 2022, he was a young Navy medic who got rejected by a woman -- for standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. Fast-forward to 2025, and he's now a 6' 1" internet sensation after adding 8 inches to his frame with 2 risky procedures.

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In the U.S., the process is usually only expected to add 3 inches. That's because here, doctors typically only lengthen the upper leg. It's thought to be especially dangerous to lengthen the lower leg ... knowing this, Dynzell flew to Turkey to circumvent those advisories.

Dynzell Sigers Exercises Following Height Surgery

Dynzell says he's fully recovered and hasn't had any issues, but he admits he's lucky. Seeing as how he's still alive, Dynzell says he's glad he did it.

All told, the added inches reportedly cost Dynzell more than $80,000.
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Another royal's ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein have been revealed. According to newly leaked emails, the late criminal once invited Sweden's Princess Sofia to join him on vacation.

Keep reading for the details...

MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news

hbgbild / MEGA

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When Princess Sofia was 21 and cutting her teeth in the modeling business, her mentor introduced her to Jeffrey Epstein. "This is Sofia, an aspiring actress who just arrived in New York," the woman emailed the late financier. "She's the girl I told you about before I left, who I thought you might like to meet. Maybe we can visit before you go on holiday?" Epstein reportedly replied, "I'm in the Caribbean. Does she want to come for a couple of days? I'll send a ticket."

ATB/ATP/WENN/Newscom/The Mega Agency

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According to Sweden's royal family, Princess Sofia declined the invitation. "Princess Sofia has been introduced to the person in question [Jeffrey Epstein] on a few occasions around 2005," they said in a statement, adding that the 41-year-old did not have any other contact with the convicted predator.

Supplied by Capital Pictures / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com

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According to the German outlet Bild, Princess Sofia met Jeffrey Epstein in person at a dinner party she and her mentor hosted at his Upper East Side mansion in New York City. The native New Yorker reportedly offered to get her and her friends into acting school.

Tim Merry/Express Syndication / MEGA

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England's Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, were stripped of their titles and evicted from Royal Lodge over their Jeffrey Epstein ties. In a leaked email, the former Duchess of York called the financier a "supreme friend" to their family.
House of Dior Beijing, a petal-shaped architectural marvel, officially lit up on Thursday in the heart of Taikoo Li Sanlitun  the Chinese capitals epicenter of luxury and cultural effervescence, as the house described it in a statement.

Spanning five stories, the retail superstructure, one of the brands largest in China, kicks off the launch of Taikoo Li Sanlitun North, an open-air luxury destination with stand-alone structures for Dior, Louis Vuitton and Hermes.

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House of Dior Beijing is much more than a boutique, its a real house of dreams, said Delphine Arnault, chairman and chief executive officer of Christian Dior Couture, in an email.

It is a realm of unique experiences, where all forms of art de vivre come together beautifully  from architecture to gastronomy, design to fine craftsmanship and contemporary art, a place of renewal and wonder.

Arnault added: This new location in one of the most dynamic districts of the Chinese capital, Sanlitun, highlights and reinforces our historic, unbreakable ties with China and its fabulously inspiring creative scene.

The facade of the building, designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc  who the brand previously worked with on its flagships in Seoul and Geneva  is a blooming mega-sculpture with sweeping curves constructed of 14 petals and golden glass tiles.

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Speaking to WWD ahead of the store launch, the 81-year-old, Pritzker Prize-winning architect said the design was meant to convey a sense of flexibility and movement, which echoes the way that Christian Dior liked to drape fabrics. It also evokes caryatids, or sculpted female figures serving as architectural support in ancient Athens architecture, due to the pedestrian nature of the outdoor shopping mall.

Christian de Portzamparc in Beijing.

To create each 65-foot-tall petal, Portzamparc used a special resin-casting technique and collaborated with a local manufacturer, which moved operations to a factory closer to Sanlitun and spent 18 months crafting the pieces.

The idea came from Seoul because Seoul has shipyards, so it was easy to do that for Beijing. We had studied the routes for transporting the hulls, which had to be very, very precise. So we found a factory that knew how to do that, but didnt have the right route to get here  thats why it relocated, said Portzamparc.

A miniature of the design at House Of Dior Beijing.

Portzamparc also adjusted the original petal structure for Beijing, widening the spaces between them and adding a massive vertical golden glass tile wall to each facade  a similar aesthetic found in traditional Chinese architecture.

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During the day, the colored-glass facade of Diors neighboring Louis Vuitton flagship reflects light onto Diors own glass structure, sending refracted hues dancing across the building. At night, the House of Dior transforms into a glowing lantern, creating an ever-shifting dialogue between light and space.

Hues dancing across the building.

For Portzamparc, the Taikoo Li Sanlitun project played a major role in the reintroduction of pedestrian life into modern-day Beijing, a sprawling city known for its concentric expressways.

Beijing is a pioneer of modernity and also a pioneer of this kind of modern urban planning which followed the rule of the automobile, and above all, the death of the street that Le Corbusier decided upon, said Portzamparc. It is not the easiest to live with the wide and fast avenues; it is difficult to cross the street as a pedestrian.

I feel like sometimes weve lost a bit of our tradition, such as the hutong neighborhoods, which were wonderful, yet they have somewhat been forgotten, Portzamparc said. Taikoo Li Sanlituns zoning plan  which largely prohibits cars  is designed for walking.

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When something is a little bit new and a little bit exciting in architecture or urban planning, it can bring a lot to the table, said Portzamparc.

Taikoo Li Sanlitun was a pioneer in introducing the concept of neighborhood shopping to China when it opened in 2008. Its success at the time, mostly with mass market brands, paved the way for the arrival of Taikoo Li Chengdu, considered one of Chinas best luxury retail destinations for blending historical preservation with a high-brow shopping experience. That in turn inspired Taikoo Li Sanlitun to go through a five-year luxe transformation.

Its a modern neighborhood, but it has dimensions that hark back to life before, to life when there were still streets. The organization of the street probably originated in Chinawe believe that the street is eternal, Portzamparc added.

For Taikoo Li Sanlitun visitors, another marvel of the Dior flagship is its holiday window display  a magical theater upheld by vintage travel trunks that portray miniature scenes, such as Christian Dior manning the atelier, hosting a runway show, and greeting guests at 30 Avenue Montaigne with his faithful dog Bobby.

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Dreamlike carousels adorned with Lady Dior handbags, JAdore pumps, medallion chairs, and Miss Dior perfume bottles  all house icons  are staged in a luminous setting, offering a localized interpretation of the brands global holiday installations.

House Of Dior Beijing's holiday window display.

Once inside the new store, the enchantment continues in a well-lit space that highlights Cabochon parquet flooring, wallpapers accented with touches of gold, and abundant fresh bouquets  some immortalized as themed artworks  paying homage to the founding couturiers enduring relationship with flowers.

Designed by Diors in-house team, the store doubles as a gallery with designer furniture, including Claude Lalannes Ginkgo Leaf bench, Sarah Meyohas misty painting and Valeria Nascimentos ceramic floral composition Gold Cascade.

Claude Lalannes Ginkgo Leaf Bench greets guests on the first floor.

Herve Van der Straetens Super Bubbling mirror, Not Vitals steel sculpture Cuq, Franck Evennous tables, and works by Xu Zhen, Wang Xiyao, and Annalu infuse the space with vibrant palettes and a contemporary energy.

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At the brands fine-dining restaurant, Monsieur Dior by Anne-Sophie Pic, three artworks from Chinese painter Hong Hao highlight the beauty of the color red and recall Beijings original spatial order  a central axis that consists of the Forbidden Palace, ceremonial structures and more. Dior Maison objects, including a trunk and vases created by Joy de Rohan Chabot, sit in a room adjacent the restaurant.

Inside Monsieur Dior.

The main focal point of the store is a monumental spiral staircase that leads visitors to the second floor, where the brands womenswear offerings  including the latest cruise 2026 collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri  are merchandised alongside accessories, fine jewelry, Dior Lady Art projects, and La Collection Privee fragrances.

The spiral staircase.

The third floor offers mens collections, timepieces, and tailoring, while the top level features two private rooms, a space filled with white toiles  an OMA concept  and an outdoor terrace.

The top floor terrace.

Here, a reproduction of Rene Bouches painting Monsieur Dior a table adorns the corridor and highlights the couturiers love of the art of hospitality. Inside the private room, a hypnotic painting by the French artist Mathilde Denize underscores the poetry of the space.

Herve Van der Straetens Super Bubbling mirror adorn one of the private rooms on the top floor.

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To inaugurate the venue, Dior unveiled an exclusive selection of products, including dresses from the 2026 cruise collection, gold-embroidered Lady Dior and Dior Toujours bags, a plush red Dior B57 sneaker, 10 Rose des Vents pendants, and more.

For fans of Dior creative director Jonathan Andersons work, his debut collection for womens and mens will arrive in stores at the beginning of January.

Ziyi Zhang in a look from Jonathan Anderson's women's debut collection for Dior.

On Thursday evening, Arnault; Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou, deputy CEO of Christian Dior Couture; Anderson; Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, and celebrities including Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi; Dior global brand ambassadors Ana Zheng and Xin Liu; Dior global beauty ambassador and brand ambassador in China Wei Deng, and brand ambassador in China Ye Zhou attended the opening ceremony.

Launch Gallery: Inside House Of Dior Beijing At Taikoo Li Sanlitun

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Jeffrey Epsteins royal connections extended beyond the UK. Princess Sofia of Sweden met the disgraced financier several times in 2005 during her days as a lingerie model. This revelation was confirmed by the Swedish Royal Court.

Her introduction to Jeffrey came a year before the latter received a soliciting prostitution arrest. It was a relationship that the convicted child sex offender reportedly wanted to pursue further. Jeffrey learned about Sofia through her mentor, Swedish businesswoman Barbro Ehnbom. She allegedly emailed him in December 2005 with a picture of the brunette. That seemed to spark Jeffreys interest.

Jeffrey Epstein wanted Swedens Princess Sofia on his private island

Photo Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Numerous lives have been ruined, some permanently, after visiting Jeffreys infamous island. Fortunately, the future wife of Prince Carl-Philip was one of those who avoided that kind of scarring.

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Jeffrey apparently emailed Barbro back to invite Sofia to his island. Im in the Caribbean. Does she want to come for a couple of days? Ill send a ticket, said Jeffrey, per records obtained by Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter. The court says that she never wound up going to the infamous island, which served as a primary location for a large-scale sex trafficking enterprise involving Jeffrey. The court added that The princess has not had any contact with the person in question for 20 years.

Perhaps Sofias wild past served as a good lesson for her about the dangers of interacting with strangers. She had the reputation of being a party girl before meeting Jeffrey. In 2004, she posed topless for the magazine Slitz. She was also previously on the reality TV dating series Paradise Hotel in 2003.

After that experience, she moved to New York City and became a certified yoga instructor. The soon-to-be Princess detailed days of partying in The Big Apple, including meeting actor Mark Wahlberg.

Jeffrey died in prison in 2019, but plenty of people he interacted with are making news. One is President Donald Trump. Author and royal historian Andrew Lownie alleged that Jeffrey introduced the future President to his current wife, Melania, something the First Lady denies.

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Sofia and Prince Carl-Philip were married in 2015.

TELL US  DO YOU THINK SOFIAS WILD PAST MAY BE WHY SHE DIDNT PURSUE AN INVITATION TO JEFFREY EPSTEINS ISLAND?

The post Jeffrey Epstein Linked to Another Royal Family Member: Details appeared first on Reality Tea.
In a solemn video posted to X this week, Mikhaila Peterson provided a brief update on her father, psychologist and author Jordan Peterson, revealing that the 63-year-old is now recovering at home after an extended hospital stay. However, his exact condition remains a bit cloudy.

Hes still very unwell, but hes not in the hospital, Mikhaila said in the nearly five-minute clip. Im seeing him every day for hours, which is really nice. Were working with great specialists and giving him more time to recover. Im hopeful he will recover with time.

She would go on to describe the situation as really bad, but not as bad as it was a month ago or two months ago, expressing some cautious optimism.

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Mikhaila admitted some uncertainty about the root cause of her fathers health problems -potentially involving immune system issues, neurological complications, or a combination of both.

We still dont know 100% whats going on, but we have great specialists, and were waiting, hoping, and praying for recovery, She wrote in the clips caption.

The update video, which has garnered close to 2 million views and thousands of supportive replies in under 24 hours, comes after a year of profound challenges for the Peterson family.

Mikhaila, a health advocate herself and co-founder of Peterson Academy, along with her dad, has been candid about the toll it has taken on the family, saying that the past months have felt otherworldly.

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She also spoke about her own recent adversity, including a difficult pregnancy and a life-threatening health scare for her now seven-month-old daughter, Audrey, who suffered idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in June but is healing well.

Audrey, on the other hand, is doing really well. Praise God for that, Mikhaila said.

Jordan Petersons health journey has been a long one, to say the least.

His troubles trace back to 2016, when an apparent autoimmune reaction to food triggered severe anxiety, leading to a prescription for clonazepam, a benzodiazepine.

His dosage allegedly escalated to a dangerous amount, according to Petersons own book Beyond Order: 12 More Rules For Life, due to some family stressors  including his wife Tammys 2019 kidney cancer diagnosis, which initially appeared terminal but from which she has since recovered.

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Attempts to taper off the medication in 2019 reportedly threw some tough withdrawal symptoms at Peterson, prompting him to enter a drug rehab facility in upstate New York.

When those efforts didnt offer enough help, he even sought out experimental treatment in Russia in early 2020, where doctors reportedly induced a nine-day medically supervised coma to mitigate withdrawal risks. Complications allegedly quickly sprouted from that controversial treatment, including double pneumonia and sepsis, leaving him reportedly unable to speak or move independently for weeks, according to CBC News.

Peterson later developed akathisia, a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by intense restlessness, further sidelining him from some public speaking engagements he had previously scheduled.

This latest chapter began earlier in 2025, when Peterson was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a condition linked to mold exposure and immune dysregulation that he first identified in 2018.

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Symptoms for CIRS, including unexplained neuropathy and muscle weakness, all of which had allegedly impacted Peterson for years but intensified dramatically over the summer. A flare-up occurred after he helped clear out his late fathers mold-infested basement, exacerbating neurological issues that led to polyneuropathy and myopathy.

By July, Peterson had fallen gravely ill while staying with Mikhaila and her family, requiring emergency hospitalization.

He spent nearly a month in intensive care battling pneumonia and sepsis, coming perilously close to death, according to his daughters October update on social media. That previous X post, viewed nearly 11 million times, painted a dark and difficult picture: slow, day-by-day recovery overshadowed by fears of a depression, possibly compounded by a lot of bad luck or even spiritual warfare  a nod to the biblical reference in Ephesians 6:12 that Mikhaila referenced.

In the meantime, Mikhaila highlighted her fathers quiet engagement with Peterson Academy, the online education platform she co-founded with him, where he has been reviewing courses from his bedside.
Over the years, media outlets have cut hefty checks for the first photos of celebrity babies, from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitts children to Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthonys twins.

Page Six has broken down the most expensive baby photos of all time.

Scroll to learn more.

Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt  $14 million

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt reportedly sold photos of their twins, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, for $14 million. People

The exes reportedly donated the funds to charity. Jackson Lee / Splash News

When Angelina and Brad welcomed their twins, Knox and Vivienne, in July 2008, the media was eager to get its hands on the newborns first photos.

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At the time, an insider told Today that People and Hello! magazine scored a joint deal and coughed up $14 million for the snaps.

Three weeks after their birth, the twins and their famous parents were featured on the August cover of People.

The Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-stars, who were together from 2004 to 2016, reportedly donated the money to charity.

Max and Emme Muniz  $6 million

Jennifer Lopez and her ex-husband Marc Anthony reportedly sold photos of their twins, Max and Emme Muniz, for $6 million. People

The exes were wed from 2004 to 2014. Getty Images

Lopez and Anthony, her ex-husband, welcomed their twins, Max and Emme Muniz, in February 2008.

People magazine reportedly paid between $4 million and $6 million for a first look at the little ones, the outlets digital platform reported at the time.

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However, a rep for the magazine claimed the reported price tag for the photos was inaccurate, per Forbes.

Shiloh Jolie  $4 million

Jolie and Pitt reportedly sold their child Shiloh Jolies first public photo for $4 million. REUTERS

Shiloh Jolie, who dropped their fathers last name in 2024, was born to Angelina and Brad Pitt in May 2006.

According to ABC News, People reportedly paid the exes $4 million to debut their childs photo.

The magazines cover photo featured the three lying down, with the F1 star looking at his newborn and Angelina staring at Pitt in awe.

Levi Alves McConaughey  $3 million

Matthew McConaughey, his wife, Camila Alves, and their son, Levi Alves McConaughey, posed on the cover of OK! magazine for $3 million.

Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves, welcomed their son, Levi Alves McConaughey, in July 2008.

TMZ reported that the couple, who started dating in 2006 and wed in 2012, received a $3 million payday from Hello! magazine.

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The family of three was featured on the cover of the magazines August 2008 edition.

Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt  $2 million

Angelina and Brad debuted a first look at their adopted son Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt for $2 million in 2007.

Jolie and Pitt brought home another hefty check when they sold photos of their adopted son Pax Thien Jolie Pitt in 2007.

The actors reportedly sold photos of Pax to People magazine for $2 million after bringing him home from Vietnam, per Forbes.

A March 2007 cover photo showed Angelina holding her son, and Brad was notably missing.

Danielynn Birkhead  $2 million

Larry Birkhead reportedly sold a photo of his and Anna Nicole Smiths daughter, Danielynn Birkhead, for $2 million shortly after the models death.

Smith died in February 2007. AP Photo

Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead welcomed their daughter, Danielynn Birkhead, in September 2006.

The following year, Smith tragically died in February 2007 from an accidental drug overdose.

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According to W Magazine, Larry then made a deal to sell his daughters first published photo to OK! magazine for $2 million.

The father-daughter duo appeared on the April 2007 magazine cover.

Max Bratman  $1.5 million

Christina Aguilera and her son, Max Bratman, posed on the cover of People in January 2008 for a reported $1.5 million.

The former couple were married from 2005 to 2011. Splash News

Christina Aguilera and her now ex-husband, Jordan Bratman, welcomed their son, Max Bratman, in January 2008.

ABC News reported that the Beautiful songstress and the music producer, who were married from 2005 to 2011, sold photos of their child for $1.5 million to People magazine.

Aguilera and her newborn were featured together on the February 2008 cover.

Honor Marie Warren  $1.5 million

Jessica Albas daughter, Honor Marie Warren, made her debut on the cover of People in 2008.

The actress shares her daughter with her estranged husband, Cash Warren. Splash News

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Jessica Alba and her now ex-estranged, Cash Warren, welcomed their first child, Honor Marie Warren, in June 2008.

Per TMZ, the Fantastic Four star, who married the film producer in 2008, received $1.5 million from OK! magazine for a photo with her daughter.

The actress and her newborn posed sans Cash on the cover.




A Real Housewives star was released from a famous Texas prison after serving just almost three years of her six-and-a-half year sentence for her role in a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme. Jen Shah was officially released from the Federal Bureau Prison Camp in Bryan on Wednesday, December 10, according to an exclusive report from People.

The magazine announced last month the Federal Bureau of Prisons approved the release of Shah, 52, who was famously arrested during her time on Real Housewives: Salt Lake City. The latest report says that it is not immediately clear whether she was relased to her own home or if she will be reuqired to transfer "to a halfway house to complete the remaining portion of her sentence under supervision." The decision to not reveal her next location is reportedly to "protect her privacy."

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\Shah has successfully had her sentence reduced multiple times leading up to reported the December 2025 release, and the bureau has previously cited to People that "good behavior, participation in prison programming and financial payments she has begun making to victims" contributed to the decisions.

Shah was sentenced to 78 months in prison in 2023 for her role in the scheme, and she carried out her sentence at FPC Bryan in Texas. She was also sentenced to pay back $6.5 million in restitution to her victims..

The famous low-security federal prison houses a number of public figures including Epstein associate and former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as Elizabeth Holmes, who is serving time for the infamous Theranos healthcare fraud scheme.

People reported in February that Shah and Holmes became "friends" while at the prison.

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"Everyone's very grateful for the BOP's decision, especially because it means Jen will be able to reunite with her family for the holidays. It's a gift she doesn't take for granted," Chris Giovanni, Shah's manager, told PEOPLE in a statement. "Jen's in a really positive, hopeful place mentally. She's done a lot of reflecting and real growth during her time away, and is genuinely not the same woman as she was before."

Her manager told the magazine that Shah's "focus is on her family and building a healthier, more grounded life," and said that "she understands the seriousness of the mistakes she made and is excited to put this chapter behind her so that she can show everyone the woman she's worked hard to become."

This article originally published at 'Real Housewives' star released from prison in Texas, report says.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story referred to a comment Donald Trump made about Rosie ODonnell during a debate with Hillary Clinton. He made it during the August 2015 Republican primary debate. Originally moved Dec. 6.

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DUBLIN - Welcome to Ireland, Rosie, said the woman walking toward her as she headed back from the store on Halloween night with candy. The passerby - a total stranger to Rosie ODonnell - added blithely: We hate him, too.

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Everyone here seems to recognize the American entertainer and know why she left the United States to move here in January.

I felt on the verge of crying when I was there, when he got elected, ODonnell told an Irish television audience during a talk show appearance in March.

Shes a sensitive soul, a giant exposed nerve who has posed, successfully, for most of her life and career as a brassy Long Island toughie. Donald Trumps first administration took an emotional toll on the die-hard liberal, even as she tweeted and marched and spit invective against the president every chance she got.

She didnt think she could endure a second term. The stakes felt higher, too. A lesbian who has married and divorced two wives and adopted several children, ODonnell, 63, worried about life under an administration that has been hostile to gay rights and gender-nonconforming people in general; her youngest, 12-year-old Clay, is nonbinary. ODonnell fretted about what the dismantling of the Education Department would mean for special-ed services for Clay, who has been diagnosed with autism.

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This time, she had a plan, which she worked out with her therapist. ODonnells paternal grandparents were from Ireland, easing her path to citizenship, and she knew the country from her trip here as a girl, soon after her mother had died of breast cancer.

People said: Why didnt you go to Italy or France? she said on her television appearance in March. Because Im Irish. So I went to Ireland.

The truth is, ODonnell had no idea what it would be like to live on the Emerald Isle, an exile from the land of her birth, the locus of her fame.

A lot of celebrities talked about leaving the country if Trump retook the White House, but most stayed, other than ODonnell and Ellen DeGeneres, who decamped from Montecito, California, for rural England with her spouse, Portia de Rossi.

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Of course, there are a lot of good reasons for a fabulously wealthy person to live in Europe, and for some of them, self-imposed exile is an affordable luxury in service to their genuine political views and concerns. Most, in other words, dont have ODonnells uniquely personal history with the president or the sense of urgency it spurred for her.

In the 1990s, Trump and ODonnell shared space on the same tier of fame (solidly B-list) and even similar public personae: vivid triborough loudmouths who could be counted on for 15 minutes of entertaining late-show bluster.

He was the Manhattan real estate mogul trying to go global, perpetually hinting at greater ambitions. She was the stand-up comic making Hollywood inroads as a movie sidekick - sturdy, bat-flipping third basewoman Doris Murphy in A League of Their Own, Meg Ryans wisecracking best friend in Sleepless in Seattle.

Then one career took off. Hers.

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ODonnells hard-to-slot talents found their medium in daytime talk shows - first with her syndicated Rosie ODonnell Show, where she specialized in Broadway belters, cute kids, charity fundraising, former teen idols and a generalized niceness. Her more caustic side reemerged in 2006 during the first of two stints of juicing ratings on ABCs The View, where she took on the George W. Bush administration, the firearm industry, the Catholic Church, her conservative co-hosts - and Trump, who by then had bought in to the beauty pageant business.

In December 2006, ODonnell spent several minutes of a roundtable segment on The View blasting the showy way Trump dragged out his deliberations over whether to fire Miss USA Tara Conner after a drug and alcohol scandal. She also mocked his hair, called him bankrupt and compared him to snake oil salesmen.

Left the first wife, had an affair; left the second wife, had an affair. Had kids both times, but hes the moral compass for 20-year-olds in America, she said, drawing hearty laughter from the studio audience. Donald, sit and spin, my friend.

In a separate TV appearance that same day, Trump threatened to sue. Rosie ODonnell is disgusting, I mean both inside and out, he said. Take a look at her, shes a slob. She talks like a truck driver.

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Two decades later, hes in the White House and shes on the far side of an ocean. Yet he still cant get her name out of his mouth.

Their relationship cuts to the heart of the Trump M.O. Even now, no slight is too old to remember, no target too distant to attack. So as their public profiles shot in opposite directions - he, from reality star to two-term president; she, from talk show icon to occasional cable show actress - he could not resist reigniting their feud.

In August 2015 during a Republican presidential primary debate:

Youve called the women you dont like fat pigs, dogs, slobs and disgusting animals, said moderator Megyn Kelly, then a Fox News host, as she teed up a question.

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Only Rosie ODonnell, Trump cut in, eliciting laughter from his supporters.

Even this year: When Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin visited the White House in March, Trump - cued by a question from a reporter from the right-wing channel Real Americas Voice - told him he was better off not knowing ODonnell.

The exchange was so surreal, ODonnell said later, that she wrote a note to Martin explaining her history with Trump and apologizing that he had been put in that position.

Suddenly, what had once seemed like a classic showbiz rivalry - a Joan Crawford-Bette Davis slap fight rebooted for the reality TV era - was beginning to feel more ominous than absurd.

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In July, Trump posted a distortedly large photo of ODonnells face on social media and called for her citizenship to be taken away because she is incapable  of being a great American.

Was he kidding? Experts agreed that presidents have no such power. Still, in coming months, other Trump critics called out in the presidents posts would feel the heat, direct or indirect, of his administrations investigatory and regulatory powers: Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, James B. Comey, Letitia James, Adam Schiff.

Unbowed, ODonnell responded by posting a photo of Trump smiling, his arm around the late disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

You are everything that is wrong with America, she wrote, and Im everything you hate about whats still right with it.

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She signed off with a reference to the sadistic boy tyrant of Game of Thrones: You want to revoke my citizenship? Go ahead and try, King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan.

Those who know Ro, as her friends call her, understand why she left. Its that exposed nerve. Others can click the remote. She finds herself drawn in, consumed, overwhelmed.

The root of her focus is no mystery. Her mothers death, just before her 11th birthday, created a pervasive sadness at home that she has spent a lifetime trying to offset. Thats why she became so committed to mothering, whether through the five children she adopted or the nonprofit adoption agency she funded. She knows she is too indulgent of her kids, because, as shell admit, all that matters to her is that theyre happy. She also has a soft spot for strangers in peril.

When she was 12, ODonnell turned on the TV and watched the evacuation of Saigon, as people were scrambling to get onto airplanes. She began to cry after she saw an older lady get pushed off the stairway and out of the frame. What would become of her? How could they do that? Her fathers response: Stop watching the news.

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In 1999, ODonnell was in the midst of her first Emmy-winning talk show run when a pair of teenagers opened fire at Colorados Columbine High School and killed 13 of their classmates. ODonnell cried every day, haunted by the idea that there were children killing each other in schools. That led to an unexpected on-air showdown with Tom Selleck, who chose that unfortunate moment to appear on her show to promote the forgettable romantic comedy The Love Letter. ODonnell blistered him with questions about gun control and his advocacy for the National Rifle Association.

I didnt come on your show to have a debate, the exasperated actor replied. I came on your show to plug a movie.

Friends have watched helplessly as ODonnell gets drawn into various other exotic dramas. There was a mother who called the adoption agency seeking help with her teenage daughter, Stacie, who had been raped by a youth minister and was pregnant. ODonnell tracked down Stacie, conferred with her daily and eventually offered to fly her to stay with her brother Eddie and his family as she carried the pregnancy to term.

The plan fell apart when Stacie turned out not to be pregnant or even Stacie. She was a woman named Michelle, said to have multiple personalities. After documenting the peculiar relationship in her 2002 memoir, Find Me, ODonnell ended up giving Michelle half of the books proceeds - $1.5 million. And they still talk.

ODonnell also developed friendships with Lyle Menendez, who had been convicted, along with his brother, Erik, of murdering his parents in 1989; and with Lynndie England, the former Army reservist convicted of abusing prisoners in Iraq. ODonnell is compelled to help them because she believes, after hearing their stories, that they have been unfairly judged.

Then there are the random acts of kindness. ODonnell rescued boaters on her Jet Ski when they got stranded off Miami. She lifted an obese woman who had fallen while getting out of her car, the strain of which contributed to the stars near-fatal heart attack in 2012. Even in Ireland, shes already had an incident. ODonnell was dining out when she saw an elderly woman choking on her steak. She scrambled over and gave her the Heimlich, catching the chewed chunk of meat in a napkin.

And while I was panicking, ODonnell says, she sat down and ate the remaining steak.

This impulse to help - anyone, anywhere, at whatever cost - is a constant source of frustration for her friends.

I love her, I worry about her, and I fear for her, says Sheila Nevins, the trailblazing documentary producer who worked with ODonnell on several projects.

She was able to get ODonnell to do her last special, A Heartfelt Standup, by convincing her that talking about her heart attack would raise awareness among women.

In rescuing others, she is always trying to rescue her hurt inner child, says actress Fran Drescher, a close friend. And you know, its not really the way to fix yourself.

But Carolyn Strauss, a longtime friend and the former head of HBOs original programming, says ODonnell isnt doing this by choice. She has to.

Her membrane between her and the world is very porous, Strauss says. We all, in order to cope with life, have a bit of a protective layer. You can sort of intellectually go, Oh, God, thats terrible. But I think she has a particular gravitational pull toward the wounded among us, especially emotionally and psychologically wounded.

That connection to strangers could be overwhelming when ODonnell was at the height of her fame. But here, in Ireland, there is a different vibe. People approach constantly - in restaurants, at pubs, on the street - but with none of the pushiness that defines the American celebrity experience. They may offer her a business card if theyre involved in a cause they think shell appreciate, but they dont make demands.

Its a perfect climate for someone who always found her relationship with fame curious.

She calls herself the celebrity noncelebrity. Shes mingling with Madonna, texting Natasha Lyonne and getting adoption advice from Martin Short. Yet we in the public treat her as one of us, someone who happens to be a bridge to that other world - the E-ZPass of celebrities, she jokes.

People would come up to me, tap me on my shoulder and go, Is that Bruce Springsteen next to you? ODonnell says. Id say, Yeah, can you believe it?

Jeanne Kopetic, a friend since seventh grade in Commack, New York, recently visited ODonnell in Dublin. Everything felt different. They could go shopping or to the local market or just walk down the street with ease.

She used to go from the car to the house quickly, Kopetic says. She was barricaded by security gates here in the States. Now she kind of comfortably just settles herself among the people.

At OReillys, the local pub, ODonnell walks in and asks the bartender, whom she now knows, for a Smithwick. He teases her for a second about the red ale thats typically low in alcohol content: You got your grandpa here with you? On one visit, she says, she ended up talking all night to a young couple, even holding their baby. They were deep into the conversation before letting on that they knew who she was.

Youre big fans, and you didnt tell me for two hours? she says with a laugh.

Then theres Clay. ODonnell went from worrying about school budget cuts to watching her youngest thrive, walking to school each morning, making new friends. Halloween was particularly exciting, with Clay handing out candy to trick-or-treaters and special prizes for best costume.

Clay has gifts, ODonnell says. They spoke their first full sentence before they turned 1 - ODonnell has the proof on video - and likes to pepper their mother with questions. (Exactly how deep is the Mariana Trench?) The Dublin school Clay attends offers support for autistic children. Clay is so happy that ODonnell had to promise to remain in Dublin even after Trump leaves office.

Moving to Ireland has also reconnected her with her craft.

ODonnell will play a mother in an Irish sitcom that starts filming this summer. And shes been asked whether shed be open to doing a weekly TV interview show. Her 23-year-old daughter, Viv, can sense a new mood when they talk on the phone.

Before, Id be like, How are you? And shed be like, Yeah, Im okay. Just another day, and then talk about the news a lot, Viv says. Now Ill call her. Shell talk about Clay. Shell talk about how beautiful Ireland is. Shell talk about work.

Lately, ODonnell has been pondering ways to examine a topic she has always struggled with: the loss of her mother. It has been 10 years since HBOs A Heartfelt Standup. She had been working on a one-woman show about Clays autism. But in Ireland, ODonnell instead began writing about her mothers death, which happened on St. Patricks Day 1973.

The resulting show, Common Knowledge (Clays mocking expression for things ODonnell is oblivious about), won praise when she performed it at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; shed love to turn it into a cable special. While in many ways a departure from her earlier stand-up work, it taps into her knack for turning real-life challenges and bleak experiences into comedy. Early in the show, she delivers a harrowing description of a 10-year-old confronted by her mothers death. Then ODonnell pauses for a breath.

Now I know what some of you are thinking, she reassures her stricken audience. Did I buy the wrong f---ing ticket? I thought this was the Rosie ODonnell comedy show, not g----n Angelas Ashes, the musical. Well, fear not. There will be jokes. I promise. But I couldnt tell you about my life without the tragic Irish beginning. So here we go.

If only she could stop thinking about him. Every day, whether shes been at the pub enjoying a pint or shopping with Clay for a thrift shop sweater, ODonnell still finds herself going online. She will post upward of a dozen links about Trump, ranging from videos showing him nodding off in the Oval Office to articles critical of his actions. She cant resist.

Granted, it was worse before. During his first term, when she wasnt channeling her depression into drinking and overeating, ODonnell doodled more than 200 portraits of Trump on her iPad. The images showed a fire-engine-red-faced president punctuated by phrases like The Moron and Loser and Liar.

That kind of obsessiveness is why she knew she had to leave. Her brother Eddie, who has been helping get her citizenship paperwork in order, says its the best decision shes made, I think, in her life, honestly.

Still, when you have a phone and a fixation, it can be hard to totally disengage.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, ODonnell promised her therapist that she would not post anything about Trump for two days. It lasted maybe a few hours.

Roseann, youve got to detach, an annoyed Kopetic told her during her visit. Youve got to disconnect.

So she tried again. The first promise broken, she made another that Friday. This time, ODonnell vowed not to post about Trump for three days. She told her 1.2 million Instagram followers that she was gonna try again to not give him a minute of me.

But her sign-off alluded to yet another recent Trump moment that had been eating at her - his ugly retort to a female journalist who had asked him a question about Epstein.

Quiet, piggy, ODonnell wrote, echoing Trumps own words to Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey on Nov. 20.

Somehow, even she knew she wouldnt be able to keep this latest promise.

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LONDON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The cost of insuring Oracle debt against default surged on Thursday to its highest in at least five years, after the company's results missed forecasts, reigniting investor concern about its massive borrowing to fund its push into AI.

The company's five-year credit default swaps, a derivative that pays bondholders in the event an issuer defaults, rose by nearly 12 basis points on the day to 139 bps, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

More from Yahoo Scout Why did Oracle's credit default swap costs surge? How much debt has Oracle taken for AI? What specific results disappointed investors at Oracle? How significant was Oracle's stock price decline?

This was the highest since at least September 2020, according to LSEG data.

Oracle shares were down 13% in pre-market trading, suggesting a slide at the opening bell later.

(Reporting by Amanda Cooper; Editing by Dhara Ranasinghe)
Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted of killing two Black Lives Matter protesters during a 2020 demonstration, returned to social media this week to announce that hes married.

Rittenhouse became a household name after shooting three people at a Kenosha, Wisc., protest following the killing of George Floyd. The then-17-year-old gunman was celebrated by right-wing figures, including President Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, and honored at conservative events.

For years after, Rittenhouse used his fame to promote pro-gun politicians and causes until his social media feeds went dark in July.

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His hiatus ended Wednesday with a series of posts including wedding photos of Rittenhouse with his new wife, Bella Rittenhouse. One image shows the bride toting a long gun and Rittenhouse, now 22, holding a pistol. He said their wedding took place six months ago.

In a follow-up post, Rittenhouse explained that his exit from public life began nearly a year ago.

I stepped out of the public eye back in January  I needed peace, a fresh start, somewhere far from the constant noise and chaos, he wrote on X Wednesday evening. That decision changed my life I met and married my best friend, and found more peace and purpose than I ever thought possible.

Rittenhouse also teased more big announcements to come and claimed to be back in the fight, particularly citing the brutal assassination of my friend Charlie Kirk.

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One of his stated initiatives is to help defeat moderate Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, whos up for reelection in November. Rittenhouse moved to the Lone Star State in 2022, according to Austin NBC affiliate KXAN.

Rittenhouse added thats hes currently being sued for $20 million, but trusts the Lord to handle that situation. The family of one of the men Rittenhouse killed filed a 2021 wrongful death suit. A man wounded by Rittenhouse in Kenosha is also seeking restitution.
PROVIDENCE  Twenty-two months after filming began in Rhode Island, the first Rhode Island audience  invited local members of the cast and crew who gathered at the Avon Cinema  got to see the James L. Brooks movie "Ella McCay" Wednesday night, Dec. 10.

The 20th Century Studios drama-comedy officially opens nationwide in theaters only on Friday, but several theaters in the Rhode Island area will screen the movie beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday.

The movie is about a lieutenant governor in a fictional, unnamed state  which looks like Rhode Island but couldn't be, because of one key detail  who rises to the top job when the current governor leaves for a Cabinet job in Washington.

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The Ocean State's real-life governor  a former lieutenant governor who first got his job when former Gov. Gina M. Raimondo took a Cabinet job in the Biden administration  was in the audience and reacted to the film: "Wasn't it wonderful to see Rhode Island highlighted in a movie that's going to be seen all over the country?"

His lieutenant governor, Sabina Matos, shared similar praise. "I was excited to see our State House on the big screen," she said. "It's a feel-good movie about someone who's idealistic and wants to do the right thing."

The movie's opening scene is an aerial shot of the south face of the State House, and then narrator Julie Kavner, who voices Marge on Brooks' animated series "The Simpsons," sets the movie in 2008, a time of economic struggles, but "we all still liked each other."

Who's in 'Ella McCay'?

"Ella McCay" stars Emma Mackey in the title role, with:

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A unique audience watched 'Ella McCay' Wednesday night

While the movie got laughs throughout, some of the biggest applause gave away the cast-and-crew nature of the audience: It came deep into the smaller-type section of the credits, when many of them cheered for themselves and their friends.

Among those in the audience were background actors, hair technicians and production interns.

For Amber Voner, of Pawtucket, who worked in the hair department, just seeing old friends and reminiscing about the experience working on the film was reason enough to come.

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"I'm super excited to be here with the crew. It's always nice to reconnect," said Voner. "You get thrown back to being cold on Broadway, filming outside Helen's."

Helen's is a bar in the movie, owned by Ella's aunt Helen, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. It was constructed in a vacant storefront on Broadway and got audible "oohs" when its lushly detailed exterior made its first appearance Wednesday night.

Several scenes play out at Helen's bar and her house next door, including the movie's climactic confrontation.

'Really cool' rain made an impression

Sarah Frank was a production intern for the movie. Originally from Florida, she was at Brown University and has since moved to Bristol with her boyfriend, Benjamin Nelson, who was a set decorator intern, originally from Pennsylvania.

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"I was there bouncing around, doing random things," like delivering things from one place to another, said Frank. One of the scenes she was looking forward to in the finished movie was one that she was on-hand for as it was created: a stormy scene outside the State House. "They used fake rain, which was really cool," she said. "Everybody got soaked."

A background actor gets face time on-screen

"Oh, my God, I loved it!" Scout Lyons said, coming out of the theater. "The end made me cry, which I didn't expect."

Lyons is a background actor in the movie, a member of a crowd at the State House. And she got one of the payouts that extras hope for: "You saw my face," she said, "very briefly, very briefly."

What's the key detail in 'Ella McCay' that rules out RI as its setting?

One scene shows the exterior of the state's governor's mansion, and then Ella McCay's husband roaming around inside. But Rhode Island is one of a handful of states that doesn't have a governor's mansion.

The making of 'Ella McCay'

"Ella McCay" came to town Feb. 1, 2024, when Hollywood legend writer-director James L. Brooks and members of the cast, including Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis and Woody Harrelson joined Gov. Dan McKee at a State House press conference announcing the start of filming, which would include displacing McKee for several days to use his office and the rest of the State House.

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Filming began Feb. 5 that year in a quiet neighborhood off Blackstone Boulevard. Even before cameras rolled, the movie created a stir when what turned out to be a movie set made residents of a Broadway neighborhood think they had a new nightspot.

Over the following three months, production crews were spotted around Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston, East Providence and Bristol. They even took over the Rhode Island State House.

Filming wrapped on May 3, 2024, on a sidewalk across Westminster Street from the West Side Diner.

After initially announcing a September premiere, 20th Century changed the official release date to Dec. 12, in a move that signaled the studio's hopes of Oscar consideration.

How to see 'Ella McCay' in theaters in the RI area

For now at least, "Ella McCay" is available only in theaters. Although the official release date is Friday, Dec. 12, some area theaters are offering Thursday screenings, including:

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See some 'Ella McCay' trailers on YouTube

Those who can't wait for the theatrical release can get more than a few glimpses in online promotional material posted by 20th Century Studios:

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson Star in RI-Filmed Movie 'Ella McCay'
Ryan Coogler created a whole world in Sinners, a musical horror film set in a 1930s Mississippi Delta ravaged by a gang of identity-stealing vampires. Alongside Michael B. Jordans dual leading performance as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, a robust supporting cast further fleshes out the bustling community at the films center.

Performances like those of Delroy Lindo, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson help make the fully-realized world of Sinners sing.

Delroy Lindo (Photo by Yudo Kurita for TheWrap)

Delroy Lindo (Delta Slim)

A seasoned veteran of the works of Spike Lee, Lorraine Hansberry, John Irving and many others, Lindo appropriately plays the part of Delta Slim, a local blues legend who takes young Sammie under his wing. Naturally, he brings the role to life with humor, empathy and miraculous nuance.

In one car scene, you have a crushing monologue about a time when you were arrested and forced to play for white audiences before your friend was lynched. Miles said that you brought a lot of physical improvisation to that scene.

First of all, its a beautifully constructed monologue, so Ryan deserves all the kudos for that because he wrote it and put it on the page. In terms of how I interpreted it, what I found was that it was one of those pieces of work where every take, one felt closer to the words that one was saying. One felt closer to the experience, and that was what made it so engrossing and encompassing for all of us in the car.

Theres a lovely bit of reciprocity where Delta Slim sacrifices his life for Sammie, and Sammie, in turning away from his preacher father, is essentially devoting his life to carrying forward what Delta Slim taught him.

I have to say, its so affirming to speak with various audiences and journalists, all of whom are responding so incredibly positively to this work: not only positively in broad terms, but positively in terms of picking up the various nuances of the storytelling. This is a rare and rarefied moment in my work as an actorwhich is not to say, and I need to be clear about this, that I havent had rewarding experiences in the past. I have. But Sinners is somewhat in a league of its own in terms of the space that its occupying, how its resonating for audiences and how its resonating for the culture.

Miles Caton (Photo by Yudo Kurita for TheWrap)

Miles Caton (Sammie Preacherboy Moore)

Playing Sammie Preacherboy Moore, a gifted young bluesman whose voice can conjure spirits from the past and future, Caton is the linchpin of Sinners, taking on the role of an audience surrogate, a leading musician and the primary survivor in this horror/musical mash-up.

You make a powerful opening statement in this film when youre singing Travelin in the car with Michael B. Jordan. Its such a joyous Oh st, this kids got talent moment.

That was the first day of shooting. We drove out to Thibodaux, Louisiana: 110 degrees, plantations, endless land. That was the first time I got to perform. It was so much fun to shoot, just having that natural reaction to the music and the playing and just capturing being excited for the night and for what was to come later in the day.

I Lied to You is a magical five minutes of filmmaking. Was it stressful that this giant dance number is built around your voice?

I wouldnt say it was stressful, but there was definitely a lot of pressure to capture the essence of that moment. Ryan described Sammie as the lens for the audience. Everything that Sammies seeing for the first time, so is the audience, so he has to help navigate everybody through that. It was really just about paying homage to the blues, doing my due diligence and researching the music and the artists. It was amazing to be in the room with 40-plus musicians, actors, dancers, all contributing to this one important scene.

Wunmi Mosaku (Photo by Yudo Kurita for TheWrap)

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Wunmi Mosaku (Annie)

The British-Nigerian actress plays Annie, both the partner of Michael B. Jordans Smoke and the resident expert in the world of vampires, magic and time-altering musical prowess. That means shes tasked with giving the audience a helping hand, ensuring they know every rule and wrinkle before things get crazy.

In your first scene, you have to establish that this woman has a history with Smoke and that theyve lost a child, but also that she knows all about this spiritual, otherworldly stuff and shes the smartest person in the room because of it.

It was really exploring what each moment meant, you know? Hes been away for seven years. When did our daughter die, and when did he leavefiguring that stuff out. He doesnt ask for forgiveness and neither does he need it, because she understands him so wholly and she understands his grief and what he needed to do to deal with his loss. I feel like she poured everything she had into that mojo bag for him.

Your last scene is ethereal and metaphorical. Is it tough to play all of that?

No, its beautiful. It makes you feel more connected. Youre forced to engage with the spiritual and the divine, and then you cant help but connect to the spiritual and divine in your personal life whilst youre doing that research and trying to be on that vibrational level. For me, it felt like the most beautiful experience because I felt like I grew spiritually.

Jayme Lawson (Photo by Yudo Kurita for TheWrap)

Jayme Lawson (Pearline)

The Juilliard-trained Lawson says shes dying for another renaissance to go alongside the Harlem Renaissance and the Afro-surrealist cinema of the 2010s, and she describes Sinners as a call to arms for the movement she desires. As Pearline, she cherishes a fleeting night of liberation before the outside world comes crashing down around her.

This movie has a few turning points, and your song Pale, Pale Moon is definitely one of them. What was filming that scene like for you?

The musical-theater kid in me came alive. I hadnt done musical theater in, like, 10 years, and I hadnt really sung in 10 years on a project. And so there was a lot of emotion for this project and this character, this kind of reclamation of myself. On the day, I remember being extremely nervous and also really sick, but I still felt like I got to come alive in a way that Id been craving.

You have a background in theater, and the stage has such a presence in this film. Did that bring back memories?

Absolutely. I am such a huge fan of Ryans directing style. That man was never at the monitor; he was boots on the ground. He would be crouched directly under the camera, or hed find himself in that room with his own hand-held. As an actor, it helped me stay grounded to know that that man was right there and wasnt precious about it. That tiny detail lets me know youre not afraid to get messy, which gives me, as an artist, permission to be messy. A lot of my theater training is in that. We will bare all, we will get messy. This was one of those roles where I finally got to bring a lot of that background.

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A version of this story first ran in the Actors/Directors/Screenwriters issue of TheWraps awards magazine. Read more from theissue here.

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan (Photo by Yudo Kurita for TheWrap)

The post How the Sinners Supporting Stars Dove Into Ryan Cooglers Southern Gothic Smash appeared first on TheWrap.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, The Hallmark Channel's "Countdown to Christmas" is underway, perfect for those looking to celebrate the cold season from the comfort of their couch.

Whether an old holiday favorite or a brand new premiere, many of the Hallmark holiday movies airing this season are set in a small New England town. In fact, many of the channel's holiday films are set right here in Connecticut, from real locations like Mystic to fictional towns like Green River.

Ready to cozy up with a feel-good movie featuring wintry Connecticut? Here are 10 Hallmark Christmas movies set in Connecticut that are available to watch this season, in order of worst to best rankings from IMDb.

"Leah's Perfect Gift" focuses on Leah, a Jewish woman who is excited to celebrate Christmas for the first time with her boyfriend's family in Connecticut, but is met with more tension than she hoped for.

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IMDb rating: 6.0

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+, 12/21 at 1 a.m. on the Hallmark Channel

In "Mystic Christmas," Juniper travels to Mystic during the holidays to work at the aquarium. While there, she runs into her ex-boyfriend Sawyer, the owner of the local pizza shop, and learns what community is all about.

IMDb rating: 6.2

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+

Inspired by Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" follows Elizabeth Bennett, a New York event planner who is sent to a small Connecticut town to organize their holiday festival. When Elizabeth meets William Darcy, a billionaire trying to sell the festival's venue, complications arise and Elizabeth hopes for a Christmas miracle.

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IMDb rating: 6.3

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+

More: Here's where to watch 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,' other classic Christmas movies

Set in Avon, "You, Me & The Christmas Trees" tells the story of Jack, a fourth generation Christmas tree farmer, and Olivia, an evergreen expert who helps Jack when an illness causes his family's trees to die.

IMDb rating: 6.3

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+, 12/23 at 4 a.m. and 1/4 at noon on the Hallmark Channel

When the Christmas parade in the fictional town of Green River is threatened by an injured Santa, Grace, played by Jodie Sweetin of "Full House," must find a way to get the old Santa's grumpy son Ben to fill in.

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IMDb rating: 6.3

Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Hulu premium, Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+

In "Next Stop, Christmas" Angie's plans to spend Christmas alone are spoiled when her commuter train ride drops her off in her hometown in Connecticut  10 years in the past.

IMDb rating: 7.0

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+, 12/17 at 10 a.m. and 1/2 at 4 a.m. on the Hallmark Channel

From Santa's arrival to holiday lights: 7 events happening near Norwich

Set in the fictional town of Kentsbury, "One Royal Holiday" follows the royal family of Galwick as they experience a Connecticut Christmas for the first time after being stranded with local Anna due to a blizzard.

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IMDb rating: 7.0

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+, 12/14 at midnight and 1/2 at 10 p.m. on the Hallmark Channel

After writing letters to each other since Christmas the year before, Audrey and First Sergeant Matt reunite when he is stationed in her small Connecticut town in "Holiday for Heroes." The movie was filmed partially in Norwich.

IMDb rating: 7.0

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+, 12/10 at noon and 12/31 at 8 a.m. on the Hallmark Channel

"Ghosts of Christmas Always" follows Katherine, a ghost of Christmas present, as she tries to help Peter, a Hartford resident, rediscover his holiday spirit  except he hasn't exactly lost it.

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IMDb rating: 7.4

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+

White Christmas predictions: What Old Farmer's Almanac predicts for CT weather

Taking the highest IMDb rating for Hallmark Christmas movies set in Connecticut is "My Christmas Family Tree," in which Vanessa travels to the fake town of Barrington for the holidays to meet the family members she recently discovered through a DNA test.

IMDb rating: 7.5

Where to watch: Prime Video with add-on, Hallmark+

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: 10 Hallmark Christmas movies set in CT ranked. Plus, how to watch
Need a break from Christmas shopping or from putting it off for too long?

There's a lot of fun happening this weekend to lighten that load, at least for a while.

Hi there, I'm Andre Lamar, your guide to holiday happenings and other cool events in and around the First State this winter.

Here are important stories you won't want to miss:

Performances of 'It's a Wonderful Life: The Musical' are coming to the historic Everett Theatre in Middletown from Dec. 12 to Dec. 21.

The darling Christmas film "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) has inspired a live musical that will immerse Delawareans further into the holiday spirit this season. This uplifting production faithfully follows a depressed man who's hanging on by a thread, before he goes through a miraculous journey that lets him know he's more valuable than he ever knew. The Everett Theatre (47 West Main St., Middletown) hosts show dates at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Dec. 13, Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. Additional dates are 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. Tickets are $18-$22. Visit theeverett.org or call (302) 378-7038 or (302) 378-2932.

Luis Fernando Rego will dance the title role in the Wilmington Ballet production of "The Nutcracker" at The Playhouse in Wilmington from Dec. 12 to Dec. 14.

Delaware's long-running production of "The Nutcracker" will continue a storied tradition that Wilmington Ballet has held since 1967. Although this month is already flying by, "Nutcracker" mania is still in effect in the First State and this show is proof.

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The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets are $50-$75. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 888-0200.

The Ballet Theatre of Dover returns with performances of "The Nutcracker" at Dover High on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13.

The Capital City will show off epic footwork in The Ballet Theatre of Dover's annual production of "The Nutcracker." Dancer Hailey Seale, a senior at North Caroline County High School, will lead the charge in the dual role of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The role of the Snow Queen is split between dancers Delaney Hammond, a junior at Dover High and Amanda Klotz, a senior at Lake Forest High School. Gregory Tyndall is a guest dancer cast as the Nutcracker Prince. Additional primary roles include performers Piper Moore and Sofia Nichols alternating in Spanish Chocolate, Macy Friend and Ciara Coley sharing the role of Arabian Coffee, Lauren Miles alternating with Georgina Dixon as DewDrop, while Tea (Chinese dance) is performed by Amelia Fretz, Emilia Trombi and Amelia Voshell, according to press materials. The audience will also see other dancers and members of the community on stage who are between ages 8 and 78. Dover High (1 Dover High School Drive, Dover) at 7 p.m. Dec. 12; and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets are $15 to $25. Visit dancebtd.com or (302) 734-9717.

Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert will headline Elkton Rock Hall on Dec. 13.

Folk star Steve Forbert is touring near northern Delaware this weekend, one a day after the re-release of "The Things That I See." The project is a 10th anniversary remaster and remix of Forbert's 2015 album and it features 11 of his tunes, along with a cover of "Send In The Clowns," according to Forbert's website. Not to mention, fans can expect to hear his latest single, "Ebenezer's Back In Town," appear on the CD as a bonus song.

Elkton Music Hall (107 North St., Elkton, Maryland) at 8 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets are $42. Visit elktonmusichall.com.

A little kid whose family is away for the holidays is left to fend for himself against a pair of burglars in a movie screening of the '90s Christmas comedy "Home Alone." Fans of child star Macaulay Culkin will hop in a time machine and witness the smash hit that made him a household name. Not to mention, Joe Pesci is one of the villains.

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Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Admission is $6-$18. Free for members and ages 6 or younger. Visit delart.org or (302) 571-9590.

A dress rehearsal of First State Ballet's 2025 production of "The Nutcracker" (pictured). Performances are at The Grand in Wilmington from Dec. 13 to Dec. 21.

The most famous ballet of all time will leap, twirl, and groove its way into spectators' hearts in First State Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker."

'The Nutcracker' is a festive celebration of both ballet and community, says FSBT Executive Director Kristina Kambalov. Each year, I think about how we got to this point - the cast, crew, and audiences who came before - and how incredible artistry never fails to bring people together. I think we will be at The Grand in December for at least another 25!

The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13; and 2 p.m. Dec. 14; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Tickets are $40-$82. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (800) 37-GRAND.

Throwing a 'Beethoven Birthday Bash' in Wilmington

Serafin pianist and Steinway artist Victor Asuncion will perform 'Beethoven's Birthday Bash' at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington on Dec. 16.

Serafin Ensemble is ending its fall season with a birthday party. The chamber music ensemble will perform host a celebration of Beethovens 255th birthday Dec. 16.

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The all-Beethoven concert features Kate Ransom (violin); Victor Asuncion (piano) and Charae Krueger (cello). The program includes violin, cello, and piano sonatas, and Trio in C Minor, Op. 1#3, according to Ransom, the founder of Serafin.

Tickets are $20; $10 for the livestream or for students and music instructors. Tickets are available on the website or at the door. Free on-site parking is available.

Serafin Four Seasons presents "Beethoven's Birthday Bash" at Grace United Methodist Church (900 N. Washington St., Wilmington) at 7 p.m., Dec. 16. Visit serafinensemble.org.

Here's more entertainment news to chew on:

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware has more 'Nutcracker' vibes, Beethoven party & other fun
What soundtrack would you choose to go with this 1907 painting by Vilhelm Hammershi?

Exactly right: No soundtrack. No noise. Just the inside equivalent of falling snow.

But Interior. The Music Room, Strandgade 30, a recent acquisition by the Art Institute of Chicago, is more than just a painting of silence. Its a painting that generates silence. It imposes a hush.

Hush can be an imperative  its what we say when were trying to expel noise from our environment  but its also a noun: an achieved state, a thing that descends over a crowd or enters a room.

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Its relationship to sound, thats to say, is dialectical. You cant have hush without having just experienced sound. It might enter a space when those responsible for the sound  in this case a cellist, a violinist and a keyboard player  have departed.

Over drinks last night, Jo, my violinist wife, and Rachel, her cellist friend, assured me that no string players would ever leave their instruments like this: The cello is far too precarious facing that way (the fragile bridge would be in danger were it to fall), while only a fool leaves a violin on a chair!

But so what if Hammershis painting is artificially staged? That just accentuates the hush it induces. It places us on a set, when the actors have just departed.

Of course, the other thing that has departed from this painting is color. Hammershi made Interior. The Music Room, Strandgade 30 in Denmark in 1907, just two years after fauvism, the first concerted explosion of nondescriptive color in 20th-century painting, went public in Paris, and the same year that Pablo Picasso painted his breakthrough masterpiece Les Demoiselles dAvignon.

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This modernist liberation of form and color led, within two or three years, to full-fledged abstraction, and abstraction hinged on one ambition above all others: to make painting more like music.

All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music, Walter Pater had said in 1873. Early modernist artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Francis Picabia and Frantisek Kupka, following the lead of 19th-century artists like James McNeill Whistler and Odilon Redon, pushed into abstraction specifically by liberating color from its descriptive role and letting it be more purely expressive.

And also, perhaps, too noisy?

I assume thats what Hammershi thought. The Danes devotion to intensely meditative description can feel like a rebuke to colors noisy freedom fighters, and a harking back to the quietude of Johannes Vermeer.

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Not that Vermeers paintings lack color. When we compare Vermeer to Hammershi (as everyone loves to do), we notice familiar devices and qualities  light coming in through an occluded window at left, a feeling for the poetics of corners, the privilege of being invited to witness private moments. But equally, we notice the expulsion of color.

Hammershi lingered in a world of mottled grays. You can imagine him dabbing at the puckered puddles of pigeon-colored paint on his palette, in a sort of rebuke to the vibrant palettes of Delacroix, Van Gogh and Seurat.

It was all in service to the cultivation of silence, the achievement of hush.

Im attracted to the feeling of hushes descending, and I love Vilhelm Hammershi. I think its because, although his paintings can feel bleak, or melancholic, they somehow comport with breathing out; with letting the flexed tensions of life momentarily unravel; and with the sudden discovery of that place  at once apart from ones life and at its true center  where no permission is required to properly fall to pieces.

Image credit: Art Institute of Chicago
The Gist

On December 7, Simpson performed in Connecticut wearing a bedazzled LBD that plunged to her stomach and featured a hip-high leg slit.

Her belt added a country and western flare to her ensemble on Sunday.

Jessica Simpson has returned to her country music roots, releasing a two-set LP of music inspired by her past two years living in Nashville.

Jessica Simpson got vulnerable onstage about not feeling enough during her 2000s pop star heyday as she transitions back to her country roots.

Wearing a bedazzled LBD that plunged down to her stomachand featured a hip-high leg slitSimpson took the stage on December 7 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Simpsons ensemble also included a country and western-coded belt, a statement cross necklace, and Schutzs black over-the-knee boots.

Getty Jessica Simpson performing on December 7, 2025 Jessica Simpson performing on December 7, 2025

Speaking to the audience from the stage, Simpson said, My whole music career, I had a job, and that was to be a pop starand I tried. You see, when youre younger, you never feel good enough, and its okay to not feel good enough.

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In 2025, two years after moving to Nashville, Simpson released a pair of EPs called Nashville Canyon Part I and Nashville Canyon Part II, marking her musical comeback after 15 years away.

Getty Jessica Simpson at Foxwoods Resort Casino Jessica Simpson at Foxwoods Resort Casino

I do love Nashville, Simpson said. It brought me home, to myself. It brought me inside of my heart in a really hard time of my life. She added, I just kind of had to surrender myself to my intuition, to the light that was in front of me. I just focused on that.

This time, I needed to remember who I was and why I wanted to sing in the first place and all the music that inspires me, she continued from onstage on Sunday. And I needed to forget who they told me to be.

Getty Jessica Simpson Jessica Simpson

It has been a big year for Simpson, who spent Thanksgiving last month with her estranged husband Eric Johnson, whom she split from earlier this year after 10 years of marriage. The two share three kids, and Simpson told TMZ on November 28 of her decision to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with him, Its my kids' father. Family first.

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No matter what, your kid is half the other person, she explained. Always have respect in what you say around [your kids] so they can always have a good perspective on it. Unconditional love is important.

Getty Jessica Simpson on December 7, 2025 Jessica Simpson on December 7, 2025

Getty Jessica Simpson in a bedazzled LBD Jessica Simpson in a bedazzled LBD

In addition to so much new in her life in 2025in both her personal life and her professional lifeSimpson is embracing a darker hair color, on display during her concert on Sunday and a departure from her normally blonde locks. Simpsons longtime colorist Rita Hazan calls her new shade hot chocolate brunette, done in Nashville and while the pair watched Simpsons past holiday performances on in the background. It was really amazing to go down memory lane together of what we were up to in the early 2000s, Hazan told People.

Speaking to the outlet herself, Simpson told the publication of her style at 45 years old, I wear life with more confidence. I feel better now than I ever did in my 20s. I think going through life and having all the opinions thrown at you, Im at the place where only my opinion matters. And, of course, my kids. I dont want to embarrass my children!

Getty Jessica Simpson's ensemble included a country and western-inspired belt Jessica Simpson's ensemble included a country and western-inspired belt

Of her new life as a single mom, Simpson said that she did absolutely not see herself in that position at this age. That was not how I planned it, she said. But its just a part of what destiny holds for me.

Read the original article on InStyle
Fans of Grammy-nominated musician Roderick Rory Macleod have been sending prayers to his family and former band after the disturbing details of his death have emerged.

According to reports, Macleod, who is best known for his time with the group Roomful of Blues, was hit and killed on Dec. 6 in Rhode Island while walking his dog.

He was 70.

People Magazine reported that Shannon Godbout, 41, was arrested by the Hopkinton Police Department following the incident. In a release shared to Facebook, police said Hopkinton left her lane and struck several objects, including two telephone poles.

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Police said that Macleod was walking his dogs in the eastbound lane when he was hit. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he died.

Police said that Godbout was in possession of numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials associated with drug distribution.

The Rhode Island State Police Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the incident.

Godbout is facing charges for driving as to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of narcotics, Schedule I/II with intent to distribute, third plus offense.

Police said that Godbouts criminal history includes 100 arrests, with 8 of them from the Hopkinton Police Department. The department said that 82 warrants have previously been issued for Godbout, and that she has had 40 traffic citations.

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Roomful of Blues posted about Macleods death on Facebook.

We would like to acknowledge his diverse musical contributions as well as being a wonderful and gentle soul,the statement read. There are no words for such an immense loss. RIP dear friend.

Fans were quick to respond with love.

A tragic loss, and something that shouldnt have happened, Debbie Sptiznagel commented on the post. My condolences to sandol, his family and many friends.

My heart breaks for the Macleod family, who must be devastated, Sharon Kenler Kinnane replied. He was a gentle soul and talented musician who will be missed by many. Sending hugs and prayers to all who mourn him.

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Very sad news, Mary Pilkington OConnell wrote. Deepest condolences to all that knew and loved Rory. Such a loss  so talented.

There were plenty more comments like that and you can see them all as well as Roomful of Blues post here.

It was Macleods work as the bassist for the group in the 1980s helped him earn a Grammy nomination.

Read the original article on pennlive.com.
Chip Gaines and wife Joanna Gaines have made their HGTV return with their new show Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House, but some fans of the lifestyle network were less than thrilled that the house-flippers are back in action.

Following the Tuesday, December 9, premiere of their three-part limited series, a Reddit thread titled Back Again asked, I thought they left to be solely on the Magnolia Network. What do you think of bringing them back to HGTV?

Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House  which documents the renovation of the couples new vacation property in the Rocky Mountains  airs Tuesdays on Magnolia Network and HGTV, and it will also stream on HBO Max and Discovery+.

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Most Reddit users appeared to be disappointed that Chip, 51, and Joanna, 47, are back at it, with one simply saying, Dont like either one of them.Yuk.

One user said that they were annoyed by the show, adding: An insanely rich couple using a huge-ass team of assistants to renovate their own vacation cabin very few folks could afford isnt my idea of a show I want to watch.

In the three-part series, fans see the famous familys first attempt at flipping a home that is not located near their home base in Waco, Texas.

The parents of five  who share sons Drake, 20, Duke, 17, and Crew, 7, as well as daughters Emmie, 15, and Ella, 19  also let their daughter Ella try her hand at redesigning one of the smaller guest cottages on the sprawling property before she leaves for college.

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We live in the era of the out-of-touch billionaire, said one Reddit user. So many things cater to what they think non-rich-people aspire to. Not all of us want a tacky McMansion with waterfall countertops and a sea of neutral blandness, but this is what HGTV thinks you want.

Added another HGTV viewer, I find her dreadfully boring and him incredibly annoying. If for some reason Ive stumbled onto HGTV, Im stumbling somewhere else ASAP if they turn up.

In a December 9 Instagram post, Joanna shared how excited she was for the release of the series.

Over the last decade, Colorado has become a home away from home for our family. Between yearly ski trips and spring break getaways, we fell in love with the mountains, the rivers, and the abundance of fresh air, she captioned a video highlight reel.

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While we knew that saying yes to a major renovation project outside of Texas (our first!) would require being stretched beyond our comfort zone, we had a feeling taking on this fixer upper would be worth it in the end, she added. We cant wait to share this project with you!

Read More From Star

This story Chip and Joanna Gaines Deemed Incredibly Annoying and Dreadfully Boring in HGTV Return first appeared on Star. Add Star as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Donald Trump continues to boast of his excellent physical and mental health, but Jimmy Kimmel isnt buying it, especially after the Presidents latest lengthy rant on the issue.

On Wednesdays (December 10) Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the late-night host touched on a ridiculously long Truth Social post Trump shared on Tuesday night (December 9) to let us know hes doing fine.

Our President appears to be deeply unwell, even for him, Kimmel said in his opening monologe before flashing up a screenshot of Trumps post, which was so long it covered Kimmels entire body.

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This post about his health is twice as long as the Gettysburg Address, and thats not a joke, the comedian quipped. He then looked at Trumps claims that he aced three separate cognitive exams.

Let me tell you what that means, Kimmel told his audience. That means he passed the first two, and they were like This cant be right. Lets give him one more.'

Kimmel noted these are not the SAT tests hes taking, adding, Its a one-page exam to see if you know the difference between a camel and a goat. Its basically the test paramedics give you when you hit your head in a jet-ski accident.

He then addressed Trumps hands, which have continued to draw attention over the past year due to the bruising on his skin. On Tuesday, the President appeared in Pennsylvania with a band-aid over his hand and make-up covering part of it.

Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel Live! YouTube

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Something is wrong here, Kimmel said. The guy who is running our country is being given unscheduled dementia tests. Hes been given MRIs. He has mystery bruises hes covering with Maybelline. And were supposed to accept this idea that hes some cross between Chris Hemsworth and Albert Einstein?

Elsewhere in Tuesdays monologue, Kimmel addressed Trumps speech on the economy at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania. In the speech, Trump boasted of a thriving economy, while at the same time suggesting families give up certain products, saying, You can give up pencils You dont need 37 dolls for your daughter. Two or three is nice, but you dont need 37 dolls.

The guy who bedazzled this room in gold thinks your child has too many pencils at school, Kimmel joked, adding, His strategy, it seems, is to just keep saying things are great, which is the same mistake Joe Biden made, by the way.

He added, You cant just tell people the economy is good when theyre paying more for everything. We know how much things cost. People are looking at the price of apples with our eyes, and youre telling us to not see it.

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He wants us to be a bunch of not-sees,' Kimmel concluded, using the pronunciation to make it sound like Nazis.

You can watch Kimmels full opening monologue in the video above and let us know your thoughts below.

Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Weeknights, 11:35/10:35c, ABC

Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider.
I'll never forget the first time I walked into a Costco warehouse. Once I got through the bottleneck at the entrance, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of the store.

Roughly two hours later, I emerged from Costco with a loaded shopping cart and a larger credit card bill than expected.

These days, I do my Costco shopping more efficiently.

My goal is usually to run into the store, grab the items I need as quickly as possible, and avoid walking down aisles that don't house products on my shopping list to avoid those all-too-famous Costco impulse purchases.

But even though I've been shopping at Costco for 20 years, there's one issue that continues to trip me up. And it's a problem members have been sounding alarms about more recently.

Costco members voice a major shopping complaint.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Members bash Costco over poor aisle signage

You know how sometimes you don't notice a person's flaw until it's pointed out to you?

Like, "Oh yeah, Bob does kind of chew loudly."

Recently, a Costco member took to Reddit to complain about the fact that the warehouse club giant does not do a good job of labeling its aisles. And that set off a lightbulb in members' heads.

Related: Home Depot issues dire warning on housing market, economy

Soon after, that thread was flooded with comments by Costco members who experienced the same frustration.

"You want a specific item found, youre gonna need to go on a field trip while the employee also discovers where what youre looking for is located," said one user.

"They are constantly changing where everything is located so labels would be great," said another.

Costco's poor signage exists for a reason

It's clear that Costco's lack of clear signage is a point of contention for members.

As one Reddit user pointed out, "It feels diametrically opposed to the standardization that Target and other retailers do. I'm generally certain that if I go into a Target no matter where I can figure out where things are. There must be an advantage that Costco sees not to do that."

Related: Costco's new rule could be a costly mistake

But that Redditor actually hit the nail on the head.

A big part of the reason Costco's doesn't do a better job of labeling its aisles is that the company wants members roaming the stores to see what they'll find.

Costco CEO Ron Vachris even owned up to that strategy on a recent company earnings call.

"You've heard the phrase, people come in to spend $100 and walk out with $300. That's because our buyers and our operators do a great job in making the warehouses exciting."

In fact, the "treasure hunt" approach has long been a part of Costco's business model.

"We try to create an attitude that, if you see it, you ought to buy it because chances are it aint going to be there next time," former Costco CEO Jim Sinegal told The Wall Street Journal in 2007.

Not only that, but Sinegal also confirmed that in an effort to drum up demand, the warehouse club will "constantly buy that stuff and intentionally run out of it from time to time."

More Retail:

So there you have it. There's a reason Costco makes its aisles hard to navigate, and it's to make sure members find those hidden products and buy them.

The good news is that the more frequently you shop at Costco, the more likely you are to learn your way around the store. But the above complaint is still a valid one.

It's also a complaint that Costco is pretty unlikely to actually address, since getting lost in those aisles tends to make the company money.

Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.

Related: Major convenience store chain closing 500 stores amid market shift

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The celebrated musical adaptation of the Oklahoma story "The Outsiders" is a crucial step closer to coming to local theater and school stages in the Sooner State and beyond.

Concord Theatricals has announced that it has secured exclusive worldwide secondary stage licensing rights to the four-time Tony Award-winning musical "The Outsiders."

As the holder of the hit show's exclusive worldwide secondary stage licensing rights, Concord Theatricals  a top independent music company that boasts a growing catalog of 1.3 million songs, compositions, sound recordings, films, plays and musicals  now controls what theaters and schools can perform it outside the current Broadway production and North American tour.

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Oklahoma City native Laura Galt, a co-producer on "The Outsiders" musical, said she is excited that the "preeminent" company will be licensing the rights for professional, amateur and school productions of the show.

"I can't wait for the day audiences across Oklahoma  and across the country  experience 'The Outsiders' on their hometown and school stages," Galt said in a statement to The Oklahoman.

Oklahoma City native and co-producer Laura Galt poses outside the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Broadway, where "The Outsiders" musical is playing. The stage adaptation of Tulsa writer S.E. Hinton's classic novel began its Broadway run with previews starting on March 16 ahead of the official opening night on April 11.

What is 'The Outsiders' musical about?

The acclaimed musical adaptation of "The Outsiders," which officially bowed on Broadway in April 2024, is based by Tulsa author S.E. Hinton landmark 1967 coming-of-age book and Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppolas iconic 1983 movie adaptation. Both have managed to "stay gold" over the decades as new generations discover the true-to-life story set in Tulsa.

Inspired by her experiences at Will Rogers High School, Susan "Susie" Eloise Hinton penned the tale of two rival Tulsa gangs  the poor Greasers and the privileged Socs (pronounced Soshs)  when she was still a teenager. She published "The Outsiders" under her initials to keep male reviewers from knowing she was a woman and immediately dismissing her work.

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In the development of the musical, our team worked in close collaboration, and Im thrilled to welcome Concord Theatricals, my longtime publisher, to our partnership, said Adam Rapp, who wrote the book of the musical with Justin Levine, in a statement.

The story explores self-discovery and chosen family in such an intense and profound way, and we look forward to new audiences resonating with the work the way we have.

Like the book and film, The Outsiders musical is set in Tulsa in 1967 and focuses on young Greaser Ponyboy, his two older brothers and their found family of outsiders struggling to survive in a world of haves and have-nots.

Generations of kids and adults have loved and related deeply to the classic novel and film, and now the hit Broadway musical, said Concord Theatricals' Chief Theatricals Executive Sean Patrick Flahaven in a statement. Were honored to work with these creators and producers to bring their acclaimed, tuneful, and kinetic show to audiences worldwide.

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The song-and-dance adaptation of the Tulsa tale was a big hit in its pre-Broadway world premiere in 2023 at the La Jolla Playhouse in California. In spring 2024, it moved to Broadway, where the popular show continues to play at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

The Broadway production last year earned 12 Tony nominations, including best musical; best book of a musical for Rapp and Levine; best original score (music and/or lyrics) for Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance, who make up the Texas roots-rock duo Jamestown Revival, and Levine; best orchestrations for Levine, Matt Hinkley and Jamestown Revival; best direction of a musical for Danya Taymor; best choreography for Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman; best scenic design of a musical for AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian; best lighting design of a musical for Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim; and best sound design of a musical for Cody Spencer.

Along with best musical, "The Outsiders" won best direction of a musical, best lighting design of a musical and best sound design of a musical at the 2024 Tony Awards.

'The Outsiders' novel held particular importance for each member of our creative team growing up, as we all discovered it when we were around Ponyboys age, said Levine in a statement. We worked tirelessly to honor Susie Hintons raw and emotional world with this adaptation and cannot wait to share it with the world.

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The musical is produced by The Araca Group, American Zoetrope, Olympus Theatricals, Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky and Angelina Jolie.

Even as the show continues to run on Broadway, the North American tour of "The Outsiders" officially launched in October in Tulsa.

During the tour's weeklong Oklahoma engagement, a record-breaking 19,210 patrons walked through the doors at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, the third hour of the "Today" show broadcast from Tulsa, and all the rumble related to the musical's big bow pumped nearly $5.5 million into the local economy, according to Celebrity Attractions, Tulsa's presenter of nationally touring Broadway shows.

The North American tour company of the new musical "The Outsiders" performs.

When will Oklahomans get to see 'The Outsiders' musical?

As the North American tour of "The Outsiders" musical keeps rumbling down the road, it is scheduled to return to the Sooner State next summer: The show will play Oklahoma City for the first time Aug. 25-30, 2026, at Civic Center Music Hall as part of OKC Broadway's 2026-2027 season.

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Celebrity Attractions also has announced plans to bring the national tour back to Tulsa for a return engagement in December 2027.

Although Concord Theatricals has announced that it has secured the licensing rights, the company has not yet revealed when it will make "The Outsiders" musical available for licensing so that it can be staged by regional theaters and local schools.

For more information on licensing rights for "The Outsiders" musical, go to ConcordSho.ws/TheOutsiders.

Theater leaders can start planning their production by choosing to receive a notification when the rights become available. Those hoping to stage non-professional productions also can request an estimate on the cost for a license to put on the show, while professional theatrical organizations are advised to email professional@concordtheatricals.com for an estimate.

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Almost 60 years after Hinton's novel was published, more than 75% of U.S. schools still have "The Outsiders" on their required reading list, according to The Stay Gold Foundation. So, the musical is expected to be an especially popular title for school theater programs.

Were proud to have 'The Outsiders' find a home with Concord Theatricals. It means a lot to us to be partnering with a company that truly understands and values the heart of this story, said Clay and Chance of Jamestown Revival in a statement.

From the start, we did our best to stay true to the world Susie Hinton created  full of soul, struggle, and hope  and were excited to see it continue to live on through new voices and new productions.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 'The Outsiders' musical could be coming to Oklahoma theaters, schools
I didnt see this one coming: as of December 9, Stranger Things has officially flown into Microsoft Flight Simulator, and yes, you can soar above Hawkins, Indiana with the wind in your hair. The free update includes a fully rendered town, a Huey helicopter, and a set of missions guided by the conspiracy-theorist character Murray Bauman.

The December 2025 update is free (which makes sense, since Microsoft hasn't released a full new version of the simulator this year). That already feels like a little holiday gift tucked inside the sim.

The team rebuilt Hawkins as a large, explorable environment with more than 40 recognizable locations. Starcourt Mall sits right where fans expect it to be, Hawkins National Laboratory sits eerily among the hills, and the middle school and junkyard round out that patchwork of places weve stared at through five seasons of chaos. Flying low over the residential blocks feels especially eerie, like the quiet before something upside-downhappens.

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The missions play on that unease. The storyline drops you into a town under strict lockdown with patrols and threats moving around the edges, and Murray Bauman (voiced by the original actor Brett Gelman) guides players through a mix of supply flights, rescue runs and intense chase sequences. Its definitely strange hearing Murrays voice pulling you back into the show while youre trying to keep a Huey steady.

Related: Millie Bobby Brown Steps Out for Rare NYC Stroll With Baby Daughter and Jake Bongiovi

And that Huey might be the sleeper star of the update. Its a fresh, Microsoft-curated edition of the Bell UH-1H, based partly on a payware version created for the older MSFS 2020 release. That earlier model still exists as its own product, but the new one was taken over and completed by the MSFS team for all players to enjoy in 2025. The expansion's chopper even includes Hawkins-themed branding, including a cheerful Hawkins Heli-Tours.

Roam Freely Through 'Stranger Things'

Once you finish the five missions, the map stays open for free-flight wandering. Theres a fun excitement to it if you grew up on 80s adventure movies or fell for Stranger Things right from season one. And while I didnt see any portals to the Upside Down, that doesnt mean theres not *something* strange creeping out there.

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The skies over Hawkins are wide open now, and its pretty hard not to take at least one lap.

SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Forget student loans and crippling debt; some countries actually pay you to pursue higher education. While it might sound like a fantastical concept in the U.S., several nations have taken a different approach by investing directly in their students. Imagine a place where you can study without financial stress; they exist and make you wonder why the U.S. hasnt caught on yet.

1. Australia

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While American students drown in debt and work multiple jobs to get through college, Australia, through programs like Youth Allowance, Austudy, and rent assistance, offers full-time students regular financial support so they can focus on school. The idea is simple but revolutionary  education is treated as a national investment, not a luxury hobby. And the result is a generation of students who can afford to learn without destroying their futures.

This isnt free money; its a recognition that studying is work, and supporting students strengthens the entire workforce in the long run. Australias approach stands in sharp contrast to the U.S., where financial aid often comes with crushing conditions and lifelong debt. By removing financial barriers, Australia allows students from every socioeconomic background to access higher education without sacrificing housing, food, or stability.

2. Germany

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Germany is often heralded as a haven for higher education enthusiasts  and for good reason. With free tuition at public universities for both domestic and international students, Germany opens its doors to a diverse cohort of learners. The country also offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help cover living expenses. This combination of support allows you to immerse yourself in the academic and cultural experiences without the distraction of financial burdens.

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According to a report by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the number of international students in Germany has steadily increased, highlighting its appeal. Students flock to cities like Berlin, Munich, and Heidelberg not only for their prestigious universities but also for the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With such a supportive system in place, Germany sets a benchmark in showing how accessible higher education can be.

3. Denmark

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In Denmark, youll find a commitment to higher education that extends beyond just native students. The Danish government provides generous financial support, including the Statens Uddannelsessttte (SU), a monthly grant for EU/EEA students. This initiative ensures that financial constraints dont hinder your educational pursuits. The focus here is on creating a knowledgeable society where education is a right, not a privilege.

As you study in Denmark, youll likely be drawn to its innovative educational practices and inclusive atmosphere. The Danish education system emphasizes critical thinking and active participation, preparing you for the real world. Beyond academics, Denmarks high quality of life and progressive values make it an attractive destination for students seeking both personal and educational growth.

4. Norway

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Norway offers an educational experience that is as enriching as its stunning landscapes. With free tuition for all students at public universities, Norway prioritizes accessibility and quality in education. Although the cost of living can be high, the government provides various financial aid options to help ease this burden. Studying in Norway means you can focus on your academic growth while exploring the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Norwegian universities emphasize a balance of theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing you for diverse career paths. The countrys commitment to research and development is evident in its innovative approach to education. With a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and global perspectives, Norway offers you a holistic education that extends beyond the classroom.

5. Finland

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Finlands approach to education is rooted in equality and excellence, providing free tuition for EU/EEA students and offering scholarships for others. The countrys dedication to supporting students is evident through various grants and subsidies for living expenses. This robust support system ensures you can pursue your studies without financial distractions. Finlands educational model is often praised for its focus on student well-being and academic freedom.

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A study by the Finnish National Agency for Education highlights how the country's universities emphasize research-driven teaching and personalized learning paths. Youll find that Finlands educational institutions encourage collaboration and innovation, tailoring education to meet your individual needs. Alongside your academic journey, Finlands commitment to a high quality of life makes it an attractive destination for students worldwide.

6. Austria

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Austria offers a unique blend of cultural richness and educational opportunities, making it a prime destination for students. With low tuition fees for EU/EEA students and reasonable fees for others, Austria maintains its reputation for affordable quality education. The government also provides various scholarships to support students financially. This ensures you can focus on your studies while enjoying Austrias vibrant arts and history.

As you study in Austria, youll experience a curriculum that balances tradition with modernity. The countrys universities are known for their strong academic standards and emphasis on research and development. Outside the classroom, Austrias cultural and historical landmarks offer a backdrop of inspiration and learning. Its a place where education and culture seamlessly intertwine, offering a holistic experience.

7. France

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France combines world-class education with a touch of elegance, offering affordable tuition rates for public universities. The French government also provides a range of scholarships to support international students. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is particularly noteworthy, covering tuition and living expenses for top-performing students. Frances commitment to accessible education is rooted in its belief in equality and opportunity for all.

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According to Campus France, the countrys emphasis on research and cultural exchange attracts a diverse student population. Youll find that French universities offer a rich blend of traditional and contemporary academic programs. Beyond your studies, the allure of Frances culture, cuisine, and history makes your educational journey an enriching experience. France not only educates you academically but also enriches you culturally.

8. Czech Republic

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The Czech Republic is an attractive option for students seeking quality education at affordable prices. With free tuition for programs taught in Czech and low fees for English-taught courses, the country opens its doors to international students. Numerous scholarships are also available to ease the cost of living, allowing you to focus on your studies. The Czech Republics education system is respected for its strong emphasis on quality and innovation.

As a student, youll appreciate the rich cultural heritage that complements your academic life. The countrys universities are known for their research opportunities and diverse academic programs. Studying here means you can enjoy the blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Its a place where education extends beyond the classroom, offering you a well-rounded experience.

9. Belgium

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Belgium offers a unique educational experience with its multilingual environment and affordable tuition fees. The countrys commitment to accessible education is reflected in the low cost of public university programs. Additionally, various scholarships and grants are available to alleviate financial pressures. This ensures that you can immerse yourself in your studies without worrying about financial constraints.

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Belgiums universities are renowned for their high academic standards and research opportunities. The diverse cultural landscape provides an enriching backdrop for your educational journey. With a focus on both academic excellence and cultural exchange, Belgium offers you a holistic learning environment. Its a place where you can grow academically and personally, gaining insights beyond textbooks.

10. Italy

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Italy is not just about pasta and historical sites; its also a hub for affordable education. Public universities offer low tuition fees, and numerous scholarships are available for international students. The Italian government supports students with initiatives to make higher education more accessible. This means you can focus on enjoying la dolce vita while pursuing your academic goals.

The Italian education system is known for its emphasis on creativity and critical thinking. Youll find that universities balance rigorous academic programs with a vibrant cultural experience. Studying in Italy provides you with the opportunity to explore subjects ranging from art and history to science and technology. Its a place where education is intertwined with cultural richness, offering a truly immersive experience.

11. Greece

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Greece offers an educational experience steeped in history and affordability. With low tuition fees and a variety of scholarships available, Greece ensures that financial constraints dont hinder your academic journey. The countrys focus on education is rooted in its rich philosophical traditions, promoting a thoughtful and comprehensive learning environment. Greeces commitment to accessible education allows you to explore new academic horizons while enjoying its historical allure.

As a student, youll benefit from Greeces emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The countrys universities encourage critical thinking and active participation, preparing you for diverse career paths. Beyond academics, Greeces stunning landscapes and cultural heritage provide a rich context for your studies. Its a place where education and experience go hand in hand, offering a holistic approach to learning.

12. Slovenia

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Slovenia might be a small country, but it offers big opportunities for students. With free tuition for EU/EEA students and affordable fees for others, Slovenia prioritizes accessible education. Scholarships and grants are readily available to support your studies, ensuring you can focus on your academic pursuits. Slovenias education system is highly regarded for its emphasis on research and innovation.

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Studying in Slovenia means youll be part of a vibrant academic community that values collaboration and creativity. The countrys universities offer diverse programs, catering to a wide range of interests and career goals. Beyond the classroom, Slovenias natural beauty and cultural richness provide a captivating environment for your studies. Its a place where you can learn and grow, surrounded by the charm of both urban and rural landscapes.

13. Portugal

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Portugal offers a warm climate and a warm welcome to students seeking affordable education. With low tuition fees and a variety of scholarships, Portugal makes higher education accessible to many. The governments support ensures that financial challenges dont overshadow your academic aspirations. Portugals education system is known for its focus on quality and inclusivity.

Youll find that Portuguese universities emphasize both academic excellence and cultural exchange. The countrys rich history and vibrant culture offer a unique backdrop for your studies. Studying in Portugal means you can enjoy a high quality of life while pursuing your educational goals. Its a place where education and lifestyle harmonize, offering you a fulfilling academic journey.
In the battle of the bougiest grocery chains, Trader Joe's is often considered superior to Whole Foods, thanks to its (relative) affordability and wide selection of quirky foods. Plus, there is an excellent selection of fun holiday products at Trader Joe's, like Champagne-infused English cheddar and festive pasta. As for seasonal sweets, the chain's Panettone & Chocolate Gelato Style Frozen Dessert deserves a place in your freezer this December. Inspired by panettone, the signature Italian dessert that's sometimes called Christmas cake, this frozen treat features chocolate swirls, candied citrus peel, and bread chunks in a sweet and creamy base.

What can you expect from Trader Joe's frosty treat? Described as the "best flavor [Trader Joe's] ever produced" on Instagram, this delectable dessert has received tons of praise online. On Reddit, u/macegr said, "It's fantastic. May actually be my second favorite ice cream flavor of all time after Cherry Garcia." Meanwhile on Facebook, the dessert was declared "10 out of 10 ... delicious." Retailing for $4.49, the Panettone & Chocolate Gelato Style Frozen Dessert will only be available at Trader Joe's during the holiday season, so we encourage you to act fast if your sweet tooth beckons.

Read more: Ranking All-You-Can Eat Buffet Chains From Worst To First

How TJ's holiday treat came to be (and how to pair it with other goodies)

Pint of Trader Joe's panettone-flavored gelato - Trader Joe's

While panettone is highly popular in its birthplace of Italy, the holiday specialty is less known in the U.S. Panettone is an airy, dome-shaped sweet bread featuring candied and dried fruits. It reportedly originated in Milan, and the recipe first appeared in print during the 15th century. These days, panettone is considered an iconic Italian food, and the country has even instituted laws on what can be included in traditional recipes. In a nod to the serious business of panettone, Trader Joe's Panettone & Chocolate Gelato Style Frozen Dessert was developed with help from the store's Italian vendors to ensure it lived up to the lofty expectations of the O.G. dessert.

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As for pairings, Trader Joe's recommends enjoying this gelato-style confection with potent potables like Prosecco or Moscato d'Asti. In keeping with its Italian roots, you can combine this frozen treat with bread for a spin on brioche con gelato, which is quite literally a brioche bun with ice cream in the middle. Speaking of bread, serving Trader Joe's seasonal frozen treat alongside the chain's own panettone  made by artisanal bakers from Italy's Veneto region  could be a match made in flavor heaven.

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Read the original article on Mashed.
When Hurricane Melissa struck in late October 2025, western and southwestern Jamaica bore the brunt of the damage. Spots such as Saint Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, Saint James, and Trelawny were hit hardest. Infrastructure was disrupted, homes and hotels damaged, and many communities faced power and communication outages.

Despite that, Jamaicas recovery has been impressively swift in many of the most visited tourist zones. By early December, all three international airports had reopened for commercial flights. Key northcoast corridors and principal tourist routes have been cleared and restored, making access to resorts and beaches far easier than in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

Major resorts and activities are coming back online too. Several coastal resorts in areas like Ocho Rios and Negril passed safety and readiness inspections and reopened in early December. According to the official recovery plan by Jamaica Tourist Board, the country aims to have most of its tourism industry back up and running by December 15, 2025.

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Still, the rebound is not uniform. Some resorts in the southwest and northwest, including several in Montego Bay, sustained heavier damage and are not expected to reopen until mid2026 at the earliest. This uneven pace means that while many parts of Jamaica are ready to welcome travelers, a few corners are still rebuilding.

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Escape the cold this season with a sunny getaway to Jamaica, where beaches and blue waters make winter feel like summer.Photo by Andrew Coelho on Unsplash (Photo by Andrew Coelho on Unsplash)

What travelers can expect this winter

Whats ready to enjoy in Jamaica

Resorts in Ocho Rios and Negril : Several beachfront resorts, including well-known properties, reopened December 6, 2025 with full access to rooms, pools, beaches and amenities.

Airports and transport : All international airports (including Montego Bay and Kingston) are operating, and main tourist roads have reopened. That means flights, transfers, and shuttles should run smoothly.

Tourism momentum: Industry officials say the visitor experience is coming back fast, and there is a determination across the island to meet returning travelers with warmth, hospitality and restored infrastructure.

Related: Jamaica rushes to rebuild ahead of its busy season

Whats still uncertain for Jamaican travelers

Southwestern and some northwestern resorts : Areas near Montego Bay and on the islands south or west coast saw the worst damage. Some resorts remain closed while undergoing comprehensive repairs.

Local infrastructure and rural areas : While main roads and tourist routes are functional, many remote or rural communities remain under repair and some parishes are still recovering from flooding, power outages, and displacement.

Selective availability: Because not all hotels and resorts have reopened, availability can be limited. Booking early and confirming directly with your resort remains wise.

Smart travel tips for winter 202526

1. Aim for the north coast, especially Ocho Rios or Negril

If you want the safest bet for a pleasant vacation, choose resorts in Ocho Rios or Negril. They were among the first cleared for reopening and offer restored amenities, access to the beach, and functioning transport links.

2. Check hotel status and flight details before booking

Even though airports are open, not every resort is ready. Confirm your resorts reopening date, amenities, and transfer options before finalizing plans. Ask if they passed inspection, what services are active, and whether transport routes to your resort are clear.

3. Travel with a flexible but optimistic mindset

You may notice signs of recovery still underway: fallen trees being cleared, repair crews around hotels, or reduced services compared to prestorm luxuries. But that can bring unexpected perks, like fewer tourists, hidden beauty, or opportunities to connect with locals rebuilding communities.

Related: Popular all-inclusive resort in Jamaica to reopen first week of December

4. Consider giving back and supporting local businesses

Tourism is not just about beaches. Many locals lost livelihoods during the hurricane. Visiting now helps support resort staff, local vendors, guides, and communities working hard to restore normal life. Your dollars do good as much as they do relaxation.

What this recovery means for Jamaica and travelers

Jamaicas bounceback from Hurricane Melissa is not just about reopening hotels. It is a story of resilience, renewal, and the islands enduring commitment to welcome visitors, especially when the world needs the warmth of sun and sea more than ever.

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For travelers, right now is both a chance to enjoy a Caribbean winter escape and to play a small part in recovery. The island welcomes guests with understandable caution, but also with generosity, hope, and the unmistakable rhythm of reggae, salt air, and island charm. If you are flying in this season or considering booking, youre not just getting a holiday. Youre witnessing a comeback.

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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The musk ox looks like he might have been chiseled out of the veined rock of this fjord. The only movement is his coat, a tangle of tawny dreadlocks that ripples and waves in the stiff wind. Then his head slowly pans, following the passage of our little boat through the electric-blue water.

Weve apparently gotten too close for his comfort, because as we motor within rifle range of the bull, he breaks his gaze and trots parallel to the shore, a goofy hoof-flailing canter as he gathers the cows around him in a defensive circle. They all stand, rumps together and a dozen shaggy heads forming a perimeter of hooking horns and watchful bovine eyes.

Frank Feldmann cuts the boats throttle and peers through his binocular.

Watch the film from the hunt here

Hes a young bull, Feldmann says. His Scandinavian accent sharpens the first word into Heeze. You see how his boss is a little weak and his horns dont drop down. We can do better.

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Then were off, motoring to the very back of this bay, where the towering headwall of a glacier fractures into a field of house-size boulders and a snowmelt stream that threads its way to the bay. Were still a mile from a grassy bench between water and ice, but already I can make out maybe a hundred musk oxen grazing in herds of a dozen or so. And I can see how we can ambush them by following the stream. Feldmann notices my gaze.

Well work in on the biggest bunch and look for an old bull, he says. There are a couple in this valley, 8-year-olds, maybe 9-year-olds.

Photographer Luke Renard, Rafe Nielsen, the author, and Meisel gather at the Kangerlussuaq airport. Luke Renard

Maybe Feldmann also notices my slight disappointment. When my buddies Rafe Nielsen, who runs the marketing department for Browning firearms, Shane Meisel of Leupold optics, and I planned this hunt a couple of years ago, I had imagined that wed make the final stalk for musk oxen on snowshoes or wobbly skis  or maybe on a dog sled, mushing across treacherous sea ice. I never imagined wed troll into range on the power of a 300 hp diesel inboard.

We arent done with boats just yet. As Feldmann unstraps an inflatable kayak from the gunwale of his 26-foot motorboat, I think back on all of the conveyances that delivered me to this place, a deep, narrow fjord stabbing into Greenlands southwestern coastline. Two days earlier, commercial flights took our hunting party from the United States to Copenhagen, Denmark, the imperial capital of Greenland, which is considered an autonomous province. Then another jet back west across the North Atlantic to Greenlands international airport, the stepping-off outpost of Kangerlussuaq. Then a prop plane to the village of Narsarsuaq, where we boarded a 10-seat cabin cruiser locals call a water taxi for the five-hour boat ride to camp. Our fellow travelers on the water taxi are Danish soldiers headed to a decommissioned American military base to conduct environmental testing at the World War IIera facility. Feldmanns boat, and finally this flimsy kayak, deliver us to the rocky shore of Greenland and the musk oxen that dont care about our long, circuitous approach.

The Greenlandic town of Narsarsuaq. Luke Renard

Id love to tell you the final stalk was full of drama and doubt, but once we find a bull worth our attention, we set up on a ridge and wait for him to separate from the cows. Im worried about a stiff crosswind sailing my bullet, but the bulls hair is so luxuriously long that it serves as a wind flag. I make the windage correction, dial my scope to the distance, and send the bullet.

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The whole hunt takes maybe a half-hour, and Im neither wet nor cold when its over. Meisels hunt follows in much the same way. The next day, Nielsen is treated to a little more suspense when he has to make a mile-long stalk on an old and solitary bull feeding in the most profuse vegetation I saw on Greenland  a thicket of waist-high willows stunted by what might have been a thousand winters. The way the bull moves through the cover, head down and heaving from side to side, reminds me of a honey-haired grizzly scrounging for berries.

In each of these hunts, the anticlimax of the stalk is tempered by awe at the animals anatomy. Above the impressively broad shoulders is a hump resembling that of a Plains bison, but the hair of a musk ox is more like a mountain goats, long and corded, with a woolly underlayer to insulate it from the arctic cold. The hooves are splayed like a cows, but the horns look like those of Cape buffalo, with thick battering helmets that drop into graceful hooks with ivory tips. Their meat is sweet and mild, not heavy like beef.

A musk ox bull squares off with an approaching hunter. Luke Renard

Native Inuits call musk oxen the bearded ones, and while they look like modern mastodons, theyre more closely related to wild sheep and goats than to cattle, or to mammoths. After posing for photos with each of our bulls, I find myself lingering beside the dead animal, my hands burrowing deep in the warming wool.

The herds we hunt are transplants, brought to southern Greenland from the northern part of the island 40 years ago to provide meat for local Inuit villagers. Feldmann, a native Dane who had guided hunts in Lapland for decades, recognized that Greenlands musk oxen could also sustain a sport-hunting economy, and gained permission from the provincial government to guide international hunters, mainly bowhunters. He has since acquired an additional hunting concession farther north, where transportation is by helicopter instead of boat  and, he says, the bulls are a little older and a lot bigger.

Successful caribou hunters return from the uplands to their guides boat. Luke Renard

An Elemental Land

If you imagine Greenland, as I did, as one continental-size sheet of ice, youre not far off. The worlds largest island is depicted on maps as uniformly white for a good reason. Something like 90 percent of it is covered by an ice cap a thousand feet thick, which is why I anticipated hunting in arctic conditions. Where the ice meets the edge of the island, towering glacial headwalls calve icebergs into the bays, requiring boats to dodge and dart around the floating obstacles, some of them as shockingly blue as antifreeze, some as big as Kentucky courthouses.

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But the coasts, especially along the southern shore where we are hunting, are surprisingly hospitable, with anywhere from a mile to a dozen miles of ice-free vegetation squeezed by the North Atlantic and the ice cap. The coastline is where humans live, in little clusters of brightly colored houses clinging to slopes above bays that are iced over for half the year. Its where Feldmanns cabin is located, on a little jut of granite that he found by studying satellite photos for a year, identifying a place protected from the wind and the waves but with easy access to the bay. He doesnt own the land  no one in Greenland really does  but the cabin is his as long as he uses it. When hes gone, its a refuge for a boater blown off the water or for a hunter lost and alone.

Feldmanns boat leaves the sound where his cabin is located. Luke Renard

Its a comfortable base for a weeklong hunt, a hard-sided cabin with a gas stove, bunk beds, and a breakwater moorage for the boat that took us to hunting spots along the coast.

Feldmann likes hunting where we are because its convenient to his home in a village of 40 mostly Inuit families just around the corner from Arsuk Fjord. Its handsome country, a mix of tight glacial valleys and relatively gentle uplands that step up to alpine basins and jagged peaks that contain the interior ice cap. All the ridges and bays tame the temper of the North Atlantic, but during a couple of days, the wind blows so hard that we have to hug the shoreline in Feldmanns boat; even going slowly, were drenched by spray that blows the tops off the strafing waves.

Just a few more fjords to the east is Cape Farewell, where Erik the Red, banished from Iceland, established the first nonnative settlement on Greenland a thousand years ago. Its from this first frontier that Eriks son, Leif, sailed west to discover the next frontier, what Europeans called the New World. The geography of the place, and Greenlands position as the northeasternmost chunk of North America, seemed abstract until I arrived here and realized its twice as close to Montreal than it is to Copenhagen. Its size and remoteness  there are no roads linking any of the islands dozens of coastal communities  gives Greenland strong notes of the Last Frontier of rural Alaska. Greenlanders self-reliance and make-do adaptation in its unforgiving climate further cement the comparison.

An ice field spills down toward a Greenlandic bay and the cabin used by the hunters. Luke Renard

Feldmann, 57 and as vigorous as a man half that age, is something of a modern-day Erik the Red. Weary of what he described as crowding in Scandinavia, he gravitated to Greenland for its desolation and untapped opportunity. But he says its the communal mentality of Greenlanders, not escapism by rogue loners, that allows him to operate here, 100 miles from the nearest cell signal or power line.

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People here rely on each other to get by, says Feldmann, who hires local families to skin our animals in exchange for the meat, which they share with fellow villagers or sell in stores in the larger towns. Its a culture of sharing. Musk ox are the same. A herd relies on all its members to defend against polar bears or wolves or any other threat. They may seem stupid or aloof to you. Thats not it. They are gathering because they know that theyre stronger together than alone.

Feldmann tells me this as he snacks on the only rations he packs for a day in the field: a fillet of dried cod, obtained from a native neighbor  unsalted, chewy as attic insulation, with all the briny funk of a tide pool limpet. He tells me he can survive on nothing but dried cod for a week. I try a plug, and then spend the rest of the day picking fishy shreds out of my teeth.

Later, I ask Feldmann to speculate on the future of Greenland. The entire island is occupied by fewer than 60,000 people, about 10,000 of them European and the rest native Greenlanders. It has abundant natural resources: fresh water, minerals, fish, and stunningly beautiful landscapes. The logistics of visitation stymie tourism, and the lack of infrastructure slows investment, but he says thats fine with him and with many of his neighbors.

Ice-melt from a glacier pours into a plunge pool before spilling into the North Atlantic. Luke Renard

We look across the water at Iceland, which has become a Disneyland for tourists, Feldmann says. We dont want to become Iceland, so we put up with long distances and what you see as difficulties of travel. We see those as assets.

Hard-Fighting Fish

In a lull between hunts, we had our own chance to gather bounty from the water, first by jigging hefty cod out of the ice-cold fjords, and later by casting bright spinners in the plunge pools of waterfalls for arctic char. The latter have mostly finished spawning and moved back to the salt water for the winter, but the few hangers-on in the streams are ravenous and hit my hardware like fish twice their size.

The author with an arctic char, which hit a spinner in an ice-melt stream. Luke Renard

I hike up an ice-melt torrent that has carved a deep, narrow trench in the rock, casting into any pool that looks like it might hold fish. One after another, hand-size char, as orange as apricots, throw themselves at my Vibrax spinner. I wrangle the treble hook out of their mouths and slip them back into the frothing water.

Into the Alpine for Caribou

Our musk-ox tags filled and our interest in fishing satisfied, we turn our attention to caribou.

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Because southern Greenlands caribou are nonmigratory, finding a herd is the second-hardest part of hunting them. Its like wild-sheep hunting, Feldmann says. You must cover miles of similar-looking rocks and hanging valleys before finding a herd, and then you must solve the hardest part: figuring out how to get into rifle range in an open, featureless landscape with vegetation no taller than a coffee can.

The author with his Norwegian caribou. Luke Renard

Theres another consideration: deciding between native caribou, which are a variation of the Quebec-Labrador barren-ground species, or what Feldmann derisively calls the Norwegians. These are descendants of domestic reindeer that were introduced to Greenland a century ago from Scandinavia. A few escaped and joined the native caribou; their offspring are generally smaller in stature and headgear than the natives.

Were either lucky or good because in our first prospecting hike, we find a herd. The caribou are 3 miles up a gorgeous valley full of musk oxen, and cheerful waterfalls. We walk through ankle-high blueberry bushes loaded with glossy purple orbs sweetened by frost and so ripe, they fall into your hands when you shake the bush.

Outfitter Frank Feldmann chews on a hank of dried cod. Luke Renard

Were strategizing an approach on the main herd when a band of two dozen caribou trot out of a draw. Meisel props his rifle on a rock, and I call the shot as the caribou file up and out of the drainage: Cow. Cow. Young bull. Cow. Calf. Third one after the spike bull. No. Not him. Yes! Him! He shoots, and we all help field-dress and cape a spectacular native bull.

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After posing for pictures and cheering our good luck, we again start hiking toward the main herd when a pair of bulls emerge from a boulder field along the drainage below us. Weve interrupted their nap, and theyre milling and nervous. We have only a few seconds to assess the bulls before they run out of rifle range. As I pan from one to the other in my riflescope, each gives me more reason to shoot than to wait, but I cant decide. One is wide, with a crazy main beam that reaches back along his spine. The other is smaller but has a great frame and mass. Then he turns slightly, and I see a profusion of toffee-brown points.

Musk ox wool. Luke Renard

I throw my pack down and get behind my rifle. Almost as soon as I shoot, Nielsen is at my shoulder, nudging me aside so he can shoot off my pack. Within seconds, he has the wide bull in his scope, and just like that, we have two more bulls down, within 100 yards and 20 seconds of each other.

As we break down each of our three caribou, Meisels native and the two Norwegians that Nielsen and I shot, we pluck blueberries from the low-slung bushes and fill our canteens with water from the sluicing stream nearby. We lash the capes and antlers onto our packs and turn toward the coast, a couple of miles down the valley. We can just see Feldmanns boat, which will take us to his warm cabin perched on a cold rock in a lonely bay.

Frank Feldmann and the author set up for a long shot at grazing musk ox. Luke Renard

Gear for Tundra Hunting

We hunted with Frank Feldmann, whose outfit specializes in both musk oxen and caribou.

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While the weather on our hunt was mostly good  warmer on the Greenland coast while we were there than it was back at my home in Montana  conditions can turn cold, wet, and miserable overnight, then sock in for the next week or longer. We opted for double-tough rifles and optics built for mountain hunting and the longish shots that are sometimes required for open-country animals such as caribou and musk ox. We shot Brownings X-Bolt Pro Tungsten rifles, chambered in .300 WSM. Weighing just under 6 12 pounds, the short-action rifle has a carbon-fiber stock built around rigid vibration-dampening foam. A Cerakote finish protects the stainless-steel action from the elements, and the threaded muzzle brake reduces recoil.

The heavy boss and curving horn of Rafe Nielsens musk ox. Luke Renard

My Browning was topped with Leupolds VX5HD riflescope in 31544. The scope has all the range I needed for both close-in musk ox and out-there caribou. Long shots are further enabled by Leupolds CDS dial, which is tuned to the specific ballistics of the 185-grain Browning BXC Big-Game bullet. I was able to dial the scope for hold-on shots out to 600 yards, but the scopes lockable zero meant I didnt have to worry about the elevation dial straying as the rifle slipped in and out of scabbards, boats, and backpacks. The VX5HD with CDS dial retails for $1,235.

We all used Leupolds new RBX-3000 HD 1042 range-finding binocular. The incline-adjusting unit features 1-yard accuracy out to 1,000 yards, a dimmable LED readout, and a fast and precise operating system that delivers angle-adjusted ranges in the blink of an eye. I tuned the rangefinder to the specific ballistics of my .300 WSM load. The binoculars best attribute, though, is its tack-sharp image, even in low-light conditions.

This story, The First Frontier, appeared in the Winter 2020 Wilderness issue of Outdoor Life.
JetBlue will open its first lounge to customers at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Dec. 18, although it doesn't want you to think of the space as a lounge. The airline said it's more like a home away from home in the airport.

"This BlueHouse experience shows you the core of what we want to accomplish: It's thoughtful design, it's real hospitality, and we're elevating the journey without losing that JetBlue personality," JetBlue's President, Marty St. George, told reporters during a press preview of the space on Wednesday. "As New York's hometown airline, it was only natural ... that the first BlueHouse is in New York."

JetBlue is getting ready to get into the lounge game, and USA TODAY got a first look at its first-ever lounge, BlueHouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Here's the entrance. Click through the gallery to see more. A wider view of the bar on the first floor of BlueHouse. One of the communal seating areas on the second floor. The art throughout BlueHouse New York is meant to evoke the city and its vibes. A row of secluded work stations on the second floor. One of the social areas on the second floor. The lighting above the pod changes color based on the time of day. The elevator is meant to evoke a pre-war NYC building. Don't forget to check your mail. The ceiling of the main floor bar area is meant as a JetBlue destination-inspired homage to the main concourse at Grand Central Terminal. The bar on the first floor of BlueHouse JFK. Signage outside BlueHouse. Even the bathroom wallpaper is New York-y. Each first flor unisex lavatory features a funny sign. Take a look at JetBlue's first-ever lounge BlueHouse 1 of 13 JetBlue is getting ready to get into the lounge game, and USA TODAY got a first look at its first-ever lounge, BlueHouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Here's the entrance. Click through the gallery to see more.

The 9,000-square-foot space occupies two floors of JFK's Terminal 5, and its design is meant to evoke Art Deco pre-war New York City apartments.

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New York-inspired art and finishes accent the facility, with some pieces on display created by JetBlue crewmembers.

A wider view of the bar on the first floor of BlueHouse.

Who can access the new JetBlue lounge?

According to the airline, the lounge has space for 140 guests and will be open to transatlantic Mint business class customers, Mosaic 4 TrueBlue members, and premium JetBlue credit card holders.

To earn status on JetBlue, customers accumulate "tiles" through spending: 1 tile for every $100 spent with the airline, and 1 tile for every $1,000 spent on one of its co-branded credit cards. JetBlue's elite loyalty members are called Mosaic, and there are four levels, with four being the highest. Mosaic 1 requires 50 tiles, and Mosaic 4 requires 250.

One of the social areas on the second floor. The lighting above the pod changes color based on the time of day.

St. George said one of the main goals in determining access was to make sure every visitor had a line-free, relaxing experience every time they come in.

What's in the new JetBlue lounge?

For now, the lounge will serve only preprepared grab-and-go food, but will open its kitchen in February. In February, limited-access day passes for some customers will also be available for purchase, subject to space availability.

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Designers of the lounge told reporters that it was meant to have a variety of seating and kinds of spaces, so passengers who wanted to socialize and unwind would find what they needed, without disturbing those who were looking for a quiet place to work.

One of the communal seating areas on the second floor.

That's in line with what lounge designers have previously told me about the changing needs of today's lounge user. I wasn't surprised to see a variety of styles of seating, meant to offer opportunities for both secluded work and more lively socializing.

JetBlue will open its second BlueHouse in Boston in late 2026 and is considering other locations for future lounges, including Fort Lauderdale.

(Pro tip: When you enter BlueHouse New York, ask if you can check your mailbox for an extra treat.)

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Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inside JetBlue's new BlueHouse lounge at JFK Airport
When you first think of planning a trip to Croatia, your first thought is likely to visit Dubrovnik, with its long history and beautiful architecture. Instead, there's a stunning old coastal town with gorgeous cobbled alleys, medieval fortresses, and terracotta rooftops. Welcome to Sibenik. Tucked along the Adriatic coast, and known as Croatia's oldest Slavic coastal settlement, this picturesque town offers old world charm without sky-high prices or large tourist crowds.

Though Dubrovnik draws in crowds and cruise ships, Sibenik is a laid-back destination that quietly wins the hearts of all who visit. It's an affordable destination, where guests can enjoy stunning coastal views, historic architecture, and fresh seafood, even on a budget! Sibenik sits just less than an hour's drive from Split Airport, and is easily accessible via a 1.5-hour bus ride along the scenic coastline. The town is well-connected by public transport, with train lines to Zagreb and other major cities. Most travelers prefer to travel by bus here as these can be faster and more convenient. To make your visit to Sibenik even better, U.S. citizens can travel visa-free to this top destination.

Read more: Why Tourists Need To Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack On A Trip To Europe

Explore Sibenik's on a budget

cathedral and buildings - Feng Wei Photography/Getty Images

What makes Sibenik a true hidden gem is how much there is to see and do here without breaking the bank! If you're going to visit anywhere in this iconic town, the top spot on your list should be a visit to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St.James. This 15th and 16th-century stone building boasts an ornate facade, and 71 unique carvings of the faces of ordinary townspeople on the exterior. Guests can enter for a small $3 fee, and it is open for visiting all year-round.

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Another spot that simply cannot be missed from your Sibenik bucket list is St.Michael's Fortress. It sits perched high above the town and boasts panoramic views of the Adriatic ocean and all across Sibenik. It's a truly stunning spot that attracts a lot of attention, even hosting frequent concerts and outdoor events during the summertime. It is open for visits year-round and more than worth the general admission fee of $13 purely for the stunning views it provides. If history-meets-popular culture is your thing, you'll love Croatia  a country all "Game of Thrones" fans should visit.

Sibenik is full of meandering cobbled streets and alleyways, and as you saunter through them, you'll be sure to discover cozy cafes and boutique shops selling local crafts. Unlike the more tourist-friendly Dubrovnik, you won't be learning to avoid over priced restaurants and stay away from tourist traps. Dining in Sibenik is a truly authentic experience, and surprisingly very affordable. One of the most unmissable restaurants here is Pelegrini, a fine dining spot with innovative flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

What to know before visiting Sibenik

port with water and boats - Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images

The best time to visit Sibenik is between May and early October. At this time of year, the Adriatic ocean sparkles under clear skies, the weather is warm, and the town plays host to various festivals like the Sibenik International Children's Festival and The Medieval Fair Sibenik. It's worth keeping in mind that July and August are the hottest months and typically also the busiest for tourism. If you're planning a budget-friendly getaway, it's better to visit during the shoulder seasons.

If the weather permits, many tourists like to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor attractions that also sit within easy reach of Sibenik. One such destination is Krka National Park, an underrated National Park that is an otherworldly waterfall paradise. A true haven for hiking and exploring the beautiful nature Croatia has to offer.

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In terms of accommodation, Sibenik boasts a great range to choose from, including family-run B&Bs and hostels to stylish boutique hotels in renovated stone buildings. Guesthouses like Heritage Hotel Life Palace or D-Resort Sibenik both offer elegant and unique stays, perfect for those in search of culture or unparalleled luxury. Backpackers traveling on a shoestring budget can head to the popular Hostel Splendido, where they can find a bed for less than $30 a night. Charming B&Bs start at just $50 per night and boutique hotels average around $150.

Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.

Read the original article on Explore.
We're heading to a South Philly neighborhood tavern that first opened in 1936, and was just saved from closing its doors.

At Bomb Bomb Bar and Grill, it's like an Italian Seven Fishes feast there every day.

Whether you host Christmas Eve, or you're a seafood lover, we got the secrets to their famous clams casino.

"It's important to me to keep this in the neighborhood," says Joey Baldino, the new owner of Bomb Bomb at the corner of Wolf and South Warnock in South Philadelphia.

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He kept the original signage, which features the images of two bombs.

At Bomb Bomb Bar and Grill, it's like an Italian Seven Fishes feast there every day.

The name tells the story. In the 1930s, the neighborhood bar and grill was bombed twice.

An 8-time James Beard semifinalist, Baldino is from the South Philly neighborhood.

"I grew up on 12th and Tasker, so it's not far away," he says. "Different parish, but same vibe, same people."

This time last year, Bomb Bomb Bar was about to shut its doors.

"I came in here, and I saw what the previous owners were doing," Baldino says. "I felt an obligation to my heritage."

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In September, he saved this old slice of South Philly, just like he did at the nearby Palizzi Social Club.

Baldino is now the third-generation owner of the storied members-only club that dates back to 1918.

"This is about the culture, continuing a legacy," he says.

Baldino also owns the acclaimed BYOB Zeppoli Restaurant over the bridge in Collingswood, New Jersey.

Here at Bomb Bomb, it's like stepping back into the 1950s. Baldino kept the old touches and the seafood-forward menu.

"It's like having a Seven Fish meal every day," he says.

The bar menu also includes roast pork sandwiches, sausage and peppers, and ribs. That recipe comes from the previous owner, Frank.

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"I'm from here. I'm proud to be from here. I'm proud to be Italian. I'm proud to be a Philadelphian," Baldino says. "It all comes together here."

Their clams casino recipe is a fan favorite.

Chef Max Hachey shares the secrets.

"So, obviously it starts with the clams," he says. "We use middle neck clams. They're a little bit larger, so you can put some of the filling on the shell itself."

We start with really good olive oil and some garlic in a hot pan.

Next, add in your fresh chopped parsley, the clams, a bay leaf, thyme, and a copious amount of white wine.

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"They will start to sing to you here until that wine cooks off, and then we cap it until they open on up," says Hachey.

For the filling, get two pans rocking, one for chopped red pepper and an arbol chili for heat, and then one for shallots, a bay leaf, and thyme.

"The next step is going to be the bacon, the most important step in the clams casino," says Hachey.

Get that bacon extra crispy so it doesn't get soggy in your filling.

Take a peek back at your clams to make sure they've opened up, then it's time to shuck.

Get a slight chop on the clams, then it's time to get that filling going in a large bowl.

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"We have our shallot, red pepper, our clams, a little bit of raw garlic goes in," says Hachey.

Add some fresh chopped parsley and that crispy bacon.

Next, add a fair amount of Parmesan cheese, a little bit of clam broth, and some toasted bread crumbs.

Mix it together and pack it into your clam shells, and pop them into the oven.

Once they are golden brown, hit them with a little squeeze of lemon, and those clams are all yours!

Clams Casino recipe from Bomb Bomb Bar and Grill

Ingredients:

- 30 middle neck clams, scrubbed clean

- 1 lb. of bacon, fried crispy and roughly chopped

- 3 medium shallots, finely minced

- 4 red bell peppers, finely diced

- 1/4 cup chopped garlic

- 1/4 cup dry white wine

- 1 cup toasted breadcrumbs

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 2 sprigs of thyme

- 2 bay leaves

- 2 arbol chilis

- Extra virgin olive oil, for sauteing

- Lemon wedges for serving

- Salt and pepper for seasoning

Directions:

Steaming the clams:

1. Start pan off with extra virgin oil, bay leaf, sprig of thyme, and one arbol chili.

2. Added chopped garlic and saute for 30 seconds, then add the clams.

3. Pour in white wine and cook off the liquor.

4. Add 1pint of water and cover until clams open.

5. Immediately remove opened clams with tongs and make sure to discard any that do not open.

6. Strain and reserve the clam juice/broth.

7. Once they are cool, shuck them, give them a rough chop, and save the shells.

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Making the Filling:

1. Fry the bacon until it's nice and crispy, and give it a rough chop once cooled.

2. In one pan, saute the diced red pepper in extra virgin olive oil. Throw in an arbol chili for a little kick.

3. In a second pan, saute finely chopped shallots in extra virgin olive oil, with a bay leaf and sprig of thyme for flavor.

4. Once both pans are sauteed, season with a little salt and pepper.

5. Mix together the shallots, red pepper, chopped clams, some raw garlic, fresh chopped parsley, bacon, toasted bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a little of your leftover clam broth for flavor.

6. Pack the clam shells with the filling.

Bake your clams casino at 425 degrees for about six to eight minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Were you glued to Kingdom, the latest Attenborough blockbuster from the BBC? The fierce interactions between the shows four star species  lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and wild dogs  made for enthralling, often heartbreaking, viewing. It was further proof, if any were needed, that nowhere else does wildlife drama quite like Africa.

What was notable about this series, apart from such jaw-dropping sequences as a pack of wild dogs rescuing their companion from the jaws of a crocodile, was where it took place. Kingdom was not filmed in Kenyas Maasai Mara, Tanzanias Serengeti or Botswanas Okavango  standard backdrops for the African wildlife documentary. Rather, the action took place in Zambias Luangwa Valley, a location that I suspect was unfamiliar to many viewers.

There are plenty of African safari destinations to see lions roam

The point is that, when it comes to planning a safari, youre now spoilt for choice. The range of destinations and operators that today offer an excellent experience  with fabulous accommodation, top-class guiding and jaw-dropping wildlife  has mushroomed.

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Yes, the Serengeti still justifies its place on any bucket list, but how about tracking desert rhinos in Namibia, canoeing past hippos on the Zambezi or meeting meerkats in the Kalahari? With a little planning, all are easily possible.

Jump to:

Where should I go?

If your aim is simply to see a broad selection of classic African wildlife  elephants, lions, giraffes, etc  theres plenty of choice. Visit Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia or South Africa and you wont be disappointed. Some packages combine two countries  for example Botswana and Namibia  in a safari that offers the best of both.

Each country has its own scenic attractions and wildlife specialities. Thus, for example, Tanzania sees the huge zebra and wildebeest migration braving the lions of the Serengeti plains; Botswana has the trumpeting elephant herds of the Chobe waterfront and wild dog packs of the lush Okavango Delta; Namibia sees black rhinos joining the throng at Etoshas life-sustaining waterholes. But the quality of the wildlife experience is equally impressive in all.

Seeing chimpanzees is only possible in the rainforests of Uganda or Rwanda

Of course, certain spectacles are unique to particular locations. So for the celebrated wildebeest migration, you must visit Tanzanias Serengeti or Kenyas Maasai Mara, while tracking mountain gorillas is only possible in the rainforests of Uganda or Rwanda. And everywhere has its absentees: Zambias Luangwa Valley, for example, has no rhinos or cheetahs, but nonetheless offers a superb all-round safari experience and the best walking safaris on the continent.

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In general, once youre out there, youll be too impressed by what youre seeing to fret about what you might be missing elsewhere. Your choice is thus as much about other variables, including budget, time of year, and the kind of activities you enjoy.

Which kind of safari should I choose?

A typical safari is an all-inclusive package that takes in several camps or lodges, spending two or three nights at each. Transfers are included and with, say, flights over the Okavango or drives across the Serengeti, can be half the fun. At each camp, everything is provided, including meals and safari activities with an expert guide.

Top end

All this doesnt come cheap. At top-end lodges  think the likes of Singita Lebombo in South Africas Kruger Park  luxury is the watchword, with gorgeous accommodation and all the trimmings. Youll get your own dedicated guide and vehicle, and the exclusive location, often in a private concession area, means you feel you have Africa all to yourself. Price-wise, for such safaris, the skys the limit.

Viewing new born wildlife is a true highlight

Mid range

Mid-range options will also have lovely accommodation, typically a permanent safari tent or open-fronted chalet, and great guiding. The lodge or camp may be a little larger, with a few more guests with whom to share meals, and you may meet more tourists while out and about. Drinks, laundry and other extras may be charged separately.

Low cost

Budget travellers could consider a DIY safari, with self-catering accommodation and a rental vehicle. South Africas Kruger Park is excellent in this respect, with good public camps and a decent road network (no 4x4 necessary). A safari here is amazingly cheap and easier than you might imagine. You wont have an expert guide, but there is fun and satisfaction in doing your own thing  especially with children in tow.

Spot some of the big five on a budget at Kruger Park

Add-on experiences

After your escapades in the bush, you may want to kick back with a few days on a Zanzibar beach. Conversely, you may feel the need to offset all those safari brunches with something more strenuous  perhaps white water rafting the Zambezi River or even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Many safari packages include such add-ons.

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You may also have concerns about the responsibilities of your safari company. Does the lodge minimise its environmental impact and use sustainable resources? Do its activities avoid disruption to wildlife? Does the company give something back to the local community? A good tour operator will advise.

How will I spend my time on safari?

By vehicle

A typical safari day will include two main wildlife-watching activities  one early morning and one late afternoon/early evening. Game drives in an open-sided vehicle are the norm. These last three hours or so, moving slowly and stopping frequently, with morning coffee breaks and evening sundowners. Some locations also offer night drives, using a spotlight to track down nocturnal creatures such as bushbabies and perhaps catch larger predators out on the hunt.

By boat

Lodges beside navigable rivers, including the Chobe in Botswana and the Zambezi in Zimbabwe/Zambia, also offer small boat cruises. These bring close encounters with aquatic wildlife, such as hippos, crocodiles and kingfishers. In Botswanas Okavango Delta, a poler will punt you through the watery labyrinth in a dugout mokoro  a blissful way to appreciate this unique environment.

Sail around in a mokoro, a dugout canoe, in Botswana

On foot

Walking safaris, where available, offer yet another perspective. Meeting the Big Five on foot may sound alarming, but most animals  even the scary ones  will stay well out of your way, and your expert (armed) guides know the ropes. The experience is less about sightings and more about a thorough immersion in the bush, plus a chance to appreciate its details: tracks and signs, seed pods, bird calls. Certain locations, notably Zimbabwes Mana Pools and Zambias Luangwa Valley, are renowned for their guided walks.

By horse, camel or hot-air balloon

Various other activities may also be available. These include cultural activities in the local community, or adventurous extras such as horse-riding, camel trekking or hot-air ballooning. The more extravagant ones will cost extra. Find out from your tour operator.

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Speak up if you have a particular interest. Your guide will cater to this. Most guides love a birdwatcher: its a chance for them to showcase their knowledge and takes the pressure off finding big cats. Guides are sensitive to the needs of photographers and will always try to position your vehicle for the best shot.

Downtime

This is a chance to chill out in camp, enjoying the pool or trying out other activities, from hot stone massages to cooking classes. But the wildlife doesnt stop, whether thats birds, monkeys and other smaller creatures hanging out around your room, or thirsty game coming to drink at the nearby waterhole. An in camp sighting, cold beer in hand, is often a trip highlight.

Expect to see lions drinking at waterholes in hot weather

When should I go  and for how long?

Africas wildlife follows seasonal patterns. Every month offers something, somewhere, but be aware that certain phenomena take place only at specific times. For instance, East Africas great migration follows an annual cycle dictated by the rains: to see the herds in Kenyas Maasai Mara, you must visit from August to October, when they have trekked north from the Serengeti. In other months, you can catch it further south in Tanzania.

Southern Africa sees a clear distinction between the dry season and rainy season. The former (August to October) is traditionally peak safari season, when drought sees animals drawn to waterholes and sparse foliage makes viewing easier. Come the rains (November to March), the herds disperse, the dense greenery makes wildlife harder to spot and conditions are hotter and wetter. However, the rains also bring an explosion of life, with birds singing, mammals dropping babies, and a wealth of fascinating smaller fare such as chameleons. Routes may be restricted, but tourists are fewer and prices often lower. Many seasoned safari-goers swear by green season safaris.

The rainy season is great for bird watching

A classic safari will typically last eight to 12 days. To some extent, how long you spend at each camp is a more important consideration than the trips overall length: at least three nights at a place enables you to get properly stuck in; any less means you may spend almost as much time on transfers, arrivals and departures as you do out in the bush. Beware of itineraries that rush you from place to place: you may tick off more sightings but have an ultimately less fulfilling experience.

What to pack

Lightweight, breathable clothing, with something warmer for evenings: neutral colours are best, especially for walking safaris

Sunscreen, lip balm and a hat: it gets hot out there

Binoculars: vital both for finding wildlife and seeing it better

Anti-malarials: a must for many destinations; consult your doctor for all health concerns

Cash: bring US$ in small denominations for tips

What youll pay

Top-end

An all-inclusive, fly-in safari at an exclusive resort such as Londolozi Private Granite Suites, in South Africas Sabi Sands, will set you back around US$3,130 (2,370) per night; Export Africa offers the eight-night Bushbuck luxury safari in Botswanas Okavango Delta for 26,380 per person in peak season (JuneOctober).

Mid-range

A typical 10-night guided lodge safari in most destinations will range from 5,000 to 8,000 per person, not including international flights.

Lodging varies depending on your budget

Budget

Small-group, six- to eight-day safaris to Tanzanias northern circuit (camping/lodge) are available from around 1,100 per person with Safari Bookings; a 10-day self-drive safari in South Africas Kruger Park in a self-catering chalet for two costs from around 500 per person, excluding park fees and vehicle hire.

Note

Higher park entrance fees in some countries (eg, Botswana) mean higher prices there; a bespoke, tailor-made safari is more expensive than a pre-set itinerary.

Tipping

Budget on 10-15 per person, per day for your guide; plus extra for drivers and the staff box.

Should I book with a tour operator or independently?

For the first-time safari-goer, a good tour operator is highly recommended. They will provide detailed advice on destination, lodge, wildlife, season and other variables, with customer reviews, and can tailor-make a trip to your priorities and budget. Most will also organise international flights. More seasoned travellers may save money by going directly to in-country safari companies.

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Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) is one of the Most Undervalued Stocks to Buy Right Now. On November 25, the company released its Q3 2026 results, with record revenue of $27.0 billion, reflecting a rise of 11% YoY amidst the acceleration of AI momentum in H2 2026. This led to the record AI server orders of $12.3 billion and an unprecedented $30 billion in orders on a YTD basis.

Dell Technologies (DELL) Releases Q3 2026 Results

Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL)s EPS increased by 17% to $2.59, driven by improved profitability in AI and storage and continued operational scaling. The companys five-quarter pipeline is multiples of its $18.4 billion backlog with a mix of neocloud, sovereign, and enterprise customers. The company continues to win in AI due to its unique ability to engineer bespoke high-performance solutions, rapidly deploy large, complex clusters, and offer global support.

Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) shipped $5.6 billion in AI servers during Q3 2026 for a total of $15.6 billion on a YTD basis. The companys operating income grew 11% YoY to $2.5 billion or 9.3% of revenue, with the rise stemming from increased revenue and reduced operating expenses, partially mitigated by the decline in gross margin rate. For FY 2026, the company expects revenue between $111.2 billion  $112.2 billion, up by 17% YoY at the midpoint of $111.7 billion.

While we acknowledge the potential of DELL 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: 13 Cheap AI Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Unstoppable Growth Stocks to Invest in Now

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Wild Mane Maine Coons is a TICA-registered breeder of Maine Coon cats, and it recently welcomed its newest litter. After seeing Mom and Dad, theres absolutely no denying who these babies belong to!

In the video, its handsome, all-gray male strolls by and notices the kittens for the first time. There are seven or eight of them, and all but one are the same smoky gray color as he is. He pauses, looks around, and leans in for a closer inspection, almost like hes counting how many mini-me kitties he has. Then Mom walks in, and suddenly the lone all-black kitten makes perfect sense, too!

Wild Mane's daddy cat had people in stitches! The look on his face said it all, and he looked like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. He was probably wondering where all those little carbon copies of himself came from!

Related: People Cant Believe the Size of This 33-Pound Maine Coon Cat

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Commenters' Hilarious Reactions to Daddy Cat Seeing His Look-Alike Kittens

People left more than 2,400 comments after viewing the video more than 5.6 million times, and no one is surprised it went viral because it's so funny! @Ekko got more than 116k likes when they shared a screenshot of Dad's face from when he first saw the kittens, saying, "F*ck, those are definitely mine, they look just like me..." @MadMaxSHOTTA agreed, "There's no denying they're mine..."

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@Boom.mackenzie said what Dad was probably thinking, "The f*** are those?!"

This made us wonder, does the daddy cat know those are his babies? According to Dial A Vet, he does not. "Male cats generally do not recognize their kittens in the way humans understand familial relationships. Their involvement is limited, and any interaction is usually due to curiosity rather than recognition."

"Male cats may display curiosity toward kittens, especially if they are familiar or related, but this doesnt necessarily mean recognition or parental behavior. While some male cats can be protective or gentle with kittens, this is more the exception rather than the rule. Typically, male cats don't have an active role in raising kittens, as female cats do."

Sounds like maybe the male cat was just checking out the newest family members without even realizing that he's Dad!

This story was originally published by PawNation on Dec 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add PawNation as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When Aline Rudasingwa talks about wine, she opens with the people, memories, and migrations that brought her to vineyards across Europe. The idea of home as something fluid and portable. Then she gets to the vineyards, because for her, wine is the thread connecting every version of her life across continents. She spent sixteen years in hospitality, ten of them deep inside fine-dining culture, where wine shifted from something she served to something she studied.

Those years turned into a philosophy, then a career, and eventually a company: Crus & Amala, her newly launched import and distribution business bringing biodynamic, terroir-driven wines to emerging African markets, starting with Kenya. Biodynamic wines rely on holistic farming practices that prioritize soil health and vitality. Terroir-driven wines highlight origin: the climate, the soil, the altitude, and the culture of the place they come from. Together, they form the foundation of Alines philosophy and the heart of the company shes building across the continent.

As she explains, Africas wine market was valued at US$7.7 billion in 2024 and is growing at double-digit rates. The premium imported category, the one Crus & Amala operates within, represents only 8 to 10 percent of the market but is projected to double by 2030 as consumers move away from mass-market wines.

A Journey Built Across Continents

Aline was born in Rwanda and moved to Canada with her father after the genocide, spending over twenty years there. The experience of growing up between nations created a layered sense of identity that continues to inform her work today.

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Canada shaped me just as much as Rwanda did, and over the years Ive also built a life across Europe and North America, she reflects. Im not always sure where home is anymore. These days, home is people. Its wherever I feel calm and safe, and those people now live across all three continents.

Her professional journey began inside the intensity of fine dining. She spent years navigating long shifts, studying relentlessly, and immersing herself in the discipline needed to reach a deeper level of expertise in wine. Those years became her foundation. They also introduced her to winemakers whose approach to farming and craftsmanship would influence not only her palate but also her values.

The rigorous, values-driven producers whose wines have moved and inspired me  people who farm with integrity, respect their land, and create wines that feel alive with purpose. They shaped my palate, my philosophy, and ultimately, the vision for Crus & Amala.

She began building Crus & Amala three years ago, motivated by a deep sense that the moment was right for her return to the continent. Coming back brought both culture shock and comfort, a mix of disorientation and recognition that felt like a true homecoming. The company has become her way of connecting the places that raised her with the future she wants to help shape, a bridge between continents, identities, and the evolving wine culture she believes Africa is more than ready to embrace.

Starting In Kenya, Scaling Across Cote dIvoire And South Africa

Photo Credit: Aline Rudasingwa

When Aline arrived in Kenya, she found a vibrant and rapidly evolving dining scene, alongside wine programs that were still developing. There was plenty of interest and enthusiasm, but limited access to wines that reflected farming philosophy or terroir. Her early observations made it clear that the market was shifting and that consumers were ready for something more thoughtful and intentional. She spent three years studying menus, talking to friends who had relocated to East Africa, and traveling repeatedly in search of the right partners. Then, she made a strategic decision.

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Kenya is my launch pad because it offers both opportunity and challenge, Aline says. Its a fast-evolving market with a growing hospitality sector, but its also a place where infrastructure, supply chains, and consumer access are still developing. In many ways, it feels like a blank canvas  full of potential but requiring patience, resilience, and constant problem-solving. Building here forces us to be agile, creative, and very intentional, which ultimately strengthens the business.

Her long-term strategy extends beyond Kenya into markets with a strong wine culture. Cote dIvoire and South Africa represent the next phase of growth. These are destinations where wine literacy is established, and consumers are eager for thoughtfully sourced labels. These markets complement Kenyas potential by offering scale, stability, and mature distribution networks.

Aline shares, Markets like Cote dIvoire and South Africa fit into our long-term strategy in a different way. These are more mature wine markets with consumers who are already knowledgeable, engaged, and comfortable with premium and terroir-driven wines. They understand value, they recognize craft, and theyre willing to invest in quality. From a business standpoint, these markets provide clearer pathways to scale, more established distribution networks, and a higher baseline of wine literacy.

Making Biodynamic Wine Accessible

Biodynamic and terroir-driven wines often carry an air of mystery, especially for consumers new to the categories. Aline, however, sees this as an invitation. Her approach is grounded in accessibility and respect for the learning curve.

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Education starts with access. For a long time, consumers across Africa havent had consistent exposure to thoughtfully made wines, so part of my role is simply opening the door. Im privileged to have strong connections and access in the wine world, and I want to use that to bring in wines that feel approachable, not intimidating.

Her portfolio reflects this philosophy. Instead of leaning on status or exclusivity, she curates wines that communicate clarity and craftsmanship. Bright German whites, food-friendly Piemonte reds, Alpine wines shaped by altitude, Burgundy-inspired bottles, and grower Champagne all serve as introductions to terroir without overwhelming new drinkers.

Our portfolio is intentionally built with entry-level, well-made, terroir-respectful wines at accessible price points  because thats how you grow a market. From bright German whites to food-friendly Piemonte reds, high-altitude Alpine wines, Burgundy-inspired elegance, and even grower Champagne, theres something for everyone. The focus is on clarity, purity, and craftsmanship, not complexity for complexitys sake.

For Aline, the heart of her work is about shifting the baseline of what wine can be on the continent. She wants consumers to feel confident choosing bottles that reflect integrity rather than price tags, and she believes that building a healthier wine culture starts with broad access to thoughtfully made wines.

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The real goal is to normalize quality  wines that are honest, transparent, and expressive without being out of reach.

The Realities Behind the Business

Photo Credit: Aline Rudasingwa

Importing wine into African markets demands patience and capital. Temperature-controlled containers, regulatory hurdles, taxes, and building on-the-ground teams require major upfront investment. Aline is clear about this.

Ill be honest. This is bigger than I expected when I started. I may have aimed high, but at this point I cant turn back, and I dont want to. The market signals are clear. Demand is growing, and consumers are becoming more discerning. There is a real gap for thoughtfully sourced, terroir-driven wines presented with cultural respect. Someone has to build the bridge, and Im committed to doing that work.

Her GalaBid fundraising campaign supports logistics, expanded distribution, a full portfolio launch, local staffing, and experiential programming to build future Crus & Amala hubs. It marks the shift from vision to infrastructure, strengthened by the global community that helped shape her path.

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Aline credits mentors such as Jeremy Seysses, who welcomed her into the vineyards of Morey Saint-Denis, and organizations like The Roots Fund, which continue to champion access and diversity in wine. Their influence grounds her work, and she now invites hospitality partners, mentors, and distributors to join her in shaping the future of African wine culture.

If youre a hospitality group, a mentor, a distributor, or someone who believes in the future of Africas wine culture  Id love to build with you. This vision is bigger than me, and it will take a community to bring it to life.







The post Meet The Sommelier Bringing Biodynamic Wines To Africa appeared first on Travel Noire.
In a region with as long and rich a history as Europe, it's hardly surprising that the dead are extremely present. Almost every country in Europe has its own rituals, traditions, and unique customs concerning what to do with the remains of those who've passed, which can sometimes result in unusual, macabre, and downright creepy places for travelers to visit.

European travel expert Rick Steves might be 'the Mr. Rogers of travel', but he's no stranger to the spookier side of tourism, and loves discovering weird and wonderful attractions dedicated to remembering the dead. He is, in his own words, "intrigued by human bones," and is always on the hunt for eerie attractions to visit. He advises fans of dark tourism destinations around the world to look out for churches and monasteries run by Capuchin monks, as "their mission [is] to remind us that in a relatively short period of time, we'll be dead, too." They do this by "hanging their dead brothers up to dry and then opening their skeleton-filled crypts to the public." One of his favorite Capuchin sites is the crypt of Santa Maria della Concezione in Rome, an extraordinary ossuary or bone-church containing the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin friars!

Santa Maria della Concezione is located to the north of Rome's historic city center, just south of the Villa Borghesi, close to the Baroque Triton Fountain. It's right outside the Barberini metro station on the A line, and about a 20-minute walk from Roma Termini, the city's main train station.

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Read more: The 40 Most Mysterious Places In The Whole Entire World

A grisly reminder of the inevitability of death

Bones surrounding the skeleton of a monk - Giorgio Cosulich De Pecine/Getty Images

The Capuchin crypt in Rome has captivated the imagination of visitors for centuries. The Marquis de Sade was a fan in the late-1700s, and Mark Twain wrote about his visit in 1869. The ossuary was founded in 1631, when the Capuchin friars moved into the monastery of Santa Maria della Concezione from their previous home near the Trevi Fountain. Just as they do in the Catacombs of Paris and the Catacombe dei Cappuccini in Palermo, the monks interred the skeletons of their dead brothers in the crypt below the church, using them as macabre interior decor, and allowed visitors to view them.

Steves explains that "the bones of 4,000 monks who died between 1528 and 1870 are lined up for the delight  or disgust  of always wide-eyed visitors." The Capuchin ossuary is definitely not for the fainthearted, but it's a fascinating look into an alternative approach to how we view death. The monks separated the bones of their dead brothers, creating a crypt specifically for skulls, a crypt of legs, and even a crypt just containing pelvises!

As Steves points out, the Capuchins' bizarre approach to preserving monastic skeletons isn't just a whim. It's a fundamental part of the medieval concept of memento mori, reminding people of the time that everyone dies and that no one is above death or God. A plaque reminds visitors of the Capuchins' motto, that "we were what you are ... you will become what we are now," and as Steves points out, travelers who visit will "learn that many of these bones  even long after death  still have something to say."

Other bone churches around the world

An intricate decoration of human bones on the ceiling of Sedlec Ossuary - jsmir/Shutterstock

Steves says that "in Europe, seekers of the macabre can get their fill of human skeletons," and he's not wrong. The Capuchin crypt in Rome is far from the only place where unusual tributes to the dead can be found, and there are hauntingly beautiful and macabre ossuaries around the world.

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The Capuchins themselves have similar bone churches in Paris and Palermo, both of which are remarkable places to explore. The Sedlec Ossuary beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints in Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic is fascinating as well, and was allegedly inspired by the Capuchin crypt in Rome.

The Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in Evora, Portugal, is a little different, as rather than being buried in a subterranean crypt, the bones here line the walls of the entire chapel. San Bernardino alle Ossa in Milan also has a side chapel decorated with skulls, while the Skull Chapel in Kudowa-Zdroj is unusual because its bones come from victims of war, famine, and disease, rather than deceased monks. But perhaps the weirdest of all is the Hallstatt Charnel House, which houses over 600 carefully hand-painted skulls, the largest collection of painted skulls anywhere in Europe.

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Passengers who are looking to book a flight across the pond will be able to do so a little bit easier next year thanks to a new announcement from Alaska Airlines. That's because the airline has added some new flights to its list, and they will be direct connections for those flying from a major west coast hub into London.

Not only that, but it looks like some of the first passengers to book this flight will be able to score a deal on their airfare. Here's everything we know about the new offering from Alaska Airlines.

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Alaska Airlines adds two new direct flights to its international route

Passengers will be able to start booking flights from Seattle to London starting Dec. 10. The new service will fly direct from the west coast hub into Heathrow Airport, with daily flights kicking off on May 21, 2026, according to a statement from the airline. This will be the company's fifth intercontinental destination with service through Seattle's growing international hub.

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Alaska Airlines will fly passengers across the pond using a 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which is perfect for those long-haul flightsnonstop flights from the region tend to take somewhere around 10 hours, according to the Travel Math blog.

Related: A low-cost airline will soon start flying to Alaska

How to book a flight from Seattle to London

Want to fly the friendly skies with Alaska Airlines? While you'll have to wait until May to officially kick off your trip, you can start things off today by using the airline's website to book. According to the statement, prices will start as low as $699.

Those who think they may want to make a regular habit of the deal may be interested in taking part in Alaska Airlines' loyalty program Atmos Rewards, which offers intercontinental flyers one point and one status point for each mile flown. For this new offering, that will work out to something like 4,800 points per program, per trip.

Alaska Airlines also flies nonstop to other international destinations

Have you been there, done that when it comes to London? Maybe you might want to see some of the other new services that Alaska Airlines has added recently, which includes:

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Seattle to Rome

Seattle to Reykjavik, Iceland

In addition to the new stops, Alaska Airlines also services:

Canada

Mexico

Central America (Costa Rica, Belize)

Asia (Tokyo, Seoul)

Related: Travelers without a REAL ID may get charged $18 by TSA

And it looks like the airline plans to continue expanding its services into the new year, according the website, which means additional destinations could be added soon. However, if you're planning on booking a trip in 2026, you'll want to make sure your paperwork is in order in advance. With changing guidelines surrounding documents required to travel to and from the U.S. (specifically, when it comes to your REAL ID), you'll want to be sure you're giving yourself plenty of time to get your ducks in a row so that your next international vacation can go off without a hitch... especially with deals like the new ones Alaska Airlines already has in the works.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the Airlines section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After paying $96,000 toward student loans over the past eight years, Sarah from Philadelphia thought she was finally done. She had faithfully repaid both her personal loans and the $50,000 her parents had taken out under Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students to help fund her education.

I Did My Part

At 29 years old, Sarah told her parents she planned to make her final few payments and close the chapter on student debt. But instead of celebrating, her parents dropped a bombshell: they had consolidated the Parent PLUS loans taken out for her and her siblings into one big loan. Her monthly payments, it turned out, had been covering not just her share, but everyone else's, too.

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They kind of just like dropped the bombshell, like, Oh, well, this happened to make our payments lower,' Sarah told personal finance experts Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze on The Ramsey Show.

Ramsey quickly jumped in. No, no, no, he said. You did not make an obligation to pay your siblings' part. You made a promise to pay your part.

Sarah explained that she had been paying her parents $1,000 a month for nearly eight yearsmoney she believed was going toward her $60,000 portion of the Parent PLUS loans. But with her parents combining everything into one pot, she was suddenly on the hook for loans that were never hers.

Ramsey encouraged her to take a clear-eyed look at the numbers. Were talking about 96 months that you paid $96,000, including 7% interest, he said. That means I don't owe anymore. Sorry, Mom and Dad. The rest of it's on you and bro. I did my part.

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Ramsey said that many parents who co-sign student loans never get a dime back. In this case, Sarah went above and beyond. They're very lucky, honestly, as Parent PLUS holders, that Sarah actually has paid $96,000, Ramsey said. Ninety percent of the time I take this phone call, it's the parent griping because the kid has never paid a dime.

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Sarah acknowledged that confronting her parents could be tough, especially since they had supported her in other ways growing up. They changed your diaper, but you don't have to pay them for that, he said. That's called being a parent.

Ramsey was sympathetic, but firm: she had fulfilled her moral and financial obligations. The next step? Use an online loan calculator to run the math and show her parents in black and white that she's paid what she promised.

This is a mess they have made, Ramsey said.

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This article She Cleared $96,000 In Student Loans On Her Own, Then Her Parents Asked Her To Pay Her Siblings' Debt, Too. Dave Ramsey Says, 'No, No, No' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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Arizona has no coastline.

But being landlocked didn't stop the Grand Canyon State from achieving notoriety for having one of the best beaches in the U.S.

Conde Nast Traveler published its list of the 15 best beaches in the U.S. as decided by its readers in its 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. Lake Havasu State Park came in at No. 13 on the ranking.

Florida's Pensacola Beach was No. 1.

The recognition marks the latest brush with fame for Lake Havasu, an Arizona spring break hub along the state's western edge. In June, USA TODAY 10BEST named Lake Havasu the No. 10 lake in the U.S. and the No. 6 lake for water sports, while its Windsor Beach was the No. 6 lakeside beach.

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Arizona is no stranger to recognition from Conde Nast. Multiple hotels and resorts in metro Phoenix and Sedona were named among the best in the Southwest and West, including Fairmont Scottsdale Princess at No. 1.

Why Conde Nast readers love Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu State Park stands out on Conde Nast Traveler's best beaches list because Arizona is landlocked. Conde Nast editors described Lake Havasu as "the absolute picture of a mirage waiting at the end of miles upon miles of arid desert."

Readers enjoy Lake Havasu for its "gin-clear blue-green waters" and its water recreation opportunities. Fishing, boating and swimming are popular activities; canoe and kayak rentals are available.

Other highlights that Conde Nast readers highlighted include the 26 miniature replicas of lighthouses around the world placed along the shoreline and wildlife viewing opportunities along the Mojave Sunset Trail.

Conde Nast Traveler's 15 best beaches in the US

Pensacola Beach, Florida. Navarre Beach, Florida. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach), Hawaii. Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii. Ka'anapali Beach, Hawaii. Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii. Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida. Trunk Beach, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Orange Beach, Alabama. South Padre Island, Texas. Coligny Beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Lake Havasu State Park in Lake Havasu City. St. Augustine Beach, Florida. Coronado Beach, California.

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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lake Havasu is one of 15 best beaches in the US, Conde Nast says
NEED TO KNOW

In 1996, a team of divers found something extraordinary off the coast of North Carolina: a dozen cannons sitting in 20 feet of water

Their hunch at the time  that the cannons were part of a shipwreck  proved to be right

Indeed, the wreck itself, scientists later confirmed, belonged to the infamous pirate Blackbeard

It almost seemed like fate when, one day before the 278th anniversary of Blackbeard's 1718 death, a team of divers found a pile of treasured historical artifacts hidden in just 20 feet of water  including cannons that would later be confirmed to have belonged to the infamous pirate.

It was Nov. 21, 1996 when a group of marine archaeologists from North Carolina and Intersal, a private company that hunts for historic shipwrecks, happened upon the cannons and other artifacts just two miles off the coast of Beaufort.

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Along with the dozen or so cannons, there was a bronze bell dated 1709  a clue that the items could have come from Blackbeard's notorious 103-foot,40-cannon vessel, known as Queen Anne's Revenge.

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Robert Willett/Raleigh News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty a 3,000 pound anchor, recovered from the shipwreck of Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge a 3,000 pound anchor, recovered from the shipwreck of Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge

It would be 15 years before scientists confirmed the divers' hunch: the cannons and bell had indeed belonged to Blackbeard  real name: Edward Teach  an English pirate who seized some 20 ships over the course of his career and, say some historians, tortured some of his victims.

A showman, Teach was also know to stick lit cannon wicks into his beard for demonic effect  a caricature of sorts that added to his allure and was alluded to in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean  though his reign was cut short when he was beheaded by British troops in 1718, after running the Queen Anne's Revenge aground on North Carolina's Ocracoke Island.

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The divers who discovered the wreckage were confident  with former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt announcing shortly after the find that a total of 30 cannons had been identified and more than 300,000 artifacts recovered.

The excavation continued and, in 2006 and 2007, more artifacts were discovered at the site, with approximately one-third of the wreck being fully excavated by the end of 2007. In 2011, National Geographic confirmed that the wreckage had been identified, officially as Queen Anne's Revenge.

Robert Willett/Raleigh News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty The 3,000 pound anchor recovered from the shipwreck of Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge is brought to rest on the deck of the Research Vessel Dan Moore off the coast of North Carolina, Friday May 27, 2011. The 3,000 pound anchor recovered from the shipwreck of Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge is brought to rest on the deck of the Research Vessel Dan Moore off the coast of North Carolina, Friday May 27, 2011.

"There was not one aha moment," Claire Aubel, public relations coordinator for the North Carolina Maritime Museums, told the outlet at the time. "There was a collection of moments and a deduction based on the evidence."

The biggest clue that the wreckage did indeed belong to Blackbeard, Aubel told National Geographic, was the sheer size of the wreck and the amount of weapons (many loaded) found within.

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As diver Mike Daniel (Intersal's director of operations) told PEOPLE in a 1997 story, "Blackbeard finally decided to give it up."

As of today, the ship remains at the bottom of the sea, while the treasured artifacts found aboard have found a new home at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.



John Pineda/Getty A Model Of Queen Ann's Revenge A Model Of Queen Ann's Revenge

Read the original article on People
Atlanta police are investigating after two people were shot at an apartment complex on Wednesday night.

Officers responded to Continental Colony Pkwy. SW just after 9:46 p.m. where they found two people with gunshot wounds. They found a 9-year-old boy and a 33-year-old woman shot in the leg.

The Retreat at Greenbriar apartments are located near Greenbriar Mall.

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Both victims were alert, conscious and breathing. The extent of their injuries is unclear.

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Investigators have not commented on who the victims are or what led up to the shooting.

Police have not released details on what led up to the shooting or possible suspects.

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A majority of Americans who said grocery prices are hard to afford blamed the Trump administration for putting them in that situation, according to a new poll.

The Politico Poll, conducted in mid-November, asks those who said grocery prices are difficult or very difficult to afford who they thought is most responsible: 55 percent said the current Trump administration, 27 percent said the Biden administration, and 26 percent said state government.

Another 20 percent said billionaires, 20 percent said businesses, and 17 percent said local and city governments. Respondents were allowed to select all that apply.

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Struggling Americans were less likely to blame the Trump administration for other expenses they find unaffordable  but they still blamed the White House more often than anyone else.

Among those who struggle to afford their health care costs, 48 percent blamed the current administration, 45 percent blamed insurance companies, 28 percent blamed state government, and 23 percent blamed the Biden administration.

On housing costs, 42 percent of those struggling to afford their bills blamed the Trump administration, while 35 percent blamed state government, 34 percent blamed private landlords, 28 percent blamed local and city governments, and 23 percent blamed the Biden administration.

For those struggling to pay their utility bills, 39 percent blamed the Trump administration, 34 percent blamed state government, 28 percent blamed local and city governments, and 23 percent blamed the Biden administration.

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The same poll found that nearly half of Americans, 46 percent, said the cost of living in the U.S. is the worst I can ever remember it being, including 37 percent of voters who backed Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

The survey comes amid a renewed focus on affordability. It was conducted shortly after last months elections, when Democrats outperformed with campaigns focused on cost-of-living concerns.

Trump has since sought to double down on his economic message, but some Republicans have expressed concern that the partys economic messaging could be failing to reach voters. The Republican candidate eked out a narrow victory in a ruby-red Tennessee district in last weeks special election, and a Democratic candidate won the Miami mayoral race on Tuesday for the first time in nearly 30 years.

The Politico Poll included 2,098 adults and was conducted online Nov. 14-17. The margin of error was 2 percentage points.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The issue of Hamass propaganda is a high priority, and it uses a lot of media outlets abroad to talk about it, said Shlomo Mofaz.

A comprehensive study released Thursday finds that about 60% of individuals identified as journalists killed during the war in Gaza were members of or affiliated with terrorist organizations, primarily Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The findings contradict claims by Hamas and various NGOs that 220256 journalists were killed over two years of fighting.

The research, conducted by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, examined 266 media workers reported killed between October 7, 2023, and November 30, 2025. Of these, 157 - roughly 60% - were either members of terrorist groups or worked for outlets affiliated with them. At least 47 belonged to Hamass military wing and 45 were linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, including 18 confirmed operatives.

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The issue of Hamass propaganda is a high priority, and it uses a lot of media outlets abroad to talk about it, Shlomo Mofaz, the centers director, told The Press Service of Israel. The narrative of harming journalists is like the number of deaths - when you check the facts and figures, its not like that. About 60% is definitely a very high figure.

Researchers described a widespread dual identity phenomenon in which media workers simultaneously served as armed operatives.

The report highlighted systematic coordination between Hamas and the Qatar-based Al Jazeera network.

The Al Jazeera Media Network logo is seen inside its headquarters in Doha, Qatar June 8, 2017. (credit: REUTERS/NASEEM ZEITOON)

Several Al Jazeera correspondents, including Anas al-Sharif, were identified as members of Hamass East Jabaliya Battalion. Sharif headed a cell responsible for firing guided rockets.

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Additional seized documents showed organized collaboration between Al Jazeera and Hamas, including directives on covering specific incidents and a hotline enabling direct contact during emergencies.

Mofaz said the study relied on Arabic-language sources, social media profiles, and captured Hamas documents. A roster from Hamas Gaza Brigade confirmed that eight individuals previously listed as unidentified journalists were actually Hamas members.

No Special Protection for Journalists

Lt. Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch, Director of the Initiative for Palestinian Authority Accountability and Reform at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, who was not involved in the research, provided legal context to TPS-IL.

I have bad news for you - there is no special protection for journalists, Hirsch said. A journalist is supposedly a civilian, non-combatant, not participating in the fighting. Therefore, from the point of view of international law, it is forbidden to intentionally harm someone who is not participating in the fighting, but as soon as a person participates in the fighting in one way or another, even if it is just gathering intelligence, like journalistic reports sometimes, it makes the person a legitimate target for all intents and purposes.

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Hirsch added that terror groups deliberately exploit journalistic status.

The research documented several cases where these dual-role operatives received advance warning of the October 7 attack and accompanied the terrorists to provide live coverage of the assault.

Experts told TPS-IL in 2024 that Palestinian photographers who crossed into Israel on October 7 committed war crimes.

Of course, media companies are not supposed to employ terrorists, and they need due diligence to ensure that those they employ in combat zones are not terrorists. But unfortunately, there are elements like Al-Jazeera, which is an organization in a country that supports terrorism and Hamas, that not only have no problem including Hamas terrorists as journalists,' Hirsch added.

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The study concluded that this dual-role phenomenon undermines trust in media personnel and the credibility of their reports and changes the status of journalists according to international law and puts them in danger.

Around 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The body of Israeli Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili is the last remaining in Gaza.
Eleanors view

Democratic senators who are trying to strike a bipartisan deal on major cryptocurrency legislation are also working against the clock as the industry prepares to flood the midterms with cash.

If the Senate talks dont yield forward progress by next month or so, digital assets super PACs are likely to start spending big against lawmakers standing in the way of an industry-sought deal.

The network of cryptocurrency super PACs known as Fairshake, which played a key role in the 2024 cycle, has already amassed at least $141 million to spend in the midterms. This cycle has also seen the formation of two new crypto super PACs, Digital Freedom Fund and Fellowship, which are expected to spend at least $21 million and $100 million, respectively.

The moment is especially fraught for Senate Democrats because their party is more divided over whether to deliver the crypto industry its top priority: establishing rules for exchanges, brokers and issuers.

As a few of them work toward a potential path forward, people familiar with the talks described an unspoken tension between getting to yes  thus winning potential support on future campaigns  and being perceived by the Democratic base as caving to industry or failing to hold President Donald Trump, a proud crypto ally, accountable.

Democrats thinking about running in 2028 are balancing support for the industry and unlocking the political support that comes with it with staying in the good graces of the progressive constituencies who can shape a primary battlefield, one person familiar with the talks told me.

So far, senators and aides in both parties told me this week, the looming spending spree has not tainted their closed-door talks. They also acknowledged the current situation might not hold.

Fortunately, no one has raised those issues in our meetings  and I hope it stays that way, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, whos pushing for a committee vote next week, told me. Weve just busted our britches to try to keep this bipartisan.

No one can disagree that thats a big bazooka, the Wyoming Republican added of crypto cash. In some ways, I wonder whether its being misused  not by the industry, but by the politicians.

For progressives who oppose the crypto legislation, its a matter of not rocking the US financial system,but also of not voting to enrich the president. Trump-affiliated crypto firms netted his family billions of dollars this year even after recent losses.

And potential 2028 presidential hopefuls are closely tracking, or even involved in, the talks. Lummis said Tuesday the White House recently rejected a bipartisan ethics proposal from her and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., a rising star in the party.
A major milestone in St. Johns Countys efforts to support veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness was celebrated this week with the opening of Home Again St. Johns newest housing campus at 197 Florida 16.

The expanded site includes four duplexes, eight apartments, and a new service center named in honor of the organizations executive director.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, residents and community leaders gathered to mark what many called a life-changing development.

Veteran Robert Wilson, one of the first to move into the new apartments, said the opportunity has already made an impact. Im just blessed to have this place.

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The campus builds on the success of Veterans Village, which houses up to 20 veterans and has helped several transition into permanent housing. But I believe weve had 6 to 10 that are in permanent housing just within that year timeframe, said Troy Blevins, Vice President of Home Again St. Johns.

The newly opened Ellen Walden Service Center, named after Executive Director Ellen Walden, will serve as a hub for daily essentials, including a cafeteria and mail access. Its part of a broader effort to help residents regain stability. Weve been able to raise close to $6 million to provide services here and at Veterans Village, Walden said.

Home Again, St. Johns said the new apartments can house up to 16 people, with 25% of the units reserved specifically for veterans. Wilson said returning to independent living has been transformative. Its quite different having my own apartment again and living life.

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Jason Vanderhoof, who was once homeless and now works on-site as a security officer, said the support provided at the new center reflects a deeper mission. God doesnt discriminate against people that have needs so to how much has been forgiven, much is required.

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According to Walden, 34 residents in their programs now have steady jobs in St. Augustine. Participants can stay in the new apartments for up to two years while making $1,200 monthly payments. Our goal is to get them out in 18 months and have them save enough money saved, she added.

City officials said the project represents a significant step in addressing homelessness locally. Well probably always have them, but were here and ready to address it and this will go a long way, said St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline.

Organizers said six people have already moved into the apartments, with additional residents expected to arrive before Christmas.

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Is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce woke?

Consumers Research is taking aim at the powerful business lobbys statements on diversity, equity and inclusion and at the DEI initiatives it abandoned after the November presidential election, alleging the Chamber of Commerce protects woke political goals, not consumers.

The nonprofit group, which says it advocates for free markets and corporate accountability, pointed to the Chamber of Commerces statement on its website that diversity is Americas strength," making the economy "the most vibrant and dynamic in history."

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"When businesses recognize and embrace different perspectives, they are better able to create value, serve customers, support employees and solve problems," the website says. "By providing opportunities for everyone, businesses help lift communities and strengthen the health, prosperity, and competitiveness of our nation and our society."

The Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest business lobbying groups in the United States, accused Consumers' Research of dredging up DEI initiatives in a tussle over litigation reform.

At issue is the Chamber of Commerce's support of the Litigation Transparency Act of 2025, which would require greater disclosures about who is funding lawsuits. Some conservative organizations have objected to the legislation, saying it could make it harder for people to hold "woke" companies accountable.

Students chanted and held signs during a rally to protect DEI in America Friday at the University of Louisville campus in Louisville, Kentucky on Feb. 28, 2025

"Make no mistake, this attack has nothing to do with policy and has everything to do with trial lawyer greed, Stephen Waguespack, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

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Just days after George Floyds murder, the Chamber of Commerce launched a national initiative to address America's deep racial divides. The message at the time: Equality of opportunity is everybodys business.

We fundamentally believe that all Americans should have the opportunity to earn their success, rise on their own merits and live the American dream. But we know today that is not the case, then-CEO Tom Donohue told attendees at a town hall in June 2020, calling on them to bulldoze barriers for Black Americans and other people of color.

Shortly before President Donald Trump took office in January, the high-profile campaign vanished. The webpage touting the Equality of Opportunity Initiative began redirecting to the Chamber of Commerces home page.

The retreat showed how dramatically corporate America has shifted in less than five years, Daniel Kinderman, a political science professor at the University of Delaware who studied the initiative, told USA TODAY in February.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Powerful business lobby accused of being 'woke.' Here's why
ACUSHNET  The Acushnet School Committee is set enter negotiations for high school tuition contracts with New Bedford and Old Rochester Regional high schools, after the committee's vote Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Ford Middle School.

But Fairhaven High may still be in the running to partner with Acushnet Public Schools as well, if Fairhaven school officials agree to drop one of their conditions.

Leading up to the high school tuition decision, Acushnet School Committee members discussed their findings relative to the four high schools being considered: Apponequet Regional High School in Lakeville, Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett, Fairhaven High School and New Bedford High School.

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Acushnet Superintendent Paula Bailey shared the results of a survey all the committee members took on the four options presented, revealing Old Rochester Regional came out as top choice, followed in order by New Bedford, Apponequet Regional and Fairhaven. That survey was based on a set of 25 criteria, including "high quality curriculum," "building infrastructure" and "teacher longevity," Bailey said.

Acushnet School Committee members (left to right) Melissa Cordeira, Ronald Houde, Jesse Ellis, Ebony McGlynn and John Howcroft, are seen on Dec. 9 at Ford Middle School, where they voted to enter negotiations for high school tuition contracts with New Bedford and Old Rochester Regional high schools.

A second survey of the committee, Bailey said, had similar results, but with Fairhaven coming in third place and Apponequet last.

What did Acushnet School Committee think of local high schools?

Four out of five Acushnet School Committee members  Ebony McGlynn, Jesse Ellis, Vice Chair Melissa Cordeira and Chair Ronald Houde  said Apponequet's condition that the school be Acushnet's exclusive contracted high school option, and Fairhaven's preference to be the only "small school option" alongside New Bedford High as the large school option, played into how they determined their preferences.

Get some background: Fairhaven school officials draw line in the sand on Acushnet contract

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Citing Apponequet's condition of exclusivity, Houde said the school was a "non-starter" for him. On Fairhaven's "small school" exclusivity preference  as voted by the Fairhaven School Committee on Dec. 3  Houde said, "I understand that there are planning issues that are caused in terms of staffing needs and those kinds of things by maybe not knowing exactly how many kids are going to come.

"And if youre in an agreement with a similar school, that may split the numbers. It makes it harder to plan, and those kinds of things. I appreciate that challenge. Frankly, its not my concern."

"[Fairhaven's] requirement tied to limiting partnerships, including with Old Rochester ... is not aligned with the collaborative approach or student choice values that I hold," Cordeira said, after having essentially expressed the same view relative to Apponequet.

"I know that when we did the parent survey, Fairhaven came really high on the ratings and I think part of that is  the history that we have with Fairhaven," said McGlynn. "And I think ORR came pretty close to that, especially considering there wasnt much experience, and I think parents  may have had a different perspective if they actually knew more about ORR."

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See more school news: Old Rochester schools launch Playbook and Project 351 programs

"Im really excited about the journey that we are now going to embark," said School Committee member John Howcroft, "and I just want to say how fortunate I feel at this moment in time that were going to make such a momentous decision in the best interest of all of our children."

Results of the family and community survey referenced by McGlynn were shared by Bailey back on Nov. 20, revealing Fairhaven as top choice, followed, in order, by ORR, Apponequet and New Bedford.

Acushnet School Committee leaves door open to Fairhaven

According to Bailey, Acushnet Public Schools' legal counsel had informed her prior to the meeting that language in Acushnet's contract with Fairhaven entails that students in eighth grade this year are covered to attend Fairhaven High next school year (2026-2027), as the current contract expires in August and high school registration occurs before then.

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If this is the case, Ellis said, he would "very, very strongly want to move forward with a one-year extension" of that contract, being that this year's seventh graders would not be covered by the current contract, "and a lot of them probably want to attend Fairhaven just as much as the eighth graders this year...."

Get more local news: Sippican School second-graders explore family heritage

Flanked by School Committee members Melissa Cordeira (left) and Jesse Ellis (right), Chair Ronald Houde (center) speaks, as the committee readies to vote on high school tuition contracts on Dec. 9. Members Ebony McGlynn and John Howcroft were also present.

After the School Committee unanimously passed a motion to allow representatives to enter contract negotiations with ORR and New Bedford, a second motion was made to, in Houde's words, continue long-term agreement conversations with Fairhaven, "obviously contingent upon them being willing to let go of their preference" of small school exclusivity. That motion also passed unanimously.

The meeting, held in the Ford library, became standing room-only during the high school tuition agenda items. Fairhaven Superintendent Tara Kohler, Fairhaven Assistant Superintendent Mark Balestracci, Fairhaven School Committee Chair Brian Monroe, ORR Superintendent Michael Nelson, and Apponequet interim Superintendent Barbara Starkie were among those in attendance. A two-officer police detail was also there.

Why does Acushnet need a high school tuition contract?

Acushnet is legally obligated to have a high school tuition contract with another district because the town's school system only goes up to eighth grade. Acushnet's current contracts with New Bedford and Fairhaven are both set to expire in August.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Acushnet school officials to negotiate contracts with New Bedford, ORR
FOSTORIA  AgCredit has awarded $135,900 in Mission Fund grants to 14 community organizations, according to a community announcement.

The grants, which support projects in education, environment, technology and quality of rural life, were given to organizations primarily within the cooperatives 18-county service area.

This marks the eighth year of the Mission Fund, which aims to invest in the future of agriculture and enhance the quality of life in rural Ohio.

Wyandot County Ag Society receives their 2025 Mission Fund grant from AgCredit.

As part of our commitment to supporting the agricultural community, we are proud to announce this years recipients, AgCredit President and CEO Brian Ricker said. These organizations represent the very best of our industryworking to lead positive impact within their communities. Through the Mission Fund, we are honored to help advance their efforts and strengthen the future of agriculture.

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The grants awarded are:

Bellevue Fire Department, Huron County, $10,000

Central Lorain County Joint Ambulance District, Lorain County, $10,000

Fort Jennings Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County, $8,000

Payne Fire Association, Paulding County, $7,500

Pemberville Freedom Fire Department, Wood County, $5,000

Portage Fire District Firefighters Association, Ottawa County, $6,000

Ottawa Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County, $2,026.76

Lucas County Ag Society, Lucas County, $15,000

Paulding FFA, Paulding County, $12,600

Putnam County Rabbit Poultry Committee, Putnam County, $14,850

Van Wert County Ag Society, Van Wert County, $15,000

Vermillion FFA, Erie County, $7,500

Western Reserve Ag Ed Department, Huron County, $7,500

Wyandot County Ag Society, Wyandot County, $15,000

Recipients were selected based on their proposals to meet criteria in one or more of four key areas: education, environment, technology or quality of rural life.

Organizations may apply for Mission Fund grants of up to $15,000 per year. The 2026 application process will begin in March, and funds will be distributed by Dec. 31.

For more information about the lending cooperative or the Mission Fund, visit agcredit.net.

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This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: AgCredit announces 2025 Mission Fund grant recipients
Amnesty International released a report accusing Hamas of crimes against humanity, including murder and torture, for the October 7th massacre and the treatment of the hostages taken

After two years, Amnesty International has concluded for the first time that Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder and torture, on and after October 7, 2023.

The global human rights movements unequivocal condemnation of Hamass crimes against humanity is striking, considering its historical reticence to condemn Palestinian actors outright.

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Its 173-page report applies the ICCs Article 7 criteria and concludes that Hamas leadership intended to attack civilians.

Based on video footage, testimonies, and other evidence, Amnesty International found that, while Israeli forces killed some civilians on October 7, the vast majority of those who died were killed by armed Palestinians.

Amnesty also said it considered all those taken to Gaza to be people unlawfully detained as hostages, and that all of these individuals were subjected to psychological abuse.

However, while it admitted there is documented evidence of sexual abuse, it could not reach conclusions on the scope or scale of the sexual violence.

A memorial ceremony at the Nova festival marking two years since the October 7 massacre when Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel, murdering more than 1,200 people. October 07, 2025. (credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90)

Hamas's Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades 'chiefly responsible' for massacre, Amnesty Intl. finds

The human rights movement also said it found no evidence that Hamas or other Palestinian armed groups gave orders to their fighters to commit acts of sexual violence during the attacks. Nevertheless, the admission that Hamas and other groups committed rape, gang rape, sexual assault, and sexual violence stands out, given Amnestys relative silence on the matter over the last two years.

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Amnesty also noted that multiple parties participated in the atrocities on October 7, including the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, the Al-Quds Brigades, and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, as well as hundreds of Palestinians in civilian clothing. The explicit naming of the actors involved differs from Amnestys previous comments.

The report placed the blame for the massacre primarily on Hamass so-called military wing, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, accusing it of being chiefly responsible.

By and by, Amnesty did condemn Israel for its alleged refusal to cooperate with the investigation, including blocking access to sites, victims, medical professionals, and evidence.

It also noted that the reluctance of many survivors and witnesses to speak to Amnesty International researchers and the limited forensic evidence collected by Israeli authorities impacted the success of its investigation. Nevertheless, the organization said, it was still able to collect substantial evidence to inform its analysis.

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Amnesty called on Hamas to investigate serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by its forces during the October 7, 2023, attacks and since, including crimes under international law. Further, it urged the terrorist organization to do so with respect to the hostages.

Moreover, the global human rights movement encouraged Hamas to identify and remove anyone suspected of involvement in such violations and crimes from its ranks, and to publicly acknowledge and denounce the grave breaches of international humanitarian law.

Amnesty asked Israel to end violations of international law against Palestinians in the OPT and Palestinian citizens of Israel and take concrete steps toward ensuring justice and accountability for violations and crimes committed by Israeli forces, including genocide and apartheid.

UN findings vs Amnesty conclusions

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In contrast to the UNs Report on the October 7 attacks and their aftermath (June 2024), Amnestys report is much more explicit when it comes to sexual violence committed by Hamas.

For example, it concludes that Hamas engaged in sexual violence against hostages in captivity, and that sexual abuse, including rape and gang rape, was perpetrated on October 7.

In juxtaposition, while the UN reports have acknowledged possible cases of sexual violence on October 7, the UN has not concluded that these acts were widespread or systematic.

Additionally, Amnesty explicitly stated that Hamas committed crimes against humanity, whereas the UN said that some of Hamass actions may have amounted to crimes against humanity.

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Amnesty also based its findings on video evidence, insignia, weapons identification, and Hamass own media to attribute actions on and after October 7 to the terrorist organization. In contrast, the UN often more vaguely attributed actions to armed Palestinian groups.

Lastly, Amnesty determined that Hamas intentionally targeted civilians in a coordinated, multi-location attack, and rejected Hamass claim that civilians were killed by rogue civilians. The UN report said instead that some of the killings were indiscriminate and it was not always possible to determine intent.
Claim:

A photo shared online in December 2025 authentically showed U.S. Vice President JD Vance arguing with his wife, Usha Vance, in a restaurant.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

In December 2025, an image circulated on social media purportedly showing U.S. Vice President JD Vance arguing with his wife, Usha Vance, in a restaurant.

The image appeared to show JD Vance wearing a white T-shirt and a stern expression while sitting across from Usha Vance. One Facebook user who shared it (archived) wrote:

Looks like things are not so good in Republicanistan. Usha is a liberal. Always has been. Apparently they were having and [sic] argument loud enough to quiet the restaurant. Why is he wearing a tee shirt?

The image circulated elsewhere on Facebook and X (archived here and here). In short, it was fake.

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After Snopes initially published its story, YouTuber Keith Edwards reached out to confirm the image was a thumbnail he created for an October 2025 video, describing it as "fake." Edwards told us he used the artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT to create the image.

The thumbnail matched the image circulating on social media. In both, the man wore the same facial expression and the woman was positioned the same way. A reverse image search did not lead us to any earlier version of the fabricated image.

JD Vance himself appeared to support the conclusion that the image was fake in a Dec. 9 X post (archived), replying to a user who shared the image with a comment that seemed to poke fun at the rumor: "I always wear an undershirt when I go out in public to have a fight loudly with my wife."

I always wear an undershirt when I go out in public to have a fight loudly with my wife. https://t.co/LUivOsVv2u  JD Vance (@JDVance) December 9, 2025

We also ran the image through three AI-detection platforms: Hive, Sightengine and Image Whisperer. Sightengine estimated a 97% probability that the image was AI-generated, while Image Whisperer concluded with "high confidence" it was AI-generated.

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Hive, however, flagged the image as "not likely to contain AI-generated or deepfake content." It's worth noting that these tools are not always accurate and their results should be interpreted with caution.

Prior to Edwards' confirmation, the team at GetReal Security, which specializes in authenticating digital media, also analyzed the image for Snopes.

Hany Farid, co-founder of GetReal and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, told us that the image's low quality made forensic analysis difficult. However, the team found "biometric anomalies" suggesting the image "may be AI-generated or is simply a photo of someone that resembles [JD] Vance."

"In particular, the facial features in the image do not match contemporaneous images of Vance," Farid added. Contemporaneous images are photos taken around the same time that are used to verify another image's authenticity.

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Matthew Stamm, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Drexel University, told Snopes that he and his doctoral student analyzed the image to determine whether it was AI-generated, using a specialized forensic tool that detects subtle "fingerprints" left by generative AI. Stamm said the tool "determined with roughly 95% confidence that it was unable to detect traces left by generative AI."

However, he cautioned that this does not prove the image is real and cannot definitively rule out AI generation. Factors such as its size, low resolution and repeated sharing on social media made the analysis difficult, changing "the quality of the forensic traces that we analyze, similar to how fingerprints at a crime scene might be smudged," Stamm explained.

The fabricated image spread online amid rumors of a rift in the Vances' marriage, which began to spread in October 2025. Photos of Usha Vance without her wedding ring taken the following month further fueled speculation.

However, a spokesperson told USA Today in a Nov. 21 statement that Usha Vance "is a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes." Other publicly available Getty Images from November showed Usha Vance wearing her wedding ring.

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In a Dec. 4 interview with NBC News, JD Vance said the couple's marriage is "as strong as it's ever been."

Sources:

X (Formerly Twitter), 9 Dec. 2025, x.com/JDVance/status/1998459532977099256. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

"Hany Farid | UC Berkeley School of Information." Www.ischool.berkeley.edu, www.ischool.berkeley.edu/people/hany-farid. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

"Matthew Stamm - Drexel University College of Engineering." Drexel University College of Engineering, drexel.edu/engineering/about/faculty-staff/S/stamm-matthew/. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

PerryCook, Taija. "Authentic Photos of Usha Vance without Her Wedding Ring?" Snopes, Snopes.com, 21 Nov. 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/usha-vance-without-wedding-ring/. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

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Stahl, Jay. "Usha Vance, Missing Wedding Ring, Belongs First to Herself." USA TODAY, 2025, www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/21/usha-vance-melania-trump-no-wedding-ring/87399269007/. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Gomez, Henry J. "JD Vance Says His Marriage with Usha Is "as Strong as It's Ever Been."" NBC News, 5 Dec. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/politics/jd-vance/jd-vance-marriage-usha-strong-rcna247419. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

Updates:

Dec. 10, 2025: This story was updated to include comment from Matthew Stamm, an associate professor at Drexel University.

Dec. 10, 2025: This story was updated to include confirmation from a YouTuber that he created the image as a thumbnail for an October 2025 video. He described it as fake. As such, we have added a rating to this story.
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

An archaeological find revealed in eastern France offers a never-seen-before mix of enclosures.

The site was in use across at least three distinct time periods.

Linked in part to burials, researchers hope further study reveals more about the sites dating and purpose.

As if one ancient circular enclosure wasnt enough to evoke intrigue at an archaeological find in Eastern France, three interconnected enclosures raised the bar.

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In what the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) is calling an unprecedented discovery in Marliens, France, near Dijon, excavations revealed a series of occupations on one site spanning from the Neolithic period to the First Iron Age.

The oldest occupation features a monument with three interlocking enclosures. The center section offers a circular enclosure 36 feet in diameter, the largest in the bunch. To the north a smaller 26-foot-long horseshoe-shaped enclosure connects directly to the main center piece. To the south, a circular design remains open on one side, but still ties to the main circle. The team believes all three structures are linked together in both positioning and dating and that a gravel layer found on the two side enclosures suggests a fence was also present.

This type of monument seems unprecedented and currently no comparison has been possible, the research team says in a statement. A bundle of artifactsincluding seven flint arrowheads, two archers bracers, a flint lighter, and a copper alloy daggerdiscovered in the sites ditches correspond to cut flints, suggesting attribution to the Neolithic period, potentially as far back as 10,000 BC to 2,200 BC. Radiocarbon analytics is planned to help determine exact dating.

The team located an armband with traces of iron oxide tied to pyrite, indicating it could have been used to light fires. These objects often accompany a burial, but the team couldnt make that conclusion just yet in this case.

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Analyses of the composition of the copper alloy of the dagger should make it possible to establish its origin and provide us with information on commercial exchanges at that time, the team writes.

In another location on the site, the team dates five circular enclosuresfour open and one closed across a 64,000 square foot plainbetween 1500 BC and 1300 BC. The remains of burials and a funeral pyre were found in the ditches of the largest enclosure, although the acidity of the soil didnt allow the preservation of unburned bones, so the team was not able to find a complete burial. Dating based on five copper alloy pins, a necklace with 40 amber beads, and rare ceramic shards confirms the timing.

A First Iron Age occupation is also nearby, about 1,300 feet from the plain, this with urns and burial ornaments. Early Bronze Age wells sit nearby. An analysis of the clay layers at the bottom of the wells may provide information on the natural environment and landscape of the valley during the Bronze Age.

The team believes that with the analytics underway on the objects found at the site, combined with paleo-environmental studies, they will be able to propose a scenario of the evolution of this territory over the ages.

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A Fulton County grand jury indicted a man accused of making millions by performing cosmetic dental procedures without a license.

Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray first reported on Brandon Dillards arrest on Oct. 3, 2024 as investigators raided the northeast Atlanta offices of A List Smiles Atlanta.

Dillard has called himself Atlantas top veneer specialist, but his criminal arrest warrants say he is not a licensed dentist and has been illegally performing veneer procedures.

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According to Fulton County court records, a grand jury indicted Dillard on Nov. 21. The indictment lists 113 counts against Dillard:

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1 count of violation of the Georgia RICO Act

54 counts of theft by deception

24 counts of practice of dentistry without a license and 2 counts of practice of medicine without a license

21 counts of battery

6 counts of possession of dangerous drugs

1 count of theft by taking

1 count of commercial gambling

1 count of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud

1 count of conspiracy to defraud political subdivision of the state

1 criminal solicitation to commit a felony

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The charges go back for procedures starting in 2021 and as recently as 2024. Channel 2 Action News previously reported that Dillard was sent a cease-and-desist letter by the State Dental Board at the beginning of 2024, but he continued performing the veneer procedures.

Gray spoke with a woman who paid Dillard $3,000 for partial veneers. Kristi Brown planned to go back and have more teeth done.

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But she said her dentist immediately noticed something was wrong when she went in for a regular cleaning.

He kept asking who did this. You need to be careful. Did he have a dentist certificate? I was like, I dont remember seeing any of that. I should have known, Brown said.

Prosecutors have alleged that Dillard has made more than $4 million by charging thousands of dollars not just for veneers, but also to train others to be veneer specialists or technicians.

Hes never been a dentist. And as much as he may want to play one on Instagram, he is not one, Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten said.

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Veneer specialists and technicians do not legally exist in Georgia. Only a licensed dentist can legally perform the veneer procedures Dillard has been offering in Georgia.

Dillards arraignment hearing has been scheduled for January.
The Western Heights Public Schools administration building, pictured Sept. 11, 2023, hosts a school board meeting room and district leadership offices in southwest Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Western Heights Public Schools spent millions on misguided expenses, overpaid and underpaid employees, and committed a litany of other financial mistakes, according to a state audit released Thursday, four years after outraged district residents and state officials requested it.

The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspectors Office investigated the small southwest Oklahoma City districts 2019-2022 finances. Former Superintendent Mannix Barnes was in charge for much of that period until he was suspended amid a 2021 state takeover of the district.

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Barnes earned $1.13 million in total compensation from August 2019 through December 2022. State auditors deemed all of his earnings an improper expense because Western Heights school board failed to approve his employment contracts in open meetings.

Western Heights paid another $500,000 in legal fees to fight the state takeover and to defend Barnes in court.

This half-million dollars represents a substantial use of public funds on matters that provided little to no direct benefit to students, staff, or schools, State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd said in a statement.

Barnes did not immediately return a request for comment. He resigned in December 2022 after more than a year of suspension. His separation agreement had him give up his superintendent certification and granted him $150,000.

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Robert Everman, Western Heights school board president at the time, said he doesnt believe any improper action took place. He said he doesnt recall details of the meetings where Barnes contracts were approved and said he doesnt have a clue how much money the district spent on legal costs.

Everman, who stepped down in November 2022, said Western Heights was well managed and he has no regrets.

Thats a closed portion of my life, Everman said. I dont even think about it much anymore.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education suspended Barnes superintendent license and took control of district operations after he and the Western Heights board appeared to ignore complaints from their frustrated local community and from state officials. Staff and students left the district in droves during Barnes tenure from 2019-2021, a period marred by financial disarray and poor management, state officials said at the time.

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Nine hundred residents of the Western Heights district signed a citizen petition in 2021 to request a state audit. The state Board of Education, led by then-state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, soon followed with an audit request of its own.

District parent Amy Boone, who was part of the citizen petition effort, said the money spent on Barnes contract should be clawed back. Barnes and Everman should face prosecution for Open Meeting Act violations, she said.

State statute allows for that money to be recouped and that must be pursued, Boone said. Our kids deserve nothing less.

The state auditors office sent its findings to the Oklahoma County district attorney and the state Attorney Generals Office to review, Byrd said. Violations of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor.

Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd presents an audit at the state Capitol on Aug. 27. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

Western Heights Superintendent Brayden Savage appeared to cast doubt on the idea of the district taking legal action of its own.

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At the end of the day, we have to do whats best for the students and the district, Savage told Oklahoma Voice. Especially when weve had a history of a high rate of funds going out to legal counsel, we dont want to continue that, either. Were going to move forward with this, with the audit, and take a look at it carefully and make sure we make the best decision with the students in mind.

Western Heights is still cleaning up its finances four years later and will be glad to put this behind us, she said.

Rather than accept the state takeover in 2021, Western Heights school board chose to extend Barnes contract, again without a public vote, after his superintendent license was suspended, state auditors noted. The school board then promoted an assistant superintendent to lead the district during Barnes suspension  directly contravening Hofmeister, who already had appointed an interim superintendent.

This led the district to pay three superintendent salaries at once, according to the audit. State auditors found Western Heights spent $1.12 million on superintendent compensation from July 2021 through December 2022.

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The district also challenged the takeover and Barnes suspension in court, but the Oklahoma State Department of Education was victorious. An Oklahoma County district judge permitted the state intervention to proceed, calling the district a mess, financially, operationally and in every other way I can think of. The state Supreme Court upheld the ruling.

Western Heights ultimately spent just over $1 million on attorney fees from 2020-2022, according to the audit. About half of that cost stemmed from the districts conflict with the state.

State auditors checked the compensation of 61 district employees and found 16 overpayments and underpayments of at least $1,000. The overpayments totaled $46,951, and underpayments amounted to $20,083, according to the report.

Fifteen of the employees lacked contracts with properly authorized signatures and one contract couldnt be located, auditors reported.

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The audit also found myriad instances of late payments, delays in depositing checks, untimely filed payroll tax reports and poor recordkeeping.

School leaders have a responsibility to act in the best interests of students, families, and taxpayers, Byrd stated. Effective budget management goes beyond tracking expenditures. It also requires thoughtful, transparent decision-making that prioritizes student learning and academic success.

State auditors began investigating the district once the state takeover began in July 2021. But over the past four years, the audits completion took a backseat to other, more urgent investigations in which state funds were being actively embezzled or government entities were facing insolvency, Byrd told Oklahoma Voice.

The state auditors office is severely understaffed and severely underappropriated but still puts out 350 audits per year, she said.

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The state Department of Education had already taken over, appointed a new superintendent and was righting the ship, Byrd said. It was for us to then only go back and document from the historical aspect of what had went wrong and how to go forward in a better manner. It wasnt about the school in real time losing assets.

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By Dawn Chmielewski and Deborah Mary Sophia

Dec 11 (Reuters) - Walt Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and will let the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora AI video generator, a deal that could reshape how Hollywood makes content.

The three-year partnership announced on Thursday is a pivotal step in Hollywood's embrace of generative artificial intelligence, sidestepping the industry's concerns about the impact of AI on creative jobs and intellectual property rights.

More from Yahoo Scout What does Disney's $1 billion OpenAI investment include? When will Disney-OpenAI content be available publicly? What are Hollywood's concerns about AI partnerships? How will Disney characters appear in Sora videos?

As part of the licensing deal, Sora and ChatGPT Images will start generating videos using licensed Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Mufasa, starting early next year. The agreement excludes any talent likenesses or voices.

"Through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works," Disney CEO Bob Iger said.

Hollywood's unions, which are monitoring the expanding use of generative AI, reacted cautiously to the deal.

TALKS BEGAN LONG AGO

Iger and OpenAI's Sam Altman began talking years ago, as they discussed ways to showcase the potential of generative AI, when combined with Disney's characters and stories, according to one person familiar with the talks.

Before the launch, OpenAI offered the studio early looks at its image-generation tool Sora, according to the source who requested anonymity to discuss the negotiations, adding that Disney found OpenAI willing to engage constructively in this dialogue.

Iger previewed part of the strategy during an investor call in November, saying AI would allow the company to provide Disney+ users with tools to create and consume user-generated content, mainly in short form.

As part of the agreement with OpenAI, a selection of the videos by users will be made available for streaming on Disney+, allowing the streaming platform to capitalize on the growing appeal for short-form video content.

The media conglomerate will also receive warrants to purchase additional equity in the ChatGPT maker.

The companies will use OpenAI's models to build new products and customer experiences, including for Disney+ subscribers, while Disney will deploy ChatGPT for its employees.

The deal also includes guardrails to protect against the characters being depicted in inappropriate situations. Disney also plans to use OpenAI's tools for its internal purposes to support film production as it looks to gain efficiency, the source said.
US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski speaks to journalists Wednesday outside the U.S. District Court in Baltimore after a hearing in which the company's attorneys sparred with the Trump administration, which is trying to kill offshore wind. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

Offshore wind company US Wind battled the Trump administration in a Baltimore courtroom Wednesday, defending its Maryland project against the governments plans to revoke and reconsider a construction permit issued under President Joe Biden (D).

For US Wind, the threat is existential, attorneys said Wednesday. Not only would the governments revocation of the permit threaten to upend the project along Ocean Citys coast, it also could send the entire company heading toward bankruptcy.

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Were not there yet, US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski said Tuesday outside the U.S. District Courthouse. Were in this fight because we made a promise to Maryland that were going to build the biggest renewable energy project in the states history.

US Winds project is the closest to development along the Delmarva coast. Other companies  rsted and Equinor  have leases offshore, but do not have approved construction plans, like US Wind. But having an approved permit did not stop the Trump administration from trying to stop the project  one of a number of offshore wind projects that have been targeted, including some where stop-work orders have stalled construction.

Wednesdays hearing is the latest twist in a case that began with the parties in entirely different roles. It began in October 2024, when Ocean City challenged the Biden administrations approval of the permit, called a Construction and Operations Plan, or COP.

The Interior Department initially defended its issuance of the permit. But it reversed course after President Donald Trump (R) took office this year, and in September it asked U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher to remand the permit back to the agency for reconsideration, saying it was not properly evaluated under Biden.

US Wind fired back, asking Gallagher to bar the federal government from taking any action to vacate, remand, withdraw, rescind, or in any way undermine the projects permit while the case proceeds.

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Gallagher, who previously set aside the governments remand request to allow for additional legal filings, said Wednesday that she plans to issue a written decision on US Winds preliminary injunction request.

Samuel Vice, attorney for the Justice Department, said this is not the time for an injunction. The governments reevaluation of the US Wind permit is proceeding, though the department has taken no affirmative steps yet.

We have not gotten to them in the queue, Vice said. He said the US Wind reevaluation is part of a broader reevaluation for all existing leases spurred by Trumps executive order, which also banned new or renewed leasing for offshore wind projects.

US Wind attorneys had argued that the presidents offshore wind ban meant that an Interior review of their project could reach no other conclusion than to deny the permit, since it is barred from issuing renewed approvals for wind farms.

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Vice said on Wednesday that ban has been vacated and is no longer operative, so it cant be used to justify a preliminary injunction for US Wind.

A federal judge in Massachusetts overturned Trumps wind ban Monday, determining that the administration failed to justify its change in policy.

Gallagher said she found it concerning that the US Wind review is in the queue, noting that if Interior moves forward with a reconsideration, US Wind could be stuck in limbo land while it awaits a renewed ruling.

They are suffering  I think that is clear from the record  ongoing harms from this delay, Gallagher said.

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US Wind said Wednesday that the project was already mired in legal confusion because of the Trump administrations anti-wind pronouncements. Delays have already caused harm to the company  which is headquartered in Baltimore and funded by American and Italian firms  which has been forced to press pause on a very, very expensive Facility Design Report to the federal government, said Toyja E. Kelley, an attorney for US Wind.

Theres no procedure for this. Theyre making it up as they go along.

 US Wind attorney David Newman, on the government's justifications for reversing it position.

If the permit were actually remanded, it might be the final straw for the project.

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The damage thats been done to this project already may well be irreparable. But the project can still proceed, said US Wind attorney David Newman. This project cannot withstand another blow.

The company believes it needs an injunction from Gallagher to protect it as Ocean Citys litigation proceeds.

The Town of Ocean City, for its part, is opposed to US Winds motion for a preliminary injunction, which would apply to any person or entity acting in concert or participation with the Government. That language is too broad, said Nancie Marzulla, an attorney for Ocean City, and could be construed to include Ocean City.

A significant portion of Wednesdays proceedings focused on whether Interior had taken a final agency action on US Winds permit.

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US Wind argued in various court filings that the government signaled it has made a final decision about revoking the permit  even if it has not actually done so just yet.

It [the agency] doesnt have to actually pull the trigger for us to get review, Newman said.

But Vice said that because the department has yet to actually issue its decision, court intervention now would be an overstep. The time to file a legal challenge is after Interior makes a decision about the permit, he said, not before then.

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The department believes that Biden-era administrators applied an improper standard for review, and did not adequately consider the projects effects on activities such as commercial fishing and search and rescue efforts.

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But US Wind argues the government is retroactively moving the goalposts by changing the standard of review. And the new standards are far more restrictive than the old ones, Newman said, adding that virtually no wind energy project could satisfy the new rules, which require minimal impact to surrounding activities on the water.

US Wind said there are ways the government could revoke the COP, but only if there is an imminent danger to the environment or to national security, or if US Wind has violated terms of its lease. But instead of following the playbook, he said, the government moved abruptly to seek remand and reconsideration from the court.

Theres no procedure for this, Newman said. Theyre making it up as they go along.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks to a crowd. (Provided by Office of the Governor)

FRANKFORT  In the middle of his second and final term as Kentucky governor, Democrat Andy Beshear says hes focused on helping Kentuckians keep the American Dream within reach.

Beshear, 48, who will lead the red state through 2027, has spent much of the year pushing back against Republicans at the federal level, particularly when it comes to health care and food assistance jeopardized by the Trump administration.

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As for whats ahead, Beshear, whos talked about as a presidential contender, recently became the head of the Democratic Governors Association, which will support candidates in 2026 elections and put the governor in a key position to influence national Democratic politics.

Beshear has joined multiple lawsuits by Democratic state officials against the administration since Republican Donald Trump returned to the White House. In a Wednesday afternoon interview with the Lantern, he vowed to keep challenging the president.

Beshear pointed to AmeriCorps funding being restored in Kentucky as an example of what Democrats can accomplish. AmeriCorps is a public service and volunteerism program that works with communities on housing, hunger, disaster relief and more.

I sued on that. We won, but only the states that went to court got that funding, Beshear said. So, blue states or states with Democratic governors have AmeriCorps and Republican states do not, so were going to continue to stand up for our people.

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However, Beshear hopes standing up for Kentuckians is bipartisan. He referred to calls from Republican state lawmakers earlier this year for him to fill a funding gap in meals for seniors. His administration ended up re-allocating $9.1 million to support the program in October.

You know, I heard a lot of Republican senators push really hard on senior meals, saying, Listen, people should have enough to eat. No one in my community should starve, but I didnt hear one of them speak out when Donald Trump said he wasnt going to pay SNAP benefits during the shutdown, Beshear said. Either you believe that people shouldnt go hungry or you dont. It shouldnt be political.

Beshear echoed comments hes publicly made before, such as criticizing Trump for being the first president to not pay SNAP benefits during a government shutdown. The governor was also critical of threats by the Trump administration to block food assistance for states led by Democrats that have not complied with requests to provide personal information of SNAP recipients.

I promise to protect that data, Beshear said. Ive gone to court once to protect it. Ill do it again.

Whats next?

Beshear is seen by some as a 2028 presidential candidate given his repeated electability in red state Kentucky. However, he is trying to live in the here and now, adding that he will be governor until Dec. 14, 2027, and he doesnt want to waste a single minute or a single moment.

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The governor also believes the next two years will be complicated by federal policy  hurting our American families, such as tariffs, rising costs and the GOP One Big Beautiful Bill Act (which Beshear called the Big Ugly Bill) that could put rural hospitals nationwide at risk.

As leader of the Democratic Governors Association, Beshear said hes got 36 races to think about in 2026 before thinking about anything past it. The association helps candidates across the country.

But some Kentucky Democrats have suggested that Beshear enter the 2026 race for Kentuckys open U.S. Senate seat. Longtime Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection. Candidates  both Republican and Democratic  have lined up to launch campaigns to replace McConnell in office.

Beshear doesnt want to join them.

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My parents always taught me never to interview for a job that you dont want. At the end of the day, its just not something that Im interested in, Beshear said. Ive loved my time being governor. I wouldnt give up one year of being governor for a six-year term in the U.S. Senate, and I like getting things done. Voting on the rule to the amendment to the continuing resolution  it just isnt how I want to spend my days, and so if that means eventually going back into the private sector, Im at peace with that. Getting to serve as governor for eight years is pretty special.

He does believe that Democrats will be in good shape when it comes time for him to leave office, Beshear said. He sees a big shift across the country, and that the Republican Party has turned its back on our American families when it comes to affordability issues.

Democrats have a chance to be the party that reignites and refuels the American dream that focuses on families everyday concerns, such as working hard to afford needs like groceries but also still being able to take family vacations and enjoying time together, the governor added.

Part of the American Dream is that affordability, he said.

Final budget session

Next month, Kentucky lawmakers will return to Frankfort for the 2026 legislative session. It will also be the last time Beshear can make proposals for the next two-year state budget.

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Throughout Beshears time as governor, Republicans have held supermajorities in the state House and Senate, making it difficult for Beshears agenda to get through the General Assembly and all GOP legislation is veto-proof.

Nevertheless, Beshear said his final budget proposal would include investments in our Kentucky families in areas such as job creation, health care and public education. He will unveil his recommendations at the annual State of the Commonwealth address the first week of January.

Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear greet attendees before this years State of the Commonwealth address at the Capitol in Frankfort, Jan. 8, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes)

I dont want to give away too much of what were going to be talking about, but to me its going to be centered on the fact that while we are doing better in Kentucky right now, life has gotten harder for many, if not most American families, and for government to work, weve got to be supporting that American Dream, where if you work hard and you play by the rules, that you can get ahead, Beshear said.

Beshear has taken steps to highlight one particular proposal hell put before the legislature  his Pre-K for All initiative. In June, he established an advisory committee of education officials, former Democratic and Republican state lawmakers and workforce development leaders to explore support among Kentuckians for universal pre-K programs.

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The group later announced its recommendations, including that Kentucky should phase expanded access to pre-K over several years.

Asked if he had concerns about Pre-K for All becoming partisan in the Republican-controlled legislature, Beshear quipped he did not know how four-year-olds can be partisan as they cant vote, so if it becomes partisan, it is because someone made it partisan.

Beshear said hes approached the idea differently by going to rank-and-file Democrats and Republicans, particularly those in education policy.

He also said the proposal has changed since he first introduced the idea earlier this year after getting feedback from Kentuckians, including lawmakers.

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This is going to be the peoples proposal, Beshear continued. And so if leadership from the other side wants to create an us versus them, its going to be them versus the people of Kentucky and their plan. But I hope that doesnt happen.

Also looking ahead, Beshear said his upcoming State of the Commonwealth address may have answers for a coalition of advocacy groups that urged him earlier this week to halt utility disconnections in Kentucky until March amid an uncertain future for federal housing, heating and food assistance. The groups request was to issue a moratorium through executive order like Beshear had in the beginning months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the governor said that he was able to do so in 2020 because of the state of emergency and powers it gave him.

But what Id tell that group is, tune in to the State of the Commonwealth and the budget address, and theyll see how much I believe in helping people and keeping that heat on, Beshear said.

Power of a Kentucky governor

Beshear has frequently defended his authority as governor against pushes by Republicans in the General Assembly to limit his power.

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Earlier this year, Beshears office appeared before the Kentucky Supreme Court to argue against two Republican-backed state laws that shift appointment power of the governor to other constitutional officers, all of whom are currently Republicans.

Asked if he has concerns about similar efforts to limit his power in the next legislative session, Beshear said Kentucky Republicans should be asked about their support for checks and balances, as Trump has repeatedly tried to expand his own executive powers at the federal level.

I think to be fair, if theyre going to attempt to increase legislative power and decrease executive power, they should be asked about the federal government where a president they support is trying to vastly increase executive power, Beshear said. So, either you believe in checks and balances, or you dont.

Amid legislation on the table for 2026, Northern Kentucky Republican TJ Roberts is working on a bill that would require all Kentucky police agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, to enter federal agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration enforcement under the 287(g) Program.

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Beshear, who has authority over KSP as governor, expressed concern about the proposal, saying that day-to-day officers do not have the training ICE officers have, which includes an intense education in federal immigration enforcement and federal law. Beshear also pointed to reports that ICE has attempted to recruit employees from law enforcement agencies with which they have such agreements.

I think what that bill would be doing is creating an open season on trying to take our law enforcement officers away from the city theyre working for, away from the county theyre working for, away from the state that theyre working for, and leave us with fewer day-to-day law enforcement officers that are keeping us safe, Beshear said.

Beshear said the executive branch he heads is critically important as it is charged with administering law.

A signing of a bill or a piece of legislation doesnt get to the end result on its own. It takes an executive branch that operates, and operates in many instances quickly, to try to get especially positive results for our people, the governor said. So, limiting an executive branch could also limit the effectiveness of legislation they want to pass.
East London and Essexs acute care provider Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) has adopted Wolters Kluwers UpToDate Enterprise Edition, a clinical decision support (CDS) system.

The system's adoption is intended to progress clinical decision-making, as well as patient care.

BHRUT's decision to implement the solution is aimed at supporting its clinical staff, which includes junior doctors, medical students, and consultants.

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UpToDate Enterprise Edition offers the care team evidence-based information.

It features AI-Enhanced Search, which allows clinicians to utilise natural language queries and get relevant responses from UpToDate clinical content, helping reduce the time spent.

The AI-powered analytics dashboard enables BHRUT to analyse usage data. This can help inform management of population health and support medical education.

The adoption of UpToDate Enterprise Edition is part of BHRUTs digital transformation strategy, which focuses on staff well-being and patient care.

According to Wolters Kluwer Health, more than 100 independent studies have associated the use of UpToDate with enhanced hospital performance such as shorter patient stays, a reduction in needless diagnostic testing, and fewer medical errors.

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Wolters Kluwer Health International segment general manager and vice-president Christian Cella said: Were proud to support Barking, Havering and Redbridge - NHS Trust in their mission to deliver high-quality, evidence-based carefrom King George Hospital in Goodmayes to Queen's Hospital in Romford.

UpToDate Enterprise Edition is designed to meet the needs of BHRUTs modern healthcare teams, combining trusted clinical content with AI-powered tools that enhance decision-making, education, and operational efficiency.

In October 2025, Wolters Kluwer Health introduced the next generation of Lippincott DocuCare. This academic electronic health record (EHR) platform is designed to support nursing students as they move into professional roles.

"BHRUT adopts Wolters Kluwers clinical decision support system" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




BROOKVILLE, Indiana - Christina Persson, a 55-year-old English teacher in this small town of just over 2,600 people, is fed up with billionaires.

In May, during the debate over President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, she spearheaded a move to erect a billboard reading, Tax breaks for billionaires. CUTS for everyone else.

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Two months later, she set up shop at the county fair and sold Eat the Rich ice cream sandwiches stamped with the faces of some of the wealthiest Americans, including Elon Musk. She charged $5 or best offer; all 60 sandwiches were snapped up.

A single mother with a son in college, Persson, who owns a small farm and teaches at a local college, said she makes less than $30,000 a year and faces more than $190,000 in student loan payments. Im not even middle class, really, said Persson, who began volunteering part-time as chair of the county Democrats this year.

When she heard about Rage Against the Regime demonstrations being planned this past August, she got to work organizing her neighbors. On a breezy day, about 45 protesters joined Persson in front of the stately Franklin County Courthouse, chanting and waving signs denouncing the ultra-wealthy. Its a class war, Persson said. We have an oligarchy - end of story.

But rural Indiana is deep red territory, and many locals disagreed vehemently. A stream of vocal dissenters drove by the protest, honking horns and waving Trump banners, some even wading into the demonstration ready for an argument.

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Among them was Nick Winters, 59, who sported a red America First cap. If it wasnt for the rich, we wouldnt have a job, said Winters, a deliveryman for a flooring company owned by billionaire Warren Buffetts firm. Somebody has to build the economy. We keep the rich rich, but if it wasnt for them, I wouldnt be able to pay my bills.

Protester Bee Copeland, 28, who works in the school system, asked Winters how he could support an administration that was taking away Medicaid. He fired back: Theyre not taking it away. Theyre taking away the abuse. Copeland retorted: Theyre taking it from children! You guys arent educating yourselves.

The protesters had known from the outset that this was hostile territory. Greg Hetzel, 53, who recently retired from the Army after 22 years, nodded toward the counterprotesters and said, These guys are all hooked up to the Kool-Aid.

Political debates about the influence of the very wealthy are not new in America; as far back as the late 1800s, the power of John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie and others sparked criticism and condemnation. The country is seeing another uptick, as tens of thousands attend Fighting Oligarchy rallies, a democratic socialist is propelled to the New York mayors office, outgoing president Joe Biden warns of an oligarchy ... of extreme wealth, power and influence, and anti-billionaire rhetoric has become a major element of the Democratic Partys message.

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When Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) kicked off his Fighting Oligarchy tour in February, he attracted sizable crowds, including 3,380 at the first stop in Omaha. At Sanderss second event, in Iowa City, he delivered two speeches, first inside the main hall and then in an overflow area.

That prompted Sanders to start venturing into more conservative places, such as Salt Lake City and Missoula, Montana. His rallies have attracted close to 300,000 people so far, his aides calculate.

I am working hard to kind of reshape - rebuild - the Democratic Party into a grassroots working-class type party, not a corporate-funded, billionaire-funded consultant type party, Sanders said in an interview. And if that doesnt work, we will be seeing people running as independents. And thats fine with me as well. Sanders himself is an independent but has worked closely with Democratic leaders and Senate Democrats.

Activist groups such as Indivisible and 50501, meanwhile, have attracted millions of people to No Kings protests, with smaller numbers turning out for Workers Over Billionaires demonstrations on Labor Day. While the protesters focus on several issues - often loosely unified in opposition to Trumps challenges to democracy - Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, said the surging power of the wealthy is at the heart of their concerns.

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In all of the eight years weve been organizing for Indivisible, nothing has been more universally reviled than the richest man in the world is coming after your Social Security, the richest man in America is coming after the poorest kids in the world, Levin said. Its so stark and blatant.

That is a reference to Elon Musk and his U.S. DOGE Service team, who have said they sought to streamline Social Security and foreign aid, not eviscerate them. Many Republicans - and the ultra-wealthy themselves - say the anti-billionaire rhetoric is counterproductive; wealthy people create millions of jobs, they argue, and most Americans are more worried about their daily struggles than the power of the rich.

It has become a talking point for progressives, but I dont think its a smart talking point, billionaire investor Mark Cuban said of the attacks. Theres only 900 of us [billionaires], and I dont think people on a day-to-day basis are focused on the wealthiest people in the country.

Cuban, who describes himself as an independent and has been critical of Trump, added: Im glad Im one of the ones being targeted - you know, its a good problem to have. But in reality, I dont think it accomplishes anything.

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Some Democrats worry that exaggerated anti-wealth rhetoric by high-profile members of their party could backfire. The party has come to rely on its own cadre of wealthy donors to provide a critical flow of cash.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-New York) declined to endorse Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist who won the New York Democratic mayoral primary and is now mayor-elect. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) backed Mamdani at the 11th hour.

And some of the Democrats biggest winners on Election Day, including Govs.-elect Abigail Spanberger of Virginia and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, presented themselves not as fire-breathing populists, but as bridge-building centrists.

But the anti-billionaire message is resonating in many quarters.

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An early sign of a shifting tide may have been this past Aprils race for a pivotal seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Musk, who had spent $294 million to boost Trump and other Republicans in 2024, tried for a repeat of sorts by pouring $20 million into the Wisconsin race to elect Republican Brad Schimel.

Democrat Susan Crawford seized on Musks involvement and his flashy tactics like giving voters $1 million checks, saying he was trying to buy a seat on our Supreme Court. Supporters of both sides poured in money, driving the total cost of the election to over $100 million, and Crawford glided to victory.

Robert Pape, director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, said the U.S. potentially faces an era of violent populism driven both by demographic changes and the dramatic concentration of wealth.

That creates a feeling that the system isnt working for any of us, Pape said. Ninety percent of America is not happy at all with the status quo, so they are willing, many of them, to think about radical change and accept radical positions even if they are violent. In a recent Marquette Law School poll, 66 percent of respondents said the country is on the wrong track and 34 said it is heading in the right direction.

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The great majority of Americans tell pollsters they oppose political or social violence. And there were no signs of physical confrontation at the demonstration in Brookville, where protesters and counterprotesters engaged in a debate that was sometimes angry and sometimes respectful.

In one heated exchange, conservative Mike Wilson, 66, rejected the protesters charge that Trump has delivered the government to oligarchs. Its not true. Look at the last election, Wilson said. More Blacks voted for Trump. The working class, the middle class voted for him. It was the Hollywood elite, the CEOs - theyre all Democrats. Theyre the party of the oligarchs.

Copeland at one point yelled at Wilson, prompting him to say she was being disrespectful, which she in turn found infuriating. I was raised conservative, she said, so I understand where they are coming from. ... [But] Youre not working to educate yourself.

Nearby, anti-Trump demonstrator Taya Abbott, 70, listened carefully as Winters, the conservative truck driver, unspooled his arguments defending the wealthy as necessary to a functioning economy.

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Afterward she told him, We should talk sometime. Winters answered, Over dinner and a glass of wine. Abbott shot back, Whiskey!

But the conciliation was short-lived. As Winters walked away, Abbott said: Nobody is right 100 percent of the time. I can see where hes coming from. But hes being screwed and doesnt know it.

- - -

Beth Reinhard contributed to this report.

Billionaire Nation is a Washington Post series examining how the wealthiest have amassed unprecedented political power.

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Two of the three people authorities charged with crimes related to the killing of a Boise 19-year-old pleaded guilty to robbery, and both will spend the first portion of their sentences in juvenile detention.

Once they transfer to the Idaho Department of Correction when they turn 21, they will serve years behind bars before they are eligible for parole, even though they were not directly responsible for 19-year-old Boise man Tiger Canoys shooting death.

Three people were accused of hatching a plan to rob Canoy and his girlfriend by force or by fear, an Ada County prosecutor said during sentencing, and Canoy was shot and then died in a hospital in January 2025.

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Miguel Angel-Martinez, 16, was sentenced to up to 26 years in prison and will have to serve 11 years before hes eligible for parole. Jordan Castillo, 17, received a 28.5-year sentence, with 13 years and six months fixed, meaning no possibility of parole until then.

Angel-Martinez and Castillo were originally charged as adults with first-degree murder and aiding in grand theft, in addition to two counts of robbery. Under Idaho law, someone may be charged with murder even if they didnt actually commit the killing, as long as they were in the process of committing another crime.

As part of plea agreements, the other charges were dismissed in exchange for guilty pleas to robbery.

Daniel Alaniz Pineda, 19, is accused of shooting Canoy and has pleaded not guilty to six charges, including first-degree murder, robbery, aggravated battery and concealment of evidence.

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During Castillo and Angel-Martinezs sentencings, Tiger Canoys mother, Capri Canoy, said that while five young lives were deeply affected that night, she hoped to see punishments that reflected the emotional pain her family has faced.

We are already serving our sentence, Capri Canoy said. Tiger was given no choice but to pay the ultimate price, his entire life. We, his family, are serving a life sentence without him. No visits, no phone calls, no letters, no Christmas Eves, no New Years, no celebrations, nothing.

Im going to meet up with a homie from high school

Angel-Martinez contacted Canoy asking to buy marijuana wax from him, according to Ada County prosecutors, and they made a plan to meet on Jan. 19 in the Albertsons parking lot on Cole Road.

Canoy knew Angel-Martinez from high school, Canoys mother told the court during the sentencings.

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She said the last words she got from her son were: OK mom, Im gonna go meet up with a homie Angel from high school. Ill be back in a few minutes. I love you.

Before the meeting, Angel-Martinez, Castillo and Alaniz Pineda procured firearms, prosecutors said.

Canoy and his girlfriend, who lived with the family, drove to the parking lot. Surveillance footage showed Angel-Martinez, Castillo and Pineda getting out of their vehicle wearing masks and holding guns, the prosecution said.

Castillo was seen slashing a tire on the vehicle, and Alaniz Pineda pointed a gun at Canoy, demanding the wax, along with the phones and IDs of Canoy and his girlfriend, prosecutors allege.

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The couple gave the perpetrators their belongings, and those three got back in their car and drove down Cole Road, according to authorities. Tiger and his girlfriend followed their car to get a view of their license plate, prosecutors said in court.

Angel-Martinez, Castillo and Pineda stopped at a church parking lot, and Canoy drove past; prosecutors said Alaniz Pineda got out of the car and fired two shots at Canoys vehicle.

The prosecution said in court that one bullet struck Canoy in the head and the other struck his girlfriend in the hip and elbow. Canoy was taken to a local hospital, where he died shortly after.

Defense attorneys say rehabilitation is possible

Attorneys for Castillo and Angel-Martinez argued for the court to give the two minors opportunities for rehabilitation while serving their sentences, and said they would have a better chance at reform at the juvenile facility.

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Angel-Martinezs defense attorney, Randall Barnum, talked about the formative years before the age of 21 and said that in juvenile correction, Angel-Martinez has been involved in the honor system and participated in the education process.

I have seen (Angel-Martinez) dedicate himself to following rules, making himself better, improving himself, doing what he can to make tomorrow better despite those particular circumstances, because at the end of the day that is all he can do, Barnum stated.

Ada County Judge Joseph Borton, who presided over both cases, agreed to allow Castillo and Angel-Martinez to stay in juvenile detention until the age of 21.

Both Angel-Martinez and Castillo made statements to Canoys family and his girlfriend during the sentencings.

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I am truly sorry for what I did the day of the tragedy. I also hope that one day that you will not see me as a monster, because I want to use my life to do something good for others and respect the lives Ive harmed, Castillo said.

Tiger Canoys family raised over $1,500 through GoFundMe to pay for costs of cremation and legal fees. (GoFundMe)

He was trusting and loyal; they took advantage of that

Capri Canoy told the court that the second-worst moment in her life was when she received the call that her only son had been shot. She said the worst was when she had to decide to remove him from life support in the hospital.

The impact of his loss will continue to haunt our family for the rest of our lives, Capri Canoy said. I died beside my son that day. The only difference is that I continue breathing; Tiger does not.

She said her son was a very trusting and loyal person, and the defendants took advantage of that.

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She recalled how her son overcame many obstacles in his life, after being diagnosed with multiple behavioral disorders at an early age. She said he struggled to make friends growing up.

Capri Canoy said that during high school, her son became more social and made many friends. She said he met his girlfriend around that time, and they became inseparable. The two were saving money to move into their own apartment, excitedly planning their future together.

He was a person people remember, even if they only met him once or twice, she said. He had such a big personality and at 6-foot-3-inches tall he really stood out in a crowd. He loved to laugh, joke around, and most of all he loved his music.
Bolivian law enforcement officials have arrested former President Luis Arce as part of a corruption investigation, in a polarising move just a month after the inauguration of conservative President Rodrigo Paz ended 20 years of socialist rule.

A senior official in Pazs government, Marco Antonio Oviedo, said on Wednesday that Arce had been arrested on charges of breach of duty and financial misconduct related to the alleged embezzlement of public funds during his stint as economy minister in the government of charismatic former leader Evo Morales (2006-2019).

A special police force dedicated to fighting corruption confirmed to The Associated Press news agency that Arce was in custody at the units headquarters in Bolivias capital of La Paz.

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It is the decision of this government to fight corruption, and we will arrest all those responsible for this massive embezzlement, Oviedo said.

While officials described Arces arrest as proof of the new governments commitment to fighting corruption at the highest levels in fulfilment of its flagship campaign promise, Arces allies say his arrest is unjustified and smacks of political persecution.





Accusations

Authorities accused Arce and other officials of diverting an estimated $700m from a state-run fund dedicated to supporting the Indigenous people and peasant farmers who formed the backbone of Morales Movement Toward Socialism party.

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As Bolivias first Indigenous president, Morales transformed the countrys power structure and gave Indigenous people more sway than ever.

Serving on the board of directors of the Indigenous Peasant Development Fund from 2006 to 2017, Arce was in charge of allocating funds to social development projects in rural areas.

During that time, officials allege Arce siphoned off some of that money for personal expenses.

Arce was identified as the main person responsible for this vast economic damage, said Oviedo.

Bolivias attorney general, Roger Mariaca, told local media that Arce had invoked his right to remain silent during police questioning, adding that he would remain in police custody overnight before being brought before a judge to determine whether he will remain in prison pending trial.

The charges against Arce carry a maximum sentence of six years in jail.




Another Indiana lawmaker was the victim of a bomb threat the evening of Dec. 10.

State Rep. Ed Clere, R-New Albany, said Indiana State Police responded to his home shortly before 10 p.m. to search for a pipe bomb that an unknown person claimed to have planted there. Police did not find a bomb, and everyone is safe, Clere said.

He also said a state trooper told him that he was just one of a number of lawmakers who received a similar threat the same night. A spokesperson for the state police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

State Rep. Ed Clere, shown at the 2024 organization day at the Indiana Statehouse, said police told him a pipe bomb threat was made against him Dec. 10, 2025.

Over the last several weeks, as Indiana lawmakers have been in the national spotlight over President Donald Trump's redistricting push, more than a dozen of them have similarly fielded some kind of violent threat or swatting incident. No arrests have been made.

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"This can't go on," Clere said. "The immediate threat may have been an idle threat, but that doesn't mean there's no danger."

Lawmakers have also been subjected to an intense pressure campaign from the White House to approve a new congressional map that gives Republicans a greater advantage before the 2026 midterm elections.

Last week, the Indiana House voted 57-41 to approve the proposed map, which gives Republicans the advantage in all nine Indiana congressional districts. Clere was among 12 Republicans to vote with Democrats against the bill.

A member of the House since 2008, Clere has seen many fights and tense times in the Indiana legislature. But he's never seen anything like this, he said.

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"This is something entirely new and much more dangerous," he said. "It's up to all of us. We have to turn down the temperature."

Contact IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X @kayla_dwyer17.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Rep. Ed Clere receives threat on eve of redistricting vote
In a surprising turn of events, the defense in the Brian Walshe murder trial rested its case on Thursday morning without calling a single witness  and Walshe waived his right to testify.

Up until this development, legal experts believed jurors might hear directly from Walshe, an uncommon move in high-profile murder trials.

Judge Diane Freniere revealed that when the trial began nine days ago, Walshe had planned to take the stand. That decision, however, appears to have changed overnight.

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After announcing he would not testify, Walshe answered a series of questions from Freniere to confirm his decision.

Freniere: In the last 24 hours, have you taken any prescription medicines?

Walshe: I have not.

Freniere: In the last 24 hours, have you consumed any legal or illegal substances?

Walshe: I have not.

Freniere: Is your mind clear here today?

Walshe: It is.

Freniere: Tell me in your own words, what are we discussing?

Walshe: Whether I will testify or not in my trial.

Freniere: Right.

Walshe ultimately confirmed that he had discussed the decision to waive his right to testify with his attorneys, telling Freniere, I will not testify.

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Freniere then told the court, I find that the defendant, Brian Walshe, freely, voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently has waived his right to testify at this criminal trial, and that hes down so with the knowledge of its consequences. I accept his decision.

Whats next

Jurors were dismissed for the day and instructed to return Friday morning for closing arguments. With the trial nearing its end, major questions remain unanswered  including how Ana Walshe was killed and where her remains are.

Brian Walshe continues to face a murder charge in connection with his wifes disappearance on New Years Day 2023.

Brian Walshe enters the courtroom for his trial for murdering his wife Ana, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Brian Walshe enter the courtroom clutching papers and a rosary. Opening statements in the Brian Walshe murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Dedham, Mass., Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Brian Walshe appears in Norfolk Superior Court after pleading guilty to two of three charges filed against him in Dedham, Mass., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Defense attorney Kelli Porges, right, introduces her client, murder defendant Brian Walshe, to prospective jurors in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Brian Walshe, left, is facing murder and other charges following the disappearance of his wife, Ana Walshe, left, on Jan. 1, 2023.

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Brian Walshe status hearing on his wifes murder case set for March 1

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DA: Brian Walshe indicted on murder charges of wife Ana Walshe

25 Investigates: Brian Walshes damaging digital footprint

Brian Walshe appears at Quincy District Court on a charge of murdering his wife (inset),Ana Walshe, in Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S. on January 18, 2023. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Craig F. Walker/Pool via Reuters, Facebook)

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Brian Walshe escorted into court for murder arraignment

Brian Walshe appears in court for allegedly misleading police

The dumpsters taken away from Brian Walshe's mothers apartment. Taken to Peabody for investigation

Brian Walshe spotted at juice bar day after wife disappears

Authorities search North Shore dumpster station for evidence in disappearance of Ana Walshe

Brian Walshe kisses his new bride, Ana Walshe, on their wedding day. (Facebook photo)

Ana Walshe

Ana Walshe

Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe

Police investigating the area near Ana Walshe's home

Police investigating the area near Ana Walshe's home

Police investigating Ana Walshe's home

Police investigating outside of Ana Walshe's Cohasset home

Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe

Police investigating Ana Walshe's home

Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe

Ana Walshe

Ana Walshe

The pool that was drained outside the Walshe home

Brian Walshe, the husband of Ana Walshe

In opening statements, the defense claimed Walshe discovered his wife, Ana Walshe, dead in their bed on New Years Day 2023 and panicked. They argue Ana died of natural causes, not at Brians hands. Prosecutors, however, continue to argue that Walshe murdered Ana, chopped her up, and disposed of her remains.

Key testimony

On Wednesday, prosecutors called two of Anas close friends to testify, including Alyssa Kirby, who last saw Ana on December 29, 2022.

Kirby told jurors Ana confided that her marriage was strained but insisted Brian wasnt jealous.

When she told me that, I was surprised. She said they were open and he wasnt jealous, Kirby testified.

This detail contrasts sharply with the defenses claim that Brian was unaware of Anas affair and that their marriage was going good at the time of her death.

Gem Mutlu, the last person to see Ana alive at a New Years party at the Cohasset home of Brian and Ana, also offered emotional testimony.

Mutlu testified that it was a festive party on the night of December 31, 2022, and Brian and Ana were getting along.

However, he tried to tell the jury that days before, he had a long conversation with Ana and sensed that the couple was having marital problems.

He also told the jury that he had learned Ana disappeared when Brian called him and told him she left because of a work emergency, using the word incredulous to describe his immediate reaction.

DNA discoveries

Jurors have already been presented with significant evidence, including confirmation that blood found on several items recovered from a North Shore dumpster matched Ana Walshes DNA.

Those items include slippers, a towel, a rug, the head of a hatchet, and a hacksaw.

Under cross-examination, the defense argued that DNA evidence does not reveal how or when it was deposited, with the witness confirming that DNA cannot tell us how or when it was deposited on an item.

Surveillance footage

On Tuesday, the jury also viewed surveillance footage showing Walshe shopping the day after Ana disappeared.

The video shows him buying rolled carpets and candles at a HomeGoods store in Norwell.

According to a company security official, Walshe paid for those items using two TJX value cards belonging to Anacards she had received for merchandise returns in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Prosecutors on Monday played a video recorded on Jan. 1, 2023, about 15 hours after Ana disappeared, showing Walshe outside a Swampscott liquor store throwing away a trash bag.

Minutes later, Walshe was seen at a Lowes in Danvers, wearing a black face mask and blue gloves, spending more than $460 on cleaning supplies and tools.

Three days later, he was recorded at a Lowes in Weymouth with a child, possibly his son, buying a trash can.

Blood evidence in the home, on tools

Investigators discovered blood in the basement, on the basement stairs, and on a support beam. Jurors also saw a knife recovered from a kitchen cabinet above the refrigerator, which Massachusetts State Police say had blood on it.

The jury was also shown blood-stained tools, including a hacksaw, hammer, hatchet, and hedge pruners, which prosecutors say were found in dumpsters near Walshes Cohasset apartment complex. Walshe has been accused of using those items to dismember Anas body.

Medical examiner testimony

A state medical examiner testified that without Anas body, he cannot determine the cause or manner of death.

The defense claims Ana died of sudden unexpected death and that panicked.

Prosecutors allege Walshe murdered Ana, dismembered her, and disposed of her remains in dumpsters.

Affair and digital evidence

Jurors also learned last week that Ana was having an affair. They reviewed emails and messages exchanged between Ana and William Fastow, a D.C. realtor, including communications on New Years Eve, hours before Ana disappeared.

A state police trooper testified that Anas last message to Fastow was sent at midnight on New Years, and said he found no evidence that Walshe was aware of those messages.

You did not see any communication between Ana Walshe and William Fastow?Not that I recall, the trooper testified.

William Fastow, Ana Walshe's boyfriend, is questioned by the prosecution during Brian Walshe's trial for murdering his wife Ana, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Grisly internet searches

Jurors last week heard about troubling internet searches made on a device owned by the Walshe family, which were discovered by police after Ana Walshe went missing.

The searches, made between New Years Day and January 4th, included queries such as "how to dispose of a body," how to get blood out of hardwood floors, and best tool to dismember.

Trial coverage

Boston 25 News is streaming the trial live every day on Boston25News.com, on X, on Facebook, and on YouTube. Closing statements are set for Friday, Dec. 12.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP)  Bulgarias government resigned on Thursday after mass protests gripped the country and just weeks before the European Union nation is due to join the eurozone.

The resignation of the minority coalition, led by the center-right GERB party, was announced minutes before parliament was scheduled to vote on a no-confidence motion tabled by the opposition over economic mismanagement and supported by growing public anger with widespread corruption.

Ahead of todays vote of no confidence, the government is resigning, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told reporters in parliament.

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The demonstrations on Wednesday came after last weeks protests that were sparked by the governments budget plans for higher taxes, increased social security contributions and spending increases. The government later withdrew the contentious 2026 budget plan.

The protesters demands had expanded to include calls for the center-right government to step down.

The decisions of the National Assembly are meaningful when they reflect the will of the people," Zhelyazkov said, referring to the anti-government protests. We want to be where society expects us to be.

Students from Sofias universities had joined the protests, which organizers said outnumbered last weeks rallies that drew more than 50,000 people. Media estimates based on drone visuals put the number of protesters at over 100,000.

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At the core of the protesters frustrations is the role of Bulgarian politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, who has been sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom, and whose MRF New Beginning party backs the government. Peevski has been accused by opponents of helping shaping government policy in line with oligarchic interests.

We have no doubt that the government will receive support in the upcoming vote of no confidence. Regardless, the decisions of the National Assembly are important when they reflect the will of the sovereign, the prime minister said.

Zhelyazkovs government survived six votes of no confidence since it was appointed in January, but this time the large turnout of protesters on the streets was a game changer.

The resignation will be formally submitted to parliament on Friday, which must adopt a resolution to accept it. After this formal procedure, President Rumen Radev will give the biggest group in parliament the chance to form a new government. If it fails, the second-largest grouping will get a chance before the president choses a candidate.

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If all attempts fail  which is likely  he will appoint a caretaker Cabinet until a new election is held. Political analysts expect that another vote  the eighth since 2021  will likely produce a similar deeply fragmented parliament facing an uphill task to form a stable government.

Assen Vassilev, the leader of the opposition We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria coalition, called the governments resignation the first step in making Bulgaria a normal European state.

The next step along this path is to conduct fair and free elections rather than elections compromised by vote manipulation as in the previous campaign, he added.

The Balkan country of 6.4 million people is due to make the switch from its national currency, the lev, to the euro on Jan. 1, to become the eurozone's 21st member. Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007.
One person was rushed to the hospital after a bus crashed into scaffolding in Manhattan on Thursday, according to officials.

The FDNY says the bus crashed into scaffolding around 4:35 p.m. at 115 E. 41 St. between Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue.

The Department of Buildings said the Port Authority bus jumped the curb, impacting the side of 101 Park Avenue before continuing into a sidewalk shed in front of 370 Lexington Avenue.

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The DOB said there was damage to the loading dock garage area, but no structural damage to the building. They said the damaged sidewalk shed will be repaired.

Citizen App video shows the bus lodged into the scaffolding.

"Wow I've never seen that before. A bus in the wall," one witness said.

Citizen App video shows a bus crashed into scaffolding at Lexington and East 41st Street.

People who work on East 41st Street between Park and Lexington immediately thought the worst, being steps away from Grand Central as emergency crews rushed to the scene.

"At first we thought at least a bomb went off or something - because the way people were running down the street," Eyewitness Randy said.

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DOB officials also said the driver of the bus was the only person injured in the crash and was taken to the hospital. Their condition is unclear.

The vice president of public affairs for Coach USA/Megabus/Coach Canada released a statement saying, "We are currently investigating what occurred as to the incident near Grand Central. No pedestrians or any others were injured."

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Apollo CEO Marc Rowan is planning a definitive book clarifying private credit in time for Christmas.

Recent bankruptcies and media scrutiny have fueled debate over private credit's risks.

Rowan aims to address misconceptions about private credit in financial markets.

Apollo has a holiday gift it wants to hand out this year  and, unlike Blackstone's, it's not a cringey video.

Speaking to Goldman Sachs analyst Alexander Blostein at the Goldman Sachs Financial Services conference on Wednesday, CEO Marc Rowan let the surprise slip.

"I suggested to you before when I came on, you're going to get a Christmas gift from us. It's going to be a gift-wrapped book, it's the definitive book of private credit," Rowan said. "It'll be on our website, so all of you will have access to it."

Rowan said the book is an attempt to clarify the confusion he sees mounting over the definition of private credit, which he attributed to the "media-ization of financial markets."

"One of the things that's been frustrating to us is that we have this term private credit," Rowan said. "No one actually knows what it means, and everyone uses it differently."

This Christmas gift comes after the high-profile bankruptcies of Tricolor Holdings and First Brands, and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's assertion that there may be more credit "cockroaches." His comments sparked a firestorm over private credit's risks, which had everyone from the head of the International Monetary Fund to the chair of UBS weighing in against the burgeoning asset class.

The industry's big names have since been playing catch-up with the perception. Just a few days ago, Rowan wrote an op-ed for Bloomberg that goes over the "four myths" of private credit. Meanwhile, Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman last month said that attempts to link private credit to the high-profile bankruptcies are "misinformation," and just this week said at Abu Dhabi Finance Week event that banks, not private credit, hold the blame.

"In fact, all three deals were due diligence by banks, underwritten by banks, syndicated by banks, and private credit was sort of not in the room," Schwarzman said.

Unpacking Apollo's definition

Rowan said the first page of the firm's Christmas gift will ask, "Why do we get this wrong?"

"The first is, no one knows what private credit is, so we have to define it," Rowan said. "And the second is people misunderstand private credit in the sense that they don't understand the difference between a bank and an investor."
Cambridge Police are searching for a gunman who shot at an off-duty police officer in his personal car.

That vehicles rear window was shattered on Evereteze Way near Cambridge Street just before 4 a.m. on Wednesday.

Commissioner Christine Elow told Boston 25 News that multiple shots were fired after the officer arrived home and parked.

She said theres no indication that the shooter knew he was a member of law enforcement.

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Man shot at while parking car in Cambridge was off-duty officer, commissioner says

He heard somebody yelling, and he looks up and he sees an individual with a firearm. Hes in his car, so he presses drive and pulls out of the parking spot, said Commissioner Elow. The person with the firearm then fired several shots at the rear of his vehicle, shattering his window.

Commissioner Elow said the officer immediately drove to the police station, located less than a mile away, to report the incident.

She said the officer has been with the department for less than a year.

Hes shaken up, but were making sure that hes okay, she said. We need to find this person with that firearm and get them off the street.

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Police still dont know why the man with the gun opened fire.

A visible police presence lasted through the day into the night as investigators looked for security video and additional evidence.

Its scary. We want to know what it is, said neighbor Tigist Giorgis.

Police have several witness statements but are still seeking the publics help.

The public can submit crime and suspicious activity tips anonymously to Cambridge Police via the anonymous email, text (SMS) or phone: Submit an Anonymous Crime Tip - City of Cambridge, MA

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CHICAGO  Aldermen officially threw their budget cards on the table Wednesday by introducing their own 2026 package to the City Council, the clearest sign yet they believe they dont need Mayor Brandon Johnson to solve the current impasse on next years spending plan.

The high-stakes game of chicken between the freshman mayor and his council antagonists  including some of his own committee leaders  now moves from the dueling news conferences of the past weeks into the actual legislative process. In the increasingly likely event they cant reach a widely acceptable compromise, each side will try to build a proposal that can pass the council before the end of the year to avert a government shutdown.

That road remains murky, however, as cracks appeared in the aldermanic counterproposals support. Still, the council members opposed to Johnsons $16.6 billion budget officially brought forward their proposals, which broadly aligned with ideas in a letter signed by 26 aldermen and sent to the mayor last week.

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The aldermens budget does not include Johnsons controversial head tax plan, and hikes garbage collection fees, among other changes.

But in an indication of how controversial the idea is, they lowered the proposed new trash pickup charge to $15 per household per month from the $18 fee they initially discussed. Currently, the Chicago fee is $9.50 per month for single-family homes.

The counterproposal also counts on the legalization and taxation of video gambling terminals in Chicago bars and restaurants.

Speaking to reporters after the council meeting, the mayor did not answer directly when asked whether that was a nonstarter for him, noting theres been some consternation and some trepidation around the issue.

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Taxes on the gambling machines would generate $48.4 million for the city, the aldermen predicted. Their projection is far higher than estimates by Johnsons administration earlier this year.

Their proposal would also tack a 10% tax onto short-term rentals like Airbnbs, to raise an estimated $19 million.

In his afternoon news conference. Johnson said the budget has to be finalized by the end of this month.

Look, Im going to do everything that I can to avoid the chaos that, quite frankly  there are some individuals that want chaos to occur. Because those interests benefit from chaos, Johnson told reporters. And you know the playbook that theyre using? Its from Donald Trump. Thats his MO.

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Johnson has dared aldermen to try to pass measure, a challenge he seemed to stand behind Wednesday as his allies allowed the measure to advance into the Finance Committee without using delay tactics. Hes also vowed to veto any budget that raises garbage fees, so aldermen would need 34 votes to withstand his opposition.

To that end, the opposition signaled they were uncowed.

Were going to  get that number as high as we can, Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, said when asked if aldermen would call for a vote on a budget that has a simple majority but cannot survive a veto from Johnson. If the mayor goes for a veto, thats on him. Then hes going to be the one driving this city toward the fiscal cliff.

Meanwhile, a critical swing vote came out against the aldermanic coalitions garbage fee hike.

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Far South Side Ald. Ronnie Mosley, 21st, released a statement to constituents Monday saying he would not support any budget that raises the garbage fee  or adds unnecessary long-term debt or borrowing. He clarified to the Tribune on Wednesday that he was talking about Johnsons plans to scale back the advance payment to the citys underfunded public pensions.

I specifically asked for us to put something in this budget that signals were serious about our long-term debt, Mosley said. I havent seen that yet.

Johnson said later Wednesday theres not a real clear pathway on how to restore the full advance pension, but argued thats just one matter that rating agencies take into consideration. S&P knocked Chicagos credit rating down to two notches above junk status in January following the mayors 2025 budget and warned last month it could further downgrade the city. Such downgrades can put a damper on investor interest in city debt and make future borrowing more expensive.

Mosley, a freshman alderman who is part of the Progressive Caucus, was one of the original 26 signatories to the alternate budget. Losing his support sets back the opposition to Johnson, but the mayor appears equally stuck with how to shore up enough support for his budget plan.

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And three additional City Council members meanwhile signed on in support of the updated counterproposal introduced Wednesday, giving it a theoretical 27-alderman majority on the 50-member council that so far has not been tested in a vote.

Johnsons corporate head tax proposal, which he is now pitching as a $33-per-employee per-month fee for companies with 500 or more workers, has taken up the most oxygen in the room. But measures such as the pension payment cited by Mosley are also critical sticking points for aldermen who are concerned about a credit downgrade.

After the meeting, Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th, Johnsons handpicked Budget Committee chair, argued aldermen opposed to the mayors budget have not presented a fully balanced plan of their own. This is all a bunch of theater, thats what it is, Ervin said.

Feet away, Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, chosen by Johnson to head the Finance Committee, said both the mayors and the alternative proposal should be open for some discussion and amendments.

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I dont think anything is cast in stone at this point, Dowell said.

Asked if she was ready to vote for the aldermens budget, she declined to answer.

When the vote comes up, well know the full form, Dowell said. What was presented today, I dont think is the full form.

Teen curfew

Meanwhile, a downtown alderman began efforts to relaunch the Chicago teen curfew debate with what he described as a new and improved version of his previous ordinance that was vetoed by Johnson.

Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, introduced legislation Wednesday to give Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling authority to declare an earlier teen curfew for a specific area with at least 12 hours notice. It was sent to the Rules Committee by Ervin, a common parliamentary trick to delay legislation opposed by the mayor.

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The mayoral opponent said thats a necessary tool after a chaotic teen takeover outside the Chicago Theatre last month ended with a 14-year-old boy killed and eight other teens wounded in shootings.

We wanted to have reasonable restrictions. There were concerns about the possible abuse of the curfew tool under the previous snap curfew ordinance, Hopkins said. The point is to prevent these events from happening in the first place, and this new time-and-place curfew will absolutely accomplish that goal.

The mayor is likely to again resist Hopkins effort. Following the Chicago Theatre mayhem, Johnson told reporters that 700 additional police officers were preparing that day for what we saw coming across the internet and blamed social media algorithms for spreading negativity.

What we cant do is give people a pacifier and make them believe that they are being made whole, Johnson said when asked about a potential return of the curfew debate. And so no, I dont have a high tolerance, you all, for a tepid approach towards how we drive violence down in the city of Chicago.

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In June, Johnson issued Chicagos first mayoral veto since 2006 when he overruled Hopkins ordinance, which passed in a 27-22 vote, short of the 34 votes needed to override the mayors move.

That version required police to give 30 minutes notice onsite before a curfew would be implemented. Snelling said he would not use that power, but suggested he could use the ordinance to declare preemptive curfews days in advance when police learned of planned, potentially chaotic gatherings.

Hopkins said Wednesday his amended ordinance does just that. He noted that last months gunfire hours after the Millennium Park tree-lighting ceremony was connected to a teen takeover that had made the rounds on social media the previous few days.

Police reports indicated that teens from as far away as Dolton and Evanston traveled downtown for a gathering that night.

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Youre going to be met with violence interrupters. Youre going to be met with counselors from your school, and theyre going to tell you, this is not a safe thing youre trying to organize, and were not going to allow it, Hopkins said. So it creates an incentive for them to just cancel the event or not show up. Thats the point of this whole thing.

A spokesperson for Snelling declined to comment on the curfew proposal.

Also Wednesday, an effort by Southwest Side Ald. Marty Quinn, 13th, to ban the sale of many hemp products got blocked by Johnson allies.

Quinn amended his ordinance this week to exempt hemp beverages, topicals and pet-oriented products from the ban.

But before the council could consider the new version, Aldermen Rosanna Rodriguez-Sanchez, 33rd, and Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, both close Johnson allies, used a parliamentary maneuver to delay a vote.

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Chicago police have issued an alert about an attempted child luring in Englewood Wednesday.

Police said the incident took place between 7:40 and 7:55 p.m. between the 7200-block and 7300-block of South May Street.

Police said a girl was walking down the street when police said a man in a silver Chevy Malibu pulled up and offered to smoke with her in his car.

The car has a broken passenger headlight.

The girl got away by walking to a friend's house nearby.

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Police said the man circled the block several times.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Area One Detectives at 312-747-8380.

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By Emma Farge

GENEVA, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization chief said on Thursday that he was still hoping the U.S. administration would reconsider its decision to withdraw from the organisation next month, saying that its exit would be a loss for the world.

In one of his first acts as U.S. president, Donald Trump signed the order to withdraw, saying the global health agency had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and was too close to China. It will take effect on Jan. 22, 2026.

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The decision has raised concerns about global cooperation on any future outbreaks which the WHO helps coordinate through a series of international health regulations.

"There are things you can get only at the WHO and nowhere else. These issues are health security issues ... and thats why we were asking the U.S. to reconsider, because the world can only be secure if we are all in the same platform," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in response to a reporter's question about the withdrawal.

"Their absence from WHO is going to be a lose-lose, they will lose because of that. The rest of the world will also lose."

Tedros said U.S. criticisms of the organisation were unwarranted since it was addressing them including through cost-cutting reforms. On the accusation of the mismanagement of the pandemic, he said lessons had been learned.

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He said he also agreed that Washington, for years the biggest donor to WHO, should pay less in order to correct an overdependence on a single donor.

Tedros said that despite early instructions from the Trump administration for U.S. health officials to refrain from contacting the WHO, they had regularly sought information which the WHO had granted.

"We have given them any information they need because at the end of the day, WHOs existence is to make the American people safe and the rest of the world safe," he said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Miranda Murray and Alison Williams)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN  A 22-year-old man from China fell for a scam and is out $69,800, according to West Lafayette police.

Someone contacted him earlier this fall, posing as a Chinese law enforcement official. The scammer told the man that his identity was being used in China for criminal activities, and if the man wired some money, the problem could be resolved, according to West Lafayette police.

The man did a wire transfer in October and in December, according to police.

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After the second wire transfer of money, the man called his parents in China, asking them to check with Chinese law enforcement to see whether his identity was stolen, West Lafayette police said.

Chinese police told the man's parents that his identity was not stolen, and he was not suspected of any crimes.

Chinese student attending Purdue University scammed out of more than $220K

When the man learned this from his parents, he reported Wednesday afternoon to West Lafayette police that he'd been played by the scammer, according to police.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: West Lafayette police: Chinese student falls for scam, loses nearly $70K
Automated license plate readers can violate drivers' privacy rights, civil rights advocates say. (Photo by yanguolin/iStock Getty Images Plus)

Local governments in Iowa should pause the use of automated license plate readers, civil rights advocates said Wednesday, arguing the devices infringe on the privacy of drivers who have not violated any laws.

Researchers and technical and legal experts released a report Wednesday on automated license plate readers, or ALPRs. They said contracts made across the state between communities and the companies that provide the tools have created a patchwork network across the state where peoples data is tracked and saved for potential use by unknown parties.

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Members of the ACLU of Iowa and University of Iowa Technology Law Clinic said Wednesday during a media conference they recommend that municipalities, counties and other community governing groups get out of their contracts for the cameras if possible and stand up to companies trying to gather data on residents travel habits. The ACLU of Iowa retained the technology law clinic to conduct the study, according to the report.

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Pete McRoberts, policy director at the ACLU of Iowa, said the research team received varying responses from the 48 communities it contacted. Many provided information but others refused to state how many cameras they operate and where. Some claimed information that is disproven by their own contracts, he said.

The patchwork of responses to this is really a good eye-opener as far as how problematic these contracts are, McRoberts said.

Surveillance before a crime is committed

Unlike speed cameras or those placed at stoplights to catch drivers running a red light, automated license plate readers capture and read license plates on all passing vehicles, so not just people that they suspect of violating a law, ACLU of Iowa Legal Director Rita Bettis Austen said.

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These pictures can provide a snapshot of where someone is at a given time, she said, with the devices recording date, time and location alongside license plate numbers.

Austen said the ACLU of Iowa has been engaged in education and policy advocacy related to ALPRs for just over a decade, but adoption of the technology, and its capabilities, has grown exponentially over the past couple of years. This has caused significant privacy and civil rights concerns for the organization, she said, as well as among Iowans.

ALPRs are being placed along roadways throughout Iowa, and theyre taking thousands of snapshots of all of the license plates that are going by of all of the vehicles, and then that information can be fed into a network of nationally shared databases that are being maintained by these private vendors who contract with local governments to put these cameras up and access the data, Austen said.

One in 10 of those captures will be incorrect in some way, Austen said, as the camera systems have been found to have a 10% error rate. The report provided examples from between 2009 and this year of drivers, some with family members in the car, being detained by police after an ALPR flagged their vehicle as stolen after misreading the license plate.

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Examples of misuse of the camera systems and the databases where information is stored were also listed in the report. In one incident, according to the report, Sioux City police officers were using racist phrases to search ALPR databases. According to the report, the phrase used to search was Traveling Romanian Theft Group.

Austen acknowledged non-objectionable potential uses of ALPRs, such as checking license plates against lists of stolen cars, tracking license plates associated with AMBER alerts and collecting tolls, but said the lack of state regulation as to how this technology can be utilized is leaving the privacy of Iowans vulnerable.

ALPRs create network of surveillance

Flock Safety is the largest provider of ALPRs in the state, Austen said, and the report stated that the companys systems hold more than 20 billion readings  an ever-growing number. She added the companys business model encourages communities it works with to let their data go into a national database system in order for those communities to be able to access the data thats coming from other communities.

UI Technology Law Clinic Director Megan Graham said during the media conference that ALPRs are widely used in Iowa, and there is a substantial network of surveillance of this kind across the state.

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The team found 19 transparency portals with ALPR information from Iowa agencies contracted with Flock, Graham said, and between Nov. 8 and Dec. 7 of this year, the cameras in those agencies completed more than 4.2 million vehicle detections, with more than 90,000 detections per camera. There were 13 hot lists per 1,000 vehicles, she said.

Each group that uses the technology has control over how widely their data is shared and who has access to it internally, and their policies as to what is public information can be different from place to place.

Iowans privacy is affected by these policies, and because of the policy differences, the policy shifts and changes as Iowans drive from place to place around the state, Graham said.

Report encourages education

Graham pointed out that while law enforcement and government agencies are using this technology, so are homeowners associations and private businesses. Flock Safety states on its website that private customers are unable to access law enforcement data but can share their data with police if they choose, and the company does not sell data  the customers are the ones who decide with whom to share data, and generally information in the companys system is deleted after 30 days.

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In Iowa, Austen said there is no state code requiring residents to be notified about ALPRs, and no state or local rules the team could find required a warrant to use the ALPR databases.

Of the nearly 50 communities the team reached out to about ALPR usage, Austen said the police departments in Des Moines and Clinton and the sheriffs offices in Fayette, Fremont and Mills counties did not respond to inquiries by the reports publication.

Des Moines police have identified responsive records but have not shared them yet, Graham said, and the Mills County Sheriffs Office stated they couldnt complete the teams request due to staffing issues, but the sheriffs offices of Fayette and Fremont counties have not responded at all.

Nearly every agency contacted by the team didnt provide everything they requested, Graham said, mostly because they said they didnt have the sought-after information, but there were some cases where agencies would refuse to provide information on where cameras are located or how many incorrect flags they get from the system.

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I do think that its ironic that our interest in trying to get access to these public records is to ensure the privacy of Iowans, and in comparison, the police that are withholding these record records are saying that they want to do so to ensure the privacy of surveillance technology, Austen said. So they want to watch us. They want to be able to do so in secrecy, and this is fundamentally at odds with our democracy and the way that most Americans want to live our lives.

McRoberts said this variance in responses to records requests is a good example of how local governments are either unequipped or unwilling to deal with the consequences of their contracts relating to the violation of residents privacy. He cited a situation in which a high ranking city official denied that they were feeding data to their ALPRs larger system when its explicit that the contract gives a worldwide nonexclusive license for any of that data thats collected.

Calling the contracts largely one-sided, McRoberts said municipalities need to have their attorneys analyze them and recognize that they can try and protect their citizens privacy. If agencies are already contracted with a vendor, he added, they should try to return to protecting individual privacy by using any legal means to get out of those contracts.

Iowa lawmakers have been very interested in finding out facts about ALPRs and how cities are using them, McRoberts said, and the ACLU of Iowa is recommending to them that the state should press pause on the camera systems until the Iowa Legislature can figure out a potential comprehensive fix on privacy.

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With laws already in place directing law enforcement to have a warrant for GPS tracking devices and other areas of technology surveillance, Austen said questions need to be asked whether law enforcement is using ALPRs in a way that safeguards against risks, if its appropriate for these agencies to have regulatory power over the technology and data and whether broader, uniform minimum protections should be in place for Iowans.

Thats why the value of this report is an educational tool for the general public, for policymakers, to include city council members and state legislators, McRoberts said. This is a good day for openness and for transparency.

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Who is to blame for Chicago homeowners' skyrocketing property tax bills?

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi says the Cook County Board of Review is, for giving big tax cuts to places like Trump Tower. The Board of Review points the finger right back at Kaegi.

A 39% cut for Trump Tower, 33% for The Hilton, 32% for a South Michigan Avenue luxury high-rise and 22% for a data center are what Assessor Kaegi says are examples of big reductions for commercial properties by the Cook County Board of Review. Kaegi says the burden is shifted to homeowners.

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"Two-thirds of Black and Latino neighborhoods on the South and West Sides would have seen their bills decrease or remain flat, if not for these large commercial cuts," Kaegi said.

Minnie Terrel's 2024 first installment property tax bill was $87. The 80-year-old Englewood resident's second installment shot up to over over $1,900. The total for 2024 is over $2,000.

"I'm a senior, I don't work and I don't have the money to pay for it," Terrell said.

RELATED | Cook County assessor faces angry questions from West Side homeowners over sharp property tax hikes

Terrell and others are likely to get relief through homeowner and senior exemptions that were not included in their bills. Many residents lined up Wednesday at the Cook County assessor's office to sign up for the exemptions.

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Regardless, Kaegi says it does not make up for the reductions given to commercial properties. He says in the 2024 Chicago reassessment, the Board of Review cut values for homes by 1% compared to 17% for commercial properties.

"A rigged system produced reductions that were not deserved for big property owners, and it shifted the burden to the tune of $700 on each and every homeowner in Chicago," Kaegi said.

SEE ALSO | Cook County Board of Review reopening tax appeals for 24 townships after dramatic bill increases

The Board of Review says commercial properties values were cut because they were over assessed to begin with. In a news conference last week, Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr. says the methodology Kaegi uses to assess all properties has unnecessarily resulted in higher property values for commercial and residential properties. He calls Kaegi the worst assessor he has seen.

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"He's flying the plane while he's fixing the plane, and that's the problem," Rogers Jr. said. "When you do that, you have crashes, you have errors of the type that we're seeing come out of coming out of his office."

Time is ticking for the assessors office to help people with their 2024 second installment. Property taxes are due Dec 15. Meanwhile, the Board of Review has reopened the appeals process for 2025 taxes.


The Oklahoma County jail is again open to liability for costly emergency inmate medical expenses, and left operating with an irregular budget that could land it in legal trouble.

That's according to members of the county Budget Evaluation Team, which is tasked with monitoring all county revenues and expenses for the county Budget Board. The budget team is dealing, again, with a jail budget with no contract for housing certain detainees arrested by Oklahoma City police.

Oklahoma City arrestees comprise some 65% of the jail population, statistics show. The jail expects payment for those detained on municipal charges. The jail under law must accept, without payment, city arrestees facing felony or state charges.

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It can get complicated because the greater and lesser charges often overlap.

In any case, the Criminal Justice Authority, the trust that runs the jail, has received no payment from the city so far this fiscal year, which started July 1, said chief financial officer Stevi Hampton. Contract negotiations are ongoing, she told the budget team at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Contract in place or not, since the trust took over jail operations in 2020, the city has only settled with negotiated lump sums near the end of each fiscal year, Hampton said. The payments amount to an annual budget gap that can't be estimated until a deal is struck with the city, she said.

How much the city of Oklahoma City has paid the OK County jail for housing its arrestees since the jail trust was founded

An SUV belonging to the Oklahoma City Police Department is seen parked in downtown OKC on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.

In past years, Hampton said, the payments came to:

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2020-2021: $974,260

2021-2022: $484,718

2022-2023: $500,000

2023-2024: $750,000

2024-2025: $1,299,626

Budget guide: Lack of a contract with Oklahoma City for housing its detainees exposes Oklahoma County to costly medical liability

Oklahoma County Detention Center, 201 N Shartel Ave., April 16, 2025.

The belated payments are concerning, but the jail operating without a contract spelling out responsibility for detainees is more disturbing from a liability standpoint, said Cody Compton, chairman of the Budget Evaluation Team and general counsel for the Sheriff's Office. Compton is chairman, but has no vote.

"For instance," Compton said, "in those contracts, if you've got somebody in on a municipal charge only, and they have a heart attack or they have a stroke and they have to go out to the hospital, who's paying that bill? That's going to be a huge bill. ...

"I know in the past, the city's been really good about doing medical OR's (detainees released on their own recognizance) in those situations, so we haven't got into a situation where we're stuck. But that does not mean we won't ever get into a situation where we're stuck. To me, some of the contractual language is as important, or more important, than the actual dollar amount associated with us providing the service."

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But that unknown dollar amount, year after year, is a real problem, said Maj. Brandon Holmes, who represents Sheriff Tommie Johnson III on the Budget Evaluation Team, which is comprised of representatives appointed by each of the eight elected county officials.

Jail budget: "How do you know what the numbers really are?"

Inmates being processed in the booking/intake area of the Oklahoma County jail, formally the Oklahoma County Detention Center.

The budget gap leaves administrators blind to the true picture of the jail's finances, said Holmes, who was in jail administration when the Sheriff's Office still ran the jail.

"How do you know what the numbers really are? Because there's no way for you to predict how many inmates that Oklahoma City's going to bring in. How do you get a dollar figure to begin with?" Holmes wondered aloud.

The fuzzy figures could have the trust breaking the law by budgeting revenue it's not guaranteed and spending more than it's bringing in, said Joe Blough, first deputy for District 1 Commissioner Jason Lowe.

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"As a governmental entity, all of Oklahoma County, the state, etc., we're all prohibited by the (state) Constitution from exceeding our revenues, our expenditures exceeding our revenues," he said. "Has anyone bothered to check to see if the trust falls under that same prohibition? ...

"Because, and I don't know the answer, (if it is) subject to that same provision, there might be a massive problem."

No one knew. Mark Opgrande, director of communications for the jail and trust, said he would get an answer from attorney Aaron Etherington, who the jail recently hired away from the District Attorney's Office.

Another questionable budget practice, Blough said, has jail administration moving unused money for salaries, because the jail is understaffed, from that budget category to one for professional services.

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"Is the trust approving the movement of that money from the salary category down to the M&O (maintenance and operations) for a contract, or are they letting you all do that? ... The entirety of the trust is approving that?" he asked Hampton. She said she didn't know.

Budget guide: How can the OK County jail budget for expenses that are greater than revenue?

Public hearing for the 2025-2026 Oklahoma County Budget, Thursday, June 12, 2025.

The jail's budget doesn't make sense under the law, or common sense generally, said Paul Foster, chief deputy for District 3 Commissioner Myles Davidson.

"Why in the world would your budgeted expenses exceed your budgeted revenue? ... Who does that?" he asked. Hampton said it was meant to show "what we need to run the jail, but our revenue coming in is not enough right now."

Hampton repeated jail administration's concern that based on a projected monthly deficit of $486,795, it will need an infusion of $5.8 million, on top of its Budget Board-approved $34 million budget for 2025-2026, before next summer.

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"If I have X number of bills per month that I have to pay, and I only make X amount that's less than that  my budget has to be off what my bring-home is, not what my actual expenses are," Foster said.

Hampton said, "In paying your personal bills, if you had a little bit left over from the previous month that you could apply and just kind of keep it going like that  we don't, we never go cash negative."

Compton said, "Not yet."

With the fiscal year nearly half gone, OKC and the county jail are still in negotiations over the expense of housing city arrestees

Interim Oklahoma County jail administrator Tim Kimrey.

Nearly halfway through the fiscal year, the city and trust are still negotiating fees only for those facing only municipal charges. The haggling is further complicated because when city arrestees face both municipal and felony charges, the greater charges obligate the jail to take them.

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The trust needs to recoup $192 for each detainee's booking and first day in jail, and $66 for each subsequent day, officials said. On Monday, Dec. 8, the trust approved a new study by MGT Impact Solutions in Tampa, Florida, to recalculate the appropriate daily rates.

Holmes said budgeting was easier when the Sheriff's Office still had the jail because the city and county negotiated a flat rate paid monthly rather than daily rates based on the number of incoming inmates, which cannot be forecast.

Staff writer Richard Mize covers Oklahoma County government and the city of Edmond. He previously covered housing, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com, starting in 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma County jail risks legal, financial trouble with budget
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) and the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen advancing global accountancy collaboration.

Through this framework, the organisations will work to build international ties, grow regional expertise, and help train future professionals in accountancy.

Efforts will centre on combining resources and facilitating the flow of knowledge between their networks.

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PAFA serves as the sole African body known as a regional organisation by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

Its activities are aimed at building up accountancy skills across Africa and increasing the regions presence within the global profession.

PAFA president Walid BEN SALAH commented: This MOU represents a meaningful step toward empowering accountants in the region with the tools, knowledge and global connections they need to thrive.

We look forward to working closely with CPA Canada to promote excellence, accessibility and innovation in the profession.

Under the terms of the MOU, CPA Canada and PAFA will prioritise several areas.

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The areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include increasing the bilingual availability of professional learning materials and resources, exchanging technical materials, organising technical forums, workshops, and events to support learning, and assisting with the adoption of international standards in different regional settings.

CPA Canada CEO and president Pamela Steer said: CPA Canada is committed to fostering global partnerships that elevate the profession and promote high-quality, inclusive and future-ready initiatives, while supporting regional and bilingual engagement.

This collaboration empowers professionals with bilingual tools in English and French, as well as world-class resources and the knowledge they need to navigate a rapidly evolving business environment.

Recently, CPA Canada reported that 4,188 CPA candidates successfully passed the common final examination (CFE) held in September 2025.

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Among these candidates, those ranked within the top 1% nationally were acknowledged on an honour roll.

"CPA Canada and PAFA partner" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand.




A parent is suing a private boarding and day school, and an employee who was at the Lakeville school during the 2023-24 school year, for damages after an assault and battery allegedly motivated by racial animus that occurred there in November 2023.

The plaintiff, who resides in New York, filed a lawsuit in Litchfield Superior Court and the case against Indian Mountain School is ongoing.

The lawsuit states that on Nov. 9, 2023 at approximately 4:15 p.m., the African American student, identified in the lawsuit as C.J., was at the school when the defendant Mike Wilson, an employee, allegedly engaged in a verbal confrontation with C.J. and that Wilson was verbally abusive to C.J.

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The confrontation went from verbal to physical as defendant Mike Wilson came into contact with C.J., the lawsuit claims, adding that Wilson allegedly repeatedly pushed  C.J. and placed him into a chokehold.

Wilson was charged with second-degree unlawful restraint and third-degree assault, according to information from Litchfield Superior Court. He pleaded guilty and was given a conditional discharge with suspended sentence, according to court information.

The plaintiff is suing the school for negligence regarding Michael Wilsons alleged pattern of abusive, harassing conduct to C.J. based on racial animosity, according to the lawsuit.

Indian Mountain School, knew or should have known and had actual and/or constructive notice of defendant Mike Wilsons [alleged] uncivil, abusive, offensive, racist violent propensities, the lawsuit claims.

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The lawsuit continued and alleges: Prior to November 9, 2023, Defendant Mike Wilson had repeatedly been harassing, abusive and exhibited animosity to infant C.J.

The lawsuit further claims that the Indian Mountain Schools training program was inadequate and that a hypothetically well-trained employee would have resolved the situation set forth in this complaint in a manner that would have avoided the violations suffered by C.J.

The plaintiff is also suing Wilson for punitive damages, stating that Wilson allegedly intentionally, negligently and for the purpose of causing severe emotional distress, recklessly conducted himself toward C.J. in a manner so shocking and outrageous that it exceeded all reasonable bounds of decency, wanton disregard, gross negligence, causing him to suffer personal injuries, conscious pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional upset, shock and fright, fear of impending death.

Max Silverberg, associate trial attorney with Sonin & Genis in the Bronx, N.Y., who is representing the plaintiff, said in an email that this is an active and ongoing lawsuit and that the case is moving forward through the court system.

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We are confident that the evidence will fully support our clients claims and will hold the responsible parties accountable for what occurred, he said. What happened to this student should never occur in any school and we are committed to pursuing justice on their behalf.

Indian Mountain School declined to comment.
Key Points

Dutch Bros stock has gained 60.6% since its September 2021 IPO, slightly ahead of the S&P 500's 53% return.

The company's market cap soared 336%, but heavy stock dilution limited shareholder gains.

The coffee chain has doubled its store count since going public, funded partly by secondary stock offerings -- and plans to almost double again by 2029.

These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires 

Coffee chain Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) has been around since 1992, but joined the public stock market much later. The company raised $557 million in its initial public offering (IPO) on Sept. 17, 2021.

How have early investors fared in the roughly four years since then?

Image source: Getty Images.

Dutch Bros beat the market, but just barely

As of Dec. 9, Dutch Bros stock has gained 60.6% since the IPO. The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) stock market index rose 53% over the same period, though. In other words, Dutch Bros hasn't exactly crushed the market since going public.

BROS data by YCharts

Move the goalposts, change the story

Dutch Bros' stock returns change dramatically if I shift the starting point of the comparison by just a few days. For example, the stock posted an underwhelming 14% return since Sept. 20, 2021 -- just three calendar days after the IPO. I could also cherry-pick a starting date to make Dutch Bros look mighty good:

BROS data by YCharts

The market cap grew faster than your portfolio

Either way, Dutch Bros' stock has seen robust but not mind-blowing returns over time. But the stock started out with a modest $1.71 billion market cap, and now it's up to $7.48 billion. That's a 336% increase -- far ahead of the double-digit gains its investors experienced.

That mismatch is the result of massive stock dilution. That's a two-part issue:

Dutch Bros ran several secondary stock offerings in 2023 and 2024, bolstering a cash-poor balance sheet. The company had 57.4 million fully diluted shares outstanding in the second quarter of 2023. By the end of 2024, the diluted share count had ballooned to 115.2 million.

The company also offers stock-based compensation to some employees. That non-cash expense accounted for 19% of Dutch Bros' selling, general, and administrative costs in 2023, for instance. Backing out just that line item from 2023's bottom line would lift full-year earnings from $0.03 to $0.27 per diluted share. This program also adds a significant number of additional shares every year, on top of the company's secondary stock offerings.

Why Dutch Bros keeps selling stock

Dutch Bros is raising capital for a reason, of course. The store count has exploded from 503 drive-through coffee shops in September 2021 to 1,043 locations in the latest report. And nearly all of the additional stores are company-owned, while the number of franchised operations only increased by 20%.
Germanys most peaceful landscape owes its existence to one of its most paranoid.

The Grunes Band  the Green Belt threading 860 miles along the former border between West Germany and communist East Germany  is now a sweep of orchids, wetlands and bird-rich moorland.

It began life as a fortified no-mans land, wired with mines and patrolled day and night to keep citizens in the East from escaping.

Walk it today, and the Cold War feels impossibly far away. Theres birdsong, frogs and a boardwalk over the Cheiner Torfmoors marsh orchids.

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But the quiet is only possible because people were once forced to stay out.

Today, in the northern regions of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, roughly between Hamburg and Berlin, the Cheiner Torfmoor, or Cheiner Heath, is one of the countrys most famous wetlands.

In spring and summer it becomes a mosaic of moorland, wetlands and swamp forests, filled with birds and croaking frogs. In March and April, the moor blazes with color when around 6,000 orchids erupt into bloom, including the rare violet-colored marsh orchid. A boardwalk means that visitors can immerse themselves in the display without damaging the flowers or the rich soil beneath.

The sobering origins of this unspoiled biosphere belong in the Cold War. From 1949 until 1989, this was part of the so-called Innerdeutsche Grenze, or inner-German border  the frontier that separated West Germany from the communist German Democratic Republic in the east.

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On the GDR side, it was a place of barbed wire, minefields, watchtowers and automatic firing devices  not to repel invaders, but to stop citizens from escaping. Around three miles wide, the GDRs militarized restriction zone, the so-called Sperrzone, ran the length of the Innerdeutsche Grenze, and was patrolled around the clock.

The former border now forms an 860-mile wildlife corridor. - imageBROKER.com/Alamy Stock Photo

The regime called it the Antifaschistischer Schutzwall  the Anti-Fascist Protection Barrier  but the purpose was unmistakable: keep GDR citizens in.

Beyond the central strip, the outer approaches of the Sperrzone were cleared of settlements and civilian activity, creating a no-mans land  and, unintentionally, nature reserve.

Approaching the border with binoculars was prohibited. Yet despite the risks, the area soon drew the attention of birdwatchers on both sides.

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We discovered that over 90% of the bird species that were rare or highly endangered in Bavaria  such as the whinchat, the corn bunting and the European nightjar  could be found in the Green Belt, says Kai Frobel, who who was born in Hassenberg, around 200 miles south of the Cheiner Torfmoor, in 1959. It became a final retreat for many species, and it still is today.

Today Frobel is a professor for environmental ecology, but growing up in the shadow of the border he was an avid birdwatcher when the Sperrzone was in place.

From a nature conservation standpoint, the Iron Curtain was a blessing  a 40-year accidental wildlife sanctuary. So it was no surprise that in December 1989, a month after the Berlin Wall came down, Frobel initiated a meeting in Hof, another border town south of the Cheiner Torfmoor, to discuss the future of the accidental nature reserve.

Four hundred conservationists from both sides of the border turned up. This is where the name and the concept of the Grunes Band were born. The participants unanimously accepted a resolution to protect it under the umbrella of the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation, also known as BUND. (Later, Frobel would become spokesperson for the Green Belt project of its its Bavaria branch.)

From death strip to nature reserve

The former no-man's land, known as the Grunes Band, is now a protected space, but still faces threats. - Helmac/Ute Machel/BUND Sachsen-Anhalt

The first step towards preservation was to establish what there was to preserve. A formal survey of the ecosystems and species along the Grunes Band was quickly begun, carried out by ornithologists, botanists, and entomologists on behalf of BUND. In 2001, the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation called for the creation of formal nature reserves in as many areas as possible. The intention was a Germany-wide system of ecological linkages  but the newly reunified government preferred to return land to previous owners.

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The pushback ended in 2002, when none other than Mikhail Gorbachev, the USSRs last-ever president, endorsed the initiative by becoming the first person to buy a Green Belt share, a promotional tool created by BUND. His support brought wider public backing.

In 2005 German Chancellor Angela Merkel designated the Grunes Band as part of Germanys National Natural Heritage. This ensured that land still owned by the German government along the Green Belt was transferred free of charge to the various regional states as nature reserves  clearing the way for what Frobel and his colleagues had voted for 16 years earlier. In 2017, Frobel and the then-chairman of the Nature Conservation Union Hubert Weiger received the German Environmental Award, Europes most prestigious environmental prize, for their activism.

Today, the Grunes Band covers all the former border land, passing through six German states. It links wetlands, forests, grasslands, and river meadows, and harbors more than 1,200 rare and endangered species of insects and animals  Germanys longest biotope network. In 2024, it was submitted for consideration for UNESCOs World Heritage list.

We must tell the story of why there is no longer a border there today, says Olaf Zimmermann, managing director of the German Cultural Council, who was instrumental in getting it onto Germanys list of proposed UNESCO sites. That the citizens of the GDR managed to bring down this border with a peaceful revolution, without a single shot being fired.

From Germany to beyond

Nature zones could provide a line of defense, like on the Polish-Lithuanian border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. - Sergei Gapon/AFP/Getty Images

Sadly, this fascinating story does not mean that the Green Belt will be safe in perpetuity. Although large parts are protected, politicians can also redefine its usage  as happened in the state of Hesse in 2024, when the local government reduced the land designated for its nature reserve, following protests by local communities, hunting and farming associations.

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For more than a decade, BUND has been working with environmentalists and voluntary groups across Europe to extend the Grunes Band beyond Germany, creating a European Green Belt  a series of biospheres running nearly 8,000 miles from the Barents Sea to the Adriatic and the Black Sea, following the former Cold War borders of 24 states.

Other former frontiers show why the idea matters. More than 100 rare species including Siberian musk deer and Asiatic black bears  have found shelter in the DMZ between North and South Korea. The rare Cyprus mouflon and the Eurasian stone curlew are thriving in the 112-mile UN buffer zone dividing the island of Cyprus.

Theres another, increasingly compelling rationale to turn border zones into nature reserves: defense.

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, EU countries bordering Russia and Belarus have erected border fences and fortifications, while the Baltic states have begun planning a Baltic Defense Line, complete with bunkers and anti-tank ditches  and using natural defenses like bogs and rivers. Many Baltic experts also call for peatland restoration to be added.

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Renaturalization doesnt only offer a defensive advantage; restored wetlands can revive biodiversity, provide homes for endangered animals, absorb floodwaters and capture CO2. Drained bogs, on the other hand, release carbon, contributing to global warming.

Biodiversity enables nature to produce more adaptations to changing conditions, says Katrin Evers, BUNDs project manager for biodiversity. Intact forests or moors retain water in the area, and can thus protect against flooding on the one hand and drought on the other. They also filter the water and provide shade  in other words, they ensure a certain degree of climate resilience.

Back on the Cheiner heath, a boarded-up GDR watchtower covered in graffiti still stands amidst the orchids  a reminder that the Green Belt remains a living memorial to the painful division and peaceful reunification of Germany. The Grunes Band is a landscape of remembrance as well as an extraordinary network of ecosystems. Its an environment that directly connects nature and history  and where a border built for fear may yet offer a blueprint for resilience.

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BARBERTON, Ohio (WJW)  A 73-year-old Barberton man was found dead in the living room of an upstairs apartment after a fire broke out late Wednesday night.

According to the citys fire department, crews were called to the 100 block of 16th Street Northwest, shortly before midnight, for reports of smoke and flames coming from the second story of Shannon Bar.

Michigan coach detained after firing: Report

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Firefighters were told victims may be trapped inside, according to a media release.

Credit: WJW Credit: WJW Credit: WJW Credit: WJW

Officials said one victim was found outside and transported to Barberton Hospital by the New Franklin Fire Department. Another victim was later found deceased within the structure.

The victim was later identified as Danny Jenkins, 73, of Barberton. According to the Summit County Medical Examiner, Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:30 a.m.

The scene is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal and the Summit County Coroner.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Native Vote. Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), candidate for governor of New Mexico, toured Central New Mexico Community Colleges Ted Chavez Trades and Technologies Center on Thursday to receive a briefing on the schools workforce training programs.

The visit highlighted job and education opportunities in the trades at a time when retirements are accelerating and many New Mexicans are seeking higher-paying work.

Please support our year-end campaign. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

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Haaland has championed programs for students who do not want to pursue a traditional four-year college degree. She said that, if elected, she plans to a career pathways program that aims to bring job training into middle and high school.

Our state has so many bright minds and the path to success doesnt need to look the same for everyone, Haaland said. With programs offered at CNM and the Opportunity Scholarship, New Mexicans have the chance to pursue career paths that lead to high-paying jobs. These programs need to be scaled so more New Mexicans can get jobs that not only pay the bills, but have benefits and pay enough to save for the future. These programs have expanded in the past couple of years  imagine what can be done when we inspire kids at a younger age.

CNM officials said enrollment in workforce programs has increased over the past six years, leading the college to open a new center to support expanded training. Haaland toured welding, HVAC, carpentry, electrical, and auto and electric-vehicle programs.

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Haaland said she understands that not everyone wants to or needs to go to college, and pointed to workforce shortages in welding, auto service and construction.

Good paying jobs in these fields allow families to put food on the table and pay their rent, she said. As governor, I will be laser focused on making sure families are stable, secure, and can afford the necessities.

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Delaware County Council voted 4-1 Wednesday night to approve a budget that includes a 19% property tax increase, despite objections from residents.

Property owners with a home assessed at $255,000 will pay about $188 more annually under the new budget, which takes effect next month.

Before the vote, some residents urged council to reconsider.

"I ask council to revisit the proposed budget, forgo voting tonight, avoid solving the entire deficit on the back of the hardworking taxpayers," said Cynthia Sabitini of Upper Providence Township.

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One councilmember agreed, but most did not.

"Simply put, I feel that the increase is too drastic," said Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer.

"This needs to occur. I don't like it, but it's what has to occur," said Councilmember Kevin Madden.

The hike follows a 23% increase last year and a 5% increase the year before. County officials say tax hikes were minimal for a decade, forcing steep increases now.

The current all-Democratic council argues they're righting the financial ship after past Republican leaders didn't do enough.

"For the first time in more than a decade, this budget puts Delaware County on track to have a truly balanced budget," said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.

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County leaders say the increase addresses a structural deficit, but opponents blame spending on projects such as de-privatizing George Hill Correctional Center and creating a health department.

"How do you justify coming in with a deficit and then saying you're repairing it after you grew it?" said Michael Straw of Media Borough Republicans.

Officials say future hikes should be minimal if the county makes any request at all, but some remain skeptical.

"I have my doubts that we won't be seeing increases in the future," Straw said.
Genesis HealthCare reached a $650,000 settlement with Nellie Betancourts widower, Gabe Betancourt, and their daughter, Vanessa, in April after medical examiners said an injury Nellie sustained at a Genesis home in New Mexico led to her death. The family agreed to give Genesis a year to start the payments, only for the company to declare bankruptcy in July. (Photo by Adria Malcolm for KFF Health News)

This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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.

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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 Hunts son signed in August 2024.

Yet Genesis hasnt paid most of that debt, court records show. It may never have to.

Once the nations 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.

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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.

Nellie Betancourt, shown in a photo with her husband, Gabe, had planned a trip to Las Vegas before she fractured her hip at a Genesis HealthCare rehabilitation center  an injury the medical examiners report said led to her death. (Photo by Adria Malcolm for KFF Health News)

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 examiners report said led to her death. Genesis agreed to a $650,000 settlement with Betancourts 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.

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One lawsuit Genesis settled for nearly $1 million alleged nursing home managers ignored repeated warnings about a male residents behavior before he sexually assaulted a female Alzheimers 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 companys 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 companys 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.

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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.

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Then in April 2023, a 61-year-old male resident with alcohol-related dementia sexually assaulted a female resident with Alzheimers 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 residents 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. dont sing anymore.

Inspectors cited the home for failing to protect R.S. The same report said the home didnt 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.

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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 Im wrong, maybe Im naive, but the only way to do that is to sue someone, right?

Genesis has not paid any of the settlement, according to the familys claim filing.

Uptown Rehabilitation Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of 165 nursing homes Genesis HealthCare owns in the U.S. (Adria Malcolm for KFF Health News)

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.

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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 Robichauxs 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 companys ability to continue as a going concern.

In a court filing, a committee appointed by the U.S. Trustees 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. Pearsons lawyers said he was not hospitalized until eight days after nurses noticed he was vomiting brown mucus.

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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.

Staff at a Genesis HealthCare nursing home delayed hospitalizing James Sanderson, seen here with daughter Erin Pearson, for a week after he showed symptoms of a bowel obstruction, according to a lawsuit. (Erin S. Pearson)

Payouts postponed

Jennifer Foote, an Albuquerque attorney who represents clients in multiple lawsuits against Genesis, including Pearsons, 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.

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Genesis started using installment payments around 2018, said Dusti Harvey, Footes law partner. The payments wouldnt 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 familys claim.

Genesis HealthCare settlements included periodic payment plans, like this one from a $600,000 settlement in February 2025, included in a court record, that allowed the company to delay paying for a year or more. (KFF Health News screengrab)

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 Johnsons 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 Johnsons 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 estates 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 Browns 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 theyre not trying to renege on their contract, but it certainly seems like they havent 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 Hunts claim. (The rest of the $3.5 million settlement is supposed to be paid by an insurer in January 2026.) Ian Norris, Hunts 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.

Photographs of Nellie Betancourt and her family are displayed at Gabe Betancourts home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Adria Malcolm for KFF Health News)

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 Landaus 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 Landaus group had increased its bid during the auction.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and two other senators last month asked the U.S. Trustees 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 were the ones that will pay for it, with our memories, our lives.

Its almost two years now, Gabe Betancourt says of the death of his wife, Nellie. When you sleep with somebody for 67 years and you stretch your arm, shes there. Theres no way I will ever forget her. (Photo byAdria Malcolm for KFF Health News)

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

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WASHINGTON  Democrats impeachment season has begun.

The House of Representatives on Thursday blocked a resolution to impeach President Donald Trump by a bipartisan vote of 237 to 140, with 23 Democrats voting to table and 47 voting present.

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The resolutions failure is unsurprising, considering Republicans still control the House and forced the vote. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who introduced the resolution, has already had one attempt at impeachment rejected this year and has been introducing impeachment resolutions against the president ever since Trump first took office in 2017.

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But with campaign season approaching, Trumps popularity waning and Democratic primary voters looking for candidates with backbone, Greens lonely quest to use the House impeachment power is gaining some new supporters eager to make political gains, even as it prompts eye-rolls from other party members.

Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) filed impeachment articles against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on Wednesday and Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) this week introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his murderous boat strikes and reckless handling of classified information.

Both Stevens and Thanedar are eager to prove themselves to Democratic voters. Stevens is the moderate candidate in a three-way primary for Senate, and Thanedar  one of the Houses most colorful and controversial members  is trying to hold off a primary challenge from progressive Donovan McKinney.

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Stevens said attributing her move to impeach Kennedy to a desire to stand out from the primary crowd was a cynical reading of the situation. Her resolution says RFK, Jr. violated his oath of office by cutting cancer research funds, firing scientists and spreading garbage about vaccines.

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Ive seen enough, Stevens told HuffPost. Measles is on the rise, infant deaths are occurring and conspiracy theories are being spread.

Stevens differentiated her resolution from Greens by pointing out shes not forcing a House vote the way he did. She said shes heard from Republican doctors who dont like Kennedy and noted Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voted against his confirmation as HHS secretary. Even though shes already written her resolution, she suggested it was only part of an ongoing process.

Its no doubt a bold action, but Im hoping for a conversation, Stevens said.

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The way impeachment works: If the House votes to impeach, the Senate holds a trial, with a supermajority of 67 senators required to convict. Trumps first term, which ended with the Senate refusing to convict him for inciting a mob riot attack on the Capitol, showed how hard it is for impeachment actually to work: A bipartisan majority of 57 senators voted to convict and it wasnt nearly enough.

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House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries put out a statement Thursday describing impeachment as a sacred constitutional vehicle designed to hold a corrupt executive accountable for abuse of power, breaking the law and violating the public trust, saying the effort requires comprehensive investigatory work, hearings and efforts to marshal public support.

None of that serious work has been done, with the Republican majority focused solely on rubber stamping Donald Trumps extreme agenda, Jeffries and his leadership team said in the statement, which concluded by saying they would vote present on Greens resolution. (House Democratic leadership, then led by Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, was similarly suspicious of the first effort to impeach Trump.)

Progressives were more willing to impeach.

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Theres no shortage of crimes that this administration has been engaged in, and so Im fine with it, Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told HuffPost.

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At the same time, pro-impeachment lawmakers didnt seem to mind their colleagues not going along.

The criminal actions of the president are very clear. Whats also clear is that the House Republican majority is not going to have a legitimate process for investigating the president that they worship instead of hold him accountable, Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told HuffPost.

If Democrats retake the House in next years midterm elections, however, impeachment could be on the table. Democrats would likely write articles of impeachment through a committee process rather than rushing to the floor for a vote, however.

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Greens impeachment resolution charges Trump with having unconstitutionally abused his official position by threatening Democratic lawmakers in Congress with execution. Trump repeatedly accused six Democratic members of Congress of SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR this month, even suggesting on social media they should be executed, in response to their video reminding members of the military that they can disobey unlawful orders.

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Green himself was censured earlier this year for theatrically interrupting Trumps speech to a joint session of Congress in February. He stood and pointed his cane at the president, only to be escorted out of the chamber.

On Thursday, Green said he was happy to have gotten 140 votes for his resolution and he was confident hed done the right thing.

I did it because it was the righteous thing to do. I didnt count votes before. I didnt ask anybody to vote one way or another, Green told HuffPost. I always tell people, vote your conscience on these kinds of questions. These are questions of conscience.

Political Updates

Read the original on HuffPost
Congressional Republicans are taking a major political gamble this week, laying out a GOP health care agenda that ignores the soon-to-expire enhanced subsidies that help tens of millions of Americans afford Obamacare  despite pleas from some in their own party.

Top Republicans didnt come to the decision easily. As recently as last week, it wasnt clear whether GOP leaders in either chamber would offer their own health care plans alongside a high-profile Democratic push to extend those Covid-era Obamacare subsidies.

There are plenty of frustrated rank-and-file members still trying to convince Republican leaders to change course and offer a short-term fix for the subsidies. Multiple battleground Republicans are plotting how they can intervene, including lobbying President Donald Trump directly or potentially going around their own leadership to force a vote on extending the subsidies, multiple sources told CNN. While they say Obamacare is rife with problems, they insist Republicans cant simply allow huge premium hikes for millions of people  especially in an election year.

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I support an extension. I dont want to see us go off this cliff in two and a half weeks. And I support reforms, said GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski, minutes after the two parties dueling health care proposals failed in the Senate on Thursday.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a centrist from New York, said her next step is to appeal to the White House.

I know, based on his previous comments, that the president is very interested in doing something to address this issue that was a problem Democrats created and was dumped on our laps, she said. If not, theres always what she called the nuclear option of forcing a vote with help from Democrats by way of a discharge petition.

If the enhanced subsidies lapse, enrollees will see their premium payments more than double  or about $1,000  on average, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group. And roughly 2 million more people are expected to be uninsured next year if they lapse, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

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But for now, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and his House counterpart, Speaker Mike Johnson, have opted for health care measures that seek to address rising costs without tackling the contentious subsidies. And Trump, for now, is staying out of the fray.

Thune pushed back against criticism from his own party that Republicans will face blowback if the enhanced subsidies expire at the years end.

The Senate is doing what we can to fix this, he told CNN when asked if the chamber can recess next week for the rest of the year without a solution to address the expiring tax credits.

And he criticized Democratic leaders for reining in their centrist members efforts to find a bipartisan path forward: There are some Democrats who are interested in reforms, but I think what the  Democrat leadership has insisted that whoever wants to do real reforms stand down and, you know, allow them to get this political issue.

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The focus on health care comes as both parties are eager to show voters that theyre tackling rising costs for everyday Americans, with GOP leaders in Congress under intense pressure to show real progress soon. But Republicans on Capitol Hill are limited in what they can do with their slim majorities, and GOP chairs in both chambers are opting to focus on years-old ideas like expanding health savings accounts with broad support in the party.

In the Senate, Republicans on Thursday attempted to pass a bill to expand health savings accounts to help people in certain Obamacare plans afford care. It failed as expected.

The plan, from top GOP chairmen Bill Cassidy and Mike Crapo, would funnel money for two years into health savings accounts for certain lower-income and middle class Americans. The legislation would also resume federal funding of Obamacares cost-sharing subsidies, which will help reduce premiums of certain plans.

The chamber also voted on a similarly partisan bill from Democrats, which would fund three more years of Covid-era subsidies, which have allowed low-income Americans to obtain coverage with $0 or near $0 monthly premiums while allowing many middle-class consumers to qualify for aid for the first time. It, too, failed to advance.

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Four Republicans backed the effort to advance the Democratic plan: Murkowski, as well as Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Josh Hawley of Missouri.

What we did today is we demonstrated what we cant do. We cant do the Democrats straight three-year proposal and we cant do the Cassidy-Crapo proposal as it stands, Murkowski said after the vote.

Hawley said he, too, agreed to support both parties efforts because lawmakers must do something to address the health care crisis.

I just think at some point weve got to get going here and Im in favor of doing everything possible to get health care costs down. I mean they are just too high, Hawley told CNN.

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Collins  one of the Senate GOPs most centrist members  supported the Democratic plan, even though she had expressed some skepticism in recent days of the decision not to include changes to the existing system.

In a statement after the vote, Collins said she wanted to prevent an unaffordable spike in premium costs but also wanted to support GOP changes to the program, adding: It is a broken system that must be fixed  and it cannot be fixed overnight.

Sen. Susan Collins is seen in the Senate subway on Tuesday. - Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images

Collins, according to an aide, felt both bills had merit and had components that could be in a final compromise bill.

With support for the proposals falling largely along party lines, its a reminder of why Congress is days away from the expiring subsidies with no real solution in sight: No one is in the mood for dealmaking  yet.

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For weeks, moderate Republicans and Democrats have insisted that Congress only way to avert the premium hikes on December 31 would be taking the leap together. Republicans would need to take their first-ever vote to stand up Obamacare by extending the subsidies, while Democrats would need to acknowledge problems in the system, like skyrocketing costs and some fraud.

Some centrists are hopeful that real bipartisan work can now begin after the Senates failed votes on Thursday. But GOP leadership  particularly Johnson  have been so far unwilling to have that fight among their ranks.

We just cant get Republican votes on that for lots of reasons, Johnson said when asked about extending the subsidies.

Johnson was also critical of efforts by moderates in his caucus, including Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who formally filed a discharge petition for a bill to extend the ACA subsidies.

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I am not a fan of discharges. It is typically used as a tool against the majority. I understand the concerns that they have, and Im very sympathetic to that, he told reporters Wednesday.

Fitzpatricks discharge petition is one of two proposals from GOP and Democratic centrists currently circulating among members. Either would need the endorsement of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to succeed. So far, Jeffries has not weighed in, though he has privately suggested he prefers the bill from GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia and Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey.

Johnson and his conference reaffirmed Thursday that they are planning their own slate of health care bills for next week, similarly focusing on health savings accounts and cost-sharing reductions.

Some hardliners in the conference  faced with the prospect of a discharge petition  privately expressed openness to a bill to extend subsidies in a closed-door meeting on Wednesday, but there appears to be no consensus on what kind of bill could pass the House in time. (Even Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan suggested House Republicans should act on the subsidies, warning that a discharge petition with Democratic sign off would be a worse alternative, according to two people briefed on his remarks.)

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Its like nailing jello to a wall with a lot of these members, said Rep. Ralph Norman, who said he was open to the subsidies for a short period.

But extend them for how long? Thats always the contentious part, Norman said.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune addresses reporters after the weekly Senate Republican conference policy luncheon at the US Capitol, December 2, 2025. - Jonathan Ernst/Reuters/File

House and Senate leaders have one tool at their disposal to circumvent Democrats: a partisan gambit known as reconciliation. But Thune said he would prefer a bipartisan compromise that could get 60 votes to overcome a filibuster because the resulting legislation is more durable.

Still, Thune said he wouldnt rule anything out.

House GOP leaders, however, are privately bearish on another reconciliation bill this Congress after their Herculean effort to pass Trumps tax and spending measure this summer. (Trump himself seemed uninterested in another big domestic package on Wednesday, saying, We dont need it.)

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Exactly which plans will get a vote in the House is not yet determined. A closed-door meeting of House Republicans on Wednesday ended without a sense of unity on a path forward. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters the leadership team would spend the coming days finding consensus on a handful of bills to come to the floor next week, likely focusing on health savings accounts and cost-sharing reductions.

But the divergence in opinion across the conference on the subsidies issue was yet another reminder that Trump and his GOP have yet to unify behind a clear health care agenda eight years after the partys failed attempt to replace Obamacare.

And inside that meeting, multiple endangered lawmakers privately pressed Republican leaders to address the expiring subsidies  but faced sharp pushback from the right flank of their party. One of those members was vulnerable GOP Rep. Kevin Kiley of California, who called on Johnson to put a bill on the floor to extend the tax credits.

If that didnt happen, he warned, Republicans would face the consequences next November.

Theres perhaps no single policy measure that would have a more dramatic impact on affordability in the year ahead than doing something about the expiration of the subsidies. So if we go home without addressing that, that is a huge loss, Kiley said.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Tami Luhby, Ted Barrett, Aileen Graef, Annie Grayer, Alison Main, Manu Raju and Ellis Kim contributed to this report.

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A state board tasked with investigating free speech violations on Oklahoma university campuses must have increased enforcement power to properly protect peoples constitutional rights, one advocate said.

But leaders of the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee said the body doesnt need more power beyond its advisory role when it comes to enforcing changes in free speech policy or investigating violations.

The debate over the committees role comes as the states three largest universities have faced complaints of free speech violations in recent months, ranging from political and religious discrimination to press censorship.

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The nine-member committee, created by House Bill 3543 in 2022, is part of the State Regents for Higher Education and is a purely advisory body that issues recommendations, guides free speech training and investigates complaints of violations on college and university campuses, according to state statute.

Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, authored the bill that created the Free Speech Committee and currently serves on the board.

He said the committee was intentionally set up to be advisory so it was collaborative, rather than adversarial, with the states colleges and universities. He continues to support that structure.

But if we find that our colleges and universities are routinely kind of ignoring the suggestions of the committee, then maybe we need to go back through and look at that, Caldwell said. But I think so far weve seen a willingness to collaborate and to work together.

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Patrick Elliott, the legal director for Freedom From Religion Foundation, said an advisory board with no enforcement authority isnt enough. The nonprofit advocates for the division between church and state.

Relying on litigation alone delays justice and places a burden on victims of free speech violations, he said in a statement.

We support additional mechanisms to protect free speech, Elliot said. Those could include a government body that can both investigate and require compliance when rights are violated.

Andy Lester, chair of the Free Speech Committee, said he likes the way the committee was created by statute to be advisory because there isnt another committee in the country like ours.

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Its a safety valve, Lester said.  I think the process works well. If the Legislature wanted to change that and empower this committee to do something else, Im sure we, of course, would be happy to do that, but thats up to somebody else.

There have been three formal complaints since the beginning of the semester that are currently being investigated, Lester said.

Rick Hall, a board member who serves on the committees Complaint Task Force, said he could not discuss what they entail, saying they should be kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the review process.

Lester said only one other complaint has been submitted to the committee during its existence and it was found to not be a free speech issue. He did not elaborate on the details of the complaint.

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Its usually probably better for them to try to do it on the campus itself, but they can come to us right away, he said. Our process takes some time.

Oklahoma colleges and universities typically set their own policies to address free speech complaints. The Free Speech Committee plans to eventually review the policies of every campus, but said they are still doing initial reviews.

At the conclusion of an investigation, the committee can offer recommendations to the complaining party as well as the institutions involved and the State Regents.

Laura Beltz, director of policy reform for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a free speech advocacy group, said having a committee to provide input and expertise across the state is generally helpful.

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That being said, if colleges are able to ignore the input of the committee when a campus violates a student or faculty members rights, its critical that mechanisms are in place to ensure that student or faculty members rights are vindicated, e.g. by referring the matter to an office that does have the authority to take action, Beltz said.

University of Central Oklahoma complaints stem from end of student newspaper's print publication

At least two complaints to the committee, which were obtained independently by Oklahoma Voice, are related to accusations of free speech violations at the University of Central Oklahoma. They were filed by Amy Hall, the daughter of a former adviser to the student newspaper, and Jon Womastek, a UCO alumni.

UCOs complaints stems from the schools decision to end the print publication of the student newspaper, The Vista, and allegations that the school was trying to control students coverage of the administration. The Vista continues to publish digitally, and the university has denied the claim.

A spokesperson for UCO said the institution has not received any formal complaints of violations of free speech in 2025.

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The school did receive recommendations for minor changes to its free speech policy after an unrelated review by the Free Speech Committee in 2024. All recommendations were implemented, the spokesperson said.

UCO does not have a formal position on the committees function as an advisory board, the spokesperson said.

Oklahoma State University has received three formal complaints in 2025

A spokesperson at Oklahoma State University said in a statement that the school has received three formal complaints in 2025.

While we are aware of instances where someone has indicated that someone elses expression is hateful or offensive, we are only aware of three formal complaints in which one student organizations fliers were removed, the spokesperson said in a statement.

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It wasnt immediately clear if this complaint was also filed with the state Free Speech Committee or if it had been resolved.

The spokesperson said that the school is reviewing a set of recommendations from the Free Speech Committee and is committed to maintaining an environment on campus to support free speech.

The spokesperson did not answer questions about the efficacy of the Free Speech Committee.

OSU also faced accusations in October of violating a students free speech rights after a staff member reportedly criticized him for wearing a hat with the No. 47, a symbol of President Donald Trumps presidency, at a student government meeting.

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The student, who was giving a speech promoting free speech at the time, said he received the cap from Charlie Kirk after volunteering at a Turning Point USA event held at the Stillwater campus. Kirk, a conservative activist, was assassinated during an event earlier this year in Utah, the same day the student wore the hat.

OU entangled in free speech battle over controversial essay

Spokespeople with OU did not comment by the time of publication about whether they had faced any formal complaints of free speech violations on campus this year or the efficacy of the committee.

OU has been entangled in a free speech-related controversy since late November when a student claimed the zero she received for an essay she wrote was because of her religious beliefs and a violation of her free speech.

The student said she used the Bible as a reference for the essay, which was assigned to be a reaction to an article on gender-based stereotypes, and argued against eliminating societal gender roles. The graduate teaching assistant, who OU has since put on leave, said she had failed to use empirical evidence and that parts of her essay were offensive.

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The Freedom From Religion Foundation has demanded the graduate teaching assistant be immediately reinstated. The group said OU as a public university cannot privilege religious viewpoints.

Lester and Caldwell, who serve on the states Free Speech Committee, commended the University of Oklahoma on Tuesday for the way it has dealt with the ongoing controversy at its Norman campus.

From what I have seen thus far, it looks like the process at the University of Oklahoma is working well, Lester said. These issues are difficult to deal with, and my heart does go out to everybody involved, including, frankly, both sides of what happened and the administration. Its hard to balance these things.

Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Advocate: Oklahoma Free Speech Committee needs more power to protect rights
Red Onion State Prison in Wise County (Photo courtesy of Virginia Department of Corrections.)

On July 23, 2023, Jaeon Chavis was bitten by a dog at Red Onion State Prison in the midst of a dispute with a guard over using a prison telephone.

The canine tore into his leg, rendering it the same texture as ground taco meat as guards punched and kicked him and later called him a n crybaby, his attorneys alleged in a lawsuit filed in May. Since then, Chavis said hes suffered from severe pain in his leg, constant anxiety, fear of retaliation from guards and lingering PTSD.

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Im freaking terrified, Chavis said in a September interview from Wallens Ridge State Prison, where hes now housed. It has destroyed me.

Jaeon Chavis, who was bitten by a patrol canine while incarcerated at Red Onion State Prison in 2023, said the incident left him with severe pain in his leg, constant anxiety, fear of retaliation from guards and lingering PTSD. (Photo courtesy Justice For Jaeon)

In 2024, Virginia lawmakers passed bipartisan legislation aimed at curtailing the use of prison dogs after a Business Insider investigation profiled similar stories, and found the states use of the dogs made it a national outlier. The publication tallied at least 295 incidents across the country where dogs bit incarcerated people; over 90% of the attacks occurred in Virginia.

Despite the new law, public records show canines continue to be a violent presence in state prisons. Prison dogs have engaged incarcerated people, prison employees and visitors in at least 33 incidents since the law went into effect on July 1, 2024, according to reports publicly posted by the Virginia Department of Corrections.

In the 17 months since the law went into effect, canines have attacked their handlers and bitten incarcerated people in the arms, legs, stomach and head, according to incident reports obtained by The Virginia Mercury. In that period, five incarcerated people were sent to a hospital for treatment after encounters with a canine.

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Criminal justice advocates have called for Gov.-elect Abigail Spangerger to ban the use of patrol dogs entirely, arguing that the canines can cause lasting injuries and trauma. Spanbergers transition team did not respond to requests for comment.

The debate over the dogs comes at an inflection point for Virginias prison system. Virginia prisons face a staffing shortage of roughly 25%. A union representing the corrections officers told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that low staffing played a role in the recent killing of an officer  the first in a half century.

VADOC spokesman Kyle Gibson said canines play a vital role at VADOC facilities, protecting correctional team members and inmates while deterring aggressive inmate behavior, a message that has been echoed by groups representing corrections officers.I have witnessed and been involved in many incidents where the use of those canines saved lives, Donald Baylor, a former corrections officer who represents the Virginia Chapter of the National Coalition of Public Safety Officers, told lawmakers last year.

But Shawn Weneta, a criminal justice advocate and lobbyist who was formerly incarcerated and helped negotiate the current law, said it didnt go far enough. He noted many other states are managing staffing shortages without the use of patrol dogs.

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The governor has the ability to say, Were not going to use patrol canines in our prisons, we dont need them, Weneta said.

The current law was a compromise. Del. Holly Seibold, D-Fairfax, who sponsored the 2024 bill, said in an interview she initially sought an outright ban on using patrol canines but carved exceptions to win support from Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The 2024 law says canines are to only be deployed in altercations involving three or more prisoners  or if a corrections officer reasonably believes canines are necessary to protect any prisoner or any officer or employee from the threat of serious bodily injury or death.

The full extent of the dogs use remains murky. The law requires VADOC to track all canine uses of force and publish the information on its website. The department has interpreted that phrasing as a simple tally published monthly that contains no details about the attacks. VADOC initially declined to hand over the incident reports, which contain narratives of canine attacks, but later agreed on the condition it redact the names of the people involved.

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The redacted names in the reports make it difficult to know how badly imprisoned people were injured or verify the departments narrative of events. But they illustrate how dogs can be an unpredictable tool for enforcing order.

On Nov. 22, 2024, an incarcerated person at Red Onion State Prison pressed against a fence to clear the path for an incoming corrections officer and dog who were responding to a fight. The dog lunged at the man, who was not involved in the altercation, and bit him in the stomach.

Two days later, a patrol dog at Wallens Ridge attacked a corrections officer in the buttocks when they were on hand to break up a fight. A little over a month later, on New Years Eve 2024, a canine bit its handler at Keen Mountain Correctional Center in the arm and left hand, causing serious injuries to the officer.

A redacted Virginia Department of Corrections incident reporting describing a canine attack on its handler. (Photo courtesy VDOC)

Chavis, the incarcerated man who was attacked by a dog in 2023, argues in his lawsuit that canine handlers at Red Onion disproportionately targeted Black people and directed dogs to attack compliant incarcerated people as a malicious form of punishment.

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In the complaint, Chavis pro bono attorneys from the Georgetown University Law Center and the Erlich Law Office say the attack occurred after Chavis complained about a malfunctioning prison phone he was attempting to use to call his daughter on her birthday.

The lawsuit says Chavis refused orders to go to a section of the prison he believed lacked camera coverage, fearing for his safety. It alleges he complied with officers as they handcuffed him but was nonetheless accused of resisting and was slammed to the ground, where he was choked by a guard and mauled by the dog.

The lawsuit alleges corrections officers heckled him with racist abuse, including (we) just fued up another n tonight.

The complaint alleges officers on hand forced him to balance on one leg to deepen his suffering and told him (we) should have let that dog kill you, warning that if he spoke about the episode to anyone, he would be deemed a snitch and taken care of.

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In legal filings, an attorney with the Virginia attorney generals office representing VADOC and the officers involved disputed nearly all of Chavis claims, though they have yet to lay out their own version of events. Gibson, the VADOC spokesperson, said the department does not comment on active litigation.

The case is currently in the discovery phase ahead of a December 2026 trial; VADOC has turned over footage of the incident to Chavis attorneys, but it remains shielded from public view by a protective order. VADOC declined to turn over footage of the incident to the Virginia Mercury, citing an exemption clause in the states FOIA law that allows officials to withhold records that would jeopardize the safety of any person or government facility.

Red Onion has been at the center of accusations involving civil rights abuses.

State lawmakers this year pressed for a probe into Red Onion after prisoners burned themselves and participated in hunger strikes in protest of alleged abuse by guards and overuse of solitary confinement at the facility.

Virginia Corrections Ombudsman Andrea Sapone said this summer her office will move forward with an investigation into hundreds of inmate allegations of staff misconduct and abuse at Red Onion.
Forget Robocop. Elon Musk's vision for the future of law enforcement skips the guns and courtroom drama and jumps straight into the uncanny valley of artificial intelligence. His pitch? Give everyone a Tesla Optimus robotnot to help fold laundry, but to quietly shadow you and make sure you don't commit crimes. That's it. No prison bars, just persistent, AI-powered accountability.

"If you say, like, you now get a free Optimus and it's just gonna follow you around and stop you from doing crime, but other than that you get to do anything. It's just gonna stop you from committing crime, that's really it," Musk said at Tesla's annual shareholder meeting last month.

And he meant it.

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Before launching into the more out-there ideas, Musk acknowledged what many were already thinking: this stuff sounds wildand yes, he knows people will clip it, spin it, and take it out of context. "Some of these things I say will obviously be taken out of context and using snippets and, you know, sitting around, but whatever. I'm still going to say them."

Musk wasn't just tossing around ideas about robot butlers or AI-powered chefs. He was floating a radical replacement for incarcerationarguably one of society's most entrenched institutionswith a walking, talking, never-blinking robot that enforces behavior in real-time.

"You don't have to put people in prisons," he added. "It's pretty wild to think of all the possibilities, but I think it's clearly the future."

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Let that settle in for a second. In Musk's world, the criminal justice system could shift from physical confinement to continuous digital oversight. Everyone gets their own robotic parole officerbut instead of restricting freedom, it grants nearly all of it. "You get to do anything," Musk said, "except commit crimes."

Optimus, first unveiled in 2022, is designed as a general-purpose, bi-pedal humanoid robot with autonomous capabilities. Musk has said the robot could eventually become more precise than the best human surgeon. "Optimus will ultimately be better than the best human surgeon with a level of precision that is beyond human," he claimed. But that's just one chapter in his broader sci-fi playbook.
Attorney General Dave Sunday has secured a $1.55 million settlement with Dollar General Corporation for allegedly overcharging consumers in Pennsylvania.

The settlement follows an investigation by the Office of Attorney General, which found that Dollar General stores charged higher prices at registers than those advertised on shelves, affecting more than 900 retail locations throughout the state.

Our investigation found widespread and repeated instances of Pennsylvanians being overcharged at checkout  blatant deception of customers all over the Commonwealth, Attorney General Sunday said.

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The investigation revealed that Dollar General stores failed more than 40% of pricing accuracy inspections between 2019 and 2023.

Under the settlement, Dollar General agreed to improve business practices by training employees to ensure price accuracy and maintaining sufficient staffing to update shelf tags weekly.

The settlement requires Dollar General to conduct at least two unannounced pricing audits annually and correct all reported or known price inaccuracies within 24 hours.

Dollar General will also post notices at each register stating that the lowest posted price will be honored, and customers can seek a price override if necessary.

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Consumers who encounter discrepancies in pricing are encouraged to file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection online, via phone at 717-787-3391 or by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.

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A drone operator in Missouri monitoring deer got a surprise when a seldom-seen large predator skulked into view.

What's happening?

The Columbia Daily Tribune reported that a mountain lion was spotted during an aerial survey of the deer population in Saline County.

Jack Huston of Midwest Deer Surveys posted the footage to social media. He told the tribune that the drone thermal imaging picked up the mountain lion near a herd of deer. "It had my heart racing. I didn't know if it was going to kill a deer. It's a crazy thing. It's a real predator that can do some damage. It was a very cool thing," Huston said.

Why are mountain lion sightings in Missouri significant?

Mountain lions seldom show up in the Show-Me state; there have only been 121 sightings in the last 30 years, but they are increasing. Part of that is due to the large cat's elusive nature, but it's also due to extensive habitat destruction and human encroachment. Mountain lions, also known as cougars, panthers, and pumas, were once widespread across the continental United States but are now primarily found in Western states.

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They perform a key ecological role in controlling prey populations and indirectly sustaining many other species. However, their presence in an unfamiliar locale can cause some anxiety. The odds of being attacked by a mountain lion are exceptionally low, but mountain lion attacks do occur.

Another potential source of conflict is if these highly versatile hunters go for livestock. Because they are so rare and the Missouri Department of Conservation has no plans to reintroduce them, there's a general lack of knowledge among residents about what to do.

What can be done to prevent conflict between cougars and people?

Ultimately, it's a matter of raising awareness and dispelling any harmful misinformation about the animals.

They will generally go out of their way to avoid people. In the rare case that you do encounter one, officials advise keeping your distance and being wary of pets and young children, who are at much greater risk. If a mountain lion keeps moving toward you, stay big, get loud, and never turn your back on it.

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Eileen Higgins is set to become Miamis first Democratic mayor since 1997 and the first woman ever to lead the city, after Tuesday nights victory over Trump-backed Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez to replace term-limited incumbent Mayor Francis Suarez (R).

Higgins and Gonzalez were back on the ballot this week in a runoff race after neither crossed the 50 percent mark during the November election. Higgins won 59.5 percent of the vote as of Wednesday, while Gonzalez garnered 40.5 percent of the vote, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Heres what to know about the incoming Miami mayor.

Before running for mayor

In 2006, Higgins started her role as a Peace Corps director in Belize before she joined the State Department under former President Obama as a foreign service officer working in Mexico, the statewide news outlet Florida Politics reported.

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She entered Florida politics when she was elected Miami-Dade County commissioner in 2018, before being reelected in 2022 and 2024. Before her second run for commissioner, Higgins planned to run for Congress in 2022 to challenge Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), CBS News reported.

Higgins dropped out to avoid a primary against former state Sen. Annette Taddeo (D), who ran against Salazar and lost later that year.

Campaign issues

Higgins campaigned on securing a resilient future for our city, according to her campaign website.

Miami chose a new direction, she said during her victory party at the Miami Womans Club on Tuesday night. You chose competence over chaos, results over excuses and a city government that finally works for you.

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She plans to invest in enhancing public transit for Miami residents by upgrading existing trolleys, mapping out expanded routes and helping residents connect with on-demand transit services to get people moving, her website stated.

Higgins also ran on a campaign to fix our permitting process to get our government moving for small businesses and homeowners, protect tax dollars, and make City Hall work for us by building safer neighborhoods and a more affordable future, according to her campaign.

Higginss campaign also promoted increased funding for police and first responders, investing in environmentally friendly policies and more affordable housing.

Democratic support

Higgins received ample support from prominent Democrats, including former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.).

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No Democrat has been elected Mayor of Miami in nearly 30 years. Until tonight, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who also supported Higgins, wrote on the social media platform X. Congratulations to Mayor-elect Eileen Higgins on crushing Donald Trumps candidate! We are coming for the three South Florida Republicans next.

David Jolly, a Democratic candidate for Florida governor and former Republican House representative, praised Higgins for her win.

Change is here and theres a brighter future waiting for Florida! he wrote on X. Join us next November to keep the momentum up!

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.
Mayoral candidate Eileen Higgins points as she thanks her staff and supporters on the night of the general election, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Credit - Carl Juste/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service  Getty Images

Eileen Higgins has been elected as Miamis newest mayor, becoming the first Democrat to win the seat in 30 years, as Republicans continue to suffer in off-season elections during President Donald Trumps second term.

Higgins, who will also be the first woman to lead the city, secured a nearly 20-point advantage against Trump-endorsed Emilio Gonzalez, signaling a potential shakeup for the 2026 midterm elections.

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Miami chose a new direction, Higgins said during her victory speech. You chose competence over chaos, results over excuses, and a city government that finally works for you.

Read More: How Democrats Plan to Capitalize on This Weeks Blue Sweep in the 2026 Midterms

Miami mayoral elections are technically nonpartisan, but this years race was steeped in national party politics as Gonzalez also secured endorsements from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. Higgins was endorsed by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson and joined by Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona at local polling sites this past weekend.

Historically, the presidents political party loses seats or power during the midterm elections. But Republicans are particularly worried about holding onto their narrow control of the House, where they currently have 220 of the 435 seats. Many Republicans, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Elise Stefanik, Troy Nehls, and Jodey Arrington, among others, have announced that they will not seek re-election.

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Heres what to know about Higgins and what her victory means for the Democratic Party and the country.

Who is Eileen Higgins?

Higgins has a history of public service, most recently serving as Miami-Dades county commissioner for District 5 since 2018.

The 61-year-old is an engineer by trade, earning a mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Mexico before getting her MBA at Cornell in the late 80s, according to her LinkedIn.

Later, Higgins worked as a Peace Corps director in Belize before becoming a foreign service officer at the State Department from 2009 to 2012, serving as a staff aide to the ambassador to Mexico, and economic and energy officer for South Africa and Namibia.

How did Higgins win?

Miamis mayoral candidates have both commented on the nonpartisanship of the race and said they dont see it as a referendum on the president, according to the New York Times.

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But both parties poured significant funds and organizing efforts into the race. In November, the Democratic National Committeewhich typically does not get involved in local mayoral racessaid that it would host a virtual phone bank and recruit bilingual volunteers to support Higgins after Trump endorsed Gonzalez.

Between now and Election Day, the DNC is all-in to elect Eileen Higgins and ensure Miami families have a champion who is fighting for them, not Donald Trump, said DNC Chairman Ken Martin.

Throughout her campaign, Higgins highlighted her efforts to build affordable housing units, expand transit, and create green spaces for the city. She also committed to investing millions to help small businesses and restoring trust in city hall after numerous city officials were embroiled in corruption and potential internal misuse of power scandals. She relied on the support of campaign manager Christian Ulvert, who helped Democrat Levine Cava similarly win his 2020 race for county mayor against a Republican, according to the Miami Herald.

Higgins also responded to Miami voters concerns about the Trump Administrations increasingly unpopular immigration crackdown. Higgins told the Times that residents of Miamia Hispanic-majority city made up of immigrants from Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, to name a fewhave told her that they are worried about immigration enforcement impacting their families or tariffs hitting the bottom line of their businesses. Theres a level of fear, and I have never experienced that before, Higgins said.

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Trump promised to launch the largest deportation campaign in the countrys history, vowing to go after the worst of the worst. But an analysis of recent ICE data shows that more than half of the immigration arrests made in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Massachusetts were of immigrants with no criminal record.

Earlier this year, the Trump Administration moved to revoke the parole status of more than 530,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The move was contested in court, though the U.S. Supreme Court later overturned a lower court order that would have prevented the Department of Homeland Security from terminating benefits for parolees.

What does this mean for Democrats nationwide?

The win is promising for Democrats who have struggled to win races in Florida in particular, where Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 1.4 million registered voters.

Tonights victory shows that the pendulum is swinging in our favor and that when we commit to relentless, year-round organizing and invest in a long-term strategic field program, we can, in fact, win, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told Politico in a statement.

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The President won Miami-Dade County by 11 points during the 2024 presidential election. His popularity in Miami itself is much narrower, earning 49% of the vote last year. There are more than 61,000 registered Democrats in the city compared to 53,000 Republicans, per data from the Miami-Dade Elections Department. Another 55,000 people are unaffiliated voters.

Higgins 20-point margin of victory suggests a significant swing towards Democrats, even if the race is officially non-partisan, a pattern seen across the country.

Democrats secured a wave of wins this year in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, as well as in other smaller races for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Georgias public utility regulator, outperforming in races where Trump won last year.

Miami has a mixed history regarding the mayor's party identity. Former Miami Mayor Manuel Manny Diaz, who ran as an independent but was a registered Democrat before and after his term, and went on to serve as the partys state chairman, served a two-term tenure from 2001 to 2009.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The IDF received over 100 reports about the vehicle, which was spotted driving through floodwaters near the dam.

The search for the five people reported missing in a Jeep near the Beit Zayit Dam has been halted, Walla learned on Thursday night.

After hours of extensive searches of the dam, nearby reservoirs, and area trails, and with no evidence of the five or the Jeep, Israel Police called for the search effort to be paused, but noted that it would resume "as necessary."

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The IDF received over 100 reports about the vehicle on Thursday, after it was spotted driving through floodwaters near the Beit Zayit Dam, and the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority announced the search.

Separately, emergency services rescued passengers trapped in a vehicle that was swept away by floodwater in the Kiryat Gat area. The rescued passengers were then taken away from the scene for medical examination.

Storm Byron makes landfall, causing extreme flooding

Storm Byron, an extremely powerful thunderstorm, made landfall in Israel on Wednesday night.

Vehicles are seen driving amid heavy flooding across the central Israeli city of Yavne, December 11, 2025 (VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

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High winds and severe flooding were reported across the country, with storm conditions causing major transportation disruptions.

Israel Railways announced on Thursday evening that train traffic between Lod and Beersheba has been temporarily halted, "due to a signaling fault in the Kiryat Gat area caused by weather conditions."

Sections of Highway 90 and Route 4370 were closed due to flooding, Israel Police and local municipalities announced.

In Tel Aviv, two young men were rescued by Magen David Adom paramedics when their car sank into mud near Eitan Livni Street.

In Yavne, at least 14 Israelis were rescued from vehicles stuck in floodwater, according to the Fire and Rescue Service.
EU member states agreed on Thursday to create a legal basis for the use of Russian state assets for Ukraine by majority vote, so as to permanently prevent the funds from being returned to Russia, the Danish EU presidency announced.

This means countries such as Hungary will not be able to veto future EU sanctions decisions extending the current freeze on Russian assets held in the bloc.

At present, Russian assets held in the EU are blocked under a sanctions mechanism that needs to be renewed every six months - an arrangement that prevents the planned use of Russian assets to fund long-term credits for Ukraine.

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To freeze the money indefinitely, member states are invoking a legal article that allows the adoption of appropriate measures by qualified majority - at least 15 of the EU's 27 states, representing 65% of the bloc's population - in the event of severe economic difficulties.

According to the legal text, Russia's war on Ukraine is causing severe economic challenges. The transfer of funds to Russia must therefore be urgently prevented to limit harm to the EU economy.

The regulation is set to be adopted before an EU summit in Brussels next week.

By then at the latest, backers of the plan - including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz - also hope to win over Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever for the proposed loan scheme.

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Without Belgium, where the lion's share of Russian funds earmarked for Ukraine is held by Euroclear, the implementation of the scheme is considered extremely difficult.

Euroclear holds about 185 billion ($217.5 billion) of a total 210 billion in Russian assets held in the EU.

The Belgian government has so far blocked the plan, citing legal and financial risks.

It fears in particular that Moscow could retaliate against European private individuals and companies, for example through expropriations in Russia.

De Wever has set three conditions for Belgian participation.

There must be a guarantee that all potential risks are mutualized among member states and that sufficient financial guarantees are in place from the start to meet any obligations.

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He also called for comprehensive liquidity and risk protection for all citizens or companies affected by the plan, and for the involvement of all other EU countries where Russian central bank assets are frozen.

That includes Germany, France, Sweden and Cyprus, according to the European Commission.
EU member states agreed on Thursday to create a legal basis for the use of Russian state assets for Ukraine by majority vote, so as to permanently prevent the funds from being returned to Russia, the Danish EU presidency announced.

This means countries such as Hungary will not be able to veto future EU sanctions decisions extending the current freeze on Russian assets held in the bloc.

At present, Russian assets held in the EU are frozen under a sanctions mechanism that needs to be renewed every six months - an arrangement that prevents the planned use of Russian assets to fund long-term credits for Ukraine.

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To block the money indefinitely, member states are invoking a legal article allowing the adoption of appropriate measures by a majority - at least 15 of the EU's 27 states, representing 65% of the bloc's population - in the event of severe economic difficulties.

According to the legal text, Russia's war on Ukraine is causing severe economic challenges. The transfer of funds to Russia must therefore be urgently prevented to limit harm to the EU economy.

The regulation is set to be adopted before an EU summit in Brussels next week.

By then at the latest, backers of the plan - including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz - also hope to win over Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever for the proposed loan scheme.

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Without Belgium, where the lion's share of Russian funds earmarked for Ukraine is held by Euroclear, the implementation of the scheme is considered extremely difficult.

Euroclear holds about 185 billion ($217.5 billion) of a total 210 billion in Russian assets held in the EU.

The Belgian government has so far blocked the plan, citing legal and financial risks.

It fears in particular that Moscow could retaliate against European private individuals and companies, for example through expropriations in Russia.

De Wever has set three conditions for Belgian participation.

There must be a guarantee that all potential risks are mutualized among member states and that sufficient financial guarantees are in place from the start to meet any obligations.

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He also called for comprehensive liquidity and risk protection for all citizens or companies affected by the plan, and for the involvement of all other EU countries where Russian central bank assets are frozen.

That includes Germany, France, Sweden and Cyprus, according to the European Commission.

Thursday evening, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Belgium's concerns were understood and a solution is being worked on intensively.

Meanwhile, Hungary strongly rejected Thursday's decision, saying it is "deeply concerned by the recent tendency of circumventing unanimous decision-making procedures" in EU foreign and security policy.

The government stated that it reserves the right to challenge the decision at the European Court of Justice, the EU's top court.
Could Portugals participation in next years Eurovision Song Contest be at risk?

Following the news that Iceland has joined Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia in dropping out of Eurovision 2026, 17 Portuguese artists and performers in the countrys song selection contest, Festival da Cancao, have announced they are refusing to represent Portugal if they win.

The entrants in the internal contest to elect a representative put forward a statement, protesting Israels controversial participation in the contest.

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The signatories include Cristina Branco, Bateu Matou, Rita Dias, DjoDje, Beatriz Bronze (Evaya), Francisco Fontes, Goncalo Gomes, Ines Sousa, Jorge Goncalves (Jacareu), Marquise, Nunca Mates o Mandarim, and Pedro Fernandes.

With words and with songs, we act within the possibilities we are given. We do not accept complicity with the violation of Human Rights, they said.

Despite Russias ban from Eurovision 2022 for political reasons (the invasion of Ukraine), we were surprised to see that the same stance was not taken towards Israel, which, according to the United Nations, is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Portugals broadcaster RTP has issued a statement in response to the artists words, saying: Regardless of the decision of the artists who subscribe to the statement, RTP will once again organise Festival da Cancao and reaffirms its participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

Salvador Sobral, the only Portuguese artist to win Eurovision, criticised RTP's position in a video on social media, in which he accused of the Portuguese broadcaster of "political cowardice."

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The outrage has also reached the Portuguese public, who have launched a petition calling for Portugal's immediate withdrawal from Eurovision.

Already signed by more than 22,000 people, the document highlights RTP's vote in favour of Israel's participation "puts Portugal on the wrong side of history".

"This stance is unacceptable in the face of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and military offensive in the Gaza Strip, and in the face of the vote rigging scandals that marred the 2025 edition in Basel, proving the inability of the organisation (EBU) to curb the politicisation of the event," it reads.

Related

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Last week, Israels participation in Eurovision 2026 was confirmed by the EBU. There was no vote held on Israels participation at the EBUs general assembly, and as a result, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia confirmed they would boycott the event for good.

Yesterday, following a board meeting of the broadcaster RUV, Iceland became the fifth country to join the boycott.

They said in a statement that Israels participation has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public.

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The broadcaster went on to add that participating would be neither be a source of joy nor peace considering public opinion in Iceland and the reaction to the EBUs general assembly last week.

Next years Eurovision  the 70th edition of the contest  will take place in Vienna on 16 May 2026.
The Swiss winner of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, Nemo, is returning the coveted trophy in protest of Israel's participation in the next edition of the event, citing the country's military actions in Gaza.

"This is not about individuals or artists," the 26-year-old performer said on Instagram. "It's about the fact that the contest was repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing."

Nemo noted that a UN commission of inquiry has concluded that Israeli authorities and security forces have committed acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war in October 2023.

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According to Eurovision organizers, the event stands for unity, inclusion and dignity, Nemo said.

But Israel's participation showed "a clear conflict between those ideals" and the decisions of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Israel's Foreign Ministry has categorically rejected the UN commission's findings and in turn accused the Palestinian militia Hamas of genocidal intentions against Israel.

EBU member broadcasters cleared the way for Israel's participation at a meeting in Geneva last week.

In response, broadcasters from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland plan to boycott the next contest - the 70th edition - in Vienna in May 2026.

Nemo pledged to return the trophy to the EBU in Geneva: "If the values we celebrate on stage aren't lived off stage, then even the most beautiful songs become meaningless."
Elon Musk, the worlds richest person, could double his wealth if his company goes public - Gonzalo Fuentes

Elon Musk has hinted at a possible SpaceX initial public offering next year amid reports that the rocket company could be valued at upwards of $1tn (750bn).

Reports emerged on Wednesday that his rocket-making company could be listed on the stock market in 2026  a move that would make Mr Musk, who is already the richest person in the world, a trillionaire.

The Tesla and SpaceX founder called the reports accurate during a social media exchange with Eric Berger, a journalist writing about the space industry.

Reuters and others reported on Tuesday that SpaceX was looking to raise more than $25bn (18bn) through an initial public offering (IPO) in 2026, a move that could boost the companys valuation to more than $1tn.

Bloomberg put the figure at $30bn, reporting that an IPO could value the company at up to $1.5tn.

SpaceX has started discussions with banks about launching the offering around June or July next year, Reuters reported.

SpaceX going public at the reported valuation would represent the second-richest completed IPO in history, after Saudi Aramcos blockbuster $1.7tn listing in 2019.

The California-based company ranks as the worlds second most-valuable private startup after ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, according to data from Crunchbase.

SpaceX is in a race to put humans on the Moon, and one step closer after a successful launch in October - Steve Nesius

If his space company were listed, Mr Musks stake would be worth more than $625bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

That would rocket his total fortune from $491bn to over $952bn, according to Bloombergs calculations.

But while a debut on Wall Street would be lucrative for Mr Musk, it would also increase scrutiny on the inner workings of his company.

The tech entrepreneur has suggested in the past that criticism and regulatory pressure on his companies are sometimes politically motivated.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
Gov. Tony Evers signed Bradyns Law, which creates a new crime for sexual extortion and the Swenson Starkie Act, which extends the statute of limitations for hiding a corpse. Evers addresses the Legislature in his 2024 State of the State message. (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner)

Gov. Tony Evers signed two bills this week introduced in response to crimes, including Bradyns Law, which creates a new crime for sexual extortion and the Swenson Starkie Act, which extends the statute of limitations for hiding a corpse.

AB 201, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 48, was introduced by Rep. Patrick Snyder and Sen. Jesse James after the death of 15-year-old Bradyn Bohn from Kronenwetter, a village outside of Wausau. Bohn died by suicide in March after being targeted online by a perpetrator who convinced him to send photos of himself and told him that he needed to send money or face major consequences. He suffered through hours of threats and was coerced into sending money before his death.

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Today is an important day to remember Bradyn as we honor him and his memory, because now, moving forward, we will be able to hold bad actors responsible for reprehensible behavior, especially when they prey on our kids, and that is so important, Evers said in a statement. We wouldnt be here today without Bradyns family and their relentless advocacy to keep kids safe online and hold predators accountable. We will be able to protect more of Wisconsins kids because of Bradyns familys efforts to fight back.

Sexual extortion, or sextortion is defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a crime in which an offender coerces a minor to create and send sexually explicit images or video and then uses that material to extort the victim by threatening to release it.

2025 Wisconsin Act 48 makes it a Class I felony to coerce someone to engage in sexual conduct or to produce an intimate representation by threatening to injure someones property or representation, by threatening to commit violence or by threatening to distribute intimate photos of another person. The crime would be a Class H felony if the victim does any of those acts or is under the age of 18, and a Class G felony if the defendant was previously convicted of a sexually violent offense, the violation was committed during the course of a child abduction or the victim is under age 18 and the defendant is more than four years older than the victim.

A person can also be prosecuted for felony murder if the person commits extortion and it causes the death of the victim.

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Sexual extortion has become a growing threat in the U.S. in recent years. The FBI observed from October 2022 to March 2023 an increase of more than 20% in reports of financially motivated sextortion incidents involving minor victims.

From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors that included at least 12,600 victims, mostly boys, and led to at least 20 suicides.

Rep. Brent Jacobson (R-Mosinee) said in a statement that the bill is the first step towards protecting vulnerable Wisconsinites from exploitation.

As technology creates new avenues for exploitation, my colleagues and I have an obligation to make sure our laws protect our constituents, and that Wisconsin parents have the resources and awareness to keep their children safe from harm, Jacobson said. We must continue to come together to prevent these heinous crimes from claiming children in our state.

Statute of limitations for hiding a corpse

SB 423, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 59, extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting the crime of hiding or burying a corpse by specifying that it only begins once the victims remains are found and identified or when the crime occurs, whichever is later. The current statute of limitations is six years in Wisconsin.

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The legislation was introduced by Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) after the case of Starkie Swenson. Swenson disappeared in 1983 but his remains werent found until 2021, 38 years later.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, John C. Andrews accepted a plea in the case and was convicted on a charge of homicide by negligent use of a vehicle in 1994 and served 16 months in prison. He refused to reveal where Swensons body was.

Police charged him with hiding a corpse after identifying the remains in 2021, but the charges were dismissed due to the statute of limitations.

The killer shouldve faced justice for hiding the remains in an attempt to conceal his crime. However, because of a loophole in Wisconsin law, Starkies killer was able to avoid charges, Tusler said in a statement. Although we cannot heal the wounds caused by the murder of Starkie Swenson, 2025 Wisconsin Act 59 ensures that no violent criminal will be able to exploit the corpse-hiding loophole again, Tusler said in a statement.

Notifying parents of sex offenses

AB 74, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 57, requires Wisconsin schools to notify a pupils parent or guardian if the pupil is an alleged victim, target or recipient of alleged sex offenses while at school. The law also requires school boards to provide parents and guardians each year with information on their rights to access records regarding school employee discipline.

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Doing everything we can to keep our kids safe at school, at home, and in our communities is a top priority for me, as well as our schools and education professionals, who are frontlines of doing whats best for our kids every day, Evers said in a statement. This bill will strengthen transparency by making sure parents and family members are notified if any misconduct at school affects their kids safety or well-being and bolster accountability by ensuring they know what their rights are and what their kids rights are.

Evers signs several other bills this week

Under AB 136, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 55, the penalty for impersonating a peace officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical services practitioner or an emergency medical responder is increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class I felony. Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) and Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego) introduced the legislation this year following an incident in New Berlin.

AB 388, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 75, creates a legal framework to establish a behavioral health hospital in Chippewa Falls using $10 million, which was set aside in the state budget this year to be used for Rogers Behavioral Health. Sen. Jesse James, who coauthored the bill, said in a statement that it is extremely monumental for the people of northwestern Wisconsin and provides a renewed sense of optimism to the community as it will provide mental health support for children and adults in the area.

Under SB 11, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 79, principals will now be required to allow youth membership organizations, including the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts, to schedule at minimum one time to visit their school to encourage students to join their organization. The visit can consist of both spoken and written information on how the organization helps students with educational interests and civic engagement.

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Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) celebrated Evers signing the bill, saying that the organizations create more engaged, confident, and community-minded citizens and the law ensures the next generation of Wisconsin children will continue to benefit from these life-changing experiences. She also criticized Evers for vetoing another bill that would have added new requirements on schools related to military recruiters, saying the state should proudly support our military, not slam the door shut when theyre offering students legitimate career options, which is precisely what the governor did with this veto.

SB 310, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 61, limits the amount of time covered by an emergency power proclamation by a local governments chief executive officer to 60 days, unless extended by a local governing body. The bill was part of a controversy surrounding Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez earlier this year who claimed that Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running for governor, abused his power during the COVID-19 pandemic when he issued emergency orders in 2021.

AB 265, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 56, requires judges to sentence offenders to a minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted of a human trafficking crime and 15 years for a child trafficking crime.

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A task force created by President Donald Trump plans to recommend the most sweeping overhaul of FEMA in decades, dramatically reducing the federal agencys role in disaster response by cutting its workforce in half and rolling out a new block grant system designed to get aid to communities faster and with less bureaucratic hassle.

The recommendations from the FEMA Review Council, a copy of which was obtained by CNN, do not propose eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem once vowed.

The draft report does recommend changing the agencys name as part of a rebranding effort, referring to it temporarily as FEMA 2.0.

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It is time to close the chapter on FEMA, the report states. A new agency should be established that retains the core missions of FEMA, while highlighting the renewed emphasis on locally executed, state or tribally managed, and federally supported emergency management.

The council is expected to vote on the recommendations Thursday, after which the report will land on President Trumps desk for review. Trump has been openly critical of the agency and at one point suggested he would phase it out after hurricane season, which ended this month.

The recommended changes, the council argues, are aimed at streamlining operations, cutting red tape and fulfilling Trumps desire to shift more responsibility for disaster response and recovery onto the states.

The council also suggests raising the bar for states to qualify for federal assistance, a move that could leave states footing a much larger share of the bill for major disasters and handling smaller storms entirely on their own.

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The long-awaited report is the product of months of closed-door debate and political wrangling. Perhaps the most contentious recommendation is to keep FEMA under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security.

Several agency veterans, state officials, and even some council members argued that FEMA should have greater independence. Public comments also overwhelmingly favored an independent FEMA, according to three sources familiar with the discussions.

But Noem, who co-chairs the council and opposed moving FEMA, prevailed. The final report recommends leaving FEMA under DHS, preserving Noems influence over its $25 billion budget.

Rebranding and disaster aid

As part of the overhaul expected in the months ahead, the council not only recommends cutting FEMAs workforce by 50% but also moving many employees out of Washington, DC  rebalancing the agencys headquarters and field staff to reduce what it calls bureaucratic bloat. The report says the workforce reduction could be carried out over two to three years with any cost savings delivered back to states.

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Its unclear when the rebranding would happen. Trump officials have been pushing for a name change for months.

In a March memo titled Abolishing FEMA, then-acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton floated options like the National Office of Emergency Management  which would be known by familiar acronym  NOEM.

Notably, some of the more radical ideas floated during the councils deliberations  such as moving the agencys headquarters out of Washington, DC (another DHS idea)  were ultimately left on the cutting room floor.

Many of the disaster aid changes are likely to garner some support from FEMA insiders who believe that too many programs and responsibilities have been dropped onto the federal agency over the years, distracting from its primary responsibility of assisting states when they are overwhelmed by hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other catastrophes.

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But the idea of shifting more responsibility to states while slashing FEMAs workforce has sparked concern among veteran FEMA officials, who worry it could leave the nation less prepared for major emergencies.

Some of the proposals will likely require action from Congress and changes to federal regulations.

The proposed block grant system would deliver disaster aid to hard-hit states within 30 days of a major federal disaster declaration to provide a quick financial backstop and cashflow for the rapid response and recovery, though states will likely face a higher cost share than the current rules require.

The plan would also consolidate individual aid into a single direct payment to survivors to accelerate disaster recovery. For homeowners, this assistance would be capped based on property value and level of need, providing a simpler way to cover crucial expenses like repairs and temporary housing.

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The council is pushing states to bolster their capabilities while raising the threshold to qualify for disaster aid. The president has the final say on disaster declarations, but these thresholds have traditionally guided if  and when  federal help is delivered.

Federal assistance should only be reserved for truly catastrophic events that exceed [State, Local, Tribal and Territorial] capacity and capability, the report states.

Trump administration officials have been discussing this idea since the spring, when they proposed quadrupling the threshold, but never issued specific updated guidance.

While the administration expects states to shoulder more responsibility, FEMA would likely maintain certain critical disaster resources like its Urban Search and Rescue Network.

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Although state and local authorities have the primary responsibility for responding to a wide range of hazards and protecting their citizens, the federal government should retain the responsibility to support these efforts when required, the report states.

The report proposes replacing FEMAs current Hazard Mitigation Grant Program  designed to help communities build back safer after a disaster  with a two-part funding structure designed to more quickly provide money for immediate repairs and then long-term risk reduction.

In a bid to make the National Flood Insurance Program more financially stable, the proposal would encourage private insurance companies to take over policies and seek to ensure homeowners pay prices based on their actual flood risk.

Keeping FEMA under DHS

For months, the councils members  mostly Republicans, with some seasoned emergency management officials  debated whether FEMA should remain under DHS, become an independent agency or be moved under the White Houses National Security Council. Proponents of such a move argued this would insulate the agency from political maneuvering.

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But after intense pressure from Noem and DHS, the council is recommending that FEMA stay put. The report argues the Department provides critical resources, budgeting support, and intelligence capabilities, which enables stronger disaster preparedness, faster response, and better recovery efforts for states and communities while maintaining government stability and continuity during crises.

Meanwhile, Noem and DHS have been tightening their grip on FEMA, ousting some of the agencys most experienced leaders and installing loyalists with little background in emergency management.

Noem and other DHS leaders also have slashed key grant programs, including the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, a move thats now tied up in court battles.

State emergency management officials have been sounding the alarm for months, warning that critical FEMA funds arent reaching communities, leaving many to wonder what help will be available when the next disaster strikes.

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This report lands as Congress is discussing charting its own course for FEMAs future. The bipartisan FEMA Act, which has already attracted 40 co-sponsors, would make the agency independent and, like the councils recommendations, create disaster response and recovery block grants for states.

Lawmakers say the goal is to give states more flexibility and improve the nations ability to respond to emergencies.

As the debate over FEMAs future rages on, one thing is clear: The stakes for disaster preparedness and recovery in America have never been higher, as climate change fuels more intense storms, creating increasingly catastrophic conditions for communities nationwide.

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WILMINGTON, Delaware., Dec 11 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed, without evidence, that some actions by former President Joe Biden were invalid because he signed them using an autopen, including appointments to the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors.

Below is a look at the controversy and legality of the device.

WHAT IS AN AUTOPEN?

It is a mechanical device that replicates a signature with a pen or other writing device and is used by government officials, celebrities, business leaders and members of Congress. It allows them to create a large volume of personalized correspondence without actually signing their name repeatedly.

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Thomas Jefferson, who became U.S. president in 1801, used an early form of an automated writing device to simultaneously create multiple letters in his own handwriting.

Presidents have used the autopen to affix their signatures to documents for decades. During a 2011 trip to France, Barack Obama became the first president to use it to sign legislation needed to extend provisions of the Patriot Act just as they were set to expire.

WHAT HAS TRUMP SAID ABOUT BIDEN'S USE OF AUTOPEN?

Since Trump returned to the White House he has focused on Biden's use of the autopen to highlight questions about his predecessor's health and competency.

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In June, a Justice Department official told staff that the agency was investigating the clemency and pardons granted by Biden to members of his family, political allies and death row inmates in the final days of his presidency. The investigation focused on whether others were using Biden's autopen signature without approval.

Biden told the New York Times he had directed his staff to use the autopen because of the large number of clemency orders.

While no evidence emerged to suggest that Biden did not intend to issue the orders, Trump said earlier this month he is terminating Biden pardons that were recorded using an autopen. Trump also said that Biden used the autopen to appoint Federal Reserve governors.

HAS USE OF THE AUTOPEN DRAWN SCRUTINY IN THE PAST?

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During the administration of President George W. Bush, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld acknowledged he had used an autopen to sign letters to families of troops killed in combat. Once it came to light, he pledged to personally sign the letters.

Republicans in 2011 criticized Obama's use of the autopen to sign the Patriot Act legislation and said it could be challenged in court, although it does not appear any case was brought.

WHAT IS THE LAW GOVERNING THE USE OF AUTOPEN?

The Constitution says if a president approves of a bill passed by Congress "he shall sign it."

In 2005, the Office of Legal Counsel in the Justice Department provided an authoritative review of the meaning of "to sign" and determined that it was commonly understood by the founding fathers that a person could assent to an agreement by directing a subordinate to apply the person's signature or the person's seal. What mattered was that the signature reflected the person's intent, not whose hand held the pen, the OLC determined.

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In 2001, a group of businesses challenged President Bill Clinton's appointment of a member to the International Trade Commission, which was recorded using an autopen. Although the device was only a small part of the case, the court found that Clinton had clearly communicated his wish to make the appointment and the autopen had no bearing on the legality of the appointment.

COULD TRUMP INVALIDATE BIDEN PARDONS AND FED APPOINTMENTS?

There is no legally prescribed format for issuing pardons and using the autopen does not invalidate them, according to legal experts.

A pardon could possibly be invalidated if it came to light that a Biden aide used the autopen without authorization and Biden did not intend to issue the pardon, according to legal experts.

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It seems even less likely that Trump could challenge the appointment of Federal Reserve governors, according to legal experts. The governors are nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, making it hard to argue the process took place without Biden's knowledge.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware;Editing by Noeleen Walder and Matthew Lewis)
FALL RIVER  The City Council on Dec. 9 approved a measure that could lead to Fall River trying a new form of city government  one without an elected mayor.

The council voted 5-1 to ask for a home-rule petition requesting the state allow the city to put a question on the 2026 ballot that would ask voters if they want the city to use a Plan E form of government, with a city manager instead of an elected mayor.

Councilor Michelle Dionne, who sponsored the resolution, said the idea was intended to give voters a greater say in how the city is governed.

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Its called democracy. This last election, and this last year, weve seen that a lot of people are very discontent, Dionne said. People want change. Well, theres multiple ways to have change.

Take our poll: Should Fall River change its form of city government?

Voting was off to a slow start at Fall River's Government Center on Tuesday morning, Nov. 4, 2025, as city residents cast their ballots for local races.

In November, Mayor Paul Coogan was closely re-elected to a fourth two-year term as mayor; challenger Gabriel "Boomer" Amaral lost by 219 votes after an official recount. The day after the election, Coogan said this would be his last term, and would not run for re-election in 2027.

The measure passed with Dionne and councilors Paul Hart, Linda Pereira, Cliffe Ponte and Andrew Raposo in favor. Council President Joe Camara opposed the measure. Councilor Shawn Cadime, who serves as Seekonks town administrator, abstained from voting; Councilors Bradford Kilby and Ricky Tith were not present.

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Recall results: Fall River mayoral recount numbers are in. Coogan retains seat.

What kind of government does Fall River have now?

Massachusetts General Laws, Part I, Title VII, Chapter 43 requires a municipality to pick one of six different forms of government. Theyre known as plans A through F.

Fall River currently follows a Plan A form of government. Its a form where the balance of power is tipped in favor of a stronger mayor but weaker council. That means:

The city elects a mayor every two years

The city elects a nine-person City Council every two years

The mayor appoints, and can remove, all department heads and heads of most municipal boards without City Council confirmation

The mayor must approve every ordinance the council approves, but the mayor can also veto an ordinance; the council can override a veto with two-thirds majority

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Last term for Coogan: Fall River Mayor Coogan says he won't run again in 2027, wants to 'finish strong'

Voting was off to a slow start at Fall River's Government Center on Tuesday morning, Nov. 4, 2025, as city residents cast their ballots for local races.

What would Fall River changing to a Plan E form of government mean?

It would tip the balance of power away from an executive and in favor of the City Council.

The city would still have a nine-person City Council elected every two years

The city would still have a mayor, but it would be elected by the City Council from among its nine members  the same way the council elects a council president

This mayor would be the head of the city for all ceremonial purposes, according to state law and be recognized as the citys representative in court, among other duties. But the mayor would be a voting council member and have no veto power

The citys day-to-day operations would instead be the job of a city manager. This person would be appointed by the City Council, and serve at the councils pleasure  meaning the council can hire, fire or suspend this person

A city manager would be in charge of all city departments, commissions, boards and officers, and make budgets  much like a mayor in Plan A

A city manager would make department appointments and report them to the council, but does not need council confirmation. The council could also not interfere with this process

A city manager would not necessarily have to be a resident of the city or even the state

What other kinds of municipal governments are there?

Plans A and E are not the only methods out there.

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Plan B calls for a mayor elected by voters, and a City Council with members elected both at-large and by ward. In Fall River, it would bump up the City Council from nine to 15 members  nine from the wards and six elected at-large. The mayor makes all department appointments and removals, but unlike Plan A, needs council approval. This tips the balance of power more evenly between mayor and council.

Plan C calls for a City Council of five members only, all of whom split city affairs. One of the councilors acts as the mayor. The other four are commissioners of finance, public health, public works, and public property. The balance of power here is entirely even, because the mayor and council are effectively the same thing.

Plan D calls for almost an identical form of government to Plan E, with the council electing its own mayor and hiring a city manager. In this case, the manager by law would be paid not more than ten thousand dollars annually in a city of less than 100,000 population like Fall River.

Plan F calls for a mayor elected by voters with party primaries, and a City Council with members elected both at-large and by ward. Fall River would have 13 members  nine councilors to represent the citys nine wards and four elected at large. As with Plan A, the mayor can make appointments without council approval and has veto power.

Which cities in Massachusetts follow Plan E?

According to the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Cambridge, Lowell and Worcester follow Plan E or modified versions of Plan E government, with mayors, councils and city managers.

Has Fall River always had a Plan A form of government?

No. When Fall River was a town, it was led by a three-person Board of Selectmen, much like neighboring towns like Somerset and Swansea.

In 1929, Fall River tried a Plan D form of government. Voters changed back to Plan A in 1935. During that time, three people served as city manager.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River asked to consider city government change with no mayor
(The Center Square)  The family of a woman murdered by Harold Wayne Nichols said they are relieved their "nightmare" is over.

Nichols was put to death by lethal injection Thursday morning at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. He was convicted of the 1988 murder and rape of 20-year-old Karen Pulley in Chattanooga, as well as four other rapes.

Jeff Monroe, the husband of Karen's sister, Lisette, said the family waited 37 years with the hope that justice would be delivered.

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"No punishment can ever atone for the loss of Karen's life or the damage done to our family," Monroe said in a statement released by the Tennessee Department of Corrections. "Nor is there a punishment that can heal the many victims and families forever broken battered and scarred by this man. But this is a start."

Gov. Bill Lee issued a moratorium on executions in 2022 while the state studied its execution protocols. Nichols is the third person to be executed since the moratorium was lifted.

Nichols' last words, according to the Department of Corrections, were. To the people Ive harmed, Im sorry. To my family, know that I love you. I know where Im going to. Im ready to go home."
GRAND JUNCTION Colo. (KREX)- Early Wednesday morning Grand Junction police responded to a fatal crash that took place just after 6 a.m., at 2687 Patterson Road near 12th Street where the driver of a Jeep crashed into a dental office.

Officers say the driver was traveling westbound, crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed into the Michael S. Ryan dental office. Investigators believe the driver suffered a medical emergency before impact. No one inside the building was hurt, but despite immediate lifesaving efforts, the driver died at the scene.

The roadway has reopened, and the Mesa County Coroners Office will release the identity of the driver once family has been notified.

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Patterson Road has been a place for many serious crashes, and safety advocates say incidents like this show how quickly emergencies behind the wheel can escalate.

Things can happen behind the wheel. And in that sense, accidents do happen, especially as regards medical emergencies in the first place. If you have a known medical condition that may impact your driving that youve talked to a doctor about or that your loved ones have talked to a doctor about, you have an obligation to take steps to make sure you can drive safely. And if you cant, then unfortunately, driving might not be the best option for you. said Skyler McKinley AAA Colorado regional director.

McKinley also wanted to remind the community to be aware before getting behind the wheel.



Being mindful of speed, being mindful of traffic control devices, slowing down, never looking at your phone, knowing your surroundings, being an attentive, engaged driver is so important because things cant happen, right? The core of any crash is that something unexpected has happened. And only when youre fully engaged in the act of driving can you be able to make those safe choices. said McKinley.

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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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
By Jana Winter and Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - A top FBI official called the anti-fascist movement antifa the biggest domestic terrorism threat to the U.S. during a congressional hearing on Thursday, but struggled to answer detailed questions about the unstructured far-left campaign.

Michael Glasheen, operations director of the FBI's National Security Branch, said antifa was the agency's "primary concern" and "the most immediate violent threat that we're facing."

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Glasheen did not answer a question from the top Democrat at the hearing, U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, about the group's location. When asked about the number of members, Glasheen said it was "very fluid" and that "investigations are active."

"Sir, you wouldn't come to this committee to say something that you can't prove," Thompson said to Glasheen. "I know you wouldn't do that. But you did."

An FBI spokesperson defended Glasheen's response, saying the agency "is aggressively pursuing violent actors of Antifa as well as their networks and funding sources."

President Donald Trump, a Republican, in September designated antifa as a domestic terrorist organization although some extremism experts have argued that antifa is better viewed as an anti-fascist, anti-white supremacy ideology than a hierarchical entity.

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The exchange underscored the partisan divide at the annual hearing on "worldwide threats" before the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee. Glasheen testified alongside Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The FBI director typically testifies at the annual hearing but Director Kash Patel did not attend.

Glasheen said later in the hearing that the FBI had 70 active antifa investigations and related arrests were up 171% this year.

Noem called the defense of people who break immigration laws "shameful" and said lawmakers should change U.S. laws if they don't like them.

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"That's your job," she said. "So you should all be fired, in my opinion."

Noem criticized vetting standards under former President Joe Biden for failing to flag an Afghan immigrant accused of attacking National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last month, even though the suspect was granted asylum in April, while Trump was in office.

(Reporting by Jana Winter and Ted Hesson; Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Scott Malone and Franklin Paul)
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Flow Neurosciences at-home, non-drug depression treatment, making it the first device of its kind to gain clearance from the agency.

Flows FL-100 device is a wearable headset that delivers transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), with support from a companion smartphone app.

By delivering electrical currents to the brain's left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), an area underactive in depression, FL-100 aims to help neurons fire up as a means of rebalancing mood regulation chemicals in the brain to reduce depressive symptoms.

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Flow expects FL-100 to be available in the US from Q2 2026. The device previously gained certification as a Class IIa medical device in the UK and Europe in 2019.

FDA clearance of FL-100 was supported by Flows randomised controlled clinical study. Published in Nature Medicine, the study demonstrated that patients using the device experienced symptom reductions as early as within three weeks, with clinically meaningful response to treatment and minimal side effects. The treatment period in the trial was ten weeks of at-home therapy sessions.

Flows CEO Erin Lee called the FDA clearance a watershed moment for depression treatment, and the first step in moving from pharmaceutical treatments to tech-based therapies with minimal side effects.

The company said about a third of patients with depression do not see response with antidepressants and that many stop treatment with these pills due to side effects.

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Flows CMO Dr Kultar Garcha commented: Among our real world users, 77% see improvements in as little as three weeks. Such treatment, previously confined to clinics, can now be delivered at home, pointing to a scalable way of expanding access to effective depression care.

According to the company, FL-100 has been used by more than 55,000 people in the European Union, Switzerland, Hong Kong and the UK, where it is used by multiple National Health Service (NHS) trusts and prescribed by doctors.

According to GlobalData analysis, the global digital health market is set to reach a valuation of around $23.5bn by 2034, up from $7bn in 2024.

Some observers believe that digital health and neuromodulation therapeutics have not yet made it into real-world healthcare settings to the extent anticipated, with pharmaceuticals such as traditional serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) dominating the MDD treatment space. It remains to be seen whether Flows FDA approval proves to be a turning point.

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"FDA clears Flow Neurosciences at-home depression treatment in US first" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




A federal judge declined to halt the execution for a death row inmate convicted of killing two real estate agents more than 20 years ago.

A jury convicted Stacey Humphreys for the 2003 murders of Cynthia Cyndi Williams and Lori Brown at a model home in Powder Springs. Their deaths sent shockwaves through the real estate community.

U.S. District Court Judge Leigh Martin May heard arguments and ruled on Wednesday that Humphreys failed to show that his rights to due process and equal protection would be violated by putting him to death now.

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This is the states first scheduled execution in 2025. Humphreys will be the 55th inmate put to death by lethal injection.

On Nov. 3, 2003, investigators said Humphreys entered the sales office in a model home for a new subdivision where Williams and Brown worked.

Humphreys was on parole for a 1993 felony theft conviction at the time.

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Evidence presented at his trial showed that Humphreys forced them to strip naked and give him their bank PINs before he shot and killed them. Prosecutors said Humphreys took their IDs and credit cards to withdraw thousands of dollars.

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Humphreys left the state in a rental car and was later arrested in Wisconsin after a high-speed chase. Police found a handgun that matched bullets found at the scene. Prosecutors said the blood on the gun matched Williams DNA and blood found in his personal truck matched Browns.

Humphreys lawyers filed appeals for his death sentence claiming a biased juror tainted the rest of the jury and denied him his right to a fair trial. Eleven jurors voted for life without parole initially, but the last juror vowed to stay in the jury room until they voted for a death sentence.

One juror asked to be removed because of anothers hostile behavior, according to the court documents. The jury eventually reached a unanimous death verdict.

The jurors behavior surfaced through affidavits and testimony after the trial. Georgia courts found that it was inadmissible evidence under a rule that generally doesnt allow using juror testimony to impeach a verdict.

This past October, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his case.
The high seas are increasingly dangerous territory for autocratic petrostates. On Wednesday, US military and law enforcement agents seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. The ship had reportedly spent at least the past two years ferrying sanctioned crude from Iran and Venezuela, and using transponder tricks to obscure its location.

Nabbing the ship marks a drastic escalation in US President Donald Trumps pressure campaign against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, one that will be especially painful for Maduros deeply oil-reliant budget and that is probably on firmer legal footing than the recent spate of missile strikes on purported drug boats (and that could sting China, the main buyer of Venezuelan oil). The fate of the oil itself is less clear: We keep it, I guess, Trump said, which the Venezuelan government called blatant theft.

The bigger picture is that seaborne oil trade is quickly turning into the most exposed Achilles heel at the center of major global conflicts. The European Union and G7 are considering aggressive new financial measures against Russias shadow fleet, which now handles two-thirds of the countrys oil exports. Ukraine is acting more decisively on its own, with a recent string of naval drone attacks that hit five Russian oil vessels in far-flung corners of the globe over 13 days.

In the past, when Western governments sanctioned an adversarys oil exports, they were loath to take kinetic action against sanction-dodging ships. Shadow vessels could be hard to track; interceptions risk oil spills or violations of international law; and political leaders are always fearful that attempts to squeeze an adversarys oil revenue can backfire by raising energy prices at home.

But now, satellite imagery and other open-source data have made it much harder to hide on the high seas. And oil prices are relatively low amidst an oversupplied global market, reducing the risk of significant price blowback. In fact, that market glut is most visible at sea: The total number of barrels currently on ships is 24% higher than the average of the last decade, and the number of sanctioned barrels has leapt 82% in the past year. The seas are awash, in other words, in juicy oil targets.

Would Russia or Venezuela risk a direct engagement with the US Navy in defense of commercial oil vessels? The Pentagon seems to find that unlikely. Still, theres a lesson here about the security risks faced by both buyers and sellers of seaborne fossil fuels  one that applies to the US as much as its adversaries.
The U.S. Department of Justice filed, on Thursday, a criminal complaint and arrest warrant against a suspect accused of stabbing a man Friday on Charlottes Blue Line near NoDa.

Oscar Solorzano, 33, who was in the country illegally, stabbed Kenyon Dobie in the chest, according to court documents.

The feds charged Solorzano, who is from Honduras, with re-entry of removed aliens and terrorist attacks or other violence against a mass transportation system.

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ALSO READ: Victim in light rail stabbing charged with assaulting a pregnant woman

The criminal complaint contained images of the attack. The victim, in a red jacket and black pants, is seen toward the back of the train. The suspect is wearing dark pants. Police said Solorzanocaused a scene and walked up to Kenyon Dobie who could be seen in the images pushing Solorzano. One photo shows Solorzano holding a 12-inch knife up to Dobie before stabbing him.

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U.S Attorney for the Western District Russ Ferguson, alongside the FBI, announced federal charges against Solorzano Thursday in Charlotte. The federal charges are in addition to the ones he faces locally, including attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon and others.

I think its that these are not discreet crimes, and we have tremendous violence in this city, Ferguson said. And there are violent acts all over the city but when they happen on a closed in rail car with closed doors where you can get off. That is a terrifying situation and its driving people not to use the infrastructure that as citizens, they pay for.

Prior criminal history

Solorzano was arrested in 2012 in New Jersey and was convicted of robbery the following year, according to the criminal complaint.

In 2016, the suspect was arrested in Hillsborough County, Florida, for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He stabbed the victim multiple times with a large knife, investigators said.

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An order of removal from the U.S. was issued against Solorzano in February 2018. He was departed the next month.

U.S. Border Patrol arrested Solorzano on Dec. 4, 2018, for illegal re-entry. He was convicted on May 2, 2019, and sentenced to 18 months. He was departed again on June 9, 2021.

#Breaking: The feds have filed a criminal complaint and arrest warrant for Oscar Solorzano-Garcia, charging him with Re-entry of Removed Aliens and Terrorist Attacks or Other Violence Against a Mass Transportation System.@wsoctv pic.twitter.com/N2rZuoVaYq  Hunter Saenz (@Hunt_Saenz) December 11, 2025

Recently on Monday, ICE could not find any record that Solorzano was granted permission to apply to get back into the U.S.

Possible gang affiliation

Solorzano may have been tied to a gang, and Ferguson said they are looking into it.

Solorzano has tattoos that are often affiliated with MS-13, and if he has affiliation with them, there would likely be additional charges.

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Solorzano is in the Mecklenburg County Jail under no bond.

Victim charged

Dobie is recovering from his injuries. However, he was also charged from an incident Oct. 18 when he allegedly punched a pregnant woman. He was booked into jail on Wednesday night and is under a $2 million bond.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

Editors note: The feds spelled the suspects name Solorzano in Thursdays criminal complaint. Channel 9 has obtained several official documents that spell his name differently, most predominantly as Solarzano.
The holiday season officially begins in Raleigh Thursday night with the Gov. Josh Steins tree lighting ceremony.

Your704 Weekender: Heres whats happening in Charlotte Dec 12-14

This years tree is decorated with ornaments representing each of North Carolinas 100 counties, showcasing the states diversity and unity.

The tree is a Fraser fir sourced from Barr Evergreens in Ashe County, highlighting local agriculture and the importance of supporting local businesses.

VIDEO: Growers donate Christmas trees to military families
All lanes of SR 18 have reopened from I-90 to Issaquah-Hobart Road.

Just after 6 a.m. Thursday, a mudslide closed SR 18 in both directions.

The Washington State Department of Transportation announced around 4:23 p.m. that it fully reopened to traffic.

The news comes several hours after I-90 reopened in North Bend. It was closed for nearly 24 hours, also because of a mudslide.

One woman was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The mudslides are a result of the heavy rains brought on this week by an atmospheric river thats created record flooding for Washington.
The Florida Supervisors of Elections Association is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida college students in 2026.

To qualify for the scholarships, students must be registered Florida voters who have lived in the state for at least the past two years.

They must be majoring in political science, public administration, business administration, or journalism/mass communication and be enrolled or accepted as juniors or seniors at accredited Florida colleges or universities.

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Clay County Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless is encouraging students who meet the requirements to apply.

This scholarship program is a great opportunity to support students who are preparing for careers in public service, business, journalism, and leadership, Chambless said in a news release.

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Applicants must have maintained a C average or above for the previous school year and demonstrate financial need. Applications are available online at ClayElections.gov or at the Clay County Supervisor of Elections Office in Green Cove Springs.

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The deadline for submitting applications is March 6. Applications must be submitted to the elections office of the county where the applicant is registered to vote. Each county will select one finalist to send to the FSE Scholarship Committee for consideration.

If you would like more information, you can contact the Elections Office at (904) 269-6350 or email CommunityServices@ClayElections.gov.

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Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Florida is suing three major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, accusing them of pushing misinformation about gender-affirming care to drive demand for their members' services and generate profit from membership sales.

The lawsuit was announced Tuesday by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in a video statement, naming the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, the Endocrine Society and AAP as defendants.

"We believe these organizations fail to disclose the risks, limits and evidence when promoting so-called gender-affirming care for children," he said. "For years, these groups have insisted the recommendations were settled science but behind closed doors they knew the evidence was weak, they knew the outcomes uncertain and the risks very real."

In 2023, @GovRonDeSantis signed legislation to ban so-called "gender-affirming care" for kids. Now it's time for accountability! Today, my office sued @wpath, @AmerAcadPeds, and @TheEndoSociety for mutilating kids and misleading families. pic.twitter.com/RrbIfYEFEq Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) December 9, 2025

Gender-affirming care is a holistic approach to treating gender-dysphoria and is supported by every major medical association as treatment for both adults and children.

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It includes a range of therapies, from psychological and behavioral to medical interventions, with surgeries for minors being exceedingly rare. A June 2024 study by Harvard-affiliated researchers found that cisgender minors and adults were far more likely to undergo analogous gender-affirming surgeries than their transgender counterparts.

However, the medical practice has been a target for conservatives for years amid a larger campaign that civil rights organizations see as a threat to the rights of LGBTQ Americans.

The lawsuit announced Tuesday accuses the three organizations of being part of a coordinated campaign to develop clinical guidelines recommending sex intervention for pediatric gender dysphoria.

Florida accuses them of circulating their clinical guidelines "to sell memberships."

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"Because defendants continue to generate demand for pediatric sex interventions by deceiving the public with their phony guidelines, sex intervention providers and ideologues continue to purchase memberships," Florida states in the lawsuit.

"Defendants' reprehensible and immoral actions capitalize on the mental distress of children -- as well as the natural affections and fears [of] their parents -- to help their members sell lucrative surgeries and drugs that irreversibly mutilate and chemically alter children's bodies without providing any credible medical benefit."

Florida is asking the court to impose penalties on the defendants and for injunctive relief.

In response to the lawsuit, WPATH told UPI that it is "committed to advancing cautious, evidence-informed guidelines for care to help improve the lives of transgender people globally so they may live full and authentic lives.

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"WPATH believes strongly in the value of science and academic research as well as discussion among peers to help improve the Standards of Care and outcomes for transgender and gender-diverse people," the leading medical organization said.

"Transgender people -- and all people -- deserve the freedom to make their own personal, private healthcare decisions in consultation with their families and medical providers, free from political interference and retaliation."

UPI has also contacted AAP and the Endocrine Society for comment.

The lawsuit was filed after Florida banned gender-affirming care for minors in 2023. A federal judge struck down the ban the following year, though an appeals court later stayed the ruling as litigation continues.

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All three defendants have previously come out against legislation seeking to interfere in the healthcare of children.

"Anti-transgender healthcare legislation is not about protections for children but about eliminating transgender persons on a micro and macro scale," WPATH President Marci Bowers said in a March 2023 statement. "It is a thinly veiled attempt to enforce the notion of a gender binary.

Critics of such laws and lawsuits argue they are based on false and misinformation information that fuels unfounded fears that ultimately harm transgender and gender-diverse people.

Proponents of such laws and lawsuits rebut that they are seeking to protect children from experimental medicine.

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According to the Movement Advancement Project, 26 U.S. states and one territory have bans, though they may not be in effect, on medication and surgical care for transgender youth.

There are an estimated 42,800 transgender youth between the ages of 13 and 17 in Florida, representing about 3.2% of the state's youth population, according to the UCLA School of Law's Williams Institute.
A former gaming executive who helped funnel casino cash to the Marion County Republican Party is seeking a pardon from President Donald Trump.

John S. Keeler, 76, served a two-month prison sentence in 2022 for his role in what federal prosecutors described as a "straw donor" scheme intended to hide the source of political contributions from Keeler's employer, New Centaur LLC, which at the time owned both of Indiana's horse track-casinos.

A search of clemency cases on the U.S. Department of Justice's website shows that Keeler filed his pardon petition some time this year. The status is listed as "pending."

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Neither Keeler nor his attorneys in the criminal case returned messages from IndyStar.

Pardon petitions are traditionally reviewed by the Justice Department, which then makes a recommendation to the president to grant or deny the request based on a set of standards. Details about a specific case's review are confidential.

Trump, however, has largely ignored that process, granting clemency to reward allies and supporters who never formally applied for pardons through the Justice Department's Office of the Pardon Attorney, according to reporting from Propublica.

In a statement to IndyStar, a White House official said: "The President is the ultimate decision maker on pardons and commutations. The White House does not comment on any pardon requests."

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A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office in Indianapolis said it could not confirm with certainty that the former Indiana casino executive is the same Keeler listed on the Justice Department's website as seeking a pardon, but a search of federal prison and court records show no other matches.

Keeler served as a lawmaker in the Indiana House for 16 years and later became general counsel and vice president for New Centaur, which was led by Indiana casino magnate Rod Ratcliff. Ratcliff was permanently banned from the state's gambling industry after an investigation by the Indiana Gaming Commission, but he has never been charged with a crime.

Ratcliff was an early supporter of Trump's presidential ambitions. Both men operated riverboat casinos in Indiana in the 1990s and shared a business partner in insurance executive Stephen Hilbert. Under Ratcliff's leadership, New Centaur contributed $100,000 to Trump's first inauguration in 2017.

An exhibit submitted in the criminal case against former casino executive John Keeler shows Indiana casino magnate Rod Ratcliff was among those seated behind President Donald Trump during his inauguration in 2017. IndyStar has highlighted Ratcliff, who is seated in the upper left corner. U.S. Department of Justice; IndyStar

According to court records, Keeler paid a Maryland political consultant $41,000 in 2016 from the accounts of New Centaur, then directed the consultant to funnel $25,000 to the Greater Indianapolis Republican Finance Committee, which was the fundraising arm for the Marion County Republican Party. To conceal the contribution, Keeler caused the casino company's federal tax return to falsely describe the payment to the consultant as a deductible business expense.

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Under an agreement with federal prosecutors, Keeler pleaded guilty in 2022 to causing the filing of a false tax return. In addition to two months in prison, he got a year of probation and a $55,000 fine.

During his sentencing, Keeler apologized for his conduct, saying there was "no doubt" that he knew a portion of the payment to the Maryland consultant would be used to make a contribution to the Marion County Republican Party.

"I've spent countless hours and many sleepless nights agonizing over how and why I allowed Centaur to enter into this transaction," Keeler told U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeny II. "I knew that the company wanted to support the Marion County Republican organization. I knew that it wanted to satisfy the request of that organization for a contribution. I have come to the conclusion that the only answer I can come up with for that is that I wanted to please my employer and that I wanted to make sure that its corporate objectives with regard to the contribution were carried out."

Keeler's co-defendant, former state Sen. Brent Waltz, was also accused of accepting casino contributions through the Maryland consultant for a failed congressional run. Waltz pleaded guilty to receiving fictitious donations and lying to the FBI. He served a 10 month prison sentence.

John Keeler testifies before the Indiana House Public Policy Committee at the Indiana Statehouse on March 20, 2019.

Prosecutors alleged that the scheme to funnel cash to Waltz was hatched during a meeting between the consultant and Ratcliff at a wine bar in the Indianapolis International Airport  an allegation Ratcliff has denied.

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In an interview just hours after his sentencing in 2022, Waltz told IndyStar he was merely collateral damage in the FBIs effort to attack Donald Trumps political infrastructure.

According to Waltz, the man federal authorities were really after was Ratcliff due to his status as a major fundraiser for Trump. When they couldn't get him, they turned to Waltz and Keeler.

Rise and fall of Indianas casino king: How Rod Ratcliff built a Statehouse money machine.

"I think that when the FBI throws a large bomb," Waltz said, "there's a lot of people who get wounded in the explosion by the shrapnel."

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Keeler has not spoken publicly since his conviction, but he seemed prepared to make a similar argument before reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors. Among the exhibits he planned to submit in his defense was a photograph of Ratcliff attending President Trump's inauguration.

In court filings, prosecutors argued that such an exhibit was "likely to stir up personal political opinions and induce the jury to decide this case on an emotional basis, rather than on the evidence presented to them. And while this case is about campaign finance, it is not about politics."

Prosecutors added that "there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that Defendant Keeler was selectively or vindictively prosecuted."

Trump has used his presidential pardon power to grant clemency to more than 1,600 people since his second term began in January. That includes a blanket pardon for more than 1,500 people for crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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This month, Trump has pardoned a former president of Honduras who had been sentenced to prison on cocaine distribution charges and a Texas congressman facing charges that he and his wife accepted $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities.

Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X: @IndyStarTony.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Former Indiana casino executive seeks pardon from Trump
Sheriff T.K. Waters with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office announced the arrest of now former JSO police officer Claude Fleurimond on Wednesday.

Fleurimond is charged with one count of false imprisonment (3rd degree felony) and one count of stalking (1st degree misdemeanor).

According to the arrest report, on December 5th, JSOs Integrity Unit got a complaint that Fleurimond was stalking his former girlfriend.

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The report says that she met Fleurimond in July 2024 while he was on duty at a gas station. They dated on and off for a year, and throughout this time, when she didnt want to talk to him, she blocked his calls.

According to the report, the last time the victim spoke to Fleurimond was around July 2025, when her cell phone was damaged and she obtained a new one with a different phone number.

It wasnt until late October, the report states that she noticed a grey BMW sitting out near her work parking lot, and when she left work, she noticed the BMW followed her to I-295 from Imeson Rd. She said she became nervous as the vehicle began making every lane switch she made while on I-295.

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Two days later, the victim said a JSO patrol vehicle parked in the same area where the grey BMW was parked.

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Fleurimond actually conducted a traffic stop on his former girlfriend in his marked JSO police vehicle, said Sheriff Waters. Using his police authority to detain his former girlfriend, Fleurimond then questioned her about why she was no longer communicating with him.

According to the arrest report, the victim said Fleurimond did not perform any law enforcement actions during the traffic stop and had no valid reason to stop. It went on to say that she did not report the interaction due to not knowing what she could do about it.

Then, in December, the arrest report said that when the victim was about to leave work, a co-worker called her and told her that the grey BMW was again parked near the business. The coworker offered to take her vehicle to bait the grey BMW to see if it would follow, and it did.

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Sheriff T.K. Waters reiterated that no one is above the law. If investigators find that there is probable cause to support a criminal allegation of a JSO employee after a comprehensive investigation, this agency will hold that employee accountable, he said.

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Fleurimond resigned after his arrest on Tuesday. His arrest marks the sixth JSO employee arrested by the agency this year. According to Action News Jax records, there have been eight total JSO employees arrested this year. Two of them were arrested by other agencies.

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Retired Adm. James Stavridis, former NATO allied supreme commander, touted the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as a legal operation that was perfectly executed.

In an interview on CNN News Central, Stavridis praised the Coast Guard for conducting the operation without a single casualty and said the seizure was a law enforcement effort, noting the tanker was full of illegal oil.

This is the U.S. Coast Guard. This is not Navy SEALs. These are the people that rescue you when youre a boater on Memorial Day. Here they are dropping out of a helicopter and taking down this ship and, oh, by the way, from everything I can see, this operation was flawless, Stavridis said.

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This is legal. This is a vessel thats under sanction. This is law enforcement doing it  thats Coast Guard, theyre law enforcement  not a single casualty, he continued. And Ill point out we can now take those crew members and interrogate them and find out where, why, when and how of this mission.

So a high-end tactical mission, he said. Well done, Coast Guard.

Stavridis  who previously led the U.S. Southern Command, overseeing all military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean  acknowledged the perspective that the seizure could be seen as an escalating step toward war, as Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) suggested Wednesday, but he said its all in the eye of the beholder.

While Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro might agree with Paul that it looks like war, Stavridis said, Washington could legitimately say this is Law Enforcement 101: This is a tanker full of illegal oil seized under legal authority by a law enforcement organization.

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Moscow, Tehran and Beijing, meanwhile, would be worried, he added, that the U.S. is showing a capability and an intent to shut down the illegal transporting of oil oversees, so they would likely talk about it as piracy on the high seas.

So, as usual, the event has three different ways of looking at it, Stavridis said. On this one, I think Washington probably has it about right. This is illegal activity. We sent law enforcement to shut it down.

Stavridis acknowledged the latest operation reveals the Trump administrations goal with its aggressive moves against Venezuela is not limited to stopping the illegal flow of drugs to the U.S.

He said sooner or later he expects Maduro to leave office.

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Whats happening is we are now seeing the layers of the onion open up, and youre going to see continued boat strikes, like weve been talking about. Now youre going to see these oil tanker seizures, Stavridis said.

And I think if Maduro doesnt wake up and jump out, I think that that pot that were boiling him in is going to get hotter and hotter, he continued. Sooner or later, that frog Maduro is going to jump out of that pot.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Tidal Trust II has filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) designed to provide exposure when US markets are closed.

The filing comes as spot BTC ETFs posted their weakest month on record, marked by heavy outflows and rising concerns about potential price manipulation during the US market open.

SEC Filing Reveals ETF That Seeks to Bet on Bitcoin After Hours

The Form N-1A, submitted on Tuesday, proposes to add two ETFs to the existing fund. These include Nicholas Bitcoin and Treasuries AfterDark ETF and Nicholas Bitcoin Tail ETF.

According to the registration statement, the AfterDark ETF will not hold BTC directly. Instead, it will gain exposure through investments in Bitcoin futures, Bitcoin options, and Bitcoin ETFs or ETPs listed in the US.

It may utilize a Cayman Islands subsidiary to manage its positions. The objective is to pursue long-term capital appreciation through a systematic approach that targets Bitcoins overnight return profile. Meanwhile, the fund will hold short-term US Treasuries and cash equivalents during the daytime trading period.

"When utilizing Bitcoin Futures, the Fund trades these instruments during US overnight hours and closes them out shortly after the US market opens each trading day. When utilizing Bitcoin Underlying Funds, the Fund purchases a security at US market close, and then sells the position around US market open.When utilizing Bitcoin Options, the Fund typically enters into options positions that establish a synthetic long bitcoin position near the close of regular US trading hours. These positions are typically closed or unwound near the following market open, however, the Fund may hold these synthetic long positions longer term and offset them during US daytime trading hours by entering into a synthetic short position,," the document reads.

Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas discussed the strategy in a recent X (formerly Twitter) post. He noted that internal research conducted last year showed a significant share of Bitcoins gains occurring during after-hours trading.

"Doesn't mean the ETFs aren't having impact. Some of this is positioning bc of the ETFs etc or derivatives based on flows etc etc. But yeah, bitcoin After Dark ETF could put up better returns, we'll see tho," Balchunas wrote.

Bitcoin After-Hours Returns. Source: X/Eric Balchunas

This filing appears as industry watchers highlight alleged price manipulation during US daytime trading hours. Analysts have identified a recurring pattern of Bitcoin price drops around the market's opening.
Luxury hotel group Four Seasons has confirmed plans to open a new beachfront hotel along Leblon beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The hotel will be developed in partnership with real-estate management company Catuai Asset.

The forthcoming property will operate from 2029 following a complete renovation of the current Hotel Marina Palace building.

Once completed, the hotel will occupy the tallest structure in Leblon and consist around 120 rooms and suites with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

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The redevelopment involves significant updates to both the exterior and interior of the existing building.

On completion, the hotel will provide several dining venues including a rooftop bar and pool area, as well as a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Four Seasons Hotel Rio de Janeiro will also offer spa facilities, wellness amenities, and access to beachfront activities.

According to the company, the project aims to introduce hospitality services under the Four Seasons brand in a location known for its coastal setting and proximity to key city attractions.

The site is located approximately 30 minutes by car from Galeao International Airport and will form part of Four Seasons portfolio in South America, which includes properties in Buenos Aires and Bogota, as well as an upcoming hotel in Cartagena.

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Four Seasons president and CEO Alejandro Reynal said: We are excited to introduce Four Seasons to Rio de Janeiro as we continue to intentionally expand our portfolio in South America and mark our return to Brazil. We are proud to embark on this journey alongside Catuai Asset to bring this project to life.

The development aligns with broader investment initiatives currently underway in the Leblon area.

Rio de Janeiro serves as a recognised centre for architecture and tourism, housing landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer.

Catuai Asset founding partner Alfredo Khouri Junior said: Bringing the iconic Marina Palace back to life  this time with a globally renowned brand such as Four Seasons  and delivering a landmark for the city that can endure for generations is a powerful motivation for us.

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This project builds on our long-time dedication to developing exceptional offerings in Brazil, which we are proud to do alongside Four Seasons.

"New Four Seasons hotel to open in Rio de Janeiros Leblon" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Potter Jafar Atallah and artist Nada Rajab are carving out their own beacons of resilience using nothing but earth, pigment, and human connection.

In the ruins of Gaza, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash and dust, survival is no longer measured only by food, water, or shelter. For some, survival has taken on another meaning- preserving dignity, memory, and identity through creation.

Amid bombed-out streets, shattered homes, and endless displacement, a potter and an artist are carving out fragile islands of resilience using nothing but earth, pigment, and human connection.

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For Jafar Atallah, a potter displaced from northern Gaza to the central Strip, the war erased decades of work in a matter of moments. His familys pottery factory, once a source of multi-generational livelihood and tradition, was totally wiped out.

Before the war, we had a full pottery factory in northern Gaza, Atallah toldThe Media Line. It was completely destroyed. After I was displaced to central Gaza, I opened a small workshop in the area where I am now living. I had to build new machinery by myself just to continue producing pottery, he added.

With Gazas crossings sealed and raw materials virtually nonexistent, Atallah turned to the war itself as his only remaining resource. Today, we obtain clay from the remnants of Israels missile strikes and from the craters left by the bombs, he explained. We also extract clay manually from underground. With all the crossings into Gaza closed, no raw materials are entering, so this is the only way we can continue working.

Gazans creating pottery at a makeshift outdoor studio. (credit: Courtesy/Jafar Atallah via The Media Line)

The products he now shapes are not decorative objects meant for galleries. Instead, they are essential tools of survival that can no longer be imported. Because of the siege and the destruction, people urgently need basic household items, Atallah said. There are no plates, no cooking pots, no water containers. The demand for pottery dishes and utensils is huge because there are simply no alternatives available, he added.

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He sells some pieces locally, often for the equivalent of just a few dollars.

The price of an item is sometimes around two dollars. It is not real income- it is only enough to keep us alive from one day to the next, he said.

Yet even that fragile income is a lifeline for a man who, like nearly all Gazans, has lost stability, home, and security. Before the war, my family and I were already struggling, he said, but at least we were living with dignity. Life was not comfortable, but it was much better than what we live today.

Atallah now lives displaced in the central Strip, far from the neighborhood where his familys craft once thrived. Everything we built over the years is gone, he said. The goal now is to find financial support for this workshop. The situation in Gaza is extremely dire. We are not surviving on donations from abroad; people need tools to live, not just food to survive.

Art as a confrontation to the trauma of war

Not far away, Nada Rajab, a 22-year-old Palestinian artist, writer, and geographic information systems engineer, is also rebuilding from the ruins, but with pencil, fabric, and childrens voices.

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Rajab is the coordinator and head of Art from the Rubble, a project operating across displacement areas in Gaza. She has been displaced more than 25 times since the war began.

I am a survivor and a witness to everything that is happening in Gaza, she told The Media Line. I use my art to document my personal experience and the collective suffering of my community.

To her, art is not an escape from war; it is a confrontation with it.

I see my artwork as a powerful form of resistance and resilience, Rajab said. It is my message to the world that says, I am still alive, despite the destruction. Through my art, I try to recreate color from beneath the rubble and bring life, emotion, and identity back into a city that has become overwhelmed by grey.

Gazan children with a painting. (credit: Courtesy/Nada Rajab via The Media Line)

Since the war began, she has produced more than 300 artworks documenting forced displacement and struggles amid the conflict.

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Before the war, Rajab owned dozens of professional drawing tools. Today, she works with almost nothing. For the first time in my life, I completed more than 300 artworks using only plain white paper, a single pencil, and low-quality colored pencils, she said. Even finding these basic materials was extremely difficult because of the shortages and soaring prices.

When supplies vanished completely, she improvised.

I replaced canvas with fabric salvaged from beneath the rubble and substituted acrylics with natural pigments I made myself, she said. I did everything I could to keep creating art, no matter how difficult it became.

While Rajab documents war through her own work, some of her most powerful creations now come through children, many of whom have never processed their trauma in words.

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The hardest part was that I could understand every drawing made by each child, she said. It was extremely painful to recognize that all of my students were suffering from severe psychological trauma without realizing it themselves.

With no safe space available, she takes art directly into displacement camps. I had no fixed place where I could teach, she said. I became the one who went to the children, gathering them around their tents. At the beginning, ensuring their safety was very difficult, but over time, I built a strong bond with them, as if they had become my own.

Her sessions often last all day. Most of our activities start at sunrise and end by sunset, she said. At the end of the day, every child returns to their tent full of joy.

Pouring emotions onto paper

Building trust takes time. It took more than two weeks before they began pouring their emotions onto paper, Rajab recalled. At first, many drew chaotic lines that reflected their lack of self-confidence. Some could only draw flowers because they didnt know how to express what they felt inside.

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One moment changed everything. A mother once called me to say her son, Abdullah, had become calm and focused and now spends most of his time drawing and studying, she said.

Rajab explained that Abdullah dropped out of education after his school was bombed. Before art, he played in the streets all day. After art, he became peaceful and creative, she said.

From that point on, she began following up with families.

Every single family noticed a clear, positive change in their childrens behavior, she said. That impact means the world to me.

Rajab still follows many students online even after new displacements forced her to move again.

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There are moments that stay with her in haunting clarity. After one activity, a boy and a girl held my hands and begged me, Please come back again.The boy told her that he wished that she had been with them from the beginning.

She also remembers a terminally ill child. A little girl battling cancer once told me, When I start making art with you, I forget that Im sick, she said.

Each farewell brought a new wound. Leaving each group of children was always difficult, whether it was because of bombings, displacement, or the collapse of a tent.

A quiet battle to preserve humanity

Though working in different mediums, Atallah and Rajab are engaged in the same quiet battle to preserve humanity where destruction dominates. His hands shape clay into vessels that carry water and food. Her hands guide children while they shape trauma into color.

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People dont just need food, Atallah stressed, they need to live.

Art allows the children to breathe again, Rajab emphasized.

Today, both of them continue to work without any certainty about tomorrow. Neither knows when the next displacement may come, when another workshop may be lost, or when another tent may collapse. Yet both persist-not in defiance of fear, but through it.

Their work is not only what they create. It is what they refuse to surrender.
In the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, the already desperate situation for many residents has worsened following days of heavy rainfall.

Witnesses and local reports said tent camps sheltering displaced people have been flooded. The storm system, which began on Tuesday, is expected to continue through Friday.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have lost their homes in more than two years of war between the Israeli military and Hamas and are living in makeshift shelters.

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A ceasefire has been in place since October 10, although sporadic incidents have continued to cause fatalities in Gaza.

The torrential rains have now brought a new level of hardship, with a clinic in Gaza reporting that a baby had died of hypothermia.

A father told dpa that his children slept in soaked clothes and shivered through the night after floodwaters swept through a tent camp in Gaza City. "I couldn't do anything," Raid Shamlach said on Thursday.

Amal Shabat, 33, who is sheltering in another neighbourhood, said her family of five has been using buckets to remove water from their tent. Their bedding is completely drenched, she said. "We urgently need to rebuild Gaza. We cannot imagine living in these tattered tents for years."

A displaced Palestinian woman walks in a flooded tent camp following heavy rains in Gaza City. Matar Al-Zaq/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
It was fitting, in a perverse way, that a Christmas party hosted by disgraced former Congressman George Santos, the first out gay man elected to the U.S. House of Representatives by Republicans and newly freed after President Donald Trump commuted his seven-year fraud sentence, would become a stage for the very chaos that propelled him into the national imagination. Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December 2023 after the House overwhelmingly voted to remove him following a blistering ethics investigation, returned to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, with a holiday bash he dubbed Santos Claus.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

The guest list, as Santos teased online, would be particularly strict, a standard enforced by a bouncer who happened to be a former aide, Vish Burra, known for his own online bravado.

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Related: Donald Trump commutes fraudster George Santos's prison sentence

Santos posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) earlier in the day in which he said, If I dont see you, that means you didnt work hard enough.

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When Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert arrived with several staffers, only she and, eventually, one aide were allowed past the rope line. A TMZ video circulating online shows Boebert trying to persuade the doorman that her team belongs inside. I know youre on the list, Lauren, he replied.

 (@)

Later, he wrote, THE QUEEN SANTOS GETS WHAT SHE WANTS, AND SHE ONLY WANTED HANDPICKED PEOPLE ON THE LIST!

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But the real symbolism of the night came not from who was kept out, but who was welcomed in. Among the gilded cookies, caviar, and chocolate fountain meant to broadcast excess, Santos hosted a constellation of figures who, like him, inhabit a cultural space shaped as much by notoriety as by influence. Recently ousted from MAGA, Santoss friend Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia mingled with influencers and right-wing personalities. And then there was Anna Delvey, born Anna Sorokin, the German-born fraudster whose elaborate con of New York Citys elite inspired a Netflix hit and cemented her status as Americas most glamorous grifter.

Delveys attendance alone was almost too on the nose. A convicted felon, who, between 2013 and her arrest in July 2017, engineered an entire persona out of invented wealth, stood inside a party thrown by a former lawmaker whose own rise was built on serial fabrication. Both defrauded institutions that trusted them. Both emerged from scandal with larger-than-life celebrity. And both have transformed deception into a brand  one that, astonishingly, still commands access.

Related: Goodbye, George Santos: The gay fabulist former GOP congressman surrenders to prison authorities

And, as TMZ reported, Martin Shkreli was there too. The disgraced pharmaceutical executive, once nicknamed the most hated man in America, became infamous after hiking the price of a lifesaving drug by more than 5,000 percent. Later convicted of securities fraud, Shkreli emerged from prison with a public persona sharpened, not softened, by scandal.

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Scott Pressler, a gay far-right activist best known for promoting voter registration drives for Republican candidates and for amplifying election-related misinformation after the 2020 presidential election, was there too.

According to Mediaite, the room also included former The View cohost Meghan McCain, ex-Real Housewives of New York cast member Leah McSweeney, and perennial GOP hopeful Kari Lake, whose repeated losses in Arizona politics have only fueled her prominence in election-denialist circles.

Related: George Santos's latest money-making plot? Reviving his drag persona, Kitara Ravache



Trumps intervention on Santoss behalf made the party possible in the first place. As The Advocate has reported, Trump granted him clemency on October 18, describing him as horribly mistreated and arguing that the punishment was excessive.

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Santos had pleaded guilty in August 2024 to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, admitting that he used fabricated fundraising figures and false donor identities to enrich and sustain his congressional campaign. He was sentenced in April to 87 months in federal prison and reported to the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, on July 25, to begin serving that term.

But Santoss incarceration lasted only about three months before Trump commuted the remainder of his sentence and ordered his immediate release, even though the felony convictions remain intact.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: George Santoss exclusive D.C. Christmas party featured famous grifters & MAGA influence peddlers

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A 15-year-old Odessa boy has been charged with one count of capital murder of multiple persons after police said he shot his former girlfriends mother and siblings to death Tuesday night in north Odessa.

According to the Odessa Police Department, the boy had planned on shooting his 15-year-old former girlfriend outside school, but changed his mind and went to her apartment on Hunter Miller Way and shot Jessica Rodriguez, 39, to death along with her 9-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter.

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Officers were dispatched to the shooting around 5:45 p.m. and found all of the victims deceased.

ECISD Public Information Officer Mike Adkins in an email Wednesday said counselors were sent to Buice Elementary and Wilson & Young Middle School. The youngest victim attended Buice, the older sibling did not attend ECISD now but had in the past.

OPD Chief Mike Gerke held a Wednesday afternoon news conference and said a handgun was recovered and the teen was arrested on the Andrews Highway about 40 minutes after the shootings. Gerke said they believe he fled the crime scene on foot. He would not discuss most details but said the boy had one interaction with police previously in regards to a domestic family situation.

The chief offered few details saying the investigation continues but did say evil does visit us from time to time. He also pointed out this was a targeted and isolated incident.

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Gerke said they know who purchased the firearm and what the teen told the police about how he obtained the weapon but that OPD as well as the Texas Rangers continue to investigate.

Gerke said the 15-year-old former girlfriend was OK physically. He would not disclose if she was at home at the time of the shootings. Gerke also said the decision to certify the teen suspect as an adult is up to the DAs office and not OPD.

Gerke also indicated OPD has been in contact with the families of both the victims and the suspect.

The suspect was booked into the Ector County Youth Center.

Ector County District Attorney Dusty Gallivan said that as far as he was aware, his office had not had dealings with the boy previously. Although no formal decision has been made yet, Gallivan said he is considering asking a juvenile court judge to schedule a certification hearing that will help determine if the boy should be charged as an adult.

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Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick said Tuesday night he was devastated by the news and was working to get ministers to the apartment complex where approximately 125 kids live.

The Odessa Housing Financial Corp., in partnership with the City of Odessa, help run the complex.

A GoFundMe set up by the childrens father, Roy Casey Martinez, had raised $22,300 by 3 p.m. Wednesday. Visit GoFundMe.com and search for Honoring the Lives of Roys Children and Ex-Wife.

The post Gerke: Evil does visit us from time to time appeared first on Odessa American.
"If Israel deports 10 Ghanaians, we will deport 10. 20, we'll deport 20. 50 we'll deport 50. We are not going to accept this," said FM Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Three Israelis were deported from Ghana on Thursday in retaliation for the deportation of Ghanaian citizens from Israel on Sunday.

Ghana's Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that it would be deporting three Israelis from the country in retaliation for the "ill-treatment and unjustified deportation of three Ghanaian nationals by Israeli authorities."

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According to an earlier press release by the ministry on Wednesday, Israel denied entry to seven Ghanaian travellers to Israel at Ben-Gurion Airport on December 7, and subjected them to "inhumane and traumatic treatment without justifiable cause."

The ministry claimed that the cohort of travellers included four members of Ghana's parliament who were en route to the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv. The four politicians were allegedly only released after "more than five hours of strenuous diplomatic intervention." The other three were deported on the next flight and have since returned to Ghana.

The justification Israel gave to Accra was that the Ghanaian embassy in Israel was being uncooperative; however, Accra called this "totally untenable."

A man wearing a tee shirt on which is written ''Ghana'' on the back, stands next to the pile of suitcases, 2017 (credit: ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP via Getty Images)

Ghana and Israel exchange deportations in diplomatic row

The ministry accused Israel of unfairly targeting Ghanaians and humiliating them. It expressed this with disappointment, given the over six decades of cordial relations between the two countries.

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The statement added that "Ghana is considering immediate reciprocal action." Shortly after came the announcement of the three Israelis.

However, after summoning officials from the Israeli embassy in Accra on Wednesday, the ministry announced that the two governments were able to "resolve the matter amicably."

"Ghana deeply values our relations with all friendly countries and expects our citizens to be treated with dignity and respect in much the same way as other governments expect Ghana to treat their nationals."

On Thursday, Ghanaian foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed on Joy News radio that the deportation of Israelis was a form of retaliation, and not related to any wrongdoing on the part of the individuals themselves.

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He also spoke of his conversation with the charge d'affaires of the Israeli embassy, who told him that all the Ghanaian citizens that were deported from Israel had actually been granted visas by him personally, and that none of them had violated the terms of these.

However, he retracted the previous statements that the cohort included members of parliament, saying they "were staff of the parliamentary service" set to attend the conference in Tel Aviv, but were not members of government. He confirmed the other three had been intended to go on a Christian pilgrimage in Israel.

"The Israeli authorities, through the attache, have now apologized for the action they carried out and have called for de-escalation, because we made it clear that if they deported 10 Ghanaians, we will deport 10. 20, we'll deport 20. 50 we'll deport 50. We are not going to accept this," said Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) on Tuesday rebuked President Donald Trump over his racist attacks against Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and said during a joint CNN interview with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) that Trump is not interested in uniting the country.

The full half-hour sit-down with Inside Politics host Dana Bash was published Wednesday.

Politics: Bipartisan House Vote Would Repeal Trump's Union-Busting Executive Order

I disagree with Congresswoman Omar, said Cox. I think she should be voted out of office, and I think I can do that without attacking her religion or her race or her ethnic background. I think that thats really important. I know that the president disagrees with me.

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He continued, He and I have had these conversations. I have to say, during the Charlie Kirk shooting, in the conversations we had, he talked to me about nonviolence and trying to be a voice for that. I understand hes not interested in uniting the country.

Kirk founded the influential conservative campus network Turning Point USA and regularly spoke at college campuses across the country. He was fatally shot during a Utah Valley University event in September, prompting Trump to swiftly blame the radical left.

Omar offered some criticism of Kirk after his death, leading an irate Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) to demand the Muslim Somalia-born lawmaker be deported. Trump has since called Omar garbage and frequently insulted both her country of birth and appearance.

Politics: Donald Trumps Disgusting Attack On Muslim Congresswoman Sparks Anger Online

While he has attacked Omar before, the president published a screed last week that was so egregious even some pro-Trump conservatives were shocked. During a rally Tuesday in Pennsylvania, he said Omar, who became a U.S. citizen in 2000, is in the country illegally and should get the hell out.

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Trump openly admitted shortly after Kirks death that he couldnt care less about unity.

And he would tell you that, I think, if he were sitting here with us tonight, Cox told Bash. But I would also say that its not going to be a president who fixes this. Its not going to be two governors who fix this. It really has to be all of us.

He continued, The politicians that we elect are a reflection of we the people, this is kind of what we want today, and I think both parties are guilty of it. And so Im going to do my part, I appreciate Gov. Shapiro doing his part to tone down that rhetoric.

Politics: Ilhan Omar Burns Trump After He Accuses Her Of Trying To Tell Us How To Run Our Country

Shapiro went on to share his own perspective on the issue of political violence, which quite literally hit home in April and followed Trumps near-assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year. He called for an end to the divisive rhetoric that has contributed to this precarious climate.

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I think the president has a responsibility here, and I agree with Spencer, as do all Americans, to try and lift up the rhetoric and tamp down the hate, the governor said Tuesday. And I think the president needs to do better.

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Read the original on HuffPost
For Gov. Mike Braun, the road to redistricting has been a slog.

The State Senate has made it difficult in every turn of the journey. And I think when I called a special session, it looked like they were just going to drag their feet and try to let it expire, Braun said.

Of course, the governor noted, that didnt happen.

The House approved the redistricting bill on Friday with a final vote of 57-41. Twelve Republicans joined Democrats in opposition.

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On Monday, the Senate Elections Committee voted 6-3 to advance the measure to the full Senate floor.

It looks like its now got forward momentum and its totally up to Senate leadership to shepherd it through, Braun said Tuesday morning following a Community Crossings check presentation in Delphi, Carroll County.

Theyve been called out almost daily by the President, so I dont know why they would be belligerent on this topic, the governor said, adding those who have complained about the measure include Democrats, a few Republicans and liberal, moderate independents who have gerrymandered so thoroughly across the rest of the country.

The proposed redistricting would weaken the states Democratic strongholds.

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The Senate Elections Committee listened to roughly six hours of constituent testimony and discussion from other committee members at the public hearing Monday evening before advancing the bill.

Sen. Stacey Donato (R-Logansport) and the five others who voted to bring House Bill 1032 to the full Senate floor could still end up voting against it.

Donato called the roughly six-hour public hearing informative before explaining she wanted more vetting on the bill.

I appreciate all of my colleagues and their comments, and their Hoosiers constituents who took the time to come out and testify in the statehouse today, Donato said. House Bill 1032 is a very important bill for Indiana and I believe that this bill needs as much vetting as possible. Its my opinion that this move forward for more vetting on the Senate floor. So for today, I am a yes.

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Senators will likely gather Wednesday to discuss possible amendments to the bill before the expected full Senate vote on Thursday.

GOP Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray has warned the Senate doesnt have enough votes to approve redistricting.

A majority of the 50-member Senate would have to vote in favor of the legislation for it to be approved. Republicans will have to pull 26 supportive votes from the partys 40-member supermajority if every Democrat votes in opposition. In the case of a tie, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith could cast a deciding vote if there are no absences.

Well see, Braun said. Hopefully this Thursday we get a result that gets it across the finish line.
A propane shortage has caused Gov. Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency, resulting in an increased maximum allowed driving time for delivery drivers who carry propane.

The state of emergency was ordered to take effect on Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. and remain until further notice.

I am declaring a State of Emergency to ensure that the approximately 186,000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption. This Executive Order expands delivery capabilities to keep homes heated and families secure, Murphy said in a release.

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On Nov. 21, a power outage occurred at an industrial complex in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, that produces propane, officials said. The refinery is currently open only on an intermittent basis.

The power outage caused major delays in the facility's distribution of propane to trucks, which slowed deliveries to New Jersey facilities.

The release from the state did not give the name of the complex in Marcus Hook that had the outage.

As a result of the state of emergency, drivers who distribute propane will see their maximum driving time extended from 11 hours to 14 hours. The off-duty time required between periods of driving is 10 hours.

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State news: Anheuser-Busch to close Newark brewery after nearly 75 years

The emergency declaration comes as the state expects low temperatures that go below freezing this week.

Through the New Jersey National Guard, an increased support system of supplies, vehicles, equipment and communications will also be deployed in areas affected by the shortage of propane.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Phil Murphy declares NJ state of emergency over propane shortage
Teresa Ribera, EU Commissioner for Competition Policy and Green Transition and Vice-President of the Commission, speaks to journalists. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

The European Commission has approved German state aid worth 623 million ($729 million) for two semiconductor factories.

Manufacturer GlobalFoundries will receive a grant of 495 million to adjust and expand its existing site in the eastern German city of Dresden to produce semiconductors for the aerospace, defence and critical infrastructure markets, the commission said on Thursday.

X-FAB will receive a grant worth 128 to build an additional manufacturing facility at its site in Erfurt to produce chip technologies crucial for the automotive, artificial intelligence (AI) and medical sectors.

"Open foundries are vital for boosting competition and innovation in Europe's semiconductor sector," said European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera.

The aid "will allow the creation of two new facilities that Europe does not yet have, helping to reduce our dependence on foundries outside the EU and strengthening the resilience of Europe's entire industry," she said.

The European Commission has to approve state aid provided by capitals to ensure a fair playing field between the European Union's 27 members.
As the Orange County School Board considers closing schools, the Governor is defending a charter school program.

Autumn Ewings daughter attends kindergarten at Bonneville Elementary, which is one of 7 schools that the Orange County Public School district may close. She is trying to keep it open. We have put together a petition to help save our school and we ask anybody we can to sign the petition and help us keep Bonneville doors open. Currently, there are 380 students, but theres room for 938 kids.

The Orange County School District reports that enrollment has decreased by 8,000 students over the last three years. Some blame the loss on demographic changes. Board members acknowledged that many students are going to private schools, charter schools, or being home-schooled. This is happening as approved charter schools, known as Schools of Hope, are requesting to relocate into under-enrolled campuses. A new state law lets them do that for free. At the same time, public schools cover the costs of maintenance and cafeteria expenses. Governor Ron DeSantis defended the program, saying its not creating a loss for districts. If they want to sell a building, they can sell a building. I mean, its not gonna be a fiscal drain on them.

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The Governor says Schools of Hope are only going to the toughest areas where kids need more help. Floridas Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas says those schools also get funding. The budget also includes 20-million dollars for the Schools of Hope program to establish, open, and operate within the neighborhoods of Floridas chronic Floridas chronically struggling public schools.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled his $117 billion budget proposal on Wednesday morning.

It calls for a spending increase of roughly two percent, or $2.6 billion, over the current state budget - the first time the total budget might increase year-over-year since 2022.

What the budget does is it builds off the success that weve had. This budget is entitled Floridians First because thats the focus of it, putting our people first and making sure were good stewards, but also making sure that folks, the needs that we have are being addressed, said DeSantis.

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During his budget address, the Governor highlighted a record $30.6 billion for K-12 public schools and nearly $1.6 billion specifically for teacher pay raises.

Theres also $2 billion for state colleges, $6 billion for universities, $106 million for school hardening, and $20 million for Schools of Hope charter schools.

Despite the claims of unions, activist school board members and the media, under Governor DeSantis leadership, Florida is investing in education at record levels across multiple areas, said Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas.

State Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) argued on education, the Governors budget leaves more questions than answers.

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Its unclear exactly what level private school scholarships will be funded at, and how the major funding boost for Schools of Hope, which can now co-locate in many public schools, will impact traditional public schools.

And of course its forcing public schools to potentially close for fear of this co-location scheme, said Eskamani.

The Governor wants to see nearly $30 billion split between FDOT and the states transportation work program.

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Hes also requesting $13.5 million for law enforcement pay raises, $25 million to continue funding $5,000 recruitment bonuses, and a combined $160 million for the state and national guards.

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On the healthcare front, he wants $278 million for cancer research, $8.6 million for veterans nursing home improvements, $159 million for behavioral health services, and $31.8 million for opioid addiction services.

Continuing with his record investments in Everglades restoration, hes calling for an additional $1.4 billion this year, along with $208 million for coastal resilience and restoration.

The Governor has still not unveiled a detailed plan for his number one ask this year: The elimination of property taxes on primary households.

However, he has asked for $300 million in next years budget to help backfill the budgets of fiscally constrained counties, should the legislature follow through on his top priority.

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But Eskamani said, unlike in previous years, she predicts this year, the Governors budget proposal may carry a lot less weight, given ongoing tensions between his office and the House Speaker.

Governor Ron DeSantis avoided sharing any details of this budget because I think he knows the legislature is going to ignore him, said Eskamani.

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A federal grand jury has declined to indict Letitia James, the New York attorney general, on mortgage fraud charges for the second time in a week, according to a person familiar with the matter, in an embarrassing blow to the Trump justice department as the president has sought retribution against one of his political rivals.

The department has attempted to twice file new charges against James after a judge dismissed an indictment against her after determining the prosecutor handling the case had not been properly appointed.

A decision by a federal grand jury is extremely rare. Only prosecutors appear before a grand jury and defendants do not to offer evidence in their support of their case. There is a legal axiom that any good prosecutor can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich, underscoring the power prosecutors have over grand juries.

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The justice department declined to comment.

For the second time in seven days, the Department of Justice has failed in its clear attempt to fulfill President Trumps political vendetta against Attorney General James. This unprecedented rejection makes even clearer that this case should never have seen the light of day, said Abbe Lowell, a lawyer representing James. This case already has been a stain on this Departments reputation and raises troubling questions about its integrity. Any further attempt to revive these discredited charges would be a mockery of our system of justice.

James was charged with one count of bank fraud and one count of making a false statement in connection with a home in Norfolk, Virginia in 2020. Prosecutors say James committed a crime because she indicated on mortgage paperwork that the purchase would serve as her second home, but then rented it out. James denies wrongdoing and experts have said the allegations are thin. The New York Times reported James niece lives in the home.

Career prosecutors did not think there was sufficient evidence to file charges against James and were subsequently fired. The initial case was personally presented by Lindsey Halligan, a Trump ally installed to be the acting US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia. In November, a federal judge dismissed the case after ruling that Halligan was improperly appointed to the post. The criminal case against James Comey, the former FBI director, was dismissed on similar grounds.

Nothing prevented the justice department from trying to refile the case and they did so last week before a federal grand jury in Norfolk. A career attorney brought in from Missouri to work on the case, Roger Keller, handled that presentation, which was rejected. The office could again seek to refile charges against James with a different grand jury.
WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - A federal grand jury in Virginia refused to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday on allegations of mortgage fraud for the second time since a judge dismissed charges against her last month, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The decision marks the latest rebuke to the Justice Department under President Donald Trump as it pursues perceived political enemies of the Republican president.

U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie last month dismissed a mortgage-related criminal case against James, an elected Democrat, finding the prosecutor who brought it, Trump ally Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for Virginia's Eastern District. Thursday's decision marks the second time a grand jury has rejected prosecutors' attempts to revive the case.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch, Jasper Ward and Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Ryan Patrick Jones)
AP Photo/Seth Wenig

A federal grand jury in Virginia refused to reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud for the second time in a week, according to a report by ABC News.

James drew President Donald Trumps ire when her office prosecuted him, the Trump Org, and several of his family members, and she was charged with mortgage fraud by the presidents former attorney and his handpicked appointee as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindsey Halligan.

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Halligan also charged former FBI Director James Comey with making a false statement to Congress and obstruction of a congressional proceeding.

Both James and Comey pleaded not guilty. These prosecutions were widely panned as lacking in legal merit, even by numerous conservatives, with many viewing the cases as a politically motivated revenge tour on behalf of an aggrieved president.

In November, U.S. District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie for the District of South Carolina, a Clinton appointee, dismissed the cases against James and Comey, ruling that Halligan was unlawfully appointed, among other reasons.

In Comeys case, Currie noted that the full grand jury never saw the full indictment and that the statute of limitations had passed. Nonetheless, Trumps Department of Justice has confirmed it is trying to bring a new indictment against Comey.

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On December 4, the DOJ attempted to get a federal grand jury based in Norfolk in the Eastern District of Virginia to indict James again but failed.

Just one week later, ABC News Washington Managing Editor Katherine Faulders reported that a Virginia grand jury had once again refused to indict James for alleged mortgage fraud, citing sources who spoke to her and her colleagues Alex Mallin and Nicholas Kerr.

NEWS  For a second time in a week, a federal grand jury in Virginia has refused to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud, sources tell me, @alex_mallin & @newsfromnick  Katherine Faulders (@KFaulders) December 11, 2025

The second grand jury was based in Alexandria, according to CNN.

This is a breaking news story and has been updated.

The post Grand Jury Refuses to Reindict Trump Foe Letitia James for Mortage Fraud  For Second Time in a Week first appeared on Mediaite.
An immigrant from Mexico who has been held at the Dodge County Jail since June  despite being ordered released on bond  is arguing his ongoing detention is illegal.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin has filed a motion asking an appeals court to release him ahead of his Dec. 17 asylum hearing.

Jaciel Cirrus Rojas, 24, has lived in the U.S. for seven years and has no criminal convictions, ACLU attorney Jen Bizzotto said. A Milwaukee area resident, he has worked as a cook and in construction. He was picked up in a Racine immigration raid as "collateral damage"  he was not the intended target of the operation, Bizzotto said  and he has not seen his partner and 1-year-old child for six months.

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The case of Cirrus Rojas highlights a policy change under President Donald Trump's administration in which immigrants are detained, then denied bond. Immigration policy advocates say it's a reversal of decades of precedent that allowed immigrants who had lived in the U.S. for years, and weren't flight or safety risks, to post bond and live in the community while their deportation cases played out.

Jaciel Cirrus Rojas, 24, is pictured with his daughter, who he has not seen since he was detained six months ago, in this undated handout photo. Cirrus Rojas has lived in the U.S. since 2018.

The Trump administration's policy bucks a longstanding interpretation of a law requiring the mandatory detention of immigrants who are seeking admission at a port of entry. The administration is arguing the detention rule applies not just to people arriving at the border, but also to people who have lived in the U.S. for years.

More: A Venezuelan nanny can return to Madison for now. Her husband cannot.

A federal judge in California in late November ruled the Trump administration's policy change was illegal. That judge said the government must offer immigrants bond hearings, and she granted class action status to all immigrants held under the mandatory detention policy. The ruling could affect thousands of detainees.

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"They should be entitled to bond hearings," Bizzotto said. "Were paying to detain these people, in a lot of cases for no reason at all."

Cirrus Rojas' ACLU attorneys argue he's part of that class.

The twists and turns in Cirrus Rojas' case over recent months are complex:

After Cirrus Rojas was detained June 3, he was placed in jail to await an asylum hearing on his claims he fears torture and persecution if he were to return to Mexico. An immigration judge in July granted him release on a $1,500 bond and said he was not a flight risk or a danger to public safety.

Then, the federal government immediately appealed the case, which automatically paused the judge's order. Cirrus Rojas had to remain in custody.

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By mid-October, a federal administrative body called the Board of Immigration Appeals struck down the judge's order granting Cirrus Rojas bond. The board relied on its decision that the mandatory detention rule applies to everyone.

Then, in late October, the ACLU and Cirrus Rojas took his case to federal Judge Brett Ludwig in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Ludwig denied motions to release him. Ludwig was appointed by Trump in 2020.

Dodge County Detention Center, pictured in 2019.

The ACLU asserts that Ludwig's decision was the only denial among at least 30 similar cases in the federal Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals region, which covers parts of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

Cirrus Rojas' attorneys are now asking the Seventh Circuit appeals court to grant an emergency order allowing him to be released by Dec. 15. He needs time out of custody to prepare for his asylum hearing with his attorneys, they said.

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Dodge County Jail is the only detention center in Wisconsin used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in which immigrants can be held long-term.

Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: ACLU argues immigrant is being held illegally at Dodge County Jail
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib reveals footage of Hamas hiding baby formula in Gaza during the hunger crisis. Israels Foreign Ministry condemns Hamas for using civilians' suffering for political gain.

Hamas terrorists deliberately hid baby formula over the past six months in clandestine warehouses belonging to Hamas's Health Ministry, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib accused on X/Twitter on Wednesday.

Alkhatib, a Gazan native and anti-Hamas activist who resides in the US, shared video footage of the "literal tons of infant formula and nutritional shakes," which he says were hidden "during the worst of the days of the hunger crisis."

"Now, activists in the Strip are documenting the waste and deliberate disposal of tons of infant formula, nutritional childrens shake, and childrens powdered milk, which Hamas had hoarded away, given the saturation of the coastal enclave with humanitarian aid after the ceasefire two months ago," he wrote.

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"What those in the West continue to fail to understand is that there is no being pro-Palestine without also having a serious vigilance against Hamass continued manipulation of international public opinion to hide behind the Strip's civilian population's suffering, something that the terrorist organizations own actions have led to and created," he continued.

"Never allow yourself to be a useful idiot in Hamass propaganda. You can have compassion for the real suffering of the Palestinian civilians of Gaza, and demand Israeli action to facilitate aid entry into the coastal enclave, while still holding Hamas accountable for its part in causing a hunger and starvation crisis in the first place," he concluded.

Hamas terrorists carrying clubs and firearms secure humanitarian aid trucks in the northern Gaza area of Jabaliya on June 25, 2025. (credit: TPS-IL)

Foreign Ministry: Hamas are willing to starve their own people for political gain

Israel's Foreign Ministry responded to the footage, saying "Hamas will starve their own people if it can be leveraged into political gain."

"Creating the crisis and branding it a tragedy is their playbook," the Foreign Ministry accused.

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Israel's ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also reacted, citing former prime minister Golda Meir who said that "Peace will come only when the Palestinians will love their children more than they hate us."

"Until then, we will continue to expose the truth and protect Israeli citizens," Danon wrote.
A lucky dog is safe and sound after being rescued from an icy lake in New Hampshire over the weekend.

Fire department crews in Salem, New Hampshire, rushed to Canobie Lake on Saturday after receiving reports of a dog that had wandered onto the frozen surface and fallen through into the dangerously cold water below.

After getting to the lake, the rescue team quickly deployed an inflatable raft to reach the stranded animal. Dramatic photos shared by the fire department show the tense moments as rescuers navigated across the partially frozen lake.

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One of the firefighters, suited up in protective cold-water gear, got in the water to help lift the dog into the raft.

After the rescue, a spokesperson for the department shared images of the rescue operation on social media, writing, "We were able to successfully save the dog."

Salem Fire Department

The rescue is a reminder that pet owners should remember to keep their animals away from frozen bodies of water, especially this time of year, when ice surfaces may not yet be thick enough to safely support weight.
Tennessee death row inmate Harold Wayne Nichols was executed by lethal injection Dec. 11 at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville.

Nichols, 64, was pronounced dead at 10:39 a.m. He was on death row for 35 years.

Nichols was sentenced to death for the brutal beating and rape of 20-year-old Karen Pulley in Chattanooga.

His last words were, To the people Ive harmed, Im sorry. To my family, know that I love you. To my friends, I love each one of you. Beyond that, I know where Im going. Im ready to go home."

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Jeff Monroe, Pulley's brother-in-law, spoke on behalf of Pulley's family after the execution. He expressed gratitude to the Chattanooga Police Department, the Tennessee Attorney General's Office and the Tennessee Department of Correction.

"No punishment can ever atone for the loss of Karen's life or the damage done to our family, nor is there a punishment that can heal the many victims and families forever broken, battered and scarred by this man," Monroe said. "But this is a start. We are relieved that the nightmare is over and take comfort knowing he never again will be able to hurt anyone else."

Nichols' attorneys, who say Nichols had gone through a deep personal transformation and rehabilitation on death row, said in a statement after his death that Nichols' execution "sent the message that no one can rise beyond the crimes they committed decades earlier and that redemption deserves no mercy."

"Executing Wayne served but one goal: retribution," attorneys Justyna Scalpone and Deborah Drew from the Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender and Stephen Ferrell, Susanne Bale and Luke Ihnen from the Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee said.

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Nichols' spiritual advisor JR Davis, who was with him when he died, said Nichols "turned his heart over to the lord" during his years in prison. He read a poem written by Nichols.

"Start with your family, with your daughters and your sons. Tell them you love them when each day is done. Go to your neighbor, who once you did spite, and seek forgiveness, then make things right," the last words of the poem said.

Watch witness statements

Harold Wayne Nichols' crimes

On Sept. 30, 1988, Nichols parked near Pulleys Brainerd area home in Chattanooga where she lived with two other women, according to federal court records. Nichols armed himself with a two-by-four piece of lumber, climbed through a bathroom window and found Pulley alone in her bed.

He struck her in the head before he raped her, court records said. When he was done, he hit her again with the piece of lumber, crushing her skull. She died at the hospital the next day.

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"Our family was destroyed by evil that night," Monroe said after the execution.

In total, during a three-month crime spree spanning from September 1988 to January 1989, Nichols raped or attempted to rape at least 12 women. Pulley was the first known victim of Nichols.

Upon his arrest, he confessed "primarily to set the record straight because the police had been falsely accusing him of other rapes, assaults and even child molestation, that he had not committed," court records said.

On the day of his murder trial, Nichols pleaded guilty.

Karen Pulley, 20, was beaten and raped in her Chattanooga area home Sept. 30, 1988, before she died the next day as a result of her injuries.

For all his crimes, Nichols was sentenced to the maximum punishment allowed for each charge  more than 200 years for 12 rapes, attempted rape and burglary charges and death for the murder charge.

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Nichols provided little explanation for his actions, but admitted in testimony that if he were to remain free he'd have continued assaulting women. During the sentencing phase for the murder trial, testimony revealed a history of sudden abandonment, when both his mother and grandmother died, and abuse by his father. Several psychologists concluded he had intermittent explosive disorder, characterized by repeated, sudden bouts of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts.

It appears that there was an increasing anger or rage building within Mr. Nichols which was never adequately tempered, modified or depleted. As a consequence, he appears to be an individual who on the surface is placid, passive, ineffectual, and non-threatening. Yet, underneath the surface there are raging tensions, anger, and hostilities which periodically exploded into the aforementioned violent acts, clinical psychologist Eric Engum wrote in his report.

Pulley's sister, Lisette Monroe, in an interview prior to Nichols' execution, said she believed Nichols' execution would provide closure and healing.

She was a young, innocent, good Christian woman, Lisette Monroe said. A young girl who never hurt anyone. He definitely needs to be put to death.

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Jeff Monroe said Pulley's family will concentrate on their happy memories with her moving forward.

Execution description

Media witnesses saw Nichols for only 12 minutes.

Witnesses, including Nichols' sister, were led one way from a holding room in Riverbend Maximum Security Institution to the parole board room before the execution. His attorney and spiritual advisor were led another way at 9:46 a.m.

It wasn't until 10:17 a.m. the witnesses were moved into a chamber adjacent to the execution room. The lights were turned off, and a microphone was turned on projecting into the witness chamber. His attorney then entered the room.

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When the curtain opened at 10:35 a.m., Nichols was strapped to the gurney and an intravenous line was in his right arm. There was a bit of blood around the IV insertion site. A white sheet covered his feet and legs and was pulled up to his belly button. His right hand was covered by the sheet.

Seat-belt like straps criss-crossed across his chest. Nichols looked up at the ceiling through thick black-rimmed glasses.

A voice asked Nichols if he had any final words. He said yes, then spoke in measured sentences, his voice pitching up at times as he tried to rein in his tears. He apologized to his victims, and told friends and family he loved them.

His sister sobbed, clutching tissues in her hand.

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After delivering his final words, the fatal chemicals started flowing into his body. Davis, who stood to Nichols' left, held a Bible open with one hand and touched the condemned's shoulder with the other.

Together the two repeated Psalm 23 and the Lord's Prayer, both of their voices cracking with emotion. Nichols said, "I'm sorry," at least twice.

The spiritual advisor said, "Go in peace my friend," and Nichols nodded.

Nichols sighed, groaned and took several deep breaths at 10:30 a.m. He appeared to stop moving at 10:31 a.m. His face turned bright red, and his chest no longer appeared to rise and fall. Then an employee, obscured by the wall to Nichols' left, opened a small sliding door, placed what appeared to be a white rock and closed the door.

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Around 10:35 a.m., Nichols' face paled from red to purple.

The blinds closed at 10:37 a.m., but the microphone remained on, broadcasting sounds of shuffling and sniffling. At 10:39 a.m. a man's voice read the time, then a second voice declared Nichols' sentence had been carried out by the state of Tennessee.

Harold Wayne Nichols' appeals process

Harold Nichols is on death row after pleading guilty to the rape and murder of college student Karen Pulley in Chattanooga in 1988. The state prosecuted and convicted him for 12 other rapes.

His case went through the appeals process for decades.

Attorneys for Nichols argued his trial attorneys were ineffective in various ways and that the order of the trials was prejudicial. Despite Pulley being Nichols' first known victim, he went to trial or pleaded guilty to the other crimes first. Those convictions then enhanced his criminal status allowing the state to seek the strictest punishment for the murder case  a death sentence.

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"The facts of this case make it one of the more tragic and disturbing cases that I have heard in years," Judge Boyce Martin Jr. wrote in concurrence of a federal appeals court ruling affirming the trial court's verdicts. "While Nichols' actions are despicable, I cannot ignore the fact that his actions were committed in the late 1980s and that he was convicted in 1990."

Nichols was supposed to be executed in 1994, before his appeals delayed that, Martin's statement said.

"I have been on this bench since 1979, and for 23 of my 34 years as a judge on this Court this case has been moving through our justice system, consuming countless judicial hours, money, legal resources, and providing no closure for the families of the victims," Martin wrote.

Nichols also challenged Tennessee's new lethal injection protocol in court in 2025, but judges dismissed his lawsuit.

He sought clemency from Gov. Bill Lee based on the testimony of friends, lawyers, jurors and former prosecutors.

Abe Bonowitz, co-founder of Death Penalty Action, speaks to protesters after reading a message from death row inmate Harold Wayne Nichols, scheduled for execution Dec. 11, outside Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tennessee, on Dec. 7, 2025.

Six jurors on his murder trial said in sworn statements they would not again sentence Nichols to death. Several said they chose the death penalty to ensure Nichols would not be released from prison but did not believe he would be executed. When Nichols was sentenced in 1990, Tennessee had not executed anyone in 30 years. All life sentences at that time carried the possibility of parole, and jurors said they feared Nichols being released.

The district attorney's office in Hamilton County in 2017 reached an agreement with Nichols' attorneys to change his sentence to life in prison. Judge Don Ash refused to let the agreement take effect.

Many who knew Nichols asked the governor for clemency because they said he had changed as a person since he committed the crimes. They said he had shown remorse and rehabilitation, which Nichols largely credited to Pulley's mother forgiving him for his crimes after his sentencing. In a 2025 apology letter, he wrote to Pulley: "Your life was cut short by me. I am accountable to you.

"Through years of difficult self-work and coming to terms with his own trauma and the pain he caused others, Wayne became, against all odds, a trustworthy, responsible, and compassionate person, greatly respected and loved by many," Nichols' attorneys said. "He transformed into the man that Ann Pulley, Karen Pulleys mother, had challenged him to become 35 years ago."

Protesters hold vigil outside prison, online

Just under 30 people against the death penalty were gathered in the fenced-off area outside of Riverbend Maximum Security Institution at 9:30 a.m. There was one man, Rick Laude, in the fenced-off area reserved for people in favor of the death penalty.

David Bass was in the anti-death penalty group. He said he's not an activist but felt compelled to attend the protest, to be as close as physically possible to the people inside the prison. He's gotten to know several of them over the 200 visits he has made to death row.

Rob Green, left, embraces Sam Shideler after talking with Bebe Harton, all of Nashville, in the anti death penalty protest area before the execution of Harold Wayne Nichols at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.

"I think some people view this as a protest, and that's fine," Bass said. "I'm certainly against the death penalty. But then there are others who view it as a vigil. We're here to be in community."

Three people incarcerated in Riverbend called into the vigil through Bass' phone. Terry King, who is on death row, said that proximity to death row inmates changes people's minds about the death penalty. That's what happened to Bass, whose friend initially got him involved with visiting the prison.

Many at the protest Dec. 11 had been to one before. But it was the first time for Vanderbilt University Divinity School graduate student Brennan Perkins, 23.

Perkins was moved by a separate vigil for Nichols on Dec. 9, and that motivated him to show up the morning of Nichols' execution.

"There was something special about that evening specifically," he said about the Dec. 9 vigil.

Tennessee faith voices mourned the death of Nichols during a virtual vigil that began at 10 a.m., when the execution was scheduled to begin. Rachel Kiesel Ryan, who works with Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, described Nichols as a human being capable of growth, capable of repentance."

Tennessee's three Catholic bishops and the state's Episcopal bishops issued a separate statement in November calling for an end to the death penalty.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee executes death row inmate Harold Wayne Nichols
By Jason Lange and James Oliphant

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Recent electoral victories have given Democrats increasing hope of taking back one and perhaps both houses of the U.S. Congress in next years midterm elections, but a new Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that some of that enthusiasm may be premature.

Republicans hold a greater advantage with older voters, who are more likely to turn out during non-presidential years. And those voters may be less swayed by the kind of cost-of-living issues that have animated recent Democratic campaigns, the poll found.

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The poll shows there is still a lot of work ahead for Democrats to unify their base and to demonstrate they can meet the moment, said Joel Payne, a longtime Democratic strategist.

Democratic candidates have in recent months been able to leverage voters concerns about the economy and President Donald Trumps overall unpopularity into a series of wins that have injected energy into a party that was moribund after Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris' loss last year.

The most recent victory was in Miami, where Eileen Higgins on Tuesday became the first Democrat in almost 30 years to be elected mayor. That came on the heels of Democrat Mikie Sherrill winning the New Jersey governors race and Democrat Abigail Spanberger being elected Virginias governor last month.

WARNING SIGN FOR DEMOCRATS

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But the Reuters/Ipsos poll contains some blinking-red warning signs heading into a year where the party needs a net gain of three seats to win back control of the U.S. House of Representatives and a net gain of four seats to take the Senate.

Some 46% of U.S. voters aged 50 and older said they planned to vote for the Republican running in their congressional district, 8 percentage points more than the 38% who said they would vote Democrat, according to the poll, which concluded on Monday.

The strong Republican lead marks a significant change from past midterm election cycles, held midway through U.S. presidential terms.

In December 2021 - ahead of the last midterm elections - older voters favored Republicans by only a single point - 43% to 42%. In the same month ahead of the 2018 election, when Democrats ended up winning the House, they had a small lead among older Americans age 50 and up, 40% to 38%.

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As they have traditionally, Democrats enjoy an advantage among younger voters. The poll gave them an 11-point lead on the generic congressional ballot among voters under 50 -- 42% to 31%. Summing together voters of all ages in the latest poll, 40% picked Democrats and 39% picked Republicans, pointing to a tightly divided country.

OLDER VOTERS MORE OFTEN TURN UP IN MIDTERMS

But older voters are deemed more reliable voters in midterm elections, meaning there is some chance that key parts of the Democratic base wont show up without Trump on the ballot.

Doug Sosnik, a former political adviser to former President Bill Clinton, said that Democrats now excel at turning out high-propensity voters except when it comes to older Americans, which could pose a problem next year.

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You have to look at everything through the prism of the midterm, Sosnik said.

Voters over 50 made up 56% of the electorate in last year's presidential elections but comprised 64% of voters in the 2022 midterm contests, according to an analysis by the Pew Research Center. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, which surveyed 4,434 adults nationwide, found 60% of older voters strongly agree with a statement that they would regret not voting in next year's congressional elections, compared to 40% of younger voters who said the same.

That pattern played out in the recent gubernatorial elections, where both Sherrill and Spanberger managed to squeeze enough support from older voters to prevail. Both won about two-thirds of voters under 45, according to exit polls conducted by a consortium of networks including CNN, but a bare majority of voters 45 and over.

Reaching those voters may remain a challenge. Affordability was a central theme to both Sherrill's and Spanberger's campaigns, as well as Higgins candidacy in Miami. But the Reuters/Ipsos poll found that older voters are less likely to cite the cost of living as the most important issue for how they will vote next year. While five in 10 voters age 18-49 said the cost of living was the top issue, just four in 10 older voters said the same.

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OLDER VOTERS HAVE DIFFERENT WORRIES

Older voters may be more insulated from day-to-day worries, Sosnik said: Wealth creates an environment of a different set of issue concerns.

Some 27% of voters age 50 and up said democratic values and norms were the most important factors, compared to 22% of younger voters. People also differed by age in which democratic values were most pressing, with older folks more likely than younger voters to cite the dangers of noncitizens voting and election fraud.

In addition, some 19% of voters age 50 and up said immigration was their top concern, compared to 12% of younger voters -- an area where Republicans have historically kept an edge.

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Sosnik said that Democrats dont need to revamp their message next year but rather must tweak it to draw older voters, making prosperity an issue for all age groups.

That means, he said, going beyond job creation and affordability to making it easier for Americans to build careers and accumulate wealth.

The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted online, had a margin of error of 2 percentage points among all registered voters, including those age 50 and up. Among younger voters, the margin of error was 3 percentage points.

(Reporting by Jason Lange and Jim Oliphant; Editing by Scott Malone and Lisa Shumaker)
The governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday in response to heavy rain in the Pacific north-west state since an atmospheric river smacked the region a day earlier with rains that triggered mudslides and washed out roads and submerged vehicles.

The emergency declaration, Ferguson said, allows us to seek federal funds to cover the cost of this response, which we anticipate will be significant, and also gives us the flexibility we need to respond quickly to keep Washingtonians safe in a fast-moving situation.

The Washington governor also told the public he was requesting an expedited emergency declaration from the federal government and has activated the states national guard to respond to flooding. By tonight, well have 100 national guard service members staging, ready to respond to requests for help. Tomorrow, well have 300, Ferguson said.

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Fergusons appeal for help from the Trump administration comes four months after the Democratic governor denounced a threat from the US attorney general, Pam Bondi, to jail him over his states sanctuary policies, and refusal to cooperate with Trumps mass deportation effort. Washington state will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations, Ferguson said in August.

In Washington, rain over the states watersheds and mountains are causing rivers to rise, potentially imperiling homes, livestock and lives in valleys from Mount Rainier to Mount Baker, the Seattle Times reported. Rivers, including the Carbon, Cedar, Elwha and Snohomish are forecast to rise close to record heights.

Farmer Ryan Lichttenegger told the outlet that his community outside Fall City, near the Snoqualmie River, is accustomed to floods but that this one feels unusual.

Ive seen many floods come and go, and Ive never seen water come in and out of this barn like it has, he said. Its really devastating to have a flooding event like this happen before Christmas time. We have lost quite a bit.

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Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Portland noted that the heavy rain has mainly shifted north of the Willamette Valley, offering some relief to north-west Oregon.

Meteorologists said areas in the Cascade mountain range were receiving impressive rain rates near or exceeding a half-inch per hour.

After a brief lull, rivers across western Washington are on the rise again this morning. Flows are rising very quickly, so travel with caution and NEVER drive into water flowing over the road, the National Weather Service in Seattle posted on X.

Atmospheric rivers that are strong and slow-moving can produce heavy rain that can lead to flooding, especially along the west coast of the US in the winter season. This atmospheric river extends over 3,500 miles (5,600km) west into the Pacific Ocean, between Alaskas Aleutian Islands and Hawaii.

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Washington is experiencing a three-year drought, but the atmospheric river is forecast as an AR5, the top of the scale for strength and among the strongest and longest lasting in the region seen since 1959, Samuel Bartlett, a meteorologist with the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California, San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography, told the outlet.

Rainfall from the storm could reach 2in to 4in across lower elevations and 10in higher up in the Cascades, alongside 45mph gusts of wind and temperatures up to the mid-50s F. The weather service forecast more than a foot of new snow in the northern Rockies in north-western Wyoming.

Since Monday, areas in the Washington and north-west Oregon Cascades, Olympics and coastal ranges have seen 5in to 10in of rain. Landslides in steeper terrain could be compounded by debris flows in areas recently burned by wildfires, NWS Seattle said.

Along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Portland, firefighters rescued five people who tried to drive on flooded roads, including a semi-truck driver, said a spokesperson for Lewis county fire protection district 5.

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Police said deputies went door to door in certain neighborhoods to warn residents of imminent flooding, and evacuated a mobile home park along the Snohomish River, north-east of Seattle.

With conditions set to worsen, Harrison Rademacher, a meteorologist with the weather service in Seattle, told the Associated Press that the atmospheric river soaking the region is a jet stream of moisture stretching across the Pacific Ocean with the nozzle pushing right along the coast of Oregon and Washington.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Nevada Department of Corrections has transferred former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III from a minimum-security transitional housing center in Las Vegas to a medium-security prison in Northern Nevada.

While the Nevada Department of Corrections will not say why, a response to an inquiry from the 8 News Now Investigators indicates Ruggs may have broken a rule.

>>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app

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We cant disclose specific information on offenders, a spokesperson wrote in an email. However, in general, an offender who commits infractions while at a lower-level custody, depending on the nature and severity, they could be reverted back to a higher level of custody.

Ruggs, 26, was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison on Aug. 9, 2023. He pleaded guilty to driving drunk at 156 mph and crashing into a car, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. The crash happened in November 2021. Prosecutors said Ruggs blood-alcohol level was 0.16, which is twice the legal limit.

Mural to remember Tina Tintor and her dog Max near the corner of Rainbow and Spring Valley. (Image: KLAS)

Ruggs is currently housed at Northern Nevada Correctional Center, a medium-security prison in Carson City, after he had been housed at Casa Grande Transitional Center.

This marks at least four transfers within the Nevada state prison system for Ruggs.

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Henry Ruggs transferred to Las Vegas transitional housing facility

Before the transfer to Northern Nevada Correctional Center, Ruggs was considered a community trusty, also referred to as a community trustee, and deemed a low risk to escape and less likely to break rules.

Inmates are also allowed movement for the purpose of a work assignment outside of a secured perimeter without direct supervision, according to prison regulations.

Before his October 2024 transfer to the Las Vegas transitional housing center, Ruggs worked in the Governors Mansion for $2.50 an hour while he was housed at Stewart Conservation Camp in northern Nevada, a facility that houses minimum custody and community trusty inmates.

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Ex-Las Vegas Raider Henry Ruggs working at Nevada Governors Mansion while serving prison sentence

Former Las Vegas Raiders player Henry Ruggs appears in court Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Las Vegas. Ruggs plead guilty to driving his car drunk before causing a fiery crash that killed a woman. (AP Photo/John Locher)

An inmate who is considered to be a community trusty may be assigned to jobs in buildings, grounds work, parks and recreation and the Governors Mansion, which includes cleaning, groundwork and help with events.

Ruggs is up for parole in August 2026.

I wish I could turn back the hands of time: Henry Ruggs speaks for first time since sentencing in Las Vegas deadly DUI crash

Ruggs began serving his sentence at High Desert State Prison, records showed. The prison, the largest in the department, is a 45-minute drive northwest of Las Vegas. Ruggs was transferred to Stewart Conservation Camp in September 2023, according to the department.



Ruggs was initially charged with DUI resulting in death, DUI resulting in bodily harm, two counts of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm, and possession of a firearm while under the influence.

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An attorney representing Ruggs was unavailable for comment Monday.

To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.

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.
Eight people, including multiple high school track and field runners, were hurt as a car hit pedestrians in Anaheim Wednesday afternoon.

The crash occurred at about 3:30 p.m. at Harbor Boulevard and North Street, officials said.

Mike Lyster, a city of Anaheim spokesperson, said nine total people were hurt, one of whom is the driver.

Of the seven others, at least several of them are runners for Anaheim High School. One of them is in critical condition.

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Police confirmed the male driver was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. His identity has not been released.

Footage from the scene shows a red Toyota compact sedan that crashed into a brick wall, with many hurt people nearby.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
LANSING  House Republicans made rare use of a legislative tool Wednesday, Dec. 10 to axe about $645 million in program spending that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration wanted to carry over from the 2025 fiscal year.

The cuts impact dozens of programs across nearly all state departments, plus agencies of the Legislature. According to a memo from the House Fiscal Agency, they include:

$159.3 million from Make it in Michigan competitiveness grants;

$102.6 million from community enhancement grants;

$63.5 million from infrastructure grants;

$50 million from Indigent Defense Commission grants;

$18.5 million from a prenatal and infant support program;

$3 million from local food infrastructure;

$368,600 from an ombudsman program for Michigan veterans

House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township

Full details of the cuts were not immediately clear, since each spending line item the committee cut could contain many individual spending allocations, and those were not detailed in the House Fiscal Agency memo released Dec. 10.

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In each case, the money was appropriated as boilerplate in the 2025 budget approved in 2024, when Democrats held a trifecta, controlling the governor's office and both chambers of the Legislature. With the money partly unspent at the end of the 2025 fiscal year, the State Budget Office had requested that the programs be converted to work projects, so the programs could continue without seeking new legislative approval. Instead, the money will be returned to state coffers so it can be appropriated for other purposes.

The Detroit Free Press reported in September that use of work projects to carry over funding from one year to the next had grown by billions since the COVID-19 pandemic and that House Republicans were considering invoking a provision of state law that allows the appropriations committee in either chamber to deny work project requests without requiring a vote of the full Legislature.

"I don't think these departments realized we were serious until today," House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said at a Dec. 10 news conference.

Democrats blasted the move.

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Matt Hall is moving Michigan backward, putting his extreme agenda ahead of the needs of Michiganders," House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, said in a news release.

"Blocking hundreds of millions in job-creating investments and critical programs to help Michigan families thrive is irresponsible and a direct hit on workers and communities across our state, said House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri.

Though Hall said the cuts included some worthy programs that he expects Republicans will vote to restore in a supplemental spending bill early next year, he said the work project denials made by the House Appropriations Committee, in a mostly party line vote, were part of ongoing efforts by his caucus to cut "waste, fraud and abuse," in state government. Hall said money carried over in the form of work projects, instead of lapsing to the general fund or other state funds, as it normally would at the end of the year, amounted to creation of "slush funds" inside state government.

More: Michigan legislators move on economic development in year-end sprint

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The administration takes a $2 million line item, spends $1.82 million, and "they try to pocket the rest," Hall said at the news conference, where he was joined by Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton, chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

In rejecting $645 million in new, non-statutory work projects, the House Appropriations Committee on Dec. 10 OK'd other work projects totaling about $2 billion, which were also requested by the State Budget Office in a letter sent to lawmakers Nov. 14 of this year. Hall and Bollin said that the chairs of appropriations subcommittees had been studying the work project requests since then. In some cases, good spending had to be cut, along with the bad because a line item such as "infrastructure grants" contains numerous projects but the Appropriations Committee can only keep or cut the entire line item, not pick and choose among the projects it contains.

The West Michigan Policy Forum, a conservative business group based in Grand Rapids, praised the cuts in a news release.

We applaud the House for standing up for taxpayers and seeking to reign in the spending of hardworking Michigan taxpayers money," said forum President and CEO Jase Bolger, who is a former GOP state House speaker. "Rejecting these rollover schemes is a rare and commendable move that disrupts a long cycle of unchecked spending."

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The ombudsman program for Michigan veteran facilities is actually a position funded in the legislative branch of government, under the Legislative Services Bureau, not on the executive side controlled by Whitmer. Jeff Wiggins, a spokesman for Hall, said Dec. 11 there has been no veteran ombudsman since the end of the 2021 fiscal year, so the ongoing funding should halt and the work project denial does not interrupt an existing service.

The Make it in Michigan program, administered by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, is a pool of money intended to be used to increase the state's competitiveness by providing matching funds to obtain federal funding in the areas of infrastructure, mobility and electrification, climate and the environment, economic development, health and public safety, according to a state website.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: House GOP axes $645M from funds aiding infrastructure, children, vets
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House on Thursday dismissed an effort to impeach President Donald Trump brought by Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas, the second time this year that the Democrat's efforts to launch impeachment proceedings have been turned aside.

The House voted 237-140 to shelve Green's impeachment resolution, with 47 Democratic lawmakers voting present. The result was expected, yet suggested a shift in support for bringing charges of impeachment against Trump among House Democrats, who rejected a similar measure by a much wider margin in June.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his deputies said in a statement before the vote that impeachment requires a comprehensive investigative process that had not been undertaken by the Republican majority. Yet the Democratic leaders notably declined to oppose the resolution outright, instead voting present.

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Impeachment is a sacred constitutional vehicle designed to hold a corrupt executive accountable for abuse of power, breaking the law and violating the public trust, they said.

None of that serious work has been done, with the Republican majority focused solely on rubber stamping Donald Trumps extreme agenda. Accordingly, we will be voting present on todays motion," they continued.

Green has said impeachment measures are necessary because he believes Trump has committed high crimes and misdemeanors in his second term, the constitutionally required bar for impeachment and removal from office.

Greens resolution in June accused Trump of bypassing Congress and potentially declaring war on Iran after the administration conducted air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The latest version sought to impeach Trump for threatening Democratic lawmakers in Congress with execution over a social media video urging members of the military to refuse illegal orders.

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He has conducted himself in office such that persons are now threatening members of the judiciary, threatening members of the House of Representatives, threatening members of the Senate, Green said in a brief floor speech before the vote.

Trump was impeached twice in his first term, first in 2019 by a Democratic-majority House over his push for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to open a corruption investigation into the Biden family ahead of the 2020 election. He was impeached a second time in 2021 by the House over his effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election and the riot at the U.S. Capitol. He was acquitted by the Senate both times.

Republicans have begun to warn that Democrats are determined to impeach Trump a third time if they win the majority, pushing it toward the forefront of next year's campaigns. Many of them dismissed Thursday's vote as a distraction.

It shows you they have no agenda. And so this is the kind of stuff that theyve been doing, as opposed to actually trying to solve the American peoples issues, said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican. This is not a surprise, but it just shows you that the Democrats continue to do the same kind of thing theyve been doing for years, which is playing games and not coming up with real solutions.

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Democratic leaders insisted they are not intent on impeaching Trump in his second term and stressed the gravity of such proceedings and the need for a thorough investigation.

Rep. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat and vice chair of the Democratic Caucus, said there are a diversity of views about impeachment in the caucus. He said that House Democrats intend to conduct oversight of the administration should they win a majority in next year's midterms but that a win at the ballot box did not guarantee an impeachment vote.

I think you would have to have an investigation where you actually talk to witnesses and review documents and look at, you know, video and listen to audio. You need to do all of that before any decisions are made, he said.
Mothers with young children are having to leave their jobs as a crackdown on immigrants decreases the amount of available childcare workers. (Photo by Jamie Kelter Davis for The 19th)

A jump in immigration enforcement arrests under the Trump administration is having a detrimental impact on Americas child care system, reducing the number of immigrant workers available and prompting mothers with young children to leave their jobs as they scramble for stable care.

Thats according to a report released Wednesday by the Better Life Lab at the nonprofit New America, which examined how increased arrests during the first half of the year by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has had a ripple effect on a women-led child care workforce where about 1 in 5 workers are immigrants.

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This report was originally published by The 19th. The Illuminator is a founding member of the 19th News Network.

The report estimates there are roughly 39,000 fewer foreign-born child care workers since Trump took office in January. There are also 77,000 fewer American mothers of preschool-aged children in the workforce since that time, a result that researchers found is tied to the impact of ICE arrests. Mothers have already been exiting the workforce in droves.

Its not surprising that we find that disruptions to the child care market vis-a-vis an increase in immigration enforcement has led to a decline in the number of foreign-born workers, and because of the disruptions in the child care market, this has led to spillovers in the labor market for mothers with kids more generally, said Chris M. Herbst, one of the authors of the report and a professor of public policy at Arizona State University whose research includes the economics of child care. These kinds of immigration-induced disruptions have had negative labor market implications.

The group analyzed federal labor statistics and newly compiled ICE arrest data between September 2023 and July 2025 and found that immigrant labor  both among foreign-born and U.S.-born child care workers  decreased as arrests spiked this year and workers tried to avoid being targeted by ICE agents. The report estimates ICE arrests rose more than threefold between December 2024 and June of this year  from just over 8,300 to more than 29,000.

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The dynamics also appear to be shifting some workers away from formal center- and home-based employment settings toward private households in work as a babysitter, nanny or au pair. Those shifts may reduce the total number of spots a day care can offer.

Pay is often under the table, and theres no formal regulation of this sector, Herbst said. We dont know if its high quality, if its low quality, how good the pay is  but what it is is less visible, and workers may feel less vulnerable as a result.

The drop in foreign-born child care workers is most pronounced among highly educated immigrants and those from Mexico. Theres also a 30 percent decrease among Hispanic workers, particularly Mexican workers, born in the United States. ICE agents have also detained U.S. citizens amid widespread arrests.

ICE arrests are having chilling effects on groups that are not eligible for deportation, Herbst said. U.S.-born workers of any race or ethnicity are not eligible for deportation, and the fact that were seeing reductions in U.S.-born employment among Hispanics, in particular Mexicans, speaks potentially to this chilling effect that ICE is having on these workers.

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Herbst said the administration sold mass deportations on the theory that they would unclog the labor market and create more job opportunities for Americans. Thats not what is playing out in the child care industry, which shows how immigrants and U.S. citizens dont always compete for the same jobs.

When a foreign-born worker is not showing up to work anymore because theyre scared, it makes the U.S.-born worker in that program  it makes it more difficult for them to do their jobs because they are doing complementary tasks rather than serving as substitutes for one another.

The changes to the child care workforce are also impacting employment opportunities among U.S. mothers with preschool-aged children, especially White mothers and those who are highly educated.

Parents, mothers in particular, rely on having stable child care available in order to work. And

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when you increase instability in the child care market, essentially by ramping up immigration enforcement, youre scaring the heck out of a lot of workers who are no longer going to show up, Herbst said. Because of that, the nations ability to provide child care services has declined. Families can no longer find the needed child care to go to work, and as a result, were seeing in the data, there are fewer mothers employed.

This is not the first time researchers have examined the impact of immigration enforcement on child care. A federal program aimed at checking the immigration status of people arrested by local police and in effect between 2008 and 2013 also reduced the foreign-born child care work force and decreased the workforce among American mothers with young children.

Trump has made mass immigrant deportation a central policy during his second term. The scope of related arrests and subsequent detentions has included people without criminal backgrounds, including pregnant and postpartum people, and reached into locations once deemed sensitive by the federal government like schools, hospitals and churches.

Trumps policy decision to rescind sensitive location status for places like day cares has translated into more immigration enforcement arrests near centers. A recent arrest of a day care worker inside a Chicago area center as children watched garnered national outrage.

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Immigration arrests are expected to continue in the new year. Congress approved a massive tax law last summer that included $170 billion over the next four years for immigration enforcement, including for detentions and deportations. Researchers believe as ICE hires more officers and ramps up arrests, the child care sector could be further harmed.

Herbst said he expects disruptions not just to the child care sector but to other industries that are immigrant intensive.

What I hope our paper does is start to get people thinking about the trade offs involved in this kind of immigration enforcement policy, he said. Its been sold to us as a policy thats going to be a boon for American workers, for U.S.-born workers. But I think what were finding is that there are trade offs.

This story was originally reported by Barbara Rodriguez of The 19th. Meet Barbara and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy.

Let us know what you think...
By Ted Hesson and Kristina Cooke

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The email from a U.S. immigration officer presented Kelly and Yerson Vargas with a stark choice: accept deportation to their native Colombia or risk being charged with a crime and separated from their 6-year-old daughter, Maria Paola.

The Vargases, held at a Texas detention center, had already received a deportation order and been pressured to board flights to Colombia. They had resisted because they had submitted visa applications as victims of human trafficking, saying they faced forced labor and death threats from cartel members in Mexico as they transited to the U.S.

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In the October 31 email, the immigration officer threatened to prosecute them for failure to comply with the deportation order, a rarely used statute that could lead to 10 years in prison.

Their case illustrates how U.S. President Donald Trumps vast immigration crackdown is increasingly relying on threats to separate families and other aggressive tactics to pressure people into accepting deportation - even if they have submitted legal claims that in previous administrations would have allowed them to stay in the country, according to immigrants, attorneys, current and former officials and court records reviewed by Reuters.

These tactics include threats of jail sentences for resisting a deportation order or crossing the border illegally - crimes that previously were rarely prosecuted and would lead to separation from children - as well as prolonged detention with no opportunity to seek release and deportation to far-flung third countries, Reuters found.

Reuters spoke to 16 immigration attorneys, who collectively have hundreds of clients, and others with broad visibility into the Trump administration's rising use of harsh tactics to force immigrants to accept deportations.

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White House border czar Tom Homan defended the Trump administration's approach.

"We're using every tool in the toolbox," Homan told Reuters in an interview. "Everything we're doing is legal."

LOCKED UP AND PRESSURED TO DEPORT

The Vargases chose to abandon their visa applications and board a deportation flight in November rather than risk being split up, with Maria Paola placed in a federal shelter system for unaccompanied migrant children.

I was afraid that they would put me in jail and carry out all the threats they made, Kelly Vargas said.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the family had been issued a deportation order in 2024, been denied on appeal, and received full due process. She did not comment on the visa application for victims of human trafficking.

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When asked about the Vargas case and another family threatened with federal charges and separation, McLaughlin said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers don't "threaten" people and appropriately informed them they could face federal charges.

"These illegal aliens broke the law and were warned they would face the consequences for their crimes," she said.

Immigration advocates and other critics say the Vargases and others with potentially legitimate claims to stay in the United States are caught in what amounts to a numbers game. The Trump administration has said it aims to deport 1 million people per year, but is likely to fall short of that goal, given current trends.

DHS said on Wednesday that the Trump administration had deported more than 605,000 people since Trump took office, putting it on pace for fewer than 700,000 deportations by the years end.

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Elora Mukherjee, director of the Immigrants' Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School, which represented the Vargas family, said the Trump administration's "calculated cruelty" was forcing people to choose deportation.

"My detained clients from New Jersey to Texas report crowded, inhumane, and degrading detention conditions, some of which are so unbearable that they are giving up on their immigration cases," she said.

'VOLUNTARY DEPARTURES' SPIKE UNDER TRUMP

As the Trump administration has pushed for more deportations, it has tried to detain more immigrants while their cases play out.

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The number of people in ICE detention has increased by around 70% since Trump took office in January to almost 66,000 in November 2025, government data show.

Previously, those without criminal records had good chances of being released pending decisions on their asylum and other claims.

ICE changed its stance in July to argue that essentially all immigrants it arrested were ineligible for bond, a refundable payment made to the government to secure someones release.

A federal judge in California blocked ICEs new interpretation of the law in November. However, some immigrants, told they could face months or years of detention as their case moved through the backlogged immigration courts, already had agreed to leave the country, deported immigrants and lawyers told Reuters.

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Among those who gave up their cases: a Guatemalan farmworker who left behind her husband and son in Florida after being picked up in a workplace raid, a Venezuelan landscaper who had been living in Texas, an Ecuadorean construction worker in New York, a Mexican social worker in Alabama and a Honduran nursing student in North Carolina.

The Trump administration has also sent hundreds of people to third countries to which they have no ties, a tactic the government rarely used in the past. The threat of deportation to a third country, including to countries where they might be imprisoned, prompted some to abandon their cases, immigrants, family members and lawyers told Reuters.

Lourival Paulo da Silva, a Brazilian national, had lived in the U.S. for more than two decades when he was detained by immigration agents in Florida in September, according to his stepdaughter, Karina Botts. He was married to a U.S. citizen and was working on legalizing his status, documents show, a lengthy process because he had entered the United States illegally.

After weeks in immigration detention, including in the remote Florida Everglades camp dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, where he fell ill and tested positive for tuberculosis, da Silva gave up, Botts said.

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A judge granted him voluntary departure - a discretionary decision that makes it easier to come back in the future - and he left the United States on October 10. Botts said da Silva was struggling in Brazil, but hopes his spousal immigrant visa will be approved next year so that he can return.

Federal immigration court data compiled by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a non-profit research organization, show a jump in court-approved voluntary departures.

The number of people who were granted voluntary departure while detained jumped more than five-fold to more than 16,000 in the first eight months of 2025, compared with the same period a year earlier under former President Joe Biden, the data show. That number does not include those who gave up on their cases and were ordered deported.

DHS did not respond to a request for comment regarding his case.

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Hector Grillo, a 31-year-old Venezuelan who was detained in Texas earlier this year before being deported to Venezuela, said he asked to be sent home because he was terrified of ending up in a prison in El Salvador. A judge ordered him deported.

That was the fastest way to get out of that torture, Grillo said.



(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington and Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Brad Heath; Editing by Craig Timberg and Aurora Ellis)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  Three hundred Illinois National Guard troops remain under Republican President Donald Trumps control roughly a week after an initial 60-day federal activation order expired, continuing a clash over his unprecedented decision to seize authority over state soldiers who have spent almost their entire time confined to a base in northern Illinois and performing no operational missions.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzkers office said Wednesday that the 60-day federalization order  issued Oct. 4 in conjunction with the Trump administrations Operation Midway Blitz deportation efforts  was earlier extended for at least another month, even though the soldiers have mostly remained at an Illinois Army National Guard training site in Marseilles and were never deployed for the White Houses stated purpose of protecting federal officers and assets.

The Illinois National Guard was informed that the previous mobilization order for the federalized Illinois National Guard soldiers was amended and extended an additional 32 days, a spokesperson for Pritzkers office said in a statement, meaning the troops will remain federalized until at least roughly the end of the year. Governor Pritzker strongly condemns the ongoing politicization of our brave servicemembers by the Trump Administration and remains unwavering in his opposition of federalizing members of the National Guard against the wishes of the Governor. The State of Illinois will continue to fight this blatant overreach to the fullest extent in the courts.

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The ongoing federalization  the first in Illinois history over a governors objections  also drew heightened scrutiny after a federal judge in California on Wednesday ordered the Trump administration to return control of that states National Guard to Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. The judge ruled that the White House overstepped its authority in extending a deployment in Los Angeles, a finding that could affect National Guard units in other states, such as Illinois, that the federal government has commandeered. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the judges decision.

Pritzker has repeatedly denounced the presidents move as an abuse of power and unnecessary, noting the Illinois troops have neither patrolled streets nor guarded federal buildings and pointing out that Trump said he originally intended to send guard troops into Chicago to curtail crime. In addition, many agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol assigned to the Chicago region specifically as part of Operation Midway Blitz have left the area.

In a statement, U.S. Northern Command, which oversees the National Guard deployment, said the soldiers are conducting planning and training but not engaging in Federal Protection Mission operational activities. A Defense Department spokesperson noted that federal personnel and property in the Chicago region could still require protection.

But David Harris, a former adjutant general who oversaw the Illinois National Guard from 1999 to 2003, said he doesnt see the troops doing anything productive under federal control.

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One of the key things about any military operation is you have a mission to perform, whatever it is. The commander knows what the mission is and will do his or her best to achieve the mission. What is the mission of these soldiers at this point? What are they doing? asked Harris, who is now the director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. It really is in my mind unconscionable that they are still on federal duty.

Theyre planning and preparing for what? Harris also said. If theres any danger out there to federal facilities in Illinois, why arent they guarding those federal facilities now?

It remains unclear how many of the 300 Illinois National Guard members are the same as those who were called up in early October, as National Guard activations allow commanders to maximize the number of volunteers under federal orders, according to Northern Commands website.

This also helps commanders balance leave and passes over the upcoming holiday season, while ensuring there are enough troops to fulfill mission requirements, the website said.

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In addition to federalizing 300 Illinois National Guard troops in October, Trumps Department of Defense deployed 200 members of the Texas National Guard that month to Illinois to, according to a memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and obtained by the Tribune, shield ICE and Border Patrol agents and protect federal facilities and locations where violent demonstrations were taking place as protests raged in the Chicago area in response to Midway Blitz.

The Texas National Guard troops departed Illinois last month, ending their 41-day deployment in which soldiers spent less than 24 hours on the streets as part of Midway Blitz. Most of the time, the Texas troops lived at a U.S. Army Reserve training center in southwest suburban Elwood.

With his opposition to troops from another state being deployed to Illinois, Pritzker didnt allow the Texas Guard members to stay at a state-owned facility. But he did allow the Illinois National Guard members to use the state-owned National Guard site in Marseilles, which is about 75 miles southwest of Chicago, because it allowed them to stay close to home and provided them access to appropriate facilities, including functioning showers, internet access and a small United Service Organization center for recreational activities, Pritzkers office has said.

The troops from Illinois and Texas were kept off the streets due to the ongoing legal dispute between the Trump administration and the state of Illinois, which filed a lawsuit days after Trumps October federalization. Although Illinois won some lower-court rulings, the case is now before the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court.

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The lack of meaningful activity by the troops mirrors conditions in California, where about 100 federalized National Guard members in Los Angeles have largely been confined to base or limited building-security roles, according to The Associated Press. That prompted California to seek a preliminary injunction, which U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer granted Wednesday, though he delayed the order to allow the Trump administration to appeal. Breyer rejected arguments that the court had no power to review the deployment extensions, saying the administration appeared to want a blank check free of constitutional limits.

In June, Trump called up about 4,000 California National Guard members, without Newsoms approval, to aid in immigration enforcement. Back then, there had been clashes between immigration enforcement officers and protesters, including during one demonstration where protesters threw rocks at federal vehicles, according to AP. But officials in California say those conditions have since changed.

The deployments have also fueled questions about cost.

In addition to sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Chicago, Trump also claimed he needed to federalize guard troops in Washington, D.C.; Portland, Oregon; and Memphis, Tennessee, to assist with immigration raids, crack down on protests or assist in deterring crime. Two National Guard members from West Virginia who were deployed to Washington, D.C., were shot last month, one fatally, by an Afghan national.

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A study by the progressive-leaning Institute for Policy Studies estimated that National Guard operations in all five locales have cost roughly $473 million, including for personnel who never deployed beyond bases. The tally includes an estimated $12.8 million for the Chicago region spent for Illinois and Texas National Guard member deployments  roughly $4.66 million of it for the Texas Guard activation from Oct. 10 through Nov. 15, the study showed.

Pritzkers office has not been able to shed any light on costs but said the use of the Marseilles site and other associated costs, such as meals and lodging, are either directly paid by the federal government or 100 percent federally reimbursed.

Citing figures from the Army, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins office has said the expected costs for federalizing all 500 National Guard soldiers in Illinois for a full two months was $19.4 million, which works out to $323,333 per day. Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts also released a report on Department of Defense costs and estimated the Illinois deployment cost $12 million.

Durbin, the states senior Democrat from Springfield, said the deployments produced just not the results to justify the money spent.

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U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Hoffman Estates and a retired Army lieutenant colonel, is set to question Defense Department officials Thursday at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

Across the United States, Donald Trump has illegally deployed our nations servicemembers into American cities under unclear and false pretexts and despite the costs to our military and civil rights, she said in a statement, calling for transparency and accountability. The American people and our troops deserve answers.

_____
NEW DELHI, Dec 10 (Reuters) - India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer to discuss bilateral trade and economic ties, the government said on Wednesday.

"The two sides exchanged views on matters related to India-US trade and economic ties including on the ongoing negotiations for a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement," India's trade ministry said in a post on X.

Switzer is leading a U.S. team in New Delhi for two days of trade discussions, as India seeks relief from punitive tariffs imposed by Washington over its purchases of Russian oil.

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In August, U.S. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on imports from India to as much as 50%, hitting exports of textiles, chemicals and food items such as shrimp.

Exports to the U.S. fell nearly 9% year-on-year in October to $6.31 billion from $6.91 billion a year ago, though they were higher than $5.47 billion in September, Indian government data showed.

Washington is also pushing India to lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers on U.S. goods and open its market to American farm products, including soybean and grain sorghum.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers on Tuesday that India had resisted greater imports of U.S. farm and meat products but had been "quite forward leaning" in the latest round of talks.

(Reporting by Manoj Kumar and Shivangi Acharya; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Janane Venkatraman)
This marks a remarkable turnaround from the situation in the early aftermath of Russias 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It was obvious to the U.S. and Great Britain that Moscows ability to fight the war over the long term would depend on its ability to finance it, and that a key source of this was revenue from Europes imports of gas and oil. Moreover, Washington and London believed that the E.U.s unwillingness to impose meaningful sanctions on Russia when it invaded independent sovereign country Georgia in 2008 was instrumental in encouraging it to invade Ukraine in 2014 and annex its Crimea region, as fully analysed in my latest book on the new global oil market order . And they believed the E.U.s failure to act again at this point in any meaningful way against Moscow at that point was instrumental in encouraging the full-blow invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Strong safeguards against circumvention are included. Provisions to enhance the transparency, monitoring, and traceability of Russian gas within E.U. markets will support the implementation of the import ban. During the transition period, prior authorisation will require detailed information to ensure imports are limited to volumes based on historical contracts. To prevent Russian gas from entering through other countries, importers must provide information on the country of production. These anti-circumvention measures will be run in tandem with the E.U. Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, the European Public Prosecutors Office, and the European Anti-Fraud Office. The same procedures will apply to E.U. imports of Russian oil  all of which will end by 2027.

The agreement contains deadlines with serious implications for Russias economy. Most important of all are the bans on E.U. gas imports from Russia, which long provided huge income for the country and gave it great political leverage over Europe. All liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports will end by 31 December 2026 and pipeline gas will cease by 30 September 2027. For short-term contracts concluded before 17 June 2025, the prohibition on Russian LNG applies from 25 April 2026 and for pipeline gas from 17 June 2026. For long-term LNG contracts concluded before 17 June 2025, the ban applies from 1 January 2027, in line with the 19th sanctions package. Pipeline gas imports under long-term contracts will only be allowed until 30 September 2027.

The European Union (E.U.) of 27 member countries will never go back to our dangerous dependence on Russia, said Dan Jrgensen, European Commissioner (E.C.) for Energy last week. We will never go back to volatile supplies and market manipulation, and we will never go back to energy blackmail and economic exposure, he added. This followed the full agreement on 3 December of the E.U.s REPowerEU Roadmap, which E.C. President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted as enabling the continent to: Enter the era of Europes full energy independence from Russia [as] Today, we are stopping these imports permanently. She underlined: By depleting [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war chest, we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and set our sights on new energy partnerships and opportunities for the sector.

Story Continues

Consequently, the U.S. and Great Britain knew they would need the support of Germany  the E.U.s de facto economic and political leader. However, Germany had built much of its economic might since 1999 from cheap and abundant Russia energy supplies and from the effective devaluation of the mighty deutschmark to the softer euro. Germany had also long been opposed to what it regarded as interference from the U.S. in its affairs, exacerbated by Edward Snowdens revelations in 2013 of Washington spying on Germany. After that, Berlin had been at the forefront of several E.U. initiatives designed to circumvent the mainly US-led sanctions on Iran before 2018, specifically during the phase of heightened sanctions from 2011/2012. Shortly after the U.S. announcement of its withdrawal from the nuclear deal deal in May 2018, Germany had been instrumental in influencing the E.U. to impose its Blocking Statute that made it illegal for E.U. companies to follow US sanctions on Iran.

At around the same time, Germanys then-Foreign Minister, Sigmar Gabriel, warned: We also have to tell the Americans that their behaviour on the Iran issue will drive us Europeans into a common position with Russia and China against the USA. Shortly after that, Germany was a key mover in the E.U.s introduction of a special purpose vehicle  the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges  that would act as a clearing house for payments made between Iran and E.U. companies. It was little wonder, then, that Berlins primary concern after Russias 2022 Ukraine invasion was to ensure that it  and other E.U. countries  could meet the 31 March 2022 demand from President Putin that required E.U. buyers to pay in roubles for Russian gas via a new currency conversion mechanism or risk having supplies suspended. It was only after the U.S. managed to secure alternative interim supplies of gas that Germany was gradually brought onto the side of increasing sanctions on Russia, as also detailed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order.

Despite this early reticence to sanction Russia for its move westwards into Europe  which Washington and London believe is the prelude to the full reunification of Russias former Soviet empire, as President Putin has alluded to  the E.U. has significantly stepped up its sanctions pressure on Russia in recent months, in line with the U.S. At the beginning of the Ukraine War, the E.U. was paying Russia over 12 billion a month for fossil fuel imports, according to E.U. data. This is now down to 1.5 billion. Its 19th sanctions package formally adopted on 23 October included additional measures targeting Russias shadow fleet of vessels used to evade current restrictions. And for the first time, the E.U. also targeted Russias crucial LNG sector. It also mirrored the U.S.s earlier direct sanctions on Russias number one and number two oil firms  Rosneft and Lukoil. Between them, the two companies export approximately 3.1 million barrels of oil per day, which the West sees as vital to Russias ability to keep funding its war in Ukraine. Targeting Russias top two oil firms was a huge step up from what the previous sets of sanctions that encompassed lower-tier firms such as Gazpromneft and Surgutneftegas, which were in turn part of Washingtons gradual tightening of the screws on Putin.

These latest sanctions from the E.U. in tandem with the U.S. have not only hit Russias finances harder than before, but they have also significantly diminished its ability to project power across the Middle East, which is seen by Washington and London as the crucial geopolitical region for energy supplies in future conflicts with Russia and China. Specifically, Lukoil almost immediately announced its withdrawal from Iraqs huge West Qurna 2 oil field and Block 10 assets, marking a major turning point in the Wests fightback against increasingly aggressive Russia and Chinese moves against the allies in the country. Moreover, Lukoils exit from the major Iraq oil and gas sites opens new opportunities for Western firms to extend influence across Iraq. Rosneft then followed suit, announcing the downsizing of its operations in Iraqs strategically crucial Kurdistan region, as also fully analysed in my latest book on the new global oil market order. The Russian oil giant reduced its stake in the Kurdistan Pipeline Company from the 60% it acquired in 2017 to 49%. The KPC is the key operator of 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. At Fishkhabur, the pipeline links up with the main Iraq-Turkey Pipeline system.

The E.U.s latest sanctions against Russia also now include the targeting of entities connected to its key superpower supporter, China, which also remains a major buyer of its energy. The 19th package of sanctions against Russia stated that: We propose further measures on Chinese actors supporting Russias military industry. It added: These new sanctions will also squeeze Russias access to technologies including AI [artificial intelligence] and geospatial data, as well as critical resources that feed weapons production [...] This includes those received from foreign suppliers including China [and India]. E.C. President von der Leyen also stated in the accompanying press conference to the Package announcement that: We target refineries, oil traders, petrochemical companies in third countries, including China. At the same time, E.U. foreign policy head Kaja Kallas, posted on social media that: Were adding more chemicals, metal components, salts, and ores to our export bans and tighter export controls on entities from Russia as well as China [and India]. As a senior source in the E.U.s security complex exclusively told OilPrice.com last week: We and Washington said wed keep tightening the screws on Putin and thats what weve done.

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Indiana Republicans withstood immense pressure from President Donald Trump, ignoring anonymous threats on their lives as they defeated his plan to redraw the states congressional map and dealt him one of his most significant political setbacks since his return to the White House.

The GOP-controlled state Senate on Thursday voted down 31 to 19 the map that would have gerrymandered two more safe red seats, imperiling the partys chances at holding control of Congress next November.

The failed vote is the culmination of a brass-knuckled, four-month pressure campaign from the White House on recalcitrant Indiana Republicans that included private meetings and public shaming from Trump, multiple visits to the Hoosier State from Vice President JD Vance, whip calls from Speaker Mike Johnson and veiled threats of withheld federal funds. The hesitant local lawmakers held out in spite of pipe bomb threats, unsolicited pizza deliveries to their personal addresses and swattings of their homes.

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"The forces that define (the) vitriolic political affairs in places outside of Indiana have been gradually and now very blatantly infiltrat(ing) the political affairs in Indiana," Indiana state Sen. Greg Goode, a Republican, said in his floor speech before voting against the measure. Misinformation. Cruel social media posts over the top pressure from within the state house and outside, threats of primaries, threats of violence, acts of violence. Friends, we're better than this.

Speaking Thursday night from the Oval Office, Trump lambasted Bray, who oversaw the defeat of the remapping push.

Bray, whatever his name is, Trump said, threatening to certainly support anybody that wants to go against him, and reasoning that he had done a tremendous disservice.

Its funny cause I won Indiana all three times by a landslide, and I wasnt working on it very hard, Trump said, despite his teams well documented involvement in the matter.

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Top MAGA allies sounded far more concerned.

We have a huge problem, said former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who simulcasted The War Room show live from a suburban Indianapolis hotel to boost support for redistricting. People have to realize that we only have a couple opportunities. Weve got a net five to 10 seats. If we don't get a net 10 pickup in the redistricting wars, it's going to be enormously hard, if not impossible, to hold the House.

Democrats need only net three House seats next year in order to seize control of Congress lower chamber, and their party already neutralized a five-seat advantage Texas Republicans gave themselves by similarly redrawing Californias congressional lines.

Chris LaCivita, Trumps 2024 campaign manager and adviser to Fair Maps Indiana, a dark money group that blitzed the state with ads in recent weeks, threatened retribution to Senate Republicans who voted against the bill.

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You have a state full of MAGA Republicans run by Republican MAGA haters, LaCivita said in a pre-vote interview, mentioning Bray, former Gov. Mitch Daniels and Vice President Mike Pence. If you dont defend a political movement from those that stand in the way  then its not a movement at all  a handful of politicians in Indiana will now know what standing in the way really means.

Indiana officials whispered for weeks about fears that rejecting redistricting could result in a loss of federal fundinga fear that Heritage Action, the political arm of the Heritage Foundation, made explicit in an X post Thursday . President Trump has made it clear to Indiana leaders: if the Indiana Senate fails to pass the map, all federal funding will be stripped from the state, it read. Roads will not be paved. Guard bases will close. Major projects will stop. These are the stakes and every NO vote will be to blame.

Two senior White House officials told POLITICO that Trumps team had not spoken with Heritage Action, and that Trump had not made such threats.

Following the vote, Bray told reporters the state was not in danger. I've had lots of conversations with folks in Washington, D.C., he said, when asked about those threats. Indiana will continue to function.

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The failed vote saves the seats of two sitting members, Democratic Reps. Andre Carson and Frank Mrvan, whose districts in deep blue Indianapolis and purplish Northwest Indiana had been carved up to become heavily Republican under the proposed map.

Informed by reporters about Indiana Senate Republicans rejecting Trumps redistricting push, Speaker Mike Johnson said thats disappointing to me, adding, but I'm very, very bullish on the midterms.

Johnson reversed his stance on getting involved in redistricting by whipping votes with calls to Indiana lawmakers in recent days.

I've got to deal with whatever matters are finally presented in each state, and we're going to win. We've got a better record to run on. Johnson predicted earlier this week the map would pass.

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The monthlong debate about whether to redraw maps exposed deep fissures within the party between the MAGA base and the more traditionalist, pre-Trumpian wings of the party. It also gained more attention nationally in the wake of the death of Charlie Kirk, who threatened primaries for Hoosier Republican elected officials who opposed it in the final weeks of his life.

Turning Point Action, the organization founded by Kirk, has promised to work with other Trump-aligned super PACs to spend tens of millions of dollars to primary the resistant Republicans who voted no. But the group could only turn out a couple hundred protestors recently ahead of this weeks vote.

Several states closely watched Indiana for signs of where the redistricting arms race would turn next, but none more so than neighboring Illinois. The states Democratic governor, JB Pritzker, praised Indiana lawmakers with a statement Thursday that read, Our neighbors in Indiana have stood up to Trump's threats and political pressure, instead choosing to do what's right for their constituents and our democracy. Illinois will remain vigilant against his map rigging  our efforts to respond and stop his campaign are being heard.

Maryland members of Congress, speaking before Indianas vote, said their state was likely to press on regardless of Indianas outcome. State Senate President Bill Ferguson has opposed redistricting, but other state officials have vowed to push the issue, and the state's congressional delegation has largely been supportive too.

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Im for us doing redistricting, said Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). No matter what.

That's really up to the legislature and the governor, but I think that we cannot have one hand tied behind our back, and so all options are open in this, said Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), who represents the swingiest Democratic controlled-district in the state.

Despite its Democratic governing trifecta, Illinois faces logistical barriers to redistricting and some resistance from the states delegation, including hesitation to break up minority communities in order to make red districts bluer.

We're watching to see what Indiana does. But you know, at best, being one district that would shift, I think a lot of people are wondering, is it worth doing all of that given the chaos," said Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.).

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Lawmakers in Maryland, in particular Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Democrat, were closely following developments in Indiana. Both Ferguson and Bray have been under pressure from top officials in their respective parties on redrawing their maps.

Ferguson has stymied Democrats efforts in the state and nationally, bucking Gov. Wes Moore, a potential 2028 presidential hopeful, who has been leading the charge for new maps in the state. Moore this week announced a special session for Dec. 16 , though Ferguson on Thursday issued a statement reiterating that redistricting would not be taken up when state lawmakers convene in Annapolis next week.

On Friday, the Governors Redistricting Advisory Commission that Moore established last month, will hold its final public hearing with residents to solicit recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly on whether to move forward with redistricting. Commission members are expected to meet next week to discuss the potential contours of a new map based on public testimony and written statements, according to a legislative aide granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations of the commission.

The GOP now turns to Florida, where Republicans stand to make significant gains that are complicated by tension between Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Republican leaders, as well some of the nations strictest anti-gerrymandeering standards.

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DeSantis and the state Senate president want to delay action until later next year to await the outcome of a Louisiana gerrymandering case thats before the U.S. Supreme Court. But House Speaker Daniel Perez is adamant that the Legislature take action during its upcoming session that starts in January.

Perez told POLITICO this week that he was not being pushed by outside forces to consider redistricting and that he had not talked to the White House directly or indirectly. Instead he said Florida should act because of a state Supreme Court ruling last summer that upheld the states current congressional map.

We dont have a map, we havent started to draw a map, but it doesnt mean we cant start to have the conversation, Perez said.

Some Republicans contend Florida could flip three to five seats to the GOP with a new map, but Democrats contend any map put forward now would violate the states constitutional ban on drawing new districts for partisan gain.

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Across the country, six states have new maps for the midterms. The biggest gains for both parties  five blue leaning seats in California and five red leaning seats Texas  are likely to cancel each other out.

In Ohio, a bipartisan commission agreed to a map that could net the GOP two new House seats, and North Carolina and Missouri drew one red leaning seat each. And in Utah, a court ruling has given Democrats a solid blue seat in Salt Lake City. There are still ongoing legal challenges in a handful of those states.

Taken together, Republicans are currently ahead by five seats. As the playing field continues to change, it remains unclear exactly which party will come out ahead before the midterms. Both parties expect the redraws to ultimately favor the GOP, but Democrats have so far avoided a worst-case scenario and expect to only be behind by a handful of seats.

The Indiana vote, though, marks a significant defeat for the White House political operation.

Trump and political adviser James Blair were whipping senators through the week.

The debate over whether to redistrict showed cleavages between MAGA and a more traditional GOP that could be exposed again in 2028, when Trump is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.

"The sort of old school, deeply entrenched political forces in Indiana are Never Trumpers led by Mitch Daniels, said a Republican familiar with the presidents thinking and granted anonymity to be candid about the vote. It's been kind of a brewing situation there."

Daniels, who Trump derided on Truth Social as a  Failed Senate Candidate , said the vote was an act of principled courageous leadership. Daniels, who was never a Senate candidate, decided not to run, but told POLITICO he would have won. He came out as an early opponent of redistricting , calling it wrong.

He said the vote demonstrated a strong conviction in our state, and in our state, character, commitment to fair play and rejection of being bullied.

Irie Sentner, Meredith Lee Hill, Nicholas Wu, Brakkton Booker, Shia Kapos and Gary Fineout contributed reporting.


Indiana Senate Republicans failed to pass a redistricting bill that would have edged out the state's two House Democrats, despite months of pressure from the Trump administration and after state senators faced bomb and swatting threats.

The final vote was 19 senators in favor and 31 against. Republicans have 40 seats in the state Senate to Democrats' 10.

Thursday's failure marks the first time national Republicans' redistricting plans have been thwarted since the push to redraw congressional maps was kicked off by President Trump over the summer.

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Republican Gov. Mike Braun, who supported redistricting, posted on social media that he is "disappointed" in the result, and said he will be "working with the President to challenge these people who do not represent the best interests of Hoosiers."

Mr. Trump has vowed to back primary challenges against Republicans who voted against the Indiana measure, and took aim on Wednesday at Senate president pro tempore Rodric Bray.

"Anybody that votes against Redistricting, and the SUCCESS of the Republican Party in D.C., will be, I am sure, met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring," Mr. Trump posted on social media ahead of the vote. "Rod Bray and his friends won't be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again."

As the state Senate debated the vote, Vice President JD Vance posted on social media that Bray "consistently told us he wouldn't fight redistricting while simultaneously whipping his members against it. That level of dishonesty cannot be rewarded, and the Indiana GOP needs to choose a side."

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There were several hours of impassioned debate on Thursday from senators both in favor of and against redistricting.

"I, like a supermajority of you, do not want to see another Democrat Speaker of the House," said Republican state Sen. Spencer Deery, who opposed redistricting. "But that isn't for me to decide, and it isn't for anyone in this body to decide either. Living in a free constitutional republic means we empower voters to make those decisions."

Indiana, which Mr. Trump won last year by 19 points, was among several Republican-led states under pressure from the president and his allies to redraw its maps. Its House delegation is 7-2, with Democrats holding one seat that encompasses Indianapolis and another in the southwestern corner of the state.

In November, Gov. Mike Braun called the legislature to reconvene for a special session to consider redistricting. But Bray insisted that the votes weren't there, and when the legislature convened, state lawmakers simply agreed to meet again in January for the regular session.

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Although Republicans hold 40 seats in the state Senate and needed only 25 votes to pass the legislation, Bray expressed doubt that there was enough support to pass the new maps.

After the November session, Mr. Trump stepped up his social media posts about the Indiana vote. State lawmakers began receiving bomb threats and swatting attacks. The Indiana state police said last week that "numerous" members of the State Assembly had received bomb threats and were victims of swatting hoaxes. Braun confirmed that he had also received threats.

Indiana's House and Senate GOP leaders announced before Thanksgiving that they would return to vote on redistricting. The measure passed the House, but Bray remained uncertain if it would pass the Senate.

On Monday, the elections committee heard public testimony about the new map. According to The Associated Press, 127 people signed up to testify. Just 18 of them backed the bill, while the rest were opposed.

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Republican state Sen. Greg Walker gave an impassioned speech Monday about the threats he had received before voting against advancing the measure.

"I fear for this institution, I fear for the state of Indiana, and I fear for all states if we allow intimidation and threats to become the norm," Walker said.

The nationwide redistricting gambit kicked off over the summer, when Texas' GOP-led legislature reconvened to redraw the state's maps to net up to five seats for Republicans. In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed forward with a ballot measure known as Proposition 50 to redistrict his state to net up to five seats for Democrats, since California requires voter approval of its congressional map. Prop 50 passed on Election Day with more than 64% of the vote.

Missouri and North Carolina's Republican-led legislatures have each redrawn their maps in an attempt to gain a new GOP-friendly seat.

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Maryland Democrats may undertake a similar effort to edge out the state's one Republican House member, though the idea has faced resistance from some Democratic legislators.

The redistricting campaigns have drawn lawsuits in some states. The Supreme Court last week allowed Texas to use its newly drawn congressional map for now, halting a lower court ruling that found the new map was racially gerrymandered.

Editor's note: This story was updated to correct an inaccuracy in the number of senators who voted against the bill.

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Is Trump's MAGA base showing fractures?
Dec 11 (Reuters) - The Indiana Senate on Thursday rejected a new congressional map that would have boosted Republican chances of keeping control of the U.S. House of Representatives in next year's midterm elections, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump's nationwide push to install more friendly maps.

The vote represented a rare rebuke to Trump by members of his own party, which he has largely ruled with an iron fist as president. More than half of Republican senators appeared to have joined Democrats in voting against the bill despite a months-long pressure campaign from the White House aimed at the holdouts.

(Reporting by Joseph Ax; editing by Paul Thomasch)
INDIANAPOLIS  The Indiana Senate voted against a new Republican-drawn congressional map Thursday, rejecting a bid led by President Donald Trump aimed at boosting the party in next years midterm elections.

The vote was a rare and stunning instance of elected Republicans rebuking Trump, who had pressured Indiana lawmakers for months to pass new district lines. The GOP leaders of Indianas Senate had long resisted joining the unusual mid-decade redistricting battle playing out across the country, saying there wasnt enough support in the chamber for a new map that was designed to dismantle the states two Democratic-controlled districts.

They ultimately agreed to hold a vote to settle the issue, as Trump and national Republicans pledged to back primary challengers to those who opposed the map, and as a growing number of Indiana lawmakers faced violent threats and harassment.

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But even after the state House approved the new map last week, it failed overwhelmingly in the state Senate by a vote of 31-19, with 21 Republicans joining 10 Democrats in opposing it.

Over the past several months, Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other national Republicans and political groups placed phone calls, made in-person visits in Indiana and Washington and posted on social media to urge Indiana lawmakers to take up a map that they hoped would help shore up the partys narrow U.S. House majority.

On several occasions, Trump called out the Indiana Republican lawmakers who were against or undecided on the map, including Rodric Bray, the GOP leader of the Senate.

Anybody that votes against Redistricting, and the SUCCESS of the Republican Party in D.C., will be, I am sure, met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring, Trump wrote Wednesday night on Truth Social. Rod Bray and his friends wont be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again.

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Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump again name-checked Bray, but brushed off the state Senate vote, saying he "wasnt working on it very hard.

Bray is one of 11 Republicans who voted against the map who wont be on the ballot again until 2028.

Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray had long resisted efforts to draw a new congressional map. (Michelle Pemberton / The Indianapolis Star via USA Today Network file) (Michelle Pemberton)

After Thursday's vote, Republican Gov. Mike Braun said he would work with Trump to support primary challengers to the Republicans who opposed the map.

"I am very disappointed that a small group of misguided State Senators have partnered with Democrats to reject this opportunity to protect Hoosiers with fair maps and to reject the leadership of President Trump," Braun said in a post on X.

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It was an all hands on deck effort among Republicans in Washington to get Indiana lawmakers on board, according to a senior GOP congressional leadership source familiar with the matter.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and members of his leadership team were calling state lawmakers to urge them to support the new map earlier this week, the source said.

Johnson told reporters in Washington on Thursday that the result was "disappointing" but that he was still "very, very bullish about the midterms."

"I know that we are going to win and grow this majority because they have a great record to run on. We have better candidates, better message, and we have a lot to show the people, so well continue our momentum," he said.

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Most other Republican-led states Trump had pushed to pursue redistricting, which typically occurs at the beginning of each decade with new census figures, this year fell in line. Republicans in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina passed new maps to further favor the party, while others in states like Florida may soon join them.

Without new congressional boundaries in Indiana, Republicans may not be able to achieve the advantage they had initially hoped for through redistricting. Voters in California approved a Democratic-drawn map last month, and Democrats in Virginia have taken steps toward redistricting. A court-ordered map in Utah resulted in a new solidly Democratic district. And while a new map in Ohio will boost Republicans, it did not go as far as some Democrats feared.

The saga in Indiana took a particularly alarming turn. At least 12 elected Republicans in the state faced violent threats and swatting attempts, which are when people make false reports in an attempt to instigate frightening police responses, since Trump called on them to pass a new map. State Rep. Tim Yocum, who voted against the redistricting proposal last week, was the latest, saying he received a pipe bomb threat at his home Wednesday night.

State Sen. Michael Crider, the majority whip one of the victims of the violent threats, said, This is my 14th year, and Ive not seen this kind of tactics. Crider voted against the map proposal.

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State Sen. Dan Dernulc, another Republican who opposed the map, said he received the same pipe bomb threat as Crider, which particularly alarmed his wife. He was swatted twice, and pizzas have repeatedly been sent to his home, another intimidation tactic. He said police stationed a squad car outside his home to ensure his and his familys safety.

It doesnt affect the way Im going to vote, he told NBC News on Wednesday. But its still unnerving. I dont want to be killed.

State Sen. Greg Goode, a Republican whom Trump has singled out on social media, said he was the victim of a swatting attempt when someone claiming to be Goode told police hed murdered his wife and child.

My front door was kicked in. I had weapons pointed directly at me. I am so grateful that I was home. My wife and son were in the basement getting Christmas decorations, he recalled.

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During a debate on the state Senate floor, Goode said he spent months listening to his constituents and understood they didnt support a mid-decade redistricting effort that would divide communities. He had not stated his position prior to Thursday before ultimately voting against the map.

Im a Christian first, then an American, then a conservative, then a Republican  in that order, he said, invoking a phrase often used by former Vice President Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana. Im confident that my vote reflects the will of my constituents.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
We know New Jersey voters decisively chose Democrat Mikie Sherrill over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in last months election for governor. But how did residents of your town vote?

Newly certified final results show that Sherrill won 1,895,286 votes compared to Ciattarellis 1,417,141, a more than 478,000-vote lead. She received nearly 57% of the vote statewide.

The race was much tighter in some municipalities, with votes nearly evenly split between the two candidates in towns that included Glen Gardner in Hunterdon County and Shrewsbury in Monmouth County. (See the town-by-town results in the interactive map below.)

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In other towns, the race wasnt even close. Ciattarelli drew more than 90% of the vote in parts of Ocean and Monmouth County and Sherrill took 95% of the vote in parts of Essex County.

Sherrill, formerly a congresswoman representing parts of North Jersey, will be sworn in to succeed current Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, in early January. This is the first time since 1961 one party has won the governors office three terms in a row.

Sherrills decisive lead came after Democrat Kamala Harris led Republican Donald Trump by less than 6 points in the 2024 presidential race. That was a significantly smaller margin than New Jersey Democrats were accustomed to in a state where they hold the majority of voters.

This years race was expected to be a nail-biter, but the race was called early for Sherrill on election night.

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Thats not to say Ciattarelli didnt have his supporters. In Lakewood in Ocean County, 90% of all voters cast a ballot for Ciattarelli. He also had strong support in Deal in Monmouth County, where he took 87% of the vote.

Sherrill saw her strongest support in Lawnside in Camden County and in Orange and Glen Ridge in Essex County. She drew 95% of the vote in all three towns.

Wondering how your town voted? Scroll over the map below to find your town.

Cant see the map? Click here.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A New Jersey state investigation accuses two nursing homes of fraud, waste, and abuse.

The probe with the comptroller's office looked into the Hammonton Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare and the Deptford Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare.

The comptroller says the investigation found neglect of the nursing homes' residents and horrifying conditions, including the sexual assault of two residents and the death of another.

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The probe also claims the owners diverted tens of millions of Medicaid funds to themselves, while intentionally understaffing the facilities between 2019 and 2024.

The owners of each facility, Daryl Hagler and Kenneth Rozenberg, have not responded to requests for comment.
Jabali said IRIB was not directly observing the crash or monitoring defense systems and received conflicting information from military officials.

The Iranian military's reports claiming that it had downed two Israeli F-35s during Operation Rising Lion were false and damaged [IRIBs] credibility, Peyman Jabali, head of the Iranian Broadcasting Corporation (IRIB), admitted during a session with students at Shahid Beheshti University on Tuesday, according to Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency.

Explain his agency's false reporting on the Israeli Jets, Jabali said IRIB was not directly observing the crash or monitoring defense systems and relied on false information provided by Iranian military officials.

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Were we in the sky to witness the fighter jet crash? Were we behind the defense system? Someone from the military officials informed us, and then they eventually realizedthat the information was not credible and gave us another piece of news, he said.

Media officials should not make their credibility dependent on the credibility of other institutions and organizations, he added.

Peyman Jabali, chief of the world service for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) speaks during a press conference in the capital Tehran, January 16, 2019 (credit: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)

Jabali claimed Netanyahu expected Iran to fall after IRIB strike

Jabali went on to claim that Netanyahu had expected Iran to be defeated after Israel attacked his corporation's building. He thought that, in his opinion, the end of the Islamic Republic would be on June 16 with the bombing of the Iranian Broadcasting Corporation, he said.

We were proud in the war, we were proud, we resisted, we stunned the world, we pushed the regime back for years. They may not say it, but the losses that the Zionist regime suffered were not just these buildings, and the Weizmann Institute and the missile bases, but its entire computing system collapsed.

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He claimed that internal signals of weakness within Iran contributed to miscalculations by Israel.

Those who made the narrative of weakness prevail over the narrative of strength; those who did not see the capabilities, highlighted the weaknesses; those who did not see the realitytransmitted the signal of this narrative of weakness to the enemy, Jabali said.

Jabali added that Israels misjudgment was not solely the result of its own or Western think tanks.

That calculation and false image were not created only by the Zionist regime's think tanks and Western think tanks; we created it internally, he said, referring to internal signals that he said contributed to Israels errors in judgment.
Legal expert Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz warns that Israels draft bill for the Haredi community may entrench societal divisions and worsen long-term challenges for the economy and military.

Regardless of what happens with the current draft bill to regulate conscription for the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community, a situation in which an entire population group, which is projected to grow, remains apart and does not contribute enough to society and the economy, is unsustainable, attorney Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz said.

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post on Thursday, Ravitsky Tur-Paz, an expert at the Israel Democracy Institute, laid out the fault line in the so-called incentives in the draft bill being pushed by the coalition.

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These incentives can be easily manipulated, she said. More importantly, they would have the opposite effect, entrenching haredi society even deeper in its insulation.

Our grievances are with the state. It is the body that created a situation where the haredi community exists in its own autonomous bubble, where it receives full rights but does not perform full duties, and is disconnected.

The state has to come back to this issue; it is its responsibility to be the regulating authority, Ravitsky Tur-Paz said.

The issue, she continued, is not of religiosity  it is of national collectivism. Until haredi society accepts that the way that Israel is right now is unsustainable, until the government utilizes its own power for this cause, reality will not change, she warned.

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For decades, existing frameworks allowed broad draft deferments for haredi yeshiva students, but they were repeatedly found to violate principles of equality.

A landmark 2017 High Court of Justice ruling struck down the existing arrangement as unconstitutional and instructed the Knesset to legislate a new model within a year  an instruction that went unfulfilled.

No legal basis for exempting yeshiva students

When the status quo finally expired on June 30, 2023, Israel was left without any binding legal basis for exempting yeshiva students, and the court repeatedly pressed the government to explain why it was not issuing draft notices or enforcing conscription equally.

The government, facing intense pressure from its haredi coalition partners, attempted to buy time with temporary measures, promising future legislation.

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One year later, in June 2024  after October 7 and the Israel-Hamas War had begun  a nine-justice panel of the High

Court ruled unequivocally that no lawful exemption framework existed, ordering the state to draft haredim under standard conscription law and cut funding that effectively subsidized evasion.

The ruling came just as the government was circulating early drafts of new legislation built around sharply reduced enlistment targets and weak enforcement mechanisms.

But these proposals, critics argued, were all tailored to coalition needs rather than military realities. Enforcement remained limited, enlistment rates stayed low, and negotiations over a durable draft law dragged into this year, with multiple versions collapsing under political pressure.

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In November, another version of the draft bill was introduced by Likud MK and Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Boaz Bismuth. Like its predecessors, it is built around modest recruitment targets, a renewed exemption structure, and a layered system of personal and institutional sanctions.

According to its explanatory notes, the bill seeks to both increase haredi participation in national service and preserve exemptions for full-time yeshiva students  two goals that cannot be fully reconciled.

The omission of biometric verification tools, present in earlier proposals, further limits the states ability to determine who is actually studying full-time, suggesting the law is designed primarily to recruit those outside the core yeshiva system.

The bill grants a broad clean slate upon enactment, lifting existing sanctions and enforcement orders related to draft evasion. Ravitsky Tur-Paz noted that this alone indicates that the institutions will be granted some breathing room without needing to reform any of the core issues.

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In what other area does this happen that first you get the money, and then you show that you did what you were supposed to do for it? she asked, saying that should an institution fail to meet enlistment quotas and be denied government funding, it has other options, like recruiting from abroad.

Institutional sanctions will not always be felt directly by the individual student and will remain in effect only until the student reaches the age of 26.

Sanctions on an individual are set to include travel bans, drivers license restrictions, loss of civil-service hiring preference, and the revocation of certain tax benefits. While not convenient or comfortable, what these sanctions do is keep a student between the critical ages of 18 to 26 even more under the yeshiva framework  and out of the military or job market.

In fact, Ravitsky Tur-Paz said, if these sanctions are applied, they will be what any yeshiva head dreams of.

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After one year of under-enlistment, additional penalties will take effect, including a loss of eligibility for subsidized housing, daycare discounts, National Insurance Institute benefits, and public transportation privileges.

In the event of multiple years of missed military enlistment quotas, additional financial penalties and review mechanisms will also come into play.

Under the proposal, the state would set annual enlistment targets beginning at 4,800 recruits, which would gradually rise.

Coalition officials have presented the framework as one that, on paper, could bring roughly half of each haredi age cohort into some form of recognized service framework within five years. Yet these frameworks include non-military alternatives  civil security roles and exemption tracks  meaning the proposal does not approach anything resembling 50% haredi enlistment in the IDF.

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The quotas themselves are far below the sectors potential: When the exemption clause expired in 2023, roughly 100,000 haredi men were draft-eligible. The first-year target, therefore, covers only about 5% of this pool, compared with an enlistment rate of approximately 88% among other Jewish men in Israel.

The IDF has warned that its needs far exceed what the bill provides. While the 4,800 target was initially based on the armys 2024 absorption capacity, the military has since told the court that no such limitation will exist after mid-2026.

Nevertheless, the bill maintains its low quotas. A built-in safety net further lowers the operative targets by allowing a 25% shortfall in the first year before sanctions apply, effectively reducing the requirement to around 3,600 recruits, and even fewer after deducting civil-security participants.

The proposal also authorizes an advisory committee to further reduce the number of turnouts, giving the political echelon broad discretion to weaken the bills agenda.

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At the same time, the criteria for who counts as haredi are expansive. Anyone who attended a haredi high school for two years may be included in the target calculations, even if they no longer identify as haredi.

The recruits themselves need not be young or combat-eligible. The outline allows enlistment up to age 26, meaning many recruits will be older, married, and placed in non-combat roles closer to home. This stands in sharp contrast to the IDFs immediate needs.

Another noteworthy point is that the 26-year-old exemption will allow yeshiva students to defer service until they become automatically exempt. Economists have warned that this traps young men in years of non-employment, leaving them poorly positioned to join the workforce.

The bill also prohibits vocational training during the deferment period, further limiting long-term earning potential.

Without significant changes to haredi society, which is growing exponentially, Israel will not be able to maintain its status as a first-world country with an accompanying economy and military, Ravitsky Tur-Paz cautioned.

Israel has no choice. It has to make hard decisions.
Israel is bracing itself for heavy downpours and flash floods that Storm Byron is forecast to produce, especially in the coastal areas.

The Israel Meteorological Service said on Thursday that rain is likely to cover cities from northern Israel to the Negev in the south, with floods possible in low-lying cities. Up to 150mm (5.9 inches) of rain is estimated in some coastal areas, with wind gusts of up to 90km/h (56mph).

The Israeli army chief, Eyal Zamir, issued safety guidelines for the military, cancelling all leave until 6am on Friday, prohibiting all outdoor training activities and limiting soldiers to operational and essential activities.

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Israel has been on high alert. Cities across the country have taken measures to prepare for the storm, reinforcing emergency teams and opening shelters in case they are needed.





Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen assessed the situation with various government bodies to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply during the storm.

In contrast, unrecognised Bedouin communities in southern Israel are bracing for disaster, hoping for a miracle. Close to 30,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel live in those communities without any basic services, including electricity, water, or infrastructure. Many of the homes and buildings in these communities are under demolition orders. They will face the brunt of the storm without recourse for help from Israeli authorities.

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Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people

Recognised non-Jewish towns in the Negev have a tense relationship with the state. On Wednesday, Omar al-Asam, head of the Tal al-Sabe Council, announced a strike to protest against the police blocking off the towns only entrance and assaulting one of the residents.

The polices racist and aggressive conduct is unacceptable, and it goes to show the polices racist attitude towards Arab citizens across the country, especially in the Negev, al-Asam told local media.

This tension is a mainstay in Israels relationship with its non-Jewish citizens. In 2019, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, Israel is not a state of all its citizens.

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According to the basic nationality law we passed, Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people  and only it, Netanyahu wrote on Instagram in response to criticism from Israeli actor Rotem Sela.

This attitude is part of Israels institutional discrimination against non-Jewish citizens, amounting to apartheid according to experts and human rights organisations. In the past two years, right-wing politicians have advocated for the expulsion of Palestinian citizens of Israel or conditioning nationality on loyalty. Some have repeatedly attempted to outlaw non-Jewish parties and expel members of Knesset, the Israeli parliament, most recently in June 2025.





Byron poses lot of challenges

Meanwhile, the occupied West Bank also faces serious challenges from the storm.

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Youssef Abu Saadah, the head of the meteorological service in Palestine, told Al Jazeera, The expected rain from Storm Byron is more than a third of the average yearly rainfall. This poses a lot of challenges.

He clarified that flood warnings in the Negev are partly because of the downstream from the Hebron hills in the West Bank.

Since the start of the occupation in 1967, Israel has barred Palestinians in the West Bank from collecting rainwater. This means that much of the downpours in the Hebron area will find their way to the Negev.
Dec 11 (Reuters) - Harness, an AI software development startup, has raised $200 million in a Goldman Sachs-led fundraising round that values it at $5.5 billion, the company said on Thursday.

The financing marks a 49% jump in the firm's valuation nearly four years after a Series-D round valued it at $3.7 billion.

Private market investors continue to plough into artificial intelligence as the nascent technology promises to universally automate structured and repetitive corporate and tech tasks.

Harness is also planning a $40 million tender offer with participation from existing investors IVP, Menlo Ventures and Unusual Ventures.

"We were not looking to actively raise capital right now," Harness Cofounder and CEO Jyoti Bansal told Reuters in an interview.

"But we had a lot of investor interest. So a lot of people were coming and reaching out to us, and that's what kind of created this financing," he said.

As boardrooms look to use AI to aid, and sometimes to replace, expensive software engineers, the velocity and volume of code being written has dramatically accelerated.

Harness has been benefiting from this shift, as it offers workflow AI tools that develop written code into practical use cases.

Its customers include National Australia Bank, Morningstar and United Airlines, whose deployment times accelerated by 75% after using its tools, Harness said.

Major U.S. lenders JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, which have been vocal about AI-fueled productivity gains, are not only customers but also investors in Harness.

The blurring lines between client and owner labels across AI startups have led to comparisons with dotcom-era financing structures.

"We have very strong collaborative partnerships with Anthropic, OpenAI, Google Gemini, and AWS," Bansal said.

(Reporting by Ateev Bhandari in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona and Mrigank Dhaniwala)
MUNCIE, IN  Richard M. Ivy has announced his candidacy for the Indiana House of Representatives seat representing District 34.

Ivy will seek the Republican nomination to the seat in the party's May 5 primary election. A press release said his decision to run came "in a political moment defined by public frustration and a growing demand for responsible common-sense leadership."

Richard Ivy

The Muncie resident is director of human resources for the Muncie Sanitary District and previously served as deputy mayor before Muncie City Council eliminated funding for that position in 2024.

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He also serves as finance secretary at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where he attends with his wife, Pamela, and their family.

The release said Ivy's entrance into the House race "signals a return to a style of governance anchored in accountability, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to the people he serves."

As deputy mayor, he oversaw city departments including public works, community development, parks, and public safety, while managing personnel operations and "guiding efforts to improve citizen responsiveness."

During a long tenure with LifeStream Services, Ivy "safeguarded the well-being of more than 19,000 seniors and people with disabilities across a 12-county region," the release said.

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"Public service is not about personal ambition, it's about responsibility," Ivy said. "Our community deserves honest leadership that understands our challenges and is willing to work across differences to find real solutions."

Ivy said priorities would include "strengthening transparency and restoring public trust; supporting seniors, veterans, and families with practical, people-first policies; expanding youth opportunities and workforce pathways; advancing neighborhood revitalization and public safety; and ensuring fiscal prudence and data-informed decision making."

The House District 34 seat has been held since 2012 by Muncie Democrat Sue Errington.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Former Muncie deputy mayor to run for Indiana House District 34 seat
MADISON - Joel Brennan, a former top state official, is launching a bid to replace his old boss.

Brennan, a Democrat who is now president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, took aim at President Donald Trump in the first ad of his campaign for governor.

"Thanks to Donald Trumps chaos and incompetence, the numbers just arent adding up for Wisconsin families," Brennan said in the ad.

"Costs, like everything, are out of control, and coming from a family who had to make every dollar count, I know what that feels like."

Brennan, 55, was appointed Department of Administration Secretary by Gov. Tony Evers when he was elected to his first term in 2018. The agency oversees all of state government, including the state budget, agency operations, state employees and the state Capitol building.

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"We stood up to the extremists and delivered help to tens of thousands of small businesses, farmers and families across Wisconsin," Brennan said in the ad about the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in which his agency played a key role.

"I'll be a governor who will stand up to Trump's dysfunction and be laser focused on improving the lives of people across our state."

Brennan was one of the few Evers cabinet appointees unanimously confirmed by Senate Republicans and was at one point early on deployed to find a compromise between Republicans who control the state Legislature and the new Democratic administration during a time of heightened tension.

Joel Brennan, shown in 2019 in his role of Wisconsin Department of Administration secretary during a visit to Milwaukee's Intermodal Station. Brennan has entered the 2026 election for governor.

Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, then the state Senate majority leader, praised Brennan when he was appointed.

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"He's a great guy," Fitzgerald told reporters in December 2018. "When I saw his name was announced, I said thats a good pick."

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, however, criticized the pick at the time, noting Brennan's ties to Milwaukee and his brother-in-law Kevin Conroy, CEO of Exact Sciences.

Brennan could be a dark horse candidate in the Democratic primary, given his ties to Conroy. It's unknown whether Conroy will financially help Brennan's bid, but he has deep pockets to do so.

Conroy recently sold Exact Sciences to Abbott Laboratories in a deal valued at $23 billion. Exact Sciences manufactures the popular at-home colon cancer screening test Cologuard.

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Conroy, who helped lead Evers' transition team in 2018 when Evers was elected to his first term, has previously considered running for governor as well.

Brennan was chief executive officer of Milwaukee's Discovery World when Evers appointed him to hold the top cabinet position in the administration. He left in 2021 to run the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

Before that, Brennan ran former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's unsuccessful 2002 campaign for governor, his successful 2004 mayoral bid and led Milwaukee's Redevelopment Authority under Barrett.

Brennan was appointed president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee in December 2021, and federal records show he was paid an annual salary of $349,630 and other pay of $46,445 for a total compensation package of nearly $400,000 in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available.

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The GMC focuses on improving southeastern Wisconsin's civic life and economy. The group is made up of about 200 leaders of businesses, financial institutions, law firms, nonprofit groups and educational institutions in the metro area.

One Democratic opponent, state Sen. Kelda Roys of Madison, criticized Brennan Thursday for GMC's opposition to the 2024 $252 million referendum for Milwaukee Public Schools.

"At this moment, Wisconsin needs a leader who knows how to deliver higher wages, lower costs and the freedom to thrive," she said.

"While I look forward to a spirited primary, I will not be able to overlook the fact that only one of the candidates in this race tried to defeat a desperately needed referendum to fund our biggest school district."

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At the time, Brennan said the group wanted to have "a broader community conversation around where these resources are going, and how are they directly going to impact having better outcomes for students."

Brennan told committee members this week he was stepping away from his role as he launches his campaign for governor. Brennan is the latest prominent Democrat to join the 2026 race for governor.

He will face Roys, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO and Secretary Missy Hughes and state Rep. Francesca Hong, among other lesser known candidates, in an August primary.

More: Who's running for governor in Wisconsin? These are the candidates

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On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann are the major candidates in the GOP primary for governor.

Jessie Opoien contributed to this report.

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Joel Brennan, former top Evers official, enters governor's race
House Speaker Mike Johnson predicted Indiana Senate Republicans would do the right thing Thursday when they convene to render a final decision on a state House-passed map that President Donald Trump demanded to give their party two pickup opportunities in Congress.

It would be an improvement over their 7-2 seat advantage in the states current congressional map, and is being decided as part of a national redistricting arms race that Trump kicked off to influence next years midterms.

Johnson also acknowledged for the first time making individual phone calls to Indiana senators in recent days. The strategy, first reported by POLITICO, came on the heels of his larger post-Thanksgiving call with state House Republicans.

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Well, because they're in the final stages of that process, Johnson told POLITICO Wednesday night, explaining why he made the calls. And I was told that there was some Indiana state senators who would like to talk to me and ask questions about the national perspective on it. And I shared that with them and told them I was encouraging them. I want everybody to make the decision that, you know, comports with their conscience, that they feel good about.

The calls have represented a marked increase in Johnsons involvement in the redistricting wars, which early on he sidestepped by saying states should decide whether to redraw the lines. But now he is racing to keep up with his counterpart, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has been closely involved in the process to redistrict states across the map.

Its also a marked difference from the White House, which has threatened and intimidated reluctant Republicans ahead of Indianas nail-biter vote.

The vote Thursday in the Republican-controlled Senate is expected by both sides to be a close one, and it remains unclear how many of the chambers 40 GOP senators have shifted since they stalemated at 19-19 last month on a determination that was a proxy for the gerrymandering fight. The map needs 26 votes to pass, and assuming all 10 Democrats oppose it, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, long a proponent of mid-decade redistricting, can break a 25-25 tie.

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I had some great conversations there, Johnson said of the calls. They have some, some great patriots serving the people in the state of Indiana. And I enjoyed that. I met and talked with a lot of the House members when they were in their phase of that. So I believe they'll do the right thing.

In November, Johnson also addressed a growing list of elected Indiana Republicans who have faced swattings  false reports of danger that bring an aggressive law enforcement response designed to intimidate the target  and pipe bomb threats.

I don't think you can put the blame on the president for any of that, Johnson said of Trump, who has publicly blasted the states GOP holdouts and not made efforts to tamp down the threats.

State senators have described Johnson as taking a lighter touch with Hoosier Republicans.
A Stockton father who threw a birthday party for his daughter last month  an event that ended in four deaths, including three children  was denied bail Thursday.

Luciano Guerrero, a 22-year-old rapper who performs as Nano and who is an active gang member, appeared for his second court hearing following his arrest. He is a member of the Asian Boyz and Muddy Boyz gangs, according to authorities.

More: Stockton rapper Fly Boy Dougy to serve jail time following parole violation at mass shooting

Stockton rapper Luciano Guerrero, who performs as Nano, appears for further arraignment next to his public defender Phillip Krueger at the San Joaquin County Courthouse in downtown Stockton on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. He is accused of violating parole.

Guerrero was arrested on Dec. 1 by Office of Correctional Safety agents for gang participation and or association  an alleged violation of his parole. He is not a suspect in the Nov. 29 Stockton mass shooting and is not charged with any crimes associated with the attack, which left four people dead and 13 others injured, according to authorities.

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At the start of the hearing, Guerreros public defender Phillip Krueger reminded Judge Chrishna Martinez that his client's no bail was set provisionally at the last hearing.

I would like to ask for his release today, Krueger told Martinez.

Hes a victim of a shooting

Krueger said he was still in the dark about some aspects of Guerreros parole violation, but said he understood his clients parole violation stemmed from allegations of him associating with suspected gang members during his 2-year-old daughter's birthday party.

He is only here today because he threw a birthday party for a child that he loved and somebody else decided to interrupt it in perhaps the most inhumane hostile way a person can interrupt, Krueger said. He should not be in custody because hes a victim of a shooting.

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Krueger told Martinez that he understood the court's practice is typically to do no bail on a parole violation but asked that the court deviate from its standard practice. He argued that Guerrero has been attending court proceedings for his 2024 case without any issues.

In October 2024, Guerrero was charged with possession of assault weapon, two counts of being a felon/addict possessing a firearm, four counts of possession of ammunition, three counts of large capacity magazine activity, possessing/transporting machine gun, assault with a firearm and corporal injury to spouse/cohabitant/parent of child.

He also has a prior strike, but Krueger said that is being contested.

Krueger said his client had been part of a program aimed at helping young men with children obtain employment. He said Guerrero was in the program to provide for his significant other and family.

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His significant other is here, she wants him home, Krueger said.

He should not have thrown the party.

Deputy District Attorney Patricia Horner objected to the defendant being released and provided her own perspective on Guerreros criminal history.

She said she believed the case warranted keeping the no bail because of the risk to public safety.

Perhaps had Mr. Guerrero not thrown this party we wouldnt be in the situation we are in today with the unfortunate loss of many lives of children, Horner said.

Horner said Krueger was correct in one senseGuerrero threw the party and knew who would be in attendance. She said the defendant knew there would be kids and well-known documented gang members at the party.

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According to Horner, Billy Williams is Guerrero's brother-in-law. Williams is a rapper and gang member who was also arrested for a parole violation after attending the birthday party.

She said Guerrero had been given numerous chances and warnings when he previously violated parole such as in 2024 improperly charging his GPS device and in 2025 participating and hanging out with gang associates.

When Horner said Guerrero had pulled a firearm on a domestic partner last year, he shook his head in disagreement.

To say hes a public safety risk is an understatement. I would ask your honor to keep bail where its at, Horner said.

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Just before Martinez issued a ruling Krueger asked to respond to the claims of Horner.

I think it is, to be frank, extremely offensive to accuse Mr. Guerrero and to affix responsibility to Mr. Guerrero for the deaths of his family members as Mrs. Horner just did, because he threw a birthday party, Krueger said. It masks the pain that Mr. Guerrero is going through. He is a human being, he has suffered loss, not to mention the trauma that has been inflicted on his family that he now has to vicariously live.

He added, To say that Mr. Guerrero shouldnt have thrown a birthday party is an absolutely horrible standard that any citizen of Stockton should not be told to do.

Judge's ruling

Before Martinez gave her ruling, she said it is standard practice that a parole violation results in no bail.

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He does have a parole violation, the bail for that is no bail. Im going to leave that at no bail, Martinez said.

She said her reasons included Guerrero having a strike on his record, issues with parole violations such as the GPS charging, picking up a new 2024 case and being reprimanded while on parole.

A parole revocation hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2026, for Guerrero.

Guerrero put his head down shaking no when he was told by his public defender that Jan. 8 was the earliest date his case could be heard.

Record reporter Victoria Franco covers public safety in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at vfranco@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record athttps://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton rapper Luciano Guerrero denied bail in parole violation case
PHILIPSBURG, Pa. (AP)  Kilmar Abrego Garcia was freed from immigration detention on a judge's order Thursday while he fights to stay in the U.S., handing a major victory to the immigrant whose wrongful deportation to a notorious prison in El Salvador made him a flashpoint of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to let Abrego Garcia go immediately, writing that federal authorities had detained him again after his return to the United States without any legal basis.

Abrego Garcia returned to his home in Maryland wearing a white shirt and orange hat hours after his release at 5 p.m., the deadline the judge gave the government for an update on Abrego Garcias release. He's lived for years in Maryland, where he has an American wife and child, since originally immigrating to the U.S. illegally as a teenager.

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Abrego Garcia had been held at Moshannon Valley Processing Center about 115 miles (185 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh.

His attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said hes not sure what comes next, but hes prepared to defend his client against further deportation efforts.

The government still has plenty of tools in their toolbox, plenty of tricks up their sleeve, Sandoval-Moshenberg said, adding he fully expects the government to again take steps to deport his client. Were going to be there to fight to make sure there is a fair trial.

The Department of Homeland Security sharply criticized the judge's decision and vowed to appeal, calling the ruling naked judicial activism by a judge appointed during the Obama administration.

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This order lacks any valid legal basis, and we will continue to fight this tooth and nail in the courts, said Tricia McLaughlin, the departments assistant secretary.

Sandoval-Moshenberg said the judge made it clear that the government cant detain someone indefinitely without legal authority and that his client has endured more than anyone should ever have to.

An immigration judge ruled in 2019 that Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, could not be deported to El Salvador because he faced danger from a gang that targeted his family. When he was mistakenly sent there in March, his case became a rallying point for those who oppose President Donald Trumps immigration enforcement actions.

A court later ordered his return to the United States. Since he cannot be removed to El Salvador, ICE has been seeking to deport him to a series of African countries. His federal suit claims the Trump administration is illegally using the removal process to punish Abrego Garcia for the public embarrassment caused by his deportation.

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In her order releasing Abrego Garcia, Xinis wrote that federal authorities did not just stonewall the court, They affirmatively misled the tribunal. The judge was referencing the successive list of four African countries that officials had sought to remove Abrego Garcia to, seemingly without commitments from those countries, as well as officials' affirmations that Costa Rica withdrew its offer to accept him, a claim later proven untrue.

But Costa Rica had never wavered in its commitment to receive Abrego Garcia, just as Abrego Garcia never wavered in his commitment to resettle there, the judge wrote.

Xinis also rejected the governments argument that she lacked jurisdiction to intervene on a final removal order for Abrego Garcia, because she found no final order had been filed.

Separately, Abrego Garcia is asking an immigration court to reopen his case so he can seek asylum in the United States.

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He is also criminally charged in Tennessee, where he has pleaded not guilty to human smuggling. He has asked the federal court to dismiss the case, arguing the prosecution is vindictive. His defense attorney in Tennessee, Sean Hecker, declined to comment.

A judge in that case has ordered an evidentiary hearing after previously finding some evidence that the charges may be vindictive. The judge also noted several statements by Trump administration officials that raise cause for concern, including a statement by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche that seemed to suggest the Justice Department charged Abrego Garcia because he won his wrongful deportation case. ___

Loller reported from Nashville and Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press reporters Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington and Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia contributed to this report.
A third federal judge has authorized the release of sealed grand jury materials related to Jeffrey Epstein.

On Wednesday, Judge Richard M. Berman of the Southern District of New York granted the Justice Departments request to unseal the grand jury record from Epsteins 2019 federal sex-trafficking case. Berman had rejected similar efforts earlier this year under traditional grand jury secrecy rules, but said the newly enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act supersedes the otherwise secret grand jury materials under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure. In his August decision denying the release of the transcripts and exhibits, Berman warned that the materials in the Epstein grand jury transcripts pales in comparison to the Epstein investigation information and materials in the hand of the Department of Justice.

The new law unequivocally intends to make public Epstein grand jury materials and discovery materials covered by the Epstein Protective Order, Berman wrote in his four-page order. The ruling marks another step in the recent push to make the investigative records public ahead of a mid-December deadline imposed by Congress.

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Bermans ruling follows two others issued in the past week. On Tuesday, Judge Paul A. Engelmayer approved the release of a set of grand jury materials from the 2021 prosecution of close Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. And last week, a federal judge in Florida authorized the disclosure of grand jury records from an earlier, abandoned investigation into Epstein.

All three rulings stem from the act, which Congress passed with bipartisan support. President Donald Trump, after initially opposing the files release, signed into the bill into law last month. The measure requires the Justice Department to make records related to Epstein and his associates public by December 19 and narrows the categories of information that may remain sealed.

Prosecutors have said that the grand jury records in Epsteins 2019 case consist primarily of testimony from an FBI agent who summarized the governments evidence, along with a PowerPoint presentation and call logs. Even so, some survivor advocates have supported their release while downplaying their expectations.

Release to the public of Epstein-related materials is good, so long as the victims are protected in the process, Brad Edwards, a lawyer for some of Epsteins victims, told the Associated Press. With that said, the grand jury receives only the most basic information, so, relatively speaking, these particular materials are insignificant.

The post Judge orders release of grand jury files in Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case appeared first on Salon.com.
MIDLAND Diane Cuevas, owner of JumBurrito, is contributing $125,000 to the West Texas Food Bank to help meet the needs of families across its 19-county service area. This contribution is in addition to JumBurritos ongoing annual partnership with the West Texas Food Bank through its holiday giving program.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and reflect on the promise of hope and renewal. At JumBurrito, we believe this season also calls us to serve our neighbors and support families struggling to make ends meet, a news release said.

The post JumBurrito owner Diane Cuevas donates $125,000 to West Texas Food Bank appeared first on Odessa American.
The Lane County Sheriff's has joined Eugene and Springfield in choosing to end its contract with Flock Safety on Dec. 10.

After Eugene and Springfield installed Automated License Plate Reader cameras earlier this year, two smaller communities west of Eugene: Veneta and Junction City, began their own discussions about ALPR technology.

ALPR cameras take photographs of passing cars, bicyclists and pedestrians and use AI to interpret those photographs, allowing police departments to search for vehicles by license plate as well as vehicle type, color and features. Georgia-based Flock Safety is the national leader in such cameras.

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In the sheriff's office announcement, the agency cited Eugene and Springfield dropping their Flock contracts, which would reduce the utility of sheriff's office cameras because the agency wouldn't have the ability to share data with the cities. The sheriff's office left open the possibility of pursuing ALPR cameras from another vendor in the future.

With the sheriff's office pulling back from Flock Safety, so does Veneta, while in Junction City the ALPR conversation continued at its most recent city council meeting.

Sheriff discusses ALPR in Veneta

A Flock automated license plate reader camera overlooks Coburg Road as a protester holds an American Flag during a No Kings rally on Oct. 18, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon.

At a Nov. 24 Veneta City Council meeting, staff from the Lane County Sheriff's Office presented a proposal to place Flock cameras at the intersection of Territorial Highway and Highway 126.

Veneta does not have its own police department, instead it contracts with the sheriff's office. The cameras in Veneta would have been part of the sheriff's office's proposed network of 22 cameras at high-traffic areas in Lane County.

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Sheriff Carl Wilkerson told councilors Flock cameras would speed up investigations and help officers. Residents at the meeting raised privacy concerns.

Following a discussion, two city councilors said they opposed the cameras, one said he supported them, and the remaining councilor and the mayor said they wanted more information.

Cameras in Veneta won't happen until at least the 2026 legislative session, where the state will likely pass new regulation on ALPR cameras, because the sheriff's office said it would wait for those rules before deploying cameras with another ALPR vendor.

There's more to know: UPDATED: Lane sheriff's office joins Eugene in ending Flock contract

Junction City considers adding stationary cameras

Junction City's Council has discussed possibly installing ALPR cameras in that city. Councilors heard presentations from a Flock Safety representative Sept. 9, and from Axon, another ALPR vendor on Oct. 28.

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Junction City police already use Axon ALPR cameras in their cars, Police Chief Mark Waddell said. A new contract, if approved, would be for fixed cameras like the ones installed in Eugene and Springfield.

On Dec. 9, Waddell presented a draft ALPR policy, which would guide JCPD's use of the technology, to City Council. He described the policy as Junction City police "getting it all ready to go" if and when the city pursues fixed ALPR cameras which wouldn't be for "a few months," at least.

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached byemail at atorres@registerguard.com, on X @alanfryetorres or on Reddit at u/AlfrytRG.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Discussion of cameras continues outside Eugene-Springfield
(AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

A federal judge has ordered President Donald Trumps Department of Justice to free Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis directed that Abrego Garcia be released immediately on Thursday.

The ruling argues immigration authorities repeatedly pushed to remove Abrego Garcia even when they lacked the legal grounds to do so.

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In her order, the judge noted that since Abrego Garcias wrongful detention in El Salvador, he has been re-detained, again without lawful authority, underscoring a pattern of detention the court found to be unsupported by statute or procedure.

She also wrote that without an active removal order, the government has no path to deport him, a fact that ICE officials struggled to explain in recent hearings.

The administration has presented Abrego Garcia as a threat, accusing him of affiliation with the violent MS-13 gang, a charge he denies and one that led to his transfer to El Salvadors notorious CECOT mega-prison. His deportation came despite a 2019 ruling where an immigration judge denied him asylum on technical grounds, but barred his removal to the country, where he and his family had allegedly been threatened by gangs.

The Salvadoran immigrants deportation in March to his birth country triggered outcry and a scramble within the courts. Government lawyers ultimately conceded he had been removed due to a procedural error. A series of federal judges, and a unanimous Supreme Court, ordered officials to facilitate his return after his illegal arrest.

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He was brought back to the U.S. months later, in June, only to be hit with new allegations that he had illegally transported other immigrants, accusations he denies. Administration officials floated he may be deported to Uganda after he refused to accept a deal that would have sent him to Costa Rica.

In Thursdays ruling the judge detailed the whiplash diplomacy that followed, as the government floated a carousel of countries for removal.

Respondents calculated effort to take Costa Rica off the table backfired, she wrote, noting that officials there reiterated their willingness to give him safe haven. The alternatives Uganda, then Eswatini, then Ghana were never viable options, she concluded.

Though a judge released him from pretrial detention, ICE seized him again, reigniting a legal tug-of-war over whether he could remain in the country long enough to stand trial.

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The latest order requires the government to inform Abrego Garcia of the exact time and place of his release and to update the court by 5 p.m. ET.

As he leaves ICE custody once again, he will be under the oversight of the Pretrial Services Office under the conditions set in his criminal case. The ruling also solidifies an earlier court order blocking his removal until his habeas challenge concludes.

This story is developing.

The post JUST IN: Trump DOJ Ordered by Federal Judge to Immediately Free Kilmar Abrego Garcia first appeared on Mediaite.
A grand jury, for a second time, declined to bring a new indictment against Letitia James, the New York attorney general who defeated President Donald Trump and his company in court, according to multiple sources.

The Justice Department presented its case against James to grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, Thursday  a week after a different grand jury in Norfolk declined to bring charges.

Of the five cases the grand jury considered on Thursday, it returned four indictments and one failed indictment, referred to as a no true bill.

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The quick move by the Justice Department to present a case against James again to a grand jury again shows the intensity of its efforts to prosecute the New York attorney general, a frequent Trump political target who was one of several enemies he has said on social media should face legal jeopardy.

In a statement Thursday, James lawyer Abbe Lowell said any further attempts to revive the charges against his client would be a mockery of our system of justice.

This unprecedented rejection makes even clearer that this case should never have seen the light of day, Lowell said. This case already has been a stain on this Departments reputation and raises troubling questions about its integrity.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

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Late last month, a federal judge said that Lindsey Halligan, Trumps handpicked prosecutor, was unlawfully appointed as an interim US attorney and therefore the criminal cases against James and another Trump political opponent  former FBI Director James Comey  must be dismissed. Halligan, a former White House adviser, was given the job after the Justice Department pushed out the previous interim US attorney amid increasing pressure to bring cases against Comey and James.

In the original indictment, prosecutors said James had claimed on mortgage paperwork that a home she purchased in Norfolk would be her second residence, allowing her to get a favorable mortgage rate. Prosecutors said that James didnt use the house and rented it instead.

James had pleaded not guilty to one count of making false statements to a financial institution and one count of bank fraud before the case was dismissed.

All actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment including the indictments against Comey and James were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside, Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled.

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But Currie tossed out the cases without prejudice, leaving open the possibility that both individuals could be re-charged for the same alleged conduct.

And, with James, the Justice Department swiftly tried again  first in Norfolk on December 4, and then in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday.

While the ruling last month unwound the original case against James, it didnt preclude the justice department from trying again. Repeated efforts to revive the case, however, could raise policy and constitutional concerns, retired federal judge Nancy Gertner told CNN.

The prosecutor, as a matter of policy, shouldnt be presenting charges before a grand jury unless they have a reasonable belief that they could win before a jury, Gertner said. Losing before the grand jury once is one of the best indications that theres no there there  that they dont have a case.

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Prosecutors, however, face a long road ahead. Lawyers for James previously argued she was selectively and vindictively prosecuted.

Before their cases were dismissed, both James and Comey pointed to a myriad of comments from Trump calling for them to be prosecuted, and in the case of James, have accused the government of transforming the Department of Justice into the Presidents personal agents of revenge.

Their attorneys pointed to one of Trumps Truth Social posts, which was directed at Attorney General Pam Bondi, in September.

Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam Shifty Schiff, Leticia??? Theyre all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done, Trump wrote, referring to Comey, James, and Sen. Adam Schiff of California.

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The Justice Department has argued that the presidents social media posts werent directing Bondi to act, but simply saying Trump believed those people should be prosecuted because theyre guilty.

In the cases against Comey and James, defense attorneys argued the 120-day period an interim US attorney is allowed to serve prior to confirmation from the Senate or approval from the districts judges had already expired when Halligan took the position.

This, they said, meant that Halligans appointment was unlawful.

Currie agreed. She wrote that agreeing with the governments position would give Trump and other officials authority to evade the Senate confirmation process indefinitely by stacking successive 120-day appointments.

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The 120-day clock began running with Mr. Sieberts appointment on January 21, 2025, she wrote, referring to Erik Siebert, who had been serving as the interim US attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia until he was pushed out in September. (After the 120-day period ended earlier this year, judges in the district voted to keep him in the job.)

When that clock expired on May 21, 2025, so too did the Attorney Generals appointment authority, Currie wrote, adding that Bondis attempt to install Halligan was invalid and that Ms. Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role since September 22, 2025.

This story story was updated with additional details.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Karen Freifeld and Sarah N. Lynch

Dec 10 (Reuters) - Chinese telecoms equipment maker ZTE Corp may pay more than $1 billion to the U.S. government to resolve years-old allegations of foreign bribery, according to two people familiar with the matter.

ZTE, which already paid some $2 billion in penalties to U.S. authorities over export violations during President Donald Trump's first term, has for years faced probes by authorities around the world into alleged bribes to secure telecom contracts.

This year, the Justice Department has moved ahead with a U.S. investigation into ZTE for allegedly violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in South America and other regions, the sources said. The act prohibits payments or anything of value to foreign officials to obtain business.

U.S. officials, Reuters is reporting for the first time, are working on a resolution that could see ZTE pay more than $1 billion, the sources said, or possibly $2 billion or more, one said, based in part on alleged gains from corrupt contracts.

On Thursday, ZTE's Hong Kong-listed shares tumbled more than 12%, while its Shenzhen shares fell by their daily limit of 10%.

In a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange on Thursday, ZTE said it is engaged in "ongoing communication" with the Justice Department on the investigation.

"The Company consistently commits to comprehensively strengthening its compliance system and building an industry-leading compliance framework," ZTE added.

"The Company opposes all forms of corruption and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any individuals who may be involved in such activities."

ZTE did not respond to requests for comment before publication.

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment.

It remains unclear when a deal might be reached. A settlement with the U.S. would require approval from the Chinese government, the sources said.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said he was not aware of the specifics of the ZTE matter, but added, "China has always required Chinese companies to operate legally abroad and abide by local laws and regulations."

FCPA CASES CAN TAKE YEARS

FCPA cases often surface years after the misconduct and the Justice Department investigation has found that with ZTE, the most recent bribery-related act occurred in 2018, one of the sources said. The other source described potential charges as a criminal conspiracy to commit bribery.

Both sources said ZTE struck business deals in South America that the DOJ suspects involved bribery, with one of the sources pointing to Venezuela.
Volunteers begin to unpack turkeys to give to meal recipients as part of Gods Pantry Food Bank Sharing Thanksgiving program in the parking lot of Big Sandy Community and Technical College on Nov. 24, 2025, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes)

LOUISVILLE  Many of Kentuckys children continue to live in levels of poverty that child advocates call unacceptable.

The Kids Count Data Dashboard, released by Kentucky Youth Advocates Thursday, shows about 21% of children are living in food-insecure households, 20% live below the poverty level and 44% live in low-income households. Kids Count is part of a national initiative by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and measures child well-being based on a variety of measures  education, family life, trauma, incarceration and more.

Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, speaks at the release of the 2025 Kids Count Data Dashboard. Dec. 11, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

In Eastern Kentucky, about 40% of children are growing up in childhood poverty, according to Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates.

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Rates of poverty for Black kids in Kentucky continue to be at an unacceptable disproportionate rate in every corner of the state, Brooks said. About 31% of Black children and 23% of Latinx children in Kentucky live in poverty, higher than 17% of white children.

Other takeaways from the report include:

In 2023, child poverty rates improved in 111 of 120 counties compared to five years previous but 1 in 5 children overall continue to live in poverty. In five counties, all Eastern Kentucky, child poverty rates are higher than 40%.

From 2019-2023, 45% of Kentucky households had a high rental cost burden with renters spending 30% or more of their income on rent plus utilities. During this time, 70 counties experienced improved rates over this time period compared to 2014-2018.

In the 2024-2025 school year, the high school graduation rate improved overall to nearly 94% from about 91% % in 2019-2020.

About half of fourth graders were at least proficient in reading in the most recent school year, with 89 of the states 169 school districts with available data reporting lower reading proficiency rates than in 2023-2024.

About 40% of eighth graders were at least proficient in math in the last school year.

In 2023, about 97% of Kentucky children had health insurance. From 2021-2023, 1 in 10 Kentucky mothers smoked during pregnancy, an improvement from 2016-2018.

From 2022-2024, Kentucky had a rate of 39.4 per 1,000 Kentucky children in foster care, lower than the rates in 2017-2019. The states percentage of children exiting foster care to reunification with a parent also improved in this time period to 38%.

Lets be very clear: This data is critical if you care about kids. It can and it should shape our direction as a state, Brooks said. The critical point is turning can shape into will shape, and that will shape will only come through decisive action from our lawmakers and Gov. (Andy) Beshear when that opening gavel falls in January. That means budget investments. That means smart policy moves. That means making kids a priority in real and relevant and measurable ways.

Karena Cash, the data and research director at Kentucky Youth Advocates, speaks at the release of the 2025 Kids Count Data Dashboard. Dec. 11, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Karena Cash, the data and research director at Kentucky Youth Advocates, said food insecurity is also connected to higher rates of obesity.

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Often, when we think about food insecurity and hunger, we picture extreme forms of malnutrition, which just isnt the reality, often, of what food insecurity looks like here in Kentucky said Cash. Food insecurity in Kentucky can be very hidden and a lot trickier to identify, because its often things like parents skipping meals to ensure that their kids have enough food at dinner, or families choosing between, do I pay my utility bills this month, or do I buy groceries? Or, which is the connection to obesity, having to rely on cheap, ultra processed foods in order to make ends meet when it comes to their food budget.

Lack of grocery stores is another factor here, Cash said: The neighborhood a child grows up in, and, specifically, the proximity to a grocery store within their neighborhood, can strongly influence their access to healthy foods.

Meanwhile, most schools in Kentucky offer free food to children through the Community Eligibility Provision, Cash said.

Aliete Yanes Medina, a senior high school student at Fern Creek High School in Louisville, speaks at the release of the 2025 Kids Count Data Dashboard. Dec. 11, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Schools are a significant source of healthy meals for kids, with research finding that some of the healthiest meals consumed by children in their day to day are coming from their school cafeteria, she said.

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Aliete Yanes Medina, a senior high school student at Fern Creek High School in Louisville, said she tutors students who face food and housing insecurity.

The data we heard today is powerful because it unites us, establishes a tangible way of showing progress in our community, Medina said. But most importantly, this shows that we care. This data reflects kids like the ones I tutor, but also like myself. It gives us a clear picture of how young people are doing across Kentucky but it also reminds us that behind every number is a story, a challenge and a person who deserves support and opportunity.

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NAIROBI, Dec 11 (Reuters) - A Kenyan court has suspended a health funding agreement the government signed with the United States on December 4, worth more than $1.6 billion, until it hears a data privacy case filed by a consumer protection group.

The pact, signed in Washington, was the first of its kind under an overhaul of U.S. foreign aid introduced during President Donald Trump's administration.

Since then, other African nations including Rwanda and Uganda have signed similar agreements. Under these deals, countries receive U.S. health funds but are also required to increase their own domestic health spending.

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The Consumers Federation of Kenya petitioned the High Court to halt the agreement until concerns over the safety of citizens' health data are addressed.

"Decision-making informed by Kenyan health data must be public, auditable and jointly supervised, with consumer representatives involved in data processing, monitoring and evaluation, and independent oversight," the federation said in a statement.

High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye issued an order pausing the agreement until the case is heard.

"A conservatory is hereby issued suspending ... or howsoever giving effect to the Health Cooperation Framework," Mwamuye said in the order late on Wednesday.

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President William Ruto has sought to reassure Kenyans that their data will be protected.

"The office of the Attorney General ... went through the agreement with a tooth comb ... to make sure ... the law that prevails on data that belongs to the people of Kenya is the Kenyan law," he said on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Vincent Mumo Nzilani, Humphrey Malalo and George Obulutsa;Editing by Alexander Winning and Ros Russell)
The Kissimmee Police Department has spent much of 2025 working to recover and rebuild after a high-profile scandal triggered multiple investigations, leadership turnover, and deep questions about internal culture.

The final chapter of that process appeared to close this week with the reinstatement of Deputy Chief Wilson Munozjust weeks after the department moved to fire him.

Last month, Channel 9 reported that KPD intended to terminate Munoz, citing his decision to uphold a one-day suspension for former officer Andrew Baseggio.

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Body-camera footage from that incident showed Baseggio kneeing a suspect in the face and deploying a Taser multiple times.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office launched an outside investigation into more than a dozen officers after a grand jury raised concerns about their involvement in the encounter.

While investigators criticized Munoz for what they described as a lapse in judgment and pointed to broader cultural issues within KPD at the time, they did not find misconduct on his part, and the case was closed.

However, KPD initiated a second internal investigation, and it was that internal review that led to the departments decision to terminate the deputy chief.

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Munoz filed a grievance challenging the termination. According to a memo from City Manager Mike Steigerwald, the department ultimately determined that certain actions taken during the internal process were not permitted under Floridas Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights.

In the memo, Steigerwald acknowledged the agencys shortcomings during the period when the earlier decisions were made. On page five of the document, he wrote:

The environment in which these decisions were made were substantially different from the leadership standards now expected.

He then ordered that Munoz be reinstated.

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The chief informed the department of his return this morning, saying, I do expect Deputy Chief Munoz will return to our agency with the citizens of Kissimmee and our agency personnel as the top priority.

The mayor of Kissimmee told Channel 9 that there are still unanswered questions.

If we are back at square one because of a technicality, someone should be accountable for those technicalities, Mayor Jackie Espinoza said.

I am concerned about the morale of the police department, she added.

A meeting with commissioners about the issue could happen as early as next week.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
State Senator Rodric Bray, a Republican from Indiana, speaks to members of the media at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Credit - Kaiti SullivanBloomberg /Getty Images

Republicans across the U.S. are redrawing political maps to try and increase the partys chances of securing congressional seats in the 2026 midterms. But in one deeply-GOP state, that gerrymandering plan has met unlikely resistanceto President Donald Trumps chagrin.

I love the State of Indiana, and have won it, including Primaries, six times, all by MASSIVE Majorities, Trump posted on Truth Social late Wednesday. Unfortunately, Indiana Senate Leader Rod Bray enjoys being the only person in the United States of America who is against Republicans picking up extra seats, in Indianas case, two of them. He is putting every ounce of his limited strength into asking his soon to be very vulnerable friends to vote with him.

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Rodric Bray, the states Senate President Pro Tempore, has been in Trumps crosshairs in the pastthe President had called him a RINO (Republican In Name Only)as he leads the intraparty dissent against redrawing Indianas congressional district maps. Trump has been pressuring the state for months to do so, and a redistricting bill passed in the state House last week, sending the issue to the Senate. But it may stop before GOP senators led by Bray, who said there werent enough votes to pass it despite a party supermajority.

The resistance tested Trump, who reiterated the importance of redrawing such maps to protect a narrow GOP majority in the House. The President said on Truth Social that Brays pushback puts the Republican House majority at risk and, at the same time, putting anybody in Indiana who votes against this Redistricting, likewise, at risk, adding that Hoosiers, who carried Trump by 19 points in the 2024 elections, would not want Democrats to succeed in Washington.

Bray doesnt care, Trump said. Hes either a bad guy, or a very stupid one!

The President, in his post, also repeated his threats to GOP lawmakers who did not stick to his wishes, saying that anybody who rejects redistricting efforts will be met with a MAGA Primary next year, though Bray wont be on the ballot until 2028. Rod Bray and his friends wont be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again, the President said.

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But the resistance may eventually fall through. Speaking to reporters Monday, Bray reiterated that he wasnt in favor of redistricting, but he no longer said that enough votes could junk it. Were all going to find out together on Thursday, Bray said, referring to when the states upper chamber is set to vote on the redrawn maps. To pass, the measure must get more than 25 votes.

Why Republicans are resisting

The proposed new Indiana maps, which was released by the Indiana House on Dec. 1 and could replace the 2021 version currently in use, should have been a slam dunk for Republicans. It effectively weakens the states 1st and 7th districts, which are represented in the U.S. Congress by Democrats Rep. Frank Mrvan and Rep. Andre Carsonthe only Black member of the states congressional delegation. Under the new map, Marion County, where the state capital Indianapolis is, will be split into four. The author of the states redistricting bill, state representative Ben Smaltz, has admitted that the maps were redrawn purely for political performance of Republicans.

But some local officials have said redistricting close to the 2026 primary will create chaos, citing huge expenses in ensuring that voter registration systems are updated to reflect the redrawn maps and that voters are duly informed of the changes. It would put a great deal of stress on the election system, Kate Sweeney Bell, clerk of Marion County, said, according to Axios. That pushes away poll workers, causes longer lines at polling locations, frustrates voters, and ultimately sows distrust in the process.

Its also not as if Indiana voters want Republicans to redistrict mid-decade. An August poll found that a majority of them oppose it, and some voters have expressed concern that the new map also diminishes their representation as lawmakers would have to cover a wider, more varied geography. Another poll released in November found that many Indiana voters would instead want state lawmakers to focus on voter issues like property taxes and energy bills.

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Theres also concern that the new maps would be a dilution of Black votes, given that Carson may lose his U.S. congressional seat after redistricting.

One analyst wrote for the Indiana Capital Chronicle that even with Trump and Republican Gov. Mike Braun pushing for redistricting, state lawmakers may find their political careers in jeopardy if they go ahead with the plan, which would be breaking faith with Hoosier voters.

In October, the GOP Senate leadership announced that it did not have the votes in the chamber to advance the redistricting effort, despite Trump himself and his allies reaching out to them. Bray issued a statement the following month reiterating the lack of votes in favor, saying state Senate Republicans have given very serious and thoughtful consideration to the plan.

To state senator Mike Bohacek, theres also a personal element: his vote against redistricting came in response to Trumps use of the word retarded to describe Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in the Presidents Thanksgiving message. Bohacek, whose daughter has Down syndrome, is an advocate for persons with intellectual disabilities, and posted on Facebook that Trumps choice of words have consequences.

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Some GOP state senators, however, are in favor of redrawing the maps. Indiana Lieutenant Governor and Senate President Micah Beckwith also posted, The people of Indiana did not elect a Republican supermajority so our Senate could cower, compromise, or collapse at the very moment courage is required.

In an interview with Politico Magazine after the November announcement, Bray said that the changes Trump wants in Indiana have lasting, potentially harmful effects. Instead, Bray said the GOP should focus on securing a specific seat without taking shortcuts.

Its absolutely imperative that were able to do hard things here, and in order to do that, to do hard things that maybe not everybody agrees with and maybe even some people get really angry about, Bray said of the Senate. They have to have trust in the institution.

The effect of Indianas redistricting debate

The states debate over redistricting has become contentious and politically charged to the point where its lawmakers have faced threats. Bohacek reported a bomb threat in his home, while state senator Jean Leising said her house became the target of a pipe bomb threat as a result of the D.C. political pundits for redistricting. State senator Greg Goode, whom Trump also criticized on Truth Social, became the victim of a swattingwhere false reports of danger are used to deploy law enforcement to a target in an attempt to intimidate them. Other senators also reported similar swatting incidents.

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Should the measure fail in the Senate, the political backing to boot out the Republicans who rejected it is likely to get a boost. Braun has said that a failure means youre gonna have to clean house to get real conservatives in. Turning Point Action, the political arm of the organization led by the assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, had said that it was willing to throw more money and resources into these primary races than some congressional races.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
NEED TO KNOW

Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem was questioned about a Purple Heart veteran deported by ICE during a Dec. 11 hearing

Rep. Seth Magaziner brought the veteran, Sae Joon Park, to the hearing over Zoom after he was deported to Korea earlier this year

Magaziner accused Noem of not knowing "the difference between the good guys and the bad guys"

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was challenged during a hearing today about her department's controversial deportation practices.

Noem, 54, testified before the House on Thursday, Dec. 11, about national security threats, where she was questioned by a representative about the deportation of military veterans by the Trump administration.

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"Madame Secretary, how many United States military veterans have you deported?" Rep. Seth Magaziner, a Democrat from Rhode Island, asked Noem during the hearing.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Kristi Noem testifies during a Dec. 11, 2025 hearing in Washington, D.C. Kristi Noem testifies during a Dec. 11, 2025 hearing in Washington, D.C.

When she replied, "Sir, we have not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans," Magaziner began to express his respect for military members as a man who had been sitting behind him stood and brought over a tablet featuring a veteran calling into the hearing over video.

"As Americans, we owe everything to those who have served our country in uniform, particularly those who have served in combat. Do you agree with that?" Magaziner asked.

Noem began to say, "Sir, I believe that people that are in the United States that are citizens have legal status here" before Magaziner interrupted to introduce the video guest.

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"Madame Secretary, we are joined on Zoom by a gentleman named Sae Joon Park," Magaziner said. "He is a United States Army combat veteran who was shot twice while serving our country in Panama in 1989."

Magaziner said Park  a Purple Heart recipient  had struggled with PTSD and substance abuse issues after his time in combat, and had been arrested in the '90s for "minor drug offenses." NPR previously reported that Park was charged with possession of a controlled substance and bail jumping while battling an addiction to crack cocaine.

Park has been sober for the last 14 years, the congressman told Noem, before saying, "Earlier this year, you deported him to Korea, a country he hasn't lived in since he was 7 years old."



Magaziner then asked Noem to join him in "thanking Mr. Park for his service to our country."

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She responded by saying she is "grateful for every single person that has served our country and follows our laws, and knows that our laws are important and every one of them needs to be enforced."

Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Kristi Noem participates in the annual Christmas Tree Ship arrival ceremony aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw at Navy Pier on Dec. 6, 2025 in Chicago Kristi Noem participates in the annual Christmas Tree Ship arrival ceremony aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw at Navy Pier on Dec. 6, 2025 in Chicago

When he pressed her about looking into Park's case, Noem said she "absolutely" would, but added, "Our programs need to have integrity, as well."

Magaziner continued with his questioning when he introduced a Navy veteran named Jim Brown who is married to a woman who came to the U.S. from Ireland and has lived in the country for 48 years, but has been in prison for the last four months.

"She did not come here illegally, and she has never committed any crime other than writing two bad checks totaling $80 ten years ago," Magaziner said.



Noem claimed it was not "my prerogative, my latitude or my job to pick and choose which laws in this country get enforced," but Magaziner hit back by claiming she has "broad discretion" as DHS secretary. When asked, she said she would review the case of Brown's wife.

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The congressman also introduced a veteran whose father, Narciso Barranco, had been targeted by immigration agents over the summer and punched in the the head. He asked Noem to consider offering parole to Barranco.

Magaziner went on to criticize Noem, telling her, There are many problems with your leadership, but the biggest problem is this: You dont seem to know how to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys. Go after the bad guys, go after the terrorists, do not go after veterans, Marines, children, United States citizens.

Noem allegedly left the hearing early, according to The Hill and The Washington Post, claiming she had to attend another meeting that had been canceled. Noems office told The Hill the secretary found out the meeting had been called off after leaving the witness table.

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Noem has come under fire during her tenure at DHS for her attention-grabbing deportation tactics. Earlier this month, she said on X that she had been discussing ramping up travel bans with President Donald Trump.

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Noem recommended a "full travel ban on every damn country that's been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies."

Her Dec. 1 post came not long after Trump, 79, said his administration planned to "permanently pause" migration from "Third World Countries." He did not identify countries by name or clarify how he would implement the immigration pause.



Read the original article on People
Dec. 10SANTA FE  The price tag of a universal child care program launched this fall by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration drew pointed questions this week from legislators, who also expressed misgivings about the initiative's rollout.

Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky disputed some legislative cost estimates for the program, while defending the department's request for $160 million in additional funding to run the universal child care initiative in the coming year. That would bring total state child care assistance spending to roughly $600 million per year.

"Part of the promise of universal child care is that families across the income spectrum understand that child care assistance is for everyone," Groginsky told members of the Legislative Finance Committee.

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But lawmakers took issue with the governor announcing the initiative, which took effect Nov. 1, before securing the long-term funding to keep it in place. The announcement made New Mexico the first state to offer state-subsidized child care for families, regardless of income levels.

Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, the LFC's vice chairman, asked Groginsky during Tuesday's hearing which other state agencies should face cuts during the 30-day legislative session that starts next month in order to accommodate the early childhood department's budget request.

"I agree with the program, but I don't agree with how the governor did it," said Munoz, who also told Groginsky she was advocating for "big government."

Several other legislators, including Rep. Jackie Chatfield, R-Mosquero, also said they were caught off-guard by the universal child care initiative announcement, which drew national attention.

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"Not only was it offensive to me, but to a lot of other legislators I've talked to," Chatfield said.

The legislative pushback comes as lawmakers are dealing with pared-back state revenue estimates.

Specifically, new revenue projections released this week estimate lawmakers will have roughly $105 million in "new" money available to spend in the coming year. That's down from $892 million in new money during this year's 60-day legislative session.

In addition, a state early childhood trust fund created in 2020 will have an estimated balance of nearly $10.5 billion at the end of the current budget year, but the distribution levels from that fund will not be enough to cover the projected cost of the child care initiative.

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Revenue forecast clouds budget request

Given the state's revenue slowdown, several legislators questioned the wisdom of the state removing previous income limits for receiving state-subsidized child care.

Prior to November, state-paid child care was only available to families making less than 400% of the federal poverty level, or $128,600 for a family of four.

Rep. Meredith Dixon, D-Albuquerque, said under the new system, the state has already essentially given tax rebates to roughly 540 families making more than $321,000 in annual income.

"I 100% don't agree with this approach," Dixon said during Tuesday's hearing at the state Capitol.

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In addition, an LFC report released this week found state spending on child care assistance has already more than tripled over the last four years  from about $150 million in 2022 to roughly $440 million as of this year.

The report also projected the cost increase posed by the universal child care initiative could ultimately end up being about $400 million per year  or more than double the ECECD's request of $160 million.

Previous LFC research has found that state-provided child care has led to increased wages for parents, but has not found it improves educational outcomes for children.

Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-Truth or Consequences, said the implementation of universal child care could end up crowding out lower-income families, as children from higher-income families take more of the available slots.

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"I think this is going to squeeze out the families it's intended to benefit the most," said Dow, who previously founded a nonprofit child care center.

The case for funding universal child care

Groginsky, who is the first secretary of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department after it was created in 2020, said the agency is committed to ensuring low-income New Mexico families have access to child care.

She also said the increased spending on child care assistance would benefit the state's economy, in part by making the state more attractive for employers and employees alike.

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"Yes there is a (budgetary) increase, but the results are incredibly promising," said Groginsky, who said her agency has received 114 applications from potential new providers since the universal child care initiative was announced.

The final funding levels for the state's child care assistance program will be determined by lawmakers during the 30-day session that begins Jan. 20. Both the governor and the Legislature will release final budget recommendations before the session starts.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has modified its timeline to restructure its child abuse hotline staff to have everyone working at a central location in Baton Rouge rather than continue to work from home (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

State lawmakers are questioning an ongoing reorganization at Louisianas child welfare agency, raising concerns that the effort could result in the loss of experienced employees.

Sens. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, and Katrina Jackson-Andrews, D-Monroe, were also critical of the leadership at the Department of Children and Family Services and its lack of experience in child welfare. Its leader, Rebecca Harris, appeared Thursday before the legislatures Select Committee on Women and Children and acknowledged that her top executives dont have backgrounds working directly on child abuse and neglect.

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Jackson-Andrews said that having no one among the departments top six leadership positions with a background in child welfare is alarming, given the agencys primary mission.

Thats what we do at DCFS. Thats the main thing, protecting children, Jackson-Andrews said.

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Lawmakers have long scrutinized the department over instances when repeated abuse apparently went unchecked. Through September, 39 children in Louisiana died this year as a result of suspected abuse or neglect. Of those deaths, 25 were at households the agency had previously investigated.

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Harris, who was named the departments leader in August, has put an emphasis on placing more child welfare workers in front line jobs where they can respond to allegations of abuse and neglect. So far, shes reassigned about 100 child welfare supervisors from office jobs to positions where they can handle child welfare cases directly. Another 48 recently hired second shift workers have boosted those numbers, DCFS Assistant Secretary Bret Hanemann said.

Some of the shuffled supervisors contacted Jackson-Andrews to complain they were given extremely short notice about their new assignments, the senator said. Harris confirmed that the employees were moved to new roles in less than a week, adding we did not do all this perfectly.

Harris also intends to end remote work for the 51 staffers who field calls to the states 24-7 child abuse hotline. She said no other state allows those employees to work from home, where they could potentially lose power or their internet connection. The decision is also in line with an executive order from Gov. Jeff Landry in April to require in-office work for all state employees with limited exceptions.

Instead, the department is launching a call center at its downtown Baton Rouge headquarters starting Dec. 15. The five hotline employees who live in the Baton Rouge area will have to work at the new location, which Harris is fashioning to work like a 911 call center. The remaining 46 employees, which include call workers, their supervisors and managers, are being offered front line jobs at regional DCFS offices.

Lacy Simms, who Harris has placed in charge of the call center, provided lawmakers with details on Harris plans to model the hotline after an emergency call center in an effort to reduce call wait times and how long staffers spend on each call. The secretary said calls should average seven to nine minutes, including the time needed to dispatch first responders if warranted. Currently, the call center averages 26 minutes per call.

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Simms said she has reached out to the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, an organization for emergency communications professionals, to develop what she said would be the first-ever training for child abuse hotline workers.

I really believe with the right training, with the right information, with the right people put into our training, I really believe were going to take off and be the first child welfare agency in the nation where our people are certified, and we operate it as a 911 call center, Simms said.

The secretary originally planned for the transition to the call center to be complete by Jan. 1, but she has since extended that deadline to June 30. The additional time will allow new and existing employees to be trained on new technology and procedures being put in place.

Lawmakers also heard from Melanie Mann, who was on the hotline staff until last month when Harris began the process to relocate the team to Baton Rouge. Mann said she resigned because her disability would not allow her to work at the closest DCFS regional office to her in Amite.

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Jackson-Andrews said she has received calls and emails from about a dozen hotline employees who have said they have contemplated quitting or retiring rather than taking regional office jobs. Mann said she knows of several former co-workers who also have disabilities and arent likely to take new roles with the department.

Simms said Mann and one supervisor are the only departures from the DFCS hotline staff to date. Forty people have applied for jobs as hotline operators, and 10 applications have been submitted for the vacant supervisor position, she added.

Let us know what you think...

Earlier in the meeting, Mann questioned the departments new emphasis on hiring communications workers, rather than persons with background in social work or child services, to staff the hotline. She said the restructuring could result in the loss of staff with specialized training and years of experience.

We make high stakes decisions that can impact childrens lives every time we process a report, Mann said.

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Jackson-Andrews said multiple times she did not want to pin the longstanding issues at Children and Family Services on Harris but stressed that her reorganization should include input from its child welfare workers, especially because that experience is lacking on her executive team.

In an interview after the hearing, Harris said the departments top managers, who are just one level below the executive team, have the institutional knowledge and background the senator mentioned. She referenced her own experience as an investigator with the state health department involving cases of sexually transmitted disease among minors, which she said often overlapped with DCFS child welfare cases.

Between all of the different skills and knowledge and experience thats brought to the table, I believe that we have a very solid team, Harris said.

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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Conservation groups and an Inupiat-aligned group sued Thursday to overturn the recent approval of an exploratory drilling program in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, saying it was improperly analyzed by the federal government and could harm caribou and important habitat areas.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management approved a one-year program proposed by ConocoPhillips Alaska last month that included seismic surveys aimed at helping identify oil and gas reserves and plans to drill four exploration wells. Activities would occur near existing ConocoPhillips Alaska developments, including the large Willow oil project, the lawsuit states.

The complaint, filed by Earthjustice on behalf of Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic, the Center for Biological Diversity and The Wilderness Society, says the process around the company's application and its subsequent approval lacked transparency and was rushed. A final decision was issued days after a limited public comment period ended, it says.

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The Bureau of Land Management has pushed this project through without proper analysis or process and without considering the significant flaws in the measures it relies on to justify its approval of the exploration program, the lawsuit states.

It names as defendants the Bureau of Land Management and its parent agency, the Department of the Interior, along with top officials including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

Interior Department spokesperson Alyse Sharpe said the department does not comment on pending litigation.

Dennis Nuss, a spokesperson for ConocoPhillips Alaska, said in an email that the company is confident in the robustness of its plan and permits and looks forward to completing its work within the limited winter exploration season.

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There has been longstanding debate over how much of the petroleum reserve  which covers an area roughly the size of Indiana  should be open for development. President Donald Trumps administration has moved to roll back limits on drilling and protections enacted during the Biden administration, and a law passed this year calls for the first lease sales in the reserve since 2019.

The push has been cheered by the state's Republican congressional delegation and governor, but it raised concerns among environmentalists who caution against the continued embrace of new oil production in the face of climate change. The reserve is home to Teshekpuk Lake, the largest lake in Alaska's arctic region and third-largest in the state.

Nauri Simmonds, executive director of Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic, said the proposed exploration program is not only an assault on caribou and tundra  it is another chapter in the enfoldment of our people into systems designed to fracture us from within.

Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic stands against this approval because our future depends on protecting our homelands, our unity, and our right to live free from the harms of industrial expansion, Simmonds said in a statement.

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The group describes itself online as an organization of Inupiat Peoples and community members that believe in a balanced Earth for future generations.

There are differing views among Alaska Natives, however, over further oil development in places like the petroleum reserve. A group representing many North Slope leaders, Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, has supported efforts to drill there.

The lawsuit says work under the proposed program could begin any day and last until April or May.
A Chicago law firm announced a wrongful death lawsuit Thursday in the shooting of Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera earlier this year.

Rivera was killed in a friendly fire incident on June 5. She was shot by her partner, Officer Carlos Baker.

There is also new insight Thursday on the history of complaints against Officer Baker, uncovered by the ABC7 I-Team.

Lawyers shared more details surrounding the Cook County case Thursday. They said Rivera's death was completely preventable and should never have happened.

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READ MORE | Cop tied to CPD Ofc. Rivera's death accused of trying to gather video evidence of alleged bar attack

ABC7 Chicago obtained Rivera's autopsy records, which showed she was shot from behind.

Police say Rivera's partner accidentally shot her, as they were chasing a suspect in Chatham.

Attorneys on Thursday alleged Rivera and Baker were previously in a relationship before the shooting, and Rivera had recently requested a new partner after the two broke up.

A Chicago law firm announced a lawsuit Thursday in the deadly friendly fire shooting of police Officer Krystal Rivera by her CPD partner Carlos Baker.

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The lawsuit claims Baker had an adverse and hostile reaction to her choice to end a two-year on-and-off romantic relationship between the two of them.

Court documents also show the breakup stemmed from Baker's relationship with another woman, adding that Rivera had threatened to tell Baker's girlfriend, who was living with him at the time, about their relationship.

Attorneys also said Rivera told CPD Baker was "reckless" and requested a transfer or partner reassignment.

A Chicago law firm announced a lawsuit Thursday in the deadly friendly fire shooting of police Officer Krystal Rivera by her CPD partner Carlos Baker.

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According to the lawsuit, Baker showed up uninvited to Rivera's home just one day before the two of them chased a gunman into a Chatham apartment back in June, where they ran into a second armed man.

During a press conference Thursday, lawyers said Baker did not help Rivera after she was shot, and Rivera radioed in her own shooting.

"Baker made intentional decisions not to come to Rivera's aid," lawyers said.

A wrongful death lawsuit was announced Thursday in the fatal shooting of a CPD officer.

The suit says specifically he failed to provide medical aid, call for an ambulance or acknowledge that he was the shooter.

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Baker has not been charged in her death.

Yolanda Rivera, Officer Rivera's mother, filed the lawsuit against the Chicago Police Department and Baker.

Rivera's mother and other close family members joined attorney Antonio Romanucci to open up about the lawsuit Thursday.

"Baker left Krystal there on the floor literally gasping," Romanucci said. "Krystal radioed in her own shooting."

Baker has since been relieved of his police powers amid a separate assault investigation, CPD said.

He's accused of punching a female off-duty officer. But he claims that he was the victim in the alleged assault outside a Wicker Park bar.

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Earlier this year, the ABC7 Chicago I-Team reported on a 2024 Civilian Office of Police Accountability disciplinary report, which uncovered that Baker had five previous complaints of misconduct, where findings were sustained. He also faced three suspensions and two reprimands in just four years with the department.

When asked, CPD did not respond to COPA's disciplinary findings, but ABC7 police affairs consultant Bill Kushner, a former academy instructor, says it's obvious warning signs were missed.

"If you look at his record of conduct from 2022 to 2025 somebody dropped the ball big-time with this kid, with this officer. He should not have been in the street. He should probably not have been on the job," Kushner said.

Baker's attorney Timothy Grace shared the following statement with the ABC7 I-Team Thursday evening:

"Officer Carlos Baker and his partner Officer Krystal Rivera were confronted with a dangerous and life- threatening situation on the date of the incident.

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'Like many of our officers do on a daily basis, they attempted to apprehend dangerous gun wielding individual from the streets of Chicago.

"The effort of Carlos and Krystal to make our city safer resulted in the tragic loss of Krystal's life.

"Officer Baker shares with Krystal's family the overwhelming grief that has accompanied her death.

"However, the cold hard truth is that the reason this City has lost one of its great officers is not due to the actions of Officer Baker but rather the fact that a person decided to flee from Chicago Police Officers with a loaded handgun equipped with a drum magazine and another who decided to point a riffle at those same officers.

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"The heartache and grief that has afflicted the Chicago Police family which includes Krystal's family members and loved ones is unfathomable.

"There is nothing more painful and devastating for a Chicago Police Officer than to experience the death of their partner in the line of duty. A lawsuit has been filed and the pain is understandable but unfortunately misdirected.

"The facts are clear that Officer Baker breached the door on that fateful night and was facing the lethal end of a rifle.

"While moving to seek cover and unbeknownst to him, his weapon unintentionally discharged striking Krystal.

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"The height of both officers, their location, the angle of the service weapon and the exact positioning of both officers created a unique, dynamic and deadly circumstance that could not be duplicated in a controlled environment not to mention the actual situation they were confronted with.

"The true facts will reveal, that Carlos immediately called for EMS, carried Krystal to safety, and ensured she was being transported to the hospital.

"He then reentered the apartment to apprehend the offenders.

"The body worn camera videos will support these facts and challenge the accuracy and veracity of the allegations made in the complaint.

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"Officer Baker will not be intimidated and will defend his actions that night.

"This is a tragic moment in the history of the Chicago Police Department and I would urge caution to all of the amateur armchair tactical experts until all the evidence has been released."
By Aditi Shah

NEW DELHI, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Mexico's decision to raise tariffs as high as 50% will affect $1 billion worth of shipments from major Indian car exporters, including Volkswagen and Hyundai, despite industry lobbying to persuade New Delhi to prevent such a move, according to two sources and a letter from an industry group reviewed by Reuters.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's government approved on Wednesday raising import tariffs next year on hundreds of items from countries it does not have trade agreements with, including China and India, to protect local jobs and manufacturing.

But the move also comes amid U.S. pressure on Mexico to curtail business with China, despite opposition from local business groups warning that higher tariffs will raise costs.

The import duty on cars will rise to 50% from 20%, dealing a significant blow to India's largest vehicle exporters to Mexico including Volkswagen, Hyundai, Nissan and Maruti Suzuki.

MEXICO TARIFF RAISES RISK FOR INDIAN MANUFACTURING

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, an industry group that counts VW, Hyundai and Suzuki among its members, had urged India's commerce ministry in November to press Mexico to "maintain status quo" on tariffs for vehicles shipped from India, according to a copy of the letter.

"The proposed tariff hike is expected to have a direct impact on Indian automobile exports to Mexico...we seek Government of India's support to kindly engage with the Mexican government," the industry body said in its letter to the commerce ministry before the tariff was finalised.

Details of the letter are being reported for the first time. It was not immediately clear what steps the car makers, industry body and Indian government will take next.

The tariff hike could force Indian automakers to reevaluate strategies reliant on Mexico, which is India's third-largest car export market after South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Car manufacturers in India have relied on exports to ensure production is maximised and there are economies of scale. Some also rely on exports to cushion slower domestic sales or improve margins - a business strategy that may need to be redrawn.

The tariff hike, which mirrors a rise in global tariffs, including levies championed by U.S. President Donald Trump, could also complicate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to market India as a low-cost manufacturing alternative to China.

India's Commerce Ministry, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and the Mexican government did not respond to requests for comment.
It's late, you're heading to a Christmas party, and you've been circling the block trying to find a parking space. Can you park in front of someone's house without getting towed?

According to Florida law, yes. With a lot of common-sense caveats.

You can't block a private driveway, that should go without saying. You can't park in front of fire hydrants, mailboxes or dumpsters. A good rule of thumb would be, am I blocking anyone?

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Here's what to know before you walk away from your car.

Where can't I park on a Florida street?

Florida law prohibits parking:

In front of a public or private driveway

Facing the wrong way (against normal traffic) or more than 12 inches away from the curb or edge of the roadway

On a sidewalk or bicycle path

In a handicapped parking spot without a permit

Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant

Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection

Within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway

Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station or on the side of a street opposite the entrance if its within 75 feet (when properly posted)

Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing unless the Department of Transportation establishes a different distance due to unusual circumstances

At any place where official signs prohibit parking

Exceptions are allowed for first responders and for someone doing so under the directions of a police officer or to avoid conflict with other traffic, or if they are loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.

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Violations are a noncriminal traffic infraction which could results in fines, driving school, community service hours and even license suspension.

I'm visiting someone in an HOA. Can I park in front of their house?

For years, many homeowners associations (HOAs) created strict rules on parking for residents and visitors alike. However, in 2024 Florida passed HB 1203 in response to an avalanche of complaints about harassment and selective enforcement and it strongly restricted what HOAs are allowed to restrict.

One of those things was parking.

Under the new law, HOAs may not prevent a property owner or a tenant, a guest, or an invitee of the property owner from parking in their driveway or anywhere they have a right to park "as governed by state, county, and municipal regulations."

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That should include public roads but check with your host to make sure there isn't anything you need to know before you head over there. If the HOA does have parking restrictions, they should be publicly posted.

Florida Christmas road trip: Here's 8 cities that get in the holiday mood

My car was towed! What do I do?

If you guessed wrong and come back to find your car gone, it may have been towed. Take these steps:

Look for a sign indicating which tow company may have towed your vehicle. It should include contact information.

If there is no sign, call the non-emergency line of the local law enforcement to find out if your vehicle has been towed and, if so, by whom. By law, tow companies must inform local law enforcement within half an hour of towing a vehicle.

Call the tow company as soon as possible for the current price of the tow, why you were towed and how you can get your vehicle back. Get it back as soon as possible to avoid additional charges.

You are allowed to retrieve personal items or examine the vehicle without paying a fee.

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If you get there while your vehicle is in the process of being towed but nothing has been attached yet, by law the tow truck operator must stop, release your vehicle and not charge you anything. If mechanical connection has already been made, you must pay a drop fee of up to half the full cost of the tow before they are required to release your vehicle.

If the vehicle has been towed, the company must release it to you within an hour of your request once you've paid any required fees. You can (and should) inspect the vehicle. Tow truck drivers are allowed to enter the vehicle if needed to complete the tow, but they can be held liable to damages or missing property and may not make you sign a waiver to get your vehicle back.

Can someone have my car towed if it's in front of their house in Florida?

Not if it's just in front and not in anyone's way.

If you left your vehicle blocking a driveway or on someone's property, the owner of the property is well within Florida law to have it towed away and they don't have to call police to do it.

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Business owners or lessees also can have your vehicle towed if it's restricting their normal operation of business.

Check for signs. Single-family residences don't have to post signs about tow areas but larger dwellings such as apartment buildings and condos do.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida law on parking in front of a house. Will you get towed?
A blighted, long-vacant St. Francis factory is being redeveloped for an industrial automation company that's moving there from Beloit.

Lean Design Werks has purchased the former metal fabrication facility, at 4021 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., and will begin renovations in January, said owners Dale and Renata Bunger.

They hope to relocate the company by August, and add eight to 15 jobs there over the next three years.

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The $1.5 million project funding includes a $150,000 grant via Milwaukee County from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to help pay for the site's environmental work, and a loan from the nonprofit Northwest Side Community Development Corp.

"We believe this investment not only supports Lean Design Werks but also reflects our dedication to fostering innovation and growth in the region," said Willie Smith, Northwest Side CDC executive director, in a statement.

The project also received statements of support from Sam Rikkers, WEDC deputy secretary and chief operating officer; County Executive David Crowley, County Treasurer David Cullen, County Economic Development Director Celia Benton, and County Supervisor Steve Shea.

"This has been a challenging project, especially working through the environmental side of things," the Bungers told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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"But we are taking it step by step with the DNR and Milwaukee County and are excited to turn this blighted site into an asset to the community," the couple wrote in an email.

The St. Francis building has been vacant since 2020 and needs extensive renovations.

The 15,000-square-foot building once housed Badger Metal Finishing Inc. Its ownership was transferred this year by Milwaukee County, which had taken control of the tax-delinquent property, to a group led by Renata Bunger, according to state real estate records.

Lean Design Werks designs and builds electrical polishing machines for medical equipment manufacturers and other customers.

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(This story was updated to add new information.)

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Bluesky, X and Facebook.

Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former St. Francis metal shop being redeveloped by an automation firm
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Police in Michigan are trying to find the owner of a small and friendly pig found wandering loose in Saginaw Township.

The Saginaw Township Police Department said the approximately 20-pound pig approached a resident shoveling snow Wednesday morning in the area of the Lawndale Estates mobile home park.

"We are always accepting applications and accidentally found our newest recruit," the department joked on social media.

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Sgt. Brian Anderson said the pig is believed to be a pet that escaped from a nearby home.

"It's definitely a pet because it actually smells like vanilla," Anderson told Spectrum Local News. "I don't know if they sprayed perfume on it or something, but I mean it's well cared for."

The pig is now in the care of Saginaw County Animal Control while officials attempt to find its owner.
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Society is preparing to relocate the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum  widely recognized as Texas oldest and one of its most comprehensive history institutions  after West Texas A&M University informed the board it can no longer provide long-term funding for the building that houses the museums vast holdings. The decision places the future of more than 2 million artifacts at a crossroads, marking one of the most consequential cultural shifts for the Panhandle in decades.

WT confirmed the decision in a written statement Wednesday, Dec. 10, noting the university spent $1,192,174.44  or $128.79 per WT student  to maintain the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in the past year. The statement added, Without external funding, the University does not have the resources to renovate or build a new museum facility that protects the publics health, safety and welfare.

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Society released a statement outlining its response, describing the development as disappointing but clarifying that the society remains committed to serving the region. The organization said it is evaluating options for relocating the collection and has begun high-level discussions with institutions interested in partnering on a future museum location. In addition, museum staff remain employed as preservation and public programming continue during the facility's closure.

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The museum building has been closed since March, when the State Fire Marshal identified serious life-safety concerns in the nearly century-old structure during an inspection. Legislative efforts earlier this year sought to shift oversight of the museum to the Texas Historical Commission, but those proposals did not advance. Meanwhile, the museum continued digitization efforts and off-site exhibits to maintain some public access during the closure.

Under a 1932 lease agreement, WT assumed responsibility for maintaining the museum building, which has remained on the university campus for more than nine decades.

Community reaction

Local artist and educator King Hill said the news represents a cultural loss that reaches far beyond the campus. Hill said he is deeply saddened, describing the museum building as iconic to the Panhandle. He noted that the facade, interior mural and the atmosphere surrounding the museum in Canyon have long been revered by generations of families, students and historians. Hill said true leadership and stewardship will be needed as decisions about the museums future unfold.

Earlier story: A vault of history: 3 million artifacts housed in Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

An exhibit of cowboy gear is seen September 2024 inside of Pioneer Hall of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon in this file photo. The museum has been closed since March of this year.

PPHS begins planning for transition

Mark White, a member of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society Board of Trustees, said the universitys decision marks a turning point after months of uncertainty.

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West Texas A&M University and the A&M System are unable to continue to provide long-term funding for the maintenance of the building in which the artifacts are stored and in which the museum is operated, White said. This will cause us to reevaluate our partnership with WT, and we will be looking for a new home.

White said the board is identifying secure storage options and has initiated early talks with institutions that have expressed interest in supporting a new museum facility somewhere in the Panhandle. He described those conversations as promising but still in the early stages.

Long term, we will be seeking a partnership with another entity or organization to not only help maintain the storage but also display them in a museum setting, White said. The artifacts are safe right now; at some point, they will be moved.

From the archives: Panhandle-Plains Museum unveils bold vision for modernization and expansion

WT President Walter Wendler addresses media in September 2024 about an ambitious proposal to modernize the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, when some initial cost assessments were about $250 million. At the time, a feasibilty study showed a plan to preserve Pioneer Hall and demolish some of the other existing structures and construct new buildings.

Staff retained, programs continue

Despite the closure, the society has continued its digitization project and regional programming. Staff remain employed through the society, and off-site exhibits and educational outreach have continued throughout 2025.

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The museum is closed right now, although we are having other exhibits pop up around the Panhandle in different locations, particularly in the summertime, White said. As soon as we can get a new museum location, then we will be open for business as usual; that is our goal, of course.

People line up for photos with Santa outside the Charles Goodnight cabin on the grounds of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum during their outdoor open house Dec. 6, held during Christmas in the Canyon.

What comes next

WT has asked the board to provide a timeline for when the artifacts can be vacated from the building. The society is assessing how long a full relocation will take  an effort expected to be one of the largest coordinated collection moves ever undertaken in the region.

This door has closed, but it has opened other doors for other really good possibilities, White said. I am pretty excited about the future. We needed to get a definitive answer from WT so that we could move forward, and now we have that answer.

White said a fundraising campaign is likely once a future partner or location is identified and emphasized that community involvement will be essential.

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More than anything, we need them to have confidence that the Board of the Society is going to get this museum open again, White said. It will take support from other partners and entities, and it will take support from the community.

With millions of artifacts to safeguard and the Panhandles cultural history at stake, the society said its mission remains unchanged: keep the collection in the region and reopen a museum worthy of its legacy  and ensure the next chapter stands stronger than the last.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: PPHM to relocate after WT ends long-term funding for museum building
Anticipation over whether or not Brian Walshe would take the stand in his own defense in his high-profile trial had been bubbling, but the Cohasset murder suspect made his intentions clear on Thursday morning: he will not testify.

The decision came as the defense unexpectedly rested its case, signaling that the trial is moving toward its conclusion.

Judge Diane Freniere revealed that when the trial began nine days ago, Walshe had planned to testify  a rare move in a murder trial  but that strategy changed overnight after a pair of key witnesses testified on behalf of the Commonwealths case.

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After waiving his right to testify, Walshe answered a series of questions from the judge to confirm his decision.

Boston 25 News legal analyst Peter Elikann says hes shocked by the development.

Throw a blanket over me. I am in shock, Elikann said. The evidence has come out that he cut up his wifes body and disposed of it, and the jury wont hear any explanation whatsoever that hes justified, or I didnt kill her, or anything like that.

In opening statements, the defense claimed Walshe discovered his wife, Ana Walshe, dead in their bed on New Years Day 2023 and panicked. They argue Ana died of natural causes, not at Brians hands. Prosecutors, however, continue to argue that Walshe murdered Ana, chopped her up, and disposed of her remains.

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Given the talent of Walshes legal team, Elikann speculated that there has to be some good reasoning behind the defense strategy.

Hes charged with first-degree murder, which is usually premeditated, intentional killing of somebody. We didnt hear anything that he intended to kill her. We didnt hear anything that it was premeditated. He was certainly scrambling in the middle of the night to try to find out online how to get rid of a body, but we didnt hear any evidence that he killed her, Elikann explained.

Anas remains have not been found.

Despite the prosecution not having a body to use as evidence against Walshe, Elikann speculated that the jury would have a hard time looking past the slew of surveillance video and DNA evidence laid out by the prosecution over eight days of testimony when deliberations begin.

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Is the jury just going to say, Look, we cant get past this, this is a hard sell...Why would you have a loved one who suddenly died, youre cutting up their body, and you didnt have anything to do with harming or killing them? Elikann said.

Elikann added that its too early to tell if Walshe caused himself any harm by not taking the stand.

Elikann also wasnt surprised by the defense not calling witnesses.

I dont know how many other witnesses there would have been...If the defense was ever going to be that he didnt kill her, he was the only one there. There were no witnesses, Elikann explained. He [Walshe] was probably just about the only person who could have testified."

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Elikann also speculated that the defense wanted to guard against the prosecution asking Walshe on cross-examination, Why did you dismember your wife? Where is she?

Closing arguments are scheduled for Friday.

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TULSA  Philanthropist MacKenzie Scotts three-week gift-giving spree to Oklahoma colleges and universities now has touched two private trade colleges.

Kimberly Sebastian, the president of Community HigherEd Institute  the umbrella organization for Oklahoma Technical College and Community Care College  announced Thursday, Dec. 11, that the two colleges had received a combined $16 million from Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

They are the 10th and 11th higher-education institutions in Oklahoma this year to receive a gift from Scott, but the first private schools and the first located in one of the states two major metropolitan areas on that list.

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Oklahoma Technical College was gifted $11 million while Community Care College -- located just down South Sheridan Avenue from OTC  has received $5 million, Sebastian said. The respective gifts are each the largest in school history.

Both gifts are unrestricted, meaning the schools can spend them however they choose. Sebastian told The Oklahoman that the money already has been invested as the Community HigherEd Institutes board of directors  led by former Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett  develops a plan.

Among the possibilities mentioned by Sebastian on Thursday were the development of a new mental health technician program, upgrades to the dental assistants lab at Community Care College, upgrades to technology across both campuses and investments in student scholarships.

Our students are the backbone of America and central to Oklahomas economy, Sebastian said. This game-changing investment will fuel continued growth and opportunity for students who are ready to build strong futures through hands-on, purpose-driven education.

Kimberly Sebastian, the president of Community HigherEd Institute  the umbrella organization for Oklahoma Technical College and Community Care College  announced Thursday, Dec. 11, that the two colleges had received a combined $16 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Oklahoma Technical College, which opened in 2009, offers programs in automotive technology, diesel technology, electrical technology, plumbing, welding and HVAC (heat, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. Community Care College, which opened in 1995, offers programs in bookkeeping, medical and dental assistants, veterinary assistants, early childhood education and health care administration, among others.

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Both offer certificates as well as associates degrees in certain areas. They have a combined enrollment of about 450, Sebastian said.

Our students  are hardworking, resourceful, and eager to rise to the challenges, Sebastian said. Many within our student body are discovering their second chance or carving out a new path to make a difference for their families. Our graduates are veterans, single parents, first-generation students and community members looking to build a career. This gift makes new opportunities possible for our students and we are so grateful for this incredible investment by MacKenzie Scott.

Since Nov. 21, Scott has given a combined $165 million to Oklahoma higher-education institutions. Her giving spree started with $17 million given to Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and Enid.

Here is a look at Scott's other gives to Oklahoma institutions:

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Scott pledged in 2019 to give away most of her wealth, which Bloomberg estimates to be about $40.3 billion. Since mid-October, through her foundation, Yield Giving, shes given more than $1.2 billion to at least 40 colleges and universities, including the 11 in Oklahoma.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: MacKenzie Scott gives $16 million to 2 trade colleges in Tulsa
The man facing a federal terrorism charge for allegedly setting a woman on fire on a CTA Blue Line train last month is facing new charges in a separate alleged attack, according to court documents.

Lawrence Reed, 50, is now accused of trying to sexually assault a female CTA rider, and then attacking a man who intervened.

The attack happened near the Grand Blue Line stop on March 27, Chicago police said. Neither victim was seriously hurt.

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Reed was due in court on Monday for the new charges.

"While we cannot comment on the particulars of grand jury proceedings, the CCSAO was first made aware of this case on November 20th, and a true bill of indictment was promptly returned," the Cook County State's Attorney's Office said in a statement Wednesday.

Reed is accused of dousing a woman in gasoline and setting her on fire on a Blue Line train Nov. 17.

Last week, a grand jury indicted Reed on yet another Blue Line incident, the March 27 attack. According to court records, Reed was charged with aggravated battery of two people after he allegedly, "sat on a woman's lap," then "struck a man who attempted to intervene."

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Reed was taken for a mental health evaluation, but he was not charged until recently.

"It's a bit of an insurance policy," ABC7 Chief Legal Analyst Gil Soffer said. "If something goes sideways in the federal case, here's another set of charges. While even not nearly as significant as the federal charges could also land him in jail."

The added charges come as the CTA has announced the launch of a new effort to deal with what they say are the "issues that arise when CTA riders and employees encounter people who are unhoused, who may be experiencing a mental health crisis."

It's part of the transit agency's effort to pilot what they are calling Safe Ride Specialists.

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SEE ALSO | Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson responds to FTA directive on CTA safety; officials divided on demand

Allison McCann Stevenson is with the Night Ministry, one of the outreach groups that's been a part of the initial conversations.

"They could provide intervention before you need to pull or rely on the police," McCann Stevenson said. "Raise awareness, provide proactive safe response that is visible and in real time. That is what the city is asking for, that is what riders are asking for."

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office refused to elaborate Thursday any further on the latest charges against Reed, saying more information will become available at his arraignment on December 15.

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The Chicago Police Department shared the following statement with ABC7 Thursday afternoon about the March 17 and Nov. 17 cases:

"Officers responded immediately to the aggravated battery that occurred on March 27, 2025. After responding to and securing the scene, officers interviewed the offender, who was transported to Rush Hospital for a mental health evaluation. This incident was documented through a Crisis Intervention Report.

"The 22-year-old female victim and 26-year-old male victim in this incident were notified that criminal charges could be pursued at a later time due to the offender's mental health status. Within days of this incident, detectives made contact with one of the victims for additional information to move the investigation forward. Detectives continued to reach out to both victims during the course of the investigation. As detectives actively worked this case with the goal of apprehending the offender, the offender committed the aggravated arson on November 17, 2025 and was taken into custody the next day for that aggravated arson.

"This investigation into the March 27, 2025 incident remained active and ongoing until charges were secured on November 28, 2025."

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A man is convicted of murdering another man during an attempted robbery at a housing complex in Westmoreland County.

Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarellis office announced that Letresse Williams, 35, was found guilty of second-degree and third-degree murder on Wednesday.

He was charged with the death of Anthone Williams, who was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in his car along Dent Drive in New Kensington in January 2020. Police believe he was shot after a robbery was foiled.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man found dead in car outside Westmoreland County housing complex

Investigators said Letresse Williamss DNA was found on a cellphone that was left at the scene and on the gun that was used in the murder.

I commend New Kensington Police, County Detectives, and Assistant District Attorneys Leo Ciaramitaro and Anthony Iannamorelli for their relentless efforts in prosecuting this case and presenting it with merit and integrity, DA Ziccarelli said. I have to thank the jurors for their time and consideration in hearing this case and bringing a long-awaited resolution to the family of Mr. Anthone Williams.

Williams is set to be sentenced within the next 90 days.

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William Ahle was praised as a hero when he tried to save his longtime neighbor Virginia Cranwell during a house fire

Ahle, 70, is now being accused of murdering Cranwell. She was 82

"He originally helped her. He tried to save her. So it doesn't make any sense, I just don't understand," a neighbor said of the accusations against Ahle

A New Jersey man once praised by his community as a hero who tried to save his neighbor from a burning home has now been charged with her murder.

William Ahle, 70, has officially been charged with the murder of Virginia Cranwell, 82, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Fanwood Chief Law Enforcement Officer Lieutenant Daniel Kranz announced in a press release Wednesday, Dec. 10.

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Ahle was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree aggravated arson, authorities said.

Authorities were alerted to the Fanwood, N.J., house fire at 1:37 a.m. local time on July 25.

The incident occurred in Fanwood, N.J., around 10:30 a.m., local time on July 25. Ahle told police at the time that he was walking his dog when he spotted flames coming from Cranwells home and ran inside the burning house through an open garage, ABC 7 NY reported.

However, Ahle was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged in connection to Cranwell's death. It's unclear what led to his arrest, however, authorities said in their news release that after an investigation, "Fire officials later determined the cause of the fire to be an intentional act."

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The Union County Medical Examiners Office also ruled Cranwell's death a homicide.

Multiple neighbors expressed shock over the allegations against Ahle, stating that he was a trusted member of the community.

"He was known as the mayor of the street. Because he's very helpful. He looks out for a lot of people around the neighborhood," one neighbor told ABC 7 NY.

One added that the suspect even sustained injuries during the fatal incident.

"The guy was in the hospital with a lot of bad burns after he tried to rescue her. I really find that hard to believe," a neighbor told the local news station.

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Another said, "I can just say that I'm shocked. He's a neighbor, and he seems like a great guy. And he originally helped her. He tried to save her. So it doesn't make any sense, I just don't understand.

Cranwells daughter, Yvonne McManus, told the New York Times she got a phone call about the fire and arrived at her mothers home shortly after the blaze began.

I gave him a big hug and everything, she said of seeing Ahle before he was taken to the hospital. She added that Ahle claimed he tried to save her mother. ,

Ahle, a retired corrections officer, had been Cranwells neighbor for more than 30 years, the Times reported.

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McManus said that looking back at that night, nothing made sense.

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They said the fire was contained in the bedroom, that it started right in front of her bedroom door and she was trapped in the bedroom, she said. In fact, someone from the fire or the police told me at the time, Your moms house must have been really insulated  it was such a hot fire, and it didnt spread to anywhere in the house. 

Ahle is currently lodged at Middlesex County Jail pending his next court appearance, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said. It is not immediately known if he has retained an attorney.



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As President Donald Trump announced a $12 billion farm aid package this week to help U.S. farmers hurt by tariffs, he placed responsibility for the U.S. agricultural trade deficit on former President Joe Biden.

But in casting blame elsewhere, he is ignoring other factors, including his own role. Currently, farmers  especially those that produce soybeans and sorghum  have had a hard time selling their crops while getting hit by increasing costs after Trump raised tariffs on China earlier this year as part of a broader trade war that has contributed to the deficit.

Experts say that it is a massive oversimplification to blame any one administration or policy.

Here's a closer look at the facts.

CLAIM: There was an agricultural trade surplus during Trump's first term that former Biden turned into an agricultural trade deficit.

THE FACTS: This is both misleading and missing context. It is true that there was an agricultural trade surplus when Trump entered the White House in 2017, which has since become a significant deficit. However, according to experts, this can be attributed to actions taken by both administrations, as well as factors outside their control such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

I don't want to let U.S. trade policy off the hook here, but it's one element of a broader, more complicated kind of story, said Cullen Hendrix, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Still, Trump held Biden solely responsible for the agricultural trade deficit at a White House roundtable Monday where he announced the farm aid package.

In my first term, we had an agricultural trade surplus by a lot, the president said, misrepresenting the numbers. We had a big surplus. We knew we were exporting American agricultural products all over the world, making a net profit and, in many cases, a very substantial profit. He came in and ruined it. Biden turned that surplus into a gaping agricultural deficit that continues to this day.

What the numbers show

The yearly agricultural trade balance, which reflects the amount of those goods the U.S. has exported versus the amount it has imported, had been positive for nearly 60 years until 2019 during Trump's first term.

According to data from the Department of Agriculture, it stood at a surplus of approximately $16.3 billion at the end of 2016 and fell the next year, Trump's first as president, to one of about $13.66 billion. The balance further decreased over the next two years, ultimately turning into a deficit of about $481 million. It returned to a surplus in 2020 at about $3.39 billion, which further increased in 2021  the year Biden entered the White House. In 2022, it transitioned back to a deficit that grew to approximately $36.45 billion by the end of 2024. As of August, the latest data available, there was an agricultural trade deficit of about $36.3 billion.
Police were investigating a fatal shooting in Maricopa, Arizona, after a caller said a former boyfriend was hiding in a bathroom after there was a restraining order against him.

At about 11:34 p.m. Dec. 9, officers responded to a shooting at an apartment in the area of Loma and Smith Enke roads in Maricopa, Arizona, after a woman said an ex hiding in the bathroom was shot by a current boyfriend following a fight, according to Maricopa police. The caller had a restraining order against the man who died from his injuries, police said.

"At this time, his identity is being withheld in order for proper next of kin notifications to be made," police said in an email.

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The couple stayed at the scene and officers detained the shooter without incident, according to police.

An investigation remained ongoing, police said the afternoon of Dec. 10.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man dies after being shot at ex's Maricopa apartment
Federal immigration agents walk down Canal Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans on Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo by Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America)

NEW ORLEANS  As the first week of an intensified immigration enforcement crackdown in southeast Louisiana came to an end, U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials remain tight-lipped about how many apprehensions federal agents have made to achieve their goal of 5,000 arrests, based on plans reviewed by the Associated Press in November, during the operation.

While offering little information about the overall operation, which began Dec. 3 with a series of raids at major home improvement stores, the DHS press office in a Monday press release praised federal agents for apprehending rapists, thieves, gang members, human smugglers, and abusers in the operation, dubbed Catahoula Crunch. The department highlighted eight immigrants originating from Latin America, most of whom were from Honduras, that it said had serious or violent criminal records ranging including domestic battery and domestic abuse.

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However, less than a third of the 38 people who were arrested in the first two days of the operation appeared to have criminal records, according to records that the AP reviewed, which also showed operation leaders are monitoring social media accounts for threats to agents and indications of public sentiment.

The Times Picayune reported last week that immigrants arrested in the operation are first being taken to a newly opened U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in St. Rose  a town in St. Charles Parish where ICE contractor BI Inc. conducts its immigrant surveillance program  before being transferred across state lines to a jail in Hancock County, Mississippi  which has an intergovernmental service agreement with DHS to house federal detainees, and then on to one of Louisianas nine immigration detention centers.

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When asked for information on the first week of the operation, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency that Border Patrol falls under, referred Verite News to the Dec. 8 DHS press release.

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Catahoula Crunch is the third operation of its kind in a major U.S. city in recent months, following operation Midway Blitz in Chicago and operation Charlottes Web in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In Chicago, federal agents focused on heavily Hispanic suburban neighborhoods near the citys northwest side, sparking allegations of racial profiling  including of U.S. citizens of color caught up in the sweeps  and excessive use of force.

The New Orleans operation appears to be following a similar strategy, with community groups reporting heavy immigration enforcement activity in suburban areas such as Kenner which has the highest concentration of Hispanic residents in the state. Immigrants rights organizations have taken to Facebook and other social media sites to alert impacted community members of Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in their areas. Area news organizations have reported allegations of U.S. citizens being apprehended or targeted by federal agents.

Members of local immigrant rights groups, such as Union Migrante, have been monitoring immigration enforcement activity and posting sightings  at medical clinics, street corners and businesses  to social media. The group also posts advice on what to do in the event of an encounter with agents. On Tuesday, for example, the group posted a potential sighting of federal agents, along with Kenner Police Department cars, at Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner. The post said two cars had individuals in the back seats. A spokesperson for Ochsner Health, however, said the Kenner Police cars were there investigating a fender bender.

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Rachel Taber, a Union Migrante member, said she witnessed federal agents briefly at Ochsners main campus on Monday. The Ochsner spokesperson said they were not aware of any instances of federal immigration agents conducting immigration enforcement operations at any of Ochsner Healths locations since the beginning of the Catahoula Crunch operation. DHS did not immediately respond to questions about immigration agents allegedly operating in or near medical campuses.

Its a life or death decision either way for immigrants. Many people are terrified to come out of their homes because they will be killed if deported to Honduras, Taber told Verite News. But there are people who will also die if they dont get their cancer treatment or dialysis. So Border Patrols targeting hospitals now two days in a row is particularly cruel and unusual.

Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley was not available for an interview or comment before this article was published.

In an interview last month, Conley said the department would assist federal agents in whatever way it is called to do so. The Kenner Police Department is formally partnered with ICE under a 287(g) agreement, which deputizes local and state officials to investigate civil immigration violations and begin deportation proceedings. Earlier this year, Kenner PD saw a spike in immigration detainers  requests to hold people suspected of breaking civil immigration laws in custody beyond their release dates so that they can be taken into ICE custody  a Verite News and Gulf States Newsroom investigation found.

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The Louisiana State Police has also been assisting with the Catahoula Crunch operation. In a statement sent via email from Sgt. Kate Stegall, a public affairs officer from the agencys Region NOLA, which encompasses Orleans and surrounding parishes, acknowledged that troopers have been providing operational support.

Our Troopers have been in uniform and operating marked LSP vehicles to ensure a visible and coordinated presence, Stegall said.

Anti-ICE signs hang on the door of Taqueria Guerrero, a Mexican restaurant New Orleans that closed Dec. 1, 2025 in anticipation of ICE sweeps. (Photo by Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America)

A number of businesses in areas with large Hispanic populations were shuttered throughout the region. Among them, Taqueria Guerrero, a Mexican restaurant in Mid-City, announced a temporary closure before the operation began. Nearby, a popular taco truck usually stationed at the corner of Broad and Canal Streets has not been seen in recent days.

In the days leading up to and in the initial days of the operation, Broad Street  a popular corridor for Hispanic businesses and customers  appeared abnormally quiet. One business owner told Verite News that she is unable to find essential workers, many of whom are Hispanic and fear being targeted in immigration raids.

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A New York Times story found that the citys restaurants, which rely heavily on immigrant labor, are already feeling the ripple effects of the enforcement operation. Prep cooks, line cooks and dishwashers are not showing up to work and some menu items are not being served because employees dont want to risk being arrested while at a grocery store or market.

The operation also appears to be having an impact on school attendance.

On Tuesday, the Times Picayune reported that in Jefferson Parish, which has a higher population of students learning English than Orleans Parish, school absenteeism in the first two days of last week (before the operation officially began) was double the normal rate. Schools with large populations of English language learners had particularly high absenteeism rates. Aubri Juhasz, education reporter at NPR member station WWNO, told Verite News the numbers from Jefferson Parish schools will become clearer in the second week of the operation.

One local parent  who asked to remain anonymous because she fears she could be targeted by immigration enforcement authorities  said she brought her children to their school Jefferson Parish on the first day of the operation. But since then she and the kids have been staying home. She said she received a letter from the school assuring her the children would be safe at school.

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The problem is not when theyre in school. The problem is when someone would have to pick up the kids at the stop outside, she said, speaking through an interpreter.

As a single mother who provides for her family by selling Central American food, she said her biggest fear is being evicted with her children because she cant leave home and earn money to pay rent.

But she said, Im not leaving until they leave, referring to Border Patrol.

Over the past week protesters have taken to City Hall and also to city streets. Carrying signs that read No collaboration with ICE/CBP protesters interrupted a New Orleans City Council meeting on Thursday, causing a pause in the days agenda and a suspension of public comment, which drew outrage. On Friday, New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, City Council President JP Morrell, U.S. Congressman Troy Carter and other local leaders held a press conference demanding more transparency in tactics used during Catahoula Crunch Over the weekend, groups of people holding posters denouncing immigration enforcement chanted in Metairie, New Orleans and Kenner.

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This story was updated to include comments from an Ochsner Health spokesperson, who said they were not aware of immigration enforcement operations taking place at any Ochsner properties since the beginning of Catahoula Crunch.

This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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Washington  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene argued President Trump lacks self-awareness as he continues to hurl insults at the conservative firebrand who was once one of his fiercest allies in Congress.

"I actually am starting to feel very sorry for President Trump," the Georgia Republican told CBS News in an interview Wednesday. "It's actually a very poor reflection on him that he chooses to speak about me that way."

Mr. Trump has labeled Greene a "traitor" and a "lunatic," after she split from Republican leaders to demand the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and pointed out that her party lacked a plan to address the expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. She has also criticized the effects Mr. Trump's tariffs and mass deportation efforts are having on U.S. businesses.

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Last month, the president pulled his support from Greene and said he may back a primary challenge against his one-time ally. A week later, Greene announced she would resign from Congress, citing her falling-out with the president.

The president has continued to lash out at Greene since then. On Monday, after Greene spoke to "60 Minutes," Mr. Trump called her a "dumb person" and saying she "sort of reminds me of a Rotten Apple."

Greene told CBS News on Wednesday that the president's name-calling could alienate women voters.

"He always continues to speak about women like this, and that's something that women all over the country pay attention to," she said. "I think the Republican Party needs to take a hard look at it, because the Republican Party has a very difficult time with women voting for them."

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"It's unfortunate that President Trump thinks loyalty is a one-way street. It's really not," she added. "I do feel sorry for him, because I think he's extremely unaware, and I don't know how he can be unaware about this, but he's not aware of how it makes him really look."

Greene also questioned the president's apparent dismissal of Americans' concerns about the state of the economy. As lawmakers in both parties stress the need to address affordability, Mr. Trump has defended his economic policies and called Democrats' focus on the issue a "hoax." Asked earlier this week to give the economy a letter grade, he responded: "A+++++."

"The president needs to be aware that he's a billionaire president of the United States," she said. "You can't gaslight people and tell them that their bills are affordable, and you can't tell them that the economy is in A+++. You just can't do that, and I think it's insulting to people's intelligence."

"I do believe at this time that Republicans will lose the midterms"

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Asked if the issue of affordability could cost the GOP its majority next year, the Georgia lawmaker said she doesn't believe the party is doing enough to embrace a message of economic populism.

"I do believe at this time that Republicans will lose the midterms, and I think that's unfortunate," Greene said. "I very much wanted to be part of a Republican majority in Congress that solved problems for the American people, that delivered what we promised to America."

Greene said she did not give Speaker Mike Johnson a heads up before announcing her retirement. Her exit next month leaves the Louisiana Republican with a slimmer margin in the House.

"This was a personal decision between myself and my family, which I had their full support, so I didn't think I owed him that," she explained. "He just texted me and asked me to reconsider."

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Earlier this month, Johnson told CBS News he was "surprised" by Greene's decision.

"It's no secret she and I've had disagreements over the last couple years, but I like Marjorie, I always have. I respect her decision, and I wish her the best," Johnson said.

Greene, who once threatened to oust the speaker, said she agrees with other female colleagues, including GOP Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York and Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who recently criticized Johnson's leadership.

"I think he has a broader problem with the entire conference as a whole," Greene explained. "The Republicans have a problem. They're going to have a really hard time trying to go back to their districts and ask for re-election and new Republican candidates running in other House seats are going to have a very hard time asking for votes when this Congress, this Republican majority here, has produced hardly anything to give back to the people."

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Mr. Trump told reporters Wednesday he still has confidence in the speaker to hold his conference together.

"I think Mike Johnson has been a fantastic speaker," Mr. Trump said. "I've had a very hard job because, you know, we have a small majority, and we got the biggest bill in the history of our country approved, the great, big beautiful bill."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Greene says on release of Epstein files

Greene's rift with the president deepened over the release of the Epstein files. She was one of the early signers of a bipartisan petition to compel the Justice Department to fully disclose information about the convicted sex offender. The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed in the House and Senate overwhelmingly last month. It orders the Justice Department to make the files public within 30 days, by Dec. 19.

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"I'll believe it when I see it, and I really hope the Trump administration does the right thing," she said. "I think, if they don't release all of the information, and the women are the ones that will know, I think that will be a complete break of trust with MAGA."

"In my heart, I feel completely freed of this whole situation, because if President Trump called me a traitor, over standing with these women who were raped, victimized, trafficked for so many years, and this is something the government completely covered up and protected rich, powerful elites, if that's why President Trump called me a traitor, then I'm like, that's fine, you know, I'm completely okay with it," Greene added.

But she said death threats she and her family faced went too far, and ultimately factored into her decision to step down.

"It was the direct death threats and assassination threats on my son, and that crossed my line," Greene said. "It should cross anyone's line, no matter who we are, no matter what disagreements we have."

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A Taunton man is facing an animal cruelty charge after a police officer discovered a skeletal puppy in his car during a traffic stop last month, according to police.

The driver and dog owner  27-year-old Devin Preeper  has been sent a summons to appear in Brockton District Court on Dec. 23 to be arraigned on the charge, West Bridgewater police said in a press release Tuesday.

The charge stems from a Nov. 24 traffic stop in West Bridgewater that occurred shortly before noon, police said. A West Bridgewater police officer pulled Preepers vehicle over after noticing him run a red light on North Main Street.

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While interacting with Preeper, the officer spotted what appeared to be a significantly underweight dog inside his vehicle, police said. Following the traffic stop, Sprout  the 9-month-old puppy  was taken to Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital in West Bridgewater for treatment.

West Bridgewater police began investigating Preepers care of Sprout as a result of the traffic stop, police said. Investigators documented the puppys condition, gathered her veterinary information and conducted follow-up interviews.

West Bridgewater police determined that Preeper was Sprouts owner and that she was severely malnourished, police said. On Tuesday, a criminal complaint charging him with animal cruelty was issued.

Sprout was ultimately transferred to the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM) where her condition is slowly improving, police said. The APCSM is collecting money to support Sprouts recovery on its website.

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Police are still investigating the incident.

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Finding an open grocery store in Massachusetts for some last-minute cookies and milk for Santa Claus could be difficult late on Christmas Eve.

While no state laws prevent supermarkets from opening as usual on Wednesday, Dec. 24, many opt to close earlier to allow employees to spend time with family.

Shoppers should plan to do their grocery store runs earlier in the day on Christmas Eve and, to avoid any surprises, check store hours before heading out.

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Here's what to know about popular Massachusetts grocery stores on Christmas Eve.

Find out which stores will be open on Christmas Eve in Massachusetts this year.

Is Stop & Shop open on Christmas Eve 2025?

All Massachusetts Stop & Shop stores will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to a company spokesperson.

Is Market Basket open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Most Market Basket stores, including the ones in Somerville, Burlington, and Brockton, will be open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Is Shaw's/Star Market open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Most Shaw's and Star Market locations will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Is Big Y open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Big Y grocery stores will be open on Christmas Eve until 6 p.m., according to a company spokesperson.

Is Roche Bros. open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Most Roche Bros. stores will be open until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Is ALDI open on Christmas Eve 2025?

ALDI locations will open with modified hours on Christmas Eve, according to the chain's website. The Brockton, Falmouth, Springfield, Worcester, and Medford stores will all close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Is Price Rite open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Price Rite stores in Massachusetts will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 24, according to a company spokesperson.

Is Hannaford open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Most Hannaford locations in Massachusetts will be open on Christmas Eve, according to the supermarket chain's website.

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The Waltham, Lowell, Gardner, and Middleboro locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 24. As store hours vary by location, customers are encouraged to check their local store's website.

Is Wegmans open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Wegmans, including the locations in Chestnut Hill, Medford, and Burlington, will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, a company spokesperson said.

Is Whole Foods open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Many Whole Foods locations are open on Christmas Eve, but with modified hours, the chain's website said.

Boston's Ink Block and Charles River Plaza locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 24. The Shrewsbury, Hingham, Beverly, and Framingham locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day.

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Customers should check their local store's website for details.

Is Trader Joe's open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Most Trader Joe's stores, including the Boston Seaport, Newton, and Brookline locations, will be open until 5 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Is Walmart open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Walmart stores will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to the company.

This includes the Brockton, Fall River, Salem, Worcester, and Quincy locations.

More: Are MA grocery stores open on Christmas Day? Stop & Shop, Market Basket

Is Target open on Christmas Eve 2025?

All Target stores will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve this year, the company said in a statement.

Is Costco open on Christmas Eve 2025?

All Costco warehouses in Massachusetts will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to the company's website.

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This includes the Avon, Danvers, Dedham, Everett, Sharon, Waltham, and West Springfield locations.

Is BJ's Wholesale Club open on Christmas Eve 2025?

All BJ's Wholesale Club locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to the company's website.

Is Price Chopper/Market32 open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Many Price Chopper and Market 32 stores will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

You should check your local store's website for specific details as the holiday gets closer.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: MA grocery stores Christmas Eve hours are limited. See Dec. 24 hours
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has charged a 15-year-old in a deadly shooting at a McDonalds.

Dontavius Marable, 17, died Tuesday after he was shot inside the fast-food restaurant where he worked in Elberton. Justin Cleveland, 15, turned himself in Wednesday afternoon.

The GBI says he will be charged as an adult for malice murder and felony murder.

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Elberton police responded to a shooting at the McDonalds around 10:19 p.m. Tuesday. Police found Marable lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Marable later died at the hospital.

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The investigation revealed that Marable and Cleveland knew each other.

Police said that the two had gotten into an argument over a girl they also knew and that is when the 15-year-old shot the other teen.

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In a statement shared with Channel 2 Action News, Mikesh Patel, the local McDonalds owner/operator in Elberton said:

We are devastated by the loss of our crew member and by this senseless act of violence. Our hearts are with their family, friends, and loved ones, and we are providing support and resources to our crew during this incredibly difficult time. We will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the GBI at 1-800-597-8477 or call the Elberton Police Department at 706-213-3130.

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Ukraine's response to the latest version of the US peace plan also addresses the question of territorial concessions, a main sticking point in negotiations to end the war launched by Russia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday.

Kiev submitted its response to US President Donald Trump on Wednesday detailing "which territorial concessions Ukraine is willing to make," Merz said during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Berlin.

"However, that is a question that must be answered primarily by the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people," Merz stressed, adding that European leaders also made this point in talks with Trump on Wednesday.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has so far consistently rejected ceding territory to Russia, one of Moscow's main demands for stopping the fighting in Ukraine.

Trump said late on Wednesday that he had spoken by phone with Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the situation in Ukraine.

Merz said the European leaders invited the US side to jointly discuss Ukraine's response at the weekend. Ukraine's proposal, which has been coordinated with its European allies, was not yet known to Trump at the time of the call, according to the chancellor, who described the conversation as "really very constructive".

Merz said potential talks over the weekend might be followed by a meeting in Berlin next week, but it was still unclear whether the US would participate.

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"That depends very much on the joint drafting of the papers that are currently being worked on. I am reasonably confident that we will succeed," the German leader said.

A 28-point peace plan initially put forward by the Trump administration was sharply criticized by many as a Russian "wish list" because it essentially adopted Moscow's demands.

Under the plan, Ukraine would not only forgo NATO membership but also restrict the size of its armed forces and withdraw from areas in the east of the country that it currently controls with well-developed defensive positions.

In return, Moscow would commit to refraining from any further attacks on its neighbour.

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Following the release of the initial proposal last month, US and Ukrainian officials have held a series of meetings to work on a version acceptable to Kiev.

NATO boss Rutte reiterated concerns that Russia might attack a member state next if it is successful in Ukraine.

"We're Russia's next target," he said in a speech delivered during his visit to Berlin.

The task now facing NATO was to "stop a war before it starts," he said.

"And to do that, we need to be crystal clear about the threat."

Rutte again called on NATO states to show greater commitment towards increasing defence spending, after the alliance agreed to up expenditure to at least 3.5% of gross domestic product earlier this year, plus an additional 1.5% on defence-related projects such as infrastructure.

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"Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe, and Ukraine must have what it needs to defend itself," he said.

"I fear that too many [NATO members] are quietly complacent. Too many don't feel the urgency, and too many believe that time is on our side."
New Mexico Public Education Department Secretary Mariana Padilla presented her budget needs to the Legislative Finance Committee on Dec. 11, 2025, including $35 million to cover multiple districts serving the same students virtually. (Joshua Bowling/Source NM)

New Mexico Public Education Department Secretary Mariana Padilla on Thursday presented her departments budget request to a panel of state lawmakers. What should have been a routine public meeting, one of many like it in the final week of Legislative Finance Committee hearings before the legislative session begins in January, quickly derailed as Padilla explained her agency faces a $35 million shortfall after overpaying one school district.

The overpayment dates to May, she said, when Gallup-McKinley County Schools canceled its contract with online learning company K12, after accusing it of breaching its contract and violating special-education law. As a result, 3,000 students across the state who depended on the districts online instruction suddenly needed a new online school. Districts in Santa Rosa and Chama stepped up, each welcoming about 1,500 of the affected students into their online programs.

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But districts receive state funding based on their enrollment numbers for the prior year, Padilla said, meaning that Gallup-McKinley is still drawing money for the 3,000 virtual students who have been enrolled elsewhere for months. The end result: a $35 million shortfall for the state Public Education Department.

Legislative Finance Chair Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), told Padilla she shouldnt expect to receive that $35 million  but should expect to see proposed legislation in 2026 that would prevent an abuse like this from happening again. Several lawmakers on the panel agreed.

Sen. George Munoz (D-Gallup), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, took it a step further.

Im not going to let our school district ruin an entire departments budget over greed, he said, after first saying he ought to call the New Mexico State Police over the money, then saying hed call Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and bring the matter to her attention. Finally, he said hed consider showing up unannounced to the Gallup-McKinley headquarters Monday and refusing to leave the lobby until they write a check.

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Gallup-McKinley Deputy Superintendent Jvanna Hanks in a Thursday afternoon phone call told Source NM that she believes the issue is a misunderstanding. The district received funding for services that were already rendered in the prior school year, she said.

There are components of the funding formula that are included in the current year, she said. It could appear that there is duplicate funding. It is actually all within the statutory funding formula.

Hanks said she welcomed the opportunity to talk the issue over with Munoz and his colleagues.

After lawmakers had a chance to share their sharp words over the shortfall, Padilla steered conversation back to routine financial matters.

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Overall, Padilla proposed a budget with an increase of $81 million, or 1.7%, to recurring general fund spending. However, it represented a decrease of $143 million, or 44%, to non-recurring general fund spending.

She said that recruiting educators remains a priority for the department. In fiscal year 2025, New Mexico had 681 teacher vacancies and more than 1,100 teachers finished educator prep programs, Padilla said.

Beyond classroom education, Padillas presentation to lawmakers focused on the ways New Mexicos public schools meet the physical needs of their communities children. Across the state, public schools are projected to serve 58 million meals by the end of this fiscal year in June, an increase from 55 million in fiscal year 2025, Padilla said.

The PED budget request included $2.3 million in a base funding increase, which includes nearly $400,000 for building rent, $1 million in healthcare costs and $244,000 for increased full-time equivalent employee positions. Currently, the department has 361 positions but only has funding for 340, according to Padillas presentation.

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Her department also requested $500,000 for continued legal costs in the Yazzie/Martinez case.
State Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), center, speaks during a press conference on new GOP cuts to state agency work projects that Democrats said would be detrimental for the organizations that rely on them. Dec. 11, 2025 | Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance

Organizations that have relied on Michigan state agency work project funding learned Thursday that the House Republican vote to disapprove nearly $645 million in agency spending will be harmful to key services aided by the state.

GOP members of the House Appropriations Committee, who control the majority, voted along party lines to employ a little-used provision in the Management and Budget Act that allows either House or Senate appropriators to disapprove any newly requested work projects. The vote allowed the committee, chaired by state Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township), to cut more than a half-billion dollars in current work project spending.

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Agency work projects have long been a target for Bollin, but especially Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township), who began threatening the funding early in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget negotiations that ended in October after a temporary government shutdown.

One major point of controversy, aside from the size of the cuts and their impacts, was the fact that the House committee did not debate or hear testimony prior to voting.

That continued to be a sore spot in the aftermath of the decision on Thursday morning when the House Democratic Caucus held a press conference denouncing the cuts and discussing their available options, which included passing new legislation and potential litigation against their House GOP colleagues.

House Minority Leader and state Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) said the committee sat at ease for seven hours on Wednesday so House leadership could draft the list of disapproved work projects, accusing Hall of needing that long to smooth the cuts over with his caucus so the list wasnt so cruel (that it) would alienate every other Republican committee member.

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I dont even want to imagine how spineless and cold hearted that original list was, Puri said. There is a difference between repeating a talking point and living a set of values. Yesterdays vote asked every House Republican to live Matt Halls set of values; to put party allegiance over oath of office, to put politics over people and to put the whims of one man over the well-being of an entire state.

Puri said that blame extends to House Republicans who havent spoken out against the move.

They are demonstrating with their actions and their silence that they do not care about you. They dont care if youre living paycheck to paycheck, or if you cant afford health care, or if youre retired on a fixed income, or if the injury you suffered while serving our country has left you unable to work, Puri said.

State Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), who rarely speaks to the press publicly due to numerous antisemitic comments and threats shes endured in recent years, made it a point to stand up to Hall and Bollins work project cuts on Thursday because of the impact they would have on the communities she and her Democratic colleagues serve.

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Many in this room know it takes a lot for me to be here, Steckloff said. When they list cranial care prosthesis, what they are talking about is Wigs for Kids, an organization that provides services programs for children going through cancer. When they talk about waste, fraud and abuse, they are now referring to  the Holocaust Memorial Center. They talk about abuse, and they are referring to the Small Talk program that provides mental health services for children who have been sexually assaulted.

Steckloff said there was a time and a place for political talking points, but there was never a time to tell children with cancer that they amounted to waste.

Dems say GOP maneuvering was a corrupt abuse of power

State Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) said the move was one of the most unprecedented displays of cruelty that Ive ever seen during my time here in Lansing.

This budget instrument was never intended for this purpose, and using it with such haste and scale proves the dangerous nature of crossing pre-existing and long standing-lines, even if (it was) potentially legally permissible, Snyder said. We are just now beginning to understand the full scope of these disgusting actions.

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Snyder said the lack of discussion and transparency, philosophies Hall has repeatedly espoused in his own dealings with the budget process, was an insult on top of an injury. He added that he introduced a new bill to change the procedure so one chamber doesnt have the ability to take a flame to years of hard work.

The bill will require the appropriations committees in both chambers to sign off any changes, which in the future may prevent the large cuts to programs that Hall and Bollin initiated on Wednesday.

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) and House Appropriations Committee Chair Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Twp.) speak at a press conference on work project spending. Dec. 10, 2025. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.

Were talking about a pre-negotiated budget of nearly $650 million that, quite frankly, Senate Republicans gave them as money to affect votes for some of these things, too, Snyder said. I would imagine this is not how this process works.

Its still unclear to House Democrats on the committee as to what the House GOP had them vote on Wednesday, given that there was no resolution or legislative spending item before the committee  rather, the body was provided with a Michigan House Fiscal Agency document detailing items that leadership put forward in an odd vote to disapprove.

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We didnt know what they were going to narrow this down to, Snyder added.

Whats being cut?

Among the steepest eliminations in ongoing agency work projects was the $137.2 million cut from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, $192.2 million from the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, $104.1 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund, and $69.2 million from the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Democrats on Thursday zeroed in on the health and human services cuts as being potentially the most devastating, with Puri saying these were all organizations and communities that the state made promises to when they allocated this funding.

Under different leadership, Republicans are willing to say, screw you, Puri added.

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A little more than $18 million in work projects providing temporary assistance for needy families was taken off the board; $4 million for nurse workforce development was swiped; $1.4 million was slashed from work projects on mental health services and community outreach; and $1.6 million was cut from fiscal year 2025 funding for emergency declaration water funding, which was a primary mode of assistance to Flint, which is still regaining its footing after the catastrophic lead water crisis that continues to affect residents and area children.

Whats at stake?

As Steckloff mentioned, large portions of those approved  and now disapproved  work projects went toward community agencies, schools and local governments to address a whole host of needs.

For Flint, the total amount of resources totals $8.3 million, The Detroit News reported, as some of that money also comes from resources like the school aid fund, which saw cuts to work projects as well.

Hall, in a press conference held Wednesday following the committees vote, claimed that the Flint drinking water crisis was over.

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State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) said Thursday that Halls assertion was untrue.

It is just unfair, for everyone across the state, that he would do such a heinous thing, Neeley said. Especially to children, and especially ones that have been suffering for the last 10 years.

Jim Ananich, a former Democratic state Senate minority leader and now the CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition, concurred with Neeley.

Ananich told Michigan Advance that Halls commentary on the Flint water crisis being over shows not only a lack of empathy for those affected, but a real ignorance on the lasting and detrimental effects of excessive lead exposure to developing children.

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There has been some medical investigative work to study cancer rate clusters and kidney disease in those exposed to heavy metals like lead, but a connection there is still yet unknown. Ananich said, in that context, the events of the water crisis could extend to medical difficulties and complications for Flint residents that the state isnt quite aware of yet.

His ignorance and stupidity toward the topic does not mean that he actually should be speaking with authority on something, Ananich said in an interview. Experts that can speak about it know what lead does to a child with a still growing body.

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich speaks at the Michigan Democratic Partys Election Day watch party in Detroit on Nov. 8, 2022. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Other Democrats, and at least one Republican, call foul on work project cuts

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the majority in the Senate was developing a way to combat the cuts. She also told reporters that they have until Dec. 14 to object to work projects, and that a potential retaliatory move against the House could be in the works.

In a separate statement, Anthony said that she had not seen such a level of deliberate political cruelty in all of her time working in Lansing.

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Were talking about bipartisan passed, already agreed upon resources to uplift new moms and their babies at the most vulnerable stage of life, funds to provide services to kids with cancer, resources to improve school infrastructure, food pantry expansions, affordable housing projects, and much more, Anthony said. Time and time again, Ive said: budgets are moral documents. Not only does this political maneuver by Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues lack any ounce of humanity; its also completely reckless, devoid of transparency, and a slap in the face to the people of Michigan, who deserve better than this.

Anthony added that Halls House leadership has eroded any remaining trust between the two chambers and the political parties that lead them.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and House Appropriations Commitee Chair Ann Bollin (R-Brighton). Feb. 5, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance

Some Republicans were opposed to the cuts, including state Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Wyandotte), who said in a statement that she strongly opposed her colleagues vote in House Appropriations on Wednesday.

Far too many communities are losing out on important programs, and too many good ideas are being thrown out with the bad, Linting said. The cuts made by the budget committee (on Wednesday) paused hundreds of state projects  both good and bad. That approach doesnt work. They should have gone through project by project and figured out what works and what doesnt, instead of stopping important investments and throwing them out with wasteful programs.

Linting noted the Downriver Community Conference, which she said got caught by the tail in the Hall-Bollin work project cuts.

Thats unacceptable, she said. I am going to fight like hell to get state funding for this important program back in the budget as soon as possible. I went to the Capitol to eliminate wasteful spending and give people better value for their tax dollars. But I also went to stand up for the Downriver community and make sure our needs get the attention they deserve.
A decades-old cold case with the Bedford Police Department has been cracked by DNA evidence. However, after nearly 40 years, the statute of limitations has expired, blocking any sort of movement. Thats why the Middlesex District Attorney is backing a bill that would make it so there are no statute of limitations for adult sexual assault cases, as long as there is evidence present.

Since 1996, there have been no changes to Massachusettss statute of limitations for adult sexual assault cases. However, Middlesex DA Marian Ryan and Bedford Police Chief John Fisher believe that should change.

Given the things like the changes in DNA technology, it just makes sense to have the opportunity, District Attorney Ryan said.

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For nearly 40 years, Bedford PD has been holding onto evidence collected from a 1988 sexual assault case that had gone cold.

There is no such thing, in our mind, as a cold case. Every case is as important as the one that happened at any particular moment, Chief Fisher said.

However, with new DNA technology, law enforcement can pinpoint a suspect in the case. Though if the victim decides they want to prosecute, they cant since the case is more than 15 years old.

Boston 25 spoke with the victim from the 1988 case, though, due to her safety, she chose to remain anonymous.

Back then, she said she was a very driven 33-year-old professional visiting Massachusetts for a work trip.

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I was young and independent and ambitious, the victim said.

What she thought was going to be a stepping stone in her career turned into the most scarring and traumatic moments of her life, when a man broke into her hotel window and assaulted her.

This man jumped on me, and I tried to get up, but he punched me in the jaw, threw me back on the bed and then he put a gag on me, put a pillow over my head, tied up my arms with cable ties, the victim remembered.

For this victim, she wouldnt want to reopen the case. However, she feels that other victims should have the choice. Thats why she, along with the DA and police chief, are supporting House Bill 4536. The bill would pause the statute of limitations on adult sexual assault cases that have supporting evidence.

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An important aspect of this bill is just putting the power back to a survivor, District Attorney Ryan said. A change in this statute would be a way of giving back control.

House Bill 4536 is currently in the Ways and Means Committee.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is one of the Cheap NYSE Stocks to Buy Now. On December 4, Reuters reported that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved AT&T Inc.s (NYSE:T) deal to buy wireless spectrum license UScellular. The deal is worth $1.02 billion and has been approved by the FCC after the company agreed to end its DEI programs. The company said in a letter to the FCC that it does not and will not have any roles focused on DEI.

President Trumps administration has been requiring telecom carriers to end their DEI programs as a condition for approving major transactions. Officers at FCC noted that this deal will result in improved network capacity and coverage for AT&T Inc.s (NYSE:T) customers. Other telecom carriers have also ended their DEI programs. For instance, T-Mobile shut down its DEI program in July to secure a $4.4 billion US Cellular wireless acquisition and a fiber joint venture with KKR. Moreover, earlier in May, Verizon Communications also agreed to end the program to get its $20 billion deal to acquire fiber-optic internet provider Frontier Communications approved.

According to the report by Reuters, the Rural Wireless Association has been opposing the approval. The association notes it to be a trend that harms competition and disserves the public interest of rural Americans. The group believes the deal will result in price hikes and connectivity difficulties with roaming.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) operates as a major telecommunications company offering a broad range of communications and connectivity services.

While we acknowledge the potential of T 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.
Mike Lindell, a pillow salesman and election conspiracist, is running for governor of Minnesota, he announced on Thursday.

Lindell, an ally of Donald Trumps and major player in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, joins a crowded Republican primary in the left-leaning state, where his pillow company, MyPillow, is headquartered.

Tim Walz, the Democratic governor, is running for a third term after a stint as the partys vice-presidential nominee ended in defeat for the Democrats. He has faced criticism for his handling of a wide-ranging fraud scandal that took advantage of the states social services system, which is sure to be a feature of the 2026 governors race.

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Lindell, 64, has faced multiple defamation lawsuits over his false election claims and has been ordered to pay millions of dollars as a result. His finances are in a dire position, he has told the courts, because of what he called lawfare. He has not relented from his position that the 2020 election was stolen.

Related: Somalis are the scapegoat: fear rises as Trump targets Minneapolis community

Not only have I built businesses, you look at problem solution, Lindell told the Associated Press as he announced his campaign. I was able to make it through the biggest attack on a company, and a person, probably other than Donald Trump, in the history of our media ... lawfare and everything.

Lindell told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Rudy Giuliani, the beleaguered former Trump lawyer who has also lost a defamation lawsuit, is advising his campaign and works for LindellTV because he knows what hes doing.

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Republicans havent won the governors race in Minnesota since 2006, though a third consecutive term for Walz would also be unprecedented. The state has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate since 1976, though not always by large margins.

The Republican field includes the state house speaker, Lisa Demuth, the 2022 Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen, state lawmaker Kristin Robbins and others. Because of the crowded field, an endorsement from Trump could help a candidate break through. Lindell told the Star Tribune he told Trump he was considering a run, but he isnt sure what the president will do.

Far-right conspiracy theorist Mike Lindells entrance into Minnesotas GOP gubernatorial primary turbocharges what was already a crowded and chaotic race to curry favor with Donald Trump at the expense of the issues that matter most to Minnesotans, the Democratic Governors Association said in a statement.

In addition to being a top Trump acolyte who bankrolled the presidents failed efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Lindell is a shady businessman who has praised Republicans healthcare cuts for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans, supports an abortion ban, and even called 9/11 a blessing in disguise, the group added.

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If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods.

Secure Messaging in the Guardian app

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If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging.

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If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform.

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Jessica Dent

Milwaukee police are asking for help finding a critically missing 26-year-old woman.

Jessica Dent was last seen on foot in the 900 block of North 12th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at about 4 p.m., according to police.

Police describe her as Black, 5 feet, 2 inches tall, and weighing 137 pounds. She has a medium build, short brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing an orange sleeve sweater, black jeans and brown boots.

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If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Dent, call Police District Three at 414-935-7232.

"Critically missing" is a label policy apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police ask for help finding critically missing woman
Sodas and chips are displayed at a convenience store in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens in New York. As of this month, 12 states, mostly Republican and in the South, have opted to limit SNAP recipients from purchasing foods such as soda and candy (Shalina Chatlani/ Stateline).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Missouris request to restrict the use of food stamps for the purchase of some junk food items, according to a news release from the USDA.

Starting in 2026, Missouri is set to stop allowing SNAP benefits to be used to purchase candy, prepared desserts, soda, beverage mixes, juices and punches that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice, and concentrates intended to be made into drinks that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice.

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The Missouri Department of Social Services filed the waiver request with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service in late September. The USDA administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on the federal level.

According to the waiver request, the state anticipates implementing the change on Oct. 1, 2026.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the approval of Missouris waiver on Wednesday.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe asked the state Department of Social Services to file the request.

We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins approval of our waiver, Kehoe said in a news release from the USDA. Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.

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The USDA also approved waiver requests for Hawaii, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The waiver requests, including Missouris, change the statutory definition of food for purchase under SNAP.

This story was originally published by KOMU.
A mysterious $20 million deficit was the focus of a contentious school board meeting on Wednesday night in New Jersey.

Parents in Montclair are wondering why their children may be the ones to pay for lost services and programs.

"Right now Montclair is dealing with two deficits. A financial deficit and a trust deficit. Vague answers, missing documents, confidentiality barriers, and delayed explanations," student Mia Yustein said.

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It was simmering hot inside the Montclair Board of Education meeting on Wednesday.

"You might be shocked to learn that the manner in which the district proceeded with the reduction in force and terminations was so frenetic that it might only be rivaled by the DOGE cuts that the federal employees faced," teacher Syreeta Carrington said.

Parents, students and teachers are piping mad over a proposal to slash up to 150 jobs.

"It raises serious concerns about the integrity of the process and more importantly, how this will impact our students," teacher Erica Daniel said.

The proposed cuts are the result of a failed attempt to raise taxes to fill the school district's $20 million budget hole.

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"No one is coming to save us at this point. It's happening and there's not anyone anything can do about it," student Wyatt Foster said.

"Montclair public schools have endured multiple lawsuits, thousands of dollars lost throughout the years, lawsuits that could've been avoided and money saved for kids if true transparency and honesty has occurred," teacher Lisa Rollins said.

That botched voter referendum is dividing the wealthy town in New Jersey where an average property tax bill is more than $21,000.

District leaders are blaming incompetence by prior administrations, and residents are calling for an audit and accountability.

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"My goal is to be as transparent and straightforward as possible," school superintendent Ruth Turner said.

That voter referendum, which had been scheduled for this month, was struck down by a judge saying the questions were too confusing.

The district now has until March to rewrite ballot questions.

"I'm dismayed as I'm sure the entire district is at what we saw last week of the cancellation of the special election. In some ways we knew the issues and we knew it was coming and yet it is still disastrous," student Max Pearson said.

"Our intent was to put this decision in the hands of the Montclair voters where it belongs and they didn't happen. And we own our part in that and apologize for any confusion that the ballot caused," Board Member Mfreke Inyang said.

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A federal rewrite of eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that took effect last week has thrust state officials and certain residents into a new and uncertain benefits landscape.

Advocates warn the changes could leave as many as 36,000 low-income residents without food assistance, putting already vulnerable households in even more jeopardy.

State officials say they won't know the exact number of people affected until later this month, though more than 42,000 have been identified as having to comply with the new rules for the nation's largest anti-hunger program.

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On Dec. 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture began requiring all states to enforce new SNAP provisions that tighten eligibility for able-bodied adults without dependents by removing several long-standing exemptions. The changes come from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," the federal spending package passed by Congress in July.

Able-bodied people are allowed to receive SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period, unless they meet certain work rules or qualify for an exemption. Connecticut previously had exempted people who were younger than 18 or older than 55 from the three-month time limit.

But the new federal rules raise the upper age limit to 64, meaning those between 55 and 64 now have to show they're working at least 80 hours per month or prove they qualify for an exemption.

The law also got rid of exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, young adults who age out of the foster care system, and residents of 68 towns and cities previously exempted due to high unemployment rates. In addition, the law restricts the exemption for parents, applying only to those with children under age 14, instead of 18.

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"These groups of individuals will no longer be exempt, which means they now have to provide to us information that shows they're working or they have one of the remaining exemptions," Dan Giacomi, the state Department of Social Services' director of program oversight and grants administration, said in October. "Otherwise, they could potentially be removed from the SNAP program for a period of time."

Those whose exemption categories aren't going away don't need to take any action.

Since mid-October, DSS has mailed notices and sent text messages to those affected, outlining the rule changes and what they need to do to maintain benefits. The agency also notified people who were at immediate risk of losing benefits on Nov. 30 because they no longer qualified for an exemption and already had exhausted their three-month eligibility.

DSS has launched a "pre-screener" tool on its website to help residents determine whether the new rules apply to them.

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The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have argued that the stricter work rules will reduce dependency on federal welfare programs. But advocates and state officials have warned that the overarching cuts to social safety net programs could further harm Connecticut's low-income residents, potentially increasing food insecurity and hunger.

The more than 42,000 affected residents include 300 veterans, 5,000 people who are experiencing homelessness, 17,000 adults in households with children ages 14 to 18 and 20,000 people in communities with unemployment rates that exceeded the national average. The law now requires that towns and cities have an unemployment rate greater than 10% to qualify for an exemption  a threshold no Connecticut municipality even comes close to meeting, according to state labor data. As of September, Hartford had the state's highest unemployment rate at 6.7%.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also removes SNAP eligibility for several categories of noncitizens, including refugees, asylees and humanitarian parolees. Of the 15,600 noncitizens who qualify for SNAP benefits in Connecticut, about 3,000 of them could lose coverage, DSS has estimated.

Connecticut and 20 other states are suing the USDA over separate guidance issued in October that prohibits refugees, asylees and parolees from getting SNAP benefits even after they obtain a green card. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Oregon, seeks an injunction against the guidance, arguing it will cut off "tens of thousands of lawful permanent residents" from SNAP while imposing significant administrative burdens and potentially "devastating financial penalties."

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The nation's largest anti-hunger program just emerged from a dizzying stretch buffeted by a flurry of court orders and uncertainty over whether recipients would get their benefits in time for the busy holiday season. Congress' deal to end the government shutdown guaranteed full SNAP benefits through Sept. 30, 2026, but the program's long-term stability remains up in the air.

SNAP feeds 42 million Americans, including 360,000 in Connecticut.

This article originally published at More than 42,000 CT residents face new SNAP work requirements after Dec. 1 rules went into effect.
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick told Fox News Thursday that President Donald Trump sleeps just four hours a night, declaring it the most impressive thing!

Lutnicks appearance was designed to promote the new Trump Gold Card immigration visa meant to attract the best people to the United States: those who can afford to pay out $1 million  plus a $15,000 processing fee  to the U.S. Treasury.

During his pitch, Lutnick touted Trumps vigor, and cited the fact that the president doesnt need much sleep.

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You know, you didnt understand  before I joined the government I had no idea how it works. But theres so much you can get done that, really, all thats in your way is time. So, we just give it all weve got, said Lutnick. The president sleeps less than me! I sleep five hours a night. The president sleeps four hours a night, and he is working all the time. He calls me late at night. He wants to talk about the day. He is on it all the time. It is the most impressive thing you have ever seen!

Lutnicks unsolicited comments about the presidents stamina come as concerns for Trumps health reaches a fever pitch.

Trump has been photographed multiple times appearing to fall asleep during important events like Cabinet meetings and Oval Office announcements. Trump has also been photographed with bruising, bandages, and makeup on his right hand, as well as with swollen ankles. Last spring, the White House announced he was diagnosed with a condition where veins in his legs struggle to pump blood back to the heart.

On Wednesday, Trump accused The New York Times of seditious, perhaps even treasonous behavior for questioning his health. In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump claimed, There has never been a President that has worked as hard as me! My hours are the longest, and my results are among the best.

Watch the clip above via Fox News.

The post The Most Impressive Thing! Howard Lutnick Marvels at Trump Sleeping Just 4 Hours a Night first appeared on Mediaite.
Dec 10 (Reuters) - Billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday hinted at a possible SpaceX initial public offering in a social media exchange with Ars Technica space journalist Eric Berger, following reports of a possible listing of the rocket maker in 2026.

"As usual, Eric is accurate," Musk said, in reply to Berger's post saying "Here's why I think SpaceX is going public soon," that linked his Ars Technica article on SpaceX's plans to go public.

Reuters and others reported on Tuesday that SpaceX was looking to raise more than $25 billion through an IPO in 2026, a move that could boost the rocket-maker's valuation to more than $1 trillion.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The California-based company ranks as the world's second most-valuable private startup after ChatGPT maker OpenAI, according to data from Crunchbase.

SpaceX going public at the reported valuation would represent the second-richest completed IPO in history, after Saudi Aramcos blockbuster $1.7 trillion listing in 2019.

Reuters earlier reported that SpaceX has started discussions with banks about launching the offering around June or July next year.

(Reporting by Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed)
MyPillow founder Mike Lindell speaks to Steve Bannon during a livestream in front of his new Minnesota governor campaign bus on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer)

Mike Lindell, the MyPillow guy and prominent right-wing conspiracy theorist who has spent millions of dollars promoting baseless claims about widespread election fraud, is running for Minnesota governor.

Lindell announced his run Thursday in his Shakopee factory, shouting to be heard over the din of machines that continue churning out his signature lumpy pillows despite years of financial challenges brought on by defamation lawsuits and lost sales from retailers fleeing association with him.

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MyPillow is still standing, and now I want you to know that I will stand for you as the next governor of Minnesota, Lindell said.

Lindell was speaking to an iPhone broadcasting to LindellTV and Steve Bannons War Room, with the fellow right-wing influencer and former Trump advisor interviewing him about his campaign.

Lindell enters a crowded field of GOP candidates who believe theyre best able to beat Gov. Tim Walz, who is running for a third term next year.

Other Republicans running for governor include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth; state Rep. Kristin Robbins; 2022 GOP nominee for governor Scott Jensen; Kendall Qualls, an army veteran and health care executive; and attorney Chris Madel.

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Lindell stands out for being the most loyal and closest candidate to President Donald Trump, having once carried notes into the White House following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol that seemed to show plans for Trump to stay in power through military force. (Walmart, Kohls, J.C. Penney, Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond and other companies pulled MyPillow products shortly after.)

While Lindells national celebrity in the MAGA movement and Trump ties may make him a serious contender in the Minnesota GOP endorsement process, his chaotic nature and relentless fixation on conspiracy theories are sure to repel mainstream Republicans and swing voters if he makes it to the general election.

Mike Lindell cheers as President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a 2018 campaign rally in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Minnesota Republican primary voters tend to follow the partys convention endorsement, wherein hundreds of hardcore activists  often the most ideologically dogmatic  decide the candidates fate.

During one of the commercial breaks of his campaign announcement, Lindell asked an employee if the bus was outside. Lindell then snatched the iPhone and its stand and ran through his factory and into the cold.

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He set the phone in front of his new campaign bus emblazoned in red, white and blue and a photo of himself holding an American flag and a copy of the U.S. Constitution. The bus was in the background when the show returned from its commercial break.

Bannon on Thursday praised Lindell for how well he runs his company. Because of that, Lindell was the best opponent that somebody could field against Walz, Bannon said.

Lindell wrapped up the live broadcast in front of the bus, which has Utah plates. He then went back inside to answer questions from three local reporters  apparently only those who called his personal cell phone ahead of time to get details on the announcement. One of his reporters with LindellTV was also there.

Lindell said he spoke to Trump in August about his run for Minnesota governor. He said the president didnt react either way, and that he didnt know if Trump would endorse him. It would be his decision, Lindell said.

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Lindell then went into a long diatribe about the nations elections. He said Minnesota needs to get rid of its voter machines and only count votes by hand.

When running for governor here in Minnesota, I will have access  I dont know how much, where to make sure that our elections are secure  these voting machines, but theyre not, Lindell said.

He criticized the media for not reporting on election fraud, and said that the conservative networks Fox News and Newsmax were the worst outlets in the world for not doing anything about election fraud. (Fox News paid Dominion Voting Systems nearly $800 million to settle a lawsuit over broadcasting false claims about the 2020 election.)

Mike Lindell prepares to film a video at the My Pillow factory and outlet in Shakopee, Minnesota Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

As governor, Lindell said he would run the state like a business, which would eliminate the fraud in Minnesota public programs that has been dominating the news nationwide. He also said he has a solution for the box stores and empty malls that are losing sales to online retailers and a plan for education based on past experience. Lindell declined to elaborate on his plans for now.

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Rudy Giuliani, the former New York Mayor and personal lawyer for Trump who was disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C. for his role attempting to undermine the 2020 presidential election, will be an advisor to the Lindell campaign. Giuliani also has a show on LindellTV.

Asked if he will self-fund his campaign for governor, Lindell said no.

Absolutely not. I cant self-fund. I dont have any money left, Lindell said.

Lindell says hes spent millions defending his theory that the 2020 election was stolen, which has made him broke.

In June, a federal jury found that Lindell defamed a former Dominion Voting Systems employee and was ordered to pay $2.3 million, pending appeal.

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Then in September, a federal judge ruled that Lindell defamed voting machine company Smartmatic with his attacks on the outcome of the 2020 election. The company is seeking $1.5 billion in damages, which will be decided by a jury.

During the defamation lawsuit brought by a Dominion Voting Systems employee over the summer, Lindell in court testimony said he was $10 million in debt.

Lindell  a self-described former crackhead  has a powerful redemption story, having suffered from addiction to cocaine for decades. He says he once spent 14 days awake on cocaine before his drug dealers staged an intervention.

His first campaign event, Lindell said, will be on Saturday at the Minnesota Republican Partys State Central Committee meeting where delegates will conduct a straw poll. The results arent usually broadcast, but Lindell said he would post the results.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) spoke out Tuesday about a police report that accused her of throwing a tantrum and going on a tirade against law enforcement officers at the Charleston International Airport in October.

Well, part of the report was actually falsified, Mace said on CNNs The Source to host Kaitlan Collins.

Politics: This High-Profile Race Shows Exactly What Has Changed In The Democratic Party

Mace, one of the leading contenders for governor of South Carolina, said the newly released footage of the incident doesnt outline the full story and only shows her asking TSA agents for help. She also repeatedly pointed out that the clip conveniently has no audio that goes with it.

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Mace then took the time to declare her support for law enforcement.

I back the blue, I back our police, I back our security. In my district in South Carolina, Ive gotten millions of dollars for local law enforcement to support them in their efforts to keep our community safe, she said. But whats not OK is... falsifying incident reports.

Collins replied, pressing Mace about the reports contents.

Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace Threatens Media For Reporting On Handshake She Says Was Assault

You just said you back the blue. The police quote you in this report as you calling them ******* idiots and ******* incompetent while stating that youre a ******* representative and telling a TSA supervisor, Im sick of your ****. Im tired of having to wait. I should not have to wait. You guys are always ******* late and this is ******* ridiculous. Are you saying you didnt say those things?

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Mace doubled down, telling Collins, Well, youre quoting a document that was, in part, falsified. They say a lot of things, and the video doesnt show that. Theres no audio.

Collins continued, asking Mace, Youre saying the police officers are lying?

Youtube. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) previously blamed law enforcement for her airport tirade and dismissed the incident as a "silly rumor."

No, Im saying that is, in part, false.  That is a falsified document. There are things in there  most of whats in there thats quoted is not true, the congresswoman replied.

Mace later tried to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Politics: JD Vance Rails About Viral Trend After Son Goes Absolutely Nuts In Church

[The airport law enforcement] were not there. They did not show up. I was very frustrated with the situation because of the number of death threats that I receive, and I expressed that frustration, Mace continued. But in no way, shape or form, did I call any of them idiots.

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She added, I didnt even know that was in the report until you told me just now. I never said  I would never, I have never called someone an idiot. That is, that is shocking to me.

Later in the interview, Mace argued that President Donald Trump also uses vulgar language frequently and called the airport incident a political hit job.

I do express my frustration. I do take responsibility for my words. I always have. But the idea that I would call somebody an idiot, I have never done that in my life, she added.

Politics: GOP Governor Blasts Trump Over Racist Insults: 'He's Not Interested In Uniting The Country'

Following the interview, Mace walked back some of her remarks in an X post.

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I misspoke on CNN tonight. I have called one person an idiot before, she wrote alongside a 2024 post where she called Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) Irans useful idiot.

Watch Maces CNN appearance below.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
When negotiations stalled, he quickly followed through on his threat by suspending all early works by WCS after the companies failed to meet his deadline to form a joint venture.

Doumbouya began by meeting concession holders, including Rio Tinto's former CEO Jakob Stausholm in December 2021 and WCS executives, to impose joint development.

Soon after the coup, the then 36-year-old Doumbouya took steps to consolidate the Simandou project, reorganising it into a single national strategic asset, according to interviews with ministers and advisers.

Guinea's Minister of Mining and Geology, Bouna Sylla, explained the president's reasoning: "Given that the two mines are neighbours in such a small country, we do not want railways running everywhere. We need just one railway and one port for the Simandou project, also addressing environmental concerns".

He recalled standing at the junction of the twin rail spurs, those disappearing towards Blocks 1 and 2 under development by the China-backed Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) and Baowu Resources, and Blocks 3 and 4 owned by Rio Tinto and its Chinese partners Chinalco, and seeing the project's first locomotives carrying iron ore set off to the port. He described the moment as "very special".

In November, standing at the peak of the mountain rich in iron ore, Aitchison reflected on the scale of the transformation and the milestone reached.

The launch of the project at Morebaya port on November 11 was attended by top Guinean officials as well as Chinese and regional African leaders.

This was made possible not only by the ambition of Rio Tinto and Chinese firms to secure the valuable iron ore, but by a forceful Guinean government's military-like mandate, China's logistical and engineering capacity enabling the rapid construction and massive financial muscle among the partners to break a crucial deadlock.

Major works for the railway and deep water port started in 2022, and the massive infrastructure - involving 206 bridges and four tunnels through challenging terrain - was built at an unprecedented speed.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The Simandou mountain range in southeastern Guinea, once a dense forest where exploration teams relied on GPS and helicopters to navigate, has yielded vast reserves of its sought-after high-grade iron ore after decades of delay.

Story Continues

The competing groups were forced to abandon their independent plans and sign the co-development framework agreement in 2022 that led to the formation of the joint venture, the Compagnie du TransGuineen (CTG) for Simandou railway and port infrastructure.

Djiba Diakite, chief of staff and director of cabinet in the president's office as well as chairman of the Simandou Strategic Committee, said Guinea was the first official delegation to travel to China in early 2023 after the global Covid-19 crisis to discuss the resumption of the Simandou project.

"We obtained the Shanghai agreement, which allowed for the relaunch of the work that you now see in these locations, which were previously nothing but forest and mangrove," Diakite said, referring to a breakthrough deal on the path to developing the project.

A Guinean government adviser, who asked for anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, called the Chinese capital an undisputed "game changer" that shifted the power balance.

Mining vehicles operate at Blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou mine last month. Photo: Reuters

The adviser noted that the vast financial resources and "military-like" operational discipline of Chinese investors enabled the state to pressure Western licence holders, especially Rio Tinto.

"Chinese with the money are ready to show if you are not ready."

The adviser stressed that project success depended on this Chinese involvement and that "Baowu wielded a lot of power" in the negotiations.

The agreement for co-development was achieved only after intense and tough negotiations that secured the government a 15 per cent stake in each mine and a similar holding in the CTG infrastructure venture.

In one incident of high tension, a former government negotiator recalled an unusual predawn episode in 2022 when, around 4am or so and after struggling through countless days of talks, they hit a deadlock.

A senior official in government instructed the negotiator to signal the gravity of the situation to the companies by saying: "When you leave, just slam the door."

This incident highlighted the dramatic high-stakes nature of the negotiations, reflecting the government's strong determination to secure its interests.

For instance, recognising that Rio Tinto and WCS would arrive "lawyered up", the Guinean government moved to match the power of the large corporations. It hired an international law firm to ensure Guinea had the expertise to protect its interests and secure legally sound and beneficial agreements.

The highly placed negotiator, who also did not want to be quoted due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the most contentious issue during negotiations was the Guinean government's demand for a 15 per cent equity stake in the CTG, the company formed to own and operate the critical railway and port infrastructure.

"Both industrial partners didn't want the state to have 15 per cent equity in the CTG," the negotiator said.

Guinea is banking on iron ore revenue to boost other sectors of the economy. Photo: Reuters

Once the deals were signed and the companies began work in 2022, the focus immediately shifted to speed. The junta leadership imposed military-like deadlines on the industrial partners, resulting in the firms delivering the railway and port infrastructure in record time.

It was completed just a few weeks before the election set for December 28, and the incumbent president has played up the project during campaigns.

Guinea's mining minister Sylla attributed the achievements to the president's military background.

"I believe the military provides the best training in strategy. His vision was simply to ensure we have the best project possible," said Sylla, who is a member of the Simandou Strategic Committee that monitors the project for the government.

Bright Simons, honorary vice-president at the Imani Africa think tank and a visiting senior fellow at ODI Global, said the junta's success came from enforcing infrastructure alignment.

"By synchronising the multiple projects in the corridor by forcing Rio Tinto and the Chinese to align on the infrastructure, they naturally unlocked the project feasibility in a much more enhanced manner," he said.

Simons added that this coordination, which included aligning financiers and operators, helped to "lower cost of capital and time to revenue".

"The Chinese deep pockets and agile contracting on offtake arrangements were definitely critical in the schedule acceleration".

However, Simons raised governance concerns, noting that "fatalities increased during the construction acceleration", while predicting that "ramping up to 120 million tonnes per annum would take longer than the junta thinks" because of auxiliary congestion factors.

Simandou's iron ore is vital for China's green steel ambitions. At full capacity, the mines are expected to produce 120 million tonnes of high-grade ore with 65 per cent iron content.

Achieving this speed, however, was not a matter of new technology but of sheer will and logistics.

Jean-Baptiste Goulby is the Simandou technical manager at Egis-Setec, a consortium of engineering firms appointed by the Guinean government as advisers for the rail and port infrastructures of the Simandou project.

He said the project's success hinged on a massive mobilisation effort rather than cutting-edge technology, and described the speed and magnitude of the construction as essentially "unmatched elsewhere".

"It's primarily a logistical challenge by being able to source a lot of materials, cement, steel and machinery very quickly, and to ship them to Guinea in time. That's not technical," Goulby said from Guinea, adding that the construction leveraged Chinese know-how.

Guinean leader Mamady Doumbouya waves after submitting his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for December 28, in Conakry on November 3. Photo: Reuters

Unlike Western contractors, which often prioritise new technology, the firms in Guinea focused on reliable construction by increasing machinery and manpower - with up to 50,000 workers employed at the peak of construction - to finish on schedule.

But the elements were beyond their control. Guinea is known for its long and heavy rainy season characterised by downpours that can last for days on end. Work on concrete had to be put on hold during the rains, which also created watercourses that degraded the ground and hampered the movement of equipment.

Additionally, the poor condition of roads severely hampered equipment transport. A single round trip from the capital Conakry to Simandou - a distance of 900km - took up to 20 days, often requiring teams to rebuild bridges.

To meet deadlines, the construction teams worked more during the dry season to secure stockpiles, allowing them to effectively withstand or take a planned break during the extended wet periods.

Tests are now being done on the railway and it is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.

Rio Tinto's Aitchison noted the toll, including the significant human cost, along the way.

"At Simfer, we have suffered two tragedies, unfortunately ... We use those incidents to galvanise the team to know that we can do better in this space and continue to strive to eliminate risk from our work environment," he said.

Further fatalities were also reported at WCS sites, highlighting the ongoing and severe safety risks across the entire project. Three foreign workers, at least 13 local workers and at least five local community members were killed in various incidents in the construction of the port and railway since November 2023, according to Reuters.

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.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that has orbited Mars for more than a decade.

Maven abruptly stopped communicating to ground stations over the weekend. NASA said this week that it was working fine before it went behind the red planet. When it reappeared, there was only silence.

Launched in 2013, Maven began studying the upper Martian atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind once reaching the red planet the following year. Scientists ended up blaming the sun for Mars losing most of its atmosphere to space over the eons, turning it from wet and warm to the dry and cold world it is today.

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Maven also has served as a communication relay for NASAs two Mars rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance.

Engineering investigations are underway, according to NASA.

NASA has two other spacecraft around Mars that are still active: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005, and Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The three concepts design firm Stantec released this week show the potential tradeoffs in keeping the State Fair in its current location. (Courtesy Stantec)

Members of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds District board, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, got their first chance Thursday to weigh in on three new design concepts for how the 236-acre, state-owned property in the middle of Albuquerque could be transformed.

The Legislature earlier this year created a new board entrusted with up to $500 million in bonding capacity to re-think the fairgrounds, including possibly moving the annual State Fair from its home of 87 years. Stantec, a design firm, released three new concepts this week as it finalizes a master plan, which it will release in February, and opened them up for public comment.

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The board also celebrated the State Board of Finances approval Tuesday of the first round of funding for the project, a $22.35 million bond package to acquire roughly nine additional acres for the redevelopment. That acquisition will happen regardless of what else transpires at the fairgrounds, according to the governors office.

Legislative approval in January is the final step before the board issues those bonds, a signoff that Lujan Grisham said Thursday probably wont occur without questions and debate.

Still, she said Thursday, Our plan is moving.

Board members did not vote on the design concepts, but they did ask the firm to ensure final designs allow for affordable and sustainable housing, high-quality jobs and agricultural and food opportunities to create a food oasis, as Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa put it, in an area surrounded by vacant grocery stores.

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The concepts make clear the potential tradeoffs required to fit all the priorities that have emerged for the project, including housing, a large amphitheater, a performing arts center and a park while also allowing the State Fair to continue in its usual footprint.

Moving the fair, as one of the three concepts envisions, would free up 124 acres for redevelopment, allowing more space for a bigger park, more housing and apartment options and more community benefits, including a public-private campus, according to the design firm. It could also mean more job opportunities, including for tech and research, according to Stantec.

Keeping the fair would confine the space for redevelopment to between 43 and 51 acres, meaning potential for sales tax revenue is medium and housing opportunities are limited, according to a Stantec designers presentation Thursday.

Neighborhood associations and community advocates hope the fairgrounds investment will benefit nearby neighborhoods, including the adjacent International District. The area surrounding the fairgrounds has two of the deadliest intersections for pedestrians in New Mexico and high crime rates. Its also a food desert, thanks in part to recent closures of a nearby CVS, Walgreens and Walmart, and a heat island, due to the lack of tree canopy and green space.

The Trust for Public Lands also rates the area as one in the city with the highest need for a public park. Without the State Fair, a park could be as big as 22 acres, according to Stantec, versus between 10 or 11 acres if it remains.
Only a few days ago,President Donald Trump lashed out at Europe in an interview with POLITICO as a decaying group of countries with weak leaders. In public at least, it didnt ruffle European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

I have always had a very good working relationship with the presidents of the United States, and this is also the case today, von der Leyen said in an interview at this years POLITICO 28 event. From the bottom of my heart, Im a convinced transatlanticist.

Now in her second term leading the EUs lawmaking body, von der Leyen also acknowledged that Europes relationship with the United States is in flux, and not just because of Trump.

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Of course, our relationship to the United States has changed. Why? Because we are changing, she said. And this is so important that we keep in mind: What is our position? What is our strength? Lets work on these. Lets take pride in that. Lets stand up for a unified Europe.

The question of European unity is front of mind as Russias war on Ukraine grinds on and Trump pushes harder for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a peace deal.

In her interview with POLITICO, von der Leyen emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace with real security guarantees. This peace agreement should be such a solid peace agreement that it does not sow the seeds for the next conflict immediately, she said.

The Russian threat also goes beyond Ukraine, of course. How long until Europe is fully able to defend itself? Thats a good question, von der Leyen said. We have not the luxury of time.

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This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

I want to start with a question very much on the minds of the people in this room: Will there be a funding agreement by next week for Ukraine to keep the fight up against Russia?

We're working intensively towards a just and lasting peace. And I emphasize just and lasting because this peace agreement should be such a solid peace agreement that it does not sow the seeds for the next conflict immediately.

The negotiations about the agreement are moving forward. That is good, and the 20-point plan is taking more and more shape. I think the most difficult topics are, on one hand, the territories, and this is something which can only be decided by President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine.

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The second most important topic is the security guarantees. These have to be very robust security guarantees. As I said, they have to make sure that there is lasting peace. And we always speak about the steel porcupine that Ukraine has to be so that it is indigestible for any potential invader.

The third topic is the immobilized Russian assets, which we are working intensively on to make sure that we can take the cash balances, and then to Ukraine as a loan, for financing for Ukraine for the next two years. And Ukraine only has to pay back these loans if Russia pays reparations.

Were going a step forward now tomorrow, for the first step in dealing with this topic, that we will secure the immobilization of the Russian assets, which is an important point because we need the certainty that these Russian assets will work for the reconstruction of the reparation of Ukraine.

This development, does that mean that we'll see something around the assets? Not looking to the plan B or C of eurobonds  that your focus right now is on using those assets, and that's what you're pushing towards?

The first step that we are going to take, hopefully tomorrow, is indeed to secure the immobilization. That is very important. But so far, the Russian assets were immobilized for six months, and every six months we had to renew this immobilization by unanimity. There's quite a risk that all of a sudden these assets are gone, and therefore the step tomorrow is to make sure that we secure these assets so that the cash balances can work for Ukraine, can fund Ukraine and can be invested in the reconstruction.

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A second step is, then, how are we going to use these cash balances? And indeed, as you said, the financing of Ukraine. This is going to be decided in the following week at the European Council.

We have quite advanced, very innovative, qualified majority voting that we have to do there. We have to take into account  and we are working intensively  in dividing or distributing the risks that go along with that. At the moment, Belgium is carrying on broad shoulders the whole of the European Union [as it holds a financial depository with more than $150 billion in frozen Russian assets Europe would like to seize]. But this is the second step.

What's your level of confidence right now that Belgium will come around?

It is day and night with Belgium, I must say, it is a very constructive work. This is not trivial. This is absolutely innovative. It's never happened before.

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Of course, we understand the concerns of Belgium, and it's just intense work. I think we've advanced quite a lot already, taken in their concerns and respected them in the proposal. But the next days will show whether we come to a final agreement.

Let me ask you, the European leaders, if you fail to reach an agreement next week, do you worry that President Zelenskyy in Ukraine will be forced into accepting a peace deal? Or some sort of peace deal that is not favorable to them?

I think it is extremely important, as I said, that this peace agreement does not sow the seeds for the next conflict. I mean, we've seen this in 2014. We've seen that the peace agreement and the security guarantees were not holding, were not robust enough, and that the peace agreement was only giving time for Russia to regroup, to reorganize, and the next invasion then came in 2022.

This time, it is of utmost importance that this peace agreement is for just and lasting peace. Here, the security guarantees play an enormous role.

You started your most recent State of the European Union speech on a pretty urgent note, saying Europe is in a fight. You also asked whether Europe had the stomach for the fight and the political will to compromise. You're now three months on. It's been a pretty eventful, some would say pretty tough, three months trying to get to a place where you can keep Ukraine in the fight. I'm wondering, are your fellow European leaders falling short of what you think this moment demands?

No. The opposite is the case. I mean, if you just go one step backwards and look at the overall picture of the six years now that I'm in office, it started with a pandemic.

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The pandemic was barely over. We had, in 2022, the invasion of Russia in Ukraine, a severe energy crisis followed, and now we are really focusing laser-sharp on improving our competitiveness. We have to have a huge surge in defense we are working on and we have to reduce our dependency. So it's a whole program. And here, I must say, the leaders for all of us, its very clear. None of these challenges or none of these crises could have been managed by a member state on its own.

But at 27  that's the fantastic part about the European Union. At 27, we can move mountains. We have proven this with the vaccines. We have proven this with the energy crisis.

We are working together intensively on the capital market now to improve our competitiveness, innovation, digitalization, all these topics. At 27, we can move mountains.

On Ukraine itself, though

Ah, your question was focused on Ukraine.

I was focused on Ukraine. And how would you explain this inability to get to this point? We had Mark Rutte today with pretty urgent words as well, that Europe needs to prepare for a war with Russia. Do you agree, that this continent is on the cusp of that?

Looking at Ukraine, Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 with a goal to take Kiev in three days and Ukraine in three weeks. Putin completely failed.

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Now we are in the fourth year, and in the last 12 months, he advanced by 1 percent, 1 percent only, of the territory. We are in the fourth year of a war of attrition. He's maneuvered himself in Ukraine, which had no defense at the very beginning, has withstood thanks to the bravery and the courage of the people, but also the ingenuity, the innovative spirit and the support of the European Union.

Because Europe, of all these years, has supported Ukraine financially: 185 billion euros, 66 billion of this is military support. It is amazing to see how this country was able to withstand  and the unity of the European Union. We should not forget. I mean, it's Russia that invaded Ukraine, and the war will be over at the moment Russia stops fighting.

On that issue of defense readiness, I'm wondering: You've warned that Europe is not quite prepared for the security environment it faces. Obviously, you're doing a lot with things to move to that place. I'm wondering how many years it will take for Europe to be fully capable of defending itself.

That's a good question. We have not the luxury of time.

How much time do we have?

As we cannot foresee in the future what will happen, I can only say we have an enormous urgency, and we have to be faster and faster and faster.

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I mean, if you look at the last year when it comes to defense. During the last year, more has happened than during the last decades in the European Union. For the first time ever, we have a full time commissioner for defense. For the first time ever, we have a white book. But I think even more important is the financing. If you look at the last decade, 8 billion have been invested in defense on the European level. During the last year, we enabled an investment, a surge of defense investment of 800 billion until 2030. And I think the most successful is the 150 billion of the SAFE instrument. It is so oversubscribed by the member states that some are calling for a second SAFE instrument.

So all this, you're right. We do it with an enormous sense of urgency, not only for defense, but because we know it is about our freedom, it is about our prosperity, and it is about our democracy that we have to defend.

I do want to turn my gaze back to the United States just a bit, and ask you a question. To bring up our interview with Donald Trump and also the National Security Strategy that was released last week.

Donald Trump and his National Security Strategy, part of it is to say that the policy of the United States is now to cultivate resistance on this continent to the EU. How do you respond to what is now U.S. policy towards the EU?

Look, in general, it is not on us when it comes to elections, to decide who the leader of the country will be, but on the people of this country. That's very clear. That's the sovereignty of the voters, and this must be protected.

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This is one of the reasons, for example, why we have proposed democracy shield now, because this is a phenomenon that we see all over the place  that we really have to shield our democracy and make sure that elections are fair and free. That's the crown jewel of our democracies. In general, for anybody, it's the voters who decide who is the leader, and nobody else is supposed to interfere, without any question.

It's kind of remarkable to talk about the democracy's shield when I ask a question about the United States. How does that sit with you? Hearing what you've heard this past week, the critique of the leaders of this continent.

You know what? I have always had a very good working relationship with the presidents of the United States, and this is also the case today. From the bottom of my heart, I'm a convinced transatlanticist.

But, what is so important? Important is that we position ourselves, that we take pride in being the European Union, that we look on our strength and that we deal with the challenges that we do have. If we keep this in mind, of course, our relationship to the United States has changed. Why? Because we are changing. And this is so important that we keep in mind: What is our position? What is our strength? Let's work on these. Let's take pride in that. Let's stand up for a unified Europe. This is our task, and not always in the mirror of others, but look at ourselves and be proud of ourselves.

I do want to ask you before we move on, just look ahead to 2026. What is the one thing that you absolutely want the Commission to deliver on next year?

Well, if I would not be serious, I would say I would love it if the Commission enables it so that I have a little bit more sleep.

On a very serious note, if you ask about the Commission, then as the guardian of the treaty, it is competitiveness, prosperity, democracy. But if you look at the wider topic there, from the bottom of my heart, I am wishing for peace, peace in Ukraine. I often think of these poor people, for four years now, every day, every night, this harassment and this terror that they experience and the incredibly steadfastness that these people have proven. So peace is what I'm wishing for in 2026.


An invasive pest is threatening native honeybees in South Carolina, and officials are scrambling to contain the growing threat.

What's happening?

Local residents spotted a massive yellow-legged hornet nest in Beaufort Park, 60 feet up in a tree. Officials said the nest was about the size of a yoga ball and may have housed thousands of workers. Because yellow-legged hornets often build nests in high trees, exterminators used a lift to access the structure and seal it before injecting pesticides inside.

"We're basically trying to contain any hornets from escaping the nest and locking them inside," Brad Cavin, South Carolina's chief apiary inspector, told Island Packet. "It's crazy the volume of reports we are receiving just for hornets."

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The yellow-legged hornet is originally from Southeast Asia and has spread across the southeastern U.S. The insects are known for targeting native bees and can wipe out entire hives in days if left unchecked.

So far this year, nearly 80 nests have been confirmed across South Carolina's Lowcountry. Experts believe the hornets likely arrived via shipping cargo ports near Savannah, Georgia, before moving north.

Yellow-legged hornets build egg-shaped nests that can eventually house up to 6,000 individuals. While they aren't more aggressive or sting harder than other wasps, their size and numbers are a concerning threat to native populations.

Why is this concerning?

Yellow-legged hornets primarily attack honeybees, a critical species for pollinating crops and protecting food supplies. Their aggressive "hawking" behavior means they defend nests and any nearby bees.

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As ecosystems become more stressed by shifting weather patterns, rising temperatures, and habitat loss, invasive species like these gain an advantage, spreading faster while native species struggle to survive.

The disappearance of pollinators such as honeybees doesn't just impact wildlife  it directly affects consumers through lower crop yields, rising food prices, and reduced biodiversity.

What's being done about it?

State officials have placed traps in affected areas and are urging residents to report sightings through Clemson University's Apiary Inspection Program.

Individuals can support native pollinators by planting native species and avoiding pesticides that harm beneficial insects. Scientists have been developing ways to support bees through food supplements and other methods.

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While eliminating invasive threats takes coordinated efforts and long-term investment, the cost of inaction would be much higher, leading to ecosystem collapse and weakened global food systems.

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Texas lawmakers and residents are calling for greater transparency surrounding a taxpayer-funded program that provides loans and grants for electric infrastructure projects.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the state's Public Utility Commission has spent thousands of taxpayer dollars to keep details about a questionable application under wraps.

What's happening?

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) is responsible for administering the energy fund, which voters approved in November 2023 to "finance the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric facilities in Texas," according to a media release.

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Two years later, lawmakers and residents are pushing for information about Texas Energy Fund loan applicant Aegle Power, which sought funding from the $7.2 billion allocated for gas plants.

They learned that Aegle Power had listed a major company as its sponsor without permission, according to the Chronicle. It also came to light that the energy company's CEO, Kathleen Smith, had pleaded guilty to participating in an embezzlement scheme when she headed another company.

As of July, the PUC had spent more than $31,000 in taxpayer money to keep details about the application private after Attorney General Ken Paxton ruled that it must release that information.

The agency has also spent thousands more on attorneys (using taxpayer dollars) in its fight to withhold details about a controversial Dallas-area gas power plant and bitcoin mine, along with other cryptocurrency mining operations registered in Texas.

Why is this important?

When gas power plants and cryptocurrency mines set up shop, they can have an unwanted impact on community wellness and quality of life. For example, in Granbury  a small town southwest of Fort Worth  residents have reported permanent hearing loss as a result of 24/7 crypto operations. Gas power plants also emit hazardous air pollutants such as formaldehyde.

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Cryptomining facilities are increasingly adopting more sustainable energy sources, indicating a positive trend in an industry that could drive green innovation and offer a more secure form of banking. Nonetheless, the PUC's lack of transparency has damaged taxpayer trust.

Ultimately, this may set back progress to addressing energy infrastructure issues exacerbated by the massive energy demands of the data centers supporting cryptocurrency mining  energy demands that have contributed to rising electricity prices in Texas and elsewhere.

Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"You have your hand in my wallet, and I'm also paying to cover up all of this information?" said Hood County resident Cheryl Shadden, according to the Chronicle.

What's being done about this?

PUC spokesperson Ellie Breed told the Chronicle that there was nothing "very extraordinary" about the commission's appeal to keep information private. However, energy consultant Alison Silverstein, who served as a PUC adviser in the 1990s, said she found it odd the PUC was fighting Paxton's ruling, as his office rarely rules against state agencies.

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"So much of the business that the PUC conducts is about money, and, in the case of the Texas Energy Fund, significant chunks of taxpayer money," Silverstein said. "I'm just sort of stunned."

Meanwhile, the Texas Energy Fund's loan program for gas power plants is sputtering. The Texas Tribune reports tariffs, turbine shortages, and the high cost of such projects as reasons why solar and battery storage continue to be a popular choice for developers. Texas has also dominated the wind energy market in the U.S. for nearly 20 years.

If you want to protect yourself against rising energy bills, The Cool Down's Solar Explorer can connect you with trusted partners who can save you up to $10,000 on solar installations.

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Members of the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee gather for a meeting on Dec. 9, 2025 at the State Regents' offices in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A state board tasked with investigating free speech violations on Oklahoma university campuses must have increased enforcement power to properly protect peoples constitutional rights, one advocate said.

But leaders of the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee said the body doesnt need more power beyond its advisory role when it comes to enforcing changes in free speech policy or investigating violations.

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The debate over the committees role comes as the states three largest universities have faced complaints of free speech violations in recent months, ranging from political and religious discrimination to press censorship.

The nine-member committee, created by House Bill 3543 in 2022, is part of the State Regents for Higher Education and is a purely advisory body that issues recommendations, guides free speech training and investigates complaints of violations on college and university campuses, according to state statute.

Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, authored the bill that created the Free Speech Committee and currently serves on the board.

Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, a member of the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, speaks with members of the news media after a meeting at the State Regents office in Oklahoma City on Dec. 9, 2025. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

He said the committee was intentionally set up to be advisory so it was collaborative, rather than adversarial, with the states colleges and universities. He continues to support that structure.

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But if we find that our colleges and universities are routinely kind of ignoring the suggestions of the committee, then maybe we need to go back through and look at that, Caldwell said. But I think so far weve seen a willingness to collaborate and to work together.

Patrick Elliott, the legal director for Freedom From Religion Foundation, said an advisory board with no enforcement authority isnt enough. The nonprofit advocates for the division between church and state.

Relying on litigation alone delays justice and places a burden on victims of free speech violations, he said in a statement.

We support additional mechanisms to protect free speech, Elliot said. Those could include a government body that can both investigate and require compliance when rights are violated.

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Andy Lester, chair of the Free Speech Committee, said he likes the way the committee was created by statute to be advisory because there isnt another committee in the country like ours.

Its a safety valve, Lester said.  I think the process works well. If the Legislature wanted to change that and empower this committee to do something else, Im sure we, of course, would be happy to do that, but thats up to somebody else.

There have been three formal complaints since the beginning of the semester that are currently being investigated, Lester said.

Andy Lester, chair of the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, speaks with members of the news media after a meeting at the State Regents office in Oklahoma City on Dec. 9, 2025. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

Rick Hall, a board member who serves on the committees Complaint Task Force, said he could not discuss what they entail, saying they should be kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the review process.

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Lester said only one other complaint has been submitted to the committee during its existence and it was found to not be a free speech issue. He did not elaborate on the details of the complaint.

Its usually probably better for them to try to do it on the campus itself, but they can come to us right away, he said. Our process takes some time.

Oklahoma colleges and universities typically set their own policies to address free speech complaints. The Free Speech Committee plans to eventually review the policies of every campus, but said they are still doing initial reviews.

At the conclusion of an investigation, the committee can offer recommendations to the complaining party as well as the institutions involved and the State Regents.

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Laura Beltz, director of policy reform for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a free speech advocacy group, said having a committee to provide input and expertise across the state is generally helpful.

That being said, if colleges are able to ignore the input of the committee when a campus violates a student or faculty members rights, its critical that mechanisms are in place to ensure that student or faculty members rights are vindicated, e.g. by referring the matter to an office that does have the authority to take action, Beltz said.

UCO complaint

Signage inside University of Central Oklahomas mass communications building, pictured Aug. 14, 2025, directs visitors to student media offices. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

At least two complaints to the committee, which were obtained independently by Oklahoma Voice, are related to accusations of free speech violations at the University of Central Oklahoma. They were filed by Amy Hall, the daughter of a former adviser to the student newspaper, and Jon Womastek, a UCO alumni.

UCOs complaints stems from the schools decision to end the print publication of the student newspaper, The Vista, and allegations that the school was trying to control students coverage of the administration. The Vista continues to publish digitally, and the university has denied the claim.

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A spokesperson for UCO said the institution has not received any formal complaints of violations of free speech in 2025.

The school did receive recommendations for minor changes to its free speech policy after an unrelated review by the Free Speech Committee in 2024. All recommendations were implemented, the spokesperson said.

UCO does not have a formal position on the committees function as an advisory board, the spokesperson said.

OSU complaint

A spokesperson at Oklahoma State University said in a statement that the school has received three formal complaints in 2025.

While we are aware of instances where someone has indicated that someone elses expression is hateful or offensive, we are only aware of three formal complaints in which one student organizations fliers were removed, the spokesperson said in a statement.

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It wasnt immediately clear if this complaint was also filed with the state Free Speech Committee or if it had been resolved.

The spokesperson said that the school is reviewing a set of recommendations from the Free Speech Committee and is committed to maintaining an environment on campus to support free speech.

The spokesperson did not answer questions about the efficacy of the Free Speech Committee.

OSU also faced accusations in October of violating a students free speech rights after a staff member reportedly criticized him for wearing a hat with the No. 47, a symbol of President Donald Trumps presidency, at a student government meeting.

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The student, who was giving a speech promoting free speech at the time, said he received the cap from Charlie Kirk after volunteering at a Turning Point USA event held at the Stillwater campus. Kirk, a conservative activist, was assassinated during an event earlier this year in Utah, the same day the student wore the hat.

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OU complaint

Spokespeople with OU did not comment by the time of publication about whether they had faced any formal complaints of free speech violations on campus this year or the efficacy of the committee.

OU has been entangled in a free speech-related controversy since late November when a student claimed the zero she received for an essay she wrote was because of her religious beliefs and a violation of her free speech.

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The student said she used the Bible as a reference for the essay, which was assigned to be a reaction to an article on gender-based stereotypes, and argued against eliminating societal gender roles. The graduate teaching assistant, who OU has since put on leave, said she had failed to use empirical evidence and that parts of her essay were offensive.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation has demanded the graduate teaching assistant be immediately reinstated. The group said OU as a public university cannot privilege religious viewpoints.

Lester and Caldwell, who serve on the states Free Speech Committee, commended the University of Oklahoma on Tuesday for the way it has dealt with the ongoing controversy at its Norman campus.

From what I have seen thus far, it looks like the process at the University of Oklahoma is working well, Lester said. These issues are difficult to deal with, and my heart does go out to everybody involved, including, frankly, both sides of what happened and the administration. Its hard to balance these things.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  America turns 250 years old next July. In honor of the big birthday, the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association participated in a nationwide tribute to the countrys flag. They raised ole glory in Northeast Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

The flag they raised and honored has traveled overseas and to multiple states before getting to Oklahoma.

The flag has traveled to Europe. Its been at battle cemeteries, places that individuals that have been draped by this very symbol have been buried and put to rest, Canadian County Sheriff and President of the National Sheriffs Association Chris West said.

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The Oklahoma Sheriffs Association joins other sheriffs across the country in a tribute to raise that exact flag in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and U.S. cemeteries overseas. Its current stop was at the Law Enforcement Memorial.

Stories of victims come to light in annual Tree of Life ceremony to end impaired driving

The shared journey is a tribute to our nations history, its heroes, and our bright future, Kay County Sheriff and President of the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association Steve Kelley said. The Stars and Stripes are a living symbol of freedom. They honor the sacrifices and the ideals that bind us as Americans. The flag unifies us as a nation.

The ceremony will be one of several across the country up until the countrys 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

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West is a veteran of the Marine Corps with several years of experience in law enforcement. He said the flag is a symbol of everything he and others fought and still fight for.

We draped coffins, we drape our deceased, our dead that have served and lost their lives in the service of fellow Americans with this iconic symbol. So, its very important to Americans, its very important to us, he said.

The flags next stop is Baltimore, Maryland. Its last stop is set for Washington, D.C., next July.

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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Days before Taylor Atkinson took his own life, he told his partner exactly what he was going to do.

Using information he had found in a science textbook from the prison library, he planned to inflict a catastrophic injury on himself, telling the woman whom he called his soulmate that he was leaving prison in a body bag that weekend.

After 13 years trapped in prison on an outlawed indefinite jail term, he had served almost nine years longer than his original three-year, 265-day punishment for aggravated burglary.

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But under the terms of his imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence, he was repeatedly denied his freedom  at times because the despair of not having a release date had left his mental health on a knife edge.

The only glimpse of the outside world he had seen  a series of day releases in the months before his death  had been snatched away weeks earlier after a prison officer had briefly lost sight of him in a busy shopping centre.

He had a plan and I knew for a fact it was going to happen, his partner Sam Faulder, a fellow prisoner, said of their final conversation.

She begged prison officers to place Taylor, a 50-year-old transgender prisoner, on constant watch, or allow her to share a cell with him, but no one listened.

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I couldnt understand it, she added. I am not someone that talks to officers. I was crying and begging ... no one was listening. I couldnt understand, still dont understand.

Three days later, Taylor bled to death in his cell at HMP Eastwood Park, a struggling womens prison in south Gloucestershire. Although he identified as a man, he believed he was the last IPP prisoner in the womens estate never to have been released.

This week, an inquest jury recorded Taylors death as a suicide and concluded that the IPP sentence was likely the most significant factor contributing to the feelings of despair and mental exhaustion that led to his actions on 9 July 2022.

They also found that, if Taylor had been under constant supervision, it might have saved his life.

Taylor, 50, is believed to have been the last unreleased IPP prisoner in the womens estate (Supplied)

Why didnt they give him a chance?

Taylor is one of at least 94 prisoners serving IPP sentences to have taken their own lives in custody after losing hope of ever getting out.

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The open-ended sentences were scrapped in 2012 following a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights, but not retrospectively, which left almost 2,500 people already sentenced trapped without a release date.

Taylors grief-stricken niece, Lisa Taylor, agreed with the UNs damning assessment that the jail term amounts to psychological torture, having watched him struggle as fewer than four years in prison spiralled into 13.

After surviving childhood abuse growing up in Gosport, Hampshire, Taylor had turned to drugs and burgled a neighbour to fund his heroin addiction. Instantly remorseful, he pleaded guilty, and he was handed an IPP sentence in March 2010.

Under the controversial jail terms, prisoners must prove to the Parole Board that they no longer pose a risk to the public in order to be released. But for Taylor  who resorted to self-harm in times of desperation  this day never came.

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He found himself trapped in a vicious cycle whereby his own mental ill-health became a risk factor that helped to prevent his release. As the years progressed and he was repeatedly refused parole, he was increasingly heard saying that the only way out of prison was in a body bag.

Every time he got knocked back, it affected his mental health, and then he would end up self-harming, Ms Taylor, 43, told The Independent.

And then on the next parole hearing, that self-harming would then affect him getting parole. So it was just never-ending.

She believes the only risk Taylor posed was to himself, adding: I dont know why, why they didnt give him a chance.

Taylors ashes were scattered with those of his beloved rescue dog, Razor (Supplied)

Taylors next of kin, his best friend Nicole Rose, said that all he wanted was to settle on the coast and live a quiet life as a painter-decorator.

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Taylor was very remorseful about what he went to prison for, she said. He was the biggest softie. He didnt want to harm anyone.

He stole from a neighbour in a desperate act of someone in active addiction. He always regretted that.

She believes that if Taylor had been released, the animal lover would still be alive today and would eventually have died an old man with rescue dogs by the sea.

I dont believe he was a threat to anyone, she added.

Giving evidence to Taylors inquest from prison, where she is serving a life sentence, Faulder, his partner, told Avon Coroners Court that Taylor saw ending his life as a way of finally escaping the IPP jail term.

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When [the IPP sentence] was abolished, at first it was hopeful because we thought they were going to get let out, she told the jury.

But its torture ... inhumane hopelessness. Getting told you will serve three years for burglary and end up doing longer than some people for murder. It was just ridiculous.

Day releases were a key moment

Taylor was granted his first lifeline when he was finally recommended for progress to open conditions by the Parole Board in spring 2021. But the only two open womens prisons in England and Wales refused to accept him due to fears about managing his mental health.

They did not have intensive supervision for suicidal inmates and were not comfortable with the five medications he had been prescribed, including methadone to manage his addiction, sleeping tablets, and medicines for anxiety and depression, the inquest heard.

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Instead, he was moved to houseblock seven at Eastwood Park, where inmates were allowed to live in more relaxed conditions and granted day releases, known as release on temporary licence (ROTL).

Taylor had three successful day releases in Bristol where he was supervised by a prison officer in the months before he died.

Taylor was sentenced to 3 years, 265 days, but served almost 13 years (Supplied)

His friend Ms Rose, who visited Taylor at least twice a month for 13 years, added: Most people get through prison sentences by knowing when they will get out. Taylor had no steady ground anywhere.

As rejections happened, as each parole hearing got delayed by six months or a year, he just got worse and worse. And I really observed his physical and mental health just deteriorate every year he was in prison.

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In the last year, when he got a glimpse of freedom [on ROTLs], it did feel like I got my Taylor back a little bit.

His prison offender manager, Claire Tonkinson, agreed that the day releases were a key moment for Taylor, who wanted to prove himself to the Parole Board ahead of his next hearing. But his hopes were shattered when Rebecca Hall, a prison officer, lost sight of him in a busy shopping centre in Bristol during a day release on 20 May 2022.

Ms Hall said Taylor had breached his licence conditions by not following her instructions and leaving her eyeline, but Taylor insisted he had got lost in an unfamiliar area.

When he returned to the prison, the duty governor, Peter Heyworth, met him at reception and told him he would be moved back to a closed wing, his day releases would be suspended, and he would be placed on report pending an adjudication into the alleged breach.

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Fearing he had lost everything, Taylor reacted angrily and had to be restrained by prison officers, the jury was told.

As he was pinned face-down on the floor, he shouted: I did everything I was supposed to have done today. Everything. After that f***ing c*** left me in the middle of f***ing Bristol. I didnt know where I was.

Mr Heyworth told the inquest that Taylor appeared to be under the influence and had purchased an unauthorised lighter, but admitted the alleged breach of his licence conditions was never investigated because the prison adjudication process never took place. Under questioning from Nick Armstrong KC, for Taylors loved ones, he also confirmed that Taylor was never tested for drugs or alcohol, despite offering to submit to testing.

After hearing his evidence, a member of the jury asked Mr Heyworth: If the adjudication never took place, why was Taylor treated as if the allegation against him was factual, despite no investigation taking place?

Mr Heyworth claimed that Taylors move back to closed conditions was never meant to be permanent.

In their conclusions, the jury found that Taylors death was exacerbated by the serious setbacks resulting from the day release incident, adding that the decision to move him to a closed wing was hasty, poorly communicated and made without due consideration of all the facts.

Taylor went rapidly downhill

In the weeks that followed, Taylor went rapidly downhill and self-harmed twice, Faulder told the jury.

Over the space of weeks, he became very negative, lost hope, she said. His face went grey, he lost a spark in his eye, he aged about 20 years in a few weeks  everyone could see it. He walked differently, slower.

He was placed under assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) monitoring for at-risk prisoners briefly in May, following the day release incident, and again on 4 July, after another prisoner took their own life on his wing.

Taylor was fuming that the person was successful in taking their own life, Faulder said.

When Taylor revealed his plans to end his life during a prison craft club for over-50s on 6 July, I wasnt asking, I was begging them to put him on constant watch, she added. One prison officer, whom Faulder said she approached, claimed she could not recall the interaction, the inquest heard.

Faulder also asked if she could share a cell with Taylor to keep him safe, but was told this was not possible because he was a transgender prisoner, she said.

Her pleas were not acted on and Taylor remained on four observations per hour under an ACCT, but the first six pages of the paperwork recording the lifesaving measures were never filled in by prison staff.

On the same day, Taylor attended an AA meeting for the first time and told the group he was in a dark place, saying: The only way out for me is in a body bag.

Fellow prisoner Clare Roberts, who saw Taylor in the visiting room on the day he died on 9 July, said he had no life in his eyes and kept saying: I cant do it any more, I cant do it any more.

The inquest heard that Taylors mental health key worker had only attended one meeting about his welfare in the 50 days since the day release incident first sparked his mental health crisis.

CCTV showed the prisons final check on Taylor was not adequate (PA)

Zoe Short, known as the governing governor, who was in overall charge of Eastwood Park, admitted the prison was operating with just 65 per cent of the staff they needed in 2022 as they tried to bring prisoners out of Covid lockdown measures.

The prison officer responsible for checking on Taylor on the night he died, Andy Maggs, told the police he had spoken to him through the cell hatch at around 9.50pm and that he was using the toilet behind a privacy curtain.

However, damning CCTV footage played to the jury showed that the officer did not open Taylors cell hatch for the final check, but simply glanced towards the door on his way down the corridor. Ms Short admitted it was not an adequate check.

The last time a prison officer had opened Taylors cell hatch and looked inside was at 9.35pm, the footage revealed.

At 10.04pm, Taylor was discovered lifeless in his cell. Nurses rushed to the scene but did not attempt to resuscitate him due to the degree of injuries he had sustained.

His cause of death was recorded as blood loss and cardiac air embolism, when air enters the bloodstream through a major injury.

The jury concluded that, while Taylors complex mental health and history of self-harm had influenced his death, the prisons ACCT management and monitoring during this period had failed to reduce his risk of self-harm and the final check on him was inadequate to assess Taylors safety and welfare.

Life and death failures

Faulder told the hearing that Taylor was my future, my soulmate and someone with whom she could be 100 per cent unapologetically myself as she paid tribute to him, describing him as complex, caring, loyal, loving and absolutely hilarious.

In a statement to The Independent, she said the IPP sentence had left Taylor in a hopeless, desperate situation and a catch-22, where he was self-harming as a result of the jail term, only for this to prevent his release.

It is just totally unjust, she added. They [IPP prisoners] are suffering and dying inside with this hopeless, desperate, barbaric punishment, which has already been abolished but should be abolished for all; everyone should be let out.

Ms Taylor sobbed as she recalled growing up with Taylor  whom she knew as Auntie Claire  at the start of the three-week inquest into his death.

She believes that if prison staff had listened to Faulders pleas and put Taylor on constant supervision, he would still be alive today.

I am disgusted with the prison service itself, she told The Independent, calling for the staff responsible to be investigated. They had a duty of care to look after him, and they let him down.

She also believes the IPP sentence was a big factor in his death because he had no release date to work towards.

She added: If he had had that normal goal, he would have had something to work to. But it just wasnt there.

Taylors ashes were scattered with those of his beloved rescue dog, Razor. Paying tribute to Taylor, his niece said: A piece of our hearts is missing. She added: Claire, we miss your laugh, your wicked sense of humour. We just miss you. A life cut short, taken far too early. Not a single day has passed that we havent thought of you.

Taylors sister Caron said his future was taken away, and so was a part of mine when he died.

Taylors family said a piece of our hearts is missing (Supplied)

Ms Rose, 37, accused the prison of institutional neglect, adding: It was a life-and-death failing in my opinion.

She believes incarcerating people is not the answer to social problems like addiction and that it only served to further traumatise Taylor, who was already reeling from childhood abuse.

After falling pregnant a year to the day after Taylor died, she named her son in honour of her best friend, who feared he would be beholden to the state for the rest of his life under the IPP jail term.

She described it as a life sentence for a minor crime as she called for all IPP inmates to be freed.

She added: With Taylor, there wasnt any ego or big dreams. He didnt want to be remembered as this prisoner who fought against this injustice.

All he wanted was to grow old by the sea with some rescue dogs ... being able to be his true self  a gentle, compassionate guy who just wanted to live and to love other people. Instead, he was denied that. He just deserved so much more.

I hope, in whatever afterlife there is, he has some peace and tranquillity. All he needed was an opportunity to just be normal and live a chilled, relaxed life. He would have been happy for the rest of his days.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Taylor Atkinson, and we will carefully review the coroners findings.

It is right that IPP sentences were abolished, and we provide additional support to prisoners serving them  including improved mental health services. We are determined to make progress towards safe and sustainable releases for those in prison, but not in a way that undermines public protection.

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
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.

Flagstar Bank N.A., whose Flagstar Private Bank oversees $4.1 billion in assets under management, is expanding its wealth management services by launching two new capabilities: one offering family office services, trusts and estate planning, and the other expanding insurance products.

Flagstar Private Bank and Wealth Management, the private banking division of the Hicksville, N.Y.-based bank with 340 locations across nine states, makes the move as many wealth divisions seek to retain clients, increase wallet share and capture more prospects. The firm also hired two new bank executives to oversee the practices.

Carly Doshi, formerly a managing director at HSBC, will serve as executive vice president, head of family advisory, trusts and estate planning, which will encompass areas such as wealth transfer, philanthropic giving and family governance. She had also worked for JPMorgan Chase, Evercore Wealth Management and Fiduciary Trust Company International.

Flagstar also hired Irene Bowers Blumberg as executive vice president, head of insurance, overseeing and expanding the banks insurance products. Bower Blumberg also worked at HSBC, where she served as a managing director, heading up insurance, wealth and personal banking. She had also worked at JPMorgan Chase.

In addition to the added services and executive heads, Flagstar Private Bank announced a new regional operating model to cover the Northeast, Southeast and West, along with three industry-focused verticals for clients in legal and professional services, community markets and innovation and private markets.

The moves are part of what Mark Pittsey, head of the private banking and wealth division, called an 18-month transformation.

This new model sharpens our focus on key markets and industry sectors, is fully aligned with our strategic plan, and further strengthens our commitment to relationship banking and operational excellence, he said in a statement.

In the Northeast, Flagstar promoted three private banking and wealth leads to be regional co-heads: Charlie Ryan, Richard Petrosky and Michele Celestino. It is also opening a new private client office at 320 Park Ave. in New York City.

In the Southeast, which includes a new office in Palm Beach, Fla., Celestino will serve as the interim regional head as the bank seeks to hire a full-time replacement. It will also be hiring in the West region, which includes an office opening in San Francisco.
People who want to panhandle could soon be required to purchase a permit to do so in some parts of Jackson, more than five months after new state laws targeting solicitation, squatters and homeless encampments went into effect.

Three laws went into effect on July 1: House Bill 1197, the "Safe Solicitation Act," which requires those panhandling to obtain a permit that can cost up to $25 per day; HB 1200, the "Real Property Owners Protection Act," which expedites the process of removing squatters; and HB 1203, which prohibits camping on public property. Violating the policies could result in hundreds of dollars in fines and months-long jail sentences.

Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey told the Clarion Ledger that the agency plans to begin issuing panhandling permits by Jan. 1, 2026. The permits, which will cost $25, can be obtained from Capitol Police Headquarters and will be valid from 9 a.m. to one hour before sunset.

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The application process will require applicants to provide their name, address, the location where they plan to solicit, the name of any organization they may represent and proof of identification.

The permits from Capitol Police will only be valid for those panhandling within the Capitol Complex Improvement District. Each permit will be specific to a single location and group, meaning two individuals who are not part of the same group cannot panhandle at the same location.

Permits may be revoked if the holder obstructs traffic. Other details such as payment methods via an online portal are still being determined.

Luckey said that under the solicitation act, the agency's goal is to reduce the "high" number of pedestrians being hit, injured or killed in traffic-related incidents.

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"Unfortunately, it's becoming more and more common that somebody is seriously injured or even loses their life when they are walking near, trying to cross or standing in an intersection of a public roadway," Luckey said. "It's all about public safety concern. It's not a matter of who can and can't solicit for good services and donations on the side of the road, because anybody that fills out these applications will be allowed to do so."

According to Luckey, as of Dec. 9, no one has been arrested by Capitol Police for panhandling.

Man sentenced in killing Jimmie Jay Lee: Sheldon Herrington Jr., who killed Ole Miss student Jay Lee, sentenced. Read how Herrington's crime unfolded

With the encampments, Luckey said if officers encounter or are informed of an encampment, they respond by asking individuals to gather their belongings and vacate the premises. The agency is not looking to cite or arrest anyone, Luckey said.

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"With all of these new statutes, our goal is not to start clogging up the court systems with citations, violations and arrests and things of that nature," Luckey said. "The goal of all this is just to have people move along safely, and that's what we're going to strive for when we do this."

The camping bill allows police to give a 24-hour notice for people to vacate an area before they can remove the campsite and any materials. The American Civil Liberties Union previously told the Clarion Ledger the organization is planning to monitor law enforcement agencies in Mississippi to ensure the enforcement of new laws does not violate the rights of people living on the street.

Luckey said that the agency is considering constitutional concerns as it develops its procedures.

"When we're talking about enforcing any laws or any statutes or ordinances, our primary concern is doing it in a way that is going to preserve the rights of the individual that we're dealing with," Luckey said. "We never want to be in a position where we are violating somebody's civil liberties or rights.

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"With that being said, we're going to try to approach every situation in a professional manner and perform any processes by the letter of the law. Now, if there's something that comes up with the law itself, and it is deemed to be unconstitutional the way that it is written, that's something that our legislators will have to look at in the future. But as far as us actually performing our duties, we're going to make sure that we do it by the letter of the law."

Luckey said squatters are not really a major concern in the Capitol Complex Improvement District, as the agency receives "very few" calls about individuals moving into vacated properties. Luckey said when police do encounter a squatter, they issue the person a summons to court where the individual can present evidence of being a legal tenant before a judge.

Meanwhile, Hinds County Sheriff and Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones told the Clarion Ledger that as of Dec. 9, the Jackson Police Department is still in its "legal phase" or the "final stage" of drafting its policies on solicitation, encampments and squatters.

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones (left) and Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey (right) briefs legislators on public safety approach and concerns, including a discussion on the new Mississippi homeless laws.

Jones believes three separate policies will be necessary to address three distinct issues, but he provided few details, as the policies are not yet finalized.

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"We're still working on it," Jones said. "We're having to involve our city legal. City legal is assisting us with this, and it's still an ongoing effort."

As of Dec. 9, the price for a permit from Jackson police for panhandling has not been solidified, as legal discussions are continuing. Jones said he is unaware of any arrests made under the new panhandling law.

Jones described the encampments as a "concerning" situation to navigate, noting that the police force must address several legal aspects to ensure that no one's rights are violated during enforcement actions.

'Bogged down' criminal justice system: MS homelessness laws raise concerns from police over jail time, overcrowding

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With the squatters, Jones said under the new bill, officers have the ability to more effectively address trespassers without having the property owner be directly involved. Jones said he was not "exactly sure what the policy will fully have at this time" but property owners will be notified whether it is beforehand or after the process.

Regarding squatters, Jones said that under the new bill, officers can more effectively address trespassers without requiring direct involvement from property owners. However, he said that he is not "exactly sure what that policy will fully have at this time," but property owners will be notified, either before or after the process.

While no specific timeframe has been set, Jones indicated that the policy will be completed in the "near future." He said the prolonged process is due to addressing legal matters, as the topic involves multiple entities aside from the police force such as the Jackson City Council to discuss and eventually adopt the policies.

"We have a good overall grasp on how to address this," Jones said. "It's just a matter of the legal aspect of it and having the city council involved regarding local ordinances."

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In September 2025, the city council delayed approving a new panhandling ordinance after raising concerns about its implementation. Council members questioned how difficult it would be for individuals to obtain a permit and whether they would have to have the permit on them at all times to conduct business.

At that time, City Attorney Drew Martin said that permits would be issued at Jackson Police Department headquarters, valid for one specific location and time per day, with law enforcement authorized to request proof of permits. As of this publication, the ordinance remains pending.

Under the Safe Solicitation Act, local governments can opt out of the panhandling permits within six months of the law's enactment via a vote, with Jan. 1, 2026, marking the six-month point. Other cities have opted out of the Safe Solicitation Act, including Madison and Ridgeland.

Jones declined to comment on whether the city should opt out, citing his remarks would be "too personal." Capitol Police, governed by the state, would not be affected by the city's decision.

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Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Panhandling permits to be issued in Jackson MS after homeless laws
PEORIA  Boyd Gaming will attempt to build its new $160 million casino, a replacement for the Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino, in East Peoria, settling months of speculation while also raising new questions.

Officials from Boyd Gaming unveiled their plans to build a new casino in East Peoria to the Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday morning. The gaming board will not make any determination about Boyd Gaming's plan until February.

Boyd Gaming will use a definitional loophole of the word "water-based" to build its new casino, confirming fears the city of Peoria has long held that it intended to do so.

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Rules require that only a riverboat casino can operate in East Peoria and any land-based casino must be built in Peoria. Boyd Gaming is planning on building a land-based casino on top of a basin of "Illinois River" water, according to renderings shown Thursday. They are calling this new casino, which will be on land, a "modernized riverboat."

Boyd Gaming said the casino floor will sit on a 1,000-gallon water basin of Illinois River water, which is said means the new casino will satisfy regulatory directives. The Illinois River water will be "pumped directly under the casino floor," Boyd said Thursday.

Boyd Gaming also said on Thursday that soil borings taken from the parking lot showed that the soil under the parking lot is consistent with the soil at the bottom of the river, making it one in the same.

Renderings presented by Boyd Gaming on Thursday do not show a new boat but rather a new building they will be calling a "riverboat modernization."

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An attorney for the city of Peoria briefly spoke to the Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday, saying the city was seeing Boyd's presentation for the first time, calling it "interesting." He added the city was still in talks with Boyd to find possible solutions to Peoria's concerns.

Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich told the Journal Star on Thursday the city will be evaluating what its options are moving forward and it will "take some time to digest" Boyd Gaming's presentation, which he confirmed was the first time the city had seen it.

Urich said "no" when asked if the presentation and Boyd's plan came as a surprise.

East Peoria Mayor John Kahl appeared in a prepared video made by Boyd on Thursday morning in which he asked the gaming board to support Boyd Gaming's plan for a new casino in East Peoria.

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Boyd's proposed casino would feature 29,000 square feet of casino space, 20,500 square feet of ballroom space, a steakhouse and gastropub, according to Boyd's presentation.

The new casino would be completed in late 2028 after 16 months of construction, Boyd Gaming said Thursday.

Boyd Gaming estimates it will spend $160 million on the new casino and it will have an $890 million economic impact on the region over the next 10 years.

(This story will be updated.)

A rendering of Boyd Gaming's proposed new casino in East Peoria shows a building on land resting on top of a basin of water. Boyd Gaming will use that basin of water under the building to argue that the building is not a land-based operation.

Boyd Gaming will use loophole to build new casino in East Peoria

While plans for the new casino are clearer on Thursday, new questions will now be raised on whether Boyd Gaming has violated an intergovernmental agreement signed between Peoria and East Peoria in 1991 that dictated that any "land-based" casino constructed in the area needed to be on Peoria's side of the Illinois River.

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Officials from Peoria and East Peoria have feuded over this point for months, with officials in Peoria long worrying that Boyd would deploy a loophole centered on the semantics of the "water-based" and "land-based" to build its new casino in East Peoria.

Boyd Gaming's new casino, in all practical sense, will be a land-based operation to replace the decades-old riverboat docked in East Peoria. But, utilizing a legal loophole, Boyd Gaming will pump water underneath the floor of the casino and then make the argument it rests on top of water and is therefore a "water-based" operation.

More: Peoria has spent more than $100K in its pursuit of a land-based casino

Peoria has long suspected and feared that Boyd Gaming and East Peoria were in league with one another to see a new casino built in East Peoria.

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In February attorneys hired by the city of Peoria sent a letter to leaders in East Peoria informing them that they intended to "enforce" Peoria's rights established by the 1991 intergovernmental agreement.

"Please be advised that the City of Peoria intends to enforce its rights under the Intergovernmental Agreement to the full extent permitted by the law," attorneys for Peoria wrote in February. "In that regard, the City of Peoria, demands that the City of East Peoria cease all efforts to assist Boyd Gaming Corporation in relocating the Par-A-Dice Casino currently operating on its moored riverboat to a land-based location (in whole or in part) in the City of East Peoria."

The attorneys hired by Peoria, from the firm Elias, Meginnes and Seghetti, also wrote in their letter that the city of Peoria had been made aware that Boyd Gaming had drawn soil borings from the parking lot of the current Par-A-Dice Casino, another signal that it intended to utilize the water-based loophole.

In February, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali wrote a letter to the Illinois Gaming Board saying Boyd Gaming needed to build a land-based casino in Peoria or sell its gaming license. She called the use of a "water-based" definitional loophole "frivolous."

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"Finally, it is important to note that it would be frivolous for Boyd or the City of East Peoria to attempt to manipulate the definition of 'riverboat' and/or 'land-based' for purposes of the above provisions of the Intergovernmental Agreement and the Act that are at issue," Ali said in her February letter. "The literal words, history and context of the Intergovernmental agreement and Act are all very clear. It is, and always has been, the intention of all concerned that if Par-A-Dice gaming operations were to move off of the existing moored vessel in East Peoria to a facility on land, those land-based operations must be in Peoria."

What does new casino mean for Peoria, East Peoria relationship?

Last year, East Peoria Mayor John Kahl and Peoria Mayor Rita Ali exchanged emails in which Kahl told Ali that if Peoria continued efforts to lure a land-based casino to its side of the river the relationship between the two cities would be "forever strained."

At that point it was East Peoria accusing Peoria of playing games as it related to the casino. It would be months later, in the February 2025 letter that Peoria's attorneys sent to Kahl, that those roles would be reversed.

More: Peoria, Boyd Gaming have discussed potential locations for a land-based casino

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In a July 2024 email Kahl wrote to Ali:

"Personally, I greatly appreciate the partnership that we have formed over the last several years and am most disappointed to learn that you and your counterparts in Peoria are doing your best to force a business organization to relocate from a neighboring community to yours," Kahl wrote in an email to Ali. "With both communities benefitting equally from the Par-A-Dice gaming revenues, the City of Peoria and the City of East Peoria should be jointly supportive of Boyd Gaming and its rightful desire and decision to renovate and expands its casino operations here in East Peoria."

Ali did not want to see the relationship between the two cities "strained," but she and other Peoria city leaders took a firm stance that the 1991 intergovernmental agreement needed to be honored and if Boyd Gaming were to build a land-based casino it needed to be in Peoria.

"I have to believe, John, that if the tables were turned, that you would take the same position as I have and seek to enforce compliance with our agreement," Ali wrote to Kahl in 2024.

History of the Par-A-Dice Casino

Par-A-Dice Casino opened in 1991, initially docked on Peoria's side of the Illinois while its permanent home in East Peoria was being constructed. In 1993 the boat officially moved to its current home in East Peoria.

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The current iteration of the boat was commissioned in 1994, replacing a paddlewheel boat that served as the initial casino.

When it was decided the boat would be docked in East Peoria, which came after then Peoria-Mayor Jim Maloof first bristled at the idea of gambling in Peoria, the two cities signed a revenue sharing agreement. That agreement, which still sees the two cities share revenue today, dictates that gambling revenues from the casino be split evenly between Peoria and East Peoria.

However, property taxes, hotel taxes, restaurant taxes and sales taxes all stay in the community that houses the casino, making the new operation incredibly lucrative for whichever city is host.

Decades later in 2019, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker would sign into law a measure legalizing land-based casino gambling in Illinois and thus a new chapter of the Par-A-Dice Casino battle between Peoria and East Peoria would be written.

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Peoria in 2020 sent a delegation consisting of City Manager Patrick Urich; former Mayor Jim Ardis; State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria; State Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria; and a city attorney to Las Vegas to meet with leader from Boyd Gaming to discuss the new land-based legislation and reaffirm the 1991 intergovernmental agreement.

In 2023, Boyd Gaming first publicly signaled its plans to construct a replacement for the Par-A-Dice Casino and the events leading up to Thursday's announcement were officially set in motion.

More: Par-A-Dice casino history: From the legalization of gambling in Illinois to modern-day disputes

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Boyd Gaming will build new Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria
There was a deeply emotional day of testimony on Capitol Hill this week as lawmakers heard firsthand from family members of children targeted by a dangerous online network known as 764.

Members manipulate unsuspecting kids online, blackmail and extort them into producing sexually explicit images or harming themselves or others. Now, lawmakers are hearing from families and advocates as they ask for more action on the federal level to stop groups like this.

"For nearly 20 hours, they attacked, threatened, terrorized, dismantled my child. Every time he tried to fight back and ask why are you doing this to me, please leave me alone, they escalated," said Tamia Woods.

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She recounted the devastating final hours of her 17-year-old son James' life after he was manipulated and extorted by the malicious online group 764. James died by suicide and was found at their home.

"In those last moments, my son, who had everything to live for, felt like he had no other choice," Woods said.

The 764 group operates not only in the United States but all over the world using threats, blackmail, and perverse manipulation to groom children for violence and pain, according to the FBI, forcing them to perform depraved acts against themselves and others. Investigators say the more debased and violent the image or video a member is able to coerce a child to produce, the higher their standing in 764.

"We've got to change the law. Unfortunately, technology has to be moving forward and as it moves forward there are more challenges for criminal prosecution," Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin told the ABC7 I-Team.

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Durbin listened to that testimony in Congress and introduced bipartisan legislation to hold online actors who manipulate and extort children accountable.

"Now they're using all sorts of means of coercing these young people into doing horrible things, harming themselves and others, and animals and in some cases taking their own lives," Sen. Durbin said.

That bill has not yet become law.

RELATED | Terrorism charges recently filed against violent online 764 network targeting minors

"I guess I'm coming from a mom and a naive stance, I don't understand why it's so hard to pass laws," Woods said.

At least 28 people have been charged by the Justice Department in recent years with suspected ties to 764 or affiliated networks. Many have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.

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The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tells the I-Team it's on track to receive nearly 2,000 reports of abuse tied to these networks this year, much of it starting on popular online platforms.

"The imagery, the videos, the chats that we are seeing and reading are the most graphic that I have ever seen in my 20-year history," Lauren Coffren with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children testified.

"I would give anything to have my son back. And if they have to learn, if they have to see James' face, if they have to see my tears, I'm going to make sure that it happens," Woods said.

Prosecutors at the hearing asked federal lawmakers for mandatory minimums for possessing child exploitation materials. They say right now that does not exist nationwide.

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Additional resources:

To report an incident to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline: https://report.cybertip.org/

For more resources on child sexual exploitation, including how to talk to your child about this topic: https://report.cybertip.org/other-resources

To report an incident of child exploitation to the FBI: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/cenp

If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org or dial the current toll free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].
A traffic stop for an obstructed front license plate allegedly resulted in police officers breaking the vehicle's window to pull out the driver.

At roughly 12:15 a.m. Dec. 8, a 40-year-old Paynesville man was pulled over by Cold Spring/Richmond police near the intersection of Main Street and Jay Avenue in Richmond, according to a criminal complaint filed with the Stearns County District Court.

When officers approached the vehicle, the man rolled his window down about two inches and reportedly refused to identify himself after officers told him why he was pulled over, according to the criminal complaint.

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Back-up officers arrived at the scene shortly after, the complaint states. These officers placed spike strips in front of the man's vehicle so he couldn't drive away. The Paynesville resident allegedly continued to withhold his identity from authorities, despite being asked multiple times.

The suspect started to shine a flashlight into the responding officers' eyes, according to the complaint, impeding the officers' ability to see into the vehicle.

Responding officers then broke the driver's side window in an attempt to arrest the driver, according to the complaint. The 40-year-old man allegedly kicked the officers' hands to stop them from unlocking the door. Soon after, the suspect reportedly began to swing the flashlight at responding officers. One officer was hit in the arm.

After several minutes of alleged noncompliance, officers broke another car window, according to the complaint. Cold Spring/Richmond police officers pulled the man out of the vehicle at this time.

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The Stearns County Attorney's Office filed charges of fourth-degree assault of a peace officer and obstructing the lawful execution of legal process against the suspect. Both charges, if convicted, could carry up to a year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.

Bail was set on Dec. 9 at $4,000 without conditions, according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch. However, bail can be lowered to $0 with the conditions the suspect doesn't possess alcohol and he attend drug court.

Stearns County Judge Nathaniel Welte was assigned to the case on Nov. 9, according to a notice of judicial assignment.

Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Paynesville man charged with assaulting police in traffic stop
Police are searching for the suspect who allegedly broke into Downers Grove North High School and tried to rob a worker inside.

It happened on Wednesday at about 1:35 a.m. at the high school at 4436 Main Street, police said.

Police released photos of a suspect they say entered the school through an unlocked window.

The suspect allegedly approached a maintenance worker and demanded money.

Police searching for suspect of attempted robbery at Downers Grove North High School

He then approached a second worker and then ran away.

Police said he was last seen traveling southbound on Forest Avenue on foot.

The suspect did not have a weapon.

Anybody with information is urged to call police at 630-434-5600.
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Connecticut State Police detectives are continuing to investigate a deadly alleged road rage incident that took place on Interstate 84 East in West Hartford near Exit 44 on Tuesday.

According to state police, a tractor-trailer driver, later identified as 28-year-old Haneef McKnight of Philadelphia, was traveling in the right lane of the interstate before parking, exiting, running across the highway, and jumping onto the hood of a box truck.

I witnessed it from my rear view mirror, a driver who did not want to be identified told News 8. I watched the man banging on the box truck and someone spraying what looked like a fire extinguisher.

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PREVIOUS: Pedestrian hit and killed on I-84 in West Hartford during road rage incident

The driver of the box truck started to drive away and drove over the tractor-trailer driver, leaving him with deadly injuries. State troopers made contact with the box truck driver on Connecticut Boulevard in East Hartford.

Trooper Remonda Zhuta with Connecticut State Police said the box truck driver, who has not been identified, is not currently in custody.

At this time, we dont have that person in custody, and an arrest has not been made, Zhuta said. However, that doesnt mean it cant change down the road.

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Zhuta said the investigation is in its early stages and that investigators are still interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.

Christian Nieves, who works in the area, recorded cellphone video of the box truck driver being handcuffed.

One of my coworkers, theyre like, Hey, whats going on over there? We both looked, and there was one police car, two police cars. All of a sudden, we saw at least seven police cars show up, Nieves said.

Nieves said he did not know the arrest was related to the deadly road rage incident, which had taken place just across the Connecticut River.

Its not something you deal with every day, Nieves said. Its more of a movie scene at that point.

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State police is asking anyone with dash camera video of the incident or who witnessed it on I-84 to contact the lead investigator, Det. Timothy Nohelty, at 860-707-5632 or at timothy.nohelty@ct.gov.

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LATAKIA, Syria (AP)  The woman, a member of Syria 's Alawite religious minority, was walking home on a sunny July day in her town on the Mediterranean coast when three gunmen stopped her and pulled her into their van. It was the start of a week of torment.

They drove her to a town in northern Syria three hours away, where they locked her in a room in an abandoned building. Over the coming days she was raped twice, she told The Associated Press.

You Alawite women were born to be our sabaya, she said one of the rapists told her, using an Arabic term common among Sunni Muslim extremists for women taken in war as sex slaves. The woman, in her mid-30s, gave her account on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

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Since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad a year ago, dozens of women from the Alawite religious sect  to which Assad belonged  have been subjected to kidnappings and sexual assault, according to rights groups. In many cases, the attacks appear to be by Sunni extremists and jihadis motivated by sectarian hate.

That has raised suspicions some are allies or former allies of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist insurgent force that overthrew Assad and was led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, now Syrias interim president. Foreign jihadi fighters and Syrian extremists fought alongside HTS during Syrias yearslong civil war.

Rights groups say the attacks on Alawite women appear to be the acts of individuals, not systematic. But rights workers and victims say Syria's new authorities are not doing enough to stop the attacks. In response to public outcry, the government set up a committee to look into reported kidnappings but said it largely found the reports false.

Agnes Callamard, secretary-general of Amnesty International, said the kidnappings cannot be denied.

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The problem, she said, cannot be pushed away because its disturbing or because its undermining the message and the image of authorities."

Syria's Interior Ministry spokesman did not respond to repeated questions on the assaults.

The AP interviewed two rape victims and one kidnapping victim, in addition to family members of four others subjected to assaults that in three cases included rape. All spoke on condition they remain anonymous, fearing reprisals. One said she feared authorities would not protect her and later asked the AP not to cite her account.

All women and relatives interviewed by the AP said they informed security forces about what happened to them and authorities took their testimonies. It was not clear if the authorities followed up further or if any arrests were made.

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A problem that cannot be denied

Amnesty International said earlier this year it had received credible reports of at least 36 Alawite women and girls abducted between February and July. The kidnappings took place in the heartland of the Alawite population, in coastal Latakia and Tartous provinces and neighboring Homs and Hama.

Although on a much smaller scale, the attacks recall dark memories of the Islamic State groups enslavement of thousands of Yazidi women for rape a decade ago in Iraq. Some Sunni extremists consider Alawites heretics and believe it is religiously permitted to take their women as sex slaves. Others have targeted Alawites in revenge for atrocities against Sunnis during the 54-year rule of the Assad family, when there were widespread reports of sexual violence against women in detention centers.

The attacks against women have intensified since March, when clashes between Assad supporters and security forces spiraled into sectarian atrocities in which hundreds of civilians were killed, mostly Alawites at the hands of pro-government fighters.

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The Interior Ministry committee investigated 42 cases of alleged kidnappings, but only found one to be a real abduction, ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba said in mid-November. The committee found that the rest were false claims or instances where a woman ran off with a romantic partner or fled domestic abuse, or cases of blackmail or prostitution, he said, without providing evidence.

The ministry report "has nothing to do with reality, says Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor.

'Constant fear'

The woman snatched in the van said her three abductors were Syrians wearing black uniforms, though she couldnt see distinctive insignia on them. During the drive, they passed several checkpoints but were waved through without being stopped or searched, she said.

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Dozens of armed men were in the building where she was held, she said. "I felt like its done, I will be dead. I did not expect to return at all, she said.

On the third day, a masked man raped her. Later, a man the gunmen called Abu Mohammed came and ordered them to release her, saying her kidnapping was getting too much attention on social media. The next day, she was raped again by a masked man, though she could not tell if it was the same man.

After a week in captivity, the gunmen dropped her off in a village in Hama province. A woman found her and took her into her home, where she called a relative.

After returning home, she went to a gynecologist and discovered she was pregnant. She managed to get an abortion, although abortion is illegal in Syria.

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Her husband at first accepted what happened to her, but within days he suddenly changed his mind and decided to divorce her and married another woman. He was not a man up to the responsibility, she said.

Now living with her young son, she said she wanted to leave Syria.

I live in constant fear, she said.

Foreign fighters

Another woman said two of her female relatives, one of them a teenager, were taken by foreign fighters from a street in March. According to the relatives account, the two were held in the basement of a house several hours away. There, the teenager was raped by the same man for 10 days until he left. The other woman was raped by another person for about two months, after which they were set free.

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Another victim, who was 19, said she was taken in early July by three masked foreign fighters  an Iraqi and two non-Arabs.

You Alawites are filthy infidels, one of the men told her. When she tried to argue and begged for her life, he hit her head against the windshield until she bled.

She was locked in a basement of the Iraqi's home. He threatened to kill her if she didn't let him touch her. When she started screaming, he left, fearing neighbors would hear, she said.

She said she tried to kill herself by breaking a glass and cutting her vein, but the cut was not deep enough.

The next day, the Iraqi told her that his emir, a term used by jihadis to refer to their leader, had decided to set her free on the condition that you learn about Islam. The next morning, he put her in the car with his wife and children. On the way, he told her not to tell people she had been kidnapped but to say shed left home of her own will to learn about Islam. They stopped and he bought her sweets from a store, then dropped her off at a taxi station in Idlib city, she said.

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Not long after returning home, a state investigator came to her family home and questioned her about what happened. She identified the Iraqi through security footage from the sweets shop. But it is not known if he was arrested, and officials did not comment when asked.

Fearing reprisals, the family fled Syria.

_____

Associated Press writer Sarah El Deeb in Beirut and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus, Syria contributed to this report.
As freezing cold wind and light snow whipped through the air, between 50 and 60 people gathered Dec. 10 outside Whitehall City Hall to demand the resignation of a City Councilman accused of sexual misconduct with boys dating back to the 1990s.

Gerald Dixon, who represents Whitehall's Ward 1 on council, has been charged with compelling prostitution of a minor and gross sexual imposition. The victim in the case has a mental disability, according to Whitehall police.

The police also said there are seven other victims that date back to 1996. Police said they had been investigating Dixon since 2020, before he took a seat on City Council.

Michael Young, pastor of the City of Grace Church, speaks to media at a rally demanding the resignation of Whitehall City Councilman Gerald Dixon.

Michael Young, a community leader and pastor at the City of Grace Church, spoke at the rally and said the public would be "undaunted" in forcing Dixon's resignation. He also criticized City Council for allowing Dixon to be sworn in for his second term in light of the charges and only hours after being released from jail.

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"It says that [City Council] doesn't care about the children of Whitehall and beyond," said Young. "There are eight children who have come forth already, and there could be more. Obviously, there was some sort of evidence attached to his arrest, and the fact that they're willing to swear this man in the next day says they don't care about children in Whitehall."

When asked if he believed that Dixon's charges stem from a political attack from Whitehall city officials, as some social media comments have suggested, Young called the conspiracy suggestions "foolishness" and a distraction to deflect from the charges.

"It sounds like someone throwing anything to the wall to see what will stick," said Young.

Protesters at Whitehall City Hall Dec. 10, 2025 demanding the resignation of City Councilman Gerald Dixon.

Young also shared a message directly to Dixon:

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"For the sake of our community, resign. Step down from your seat immediately," he said.

Ebony Fadis, 43, questioned Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Eileen Paley's decision to release Dixon from jail on his own recognizance.

"I think the most disheartening part for me  as a mom, as a citizen, as an advocate for children  is how [Paley] could know that eight minors talked about an experience they probably couldn't even understand, and you could call that insufficient evidence, and release [Dixon] from jail," said Fadis. "Justice was not upheld for the victims."

In a video of Dixon's court appearance after his arrest, Paley said she was releasing Dixon on his own recognizance because of his ties to the community and because he has no prior criminal charges in Franklin County. She also expressed frustration that the Franklin County assistant prosecutor had limited information regarding the victim to inform her decision.

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The assistant prosecutor said that the case is sealed at the request of the FBI, so he had limited information to provide to her. Police have said the incidents occurred in Ohio, Michigan and New York, which would require the FBI's involvement.

"I need more information to determine what my orders are going to be," said Paley. "He has no record, but I can't just let it go. They're really serious charges."

Paley ordered Dixon to stay away from the victim and to not have any contact with minors.

Bivens renews calls for Dixon to resign

Whitehall Mayor Michael Bivens, who has demanded that Dixon resign from his seat on council immediately, made an appearance at the rally to repeat his demand.

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"I have made it unequivocal. I have made it direct. And it is my expectation that he resigns his seat to city council," Bivens said to the crowd.

Whitehall Mayor Michael Bivens demands Gerald Dixon resign from City Council as a result of the criminal charges against him during a rally Dec. 10, 2025, outside City Hall.

Bivens said that the rest of Whitehall's City Council members have the "heart, the means, and the motivation" to remove Dixon from his seat.

"So, stay tuned for the next few days. Not only do we have the political will behind us, but we also have you as the people behind us," said Bivens. "We will make sure that the children are well in the city of Whitehall, Franklin County, and in the state of Ohio."

Dixon has previously said he wouldn't step down because he intends to defend himself and has not been convicted of the charges. He declined to say whether he believed he was being targeted because of his past criticism of Bivens.

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Whitehall City Attorney Bradley Nicodemus said it would be up to City Council members to decide whether to remove Dixon. According to Nicodemus, the city charter allows council members to remove one of their own under several conditions, including moral turpitude, being absent from city council meetings for 90 consecutive days or more, and gross misconduct, among others.

When asked if Dixon's charges would fall under gross misconduct, he deferred that decision to city council.

Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@dispatch.com, at ShahidMeighan on X, and at shahidthereporter.dispatch.com on Bluesky.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Protesters demand resignation of Whitehall Council member Gerald Dixon
Investing.com -- Ford Motor Co. and South Koreas SK Innovation Co. have agreed to dissolve their U.S. battery-making joint venture, with each company taking independent control of different production facilities.

Under the agreement, SK Innovations battery unit SK On will assume ownership of the BlueOval SK plant in Tennessee, while Ford will take control of their factory in Kentucky, according to a statement from the companies. The separation is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

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This dissolution is a significant shift in Fords electric vehicle strategy as the automaker continues to face losses in its EV business. The decision comes amid slower-than-anticipated electric vehicle adoption across the industry.

Despite ending the joint venture, SK On plans to maintain a strategic partnership with Ford focused on the Tennessee plant. The South Korean company stated it expects the split to enhance productivity and improve its operational flexibility.

The restructuring occurs against a backdrop of changing U.S. policy, with President Donald Trump eliminating electric vehicle purchase incentives and reducing fuel economy and emissions standards, making the transition away from combustion engines more challenging for automakers.

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The Pennsylvania SPCA says a puppy was discovered inside a sealed box left outside its Hunting Park shelter on a bitterly cold Tuesday morning, prompting an urgent response from staff.

According to the organization, a person entered the shelter to alert employees that a large box was sitting outside the door. Staff members brought the box inside and found a young mixed-breed dog named Tangi.

The U-Haul moving box had no air holes and was taped shut. Gillian Kocher, the SPCA's public relations director, said the puppy appeared distressed when staff opened it.

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"She was certainly a little bit shaken up, I would say. She was drooling. You can imagine being taped in a box is not a pleasant experience," Kocher said.

Kocher said the box also contained a handwritten note. It read: "I have no other option. It's either eviction or let the dog go. I have filled out adoption apps, but nothing has happened. Today was my last day....She has all of her shots. Good dog. Her name is Tangi."

Kocher said the shelter understands the challenges some pet owners face.

"We never want to point fingers because we certainly understand the situations people are in and how hard this must have been and we do empathize with that, but we also just want to encourage people to spend the time and come, and we're here to help," she said.

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Kocher added that other resources are available if they couldn't keep Tangi.

Staff say Tangi, who is nearly a year old, quickly began showing her personality once she was safe inside.

"It didn't take long for her to show her true personality, which is that she is so sweet and wagging her tail, and I think she's just a young dog who might be a little bit confused but has a lot of love to give," Kocher said.

Kocher added that she hopes Tangi will soon find a permanent home.

"I think she could fit well into any home, and so we're hopeful for that. We're hopeful that at the end of the day, she made it to the right place, and she'll find a forever family who will love and care for her," she said.

Shelter staff said Tangi will be ready for adoption on Thursday at noon.
Vladimir Putin has pledged his support for Nicolas Maduro in a phone call after the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

The Russian president expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people during Thursdays call with Mr Maduro, the Kremlin said.

Mr Putin also confirmed his support for the Maduro governments policy aimed at protecting national interests and sovereignty in the face of growing external pressure.

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Russia has fostered warm ties with Venezuela, with Mr Maduro earlier this year visiting Moscow, where he attended a military parade and signed a broad partnership agreement with Mr Putin.

Thursdays call came after armed US troops fast-roped from helicopters onto the deck of the tanker and entered the ship with their rifles raised. The tanker, reportedly named the Skipper, was carrying Venezuelan crude to Cuba.

Credit: X/@AGPamBondi

The seizure marked a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas, which has ratcheted up to place the two adversaries on the brink of war.

Weve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large  the largest one ever seized actually, Mr Trump said on Wednesday.

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He added: And other things are happening, so youll be seeing that later.

Asked what will happen to the oil, the US president replied: I assume were going to keep the oil. He said the seizure was carried out for a very good reason.

Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, said the US had executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations, she wrote on X.

This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securely  and our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues.

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Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokeswoman, said the phone call between Mr Maduro and Putin would not be concerning to the president at all.

She reiterated that the Trump administration plans to seize the oil on board the vessel and will follow the standard legal procedure. Mrs Leavitt added that US personnel were currently interviewing the tankers crew.

On Thursday Mr Trump further ratcheted up the pressure on Venezuela by sanctioning three of Mr Maduros nephews, two of whom were convicted of drug trafficking in 2016.

Joe Biden granted them clemency in 2022 as part of a prisoner swap, but the pair returned to Venezuela and continued drug trafficking, according to US officials.

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The third nephew, Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, is linked to Venezuelas state-owned oil company, and was removed from a US sanctions list by Mr Biden.

Further sanctions targeted the countrys oil sector, including a businessman and six shipping companies, and identified six vessels as blocked property.

Tommy Pigott, deputy spokesperson at the state department, said the sanctions were in response to the targets propping up Maduros corrupt and illegitimate regime in Venezuela.

The administration is planning to intercept more ships transporting Venezuelan oil, six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

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Asked if the seizure was a one-off, Mrs Leavitt said the US was not going to stand by and let sanctioned vessels sail the seas with black market oil, the proceeds of which will fuel narco-terrorism.

Further direct interventions by the US are expected in the coming weeks targeting ships carrying Venezuelan oil that may also have transported oil from other countries targeted by US sanctions, such as Iran.

The oil tanker may have been trying to conceal its location by broadcasting falsified data, according to the New York Times.

Location data reportedly showed the tanker was anchored in the Atlantic Ocean near Guyana, but the ship had been hundreds of miles away off Venezuela from late October to at least Dec 4.

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Since September, the US has blown up more than 20 alleged drug-trafficking boats off the coast of Venezuela and the Pacific, killing at least 80 people in what Mr Trump has dubbed a war on narco-terrorism.

Washington is offering a $50m (37m) bounty for information that leads to Mr Maduros arrest. The US has designated him the leader of a terrorist cartel and has amassed the biggest military presence in the region in decades.

During a phone call between the two leaders in November, Mr Trump offered Mr Maduro and his family safe passage out of Caracas should he relinquish power immediately.

But Washington was unwilling to agree to Mr Maduros demands, which included legal amnesty and the removal of US sanctions for him and over 100 Venezuelan officials.

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Mr Trump has suggested several times that the US could carry out land strikes on Venezuelan soil, saying that Mr Maduros days are numbered.

The tanker seizure will only add fuel to Caracass claims that Mr Trumps actions are driven by a desire to access the countrys vast oil reserves, which the US has denied.

The string of strikes have sparked bipartisan outrage, with some Democrats and Republicans questioning the legality of the attacks.

Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defence, has come under scrutiny for strikes on Sept 2 in which two men were reportedly blown up in a second strike while clinging to the flaming wreckage of an overturned boat.

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Admiral Frank M Bradley, the commander overseeing the operation, reportedly told members of Congress he had asked the military lawyer whether the two men were now shipwrecked and unlawful targets, according to the Washington Post.

Footage of the strikes reportedly showed the men were seen waving their eyes and looking to the sky before Adml Bradley concluded the definition did not apply to the two men and ordered a second strike.

The department of defence has been under pressure to release the full footage of the strikes. Mr Trump initially said he had no problem with releasing the video, but later deferred the decision to Mr Hegseth.

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New emergency regulations are not quelling concerns about whether some optometrists in Kentucky should be allowed to continue treating patients before passing all parts of a required exam. (Getty Images)

Kentucky relaxed licensing standards for almost two dozen new optometrists over a recent three-year period, triggering alarm from a national board charged with testing to ensure optometrists have met qualifications to begin treating patients.

Among those who appear to have been licensed without completing a required exam is the daughter of the current president of the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, according to a list compiled by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry or NBEO.

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A May 23 letter from the national board to the state board said its records show 21 optometry graduates in Kentucky obtained licenses from 2020 through 2023 without having passed one or more parts of a state-required three-part exam the national board administers.

The letter, marked confidential, said that passage of exams is important to uphold the integrity of Kentucky optometric licenses and protect the public from practitioners who have not demonstrated competency.

NBEO is trying to understand how this could have happened, said the letter which the Lantern obtained through the Kentucky Open Records Act.

The Kentucky optometry board has yet to respond to the May 23 letter from the national examining board. It also has not responded to questions from the Lantern.

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Meanwhile, the board, which meets Friday, has said it is working on a response to a recent state attorney generals opinion that found it had circumvented state law in order to waive some testing requirements. The opinion issued Oct. 1 cited two such instances.

But the granting of testing waivers was far broader and more frequent than the two instances identified by the attorney general, a review of records by the Lantern reveals. In addition to a part of the test that would have required travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, the waivers also appear to include another more rigorous portion of the exam that the Kentucky board has acknowledged some graduates have had trouble passing.

Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, who sought the Oct. 1 attorney generals opinion, said he has questions the board has yet to address, including whether some optometrists could be providing eye care in Kentucky without valid licenses  a question also raised by the attorney general.

Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, says he will be looking for answers from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners when the legislature convenes next month. (LRC Public Information)

Meredith, chair of the Senate Health Services Committee, said he will seek answers when the General Assembly meets in January.

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I think that when we come back into session, Im going to invite them to come in and testify, Meredith said. Its very disturbing that any agency can just ignore state law. I think we need to have some continuing dialogue.

Trust but verify

The stakes are higher in Kentucky because, unlike most states, Kentucky allows optometrists to perform expanded eye care including some eye surgeries thanks to a 2011 change in state law that expanded the range of services optometrists may provide. Optometrists hold a four-year doctorate of optometry but are not medical doctors, like ophthalmologists.

Kentucky optometrists have one of the broadest scopes of practice for optometrists in the United States, according to the national board.

The attorney generals opinion says the optometry board maintains that in the boards opinion, all Kentucky optometrists have met licensure requirements.

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Meredith, the legislative committee chair, said hed like more details.

Im like Ronald Reagan, he said. I trust but need to verify.

Among the 21 Kentucky optometrists who the national board said had not passed one or more parts of the test, according to a list the NBEO provided: Dr. Hannah Ellis, daughter of Dr. Joe Ellis, the current state board president and a prominent optometrist in Benton. Her license was issued in November 2021, according to board records, two months after her father was appointed to the board by Gov. Andy Beshear. Hannah Ellis works at Clarkson Eye Care in Benton, the same optometry practice as her father, according to its website.

Neither Joe Ellis nor Hannah Ellis, a 2020 graduate of the University of Pikevilles College of Optometry, responded to requests for comment from the Lantern.

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Several of the other 21 candidates listed by the national board also are graduates of the Pikeville University College of Optometry, which opened in 2016 as Kentuckys only optometry school.

Joe Ellis, a supporter of the new college and former member of the Pikeville University Board of Trustees, served on the advisory committee to establish it. He also served as the keynote speaker at the optometry colleges 2018 ceremony where members of the first class scheduled to graduate in 2020 were awarded their white coats to mark their roles as future optometrists, according to a university press release.

At a special meeting Oct. 10, the board agreed to consider how to best address issues raised by the attorney general.

Meanwhile, the boards only public comment has been a brief statement on its website that says in part that protecting the public will always be the highest priority. It adds that during the COVID-19 emergency the board resolved to reduce out-of-state travel for Part 3 of the test by accepting evaluations from optometry schools of how students performed in a clinical setting.

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Theres got to be some dialogue here. Theres got to be some accountability.

 Sen. Stephen Meredith, Kentucky Senate Health Services Committee chair

Although the board acted in accord with the guidance it received at the time, the recent attorney generals opinion indicated the board should have acted through the formal regulatory process, it said. The board intends to take timely and appropriate action.

It makes no mention of the boards apparent decision in December 2023  after the COVID-19 state of emergency had ended  to waive Part 1 of the exam for some candidates. Part 1, which focuses on science and medicine, is considered the most rigorous and was required in all 50 states until this year when the Kentucky board enacted a controversial change to allow candidates to substitute an easier, Canadian version of the exam.

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Joe Ellis told a reporter at the October meeting he would have no further comment until the board decides on a response.

Meredith said further explanation is warranted.

Theres got to be some dialogue here, Meredith said. Theres got to be some accountability.

What board minutes show

An examination of the boards minutes shows that the board acted on testing waivers on at least six dates between 2020 and 2023.

The attorney generals opinion cited only two instances when the board, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, agreed to waive one part of the three-part exam, the test for patient skills, which requires travel to an out-of-state testing center to determine how applicants perform in a clinical setting examining patients.

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But board minutes show other actions. Minutes from Dec. 13, 2023, state without elaboration that some optometry school graduates unable to pass Part 1 of the national exam  which tests students on science and medicine and is considered the most rigorous  will be allowed licensure with additional education requirements.

The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners has yet to respond to a May 23 letter from the national board responsible for assuring new optometrists have passed exams showing they are qualified to begin practice. This is the Kentucky boards logo. (ky.gov)

The attorney generals opinion deemed such actions invalid if authorized through a board vote or resolution rather than going through the public process of enacting a change in state regulations.

At that same Dec. 13, 2023 meeting, Joe Ellis was elected board president.

Meredith said he was not aware the board had decided to waive other parts of the exam. If thats the case, he said, its very concerning.

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They dont have the authority to do that, he said.

The board has since enacted regulations allowing candidates to take a Canadian optometry exam, considered easier, in lieu of the national Part 1 exam. It did not respond to a question from the Lantern about whether any Kentucky candidates have taken that exam, which became an option around August after the board enacted a change in state regulations.

Testing insurmountable?

The state attorney general found the board has the authority to change testing requirements as long as it follows the process spelled out in state law to create a new regulation  a change enacted in 2011 amid a lobbying blitz by Kentuckys politically influential optometrists.

The board shall have the sole authority to determine what constitutes the practice of optometry and sole jurisdiction to exercise any other powers and duties, says the change in the law.

No state has ever accepted a foreign licensure exam as a valid substitute for initial licensure, Dr. Rich Castillo, dean of the optometry school at the University of North Carolina Pembroke, testified at a legislative hearing in April. They are not interchangeable.

But Kentuckys board said in written comments to the legislature that the change in state regulations was needed because a number of optometry students could not pass the national exam.

Ellis testified at the April hearing before the legislative Administrative Regulation Review subcommittee that the tougher, national test might discourage young people from entering the profession in Kentucky and lead to a shortage of providers.

If they see that testing seems insurmountable, they may not choose this profession down the road, he said.

Meredith, the state senator, said that the attorney generals opinion makes clear that the state board has the authority to change regulations to permit the Canadian exam  but not to waive requirements for licensure without enacting regulations.

I think the more pressing issue here is granting licenses to people who have not passed the exam, he said. We need to protect the public.

A matter of procedure

At the October meeting, Ellis appointed a committee to review the findings of the attorney general and report back to the board.

He didnt set a deadline for the committee report but said: This board will take timely and appropriate action as required.

It was a matter of procedure, Ellis said, describing how the board decided to waive one part of the national licensing exam for students during the COVID-19 pandemic by agreeing to do so at a meeting rather than enacting a change in state regulations, a more time-consuming step.

Ellis also is a former president of the Kentucky and the American optometric associations and a regular donor to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat. The Lantern reported that while Ellis has made contributions to Republicans, hes one of Beshears bigger financial backers, giving $4,100 to his reelection campaign, $28,000 to the Kentucky Democratic Party during Beshears reelection campaign and $5,000 to Beshears super PAC, In This Together.

Beshear appointed Ellis to the optometric board in September 2021.

Ellis, at the October meeting, said he was not on the board in 2020 when it first decided to grant waivers to some applicants. It did so, he said based on the advice of the boards former executive director who also served as legal counsel.

At the time, Ellis said, there was a lot of confusion about how to proceed during the COVID-19 state of emergency declared by Beshear that imposed limits on public gatherings and eased restrictions on some boards and agencies.

Ellis said it was his understanding that the board, when it first voted to waive Part 3 of the national exam, decided instead to accept faculty evaluations of student performance.

If anybody was deficient, they would discuss it, Ellis said. That was their rationale at the time.

As for the attorney generals opinion, he added:

Its an opinion but I think we definitely need to consider that opinion to protect the public.
There is a threat of snow in the forecast for this weekend.

The Boston 25 Weather Team is monitoring the track of a low-pressure system that could impact Massachusetts on Sunday.

I want to put this on your radar now. Heading into the weekend, well see some changes moving through, Boston 25 Meteorologist Vicki Graf said in her latest forecast. Saturday looks dry, but Sunday well have to watch for the threat of some snow showers.

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Graf said moderate, widespread snow is expected across the region if the storm takes a closer track. A farther track would mean snow flurries, mainly south of the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Still some uncertainty to iron out, so stay tuned as we fine-tune the track and snowfall potential, Graf wrote in her latest weather blog.

On the backend of this system, cold air will stick around through early next week, with temps in the 20s on Monday.

Get the latest forecast updates on the Boston 25 Weather page.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
An urgent search is underway for a Berks County murder suspect who escaped from custody last month.

Kadrise Patience, 30, is charged in a case that happened in 2021. He was last spotted in Norristown, and he's believed to have connections across the region.

Murder charges against Patience have been dismissed twice since 2022 due to what courts considered insufficient evidence. But Berks County District Attorney John Adams successfully had the charges reinstated in April.

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Patience was ordered to appear in court last month, and Adams said he actually showed up.

"At which time, he was notified that he'll be taken back into custody, and before he could actually be taken back into custody, he absconded. He fled the building."

Patience has been on the run ever since.

Prosecutors say in the spring of 2021, Patience and a man named Magnum Morrison entered the home of Orlando Rodriguez on North 10th Street in Reading to rob him. Rodriguez was shot and killed.

Despite the lack of evidence cited in previous rulings, Morrison has already been tried and convicted for his role as a co-defendant in the case. A jury found Morrison guilty of conspiracy in connection with the killing.

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"It's so unusual," Adams said, "but Patience is out there, and he needs to face justice."

Investigators say Patience was last seen in Norristown and is believed to still be in the area.

"He's got connections in southeastern Pennsylvania," Adams said. "So, we are actively looking for him, but again, we need help."

Authorities say Patience should be considered armed and dangerous. When captured, he will face multiple charges, including first- and third-degree murder.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Reading police.
By Byron Kaye and Renju Jose

SYDNEY, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Message board website Reddit on Friday filed a lawsuit in Australia's highest court seeking to overturn the country's social media ban for children, calling it an intrusion on free political discourse and setting the stage for a protracted legal battle.

The San Francisco-based firm, which ranks Australia among its biggest markets, said in a High Court filing that the ban should be declared invalid because it interfered with free political communication implied by the country's constitution.

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Even if the court upheld the ban, Reddit should be exempt since it did not meet the definition of social media, added the filing, which named the Commonwealth of Australia and Communications Minister Anika Wells as defendants.

The lawsuit, two days into the rollout of the world-first nationwide ban on people under 16 accessing social media, is the second such challenge after two teenagers representing an Australian libertarian group filed suit last month.

But the action from a Silicon Valley major with a $44 billion market capitalisation dramatically increases the resources available to continue a drawn-out court battle. Success for Reddit could open the door for other platforms to mount similar challenges.

A spokesperson for Wells said the Australian government was "on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms" and would "stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media".

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Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people's right to political expression, and "we will fight this action every step of the way".

"It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control and we are seeing it now by some social media or big tech giants," he told reporters in Brisbane.

'PRIVACY AND POLITICAL EXPRESSION'

Australia went live with the world's first legally enforced age minimum to access social media on December 10. Reddit and nine other platforms, including Meta's Instagram, Alphabet's YouTube and TikTok campaigned against the measure for more than a year before ultimately saying they would comply.

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The platforms are required to bar underage users or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million), while underage users and their caregivers do not face punishment. Platforms say they are using measures like age inference, based on a person's online activity, and age estimation, based on a selfie, to follow the rule.

But the law "carries some serious privacy and political expression issues for everyone on the internet," Reddit said in a statement published alongside its court filing. "So, we are filing an application to have the law reviewed."

In the 12-page filing, the company said barring under-16s would impede political discourse.

"Australian citizens under the age of 16 will, within years if not months, become electors. The choices to be made by those citizens will be informed by political communication in which they engage prior to the age of 18," it said.

($1 = 1.5011 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Renju Jose and Byron Kaye in Sydney; Writing by Alasdair Pal; Editing by Kate Mayberry and Stephen Coates)
Perhaps not surprisingly, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior military leaders have faced the worst of the political uproar from the Trump administrations boat strikes off the coasts of Central and South America. The campaign has produced at least 87 deaths and one of the few episodes of bipartisan pushback in Trumps second term following the revelation that the U.S. military conducted a double tap strike on an alleged drug boat that intentionally killed two survivors of an earlier strike.

But very serious questions about the legality of the effort in its entirety  even setting aside the double tap strike  should be directed at the Trump administrations top lawyers. In particular, there is a dubious, but still classified, memo that was reportedly produced over the summer by the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel that signs off on the campaign and asserts that everyone in the chain of command is entitled to criminal immunity because the United States is said to be engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels. (A DOJ spokesperson said, These operations were ordered consistent with the law of armed conflict.)

You can add this episode to the list of issues that have produced a series of sharp and unprecedented divisions among even conservative lawyers, scholars and judges as they grapple with a president who, in the last 11 months alone, has pushed the boundaries of executive power further than any president in our lifetimes. The rifts have emerged on a variety of fronts, with some on the right opposed to Trumps judicial nominations, his emergency tariffs, his deployment of the National Guard and his decision to ignore Congress TikTok ban.

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The OLCs memo on the boat strikes appears to reflect a particularly aggressive interpretation of the laws of war that goes further  and relies on more questionable analysis  than some of the most highly controversial legal positions taken by administrations over the last half century.

One obvious point of comparison is the set of memos that President George W. Bushs OLC produced concerning the treatment of military detainees after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks by al Qaeda  otherwise known to many as the torture memos because they authorized extreme interrogation methods like waterboarding and prolonged sleep deprivation. But for a variety of reasons, and regardless of where you might have come down in that case, the OLCs conclusion on Trumps boat strikes appears less defensible and even more worthy of serious public scrutiny.

I dont think theres an armed attack against the U.S. by the drug cartels, John Yoo, a Berkeley law professor, told me.

Yoos skepticism is especially notable. Thats because he was famously one of the drafters of those post-9/11 memos while working at the OLC in the Bush administration and, despite considerable criticism of his analysis, has never changed his position. Even for him, the Trump administrations arguments are hard to accept.

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Theyre not attacking us because of our foreign policy and our political system, Yoo said, drawing a distinction between al Qaeda and drug traffickers who may be based in Venezuela. Theyre just selling us something that people in America want. Were just trying to stop them from selling it. Thats traditionally, to me, crime. Its something that we could never eradicate or end.

If that is correct, then the boat strikes constitute murder under federal law and are also illegal under international law. Trump may be immune from criminal prosecution in the U.S. thanks to the Supreme Court, but everyone else involved, in theory at least, faces the risk of federal prosecution in a future administration unless Trump at some point grants some or all of them a pardon.



For all of the Trump administrations bravado, getting legal signoff for the boat strikes may not have been as simple as it now appears. Multiple media outlets have reported that proponents of the strikes were forced to push aside or ignore government lawyers who concluded that the military campaign is unlawful or otherwise questioned its legality.

One lawyer who was unlikely to question the administrations legal analysis and conclusions: T. Elliot Gaiser, the 36-year-old currently running OLC, whose loyalty to Trump appears to be one of his principal qualifications.

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According to testimony provided to the Jan. 6 select committee, Gaiser worked on the effort by Trump to overturn the 2020 election. Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany testified, among other things, that Gaiser helped develop some of the arguments that Trump made to support his false claim that he won the state of Pennsylvania in 2020. Gaiser also told McEnany at one point that Vice President Mike Pence had the legal authority to refuse to recognize electors from certain states during the Jan. 6 certification  a claim that, fortunately for the country, Pence and his advisers adamantly rejected.

Before becoming the head of OLC, Gaiser had never worked as a lawyer in the Justice Department or anywhere else in the federal government. Most recently, he had been Ohios solicitor general, and he previously clerked for some of the staunchest conservative judges in the country: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, Judge Neomi Rao of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and Judge Edith H. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. As Yoo put it to me, that may provide the kind of background that you would hire at OLC, but it is not the sort of resume that should put you in charge of the entire office. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, called Gaiser completely unqualified for his role before he was ultimately confirmed on a party-line vote.

The OLCs memo is not public, but according to news reports and accounts from lawmakers who have seen it, the office appears to have uncritically adopted a series of factual claims advanced by the White House that are highly contestable  and in some cases borderline nonsensical  in order to justify the strikes. Indeed, the administration itself seems to understand that, given a new report from the New York Times that the U.S. military has tried not to take survivors of the strikes into custody in order to avoid having to legally justify the campaign in the courts.

Most notably, the OLC appears to have concluded that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with drug cartels because they are using their profits to fund violence and extortion in our country. But as other legal and foreign policy analysts have noted, this makes little sense because there is no meaningful or credible evidence that these cartels are using their profits to promote organized violence in the U.S.

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The idea that they are intentionally trying to kill Americans is also hard to take seriously, since active drug users provide the demand that ultimately keeps drug cartels in business, and you have to actually be alive in order to use drugs. On top of that, experts have noted that fentanyl, which has driven a rise in drug overdoses in recent years, largely comes from Mexico, which has apparently not been subjected to this military campaign.

The OLCs memo also reportedly argues that the targets of the strikes are the drug shipments themselves  not the people delivering drugs  on the apparent theory that the drug sales are used to fund the cartels supposed hostilities against Americans. There is no apparent precedent for a theory like this, which could easily be adapted in a future administration to pursue objectives that many Republicans would hate.

This is the thing I think conservatives should worry about, Yoo told me. Could a future President AOC say, Oh my gosh, we are at war with the fossil fuel companies. They are inflicting masses of harm on the United States. It might be cumulative, but theyre doing it on purpose.

You just make the same exact arguments, he said. Thats the danger you have once you start saying anything that hurts Americans could be an act of war.

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The American public should be able to see the administrations legal analysis, including the OLCs memo, so that they can judge the rationale for themselves, know who is actually producing it and  critically  see how far-reaching the logic is.

The idea that it needs to remain classified in its entirety makes little sense. The most sensitive part of the analysis would be the supposed factual summary, but although the government often goes to great lengths to protect intelligence sources and methods, the only method that appears to be at issue here  blowing up the boats without providing evidence or due process to the alleged traffickers  has been publicly touted by the White House itself in the form of endless self-congratulatory remarks and the release of some of the videos of the strikes. On top of that, the administration has already made the analysis available to some members of Congress, and the administration can redact anything that might actually reveal sensitive intelligence or operational details to the public.

At best, it appears that the Trump administrations military crusade is proceeding based on severely deficient  and perhaps even disingenuous  analysis by administration officials who have relied on their own self-serving, logically dubious and hotly contested factual assertions in order to justify the use of lethal force to kill alleged, low-level drug traffickers who otherwise make just hundreds of dollars a day on these runs.

Some of the administrations defenders have argued that the Trump administrations approach draws support from former President Barack Obamas use of drone strikes against alleged terrorists. One obvious flaw in that analysis is that Congress had at least passed an authorization for the use of military force in the wake of 9/11. Although some prominent legal analysts questioned whether the Obama administration had exceeded the scope of that authorization, Congress has certainly not provided any authorization whatsoever for military force against drug traffickers or the government of Venezuela  which, in fact, appears to be the Trump administrations real target.

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The only way the strikes have any legal plausibility, Yoo argued during our discussion, is if were at war with Venezuela and the drug cartels are something like what we saw in Afghanistan after 2001 with the Taliban and al Qaeda being so intertwined together that the drug cartels are essentially acting as an auxiliary of the armed forces or intelligence services of Venezuela.

For some reason, he continued, the administration doesnt want to say thats what theyre doing, and they wont legally justify it.

But between the boat strikes and other actions by the White House  including Trumps announcement that the airspace above and around Venezuela should be considered closed  it appears as though the Trump administration would like to start a war with Venezuela. As a practical matter, it may already have done so, albeit without any congressional authorization and without even bothering to make a case to the American public for it.

If the Trump administration is confident that its actions are lawful  as top officials have repeatedly claimed  they should have no problem releasing the OLCs analysis.

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Whether that happens or not, congressional investigators who are probing the administrations actions should focus closely on the role of the governments lawyers and the basis for the claims that they are making to support the White Houses ongoing military campaign.

If the Trump administration does not release the OLCs analysis and a Democrat wins the White House in 2028, the next president should release all of the relevant legal analysis and conduct an investigation into the work of Trumps lawyers, just as the Obama administration did in the aftermath of the Bush presidency.

These memos concern matters  of life and death, of war and peace  of the highest legal and political order. They should not be secret.
By Nolan D. McCaskill and Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Thursday rejected competing proposals by Republicans and Democrats to address a looming healthcare crisis, leaving some 24 million Americans vulnerable to significantly higher insurance premiums beginning on January 1 when a federal subsidy expires.

Barring any late breakthroughs, Congress will begin an end-of-year holiday recess sometime next week and not return until January 5, after new premiums are locked in for those who had relied on the Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidy.

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In back-to-back votes largely along party lines, Democrats and Republicans blocked each other's bill.

The House of Representatives might attempt to pass some sort of legislation next week, which has not yet been unveiled. Even if it were to pass, Senate Democrats, and possibly some Republicans, would oppose it and they could use their votes to kill that effort.

"After today's vote, the American healthcare crisis is 100% on their shoulders," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said of Republicans.

Senate Republican leader John Thune dismissed the Democratic bill as "a political messaging exercise" and said "Republicans are ready to get to work. I'm not sure yet that Democrats are interested."

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The bitter battle in Congress has left some Americans uncertain over renewing their health insurance under the federal healthcare program.

The percentage of returning customers in the Obamacare exchanges is slightly down from a year ago, with the government reporting 19.9% of people enrolled this year opting to renew their plans so far, down from 20.5% this time last year.

The Republican bill by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mike Crapo of Idaho would have sent up to $1,500 to individuals earning less than 700% of the federal poverty level  about $110,000 for an individual or $225,000 for a family of four in 2025. Those funds could not be used for abortion or gender transition procedures and would require verification of beneficiaries' immigration or citizenship status  provisions Democrats reject.

The Democratic proposal on the subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, would have extended COVID-era subsidies for three years to keep insurance premiums from soaring for many. Without action by Congress, those premiums could more than double in cost on average, according to KFF, a health policy organization.

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Sixty votes were needed to pass either measure in a Senate that Republicans control 53-47. Four Republicans voted for the Democratic proposal. No Democrats backed the Republicans' bill.

President Donald Trump has largely sat out the brawl over healthcare, although he ultimately embraced the Cassidy-Crapo approach.

At Thursday's bipartisan Congressional Ball, Trump predicted Republicans and Democrats would work together on healthcare. But he advocated for the Republican bill.

"We have an idea that rather than making these massive payments...(to) insurance companies, we make beautiful big payments directly to the people, and they buy their own," Trump said in remarks at the black-tie event at the White House.

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The $1,500 payments in the Republican bill were meant to cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that people in the "Bronze" or "Catastrophic" categories - the lower-cost Obamacare plans - need to pay before their insurance kicks in.

However, it is far below the plans' deductibles, meaning that even after that payment, a patient would be on the hook for up to $7,500 in out-of-pocket medical expenses before their insurance would start to pay for part of their care.

Those costs can rack up quickly for people with lower-cost plans, with a visit to a U.S. emergency room costing between $1,000 and $3,000, while an ambulance ride can cost anywhere from $500 to over $3,500.

MIDTERM ELECTIONS LOOM

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With 2026 congressional elections coming into focus, many Republicans are nervous about the prospect of stiff premium increases hitting every state, including many that backed Trump's 2024 re-election. Polling indicates voters could mostly punish Republicans, who control Congress and the White House.

Republican U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, a state that Trump carried by 18 points in his 2024 re-election, said his constituents have been telling him, "We can't afford our premiums now, let alone if they would go up by 50 or 100%."

Insurance companies warned customers of the rising premiums in the new year, and Democrats argued there was not enough time to do anything but a clean extension of the tax credits they sought.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found Americans back a healthcare subsidy continuation. Some 51% of respondents  including three-quarters of Democrats and a third of Republicans  said they support extending the subsidies. Only 21% said they were opposed.

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Moderate Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania is spearheading a bipartisan bill to extend the subsidy through 2027. He is hoping to garner enough support to circumvent leadership and force votes on the measure by the full House.

(Reporting by Nolan D. McCaskill and Richard Cowan; Additional reporting by David Morgan, Jason Lange, Ahmed Aboulenein and Amina Niasse; Editing by Scott Malone, Bill Berkrot, Aurora Ellis and Jacqueline Wong)
WASHINGTON  Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked Democratic legislation that would have extended enhanced tax credits for over 20 million people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act for the next three years, setting up big health insurance premium hikes next year.

The 51-48 vote capped a bitter months-long battle in Congress over health care that included the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. In exchange for voting to reopen the government last month, a group of moderate Democrats received assurances that theyd at least get a chance to vote to extend the subsidies, which lapse at the end of the year. As many Democrats foresaw at the time, it went nowhere.

Politics: Trump Sets Low Bar For Spouse Behavior In Praising Rep.'s Wife At Congressional Ball

Still, four Republican senators joined every Democrat in voting for the bill: Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.

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Republicans, meanwhile, offered a competing plan on Thursday as political cover for vulnerable members ahead of next years midterm elections that also failed to advance due to Democratic opposition. The GOP plan would not have extended the subsidies, which were originally passed by Democrats amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but rather replaced them with taxpayer-funded Health Savings Accounts. The vote on that measure was 51-48, with GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky being the lone senator to cross party lines by siding against it.

The doomed votes led to yet another round of finger-pointing in the Senate as health insurance costs are about to soar for people enrolled in Obamacare  and some who are not. Republicans said the need for additional financial support showed why Obamacare is broken, while Democrats accused Republicans of needlessly allowing people to suffer, vowing to make them pay at the ballot box next year.

Although the Senate is expected to leave town next week for its holiday break without a deal on health care, some Republicans in the House are mounting a last-ditch effort to force a vote on extending the ACA tax credits. Many House GOP lawmakers are afraid of losing their narrow majority next year, and theyre now scrambling to come up with a solution on health care after ignoring the issue all year. Others have decided theyd simply retire after next year, in yet another sign of growing GOP pessimism about holding on to control of the House.

News: Republicans Are In Disarray Over Next Steps On Health Care

On Wednesday, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) filed a discharge petition that could force the House to vote on a bill hes cosponsoring with Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) to extend the subsidies.

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I think every member, regardless of party, needs to ask themselves a question: Are these expiring subsidies going to hurt their constituents? Fitzpatrick said to reporters. Their job is to represent their people back home. Is it going to hurt them? If the answer is yes, then if theyre doing their job, theyre going to sign this petition.

The petition had 10 Republican signatures but only three from Democrats as of Thursday morning. Golden seemed optimistic that more Democrats would sign on, but almost all House Democrats are already backing another health care discharge petition by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). The Jeffries bill would extend the Obamacare subsidies for three years; the Fitzpatrick-Golden bill would extend them for two years with some restrictions.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) began assembling a Republican response bill just this week that would include a variety of proposals aimed at reducing health care costs but would not extend the subsidies. The proposals would likely be less comprehensive in offering insurance coverage than the Affordable Care Act.

Politics: Bipartisan House Vote Would Repeal Trump's Union-Busting Executive Order

Lawmakers could come back after the holidays and tackle the ACA tax credits in January, but theyll be under pressure again to pass a bill keeping the government running. Government funding expires Jan. 30, giving Senate Democrats another leverage point over the issue. Some Democrats have suggested withholding government funding again as a way to rein in President Donald Trumps administration.

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Im not gonna vote to fund democracys destruction, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said. Im not voting for any continuing resolution or any full-year funding bill unless it has protections against Trumps corruption and illegality.

But Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said that forcing another shutdown isnt likely.

The whole point of the shutdown was to bring people to the table and to highlight the issue. Its hard for me right now to see how that tactic would work, he told HuffPost.

Politics: Indiana Republicans Buck Trump, Vote Down His Redistricting Push

A few Senate Republicans have suggested addressing the issue of the ACA tax credits in another partisan reconciliation bill next year. But that idea has little support among their colleagues on the Hill and in the White House.

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Asked Wednesday if he wants to see another big legislative package move through Congress next year, Trump told reporters, We dont need it.

Trump has been completely disengaged from health care talks, even as he tries to change the narrative that his administration is struggling to get a handle on rising prices and the high cost of living. On Tuesday, he traveled to the battleground state of Pennsylvania, where he called affordability a new word made up by Democrats to criticize him. Hes repeatedly referred to it as a con job and a hoax, insisting the economy is doing just fine despite polls showing that even MAGA voters are giving him poor marks on bringing costs down.

Trumps optimism is not shared by some members of his party, who believe that letting the ACA subsidies lapse could hurt the GOP in the midterm elections next year.

Politics: Top FBI Officer Flubs Questions On Biggest Threat To America

If youre not concerned, then youre living in a cave, Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) said. If youre not watching the elections that are happening all the time, then youre living in a cave.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
We came across a bullish thesis on Fortis Inc. on Beat the TSX (BTSX-20)s Substack by Beat the TSX-27 Strategy. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on FTS. Fortis Inc.'s share was trading at $51.70 as of December 2nd. FTSs trailing and forward P/E were 21.69 and 20.28 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. FTS continues to deliver on its long-standing reputation for stable returns, predictable dividends, and disciplined growth. In Q3 2025, the company reported adjusted EPS of $0.87, modestly beating last years $0.85, driven by rate base growth and a regulatory catch-up at Central Hudson. The centerpiece of the quarter was Fortiss 5-year capital plan, which increased 11% to $28.8 billion, focused entirely on regulated assets, predominantly within U.S. transmission utility ITC.

This level of visibility into future investments, combined with potential upside from 8GW+ of incremental data center load, underscores Fortiss appeal to income-oriented investors seeking steady, long-term growth. The company also increased its quarterly dividend by 4.1%, marking 52 consecutive years of dividend growth, reinforcing its status as a dividend king. Importantly, Fortiss capital structure remains strong, with no new equity required, and leverage stable, fully funding its growth plan while maintaining optionality through DRIP and ATM programs.

The combination of predictable rate base growth, disciplined capital deployment, and potential incremental demand from AI-driven electricity consumption positions the company for continued stability and compounding returns. While the stock currently yields 3.56%, slightly below its 5-year average of 3.81%, the shares are viewed as a long-term hold, offering reliable income and limited downside.

Fortis exemplifies the value of regulated cash flows, delivering steady results in a volatile market. For investors prioritizing yield, stability, and disciplined execution, the company remains a core holding in the BTSX-27 portfolio, with additional buying considered only if valuations provide a more attractive entry point.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Evergy, Inc. (EVRG) by Hidden Market Gems in April 2025, which highlighted the companys defensive positioning, high yield, and low volatility amid macro uncertainty. The company's stock price has appreciated approximately 14.36% since our coverage, as the thesis played out. The thesis still stands as EVRG remains resilient. Beat the TSX-27 Strategy shares a similar perspective but emphasizes Fortiss capital plan, dividend growth, and regulated asset investments.
(Photo: Michael Lyle/Nevada Current)

This story is the third in a series on the connections between housing instability and child welfare. This project was supported by the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalisms National Fellowship and Fund for Reporting on Child Well-Being.

Before a family begins the process of complying with case plans outlined by agencies in order to keep their children, before protective services intervenes to remove a child, and before a parent sets foot in a courtroom seeking to reunite with their children, child welfare cases begin with a referral

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Last year there were nearly 41,000 referrals to the child protective services (CPS) throughout the state, according to data from the Nevada Department of Family and Child Services (DFCS).

The bulk of investigations are in Clark County, which received 30,484 referrals for abuse and neglect last year. Clark County Department of Family Services data shows the number was an increase from the previous year which received 29,671 reports.

Washoe County had 6,478 reports in 2024, up from 6,029 the year before.

About 40% from schools, about 20% from law enforcement, about 20% from hospitals, and then the rest come from miscellaneous sources like individual citizens or other folks in the community, said Ryan Gustafson, the director of the Human Services Agency at Washoe County.

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Families who seek housing assistance or end up at shelters arent typically supposed to be referred to CPS, said Amanda Haboush-Deloye, the executive director with Nevada Institute for Childrens Research & Policy.

They dont have to report just based on the fact a family is going to a shelter asking for services, she said. Just like if a family shows up and applies for WIC (Womens, Infant and Children program) it doesnt mean they are going to get a referral.

There are some exceptions.

Washoe County operates a 38-private room facility for families with children called Our Place Shelter.

If the shelter runs out of space and families have no other housing options, the county can offer to pay for a hotel room. Accepting the assistance to stay in a hotel comes with an automatic referral to child welfare, said Sabrina Sweet, a human services coordinator with Washoe County.

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A referral doesnt mean a child will be removed from their families.

Even when a CPS case is opened, the county does everything that we can to not open a court case, said Tara Sterrett, a human services supervisor with Washoe County.

At the time of publication, Washoe County was still working on a data request from Nevada Current to determine the number of families who received CPS referrals after being placed in a hotel and if any later led to children being removed.

There has been a constant waitlist for family rooms at Our Place the last three years, Sweet said.

The number of families have fluctuated from 13 to 38, and the wait for a room can be from three weeks to 12 weeks, she said.

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The county didnt have any data on how many people declined services and a hotel room because of a referral to CPS.

We have not done an analysis to that extent, but I will tell you that it is a constant conversation, Sweet said.

Space and bandwidth

Both Clark and Washoe counties have expanded family shelter spaces since the pandemic, seeing a rise in families experiencing homelessness.

The high cost of rents and the lack of affordable places to live are driving people into homelessness in Washoe just like the rest of the state  as well as the country.

One of the biggest barriers is affordable housing, especially for families, Sterrett said.

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The larger the family, the more challenging it becomes for them to find adequate housing.

Its really hard to find an apartment thats going to be large enough that theyre going to be able to afford and sustain, Sterrett said.

Seeing the need, Washoe opened Our Place Shelter in 2020 to offer shelter space to families as well as single adult women. The main homeless resource, the Cares Campus, predominately serves single adults.

We dont have any more space at the Our Place, Sweet said. She was unaware of any plans to increase the budget for case management or expand the facility.

When Our Place reaches capacity, case workers can offer to pay for motel rooms for families with children.

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Prior to that, the county helped the family find alternative housing options in lieu of a hotel stay, Sweet said.

If somebody comes in, we put them on the waitlist, and we try really hard to help them find somewhere else to stay, Sweet said. If theres another family member or somewhere else that the family could stay, then we put them on the wait list, and then they go stay with their family members, or whoever theyve been staying with.

There are three case managers that assist families at Our Place.

We dont have the bandwidth to go out into the motels, Sterrett said. Once we put them in a motel, we dont really have the ability to go in and say, Okay, now what is it thats keeping you from being able to provide for your kids?

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Child welfare services are able to come to the hotel to meet with families, do a formal assessment, conduct a safety plan, and determine needs while the family waits for a room to open at Our Place.

The county tries to not minimize the fact that we are making the referral to CPS, but possibly minimize their fear of making the referral to CPS, Sweet said.

Homeless services and child welfare services are housed within the same human services agencies, but that often doesnt matter to families. Its hard to shake the stigma that comes with a referral to child welfare, Sterrett said.

People hear CPS and they get scared, she said.

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We are still the county, regardless of whether were HHS (Health and Human Services) or HSA (Human Services Agency) or CPS or whatever the acronym is, were all the county, and thats scary to people too, and people being willing to accept government assistance in any form sometimes is terrifying, she said.

In the past, she said theyve had families placed on the waitlist but opt out of staying at a hotel. The county has then lost contact.

Paying for the hotels have been pretty helpful as far as keeping connected with those people, because we lose them when they get on the wait list, she said.

Even if families in hotels are being evaluated by CPS, the county will work to find other solutions before removing children to foster care or seeking court involvement, Sterrett said.

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There might be some allegations about controlled substance use or domestic violence, but we do have grandma, she said, adding the county would seek to temporarily place the children with family while CPS works with the family.

More resources needed

Recently, a nine-member family went to the Nevada Institute for Childrens Research & Policy seeking housing assistance.

When reaching out to service providers, Haboush-Deloye would ask if they would refer the family to CPS.

If they said yes, I wouldnt give them the familys number, because I didnt want them to lose their kids because they couldnt find housing, she said.

The institute had already done a safety assessment for the family and determined that the children werent at risk of any danger. The family just needed a place to stay.

The organization was eventually able to get the family housed and avoid CPS involvement.

Haboush-Deloye notes the irony is that sometimes social service providers dont have the resources to prevent a family from entering homelessness or to address the underlying causes of housing insecurity.

Once they become unhoused, and potentially come in contact with the child welfare system, then resources open up.

Oftentimes when youre involved in CPS with an open case you have access to resources you dont normally have, she said. You have access to assistance with child care or transportation. The day your case closes, those things go away.

The problem comes down to a lack of resources in the community, in particular the need for more stable housing and rents people can afford.

It all comes back to resources to keep them housed to make sure its sustainable and not just temporary, she said.
A state oversight investigation into the death of 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum in Dayton has gotten the attention of state lawmakers.

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State investigators say they found several times two of our local children services agencies did not follow state administrative rules in the child welfare case of Creachbaum.

Police found his remains in July, but detectives think he died weeks earlier. Now, his mom, Ashley Johnson, and her boyfriend, Michael Kendrick, face various charges in connection with his death, but not specifically for his death.

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The I-Teams lead investigator, John Bedell, has been speaking with State Representative Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) about this case since July. As part of this ongoing I-Team investigation, they spoke about the investigation hes been conducting into what happened.

Today, Bedell and Plummer talked about reviewing the report from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and how he may consider changing state laws to address its findings.

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Parts of the 19-page report obtained by the I-Team were redacted and blacked out.

I actually have the unredacted report, so Ill have a little more detail than you will, and thats just so I can figure out what needs to be changed, Plummer said.

The findings in the report are tied to the child welfare of Creachbaum and what Ohio Governor Mike DeWine first described to the I-Team this summer as his in-custody death.

DCY investigators said they found five instances where children services agencies did not follow state administrative rules. Four were in Clark County, and one was in Montgomery County.

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It was just days after Dayton Police found Creachbaums remains that Plummer first told the I-Team he was starting the work of seeing whether he needed to introduce new legislation in the wake of the tragedy.

Plummer told the I-Team on Thursday that hes now drafted a new bill that involves additional oversight and training, plus procedural changes within Ohios child welfare system.

As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, Plummer said hes now reviewing his copy of the DCY report to see whether he needs to edit the bill before introducing it in the Ohio House on Friday.

I have to review that report tonight to see if theres any more gaps, but I dont think there are because DCY actually has been very helpful with this, Plummer said. And they told me the governor also supports these changes.

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Plummer told the I-Team the new bill is in direct response to Creachbaums welfare case and his death.

I mean, poor Hershall, he was, you know, nonverbal, autistic kid and couldnt defend himself at all. And it just breaks all of our hearts that this happened, and we need to make sure it doesnt happen again, he said.

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Flooding caused by heavy rains continues in Washington state. Several airports located near rivers are bracing for rising water, while others are being used as staging areas for rescues.

As of Thursday morning a temporary flight restriction was in place over the Skagit River Valley near the community of Sedro Woolley. Local law enforcement are using helicopters to save people who became trapped by the swiftly rising Skagit River.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the river is expected to crest Thursday night at 36 feet. County officials are advising people who live in the 100-year flood plain to move to higher ground immediately.

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To the south in Snohomish at Harvey Field (S43), volunteers, many of them from EAA Chapter 84, spent hours moving aircraft that could not be flown out to the highest point on the airport property between hangars.

The airport has been owned by the Harvey family since 1944 and has seen flooding before. In the late 1990s a levee was built to protect the low-lying areas, including the airport, along the Snohomish River, but video shot by Washington Weather Chasers around 7:30 a.m. showed the river overflowing the levee north of the airport.

A video shot from the air by Long Bach Nguyen, a Washington search and rescue pilot and professional photographer, shows how close the floodwaters are to the airport.

Meanwhile, to the south in Renton, city officials are warning residents that the Cedar River will cause major flooding in Renton, especially at the Renton Airport. Flooding will occur all along the river, including headwaters, tributaries, and other streams within and near the Cedar River Basin.

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The Cedar River is located east of the airport, and the waters have flooded the airport before, most recently in 2020.

According to Manny Cruz, the Renton airport manager, as of Thursday morning the airport was open and the runway operational, although there are parts of the perimeter road closed due to flooding.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated.
Road rage has led to another shooting in Jacksonville, this one deadly.

Police were called about 9 p.m. Dec. 10 to a shooting at South St. Johns Bluff Road and Bahia Drive off Interstate 295 where a man was dead in the roadway with a gunshot wound to the neck, according to the Sheriff's Office.

"After talking to several witnesses and the shooter who turned himself in, it appears to be some sort of road rage incident that led to a shooting," the Sheriff's Office said.

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The ages, names and possible charges have not been released. It's the second road rage shooting in 10 days.

Jacksonville police cordon off the scene of a deadly road rage shooting at South St. Johns Bluff Road and Bahia Drive on Dec. 10.

On Dec. 1 police responded to the Del-Air at 5801 Philips Highway where another road rage shooting ended. This time the 60-year-old victim survived and a 35-year-old Middleburg man was arrested.

According to the arrest report, the victim told police he was driving on University Boulevard when a McGowans Heating & Air truck cut him off. He followed the truck to the business on Philips Highway to speak with the drivers boss about his driving. A Del-Air employee said he heard them arguing and the victim say something to the effect of Im waiting for your boss and the suspect say something that was blacked out in the report.

Another witness heard the victim say he wasnt leaving until he spoke with his boss. Camera video from one of the vehicles shows the driver of the McGowan truck abruptly pulling in front of and crossing three lanes and saying something to the other driver. The victim backs up and gets behind the suspect and follows him to his place of employment, and an argument ensues. When the victim exits his vehicle, the suspect fires a single shot striking him once in the chest.

(This story has been updated with a new detail.)

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Second road rage shooting in 10 days in Jacksonville leaves 1 dead
(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The GOP-aligned Heritage Foundation think tank sparked a wave of condemnation on Thursday after it posted a threat from President Donald Trump to defund Indiana if the state doesnt pass his gerrymander.

President Trump has made it clear to Indiana leaders: if the Indiana Senate fails to pass the map, all federal funding will be stripped from the state, wrote Heritage Action on X, adding:

Roads will not be paved. Guard bases will close. Major projects will stop. These are the stakes and every NO vote will be to blame.

Trump has been pressuring Indiana to redraw its Congressional map to eliminate any Democrats holding seats in the state. The deep red state had previously shot down the idea in its Senate, but has since revived the effort under threats from Trump. Trump previously pushed Texas to redraw it map to favor the GOP, which in turn led California to move to eliminate Republican seats.

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If Republicans will not do what is necessary to save our Country, they will eventually lose everything to the Democrats. Rod Bray and his friends wont be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again. One of my favorite States, Indiana, will be the only State in the Union to turn the Republican Party down! wrote Trump in a lengthy post on Wednesday.

Rod Bray is a state senator in Indiana opposed to redistricting, which is extremely rare mid-decade and usually only done after a census.

Pundits and observers, including many well-known conservatives, expressed their shock at Heritages threat:

Setting new precedents for the next Democratic Administration. https://t.co/GMQpxLlvNo  Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) December 11, 2025

The president and one of the most influential conservative groups in the country are threatening to deprive all Indiana residents of paved roads, guard bases, and major projects if they don't pass an extremely gerrymandered map to deprive voters of choice. Awesome stuff. https://t.co/g4D7UyuEuX  Isaac Saul (@Ike_Saul) December 11, 2025

I wish I could time travel and show this to heritage 15 years ago. Or heritage action at its inception. https://t.co/ogEzBmkX32  Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) December 11, 2025

totally normal stuff. The arm of a conservative think tank echoing a White Houses threat to strip federal funding from a state if they do not follow orders and pass a mid-decade redraw to grab more seats. And all out loud https://t.co/u87xQJv8YB  Jonathan Martin (@jmart) December 11, 2025

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Nothing about this shakedown is conservative. https://t.co/aRBRqkAhnX  Jake Tapper  (@jaketapper) December 11, 2025

The Heritage Foundation threatens a majority-Republican state with an illegal funding freeze and that will intentionally harm its citizens and eliminate jobs if the state legislature dares to disobey the president https://t.co/r3WoXjjucU  Aaron Fritschner (@Fritschner) December 11, 2025

Heritage, Club for Growth, TPUSAconservative political machinery decamping to the Midwest and coming down hard on Republican state senators. https://t.co/lhbtS2iQ0f  Philip Melanchthon Wegmann (@PhilipWegmann) December 11, 2025

Unless the board acts, Heritage is headed to total irrevelance. Sure, they'll still exist, raise money, release reports. But they've set fire to their intellectual credibility. The Trump team doesn't respect or seek out Heritage, and everyone else sees how they've gone insane. https://t.co/L34TFLf4go  Jessica Riedl   (@JessicaBRiedl) December 11, 2025

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Heritage in 2015: Defend states rights! Heritage in 2025: Kneel before Zod. https://t.co/SSGm8BVazC  Justin Amash (@justinamash) December 11, 2025

__

The post Roads Will Not Be Paved: GOP Think Tank Says Trump Will Cut Off All Funding to Red State Unless It Passes New Map first appeared on Mediaite.
A tentative agreement has been reached after 10 months of negotiations between Ross Local School District's teachers union and the district's board of education, the union stated in a Dec. 11 release.

The resolution comes after the union voted to approve a potential 10-day strike notice and set up strike headquarters earlier this week. Representatives said on Dec. 8 that they were prepared to walk out if the negotiations didnt reach a conclusion.

The next steps toward finalizing the new contract is a vote of approval by the entire union, called the Ross Education Association, that represents nearly 150 teachers and staff. Once they vote, the contract will be ratified at the district's next board meeting, scheduled for Dec. 18. The teachers have been working without a contract for over 100 days.

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The negotiations revolved around the district's salary scale for teachers, which teacher and union spokesperson Amy Brossart said favored teachers at the beginning and end of their career, but failed to be on par with other districts for teachers in the middle of their careers.

The bargaining team and REA leadership deeply values the strong support we have received from parents, families and the members of the REA. That support helped us negotiate a tentative agreement that we feel shows our members they have been heard, they are respected, and they will be supported, REA president Jennifer Chuhak said in a news release.

"Teachers that reached around the 10-year mark would look for opportunities elsewhere and we wouldn't have been able to retain them," Brossart said.

The 10-months-long contract negotiations are the longest the union has seen in many years, she said, adding that she believes the last time the union went on strike was in the early '70s.

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"We're grateful that the board continued to work with us so we're able to reach this agreement," she said.

The details of the agreement are still unknown even to the union's membership, Brossart added, as the negotiations team is limited to four teachers, a representative from the Ohio Education Association and a lawyer. All the union's members will learn of what the agreement entails once they vote on it next week.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ross teachers union reach tentative agreement, avoid strike
By Dmitry Antonov and Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry called on Thursday for Britain to disclose what a British soldier killed in Ukraine was doing there, and accused London of directly helping Kyiv to carry out attacks which it said were "acts of terrorism" on Russia.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova provided no evidence for her assertion in comments to reporters at a news briefing. Britain's Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Zakharova's remarks.

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Russia, which sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022, has repeatedly alleged that NATO powers - who help Ukraine with arms and training - have also sent their military personnel to help Ukraine plan and target attacks deep inside Russia.

Britain's Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that Lance Corporal George Hooley had died in Ukraine while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front line.

Britain, as a leading nation in the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," says it backs sending a multinational force into Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace deal is agreed. It has not said how many service personnel it currently has in Ukraine.

"London must honestly admit what their very own Hooley was doing there," Zakharova said. "Once again, the presence of the British military in Ukraine should not be a secret to anyone."

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She said the British government should not deceive its citizens by saying British soldiers sent to Ukraine were mere advisers or instructors. Without providing evidence, she said Hooley was not the first British soldier to have been killed in Ukraine but that it was the first time London had publicly admitted such a loss.

Zakharova said British forces were helping Kyiv "carry out terrorist attacks and extremist tasks" and that Russia would regard any foreign military contingents in Ukraine as legitimate targets.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that Hooley, of the Parachute Regiment, served his country "with honour and distinction" around the world "including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine."

Russia has said 2022 attacks on the Russian-built Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea were carried out by the United States and Britain. Washington and London have denied those accusations.

(Reporting by Dmitry AntonovEditing by Andrew Osborn, Guy Faulconbridge, Ros Russell)
Leaders of Utahs capital city voted to adopt millions of dollars in grants to the citys budget on Tuesday, but they agreed to delay a vote on the smallest award amid the controversy it generated.

The Salt Lake City Council approved $3.2 million in homeless mitigation funding and $666,000 for Jordan River habitat restoration, but it opted to postpone its decision on a $224,000 grant set to be used for expanding the citys fleet of license plate reader cameras after it stoked fears from residents over how the cameras might be used.

Salt Lake City is slated to receive the funds from the Davis County Sheriffs Office through a grant it received. Salt Lake City police want to use it to add more license plate reader cameras to be placed atop traffic light poles at major intersections in the city, such as Beck Street.

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However, several residents voiced their concerns with the proposal during a public hearing before the expected vote.

Many wanted to know who could receive that data, whether its a tech company or a federal entity. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE, was brought up multiple times during the meeting, as were companies that share data with the agency. Others said theres no proof that it reduces crime, or that it could unintentionally open the door for harm to the community, especially if information is shared, leaked or breached.

This is supposed to be the most free country on the planet, and since when is creating a system of mass surveillance ... a component of freedom? said resident Charlie Padilla. We must not allow agencies like ICE to have access to this technology in our city for the protection of our neighbors and all those who exercise their First Amendment rights.

Some of those concerns were brought up in a work session earlier in the day. The technology must be in the citys best interest and should include policies that ensure the technology isnt misused, said Salt Lake City Councilwoman Victoria Petro.

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Her district includes the citys west side, where nearly half of the sections residents have a Hispanic/Latino background, according to the University of Utah. A protest over ICE deportations was carried out in Salt Lake City earlier this week, after Utah immigration advocates in Utah warned there might be an imminent uptick in ICE enforcement.

I believe in what we are building here. I believe in (Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redds) leadership, and Im proud of what were doing. Im not interested in us playing culture war games and penalizing the people who are in my neighborhood for the sake of some voting points that cant be made without causing people to live in fear, Petro said. Thats where I will be drawing the line consistently on this issue.

Redd explained that the city already uses the technology, which is helpful in handling violent crimes. For instance, it can be used to track down a vehicle during an Amber Alert. It was also used in identifying a Farmington man who was later arrested for investigation of stalking Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall after making online threats. The man pleaded guilty in the case last week, per court records.

Salt Lake City police officer Al Hedenstrom cleans the lens for a license plate reader on a patrol car on Aug 8, 2007. The device instantly reports stolen cars, expired registration, etc. to the officers. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Police want additional cameras as it builds a real-time crime center, which would be paired with drones and other cameras, Redd said. He added that the department doesnt work with companies like Flock or agencies like ICE, but the department does share information with other federal agencies during specific criminal investigations.

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A lot of these technologies, weve had in the city for a number of years, but I agree, we need to make sure the city (and) the community feels comfortable  they have some visibility into what were doing, he said.

Some residents called for existing cameras to be removed, while the City Council was split on its next steps. While Petro said it can offer time for the city to review options to improve data safety, such as encrypting technology or removing data from cloud storage, others argued that the cameras could be beneficial in addressing emergencies now.

The City Council ultimately voted 5-2 to approve the two other grants to its budget, while postponing its decision for license-plate reading cameras to another day. Its unclear when the City Council will revisit the budget vote, but its next meeting is slated for January 2026.
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg talks with legislators in the House chamber on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (File photo by Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

In the nearly 40 years since Diane Sumpter founded her business consulting firm DESA Inc., shes held millions of dollars worth of federal government contracts all over the country. But its been years since shes done any business with her home state of South Carolina.

South Carolina state government has not been one thats been open to us, she told the SC Daily Gazette. Thats just been a hard nut to crack.

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So, she and other leaders of minority business organizations largely shrugged off last weeks order by Gov. Henry McMaster directing state agencies to disregard state law that was supposed to help minority-owned businesses.

After all, agencies already ignored the decades-old sections. They werent bringing business anyway.

The last time DESA  initially formed as Diane E. Sumpter and Associates  did work for the Palmetto State was about 15 years ago. The state Department of Transportation hired DESA to ensure construction subcontractors were following the proper accounting and auditing processes. She cant remember the contract amount. Any state work shes done with state agencies since has been as a subcontractor under another company.

You cant continue chasing after something thats never going to amount to anything, Sumpter said.

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We stopped bidding, she added.

Citing a potential loss of federal funding, the governor signed an executive order last week essentially directing all state agency heads to ignore sections of state law dating to 1981 titled assistance to minority businesses until the Republican-dominated Legislature can remove them next year. Agencies should not enter any new contracts based on race, he said.

McMaster called that unconstitutional; 44 years ago, the General Assembly called it opportunity.

Business firms owned and operated by minority persons have been historically restricted from full participation in our free enterprise system to a degree disproportionate to other businesses, reads a policy statement in the law. The General Assembly, therefore, takes this leadership role in setting procedures that will result in awarding contracts and subcontracts to minority business firms in order to enhance minority capital ownership, overall state economic development and reduce dependency on the part of minorities.

Just paperwork

Companies wishing to do business with the state can apply for a certification  good for five years  as a minority-owned enterprise.

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The law directs state procurement officials to provide those businesses added assistance in placing bids. The businesses also were to be added to a database, detailing the products and services which they provide, that agency staff could access when looking for contractors.

At first, Sumpter said, lots of businesses completed the certification forms. But over the years, she said, many stopped re-applying when the hope for state contracts never materialized.

It was just paperwork, she said. Having it is one thing; having it work is another.

The law requires every state agency to make a plan annually for spending 10% of its discretionary budget with businesses certified as minority enterprises.

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Progress reports toward meeting that goal are due every quarter. But theres no punishment in the law for noncompliance. Beyond that, 10% is a goal, not a requirement.

More than 40% of 114 agencies and public colleges listed in the latest report compiled by the states minority affairs commission failed to turn in a plan for the fiscal year that ended June 30. One-third didnt bother to turn in a single quarterly report.

That speaks volumes, said Evelyn Lugo, founder of the South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Lugo, who has operated the business organization for 18 years, could think of just one Hispanic-owned company with government contracts. Thats Mercom Corporation, a Pawleys Island IT firm thats held numerous federal contracts, she said.

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For smaller companies without a lot of liquidity, the wait for government payments to come in after providing a service can be too difficult.

Under the state law, agencies were supposed to break contracts into more manageable chunks for small, minority-owned companies, but Lugo hadnt heard of that happening.

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If you are one of the little guys, forget it, she said.

In his order to end any semblance of complying with what he called race-based spending quotas, McMaster cited Trump administration changes in federal rules.

Executive orders from President Donald Trump hinge on a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring Harvards admissions policy on race unconstitutional. The president, and now the governor, used that ruling to strike all diversity-related mandates in government.

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The longest-serving Black legislator in the General Assembly called the order unnecessary.

Youre telling people, based on the Supreme Courts decision, to not make exceptions for businesses of color, said Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter. My argument is that wasnt being done in the first place, not to the extent that it could have been done.

Youre now saying the two or three crumbs that are going to these businesses of color, were going to take that down to zero crumbs, continued the Orangeburg Democrat, saying the order is also misleading.

It implies the state is giving minorities this and giving them that, she said. Lets see what the numbers show.

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According to the report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, only two agencies with big discretionary budgets met their 10% goal: the Department of Transportation awarded $7 million worth of contracts to certified minority firms, and the adjutant generals office awarded $5 million total.

Among colleges, Clemson University reported awarding almost $3 million worth of contracts, or 4% of its controllable dollars. Colleges not reporting anything last fiscal year include the University of South Carolina, the Medical University of South Carolina, and South Carolina State University, the states only public historically Black university.

USC has filed in the past, according to spokesman Jeff Stensland. MUSC is in communication with the commission about the reporting, according to a statement provided in response to the Gazettes questions. It did not address past filing or whether the college was aware of the rules. Spokespeople for Clemson and SC State did not respond.

Existing contracts

Juan Luvene, owner of All Clean Mobile Wash, has held state contracts for more than a decade, including one pressure washing the state foster care agencys fleet of vehicles.

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The Anderson business is state-certified as minority-owned, but Luvene said the competition for contracts remains fierce and requires vast amounts of paperwork.

I dont think it gave me a leg up or a leg down, he said about the certification.

You earn business based on how well you do a job, said David OShield, the owner of Envirogreen in Greenville.

OShield has held several contracts as a minority-owned firm over the last five years, hauling rock, sand and even oyster shells. He considers the certification more of a marketing tool.

So youre at least on the list to be looked at, he said.

Both owners told the SC Daily Gazette theyre less worried about the loss of the minority-focused program and more concerned about potential changes that could impact small businesses in general.

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Its hard to get in front of the right people, Luvene said.

I dont want the small businesses to be kicked out of the state network, OShield added. Thats where Im afraid its going to go.

Window dressing

Meanwhile, the agency charged with enforcing the reporting requirements has very little staff or state funding to carry out this law along with its other duties, Cobb-Hunter said.

Shes referring to the former minority affairs commission, which the Legislature renamed the State Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement in May as part of a law responding to a federal lawsuit.

How many states agencies complied with the reporting rules in the past could not be determined.

As of Thursday morning, the commission did not provide the Gazette records requested last Friday on fiscal years other than 2024-25. The commission also did not provide information on how many businesses are certified in South Carolina as minority owned.

However, a search of businesses registered with the state procurement office showed about 540 companies as minority owned.

The law also provided tax credits to private companies that hired minority-owned subcontractors to help fulfill government contracts.

Just nine firms statewide applied for that credit on their 2023 taxes, according to data from the state tax agency.

According to Stephen Gilchrist, founder and chairman of the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce, only about 10% of the organizations more than 2,000 members have benefited from minority certification.

And about eight years ago, the chamber stopped recommending the program altogether.

Gilchrist said his members were spending enormous amounts of time participating in seminars.

What I found is that it was just a lot of hope, he said. Window dressing rather than a real opportunity to do business with the government.

Gilchrist believes minority-owned companies have actually had more luck getting state contracts without bothering with a certification.

At the same time, Gilchrist is not suggesting there shouldnt be a system in place to track whether minority-owned companies are earning a fair share of taxpayer-funded contracts. But until the order went out, he said, no one in state government had ever asked him about the effectiveness of existing state law.
Another weekend, another batch of DOT revocations. More drivers out of work, more equipment sitting idle, more owners walking away from everything they built and right on schedule, the comment sections fill with the same tired explanations: poor management, no cash reserves, shouldve planned better. Small carrier survival requires solid financial management to overcome market conditions.

Some carriers arent closing because they failed. Theyre closing because the system rewards the wrong behavior and punishes operators doing everything right. The carriers that survive this freight recession share something the bankrupted fleets dont: strategic financial management that looks beyond next weeks settlement.

Remember 2020? While property carriers were printing money, passenger carriers watched their entire business model evaporate overnight. Tours cancelled. Charters gone. Airport shuttles closed. Fixed routes running empty.

Some passenger carriers immediately filed bankruptcy and liquidated. Others took a different approach.

The survivors executed strategic financial preservation while positioning for the inevitable rebound. They furloughed strategically rather than panic-firing their best people. They negotiated with lenders instead of defaulting. They stopped burning cash on reactive maintenance and shifted to predictive management of their aging fleets.

When travel demand returned in 2022? Those same carriers were acquiring their bankrupt competitors assets at liquidation prices, understanding that temporary market conditions dont justify permanent business decisions.

The difference wasnt luck. It was management.

There is a difference between reaction and planning. Most small carriers operate in constant reaction mode. A tire blows, they buy a tire. An engine fails, they overhaul an engine. A load cancels, they scramble for backhaul. Cash flow becomes a weekly crisis instead of a managed metric.

Airlines dont wait for turbine failure at 35,000 feet to schedule engine maintenance. They forecast component life cycles, plan overhauls during off-peak periods, and build replacement costs into their operating budgets years in advance. The difference is predictive management versus reactive scrambling, and that difference determines who survives market downturns.

Right now, carriers with professional financial management are forecasting maintenance intervals, planning equipment replacement cycles, and calculating the exact point where continuing to operate an aging truck costs more than controlled disposal. Theyre not waiting for catastrophic failures to force expensive emergency decisions.
Scientists suspect that the surface of Mars was once teeming with water, a lush oasis full of river systems and lakes  until a dramatic change in the planets magnetic field caused it to lose most of its atmosphere, turning it into the arid hellscape we know it as today.

Now, an unusual new rock collection discovered by NASAs Perseverance Mars rover suggests the Red Planets ancient past was even wetter and more tropical than scientists previously thought, an intriguing new wrinkle in our efforts to figure out if the planet was once habitable.

As detailed in a new paper published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, a team of researchers analyzed the rocks, which feature intriguing, light-colored dots and range in size from pebbles to boulders. They suspect its aluminum-rich kaolinite clay which on Earth forms after millions of years of wet, rain-filled weather leeches all other minerals from it.

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Elsewhere on Mars, rocks like these are probably some of the most important outcrops weve seen from orbit because they are just so hard to form, said coauthor and Purdue University professor of planetary science and NASA Perseverance team member Briony Horgan in a statement. You need so much water that we think these could be evidence of an ancient warmer and wetter climate where there was rain falling for millions of years.

On Earth, kaolinite clay is most commonly found in tropical climates like rainforests, suggesting Mars may have once been home to a lush oasis. The team compared the rocks with samples from San Diego, California, and South Africa, and found intriguing similarities.

So when you see kaolinite on a place like Mars, where its barren, cold and with certainly no liquid water at the surface, it tells us that there was once a lot more water than there is today, lead author and Purdue University postdoctoral research associate Adrian Broz added.

The rover found fragments of kaolinite in a number of places along its path along the Jezero crater, which is suspected to be an enormous, dried-out lake bed  a finding that left scientists with a conundrum.

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Theyre clearly recording an incredible water event, but where did they come from? Horgan said in the statement. Maybe they were washed into Jezeros lake by the river that formed the delta, or maybe they were thrown into Jezero by an impact and theyre just scattered there. Were not totally sure.

Larger outcroppings of light-colored rocks could help them solve the mystery, but thats something that will require Perseverance to have a much closer look.

But until we can actually get to these large outcroppings with the rover, these small rocks are our only on-the-ground evidence for how these rocks could have formed, Horgan said. And right now the evidence in these rocks really points toward these kinds of ancient warmer and wetter environments.

All life uses water, Broz added. So when we think about the possibility of these rocks on Mars representing a rainfall-driven environment, that is a really incredible, habitable place where life could have thrived if it were ever on Mars.

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Besides painting a fascinating picture of an ancient tropical oasis on Mars, the researchers believe the rocks could allow us to glean new insights into how the Red Planet turned into a barren wasteland  an extreme shift that remains a mystery to this day.

More on Mars: Scientists Say Theyve Found Caves on Mars That May Contain Life
Researchers mapped out the regions where Antarctic ice melt would be most felt, providing a clearer picture of the consequences of warming temperatures.

What's happening?

Warming global temperatures, caused by heat-trapping air pollution, have led to the rapid melting of glaciers and ice sheets in Antarctica. In a new study published in Nature Communications, scientists observed how melting ice sheets on the continent impact rising sea levels. The team used computer models to get a better understanding of how the phenomenon impacts different communities around the world.

When you submerge an object in a bowl of water, the liquid will rise evenly. But when ice sheets melt, sea levels don't rise at the same rate everywhere. Instead, some regions experience higher sea levels while the water nearest to the ice sheets drops. Researchers also found that ice melt causes the Earth's rotation to change, redistributing water around the planet.

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If warming continues at this pace, coastal and island communities near the Indian, Pacific, and Western Atlantic oceans will be at risk, according to the study. The Caribbean and Pacific Island nations are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, despite contributing little to climate change.

Why are rising sea levels important?

Melting ice sheets further add to the threat of extreme weather events, which have already been worsened by rising global temperatures. Coastal communities face major flood risks as sea levels continue to rise. This could potentially destroy homes and make different neighborhoods uninhabitable. Low-income residents would be impacted the most, with many unable to afford to relocate.

This study highlights the need to cut carbon pollution, which individuals can do by reducing their use of dirty energy. Fossil fuels like gas, coal, and natural gas create heat-trapping fumes that accelerate warming. In order to slow the rate of melting, researchers say we must do our part to mitigate rising temperatures.

What's being done about rising sea levels?

The best way to start tackling our climate crisis is through education. This way, we can learn the best and most practical ways to care for the environment in our local communities.

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One way to cut pollution and benefit your household is to install solar panels. Solar energy is a great way to make your home more resilient to extreme weather while reducing your carbon emissions. When paired with battery storage, they help save money on your utility bills and temper rising energy prices.

TCD's Solar Explorer can connect you with vetted installers and save money on solar installations by curating competitive bids. For example, EnergySage provides a free service that makes it easy for readers to connect with vetted local installers. EnergySage users often save up to $10,000 on solar installations.

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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Excelsior Springs Police Department is asking the public for help in locating a 33-year-old man who has been missing for more than 2 1/2 years.

Police continue to search for Andrew Frantz, who was last seen on April 20, 2023.

The Sedalia Police Department said Andrew Frantz was stopped by a Kansas City police officer after leaving Sedalia on April 20, 2023. He then went to Excelsior Springs.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

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He was driving a white 2019 Ford Escape SUV with a Florida license plate number of AV1-3NF.

The car was found left in a Taco Bell parking lot in Excelsior Springs and was towed by the restaurant on April 23, 2023.

Hes 511 and weights 175 pounds. He has blonde hair, blue eyes and a large ram tattoo on his neck.

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Excelsior Springs police are asking anyone with information to call 816-630-2000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Sen. Angus King (I-ME) (Photo/Courtesy)

During an Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on Tuesday, Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), co-chair of the National Parks Subcommittee, criticized the Trump administration for what he described as efforts to rewrite history within the National Park Service.

King said it is essential for the Park Service to interpret the full scope of American history  including painful chapters  rather than remove references that could cast the nation in a negative light.

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Earlier this year, the administration ordered signs removed from national parks and historic sites that addressed topics such as slavery and Japanese American incarceration. Last week, the administration also announced that Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth would no longer be free-entry days and would be replaced with President Trumps birthday.

I'm also worried and concerned about the effort to whitewash our history  to rewrite history within the National Park system, King said in his opening remarks. We have had triumphs but we also have some dark parts of our history Slavery, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, segregation, the treatment of Native Americans those are things we can't avoid  we can't forget.

King referenced a biography of Cicero he recently read, noting the Roman statesmans warning that to not know history is to live your whole life as a child.

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To remove a display about slavery at Harpers Ferry is like removing model rockets from Cape Kennedy, King said. This does not contribute to our citizens' understanding It doesn't change what happened. It only changes our citizens' understanding of those things.

King, a longtime conservation advocate and chair of the National Parks Subcommittee, helped lead passage of the Great American Outdoors Act and has pushed for stronger park maintenance funding and workforce support. He has spent more than four decades working on land conservation in Maine, including establishing the Land for Maines Future program and expanding state conservation efforts during his two terms as governor.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

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In a 31-19 vote, Indianas controversial early redistricting push hit an unexpected wall Thursday, as the state Senate declined to move forward with a vote that would have finalized a new congressional map targeting the states two Democratic-held districts in Northwest Indiana and Indianapolis.

The House passed the plan earlier this week, but the Senates refusal to advance it may stop the effort altogether.

The proposal would have reshaped Indianas 1st and 7th congressional districts by adding several rural, majority-white counties whose political priorities differ sharply from Gary and Indianapolis. Critics argued the shift would weaken the voting strength of communities of color and make meaningful representation harder to access. Supporters said the change was needed to reflect population shifts, but opponents called it a direct attempt to diminish two of the states few Democratic strongholds.

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Now that the issue of redistricting is finally behind us, its time to move on and fight for Hoosiers, said state Rep. Earl Harris, chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.

This has been a distraction for months, and now, Im looking forward to working with my caucus and the IBLC to make life better for people throughout the state, Harris said. The cost of living is simply too high, utility rates are soaring, and child care is completely unaffordable  if you can find child care at all. Theres no shortage of issues that Hoosiers are facing every day, and its time we get to work to fix them.

Thursdays vote was particularly relevant for 1st District U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, whose district would have been set to stretch through central northern Indiana and through seven rural counties.

I strongly commend the courage and resolve our Indiana lawmakers demonstrated in reaching a firm decision against mid-decade redistricting, Mrvan said in a statement after the vote.

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Their willingness to stand by the maps adopted in 2022 reflects a clear commitment to stability, transparency, and responsible governance. I am equally grateful to the many engaged citizens and organizations whose thoughtful outreach affirmed that the maps adopted in 2022 were both fair and defensible.

The delay also interrupts Indianas place in a broader national trend of states advancing midcycle maps that reduce the influence of voters of color.

Indiana senators have faced pressure from the White House throughout the process, which culminated just hours prior to the vote. In a message via his social network, Truth Social, President Donald Trump threatened to strip federal funding from the state.

State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, a Democrat who represents parts of Gary and Lake County, previously said the proposed changes threatened to undo generations of political progress.

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For decades, the people of Northwest Indiana  Black, brown, working-class, union families  have battled disinvestment, Hatcher said earlier this week. Theyve survived segregation, redlining, white flight and industrial abandonment, and now theyre being asked to survive the erasure of their voice. Our ability to choose our own representation in Washington is on the chopping block.

Republican officials in the state and nationwide voiced their disappointment following the vote. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, who oversaw Thursdays session, called out Indianas Republican state senators on X (formerly Twitter).

If Hoosiers were hoping to see an ounce of courage from the Senate today they did not get it, Beckwith said. A vote against redistricting undercuts years of work throughout the state. The people who have stood with President Trump and pushed for a system that reflects their voice have been clear about the direction they want Indiana to move. Yet again, the Senate chose a different course.

On the Senate floor during post-vote comments, state Sen. R. Michael Young passionately scolded members of the body while pointing toward possible retaliation from the outside.

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Weve cost our nation. And I believe what Washington, D.C., says, whether its right or wrong, Young lectured. When they take away all the money that they can take away from this state and not give it to us, our citizens will be harmed. If we dont get that money  we will be harmed.

The legislature will return for the rest of the session on Jan. 5.

This story has been updated.

The post Senate Rejects Early Redistricting; Indiana Voters Remain in Current Districts appeared first on Capital B Gary.
EDITORS NOTE: This story contains some graphic images.

A Washington state man was attacked by a patrol dog while being detained by Customs and Border Patrol agents last month as his wife and young children looked on, said Senator Patty Murray, who is calling for the mans release.

The man, Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, was violently attacked and dragged away, Murray said.

The senator posted images of Toledo-Martinez and the bloody wounds along his arm, back and side on social media.

An image shows injuries Wilmer Toledo-Martinez suffered after a patrol dog attacked him while being detained by Customs and Border Patrol agents. - Provided by Olia Catala

The November 14 incident in Vancouver, Washington, occurred as the Trump administrations nationwide crackdown on immigration has led to an escalation in federal agents tactics on the ground.

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Toledo-Martinez, 28, resisted arrest and tried to flee during the encounter with agents, the Department of Homeland Security said in a post on X in response to Sen. Murrays comments.

He was described by DHS as undocumented and having prior arrests for being in possession of a loaded firearm. His attorney, Olia Catala, said two previous charges were dropped and the other two are going to be dropped soon.

Additionally, Catala says her client was not resisting.

Video of the encounter taken by Toledo-Martinezs wife and provided to CNN by Catala shows the aftermath of the dog attack, when an agent asks the wife to back up or he will be bit again.

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A man wearing a yellow vest can be seen in the video among the agents taking Toledo-Martinez into custody.

It is unclear what led to the dog attack or Toledo-Martinez being detained, and the attack was not caught on camera. There was no warrant for the detainment, Catala said.

Toledo-Martinez, who is originally from Mexico, had just returned home from dropping off his child at school when he heard a knock on the door, according to the attorney. Upon opening the door, he was met by a man wearing a yellow vest who Catala alleges told her client hed hit Toledo-Martinezs parked car.

He then asked Toledo-Martinez to step out and verify that the affected car belonged to him, according to Catala.

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Once outside, the man asked Toledo-Martinez for his name, Catala said. Unaware he was speaking with a federal agent, Toledo-Martinez told the man he was going back inside to get his ID and insurance information, the attorney said.

The next thing he knew, the dog was on top of him and biting him, Catala said.

According to Catala, Toledo-Martinez only knew he was speaking with a federal agent after he was detained.

Were federal agents from Homeland Security, you understand that? one agent says in the video.

In the video, the wife is heard asking the agents if her car was hit. So did you hit my car so I can at least let my insurance know, she asks. One of the agents responds No repeatedly, the video shows.

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One of the agents says in the video that Toledo-Martinez needs to get medical attention and will be taken to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland.

DHS did not respond to specific questions related to the incident, including the allegations made by Catala.

Toledo-Martinez is still experiencing pain where he was bitten and he has not seen a doctor for days, Murray said in response to DHS post on the incident Tuesday. Additionally, his vision is blurry, his arm is numb and he is having difficulty breathing, the senator said Toledo-Martinezs family shared with her.

I strongly reiterate my call for his immediate release so he can receive the medical care he needs, Murray said in the post. ICE will not let him see a doctor and are callously dismissing his concerns.

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As reports indicate that the economy is only getting worse, the Trump administration continues to blame former president Biden, despite having had control for nearly a full year now. And at this point, Seth Meyers doesnt understand why, joking that not even Biden remembers he was president anymore.

During his A Closer Look segment on Wednesday night, the NBC host dragged the president for giving himself a grade of A+++++ on the economy, considering prices on everything are higher than ever. But, when pressed on this fact, Trumps National Economic Council Director largely blamed Biden, and said the Trump administration is filling the hole Biden left.

Seriously, you cant blame Joe Biden anymore! Meyers said. Honestly, no one even remembers that he was president, himself included. That was just a weird fugue state in between Trump terms.

Joe Biden is kind of like your second apartment in New York City, Meyers continued joking. Everyone remembers their first apartment. Everyone knows where they live now. But once in a while you think yourself, Wait a second, did I really live in a studio above the BQE, and did I really think it was an upgrade because instead of a mattress on the floor in the kitchen, it was a futon on the floor in the kitchen?'

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Elsewhere in the segment, Meyers explained why Trump mightve actually given himself such a high grade instead of a realistic one.

I know that sounds tone deaf, but in fairness, its possible Trump was just glitching, Meyers joked. In fact, if you watch the full clip, I think its pretty clear, it was a software problem.

Meyers then pulled up a clip from CNN, in which they broke down just how much the economy has gone backwards, as well as how much Trumps approval rating has dropped.

So its less of an A++++ and more of an F, he sniped.

You can watch Seth Meyers full A Closer Look segment in the video above.

The post Seth Meyers Scolds Trump Admin for Still Trying to Blame Biden: No One Even Remembers That He Was President, Himself Included appeared first on TheWrap.
Editors note: This story contains crude language.

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank called prosecutors motherfuckers in text messages with a private attorney and referred to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs as libtards, records show.

Swanks texts are part of ongoing litigation over whether Joan Mell, a private attorney who has sought to represent Swank, has invaded Prosecutor Mary Robnetts core function as legal advisor to county officials. Earlier this year, King County Judge Michael Ryan said Swanks texts appeared to have been altered to remove potentially offensive remarks.

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The texts became part of the lawsuit after Mell was subpoenaed to submit her communications with Swank to the court, including texts and emails. An unrelated public records request made by an unknown requestor asked for the same records from the Sheriffs Office. When Swank emailed screenshots of his text conversations with Mell to the public records officer, he cced Mell. That meant Mell was compelled to give the court her own records of texts with Swank along with the email of screenshots the sheriff had produced.

The News Tribune analyzed the texts turned over by Mell and Swank to identify the disparities Ryan had mentioned.

Comparing the messages showed a little more than four dozen texts sent between May and August that were not included in screenshots Swank produced Sept. 15. Among the missing texts were vulgarities and an instance where Swank said deputy prosecutor Michelle Luna was incompetent. Luna is one of four attorneys representing Robnett in the lawsuit.

In response to questions from The News Tribune on Dec. 5 and Dec. 7, Swank said the texts were omitted by mistake and explained that his statements were part of conversations with a lawyer with whom he felt free to speak frankly.

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I wasnt trying to hide anything I said by my texts, Swank said in an email to The News Tribune. I realize that you have a text or two with a cuss word and an insult of someone. I own them, and I stand by them.

When Ryan said it appeared that Swank had altered his text messages, the judge referred to a RCW 40.16.010, a state law that says willfully or unlawfully altering a public record is a felony. Ryan did not identify what could have been offensive about the messages. At the time, the texts were designated for attorneys eyes only. They have since been publicly entered in the court file.

In an interview Wednesday, Robnett said she had not done a side-by-side comparison between what Swank and Mell provided. She indicated that issues with what Swank disclosed in a public records request could be pursued by the requestor and likely wasnt a sticking point of her lawsuit against Mell. The legal action, called a quo warranto, remains pending while Ryan mulls whether to grant Mells motion to dismiss the case.

Robnett said Swanks words about Pierce County prosecutors have no effect on her personally.

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Professionally, regardless of the language that anybody uses, Im going to do my job, which is to give his and his department, his office, the best legal advice that I can, Robnett said. And that goes for all of our employees. Were going to do that regardless of language, insults, whatever.

Restraining order ruling prompts texts

On May 28, a Pierce County judge granted Robnett a temporary restraining order prohibiting Mell from holding herself out as Swanks attorney. Ryan was later brought on as a visiting judge from King County after an attorney for Robnett asked the court for one, noting that Mell said in an email she did not consent to appear before a Pierce County judge.

Later on May 28, Swank texted Mell about being contacted by The News Tribune for a story on the restraining order.

Peter Talbot left me a voicemail telling me he is writing the story, Swank texted Mell. He didnt need any input from me, but he was giving me a chance to say something if I wanted. Ive talked to you more than I have my wife since Ive been here.  Thanks for everything. Lets defeat these motherfuckers!

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10-4, Mell texted Swank back. Mells response was included in the screenshots Swank later submitted, but his text that prompted it was not.

Swanks relationship with Robnett had fractured by that point. In emails sent between the two earlier in May, Swank said he had no faith in Robnetts counsel  instead turning to ChatGPT to answer a legal question  and accused her of trying to sabotage him, writing, You are my peril.

Days after the restraining order was issued, June 4, there was another exchange between Swank and Mell. It, too, was missing from the texts Swank submitted to the records officer.

Can u get WASPC to file a supporting declaration or Amici brief saying her suit has a chilling effect and is not in the best interests of Sheriffs, Mell texted Swank., according to documents Mell was compelled to file in court.

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Probably not, Swank replied. WASPC is a bunch of libtards, but maybe you can reach out to Steven Strachan and see if he would.

The WASPC is the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and Strachan is its executive director. A spokesperson for the association said Tuesday it did not have a comment, and it had not been contacted about this matter.

Swank defends his statements

Asked about his choice of words regarding WASPC, Swank told The News Tribune they reflected an exaggeration based upon the policy position WASPC was taking on specific topics of interest to me.

Swank described disagreeing with the position of WASPC and the Washington State Sheriffs Association on a bill expected to be introduced at the next legislative session in Olympia concerning qualifications for sheriffs and police chiefs.

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I told them we should not compromise because thats how the Democrats in Olympia will be able to select the sheriffs that they want, Swank said. I am in the minority on that position. I suggested that we support a qualification bill for ALL elected officials. Start with background checks, then a polygraph, psych test  I know the Democrats wont go for that, but we should all be held to the same standard.

Swank said referring to prosecutors as motherfuckers was a blunt way to express his frustration. He said that was the day the court ruled Mell could no longer serve as his lawyer on county business.

Though crude, the words should not be taken at their true meaning and merely showed how I felt about the fact I could not choose my own lawyer, Swank said.

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swanks text message, in gray, was one of a little over four dozen that werent included in what he gave a public records officer Sept. 15 2025,. The message was sent to Joan Mell, a private attorney temporarily barred from representing Swank in official business.

He added that he thinks he is being mistreated by not being able to choose his own attorney. Swank said he believes all of his communications with Mell are protected by attorney-client privilege and that he released the communications under duress. Swank said he hopes this lawsuit goes to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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In a sworn declaration filed in the case Nov. 7, Swank waived any claims of privilege for his communications with Mell.

Swank had a similar choice of words for prosecutors Aug. 1 when Mell texted him about a federal court case against Pierce County brought by former members of a Sheriffs Office special investigation unit (SIU). Those remarks also werent included in Swanks submission to the public records officer.

Ok. 9th Circuit reversed and reinstated SIU claims against prosecutors, Mell wrote.

Great job! Swank said. Lets get these crooked mo fos!

Asked by The News Tribune about the exchange, Swank said Mell represents the former members of the SIU, and he defended his words.

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...So, I stand by my text of lets beat those motherfuckers, Swank wrote. That is another reason I dont trust the Prosecutors Office. I hope the cops are vindicated and they win millions of dollars.

Why were texts missing in what Swank turned over?

Ryan was the first to point out discrepancies in Swanks texts in an Oct. 22 court order made after reviewing Mells claims that her communications with Swank should be protected by attorney-client privilege or other confidentiality privileges. As part of the order, Ryan said it was noteworthy that Swank had not given the public records officer all of his texts.

It appears to the Court Sheriff Swanks (sic) altered his text messages to take out text messages that some might perceive to be offensive, Ryan wrote. Altering a public record could be problematic. See RCW 40.16.010.

Its impossible to tell whether Swank purposefully excluded certain texts from the messages he turned over. Some of the omissions are single messages in the middle of an exchange where other texts werent left out. Others are multiple conversations that occurred over days.

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Not all the omitted texts could be perceived as offensive. On June 9, for example, Mell sent Swank contact information for an attorney the Prosecutors Office appointed to represent Swank, Randall Gaylord. Those texts werent included in what Swank produced.

The screenshots Swank produced also dont differentiate between the sender and the receiver. Although they are in the correct order of when texts were sent, Swanks screenshots show long, unbroken blocks of text that include messages sent by Swank and Mell.

One screenshot Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank submitted to a public records officer Sept. 15, 2025, is missing texts he sent to a private attorney where Swank used a vulgarity to refer to prosecutors. Although the messages show texts sent by the attorney and Swank, his screenshots did not differentiate between the sender and receiver.

In emails to The News Tribune, Swank explained how he compiled his messages and complained that he should not have had to spend hours on his own looking for and downloading texts that were responsive to a records request.

To the best of my ability I took screen shots, sent those to my campaign email address (which I didnt want to use) and then emailed that to my county email, Swank said in an email. That method somehow combined all text messages together in a jumbled mess.

The text messages had not been deleted, Swank continued in a follow-up email. Unfortunately, the process to retrieve text messages from a private phone did not allow me to select certain messages through a search process and the process I used was to read, review, photograph, cut and paste  resulted in some being omitted.

Swank said that in the end, actions taken by him and others resulted in all the messages between him and Mell being delivered to the court.
Democrats are celebrating their big win in a special election, flipping a traditionally red House district blue.

Georgia House District 121 covers most of Oconee and some of Clarke County.

It elected Republican Marcus Wiedower by 61% of the vote in 2024, and it voted 56% for President Donald Trump in that same election.

However, in Tuesdays special election to fill the seat vacated by Wiedower, the Democrat, Eric Gisler, edged out Republican Mack Dutch Guest by the narrowest of margins to turn 121 blue.

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University of Georgia political science professor emeritus Dr. Charles Bullock told Channel 2s Richard Elliot that Democrats seem motivated.

This is an off-year election. Therefore, turnout is much (lower), but it tells us at least that Democrats are more motivated, perhaps to go to the polls than Republicans are, Bulloch said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Georgia Democrats pumped a lot of money into the 121 race -- $50,000 and a lot of volunteer hours.

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Our momentum is only growing, out-organizing and out-strategizing Republicans to turn it into more wins for the people of Georgia in 2026, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Charlie Bailey said

But Republicans werent ready to concede that idea.

Democrats took advantage of a low turnout, a special election. Thats the story of HD 121. But one race doesnt define the momentum in Georgia, Georgia GOP Chair Josh McKoon said.

University of North Georgia political science professor Dr. Nathan Price agrees but also adds that the Democrats are testing out strategies that seem to be working for them and could work during next years important midterm elections.

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Campaigning is an ever-evolving activity. And so, theyre honing in on messages as times change, as circumstances change, as technology changes, and theyre trying to get a feel for what will work in 2026, Price said.

A House District 23 runoff race will be held next month in what is a normally red part of Cherokee County. That race is between a Republican and a Democrat.
Chrysa Ostenso expects to pull money from her 401(k) to pay for the $1,500-a-month health insurance she'll get next year when the Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits end.

She and her husband operated his optometry practice in rural Wisconsin for 35 years before he died a few months ago. With the tax credits, they paid as much as $500 for insurance. Before the tax credits were created in 2021 to help more people get insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost was closer to $2,000 a month.

Now, as Ostenso, 62, works to wind down and sell the business without him, she got a letter notifying her that without the enhanced credit, a plan covering just her will cost $1,500 a month and come with a $7,200 deductible.

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"It's insane," she told USA TODAY. "Nothing else has gone up that much in cost."

Without the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, Chrysa Ostenso said she would pay $1,500 a month

Roughly 22 million Americans receive the enhanced subsidies, which lower the cost of their ACA insurance premiums. The subsidies will expire at the end of the year unless Congress acts to put them back in place. If lawmakers don't follow through, the average recipient would see premiums for their insurance plan more than double in 2026, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group.

About half of recipients are people like Ostenso, who run or work for small businesses or are self-employed, according to KFF.

Open enrollment closes in mid-January, but consumers have to make decisions by Dec. 15 for coverage to start at the beginning of the year, which leaves scarce time for Congress to act.

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On Dec. 11, the Senate failed to pass a Democratic proposal to extend the expiring tax credits for three years. It needed Republican support to hit the 60-vote threshold to avoid a filibuster.

Republicans also voted on their own health care plan that did not extend the enhanced tax credits at all. Instead it would deposit $1,000 to $1,500 into health savings accounts for eligible consumers purchasing plans through the marketplace.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson after signing the bill package to re-open the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Nov. 12, 2025. Congress on Wednesday ended the longest government shutdown in US history, 43 days that paralyzed Washington and left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid while Republicans and Democrats played a high-stakes blame game. The Republican-led House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to approve a Senate-passed package that will reopen federal departments and agencies, as many Democrats fume over what they see as a capitulation by party leaders. President Donald Trump signs the funding bill to end the U.S. government shutdown, at the White House in Washington, DC on Nov. 12, 2025. President Donald Trump signs funding legislation to reopen the federal government as he is joined by House Minority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Republican lawmakers and business leaders, during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. The legislation, passed by the House tonight, funds the federal government until the end of January 2026 and ends the 43-day government shutdown, the longest in the nationOs history. House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to the media in Statuary Hall after the House voted 222-209 to pass the Senate's funding deal, with 216 Republicans and six Democrats supporting the bill, and two Republicans and 207 Democrats opposed, after 43 days of shuttered government and unpaid federal workers, on Wednesday, Nov.12, 2025. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) holds a news conference after the House passed funding legislation to reopen the federal government, at the Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House voted 222-209 to approve Senate-passed legislation that funds the government through the end of January 2026, reopening the government and ending the 43-day shutdown, the longest in American history. House Speaker Mike Johnson arriving to speak to the media in Statuary Hall after the House voted 222-209 to pass the Senate's funding deal, with 216 Republicans and six Democrats supporting the bill, and two Republicans and 207 Democrats opposed, after 43 days of shuttered government and unpaid federal workers, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson, right, walks from the House floor with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), left, to speak with the media in Statuary Hall immediately after the House voted 222-209 to pass the Senate's funding deal, with 216 Republicans and six Democrats supporting the bill, and two Republicans and 207 Democrats opposed, after 43 days of shuttered government and unpaid federal workers, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. U.S. Representative Victoria Spartz arrives during a series of votes in the U.S. House of Representatives that could bring the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to a close, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Nov.12, 2025. U.S. Representative and New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill gives a television interview during a series of votes in the U.S. House of Representatives that could bring the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to a close, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Nov.12, 2025. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) (2nd-L) walks to the House Chamber on Nov. 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on Senate-passed legislation that funds the government through the end of January 2026, reopening the government and ending the 43-day shutdown, the longest in American history. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) (L) speaks to the media as he exits the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on Senate-passed legislation that funds the government through the end of January 2026, reopening the government and ending the 43-day shutdown, the longest in American history. House Speaker Mike Johnson, right, speaking with Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) after a ceremonial swearing of at the United States Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025, following the official swearing in on the House floor on Wednesday, Nov. 11. 2025. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) walks surrounded by the media, as members of the U.S. House of Representatives returned to Washington after a 53-day break, for a vote that could bring the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to a close, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Nov. 12, 2025. House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) talks on the phone, as members of the U.S. House of Representatives returned to Washington after a 53-day break, for a vote that could bring the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to a close, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Nov. 12, 2025. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, right, stands with members as Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries leads a press conference on the House Steps at the United States Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025, as members return after a 54-day break, before House lawmakers take up legislation that would end the longest government shutdown in American history and vote on the Senate-passed spending deal. Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries leads a press conference on the House Steps at the United States Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025, as members return after a 54-day break, before House lawmakers take up legislation that would end the longest government shutdown in American history and vote on the Senate-passed spending deal Congress passes deal to end longest government shutdown in US history 1 of 16 President Donald Trump shakes hands with the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson after signing the bill package to re-open the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Nov. 12, 2025. Congress on Wednesday ended the longest government shutdown in US history, 43 days that paralyzed Washington and left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid while Republicans and Democrats played a high-stakes blame game. The Republican-led House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to approve a Senate-passed package that will reopen federal departments and agencies, as many Democrats fume over what they see as a capitulation by party leaders.

A vote on the Democratic plan was a promise Republicans made to a handful of their Democratic colleagues in exchange for their support in November to bring an end to the longest-ever government shutdown, which occurred in part because the tax credits were set to expire.

The big picture for Obamacare

The health insurance marketplaces were created as part of the Affordable Care Act of 2010, commonly called Obamacare, as a way for people who didn't have access to Medicaid or employer-sponsored insurance to pick from a variety of quality health plans. The marketplace also provided financial assistance, such as tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, based on users' income.

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The idea: More people participating would drive down overall costs through market competition the same way an employer-based plan can negotiate lower prices because so many people participate.

Democrats have long promoted the idea that the Affordable Care Act gives people more freedom to start a business or become an entrepreneur without worrying about losing health insurance. But marketplace plans weren't very affordable for middle-income people who didn't qualify for the original tax credits.

President Joe Biden signed the expansion of the tax credits in 2021, which led to record enrollment and historically low uninsured rates, according to KFF.

"It's really consequential" if the enhanced credits end, said Katherine Hempstead, senior policy officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on health. "Over the last couple of years, the importance of the marketplace to small business and to self-employed folks has really been growing."

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In total, nearly 1 in 5 of the nation's small business owners and self-employed workers ages 21 to 64 relied on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces for coverage in 2022, according to the most recently available data from the Treasury Department.

Hempstead expects ripples through the economy as people decide to close their businesses because health care is too expensive, or choose not to open one.

"I don't think that people talk enough about the mainstream Main Street implications of this and what this means for job creation and other kinds of things that are important and have benefits that ripple out into the economic well-being of a community," she said.

Andrew Volk, 42, of Portland, Maine, said access to affordable health insurance through the marketplace meant he was comfortable taking the risk and opening his own cocktail bar 12 years ago. Having that security paid off when his daughter had a complicated birth a year later.

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"My business would not exist without the ACA," he said. It's a refrain he has heard from other entrepreneurs, and he's concerned others won't be able to follow their passions without the enhanced tax credits.

"It's going to be a drag on the economy for years to come," Volk said.

Tax credits were meant to be temporary, GOP says

Congress initially created the enhanced tax credits in 2021 to ensure Americans could afford health coverage amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and people flocked to use them.

The number of people purchasing insurance through the marketplace has more than doubled since 2020. The majority of users are in states that voted for Trump in 2024, like Florida, Georgia and Texas, according to KFF.

A sign points the way during an Affordable Care Act sign-up event at Westside Family Healthcare's location in the Fox Run Shopping Center in Bear in 2014.

About 92% of the 24.3 million Americans who use the marketplace receive a subsidy of some amount, according to KFF. If Congress doesn't act and the credits expire at the end of 2025, out-of-pocket premiums would rise by more than 75% on average.

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The enhanced tax credits increased subsidies that eligible people received, and they expanded eligibility to include those making more than four times the federal poverty level. In 2025, that figure is $62,600 for an individual or $124,800 for a family of four.

More: These people have found their health care at the center of a shutdown showdown

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 4.2 million more people will be uninsured by 2034 if the enhanced credits end. Expanding the premium tax credits would cost nearly $350 billion over the next decade, according to a CBO review.

As many as 22 million Americans on ACA plans could see their monthly health insurance premiums jump 114% without the enhanced tax credits, according to KFF.

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Republicans argue that the government shouldn't be subsidizing health insurance for millions of citizens and that the enhanced tax credits weren't intended to be permanent. Democrats are prepared to lambast Republicans in the midterm elections for overseeing an expected spike in health insurance costs for poor and middle-class Americans.

Back to corporate work

For years, Steve Gomez, 44, of Gilbert, Arizona, ran his own project management business while his wife worked a job that provided access to employer-sponsored benefits.

"The deal was I make the money, she makes the benefits," he told USA TODAY.

It was particularly beneficial when their son Anthony needed a heart transplant six weeks after he was born. Between the extended hospital stay and the surgery, the cost without insurance would have been millions of dollars.

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In the years since, his wife joined him in working for herself, a move that gives them flexibility to deal with kids' schedules and be available for now 10-year-old Anthony's medical needs. But whether it makes sense for her to go back to a more rigid company-based job for benefits is "at the back of our minds."

The $2,900 Gold Plan offered by Blue Cross BlueShield in Arizona next year no longer allows them to have a health savings account and moves all of Anthony's doctors, including the only pediatric cardiologists in the Southwest, out of network, he said.

That means the family will have to shoulder greater costs of massive medical expenses, including the annual catheterization to monitor the functionality of Anthony's heart scheduled for Jan. 7.

Ostenso, of Wisconsin, has considered finding a job just for the insurance benefits until she qualifies for Medicare at 65. But the idea isn't sitting well with her.

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"I'm not that crazy about the idea of signing up to punch a clock 40 hours a week after being self-employed my whole life."

This story has been updated to reflect the outcome of Dec. 11 votes on Congress.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ACA tax credits ending has business owners worrying over 'insane' costs
GE Vernova said the company has signed an agreement with Public Power Corporation Renewables (PPC R) to supply, install, and commission 14 of its 6.1 MW158m turbines for a wind farm in Vaslui County, Romania. The agreement announced December 11 builds on an earlier deal, announced in September of last year, to supply 23 of GE Vernova's 6.1 MW-158m turbines, which have a 158-meter rotor. It also follows an announcement earlier this month that the company will provide Greenvolt Power 42 of its 6.1 MW158m onshore wind turbines to power the Gurbanesti wind farm in Calarasi County in Romania. The latest deal, which was booked in the second quarter of 2025, expands the presence of GE Vernova in Romania by adding 85 MW to the companys existing onshore wind installed base in the country of more than 800 MW. Gilan Sabatier, chief commercial officer for GE Vernovas Onshore Wind business in International Markets, said, We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with PPC Renewables in Romania, strengthening our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. This agreement not only reinforces GE Vernova's presence in the region but also exemplifies our dedication to delivering workhorse wind turbines that will help power thousands of homes and contribute to Romania's renewable energy goals." GE Vernova has a total installed base of about 57,000 turbines and nearly 120 GW of installed capacity worldwide. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
The state of Wisconsin has fined one retailer almost $13 million and other $450,000 for violating a law restricting vape sales that took effect in September and is being challenged in appeals court.

Exclusive Tobacco, a four-store chain with a location in Oshkosh, was fined twice in October for selling products not on the state's approved list, which allows select brands like Juul, Blu, Vuse and Crossbar.

The state Department of Revenue received complaints that the Oshkosh store was selling unlawful products. The DOR inspected Exclusive Tobacco and found it was selling vapes and tobacco products with an expired municipal license.

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The DOR then seized all products, including 1,244 illegal vapes. The new law imposes a $1,000 daily fine for each device not on the state's directory, totaling $1,244,000.

A copy of the fine reviewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel showed the fine was multiplied by 10 for the 10 days that passed between a warning and the time DOR returned to seize products, totaling more than $12.4 million that Exclusive Tobacco now owes the state.

The DOR then received another complaint that the Oshkosh store continued selling illegal vapes, leading to a second inspection and a fine of $431,000.

Exclusive Tobacco is appealing both fines, DOR spokeswoman Jennifer Bacon told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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The DOR issued a $450,000 fine to a second retailer, Dave'z Smoke N Vape LLC in Green Bay, also found to be selling without a municipal license. Neither store responded to interview requests.

The DOR also gave 42 orders to remove illegal products to other stores and conducted 27 seizures, two of which involved retailers selling without a municipal license.

In the initial weeks after the law went into effect Sept. 1, the DOR didn't issue fines or seize illegal products, to give retailers time to comply. Now, Bacon said, the department is following enforcement procedures established in the 2023 law.

More: Vape sale restrictions in Wisconsin date to a 2023 law. Here's what to know about it.

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Bacon said the expired licenses didn't affect the fine amounts, but rather triggered the removal of all cigarettes, tobacco and vapes. Instead, the fines were based on the retailers selling vapes that aren't among the 303 products the state allows.

Appeals case pending, while vape stores must adapt or close

Most vape stores have adapted by clearing now-illegal products from their inventory and counting on other sales to make up for the loss.

But they're still holding out hope for a court ruling that could strike down the law and bring more products back to their shelves.

In September, U.S. District Court Judge William Conley denied a request to block the law. The industry plaintiff, Wisconsinites for Alternatives to Smoking and Tobacco, appealed that decision. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago is scheduled to hear oral arguments Dec. 10.

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Tyler Hall, the president of WiscoFAST and Johnny Vapes, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a ruling is expected in late January.

Similar lawsuits have led to mixed outcomes: A federal court blocked Iowa's vape directory law in May, while Utah's was upheld in March.

Hall and other vape store owners argue big tobacco companies lobbied for the law to push competitors out of the market. Wisconsin lobbying records show that happened in 2023, and experts have seen the same trend play out in other states.

Public health advocates also question if the approach is effective because the law removed some products from the shelves but left others accessible, including to teens.

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State officials have defended the law as a "measured approach" to respond to the rapidly growing industry while balancing public safety.

Xtreme Vape, formerly at 2242 Neva Road in Antigo, closed because of the new vape law, owner George Packard says. A "space for rent" sign is displayed at the premises on Oct. 11.

Milwaukee-area smoke shop owners and employees interviewed in October said the bulk of their sales are in hemp-based products, so the vape law had a limited impact on their business. Still, they worried that upcoming state regulations and a sudden federal law change will soon ban those products, too.

More: How Milwaukee smoke shops are handling Wisconsin's new vape law as confusion persists

Other stores haven't been as lucky. George Packard, whose Antigo store made 90% of its sales in vapes, closed when the district court allowed the law to take effect.

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"We had six employees, and every one of them lost his job," Packard said.

Even if the industry's appeal succeeds, Packard doesn't see himself reopening. The space will be rented out to another tenant, and his employees will have found other work.

"It took three days to tear that store apart. We're sitting on probably $40,000 in merchandise that we can't do anything with," he told the Journal Sentinel in early October. "We can't sell it, because it's illegal."

Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Exclusive Tobacco fined almost $13 million under Wisconsin vape law
On Tuesday morning, just a few stalls were open among the dozens that normally sell food, rugs, clothing and jewelry at Karmel mall, a Somali community hub in Minneapolis. Longtime Minnesotans said they had never seen the mall as quiet as it has been in recent days, almost jarringly still.

The bustle was replaced by unease and fear over the Trump administrations menace toward Somalis and increased immigration agents in the city, tasked with targeting Somalis for deportation.

On a typical weekday morning, people would be shopping, having breakfast, aunties would be selling rugs or skirts or scarves, said Zaynab Mohamed, a Minnesota state senator who is Somali American. Now, people are staying home if they can afford to. People dont want to deal with ICE agents coming into their businesses and violating their rights, she said.

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Outside the mall, volunteer block watchers monitored for signs of ICE activity, ready to alert text chains and start filming if agents come for any of their neighbors. Signs on the entrances to the mall warn that ICE cant enter without a court order.

If we see any suspicious activity, or specifically attempted abductions, we record, alert the proper channels and blow our whistles to disrupt that, which I did have to do last Thursday, said Miri Villerius, who had been standing watch for hours on Tuesday in the winter cold.

Related: Ilhan Omar calls Trumps anti-Somali tirade completely disgusting

In the week-plus since Donald Trump launched an aggressive, xenophobic attack on the Somali community, local Somali residents have adjusted how theyre living  staying home, carrying documents if theyre out, and skipping appointments.

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Abdullahi Abdulle, a US military veteran and citizen who is of Somali descent, said there is a very real fear that people will be stopped simply because they look Somali. He is carrying multiple pictures of his passport.

At this point, Somalis are that scapegoat  they dont look like us, they have different faith, lets make them the dangerous bogeyman, he said. That is what the intention is here.

Trump didnt differentiate between citizens and non-citizens when he called the entire Somali community garbage and said he wanted them out of the country, then surged immigration agents in the state to seek them out for deportations. About 84,000 people of Somali descent live in Minnesota, and most of them are US citizens or legal residents.

Perhaps because of the large percentage of US citizens and legal residents, the operation has been both scattered and even chaotic, Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey said. Its not like theres a factory or meat packing plant where theyre able to detain a large number of Somali immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security claimed on 4 December that it had arrested some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.

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Local leaders, largely Democrats, have spoken up for Somalis and affirmed they are welcome here, pushing back on the narratives about recent fraud cases that involved Somali perpetrators and saying they arent representative of the whole.

Obviously, Minneapolis loves Minneapolis, Frey told the Guardian. We love our family members, we love our neighbors, and we stand by them. And I think thats the response right now that youre seeing.

Mohamed implored her colleagues, including Republicans, to speak out in defense of Somalis. Only one Republican state lawmaker has, state senator Jim Abeler, who pushed back on Trump calling them garbage.

The Somalis I know, and I know many, are nothing of the sort, Abeler said. They are businesspeople, drivers, hourly workers supporting their families, investors, nurses, students and clerics. No man, woman or child is more or less in the eyes of our Lord God most high, and none of them are trash.

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The Department of Homeland Security crackdown, dubbed Operation Metro Surge, came after rightwing media ramped up coverage of ongoing fraud cases in social services in Minnesota. Many of those charged are of Somali descent. But Trumps aggression isnt about fraud, Mohamed said.

When members of other communities commit crimes, they are treated as individuals, not as representatives of the whole community. Trump made clear he was talking about all Somalis  including trying to send US citizens back, she said.

The fraud that happened in our state hurts taxpayers across the board regardless of their race, and Somali people are victims of the fraud as well, she said.

Stories of US citizens being detained  including a woman that local media reported was detained for more than 24 hours until her husband could bring her passport card  have circulated among the community.

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Related: Ilhan Omar says Trump made racist anti-Somali tirade because he knows he is failing

You only hear about that in dictatorships and apartheid states and things like that, said Amiin Harun, an immigration attorney in Minneapolis. But in the United States, for people to be carrying their passports on them to show their status? Scary.

Friday prayers, typically a time for large gatherings, have been half-empty, Harun said. Its hard to advise people to stay home  they have to work, support themselves and their families, live their lives, he said. Still, many are just scared to come out of their houses and go to any public places, he said.

Munira Maalimisaq, a nurse practitioner who founded Inspire Change Clinic in Minneapolis, said her patients have been canceling appointments because of ICE presence in the area. She started a rapid response program where the medical community can assist people by providing telehealth appointments, home visits or rides to clinics.

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Some of those who were avoiding the clinic include a man with a pressure ulcer who had a fever and was vomiting, a woman who fell and broke her ankle, and an elderly woman who had lived in Minnesota for decades who feared her son would be picked up if he drove her to the clinic.

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A woman is in jail after being accused of killing her one-year-old boy, according to sources.

Ebone Johnson was taken into custody by the Gaston County Police Department on Wednesday and was charged with second-degree murder.

ALSO READ: Charlotte mother charged with murder after babys fentanyl overdose

According to court documents, Johnson exposed her child to carfentanil on his first birthday in July.

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The Drug Enforcement Administration describes the drug as a synthetic opioid.

The one-year-old, Nasir Harris, somehow came in contact with the drug at his mothers home on Bumblebee Court in Kings Mountain.

His mother tried to revive him but couldnt, according to search warrants. The boys body temperature on his death date, was 88 degrees, according to search warrants.

It took months for the medical examiner to determine the boy died from carfentanil. Investigators seized drugs from Johnsons home, according to the search warrant.

(Carfentanil was initially meant as a tranquilizer for large animals and when I say large, think elephant, said Brandi Burchett, with Pheonix Counseling, which helps people with substance addiction.

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She said lately it is replacing fentanyl as a stronger street drug, and a child should never have it.

It is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and 10,000 times more potent than morphine, Burchett said.

She said a small dose is deadly.

Something as small as a grain of salt on a fingertip can be lethal and thats for an adult, Burchett said.

Johnson was charged with second-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Gaston County Jail.

VIDEO: Charlotte mother charged with murder after babys fentanyl overdose
South Sudans military has moved into the Heglig oilfield under an unprecedented agreement between the country and neighbouring Sudans warring parties to safeguard critical energy infrastructure from the countrys civil war.

The deployment on Wednesday came after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the strategic site on December 8, compelling the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) units to retreat across the border into South Sudan, where they reportedly surrendered their weapons.

The agreement aims to neutralise the facility from combat operations as fighting intensifies across Sudans Kordofan region, threatening both countries primary revenue source.

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Official Sudanese government sources revealed to Al Jazeera that high-level contacts have taken place between the Sudanese and South Sudanese leaderships since the beginning of this week, after the RSF mobilized to attack the Heglig area.

Understandings were reached to secure the evacuation of workers in the field and avoid military confrontations to ensure that the oil field and its facilities are not subjected to sabotage and destruction, and tribal leaders also played a role in that.

The deployment of South Sudan forces was based on a previous oil and security cooperation agreement signed between Khartoum and Juba, which stipulates the protection of oil fields, pipelines and central pumping stations for South Sudans oil, in addition to the electricity interconnection project and strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.

The new factor is the involvement of the RSF.

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South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces Chief of Staff Paul Nang said at Heglig that troops entered under a tripartite agreement involving President Salva Kiir, SAF chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, according to state broadcaster SSBC News.

The pact requires both Sudanese forces to withdraw from the area.

Nang stressed that South Sudanese forces would maintain strict neutrality.





The primary goal is to completely neutralise the Heglig field from any combat operations, he said, because it represents an economic lifeline not only for South Sudan but for Sudan as well.

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The deployment followed a deadly drone attack on Tuesday evening that killed dozens, including three South Sudanese soldiers.

SAF confirmed using a drone to target RSF fighters at the facility, though the exact death toll remains unclear. Local media reported that seven tribal leaders and numerous RSF personnel died in the attack.

Approximately 3,900 Sudanese soldiers crossed into South Sudans Rubkona County after evacuating Heglig, handing over tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery to South Sudanese authorities, according to Unity State officials in South Sudan.

Thousands of civilians have also fled across the border since Sunday.

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Heglig houses a central processing facility able to handle up to 130,000 barrels per day of South Sudanese crude destined for export through Sudanese pipelines. The site also includes Block 6, Sudans largest producing field.





Jan Pospisil, a South Sudan expert at Coventry University, explained the strategic calculus behind the unusual arrangement.

From the SAFs perspective, they dont want the RSF to find another possible revenue stream, and it is better from their perspective for South Sudan to take control of the area, he told Al Jazeera.

He added that the RSF cant really defend against air attacks by the SAF, as we saw with this drone strike, and they dont need money right now.

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The seizure of Heglig marks the latest RSF advance as the conflicts centre of gravity shifts from Darfur to the vast Kordofan region. The paramilitary force secured complete control of Darfur in October with the fall of el-Fasher, prompting international alarm over mass atrocities.

Activists at the Tawila camp told Al Jazeera that refugees continue arriving, with some forced to sleep outdoors due to insufficient resources.





UN human rights chief Volker Turk repeated a warning he issued last week that he was extremely worried that we might see in Kordofan a repeat of the atrocities that have been committed in el-Fasher, amid RSF advances in the region.

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The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect echoed his warning, with Executive Director Savita Pawnday stressing that Sudan faces one of the worlds gravest atrocity crises, where civilians are enduring unimaginable harm while the international community fails to respond.

The fighting has triggered displacement, with the International Organization for Migration reporting more than 1,000 people fled South Kordofan province in just two days this week as combat intensified around the state capital, Kadugli.

In el-Fasher, the Sudan Doctors Network reported this week that the RSF is holding more than 19,000 detainees across Darfur prisons, including 73 medical personnel.

The medical advocacy group said cholera outbreaks are killing people due to overcrowding and the absence of adequate healthcare, with more than four deaths recorded weekly from medical neglect.




Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro share experience in dealing with political violence.

They appeared together Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral to discuss how to move forward after recent events in each of their states left them wanting to bring the country together, rather than focusing on what drives it apart.

They also sat for a joint interview with CNN that aired Wednesday, in which the pair looked to the future, and also spoke about who would make a good next president.

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Here are some key takeaways from the sit-down interview:

Bringing down the temperature

The relationship between the two governors was strengthened by their connection in the aftermath of political violence.

In April, an arsonist used Molotov cocktails to set the Pennsylvania Governors Mansion on fire, causing Shapiro and his family to be evacuated. Last year, the attempted assassination on then-candidate Donald Trump took place in Shapiros state. Knowing what that experience was like is what prompted Shapiro to call Cox when Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in September.

Cox said the discussion Tuesday was an opportunity for two people of different ideologies, and different faiths, to come together to work on problems, to solve things and to show Americans theres a better way to do this.

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Its a continuation of Coxs Disagree Better agenda, and Shapiro said it wasnt until Kirks death that he knew he needed to be a part of it.

The antidote to the violence that we are seeing is for the American people to see that there are leaders who are able to disagree, but disagree in a constructive way, Shapiro said. Hopefully they can see this conversation were having, and be inspired to take down the rhetoric and take up the engagement in our democracy.

On Trump

CNNs Dana Bash asked the governors about their efforts to bring down the temperature in American politics and find common ground. She noted that while they were hosting their discussion, President Donald Trump was speaking in Shapiros state, where he continued his criticism of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and was met with Send her back chants from the audience.

Cox said he disagrees with a lot of Omars views and thinks she should be voted out of office.

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I think I can do that without attacking her religion or her race or her ethnic background. I think that thats really important, Cox said. I know the president disagrees with me. He and I have had these conversations.

Cox said that in the aftermath of Kirks assassination, Trump spoke to the governor about nonviolence.

I understand hes not interested in uniting the country, and he would tell you that, I think, if he were sitting right here with us tonight, he said.

Cox argued that Trump alone, or he and Shapiro, are not going to fix the political temperament of America. However, the American people have chosen through their votes who represents them and are a mirror.

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It really has to be all of us, he said. The politicians that we elect are a reflection of we the people.

2028 and beyond

Bash asked Cox whether he thought the Democrat sitting next to him would make a good president, and while he didnt confirm hed vote for the 2028 hopeful, Cox spoke positively about Shapiro.

Cox and Shapiro traded compliments throughout the interview, over their respective handling of political violence in their states, of their efforts to grow their states economies, and for their shared desire to heal the nation.

Do you think hed make a good president? Bash asked Cox about Shapiro, who is rumored to make a bid for president in the next election.

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Yes, I do, Cox replied. I have to tell you, I think Im very biased towards governors. I think governors make the best presidents  as governors, we actually have to accomplish stuff.

I also want to say I really hope a Republican wins, I just need to point that out. But if a Republican is not going to win, I surely hope its a Democrat who can get stuff done, Cox added.

Shapiro chimed in to say he believes the country needs more moral clarity and strong leaders, and will be in need of a lot of healing after Trumps second term.

And I think a guy like Spencer Cox can provide that kind of healing and that moral clarity our country needs wherever he chooses to go next, he said.
(Refiles to fix syntax in headline)

By Anuja Bharat Mistry

Dec 11 (Reuters) - Hundreds of Starbucks' baristas walked off the job in 34 U.S. cities on Thursday, escalating a month-long strike as their union tries to push the coffee chain towards its first-ever labor contract.

The union said more than 3,800 baristas have joined the nationwide strike that has spread to over 180 stores across 130 cities, marking the longest work stoppage in the coffee chains history.

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The company, however, said there was no meaningful disruption to its business anywhere in the world, adding that it would return to the bargaining table as soon as the union was ready.

"Fewer than 1% of our 17,000 U.S. coffeehouses have been affected at any point by the union's efforts," said Jaci Anderson, Starbucks director of global communications.

Starbucks Workers United, representing 11,000 baristas at more than 550 active stores in the U.S., is demanding improved staffing levels, more predictable schedules and better pay, saying current conditions leave baristas overworked and underpaid.

The union has staged intermittent strikes since 2022, but the latest action is its most extensive effort to push the company toward a first labor contract.

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The protest began on November 13 during the company's Red Cup Day, a key holiday promotion, with 65 stores in more than 40 cities and has since escalated as hundreds of newly unionized workers joined in.

The company said it had invested over $500 million to improve staffing and add more partners in stores during busy times.

The stalemate between the union and the coffee giant comes after contract talks stalled in February following the rejection of Starbucks' proposed package in April that guaranteed annual raises of at least 2%.

About 560 stores have voted for union representation since the first election four years ago, but workers still lack a labor contract to secure better wages and benefits.

(Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry and Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Anil D'Silva)
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) has released its completed review of two local children services departments connected to the death investigation of 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum.

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The department began the review into the Department of Jobs and Family Services (DJFS) in both Montgomery and Clark counties after Creachbaums remains were found by police near a wooded embankment in July.

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In it, state investigators do not detail any instances of children services workers breaking the law, but they did find several times where they say Clark and Montgomery County Children Services did not follow state administrative rules.

Parts of the 19-page report are redacted, but it includes a review of a 14-month stretch and includes several details News Center 7s I-Team has previously reported.

The findings are tied to the child welfare case of Creachbaum and what Ohio Governor Mike DeWine first described to the I-Team this summer as his in-custody death.

DCY investigators said they found five instances where local children services agencies did not follow state administrative rules. As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, four happened in Clark County, and one was in Montgomery County.

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In Clark County, DCY investigators said they found a concern Clark County (Children Services) didnt take into consideration the disability of (Hershall) and his inability to communicate when making the decision to screen out the intake received.

As the I-Team previously reported, Creachbaum was non-verbal autistic.

The review also stated that Clark County failed timely safety assessments, and when it came to welfare concerns about him, Clark County officials did not interview his mothers boyfriend, Michael Kendrick, even though he was the adult subject of a report.

Saying of Kendrick, ...without an interview or even attempts to interview the mothers paramour, his impact on safety and risk was not assessed.

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Finally, state investigators found Clark County did not contact Creachbaum face-to-face in a timely manner.

For Montgomery County Children Services part, the state found they did not complete a waiver at the end of their investigation documenting that it was not possible to interview Creachbaum.

The state confirmed to the I-Team on Thursday thats because the 7-year-old was already dead.

The Montgomery County Prosecutors Office previously confirmed to the I-Team that the Montgomery County child welfare case with Creachbaum wasnt opened until two days after investigators found his remains in Dayton.

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Montgomery County released a statement after the review found that Montgomery County Children Services followed all requirements under the Ohio Administrative Code for intake and referral.

We want to be clear: the proper agency was immediately notified for every report we received, the county said in a statement.

Matthew S. Teetor, a lawyer representing Clark County DJFS, shared the following statement with the I-Team:

The administration and staff of Clark County Department of Job and Family Services are heartbroken over the tragic loss of Hershall Creachbaum, Jr. In difficult times like these, our Agency remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and to connect the families and citizens of Clark County to needed resources and services. If you know of or suspect that any child has been subjected to physical abuse or neglect, we urge you to contact our Agency and let us know.

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The state rested after testimony wrapped Thursday afternoon in the trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.

He made no comments on his way out of court.

Small is accused of beating his daughter with a broom in January 2024. He's also accused of terroristic threats and witness tampering.

The final witness on Thursday afternoon was Dr. Stephanie Lanese, a pediatrician specializing in child abuse. She examined the mayor's daughter in 2024, about a month after she was in the hospital.

READ MORE | Atlantic City mayor, school superintendent wife charged with abusing teen daughter

Photos of injuries were shown, including bruises and red marks on the girls' arms, legs and chest.

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Lanese said based on those photos she diagnosed the marks as non-accidental inflicted trauma, despite the teen telling her she tripped and fell in her bedroom.

Defense attorneys questioned the nature of the marks, insinuating that they could have been caused by other activities, including a recent fight at school.

His daughter allegedly told investigators her parents beat her on multiple occasions.

Prosecutors called Small's daughter to the stand earlier this week.

Defense attorneys for Small say he was concerned over the teen's relationship with her boyfriend, calling it teenage rebellion.

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Small's wife, LaQuetta Small, is also charged. She is the superintendent of Atlantic City Public Schools. She is being tried separately, beginning in January.

Defense will call witnesses on Friday. They have a list of 16 witnesses they plan to call.

Small's defense attorney said in opening arguments that he is prepared to take the stand.
The Seattle Police Department says officers arrested a 45-year-old man for domestic violence assault in the Green Lake neighborhood.

Officers responded to a domestic disturbance on Woodland Place N near N 64th Street and Aurora Avenue N.

The suspect was inside the victims home and refused to leave.

He also makes comments about self-harm.

Police closed part of the street for safety reasons, as SWAT was called in to help.

The suspect was arrested after a lengthy standoff.

He was booked into the King County Jail on domestic assault charges and outstanding warrant charges.
The Orlando Police Department has identified and arrested a suspect in the shooting on Columbia Street on Nov. 23, 2025.

Earlier today, OPDs Homicide unit arrested 49-year-old William Payne.

Payne was charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm.

OPD says there are no other outstanding suspects.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The GelreGroen consortium and Rijkswaterstaat have reached financial close on the ViA15 motorway project, advancing a major infrastructure initiative in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region of the Netherlands.

With a contract value of $1.4bn, the ViA15 project will be delivered through a public-private partnership under a design, build, finance, and maintenance (DBFM) model.

The project covers expanding the A15 motorway between Valburg and Ressen for 11km and the A12 motorway between Westervoort and Oud-Dijk for 12km.

It also includes building a new 12km extension of the A15, which consists of a 2.5km bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal. Ongoing maintenance of these sections is part of the scope.

The ViA15 initiative aims to address significant congestion in the eastern Netherlands by enhancing regional and international connectivity.

Upon completion, it will create a direct corridor between Rotterdams port and Germanys industrial regions.

GelreGroen comprises BESIX, Dura Vermeer, HOCHTIEF, Van Oord, and John Laing, with operational responsibilities divided between the parties.

BESIX Invest structured the financing for the project and participates as a shareholder as well.

Construction is scheduled to accelerate in early 2026 with access roads, before main works commence.

Preparatory works began in late 2025 with utility relocations, soil analysis, and site establishment.

The upgraded and new routes are expected to open to traffic by late 2031.

The project has been subject to public consultation regarding environmental impact and accessibility issues.

The consortium intends to integrate noise barriers and drainage systems while incorporating intelligent traffic management technology and active transport lanes as part of the overall design.

BESIX Nederland deputy director Boudewijn Bartholomeeusen said: At BESIX Nederland, we are proud to contribute to this important infrastructure project. Together with our partners, we look forward to delivering ViA15 and improving connectivity in the Netherlands. We thank Rijkswaterstaat for placing their trust in our consortium.

The Dutch government and province of Gelderland support this development as part of efforts to reduce bottlenecks in Arnhem and surrounding areas through expanded road capacity under the ViA15 designation.

BESIX Invest senior manager for structured finance David Mariage said: Im very proud that, together with our partners, we have reached financial close for ViA15. The consortium could rely on BESIX Invests deep expertise in structuring DBFM contracts. Now we look forward to the next step: execution.
Sources declined to give details of Deputy Foreign Minister Francois's trip, including whether he touched upon Taiwan's new multi-layered air defense system called T-Dome.

Taiwan's high-profile Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu made a previously unpublicized visit to Israel recently, three sources familiar with the trip told Reuters, at a time when Taiwan is looking to the country for defense cooperation.

Taiwan has few formal diplomatic ties due to pressure from Beijing, which views the island as one of its provinces and not a country. Like most other countries, Israel only officially recognizes Beijing and not Taipei, and while senior Taiwanese diplomats do travel abroad, trips to countries such as Israel are rare.

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Still, Taiwan views Israel as an important democratic partner and offered strong support to the country after the October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel and subsequent war in Gaza, and since then, there has been an increased level of engagement.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters that Wu had gone to Israel in recent weeks. Two of the sources said the trip happened this month.

The sources declined to give details of whom he met or what was discussed, including whether he touched upon Taiwan's new multi-layered air defense system called T-Dome, which President Lai Ching-te unveiled in October and is partly modeled on Israel's air defense system.

'Francois' Wu Chih-Chung, Taiwan's Diplomatic Representative in France, poses for a photo in Paris, France, July 27, 2024 (credit: REUTERS/ANN WANG)

Taiwan's foreign ministry declined to comment on whether Wu had visited Israel.

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"Taiwan and Israel share the values of freedom and democracy, and will continue to pragmatically promote mutually beneficial exchanges and cooperation" in areas such as trade, technology and culture and welcome more "mutually beneficial forms of cooperation," it said in a statement.

Israel's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Prominent promoter of Taiwan globally

Wu was previously Taiwan's de facto ambassador in Paris and is one of Taipei's most prominent promoters on the international stage.

His last public foreign trip was an appearance at the Berlin Security Conference on November 19.

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Taiwan has seen strong parallels between the military threat it faces from its giant neighbor, China, and Israel, which has clashed with neighbors, including Iran. Israel and Iran traded missile and air strikes earlier this year, with Israel's missile defense system shooting down many threats.

China, by contrast, has a close relationship with the Palestinians and has recognized a Palestinian state since 1988. Taiwan has said it does not plan to recognize a Palestinian state.

Speaking to reporters last month in Taipei, Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said that "of course, in terms of technology and defense, there is mutual learning and some interactions" between Taiwan and Israel.

Just as Taiwan has proposed its T-Dome, so Israel has its Iron Dome, he added.

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The T-Dome and Israel's systems are similar, but different.

Israel's multi-layered defense system includes the Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow and US-made THAAD.

The T-Dome is designed to establish a more efficient and integrated "sensor-to-shooter" mechanism for a higher kill rate, integrating existing systems like the US-built Patriot and Taiwan-made Sky Bow missiles and anti-aircraft guns.

Taiwan, Israel exchanges increasing

Taiwan has little diplomatic footprint in the Middle East, though Taiwan and Israel have de facto embassies in Tel Aviv and Taipei.

Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has been hosting Israeli officials and lawmakers.

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In October, Wu met in Taipei with Yinon Aaroni, Director-General of Israel's Welfare and Social Affairs Ministry, while in September, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met six Israeli lawmakers at his office.

Also in October, Lai told a dinner in Taiwan of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that Israel's determination and capacity to defend its territory provides a "valuable model" for Taiwan, and cited the Biblical story of David against Goliath.

Still, Taiwan ended up being embroiled in Israel's attack last year on Hezbollah officials in Lebanon after the exploding pagers used carried the brand name of a Taiwanese company.

Both Taiwan and Israel at the time played down the impact of that on bilateral ties.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Tanzanias main opposition party called Thursday for the establishment of a transitional government after a disputed election that it was barred from taking part in, saying the current government has no legitimacy.

John Heche, vice chair of the opposition party Chadema, said the United Nations and African continental bodies should oversee a transitional government and a fresh, fair election.

He said the Oct. 29 election, which the ruling party won by more than 97%, was null and void, and called for the dissolution of the Tanzanian electoral body.

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The entire election is invalid, and it has no legitimacy because it took place under gross violations of the law, justice, and democratic principles, Heche said.

The disputed election led to days of protests in which hundreds of people died and more than 2,000 others were arrested.

Tanzanian activists had planned a follow-up protest earlier this week, but human rights groups reported a crackdown and police were deployed heavily in major cities ahead of the protests.

The Southern African Development Community concluded that Tanzanias election fell short of democratic standards due to irregularities, restricted access for political party agents, and some voters being unable to vote.

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The countrys internet connection was shut down on election day and for the next 10 days, drawing concerns from human rights organizations.

Chadema's Chairperson Tundu Lissu has been in prison since April, when he was arrested and charged with treason for calling for electoral reforms.

Tanzanias President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who won in a landslide, vowed to unite the country during her inauguration while blaming the election violence on foreigners.
A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition Grady Memorial Hospital after being shot outside his apartment, as police search for the gunman.

The shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, and neighbors believe it was during a robbery while the teen was attempting to sell a video game.

Its really getting to me. I have real, real bad anxiety because of being out here and just seeing some of the stuff that goes on out here, neighbor Davoene Stephens told Channel 2s Michael Seiden.

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Tenants at the Freedom Apartments expressed frustration and heartbreak after witnessing the violent incident.

They reported seeing multiple police officers and paramedics at the scene shortly after the shooting.

Detectives returned to the complex Wednesday to search for evidence, interview witnesses and review surveillance video that may help identify the gunman.

Angel Johnson, a cousin who lives in the apartment complex, described the incident as very tragic, especially considering the victims young age.

A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said paramedics quickly transported the teen to a hospital after the shooting.

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Community members are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist the police investigation.

If you know, please inform the police about whats going on. Because we really, really we really, really have to stop this, said a concerned neighbor.

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Supremely unconstitutional? A ruling by the Tennessee Supreme Court struck down an earlier ruling on a 2022 legislative redistricting plan. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

The Tennessee Supreme Court vacated a lower courts judgment that a 2022 state Senate map was unconstitutional, ruling that a voter in a misnumbered Davidson County district lacked standing to challenge the map.

The ruling also upheld a lower courts decision that declared the 2022 House redistricting map was constitutional.

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This is the latest development in a lengthy legal battle over the maps that has spanned multiple courts since state lawmakers approved the new districts after the most recent U.S. Census.

Francie Hunt, executive director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, sought an expedited ruling from the state Supreme Court in 2023 for her challenge against the new Senate districts. She lives in a part of Davidson County that was placed into Senate District 17 along with the entirety of Wilson County in the redistricted Senate map.

Hunt challenged the Senate plan because it numbered Davidson Countys four Senate districts out of compliance with a constitutional rule that districts in multi-district counties must be numbered consecutively.

Prior to redistricting, the map numbered Davidson Countys four Senate districts consecutively. Because Senate terms are staggered, this meant two of the countys senators would be up for election in presidential election years, and the other two would be up for election in gubernatorial election years. Under the Senate map adopted in 2022, three Davidson County senators would be up for election in gubernatorial election years, and only one would coincide with the presidential election cycle.

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Justice Sarah K. Campbell, who wrote the majority opinion, stated that Hunt needed to show a distinct and palpable injury for her claim to be valid.

Hunts complaint is simply that she lives in a non-consecutively numbered Senate district, while other Tennessee voters do not, the opinion states. But that difference does not affect the weight or strength of her vote, so it is not vote dilution.

The opinion states that Davidson Countys Senate districts were also numbered nonconsecutively in redistricting plans following the census releases in 1990 and 2000. Hunt has lived in Davidson County since 1999, but was unaware of the numbering issue at that time, according to the opinion.

Voters have challenged district misnumbering in other courts when it caused voters to wait longer than usual to elect an official, Campbell wrote, but the redistricted Senate map allowed Hunt to vote for a Senate candidate in 2020 and in 2022, two years sooner than she would have been able to had her district been numbered consecutively.

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While the court found Hunt lacked standing, other plaintiffs  whether voters, candidates or public officials  may be able to establish standing based on different facts in future cases, Campbell wrote.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett congratulated the Tennessee Attorney Generals office on winning the lawsuit. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Three plaintiffs backed by the Tennessee Democratic Party initially sued the state to block maps drawn by the Republican-dominated Senate and House following the February 2022 redistricting process. The lawsuit alleged the House redistricting plan violated the Tennessee Constitution because it divided more counties than necessary and rejected an alternative plan that would have left seven counties whole.

A three-judge panel issued an injunction against the Senate map in April 2022 because it failed to meet a constitutional requirement that Senate seats in the same county must be numbered consecutively. The panel ordered lawmakers to come up with a new map within 15 days.

In response, Gov. Bill Lee, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins filed an appeal in the Tennessee Court of Appeals. The Tennessee Supreme Court intervened because of the cases urgency and lifted the panels injunction days later.

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Hargett said little about the case other than congratulations to the Attorney Generals Office in another court victory.

Minority opinion finds Senate map misnumbering did violate rights

In the courts minority opinion, Justice Holly Kirby found that Hunts constitutional rights were violated in the redistricting plan that moved her from the district held by Republican Sen. Ferrell Haile in Sumner County to that of Republican Sen. Mark Pody of Lebanon, who she said was not connected to her community.

The minority ruling found Hunt sustained injury from the 3-1 staggered terms in Davidson County and said it is neither conjectural nor hypothetical and that it would manifest itself each time District 17 changes.

Kirby threw a few barbs at the majority opinion, saying the justices quibbled with Hunts description of her injuries casting it as vote dilution.

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She summed up her ruling by saying, Under our standing jurisprudence in redistricting cases, it should not be easier for the proverbial camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a voter to challenge the constitutionality of her own voting district. Ms. Hunt has proper standing, and her claim should be considered on its merits.

The majority opinion determined that another plaintiff, Gary Wygant, did have standing to challenge the House plan, but only for Gibson County, where he resides. The court upheld a lower courts ruling that Wygant failed to prove that the legislature lacked a rational or legitimate basis for dividing Gibson County.=

In a separate opinion, Justice Dwight Tarwater wrote that Wygant could not prove he was harmed by the slicing of Gibson County from one state House district into two. Wygant claimed he and other voters were hurt by the denial of a single representative to represent all of Gibson County but Tarwater opined the claim lacked merit.

Sarah Campbell redistricting ruling

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pounced on top Democrat Bennie Thompsons (D-MS) assertion that the shooting death of a National Guardsman and wounding of another in Washington, D.C. before Thanksgiving was an unfortunate accident.

Noem appeared for a Homeland Security hearing on worldwide threats on Thursday, when Thompson addressed her and a representative of the National Counterterrorism Center.

Madam Secretary, you and the gentleman NCTC, referenced the unfortunate accident that occurred with the National Guardsmen being killed, said Thompson.

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You think that was an unfortunate accident? Noem retorted. It was a terrorist attack!

Thompson sputtered, I mean, wait, wait. Ill get it straight then you can 

He shot our National Guardsman in the head! Noem exclaimed.

It was an unfortunate situation, Thompson maintained, But you blamed it solely on Joe Biden. I want you to know, who approved the asylum application for this same person?

Noem answered that the asylum application was put into place under the rules established by the Biden administration.

Thompson challenged that assertion, saying, I dont want to charge filed perjury charges against you, but Im of the opinion that the Trump administration  DHS, your DHS  approved the asylum application.

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After more back-and-forth, a Republican lawmaker interrupted: Point of order, Mr. Chairman. That was a murder that took place in D.C. It was not an unfortunate incident. And those comments are effing disrespectful!

Twenty-year-old West Virginia National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom died a day after she and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe were shot in Washington, D.C., where they had been deployed by the Trump administration to combat violent crime.

A 29-year-old Afghan immigrant, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was charged with one count of murder, two counts of assault with the intent to kill, and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Lakanwal, who was living in Bellingham, WA, with his wife and five children, and who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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According to ABC News, the FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism, suggesting authorities are trying to determine if it may have been inspired by an international terrorist organization.

Watch the clip above via MS NOW.

The post A Terrorist Attack! Kristi Noem Loses It After Democrat Refers to National Guard Shooting as an Unfortunate Accident first appeared on Mediaite.
Twenty years prior to 1969 most air forces had been flying piston-engined fighters essentially no different from those of World War II.

In the following twenty years, top speeds almost quadrupled and cannons were complemented with guided missiles capable of destroying an enemy thirty miles away. To survive the carnage of the Middle East and Vietnam air wars, aircraft became ever more potent and by 1969 had become extraordinarily sophisticated killing machines.

The fighters of this time were also far more demanding and dangerous to their own pilots than todays generation of digital fighters, and these brutish machines were unforgiving of mistakes. Here are the 10 best fighters of 1969.

10: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 Farmer

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 Farmer

Like most MiG fighters, the 19 was a rough-and-ready hot-rod. Agile, powerful and capable of gut-wrenching acceleration it was also ill-equipped, unforgiving and brutal. Armed with three cannon and two K-13 missiles, a well flown MiG-19 remained an opponent to be respected in 1969, however its lack of a modern radar and modest top speed of Mach 1.22 put it at a distinct disadvantage.

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Pakistan Air Force MiG-19 pilot Wing Commander Irfan Masum told us We did not fear fighting any opposing aircraft. The Intel, at the time, was that we were most likely to face the Hawker Hunter in the war as that was the aircraft which was to cross over the border to do battlefield air-interdiction and airfield strikes.

10: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 Farmer

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 Farmer

Masum continued, We pretty much knew what tactics to employ. Firstly, force the Hunter to get into a vertical plane combat where our superior thrust-to-weight ratio would give us a distinct advantage. Secondly, allow the Hunter to exit and then catch him with the MiG-19s excellent acceleration and let the heat-seeking Sidewinder missile do the rest.

The type served in several air wars including Vietnam; Vietnam Peoples Air Force (VPAF) received their first MiG-19 at the end of Operation Rolling Thunder in 1968. The aircraft could easily outturn the Phantom (and out accelerate it up to Mach 1.2) and VPAF MiG-19 downed seven F-4 Phantom IIs.

9: Folland/HAL Gnat

Folland/HAL Gnat

Though highly specialised as a short-range dogfighter, the tiny and viciously manoeuvrable, Gnat developed a fierce reputation in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war earning the nickname Sabre-slayer for shooting down seven Pakistani Canadair Sabres. During the Battle of Boyra, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Gnats downed two PAF Canadair Sabres in minutes and badly damaged another.

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Another notable dogfight over Srinagar airfield saw a lone Indian pilot hold out against six Sabres scoring hits on two of the Sabres in the process before himself being shot down. The lighter, more modern, Gnat with its higher thrust-to-weight ratio had an advantage against the Sabre in the vertical plane.

9: Folland/HAL Gnat

Folland/HAL Gnat

Created by British designer W. E. W. Petter, who was also responsible for the Lightning, this subsonic British pugilist punched well about its weight, but in a world of supersonic radar-equipped fighters it is questionable how effectively it would have performed against a well-equipped enemy.

The Gnat was the smallest jet fighter to ever see service and may well have been the tightest turning  it also had a climb rate twice that of the Sabre. The Gnat has knocked the F-86 out of our top ten, but the Sabre was still a respectable fighter in 69, notably where it was armed with Sidewinders.)

8: Joint place: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17

These fighters each had huge advantages and disadvantages and were the hardest to place in the top 10.

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Any enemy foolish or ignorant enough opponent to fight the MiG-17 in the 300-330 knot regime was likely to learn a particularly nasty one-off lesson, as many did in Vietnam. Above 450 knots however, it was a pig  and its equipment was primitive; without hydraulic assistance much of the MiG-17s manoeuvrability depended on the physical strength of its pilot The MiG-17 was very tough and extremely reliable, but by 1969 was verging on obsolescence.

8: Joint place: Dassault Super Mystere

Dassault Super Mystere

The French Super Mystere was Europes first supersonic fighter, but by 1969 was also showing its age, despite its good performance in the Middle East. It was liked by Israeli pilots and fought in the 1967 Six-Day War and it was said to be a decent counter to the MiG-19. During this conflict, Super Mysteres achieved a number of air victories: two IL-14, one MiG-17 and two MiG-21s.

8: Joint place: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

Many would argue the F-104 Starfighter deserves a higher ranking, but the fact USAF did not use it as a fighter is revealing. That most operators used the aircraft in the fighter-bomber or maritime attack role point to the types limitation as a pure fighter, notably its famously poor agility. Its top speed of Mach 2+ was exceptional, its armament decent and it had a large cockpit with excellent visibility for the pilot.

But its combat record was at best mediocre: on 6 September 1965, a Pakistani F-104 may have shot down an IAF Dassault Mystere IV and damaged another. The PAF achieved two victories, however, one of the F-104 Starfighters victims was a portly Breguet Alize of the Indian Navy, hardly the most challenging opponent.

7: Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter

Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter

Though relegated to the fighter-bomber role in US hands, the Northrop F-5 was an extremely capable air-to-air fighter, in which role it served with several air forces in 1969 (including Taiwan). In this role it is closely comparable, and in some ways superior, to the Soviet MiG-21.

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Later Soviet studies of captured F-5s revealed the type to have superior manoeuvrability to the MiG-21, and more benign low speed and high angle of attack handling characteristics. Later, as a more advanced variant, it would indeed prove its mettle against the MiG-21 in the Ethio-Somali War.

7: Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter

Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter

The F-5 was a very compact design that was excellent in many ways. It was easy to maintain, economical to operate and a formidable foe in a dogfight. Its combination of small size and rapid roll and turn rate made it an air-to-air fighter to be respected. Despite being ten years old in 1969 it was far from having its full potential realised, and yet to be given the radar or lead-in computing gunsight it needed to make the most this superb airframe.

The American love of large high-tech fighters meant it missed out on what could well have been matured as a superior analogue to the MiG-21.

6: English Electric Lightning

English Electric Lightning

The fastest climbing and one of the most agile fighters on this list, the Lightning also boasted the best acceleration and highest service ceiling. The Lightning was a total rocketship; everything was sacrificed for performance, notably endurance and the number of missiles.

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Though it is the received wisdom that the Lightning F.Mk 2A was the best model, former Lightning pilot Ian Black noted that this is maybe a myth, and though the F.Mk 2A was the best for low level air defence over Germany, the best all-rounder was probably the F.Mk 6.

6: English Electric Lightning

English Electric Lightning

It was superior to the F-4 Phantom II in dogfight, a British Phantom pilot noted The Lightning pilot can out-turn you, he can out-climb you, but he aint going to be able to do it for very long. You can see him from a long distance, so you can get your shots off without him even seeing you. If that failed, it would be best to remain unseen. You wouldnt voluntarily get into a turning gunfight with a Lightning, as youre probably going to lose. Then whoever runs out of fuel first  and its probably him- has lost the fight.

5: Saab 35 Draken

Saab 35 Draken

Delta wings, a data-link, a Mach 2 top speed, the ability to operate from short runways and an infra-red search and track sensor are common features for 21st century fighters but the Swedish J-35F(2) was boasting these way back in 1969! It was also rumoured to have the lowest radar cross section of its generation (the MiG-21 is another likely contender for this title).

The Draken was a sneak preview into the future, remarkably it did all this with half the thrust of the Lightning (the Draken had one Avon, the British aircraft two).

5: Saab 35 Draken

Saab 35 Draken

However, the Draken was neither combat proven nor very agile, though uncoupling the flight control could allow pilots to perform what would later be known as the Cobra, a dramatic manoeuvre in which the nose is raised momentarily beyond the vertical position, before dropping back to normal flight. One F-15 pilot we spoke to was not impressed by the Draken, and after fighting against it in training described it as an underpowered MiG-21.

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Whereas the Falcon missile had a (perhaps unfair) bad reputation in US service it is believed that the Swedish version, the Rb 28 with its unique seeker-head, was a superior weapon. The J-35F(2) variant was the most capable Draken in 1969.

4: Mikoyan MiG-21 Fishbed

Mikoyan MiG-21 Fishbed

Fast, agile, tough and small  the MiG-21 was an excellent dogfighter and the most numerous supersonic jet fighter in history, with a staggering 11,000 produced in total. The mainstay of the Warsaw Pact air forces, it served with an unparalleled 56 air forces. The lightweight Mach 2 MiG fought in Vietnam and the Middle Eastern wars.

In 1969 the most capable 21 was the SM, a comprehensively upgraded MiG-21S using the R13-300 engine and with a built-in GSh-23L cannon, as well as a considerably updated avionics package. The Vietnam War created 24 aces (pilots with five or more victories) of these, 13 were MiG-21 pilots, including Nguyen Van Coc  the highest scoring pilot of the war with nine victories.

4: Mikoyan MiG-21 Fishbed

Mikoyan MiG-21 Fishbed

The types greatest weaknesses were a poor endurance and lack of a medium-range weapon (though to be fair - few fighter types carried these in 1969). When ex-MiG-21 pilot Air Marshal M Matheswaran (retd) spoke to us he noted the types fantastic acceleration, electric instantaneous turn rate and tiny radar cross section.

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The Soviet Union had produced a small, cheap and rugged type that could take on the best fighters of the West, a remarkable achievement. As well as the cannon, it could carry two K-3 or K-13 heat-seeking missiles.

3. Dassault Mirage III

3. Dassault Mirage III

The Mirage III proved itself devastatingly effective in Israeli hands in the 1960s. The French fighter was a dependable jack of all trades, according to Mirage III pilot Gonzalo OKelly, The Snecma Atar 9C was a very reliable engine, very resistant to compressor stalls and almost immune to flame out in flight. It was very easy to fly if you had enough speed, and stable around its envelope.

We always flew with two supersonic fuel tanks, but the aircraft behaviour was very docile. It was also very strong. It had a landing gear that would have been strong enough for carrier landings and it wasnt unusual to see 30 people over the wings and fuselage posing for a photo.

3. Dassault Mirage III

3. Dassault Mirage III

OKelly continued, We didnt need any ground support to start the engine, which was very good for detachments. It was very good at accelerating in a dive, no aircraft of that time could follow us. The aerodynamics were excellent but designed for high speed. Counting against the Mirage were its relative lack of power, and claustrophobic and cluttered cockpit.

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According to Israeli sources, during the Six Day War of 1967, a mere twelve Mirage IIIs shot down 48 aircraft. Air-to-air armament came in the form of two extremely powerful 30-mm DEFA cannon, two Matra R.550 Magic short-range infra-red guided missiles and one medium range radar-guided Matra R.530 air-to-air missile.

2: Vought F-8 Crusader

Vought F-8 Crusader

The US Navy adage, When youre out of Crusaders, youre out of fighters speaks volumes. The Crusader was an agile, responsive hotrod beloved by its pilots. Unencumbered by the weight that the long-range fleet defence origins had imposed on its service rival the F-4, the Crusader was a superior dogfighter.

Vought wrapped the smallest lightest airframe around the most powerful engine, gave the pilot excellent visibility and created a machine that was a delight to fly and devilishly hard to beat in a dogfight.

2: Vought F-8 Crusader

Vought F-8 Crusader

The Crusader also carried internal guns throughout its career, a dangerous omission on earlier Phantoms, which earned the F-8 the nickname, The Last Gunfighter. According to its pilots it was simply unbeatable in the merge (the point where two aircraft become visual), though the Crusader had an inferior armament and radar to the larger F-4.

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Aerodynamically the French F-8E(FN) was superior to other variants, with significantly increased wing lift due to greater slat and flap deflection and the addition of a boundary layer control  and enlarged stabilators. The US F-8L was probably the best equipped variant at this time. Armament consisted of four 20 mm Colt Mk 12 cannons and AIM-9 Sidewinders heat-seeking missiles.

1: McDonnell Douglas Phantom II

McDonnell Douglas Phantom II

No surprises for the top spot, the fabulous Phantom was a vast ugly battleship of a fighter, quite unlike anything else flying. The Phantom had twice the airto-air weapon load of any other aircraft on this list, and as the F-4J, had a radar that was far superior to anything else. The Phantom also had an excellent range, was exceptionally tough and had the benefit of a two-man crew.

It was the most powerful fighter on the list, with almost 36,000Ib of reheated thrust. Choosing the most formidable Phantom variant of the time is trickier  its a toss-up between the F-4J with its (at the time) unique ability to look down and shoot down (its new fangled pulse doppler radar denied opponents the liberty of hiding from radar by flying low) and the internal gun toting F-4E.

Though the F-4J and F-4E were technically the most formidable Phantoms of 69, they had yet to score a kill  and both would have to wait to be blooded in air combat (the former scored its first kill in 1970, the latter in 72). (It should be noted that the (British) Royal Navys F-4K was also well-equipped.)

1: McDonnell Douglas Phantom II

McDonnell Douglas Phantom II

Disadvantages of the Phantom included a large size and smoky engines that made the aircraft easy to acquire visually, in this interview Gonzalo OKelly noted, it was very easy to spot Phantoms from 6 or 7 miles because that huge black smoke trail that their engines left behind (except in afterburner) and because it was a big bird.

Flown and fought carefully by well-trained battle-hardened crews the Phantom was devastatingly effective and was certainly the best fighter in the world in the last year of the 1960s. The Phantom was responsible for 147 aerial victories in the Vietnam War, far more than any other US type.

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NORTH ANDOVER  In a perfect world, the North Andover Fire Departments new brush firefighting truck will never leave the station.

But the massive new Ford F-550 made its debut in the Santa Parade riding down Main Street on Nov. 29, offering a glimpse to residents who lined the street the upgrades which the department has made to fight brush fires to better serve the community and help neighboring towns in the process.

Brush fires peak in April. Massachusetts and the Merrimack Valley had an anomaly year for brush fires last year as a drought kicked off a very dry season in April 2024 and firefighting efforts continued through November, Acting fire Chief Graham Rowe said.

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Last November, fire crews worked to contain a 150-acre brush fire at Sharpners Pond Road to keep the flames from the aggressive fire from spreading. The Massachusetts Air National Guard and crews from several Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine departments, as well as state agencies, helped to secure the fire. The same month a Middleton brush fire burned for weeks.

The departments previous truck was sufficient to handle the fires, but the Ford F-350 was carrying minimal amounts of water and running out of water quickly as the brush fires were so expansive last year.

The experience responding to its own brush fires and aiding neighboring departments allowed North Andover firefighters to see what worked and didnt when trying to contain the brush fires. They saw local departments which had larger apparatuses to go off road when fighting these brush fires, taking crews farther into the woods to get the fires under control.

Lt. Neil Patnaude said the focus was to also have its own one-size-fits-all truck capable of off-roading while carrying a significant amount of weight, both from water and equipment, which the departments previous setup had lacked.

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We were able to identify a specific need and capitalize on available resources to build a truck that was capable off-road and able to assist moving personnel and crew deep into the woods, Patnaude said.

With the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds, the brush truck cost $140,000. There was no financial impact to North Andover taxpayers. Costs were additionally lowered by capitalizing on borrowed equipment last year and hiring different companies to build it.

Rowe and Chief John Weir secured an emergency services grant through ARPA prior to last years brush fires as the department worked to upgrade infrastructure and equipment, with town officials approval. Rowe said with the numerous brush fires, the timing was right to use the funds to improve firefighting against brush fires with a truck able to go off road.

We had the availability through ARPA funding to increase our ability to get out there and fight the brush fires, Rowe said. We were able to upgrade our equipment and are now able to better serve the community and neighboring communities in the mutual aid system like they did for us.

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The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation donated a larger water tank and hose reel at no cost to North Andover Fire Department since they were state assets re-purposed for brush fires. Watts Water Technologies in North Andover is also helping with the trucks valves.

The truck isnt an ordinary pickup as it was customized with big, wide tires for ground clearance to go through the woods, over stumps and around rocks. Even with the customization, the truck retained its factory weight ratings.

Acting Deputy fire Chief Jeff Crosby was in charge of the trucks emergency outfitting with lighting, radios and power supplies added to satisfy the departments needs based on what worked for other emergency crews.

Patnaude and Crosby worked on the wiring of the emergency lights, laid out where tools would go and put the finishing touches on the truck to make sure everything fit the departments needs.

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So far this year, there have not been many brush fires, Rowe said, with less significant periods of drought and more rain. But the truck will be ready for next spring, if or when those calls come.

It will be a good asset not only for us, but for all the neighboring towns, those same towns that helped us out last year, Patnaude said. Now we have an asset that can help them as well.
The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology and upgrades for Pakistans F-16 fighter planes worth approximately $686m.

The deal was struck amid simmering tensions between Pakistan and its neighbour, India, which engaged in a five-day war following a rebel attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in May this year. The US recently pressured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to buy more weapons from it.

We take a closer look at the US-Pakistan F-16 upgrade deal and why this is significant now.

What has the US agreed with Pakistan?

Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the Brussels-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera that the latest approval is part of a 2022 maintenance deal the US agreed in 2022 to sustain Pakistans fleet of F-16s.

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The F-16 deal remains a key part of the broader US-Pakistan bilateral relationship, which is why there has been continuity from President Biden to President Trump, despite some delays. Both sides emphasise the fleets utility in joint counterterrorism operations in the region.

The latest US deal is for the sale of technology, which will support and upgrade Pakistans existing F-16 fleet. It was confirmed in a report sent to the US Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on December 4.

Pakistan is believed to have 70 to 80 working F-16s. Some of these are older, but upgraded, Block 15 models, some are former Jordanian F-16s, and some are newer Block 52+ models.

The US offering comprises hardware and software updates for enhanced flight operations and aircraft electronic systems; the Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, which allows pilots to identify friendly aircraft from enemy ones; navigation upgrades; spare parts and repairs.

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Alongside $649m-worth of support and upgrades for the F-16s, the US sale also includes major defence equipment (MDE), which are items of significant military equipment on the US munitions list, worth $37m. This includes 92 Link-16 systems.

The Link-16 is a secure military tactical data link network which allows real-time communication between military aircraft, ships and ground forces. It allows communication through text messages and images.

Six Mk-82 inert 500-pound (226.8kg) general-purpose bomb bodies are another type of MDE authorised to be sold to Pakistan. These are empty metal casings of an Mk-82 bomb, which are used for training or testing.

Instead of an explosive such as tritonal  a mixture of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and aluminium powder used in munitions  the casing is filled with a heavy material such as concrete or sand. The Mk-82 is an unguided bomb developed by the US. It can also be used as a warhead for precision-guided munitions.

What are F-16 fighters?

The F-16, also called the F-16 Fighting Falcon or the Viper, is a single-engine aircraft used for air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack by the US and its allies.

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The jets are currently manufactured by US defence and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin, which took over production in 1995. It was originally developed by General Dynamics, a US industrial and technology company.

The jet was developed towards the end of the war in Vietnam, during which the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) overwhelmed heavier and slower US fighter planes. It first flew in 1974.

The F-16 is now one of the worlds most widely used fighters. F-16s are operating in 29 countries, according to the Lockheed Martin website.

Besides Pakistan, some other countries which have F-16s are Ukraine, Turkiye, Israel, Egypt, Poland, Greece, Taiwan, Chile, Singapore, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway.

F-16s perform aerobatic manoeuvres during a rehearsal for Pakistan Day parade, March 16, 2024 [Aamir Qureshi/AFP]

What role did F-16s play in the May conflict between India and Pakistan?

On April 22, armed attackers killed 26 people in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a separatist group designated a terrorist organisation by India and the US, and which New Delhi alleges is linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)  a claim Islamabad denies.





Following the Pahalgam attack, New Delhi scaled back diplomatic ties with Islamabad and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which ensures the appropriate sharing of the Indus River water between India and Pakistan.

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On May 7, India struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir with missiles, which Islamabad said killed dozens of civilians. Over the following three days, the countries engaged in a heated aerial war, using drones and missiles to target each others military bases.

During the aerial war, Pakistan deployed 42 hi-tech aircraft, including the F-16s, and Chinese-made JF-17s and J-10s, according to Pakistans Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed.

A ceasefire  for which US President Donald Trump took credit  was eventually brokered on May 10.





Is the US applying pressure to India?

Yes, for a couple of reasons.

The US approval for Pakistans F-16 upgrade comes as the Trump administration presses India to buy more weapons from it.

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In August, New Delhi put its plans to buy US weapons and aircraft on hold, the Reuters news agency reported, quoting three unnamed Indian officials familiar with the matter.

This came just weeks before Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had been scheduled to visit Washington to announce some weapon purchases. That visit was cancelled.

India-US relations have also been tense in recent months.

On August 6, Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from India as a punishment for buying cheap Russian crude oil. This was on top of the existing 25 percent tariff already levied on Indian goods, bringing the total levy on Indian imports to 50 percent.

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Trump announced the tariff in an executive order, in which he wrote that Russias continued military actions in Ukraine constituted a national emergency and it was therefore necessary and appropriate to place heightened tariffs on India, a top consumer of its crude oil.

I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.

While pressure from the US has resulted in India slightly scaling back purchases of Russian oil, New Delhi plans to continue to buy from Moscow. It remains the second-largest consumer of Russian oil after China.

President Vladimir Putin met Prime Minister Modi for the annual Russia-India bilateral summit in New Delhi last week, during which he said: Russia is ready for uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India.

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The announcement of the latest US deal to provide maintenance and upgrades for Pakistans F-16s is likely to be poorly received by India.

Donthi said New Delhi has previously opposed the defence cooperation between Pakistan and the US under which the two countries collaborate to maintain Pakistans F-16 fleet. India has claimed the F-16s are used against it.

Washington pre-empted it this time by stating that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region, Donthi said.

Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst based in Washington, DC, told Al Jazeera: I wouldnt overstate the India angle here. Certainly one may look at this deal as the latest attempt by Washington to use its largesse to Pakistan as a pressure point to get India to make more concessions to the US in trade talks.

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However, he added that the deal is one that has a logic of its own thats not tied to India.

It is largely a standalone arrangement within a longrunning program to support Pakistans US-made aircraft. It comes alongside continued, though less generous, US defence cooperation with India  reflecting two parallel tracks of security ties rather than a single Indiafocused strategy, Kugelman explained.

How much does the US sale strengthen Pakistan?

Kugelman said the package is significant. It is one of the more generous security aid packages to Pakistan in recent years. Nearly $700 million is nothing to sneeze at.

The deal is also significant for US-Pakistan relations as it signifies the importance the Trump administration places on counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan.

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Critical minerals and other commercial opportunities have drawn the most headlines in discussions about the resurgence in US-Pakistan ties. But counterterrorism collaborations, while modest in scope, are important for this administration, he said.

However, Donthi pointed out that while the latest package from the US will help Pakistan maintain its fleet until 2040, it is China which has supplied more than 80 per cent of Pakistans weapons since 2020.

This statistic is also backed by Swedish think tank SIPRI in a report this year.

Pakistan used Chinese J-10 aircraft in the May conflict with India. Islamabad continues to balance between Washington and Beijing, benefiting from both, Donthi said.
January WTI crude oil (CLF26) today is down -0.57 (-0.97%), and January RBOB gasoline (RBF26) is down -0.0062 (-0.34%).

Crude oil and gasoline prices added to Monday's losses today, with crude posting a 1.5-week low and gasoline posting a 2-week low. Today's stronger dollar is bearish for energy prices. Crude prices are also falling on concerns about a global oil glut. Losses in crude are limited on expectations that restrictions on Russian energy exports will remain, with no end in sight to the Russian-Ukrainian war.

More News from Barchart

Crude prices came under pressure today after global commodities trader Trafigura said the global oil market is headed for a "super glut" next year as a wave of new supplies runs up against sluggish energy demand.

Weakness in the crude crack spread is a negative factor for oil prices. The crack spread fell to a 6-week low today, discouraging refiners from purchasing crude oil and refining it into gasoline and distillates.

Also weighing on crude prices was last Thursday's action by Saudi Arabian state producer Aramco to cut the price of its Arab Light crude oil for Asian customers by 30 cents/bbl for January delivery, the lowest since January 2021, a sign of weakened energy demand.

Geopolitical risks are supporting crude prices. Last Tuesday, Interfax reported that Russian President Putin threatened to attack ships from nations helping Ukraine if attacks on Russian vessels don't stop. Recently, four Russian tankers have been attacked by drones in the Black Sea. Also, President Trump said airspace over Venezuela should be considered closed and that the US may soon start targeting drug cartels within Venezuela. Venezuela is the world's 12th-largest oil producer.

Reduced crude exports from Russia are underpinning crude prices. On November 19, Vortexa data showed Russia's oil product shipments fell to 1.7 million bpd in the first 15 days of November, the lowest in more than 3 years. Ukraine has targeted at least 28 Russian refineries over the past three months, exacerbating a fuel crunch in Russia and limiting Russia's crude export capabilities. Ukrainian drone and missile attacks over the weekend damaged a Russian Baltic Sea oil terminal, forcing it to close. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which carries 1.6 million bpd of Kazakhstan's crude exports, was forced to close after a pipeline was damaged at one of its moorings. New US and EU sanctions on Russian oil companies, infrastructure, and tankers have also curbed Russian oil exports.
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - A federal judge ruled on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration unlawfully terminated a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant program designed to protect states and communities against natural disasters before they occur.

U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns in Boston sided with 20 mostly Democratic-led states in finding that the Republican president's administration lacked authority to end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and use money Congress approved to support it for other purposes.

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The agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, announced in April it would end the program, calling it wasteful, ineffective and politicized.

But Stearns, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, said the administration's action amounted to an "unlawful executive encroachment on the prerogative of Congress to appropriate funds for a specific and compelling purpose."

"The BRIC program is designed to protect against natural disasters and save lives," Stearns wrote. "It need not be gainsaid that the imminence of disasters is not deterred by bureaucratic obstruction."

Stearns at an earlier stage in the case in August blocked FEMA from diverting more than $4 billion allocated to BRIC and spending it on other purposes.

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On Thursday, he blocked the program from being canceled without the approval of Congress and ordered FEMA to promptly take all steps necessary to reverse its termination.

Today's court order will undoubtedly save lives by preventing the federal government from terminating funding that helps communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, a Democrat who co-led the case, said in a statement.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement it had not terminated BRIC and that "any suggestion to the contrary is a lie." BRIC was used by Democratic President Joe Biden's administration "as a Green New Deal slush fund," the spokesperson added.

"Its unfortunate that an activist judge either didnt understand that or didnt care," the department spokesperson said.

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The BRIC program is the largest pre-disaster mitigation program offered through FEMA. It helps state and local governments protect major infrastructure such as roads and bridges before the occurrence of floods, hurricanes and other disasters.

According to the lawsuit, FEMA approved about $4.5 billion in grants for nearly 2,000 projects, primarily in coastal states, over the last four years.

States led by Washington and Massachusetts sued in July, saying that the end of the BRIC program had devastating impacts on communities nationally, forcing them to delay, scale back or cancel hundreds of disaster mitigation projects.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Aurora Ellis and Stephen Coates)
The White House says Secretary Kristi Noem isnt going anywhere. That hasnt stopped people from floating possible replacements.

Fox News contributor and former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, whose term ends in January, are among the names being discussed inside the Trump administration and on the Hill as potential Noem successors, according to an administration official and two people close to the administration.

The conversations about potential replacements come amid heightened speculation that Noems days as a key executor of President Donald Trumps mass deportations agenda may be numbered. There is increasing frustration with how shes managed the agency, fear shes bungled the billions of dollars in new funding her agency received this year from Republicans domestic policy and tax legislation. In addition, there are also concerns about Corey Lewandowskis outsize role at DHS, and the tensions between Noem and Trump Border Czar Tom Homan about how to best execute the presidents immigration agenda.

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This story is based on conversations with 17 people, including administration officials, people close to the White House, and lawmakers. Many were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel issues.

Im hearing from people that shes about to leave, said one person close to the administration, who added that Noem wouldnt be fired. The exit could be graceful, the person said, with Noem leaving for another opportunity and being able to say shes succeeded at DHS.

Even as frustrations mount at the White House, a decision to remove her would ultimately have to come from Trump, who has repeatedly praised Noem in public for her leadership. And White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told reporters Tuesday that hes thrilled with the job Secretary Noem is doing, adding that her track record as secretary of Homeland Security has been nothing short of extraordinary.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Trump has assembled the most talented and capable Cabinet in American history.

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Secretary Noem is doing a great job implementing the presidents agenda and making America safe again, she said. Reports of her departing are Fake News. President Trump, Secretary Noem, and Tom Homan are all on the same page when it comes to implementing the Presidents agenda and the results speak for themselves  the border is secure and deportations continue to increase.

Noem also has defenders on Capitol Hill. Asked about her potential departure, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) insisted that Kristis worked really hard.

But the praise for Noem and denials that she is on her way out have done little to tame discussions among people inside and close to the administration, who believe Noem will exit DHS in the months ahead.

Immigration enforcement is one of the presidents most controversial domestic policies, and its ties to the use of the National Guard in U.S. cities have critics warning the administration is building a paramilitary police force. Noem has been the face of this policy and leaned into turning raids into made-for-TV productions, all of which has earned her scorn on the left. But her constant presence on television and penchant for live shots have also irked some in Trumps orbit who see her as unserious and too focused on her 2028 ambitions, according to multiple administration officials and people close to the White House.

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Shes not doing this so she can get a cushy job on Fox News when she leaves, said the administration official. Her best shot is to get out on the campaign trail now, start lining up endorsements from governors and then use that to negotiate a role in the next administration  secretary of State, vice president.

A second administration official said they would be shocked if Noem left by early January, but added that there is definitely a belief inside the department that she will leave at some point to launch a campaign for 2028. The official, like others, suggested that Noem has not indicated that she plans to exit anytime soon.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, when asked to comment on growing speculation about Noems political future, said I cant speak for the President, but Ive seen more credible reporting on Bigfoot.

Still, chatter about her departure has escalated in recent weeks, opening the door for others to position themselves to fill her role.

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Chaffetz, who served as House Oversight Committee chair from January 2015 until he resigned in 2017, was engaged with DHS and had high-profile battles with Obama-era appointees. Hes a close ally of the president, a fierce advocate on Fox News, and regularly has discussions with senior administration officials about the implementation of Trumps agenda, said one person close to the Trump administration.

Chaffetz did not respond to a request for comment.

The policy implementation, numbers and communications arent where they should be at DHS. He knows that and has vast policy and oversight experience, not only on the central issue of immigration enforcement but also the complicated component agencies within the department, the person said. He covers a lot of bases for President Trump and senior officials. He enjoys close relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the Hill and is uniquely confirmable. I think thats why it makes a lot of sense that his name keeps popping up in discussions about filling a post, particularly DHS.

Youngkin, who is term-limited, has met with Trump immigration officials, according to one former ICE official. In a call with supporters before last months election, when Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl-Sears was defeated in a landslide, the Virginia governor praised Trump for cutting trade deals, peace deals and for bringing huge investments back to the United States.

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I know that you will always put America first, Youngkin said on the call last month. Trump responded by calling Youngkin one of the greatest governors in our country.

A Youngkin spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The role of Homeland Security secretary already had a reputation for being an unwieldy job. Whoever leads DHS is tasked with a sprawling remit that includes cybersecurity, immigration enforcement, disaster response, counterterrorism efforts, transportation security and the Secret Service.

Immigration has earned the role more partisan scrutiny: The House impeached Noems immediate predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, and Trumps first term saw various people cycle through the challenging role.

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Yet Noems tenure appears particularly precarious for a number of reasons, according to administration officials and people close to the White House. Noem already faced bipartisan criticism for cutting staffing at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , the nations main cyber agency housed under DHS, at a time when the country faces major digital threats. DHS under her leadership has also faced heat from both parties for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys difficulties in disbursing federal relief to states following recent major natural disasters .

Weve had our issues with reimbursements around [Hurricane] Helene, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said. Mine is a very selfish perspective. You can never do it soon enough, but Homeland Security seems a little slow off the marks there for disaster recovery.

And on immigration, theres frustration inside the White House that Noem hasnt moved quickly to spend dollars from Congress tax and domestic policy legislation, including deploying funds to expand detention space  instead focusing on partnerships with red state governors to open vacant prisons and facilities that ultimately provide less beds, according to multiple administration officials and people close to the White House.

This tension also emerged over the purchase of more planes for removal flights, with some inside the administration feeling that she took too long, the first administration official said. The official said ICE is expected to commit all funds doled out by the GOP megalaw by the end of the fiscal year, viewed by some internally as an effort to counter criticism that she hasnt moved the money fast enough.

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But some Trump officials are also concerned that other DHS contracts may draw scrutiny as Democrats seize on media reports about the agencys spending, said the first administration official and one of the two people close to the White House.

For example, a ProPublica report documented how a firm with close ties to Noems political operation and some of her top aides was one beneficiary of a more than $200 million ad campaign to deter illegal immigration. A group of Senate Democrats has requested an investigation. McLaughlin told ProPublica, that we dont have visibility into why the firm was chosen, and DHS told the publication that the agency has no involvement with the selection of subcontractors.

Theres definitely some fishy stuff going on with money, said the first administration official. Whether or not its true  even just a rumor  optics are everything.

Even some Senate Republicans were loath to defend her when asked about her future and her record leading the agency. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) acknowledged that its been difficult to exercise oversight over DHS, but insisted that it was up to the president to decide whether Noem should stay.

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Another factor that has made Noems tenure less stable is her rivalry with Homan, who has worked in numerous administrations since ICE was constituted. The two have had regular disagreements about how to execute the presidents immigration agenda, and both want to be perceived as the one in charge, said the first administration official, the two people close to the administration and a third person close to the White House.

Her clashes with Tom Homan are a problem. The rivalry, neither wanting to be subordinate to the other, said the first person close to the administration. Their insistence on independence and on being the one running the show  or at least the one perceived to be running the show.

Lewandowskis ongoing influence at DHS has also continued to ruffle feathers. As chief adviser to the secretary, former and current administration officials have questioned how hes counting his days at the agency  given he was originally tapped as a special governmental employee, a temporary role that is supposed to be limited to 130 days per year of unpaid work. He is regularly seen alongside Noem at events and on travel, and has been involved in green-lighting six-figure contracts at the agency. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have been hyperfocused on Lewandowskis role and have sent letters to the administration, calling for the release of Lewandowskis financial disclosures.

The rest of the political calendar seems unlikely to ease any of Noems political woes. The secretary is slated to testify Thursday before the House Homeland Security Committee for its annual hearing on worldwide threats. Democrats are expected to raise a litany of issues before the secretary, from the ways in which ICE officers have carried out immigration enforcement operations to allegations that Noem and other top DHS officials have benefited from federal contracts.

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Senate Democrats want Noem to testify in the coming weeks as well.

Theres certainly no shortage of problems with the management of DHS, and I think it has been mismanaged in all sorts of areas, said Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Somebody has to be held accountable for it.

Liz Crampton and Cheyenne Haslett contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump was in Pennsylvania on Dec. 9 talking up his record on affordability, as other eyes were on Florida for the Miami mayoral race.

Republicans have been up against warning signs of a blue wave in the 2026 midterm elections, after Democrats overperformed in several elections this year. Trump is also facing complaints he hasn't been doing enough on the economy, and he defended his record in the Poconos on Tuesday night, the first of a series of rallies he is expected to do ahead of the midterm.

But in Miami, the candidate he backed for mayor lost to the first Democrat to win the office in nearly 30 years. So how are voters feeling about Trump's job performance? Here is what to know about his approval ratings in key states.

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More: Candidate backed by Trump routed by Democrat in Latino-majority Miami

Trump's approval rating flips negative in 2 Republican-leaning states

Trump has a net positive approval rating in 22 states, according to Morning Consult, which gathers polls over the course of three months to get a look at state-level data among registered voters. The Dec. 5 update has two fewer above-water states compared to the previous month's update.

Ohio and Iowa, which were considered Republican strongholds in the 2024 election, were the two states where Trump lost his standing with voters, according to Morning Consult. The pollster also found Trump's disapproval grew to second-term highs in these 2024 swing states: Arizona (51%), Georgia (50%), Michigan and North Carolina (52% each) and Wisconsin (54%). His approval rating is negative in all the swing states.

In Pennsylvania, 47% approve of Trump's job performance and 50% disapprove. In Florida, 50% approve of Trump's job performance, compared to 46% who disapprove.

What is Trump's average approval rating?

Averages based on RealClearPolitics and New York Times aggregators show Trump's approval rating is net negative, but improving after a sharp drop last month.

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As of Jan. 27, 50.5% approved, giving Trump a net positive rating until March 13, when it flipped to net negative with 47.8% approval, compared to 48.5% disapproval, RealClearPolitics graphics show. The approval rating reached a low on April 29 at 45.1% approval, which fell around Trump's 100-day mark. It reached a new low of 42.3% on Nov. 14, as the controversy on Jeffrey Epstein's emails heated up following the end of the government shutdown. The following week, his disapproval also ticked up to a term high of 55.6% on Nov. 21. As of Dec. 9, RealClearPolitics found 43.9% approve and 52.8% disapprove.

The New York Times aggregator showed Trump's approval fell from 52% approval in January to 44% approval in April, and then mostly held steady for months. According to the Times, Trump's term low is 41% approval, which he first reached on Nov. 12. His disapproval also notched up to 56% on Nov. 19, a high for this term per the aggregator. As of Dec. 10, 43% approve and 54% disapprove, per the New York Times.

How does President Donald Trump's approval rating compare to past presidents?

In a Gallup poll conducted from Nov. 3-25, 36% approved of Trump's job performance.

A historical analysis by Gallup shows Trump's approval ratings in November of his first years in office  both as the 45th and 47th presidents  are lower than any other modern president at the same time in their administrations. Here is how his November approval compares to other presidents in November of their first year of their terms, according to Gallup:

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Joe Biden (November 2021) - 42% approve

Trump (November 2017) - 37% approve

Barack Obama (November 2009) - 51% approve

George W. Bush (November 2001) - 87% approve

Bill Clinton (November 1993) - 49% approve

George H.W. Bush (November 1989) - 70% approve

Ronald Reagan (November 1981) - 52% approve

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Bluesky and TikTok.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What is Donald Trump's approval rating in Florida? See latest polls.
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Mike Lindell, creator of the MyPillow and a noted conspiracy theorist, has announced he is running for governor of Minnesota.

Lindell is a longtime friend and supporter of President Donald Trump and is known for saying that voting machines in the United States are rigged and can flip elections.

Though he's lost lawsuits for his election denials, he is still saying that the 2020 election was stolen.

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He enters a crowded field of Republicans vying for Gov. Tim Walz's office, including speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Lisa Demuth, former state senator and 2022 Republican nominee for governor Scott Jensen, lawyer Chris Madel and state Rep. Kristin Robbins.

Walz's campaign is already attacking Lindell for his ties to Trump, labeling him "the far-right CEO, election denier, and Donald Trump's top ally in Minnesota."

"Mike Lindell is selling conspiracies, MAGA extremism, and pillows. He has no business holding the highest office in our state," Walz's campaign said in a fundraising email last week.

Lindell announced his campaign on Thursday, with an eight-minute video filmed on the factory floor of his MyPillow company. He claimed that the President Joe Biden administration "targeted my banks, they targeted my suppliers, they even took my phone."

I'm officially running for Governor of Minnesota - watch the live full announcement below: Let's bring common sense back to Minnesota. Learn more at https://t.co/8zZVI7H3qz pic.twitter.com/vOnnPTqt1g Mike Lindell (@realMikeLindell) December 11, 2025

He said he wants to stop the "rampant fraud" in Walz's administration, stop rising property taxes and "the crime that threatens you and your family." He also wants to change the state's voting system so that voters submit paper ballots that are then hand-counted.

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The fraud Lindell references comes from an investigation of dozens of people who allegedly stole from the state's program to feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several Somali immigrants allegedly created small companies that billed state agencies for millions in social services that never went to the intended people. Walz has said that anyone who stole from the government will be prosecuted.

Trump has responded by ending deportation protections for all Minnesota Somalis.

Lindell told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he told Trump he was thinking of running for governor back in August, but he wouldn't say what Trump's response was.

But Trump didn't back him in his bid for chair of the Republican National Committee in 2023. He only got four votes in that election.

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Trump's former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani now works for Lindell on his media network, LindellTV, and he's been giving Lindell political advice.

"He's been part of many campaigns," Lindell told the Star Tribune. "He knows what he's doing."

LindellTV now has credentials to cover the White House and the Pentagon, The New York Times reported.

Lindell calls his story "the American Dream on steroids," touting his rise from crack cocaine addiction to successful business owner. He considers himself the frontrunner in the field of candidates and said, "I believe I will stand on my own merit," Lindell said.
North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) speaks to reporters on Oct. 20, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

President Donald Trump endorsed Phil Berger on Wednesday evening, backing the North Carolina Senate leader as he faces a Republican primary challenge next year.

Phil Berger has my Complete and Total Endorsement for re-election, Trump wrote on Truth Social. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!

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Berger has led Republicans in the Senate since 2005 and is one of the most powerful elected officials in the state. He is facing a challenge from Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, who has decried Berger as a backroom dealer who falls short on key conservative priorities.

Berger thanked Trump for the endorsement on social media and said he was honored to receive it.

Trump also praised Page, calling him a lifetime supporter and both of the candidates outstanding people. But he said he preferred to have Page come work for us in Washington, D.C., rather than further considering a run against Phil.

Rockingham Sheriff Sam Page is running against NC Senate leader Phil Berger the Senate District 26 GOP primary.

But Page said in a statement that he would continue campaigning.

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Ive committed to upholding conservative values here in North Carolina and ending the corruption and liberal policies Phil Berger has pushed for years, Page said. I will defeat Phil Berger on March 3.

Over recent months, Berger has rolled out endorsements from prominent North Carolina Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Ted Budd and several of the U.S. House delegation.

Berger was for years considered effectively untouchable, leading what has become a Senate supermajority while shepherding state budgets and conservative priorities. But he suffered a political setback in 2023 after failing to garner support to fund four casinos within the budget, including one in Rockingham County.

Among those pushing back hardest against the casinos inclusion was Page. He has in the years since continued to serve as a critic of the Senate leader, and again appeared at the legislature (as an active candidate) to oppose a ban on in-shore shrimp trawling. That ban, led by the Senate under Berger, was abandoned in the House.

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An endorsement from Trump has been the subject of scrutiny and discussion in the primary race before. Berger previously denied unsubstantiated rumors that he agreed to lead mid-decade redistricting in exchange for the presidents backing.

Trumps informal offer for Page to join his administration, meanwhile, is also a familiar move. In 2024, when former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker was running to rejoin Congress, he abandoned his candidacy to join the Trump campaign at Trumps request.

Berger and Pages campaigns have volleyed a series of attacks at each other over the past few months.

Page, meanwhile, has been the subject of outside scrutiny, both legal and political.

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He told reporters shortly after filing for office that he had spoken to the State Bureau of Investigation; on Wednesday, he told the Raleigh News & Observer that he was contacted and questioned in regards to a drink machine vending account.

That follows comments last month by Kevin Berger, Phil Bergers son who serves on the Rockingham County commission. Berger and the county board had inquired about Page potentially entering financial contracts for the county jail without first getting approval.

Page has said he believes the uptick in scrutiny is connected to his challenge to Berger.
Trump rolls out a new Gold Card program promising an expedited path to US residency through fees, vetting, and financial contributions.

US President Donald Trump kicked off the launch of his Gold Card initiative with the unveiling of the new website trumpcard.gov on a Truth Social post on Tuesday.

The Gold Card program, first announced in February, offers an expedited route to US citizenship through a combination of processing fees and mandatory financial contributions referred to as a gift.

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Trumps post stated, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENTS TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY! A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent. Live Site opens in 30 minutes!

According to the website trumpcard.gov, the Trump Gold Card is a visa pathway for individuals who can provide a substantial benefit to the United States. Applicants begin by paying a $15,000 nonrefundable DHS processing fee.

Once that fee is submitted, officials place the petition and visa adjudication on an expedited track. After vetting is completed, applicants are expected to make a $1 million gift, which the program lists as evidence that the individual will benefit the country.

On the Gold Card website, an asterisk states: Additional small fees to the US Department of State may apply depending on the applicant.

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The program also includes a corporate version. The Trump Corporate Gold Card allows companies to sponsor employees, with each employee requiring a $15,000 DHS processing fee and a $2 million gift after vetting.

US President Donald Trump announced his new Gold Card initiative on Truth Social on Tuesday, unveiling a program that offers an expedited route to US citizenship through a combination of processing fees and mandatory financial contributions referred to as a gift. (credit: Screenshot via Truth Social/Section 27a of the copyright act)

Corporate sponsors may apply for multiple employees at once and may transfer a previously submitted gift to a new employee if the original beneficiary's sponsorship ends. The Corporate Gold Card carries a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee, which includes a new DHS background check.

Successful applicants may receive EB-1 or EB-2 lawful permanent resident status, depending on DHS determination and visa availability. To qualify, applicants must be eligible for permanent residency, admissible to the United States, and have a visa number available. The program notes that some countries may face waits of a year or more based on visa limits.

Family members are eligible

Family members, such as spouses and unmarried children under 21, may be included in the initial submission, with an additional $15,000 DHS processing fee and a $1 million "gift" required for each. The website states that Gold Card status may be revoked for national security or significant criminal grounds.

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Applicants will submit forms and processing fees online, after which DHS begins vetting. Those who pass vetting receive instructions on how to provide the required "gift contribution." USCIS will then email applicants with directions to create a myUSCIS.gov account, which is used to track updates and upload any necessary documents.

The website notes that the State Department may request additional information as part of the process.

Officials indicate that the overall timeline should take weeks once the application and fee are received, provided applicants attend their visa interview and submit documents promptly.

Payment options include a credit card or ACH debit for the $15,000 fee, and ACH debit or SWIFT wire transfer for the $1 million or $2 million "gift" once vetting is complete. Visa and medical exam fees are handled directly through State Department channels.

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Permanent residents approved under the program are subject to US taxation, including taxes on non-US income.

A separate offering, the Trump Platinum Card, has not yet launched. It is described as allowing individuals to reside in the United States for up to 270 days per year without being subject to US tax on non-US income.

The program lists a $5 million contribution, though it notes that the amount may change. A waitlist for the Platinum Card is currently open.
Donald Trumps big mouth could cost him more Republican votes in Indiana as he pushes the Hoosier State to redistrict.

Anxious about the 2026 midterms, Trump issued directives to several red states, including Indiana, to redraw their congressional maps in order to bolster Republicans razor-thin majority in the House. In Indianas case, that unprecedented, long-shot effort would win just two more seats in the U.S. House.

On Thursday, hours before the state Senate is set to vote, Trump issued another nasty missive, attacking more local leaders while threatening to back primary opponents for anyone who votes against his plan. This time, the ire of Trumps focus was Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray, who has formed a coalition of allies averse to the measure that very soon could see its death knell.

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Every other State has done Redistricting, willingly, openly, and easily. There was never a question in their mind that contributing to a WIN in the Midterms for the Republicans was a great thing to do for our Party, and for America itself, Trump wrote in a lengthy Truth Social rant Wednesday night. Unfortunately, Indiana Senate Leader Rod Bray enjoys being the only person in the United States of America who is against Republicans picking up extra seats, in Indianas case, two of them.

He is putting every ounce of his limited strength into asking his soon to be very vulnerable friends to vote with him.

The people of Indiana dont want the Party of Sleepy Joe Biden, Kamala, Ilhan Omar, or the rest to succeed in Washington, the president continued. Bray doesnt care. Hes either a bad guy, or a very stupid one!

Anybody that votes against Redistricting, and the SUCCESS of the Republican Party in D.C., will be, I am sure, met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring, Trump wrote. Rod Bray and his friends wont be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again.

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Trumps fury is unlikely to win him any friends. At least one Republican in the statea longtime disability advocatehas already sworn off voting in favor of Trumps new congressional maps, blaming the presidents decision to call Minnesota Governor Tim Walz seriously retarded.

Still, the fact that there is a vote on the measure at all could be a sign of twisting attitudes regarding the gerrymandering effort: Indianas Senate announced late last month that it would not meet until January, signaling at the time that redistricting would not be on the states legislative agenda this year. Now the state could be just hours away from new maps.
Days after he was pardoned by President Donald Trump, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar won back his position as the top Democratic member on a powerful House panel that oversees funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

The Laredo Democrat forfeited his role as chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security in 2024 after he was indicted on corruption charges, based on House Democratic rules that made him ineligible to hold onto the post. Now that hes been pardoned, Cuellar is eligible to return as ranking member of the subcommittee.

Some House Democrats said this week that they were uneasy about restoring Cuellar to his previous role, Politico reported. But 17 of the 27 Democratic members of the House Appropriations Committee voted on a secret ballot Thursday to return him to the post, with seven voting against and the rest voting present or recusing themselves, according to a source familiar with the meeting.

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This means Cuellar would be in line to chair the panel if he is reelected and Democrats win back the majority in next years midterm elections. The subcommittee oversees more than $65 billion in annual homeland security funding, including for Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Cuellar and his wife were set to stand trial in April for a dozen charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. In May 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice accused him of accepting $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-run oil-and-gas company and a Mexican bank.

Several Democrats have said that Cuellars legal troubles are behind him since he was pardoned before the trial and never proven guilty. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, told reporters this week that it would be consistent with the rules of the House Democratic Caucus for Cuellar to regain his post.

But others in the party expressed concerns about the prospect of someone who has faced bribery charges being put back in charge of billions in federal funding, Politico reported.

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Cuellars history of voting with Republicans on tightening border security has furthered some of these worries for Democrats. In announcing his decision to pardon Cuellar, Trump wrote on social media that the centrist Democrat was punished by the Department of Justice for speaking out against former President Joe Bidens border policies.

Sleepy Joe went after the Congressman, and even the Congressmans wonderful wife, Imelda, simply for speaking the TRUTH, Trump wrote.

Cuellar said in a statement on X last week that the pardon gives him a clean slate.

This decision clears the air and lets us move forward for South Texas, he wrote. The noise is gone. The work remains.

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Cuellar replaces Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Illinois, who has been the acting ranking member of the subcommittee since his indictment.

The development comes as Cuellar prepares to defend his seat after the GOP-controlled Legislature redrew Texas 28th Congressional District to more heavily favor Republicans. The new map aims to make Cuellars path to reelection harder. Trump won the district by 7 percentage points in 2024. Under the new map, he wouldve carried it by 10 points.

Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina has entered the race to challenge Cuellar as a Republican. Hes running with backing from national Republicans, which could set Cuellar up for the closest general election hes had in years.

Gabby Birenbaum contributed reporting.

Disclosure: Politico has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
When President Donald Trumps Religious Liberty Commission met in Dallas, witnesses shared stories of religious discrimination  and suggested fixes to uphold the 1st Amendment.

Commission members met in Dallas Old Parkland complex beginning at 8:30 a.m. on December 10, to hear testimony from witnesses regarding religious discrimination, especially in the military. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick chaired the commission, which included leaders like Dr. Phil McGraw, Rev. Franklin Graham, and Dr. Ben Carson.

First Baptist Dallas Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress, who testified before the committee, told The Dallas Express that many people feel religious liberty is under attack, from banning nativity scenes or wearing religious jewelry at the workplace.

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Religious liberty is not just another issue. It is the issue. Our founders mentioned it in the 1st Amendment as the first freedom  before freedom of the press, or freedom of assembly, is the free exercise of faith, Jeffress said. To ban that is to ban what our forefathers gave their lives blood to purchase for us, and that is the right to worship any way we want.

Local businessman and civic leader Harlan Crow, whose company Crow Holdings owns and developed Old Parkland, told The Dallas Express he opened the venue to foster civil discourse. He said he first learned about the event from Patrick, whom he called a great Texas leader.

The idea of the conference is so overdue; the idea of taking up these important issues is urgent, Crow said. Thank God the Trump administration is doing that, and so Im grateful.

When Crows company first built the campus, planners spent much of their time focusing on civil discourse, he said. Crow explained that he wants to hear opinions from those on the political left, right, and middle.

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I want to hear from everybody, absolutely everybody. I want to hear all of you, Crow said. We want to talk about it all in an atmosphere of civility.

Were all Americans, he added. I happen to be a conservative, but were Americans first.

Coercion And Isolation

The commission heard stories of numerous military service members who faced religious discrimination.

Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare, who attended the hearing, told The Dallas Express he feels religious liberty is a very important issue.

The way the government, and specifically certain factions and people within our government, have attacked Christians and compromised our religious liberty for decades  this commission is badly needed, OHare said.

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OHare explained that he trusts Patrick to steer the commission in the right direction and hopes Trump can advance reforms to protect religious freedom.

What an esteemed group of individuals helping some of the top experts in America, he said. It is time for us to stand up and restore America to its original intent, and this commission will go a long way towards doing that.

Blake Martin was a Navy SEAL when the military began enforcing COVID-19 vaccine requirements in 2021. He said he requested medical and religious accommodations but was denied, and that officials never answered his appeal.

Throughout this period, I received no meaningful engagement for the sincerity of my religious beliefs, Martin said. I experienced escalating administrative and operational restrictions that hindered my ability to serve.

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Martin was placed on a no-travel list and forced to take weekly invasive COVID tests. When he requested to re-enlist, officials denied this. Ultimately, he faced involuntary separation.

After the Navy invested upwards of $2 million into me and all my training, I was separated from the service despite my honorable record, he said. These actions created an environment of coercion and isolation, leaving me effectively forced out of the Navy because of my religious beliefs.

This also meant he lost access to benefits, including those for dependents.

Can this committee make a recommendation to the president to make this whole, to make him whole? Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans Purse, asked.

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Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said they could.

Retired United States Marine Corps. Col. Mike Berry said he faced a similar denial of his request for a religious accommodation for the COVID vaccine in 2021, after which he was placed on inactive status.

I even received an email from a senior Marine Corps official stating that, because I was unvaccinated, I had interests adverse to the United States, he said. The message was clear.

This created what Berry called a crisis for his family, taking away healthcare coverage from his children. But he fought the denials  and today, he is still a Marine reservist.

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I will never be promoted again  that was made very clear to me the day I submitted my religious accommodation, and my retirement is now approximately two years delayed, he said. But I didnt join the Marines so that I could acquire a particular rank, or even a pension check. I joined because, like each of us here this morning, I wanted to make a difference.

Retired Marine Capt. Sukhbir Singh Toor follows Sikhism, an Eastern religion that requires adherents to wear beards and turbans. He joined the service in 2016.

I never saw a conflict between my faith and my calling. Sikhism teaches the concept of saint-soldier, someone committed to confronting injustice, both morally and physically, he said. The Marine Corps is the most effective fighting force in the world, representing the pinnacle of military excellence.

But for years, Toor said he had to go without his beard and turban, until he and others sued in 2021  ultimately, forcing the Marines to accommodate religious hair and head coverings. He expressed concern that the new Department of War grooming standards may not leave room for religious accommodations.

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Marines judge me as they should, on my competence, my character, my commitment  not the articles of faith I believe, he said. This was not a personal fight for me; it was an American one.

Government Censorship Hits Dallas

Jeffress and Dr. Ben Lovvorn, senior executive pastor at First Baptist Dallas, shared about the churchs fight against the IRS during former President Joe Bidens administration.

The church held its annual Celebrate Freedom service at Washington, D.C.s Kennedy Center on June 8, 2020, to honor Americas Christian heritage, according to Jeffress. Dr. Carson, who is currently the National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and then-Vice President Mike Pence attended, sharing their testimonies of becoming Christians.

We carefully followed the guidelines the IRS had for treating potential candidates who speak in the church, Jeffress said. Neither I nor anyone else during the service officially endorsed Vice President Pence, President Trump, or anyone else.

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Soon after, the secular Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a complaint with the IRS, challenging the churchs tax-exempt status. The IRS informed church officials of the inquiry on May 6, 2021.

Its interesting that we did not hear anything from the IRS for 11 months  and four months after Joe Biden became president, Jeffress said.

Jeffress explained that he often encourages pastors to follow IRS regulations and not endorse candidates from the pulpit, though the church encourages attendees to vote according to scripture.

The IRS identified these beliefs as Bible teachings typically affiliated with the Republican Party and candidates, Jeffress added.

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He appeared on Fox and Friends on November 1, 2020, to explain why the church does not endorse candidates, then reiterated the same message to the church, according to Jeffress. The same day, Biden held a campaign rally at a church in Pennsylvania.

The IRS dragged on its investigation, costing the church hundreds of thousands of dollars, Jeffress said. Then on July 8, 2022, the IRS dropped it  acknowledging the church had not done anything wrong.

We believe that our churchs steadfast resolve not to waver on this issue and vigorously defend the rights of all churches is what led the IRS to suddenly close the examination, he said.

Lovvorn pinpointed the deeper issue to the Johnson Amendment, approved in 1954, which bans churches from supporting political candidates or causes from the pulpit.

For roughly 200 years before this, he said, churches often served as outlets for positive change in American civic life.

The Johnson Amendment is unconstitutional on its face, and its unconstitutional as applied  and yet it has rarely been challenged, because it has rarely been enforced, Lovvorn said.

Lovvorn explained that the IRS often makes threats but rarely enforces the amendment, thereby closing any opportunity to challenge the rule. He said the agency often targets churches that support conservative values. He suggested reforming or repealing the Johnson Amendment.

Jeffress concluded with a message for the federal government: What I preach from the pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, or any pastor preaches from his church, is none of the governments business.

Moving Forward

Patrick and Dr. Carson, the commissions vice chair, held a press conference immediately after the event. The Dallas Express asked if they left the hearing with any specific reforms or recommendations for Trump.

Were getting them from the people who testified, Patrick told DX. We have all those, and were going to put them all together, our vice chair and myself. Were going to put them all together with all of our members, and then well sit around and decide what areas we have to focus on.

We have a pretty significant category of very accomplished people, and I think theyre going to come up with very good recommendations, Dr. Carson added.

Patrick said he feels the separation of church and state has been totally hijacked from the left. During the hearings, witnesses explained that this originated from Thomas Jeffersons letter to the Danbury Baptist Church, which promised to protect the church from state intrusions, not vice versa.

We asked that question, Does the principal, or the superintendent, or the chancellor of Fresno University just not know what the Constitution says? Patrick said. They know that  they just dont believe it. They want to change it.

Dr. Carson said that, as early as kindergarten, small children learn that America is one nation under God.

Maybe we need to grapple with that issue, he said.

The Dallas Express also asked what avenues they are considering for permanent fixes, rather than ones a future administration could change.

Give us time to get to that point  we still have three more hearings, maybe four, but three hearings for sure, Patrick told DX. Were going to be writing this report as we go, but were going to work on that internally, and then well release it at one time.

Still, Patrick said he would like to see Congress take action on a number of issues, including the Johnson Amendment.

Dr. Carson emphasized the need for clarity about the separation between church and state  We need to make that clear, pointing out the great discrepancies that occur if we dont have legislation.
We came across a bullish thesis on Graham Holdings Company on Quality Value Investings Substack by David J. Waldron. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on GHC. Graham Holdings Company's share was trading at $1104.72 as of December 2nd. GHCs trailing P/E was 6.69 according to Yahoo Finance.

Investments, Finance

Investments, Finance

Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) is a diversified, family-controlled conglomerate operating across education, media, healthcare, industrial, and consumer services. Formerly known as The Washington Post Company, GHC rebranded in 2013 and now runs businesses spanning Kaplans education services, local TV broadcasting through Graham Media Group, home healthcare and hospice operations, manufacturing, and digital media assets like Slate and Foreign Policy.

Its education segment remains a cornerstone, leveraging Kaplans well-established brand in standardized test preparation and professional licensing, though competition from digital, low-cost players pressures margins. Meanwhile, Graham Medias local TV stations benefit from government licensing and retransmission fee protections, creating effective monopolies within local markets.

The healthcare business operates in a fragmented sector where local relationships and referral patterns create temporary barriers, while manufacturing and other niche operations face more competitive environments. The company also benefits from disciplined capital allocation, including a significant investment portfolio and an undisclosed stake in Berkshire Hathaway.

Financially, GHC has demonstrated steady growth with five-year annualized revenue expansion in the low double digits and positive profit margins, though both lag broader market benchmarks. Managements capital discipline is reflected in a solid return on equity that exceeds internal thresholds, an ROIC above its cost of capital, and ongoing share repurchases  with nearly half a million shares still authorized for buyback.

Strong free cash flow generation and exceptional recent EPS growth of over 200% highlight managements effectiveness and shareholder alignment. Supported by diversified earnings streams, effective capital deployment, and undervalued shares, Graham Holdings presents a bullish long-term investment opportunity.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Coursera, Inc. (COUR) by Unemployed Value Degen in November 2024, which highlighted the companys scalable edtech platform, strong cash position, and AI-driven growth potential. The companys stock price has appreciated approximately by 3.79% since our coverage. This is because investor sentiment improved toward education platforms. David J. Waldron shares a similar perspective but emphasizes Graham Holdings diversified education exposure through Kaplan.
President Donald Trump has not endorsed a plan to prevent Obamacare rates from spiking in three weeks, leaving Republicans without a clear path ahead of a key vote.

On Thursday the Senate is expected to vote down the only GOP plan on the table, an effort by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). Trump hasnt waded into the fray, instead talking broadly about his preferences without publicly supporting a specific plan. Absent a deal, Obamacare subsidies will spike for millions of Americans in less than a month.

White House policy teams are looking at a lot of different avenues and doing their own analysis, said one White House official, granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. There is no single White House-preferred plan emanating from Capitol Hill, where various options are circulating, and the White House is in touch with many offices.

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We're doing our own analysis right now, and I think we need to get that figured out before we come out publicly, the White House official said.

That has left Republicans on Capitol Hill without detailed direction from Trump and a very small legislative window to act, creating a chaotic scramble to coalesce around a solution. It also poses a politically potent problem for Republicans in the runup to midterms, where pocketbook issues are already top of mind.

Trump, Vice President JD Vance and others in the administration have promised in recent days that 2026 will see the economy rocket into the stratosphere. But without action to head off expiring Obamacare subsidies, many will ring in the new year with much higher health insurance costs.

Asked if he wants Republicans to vote for Cassidy and Crapos plan, Trump has instead offered his overarching support for the idea of sending money directly to Americans.

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I love the idea of money going directly to the people, not to the insurance companies, going directly to the people. It can be in the health savings account, it can be a number of different ways, Trump told reporters on Tuesday night. And the people go out and buy their own insurance which can be really much better health insurance, health care.

The Cassidy-Crapo plan mirrors Trumps policy desires  giving money to people. It would not extend the enhanced subsidies set to expire at years end. Rather, it would direct Americans to a high-deductible Obamacare plan and then funnel some of the funds from subsidies into health savings accounts for use on out-of-pocket health care costs.

Younger people who make below a certain income would get $1,000 towards health savings accounts, while older adults would get $1,500. Asked if thats enough to cover costs, Trump didnt address the plan details and raised doubts about its ability to pass, which he blamed on Democrats.

What were doing is we want all of the billions and billions of dollars that went to insurance companies to go directly to the people and they can buy their own health care. And people love it. I dont know if the Democrats are going to approve it because they want the insurance companies to make money, Trump said.

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But, were going to see. The Republicans I can tell you want the money to go to the people.

In an interview with POLITICOs Dasha Burns for a special episode of The Conversation that aired on Tuesday, Trump said he will have to see if he directs Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies while he works out another deal.

I dont know. Im gonna have to see. Id like to get better health care. Id like to have peoplebuy their own health care, get much better health care, and what I want to do, for example, I want to give the money to the people, not to the insurance companies, the president said.

Some Republicans have accepted that the White House doesnt plan to get involved with the health care negotiations on the Hill at least not yet.

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Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), in response to questions about whether Trump should get behind Cassidy-Crapo, replied sure, but I dont think the White House is going to do that nor do I think theyre prepared to do that.

Congress remains divided over how to address the expiring subsidies, with some members warning that their districts rely on Obamacare and sharp health care costs will snowball feelings of unease about the prices of regular goods like food and energy. Others, who strongly oppose Obamacare, dont want to keep subsidizing the program.

White House involvement would only further those divisions, said Joel White, a Republican strategist and president of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage.

Trump has laid out the goal of directing subsidy funds to people to use as they please, a populist message that would excite our base, White said, adding that he has left internal caucus dynamics to leadership.

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I think Trump got it right. I think, you know, he made this very, very simple and understandable and relatable, and at a policy level, it's a major dynamic change. So I think they're in a really good spot right now, White said. I think they need to coalesce around this concept, get aligned on that bill and push it forward, he said.

I am more of the belief that these efforts will more likely than not fail, and we'll be in Q1 trying to figure out, you know, talking about the same things, how do we drive down health costs, White added.

The options to pass something after Thursday will grow narrower, but include House votes that are expected next week and ongoing bipartisan conversations in the Senate.

If there is an interest in solving it  I dont rule it out  obviously we dont have a lot of time to do this, but I think there are ways in which you could, where there's a will, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Wednesday.

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Nina Schaefer, a senior research fellow on health care at the conservative Heritage Foundation, also played down the urgency of the Thursday vote.

The vote  which will also include a Democrat proposal to extend the subsidies outright, was agreed upon by Thune and Democrats in a deal to reopen the government, after the shutdown itself was leveraged by Democrats to bring attention to the expiring subsidies.

I think it's brought attention to the issue, but I don't think that people are going to abandon it just because of whatever happens in the next two weeks, Schaefer said.

It really is kind of the starting point, and I think that the expiring subsidies have brought the health care question back to the forefront, and that the status quo really isn't working for anyone, she said.

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While Republicans figure out their preferred vehicle for a health care plan, they are also laying the blame on Democrats for the looming expiring subsidies.

Democrats wrote Obamacare with subsidies that were designed to expire and passed it without a single Republican vote. They are now trying to shift blame for the failures of their own law, said Kiersten Pels, Republican National Committee national press secretary.

President Trump and Republicans are focused on lowering costs and delivering better healthcare for hardworking Americans  from driving down drug prices to bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the U.S., driving billions in new investments, she said.

Trump, though, has suggested he would bring in Democrats on health care, even telling reporters last month that he has had personal talks with some Democrats about his idea to give cash directly to consumers to pay for their health care coverage. POLITICO reached out to two dozen House and Senate offices at the time andnone would acknowledge they are in contact with the White House on health care.
President Donald Trump threatened electoral consequences for Indiana Republicans who defy his demand that the state redraw its congressional map to secure more seats for the GOP  singling out a state senator who could help block the effort on Thursday.

Trump raged at Indiana Senate Republican leader Rodric Bray in a social media post late Wednesday, saying he would back primary opponents for those who stand in the way of an effort to preserve the GOP House majority in the midterms.

Anybody that votes against Redistricting, and the SUCCESS of the Republican Party in D.C., will be, I am sure, met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring, Trump wrote. Rod Bray and his friends wont be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again.

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His threat reflects the stakes for his presidency if the Democrats retake the House, which would allow them to thwart his agenda and launch investigations of his administration. Trump has sought to prevent that by pushing states with GOP governors and Republican-controlled legislatures to redraw their congressional districts.

Republicans stand to gain two more seats in Indiana, giving them all nine in the state, under the new proposed map.

Indiana Republicans have faced intense pressure to redraw their congressional districts for months. Vice President JD Vance has traveled to the state to lobby legislators in person, and House Speaker Mike Johnson made calls to individual senators. Trump himself has spoken to Republican state senators on multiple occasions  both on the phone and in person at the White House.

A pair of conservative, Trump-aligned PACs have driven nearly half a million dollars in ad buys to shape public opinion on redistricting in the state. Trump campaign staffers, including his former campaign manager Chris LaCivita, have helped launch a dark-money group to advocate for redistricting in Indiana.

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On Friday, Turning Point Action said it would partner with other conservative PACs to fund primary challenges against Indiana Republicans who vote against the new map.

A handful of Indiana legislators have also been subject to bomb threats and swattings, false calls of danger to law enforcement that elicit an aggressive response designed to intimidate a target.

Despite the pressure, Bray and a significant chunk of the Republican caucus in the Indiana Senate have resisted calls to redraw the maps  setting up a crucial vote on Thursday that could be the death knell for mid-decade redistricting in the state if Bray and his allies hold firm.

In his lengthy social media post, Trump appeared to acknowledge the uphill battle his preferred map faces ahead of the vote.

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One of my favorite States, Indiana, will be the only State in the Union to turn the Republican Party down! he wrote.

A failure to pass a new map in Indiana would shrink the potential advantage Trump might gain from triggering a mid-decade redistricting tit-for-tat this summer when he urged Texas to draw a new map that created five new GOP-leaning House seats. GOP-controlled legislators in Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio have subsequently drawn new maps favoring Republicans.

But those efforts have been countered by a new congressional map in California, while other Democratic states like Virginia and Maryland continue to weigh gerrymanders of their own.
President Trump late Wednesday renewed a threat to primary Republican lawmakers who oppose the GOPs push to change Indianas congressional map, ramping up pressure on holdouts in the Hoosier State.

The Indiana state Senate is set to vote on the new Republican-proposed map Thursday after it passed the state House last week. Under the redrawn map, the states two Democratic-held U.S. House districts would be redrawn to favor the GOP.

Anybody that votes against Redistricting, and the SUCCESS of the Republican Party in D.C., will be, I am sure, met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring, Trump wrote in a lengthy Truth Social post ahead of Thursdays vote.

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If Republicans will not do what is necessary to save our Country, they will eventually lose everything to the Democrats, he added.

Trump attacked Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R) as the only person in the United States who is against Republicans picking up extra seats, in Indianas case, two of them.

He is putting every ounce of his limited strength into asking his soon to be very vulnerable friends to vote with him, Trump wrote. By doing so, he is putting the Majority in the House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., at risk and, at the same time, putting anybody in Indiana who votes against this Redistricting, likewise, at risk.

Later in the post, Trump said Bray and his friends wont be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again.

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The president and his allies have been pressing Indiana Republicans for months to back the partys redistricting efforts.

Trump has urged Republican-led states such as Indiana and Texas to redraw their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections in an effort to boost Republicans as they defend their narrow House majority.

Last month, Bray signaled he did not have enough votes to get the map through the state Senate. Some of the Indiana Republicans who oppose the map, including those whom Trump has called out by name, have said they have been victims of swatting or pipe bomb threats.

If the bill passes, the new map would weaken Rep. Frank Mrvans (D) district, which includes an urban district near Chicago, and longtime Rep. Andre Carsons district. The new map would also split Indianapolis into four districts that would conjoin with Republican-leaning communities.

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The Associated Press contributed.

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.
Sorry Lady Liberty  no unwashed masses need apply.

Foreign elites awash with cash and looking to "Unlock life in America" now have the golden opportunity to pay less than initially thought for a visa and a path to citizenship, according to the newly revamped trumpcard.gov website which debuted on Dec. 10.

President Donald Trumps long-touted "Trump Gold Card" which he said back in February would cost $5 million, is now on offer for the low, low price of $1 million.

President Donald Trump looks at the crowd upon his arrival to deliver remarks on the economy at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, 2025. President Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd at an event at Mount Airy Casino Resort on Dec. 9, 2025 in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. Trump discussed his administrations economic agenda and its efforts to lower the cost of living. President Donald Trump arrives to deliver remarks during an event at Mount Airy Casino Resort on Dec. 9, 2025, in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. Trump discussed his administration's economic agenda and its efforts to lower the cost of living. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during an event at Mount Airy Casino Resort on Dec. 9, 2025, in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. Trump discussed his administration's economic agenda and its efforts to lower the cost of living. President Donald Trump enters to deliver remarks during an event at Mount Airy Casino Resort on Dec. 9, 2025 in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. President Trump was discussing his administration's economic agenda and its efforts to lower the cost of living. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during an event at Mount Airy Casino Resort on Dec. 9, 2025, in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. President Trump was discussing his administration's economic agenda and its efforts to lower the cost of living. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during an event at Mount Airy Casino Resort on Dec. 9, 2025, in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. Trump discussed his administration's economic agenda and its efforts to lower the cost of living. Attendees wait for the arrival of US President Donald Trump to deliver remarks on the economy at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, 2025. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on the economy at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, 2025. President Donald Trump cheers attendees upon his arrival to deliver remarks on the economy at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, 2025. Trump touts economic agenda, promises lower prices at Pennsylvania rally 1 of 10 President Donald Trump looks at the crowd upon his arrival to deliver remarks on the economy at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, 2025.

"THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENTS TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY!," wrote Trump on Truth Social on Dec. 10. "A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent."

Trump Gold Card: Not just gold, platinum, too

For a $5 million contribution, foreign high-rollers can now also avail of a "Platinum Card," which comes with the ability to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income.

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The first step to apply requires a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. The applicants will then be vetted and approved by the DHS and following a $1 million donation can expect to receive U.S. residency in "record time," according to the website.

President Donald Trump signs immigration executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Sept. 19, 2025. One order introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B work visas, and the other established the "Gold Card," allowing a pathway for an immigrant visa in return for a $1 million investment in the United States.

Theres also a remedy for corporations looking to procure foreign talent. But that would require a $2 million gift. While Trump has defended H-1B visas, which corporations utilize to bring in foreign skilled workers, he's made it harder for companies by increasing the application cost to $100,000. But his defense of the program has drawn ire from his MAGA base.

US President Donald Trump holds the $5 million dollar Gold Card as he speaks to reporters while in flight on board Air Force One, en route to Miami, Florida on April 3, 2025. Trump is travelling to the Trump National Doral Golf Club before going to his Mar-a-Lago Resort.

For an individual applicant or corporate sponsor looking to sponsor a spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21, they'd be required to pay an additional $15,000 DHS processing fee and $1 million gift per person, according to the site, which accepts the fees online.

A family of four would be looking at shelling out north of $4.6 million.

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Trump has said that he is not seeking approval from Congress as he is not providing gold card buyers with citizenship  only a path to citizenship.

Other countries also have immigration programs that offer permanent residency or citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for investment. Portugal, for example, offers residency and a path to EU citizenship after five years.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 19: President Donald Trump speaks before signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on September 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump signed two executive orders, establishing the "Trump Gold Card" and introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. The "Trump Gold Card" is a visa program that allows foreign nationals permanent residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for a $1 million investment in the United States. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Gold Card is not a foreign investment, but a 'gift'

When he first floated the idea in February, Trump said the card would replace the "EB-5" immigrant investor green card visa program. However, according to the website, the immigrants coming on the new gold card would be on an EB-1 or EB-2 visa, which are employment-based visas for highly skilled professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in a particular field.

"A $1 million gift upon completion of the individuals vetting is evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States," the site says.

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The EB-5 visa allows immigrant investors the option to invest between $800,000 and $1.05 million to obtain a green card. The investment money is used to help create or preserve U.S. jobs. And at some point, the investment is also something the immigrant can claim back. However, the program currently has long wait times and country caps.

The new $1 million Trump Gold Card is a donation, with no indication of any of the money ever going back to the people buying it.

"Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card," Trump said in February when he first introduced the concept. "They'll be wealthy, and they'll be successful, and they'll be spending a lot of money, and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people."

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: $1 million fast-track to US residency with Trump Gold Card
By Joseph Ax

Dec 11 (Reuters) - The Indiana Senate on Thursday rejected a new congressional map that would have boosted Republican chances of keeping control of the U.S. House of Representatives in next year's midterm elections, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump's nationwide push to install more friendly maps.

The vote represented a rare rebuke to Trump by members of his own party, which he has largely ruled with an iron fist as president. The tally was 31-19 against, with more than half of Republican senators joining all 10 Democrats in voting against the bill despite a months-long pressure campaign from the White House aimed at the holdouts.

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Trump had threatened to support electoral challengers to any Republican senators who refused to vote in favor of the map, calling several out by name in a series of hostile social media posts leading up to Thursday's vote.

Speaking to reporters after the vote, Trump said the new map "would have been nice" and could have resulted in two additional Republican seats. But he downplayed his role in the issue, saying he hadn't been "working on it very hard."

Trump said he hoped Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, who opposed the redistricting, lost his next primary "because he's done a great disservice."

The map, which passed the Indiana state House last week, would likely have given Republicans a 9-0 sweep of the state's U.S. House seats in next year's midterms, when control of Congress will be at stake.

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The redrawn map would have reshaped the two districts currently held by Democrats, including by splitting the state's largest city, Indianapolis, into four districts, a move that Democrats have said would harm minority voters in particular.

Republican lawmakers who backed the law on Thursday urged other Republicans to pass the bill and help Trump's agenda in Congress, warning that a Democratic House would pursue dangerous policies.

In a fiery speech, Senator Chris Garten said nothing less than the future of the country was at stake. The sponsor of the bill, Mike Gaskill, suggested the "second U.S. Civil War has already begun."

Senator Spencer Deery, one of three Republicans who spoke out against the bill during the floor debate, acknowledged he also did not want to see Democrats win a House majority.

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"But that isn't for me to decide, and it isn't for anybody in this body to decide either," he continued. "Living in a free constitutional republic means we empower voters to make those decisions, and we accept their will no matter what."

Redistricting typically occurs at the start of each decade to incorporate new U.S. Census data. But Trump ignited a nationwide battle this summer, when he successfully urged Texas Republicans to draw a new congressional map taking aim at five Democratic incumbents.

In response, Democrats in California proposed their own redrawn map intended to flip five Republican seats, a plan that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November. Other states, both Republican- and Democratic-controlled, have initiated their own redistricting efforts.

Some state lawmakers have balked. Trump's push stalled in Kansas amid reluctance from some Republicans, and Democrats in Maryland are split on whether to advance a new map.

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Democrats must flip only three Republican seats in the 435-member House next year to win a majority.

(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal in Washington; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Tom Hogue)
The Department of State is warning travelers to the tropical island of Mauritius to be alert due to crime concerns there.

Located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, Mauritius is a popular option among honeymoon travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a relaxing getaway. However, the State Department's Dec. 8 Level 2 travel advisory warned vacationers to exercise increased caution when heading there due to a variety of crime concerns.

"Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity. This includes pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts," the State Department wrote in its advisory. "Petty crime occurs in crowded outdoor shopping areas, beaches, and other tourist spots. It also happens near ATMs."

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In addition to these petty crimes, the State Department said more serious crimes have been reported, including break-ins, verbal harassment and crimes against women, and even violent crime, including assault, murder, and rape.

In an effort to keep visitors safe, the State Department encouraged travelers hide overt sign of wealth (think: expensive watches of jewelry), use extra vigilance when walking or driving in the evenings, and generally remain aware of their surroundings.



"Do not physically resist any robbery attempt," the advisory recommended. "Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is."



Travelers can also register with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides updates on advisories and other critical information when traveling. The service also helps the State Department quickly engage with travelers abroad in the event of an emergency.



Last year, more than 1.3 million tourists visited Mauritius, according to statistics from the country's Ministry of Tourism. Of those, most came from France, the United Kingdom, and the nearby Reunion Island and stayed for an average of just over 11 nights.

The number of travelers from the United States has steadily risen over the past few years. Last year, more than 15,000 Americans visited the island.



The Department of State regularly issues travel advisories for countries around the world from Level 1 to Level 4, its highest warning, which comes with a recommendation to avoid traveling to the destination.

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In addition to Mauritius, the Department has recently issued warnings for Tanzania following reports of crime, terrorism, and other concerns there, and reissued a travel advisory for the Maldives due to the "risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the Maldives."

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Treasury Department officials sanctioned three members of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's extended family and others for allegedly trafficking drugs and illicit oil.

Three nephews of Maduro's wife, a Venezuelan businessman and six shipping companies and associated vessels were sanctioned on Thursday.

"Nicolas Maduro and his criminal associates in Venezuela are flooding the United States with drugs that are poisoning the American people," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a news release announcing the sanctions.

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"These sanctions undo the Biden Administration's failed attempt to make a deal with Maduro, enabling his dictatorial and brutal control at the expense of the Venezuelan and American people," Bessent continued.

"Under President Trump's leadership, Treasury is holding the regime and its circle of cronies and companies accountable for its continued crimes."

Two of three sanctioned nephews of Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, are identified as Efrain Antonio Campo Flores and Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas.

They are narco-traffickers and "known popularly as the 'narco-nephews,'" according to the Treasury Department.

Biden pardons the nephews

Both were arrested in Haiti in 2015 and accused of arranging the transportation of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine to the United States.

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They were convicted in 2016, but President Joe Biden pardoned them in 2022, and they have resumed their narco-trafficking activities, according to the Treasury Department.

A third nephew, Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, is a former "national treasurer of Venezuela" and a vice president of state-owned Venezuelan oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA.

He was sanctioned by the United States in 2017, but the Biden administration removed the sanction in 2022 amid a failed effort to resume democratic elections in Venezuela.

Despite existing sanctions against Venezuelan oil, Biden in 2023 signed an agreement allowing the limited sale of Venezuelan oil to buyers in the United States, the BBC reported.

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The Treasury Department has restored the sanctions against him as part of the Trump administration's efforts to pressure the Maduro regime to end its allegedly illegal and illicit activities.

The United States also has sanctioned Maduro, Cilia Flores and other members of the Maduro family.

Joining them is Ramon Carretero Napolitano of Panama for allegedly arranging valuable contracts with the Maduro regime, including shipping petroleum products on behalf of the Venezuelan government.

Sanctions on Venezuelan oil

Venezuela's oil sector helps to fund Maduro's regime, and the Treasury Department has sanctioned Myra Marine Ltd., Arctic Voyage Inc., Poweroy Investment Ltd., Ready Great Ltd., Sino Marine Services Ltd., and Full Happy Ltd., and their respective oil tankers for transporting illicit Venezuelan oil.

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The sanctions against the Maduro family, oil and shipping firms and their six vessels mean any assets located in the United States or owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or residents are blocked and must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

The sanctions are a response to Maduro's "dictatorial and brutal control" of Venezuela and are intended to hold the Maduro regime and its accomplices accountable, Bessent said.

The sanctions were announced a day after the United States seized an oil tanker near the Venezuelan coast.

U.S. to keep seized oil

The tanker is a "shadow" vessel that is affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told media on Thursday.

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"The vessel will go to a U.S. port, and the United States does intend to seize the oil," Leavitt said.

"There is a legal process for the seizure of that oil, and that legal process will be followed," she added.

President Donald Trump does not view the seizure of the illicit oil as an escalation of tensions between the United States andVenezuela that might lead to war, Leavitt said.

"The president considers the seizure of the oil tanker as effectuating the administration's sanctions policies," she explained, as reported by The Hill.

Leavitt said the tanker was carrying oil from Venezuela to Iran.

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The 20-year-old oil tanker is named The Skipper and was seized by military personnel from the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier that the Defense Department recently deployed to international waters near Venezuela, CBS News reported.

Coast Guard-led seizure

Two helicopters carrying special operations personnel, 10 members of the Coast Guard and 10 Marines participated in the operation to seize the vessel in accordance with a warrant.

The Coast Guard's Maritime Security and Response team led the effort, as required by federal law, and was supported by Navy personnel.

The Coast Guard led the operation because it has jurisdiction over such seizures.

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The Biden administration sanctioned The Skipper three years ago, when it sailed under the name Adisa and was controlled by Russian oil magnate Viktor Artemov, who also is sanctioned, according to the Treasury Department.

Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd. manages the 1,092-foot vessel, which is owned by a company with ties to Artemov.

It was flying a Guyana flag when seized, but Guyana officials said it is not registered there.

Guyana is adjacent to Venezuela, and Venezuelan officials called the vessel's seizure a "shameless robbery and an act of international piracy," CBS News reported.
Ukraine is insisting on a target strength of 800,000 troops for its military under a revised version of the US peace plan to end the almost four-year-long war with Russia.

"That is the real strength of today's army, and it has been agreed with the military," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists in Kiev on Thursday.

This point of the current 20-point draft has therefore been sufficiently revised, he added. The original US plan that became known in November cited a cap of 600,000 Ukrainian troops.

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However, observers doubt that the army still has this number in reality. According to the public prosecutor's office, there were more than 300,000 cases of desertion or absence by troops since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

After a record high of more than 21,600 registered cases in October, the authorities classified the figures as confidential from November onwards.

Before the war, Ukraine had a standing army of about 290,000 personnel. To offset any numerical disadvantage relative to Russia, Kiev expects its Western allies to contribute significantly to military spending in the event of a peace agreement.

Before the war began, Ukraine was the poorest country in Europe, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Foreign donor states now contribute more than 40% of the national budget as Ukraine seeks to join the European Union.
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Ukraine is taking technical steps toward membership in the European Union after facing vetoes by Hungary.

The EU and Ukraine agreed on a 10-point plan to implement reforms to align with the bloc and eventually become a member.

"We see the membership of Ukraine in the EU as the political arm of the European security guarantee for Ukraine," EU enlargement chief Marta Kos said Thursday from an informal gathering in Lviv, Ukraine. She added that Ukraine's membership will be "central to make any peace settlement sustainable."

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The action plan was created by Kos and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka. Kos will bypass Hungary's veto on the official opening of accession negotiations, which normally requires unanimous approval of all 27 EU countries.

Ukraine will informally begin reforms with support from the European Commission.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is the EU's most Kremlin-friendly leader, but he's facing strong opposition at home. Tisza, the political party led by Peter Magyar, leads in most polls and could oust Orban in the spring. Orban is also an ally of President Donald Trump.

"We are now frontloading all the technical work, and that means that even though it's formally still blocked ... Ukraine is still able to move on," said Marie Bjerre, Denmark's EU affairs minister. "There cannot be a blockade for eternity, it has to be lifted."

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The plan to implement changes emphasizes corruption reform. Ukraine has struggled recently with cleaning up corruption with several high-ranking ministers being ousted. In November, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky sanctioned his former business partner Timur Mindich for his role in a corruption scandal. A few weeks later, Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigned after his home was searched for evidence of a bribery scheme, though he maintains his innocence.

The country also needs to strengthen the rule of law and the judiciary over the coming year. It will expand the jurisdiction of Ukraine's two anti-corruption bodies: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.

In July, Ukraine endured strong criticism by EU leader Ursula von der Leyen after the government tabled then withdrew a measure that would have given more independence to NABU and SAPO.

The new plan prioritizes "strengthening the independence" of both anti-corruption bodies and "protecting their jurisdiction from circumvention and undue influence," and "expanding the jurisdiction of NABU and SAPO to cover all high-risk positions based on the available independent assessment."

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Zelensky has been making the rounds to visit European leaders, including in England, Italy and the Vatican.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a military spending bill on Wednesday that dedicated aid funds to Ukraine through 2027.
A Potter County, Pennsylvania man faces multiple counts of criminal homicide in connection to the death of a 5-year-old Coudersport boy who died from a brain injury in 2024.

Coudersport-based Pennsylvania State Police charged Andrew Schuyler Jeffers, 30, of Ulysses with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and a host of other felonies on Dec. 10, including aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police said the child sustained intracranial hemorrhages, allegedly as a result of being assaulted by Jeffers.

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Jeffers was arraigned by a Pennsylvania District Court judge and remanded to the Potter County jail. Bail was denied.

Troopers began investigating after Potter County Children and Youth Services filed a report of suspected child abuse on July 5, 2024.

According to the police, the victim was taken to UPMC Cole Hospital in Coudersport on July 2, 2024 in cardiac arrest.

The child was stabilized and then transferred to Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville for further treatment, police said.

Authorities said the child died on July 22, 2024. The Montour County Coroner's Office assisted with the investigation and ruled the death a homicide, police said.

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More: Arkport woman indicted for injuring DOT workers in drugged driving crash

Jeffers is accused of beating the child on more than one occasion between June 29 and July 2, 2024 at a residence on the 200 block of A Frame Road, Sweden Township.

Witnesses told investigators that Jeffers was supervising the child and three other children on July 2, 2024 at the Sweden Township address when he allegedly assaulted the 5-year-old.

Jeffers was also seen injuring the child in the days before he was rushed to UPMC Cole, investigators allege.

Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Potter County man faces murder charges in death of Coudersport child
Haredi soldier (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

A month of reservist service costs about NIS 38,000 ($11,700), while conscripting young Haredim is far cheaper and may even encourage them to join the workforce.

Increasing haredi (ultra-Orthodox) enlistment in the IDF could save the economy billions of shekels, the Bank of Israel said in a report released on Thursday.

A month of reservist service costs the economy about NIS 38,000 ($11,700), while conscripting young haredim is far cheaper and may even encourage them to join the workforce. Expanding enlistment by 7,500 haredim annually  adding around 20,000 soldiers to the military overall  could cut the economic burden of reservists by NIS 9-14 billion ($2.8-$4.3 billion) a year, the central bank said.

Based on this report, the draft bill promoted by the coalition, currently under consideration by the Knesset, sets low recruitment targets and weak incentives, which may mean it will not meet the armys needs or reduce costs.

The banks intervention comes at a sensitive political moment, as the government continues to advance a long-delayed framework to regulate haredi military service after decades of ad hoc arrangements.

For years, ultra-Orthodox men received sweeping deferrals under a doctrine suggesting that Torah study is ones profession, and later, under the Tal Law, which granted blanket exemptions for full-time yeshiva students.

In 2017, however, the High Court of Justice struck down those arrangements as unconstitutional for violating the principle of equal burden-sharing.

IDF leaning on reservists

Yet, despite repeated deadlines to enact a new, more equitable system, no durable solution was passed into law. The statutory basis for haredi exemptions expired in June 2023, leaving thousands of draft-aged men without a legal framework and the state under judicial pressure to enforce conscription.

Ever since the Israel-Hamas War began, the IDF has been heavily leaning on its reserves, calling up tens of thousands of reservists for extended deployments. That reliance has created severe economic, familial, emotional, and psychological strains.

Government and independent economists have repeatedly warned that the current model is unsustainable without a broader standing force  a reality that places renewed focus on haredi enlistment rates, which remain far below national averages.

The central banks analysis emphasizes that drafting young haredi men carries little short-term economic cost because most are not yet engaged in full-time employment.

By contrast, reservist mobilization disrupts the labor market, depresses long-term productivity, and creates a budgetary drag. The central bank further noted that military service can increase haredi mens long-term earning potential by enabling them to enter the workforce without the legal constraints imposed by ongoing deferments.
UNC Chapel Hill (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline)

More than 2,000 supporters, including students and faculty, signed onto a petition as of Thursday opposing a University of North Carolina system proposal to require the public release of all class syllabi and materials.

The proposal would classify course plans and materials as public records, and require faculty members to post them for public scrutiny. Administrators say its a move toward transparency for the taxpayers who fund the UNC system.

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The petition to UNC System President Peter Hans says the proposal would harm faculty and students because it would invite attacks on UNC System courses, leading them to be weaponized against faculty and departments through complaints about political or controversial concepts.

The UNC System is preparing to cave to political pressure from the Heritage Foundation, the Oversight Project, and the James Martin Center by further opening our public universities and colleges to bad-faith critique and extremist threats, the petition reads. This move would endanger students and instructors by inviting political actors to attack the free inquiry on our campuses.

Hans, the UNC System president, wrote in an op-ed Thursday morning that the policy shift is a necessary measure for confronting dangerously low trust in some of societys most important institutions.

There is no question that making course syllabi publicly available will mean hearing feedback and criticism from people who may disagree with whats being taught or how its being presented, Hans wrote. We will do everything we can to safeguard faculty and staff who may be subject to threats or intimidation simply for doing their jobs.

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Until now, the 16 universities within the UNC system have been free to set individual policies on how course syllabi should be classified. Many, such as NC State, consider course syllabi to be the intellectual property of the professors who write them, and thus not subject to public records disclosure requirements.

Under the new proposal, all course syllabi throughout the system would be searchable in a centralized database, similar to measures adopted by public university systems in Texas, Georgia, and Florida.

UNC System spokesperson Andy Wallace said opening course syllabi to the public is aimed at providing transparency both for the community and for prospective students.

The System Office has worked to seek input from elected faculty representatives and will consider that feedback before a regulation is implemented, Wallace said. A common standard would clarify that syllabi are part of facultys teaching duties as public employees and should be available for tuition-paying students and taxpayers to see.

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In an interview Thursday, NC State creative writing professor Belle Boggs said that faculty only learned about the impending change late last week.

This has been done in such a secretive, backroom, closed door way that it absolutely violates faculty governance, said Boggs, who serves as president of the North Carolina chapter of the American Association of University Professors. The most perilous aspect of this policy is the real physical threat that it poses to students and faculty.

Boggs said UNC faculty already feel like theyre under surveillance. Some classes at UNC Charlotte and other campuses this year have come to a halt due to outside individuals attempting to film them.

A UNC Charlotte staff member who was secretly recorded making comments about not abiding the suspension of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies was terminated earlier this year. Dwayne Dixon, a professor at UNC Chapel Hill, was temporarily suspended in September after commentators sought to link him to a group that made light of the killing of Charlie Kirk.

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This feels like an invitation to many more people who are not necessarily experts in the areas in which our faculty teach to doxx faculty, to harass faculty, to harass classes and students, Boggs said. When faculty are threatened and harassed, that takes resources away from all of us because some sort of threat assessment has to be made.

UNC Charlotte professors Annelise Mennicke and Caitlin Schroering wrote in an NC Newsline commentary that it will also pressure faculty to self-censor the content of their courses to avoid being pulled into the political spotlight.

As a result, students will be exposed to a smaller range of viewpoints, which is antithetical to the UNC systems own Equality Policy, the professors wrote. Students need to be exposed to a range of ideas so that they can develop their own thoughts and opinions.

The petition is set to be delivered to Hanss Raleigh office at noon on Friday, preceded by a demonstration.
By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Thursday ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego, whose wrongful deportation became a flashpoint in President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, ruling the U.S. government never secured a formal order for his removal from the United States.

The order from U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland means Abrego will at least temporarily be allowed to return to his Maryland home despite repeated declarations from Trump administration officials that he would never again be free in the United States.

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Abrego was released from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Pennsylvania on Thursday evening after the ruling, one of his attorneys, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, confirmed.

The judges decision to free Abrego marked the latest major development in a saga that began in March when Abrego was wrongfully deported to a prison in his native El Salvador and then brought back to the U.S. in June to face human smuggling charges. His case has become a symbol of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown, with Trump officials portraying Abrego as a danger to public safety and critics accusing the administration of trampling legal rights in its bid to deport millions living illegally in the United States.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION VOWS APPEAL

Abrego, 30, has been held in immigration detention since August, when immigration authorities arrested him shortly after he was released from custody in his criminal case.

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White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters the Trump administration would appeal the decision, but officials did not file an appeal before Abrego was freed.

"The administration opposed this activism from a judge who is really acting as a judicial activist, which we've unfortunately seen in many cases across the country," Leavitt said during a press briefing.

An attorney for Abrego praised the decision as upholding the rule of law.

Todays decision granting Mr. Abrego Garcias release is a victory not just for one Maryland man but for everyone," Andrew Rossman, a lawyer for Abrego, said in a statement. "Were gratified by the Courts ruling upholding due process and the rule of law.

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Xinis, who was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, found Abrego was entitled to release in part because an immigration judge had not issued a formal deportation order in 2019, when that judge barred his deportation to El Salvador because of a risk of gang persecution.

Xinis wrote that without a formal order, the Trump administration has "no lawful basis to detain and remove" Abrego and "his continued detention must end."

U.S. ATTEMPTING DEPORTATION A SECOND TIME

The decision is the latest legal victory for Abrego in his battles with the Trump administration. The U.S. Supreme Court previously ordered the government to facilitate his return from El Salvador and federal judges in Tennessee rejected prosecutors' requests to keep him in criminal custody to await a trial.

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Abrego's lawyers had argued his continuing confinement was unlawfully designed to punish him rather than to prepare for a second deportation.

Lawyers for the Trump administration maintained that the 2019 decision from the immigration judge implied that Abrego was eligible for deportation and should be construed as a formal deportation order.

The Trump administration is still attempting to deport Abrego for a second time, cycling through several African nations as potential destinations before Liberia agreed to accept Abrego temporarily on a humanitarian basis.

Abrego's lawyers have said he will agree to be deported to Costa Rica, a Spanish-speaking Central American country that previously agreed to offer Abrego refugee status. The Trump administration has not said why it will not agree to Costa Rica, citing only the need for continuing negotiations.

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Abrego, a sheet metal worker who entered the U.S. illegally, had been living in Maryland with his wife and children until ICE arrested him and sent him to a Salvadoran mega-prison known for harsh conditions.

Abrego has also pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges accusing him of helping to transport migrants living illegally in the U.S. A federal judge overseeing that case has found a reasonable likelihood that the prosecution was "vindictive" and brought by the Trump administration in retaliation for Abrego challenging his March deportation.

He will remain subject to release conditions ordered as part of his criminal case, which include home detention and electronic monitoring.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Rod Nickel)
The United States has suggested creating a free economic zone in parts of the eastern Donbas region from which Ukraine would withdraw under a negotiated peace with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday.

In wide-ranging comments to reporters, Zelensky said that Kyiv has presented the US with an updated version of a peace plan  not a single document, but a set of documents, many of which need to be finalized. He said the Trump administration wants a full understanding of the status of the plan by Christmas.

Questions of territory remain unresolved, the Ukrainian leader said. The Russians want the whole of the Donbas  but we, of course, do not accept this, he explained. Russia has been fighting in the Donbas region, which spans the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, since 2014. Moscow is now trying to secure through US-mediated peace negotiations what it has been unable to win through force of arms.

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Our position is that it is fair to stand where we stand  that is, on the contact line, Zelensky said. Therefore, there is a discussion between these different positions, and it has not yet been decided.

As a compromise, Zelensky said the US has discussed creating a free economic zone in the parts of the Donbas from which Ukrainian troops would withdraw. The Russians refer to the territory under discussion as a demilitarized zone, he added.

While this might break the diplomatic impasse, Zelensky said, serious questions remain about who would manage the territory, and how to ensure that troop withdrawals were fair and reciprocal.

If someone withdraws from one side  as they want Ukrainians to do  why doesnt the other side of the war withdraw the same distance in the other direction? he asked. Russia should also have to withdraw from land that it currently holds, not just Ukraine, he suggested.

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Zelensky also questioned who would police the free economic zone.

If some troops have to leave and other troops remain where they are, what exactly will prevent these other troops  i.e. Russian troops  from going further? Or from infiltrating the free economic zone under the guise of civilians and taking control of it? This is all very serious, he said.

The Ukrainian leader cautioned that it is not a fact that we, as Ukraine, will accept this  but when you talk to us about compromise, you have to offer a fair compromise. He said the question of territory would ultimately be for the people of Ukraine to answer, either through elections or a referendum.

Push for peace

In separate comments, Zelensky said his delegates held constructive talks with the US negotiating team, which included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law. NATO chief Mark Rutte also joined the talks, Zelensky said.

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A European official told CNN that US, European and Ukrainian officials will convene this weekend in Paris for further talks on the peace plan that Trump hopes can bring Russias nearly four-year-old war to an end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at 10 Downing Street in London on Monday. - Toby Melville/Reuters

But White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said it is up in the air whether the Trump administration will send a representative to this weekends talks. She said the president has grown extremely frustrated with both sides of the war and is sick of meetings just for the sake of meeting.

Zelensky told reporters that the US wants the process to finish as soon as possible. I think they really wanted, and maybe still want, to have a full understanding of where we stand with this agreement by Christmas, he said.

Asked when a ceasefire might begin, Zelensky said this will likely only happen after the warring sides sign a framework agreement. While Ukraine has long called for an immediate ceasefire as a test of Russias seriousness about peace, Zelensky conceded that it is no secret that the Russians will not agree to a ceasefire if there is no agreement.

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After his conversations with the US delegates, Zelensky said security guarantees remain critical for the next stages of the peace process.

We already had a negative experience with the Budapest Memorandum, he said. He referred to a 1994 agreement under which newly independent Ukraine gave up the nuclear weapons parked on its territory after the collapse of the Soviet Union in exchange for Russias pledge to respect Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Everyone remembers this, as well as the fact that Russia has repeatedly violated all its other commitments, Zelensky said. Therefore, it is now important that this document on security guarantees provides specific answers to what concerns Ukrainians most: What actions will our partners take if Russia decides to renew its aggression.

CNNs Kevin Liptak and Kit Maher contributed to this report.

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By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 - U.S. lawmakers on Thursday pressed to strengthen military helicopter safety rules proposed in an annual defense bill, following this year's fatal crash between an Army Black Hawk and an American Airlines passenger jet that killed 67 people.

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz, a Republican, and the panel's top Democrat Maria Cantwell, on Thursday filed an amendment to strike the military helicopter language in the defense bill and insert tougher requirements approved by the committee in October.

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The Cruz-Cantwell bill would require aircraft operators by the end of 2031 to equip their fleets with an automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast system, also known as ADS-B. The advanced tracking technology allows aircraft to automatically broadcast their precise position, altitude, velocity and identity.

The Cruz-Cantwell bill also proposes other significant safety reforms, including boosting oversight of mixed jet and helicopter traffic and flight routes near commercial airports.

We owe it to the families to put into law actual safety improvements, not give the Department of Defense bigger loopholes to exploit," the senators said in a joint statement, deriding the proposal in the defense bill.

Aviation safety in the Washington area has come under scrutiny after the January 29 collision near Reagan Washington National Airport. The Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash was flying above maximum altitude levels and not broadcasting ADS-B at the time.

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After a close call in May, the Federal Aviation Administration barred the Army from helicopter flights around the Pentagon. The defense bill would require U.S. military helicopters on training missions to broadcast alerts to nearby commercial aviation aircraft, but does not specify the type of alerts. The Defense Department could waive the requirement if a risk assessment had been completed and those risks to commercial planes could be addressed.

Cantwell said the defense bill would roll back FAA rules imposed since the crash. "It leaves the public less safe," Cantwell said.

The top Republicans and Democrats on the House and Senate Armed Services committees defended the less strict provision, saying any waiver still needs the concurrence of the transportation secretary.

These important requirements are critical first steps that will help make our skies safer ... We agree that there is more that needs to be done," said the lawmakers on the Armed Services committees.

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Republican Troy Nehls, who chairs a House aviation subcommittee, said Thursday the defense bill "fails to seriously consider the safety of DCs congested airspace." National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy also called the defense bill helicopter proposal "an unacceptable risk to the flying public."

Families of those killed in the January 29 collision oppose the language in the defense bill. In a statement, they called for "real, enforceable visibility standards for all military aircraft operating near civilian traffic."

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by David Gregorio)
Lawmakers from both parties are warning that Chinese criminal groups have helped build what officials call a "Silk Road of crime", a global network that launders Latin American cartel profits and supplies the chemicals used to make fentanyl bound for the United States.

At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, members of the Caucus on International Narcotics Control said Chinese money brokers and Latin American cartels have merged their operations into a system that blurs the line between trade and trafficking.

The hearing followed a string of cases that US officials say expose how Chinese brokers and companies have moved into the Western Hemisphere's drug and money-laundering trades.

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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.

In 2023, the Justice Department charged executives at Hubei Amarvel Biotech with disguising shipments of fentanyl precursors as dog food and other products. Prosecutors said the company marketed the chemicals directly to Mexican cartels, offering "stealth shipping" and advice on dodging customs checks.

A separate investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), known as Operation Fortune Runner, uncovered a California-based network that laundered tens of millions of dollars in cartel profits through Chinese underground banks.

Agents said the scheme relied on "mirror swap" transfers among accounts in the United States, Mexico and China to move money out of regulators' reach.

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Regional police have also traced Chinese networks into other illicit trades. Earlier this year, Operation Green Shield led to 94 arrests in Brazil, Peru and Colombia. Investigators said Chinese nationals were involved in illegal gold mining, wildlife smuggling and the trafficking of Chinese migrants through Central America.

Witnesses told senators that the pattern shows a broader criminal ecosystem using Chinese trade, financial and migration networks to move money, chemicals and people with little oversight.

"Chinese criminal organisations have become the go-to money launderers for the Mexican drug cartels," said Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas who chairs the panel.

"They haven't stopped there. They've also brokered the sale of fentanyl precursors, facilitated illegal immigration and even used poached wildlife as currency."

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Cornyn said Chinese-backed firms now operate or control dozens of ports in Latin America, including Peru's new Chancay megaport, offering traffickers more routes to conceal shipments of chemicals and contraband.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island and the caucus co-chair, said cartels depend on outside networks to move and spend their money.

"That's where Chinese credit organisations come in," he said. "They wash cartel cash quicker and cheaper than competitors, often with a money-back guarantee."

Whitehouse urged the Treasury Department to fully enforce the Corporate Transparency Act, which requires companies to disclose their actual owners. He cited former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's 2021 remark that "there's a good argument that the best place to hide and launder ill-gotten gains is actually the United States".

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The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Leland Lazarus, a former US diplomat and Southern Command official, said Chinese criminal groups have spread worldwide, forming what he calls a "Silk Road of crime" across the Americas. Treasury data, he told lawmakers, show Chinese money-laundering networks moved about US$312 billion through the US financial system from 2020 to 2024.

"These networks are involved in a whole host of crimes," Lazarus said. "They traffic fentanyl, launder billions of dollars, mine gold illegally, trade in wildlife and sex, and run digital 'pig-butchering' scams."

He said many of those behind the operations come from China's Fujian province and often lead local chambers of commerce or hometown associations that blur the line between legal trade and organised crime. Some maintain contact with Chinese embassies or the Communist Party's United Front Work Department.

Former US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen remarked in 2021 that 'the best place to hide and launder ill-gotten gains is actually the United States'. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=Former US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen remarked in 2021 that 'the best place to hide and launder ill-gotten gains is actually the United States'. Photo: EPA-EFE>

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Lazarus said there is no direct evidence that the Communist Party directs the networks, but argued that Beijing has not done enough to stop them. "The CCP has the surveillance tools to crack down," he said. "It just hasn't done so."

Ray Donovan, a former DEA chief of operations, told the panel that China's government has targeted financial networks while contributing to the synthetic drug epidemic.

He said congressional findings show that China subsidises most fentanyl precursor exports to Mexico and that Communist Party officials hold stakes in some of the companies receiving tax rebates for those shipments.

"What these findings prove is that the Chinese government's lack of enforcement is intentional," Donovan said.

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He said China's limits on moving money abroad have created an underground dollar market that links wealthy Chinese clients to cartel cash.

"This relationship is simple economics," he said. "The policies create demand, and Chinese criminal groups meet it."

Both witnesses urged tighter financial oversight. Lazarus called for a US inter-agency task force to track Chinese criminal networks and new tools to follow illicit finance. Donovan said banks remain the key point of vulnerability. "They're the one part criminal organisations can't avoid," he said.

Lazarus warned that the system is already entrenched across the region, exploiting weak oversight and fuelling corruption.

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"The Silk Road of crime is already running through our hemisphere," he said. "It's poisoning our citizens, corrupting partner nations and advancing the interests of our strategic competitor, whether by design or by default."

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Trump administration officials have discussed hitting UNRWA with sanctions as a result of their terrorist connections.

Trump administration officials have held advanced discussions on hitting the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA with terrorism-related sanctions, said two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, prompting serious legal and humanitarian concerns inside the State Department.

The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services, and shelter to millions of Palestinians.

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Top UN officials and the UN Security Council have described UNRWA as the backbone of the aid response in Gaza, where the two-year war between Israel and terror group Hamas unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe.

UNRWA accused of Hamas connections

The Trump administration, however, has accused the agency of links with Hamas, allegations UNRWA has vigorously disputed.

Washington was long UNRWA's biggest donor, but halted funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff of taking part in the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre that triggered the war in Gaza. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio then accused the agency in October this year of becoming "a subsidiary of Hamas," which the US designated as a terrorist organization in 1997.

A protest display against UNRWA seen in Jerusalem, March 18, 2024 (credit: FLASH90/CHAIM GOLDBERG)

It was not immediately clear if current US discussions were focused on sanctioning the entire agency - or just specific UNRWA officials or parts of its operation, and US officials do not appear to have settled on the precise type of sanctions they would deploy against UNRWA.

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Among the possibilities that State Department officials have discussed include declaring UNRWA a "foreign terrorist organization," or FTO, the sources said, though it is not clear if that option - which would severely isolate UNRWA financially - is still a serious consideration.

Any blanket move against the entire organization could disrupt refugee relief efforts and cripple UNRWA, which is already facing a funding crisis.

'Unprecedented and unwarranted'

Sanctioning UNRWA on terrorism-related grounds would be striking and unusual, given that the United States is a member and the host country of the United Nations, which created UNRWA in 1949.

William Deere, director of the UNRWA office in Washington, said the agency would be "disappointed" if US officials were in fact discussing an FTO designation. He said such a move would be "both unprecedented and unwarranted."

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"Since January 2024, four independent entities have investigated UNRWA's neutrality, including the US National Intelligence Council. While occurring at different times and from different perspectives, they have all come to the same conclusion: UNRWA is an indispensable, neutral, humanitarian actor," Deere said.

In response to a request for comment, a State Department official called UNRWA a "corrupt organization with a proven track record of aiding and abetting terrorists."

"Everything is on the table," the official said. "No final decisions have yet been made."

The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

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The State Department and other departments have various sanctioning options at their disposal, which generally allow for asset freezes and travel bans targeted at specific individuals and entities. An FTO designation would be among the most severe tools available to Washington, and such designations are generally reserved for groups that kill civilians, like branches of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

Dozens of key US allies provide funding to UNRWA, raising questions about whether foreign officials could face sanctions for aiding an organization if Washington sanctions UNRWA or one of its officials on terrorism-related grounds.

The United Nations has said that nine UNRWA staff members may have been involved in the massacre and were fired. A Hamas commander in Lebanon - killed in September by Israel - was also found to have had a UNRWA job. The UN has vowed to investigate all accusations made and has repeatedly asked Israel for evidence, which it says has not been provided.

Discussions provoke humanitarian, legal concerns

The sources directly aware of the UNRWA discussions, who requested anonymity to disclose non-public deliberations, privately expressed various humanitarian and legal concerns, given the organization's singular role in aiding displaced Palestinians.

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Politically-appointed staff at the State Department who have been installed since the beginning of Trump's term have generally led the push to hit UNRWA with terrorism-related sanctions, the sources said.

Many career State Department officials - including some lawyers responsible for drafting designations language - have pushed back, those sources added.

In recent weeks, the potential sanctions have been discussed by officials in the State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism and members of its Policy Planning Staff, a powerful internal policymaking entity, one of the sources said.

Gregory LoGerfo, the nominee for the department's top counterterrorism post, has recused himself from the UNRWA discussions while he awaits Senate confirmation, that source added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has for years called for UNRWA to be dismantled, accusing it of anti-Israeli incitement. Since January 30, Israel has banned UNRWA's operation on Israeli land - including east Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in a move not recognized internationally - and contact with Israeli authorities.
Tennessee recipients of federal food aid may soon see new restrictions on what candy and soda they can purchase with the federal benefit.

The Department of Agriculture approved Dec. 10 Tennessee's application seeking to create new restrictions on what products will be covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including banning junk food items like soda and candy.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative is designed to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long.

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President Trump has made it clear: We are restoring SNAP to its true purpose  nutrition, Rollins said. With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods, and moving one step closer to the Presidents promise to Make America Healthy Again.

Tennessee House members passed a bill this spring directing the state government to seek a first-of-its-kind federal waiver to exclude candy and soft drinks from the state SNAP program, but a companion bill stalled in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Gov. Bill Lees administration sought the waiver anyway.

The Trump Administration's leadership to create innovative, responsible solutions that strengthen families and improve health outcomes will have a lasting impact on Tennesseans for generations to come, Gov. Lee said.

House Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, who sponsored the House bill, said the waiver will benefit Tennessee families who receive the federal assistance.

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The original goal of SNAP was to promote agriculture and provide healthy food options to those families in need. The program has strayed far from the original intent, Zachary said. Today, with the signing of the SNAP waiver, Tennessee will now guide families toward healthier options while maximizing the taxpayer resources used to facilitate the program.

Soda is one of the most frequently bought commodities in the SNAP program nationwide, according to the USDA. About 11% of dollars spent through the program nationwide are used to purchase sweetened beverages and candy alone.

Gov. Bill Lee answers questions from the press during his visit at Clarksville Christian School in Clarksville, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.

Trump administration officials including Rollins and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. have championed efforts to remove minimally nutritious foods from the SNAP program.

Thank you to the 18 governors who are leading the charge on SNAP reform to restore the health of Americans  especially our kids. Their courageous leadership is exactly what we need to Make America Healthy Again, Kennedy said. We cannot continue a system that forces taxpayers to fund programs that make people sick and then pay a second time to treat the illnesses those very programs help create.

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There were more than 702,000 participants in Tennessee's SNAP program last year.

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: USDA approves TN waiver to ban SNAP candy, soda purchases
Key Takeaways

Broadcom is scheduled to release its latest earnings report after the market closes Thursday, with sales and profits expected to continue surging.

Current options pricing suggests the stock could continue rising into record territory after hitting a new all-time high on Monday.

Broadcom (AVGO) is slated to release its fiscal fourth-quarter results after the market closes on Thursday, with traders expecting the chipmaker's stock could hit fresh record highs after the report.

Based on current options pricing, Broadcom stock is expected to rise or fall by up to 6% by the end of the week. Based on Monday's closing price, that would lift Broadcom's stock to around $425 on the high end, further past the intraday record of $407 the stock set on Monday, or push it down to about $377.

Last quarter, Broadcom's revenue hit a record $15.95 billion as the company topped estimates, prompting some analysts to call Broadcom a "Magnificent 8" stock that could continue to grow alongside Nvidia (NVDA) if the AI industry keeps expanding. Broadcom stock rallied following the report, setting multiple record highs in the months since.

Why This Matters to Investors

Broadcom designs AI chips used by several big tech companiesincluding Google, Meta and OpenAIto train and run AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Broadcom stock has been less affected than shares of other tech giants by the recent concerns over an AI bubble.

Analysts from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley each recently raised their price targets for Broadcom stock, but noted that the chip designer faces long-term risks. The analysts said that Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google is looking to design its own future generations of AI chips in house, rather than the current generation that it has designed in partnership with Broadcom. That could put Broadcom's market share at risk if Google is successful and eventually looks to sell its designs to other current Broadcom customers.

Broadcom's revenue is expected to jump 24% year-over-year to another record high of $17.48 billion, while adjusted earnings per share are projected to come in at $1.88, compared to $1.42 in the like period a year ago.



Analysts are overwhelmingly bullish on Broadcom stock, with all 12 analysts with current ratings tracked by Visible Alpha rating the chipmaker as a "buy." The stock has an an average price target of $432.02, as analysts expect shares to continue rising to record levels.

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Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has made her first public appearance in over a year early Thursday, just hours after winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Machado was greeted by cheering supporters in the streets of Oslo.

A video of the scene was posted to her X account, showing a smiling Machado from the balcony of the Grand Hotel waving to a group of hundreds outside.

Pictures of her greeting and embracing supporters on the street were also published on her X account.

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"The hug that all of Venezuela needs," she wrote in a caption accompanying the photos.

Machado, 58, made the appearance at around 2:30 a.m. local time, The New York Times reported.

Her appearance in the Scandinavian country follows more than a year of her hiding from the regime of Venezuela's authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro.

Machado led an opposition movement that many Venezuelans and international observers believe outpolled Maduro in last year's elections. She won the opposition primary but was barred from appearing on the general election ballot by the Maduro regime, a move widely condemned.

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She then backed presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez in the race who is believed by the opposition and many observers to have won the election. Maduro, however, responded by intensifying repression and human rights abuses against political opponents and public dissent, while his government-controlled National Electoral Council declared him the winner.

Her appearance came as she traveled to Oslo to participate in the Nobel Prize Ceremony as she was this year's recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a phone call released by the organization, Machado said she was on her way to Oslo, stating she was grateful for all those who risked their lives to make it happen.

"This is a measure of what this recognition means to the Venezuelan people," she said, before boarding a plane.

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She was unable to reach Oslo in time to receive the award, with her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, taking the diploma and medal on her mother's behalf at Oslo's City Hall.

And she read her mother's acceptance speech.

"My dear Venezuelans, the world has marveled at what we have achieved. And soon, it will witness one of the most moving sights of our time: our loved ones coming home -- and I will stand again on the Simon Bolivar bridge, where I once cried among the thousands who were leaving, and welcome them back into the luminous life that awaits us," Sosa said on her mother's behalf.

"Because in the end, our journey towards freedom has always lived inside us. We are returning to ourselves. We are returning home."
Police in New Jersey say they are searching for multiple shooters after two men were killed and two others were injured in a shooting at a recording studio in Newark on Wednesday night.

The shooting happened in a studio used to record music videos at 790 Clinton Avenue around 8 p.m.

The recording studio, Platinum Sound, is on the ground level of an apartment building, and sandwiched between a hair salon and a supermarket.

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When police arrived, they found four men had been shot.

Namir Bynum, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, Osayuwamen Uyamu, 20, was pronounced dead at University Hospital just before 8:45 p.m.

The two other victims who were shot were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

One of the victims had been treated and released by Thursday morning.

The incident stemmed from an incident "between friends" on Wednesday, the studio, Platinum Sound NJ, wrote in a post on social media.

Referring to an unnamed victim, the studio said "keep bro in yall prayers! Dont blame him for none dat took place today," saying the shooting was a "a very misfortunate slimy situation," the studio said.

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Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said the shooting was "contained within that particular establishment."

"I think that the music, the city of Newark, in talking with the mayor, they are going to take a hard look at some of those establishments as they exist now," Stephens said. "The city of Newark is going to look at policing and perhaps regulating those institutions where some of that activity may be going on."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Vietnam has quietly accelerated land reclamation at South Reef, a once-remote coral feature in the contested Spratly Islands, signaling a new strategic turn as pressure from China intensifies across the South China Sea.

New satellite imagery reviewed by analysts shows significant dredging, reinforced embankments and the early formation of what appears to be a sheltered harbor and logistics zone.

South Reef,- known in Vietnamese as a Nam, has long been one of Hanoi's lesser-developed outposts. But the latest construction suggests Vietnam is moving to harden a chain of positions that could strengthen surveillance, resupply and defensive coordination across the southern Spratlys.

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"Vietnam has been quietly expanding multiple features for years," said Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"This is part of a broader effort to ensure Vietnam isn't outmatched by China's overwhelming presence," Poling said.

Vietnam's latest expansion is modest compared to China's sweeping island-building spree from 2013 to 2016, but it still carries strategic weight in a region where sovereignty is reinforced by physical presence. Even limited new land or infrastructure can shift the balance.

Harrison Pretat, deputy director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said there's no indication yet of Vietnamese sensing or surveillance systems on the feature, but added that such upgrades are likely once reclamation work is completed.

A changed strategic environment

The timing of the expansion comes as frictions intensify across the South China Sea. China has escalated confrontations with the Philippines at Second Thomas Shoal, increased patrols near Malaysia's offshore energy blocks and stepped up harassment of Vietnamese fishing fleets near the Paracel Islands.

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This sharpened regional climate is driving closer coordination among Indo-Pacific partners.

On Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met their Australian counterparts in Washington for annual security talks, highlighting growing U.S.-Australia alignment on countering China's assertive posture.

The discussions focused on Beijing's expanding military footprint, tensions over Taiwan and increased pressure in the South China Sea -- developments that directly shape Vietnam's strategic calculations.

Vietnam's choice to enlarge South Reef reflects the shifting environment. Southeast Asian claimants are no longer relying solely on diplomatic protests. Analysts note that Hanoi's activities remain within the bounds of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties and that reclamation on features Vietnam already occupies is unlikely to trigger a crisis as long as it does not extend beyond its existing footholds.

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The newly expanded platform at South Reef could eventually support improved radar, short-range aviation operations and expanded coast guard logistics.

Strategy of firmness without escalation

Vietnam remains careful not to mirror China's militarization. Beijing's artificial islands now host long runways, anti-ship missiles, hardened shelters and large-scale radar complexes. By contrast, Vietnam favors restrained, dual-use facilities -- docks, helipads, storm shelters, lighthouses, barracks and small administrative buildings.

This approach is deliberate. Hanoi wants to strengthen its claim and maritime resilience without provoking a military response from China.

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China has historically applied less pressure on Vietnam than on the Philippines, in part because Hanoi avoids bringing external powers into the South China Sea disputes. That restraint aligns with one of Beijing's central concerns: limiting United States and other international involvement, which China views as a greater strategic threat than the actions of regional claimant states themselves.

Beijing typically calibrates its reactions to Vietnam's actions based on the overall stability of bilateral ties and the presence of long-standing mechanisms for managing maritime disputes.

"China and Vietnam have established channels to handle sensitive issues discreetly," said Yilun Zhang, a research associate at the Institute for China-America Studies.

While risks exist for Hanoi if its reclamation work crosses thresholds Beijing considers unacceptable, China has historically approached its maritime disagreements with Vietnam with caution.

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Zhang said that Vietnam's incremental strategy, and its deliberate avoidance of drawing in external powers, further reduces the likelihood of sharp escalation between the two neighbors.

Vietnamese officials argue that such improvements are necessary for safety, especially given the region's worsening storms and rising sea levels. Reefs that once hosted wooden huts now require concrete structures to withstand severe weather.

Still, analysts note that the upgrades serve a strategic purpose as well. Permanence strengthens Vietnam's symbolic and administrative presence -- vital in a legal environment shaped by occupation, history and practice.

China's likely response

Beijing is expected to lodge diplomatic complaints and intensify patrols around the feature. China asserts sweeping claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including South Reef, despite the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its nine-dash line. China rejects that ruling and continues to enforce what it considers sovereign jurisdiction.

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Escalation risks remain. Recent Chinese actions -- water-cannoning Philippine vessels, tailing Malaysian survey ships and challenging Vietnamese fisheries -- indicate a more assertive maritime posture.

"China will see Vietnam's expansion as a challenge to its narrative of uncontested control," said Nguyen The Phuong, a defense researcher at the University of New South Wales Canberra. "But Vietnam knows it must secure what it already occupies, or risk losing strategic ground."

To date, Vietnam has avoided the severe stand-offs that define China-Philippines relations. But analysts warn that as Vietnam's island infrastructure becomes more robust, Chinese surveillance and pressure will likely increase.

Environmental and legal dimensions

Like all reclamation in the Spratlys, Vietnam's expansion comes with ecological costs. Coral burial, dredging and landfilling degrade an ecosystem already under stress from overfishing, bleaching and climate change. Marine scientists estimate that more than 22,000 acres of coral have been damaged or destroyed across the region.

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Vietnam argues that its land reclamation is modest compared to China's massive engineering operations, but the cumulative impacts are nonetheless significant.

Under the United Nations Law of the Sea, land reclamation does not create new territorial rights, and artificial islands generate no territorial seas or exclusive economic zones. But analysts say such construction still boosts Vietnam's administrative presence -- a core element of its long-term strategy in the Spratlys.

Domestic drivers in Vietnam

Hanoi's move also reflects internal political and social pressures. Maritime sovereignty is a deeply resonant national issue, amplified ahead of the 2026 Communist Party Congress as leaders seek to project strength and stability.

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Vietnam's fishing communities, among the most active in the region, face rising risks from China's coast guard and maritime militia. Strengthening outposts provides logistical support and bolsters morale among these coastal constituencies.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's defense modernization, including new coast guard vessels from the United States and Japan, requires improved forward infrastructure. Outposts such as South Reef help extend operational reach, reduce supply burdens and improve situational awareness in the contested maritime domain.

Broader Indo-Pacific trend

Vietnam's reclamation at South Reef reflects a wider shift across the Indo-Pacific. Regional states are adapting to a long-term strategic contest that diplomacy alone has not resolved.

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The United States has elevated Vietnam to a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, boosting cooperation on maritime security and surveillance. Japan and India have intensified coast guard and defense collaboration with Hanoi. But Vietnam remains cautious, avoiding the appearance of joining an anti-China alignment.

Even so, South Reef sends a clear signal: Vietnam is preparing for a more contested maritime future, one in which outposts must be resilient, self-sustaining and increasingly capable of supporting extended operations.

In a sea where sovereignty is often written in concrete, sand and seawalls, Vietnam's expansion at South Reef underscores an emerging reality: the South China Sea is entering a new era, defined as much by quiet construction as by loud diplomacy.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin assesses storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Grayson County. (Photo courtesy of Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.)

Over a year after Hurricane Helene ripped through the Southern Appalachian region from Georgia to Southwest Virginia, Virginia Tech staff and students are leading research into the storms lasting environmental impacts  with a focus on North Carolina, which experienced the most catastrophic damage in the September 2024 storm.

The universitys Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture through an $8.8 million grant to conduct field work in early 2026. Virginia Tech will be tasked with hiring a staff of 20 people to begin collecting data on aquatic and forest ecosystems.

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The aim is to have field teams assess watersheds that were impacted by the storm to identify high-need areas where remediation is necessary to restore ecosystems or bolster public safety. The initial focus will be on North Carolina and Virginia.

For the university, and especially for our students, we get this access to funding opportunities for experiential learning and opportunities for graduate student projects, said Joel Snodgrass, head of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. It works a lot like most of the other embedded federal scientists that we have with us.

The teams will be looking for areas that were damaged that may be still susceptible to mudslides, debris jams in waterways and other risks. Infrastructure such as bridge crossings, culverts and trestles will be evaluated to make sure they remain safe for public use.

Virginia took on an estimated $4 billion in damages, and three people in the state died as a result of the storm; 250 people perished in other states. Hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of debris were blown around the region in Virginia, much of it clogging waterways in the southwest leading to dozens of trestles and bridges being completely destroyed or heavily damaged.

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In some areas of the state, floodwaters reached over 31 feet on the New River, disrupting the flow of smaller streams that feed into the river. Changes like that have led to shifts in rebuilding efforts and researchers will assess what the altered stream movements mean for the areas habitats and animals.

They will also be taking a close look at fish and threatened wildlife such as the eastern hellbender salamander to find out if the storm will have lasting population effects.

Work to collect data in the field will begin in early 2026. By 2030, the team is slated to produce an extensive report to give data on the environmental impacts of the storm and potential remediation recommendations to make the forests more resilient against any future natural disasters.

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A state representative from Le Flore County in southeastern Oklahoma says he will file legislation for the 2026 session that would let voters decide on future pay raises for lawmakers.

Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, said Wednesday, Dec. 10, he is drafting a resolution that would require a statewide vote to determine whether legislative pay increases or decreases should face a vote of the people each time they are recommended by the Legislative Compensation Board.

"I made a promise to the people in my district that I would attempt to let them vote on whether or not legislators deserved a pay raise," West said.

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Wests move comes after the Legislative Compensation Board  which the Legislature established  voted Nov. 18 to raise the base annual pay of legislators by more than $14,000 a year and increased stipends for more than a dozen legislative leaders, including those of House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton.

State Rep. Rick West of Heavener thinks Oklahoman voters should have the final say on legislative pay raises.

Lawmakers now will receive base pay of $54,900 annually. Stipends of half that amount ($27,450) will be paid to the House speaker and the Senate president pro tempore, while other legislative leaders  the majority floor leaders and minority leaders in each chamber, the Appropriations Committee chairs in each chamber, the speaker pro tempore in the House, the majority leader and majority whip in the House and three assistant majority floor leaders in the Senate  each will receive a stipend of $18,177.

Those salary and stipend levels were determined in executive session, outside of public view. The first time the public learned about the raises and stipends was as the board was voting to approve them.

West said the new legislative salary exceeds the median household income of $50,027 in Le Flore County.

What changes does Rep. Rick West propose?

West said his proposal would not do away with either the Legislative Compensation Board or the Statewide Official Compensation Commission, which determines the salary of statewide elected officials. Both the board and commission have the same members appointed by the governor, the House speaker and the Senate president pro tempore. The board and commission meet every two years, in odd-numbered years.

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Under his proposal, those entities could still meet to recommend increases in legislative pay and explain their rationale, West said, but the ultimate decision would be made by Oklahoma voters. Hes filed identical resolutions since 2020, he said, but none have ever advanced from committee.

"I'm hopeful this will be the year this advances," West said.

A spokeswoman for Hilbert, who as speaker holds great sway in determining what does and doesnt advance in the House, didnt immediately return a text message seeking comment. A spokesman for Paxton said Paxton was traveling on Wednesday and likely wouldnt be available for comment.

West joins Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, in publicly opposing the legislative pay raise. Last month, Jenkins asked Attorney General Gentner Drummond if members of the Legislative Compensation Board violated the states Open Meeting Act by holding an executive session to discuss a pay raise for lawmakers.

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Jenkins also said she will reject the pay raise and donate the additional money to a pregnancy crisis center in her district.

House bills and resolutions must be filed by Jan. 15. The next session of the Oklahoma Legislature is scheduled to begin Feb. 2.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Lawmaker wants voters to decide on raises for Oklahoma legislators
Defense attorneys in the Brian Walshe murder trial on Thursday morning told Norfolk Superior Court Judge Diane Frenier that they wouldnt be calling any witnesses, officially resting their case.

In Brian Walshe murder trial, it appears the defense will be calling no witnesses. Prosecution rested yesterday. @boston25 #brianwalshetrial  Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) December 11, 2025

The defense also indicated that Brian Walshe wont take the stand to testify on his own behalf.

In Brian Walshe murder trial, in conference without jury in courtroom, defense attorney said Brian Walshe will NOT take the stand (looked like it was poss. yesterday). @boston25 #brianwalshetrial  Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) December 11, 2025

Watch live: Day 9 of testimony begins at 9 a.m.

When Frenier asked Walshe to confirm the decision of his attorneys, he said, I will not testify.

Judge: Have you made about whether you will testify at your trial.

Walshe: Yes, I have

Judge: What is your decision?

Walshe: I will not testify.

Judge accepts Walshe's decision.#Brianewalshetrial @boston25  Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) December 11, 2025

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Closing statements in the case will happen on Friday, Frenier informed the court. She then sent the jurors home to allow for additional proceedings between both legal teams.

Judge Freniere is telling Brian Walshe jury that closings will be tomorrow. Jury being sent home. @boston25 #brianwalshetrial #BrianWalshe  Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) December 11, 2025

Thursdays developments come after the prosecution rested and Frenier denied a motion to dismiss the case on Wednesday.

In opening statements, the defense claimed Walshe discovered his wife, Ana Walshe, dead in their bed on New Years Day 2023 and panicked. They argue Ana died of natural causes, not at Brians hands.

Up until Thursday morning, the big question legal experts were asking: Will Brian Walshe take the stand in his own defense? Now we know the answer.

Key testimony

On Wednesday, prosecutors called two of Anas close friends to testify, including Alyssa Kirby, who last saw Ana on December 29, 2022.

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Kirby told jurors Ana confided that her marriage was strained but insisted Brian wasnt jealous.

When she told me that, I was surprised. She said they were open and he wasnt jealous, Kirby testified.

This detail contrasts sharply with the defenses claim that Brian was unaware of Anas affair and that their marriage was going good at the time of her death.

Gem Mutlu, the last person to see Ana alive at a New Years party at the Cohasset home of Brian and Ana, also offered emotional testimony.

Mutlu testified that it was a festive party on the night of December 31, 2022, and Brian and Ana were getting along.

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However, he tried to tell the jury that days before, he had a long conversation with Ana and sensed that the couple was having marital problems.

He also told the jury that he had learned Ana disappeared when Brian called him and told him she left because of a work emergency, using the word incredulous to describe his immediate reaction.

Walshes attorneys have contested that the couple was in good shape at the time of Anas disappearance.

Whats next

Since the start of the trial, defense attorneys have maintained that Brian Walshe did not kill his wife. Instead, they say he acted irrationally after finding her dead in bed. Prosecutors, however, continue to argue that Walshe murdered Ana, chopped her up, and disposed of her remains.

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Brian Walshe remains charged with murder, for which he has pleaded not guilty.

Related

Brian Walshe jurors shown critical blood evidence and potential murder weapon

Man who was in a relationship with Ana Walshe testifies at Brian Walshes murder trial

Jury sees chilling video of Brian Walshe buying tools, cleaning supplies at Lowes, CVS, Stop & Shop

Forensic experts in Brian Walshe trial say DNA on evidence found in dumpster matches wife, Ana

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When a Cincinnati police drone is flying overhead day or night, it's not always clear what it's responding to.

The flights are part of the Cincinnati Police Department's new $4.8 million "drones as first responders" program, which has quickly become a core part of the citys emergency response since launching in late July.

The drones are always recording and equipped with high-quality zoom and thermal cameras as a Cincinnati police officer remotely pilots the drone from the department's command center.

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An Enquirer review of the more than 4,000 flights so far found drones have helped officers apprehend suspects, been first on the scene of shootings and performed aerial patrols across neighborhoods such as Over-the-Rhine.

Generally, there are few restrictions on police drones when it comes to citizens' privacy since the technology is so new, according to Electronic Frontier Foundation senior researcher Beryl Lipton.

A proposed bill in the Ohio Statehouse would add requirements for police to get warrants for some flights, like when observing the inside a home through a window.

Check for drone flights near your address here

Cincinnati police publish drones' flight paths online a day after takeoff. However, there's no information immediately available about the purpose for each flight.

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Using The Enquirer's interactive "What's That Drone?" tool, you can learn more about Cincinnati police drone flights near your address.

The data refreshes daily with the previous days' flights, excluding weekends and holidays.

How it works

Since the program launched July 28, The Enquirer has downloaded all of the flights by the Cincinnati Police Department.

By combining the database of flight paths with a database of calls police have responded to, The Enquirer's tool is able to approximate the call for service the drone responded to on a particular day and time in a particular location.

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Simply put, if a drone responds to an area in which there is only one call for service at a specific time on a specific day, the tool extrapolates that is the call the department was responding to.

Not all flights are matched with calls. Sometimes, during busy hours, there could be multiple calls in one location, making it difficult to pinpoint which call the drone was responding to.

Why is Cincinnati police flying drones across the city?

The department is the first in Ohio and among a growing number nationwide to turn toward drones as first responders.

The program has relieved officers from responding to dozens of calls since it began, like mundane issues that take up officers time with few results: suspicious people that are gone by the time an officer arrives, a traffic hazard that was overstated or a 911 hang up from a butt dial.

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The drone squad has also responded to high-priority calls, like reported shootings, suspect chases and mental health crises.

Most of these flights have been in response to calls in the urban core of Over-the-Rhine and Downtown, as well as West Side neighborhoods.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Look up Cincinnati police drone flights near your home, address here
By Sarah N. Lynch and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday sought to advance Lindsey Halligan's nomination as U.S. Attorney for Virginia's Eastern District before the Republican-controlled Senate, though President Donald Trump's controversial choice faces an uphill battle of being confirmed due to opposition by both of Virginia's Democratic senators.

The Senate Judiciary Committee received a copy of Halligan's 28-page questionnaire outlining her background and qualifications, according to a copy reviewed by Reuters, in what represents the first major step in the Senate confirmation process.

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"She's the President's nominee. It is our hope that she is confirmed and submitting her questionnaire is part of that process," said Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary.

Halligan, 36, is a former insurance attorney who also worked as a personal lawyer for Trump after his first term in office. She was a White House aide to Trump early in his second term, and has no previous experience as a prosecutor.

The efforts by the White House to get Halligan's confirmation process underway were reported earlier by MS Now.

Halligan was tapped as Interim U.S. Attorney at Trump's request in September. Her predecessor Erik Siebert was ousted after he declined to seek indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James over a lack of credible evidence they committed crimes.

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Comey and James are among a handful of Trump's perceived political enemies who have faced criminal investigations by the Justice Department at the Republican president's urging.

Halligan alone secured indictments against both Comey and James in the first few weeks on the job after career prosecutors in her office declined to participate in the cases.

A federal judge dismissed both indictments in November after determining that her appointment was unlawful. Despite not yet filing an appeal to that ruling, the Justice Department has nevertheless continued to keep her name and title on its pleadings, earning a rebuke from several federal judges.

Although Republicans control the U.S. Senate, Halligan's nomination faces major hurdles thanks to a tradition known as the "blue slip" process, in which the Senate typically defers to each state's two senators on U.S. Attorney and judicial nominations.

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Both Republicans and Democrats have balked at calls by Trump to end the "blue slip" process, in a bid to make it easier for his nominees to sail through the Senate confirmation process.

"Blue Slips are making it impossible to get great Republican Judges and U.S. Attorneys approved to serve in any state where there is a single Democrat Senator!," Trump complained in a post on Truth Social on Thursday.

But Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters on Thursday that a majority of his Republican colleagues oppose ending the practice, according to media reports. And Virginia Democratic Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both of whom previously gave a thumbs up to Halligan's predecessor Siebert, are not expected to do the same for her.

Halligan has never served as a prosecutor. Her questionnaire shows that only 3% of her career has involved practicing law in federal court and only 1% of her time was spent on criminal matters.

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A federal magistrate judge in Virginia previously ruled that Halligan may have made significant legal errors in presenting evidence and instructing grand jurors who were weighing whether to charge Comey. The Justice Department has denied those allegations.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Editing by David Gregorio)
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-SC, has had enough with leadership in the House of Representatives.

In a scathing op-ed published Dec. 8 in the New York Times, Mace lashed out at Republican leaders, writing that they promote party control over accountability and achievement.

No one can be held responsible for inaction, so far too little gets done, Mace wrote. 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?

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Mace, who is running for governor of South Carolina, wrote that major legislation is negotiated privately by a select group of legislators, with little notice or opportunity for input.

The Palmetto State lawmaker decried House leaders, accusing them of making promises to members to include provisions in legislation and then removing those provisions in the final draft of bills.

Every must-pass bill is loaded with thousands of pages of unrelated policies, presented as take-it-or-leave-it, Mace wrote.

Mace also accused House leaders of not taking women lawmakers seriously.

Since 2013, the Republican conference chair position has gone to a woman, Mace wrote. Its the token slot, the designated leadership role for the top woman in the conference, while the real power lies in other offices.

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U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., told CNN that she agreed with Maces op-ed and added that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sidelines women lawmakers, according to The Hill.

Greene, who is resigning from the House in January after repeatedly clashing with President Donald Trump, said Johnson can speak out of one side of his mouth but his actions fully show the hypocrisy.

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., also recently lashed out at Johnson.

Stefanik, who is running for governor of New York next year, told the Wall Street Journal that the Louisiana lawmaker was ineffective and could be removed from his position at any point.

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Mace wrote that while Johnson was better than his predecessor, former U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the frustrations of rank-and-file lawmakers are starting to increase.

Mace went so far as to praise U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., saying she was a more effective House speaker than any Republican this century.

Ms. Pelosi was ruthless, but she got things done, Mace wrote. The current House is restrictive and ineffective, control with barely any results.

More on Politics

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As Asian markets navigate a complex landscape marked by mixed economic indicators and evolving investor sentiment, the region's technology sector continues to capture attention with its potential for high growth. In this environment, identifying promising tech stocks involves looking for companies that demonstrate resilience and innovation amidst shifting global trends and local challenges.

Top 10 High Growth Tech Companies In Asia

Name Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Growth Rating Shengyi TechnologyLtd 21.50% 32.87%  Giant Network Group 34.73% 40.54%  Fositek 37.83% 51.54%  Suzhou TFC Optical Communication 35.80% 36.87%  Gold Circuit Electronics 29.41% 37.22%  Zhongji Innolight 34.82% 35.50%  Shengyi Electronics 24.67% 33.32%  eWeLLLtd 21.55% 22.80%  Co-Tech Development 35.68% 75.80%  CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings 100.40% 118.16% 

Click here to see the full list of 187 stocks from our Asian High Growth Tech and AI Stocks screener.

We'll examine a selection from our screener results.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Shanghai OPM Biosciences Co., Ltd. is engaged in providing cell culture media and CDMO services both in China and internationally, with a market cap of CN5.90 billion.

Operations: OPM Biosciences generates revenue primarily through its cell culture media and CDMO services. The company operates both domestically in China and internationally, with a market cap of CN5.90 billion.

Shanghai OPM Biosciences has demonstrated robust growth in the competitive biotech sector, with a notable 25.8% increase in revenue to CNY 271.53 million and a surge in net income by 81.4% to CNY 49.43 million for the first nine months of 2025. These financial gains reflect a strategic emphasis on R&D, crucial for maintaining technological leadership and innovation within Asia's high-growth markets. Despite facing challenges like a highly volatile share price and low forecasted Return on Equity at just 7%, the company's earnings growth of 46.46% annually outpaces the broader Chinese market's expansion rate significantly, showcasing its potential amidst fierce industry competition and evolving market demands.

SHSE:688293 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Dec 2025

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Kakaku.com, Inc., along with its subsidiaries, offers purchase support and restaurant review services in Japan and has a market capitalization of 454.33 billion.
President Donald Trump is continuing to ratchet up pressure on Venezuela, after United States military forces seized an oil tanker off the South American country's coast and unveiled new sanctions on it.

The Dec. 10 seizure is the latest escalation in a stand-off between the American president and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump has been vocal about his desire for the Venezuelan president to step down, and has accused Maduro's government of drug trafficking and terrorism.

The administration plans to transport the tanker to a U.S. port and claim the oil it's carrying, the White House said. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a Dec. 11 press conference that the oil tanker is currently under a forfeiture process. U.S. officials are aboard the vessel interviewing crew members and seizing evidence, she added.

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"There is a legal process for the seizure of that oil and that legal process will be followed," Leavitt said.

President Donald Trump, flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting of his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Dec. 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump's notes as he attends a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, Dec. 2, 2025. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks alongside President Donald Trump during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. The misspelled name card for Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is seen during a meeting of Trumps' Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Dec. 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump, flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks alongside (L-R) U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy during a meeting of his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Dec. 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. Also pictured, from left, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Secretary for Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent (C) speaks during a Cabinet Meeting held by President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. (L-R) Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and secretary of Interior Doug Burgum look on as President Donald Trump (not pictured) speaks during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (2nd-R) looks on as President Donald Trump (not pictured) speaks, during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick speaks alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump (L) during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025. Trump holds December Cabinet meeting as Hegseth faces scrutiny 1 of 13 President Donald Trump, flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Dec. 2, 2025.

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Dec. 10 that the tanker was used to take sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

The Venezuelan government has called Trump's position a "colonialist threat," and in response to the tanker seizure, accused the United States of "blatant theft," Reuters reported. Officials have also described the seizure as "an act of international piracy" and said it would denounce the incident before international bodies.

More: Trump administration taking seized oil tanker to US, claiming oil

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The Trump administration also ramped up sanctions on the country  according to multiple media reports on Dec. 11  including on three of Maduro's nephews and several other tankers that help export the country's ample oil supply.

More: Trump says Venezuela sends US lethal drugs, but data tells different story

Why did the US seize a Venezuelan oil tanker?

Trump announced at a meeting at the White House on Dec. 10 that the U.S. seized the Venezuelan oil tanker.

"Largest one ever seized, actually. And other things are happening," the president said. I assume were going to keep the oil from the ship, he added later.

A Venezuelan navy patrol boat escorts Panamanian-flagged crude oil tanker Yoselin near the El Palito refinery in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela on Nov. 11, 2025. This happened after Venezuela announced what it called a major, nationwide military deployment to counter the U.S. naval presence off its coast.

Leavitt said at the Dec. 11 White House briefing that the oil tanker seizure was an example of Trump delivering on his campaign promise to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the country.

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The press secretary also said the Department of Justice obtained a warrant to seize the vessel thats part of Irans shadow fleet, known for carrying black market, sanctioned oil to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Three people with knowledge of the matter told USA TODAY the cargo on board was owned by a businessman with ties to Maduro, and the boat was bound for Cuba.

Who is Nicolas Maduro?

Venezuela is an oil-rich country whose economy collapsed in recent years, prompting widespread poverty and violence. The country faces international scrutiny for alleged corruption and oppressive crackdowns by the ruling government.

Maduro was the hand-picked successor of former socialist leader, Hugo Chavez. Maduro's United Socialist Party, widely considered a left-wing dictatorship, has held elections considered undemocratic.

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After the country's 2024 elections, international observers and Venezuelan opposition leaders said Maduro had soundly lost.

He has remained in power.

Why is Trump talking about attacking Venezuela?

Trump has accused Maduro of being a drug trafficker, sending fentanyl that has contributed to the American opioid crisis and blaming the country for a wave of immigration.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a ceremony to swear in new community-based organisations, as U.S. President Donald Trumps administration ramps up pressure on Maduros government, in Caracas, Venezuela, December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

Over the past several months, the administration has ratcheted up its stance toward the South American nation, including deploying a major military buildup near its coast.

In August, the United States doubled the reward for information leading to the capture of Maduro to an unprecedented $50 million. The U.S. says he is linked to drug trafficking and criminal groups.

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In November, the State Department designated Maduro and other high-ranking government officials as part of a foreign terrorist organization, Cartel de los Soles. Experts have told USA TODAY that Cartel de los Soles is a loose network of corruption and not a real drug trafficking organization. The Venezuelan president has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade.

More: ICC faces sanctions unless court agrees not to prosecute Trump

The Department of Justice indicted Maduro and other top Venezuelan officials on drug trafficking and corruption charges in 2020.

People shout slogans against war as they march during an initiative called "National Day of Action: No War on Venezuela," at Times Square in New York City, U.S., December 6, 2025.

What's happening with the boat strikes?

The seizure comes as the U.S. has built up military forces around Venezuela for months and carried out repeated strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. The strikes killed dozens, including some Venezuelans.

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The administration claims the hits have targeted suspected drug smuggling boats from Venezuela, while critics have called the strikes illegal and said they amount to extrajudicial assassinations.

Trump said the administration's strikes on the alleged drug boats were aimed at deterring suspected Venezuelan traffickers. He has also said he is targeting human traffickers.

Since September, the administration is known to have carried out strikes on nearly two dozen boats in international waters, including in the Caribbean, that killed 83 people.

The Venezuelan government has repeatedly claimed Trump's actions are intended to gain access to the countrys lucrative oil and gas reserves.

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Venezuela has the world's largest share of crude oil reserves by country, according to data from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC. It exported more than 900,000 barrels of oil per day last month, Reuters reported.

Its main buyer is China.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers, Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Joey Garrison, Zac Anderson and Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY; Reuters.

Kathryn Palmer is a politics reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr. Sign up for her daily politics newsletter here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Trump is threatening Venezuela?
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Rains drenched Gazas tent camps and dropping temperatures chilled Palestinians huddling inside them Thursday as winter storm Byron descended on the war-battered territory, showing how two months of a ceasefire have failed to sufficiently address the spiraling humanitarian crisis there.

Families found their possessions and food supplies soaked inside their tents. Childrens sandaled feet disappeared under opaque brown water that flooded the camps, running knee deep in some places. Dirt roads turned to mud. Piles of garbage and sewage cascaded like waterfalls.

We have been drowned. I dont have clothes to wear and we have no mattresses left, said Um Salman Abu Qenas, a displaced mother in a Khan Younis tent camp. She said that her family couldn't sleep the night before, because of the water in the tent.

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Aid groups say not enough shelter materials are getting into Gaza during the truce. Figures recently released by Israel's military suggest it hasn't met the ceasefire stipulation of allowing 600 trucks of aid into Gaza a day, though Israel disputes that finding.

Cold, overcrowded, and unsanitary environments heighten the risk of illness and infection, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said on X. This suffering could be prevented by unhindered humanitarian aid, including medical support and proper shelter."

Rains wreak havoc

Sabreen Qudeeh, also in the Khan Younis camp, in a squalid area known as Muwasi, said that her family woke up to rain leaking from their tent's ceiling and water from the street soaking their mattresses.

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My little daughters were screaming, she said.

Ahmad Abu Taha, also living in the camp, said there wasn't a tent that escaped the flooding. Conditions are very bad, we have old people, displaced, and sick people inside this camp, he said.

Floods in south-central Israel trapped more than a dozen people in their cars, according to Hebrew media. Israel's rescue services, MDA, said that two young girls were slightly injured when a tree fell on their school.

The contrasting scenes with Gaza made clear how profoundly the Israel-Hamas war had damaged the territory, destroying the majority of homes. Gazas population of around 2 million is almost entirely displaced, and most people live in vast tent camps stretching along the coast, or set up among the shells of damaged buildings without adequate flooding infrastructure and with cesspits dug near tents as toilets.

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At least three buildings in Gaza City already damaged by Israeli bombardment during the war partially collapsed under the rain, Palestinian Civil Defense said. It warned people not to stay inside damaged buildings, saying they too could fall down on top of them.

The agency also said that since the storm began, they have received more than 2,500 distress calls from people across Gaza whose tents and shelters were damaged.

With buckets and mops, Palestinians laboriously scooped water out of their tents.

Aliaa Bahtiti said her 8-year-old son "was soaked overnight, and in the morning he had turned blue, sleeping on water. Her tent floor had an inch of water on it We cannot buy food, covers, towels, or sheets to sleep on.

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Baraka Bhar was caring for her 3-month-old twins inside her tent as the rain poured outside. One of the twins has hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluids in the brain.

Our tents are worn out ... and they leak rain water, she said. We should not lose our children this winter.

Not enough aid

Aid groups say that Israel isn't allowing enough aid into Gaza to begin rebuilding the territory after years of war.

Under the agreement, Israel agreed to comply with aid stipulations from an earlier January truce, which specified that it allow 600 trucks of aid each day into Gaza, It maintains it's doing so, but The Associated Press found that some of its own figures call that into question.

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The January truce also specified that Israel let in a number of caravans and tents. No caravans have yet entered Gaza during the ceasefire, said Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli group advocating for Palestinians right to freedom of movement.

The Israeli military body in charge of coordinating aid to Gaza, called COGAT, said on Dec. 9 it had lately" let 260,000 tents and tarpaulins into Gaza and more than 1,500 trucks of blankets and warm clothing.

Shelter Cluster, an international coalition of aid providers led by the Norwegian Refugee Council, sets the number lower. It says the U.N. and international nongovernmental organizations have gotten 15,590 tents into Gaza since the truce began, and other countries have sent about 48,000. Many of the tents aren't properly insulated, it says.

Amjad al-Shawa, Gaza chief of the Palestinian NGO Network, told Al Jazeera on Thursday that only a fraction of the 300,000 tents needed had entered Gaza. He said that Palestinians were in dire need of warmer winter clothes and accused Israel of blocking the entry of water pumps to help clear flooded shelters..

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"All international sides should take the responsibility regarding conditions in Gaza, he said. There is real danger for people in Gaza at all levels.

Khaled Mashaal, a Hamas leader, said in an interview with Al Jazeera that Gaza needs the rehabilitation of hospitals, the entry of heavy machinery to remove rubble, and the opening of the Rafah crossing  which remains closed after Israel said last week it would shortly open.

COGAT didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the claims that Israel wasnt allowing water pumps or heavy machinery into Gaza

Amnesty accuses Hamas of crimes against humanity

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Amnesty International said in a report released Thursday that Hamas and other militant groups committed crimes against humanity in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel that triggered the war in Gaza.

In the 173-page report, Amnesty pointed to what it found to be widespread and systematic killing of civilians in the attack, as well as torture, hostage-taking and sexual abuse.

In the attack, Hamas fighters and other militants rampaged through southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 250 others hostage. Israel's campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 70,300 Palestinians, roughly half of them women and children, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between militants and civilians in its count. Last year, Amnesty accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel denied.

Amnesty said it conducted interviews with 70 people, including 17 survivors of the attack and family members of some of those killed. It also reviewed hundreds of open-source videos and photos from the day of the attack.

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Contrary to Hamas claims it was targeting the military, it said, the attack was intentionally directed against a civilian population and met international law standards for crimes against humanity.

It said sexual assaults were also committed, though it said it could not reach a conclusion on their scope or scale. It interviewed one man who testified he was raped by armed men at the Nova music festival, as well as a therapist who said she provided intensive treatment to three other survivors of rape.

Hamas condemned the report, saying it echoed false claims by Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister spokesperson Oren Marmorstein derided the report in a posting on X, saying it took more than two years for Amnesty to address the attack and even now its report falls far short of reflecting the full scope of Hamass horrific atrocities.
Authorities arrested a woman on Wednesday in connection with a Cumberland County shooting involving a deputy last month.

On Nov. 25, around 6:30 p.m., the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic call in the 6700 block of Camden Road in Fayetteville.

When deputies got there, they said they came across a person with a knife, later named as Dorothy Lakay Simpkins, 46, of Fayetteville. The deputy instructed her to drop the knife, but Simpkins lunged toward the deputy with the knife, CCSO said. That's when the deputy shot Simpkins, who was taken to a hospital for treatment.

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Simpkins was charged Wednesday with assault with a deadly weapon on a family member and felony assault with a deadly weapon on a government official.

She made her first court appearance on Thursday.

Simpkins, 46, appeared in court after being booked into the Cumberland County jail Wednesday night. Prosecutors say the Nov. 25 incident began with a domestic disturbance call involving her 78-year-old mother, Mae Swink.

According to prosecutors, Simpkins allegedly slashed her mother's arm with a knife. Although Simpkins has no prior criminal record, prosecutors said in court that she has a long history of assaulting her mother.

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Corporal Tyreek Brown responded to the call and encountered Simpkins armed with a knife, prosecutors said. After Brown ordered her to drop the weapon, officials said Simpkins refused and then lunged toward him, prompting the deputy to fire. Prosecutors said Corporal Brown was not injured.

In court on Thursday, she told the judge she has schizophrenia and said she was hearing voices on the night of the incident.

Simpkins is charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a family member and felony assault with a deadly weapon on a government official.

Her bond was increased to $200,000.

Neighbor Toni Stewart told ABC11: "That was crazy. You know, it's really close to home."

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Simpkins is being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center under a $102,500.00 secured bond. Her first court appearance is set for 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Homicide Detective Fisk at (910) 677-5463.
A woman is facing charges five years after the discovery of a dead newborn in the north suburbs.

Riverwoods, Illinois police say Natalie Schram gave birth to the baby in May 2020 and then dumped the baby's body in a wooded area in the 1800 block of Robinwood Lane.

Schram was arrested earlier this month in Washington State and has now bee charged in connection to the crime, police said.

SEE ALSO | 2 charged after infant's remains found buried at Wilmington home, Will County sheriff says

The suspect is expected to appear in a Lake County, Illinois courtroom on Thursday.
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency | Photo by Susan J. Demas/Michigan Advance

In the early days of the pandemic, confusion was widespread. Workers and families were forced to adapt to new risks and respond to changing guidance. Meanwhile, the government had to spring into action to protect people and mitigate damage caused by the emerging health crisis.

Hindsight is 20/20, and these days its easy to see all the things we could have done differently. This is especially true when it comes to how unemployment benefits were administered during the pandemic.

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Now, Michigans Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has started collecting nearly $2.7 billion it overpaid to 350,000 claimants during the confusion of the pandemic after a court order pausing collections due to agency errors expired in September.

When workers lost their jobs during the pandemic, they were told to apply for unemployment. Millions of affected Michiganders flooded the states unemployment insurance (UI) system. They were met with confusing forms, shifting rules and a flawed online benefit system. Due to changing rules surrounding pandemic assistance, it was unclear as to who qualified and workers received incorrect or misleading instructions from the government.

Workers were scared and confused, and they needed income to care for themselves and their families. Following the advice of state leaders, they applied for benefits, believing that they would only receive a payment if they were eligible. But that isnt what happened.

Michigans UIA distributed pandemic-era unemployment benefits using expanded criteria that did not comply with new federal guidelines. Other eligibility issues that should have been flagged earlier fell through the cracks because of the massive flood of claims. This allowed benefits to be paid to claimants who were not eligible, even if they had acted in good faith when they responded to the questions asked by the agency.

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Workers did their best to respond to the confusing questions asked of them, sometimes collecting for weeks or months before the UIA finally declared them ineligible. The UIA would go on to waive large sums of overpayments that were a result of its own errors. However, hundreds of thousands more remain, and many now find themselves facing huge bills from the UIA that they cannot afford.

During the pandemic, workers across the country were forced to file for unemployment when the economy shut down. Now, nearly five years later, the state is looking to claw that money back from thousands of Michiganders already battling rising costs and struggling to care for their families and loved ones during the holiday season.

Those workers deserve better.

Fortunately, lawmakers are taking steps to stop it. On Dec. 9, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 700 with unanimous, bipartisan approval. The bill limits the UIA from collecting improperly paid benefits three or more years after a worker stops receiving benefits. The bill also requires the UIA to notify a claimant when they become eligible for a time-based waiver and allows workers to apply for the waiver and seek an appeal. If passed, the new law would be effective on all claims made on or after Feb. 1, 2020.

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Effectively, SB 700 would resolve nearly all pandemic-era overpayments. It would allow workers who applied for unemployment benefits in good faith during one of the darkest periods in our history to finally have peace of mind. And it is an important step toward restoring trust in Michigans scandal-ridden unemployment agency.

What the bill doesnt do is let those who defrauded the system off the hook. The time limits presented in SB 700 explicitly exclude cases where the overpayment was the result of a claimant committing fraud.

It is critical that SB 700 passes through the Michigan House as quickly as possible. The UIAs position is that they have a fiduciary obligation to collect overpayments, despite provisions in our law that prevent collections that are against equity and good conscience. Should they continue their pursuit of pandemic-era overpayments, thousands of Michiganders could face debts potentially totaling in the tens of thousands of dollars. If they cannot pay, these workers could ultimately see money taken from their tax refunds, or garnishment of their wages or even their bank accounts.

The UIAs efforts to collect on old overpayments will be disastrous for working Michiganders and will have little impact on the most egregious fraudsters in international criminal organizations. The UIA has made mistakes in the past in its pursuit of Great Recession overpayments and fraud, and there were many issues with the implementation of pandemic-era unemployment assistance.

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Now we have to ask ourselves why the workers  who only did as they were told  are the ones asked to pay when the state makes a mistake?

Lets not make another mistake by putting a $2.7 billion burden on Michigan workers and their families. Passing SB 700 sets a time limit on overpayments, provides relief to Michigan workers directly impacted by the pandemic and helps to start to close this dark chapter in our history.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a new meeting of Western supporter states - known as the Coalition of the Willing - for Thursday.

"This week may bring news for all of us  and for bringing the bloodshed to an end," he wrote on social media on Wednesday.

"We believe that peace has no alternative, and the key questions are how to compel Russia to stop the killings and what specifically will deter Russia from a third invasion," Zelensky wrote.

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The European-led Coalition of the Willing include EU countries like Germany and France, as well as non-EU countries like the United Kingdom and Norway.

Zelensky said again that Ukraine is working on a 20-point framework document that could set out parameters for ending the war.

He said his country intends to hand over this document to the United States "in the near future."

At the end of November, the Trump administration presented Kiev with a 28-point peace plan that many in Europe saw as favourable to Russia.

Elements of the proposal, including a full withdrawal from the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, have been rejected by the Ukrainian leadership.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that negotiators are wrestling with the question of territorial possession in U.S.-led peace talks on ending the war with Russia, including the future of Ukraines eastern Donetsk region and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the worlds 10 biggest atomic plants.

Zelenskyy revealed details of the ongoing discussions before he headed into urgent talks with leaders and officials from about 30 countries that support Kyivs efforts to obtain fair terms in any settlement to halt nearly four years of fighting.

In Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, continued to be in discussions with both sides. She said that if there is a real chance of signing a peace agreement, then the U.S. could send a representative to the talks as soon as this weekend.

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But Leavitt added that its still up in the air whether we believe real peace can be achieved.

Trump long boasted about being able to solve Russias war in Ukraine in a day, but in recent months has complained bitterly about a lack of progress. Leavitt echoed that during her briefing with reporters on Thursday, saying the president is extremely frustrated with both sides of this war.

She said the administration had spent 30-plus hours just in recent weeks meeting with officials from Russia and Ukraine as well as Europe, and that Trump is sick of meetings just for the sake of meeting.

He doesnt want any more talk, Leavitt said. He wants action.

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Ukraine has submitted a 20-point plan to the U.S., with each point possibly accompanied by a separate document detailing the settlement terms.

We are grateful that the U.S. is working with us and trying to take a balanced position, Zelenskyy told reporters in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. But at this moment it is still difficult to say what the final documents will look like.

Russia has in recent months made a determined push to gain control of all parts of Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk, which together make up Ukraines valuable Donbas industrial region.

Ukraine doesnt accept the surrender of Donbas, Zelenskyy said, saying that both sides remaining where they currently stand along the line of contact would be a fair outcome.

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American negotiators have put forward the possibility of a free economic zone in the Donbas, with the Russians terming it a demilitarized zone, according to Zelenskyy.

Russian officials have not publicly disclosed their proposals.

U.S. negotiators foresee Ukrainian forces withdrawing from the Donetsk region, with the compromise being that Russian forces do not enter that territory, Zelenskyy said.

But he said that if Ukraine must withdraw its forces, the Russians should also withdraw by the same distance. There are many unanswered questions, including who would oversee the Donbas, he added.

The Russians want to retain control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in southern Ukraine, which is not currently operating, but Ukraine opposes that.

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The Americans have suggested a joint format to manage the plant, and negotiators are discussing how that might work, Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine's allies discuss peace plan with Zelenskyy

The leaders of Germany, Britain and France were among those taking part in the meeting of Ukraine's allies, dubbed the Coalition of the Willing, via video link.

Zelenskyy indicated the talks were hastily arranged as Kyiv officials scramble to avoid getting boxed in by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has disparaged the Ukrainian leader, painted European leaders as weak, and set a strategy of improving Washington's relationship with Moscow.

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In the face of Trumps demands for a swift settlement, European governments are trying to help steer the peace negotiations because they say their own security is at stake.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday that he, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron suggested to Trump that they finalize the peace proposals together with U.S. officials over the weekend. There may also be talks in Berlin early next week, with or without American officials, he said.

The talks are at a critical moment, European leaders said Wednesday.

Next week, Ukraine will coordinate with European countries on a bilateral level, Zelenskyy said late Wednesday, and European Union countries are due to hold a regular summit in Brussels at the end of next week.

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Russia has new proposals on security

Trumps latest effort to broker a settlement is taking longer than he wanted. He initially set a deadline for Kyiv to accept his peace plan before Thanksgiving. Previous Washington deadlines for reaching a peace deal also have passed without a breakthrough.

Russia is also keen to show Trump it is engaging with his peace efforts, hoping to avoid further U.S. sanctions. Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that Russia has relayed to Washington additional proposals  concerning collective security guarantees that Ukraine and Europe say are needed to deter future aggression.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Thursday that so far this year Russia has launched over 46,000 drones and missiles against Ukraine.

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He warned his European audience at a speech in Berlin: We are Russias next target.

He also described China as Russias lifeline for its war effort in Ukraine by providing most of the critical electronic components Moscow needs for its weapons. China wants to prevent its ally from losing in Ukraine, Rutte said.

Russia claims battlefield progress

Putin claimed Thursday in a call with military leaders that Russian armed forces are fully holding the strategic initiative on the battlefield.

Russian troops have taken the city of Siversk, in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine where fighting has been fierce in recent months, Lt. Gen. Sergei Medvedev told Putin.

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Ukrainian officials denied Siversk had been captured.

Putin wants to portray himself as negotiating from a position of strength, analysts say, although Russia occupies only about 20% of Ukraine. That includes Moscows 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea and the seizure of territory in the east by Russia-backed separatists later that year, as well as land taken after the full-blown invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil rig, disrupt Moscow flights

Meanwhile, Ukrainian long-range drones hit a Russian oil rig in the Caspian Sea for the first time, according to an official in the Security Service of Ukraine who was not authorized to talk publicly about the attack and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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The oil rig in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from Ukraine, belongs to Russias second-biggest oil company, Lukoil, the official told The Associated Press. The rig took four hits, halting the extraction of oil and gas from over 20 wells, he said.

Russian officials and Lukoil made no immediate comment on the claim.

Ukraine also launched one of its biggest drone attacks of the war overnight, halting flights in and out of all four Moscow airports for seven hours. Airports in eight other cities also faced restrictions, Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said.

___

Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Will Weissert in Washington contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
NEW YORK  Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said hes prepared for any consequence standing up to federal immigration enforcement in New York.

In a new MS NOW interview, Mamdani said on Dec. 10 that he told President Donald Trump that immigration raids, including in New York City, have been cruel and inhumane" and don't address public safety.

Journalist Jacob Soboroff asked if Mamdani was prepared to be arrested, something California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said they were willing to face while standing up to immigration enforcement in their states. While Trump has sent agents to several cities across the country, he has largely spared New York City for now.

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I'm prepared for any consequence that comes for standing up for New Yorkers, because that's my job, Mamdani said outside of New York City Hall, where hell take office Jan. 1. That's what I ran to do.

New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani arrives for a press conference at City Hall Park on Nov. 20, 2025 in New York. US President Donald Trump said he will host New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for a meeting Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 after fiercely attacking the 34-year-old self-described Democratic Socialist during his recent campaign. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) was elected Mayor of New York on Nov. 4, 2025. He was born in Uganda and moved to New York City with his family at the age of 7. He drew historic numbers of South Asian and Muslim voters in the 2025 New York City election to vote for the first time.



Pictured here, Mamdani waves on stage after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race, defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (R) and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaks with reporters after their visit to the New York City Police Memorial on Nov. 19, 2025. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, right, and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch visit the New York City Police Memorial, on Nov. 19, 2025 in New York City. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he has chosen to keep Jessica Tisch as New York City Police Commissioner. New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani interacts with Pre-K students at Friends of Crown Heights Education Center on Nov. 13, 2025 in the Flatbush neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. Mamdani along with Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman and Councilmember Rita Joseph met with educators and visited with young students, speaking about his campaign promise of free care for children starting at 6 weeks old. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani serves meals during a Veterans Day event on Nov. 11, 2025, in the Bronx borough. Zohran Mamdani met his wife, Rama Duwaji, on the dating app Hinge, a rival to Tinder and Bumble. The pair got married in early 2025.



Duwaji is a Syrian-American illustrator and animator. After the election of Mamdani as New York City Mayor, she is now the citys first Gen Z first lady. Supporters attend the election watch party for New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani at the Brooklyn Paramount on Nov. 4, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Mamdani defeated Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the closely watched election for New York City mayor. Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani participates in the second New York City mayoral debate with Independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Queens, New York, on Oct. 22, 2025. He drew historic numbers of South Asian and Muslim voters in the 2025 New York City election to vote for the first time. 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. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani pauses while speaking about Islamophobia outside of the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx in New York City on Oct. 24, 2025, New Yorkers will cast their votes for mayor on November 4, 2025. Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, is the current frontrunner ahead of former New York Governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. (L-R) New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) stands with his mother Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani as they celebrate during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24, 2025, in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. Mamdani was announced as the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor in a crowded field in the City's mayoral primary to choose a successor to Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election on an independent ticket. (L-R) Mira Nair, New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY), Rama Duwaji and Mahmood Mamdani celebrate on stage during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24, 2025 in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. Mamdani was announced as the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor in a crowded field in the City's mayoral primary to choose a successor to Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election on an independent ticket. Democratic mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo (L), and Zohran Mamdani (2R), present arguments as Whitney Tilson (2L) and Michael Blake (R) look on during a Democratic mayoral primary debate, at NBC's 30 Rockefeller Center studios in New York on June 4, 2025. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks as New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani listens during the Fighting Oligarchy town hall at the Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Artson Sept. 6, 2025 in New York City. Mamdani joined Sanders at his New York town hall after marching with union members in Manhattan's Labor Day parade. Sanders, an early backer of Mamdani's primary bid, has staged 34 rallies in 20 states since launching his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour this year, aimed at challenging the power of billionaires and corporations in U.S. politics. New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) rides the subway as he prepares to head to Albany on March 24, 2025 in New York City. Mamdani announced that he is halting fundraising efforts after his campaign raised over $8 million, the spending cap for the upcoming June primary. Director Mira Nair and Music Supervisor Zohran Mamdani attend the Gala Screening of Disney's 'Queen Of Katwe' during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on Oct. 9, 2016, in London. (L-R) Tendo Nagenda, Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo, director Mira Nair and Zohran Mamdani attend the Gala Screening of Disney's 'Queen Of Katwe' during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on Oct. 9, 2016, in London. (L-R) Music supervisor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Director Mira Nair, Mahmood Mamdani and Nishant Tharani arrive at the world premiere of Disney's Queen of Katwe at Roy Thompson Hall as part of the 2016 Toronto Film Festival where the cast, filmmakers and real-life stars received a standing ovation. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. Theaters on Sept. 23, 2017. (L-R) Nishant Tharani, Director Mira Nair and music supervisor Zohran Kwame Mamdani arrive at the world premiere of Disney's Queen of Katwe at Roy Thompson Hall as part of the 2016 Toronto Film Festival where the cast, filmmakers and real-life stars received a standing ovation. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. Theaters on Sept. 23, 2017. Meet Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor-elect 1 of 20 New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani arrives for a press conference at City Hall Park on Nov. 20, 2025 in New York. US President Donald Trump said he will host New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for a meeting Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 after fiercely attacking the 34-year-old self-described Democratic Socialist during his recent campaign.

Mamdanis comments in recent days have angered administration officials who have suggested hes violating the U.S. Constitution. New York City, like many other Democratic jurisdictions, limits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement through a set of so-called sanctuary policies.

In a statement, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the federal Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said, "We are once again calling on sanctuary politicians, agitators and the media to turn the temperature down and stop calling for violence and resistance against ICE law enforcement.

This dangerous encouraging of illegal aliens to evade arrest comes after sanctuary politicians held webinars and provided resources and tips for how to openly defy ICE, McLaughlin said, citing Democrats including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Dan Goldman of New York, as well as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom.

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Mamdani has cited serving a city that includes over 3 million people who are immigrants. Born in Uganda, Mamdani, 34, is a naturalized American citizen.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani leaves a news conference in New York City on Nov. 20, 2025.

In a Dec. 7 social media video, Mamdani details places ICE aren't legally allowed to enter without proper court orders signed by a judge. He said people they are legally allowed to film agents as long as they dont interfere with an arrest, and that people have a constitutional right to protest.

Asked on Fox News Hannity show if these politicians were committing crimes, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said her office would look into it with coordination from the Justice Department.

The mayor, if he were mayor, could be violating the Constitution by giving advice on how to evade law enforcement and how to get away with breaking the law, Noem said. It's really unbelievable in this country what we are seeing.

A man seeking asylum from Colombia is detained by federal agents as he attends his court hearing in immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on Oct. 27, 2025 in New York City.

Mamdani told MS NOW hes proud to inform people about the law.

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I cant think of a more American thing to do than to speak about the protections that we all have under the law," he said.

Instead, the mayor-elect said New York City police can provide public safety, which he said is a cornerstone of addressing affordability, a nod to his winning campaign message.

Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani ready 'for any consequence' standing up to ICE
Hong Kong launched a public consultation on implementing the OECDs Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and amended Common Reporting Standard (CRS), aiming to begin automatic exchange of crypto tax information with partner jurisdictions by 2028.

The government plans to complete legislative amendments in 2026, strengthening the citys commitment to international tax cooperation while maintaining its reputation as a global financial hub amid evolving digital asset regulations.

Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui announced Hong Kong will make amendments to the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (the Ordinance) for implementing CARF and the newly amended CRS and demonstrated a commitment to combating cross-border tax evasion.

The automatic exchange will operate on a reciprocal basis with partners meeting data confidentiality and security standards, with the newly amended CRS implementation scheduled for 2029.

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui. | Source: The Standard

Framework Responds to Rapid Digital Asset Growth

The OECD published CARF in 2023 following the rapid expansion of the digital asset market in recent years, providing automatic exchange of crypto transaction tax information similar to Hong Kongs existing CRS framework, operational since 2018.

The new framework incorporated digital financial products and enhanced reporting requirements, addressing gaps in traditional financial account information exchange.

Hong Kong has been exchanging financial account information automatically with partner jurisdictions annually since 2018 under the CRS, enabling tax authorities to use the information for assessments and to detect tax evasion.

The CARF extension builds upon this established infrastructure, applying similar transparency standards to crypto assets that process billions in trading volume across the citys licensed exchanges.

The government proposes mandatory registration for financial institutions to enhance identification, alongside increased penalties and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.

These measures respond to the OECDs second-round peer review of Hong Kongs CRS administrative framework effectiveness, which began in 2024 and examines the citys commitment to global tax transparency standards.

Balancing Innovation and Compliance Pressures

The consultation arrives as Hong Kong navigates competing pressures between fostering digital asset innovation and satisfying international regulatory standards.

The city has pursued aggressive fintech expansion through its new Fintech 2030 strategy launched by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, focusing on data, artificial intelligence, resilience, and tokenization under the DART framework.
The bridge to Wonderland Campground on the Naches River is pictured on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. The Yakima Fire Department urges people to stay clear of local rivers and creeks.
Contact Alexander Banks by email at abanks@yakimaherald.com, or by phone at 509-577-7654.

Alexander Banks reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and Yakima community members. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. To support local journalism, click here.
FILE -- A load of hay from the Columbia Basin is brought into the Anderson Hay plant in Ellensburg to be processed for export in 2017.
A Flock camera mounted on a pole on North First Street in Yakima. A University of Washington report says immigration enforcers shared data from the license-plate readers with federal officials.
Serrano out as federal prosecutor in Eastern WA. But he could be back
Filosa's tactics include resorting to U.S. fleet sales - lower-margin sales to rental companies, corporations and government agencies that automakers have historically used to offload inventory and pad sales figures, an industry source said, while Stellantis is also investing in the profitable Jeep and Ram models customers want.

The plan has the backing of major investors - the Agnelli family's Exor, the Peugeot family and the French government -, three sources said.

Under Filosa "Stellantis is accelerating actions... to correct past strategic and operational decisions," a company spokesman said.

Stellantis' strategy is rolling out at a time when the auto industry is adapting to U.S. tariffs, while struggling with the expensive transition to electric cars and aggressive Chinese competition.

Reuters spoke to a total of six sources - two company insiders, two outsiders familiar with the matter and two representatives at major Stellantis shareholders - who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The plans are aimed at restoring credibility with customers, investors and dealers while also keeping car factories running.

Details of Filosa's short-term sales strategy and longer-term brand viability, reported here for the first time, come at a time when the automaker is fighting to regain lost market share.

Early data suggests his strategy is beginning to work, as Stellantis' sales rose 6% in North America in the third quarter, the first increase in eight quarters.

Filosa's immediate aim is to deliver sales and revenues this year above low analyst expectations - the best of which indicate flat results versus 2024 - the same source said.

Tavares was forced out late last year as Stellantis' 2024 sales plunged 15% in the U.S. - the automaker's main profit driver - while industrywide sales rose 2.2%, leaving dealers choking on stale inventory.

Filosa, who took over in June, has launched what one source described as an "emergency room" operation to fix the mess left by his predecessor Carlos Tavares - who sought high margins through a combination of cost-cutting and price hikes that sparked a customer exodus.

MILAN/DETROIT/PARIS, Dec 11 (Reuters) - New Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa is prioritising vehicle sales growth over profits including resorting to lower-margin fleet sales and investing in affordable models to recapture market share in North America and Europe and get the world's No. 4 automaker back on track, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

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Filosa is also working on a longer-term problem his predecessor left unresolved: figuring out which of Stellantis' sprawling collection of 14 brands - also including Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen and Maserati - have a viable future, the first source said.

The company will also drop ambitious EV sales targets as Filosa makes the U.S. market his top priority, unlike Tavares, who went in the "opposite direction", a source inside Stellantis said.

"Filosa absolutely understands what North America brings to the company," said Sam Fiorani, Vice President at research firm AutoForecast Solutions.

BACK TO BASICS WITH A FOCUS ON POPULAR JEEP BRANDS AND AFFORDABILITY

Formed in early 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and France's Peugeot maker PSA, Stellantis had bold ambitions to dominate future automotive technology as the world went electric.

But the automaker slashed costs and cut popular models like the Jeep Cherokee in the U.S. market to provide the double-digit margins former CEO Tavares promised Stellantis shareholders.

Stellantis priced its vehicles too high for customers and allowed rivals like Ford's Bronco to eat into the Jeep brand's market share.

The company's U.S. market share dropped below 8% so far this year - its lowest on record for Stellantis, and Fiat Chrysler before it, according to car-shopping firm Edmunds - from 12.5% in 2020.

Under Filosa, the automaker has ditched direct investments in autonomous driving, Reuters has reported, and hydrogen-powered vehicles in a back-to-basics approach.

That also includes scrapping a key Tavares pledge that by 2030 100% of Stellantis' European sales and 50% of its U.S. sales will be EVs.

The group has already re-introduced popular models like the Cherokee and the powerful 'Hemi' eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the U.S. market. More affordable models are planned to recapture share lost to rivals offering competitive entry-level vehicles.

Filosa said this month Stellantis' sequence of product launches will bring sales growth that is "highly sustainable and progressively better quarter by quarter."

"They've made a bunch of missteps in the past few years," AutoForecast's Fiorani said. "They need to rebuild the lineup... revive Dodge or somebody with a product that comes in under $30,000."

A company source said Stellantis is confident it can regain lost U.S. market share, but did not provide specific targets.

Marco Santino, a partner at consultancy Oliver Wyman, said restoring Stellantis' U.S. market share to 2021 levels is feasible.

"That is a credible target for North America, where the group has encountered challenges," Santino said, "but where its overall structure has basically remained the same."

Filosa is reshaping Stellantis' leadership, promoting trusted Italian and Brazilian managers from his time at FCA and Stellantis in Latin America. He is also hiring managers, engineers and tech experts to beef up ranks depleted under Tavares, two sources said.

SACRIFICING MARGINS

Corporate fleet sales, discouraged under Tavares, are being used to rebuild Stellantis' volumes and keep plants running, the industry source said.

While fleet margins are lower than for retail sales, they help maintain visibility and prop up production if "done well," AutoForecast's Fiorani said.

"If nobody's driving a particular model, retail buyers won't know it exists without expensive advertising," he said, meaning that if consumers see a car on the road or drive it as part of a rental fleet they are more likely to take a closer look at it.

U.S. dealer Harry Criswell, president of Criswell Automotive that operates 12 dealerships in Virginia and Maryland, said Stellantis is listening more to commercial and fleet dealers.

"They want to sell cars," Criswell said. "They want to make... much better quality cars than they have been making."

Filosa is ready to sacrifice short-term margins while investing in better products to prove Stellantis can still build popular cars, three of the sources said.

In October, Stellantis announced a $13 billion investment in the U.S. market to boost sales and offset tariffs.

Major Stellantis investors know real fixes will take years and are willing not to press Filosa on profitability, for now, three sources said, including both shareholder sources.

Filosa in October said a 6%-8% margin on adjusted operating income (AOI) was a "reasonable target for the mid-long term".

Stellantis' adjusted operating income margin is expected to hit low single-digits this year. Most analysts do not expect anything above 5% in 2027 - versus around 13% in 2022 and 2023.

But shareholder patience may run thin if profit margins do not tick up soon after sales rise. A source close to a major investor said while boosting sales was a "good thing, you also need margins to fund future investments."

"ONE PLUS ONE DOES NOT EQUAL TWO"

Even before Stellantis' creation, Tavares, then CEO of PSA, warned the auto industry was entering a "Darwinian" period where only the most agile brands would survive.

But though as Stellantis CEO he repeated his Darwinian refrain, Tavares never touched any of the automaker's 14 brands.

Unlike the U.S., where Stellantis' brands have different customers but share the same dealers, in Europe the merger of FCA and PSA brought together overlapping brands, which makes regaining lost market share there much harder, Oliver Wyman's Santino said.

"That's a tougher goal for Europe," he said. "In this case one plus one does not equal two".

Brands like Peugeot and Opel compete in similar product segments, while premium brands DS and Lancia have minimal market share.

So Filosa is assessing all 14 brand's long-term viability, a source familiar with the matter said.

His options could include axing some brands, especially overlapping European ones.

The next few months will be critical.

Strong year-end U.S. sales could buy Filosa time to deliver a long-term strategy and reassure investors Stellantis is not in structural decline.

"Are they where they need to be? No, not even close," Criswell Automotive's Criswell said. "But I think they've made remarkable progress in a short period of time."

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari in Milan, Nora Eckert in Detroit and Gilles Guillaume in Paris; additional reporting by Alessandro Parodi in Paris; writing by Giulio Piovaccari; editing by Nick Carey and Anna Driver)
Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) is one of the Cheap NYSE Stocks to Buy Now. On December 7, Fahad Tariq from Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $120. Earlier, on December 1, Daniel Major from UBS raised the price target on Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) from $105.5 to $125, while maintaining a Buy rating.

Tariq from Jefferies noted that they remain bullish on gold equities due to the attractive valuation. However, he remains cautious on silver equities, again due to valuation concerns heading into 2026. The analyst anticipates gold prices to remain elevated in 2026, thereby allowing gold equities to generate more free cash flow and expand margins.

Analyst Daniel Major from UBS also has similar views regarding gold prices. He also anticipates gold prices to continue rising in 2026, driven by broad-based private sector demand. He sees continued buying from central banks and investors throughout the year.

That said, Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) delivered strong results in fiscal Q3 2025. The company delivered $5.52 billion in revenue, reflecting a 19.96% year-over-year increase and surpassing estimates by $251.31 million. The EPS of $1.71 also topped estimates by $0.27. The company produced 1.4 million gold ounces during the quarter, along with 35 thousand tones of copper. Taking confidence from the performance, management also raised the full-year production guidance of gold from 5.6 Moz to 5.9 Moz.

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) explores and acquires gold properties containing copper, silver, lead, zinc, or other metals. Its operations are divided into the following geographical segments: Canada, Mexico, Suriname, Argentina, Peru, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, and the US.

While we acknowledge the potential of NEM 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.
NEW YORK (AP)  Accompanying Time's annual person of the year selection Thursday is a magazine cover that resembles the Lunch Atop a Skyscraper photograph from the 1930s showing eight of the  Architects of AI  sitting on the beam.

This was the year when artificial intelligences full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back or opting out, Time editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs wrote in an explanation of the choice.

The magazine was deliberate in selecting people  the individuals who imagined, designed, and built AI  rather than the technology itself. But who are these individuals that digital painter Jason Seiler used to grace his rendition of the famous photograph? Here's a look:

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Zuckerberg has been pushing to revive AI efforts at Meta as the company faces tough competition from rivals such as Google and OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT. In June, Meta made a $14.3 billion investment in AI data company Scale and recruited its CEO Alexandr Wang to help lead a team developing superintelligence at the tech giant.

Zuckerbergs increasing focus on the abstract idea of superintelligence  which rival companies call artificial general intelligence, or AGI  is the latest pivot for a tech leader who in 2021 went all-in on the idea of the metaverse, changing the companys name and investing billions into advancing virtual reality and related technology.

AMD CEO Lisa Su

Since Su took over as president and CEO at Advanced Micro Devices in 2014, its stock has risen from around $3 to about $221. The semiconductor company recently revealed a new artificial intelligence chip in its race to compete with rival chipmaker Nvidia in supplying the foundation for a boom in AI-fueled business tools, and has struck a multibillion dollar computing deal with OpenAI.

AMD joins a growing list of technology companies trying to take advantage of a broader interest from businesses looking for new AI tools that can analyze data, help make decisions and potentially replace some tasks currently performed by human workers.

xAI CEO Elon Musk

Elon Musks artificial intelligence company produces the Grok AI chatbot. Built using huge amounts of computing power at a Tennessee data center, Grok is Musks attempt to outdo rivals such as OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Gemini in building an AI assistant that shows its reasoning before answering a question.

Musks deliberate efforts to mold Grok into a challenger of what he considers the tech industrys woke orthodoxy on race, gender and politics has repeatedly got the chatbot into trouble.
After years of delay, India and Russia are likely to soon ink a "milestone" pact to finalise the detailed design for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and move ahead with the multi-billion dollar co- development project.
OnlyFans creator Bonnie Blue was arrested in Bali, Indonesia, last week for allegedly producing and distributing pornographic content, a violation of the countrys strict morality and anti-pornography laws. Along with her, 17 male tourists  including 15 Australians who have since been released  were also detained, according to news.com.au.
The threats, he says, are connected to his work supporting Hindu girls in Sindh who have been abducted and forcibly converted.
Europe decries "political war" over new U.S. national security strategy

Xinhua) 08:11, December 11, 2025

A woman talks through an iPhone at the Berlaymont building, headquarters of the European Commission, in Brussels, Belgium, on March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

* Washington now believes that a weaker, more divided Europe, with a more assertive U.S. influence on its internal politics, serves American interests.

* "I think they are weak," Trump said in an interview with POLITICO at the White House on Monday, referring to European leaders. "I think they don't know what to do ... Europe doesn't know what to do."

* Behind the ideological clash lie older anxieties about hard security: Europe's defense spending, NATO's strategic direction and the future of the conflict in Ukraine.

* While NATO and Ukraine expose older rifts, Europe's push for digital regulation has triggered a set of new tensions.

BRUSSELS, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- European politicians and analysts are accusing Washington of waging a "political war" on Brussels after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration unveiled a new national security strategy, pledging support for "patriotic European parties" and aiming to "cultivate resistance" to the continent's current direction.

The 33-page document, traditionally issued once per presidential term, treats Europe less as a longstanding ally and more as a continent at risk of "civilizational erasure." It criticizes Europe for being hindered by "regulatory suffocation," vulnerable to migration pressures, and politically fragmented.

For many in Brussels, the message is clear: Washington now believes that a weaker, more divided Europe, with a more assertive U.S. influence on its internal politics, serves American interests.

WAR, THREAT, HYBRID ATTACK

"I think they are weak," Trump said in an interview with POLITICO at the White House on Monday, referring to European leaders. "I think they don't know what to do ... Europe doesn't know what to do."

The U.S. strategy document blames transnational bodies such as the European Union (EU) for undermining "political liberty and sovereignty," warns that migration is transforming the continent, and laments "censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition."

"Should present trends continue, the continent will be unrecognizable in 20 years or less," the document says, questioning the long-term reliability of some NATO members.

It declares that the United States will "cultivate resistance to Europe's current trajectory within European nations" and support those seeking to "restore their former greatness."

Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the strategy amounted to a "declaration of political war," arguing that Trump wants a Europe "divided into nations, subordinate to his demands and voting preferences."

European leaders, he said, must treat Trump as an adversary and reinforce the EU's autonomy in technology, security and foreign policy.

European Council President Antonio Costa cautioned Washington against interference. "Allies must act as allies," he wrote on the social platform X. "What we cannot accept is interference in Europe's democratic life."

Pawel Zerka, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, called the document "a guide to Trump's culture war with Europe," saying that the United States had abandoned the pretence of staying out of Europe's domestic politics and now frames interference as benevolence: an effort to keep "Europe European."

Other analysts said the document is unusually explicit in signalling Washington's preferred political partners.

Fabian Zuleeg, chief executive of the European Policy Center (EPC), and his colleague Janis Emmanouilidis warned that the strategy "blatantly" aligns with illiberal forces and uses language to approach a "regime-change agenda."

In their view, the United States is attempting to replace its democratic model with illiberal populism, making America "an adversary and a visible threat" to Europe's freedoms and values.

Sven Biscop, who heads the "Europe in the World" program at Belgium's Egmont Institute, labelled the document a "hybrid attack."

"In other words, the Trump administration will continue, and likely even increase, its active interference in our elections, in support of the anti-democratic extreme-right forces, and against the EU," he said, "that is a hybrid attack as unwelcome."

Obviously, European leaders are going to stand for direct political intervention in their politics, said Max Bergmann, researcher with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., warning that the national security strategy could "trigger a major collision and potentially the end of the alliance."

This photo taken on Nov. 9, 2025 shows the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

OLD FEARS: NATO AND UKRAINE

Behind the ideological clash lie older anxieties about hard security: Europe's defense spending, NATO's strategic direction and the future of the conflict in Ukraine.

At the Munich Security Conference in February, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance blasted European governments for pursuing utopian policies on migration while under-investing in their militaries. Delivered on one of the most prominent stages in transatlantic diplomacy, the speech was widely read as an early preview of the arguments now codified in the U.S. National Security Strategy.

The newly published strategy reiterates Trump's demand that allies sharply increase military expenditure, citing the "Hague Commitment" under which NATO members pledged to move toward spending 5 percent of GDP on defense. The strategy insists Europe must "stand on its own feet" and take primary responsibility for its security.

At the same time, it questions "the perception, and the reality, of NATO as a perpetually expanding alliance" and emphasizes "reestablishing strategic stability with Russia." Negotiated settlement of the Ukraine crisis, economic stabilization and preventing escalation are presented as core U.S. interests.

The text also portrays some European capitals as clinging to "unrealistic expectations for the war" while being run by "unstable minority governments."

Such language alarms governments in northern and eastern Europe.

Mika Aaltola, a Finnish member of the European Parliament, said the strategy reshapes the foundations of European security by signalling that U.S. support will be conditional on American interests.

Biscop warned that the strategy amounts to a "conciliatory stance toward Russia," leaving Europe "truly on its own" in Ukraine.

This photo taken on April 4, 2024 shows a wreath-laying ceremony at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

DIGITAL WARS AS NEW FLASHPOINT

While NATO and Ukraine expose older rifts, Europe's push for digital regulation has triggered a set of new tensions.

The EU has spent the past few years rolling out a new regulatory toolkit, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act, to police online content and curb the market power of major tech companies.

Last week, the European Commission imposed a 120-million-euro (140-million-U.S.-dollar) fine on Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly Twitter, in its first non-compliance decision under the DSA.

The Commission has also opened a formal antitrust investigation into Meta and launched a separate probe into whether Google has breached EU competition rules on Tuesday.

The U.S. response has been unusually strong. Musk wrote on X that "the EU should be abolished," while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the fine on X was "an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments."

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reposted Rubio's comments, writing that what worried him most was that the United States is "in a military alliance with the very countries attacking us via the EU."

"We cannot pretend that we are partners while those nations allow the EU's unelected, undemocratic, and unrepresentative bureaucracy in Brussels to pursue policies of civilizational suicide," he said.

Trump on Monday called the fine "nasty" and said, "Europe is going in some bad directions."

For European analysts, the episode shows how quickly digital regulation has become entangled with broader questions of power and identity.

Zuleeg and Emmanouilidis described Trump's approach as a form of "digital imperialism," which is aimed at sweeping away European constraints on U.S. tech giants and, in the process, opening the digital sphere further to illiberal forces.

The EPC warns that illiberal forces in Europe are "increasingly organized, connected and resourced" and are likely to feel emboldened by a U.S. strategy that pledges to support "patriotic European parties" while attacking EU institutions and rules.

The United States, once the "fiercest advocate of European political and economic integration" after World War II, has shifted its foreign policy toward the continent dramatically and called for direct intervention in the democratic politics of its European allies, said Bergmann.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The management company that owns the Michigan-based LaFontaine Automotive Group has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle allegations that it fraudulently accepted COVID-19 era loans.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said on Dec. 10 that the auto dealership group LaFontaine Management Inc. obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by falsely representing the number of its employees and claiming to operate a franchise certified by the SBA, which violated the loan approval rules.

LaFontaine Management obtained a first draw PPP loan for $1 million after asserting it was eligible for both the loan and subsequent loan forgiveness, the U.S. Attorney's Office alleged in a statement.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, the office also said. There has been no determination of liability for the dealership group.

Even though the PPP program has ended, our mandate to investigate and redress the harm from fraudulent and improper PPP loans continues, Jerome Gorgon Jr., U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, said in the statement. We will continue to vigorously pursue allegations against companies and individuals who obtained COVID-19 relief funds that they did not deserve.

When LaFontaine was notified that certain eligibility requirements were being interpreted differently than originally advised, management worked cooperatively and diligently with federal authorities immediately to rectify and resolve the situation and repaid the loan in full, according to Max Muncey, spokesman for the LaFontaine Automotive Group.

More: Feds: Ugly Christmas Sweater owner paid $1 million to settle COVID-19 fraud case

The settlement acknowledges LaFontaines transparency and cooperation, Muncey said in a Dec. 11 email to the Free Press.

All PPP loan proceeds were used for proper purposes, and there has never been any allegation to the contrary. The circumstances giving rise to this matter occurred during the earliest phase of the PPP program, when federal guidance was rapidly evolving and key eligibility terms lacked clear definitions. Specifically in this instance, guidelines on how to account for affiliated entities, the statement said. LaFontaine retained professional accountants to interpret the regulations and advise it through the application process. Based on that guidance, LaFontaine submitted what it believed to be a fully compliant application, which was then approved.

Allegations of the fraud came to light through a previously sealed lawsuit brought by a whistleblower, Washtenaw County resident Patricia Lesko.
South Africa's Libstar, which drew takeover interest this year amid a strategic review, has sold its fresh mushrooms business to an undisclosed party.

The disposal does not cover the Denny mushroom brand, which Libstar will exclusively license to the new owner. The South African company is undergoing a transformation to focus solely on foods and will now take the brand into other product areas such as condiments.

In a stock exchange filing yesterday (10 December), Libstar said the fresh mushroom operations include the disposal of facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, effective from 1 December.

The Lancewood dairy brand owner did not reveal the value of the transaction.

Libstar received takeover interest from unnamed parties in September after revealing in March that it was evaluating potential strategies through which to deliver meaningful value unlock for stakeholders.

Disposing of the mushroom operations is a further decisive step in simplifying the group's portfolio by sharpening its focus on priority categories with sustainable growth potential, the company said.

Libstar said it expects to record a pre-tax loss of between R45m ($2.65m) and R55m on the mushroom sale for the financial year ending 31 December.

The loss will be included in reported earnings per share, but excluded from headline earnings per share.

Alongside the mushroom exit, Libstar confirmed it is evaluating non-binding expressions of interest for the possible sale of its remaining household and personal care business Contactim as it seeks to focus on food.

A trading update was also provided for the 47 weeks to 21 November.

Libstar reported year-to-date revenue growth of 6.7% on a like-for-like basis, excluding the mushroom business.

Group volumes rose 3.1%, with price and mix contributing a further 3.6%.

In the ambient products category, revenue increased by 5.6%. Price and mix changes contributed 5.9%, while volumes decreased by 0.4%.

Export volumes of dry condiments were below the prior year. Libstar said the performance was characterised by a positive mix change towards Libstar-branded products and lower private-label sales to discount retailers in Australia, the UK and Japan.

It added that the Cape Herb and Spice brand continued its double-digit growth in domestic and international markets.

Revenue in the perishable products category rose by 8.1%. Volumes increased by 23.2%, while price and mix fell 15%. Excluding the impact of raw milk sales, volumes increased by 1.4%.

The company said volume growth was driven by value-added chicken products in both the retail and foodservice channels.
People walk past a branch of the Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Spruengli AG in the city center. Andreas Arnold/dpa

Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprungli has turned down a partnership with German discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl, saying this would undermine its produce.

"Otherwise, we'll end up with more and more special offers and devalue our brand," chief executive Adalbert Lechner said in an interview published on Thursday with Germany's Die Zeit newspaper.

In other supermarkets, Lindt receives "premium placement that gives the brand space," said Lechner, while discounters sell the products at low prices. Lidl and Aldi declined to comment when approached by dpa.

Chocolate manufacturers such as Lindt, Mondelez (Milka) and Ritter Sport are struggling with rising raw cocoa prices due to poor harvests and other supply issues.

This has noticeable consequences for consumers, with the price of chocolate growing rapidly in recent years.

In October, customers paid an average of 77% more for a bar of chocolate than in 2020.

According to market researchers such as YouGov, this has led to a decline in chocolate purchases.

Although prices on the commodity exchanges decreased recently, they remain comparatively high. Lechner does not expect chocolate to become cheaper again any time soon.

"Even if the price of cocoa falls, I don't expect chocolate prices to fall," he told Die Zeit.
Australia-based Magnum Mining and Exploration has signed a binding term sheet to acquire Wyoming Critical Minerals (WCM), the sole owner of the Wet Mountains rare earth element (REE) project in central Colorado, US.

The Wet Mountains project has recorded historical assays, with total rare earth elements (TREE) reaching up to 7.99%, or 79,900 parts per million (ppm), from the exposed carbonatite dykes.

A substantial anomalous zone grading between 2% and 4% TREE (around 20,00040,000ppm) has also been identified.

Additional historical assays report up to 1,900ppm heavy rare earth elements (HTREE), 5,000ppm praseodymium, 20,000ppm neodymium and 2,000ppm samarium.

Despite these results, the site remains largely untested, with no drilling or systematic sampling conducted so far, providing considerable scope for near-surface discoveries.

Priority targets have been outlined at structural intersections where major faults meet intrusive contacts, hosting prospective REE mineralisation in carbonatite dykes within felsic and hornblende gneisses.

Carbonatites, such as those present at Wet Mountains, are said to host many of the worlds major REE deposits, including Bayan Obo in China, Mountain Pass in the US and Mount Weld in Australia.

The initial exploration area at Wet Mountains consists of 126 claims spanning 10.5km, with additional ground identified that could expand the exploration footprint.

The transaction reinforces Magnums focus on US critical minerals and is considered an entry point with strong discovery upside.

Magnum plans to launch a fast-tracked exploration programme including sampling, trenching and drilling activities to evaluate the projects full potential.

Magnum chairman Michael Davy said: "We are thrilled to secure the Wet Mountain REE project, an outstanding addition to our growing US critical-minerals portfolio. This agreement provides Magnum with immediate exposure to a high-grade, large-scale rare earth project in what is arguably the world's most strategic jurisdiction for REEs.

Being able to follow up on historical assays of up to 7.99% TREE is an exceptional opportunity, particularly given the absence of any modern drilling or systematic sampling. Magnum intends to move quickly to validate the historical results and unlock full value of the exciting new asset.

In March 2024, Magnum signed a shareholders agreement with Middle East for Metallic Industrial (Midmetal) to develop a green pig iron-making facility in Saudi Arabia.

"Magnum to acquire Wet Mountains rare earth project in US" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 - Major automakers on Thursday urged Washington to prevent Chinese government-backed automakers and battery manufacturers from opening U.S. manufacturing plants, warning the industry's future is at stake.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Stellantis and other major automakers, sounded the alarm and said Congress and the Trump administration needed to act.

"China poses a clear and present threat to the auto industry in the U.S.," the group wrote in a statement for a U.S. House hearing on Chinese vehicles. The group also said lawmakers should maintain the U.S. Commerce Department's prohibition on importing information and communications technology and services from China that effectively bars the import of vehicles from Chinese manufacturers.

"No amount of investment by automakers and battery manufacturers operating inside the U.S. can counter a China that is enabled by subsidies to chronically oversupply around the world. This is a recipe for dumping that Congress and the Trump Administration must prevent from happening inside the U.S.," the auto industry group said.

Representative John Moolenaar, a Republican who chairs a select House committee on China, said Congress should codify into law the prohibitions on Chinese-connected vehicles that were adopted in the final days of former President Joe Biden's administration.

"In just five years, China has gone from a minor exporter to the world's largest auto exporter, shipping 6 million vehicles abroad last year at below market prices that U.S. and allied automakers cannot match," Moolenaar said. "With massive subsidies, control over raw materials and supply chains and a predatory regulatory regime, Beijing has turned its auto industry into a tool of the state.

He also cited national security concerns about Chinese-imported vehicles and concerns that Beijing could disable vehicles with Chinese-made software or components in the event of a major confrontation.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Rod Nickel)
Malaysias crown prince of Johor has reportedly introduced a new ringgit-backed stablecoin to modernize payments across the country.

The initiative is one of the most high-profile crypto moves in Southeast Asia this year, amid rising interest in regulated blockchain-based financial tools.

The regent of Johor and eldest son of Malaysias current king, Ismail Ibrahim-owned Bullish Aim Sdn. revealed the RMJDT stablecoin this week. The token is pegged to the Malaysian ringgit.

Bullish Aim aims to build a stable, transparent payment asset tailored for everyday use within Malaysia.

RMJDT stablecoin is backed by cash deposits denominated in ringgit and short-term Malaysian government bonds, according to a recent report by Bloomberg.

The companys managing director Lion Peh explained that RMJDT launch will empower businesses, consumers, and innovators with a faster, safer, and more efficient way to transact.

Bullish Aim will issue its new stablecoin on Zetrix, a blockchain developed by Malaysian firm Zetrix AI Bhd. The network supports the Malaysian Blockchain Infrastructure, a government-backed digital-services platform introduced in April.

As per the report, Bullish Aim also plans to establish a crypto treasury company, funded by an initial 500 million ringgit ($121 million) investment in Zetrix tokens.

Malaysias Crypto Landscape Evolves

The RMJDT stablecoin launch comes as Malaysia slowly shifts toward a more structured crypto environment.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has supported collaboration among regulators, including the Securities Commission and the central bank, to support healthy innovation in the sector.

However, the country faces challenges like illegal crypto mining operations. These activities have resulted in $1.1 billion in losses for the national electricity provider over the past five years. Authorities have recovered hundreds of millions in stolen electricity use since 2018.

Despite this, regulated crypto development is rising in Malaysia. The country is advancing its framework for asset tokenization and exploring stablecoin-based financial infrastructure.

As regulatory clarity improves, analysts estimate crypto user adoption to significantly grow in the near future.a

Read original story Malaysian Crown Prince Debuts Stablecoin RMJDT by Parth Dubey at Coinspeaker.com
We came across a bullish thesis on Markel Group Inc. on The Dutch Investorss Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on MKL. Markel Group Inc.'s share was trading at $2,073.62 as of December 1st. MKLs trailing and forward P/E were 13.00 and 14.41 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

Pixabay/Public Domain

Markel Group Inc. (MKL), led by long-time CEO Tom Gayner, is a specialty insurer often described as a mini-Berkshire Hathaway for its unique blend of insurance, investments, and private businesses under Markel Ventures. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Markel focuses on underwriting niche property and casualty risks such as equine, marine, and professional liability, that traditional insurers typically avoid.

Since its 1986 IPO, Markel has delivered a remarkable 14.5% annualized return, consistently outperforming the S&P 500. Its win-win-win philosophyprioritizing customers, employees, and shareholdersdrives disciplined capital allocation and long-term compounding. The companys structure operates as a flywheel, where profitable insurance operations generate float that can be reinvested across its investment and ventures divisions, creating resilience across cycles.

Currently, Markel is refocusing its insurance business after years of underperformance. Under Insurance CEO Simon Wilson, the division is regaining momentum with renewed underwriting discipline and the exit from loss-making reinsurance, allowing management to fully concentrate on high-margin specialty insurance. With only a 3% share of the U.S. excess and surplus (E&S) market, Markel has ample room for growth domestically and is rapidly expanding abroad, where international operations now contribute 25% of total gross written premiums. The companys conservative reserving practices and strong balance sheet further reinforce its underwriting strength.

Management alignment is exemplaryGayner personally owns about $52 million in stock and continues to buy shares on the open market, signaling deep conviction. With a shareholder-aligned culture, prudent underwriting, and disciplined capital allocation, Markel remains a durable compounding machine positioned for sustained long-term growth.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Markel Group Inc. (MKL) by Value Dont Lie in May 2025, which highlighted its diversified structure across specialty insurance, investments, and Markel Ventures, with activist pressure to unlock value. The companys stock price has appreciated approximately by 14.32% since our coverage. The thesis still stands as Markels compounding model endures. The Dutch Investor shares a similar view but emphasizes underwriting discipline and management alignment.
A bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery has kicked off, and the market may hold clues about the outcome.

Investors are flashing signs they still think Netflix could be the ultimate winner.

Betting markets don't see Paramount's competing offer as a slam dunk.

A bidding war has broken out over one of America's most iconic media companies, and investors in the three firms involved are mixed on the prospect of where it'll all shake out.

Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery have climbed on the back of a hostile bid from Paramount Skydance to acquire the film and television company, but they're still slightly below the competing bid from Netflix, which was announced as the winner of the sale process last Friday.

Paramount on Monday made an all-cash offer worth $30 a share to acquire Warner Bros. and its film studio and streaming services.

It's unclear which way Warner Bros. will go. The company's board of directors said on Monday that it wasn't changing its recommendation regarding its agreement with Netflix, but would review Paramount's offer over the next two weeks. The firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Business Insider.

Markets, though, are flashing some clues about what investors think might happen next. Here's what to watch.

1. WBD stock price could hold clues about which company will win

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery rose to $27.70 on Tuesday, just below Netflix's offer of $27.75 a share.

If the stock were to surpass that level, that could be a sign investors expect Warner Bros. to go with Paramount's offer, or that they expect Netflix to put together a better offer, according to Art Hogan, the chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth Management.

"I would say that there's a combination of both of those things probably in play right now," Hogan said of investors pricing in both scenarios, though he noted that trading activity in Warner Bros. Discovery shares may also be reflecting uncertainty among investors as Paramount revealed its hostile bid on Monday.

There's also the issue of regulatory approval, which could explain the slight discount in Warner Bros. Discovery stock to Netflix's offer price. Comments from Donald Trump on Monday suggested Netflix's ownership of Warner Bros. could draw scrutiny from the administration.

In a statement after it unveiled its offer, Paramount said its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery would offer shareholders around $18 billion more in cash and outlined other reasons it should be picked over Netflix.
ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, Dec. 11, 2025 /CNW/ - MBI Global is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with AustEx, a recognized leader in drilling equipment and exploration services. Through this strategic alliance, AustEx will represent the full line of VersaDrill Canada surface and underground drill rigs, as well as GtechDrill geotechnical drills, across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

As part of the partnership, AustEx will oversee sales, commissioning, location adaptation, and technical support for both VersaDrill Canada and GtechDrill equipment. By strengthening its local presence, MBI Global aims to shorten commissioning timelines and deliver faster, region-specific technical support. This agreement marks a major milestone in MBI Global's international growth strategy and reaffirms its commitment to providing world-class field support across the globe.

"Our top priority remains the same: to deliver high-quality local service that lives up to the standards MBI Global is known for. No matter where they are, our customers know they can rely on our expertise," said Mario Rouillier, CEO and President of MBI Global.

With its in-depth knowledge of the Australian market and strong track record, the AustEx team is well positioned to help MBI Global better support its customers' drilling projects in the region. This partnership reflects MBI Global's broader ambition to grow its global distribution and support network.

About MBI Global

Through its brands VersaDrill Canada, Neolithik, and GtechDrill, MBI Global delivers drilling solutions engineered to meet the demands of the field. With offices and a distribution network spanning five continents, the company serves over 30 countries and builds strong partnerships to support clients worldwide.

About AustEx

Headquartered in Perth, AustEx designs, refurbishes, and customizes exploration drill rigs. The company also offers a full range of services including engineering, maintenance, machining, certified welding, and mobile support. Its seasoned team supports mining projects throughout Australia and beyond.

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2025/11/c0868.html
LONDON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Microsoft was on Thursday accused of overcharging thousands of British businesses to use Windows Server software on cloud computing services provided by Amazon, Google and Alibaba, at a pivotal hearing in a 2.1 billion-pound ($2.81 billion) lawsuit.

Regulators in Britain, Europe and the United States have separately begun examining Microsoft and others' practices in relation to cloud computing.

Competition lawyer Maria Luisa Stasi is bringing the case on behalf of nearly 60,000 businesses that use the Windows Server on rival cloud platforms, arguing Microsoft makes it more expensive than on its own cloud computing service Azure.

Stasi is asking London's Competition Appeal Tribunal to certify the case to proceed, an early step in the proceedings.

Microsoft, however, says Stasi's case does not set out a proper blueprint for how the tribunal will work out any alleged losses and should be thrown out.

MICROSOFT ACCUSED OF 'ABUSIVE STRATEGY'

Stasi's lawyer Sarah Ford told the tribunal that thousands of businesses had been overcharged because Microsoft charges higher prices to those who do not use Azure, making it a cheaper option than Amazon's AWS or the Google Cloud Platform.

She also said that "Microsoft degrades the user experience of Windows Server" on rival platforms, which Ford said was part of "a coherent abusive strategy to leverage Microsoft's dominant position" in the cloud computing market.

Microsoft argues that its vertically integrated business, where it uses Windows Server as an input for Azure while also licensing it to rivals, can benefit competition.

In July, an inquiry group from Britain's Competition and Markets Authority said Microsoft's licensing practices reduced competition for cloud services "by materially disadvantaging AWS and Google".

Microsoft said at the time that the group's report had ignored that "the cloud market has never been so dynamic and competitive".

($1 = 0.7473 pounds)

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Most customers of state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. could see significant rate decreases in 2026.

The company is recommending an average 2.6% statewide rate decrease for personal lines accounts beginning on June 1, the start of hurricane season.

Across the state, a projected 463,096 policyholders would save an average of $359 compared to 2025, according to a document presented to the companys Board of Governors on Wednesday. That document was based on policy totals from April, before Citizens projected it would be insuring far fewer properties by the end of 2025.

Most South Florida homeowners would see far larger decreases while average rates are projected to increase in several Central Florida counties. Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier said the projected rate decreases remain correct despite the reduction in policies.

Citing the April policy totals, the document projects that 228,961 personal lines policyholders in South Floridas tricounty region would see rates decreased by more than 11%.

In Broward County, 72.1% of policyholders would see rates fall by 12.6%, lowering premiums by an average $462.

In Palm Beach County, 76.9% of policyholders would see rates decreased by 11.7%, lowering premiums by an average $423.

In Miami-Dade County, 76.9% of policyholders would see rates decline by 13%. They would save $433 on average.

Although the companys Board of Governors OKd the rate recommendations during its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, they still must be approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation following public hearings.

Citizens officials attributed the rate decreases to continued success of reforms enacted in 2022 and 2023, which eliminated plaintiffs attorneys rights to collect legal fees whenever litigation resulted in claims payments for any amount over insurers initial offers.

Tim Cerio, Citizens president and CEO, said that Citizens needed $500 million less in premiums in 2025 to cover its expenses because of the reforms.

So you can see where litigation costs drive up rates for Citizens and the private sector, Cerio said. You get a handle on litigation, rates come down. This is all because of the reforms championed by the governor.

Other cost-saving programs cited during the meeting as driving down rates included the diversion of litigation to the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings and transfers of Citizens policies to private-market insurers through its depopulation program, officials said.

About 1.3 million policies have been shed through the depopulation program since 2023, according to Citizens data. After peaking at about 1.4 million in September 2023, the company now estimates finishing 2025 with 385,000, its lowest-ever policy count.
An oil pumpjack stands in a barren landscape at sunset, with long pipelines running across the ground and an illuminated refinery visible in the distance.

Key Points

The EIA forecasts oil prices will fall over 20% by the end of 2026 due to a sustained global supply surplus.

The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEARCA: XLE), heavily weighted in ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, faces continued underperformance.

Institutional sentiment is tepid, with high short interest and nearly equal numbers of buyers and sellers over the past year.

Interested in Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund? Here are five stocks we like better.

After what has been a trying year for the energy industry, forecasts for the year ahead do not offer much of a reprieve for fossil fuel companies or their shareholders.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the industry is facing a supply glut that will carry over into 2026. The agencys short-term forecast, which the EIA issued last month, expects crude oil prices to end next year about 20% lower than where they stand today.

 Forget the Chips: 4 Industrial Plays for the AI Rebound

Thats particularly bad news for the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEARCA: XLE), which bullish fossil fuel investors were hoping would be poised for a bounce-back year in 2026.

Oils Bleak 2026 Forecast Means Lower Profits

As a whole, the energy sectors uninspiring 7.21% year-to-date (YTD) gain has trailed the broad market while ranking fifth-worst among the S&P 500s 11 sectors. That comes after a 2024 gain of just 5.7% and a 2023 loss of 1.3%.

 3 Cheap Dividend Stocks That Can Beat Inflation and Pay You to Wait

Zooming out, the highly cyclical energy sector has finished second-to-last or dead last among all sectors seven times in the past 11 years.

When the EIA published its 2026 short-term outlook in November, it hinted that oils ongoing surplus is poised to tamp down prices at least through the first half of 2026, and in turn temper the performances of oil stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) exposed to the fossil fuel industry.

 Post 35% Surge, Analysts Eye More Upside in Copper Giant Freeport

The price of Brent crudethe benchmark for prices in Europe, Africa, and the Middle Easthas fallen more than 16% in 2025.

West Texas Intermediatethe U.S. benchmarkhas fared worse, with a loss of nearly 18% this year.

But the EIA sees more than 20% downside over the next year, with its report stating that the agency expects global oil inventories to continue to rise through 2026, putting downward pressure on oil prices in the coming months.

Compounding matters, its price target for Brent crude by the end of 2026 is $55 per barrel. That would match a five-year low set in January 2021. Relative to oils June 2022 high of $118.49, this would represent a nearly 54% decline.
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.

Alts Manager Sagard Hires US Wealth Lead

Montreal-based alternative asset manager Sagard has hired Dayna Kleinman of Monroe Capital as head of its U.S. Wealth division, responsible for launching and distributing investment products to the U.S. wealth channel.

Kleinman will be a managing director at Sagard, which has more than $33 billion in assets under management through venture capital, private equity, private credit and real estate. She will be based in Chicago.

Sagard, founded in 2002, is seeking to expand its presence in the wealth channel beyond its roots in institutional investors, including Canadian pension plans, family offices and financial institutions. Earlier this year, Baird, a privately held financial services firm based in Milwaukee, took a minority equity stake in Sagard, with the intention of distributing Sagards products through Bairds U.S. private wealth business.

Kleinman previously served as managing director, head of business development of wealth management solutions at Monroe Capital, a private credit manager focused on the lower-middle market. Before that, she had been with Baird and Bank of Americas Merrill Lynch.

TIFIN Names Chief Operating Officer

TIFIN AG, the Boulder, Colo.-based financial services platform providing artificial intelligence integration, has named Andrew Dahlinghaus as its new chief operating officer.

In the role, Dahlinghaus will be charged with leading TIFINs next phase of work across its AI platform solutions and report directly to CEO Vinay Nair.

Dahlinghaus had been a general counsel at multiple technology and health-related firms, including Covidien (acquired by Medtronic), where he led legal strategy on acquisitions. After that position, he led teams at various private-equity portfolio companies, including the listing of the medical products company Convatec Group plc on the London Stock Exchange.

Andrew has spent his career where regulation, complexity and scale intersect, Nair said in a statement. That experience is exactly what TIFIN needs as we expand the reach of our AI platforms further into wealth, asset management and insurance.

TIFIN offers customized AI technology to wealth managers, including a deal it penned earlier this year with independent broker/dealer Cetera Financial Group to help bolster organic growth for its over 12,000 financial advisors.

BMO Wealth Hires New Head of US Investments

BMO Wealth Management, a division of the Toronto-based bank, has hired Henray Cohen as head of investments in the U.S., according to a post on LinkedIn.
Pfizer is set to cut jobs in Switzerland as part of a multi-year effort to lower expenses, as reported by Bloomberg.

According to information not yet made public, the company aims to cut staff from around 300 to 70.

The reduction follows a broader downgrading of the drug manufacturers Swiss operations.

In early December 2025, Pfizers Swiss country manager Sabine Bruckner was replaced by Rea Lal, who now heads the local business but with a diminished mandate.

Bruckner has moved to a different role.

Pfizer is pursuing a cost-reduction plan of more than $7bn by 2027, as it seeks to restore growth in the years following the pandemic.

A spokesperson described in an email statement a streamlining and realigning of resources to minimise complexity.

Pfizer did not comment on specific numbers.

The job cuts come as the cpmpany steps up activity in the obesity treatment field, confirming a move into the sector via a licensing arrangement worth up to $2bn with YaoPharma, a subsidiary of Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical.

YaoPharma will conduct an ongoing Phase I trial of YP05002 and provide Pfizer with an exclusive licence to further develop, manufacture and commercialise the therapy globally.

Pfizer was recently involved in a bidding war with Novo Nordisk to acquire New York-based obesity biotech Metsera.

Following consideration of rival bids from the pharma giants, Metsera has accepted Pfizers $10bn proposal.

The planned workforce reduction in Switzerland adds to a series of similar moves by other pharmaceutical groups in the country, where pharmaceuticals are the largest export sector.

In November 2025, Novartis stated that it would eliminate up to 550 jobs in Switzerland.

"Pfizer plans job cuts in Switzerland to reduce expenses" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Canadas Premium Brands Holdings has wrapped up the year with another acquisition, snapping up US-based Stampede Culinary Partners.

Premium Brands is paying just shy of US$664m for the Bridgeview, Illinois-headquartered business, which specialises in the sous-vide cooking technique for meat and plant-based proteins.

Starting in 1995 with beef and pork, Stampede has since expanded into poultry, prepared meals and vegetables produced at six US facilities and one in Canada, located in Cambridge, Ontario, according to its website.

Foodservice is Stampedes primary customer channel but it also supplies retail, club stores, food distributors and military institutions.

Payment for the business is split into $512.5m in cash and $150m in shares of Premium Brands. Stampede will also be eligible for a $100m payout if it achieves set, but undisclosed, profitability targets in the next two years.

George Paleologou, the president and CEO of Premium Brands, said in a statement: Over the past couple of years, we have made significant investments in production capacity to support the growth of our market-leading branded and customised cooked-protein initiatives in the US.

The acquisition of Stampede will further accelerate our growth in this market.

Paleologou added the deal will provide significant unused production capacity, and bring in sous-vide capabilities.

Subject to competition approval, the transaction is expected to close by the end of January.

Stampede CEO Brock Furlong said: We are very excited about joining the Premium Brands family and look forward to leveraging its resources and complementary production capabilities to accelerate the growth of our business.

In particular, we see tremendous opportunities to sell many of the exciting, premium products produced by the Premium Brands ecosystem to our diverse portfolio of foodservice and emergent retail customers.

Premium Brands said the acquisition will provide a mid-single-digit increase to its adjusted earnings per share over the first full year of ownership, rising to high-single digits including expected synergies.

Meanwhile, Premium Brands will part-fund the cash portion of the transaction through indirect share offers and bonds.

The company is selling US$325m of so-called public subscription receipts and US$108m of convertible notes, according to a separate presentation, while a further US$80m will be drawn from existing credit facilities.

Stampede is expected to generate $936m in revenue this year and $108m in adjusted EBITDA, along with net profit before tax of $17.9m, the presentation document showed.
President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on December 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Critics of including private market investments, such as private equity, private credit, real estate and infrastructure, as options in 401(k)s are wrongly accusing these assets of being risky and opaque.

Higher diversification and risk-adjusted returns, coupled with transparent disclosures as required by securities and banking laws, will ensure that Nebraska employers receive the clarity required to evaluate these assets in accordance with their fiduciary duty to their employees.

The Trump administrations Department of Labor (DOL) has been empowered by the president to open alternative investment options to all Americans, not just a select few public pension funds and wealthy individuals. Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling has led the charge to unlock private market investments for retirement savers, acknowledging that it behooves working Americans.

DOL plans to issue a rule that would let Nebraskas private sector employers offer private market investments to their employees.

Allowing retirement savers to put a portion of their nest eggs in private market investments offers higher risk-adjusted returns and diversification. In one recent opinion piece in Pensions & Investments, two law professors discussed how private market investments can be safely incorporated into retirement plans.

In it, they argued, [t]he Trump administration should be praised for democratizing access to alternative assets. Allowing employees to invest in private equity and other nontraditional assets can help diversify a retirement portfolio and reduce idiosyncratic risk. The addition of private market investments to 401(k)s is a net positive for Nebraskas private sector employees who want to save money using a tax-advantaged defined contribution retirement plan.

Working Nebraskans with 401(k) plans can benefit from exposure to private market investments. Over the course of a 20-year period, from 2003-2023, private equity returned 15.2% while the S&P 500 returned 9.7%. In August 2025, there were over 193,000 Nebraskans employed in the retail, wholesale, transportation and utility sectors. There were more than 176,000 Nebraskans employed in education and health services jobs.

Hundreds of thousands of these Nebraska workers, who likely have access to a 401(k) plan, would be directly impacted by the DOLs actions and could benefit from higher risk-adjusted returns than those achieved by solely investing their retirement money in public stocks.
QDOBA Mexican Eats has agreed new franchise development deals for 90 additional outlets in the eastern US, as the fast-casual chain steps up its push to expand via multi-brand operators.

After these latest signings, the company now has more than 650 restaurants in its development pipeline across the country.

Under a 35-restaurant agreement, the Rose Group will open new QDOBA locations in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey and has also taken over two corporate-operated sites in State College and Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The Rose Groups existing portfolio includes 55 Applebees Grill + Bar restaurants and Shannon Rose Irish Pubs in the Mid-Atlantic region.

A separate 27-unit deal has been reached with Doherty Enterprises for Northern and Central New Jersey, as well as New Yorks Hudson Valley and Capital Region.

Doherty Enterprises runs more than 140 outlets across several concepts, including Applebees and Panera Bread.

QDOBA has also broadened its ties with Cafua Management Company, adding a further 25-restaurant commitment in central and upstate New York, including the Finger Lakes and Mohawk Valley.

Cafua is the largest private Dunkin franchisee globally, with more than 200 stores.

QDOBA has also deepened its relationship with the Tattva Group, led by Neil Patel, which operates more than 75 units across brands such as Dunkin, Little Caesars, Buffalo Wild Wings GO and Jimmy Johns.

The group has acquired QDOBA locations in south-central Pennsylvania and agreed to further development there.

These arrangements form part of QDOBAs wider plan to expand alongside established multi-unit operators.

Franchisees that operate multiple brands now run around 80% of QDOBA's restaurants.

Chief development officer Jeremy Vitaro stated: "Proven, multi-brand operators know what works in their portfolios, and they're choosing QDOBA because it allows them to diversify into the rapidly growing Mexican fast-casual category.

"They see strong unit economics, a concept that travels well across trade areas, and food guests come back for. From bold flavours to built-in value like free guacamole and queso, QDOBA gives them confidence to grow."

QDOBA aims to exceed 100 new openings annually by 2027 as it works towards roughly doubling its US estate by 2032.

The company sees significant opportunity across the US and prioritises highdemand markets with strong multiunit operator interest, with nearterm emphasis on the Eastern US as well as California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.

In September 2025, QDOBA signed a development agreement with Barry Dubin of B Wild Investments to open 50 US locations in the states of Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico.
We came across a bullish thesis on Qfin Holdings, Inc. on Archetype Capitals Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on QFIN. Qfin Holdings, Inc.'s share was trading at $19.59 as of December 2nd. QFINs trailing P/E was2.85 according to Yahoo Finance.

loan, money, education, fees, lawschool, money, loan, law, graduation, debt, pay, owe, law-school, scholarship, legal, cap, financial-aid, mortar-board, student-loan

zimmytws/Shutterstock.com

QFIN represents one of the most compelling opportunities in the Chinese fintech lending sector, which has been oversold due to sector-wide pessimism and investor caution around China. QFIN operates a high-margin, capital-light credit-tech platform connecting financial institutions with consumers and SMEs needing small loans, while also generating fee income through its platform and referral services.

Its business model is resilient: roughly half of its revenue comes from on-balance-sheet lending, while the other half is derived from off-balance-sheet, capital-light loan facilitation, which provides a SaaS-like, high-margin revenue stream. The companys fundamentals remain solid, with stabilizing credit performance and a growing mix toward the higher-margin platform segment.

Despite a cautious Q3 guide, data-policy headlines, and minor QoQ shifts in mix, QFINs cash engine remains intact. Valuation is extremely attractive, with EV/EBIT at 23 and P/E at 3, while net cash and shareholder-friendly returns via dividends (~6%) and potential buybacks further enhance upside. A conservative re-rating to mid-cycle EV/EBIT of 56 implies potential equity upside of 23 from current levels without requiring acceleration in growth.

Risks include PRC regulatory policy, VIE and HFCAA frameworks, credit-cycle volatility, partner concentration, and potential drift back to heavier lending. However, QFINs disciplined management, transparent operations, and shareholder-aligned capital allocation position it to capture the re-rating as sentiment normalizes, making it an undervalued, high-reward fintech investment.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (BFH) by Stock Analysis Compilation in November 2024, which highlighted the companys loan growth, debt reduction, and expanding direct-to-consumer funding. The stock has appreciated approximately 21.33% since coverage. The thesis still stands as BFH remains undervalued. Archetype Capital shares a similar perspective but emphasizes QFINs capital-light, high-margin fintech platform in China.

Qfin Holdings, Inc. is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 26 hedge fund portfolios held QFIN at the end of the second quarter which was 33 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of QFIN 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.
US banks will be able to buy and sell cryptocurrencies on behalf of customers, acting as intermediaries for investors in the space, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced on Tuesday.

The OCC said in a statement that such transactions would work in the same way American banks already perform for customers with securities and derivatives.

Known as riskless principal trades, banks in the US are able to execute a transaction on behalf of a client by acting as a broker. They will now be able to do the same transactions with digital assets.

In addition, acting as a riskless principal in crypto-assets for custody customers is a

logical outgrowth of the services that national banks may already provide for custody customers, the statement from the OCC read.

National banks may buy and sell financial and non-financial assets held in custody on a customers behalf at the direction of the customer and in a manner consistent with the customer agreement and applicable law.

The OCCs announcement comes as several banks have asked the regulator to be allowed to carry out such transactions, according to a filing from the industry watchdog.

The regulator said that buying and selling crypto-assets for custody customers as riskless principal at a custody customers direction is the economic equivalent to buying and selling crypto-assets as agents for custody customers.

In other words, it is a logical outgrowth of a recognised banking activity, the OCC wrote.

The OCC added that the bank merely acts as an intermediary and would not hold digital assets in its inventory, instead acting in a capacity equivalent to that of a broker acting as agent.

Crypto industry bigwigs complained during ex-President Joe Bidens administration that lawmakers forced banks to deny crypto firms access to banking services.

But since President Donald Trump entered the White House in January, regulators have taken a more friendly approach to the crypto space.

A number of top crypto firmsincluding Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Ripple have now filed for national trust bank charters.

Mathew Di Salvo is a news correspondent with DL News. Got a tip? Email at mdisalvo@dlnews.com.
Key Takeaways

A Satoshi Nakamoto sculpture has been installed inside the New York Stock Exchange.

The artwork is part of a 21-piece global series by artist Valentina Picozzi.

The installation follows another high-visibility Bitcoin moment.

A sculpture honoring Bitcoins mysterious founder, Satoshi Nakamoto, has been unveiled inside the New York Stock Exchange, marking one of the most prominent acknowledgments to date of the cryptocurrency sector by a major U.S. financial institution.

The work, created by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, was installed this week as part of her global project dedicated to the anonymous inventor of Bitcoin.

Satoshi Nakamoto Bitcoin Statue

The NYSE piece is the sixth in a planned series of 21 sculptures, echoing Bitcoins capped supply of 21 million tokens.

Picozzi said the placement of the artwork in the historic exchange was an unexpected milestone for the initiative.

The installation was supported by Twenty One Capital, the Tether-backed Bitcoin treasury venture led by Strike founder Jack Mallers.

Officials at the exchange described the statue as a symbolic meeting point between traditional markets and emerging digital-asset systems.

From code to culture, the placement represents an artistic reflection on how new ideas become part of shared history, the NYSE wrote on X.

Its debut coincided with the anniversary of the Bitcoin developer mailing list, launched by Nakamoto on Dec. 10, 2008.

Picozzi wrote: This is such an achievement, even in our wildest dream we wouldnt think about placing the statue of Satoshi Nakamoto in this location!

The Satoshigallery project was launched in 2020 with the aim of chronicling Bitcoins cultural and technological story through public artwork.

Earlier statues have been installed in Miami, El Salvador, Vietnam and Japan.

Mystery Continues

The identity of Nakamoto has remained the biggest mystery of Bitcoin, with countless theories and ideas of who it could be.

Nakamoto has not been heard from since disappearing on April 23, 2011.

In October, HBO released a documentary, directed by Cullen Hoback, sending the filmmaker across the world to understand the origins of Bitcoin and its creator.

Despite the widespread interest in the documentary, none of the theories presented were substantiated.

Bitcoin in Times Square

The statue appeared in the NYSE after another mainstream event for Bitcoin: a whole billboard dedicated to it in the middle of Times Square.

Also an advertisement for Twenty One Capital, the billboard read: No man should work for what another man can print.
US packaging manufacturer Sealed Air has named Russell Grissett as global food president.

Grissett moves to Sealed Air from Toppan Packaging Americas, where he was president and CEO and led the separation and integration of Sonocos flexible packaging operations following Toppans $1.8bn purchase of the business.

Before joining Toppan, Grissett spent more than three decades at Sonoco in senior posts spanning general management, sales, marketing and manufacturing.

His positions there included president of global thermoformed and flexibles, and vice-president of flexibles.

Grissett is also executive chair of the Flexible Packaging Association and sits on Auburn Universitys Industrial Engineering Alumni Council.

In a LinkedIn post, Sealed Air stated that Grissetts customer focus, operational rigour and hands-on leadership style will be key as we accelerate growth and strengthen our food business globally.

In November 2025, Sealed Air reached a deal for acquisition by funds affiliated with private equity company Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in an all-cash transaction valuing the packaging materials company at $10.3bn.

The deal, approved by Sealed Airs board, is expected to close in mid-2026.

Sealed Air will become privately held post-acquisition, retain its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, and be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

In September 2025, Sealed Air introduced the AUTOBAG 850HB hybrid bagging machine, an automated packaging system that can process both standard poly mailers and kerbside-recyclable paper bags on the same machine.

The new systems hybrid ability helps fulfilment teams to switch packaging types without compromising speed.

"Sealed Air appoints Russell Grissett as global food president" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.




Soybeans are down 5 to 6 cents in the front months at Tuesdays midday. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price is 4 3/4 cents lower at $10.18 1/4. Soymeal futures are $3.50 to $4.00 in the red, with Soy Oil futures 25 to 30 points lower.

WASDE data was updated this morning, but nothing in the US side was adjusted. The World Ag Outlook Board decided to punt to the January report as both supply and demand was left stale and projected ending stocks were steady at 290 mbu.

More News from Barchart

Over on the world side, few changes were noted, as South American production was steady. World stocks were raised by just 0.38 MMT to 122.37 MMT.

Brazilian soybean exports during December are estimated to total 3.33 MMT, according to ANEC, 0.52 MMT above their previous estimate. That would also be 3.3 MMT above the same month last year. Early on Tuesday morning, the Argentina economy minister announced the soybean export tax is to drop 2 points to 24%, with products down 2 points to 22.5%.

Jan 26 Soybeans are at $10.88 3/4, down 5 cents,

Nearby Cash is at $10.18 1/4, down 4 3/4 cents,

Mar 26 Soybeans are at $11.00, down 5 3/4 cents,

May 26 Soybeans are at $11.10 3/4, down 6 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is included among the 15 Best Stocks to Buy for the Long Term.

Stifel Lifts IBM Price Target Following $11B Confluent Acquisition

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

On December 9, Stifel analyst David Grossman lifted his price target on International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) to $325 from $295 after the company announced its plan to acquire Confluent for $11 billion in cash. He kept his Buy rating in place and noted that IBM has historically been able to get strong leverage out of companies that struggle to break into large enterprises and offer meaningful cost synergies. The analyst described the acquisition as a solid deal for IBM.

International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) on December 8 announced that it is moving to buy Confluent, the data streaming platform, in an $11 billion deal transaction that includes debt. This is one of IBMs largest deals to date and reflects a major push into enterprise software that supports real-time data needs for artificial intelligence tools. The Big Blue plans to pay $31 per share, and Bloombergs calculation of Confluents Class A and Class B shares put the equity value of the offer at roughly $10.9 billion.

Both companies expect the deal to close by mid-2026. If the transaction does not go through or is terminated, International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) will owe Confluent a breakup fee of $453.6 million, according to the regulatory filing that accompanied the announcement.

International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is one of the leading American multinational tech companies, widely known for its hybrid cloud platform, AI capabilities, consulting services, and a broad range of enterprise software and hardware.

While we acknowledge the potential of IBM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 15 Dividend Stocks Paying 4%+ Yield in 2025 and 11 Worst Performing Dividend Stocks Year-to-Date.

Disclosure: None.
Strategy Inc., the worlds largest Bitcoin treasury company, has submitted a detailed response to MSCIs consultation on how to classify Digital Asset Treasury Companies (DATs).

MSCI has proposed excluding from its Global Investable Market Indexes any company whose digital asset holdings represent 50% or more of total assets.

In a letter dated December 10, sent by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor and CEO Phong Le, Strategy argues the move is misguided and would have profoundly harmful consequences for capital markets, innovation, and U.S. leadership in digital assets.

DATs Are Operating Companies, Not Investment Funds

The core of Strategys argument is that DATs like itself are operating businesses, not passive investment funds. Strategy stresses that it does not simply sit on a Bitcoin hoard; instead, it runs a Bitcoin-backed corporate treasury and capital markets program, issuing a range of equity and fixed-income instruments that provide investors with varying degrees of Bitcoin exposure.

It compares this model to banks and insurers that capture a spread between financing costs and returns on underlying assets.

The company notes that many traditional firmssuch as oil majors, REITs, timber companies, and media groupsare also heavily concentrated in a single asset type, yet are not treated as funds or excluded from indices. Singling out digital-asset-heavy balance sheets, it says, would be discriminatory and inconsistent.

Strategy Warns of Index Instability and Policy Bias

Strategy contends that MSCIs proposed 50% digital asset threshold is both arbitrary and unworkable. Given crypto price volatility and divergent accounting standards (GAAP vs. IFRS), companies could whipsaw on and off MSCI indices as market values fluctuate, undermining index stability and investor confidence.

The letter also accuses MSCI of improperly injecting policy judgments into index construction, departing from its stated role as a neutral provider of exhaustive benchmarks that reflect market evolution rather than deeming certain business models good or bad.

Excluding DATs, Strategy argues, would structurally under-represent a fast-growing segment of the economy and call into question the neutrality of MSCIs indices.

Conflict with U.S. Digital Asset Strategy and Call for Extended Review

Strategy further argues that the proposal conflicts with the current U.S. administrations pro-innovation digital asset agenda, including initiatives like a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and efforts to expand access to digital assets in retirement plans.
TenX Protocols, a blockchain infrastructure company focused on staking and validator operations, will start trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) on Dec. 10 under the ticker symbol TNX.

The listing follows the close of subscription receipt financings totaling C$29.9 million ($22 million), which were completed in connection with its go-public transaction, the company said Wednesday. Total capital raised this year exceeds C$33 million, including a C$3.5 million seed round completed in March.

Subscription receipts are a common Canadian financing tool. They allow a company to raise money before a transaction such as an acquisition, reverse takeover or other listing process is completed. Investors put up capital before the event, but dont receive shares right away; instead, they get subscription receipts that convert into shares once the deal closes.

TenX said it plans to use the proceeds to buy tokens of high-throughput blockchain networks and stake them to help secure those networks. It will also invest in its own infrastructure products and services.

The financings included brokered and non-brokered private placements priced at C$0.75 per subscription receipt, with part of the proceeds contributed in digital assets including SOL, SEI and USDC, the company said.

The firm listed Borderless Capital, BONK Contributors, DeFi Technologies, HIVE Blockchain Technologies and Chorus One as investors.

"Canada has always been a pioneer in bridging the crypto world to a broader investor audience through the public markets," said Alex Tapscott, an adviser to TenX Protocols, in emailed comments.

TenX said it provides public-market exposure to staking and validator activity across networks including Solana, Sui and Sei, alongside treasury management and related services.

Read more: Pye Finance Raises $5M Seed Round Led by Variant and Coinbase Ventures
Management has been clear that AI is a major reason profitability remains under pressure. Not only has it been a significant driver of research and development spending recently, but management expects AI to weigh on its business next year.

In the first half of this year, Tesla's revenue fell 10.6% year over year to $41.8 billion as automotive sales dropped almost 18%. Third-quarter results improved, with revenue rising about 12% year over year to $28.1 billion. But operating income still declined about 40% -- and operating margin for the period was only 5.8% (down from 10.8% in the year-ago period). In addition, the rebound in sales trends may prove to be temporary, because the period benefited from a pull-forward in demand as consumers rushed to place orders before the federal electric vehicle credit expired on Sept. 30.

Recent financial results, however, highlight the gap between that vision and today's reality.

The bull case for Tesla stock these days hinges less on boosting electric vehicle sales and more on converting its AI efforts into scalable software and services. At least, that's the only way to explain the stock's valuation, which features a price-to-earnings ratio of just over 300 as of this writing. Tesla's autonomous driving network (Robotaxi), its autonomous driving subscriptions, and its humanoid robot efforts (Optimus) sit at the center of that ambition.

Both companies could end up major winners from AI in 2026 and beyond. Yet when valuation and these companies' underlying business fundamentals are weighed together, Alphabet arguably looks like the better option for investors looking for more investment exposure to AI.

The stories behind those moves look very different. Tesla is still primarily an electric vehicle company trying to reinvent its future around autonomous driving and humanoid robots. Alphabet, meanwhile, generates cash from search advertising, YouTube, and a fast-growing cloud computing business -- and it is threading AI into all of these offerings.

Over the past six months, Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) have both delivered eye-catching gains as investors seemingly crowd into anything tied to AI (artificial intelligence) . Tesla shares are up more than 45% in that span, while Alphabet has climbed nearly 70% and is closing in on a $4 trillion market capitalization .

Tesla and Alphabet stocks have surged as investors bet the two companies are well-positioned to capitalize on big AI opportunities.

Story continues

"On the [capital expenditures] front," said Tesla chief financial officer Vaibhav Taneja in the company's third-quarter earnings call, "while we are expecting to be around $9 billion for the current year, we're projecting the numbers to increase substantially in 2026 as we prepare the company for the next phase of growth in terms of not just our existing businesses, but our bets around AI initiatives, including Optimus."

This spending may pay off if Tesla can scale and commercialize its Robotaxi network and move Optimus from demonstrations to meaningful production. For now, however, almost all of Tesla's revenue still comes from its cyclical auto business, as well as its smaller but fast-growing energy business.

Alphabet: More profitable and cheaper

Alphabet's AI push looks more incremental but also more durable than Tesla's. Google Search and YouTube already rely heavily on machine learning to match users with relevant information and ads, and Alphabet's cloud computing business, Google Cloud, is selling AI infrastructure and tools directly to customers. Overall, Alphabet's move to integrate AI across its business seems to be creating an inflection in revenue growth.

Alphabet's third-quarter revenue rose 16% year over year to $102.3 billion, with Google Cloud up 34% and both search and YouTube delivering solid growth as new Gemini-powered features rolled out across the portfolio.

Profitability and cash flow help the story.

Alphabet's earnings per share in Q3 increased more than 35% year over year, and Alphabet generated about $48.4 billion in cash from operations during the period, bringing the total for the first nine months of 2025 to more than $112 billion. Cash and marketable securities on the balance sheet sit around the $98.5 billion mark, and the company continues to return capital through share repurchases and a modest dividend while still funding heavy AI investment.

Like Tesla, Alphabet's management expects its investments to rise from already high levels due to AI. Indeed, not only did management lift its full-year outlook for capital expenditures when it reported its third-quarter results, but it said it expects "a significant increase" in capital expenditures next year. Investments to support its AI-capable compute power for Google Cloud represent the primary driver for its capital expenditures.

The better bet for 2026 and beyond

Ultimately, the scale tips in favor of Alphabet for two primary reasons.

First, Alphabet's business is more established than Tesla's and is able to generate substantial profits -- and do so on a more consistent basis.

More importantly, however, the Google parent has a much cheaper valuation than Tesla's. Alphabet trades at 31 times earnings, and Tesla's price-to-earnings ratio is just over 300. Even when looking at price relative to analysts' consensus forecasts for earnings per share over the next 12 months (forward price-to-earnings), the chasm between the two remains massive. Alphabet trades at about 23 times forward earnings, and Tesla trades at close to 200 times forward earnings.

Sure, Tesla and Alphabet both hold significant promise when it comes to AI's impact on their businesses next year (and beyond). Tesla's upside rests on breakthroughs in full self-driving and robotics that could eventually reshape its economics. But the company is navigating a challenging environment in autos and a stock price valuation that is borderline egregious. Meanwhile, Alphabet faces its own risks, including regulatory scrutiny and the chance that its massive AI infrastructure doesn't pay off as well as expected. Still, its combination of strong cash generation, a cash-rich balance sheet, and a much lower valuation multiple arguably makes it the more attractive way to participate in AI heading into 2026.

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Tesla vs. Alphabet: Which Is the Better AI Stock for 2026? was originally published by The Motley Fool
The logo stands in front of thyssenkrupp's corporate headquarters before the start of the annual press conference. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Thyssenkrupp Steel is set to temporarily halt production of electrical steel at two plants in Germany and France, the company said on Thursday, citing an "unchecked rise in low-priced imports".

Operations at the plants in the German city of Gelsenkirchen and the French city of Isbergues are set to come to a standstill from mid-December until the end of the year, Germany's largest steelmaker said in a statement.

On top of that, production at Isbergues is set to be reduced to 50% of total capacity for at least four months in response to "the massively increased inflow of low-priced imports, especially from Asia," Thyssenkrupp Steel said.

So-called grain-oriented electrical steel is a specialized material used in the energy industry for electricity transmission, for example in transformers in substations and wind turbines.

Thyssenkrupp is one of two remaining manufacturers in Europe that makes electrical steel, according to the firm.

"The European market for grain-oriented electrical steel is currently under severe pressure driven by sharply rising import volumes priced well below the average production costs in the EU," the statement read, adding that imports have trippled since 2022, rising another 50% in 2025.

"These developments have led to a dramatic shift in customer orders and, as a result, to substantial underutilization of the European production facilities. Consequently, immediate measures to ensure the economic stabilization of operations are essential."

According to Thyssenkrupp, some 1,200 jobs in Germany and France may be at risk.

"Grain-oriented electrical steel is an indispensable element for Europe's energy infrastructure and the energy transition," said chief executive Marie Jaroni.

"We are firmly committed to maintaining production in Europe, and are currently working to ensure effective market protections."
TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) is one of the Cheap NYSE Stocks to Buy Now. On December 2, TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) announced signing a joint development and operating agreement with TES, Osaka Gas, Toho Gas, and ITOCHU. The agreement grants these Japanese companies a 33.3% stake in the Live Oak project.

The Live Oak project, which is currently under development in Nebraska, United States, is a large-scale facility to produce e-methane. The project was started by TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) and TES. As a result of this agreement, TotalEnergies and TES will both have a 33.3% share in the project. Live Oak is currently in the Front-End Engineering Design phase and targets production capacity of around 250 MW of electrolysis and 75 ktpa of methanation. Management noted that the project is expected to begin commercial operation in 2030, subject to a final investment decision to be made in 2027. Moreover, once the production starts, the project will export e-NG to Japan. Osaka Gas and Toho Gas.

In addition, Wall Street maintains a cautious outlook on TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE), with analysts 12-month average price target of $70 reflecting 7.9% upside from the current level. Recently, on December 5, J.P. Morgan downgraded the stock from Buy to Hold and also lowered the price target from EUR58.5 to EUR55.0.

The firm noted that while they maintain a cautious outlook on the overall oil sector, they still prefer Shell over TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE). Both companies have similar expected free cash flow returns estimates of around 8% for 2026-27; however, J.P. Morgan sees a better risk/reward situation for Shell, given the current market share.

TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets oil, biofuels, natural gas, renewables, and electricity.

While we acknowledge the potential of TTE 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.
By Pete Schroeder

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The Trump administration is overhauling a government watchdog charged with monitoring risks to the financial system to focus more on ways to boost economic growth and the "undue burdens" imposed by strict financial rules, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Thursday.

Bessent said the Financial Stability Oversight Council, a panel he chairs that was created following the 2008 financial crisis, will shift its focus towards ways to ease financial rules, arguing the costs of regulations to economic growth constitute a risk themselves.

As part of that effort, Bessent said the FSOC will establish working groups focused on market and household resilience, as well as a working group to explore the opportunities and risks posed by artificial intelligence. Bessent announced the changes on the social media platform X, ahead of a meeting of the FSOC that he is scheduled to chair Thursday afternoon.

The FSOC gathers the leaders of all the major financial regulatory agencies across the federal government, and is charged with policing broad threats to the financial system.

Bessent's plan is in line with the Trump administration's overall goal of trimming regulations to spur economic growth, as FSOC now will work with regulatory agencies to identify rules that may "impose undue burdens and negatively impact economic growth, thereby undermining financial stability."

As part of that effort, Bessent said the group's new market resilience working group will focus on Treasury and other key financial markets, with a focus on whether any rules have "distorted or imposed undue costs on these critical markets." The household resilience working group will monitor for potential stress on household finances, including credit access and developments in the housing market.

The AI working group will be charged with exploring how AI could boost the financial system's resilience, but also how the new technology could pose potential risks to financial stability. It also will look for ways regulators could integrate AI into their own work to make them more efficient, while inviting feedback on "regulatory impediments" to adopting the technology in the financial sector.

(Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Paul Simao)
The last few months have been extremely stressful for the travel industry in the United States. And while the mention of travel woes somehow makes us think first of travelers, the situation has also been extremely tense for people employed in the industry.

During the government shutdown, not only were major carriers forced to delay or cancel thousands of flights at the countrys busiest airports, but Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents were also working without pay.

Vice President of America Federal Government Employees Council 100/TSA Region 7 Joe Shuker warned at the time of the seriousness of the situation, highlighting that air controllers and TSA agents are already working a high-stress job, which includes looking for bombs and weapons.

Doing an already stressful job without a paycheck means every day becomes a high risk, Shuker said.

Even though those times are over, the situation is back to normal, and some TSA officers have received $10,000 bonus checks for working without pay during the government shutdown, the TSA still faces numerous challenges.

The TSA once again reminded travelers that bad behavior will be punished and might result in criminal charges. Jim Lambert/Shutterstock  Jim Lambert/Shutterstock

TSA warns travelers to avoid rude behavior

While holiday travel is often stressful  not only because holidays themselves can be intense, but also due to the huge crowds with everyone in a rush  it doesnt justify bad behavior.

Crowded airports and tight travel schedules often lead to tense interactions among passengers, including line-cutting, raised voices, or confrontational behavior. TSA officials emphasize that disruptive behavior delays screening, increases risk, and can compromise the safety of both passengers and security personnel.

The TSA once again reminded travelers that bad behavior will be punished and might result in criminal charges.

On Dec. 8, the TSA posted the following message on X (previously Twitter):

Reminder: Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint or inflight may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges. @FAANews has more info regarding inflight disturbances here: https://faa.gov/unruly."

The post included a photo of a screen with the following note.

No threats. No verbal abuse. No physical violence of any kind. If you threaten, endanger, or harm Transportation Security Officers during screening, TSA will pursue criminal penalties and fines of up to $13,910. Thank you for your cooperation.

Related: A timeline of TSA changes & announcements under Kristi Noem's DHS

FAA data show persistent disruptions

The fact that TSA continues to issue such reminders underscores the persistence of unruly behavior. While the agencys guidance may appear basic, officials say it is necessary due to the ongoing number of incidents reported by airlines.
United Arab Emirates telecom heavyweight e& is preparing to test whether a regulated stablecoin can support day-to-day consumer payments, marking one of the countrys most visible moves toward blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

e& has teamed up with Al Maryah Community Bank to pilot AE Coin stablecoin for everyday consumer payments.

The trial will test AE Coin across e&s digital services, including bill payments.

The initiative reflects the UAEs broader push toward regulated digital finance.

The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Al Maryah Community Bank to explore how a dirham-pegged token could function across its digital services.

e& Tests AE Coin Stablecoin for Bill Payments and Digital Services

The trial centers on AE Coin, a fully backed stablecoin licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE.

Under the agreement, e& will evaluate how the token can be woven into its payment systems, potentially allowing customers to pay mobile and home-service bills, recharge prepaid lines, manage postpaid accounts, and interact with its digital platforms using a blockchain-based settlement method.

Executives on both sides framed the partnership as part of the UAEs broader ambition to push regulated digital finance into mainstream use.

e& Group CEO Hatem Dowidar said the stablecoin offers instant settlement, complete transparency, and frictionless access, highlighting its appeal as a next-generation payment rail.

Al Maryah Community Bank CEO Mohammed Wassim Khayata added that the pilot opens the door to expanding real-world applications for licensed virtual assets.

Although e& signaled interest in eventually linking the token to e-commerce channels, the initiative remains firmly in the exploratory stage.

An MoU indicates intent rather than deployment, meaning timelines, rollout scope, and consumer impact are still undefined. For now, the trial will focus on internal infrastructure testing rather than a public launch.

Ramez Rafeek, general manager of AED Stablecoin, the firm behind AE Coin, described the collaboration as a milestone for regulated digital payments, positioning the stablecoin as a potential backbone for essential services.

The company was among the first to receive in-principle approval under the UAEs Payment Token Service Regulation framework, putting it ahead in the regions increasingly competitive stablecoin race.

The UAE has been actively advancing its regulatory approach to virtual assets as it seeks to build out a compliant digital finance ecosystem.
In a significant expansion of its campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, Ukraines security services executed a long-range drone strike on a major offshore oil field in the Caspian Sea, effectively halting production at a key Lukoil facility.

The attack on Dec. 11 marks the first time Kyiv has targeted hydrocarbon extraction assets in the Caspian region, a development that signals a new phase in the targeting of Russias economic lifelines and raises questions regarding the security of energy corridors previously considered beyond the reach of the conflict.

Deep Strike Capabilities Expand Reach

The operation, carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), reportedly targeted the Vladimir Filanovsky field, situated in the northern sector of the Caspian Sea. According to SBU sources, four drones successfully struck the offshore platform, forcing the suspension of oil and gas production from more than 20 wells servicing the facility.

"At least four hits were recorded on the offshore platform," an SBU source told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As a result of the attack, oil and gas production from more than 20 wells it serves stopped."

The strike was reportedly executed by the SBU's "Alpha" special operations unit. This incident represents a strategic shift for Ukraine. While Kyiv has frequently targeted oil refineries and storage depots deep within Russian territory, hitting an offshore production platform in the Caspian Sea, hundreds of miles from the frontline, demonstrates a growing capacity to project force against critical upstream assets.

The Vladimir Filanovsky field is a jewel in the crown of Russia's post-Soviet energy sector. Discovered by Lukoil in 2005 and brought online in 2016, it is considered the largest oil discovery in Russia in decades, holding estimated reserves of 129 million tons of oil and 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

Geopolitical Ripples in the Caspian Basin

The attack places the Caspian Sea, a vital artery for global energy markets, directly into the crosshairs of the widening war. The region serves as a crucial hub not only for Russian output but also for Central Asian energy exports.

Industry analysts note that the targeting of the Filanovsky field carries significant implications for regional energy logistics. The field's output is typically exported via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). The CPC pipeline is a critical piece of global energy infrastructure that transports crude oil from fields in western Kazakhstan, operated by Western majors including Chevron and ExxonMobil, through Russia to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
Upbit, South Koreas largest crypto exchange, will move almost all customer assets into cold wallets after attackers breached its Solana hot wallets in late November.

Dunamu, Upbits parent company, announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10, that the crypto exchange is planning to move over 99% of its digital assets to cold wallets.

South Koreas Virtual Asset User Protection Act requires all crypto exchanges to hold at least 80% of their digital assets in cold wallets.

While Upbit already holds 98.33% of its cryptocurrency holdings, the exchanges owner company aims to decrease its hot wallet holdings to below 1% after losing 44.5 billion KRW, worth roughly $31 million, to hackers on Nov. 27.

According to a Coinspeaker report on Dec. 8, Upbit froze $1.77 million of the stolen funds by using its own Automatic Tracking Service, but the remaining assets seem to be lost forever.

The company also noted that it will cover all losses from its own reserves and says user funds are safe.

What Are the Downsides to More Security?

Upbits move sets a new security benchmark and may push other exchanges to show and improve their own cold/hot wallet ratios.

This could reduce the risk of losing large sums of digital money, as the attack surface will become very small for fraudulent actors.

On the other hand, this will lower the exchanges liquidity, with almost all funds offline, big withdrawal spikes may be slower to process, especially in stress events.

If withdrawals are delayed, price gaps between Korean exchanges and global markets, the Kimchi premium, may grow during volatility.

After the hack, when Upbit paused withdrawals, arbitrage to global markets stopped, and some altcoins spiked double or triple in price as trapped liquidity pumped the market.

CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju shared the negative effect of having no access to global markets in his X post on the day Upbit was hacked.

Upbit is the leading Korean exchange with a daily trading volume of over $1.3 billion, according to CoinMarketCap data.

The platform supports 301 different crypto tokens, including the ones with smaller market caps. MEW, for instance, has a market value of just $102 million. If the exchange faces any liquidity issues, the risks of facing double or even triple prices would increase significantly.

Read original story Upbit Goes 99% Cold Storage after Over $30M Hack Shock by Wahid Pessarlay at Coinspeaker.com
US-based Pabst Brewing Company has confirmed changes to its sales organisation, although it refused to be drawn on reports of job cuts.

In recent days, reports in the US said Pabst had eliminated jobs at the business.

Approached by Just Drinks to confirm the number and type of roles affected, a representative for Pabst provided a statement attributed to the recently installed CEO Greig DeBow.

Pabst is entering a new chapter focused on driving collaboration and innovation, building the right culture, and positioning the company for future growth," the statement read.

As part of this evolution, the company has refined its sales structure to enhance focus, speed, and accountability across the business. These changes will result in greater efficiency and improved service for our customers.

The company also did not respond to queries on details about where any impacted staff are based.

Founded in 1844 and headquartered in Texas, Pabst remains privately held and oversees a portfolio that includes brands such as Lone Star and Rainier.

Its flagship label, Pabst Blue Ribbon, is sold across all 50 US states and internationally.

Separately, Pabst has put its current headquarters office in San Antonio on the sublease market, according to a report by the San Antonio Business Journal last month.

The company has reportedly listed the entire 25,323-square-feet space it occupies on the sixth floor of The Soto building at 711 Broadway, with the lease running through the end of 2033.

New CEO DeBow was most recently chief commercial and operating officer at protein powders and supplements maker 1st Phorm International. From 2015 to 2019, he held the position of executive vice president of national accounts at Pabst.

In January, Pabst entered a contract brewing agreement with Anheuser-Busch InBev to produce its Lone Star brand at AB InBevs brewery in Houston.

That move followed the expiry of its contract brewing arrangement with Molson Coors Beverage Co. at the end of last year.

At the time, Pabst said the new deal would provide Pabst with greater supply chain flexibility and improved efficiencies.

The company added it will continue to produce significant volumes at City Brewing, the US private-equity-backed contract manufacturer that has long been a key production partner for the group.

"US brewer Pabst confirms changes to sales structure" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.




HANOI, Dec 11 (Reuters) - U.S. imports of telephones and parts from Vietnam, one of its top suppliers, fell to their lowest levels in more than five years in November, according to official Vietnamese data, as exporters led by Samsung Electronics faced trade uncertainties and slowing consumer demand.

Smartphones are not subject to U.S. tariffs but uncertainty over trade affected Vietnam's shipments this year, the data released earlier this week showed. Exports peaked in January and rebounded in May after the Trump administration exempted phones and other electronics from steep tariffs. Smartphone shipments began to fall sharply from August when 20% tariffs were imposed on Vietnamese goods, despite the exemption.

In November, Vietnam's telephone exports to the U.S. fell to less than $410 million, the lowest monthly figure since May 2020, marking the fourth consecutive monthly drop.

Vietnam's production of telephones has been falling on an annual basis since August, official data that was updated through November showed.

Falling shipments in recent months were offset by roaring exports in the first half of the year. As a result, exports were flat in the first 11 months of 2025 compared with a year earlier.

Vietnam's smartphone trade figures largely reflect Samsung's exports, as the South Korean company accounts for the biggest share of exports and output from Vietnam.

Samsung does not disclose its export figures from Vietnam, where it has major manufacturing operations. It declined to comment on Vietnam's trade numbers.

A Vietnam-based executive familiar with Samsung's operations said the company was adjusting its production and export volumes in the country in reaction to weakening consumer sentiment.

The plunge in smartphone exports to the U.S. drove down Vietnam's total exports, which in November were the lowest since April, totalling nearly $4 billion.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio, Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)
Veralto Corporation (VLTO) is an industrial-technology company, headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. The firm operates globally in two primary segments: Water Quality (WQ) offering water analytics, treatment and purification solutions under brands like Hach, Trojan Technologies, and ChemTreat, and Product Quality & Innovation (PQI) providing marking, coding, packaging, and color-management solutions through brands such as Videojet, Esko, X-Rite, Linx, and Pantone. Veralto's market cap stands at around $24.4 billion.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are typically classified as "large-cap stocks," and Veralto fits the label perfectly, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the pollution & treatment controls industry. The company combines scientific expertise, innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability, helping customers meet rising regulatory standards and achieve long-term operational resilience.

More News from Barchart

The stock is currently trading 10.6% below its 52-week high of $110.11, reached on Aug. 22. Shares have declined 7.1% over the past three months, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 5% gains during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

In the longer term, VLTO has fallen 7.9% over the past 52 weeks and 3.8% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, underperforming the SPX's 13.3% rise over the past year and 16.3% gains this year.

To confirm the bearish trend, the stock has been largely trading below the 50-day moving average since early October and below the 200-day moving average since late October, with some fluctuations lately.

www.barchart.com

The stock has been pressured amid market reaction to a mix of investor caution and structural concerns. There is rising scrutiny of the recent acquisition plan for In-Situ and growing concern that demand weakness in certain regions, such as China, might undermine growth prospects, leaving limited catalysts for significant upside ahead.

VLTO has significantly underperformed its rival, CECO Environmental Corp. (CECO), which surged 70.5% over the past 52 weeks and 89.8% on a YTD basis.

The stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from the 18 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $115.31 suggests a 17.2% premium to its current price levels.

On the date of publication, Subhasree Kar did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the Cheap NYSE Stocks to Buy Now. On December 4, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) announced a quarterly dividend of 69 cents per outstanding share. This dividend is consistent with the one declared last quarter. The report noted that this dividend will be payable on February 2, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 12, 2026.

In other news, CNBC Television on November 20 noted that Verizon Communications Inc.s (NYSE:VZ) CEO Dan Schulman sent a letter to the companys employees announcing the layoffs of more than 13,000 employees. This follows the earlier report by Reuters on November 13, which revealed that the company planned to reduce its workforce by 15,000 employees.

Schulman noted the layoff reflects the managements efforts to reduce the companys outsourced and other outside expenses. The CEO also noted setting aside $20 million as a rescaling and career repositioning fund for the laid-off employees.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has been facing increased competition with its peers offering cheaper plans, and the stock has only been marginally up by 3.68% year-to-date. Analysts 12-month average price target of $46 reflects 10.34% upside from the current level.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a holding company that offers communications and technology services through its subsidiaries.

While we acknowledge the potential of VZ as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) is one of the Cheap NYSE Stocks to Buy Now. On December 5, Sohrab Movahedi from BMO Capital raised the firms price target on The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) from C$120 to C$128, while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. On the same day, Matthew Lee from Canaccord Genuity also raised the price target from C$122 to C$126 and maintained a Buy rating on the stock.

The positive outlook follows the companys fiscal Q4 2025 earnings release announced on December 4. The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) grew its revenue by 15.68% year-over-year to $10.34 billion, surpassing estimates by $394.86 million. Moreover, the EPS of $1.56 also topped estimates by $0.13. Management attributed growth to robust fee and trading income in its market-driven businesses, along with volume growth in Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking.

Sohrab Movahedi of BMO Capital noted that the company posted across-the-board beats during the latest earnings release. He noted the growth to be driven by US Retail, Wealth Management / Insurance, and Wholesale Banking.

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) is a major financial institution that serves customers in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four main segments, namely Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, US Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking.

While we acknowledge the potential of TD 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.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is one of the Cheap NYSE Stocks to Buy Now. On December 8, Brian Nowak from Morgan Stanley reiterated a Buy rating on the stock and lowered the price target from $115 to $110. On the same day, Mark Mahaney from Evercore ISI reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $150.

The ratings follow Uber Technologies, Inc.s (NYSE:UBER) launch of Robotaxi in Dallas, announced on December 3. Management noted that riders in Dallas can now be matched with an Avride robotaxi. This new robotaxi service will be available throughout 9 square miles of Dallasfrom Downtown to Uptown to Turtle Creek to Deep Ellum. Management expects to expand its operations into further territory in the future.

Moreover, earlier on November 26, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) had launched Level 4 fully driverless Robotaxi for commercial operations in Abu Dhabi. This launch was in collaboration with WeRide. The launch marked a significant milestone as this was the first city outside the United States where Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) hosted its driverless operations.

Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is a global technology platform that connects consumers with transportation, delivery, and logistics services. The company operates through its Mobility, Delivery, and Freight segments, offering ride-hailing, meal delivery, and freight brokerage solutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of UBER 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.
Crypto markets are edging up but still look fragile. The global crypto market cap sits around $3.18 trillion, up about 0.9% on the day, with Bitcoin near $90,500 and Ethereum around $3,130.

Gains remain modest compared with traditional stocks. Bitfinex analysts recently warned that BTC is showing relative weakness versus U.S. equities as spot demand softens and investors grow more sensitive to macro shocks.

Related: JPMorgans Jamie Dimon sends harsh response to debanking allegations

Bitcoin ETF outflows flash warning into FOMC week

Flows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have cooled ahead of this weeks Federal Reserve decision.

Data compiled by Farside Investors shows several sizeable net outflow days over the past three weeks, including $903 million on Nov. 20, roughly $195 million on Dec. 4 and another $60 million on Dec. 8.

Whether it's BlackRocks IBIT, Fidelitys FBTC, or Grayscales GBTC, none escaped the heat.

Source: Farside Investors

This recent selling has reinforced the fragile setup Bitfinex highlighted, with traders using strength to reduce exposure rather than add risk.

Why a December Fed rate cut matters for Bitcoin

Attention now turns to the Feds Dec. 10 meeting, where futures markets imply roughly a 90% chance of a 0.25% rate cut.

A television station broadcasts Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, speaking after a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

A cut of this size would generally lower borrowing costs across the economyincluding mortgages, credit cards and business loanshelping ease overall financial conditions.

Cheaper credit typically supports risk assets, as investors and businesses find it less costly to deploy capital.

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Lower rates can also encourage companies to hire and invest more freely, improving the job market over time. The trade-off is that savers holding cash or short-term deposits would likely see reduced yields, as interest paid on those products tends to fall when policy rates decline.

Politics are adding extra pressure. Multiple social media reports, citing Reuters, quoted U.S. President Donald Trump as saying that immediate rate cuts are a requirement for the next Fed chair, underscoring the White Houses push for dovish monetary policy.

Analyst maps final sweep scenario toward $78K-$82K

Crypto trader Michael van de Poppe, CIO and founder at MN Trading, sees Fed's Wednesday decision as a potential turning point.

In a post, he called $92,000 the crucial level for Bitcoin, warning of a relatively harsh rejection there and a hawkish press conference from Fed Chair Jerome Powell potentially triggering a classic sell-the-news move.
We came across a bullish thesis on The Wendys Company on Value investing subreddit by AspyAsparagus. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on WEN. The Wendys Company's share was trading at $8.48 as of December 2nd. WENs trailing and forward P/E were 8.76 and 9.31 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

The Wendy's Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a quick-service restaurant company in the United States and internationally. WEN is currently trading at a strikingly low 9x P/E, well below the average QSR multiple of 27x, despite offering superior burgers with its never-frozen beefa quality advantage that is increasingly important as fast food prices rise. The company benefits from a strong brand and extensive store footprint, and management has recently brought in the strategist behind Taco Bells successful turnaround, signaling a focused effort to revitalize operations and sentiment.

Wendys Project Fresh initiative, announced two weeks ago, appears to have established a bottom in the stock, with marketing and branding efforts aimed at re-engaging consumers and improving the companys public perception. These initiatives suggest significant upside potential, with a minimum 2x gain likely, and the possibility of 34x if sentiment continues to improve.

Further catalysts include potential strategic moves such as dividend adjustments to pay down debt, which could further enhance valuation. Market pessimism has created a scenario reminiscent of UNH earlier this year, where low sentiment offered substantial upside, and Wendys could see a similar re-rating if execution aligns with expectations.

Additionally, the stock remains a potential acquisition target, supported by both activist attention and anecdotal investor interest, including public endorsements from figures like Warren Buffett. Even unconventional catalysts, such as increased political visibility, could accelerate gains. With its undervalued P/E, strong brand, and focused management strategy, Wendys presents a compelling investment opportunity with a highly asymmetric risk/reward profile, offering both near-term sentiment-driven upside and long-term structural value in the fast-casual segment.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on McDonalds Corporation (MCD) by David in October 2024, which highlighted the companys strong free cash flow, disciplined share repurchases, and steady dividend payouts as drivers of long-term shareholder returns. The company's stock price has been largely flat since our coverage. This is because the thesis didnt fully play out amid stagnant revenue growth. AspyAsparagus shares a similar perspective but emphasizes Wendys undervalued P/E, Project Fresh initiative, and potential sentiment-driven re-rating as key catalysts.
Key Points

Alibaba Cloud is becoming Chinas core AI infrastructure provider.

Companies across multiple industries have turned to Alibaba.

The Chinese tech behemoth has built a full-stack AI ecosystem.

10 stocks we like better than Alibaba Group 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping global technology, and much of the attention naturally goes to U.S. companies such as Nvidia, Alphabet, and Microsoft. But investors looking for exposure to the next decade of AI growth shouldn't overlook one of Asia's most prominent players: Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA).

Alibaba spent the past few years navigating regulatory pressures, competitive threats, and slowing consumer demand. But beneath this noise, the company has quietly positioned itself at the center of China's AI transformation. Its latest September 2025 quarter highlights that shift: Cloud revenue surged 34% year over year, and AI-related cloud revenue delivered triple-digit growth.

If investors want a long-term way to participate in China's AI boom, Alibaba offers a compelling and underappreciated path. Here are three reasons why.

Image source: Getty Images.

Alibaba Cloud is becoming the backbone of China's AI boom

AI workloads don't run on desktops -- they run on the cloud. Every model needs infrastructure to train, fine-tune, and deploy. In China, Alibaba Cloud sits directly in the middle of that demand.

In the latest quarter, Alibaba Cloud delivered 34% year-over-year revenue growth, far outpacing the company's overall growth rate. Management also reported that AI-related revenue grew at triple-digit rates for the ninth consecutive quarter. These numbers matter because they confirm a structural shift: AI is no longer a "future opportunity" for Alibaba Cloud; it is the segment's primary growth engine.

Companies across China from multiple industries are adopting AI to improve productivity, automate workflows, and analyze data. They naturally turn to the cloud provider with the most enormous scale, the most mature ecosystem, and the broadest enterprise reach. That provider is Alibaba Cloud.

If AI adoption accelerates across China, Alibaba stands to capture significant incremental spending. The company's infrastructure, model-hosting capabilities, and enterprise tools position Alibaba Cloud as a core foundational layer for China's AI economy.

Alibaba built a full-stack AI strategy with real defensibility

What makes Alibaba especially interesting is that it isn't relying on a single AI product or service. Instead, it has built a vertically integrated AI stack -- similar to what AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer in the West.
Woolworths has partnered US-based delivery platform DoorDash as it moves to broaden its grocery fulfilment options across Australia.

The Australian retailer states that the collaboration will become part of its existing On Demand services.

These delivery options now represent 40% of all Woolworths online orders.

Through the Woolworths app and website, customers have access to several quick-turnaround servicesL Delivery Now, which operates from more than 700 stores and is designed to deliver a complete grocery shop, and Direct to Boot Now, which enables customers to collect orders in under an hour.

Orders can also be placed through the MILKRUN app, offering delivery from more than 630 Woolworths outlets, with an average fulfilment time of 33 minutes.

Woolworths Group e-comX managing director Amitabh Mall stated: Customers continue to look for more fast and flexible options to fulfil their grocery needs.

Partnering with DoorDash allows us to add another convenient option that will leverage our extensive store network to reach more customers, more often, through platforms they already use every day.

The agreement with DoorDash will allow users of the delivery app to browse and purchase Woolworths products, such as pantry items, fresh produce and household essentials.

Woolworths has also outlined plans to increase its online capacity for the Christmas 2025 period, committing to an extra one million delivery and pick-up slots during December.

DoorDash Asia Pacific (APAC) vice-president Simon Rossi added: Were thrilled to welcome Woolworths to DoorDash. Consumer choice is at the heart of what we do at DoorDash, and with Woolworths joining our platform, were more excited than ever to bring even more grocery selection to more households across the country.

In November 2025, Woolworths Group opened its new regional distribution centre in Western Sydney, marking the completion of its A$1.3bn ($853.7m) Moorebank Logistics Precinct.

"Woolworths partners DoorDash to extend fast grocery delivery " was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




As ZIMs future as a public company remains up in the air, the ocean carriers board of directors is attempting to stave off a new proxy fight.

An investor group led by Mor Gemel & Pension Ltd., Reading Capital Ltd. and Sparta 24 Ltd., which controls over 5 percent of the container shipping companys stock, has nominated three directors to the ZIM board.

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The investor group has not released disclosures or a public statement about the board battle, with ZIM revealing the proxy fight in a letter to shareholders on Tuesday. The company said the lack of disclosures, which is required under U.S. securities laws, raises serious questions about their transparency and intent.

ZIM has support from a major proxy advisory firm, with Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) urging shareholders to vote for all eight of the ocean carriers directors and against the three outsider candidates.

In November, ZIM appointed its two newest independent board directors, Yoram Turbowitcz and Yair Avidan, replacing the resigning Yair Caspi and Yoav Sebba.

The proxy fight follows the companys rejection of a takeover bid from its chief executive, Eli Glickman and Israeli shipping tycoon Abraham Ungar, as well as other reports that fellow ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd had made an offer to acquire the company.

The board confirmed in November that the company was undergoing a strategic review, which could include a sale among multiple options. ZIM has received multiple indications of interest from potential bidders, with Israeli tech publication Calcalis saying the company has received at least three acquisition offers.

This review is being conducted solely by the independent board, with Glickman and the management team not participating in the evaluation of the strategic alternatives.

According to the shareholder letter, the board unanimously determined that [Glickmans buyer group] materially undervalued the company.

The board has engaged independent financial and legal advisors to assist in the review process, and has formed its own transaction committee.

According to the letter, the minority shareholders seeking to reshape the board are making a campaign based on misleading assumptions about the strategic review process.

The dissident group did not meaningfully engage with us on the issues they now raise and chose to submit their nominations without prior discussion or warning, the board said in the letter. Their campaign appears to be rooted in the false assumption that the board is planning to sell the company to the management group at an inadequate price.
Kaze moj frend GPT:



Is it correct to conclude that Intel actually net earned 515 million from the European Commission since it returned back 1.06 billion + default interest of 515 million?

ChatGPT je rekao:

Yes  it is mostly correct to conclude that Intel net received about 515 million from the European Commission after the original 1.06 billion fine was annulled, but with an important nuance:

 What happened in the old case

The European Commission originally fined Intel 1.06 billion in 2009 for alleged anticompetitive conduct. Wikipedia

Intel successfully challenged that fine in court, and most of it was annulled in 2022 when the General Court found flaws in the Commissions analysis. curia.europa.eu

Because Intel had already paid the fine and the court scrapped it, the EU had to refund the amount Intel had paid.

In addition, the EU was legally required to pay default interest on that refunded amount for the time it held the money. Intel sued for that default interest. Investing.com

 What Intel actually got back

The default interest payment the EU paid Intel was 515.55 million on the annulled fine. Investing.com

 Net earnings perspective

So from a purely cash-flow perspective:

Intel originally paid the EU 1.06 billion (which was later refunded).

The EU returned that 1.06 billion after the fine was annulled.

And the EU also paid 515.55 million in interest for holding Intels money all those years. Investing.com

Thus, Intel effectively got back what it had paid plus 515 million  the interest  which is money Intel received beyond just being made whole. So saying Intel net earned 515 million from that specific old fines reversal is a fair summary, assuming you are referring only to the interest portion, and not counting the original refunded principal.

Za sada je Intel u plusu nesto preko pola milijarde eura, traju dogovori da se prosiri suradnja Intela i EU sudova na obostrano zadovoljstvo.
Fortinet has identified multiple critical vulnerabilities in a number of Fortinet Products, and this alert is rated as CRITICAL, so please read on!

Security in today's world can NEVER be taken lightly was secure 24 hours ago can have a vulnerability discovered and be blown wide upon, so if you have Fortinet products, please read on to see if you are affected, and how to mitigate the issue.

CVE-2025-59718 : This vulnerability involves improper verification of cryptographic signatures in versions of Fortinet FortiOS, FortiProxy, and FortiSwitchManager, which could allow an unauthenticated attacker to bypass FortiCloud SSO login authentication via a crafted SAML response message.





: This vulnerability involves improper verification of cryptographic signatures in versions of Fortinet FortiOS, FortiProxy, and FortiSwitchManager, which could allow an unauthenticated attacker to bypass FortiCloud SSO login authentication via a crafted SAML response message. CVE-2025-59719: This vulnerability involves improper verification of cryptographic signatures in Fortinet FortiWeb, which could allow an unauthenticated attacker to bypass FortiCloud SSO login authentication via a crafted SAML response message.

ASDs ACSC recommends that organisations take immediate action to mitigate affected products, apply the latest patches and investigate for potential compromise.

The vulnerabilities impact the following Fortinet Products:

FortiOS 7.0.0 through 7.0.17 7.2.0 through 7.2.11 7.4.0 through 7.4.8 7.6.0 through 7.6.3





FortiProxy 7.0.0 through 7.0.21 7.2.0 through 7.2.14 7.4.0 through 7.4.10 7.6.0 through 7.6.3





FortiSwitchManager 7.0.0 through 7.0.5 7.2.0 through 7.2.6





FortiWeb 7.4.0 through 7.4.9 7.6.0 through 7.6.4 8.0.0



Mitigation advice

Australian organisations should review their networks for use of vulnerable versions of the Fortinet Products, and consult the Fortinet Advisory for mitigation advice and patching.

Mitigation may include disabling FortiCloud login (if enabled) until the latest patches are applied.

Organisations should also investigate for any unauthorised access or compromise of affected products.

Where to get help

Organisations that have been impacted, suspect impact or require advice and assistance can contact us via 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
GUEST OPINION: Australias new social media ban for under-16s has now kicked in, and its done more than just restrict access. It has jolted the country into confronting a long-standing question: how do we create safer digital spaces for young people without falling behind technologically?

The ban is not a silver bullet. As a parent of two children, I support the intent. As a technology leader, I see the potential for enforcement of the ban to be challenging.

There are measures we should be taking to make online spaces safer for young people, and this is a shared responsibility for families, technology leaders and government.

Legislation sets guardrails, but culture, education and algorithms determine whether young people actually stay safe online.

Digital literacy and parental responsibility are non-negotiables

As leaders and as parents, we need to step up. We cant legislate good parenting  we need to model the right behaviours, talk openly about online risks, and create environments where being off-screen is normal.

We need a balanced approach to help teens manage technology to supplement the social media ban. The problem isnt just age  its the endless stream of content designed for engagement, not safety.

I hope this ban is helping families create memories that are off-screen. Kids should be allowed to be kids. The more we can take pressure off social media, the more we protect their mental health and sense of self.

Business and leadership have roles to play

Technology leaders have a duty to be part of the solution, even if theyre not directly affected. Businesses shape how we use digital tools every day. We can help educate staff, support schools and lead by example in how we engage online. Protecting young peoples digital wellbeing isnt just a government issue; its a community one.

Were looking into some exciting ways to inject better autonomy and education into communities. As a company, ask yourself  what can you contribute?

The metro and regional divide is widening

One of the bans unintended consequences is that it exposes long-standing inequities. There is a distressing discrepancy between metropolitan, regional and rural communities access to technology, which disproportionally disadvantages First Nations communities. We should prioritise elevating these areas to the same level of access and competency as our city populations.

Overall, this policy will test how far the government can go to protect citizens without stifling innovation or overstepping into parental responsibility. At the end of the day, families, industry and government share the same goal: to keep young people safe online without shutting them out of a digital world they will inherit. This requires all of us, not just policy makers, to step up.
Equinix, the worlds digital infrastructure company, has announced that it has been positioned in the Leaders category in the first IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Services Sustainability 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment (doc #US53000525, December 2025). According to the report, Equinix is distinguished by its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Equinix has demonstrated leadership in sustainable data centre operations, said Olga Yashkova, Research Manager, Enterprise Workloads and Datacentre Infrastructure, IDC. Its comprehensive strategy  from renewable energy sourcing and water stewardship to circularity, heat export and green financing  positions Equinix as a Leader and a trusted partner for organisations seeking to decarbonise their digital infrastructure and address business and regulatory requirements.

Serving as critical connectivity hubs for enterprises, cloud providers and AI ecosystems, Equinixs more than 270 data centres span 77 metropolitan areas in 36 countries. The report states that Equinix implements sustainability initiatives and innovative approaches to energy and water management across its global colocation network.

Equinix is uniquely positioned to meet the increased market demand for sustainable digital infrastructure solutions, said Christopher Wellise, Vice President, Sustainability at Equinix. Our decades of pioneering new sustainability breakthroughs, combined with our next-generation energy solutions and enhanced operational efficiencies, are setting new industry standards and enabling our customers success around the world.

Guy Danskine, Managing Director of Equinix Australia, said: At Equinix, were making strategic investments in energy efficiency, renewable power, and low-carbon design across our global portfolio. In Australia, our 151MW power purchase agreement underscores our commitment to accelerating renewable energy adoption, complemented by local initiatives that continue to drive down our PUE. As the Australian Government advances its National AI Strategy, its critical that sustainability is embedded as a core criterion in the process. We believe this latest assessment provides strong external validation that Equinix is delivering the transparency, innovation, and long-term investment required to help customers meet their climate commitments, while enabling technological progress and fueling economic growth.

The IDC MarketScape report recognised Equinix for its strengths across a range of initiatives, including:

Waste Heat Reuse : In 2024, Equinix reported the export of 14.5 GWh of residual heat from its data centre operations  a substantial 245% increase compared to the previous year. Equinix's heat export initiatives are particularly notable in cities such as Helsinki, Toronto, and Paris, where the company's data centres actively supply excess thermal energy to municipal district heating networks and community facilities.

: In 2024, Equinix reported the export of 14.5 GWh of residual heat from its data centre operations  a substantial 245% increase compared to the previous year. Equinix's heat export initiatives are particularly notable in cities such as Helsinki, Toronto, and Paris, where the company's data centres actively supply excess thermal energy to municipal district heating networks and community facilities. Water Management Innovation : Equinixs water focus program drives best practices in water management for cooling, with a reported annual average Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0.95 in 2024. Customer-facing water reports and advanced engineering solutions (e.g., water-free energy sources, thermal storage, and aggressive reuse) reinforce operational accountability in water-constrained markets.

: Equinixs water focus program drives best practices in water management for cooling, with a reported annual average Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0.95 in 2024. Customer-facing water reports and advanced engineering solutions (e.g., water-free energy sources, thermal storage, and aggressive reuse) reinforce operational accountability in water-constrained markets. Low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) : Equinix achieved a global annualised average PUE of 1.39 in 2024 (a 6% YoY improvement), with select sites showing a significantly lower number. The company aims for a global average PUE of 1.33 by 2030.

: Equinix achieved a global annualised average PUE of 1.39 in 2024 (a 6% YoY improvement), with select sites showing a significantly lower number. The company aims for a global average PUE of 1.33 by 2030. Achieving Sustainability Goals : Equinix is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040, validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative, aiming to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and absolute Scope 3 emissions by 90% (compared to the 2019 baseline).

: Equinix is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040, validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative, aiming to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and absolute Scope 3 emissions by 90% (compared to the 2019 baseline). Renewable Energy Commitment : Equinix was early to commit to 100% clean and renewable energy coverage by 2030, achieving 96% global coverage in 2024 (including 100% in the Americas and EMEA).

: Equinix was early to commit to 100% clean and renewable energy coverage by 2030, achieving 96% global coverage in 2024 (including 100% in the Americas and EMEA). AI Infrastructure & Sustainability Innovation : Equinix's edge AI infrastructure leverages its renewable energy coverage, enabling AI workloads and turnkey distributed AI solutions that benefit from sustainability innovations.

: Equinix's edge AI infrastructure leverages its renewable energy coverage, enabling AI workloads and turnkey distributed AI solutions that benefit from sustainability innovations. Green Financing : Since 2020, Equinix has issued over US$9 billion in green bonds, with approximately $4.9 billion allocated to green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency, the development of sustainable data centre facilities, and investments in next-generation technologies, such as fuel cells for onsite power generation.

: Since 2020, Equinix has issued over US$9 billion in green bonds, with approximately $4.9 billion allocated to green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency, the development of sustainable data centre facilities, and investments in next-generation technologies, such as fuel cells for onsite power generation. Customer Decarbonisation Instruments: Equinix offers customised sustainability reporting for customers that includes granular data on electricity consumption, renewable energy coverage, carbon emissions, and water consumption.

For more information, read the IDC MarketScape report excerpt: IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Services Sustainability 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment.
Insight Fueled by federalism, America's economically freest states come out on top By Matthew Mitchell (TNS) Published December 11, 2025 Embed from Getty Images

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Do economic rivalries between Texas and California or New York and Florida feel like yet another sign that America has become hopelessly divided? There is a bright side to their disagreements, and a new ranking of economic freedom across the states helps explain why.

As a popular bumper sticker among economists proclaims: I heart federalism (for the natural experiments). In a federal system, states have wide latitude to set priorities and to choose their own strategies to achieve them. It's messy, but informative.

New York and California, along with other states like New Mexico, have long pursued a government-centric approach to economic policy. They tax a lot. They spend a lot. Their governments employ a large fraction of the workforce and set a high minimum wage.

They arent socialist by any means; most property is still in private hands. Consumers, workers, and businesses still make most of their own decisions. But these states control more resources than other states do through taxes and regulation, so their governments play a larger role in economic life.

At the other end of the spectrum, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Florida, and South Dakota allow citizens to make more of their own economic choices, keep more of their own money, and set more of their own terms of trade and work.

They arent free-market utopias; they impose plenty of regulatory burdens. But they are economically freer than other states.

These two groups have, in other words, been experimenting with different approaches to economic policy. Does one approach lead to higher incomes or faster growth? Greater economic equality or more upward mobility? What about other aspects of a good society like tolerance, generosity, or life satisfaction?

For two decades now, weve had a handy tool to assess these questions: The Fraser Institutes annual Economic Freedom of North America index uses 10 variables in three broad areas  government spending, taxation, and labor regulation  to assess the degree of economic freedom in each of the 50 states and the territory of Puerto Rico, as well as in Canadian provinces and Mexican states.

Its an objective measurement that allows economists to take stock of federalisms natural experiments. Independent scholars have done just that, having now conducted over 250 studies using the index. With careful statistical analyses that control for the important differences among states  possibly confounding factors such as geography, climate, and historical development  the vast majority of these studies associate greater economic freedom with greater prosperity.

In fact, freedoms payoffs are astounding.

States with high and increasing levels of economic freedom tend to see higher incomes, more entrepreneurial activity and more net in-migration. Their people tend to experience greater income mobility, and more income growth at both the top and bottom of the income distribution. They have less poverty, less homelessness and lower levels of food insecurity. People there even seem to be more philanthropic, more tolerant and more satisfied with their lives.

New Hampshire, Tennessee, and South Dakota topped the latest edition of the report while Puerto Rico, New Mexico, and New York rounded out the bottom. New Mexico displaced New York as the least economically free state in the union for the first time in 20 years, but it had always been near the bottom.

The bigger stories are the major movers. The last 10 years worth of available data show South Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Idaho, Iowa and Utah moving up at least 10 places. Arizona, Virginia, Nebraska, and Maryland have all slid down 10 spots.

Over that same decade, those states that were among the freest 25% on average saw their populations grow nearly 18 times faster than those in the bottom 25%. Statewide personal income grew nine times as fast.

Economic freedom isnt a panacea. Nor is it the only thing that matters. Geography, culture, and even luck can influence a states prosperity. But while policymakers cant move mountains or rewrite cultures, they can look at the data, heed the lessons of our federalist experiment, and permit their citizens more economic freedom.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Matthew D. Mitchell is a senior fellow with the Centre for Human Freedom at the Fraser Institute and a senior affiliated scholar with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.


 In Japan, the number of people aged 100 or older has hit a new record -- 95,119, AFP reports.

Most of the centenarians are women, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications noted. The world's oldest person, Tomiko Itooka of western Japan, is 116.

Japan's oldest man, Kiyotaka Mizuno, 110, told local media that he has "no idea at all about what's the secret to my long life." [AFP, 9/17/2024]

 About 40 feet off the coast of Miami Beach, the world's first underwater cemetery is already home to about 1,500 "placements," ClickOrlando reports.

The Neptune Memorial Reef's community resource director, Michael Tabers, said the area had already been designated for an artificial reef when "a group of businessmen in the area ... had the idea."

The reef was built "from an artist conception of the Lost City of Atlantis"; customers' cremains are mixed with water and then formed into road columns, archways or depictions of local sea life, such as starfish or seashells.

Then the coral grows around them.

"We have sea turtle placements; those are some of our more popular ones," Taber said.

The reef has already been extended once, but when it fills up, "we will launch the next phase," he said.

Coral reef conservation activists are thrilled; the reef provides hard surfaces that help coral to thrive. And loved ones can also dive to visit their family members' resting places. [ClickOrlando, 9/17/2024]
I work with many aspiring clinicians from rural communities, and their stories tend to follow the same pattern: deep commitment, strong community roots, and a determination to return home and practice primary care. These are the students who keep rural towns alive.

Lately, many are telling me something I have never heard at this scale: I dont think Ill be able to afford to become a clinician.

This isnt about unrealistic expectations. It is about the 2026 federal graduate-loan caps, which will significantly limit how much students can borrow for programs that train physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). For rural students, these caps dont just make the path harder; they risk closing it entirely.

A composite story that reflects a growing reality

A student from a rural Upper Midwest community recently walked me through her financial projections. She grew up in a county with only one primary-care clinician, who is nearing retirement. Her goal has always been to return home and serve that community.

When she added up tuition, housing, childcare, transportation, and the realities of not being able to work full-time during training, the math was blunt: If the loan caps were already in place, she could not enroll.

She told me, I want to go back home. They need me. But I couldnt do this unless I could borrow enough to get through the program.

I have now heard versions of this same sentence from multiple students across rural Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. These are the students who are most likely to return to underserved areas and the most sensitive to borrowing restrictions.

A policy paradox with real human consequences

Federal and state governments are simultaneously investing in rural-health stabilization through loan repayment programs, rural training tracks, community-based clinical education, and grants to expand the primary-care workforce. These initiatives recognize what rural communities already know: Shortages are no longer temporary; they are structural.

But loan repayment does not solve shortages if students cannot afford to enter training in the first place.

This is not only an access issue; it is a mortality issue. Primary-care density is strongly associated with life expectancy. When primary-care access erodes, mortality rises. The regions already experiencing the steepest shortages are also the regions most vulnerable to worsening outcomes.

The only growing component of the primary-care workforce is at risk

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Workforce data show a consistent trend:

The number of primary-care physicians is shrinking.

Retirements are accelerating.

Training output is not keeping pace with demand.

PAs and NPs are the only expanding segment of the primary-care workforce.

In many rural counties, they are the sole ongoing source of care.

Policies that restrict PA/NP training pipelines have predictable consequences: reduced access, longer wait times, more preventable complications, increased emergency-department use, and greater financial strain on rural hospitals. These outcomes are not theoretical; they are well documented in health-services research.

Aligning loan reform with public-health needs

Loan reform and rural-health stabilization do not need to be in conflict. Several approaches could maintain fiscal responsibility while protecting access:

Align borrowing limits with the actual cost of programs that reliably supply rural or primary-care clinicians.

Create loan-eligibility tiers tied to primary-care service commitments, especially in shortage areas.

Ensure rural-health workforce initiatives are paired with financing models that do not restrict entry into training.

Evaluate loan caps alongside hospital closures, demographic trends, and clinician-retirement projections.

A narrowing pipeline at the moment we can least afford it

The United States is approaching the same primary-care deficit that originally led to the creation of the PA profession in the 1960s, but under far more challenging conditions: an aging population, rising chronic disease, and widespread rural-hospital instability.

The composite student described above may still find a path forward. But her warning is clear: When financial barriers prevent rural students from becoming clinicians, it is not only their futures at risk; it is the health of entire communities.

Loan policy cannot be separated from patient outcomes. And right now, the primary-care pipeline is narrowing at the very moment we need it to grow.

Kenneth Botelho is the founding program director of the doctor of medical science (DMSc) program at the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota. A primary care clinician, educator, and national advocate for postgraduate PA training, he leads initiatives focused on strengthening early-career mentorship, improving workforce stability, and addressing the growing gap in clinical apprenticeship models across U.S. health care.

He is the founder of Paving Practices, a workforce innovation initiative dedicated to developing scalable training pathways that support retention, system readiness, and leadership development for PAs and NPs.

Dr. Botelho serves as president-elect of the Society of PAs in Family Medicine and collaborates with health systems nationwide to integrate structured postgraduate training with doctoral-level academic progression. His work centers on building sustainable models that reduce burnout, enhance clinical preparedness, and better align education with the realities of modern health care.

His scholarship appears in the Journal of Medical Science, Medical Teacher, and the AAPA Career Central. He engages with colleagues through his LinkedIn profile.
As innovations and changes develop in the police field, new areas and populations, including PwP, must be included. More than 1 million cases of Parkinsons disease are predicted in the U.S. by 2030. PD is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. According to the World Health Organization, globally, disability due to PD is rapidly increasing, which can precipitate more encounters between law enforcement and PwP worldwide. The current article focuses on the United States but could be further adopted worldwide.

As rates grow, so does the need for training and PD awareness for academy trainees and field officers. The likelihood of an encounter or interaction between police and PwP grows as more PwP are diagnosed. Thus, awareness is needed when approaching a PwP in a vehicle, at their home, or in any interaction in daily activities. Creating new policies for training and PD awareness can help policymakers, health program managers and planners, health care providers, researchers, carers, and other stakeholders so that all are informed when PwP and those helping them interact with police.

The impact would benefit PwP, the policing field, and all communities. It will lower national attention of potential incidents through media of potential violations of individual rights; it will improve awareness for PD throughout the country and benefit society as a whole to include PD in basic training for all police academies in the United States as well as offering in-service training for sworn law enforcement officers and administrators. PD can affect anyone, and when it does, it, in turn, affects the family, neighbors, and entire community. The more we become aware, the more likely we can find a cure and better aid trainees, officers, and PwP on the critical relationship needed for professionalism and positive outcomes in any encounter or situation.

There is no downside to bringing attention and awareness to PD in the law enforcement community. The cost is truly minimal. Even adding the term PD, listing symptoms, and defining PD in all training manuals at the police academies, and adding the term and definition to sworn officer training, manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures would help change how officers react and proceed during encounters with PwP. If needed, the passing of legislation in every state to incorporate information about PD into all police department training and manuals would immeasurably improve police-PwP relations. The initiative needs to be nationwide.

The signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease

Approximately one out of every 336 people are living with PD. That number has increased in the past decades and will continue to increase. With a new diagnosis every six minutes, and approximately 90,000 new diagnoses in the U.S. per year, the numbers as we know them today, are daunting.

PD is the fastest-growing neurological disorder around the world. Given these statistics, the possibility of a police encounter with a person with PD is likely. This is why officers need to be trained and prepared. Each situation is different and can escalate rapidly from a minor situation to a highly detrimental one escalate rapidly if the officer is not aware of the signs and symptoms of PwP.

Where is police training for Parkinsons

As part of the research for this article, I contacted police academies in all 50 states throughout the United States: Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York City, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Some did not respond, but others provided valuable information on the lack of awareness for PwP. I asked how they incorporate or if they mention PD in their training for new recruits, police cadets, or in-service training for sworn officers.

Law enforcement officers experiences with people with Parkinsons

I wanted to learn about police officers experiences with people with Parkinsons disease. When I contacted the many city police departments, county sheriffs, and federal agencies, as mentioned, some did not respond, and others were forthright enough to admit they did not understand PD and needed to. When I explained the purpose of this article, some affirmed that this project would provide groundbreaking research on this critical topic. They gave me permission to administer a questionnaire and speak to police officers who volunteered and were kind enough to share their experiences with PD.

Out of the 25 interviewees, titles included detective, K-9 officer, SWAT member, lieutenant, commander, sergeant, and patrol officer. Most had over 10 years of police experience, and others were close to retirement, with over 15 years of service. Almost all, 23, were unaware of PD and believed they did not encounter a PwP but said they would be unaware if they had, even if briefly. Two were aware of Parkinsons disease because of family or friends but not because of their work as an officer. One officer said he did have an encounter with a PwP and because he had a family member with the disease, he was slightly aware of the symptoms. Most, 23, stated they had had no training in Parkinsons disease or any related training with PwP either in the police academy or as sworn officers with yearly training for recertification. All officers, 25, stated that Parkinsons disease was never mentioned during academy training or during recertification.

Observations

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These interviews show that the officers overwhelmingly agreed that their academies and departments offered no training in Parkinsons disease. Whatever the officers knew about PD came from personal experience with family and friends. Many were aware of possible detrimental outcomes from officers mistaken judgments about the PD citizen (e.g., being drunk or high).

The officers also overwhelmingly agreed that PD training should be given in both the academy and in-service courses. Again, these responses show the necessity of this project; more attention needs to be paid to PD, PwP, and police training for best community relationships.

People with Parkinsons experiences with law enforcement officers

As I wanted to learn firsthand about police officers experiences with people with Parkinsons disease, I also wanted to know about more PwP experiences. I contacted many advocates, foundations, organizations, and PwP and posted advertisements on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, and Threads, to see if PwP would be willing to share their experiences, positive or negative. I explained that participation would involve a questionnaire and interview asking about their experiences. And I assured them that, if they chose, their responses would be anonymous.

Many PwPs responded describing their experiences, but they were not comfortable sharing their interactions or names, although some participated anonymously. The number of responses was low, but this was expected because of the need for privacy, fear of possible public retaliation, and potential exposure. Policing and community interactions in addition to PD have been topics in the media during the past decade. Although the purpose has been to increase awareness, many people still feel uneasy telling about their experiences. The interviews took place from October 2023 to September 2024, a lengthy time period because many PwP were uncertain about participating, fearing becoming known as PwP or retaliation by coworkers. I provided introductions to some individuals to help them feel more at ease and for better orientation.

Conclusions

This article has been a labor of love; love for my mother, who suffered for 15 years with Parkinsons disease, and love for my police training and fellow officers. The article has also been a labor of dedication to the millions of Parkinsons disease people who valiantly fight daily and deserve respect and admiration from police officers. As recounted above, through rigorous research into studies, databases, and websites, I found that very little information is available on policing and PD or simply does not exist. These facts alone support the need for additional research and studies on PwP and policing. I also contacted many police departments throughout the United States, and many of my inquiries attested that the police departments were hardly aware of PD and that training is critically needed now.

Because someone is diagnosed with PD does not make them any less of a citizen or person. They should be treated with compassion, dignity, and care by the law enforcement community. On the other side, PwP must know how to respond to an officers actions, commands, or encounters. The PwP must also recognize that not all officers are familiar with PDs symptoms and therefore should have the appropriate materials to document their illness, such as the medical alert card and/or bracelet.

The law enforcement community should open their arms on this topic rather than ignore or be standoffish because it will benefit officers, communities, PwP, and their families. Many, not their fault, are not aware. PD affects communities; not only one individual but also the police serve the community. A community policing relationship can be born and genuinely shape the future of the field in encounters with the Parkinsons disease community.

We have seen scenarios of an officer encountering someone who could have PD who was exhibiting shaking, tremors, and poor communication. Some officers, often not sure what to do because of lack of familiarity with PD, may contact EMTs (emergency medical technicians), but this contact may be traumatic for the PwP. For situations that called for EMT, my patrol training included diabetic shock with those suffering from low blood sugar. During my academy courses, dementia and Alzheimers disease were mentioned. However, no mention of PD, training for PD, or awareness of symptoms such as movement disorders was given.

Law enforcement obviously has many important areas to handle, and most officers are dedicated and do their best. However, as a reserve officer and son who lost his mother due to PD, I am pointing to an exception that needs more attention because I feel responsible for bringing very needed awareness of police to PD. I believe awareness could help with training, critically assist in bringing attention to changes in public policy and police department procedures across the United States, certainly help police-PwP relationships, and potentially save lives. Experiences shared by police in the field with PwP and significant police academy policymakers joining together would benefit all those involved.

It is likely that recruits and newly sworn officers would not be aware of all issues that can arise, but the specialized divisions, community officers, and higher-ranking officials can easily include in all training information the words Parkinsons disease and a one-sentence definition of the symptoms. Even such token references would encourage officers awareness of this critical topic and protect PwP for a disease that affects over 1 million citizens and is growing exponentially throughout the United States.

George Ackerman is a patient advocate and author of A Sons Journey: From Parkinsons Disease Caregiver to Advocate.
Experts discuss deepening int'l space cooperation at South China symposium

Xinhua) 08:20, December 11, 2025

A Long March-8A carrier rocket carrying the 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites blasts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

HAIKOU, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 International Symposium on the Peaceful Use of Space Technology -- Health (IPSPACE 2025) kicked off Tuesday in Boao, a coastal town in China's island province of Hainan.

About 50 experts and astronauts from home and abroad have been invited to the three-day event to discuss topics including the peaceful use of space technology, and the opportunities and challenges facing global space cooperation.

Experts at the symposium have highlighted the importance of international cooperation on promoting the sustainable growth of the space sector.

Driss El Hadani, deputy director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, said that space is "the largest infrastructure shared by all humanity." Addressing common challenges such as limited orbital resources and the growing threat of space debris requires joint efforts.

"I am pleased to see some organizations and institutions are already conducting relevant research on these issues," he said.

Luo Ge, general director of the China Association of Remote Sensing Application, said that the development of the space industry cannot rely on isolated efforts.

Enhanced global cooperation will accelerate China's aerospace development and share its benefits with all participating nations, he noted.

Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli echoed that sentiment. He noted that humankind needs to seek common aerospace development through cooperation, and drive mutual improvement through competition.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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23:57 Radical cultural group leader shot at ahead of Bangladesh polls A youth leader of a right-wing cultural group and a candidate at the February 12 general elections was on Friday shot at by unidentified gunmen in Bangladesh capital. Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over the shooting and serious injury of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson... Read more >

23:53 Three years after woman's death, husband held for murder using venomous snake After nearly three years of investigation, Badlapur police in the district has arrested a man and three others for allegedly murdering his wife using a poisonous snake. Neerja Rupesh Ambekar died at her residence in Ujwaldeep Society, Badlapur East, on July 10, 2022, said a police... Read more >

23:33 Police arrest Gujarat school principal in conversion case The police arrested a government school principal for his alleged involvement in converting a Surat-based woman to Christianity with the help of his son, officials said on Friday. Ramji Chaudhary, principal of Pipalvada Primary School, was arrested after investigations confirmed the... Read more >

23:28 Trauma centre will soon be set up along Samruddhi Expressway Maharashtra Minister of State for Public Works Meghna Bordikar on Friday said the government will soon set up a trauma care centre on the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway, and a proposal to start an air ambulance service is also ready. In a calling attention motion, MLC Milind Narvekar... Read more >

23:13 Terrorist linked to Jaish held from Pulwama; grenade recovered File image Security forces arrested an alleged terrorist associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and recovered a grenade from his possession, police said on Friday. Jammu and Kashmir police in Awantipora, along with security forces, arrested a terror associate --... Read more >

22:24 Sharif waits 40 min for Putin, then gate crashes Putin-Erdogan meet Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly waited more than 40 minutes for Russian President Vladimir Putin before entering a separate meeting the Russian leader was holding with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russia Today has reported. Sharif was in Kazakhstan for the summit... Read more >

22:20 HC to hear Krishna Janmabhoomi, Shahi Idgah mosque dispute on Jan 30 The Allahabad high court on Friday fixed January 30 for the next hearing in the Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah mosque dispute at Mathura. Justice Avnish Saxena today verified the documents regarding some amendments in pleadings. Earlier, the court had observed, The record is... Read more >

22:07 Every person important, it's time to live for Bharat and not die for it: Bhagwat RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat/File image RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday stressed the importance of placing the nation above everything and emphasised that it's time to live for Bharat and not die for it. Addressing a programme here to commemorate the 115th anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's song 'Sagara Praan Talamala',... Read more >

22:02 IndiGo in HC seeking refund of Rs 900 cr Customs duty InterGlobe Aviation, which operates the IndiGo airline, on Friday approached the Delhi high court seeking refund of more than Rs 900 crore paid as Customs duty on aircraft engines and parts re-imported into India after overseas repairs. The plea came up before a bench of Justices Prathiba M... Read more >

21:40 Light snowfall likely in higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh over weekend File image Light snowfall is likely in higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba and Kullu districts in Himachal Pradesh over the weekend, weather officials said on Friday. Kukumseri, located in the Lahaul and Spiti district, registered the coldest night temperature at a low of minus 5.9 degrees... Read more >

21:25 Over 3,000 drug samples declared not of standard quality in 2024-25: Nadda Of the 1.16 lakh drug samples tested in 2024-25, 3,104 were declared not of standard quality while 245 were found to be spurious or adulterated, Union Health Minister J P Nadda told the Lok Sabha on Friday. Responding to a question, Nadda also informed that of the 1.06 lakh samples tested in... Read more >

21:06 Rupee slumps to all-time low of 90.49 against USD The rupee depreciated by 17 paise to close at an all-time low of 90.49 against the US dollar on Friday, as uncertainty over the India-US trade deal and persistent foreign fund outflows dented investor sentiment. Forex traders said the rupee is under pressure, largely due to aggressive dollar... Read more >

20:48 Cabinet clears Bill to rename MGNREGA as 'Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna' The Union cabinet on Friday approved a Bill to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and increase the number of work days, sources said. According to the sources, the scheme will now be renamed as 'Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna', and the number of workdays... Read more >

20:42 EC deploys SIR observers in 8 states Seeking to ensure greater transparency, the Election Commission has deployed 'special roll observers' in eight states to oversee the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The observers have been appointed in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya... Read more >

20:38 Bengal: Hundreds offer Friday prayers at 'Babri Masjid-style' mosque site A poster of Babri Masjid is displayed at the site where foundation stone is being laid./ANI Photo Hundreds of people offered Friday prayers at the site of the proposed 'Babri Masjid-style' mosque in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation for the mosque at Beldanga on December 6, the day Ayodhya's Babri Masjid was demolished... Read more >

20:28 Ahmedabad hotel fire: 35 rescued, no casualties Image only for representation UPDATE: At least 35 people were rescued after a fire broke out at a hotel located in a commercial complex in Ahmedabad on Friday afternoon, but no casualties were reported, officials said.The blaze started at around 3 pm at Hotel Citizen Inn, located on the second floor of the Parishram Elegance... Read more >

19:59 IndiGo operating over 2,000 flights under 'scaled down' schedule IndiGo said it is operating over 2,000 flights on Friday as per its revised 'scaled down' schedule.Under the winter schedule, which commenced in the last week of October and will run through the last week of March next year, IndiGo was allowed to operate 15,014 flights per week, or 2,144 per day,... Read more >

19:29 Forex reserves jump by $1 billion to $687.26 billion India's forex reserves jumped by $1.033 billion to $687.26 billion during the week ended December 5, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday.In the previous reporting week, India's forex reserves had dropped by $1.877 billion to $686.227 billion.For the week ended December 5, foreign currency... Read more >

18:32 IndiGo cancels 160 flights at Delhi, Bengaluru airports IndiGo on Friday cancelled around 160 flights from two key airports, Delhi and Bengaluru, on Friday amid the on-going disruptions at the airline, sources said.On Thursday, the airline had cancelled over 200 flights from these two airports.IndiGo has cancelled 159 flights on Friday from Delhi and... Read more >

17:47 Cabinet nod for India's first digital census in 2027 Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said the government has approved Rs 11,718 crore for the conduct of the Census of India 2027.The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to conduct the Census which will be the first digital exercise of... Read more >

17:36 BSE Sensex: Top gainers today Among Sensex firms, Tata Steel, Eternal, UltraTech Cement, Larsen & Toubro, Maruti and Bharti Airtel were the major gainers.However, Hindustan Unilever, Sun Pharma, ITC and Asian Paints were among the laggards. Read more >

17:35 Sensex jumps nearly 450 points, settles at 85,267.66 Benchmark stock index Sensex rallied nearly 450 points while broader Nifty closed above the 26,000 level on Friday following buying in metal shares and positive global trends.Rising for the second day, the 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 449.53 points or 0.53 per cent to settle at 85,267.66.During... Read more >

17:33 CPI inflation falls to record low of 0.25% in October The consumer price index (CPI)-based retail inflation had fallen to a record low of 0.25 per cent in October, mainly due to lower prices helped by GST rate cuts and a favourable base.According to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), deflation in food items was 3.91 per cent in... Read more >

17:30 Retail inflation rises to 0.71% in Nov Retail inflation inched up to 0.71 per cent in November on rising prices of vegetables, protein-rich items, and fuel, government data showed on Friday. The Reserve Bank, earlier this month, significantly lowered the inflation projection for the current fiscal to 2 per cent from 2.6 per cent... Read more >

17:27 Scamster fakes Delhi BJP chief's ID, FIR lodged Pic: Kind courtesy StockSnap/Pixabay.com The Delhi police has registered an FIR against an unidentified individual for allegedly posing as Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva to seek favours from senior government officials, an official said on Friday. The complaint was filed by Brijesh Rai, office secretary of the Delhi BJP... Read more >

17:16 UP court grants conditional bail to Maulana in Bareilly riots case A court in Bareilly on Thursday granted conditional bail to Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and one another, accused of instigating violence in Uttar Pradesh's over 'I Love Muhammad' posters, on furnishing a bond of Rs 1 lakh each.Sub-inspector Komal Kundu of the Mahila... Read more >

16:30 Novo Nordisk brings Ozempic to India for type 2 diabetes treatment Danish pharma major Novo Nordisk on Friday launched its blockbuster type 2 diabetes treatment injection Ozempic, globally popular for its weight-loss benefits. Ozempic is now available in India as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg in 'FlexTouch Pen' - an easy-to-use, once-weekly pen device, at a... Read more >

16:28 Maha reports marginal rise in COVID complication deaths in 2025 Maharashtra Public Health Minister Prakash Ambedkar said on Friday that the state recorded a slight increase in deaths linked to COVID-19 complications this year despite fewer reported infections.In a written reply to a question by NCP legislator Sachin Patil, he said that 35 people died of... Read more >

16:18 IndiGo ropes in external expert to probe nationwide meltdown IndiGo's board on Friday announced the appointment of an external aviation expert to carry out a root-cause analysis of recent flight disruptions.Chief Aviation Advisors LLC, led by Captain John Illson, veteran aviation expert, to conduct an independent expert review and assessment of the recent... Read more >

16:15 Rupee hits all-time low of 90.56 against US dollar The rupee depreciated by 9 paise to close at an all-time low of 90.41 against the US dollar on Friday, as uncertainty over the India-US trade deal and persistent foreign fund outflows dented investor sentiment. Forex traders said the rupee is under pressure, largely due to aggressive... Read more >

16:14 Shah, Bhagwat unveil statue of Savarkar in Andamans Union Home Minister Amit Shah and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday unveiled a statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar at Beodnabad in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The statue has been installed in a park in the South Andaman district.After the unveiling event at 3.15 pm, Shah and Bhagwat... Read more >

16:00 Multiple Amritsar schools receive bomb threats, students evacuated Several schools here received bomb threat emails on Friday, triggering the evacuation of students and prompting the authorities to launch anti-sabotage checks. Panic-stricken parents rushed to schools to pick up their children while the district administration ordered the closure of all... Read more >

15:44 India's Russian crude imports hit 5-month high in Nov India's imports of Russian crude oil rose 4 per cent in November to a five-month high of Euro 2.6 billion, with a large part of the refined fuels produced from it being exported to Australia, a European think tank said. India remained the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in... Read more >

15:21 J-K loses 7,000 Waqf properties: Mehbooba calls it 'latest blow' against Muslims People's Democratic Party (PDP) supremo Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said Jammu and Kashmir lost over 7,000 registered Waqf properties in a year, terming it as the latest blow against Muslims. The PDP chief took to X, Over 3.55 lakh Waqf properties are missing nationwide, with Jammu and... Read more >

15:14 Vaping row in LS: Thakur files complaint against TMC MP BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Friday lodged a written complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding action against a TMC lawmaker for allegedly smoking an e-cigarette inside the House. Thakur had on Thursday raised the issue in Lok Sabha without naming the TMC MP.In his... Read more >

14:14 CCI examining whether IndiGo violated competition norms: Official Fair trade watchdog CCI is examining whether the country's largest airline, IndiGo, violated competition norms, a senior official said on Friday amid the carrier facing regulatory scrutiny over significant flight disruptions. IndiGo, which has a domestic market share of over 65 per... Read more >

14:02 Vinesh Phogat comes out of retirement, targets LA Olympics Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Friday announced that she would be coming out of retirement to take another shot at an elusive Olympic medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games as the the fire never left her and was merely buried under exhaustion and noise. The 31-year-old had walked away... Read more >

13:57 CIC appointments: Govt sources counter Rahul A high-level panel has recommended the names of five people belonging to disadvantaged sections for filling vacancies in the CIC, sources said, dismissing opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's reported claim that the finalised list lacked names from SC, ST, OBC and minority communities. The... Read more >

13:53 SIT submits chargesheet in Zubeen Garg death case A Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing into the death of singer Zubeen Garg, submitted its chargesheet in the case at the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court in Assam's Guwahati on Friday. The over 3,500-page chargesheet, along with the evidence, were brought to the court in four... Read more >

13:51 'People are getting cancer': Rahul seeks discussion on air pollution in LS Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday raised the issue of air pollution in major cities of the country and sought a discussion on it in the Lok Sabha. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Gandhi said the discussion on the issue can be framed in an interesting manner where the... Read more >

13:04 Tharoor skips Rahul Gandhi's meet for Cong MPs Congress MP Shashi Tharoor skipped the meeting of Congress LS MPs chaired by Rahul Gandhi. According to party sources Tharoor had already informed the party about his unavailability. Another senior Congress leader and Chandigarh MP Manish Tiwari was also absent in the... Read more >

12:56 Suvendu Adhikari 'honours' men arrested for assaulting non-veg food vendors West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has felicitated the three men arrested for allegedly assaulting two chicken patty vendors at the Gita recital event in Kolkata, after they were released on bail.Adhikari said he stood by them as a Hindu performing his duty.The three persons,... Read more >

12:45 Double bonanza for fans as Rajini celebrates 75th birthday, 50 years in cinema It's a double bonanza for the fans of Superstar Rajinikanth. Their legend celebrates his 75th birthday on Friday, which, incidentally marks his 50 years in cinema as well.Not surprisingly, the day turned into a carnival for fans and the film industry alike, with special film re-releases, music... Read more >

12:26 Uproar in RS over absence of Cabinet Ministers Rajya Sabha proceedings on Friday were briefly adjourned for 10 minutes after it was noted that no Cabinet Minister was present in the House. Soon after the House paid homage to those who valiantly fought terrorists and foiled their attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001,... Read more >

12:00 Dream11 Making A 'Hard Pivot' To Sports Entertainment Sports technology platform Dream11 is 'pivoting' from the fantasy gaming space to becoming a second-screen sports entertainment platform allowing fans to connect with creators, Co-founder and CEO Harsh Jain said.The company, which has a total base of over 250 million registered users and about 30... Read more >

11:59 NIA raids ISIS suspect's house in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team raided a man's house in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district in connection with his alleged link with the ISIS terror network, officials said here on Friday.The NIA team raided the house of Shahnawaj Alam in the Ansar Nagar area on Thursday and seized a... Read more >

11:37 DGCA suspends 4 flight inspectors over IndiGo fiasco Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended four flight operation inspectors (FIOs), responsible for overseeing airline safety, operational compliance, over mass cancellations of IndiGo flightsSince last week, IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights nationwide after... Read more >

11:28 Worli Tops India's Ultra-Luxury Housing Hub Representative image Worli has become India's ultra-luxury housing hub, logging Rs 5,500 crore in home (priced over Rs 40 crore) sales in two years, according to a report by Anarock and 360 One Wealth.In the last three years, Worli has seen 40 such deals worth Rs 7,500 crore, over 20 deals each worth over Rs 100... Read more >

10:39 40% Tax Deduction Applies Only To... The Supreme Court has ruled that statutory corporations cannot claim a 40 per cent tax deduction under Section 36 (1) (viii) of the Income Tax Act for income earned from activities other than providing long-term finance for industrial, agricultural, or infrastructure development.A Bench of... Read more >

10:37 Goa nightclub fire: Arpora-Nagoa sarpanch appears before police Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar has appeared before Anjuna police in Goa after getting interim protection from a local court against arrest in connection with the deadly fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub that killed 25.Redkar and then panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar had moved to the... Read more >

10:28 RBI Issues Revised Norms For Cash Credit, Overdraft Facility The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday issued revised norms to provide greater flexibility to banks for opening and maintaining three types of accounts: Cash credit, current, and overdraft.These accounts are predominantly used for business and commercial transactions.The revised direction has a... Read more >

10:16 No end to K'taka power tussle? DKS meets ministers for dinner Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and over 30 Congress legislators, including some ministers, met for a dinner late on Thursday night, party sources said.Ministers K H Muniyappa, Mankal Vaidya, Dr M C Sudhakar, MLAs N A Haris, Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, H C Balakrishna, Ganesh Hukkeri, Darshan... Read more >

09:50 Microsoft Ties Up With IT Firms For Copilot Deployment Microsoft announced it partnered with TCS, Infosys, Wipro and Cognizant to deploy over 50,000 Copilot licences, collectively surpassing 200,000, to redesign workflows around human-agent collaboration and improve productivity and efficiency across delivery, sales, finance, HR, and customer... Read more >

09:39 'Sick of...': Trump 'frustrated' with Ukraine, Russia The White House on Thursday (local time) stated that United States President Donald Trump is extremely frustrated with both Russia and Ukraine over the slow progress toward ending the ongoing war and is unwilling to engage in meetings just for the sake of meeting. During a press briefing,... Read more >

09:28 IndiGo Crisis: House Panel May Summon DGCA, MoCA Officials A parliamentary panel is likely to summon top officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ministry of civil aviation (MoCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) to discuss the recent crisis that has hit India's civil aviation sector due to flight cancellations by the countrys... Read more >

09:09 9 dead, 22 hurt as bus falls off road in Andhra At least nine people died and 22 were injured after a bus fell off a road and turned turtle here in Alluri Sitaramarajud district in the early hours of Friday, police said. They said the bus, which was headed to neighbouring Telangana from Chittoor, was carrying 37 people, including the... Read more >

08:34 Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his home town Latur in Maharashtra on Friday.Patil, 90, passed away at his residence after a brief illness, family sources said.He was a former Speaker of the Lok Sabha and held key portfolios in the Union... Read more >

08:33 Ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia placed on ventilator support: Doctors Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia's health condition deteriorated on Thursday night and she was placed on ventilator support, doctors said. Her breathing difficulties increased, her oxygen level fell, and carbon dioxide levels rose, according to a statement by the chief of the... Read more >

00:56 Shinde, BJP leader Chavan meet in Nagpur to discuss civic poll strategy Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde/File image Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and state BJP president Ravindra Chavan met on Thursday night in Nagpur to discuss the upcoming municipal corporation elections, including in Mumbai and Thane. The meeting between Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, and Chavan started at 9 pm at... Read more >

00:44 Artefacts from India among items stolen in 'high value' burglary at UK museum A number of artefacts from India dating back to the British colonial era are among over 600 high value' items stolen in a burglary at a museum in Bristol, south-west England, the police said on Thursday. The Avon and Somerset Police said the items were stolen from Bristol Museum's British... Read more >
Beijing has officially approved an annual recruitment quota of 190 mainland Chinese students for the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in Macau.

This milestone for the institution was shared during an honorary and postgraduate degree conferment ceremony held over the weekend, where 103 students received their masters and doctoral degrees.

The announcement was made by USJ Rector Stephen Morgan, expanding the universitys capacity to admit students from the mainland.

According to the revised enrollment scheme from Chinas Ministry of Education, starting next academic year, USJ will enroll 160 masters and 30 doctoral students from mainland China each year.

The rector said he hopes the proportion of local students, international students, and mainland Chinese students will be roughly one-third in the future student composition, enhancing the diversity and internationalization of the campus.

Meanwhile, interest from international students is growing.

13 medical students from Timor-Leste, from the Catholic University of Timor-Leste, visited Macau for a comprehensive four-day training program, with one of the days spent at USJ.

The program was held at the Medical Simulation Education Centre of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Science and Technology of Macau and aimed to improve students medical skills through workshops on communication skills, airway management, and surgical techniques.

Students participated in hands-on operational training in endoscopy, visited the digital anatomy lab, and learned about ultrasound-focused assessment of trauma and pelvic examinations.

The students also studied traditional Chinese medicine in depth and participated in cardiology seminars using advanced simulation technology. Ricaela Diputado

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Macaus last remaining satellite casino, Casino Landmark, will cease operations at 11:59 p.m. on December 30, SJM Resorts S.A. announced yesterday.

This closure concludes the three-year government-mandated phase-out of satellite casinos following amendments to Macaus Gaming Law in 2022.

SJM Resorts, the operator of Casino Landmark, explained in a press release that it has consistently supported the Macao SAR Governments policy direction in promoting the healthy, orderly, and sustainable development of the gaming sector.

Regarding the concession property, the company confirmed that all gaming tables and machines at Casino Landmark will be redeployed to its other casinos to continue serving customers.

Meanwhile, customers with chips, deposits, or cash rebates left unredeemed after closure may arrange follow-up at SJMs other properties from December 31 onward. SJM also pledged to honor all customer entitlements.

SJM said all employees at Casino Landmark will remain employed and be reassigned to other casinos of the Company to undertake gaming-related roles according to operational needs. Employees not directly employed by SJM at Landmark will be given priority in hiring within the Group, with support provided to facilitate their transition.

The Casino Landmark closure announcement follows the recent shutdown of Casino Fortuna on December 9 and the casino at Ponte 16 in November.

According to yesterdays statement from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Directorate (DICJ), the closure of Casino Fortuna was conducted in an orderly manner with interdepartmental collaboration.

The DICJ also confirmed it will supervise the closure of Casino Landmark to ensure compliance with legal procedures. It added that it is coordinating with the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) to safeguard the 1,169 workers rights.

Macau was once home to 22 satellite casinos. However, under the provisions of Law 7/2022, out of the 11 remaining satellite casinos as of 2025, 10 have closed.

Among the closed casinos are Casino Grandview, Casino Legend Palace, Casino Fortuna, Casino Ponte 16, Casino Emperor Palace, Casino Kam Pek Paradise, and Casino Casa Real, all operated by SJM Resorts S.A. Additionally, Casino Grand Dragon, operated by Melco Resorts (Macau) S.A., and Casino Waldo, operated by Galaxy Casino S.A., have closed or have announced closures.

Going into 2026, only one satellite casino, LArc Casino, is expected to operate beyond the government-mandated deadline for closure, as it will become wholly acquired by SJM.

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Chinas courts are tightening scrutiny on child abuse committed under the guise of strict parenting, a long-standing cultural norm that continues to blur the line between discipline and violence in many households. Legal scholars and judges say the shift reflects a broader recognition: what some parents still defend as firmness can cause deep, lasting harm and, in many cases, qualifies as domestic violence.

In late November, the Supreme Peoples Court spotlighted eight representative rulings and underscored a zero-tolerance approach toward violence inside families, particularly cases involving minors. The high court instructed judges nationwide to prioritize childrens well-being and made clear that parents and guardians who use force as a teaching tool may be committing domestic abuse. Courts, it added, should be prepared to alter custody arrangements when violence distorts a childs understanding of family relationships, damages mental health or triggers imitative behavior.

Parents do not have any extralegal privilege to commit domestic violence against their children, said Tong Lihua, director of the Beijing Childrens Legal Aid and Research Center, in remarks to China Womens News. For parents whose conduct involves severe or repeated harm, he said, courts should assess intent as well as the methods and frequency of abuse, and apply the law forcefully.

A Shanghai case illustrates how that approach is now unfolding. In 2024, a woman surnamed Li sought custody of her 11-year-old daughter after discovering her ex-husband, Pang, had repeatedly beaten and berated the child. According to case details disclosed by the nations top court, Li twice called police  once in March 2023 after Pang struck the girls mouth with a slipper hard enough to cause bleeding, and again in September 2024 after he whipped her with a belt. Medical records later showed extensive bruising. The girl reported frequent beatings, withdrew emotionally, struggled with insomnia and was eventually diagnosed with severe depression.

Pang admitted he drank regularly but insisted his actions were merely normal discipline. The Changning District Peoples Court rejected that claim, determined that his conduct constituted domestic violence, and transferred custody to Li in February. Judges also ensured the child received psychological support throughout the proceedings. The Supreme Peoples Court cited the case as a clear affirmation that violence masquerading as discipline must be treated as domestic abuse. Children are not the private property of their parents, it said.

Another Beijing case further clarified the standard. A woman surnamed Su reported multiple incidents of violence by her then-husband, Ji, during and after her pregnancy. Police issued Ji a domestic-violence warning. Although their 2023 divorce agreement initially gave Ji custody until their daughter turned four, Su later found he was not adequately caring for the child and took her back. Ji then sought court intervention. Su counter-sued, submitting WeChat messages, audio evidence and the earlier police warning.

The Chaoyang District Peoples Court ultimately granted custody to Su, weighing the childs age, her emotional bond with her mother and the harm caused by Jis violent behavior. Violent parents, the ruling reiterated, are generally unsuitable caregivers. The Supreme Peoples Court noted that international norms require courts to consider the safety of victims and children when setting custody and visitation.

China has been increasing legal penalties for domestic violence more broadly. Since 2021, prosecutors have charged more than 3,400 suspects, according to the Supreme Peoples Procuratorate. But legal experts say more precise standards are needed to distinguish appropriate discipline from abuse  an ambiguity that some parents exploit. Tong warned that lenient penalties in severe cases, including those involving injury or death, can mislead the public into believing harsh parenting is acceptable.

Experts also call for stronger cooperation among schools, communities, police and hospitals to identify signs of abuse, including psychological trauma that may be harder to detect. Symptoms such as nightmares, anxiety, social withdrawal and aggression should trigger referrals for medical evaluation, they say, with diagnoses preserved as evidence. China Daily Reporter, MDT/China Daily

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The Judiciary Police reported two suspected online scams. In the first, a non-resident woman lost RMB2,300 after purchasing local concert tickets via a chat group; the seller later requested additional payment and disappeared when she asked for a refund. Separately, a local resident lost MOP2,070 buying three discounted round-trip tickets to Beijing through a social media post, receiving no confirmation and losing contact with the seller. Authorities urge the public to verify online offers and report suspicious activity.

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The University of Macaus (UM) Faculty of Law, together with Brazils Federal University of Tocantins and the Superior School of Judges of Tocantins, recently co-hosted a seminar examining the legal implications of artificial intelligence. The event had two sessions: a Portuguese session on AIs impact on Brazils judiciary, governance, and intellectual property, and an English session on algorithmic justice, global AI rules, Chinese criminal justice, and AI ethics. According to UM, discussions emphasized cross-border regulatory perspectives and highlighted AIs potential in enhancing judicial efficiency and environmental governance.

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The US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Donald Trump confirmed the seizure to reporters at the White House on Wednesday.

Using US forces to seize an oil tanker is incredibly unusual and marks the latest push by the Trump administration to mount pressure on Venezuela's government.

It comes as the US has built up the largest military presence in the region in decades and launched a series of deadly strikes on boats the government claims were drug-smuggling in the Caribbean.

Here is everything we know about the seizure.

What happened?

US Attorney General Pam Bondi shared a video of American troops executing a seizure warrant on the crude oil tanker.

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The footage shows a helicopter hovering just a few feet above the ship as forces quickly descend on ropes.

The troops dressed in camouflage uniforms can be seen storming across the deck, armed with large firearms, before pointing their weapons at a door and entering.

The video, likely recorded from another helicopter, also shows forces running upstairs to the bridge as others move throughout the superstructure of the ship.

Ms Bondi confirmed that the FBI, Homeland Security, US Coast Guard, and Department of Defence were involved.

The US Coast Guard team included elite forces trained in high-risk boarding from the Maritime Security Response Teams, which specialises in maritime counterterrorism and counternarcotics, according to two US officials.

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Active-duty US military soldiers were also involved in the seizure. Although they were not permitted to board the tanker as they were deployed on Title 10 (active duty) orders, they aided with overhead surveillance and helicopter transport, the officials said.

Why was the tanker seized?

Ms Bondi said on X that the ship was "used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran".

"For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations," she added.

She did not name the vessel, what flag the vessel sailed under, or exactly where the incident took place.

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But UK maritime risk management group Vanguard said that the seized tanker is called Skipper, which the US sanctioned for alleged involvement in Iranian oil trading under the name Adisa.

The ship left Venezuela's main oil port of Jose between 4 and 5 December after loading about 1.1 million barrels of oil, according to satellite info analysed by TankerTrackers.com and internal shipping data from Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.

Guyana's maritime authority said Skipper was falsely flying Guyana's flag, adding that it plans to take action against the unauthorised use of the country's flag.

What did Trump say?

"We've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually," he said at the White House on Wednesday.

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Without giving additional information on the operation, Mr Trump added that "other things are happening".

Later, Mr Trump said that the tanker was "seized for a very good reason," and when asked what will happen to the oil on board the vessel, he added: "Well, we keep it, I suppose".

He also suggested that Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who angered the Trump administration by speaking at a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the UN in September, could "be next" if his country doesn't "wise up" on alleged drug trafficking.

What did Venezuela say?

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro did not address the seizure at a rally before a ruling-party-organised demonstration in Caracas, but told supporters that Venezuela is "prepared to break the teeth of the North American empire if necessary".

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Flanked by senior officials, he said that only the ruling party can "guarantee peace, stability, and the harmonious development of Venezuela, South America and the Caribbean".

In a later statement, the Venezuelan government accused the US of "blatant theft" and described the seizure as "an act of international piracy".

It said it would "defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity with absolute determination," and said it would denounce the seizure of the tanker before international bodies.

Why is the US targeting Venezuela?

The US accuses Mr Maduro of presiding over a narco-trafficking operation in Venezuela, which he denies.

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On 2 September, the White House posted on X that it had conducted a strike against so-called "narcoterrorists" shipping fentanyl to the US, without providing direct evidence of the alleged crime.

At the time, Mr Trump accused Mr Maduro - who he does not recognise as the country's leader - of heading up the notorious organised crime gang Tren de Aragua (also without providing evidence).

The US president claimed the ship his forces targeted was used by the gang to carry drugs.

He also confirmed he had approved CIA operations in the country to tackle alleged drug trafficking.

Read more: The US-Venezuela crisis explained

In return, Mr Maduro accused Mr Trump of seeking regime change and of "fabricating a new eternal war" against his country. He denies having any links to the illegal drug trade.

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Sky News' chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay pointed out that the fentanyl drug that is causing destruction in America is largely manufactured in Mexico, not Venezuela.

Ramsay reports that the fentanyl is smuggled directly into the US across its southern border.

Venezuela is instead largely a transit country rather than a drug producer - supplying illegal drugs, especially cocaine, which come from countries like Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia.

The Maduro government sees US actions as a grab for Venezuela's oil reserves, which are among the biggest in the world.

The country produces about one million barrels a day.

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US Senator Chris Van Hollen said the oil tanker seizure casts doubt on the Trump administration's stated reasons for the military buildup and boat strikes in the region.

"This shows that their whole cover story - that this is about interdicting drugs - is a big lie," he said. "This is just one more piece of evidence that this is really about regime change - by force."

The crisis is escalating

Sky News' US correspondent David Blevins said the tanker seizure "underscored the White House's preference for visible demonstrations of muscle over diplomacy".

"By targeting an oil shipment, rather than a suspected drug boat, Washington has signalled its willingness to disrupt exports," Blevins said.

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"President Trump seems determined to shut down one of the last major sources of funding for Nicolas Maduro's embattled government."

Read more: Raid paints vivid portrait of Trump's approach

The seizure comes after the Trump administration has been ramping up pressure on the Venezuelan president for months with increased military deployments against the Latin American country.

Sky's Data & Forensics unit has verified that in the past four months since strikes began, 23 boats have been targeted in 22 strikes, killing 87 people.

In November, the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier - the largest warship in the world - travelled to the Caribbean in what was interpreted by many at the time as a show of military power.

Days after the warship's arrival, the US government's Federal Aviation Administration warned of a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela.

The warning led to three international airlines cancelling flights departing from Venezuela and, later, Mr Maduro revoked operating rights for six major airlines.

Read more: Is this what the beginning of a war looks like?

In further escalation, Mr Trump said on 30 November that the airspace "above and surrounding" the country should be considered closed "in its entirety".

Mr Trump also suggested in the past that American forces could launch a land attack on Venezuela.

Speaking to Politico on Tuesday, Mr Trump declined to comment on whether US troops would enter Venezuela, but said that Mr Maduro's "days are numbered".
From 5 to 7 December, the Karl Marx Seminar 2025, the national education seminar of the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP)  the German section of the Revolutionary Communist International (RCI)  took place in Berlin.

With 15 Marxist workshops and 240 participants, it was an inspiring event and the largest seminar we have organised to date.

The main reason we were able to organise the Karl Marx Seminar on such a large scale this year was the theoretical development of our party. Since growing rapidly from just over 100 to 300 comrades between 2023 and 2024, the RKP had reached a plateau in its growth. In order to break past this plateau and achieve new goals, the many new comrades had to be trained in the fundamentals of Marxism, and those who had been with us before had to be turned into genuine revolutionary cadres.

For it is only through a good theoretical understanding that we are able to convey our ideas and analysis to the vanguard of the youth and working class, and convince them to become active members of our party.

At the Karl Marx Seminar, and in the lead-up to it, it was demonstrated that our efforts had begun to bear fruit. In the autumn, our branches held 49 open meetings and sold 700 copies of our paper, Der Kommunist, over 150 paper sales.

We are currently in discussions with around 120 people who are interested in our ideas and programme, in order to convince them to join the RKP. This, and the fact that 50 of the participants at the Karl Marx Seminar were not yet members at the time of the event, shows that we are now better able to communicate our ideas to the wider layers of workers and young people than ever before.

The struggle against reformism

Whether its the Gen Z revolutions or the rise of Zohan Mamdani in New York, these events all show that large sections of the working class and youth are looking for solutions to the precarious conditions they suffer under capitalism. But none of these movements fundamentally break with capitalism and are therefore forced to accept its rules in one way or another. It was no coincidence,then, that the subtitle of the seminar was The Road to Socialism: Reform or Revolution.

In Germany, too, the left-reformist Left Party (Die Linke) unexpectedly achieved almost 9 percent in the federal elections in March, despite previous polls predicting 3 percent. The driving force behind this victory was young people, whom the party was able to win over with radical language. But disillusionment quickly set in.

The leadership of the regional party chapters in Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which are represented in the governments of their respective federal states, approved the 500 billion special fund for rearmament. The party does not take a clear stand against Zionism and, instead of building a class based opposition, it prefers to present itself to the ruling class as a trustworthy partner.

This was evident when they voted for a second round of voting in Merz's chancellor election [when, for the first time ever, Merz failed to be elected by the Bundestag in the first round. Die Linke saved Merz by voting for a second], and it was evident again recently when they abstained on the government's pension package in order to prevent the government from failing.

Many who look to the Left Party see through this false game. These mostly young layers have already broken with capitalism, and want radical answers. This was evident when the Left Youth passed a motion at their congress, condemning Israel and placing the liberation of the Palestinians in the context of the international socialist revolution. The task of communists is to connect with the radical mood of the youth, and to sharpen it with the tools of Marxism.

The first session on Friday was introduced by comrade Francesco Merli from the International Secretariat of the Revolutionary Communist International (RCI), he highlighted the situation capitalism finds itself in today. While the imperialist nations of Europe are in decline, fierce competition is taking place on a global level between the United States, China, and Russia.

At the same time, there are barely any countries where the government enjoys broad support among its population  the ruling class is in a crisis of political legitimacy. Meanwhile, some of the anger of the masses is being absorbed by left-wing reformists and right-wing demagogues alike. Ultimately, however, both directions can only lead to a dead end.

We must reach out to all those who reject capitalism, whilst at the same time waging a political struggle against the influence of reformism in the labour movement. To this end, the lectures at the Karl Marx Seminar covered a wide range of topics.

From the fundamentals of Marxism, to the character of and struggle against the AfD in Germany. As well as the fight against austerity, the question of how to win the majority of the working class to socialism, the historical experiences of the young Communist Party (KPD) in Germany, and the October Revolution in Russia.

The workshops showed that socialism can only be achieved through revolutionary class struggle. And to that end, we must build a party of Marxist cadres today, with a theoretically sound understanding of strategy and tactics that will enable us to build roots in the working class.

Raising the political level

In order to prepare the party for the weekend, a reading list was uploaded to our website in October, containing articles, books, and lectures on the various topics to be presented. Each local branch has assigned topics to its comrades, which will be the focus of their theoretical education for the coming months.

Based on their preparation for the seminars at the event itself, each comrade will now study one or more books on the same topic in the following weeks and months. Through this patient approach to theory, in which comrades thoroughly engage with one topic instead of jumping hastily to the next, we want to anchor an understanding of the Marxist method.

The enthusiasm for theory and the comrades' preparatory work for the seminar was evident in the large participation of new and old comrades in the political discussions at the event. Many comrades had prepared high-quality contributions for these discussions over a period of weeks beforehand.

We also set a new record at the literature and merchandise table, almost tripling the sales at our last event! A total of 246 books were purchased, which means that on average, approximately every participant bought a book.

Bolshevik financial tradition

Another highlight of the weekend was the financial collection on Sunday, where we once again set a new record. The introduction on revolutionary finances masterfully demonstrated how the Bolsheviks would never have been able to build strong leadership, a popular newspaper, and a cadre of professional revolutionaries without a tradition of financial sacrifice. The seminar showed why we too must follow this example.

Without the financial sacrifices of our comrades, we would not have been able to finance such a large event. Nor would we be able to maintain a staff of fulltimers who organised the seminar and prepared the many talks with the speakers politically, and thus play a vital role in bringing the ideas of Marxism to the membership.

For this reason, we have held a collection in order to raise money for our office, where all the work of the leadership is centralised, as well as for our International, which, through its analysis and theoretical material, provides us and our sister parties with invaluable political guidance. Without this, none of us would be able to build the communist movement worldwide.

The introduction explained that this financial sacrifice is no small matter, that we can just scrape together. But because Marxism gives us the political foresight to see the possibilities that develop with every situation, we do not view the world pessimistically and buckle under immediate pressures.

We see that the working class is being forced to rise up in many parts of the world, we see a period of fierce class struggle ahead of us. This insight into the real processes of the world gives us the revolutionary optimism and willingness to make sacrifices. With these, we fight for our ideas among the working class and youth and also support this struggle financially.

And our comrades outdid themselves this year. We smashed all of our targets, and set a new record with our fundraising. This sends a clear signal. Our party is not looking for excuses, our party means business, and it is here to stay.

Forward to next year!

The Karl Marx Seminar has once again shown that the RKP has further matured politically. But this process is far from over.

The many people we met in the autumn who are interested in joining the party, and who we mobilised for this inspiring event, present our young party with new challenges in establishing consistent political education within our ranks.

The leadership bears the main responsibility for solving this task. That is why we began this year to set up an education department in the national centre, which is now being followed by a department for external work. Both have the task of distributing material, and providing an impetus to professionalise these two areas of work in the local branches.

To this end, both departments have designed an introductory booklet for new comrades and sympathisers, which was also discussed at the Karl Marx Seminar. The booklet is intended to provide a guide for our educational work by immediately discussing the core ideas of the RKP and the RCI with new comrades. It also provides them with a reading list of key Marxist works for their first year of membership.

The leadership of the RKP will continue to work to strengthen the areas where we are weak, and lift the party over obstacle after obstacle.

In this way, we will turn the many comrades we meet and recruit into Marxist cadres, and be able to set new records in 2026.
In the afternoon of 10 December, a US military helicopter took control over an oil tanker travelling from Venezuela. Not content with this act of piracy, when asked what the US was going to do with the oil it was transporting, Trump casually said Well, we keep it, I suppose, like a man who has found a ten dollar bill on the floor. This represents a major escalation in the US campaign of imperialist aggression against Venezuela and Latin America.

In his statement to the media US president Trump said: Weve just seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela  large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually, and added, ominously, and other things are happening. So youll be seeing that later, and youll be talking about that later with some other people.

ALERT: Trump claims to have "seized and oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela" and adds "other things are happening too".#handsoffvenezuela pic.twitter.com/FEUTmUIkbF  Jorge Martin  (@marxistJorge) December 10, 2025

This is clearly an act of piracy. The US Navy and Coast Guard have seized a third-country vessel in international waters. Not only has US imperialism declared an informal air embargo on Venezuela, now it is de facto moving towards a naval blockade.

The last time such a thing happened in Venezuela was the 1902-03 multinational imperialist blockade against the government of Cipriano Castro, which had refused to pay its foreign debt obligations. It was in the aftermath of that imperialist aggression against Venezuela that the US issued the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, arrogating for the US the right to intervene militarily in countries in the American continent, under the excuse of defending civilisational norms. Trumps so-called Corollary, announced in his new National Security Strategy document, is just a cheap copy of that. He is not even original.

The US Coast Guard members who seized the tanker were taken to the ship by a helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford. This is the largest of its kind in the US Navy which arrived in the Caribbean a month ago, after being transferred from the Mediterranean to SouthCOM's area of influence, as part of a military build up against Venezuela and other Latin American countries.

Trying to give a legal basis for this act of piracy, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the vessel had been used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. She went on to say that the tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations.

This is clearly an act of piracy. The US Navy and Coast Guard have seized a third country vessel in international waters. Not only has US imperialism declared an informal air embargo on Venezuela, now it is de facto moving towards a naval blockade. (Video US AG Pam Bondi) pic.twitter.com/YYfb6Bhxmt  Jorge Martin  (@marxistJorge) December 10, 2025

There you have it. The US decides to sanction a foreign sovereign country (in this case two: Venezuela and Iran) and some of its companies. Then, after having acted as prosecutor and judge, arrogates itself the right to act as executioner and seizes several tons of oil. Of course, all under the guise of fighting terrorism. A dictionary description of terrorism says: the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. That certainly applies to the US actions against Venezuela, and more generally to US imperialist aggression around the world for the last 200 years!

Incidentally, this act of piracy in the Caribbean took place near the small island of Grenada, invaded by US imperialism in 1983, when Reagan decided to overthrow the left-wing government in power.

According to sources quoted by both Politico and Axios, the seized tanker was transporting oil from Venezuela to Cuba. This was so that Cuba would be able to resell it, thus helping Venezuela circumvent unilateral US sanctions and also earn some much needed hard currency, or to refine locally.

Cuba, subject to a brutal US blockade since 1962 is in dire need of fuel for its electricity plants. The islands economic crisis has led to prolonged blackouts and in the last few days there have been street protests in the capital Havana. A source told Axios: This is a twofer: we're going after Maduro's bank account and the Cubans that keep him in power. Clearly US imperialism is stepping up its aggression on the Cuban revolution as well.

But not only Cuba. In commenting on the seizure of the tanker, Trump went on to threaten Colombian president Petro as well: Hes been fairly hostile to the United States. Hes gonna have himself some big problems if he doesnt wise up. Colombia is producing a lot of drugs  He better wise up, or hell be next  Colombia is a major manufacturer of drugs, meaning cocaine.

As we have explained before, drug trafficking is just a fig leaf for naked military aggression the main aim of which is to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, and to deny non-Hemispheric competitors the ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities, or to own or control strategically vital assets, in our Hemisphere. This is written in black and white in the Trump regimes new National Security Strategy document released last week.

Strangled by US sanctions on Venezuelas oil, most of the countrys exports now go to China. Trump is killing several birds with one tanker seizure: it cut off a much needed source of income for Venezuela, increases the economic strangulation of the Cuban revolution, reminds Iran whos boss and, finally, sends a threatening message to China. A return to gunboat diplomacy.

International rules, which in the past provided a fig-leaf for US imperialist domination, are thrown overboard and the real predatory aims of Washington are spelled out clearly for everyone to see. The message is loud and clear: the United States is still the strongest imperialist power on the planet, the American continent is its backyard, and it intends to dominate it fully.

The Nobel Peace Prize

This act of piracy coincided with the farce being played out in Norway, where Maria Corina Machado, the bloodthirsty reactionary leader of the pro-US opposition in Venezuela, was being given the Nobel Peace Prize. The Wall Street Journal tells us that she made a daring escape by small boat  luckily her masters did not blow it up  to Curacao (which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) so that she could be present at the ceremony.

US F18 fighters made a very provocative incursion in Venezuelan airspace, in the Gulf of Venezuela, between Maracaibo and Punto Fijo, roughly at the same time of the reported departure of Machado. Alas, they hit bad weather and she arrived only late at night to greet her supporters from the balcony of an expensive hotel in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.



The story, worthy of a Netflix drama, may not be all it seems. There has been strong speculation in Caracas for the last few days that her departure from the country had been negotiated with Maduros government. Others claim that the reason for the visit to Oslo is so that she can be sworn as vice-president of president-elect Edmundo Gonzalez, in preparation for both to be swiftly brought to power on a US aircraft carrier. Certainly her intention is to agitate even more openly for a US invasion of her own country. It would not be the first time that a warmonger is given the Nobel Peace Prize, so she is in good company.

In an interview with Politico on 8 December, Trump repeated his threats against Maduro: his days are numbered. And in a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on 10 December, he praised air strikes on speed boats which have killed over 80 people already: The missile that knocks the crap out of them, he said, as well as threatening: And now were going to do land, because the land is much easier. But at the same time, a US deportation flight carrying Venezuelans landed in Maiquetia airport on the same day.

One thing is clear. We are witnessing a dangerous unilateral escalation of military aggression by the worlds most powerful and reactionary imperialist power against a sovereign Latin American nation. This is part of a wider attempt by the United States to dominate the continent. It is the duty of revolutionary communists, in fact, it is the duty of all consistent democrats, to oppose it with all our might.
The sixth African High-Level Forum on Women, Peace and Security opened in Tunisia on Tuesday, December 9, with a strong call for enhanced multilateral cooperation to address the continents shared peace and security challenges.

The Forum, organized by the African Union (AU), was held under the theme: 25 Years of UNSCR 1325: Leveraging Multilateral Diplomacy to Reinforce Africas Women, Peace and Security Agenda in a Shifting Global Order.

In his opening remarks, delivered via video message, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, paid tribute to the women of Sudan, standing firm amid conflict; the women of the Great Lakes region, persevering in protracted crises; and the women of the Sahel, who sustain communities despite insecurity and displacement. Their resilience reminds us that women are central pillars of peace and stability, he stressed, reaffirming the Commissions unwavering commitment to the progress of this agenda, pledging to work in close collaboration with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, and partners to ensure that our collective commitments deliver meaningful and measurable impact for women and girls.

Looking ahead, the Chairperson of the Commission stressed that the collective focus must shift to accountability, financing, and womens leadership. He noted that the confluence of the 16 Days of Activism, the G20 declaration, and the adoption of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG) provides powerful momentum. This momentum, he urged, must be translated into concrete action that strengthens protection systems, deepens womens participation in decision-making, and ensures that peace and security processes across Africa are truly inclusive.

The AUC Chairpersons Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Liberata Mulamula, asserted that Africas strength is rooted in solidarity, multilateralism, and collective action. She called for a renewed commitment to operationalizing WPS obligations, cautioning against backsliding, and emphasizing the necessity of ensuring that womens voicesfrom grassroots communities to national leadershipshape policy and drive implementation.

Ambassador Mulamula highlighted the urgent need for accelerated ratification of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG), noting that to date, only seven countries have signed the convention, while rapid ratification remains essential. Ultimately, she conveyed the expectation that the Forum will produce transformative, forward-looking outcomes to guide the next decade of the WPS agenda (20252035), building on past achievements while decisively tackling emerging challenges.

Several other speakers explained how conflicts continue to disproportionately impact women, who bear the primary burden of displacement and insecurity, calling on Member States and partners to expose and dismantle the economic systems that fuel instability, and to redirect political and financial resources toward achieving sustainable peace and human security. They also stressed the need to amplify the often-overlooked contributions of women who serve as silent architects of peace.

They underscored that sustainable peace hinges on strong prevention mechanisms, effective early mediation support, and the meaningful participation of women in all peace processes, calling for an immediate end to decision-making about women but without women, and stressing that policies disconnected from everyday realities cannot lead to lasting peace. However, despite challenges such as shrinking resources and narrowing democratic space, African women continue to play vital roles as community leaders, mediators, and defenders of human dignity
Burkina Faso briefly detained eleven Nigerian military officers after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made an emergency landing in the country.

The landing occurred in Bobo-Dioulasso on Monday, 08 December, the nations second-largest city, following a technical problem that forced the plane, en route to Portugal, to stop. While the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) described on Tuesday the landing as a safety measure and confirmed that the crew were treated well, Burkinabe authorities insisted that the aircraft had violated national airspace without prior authorisation.

The incident sparked a formal response from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The AES condemned the unauthorized entry as an unfriendly act, placing their air forces on maximum alert and asserting the right to neutralise any future airspace violations.

All eleven Nigerian personnel, including two crew members and nine passengers, were released and allowed to return to Nigeria following Burkinabe investigation.

Analysts suggest the episode may be linked to regional security tensions, particularly Nigerias deployment of troops and aircraft to Benin after a failed coup.

Earlier in 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing political and security grievances, while also moving away from Western influence and strengthening ties with Russia, Turkey and Cuba. The incident underscores growing strains between Nigeria and the military-led Sahel nations.
Yesterday, 9th December, ECOWAS declared a state of emergency as political instability intensifies across the subregion, following a series of military interventions and attempted coups.

Addressing a ministerial meeting in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Oumar Touray warned that recent events demand sober reflection on the future of democracy and stronger investment in regional security.

His remarks come on the heels of a coup attempt in Benin and a successful takeover in Guinea-Bissau, developments he said highlight elections as a growing catalyst for unrest.

Touray identified a number of escalating risks, including non-compliance with transition frameworks in Guinea, weakening electoral inclusivity, the expanding reach of terrorist and criminal networks, and increased geopolitical pressures straining member states unity. He called for more frequent engagements among regional leaders and urged member countries to consolidate resources to confront terrorism and banditry, which continue to operate seamlessly across borders.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have advanced towards the outskirts of Uvira in South Kivu on Tuesday, December 9, deepening an already volatile security crisis in eastern Congo and displacing more than 200,000 people since 2 December.

The latest escalation comes barely a week after Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington, although the pact did not include M23. Reports from local civil society indicate that government troops have fled parts of the city, sparking panic among residents, while Congolese military sources confirm soldiers are retreating towards the Burundian border. The U.N. and humanitarian agencies warn of rising casualties, cross-border shelling, and civilians fleeing into Burundi, underscoring the fragile regional dynamics.

International concern is mounting as the offensive threatens to destabilise the wider Great Lakes region. The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes has urged restraint, highlighting the proximity of fighting to Burundi and the risk of spillover. Kinshasa and Kigali continue to trade blame over ceasefire violations, even as U.N. experts estimate that Rwanda continues to deploy around 4,000 troops in support of the rebels. With more than 7 million people already displaced across eastern Congo, the renewed hostilities  including M23s earlier seizure of Goma and Bukavu  signal a deepening humanitarian and security crisis despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
President of Angolas National Assembly has acknowledged the urgent need to revise the Family Code, in force since 1988, noting that the law no longer reflects the countrys recent social and cultural changes.

Sources close to the parliament indicate there is broad agreement that the legislation should be updated to better protect minors, safeguard womens rights, and prevent harmful social practices such as early marriage.

The revision initiative is being coordinated in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Action, Family, and Womens Promotion (MASFAMU) and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (MINJUSDH). These bodies are focused on updating chapters concerning filiation, paternity/maternity, religious marriage, de facto unions, and assisted reproductiontopics that have recently been discussed in provinces such as Bengo.

The legal overhaul represents an institutional effort to align the Family Code with contemporary human rights standards, gender equality, and child protection, reaffirming the Angolan states role in safeguarding family dignity. The draft legislation will undergo public discussion before potential parliamentary approval.
Ghanas President John Dramani Mahama has called on private sector investors to collaborate with African Governments in accelerating the continents health industrialization agenda.

Addressing the opening of the World Health Expo Leaders Africa Summit in Accra on Tuesday, December 9, he emphasised the need for a new partnership model anchored in co-investment, innovation, and shared purpose.

He urged vaccine manufacturers, pharmaceutical firms, diagnostic innovators, and biotechnology companies to establish production hubs, assembly plants, and research centres across Africa to strengthen health systems and improve access to essential medical products.

President Mahama noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed Africas vulnerability and reinforced the urgency of building resilient, self-reliant health infrastructure. He highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, the continents growing innovation ecosystem, and the regulatory support of the African Medicines Agency.

Expressing confidence in Africas young innovators and digital health entrepreneurs, he said their creativity and technological prowess could anchor a new health order for the continent. The summit has brought together health officials from across Africa and representatives of continental health institutions.
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:

Graphical Abstract. Credit: Allergy (2025). DOI: 10.1111/all.70145

Allergic sensitization follows distinct regional patterns, and molecular IgE profiling can reveal these profiles in detail. An international research team has now demonstrated both phenomena in a population-based study of 1,000 adults from five cities in Turkiye that represent distinct climate zones. Using high-resolution molecular allergy diagnostics, the researchers identified characteristic regional differences in immunoreactions to allergens by measuring IgE reactivity patterns.

The work was co-led by scientists at Karl Landsteiner University (KL Krems) and the Medical University of Vienna, who contributed an allergen microarray that allows simultaneous testing of more than 100 defined molecules. Beyond the specific findings for Turkiye, the study illustrates how molecular allergology can be integrated into population cohorts to characterize regional patterns of allergic sensitization and to develop more context-aware diagnosis, risk assessment and prevention strategies.

Allergic diseases are rising worldwide, but their frequency and clinical presentation vary from region to region, shaped by environmental factors such as climate, vegetation, air quality and lifestyle. Traditional allergy tests are often based on whole allergen extracts and do not reveal which specific molecules trigger a person's IgE response. Molecular allergology fills this gap: by testing specific antibody (IgE) reactivity against individual allergen components, it becomes possible to map sensitization patterns with much finer resolution.

The new study, published in Allergy, applies this approach in a systematic, cross-sectional population survey in Turkiye, a country at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. Researchers from KL Krems and the Medical University of Vienna, together with partners at Turkish and international centers, designed the project to explore how regional "exposomes" (the sum of all environmental influences) shape IgE profilesand how this information can support precise allergy care.

Regional Fingerprints of Sensitization

"We see very distinct molecular sensitization signatures when we compare the five study centers," says Prof. Rudolf Valenta from the MedUni Vienna, who also heads the Scientific Working Group on Allergology and Immunology at KL Krems and participated in the study as senior co-author.

"This is the first comprehensive, prospective, population-based study in Turkiye using a broad panel of defined allergen molecules, and it shows how closely climate and environment are reflected in IgE reactivity patterns. Such information is crucial if we want to refine allergy diagnostics and allergen immunotherapy at a regional level."

The team recruited adults with and without self-reported allergic symptoms in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Samsun and Kayseri. All participants completed a standardized symptom questionnaire, underwent skin prick testing to common inhalant allergens and had their serum analyzed on the microarray. This platform measures IgE binding to 108 allergen molecules from pollens, mites, pets, molds and foods.

Across centers, sensitization was more frequent, involved higher IgE levels and was more complex (with more different allergen molecules recognized) in individuals with allergic symptoms than in asymptomatic controls. Notably, however, between 31% and 55% of people without any reported allergy symptoms still showed IgE sensitization to at least one allergen moleculeunderscoring that laboratory sensitization and clinical disease do not always coincide.

Kayseri stands out

When the researchers compared the five cities, Kayseri consistently showed the lowest prevalence of symptomatic individuals, the lowest sensitization rates and the lowest degree of polysensitization. Overall patterns of sensitization to respiratory allergens also differed between centers, reflecting their distinct environmental and climatic conditions. Against this backdrop, the comparatively mild sensitization profile seen in Kayseria city at 8001,000 meters altitude with a continental climatewas particularly striking.

"Kayseri emerges as a genuinely hypoallergenic region in our dataset," says Huey-Jy Huang, Ph.D., of the Center for Molecular Allergology at the KL Krems and co-first author of the study. "The combination of fewer symptoms and clearly reduced molecular sensitization suggests that the local environmental and climatic conditions tend to limit the development of allergic sensitization, at least to some extent. Understanding these factors in more detail could open new perspectives for allergy prevention. This is precisely the kind of question we want to pursue within our international collaborations at KL Krems."

Beyond identifying a hypoallergenic high-altitude region, the study illustrates how molecular allergy diagnostics can be integrated into population studies to dissect regional risk profiles. For KL Krems, this fits directly with its research focus on fields with high relevance to health policy.

Within this framework, the Center for Molecular Allergology and the Danube Allergy Research Cluster act as hubs in an international network that investigates how environment and climate shape allergic disease. In the long run, such IgE-based "sensitization maps" could help clinicians and health systems to focus diagnostic resources on regionally relevant allergens, adapt immunotherapy strategies and, eventually, identify environmental approaches that mitigate allergy risk.

Publication details Alp Kazancioglu et al, MolecularIgEReactivity Profiling With MicroArrayed Allergens Reveals Distinct Interregional Patterns of Sensitization and a Hypoallergenic Region in Turkiye, Allergy (2025). DOI: 10.1111/all.70145 Journal information: Allergy
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Routine mammograms are a critical tool for breast cancer screening. However, they may also hold crucial, potentially untapped information about a person's risk for cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death among adults. The X-ray images can detect calcium in the breast's arteries, a sign that the blood vessels are getting stiffer.

New researchpresented on Dec. 3 at the Radiological Society of North America meeting by Matthew Nudy, assistant professor of medicine and public health sciences at Penn State College of Medicinefound that the severity of calcium accumulation in breast arteries and the progression of this calcification seen on mammograms predicted future cardiovascular disease.

In this study, researchers found that women with more severe calcification and with calcification that progressed over time had an increased risk for major events, like heart attack, stroke, heart failure and death.

These findings suggest that breast arterial calcification could be a marker for cardiovascular disease and may help identify women who are at greatest risk for cardiovascular disease.

"We know that women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of cardiovascular disease and have worse outcomes following a heart attack compared to men. That may be in part because the current cardiovascular risk assessment tools underestimate risk in women. We need better tools," Nudy said. "In the future, assessment of breast arterial calcification may help improve our ability to predict risk and prevent cardiovascular disease."

As people get older, calcium can collect in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, explained Nudy. For some patients, physicians may recommend a CT scan to determine if there is calcium build up in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart. There are downsides to the test, Nudy noted, that might keep patients from pursuing the test and physicians from recommending it, including costs and exposure to radiation from the scan.

Conversely, mammograms, which can pick up calcifications in the walls of arteries of the breast, are already widely used for breast cancer screening, with both the American Cancer Society and the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommending at least biennial screening in women starting at age 40.

Currently, the presence of calcium build up in breast arteries isn't routinely included in radiology reports since there's no known association with breast cancer. However, previous studies, including a systematic review and meta-analysis led by Nudy, have found that breast arterial calcification is associated with future cardiovascular disease and death.

In this study, the research team analyzed data from 10,348 women from an academic medical center in the United States who had sequential mammograms, with an average of 4.1 years between mammograms. The average age of participants was 56. For each mammogram, the team used an investigational version of the cmAngio artificial intelligence (AI) softwaredeveloped by CureMetrix, a company that tests and advances AI tools for medical imaging analysis and partnered on this studyto determine if calcification was present in breast arteries and its severity.

The model generated an adjusted score based on the length of the artery calcification. Participants were then separated into four age-adjusted categories of breast arterial calcification severity based on their score: negative, mild, moderate and severe.

The researchers found that vascular calcification was present in 19.4% of participants at baseline. Those with more calcium accumulation in the arteries over time had increased risk of a serious heart-related eventup to two times higher risk for those in the severe score category.

The study, one of the first to look at breast arterial calcification progression over time, also showed that calcification can worsen over time, occurring in as little as a year. The faster the progression occurred, the greater the cardiovascular risk, too.

Those who didn't have calcium in their breast arteries on the initial mammogram showed the lowest risk of progression, but if calcium was detected on a follow-up mammogram, they had a 41% higher risk for an adverse cardiovascular event and death over an average of 5.6 years of follow-up. For those who started in the mild category and progressed to any higher category, they had a 59% higher risk. For those who started in the moderate category and progressed to the severe category, they had a 93% higher risk.

"This could be a way to use data that may already be available for different reasons and to potentially use it to risk stratify an individual for the development of cardiovascular disease," Nudy said. While the findings suggest that calcification of the arteries in the breast is a warning sign for cardiovascular disease, he cautioned, more research is needed to understand this relationship and how the information could be used by clinicians.

Other collaborators on the research include Nitesh Nerlekar, associate professor and deputy director of the Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University and Alyssa Watanabe, adjunct clinical associate professor at the University of Southern California. Richard Mantey, Junhao Wang and Homa Karimabadi from CureMetrix also contributed to this work.
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New research from the University of Aberdeen and the Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) has outlined ways to make cancer screening services more accessible to people who may be underserved by the health care system. The study is published in Cancer Medicine.

Cancer screening, such as cervical smear tests, mammograms and bowel screening is available to everyone registered with an NHS health board. These tests help detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful. However, the authors report that, within the Grampian region, uptake of screening tests is markedly lower among people living in more deprived areas and among some ethnic minority communities, particularly those from Polish and African backgrounds.

Working directly with communities in Grampian, the team explored the reasons behind the low uptake and identified practical changes that could make screening more accessible and acceptable. Some of these recommendations are already being put into practice in the region and have also featured in Cancer Research UK's national guidance for professionals supporting breast cancer screening.

Their findings recommend more community-informed and culturally tailored approaches to cancer screening. Changes already adopted include working with local women's groups to build trust, training community volunteers to share information and support decision-making, developing clear and culturally appropriate communication materials, and identifying key points in the screening process where additional support can make a difference.

Dr. Sarah Prowse, Research Fellow, who led the study at the University of Aberdeen explains: "Cancer screening helps to detect disease early, when it is more treatable. However, not everyone in the Grampian region has equal access to this benefit. People from African and Eastern European communities, and those living in more deprived areas, are less likely to attend screening and may face barriers that are not fully recognized or addressed by existing services.

"This work helps to shine a light on those gaps. By listening to communities directly and working in partnership with organizations like GREC, it becomes possible to identify what needs to change. This includes how information is shared, who delivers it, and how trust is built. Without this kind of insight, inequalities in outcomes are likely to continue.

"The next stage of this work is focused on building momentum and ensuring that the changes already underway can be sustained and adapted over time. This includes continuing to work in partnership with communities, expanding approaches that show promise, and creating space to test new ideas based on ongoing feedback.

"It is encouraging to already see our findings highlighted in the recent Scottish Government review on ethnic and racialized inequalities in cancer services, helping to inform the next Cancer Action Plan."

Adriana Uribe, Training Consultant and Language and Integration Team Lead from the Grampian Regional Equality Council said, "Cultural awareness is an essential first step to ensure that health programs can reach communities that may otherwise be excluded. During this study, participants offered very valuable input about their engagement with services, highlighting the need to adopt a multicultural approach and consider the difficulties many face as a result of language and social barriers.

"This approach to minority communities shed light on their perspective about health screening programs and how future approaches could improve to ensure effective engagement. Health is important for everyone, but cultural understanding is essential to achieve engagement to advance health prevention.

"This project demonstrates that inclusion is not only possible, but also extremely useful to ensure that health screening and future prevention are accessible to everyone. When communities are heard, the opportunities to gain valuable understanding multiply and can inform more effective approaches."

Professor Shantini Paranjothi, Director of Public Health, NHS Grampian and Honorary Clinical Chair at the University of Aberdeen added, "The partnership with the University of Aberdeen and the Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) has helped us rethink how we can support people to take part in screening programs in Grampian. By taking an evidence-based approach informed by lived experience, we can target our interventions more effectively. This has helped us to develop culturally appropriate communication materials and training programs to support staff and community members to have informed conversations regarding screening.

"The way we work day-to-day to promote screening has changed, with a shift towards more two-way, community-informed communication. Through our work with community champions, we have seen how culturally aware outreach and ongoing feedback from underserved groups can strengthen trust and make screening information more meaningful and accessible. This approach is helping us build services that feel more responsive to people's real experiences and better equipped to support equitable access across our communities."

Publication details Sarah R. Prowse et al, Tackling Health Inequalities in Cancer Screening: Experiences of Eastern European and African Communities in Northeast Scotland, Cancer Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1002/cam4.71236 Journal information: Cancer Medicine

Key medical concepts Screening, CancerMammography
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Graphical abstract. Credit: Cancer Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2025.10.014

In multiple myeloma, plasma cells proliferate uncontrollably in the bone marrow, disrupting the growth of healthy blood-forming cells. If the disease recurs after treatment or fails to respond, CAR T-cell therapy may be considered. In this innovative and personalized form of cancer immunotherapy, immune cells (T cells) are taken from the patient and genetically modified in the laboratory to enhance their ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. The modified autologous cells (CAR T cells) are then reinfused into the patient. Once active in the body, they seek out and destroy malignant cells.

A research team led by Leipzig University Medical Center and the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI has examined in greater detail how such living, cell-based therapies act in the body over an extended period. The researchers analyzed two CAR T-cell therapies directed against the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). BCMA is present on the surface of malignant plasma cells and is therefore a suitable target for therapeutic approaches. The paper is published in the journal Cancer Cell.

The study involved 61 patients: 34 received CAR T-cell therapy with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) and 27 were treated with ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel). Treatment with cilta-cel led to complete remission in a substantially higher proportion of patients78% compared with 38% for ide-cel. It was also associated with longer progression-free survival, meaning that disease control was maintained for a longer period.

Professor Maximilian Merz, who led the study in his role as senior physician and head of the Multiple Myeloma Unit at the University of Leipzig Medical Center, emphasizes, "Such insights are highly important for patient care. We were able to show that tumor burden, T-cell fitness and overall systemic inflammation play a major role in determining the success of CAR T-cell therapy."

The reasons for the improved efficacy and the differing side-effect profiles of the two products are still poorly understood. The project team at the University of Leipzig Medical Center and the Fraunhofer IZI therefore carried out single-cell multi-omics analyses on a total of 135 blood samples. Such investigations make it possible to capture the molecular characteristics of individual cells over an extended period and to track cellular changes in detail. The analyses showed that treatment with cilta-cel induces the expansion of certain immune cells that are important for combating cancer but can also give rise to side effects.

Dr. Kristin Reiche, head of the Department of Medical Bioinformatics at the Fraunhofer IZI, explains, "The pharmacokineticsin other words, how the human body interacts with the two CAR T-cell therapiesdiffer. Cilta-cel exhibits a delayed onset of expansion but reaches higher cell numbers overall, meaning that CAR T cells proliferate more slowly at first but ultimately more extensively. For this reason, cytokine release syndrome, a possible side effect of the therapy, may also occur later."

In addition to CAR-T cell therapies, bispecific antibodies have also revolutionized the treatment of multiple myeloma in recent yearsthree of the four bispecific antibodies currently approved in Germany likewise target the surface molecule BCMA. However, the two therapeutic approaches work in different ways, exhibit distinct pharmacokinetic properties and are currently used without a clearly defined treatment sequence. In this new project, the researchers aim to use comprehensive multi-omics analyses of samples from relapsed myeloma patients to investigate how CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies might be optimally combined or aligned with one another in the future.

Publication details Michael Rade et al, A longitudinal single-cell atlas to predict outcome and toxicity after BCMA-directed CAR T cell therapy in multiple myeloma, Cancer Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2025.10.014 Journal information: Cancer Cell

Clinical categories OncologyClinical pharmacology
The News in Brief Thursday, December 11, 2025

Transparency International Georgia says the conviction of activist Saba Skhvitaridze is a clear case of political retaliation and evidence of systemic failures in the country's justice system. The group argues that Skhvitaridze, like many others involved in anti-government protests, was punished for his civic activism.On September 3, 2025, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced him to two years in prison for intentionally causing minor bodily harm. TI Georgia says the ruling is based on false testimonies and unverified video material and claims the evidence does not show that Skhvitaridze committed the offense. The organization notes that he is known as a member of the political party New and has been active in anti-government and anti-Russian demonstrations.Prosecutors initially accused him of injuring a police officer during official duties, a charge that carries seven to eleven years in prison. TI Georgia calls that accusation an abuse of the criminal process and says the later reduced charge was equally unfounded.The group states that the court ignored basic fair trial standards, including the presumption of innocence, impartial evaluation of evidence, and the requirement to rule in favor of the accused in cases of doubt. It also says allegations of police violence against Skhvitaridze were disregarded.According to TI Georgia, the conviction relied on contradictory police testimonies, a photo-based identification, and a social media video whose authenticity was never confirmed. The organization maintains that the person in the video is not Skhvitaridze and that defense witnesses who supported his innocence were dismissed.TI Georgia said that "the extent of falsehood allowed by the police, the prosecution, and the court indicates that Saba Skhvitaridze is a prisoner of conscience."The 5th President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, delivered a stark assessment of Georgia's human rights situation during a briefing, declaring that the past year was defined by repression, widespread violations, and the erosion of democratic norms.Zourabichvili called 2025 "a shameful year for those who rule the country," saying the government is attempting to make Georgia resemble "a typical Russian totalitarian regime with all its characteristics." She linked her remarks to International Human Rights Day and highlighted several developments that she said illustrate the magnitude of the crisis.She said that "the BBC journalistic investigation completes the picture of this terrible year," referencing the broadcaster's reporting on the alleged use of hazardous chemical agents during last year's protests.According to Zourabichvili, fifty-nine people she described as prisoners of conscience spent nine months in pre-trial detention and later received sentences ranging from two to six years. She added that nearly 80 percent of pro-European party leaders are in prison, along with those detained after the events of October 4.She said that about 1,200 civil servants were dismissed for expressing support for European integration, that 400 journalists experienced violence while covering demonstrations, and that twenty regional and online media outlets closed during the year. She also said citizens were "suffocated by fines," many of which amounted to thousands or tens of thousands of lari."This year was a year of systemic repression, systematic violation of human rights and oppression," she said. "A year of violence, arrests, violation of human dignity, injustice. We still need to establish the facts about the poisoning, but this also completes the picture of this terrible year."Zourabichvili stated that the authorities bear responsibility for what she described as the country's severe decline in political freedoms and human rights protections.
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A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology confirms that one of the first Food and Drug Administration-approved CAR-T cell therapies offers long-term survival and potential cures for adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, even years after treatment.

CAR-T cells are genetically engineered immune cells that target cancer.

Oregon Health & Science University has been involved in the drug's clinical trials and its subsequent FDA approval since 2014, when Richard Maziarz, M.D., former medical director of the adult blood and marrow stem cell transplant and now leader of the immune effector cellular therapy program in the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, was named as co-principal investigator of the trial, along with Stephen J. Schuster, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania.

"This is the final, long-term analysis of the JULIET trialone of the earliest CAR-T studies in the U.S.," Maziarz said. "We're now identifying many survivors six years out, which is remarkable for a population that had very few options and very limited expectations for any meaningful survival."

OHSU has been a pioneer in CAR-T cell therapy, leading this foundational clinical trial and shaping its design and rolloutfrom when CAR-T patients were in the tens, to now, when they're in the thousands.

"This clinical trial is foundational to CAR-T cell therapy, and just one example of OHSU's long and growing history of exemplary cancer research and patient care," said OHSU President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. "We are honored to do the work that offers hope to people battling lymphoma, and indeed any cancer, here in Oregon, across the country, and across the world."

'The living drug'

The JULIET trial, launched around 2014, led to the approval of Novartis's chimeric antigen receptorknown as CAR-T-cell therapy tisagenlecleucel, marketed as Kymriah, for adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. Participants had failed at least two previous lines of systemic therapy.

As the first CAR-T cell gene therapy available in the U.S., Kymriah uses CAR-T cell therapy, a form of immunotherapy in which the participant's own blood cells are collected, genetically engineered to attack B-cell lymphoma cells, then infused back into the patient.

In the new study looking at longitudinal results, of the 115 participants infused, the five-year overall survival rate reached approximately 32% and was 56% among patients who achieved a response.

"In a group where historical survival was projected to be under 5% to 10% at five years, we're now seeing clear evidence of long-term, durable remissions," Maziarz said. "We're not just talking about temporary responses anymore. We're talking about remission for more than five years in a disease that was once considered incurable at this stage."

The study also demonstrated that CAR-T cells remained detectable in the blood of some participants more than five years later, supporting the therapy's long-term persistence and effectiveness, and as well proof of principle that CAR T-cell treatments are appropriately nicknamed "the living drug."

Maziarz emphasized OHSU's pivotal role in the trial.

"We helped enroll and follow participants, and importantly, I served as chair of the original scientific steering committee, alongside colleagues from the U.S. and Europe," he said. "We shaped this trial from its design to its global rollout."

Foundational study

Since the JULIET trial, the CAR-T cell therapy landscape has expanded dramatically.

"At the time of this original study, fewer than 100 people a year were getting CAR-T in the U.S. Now, it's approaching 6,000 annually," Maziarz said. "This was the foundational study that helped make that growth possible."

The research also identified key biological markers that could help predict who is most likely to benefit from CAR-T cell therapy.

"It's not just about giving the drug anymoreit's about matching the right therapy to the right patient at the right time," he added.

Looking ahead, Maziarz said efforts are underway to move CAR-T cell therapy even earlier in the treatment process, potentially into first-line care for high-risk disease.

"We're exploring how to identify those at greatest risk of recurrence and intervene with CAR-T cell therapy before the disease becomes unmanageable," he said.

Recent studies by Maziarz and colleagues also show that access to these life-saving CAR-T cell therapies remains a challenge, particularly for lower-income and rural communities.

"This isn't just about treating cancer anymore," he said. "We've changed the natural history of the disease. And now the challenge is making sure everyone who needs this therapy can receive it."

Clinical categories Oncology
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A combination of missed prevention opportunities and health inequalities can result in the early deaths of people living with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities, a study has shown.

Around 1.2 million people in England have some form of intellectual disability, with epilepsy estimated to impact 2025% of themup to 300,000 peoplecompared to just 1% of the general population.

However, until now, there has been no national-level population-based evidence on the risks and protective factors specifically contributing to epilepsy-related deaths in people with intellectual disability.

This new research aims to fill that gap with its analysis of nearly 10,000 deaths between 2016 and 2021, constituting the largest global study examining epilepsy-related mortality in adults with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy.

It found epilepsy was the primary cause of death in just over 16% of those people, and that they died at a significantly younger average age56 compared to 62than those who had issues other than epilepsy listed as the primary cause of death in their health records.

The study particularly highlights significant disparities in epilepsy-related mortality based on ethnicity, with African and Asian individuals dying youngerat an average age of just 36than their White British counterparts.

Barriers to effective interventions

All of this, the authors say, is despite the fact targeted interventionsincluding annual health checks, multidisciplinary care access, and specialist psychiatric and speech and language therapy supportdo exist but are rarely administered in a uniform manner. The paper showcases these interventions as being effective at increasing a person's length of life.

Writing in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, the study's authors say poor quality of care, service gaps and the lack of annual health checks should be considered unacceptable in modern health care.

As such, they have called for a systemic service redesign to try and prevent avoidable epilepsy-related deaths among people with intellectual disabilities in the future.

The study was led by experts in epilepsy, intellectual disability and medical statistics from the University of Plymouth, the University of Exeter and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, working with colleagues in universities across the UK.

Expert perspectives on the findings

Professor Rohit Shankar MBE, Professor of Neuropsychiatry at the University of Plymouth and Director of its Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER) unit, said, "Among neurological conditions, epilepsy is the biggest killer apart from stroke. Our study shows that among people who also have an intellectual disability, it poses a greater threat of them dying younger, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being even more at risk.

"What is arguably even more shocking is that there are strategies, including psychiatric support to speech and language therapy out there to help people. It is wholly unacceptable that these are not routinely and systematically used in a proactive manner everywhere in England, particularly when we're talking about people who are extremely vulnerable and often have difficulties in communicating their needs or concerns. It is a situation that urgently needs addressing."

Professor William Henley, Professor of Medical Statistics at the University of Exeter Medical School, said, "We hope our stark and shocking findings will act as a rallying cry to make a difference for families affected by epilepsy and learning disability. Our research paints a bleak picturewe owe it to these families to build on this to make a difference, to offer a brighter future."

The research was based on data collected through the Learning from Lives and Deaths Review Program (LeDeR), which focuses on learning from the lives and deaths of people with learning disabilities and autistic people, using reviews to improve local services.

Pauline Heslop, Emeritus Professor of Intellectual Disabilities Studies at the University of Bristol, was the Program Manager for the LeDeR Program for England from 2015-2021. She added, "I am pleased that the LeDeR data is still being used effectively to highlight areas of disparity in deaths of people with intellectual disability, and to indicate where policy and practice needs to be strengthened.

"It is of significant concern that epilepsy-related deaths are associated with a poorer quality of care and gaps in service provision when compared to non-epilepsy-related deathsissues which need addressing at individual and systemic levels."

Programs and personal stories

The study's authors have been working for several years with charities and other health care organizations who support people affected by epilepsy and learning disabilities.

This has resulted in the development of dedicated programs such as the Clive Treacey Safety Checklist (co-developed by NHS England Midlands, the University of Plymouth, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the charity SUDEP Action) and the SUDEP and Seizure Safety checklist, which is highlighted in the study as a resource that should be used more widely in the future.

The Clive Treacey checklist was named in honor of a man who died aged 47 having been kept in a psychiatric unit without having his health needs fully addressed.

Clive's sister, Elaine Clarke, said, "It's deeply shocking to see that there are so many people with a learning disability who, just like my brother Clive, continue to die avoidable deaths because they do not receive the epilepsy care and treatment that they should. If these terrible statistics belonged to almost any other part of society, there would be public outragebut the harsh reality is that people, like my brother Clive, are not valued or prioritized."

Charity reactions and calls for change

The findings have also been welcomed by UK-based charities, who said the research reinforces their ongoing calls for a complete overhaul of NHS care for people with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.

Jane Hanna OBE, Co-Founder and Director of Policy and Influencing of SUDEP Action, said, "The stark findings of this large study are welcomed as they reflect the experience of families of the significant gaps in basic care and communication over three decades since SUDEP Action was founded.

"Today there is a stark lottery between the local NHS areas that are working with the charity to adopt the free SUDEP and Seizure Safety Checklist and areas that are still operating in ignorance that epilepsy is a cliff-edge condition that requires advocacy and risk management."

Alison Fuller from Epilepsy Action said, "This research lays bare the shocking inequalities faced by people with epilepsy and a learning disability. It clearly shows that they are dying far too young and acts as a stark reminder that this group remains among the most at-risk group in our health system. Even more concerning is the finding that people from African and Asian backgrounds face an even greater risk of dying prematurely, exposing deep-rooted and persistent inequalities.

"These are preventable deaths! With annual health checks, access to the right professionals and truly joined-up person-centered care plans, lives can be saved, but too often support is either inconsistent or unavailable. The evidence is clear: the NHS must act urgently to deliver proactive, coordinated, equitable care, so that everyone with epilepsy and a learning disability has the chance to live a longer, healthier life."

Kate Chate, Family Member Election Representative Co-Chair for Learning Disability England, added, "It is so encouraging to see research being done into the causes of early and preventable deaths of people with learning disabilities. Knowing 'why' is surely the start of the road to prevention?

"This paper shows the very stark and alarming difference for people with Black, Afro-Caribbean and Asian origins. And it reveals that input from psychiatrists and speech & language therapists is particularly important.

"As a family member, this kind of research that brings data to advocate for better services for people with Learning Disabilities is more than just welcome, it is very gratefully applauded."

Key medical concepts EpilepsyIntellectual Disability
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Credit: Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.120720

In Brazil, researchers from the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) have conducted a study that confirmed the safety and anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic properties of the Joseph's Coat plant (Alternanthera littoralis).

Native to the Brazilian coast, this plant has been used in folk medicine to combat inflammation, microbial infections, and parasitic diseases. Until now, there has been little pharmacological evidence to support these applications or analyze their safety.

The study is published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

The first step of the study was to conduct phytochemical analyses of the plant to identify the main bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extract of its aerial parts. This analysis was conducted by Marcos Salvador, a pharmacist from the Institute of Biology (IB) at UNICAMP. Next, the team led by pharmacologist Candida Kassuya from the Faculty of Health Sciences at UFGD evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy in experimental models of arthritis.

"Finally, we performed the toxicological analyses under my coordination," explains Arielle Cristina Arena, associate professor in the Department of Structural and Functional Biology at the Institute of Biosciences at UNESP's Botucatu Campus.

The results showed that the ethanolic extract of A. littoralis significantly reduces inflammation in laboratory animals.

"In the experimental models, we observed reduced edema, improved joint parameters, and modulation of inflammatory mediators, suggesting antioxidant and tissue-protective actions," says Arena.

According to the professor, the findings reinforce the plant's medicinal potential and establish a solid scientific basis for future preclinical research and the possible development of herbal products. The conclusions suggest a safety profile at therapeutic doses that may also be promising for human use.

Despite the encouraging outcome, it is not yet possible to recommend its immediate clinical use. Further toxicological analyses, as well as clinical studies and the standardization of the extract, are needed to ensure safety, efficacy, and pharmacotechnical quality. Additionally, the path to therapeutic application requires further regulatory steps.

"This research is part of an ongoing line of investigation developed by UFGD, UNESP, and UNICAMP, and our purpose is to value Brazilian biodiversity and traditional knowledge, but with a rigorous scientific basis, promoting the safe and rational use of natural products," says Arena.

Publication details Felipe Leoratto Parizoto et al, Ethanolic extract of Alternanthera littoralis P. Beauv. aerial parts: Safety assessment and efficacy in experimental models of articular, Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.120720 Journal information: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Key medical concepts ArthritisInflammation

Clinical categories RheumatologyClinical pharmacology
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Dr. Jakob Wittenstein, international coordinator and first author of the PROTHOR study. Credit: UKD / Kirsten Lassig

The Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital in Dresden and the TU Dresden Faculty of Medicine has conducted the world's largest study on patient safety in major lung surgery. Until now, it was not clear how different ventilation strategies during lung surgery affect the risk of possible complications. The PROTHOR study now provides physicians with guidance on choosing the most appropriate ventilation approach during such anesthesia. The results of the study were recently published in the journal Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

How the PROTHOR study was conducted

During lung surgery, the lung that is being operated on must be selectively collapsed while the other lung is mechanically ventilated. This process is known as one-lung ventilation. It places increased mechanical strain on the ventilated lung, raising the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications such as respiratory failure and pneumonia. Which ventilation strategy can reduce these complications during major lung operations had not been clarified until now.

The PROTHOR study, initiated and led by the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at the UKD and the Faculty of Medicine of TU Dresden, investigated whether ventilation with a higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuvers can reduce the risk of pulmonary complications compared to a strategy with lower PEEP without such maneuvers.

PEEP refers to the pressure that exists in the lungs at the end of exhalation. Recruitment maneuvers help reopen closed alveoli. However, higher PEEP and recruitment maneuvers can also negatively affect blood pressure. Over a period of eight years, 2,200 patients at 74 centers in 28 countries were examined for this purpose.

Key findings and expert perspectives

The results showed that ventilation with increased PEEP and recruitment maneuvers led to better gas exchange in the lungs, whereas lower PEEP was associated with more stable circulatory conditions during anesthesia. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications did not differ between the groups. The choice of ventilation concept should therefore be made on an individual basis and after careful consideration of the patient's condition during surgery.

"These new research findings enable improved ventilation during complex lung surgery and contribute to patient safety. The PROTHOR study shows the responsibility we take on in patient care," said Prof. Uwe Platzbecker, Medical Director at the University Hospital.

"University medicine in Dresden stands for close exchange between research and clinical care. The PROTHOR study impressively proves this and sets standards far beyond Germany," said Prof. Esther Troost, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at TU Dresden.

"This success was only possible thanks to the close and dedicated collaboration of 248 scientists from four continents. Our sincere thanks go to everyone involvedwithout their efforts, this study would not have been possible," emphasized Dr. Jakob Wittenstein, international coordinator and first author of the study.

"Our clinic is particularly committed to transferring findings from clinical research into routine care. This is why we lead and support large international studies such as PROTHOR," said Clinic Director Prof. Thea Koch.

"Especially in such complex procedures, anesthesia and differentiated ventilation play a crucial role in the success of the treatment. The PROTHOR study also shows us surgeons: That optimal ventilation strategy must be selected individually to enhance patient safety," said Dr. Alexander Kern, who has been working as an additional specialist in thoracic surgery at the Dresden University Hospital since October.

Publication details Jeroen Abbenhuis et al, Effects of intraoperative higher versus lower positive end-expiratory pressure during one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery on postoperative pulmonary complications (PROTHOR): a multicentre, international, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(25)00330-3 Journal information: Lancet Respiratory Medicine

Clinical categories Anesthesiology
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

With the tax-free money in a health savings account, a person can pay for eyeglasses or medical exams, as well as a $1,700 baby bassinet or a $300 online parenting workshop.

Those same dollars can't be used, though, to pay for most baby formulas, toothbrushesor insurance premiums.

President Donald Trump and some Republicans are pitching the accounts as an alternative to expiring enhanced federal subsidies that have lowered insurance premium payments for most Americans with Affordable Care Act coverage. But legal limits on how HSAs can and can't be used are prompting doubts that expanding their use would benefit the predominantly low-income people who rely on ACA plans.

The Republican proposals come on the heels of a White House-led change to extend HSA eligibility to more ACA enrollees. One group that would almost certainly benefit: a slew of companies selling expensive wellness items that can be purchased with tax-free dollars from the accounts.

There is also deep skepticism, even among conservatives who support the proposals, that the federal government can pull off such a major policy shift in just a few weeks. The enhanced ACA subsidies expire at the end of the year, and Republicans are still debating among themselves whether to simply extend them.

"The plans have been designed. The premiums have been set. Many people have already enrolled and made their selections," Douglas Holtz-Eakin, the president of the American Action Forum, a conservative think tank, warned senators on Nov. 19. "There's very little that this Congress can do to change the outlook."

Cassidy's plan

With health savings accounts, people who pay high out-of-pocket costs for health insurance are able to set aside money, without paying taxes, for medical expenses.

For decades, Republicans have promoted these accounts as a way for people to save money for major or emergency medical expenses without spending more federal tax dollars on health care.

The latest GOP proposals would build on a change included in Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which makes millions more ACA enrollees eligible for health savings accounts. Starting Jan. 1, those enrolled in Obamacare's cheapest coverage may open and contribute to HSAs.

Now Republicans are making the case that, in lieu of the pandemic-era enhanced ACA subsidies, patients would be better off being given money to cover some health costsspecifically through deposits to HSAs.

The White House has yet to release a formal proposal, though early reports suggested it could include HSA contributions as well as temporary, more restrictive premium subsidies.

Sen. Bill Cassidya Louisiana Republican who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and is facing a potentially tough reelection fight next yearhas proposed loading HSAs with federal dollars sent directly to some ACA enrollees.

"The American people want something to pass, so let's find something to pass," Cassidy said on Dec. 3, pitching his plan for HSAs again. "Let's give power to the patient, not profit to the insurance company."

He has promised a deal can be struck in time for 2026 coverage.

Democrats, whose support Republicans will likely need to pass any health care measure, have widely panned the GOP's ideas. They are calling instead for an extension of the enhanced subsidies to control premium costs for most of the nearly 24 million Americans enrolled in the ACA marketplace, a larger pool than the 7.3 million people the Trump administration estimates soon will be eligible for HSAs.

HSAs "can be a useful tool for very wealthy people," said Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. "But I don't see it as a comprehensive health insurance opportunity."

Who can use HSAs?

The IRS sets restrictions on the use of HSAs, which are typically managed by banks or health insurance companies. For starters, on the ACA marketplace, they are available only to those with the highest-deductible health insurance plansthe bronze and catastrophic plans.

There are limits on how much can be deposited into an account each year. In 2026 it will be $4,400 for a single person and $8,750 for a family.

Flexible spending accounts, or FSAswhich are typically offered through employer coveragework similarly but have lower savings limits and cannot be rolled over from year to year.

The law that established HSAs prohibits the accounts from being used to pay insurance premiums, meaning that without an overhaul, the GOP's proposals are unlikely to alleviate the problem at hand: skyrocketing premium payments. Obamacare enrollees who receive subsidies are projected to pay 114% more out-of-pocket for their premiums next year on average, absent congressional action.

Even with the promise of the government depositing cash into an HSA, people may still opt to go without coverage next year once they see those premium costs, said Tom Buchmueller, an economics professor at the University of Michigan who worked in the Biden administration.

"For people who stay in the marketplace, they're going to be paying a lot more money every month," he said. "It doesn't help them pay that monthly premium."

Others, Buchmueller noted, might be pushed into skimpier insurance coverage. Obamacare bronze plans come with the highest out-of-pocket costs.

An HHS official's interest

Health savings accounts can be used to pay for many routine medical supplies and services, such as medical and dental exams, as well as emergency room visits. In recent years, the government has expanded the list of applicable purchases to include over-the-counter products such as Tylenol and tampons.

Purchases for "general health" are not permissible, such as fees for dance or swim lessons. Food, gym memberships, or supplements are not allowed unless prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition or need.

Americans are investing more into these accounts as their insurance deductibles rise, according to Morningstar. The investment research firm found that assets in HSAs grew from $5 billion 20 years ago to $146 billion last year.

President George W. Bush signed the law establishing health savings accounts in 2003, with the White House promising at the time that they would "help more American families get the health care they need at a price they can afford."

Since then, the accounts have become most common for wealthier, white Americans who are healthy and have employer-sponsored health insurance, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office in September.

Now, even more money is expected to flow into these accounts, because of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Companies are taking notice of the growing market for HSA-approved products, with major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target developing online storefronts dedicated to devices, medications, and supplies eligible to be purchased with money in the accounts.

Startups have popped up in recent years dedicated to helping people get quick approval from medical providers for variousand sometimes expensiveitems, memberships, or fitness or health services.

Truemeda company co-founded in 2022 by Calley Means, a close ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.has emerged as one of the biggest players in this niche space.

A $9,000 red cedar ice bath and a $2,000 hemlock sauna, for example, are available for purchase with HSA funds through Truemed. So, too, is the $1,700 bassinet, designed to automatically respond to the cries of a newborn by gently rocking the baby back to sleep.

Truemed's executives say its most popular products are its smaller-dollar fitness offerings, which include kettlebells, supplements, treadmills, and gym memberships.

"What we've seen at Truemed is that, when given the choice, Americans choose to invest their health care dollars in these kinds of proven lifestyle interventions," Truemed CEO Justin Mares told KFF Health News.

Means joined the Department of Health and Human Services in November after a stint earlier this year at the White House, where he worked when Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law in July. Truemed's general counsel, Joe Vladeck, said Means left the company in August.

Asked about Means' potential to benefit from the law's expansion of HSAs, HHS spokeswoman Emily Hilliard said in a statement that "Calley Means will not personally benefit financially from this proposal as he will be divesting from his company since he has been hired at HHS as a senior advisor supporting food and nutrition policy."

Truemed is privately held, not publicly traded, and details of how Means will go about divesting have not been disclosed.

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Study highlights that early, purposeful mobilization during intensive care can significantly reduce long-term dependence and improve quality of life. Credit: Mechelen AZ St Maarten Intensive Care Unit 02" by Ad Meskens (openverse.org/image/7b5ef29c-1c03-49fb-bafa-8e5607a9b164)

A multicenter study across Japan found that ICU patients receiving more intensive rehabilitation regained independence faster after critical illness. Among 121 patients on mechanical ventilation, higher rehabilitation dose and mobility levels were linked to a lower risk of delayed recovery. The findings highlight that purposeful, early mobilization can improve outcomes and shorten recovery for ICU survivors.

Challenges faced by ICU survivors

When patients survive critical illness and leave the intensive care unit (ICU), many still face a long road to recovery. One of the most important milestones is regaining independence in activities of daily living (ADL), like the ability to walk, dress, bathe, and manage basic self-care without assistance. Unfortunately, many ICU survivors, especially those who require mechanical ventilation, struggle with muscle weakness, fatigue, and reduced physical function for weeks or even months.

Study design and methodology

This multicenter study across eight hospitals, led by Professor Shinichi Watanabe from Nagoya Medical Center in Japan, examined whether the amount and intensity of rehabilitation therapy provided in the ICU influence how quickly patients regain their independence. This study was published and made available in the Journal of Intensive Medicine on 14 October 2025. Professor Watanabe explained, "We hypothesized that higher rehabilitation dose and intensity would be associated with faster and more complete functional recovery."

Researchers analyzed data from 121 adult ICU patients who had been on mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. Patients who were already dependent in walking before admission or had severe neurological or terminal illnesses were excluded. All participants received rehabilitation during their ICU stay, including exercises tailored to their condition, such as assisted range-of-motion, sitting up in bed, standing, and walking practice.

The team focused on five key rehabilitation parameters during the ICU stay: dose, measured using the Mobilization Quantification Score (MQS), which combines duration and difficulty of each activity; intensity, measured by the highest level achieved on the ICU Mobility Scale (IMS), from lying in bed to walking independently; duration, representing total active exercise time; frequency, or number of rehabilitation sessions; and start time, defined as days from ICU admission to first mobilization.

Key findings and implications

Patients' ADL function was measured using the Barthel Index (BI) before ICU admission, at ICU discharge, and during follow-up. Based on recovery patterns, patients were categorized as early recovery, i.e. those who regained independence (BI  85) within 14 days after ICU discharge; recovery, i.e. those who regained independence by hospital discharge; and delayed recovery, i.e. those who remained dependent at hospital discharge.

Two factors: rehabilitation dose and mobility intensity, were strongly linked to avoiding delayed recovery. Patients in the delayed recovery group had lower average MQS scores and achieved lower IMS levels during their ICU stay than those who recovered earlier. Each increase in MQS was associated with a 49% lower odds of delayed recovery, and each higher point on the IMS was linked to a 14% lower odds of delayed recovery. These results held true after adjusting for age, underlying health conditions, and illness severity.

Interestingly, the early recovery group did not show a significant relationship between rehabilitation parameters and recovery speed, likely because many were already in good physical condition before ICU admission. The findings suggest that the quality of mobilization in the ICU, getting patients to higher levels of activity, may matter more than total exercise time.

Purposeful movement, such as sitting up, standing, or walking helps preserve muscle strength and function, supporting a faster return to independence. Given that 42% of patients experienced delayed recovery, optimizing ICU rehabilitation programs could have a major impact. Earlier and more intense mobilization could reduce hospital stays, improve quality of life, and lower healthcare costs.

Study limitations and future directions

This was a secondary analysis, so causation cannot be proven. The study did not measure certain factors, such as frailty or muscle mass before ICU admission, which may influence recovery. Rehabilitation practices also varied slightly between hospitals. "Our study, reduced rehabilitation dose and mobility intensity during ICU stay were independently associated with delayed ADL recovery among mechanically ventilated patients," concluded Prof. Watanabe.

Future studies should test standardized, high-dose rehabilitation protocols in a larger group of ICU patients, ideally through randomized trials, to confirm whether increasing rehabilitation dose and intensity can reliably speed recovery. For critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, rehabilitation focused on higher-dose, higher-intensity mobility exercises in the ICU may help prevent long-term dependence in daily activities. The study highlights an important, modifiable part of ICU care that could improve patient outcomes and independence after discharge.

More information Shinichi Watanabe et al, Association between ICU rehabilitation parameters and recovery of activities of daily living in mechanically ventilated patients: A multicenter prospective observational study, Journal of Intensive Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2025.08.003

Key medical concepts Mechanical Ventilations

Provided by Journal of Intensive Medicine
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Florida resident Keith Jones says his Affordable Care Act insurance plan was changed multiple times this year without his permission. Now the 52-year-old is struggling with his health problems while facing large premium bills he says he shouldn't owe.

The third time, he sought help from an insurance agent, who got Jones on the phone with the federal healthcare.gov call center to sort things out. During that call, "literally, there was someone opening a new policy without my consent," Jones said.

Despite new rules that went into effect in mid-2024 aimed at thwarting such unauthorized ACA changes, it's still happening, said Florida-based agent Jason Fine, who is trying to help Jones and dozens of other clients unravel such switches.

The Government Accountability Office, an independent government watchdog, on Dec. 3 issued a sharply critical, though preliminary, report saying that years of similar GAO warnings to federal officials have not produced results needed to better protect against ACA enrollment fraud. Alarms were raised during the Obama and Biden administrations, as well as the first Trump administration.

There were more than 275,000 complaints to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services about unauthorized ACA enrollments and plan-switching in 2024, according to the agency, which also administers Obamacare coverage.

"The absolute bottom line is nothing has changed in terms of risk," Seto J. Bagdoyan, a co-author of the GAO report, said in an interview with KFF Health News. Bagdoyan is the director of audit services for the agency's Forensic Audits and Investigative Service team.

The report landed as Congress continues to be embroiled in the issue of whether to extend the more generous tax subsidies that have given consumers extra help paying their Obamacare premiums in recent years. Some ACA critics have said the subsidies fuel enrollment fraud.

Citing fraud concerns, GOP lawmakers included measures in their One Big Beautiful Bill Act that will make it harder to enroll in ACA plans in future years, such as requiring additional eligibility verification. But lawmakers have not adopted legislation introduced by Democrats to impose criminal penalties on brokers who knowingly submit false information on ACA enrollments.

"None of the Republicans making political hay out of this report have co-sponsored that legislation or offered any similar measures," Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said in a statement to KFF Health News. Wyden is one of the sponsors of the legislation.

The GAO inquiry, during which investigators attempted to submit enrollments using false information, was requested more than a year ago by Republicans from three House committees: Energy and Commerce, Judiciary, and Ways and Means.

The lawmakers asked for findings that could be made public now, even though the final report and any recommendations it will contain won't be completed until the spring or summer of 2026. A hearing to consider the findings was set by House members for Dec. 10.

The report notes that federal officials estimate that $124 billion in tax subsidies were paid in 2024 for nearly 20 million ACA enrollments.

It highlighted some stunning findings. One Social Security number, for instance, was found to have been used for 125 policies in 2023.

However, the number of policies flagged as potentially compromised by rogue sales agents was far smaller than the estimates of some of the program's biggest critics. The GAO identified about 160,000 cases in 2024, or 1.5% of the ACA applications. Some conservative analysts have broadly estimated that unauthorized enrollments that year numbered in the millions, a finding that has drawn pushback from groups representing insurers, brokers, and hospitals.

The GAO report does not quantify how much fraud there is, Bagdoyan said, "What it's focusing on are indicators of potential fraud."

CMS anti-fraud efforts fall short

By October 2024, following consumer complaints, CMS suspended about 850 insurance brokers over questions about whether they had been involved with unauthorized enrollment. All were eventually reinstated, CMS told the GAO in May. Also last October, the GAO submitted the first four of its fake applications, seeking coverage for the final months of the year.

A few months earlier, in July 2024, CMS began requiring three-way calls with consumers, the marketplace, and their agents for certain types of changes, such as plan switches.

Unauthorized plan-switching nets rogue agents a sales commission, and it can also lead to problems for consumers, such as losing access to their doctors or facing tax bills if they were improperly enrolled with subsidies, as KFF Health News reported in 2024.

However, the GAO reported that many agents told them those rules had a lot of loopholes, such as the federal marketplace taking only "limited steps to verify the identity of the consumer on the three-way call," for instance asking only for publicly available information such as a name and date of birth.

Also, new ACA applicants were exempt from the three-way call rule, which leaves open the possibility of agents saying it's a new consumer when it isn't.

"The three-way call is something CMS has promoted," Bagdoyan said. "It's better than nothing, but as we point out in the report, it could be easy to overcome by an unscrupulous broker who starts the process from scratch. Or they could impersonate."

Fine, the agent in Florida, said he alone has filed dozens of complaints with federal and state officials, often showing clients' records being accessed or changed by multiple agents, sometimes on the same day, even after the CMS rules on plan-switching went into effect.

In one such fraud complaint, Fine listed three marketplace applications tied to one client's name in which other agents had changed his coverage and included false income information. The client didn't recall talking with any of those other agents, Fine wrote.

A marketplace representative who was helping Fine restore that client's coverage told Fine that he often hears agents pretending to be the consumer, sometimes even faking the voice of an opposite-sex person.

Rogue agents can fake it because questions asked by marketplace representatives to verify identity "are from the application: the person's name, date of birth, and address," Fine said. "That's the ID proofing. It's a joke."

Asked about the effectiveness of the three-way call rule and about reports of impersonations, CMS spokesperson Catherine Howden said in a statement that "rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse is one of Dr. Oz's top priorities," referring to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz. The agency "takes allegations of fraudulent or abusive conduct seriously and acts swiftly when concerning behaviors are identified or reported," she added.

Ronnell Nolan, the president and CEO of the insurance broker lobbying group Health Agents for America, said, "Three-way calling is a bust. It needs to go away."

Instead, she has long called for two-factor authentication, similar to systems used in banking and other industries, to ensure the person making the change is actually the policyholder or their agent.

That hasn't happened on the federal marketplace, where the problems with unauthorized switching are concentrated.

In the 20 states, along with the District of Columbia , that run their own ACA marketplaces, such issues are not common. States say that's because they require more types of authenticationand they also generally use their own websites for sign-ups.

Bagdoyan said the GAO report did not consider what the states might be doing differently.

"That was beyond our scope," he said.

Devilish details

The 26-page document outlines the GAO's probe, in which investigators filed 20 fake enrollments, some through insurance brokers, spanning 2024 and 2025 coverage. Most were approved, even with counterfeit documents.

One attempted application was dropped by investigators when the broker stopped respondingthe brokers did not know they were part of the investigationand another was rejected by the federal marketplace after five months of coverage when required documents were not submitted. But 18 of the plans remain in place and subsidies are being sent to insurers to cover the fake people, according to Bagdoyan.

The investigation also included an analysis of enrollment data from 2023 and 2024 looking for things such as multiple uses of the same Social Security numbers, dead people's numbers, and cases in which three or more agents submitted enrollment actions for the same person and start date, potentially indicating fraud.

Similar investigations using the filing of fictitious enrollments were conducted by the GAO in earlier undercover work that began in 2014, at the start of the ACA.

The new report said that while CMS assessed fraud risks in 2018, it has not updated its assessment since then, even as enrollment in the ACA has grown significantly.

"We have documentary evidence that whatever it is they did, obviously it hasn't worked," Bagdoyan said, "because we encountered the same issues as 12 years ago, having to do with identity verification."

Key medical concepts Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A Medicare pilot program will allow private companies to use artificial intelligence to review older Americans' requests for certain medical careand will reward the companies when they deny it.

In January, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will launch the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model to test AI-powered prior authorizations on certain health services for Medicare patients in six states: Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington. The program is scheduled to last through 2031.

The program effectively inserts one of private insurance's most unpopular featuresprior authorizationinto traditional Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. Prior authorization is the process by which patients and doctors must ask health insurers to approve medical procedures or drugs before proceeding.

Adults over 65 generally have two options for health insurance: traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Both types of Medicare are funded with public dollars, but Medicare Advantage plans are contracted through private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage plans tend to cost less out of pocket, but patients enrolled in them often must seek prior authorization for care.

AI-powered prior authorization in Medicaid Advantage and private insurance has attracted intense criticism, legislative action by state and federal lawmakers, federal investigations and class-action lawsuits. It's been linked to bad health outcomes. Dozens of states have passed legislation in recent years to regulate the practice.

In June, the Trump administration even extracted a pledge from major health insurers to streamline and reduce prior authorization.

"Americans shouldn't have to negotiate with their insurer to get the care they need," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a June statement announcing the pledge. "Pitting patients and their doctors against massive companies was not good for anyone."

Four days after the pledge was announced, the administration rolled out the new WISeR program, scheduled to take effect in January. It will require prior authorization only for certain services and prescriptions that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has identified as "particularly vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse, or inappropriate use."

Those services include, among other things, knee arthroscopy for knee osteoarthritis, skin and tissue substitutes, certain nerve stimulation services and incontinence control devices.

The companies get paid based on how much money they save Medicare by denying approvals for "unnecessary or non-covered services," CMS said in a statement unveiling the program.

The new program has alarmed many physicians and advocates in the affected states.

"In concept, it makes a lot of sense; you don't want to pay for care that patients don't need," said Jeb Shepard, policy director for the Washington State Medical Association.

"But in practice, [prior authorization] has been hugely problematic because it essentially acts as a barrier. There are a lot of denials and lengthy appeals processes that pull physicians away from providing care to patients. They have to fight with insurance carriers to get their patients the care they believe is appropriate."

CMS responded to Stateline's questions by providing additional information about the program, but offered few details on what the agency would do to prevent delays or denials of care. It has said that final decisions on coverage denials will be made by "licensed clinicians, not machines."

In a bid to hold the companies accountable, CMS also incentivizes them for making determinations in a reasonable amount of time, and for making the right determinations according to Medicare rules, without needing appeals.

In the statement announcing the program, Abe Sutton, director of the CMS Innovation Center, said the "low-value services" targeted by WISeR "offer patients minimal benefit and, in some cases, can result in physical harm and psychological stress. They also increase patient costs while inflating health care spending."

A vulnerable group

Dr. Bindu Nayak is an endocrinologist in Wenatchee, Washington, a city near the center of the state that bills itself as the "Apple Capital of the World." She mainly treats patients with diabetes and estimates 3040% of her patients have Medicare.

"Medicare recipients are a vulnerable group," Nayak told Stateline. "The WISeR program puts more barriers up for them to access care. And they may now have to deal with prior authorization when they never had to deal with it before."

Nayak and other physicians worry the same problems with prior authorizations that they've seen with their Medicare Advantage patients will plague traditional Medicare patients. Nayak has employees on staff whose only role is to handle prior authorizations.

More than a quarter of physicians nationwide say prior authorization issues led to a serious problem for a patient in their care, including hospitalization or permanent damage, according to the most recent report from the American Medical Association.

And some patients are unfairly denied treatment. Private insurers have denied care for people with Medicare Advantage plans even though their prior authorization requests met Medicare's requirements, according to an investigation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published in 2022. Investigators found 13% of prior authorization denials were for requests that should have been granted.

But supporters of the new model say something must be done to reduce costs. Medicare is the largest single purchaser of health care in the nation, with spending expected to double in the next decade, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, an independent federal agency. Medicare spent as much as $5.8 billion in 2022 on services with little or no benefit to patients.

Congress pushes back

In November, congressional representatives from Ohio, Washington and other states introduced a bill to repeal the WISeR model. It's currently in committee.

"The [Trump] administration has publicly admitted prior authorization is harmful, yet it is moving forward with this misguided effort that would make seniors navigate more red tape to get the care they're entitled to," U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, a Washington Democrat and a co-sponsor of the bill, said in a November statement.

Physician and hospital groups in many of the affected states have backed the bill, which would halt the program at least temporarily. Shepard, whose medical association supports the bill, said that would give CMS time to get more stakeholder input and give physicians more time to prepare for extra administrative requirements.

"Conventional wisdom would dictate a program of this magnitude that has elicited so much concern from so many corners would at least be delayed while we work through some things," Shepard said, "but there's no indication that they're going to back off this."

Adding more prior authorization requirements for a new subset of Medicare patients will tack on extra administrative burdens for physicians, especially those in orthopedics, urology and neurology, fields that have a higher share of services that fall under the new rules.

That increased administrative burden "will probably lead to a lot longer wait times for patients," Nayak said. "It will be important for patients to realize that they may see more barriers in the form of denials, but they should continue to advocate for themselves."

Dr. Jayesh Shah, president of the Texas Medical Association and a San Antonio-based wound care physician, said WISeR is a well-intentioned program, but that prior authorization hurts patients and physicians.

"Prior authorization delays care and sometimes also denies care to patients who need it, and it increases the hassle factor for all physicians," he said.

Shah added that, on the flip side, he's heard from a few physicians who welcome prior authorization. They'd rather get preapproval for a procedure than perform it and later have Medicare deny reimbursement if the procedure didn't meet requirements, he said.

Prior authorization has been a bipartisan concern in Congress and statehouses around the country.

Last year, 10 states Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Vermont, Virginia and Wyomingpassed laws regulating prior authorization, according to the American Medical Association.

Legislatures in at least 18 states have addressed prior authorization so far this year, an analysis from health policy publication Health Affairs Forefront found. Bipartisan groups of lawmakers in more than a dozen states have passed laws regulating the use of AI in health care.

But the new effort in the U.S. House to repeal the WISeR program is sponsored by Democrats. Supporters worry it's unlikely to gain much traction in the Republican-controlled Congress.

Shepard said his organization has talked with state and congressional representatives, met with the regional CMS office twice, and sent a letter to CMS Director Dr. Mehmet Oz.

"We've looked at all the levers and we've pulled most of them," Shepard said. "We're running out of levers to pull."

Venture capital jumps in

CMS announced in November it has selected six private tech companies to pilot the AI programs.

Some of them are backed by venture capital funds that count larger insurance companies among their key investors.

For example, Oklahoma's pilot will be run by Humata Health Inc., which is backed by investors that include Blue Venture Fund, the venture capital arm of Blue Cross Blue Shield companies, and Optum Ventures, a venture capital firm connected to UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare. Innovaccer Inc., chosen to run Ohio's program, counts health care giant Kaiser Permanente as an investor.

Nayak said she knows little about Virtix Health, the Arizona-based private company contracted by the feds to run Washington state's pilot program.

"Virtix Health would have a financial incentive to deny claims," Nayak said. "It begs the question, would there be any safeguards to prevent profit-driven denials of care?"

That financial incentive is a concern in Texas too.

"If, financially, the vendor is going to benefit by the denial, it could be a problem for our patients," Shah said. He said that Oz, in a webinar presentation on the new program, assured physicians that their satisfaction and turnaround times would be metrics that Medicare would factor into the tech companies' payments.

Key medical concepts Osteoarthritis, KneeDiabetes

2025 States Newsroom. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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In a little over ten years, organoid modelsminiature, lab-grown clusters of cells that imitate real organshave transformed how we study human development and disease while accelerating drug discovery. As a bonus, they've reduced our reliance on animal testing.

Among these models, brain organoids3D, brain-like structures grown from stem cellshave progressed from simple cell clusters to sophisticated models that mimic important aspects of brain development and function.

Recent breakthroughs have made them more complex: some organoids now show electrical activity similar to what is seen in a very early-stage human fetus. Others form networks of nerve cells that can send signals back and forth, in a similar way to how real brains communicate.

These advances promise deeper insights into brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia, and could revolutionize drug testing and personalized medicine. Yet, as complexity grows, so does ethical unease.

Bioethicists warn that current rules for human and animal research don't fit well for things that come from human cells, are alive, and are becoming more like real brains

Under controlled conditions, brain organoids can self-organize into layers resemblingat a very basic levelthe developing human brain.

At first, organoids were basic models of the cortex. But newer methods now let scientists combine organoids that mimic different brain regions and even blood vessels, making them more complex and long-lasting. Researchers have also found ways to accelerate their development, enabling them to form working neural networks more quickly and even connect with robots.

Organoids are useful because they let scientists study human biology without invasive procedures. They can show how the brain develops in early lifesomething we normally can't see inside the womb. They can also mimic conditions like Alzheimer's and autism so researchers can understand them better and test new treatments.

Organoids provide safer, more reliable ways to test drugs and help reduce the need for animals in research, supporting global efforts to phase out mandatory animal testing.

Yet, in many ways, organoids are not really miniature brains at all. They lack sensory input, body integration and do not replicate the vast complexity of a human brain.

Still, as organoids build neural networks and show electrical activity like that seen in premature babies, an important question arises: when does this level of complexity suggest they might have some kind of feeling or experience?

This is the main ethical concern. If organoids can process information or change their behavior in response to it, do they gain moral status?

Consciousness remains one of science's most elusive concepts. There's no clear definition or way to measure it. Some organoids have shown brain-like activity similar to that of premature babies, sparking headlines and public concern.

Many scientists argue that these signals just show early, immature brain activity, not actual awareness. Still, ethical cautions suggest we should consider thresholds for how complex and active organoids become before proceeding unchecked.

Regulatory limbo

Ethical frameworks for research assume two categories: human subjects and animals. However, organoids fit neither. They are human-derived but not a person; living but not sentient.

This ambiguity makes oversight of this field of research difficult. In the US and Europe, organoid research falls under general tissue-use regulations, focusing on donor consent rather than organoid welfare.

China recently introduced the first comprehensive organoid guidelines, covering things like the possibility of consciousness and mixing human and animal cells. Most other countries lack clear rules. Because of this, experts are calling for international oversight, ongoing consent mechanisms and advisory panels to keep research transparent and maintain public trust.

Brain organoids now sit at a crossroads: powerful enough to reshape neuroscience, yet complex enough to challenge our ethical comfort zones. As these models edge closer to behavior we normally associate with living brains, the world needs clearer rules, shared standards and open dialogue.

The science is moving fast, and our ethical frameworks must evolve just as quickly if we want this revolution to benefit society responsibly.

Clinical categories Neurology

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Representative images of H&E staining of back skin (left) and histological quantification of the dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT) area (right). Credit: Cell Death & Differentiation (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41418-025-01630-4

A research team led by Erwin F. Wagner from the Medical University of Vienna has discovered a previously unknown molecular mechanism that contributes to the development of psoriasisand at the same time represents a potential biomarker for a new treatment concept. The study published in Cell Death & Differentiation shows that a specific fatty acid-binding protein (FABP5) drives ferroptosis, a certain form of cell death, and amplifies inflammatory processes in the skin. Blocking this protein significantly improved the skin changes typically associated with psoriasis.

Until now, the chronic inflammatory skin disease psoriasis has been associated with overactivity of the immune system. Now, the scientific team led by Erwin Wagner (Department of Dermatology and Department of Laboratory Medicine, MedUni Vienna) and Kazuhiko Matsuoka (Center for Cancer Research, MedUni Vienna) with first author Kamil Mieczkowski (Department of Laboratory Medicine) has shown for the first time that changes in the fat metabolism of skin cells also contribute significantly to the development and progression of inflammation.

Scientific analyses show that skin samples from psoriasis patients and a corresponding animal model contain significantly elevated levels of the fatty acid-binding protein FABP5, while a certain protective enzyme (GPX4) is detectable at reduced levels. According to the researchers, this imbalance triggers an inflammatory cascade through ferroptosis that is typical of the clinical picture of psoriasis. At the same time, the team found that skin inflammation can be significantly reduced by pharmacological blockade of FABP5 and ferroptosis.

Systemic Liproxstatin-1 treatment reduces skin disease in DKO* mice. Credit: Cell Death & Differentiation (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41418-025-01630-4

Possible addition to immunomodulatory therapies

"Our results show that psoriasis is caused not only by a misdirected immune response, but also by changes in the fat metabolism of skin cells," says Erwin Wagner.

"FABP5 could therefore serve as a biomarker in the future for developing new, targeted therapies," Kazuhiko Matsuoka adds. This could be of particular benefit to patients who do not respond well to existing immunomodulatory approaches such as biologics.

The researchers also emphasize that FABP5 could be important not only for psoriasis, but also for other inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Since psoriasis is often associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, the study results also provide clues to possible common causes of these diseases. Further studies are needed to deepen and confirm the newly gained insights into the relationship between fat metabolism and inflammatory processes.

More information Kamil Mieczkowski et al, Fatty acid-binding protein 5 aggravates psoriasis and psoriasis-like disease through ferroptosis, Cell Death & Differentiation (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41418-025-01630-4
The News in Brief Friday, December 12, 2025

The European Court of Human Rights ruled on 11 December 2025 that Georgia unlawfully used force, including rubber bullets, to disperse a mass protest outside Parliament in June 2019. In the Grand Chamber judgment in Tsaava and Others v. Georgia, the Court found violations of the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly.The case involved 26 protesters and journalists injured during the crackdown. The Court said 24 of them were subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment and that the authorities failed to carry out an effective investigation. It noted that the inquiry had lasted more than five years without identifying those who ordered or used excessive force.Judges highlighted that police fired around 800 rubber bullets in three to four hours, often toward people's heads and upper bodies. The ruling said "the police had used rubber bullets as a general crowd control weapon" and that officers issued no warnings and had not been trained on the risks. Injuries included open wounds, fractured bones, and permanent loss of eyesight.Fourteen applicants were journalists. The Court said their treatment "had not been justified or proportionate" and violated freedom of expression. Although some protesters attempted to enter Parliament, the judges found that no dispersal order or warning was given and that the operation "was not justified."The Court said Georgia lacked adequate rules governing the use of rubber bullets and stressed that states must ensure such projectiles are "appropriately circumscribed." It instructed Georgia to strengthen its legal framework and to conduct an investigation capable of identifying and, if needed, punishing those responsible, including senior officers.The judgment also referenced concerns about plans to abolish the Special Investigation Service, noting that European bodies had urged authorities to preserve an independent accountability mechanism.Georgia was ordered to pay substantial compensation, including for the permanent loss of sight. The decision is final and now moves to the Committee of Ministers for supervision of its implementation.Transparency International Georgia says prosecutors failed to prove the main accusation in the so-called group violence cases linked to the November and December 2024 protests. According to the organization, "the prosecution controlled by Ivanishvili failed to prove the artificially constructed charge of group violence even before the court loyal to Ivanishvili."TI Georgia states that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor's Office and the courts worked together to carry out a political order. It says the authorities attempted to blame peaceful, pro-European demonstrators for police injuries and property damage, yet "the court still failed to see any causal link, not even the smallest, between the actions attributed to peaceful demonstrators and the harm claimed by police officers and other witnesses."Although the courts rejected the group violence charge, defendants were still convicted for organizing or participating in group actions that grossly violated public order. Three received two-and-a-half-year sentences, while the rest received two years.The organization argues that the rulings were political and not based on law. It says the judges acted as political actors serving the ruling party and that "justice was not served." TI Georgia also criticizes the courts for changing the legal qualification at the verdict stage, which it says violated the right to a fair trial. It notes that the decisions relied on video recordings obtained unlawfully, and that no evidence of coordinated group behavior was presented, even though this is required under Article 226.TI Georgia concludes that the rulings were unlawful and unsubstantiated and that the process served only to punish protest participants on fabricated grounds.
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Schematic representation of possible positions of anastomoses in the large intestine and esophagus 2: Sensor component and layer structure with the resorbable polymer PDO (polydioxanone). Credit: D. Wahl, F. Jaekel, J. Henne, et al.

An interdisciplinary research team from Dresden University of Technology (TUD), Rostock University Medical Center (UMR) and Dresden University Hospital has developed an innovative, implantable and fully absorbable sensor film. For the first time, it enables reliable early detection of circulatory disorders in intestinal anastomosesone of the riskiest surgical procedures in the abdominal cavity. The results have now been presented in the journal Advanced Science.

Intestinal anastomoses, which is the surgical connection of two sections of the intestine after the removal of diseased tissue, carry a considerable risk of post-operative complications. In particular, circulatory disorders or immunological reactions can lead to serious consequential damage or even death within a short period of time. However, direct monitoring of the suture site has not been possible until now, which often entails corresponding risks for patients as well as considerable costs due to follow-up operations and long hospital stays.

Based on this specific medical need, the interdisciplinary network of the Else Kroner Fresenius Center (EKFZ) for Digital Health at TUD and Dresden University Hospital brought together key experts from Dresden and Rostock.

Their new approach offers the possibility of detecting complications at an early stage and, in the best case, preventing consequential damage. The interdisciplinary research team has developed a bioresorbable sensor film that is inserted directly into the intestinal suture during surgery. It continuously measures parameters such as tissue impedance and temperature, providing real-time information on the condition of the healing region for the first time.

Researchers at the Dresden Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials (IAPP) at TU Dresden developed special printable electronic materials and manufacturing processes for this purpose, while the UMR team successfully put the implantation into practice using established surgical procedures. Through statistical analysis of multiple sensors, the scientists were able to show that circulatory disorders can be clearly detected by abrupt changes in electrical tissue resistance.

"We had to break new ground in the selection of biocompatible materials and the manufacture of our printed electronicswith the aim of not impairing wound healing," explains Prof. Karl Leo, project manager at TU Dresden. "At the same time, the challenge was to be able to test the sensor film not only in the laboratory, but directly in the body."

Prof. Clemens Schafmayer, project manager at Rostock University Medical Center, adds, "The close collaboration between surgery and technology has demonstrated the potential of interdisciplinary approaches."

"I am delighted that early interdisciplinary exchange has led to this successful outcome. This shows how clinical needs and technological development can work together to improve patient care in the future," explains Prof. Jochen Hampe, Director of Medical Clinic and Polyclinic I at Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital and scientific speaker of the EKFZ for Digital Health in Dresden.

Further steps are already planned for the coming years: the study is to be placed on a broader statistical basis and the sensor film is to be expanded with additional functions in order to gain an even better understanding of the mechanisms behind anastomotic failure in the future. The researchers see this as an important step towards smarter implants and safer surgical care.

Publication details Dennis Wahl et al, RealTime In Vivo Monitoring of Anastomotic Intestinal Ischemia Using Implantable Resorbable Organic Sensors, Advanced Science (2025). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202514507 Journal information: Advanced Science

Clinical categories General surgeryGastroenterology
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Acute stress causes redistribution of leukocytes toward the dorsal periphery. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2511358122

Stress affects many systems in our body and biologists Marcel Schaaf and Erin Faught at Radboud University are figuring out how that works. Their recent study showed how stress changes behavior by using two different receptors. Previously they unraveled how stress can have positive effects on the immune system.

For both projects, which were conducted while Schaaf and Faught were employed at Leiden University, the biologists examined the effects of stress on zebrafish. Schaaf explains, "The hormonal systems of zebrafish and humans are very similar. When under stress, they produce the same hormonecortisoland have the same receptors that cause the effects of the hormone."

In their first study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, zebrafish were placed in a tube that was swirled around, disrupting their sense of balance. Faught notes, "It didn't hurt them, but it did cause stress. We then examined the effects of that stress on their immune system."

Transparent subjects

One of the advantages of using zebrafish is that they are transparent. This allowed the researchers to literally see what was happening to the immune cells inside the fish. Faught explains, "We saw that after the stress stimulus, some of the immune cells moved outward, toward the skin, as if preparing to protect the fish. In addition, these cells also took samples from the surrounding water, as though they were monitoring the environment."

Schaaf continues, "This means that short-term stress actually activates the immune system, whereas we know that long-term stress weakens it. We also saw a tipping point: if the period of stress lasted longer than two hours, the stress didn't stimulate the immune system anymore, but suppressed it."

Working hypothesis of cortisol-driven behavior in zebrafish. Credit: Molecular Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-03389-z

Receptors at work

The second study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, showed that zebrafish behavior under stress depends on two different receptors (glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR)) that must work closely together. Schaaf explains, "We already knew that two receptors have to bind to each other to be active, but we always assumed that two identical receptors have to work togetherwhat we've now demonstrated is that two different receptors must connect and cooperate for cortisol to affect certain behaviors."

To test this, the zebrafish were exposed to alternating periods of five minutes of darkness and five minutes of light. Faught says, "Normally, without stress, zebrafish are inactive in the light and move around a lot in the dark. But when stressed, they were also very active in the light." By having the receptors selectively form couples of identical or different receptors, the researchers discovered that the fish only showed stressed behavior when the two different receptors were able to work together.

Schaaf sees promising applications for the future. "This could have major implications for drugs such as prednisone, which mimics cortisol. That drug suppresses inflammatory responses, and is therefore successfully used to treat disease such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, but it also causes side effects such as sleep disruption and behavioral changes. Now that we understand how these receptors influence cortisol's effects, it may be possible to develop a drug that avoids those side effects."

Key medical concepts HydrocortisoneImmune SystemPrednisone
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A major international survey of people receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has found that most patients are not asked about the childhood adversities or recent life stressors that they believe caused their difficulties.

The survey findings, published in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, suggest that people are prescribed ECT, often against their will, without the underlying causes of their mental health problems being recognized and addressed by other therapeutic means.

The new survey, conducted by three ECT recipients and three psychologistsincluding lead author Professor John Read of the University of East Londongathered responses from 858 ECT recipients and 286 family members and friends across 44 countries. It is the largest study of its kind to date.

Survey reveals overlooked causes and experiences

The findings show that 84% of ECT recipients reported childhood adversities, such as emotional neglect or physical and sexual abuse. Of those, 78% believed these experiences contributed to the problems for which ECT was prescribed. Yet only 32% said mental health services had asked about these adversities, and only 30% felt they had been "therapeutically addressed."

Recent stressors also went largely unrecognized. Some 81% of ECT recipients reported at least one significant stressor in the six months before treatment, most commonly loneliness or coercive/emotional abuse. 67% believed these stressors played a role in their difficulties, but only 34% were asked about them, and just 21% felt they had been addressed.

The researchers conclude, "Mental health professionals should ensure that patients are asked about the life events and circumstances they believe contributed to the difficulties for which ECT is being considered and offered some help with them."

Calls for systemic change and personal accounts

Professor John Read, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of East London, said, "This is a disturbing example of what happens when you medicalize human distress. How can electricity possibly address child abuse or domestic violence? These findings are a stark wake-up call for a system urgently in need of a fundamental paradigm shift.

"The survey insights also align with United Nations and World Health Organization concerns that mental health systems are neglecting social determinants such as poverty, violence and discrimination.

"At the University of East London, we are determined to use our academic research to address these social inequalities. We hope these findings will encourage a radical rethink of mental health support, one that moves beyond diagnosis and invasive procedures to a more holistic, trauma-informed approach to addressing the social context of distress."

Co-author Sue Cunliffe, herself an ECT recipient, said, "The hopelessness and entrapment caused by domestic abuse gave me just one option, suicide, to ease the pain. For that, I was given ECT and ended up so brain damaged I had to give up my job as a doctor. In a recent report, my GP wrote 'domestic abuse misdiagnosed and ECT given in error  causing brain damage.'"

Co-author Sarah Hancock, also an ECT recipient, added, "The results of our ECT patient survey highlight the absence of routine identification and treatment of the real causes of our symptoms. These results demonstrate I am far from the only person prematurely prescribed ECT without finding out what was really going on and what I really needed."

Rosie Weatherley, Information Content Manager from Mind, the UK's largest mental health NGO said, "Mind echoes concerns raised by this researchthe evidence base for ECT has never been fit for purpose and this latest study further substantiates the need for a re-think about whether and when this treatment is offered to patients."

More information A survey of ECT recipients, family members and friends: Are the self-reported reasons for their problems being addressed?, International Journal of Mental Health Nursing (2025). onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/inm.70187
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A new analysis by the World Health Organization reaffirmed there is no link between vaccines and autismcontrary to theories being propagated in the United States.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last month revised its website with language that undermines its previous, scientifically-grounded position that immunizations do not cause the developmental disorder autism.

Years of research demonstrate that there is no causal link between vaccinations and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.

But Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the nation's health chief, has long voiced anti-vaccine rhetoric and inaccurate claims connecting the two.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference in Geneva that autism was not a side-effect of vaccines.

"Today, WHO is publishing a new analysis by the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety that has found, based on available evidence, no causal link between vaccines and autism," the UN health agency chief said.

The committee looked at 31 studies in multiple countries over 15 years relating to vaccines containing thimerosala preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination in multidose vialsand aluminum adjuvants.

"The committee concluded that the evidence shows no link between vaccines and autism, including vaccines containing aluminum or thimerosal," said Tedros.

"This is the fourth such review of the evidence, following similar reviews in 2002, 2004 and 2012. All reached the same conclusion: vaccines do not cause autism.

"Like all medical products, vaccines can cause side effects, which WHO monitors. But autism is not a side effect of vaccines."

Flawed 1998 study

A purported connection between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism stems from a flawed study published in 1998, which was retracted for including falsified data. Its results have not been replicated and are refuted by voluminous subsequent research.

"The study was later shown to be fraudulent and retracted, but the damage had been done, and the idea has never gone away," said Tedros.

Kennedy has a long history of promoting dubious claims, many of which have become articles of faith among adherents to his "Make America Healthy Again" movement, a vital part of President Donald Trump's fractious Make America Great Again coalition.

The CDC website edits were met with anger and fear by career scientists and other public health figures, including from within the agency, who have spent years fighting against false information.

Tedros said that over the past 25 years, under-five mortality has plunged by more than half, from 11 million deaths a year to 4.8 million, with vaccination being a major reason behind the drop.

"Vaccines are among the most powerful, transformative inventions in the history of humankind," he said.

"Vaccines save lives from about 30 different diseases, including measles, cervical cancer, malaria and more."

 2025 AFP
A surprise inspection at Dr RN Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani on Tuesday exposed deep-rooted systemic strain at one of Mumbais busiest civic-run medical facilities.

The unannounced visit revealed staffing shortages, delayed repairs, sanitation lapses, and growing patient dissatisfaction  despite the city allocating over Rs 7,000 crore annually to its health budget.

Overcrowding, delays and lapses

During his round of the emergency, general and speciality wards  including maternity, paediatric and operation theatres  Gagrani interacted directly with patients and their families. Many complained about long waiting hours, malfunctioning diagnostic machines, unclean wards during peak hours and the lack of timely assistance during medical emergencies. Several also highlighted inadequate security at key points, often resulting in chaotic scenes during rush hours.

Hospital staff told the commissioner that the pressure had been mounting for months. Numerous vacancies across medical, paramedical and support roles, combined with slow-paced repair and maintenance work, have left several departments running with skeletal staffing. Shortages in nursing, housekeeping, technical support and security have collectively pushed emergency and inpatient services close to breaking point.

Fill gaps, clear backlogs

Acknowledging the acute gaps, Gagrani directed administrators to continue operations with the existing workforce while assuring them that recruitment for vacant posts will be fast-tracked. He also flagged a serious backlog of vendor payments and instructed officials to clear all pending dues immediately to avoid any disruption in essential supplies, equipment servicing or repairs.

The commissioner also reviewed ongoing service expansions, pending facility upgrades and technical issues affecting critical medical equipment. He asked teams to resolve these issues and complete infrastructure improvements within set deadlines.

Security overhaul and safety measures

A major part of the inspection centred on the hospitals security lapses, particularly at entry points and sensitive wards that have recently witnessed overcrowding and occasional disorder. Gagrani met resident doctors and representatives of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), assuring them that additional manpower would be deployed immediately.

He announced the deployment of Maharashtra Security Forces (MSF) personnel and ordered comprehensive CCTV coverage across the premises, along with strict enforcement of a Visitor Management System (VMS). The BMC chief has also instructed the administration to strengthen preventive measures to deter inappropriate behaviour toward doctors and other staff, ensuring a safer and more orderly environment.

Sanitation and hygiene  long-standing pain points at the hospital  received pointed attention. Emphasising zero tolerance for uncleanliness, Gagrani has directed administrators to ensure that no patient or relative should have grounds to complain, whilst ensuring that waste management and cleaning protocols are implemented rigorously.


The death of 54-year-old Rajinikanth Yadav once again exposed the long-standing systemic gaps in Mumbais civic-run hospitals  this time, the absence of a specialist at Kandivalis Shatabdi Hospital after 8 pm. According to the relatives, on Monday night, around 8:30 pm, a patient suffering from gallbladder pain came to Kandivali Shatabdi Hospital for treatment.

However, since no senior doctor was available in the emergency department, the doctors there advised the patient to be taken to Cooper, KEM, or Nair Hospitals for further treatment. Therefore, the patients relatives took him to a private hospital. Because we did not receive timely treatment at Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali, our patient had to be shifted to another hospital. A specialist doctor there provided temporary treatment, but his condition deteriorated again.

He was later taken to Hinduhriday Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari, where he died. If the proper tests were conducted at Kandivali Shatabdi Hospital and the diagnosis made earlier, the patient might have survived, alleged the relatives of the deceased.

The relatives claim that Yadav was made to wait over four hours for a sonography and then informed that the senior doctor was unavailable at Shatabdi. According to the family, Due to the lack of timely treatment and his deteriorating condition, they admitted him to a private hospital. After receiving first aid, they took him home, but his condition worsened again at night. He was then admitted to Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Hospital, where he passed away the next morning.

Yadavs relatives firmly believe that earlier diagnosis and faster intervention at Shatabdi Hospital could have saved his life. Their allegation ignited public concern, particularly as this is not the first time the hospital faced scrutiny over night-time staffing shortages.

When contacted, Shatabdi Hospital Superintendent Dr Ajay Gupta clarified that Yadav received initial treatment upon admission and that his condition was stable at the time. He acknowledged, however, that the hospital does not have a surgical registrar available after 8 pm  a gap that may limit timely decision-making in emergency surgical cases.

The patient was stable, and due to a bladder stone, immediate surgery was not required, Dr Gupta said. We cannot comment on the treatment provided at the second hospital, but it appears that the patients condition worsened later. This incident renewed calls for BMC to review night-time staffing patterns in its hospitals.


After months of negotiations, internal friction and public speculation, the Mahayuti alliance has formally announced that all three partners  the BJP, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)  will contest all upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra together.

The announcement, made by Revenue Minister and BJPs state in-charge for local body polls Chandrashekhar Bawankule, marks a significant development amid reports of widening rifts and the possibility of friendly fights in several municipal and zilla parishad constituencies.

The decision followed a high-level Mahayuti meeting attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP state president Ravindra Chavan and other senior leaders  a meeting seen as ending weeks of uncertainty.

For months, the alliance had been grappling with disagreements, particularly between the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Sena leaders had reportedly demanded the right to contest at least 125 seats independently in certain municipal bodies, a proposal the BJP resisted. Both parties were also dealing with complaints of poaching, with corporators switching sides or being approached by allies  an issue leaders now claim has been fully resolved.

According to the leadership, all partners have agreed that no corporator will be poached from within the alliance.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Bawankule said the three-party alliance will contest the elections with a unified strategy and a clear goal. Mahayuti will fight all zilla parishad and municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra together. Our target is to secure over 51 per cent of the vote share and register a decisive victory, he said.

He added that district-level leaders have been directed to complete the Mahayuti structure at the grassroots without delay. Minor issues may arise in 5 to 10 per cent of seats, but wherever needed, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will intervene and take the final call, he said.

A key outcome of the meeting was the formulation of a 4 + 4 formula for the long-delayed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Under this plan, a coordination committee comprising four office-bearers each from the BJP and the Shiv Sena, along with representatives from smaller allies, will conduct technical assessments and finalise seat-sharing. Any disputes will be escalated to the top leadership.

On the contentious question of who will become Mumbais mayor if the alliance captures the BMC, Bawankule said the decision would be taken jointly by Fadnavis, Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

He also dismissed speculation about tensions with the NCP. Ajit Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party are an inseparable part of Mahayuti. In past local body elections, some differences occurred between workers, but those were normal electoral disagreements, not issues of bad blood  and they are now resolved, he said.

It is now confirmed that we will contest the elections as an alliance, and there will be no poaching from either side, said Manisha Kayande, MLC, Shiv Sena.

However, we will certainly demand seats  at least in wards where we had sitting corporators in the 2017 and 2012 BMC elections. Going by the numbers, we have 125 sitting corporators, and I believe Shiv Sena should be allotted that many seats. For us, BMC means Shiv Sena, and we have been rooted in the corporation for many years, Kayande said.

With the alliance structure finalised, the partners are expected to accelerate joint campaign preparations ahead of elections that will decide control over key civic and rural administrative bodies across Maharashtra.


Sonora, CA  The California Farm Bureau held its board member elections at the 107th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim this past weekend, with several delegates and officers re-elected, including one from Tuolumne County.

The voting delegates re-elected three leaders and welcomed five new and seven returning members to the Board of Directors. All will serve two-year terms. From Tuolumne County, Shaun Crook was re-elected as first vice president. He is a real estate broker and vice president of his familys timber business. Shannon Douglass was re-elected as president. She is an owner of Douglass Ranch, which raises beef cattle, walnuts, sunflowers, pumpkins, corn, and forage crops in Orland. Ron Peterson was re-elected as second vice president. He is a Stanislaus County cattle rancher and dairy farmer who also grows silage crops and almonds.

One of the new board members is Joey Gonsalves, an almond and walnut farmer in Modesto, who replaced Jake Wenger in serving District 13, representing members in Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties. Gonsalves is a past president and current board member of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. He is also a Leadership Farm Bureau alumnus. Jay Mahil of Madera in District 9 (Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties) was one of the re-elected board members.

Additionally, elected to a one-year term as chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers State Committee was August DAmato of Napa. She is a member of the Napa YF&R Committee, a District 17 representative, and serves on the Napa County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. She farms winegrapes.

Delegates also voted that President Douglass and First Vice President Crook serve as delegates at next months American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, also in Anaheim.

The California Farm Bureau is part of a statewide network of over 5 million Farm Bureau members and works to defend family farms and ranches. Click here to learn more.
An American citizen arrested in Nairobi and wanted in the United States on multiple charges, including murder, has confirmed his consent to be extradited to Minnesota to face trial.

The suspect, held at Gigiri police station since his arrest, made the declaration on Tuesday during a brief appearance before a Nairobi magistrate for the mention of his extradition proceedings.

The court asked him to clarify whether he intended to oppose or consent to the request for his return to the U.S. He confirmed his willingness to cooperate and said he did not want to delay the matter.

Yes, your honour, and I would like to go back as soon as possible, he stated.

Court documents show that the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota has charged him with third-degree murder, manslaughter, and multiple drug-related offences. U.S. authorities allege he fled the country to avoid prosecution.

During the proceedings, the suspect told the court that he entered Kenya legally in 2022, boarding an international flight from the U.S. When asked about his arrival, he responded, I took a flight and came here.

Prosecutors formally initiated extradition proceedings in Kenya on November 19, 2025, filing a notice of motion seeking his surrender to American authorities.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed to the court that the request complied with Kenyan law, including verification of a valid warrant and clear identification of the individual sought.

The last time we were before the court, he had indicated that he would not be opposing his extradition to the U.S., so the judge gave him a chance to confirm whether that is still the position and to file a response to the application, if any, prosecutors told the court.

The magistrate scheduled the next mention for Wednesday, December 17, before the trial court, which will make the final determination on the extradition request.
Kenya will formally honour its first contingent of officers returning from the Haiti security mission by having them participate in Fridays Jamhuri Day parade, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced.

The officers arrived back in the country on Tuesday after completing their 18-month tour of duty. They were part of the initial Kenyan team deployed to Haiti in June 2024 under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), which has since been rebranded as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

A new replacement contingent landed on Sunday and has already taken over operations in the Caribbean nation.

According to the National Police Service(NPS), key achievements of the mission include enhanced stability in Haiti, restored freedom of movement, the reopening of key road networks, and significant progress in training the Haitian Police.

Kanja said the returning officers would join the ceremonial march during Kenyas national celebrations as a symbolic gesture of gratitude for their service and a way of proudly reintroducing them to the public.

We want the people of Kenya to take note that you have gone to Haiti and you are back. You have been away for 18 months and you are now back, he told the officers.

You will join that parade so that we tell Kenyans that these are our officers who have done the job there and are now back, sound, strong and ready to serve our motherland.

Before joining the parade preparations, the officers were scheduled for a formal debriefing at their Embakasi A Campus, where the National Police Service held a grand reception for the 230 returnees. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, National Security Advisor Monica Juma and other senior security leaders attended the event.

Kanja praised the officers for their resilience, discipline, and professionalism while serving in Haiti, noting that their presence had offered hope to communities plagued by gang violence and political instability. He also commended them for upholding human rights standards throughout the deployment.

I am happy that you ensured the rights of those people were maintained, he said.

The police chief added that the officers were returning with valuable operational experience that would now benefit Kenyas internal security operations.

After the Jamhuri Day celebrations, the officers will head home for leave to reunite with their families following the extended deployment.

On the pending allowances for October and November, Kanja assured the officers that the National Police Service would release the payments once it receives the funds from the United Nations.

Check out some photos of the Heros welcome;
Political activist Kasmuel McOure has announced that the Broad-Based Youth Front will now engage the government directly on issues affecting young people, marking a strategic shift away from relying on political intermediaries.

McOure said the movement will no longer depend on politicians who were largely absent during last years youth-led street demonstrations. He warned that some leaders are attempting to reinsert themselves into youth matters without demonstrating what he termed as genuine commitment.

We are in this Broad-Based Government until it fully delivers its mandate, and we intend to own that process to the very end. We will not be swayed by opportunistic rhetoric or political reinventions disguised as youth advocacy. Starting today, we will lobby the government directly through a unified youth front, McOure said.

He stated that the youth front aims to push for accountability and reforms that reflect the priorities of Kenyas largest demographic group.

McOure reiterated that the party joined the Broad-Based government arrangement in the interest of the country. He called for continued public support from those who previously endorsed the initiative during internal negotiations.

He explained that the arrangement involved coordinated political cooperation, including negotiations on electoral zones and mutual support across regions. According to McOure, party leaders held these discussions transparently.

Elected members of ODM must not engage in political chicanery. The party entered the Broad-Based arrangement for the sake of the country. You pushed for this arrangement in boardrooms; you must not now pretend to oppose it when you face the people, he said.

McOure also urged party members to avoid using internal disputes to confuse supporters. He stressed that the arrangement was agreed upon at the partys highest levels and should be respected.

We shall not allow the words of our partys spokesperson to be used against our party and its candidates, he added.
President William Ruto talked tough in response concerns about Kenyas health data following the countrys new agreement with the United States, assuring citizens that their information remains fully protected under Kenyan law.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ruto stated that the deal poses no threat to Kenyas sovereignty, particularly regarding sensitive health information.

Nobody and no government will take advantage of the people of Kenya as long as I am President. I am clear about what we want and where we must go, and therefore there is no way the agreement we signed can undermine the interests of the people of Kenya, including matters related to our health data, he said.

The President noted that the Office of the Attorney General had meticulously reviewed the agreement with a tooth comb to ensure that Kenyan law governs any data collected under the arrangement.

The law that prevails on data that belongs to the people of Kenya is Kenyan law, and that is with clarity, he added.

Ruto also pointed out Kenyas robust diplomatic and professional ties with the United States, noting that as a viciously democratic nation, the U.S. would not allow its officials to exploit Kenya.

However, he stressed that Kenya would not depend solely on these assurances.

They will not, but thats not enough. Much as they will not allow their own officials to take advantage of others, we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of by anybody, even if there were opportunities to exploit us, he said.
Parliament has demanded the urgent legal clarification of the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom, warning against a foreign force conducting operations in the country sans proper legal backing.

The National Assembly has adopted a report by the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee on the inquiry into the conduct of the British Army Training Unit in Kenya, popularly known as Batuk. The committee recommended the immediate ratification of the DCA between Kenya and the UK.

The committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, noted that the DCAs current legal status remains in limbo. The agreement guides Batuks operations and training in Kenya. The 2015 DCA expired in 2021, and the 2021 DCA has yet to be ratified, raising concerns about the framework under which Batuk operates.

The first DCA, signed in 2015, aimed to strengthen defence ties and address shared security challenges. It entered into force on October 11, 2016, and was set to last five years. On July 27, 2021, Kenya and the UK signed a new DCA to replace the expired 2015 agreement.

The committee stated that the 2021 agreement was forwarded to the National Assembly on September 6, 2021, for ratification by the authorities. However, the agreement was not concluded before the end of the 12th Parliament. It was resubmitted on November 22, 2022, and after review, the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations recommended approval with two reservations.

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It was recommended that the committee amend Article 6(5) by adding murder as one of the offenses falling within the local jurisdiction, stating that the current DCA excludes murder from local jurisdiction.. They also recommended that Article 23 be updated to include Corporate Social Responsibility obligations.

This report was tabled in the House on March 21, 2023, and was thereafter debated and adopted by the House on April 13, 2023, thereby approving the ratification of the DCA with the aforementioned reservations, said Abdullahi Bashir Sheikh, vice chairperson of the committee.

He added that Kenya has not yet ratified the agreement due to unresolved issues with the UK following parliamentary approval with the suggested reservations.

An analysis of the 2015 DCA revealed that Article 26(5) provided provisions on jurisdiction, civil claims, liabilities, information protection, and financial arrangements. However, ambiguity remains over whether these provisions extend to the expired sections of the agreement.

Therefore, it is crucial that the legal status of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between the United Kingdom and Kenya is swiftly resolved, Bashir said.

I know that we have a DCA that is in limbo. Its legal status needs to be looked into so that we know where both countries stand at this point in time. It is important that the Executive also resolves the matter of the DCA so that we do not have a situation where a foreign force is here in the country without any legal backing.

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Bashir also highlighted challenges the committee faced during the inquiry, noting Batuks lack of cooperation.

Despite multiple correspondences, Batuk exhibited a pattern of unresponsiveness and evasion, frustrating the committees constitutional mandate to establish the facts surrounding serious allegations made by citizens, he said.

He added, The Batuk consistently invoked immunity, citing provisions of the DCA, and evaded direct engagement with the committee. Instead, they channelled their communication through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, thereby undermining the inquiry.

Even after repeated summons issued under Article 125 of the Constitution, Batuk officials declined to appear before the committee, routing all communications through the ministries instead.
President William Ruto has lauded the strengthening partnership between Kenya and the United States, emphasizing the critical role American tourists and investors continue to play in driving Kenyas economic growth.

Addressing the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House on Wednesday, President Ruto described the KenyaU.S. relationship as solid, underscoring that while each country pursues its own interests, sustained cooperation has significantly advanced shared goals.

The relationship we have with the government of the United States is one I am very proud of. Cooperation has enhanced our mutual interests, he said.

Ruto revealed that the United States has officially become Kenyas biggest tourist source market, surpassing long-standing contributors such as the United Kingdom and Italy. Tourists from the United States have overtaken traditional markets, including the UK and Italy. Last year alone, 306,000 Americans visited Kenya, making it our biggest tourist market, he noted.

He also highlighted the growing influence of U.S. investors, stating that American firms continue to rank among the largest contributors to Kenyas economic expansion. Ruto added that Kenya is on track to become the first African nation to conclude a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, signalling deeper commercial engagement between the two countries.

His remarks come as Kenya and the U.S. move forward with a new five-year cooperation framework, signed in Washington on Thursday, aimed at strengthening collaboration across trade, investment, security, and development.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has flagged a fraudulent website duping unsuspecting Kenyans out of money.

Through its official X handle, the authority warned the public that the platform operating under the name Mverified does not belong to NTSA.

Alert: Mverified website does not belong to NTSA, the authority posted, cautioning motorists and vehicle owners to steer clear of the site. NTSA noted that several victims may have already fallen prey to the scam.

The authority advised anyone who has been conned through the fake platform to report the matter to the nearest police station for further action.

The warning comes amid a surge in online fraud targeting Kenyans seeking quick access to government services. NTSA explained that scammers often exploit services related to vehicle ownership, knowing that many applicants urgently need documents and may not double-check website links before making payments.

To help the public avoid falling victim, NTSA outlined the correct process for applying for a motor vehicle copy of records, which is available only through the NTSA Service Portal on the eCitizen platform at serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke.

The authority clarified that the application fee is Ksh 550, payable directly through an individuals eCitizen account, and the document is delivered instantly. NTSA warned that any platform requesting different charges or redirecting users outside eCitizen should be treated as suspicious.

A motor vehicle copy of records is an official document containing key details such as the chassis and engine number, registered owner information, make and model, year of manufacture, and date of registration.

Applicants must log in to their eCitizen account, select the NTSA service portal, go to Services, click on Motor Vehicle Copy of Records, enter the registration or chassis number, submit the request, choose a payment method, and download the document under Application History. NTSA has also shared a sample screenshot labeled Copy of Records to help users identify the genuine document.

The authority urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, verify website addresses carefully, and rely only on official government platforms when accessing vehicle-related services
President William Ruto has sharply criticized NGOs opposing the new United States health funding framework, telling them to direct their frustrations to Washington instead of attacking the Kenyan government.

Speaking on Wednesday during the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House, Ruto clarified that the US government, not Kenya, decided to channel health funds directly to the national government rather than through NGOs.

It is not our decision; it is theirs. So if anybody is annoyed, they should take their anger to another place. They should not bring it to us, the President stated.

Ruto accused some organizations of spreading misinformation about the new structure, noting that many were beneficiaries of previous US-funded programmes and have now resorted to sponsor all manner of stories about the shift.

According to the President, the US opted for the direct Government-to-Government model because some of the NGOs failed to deliver as expected.

If they have a problem with the current structure, they should talk to the US government, because they decided, for efficiency and efficacy, that these resources should come directly to government, he said.

Ruto at the same time assured county governments that the new approach would not lock them out, assuring that the funds would still be distributed equitably. The resources will find their way to our counties, he affirmed.

He also dismissed public concerns that the arrangement amounts to a loan, insisting that it does not add to Kenyas debt portfolio.

The President went on to praise Kenyas growing capacity to manage complex international agreements, commending professionals at the Ministry of Health and the Attorney Generals Office for positioning the country as a reliable partner.

We did not become the first country to sign a health agreement with the United States by default, we became the first by design. Our professionals at the Ministry of Health and the Attorney Generals Office are as good, if not better, than anywhere in the world, Ruto said.

He asserted that Kenya does not require foreign consultants to steer such agreements. We dont need consultants because we have a human capital that has the capacity to do this. We should believe in ourselves more, he added.

Ruto further highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Kenya and the US, saying the partnership has enabled Kenya to take a leading role in negotiating global health agreements.

Under the new deal signed during Rutos recent US visit, Kenya will receive Ksh208 billion over the next five years.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the G2G model, saying it prioritizes sustainability, transparency, and national ownership, moving away from fragmented donor-driven programmes.

We are not going to spend billions of dollars funding the NGO industrial complex while close and important partners like Kenya either have no role to play or have very little influence over how healthcare money is being spent, Rubio said.

The disbursement schedule includes Ksh10 billion in FY 2026/27, Ksh20 billion in FY 2027/28, Ksh35 billion in FY 2028/29, and Ksh50 billion in FY 2029/30. Kenya will also gradually assume responsibility for US-funded health commodities and human resources by 2031, amounting to USD 141 million.

The new framework aims to strengthen KenyaUS collaboration in eliminating HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and addressing emerging infectious diseases.
Qabil Ashirov

Today, families arriving in Badara and Ball?ca villages of the Khojaly district as part of the resettlement caravan were presented with the keys to their new homes.

Azernews reports that in this phase of the resettlement, 6 families (18 people) moved into Badara village, while 9 families (38 people) settled in Ball?ca village. Those returning to their native land with the resettlement caravan primarily consist of families who had been temporarily accommodated in various parts of the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings.

Officials from the Presidential Special Representation in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, as well as representatives of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of Azerbaijan and other dignitaries attended the key handover ceremony.

Sabuhi Gahramanov, Deputy Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, congratulated the residents on their return to their homeland. He noted that comprehensive conditions for comfortable living have been created in Ball?ca and Badara villages. According to him, the settlements now feature modern-standard houses, schools, social and public facilities, engineering and utility networks, and new roads.

It should be noted that the resettlement process is ongoing in phases.
Media personality and showbiz entrepreneur Willis Raburu has taken two companies to court, seeking Ksh10 million in compensation over what he describes as a serious breach of contract linked to the Furaha City Festival held in December 2024.

Raburu filed the suit at the High Court in Nairobi, accusing an events company and a major alcoholic beverages firm of failing to honour a multi-million shilling deal for promotion and full event management.

Court papers indicate that the companies contracted Raburus firm, Steizon Limited, on December 6, 2024, to provide digital promotion, branding, influencer marketing, logistics support, and full coordination of the Furaha City Festival scheduled for December 7, 2024. The agreed compensation was Ksh10 million, exclusive of VAT.

Through his lawyers, Danstan Omari and Martina Swiga, Raburu argues that although his company signed the agreement, the events company failed to physically append its signature. However, he insists the contract remains legitimate and enforceable because both companies proceeded to act on it through their conduct, emails, and execution of the project.

The court heard that Raburus team delivered the full scope of work, producing more than 60 promotional reels, over 100 static posts, generating a social media reach of more than one million users, and running all event operations including influencer management, security, media coordination, and logistics.

Despite the extensive work, the defendants allegedly failed, neglected, and refused to pay any amount, a move Raburu says pushed his communications firm into financial distress.

Raburu told the court that the non-payment caused substantial financial losses, stalled ongoing projects, and strained ties with suppliers and partners. He further claims the companies have severely damaged his firms professional reputation by leaving him unable to pay service providers.

He now asks the court to declare the contract valid and binding, issue a declaration confirming the defendants owe him Ksh10 million, and compel immediate payment with interest. He also seeks damages for breach of contract and reputational harm, suspension of the second defendants operating licence until the debt is settled, and full costs of the suit.

Raburu also informed the court that no other case exists regarding the same issue and confirmed that the matter falls within the courts jurisdiction.
Women named Alaqua typically exhibit a harmonious blend of strength and gentleness, much like their namesake tree that stands firm through seasons while offering healing resin and shelter. They often possess deep emotional intelligence and intuition, enabling them to read situations and people with remarkable accuracy. This perceptive nature makes them excellent confidantes and advisors, though they may need regular solitude to recharge their emotional energies. Their connection to nature often manifests in practical waysgardening, environmental advocacy, or simply finding peace in natural settingsand they tend to approach life with a patient, cyclical understanding rather than linear urgency.



In relationships, Alaquas are typically loyal and protective, forming deep bonds that they nurture carefully over time. They value authenticity and may struggle with superficial social interactions, preferring meaningful connections that allow for genuine expression. Their resilience shines during challenges, as they possess an innate ability to adapt while maintaining core values and integrity. While sometimes perceived as reserved initially, those who earn their trust discover a warm, generous spirit with a subtle sense of humor and profound wisdom. Their life path often involves healing roleswhether professionally as counselors or healthcare workers, or personally as the family member who provides emotional support and stability during difficult times.
Individuals named Amirykal are often perceived as blessed with natural grace and inner strength. They tend to exhibit compassionate leadership qualities, combining empathy with determination in their approach to life's challenges. Their name's meaning as 'a special gift from God' often translates into a personality that radiates positivity and inspires others through their genuine kindness and unwavering optimism.



Amirykals typically demonstrate creative problem-solving abilities and intuitive understanding of complex situations. They often serve as peacemakers in their social circles, bringing harmony and resolution to conflicts through their diplomatic nature. Their spiritual foundation gives them resilience during difficult times, while their innovative thinking allows them to find unique solutions that benefit everyone involved.



These individuals often possess a strong sense of purpose and moral compass, guided by their inherent understanding of their special role in the world. They tend to be natural caregivers and mentors, using their gifts to uplift others while maintaining humble confidence in their abilities. Their presence often brings calm and inspiration to those around them, fulfilling the blessing implied by their name's meaning.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Anouar is a name deeply rooted in Arabic and Islamic culture, derived from the Arabic word 'nur' meaning light. The name carries significant religious and spiritual connotations, as light is a powerful symbol in Islamic tradition representing divine guidance, knowledge, and enlightenment. In the Quran, Allah is described as 'the Light of the heavens and the earth,' making names derived from 'nur' particularly meaningful in Muslim communities. The name has been popular across the Arab world, North Africa, and among Muslim populations globally for centuries, often given to express hope that the child will be a source of illumination and guidance to others.



Throughout history, bearers of this name have often been associated with intellectual, spiritual, or leadership roles, reflecting the name's aspirational qualities. In many Arab societies, naming a child Anouar expresses the parents' hope that their son will grow to be a person of wisdom and moral clarity. The name also appears in various historical contexts, from medieval scholars to modern political figures, maintaining its prestige across generations. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of its meaning and the cultural values it represents.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Antranig holds deep cultural significance in Armenian tradition as a name that celebrates the importance of the first-born son. In Armenian families, the first-born male traditionally carries special responsibilities and expectations, often seen as the heir who will continue the family lineage and honor. The name embodies the cultural value placed on family continuity and the special status accorded to the first child in the family structure.



Historically, the name has been particularly popular among Armenian families who value traditional naming conventions and wish to emphasize the special role of their first son. It represents not just birth order but the hope and promise invested in the child who will carry forward family traditions and values. Throughout Armenian history, names like Antranig have served as cultural anchors, preserving identity and family heritage even through periods of diaspora and cultural challenges.
Individuals named Avis typically exhibit a unique blend of strength and compassion that reflects their name's meaning of 'refuge in battle.' They often possess a calm, centered demeanor that makes them natural peacemakers and trusted confidantes. Avis personalities tend to be highly observant, with an ability to read situations and people accuratelya trait that serves them well in both personal and professional relationships. Their protective nature extends beyond physical safety to emotional and psychological support, making them invaluable friends during difficult times. Many Avis individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience, able to weather personal storms while maintaining their capacity to support others.



In social settings, Avis personalities may appear reserved initially, but this often masks deep emotional intelligence and empathy. They typically prefer meaningful connections over superficial relationships and invest deeply in the people they care about. Professionally, they often excel in roles that require patience, analysis, and caregivingsuch as counseling, teaching, healthcare, or creative fields. Their combination of practical wisdom and intuitive understanding makes them excellent problem-solvers who approach challenges with both logic and compassion. The Avis personality represents the ideal balance between strength and sensitivitysomeone who can both withstand life's battles and provide sanctuary for others caught in their own struggles.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Beadu originates from Old English and carries significant cultural weight in early Christian Anglo-Saxon society. The name combines the concept of 'battle' or 'warrior' with feminine identity, reflecting a time when Christian women were often called to be spiritual warriors defending their faith and communities. In the conversion period of England, names like Beadu represented the merging of traditional Germanic values with new Christian ideals, where women were expected to be both gentle in faith and strong in conviction.



The name appears in early Christian chronicles and monastic records, often associated with noblewomen who played crucial roles in establishing Christianity across England. These women were frequently patrons of monasteries, defenders of religious communities during invasions, and leaders in spreading Christian education. The cultural significance lies in how Beadu embodies the Christian ideal of spiritual warfarenot physical combat, but the battle against sin and the defense of faith, making it a powerful name for women in early medieval Christian society.
Individuals named Blane are often perceived as strong-willed, independent thinkers with a quiet determination. They tend to be practical problem-solvers who approach challenges with methodical precision and resilience. While they may appear reserved initially, Blanes typically possess deep loyalty to those they trust and maintain strong moral principles. Their Scottish heritage often translates into a perceived toughness and endurance, with an ability to persevere through difficult circumstances.



Many Blanes are described as having a dry wit and observational humor, preferring substance over superficiality in relationships and endeavors. They often excel in fields requiring patience, analysis, and steadfast commitment. The name suggests someone who is reliable and grounded, yet capable of surprising depth and insight when given the opportunity to express themselves fully. This combination of practical strength and thoughtful character makes Blane a name associated with both capability and integrity.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Boyd is a Scottish surname that originated as a nickname for people with fair or blond hair, derived from the Gaelic word 'buidhe' meaning 'yellow'. The name became prominent through the Clan Boyd, one of Scotland's noble families who rose to power in the 13th century and played significant roles in Scottish history, particularly during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The Boyds were granted lands in Ayrshire and later received the title Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock, with several members serving as regents and high officials in the Scottish court.



The Clan Boyd's history is deeply intertwined with Scotland's struggle for independence and subsequent political developments. They were staunch supporters of Robert the Bruce and later the Stewart monarchy, earning them positions of power and influence. The name spread throughout Scotland and eventually to other English-speaking countries through Scottish emigration. Today, Boyd remains a symbol of Scottish heritage and represents the enduring legacy of Scottish clans and their contributions to history, maintaining its cultural significance particularly in regions with strong Scottish diaspora communities.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Buadhachan occupies a significant place in Gaelic cultural history as a name that encapsulates the warrior ideal while also representing spiritual and moral victory. In ancient Gaelic society, names were considered powerful forces that could shape a person's destiny, and Buadhachan was particularly favored for children born into chieftain families or during periods of conflict. The name reflects the comprehensive Gaelic understanding of 'buaidh' - victory that encompassed not only military success but also triumph in legal proceedings, poetic competitions, and personal endeavors. Historical records show that bearers of this name often held positions of authority, whether as tribal leaders, judges, or respected poets, illustrating the Gaelic belief that true victory required a balance of courage, wisdom, and justice.



The name's cultural significance extends beyond Ireland to Scottish Gaelic communities, where it maintained similar connotations of honorable achievement. During periods of English domination, the name took on additional meaning as a symbol of cultural resistance and the hope for eventual Gaelic revival. In folklore, characters named Buadhachan often appear as heroes who overcome great odds through cleverness and moral strength rather than mere physical power, reinforcing the name's association with comprehensive victory. This multifaceted understanding of triumph makes Buadhachan a name rich with cultural heritage and philosophical depth.
Laman Ismayilova



Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has met with Pakistan's Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, as part of the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, Adil Karimli expressed his gratitude for the high-level representation of the brotherly country at the international festival. The minister underlined that the peoples of Azerbaijan and Pakistan are united by strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood, and emphasized that the sincere relations between the leaders of the two countries determine the high level of bilateral ties.

He noted that Pakistan has always unequivocally supported Azerbaijan's just cause, and relations between the two countries are strengthening year by year.

Aurangzeb Khan Khichi thanked for the warm meeting. He underlined the great potential for cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture and noted the necessity of preparing a roadmap and a cooperation program for this purpose.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on cooperation in various areas of culture.

At the end, the guest presented the minister with publications about Azerbaijan, and commemorative photographs were taken.

Azerbaijan is hosting the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025 for the first time. The large-scale event is jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In connection with this prestigious event, more than 300 guests, including official representatives, experts in science, culture, and the creative industries, have arrived in Azerbaijan from nearly 50 countries.

The festival focuses on the development of intercultural dialogue and the promotion of Islamic valuestolerance, peace, and respect for diversity.

The promotion of joint projects in the fields of economy, education, science, and tourism, as well as the establishment of sustainable partnerships between member states and the strengthening of the integration of creative industries into the global economy, are also among the main goals.

OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025 features high-level meetings of OIC member states' ministers of culture, the "Cultural and Creative Industries Forum" (MYFORUM), the "Creative Village: Cultural and Creative Industries Exhibition" (MYEXPO), the "Baku Cinema Breeze  2025" international film program, the "Eastern Fashion Show"  presentations by young and renowned designers from OIC countries, the International Summit on Gaming Technologies (G-HUB), as well as various cultural projects related to theater, music, dance, and animation.
Individuals named Buan are typically perceived as possessing deep-rooted integrity and moral strength. They often exhibit a calm, steady demeanor that provides stability to those around them, embodying the name's meaning of lasting goodness. These individuals tend to be reliable, trustworthy, and consistent in their relationships and commitments. Their strength lies in their enduring naturethey weather challenges with grace and maintain their core values regardless of circumstances. Buans are often natural peacemakers who bring harmony to difficult situations through their balanced perspective and innate sense of fairness. They possess an inner resilience that allows them to support others while maintaining their own emotional equilibrium. While sometimes reserved, their quiet strength and genuine concern for others make them valued friends and community members who inspire trust and respect through their consistent demonstration of virtuous character. Their approach to life tends to be thoughtful and measured, with a preference for depth over superficiality in relationships and pursuits.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Callough holds deep roots in Irish history, originating from the ancient Gaelic word 'ceallach' which carried connotations of wisdom and spiritual leadership. In early medieval Ireland, individuals bearing this name were often associated with monastic communities and scholarly pursuits, reflecting the Celtic tradition where baldness or distinctive head features were sometimes linked to spiritual insight and intellectual prowess. The name appears in various historical records from the 8th to 12th centuries, particularly in connection with religious figures and learned men who contributed to Ireland's reputation as the 'land of saints and scholars.' Throughout the centuries, Callough maintained its association with Irish identity and cultural preservation, especially during periods of English domination when Gaelic names became symbols of resistance and cultural pride. The name's endurance through various historical challenges demonstrates its deep connection to Irish heritage and the resilience of Gaelic naming traditions.



In contemporary Irish culture, Callough represents a connection to ancestral roots and serves as a marker of cultural identity. Families who choose this name often do so to honor their Gaelic heritage and maintain linguistic traditions. The name's relative rarity in modern times adds to its appeal for those seeking distinctive yet historically meaningful names. During the Gaelic Revival movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, names like Callough gained renewed importance as symbols of national identity and cultural reclamation. Today, it continues to embody the complex relationship between Ireland's ancient past and its modern identity, serving as a living link to the rich tapestry of Irish history and the enduring spirit of its people.
Women named Cathasach are typically characterized by remarkable courage and resilience that manifests in both personal and professional spheres. They possess an innate ability to face challenges head-on, often serving as pillars of strength for those around them. Their bravery is not merely physical but extends to moral and emotional couragethey're willing to stand up for their principles, defend the vulnerable, and speak difficult truths when necessary. This fundamental courage is complemented by strong leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and a protective nature toward their loved ones.



Beyond their warrior spirit, Cathasaich often exhibit deep loyalty, fierce independence, and a strong sense of justice. They tend to be natural problem-solvers who approach obstacles with practical determination rather than emotional reactivity. While they can be formidable when challenged, they typically balance their strength with compassion and wisdom, making them trusted advisors and reliable friends. Their personality reflects the ancient Celtic ideal of the complete individualsomeone who combines courage with wisdom, strength with empathy, and independence with community responsibility, creating a well-rounded character capable of both leading and nurturing.
Women named Cindia are often perceived as creative, intuitive, and spiritually inclined individuals who blend traditional values with modern perspectives. They typically exhibit strong communication skills and emotional intelligence, making them effective mediators and compassionate friends. The combination of Cynthia's lunar associations and Lucinda's luminous qualities suggests someone who is both reflective and illuminatingable to understand deep emotions while bringing light and clarity to situations.



These individuals often display artistic tendencies and a natural grace in social interactions. They tend to be adaptable yet principled, embracing change while maintaining core values. Their dual-nature name suggests someone comfortable in both traditional and contemporary settings, often serving as bridges between different generations or cultural perspectives. Cindias are frequently described as having a calming presence with an underlying strength, much like the moon's gentle light that nonetheless guides travelers through darkness.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Clareta is a distinctive Spanish feminine name with deep roots in Iberian culture, particularly prominent in Catalonia and Valencia regions. The name emerged as a diminutive and affectionate form of Clara during the medieval period, gaining popularity among noble families who valued its association with clarity, intelligence, and purity. During the Renaissance, Clareta became symbolic of enlightenment and education for women in Spanish society, often given to daughters in intellectual families.



Throughout Spanish history, the name maintained its aristocratic connotations while also becoming popular among the merchant classes during the 18th and 19th centuries. The name carries particular significance in Catholic traditions, often associated with Saint Clare of Assisi, though the Spanish variation Clareta developed its own cultural identity separate from the Italian original. In modern times, it represents a connection to traditional Spanish values while embracing contemporary feminine strength.
Individuals named Cochlan typically exhibit a blend of protective instincts and thoughtful reserve. The name's meaning of 'hooded' suggests someone who maintains a degree of privacy and observation before engaging fully with situations. These individuals often demonstrate strong leadership qualities combined with a nurturing nature, making them natural protectors of their communities and traditions. They tend to be deeply connected to their heritage while possessing the wisdom to know when to shield others and when to reveal their capabilities. Their protective demeanor extends beyond physical safety to emotional support and cultural preservation, often making them pillars within their social circles who others turn to for guidance and stability.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Daman holds significant cultural weight in Irish tradition, where it originated as Damhan, meaning 'fawn' or 'young deer.' In Celtic culture, deer were revered animals associated with gentleness, intuition, and connection to the natural world. The naming of children after such creatures reflected a deep cultural respect for nature and the qualities these animals represented. Irish names often carried protective meanings, and Daman's association with the gentle deer was believed to bestow qualities of grace and harmony upon the bearer.



As Irish culture spread through emigration, the name traveled to other English-speaking countries, often maintaining its Irish identity while adapting to local pronunciations. The name represents a link to Celtic heritage and the Irish tradition of nature-inspired naming. In contemporary times, it serves as a marker of cultural identity for those of Irish descent while also appealing to broader audiences who appreciate its melodic quality and meaningful origin. The name's journey from ancient Gaelic to modern usage illustrates the enduring appeal of names that connect people to natural world and cultural roots.
Men named Hyatt typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a protective nature, reflecting the name's meaning of 'high gate' guardian. They often demonstrate strategic thinking and careful decision-making, approaching life's challenges with the deliberation of someone guarding an important passageway. This creates individuals who are both dependable and ambitious, capable of maintaining stability while pursuing growth and improvement. Their personality often blends traditional values with innovative thinking, making them effective in roles that require both respect for established systems and the vision to enhance them.



In social contexts, Hyatts tend to be reserved yet authoritative, earning respect through competence rather than overt charisma. They often serve as natural protectors in their relationships and communities, displaying loyalty and responsibility toward those in their care. The entrepreneurial spirit associated with the name frequently manifests as practical creativity and business acumen. Their combination of protective instincts and ambitious drive creates individuals who build strong foundations while reaching for higher achievements, embodying the symbolic balance between grounded stability and elevated aspiration that the name represents.
In contemporary times, Janka remains most popular in Belarus and among Belarusian diaspora communities, where it maintains its cultural significance while adapting to modern naming trends. The name has experienced a resurgence in recent decades as part of broader cultural revival movements in Eastern Europe, particularly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union when many families sought to reconnect with national heritage. While not commonly used in English-speaking countries, it appears occasionally among families with Eastern European heritage, often as a way to honor ancestry while choosing a distinctive name. Modern Jankas often balance traditional values with contemporary lifestyles, and the name continues to be associated with artistic and intellectual pursuits. Its usage reflects ongoing interest in culturally distinctive names that honor heritage while remaining accessible in global contexts, with recent trends showing increased appreciation for names that carry both historical depth and unique phonetic qualities.
Individuals named Kailyn are often perceived as having a balanced combination of strength and sensitivity. The 'keeper of the keys' aspect suggests someone who is responsible, trustworthy, and capable of handling important matters with care and discretion. This often manifests as organizational skills, reliability, and a natural inclination toward leadership roles where they can manage and protect what's valuable to them and others.



Simultaneously, the 'pure' element of the name's meaning contributes to associations with sincerity, authenticity, and moral clarity. Kailyns are typically seen as genuine individuals who value honesty and transparency in relationships. They often possess a calming presence and are known for their ability to see situations clearly without unnecessary complication. This combination of practical capability and emotional authenticity makes them well-suited for roles requiring both competence and compassion.
In mid-August, shortly after the Washington summit, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan said in an interview with the Iranian IRNA news agency that the next 3+3 meeting could be held in Baku or Yerevan. He attributed this opportunity to the decision reached in Washington to unblock communications.

It should be recalled that the 3+3 format was created on the initiative of Azerbaijan after the Second Karabakh War and implies a platform for regional cooperation involving the three countries of the South Caucasus, Russia, Iran and Turkiye. Three meetings have already been held within the framework of this platform, which were held in Moscow, Tehran and Istanbul. Now it's the turn of the South Caucasus countries. Georgia has so far stayed away from the format, and in 2025 the meeting was supposed to be held either in Baku or in Yerevan. After the Washington agreements and the initialing of the text of the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the opportunity to gather in the capital of one of these countries ceased to be a vague prospect. But the discussions between the parties did not yield results.

The reason was announced by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Baku yesterday. According to the Foreign Minister, Azerbaijan offered to hold another meeting of the regional 3+3 format, first on its territory, and then in Armenia. In the current situation, Baku sees no reason for Yerevan to reject this proposal, he stressed.

"Following the meeting in Turkiye (October 2024 - Ed.), our delegation proposed to hold the next one in Azerbaijan. We have noted that after the organization of the meeting in Azerbaijan, we will agree to hold the next meeting in Armenia. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement - the Armenian side did not agree with such a sequence," Bayramov said, adding that "we see no reason for Armenia to reject our proposal. At least, we don't see the logic in it. It remains valid."

In response, the Armenian Foreign Ministry, through its press secretary Ani Badalyan, stated that diplomatic work on organizational issues of the upcoming meeting in the 3+3 format continues, and "the key topic of discussion is the location of its holding."

The wording is complicated, it would be possible to put the idea much simpler: Armenia wants the meeting to be held in Yerevan first, and only then in Baku. In turn, the Azerbaijani side, not seeing any logic in this stubbornness, remains in its position. Judging by what the Armenian Foreign Minister said, Baku is not in the mood to let its neighbor go ahead. And the fourth 3+3 meeting will not take place in 2025. And if Armenia continues to be stubborn, it will not take place next year.

Why does Armenia want to be the first? In principle, the motives are quite clear. They are of an internal political nature. On the eve of the elections, Nikol Pashinyan wants to appear to be the one in charge of the situation. But the wrong reason was chosen for such a demonstration. And it follows from the traditionally incorrect view of the situation in the region. Thanks to the external support and peace-loving initiatives of the winner, Armenia began to mistakenly think that the parties have equal starting positions and Yerevan can also set conditions and claim a leading role in the unfolding processes. But in reality, this is not the case.

Armenia is not just a country that has lost the war. It happens, she's not the first and she won't be the last. The main thing for understanding the situation is not a military defeat, but what preceded it. The defeat of Armenia was preceded by many years of occupation of the neighbor's territories, accompanied by numerous crimes of the occupier. Almost thirty years is a very long time, which cannot be written off in the archive even for the sake of good neighborly relations. Therefore, Baku and Yerevan do not and will not occupy equal positions either in the peace process or in other issues, as Armenia will always owe Azerbaijan. After all, there was no repentance, there was no payment of reparations, there was not even a simple apology for the evil done. If Baku had set a goal to achieve all this, it would eventually have achieved its goal, but it would have taken years full of hostility and confrontation, and a lot of time would have been taken away from the region, which cannot be wasted in conditions when a new world order is looming. This would only weaken the position of the South Caucasus and open a free path for external players. Therefore, Azerbaijan has chosen the path of peace and cooperation. This is an unprecedented step, a concession that no winner has ever made in history.

Armenia should understand and accept this. There is no doubt that the ruling team is well aware of this, but they are afraid of how the visit of Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to Baku will be perceived and how it will affect future elections. It is possible that for this reason Yerevan is trying to delay the resolution of the issue and expects to do so when the balance of power in the country becomes finally clear. Meanwhile, the arrival of the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to Armenia may bring points to Pashinyan, as it will be perceived in society as a concession from Baku.

It would be better for the Armenian side not to complicate matters, but to agree to hold a meeting in Baku. Azerbaijan, for its part, has already made enough steps forward. From the Armenian side, there are only words. So far, only Armenia is receiving dividends from the establishment of the peace process, and it is postponing its counter steps until "after the elections."

Let's take a look. Almost immediately after the war, Azerbaijan allowed Russian gas to be transported through its territory to Armenia due to some kind of accident on the Georgian pipeline. In October 2025, Azerbaijan lifted the ban on the transit of goods for Armenia through its territory. Grain from Russia and Kazakhstan has already passed through there. Now, according to Yerevan, the next step is the export of Azerbaijani petroleum products to Armenia. Baku stated that such an opportunity was being considered, and Georgia promised to allow oil for Armenians for free for the first time as a contribution to the peace process. In other words, the entire region is trying for lasting peace, and the actual culprit of all the problems is Armenia, which enjoys the opportunities that open up. For her part, she still has not taken any practical steps and has not proved what is really in the case.

The visit of the RA Deputy Prime Minister to Gabala within the framework of the work of the delimitation commissions is an unprecedented event in bilateral relations, but it is not a step forward on the part of the Armenian side. This is a working process, and the next time the Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister will participate in a meeting of the commissions in some Armenian city.

The "3+3" format is also a workflow. And Armenia should not try to get ahead of itself. She should remember who is dictating the terms in the region, and in no case forget how much she owes her peace-loving neighbor. So that I don't have to remind you.
Individuals named Kekona are often described as reliable, supportive, and deeply connected to family traditions. As the name signifies 'second-born,' these individuals typically exhibit strong cooperative qualities, working well in team settings and often serving as the glue that holds groups together. They tend to be practical, grounded problem-solvers who approach challenges with patience and determination. Kekonas are frequently seen as the peacemakers in their families and social circles, possessing natural diplomatic skills and emotional intelligence that allows them to navigate complex relationships.



Their connection to their birth order often manifests in a strong sense of responsibility toward both older and younger siblings, making them excellent mediators and caretakers. While they may not always seek the spotlight, their steady presence and unwavering support make them invaluable members of any community. This inherent understanding of balance and relationship dynamics often leads Kekonas to excel in professions that require empathy, organization, and the ability to bring people together. Their strength lies in their consistency and their deep commitment to maintaining harmony within their personal and professional relationships.
Individuals named Kristof are often perceived as strong, reliable, and principled, reflecting the name's meaning of 'Christ-bearer.' They tend to be natural leaders with a protective instinct toward others, embodying the legendary strength of Saint Christopher who carried travelers across dangerous waters. Kristofs are typically known for their determination and steadfastness in pursuing their goals, combined with a practical approach to problem-solving. Many display a blend of traditional values and modern adaptability, making them respected in both professional and personal contexts.



Their personality often includes a quiet confidence rather than overt showmanship, with many developing strong analytical skills and attention to detail. The name suggests someone who carries responsibility well and can be counted on in challenging situations. Kristofs are frequently described as having a calm demeanor under pressure and the ability to think strategically when others might panic. They tend to form deep, lasting relationships and are often the stabilizing force in their social and family circles, embodying the protective qualities associated with their namesake saint.
Individuals named Kwame are often associated with leadership qualities, wisdom, and a strong sense of responsibility, reflecting the cultural expectations tied to the name. In Akan tradition, Saturday-born individuals are believed to possess natural authority, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide others. They are typically seen as dependable, hardworking people who approach life with seriousness and purpose. The name carries expectations of maturity and reliability, often leading those named Kwame to develop strong organizational skills and a protective nature toward their communities.



Many Kwames exhibit a blend of traditional values and progressive thinking, balancing respect for heritage with forward-looking perspectives. These personality associations stem from both cultural traditions and the influence of notable historical figures who have borne the name, creating a legacy that shapes expectations and self-perception. The name often inspires confidence and commands respect, with many Kwames developing strong communication skills and the ability to mediate conflicts. While these are cultural associations rather than deterministic traits, they create a social framework that influences how individuals named Kwame are perceived and how they may develop their personal identities.
Women named Letya are typically perceived as possessing a unique combination of delicate appearance and strong inner character. They often exhibit refined manners, artistic sensitivity, and an intuitive understanding of beauty in all its forms. Their petite stature frequently belies a determined spirit and keen intelligence, creating an intriguing contrast that draws people to them. Letyas tend to be observant and detail-oriented, with a natural grace that makes them appear effortlessly elegant even in casual situations.



They value meaningful connections over superficial relationships and often demonstrate remarkable emotional intelligence in their interactions. While they may appear fragile at first glance, those who know them well recognize their resilience, creativity, and the quiet strength that enables them to navigate life's challenges with poise and dignity. Their combination of feminine charm and inner fortitude makes them both approachable and respected in social and professional circles. Letyas often excel in fields requiring precision, creativity, and interpersonal skills, bringing their unique perspective to everything they undertake.
Individuals named Marise are often perceived as graceful and compassionate, with a natural elegance that draws others to them. They typically possess strong intuitive abilities and emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with ease. Marises are known for their loyalty and dedication to family and close relationships, often serving as pillars of support within their communities. Their creative spirit and appreciation for beauty frequently manifest in artistic pursuits or refined tastes.



While generally gentle in demeanor, they demonstrate remarkable inner strength and resilience when facing challenges. The combination of traditional values and modern adaptability makes Marises effective mediators who can bridge different perspectives with diplomacy and understanding. Their name's connection to Mary often translates into a nurturing personality with deep empathy for others' struggles. Marises tend to be reflective individuals who value meaningful connections over superficial relationships, and they often excel in professions requiring both compassion and intellectual depth.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Maryanna represents a significant fusion of two of the most important female names in Judeo-Christian tradition. The name combines Mary, the mother of Jesus in Christian theology, with Anna, the prophetess who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah in the Temple. This dual heritage connects the name to both the New Testament narrative and broader Hebrew tradition. Throughout Christian history, compound names honoring Mary have been particularly popular in Catholic and Orthodox communities, where Marian devotion plays a central role in religious practice.



The name embodies the blending of Hebrew cultural roots with Christian religious significance, creating a name that honors both the sorrowful aspects of Mary's experience (the 'bitter' meaning) and the graceful hope represented by Anna's recognition of salvation. In various cultures, the name has been adapted to local linguistic patterns while maintaining its essential religious and cultural resonance. The persistence of Maryanna and its variants across centuries demonstrates the enduring power of these foundational religious figures in shaping naming traditions and cultural identity.
Symbolically, Matilda represents the power of intelligence and moral courage in overcoming adversity. The name embodies the concept that true strength comes from withinthrough knowledge, principle, and resilience rather than physical force or aggression. It symbolizes the quiet warrior who fights battles with wisdom and perseverance, often representing the triumph of intellect over brute strength and integrity over convenience. In metaphorical terms, Matilda signifies protection and nurturing strength, suggesting someone who uses their power to shield and uplift others rather than dominate them.



The name also carries symbolic weight as a bridge between tradition and progress, representing women who honor their heritage while forging new paths. It suggests balance between feminine grace and inner fortitude, between respecting history and creating change. In many interpretations, Matilda symbolizes the educated womansomeone who values knowledge as power and uses learning as a tool for personal growth and social improvement. This rich symbolic tapestry makes the name particularly meaningful for families valuing both strength of character and intellectual development.
Women named Mildraed typically exhibit a remarkable balance of strength and gentleness that defines their character. They possess an inner resilience that allows them to withstand adversity without becoming hardened or bitter. This strength is not the aggressive, domineering type but rather a quiet, steadfast determination rooted in deep convictions and moral principles. Mildraeds are often perceived as calm centers in turbulent situations, their presence bringing a sense of stability and peace to those around them. They have a natural ability to listen deeply and understand multiple perspectives, making them exceptional mediators and counselors.



Their gentle exterior belies a core of iron will when it comes to protecting what they value - whether people, principles, or communities. Mildraeds are typically highly empathetic individuals who feel others' pain deeply and are driven to alleviate suffering wherever they encounter it. They lead through example rather than command, inspiring loyalty and respect through their consistent character and compassionate actions. While they may avoid confrontation, they are not passive; when necessary, they can take firm stands with surprising conviction. Their strength is most evident in their capacity for forgiveness, patience, and enduring love - qualities that require far more courage and fortitude than aggression or domination. This unique combination makes Mildraeds natural nurturers who strengthen others while maintaining their own integrity.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Mystee emerged as a modern Christian name in the late 20th century, blending traditional Christian naming practices with contemporary phonetic creativity. The name carries spiritual undertones through its connection to mystery and the unknown, reflecting the Christian concept of divine mystery and faith in things unseen. In Christian communities, the name often symbolizes the mysterious ways of God's work and the beauty of spiritual revelation.



The name's evolution represents a broader trend in Christian naming where parents seek unique names that maintain spiritual resonance while offering individuality. This reflects a shift from strictly biblical names to those that capture Christian virtues and concepts in more poetic forms. The name's association with natural mist imagery connects it to creation and God's presence in nature, while its unique spelling distinguishes it as a modern expression of faith and identity.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Neith stands as one of the most enduring and complex figures in Egyptian mythology, representing a primordial force that predated many other deities. Her worship spanned over three millennia, from the Predynastic Period (c. 6000-3150 BCE) through the Ptolemaic era, demonstrating her lasting significance in Egyptian religious life. As a creator goddess, she was believed to have emerged from the primeval waters of Nun and spontaneously created herself before bringing forth other gods and the material world. The famous inscription at her temple in Sais'I am all that has been, that is, and that will be'positions her as a cosmic, all-encompassing deity comparable to later philosophical concepts of the absolute.



Her dual nature as both warrior and weaver goddess reflects the Egyptian understanding of cosmic balance (ma'at). As a war deity, she protected the pharaoh and Egypt's borders; as a weaver, she created the fabric of reality and determined fates. This combination of martial and domestic spheres made her particularly appealing to women of all social classes. During the 26th Dynasty, when her cult center at Sais became the capital, her worship reached its zenith, and she was increasingly syncretized with other goddesses. The Greeks identified her with Athena, recognizing similarities in their domains of wisdom, weaving, and warfare, creating one of the most successful cross-cultural religious identifications in the ancient Mediterranean world.
By Qabil Ashirov



On 10 December, members of the AzerbaijanLatvia interparliamentary working group held a meeting with Latvias Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Edgars Skuja, at the Milli Majlis.

Azernews reports that the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the ambassador to the newly formed friendship group following the parliamentary elections.

The sides held extensive discussions on the development of bilateral relations. They exchanged views on continuing cooperation and experience-sharing in agriculture, the food industry, and healthcare, as well as increasing mutual visits and expanding collaboration in these fields.

Kamran Bayramov, head of the working group, noted that both 2024 and 2025 have been rich and significant in terms of the expansion of relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia.

In 2024, the two countries marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. A series of political, economic, and humanitarian events were held in both nations, accompanied by reciprocal visits.

It was emphasized that this year, in particular, several important mutual visits took place. In May, Latvias Minister of Agriculture visited Azerbaijan to attend agriculture and food industry exhibitions. In August, Latvias Minister of Health visited Baku, participated in a gastroenterology congress, and met with members of the Friendship Group at the Milli Majlis. A few days ago, a delegation led by Azerbaijans Minister of Health, Teymur Musayev, paid a working visit to Latvia, held numerous meetings, and signed a Cooperation Agreement between the health ministries of the two countries in the fields of healthcare and medical science.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening interparliamentary cooperation. Expanding ties between the Milli Majlis and the Latvian Seimas, organizing reciprocal visits, and supporting each others positions on international platforms were identified as priority areas.

The ambassador was also briefed on developments in Azerbaijan and the wider region, efforts to advance the AzerbaijanArmenia peace agenda, the outcomes of the Washington Summit, reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories, and the implementation of the Great Return State Program. The ambassador was informed about the political, economic, and humanitarian significance of achieving lasting peace in the region.

The meeting was attended by MPs Sevil Mikayilova, Elchin Mirzabeyli, Azer Allahveranov, Mahir Suleymanli, Malik Hasanov, Ayd?n Huseynov, and other officials, all members of the AzerbaijanLatvia interparliamentary working group.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Parrish holds deep cultural significance within Christian traditions, originating from the English word for a church district or ecclesiastical division. Historically, this surname was given to individuals who lived near or worked for the local church, creating an immediate association with religious life and community leadership. Throughout medieval and early modern Europe, the parish system formed the backbone of Christian community organization, making this name inherently connected to concepts of spiritual guidance, moral authority, and social cohesion.



In Christian culture, the parish represents the most fundamental unit of church lifethe local community of believers gathered around their church. This gives the name Parrish connotations of spiritual stewardship, community service, and religious dedication. The name carries echoes of centuries of Christian tradition where the parish priest and parish community served as the primary means through which individuals experienced their faith. Even in secular contexts today, the name retains these religious undertones, often suggesting someone with strong moral principles, community involvement, and perhaps even spiritual leadership qualities.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Renae has its roots in the Latin name Renatus, meaning 'reborn' or 'born again.' In German-speaking regions, the name gained popularity as a feminine form of Rene, reflecting the cultural appreciation for names with spiritual and renewal connotations. The name carries Christian significance, often associated with baptism and spiritual rebirth, which resonated deeply in German cultural contexts where religious traditions have historically played an important role in naming practices. Throughout German history, names symbolizing renewal and new beginnings have been particularly valued during periods of cultural and social transformation. The German adaptation of Renae maintains the core meaning of rebirth while fitting into the phonetic and grammatical structures of the German language, making it both meaningful and accessible within the cultural naming tradition.



The name's journey through German culture reflects broader European naming trends while maintaining distinct regional characteristics. In modern German-speaking communities, Renae and its variations continue to represent values of resilience, hope, and the possibility of new beginnings. The name's enduring appeal lies in its combination of spiritual depth and elegant simplicity, making it a choice that honors tradition while embracing contemporary naming sensibilities. Its cross-cultural adaptability has allowed it to maintain relevance across generations while preserving its essential meaning of rebirth and renewal.
Women named Rowa typically exhibit a combination of grace, intuition, and visionary thinking. Their personality is often characterized by a natural elegance and the ability to see potential and beauty where others might not. They tend to be optimistic individuals who approach challenges with creativity and insight, often serving as sources of inspiration for those around them. The 'lovely vision' associated with their name manifests in their ability to maintain positive perspectives even in difficult circumstances. Rowas are usually empathetic and understanding, with strong intuitive capabilities that help them navigate complex social and emotional situations. They often excel in creative fields, education, or roles that require vision and the ability to see the bigger picture. Their presence typically brings a sense of harmony and beauty to their environments, and they have a natural talent for creating aesthetically pleasing spaces and relationships.
Women named Roxanne are typically perceived as confident, charismatic individuals who possess a natural magnetism and strong presence. They often exhibit a blend of intelligence and creativity, with many excelling in fields that require both analytical thinking and artistic expression. Roxannes tend to be independent and self-assured, comfortable taking leadership roles while maintaining approachability and warmth. Their combination of practical wisdom and romantic sensibility allows them to navigate complex situations with both logic and empathy.



Socially, Roxannes are often described as engaging conversationalists with a dramatic flair that makes them memorable. They value deep, meaningful relationships and are typically loyal friends and partners. Many display a resilience and adaptability that serves them well in challenging circumstances, often emerging stronger from difficulties. The name seems to attract or cultivate women who are unafraid to stand out while remaining grounded and authentic. This balance of strength and sensitivity, combined with their natural elegance, makes Roxannes often perceived as women who can command respect while maintaining genuine connections with others.
Individuals named Saadya are often perceived as deeply spiritual, intellectually curious, and naturally inclined toward helping others. They tend to possess strong analytical minds and a philosophical disposition, frequently engaging in deep contemplation about life's bigger questions. Their name meaning 'God's helper' often manifests in their personality through a genuine desire to assist others, whether through practical help, emotional support, or intellectual guidance. Many Saadyas demonstrate leadership qualities combined with humility, understanding that true strength comes from serving higher purposes.



Saadyas typically exhibit strong moral compasses and are known for their integrity and reliability. They often excel in fields that require both compassion and intellectual rigor, such as education, religious leadership, counseling, or academia. Their spiritual nature doesn't necessarily mean they're overly serious  many Saadyas possess warm, engaging personalities with a good sense of humor. They tend to be family-oriented and community-minded, valuing traditions while also being open to new ideas and perspectives that align with their core values.
Individuals named Searlait are often perceived as strong-willed, independent, and culturally grounded. They typically exhibit a blend of traditional values with modern perspectives, reflecting the name's dual heritage of Irish roots and continental origins. Searlaits are frequently described as having natural leadership qualities, combined with a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage and family traditions. Their personality often includes a strong sense of identity and the ability to navigate between different cultural contexts with grace and confidence.



These individuals often demonstrate remarkable adaptability and resilience, capable of maintaining their core identity while embracing change and progress. They tend to be articulate communicators with a strong sense of justice and fairness, often serving as bridges between generations and cultures. The name suggests someone who is both deeply connected to their roots and forward-thinking, embodying the balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation that characterizes modern Irish identity.
Women named Seraphine are often perceived as passionate, intuitive, and spiritually inclined individuals who carry an inner fire that drives their pursuits. They tend to be creative souls with strong emotional depth, often expressing themselves through artistic channels or compassionate service to others. Their name's association with celestial beings lends them an air of grace and otherworldliness, while the 'burning fire' meaning suggests intense dedication to their beliefs and causes. Seraphines are typically known for their warmth and ability to inspire others, though they may also possess a fiery temper when their principles are challenged.



They often demonstrate remarkable resilience and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth, much like fire that purifies and renews. Their combination of spiritual sensitivity and passionate determination makes them natural leaders in creative, healing, or spiritual professions where they can channel their intense energy positively. While they can be idealistic and sometimes struggle with practical matters, their visionary nature often allows them to see possibilities others miss. The duality of their name - representing both gentle angelic qualities and fierce burning energy - often manifests as individuals who can be both comforting nurturers and powerful advocates for change.
Cultural & Historical Significance

In Hindu tradition, the concept of 'shapa' or curse holds profound significance beyond its literal meaning. It represents the cosmic principle of cause and effect, where words and intentions manifest as reality. Throughout Hindu mythology, numerous stories feature curses that shape destinies - from the curse that turned Ahalya to stone to the curses that affected the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. These narratives serve as moral lessons about the power of speech, the importance of righteous conduct, and the inevitability of karmic consequences. The name Shapa embodies this complex understanding where what appears as a curse often contains hidden blessings and opportunities for spiritual growth.



The cultural significance extends to philosophical interpretations where 'shapa' represents the transformative power of adversity. In Tantric traditions, curses are sometimes viewed as intense spiritual catalysts that force individuals to confront their deepest fears and limitations. The name thus carries layers of meaning - from the surface level of misfortune to deeper spiritual truths about overcoming obstacles and achieving enlightenment through challenges. This dual nature makes it a name that acknowledges both the suffering and the potential for transcendence inherent in human experience.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Slaton is an English surname turned given name with roots in Old English topography, specifically referring to someone who lived near or worked at a 'farm in the valley.' The name carries Christian significance through its association with agricultural life and stewardship of the land, themes deeply embedded in biblical parables and Christian values of humility and connection to creation. Historically, it emerged as a locational surname in England before migrating to America, where it became established particularly in southern states. The name embodies a connection to rural life, family heritage, and the Christian virtue of caring for God's creation, making it appealing to families seeking names with both geographical and spiritual resonance.



In American culture, Slaton gained prominence as both a surname and given name, particularly in the Southern United States where agricultural heritage and family names hold significant cultural weight. The town of Slaton, Texas, named after early settler O.L. Slaton, further cemented the name's presence in American geographical history. Within Christian communities, the name resonates with biblical themes of cultivation, stewardship, and the importance of fertile ground for growthboth literal and spiritual. This dual heritage makes Slaton a name that bridges English ancestral roots with American pioneer spirit while maintaining strong Christian agricultural symbolism.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Sucki holds deep significance in Algonquin culture, where names are not merely labels but reflections of spiritual identity and family heritage. Derived from the Algonquin word for 'black,' Sucki traditionally connected individuals to the sacred darkness of night, the fertile black soil, and the protective shadows of the forest. In many Algonquin communities, names like Sucki were often given during naming ceremonies where elders would observe a child's characteristics or receive spiritual guidance about their true nature. The color black in Algonquin symbolism represents protection, mystery, and the unknown - qualities highly respected in indigenous cosmology.



Historically, bearers of this name were often associated with roles requiring wisdom, discretion, and connection to the spiritual world, serving as mediators between the physical and metaphysical realms. The name's preservation through centuries of cultural disruption demonstrates the resilience of Algonquin linguistic and naming traditions. During the period of forced assimilation policies, many traditional names like Sucki were suppressed, making their contemporary revival an act of cultural reclamation and resistance. Today, the name represents both connection to ancestral practices and the ongoing vitality of Algonquin cultural identity in the modern world.
Akbar Novruz



A bilateral meeting took place between Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Hamza Al-Mustafa, Minister of Information of the Syrian Arab Republic, within the framework of the Bridge media and content industry summit held in Abu Dhabi, Azernews reports.

According to the Agency, the sides exchanged views on prospects for developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Syria in the field of media and communications, including the expansion of information flows and areas of mutual interest.

Issues such as combating disinformation, establishing a reliable information environment, strengthening dialogue, and developing institutional relations were also discussed during the meeting.
Individuals named Trinetta are often perceived as gentle, intuitive, and possessing a natural grace that draws others to them. They typically exhibit a blend of traditional values and creative thinking, making them both reliable and innovative. Their 'little innocent' essence often manifests as a genuine curiosity about the world and a tendency to see the beauty in ordinary things, which can be both endearing and inspiring to those around them.



Trinettas tend to be deeply empathetic and sensitive to others' emotions, often serving as peacemakers in social situations. They approach challenges with a quiet determination rather than overt aggression, and their strength lies in their ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and compassion. While they may appear delicate, they possess an inner resilience that allows them to overcome adversity while maintaining their essential kindness and optimism.



In social settings, Trinettas often become the heart of their circles, valued for their ability to listen deeply and offer thoughtful perspectives. They tend to be artistic or creative in some capacity, whether through traditional arts, writing, or simply in their approach to daily life. Their combination of sensitivity and strength makes them particularly effective in caring professions, education, or any field that requires both compassion and perseverance.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Yedidah holds deep significance in Jewish and Hebrew culture as a name derived from the root 'y-d-d,' meaning 'to love' or 'to befriend.' In biblical context, the name appears in the Second Book of Kings, where Jedidah (the English transliteration) was the mother of King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings. This connection gives the name royal and spiritual connotations within Jewish tradition. The name embodies the Jewish value of friendship (chaverut) and loving relationships, which are central to Jewish community life.



Throughout Jewish history, the name has been used to express the hope that a daughter would grow to be a beloved friend and build strong, meaningful relationships within her community. The feminine form Yedidah specifically emphasizes the importance of female friendship and companionship in Jewish society. In modern times, the name continues to represent these traditional values while also being embraced by those seeking meaningful Hebrew names that reflect positive personal qualities and community orientation.
Five Emory University students were among the almost 56,000 delegates who attended the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, UNCOP30, in Belem, Brazil, last month.

Environmental sciences professor Eri Saikawa spearheaded the trip, leading the students to network with policymakers, listen in on global negotiations and learn more about climate-related career options.

Saikawa says the trip was inspired in part by her own experience attending the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa, known as the Rio+10 Summit, when she was an undergraduate student.

For me, that was extremely eye-opening to know what kinds of things you can do in the environmental field, Saikawa says. I realized thats probably the best thing for students to see what kinds of paths they can take.

Each student who participated in this years trip is a member of Emory Climate Hub, a program focused on expanding experiential learning related to climate change. Saikawa serves as the programs director.

This was the ninth time Saikawa has taken students to U.N. or other global conferences, such as last springs World Health Organizations (WHO) Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Colombia.

Every year, its a little bit different, Saikawa says.

During their time in Brazil, the students viewed the second half of the two-week-long event and the closing ceremony, which featured final negotiations between nations.

Student delegates helped facilitate Q&As and panel discussions during the conference. They also led an exhibition booth to inform stakeholders about climate research efforts at Emory.

The trip marked the first time junior Carter Douglas-Brown, a double major in environmental science and anthropology, had traveled outside the U.S. The experience helped introduce her to global leaders at a personal level  something she says she didnt anticipate.

One day we had lunch with a member of the German parliament just because he couldn't find a spot to sit and asked to sit with us, Douglas-Brown says. That happened a couple of times.

Douglas-Brown adds that individual meetings with global leaders such as Saqib Huq  managing director at The International Center for Climate Change and Development  helped bolster her passion for bridging science and policy.

Belle Pobsuk, a junior majoring in both business and environmental science, decided to participate in the conference to learn more about corporate sustainability and non-governmental organization work.

I really wanted to go into this experience and hear from a lot of the researchers and policymakers about what they think the role of businesses and institutions is in climate change and climate justice, Pobsuk says.

Learning about avenues beyond traditional business, like climate finance, gave her an answer.

In academia, theres a lot of saying, We need to do this! But there's less implementation, Pobsuk says. It's so important to be able to actually do things. This inspired me to continue to try and boost local scale initiatives and see what other kinds of global work I can get into.

Attending previous conferences also proved to be formative for alumna Lauren Balotin, who graduated from Emory in 2019.

Balotin didnt initially plan to pursue a career in environmental science, but when her role as a staff writer for The Emory Wheel led her to cover COP21, she was intrigued. She accompanied Saikawa to COP23 in Bonn, Germany, in 2017 and COP24 in Katowice, Poland, in 2018.

[The conference] really was my first foray into climate negotiations and climate and health, Balotin says. After that, I followed that path, and I havent really swayed from it since  It was the reason I pursued my master's degrees in environmental science and public health.

Balotin went on to intern at U.N. Climate Change and now works as a communications coordinator with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations climate and health program. In addition to impacting her career, the conference continues to be a reminder of how combating climate change is an interconnected process.

There's a lot of energy and work being done, and I think it's just a good reminder, Balotin says. Sometimes, you feel like you're in a bubble working within your organization, but it's important to remember that we're just one piece of this much larger puzzle.
This year may be drawing to a close, but for 1,041 high school seniors, next fall just became much clearer when they received their Early Decision I notification from Emory on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Chosen from a pool of 3,593 applicants, these new Eagles cried, smiled and cheered, celebrating with loved ones near and far.

The talent base of applicants is bigger and broader than weve ever seen, says John F. Latting, associate vice provost for enrollment and dean of admission, pointing to Emory Advantage Plus as one driving factor. The kinds of interests these students have, the lives theyve led  even as young as they are  are really remarkable. We love getting to know these students through their applications.

These Early Decision I admittees join the 57 students accepted on Monday, Dec. 1, as part of the QuestBridge National College Match  a nonprofit that links highly qualified students from low-income backgrounds with 52 of the nations leading universities and provides financial aid  to form the foundation of Emorys Class of 2030.

QuestBridge Scholars bring exceptional academic excellence and leadership potential to Emory. Their stories and achievements inspire us, and the opportunity to support their path to higher education is one of the most meaningful parts of our work, says Mark Butt, executive director of admission at Emory.

At Emory, first-year students can choose to begin their experience in either Emory College of Arts and Sciences or Oxford College. Emory College, which shares the Atlanta campus with the universitys graduate and professional schools, offers the experience of a liberal arts college amid the energy and pace of a leading research university.

Each year, our ED1 and QuestBridge scholars remind us why this work matters, says Barbara Krauthamer, dean of Emory College. Their drive, resilience and academic promise strengthen the heart of Emory College. We are proud to welcome these remarkable students into our community and look forward to being a part of their journeys going forward."

Oxford College, 36 miles east, is set on Emorys original campus in Oxford, Georgia. Only for first- and second-year students, Oxford affords a close-knit community, small classes and a strong liberal arts curriculum. All Oxford students continue to the Atlanta campus to complete their Emory degrees.

We cannot wait to welcome Oxfords Early Decision I class to campus, says Molly McGehee, interim dean of Oxford College. They represent an inspiring blend of talent, drive, and purpose, and were honored they have chosen Oxford as the place to begin their next chapter.

Their applications clearly reflected both academic excellence and deep appreciation for liberal arts learning, and we are confident that they will find their Oxford experience to be a transformative journey.

Of the 1,041 students accepted in the Early Decision I process, 845 were admitted to Emory College, 417 were admitted to Oxford College and 221 were admitted to both colleges and can pick which campus to attend in the fall.

Remarkable promise and wide-ranging perspectives

Students who submit applications for the Early Decision I process commit to enrolling if they receive adequate financial aid. This year, Emory received an unparalleled number of Early Decision applications  up nearly 8% from the previous year, which was record-setting as well.

As we review the largest Early Decision pool in our institutions history, we do so with gratitude  gratitude for the students who see Emory as their first-choice home and for the committee members who approach each application with care, integrity and a deep sense of our mission, says Butt.

Emory Admission staff take a holistic approach as they review applications. Academic records like grades and test scores are important, but admission officers also consider how students utilized opportunities available in their school and community.

Additionally, student interests and extracurricular activities, along with written portions like student essays and letters of recommendation from teachers and school counselors, are considered.

Latting explains that while transcripts are part of the consideration, the admissions team believes theres much more to an application.

Were asking, what is the voice that students have? What are they reflecting on in their applications? What do their teachers, who have seen them on good and bad days, say about them? Their sketch of that student is so important to us.

We know that these students have been truly significant in their classrooms and high schools, Latting adds. Theyve really moved the dialogue forward, participated in positive ways, engaged with peers and more  its an important window into these students.

Kelley Lips, assistant vice provost and dean of Oxford enrollment, also notes the ways these students will impact the university.

The enthusiasm we saw from this years Early Decision I applicants underscores Emorys appeal to students who want to learn, lead and engage deeply, says Lips. Our newest admits bring remarkable promise and wide-ranging perspectives, and were excited to support the impact they will make across both campuses.

QuestBridge Match program bolsters college accessibility

Earlier this month, Emory welcomed 57 QuestBridge Scholars to the Class of 2030. Five will attend Oxford College, while the rest will join Emory College.

Through the QuestBridge National College Match program, QuestBridge Match Scholars receive a four-year financial aid award, covering full tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies.

For the Class of 2030, Emory reviewed 1,423 QuestBridge applications, with the majority of matches  34 students  being among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States. Twelve students from Georgia matched with Emory. Across the entire admissions period, many more QuestBridge applications will be reviewed.

Timothy Fields, senior associate dean of admission, describes the latest QuestBridge Scholars as inquisitive, caring and driven.

I am excited about the voices and experiences these students will bring to Emory, Fields notes. In the files I have read thus far, there is so much to these students beyond grades  and thats truly exciting. Having been doing this for 20 years, the energy of these students gives me great encouragement.

Choosing Emory as the perfect match

Students admitted through the QuestBridge Scholars program are eager to arrive on campus and ready to explore their paths.

Trinity Williams is one of those students. The first QuestBridge Scholar  and Emory student  in her high schools history, shell be on the Atlanta campus in the fall, planning to major in film and media studies with a concentration in screenwriting.

My interest in Emory University started all the way back in sixth grade, says Williams, who moved to Columbus, Georgia, from Chicago with her family when she was 10. Originally interested in pursuing creative writing and education, she says she first fell in love with Emorys campus culture. When I changed my aspirations to film, I was very happy to see that not only did Emory still have a pathway for me to pursue, but had a hands-on and immersive environment.

Piece by piece, Emory University became synonymous with home for me, says Williams, who knew she would do whatever it took to become an Eagle.

The good news came at 8 a.m. Dec. 1, when Williams happened to be with her school counselor.

Reading the match decision, watching confetti fall down the screen the whole thing felt like a dream, she recalls.

Emory boasts one of the largest QuestBridge Scholars Networks in the nation, with more than 500 students currently attending the Atlanta and Oxford campuses. Emory QuestBridge Scholars include the previous years match scholars along with other students who enroll through the Regular Decision cycle. The active student-run organization provides an authentic and supportive community, helping students navigate the transition to college and connect with resources around campus.

Tracy Schrader, from San Antonio, Texas, first discovered Emory through a list of top colleges for creative writing. Oxford College felt like the perfect place to start because Ive always been a little nervous about the transition to college, she says.

I wanted a small community where I could build personal connections with professors and peers while finding my place on campus, says Schrader. Im thrilled to begin at Oxford and look forward to moving to the Atlanta campus for my junior and senior years to take more specialized courses in creative writing. I plan to major in English and Creative Writing and cant wait to explore all areas of the liberal arts.

Incoming QuestBridge Scholar Emya Gregg was with two of her friends when she got the match notification. I was ecstatic. I would have been happy to match anywhere, but I was thrilled about Emory because I plan to study nursing, says Emya.

What was happening just across the hall?

Emyas twin, Tatianna, was also finding out her match results. My teachers watched me log in and celebrated with me as I found out, then my sister came out of the classroom yelling what school she matched with and I said, Me, too! remembers Tatianna, who plans to major in business administration and minor in finance.

The Gregg twins, who grew up in the Jamaica neighborhood in Queens, New York, both say theyre excited to have each other while navigating the transition to college.

Now, of course, theres just the rest of senior year to complete.

When I learned I matched with Emory, I was overjoyed. My parents were ecstatic, my sister and I cried, and I couldnt stop smiling, says Schrader. Knowing that I will be attending an incredible college on an incredible scholarship fills me with gratitude. QuestBridge and Emory University are truly gifts in my life, and I am so excited to begin this next chapter.

All data accurate as of Dec. 11, 2025
Have you ever wanted to see rare items housed in the Rose Library  such as a crystal ball, an authors draft of a famous novel or a Civil War sword  but didnt want to make an appointment? Or are you unsure of whats in the library? Theres an easy way you can find out and enjoy unique treasures: Miscellaneous Monthly open house events.

These events, organized by Rose outreach archivist Gaby Hale, are a great way to see a selection of objects from a cross-section of collections, all pertaining to a different monthly theme. Free and open to the public, Miscellaneous Monthly is held in the Rose Library on the third Tuesday of the month from 1-3 p.m.

This popular series draws in Emory University students, faculty, staff and Atlanta community members who love history, offering an up-close experience with original materials that can spark ideas for research papers and class projects, independent research, book writing and other creative projects.

This is such a joyful event, says Elizabeth Ott, director of the Stuart A. Rose Library. People always find something unexpected, or they connect with a collection item they otherwise never would have encountered.

The next Miscellaneous Month will be Tuesday, Dec. 16, with the theme of typewriters and their impact on literature, activism and art. The event is in conjunction with Woodruff Librarys Striking Characters exhibition (running until Dec. 20 in the Schatten Gallery) and will feature items connected to typewriters, including first editions of The Wiz and Dracula, whose authors used a typewriter to produce their drafts.

How it started, how its going

Hale created Miscellaneous Monthly to share Rose Library materials for curiosity and enjoyment. Although the Rose Library archives are open to everyone (including students, the public and researchers), appointments are required so staff can retrieve materials, some of which are stored off-site.

This is the first archive Ive worked at that is appointment-only based, and Ive seen at previous institutions how much it benefited people just to be able to come in and see materials without an appointment, says Hale. Obviously, there are real restrictions on what we can do here at Rose, given our off-site items. I wanted to give people an opportunity to see items without the pressure of having a reason to come to do research, because it can be really daunting to have to choose what to see when youre just generally interested in history.

Ott says the monthly series benefits both the Rose Library and those who attend the event.

At Rose Library, we value discovery  serendipitous moments of encounter that can reshape how people see themselves and understand history, says Ott. Miscellaneous Monthly is a program that allows students, faculty, staff and the general public to make unexpected discoveries among our collections.

Ott agrees that giving people access to rare and historic materials helps them develop an interest in these collections.

One of Rose Library's highest priorities is reducing barriers to access, she says. This event series embodies this principle  collections not under glass in an exhibit, but right there where patrons can touch and interact with them, turning pages and looking through folders, without having to have a research question or assignment to complete.

A different theme every month

Hale taps the hive mind of her Rose Library colleagues to find ideas for themes and collections to highlight. For example, Novembers Miscellaneous Monthly was focused on fashion throughout the ages. It included fashion plates from a French magazine in the 1830s, a how-to guide for making crepe paper costumes, lots of paper dolls, and publications through the years about Black fashion.

Octobers Halloween-themed event featured archival items such as a crystal ball and fortune telling cards (from the Mamie Wade Avant papers), Halloween party Polaroids and scrapbooks (Jon Arge photographs and the Royce Soble papers), materials made by cult members (Father Divine papers and Daddy Grace collection), and first editions of tales by Mary Shelley, Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens and Ted Hughes.

Other themes have included Animals in the Archives, which featured a photo of a lion cub at a birthday party for 6-year-old Carl Hartsfield, son of former Atlanta mayor William Berry Hartsfield.

It felt very Tiger King, Hale says with a laugh, referring to the documentary-style show featuring Joe Exotic and his life with wild cats.

Hale also pulled a book published in 1658, titled The history of four-footed beasts and serpents by Edward Topsell, which depicts real and fantastical animals. Its a very well-known rare book that has amazing illustrations and descriptions of animals, she says. It's a very fun book. People really enjoyed that one.

A growing audience

As word spreads, attendance at Miscellaneous Monthly is growing. Students and Emory library staff are steady supporters, as well as Oxford College librarians and MacMillian Law librarians. The events have even drawn staff from non-Emory institutions, like Georgia Tech and Georgia State.

Hale has also seen more people from the Atlanta community attending these sessions, with many citing their interest in history. Liza Dolensky, who graduated from Emory in 1987 with a bachelors degree in philosophy and psychology, attended the November event with her friend, Bobbie Jo Nelson, a former librarian.

Dolensky owns the online shop Better Dresses Vintage, where she sells authentic vintage and antique womens clothing and accessories. Nelson enjoys history and costuming and is a member of Atlanta Time Travelers, a vintage and historic clothing enthusiast group. Both are knowledgeable about vintage clothing.

We went because it was fashion related, which is what were into, but Ive now put it on my calendar as a recurring event, Dolensky says. I thought the selections were diverse and interesting, and appealing to a wide audience. It showed some of the changes over time, and the material was inclusive. Gaby was delightful.

Hale says as she shares the stories behind various materials, conversation starts with the attendees, and she learns more about the items and the timelines in which they occurred.

I love getting to learn from the people who come, because Im not an expert by any means on all of these items, says Hale.

One session included materials about the proposed Presidential Parkway in the 1980s and the community-led opposition to its potential impact on neighborhoods and parks.

Someone was at the event who talked about their personal experiences with that, Hale recalls. So now, every time I have those items out, I have that background with me that I can talk more richly about these items than I could before.

Miscellaneous Monthly events for each month can be found on the Emory Libraries events calendar page and on the Rose Librarys Instagram account.

For more information on the Miscellaneous Monthly events, email the Rose Library or contact Gaby Hale.
China achieves key results in 10-year fishing ban on Yangtze River

Xinhua) 08:22, December 11, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 7, 2025 shows the scenery of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo by Wang Zhonghu/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has achieved important results in advancing the work related to the 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River, promoting the protection of aquatic life, resettling fishermen who have given up fishing, and contributing to ecological conservation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Wednesday.

The ministry, in collaboration with relevant departments, has rolled out assistance measures to secure the livelihoods of former fishermen. By the end of September, all 142,000 fishermen who have the ability and willingness to work have been reemployed, and all 220,000 eligible fishermen have been enrolled in the endowment insurance scheme.

With strengthened protection and restoration efforts, the aquatic biodiversity of the Yangtze River has continued to see improvements. In 2025, more than 970,000 Chinese sturgeons were released, with more than 60 percent of individuals already entering the ocean through the Yangtze River estuary.

China has also promoted the restoration of important and key habitats, strictly managed the protected areas of aquatic germplasm resources, and carried out restocking in a scientific manner, according to the ministry.

To improve biodiversity along the Yangtze, China imposed a full fishing ban in 332 conservation areas of the river basin in January 2020. Protection measures were later expanded to a 10-year moratorium along the river's main streams and major tributaries, a ban which took effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Akbar Novruz



The US-brokered peace plan signed in August 2025 provides a solid foundation for normalizing bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Azernews reports, citing international rating agency Moodys.

"Risks related to the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia still persist. However, we believe that the conflict will not escalate to the point that it would significantly slow down the policymaking process or negatively affect the economic and fiscal prospects of the countries in 2026. The US-brokered peace plan between Armenia and Azerbaijan provides a solid basis for normalizing bilateral relations," Moodys said in its report.

The agency added that these risks are unlikely to disrupt the strong economic growth of either country.

The peace plan was formalized on August 8, 2025, when President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration in Washington. On the same day, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenias Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia.

The joint initiative also included an appeal to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to close the OSCE Minsk Process, including the positions of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the High-Level Planning Group.
Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) commemorated Human Rights Day on December 10, at Vision Hall, Faisalabad. This year''s observance followed the United Nations theme, "Reaffirming the Values of Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials," an official statement said. The program aimed to reinforce core human rights principles and reconnect people to the understanding that human rights shape daily life, often in ways that go unnoticed. At a time marked by uncertainty and social instability, the focus on "everyday essentials" highlights that human rights are not abstract ideals, but the fundamental protections people depend on each day. HRFP''s event brought together civil society members, lawyers, political and religious leaders, women activists, youth, students, and professionals from various fields, who attended in person and virtually as well from all provinces of Pakistan, as per the statement. Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), expressed concern that despite efforts to reaffirm human rights values, serious violations are increasingly being ignored. He highlighted the growing persecution of minorities, particularly the Christians, Hindus, Ahmadiyyas, and others whose cases often go unnoticed. He stressed that the alarming rise in false blasphemy accusations continues to destroy the lives of innocent people. The incidents involving violence, imprisonment, attacks on minorities, and the abductions of Christian and Hindu girls particularly require urgent attention, he added. Naveed Walter, president HRFP, emphasized that the UN theme, "Our Everyday Essentials," calls for renewed focus, action, and solutions to protect victims and support affected families. He noted that collective efforts are needed to address abuses based on religion, gender, race, and ethnicity. Progress is possible, he said, when stakeholders actively work to promote, protect, and enforce human rights for achieving goals of a society where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and freedom, he stated. Furthermore, HRFP welcomed the passing of the National Assembly, National Minorities Commission Bill 2025, an initiative the Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has been advocating for since the Supreme Court''s 2014 directive by Chief Justice Tassadaq Hussain Gillani. However, HRFP also expressed concern about the practice and independent functioning through such bodies under the government umbrella and laws, stressing that legislation is ineffective without fair enforcement. The organization called on society to play its role in promoting human rights, protecting vulnerable communities, and shaping an inclusive future. Speakers also emphasized the need for educational reforms that foster peace and tolerance among young generations. Speakers, including Raja Thomas, Ejaz Ghouri, Shamshad Gill, James Lal, John Victor, Bushra Bibi, Sadaf Shadman, Shahida Parveen and Sohail Emmanuel, stressed the importance of confronting long-standing injustices and inequalities while striving for a more inclusive and just world. They expressed deep sadness over ongoing violations targeting women, children, and minorities, poor implementation of the 5% minority job quota, pushing youth into neglect, and that minority students still lack exchange programs and international opportunities, the statement added. They also highlighted global challenges, like poverty, climate change, conflict, gender inequality, and systemic discrimination, that continue to undermine human rights. During the event, some victims courageously shared their personal stories of discrimination and persecution due to their faith and beliefs. HRFP highlighted the ongoing hardships faced by minorities, including physical violence, false accusations at workplaces, and murders linked to personal disputes. The organization urged immediate action to end discrimination against domestic workers, unjust job dismissals, fabricated theft charges, physical and sexual abuse, forced conversions, and forced marriages of minority girls. Now is the time to ignite actions and revive a global commitment to human rights through stopping the hate speech, hate literature, misinformation, and disinformation against minorities to reshape public attitudes, HRFP added. HRFP Program Coordinator Shadman John and Field Coordinator Hamdosh Samuel thanked the participants and distributed informational materials, including HRFP''s REAT Helpline brochures, designed to help marginalized groups seek support and speak out against injustice. The event concluded with a peaceful protest, where participants raised play-cards and banners calling for "human rights, equality, and religious freedom for all." Demonstrators highlighted issues faced by minorities and demanded an end to abductions, forced conversions, forced marriages, workplace harassment, religious discrimination, and misuse of blasphemy laws. Participants also called for curriculum reforms and renewed national efforts toward equality, justice, and freedom, chanting slogans such as "Our Everyday Essentials- Notice Now", "Yes to Human Rights-No to Violations," "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now," and "Let''s Struggle to Ensure Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All." (ANI)
Residents of Liaquatabad''s FC Area in Karachi are enduring suffocating conditions as the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) continues to neglect its responsibilities, allowing a vacant plot near the Government Lal Girls Secondary School to become an informal dumping site, as reported by The Express Tribune. According to The Express Tribune, garbage began piling up in the open plot nearly a month ago when SSWMB workers allegedly started unloading waste there. Despite numerous complaints by locals, the trash has not been removed, creating unbearable stench, breeding grounds for insects, and thick smoke from occasional fires. The situation has turned life miserable for hundreds of families, students, and worshippers at the adjoining mosque. Residents stated that those with respiratory problems and asthma have been the hardest hit. The growing trash heap poses not only environmental but also safety risks. The crisis escalated on Tuesday when the garbage caught fire, the second such incident in recent days, spreading toxic black smoke throughout the area and forcing people to stay indoors. "This plot has practically turned into a garbage mountain. Our children go to school beside it, and we offer prayers next to it. The authorities have left us helpless," one local stated. A Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) fire tender reached the site after the fire broke out and managed to control the blaze before it could spread to nearby bushes or the school building. Officials confirmed there were no injuries, though they warned that any delay could have led to a disaster, as cited by The Express Tribune. The residents have once again appealed to the SSWMB managing director to urgently clear the site and take steps to prevent future dumping in the densely populated neighbourhood. The continuous inaction, they said, reflects the government''s disregard for public health and civic welfare, making Karachi''s waste management crisis even more alarming, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI)
Pakistan continues to face an alarming water crisis, with over 80 per cent of its population still deprived of access to clean drinking water, despite minor improvements in the last decade, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cautioned in its latest Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) report, as reported by Dawn. According to Dawn, the ADB, in what is considered Asia''s most comprehensive study on water security, observed that Pakistan''s water resources are under extreme stress due to unchecked population growth, climate change, and poor governance. The report cited widespread waterborne diseases caused by unsafe water and the overuse of groundwater in agriculture, which has triggered depletion and arsenic contamination. Erratic monsoon patterns, melting glaciers, and repeated floods such as the devastating 2022 deluge that displaced millions, have further strained the country''s fragile water system. Pakistan''s per capita water availability has collapsed from 3,500 cubic metres in 1972 to just 1,100 cubic metres in 2020, placing it dangerously close to the threshold of absolute scarcity. The ADB noted that rural households continue to face unsafe water and poor sanitation despite some progress in hygiene through WASH programmes and pandemic-era health campaigns. The report found that while urban water security and disaster preparedness have shown modest gains, water governance remains riddled with inefficiency, institutional fragmentation, and underfunding. The ADB said Pakistan''s water governance score rose from 50 per cent in 2017 to 63 per cent in 2023, reflecting improved policy frameworks, but stated that weak enforcement continues to derail real progress, as highlighted by Dawn. The ADB stated that Pakistan''s 2018 National Water Policy, though ambitious, has suffered from a serious gap between planning and implementation. The report urged the government to activate the long-delayed National Water Council, promote volumetric pricing, empower local authorities, and enforce stronger environmental protections. The ADB warned that unless Pakistan strengthens its institutions, ensures sustainable financing, and integrates climate resilience into its policies, "the gains in water security will remain uneven and fragile," as reported by Dawn. (ANI)
Balochistan [Pakistan] December 10 (ANI) Fresh incidents of enforced disappearances have surfaced from Quetta, Mastung, Gwadar and Karachi. Families of the victims have once again appealed for justice, urging authorities to end what they described as a systematic violation of human rights and constitutional protections, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, at least three young men, including a university student, were recently abducted in separate incidents across Quetta and Mastung. Witnesses said that on December 1, Syed Ahmed Shah, a student at the University of Balochistan''s Department of Education, was taken into custody by men believed to be associated with Pakistani intelligence agencies. Eyewitnesses stated that armed men arrived in a vehicle with tinted windows and dragged him away from outside the university''s main gate. In Mastung''s Dasht, Jalab Gandan area, two residents, Nadeem Kurd and Fareed Kurd, were also allegedly taken by security forces and have since gone missing. On December 7, another case emerged from Gwadar district, where Farooq Ibrahim, son of Haji Ibrahim Kalmati, was abducted from his home in Jiwani''s Panwan area. His family stated that the raid included members of a local "death squad." They recalled that Farooq''s elder brother, noted car racer Tariq Kalmati, had been similarly abducted in 2015 and later found dead in Gwadar. The same night, Karachi witnessed a similar incident when Ali Nawaz Kalmati, a resident of Panwan, was detained by security personnel and subsequently disappeared, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. In a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, the family of Shahzad Munir, another missing university student, condemned what they described as a warrantless midnight abduction by state forces. They cited Articles 9 and 10-A of Pakistan''s Constitution, asserting that Shahzad''s secret detention was illegal and unconstitutional. They urged Pakistan''s authorities to uphold the rule of law and end the practice of secret detentions, warning that such actions not only violate human rights but also erode public faith in justice and governance, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)
Former Assembly candidate Liaquat Qayyum Abbasi has called on the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to prioritise the neglected needs of Jhelum Valley residents, highlighting the dire state of healthcare and education in the region. Abbasi emphasised that Hattian Bala''s District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital is ill-equipped to handle the growing number of patients suffering from chronic illnesses, particularly kidney disease. He noted that while a local philanthropist had donated dialysis machines, the hospital lacks the space and infrastructure to operate a proper dialysis centre, forcing patients to travel to Muzaffarabad, Abbottabad, or even Islamabad for treatment. "There are currently dozens of patients in the Hattian Bala district of Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) awaiting dialysis," Abbasi said, lamenting that the absence of local facilities has led to needless suffering. "The government must immediately establish a dedicated dialysis centre at DHQ Hattian Bala so that poor patients are not forced to travel long distances for basic medical care." Abbasi also drew attention to the severe educational crisis in the Jhelum Valley, noting that many schools destroyed in the October 8, 2005, earthquake remain in ruins. He said thousands of children still study "under the open sky" in makeshift classrooms, years after promises of reconstruction were made. During his visit to one such school, Abbasi observed that nearly 1,000 students continue to attend classes without proper buildings or facilities, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention. He further demanded that land be acquired for a university campus in the area and that funds be allocated for constructing a permanent building to serve the valley''s growing student population. "The people of Jhelum Valley have been waiting for years for basic facilities that others take for granted," Abbasi said. "It is time the new Prime Minister visited Hattian Bala personally and took concrete measures to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure." (ANI)
India's flex workspace market is set for a significant expansion, with total flex stock across the top seven cities expected to cross 100 million sq ft by 2027, up from 72.3 million sq ft in 2025, according to Colliers' latest report, "Flex India: Pioneering the Future of Work." Flex penetration within Grade A office stock is projected to rise from 8.5 per cent to 10.5 per cent during the same period, driven by sustained operator expansion and a surge in enterprise demand, according to Colliers, a global diversified professional services company, specializing in commercial real estate services, engineering consultancy and investment management. Average annual enterprise seat uptake is forecast to reach 200,000 seats in 2026 and 2027, marking a 25 per cent increase compared to levels seen in 2024 and 2025. Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services at Colliers India, described the current phase as a "pivotal era of expansion," noting that flex operators are increasingly offering next-generation workspaces enabled by PropTech, customization options, and sustainable features. Mehrotra added that operator IPOs reflect rising investor confidence in the segment. "India's flex market is entering a pivotal era of expansion, with Grade A stock set to surpass 100 million square feet by 2027, growing annually by nearly 20% across the top 7 cities. As domestic enterprises and global firms, especially Global Capability Centers (GCCs) deepen their flex adoption, operators are responding by curating next-generation, customized workspaces adept with advanced PropTech and sustainable features. The flex market momentum is further being bolstered by growing number of operators raising capital through IPOs, signaling strong investor confidence. Overall, the next phase of India's flex market will be driven by the growth of technology firms, the expansion of GCCs, changing expectations of occupiers and increasing appetite of institutional investors," said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, Colliers India. Bengaluru continues to lead the country's flex stock with more than 22 million sq ft, representing 31 per cent of India's total supply. Delhi NCR follows with 12.5 million sq ft, while Pune stands out for having the highest flex penetration at 11.5 per cent, supported by robust demand from technology and BFSI occupiers. Chennai is emerging as one of the fastest-growing flex markets, having expanded its flex footprint more than fivefold since 2021. The Colliers report notes a strong shift toward fully managed, tech-integrated, and ESG-focused workspace solutions. As Global Capability Centres (GCCs) deepen their India presence, operators are increasingly offering "GCC-as-a-Service" models that provide end-to-end support from location planning to workplace deployment. GCCs accounted for 40-45 per cent of enterprise flex demand in 2025, a share expected to rise to nearly half of all enterprise seat uptake over the next two years. Secondary Business Districts (SBDs) across Tier I cities remain the core hubs for flex expansion, contributing over half of Grade A flex absorption in the last five years. Meanwhile, Tier II cities such as Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, and Coimbatore are witnessing rising interest as occupiers leverage lower rentals, typically 30-35 per cent below Tier I levels, to adopt distributed workforce models. Colliers projects Tier II markets could account for 10-15 per cent of India's flex stock by 2027. (ANI)
India PR Distribution Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 11: Sai University is proud to announce that its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ajith Abraham, delivered a keynote address at the prominent BRICS Business Forum held on 20 November 2025 at Sberbank HQ, Moscow -- as part of the global AI conference, AI Journey 2025. The BRICS Business Forum gathered distinguished leaders from industry, academia, government, and civil society from across BRICS and partner nations. The session was chaired by Alexander Vedyakhin (First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank), whose stewardship lent depth and strategic perspective to the discussion.In his address, Prof. Abraham painted a compelling vision of artificial intelligence as a shared global ecosystem -- not merely a technological tool, but a domain requiring coordinated scientific cooperation, ethical frameworks, and inclusive innovation. He argued that BRICS nations, which together represent a substantial segment of the global population and a growing share of worldwide R&D, are uniquely positioned to lead this cooperative effort.Key themes of his address included: * The strategic value of cross-national AI research hubs and shared laboratories, enabling scientists from So Paulo, Shanghai, Pretoria, Moscow, New Delhi, and beyond to collaborate on AI solutions. * Talent mobility and unified research programmes -- advocating for researcher exchanges, joint doctoral and postdoctoral initiatives, and continuous lifelong learning, ensuring that AI talent and knowledge flow across borders. * Education reform and industry-academia integration -- stressing the need for modern academic structures and micro-credentialing in specialised AI domains, so the next generation of professionals are ready for real-world challenges. * Potential impact of collaborative AI on critical sectors: digital healthcare, agriculture automation, sustainable manufacturing, financial inclusion, regulatory compliance, and more -- helping BRICS nations address socio-economic challenges while leapfrogging traditional development constraints.Prof. Abraham concluded with a call for equitable, human-centered AI development: AI should serve as a force for global good -- combining technological excellence with societal responsibility.This important participation underscores Sai University's commitment to shaping global AI discourse and fostering collaborative research and innovation across borders. It also strengthens the University's position as a thought leader in AI, aligned with India's vision of inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive scientific development. About Sai University Sai University, established under Tamil Nadu Act No. 42 of 2018 and recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, offers interdisciplinary programs across eight schools--including Arts & Sciences, Law, Business, Computing & Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Media Studies, Technology, and Allied Health Sciences.A special mention to the School of AI, which blends world-class research with real-world application, preparing students to drive the next wave of intelligent innovation through its UG AI programs. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
As per an official statement by the company, its consolidated net revenue for November 2025 stood at New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) 343.61 billion, which is about USD 10.99 billion (1 NTD = 0.032 USD).

It stated "On a consolidated basis, revenue for November 2025 was approximately NTD 343.61 billion, a decrease of 6.5 per cent from October 2025 and an increase of 24.5 per cent from November 2024".

This marks a 24.5 per cent increase from NTD 276.06 billion (USD 8.83 billion) recorded in November 2024, according to the company's statement.

However, on a month-on-month basis, revenue was 6.5 per cent lower than NTD 367.47 billion (USD 11.76 billion) posted in October 2025, reflecting softer short-term demand after a strong build-up in previous months.

For the first eleven months of 2025, the world's largest contract chipmaker generated total revenue of NTD 3,474.05 billion, equal to USD 111.17 billion.

This represents a 32.8 per cent growth compared with NTD 2,616.14 billion (USD 83.72 billion) reported in the same period last year.

The demand for AI accelerators and advanced packaging technologies has remained strong worldwide as companies scale up their AI infrastructure.

The year-on-year jump highlights the company's continued leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, especially in high-performance chips used for AI servers, large-scale computing, and premium smartphones.

Despite the slight month-on-month dip, the company's double-digit annual growth shows the expansion of AI ecosystems globally and TSMC's central role in supplying cutting-edge chips essential for these technologies.

TSMC remains a key supplier to major global technology firms and is expected to benefit further as AI deployment accelerates across industries. (ANI)
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 11: Tejas Networks (BSE: 540595) (NSE: TEJASNET) today announced that the company has been awarded IP Routing equipment purchase contracts for 7 of the 12 BharatNet Phase-III packages announced till date, thereby emerging as the largest supplier by the number of packages. BharatNet is a flagship program by the Government of India that seeks to create a transformative impact in rural India by bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities. The objective of this phase is to create a robust, reliable, and scalable middle-mile network for BharatNet using IP-MPLS technology to ensure high-quality broadband to every rural citizen. As a part of this nationwide deployment, Tejas will be delivering its state-of-the-art TJ1400 family of next-generation access and aggregation routers, indigenously designed and developed by the company, with tens of thousands of these carrier-grade systems already operational in high-availability, mission-critical networks. In BharatNet Phase III, TJ1400 products will be deployed in 9 states (Bihar, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur) and 5 union territories. Altogether, over 50,000 TJ1400 routers will be deployed across 57,000 GPs (Gram Panchayats) and 2000 Blocks in the country. Sanjay Malik, Chief Strategy and Business Officer of Tejas Networks, said, "We are delighted to maintain our track record of being a leading telecom equipment partner for BharatNet deployments, as in the previous phases of this prestigious program. It is a reflection of our growing stature as a world-class telecom OEM (original equipment manufacturer) with highly differentiated, next-generation products that meet global quality and performance standards." Sunil Handoo, Vice President of Sales at Tejas Networks, said, "We thank all our PIA (Project Implementation Agency) partners for selecting us as their Router equipment supplier and reinforce our position as a key contributor to India's digital transformation initiatives. We look forward to working closely with our BharatNet Phase-III partners to rapidly upgrade middle-mile networks in their project areas and deliver high-speed and reliable connectivity to underserved communities in these villages." Tejas is partnering with five leading PIAs, namely, NCC, Polycab, Invenia-STL Networks, GR Infraprojects and ITI, for the BharatNet Phase III deployment. About Tejas Networks Limited Tejas Networks Ltd. designs and manufactures high-performance wireline and wireless networking products for telecommunications service providers, internet service providers, utilities, defense and government entities in over 75 countries. Tejas Networks Ltd. is a part of the Tata Group, with Panatone Finvest Ltd. (a subsidiary of Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd.) being the majority shareholder. For more information, visit Tejas Networks Ltd. at http://www.tejasnetworks.com SAFE HARBOUR Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements due to risks or uncertainties associated with our expectations with respect to, but not limited to, our ability to successfully implement our strategy and our growth and expansion plans, technological changes, our exposure to market risks, general economic and political conditions in India which have an impact on our business activities or investments, changes in the laws and regulations that apply to the industry in which the Company operates. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2805565/Tejas_Networks_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)
India's external sector is showing mixed signals as merchandise exports lose momentum amid tariff-related disruptions; however, services exports continue to provide critical support to the country's current account position, noted a report by CareEdge. "Looking ahead, as merchandise exports navigate a challenging environment, we expect the services trade surplus and transfers to maintain their support. This, coupled with benign global crude oil prices, is likely to keep India's current account deficit broadly manageable at around 1% of GDP in FY26." noted the report. CareEdge highlighted that the export environment, which benefitted from front-loading in the initial months of FY26, has begun to soften since September. The report notes that non-petroleum exports contracted by 3.9 per cent during September-October 2025, reversing the 7.3 per cent growth recorded during April-August. The slowdown comes in the wake of the 50 per cent reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States from end of August, which have weighed heavily on several of India's major export categories. The moderation has been most visible in labour-intensive sectors. Shipments of gems and jewellery saw a steep fall of 15.6 per cent over the last two months, while exports of textiles (excluding readymade garments) declined 9.5 per cent during the same period. Readymade garment exports also remained weak. CareEdge stated that although exports to the US dropped sharply, the slide was partially cushioned by higher shipments to the UAE, Hong Kong, and China. However, it added that it is too early to confirm whether these trends point to a structural reorientation of India's export markets. In contrast, electronic goods and petroleum products remained resilient, supported by tariff exemptions in the US market. These categories were the only major exceptions to the widespread decline seen across most outbound shipments to the United States. On the import side, India has registered a robust 6.8 per cent growth during April-October FY26, driven by strong domestic economic momentum and heightened demand for precious metals. Gold and silver imports surged 30.5 per cent, marking their highest level in recent years. Combined with firm core import activity, this has pushed the merchandise trade deficit to USD 199 billion, its widest level in several years. However, the report highlights that despite the pressure on goods trade, India's services sector continues to provide a significant buffer. Services exports grew 8.2 per cent during the first seven months of FY26, supported by strong expansion in software services (12.5 per cent) and other business services (22.4 per cent). CareEdge observed that services exports, which remain outside the ambit of tariff disruptions, have been essential in stabilising India's overall external balance. But it cautions "Going forward, the potential impact of the recent increase in H-1B visa fees and the proposed HIRE Act (Halting International Relocation of Employment), which seeks to curb outsourcing by US companies, remains a key monitorable for the performance of India's services exports." the report said. The country's external position, however, showed some strain in the second quarter of FY26. The current account deficit widened to USD 12.3 billion, equivalent to 1.3 per cent of GDP, compared with USD 2.7 billion (0.3 per cent of GDP) in the previous quarter. This expansion largely reflects the deterioration in merchandise trade, although higher remittances and resilient services exports helped limit the imbalance. Looking ahead, CareEdge expects overall merchandise exports to contract by around 1 per cent in FY26, while imports are projected to grow 5 per cent on the back of solid domestic demand. Services exports are projected to grow by 8.5 per cent, continuing to play a stabilising role in the current account. (ANI)
This Regional Conference is paving the path for India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for 15-20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The regional summit will bring together senior policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, and industry practitioners to deliberate on AI-driven economic, digital, and social transformation.

The Conference features distinguished dignitaries including Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Rajnikant Patel, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Harsh Rameshbhai Sanghavi, Minister for Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia, Shri Manoj Kumar Das, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat, Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY and Director General, NIC, Government of India, and Ponugumatla Bharathi, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, according to MeitY.

Anchored in the theme AI for Good Governance: Empowering India's Digital Future, the programme features high-impact keynote sessions led by national and global experts from MeitY, Bhashini, Google Cloud, Microsoft, IBM Research, NVIDIA, Oracle, and AWS.

These sessions will explore AI for governance and public service delivery; AI-driven transformation across urban and rural development; AI for smart agriculture and rural prosperity; Generative AI and future innovations; AI for healthcare and public wellbeing; AI for fintech and digital inclusion; and Multilingual AI and the role of BHASHINI in enabling language accessibility.

In addition to the sessions, participants engage in networking interactions and visit an Experience Zone jointly curated by IndiaAI and the DST Gujarat, showcasing AI solutions across governance, health, agriculture, and industry.

"By convening government leaders, industry innovators, and academic experts on a common platform, the Gandhinagar Regional Pre-Summit aims to strengthen India's AI ecosystem with frameworks that are scalable, trustworthy, interoperable, and grounded in public interest. Insights emerging from this conference will directly inform the agenda and outcomes of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, reinforcing India's growing leadership in shaping a safe, trusted, and globally relevant AI future," MeitY said. (ANI)
Mexican City has approved tariff hikes of up to 50 per cent from the year 2026 on import of select products from Asian countries including from India and China in order to protect the national industry and producers, local media reported. As per a report in the established Mexican news outlet El Universal, Mexico's Senate, the country's upper house of Parliament on Wednesday (local time) modified various tariff classifications of the General Import and Export Tax Law to impose duties ranging from 5 to 50 per cent on goods ranging from everyday consumer goods such as clothing, footwear, appliances, and furniture. Specifically, the decree establishes tariffs on the import of various goods in the auto parts, light cars, clothing, plastics, steel, household appliances, toys, textiles, furniture, footwear, leather goods, paper and cardboard, motorcycles, aluminium, trailers, glass and soaps, perfumes and cosmetics as per the El Universal news report. The Senate passed the bill, with 76 votes in favour, 5 against, and 35 abstentions with tariffs on about 1,400 different products from countries such as China , South Korea and others that do not have current trade agreements with Mexico. Senator Marko Cortes, from the National Action Party (PAN), argued that the bill approved in San Lazaro only reached the Senate this Wednesday, so he questioned the intention of the legislators from Morena, the Green Party, and the Labor Party to approve a ruling without having read it. As per the report in the Mexican news outlet Cristina Ruiz , a member of the PRI party , warned that the social impact of the tariff package could also be significant, as it affects everyday consumer goods such as clothing, footwear, appliances, and furniture. According to Mexican economic news outlet, El financier, The Senate approved imposing tariffs on China and other Asian countries, in a move that analysts believe is intended to appease the US ahead of the United States Mexico Canada review. According to the Mexiconewsdaily.com, the Mexican government is seeking to provide greater protection for the country's industry -- which includes sectors that struggle to compete with cheap imports -- and increase domestic output. "We believe that supporting [Mexican] industry is to create jobs," Deputy Ricardo Monreal, Morena's leader in the Chamber of Deputies was cited in the news outlet The government is also aiming to reduce reliance on imports from Asian countries, especially China, a country with which Mexico has a significant trade imbalance. Among the other countries that will be affected by the proposed higher tariffs are India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The government estimated earlier this year that the proposed tariffs would generate additional revenue of 70 billion pesos (US $3.8 billion) per year as per the mexiconewsdaily.com. Meanwhile, China on Thursday said that it has has "always opposed unilateral tariff hikes in all forms", and urges Mexico to "correct its wrong practices of unilateralism and protectionism at an early date." State media Xinhua quoted a spokesperson of the Chinese Commerce Ministry to state that Beijing "will closely monitor the implementation of the Mexican measures and further evaluate their potential impact." "The measures, if implemented, will substantially harm the interests of relevant trading partners, including China, although the proposal approved did include some adjustments from the September version, such as a certain degree of reduction in the proposed tariff rates for certain auto parts, light industrial products, and textiles and garments" the Chinese spokesperson said. (ANI)
At the Carnegie Global Technology Summit 2025, experts from India and across the Global South said the future of artificial intelligence will depend on simple, practical tools that help people in their daily lives. Speaking to ANI at the sidelines of the event, they explained how AI is already shaping public services, health systems and agriculture. They called for stronger collaboration to make these solutions useful for all. According to Shruti Mittal, a research analyst at Carnegie India, the summit's focus on People, Planet, Progress shows how technology can support social inclusion and environmental needs. She said the theme "happiness for all" fits well because AI can create real change in society when used responsibly. She also said India is seen as the "AI use case capital of the world" because it offers many environments to test inclusive models. Speakers highlighted how AI is improving access to basic services. Benjamin Mwalimu, Head of Technology at Jacaranda Health in Kenya, told ANI that his team built an SMS-based AI platform for mothers. He said the system helps women ask questions about pregnancy and receive support quickly. He explained that the tool flags danger signs and alerts trained help desk agents, who then guide mothers on seeking care. He said this helps reduce maternal risks because many women in Africa lack reliable pregnancy information. He added that sharing data with local governments helps improve clinics by highlighting gaps, such as missing beds or a lack of basic items like curtains. He also stressed that collaboration is becoming essential. Mwalimu said it makes little sense for different countries to build similar language models separately, and he welcomed the summit's push for shared development. Sushant Kumar, Founder and CEO of Kalpa Impact, said India has moved quickly from trying to catch up to becoming a leader in building AI resources for public interest. He said AI can help farmers understand weather patterns, select seeds and manage pest control, and can also support ASHA workers in healthcare through simple co-pilot tools. According to him, India's multilingual datasets and expanding compute access are helping innovators build solutions that match local needs. Kumar said the next challenge is ensuring countries in the Global South have affordable compute infrastructure, because most of it sits in the Global North. He said sustainable funding will help innovators continue building real-world applications. For many organisations, the summit offered practical insights. George Maina, CEO and Founder of Shamba Records, said AI is helping African farmers build verifiable credit profiles and improve crop planning. He said the discussions at the summit helped his team understand how to improve their models and address compute challenges. (ANI)
PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 11: In every business story--whether it is a startup finding its voice or a multinational planning its next big move--there is one constant: the clarity that comes from strong financial understanding. Behind every sound decision stands someone who knows how to read numbers, interpret them, and turn them into strategy. It is this world of financial clarity that attracts today's young learners to the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours / Honours with Research) with Global Qualification in Corporate Accounting Integrated with US CMA at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), School of Commerce. For thousands of students across India, choosing a career direction is more than selecting a subject--it is about choosing a future that feels secure, global, and full of opportunities. That is why bcom corporate accounting has emerged as a powerful choice. And at JAIN, this choice is transformed into a journey of competence, confidence, and global readiness. A Story of Global Standards, Local Support The Program integrates the Bachelor of Commerce curriculum with the internationally respected Certified Management Accountant (US CMA) qualification. Students begin learning the foundations of accounting, financial reporting, cost management, and strategic analysis right from the first semester. By the time they reach their Honours year, they are trained to think globally, analyse deeply, and understand financial structures with clarity. This seamless integration positions JAIN among the leading BCom with CMA colleges in Bangalore, attracting students who want a Program that builds both academic and professional excellence. Speaking about this vision, Dr. Dinesh Nilkant, Director, Admissions, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), says: "Corporate accounting is no longer just about recording numbers--it is about shaping business decisions. Our BCom pathway with US CMA prepares students not just for jobs, but for leadership roles built on financial intelligence." Where Learning Meets Real-World Application The curriculum is structured to ensure every student understands bcom corporate accounting not just as a subject, but as a skill for life. Twelve global CMA competencies are blended into the first four semesters--supported by Miles Education--giving students a head start in clearing the CMA exams and stepping confidently into global careers. Workshops, industry-led sessions, project-based assignments, and corporate internships create an environment where learning sticks. Students learn how to analyse data, interpret financial reports, manage risks, and support strategic decisions--skills that are highly valued across industries, especially for those pursuing corporate accounting bcom. No wonder the Program is often listed among BCom with CMA colleges in India, offering a blend of academic depth and practical exposure. A Learning Experience That Builds Professional Strength The fourth year, designated as BCom (Hons), is where students refine their expertise. They engage in: * Research-based learning* Technology-driven decision-making* Predictive financial analysis* Understanding global regulatory systems This is where learners truly experience the strength of corporate accounting bcom, preparing them for roles such as financial analyst, auditor, management accountant, investment specialist, and corporate strategist. Adding to this, Dr. M Neelima, Deputy Director (In-Charge), School of Commerce, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University, shares: "What sets this Program apart is how it makes students industry-ready. Corporate Accounting with US CMA gives them the confidence to work with global companies and perform at international standards." Career Enhancement That Opens Doors The School of Commerce runs a structured enhancement initiative that includes: * Expert-led technical workshops* Industry immersion visits* Soft skills and leadership training* Project management modules* Alumni mentoring* Full internship support These components help students master both theory and practice, strengthening their prospects with top recruiters. The Program's outcomes align with market requirements, making it a preferred choice among those seeking bcom with cma for career acceleration. Graduates often find opportunities through some of the best bcom with cma colleges in Bangalore, but JAIN's integration with US CMA gives them a unique global perspective. A Pathway That Helps Students Discover Their Strength Through this journey, students learn how to read balance sheets with confidence, manage corporate financial systems, evaluate risks, and support long-term strategy. They understand what it means to turn data into decisions--and decisions into progress. This is the reason why parents and learners across the country recognise this as one of the most promising choices among bcom with cma colleges in india, especially for students who want a program that builds a future-ready financial career. And for those wanting to fast-track professional credibility, the integrated structure of bcom plus cma at JAIN makes the pathway smoother and more empowering. Contact Details: * Website: www.jainuniversity.ac.in* Email: enquiry.commerce@jainuniversity.ac.in* Phone: +91 7899759344 | +91 7899090958 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday addressed the India-Italy Business Forum plenary session in Mumbai along with Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy. Goyal said India is "leaving no stone unturned for a fair, equitable, and balanced India-EU FTA," noting that the partnership with Italy will play a key role in shaping the negotiations. India's efforts toward a fair and balanced India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) formed the centre of the discussions. The minister added that both sides are working on a "pragmatic roadmap" to expand trade, boost investments, and strengthen business ties as talks with the European Union continue. He highlighted that Indian businesses are keen to work with Italy in research and development, technology and innovation, sports, defence, space, textiles, agriculture, and food processing. Goyal explained that the two nations are also pushing for faster progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), calling it essential for long-term connectivity and economic gains. During the session, Goyal reflected on the cultural and traditional ties between the two countries. He described how these ties have shaped mutual goodwill and growing people-to-people exchanges. Tajani also spoke about Italy's rich civilizational heritage and the recognition it now receives globally, including the appreciation of Indian festivals such as Diwali. Goyal noted that business relations between India and Italy have already attracted "significant investment." Still, he believes the "best potential lies in technology, innovation, startups, and aerospace," areas where the two countries complement each other. He urged companies on both sides to look closely at opportunities arising from India's 1.4 billion-strong market and Italy's access to the wider European Union. The minister referred to the Joint Declaration 2025-29, under which India and Italy have committed to promoting business cooperation, technological collaboration, and investment. Goyal added that both countries are exploring collaboration in four priority sectors: automobiles, including electric vehicles; waste-to-energy; renewable technologies; and precision engineering. He said joint ventures can open doors to the larger EU market while creating jobs and economic opportunities in both nations. Calling it a "very sustaining win-win solution," he stressed the need for innovators from India and Italy to work together. With the India-EU FTA negotiations underway, he said cooperation with Italy will be crucial in unlocking future opportunities. (ANI)
Negotiations are progressing well for the trade deal between India and United States and substantial discussions have taken place, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. Interacting with the media here, Piyush Goyal noted that a deal is done when both sides stand to benefit and it should not be negotiated with deadlines because there can be mistakes. "Negotiations are progressing well. We've had substantive discussions over several rounds of negotiations. In the past, I think five rounds have happened. The current visit is not a negotiating round. The current visit is a new deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) who has joined about three months ago. It's his first visit to India. We're getting to know each other...We had very good substantive discussions," he said. "But I have said on record that a deal is only done when both sides stand to benefit. We should never negotiate with deadlines because you tend to make mistakes then," he added. Answering a query about reported remarks of United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that US has received best ever trade deal from India, Goyal said "the happiness of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is very much welcome. "I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted line," he said. Earlier on Wednesday, Goyal expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, stating that discussions are "progressing well" towards a bilateral trade agreement. Speaking on the sidelines of the Rajasthani Pravasi Divas, Goyal said a US trade delegation has been in India since Tuesday, and talks have been advancing positively. "All agreements have many diversified angles. Many dots have been connected," the minister said. The minister noted that the latest exchanges allowed both sides to better understand each other's concerns and interests. He said the discussions remain focused and constructive, and that India is committed to continuing the process in a steady manner. While he did not give a timeline for any agreement, he made clear that progress depends on mutual benefit. (ANI)
Noting that India must become self-reliant in critical technologies and industries, Reliance Industries Limited Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani on Thursday said that the global economy is growing at less than 2.5 per cent while the country is sprinting ahead at nearly 8 per cent but the "geopolitical situation has created certain challenges for our future progress". Addressing the 13th Convocation of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Mukesh Ambani said that countries become true economic powers when they are strong in science and technology. "India today stands at a proud moment in its development journey, when you are graduating. The global economy is growing at less than two and a half (2.5%) percent. India is sprinting ahead at nearly 8 percent. There is erosion of confidence all around. In contrast, India is bubbling with hope and self-confidence. A decade ago, the rest of India was talking about Vibrant Gujarat. Today, the rest of the world is talking about a Vibrant India," he said. "Nevertheless, we must remember that the geopolitical situation has created certain challenges for our future progress.India must become Atma Nirbhar - self-reliant - in critical technologies and industries. This message is also of great relevance to our university and all other universities in India. History shows that countries become true economic powers only when they are strong in science and technology. History also shows that nations lead in science and technology only when they have world-class universities," he added. Mukesh Ambani said America became America because of its best-in-the-world universities. "Europe demonstrated this truth much earlier. Japan did it. China is also doing it. Now, it is India's turn ... and we should do better than all the rest," he said. He said there is a stiff global competition in Artificial Intelligence, New Energy particularly development of nuclear fusion technologies, space technologies, bio technologies and life sciences technologies and other technologies of the future. "In this race, jo jeeta wohi Sikandar. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi ji, I believe Bharat jeetega, Bharat aage badhega, Bharat duniya ko badalega. Aur Hum sab, particularly my next generation, Bharat ko badalenge," Ambani said. Ambani, who is President and Chairman of the Board of Governors, PDEU, urged students and researchers to make it one of the best universities on green energy, green material and green economy. "Today, I want to ask all of you here, all the students, all the researhers and the teachers of the University - are we ready to make PDEU one of the best Universities on green energy, green material, green economy and all endeavours that we take?...I believe in each and every one of you. I believe in you because the greatest source of energy in the world is the energy of our patriotic youth and India is a young country," he said. "Today, we pledge to our PM that we are even more determined to do better, make Indian prouder and PDEU greater in the years to come," he added. Ambani said he believed India would soon become the world's third-largest economy. He explained that India's progress must move together with clean energy goals, stressing that the shift from fossil fuels to green energy must speed up to protect the planet. He said he was "supremely confident" that green technologies could reverse environmental damage and create better futures for coming generations. Ambani told students that PDEU had an important role in this journey because India was transforming into a deep-tech nation. He shared three expectations for the university: improving application-driven research, building stronger global and national collaborations, and leading work at the intersection of green energy, green materials, and artificial intelligence. He reminded students to use new tools wisely and noted that critical thinking remained essential as technology expanded. Ambani also spoke about the university's growth, noting several recent achievements, including doctoral students securing the Prime Minister's Fellowship, Reliance Foundation Scholarships for BTech students, and recognition for a green hydrogen project by the university's Center of Excellence in Geothermal Energy. He said these successes showed how far PDEU had come and encouraged the community to aim higher. He expressed gratitude to parents, teachers, and staff, reminding students that their achievements were built on the support of many people. He said that institutions like PDEU teach not only knowledge but also the "virtue of gratitude," which he described as an emotion that "lessens our ego and enables us to achieve more." Ambani recalled PM Modi had envisioned the university two decades ago and said PDEU "owes its very birth to his extraordinary vision." (ANI)
With India set to host the AI Impact Summit in 2026, UNDP's AI Director, Keyzom Ngodup Massally, highlighted India's diverse landscape as a fertile ground for testing, piloting, and scaling AI solutions. In an interview with ANI during the 2025 Global Technology Summit's Innovation Dialogue in the national capital, Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director, AI Hub & Head of Digital & AI Programmes, UNDP, highlighted how India can bring forth novel solutions for the world. "This is the first global summit in the Global South. So already it's going to be very different. There's a lot of focus on innovation, adoption, solving challenges people and our planet face, and leveraging AI. So this is how we're seeing this AI Summit being different in India." Massally highlighted India's unique position to lead in AI innovation, thanks to its diverse linguistic, cultural, and geographical landscape. Appreciating the novel Indian initiatives which the world can adopt at large when it comes to digital public infrastructure and AI, she said, "What's amazing about India is because of its diversity- linguistic diversity, cultural diversity, geographical diversity, it's such a fertile ground to test, pilot, scale." Massally emphasised that India's focus on digital public infrastructure, such as UPI and Bhashani, offers valuable lessons for the world on scaling AI solutions safely and maximising impact. She emphasised that India's approach focuses on using technology to serve people, rather than just adopting technology for its own sake. This people-centric approach is what makes India's initiatives noteworthy and worthy of global adoption. Many lessons are emerging from India on how to scale safely and maximise impact. Whether we are talking about Bhashani and the AI for Bharat, which makes Indic language available as part of AI solutions, or if we're talking about UPI and other digital public infrastructure and how AI can power that further to bring services closer to people- these are the many ways in which India offers its lessons. But at the core, it is not about technology. It is about how to make technology work in service for people. And that is what India brings to the world, to human development, which for me at UNDP is a very important goal, because ultimately, it is people and the choices that we will make as people that will shape the future of this technology." On being asked how she envisions the summit influencing global AI policy, ethics and governance, Massally told ANI, "India is bringing to focus that regulations or policies is not a one-time thing, but it must constantly evolve to be in service of solving people's challenges, to help those solutions, those use cases that improve a farmer's life, a woman's life, to scale- and this is where we see the governance or the conversations around governance of AI, governance of data, becoming highly contextual within jurisdictions, and a discussion that must be had as a collective in countries with the civil society organizations, with the various government departments, with the communities and with the private sector." Massally, who is also the Director for G7 AI Hub for Sustainable Development, told ANI, "We know that there's such a special relationship between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni of Italy. So, naturally, there's a lot of excitement for us, as the AI Hub was created during Italy's G7 Presidency. There's a lot of convergence between Italy and India's priorities, particularly the focus on the private sector and economic growth". She highlighted that India has been a valuable partner at the G7 and, along with Italy, the two nations are working on AI across several fronts. "India is such a valuable partner to many of the G7 countries, having been a guest in the G7 proceedings for many years, including the one that the Prime Minister of Italy hosted with Prime Minister Modi". Noting that Italy and India have prioritised local, homegrown innovations, Massally said the two countries are working in Africa to "network with the innovators that are building Africa's AI infrastructure, looking at critical minerals and industrial value chains." The Global Technology Summit brought together industry experts, policymakers, scientists, and other stakeholders from all over the world. As an official pre-summit event for the upcoming AI Impact Summit, which India will host in 2026, it brought about meaningful conversations on technology, AI, and geopolitics. (ANI)
The visit of a delegation of US trade officials from the office of the US Trade Representative, led by Deputy US Trade Rick Switzer served as an opportunity for both sides to have productive exchanges on a wide gamut of items, including the ongoing negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, Commerce Ministry sources said on Thursday. The sources said that both sides agreed to continue the current purposeful and positive engagements. The delegation led by Rick Switzer visited India from December 9 to 11. This was Ambassador Switzer's first to India after assuming his current office. During the visit, Switzer met with Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials. Rajesh Agrawal and Rick Switzer, during their meeting on Wednesday, discussed the trade and economic ties. "Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met with U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer. The two sides exchanged views on matters related to India-US trade and economic ties, including on the ongoing negotiations for a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement," Department of Commerce said in a post on X. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also met Rick Switzer, with discussions covering the strong India-US economic and technology partnership, besides ongoing trade negotiations, and opportunities to boost two-way trade and resilient supply chains. "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer. Discussions covered the strong India-U.S. economic and technology partnership, ongoing trade negotiations, and opportunities to boost two-way trade and resilient supply chains," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that negotiations are progressing well for the trade deal between India and United States and substantial discussions have taken place. Interacting with the media in Mumbai, Piyush Goyal noted that a deal is done when both sides stand to benefit and it should not be negotiated with deadlines because there can be mistakes. "Negotiations are progressing well. We've had substantive discussions over several rounds of negotiations. In the past, I think five rounds have happened. The current visit is not a negotiating round. The current visit is a new deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) who has joined about three months ago. It's his first visit to India. We're getting to know each other...We had very good substantive discussions," he said. "But I have said on record that a deal is only done when both sides stand to benefit. We should never negotiate with deadlines because you tend to make mistakes then," he added. Answering a query about reported remarks of United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that US has received best ever trade deal from India, Goyal said "the happiness of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is very much welcome."I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted line," he said. (ANI)
The 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala is all set to kick off on Friday. On what cinema buffs can expect from the film gala, former MD of Kerala State Film Development Corporation, K Jayakumar, told ANI, " I am happy that I am associated with this festival. In its 30th edition, I came here to inaugurate its media cell. Seeing the size, the scope, the glamour of this festival, I am overwhelmed." He added, "We started this as a small festival in Calicut 32 years ago. At the time, I was the MD of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation. At the time, we did not have much money, but I had trust in Calicut, in the sense that people would support. Among the many festivals in India, this one is perhaps the most vibrant and is owned by the public...We are very happy that the film festival has been instrumental in moulding the film sensibilities of several generations, and that is the worth of this festival." 'Palestine 36' by Annemarie Jacir, a historical drama set during the 1936 Palestinian uprising, will open the festival. The 30th edition will showcase 206 films from 82 countries across 26 categories, offering festivalgoers a diverse and immersive cinematic experience. It will conclude on December 19. (ANI)
Actor Anupam Kher attended the 350th martyrdom anniversary program of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib in Gurugram, Haryana, paying tribute to the Sikh guru's legacy. Speaking to the media, Anupam said, "The sacrifice and dedication that Guru Tegh Bahadur symbolically gave for the Kashmiri Pandits and for humanity is cited as an example in the world." "And the drama that took place today, what Kashmiris and Jammu's children did, what their teachers did, it was very emotional, very emotional. The story of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh, he saw the sacrifice of his children in front of him, how everyone, this will be an example for thousands of years to come, that this was not just a story of religion, it was a story of humanity," Kher added. He concluded, "Seeing that, I was very emotional. And what the Chief Minister said, and the fact that I was invited here as the Chief Guest, I feel that I got more than I could give them. When knowledge increases, when the old times are remembered, it is very important to remember the old times, so that our present time can be run properly." Haryana Chief Minister also attended the 350th martyrdom anniversary program of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Addressing the program, he said, "This is a special day for all of us. First of all, I pay my respects to Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Today we are gathered here to celebrate his 350th martyrdom day." Guru Tegh Bahadur, remembered as "Hind di Chadar," sacrificed his life in 1675 to uphold the right to freedom of belief. His martyrdom holds a significant place in India's socio-religious history, symbolising the protection of pluralism and the safeguarding of civil liberties. The state government said the observance aims to raise awareness of his teachings on compassion, equality, and resilience. The purpose of commemorating Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day is to honour and respect the sacrifice made by the ninth Sikh Guru while preserving people's religious feelings. To celebrate the day, Sikhs give special prayers in Gurudwaras. (ANI)
Actor Raghubir Yadav spoke about his new play 'Maare Gaye Gulfaam', reflected on his decades-long artistic journey, sharing memories from his early years in Jabalpur to his interest in theatre, music and cinema. He shared how theatre shaped his craft and continues to be his "most loved medium." Yadav recalled leaving Jabalpur at age 15 with no clear plans but with an instinctive connection to music. "I didn't think much before I left. I had a bond with music. I learned music before leaving, and then I got into acting. I saw that acting is the most beautiful profession, one in which you get to learn everything," he told ANI. Yadav discussed his upcoming stage production, 'Maare Gaye Gulfaam,' based on a story by Phanishwar Nath Renu. He said the play revives the musical and dramatic atmosphere of the 1960s. "This is my second or third play after returning to the theatre. A long time ago, he(Phanishwar Nath Renu) had written this story when this atmosphere used to be there, this theatre, and this mobile theatre used to be there, going to villages. And, I have done that. So, a long time ago, I had an intention, a vision, that I should do this story. Now, I have got the opportunity. So, the music is of the same era. I have done everything by myself. And, I have maintained the same style. I am enjoying it a lot," he said. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ5uORljNcQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== The actor said he spent several years on stage in the early part of his career, including lengthy stints with Parsi theatre companies. "Those six years were very beautiful for me. We used to play the gramophone, record at 75 rpm with just two mics, and do big plays with very few resources. Those were beautiful days," he recalled. The actor urged audiences to experience the performance. "This is a show on the 27th. Come and enjoy the atmosphere of that era, its music, theatre and storytelling," he added. Yadav said he never believed in competition and focused only on improving his own craft. He credited stalwarts of theatre, particularly legendary director Ebrahim Alkazi, for shaping his artistic discipline. "Alkazi saab taught us what theatre is. Theatre is what makes life beautiful. He taught us to work 22 hours a day. I enjoyed it immensely," he said. Remembering his training, Yadav said he was assigned stagecraft rather than acting, but ended up performing the most roles. "I learned carpentry, costume, makeup, art direction, spacing, timing--everything. Backstage teaches you a lot," he added. Describing his philosophy of acting, Yadav said he does not perform to act but to "immerse" himself completely. "I don't know how to act. I want to drown in my characters. Do everything with truth and joy. Acting is meditation," he said. Yadav shared that despite his rich body of work, he never felt he had achieved 100 per cent of what he aimed for. "I have reached only 60-65 per cent. I'm trying to reach 70 or 80," he said. Raghubir made his film debut with 'Massey Sahib' in 1985, in which he played the title role. When asked to choose among cinema, theatre, and OTT, Yadav said theatre remains his first love. "The pleasure of theatre is not found in anything else. You can keep improving every day. Once a film or series is released, you only feel you could have done better," he said. For aspiring artists, he said, "If you want to enjoy the difficulties, then come into this profession. And, it is a lot of fun. If you want to immerse yourself in it and turn the difficulties into something you enjoy, then come into it. And, don't waste your time. Just keep learning," he said. 'Maare Gaye Gulfaam' will be staged at the St. Andrews Auditorium in Mumbai on December 27. (ANI)
On Thursday, talking about hosting IFFK 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram, Vice Chairperson of Kerala State Chalachithra Academy, Cuckoo Parameswaran told ANI, "The Kerala State Chalachithra Academy of Kerala is hosting the IFFK, 2026, from the 12th to the 19th of December.

"We are here for the 30th IFFK, 2026. We have around 206 movies and 15 screens, and our focus is on Vietnam. The Kerala State Chalachithra Academy of Kerala is hosting the IFFK, 2026, from the 12th to the 19th of December," she added.

The 30th edition will showcase 206 films from 82 countries across 26 categories, offering festivalgoers a diverse and immersive cinematic experience. It will conclude on December 19. (ANI)
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat remembered late actor Dharmendra as a kind-hearted personality whose contributions to cinema and politics left a lasting legacy. He said the veteran actor's passing is an "irreparable loss" for the film industry, his family, and the BJP, recalling how Dharmendra carried the same humility in public life that made him a beloved icon on screen. Actor and Politician Hema Malini on Thursday hosted a prayer meet for her late husband, Dharmendra, in Delhi, attended by prominent dignitaries and politicians, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to BJP MP Anurag Thakur, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was also among the attendees. He said that the late actor's journey extended beyond films. While speaking to the media, he said, "Prakhyat cine abhineta hone ke saath-saath, swargiya Shri Dharmendra ji Rajasthan ke Bikaner se BJP ke sansad bhi chune gaye the. Us kaal mein jab mera unse sampark hua, tab maine paya ki ve bahut hi behtareen dil rakhne wale insaan the. Unke jaane se cinema jagat, unke parivaar aur Bharatiya Janata Party parivar ko apurniye kshati hui hai." (Along with being a celebrated film actor, the late Shri Dharmendra was also elected as a BJP Member of Parliament from Bikaner in Rajasthan. During the period when I interacted with him, I found him to be a person with an exceptionally kind heart. His passing has caused an irreparable loss to the world of cinema, to his family, and to the Bharatiya Janata Party family) Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, "Dharmendra Ji was a Lok Sabha MP from Bikaner. Today, I am the MP from Bikaner, so our memories are even more closely connected, and my pain is greater too... We should draw inspiration from his life... His passing has caused us great pain..." Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja also paid tribute to the late actor, saying, "His passing has caused immense grief. He was someone from Punjab who made a name for himself worldwide..." Former Haryana Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said, "Dharmendra ji was an MP with me, and he was a very good-natured, sociable person and a very good friend. He was a social worker too... He never forgot the village..." BJP MP Jagdambika Pal also remembered the veteran actor, saying, "... The way he made a place in people's hearts through his art and acting over the past 60 years, it is certainly an irreplaceable loss. I pray to God to grant him a place at His feet..." Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu shared, "...Ludhiana, the entire country and the world, was connected to him....", he noted that "Dharmendra ji aman shanti ke bhi prateek the" Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema's most beloved and versatile actors, passed away on November 24. His decades-long career left an unmatched imprint with classics like 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Anupama', and 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela'. His charm, humility, and enduring presence continue to inspire generations of artistes and fans. (ANI)
He said this global recognition honours a festival that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and the spirit of new beginnings. The achievement, he noted, further reinforces India's cultural strength and the universal relevance of its traditions.

Sharing his views on his 'X' handle, the Chief Minister emphasised the special significance of this recognition for Uttar Pradesh.

He wrote, "The inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List is a proud recognition of a festival that celebrates light over darkness and new beginnings. For Uttar Pradesh, this honour is especially meaningful. Ayodhya, the sacred land of Prabhu Shri Ram, is where Deepavali was first celebrated. This global acknowledgement reflects India's growing cultural stature under the leadership of Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. May Ayodhya's eternal light continue to guide humanity towards truth and harmony."

CM Yogi Adityanath added that the growing acceptance of India's festivals and traditions by the global community is a highly encouraging development.

Expressing optimism, he added, "The eternal light of Ayodhya will continue to inspire humanity to walk the path of truth and harmony."

For him, Diwali is not merely a festival but a way of life that guides society towards unity and shared values. (ANI)
A seminar was organised at Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Satpal Singh Bisht, to mark the completion of four years of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Subject experts from various fields, academicians, social workers, entrepreneurs, public representatives and intellectuals participated in the seminar and shared their perspectives on the government's performance. On Wednesday, CM Dhami described the decisions he took during his tenure of over four years as exceptional and in the state's interest. During the programme, two publications, Nayak Se Jananayak and Dhami Ki Dhamak, authored by the Chief Minister's Media Coordinator Madan Mohan Sati, were also released. Presiding over the programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Satpal Singh Bisht said that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is an able leader who is working to unite the entire state. Bisht added that the past four years have indeed been remarkable, during which the state has achieved several milestones, earning recognition as a state capable of taking bold decisions. The seminar, held at the Mathematics Department Auditorium of Soban Singh Jeena University, aimed to review the development works undertaken in the last four years, assess the impact of welfare schemes, and deliberate on future priorities. Participants shared their perspectives on the state government's achievements and challenges. Speakers noted that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has strengthened coordination with the Central Government, resulting in accelerated progress for Uttarakhand. The speakers highlighted achievements such as advancements in Sustainable Development Goals, increased revenue through mining reforms, implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, stringent land laws to curb fraud, the anti-copying law, progress on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag and Tanakpur Bageshwar rail lines, the strict anti-conversion law, and declining unemployment. They emphasised that under Chief Minister Dhami's leadership, the state has made unprecedented progress across several key sectors. The four years were described as highly effective, people-oriented, and a milestone in advancing good governance. Experts highlighted significant improvement in the education sector, including the establishment of model schools, smart classrooms, the expansion of online learning systems, scholarship schemes, and skill-development programmes. In the fields of employment and self-employment, the state has made notable advancements through simplified recruitment processes, transparent examinations, promotion of the startup ecosystem, and growth in home-stay and tourism-based employment. It was also noted that over the past four years, more than 26,000 regular government jobs have been filled through fully transparent, merit-based selection procedures. Under good governance, the policies of simplification, solution and disposal have been effectively implemented, leading to faster resolution of public grievances. Digitisation of government services, online portals, the e-office system, and technology-based monitoring have made the administration more accountable, directly benefiting citizens. Speakers also noted that women's welfare has undergone transformative change through initiatives in safety, economic empowerment, self-help groups, and health schemes. The Lakhpati Didi initiative is emerging as a game-changer for women's empowerment. Ongoing efforts are underway to ensure women's economic and social progress. Experts further highlighted significant improvements in roads, electricity, drinking water, health services, development of tourist destinations, promotion of agriculture and horticulture, rural livelihoods and social security schemes, all of which have directly benefitted the general public. The government is also running multidimensional welfare programmes for the underprivileged, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and women, guided by the spirit of Antyodaya. Participants also presented numerous constructive suggestions focused on public welfare. Chief Minister's Media Coordinator Madan Mohan Sati said that all suggestions would be thoroughly examined and the relevant and necessary ones would be placed before the Chief Minister for incorporation into upcoming programmes and policies. The seminar concluded with widespread appreciation of the state government's achievements and collective suggestions for future development. Participants expressed confidence that Uttarakhand will continue to reach new heights of progress under Chief Minister Dhami's leadership. Neeraj Bawari conducted the programme. On this occasion, Vice-Chairperson of the Women's Entrepreneurship Development Council Ganga Bisht, Mayor of Almora Ajay Verma, former Deputy Speaker Raghunath Singh Chauhan, former MLA Kailash Sharma, University Registrar S. S. J. D. S. Bisht and several others were present. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended a discussion session on the 'Meri Yojana' books prepared by the Programme Implementation Department at the IRDT Auditorium, Survey Chowk. On the occasion, he also launched the 'Meri Yojana' Portal Uttarakhand (myscheme.gov.in), aimed at making welfare scheme information more accessible to citizens. The Chief Minister, on Wednesday, also said the three editions of the scheme-guidance book--"Meri Yojana," "Meri Yojana - State Government," and "Meri Yojana - Central Government"--will help citizens easily access complete information about various schemes of both the Central and State Governments. According to a press release, the purpose behind publishing these books is being effectively fulfilled. He added that the government aims to ensure the effective implementation of schemes at the ground level and deliver their benefits to every eligible citizen in a time-bound manner. These books provide beneficiaries with comprehensive information about the schemes, along with details on the application process, required documents, and eligibility criteria. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new work culture has been established in the country--one that prioritises transparency, accountability, and people-centric policies. Today, the benefits of welfare schemes are disbursed directly to citizens' bank accounts via DBT. The state government is also consistently working to address public grievances with the mantra of simplification, solution, disposal, and satisfaction. Arrangements have been made to ensure that the pension amounts provided under various schemes of the Social Welfare Department are transferred directly through DBT into the accounts of all eligible beneficiaries. The Chief Minister said that schemes designed for various sections of society are being implemented effectively in the state. While significant efforts are underway to develop modern infrastructure in key sectors such as education, health, roads, sports, drinking water, and air connectivity, initiatives like 'Vocal for Local', 'Make in India' and 'Startup India' are also being pursued rapidly to realise the vision of a Developed India and a Developed Uttarakhand. The government is implementing several major schemes to boost the local economy and promote tourism in the state, according to the release. He added that the 'One District, Two Products' initiative is expanding livelihood opportunities at the local level. Through the 'House of Himalayas' brand, Uttarakhand's traditional products are gaining wide recognition at national and international platforms. Efforts are being made to strengthen the local economy through initiatives like the State Millet Mission, Farm Machinery Bank, Apple Mission, New Tourism Policy, New Film Policy, Homestay Scheme, 'Wed in Uttarakhand' initiative, and the Solar Self-Employment Scheme. The Chief Minister appealed to everyone to promote local products and livelihoods by ensuring that mementoes presented at various events are made from locally produced items. Such small but meaningful efforts help encourage local artisans, women's groups, and craftsmen. He said that whenever he attends events or meets dignitaries across the country, he always gifts products made in Uttarakhand. Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal said this is a commendable initiative to ensure people receive the benefits of government schemes. Through a unified portal, eligible individuals will be able to access all government schemes easily. This is a true example of the spirit of Antyodaya. Secretary, Programme Implementation, Deepak Kumar, said that the primary goal of the department is to ensure that schemes and services reach beneficiaries in a simple and accessible manner. Through the three editions of Meri Yojana, the schemes of both the State and Central Governments are communicated effectively to the public, with a special focus on eligibility and application processes. (ANI)
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress during her address in the Lok Sabha, taking a direct swipe at the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi while intensifying her criticism of the Gandhi family. Speaking amid the already heated political atmosphere, the actor-turned-MP accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and lacking integrity. During her address, the BJP leader extended an apology to the Brazilian woman, whose picture Rahul Gandhi alleged was registered in place of another voter in Haryana during assembly elections as part of the party's "vote chori" campaign, despite the woman's repeated clarification on social media. Apologising to the woman, Ranaut said, "Every woman is entitled to her dignity. But the woman of international origin had to repeatedly clarify on social media, disregarding the claims linking her to the Haryana election. Despite this, they repeatedly used her pictures without any proof. On behalf of the Indian Parliament House, I apologise to the woman." "They always disrespect women...Our Prime Minister does not hack votes, he hacks people's hearts," Ranaut added, countering the Opposition's criticism with a strong defence of the Prime Minister's credibility and governance model. Continuing her attack, Ranaut singled out Priyanka Gandhi Vadra while referencing past allegations related to Sonia Gandhi's voting history. The MP said, "I want to remind Priyanka Gandhi, who says, 'Leave the old matters, we will not talk about old things, we will not speak about past leaders.' But I want to ask about your mother: she did not have citizenship earlier; she received it in 1983, yet she had been voting even before that. Priyanka Gandhi should also remember this." She alleged that the Gandhi family has repeatedly disregarded the country's legal framework, adding that "Whether it is your past or your present, there is no integrity in your character. Your family has never respected this country's law and order or constitution." (ANI)
The Rajya Sabha is set to take up a discussion on electoral reforms again today, on the ninth day of the Parliament Winter Session, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielding four speakers for the debate. From the BJP side, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Ujjwal Nikam, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Kavita Patidar will be the speakers in the discussion and present the party's position on the proposed reforms. Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move the Appropriation (No. 4) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha to authorise payment and appropriation of additional funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for the financial year 2025-26. The Lok Sabha will convene at 11 AM on Thursday with a full agenda, including questions, laying of papers, committee reports, and legislative business. The House will also discuss and vote on the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025-26, with members considering cut motions submitted against the demands. In addition, a motion will be moved by Supriya Sule, supported by P P Chaudhary, to extend the time for presentation of the Joint Committee report on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, until the first day of the last week of the Budget Session, 2026. Several Union Ministers wil lay papers on the table, and reports of the Committee on Public Undertakings and the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare will be presented. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for delivering what he called an "outstanding speech", saying Shah had presented concrete facts on India's electoral process, highlighted the strength of the country's democracy and "exposed the lies of the Opposition." In a post on X, PM Modi said, "An outstanding speech by Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. With concrete facts, he has highlighted diverse aspects of our electoral process, the strength of our democracy and also exposed the lies of the Opposition." This came after the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sparred over the allegations of 'vote chori' in the Parliament, with the latter challenging Shah to conduct a debate on his three press conferences pertaining to his claims of 'voter Chori', to which the Home Minister retorted "Parliament won't function as per his wish." Opposition members later staged a walkout in protest against Shah's remarks. The House was adjourned after the home minister's speech concluded at 6:30 pm. (ANI)
The Indian Army, under Operation Sagar Bandhu, has provided extensive medical assistance to affected citizens in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, helping more than 5,000 patients, according to Lt Col Jagneet Gill, Contingent Commander of the Indian Army team. Lt Col Gill highlighted the collaborative and humanitarian nature of the operation, saying the initiative underscores the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to disaster-response preparedness and relief operations. "The Indian Army Contingent is committed to providing medical assistance to the affected citizens," he stated. He explained that the medical facilities were upgraded to address existing operational gaps. "The other hospital, which has been non-functional, we were looking for operational theatre, X-ray, and lab facilities, and we have been able to create these facilities. Other than that, we have also been able to create OPDs, including surgical, dental, and family OPDs," Lt Col added. These efforts enabled the Indian Army team to provide medical support to over 5,000 patients on the day of operations, ensuring timely treatment to those impacted by the cyclone. Meanwhile, Cyclone Ditwah has caused one of the largest flood events in Sri Lanka''s recent history, submerging 1.1 million hectares, roughly 20 per cent of the country''s land mass, and directly exposing 2.3 million people to cyclone-driven flooding, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The cyclone made landfall on Sri Lanka''s eastern coast on November 28, unleashing intense rainfall, widespread inundation and multiple landslides across the island. UNDP''s detailed impact assessment, in collaboration with Sri Lanka''s Disaster Management Centre, warns that the physical impacts of the cyclone are compounded by deep pre-existing vulnerabilities in several districts. According to the assessment, nearly 720,000 buildings were exposed to flooding, including 243 hospitals and hundreds of educational institutions. Some of the worst-hit administrative areas--such as Dimbulagala in Polonnaruwa, Kandavalai in Kilinochchi and Maritimepattu in Mullaitivu--recorded extensive flood extents, while central highland districts such as Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Kegalle saw intense rainfall triggering more than 1,200 landslides. Earlier, India expanded its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the recent cyclone, deploying four additional naval ships to deliver essential relief supplies as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Navy said on Monday. According to the Navy, INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 have been tasked with transporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores to affected regions across Sri Lanka. Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities. (ANI)
A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah''s speech, RJD MP Manoj Jha expressed disappointment, saying he had "never imagined" parliamentary debate would fall to such levels. Speaking to ANI, Jha recalled how the opposition first approached the Election Commission regarding concerns over electoral practices. "First we approached the Election Commission, but no resolution happened there, after which we had to go to the Supreme Court, and then the obstinacy ended," he said. Lamenting the erosion of what he described as the "Very foundation of debate" that should ideally be comprehensive and constructive, he added, "I had never imagined that the level of debate in the Lok Sabha would come to this... I see missing the very foundation of debate that should have been in a holistic manner." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to laud Shah. Calling his address "outstanding" and praising his for presenting "Concrete facts" about India''s electoral system. The Prime Minister said Shah had not only explained the robustness of India''s democracy but had also "exposed the lies of the Opposition." Tensions in the Lok Sabha escalated when Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated exchange over allegations of "vote chori". Gandhi repeatedly challenged Shah to debate on issues raised in the press conference, including claims of irregularities in the electoral rolls. Shah responded firmly, saying "Parliament won''t function as per his wish," and insisted he would address all questions in his own sequence. Shah also defended the special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, calling it a necessary process to "sanitise" electoral rolls. Accusing the Opposition of double standards, he said they praised the Election Commission when they won and attacked it when they lost. The confrontation culminated in Opposition MPs walking out during Shah''s reply, prompting the Lok Sabha to adjourn. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to former President and Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary, describing him as a "towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth." In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Tributes to Shri Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. A towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth, he served India with unwavering dedication across decades of public life. Pranab Babu's intellect and clarity of thought enriched our democracy at every step. It's a privilege that I got to learn so much from him over the many years we interacted." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to the former President, recalling his profound constitutional understanding and decades of dedicated public service that left an indelible mark on India's governance. In a post on X, Shah wrote, "Tributes to former President of India Pranab Mukherjee Ji on his Jayanti. A leader dedicated to public service, Mukherjee Ji's profound understanding of the Constitution defined his tenures in public offices. His life and works will continue to inspire our democratic journey." Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to the former President and shared his remembrance in Hindi on X. "On the birth anniversary of former President, 'Bharat Ratna' Pranab Mukherjee, a humble tribute to him. His vision, simplicity, and dedication to the nation's interest are an invaluable asset to Indian democracy," the UP CM wrote. Pranab Mukherjee, who served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017, is widely regarded as one of the country's most accomplished administrators. A master of consensus-building, he played a critical role in shaping policies and resolving political challenges during his long and distinguished career in public life. Mukherjee authored numerous books on India's economy, governance and nation-building. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received several prestigious awards and honours, including India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008, the Best Parliamentarian Award in 1997 and the Best Administrator in India Award in 2011. He has also been conferred honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa by the University of Dhaka in 2013, an Honoris Causa by the University of Calcutta in 2014, an honorary doctorate by the Russian Diplomatic Academy in 2015 and Professor Honoris Causa by Belarus State University the same year. In 2015 and 2016, he received additional honorary doctorates from the University of Jordan, Al-Quds University in Palestine, the Hebrew University in Israel, and Kathmandu University in Nepal. In recognition of his financial acumen, he was ranked among the top five finance ministers globally in 1984 by Euro Money journal (New York). He was named 'Finance Minister of the Year' for Asia in 2010 by Emerging Markets, the official journal of the World Bank and IMF. Fondly remembered as "Pranab Da," he was known for his sharp intellect, disciplined approach and encyclopedic knowledge of constitutional and political affairs. Mukherjee commanded respect across political parties and was instrumental in strengthening India's democratic institutions throughout his parliamentary and presidential tenures. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Thursday participated in a 'Janta Darshan' at the Gorakhnath temple. During the visit, he met with local residents and learned about their grievances and needs. The citizens gave the issues to the Chief Minister in writing, which he read out and assured them of assistance from his side. He reminded them to stay involved in thier community and encouraged the people to bring their concerns to the government. Meanwhile, the UP CMI is set to visit Jaunpur, Azamgarh, and Varanasi today to discuss and review the law and order situation along with development schemes with his officers. In Jaunpur, he will also pay tribute to the father of Uttar Pradesh minister Girish Chandra Yadav before returning. Around 12:30, the UP CM will reach Varanasi and start his meeting to fulfil his promise of, "Developed Uttar Pradesh - Independent Uttar Pradesh". Earlier on Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister inspected two 'rain basera' in Gorakhpur and distributed blankets among the people staying there.He directed panchayats and local bodies to arrange a bonfire for the needy. CM Yogi Adityanath said, "Coldwave has begun. Keeping this in mind, adequate funds have been allocated to ensure that 'rain basera' across the state operate at full capacity, and that every tehsil and local body can provide woollen clothes and blankets to the needy. All local bodies and panchayats have been directed to provide bonfires for the needy as needed. I received the opportunity to inspect two 'rain basera' in Gorakhpur and distribute blankets among them. In Gorakhpur alone, 14 'rain basera' are being operated by Nagar Nigam. 700-1000 needy people can take shelter in these." He said the state government was taking steps to ensure no one had to sleep on footpaths during the winter. "The needy should be able to find shelter at 'rain basera' and citizens should be protected from coldwave. Those who depend on it should be able to obtain facilities from the government. I inspected two 'rain basera' in Gorakhpur and distributed blankets to those seeking shelter there. In every tehsil and district across the state, adequate funds have been allocated to ensure no homeless person remains without shelter. Arrangements have been made to ensure they receive blankets and woollen clothing. Panchayats and local bodies have been told to make arrangements for a bonfire so that every needy person stays safe from the cold wave," he said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to Mahakavi Subramania Bharati on his birth anniversary, hailing the legendary poet's enduring contributions to India's cultural, literary, and national consciousness. In a post shared on X, PM Modi described Bharati as a figure whose verses "ignited courage" and whose thoughts left a lasting impression on generations of Indians. Highlighting the poet's dual legacy as a literary icon and social reformer, the Prime Minister said Bharati not only illuminated India's cultural heritage but also inspired efforts toward a just and inclusive society. In his post, PM Modi wrote, "Tributes to Mahakavi Subramania Bharati on his birth anniversary. His verses ignited courage, and his thoughts had the power to leave a lasting impression on the minds of countless people. He illuminated India's cultural and national consciousness. He worked towards creating a society that is just and inclusive. His contributions to enriching Tamil literature also remain unparalleled." Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also paid floral tribute to Bharati at the Vice President's Enclave, recognising his monumental impact on Tamil literature and India's intellectual and cultural landscape. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday also paid homage to the Mahakavi, praising him for his unparalleled contributions to India's freedom struggle and modern Tamil literature. Shah described Bharati as the "architect of modern Tamil literature," noting his fearless resistance against colonial oppression and his ability to wield his pen as a weapon of revolution. In his post on X, Shah wrote, "Obeisance to Subramania Bharathi Ji, the architect of modern Tamil literature, on his Jayanti. Braving the atrocities committed by the colonial government, the Mahakavi carried the blazing flame of revolution and fueled the freedom movement with his poems of fiery patriotism. At the same time, he advanced India's civilizational goal of building a fair and equitable society through social reforms." Bharathi, widely regarded as a revolutionary poet, journalist, and social reformer, remains an iconic figure in Indian literature and history. His works continue to influence literary circles, inspire social reform, and strengthen India's cultural identity. (ANI)
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) over the ongoing debate on 'Vande Mataram' in the Lok Sabha, stating that PM Modi and his clan hasn't even read two of the most famous books written on the true spirit of the national song and national anthem. The books are 'Song of India: A Study of National Anthem' by Rudrangshu Mukherjee and 'Vande Mataram: The Biography of a Song' by Sabyasachi Bhattacharya. Taking it to X, Jairam Ramesh said that the books have been written by two of the finest historians. He further took a jibe and said that it is too much to expect from the BJP leaders after they have been exposed in front of the general public for their lies. "The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have debated Vande Mataram for three days. The national anthem also figured in some speeches...It is clear that the PM and his entire brigade have NOT read the two definitive and authoritative books on the national song and the national anthem - written by two of India's finest historians, in the true sense of that term. It is too much to expect that they would do so even after being thoroughly bruised and exposed for their lies," he wrote. Earlier on Monday, the discussion on 150 years of National Song Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha 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. The Prime Minister said Vande Mataram was the all-encompassing mantra that inspired freedom, sacrifice, strength, purity, dedication, and resilience. On December 9, Union Home Minister Amit Shah 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. Today, the discussion on Vande Mataram continued for the third day in Parliament, while the Rajya Sabha continues the discussion and the Lok Sabha discusses electoral reforms. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday paid homage to former President Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary, offering floral tributes at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also honoured the late statesman in a post on X, describing Mukherjee as one of India's most influential political leaders whose decades-long public life strengthened the core institutions of governance. https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1998980643246743662?s=20 "On the birth anniversary of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, I pay my respectful tributes to a towering statesman whose illustrious political life spanned decades of dedicated national service. In his many roles, as a parliamentarian, minister, and later as the President of India, he made invaluable contributions to strengthening our democratic institutions. His wisdom and commitment to public life continue to inspire the nation," VP Radhakrishnan wrote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former President and Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary, describing him as a "towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth." In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Tributes to Shri Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. A towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth, he served India with unwavering dedication across decades of public life. Pranab Babu's intellect and clarity of thought enriched our democracy at every step. It's a privilege that I got to learn so much from him over the many years we interacted." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to the former President, recalling his profound constitutional understanding and decades of dedicated public service that left an indelible mark on India's governance. In a post on X, Shah wrote, "Tributes to former President of India Pranab Mukherjee Ji on his Jayanti. A leader dedicated to public service, Mukherjee Ji's profound understanding of the Constitution defined his tenures in public offices. His life and works will continue to inspire our democratic journey." Pranab Mukherjee, who served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017, is widely regarded as one of the country's most accomplished administrators. A master of consensus-building, he played a critical role in shaping policies and resolving political challenges during his long and distinguished career in public life. Fondly remembered as "Pranab Da," he was known for his sharp intellect, disciplined approach and encyclopedic knowledge of constitutional and political affairs. Mukherjee commanded respect across political parties and was instrumental in strengthening India's democratic institutions throughout his parliamentary and presidential tenures. (ANI)
Congress MP Rajiv Shukla on Thursday strongly criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks made during his address in Parliament on electoral reforms, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains fixated on the Nehru-Gandhi family even after more than a decade in power. Shukla claimed that the ruling party "dreams of Nehrus and Gandhis even in sleep" and questioned why the government continues to invoke history instead of presenting its achievements from the past 11 years. Speaking to ANI, Shukla said, "I dont understand how long BJP will keep talking about history... They bring in Nehru in everything... I bet they dream about Nehrus and Gandhis in their sleep... What are you doing sitting in the government for the last 11 years?" He added that the Home Minister's speech failed to address the core issues raised by the Opposition during the debate. Echoing Shukla's criticism, Congress MP Tanuj Punia said the government had failed to provide the transparency expected during the electoral reforms discussion. "The transparency that should have been there was not visible. What happened in Haryana, he did not answer the real questions, but instead accused the Congress. No answer was received for what is happening today," he said. Earlier on Wednesday, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi continued his attck on Home Minister Amit Shah after the later lambasted the Congress party in his speech during the election reform debate in the Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi said that the Home Minister had not answered any of his questions directly. "Amit Shah ji was very nervous yesterday. He used the wrong language, his hands were trembling... He is under tremendous mental pressure. Everybody saw this yesterday. What I asked him, he did not answer directly. He gave no proof. I have directly challenged him to come on the ground and let us discuss all my press conferences in the Parliament. I got no answer," he claimed The BJP,on the other hand, accused the Congress and the Lok Sabha LoP of adopting hit-and-run tactics. Union Minister Giriraj Singh attacked the Congress MP, saying, "Rahul Gandhi adopts a hit-and-run formula... When the Prime Minister and the Home Minister speak, he walks out, this is his democracy. He doesn't have the strength to listen to the truth. He felt bad after hearing what the Union Home Minister said yesterday. I believe that Rahul Gandhi will have to give up this habit... The entire Nehru family was thrown into disarray by the Home Minister's speech." On Wednesday, tensions in the Lok Sabha escalated when Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated exchange over allegations of "vote chori". Gandhi repeatedly challenged Shah to debate on issues raised in the press conference, including claims of irregularities in the electoral rolls. Shah responded firmly, saying "Parliament won't function as per his wish," and insisted he would address all questions in his own sequence. Shah also defended the special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, calling it a necessary process to "sanitise" electoral rolls. Accusing the Opposition of double standards, he said they praised the Election Commission when they won and attacked it when they lost. The confrontation culminated in Opposition MPs walking out during Shah's reply, prompting the Lok Sabha to adjourn. (ANI)
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Thursday strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliate organisations, asserting that their understanding of Tamil Nadu's cultural and religious fabric is fundamentally misplaced. His remarks came in response to comments made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who recently referred to the ongoing Thiruparankundram issue and said that the "awakening of Hindus" in Tamil Nadu was sufficient to achieve the desired outcome, adding that escalation may not be required as the matter is sub judice. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Chidambaram said, "BJP and its allied outfits don't understand Tamil Nadu very well. Tamil Nadu is perhaps the most Hindu of all the states in India. The people of Tamil Nadu are the most god-fearing, ritualistic, orthodox, temple going people in India. The faith does not mix with the politics of the BJP. " Chidambaram accused organisations associated with the BJP of manufacturing controversies in a region where diverse communities have traditionally lived in harmony. "The allied organisations of the BJP are trying to create controversies when there are none. Various communities have co-existed in Tamil Nadu; it is only when outsiders interfere and try to create rituals and customs which are not part of the usual practice that such controversies happen," he said. Referring to Bhagwat's remarks, the Congress leader said the people of Tamil Nadu are capable of preserving their faith without external intervention. "Tamil Nadu will reject the version of Hindutva the BJP is trying to thrust on Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu will continue to practice its faith and also maintain communal harmony," Chidambaram added. Meanwhile, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said the awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu "is enough to bring about the desired result" regarding the Thiruparankundram issue, adding that escalation may not be required as the matter is sub judice. In Thiruparankundram, an unrest broke out during the Hindu festival of Karthigai Deepam last week, when activists from right-wing groups clashed with police. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had earlier directed that the lamp be lit at the hilltop temple. Acting on a petition filed by a right-wing activist, Justice GR Swaminathan had instructed state authorities to ensure that the sacred lamp was lit atop the hill. However, government officials maintained that this violated the longstanding practice of lighting the lamp at the nearby Deepa Mandapam, a ritual observed for several years. Responding to a query from the audience at the "100 years of Sangh Journey - New Horizons" event, Bhagwat said, "If the Thiruparankundram issue needs escalation, it will be done. But I don't think it needs to. The matter is now sub judice. Let it resolve. The awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu, I think, is enough to bring about the desired result." He added that the Hindu organisations in the state would guide the RSS if escalation becomes necessary. "If at all it is needed, Hindu organisations working in Tamil Nadu will let us know, then we will think about it. I think this issue can be resolved here only, based on the Hindus' strength in the state. We will not need to escalate it," Bhagwat said. Bhagwat added that the issue must be resolved in favour of Hindus. "But one thing is for sure, the issue needs to be resolved favourably for Hindus. That is definite, and we will do whatever it takes," he stated. Meanwhile, over 100 INDIA bloc MPs from the Lok Sabha submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday regarding an impeachment motion against Justice Swaminathan, who ordered Subramaniya Swamy temple authorities to light a traditional lamp at a stone pillar near a dargah, atop a hillock in Tamil Nadu. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, during a review meeting of the Forest Department at the Secretariat, directed officials to ensure effective efforts at both the departmental and administrative levels to eliminate human-wildlife conflict. CM Dhami instructed that Forest Department teams must reach the incident site within 30 minutes of receiving information about any such conflict. Responsibility for this should be clearly assigned to the concerned DFOs and Rangers. Immediate financial assistance must be provided to the affected individuals. In view of the rising incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Pauri district, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate removal of the Pauri DFO from his post. The Chief Minister also instructed officials to arrange escort services by the Forest Department and the district administration for schoolchildren in areas severely affected by wildlife. In cases where the sole earning member of a family dies due to human-wildlife conflict, the Forest Department must prepare and present a policy within two weeks to support the livelihood of the affected family and ensure they do not face financial hardship. He further said that all necessary equipment to reduce such conflicts in the districts must be provided at the earliest. The Chief Minister emphasised that the top priority is to protect human lives from wildlife attacks, and therefore, special focus should be placed on adopting new technologies. Permanent solutions should be developed to prevent wild animals from entering populated areas. Sensitive zones should be continuously monitored through surveillance cameras. Forest personnel must maintain constant vigilance and strengthen their communication with local villagers. He also directed that wild bushes around residential areas be cleared through targeted drives, and that women and children be specifically made aware of nearby wildlife. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal attended the meeting, along with Additional Chief Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli, Vinay Shankar Pandey and C Ravishankar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ranjan Mishra, and Additional Secretary Himanshu Khurana. (ANI)
At least 21 people hailing from Assam's Tinsukia district are feared dead in an accident in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, officials said. According to the police, 22 persons, including the driver, hailing from Tinsukia district of Assam, were travelling in a minitruck which was plunged into a deep gorge on the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district. Mayank Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police of Tinsukia district, told ANI over the phone that, as per the information received from the authority of Arunachal Pradesh, 21 people were feared dead and one person survived. "All persons are hailing from the Tinsukia district of Assam," Mayank Kumar said. The truck reportedly skidded off the hilly road and fell into a deep gorge. The accident occurred on December 8. According to the reports, the people were travelling to Hayuliang for construction-related work. According to the District Disaster Management Officer (in charge), one survivor has been retrieved so far and handed over to the Assam administration following medical treatment. Nang Chingni Choupoo, DDMO (In-charge) for Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, told ANI, "The incident occurred in Chaglagam Circle in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, located at the India-China border. It happened on the night of December 8. We received the report on the night of December 10. Even the locals were not aware that an incident had occurred there. It is steep and narrow there. The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. We have one survivor, as per whom the vehicle had 22 labourers. It was a minitruck which overturned." "A search and rescue operation is underway there by the Army, ITBP and District Administration. NDRF has been requisitioned. The rescue team has reached there, and the operation is ongoing. We are yet to retrieve the people on board. We think we will retrieve just the bodies. We have handed over the survivor to Assam after treatment," the DDMO (in charge) added. Search and rescue operations are underway. More details are awaited. The Indian Army launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh's Chaglagam region after a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia plunged off a cliff on December 8, 2025. The accident occurred near KM 40 on the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road, and the sole survivor, who reached the Chipra GREF Camp, alerted authorities. A team of 18 bodies has been spotted 200 meters below the road, and rescue efforts are underway to retrieve them. The Indian Army, along with the civil administration, police, and other agencies, is working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and provide assistance. "On 11 December, Spear Corps mobilised multiple Search and Rescue columns, medical teams, GREF representatives, local police, NDRF personnel and the ADC Hayuliang. At 1155 hours, after four hours of intensive search and rope descent, the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road near KM 40 in a re-entrant, inaccessible and not visible from helicopters or the road due to dense tree cover and thick foliage. Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are being retrieved using belay ropes," read the Army PRO release. The challenging terrain, with dense tree cover and thick foliage, is hindering rescue efforts. The accident underscores the risks workers face in remote areas and the bravery of the rescue teams involved. (ANI)
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday said that the State is not just "watching AI revolution but building it" and highlighted the role of AI in public safety and governance. Speaking at the Regional AI Conference, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "Gujarat has always welcomed powerful forces - Atithi and Innovation (AI). This land has always been where courage meets creation. Today, the creation is powered by AI. Our youth holds smartphones today, but with AI, they will soon hold the future in their hands." "Every revolution in history begins with human imagination, but for the first time, our imagination has created a partner that can imagine with us. This goal is not human vs machine; this goal is human with machine. In Gujarat, we are not just watching the AI revolution, we are building it. At GIFT city, the AI Centre of Excellence is shaping India's next tech ecosystem," he added. Citing the Gujarat Police's successful adoption of AI-integrated CCTV networks. He said that the system has played a critical role in reuniting over 5,800 missing children with their families during the 2025 Jagannath Rathyatra. He stated, "Recently, Gujarat Police has shown how AI integration can be useful for common citizens. By integrating AI technology with CCTV, Gujarat Police has successfully reunited more than 5,800 missing children with their parents during the 2025 Jagannathji Rathyatra, various fairs and religious events across the state." Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Deputy CM wrote, "Attended the Regional AI Conference today in the esteemed presence of Hon'ble CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp ji. AI is proving to be a true boon--when used at the right place, in the right way, and at the right time. From enhancing governance and security to improving service delivery and empowering citizens, AI is driving a future that is smarter, faster and more inclusive. A transformative era has begun, and Gujarat is leading it with vision and innovation." (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his resolve to operationalise the Gujarat Unified Digital Stack across the state, making digital governance smarter, faster, and more citizen-centric. According to a release, the Gujarat CM said that this will enable citizens to access all services through a single platform. At the same time, faster data sharing between departments will allow real-time analysis of scheme outcomes. The Chief Minister addressed the gathering while inaugurating the Regional AI Impact Conference, organised at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. He also inaugurated the AI Experience Zone set up at the conference and visited various startup stalls. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia graced the event. This conference has been organised as a pre-event to the AI Impact Summit, which is scheduled to be held in India in February 2026 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a joint initiative of the State Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry of IT of the Government of India, according to the release. On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Gujarat AI Stack. With its introduction, governance will become faster, more accurate, and more citizen-centric through six major AI tools--Agriculture AI, Scheme Eligibility Verification, Procurement Chatbot, Grievance Classifier, Document Extractor, and Chat Management Tool--enabling "plug-and-play" AI adoption across government departments. The dignitaries also launched the Gujarat Cloud Adoption Guidelines 2025. These guidelines will enhance the security, scalability, and AI-readiness of the state's digital governance while simplifying the use of MeitY-empanelled cloud services and national GPU compute, the release stated. Two significant MoUs were signed during the conference. Under this MoU among the Government of Gujarat, Google, and Bhashini, a strategic partnership will be established to advance multilingual AI, develop Gujarati-language models, and enhance digital public services. Moreover, MoUs were signed among the Government of Gujarat, GIFT City, and Henox to establish a Cable Landing Station (CLS) in the state. This will make Gujarat a hub of global digital connectivity and support green data centres. On this occasion, CM stated that, under the Prime Minister's leadership, AI has evolved from a mere technological tool into a mission for national progress. He emphasised that Gujarat has consistently led in technology-driven development. AI, he added, is an empowering force for enhancing public welfare, strengthening transparency, and building a future-ready Gujarat, the release added. CM said that deliberations on Agriculture, Health, Governance, Urban-Rural Transformation, and Fintech Inclusion during this conference will position AI as a transformative force in realising the vision of Viksit Gujarat at 2047. He added that AI will also play a crucial role in building a Viksit Bharat. CM said that under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership, India has undergone significant transformations over the past decade. Technology has reached even the most remote citizens, and the India AI Mission has been launched. Gujarat has aligned with this initiative by establishing an AI task force. He was hopeful that the collective deliberations at the Regional AI Impact Conference would help transform future capabilities by applying AI today and leveraging technology. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi described Gujarat as a state poised to lead the AI revolution and extended a warm welcome to investors and AI startups, according to the release. Harsh Sanghavi said that Gujarat has always embraced two powerful forces--'Hospitality' and 'Innovation.' He emphasised that the goal is not "human versus machine," but "human WITH machine," where human imagination creates a partner capable of independent thought. AI is no longer merely a sector; it is a new energy that empowers every field with speed and strength. Highlighting AI-driven initiatives across Gujarat, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that the AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in GIFT City, established with Microsoft's support, is shaping India's emerging tech ecosystem. It is driving advancements in healthcare, manufacturing, and education. In agriculture, the FASAL AI platform helps farmers conserve water and reduce pesticide use. Through the Krushi Pragati platform, over one lakh farmers receive AI-based guidance on crop health, soil conditions, and water availability, boosting their income. Furthermore, the SIMBA project aids wildlife conservation, and GSRTC leverages AI to enhance efficiency in public transport services. Sanghavi stated that the Gujarat Police are leveraging AI technology to enhance citizen safety. During the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, AI surveillance helped identify 5,481 missing children and reunite them with their families. In Dahod, a remote tribal district, the police conducted the state's first AI-based operation against illegal cannabis cultivation, using machine-learning models to detect cannabis plants and drone surveillance to seize cannabis worth over 1.19 crore. At the Ambaji fair, AI surveillance monitored suspicious activities, located missing persons, and strengthened crowd management. The Deputy CM invited investors and AI startups to invest, innovate, and realise their aspirations in Gujarat. He stated, "Gujarat will be your platform and your launch pad for the future," the release stated. Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the most powerful tool for good governance today. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has been at the forefront of AI adoption. AI has enhanced technology, data management, speed, and transparency, bringing significant improvements across services, including delivering convenience directly to citizens at home. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, India is reaching new heights in AI. Both older and younger generations have witnessed transformations from radio and TV to computers, and now AI. The Minister expressed confidence that the Regional AI Impact Conference, organised in Gujarat today, will usher in a new revolution in AI. MeitY's Additional Secretary and Director General of NIC, Abhishek Singh, stated that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the "AI Impact Summit" will be held in India in February 2026. For the first time globally, a developing country will host a world-class AI summit. To make the summit more impactful, the Prime Minister called for organising Regional AI Impact Conferences in every state, leading to today's event. Singh expressed confidence that, having consistently led in adopting new technology, Gujarat will now also emerge as a role model in AI. Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, P Bharathi, delivered the welcome address and outlined the various thematic sessions scheduled for the one-day event. He noted that discussions with national and international experts will focus on five key areas--AI for Agriculture, Healthcare, Governance, Urban-Rural Transformation, and FinTech--and will generate valuable recommendations for the AI Impact Summit in 2026. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Arvind Vijayan, Managing Director of Gujarat Informatics Ltd, the release stated. Regional AI Impact Conference was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Jayanti Ravi, Managing Director of GIFT City Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director of Sharjah Communication Technologies Authority Rashid Ali Al-Ali,, Advisor of GUJCOST Dr Narottam Sahoo senior officials from the Government of India and Gujarat representatives of global tech companies, IIT experts, industry leaders and over 100 innovators associated with startups. (ANI)
Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is accused in a rape case and had been absconding for the past 15 days, cast his vote in Palakkad during the second phase of the Kerala local body elections. He showed up around 4:50 PM on Thursday, after the crowd had thinned. Police have registered a case against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil based on a woman's complaint alleging sexual assault, rape on the pretext of marriage and forced abortion. The FIR, initially lodged at the Nedumangad Valiyamala Police Station, was later transferred to the Nemom Police Station as the alleged incidents occurred within its jurisdiction. While he is absconding, the Kerala High Court on December 6 stayed his arrest. The bench of Justice K Babu considered the MLA's anticipatory bail plea and directed that detailed arguments would be heard. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on December 15. Rahul Mamkootathil had approached the High Court after the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court rejected his anticipatory bail application. The Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court had rejected Mamkootathil's request for anticipatory bail in the alleged rape case. The case registered against him includes eight non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including Section 64 for rape, Section 64(2) for repeatedly committing rape on the same woman, Section 64(f) for rape by a person in a position of trust, Section 64(h) for rape on a woman knowing she is pregnant, and Section 64(m) for repeated rape on the same woman. It also includes Section 89 of the BNS for causing miscarriage without a woman's consent, BNS 316 for criminal breach of trust, and Section 68(e) of the Information Technology Act relating to transmission of offensive digital content. The offences cumulatively carry punishments ranging from ten years to life imprisonment. Meanwhile, the local body elections in Kerala are being held in two phases, covering 1,199 out of the state's 1,200 local bodies. The first phase of polling was held on December 9 across seven districts and witnessed a voter turnout of 70.9 per cent. The counting of votes will take place on December 13. (ANI)
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday hailed Bengal as a "promised land" and stated he would "love to be a Bengali in every possible way" Replying to a query about his willingness to be a voter of Bengal, Governor Bose said, "Bengal is my promised land. Bengal is a sensation felt in the blood and felt along the heart. I would love to be a Bengali in every possible way. Therefore. I decided that my vote should be in Bengal. I have applied for it, and I hope I may get it." On the SIR process in the state, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose says," The Supreme Court has given instructions to all stakeholders to take necessary steps to ensure that SIR goes on without any hindrance." He also spoke on the inclusion Deepavali to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List " This is an occasion for the entire nation, particularly Bengal, to celebrate Diwali, which represents the quintessence of the best that is there in India, has been listed by UNESCO as an intangible heritage. It gives a lot of pride to all of us. It is the new generation which will benefit from it because India's future lies in her past." Meanwhile, after Kerala, the Election Commission of India, on Thursday, extended the deadlines for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in five States and one Union Territory. As Per the revised schedule, the enumeration period for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat has been extended to December 14, with the draft roll to be published on December 19. The enumeration period for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will end on December 18, with the draft rolls on December 23. Uttar Pradesh received an extension of 15 days with the enumeration period ending on December 26 and draft rolls to be published on December 31, ECI said in a press note. In the earlier schedule, the enumeration period for these six States and UTs was until December 11, and the draft electoral rolls were published on December 16. (ANI)
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta posted the matter in January after the counsel appearing for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) sought adjournment on the grounds that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta would argue on their behalf.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for Shah, objected to the NIA's adjournment request and said the matter may be listed next week.

However, the bench, while posting the matter for hearing on January 7, made clear that no further adjournment would be granted to the NIA."One last opportunity is granted to the respondent (NIA). We will have it on January 7. We will say no further time will be granted," said the bench.

Shah had approached the top court, filing an appeal against the Delhi High Court's June 12 order, which denied him bail in an alleged case of terror funding.

On September 4, the apex court refused to grant interim bail to Shah in the case and issued notice to the NIA seeking its response on his plea.

Observing the possibility that Shah could carry out similar unlawful activities and influence witnesses, the High Court refused to grant him bail in the case.

The NIA arrested Shah on June 4, 2019. In 2017, the NIA registered a case against 12 persons on allegations of conspiracy for raising and collecting funds for causing disruption by way of pelting stones, damaging public property and conspiring to wage war against the Government of India. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured. The PMO India handle in post on X said: "Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi" At least 21 people hailing from Assam's Tinsukia district are feared dead in an accident in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, officials said. According to the police, 22 persons, including the driver, hailing from Tinsukia district of Assam, were travelling in a minitruck which was plunged into a deep gorge on the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district. Mayank Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police of Tinsukia district, told ANI over the phone that, as per the information received from the authority of Arunachal Pradesh, 21 people were feared dead and one person survived. "All persons are hailing from the Tinsukia district of Assam," Mayank Kumar said. The truck reportedly skidded off the hilly road and fell into a deep gorge. The accident occurred on December 8. According to the reports, the people were travelling to Hayuliang for construction-related work. According to the District Disaster Management Officer (in charge), one survivor has been retrieved so far and handed over to the Assam administration following medical treatment. Nang Chingni Choupoo, DDMO (In-charge) for Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, told ANI, "The incident occurred in Chaglagam Circle in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, located at the India-China border. It happened on the night of December 8. We received the report on the night of December 10. Even the locals were not aware that an incident had occurred there. It is steep and narrow there. The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. We have one survivor, as per whom the vehicle had 22 labourers. It was a minitruck which overturned." "A search and rescue operation is underway there by the Army, ITBP and District Administration. NDRF has been requisitioned. The rescue team has reached there, and the operation is ongoing. We are yet to retrieve the people on board. We think we will retrieve just the bodies. We have handed over the survivor to Assam after treatment," the DDMO (in charge) added. The Indian Army launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh's Chaglagam region, and 18 bodies were spotted 200 meters below the road. Rescue efforts are underway to retrieve them. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the release of Moirangthem Anand Singh on bail, setting aside the earlier refusal by the Delhi High Court. Singh, arrested by the NIA in connection with a UAPA case linked to an alleged transnational conspiracy involving Myanmar-based terror outfits, had been in custody for over two years and six months. Advocates David Ahongsangbam, Rahul Kumar and Gunedhor Singh appeared for the accused before the Supreme Court. The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta observed that the long period of incarceration, the fact that the trial had not yet commenced, and the grant of bail to the co-accused justified extending bail to Singh. The Court directed that he be released on terms to be fixed by the Trial Court, and permitted the State or the Trial Court to seek recall of the order if Singh is found to be delaying the proceedings. The Delhi High Court had earlier, on April 2, 2025, denied bail to Singh. The High Court had described the allegations against him as "serious, involving offences with far-reaching implications for public order and national security." Singh was alleged to be an operative of the banned organisation People's Liberation Army (PLA), accused of participating in a conspiracy to wage war against the Government of India by leveraging the ethnic unrest in Manipur. Singh was first arrested in September 2023 by the Manipur Police, along with four others, while travelling in a vehicle bearing police camouflage. According to the police, they were found carrying sophisticated arms and ammunition, including an INSAS rifle with four magazines (78 live rounds), an SLR rifle with three magazines (50 live rounds), and two .303 rifles with magazines holding five live rounds each. The weapons were identified as part of the cache looted from government armouries during the outbreak of ethnic conflict in the State. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the women of the state to "lead the fight" against the alleged "illegal voter deletion" through Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. She asked men to provide support from behind. Addressing a gathering at Krishnanagar, Nadia, Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP wants to "take away" the rights and "terrify" women, and urged them to show that women are "more powerful" than the BJP. "Through SIR, they [BJP] want to take away the rights of women. During elections, they want to use Central forces to terrify the women. Do you have the strength to fight if your names are removed? Women should lead the fight and men should fight from the back. I want to see whether our women are more powerful or the BJP," Mamata Banerjee said. Accusing the BJP of "pressurising" the District Magistrate, Mamata Banerjee vowed to do a sit-in protest if names are removed "deliberately" from the voter lists. "I have not come here to seek votes. I have come here to urge you to enrol your names in the electoral list. From Delhi, the BJP is sending people to pressurise the DMs with the intent of removing 1.5 crore names from the electoral list. If any name is deliberately removed, I will do a sit-in protest. I urge you to do the same," Mamata Banerjee said. The West Bengal CM criticised the BJP for "terrifying" the DMs and Election officials and warned the party that they will not remain in the centre forever. "I heard that those who submitted the names of their grandfather and grandmother (during SIR process), they would be called for hearing and their names would be struck off. Each DM will be monitored by a BJP leader. Who do you think you are? How can you terrify the DMs, BDOs, and BLOs? All the agencies are working on behalf of BJP without realising that BJP won't be in power forever. You don't have to wait till 2029, BJP will not be able to complete their term," she said. Meanwhile, after Kerala, the Election Commission of India, on Thursday, extended the deadlines for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in five States and one Union Territory.As Per the revised schedule, the enumeration period for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat has been extended to December 14, with the draft roll to be published on December 19. The enumeration period for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will end on December 18, with the draft rolls on December 23.Uttar Pradesh received an extension of 15 days with the enumeration period ending on December 26 and draft rolls to be published on December 31, ECI said in a press note. In the earlier schedule, the enumeration period for these six States and UTs was until December 11, and the draft electoral rolls were published on December 16. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in Arunachal road mishap in which 21 people are feared to be dead. In an X post, Rahul Gandhi also prayed for the missing to be found and the swift recovery of the injured. "The news of the death of several Assamese labourers due to a truck overturning into a gorge in Arunachal Pradesh is extremely heartbreaking. I extend my deepest condolences to their bereaved families. With the hope that those who are missing are found at the earliest, I pray for the swift recovery of the injured," Gandhi wrote on X. At least 21 people hailing from Assam's Tinsukia district are feared dead in an accident in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, officials said. According to the police, 22 persons, including the driver, hailing from Tinsukia district of Assam, were travelling in a minitruck which was plunged into a deep gorge on the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district. The NDRF team is about to reach the Arunachal Pradesh accident site. It is about 330 kms from Dibrugarh, from where the NDRF team has been mobilised: Officials Earlier today, Mayank Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police of Tinsukia district, told ANI over the phone that, as per the information received from the authority of Arunachal Pradesh, 21 people were feared dead, and one person survived. "All persons are hailing from the Tinsukia district of Assam," Mayank Kumar said. The truck reportedly skidded off the hilly road and fell into a deep gorge. The accident occurred on December 8. According to the reports, the people were travelling to Hayuliang for construction-related work. According to the District Disaster Management Officer (in charge), one survivor has been retrieved so far and handed over to the Assam administration following medical treatment. Nang Chingni Choupoo, DDMO (In-charge) for Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, told ANI, "The incident occurred in Chaglagam Circle in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, located at the India-China border. It happened on the night of December 8. We received the report on the night of December 10. Even the locals were not aware that an incident had occurred there. It is steep and narrow there. The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. We have one survivor, as per whom the vehicle had 22 labourers. It was a minitruck which overturned." "A search and rescue operation is underway there by the Army, ITBP and District Administration. NDRF has been requisitioned. The rescue team has reached there, and the operation is ongoing. We are yet to retrieve the people on board. We think we will retrieve just the bodies. We have handed over the survivor to Assam after treatment," the DDMO (in charge) added. The Indian Army launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh's Chaglagam region, and 18 bodies were spotted 200 meters below the road. Rescue efforts are underway to retrieve them. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a financial compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund for the relatives of the deceased in the road accident. He also announced a Rs 50,000 grant for injured people.PM Modi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. "Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM," said PMO. (ANI)
After Luthra brothers - Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, wanted in connection with the tragic fire at Goa's Birch Hotel, were detained in Thailand, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reaffirmed that strict action will be taken against them, asserting that the government is committed to securing justice for the 25 people who lost their lives in the tragedy. The Chief Minister stated that teams from the Goa Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will travel to Thailand to deport the accused to India. Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sawant said, "We will bring them to Goa as soon as possible. Teams of the Goa Police and the CBI will go there (to Thailand). Henceforth, any violation and encroachment will not be tolerated. Two suspended women government officers are cooperating with the investigation, while one is not; action will be taken accordingly... To ensure such an accident doesn't occur again, our enforcement team, comprising senior officers, fire safety officers, and building construction officers, is visiting various clubs and restaurants. The clubs where serious violations are found will be closed." While in conversation with ANI, CM Sawant reiterated, "Our govt will work to give justice to the 25 people who lost their lives...We will put them (the club owners, Luthra brothers) behind bars." He further said, "We arrested six people after the tragic fire incident. We also suspended three people and are investigating them on a fast track. One of the club's three owners was arrested in Delhi, and an LOC was issued against the other two owners. We also ordered the Regional Passport Office to cancel their passports. With the help of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Minister, the Luthra brothers were detained in Thailand. Our team from Goa and central agencies will bring the two club owners to Goa. We take legal action and put them behind bars." The Luthra brothers, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, wanted in connection with the tragic fire at Goa's Birch Hotel, were detained in Thailand today and are expected to be deported to India shortly. According to the Goa Police, the brothers were booked on December 7 for fleeing the country while authorities were battling the fire and rescuing trapped guests. Following a Blue Corner Notice issued by Interpol against the absconding accused, Thai authorities apprehended the accused in Thailand. On December 6, late at night at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, a devastating blaze claimed 25 lives, including five tourists and 20 staff members. Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra own the restaurant. The Rohini court has reserved the order on the anticipatory bail pleas of Gaurav and Saurav Luthra. The Goa police opposed the anticipatory bail pleas filed by the Luthra brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh. Goa police said that Gaurav Luthra, Saurav Luthra and Ajay Gupta are signatories in the club. The club's Panchayat licence, issued earlier, has already expired and was not renewed. The counsel for the Goa Police argued that the brothers had not cooperated, thereby disentitling them to extraordinary protection by the court. The counsel said that the brothers left India on December 7. However, they said that they had left on the night of December 6. This, the counsel argued, showed that Saurav and Gaurav Luthra misled the court, misled the authorities and left the country. The Goa Police further claimed that the medical grounds cited by the alleged accused are bogus, as the doctor did not see the patient. Senior advocate Tanvir Ahmed appeared on behalf of the Luthra brothers and submitted that, as per the FIR, the incident that occurred was due to negligence and was not homicidal. The counsel argued that there was a threat to the applicant's family. He further said that the applicants are before the court to protect life, and that a man before the court is not an absconder. The counsel said that the perception of innocence exists under the law, and the accused are not convicts. He further informed the court that the brothers are ready to join the investigation. He argued that no notice to join the investigation was given, and a warrant was issued straightaway. The counsel said that the Luthras' managers run 40 restaurants all over india, the men sitting in Delhi cannot be present everywhere. He noted that the Luthras had an event in Phuket and therefore booked a ticket. The counsel argued that an arrest cannot be made in a rage or in vengeance. The Luthra brothers, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, wanted in connection with the tragic fire at Goa's Birch Hotel, were detained in Thailand and are expected to be deported to India. Another of their partners, Ajay Gupta, was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Mapusa on Thursday. The court has remanded him to seven days of police custody for further investigation, officials said. Meanwhile, the Goa Police is strengthening its case to secure the deportation of the owners of Birch in Aprora, the scene of a devastating fire on December 6 that killed 25 and injured several. According to the Goa Police, a criminal case vide FIR No. 154/2025 dated December 07 was registered at the Police Station Arpora Anjuna, North Goa, under sections 105, 125, 125 (a), 125(b), and 287 read with 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. The FIR states that on December 6, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the accused persons, had organised a fire show at the restaurant Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora, without taking proper precautions and without providing fire safety equipment and other safety measures. The fire show resulted in a serious fire, due to which 25 innocent people succumbed to death and also caused serious injuries to tourists and staff. The subjects, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, and others, despite knowing that the restaurant does not have emergency exit doors on the ground or deck floors for evacuation in case of emergency, organised the fire show. During the investigation, it was also revealed that the subjects Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, along with other accused, were operating the said restaurant without obtaining the necessary permissions/licenses from the competent authorities. (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will complete three years of his tenure on Friday, December 12. In these three years, the Gujarat CM has led the state to the path of development through his various efforts in all sectors with a broader vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047. People-centric policies introduced over these three years have reinforced the state's position as a leader across multiple sectors. Gujarat, under the CM's leadership, has successfully organised global events such as the G20 meetings and the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. During the tragic Air India plane crash in 2025 in Ahmedabad, in which over 240 people were killed, the Chief Minister demonstrated compassionate, swift, and decisive leadership. By promptly mobilising all state agencies for rescue, medical aid, and support, Gujarat delivered an exemplary response to the crisis, reflecting the state's administrative efficiency and profound commitment to human life. Gujarat has made notable progress across sectors, including semiconductors, renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, education, health, and digital governance. 3 years of Farmer Welfare In the past three years, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has ensured that over 16,899 villages receive regular daytime electricity under Kisan Suryodaya Yojana. A Rs 947-crore relief package was provided to farmers affected by heavy rainfall in August-September 2025. For crop damage from unseasonal rains from October 23 to November 4, a Rs 10,000-crore relief package was announced, benefitting nearly 33 lakh farmers. Post-unseasonal rain damage, the Gujarat government procured crops worth Rs 15,000 crore at support prices, benefiting over 10 lakh farmers. Over Rs 3,030.34 crore interest subvention provided to 33 lakh+ farmers under zero-interest crop loans in the last three years 3 years of Women's Empowerment In the last three years, the Gujarat CM has focused on the Lakhpati Didi scheme. The state has 5.96 lakh Lakhpati Didis; the State aims to create 10 lakh Lakhpati Didis The Nari Gaurav Niti-2024 was announced for women's empowerment. For the first time, the gender budget crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in 2023, with over 200 women-focused schemes. In 2024-25, a total of 804 women's empowerment schemes were included in the gender budget.Under Mukhyamantri Matrushakti Yojana, over 4 lakh pregnant and lactating mothers benefit annually. G-SAFAL' (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) was launched in March 2025 to support women of self-help groups of Antyodaya families 3 years of Health & Welfare Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Mukhyamantri Amrutam (PMJAY-MA), the financial assistance provided to citizens of Gujarat has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, Gujarat became the only state in the country to provide digital health cards to school students; 1.15 crore cards have been issued so far. The state has also recorded a significant reduction of 50% in the maternal mortality rate and 57.41% in the infant mortality rate. Under Namo Shri Yojana, 3.88 lakh mothers received financial assistance amounting to Rs 238.77 crore within one year. Gujarat ranks first in the country with 465 kidney transplants, On "World Obesity Day," the campaign "Healthy Gujarat - Obesity-Free Gujarat" was launched.Gujarat became the first state in India to launch a Tribal Genome Sequencing Project for the health of tribal people 3 years of education Mission Schools of Excellence: construction of 13,353 classrooms, 21,000 computer labs, 1,09,000 smart classrooms, and 5,000 STEM labs have been completed. 23rd edition of Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav and Shala Praveshotsav was successfully conducted in 2025. To identify and prevent potential student dropouts, the Education Department has introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Early Warning System (EWS). Under Namo Lakshmi Yojana, financial assistance of over Rs 1,000 crore has been provided to over 10 lakh girl students Under Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, over 1.50 lakh students have received assistance of over Rs 161 crore.3 Years of Tribal Development A budget increase of Rs 746 crore for the holistic development of tribal communities for FY 2025-26. Jan Jatiya Kalyan Yojana was launched on Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas, November 15 2025. 3 Years of Urban Development Gujarat Government declared 2025 the Urban Development Year. Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2, from Motera to Sector-1 in Gandhinagar and from Gujarat National Law University to GIFT City, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in September 2024. Under the Smart City Mission, 348 projects worth over 11,000 crore have been completed across the 6 smart cities. 9 municipalities in the state have been granted municipal corporation status, bringing the total number of municipal corporations in Gujarat to 17. Under Bhupendra Patel's leadership, Gujarat steadily advances toward the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, opening new avenues, instilling optimism, and strengthening its global stature. (ANI)
A high-level review meeting on statewide comprehensive fire safety audits, crime control, and law-and-order measures was held on Thursday at the Uttarakhand Police Headquarters auditorium through video conferencing, said officials. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth. Senior Superintendents of Police from Garhwal and Kumaon ranges, all districts, Railway Police, and STF participated in the meeting. In view of the recent fire incident in Goa, the DGP issued directions to ensure immediate fire safety measures for public security. He instructed all district in-charges to coordinate with District Magistrates and conduct a thorough fire safety audit of establishments such as cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, event venues, malls, and other places likely to witness large gatherings during the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. The DGP emphasized that all fire safety equipment should be fully available, functional, and adequate. He directed that all fire hydrants installed in public and commercial areas must remain fully operational. He further instructed that all sensitive establishments must mandatorily ensure adequate fire-fighting equipment, fire extinguishers, clearly marked emergency exits, and unobstructed escape routes. "Staff deployed in these establishments should be regularly trained in fire safety. Regular surprise inspections of sensitive locations should be conducted, and strict legal action should be taken in cases of non-compliance with safety norms." The DGP also issued comprehensive instructions to districts regarding the safety of pilgrims, crowd management, emergency response systems, and traffic control for the winter Char Dham Yatra. During the meeting, the DGP briefed officials about key components of national security, anti-terror strategies, and cybercrime, as outlined by the Prime Minister and Home Minister at the All India DGP/IGP Conference-2025, and discussed in detail the recommendations received during the conference. The meeting was attended by Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence & Security) Abhinav Kumar, ADG (Crime & Law and Order) V Murugesan, IG P/M Vimmi Sachdeva, IG PAC Neeru Garg, IG Telecommunications Krishan Kumar VK, IG Fire Services Mukhtar Mohsin, IG Cyber Crime Nilesh Anand Bharne, along with other senior officers. (ANI)
A massive fire broke out at a godown in Katargam area of Surat, they said.

Surat Chief Fire Officer Basantkumar Pareek told ANI "...Wooden items, used in weddings, are stored here. Flammable materials like mattresses, cushions and PVC chairs are also here. We are making efforts to ensure that the fire doesn't spread. Fire control operation is ongoing..."

"About 50 fire personnel are carrying out the operation. No casualties have been reported..." (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer BVRC Purushottam held a review meeting with all district magistrates on Thursday through video conference at the Secretariat. The meeting included a detailed review of preparations for the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR), outreach to every voter at the district and ERO levels, and matters related to the Booth Awareness Group (BAG). During the meeting, the Chief Electoral Officer directed that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) under the "BLO Outreach Campaign" establish contact, coordination, and communication with voters in their respective areas. He instructed the district magistrates to ensure regular monitoring of BLO field visits and to submit periodic reports to the Chief Electoral Officer's office. He also directed that queries received through the Voter Helpline Number from voters regarding the electoral roll must be resolved without fail. Effective help desks should be set up at the district and ERO offices, and responsibility should be clearly assigned to the officers in charge. The Chief Electoral Officer also issued necessary guidelines regarding the Booth Awareness Group (BAG). He stated that the formation of BAGs at all polling stations should be completed immediately. Following Kerala, the Election Commission of India extended the deadlines for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in five States and one Union Territory. As per the revised schedule, the enumeration period for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat has been extended to December 14, with the draft roll to be published on December 19. The enumeration period for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will end on December 18, with the draft rolls on December 23. Uttar Pradesh received an extension of 15 days with the enumeration period ending on December 26 and draft rolls to be published on December 31, ECI said in a press note. In the earlier schedule, the enumeration period for these six States and UTs was until December 11, and the draft electoral rolls were published on December 16. The enumeration period for Goa, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan and West Bengal will end today, and the draft rolls will be published on December 16. The Kerala schedule was revised earlier. The state's enumeration period will end on December 18, and the draft roll will be published on December 23. The final electoral roll will now be published on February 21, 2026, instead of February 14, 2026. (ANI)
The BJP MPs on Thursday took potshots at Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi after a heated exchange with Home Minister Amit Shah and a walkout from the Parliament. While in his defence, Gandhi stated that Shah did not answer any of his questions directly. On Wednesday, tensions in the Lok Sabha escalated when Union Home Minister Amit Shah and LoP Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated exchange over allegations of "vote chori". Gandhi repeatedly challenged Shah to debate on issues raised in the press conference, while Shah responded firmly, saying "Parliament won't function as per his wish," and insisted he would address all questions in his own sequence. The heated exchange, followed by a walkout, sparked a political row on Thursday during the Winter Session of Parliament. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal alleged that the Lok Sabha LoP did not even listen to the Home Minister's arguments. "There was a discussion on electoral reforms and the Union Home Minister gave his statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday, in which he was responding to the issues raised by the Leader of the Opposition. The opposition did not even listen to his response completely. The Home Minister was right in saying, 'How can someone who is not a citizen of this country be included in the voter list of this country?'" he said. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said that Amit Shah had destroyed Rahul Gandhi's arguments on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, claiming that no one in the nation takes him seriously anymore. "After the partition of India, on the pyre of the martyrs, the Congress Party enjoyed the pleasures of power, and those people from the family who enjoy the pleasures of power do not know anything about the country, about the world, and about education. Rahul Gandhi came without any preparation; the three main points of his speech were excellently 'washed' by the Home Minister in the 'washing machine', therefore neither the public takes Rahul Gandhi's words seriously nor does the country take them seriously," Dubey said. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi lambasted Gandhi, saying he does not "study properly" and does not listen to senior leaders in the Parliament. After not attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, this was the second such incident during the ongoing Parliament session, when the Lok Sabha LoP did not sit for a senior leader's speech. Joshi told reporters, "Rahul Gandhi had nothing to say yesterday. The Home Minister answered so clearly, citing each and every provision of the Constitution. What other questions does he have? He (Rahul Gandhi) does not study properly. He does not even listen to the senior leaders in the Congress, hence this situation." However, Rahul Gandhi stood his ground in criticising the Union Home Minister, saying the Home Minister had not answered any of his questions directly. Gandhi claimed that Amit Shah was nervous while addressing the Lower House of Parliament. "Amit Shah ji was very nervous yesterday. He used the wrong language, his hands were trembling... He is under tremendous mental pressure. Everybody saw this yesterday. What I asked him, he did not answer directly. He gave no proof. I have directly challenged him to come on the ground and let us discuss all my press conferences in the Parliament. I got no answer," he claimed. Congress MP Rajiv Shukla also came to Rahul Gandhi's defence and said, "BJP abuses and curses the Nehru-Gandhi family from morning till evening, they take their name in everything. What a spectacle is this, the people of the country should see it." Earlier on Wednesday, the heated exchange between the duo occurred when Rahul Gandhi interjected HM Shah during his address in the Lok Sabha on the discussion on electoral reforms. Slamming the opposition over the SIR exercise, Shah stated that he has answers for all their allegations, including Gandhi's three press conferences. "In his press conference, the LoP levelled allegations that the voter list is not corrected and needs to be rectified. So, what is SIR? It is the procedure to sanitise the voter list. He is opposing even when we are undertaking the process. Your defeat is certain; the voter list doesn't have to do anything with it. He said that the BJP never has to face anti-incumbency. Anti-incumbency is only against those who work against the public interest. It is true that the BJP had to face anti-incumbency very rarely. But it is not as if we have never lost any election after 2014. Double standards won't work in a democracy. When you win, EC is great. When you lose, EC is useless and works at the BJP's behest. I have answers for various of their allegations; those three press conferences also," Shah said during the discussion. Interrupting the Home Minister, Rahul Gandhi challenged him to a debate on his three press conferences regarding the allegations of 'vote chori'. "Yesterday, I asked why Election Commissioners were given full immunity. We want to understand their thinking behind it. He (Amit Shah) talked about Haryana. He cited one example. There are several other examples. There are 19 lakh fake voters there. Actually, let us have a debate over my press conference. Amit Shah ji, I challenge you to have a debate on my three press conferences," Rahul Gandhi said. Responding to the LoP's remarks, Shah said the former cannot decide the order of his speech. "The Leader of Opposition (LoP) asked for answers to his questions. You can't run the parliament with your obstinacy. I will decide the order of my speech. The parliament won't function like this. He should be patient. I will answer each and every point," he asserted. Rahul Gandhi has held at least three major press conferences since August 2025, where he alleged widespread "voter fraud and manipulation by the Election Commission (EC) in collusion with the ruling BJP." The conferences focused on alleged systematic voter deletion and duplicate entries in Karnataka and Haryana electoral rolls. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that he will participate in an event being organised on Friday at Shri Vijaypuram in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to mark the 115th anniversary of Savarkar's iconic patriotic song 'Sagara Praan Talamala', written by him in memory of the motherland. In a post on X, Shah described him as one of the rare revolutionaries who propelled the independence movement forward both materially and ideologically. "Swatantryaveer Savarkar Ji was among those rare revolutionaries who advanced the freedom struggle in parallel, both materially and ideologically. On the occasion of the 115th anniversary of the immortal song 'Sagara Praan Talamala' written by him in memory of the motherland, I am eager to participate in the event organised tomorrow in Shri Vijaypuram (Andaman and Nicobar) and pay homage to his memory. @RSSorg's Sarsanghchalak, the esteemed Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji, will grace the event as the chief guest," he wrote on X post. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, commonly referred to as Veer Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur. Regarded as one of the most influential freedom fighters, Savarkar was not only a lawyer but also an activist, writer, and politician. Savarkar was also a leading figure in the 'Hindu Mahasabha. Savarkar began participating in the freedom movement while still a high school student and continued to do so while attending Fergusson College in Pune. He became active with groups such as India House and the Free India Society while studying law in the United Kingdom. He also published books promoting revolutionary methods to achieve total Indian independence. He gained prominence for his book "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?" and several others that he authored. In 1911, Savarkar was sentenced to 50 years in the cellular jail of Andamans, also known as Kala Pani, for revolting against the Morley-Minto reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909). After several mercy petitions, he was released in 1924, on the condition that he would not participate in politics. (ANI)
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, asserting that it is a "regular, constitutionally-approved process" conducted periodically by the Election Commission across the country and accusing the Opposition of "creating needless fear for political mileage." "The Special Intensive Revision of the voter list is a regular, constitutionally-approved process that is conducted by the EC time to time across India. There is no novelty here. It is meant to ensure transparent, updated, accurate electoral rolls. Opposition seems to be rattled because a clean voter list means the end of bogus voting, means the end of any duplicates, means the end of fake voters, means the end of their legacy, the SP. So, linking SIR with NRC is not just a cheap attempt to play with the people's emotions, but you are playing to create communal polarisation," Shaina NC said. She further criticised the Opposition for not raising objections with the Election Commission despite having the opportunity to do so. Calling the objections raised by Opposition parties "useless excuses," she alleged that their reactions showed they were "scared of accountability." "When the EC has said clearly that if there are questions, issues of credibility, bring it up - there you have chosen to keep quiet. The truth is simple, the Opposition parties are scared of accountability and by bringing forth these kinds of useless excuses, it is amply clear that whether it is Akhilesh Yadav or the Congress, they are very redundant in the public space because they are not for development or transparent practices of stability. They are only there for drama and scaring people," Shaina NC added. On Wednesday, tensions in the Lok Sabha escalated when Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated exchange over allegations of "vote chori". Gandhi repeatedly challenged Shah to debate on issues raised in the press conference, including claims of irregularities in the electoral rolls. Shah responded firmly, saying "Parliament won't function as per his wish," and insisted he would address all questions in his own sequence. Shah also defended the special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, calling it a necessary process to "sanitise" electoral rolls. Accusing the Opposition of double standards, he said they praised the Election Commission when they won and attacked it when they lost. The confrontation culminated in Opposition MPs walking out during Shah's reply, prompting the Lok Sabha to adjourn. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump intensified criticism of Kyiv on Wednesday, saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "has to be realistic" about the war and questioning when Ukraine intends to hold its next elections. Trump's comments followed his separate phone conversations with the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, discussions he said focused on Ukraine "in pretty strong terms." According to him, European leaders are seeking a joint meeting with both the United States and Ukraine as early as this weekend. "They would like to have a meeting this weekend with both of us, and we'll make a determination depending on what they come back with," Trump told reporters. His remarks come after several days of urging Zelenskyy to consider a peace proposal aimed at bringing an end to the conflict that began with Russia's invasion in 2022. Speaking during a Q&A session, Trump suggested that Kyiv may have to reassess its expectations as the war continues. "I think he has to be realistic," Trump said, adding that he still asks, "you know, how long is it going to be until they have an election?" As the fighting between Ukraine and Russia moves into its third year, questions over Zelenskyy's mandate and the feasibility of elections during wartime have resurfaced, especially after Trump's recent public criticism. In an interview with Politico, Trump accused Zelenskyy of "clinging on to power" and cast doubt on Ukraine's democratic standing. "They haven't had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it's not a democracy anymore," he said, prompting a firm response from Kyiv. Zelenskyy replied that he was prepared to organise a national vote within the next three months if Ukraine's parliament and international partners agreed. Clearly frustrated by the remarks, he insisted the decision belongs solely to Ukrainians. "This is a question for the people of Ukraine, not people from other states, with all due respect to our partners," he said. Although Zelenskyy's five-year term expired in May 2024, Ukraine's constitution prohibits national elections during martial law, which has been in place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Even domestic political opponents acknowledge that holding elections now would be unsafe and impractical due to ongoing missile strikes, displacement of millions, soldiers deployed on the front lines and the risks to voters and polling infrastructure. European leaders have reiterated their support for Zelenskyy's legitimacy. On Tuesday, the European Commission restated that elections should only occur when security conditions allow. EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper said Ukraine is facing "exceptional times" and stressed that "President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the democratically elected leader, and any election should take place when the conditions are permitting to do so." Russia, however, rejects Zelenskyy's legitimacy, arguing that his term has expired and claiming Ukraine no longer has a lawful head of state. Moscow has used this stance to avoid entering binding agreements, stating it cannot negotiate with someone it labels "illegitimate." Ukraine and its Western partners counter that Zelenskyy remains the country's lawful leader under wartime constitutional provisions. This split has created a diplomatic impasse, complicating ceasefire discussions and delaying humanitarian arrangements such as prisoner exchanges. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump stated that he raised the situation in Ukraine "in pretty strong words" during a call with the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, noting that Washington is awaiting further input from its European partners before determining its next course of action. Trump described the three leaders as "very good leaders, very good friends of mine," and said their discussion centred largely on Ukraine. "And we discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words. And we'll see what happens. I mean, we're waiting to hear answers before we progress," he said, indicating that the US response will hinge on how Europe engages in the diplomatic process. He added that the European leaders had invited the United States to attend a meeting in Europe over the weekend. "They would like us to go to a meeting over the weekend in Europe. And we'll make a determination, depending on what they come back with," Trump said. When questioned about President Volodymyr Zelensky's participation, he responded that the meeting would be "with Zelensky and us." Trump's phone call came shortly after he publicly questioned Ukraine's ability to prevail in its nearly four-year conflict with Russia, remarks he made in an exclusive interview with POLITICO published Monday. His comments have added new layers to Washington's evolving approach to the conflict. Since returning to office, Trump's position on Ukraine has shifted noticeably. During their February meeting at the White House, he told Zelenskyy that he did not "have the cards", signalling scepticism about Ukraine's prospects. Yet by September, he appeared to shift again, voicing support for Kyiv's goal of reclaiming all its territory "in its original form". Recently, Trump has advanced a peace initiative that would see Ukraine relinquish the entire Donbas region to Russia in exchange for undefined US security commitments. This proposal, along with pressure on Kyiv to accept negotiations, has unsettled Ukraine and its allies as fighting continues. Reiterating his stance on Wednesday, Trump again noted the tone of his discussion with European leaders, saying, "We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words, and we'll see what happens. I mean, we are waiting to hear answers before we progress." He also urged Zelenskyy to "be realistic" and again emphasised his view that elections should be held in Ukraine. Responding to questions about his earlier comments, he said, "And I do say, you know, at what point, when do they have an election in Ukraine? That's not casting aspersions on anybody, but they do have a massive corruption situation going on there, and they do say, you know, when are they, people are asking this question, when do they have an election? Are they gonna have an election? Or are they going to just keep it going like this." In the same interview, Trump broadened his criticism to European governments, describing them as "decaying" and faulting their immigration and trade policies while arguing that Europe had not done enough to support peace efforts in Ukraine. "I think they're weak, but I also think that they want to be so politically correct," he said, adding, "I think they don't know what to do. Europe doesn't know what to do." (ANI)
US Representative Bill Huizenga underscored the growing strategic weight of the relationship between Washington and New Delhi, describing the US-India partnership as "a defining relationship of the 21st century." His remarks were delivered during the House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee's hearing titled 'The US-India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific', where he framed India as central to the US vision for the region. Huizenga said, "The US-India relationship is no longer just important. It is a defining relationship of the 21st century." He added that the partnership is essential if the US seeks "a free Indo-Pacific, resilient supply chains, and a world where democracy, not authoritarianism, sets the rules." His comments underscored Washington's consistent view of India as a crucial democratic partner in shaping the Indo-Pacific's security and economic architecture. Reflecting on the evolution of ties, Huizenga noted that the relationship has been shaped by India's post-independence foreign policy identity. "While the partnership has been nuanced since India gained independence in 1947, and India's non-alignment posture shaped its strategic identity, the United States and the Republic of India share a common vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific rooted in democratic values and a deep desire for freedom," he said. He further highlighted that strengthening ties with India has been a bipartisan priority in Washington for decades. "That's why every American administration, Republican and Democrat, has strengthened ties, or certainly at least attempted to, making clear that the United States does not see India as a temporary or transactional partner," he said. Huizenga's remarks came at a time when New Delhi and Washington continue deepening cooperation across strategic sectors. Reflecting this momentum, India and the US held the latest round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on Tuesday, led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting provided an opportunity for a comprehensive review of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. During the consultations, both sides discussed a wide spectrum of bilateral priorities, including trade and investment, defence cooperation, the TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology) initiative, and collaboration in energy, notably civil nuclear cooperation. Technology, critical minerals and trusted supply chains also featured prominently in the talks, aligning with the broader strategic themes highlighted by Huizenga. The meeting additionally covered regional and global developments, with India and the US reaffirming their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both delegations welcomed the steady progress achieved through existing dialogue mechanisms and agreed to accelerate efforts under "Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st Century." (ANI)
US representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove while talking about the famous car selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it spoke a thousand words. Dove said that US President Donald Trump's coercive policies come with a cost. "Trump's policies towards India can only be described as cutting our nose to spite our face... Being a coercive partner has a cost. And this poster is worth a thousand words. You do not get a Nobel Peace Prize by driving US strategic partners into the arms of our adversaries. We must move with incredible urgency to mitigate the damage that this administration has done to the US-India partnership and return to the cooperation that is essential to US prosperity, security, and global leadership," she said. These remarks were made at The House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee's hearing titled, 'The US-India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific'. Talking in the same platform, US Representative Pramila Jayapal raised concerns over trade barriers and immigration policies affecting India-US economic and people-to-people ties. Jayapal pointed to ongoing tariff challenges impacting both countries, stressing their consequences for businesses and consumers. She said, "We also are facing challenges around tariffs, both here in the United States and in India. These tariffs are damaging India's economy and also hurting American businesses and consumers." Her concerns over tariffs came as trade tensions escalated further following comments by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Trump warned of possible new tariffs on India's rice exports, accusing New Delhi of "dumping" cheap rice into the American market and harming US farmers. His remarks were made during a White House meeting where he also announced a USD 12 billion aid package for American agricultural producers. During the meeting, several US farmers complained that low-cost imports from India, Vietnam and Thailand were driving down domestic prices. Responding to these concerns, Trump questioned why additional duties had not been imposed on India and said he would "take care" of the alleged dumping, signalling that fresh tariffs could soon be considered. These developments came as a US trade delegation was already in India on December 10-11 for negotiations that have struggled to yield substantial progress. The ongoing talks have been weighed down by disagreements over market access and tariff measures, deepening strain in the trade relationship. The United States had earlier imposed 50 per cent tariffs on most Indian goods in August 2025 amid broader trade disputes and concerns over India's purchases of Russian oil. Trump's latest warning has added fresh uncertainty to already difficult negotiations, heightening the risk of further trade friction between the two countries. (ANI)
Antonio Tajani, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, hinted at a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Italy in 2026. Tajani, while speaking to ANI, said that during his recent talks with PM Modi, he extended an invitation on behalf of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "I invited in the name of my Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. I invited the Prime Minister for a trip to Italy. The answer has been yes. 2026 he will be in my country in Italy," Tajani said. He further described his meeting with PM Modi as positive and highlighted discussions on strengthening India-Italy relations, including the IMEC infrastructure and trade corridor. "The meeting with the Prime Minister has been very positive. Talking about the super relations between India and Italy, on IMEC, we have spoken on this. We have also spoken about cooperation at the industrial level. Also, of peace, of course. India is very important for pushing Russia to achieve an agreement on Ukraine. This is important and it is also important to strengthen the cooperation for the next years for industry but also for culture. IMEC is also very important, this infrastructure and trade corridor between India and Italy, from India through Israel, through the Gulf countries, to Egypt, through the Mediterranean Sea, to Trieste. This is very important, the cooperation," he said. When asked about Prime Minister Meloni's chances to visit India, he said that it would be decided post the leaders' meet. "We will decide when during 2026," he told reporters. When asked about the IMEC corridor's works, he said that the works would begin, and they are working for Gaza ceasefire. "Yes, because we are working for stopping the situation in Gaza, we need the ceasefire. Now the situation is much better, for this it's possible to work," he said. Tajani emphasised that collaboration among several countries is essential for the corridor's progress. "On IMEC, we will start early. We need to work harder with the other countries. Italy and India are strongly engaged. Now the situation in the Middle East is much better. This is possible to move on in the right direction. And I am optimistic. Italy and India are on the front line. I have spoken two weeks ago during my trip to Saudi Arabia with the Ministry of Affairs of Saudi Arabia and three days ago with the Ministry of External Affairs of the Emirates and they are in favour of this," he said. He added that India-Italy cooperation is robust and will extend to infrastructure, trade and joint ventures. "We will work hard for achieving the goal. It's also very important for strengthening the cooperation between our countries in the infrastructure sectors and in trade. We are ready for joint ventures with Italy and India. For this, I am very happy. Tomorrow there is an important event in Mumbai, there is a business forum. The cooperation between the Italian and Indian companies is very positive," he said. Speaking on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Tajani expressed optimism."We will push for achieving an agreement early, and I think I am optimistic," he said. Tajani is set to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai on Thursday, with economic engagement expected to remain a central focus. (ANI)
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama left Dharamshala on Thursday morning on a visit to Mungod, Karnataka. Many people including Tibetans and foreign devotees gathered at Kangra Airport to see him off. Mundgod is home to several refugees from Tibet and is home to the Drepung Loseling Monastery and the Gaden Jangtse Monastic College. Speaking to media persons at Kangra Airport the Dalai Lama told, "Actually I am going to South India. Wherever I go Indian public really showing the genuine compassion and we truly spiritual... thank you." The Dalai Lama will stay in Delhi tonight and will go to Mungod, on Friday. It's his winter break and he likely to return Dharamshala in February 2026. Meanwhile on Wednesday, the Tibetan government in-exile commemorated the 36th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the 14th Dalai Lama and the 77th world Human Rights Day. International delegations from the Czech Republic, Australia, France, Chile, New Zealand, and Fiji also joined the ceremony and address the gathering here. All the delegates expressed their support and solidarity for the cause of Tibet and ask China to resume the dialogue. About two thousand Tibetans including officials of exile Tibetan government, members of Tibetan parliament in-exile, monks, nuns and school students gathered at the main Tibetan temple, Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang, here at the North Indian hill town Dharamshala. The foreign delegates and Tibetan elected leaders deliver official statements. Meanwhile the Tibetan artists also perform cultural activities here. While delivering an official statement of the Kashag (The Tibetan Secretariat), Sikyong Penpa Tsering the head of the Tibetan government in exile said, "Today marks the 36th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace prize upon His Holiness the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet--the apostle of peace and the supreme leader of the Tibetan people, the International Human Rights Day and the Year of Compassion. The Kashag, on this convergence of the three momentous occasions, offers its deepest obeisance in body, speech, and mind, along with heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama. We also extend our warmest felicitations to the honourable distinguished guests, dear friends and supporters of Tibet across the world." (ANI)
A 22-year-old Baloch woman was left critically wounded after personnel of Pakistan's Federal Constabulary (FC) allegedly opened "indiscriminate fire" in the Balgatar region of Kech district, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, the victim, identified as Durdana, wife of Nazir Ahmed and a resident of Sahaky village, was struck by a bullet while preparing the evening meal inside her home, according to local sources. Her uncle confirmed that she had been hit during gunfire near their residence and was bleeding heavily. Family members rushed her to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kech, where doctors recommended an X-ray and further treatment. Due to the hospital's lack of facilities, she was referred to Karachi late that night. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) strongly condemned the incident, accusing Pakistani forces of conducting "routine indiscriminate firing" in civilian zones. BYC stated that multiple checkpoints have been set up in populated localities, where drones are frequently used for surveillance and random gunfire is common. "This daily aggression by Pakistani forces has made civilian life unbearable in Balochistan," the BYC said in its statement. As of yet, Pakistani authorities have not released any official statement on the incident. However, human rights activists and locals stated that similar violent encounters have become a tragic norm in the province, with women and children increasingly becoming victims of stray bullets and shelling during military operations, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. On November 29, another tragedy struck in Hoshab when several mortar rounds landed on a residential home, injuring five young girls. One of them later succumbed to her wounds while being transported to Karachi. The growing frequency of such attacks highlights an alarming pattern of impunity, with the state's silence further deepening mistrust among the local population. Rights groups state that without accountability, the cycle of violence in Balochistan will persist, leaving innocent civilians like Durdana to pay the price for Pakistan's heavy-handed policies, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)
Speaking at the House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee's hearing titled, 'The US-India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific', Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America, Dhruva Jaishankar said that India-US cooperation is seen when Indian Navy stepped up patrols and contributed to maritime burden sharing in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. He said, "In recent years, China has expanded and modernised its nuclear arsenal, undertaken one of the largest naval buildups in its history, and unveiled new unmanned and cyber systems." Dhruva recalled that in 2020, Chinese escalations resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian military forces. "In 2020, a major mobilisation by the PLA resulted in clashes in which 20 Indian military personnel lost their lives. China has also developed a network of potentially dual-use ports across the Indo-Pacific and beyond that might be used to secure critical choke points. The Indian Navy, as a result, has stepped up patrols and contributed to maritime burden sharing in the Indian Ocean and Pacific," he said. "Both the United States and India also have enormous trade deficits with China... China's rare earth export restrictions have reinforced concerns about supply chain concentration as a source of leverage over competitors. Another area of strategic convergence between the United States and India has involved stabilising the Middle East," he added. External Senior Advisor, Special Competitive Studies Project Senior Fellow, Indo-Pacific Program, German Marshall Fund of the United States, Sameer Lalwani, said that for India and China, fears of a diplomatic thaw is far stretched. He said, "Every relationship has its challenges, but some run deeper than others. On the India-China relationship, fears of a recent diplomatic thaw are overstated. Border disputes, strategic rivalry, and Beijing's coercive economic behaviour will ensure that the relationship stays adversarial." Lalwani said that India's dependence on Russia is shrinking. "India's legacy dependence on Russia for defence equipment and energy is real, but also steadily shrinking. Russia, unlike the United States, plays little role in India's technologies of the future, like AI, quantum, and biotech. Recent trade frictions with the United States and tariff escalations have catalysed some concerns in India and risk eroding some trust. While a major trade agreement can unlock significant gains, we still need to rebuild that confidence in US reliability. But perhaps the biggest challenge we face right now is a say-do gap. Implementation has not always matched ambition. Slow progress on major initiatives, such as the Jet Engine Co-production agreement, can dilute strategic benefits and weaken deterrence. Closing this gap requires investment of sustained resources, focus, and leadership," he said. (ANI)
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, during the ongoing official visit to Brazil, met Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil and Jose Mucio Monteiro, Minister of Defence of Brazil, on Thursday, a statement by the Indian Navy said. The discussions provided a comprehensive review of the expanding India-Brazil defence engagements, with a focus on augmenting strategic cooperation and enhancing bilateral defence ties, as per the statement. "Both sides also explored opportunities in defence industry collaboration and capability-building initiatives to support long-term interoperability and shared security objectives. Deliberations on regional and global dynamics - including the South Atlantic, the wider Indo-Pacific, and the collective role of the Global South- highlighted the shared vision of India and Brazil for a secure, stable, and rules-based international order. These high-level engagements reaffirmed the growing strategic convergence and the mutual commitment to elevate India-Brazil defence cooperation under the spirit of Bridges of Friendship," the statement added. https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1999017927388049498?s=20 During the visit, Admiral Tripathi also met Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander of the Brazilian Navy, to discuss expanding cooperation in areas such as defence industry, technology development, innovation, exchange of best practices, and capacity building between the two navies. Sharing the details of his meeting in a post on X, the Indian Navy Spokesperson said, "Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, during the ongoing visit to Brazil, met Adm Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander of the Brazilian Navy, @marmilbr. Discussions aimed at strengthening the growing India-Brazil naval cooperation focused on operational engagements, training exchanges, hydrographic collaboration, information sharing, and avenues for enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness. The scope of expanding cooperation in areas of defence industry, technology development, innovation, exchange of best practices, and #capacity building between the two navies was also deliberated." https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1999017927388049498?s=20 The Navy spokesperson highlighted that the apex-level engagement reaffirms the mutual resolve of both navies to strengthen strategic convergence and deepen the India-Brazil maritime partnership, thereby contributing to stability in the global maritime commons, particularly in the Global South. (ANI)
Pakistan's population has surged past 257 million despite slowing growth and fertility rates, posing serious challenges for the country's fragile infrastructure and economic stability. According to the latest data from the US Census Bureau, Pakistan remains one of the world's most populous nations, a reality that signals a critical demographic juncture, as reported by The Express Tribune. According to The Express Tribune, the report highlights that while the annual population growth rate has eased to 1.82 per cent and fertility has declined to 3.25 births per woman, the overall population continues to expand rapidly. Experts stated that the fertility rate, still well above the global replacement threshold of 2.1, will keep driving growth for at least another generation. Economists warn that this trajectory could place unbearable pressure on key sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment through the 2030s and 2040s. Without meaningful job creation, the so-called "youth bulge" may turn into a socioeconomic burden rather than a dividend. The demographic report also sheds light on Pakistan's persistent developmental shortcomings. With life expectancy lingering at 60.5 years and under-five mortality nearing 65 deaths per 1,000 live births, the figures expose long-standing gaps in maternal health, nutrition, and primary healthcare systems. Population density has climbed to 333 individuals per square kilometre, putting further pressure on land and essential services. Urban centres already battling unplanned growth, overcrowded transport, and sprawling informal settlements reflect how infrastructure development continues to lag dangerously behind population realities, as cited by The Express Tribune. A regional comparison paints a starker picture. Both India and Bangladesh have brought fertility rates near replacement level, reaping demographic and economic benefits through sustained investments in education and health. Pakistan, meanwhile, risks falling behind its neighbours unless it prioritises human capital development. Demographers and economists caution that the window for effective reform is closing fast. Unless urgent investments are made in women's education, reproductive healthcare, and job generation, Pakistan could face an ageing population coupled with underdeveloped human capital, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI)
The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday apprehended 11 Pakistani fishermen after their boat was found inside Indian waters near Jakhau without permission, Defence PRO Gujarat said. The fishermen were travelling in a boat named Al Wali. All of them were brought to Jakhau Port along with the boat. The search of the boat and interrogation of the Pakistani fishermen is ongoing, they said. The PRO added that the operation was carried out swiftly on December 10, when Coast Guard units apprehended a Pakistani fishing with 11 crew inside boat inside Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). https://x.com/DefencePRO_Guj/status/1999035984844042594?s=20 The ICG stated, "This interdiction underscores Bhartiya Tatrakshak's sustained maritime operations and India's commitment to securing its maritime frontiers while maintaining robust enforcement of international maritime laws within the MZI. Continuous vigilance across India's maritime domain remains a cornerstone of our national maritime security strategy." Further investigation is underway. Earlier this week, India and Bangladesh completed a coordinated humanitarian exchange of fishermen, 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. (ANI)
The month began with the East Turkistan National Day on November 12, reaffirming the resilience of the Uyghur struggle. The WUC marked a milestone in Uyghur women's empowerment through the International Uyghur Women's Dialogue, thereby strengthening gender representation in the global movement.

In a landmark move, a WUC delegation travelled to Brazil, becoming the first Uyghur organisation to take part in COP30, where it raised the issues of Uyghur forced labour and environmental destruction in East Turkistan within the framework of the just transition movement.

The WUC's participation highlighted the intersection between climate justice and human rights violations under China's oppressive policies.

The organisation's advocacy extended across Asia and Europe. In Japan, WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun and former President Dolkun Isa attended the Japan Uyghur Parliamentary Association General Assembly at the House of Representatives Members' Office Building.

More than 30 lawmakers, including Chairman Keiji Furuya, discussed introducing a Japanese version of the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act to ban imports linked to forced labour in East Turkistan. Japan's leading daily, Sankei Shimbun, provided detailed coverage, reflecting rising political resolve against Beijing's exploitative practices.

At the United Nations, WUC Vice President Zumretay Arkin made several interventions during the UN Business and Human Rights Forum and the UN Forum on Minority Issues, exposing China's transnational repression and systematic forced labour. Despite repeated attempts by Chinese delegates to silence her, her statements drew even greater attention to the Uyghur cause.

The WUC also joined hands with Don't Fund Russian Army (DFRA) to file a lawsuit in Spain's National Court against Huawei, Hikvision, and Dahua for aiding China's mass surveillance of Uyghurs.

Capping the month, Uyghur advocates celebrated a symbolic yet significant win: a 76% drop in China's tomato paste exports to Italy, signalling growing global resistance to forced-labour-linked supply chains. (ANI)
Bangladesh is set to hold its national election on February 12, 2026, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. This will be the first national election since the student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been governing the country since then. A national referendum on the "July Charter" will also be held on the same day, proposing significant reforms to state institutions, including curbing executive powers and strengthening judicial independence. Voting will be held simultaneously for all 300 parliamentary seats. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday announced it in an address to the nation on state television BTV and state radio Bangladesh Betar. The next elections will be the first-ever twin polls in Bangladesh's history. According to the schedule announcement, candidates will file their nomination papers on December 29, 2025. Candidates can campaign from January 22, 2026, untill 48 hours before the election. The Election Commission (EC) has finalised plans for 42,761 polling centres and 2,44,739 booths for around 127.6 million voters. Polling will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, an hour longer, as voters will cast both their votes and referendum ballots. Constituencies with only one candidate running will feature a "no vote" option. For the first time, campaign posters are banned to protect the environment. Expatriates have an online registration system for postal ballots, and by Wednesday evening, about 2,97,000 had registered. Their ballots will carry only party and independent symbols, not candidate names, and must be received by returning officers before the close of voting. In Bangladesh, a student-led uprising in July 2024 brought down the government of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, and an interim government was formed under Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. The interim government banned the activities of Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League, and the EC postponed the party's registration. Awami League will not be able to participate in the elections unless the interim government and the EC lift the ban. A large number of Awami League leaders and workers are currently absconding in the country and abroad. Many leaders and workers of the party are in prison. It is believed that the main competition in the upcoming elections will be between former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. The newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), which led the uprising against Sheikh Hasina, will also participate in the upcoming elections. The election is expected to be a crucial test for Bangladesh's democracy, with key issues such as restoring democracy, reviving the economy, repairing ties with India, tackling corruption, and ensuring judicial independence and press freedom taking centre stage. India has expressed its hope for free, fair, credible, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh. (ANI)
On International Human Rights Day, the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) staged a major protest outside 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, to draw global attention to Pakistan's deepening crisis of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of ethnic minorities. The protest, chaired by JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro, was marked by fervent speeches condemning what participants described as Pakistan's "state-sponsored genocide" of Baloch, Sindhi, and Pashtun communities. JSFM Spokesperson Mansoor Ahmed Hab conducted the event proceedings, while Muhammad Usama Soomro, JSFM's UK Coordinator, managed the organisational arrangements. JSFM London leader Tahir Khan oversaw administrative duties. Representatives of various nationalist movements, including Jasim Baloch of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Mansoor Jan Baloch of the Baloch Republican Party (BRP), Qambar Malik Baloch of the Baloch Advocacy & Study Centre (BASC), Syed Alam Mehsud, a senior Pashtun leader, Javed Khattak of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), and Shiraz Ahmed of PTM London, collectively accused the Pakistani establishment of orchestrating abductions, torture, and mass displacements. Speakers denounced Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies, particularly the ISI and MI, for their alleged role in targeting political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. They highlighted the plight of thousands of missing persons from Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging the United Nations, the United States, and the British government to intervene. "The rights of pigeons in Liverpool and the trees of Manchester are more protected than those of Baloch and Pashtuns in Pakistan," said Pashtun leader Syed Alam Mehsud, drawing attention to the indifference of Western powers. Protesters demanded the release of detained figures such as Dr Mehran Baloch and Ali Wazir, as well as an end to military operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speakers also called upon the British Parliament to halt financial aid to Pakistan, alleging that such funds are being used to perpetuate repression and war crimes. The protest concluded with chants for "justice, equality, and humanity," as activists vowed to continue their peaceful struggle until Pakistan ends enforced disappearances and honours its international human rights commitments. (ANI)
Amid mounting domestic pressure and declining approval ratings, US President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Venezuela, signalling the possibility of deploying what he described as an unprecedented military force to the Caribbean Sea. The mobilisation, reportedly involving units under the US "Department of War," has drawn criticism from political observers who accuse the American administration of shifting attention away from demands for transparency related to files connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In light of the escalating tensions, TV 247's programme Forcas do Brasil (Forces of Brazil) held an in-depth discussion with Venezuelan diplomat and National Assembly deputy Ilenia Medina. A senior leader of the Patria Para Todos (Homeland for All) party, which forms part of the governing coalition supporting President Nicolas Maduro, Medina firmly rejected Trump's claim that Venezuela is linked to international drug trafficking networks. She asserted that the accusation lacks evidence and argued that available data contradicts Washington's allegations, as per the reports of Brasil 24/7. Medina emphasised that Venezuela does not pose a military threat to any nation and said the narrative promoted by the US administration serves broader geopolitical goals. According to her, Trump's primary objective is "strategic," centred on securing influence over Venezuela's extensive energy resources. "Venezuela will not hand them over," she said, stressing that the country's natural wealth has long been at the centre of foreign interference. Addressing the prospect of an armed intervention, Medina called for unity across Latin America, warning that the region is confronting one of the most critical junctures in its modern history. "Latin America is experiencing its most decisive moment since the wars of independence," she said, urging governments and citizens to resist external pressure and safeguard sovereignty. The interview comes at a time when relations between Washington and Caracas remain severely strained, with both sides issuing strong statements and regional analysts expressing concern over potential instability. Medina's remarks reflect the Venezuelan government's long-held position that foreign threats are driven by economic and strategic interests rather than security concerns. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman next week to strengthen ties with the three countries. He will visit Jordan from December 15 to 16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein. During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet the Jordanian King to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchange perspectives on regional issues. This visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate the commitment to promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability, a PMO release said. PM Modi will visit Ethiopia in the second leg of his visit from December 16 to 17. This will be his first visit to the African country. He will hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of India-Ethiopia bilateral ties. "As partners in the Global South, the visit will be a reiteration of the shared commitment of the two nations to advance close ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation," the release said. In the final leg of his visit, the Prime Minister will visit Oman from December 17 to 18. This will be PM Modi's second visit to Oman. India and Oman share an all-encompassing Strategic Partnership underpinned by centuries-old bonds of friendship, trade linkages and strong people-to-people ties. The visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and follows the State visit of the Sultan of Oman to India in December 2023. This visit will be an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. (ANI)
Menka Soni created history by becoming the first Indian woman in the United States to take oath with the Bhagavad Gita, after being elected to the Redmond City Council. Speaking with ANI, she shared that her upbringing and faith have always been important to her, and holding the Gita was a way to honour those values. "I have been spiritual since childhood. Holding the Gita during the oath was my way of honouring my values and India's cultural legacy," she told ANI. "I am very spiritual. I have a temple in my house, and I am a vegetarian... When I had to take the oath, I wanted the teachings of the Gita to be with me... I also went to a Sai Baba temple there..." she added. Speaking to ANI during her visit to Lucknow, the Redmond City Councillor recalled her election journey in Washington state, where she defeated Jeralee Anderson with a substantial margin. Soni said she secured nearly 60 per cent of the vote after knocking on "every door" and participating in "every debate," which, she said, helped people "show credibility" and trust in her leadership. She also shared that she currently serves on five boards in Seattle. Soni spoke about her corporate background, her non-profit work, and how several influential and political figures encouraged her to run for office. She said she received nearly 150 endorsements from across the United States before entering the race. Soni, who serves on five boards in Seattle, spoke about her priorities for Redmond, including affordable housing, community support, and safety for all residents. "My work has always centred around inclusivity, empowerment and creating a safer, more equitable Redmond," she said. Soni added that one of her primary goals is to recognise Diwali in Redmond, expressing hope that it could be formalised by the next quarter so that it may be observed as a holiday by next Diwali. She also expressed pride in India's growing cultural recognition worldwide, noting that UNESCO's acknowledgement of Diwali and Lucknow's cuisine has strengthened India's global cultural footprint. A vegetarian herself, she spoke warmly about her connection to Lucknow's vegetarian dishes and chaat, describing them as "unmatched in flavour and emotion." She also shared that her husband owns a wedding venue where "they serve delicious chaat." Soni also praised Lucknow's Chikankari, saying it has helped promote it in Seattle, where it is widely admired. Soni also applauded New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for being a strong voice for the community. She said her daughter is a big fan of his... I congratulate him... He established a connection with the people... Today, Zohran and others like me should be involved because, as an Indian community, we represent a large country..." (ANI)
Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, on Thursday underlined Rome's commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with India, saying both countries share a "common goal" of boosting trade and long-term cooperation. Speaking at the Italy-India Business Forum in Mumbai, Tajani said, "We are working very well from the beginning on our friendship as there is a common goal... Trade is crucial for our economy... As Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Meloni underlined during the meeting, our goal is to achieve an annual bilateral trade volume of 20 billion euros by 2029. This is an achievable goal. My trip to India is a part of this goal... We want to import more from India. He added that Italy wants to import more goods from India as part of a balanced partnership."We are working hard for reasonable solutions on tariffs," he said, noting that as an EU member, Italy will work to support India's economic growth along with its own. "As a member of the European Union, we will work towards achieving the goal of supporting your economy and our own..." he said. Tajani also stressed the need for peace in key global regions to safeguard economic growth, saying, "In the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Indo-Pacific region, we need to work for peace and stability... Peace is essential for strengthening trade relations..." He added that Italy sees the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as a vital initiative. "We are paving the way for a strong action in favour of trade, infrastructure. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is very important for peace... My idea is to fast-track the process between India and Italy for paving the way for a global agreement with the Middle East, Gulf Countries, Egypt and other countries to work together for pushing hard in this direction," he said. Later, India and Italy also signed the protocol of the India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC), outlining a roadmap for expanding their economic partnership. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Antonio Tajani signed the protocol. Sharing the development on X, Goyal wrote, "We also witnessed the signing of industry agreements across various sectors between both sides. At our joint address to the press, I reiterated the significance of deepening India-Italy cooperation by expanding trade, boosting investments, enhancing industrial collaborations, and leveraging the broader India-EU engagement to unlock new opportunities." The Italy-India Business Forum, held in Mumbai on December 11, marked Tajani's third major business-focused engagement with India in the past eight months. Goyal said the repeated interactions reflect the "strong bond" between the two nations. The minister added that India is committed to advancing talks on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. "Together we will work to make sure that the India-Italy relationship will become the defining relationship of 21st century. India is committed towards the FTA... It will be a fair, equitable and balanced Free Trade Agreement. It will be a win-win for EU and India, and we should be able to get this over the finishing line," he said. Tajani highlighted Italy's ambition to expand its global export footprint, saying India is central to that plan. "I see strong potential in India. Italy aims for 700 billion euros in exports by 2027, and India is a key partner. Many Italian companies are active in India and sectors like sports, automotive industry offer further opportunities. We want to invest more in India, increase our exports, and welcome Indian investments in Italy," he said. He noted that Italy sees major opportunities in sectors such as defence, pharma, space, automotive and cultural industries. "We want to invest in your (India) country, export more to India along with increased investments. We also want to become part of Indian innovation strategy. Innovation for industries is fundamental. We are proud of our strategic partnership and want to support our diplomacy for growth," he added. (ANI)
Dakar [Senegal], December 11 (ANI/WAM): Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, led a high-level delegation to the Republic of Senegal, where he met with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, conveying the best wishes of the leadership of the UAE and wishing the Senegalese people prosperity and progress. During his visit, Al Zeyoudi also engaged with various government ministries to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. The discussions focused on exploring avenues to drive trade and investment between the two countries across key priority sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, and food security. Accompanied by the Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Senegal, Saeed Hamdan Alnaqbi, Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to enhancing economic partnerships and fostering private sector collaboration with Senegal and other rapidly growing economies across Africa. In separate meetings with key ministers, including Cheikh Diba, Minister of Finance and Budget; Sergine Mbaye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene; Alioune Sall, Minister for Communication, Telecommunication and Digital Economy; Serigne Guye Diop, Minister for Industry and Trade; Dethie Fall, Minister of Infrastructure; and Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock , Al Zeyoudi discussed further avenues for cooperation and investment. During the visit, a total of 13 MoUs were signed covering a range of sectors, including energy, logistics, mining, industrial development, digital technologies, construction, and healthcare. The UAE and Senegal share a strong economic partnership, with non-oil trade reaching $933 million in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 21.1% increase year-on-year. With many possibilities still to be explored, this ongoing growth highlights the potential for further economic engagement and investment between the two nations. Al Zeyoudi said: "The UAE is dedicated to expanding its relations with Senegal and the broader African continent. By strengthening our partnerships, we can drive sustainable economic growth and unlock new possibilities for both our nations." The discussions focused on deepening economic cooperation and identifying additional prospects for increasing private sector collaboration, in alignment with the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program and its objectives of expanding trade and investment flows with high-growth economies around the world, including in Africa. The UAE remains committed to expanding relations with Africa, a continent rich in potential for economic growth. In 2024, the UAE's non-oil trade with African countries was USD$112 billion, a growth of 34% compared to 2023. The UAE is also the continent's largest source of new FDI, with over $110 billion invested across the continent between 2019 and 2024. Through ongoing partnerships and collaborative efforts, the UAE aims to support sustainable development initiatives that will accelerate mutually beneficial economic growth. (ANI/WAM)
Pakistan's former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (retired), has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a military court, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Thursday, Dawn reported. ISPR said the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) formally began proceedings against Faiz Hameed, on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act. The trial lasted over 15 months and concluded with the court finding him guilty on all four charges. "The accused was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of the Official Secret Act detrimental to the safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority and government resources and causing wrongful loss to persons." After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 14 years rigorous imprisonment," as per ISPR. It added that the sentence was "promulgated on December 11, 2025". During proceedings against the ex-spymaster, the FGCM complied "with all legal provisions", and Faiz Hameed was "afforded with all legal rights, including [the] rights of [a] defence team of his choice", it added. The convict has the right of appeal at a relevant forum, ISPR said, as quoted by Dawn. It further stated that the "involvement of [the] convict in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements and in certain other matters is separately being dealt with". The military's media wing added that all legal protocols were followed, and Faiz Hameed was provided "complete legal rights," including the right to be represented by a defence team of his choice. Faiz Hameed is considered close to former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Under Section 133B of the Pakistan Army Act, individuals sentenced to more than three months of imprisonment by a court-martial may appeal their conviction before a designated court of appeals. The appeal must be filed within 40 days of the announcement or promulgation of the sentence. ISPR said Hameed retains the right to appeal at the relevant forum, Dawn reported. ISPR further noted that Hameed's alleged role in "fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements" is being addressed separately. The development comes two months after ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, in response to a question about Hameed, that legal proceedings were ongoing and would come to a "logical conclusion". "The Pakistan Army's system of internal accountability does not work off allegations but facts and evidence. There is a process to it and anybody who is charged is given complete right to defend themselves and that time will be given and is being given, so we are not worried about any delay because we have to fulfill all the requirements of justice and process," he had said at a press conference in Peshawar on October 10. Hameed was taken into custody in August 2024, and the military announced the initiation of FGCM proceedings against him on August 12 last year, Dawn reported. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs' fact-check unit has dismissed as fake a viral letter purportedly written by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the French Embassy regarding the Rafale deal. The unit clarified that the alleged communication alleging that information on Rafale deliveries had been leaked is entirely fabricated. In a post on X on Thursday, the MEA fact-check unit released an image, which shows that the "fake" letter was circulated by an X account named Discourse Lab, which alleged that "Jaishankar's letter to France confirms one thing: the Rafale controversy is far from over. New Delhi is struggling to contain the fallout of leaked communications." The MEA dismissed the circulating letter as "fake" and urged people to remain vigilant against disinformation. "The letter being referred to in this post is fake. Always stay alert against disinformation," the MEA stated in its post on X. https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/1999003601218449897?s=20 The fake letter, falsely attributed to Jaishankar, claimed that details of the Rafale naval aircraft delivery schedule had been leaked and that the disclosure had caused unexpected complications. The document, dated November 26, 2025, bore a fabricated signature of the External Affairs Minister and was addressed to French Ambassador Thierry Mathou. "It has come to our attention that certain communications concerning the Rafale naval aircraft timeline have recently emerged in the public domain. While we fully understand the complexities of such arrangements and the detailed processes involved, the unintended disclosure has created some unforeseen challenges for us, given the nature of our extensive collaboration," the fake letter stated. "As partners with a long-standing and valued relationship, we are confident that the professionalism and discretion that have characterized our interactions will continue to guide our future communications. We remain committed to deepening our cooperation and look forward to further strengthening the trust and understanding between our nations," it further claimed. The fake letter comes months after the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 63000 crore defence deal with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft. The deal was inked in April at the Defence Ministry headquarters at South Block in the national capital, the Indian Navy said. The French Ambassador to India represented his country, while Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh represented the Indian side, among other officials. The Defence Ministers of both countries also attended the signing remotely. The government-to-government contract includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale M jets, customised for Indian requirements and carrier integration. The Rafale M jets will operate from INS Vikrant and support the existing MiG-29K fleet. The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft acquired under a separate deal signed in 2016. The new deal will raise the total number of Rafale jets in India to 62. (ANI)
Idris Elba plans to give up acting to focus on directing "eventually".

Idris Elba plans to stop acting

The 53-year-old star is promoting short film Dust To Dreams, and while it may be his first venture behind the camera since his 2018 movie Yardie, he admitted that is where he sees his future, rather than on screen.

Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, the Daily Mail online reports he said: "I'm hoping that my fan base as an actor isn't mad at me. Eventually I want to transfer to be a director fully.

"I've been acting for a long time.

I love it still, but I think directing allows me to flex slightly different muscles and just be a part of the set in a different way. I really enjoy it."

The Molly's Game star's next film as a director is This Is How It Goes, which is based on a 2005 film by Neil LaBute and was shot in Ghana.

He said: The original is about a Black man married to a white woman, and a white man comes to move into their house, and its about what happens to their relationship.

"I bought the rights to the film and transposed the story. So its a white man married to a Black woman, and a Black man comes to live in their house. Its an incredible examination of marriage, trust, and race."

As well as directing more, Idris recently revealed he wants to take on more projects with his wife Sabrina Elba after enjoying working on their podcasts and other ventures together.

He told Britain's OK! magazine: "Personally and professionally I'd love to do more projects with his wife.

"We have our skincare range, and if the right opportunities come up I want to do more with my wife who luckily also happens to be my best friend."

The Luther star  who has children Raize, 32, Isan, 23, and Winston, 11, from previous relationships  added: "Then, of course, you want your kids to be happy. I have always said I don't mind what paths they choose to go down, as long as it's their path and they are doing something they are passionate about."
President Salva Kiir convened, on 10 December 2025, a rare gathering of South Sudans political leaders in Juba to recalibrate the final phase of the countrys long-delayed transition.

Officials confirmed that the parties agreed to amend several provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, aiming to clear obstacles to the December 2026 elections.

The adjustments, though not yet detailed, will be accompanied by the creation of a Political Committee to resolve outstanding issues and a legal Committeeled by the Justice Ministerto oversee associated legislative reforms. The meeting brought together senior figures, including Vice Presidents James Wani Igga, Taban Deng Gai, Josephine Lagu and Rebecca Nyandeng, SPLM-IO leaders, opposition members, and cabinet officials, signaling an attempt at broad political inclusion. SPLM-IO Interim Secretary-General Agok Makur confirmed that the parties reached consensus to hold elections as scheduled and to establish a multi-party mechanism for addressing unresolved matters.

Civil society advocate Edmund Yakani welcomed the high-level engagement but cautioned that any amendments must uphold the spirit of the 2018 agreement and secure the consent of all signatories, including the faction aligned with Riek Machar.

He warned that moving to elections without completing core provisionssuch as security reforms, the constitution-making process and a national censusmay pose legitimacy risks. The decision marks a shift toward revising the peace deal rather than fully implementing the original framework.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an additional 150 million loan for Moroccos Communal Equipment Fund (French acronym FEC) to enable it Finance 26 infrastructure projects focusing on water, sanitation, urban mobility, energy efficiency, and social facilities in over 30 municipalities.

The AfDB has also agreed to provide FEC nearly 1 million in technical assistance to improve management capacities of municipalities and local small & medium enterprises (SMEs), aligning with Moroccos advanced regionalisation policy.

The African bank funding will help FEC speed up development projects in rural zones, expand access to basic services, enhance climate resilience and improve territorial connectivity, contributing to boosting local economic growth and job creation, especially for youth and women.

This operation marks our second engagement with our strategic partner, the FEC. It reinforces deployment of territorial development projects following the highest environmental and social performance standards, stated Achraf Hassan Tarsim, the banks country manager for Morocco.

Ahmed Attout, director of the banks Financial Sector Development Department, emphasized the initiatives broader impact. By supporting the FEC in consolidating its capacities, we participate in emergence of more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic territories, he noted.

These high-impact territorial investments will generate new employment opportunities while strengthening communities capacity for action and contribution to Moroccos socioeconomic development. The operation supports the kingdoms ongoing decentralization initiatives and will help diversify and reinforce the countrys production capabilities while accompanying growth in strategic economic sectors.

Aligned with the African Development Bank Groups High 5s priorities and Moroccos New Development Model, the project aims to support national development and sustainably improve population quality of life.

Created in 1959, the Moroccan Communal Equipment Fund is the main financing arm for local authorities. It has funded over 5,700 sustainable and inclusive infrastructure and development projects nationwide.
As December 14 approaches, Kabylie region stands at the threshold of a historic moment: the proclamation of independence from Algeria.

This bold step, led by the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK) under Ferhat Mhenni, is the culmination of decades of peaceful struggle for a right enshrined in international law: the right of peoples to self-determination.

Ironically, Algeria has long claimed to champion this principle abroad in its desperate agenda to unsettle Morocco. Yet, when it comes to its own Kabyle population, the regime has responded with repression, arbitrary arrests, and systematic persecution. This contradiction exposes the deep hypocrisy at the heart of Algiers foreign policy and its authoritarian domestic rule.

The MAKs declaration will take place in Paris, in a prestigious venue hosting over 1,000 guests, including lawmakers from Canada and France, cultural figures, and international supporters, a MAK leader Aksel Belabbaci told le360.

The choice of December 14 is deliberate, he said, it marks the anniversary of UN Resolution 1514 (1960), which affirmed the right of colonized peoples to independence. By invoking this date, Kabylie sends a clear message to the world: the principle of self-determination is universal, and Algeria cannot selectively apply it.

Kabylies demand for autonomy began as a call for dialogue. Instead of engagement, the Algerian regime unleashed a campaign of intimidation, branding peaceful activists as terrorists under Article 87 bis of its Penal Code. Hundreds of Kabyle detainees languish in prisons today, victims of a state that criminalizes dissent and stifles cultural identity, according to rights NGOs.

The tragic events of 2021, when Kabylie endured violent crackdowns, remain fresh in memory. Arbitrary arrests, censorship, and militarization have turned the region into a pressure cooker. Any additional force could trigger an uncontrollable explosion, warns Aksel Bellabbaci, senior adviser to the MAK president.

Algiers is scrambling to counter the MAKs initiative, mobilizing state-controlled media and organizing anti-Kabyle rallies in Paris.

These desperate manoeuvres reveal a regime terrified of losing its grip on a region that has resisted assimilation for decades. But Kabylie is undeterred. Immediately after the proclamation, the MAK plans to launch a diplomatic campaign to secure recognition from foreign governments. Meetings are already scheduled, signaling the start of a new chapter in Kabylies struggle.
Moroccos national rail operator (ONCF) expects to carry nearly 56 million passengers by the end of 2025, as the country accelerates investment in high-speed and regional rail networks, ONCF Director General Mohamed Rabie Khlie said.

Speaking at the fourth Rail Industry Summit Morocco, held Dec. 9-10 at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Center in El Jadida, Khlie said passenger traffic has rebounded strongly since the pandemic, climbing from 38.5 million in 2019 to more than 55 million in 2024.

The Al Boraq high-speed line alone carried 5.5 million travelers last year, up from 3 million before COVID-19, he added.

The summit brought together more than 250 companies from 20 countries and over 1,000 participants, underscoring Moroccos ambition to become a continental rail hub.

Our vision is to position Morocco as a leader in rail innovation and industrial sovereignty, Khlie said.

ONCF plans to invest 96 billion dirhams ($9.5 billion) by 2030, including 53 billion dirhams to extend the high-speed line from Kenitra to Marrakech and 29 billion dirhams to acquire 168 new trains for both high-speed and conventional services.

The roadmap also includes upgrades to the existing network and development of regional commuter rail systems.

Morocco already operates Africas first high-speed rail line and has the most extensive network in the Maghreb.

The new projects will add a 430-kilometer high-speed corridor between Kenitra and Marrakech, reinforcing the countrys position as a regional transport leader.

Beyond infrastructure, Khlie said Morocco aims to build a domestic rail manufacturing base through industrial offset agreements with global suppliers such as Alstom, Siemens Mobility, Hyundai Rotem, CAF and Wabtec. We want to create a Moroccan rail industry capable of serving Africa and beyond, he said.
Two senior officials from the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development started this Thursday a two-day working visit to Morocco for talks with government officials and business representatives.

Discussions will focus on EBRDs support for the private sector, key infrastructure investments and the transition to a green economy, said the bank in a press release.

In Casablanca, EBRDs 1st Vice- Pdt. Greg Guyett and Vice-Pdt. for Banking Matteo Patrone will meet with Minister of Economy & Finance and EBRD Governor, Nadia Fettah. The discussions will focus on enhancing private-sector support in Morocco, accelerating the transition to a green economy and driving investments in key infrastructure.

The EBRD delegation will also meet representatives of local public and private companies, including clients in Moroccos banking sector, and will sign several investments agreements.

Mr Guyett said: Its an excellent opportunity to deepen our cooperation with Moroccan partners and explore new opportunities. The EBRD will support Moroccos development priorities by investing in the energy transition, expanding access to finance for SMEs, supporting the innovation economy and strengthening private-sector competitiveness.

Since 2012, EBRD invested almost 5.9 billion in 125 projects focusing on sustainable energy, infrastructure, and private enterprises.
Moroccos energy transition minister, Leila Benali, outlined an ambitious plan to reform the countrys mining sector, pledging stronger worker protections, streamlined regulations and deeper integration of mining regions into the national economy.

The mining industry accounts for nearly 10% of Moroccos gross domestic product, 20% of export value and provides more than 40,000 direct jobs, making it a cornerstone of economic growth, Benali told MPs.

The overhaul includes a new mining law, Bill 72-24, replacing a previous draft withdrawn in 2021.

The legislation prioritizes worker safety, introducing a professional card to guarantee miners rights. It also simplifies administrative procedures, promotes mineral processing, and creates a national committee for strategic minerals, she said.

The reforms aim to improve governance and strengthen local supply chains, Benali said, adding that mining regions such as Tafilalet, Figuig and Jerada will be integrated into the national strategy through modernization programs, technical support and specialized industrial zones.

Jerada will also see a digital platform linking coal miners directly to the domestic market, she said.

Future plans include a national digital mining register in 2026 to consolidate more than 240 procedures, and transforming the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines into the National Office of Mining Industries under Bill 56-24, Benali added.

Infrastructure projects connecting Nador and Jorf Lasfar, along with initiatives to recycle mineral materials, are also part of the strategy, she said, noting that the reforms reflect Moroccos push for industrial sovereignty and innovation in a sector critical to its economy.
Morocco is poised to become a gas producer with the start of the initial gas commissioning activities at Tendrara Production Concession, shifting the regional energy order and landscape.

The North African Kingdom has launched lately two major international bids worth nearly $1 billion for the development of a first phase of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) hub.

The Moroccan government is looking for investors to build a floating storage & regasification unit (FSRU) that will be moored at the Nador West Med port.

Rabat is also planning the construction of new pipelines which will initially connect Nador West Med port to the Maghreb-Europe pipeline and then extend to industrial zones in Kenitra and Mohammedia.

The announcement of these strategic projects was made lately by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. More than 80 investors have expressed interest in these projects to be developed under the public-private partnership law.

Morocco is looking forward to meeting its growing national gas consumption expected to increase from the current 1.2 billion cubic meters to 8 BCM in 2027 driven by industrial growth and transition to green economy.
Oregon OSHA Fines Medford Contractor $128K for Repeat Fall-Protection and Safety Violations

Shrader Homes Inc. was cited after inspectors found workers exposed to multiple hazards at a White City framing site, including unprotected heights, damaged ladders and missing eye protection, marking several serious and repeat violations.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division has fined a Medford construction company $128,345 after inspectors found workers exposed to multiple safety hazards, including an unprotected fall from a two-story structure.

The citation against Shrader Homes Inc. followed an inspection at a White City jobsite where employees were performing framing work on a two-story residence. Oregon OSHA issued five violations, including four classified as serious and two as repeat offenses. One fall-protection violation was the companys fourth repeat citation, while an additional ladder-safety violation marked its second repeat offense.

Any employer that directs workers to do jobs at elevations must take action beforehand to make sure protective systems are in place, said Renee Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. Workers have a right to safety and health under the law. Employers are responsible for making that right a reality.

Inspectors found employees working at heights of six feet or more without required fall-protection systems, using a damaged ladder that should have been removed from service, failing to extend ladder side rails to the required height, and working near an unprotected wall opening on the second floor. Another violation involved an employee using a pneumatic nail gun without proper eye protection.

Penalties ranged from $1,412 to more than $110,000, reflecting Oregon OSHAs higher fines for repeat violations and hazards likely to cause death or serious harm. The total penalty included a standard reduction based on the companys size.

Shrader Homes has 30 days to contest the citation and has filed an appeal.
China's poverty alleviation achievements continuously consolidated, expanded in 2025

Xinhua) 08:30, December 11, 2025

A farmer harvests wine grapes at Minning Town, Yongning County in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Oct. 14, 2025. Nestled at the base of the Helan Mountains, rows of lush vineyards line the Yellow River, showcasing the transformation of Minning Town. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen)

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Wednesday said that the year 2025 saw the overall stable implementation of assistance policies across the country, firmly securing the baseline to prevent a large-scale return to poverty.

In 2025, China identified and assisted over 7 million individuals through its monitoring system, effectively eliminating their risk of returning to poverty, the ministry said.

It also said that education, health care, housing and drinking water security have been enhanced steadily for those who have emerged from poverty.

To date, 832 counties that have shaken off poverty have each developed two to three leading industries with distinctive advantages and strong driving force.

Employment of Chinese people who have been lifted out of poverty has remained stable at over 30 million, securing more than two-thirds of the total incomes of households that have bid farewell to poverty.

In the first three quarters of 2025, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in counties having bid farewell to poverty reached 13,158 yuan (1,859.71 U.S. dollars), outpacing the growth rate of China's rural areas by 0.5 percentage points.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chase Infiniti has joined Louis Vuitton as a brand ambassador.

Chase Infiniti has joined forces with Louis Vuitton

The 25-year-old actress - who is known for her roles in the likes of One Battle After Another and Apple TV series Presumed Innocent - has attended the fashion house's last two women's runway shows and worn their designs on the red carpet.

She told WWD in a statement: "Becoming a house ambassador for Louis Vuitton feels like the beginning of a truly meaningful journey, and Im deeply grateful to be a part of it, contributing to a legacy of unparalleled craftsmanship and style."

Vuitton's artistic director of women's collections, Nicholas Ghesquiere, praised Chase's "authenticity" in her performances.

He said: I have watched Chases debut with genuine delight, I find her totally captivating in the roles she plays.

"Beyond her remarkable talent, she radiates an authenticity that is truly unforgettable.

The fashion house added: "Through her artistry, she brings to the house a rare balance of youthful dynamism and forward-looking vision."

For the One Battle After Another premiere in September, Chase worth a custom champagne halter embroidered Vuitton gown.

At the time, she told WWD that the dress made her feel like she was "living the Hollywood dream in every way and shape possible".

She also wore platform sandals from Wayman and Micah, while Coree Moreno did her hair, and Amber Dreadon was on makeup duty.

She said: I got ready at my hotel and my team was so great at creating a very calm environment and making sure that I felt supported.

"I just tried to stay calm in my hotel room as much as possible. I had my family pop in right at the end, and we kind of had a little celebration toast.

Despite the glamorous look, Chase was keen to keep things natural for her hair.

She added: "I just really wanted to keep my curls, keep as much of me as possible, and just slightly elevate the style to how I would normally wear it."
On Wednesday, the United States carried out one of its most consequential maritime interventions to date. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, acting with support from the Department of War, seized a crude oil tanker accused of transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. It was a dramatic show of force in already volatile waters and an intervention that has jolted Caracas.

The operation was presented as a decisive strike against illicit oil flows. Yet within hours, Venezuela had denounced it as state piracy, and the reaction inside the US was just as stark. Several lawmakers warned openly that the move risked igniting a wider conflict. Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, said, It sounds a lot like the beginning of a war. At the same time, Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, told NewsNation he was gravely concerned that [Trump] is sleepwalking us into a war with Venezuela. When voices from opposite ends of the political spectrum converge on the same fear, its a sign that something far more serious is unfolding than a routine sanctions-enforcement action.

In reality, the seizure is not a show of strength but another indication that the Trump administration, led by the State Department, remains stuck in a mindset that harms both national and Western energy security. The decision to seize the tanker has been welcomed by the same neoconservative voices who have spent years turning Venezuela policy into a stage for political posturing. They insist that punitive measures will tighten the screws on Caracas.

Related: Ukraine Strikes Key Russian Oil Platform in Caspian Sea

What they ignore is the long record of such actions failing to bring about any strategic gain. Instead, they have pushed Venezuela deeper into the arms of China and Russia, damaged supply chains, and driven up global volatility. China now takes between 55% and 90% of Venezuelas oil exports, with shipments to the nation reaching about 746,000 barrels per day in November 2025, the highest level since mid-2023. At the same time, Iranian condensate and, more recently, Russian naphtha have stepped in as key diluents, keeping Venezuelas heavy crude moving to Asian buyers.

The latest seizure follows this same pattern: it squeezes Western access, while entrenched buyers in Beijing and other antagonistic countries adjust and carry on. The effect on the United States is immediate and predictable. Its hard to see how boarding a tanker at sea protects American interests when global supplies are already tight, and prices are increasingly unstable.

Around 90% of Venezuelan oil imported to the US goes to the Gulf Coast, and the market for substitutes is thin. When those barrels are disrupted, refiners are forced to turn to more distant and often more expensive sources elsewhere, with longer voyage times and higher transport costs. This eventually shows up in the prices paid by American households.

In the past year, analysts at firms such as Kpler and RBN Energy have warned that any significant fall in Venezuelan supply to the US, on the order of 200,000 barrels per day, would leave Gulf Coast refiners facing a severe shortage of heavy crude, with limited alternatives given production problems in Mexico and constraints on Canadian flows.

In practical terms, tensions near Venezuela could jeopardize vital crude imports from Chevrons joint ventures and trigger another spike in fuel prices. The seizure, therefore, does not strengthen American security. It resembles an act of international piracy that weakens Western supply lines and hands an easy propaganda victory to adversaries who argue that the US uses maritime law to bully weaker nations and manipulate global markets.

That argument also carries further weight for a simple reason: Washington has no legal basis for this kind of operation. US sanctions are unilateral measures that have no standing on the high seas and can only be enforced within US jurisdiction or against US persons.

By asserting legal authority it does not possess, the US risks setting a dangerous precedent that adversaries like China and Russia will exploit in critical global energy chokepoints, undermining long-term stability.

Recognizing that American energy security depends on stable cooperation, not illegal confiscation, can inspire policymakers and analysts to support engagement over conflict.

The tanker seizure may please a narrow circle in Washington, but it moves the US further away from strategic stability. If America wants to protect its interests in the Western Hemisphere, it must stop acting like a privateer and start rebuilding the commercial and diplomatic ties that once made it a trusted partner.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

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The strike places the Caspian Sea, a vital hub for Russian and Central Asian energy exports, directly into the conflicts crosshairs and introduces new risks to the crucial Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) route.

The attack is significant as it marks the first time Kyiv has targeted hydrocarbon extraction assets in the distant Caspian region, demonstrating a growing capability to hit critical upstream assets far from the frontline.

Ukraine's security services (SBU) executed a long-range drone strike on the Vladimir Filanovsky offshore oil field in the Caspian Sea, a key Lukoil facility, forcing a suspension of oil and gas production.

In a significant expansion of its campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, Ukraines security services executed a long-range drone strike on a major offshore oil field in the Caspian Sea, effectively halting production at a key Lukoil facility.

The attack on Dec. 11 marks the first time Kyiv has targeted hydrocarbon extraction assets in the Caspian region, a development that signals a new phase in the targeting of Russias economic lifelines and raises questions regarding the security of energy corridors previously considered beyond the reach of the conflict.

Deep Strike Capabilities Expand Reach

The operation, carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), reportedly targeted the Vladimir Filanovsky field, situated in the northern sector of the Caspian Sea. According to SBU sources, four drones successfully struck the offshore platform, forcing the suspension of oil and gas production from more than 20 wells servicing the facility.

"At least four hits were recorded on the offshore platform," an SBU source told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As a result of the attack, oil and gas production from more than 20 wells it serves stopped."

The strike was reportedly executed by the SBU's "Alpha" special operations unit. This incident represents a strategic shift for Ukraine. While Kyiv has frequently targeted oil refineries and storage depots deep within Russian territory, hitting an offshore production platform in the Caspian Sea, hundreds of miles from the frontline, demonstrates a growing capacity to project force against critical upstream assets.

The Vladimir Filanovsky field is a jewel in the crown of Russia's post-Soviet energy sector. Discovered by Lukoil in 2005 and brought online in 2016, it is considered the largest oil discovery in Russia in decades, holding estimated reserves of 129 million tons of oil and 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

Geopolitical Ripples in the Caspian Basin

The attack places the Caspian Sea, a vital artery for global energy markets, directly into the crosshairs of the widening war. The region serves as a crucial hub not only for Russian output but also for Central Asian energy exports.

Industry analysts note that the targeting of the Filanovsky field carries significant implications for regional energy logistics. The field's output is typically exported via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC). The CPC pipeline is a critical piece of global energy infrastructure that transports crude oil from fields in western Kazakhstan, operated by Western majors including Chevron and ExxonMobil, through Russia to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.

While the strike specifically targeted Russian-owned infrastructure, activity in this zone introduces new risks for the CPC route. Any disruption to the CPC, which handles approximately 1% of global oil supply, could trigger volatility in international markets.

"The SBU continues successful operations against Russias oil and gas industry, continually expanding the geography," the SBU source stated. "The Caspian Sea is another reminder that every enterprise supporting Russias war effort is a legitimate targetno matter where it is located."

Moscows Silence and Market Reactions

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not officially commented on the specific incident at the Filanovsky field. However, in a statement released Dec. 11, the ministry claimed its air defense systems had intercepted 287 Ukrainian drones overnight, asserting that many were targeted at the Moscow region.

The lack of immediate official confirmation from Moscow regarding the offshore damage is consistent with previous patterns following strikes on energy infrastructure.

However, local residents in the region shared footage on social media purportedly showing drones overhead and reporting explosions near the naval base in Kaspiysk, suggesting the attack was part of a broader coordinated effort in the area.

This strike comes as Russia intensifies its own offensive operations along the eastern front in Ukraine. By targeting high-value revenue generators like the Filanovsky field, Kyiv aims to degrade the financial engine funding the Kremlin's war effort.

A New Frontier in Energy Warfare

The unprecedented nature of this attack suggests that the definition of "safe zones" for Russian energy assets is rapidly eroding. The ability of Ukrainian drones to traverse the distance required to hit the Caspian Sea implies that other remote energy projects could face similar threats.

As winter approaches, the escalation of the "energy war", with Russia targeting Ukraines power grid and Ukraine targeting Russias export capability, appears set to intensify. The suspension of operations at the Filanovsky platform, while damage assessments continue, serves as a stark indicator that the conflict's physical footprint is expanding, potentially dragging wider global energy markets into the volatility.

Analysts will be closely monitoring the duration of the outage at the Filanovsky field. A prolonged shutdown would not only impact Lukoils production metrics but could also tighten the supply of specific crude grades in the regional market.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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China is closing 2025 with the strongest domestic crude output in its modern history, ending its Seven-Year Action Plan (20192025) with measurable gains. National production has risen from 3.8 million b/d in 2020 to an average of 4.3 million b/d in 2025, a roughly 12% increase, driven by accelerated drilling activity, rising unconventional output, and the most significant restructuring of its upstream sector in decades. The expansion reflects Beijings strategic aim to strengthen energy security through domestic supply, even as overall demand continues to grow.

The current reshaping of Chinas upstream began in 2020, when the government replaced administrative allocation of mining and hydrocarbon rights with a market-oriented bidding and auction framework, later codified under the 2025 Mineral Resources Law. That reform signalled a break from legacy state assignment practices and opened the door for Chinas privately owned domestic companies to participate in exploration acreage alongside national champions. In 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources held six licensing rounds covering 23 blocks, marking the most extensive release of acreage to non-state Chinese operators to date.

These structural changes and rising investment capital have had visible regional effects. Tianjin lifted output from 632,000 b/d in 2020 to 785,000 b/d in 2025, the single largest regional increase, while Xinjiang advanced from 571,000 to 649,000 b/d as deep and tight-reservoir testing expanded. Heilongjiang eased slightly lower from 604,000 to 579,000 b/d, underscoring the maturity of Daqing-era legacy fields and the pressure to replace declining production.

Despite the policy opening to private companies, the industry remains dominated by state-owned enterprises. PetroChina is the largest oil producer, averaging 2.5 million b/d in 2025 and holding around 1.2 million km2 of onshore acreage across the Sichuan, Tarim, Ordos, Junggar, Songliao and Qaidam basins, spanning conventional, tight, and shale developments as the company intensifies unconventional exploration.

Related: EIA: US Crude Inventories Sag As Oil Products Grow

CNOOC (China National Offshore Company) has been the standout in output growth, expanding production from 690,000 b/d in 2020 to about 900,000 b/d in 2025, supported by 650,000 km2of offshore acreage across the Bohai Gulf and South China Sea. Although historically an offshore-focused producer, CNOOC has moved to broaden its onshore presence as new plays emerge and the company positions itself against resource concentration risk. Meanwhile, another Chinese oil and gas state-owned major Sinopec (with 600,000 b/d of production in 2025) maintains substantial upstream weight in Sichuan, Tarim, Subei and the onshore Bohai Basin, supported by around 700,000 km2 of onshore acreage and 100,000 km2 offshore, consolidating its role across oil and gas corridors in the countrys southwest and far west.

With the Seven-Year Plan pushing state producers to expand the search for domestic reserves, Chinas accelerated exploration is starting to deliver material outcomes. CNOOCs Bozhong 26-6 discovery in 2023, a shallow-water reservoir in Bohai that happens to be the worlds largest metamorphic-hill play, estimated at 200 million m3 of oil and gas in place, moved from discovery to first production in early 2025  an unusually fast turnaround for a frontier reservoir. PetroChinas unconventional program proved equally consequential. In late September 2025, the company confirmed 1.15 billion barrels of shale oil in place in the Gulong zone of the Songliao Basin, expected to peak at 130,000140,000 b/d, while already in early December PetroChina reported that the block surpassed 1 million tonnes of annual output. In Xinjiangs Junggar Basin, drilling depths reached 9,056 meters, the basins deepest well and the second deepest onshore in China. Sinopec has also entered new resource territory with its Qiluye-1 well in the Sichuan Basin, which tested commercial shale oil and gas at 2,000 meters with state media citing 100 million tons of crude potential, indicating for the first time a commercially viable crude reserve base in Southwest China.

Just as Chinas oil and gas resurgence gathers pace, foreign investors have discovered that the door is quietly closing. ConocoPhillips, active in China since the 1980s, now solely retains a 49% stake in parts of the Penglai Oilfield through its Chinese subsidiary after operatorship was transferred to CNOOC in 2014, representing merely a legacy involvement rather than full-scale operation. Chevron, once positioned across multiple offshore PSCs, relinquished its Bohai Gulf and South China Sea blocks and retained interests only in the Chuandongbei sour-gas PSC through its subsidiary, though the final fields commissioning in June 2025 was described in industry reporting as the end of Chevrons legacy in that project. While foreign companies publicly express interest in participating in Chinas new exploration opportunities, Beijing appears largely unmoved by the appeal of foreign capital or technology. No farm-in transactions have been reported, underscoring how geopolitical tension and strict limits on foreign ownership in strategic sectors continue to constrain international access to Chinas upstream.

This expansion in domestic production, combined with the opening of acreage to private Chinese firms, might suggest pressure on imports volumes; yet the data tells a different story. Chinas seaborne crude imports have held steady at 10.5 million b/d since 2023 (with additional 850,000 b/d of Russian oil delivered through a pipeline), even as national production climbed from 4.0 million to 4.3 million b/d, leaving imports consistently covering around 7075% of total consumption. The majority of those barrels come from Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Brazil and Iran, which supply grades tailored to the needs of Chinas coastal refining complexes.

Over the past two decades, Chinas largest refineries have been designed, expanded or upgraded to process specific imported crude grades  particularly medium and heavy sour barrels  that are more economical for producing fuels and petrochemical feedstock than much of Chinas lighter, higher-cost domestic crude. With consumption projected to rise and refinery configurations structurally aligned with foreign grades, imports remain fundamental to supply. New discoveries (whether unconventional onshore or shale, shallow-water or deepwater) require long development cycles before they meaningfully contribute, suggesting that domestic gains will moderate, but not displace import dependence. China is producing more oil at home, but the architecture of its refining system ensures the country must continue buying most of it abroad.

China enters 2026 with a stronger domestic production base, a more diversified set of operators, and momentum in unconventional and offshore exploration. CNOOCs drilling campaign in Bohai Bay shows no sign of slowing, and the company is likely to add another 40,000 b/d in 2026 after three years of stable growth. PetroChina is still willingly meeting the targets set in Beijing, yet its own reports highlight the uncomfortable trade-off behind the acceleration: its resource base has shrunk by a net 200 million barrels in the past three years, indicating production is exceeding the speed of reserve additions. The faster China accelerates its upstream push, the sooner  and sharper  the turn towards its inevitable decline will be.

For now, however, the trajectory remains upward. China has cemented its position as the worlds sixth-largest oil producer, lifting output by around 100,000 b/d year-on-year in 2025, and another nationwide increase of at least 70,000 b/d appears within reach thanks to CNOOCs and PetroChinas ambitious drilling targets. Lasting shift or high-speed prelude to slowdown, Chinas upstream revival is heading into the phase that will expose its resilience and potential to grow  or its ceiling.

By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com

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The first lease sale for the Gulf of Mexico during President Trumps second term drew bids worth close to $300 million, with the average price bid per acre the highest in eight years. The total, however, was $100 lower than the bids made in the last Gulf lease sale, back in 2023.

The Trump administration plans a total of 30 lease sales for offshore oil and gas, to run until 2040. The series should tap a total of 29.6 billion barrels of crude oil and 55 trillion cu ft of natural gas. This was the first in the series, aimed at advancing the presidents energy dominance agenda. Of all the acreage offered, companies submitted bids for 1.02 million acres, out of a total of 80 million offered, media reported. Per the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the lease sale was a success.

A total of 219 bids were made in the tender by 30 companies. Of all the locks tendered, 30 received more than one bid. The Reuters report hints these are disappointing figures but quotes a senior BOEM official as saying, They [energy companies] are not pressed to come in all at once.

When you are setting that level of certainty, they know they dont have to come all at once, Laura Robbins, acting regional director with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, said as quoted by Bloomberg.

The ones that did come included BP, which topped the list of bidders with $61 million in bids, followed by Australian Woodside Energy, whose total bids stood at $38 million. The top three were completed by Chevron, which made bids worth a total of $33 million. Murphy Exploration & Production Company came in fourth, making bids worth $27.4 million.

Related: Ukraine Strikes Key Russian Oil Platform in Caspian Sea

The issue of energy policy predictability has been problematic for oil and gas drillers, even after President Trump made energy security and dominance a priority. The reasoning goes that Trump may be in office for four years only, after which Democrats may return to the White House, reversing all the pro-oil and gas policies of the previous administration.

According to Bloomberg, the energy industry has seen the lease sale as a good sign of things to come and the series of 30 planned lease sales as a guarantee for consistency in energy policiesat least for the next three years.

The door has reopened to the Gulf of America, Erik Milito, the president of the National Ocean Industries Association, told Bloomberg. Lease sales are foundational to US energy production and remain one of the most important tools to attract investment, support jobs in all 50 states, and build American energy dominance.

Of course, not everyone is happy with these developments. The Gulf is already overwhelmed with thousands of oil rigs and pipelines, and oil companies are doing a terrible job of cleaning up after themselves, an activist from the Center for Biological Diversity said, as quoted by the AP.

A lease sale is the first step toward an oil spill catastrophe, Joseph Gordon, a campaign director with activist group, Oceana, said, as quoted by Bloomberg. This latest offshore drilling lease was mandated by Congress in the worst environmental bill in American history, and it will recklessly open millions of acres of our ocean to drilling and spilling. We need to protect our coasts, not destroy them.

The next lease sale in the series will take place on March 26, which, according to the NOIAs Erik Milito, allows companies to plan, study, and refine their bids, rather than being forced to respond to the uncertainty of a politically-driven multi-year pause in offshore drilling tenders.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas. President Trump confirmed the operation, saying, "We've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized actually". He then went on to warn that "other things are happening so you'll be seeing that later." When asked what the U.S. would do with the tanker, the President responded, "We keep it, I guess... I assume we're going to keep the oil."

U.S. authorities, including the Coast Guard, FBI, and Homeland Security, executed a seizure warrant, boarding the tanker by helicopter. The vessel, identified by maritime sources as the Panama-flagged Skipper (formerly named Adisa), had been under U.S. sanctions for several years for its alleged role in transporting Venezuelan and Iranian crude via a shadow oil-shipping network tied to Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.

According to tracking data, the tanker had recently loaded heavy crude at Venezuelas Puerto Jose. U.S. officials say the seizure is part of an intensified campaign of maritime interdiction by Washington, a strategy that appears to be expanding the use of naval power beyond sanctions, with the objective of targeting illicit oil trade and networks tied to sanctioned regimes.

In Caracas, the government of President Nicolas Maduro condemned the seizure, branding it a blatant theft and an act of international piracy. The Venezuelan statement argued that the move was part of a deliberate plan to plunder our energy resources, and vowed to defend the countrys sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity, while calling on international bodies to denounce the U.S. action.

The move comes on the back of the U.S. releasing its latest national security strategy, which, among other things, emphasizes a strong U.S. influence in Latin America. President Trump's focus on Venezuela has included blowing up alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea, raising questions over the legality of those strikes.

There are reportedly over 30 U.S.-sanctioned oil vessels doing business in Venezuela that may now be reconsidering setting sail from Venezuela in the coming days.

Markets reacted promptly, with oil prices rising on the prospect of a major disruption to Venezuelan crude flows, particularly heavy sour grades that feed refiners. After the initial shock, however, oil prices dropped back with Brent trading down 0.10% at $62.15 while West Texas Intermediate futures were 0.05% at $58.43.

Markets will be watching closely to see if Trump's claim that "other things are happening" proves to be yet another escalation.

In related news, Venezuela's opposition leader has come out of hiding to claim her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, climbing over the barricades to get close to her supporters. With Trump having reportedly given Maduro an ultimatum to relinquish power during their recent call, this seizure will echo far beyond oil markets.

By Josh Owens for Oilprice.com

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A background report published by a leading transparency watchdog group in Tbilisi highlights the sketchy ownership structure of a tanker that delivered oil from Russia to Georgia, raising suspicions that the shipment was part of a sanctions-busting endeavor.

The backgrounder published by Transparency International-Georgia, titled Kulevi Oil Refinery  Part of a Sanctions Evasion Scheme?, chronicles the voyage of the tanker Kayseri, which sailed out of the Russian port of Novorossiysk and delivered more than 105,000 metric tons of Siberian Light crude to the Kulevi terminal on the Georgian Black Sea coast in October. News about the shipment was first reported by Reuters.

Georgian authorities defended the legitimacy of the oil shipment at the time, stating that the ship and its owner were not subject to international sanctions. But TI-Georgia notes that circumstances changed almost immediately after the delivery, and Georgian officials have made no subsequent comment on the matter.

Three weeks after the oil was brought to Kulevi, on October 24, 2025, the tanker Kayseri was placed under EU sanctions, the watchdog backgrounder stated. It is now one of more than 560 vessels suspected of being part of Russias so-called shadow fleet, a network of vessels used to obscure the origin and ownership of Russian oil shipments amid tightening Western restrictions.

The shipment, the TI backgrounder states, raises concerns over why Georgia is purchasing Russian oil and transferring payments to Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Kulevi shipment was organized by RussNeft, a private Russian company whose founder, Mikhail Gutseriev, is under EU sanctions and whose family still reportedly exerts influence over the entity. Gutseriev has had documented business dealings in the past with Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the impresario of the Georgian Dream government, which has established total control over the countrys political system and judiciary over the past few years. In 2012, shortly after entering Georgian politics, Ivanishvili sold $1 billion worth of property in Russia to a group of investors that included Gutseriev.

TI-Georgia, citing information distributed by Ukrainian military intelligence, identifies the ships nominal owner as Kayseri Shipping S.A. The entity is allegedly connected to a Panamanian entrepreneur, Hector Varela De Leon, who was earlier implicated in a large-scale sanctions-evasion operation run by Iranian traders, according to a US Treasury Department statement.

The Iranian network comprises a vast fleet of vessels, ship management firms, and front companiessome posing as legitimate financial services firmsthat launder billions in profits from global sales of Iranian and Russian crude oil and other petroleum products, most often to buyers in China, the Treasury Department statement adds. The network employs significant measures to disguise its operations and obscure the involvement of Iran and Russia.

The Kulevi refinery is operated by Black Sea Petroleum, whose owner, Maka Asatiani, has close ties to the ruling Georgian Dream party. Meanwhile, her husband operates fuel terminals in the Russian cities of Murmansk and Novorossiysk, while her son reportedly holds a stake in a Russian company alongside the son of a senior GRU official.

TI-Georgia noted that Georgias rapidly growing re-exports of oil raise questions about whether Georgia is helping Russia to earn revenue from improper sales. Official Georgian data shows that re-exports of oil and oil products have risen exponentially since 2021, the year before Russia launched its unprovoked all-out attack on Ukraine.

The Kulevi oil refinery increases the likelihood of real or fictitious processing of Russian oil in Georgia and its export as a Georgian product, TI-Georgia states. Western countries may see this as a scheme to circumvent oil-related sanctions imposed on Russia.

By Eurasianet

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Commuting from Heathrow to central London may soon be a thing of the past.

Vertical Aerospace, founded by the man behind OVO energy, has unveiled Valo, its next-generation aircraft designed for quick, zero-emission airport-to-city travel.

While the British electric aviation giants shares have seen a 94 percent decline since its IPO back in 2021, the launch of Valo marks a significant step in the firms push to transform urban air mobility.

The aircraft is aiming for regulatory approval in 2028, with early commercial routes planned between Heathrow, Gatwick, Cambridge, Oxford, and Bicester.

Capable of flying 150 mph and carrying up to six passengers, and claiming to have the capacity to hold the largest luggage capacity in its class, Valo aims to become the premium airport transfer alternative.

Minutes, not hours

Valo builds on the companys VX4 prototype, redesigning its airframe, wings and propeller architecture, as well as its under-floor batteries and upgraded materials.

Its four-seat cabin expands to six seats, set to improve operator economics, the firm claims, and lower fares over time.

The aircraft also supports potential cargo and emergency medical operations.

Vertical plans to build seven certification aircraft in the UK for testing with the CAA and EASA, aiming for Type Certification ahead of commercial service.

The company is also partnering with Skyports and Bristow Group to launch the UKs first electric air taxi network, targeting key mobility corridors with substantially reduced travel times.

Chief executive Stuart Simpson said: Valo turns electric flight into a commercial reality  clean, quiet, fast and engineered for everyday service.

Investors responded positively, with shares rising 8.3 per cent following the announcement.

Vertical aims to produce over 225 aircraft annually by 2030, moving toward a future where flying taxis are a commercially viable and scalable alternative to ground transport.

For Londons business and frequent travellers, Valo promises a compelling new option for city mobility.

Government backing adds fuel

Earlier this year, the UK government pledged over 20m to support drone operations and eco-friendly flying taxi services.

The funding is set to focus on everyday applications, emergency services, and regulatory streamlining.

The Future of Flight industry group, co-chaired by Duncan Walker of Skyports, has been tasked with ensuring safety while easing bureaucratic hurdles.

This funding also dovetails with the Department for Transports Plan for Change, which seeks to place Britain into the lead for emerging aviation technologies.

Aviation Minister Mike Kane highlighted ambitions for a nimble regulatory environment that could enable drones and electric aircraft to operate safely near airports  a major hurdle for air taxis like Valo.

By CityAM

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The US National Security Strategy Is Correct About European Strategic Weaknesses

The recent publication of the United States National Security Strategy provoked a strong reaction amongst many in the political establishment across Europe, both within and outside the EU. It has been widely seen by critics as proof of a clear and explicit divergence between the United States and Europe. In truth, many of the points raised about Europes strategic weaknesses are much more accurate than many of those currently in leadership in Europe are prepared to admit. The response of figures such as British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, praising Europes strength, are little more than bluster and political theatre.

As I have outlined in Europe 2026, a special new report for businesses and investors, there is abundant evidence that a major transformation is coming to Europe in geopolitics, markets, and governance, on a level not seen since the Second World War.

What makes the coming transformation so significant is the fact that a confluence of major shaping factorsincluding the decline of a raft of supranational institutions from the EU to NATO, mass migration, the looming fiscal crisis and the energy crisishave struck just as internal political instability appears to be reaching record high levels.

Related: Ukraine Strikes Key Russian Oil Platform in Caspian Sea

Furthermore, the broader historical context appears to indicate that multiple metapolitical processes have run their course. In fact, a whole epoch has ended, and another looks set to begin. For one thing, the era of globalism appears to be in serious decline as the world returns to a more national sovereignty-centric order. Moreover, it is highly likely that within the next few years a major Western European country will elect a populist nationalist government. If that happens, will other countries follow like dominoes? Certainly, at present, there seems to be a fascinating internal political dynamic at play whereby electoral energy is being sucked away from what has hitherto been considered the political mainstream, and is being diverted towards populists of both right and left.

Politicians and bureaucrats in Europe complain that the US is now explicitly pursuing a strategic policy at odds with much of Europe. And while the EU itself is clearly at variance with the new direction of the US, this set-to concerns Europe as a whole, including those states not part of the EU. What appears to be happening is an emergent bifurcation taking place within the West, between those states still committed to the globalist status quo and those aligning with nationalism. This is indicative of the wider process occurring across the entire world. As one major example, the accession of Sanae Takaichi to the premiership of Japan in October 2025 appeared to indicate a definitive return to national-conservatism in Japan after a period of uncertain strategic direction, as well as revisitation of many of the core assumptions of the post-war period.

With the world becoming multipolar once more, Europes leaders face a continued strategic dilemma. The apparent trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine war, which will likely come to a conclusion in 2026, and the apparent re-direction of American strategic interest to other domains, such as the return to the two centuries-old Monroe Doctrine, make it clear that the status quo is no longer viable. The global momentum is clearly in favour of the nationalists and populists. And the US will likely use its influence to nudge Europe in a new direction, or as the US National Security Strategy puts it, to help Europe correct its strategic trajectory.

For its part, it is increasingly doubtful whether the EU can even survive many more years, let alone become the global powerhouse that its most fervent supporters are hoping for. One of the major weak points is the fact that powerful forces are pulling in precisely opposite directions. On the one hand, many in the political establishment are pushing ahead for a closer-knit EU, acting politically, economically and militarily as a sovereign entity in its own right. On the other hand, popular pressure is increasingly pushing in the other direction, as levels of distrust in political institutions reach new highs and increasing numbers of voters are attracted to populist and nationalist alternatives. The resulting tension between these opposing forces is likely to cause serious political disturbance and threaten a major rupture altogether.

All this appears set to make Europe a highly volatile environment in the short- to medium-term. For investors and analysts looking for clear and solid answers amid such uncertainty, it is important not to miss the wood for the trees. As the US National Security Strategy correctly identifies, the core issues at stake are indeed civilisational. Thus, a more long-term, historically-aware analytical approach is essential.

It is quite tempting in such times to overplay the importance of day-to-day politics. In reality, much of the change occurring in the world is the result of forces far beyond the control of any individuals or governments. However, at a political and institutional level, it is important to stress that those committed to the status quo are caught in a very difficult dilemma. On the one hand, they can attempt major reforms, but to do so requires an admission that the entire project and the underlying assumptions to which they have been committed for many years were wrong. On the other hand they can double down on the existing course and run the risk of provoking even more opposition, something which will render their position even more fragile. So far, many seem committed to doubling down. But, like King Canutes apocryphal attempts to hold back the tide, this may well only delay the inevitable. 2026 is shaping up to be a highly significant year.

The full report Europe 2026 is available here.

By Alastair Paynter for Oilprice.com

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The article highlights escalating tensions, including Russia's official denial of plans to strike the EU or NATO, and recent Russian drone and military jet incursions leading to the launch of NATO's Eastern Sentry air defense initiative.

Rutte called for a rapid increase in allied defense spending and production, noting his fear that "too many are quietly complacent" and that Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.

NATO chief Mark Rutte warned alliance members that they must treat the threat posed by Moscow more urgently, stating they may be "Russia's next target" and could face war on the scale of World War II.

NATO chief Mark Rutte warned that members of the military alliance must treat the threat posed by Moscow more urgently as they may be "Russia's next target."

In one of his starkest statements to date, Rutte said in a keynote address in Berlin on December 11 that NATO's 32 members need to step up defense effort to prevent a war with Russia that could be "on the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured."

"We are Russia's next target. And we are already in harm's way," Rutte said, noting Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.

"I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many don't feel the urgency. And too many believe the time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now," Rutte added as he called for allied defense spending and production to "rise rapidly" to ensure the alliance's forces "have what they need to keep us safe."

NATO has been on edge since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago, sparking the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.

The Kremlin has pointed to the possibility of NATO expansion as one of the reasons it launched the war, which has left more than 1 million casualties according to Rutte and other Western intelligence sources.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned European powers on December 2 that if they start a "war" with Russia, Moscow is ready to fight.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a roundtable of ambassadors in Moscow on December 11 that the Kremlin has no plans to strike out militarily at either the European Union or NATO and is "ready to set out the relevant guarantees in writing and in a legal document" stating as much "on a collective, mutual basis."

Last month German and Romanian fighter jets were scrambled to track drone incursions into Romania's airspace as Russia continued to attack targets just across the Danube River in neighboring Ukraine.

Russian drone incursions over Romania and Poland, along with Russian military jets entering Estonian airspace, led NATO to launch its Eastern Sentry initiative to bolster air defenses.

By RFE/RL

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As the recently published national security strategy emphasised, the new Trump administration is focused on maintaining control and influence in Latin America. The growing pressure that Washington is putting on Venezuela is just one example of this new foreign policy, and the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuelas coast is just the latest development. With that in mind, it is useful to understand exactly how the countrys oil industry is caught up in this geopolitical power play.

Since the United States introduced sanctions on Venezuelan oil in 2015, the South American countrys crude production has fallen substantially. Years of low oil revenues have led to a significant underinvestment in the countrys energy infrastructure, meaning that even if the U.S. were to lift sanctions, it would be extremely difficult to boost production to anywhere near its glory years. Nevertheless, the loosening of sanctions in recent years has allowed Venezuela to increase its oil output meaningfully. The White Houses recent aggression toward Venezuela, including striking alleged drug boats and now seizing an oil tanker, has only increased uncertainty around where the countrys production will go next.



Source: EIA

Venezuela has more oil reserves than any other country on earth, but it provides just 1 percent of the oil that the world is using. The South American country is home to around 17 percent of global oil reserves, with over 300 billion barrels. By comparison, the U.S. holds around 81 billion barrels of proven reserves. During the mid-1990s, Venezuela was producing around 5 percent of the worlds crude.

However, years of mismanagement, underinvestment, and U.S. sanctions have driven down production significantly. In addition, the heavy nature of Venezuelan crude makes it extremely difficult to extract. At present, due to the ongoing U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil, most of its crude goes to China, via shadow fleets, allowing the two countries to circumvent the sanctions.

In recent months, the Trump administration has built up a fleet of warships near Venezuela. Trump has ordered several small boats to be blown up in the region, accusing those on board of smuggling narcotics for drug cartels. The Trump administration reported that the military has killed at least 87 people in 22 known strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since early September. The U.S. military presence is the largest in Latin America in decades, which has led many to wonder whether land attacks could come next.

In December, Venezuelas President, Nicolas Maduro, said that the real motive behind Trumps military action is oil, which the U.S. Department of State was quick to deny. Colombias President, Gustavo Petro, agreed with Maduro, saying that the three-month campaign against Caracas was a negotiation about oil. Petro said that Trump is not thinking about democratising Venezuela, much less about drug trafficking.

President Trump has made his stance towards Maduro clear by repeatedly pushing for regime change. In late November, Trump reportedly gave Maduro an ultimatum to step down. In response, Maduro demanded a global amnesty for himself and allies. Although no official statement has been issued from either power, sources reported to the Miami Herald that Trump told Maduro, You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now. Trump reportedly offered safe passage for Maduro, his wife, and his son only if he agreed to resign right away.

While Trump clearly wants Maduro out of power, whether or not he is vying for Venezuelas oil is unclear. Considering how difficult it is to extract Venezuelas heavy sour crude, as well as the failings in the countrys energy infrastructure, reviving its oil industry would be no easy feat. Francisco J Monaldi, the director of the Latin America Energy Programme at Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy, estimates Venezuelas crude output to be just below 1 million bpd, with the potential to increase to between 4 and 5 million bpd based on an investment of $100 billion over 10 years.

Meanwhile, a legal scholar and researcher of Venezuelas oil industry, Jose Ignacio Hernandez, said, The oil sector in Venezuela is destroyed  Its not an attractive market in the short term, especially for a country like the U.S., which already has the worlds largest production. Hernandez explained that Maduro had already offered to allow U.S. companies to access Venezuelas oil and gold projects. If Trump wanted to strike a monopoly deal over Venezuelas oil, he would have accepted Maduros offer, stated Hernandez.

It is thought that Venezuelas oil operations are divided between state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela Sociedad Anonima (PDVSA), with 50 percent of operations; Chevron, 25 percent; joint ventures led by China, 10 percent; Russia, 10 percent; and European companies, 5 percent. Since Trump eased restrictions on Chevrons operations in Venezuela, the U.S. oil major has been importing between 150,000 and 160,000 bpd to the United States.

Experts also believe that even in the event of a regime change, it is unlikely that Venezuela will simply hand over its oil assets to the United States. No new government would want to appear willing to give away the countrys valuable resources and leave itself open to nationalist opposition. However, it might allow for foreign oil majors to gain more access to the Venezuelan market in return for large investments in redeveloping the countrys ageing energy infrastructure.

With the opposition leader coming out of hiding to receive her Nobel Peace Prize and the U.S. seizing an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, it seems the push to displace Maduro is far from over.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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28 Years Later III is reportedly moving forward after great responses to the second instalment.

The third instalment in the 28 Years Later trilogy has been greenlit

Sony is said to be ready to start work on the third film in the new horror trilogy after fans reacted positively to preview screening's of upcoming sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

According to Deadline, Alex Garland will return to write the third film, while 28 Days Later actor Cillian Murphy is in talks to return as Jim.

Murphy - who served as an executive producer on 28 Years Later and Bone Temple - is already poised for a comeback at the end of the second film, while he will have an expanded part on the third as yet untitled movie.

Sony had the option for the full trilogy, but waited to greenlight the third instalment.

Director Danny Boyle previously revealed Jim will have a much bigger part to play in the third and final entry in the 28 Years Later trilogy.

Speaking with Collider, the 68-year-old director said: Theres a story arc across all three films. The principle of this is what we sold to Sony. And they immediately said, Dont say its a trilogy. We said, No, we are going to say its a trilogy. Because it is! Were not going to lie to people!

Not all the characters run through all three films, but some of them do. Theres a character in this one, played by Ralph Fiennes, who is a massive part of the second film.

Cillian Murphy is an element in the second film and a very dominant element in the third film.

Boyle added he and scribe Alex Garland had written 28 Years Later to be a story that is influenced by 28 Days Later, though would not continue the plot elements introduced in the 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later - which was directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and saw the Rage Virus makes its way across the English Channel and begin to spread across Europe in the final scenes.

Boyle explained: What Alex and I decided to do was make an original film. But its a story influenced by 28 Days Later.

But it does not follow what happened in 28 Weeks Later, where the virus got into Europe. For story reasons, we suggested that Europe had driven the virus back across the channel. Then they could isolate the island of Britain and let it die out.
China plans to launch commercial operations at the worlds first small modular reactor (SMR) to generate nuclear energy as early as in the first half of 2026, according to the president of the China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy.

The Linglong One reactor was the first SMR to be approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2016.

Linglong One, based in Hainan province in China, earlier this year completed its primary circuit cold functional test, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said in October.

Linglong One is the first commercial onshore small modular reactor worldwide to pass the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety review, representing a major breakthrough in China's independent nuclear innovation, CNNC said at the time.

China will use Linglong One and other small reactors predominantly to meet power demand in places with weaker grids, Wang Zhenqing, president of CNNCs China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy, said at an energy event in Beijing, as carried by Reuters.

The small modular reactors are believed to be simpler and cheaper to build and install. Because of their smaller size, it is possible to install SMRs on sites that are not suitable for bigger reactors. They are also significantly cheaper and faster to build than conventional reactors and can be constructed incrementally to meet the growing energy demand of a site.

While China plans commercial launch of the first SMR, the U.S. is years away from its own operational small modular reactor.

A few weeks ago, China also unveiled a major breakthrough in nuclear reactor materials and technology that could pave the way to safer fission energy with less waste and no water use for cooling. Scientists from the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences now announce they have converted thorium into uranium in the thorium molten salt reactor, in a world-first such scientific breakthrough.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Citi expects Brent crude to decline further to an average $60 per barrel over the first quarter of the new year, Reuters has reported, citing the bank as expecting inventories in the OECD to go up further, pressuring benchmarks.

This is Citis bearish case for oil, while its base case for the international benchmark is for an average price of $62 for full 2026. The bullish case, with realized geopolitical supply disruptions sees Brent crude going up to an average $75 per barrel over 2026. The full-2026 bearish scenario sees Brent crude averaging $50 over next year, on the back of geopolitical dealmaking, less China buying, [and] more OPEC+ supply ahead of the U.S. midterms.

With regard to OPEC+, Citi analysts said the group may extend the pause on production cut rollbacks amid the projected supply overhang next year, possibly even into 2027, to keep a floor under prices.

The forecast comes on the heels of a Bloomberg report citing analysts as expecting China to continue to buy oil at elevated rates for stockpiling, which, the publication wrote, would mask weakening global demand.

Oil prices, meanwhile, ticked higher on Wednesday after the United States seized a sanctioned tanker off the coast of Venezuela, prompting fears of disruption in case the U.S. escalates further. The Venezuelan government denounced the seizure, calling it a blatant theft and an act of international piracy.

Today, however, prices retreated, with Brent crude trading at $61.95 per barrel at the time of writing, and West Texas Intermediate changing hands for $58.24 per barrel.

The oil market is moving deeper into the expected oil glut, ING commodity analysts said, adding that the pressure on prices would increase in 2026. However, Russian oil supply remains a risk. While Russian seaborne export volumes are holding up well, these barrels are struggling to find buyers, Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey wrote, noting Urals would need to get cheaper to find buyers.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Global oil demand will rise by about 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) next year, supported by solid economic growth, OPEC said in its monthly report ton Thursday, keeping its demand forecasts unchanged from last month.

Unlike other forecasters, investment banks, and analysts, OPEC continues to expect robust demand growth in 2026 that will be higher than the estimated increase for 2025 of about 1.3 million bpd, forecasts in the cartels Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) showed on Thursday.

Figures about the balance of supply and demand in OPECs report also suggest that the cartel expects a balanced market next year.

Demand for crude from the OPEC+ producers is expected at 43.0 million bpd in 2026, up by 60,000 bpd compared to the projection for 2025, OPEC said.

At the same time, crude oil production by the countries in the OPEC+ pact averaged 43.06 million bpd in November, a rise by 43,000 bpd from October, compared to the available secondary sources in OPECs report.

After December, OPEC+ producers will be pausing their targeted monthly production increases during the first quarter of 2026.

OPEC expects rival non-OPEC+ oil supply to grow by about 600,000 bpd next year, versus growth of some 1 million bpd expected for 2025.

The rise in non-OPEC+ output is expected to be driven by offshore start-ups across Latin America and the Gulf of Mexico, increased NGLs production in the U.S., Argentinas tight oil production, and the scaling of oil sands projects in Canada. Latin America is projected to lead non-OPEC+ growth, accounting for about two-thirds of the total, followed by Canada and the U.S.

This projection, while not new for OPEC, reiterates the cartels view that U.S. oil production growth will slow down next year.

Signals have started to emerge in the shale patch and from industry executives that WTI crude prices below the $60 per barrel mark will put the brakes on Americas shale growth.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The construction of the second Power of Siberia gas pipeline from Russia to Northern China could take up to 10 years because it involves tremendous work, jobs and negotiations, the president of the research division of China's state energy giant CNPC said this week.

Lu Ruquan, president of the CNPC Economics & Technology Research Institute, was speaking at the International Energy Executive Forum when he made the remarks, as quoted by Reuters. These suggest the undertaking is not yet a done deal, even though the two sides struck a definitive agreement to build the infrastructure earlier this year.

Gazprom and CNPC in September signed a legally binding memorandum on the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline from Russia to China via Mongolia, sending gas from Western Siberia to Northern China.

At the time of the announcement, Gazproms head, Alexei Miller, noted that the projects scale is rather unparalleled, saying that It should be understood that the project of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline construction and the Soyuz Vostok gas pipeline construction, the transit gas pipeline via Mongolia and related gas transport facilities in China, it will now be the largest, having the greatest scale and the most capital-intensive project in the gas industry globally.

Gazprom and CNPC will be leading the construction project, but have yet to agree on all the details. In the meantime, Gazprom secured Mongolias preliminary go-ahead for the construction of the transit pipe between Russia and China. If it moves forward, the Power of Siberia 2 will bring the amount of gas that Russia would be sending to China to over 100 billion cu m annually, which would be equal to the capacity of the twin Nord Stream pipelines that were supposed to carry gas to Germany until they were sabotaged in 2022.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Washington moved aggressively back into Venezuelas oil sector on Thursday, sanctioning Maduro family members, a longtime business ally, and six companies operating tankers that have kept PDVSAs exports alive through opaque shipping practices. Its the clearest sign yet that the brief thaw under Biden is over, and that the Trump administration intends to put real teeth back into the sanctions regime.

At the center of the new action are three nephews of Cilia Flores, Maduros powerful wife. Two of them, better known in Caracas as the narco-nephews, were convicted in U.S. courts for attempting to smuggle hundreds of kilos of cocaine into the United States before receiving clemency in 2022. Treasury says both men walked straight back into the drug trade upon returning to Venezuela. Theyre now re-designated under counter-narcotics authorities, along with a third nephew, Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, who had been removed from the SDN list during Biden-era negotiations that ultimately went nowhere.

Treasury also went after a familiar target: Venezuelas oil lifeline. Six shipping firms and six tankersmany flagged in the Marshall Islands, Panama, or the Cook Islandswere blacklisted for moving Venezuelan crude while using deceptive AIS practices to mask their routes. Several of the tankers, including the WHITE CRANE and KIARA M, loaded barrels as recently as October and are now frozen out of the U.S. financial system.

Venezuelas oil sector isnt collapsing overnightits been grinding down for years. What remains of PDVSAs export machine is held together with patchwork fixes, aging joint-venture wells, and a revolving door of tankers that try to stay one jump ahead of sanctions. Most of the crude that still leaves the country does so clandestinely, cutting their transponders, drifting offshore until dark, and swapping cargoes in the middle of nowhere. The new Treasury designations hit directly at that remaining workaround, shrinking an already narrow export lane.

The move lands as Trump escalates pressure across multiple frontsmilitary, political, and economic. In recent months, U.S. forces have seized a tanker off Venezuelas coast and struck dozens of alleged narcotics vessels. Experts warn that even if Maduro were forced out, reviving Venezuelas energy sector would require tens of billions in capital and a decade of stabilityboth of which remain out of reach. For now, Treasurys message is simpler: the window for sanctions evasion has narrowed, and Washington is back in the enforcement business.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

An example of a gold vein in rock. Credit: Calum Lyell

Sophisticated new chemical analysis of gases trapped in rocks for millions of years has cast new light on the origin of the gold deposits beneath Scotland and Ireland. The finding, made by team of scientists led by Professor Fin Stuart from the University of Glasgow, could help pinpoint the location of buried deposits of the treasured metal in the future.

The team used mass spectrometric analysis of samples of gold-bearing sulfide minerals from ore deposits in the Caledonian mountain belt to reach the surprising conclusion that gold originates in the deep Earth. Their finding may help resolve a long-standing debate about the origin of some of the world's major gold deposits.

The Caledonian mountain belt extends for 1,800 kilometers from the Appalachians in North America to northern Norway. It formed 490390 million years ago when the ancient continental plates of Laurentia, Baltica, and Avalonia collided, driven by forces deep in Earth's interior.

Scientists have argued for decades whether the mineral deposits in the world's largest major mountain belts are a result of melting of hot rock below Earth's crust or whether the metals were mobilized by hot fluids released during the heating and deformation of crustal rocks during tectonic upheaval.

In a new paper published in the journal Geology, the researchers conclude that the major gold deposits in the Caledonian belt are intimately related to the melting of the mantle beneath the colliding crustal plates that produced the huge granite bodies in the Scottish highlands. Their findings are based on high precision mass spectrometric analysis of the gases trapped in gold-rich sulfide minerals.

The team's key observation is that the trace amounts of helium dissolved in the ancient ore fluids is mainly from Earth's mantle. The analysis using sophisticated mass spectrometers at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Center (SUERC) shows for the first time that all deposits, irrespective of their size or age, contain helium with an isotopic composition indicating an origin in the melting of Earth's mantle. This, in turn, implies that the heat for driving the circulation of the hot gold-rich fluids also originated in the deep Earth.

The team note that the proportion of deep-sourced helium and the temperature of the mineralizing fluids appear to correspond to the size of the gold deposit. The study has two important conclusions. First, it implies that the gold ultimately originates in the mantle, not the crust. Second, it suggests that helium isotopes provide a simple geochemical method for determining the size of prospective gold deposits.

Dr. Calum Lyell, Exploration Geologist at Western Gold Exploration and lead author of the study, said, "These novel helium isotope signatures may serve as a key indicator for the identification of major mineral systems worldwide."

Professor Fin Stuart from the University of Glasgow and SUERC led the project. He said, "The presence of deep helium in all the deposits in the Caledonian orogenic belt is a clear sign that mantle melting is essential for the formation of this globally important type of gold deposit. Whether it explains the origin of other technology-critical metals is now an open question."

Publication details Calum M. Lyell et al, The role of mantle melting and associated granitoid magmatism in the genesis of orogenic gold in the Laurentian Caledonides, Geology (2025). DOI: 10.1130/g54161.1 Journal information: Geology
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: AI-generated image

It seems the AI hype has turned into an AI bubble. There have been many bubbles before, from the Tulip mania of the 17th century to the derivatives bubble of the 21st century. For many commentators, the most relevant precedent today is the dotcom bubble of the 1990s. Back then, a new technology (the World Wide Web) unleashed a wave of "irrational exuberance." Investors poured billions into any company with ".com" in the name.

Three decades later, another new technology has unleashed another wave of exuberance. Investors are pouring billions into any company with "AI" in its name. But there is a crucial difference between these two bubbles, which isn't always recognized. The World Wide Web existed. It was real. General artificial intelligence does not exist, and no one knows if or when it ever will.

In February, the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, wrote on his blog that the very latest systems have only just started to "point towards" AI in its "general" sense. OpenAI may market its products as "AIs," but they are merely statistical data-crunchers, rather than "intelligences" in the sense that human beings are intelligent.

So why are investors so keen to give money to the people selling AI systems? One reason might be that AI is a mythical technology. I don't mean it is a lie. I mean it evokes a powerful, foundational story of Western culture about human powers of creation.

Perhaps investors are willing to believe AI is just around the corner because it taps into myths that are deeply ingrained in their imaginations?

The myth of Prometheus

The most relevant myth for AI is the Ancient Greek myth of Prometheus.

There are many versions of this myth, but the most famous are found in Hesiod's poems Theogony and Works and Days, and in the play Prometheus Bound, traditionally attributed to Aeschylus.

Prometheus was a Titan, a god in the Ancient Greek pantheon. He was also a criminal who stole fire from Hephaestus, the blacksmith god. Hiding the fire in a stalk of fennel, Prometheus came to Earth and gave it to humankind. As punishment, he was chained to a mountain, where an eagle visited every day to eat his liver.

Prometheus' gift was not simply the gift of fire; it was the gift of intelligence. In Prometheus Bound, he declares that before his gift humans saw without seeing and heard without hearing. After his gift, humans could write, build houses, read the stars, perform mathematics, domesticate animals, construct ships, invent medicines, interpret dreams and give proper offerings to the gods.

The myth of Prometheus is a creation story with a difference. In the Hebrew Bible, God does not give Adam the power to create life. But Prometheus gives (some of) the gods' creative power to humankind.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

Hesiod indicates this aspect of the myth in Theogony. In that poem, Zeus not only punishes Prometheus for the theft of fire; he punishes humankind as well. He orders Hephaestus to fire up his forge and construct the first woman, Pandora, who unleashes evil on the world.

The fire that Hephaestus uses to make Pandora is the same fire that Prometheus has given humankind.

The Greeks proposed the idea that humans are a form of artificial intelligence. Prometheus and Hephaestus use technology to manufacture men and women. As historian Adrienne Mayor reveals in her book Gods and Robots, the ancients often depicted Prometheus as a craftsman, using ordinary tools to create human beings in an ordinary workshop.

If Prometheus gave us the fire of the gods, it would seem to follow that we can use this fire to make our own intelligent beings. Such stories abound in Ancient Greek literature, from the inventor Daedalus, who created statues that came to life, to the witch Medea, who could restore youth and potency with her cunning drugs. Greek inventors also constructed mechanical computers for astronomy and remarkable moving figures powered by gravity, water and air.

The Pope and the chatbot

2,700 years have passed since Hesiod first wrote down the story of Prometheus. In the ensuing centuries, the myth has been endlessly retold, especially since the publication of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus in 1818.

But the myth is not always told as fiction. Here are two historical examples where the myth of Prometheus seemed to come true.

Gerbert of Aurillac was the Prometheus of the 10th century. He was born in the early 940s CE, went to school at Aurillac Abbey, and became a monk himself. He proceeded to master every known branch of learning. In the year 999, he was elected Pope. He died in 1003 under his pontifical name, Sylvester II.

Rumors about Gerbert spread wildly across Europe. Within a century of his death, his life had already become legend. One of the most famous legends, and the most pertinent in our age of AI hype, is that of Gerbert's "brazen head." The legend was told in the 1120s by the English historian William of Malmesbury, in his well researched and highly regarded book, Deeds of the English Kings.

Gerbert was deeply learned in astronomy, a science of prediction. Astronomers could use the astrolabe to predict the position of the stars and foresee cosmological events such as eclipses. According to William, Gerbert used his knowledge of astronomy to construct a talking head. After inspecting the movements of the stars and planets, he cast a head in bronze that could answer yes-or-no questions.

First Gerbert asked the head: "Will I become Pope?"

"Yes," answered the head.

Then Gerbert asked: "Will I die before I sing mass in Jerusalem?"

"No," the head replied.

In both cases, the head was correct, though not as Gerbert anticipated. He did become Pope, and he sensibly avoided going on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. One day, however, he sang mass at Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome. Unfortunately for Gerbert, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme was known in those days simply as "Jerusalem."

Gerbert sickened and died. On his deathbed, he asked his attendants to cut up his body and cast away the pieces, so he could go to his true master, Satan. In this way, he was, like Prometheus, punished for his theft of fire.

It is a thrilling story. It is not clear whether William of Malmesbury actually believed it. But he does try to persuade his readers that it is plausible. Why did this great historian with a devotion to the truth insert some fanciful legends about a French pope into his history of England? Good question!

Is it so fanciful to believe that an advanced astronomer might build a general-purpose prediction machine? In those days, astronomy was the most powerful science of prediction. The sober and scholarly William was at least willing to entertain the idea that brilliant advances in astronomy might make it possible for a Pope to build an intelligent chatbot.

Today, that same possibility is credited to machine-learning algorithms, which can predict which ad you will click, which movie you will watch, which word you will type next. We can be forgiven for falling under the same spell.

The anatomist and the automaton

The Prometheus of the 18th century was Jacques de Vaucanson, at least according to Voltaire:

Bold Vaucanson, rival of Prometheus,

Seems, imitating the springs of nature,

To steal the fire of heaven to animate the body.

Vaucanson was a great machinist, famous for his automata. These were clockwork devices that realistically simulated human or animal anatomy. Philosophers of the time believed that the body was a machineso why couldn't a machinist build one?

Sometimes Vaucanson's automata were scientifically significant. He constructed a piper, for example, that had lips and lungs and fingers, and blew the pipe in much the same way a human would. Historian Jessica Riskin explains in her book The Restless Clock that Vaucanson had to make significant discoveries in acoustics in order to make his piper play in tune.

Sometimes his automata were less scientific. His digesting duck was hugely famous, but turned out to be fraudulent. It appeared to eat and digest food, but its poos were in fact prefabricated pellets hidden inside the mechanism.

Vaucanson spent decades working on what he called a "moving anatomy." In 1741, he presented a plan to the Lyons Academy to build an "imitation of all animal operations." Twenty years later, he was at it again. He secured support from King Louis XV to build a simulation of the circulatory system. He claimed he could build a complete, living artificial body.

There is no evidence that Vaucanson ever completed a whole body. In the end, he couldn't live up to the hype. But many of his contemporaries believed he could do it. They wanted to believe in his magical mechanisms. They wished he would seize the fire of life.

If Vaucanson could manufacture a new human body, couldn't he also repair an existing one? This is the promise of some AI companies today. According to Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, AI will soon allow people "to live as long as they want." Immortality seems like an attractive investment.

Sylvester II and Vaucanson were great technologists, but neither was a Prometheus. They stole no fire from the gods. Will the aspiring Prometheans of Silicon Valley succeed where their predecessors have failed? If only we had Sylvester II's brazen head, we could ask it.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Full biosynthetic assembly of biphenomycins A-C from precursor peptide 8. Credit: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2025). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202516156

Biphenomycins, natural products derived from bacteria, show excellent antimicrobial activity, but have long remained out of reach for drug development. The main obstacle was the limited understanding of how these compounds are produced by their microbial hosts.

A research team led by Tobias Gulder, department head at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), has now deciphered the biosynthetic pathway of the biphenomycins, establishing the foundation for their pharmaceutical advancement. The team published its findings in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Antibiotic resistance and biphenomycin potential

Staphylococcus aureus can trigger a wide range of infectionsfrom skin and postoperative wound infections to pneumonia and life-threatening sepsismaking it one of the most problematic pathogens in clinical settings. Because this bacterium frequently develops resistance to commonly used antibiotics, treatment is increasingly difficult.

In Germany alone, roughly 132,000 cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are reported each year. With drug-resistant S. aureus infections continuing to rise worldwide, new antibiotics capable of overcoming resistance are urgently needed. Biphenomycins, natural products discovered in the 1960s, show strong activity against S. aureus and other Gram-positive pathogens.

First author Elisabeth Strunk is working on the preparation of the biphenomycins at the isolator. Credit: HIPS/Gobner

Despite their potency and good tolerability in animal models, they were never developed into therapeuticsprimarily because their natural producer, a Streptomyces strain, only produces them in small amounts that are insufficient for drug development. In addition, the genes responsible for their biosynthesis remained unknown, preventing production in a more suitable host organism.

Together with colleagues at TU Dresden, HIPS researchers have now fully elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of the biphenomycins. HIPS is a site of the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI) in collaboration with Saarland University.

Elisabeth Strunk, first author of the study and doctoral researcher in the Gulder group, highlights the significance of this achievement: "For the first time, we were able to unravel all enzymatic steps that convert a simple peptide into the biologically active biphenomycin molecule. This understanding of the biosynthetic pathway now provides a basis for targeted improvement of this natural product family."

Enzyme discoveries and future applications

The study shows that the bacterial producer first synthesizes a simple peptide that contains regions guiding subsequent modifications. Several specialized enzymes then process the peptide in a defined order. Particularly remarkable is the enzyme pair BipEF, which combines two functions in one: it introduces specific chemical groups into the peptide and simultaneously cleaves it at a defined position. Such a dual function has not previously been observed within this enzyme family.

With the biosynthetic pathway now elucidated, the researchers can begin to systematically modify the involved genes and transfer them into more suitable production strains. This paves the way to produce sufficient quantities of biphenomycins for further studies and to generate new variants with improved pharmaceutical properties.

"For decades, biphenomycins were scientifically intriguing but practically inaccessible. Now that we understand how they are assembled, we can start to actively engineer them and create entirely new derivatives. This is a crucial step that enables us to develop innovative drug candidates for infections that no longer respond to standard therapies," says Gulder, head of the department Natural Product Biotechnology at HIPS and professor at Saarland University.

These findings lay the foundation for future efforts to turn biphenomycins into viable therapeutic options and represent an important contribution to the global search for new solutions to antibiotic resistance.

Publication details Elisabeth Strunk et al, Biosynthesis of the Biphenomycin Family of Potent Antibiotics, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2025). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202516156 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
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Farmers and shorebirds coexist peacefully on the same mudflat. Credit: Hanming Tu

China's tidal flats feed people and mollusk-eating migrating shorebirds such as red knots, great knots and Eurasian oystercatchers. Under good management, these flats used for aquaculture markedly reduce human disturbance on tidal wetlands.

This is the finding of a decade-long project by a multinational team with scientists from Guangdong University of Technology, China and NIOZ (Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research), the Netherlands. The work is published in the journal Nature Communications.

Intertidal loss no longer the primary problem

The East AsianAustralasian Flyway (EAAF) is the world's most threatened shorebird flyway. Intertidal loss in the Yellow and Bohai seas was long considered the primary threat to migratory shorebirds along the EAAF, due to the rapid habitat loss of coastal wetlands for land reclamation for housing and industry before the 2010s.

However, China's reclamation ban has eased that pressure and even nudged mudflat areas upward. However, shorebird populations have continued to decline since 2015. Therefore, exploring the new and most pressing threats faced by shorebirds is especially urgent.

Cultured shellfish attract birds

Food is the foundation for migratory birds. The new study showed that the distribution and abundance of cultured shellfish (the main food of many shorebird species) directly determine the spatial hotspots and seasonal peaks of shorebirds along China's coast. Shorebirds concentrate where cultured shellfish are high.

"Beginning in spring 2015, we surveyed nearly 40 key coastal wetlands spanning the entire coastline, focusing on shorebirds' primary prey, shellfish," explains the study's first author, He-Bo Peng.

The researchers linked their shellfish data with the China Coastal Waterbird Census to test how mariculture-caused shellfish landscapes influence where shorebirds concentrate and how their numbers rise and fall through the migration season.

Unmanaged mudflats are frequently dug up. Credit: Hanming Tu

Mariculture ban and the tragedy of the commons

At one focal site, the researchers tracked what happened after mariculture was banned in 2018, Peng says, stating, "If farming is banned, vast mudflats can become effectively unmanaged open-access areas. Hundreds or thousands of people may enter to glean shellfish, and this uncontrolled harvesting can rapidly deplete shellfish and other fauna."

By contrast, during regulated farming, harvests typically occur at most once a year and target large individuals, leaving small ones, the main food for shorebirds, in place. Farmers also reseed after harvesting, adding new shellfish to the system. Under a blanket ban, this reseeding input disappears.

Effective mariculture management enhances conservation

Food security is vital for migratory bird protection. Maintaining food resources for shorebirds along their migration routes may contribute to mitigating the ongoing decline of shorebird populations in EAAF. Managed mariculture along China's coast offers a better solution to the food crisis than imposing a ban.

Peng notes, "Species on this flyway face rapid environmental change. Without adequate food during critical time windows, some populations risk arriving late at breeding groundsor fail to complete the journey at all. Rather than framing development versus conservation as a zero-sum choice, evidence points to 'working wetlands': places that keep seafood on plates and sustain the migration lifeline."

Expansion everywhere?

Should we expand aquaculture everywhere? Peng believes we should not.

"While shellfish farming can help shorebirds, it also carries risks," he says. "For example, some razor-clam operations reportedly apply toxins to clear other organisms before stocking, and farm expansion can crowd out native species and restructure local ecosystems."

Methods, stocking density, and harvesting gear all affect the benthic community; over-intensive or rough practices damage mudflat structure and reduce biodiversity.

"We propose a scientifically fine-tuned management by time, by zone, and by harvest intensity, to safeguard both the dinner table and the flyway for migrating shorebirds," says Peng.

Publication details He-Bo Peng et al, China's intertidal mariculture as an unexpected lifeline sustaining the world's most threatened shorebird flyway, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65948-w Journal information: Nature Communications
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Researchers developed a highly precise chip-based magnetometer based on a special material that changes optical properties in response to a magnetic field. Credit: Brian Long, Senior Artist, University of California Santa Barbara

Researchers have developed a precision magnetometer based on a special material that changes optical properties in response to a magnetic field. The device, which is integrated onto a chip, could benefit space missions, navigation and biomedical applications.

High-precision magnetometers are used to measure the strength and direction of magnetic fields for various applications. However, many of today's magnetometers must operate at extremely low temperaturesclose to 0 kelvinor require relatively large and heavy apparatus, which significantly restricts their practicality.

"Our device operates at room temperature and can be fully integrated onto a chip," said Paolo Pintus from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the University of Cagliari, Italy, co-principal investigator for the study. "The light weight and low power consumption of this magnetometer make it ideal for use on small satellites, where it could enable studies of the magnetic areas around planets or aid in characterizing foreign metallic objects in space."

In Optica, the research team, led by Galan Moody of UCSB, with Caroline A. Ross of MIT, also serving as a co-principal investigator, describe their new magnetometer. They show that the device can achieve a sensitivity comparable to that of other high-performance, but less practical, magnetometers.

"The magnetometer could be useful for magnetic navigation, providing an alternative navigation source in environments where GPS is jammed, spoofed or unavailable, such as underwater, in tunnels or during electronic warfare," said Pintus. "It could also benefit medical imaging methods such as magnetocardiography and magnetoencephalography, which currently depend on highly sensitive magnetometers that require bulky, costly equipment."

The researchers fabricated chip-based interferometers (pictured) to measure how light propagating through a magneto-optic material changed in response to a magnetic field. Credit: Duanni Huang, University of California Santa Barbara

Turning light into magnetic insight

The new magnetometer was developed as part of the U.S. National Science Foundation's Quantum Sensing Challenges for Transformational Advances in Quantum Systems program. It builds on previous works in which the researchers used magneto-optic materials to develop a magneto-optic modulator and integrated magneto-optic memories for photonic in-memory computing.

For the new device, the researchers used a magneto-optical material called cerium-doped yttrium iron garnet (Ce:YIG), which was provided by Yuya Shoji from the Institute of Science, Tokyo. When an external magnetic field is present, light propagating through Ce:YIG experiences a phase shift that can be detected with an optical interferometer.

Optical interferometers work by splitting light into two paths and then recombining those paths. By placing the magneto-optic material in one of the paths, the researchers were able to measure whether the light in that path becomes brighter or dimmer, which was then used to determine the strength of the magnetic field.

To make the magnetometer practical, the researchers built it on silicon photonics, a technology that creates tiny optical devices using the same silicon found in microchips. This allowed them to create a device with minimal size, weight and power consumption that can be integrated with other chip-based optical components such as lasers and photodetectors.

"Historically, magneto-optic materials have been used almost exclusively in optical isolators and circulators, a specialized class of devices that enforce unidirectional light propagation," said Pintus. "By incorporating magneto-optic materials directly onto a photonic integrated circuit, we expand the range of integrated photonic components and introduce functionalities that stem from their unique properties."

The magnetometer operates with ordinary laser light, but the authors have shown that injecting quantum light can improve its performance. "The idea is similar to what's already done in large optical interferometers used to detect gravitational waves, like LIGO," explained Pintus. "By using squeezed lighta special quantum state of lightwe can reduce noise and increase the instrument's sensitivity."

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High sensitivity from a small device

Using a combination of multi-physics simulations and experimental measurements, the researchers showed that the device can detect magnetic fields ranging from a few tens of picotesla to 4 millitesla. For comparison, Earth's magnetic field is about 100,000 times stronger than the minimum detectable field, yet around 1,000 times weaker than the maximum field the instrument can measure. This sensitivity matches that of high-performance cryogenic magnetometers, without their restrictive temperature, size, weight or power constraints.

"This research effort brought together specialists in modeling and fabrication of integrated optical devices, material science and quantum-level modeling of lightmatter interactions," said Pintus. "The synergy among these disciplines enabled us to demonstrate a high-performance device with capabilities that would not be attainable through any single field alone."

Now that the researchers have taken an important step toward demonstrating the feasibility of their approach, they are working to improve performance by exploring alternative magneto-optic materials and integrating quantum elements for even greater sensitivity. They note that transitioning the research into a commercial product would require the challenging task of creating a fully integrated chip-based system that includes other key components, such as an integrated laser and photodetector.

Publication details Paolo Pintus et al, Integrated magneto-optic based magnetometer: classical and quantum limits, Optica (2025). DOI: 10.1364/optica.577791 Journal information: Optica

Provided by Optica
In a time when information spreads faster than comprehension, faith communities have stepped up to reclaim trust and truth. These communities serve not only as spiritual guides but as organizations capable of fostering the ability to discern, reconcile differences, and communicate ethically.

A good example is Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC or "Church of Christ"), a Philippine-based organization whose teachings are based solely on the Bible. The church espouses unity in doctrine, worship, and orderly administration as it advocates for truth, unity, and responsible participation in society.

Guardians of Truth in the Digital Age

The digital age has provided us with myriad tools to discover, understand, and share information. But the downside is that misinformation can now spread faster than ever.

Misinformation often spreads quickly due to fear, confusion, or uncertainty. This is where faith communities step in, helping members confirm, assess, and contemplate information before passing it on.

Iglesia Ni Cristo, for its part, encourages its members to apply an educational and theological grounding for its beliefs. Members are enjoined to uphold a code of ethics, exercising honesty and transparency in all communication.

These values align with the INC's broader mission to be a responsible custodian of the community. By education and faith, the church strives to strengthen connectedness via moral integrity.

Building Trust Through Shared Values

Division flourishes when trust and faith are weak. In today's extremely polarized setting, places of worship are among the few remaining refuges for genuine dialogue and civility.

Religious leaders grounded in the scriptures and connected to their own moral compasses have a vital role to play in healing division. By reminding their congregations that empathy and understanding will ultimately prevail, they can combat the rhetoric or half-truths that divide us.

Iglesia Ni Cristo's culture of unity in doctrine and practice reinforces this notion. By maintaining harmony within the church, members fulfill a larger call to harmony. The INC is only one example of how faith-based organizations can offer a counter-narrative to the violence or hostility misinformation encourages.

Faith in Action: Education and Outreach

Actions add power to words. Faith-based organizations can work diligently to counter misinformation not just from the pulpit but also from programs that educate and empower individuals.

The INC's community outreach program, Lingap sa Mamamayan (Care for Humanity), shows how placing value on service can foster truth. Providing people with food, medical care, and other supports demonstrates a level of authenticity and compassion that contrasts with the online narratives that often divide us. Lingap sa Mamamayan embodies the principle of living the truth rather than merely professing it.

Bridging Communities Across Borders

Global connectivity can connect people of different backgrounds. Unfortunately, it can also lead to cultural misunderstandings.

Faith communities are in a unique position to foster solidarity amidst diversity. Iglesia Ni Cristo's presence in 168 countries and territories demonstrates how shared beliefs can rise above ethnicity and geography.

By creating spaces for encompassing participation and mutual respect, the INC creates a space where humans can celebrate their differences without conflict. In this way, faith serves as a bridge rather than a barrier.

A Path Toward Unity and Understanding

Misinformation and polarization often seem unavoidable in today's society. But faith can be a powerful alternative. Communities that turn to their moral and spiritual roots find common meaning and a sense of responsibility. By imbuing its community services with truth and accountability, Iglesia Ni Cristo illustrates how faith communities can foster greater understanding.
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Schools, homes and agricultural land in Tanzania are being impacted by "mega gullies" such as this. Credit: Maarten Wynants

Recent fieldwork by Griffith University researchers has highlighted an African country that is facing a rapidly escalating environmental crisis as severe gully erosionlocally termed "mega gullies"advances across valuable agricultural landscapes.

Associate Professor Andrew Brooks and Research Fellow Dr. Maarten Wynants from Griffith's Precision Erosion and Sediment Management Research Group (PrESM) found the affected areas in Tanzania supported high-value farmland critical to local food security and economic stability.

"Without swift and coordinated action, the situation is a 'time bomb' that could inflict irreversible social, economic, and ecological damage," Dr. Wynants said.

"The onset of these mega gullies dates back 3050 years, but recent evidence suggests they are now expanding on an exponential growth curve, meaning that each year they erode more and faster."

Drivers of the problem

Through their years of fieldwork and study, Associate Professor Brooks and Dr. Wynants said the trigger for this major erosion was caused by increasing human pressures and changes to how they interact with their environment, including:

Removal of natural vegetation for farmland, driven a rapidly growing population in Tanzania (doubling about every 25 years and currently at 70 million people)

Forced settling of nomadic pastoralists

Loss of socio-economic capital (the loss of indigenous skills during the colonial period, a lack of governance of natural resources, and no investment in soil conservation).

"There are, of course, also some natural factors that make the region so vulnerable to this issue, such as volcanic and dispersive soils, variable rainfall with switching of droughts and extreme floods, and hilly terrain," Associate Professor Brooks said.

But primarily, the major shift in human land use played the critical role.

"Following independence, many Maasai pastoralists relocated into permanent settlements, abandoning the nomadic grazing patterns that once allowed landscapes to recover during seasonal migrations," Dr. Wynants said. "Today, land that was historically grazed only seasonally is permanently cropped and overgrazed, placing immense strain on fragile volcanic and dispersive soils."

Social, economic, and ecological impacts

The research team said not only did the mega gullies threaten agricultural lands, grazing lands, roads, and bridges, they also posed risks to schools, homes and community areas.

In a region where about 70% of people relied on subsistence farming, the loss of arable land directly jeopardized both income and food security.

"Infrastructure was equally at risk: two bridges in the study region, each costing about USD $100,000, were destroyed within a decade of installationan immense setback in a nation striving to develop essential services," Dr. Wynants said.

"Collapsing roads and bridges also stop people from selling excess produce to distributors or taking it to the markets, so they cannot earn money."

Downstream, sediment from eroded landscapes was rapidly filling reservoirs and lakes, degrading water quality and threatening biodiversity hotspots such as Lake Manyara National Park, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve which is home to more than 350 bird species and a wide range of typical African terrestrial wildlife such as lions and elephants.

Solutions and paths forward

In response to these erosion impacts, Griffith researchers, in collaboration with the Tanzanian Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology, Ghent University, Belgium, and Tanzanian stakeholders and NGOs such as the Women's Agri-Enviro Vision, have initiated monitoring stations and demonstration projects using indigenous, low-cost erosion-control techniquesincluding slow-forming terraces, earth bunds, and leaky damsbut these measures can only stabilize smaller gullies.

The team emphasized large-scale restoration, significant financial investment, and major societal shifts in livestock management and soil stewardship were urgently needed to halt the further advancement of mega gullies to protect Tanzania's future.

"To completely stop this problem, we need a total shift where people destock and better regulate livestock grazing, but also invest in soil improvement and management," Associate Professor Brooks said. "And there is also a need to set up a large investment fund supporting the ongoing restoration and future prevention of these mega gullies."

Key concepts hazardsSoil Erosion
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100-year-old housing used as accommodation for the TASS squat. Credit: Space and Culture (2025). DOI: 10.1177/12063312251386610

Everyday acts of caretightening a loose hinge, patching up a wall, or simply moving a cratemay seem mundane. But a new study from Ritsumeikan University shows that these small repairs are key to sustaining autonomy and an inclusive social life in a squatted space in Japan.

The research, led by Associate Professor Kyoko Tominaga from the College of Social Sciences at Ritsumeikan University, Japan, explores how spatial practices within the squat at the Takayama Architecture Summer School (TASS) enable diverse residents to coexist through collaborative maintenance. Through months of participant observation, Dr. Tominaga documented how residents adapted and repaired the building using basic, often improvised methods that helped reinforce trust, shared responsibility, and self-governance.

The work is published in the journal Space and Culture. It is one of the few academic investigations of squatting in Japan, adding important nuance to a field largely shaped by Western-based contexts. By focusing on hands-on repair and reconfiguration of everyday environments, the paper identifies how autonomy is continually produced, not assumed, within the community.

"Social movements are usually associated with marches or policy demands," says Dr. Tominaga. "But in this squat, autonomy takes shape through repairing a door, creating a quiet corner, or building a safer space for women and children. These small actions collectively enable people from different backgrounds to live together."

The findings challenge common assumptions that urban planning and community development require specialized design skills or technical knowledge. Instead, residents at TASS fostered safety, inclusion, and mutual support through simple spatial interventionsadding curtains for privacy, building a shared kitchen, or modifying sleeping arrangements to accommodate newcomers.

These trial-and-error practices not only shaped the material layout of the squat but also reinforced horizontal decision-making.

Old-style kitchen in the corner of the building. Credit: Space and Culture (2025). DOI: 10.1177/12063312251386610

"Opening and closing spaces," both physically and socially, became a shared process. Individuals negotiated boundaries, co-designed solutions, and built trust as they repaired and reorganized their surroundings.

"Anyone can take part in shaping space," Dr. Tominaga notes. "Repair work empowers residents to contribute directly to how they live, even without architectural expertise. This is a profoundly democratic form of urban participation."

The implications extend beyond the squat itself. As cities face rising inequalities and housing pressures, the study offers a practical reminder: Inclusive communities can be built through cooperation and small-scale interventions that promote psychosocial safety. For nonprofits, urban planners, and community organizers, the research highlights how everyday infrastructureincluding kitchens, doors, and shared workspacescan become tools of activism and social support.

Dr. Tominaga's interest in this topic stems from her long-standing research on the spatial dimensions of social movements. Seeing the squat as a living example of coexistence through shared space-making, she expanded her fieldwork to understand what sustains such environments over time. Her work shows that autonomy is not a static utopian ideal, but is something continuously repaired and renegotiated.

As global debates on housing rights and citizen participation grow more urgent, this research underscores a powerful idea: that grassroots maintenance and creativity can help shape cities where everyone has a placeand a say.

More information Kyoko Tominaga, Evolving Autonomy Through Repair: Trial-and-Error Spatial Practices in a Japanese Squatted Space, Space and Culture (2025). DOI: 10.1177/12063312251386610
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Baker's yeast: The single-celled fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae, pictured, became the first eukaryotic organism to have its entire genome chemically synthesized and redesigned from scratch by the international Sc2.0 consortium. Credit: ARC Center of Excellence for Synthetic Biology

Leading synthetic biologists have shared hard-won lessons from their decade-long quest to build the world's first synthetic eukaryotic genome in a Nature Biotechnology paper. Their insights could accelerate development of the next generation of engineered organisms, from climate-resilient crops to custom-built cell factories.

"We've assembled a comprehensive overview of the literature on how to build a lifeform where we review what went rightbut also what went wrong," says Dr. Paige Erpf, lead author of the paper and postdoctoral researcher at Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences and the Australian Research Council (ARC) Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology.

The Synthetic Yeast Genome Project (Sc2.0) involved a large, evolving global consortium of 200-plus researchers from more than ten institutions, who jointly set out to redesign and chemically synthesize all 16 chromosomes of baker's yeast from scratch. Macquarie University contributed to the synthesis of two of these chromosomes, comprising around 12% of the project overall.

The process for each chromosome followed the same design principles: removing unstable genetic elements; introducing molecular 'watermarks' to distinguish synthetic DNA from natural sequences; and adding the gene-shuffling system "SCRaMbLE" so researchers could rearrange genes and test their functions.

Rewriting the blueprint

Unlike traditional genetic engineering, which tweaks existing genomes, Sc2.0 was the first to rewrite an entire genome from the ground upall 12 million base pairs of it.

"Completing all 16 synthetic chromosomes lets us understand genome function at a scale that was simply impossible before," says Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, director of the ARC Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology at Macquarie.

The chromosomes were assembled in large chunks containing thousands of base pairs, then integrated into living yeast cells step by step, relying on yeast's own cellular machinery to stitch the synthetic pieces into place.

Learning from mistakes

Despite the standardized design principles, every research team encountered similar problems. The paper catalogs these 'bugs' systematically, offering future synthetic biologists a roadmap of what to avoid.

Tiny DNA watermarks, designed to be silent, occasionally disrupted gene function in unexpected ways. Some genes flagged as non-essential turned out to cause significant growth problems when removed.

Yeast cannot regenerate mitochondrial genomes from scratch, so any damage required researchers to perform a genetic rescue operation, where they identified and fixed the problem, then had to reintroduce healthy mitochondria through careful breeding.

Teams developed and shared sophisticated debugging tools, such as "Pooled PCRtag Mapping" (which allows researchers to screen hundreds of yeast colonies simultaneously to pinpoint which genetic changes caused problems) and "CRISPR D-BUGS' (combines gene editing with selection strategies).

Dr. Hugh Goold led work on synXVI, one of Macquarie's synthetic chromosomes, for the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

"The hardest challenges were both psychological and technical: the long haul of a decade-long project where progress could feel painfully slow, and the difficulty of working with cells that were unfit and difficult to grow," says Dr. Goold.

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Next-generation crops

The lessons from yeast are already informing bold new projects. A Macquarie research team led by Dr. Briardo Lorente and Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen from the Australian Genome Foundry recently began work on building the world's first synthetic crop chromosome, part of an effort to develop the technology to create synthetic plant genomes.

Plants grow slowly and are far more difficult to engineer than yeast, so this project uses an ingenious approach: building the synthetic plant chromosomes inside yeast cells first, then transferring the newly constructed chromosome into plant cells.

"The 'learning by building' approach taken by the Sc2.0 consortium gave us incredible insights into genetics that we may not have fully grasped had we taken historical step-by-step approaches," Dr. Goold says.

But the biggest lessons from this project may still be to come.

"Putting all the synthetic DNA into a single cell will be a momentous occasion and will lead to an even deeper understanding of the biology that underpins our environment, our food systems and our medicines," says Dr. Goold.

Publication details Building synthetic chromosomes one yeast at a time: insights from Sc2.0, Nature Biotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-025-02913-4 Journal information: Nature Biotechnology

This content was originally published on The Macquarie University Lighthouse.
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Credit: University of Derby

A new report from researchers at the University of Derby has highlighted the positive impact that a city park's urban rewilding project is having on both people and nature.

Spearheaded by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derby City Council, the rewilding initiative at Allestree Park aims to restore wildlife and habitats to a natural state across the 320-acre park.

The evaluation of the project, led by the University of Derby's Nature Connectedness Research Group, brings together community voices through open survey responses, community conversations and interviews held between November 2024 and June 2025.

The report provides valuable insight into how the rewilding project is being experienced and understood by the local community during its first year.

Findings show that the project is widely seen as an asset for the city of Derby, with visitors to the park noticing a greater presence of badgers, foxes and deer in the area as well as significant value for human health and well-being.

People also shared a growing awareness of the role that rewilding plays in helping this space become richer in biodiversity and more resilient to the changing climate.

Dr. Fiona Holland, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby and project lead, said, "The change in public perceptions and attitudes over the first two years of the project was noticeable.

"In this report, an overwhelming majority of respondents saw the rewilding of Allestree Park as an asset for Derby as a city. They described it as a resource that supported both the health and well-being of residents who accessed the park and a place for local nature to thrive in a more biodiverse way.

"It was also encouraging that people had already noticed changes such as an increased diversity of species, and more people visiting the park."

The evaluation also revealed how awareness of the project is growing as more people are engaging with Allestree Park with potential for even more connection, education and participation in the future.

Alongside the sentiments of support, the report captures a range of suggestions and reflections. These include ideas for how the project can continue to reach new audiences, communicate its aims clearly, balance areas of rewilding with accessible green spaces, and encourage even deeper engagement from local people.

Caroline Harvey, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby and principal investigator on the project, said, "It is wonderful to see the impact that this project is starting to have for both the local community and for wildlife.

"Spending time in nature is beneficial for health and well-being, and the increase in biodiversity that people are noticing will have a positive impact for those visiting the park. The benefits of community rewilding on this scale have not been seen before in the UK, and it is great to see Derby taking the lead in this way."

Andy Honman, Wilder Connections Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said, "The report marks an important moment in the rewilding journey at Allestree Park, offering vital insight into how people see the project is progressing and how it might evolve in the years to come.

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"We're really encouraged by the findings and grateful to the University of Derby for their ongoing work. It's clear that the community is not only supportive of the rewilding at Allestree Park, but excited to be part of it. These reflections will help us shape how the project continues to grow in a way that works for both people and nature."

Cllr Carmel Swan, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said, "We welcome the findings of this report. As well as having a positive impact on nature, our pioneering rewilding project is having clear benefits for people.

"Good quality greenspaces help to reduce stress, lower anxiety and encourage physical activity.

"We are looking forward to the project team continuing to bring new audiences from different parts of our city through public events, volunteering opportunities and rewilding activities throughout 2026 to experience and connect with nature at Allestree Park."

Key concepts wildlife
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The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the Earth and is therefore particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Credit: Claudia Elena Schmidt, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

As part of the EU project ECOTIP, an international team of researchers, including the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, has analyzed the sea off Greenland more comprehensively than ever before. The key question: How is the area developing in the face of climate change and environmental pollution? Most of the samples were examined in the Hereon laboratories.

The results are alarming. For example, the sea still contains lead from additives in gasoline, even though these have been forbidden for around 30 years. The study, in which the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IOPAN) also participated, has now been published in the journal Biogeosciences.

In the oceans, nutrients, dissolved carbon dioxide, and trace elements form the basis of the food chain and are essential for many natural processes. Human-induced climate change has a significant impact on this marine chemistry. For example, excess nutrients from farmland enter the sea via rivers, and industry also releases new types of substances, some of which are toxic. This can have negative consequences for ecosystems worldwide.

Measurements in all depth

To find out how much humans are changing this foundation of life in the oceans, a team of international researchers in the EU project ECOTIP has been conducting intensive research off the west coast of Greenland. ECOTIP stands for "Arctic biodiversity change and its consequences: Assessing, monitoring, and predicting the effects of ecosystem tipping cascades on marine ecosystem services and dependent human systems." The expedition was organized by the National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Aqua) and carried out using the Danish research vessel Dana. Many international project partners were involved.

The Arctic is a particular focus when it comes to the consequences of climate change, because it is warming much faster than the rest of Earth. The team took water samples from more than 30 locations, from the surface to depths of several hundred meters. Scientists from the Hereon Institute of Carbon Cycles Science analyzed hundreds of these samples for the presence of chemical substances. They used methods that can detect even the finest traces of certain substances.

The legacy of the lead era

Lead stood out among the pollutants measured. Lead was added to gasoline until the 1990s, releasing large quantities into the environment. Air currents carried it from densely populated regions of the world to the Arctic. As the results show, high concentrations of lead can still be detected thereespecially in southern Greenland, which is closer to the US and Europe.

"We have discovered that it can also be found further north," says Hereon scientist and lead author Claudia Elena Schmidt. "It reaches there via ocean currents from the south. This example clearly illustrates how long such heavy metals remain in nature"a warning for the future and for how we deal with today's problematic substances.

Progressive acidification

The increase in the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) also affects the ocean. CO 2 from the atmosphere dissolves in water andsimply explainedforms carbonic acid. This contributes to the acidification of the ocean. Ultimately, it triggers a chemical chain reaction that reduces the concentration of calcium carbonate in the water.

Mussels and snails need calcium carbonate to build their shells and casings. The less of it there is in the water, the more energy the animals have to expend to filter it out of the sea. If acidification continues to progress, it can increasingly negatively affect the construction of their calcareous shells, their growth, and their reproduction. The data show that there is a clearly visible trend toward acidification in Arctic waters.

A rare snapshot

The results of the study provide a comprehensive snapshot of the state of the sea off Greenland and help to understand the impact of climate change on marine chemistry. "This has enabled us to close gaps in our knowledge, because many substances have not been measured there for decades," emphasizes Schmidt. "Metals, for example, were last studied in detail in the 1990s."

Publication details Claudia Elena Schmidt et al, Influences on chemical distribution patterns acrossthe west Greenland shelf: the roles of oceancurrents, sea ice melt, and freshwater runoff, Biogeosciences (2025). DOI: 10.5194/bg-22-7053-2025 Journal information: Biogeosciences
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Harvard researchers have discovered that cycadsone of the oldest living lineages of seed plantsheat up their reproductive organs to attract beetle pollinators and the insects possess infrared sensors to detect these signals.

First, the male cycads warm their pollen cones to entice beetles and then the female plants similarly get hot and the insects followand thereby spread the genetic material enabling the plants to reproduce.

The new study, published as a cover story in Science, marks the first time that infrared radiation has been identified as a pollination signalone far older than the splendorous colors that later become dominant among flowering plants.

"This is basically adding a new dimension of information that plants and animals are using to communicate that we didn't know about before," said lead author Wendy Valencia-Montoya, Ph.D., a junior fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows. "We knew of scent and we knew of color, but we didn't know that infrared could act as a pollination signal."

In fact, heat may be one of the most ancient modes of communication between animals and plants and even predate the dinosaurs. "Long before petals and perfume," said Valencia-Montoya, "plants and beetles found each other by feeling the warmth."

Insights into plant-pollinator evolution

The findings shed new light on the ancient alliance between plants and pollinators and culminates a scientific quest that has stretched more than a dozen years since Valencia-Montoya began studying cycads as an undergraduate in Colombia.

It has long been known that many plant species warm their pollination cones or flowers by cranking up their metabolism. "But everyone assumed that the heat was mostly just to help volatilizing scents," said Valencia-Montoya, who found it puzzling that plants would invest so much energy in heat production.

After coming to Harvard for her Ph.D., she planned to continue research on cycads in South America but was forced to adjust her plans during the pandemic. Instead, she conducted most of her research at Montgomery Botanical Center in Florida.

Her work was supervised by Professor Nicholas Bellono of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Naomi Pierce, Sidney A. and John H. Hessel Professor of Biology in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (both co-authors on the new paper).

The biology and history of cycads

As the oldest known seed plants pollinated by animals, cycads are sometimes called "living fossils" and have long aroused fascination among biologists. The plants have stout trunks and crowns of featherlike leaves and resemble palms and ferns, but are not closely related to either.

Cycads appeared around 275 million years ago and reached their peak diversity around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. They were largely displaced by the rise of flowering plants, which became the dominant group in the last 70 million years.

Today about 300 cycad species remain, most of them listed as endangered.

Cycads are called "dioecious" plants because they have male and female individuals distinguished by their reproductive cones. Male cones produce pollen and female cones bear ovules that, if fertilized, develop into seeds.

How cycads and beetles interact

In the new study, Valencia-Montoya and her colleagues focused on Zamia furfuracea, a four-foot-tall cycad native to Mexico commonly called the "cardboard palm." Like every cycad, it has an exclusive symbiotic relationship with its own pollinating beetle speciesRhopalotria furfuracea, a small, long-snouted brown weevil.

In a "push-pull pollination" relationship, cycads use a combination of signals including heat, odor, and humidity to attract beetles to feed on pollen in the male cones. At a certain point, these signals become so overwhelming that the beetles are driven out of the male plants towards the female ovulate cones.

"It's sort of like a guy puts on cologne to go out on a date," explained Pierce. "A little bit is a nice thing, but too much is repulsive." By migrating between plants, the beetles transmit male pollen and fertilize the seeds in the female plants.

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Investigating the role of heat

But how did heat factor in this ancient relationship? Valencia-Montoya and her colleagues took thermal images and found that cycad's heat production focused on the cones. The parts bearing the reproductive organs, the sporophylls, contained high concentrations of energy-producing mitochondria. Zamia furfuracea could heat its cones 46 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient air temperature, but other cycads could get even hotter.

The researchers examined 17 cycad species and discovered that all followed a circadian pattern at the end of the day: first, male cones heated and then cooled down and about three hours later, female cones began to warm.

Next, Valencia-Montoya and her colleagues tracked the movements of the beetle pollinators by marking them with ultraviolet fluorescent dyes and watching at night as they moved between plants in an open field. The beetles were attracted to the warmest parts of the conesfirst the males, then the females.

"This was one of the early compelling pieces of evidence that this is probably related to pollination," said Bellono. "Male and female plants were actually heating in a circadian-controlled mannerand we could see it locks with the beetle movement."

How beetles sense infrared heat

Next, the researchers investigated the pollinators: How did beetles sense the heat?

In insects, the main sensory organs are the sensilla, the hairlike structures on the antenna. Using techniques such as electron microscopy, electrophysiology and transcripts of genes expressed in the cells, the researchers discovered that beetle antenna tips have specialized thermosensitive organs packed with heat-sensing neurons.

One key molecular sensor was a protein TRPA1, which is also employed by snakes and mosquitoes to sense warm-blooded prey.

These organs were calibrated to the specific heating temperature of the cycad. Researchers examined another beetle species and discovered it too had sensation range fine-tuned to the specific heating temperature of its own cycad host.

The evolutionary significance of heat signals

The researchers believe that heat-generation evolved near the origins of the cycads some 275 million years ago and might be the oldest known pollination signal.

Until now, "push-pull" pollination was believed to be mainly driven by scent. The new study suggests that this relationship probably also was hot from the start.

At close range, scent becomes less effective and infrared radiation can guide pollinators to their target.

Heat-producing plants tend to be from ancient lineages (cycads account for about half of them).

In the grand scheme of plant evolution, the importance of heat waned and color rose. Eventually, the drab-colored cycads were outcompeted by the explosive radiation of colorful flowering plantsand their pollinators such as bees and butterflies evolved keener visual senses. (Most beetles have only dichromatic vision and poor color perception, while bees have trichromatic vision and butterflies have tetrachromatic vision.)

The fact that the infrared signal had remained unrecognized for so long probably reflects our own sensory bias.

"All the sensory cues that have been recognized very fast are the ones that we can perceive," said Valencia-Montoya. "But the ones that are hidden may be as important."

Publication details Wendy A. Valencia-Montoya et al, Infrared radiation is an ancient pollination signal, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adz1728. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz1728 Beverley J. Glover et al, Infrared as a pollination signal, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.aed3346 , www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aed3346 Journal information: Science

Key concepts pollinationpollinatorsgymnosperms
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Infrastructure capacity building and malaria surveillance sites in northeastern Tanzania. Credit: Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09685-6

In a new study published in Nature, scientists have successfully developed genetically modified mosquitoes in Tanzania that block the transmission of malaria. The team includes researchers from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania, in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and the Imperial College London as part of the Transmission Zero program.

"This is the first time a genetically modified, gene drivecompatible mosquito strain has been developed in Africa, by African scientists, targeting malaria parasites circulating in local communities," said Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera, Program Director at IHI. "We are proud to be driving innovation locally, using cutting-edge tools to address one of our continent's most pressing health challenges."

This milestone represents a powerful new model for global health research, one led and owned by African institutions. Transmission Zero, an international research program that is working towards new genetic tools for malaria elimination, has trained a new generation of Tanzanian scientists in molecular biology, vector genetics, and biosafety, ensuring that scientific discovery and leadership remain firmly rooted in Africa.

"This study is not about technology alone. It's about leadership, responsibility, and partnership," said George K. Christophides of Imperial College London. "It shows what is possible when African institutions lead, and international collaborators support."

The study marks a milestone for African-led innovation, as Tanzanian researchers develop genetically modified mosquitoes that block malaria transmission. Credit: Ifakara Health Institute

Malaria: A persistent threat

According to the latest World Malaria Report from the World Health Organization (WHO), Tanzania is one of four countries that together account for more than 50% of all malaria deaths globally, with nearly 93% of the population at risk. Traditional vector control methods, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying, have been highly effective, saving millions of lives, but face growing challenges due to insecticide resistance and rapid population growth.

Lwetoijera added that in line with global guidelines and policy by the WHO, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and a supportive and responsible Tanzanian regulatory landscape, his team are setting their own agenda in the fight against malaria.

Science made in Tanzania

In 2023, Transmission Zero's leading researchers created the first transgenic mosquito strain ever developed in Africa, in Tanzania. Its latest research offers a new solution by genetically modifying Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes (malaria-carrying mosquitoes) to block the development of malaria parasites, effectively reducing their ability to transmit the disease.

This approach allows these precise changes in the mosquitoes' ability to carry the malaria parasite to be passed down from one mosquito generation to the next.

These findings on Anopheles gambiae are the pathfinder for the technology to be extended to other equally important malaria vectors such as Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus, as well as vectors of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.

Conducted entirely under containment, the study introduced antimalarial traitsnaturally occurring molecules from frogs and honeybeesinto local mosquito populations. The modified mosquitoes effectively prevented Plasmodium falciparum, the primary malaria parasite in Africa, from developing, creating a significant barrier to transmission.

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Built on local expertise and trust

"We build trust through conversation, transparency, and partnership with the people whose lives this research aims to improve," said Lwetoijera.

The research was conducted in a state-of-the-art Modular Portable Laboratory and Containment Level 3 insectary facility (MPL/CL3) built specifically for this research at the IHI campus. This facility, designed to meet high biosafety standards, enables local researchers to lead genetic engineering efforts and ensures that the technology is developed responsibly and transparently within Tanzania.

"Swiss TPH supported the establishment of the portable laboratory as well as doctoral training of key local staff that helped made this breakthrough possible," said Sarah Moore, Group Leader of New Vector Control Interventions at Swiss TPH. "Our focus has always been on strengthening local capacity and ensuring that advanced research can be done safely, ethically, and sustainably in Tanzania. This milestone shows how long-term partnerships translate into lasting scientific independence."

"We now have the infrastructure, the expertise, and the vision to advance gene-driven science within Africa. By tailoring gene drive technology to local conditions, we have developed a powerful tool that could complement existing malaria control efforts and bring us closer to elimination," concluded Lwetoijera.

Next steps

While the results are promising, further research is required before field trials can begin. The next phase of Transmission Zero's research will include comprehensive risk assessments, regulatory engagement, and continued community consultation to ensure the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of any future deployment. Monitoring for resistance will also be critical to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the technology.

Publication details Tibebu Habtewold et al, Gene-drive-capable mosquitoes suppress patient-derived malaria in Tanzania, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09685-6 Journal information: Nature

Provided by Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

If you're thinking about buying Christmas presents for children, chances are a Lego set isn't too far from your mind. The endless creativity that Lego bricks present means they can be used for far more than following instructions to build the model on the front of the box. They are even used in academic research.

Our research uses Lego to get young people talking to each other about identity, belonging and participation in society. We help young people engage with one another to think critically about their place in the world and their relationships with others.

We draw on the concept of "worldview"beliefs and values that shape how we perceive thingsand explore how our worldview (whether religious, non-religious or somewhere in between) influences how we see and interact with others and society.

In a recent study, we gave piles of Lego bricks to ten groups of young people in four secondary schools across England and asked them to build models to show their responses to questions. Besides the fact that it's fun, building with Lego is a powerful way for people to express themselves.

Making and thinking

"Building" gives people time to reflect and can lead to more thoughtful, imaginative, and often emotional responses. The power of metaphor is particularly helpful in exploring personal or sensitive issues. It provides a sense of distance; we feel less exposed and able to discuss things that can be difficult to express.

This is a technique used in the Lego Serious Play approach: a tool developed for the workplace by the Lego Group with the idea that by "thinking through fingers" we use both sides of the brain with potential to unleash insight and imagination. We apply this to explore ideas of commonality and difference.

Students in our study explored ideas of identity by building a model to show "three things that make you, you". Some students focused on things they like, such as hobbies, or important things for them. Many also highlighted people that mattered to them, their heritage, nation, faith, communities and nature. We asked students to explain their models and, in doing so, they explored the complex and diverse aspects of their own and others' identities.

When building a model of "where you feel you belong", the students considered their connections to people and places. What emerged were multiple allegiances and loyalties in which gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, interests, aspirations and politics all intersected in complex and unpredictable ways. We asked students what connections there were between their Lego constructions, and to show this by attaching string between their own and others' models.

Making connections

We then asked students to show and explain the things they do in these places as a way to explore their participation in social and civic life. At this point, we asked students about their religion or worldview and to sprinkle beads onto their models where this was relevant for them. This helped students think about their personal worldview and understand how this relates to identity and belonging, to their actions, and to society.

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Finally, we asked the students to build together "what it means to be a citizen". Here they combined their ideas, working together in a new and interactive way that pays attention to difference and connection. "It shows how we are all connected together in society and how in order for society to function we must work together," one of the students said.

Our research shows that young people's worldviews are complex and dynamic: they shape and are shaped by interaction in society. In other words, there is a complex interplay between worldviews, civic identity and action. The young people told us that the research process increased their understanding of themselves and each other. The experience of building and discussion built empathy, a sense of interconnectedness and shared vision for a more cohesive society. As part of our project, we've put together resources on this method for teachers to use.

A recent review of the national curriculum for England aims to equip young people in tackling the challenges of our changing world, and recommends increased provision of religious education and citizenship. As a research method and an educational tool, Lego or other building toys have the potential to help teachers and young people to think outside the box, whether that's the Lego box, identity "boxes" or traditional approaches to learning.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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A red-backed shrike is released after being fitted with a data logger at the hatching site in Gribskov, a forest in the north of the Danish island of Zealand. Credit: Sissel Sjoberg

Red-backed shrikes fly thousands of kilometers to reach Africaand they do so with astonishing precision. Aided by new technology, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have been able to track the birds' journeys in detail. It turns out that they may have a more complex genetic migration program than researchers have previously been able to show. The study is published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

"We can now follow a bird's location throughout the year. How it got there and exactly how long it took. Each bird seems to follow a precise schedule with distinct stagesand the variation between individuals is surprisingly small," says Sissel Sjoberg, evolutionary ecologist at Lund University.

How technology reveals migration secrets

Bird migration has long fascinated researchers around the world, but the details of how small migratory birds find their way across continents have been difficult to map out. Researchers already knew that birds' migratory behavior was partly down to inherited programs that guide direction and distance on the route. Thanks to the new technology developed in Lund, researchers have been able to follow small birds' flight in detail for the first time.

The measuring instruments, known as data loggers, weigh only one gram and can log the birds' activity around the clock throughout the entire migration. This new data provides researchers with a previously unparalleled insight into exactly how the bird carries out the flight, something that has not previously been possible for small birds.

During the spring migration, total flying time differs by only 6% between different individualsdespite them having flown around 270 hours over the course of 43 nightly flights and covering over 11,000 kilometers.

Red-backed shrikes spend the winter in southern Africa, and it takes them about 190 hours spread over 30 flights to get there. Credit: Thomas Alerstam

The data logger ways around one gram and registers data throughout the year. Credit: Sissel Sjoberg

Genetic programs and migration precision

"The results provide us with new insights into how genetics may influence small birds' long journeys across continents, and we may need to reconsider which components of migration birds inherit from their parents and how that works. Their genetic migration program may be considerably more advanced than we previously thought," says Sjoberg.

Red-backed shrikes have turned out to be not so much adventurers as carefully prepared travelerswith a built-in flight plan that extends all the way from Skane to southern Africa.

"It is an impressive achievement for a little bird that only weighs between 25 and 30 grams," concludes Sjoberg.

Publication details Sissel Sjoberg et al, The structure of the annual migratory flight activity in a songbird, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2025.0958 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

On Dec. 8, Federal fisheries officials rejected a bid to designate West Coast Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

In response, one of the conservation groups that petitioned for the listing, the Center for Biological Diversity, says it is considering a legal challenge.

"The major species protections could have benefited not just the salmon, but other wildlife that feeds on them," Jeff Miller, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity said, adding orcas, river otters, bald eagles, and bears as some of the examples.

"Unfortunately, the decision by the Fisheries Service really only benefits the logging industry and dam operators."

In 2022, the Center for Biological Diversity and other partner groups filed their petition to the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to list southern Oregon and Northern California Chinook, along with Oregon Coast salmon, as threatened or endangered.

The groups cited concerns about the chronically low abundance of the few remaining spring-run populations, listing extensive habitat loss from logging and dams, warming stream temperatures, and inadequate regulatory protections to prevent further decline as some of their primary reasons for seeking federal protection.

But the federal regulators rejected the request, stating that the Chinook population is still large and widely distributed, and that the spring-run fish aren't distinct enough to qualify for protection as a separate group.

"We're looking at the Fisheries Service determination and seeing if we can challenge it," Miller said, arguing that NOAA's decision is inconsistent as the agency already lists spring-run Chinook as distinct endangered populations in places like California's Central Valley and the upper Columbia River, and that recent science shows the Oregon and Northern California spring-run fish are similarly unique.

The listing of the fish would have meant stronger oversight of logging near rivers, new requirements for dams to allow salmon to pass and to release colder water, and an influx of restoration work that usually follows an endangered species designation, Miller said.

Ashley Overhouse, a water policy adviser at Defenders of Wildlife, expressed her disappointment with the decision, noting Endangered Species Act protections are critical for species at risk, including aquatic animals already in decline in California.

"Unfortunately, we're seeing decisions made by this administration that are not based on the best available science," she added. "It's disappointing to see the opportunity to protect imperiled species like Chinook salmon be denied."

2025 The Sacramento Bee. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
AFAM Wives Club, the new reality-drama hybrid from JP Habac, Rodina Singh and Antoinette Jadaone, is more than a show about cross-cultural relationships. For its stars, Nathalie Hart, Julia Chu, and Mari Fowler, it is a cultural correction.

The series pushes back against decades of stereotypes, especially the pop-culture notion that Filipinas involved with foreign partners are "souvenirs" collected during a traveler's adventure. In this series, the women insist on defining themselves instead.

During an intimate conversation, the three cast members of the AFAM Wives Club family broke down the origins of the stereotype, how the show dismantles it and why modern Filipinas deserve to be seen as complex, empowered protagonists.

Rewriting the meaning of AFAM

To understand why AFAM Wives Club exists, the women explain the evolution of the word "AFAM." Actress Julia Chu shared that the term originally meant "a foreigner assigned to Manila," referring particularly to Americans stationed in Clark and Subic. But the slang meaning shifted. Today, AFAM often describes Western men visiting the Philippines, and the problematic trope that they "pick up island souvenirs" along the way.

That stereotype is exactly what the series challenges.

"This show flips that story on its head," Julia said. "We are not island souvenirs. We are the main characters... independent women, not a person or a thing picked up by someone in the middle of their travels."

This message sits at the core of AFAM Wives Club, which follows four women navigating love, identity and ambition across cultures, told through a lively blend of English, Tagalog and Taglish.

A sisterhood shaped by honesty and vulnerability

The chemistry between the cast is immediate. "We miss each other," actress Nathalie Hart said as the interview began. They joked that the call felt like a reunion, especially because Mari Fowler had been away after giving birth. "She's just been gone because of her pregnancy. We really miss her," Nathalie added.

Mari, still recovering from a C-section, laughed gently through the pain. "It really hurts. It's my first baby," she said.

Their warmth with each other is reflected throughout the show, but so is their willingness to speak hard truths.

Dating across cultures: "Foreigners close the deal"

One of the show's central themes is cross-cultural romance, something all three women understand from personal experience.

Julia, who once lived in Latin America, compared cultural dynamics:

"Latinos are very carinoso, affectionate. Filipinos don't show they like you. They're really good friends and you're not sure if they're interested or just being nice... Foreigners close the deal."

Nathalie chimed in: "Filipinos love the chase."

But for Mari, who grew up warned against foreign partners, the revelation was different  and emotional.

She confessed her mother used to tell her horror stories about foreign men, insisting she remain a conservative Filipina. "Thank God I met Landon," she said. "He proved it's not about having a different culture or being a foreigner. It's about having a good heart."

Her takeaway now: "It happened at the right time, with the right person."

Marriage means marrying the barangay

When asked what couples from different cultures should discuss early on, Nathalie didn't hesitate:

"When you marry a Filipina, you marry her entire family, her entire barangay," she said, prompting laughter.

From religion to money to expectations of extended family, their perspectives reflect real Filipino cultural nuances, and the show doesn't shy away from any of it.

Beyond stereotypes: the empowerment message

Now that filming has wrapped, the women are eager for audiences to see how their separate storylines weave together.

"I can't wait to see the storylines of the other women," Julia said. "We filmed together, but our lives were also followed independently."

For Nathalie, the show's takeaway is powerful and universal:

"It shows that despite our differences, women have one similarity, we are empowered. We can step up and take space and become who we want to be. It's a story of inspiration and hope."

A final message for viewers

Before signing off, the stars reminded fans that the first episode is free and more will be available soon. "Please support us," Julia said. "The drama is going to fully unfold in the coming episodes."

Their mission is clear: to give Filipinas back their stories, not as souvenirs, but as fully realized women leading their own journeys.

Originally published on Latin Times
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

As global economic relationships evolve, Achyuta Adhvaryu, professor of economics at the University of California San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy and director of the 21st Century India Center, says one partnership stands out for its potential to drive shared prosperity: the connection between the United States and India. His research highlights how the two nations' economies have become deeply intertwined through flows of talent, technology and innovationand why keeping those ties strong is essential for growth on both sides.

Why do you describe the U.S. and Indian economies as 'intertwined'?

The relationship has evolved far beyond trade in goods. It's now defined by the movement of ideas and skilled peoplescientists, engineers and entrepreneurs who power innovation across both countries. Many U.S. companies rely on highly trained professionals in India through what we call Global Capability Centers (GCCs). These hubs handle everything from product design to AI strategy. The success of U.S. firms increasingly depends on these deep collaborative networks.

How did this partnership develop?

It's the product of both economic reform in India and U.S. immigration policy. When India liberalized its economy in the 1990s, it became much more open to global business. Around the same time, the H-1B visa program in the U.S. encouraged more Indians to pursue STEM education and high-skill careers. Some of those professionals stayed in the U.S.; others returned home to build new capabilities. That created a feedback loopa "brain gain" that has benefited both countries.

What exactly are Global Capability Centers and why are they so important?

Think of them as satellite innovation hubs. GCCs aren't factoriesthey're extensions of the global teams of companies like Apple, Google and Goldman Sachs. Today, India hosts roughly 1,800 of them, employing about 2 million professionals. They contribute around $65 billion annually, much of it supporting U.S. companies' operations. These centers make American firms more productive and globally competitive.

How does this connection affect everyday prosperity in the U.S.?

It's easy to think of globalization as something that only benefits large corporations, but the impact runs deeper. When U.S. companies innovate faster, they create better products, new industries and more jobs here at home. The partnership with India helps make that possibleit keeps costs manageable, speeds up development and strengthens America's position in cutting-edge sectors like AI and biotech.

Are there risks if these ties weaken?

Absolutely. Policies that restrict talent movement or make collaboration more difficultwhether through higher visa fees or trade barrierscan disrupt the system that underpins both economies. When trust erodes, investment slows. And when the U.S. pulls back, other countriesincluding Chinaare ready to step in.

What should policymakers focus on instead?

The goal should be balanceprotecting domestic opportunities while nurturing international collaboration. That means supporting education and workforce development at home, but also keeping pathways open for high-skill talent and innovation partnerships abroad. The prosperity of the U.S. and India isn't a zero-sum game; it's deeply interconnected.

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You've written about this relationship in very personal terms. Why does it matter to you?

I grew up in the U.S. in the 1980s, when India's economy was much more closed. Back then, our trips to India were filled with suitcases of American goods for familysmall things that were hard to find there. Today, what connects the two countries isn't what's in our suitcases; it's what's in our minds. It's ideas, research and shared innovation. That's what makes this partnership so powerful.

What do you hope people take away from your research?

That prosperity in the U.S. and India rises together. Collaboration in science, technology and education doesn't just drive growth abroadit makes life better here, too. The stronger our connections, the more resilient and innovative our economies become.

More information For more information about the 21st Century India Center go to the center's website.
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S/N maps produced from PACO in the three epochs. The image scale is shown in the lower right corner, and the position of the planet is indicated by an arrow. The left color bar refers to the two GPI maps. Credit: Astronomy & Astrophysics (2025). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202557104

In a discovery that's fit for a movie, Northwestern University astronomers have directly imaged a Tatooine-like exoplanet, orbiting two suns. While obtaining an image of a planet beyond our solar system is already rare, finding one that circles two suns is even rarer. But this new world is extra exceptional. It hugs its twin stars more tightly than any other directly imaged planet in a binary system. In fact, it is six times closer to its suns than other previously discovered exoplanets.

The discovery provides an unprecedented look at how planets move and form around multiple stars. It also offers a rare glimpse into how stars and planets orbit together, enabling astrophysicists to test theories of planet formation in complex systems.

The study is published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Also published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, European astronomers at the University of Exeter report the same discovery.

Time-lapse footage of a newly discovered exoplanet as it makes its slow journey around two stars. To obtain the image of the planet, astronomers needed to remove the stars' glare. Two star icons mark the locations of where the stars would be in relation to their planet. Credit: Jason Wang/Northwestern University

"Of the 6,000 exoplanets that we know of, only a very small fraction of them orbit binaries," said Northwestern's Jason Wang, a senior author of the study.

"Of those, we only have a direct image of a handful of them, meaning we can have an image of the binary and the planet itself. Imaging both the planet and the binary is interesting because it's the only type of planetary system where we can trace both the orbit of the binary star and the planet in the sky at the same time. We're excited to keep watching it in the future as they move, so we can see how the three bodies move across the sky."

An expert in exoplanet imaging, Wang is an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. He is also a member of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA). Nathalie Jones, the CIERA Board of Visitors Graduate Fellow at Weinberg and member of Wang's research group, is the study's lead author.

A discovery years in the making

The Northwestern team found the new exoplanet hidden within years-old data. When Wang was a Ph.D. student, he helped commission the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI), a specialized instrument designed to capture images of distant worlds by blocking out the overwhelming glare of their stars.

Originally operated at the Gemini South telescope in Chile, GPI used adaptive optics and a coronagraph to sharpen images of faint planets orbiting bright stars.

"We undertook this big survey, and I traveled to Chile several times," Wang said.

"I spent most of my time during my Ph.D. just looking for planets. During the instrument's lifetime, we observed more than 500 stars and found only one new planet. It would have been nice to have seen more, but it did tell us something about just how rare exoplanets are."

Nearly a decade later, Wang asked Jones to revisit the data. Scientists and engineers are currently upgrading GPI. Next year, it will move to Hawaii, where it will be installed on the Gemini North telescope atop Mauna Kea. As GPI completed its first chapter in Chile, Wang decided it was time to wrap up his original search.

"I didn't think we'd find any new planets," Wang said. "But I thought we should do our due diligence and check carefully anyway."

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Tracking a suspicious object

Jones analyzed GPI data taken between 2016 and 2019 and cross-referenced it with data from the W.M. Keck Observatory, using Northwestern's institutional access. Then, this past summer, she noticed something suspicious. A faint object appeared to be consistently following the motion of a star as it moved across the sky.

"Stars don't stand still in a galaxy, they move around," Wang said.

"We look for objects and then revisit them later to see if they have moved elsewhere. If a planet is bound to a star, then it will move with the star. Sometimes, when we revisit a 'planet,' we find it's not moving with its star. Then, we know it was just a photobombing star passing through. If they are both moving together, then that's a sign that it's an orbiting planet."

"We also look at the light coming off an object," Jones added. "We know what light from a star looks like versus what light from a planet looks like. We compared them and decided it better matched what we expect to see from a planet."

To the team's surprise, Jones verified the suspicious object was a planet, which GPI captured in 2016, but it had gone unnoticed in earlier analysis. Also this summer, a European team led by University of Exeter astronomers independently found the same planet in its own reanalysis of the data, confirming Jones' discovery.

Born after dinosaurs walked the Earth

The confirmed planet is hugesix times the size of Jupiter. While hotter than any planet in our solar system, it's relatively cool compared to other directly imaged exoplanets. It's located about 446 light-years away from Earth, which Wang describes as "not within our local solar neighborhood but like the next town over."

Having formed just about 13 million years ago, the new exoplanet is also quite youthful.

"That sounds like a long time ago, but it's 50 million years after dinosaurs went extinct," Wang said. "That's relatively young in universe speak, so it still retains some of the heat from when it formed."

The team was also struck by how close the exoplanet orbited around its host stars. The stars themselves tightly revolve around one anothertaking just 18 Earth days to complete one revolution. The planet, however, takes 300 years to orbit the pair. That's a little longer than Pluto takes to orbit our sun.

"You have this really tight binary, where stars are dancing around each other really fast," Wang said. "Then there is this really slow planet, orbiting around them from far away."

What's next

Relatively speaking, though, the planet is much closer to its stars than other directly imaged exoplanets bound to binary systems. Although the Northwestern team does not know how this system formed, they posit the binary stars formed first. Then the planet formed around them.

"Exactly how it works is still uncertain," Wang said. "Because we have only detected a few dozen planets like this, we don't have enough data yet to put the picture together."

The team plans to continue studying the system, so they can learn more about how it formed and how it works. Jones is currently writing proposals to obtain more data.

"I'm asking for more telescope time, so we can continue looking at this planet," Jones said. "We want to track the planet and monitor its orbit, as well as the orbit of the binary stars, so we can learn more about the interactions between binary stars and planets."

Showing that surprises can hide in plain sight, the discovery underscores the continuing scientific value of archival telescope data. Jones also continues to reanalyze the years-old data to see if previous astronomers missed anything else.

"There are a couple suspicious objects," she said, "but what they are, exactly, remains to be seen."
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A yearslong surge in displaced roosters is overwhelming animal sanctuaries in Maryland and across the country, fueled by a pandemic-born boom in backyard chicken coops and the noisy realities of owning a male bird.

"All the timecalls, emails, text messages wanting us to take roosters," said Cathy Rogers, executive director of Flip Flops Animal Sanctuary in Calvert County. "It kills me every time I have to turn them away."

Maryland has roughly 10,000 registered backyard flocks, according to the state Department of Agriculture. But many new owners don't learn until weeks after bringing chicks home that they've wound up with a rooster. Whatever the reason, be it their frequent crowing, protective behavior or sharp spurs, because roosters are often banned in cities, suburbs and by homeowners' associations, owners have to make other arrangements quickly.

"By then you're attached to it," Rogers said. "You're not going to just drop it off at some farm to be someone's meal. So, a lot of times, they take them to the shelter, hoping that someone's going to adopt them, but often times, they just end up being destroyed anyway."

Sanctuaries at capacity

Flip Flops cares for about 70 animals, including eight roosters, alongside parrots, geese, ducks and even an emu. Rogers said she wants to help more birds but is limited by space and resources.

Sanctuaries nationwide report similar strain. A facility in southern Alabama says rooster calls come in "constantly." Another near Boston, already housing 70 roosters, wrote in a message that it receives about three surrender requests a dayand sometimes as many as 14.

Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary in Montgomery County now accepts only roosters that are injured, endangered or have special needs. Founder Anne Shroeder said most calls come from people who bought chicks from farm-supply stores and later discovered their hens weren't hens at all.

Shroeder currently cares for two roostersSamson, rescued in West Virginia, and Belinda, trapped by neighbors in Silver Spring who were worried about predators. They had also mistaken Belinda for a hen, thus the name.

Otherwise, both she and Rogers said they direct callers to local shelters, which "try really hard to place them" in a sanctuary or sustainable home.

"But at some point, they get overrun," Rogers said of shelters. "So, you know, do the math."

'Not just the warm and fuzzy'

Keeping chickens on your property is no small task, especially if there are multiple roosters competing for the top spot of the flock.

Samson and Belinda are the only chickens at Star Gazing Farm right now, although Shroeder said she had many more at one time. So many, in fact, that they formed three "gangs:" one in the front yard, one in the back and another in a side pasture. They didn't mix well, she explained, but without hens to tussle over, the bachelor flocks could stick together.

But there are several factors outside a coop's social life that owners need to consider, as well. Whereas cities, counties and municipalities regulate backyard birds, the state's role, largely, is to ensure safety information is disseminated at the household level and maintained at the production levelincluding on the Eastern Shore, where poultry giants Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods and Mountaire Farms all have facilities.

Maryland's state veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Trout, with the Department of Agriculture, said monitoring and efforts to prevent bird flu are vital at both levels.

The department stresses the need for owners to set aside clothing specifically for interacting with a flock. The amount of fecal matter that could fit on the face of a dime could be enough to infect one million birds, she said, explaining a stroll by a pond with geese or ducks could become cataclysmic if the same shoes are worn in a coop.

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Trout said in an interview that getting a chicken is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

"If you've got the space, the time, the means and are willing to have the commitment, then great," she said. "But if you get to the store, and you're thinking about it, you really need to do some long-term thinking. Is this something that I'm going to be able to handle  because if it's not, then I shouldn't go down this path."

Shroeder said people thinking about taking in a chick should stop and "really consider if this is what they want to do." Even if they're easier to find or cheaper to buy, she said owning a chicken is "just like getting a dog or cat."

"It's a commitment to a life," Shroeder said. "People think, 'oh, it's just a chicken,' 'oh, they just cost 50 cents,' which is really sad, but it is a life, and you should commit to it."

Trout similarly said the "rooster epidemic," as Shroeder called it, must be addressed proactively.

Staring at the goldfish her daughter won at a nearby carnival but whose bowl she now cleans, the state vet told The Baltimore Sun that owning a chicken is "not just the warm and fuzzy of the moment" when you take it home.

"You've got to understand that, so to speak, the novelty may wear off," she said.

Key concepts birds

2025 The Baltimore Sun. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Brachycephalus lulai is a tiny pumpkin toadlet measuring less than 14 mm in length. Credit: Luiz Fernando Ribeiro, CC BY

Despite the vast numbers of animal species already identified, the natural world is still capable of springing a few surprises. Deep in the cloud forests of the Serra do Quiriri mountain range in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest, an international team of scientists has discovered an entirely new species of tiny frog, named Brachycephalus lulai.

For several years, the researchers have been combing this region to find and catalog Brachycephalus species, which are microendemic (found only in a small, restricted area) and vulnerable to extinction.

Distinct mating call

These tiny frogs are striking, with a bright orange body and distinctive green and brown freckles. With males measuring between 8.9 and 11.3 millimeters and females between 11.7 and 13.4 millimeters, they are among the smallest four-legged animals on Earth.

But it wasn't this appearance that led to its identification. As the team wrote in a paper published in the journal PLOS One, they identified this new species of pumpkin toadlet by its unique advertisement call, a mating song unlike those of other known Brachycephalus in the area. It consists of groups of two short bursts of sound.

The scientists also used a range of other tools and techniques to be sure that this miniature orange frog was distinct from its relatives. These included CT scans to look at the skeletal structure and DNA analysis. The genetic material was compared with that of other species, revealing that the new frog is most closely related to two species that live in the Serra do Quiriri.

Divergent color variation of Brachycephalus species. Credit: PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0334746

The newly described pumpkin toadlet Brachycephalus lulai, discovered in the mountain forests of Serra do Quiriri, southern Brazil, and named in honor of Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Credit: Luiz Fernando Ribeiro, CC BY

Conservation efforts

In addition to identifying this new species, the study authors are calling for immediate conservation efforts to protect it and its relatives. "Through this tribute (the act of naming a new species), we seek to encourage the expansion of conservation initiatives focused on the Atlantic Forest as a whole, and on Brazil's highly endemic miniaturized frogs in particular."

They combined this call to action with a practical solution for the region. "We propose the creation of the Refugio de Vida Silvestre (RVS) Serra do Quiriri to protect this and other endemic species, without requiring government acquisition of private land."

The researchers also stress the need for continued monitoring of the frogs to detect any new or emerging threats to their habitat. And they want to conduct additional surveys in similar and adjacent mountain habitats to see if these tiny animals have a wider distribution.

Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

Publication details Marcos R. Bornschein et al, A new species of Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from Serra do Quiriri, northeastern Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, with a review of the diagnosis among species of the B. pernix group and proposed conservation measures, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0334746 Journal information: PLoS ONE

Key concepts amphibians

 2025 Science X Network
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

On a typical school day in Australia this year, about 11% of students were absent. In 2014, the figure was 7%.

Two in five students now miss about a day of school each fortnight on average. This makes improving school attendance an urgent, national priority.

In a new policy brief, the Grattan Institute details how student absences are changing post-pandemic. It also shows how Australia can look to England for ideas on what to do.

Every day counts

The more days of school a student attends, the better off they are academically, socially and emotionally.

Every day counts. Even a single day of absence is connected to a decline in achievement. The more days of school a student misses, the greater this decline. For example, a study of NAPLAN results in Western Australia found every day of school missed was associated with lower test scores in numeracy, reading and writing.

Poor attendance doesn't just harm absent students. It puts more pressure on teachers to help them catch up, it disrupts the learning of their classmates, and can increase the burden on parents trying to juggle work and caring responsibilities.

This is not just a small group

New Grattan analysis gives the first post-pandemic insight into how student absences are changing. We used records for almost one-third of Australian governmentschool students from the first year of school to Year 12, from 2017 to 2024. This data reveals how and why students are missing school.

There is a small but growing group of students who miss months, terms, or even entire years of school. That group attracts significant attention, as it should. These students face huge challenges to complete school, and often need intensive, tailored support if they are to return to the classroom.

But Australian students across the board are also attending school less than they used to.

In fact, it's the highest-attending group whose numbers have fallen the most. In 2019, 71% of students attended school regularly (defined as at least 90% of the time). In 2024, this was only 59%.

UK research suggests there is a tipping point: students who attend at least 85%90% of school tend to sustain or improve their attendance in the following year. But the attendance of those who don't meet this threshold rarely recovers. This suggests a large cohort of Australian students are at significant risk of further disengaging from school.

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Students are having more sick days

The biggest factor driving increased school absences across the community has been increased sick days.

In 2024, students on average missed about 11.6 days of school due to illness or medical appointments, up from 6.6 days in 2017. That's an additional week of school missed per student.

At the same time, school absences for family reasons, including holidays during term time, have more than doubled since 2017, averaging about four days a year in 2024. By contrast, disciplinary absences such as suspensions have remained, on average, low and fairly stable.

The rise in illness-related absences is understandable. No parent wants to send their child to school when they are seriously unwell. And limiting the spread of nasty bugs is important. But we have to get the balance right between minimizing the impacts of missing school and preventing the spread of illness.

Lessons from England

Australia is not alonemany countries have struggled with school attendance, especially post-pandemic. Since 2021, England has made school attendance a system-wide priority. As of this year, their attendance rate is 94%. This compares to Australia's 89%.

Before the pandemic, English schools reported attendance data to the Department for Education term by term. Now, they report data daily and the department publishes this data fortnightly. In contrast, Australia has a patchwork system of reporting, which differs by school sector and state. Only high-level data is published nationally after a two-term delay.

In England, the department has given schools access to new data dashboards so school leaders can make better decisions about which groups of students to prioritize for intervention and the department can more easily identify strengths and areas for improvement.

The UK government has also gathered leaders in education, health, policing and children's services for regular meetings to tackle underlying barriers to attendance.

UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized how responsibility for boosting attendance rests with parents as well as schools. As she noted earlier this year: "It's not OK just to say, 'It's only a Friday, you don't need to go to school today.'"

Health professionals are also involved. The chief medical officer wrote to schools to emphasize the importance of attending school, even with mild illness. The UK's National Health System has also developed guidance to help families decide when children should stay home. The peak bodies for general practice and pediatrics have issued guidance on scheduling and delivering appointments around school hours.

What now?

Federal and state education ministers have committed to an ambitious goal of getting Australia's school attendance rate back to 91%the 2019 rateby the end of the decade. Our analysis suggests Australia will not achieve this by tinkering around the edges.

But with better data, clear health guidance for families, and coordinated action, Australia can also ensure every child has the chance to learn, every day.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Super-Earth Exoplanet TOI-561 b (Artist's Concept). Credit: NASA/STScI

Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have detected the strongest evidence yet for an atmosphere on a rocky planet outside our solar system.

Observations of the ultra-hot super-Earth TOI-561 b suggest the exoplanet is surrounded by a thick blanket of gases above a global magma ocean.

Publishing their findings in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, researchers say that the results help to explain the planet's unusually low density and challenge the prevailing wisdom that relatively small planets so close to their stars cannot sustain atmospheres.

With a radius 1.4 times Earth's, and an orbital period less than 11 hours, TOI-561 b falls into a rare class of objects known as ultra-short period exoplanets.

Although its host star is only slightly smaller and cooler than the sun, TOI-561 b orbits so close to the starless than one million miles or one-fortieth the distance between Mercury and the sunthat it must be tidally locked, with the temperature of its permanent dayside far exceeding the melting temperature of typical rock.

Super-earth exoplanet TOI-561 b and its star (artist's concept). Credit: NASA/STScI

Atmospheric evidence and planetary composition

Co-author Dr. Anjali Piette, from the University of Birmingham, said, "We really need a thick, volatile-rich atmosphere to explain all the observations. Strong winds would cool the dayside by transporting heat over to the nightside.

"Gases like water vapor would absorb some wavelengths of near-infrared light emitted by the surface before they make it all the way up through the atmosphere. The planet would look colder because the telescope detects less light, but it's also possible that there are bright silicate clouds that cool the atmosphere by reflecting starlight."

One explanation the team considered for the planet's low density was that it could have a relatively small iron core and a mantle made of rock that is not as dense as rock within Earth.

Lead author Johanna Teske, staff scientist at Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory, said, "What really sets this planet apart is its anomalously low density. It is less dense than you would expect if it had an Earth-like composition.

"TOI-561 b is distinct among ultra-short period planets in that it orbits a very old, iron-poor startwice as old as our sunin a region of the Milky Way known as the thick disk. It must have formed in a very different chemical environment from planets in our own solar system."

The planet's composition could be representative of planets that formed when the universe was relatively young.

Testing for an atmosphere with Webb

The team also suspected that TOI-561 b might be surrounded by a thick atmosphere that makes it look larger than it is. Although small planets that have spent billions of years baking in blazing stellar radiation are not expected to have atmospheres, some show signs that they are not just bare rock or lava.

Using Webb's NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) to measure the planet's dayside temperature based on its near-infrared brightness, researchers tested the hypothesis that TOI-561 b has an atmosphere.

The technique involves measuring the decrease in brightness of the star-planet system as the planet moves behind the star. It is like that used to search for atmospheres in the TRAPPIST-1 system and on other rocky worlds.

If TOI-561 b is a bare rock with no atmosphere to carry heat around to the nightside, its dayside temperature should be approaching 4,900 degrees Fahrenheit (2,700 degrees Celsius). But the NIRSpec observations show that the planet's dayside appears to be closer to 3,200 degrees Fahrenheit (1,800 degrees Celsius)still extremely hot, but far cooler than expected.

Possible explanations and future research

To explain the results, the team considered a few different scenarios. The magma ocean could circulate some heat, but without an atmosphere, the nightside would be solid, limiting flow away from the dayside.

A thin layer of rock vapor on the surface of the magma ocean is also possible, but on its own would have a much smaller cooling effect than observed.

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While the Webb observations provide compelling evidence for such an atmosphere, the question remains: how can a small planet exposed to such intense radiation hold on to any atmosphere at all, let alone one so substantial?

Co-author Tim Lichtenberg from the University of Groningen, Netherlands, said, "We think there is an equilibrium between the magma ocean and the atmosphere. While gases are coming out of the planet to feed the atmosphere, the magma ocean is sucking them back into the interior. This planet must be much, much more volatile-rich than Earth to explain the observations. It's really like a wet lava ball."

These are the first results from Webb's General Observers Program 3860, which involved observing the system continuously for more than 37 hours while TOI-561 b completed nearly four full orbits of the star.

The team is analyzing the full data set to map the temperature all the way around the planet and narrow down the composition of the atmosphere.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Not only can virtual reality (VR) allow buyers to tour homes without physically stepping inside, but it also can help the homes sell faster, according to new research by a University of Texas at Dallas professor and collaborators.

The study, published in Information Systems Research, found that a VR tour shortens the number of days a house is listed for sale on average from 34 days to 19 days, said Dr. Zixuan "Maggie" Meng, assistant professor of information systems in the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas.

The research sheds light on the contributions of nonimmersive VR, which does not require a user to wear a headset, and shows how the technology can be used in property sales, presentation and marketing high-involvement, or pricier, products, Meng said. The findings also help reveal how VR impacts home sales and shapes a buyer's experience.

"What we were trying to see is what exactly is this technology doing," she said. "Is it playing an informative role? We were looking to see if VR was distorting the market or helping the market through its informative role. We found it is essentially helping."

House hunters can usually view photos or videos of homes for sale, but VR allows them to view rooms from different angles, providing not only an immersive experience but more information overall. While the time on the market decreased when VR was used, researchers found the technology did not affect a home's selling price.

"VR is not increasing the home's value," Meng said. "It's a tool to show you how the house looks."

VR has limitations, though, as it cannot improve the look of an outdated house or enhance its quality, according to study findings, so it is unlikely to affect an older home's selling time as much as a newer home's. On the other hand, VR provided a benefit to bigger houses that were more spacious.

"With VR, sellers cannot exaggerate positive features or downplay the flaws of a property to attract buyers," the study authors wrote. "The product information conveyed through VR is a more truthful reflection of a property's product quality."

When a real estate agent is unresponsive or unhelpful, researchers found that VR also can help fill an information gap.

"VR can sometimes complement the role of the agent," Meng said. "For example, if the agent is not high quality or good at providing information, then VR can help."

Anecdotal evidence about whether VR affects a home's sale price motivated the researchers to analyze data from China's leading real estate platform, which is similar to Zillow or Realtor.com. They calculated the length of time nearly 43,000 properties using VR stayed on the market from 2018 to 2019, as well as each home's final selling price.

The researchers concluded that real estate platforms could see financial benefits from including more homes with VR tours. For buyers, VR is an additional tool for house-hunting, particularly for larger, newer houses.

Senior author of the study is Dr. Yong Tan, chair of information systems and operations management at the University of Washington. Dr. Zhenbin Yan, assistant professor of information systems at Tongji University in Shanghai, is corresponding author.

Publication details Zhenbin Yan et al, Does Virtual Reality Help Property Sales? Empirical Evidence from a Real Estate Platform, Information Systems Research (2025). DOI: 10.1287/isre.2021.9138 Journal information: Information Systems Research
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A new study led by researchers at Penn State has uncovered several instances of wood warblerslike the Magnolia Warbler pictured herepassing color-related genes to other species of wood warblers, including those that are not closely related. Credit: Davey Walters

Wood warblers, also called New World warblers, are some of the most colorful birds in North America, with more than a hundred species in the family ranging in color from yellow, orange and red to blue, green and pink. A new study led by researchers at Penn State has uncovered several instances of the birds passing color-related genes to other species of wood warblers, including those that are not closely related.

This glimpse into the hidden evolutionary dynamics of these songbirds may help explain why some species display certain colors as well as how the group diversified into so many different species in such a relatively short evolutionary time, the researchers said.

A paper describing the research appeared Dec. 11 in the journal PLOS Biology.

How wood warblers share color genes

"Wood warblers are beloved by birders in part because of their wide variety of plumage colors, and it's only natural to wonder how such diversity of colors arose in these beautiful songbirds," said David Toews, Louis Martarano Career Development Professor of Biology in the Penn State Eberly College of Science and an author of the paper.

"It turns out that some of these birds may have borrowed colors from their neighbors, rather than evolving them independently. We previously found evidence that a particular color-related gene had been shared between species within the same genus, which is one notch up on the taxonomic ladder, but now we show that there is gene movement from species in one genus to another. That means some genetic funny business was going on with these warblers millions of years ago."

In addition to the pigment melanin, which produces brown and black plumage, the colors of wood warblers are influenced by carotenoid pigments, which are responsible for bright yellow, red and orange plumage. The research team collected DNA from 400 warblers across 100 species and six subspecies, focusing on three main genes related to carotenoid pigments.

The team compared an evolutionary tree of the warblersbuilt using their entire genomes and representing the overall relationships among the birdswith trees they created independently for each of the three carotenoid-related genes. These gene-specific trees show similarities and differences of the individual gene across the family, and discrepancies between the trees suggest where gene exchanges may have occurred. Statistical follow-up tests confirmed the gene exchanges, which the researchers said resulted from a process called introgression.

The process and impact of introgression

"When birds of two different species mate, their hybrid offspring inherit genes from both parents," said Kevin Bennett, postdoctoral scholar in biology in the Penn State Eberly College of Science and first author of the paper: "When that hybrid goes on to mate with an individual of one of its parent species, it can pass on genes from the other. Over several generations, the genetic material from one species can be incorporated into the other, which is called introgression.

"Our research group previously identified introgression of a gene called BCO2 among several species of wood warblers within the genus Setophaga, but it seemed like the version of the gene that was getting passed around might have originated from outside that group. Here, we confirmed that this version of the gene came from outside the genus and found that it has been exchanged between species of a different genus on multiple occasions."

The gene beta-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2), when turned on, produces a protein that breaks down yellow carotenoids, resulting in more white or gray coloration. When turned off, BCO2 results in the accumulation of yellow carotenoids and thus yellow plumage.

The researchers found evidence of introgression of BCO2 among several wood warbler species, including from a species within the genus Leiothlypis to multiple Setophaga species as well as to multiple species in the genus Cardellina. They also observed introgression of BCO2 from the genus Vermivora to Geothlypis, though the order and exact timing of these exchanges remain unclear.

"We think the initial introgression events from Leiothlypis occurred between half a million to two million years agowhile the donor and recipient species themselves diverged several million years before that," Toews said.

"But the 'borrowed' version of this gene has stuck around all that time, even as the species themselves evolved and split. We believe this version of the gene subtly alters the BCO2 protein itself, which likely impacts the yellow coloration of the birds. Because warblers use color to choose a mate, this might play into who the bird mates with, helping to dictate whether the gene gets passed on. We plan to further investigate the functional implications of this version of BCO2."

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Recent and ongoing gene exchanges

While introgression of BCO2 from Leiothlypis to other species may have occurred millions of years ago, the researchers suggested that introgression into one species, the red-faced warbler, is not only more recent, but is currently in progress, as not all members of the species they sampled contained the borrowed version of the gene.

"We are sampling additional red-faced warblers from across a broader geographic range to try to catch this evolutionary process in the act," Bennett said. "We hope to get a better sense of where this version of the gene has come from, how far into its geographic range it has reached and how it impacts the ecology of the birds."

Other genes influencing plumage color

The research team also investigated a pair of genes called BDH1L and CYP2J19 that work together to convert yellow carotenoids into a type of carotenoid that can result in red plumage. They found evidence of introgression of BDH1L from a red Cardellina species into two red species in the genus Myioborus and CYP2J19 between two species of Myioborus.

"Only five of the more than hundred species of wood warblers are red, and one of these recipient Myioborus species has populations that are red and some that are yellow," Bennett said. "We only found evidence of introgression into the red population, which provides strong evidence that introgression is directly causing the color difference of these birds. We think it is possible that wood warblers had a single evolutionary origin of red plumage and that it was passed on to the other red species through introgression from there."

Implications for evolution and diversity

Ultimately, the researchers uncovered at least nine instances of introgression with BCO2 and at least one instance for each of the other genes. Their findings suggest that introgressionwhich has not yet been documented to this scale in vertebratesmay be more common than previously thought. Borrowing genes from evolutionary neighbors, they said, may be an easier way to evolve new traits compared to random mutations.

According to the researchers, the spread of carotenoid genes via introgression could also help explain how this group of warblers rapidly diversified into so many species in evolutionary time.

"Without modern tools, like high-throughput DNA sequencing, the intertwined history of these birds would remain hidden," Bennett said. "It's really exciting to uncover the hidden stories of the birds and to see how genes from independent evolutionary lineages can come together to solve evolutionary problems."

In addition to Toews and Bennett, the team at Penn State includes Lan-Nhi Phung, who graduated with a doctoral degree in biology in 2024 and is now at the University of Rochester in New York, and former postdoctoral scholars Andrew Wood, now at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Marcella Baiz, now at the University of Buffalo. The research team also includes Irby Lovette at Cornell University.

Publication details A colorful legacy of hybridization in wood-warblers includes frequent sharing of carotenoid genes among species and genera, PLOS Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003501 Journal information: PLoS Biology

Key concepts evolutionornithologyPigmentation
Statement by Sri Lanka at the 116th Session of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Council - General Debate, on 08 to 10 December 2025, in Geneva

Thank you for giving me the floor.

At the outset allow me to convey Sri Lankas deep appreciation to IOM for its solidarity and rapid humanitarian support in the aftermath of the destructive cyclone Ditwah which devastated Sri Lanka last month, causing huge loss of life and vast scale damage to property, and infrastructure.

As multiple global crises and challenges continue to compel migration within and across borders, we are witnessing increased hostility against migration compounded by misguided and damaging narratives. In contrast, safe, orderly and regular migration brings many fold opportunities for all, benefitting migrants, countries of origin and destination.

Sri Lanka emphasizes the continued relevance of international migration governance, providing the framework for regular migration. In this context, the strategic leadership of IOM in the framework of international migration governance remains critical, more than ever.

Sri Lanka takes this opportunity to commend the proactive approach of IOM in ensuring the effective implementation of its mandate, and the strategic objectives. At a time where deliberate attempts are made to weaken multilateralism, and multilateral institutions are burdened with severe liquidity crisis, Sri Lanka appreciates the IOMs sustained and innovative efforts to address these impacts, in close consultation with member states.

As a longstanding partner Sri Lanka is pleased to have contributed to the IOM Resilience Fund aimed at preserving its core capacity and structure.

Chair

Promoting safe, orderly, regular and rights-based migration remains a priority for Sri Lanka. The Governments commitment is manifested through several progressive policies, and initiatives have been implemented nationally to safeguard the migrants and their families, ensuring their welfare, including through the recent national Budget for 2026.

We deeply value our long-standing constructive partnership with IOM. At IOMs invitation, Sri Lanka joined the GCM Champion initiative in April 2025. Recognizing the evolving migration dynamics and Sri Lankas status as a GCM Champion Country, a new National GCM Implementation Plan for 20262028 is currently being developed through a series of multi-stakeholder consultations. Further, the Migration and SDGs Monitoring Platform (MSMP), a new digital tool to track migrations contribution to the SDGs, was launched by the Government of Sri Lanka in November 2025. These measures aim at strengthening our migration governance framework and contribute to the achievement of SDGs.

As the 2nd IMRF approaches Sri Lanka looks forward to being engaged in this process. In conclusion, we reiterate our commitment to continued collaboration with IOM to promote our common objectives furthering migration governance benefitting all.

Thank you.

View PDF
NEW DELHI (AP)  Microsoft on Tuesday announced its biggest-ever Asia investment, amounting to $17.5 billion, in India over the next four years to advance the countrys cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

CEO Satya Nadella revealed this in an X post after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Nadella said that Microsoft was committing the investments to help India build the infrastructure, skills and sovereign capabilities needed for its AI future.

The announcement underscores the growing global competition among major technology companies to expand in India, which has become one of the worlds fastest-growing digital markets.

In October, Google said it will invest $15 billion in India over the next five years to establish its first AI hub in the country. Located in the southern city of Visakhapatnam, the hub will be one of Googles largest globally.

Nadella is in India on a three-day trip that includes discussions with policymakers, as well as participation in AI-focused events in the country's tech hub, Bengaluru, and financial capital, Mumbai.

India has set ambitious targets to become a leading global hub for AI and semiconductor manufacturing. The government has introduced financial incentives aimed at attracting global chipmakers and major technology companies to strengthen the countrys innovation ecosystem, boost jobs and reduce dependence on imported technologies.

When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India, Modi said on X after meeting with Nadella.

Microsofts latest India investment plan tops its earlier announcement this year of investing $3 billion in building cloud and AI infrastructure, as well as new data centers and skilling the workforce over the next two years.

The company, which has operated in India for more than three decades, employs more than 22,000 people in the country and has been expanding cloud and data center capacity to support advanced computing needs.

Microsoft said in a statement that it hopes to scale up its ongoing operations across India. It plans to have its largest hyperscale presence in the country with a new data center going live in mid-2026.
Investigation underway in death of Playa del Carmen hotel bar worker

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Municipal authorities are investigating the death of a local hotel bar worker. The man was found in his private home dead Wednesday afternoon.

Police were called to an apartment on Uguria Street in the Real Bilbao neighborhood by the mans roommate who found him lying on his bedroom floor.

According to the report, the deceased man was found face down, naked and discolored.

Police were called when the roommate found the man dead in their shared apartment. December 10, 2025.

The roommate, who has not been named, told police that the two shared the apartment but rarely crossed paths due to their differing personal schedules.

It is not known how long the man was dead before being found, however, the roommate mentioned not seeing the man for two days.

The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Pedro Vasquez O who was originally from the state of Puebla. He was working at a Playa del Carmen hotel as a bartenders assistant. Local authorities have not commented on a possible cause of death.
Riu Ventura Hotel: Spanish chain opens sixth location in Cancun

Cancun, Q.R.  The Spanish Riu chain has opened their sixth hotel in Cancun. On Tuesday, officials inaugurated the new Riu Ventura Hotel in Cancun. Governor Mara Lezama was on hand for the inauguration along with Pablo Klimann, Director of Operations for the Mexican Caribbean and Costa Rica at Riu Hotels & Resorts.

Governor Lezama expressed her gratitude not only for the formal opening of the hotel, but also for recognizing the workers who are a fundamental part, the essence, of the tourist destinations in the state.

Our employees deserve to live well, to have well-paid, well-compensated jobs. Thats why were building homes, absorbing all the subsidies from the federal, state, and municipal governments, so that those earning two minimum wages can have a home with all the basic necessities, explained Mara Lezama.

She said this project reaffirms the states tourism strength and consolidates the confidence of international investment, particularly Spanish investment, one of the most significant and longest-standing in the state.

Riu Ventura Hotel is the companys sixth hotel in Cancun. December 9, 2025.

Lezama said the inauguration of the new hotel marks a significant milestone. It is the first hotel opening event that the RIU chain has held in Quintana Roo, reflecting the companys sustained growth and commitment to the destination.

The opening of this new hotel has an immediate social impact, creating more than 400 new jobs and contributing to the well-being of Quintana Roo families and the growth of local communities.

Pablo Klimann announced that this is the chains sixth hotel in Cancun, and that the Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun and the Riu Palace Mexico in Playa del Carmen will soon be renovated.

Riu is committed to Quintana Roo and is growing alongside its community, promoting sustainability. The employees are the heart of this hotel, he said.

With the addition of the Hotel Riu Ventura, the RIU chain now has six hotels in Cancun and 15 throughout the state of Quintana Roo, solidifying its position as the chain with the largest presence in the state.

Pablo Klimann spoke at the hotel inauguration Tuesday night. December 9, 2025.

This expansion not only strengthens the tourism offerings of the Mexican Caribbean but also fosters job creation and the diversification of services. With this opening, RIU Hotels reaches its 23rd hotel in Mexico, a country where it has consolidated one of its largest social investment commitments.

This event also comes at a strategic moment for international promotion, just one month before FITUR, the tourism fair in which Mexico will participate for the first time as Spains Partner Country.

The new Riu Ventura Hotel is the companys thirteenth Riu hotel in the state. December 9, 2025.

Cancun Mayor Ana Paty Peralta de la Pena, along with other state dignitaries, welcomed the business leaders and guests to the Tuesday night event.
Vintage items are more than just relics from the past. Their unique charm adds a touch of character to any space, and in an era when everything seems mass-produced, vintage is even more meaningful. Adding antiques to your kitchen is one of the secrets to making your space cozy and curated to who you are, with their indispensable quality that lifts the mood in the entire space. It's no wonder collectors reach for one-of-a-kind pieces. One particular sought-after find that has been all the rage is the Herend Apponyi flower porcelain collection  and this rare fine china kitchen set from the 1930s is as exquisite as it sounds.

According to Hunker's exclusive interview with Dr. Lori Verderame, Ph.D., an expert antiques appraiser, the main attraction is, of course, the flowers. The pattern showcases features that make it instantly recognizable. "The Apponyi flowers feature a central bouquet with floral sprays ... the pattern [was] derived from the Indian Flower Basket pattern of the 19th century ... highlighting the peony flowers of the pattern," Dr. Verderame told Hunker. While the color of the Apponyi can vary, the peony bouquet remains the focal point. One way to tell if your vintage china is actually valuable is by taking a peek at the bottom, which should include a number as well as a trademark. Despite its subtlety, to the untrained eye, it might look like any other vintage china on the market, so what makes it special?

Read more: 7 Must-Have Canned Foods And 7 To Avoid In Your Pantry

Why everyone is obsessing over it

A colorful display of tea cups and saucers from Herend's Apponyi collection - porcelainedemaison/Instagram

Vintage kitchenware can be sourced from websites like eBay; just a quick search gives you thousands of results. So, why obsess over the Herend Apponyi flower porcelain? Because of its rarity, delicate craftsmanship, or intricate detail? For one, the brand has been around for almost two centuries. To procure a piece of Herend is like purchasing a piece of art, and its significance matters if you value high-end, royalty-approved creations.

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The Apponyi collection has a unique backstory, and it's perhaps one of the reasons why it's so revered. Count Apponyi, an influential statesman in Hungary, had commissioned Herend for a lavish 60-piece dinner set for a gala. His request was originally an Indian Basket pattern, but due to the lack of manpower, a simpler take on it was suggested  which, as you can tell, Count Apponyi approved of. Evidently, that's where the name of the coveted kitchenware came from.

A modern Apponyi kitchen set from Herend costs a little over $2,000, while vintage sets are half the price, up to $5,000  though, we wouldn't be surprised if it's being sold for more. If you stumble upon a set, especially at a steal, don't let it go. It could be a fancy addition to your mid-day tea break or a creative way to decorate open shelves, and you'll have a conversation starter that will always be the belle of the ball.

Static Media owns and operates Chowhound and Hunker.

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Read the original article on Chowhound.
Skeptical Science New Research for Week #50 2025

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Doug Bostrom, Marc Kodack

Open access notables

Detectability of Post-Net Zero Climate Changes and the Effects of Delay in Emissions Cessation, King et al., Earth's Future

There is growing interest in how the climate would change under net zero carbon dioxide emissions pathways as many nations aim to reach net zero in coming decades. In today's rapidly warming world, many changes in the climate are detectable, even in the presence of internal variability, but whether climate changes under net zero are expected to be detectable is less well understood. Here, we use a set of 1000-year-long net zero carbon dioxide emissions simulations branching from different points in the 21st century to examine detectability of large-scale, regional and local climate changes as time passes under net zero emissions. We find that even after net zero, there are continued detectable changes to climate for centuries. While local changes and changes in extremes are more challenging to detect, Southern Hemisphere warming and Northern Hemisphere cooling become detectable at many locations within a few centuries under net zero emissions. We also study how detectable delays in achieving emissions cessation are across climate indices. We find that for global mean surface temperature and other large-scale indices, such as Antarctic and Arctic sea ice extent, the effects of an additional 5 years of high greenhouse gas emissions are detectable. Such delays in emissions cessation result in significantly different local temperatures for most of the planet, and most of the global population. The long simulations used here help with identifying local climate change signals. Multi-model frameworks will be useful to examine confidence in these changes and improve understanding of post-net zero climate changes.

From short-term uncertainties to long-term certainties in the future evolution of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, Coulon et al., Nature Communications

Robust projections of future sea-level rise are essential for coastal adaptation, yet they remain hampered by uncertainties in Antarctic ice-sheet projectionsthe largest potential contributor to sea-level change under global warming. Here, we combine two ice-sheet models, systematically sample parametric and climate uncertainties, and calibrate against historical observations to quantify Antarctic ice-sheet changes to 2300 and beyond. By 2300, the projected Antarctic sea-level contributions range from -0.09 m to +1.74 m under low emissions (SSP1-2.6, outer limits of 5-95% probability intervals), and from +0.73 m to +5.95 m under very high emissions (SSP5-8.5). Irrespective of the wide range of uncertainties explored, large-scale Antarctic ice-sheet retreat is triggered under SSP5-8.5, while reaching net-zero emissions well before 2100 strongly reduces multi-centennial ice loss. Yet, even under such strong mitigation, a significant sea-level contribution could still result from West Antarctica. Our results suggest that current mitigation efforts may not be sufficient to avoid self-sustained Antarctic ice loss, making emission decisions taken in the coming years decisive for future sea-level rise.

Declining number of northern hemisphere land-surface frozen days under global warming and thinner snowpacks, Hatami et al., Communications Earth & Environment

Freezethaw processes shape ecosystems, hydrology, and infrastructure across northern high latitudes. Here we use satellite-based observations from 19792021 across 47 northern hemisphere ecoregions to examine changes in the number of frozen land-surface days per year. We find widespread declines, with 70% of ecoregions showing significant reductions, primarily linked to rising air temperatures and thinning snowpacks. Causal analysis demonstrates that air temperature and snow depth exert consistent controls on the number of frozen days. A trend-informed assessment based on historical observations suggests a potential average loss of more than 30 frozen days per year by the end of the century, with the steepest decreases in Alaska, northern Canada, northern Europe, and eastern Russia. Scenario-based analysis indicates that each 1 C increase in air temperature reduces frozen days by ~6-days, while each 1 cm decrease in snow depth leads to a ~ 3-day reduction. These shifts carry major ecological and socio-economic implications.

Timing of a future glaciation in view of anthropogenic climate change, Kaufhold et al., Communications Earth & Environment

Human activities are expected to delay the next glacial inception because of the long atmospheric lifetime of anthropogenic CO2. Here we present Earth system model simulations for the next 200,000 years with dynamic ice sheets and interactive atmospheric CO2, exploring how emissions will impact a future glacial inception. Historical emissions (500 PgC) are unlikely to delay inception, expected to occur under natural conditions around 50,000 years from now, while a doubling of current emissions (1000 PgC) would delay inception for another 50,000 years. Inception is generally expected within the next 200,000 years for emissions up to 5000 PgC. Our model results show that assumptions about the long-term balance of geological carbon sources and sinks has a strong impact on the timing of the next glacial inception, while millennial-scale variability in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation influences the exact timing. This work highlights the long-term impact of anthropogenic CO2 on climate.

From this week's government/NGO section:

Extreme Heat and the Shrinking Diurnal Range. A Global Evaluation of Oppressive Air Mass Character and Frequency, Kalkstein et al., Climate Resilience for All

As country leaders focus on avoiding breaching the +1.5C threshold of the Paris Agreement, nighttime temperatures in cities are soaring at a rate of as much as 10 times higher than daytime temperatures. The authors examine how nighttime temperatures are rising at alarming rates in cities across the globe. The authors found that cities are not only experiencing on average an extra day of extreme heat every six years, but alsoeven more alarminglynighttime temperatures are rising much more rapidly than daytime highs in a majority of the cities worldwide. Women are particularly vulnerable to nighttime heat. Physiological factors make them more sensitive to higher temperatures, and societal norms and inequalities amplify their risk. Often shouldering a greater burden of care for older relatives and the sick, it is usually a woman who stays awake when their family member cannot sleep, sacrificing her own rest and recovery, to care for them. And gender norms, or the threat of violence can keep women from sleeping outside or with windows open, making thermal relief even harder to find.

Extreme Heat, Gender and Health - A dialogue towards climate resilient adaptation, Kumar et al., Multiple

India's rapidly growing cities are becoming dangerous for pregnant women as extreme heat combines with inadequate housing and fragmented health systems to create life-threatening conditions. The Heat in Pregnancy  India (HiP-I) project brought together leading experts to examine this escalating crisis and identify urgent solutions. Policies must be tailored to local realities. India-specific research is necessary to understand the impact of heat on pregnancy, and early warning systems should incorporate humidity and nighttime temperatures, rather than focusing solely on peak daytime heat. Coordination across sectors is essential. Governance fragmentation leaves pregnant women in informal settlements without protection, while urban planning, health systems, water management, and housing policy continue to operate in silos. Breaking these silos is key to effective adaptation.

Highlights from the extreme heat and agriculture report, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization

The authors explore the impact of extreme heat on agricultural producers and on crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, and forests worldwide. Drawing on recent scientific evidence and country case studies, they highlight the independent and compound risks posed by extreme heat, underscores the urgency of mitigation, and presents pathways to strengthen resilience and sustainability across agricultural sectors.

135 articles in 58 journals by 831 contributing authors

Physical science of climate change, effects

Antarctic Bottom Water in a changing climate, Jacobs, Nature Reviewss Earth & Environment, 10.1038/s43017-025-00750-2

Hot droughts in the Amazon provide a window to a future hypertropical climate, Chambers et al., Nature 10.1038/s41586-025-09728-y

The relative contribution of physical processes leading the May 2024 heat wave in Cuba using a novel temperature anomaly analysis, Perez-Alarcon et al., Weather and Climate Extremes Open Access 10.1016/j.wace.2025.100827

Observations of climate change, effects

Brief communication: Tropical glaciers on Puncak Jaya (Irian Jaya/West Papua, Indonesia) close to extinction, Ibel et al., Open Access 10.5194/egusphere-2025-415

Declining number of northern hemisphere land-surface frozen days under global warming and thinner snowpacks, Hatami et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-03059-6

In Situ Temperature Trends of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current South of South Africa, Hu et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans Open Access 10.1029/2025jc023030

The 2025 Blatten disaster in the Swiss Alps followed exceptional warming and highlights the vulnerability of people and heritage in glaciated landscapes, Buntgen et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02994-8

Instrumentation & observational methods of climate change, effects

A Statistically Based Method to Estimate Long-Term Daily Air Temperature at High Elevations, Bongio et al., International Journal of Climatology Open Access 10.1002/joc.70208

Evaluation of GOSAT-IM, NASA-GEOS and NOAA-CT terrestrial ecosystem and oceanic flux datasets using the GEOS-Chem model to simulate the seasonal cycle of tropospheric CO 2 , Krishnapriya et al., Atmospheric Environment 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2025.121719

Integrating non-stationarity and uncertainty in design life levels based on climatological time series, Barbaux et al., Weather and Climate Extremes Open Access 10.1016/j.wace.2025.100807

Marine Heatwave Event Maps in the Baltic Sea (19822023): A Gridded Dataset from Satellite-Derived L4 SST, Bashiri et al., Scientific Data Open Access 10.1038/s41597-025-06251-7

Understanding Decision-Maker Needs for Extreme Event Attribution Science, Bourbon et al., Weather and Climate Extremes Open Access 10.1016/j.wace.2025.100842

Modeling, simulation & projection of climate change, effects

Climate change projections over mid-high latitudes Northern Asia using an ensemble of RegCM5 Simulations, TANG et al., Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2025.12.001

Detectability of Post-Net Zero Climate Changes and the Effects of Delay in Emissions Cessation, King et al., Earth's Future Open Access 10.1029/2025ef006918

Dissimilar global record-breaking heatwave exposure driven by divergent population projections within shared socioeconomic pathways, Wang et al., Weather and Climate Extremes Open Access 10.1016/j.wace.2025.100838

Energy-Consumption-Induced Anthropogenic Heat Release Intensifies Heatwaves and Wildfire Threats in North America: A CESM2-Based Projection for the Late 21st Century, Wang et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 10.1029/2025jd044290

Evaluation of CMIP6 model performance and future climate projections over the Genale dawa river basin, Ethiopia, Chanie, Scientific Reports Open Access 10.1038/s41598-025-29498-x

Future Projections of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the MDR and Wider Caribbean Region: Utilising CMIP6 GCM Ensembles, Hibbert et al., International Journal of Climatology Open Access 10.1002/joc.70206

Timing of a future glaciation in view of anthropogenic climate change, Kaufhold et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02867-0

Advancement of climate & climate effects modeling, simulation & projection

An improved and extended parameterization of the CO2 15 m cooling in the middle and upper atmosphere (CO2&cool&fort-1.0), Lopez-Puertas et al., Geoscientific Model Development Open Access 10.5194/gmd-17-4401-2024

CMIP6 models cannot capture long-term forced changes in the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature gradient, Byrne et al., Nature Communications Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-025-66839-w

CMIP7 data request: impacts and adaptation priorities and opportunities, Ruane et al., Open Access 10.5194/egusphere-2025-3408

Comparison of precipitation parameterizations in Regional Climate Model (RegCM5): a case study of the Upper Blue Nile Basin (UBNB), Keshta et al., Geoscientific Model Development Open Access 10.5194/gmd-18-9791-2025

Downscaling daily climate data with super-resolution and CMIP6 global climate models to predict the climate in China, Zhang et al., Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2025.11.007

Evaluating uncertainty in global wave storm characteristics using CMIP6-derived wave climate simulations with SWAN and WAVEWATCH III models, Kumar et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.105214

Future Projections of Marine Heatwaves in the Northern Indian Ocean Using the HighResMIP Models: Role of Horizontal Resolution and Percentile Thresholds, Mishra et al., International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.70197

Neglecting vertical transport leads to underestimated soil carbon dynamics, Amundson et al., Nature Geoscience 10.1038/s41561-025-01846-6

Toward Co-Designed Earth System Models: Reflecting End-User Priorities in Local Applications From a Modeler's Perspective, Cheng et al., AGU Advances Open Access 10.1029/2025av001921

Validation of climate mitigation pathways, Weigmann et al., Open Access 10.5194/egusphere-2025-2284

Cryosphere & climate change

Arctic regional changes revealed by clustering of sea-ice observations, Simon et al., Open Access 10.5194/egusphere-2025-704

Brief communication: Tropical glaciers on Puncak Jaya (Irian Jaya/West Papua, Indonesia) close to extinction, Ibel et al., Open Access 10.5194/egusphere-2025-415

Effects of Sediment-Laden Subglacial Discharge on Ice Shelf Basal Melting and Seabed Evolution, Papapetros et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans Open Access 10.1029/2025jc023422

From short-term uncertainties to long-term certainties in the future evolution of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, Coulon et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-025-66178-w

Mapping sea ice concentration using Nimbus-5 ESMR and local dynamical tie points, Tellefsen et al., Open Access 10.5194/essd-2025-660

Multi-model estimate of Antarctic ice-shelf basal mass budget and ocean drivers, Galton-Fenzi et al., The Cryosphere Open Access 10.5194/tc-19-6507-2025

Observations of turbulent mixing in the Dotson Ice Shelf cavity, Richter et al., Ocean Science Open Access 10.5194/os-21-3341-2025

The glacial systems model (GSM) Version 25G, Tarasov et al., Geoscientific Model Development Open Access 10.5194/gmd-18-9565-2025

Paleoclimate & paleogeochemistry

Glacial-interglacial records of redox-sensitive proxies in the intermediate Southwest Pacific: Implications for changes in oxygenation, Hu et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.105178

Has rising bottom water temperature since the Last Glacial Maximum caused gas hydrate dissociation?, Cheng et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.105217

Biology & climate change, related geochemistry

Climate driven divergence of growth resilience of Picea crassifolia from semi-arid to semi-humid habitats, Guo et al., Dendrochronologia 10.1016/j.dendro.2025.126428

Climate warming reduces soil gaseous nitrogen losses in a temperate forest, Huang et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Open Access 10.1073/pnas.2513401122

Contrasting climate oscillations impacts on phytoplankton in the western and eastern tropical Pacific, An et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-025-65947-x

Delayed senescence end prolongs leaf senescence duration in temperate China, Lu et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110938

Dramatic decline of Sargassum in the north Sargasso Sea since 2015, Zhang et al., Nature Geoscience Open Access 10.1038/s41561-025-01863-5

Editorial: Indonesian mangrove ecology and the changing climate, Murdiyarso et al., Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.3389/fevo.2025.1718325

Effects of Future Climate Extreme Heat Events and Land Use Changes on Land Vertebrates, Vardi et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70625

ENSO amplifies global vegetation resilience variability in a changing climate, Zhou et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-025-66987-z

Equatorial upwelling of phosphorus drives Atlantic N2 fixation and Sargassum blooms, Jung et al., Nature Geoscience Open Access 10.1038/s41561-025-01812-2

Fine-Grain Data Reveal Vulnerability of Biodiversity to Climate Change, Lu & Jetz, Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70627

Flowerleaf sequence shapes plant phenological sensitivity to warming, Xia et al., Journal of Ecology 10.1111/1365-2745.70210

Forest-savanna stability in India under human interventions and changing climate, Dubey et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-03076-5

Functional traits and individual tree growth relationship weakens with stand development but strengthens with increasing temperature, Shan et al., Journal of Ecology 10.1111/1365-2745.70182

MaxEnt Prediction of Seriphidium transiliense Habitats in China: Integrating Climate Change and Human Activity Effects, Li et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.1002/ece3.72641

Mesoamerican beliefs sculpted in jadeite, Manrique-Ortega et al., Nature Geoscience 10.1038/s41561-025-01852-8

Rapid shifts in bryophyte phenology revealed by airborne eDNA, Bengtsson et al., Journal of Ecology Open Access 10.1111/1365-2745.70180

Shifting optimal preseason length alters temperature effects on leaf senescence, Guo et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110953

The impact of an unprecedented hotter drought on oak growth was related to climate of origin, Camarero et al., Frontiers in Forests and Global Change Open Access 10.3389/ffgc.2025.1730405

The interacting effects of climate and land-cover change on bird communities in the United States, Thompson et al., Ecography Open Access 10.1002/ecog.07949

Warming conditions reduce the impacts of an aquatic invasive macrophyte across a latitudinal gradient, Muthukrishnan & Kalinowski, Journal of Ecology 10.1111/1365-2745.70171

GHG sources & sinks, flux, related geochemistry

Dynamics of China's forest carbon storage: the first 30 m annual aboveground biomass mapping from 1985 to 2023, Cai et al., Earth System Science Data Open Access 10.5194/essd-17-6993-2025

Enhanced CO2 emissions driven by flooding in a simulation of palsa degradation, Laurent et al., 10.5194/egusphere-egu25-8852

Measurement report: Mobile measurements to estimate urban methane emissions in Tokyo, Umezawa et al., Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Open Access 10.5194/acp-25-18015-2025

Neglecting vertical transport leads to underestimated soil carbon dynamics, Amundson et al., Nature Geoscience 10.1038/s41561-025-01846-6

Permafrost Thaw Accelerates Old Soil Carbon Release, Outpacing New Plant Inputs During a 13-Year Tundra Warming Experiment, Lathrop et al., Global Change Biology 10.1111/gcb.70609

Spatial and temporal variations of gross primary production simulated by land surface model BCC&AVIM2.0, Li et al., Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2023.02.001

Underestimated Carbon Losses as Dissolved Organic Carbon in Forested Headwater Streams, Liu et al., Global Biogeochemical Cycles 10.1029/2025gb008684

CO2 capture, sequestration science & engineering

Reducing the large short-lived impact of methane emissions with temporary carbon removals, Venmans et al., Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-025-02511-x

Responsible research and innovation of carbon removal: strategies for field trials, Waller et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1658453

Temporary carbon dioxide removals to offset methane emissions, Venmans et al., Nature Climate Change Open Access 10.1038/s41558-025-02487-8

Decarbonization

Advancements in solar power tower technology: innovations in optical systems and heliostat field design, Aslam et al., Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering 10.1007/s40430-025-06086-8

Can wind energy help West Virginia off its coal-mining addiction?, De Weerdt et al., Energy Research & Social Science 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104478

Decarbonizing residential space heating with heat pumps in the United States, Shafiee & Schrag, Energy Policy 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114997

Economies of scale matter: how refuelling infrastructure policy affects the viability of alternative fuel trucks, Perez-Bravo et al., Energy Policy 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114976

From net-zero to zero-fossil in transforming the EU energy system, Schreyer et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-025-66682-z

Global carbon neutrality progress assessment and typology classification in 2025, LI et al., Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2025.12.003

Rising worldwide challenges to climate-induced extreme low-production events of photovoltaic and wind power, Wang et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-025-67428-7

Structural lock-ins in tourism decarbonization and the alternative, Liu et al., Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-025-02502-y

Unlocking geothermal potential in abandoned hydrocarbon and exploration wells: a sustainable energy solution, Ali Khan et al., Arabian Journal of Geosciences 10.1007/s12517-025-12393-0

Geoengineering climate

Carbonate System Site Selection Characteristics for Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement in the US Northeast Shelf and Slope, Rheuban et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences Open Access 10.1029/2025jg009063

Solar Geoengineering Strategies Based on Reinforcement Learning, Quan et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres Open Access 10.1029/2025jd044319

Climate change communications & cognition

Climate Communication as Statecraft: A Content Analysis of Climate Change Communication from Caribbean Governments and Press, Anderson et al., Environmental Communication 10.1080/17524032.2025.2597444

Recognizing climate change as global: Implications for environmental psychology research, Tam, Journal of Environmental Psychology Open Access 10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102856

The Truth About NGOs: How the Brazilian Media Frames the Attempt to Criminalize Socio-environmental Organizations, Salles et al., Environmental Communication 10.1080/17524032.2025.2596623

Understanding Late Adolescents Moral Responsibility for Climate Change: The Role of Social-Ecological Factors, Worry, and Distancing, Martinsson et al., Journal of Environmental Psychology 10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102879

Understanding the strengths and limitations of community-based responses to misinformation, Vraga, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Open Access 10.1073/pnas.2524004122

When Experts Speak Louder: The Limited Influence of Climate Citizens Assemblies on Misperceptions, Suiter et al., Environmental Communication Open Access 10.1080/17524032.2025.2586668

Agronomy, animal husbundry, food production & climate change

Enhancing climate resilience of global dryland maize to cope with future 50-year climate warming, Wang et al., Global Environmental Change 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2025.103088

Fencing the Flux: Seasonal Trends, Environmental Drivers, and Mitigation Opportunities of Methane Emissions From Farm Dams, Odebiri et al., Global Change Biology 10.1111/gcb.70637

Harvesting resilience: the role of social capital in driving adaptive behaviour among Iranian farmers, Yazdanpanah et al., Climate and Development Open Access 10.1080/17565529.2025.2592072

Modeling biochar effects on soil organic carbon on croplands in a microbial decomposition model (MIMICS-BC&v1.0), Han et al., Geoscientific Model Development Open Access 10.5194/gmd-17-4871-2024

Pest and Host Associations That Transcend Time: Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Grape Berry Moth (Paralobesia viteana) and Its Hosts Vitis riparia and Vitis labrusca in North America, Gomez?Llano et al., Ecology and Evolution Open Access pdf 10.1002/ece3.72612

Rooted in crisis, growing solutions: economic impacts and adaptive pathways for Fijis climate-threatened sugarcane industry, Khan & Yun, Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1690723

The carbon footprint of the farming of edible brown alga Sargassum naozhouense, Sun et al., Marine Environmental Research 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107738

Hydrology, hydrometeorology & climate change

Climate Change Likely to Intensify Storm-Driven Compound Flooding in an Exemplar UK Estuary, Lyddon et al., Earth's Future Open Access 10.1029/2024ef005822

From climate change to dam construction: A multi-stressor analysis of global river water temperature change, Gao et al., Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2025.100778

Physical Predictand Drivers and Characteristics of Aridity Across East Africa, Ayugi et al., International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.70212

Robust circulation changes in the tropics under a warming climate: a topical review, Thomas & Bala, Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1713513

Spatiotemporal Changes of Drought Conditions Over the Hindu-Kush Himalayan Region During the Recent Century: Insights for Climate Adaptation, Ebaju et al., International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.70217

Unlocking resilience: exploring climate dynamics in small-scale irrigation systems of Sissala West District of north-western Ghana, Susan et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1733615

Climate change economics

Balancing growth and decarbonization: Political economy dynamics in China's 2060 carbon neutrality strategy, Khan & Wang, Energy for Sustainable Development 10.1016/j.esd.2025.101897

Climate change mitigation public policy research

Assessment of climate awareness, policy development, and action across Nigerian states, Okereke et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1650172

Climate Change Research in Low- and Middle-Gross Domestic Product Countries: Producing Policy-Relevant Knowledge Amid Scarce Funding, Murray?Tortarolo, Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences Open Access 10.1029/2025jg009403

Climate commitments and democratic contradictions: Indias Panchamrit policy in comparative south Asian perspective, Thomas & Antony, Climate Policy 10.1080/14693062.2025.2596754

Drivers and barriers of public support for environmental policy: Insights into climate policy feasibility and efficiency, Areia & Tavares, Energy Research & Social Science Open Access 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104489

Global Insights Into Consumption-Based Carbon Emission Accounting: A Systematic Review, Pan et al., Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology 10.1111/ghg.70000

Just business? Rethinking the role of small and medium enterprise climate action through a just transition lens, Eadson et al., Energy Research & Social Science Open Access 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104480

Relaunching the Italian energy transition: Are incumbent electric utilities moving from resistance to support?, Prontera et al., Energy Research & Social Science Open Access 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104452

UNFCCC carbon trading could undermine global climate action, Lezak et al., Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-025-02517-5

Climate change adaptation & adaptation public policy research

Adaptive labour: a typology of climate (im)mobilities and structured stillness in tourism contexts, Le, Climate and Development 10.1080/17565529.2025.2592260

Climate Change and Wildfire Resilience: Assessing Rural Community Wildfire Protection Plans in the Pacific Northwest, Steel & Wolters, Public Organization Review 10.1007/s11115-025-00969-z

Conceptualizing Meso-Level Organizations and Their Relations to Catalyze Transformative Climate Adaptation, Welch et al., WIREs Climate Change 10.1002/wcc.70034

Financial regulation for climate resilience: a comparative analysis across African economies, D'Orazio, Climate Policy 10.1080/14693062.2025.2598683

From City Wisdom to Corporate Action: Climate-Adaptive City Construction and Corporate Environmental Responsibility, Lei & Xu, Weather, Climate, and Society 10.1175/wcas-d-24-0136.1

Life after climate-related planned relocation: a review of well-being outcomes, Piggott-McKellar et al., Climate and Development 10.1080/17565529.2025.2592262

Projections of global road risk exposed to landslides under climate change, Duan et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-03073-8

The State of Climate Resilience and Water Governance in the City of Toronto: Advancing Adaptation at the ClimateWater Interface Through Baseline Assessment Research, Bassone?Quashie & Johns, Climate Resilience and Sustainability Open Access 10.1002/cli2.70025

It's politics, not processes: Challenges to climate adaptation planning in Tulsa, Oklahoma, VanBuskirk & Mullenbach, Urban Climate 10.1016/j.uclim.2025.102732

Climate change impacts on human health

Accelerated attainment of global air quality standards with disproportional health co-benefits under the 1.5 C target, Xie et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-025-67276-5

Climate Hazard Mortality: Diagnosing Trends and Outliers, Cael, Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2025gl119218

Climate sensitivity is widely but unevenly spread across zoonotic diseases, Trebski et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Open Access 10.1073/pnas.2422851122

The impact of climate change induced extreme weather events on microbial dynamics and public health: an in-depth review on water quality and ecosystem resilience, Huang et al., Frontiers in Environmental Science Open Access 10.3389/fenvs.2025.1674490

Heat is a danger to my health even though I said I am used to it: Qualitative insights of workplace heat among community health workers and health promoters in Kenya, Maina et al., PLOS Climate Open Access pdf 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000748

Climate change & geopolitics

Africas climate leadership and health resilience: insights from the 2nd Africa Climate Summit, Addis Ababa, 2025, Tahlil, Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1706512

Emerging pathways in climate litigation: Transnational justice and the Global South, Varma et al., Global Environmental Change 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2025.103084

Other

Indigenous women-led climate crisis solutions from decolonial feminist perspectives in Western Canada, Chapola et al., Environmental Science & Policy Open Access 10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104272

The climate crisis and EU in the Anthropocene: May European Green Deal affect asbestos removal?, Wilk & Krowczy?ska, The Anthropocene Review Open Access 10.1177/20530196251399162

Informed opinion, nudges & major initiatives

Critical science for the next decade of climate risk management, Parsons et al., Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2025.100770

The Indian Ocean disaster is a climate tragedy  and needs more attention, Rochmyaningsih, Nature 10.1038/d41586-025-03973-x

Articles/Reports from Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations Addressing Aspects of Climate Change

Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet: Abyei, Seyuba et al., Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

The Abyei Administrative Area, a disputed territory that lies between Sudan and South Sudan, faces complex interconnected challenges. Communities in Abyei largely depend on climate-sensitive livelihoods such as cattle herding, farming and seasonal migration. Increased flooding and prolonged dry spells in recent years have reduced crop yields, affected livestock rearing and displaced households, which has deepened existing livelihood and security challenges. Limited basic services and poor infrastructure, combined with weak governance, constrain the coping capacities of local communities and increase their need for humanitarian assistance. Yet funding cuts and insecurity have led some humanitarian organizations to scale back operations, while the civil war in Sudan continues to increase humanitarian needs in Abyei. The territorys disputed status further impedes long-term development planning to address interconnected challenges, including climate-related security risks.

Rising heat, rising risk : policy pathways for regional resilience (Asia/Pacific), Srivastava et al., The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

The suns rays strike the Earth without regard for national borders. In Asia and the Pacific, rising temperatures are impacting all, everywhere. Disaster risks are expanding and intensifying as temperatures rise with serious consequences not only for human health but also for socio-economic-environmental systems. The frequency and scale of weather events resulting from rising temperatures can range from extensive floods to intense storms, to prolonged drought, expanding desertification and giving rise to new corridors of sand and dust storms. In fact, the fastest growing climate hazards are from rising temperatures. The authors assess recent as well as long-term trends. Based on the latest projections, they distill cascading impacts for multiple types of infrastructure, and interrelated food, water and energy systems. They identify troubling impacts on health systems, labor productivity, livelihoods and human well-being, with vulnerable people among those disproportionately impacted by these projections.

Highlights from the extreme heat and agriculture report, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization

The authors explore the impact of extreme heat on agricultural producers and on crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, and forests worldwide. Drawing on recent scientific evidence and country case studies, they highlight the independent and compound risks posed by extreme heat, underscores the urgency of mitigation, and presents pathways to strengthen resilience and sustainability across agricultural sectors.

The free degrees. How sustainable, passive-first cooling can save lives, money and food, Abdelaziz et al., United Nations Environment Program

The authors take a deep dive into one of the decades most urgent challenges: surging heat, soaring cooling demand, and stark inequalities in access. Building on the 2023 editions analysis of global sustainable cooling trends, the report provides the scientific foundation for the Global Cooling Pledge and charts pathways toward near-zero emissions from cooling.

Projected increase in cooling demand to 2050 in C40 cities, Christina Xiao and Honorine van den Broek d Obrenan, C40 Cities

As the global temperature rises, local cooling demand will rise with it. As cooling demand increases, inequities in access to cooling will also increase. This research, developed with Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC) and Berkeley Earth, explores projected cooling demand in C40 cities up to 2050, compared with measured demand in 2020. Results will also be indicative of potential cooling demand for other cities in similar contexts and climates.

Smart Buys: High-Value Actions for Health Sector Adaptation, Rabie et al., The World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and KfW

Climate change is intensifying health risks worldwide, amplifying disease burdens, and exposing vulnerable populations to new and worsening threats, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The authors offer countries a set of options of adaptable, cost-beneficial actions to strengthen health sector adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change. They identify eight promising, high-value actions for health sector adaptation.

Extreme Heat, Gender and Health - A dialogue towards climate resilient adaptation, Kumar et al., Multiple

India's rapidly growing cities are becoming dangerous for pregnant women as extreme heat combines with inadequate housing and fragmented health systems to create life-threatening conditions. The Heat in Pregnancy  India (HiP-I) project brought together leading experts to examine this escalating crisis and identify urgent solutions. Policies must be tailored to local realities. India-specific research is necessary to understand the impact of heat on pregnancy, and early warning systems should incorporate humidity and nighttime temperatures, rather than focusing solely on peak daytime heat. Coordination across sectors is essential. Governance fragmentation leaves pregnant women in informal settlements without protection, while urban planning, health systems, water management, and housing policy continue to operate in silos. Breaking these silos is key to effective adaptation.

Breaking the Plastic Wave 2025. An Assessment of the Global System and Strategies for Transformative Change, Dillon et al., Pew Charitable Trusts

The authors draw on an improved information landscape to provide a deeper understanding of the environmental, economic, health and social impacts of plastic. They also explore the global plastic systems influence on efforts to address some of the worlds greatest challenges. Their aim is to support and encourage decision makers as they respond to critical global issues, evaluate trade-offs and implement solutions.

Already a Multi-Trillion-Dollar Market: CEO Guide to Growth in the Green Economy, Bayley et. al., World Economic Forum and the Boston Consulting Group

Despite recent headlines suggesting the climate transition is stalling, overall growth in green investments has not wavered. Worth over $5 trillion per year  the green economy is the worlds most dynamic growth sector after technology. Green revenues are growing twice as fast as conventional revenues on average and companies operating in these markets typically gain access to cheaper capital and often enjoy premium valuations on capital markets.

Flexible Data Centers: A Faster, More Affordable Path to Power, Brancucci et al., Camus, encoord, and Princeton ZERO Lab

Using real utility transmission models and system-level capacity analysis, this reveals how flexible grid connections and bring-your-own capacity can unlock faster, more affordable access to power. Designed for utilities, data center developers, regulators, and industry analysts, the authors offer the first repeatable blueprint for evaluating flexible data centers.

State of the Climate in the Arab Region 2024, World Meteorological Organization, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, League of Arab States, World Meteorological Organization

Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening water availability and agriculture. Extreme events in 2024, including heatwaves and floods, caused over 300 reported deaths, with actual human and economic losses likely higher. Nearly 60% of Arab countries now operate multi-hazard early warning systems, above the global average, but still insufficient given the scale of risks. The authors emphasize water security as a top regional priority, as 15 of the worlds 20 most water-scarce countries are located in the Arab region. They review current policy frameworks, adaptation measures, and innovative solutions aimed at building long-term resilience.

Sustainable investment: plateauing or poised for growth?, FTSE Russell

Sustainable investment has faced continuing pressure over 2025, but most asset owners remain concerned about sustainability factors and are applying a wide range of strategies to address them. Asset owners are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by sustainability issues, particularly climate change: 85% cited it as a major concern. Climate remains the priority, however diversity and inclusion, and human capital are also rated as important. The percentage of assets owners implementing sustainable investment products is high at 73% and has been steady for a few years.

Climate Change Accountability Report 2025, CleanBC

The authors provide the most recent data on British Columbia's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, along with projections on where the province could stand in 2030, based on historical data and energy-economy modelling. Although the current suite of climate policies does not put the Province on track to meet its 2030 targets, this years modelling results suggest that CleanBC is working to drive emissions down below where they would otherwise have been without CleanBC. There are early signs that the Provinces actual emission, as reported through the Provincial Inventory, are decreasing, i.e., trending in the same direction as the implemented policy scenario projections. This report includes progress across multiple areas.

Extreme Heat and the Shrinking Diurnal Range. A Global Evaluation of Oppressive Air Mass Character and Frequency, Kalkstein et al., Climate Resilience for All

As country leaders focus on avoiding breaching the +1.5C threshold of the Paris Agreement, nighttime temperatures in cities are soaring at a rate of as much as 10 times higher than daytime temperatures. The authors examine how nighttime temperatures are rising at alarming rates in cities across the globe. The authors found that cities are not only experiencing on average an extra day of extreme heat every six years, but alsoeven more alarminglynighttime temperatures are rising much more rapidly than daytime highs in a majority of the cities worldwide. Women are particularly vulnerable to nighttime heat. Physiological factors make them more sensitive to higher temperatures, and societal norms and inequalities amplify their risk. Often shouldering a greater burden of care for older relatives and the sick, it is usually a woman who stays awake when their family member cannot sleep, sacrificing her own rest and recovery, to care for them. And gender norms, or the threat of violence can keep women from sleeping outside or with windows open, making thermal relief even harder to find.

Cooling the Cloud. Water Utilities in a Data-Driven World, American Water Works Association

As AI and digital services expand, data centers are emerging as increasingly common and high-impact customers for water utilities. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of how data centers affect water utilities and communities, examining increased water demands and costs, infrastructure strain, and the need to assess alternative water supplies.

Land availability and land-use changes in Africa, Phillan Zamchiya and Charity Rusere, The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa

The authors challenge one of the most persistent and harmful myths shaping Africas development agenda  the idea that the continent holds vast expanses of unused or underutilized land waiting to be transformed into industrial farms or carbon markets. The authors expose how this colonial-era narrative continues to justify large-scale land acquisitions, displacements, and ecological destruction in the name of progress. Drawing on extensive literature reviews, satellite data, and interviews with farmers in Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, the authors systematically dismantles five false assumptions that underpin the land abundance narrative.

Small Modular Distractors: Why a European SMR strategy hinders the energy transition, Climate Action Network Europe

Small modular reactors (SMR) are not a viable solution to decarbonizing our energy system and supporting a transition to net zero. The technology has not been demonstrated at any sort of scale, with great unknowns when it comes to design. The authors detail how SMR projects have been shown to be significantly delayed compared to initial estimates, are slower to construct than traditional nuclear, consistently over budget, more expensive than renewables, not economically fit to provide flexibility, not very small, deter funding away from realistic renewable solutions, produce more waste than traditional nuclear, and citizens have little trust in their governments to implement plans fairly. They are also planned under the assumption that the governments would take responsibility and invest in enabling infrastructure such as grids and nuclear storage facilities.

A future we choose. Why investing in Earth now can lead to a trillion-dollar benefit for all, Abiye et al., United Nations Environment Programme

The report is a product of 287 multi-disciplinary scientists from 82 countries. It is the most comprehensive scientific assessment of the global environment ever carried out. The authors calls on all actors to acknowledge the urgency of the global environmental crises, build on progress made in recent decades, and collaborate in the co-design and implementation of integrated policies, strategies and actions to deliver a better future for all.

FLIP the Script. The Free, Local, Immediate, and Persuasive Co-Benefits of Climate Action, Clark et al., George Washington University's Climate and Health Institute

The authors present a new framework that highlights the Free, Local, Immediate, and Persuasive co-benefits of climate action. they offer practical guidance for policymakers, advocates, researchers, and journalists on how to apply the FLIP framework to accelerate meaningful climate progress. Through 22 global case studies, the authors flip the script on the notion that climate action is costly and its effects distant, demonstrating how its benefits can be felt locally and immediately. The case studies exemplify actions across 6 major emissions sectorspower, buildings, transport, forests & land, food & agriculture, and industryshowcasing the FLIP health, economic, social, and environmental co-benefits of real climate actions around the world.

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Tony Varas feed is so eclectic that its hard to describe. It feels like peak Gen Z. There are videos where he rants about Love Island. There are get ready with me posts where hes doing his makeup before going out. But hes also been working his way through the Biblereviewing it like its any other piece of content.

He can clearly talk about anything. Sometimes hes gotten called out for being too loud, too strident. Too jokey about race or class. That seems very Gen Z to me, too. Love or hate him, hundreds of thousands of people are following along.

Back in July, his feed took a turn when Immigration and Customs Enforcement took his mom. Vara is Latino. His mom is Salvadoran. And while he is a citizen, she is not. He had moved to Los Angeles after graduating from college in Virginia, but his mothers arrest turned his world upside down.

On a recent episode of What Next, host Mary Harris spoke to Vara about how he used his popular TikTok account to document his familys separation. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Mary Harris: You grew up in Virginia, right? Can you tell me what that was like?

Tony Vara: Yeah, I was born in northern Virginia, and anyone who knows anything about northern Virginia said its very multicultural. Its a very immigrant-heavy community. Ive always grown up around other cultures. I love Virginia so much. I always tell everyone, Im retiring in VirginiaIm dying in Virginia.

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Youre an American citizen. But when Donald Trump was elected, were you worried for your family?

I was worried for my family in general, yes. But I was also worried becauseI knew Virginia wasnt on track to do itbut the whole show me your papers thing in states really freaked me out, because I dont carry around my passport.

I was also definitely nervous that Gov. Glenn Youngkin was having agreements with ICE and local police to turn anyone over. With Trump being elected and us knowing how Youngkin was running Virginia, we were always a little bit nervous. Thats why my mom didnt really go out anywhere besides work. Obviously she went sometimes, with friends, but she really tried to stay home as much as possible.

So what do you know about how your mom was detained?

It happened at 4 or 5 a.m my time. My mom had to testify in a case that she was involved in. She was a witness. And she didnt show up because she was scared of being detained. It was a case involving ICE.

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She was taken for contempt or something like that, for not showing up. And they told her, Its fine, you just have to testify and youre good to go. So she went to testify, and then the courthouse basically turned her over to ICE.

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We went to the jail, and I talked to the courthouse clerk, and they said, No, your moms good, shes going to be released at noon. My siblings and I showed up at noon and were there for four hours. And I was like, I need an update on my mom. And then they were like, We turned her over to ICE, like, 30 minutes ago. So immediately we left. And thats when I immediately locked in and started doing the whole process of gathering all her stuff and contacting family members.

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Once you knew your mom had been taken by ICE, you eventually said you felt like you were a single mother. Did that happen right away? Were you like, Oh, I guess this is what Im doing now, Im staying here with my siblings? Or did you come to that realization gradually?

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No, that happened literally as soon as I found out my mom was taken by ICE. When I came from California to Virginia, I flew with the assumption that my mom was just taken by the police. So I figured Id stay there for a couple of days. I didnt realize Id be staying there for two months before I even went back to my apartment.

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I did realize that day that this is what it is now. I immediately went to my grandmas because shes basically my second mother.

Thats so intense. And Im thinking about how people within the Trump administration talk about the detentions theyre doing and how they often talk about it as though these are criminals. And I could see them putting your mom in that pile, right? Because she was criminally detained. I wonder if you would have something to say to people who say that?

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Its unrealistic to act like theyre only going after criminals, because especially when you bring up that very valid point, people say, Oh, well, because its happening in such large numbers, of course mistakes are going to be made. And its like, no, its actually just racial profiling. My unclehes more American than I am, but hes visibly more Indigenous and Honduran-lookingwas literally stopped by ICE in D.C. and asked for papers. Its scary that people have to walk around with their documents in order to prove that theyre allowed to be here.

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What was the hardest part about being your siblings caretaker? What did the day-to-day look like? Were you making them breakfast and getting them to school? Did you have help with that from your grandmother or others?

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I will definitely thank my family for that because it takes a village. When my siblings and I moved into my grandmas house, everyone took a specific responsibility, especially before my mom was released. I tried to make dinner for my little brother, but he doesnt like the way I cook. So my grandma would always make him food.

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But the hardest part for me wasnt even the daily routine. It was the emotional support that they needed. I didnt grow up living with my brother. So I didnt know what bothered him as much. And my sister is very much a teenage girl, so she doesnt want to show any emotions. I didnt know how to necessarily be there for them in the way that my mom was.

When did you learn your mom was going to be deported?

Early September, I believe. She did her whole interview, and they said that she didnt pass it.

But the judge that was interviewing her, I did research on him, and I saw his statistics and knew we had to start planning for that deportation. And obviously that ended up happening. So I had a contingency plan to be there in El Salvador when she arrived because I wanted to make sure at least somebody that she knew was there. Just because she barely has any family in El Salvador. Most of her family is in Virginia.

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She was deported to El Salvador. Thats where shes from.

Yes. But shes living in Honduras right now because she doesnt really have family in El Salvador. Shes staying with my dads side of the family in Honduras. And my brother is now with her.

How has this experience changed you?

I feel likeand I think it comes with turning 25but my frontal lobe has developed and its like, All right, time to be an adult now. Before, I was living in L.A., I was partying, and not saving as much money as I could. But now Im a lot more diligent with what Im spending money on. Im looking out for not just myself, but my siblings as well.

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I also have obviously matured a lot because the last six months have been really hard. But its also mended the relationship that me and my mom had because we werent always super close. We used to fight a lot. And I think this has brought us a lot closer. Its kind of like a fresh start for all of us.

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So what do you do now? I could see a couple of different ways it goes. I could see this experience meaning you feel more American than ever and motivated to fight for whatever you want to happen. I could also see you just being like, Screw it. What do you think?

Thats definitely a thought thats passed through my head, the whole screw it thing. This country has done nothing but traumatize me in the last six months. Maybe Ill just move to Spain.

But then I thought about the kind of content I do, the work I do. Why would I not fight for this?

I do love this country. I just dont see myself living in Honduras or El Salvador. And I had seen myself living in Spain, but I think I do want to live here. This is where I grew up, this is where I was born and raised, you know? So why not fight for it? Even the content I make, I advocate for immigrants, I advocate for reproductive rights, I advocate for gay rights. Obviously, all that stuff exists in other countries as well, but thats not where I was born and raised. Thats not where I have the biggest connection to.

Editors note: We reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security about Varas experience. About Varas mom, a DHS spokesperson emailed, She was previously removed from the United States in 2007. She chose to illegally re-enter our countrya felonyat an unknown date and location. She received full due process, and her prior final order of removal was reinstated. ICE removed this criminal illegal alien on September 9, 2025.
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Authoritarian Trumpism got a little more zany on Thursday when Mike Lindell, the MyPillow guy known for his antics trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election, announced he was running for governor of Minnesota. If he wins the GOP primary, hell face off against Gov. Tim Walz.

This was an exciting development for anyone who enjoys how the movement to destabilize American democracy has become populated by the worlds least serious people. Kash Patel, a certified conspiracy theory kook, now runs the FBI with the lib-owning podcaster Dan Bongino by his side; Laura Loomer, a fan of declaring major events to be false flags, has the presidents ear; and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a committed anti-vaxxer who once dumped a bear carcass in Central Park, leads our nations health policies. These are all committed peddlers of nonsense, but none has committed quite so fully, with so little regard for his or her personal reputation, as Lindell.

Most people who paid attention to the fight over the 2020 election will recall some of Lindells work: He sponsored a bus tour to bring warm bodies into the capital for the protests and set up other Stop the Steal events; financially backed legal efforts to challenge the election results; publicized the claim that Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems had rigged the election; and produced a documentary that purported to prove, once and for all, that the election had been rigged. Lindell was relentless in these efforts; he came on countless right-wing shows as an expert voice on election malfeasance. (These appearances often doubled as ads for his pillows.) He held a three-day Cyber Symposium in which he vowed he would produce irrefutable evidence of election fraud. He made a pitch, the details of which were discovered in a zoomed-in photograph, to Donald Trump to stop Joe Bidens inauguration by imposing martial law. And he ended up millions of dollars in debt from all these effortsand from the successful lawsuits Dominion brought against him.

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But while these were his most notable ventures, given that they were core to the movement to overturn a democratic election, they do not really give you a sense of the sheer absurdity of Lindell as a character. His true, bungling naturesomething thatll likely be on display as a gubernatorial candidateshines through in the smaller moments.

Here are some, but certainly not all, of the top hits.

In 2020, he tried to convince Trump to promote the use of oleandrin as a miracle cure for COVID. Oleandrin comes from Nerium oleander, a shrub that is deadly to humans; scientists warned the New York Times that the compound was not known to be safe. (Lindell had a financial stake in the company that produced oleandrin.) He also baselessly claimed his pillows could cure insomnia and sleep apnea.

In November 2021, as reported by Vice, he led a call with the patriot wing jail block in which many Jan. 6 insurrectionists were heldin order to join them in song. Specifically, he and about 200 others sang the national anthem, with the insurrectionists vocals piped in.

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During the 2021 Cyber Symposium, he announced a Prove Mike Wrong Challenge, which would give $5 million to anyone who could prove China did not interfere in the 2020 election. An arbitration panel later ordered Lindell to pay the reward to a software developer in Las Vegas when the panel had found the engineer had, in fact, proven Mike wrong. Lindell had to fight the ruling in court, only managing to hold onto the money after a lengthy appeals process.

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In general, Lindells legal adventures have been bumpy. At one point his lawyers got into trouble for submitting briefs filled with A.I. hallucinations.

In 2024, Lindell went undercover at the Democratic National Convention by shaving off his mustache and wearing sunglasses and a hat. He got into an argument with a 12-year-old influencer and was quickly identified.

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Lindell made two appearances on Jimmy Kimmels show to defend his election fraud claims. He made his second appearance from inside a claw machine. In that episode, Kimmel described Lindell as what would happen if Ted Lasso was on the FBI watch list.

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Unfortunately, the Kimmel appearance, and other similarly comedic incidents, have served to make him seem affable or even in on the joke. But Lindell appears to be a true believer and has only ever been dead serious about assaulting the integrity of our political system. Lest we forget the extreme nature of his project, Lindell has also worked with and taken smiling selfies with white nationalists.

Just because Lindell has been a consistently ridiculous man does not mean we should not take his candidacy seriously. Yes, he repeatedly proclaimed himself a shoo-in to win the Republican National Committee chair, only to earn just four votes. Yes, he peddles ridiculous wares on his online store, such as coconut-powered teeth whiteners, MyCross necklaces, and BleedClot (for pets) and BleedStop (for humans) products advertised as powerful coagulants. And yes, he uses his own Lindell-branded media platforms to hawk these products, as well as to expose election fraud.

But he has also continued to pour his energy into challenging valid elections, including in Wisconsin and Kentucky. And Minnesota has a history of electing candidates who nobody thought could win: Remember Jesse Ventura? Mike Lindell may have been one of the most comedically rich minor characters to feature in recent U.S. politics. But in the times were in, that doesnt mean we can laugh him off.
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Ever since Emil Bove came back into government following Donald Trumps return to office, hes found himself mired in controversy. As the deputy attorney general at the start of Trumps term, Bove was accused of corruptly dismissing a high-profile criminal indictment over the objections of line prosecutors and a U.S. attorney. Around that time, he also allegedly told members of the Justice Department that they should tell the courts fuck you in the face of any attempts to stop the presidents unlawful deportations to third-party countries without due process. On Tuesday night, Bove, now a Trump-appointed judge on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, committed a new foul. He attended a Trump rally in Pennsylvania during which the president called Joe Biden a son of a bitch and said that Democrats are bad people and sick people. Within less than 24 hours, a complaint was filed against Bove, accusing him of abject partisanship that is unacceptable for a member of the judiciary.

It should have been obvious to Judge Bove, either at the start of the rally or fairly close to it, that this was a highly charged, highly political event that no federal judge should have been within shouting distance of, Gabe Roth, executive director of the nonpartisan group Fix the Court, wrote in his judicial misconduct complaint.

All federal judges are expected to follow certain protocol and adhere to the nearly 50-year-old Code of Conduct for United States Judges to maintain the integrity of an independent judiciary. Roth argues that Bove clearly violated that code by attending Trumps affordability tour on Tuesday, since its spirit was more of a political rally than an economic speech, as the president spent most of the 97-minute-long production attacking Democrats.

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I spoke with Roth to understand why he filed the Bove complaint, what could happen next for the appeals court judge, and what message Bove may have been hoping to send with his rally stunt. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Shirin Ali: Why did you decide to file an official complaint against Emil Bove?

Gabe Roth: Federal judges attending political rallies is highly irregular. Im not sure if its unprecedented, but I cant think of it happening in the past. Bove said that he was just there as a citizen to see the president speak, and theoretically theres nothing wrong with that if youre at the State of the Union, a state dinner, or some sort of awards presentation, like a Medal of Honortype thing. The Kennedy Center Honors is something that judges sometimes attend. I think once Trump started talking, plus the chants of Four more years!, signs the attendees were given, and some of the denigrations of one side of the political aisle, this was clearly a political pep rally. Its unbecoming of a judge to be in attendance at one, because judges are supposed to be wearing neutral black robes in all activities, not red or blue team colors.

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The Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges doesnt discuss every possible impermissible activity that exists under the sun. Its more of a high-level discussion of things that are proper and improper for judges to do generally. Theres a little bit of explanation under this, but the headline is: Judges should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities. I thought it was improper that Bove attended the rally, and thats a violation of the canon. There is another canon that states that a judge should refrain from political activity, and attending a political pep rally is a political activity. Again, its pretty obvious to me that this was an impermissible attendance, under the canons. These codes of conduct have existed in one form or another for over 100 years, and they exist so that the public has trust that judges are doing their jobs without favor of any individual or party, right? Thats the point, not just for the judges own behavior, but for the public to have confidence that the judges behavior is truly impartial. For example, if and when Trump shows up in some manner in Boves courtroom, we want to trust that what he says both inside the courtroom and outside is a reflection of his ability to be impartial in that situation. I think Boves attendance impugns that.

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Do you know of any other instance when a sitting judge attended a political rally?

I cant think of any recent examples. There are plenty of examples in 19th- and early-20th-century American politics, when presidents and justices were close and remained close during the presidents time in office, whether it was Justice Abe Fortas and President Lyndon Johnson, or some of President Roosevelts appointees.

In recent times, a lot of state court judges have a D or an R next to their names when theyre elected. Some of them are initially appointed and they have to stand for elections, but each state does it slightly differently. That is not how the federal courts work. Federal court judges are, in fact, appointed by a president and confirmed by the Senate, sometimes along partisan lines, like Bove was. The 3rd Circuit actually recorded an en banc case where all the judges showed up and Bove was wearing the same robe as every other judge. They all look like Emil Bove, theyre all doing the same thing, but only one of those 14 attended a Trump pep rally [Tuesday] night. If I learned that a federal judge attended a rallyand I used three Democratic politicians that have been giving rallies as of late: Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Bernie SandersI would still file a complaint. If a federal judge, doesnt matter who or at what level, attends one of those rallies Ill file a complaint against them, absolutely.

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What happens next? Is there a real chance that Bove could face consequences for going to this rally?

The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act doesnt imagine a lot of different punishments, which I think is typically fine, because Article 3 is a huge impediment in a lot of ways, right? You cant lower judges salaries, but you can theoretically fine them under the financial disclosure law, though thats never happened. You also cant fire them from office because they have life tenure, and impeachment and removal is not realistic or, frankly, something that I would recommend.

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The act imagines only a very narrow range of disciplinary actions. There is public censure or private censure, or you can temporarily remove cases from a judge, a move that is currently being abused in the Federal Circuit. Theres a 98-year-old judge whos been temporarily removed from cases for more than two years. Its a pretty cynical use of that power. There are other ways to resolve the issue rather than temporary removal of cases. But regardless, with Bove I think there is an opportunity. The punishments available under the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act are meaningful because theyre doled out so rarely. Its infrequent that a judge is publicly or privately censured. Its very, very infrequent that a judge has cases taken away from them. For the worst things, theres recommendations to the House of Representatives for impeachment, and that really only occurs in the context of bribery or gross malfeasance. We havent really seen that in a judge in probably 15 years, like in District Judge Thomas Porteous case.

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This is not an administration thatand Im including Bove in this statementreally feels shame or cares about ethics complaints or norms. My hope is there is an opportunity within the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act for a judicial council or a chief judge to dole out discipline as they deem fit. And I think that would include something like ethics training or a promise from Bove not to attend more Trump rallies. Again, these are not huge disciplinary measures, but hopefully the Judicial Council of the 3rd Circuit will take this complaint seriously, look at their options, and have a serious conversation with Bove: Its fine if you attended these rallies when you were off the bench, but if youre going to be a member in good standing in the 3rd Circuit and have the respect of your colleagues, because youre probably going to be working with us for the next 30 years, then it behooves you to wear your partisan stripes less frequently.

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It sounds as if the outcome of your complaint will be more about messaging than about an expectation that Bove will face a tangible consequence.

Correct. Its not the discipline itself; its the fact that they do something right and they dont dismiss it. Between 98 and 99 percent of judicial complaints are dismissed every year, and of those, 95 to 99 percent of them are meritless. There are complaints that are sent in by litigants who lost their case, and its sad. A lot of them maybe shouldnt have lost, or maybe they should have, but the complaint process is not meant for things like Oh, Im upset at this outcome in this case. You can bring that up in an appeal, refiling, or a motion. Thats not what the complaint process is for. The complaint process is for things like My judge discriminated against me, harassed me, said something improper in the courtroom.

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I filed a complaint against a judge that assigned ethics training to Southwest Airlines attorneys for, in his view, not being religiously sensitive enough to the concerns of a flight attendant who sued Southwest. Whatever the details of the case, the thing that really frustrated me was that he assigned the ethics training to be done by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which is not an ethics company and made no sense. The ADF is a very partisan organization, so if they wanted to have religious sensitivity training, they could have found some interfaith freedom center or national constitution group. And thats still ongoing, because the case is still ongoing.

I dont have any illusion that Bove is necessarily going to change his worldview or his activities on the one hand, but on the other hand, this is a violation of the Code of Conduct. Someone should file a complaint, and I think Im that someone. So here we go.

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There have been rumblings that Bove is being groomed for a possible Supreme Court nomination should a vacancy arise over the next three years. Do you think this rally stunt has something to do with that?

Im sure hes on the short list. I think there are others on the short list as well: Judges James Ho, Andrew Oldham, and Stuart Duncan of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals; Judge Lawrence VanDyke of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals; District Judge Kathryn Mizelle of Florida; and District Judge Aileen Cannon of the Southern District of Florida.

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Trump got a lot of judges confirmed during his first term, and hes got a lot of young, strong conservatives to choose from at this point. Im sure its in the back of the White Houses mind, if not Boves mind. Maybe he wants the attention from a complaint so he can say, Hey, theyre going after me, and Im the strong conservative who can stand up to them. Thats a really cynical way of looking at the world, but maybe thats what he wants. I dont know. I think theres reason to believe thats what hes tryingwhen so much of governing is trolling these days, it sort of falls into that sphere, essentially.
New York, US (PANA) - Donors have pledged just over $300 million to support a fund that serves as a first lifeline for millions affected by conflict and disasters, the UN announced on Wednesday
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The U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker has been described as a significant, even dramatic, escalation of President Donald Trumps campaign to pressure Nicolas Maduro, the countrys dictator, out of officebut this isnt quite the case.

The seizure might serve as part of a rationale for regime change, which Trump has been advocating, in part through aggressive rhetoric, in part by deploying military forces to the Caribbean, including more than 15,000 troops and a dozen warships, including an aircraft carrier.

However, the seizure also marks the latestalbeit the most elaborateepisode in a series of maritime confrontations that have been going on for a few years.

Back in 2022, when Joe Biden was president, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a tanker, then named the Adisa and registered to Panama, for conducting illegal oil trade with Iran. This same tanker, now called the VLCC Skipper, is the vessel that U.S. military forces seized in an operation jointly undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guard, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. Satellite data showed the ship loading 1.1 million barrels of sanctioned crude from Venezuelas Jose terminal. Some reports say it was headed to Cuba, another country under sanction. Maritime data shows that the tanker was also anchored in an Iranian port last July.

In other words, its not out of the question that the U.S. might have carried out this operation even if Trump hadnt been making noises about invading Venezuela or sending a flotilla of warships to make the threat seem real.

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According to some reports, the people running the ship were trying to conceal its identity and purpose, having registered it under a false flag and spoofing its radar signatures. This is a common practice of Venezuelas dark-fleet tankers engaging in illicit oil trade. Just last month, in an episode little-covered outside maritime news reports, another tanker, called the Seahorse, which is sanctioned by the U.K. and the European Union, eluded a U.S. Navy destroyer ship as it returned to Venezuelan ports from Cuba.

A video released on Wednesday by Attorney General Pam Bondi shows the VLCC Skipper seized by U.S. forces rappelling onto its deck from a Black Hawk helicopter. The crew onboard reportedly met them with no resistance; no guns were fired from either side.

The fates of the ship, the crew, and the oil have not yet been revealed. At a news conference where he announced the seizure, Trump was asked what would happen to the oil. We keep it, I guess, he replied.

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It is hard to say whether Trump was speaking with authority (the phrase I guess raises doubts), or whether keeping it would be legal. In any case, doing so would, in the eyes of many observers, legitimize a statement issued by Maduros government, condemning the seizure as barefaced robbery and an act of international piracy aimed at stripping Venezuela of its oil wealth.

Related From Slate Why on Earth Is the U.S. Military Bombing Boats in the Caribbean? Read More

Maduro is certainly an attractive object for regime change. He is a brutal tyrant; he has wrecked his countrys economy; and after losing last years presidential election to reform candidate Maria Corina Machado, he seized power in a coup. (Machado has since won the Nobel Peace Prize for the noble protest movement she has led while in hiding under constant threat from Maduros security forces.)

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Secretary of State and national security adviser Marco Rubio has led much of the administrations anti-Maduro activities, mainly out of genuine sympathy for the democratic oppositionwhich he expressed as a senator from Florida, home to many Venezuelan exiles.

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Trump cares little about democracy (as his recent 33-page National Security Strategy indicates), and he is clearly a bit jealous of Machado for winning the Nobel Peace Prize, which he avidly desired. But his desire to dominateand to keep outside powers outside ofthe Western Hemisphere clearly puts him in the regime-change camp. (For that reason, Machado has supported Trumps anti-regime activities and even told him, in a phone call, that he deserved her Nobel.)

Finally, and perhaps more to the point, Trump is attracted to Venezuelas vast oil and gas reserves, which are some of the largest in the hemisphere but are largely untapped, as a result of the Maduro regimes incompetence and inefficiencies. Many U.S. energy companies are hoping to exploit those reserves after Maduro is gone. A hedge-fund manager told me that a consortium of several such companies and financial firms are actively planning for the day.

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Many Venezuelan citizens would also like to see Maduro go, for political or economic reasons or both. But here, Trumps militant rhetoric is backfiring, as it allows Maduro to denounce his critics as abettors of American aggression, even as traitorswhich, in turn, intimidates protesters into adopting a lower profile, to avoid reprisals from goon squads.

Its reminiscent of the time during George W. Bushs presidency when Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice publicly touted a $75 million program to assist democratic protest groups in Iranas a result of which the Iranian government stepped up its suppression of protest groups, calling them CIA spies.

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Trump has wavered, and never spoken with more than a vague menace, about whether he really will move to overthrow Maduro. Last month, he pronounced Venezuelan airspace closed, then backed away from the stance. He has talked a few times about invading Venezuela with ground troops, though this would be difficult without first securing a nearby base. Last month he in fact played down the possibility of going to war with Venezuelathough at this weeks news conference, where he announced the seizure of the tanker, he cryptically said, Other things are happening. Back in October, he said that hed ordered the CIA to launch covert operations against Maduros regimethough saying so out loud takes the c out of covert.

At times strategic ambiguity can be a useful tool for coercing foes to act in certain ways or even to step down from power. But Trump is spawning mere confusion. Its hard for anyone to know just what he wants, or how much hed spend or risk to get it done. Its quite possible that he doesnt know himself.
Washington, DC, USA (PANA)  International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff and the Ethiopian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the fourth review of the four-year US$ 3
The owners of three-year-old pacer Captain Optimistic have decided to continue to race the son of Captaintreacherous in 2026 as well as breed a limited book of mares.

Im really excited to see Captain Optimistic continue racing at four," said Nancy Takter, trainer of Captain Optimistic. "As his three-year-old season progressed, he just got better and better, really finding his maturity. Im confident hell keep developing and stamp himself as one of the top Open pacers next year. And for breeders, theres a unique opportunity to get in on him now  without any Gural rule penalty  and support New Jerseys rapidly improving breeding and stakes program at the same time."

"He is a big, strong colt," said Scott Zeron, who drove Captain Optimistic. "Aesthetically, he is just a perfect horse. He showed up to race every calling."

Captain Optimistic is out of stakes-winning Art Official mare, Cinamony, who has a mark of 1:49.3f and earned $532,404. She is a half sister to $1.7 million earner Fear The Dragon. Cinamonys second dam is Mattaroni p,3,1:52.3 ($744,481).

Throughout his racing career, Captain Optimistic campaigned at the highest levels and produced multiple, eye-catching performances. He has a two-year-old mark of 1:49, taken at The Meadowlands, a three-year-old mark of 1:48, taken at The Red Mile, and earnings of $1,573,723 from 31 races with a summary of 12-8-6.

In 2024, as a two-year-old, he won the New Jersey Classic final in 1:50.1, set a track record of 1:49 in a Breeders Crown elimination at The Meadowlands and captured the Governors Cup in a sharp 1:49.3 mile.

In 2025, at age three, he won the Cane Pace in 1:48.1 at The Meadowlands, a division of the Bluegrass Stakes in 1:48 at The Red Mile and the Monument Circle in 1:49.3 at Hoosier Park. He finished second in the New Jersey Classic, Matron Stakes and Progress Pace, and was third in the final of the Little Brown Jug and Breeders Crown.

Captain Optimistics stud fee will be $5,000 USD.

For breeding information, contact Linda Petrenko at New Jersey's Deo Volente Farms by calling 908-782-4848 or emailing [email protected].

(With files from Deo Volente Farms)
Woodbine Mohawk Park's Q&A racing profile series continues with its focus shifting to a Standardbred connected to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS), Foamy, a long-retired 20-year-old trotter who brought profound companionship and comfort to Taralee Waite in her final months.

Julie Kangas, a longtime champion of OSAS and former caretaker of Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Goodtimes, helped facilitate the union between Foamy and Waite.

Following Waites passing, Kangas took Foamy in and the devoted mare has continued to honour her good friend and neighbours legacy in the years since.

It was about this time in 2020 that she came into our lives, recalled Kangas. There are no regrets.

Fun Fact #1: Waite nicknamed Foamy Cure after dreaming of her late father admiring the cur  the foam  on a pint of beer, inspiring the perfect nod to him, her Irish heritage, and her beloved horse.

Fun Fact #2: Foamys second dam, Anamosa Hanover, was the Dan Patch Two-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year in 1987.

Foamy

Foaled: May 5, 2005

Sire: Striking Sahbra (ON)

Dam: Shavings

Owner: Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society

OSAS Program Status: Graduated

Walk us through the beginning of Foamys journey to Tara.

Glenn and Tara Cameron [nee, Waite] were neighbours that were, and are, great friends. Tara was diagnosed early in 2020 with cancer and it progressed by that summer. Glenn approached me early December to see if I could find Tara a horse. Can you find Tara a horse for Christmas? He felt, at the time, it would be a boost and help with her recovery. Tara always had a special connection with animals of all types  think Temple Grandin.

Can you find Tara a horse by Christmas? Oh boy. That is a task. I immediately contacted [OSAS's] Joanne Colville, who responded almost immediately with, I know just the horse. Enter Foamy, the fire-breathing dragon. Foamy is a tough little nut wrapped up to be a queen.

Jason Woodward, Standardbred trainer and best friend, and I drove down to Joannes to pick her up. We brought her home around Dec. 7 so she could be settled by Christmas. My two geldings [Friday and Ricky], also ex-Standardbred racehorses, are pretty chill and life carried on seamlessly with the pint-sized, black trotter.

Describe the moment when Foamy and Tara first met.

We set the stage and Tara came up to visit on Christmas Eve. It was a tear-filled, joyous presentation. Foamy and Tara were smitten with each other. They had a great time together -- lots of cuddles and spoiling for Foamy and a respite type therapy for Tara. Unfortunately, Taras health declined and we lost her in May 2021.

I told Joanne no matter the outcome, Foamy would have a forever home with me and her minions. Being able to give back, after many years working for John Bax, is a great pleasure. I love this breed and their full-on personalities.

What goes through your mind whenever you see Foamy?

I see and remember Tara every time I see that mare. I see the kindness and quirkiness that was Tara. She would have done so many cool things with her. I try to do right by Foamy, knowing Tara is looking down over us plus she threatened to haunt me. That was Tara.

Foamy is the epitome of a tough racehorse. A ton of heart and personality. Unfortunately, she is losing her sight and has uveitis. Friday and Ricky act as her seeing eye dogs. She pushes them around to where she wants to go. She is and always will be our queen.

Foamy with Taralee Waite

Founded in 1996, OSAS is an approved charitable organization committed to assisting in the adoption and relocation of retired and non-racing Standardbred horses within Ontario. A primary mandate of the program is to showcase the versatility of the breed to horse lovers unfamiliar with harness horses.

OSAS, which strives to educate and assist in the retraining and management of Standardbreds, relies heavily on volunteers and temporary foster homes to carry out its mission.

Those interested in getting involved with OSAS and its cause can reach out at [email protected] or call 905-339-6748 for more information.

(With files from OSAS & Woodbine)
The Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest has included 10 monthly tests offering $1,000 USD in prize money. But the best part of the 10-part challenge might be the crescendo, which takes place this Saturday, Dec. 13.

Thats when the top two finishers from the preliminaries will return for a limited invitation, 20-entry tussle, when the total prize pool will improve tenfold to $10,000 USD.

Its unclear if Nick Montemurro likes to play poker, but even if he doesnt, he is no doubt aware that he heads into Saturday with the strongest hand at the table.

Montemurro will have four entries in the finale. Four of a kind is a hand that would be the envy of any poker player.

The player with the highest bankroll at the end of the night will collect the first prize of $5,000 USD. Second through fifth-place finishers will cash in for $2,000 USD, $1,500 USD, $1,000 USD and $500 USD, respectively.

Im surprised more people dont do it, said Montemurro of the contest that has no entry fee.

All one has to do is purchase a $100 USD betting card so their action can be tracked. They keep whatever is left on the card.

If youre going out to the track and youre going to blow $100, you might as well get a card.

Its the same cast of characters and Im a multiple-entry guy, said Montemurro of the competition that has core players who participate just about every month. Thats an unfair advantage, but anybody can do it. I saw a guy a couple of weeks ago who had eight entries. Compared to some other contests, the Meadowlands contest is good because you can make any wager thats offered on the card.

Montemurro, 67, has been going to The Big M since its 1976 beginning and hasnt changed his ways much over nearly five decades.

Pretty much I play the same way in the contest as I do when I am just playing for fun, said Montemurro. You dont have to change your betting methods. Im not really a gimmick guy, Im a win, place and show guy.

So, how did you get four entries in the final?

Luck, said Montemurro. It really is. Everything is timing. In the last race, if a $40 horse wins, and I have just $20 left, I might have that horse. The multiple entries are the key. And I dont usually dont play chalk all that much.

I have no game plan for Saturday. Im going to wing it. You have to see how everything is going.

Montemurro likes the fact that the top five will walk away with money at the end of the night.

If I sneak into fifth place and get $500, Ill be very happy. Ive been doing these contests for pretty much as long as theyve had them.

Sean Loebs won the November qualifier and also had a top-two finish in March, so he will have two entries on Saturday. Joining Loebs with a pair of entries are Gary Scogna, Karen Fossli and Robert Glaser.

The complete list of players who will be vying for the big prize are (there was no contest in September): Montemurro and Scogna (the top two from January); Michael Grasso and Montemurro (February); Loebs and Joe Barre (March); Glaser and Jim Bohnarczyk (April); Fossli and Russ Slader (May); Del Kern and Scogna (June); Fossli and Montemurro (July); Emile Issa and Montemurro (August); Rich Preziotti and Glaser (October); and Loebs and William Meisel (November).

Toy Drive Wraps Up This Week At Big M

This Friday, Dec. 12 is the last night to donate to the Meadowlands Racetracks Toys for Tots Collection Drive. All contributions can make a significant difference in a child's life this holiday season.

Retired New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will be at the track on Friday to thank all who donate to this great cause.

The U.S. Marines Toys for Tots and Quincy Enunwa will personally deliver the collected toys to children at SBH Health System, a Safety Net Hospital in the Bronx, NYC on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at noon.

We encourage all of our patrons and horsemen to donate a new unwrapped toy during this holiday season, said Jason M. Settlemoir, GM/COO of the Meadowlands Racetrack. Helping others in need is what the holiday season is all about.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)
It was love at first sight, and its only grown stronger over the years.

In 2020, trainer Kim Roth went to the Michiana Classic Yearling Sale determined to come away with one particular horse  a pacer named Cache Flights Rock. Roth got the filly, who sold near the end of the auction, for $8,000 and soon rechristened her Wild Rosa in part because of her feisty attitude.

Since then, Wild Rosa Wild Rosa has matured into a well-mannered mare, but still with a fighting spirit. The six-year-old daughter of Aracache Hanover-This Flight Rocks is enjoying the best season of her career in 2025, having hit the board in 18 of 28 races, winning eight and earning $157,341 while competing at the top levels for fillies and mares at Harrahs Hoosier Park and Hollywood Dayton Raceway.

For her career, Wild Rosa has won 25 of 103 races and banked 383,503 for Roth. In her three seasons since turning four, she has earned a paycheque in 70 of 83 starts while racing primarily at Hoosier Park.

Shes been amazing, said Roth. I have nothing but praise for her. I had no idea she would turn into this; I just thought she would be a good racehorse from the way she moved and her attitude. She turned out to be a freight train.

Roth zeroed in on Wild Rosa prior to the 2020 Michiana sale after watching the fillys video.

There was just something about her, said Roth. They didnt do a normal video of her going on the sidelines of the fence, they just videoed her out in a field. She was gorgeous. It didnt even look like she was touching the ground, she just floated. She carried her head real high, real alert. I thought she was magnificent. I went to the sale for her. I had to have her.

Wild Rosa began her career at Hawthorne Race Course in Illinois, where after winning once in her first six races, she closed out her two-year-old campaign with four consecutive victories.

After a couple starts, something just clicked with her, said Roth. She just got better every week. More confident, more aggressive. And shes gotten better every year since then.

Roth moved her base from Illinois to Indiana in the fall of 2024, which she thinks contributed to Wild Rosas continuing success this year. In addition to setting career highs for wins and earnings, the mare paced her first two sub-1:50 winning miles, including a 1:49.2 score in June at Hoosier Park.

I think the move helped her a lot because we didnt have to ship her so far, said Roth. It was a three-hour ship from Chicago and to do that every week is hard. She loves it here. Shes a strong closer and she loves the long stretch at Hoosier. The further they go, the stronger she gets. When other horses are backing off, shes just hitting another gear. Thats her strong suit. You can never count her out. And shes got enough speed that she can leave, too. Shes very versatile. You really couldnt ask for a nicer horse.

Even if she started out a little feisty, Wild Rosa is a sweetheart now.

Shes like a princess, said Roth. She just does everything right, from shoeing to loading to everything. Shes the perfect horse. And I love her personality. She is so smart and so alert; she watches everything. She really is special. Not all horses are like her.

She doesnt know shes a horse. She thinks shes part of the family.

Since Hoosier Parks meet ended in late November, Roth and Wild Rosa have turned their attention to Dayton. Last week, Wild Rosa finished fourth in the $38,889 Fillies & Mares Open following a sustained first-over journey. She returns to that level on Thursday, Dec. 11, when she will leave from post one with driver Tyler Smith. She is 9-1 on the morning line after going off as the 6-5 favourite last time out.

Hopefully, well have a little better luck, said Roth, who has a stable of 13 horses. You couldnt ask for a more consistent horse. She tries to get there every week. She shows up. Weve been very lucky. She is an amazing mare. Hopefully, she will have some amazing babies for us, eventually.

(USTA)
If your iPhone finally updated to the newest iOS and you aren't really loving it, you're not alone.

Since September, iPhone users have had the chance to update their phones to iOS 26, Apple's software update that ushered in new features like the Liquid Glass design and tools powered by Apple Intelligence.

Apple released iOS 26.1 in November, so those users with automatic upd ates turned on are now likely seeing the new look and features, which are getting mixed reviews. The latest version of the iOS, 26.2, is expected to soon be available for users to download next.

Apple CEO Tim Cook Apple and other company leaders introduced the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and other new devices and features at the company's highly anticipated annual event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, Calif., September 9, 2025. The iPhone Air, which is slimmer than the most recent iPhone models, was the star of Apple's product launch event, and the company said it's the most durable iPhone yet. The iPhone Air will be available in four finishes: space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue. The price will start at $999. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 12, with availability beginning Friday, September 19. The Apple iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made at 5.6mm Apple iPhone 17 Pro will be available in Silver, Deep Blue and a new Cosmic Orange. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro camera features three 48MP Fusion cameras including a 4x and 8x optical zooms. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro will feature an 18 megapixel front camera and three 48 megapixel rear cameras. Apple claims the iPhone 17 will have a brighter, more scratch-resistant screen and improved artificial intelligence features. The iPhone 17 will feature a 6.3-inch display with thinner corners. According to Apple, it will also come equipped with an all-day battery and 8 hours of video playback. For 10 minutes of charging, the iPhone 17 can power 8 hours of video playback. The Apple iPhone 17 will start at $799 and the smartphones release on Friday, Sept. 19. Apple Watch SE 3 Apple Watch Ultra 3 Apple announced AirPods Pro 3, saying the latest version will feature improved Active Noise Cancellation and better fit for more people. They also announced "Live Translation" a feature designed to provide real-time language translations. Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, September 9, 2025. 1 / 14 See Apple's new iPhone Air, iPhone 17 revealed at 2025 launch event Apple CEO Tim Cook Apple and other company leaders introduced the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and other new devices and features at the company's highly anticipated annual event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, Calif., September 9, 2025.

While the release date of that update is not yet known, reporting from Forbes, MacRumors, and 9to5Mac say that the iOS 26.2 update could be released in the coming days.

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As the updates roll out, here's what to know about iOS 26 and what users think of it.

What is iOS 26.1?

The software update that is currently available for download for Apple users is iOS 26.1, which went live in November. Some users might already have iOS 26.1 downloaded if they have marked the "Automatic Updates" tab in the Software Update section of settings as "On."

According to the description of the software, iOS 26.2 brings the liquid glass feature to lock screens and home screens, which creates a see-through, bubble effect. The description also touts live translation features, updates to messages, and enhancements to camera, photos, wallet, CarPlay, and more.

What is iOS 26.2?

iOS 26.2 is the next anticipated Apple software update, expected to be released at some point this month. Among the new features mentioned by MacRumors and Forbes for 26.2 are the ability to set an alarm for reminders, see lyrics in Apple Music offline, and new features for AirDrop and CarPlay.

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Some users have already received access to the beta version of the software update, but it is not yet available publicly.

More on iOS: Apple's iOS 26 update is coming. See key features, compatible devices.

How do I download an iOS update?

If you're wanting to download the latest update, start by plugging your device into power, connecting to Wi-Fi, then going to settings, said Apple.

In the Settings app, go to General, then tap Software Update. Youll be able to see the currently installed iOS on your iPhone and whether an update is available and if you have enough storage to download it. If there is an update, tap to download and install it.

Can I change back to iOS 18?

Once you've updated to iOS 26, Apple does not let you downgrade to iOS 18, the USA TODAY Network reported.

What has the response been to iOS 26?

Some iPhone users have taken to social media to voice their concerns with the latest iOS update, including calling the liquid glass design "ugly" and "disgusting."

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A Dec. 8 post on Reddit went as far as to warn other users to "save yourself" from the latest update.

"I can't focus. It's disorienting," the user wrote, saying that the app "takes up too much space."

Users on X shared similar feelings, with multiple people saying their phones automatically updated to iOS 26 and they now regret the change. One person advised others not to download the update, adding "Your life will be significantly worse after."

Some iPhone users, though, are embracing the bubbly new design. One X user praised the new liquid glass feature, calling its interactions beautiful, while another posted a photo of their screen with the caption "i love ios 26 lowkey."

Paris Barraza contributed to this report.

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Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on Twitter @katecperez_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: iOS 26.1 update with liquid glass design angers some iPhone users
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Despite major gains in access to schooling since 1960, widening inequalities driven by the climate crisis, conflicts and rapid technological change are leaving millions behind
FILE - Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, testifies before a Senate committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  Accompanying Time's annual person of the year selection Thursday is a magazine cover that resembles the Lunch Atop a Skyscraper photograph from the 1930s showing eight of the  Architects of AI  sitting on the beam.

This was the year when artificial intelligences full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back or opting out, Time editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs wrote in an explanation of the choice.

The magazine was deliberate in selecting people  the individuals who imagined, designed, and built AI  rather than the technology itself. But who are these individuals that digital painter Jason Seiler used to grace his rendition of the famous photograph? Here's a look:

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Zuckerberg has been pushing to revive AI efforts at Meta as the company faces tough competition from rivals such as Google and OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT. In June, Meta made a $14.3 billion investment in AI data company Scale and recruited its CEO Alexandr Wang to help lead a team developing superintelligence at the tech giant.

Zuckerbergs increasing focus on the abstract idea of superintelligence  which rival companies call artificial general intelligence, or AGI  is the latest pivot for a tech leader who in 2021 went all-in on the idea of the metaverse, changing the companys name and investing billions into advancing virtual reality and related technology.

AMD CEO Lisa Su

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Since Su took over as president and CEO at Advanced Micro Devices in 2014, its stock has risen from around $3 to about $221. The semiconductor company recently revealed a new artificial intelligence chip in its race to compete with rival chipmaker Nvidia in supplying the foundation for a boom in AI-fueled business tools, and has struck a multibillion dollar computing deal with OpenAI.

AMD joins a growing list of technology companies trying to take advantage of a broader interest from businesses looking for new AI tools that can analyze data, help make decisions and potentially replace some tasks currently performed by human workers.

xAI CEO Elon Musk

Elon Musks artificial intelligence company produces the Grok AI chatbot. Built using huge amounts of computing power at a Tennessee data center, Grok is Musks attempt to outdo rivals such as OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Gemini in building an AI assistant that shows its reasoning before answering a question.

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Musks deliberate efforts to mold Grok into a challenger of what he considers the tech industrys woke orthodoxy on race, gender and politics has repeatedly got the chatbot into trouble.

Musk is also head of a number of tech-related companies such as Tesla and SpaceX.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang

Nvidia carved out an early lead in tailoring its chipsets known as graphics processing units, or GPUs, from use in powering video games to helping to train powerful AI systems, like the technology behind ChatGPT and image generators. Demand skyrocketed as more people began using AI chatbots. Tech companies scrambled for more chips to build and run them.

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The ravenous appetite for Nvidias chips is the main reason that the company became the first $5 trillion company in October, just three months after the Silicon Valley chipmaker was first to break through the $4 trillion barrier. But fears of an AI bubble linger.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

OpenAI recently marked the three year anniversary from when it first released ChatGPT, sparking global fascination and a commercial boom in generative AI technology and giving the San Francisco startup an early lead. But the company faces increased competition with rivals.

Altman said this fall that ChatGPT now has more than 800 million weekly users. But the company, valued at $500 billion, doesnt make a profit, amplifying concerns about an AI bubble if the generative AI products made by OpenAI and its competitors dont meet the expectations of investors pouring billions of dollars into research and development.

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Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis

The AI scientist and 2024 Nobel laureate established London's DeepMind research lab in 2010 before Google acquired it four years later. DeepMind is responsible for Google's Gemni AI platform, which helped level the playing field against tech rivals who had initially pulled ahead in the AI race.

He most recently shared the 2024 Nobel Prize in chemistry for developing AI systems that accurately predict protein folding  a breakthrough for medicine and drug discovery.

Google's recent move to implant Gemni into the search experience have been mostly successful, with AI Overviews now being used by more than 2 billion people every month, according to the company. The Gemini app, by comparison, has about 650 million monthly users.

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Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei

Anthropic, founded by ex-OpenAI leaders in 2021, is privately held, but recently put its value at $183 billion. Its AI assistant Claude competes with OpenAIs ChatGPT and others in appealing to business customers using it to assist with coding and other tasks.

Anthropic said it expects to make $5 billion in sales this year, but, like OpenAI and many other AI startups, it has never reported making a profit, relying instead on investors to back the high costs of developing AI technology for a potential payoff in the future.

Fei-Fei Li, founder of Worldlabs

Widely known as the  godmother of AI," Stanford computer science professor Fei-Fei Li curated the dataset that accelerated the computer vision branch of AI in the 2010s.

Li launched her own startup, World Labs, in 2024 to pursue what she calls the next frontier in AI technology: spatial intelligence. World Labs recently released Marble, its first commercial generative world model, which allows users to generate and edit 3D environments from text prompts, photos, videos, or 3D layouts.
OpenAI is in a far less commanding position than it was following the public release of ChatGPT a few short years ago.

Back in 2022, the sudden popularity of ChatGPT sent Google into a panic. The company was so worried about the possibility of the upstart chatbot disrupting its Search business, executives sounded a "code red" alert inside of the company and called Sergey Brin and Larry Page out of retirement to help it formulate a response to OpenAI. It then rushed out Bard, announcing its first commercial chatbot on February 6, 2023. Google's stock tanked days later when the AI incorrectly answered a question about NASA's James Webb Space Telescope during a public demo.

But it wasn't just Google that wanted a piece of OpenAI, while the search giant sought to compete with it, others  including Microsoft and Apple  made deals with the company to bring its technology to their products and services, all the promise that AI would eventually revolutionize every facet of the economy.

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Since then, OpenAI has seen its lead against Google and much of the AI industry evaporate, culminating in a series of successive blows throughout 2025. On January 20, the same day Altman was busy rubbing shoulders with other tech oligarchs at Donald Trumps inauguration, Chinas DeepSeek quietly released its R1 chain-of-thought model. A week later, the startup's chatbot surpassed ChatGPT as the most-downloaded free app on the US App Store. The overnight success of DeepSeek eliminated $1 trillion worth of stock market value, and almost certainly left OpenAI blindsided.

In response, the company showed a newfound urgency. In one week, for instance, OpenAI released both o3-mini and Deep Research. It even went so far as to announce the latter on a Sunday evening. But for all its new urgency, OpenAI's biggest, most important release of the year was a miss.

It's safe to say GPT-5 hasn't lived up to anyone's expectations, including OpenAI's own. The company touted the system as smarter, faster and better than all of its previous models, but after users got their hands on it, they complained of a chatbot that made surprisingly dumb mistakes and didn't have much of a personality. For many, GPT-5 felt like a downgrade compared to the older, simpler GPT-4o. That's a position no AI company wants to be in, let alone one that has taken on as much investment as OpenAI.

Anthropic was quick to take advantage of the weakness, signing a deal with Microsoft to bring its Claude models to Copilot 365. Previously, Microsoft depended exclusively on OpenAI for partner models in Copilot. Before the company announced the integration, reporting from The Informationsaid Microsoft made the decision based on the strength of Anthropic's Sonnet 4.0 model, judging it "perform[ed] better in subtle but important ways" relative to OpenAI's offerings.

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However, what will likely go down as the defining moment occurred a few short weeks after OpenAI announced the conclusion of its restructuring. On November 18, Google released Gemini 3 Pro, and immediately the new model leap-frogged the competition, including GPT-5. As of the writing of this article, Google's new model is at the top of LMArena, the site where humans compare outputs from different AI systems and vote on the best one. GPT-5, by contrast, is currently ranked sixth overall, behind models from Anthropic and Elon Musk's xAI.

According to a December 2 report from TheWall Street Journal, Sam Altman sent a companywide memo following the release of Gemini 3 Pro. Echoing the words Google used to describe the situation it found itself against OpenAI in 2023, he called for a "code red" effort to improve ChatGPT. Altman reportedly told employees there would be temporary reassignments and that the company would delay some products, all in an effort to catch up to Google and Anthropic.

The few numbers these companies are willing to share don't paint a promising picture for OpenAI. Each month, about 800 million people use ChatGPT. On paper, that's impressive, but Google is catching up there too. In October, the company said the Gemini app had 650 million users, up from 450 million just a few months earlier in July, thanks to the popularity of its Nano Banana Pro image generator.

More importantly, OpenAI has an inherent disadvantage against Google. For the search giant, AI may touch everything the company does now, but Gemini is just one product in an extensive portfolio that includes many other popular services. Google can fund its AI advancements with money it makes elsewhere. OpenAI cannot say the same. The company is constantly raising money to stay afloat, and according to a financial roadmap obtained by The Journal, it will need its revenue to grow to about $200 billion annually to become profitable by 2030. In November, Altman said on X the company was on track to hit above $20 billion in annualized revenue this year.

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In an effort to grow revenue, Altman and company have adopted an incredibly risky strategy. In recent months, OpenAI has signed more than $1.4 trillion worth of infrastructure deals in a bid to outscale the competition that is already beating it. Many of those agreements can only be described as circular, and I think the fears about a financial bubble are real. In the first half of 2025, investment in data centers accounted for nearly all of US GDP growth. Even if there's not a repeat of the 2008 housing market crisis or the dot-com crash, the AI boom is at the very least poised to make everyday electronics (and utilities) more expensive for regular people in the short term.

Since late October, demand for server-grade computer components, including memory and storage, has sent the price of consumer PC parts skyrocketing as manufacturers devote more of their production capacity and wafers to high-margin customers like OpenAI and Google. Since late October, the cost of most RAM kits has doubled and tripled. In November, the price of some SSDs went up by as much as 60 percent. Next year, the cost of LPDDR5X memory, which is used in both smartphones and NVIDIA servers, is expected to climb as well.

"Be it carmakers, smartphones or consumer electronics, everyone that uses memory is facing pressure from price hikes and supply constraints in the coming year," Zhao Haijun, the co-CEO of memory manufacturer SMIC told analysts, per Bloomberg.

Gita Gopinath, former chief economist for the International Monetary Fund, recently estimated that if the AI bubble were to burst, it would wipe out $20 trillion in wealth held by American households. The Great Recession, considered the worst financial meltdown since the Great Depression, reduced US household net worth by $11.5 trillion, and it took years before for American families to rebuild their wealth to pre-recession levels.

The modern AI bubble may have been started by ChatGPT, but given the crowded field of chatbots and LLMs, it won't necessarily pop should OpenAI go bust. With novelty and technical prowess no longer on its side though, it's now on Altman to prove in short order why his company still deserves such unprecedented levels of investment.
2 min read

Lenovo announced an expansive series of new data storage, virtualization solutions and data management services, designed to help customers modernize their IT and data infrastructure for powering enterprise applications and AI ready capabilities. Todays new offerings include new Lenovo ThinkSystem and ThinkAgile data storage and virtualization solutions, announced in tandem with data management services. Designed to provide a modern foundation for enterprises and mid-size businesses achieving AI innovations, this announcement combines complementary hardware, software and services offerings to help deploy, manage, and unleash the true potential of enterprise data.

Tech News Of The Day

Sixty-three percent of organizations either do not have or are unsure if they have the right data management practices for AI, according to a survey by Gartner. 1 Customer unique data is the differentiation that will drive their competitive advantage and most accurate results, however 80% of storage deployed in the last 5 years is on slower hard drive-based storage (according to IDC reporting) that is not optimized for AI. At the same time, customers are challenged with new virtualization and containerization requirements that demand open solutions. Businesses must mitigate this risk by ensuring their enterprise data systems and practices are modernized for advanced use cases.

With rapid shifts in virtualization and the growing demand for AI-ready data, many organizations are looking for open, modern infrastructure that can support both. Lenovos new storage solutions and services provide that foundation by improving performance, security, and operational simplicity, said Sumir Bhatia, President, Asia Pacific, ISG, Lenovo. These offerings help customers prepare their data, streamline deployment, and extract more value from their existing environments as they advance their AI strategy.

Enterprises in India are moving from experimentation to scaled AI adoption, but many are still constrained by legacy data environments. With our new storage and virtualization solutions, were helping customers eliminate these bottlenecks and build a more secure, efficient, and flexible foundation for AI outcomes. Our priority is simple  give customers the agility to modernize at their pace and turn their data into real business impact, said Amit Luthra, Managing Director  India, Lenovo ISG.

Flexibility and Choice for Virtualization and Data Needs

Businesses today need the efficiency and cyber resiliency of their systems to run parallel to performance, simplicity, and scalability with an option to deploy on-prem and hybrid so that the data can stay in place for compliance while AI workloads run where appropriate.

Lenovo has introduced new Lenovo ThinkSystem and Lenovo ThinkAgile Enterprise offerings optimized or AI, virtualization and storage bottlenecks, including:
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:

Caroline Stage, Danish Minister for Digitalization and representatives from the agreement parties attends a press conference about a new political agreement for better protection of children and young people online, in Copenhagen, Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. Credit: Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix via AP, File

As Australia began enforcing a world-first social media ban for children under 16 years old this week, Denmark is planning to follow its lead and severely restrict social media access for young people.

The Danish government announced last month that it had secured an agreement by three governing coalition and two opposition parties in parliament to ban access to social media for anyone under the age of 15. Such a measure would be the most sweeping step yet by a European Union nation to limit use of social media among teens and children.

The Danish government's plans could become law as soon as mid-2026. The proposed measure would give some parents the right to let their children access social media from age 13, local media reported, but the ministry has not yet fully shared the plans.

Many social media platforms already ban children younger than 13 from signing up, and a EU law requires Big Tech to put measures in place to protect young people from online risks and inappropriate content. But officials and experts say such restrictions don't always work.

Danish authorities have said that despite the restrictions, around 98% of Danish children under age 13 have profiles on at least one social media platform, and almost half of those under 10 years old do.

The minister for digital affairs, Caroline Stage, who announced the proposed ban last month, said there is still a consultation process for the measure and several readings in parliament before it becomes law, perhaps by "mid to end of next year."

"In far too many years, we have given the social media platforms free play in the playing rooms of our children. There's been no limits," Stage said in an interview with The Associated Press last month.

"When we go into the city at night, there are bouncers who are checking the age of young people to make sure that no one underage gets into a party that they're not supposed to be in," she added. "In the digital world, we don't have any bouncers, and we definitely need that."

Mixed reactions

Under the new Australian law, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts of Australian children younger than 16.

Some students say they are worried that similar strict laws in Denmark would mean they will lose touch with their virtual communities.

"I myself have some friends that I only know from online, and if I wasn't fifteen yet, I wouldn't be able to talk with those friends," 15-year-old student Ronja Zander, who uses Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, told the AP.

Copenhagen high school student Chloe Courage Fjelstrup-Matthisen, 14, said she is aware of the negative impact social media can have, from cyberbullying to seeing graphic content. She said she saw video of a man being shot several months ago.

"The video was on social media everywhere and I just went to school and then I saw it," she said.

Line Pedersen, a mother from Nykbing in Denmark, said she believed the plans were a good idea.

"I think that we didn't really realize what we were doing when we gave our children the telephone and social media from when they were eight, 10 years old," she said. "I don't quite think that the young people know what's normal, what's not normal."

Age certificate likely part of the plan

Danish officials are yet to share how exactly the proposed ban would be enforced and which social media platforms would be affected.

However, a new "digital evidence" app, announced by the Digital Affairs Ministry last month and expected to launch next spring, will likely form the backbone of the Danish plans. The app will display an age certificate to ensure users comply with social media age limits, the ministry said.

"One thing is what they're saying and another thing is what they're doing or not doing," Stage said, referring to social media platforms. "And that's why we have to do something politically."

Some experts say restrictions, such as the ban planned by Denmark, don't always work and they may also infringe on the rights of children and teenagers.

"To me, the greatest challenge is actually the democratic rights of these children. I think it's sad that it's not taken more into consideration," said Anne Mette Thorhauge, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen.

"Social media, to many children, is what broadcast media was to my generation," she added. "It was a way of connecting to society."

Currently, the EU's Digital Services Act, which took effect two years ago, requires social media platforms to ensure there are measures including parental controls and age verification tools before young users can access the apps.

EU officials have acknowledged that enforcing the regulations aiming at protecting children online has proven challenging because it requires cooperation between member states and many resources.

Denmark is among several countries that have indicated they plan to follow in Australia's steps. The Southeast Asian country of Malaysia is expected to ban social media account s for people under the age of 16 starting at the beginning of next year, and Norway is also taking steps to restrict social media access for children and teens.

Chinawhich manufacturers many of the world's digital deviceshas set limits on online gaming time and smartphone time for kids.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In the United States, automobile crashes are responsible for about 40,000 deaths and 2 million injuries a year, resulting in an estimated $340 billion in economic costs. In a new study, researchers examined the effectiveness of automated speed cameras, which detect and fine speeding motorists, over a 10-year period.

How speed cameras impact safety

Within the first months, the cameras reduced collisions and injuries, and speeding violations subsequently declined, suggesting influence on drivers' behavior. Use of the cameras also addresses concerns about race-based harms associated with conventional approaches to traffic safety. The study, by researchers at Rutgers University, the University of Chicago, and Columbia University, is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Our findings demonstrate that automated speeding enforcement can reduce dangerous driving and prevent crashes, while diminishing concerns about the unequal policing associated with traditional traffic enforcement," explains Aaron Stagoff-Belfort, a Ph.D. student in sociology at the University of Chicago, who led the study.

Traffic enforcement has historically been the responsibility of local law enforcement agencies. Traffic stops are now the most common form of contact between police and the public, and these encounters have expanded the scope of racially biased policing, as officers conduct so-called pretextual stops for minor violations that are often unrelated to road safety or crash prevention, and that can turn fatal.

Study details and findings in New York

In their study, researchers examined the effectiveness of nearly 1,900 automated speed cameras set up in New York City between 2014 and 2023. The study is among the first to offer causal evidence of the safety impacts of automated speed enforcement, and did so in the largest program in the United States and one of the most extensive automated enforcement programs ever implemented.

In the first seven months following activation, speed cameras reduced total collisions by around 30% and collision-related injuries by around 16% on average within 900 feet of intersections, the study found. The largest effects were observed in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and in areas with higher baseline traffic volume and greater intensity of camera enforcement.

Beginning in the second month of use, speeding violations dropped sharply, indicating the rapid influence of automated enforcement on drivers' behavior.

Broader implications and study limitations

"Many U.S. cities are turning to automated speed cameras as a promising alternative to traditional traffic enforcement by police, aiming to reduce collisions without the risks of racial bias or harmful police encounters," notes Jonathan Ben-Menachem, a Ph.D. student in sociology at Columbia University, who coauthored the study. "Our findings provide compelling evidence for an intervention that equitably addresses one of the nation's leading public safety challenges."

Among the study's limitations, the authors note that they studied just one city, limiting the generalizability of their findings to jurisdictions with different types of programs. Also, their data on collisions are based on incidents reported to the police, which may undercount the actual number of crashes. And because New York City's camera program is limited to school zones, the use of cameras in these areas may differ from use in other areas.

"Automated speeding enforcement can serve as a central pillar of effective traffic safety programs, reducing vehicle crashes, promoting changes to drivers' behavior, and mitigating the negative consequences of relying solely on police to manage road safety," adds Brenden Beck, associate professor at Rutgers-Newark School of Criminal Justice, who coauthored the study.

More information: Aaron Stagoff-Belfort et al, Can speed cameras make streets safer? Quasi-experimental evidence from New York City, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2520328122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Credit: Rodolfo Clix from Pexels

Driverless taxis are a bit like buses. You wait ages for one, and then a fleet arrives all at once. The US firms Waymo and Uber have both said their vehicles will be on the streets of London in 2026.

But as this transport technology speeds towards the UK, it seems to be outpacing any widespread agreement over a basic social contract. Robots are due to arrive on British roads without a clear sense of who is responsible when things go wrong.

Imagine you are in the backseat of a driverless taxi, responding to messages on your phone, when suddenly your AI chauffeur crashes into somethingor someone. In the silent moments that follow, there is no driver to turn to.

Is the car maker to blame or the programmer who wrote the software? Perhaps it's the app company that organized the ride. Is it the city authority that permitted the journey, or even you, the passenger, for failing to intervene?

For now, the answer isn't clear to the public.

Most people don't know who pays out, or who apologizes, when a driverless taxi makes a mistake. And this isn't just a legal technicalityit is the fault line under a trillion-dollar industry, which could be stopped in its tracks by uncertainty.

Our research reveals that "liability communication"how companies and authorities explain who is legally in charge and under what conditionsfor autonomous vehicles (AVs) is a mess. It is fragmented, riddled with legal jargon and unclear.

This is partly down to the caution with which many western economiesincluding the USare approaching AV adoption. In the UK, the government's pilot scheme is moving ahead slowly.

Others are racing ahead. China, for example, with its high tolerance for experimentation, has created a booming AV ecosystem, with over 32,000km of roads available for AV testing, and 16,000 test licenses issued. AV trials have been normalized while legal frameworks are still being drawn up.

But while the UK's approach may seem sensible, caution without clear communication risks feeding skepticism rather than confidence in the future of driverless cars.

Safety feature

Making the case for safety also needs to be localized. Although enthusiasts highlight millions of safe rides in the US, there's no point referencing the safety record of AVs in a city built around a grid system that is completely different to the narrow and winding old streets of the UK.

If safety is uncertain, uptake will probably stall, especially in messy streetscapes. And they don't get much messier than London's irregular roads.

Uncertainty also brings tension. Some politicians and companies appear fairly bullish, promising a safety revolution and tens of thousands of new jobs. Meanwhile, London's own taxi trade warns of chaos, citing stalled vehicles, accessibility worries and glaring safety gaps.

Our review shows that this tension is partly to do with poor communication, including gaps in messaging over things like safety and risk, or compensation and complaints. The language apparently aimed at consumers is often ambiguous or overly technical instead of being accessible.

There are other simple steps that UK authorities could take to make things less confusing. One is that every driverless taxi ride should begin with a short, plain-English briefing about who is legally responsible for the journey.

The wording should be composed with consumer groups and accessibility experts, not just lawyers and engineers. And before you even book, the app should explicitly state who insures the vehicle, the software and the ride itself.

A country that gets the communication about AVs wrong will fight every hiccup on social media, at town halls and in the courts. A country that gets it right will turn each minor incident into proof that the system, and the people behind it, are accountable.

To achieve this, liability communication needs to be treated as a safety feature, not a legal footnote. Only then will people be able to truly benefit from the AV promise of cleaner, safer, accessible urban mobility. But the wording needs to be designed for general consumers, not lawyers. Without this, AV adoption risks becoming a slow-motion pile-up.

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Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, testifies before a Senate committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 8, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File

Accompanying Time's annual person of the year selection Thursday is a magazine cover that resembles the "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" photograph from the 1930s showing eight of the " Architects of AI " sitting on the beam.

"This was the year when artificial intelligence's full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back or opting out," Time editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs wrote in an explanation of the choice.

The magazine was deliberate in selecting peoplethe "individuals who imagined, designed, and built AI"rather than the technology itself. But who are these individuals that digital painter Jason Seiler used to grace his rendition of the famous photograph? Here's a look:

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Zuckerberg has been pushing to revive AI efforts at Meta as the company faces tough competition from rivals such as Google and OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT. In June, Meta made a $14.3 billion investment in AI data company Scale and recruited its CEO Alexandr Wang to help lead a team developing "superintelligence" at the tech giant.

Zuckerberg's increasing focus on the abstract idea of "superintelligence"which rival companies call artificial general intelligence, or AGIis the latest pivot for a tech leader who in 2021 went all-in on the idea of the metaverse, changing the company's name and investing billions into advancing virtual reality and related technology.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang listens as President Donald Trump speaks during the Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Washington. Credit: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

AMD CEO Lisa Su

Since Su took over as president and CEO at Advanced Micro Devices in 2014, its stock has risen from around $3 to about $221. The semiconductor company recently revealed a new artificial intelligence chip in its race to compete with rival chipmaker Nvidia in supplying the foundation for a boom in AI-fueled business tools, and has struck a multibillion dollar computing deal with OpenAI.

AMD joins a growing list of technology companies trying to take advantage of a broader interest from businesses looking for new AI tools that can analyze data, help make decisions and potentially replace some tasks currently performed by human workers.

xAI CEO Elon Musk

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company produces the Grok AI chatbot. Built using huge amounts of computing power at a Tennessee data center, Grok is Musk's attempt to outdo rivals such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini in building an AI assistant that shows its reasoning before answering a question.

Elon Musk en un evento en el Centro Kennedy en Washington el 19 de noviembre del 2025. . Credit: AP foto/Evan Vucci

Musk's deliberate efforts to mold Grok into a challenger of what he considers the tech industry's "woke" orthodoxy on race, gender and politics has repeatedly got the chatbot into trouble.

Musk is also head of a number of tech-related companies such as Tesla and SpaceX.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang

Nvidia carved out an early lead in tailoring its chipsets known as graphics processing units, or GPUs, from use in powering video games to helping to train powerful AI systems, like the technology behind ChatGPT and image generators. Demand skyrocketed as more people began using AI chatbots. Tech companies scrambled for more chips to build and run them.

The ravenous appetite for Nvidia's chips is the main reason that the company became the first $5 trillion company in October, just three months after the Silicon Valley chipmaker was first to break through the $4 trillion barrier. But fears of an AI bubble linger.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

OpenAI recently marked the three year anniversary from when it first released ChatGPT, sparking global fascination and a commercial boom in generative AI technology and giving the San Francisco startup an early lead. But the company faces increased competition with rivals.

Altman said this fall that ChatGPT now has more than 800 million weekly users. But the company, valued at $500 billion, doesn't make a profit, amplifying concerns about an AI bubble if the generative AI products made by OpenAI and its competitors don't meet the expectations of investors pouring billions of dollars into research and development.

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis

The AI scientist and 2024 Nobel laureate established London's DeepMind research lab in 2010 before Google acquired it four years later. DeepMind is responsible for Google's Gemni AI platform, which helped level the playing field against tech rivals who had initially pulled ahead in the AI race.

He most recently shared the 2024 Nobel Prize in chemistry for developing AI systems that accurately predict protein foldinga breakthrough for medicine and drug discovery.

Google's recent move to implant Gemni into the search experience have been mostly successful, with AI Overviews now being used by more than 2 billion people every month, according to the company. The Gemini app, by comparison, has about 650 million monthly users.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei

Anthropic, founded by ex-OpenAI leaders in 2021, is privately held, but recently put its value at $183 billion. Its AI assistant Claude competes with OpenAI's ChatGPT and others in appealing to business customers using it to assist with coding and other tasks.

Anthropic said it expects to make $5 billion in sales this year, but, like OpenAI and many other AI startups, it has never reported making a profit, relying instead on investors to back the high costs of developing AI technology for a potential payoff in the future.

Fei-Fei Li, founder of Worldlabs

Widely known as the " godmother of AI," Stanford computer science professor Fei-Fei Li curated the dataset that accelerated the computer vision branch of AI in the 2010s.

Li launched her own startup, World Labs, in 2024 to pursue what she calls the next frontier in AI technology: spatial intelligence. World Labs recently released Marble, its first commercial generative world model, which allows users to generate and edit 3D environments from text prompts, photos, videos, or 3D layouts.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Robots now see the world with an ease that once belonged only to science fiction. They can recognize objects, navigate cluttered spaces and sort thousands of parcels an hour. But ask a robot to touch something gently, safely or meaningfully, and the limits appear instantly.

As a researcher in soft robotics working on artificial skin and sensorized bodies, I've found that trying to give robots a sense of touch forces us to confront just how astonishingly sophisticated human touch really is.

My work began with the seemingly simple question of how robots might sense the world through their bodies. Develop tactile sensors, fully cover a machine with them, process the signals and, at first glance, you should get something like touch.

Except that human touch is nothing like a simple pressure map. Our skin contains several distinct types of mechanoreceptor, each tuned to different stimuli such as vibration, stretch or texture. Our spatial resolution is remarkably fine and, crucially, touch is active: we press, slide and adjust constantly, turning raw sensation into perception through dynamic interaction.

Engineers can sometimes mimic a fingertip-scale version of this, but reproducing it across an entire soft body, and giving a robot the ability to interpret this rich sensory flow, is a challenge of a completely different order.

Working on artificial skin also quickly reveals another insight: much of what we call "intelligence" doesn't live solely in the brain. Biology offers striking examplesmost famously, the octopus.

Octopuses distribute most of their neurons throughout their limbs. Studies of their motor behavior show an octopus arm can generate and adapt movement patterns locally based on sensory input, with limited input from the brain.

Their soft, compliant bodies contribute directly to how they act in the world. And this kind of distributed, embodied intelligence, where behavior emerges from the interplay of body, material and environment, is increasingly influential in robotics.

Touch also happens to be the first sense that humans develop in the womb. Developmental neuroscience shows tactile sensitivity emerging from around eight weeks of gestation, then spreading across the body during the second trimester. Long before sight or hearing function reliably, the fetus explores its surroundings through touch. This is thought to help shape how infants begin forming an understanding of weight, resistance and supportthe basic physics of the world.

This distinction matters for robotics too. For decades, robots have relied heavily on cameras and lidars (a sensing method that uses pulses of light to measure distance) while avoiding physical contact. But we cannot expect machines to achieve human-level competence in the physical world if they rarely experience it through touch.

Simulation can teach a robot useful behavior, but without real physical exploration, it risks merely deploying intelligence rather than developing it. To learn in the way humans do, robots need bodies that feel.

Intelligent bodies

One approach my group is exploring is giving robots a degree of "local intelligence" in their sensorized bodies. Humans benefit from the compliance of soft tissues: skin deforms in ways that increase grip, enhance friction and filter sensory signals before they even reach the brain. This is a form of intelligence embedded directly in the anatomy.

Research in soft robotics and morphological computation argues that the body can offload some of the brain's workload. By building robots with soft structures and low-level processing, so they can adjust grip or posture based on tactile feedback without waiting for central commands, we hope to create machines that interact more safely and naturally with the physical world.

Healthcare is one area where this capability could make a profound difference. My group recently developed a robotic patient simulator for training occupational therapists (OTs). Students often practice on one another, which makes it difficult to learn the nuanced tactile skills involved in supporting someone safely. With real patients, trainees must balance functional and affective touch, respect personal boundaries and recognize subtle cues of pain or discomfort. Research on social and affective touch shows how important these cues are to human wellbeing.

To help trainees understand these interactions, our simulator, known as Mona, produces practical behavioral responses. For example, when an OT presses on a simulated pain point in the artificial skin, the robot reacts verbally and with a small physical "hitch" of the body to mimic discomfort.

Similarly, if the trainee tries to move a limb beyond what the simulated patient can tolerate, the robot tightens or resists, offering a realistic cue that the motion should stop. By capturing tactile interaction through artificial skin, our simulator provides feedback that has never previously been available in OT training.

Robots that care

In the future, robots with safe, sensitive bodies could help address growing pressures in social care. As populations age, many families suddenly find themselves lifting, repositioning or supporting relatives without formal training. "Care robots" would help with this, potentially meaning the family member could be cared for at home longer.

Surprisingly, progress in developing this type of robot has been much slower than early expectations suggestedeven in Japan, which introduced some of the first care robot prototypes. One of the most advanced examples is Airec, a humanoid robot developed as part of the Japanese government's Moonshot programme to assist in nursing and elderly-care tasks. This multifaceted programme, launched in 2019, seeks "ambitious R&D based on daring ideas" in order to build a "society in which human beings can be free from limitations of body, brain, space and time by 2050".

Throughout the world, though, translating research prototypes into regulated robots remains difficult. High development costs, strict safety requirements, and the absence of a clear commercial market have all slowed progress. But while the technical and regulatory barriers are substantial, they are steadily being addressed.

Robots that can safely share close physical space with people need to feel and modulate how they touch anything that comes into contact with their bodies. This whole-body sensitivity is what will distinguish the next generation of soft robots from today's rigid machines.

We are still far from robots that can handle these intimate tasks independently. But building touch-enabled machines is already reshaping our understanding of touch. Every step toward robotic tactile intelligence highlights the extraordinary sophistication of our own bodiesand the deep connection between sensation, movement and what we call intelligence.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Ever wondered how energy efficient your home is?

CSIRO's new Energy Rating Finder puts the power in your hands. It indicates the energy performance of your home's thermal shellthe walls, floors, roof, windows and insulation. These features influence how much energy it takes to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

It's like an appliance star label, but for your home.

If your address doesn't appear in the database, your home may not have an energy rating yet. But don't worry, there are other ways to estimate its efficiencywe'll get to that shortly.

Your home's thermal shellwalls, roof, floors, windows, and insulationplays a big role in energy performance and comfort.

A win for people and the planet

CSIRO data scientist and platform developer Melissa James, said the goal was to make energy performance information accessible. "The system is easy to usesimply enter an address, and if data is available, you'll receive an energy-efficiency rating out of 10," James said.

A zero-star home offers little protection from external temperatures, while a 10-star home stays comfortable with minimal, if any heating or cooling.

You can also search by postcode or street name to help locate the address you're interested in and view its energy-efficiency rating. James hopes this data sparks curiosity and encourages upgrades.

"We want people to see how their home rates and start thinking about what changes could make a difference," James said. "Energy-efficient homes use less power, cost less to heat and cool and are more comfortable to live in.

"They also produce fewer carbon emissions, which is better for the planet. In addition, energy-efficient homes can help reduce energy infrastructure costs by lowering overall demand," she said.

Powered by a decade of data

The Energy Rating Finder includes headline certificate data from the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) providing a snapshot of your home's energy performancewatch this video to learn more.

"All new homes and many undergoing major renovations must demonstrate that they meet the minimum standard specified under the building regulations (currently seven stars for most states). Most do this using software accredited by NatHERS," James said.

Average ratings have improved dramatically since the standard was established in 2003, from 1.8 stars for older homes to seven stars for most new builds in 2025.

James cautioned that not all properties are included in the database.

"CSIRO has been collecting this data since 2016, so only homes built or renovated after this date and assessed using NatHERSwhich accounts for 80% of assessments nationwide, will appear in the system," she said.

NatHERS is also expanding NatHERS assessments to existing homes. Eventually this data may be included in the Energy Rating Finder.

If your property isn't covered, try RapidRate, a CSIRO tool that estimates your home's energy efficiency using basic information.

Together, these resources give Australians more insight into home energy performance than ever before.

Have your say

CSIRO is inviting feedback on the Energy Rating Finder: Tell us what you think

You can easily opt-out if you don't want your property's data shown publicly: Find out more

Amp up your home's energy efficiency

Thinking about improving your home's energy efficiency? James said performance depends on many factors, from insulation and window design to shading and ventilation. Even roof color matters.

So what impacts your home's energy rating?

For example, CSIRO's Dr. Mahsan Sadeghi found that dark roofs absorb and retain heat, creating urban heat islands.

While structural changes are easiest during building or renovating, CSIRO offers tips for keeping older houses warm or cool without major work.

And energy efficient homes don't just lower bills and emissionsthey can also boost the property's value.

Improving home energy efficiencyit's the bright thing to do.
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The United States on Wednesday signed five-year bilateral health cooperation Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the governments of Uganda and Lesotho to advance the American First Global Health Strategy and build resilient, self-reliant, and durable health systems in both countries
An advanced persistent threat (APT) known as WIRTE has been attributed to attacks targeting government and diplomatic entities across the Middle East with a previously undocumented malware suite dubbed AshTag since 2020.

Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 is tracking the activity cluster under the name Ashen Lepus. Artifacts uploaded to the VirusTotal platform show that the threat actor has trained its sights on Oman and Morocco, indicating an expansion in operational scope beyond the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

The company told The Hacker News said it has observed "scores of unique lures" disseminated across the Middle East, indicating a "persistent and wide-reaching campaign" confined to government and diplomatic entities in the region. More than a dozen entities are estimated to have been targeted, although it's suspected that the real number could be higher.

"Ashen Lepus remained persistently active throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict, distinguishing it from other affiliated groups whose activities decreased over the same period," the cybersecurity company said in a report shared with The Hacker News. "Ashen Lepus continued with its campaign even after the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire, deploying newly developed malware variants and engaging in hands-on activity within victim environments."

WIRTE, which overlaps with an Arabic-speaking, politically motivated cluster known as Gaza Cyber Gang (aka Blackstem, Extreme Jackal, Molerats, or TA402), is assessed to be active since at least 2018. According to a report from Cybereason, both Molerats and APT-C-23 (aka Arid Viper, Desert Varnish, or Renegade Jackal) are two main sub-groups of the Hamas cyberwarfare division.

It's primarily driven by espionage and intelligence collection, targeting government entities in the Middle East to meet its strategic objectives.

"Specifically, the connection between WIRTE (Ashen Lepus) to the broader Gaza Cyber Gang is primarily evidenced by code overlaps and similarities," Unit 42 researchers said. "This suggests that while they operate independently, the tools were developed by close entities and they likely share development resources. We have also seen overlap in other groups' victimology."

In a report published in November 2024, Check Point attributed the hacking crew to destructive attacks exclusively aimed at Israeli entities to infect them with a custom wiper malware referred to as SameCoin, highlighting their ability to adapt and carry out both espionage and sabotage.

The long-running, elusive campaign detailed by Unit 42, going all the way back to 2018, has been found to leverage phishing emails with lures related to geopolitical affairs in the region. A recent increase in lures related to Turkey  e.g., "Partnership agreement between Morocco and Turkey" or "Draft resolutions concerning the State of Palestine"  suggests that entities in the country may be a new area of focus.

The attack chains commence with a harmless PDF decoy that tricks recipients into downloading a RAR archive from a file-sharing service. Opening the archive triggers a chain of events that results in the deployment of AshTag.

This involves using a renamed benign binary to sideload a malicious DLL dubbed AshenLoader that, in addition to opening a decoy PDF file to keep up the ruse, contacts an external server to drop two more components, a legitimate executable and a DLL payload called AshenStager (aka stagerx64) that's again sideloaded to launch the malware suite in memory to minimize forensic artifacts.

AshTag is a modular .NET backdoor that's designed to facilitate persistence and remote command execution, while masquerading as a legitimate VisualServer utility to fly under the radar. Internally, its features are realized by means of an AshenOrchestrator to enable communications and to run additional payloads in memory.

These payloads serve different purposes -

Persistence and process management

Update and removal

Screen capture

File explorer and management

System fingerprinting

In one case, Unit 42 said it observed the threat actor accessing a compromised machine to conduct hands-on data theft by staging documents of interest in the C:\Users\Public folder. These files are said to have been downloaded from a victim's email inbox, their end goal being the theft of diplomacy-related documents. The documents were then exfiltrated to an attacker-controlled server using the Rclone utility.

It's assessed that data theft has likely occurred across the broader victim population, particularly in environments where advanced detection capabilities are absent.

"Ashen Lepus remains a persistent espionage actor, demonstrating a clear intent to continue its operations throughout the recent regional conflict -- unlike other affiliated threat groups, whose activity significantly decreased," the company concluded. "The threat actors' activities throughout the last two years in particular highlight their commitment to constant intelligence collection."
VinEnergo registers to build large-scale wind power projects in central Vietnam province Gia Lai

By Nguyen Tri, Thai Ha Thu, December 11, 2025 | 2:00 pm GMT+7

VinEnergo Energy JSC, an arm of Vingroup, has registered to develop two wind power projects in Gia Lai province, including the 750 MW Hon Trau project worth of over VND48.37 trillion ($1.84 billion).

Phuong Mai 1 wind power plant in the former Binh Dinh province, now part of Gia Lai province, central Vietnam. Photo courtesy of EVNCPC.

The Gia Lai Department of Finance has announced the opening of registration dossiers for four wind power projects, following the provincial governments approval in principle in October-November 2025.

Among them, three investors have registered for the Hon Trau wind power plant phase 1, including a consortium comprising Trung Nam Construction Investment JSC and Trung Nam Renewable Energy JSC, VinEnergo Energy JSC, and Germanys PNE AG.

Approved in early November 2025, the Hon Trau project will cover about 32 hectares of sea area and 17.6 hectares of land, with locations spanning Phu My Dong, Phu My Bac, Phu My Tay, Binh Duong, Ngo May, Cat Tien and Tuy Phuoc Dong communes and Quy Nhon Dong ward.

The project is expected to generate around 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. It is required to be completed and put into operation by Q4/2029.

VinEnergo is also the sole investor to register for the Vinh Thuan wind power plant, which will cover more than 50 hectares in Vinh Quang commune.

Approved in mid-October 2025, the project has a total investment of VND4.68 trillion ($177.6 million), a designed capacity of 143 MW, and expected annual output of 239.9 million kWh. The construction timeline is 36 months from the date the investor is formally recognized.

At an investment promotion conference in late August, Gia Lai authorities signed an MoU with VinEnergo, represented by Vingroup vice chairman Le Khac Hiep, to cooperate on renewable energy development in the province.

Under the MoU, VinEnergo plans to survey, research and propose investments in solar and wind power projects with a targeted total capacity of about 20 gigawatts by 2035. Gia Lai province has pledged to support the inclusion of VinEnergos projects in Vietnams national power development plan and to facilitate implementation.

Binh Dinh and Gia Lai province were merged in July to form the new Gia Lai which borders Dak Lak, Quang Ngai, Cambodia, and the East Sea.
Seizure in progress: A still image from a video posted on the X account of the US Attorney General Pamela Bondi shows the US Coast Guard officers rappelling from a military helicopter before seizing the oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela yesterday.
Ohio parents expressed concern after Toledo Public Schools (TPS) announced plans for a budget cut as one of several major changes that are being considered.

Some Beverly neighborhood parents also said that they are unsure whether or not they would stay in the district if the plans move forward. The situation comes as the Beverly neighborhood is a feeder for Bowsher High School, and Beverly Elementary is one of the strongest-performing schools in the district.

Toledo Public Schools' Planned Budget Cuts

One parent, Whitney Drouillard, said that her two kids are thriving at their school, noting that the elementary school is a great institution. She also praised all of the teachers, the superintendents, and everything else.

The mother credits the school staff for her daughter's growth, from preschool to kindergarten. State report cards also support the school's reputation, giving Beverly a four-star rating, which is among the highest in the district, according to WTOL.

One parent whose family decided to live in the neighborhood because of Beverly's reputation is Katie Keister, who came from Holland. She said that her children love Beverly so much that they don't want to leave.

Read more: Government Shutdown Threatens Childcare Services for Many Families Across the United States

But being a single parent, Keister said that she has grown frustrated by TPS considering a switch to a four-day school week and converting K-8 schools, such as Beverly, into K-6 buildings.

The situation comes as CFO/treasurer at TPS, Ryan Stechschulte, said that the district is looking at a total of $68 million in cuts from the state starting in fiscal year 2026. Broken down, the cuts are $18 million in planned reductions from the 2024 levy, $13 million in negotiated salary and health benefit costs above forecasted amounts for 2026 and 2027, and $12 million in cuts for both 2026 and 2027, the Toledo Blade reported.

Several Major Changes

Stechschulte added that state officials were using numbers from 2022 for the budget reductions and used average teacher salaries at the time in deciding the reductions. The cuts come as TPS has experienced enrollment declines, resulting in a decrease in Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid funding. The district lost $3 million for 2026 and $7 million for 2027.

On top of budget cuts and a proposed four-day school week, another change that district leaders are considering is increasing the number of magnet schools and making changes to building configurations.

A TPS spokesperson said that the changes aim to balance the operating budget while also bringing in new career-focused academic offerings. Additionally, they are seeking out input through community meetings and conversations with stakeholders, as per 13ABC.
Iceland withdraws from Eurovision 2026

Iceland joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in boycotting next years contest.

Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in boycotting next years Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.

Participation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public, Icelandic broadcaster RUV said in a statement.

According to public discourse in Iceland and the response to EBUs decision last week, RUVs participation will neither be a source of joy nor peace. Therefore, RUV has come to the conclusion to inform EBU today that RUV will not participate in the Eurovision contest next year.

Songvakeppni  Icelands pre-selection for Eurovision  and Eurovision has always aimed to unite the nation. However, it is clear that objective will not be achieved this year and this decision is based on that fact.

Meanwhile the BBC has also now issued comment.

We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU, said a BBC spokesperson. This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.

A December 10 deadline was set for nations to avoid further penalities for late withdrawal.

Source: Deadline
Nat Geo greenlights Best of the World with Antoni Porowski

National Geographic turns its Best of the World list into a travel series fronted by Antoni Porowski.

National Geographic has greenlit Best of the World with Antoni Porowski, a new travel docuseries set to premiere in 2026 on Disney+.

Inspired by National Geographics annual Best Of The World list of travel recommendations and bestselling book, the four-part series follows author Antoni Porowski on a deeply personal journey through Paris, Mexico City, London and New York City.

Were delighted to be reuniting with Antoni on a new adventure together. Antoni is the perfect travel companion: curious, grounded, joyful and deeply tuned in to the culture around him, said Tom McDonald, EVP of Content at National Geographic. Best of the World with Antoni Porowski brings Nat Geos bestselling book and influential digital list to life on screen, expanding beloved editorial storytelling into the TV and streaming space and is a bold example of Nat Geos 360 content ecosystem. Its a timely and timeless celebration of global cities and the people who make them unforgettable.

Travel has always been how I connect more deeply with people, culture and myself, said Porowski. Working with National Geographic again to explore these incredible cities through food, storytelling, and local voices has been an unforgettable experience. Im so proud to be part of a series that celebrates not just where to go, but why it matters.

Bringing his signature curiosity, humour and refined taste, Porowski takes the Best Of The World list one step further to explore food, places to stay, wellness and hidden corners of each city. He plunges into unforgettable moments: learning the delicate precision of Paris most hyper-local and inventive Michelin-starred restaurant, paddling through centuries-old canals in Mexico City, and connecting with locals whose stories define what makes each city truly shine. Using National Geographics signature cinematography and storytelling expertise, the series brings each city to life with the authenticity and visual richness the brand is known for. Each episode presents a mosaic of accessible yet aspirational moments that reflect the diversity, creativity, and emerging trends shaping each city today.

A reflection of the expertise of the brands editors, travel contributors and international partners, National Geographics uniquely distinctive Best of the World travel picks is the definitive guide to the top destinations to visit and explore for 2026. Todays announcement is also being celebrated on social media with a Readers Choice campaign hosted by Porowski in the weeks leading up to the Best of the World 2026 wellness experiences and resorts announcement, slated for late January. Beginning today,@NatGeoTravel invites audiences to share their favourite wellness resort recommendations here in the lead-up to the full list reveal.

More than a traditional travel show, Best of the World with Antoni Porowski is a curated, hands-on exploration that celebrates the people and experiences that elevate a destination from great to unforgettable. Guided by instinct, research, word-of-mouth tips and the essence of Nat Geos Best of the World editorial list and book, Porowski seeks out the unexpected, always chasing the soul of a place rather than just its sights.

Best of the World with Antoni Porowski is produced by Twofour, part of ITV Studios. As well as presenting, Porowski will executive produce. For Twofour, Nic Patten and Tom Currie are executive producers. For National Geographic, Betsy Forhan and Yari Lorenzo are executive producers, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Development, Bengt Anderson is senior vice president of Unscripted Production, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Content.
Scherri-Lee Biggs joins Nine News Melbourne

Updated: Perth weather presenter heads east, to succeed Livinia Nixon, while Natalia Cooper takes on role in the west.

Nine News Perth weather presenter Scherri-Lee Biggs is heading to the East Coast, to become the new weather reporter and presenter at Nine News Melbourne.

She will succeed Livinia Nixon weeknights in 2026 joining Alicia Loxley and Tom Steinfort from Sunday, January 18.

Scherri-Lee has been with Nine for over 11 years, presenting the weather in Perth as well as filling-in as weather presenter on Today during its summer series, reporting live from major weather moments and community events.

The former Miss Universe Australia has also featured on Postcards, Destination WA and Celebrity Apprentice Australia.

Scherri-Lee, who has previously lived in Victoria for several years, said, Melbourne holds a truly special place in my heart. As the home city of my husband, Daniel, we are greatly looking forward to reconnecting with family and raising our daughter, Isla, here. It is a sincere privilege to join the exceptional team at 9News Melbourne and work alongside Alicia, Tom and Tony, and I truly cant wait to connect with the viewers.

Hugh Nailon, National News Director, said: We are delighted to welcome Scherri-Lee to the forefront of our news team. Her extensive experience and brilliant live broadcasting ability will be a wonderful asset to our newsroom. We look forward to Scherri-Lee joining Alicia, Tom and TJ in continuing to bring Melbourne viewers the most accurate and informative news, sport and weather they have come to rely on from 9News.

9News Perth Director Michael Genovese, said: Scherri has brought professionalism, passion and presence to every weather report. She will be missed greatly by our newsroom and our viewers. She will be a great asset to the Melbourne team and we look forward to seeing her thrive on the east coast.

Updated:

Natalia Cooper will expand her current role and present the weeknight weather for 9News Perth next year.

Genovese said: Natalia has been reporting into living rooms around Australia for over 20 years, including several years nationally on Today. We are looking forward to her continuing to deliver Perths best weather in 2026.

Cooper said: I began my career presenting weather for 9News Perth back in 2004. Its always been a passion of mine. I love Perth and I love Nine. I cant wait to get started in this role next year.
For more than 20 years, as they eked out a living on the Lam River, Dau Thi Phuc and her husband Hoang Van Manh have made a vow - whenever they hear cries for help, they drop everything to find the person in need.

Over that time, they have saved around 50 people who were on the verge of taking their own lives.

For Phuc (43) and Manh (born 1981), who currently live in Ward 15, Truong Vinh Ward, Nghe An Province, the river is both their workplace and the setting of their lifesaving missions.

Phuc recalls that for years, their family of seven lived on a makeshift fishing boat along the Lam River. Though daily life was tough and uncertain, any call about someone jumping from a bridge sent the couple rushing out onto the river, without hesitation.

That same small fishing boat has not only provided food for their children but also become a vessel for hope, ferrying lives back from despair.

The couple continues to work as river fishers on the Lam River.

The couple's fishing boat, also their rescue vehicle.

Their repeated acts of rescue earned them the trust of local authorities, who eventually lent them a plot of land to build a temporary home in Truong Vinh. From their front yard, they can see the Ben Thuy Bridge - where many people, overwhelmed by suffering, have tried to end their lives.

I dont understand why so many people choose this bridge, Phuc says. Whenever someone jumps, my husband and I join the rescue teams. Just in October alone, we saved four people.

Those four included a 52-year-old man devastated by his marriage, a 15-year-old boy who had argued with his mother, a 13-year-old girl facing school bullying, and an 18-year-old man overwhelmed by personal conflict.

One rescue remains especially vivid in Phucs memory. On the night of October 4, she and her husband received word that someone had jumped from Ben Thuy 2 Bridge, just over a kilometer away.

They immediately launched their boat into the cold, fast-flowing river.

Moments later, they spotted a 13-year-old girl struggling in the current.

By the time they pulled her ashore, Phuc was shivering, soaked to the bone. She wrapped the girl in her arms and gently asked, Whatever the problem is, theres always a way through. Why choose this way to end your life?

Afterward, they contacted the girl's family, who arrived to take her home.

Having grown up on the river with her parents, Phuc cant remember when she began stealing lives back from the river god, as the local saying goes. Over nearly two decades, she and her husband have rescued around 50 individuals - each case marked by sadness, pain, and a desperate need for help.

We dont ask questions, she said. We just encourage them. I hope that once they return from the brink, theyll face life with more strength.

Still, not every mission ends in success.

One haunting case involved a father who jumped into the river with his two young daughters.

Despite searching through the night, the couple found no trace of the three victims.

The water was high and the undercurrent too strong, Phuc said quietly. We couldnt save them. That still hurts.

Doing good to build blessings for the next generation

The couple's home was destroyed in a recent storm.

Phuc gets emotional recalling the many lives she and her husband have helped save.

In the riverside fishing community, rescuing drowning people is often met with superstition. Some believe such acts steal food from the river god, bringing misfortune. Phuc and her husband have faced gossip, especially when their boat broke down or fishing nets tore.

But I couldnt turn away while someone was dying, she said. Even if it costs us something, I need to be able to sleep at night.

Their greatest comfort has come from people they once saved - some still visit, years later, just to say thank you.

One case still weighs on Phucs heart: a university student pregnant out of wedlock, who tried to end her life in the river. The couple saved her, but her unborn baby did not survive.

Now shes a teacher, Phuc said. She still comes by whenever we need help. I dont do this for gratitude. I do it to build blessings for my children. But when someone remembers what we did - it warms my heart.

However, not every rescue ends in kindness.

Just last month, they saved an 18-year-old boy from drowning. When they brought him ashore, he lashed out angrily.

He shouted at us: Why did you save me? Ill come back with a gun and shoot you! Phuc recalled.

But we didnt take it personally, she said. We know that in moments of despair, people say things they dont mean. We understand.

Phuc and her husband have five children. One daughter is married, two children left school to help their parents on the river, and two are still in secondary school.

The couple still has no land of their own. Their small house is built on borrowed ground beside the Lam River.

If the authorities ever ask us to move, well comply, she said. After the last storm destroyed our house, we had to borrow 300 million dong (about $12,000) to rebuild a shelter for the kids.

Local officials in Truong Vinh Ward confirmed to VietNamNet that the couple are not originally from the area, but are now part of the community.

They earn a living fishing on the Lam River and have repeatedly rescued drowning victims, said one local representative. Weve recognized them several times for their brave and generous actions. They are currently borrowing a piece of land to live on.

Thien Luong
In early December, the Pilgrimage Center of Our Lady of Nui Cui (Thong Nhat Commune, Dong Nai Province) became a festive highlight thanks to a massive and elaborate nativity scene filled with handcrafted elements both large and small.

The installation is captivating not only for its size but also for the painstaking detail in each scene - from village life to the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The model has quickly become a favorite photo spot and a gathering place for holiday spirit.

The man behind the creation is Nguyen Minh Thien, born in 1993 and a resident of Long Binh Ward in Dong Nai. His work is the result of nearly ten years of collecting thousands of figurines and accessories, many sourced internationally.

Each miniature figure tells a story. I only dared to begin building a large-scale nativity scene once I had collected enough elements to portray the entire narrative, said Thien.

If the figurines represent years of collecting, the scenery - from rocky mountains and flowing streams to ancient walls and busy markets - is entirely Thiens creative realm. Starting with simple materials like foam, clay, baskets, and paint, he handcrafted each element with precision, carving and coloring them by hand.

Every stone, wall, basket, water jar, and fruit stand was sculpted manually. The level of realism is stunning - visitors can make out the grain of woven baskets, fabric folds, and the natural hues of vegetables in each miniature marketplace.

The layered design of streets, houses, and citadel walls creates a sense of visual depth. Once the lights are turned on, the entire model resembles a miniature ancient city of Bethlehem nestled within the grounds of Our Lady of Nui Cui.

Thien explained that the nativity scene is divided into sections, each corresponding to a chapter in the Christmas story.

From the angels annunciation to Mary and Josephs dream, to scenes of daily village life, the journey in search of shelter, and finally, the birth of Jesus in a stable - all are vividly and cohesively portrayed.

According to the artist, each setting transports viewers to a time long past, offering a visual narrative of the Christmas story beyond scripture or sermons.

This years display is 2 meters longer than last years and includes many new scenes. I wanted viewers not only to witness the moment of Christs birth, but also to feel the social and cultural life of that time, Thien shared.

What surprises many is that Thien has never studied fine arts or architecture. His skills come entirely from personal passion and self-learning. He started with small models and gradually honed his technique year after year.

Creating a nativity scene requires patience and true passion. Every year, I try to bring something new and more beautiful to the audience, he said.

For Thien, this model is more than a creative project - its a heartfelt gift to fellow believers. Its his way of spreading Christmas joy, hope, and peace to everyone.

Since its unveiling, the installation has attracted a growing number of parishioners and pilgrims. It has quickly become one of the most popular check-in spots in Dong Nai. At night, when illuminated, the entire scene glows with warmth and wonder.

Representatives from the Nui Cui Pilgrimage Center describe this as one of the most elaborate and visually detailed nativity displays ever installed at the site. Visitor numbers are expected to keep rising throughout the 2025 Christmas season.

The 7-meter nativity scene stuns viewers with its scale and meticulous craftsmanship.

Nguyen Minh Thien began this project after nearly a decade of collecting miniature figurines.

The marketplace, streets, and architecture are rendered in layered perspective to create depth.

The village scene includes laborers, vendors, clay-roofed homes, bakeries, and detailed market stalls.

Many viewers are amazed by the level of detail and atmosphere in the scenes.

The Christmas nativity scene is one of the most detailed and impressive ever displayed at the site.

Hoang Anh
China to inject more force for good into human rights development in the world: FM spokesperson

Xinhua) 08:37, December 11, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China actively participates in human rights affairs in the United Nations (UN) and has broad-based exchange and cooperation in human rights with other countries, said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson here Wednesday, adding that China is willing to inject more force for good into human rights development in the world.

December 10 marks the Human Rights Day. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing while responding to a query on China's progress in promoting and protecting human rights and China's efforts to enhance international human rights cooperation.

Guo said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. The UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 77 years ago and established the Human Rights Day 75 years ago, which embody humanity's ambitious dream -- the full enjoyment of human rights by all people. The vision of promoting and protecting human rights is taking deeper roots.

"China always attaches great importance to respecting and protecting human rights and pursues a human rights development path that meets the trend of the times and suits its national conditions," Guo said.

Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has made remarkable achievements in national development, advanced the whole-process people's democracy, effectively and fully implemented the rule of law, enjoyed thriving cultural programs and industries, better ensured people's well-being, consolidated gains in poverty elimination, steadily improved the ecological environment, and elevated the protection of various human rights to a new stage, he added.

The spokesperson said that as a constructive player, China actively participates in human rights affairs in the UN and has broad-based exchange and cooperation in human rights with other countries.

Guo said that the Second Workshop on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is being hosted by China in Beijing. Representatives from over 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania, and officials and experts from the UN attended the workshop. They have had in-depth discussions and reached broad consensus on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights.

In October 2025, the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan. This has drawn a blueprint for China's economic and social development in the next five years and demonstrated China's vision of having mutually beneficial cooperation with the rest of the world, the spokesperson added.

"To advance Chinese modernization will also give a boost to all-round development of human rights in China," said Guo, adding that China will actively implement the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and inject more force for good into human rights development in the world.

He said that some countries politicize and weaponize human rights issues, which amount to a grave challenge to global human rights governance. Certain country refuses to repent for its past crimes, such as bacterial warfare, the forced recruitment of "comfort women" and the massacre of civilians during its war of aggression. Rather, they continue to infringe on the rights of indigenous people, such as the Ainu and indigenous Ryukyuans, and adopt policies that discriminate against foreigners.

"We urge the relevant country to face up to and resolve their own severe human rights issues, take a constructive part in the international cooperation in human rights, and stop interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of so-called human rights issues," Guo said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ADGM, the international financial centre (IFC) of Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC), Hanwha and the EU GCC Cooperation on green transition project, today hosted the 8th edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF). Held on the final day of ADFW, the forum brought together climate-finance leaders, innovators, policymakers and institutional investors, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global force in advancing the net-zero, nature-positive transition.

Opening the forum, Salem Mohammed Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, highlighted how Abu Dhabi has rapidly emerged as a centre of gravity for sustainable finance, advancing ambitious policies, building climate-resilient ecosystems, and advancing capital toward high-impact global solutions. His remarks set the tone for a day dedicated to addressing the investment pathways, regulatory mechanisms, and cross-border partnerships that will shape the next era of climate-aligned finance.

During his speech, Al Darei said, "Our commitment is clear  Abu Dhabi will continue to serve as the destination where capital finds purpose and purpose finds progress. As the Capital of Green Capital, we are building bridges between regions and mobilising capital for renewable infrastructure, green technologies and sustainable innovation across emerging and developed markets. This forum reflects Abu Dhabi's growing stature as a global platform for sustainable finance, where ambition meets execution, and partnerships drive systemic transformation"

In a session titled 'From Ambition to Action: Financing the Transition to a Green Economy,' Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO, Frontier25, then discussed what is being done and what more is needed to facilitate the region's transition to a green economy and advance climate action.

Across a full day of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside conversations, and vision-setting dialogues, the forum explored renewable-energy investment, biodiversity financing, AI-enabled ESG risk analysis, Islamic sustainable finance, green infrastructure, and frontier climate innovations, from engineered ecosystems to climate-resilient digital infrastructure.

Under the unifying theme of aligning capital with climate ambition, participants examined how financial markets can accelerate large-scale investment into energy transition, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. The line-up included several standout sessions emblematic of Abu Dhabi's expanding leadership in sustainability-driven finance.

A headline session explored how future-proof urban planning, forward-looking policy frameworks, and major climate-aligned projects are reinforcing the emirate's position as a global platform for sustainable investment. Speakers assessed how long-term capital, climate resilience strategies, and cross-border collaboration are reshaping the green finance landscape.

Breakout Events on Sustainability Day

Coinciding with the main event, the Women in Finance Forum brought together influential female leaders across global finance, investment, sustainability, and regulatory spheres to discuss pathways to greater inclusion, leadership, and innovation in the industry. Through sessions such as "Leaders in Motion: Women Driving Financial Innovation," the event underscored the pivotal role women play in setting the pace and shifting the centre of influence by reshaping financial innovation across global markets.

In addition to the day's flagship sessions, several parallel forums added depth and industry perspective, including the 2nd EU-GCC Finance & Investment for Green Transition Forum, the Google Finance & Technology Summit (GtFT25), the Islamic Finance Summit, the Abu Dhabi High-Level Roundtable on Climate Investment and Money Moves: Building Arab Youth Wealth and Confidence each gathering sector leaders and professionals dedicated to advancing climate financing, resilience strategies, and green-economy collaboration.

ADSFF also highlighted progress by the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG), which recently endorsed the new "Principles for Climate Transition Planning" under Workstream Four, which represented a significant milestone guiding financial institutions toward credible, transparent transition-planning practices aligned with the UAE's net-zero objectives.

The forum also welcomed the new signatories of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration, bringing the total to 180 institutions committed to supporting Abu Dhabi and the UAE's long-term net-zero goals.

Newcomers and Collaborations

The fourth day of ADFW witnessed announcements from J.P. Morgan, ERM, DLA Piper, Arab Bank (Switzerland) Middle East and iCapital, announcing the setting up of offices or expanding their business in ADGM. J.P. Morgan is accelerating the growth of its J.P. Morgan Payments business by bringing its global best-in-class Treasury capabilities to the UAE. While Arab Bank  the newly established regional entity of Swiss Private Bank Arab Bank (Switzerland), ERM  the world's largest specialist sustainability consultancy, and DLA Piper, a global law firm, are establishing new offices in ADGM and expanding their footprint in the region.

A total of 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were announced during the last day of ADFW. Partnerships were signed between local and international entities such as Tether, Crypto.com, Zodia, Presto, PCP, Warner bros. Discovery, Global World Gold Council, Bain Capital and more.

For more details on ADFW, visit www.adfw.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550581/5010772/ADGM_Logo.jpg

SOURCE ADGM
Tran Anh Tuan, Director of the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology, speaks at the forum.

Hanoi is rolling out bold, game-changing policies to lure back talent and capital that have drifted elsewhere. Among the highlights: a sandbox initiative dedicated to digital assets and a $24 million (600 billion VND) seed fund for venture capital investment.

The Vietnam Business Management Forum 2025, themed Unlocking the Potential of Digital Assets, was held on December 10 in Hanoi. The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam Association of Corporate Directors (VACD) and The Manager e-magazine.

Opening the discussion with investors in the digital asset space, Tran Anh Tuan, Director of the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology, addressed a sobering reality: many talented professionals have left Hanoi to start companies in other provinces or abroad.

Hanois current stance is to become one of the most attractive cities in the world for investment - both intellectually and financially. We must reclaim the resources weve lost, he emphasized.

Tuan noted that Hanois advantage lies in the revised Capital Law (2024), which, along with key Politburo resolutions such as Resolution 57, 66, and 68, as well as the Science, Technology and Innovation Law, empowers the city to enhance its competitiveness.

The city has also issued six landmark resolutions, introducing concepts new to Vietnam. Among them is a sandbox framework prioritizing four sectors, including digital assets.

Were now accepting proposals and applications from enterprises to jointly implement this initiative with the city, Tuan said.

Hanoi is also the first locality in Vietnam to pass a resolution establishing a venture capital fund, immediately allocating a seed amount of $24 million.

There are around 10 strategic investors lined up to join this venture fund. It will operate on market principles without forming a legal entity. Instead, it will function through a general assembly of fund members, thereby avoiding the bureaucratic red tape typically associated with public capital. The goal is to embrace market risk-sharing, he explained.

Other forward-looking resolutions include breakthroughs in science and technology development, the creation of an innovation ecosystem, and a proposed technology exchange - closely linked to a digital asset exchange.

Hanoi is no longer looking back, nor comparing itself within the country. We benchmark only against regional and global standards. Although Hanoi hasnt been officially designated as an international financial center, Im confident it soon will be, Tuan added.

He expressed a desire for Hanois policies and resources to intersect with the right investors. The city, he said, is searching by torchlight for chief engineers across all sectors, including digital assets.

If youve considered doing business in Hanoi before but hesitated due to an unfavorable investment climate, I now invite you to return. Hanoi has changed, he appealed.

Hanois 20262030 goal is to have the digital economy account for at least 40% of the citys Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). The annual growth target from 2026 onwards is set at a minimum of 11%.

According to Tuan, its nearly impossible to achieve such ambitious growth under a traditional economic model, let alone sustain it. Thats why science, technology, and innovation - especially the digital economy - are seen as the only viable path forward.

He also revealed that on December 22, Hanoi will officially launch a technology exchange. As part of the sandbox pilot program, the city will - for the first time - use public funds to purchase research outcomes from local scientists. One of the first acquisitions will be a cancer detection test kit, which will then be commercialized and introduced to the market.

Tuan Nguyen
Martinez Vega, a 45-year-old man from Cuba, has been living in Vietnam for a decade. To him, the country is not only beautiful and peaceful - its the place hes chosen to call home for the long run.

His commitment to Vietnam became even stronger after meeting Tran Thi Yen Nhi, a young woman from Can Tho. The couple met in 2022 and officially tied the knot in 2024.

Since then, Martinez and Yen Nhi have been happily married for a year.

Martinez and Yen Nhi have been married for a year. Screenshot from video.

His mother-in-law, Tran Thi Nguyet Le, 53, also from Can Tho, has been an important part of their story. Their evolving relationship - marked by surprise, warmth, and affection - offers a candid glimpse into the blending of two cultures.

I wasnt too sure about him at first, Le recalled with a laugh. When Nhi brought him to meet us, we were in Ho Chi Minh City. He had tattoos, and Ive never liked tattoos. I used to think they made a person look aggressive.

But over time, her opinion changed.

As I got to know him, I realized he was gentle and even a bit pitiful. He was nothing like his appearance suggested.

Le with her granddaughter, daughter of Martinez and Yen Nhi. Screenshot from video.

Martinez was aware of her hesitant gaze during that first meeting. He sensed the skepticism in her eyes, but he wasn't offended.

He understood she was a traditional woman, and that trust would take time to build.

Since that encounter, Martinez has slowly won over Yen Nhis family - especially her mother - through his genuine affection and respect.

Eventually, the couple celebrated their wedding in a joyful ceremony that honored Vietnamese traditions, surrounded by both families' blessings.

As they spent more time together, Le became increasingly fond of her foreign son-in-law. She appreciated how quickly he embraced Vietnamese culture, especially the warmth and customs of the Mekong Delta.

Martinez has grown deeply attached to Vietnam. He enjoys traveling to scenic destinations like Sa Pa, Da Lat, and the various landscapes of the southern provinces.

The Cuban man is happy to be part of a family in the Mekong Delta. Screenshot from video.

Even when his wife suggested a visit to Cuba or other countries, he showed little interest. His heart, he says, belongs to the peaceful charm of Vietnam.

Hes also passionate about Vietnamese cuisine. Favorites include bun (rice noodle dishes), pho, and fried rice - dishes that now fill their family table with warmth and joy, making every meal a bridge between cultures.

Although a language barrier exists, Le still feels the depth of her son-in-laws care and sincerity. What impresses her most is how he consistently treats her daughter with love and patience.

Im very pleased with him, Le said. Whenever they visit, he greets everyone respectfully. The neighbors all like him. Some say, He looks tough, but hes actually a sweetheart.

For Martinez, the feeling is mutual.

He sees Le as a second mother, someone he deeply respects and holds dear.

Mr. Hung deeply cherishes his foreign son-in-law. Screenshot from video.
Vice Principal Vu Van Ben of Tran Nhan Tong Primary School in Ninh Binh greets students at the school gate every morning, offering a handshake, a hug, or a greeting in whatever way the children choose

However, to make this approach successful requires thorough preparation and strong commitment from both administrators and teachers.

After an article about a vice principal who abandoned monitors and greeted students with handshakes was published on VietNamNet, many parents and readers sent letters and comments supporting the idea of education through love and positivity.

Reader Sang Vu wrote: Thats how school should be: walking through the gate and being greeted with smiles and handshakes instead of worrying about getting punished.

Agreeing with this, reader Pham Khanh My emphasized that having each class on duty and lining up to welcome friends helps students develop a sense of responsibility.

Reader Duong Ha Linh and parent Cam Tu Cau suggested ending the red star system that penalizes students, to create a more relaxed, pressure-free environment for children.

Many people shared the same view that such practices should be researched and expanded. Only when students no longer feel distant from their teachers can they truly absorb knowledge, develop character, and gain confidence in life.

What do educators say?

Dr Nguyen Hoang Chuong, former principal of Loc Phat High School (Lam Dong Province), said that replacing punishment with recognition, greetings, and support is a great initiative that spreads positive energy in education.

According to Chuong, when students make small mistakes, such as forgetting their badge or red scarf, instead of being scared, sneaking in, or lying, they can confidently go to class knowing they will be reminded and forgiven. This, he said, encourages affection and respect toward teachers instead of fear or defiance.

He recalled that during his years as principal, he saw many students skip class out of fear of teachers and punishment. Some classrooms were so silent that anyone walking by the hallway could feel the tension: a strict teacher standing on the podium while one or two students standing sheepishly by the door being punished for being late.

"In the past, many schools applied the philosophy of 'learning etiquette first' or 'spare the rod, spoil the child' too rigidly, creating a great distance between teachers and students. Many teachers still used rulers or canes in class to punish students instead of a handshake or a smile. This formed a vicious cycle: the principal scolded the teacher, and the teacher punished the student. Everyone overlooked the students' sense of emptiness, widening the gap between teacher and student," he said.

Chuong noted that abandoning student monitors for fault-finding and replacing this habit with welcoming students into the class is not a new idea, but few schools apply it.

In recent years, as the education sector has implemented the "happy school" model, many schools have adopted it, but it remains formalistic and rigid. If any unit implements it effectively, it's often little known and not widely spread due to poor communication.

Challenges and opportunities

According to Chuong, for positive change, education must be flexible and suitable to the culture and conditions of each school and level of education. Instead of applying it every day, this can be done on a rotational or weekly basis, coordinated closely among the school board, teachers, parents, and students, with a spirit of perseverance, focusing on on-the-spot education, especially for students who violate rules repeatedly.

Pham Thi Thuong Huyen, Principal of Nguyen Ba Ngoc Primary School (Quang Tri), believes that the way deputy principal Ben welcomes students is highly commendable and can offer other schools a different perspective on the teacher-student relationship.

She praised the spirit of education taught with love and positive discipline.

"Students learn better when they have positive emotions and feel accepted and respected," she said. However, for schools with thousands of students, maintaining a daily welcome with smiles and handshakes is not feasible. If not organized methodically, this could easily become a formality, or even be counterproductive, she said

Huyen emphasized that positive discipline does not mean relaxing discipline or abolishing monitors or Red Star, but rather means being consistent in training, and combining various forms and methods suitable to each student. Each school should choose its own suitable method, not machine-copy from others.

To understand student psychology, Nguyen Ba Ngoc Primary School organizes dialogue sessions to find out what students like or dislike most about school, which activities they find interesting, and how they want the school to change. Through this, the school board and teachers grasp students' thoughts and feelings, aiming to build a safe and friendly learning environment.

Hoang Linh
Den Vau affirms that he is only a supporter and has not participated in the project management (photo: Den Vau's Facebook)

The rapper urged everyone to stay calm and wait for a transparent explanation from Hoang Hoa Trung amid financial concerns.

Den Vau is known as one of Vietnams top rappers and songwriters, famous for his simple yet philosophical and humanistic musical style.

As a pioneer in bringing Rap/Hip-hop into mainstream Vietnamese music, Den Vau has continuously broken view records on YouTube and digital platforms. He has received many prestigious awards such as Cong Hien (Dedication Award), Lan Song Xanh (Green Wave), and WeChoice Awards.

He is also one of the artists with notable charity activities, particularly in education and community projects. The controversy over Nuoi em, in which Den Vau is a donor, has attracted strong public attention.

Recently, a Threads account posted a long message describing how a person received unsatisfactory responses when raising questions about the project.

The individual asked: Why does Nuoi em still use a personal bank account to receive donations? Why is the donation account authorized to staff members? If there is inflated reporting or misappropriation, how will issues be resolved if Nuoi em has no accounting or auditing?

The post received many comments from people who support the Nuoi em project. Most questioned the projects financial transparency.

Only a supporter

Den Vau said he was saddened by the information circulating about the project he has supported for years. The rapper emphasized that he and his team only contribute materially and spiritually like many other donors.

Every year, he sends funds to support meals for children in the highlands. This money comes from his personal finances, not from the revenue of Nau an cho em.

He stressed that he is not a founder, and does not manage, operate, or make decisions regarding the projects budget. His contributions come from trust in people and a desire to spread kindness within the community.

Den Vau said that the inspiration to write Nau an cho em came from the project and a field trip to visit the children in the highlands.

All revenue from the song was given to charity, not only to Nuoi em but also to other programs run by government agencies and organizations.

The rapper promised to repost all transfer receipts. After one month of release, the song generated $17,951 (nearly VND420 million) after taxes and fees. Den Vau rounded the amount to VND500 million and sent it to the project.

Den Vau said he understands the publics frustration. Since donations come from hard-earned labor, if the allegations are true, the resulting loss of trust would be devastating. However, he urged everyone to wait for a transparent explanation from the Nuoi em team before drawing conclusions.

He noted that if authorities identify any violations, he will support full accountability to protect donors and, most importantly, the children. Regardless of the outcome, he hopes that compassion and kindness toward vulnerable communities will continue to thrive among Vietnamese people.

Response from Nuoi em team

The Nuoi em project, founded by Hoang Hoa Trung in 2014, connects donors with students in remote highland areas by supporting their daily meals at a cost of VND8,500 per meal. Each year, each donor contributes VND1,450,000 (VND150,000 per month for nine school months plus VND100,000 for facilities).

Since December 6, social media has circulated posts questioning the projects financial transparency. Several accounts reported discrepancies, duplicated child sponsorship codes, missing updates, and unclear fund allocation.

A donor from HCMC who has sponsored a child for three years since 2022 said she transferred VND1,450,000 annually to Hoang Hoa Trungs account. She was upset after seeing images of meals lacking nutrients, often only vegetables, a little egg, and rice. She also noted that her sponsored child changed from a boy to a girl in the third year without prior notification.

On December 7, Hoang Hoa Trung posted an update acknowledging community concerns. He said that after receiving the information, the team held an emergency meeting with key members to review and verify details.

The project is currently gathering information to provide a comprehensive report and address questions. Nuoi em has identified 13 issues raised by the community. Hoang Hoa Trung said that with transparency and responsibility, the project is ready to provide clear, complete information.

Tinh Le
Hundreds of people lined up to submit applications for social housing in Hanoi (Photo: Hong Khanh)

The Vietnam Real Estate Market Evaluation Research Institute (VARS IRE) has proposed issuing a national standard for rental housing and prioritizing the development of social housing for rent.

The Government has issued Decree 302, detailing the establishment of the National Housing Fund, a State financial fund operating outside the State budget, with legal status and a non-profit mandate.

The fund includes the Central Housing Fund, to be formed by the Government and managed by the Ministry of Construction (MOC), while provincial governments will establish and manage local housing funds.

The fund will be financed from multiple sources, including the State budget, the value of the land bank reserved for social housing infrastructure, and revenue from sales of public housing assets, from land-use right auctions, voluntary contributions from domestic and foreign entities, and other lawful sources.

The funds core objective is to create social housing for rent, and it is also permitted to purchase commercial residential housing to lease to civil servants, public employees, and workers.

The rental social housing model is not new globally. VARS IRE said it is a strategic housing solution aligned with international trends.

For example, 80 percent of Singapores population lives in housing developed by HDB; South Korea maintains State-owned enterprises developing social housing; and Germany provides long-term subsidies for affordable housing with committed rentals below market levels for 1525 years.

Experts beieve that developing a rental housing market is essential for Vietnam. Data from the institute shows that by the end of the third quarter 2025, condominium prices had risen sharply by 96.2 percent in Hanoi, 72.6 percent in Da Nang, and 56.9 percent in HCMC compared to 2019.

MOC reports that the average primary price in Hanoi has reached VND95 million per sqm, with more than 43 percent of new supply priced above VND120 million per sqm. In HCMC, primary prices average VND91 million per sqm, with some central projects reaching VND120-150 million per sqm.

Lack of affordable housing

Meanwhile, average worker income is only around VND15 million per month. The house price-to-income ratio far exceeds affordability thresholds, making homeownership nearly impossible for many young families.

It is estimated that a young couple may need around 10 years of savings to accumulate a portion to buy a house, but during that time, house prices will increase faster than savings, leading to a situation where "savings can never catch up with house prices."

As a result, renting has become a more viable option for many. However, VARS IRE states that the rental housing market lacks professionalism and stability. Renting currently eases short-term financial pressure but does not meet long-term housing security needs.

Demand shifts from ownership to renting

As social housing prices rise beyond the reach of middle-income groups, VARS IRE believes that focusing on a rental-only model, without selling. will help ensure a stable supply, reduce speculation, and keep rental costs affordable and sustainable.

Currently, there are 692 social housing projects nationwide being implemented with about 633,000 units, but the number of completed units is just over one-quarter of the phase 1 target.

The reasons are a lack of motivation for enterprises to develop social housing because of low profit margins, complex procedures, scarce clean land, and unstable preferential mechanisms.

Many experts have recommended changing the social housing development model towards a dominant role for the state, from policy planning and land allocation to capital and implementation organization.

VARS IRE suggests that to develop a sustainable rental housing market, public-private partnerships (PPP) should be promoted. Enterprises would build, and the state would buy or rent them back for management and operation.

The institute also recommends issuing a set of standards for rental housing, including limits on annual price increases, long-term rental contracts, and a transparent mechanism for adjusting incentive policies to encourage social participation in boosting rental housing construction.

In the long term, as housing supply improves, especially affordable housing and rental housing, the supply-demand balance in the market will gradually stabilize.

VARS IRE explained that a portion of the ownership demand will be replaced by rental demand. This will help reduce price pressure and create conditions for the real estate market to operate more transparently and sustainably. Simultaneously, it will open up genuine opportunities for stable residency for the vast majority of citizens.

The shift is expected to be a "reversal" that will help the real estate market reduce price pressure and open up stable residency opportunities for urban residents.

Hong Khanh
Nguyen Quang Huy from Faculty of Finance & Banking (Nguyen Trai University), commented that the increase to VND500 million per year only makes sense when placed within the broader strategy for the development of this sector.

According to Huy, household businesses act as a natural incubator for the startup economy. Therefore, policy should not only aim at reducing tax burdens but also create pathways for them to grow transparently and move closer to the model of small and micro enterprises in the future.

Huy emphasized that the size of the household labor force is an important factor. Households with multiple full-time workers have income-generating capacities very different from households with only one worker.

Thus, when determining the tax-exempt threshold, it is possible to consider the personal income tax threshold for salaried workers to ensure consistency and fairness between different income sources and avoid creating the perception of excessive preferential treatment for business households.

By nature, the income of a household with several workers is equivalent to the combined income of several salaried individuals, he explained.

He also suggested categorizing tax exemptions by industry. Sectors with high profit margins and rapid capital turnover should apply lower adjustment coefficients, while manufacturing and service sectors with lower margins should receive more support. This approach makes policy more practical and prevents businesses from switching industries merely to enjoy tax incentives.

In addition, regional conditions should be taken into account. Business costs in major cities like Hanoi and HCMC are significantly higher than in other regions. Therefore, tax-exempt thresholds could be applied based on regional coefficients similar to the minimum wage mechanism. This would make the policy more flexible and realistic, avoiding unreasonable disparities between areas.

He noted that tax reform is not only about reducing tax obligations but also about helping household businesses advance toward modern management. This includes implementing digital transformation support packages, simple electronic bookkeeping, user-friendly tax filing tools, training in accounting  business  marketing, and advisory programs for transitioning into enterprises when eligible.

To manage effectively without creating pressure, Huy suggested applying a mechanism of "minimum registration & declaration but no tax payment" for households below the tax-exempt revenue threshold. Simple revenue declaration via digital applications helps management agencies obtain real data while bringing benefits to business households, such as easier access to credit capital due to transaction history.

He also recommended piloting the policy in several localities for 612 months, combining quantitative and qualitative impact assessments before nationwide implementation. Simultaneously, there must be a mechanism for periodic adjustment according to the CPI or average income growth rate so that the exemption threshold always remains appropriate, avoiding being outdated or overly favorable.

Proposal to raise the level to VND750 million or VND1 billion

Le Van Tuan, director of Keytas Tax Accounting Company, commented that the VND500 million/year tax-exempt revenue threshold is appropriate and ensures fairness among individuals with income from wages and salaries, as well as between business households regarding VAT and PIT obligations.

However, Tuan pointed out that the proposal still forgets one important thing: support from the state for business entities. Accordingly, when determining the tax exemption threshold, the costs of tax compliance should be taken into account, such as: equipping cash registers, accounting software, electronic invoices, digital signatures, etc.

This is a non-trivial initial cost compared to the scale of business households, estimated at about VND20 million, not including annual maintenance costs.

Comparing other countries with corresponding GDP per capita and tax-exempt revenue levels, Tuan said: "If we make a correlation comparison with Thailand, the tax-exempt revenue level that should be considered is VND750 million. If comparing with Malaysia, our revenue threshold that should be considered is VND1 billion, while the figure should be VND1.5 billion if compared with China.

Emphasizing that tax policy is not meant to collect every small amount, but must nurture the source of revenue and support business owners to develop so they can contribute more significantly to the budget later, Tuan proposed considering raising the tax-exempt revenue threshold to at least VND750 million, equivalent to Thailand's level, or even VND1 billion to promote entrepreneurial spirit and create long-term development momentum for the business household sector.

Nguyen Le
The young innovator is Nguyen Bao Son - a high schooler from an ethnic minority background with a dream to take my homeland to the world.

Double gold from recycled scrap

Nguyen Bao Son (third from the left) and his team present their Earths strata model and introduce the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark.

Among the standout names in Vietnams tech community this year, Nguyen Bao Son (Grade 10 English Class 1, Cao Bang High School for the Gifted) is an extraordinary case.

Unlike competitors trained in top-tier schools or equipped with million-dollar labs, Sons resources were simply his unique mindset and the perseverance of a mountain-born student.

In just one year, this 15-year-old achieved two major national accolades: the top prize in the 21st National Youth and Childrens Innovation Contest and a gold medal at the 2025 Vietnam Young Inventors Awards. It is the first time a student from Cao Bang has ever received this distinguished title.

What makes his victory even more special is the material used to create it. While other contestants presented expensive robots and AI prototypes, Sons project, Earths strata model and introduction to Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, was built using modeling clay, old dinosaur toys, and recycled materials.

I wanted to prove that technology doesnt have to be expensive to be valuable. A model made from low-cost, recycled materials can help children in remote areas understand hundreds of millions of years of Earths history. Thats just as meaningful as any high-tech machine, Son said of his "against-the-current" approach that won over even the most demanding judges.

A handshake from UNESCO and a ticket to the world

Nguyen Bao Son takes a commemorative photo with Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker  Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam.

The value of Sons golden double goes beyond medals - it lies in international recognition.

At the 2025 Immersion Day Forum, Sons project was selected for presentation before a panel of leading global experts.

Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCOs Chief Representative in Vietnam, expressed genuine amazement at how a high school student had "digitized" his hometown's geological heritage.

I was amazed by these students. The way they linked Earth's evolution to the development of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark is truly creative and inspiring, he said.

Praise from a UNESCO representative was like an international stamp of approval on Sons project.

With this achievement, Son and his team were awarded the Creative Youth Badge and officially nominated for the Global Young Inventors competition.

What started as a classroom idea is now gaining momentum to promote Non Nuoc Cao Bang at global forums, all thanks to the vision and intellect of Vietnams Gen Z.

The dream computer and a decision to give away 10 million VND

Nguyen Pham Duy Trang  Secretary of the Central Youth Union, Chairwoman of the Central Young Pioneers Council  with Nguyen Bao Son at the 21st National Youth and Childrens Innovation Contest Awards Ceremony, 2025.

Beyond being a rational young inventor, Son is also a compassionate leader in his school's Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization.

Few people know that before Typhoon Yagi (Storm No. 3) struck northern Vietnam, Son had saved up for a personal goal. He had gathered around 10 million VND (about 410 USD) from competition prizes and Lunar New Year gifts to buy himself a new computer. His old one was too slow for coding and project development.

But after the storm left devastation behind, Son learned that Cao Manh Hung - a fellow student and orphan living with his grandmother - had lost everything in the disaster.

Son made a decision that deeply moved many adults. He withdrew the entire 10 million VND he'd saved for a computer and gave it to Hung to rebuild his life, along with a new study desk.

When asked if he regretted postponing his tech dreams, Son replied with unwavering clarity: I just thought, I still have my parents and relatives to support me. Hung only has his grandmother. Hes in much more difficulty and loneliness than I am. I want him to have the kind of childhood were lucky to have.

A leader's kindness ripples beyond one act

Sons generosity doesnt stop at individual acts. As a student council leader, he continues to use his voice and the honor of his awards to distribute books and scholarships to other children.

Material value may be small, but I want them to believe that if you keep trying and keep creating, you will be recognized, he said.

An English major with a passion for history

Nguyen Bao Son tests a drone device with his classmates.

Bao Son (third from left) attends the National Congress of Uncle Hos Good Children, 2025.

Sons day begins at 6 a.m. and rarely ends before 11 p.m. Though majoring in English, he has a deep passion for History and Geography. For him, the intersection of these subjects lies in one goal: putting his homeland on the world map.

Following his golden double win, Son remains committed to projects rooted in his fairyland-like Cao Bang.

I want to bring the model to more remote schools, so other children can see that science isnt far away - its right in the land beneath their feet, Son shared.

To this 15-year-old, creativity isnt about building soulless machines. Its about telling stories of humanity - helping children in highland areas rise together with pride in their homeland.

From clay models to national gold medals, from a small mountain village to a handshake with UNESCO, Nguyen Bao Son is a living example of the mountain-conquering spirit.

He brings glory to his hometown not only through historic achievements but through his compassionate heart.

As Son declared: My next project will definitely still be rooted in Cao Bang - so I can rise with my friends in the mountains and protect our homeland.

Doan Bong
On the afternoon of December 10, the National Assembly passed the amended Law on Public Employees, consisting of 6 chapters and 43 articles. The revised law will come into effect on July 1, 2026.

One of the most notable updates is a shift in management based on job positions. Job positions will now serve as the primary basis for recruitment, assignment, evaluation, training, promotion, and policymaking regarding public employees.

A job position is defined as work associated with the title or role of a public employee, aligned with the functions and duties of public service units.

The revised law sets out clear, stringent provisions governing the rights and obligations of public employees when participating in professional activities outside their primary institutions.

Public employees permitted to invest and manage businesses

Before the bill was passed, Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh explained that public employees are obligated to fulfill their duties at their assigned public institutions. They must comply with regulations in their professional field and avoid conflicts of interest, as defined under Vietnams anti-corruption laws.

The law now allows public employees to sign labor or service contracts with other agencies, organizations, or units - so long as the laws governing their respective sectors do not prohibit such activities. They must also ensure no conflict of interest, adhere to ethical standards, and respect the terms of their existing employment contracts.

If no such terms are specified in the existing contract, they must obtain written approval from the head of their public institution. For those already leading public institutions, approval must come from the directly managing authority.

Public employees may also practice their profession independently, as long as its permitted by the relevant sector's legislation. They are now legally allowed to invest in, manage, or operate enterprises, cooperatives, hospitals, educational institutions, and non-public research organizations - except where restricted by anti-corruption, enterprise, or sector-specific laws.

Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh presents the report to the National Assembly. Photo: National Assembly
On the afternoon of December 10, the National Assembly officially passed the amended Law on Execution of Criminal Judgments. The revised law, which includes 15 chapters and 180 articles, will take effect on July 1, 2026.

One notable provision allows inmates to donate tissues and body parts under strict conditions. However, the law does not permit prisoners to store eggs or sperm for future reproduction.

Under the new regulations, prisoners may donate tissues or organs provided they meet several criteria: they must do so voluntarily; the donation must be made to a biological relative; the donor must be in good health to both undergo the procedure and continue serving their sentence afterward; and they must cover all related medical and post-operative costs themselves.

Additionally, eligible inmates must have been convicted of minor or less serious offenses, be first-time offenders, and have less than three years remaining on their sentence.

The government is tasked with detailing the procedures and administrative process for inmates who wish to donate tissues or organs.

Before the law was passed, Chairman of the National Assemblys Legal and Judicial Committee, Hoang Thanh Tung, explained that the inclusion of organ and tissue donation rights reflects a major humanitarian policy of the Party and State toward incarcerated individuals.

Chairman of the Committee on Legal and Judicial Affairs, Hoang Thanh Tung, presents the revised draft law. Photo: National Assembly
According to Deputy Minister Huong, the mode of transmission has shifted significantly in recent years. Sexual transmission now accounts for 73.6% of new infections, with 83.6% of those cases involving male patients - particularly among men who have sex with men. Young people aged 16 to 29 are especially vulnerable, accounting for 46.7% of cases in 2023 and 37.7% in 2024.

By 2024, Vietnams progress toward the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals reached 87.3% diagnosed, 78.9% on treatment, and 96% with viral suppression - surpassing Asia-Pacific regional averages and approaching global benchmarks. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the countrys interventions and the determined leadership of both the government and the public health sector.

The Ministry of Health noted that Vietnam is now one of only four countries - alongside the UK, Germany, and Switzerland - recognized for providing world-class HIV/AIDS treatment. Over 96% of people living with HIV in Vietnam who are on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy have achieved viral suppression. This means they are healthy, capable of working and contributing to society, and, most importantly, unable to transmit the virus sexually - a fact captured in the global health message U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Celebrating journalism and compassion

The first-ever National Journalism Awards for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control received over 1,200 entries in just three months, reflecting strong media engagement in the issue.

The awards also honored pioneers - those who dared to experiment, innovate, and advocate to save lives.

Among them was Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, who introduced an unconventional yet life-saving method: splitting ARV tablets to treat HIV-positive children. His approach opened a new door of hope for thousands of lives once deemed untreatable.

The awards also spotlighted healthcare workers who quietly dedicated their youth to the harshest environments imaginable - such as Hospital 09, known as the final stop for some of the most fragile HIV/AIDS patients in Vietnam.

According to the organizers, this years entries marked a clear shift in the way HIV/AIDS is portrayed: more scientific, more positive, and more human.

Phuong Thuy
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcline Investment Management ("Arcline"), a growth-oriented private equity firm, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its portfolio company Medical Manufacturing Technologies ("MMT"), to Perimeter Solutions, Inc (NYSE: PRM) ("Perimeter") for $685 million.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, MMT is a leading global provider of medical device manufacturing solutions, serving as a single-resource partner for automated, process-driven medical manufacturing. The company supports more than 1,000 customers  including many of the world's leading medical technology OEMs and CDMOs  in the production of complex interventional medical devices such as catheters, guidewires, stents, microcoils, and related components. With over 350 employees and 14 production facilities, MMT is a critical partner to customers operating in precision-dependent and highly regulated environments.

Since acquiring MMT in 2020, Arcline has executed a disciplined strategy to build a scaled provider of mission-critical manufacturing technologies for medical device OEMs and CDMOs. The firm significantly grew the company's revenue and EBITDA and completed 13 targeted acquisitions that broadened MMT's capabilities, including automation solutions and specialty manufacturing services that simplify and optimize complex production processes. Arcline thanks Chief Executive Officer Robbie Atkinson and the entire MMT team for their partnership.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

William Blair and Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Fredrikson & Byron P.A. served as legal advisors to Arcline in connection with the transaction.

About Arcline Investment Management

Arcline Investment Management is a growth-oriented private equity firm with over $20 billion in assets under management. Arcline seeks to build the next generation of Industrial Compounders  market-leading, non-disruptible industrial platforms designed to consistently grow earnings over decades. For more information visit www.arcline.com.

Contact Information:

[email protected]

www.arcline.com

Contact (For Press Inquiries Only):

Tim Ragones / Alexander Wolfson

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

[email protected]

(212) 355-4449

SOURCE Arcline Investment Management
During a regular press briefing on the afternoon of December 11, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang provided updates on citizen protection efforts in response to the situation.

She stated that on December 9, Vietnamese embassies in Cambodia and Thailand issued safety warnings to Vietnamese nationals. Citizens were advised to stay away from areas with heightened security risks and to prepare to leave the affected zones to ensure their safety and protect their belongings.

MOFA spokesperson Pham Thu Hang speaks at the press briefing. Photo: Pham Hai

As border tensions escalate between Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam has issued a public advisory urging its citizens to avoid areas with complex security developments and to proactively evacuate if necessary.

Vietnamese nationals are also urged to strictly comply with local government directives and maintain close contact with Vietnamese diplomatic missions in both countries.

Hang confirmed that most Vietnamese citizens in high-risk areas have already been evacuated to safer locations under the guidance of local authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also coordinated with relevant agencies to monitor the situation, direct overseas missions to stay closely connected with host country authorities and Vietnamese communities, and be ready to implement necessary citizen protection plans.

For assistance, citizens are encouraged to contact the Ministry's Citizen Protection Hotline at +84 981848484 or +84 965411118, or email baohocongdan@gmail.com.

Tran Thuong
DETROIT, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Benzinga, the leading financial news and data provider in North America, today announced a strategic partnership with Perplexity, one of the world's fastest-growing AI answer engines. The collaboration will deliver Benzinga's market-moving data and insights directly into Perplexity's AI platform, empowering users with real-time financial intelligence and context-aware market answers.

Benzinga x Perplexity partnership announcement.

This partnership represents a major step toward redefining how investors, analysts, and everyday users access and understand financial information. By integrating Benzinga's trusted datasets  covering news, analyst ratings, earnings, insider transactions, and price movements  Perplexity users will gain seamless access to institutional-grade insights within conversational, natural-language experiences.

"We're thrilled to partner with Perplexity to make financial data more discoverable and interactive than ever before," said Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Licensing Sales at Benzinga. "Benzinga's mission has always been to democratize financial information, and integrating our data with Perplexity's powerful AI aligns perfectly with that goal  helping users find clarity in an increasingly complex market landscape."

Founded in 2022, Perplexity has quickly become one of the world's leading AI companies. By combining multiple cutting-edge large language models with real-time retrieval technology, Perplexity delivers accurate, source-linked answers across every domain of human knowledge, ensuring users receive verifiable and transparent information.

"Financial professionals and everyday investors turn to Perplexity for clear, trustworthy answers in volatile markets. By integrating Benzinga's fast, high-quality market coverage into our AI platform, we're giving users a powerful new way to discover, interpret, and act on financial information in real time." said Jessica Chan, Head of Content and Publisher Partnerships at Perplexity.

"Perplexity is transforming how people engage with knowledge," added Tommy Cotter, Head of Product at Benzinga. "By combining Benzinga's real-time market coverage with Perplexity's generative AI capabilities, we're creating a new frontier for intelligent investing  one where information isn't just delivered, it's understood."

To learn more about Benzinga's data and news APIs, visit benzinga.com/apis. For more about Perplexity and its AI-powered search platform, visit perplexity.ai.

About Perplexity

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that draws from credible sources in real time to accurately answer questions with in-line citations, perform deep research, and more. Founded in 2022, the company's mission is to serve the world's curiosity by bridging the gap between traditional search engines and AI-driven interfaces. Each week, Perplexity answers more than 150 million questions globally. Perplexity is available in the app store and online at https://www.perplexity.com

About Benzinga

Benzinga is an innovative financial media and data company that delivers actionable market intelligence to investors, institutions, and fintechs worldwide. Through its extensive suite of APIs, real-time news, and analytics, Benzinga helps clients power smarter investment decisions across platforms and products. See https://www.benzinga.com/apis for more information.

SOURCE Benzinga
The conference was held by the Hanoi Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture, and Veterinary Medicine (on behalf of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment), in collaboration with the Soi Dog Foundation and Vietnam Social and Behaviour Change Communication for Sustainable Development Company (SBCC Vietnam).

The training session brought together 50 individuals and business owners currently involved in the dog and cat meat trade in 14 wards across Hanoi, along with representatives from state management agencies and experts in veterinary medicine, public health, and sustainable economic development.

Policy direction and project objectives

The conference was a key part of a project approved by Hanoi People's Committee on July 24. The project pursues two parallel objectives: contributing to the national goal of zero human rabies deaths by 2030, while enhancing management capacity, zoonotic disease control, and gradually adopting animal welfare standards in line with international practices.

This represents an important step demonstrating the city's consistent policy direction in shaping a civilised and safe path for the community, while harmonising with global trends in the humane treatment of animals. Through this event, the city affirmed its proactive role in supporting residents' sustainable livelihood transitions  a long-term orientation implemented systematically.

Rabies situation and training conference content

According to data from Vietnam's Animal Health Information System (VAHIS), from the beginning of the year to December 8, rabies has been recorded in 171 communes across 24 provinces and cities, with a total of 356 dogs and cats culled. More seriously, reports from the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology indicate that as of November 17, the country has recorded 68 suspected cases or deaths from rabies in 19 cities and provinces. These figures reflect the complex rabies situation, requiring more synchronised and decisive intervention measures.

At the conference, public health and legal experts analysed health risks from dog and cat meat trading, transportation, and slaughtering activities, including risks of food poisoning, multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, and zoonotic diseases. Additionally, participants were updated on Hanoi's latest regulations regarding food safety and hygiene, environmental waste management, and infectious disease prevention.

Nguyen Dinh Dang, director of Hanoi Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture and Veterinary Medicine, stated, "Through this programme, residents and dog and cat meat business and slaughtering facility owners have enhanced their awareness of rabies prevention, while being equipped with the necessary knowledge to implement sustainable livelihood development solutions. This is a concrete activity demonstrating the sector's efforts in protecting community health and ensuring animal welfare. We expect that rabies prevention and control work will be implemented more effectively, gradually supporting the transition away from dog and cat meat trading and slaughtering activities."

Rahul Sehgal, international communications director of Soi Dog Foundation

Rahul Sehgal, international communications director of the Soi Dog Foundation, emphasised, "Based on successful experience in Thailand and many other countries in the region, we have found that when provided with economically viable livelihood alternatives, the majority of people are willing to transition to safer and more sustainable occupations. Market research and scientific evidence show that the dog and cat meat trade and slaughtering industry is clearly declining in Hanoi and is predicted to continue deteriorating significantly over the next few years. Conversely, the pet care services industry is developing remarkably with many job opportunities, stable income, and a civilised working environment. The Soi Dog Foundation is committed to provide adequate support  from vocational skills training and startup support to market connections and business partner networks  to ensure pioneering individuals successfully transition."

Bui Thi Duyen, director of SBCC Vietnam, shared: "SBCC Vietnam designs communication campaigns appropriate to local culture, creating conditions for people to proactively build a safer and more humane Hanoi. Today, we not only provide information but also build a comprehensive support ecosystem. The three-step livelihood transition model, combining support from state management agencies, international resources, and behavior change communication capacity, will create inspiring success stories".

The project encourages dog and cat meat trade and slaughtering facility owners to voluntarily participate in the free programme to receive timely support, including vocational skills training, startup support, business consulting, market and partner connections, and legal procedure assistance. The conference marks an important step forward in efforts to combine disease prevention and control with sustainable socioeconomic development. The organising units hope that pioneering individuals will become role models, spreading confidence and motivating many others to join the transition journey.

In the next phase, activities will focus on expanding the programme and promoting inter-sectoral cooperation across pilot areas, with the goal of building a network of safe communities to serve as reference models for other localities in Vietnam.

Dog and cat business owners receive certificates upon completion of the training course

Parliamentary handbook launched to transform animal welfare in Vietnam A parliamentary handbook titled "National Assembly deputies with the improvement of policies and laws on animal protection" was launched on April 2 to improve the legal framework for animal management, especially for companion animals such as dogs and cats.

Hanoi launches pilot project for rabies prevention and support for dog and cat meat trade transition Hanoi Department of Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Medicine has signed an agreement with Soi Dog Foundation to tackle rabies and support the dog and cat meat trade transition.
This urgency was further highlighted on December 10 when the Ministry of Industry and Trade hosted the Vietnam-US Trade Forum 2025 under the theme 30 years of economic and trade cooperation  Overcoming challenges, entering a new era, gathering policymakers, economists, industry associations, and leading enterprises from both countries to reaffirm the US as Vietnams largest export market and outline evolving requirements shaping future cooperation.

As reported at the forum, by the end of November, Vietnams export revenue had reached $430.14 billion, up more than 16 per cent on-year. Exports to the US accounted for $138.6 billion, or over 32 per cent of the total, underscoring the enduring strategic role of the worlds largest consumer market for electronics, computers, phones, textiles, footwear, wood products, and seafood.

Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh emphasised that the jump in bilateral trade from under $500 million in 1995 to todays record level was not a sudden breakthrough but the product of continuous reform, deeper global integration, and the alignment of interests between the two economies over nearly three decades.

Export industries continue to show strong and diversified momentum. According to Dr. Tran Toan Thang of the Institute for Strategy and Policy on Finance and Economics, electronics, phones, and computers grew by more than 40 per cent, reflecting the trend of US corporations expanding procurement from Vietnam as they restructure global supply chains.

Textiles and footwear have also recovered visibly, with the US still accounting for around 38 per cent of sector export turnover.

Wood and furniture exports have shifted back to positive growth, while consumer goods, homeware, and sporting equipment continue rising.

For seafood, Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) general secretary Nguyen Hoai Nam reported stable exports to the US at around $2-2.2 billion this year.

Industry representatives at the forum repeatedly underscored Vietnams rising role in global supply networks. Matt Priest, president of Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), applauded Vietnamese manufacturers for strengthening standards, transparency, and traceability as well as their ability to fulfil large and complex orders, capabilities increasingly valued by US brands and retailers.

As US demand recovers, expectations for quality, responsibility, and reliability are rising accordingly. Nguyen Hong Duong, deputy director of the Foreign Market Development Department, highlighted that businesses must keep pace with stricter requirements on origin verification, labour practices, and environmental commitments. Meeting these evolving benchmarks, he said, is essential for safeguarding market presence and building trust with US partners.

To maintain their market share, businesses cannot rely on outdated production methods, Duong stressed. They must upgrade standards, increase domestic value-added, and maintain rigorous control over input materials.

Policy experts participating in the December 10 discussions also recommended a more forward-looking business mindset. Dr. Thang noted that Vietnamese enterprises should strengthen supply chain management, diversify sourcing strategies, and improve risk planning to adapt to global production shifts. For key export industries such as electronics, wood, and high-value manufacturing, such adjustments ensure continuity of orders and long-term partnerships.

Vietnamese exporters increasingly recognise that the US market is becoming more selective, with higher expectations for safety, quality assurance, and supply-chain transparency. While these requirements add to compliance efforts, they also create opportunities for enterprises capable of meeting premium standards and offering reliable, modernised production.

Ngo Chung Khanh, deputy director of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, encouraged businesses to shift from viewing the US solely as a buying market to cultivating deeper, mutually beneficial partnerships. This includes maintaining strong exports while increasing imports of high-quality US materials and technologies to enhance production capacity, balance trade flows, and elevate domestic manufacturing.

Economists agree that Vietnamese enterprises must focus on improving production processes, investing in forecasting capability, and strengthening sustainable manufacturing practices. This approach will help Vietnam consolidate its position in the worlds largest consumer market and expand its reach into other high-value export destinations.
The company will match federal contributions for eligible U.S. employees' children, strengthening financial access for families

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BNY (NYSE: BK) today announced its participation in the U.S. government's investment initiative for children, continuing the company's long history of expanding financial access and opportunity for employees and their families. As one of the first financial services companies to join the program, BNY will match the federal government's $1,000 contribution for eligible newborns of its eligible U.S. employees, doubling the investment in each child's future.

BNY's participation builds on its broader efforts to strengthen employees' financial opportunity, including BK Shares equity grants, new student loan matching, enhanced 401(k) features and expanded support for saving and investing at every career stage.

"For more than two centuries, BNY has supported our nation's financial ecosystem and the people who power it, including our own employees. This initiative advances that mission in a meaningful way," said Robin Vince, Chief Executive Officer, BNY. "By matching the government's contribution, we're helping our employees give their children a head start toward a stronger financial future."

The children's savings account program, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and provides for a $1,000 pilot contribution from the U.S. Treasury into a tax-advantaged account for eligible children born in the U.S. between 2025 and 2028.

BNY's match of the pilot contribution will provide an additional $1,000 per eligible child once the account is opened and verified, helping families start saving from day one.

"We want every family to have the chance to build a strong foundation," said Shannon Hobbs, Chief People Officer, BNY. "BNY is proud to match the government's investment in these children's futures for our eligible employees. This benefit reinforces our dedication to helping our colleagues and their families access financial opportunities from the very beginning."

About BNY

BNY is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world  managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For more than 240 years BNY has partnered alongside clients, putting its expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today BNY helps over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally access the money they need. BNY supports governments in funding local projects and works with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of September 30, 2025, BNY oversees $57.8 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.1 trillion in assets under management.

BNY is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Headquartered in New York City, BNY has been named among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators. Additional information is available on www.bny.com. Follow on LinkedIn or visit the BNY Newsroom for the latest company news.

Media Contact

Ryan Wells

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SOURCE BNY
At the first panel discussion of the Vietnam Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Forum 2025 hosted by VIR in Ho Chi Minh City on December 9, experts and businesses offered in-depth analyses of Vietnams new position within global investment and M&A flows.

Discussing M&A procedures, Vo Ha Duyen, chairperson of VILAF, noted that Vietnam has recently introduced a series of legal reforms aimed at increasing transparency, improving governance, and enhancing foreign investor access.

Vo Ha Duyen, chairperson of VILAF

The most notable change is that the government has issued 28 decrees delegating authority to local authorities to approve numerous business, investment, and construction licensing procedures previously under the jurisdiction of central ministries, said Duyen.

Additionally, the Law on Investment has been amended so that approval authority for many large-scale projects has been shifted from the prime minister to provincial governments, she added. The current Law on Investment introduces a special investment mechanism for high-tech sectors, reducing licensing and construction approval timelines from 9-12 months. This demonstrates Vietnams ambition to compete for high-tech and sustainable capital flows.

Duyen emphasised that M&A approvals have become faster and more predictable, especially for conditional business sectors. Although foreign ownership caps still apply in certain industries, the overall trend is improving.

Ongoing efforts to upgrade Vietnams stock market classification underscore improvements in investor accessibility and market infrastructure. M&A deals in Vietnam are now clearer, more transparent, and more favourable. For well-prepared companies, 2026 will be an ideal time to execute strategically important transactions, she added.

Bui Hoang Hai , vice chairman of the State Securities Commission

From the regulatory perspective, Bui Hoang Hai, vice chairman of the State Securities Commission, said Vietnam has implemented a comprehensive modernisation of trading infrastructure, enhanced transparency, and raised overall market quality.

As a result, Vietnam is considered one of the most dynamic emerging markets, with vibrant capital-raising activity and stronger participation from both domestic and foreign investors, added Hai.

He noted that the government remains committed to reviewing and reforming the legal framework to support market development.

Regulatory reforms such as Decree 155 have made the initial public offering (IPO) process smoother, clearer, and more time-efficient, while removing the requirement for indirect investors to obtain trading codes, said Hai.

Recent reforms have already translated into tangible improvements in M&A activity. Khanh Vu, managing director and portfolio manager of the VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund, observed that the past six months have seen a significant uptick in transactions as legal stability, policy direction, and the business environment have improved.

Khanh Vu , managing director and portfolio manager of the VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund

From Resolution 68 to the ongoing market upgrade process and revisions to the Land Law, these changes have reinforced foreign investor confidence, he noted. This renewed optimism is reflected in the revival of M&A activity in the second half of 2025, with major deals progressing and transaction volumes rising across sectors such as retail, healthcare, and infrastructure, not just technology.

According to Vu, when capital markets improve, liquidity increases and regulations become more open, investors are more willing to deploy larger and longer-term investments.

Clarity creates confidence; confidence drives action; and action leads to investment. We expect more deals and more opportunities heading into 2026 and beyond, he said.

Foreign investors also share strong confidence in Vietnams M&A landscape, as Tamotsu Majima, senior director at RECOF Corporation, said many Japanese companies have established a presence in Southeast Asia and view Vietnam as the final piece in their regional investment strategies.

Tamotsu Majima, senior director at RECOF Corporation

He cited that Vietnam continues to lead the M&A market, accounting for over 30 per cent of total disclosed deal value with $712 million, surpassing Singapore ($613 million), Japan ($214 million), the US ($150 million), and South Korea ($122 million). This underscores sustained investor confidence in Vietnams medium- and long-term prospects.

A recent major deal was Kokuyo Groups acquisition of Vietnamese office-supplies leader Thien Long Corporation for 27.6 billion Yen. Japanese investors view Vietnam as a high-growth market with extensive free trade agreements and expanding strategic partnerships with major economies, creating an attractive and safe environment for international capital, said Majima.

Seck Yee Chung, partner at Baker McKenzie

Seck Yee Chung, partner at Baker McKenzie, added that geopolitical shifts are accelerating supply-chain reallocation to Asia and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

However, Vietnam must compete with ASEAN neighbours for investment flows. The governments direction in infrastructure and investment is encouraging, and Vietnam is also pushing innovation, AI, and its ambition to build an international financial centre, he said.

Comparing Vietnams capital market with regional peers, Chung noted that, SGX is trying to reinvent itself, Hong Kong is actively attracting more international issuers, and Vietnam is on track to achieve emerging market status. Regulatory reforms are under way, and we hope the IPO process continues to become smoother, clearer, and faster.

Drawing from practical business experience, Dang Van Thanh, chairman of TTC Group, said that aside from government policies, Vietnamese enterprises must proactively improve governance, identify opportunities, and be ready to absorb foreign capital.

Dang Van Thanh, chairman of TTC Group

Dinh The Anh, head of corporate finance at KPMG Vietnam, said that as an advisory firm, one of KPMGs priorities is to help Vietnamese clients better prepare in terms of compliance, data readiness, and strategic thinking.

Currently, not many Vietnamese companies or business owners prepare clear exit plans. Therefore, KPMG always looks for ways to facilitate sell-side transactions, which requires advisors to take a broader, more holistic view, he said.

We are waiting for the stock market upgrade. Once this happens, investors will have better avenues for exits, he said. For private equity investors across Southeast Asia, not only in Vietnam but also in Malaysia and Thailand, exits have always been challenging and critical. We hope that after the upgrade next year, the stock market will become a key exit channel.

Overview of the panel discussion. Photo: Le Toan

Vietnams M&A market opens new opportunities amid strong economic momentum The Vietnam Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Forum 2025, themed New Position, New Momentum, took place with the economy on track to complete the government's 2025 targets and the entire 2021-2025 socioeconomic plan.

Forum honours outstanding M&A deals, strategies, and advisory firms At the 17th Vietnam Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Forum held on December 9, the organising committee announced the outstanding M&A deals and advisory firms of 2024-2025, as evaluated by an independent selection committee.
A pivotal shift from assembly to mastering core stages

For years, Vietnams automobile industry has depended heavily on imported components, especially engines  the most complex and value-defining part of any vehicle.

With the Kim Long Engine Manufacturing and Assembly Plant project now operational, equipped with over 90 per cent automation and full data traceability, Vietnam is witnessing an important shift. The country is finally moving closer to the core of the automobile value chain.

The localisation rate will increase as the engine block, crankshaft, cylinder head, and other core components are produced domestically.

It lays the foundation for reducing trade deficits, increasing export value, and developing the precision engineering sector  a key pillar of modern industrialisation.

Chan May  Lang Co: from favourable location to new growth pole

The plant is strategically located within the Chan May-Lang Co Economic Zone  a gateway region with a deepwater port on the North-South corridor. This is a starting point for a mechanical and automobile industrial cluster. The plant will draw precision engineering enterprises, casting, forging, and machining businesses, research and development and quality inspection centres, industrial logistics systems, a network of vocational and engineering training centres, and a new industrial urban area.

The venture is expected to create a new industrial growth pole in the central region. This presents an opportunity for the regions economy to address the imbalance between services and production, while climbing the manufacturing value chain.

Vietnam stands before an opportunity to elevate its position in ASEAN

In ASEAN, the automobile industry has long been clearly divided. Thailand is dubbed the "Detroit of Asia", while Indonesia excels in its market size and mass assembly. Malaysia focuses on building its national brand. Despite being decades behind, Vietnam is now facing a rare opportunity to climb the value ladder.

Amidst the strategic shift of global supply chains, multinational corporations have actively diversified production operations and supply chains, especially in the fields of mechanical engineering, manufacturing, semiconductors, automobiles, and electronics.

In this context, Vietnam boasts three strategic advantages:

A central position in ASEAN with high stability, making it easy for international businesses to access both the Northern supply chain (China, South Korea, Japan) and the southern supply chain (Thailand, Indonesia). Rising industrial capacity, especially as Vietnam has successfully attracted large-scale ventures in electronics, batteries, materials, and precision engineering. Deep integration policies, with a global network of free trade agreements (FTAs), creating a superior advantage in tariffs over regional peers.

Against this backdrop, Vietnam has produced automobile engines for the first time, marking a technical step forward. The move also sends a strategic message to the regional market. Vietnam is ready to take on more complex, higher-value stages in the automobile value chain. If guided by smart industrial policies, Kim Long Engine Manufacturing and Assembly Plant can play three strategic roles.

First, the facility can become a technology launchpad for Vietnam to deeply penetrate the supply chains of Thailand and Indonesia, which are looking to diversify their sources of components and engines in the region.

Second, the initiative is expected to create a new competitive edge for Vietnam. Thus, the country can draw not only assembly companies, but also core component manufacturers, from moulds and casting and forging to sensors and control chips.

Thirdly, it is essential to create conditions for the development of Vietnam's design-manufacturing capacity, a prerequisite for transitioning from a "participant" to a "trendsetter" in ASEANs automobile industry.

For the first time, Vietnam has the opportunity to switch from a follower to a key player in the regions automobile production and supply chain. To unlock these opportunities, Vietnam needs to issue bold policies and a far-reaching vision to transform a factory into a platform to gain the national competitive edge.

Identifying challenges to not miss the opportunities

To harness the power of the new engine plant, it is vital to identify both opportunities and challenges.

One of the first challenges is the localisation rate. Vietnam has made great strides when stepping into engine production. However, to spread values strongly, Vietnam needs to ensure that the localisation rate is more substantive. The transfer of modern technologies, the strengthening of domestic business capabilities, and the gradual mastery of core components will ultimately determine long-term success.

Another challenge arises from the trend of green technology. The global automobile industry is rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles, hybrids, and clean powertrain solutions. This not only opens up opportunities but also presents a strategic requirement for Vietnam. The country must both develop traditional engines to serve existing needs while proactively preparing for the next-generation technologies to avoid being out of sync in the future.

Supporting industries are one of the challenges. A modern engine factory can create a significant spillover effect. To further raise efficiency, it needs a strong ecosystem of supporting industry enterprises. Upgrading domestic mechanical, casting, forging, material, and component manufacturers is essential to building a sustainable homegrown value chain.

Last but not least, there is the challenge of a highly skilled technical workforce. The engine industry requires a team of highly skilled engineers, technicians, and workers. This presents both pressure and opportunity for universities and vocational training institutions to work more closely with businesses, developing training models that are directly connected to real production needs.

From industrial milestone to national launchpad

For the establishment of the engine plant to be more than just a symbolic milestone but truly become a driving force for elevating Vietnam's industrial sector, a synchronous policy response system with a long-term vision and effective implementation is needed. It is the time for Vietnam to shift from receiving technology to "building national industrial capacity.

First, the key to increasing value is to ensure substantive localisation. Indeed, localisation is not just the percentage of domestically produced components, but the ability to master technology and create domestic added value. To achieve this, policy needs to establish a technology transfer roadmap in a compulsory and measurable manner. The development of laboratories and R&D centres between businesses, universities, and research institutes will improve design-testing capabilities. The localisation rate should be independently evaluated based on economic value and technology content.

Second, it is vital to form a supporting industry ecosystem surrounding Chan May  Lang Co. An engine factory can only unlock its strength when surrounded by a strong ecosystem of supporting enterprises. Therefore, there should be tax, land, and credit incentives to attract mechanical, material, and mould enterprises to establish factories in the area. This is coupled with a mechanism for industrial supply-demand connection. Thus, Vietnamese businesses have the opportunity to participate in the supply chains of Kim Long and regional car manufacturers.

If this ecosystem becomes a reality, Chan May  Lang Co can become a regional-scale automobile and mechanical engineering industrial cluster, creating a spillover effect across the central region.

Third, heavy investments in technical human resources are the decisive factor. No industry can develop without a team of highly skilled engineers and technicians. Training needs to be substantive. Some measures include expanding the "learn-work dual training model, linking training with production lines, and establishing a Central Manufacturing Technology Centre to serve the needs for skill upgrades and R&D. Scholarships and preferential credit also help attract students to mechanical engineering, automation, and material technology.

Fourth is regional planning with a 20-30 year vision or even further. A large-scale engine factory requires compatible industrial-logistics-urban infrastructure. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the Chan May seaport, railway, road, and warehousing infrastructure synchronously to reduce logistics costs. A green and smart industrial urban area should be developed for experts and high-skilled workers, creating an attractive and sustainable living environment. Comprehensive regional planning will turn Chan May  Lang Co into a new industrial destination for the ASEAN region.

Fifth, it is vital to prepare early for the green technology future. The global trend is rapidly shifting towards new powertrain technologies. Vietnam should establish national standards and regulations for the green automobile industry, creating a legal environment for businesses with innovative technologies.

Kim Long Motor Hue Industrial Cluster has ramped up technology transfer and investments in the research and testing of hybrid engines, electric motors, fuel cells, and clean energy solutions.

If Vietnam capitalises well on the opportunity from Kim Long Engine Manufacturing and Assembly Plant to develop the supporting ecosystem, train human resources, upgrade technology, and formulate proper regional planning, the inauguration event may go down in history.

It marks the beginning of a new chapter where Vietnam steps up to a higher position in the global value chain, with a strong, confident, and future-oriented mechanical industry that is green, clean, and sustainable.

$113 million auto assembly and manufacturing complex licensed The representative of Thua Thien-Hue Peoples Committee has handed over the decision providing in-principle approval to Bach Viet Automobile Manufacturing Industry JSC to develop an automobile assembly and manufacturing complex in the province.

Kim Long Motors breaks ground on $260 million factory Vietnam's Kim Long Motors Hue JSC and China's Yuchai JSC started construction of a motor engine manufacturing and assembly plant in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on August 23, with an investment of around $260 million.
Chief Constable of North Wales Police to retire for a single day to protect pension

The Chief Constable of North Wales Police has asked to retire for a single day in January before being reappointed to her role  in order to protect her pension.

If approved by the North Wales Police and Crime Panel on Monday, December 15, Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, who in 2023 was awarded the Kings Police Medal for Distinguished Service  will retire on January 15, 2026 and be re-hired as Chief Constable of the force on January 17.

The odd sequence of events is perfectly legitimate under the national Retire and Rehire Scheme and will prevent the Chief Constables pension pot from reducing in size.

The police pension she is a part of matures after 30 years service, before reducing for each consecutive year of additional service beyond that. By enforcing a break, her pension will be frozen at its maximum amount.

During the one-day break Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison will become acting Chief Constable. According to the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner there will be no disruption to North Wales Polices day-to-day operations.

Last year the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, retired for a month using the same scheme to protect his pension.

Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has approved the Chief Constables request, subject to the approval of the Police and Crime Panel.

I have agreed to put forward Chief Constable Blakemans request to enter into the national Retire and Rehire Scheme, he said.

The widely used scheme is in accordance with updated guidance from the National Police Chiefs Council, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, and the College of Policing.

It is important to emphasise that this will come at no cost to the taxpayer and there will be no break in leadership at the head of North Wales Police. Chief Constable Blakeman and I, alongside all the Chief Officers of North Wales Police, remain as committed as ever to ensuring that our region is the safest and most secure place in the United Kingdom.

By Alec Doyle  BBC Local Democracy Reporter
Eisteddfod shows ability of Wrecsam to host major international events

Wrexham Council has said the recent Eisteddfod has proven the city can host major international events  with a hint of a future cultural event in Wrexham next year!

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Strategic Planning, Public Protection and Cymraeg Champion at Cyngor Wrecsam, said: We welcome the latest report from the National Eisteddfod Council and are delighted to hear that the Wrecsam Eisteddfod has been deemed one of the most successful in recent years.

This demonstrates the ability of Wrecsam to host major international events and is a boost to our bid to be UK City of Culture 2029.

Growing pride and interest in Wrecsam, Welsh language and culture was evident when attending the Eisteddfod and Ffrinj events.

We look to capitalise on the growth in interest when we introduce a new event next year that will further showcase our language and culture.

The comments came as the Eisteddfod broke radio silence via a statement, true to form cutting out Wrexham.com, on Wrexham hosting the event earlier this year.

No precise visitor figures were shared, just thousands flocked to the Maes in Is-y-Coed.

Likewise no finances were detailed just that the event covered its costs  Wrexham taxpayers inputed a likely six figure sum to support it.

One piece of data shared said, This years Eisteddfod also welcomed more new Welsh speakers than ever before, with 17% of visitors saying that attending the festival or taking part in pre-event community activities helped them learn Welsh or inspired them to start learning the language.

Post-event research revealed that the number of first-time visitors has more than doubled since the 2016 Monmouthshire and District Eisteddfod  the last time the festival was held near the border. In addition, 93% of visitors said they plan to return in the future.

The full research has not been published yet.

Following the death of Eisteddfod Fellow D Hugh Thomas earlier this year, and after a recent Council vote, Nic Parry, President of the Court and Chair of the Management Board, announced that Gethin Thomas will be honoured as a Fellow during next years Eisteddfod y Garreg Las. With only five Fellows, this is the festivals highest accolade, awarded for a lifetime of service.

Finally, it was confirmed that Sian Eirian will succeed Gethin Thomas as Council Chair, with Elfyn Llwyd appointed Vice-chair. Both will begin their three-year terms in January.
COLMAR, France, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skip stressful holiday hosting this season and instead of elaborate dinners with perfectly set tables, embrace more relaxed and enjoyable entertaining. From casual happy hours and potluck-style meals to gift swaps and cozy evenings with close friends, France's Cremant d'Alsace is the sparkling wine made for these moments.

(PRNewsfoto/Wines of Alsace)

Crafted using the same meticulous process as Champagne, Cremant d'Alsace delivers exceptional quality, versatility, and value. It's produced in a range of styles, such as Brut, Extra Brut, and Rose, from classic French grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the region's signature varieties like Riesling and Pinot Blanc. The result is a sparkler that brings elegance and cheer to any gathering, without the need to splurge.

Monica Townsend, Head Sommelier, Brass, shares, "Cremant d'Alsace offers exuberant fruit expression and lively bubbles. It's a joyful alternative to Champagne that still feels thoughtful and celebratory." She adds, "I love pouring it alongside potato chips, soft cheeses like Fromage d'Affinois, or a warm savory tart straight from the oven dressed with fresh herbs. Cremant d'Alsace's freshness and lift make even the most effortless food feel special."

Here's how Cremant d'Alsace fits seamlessly into the ways people gather today.

Perfect for "Aperitif Hour" at home.

Alsace is often called Europe's "Christmas Capital," known for its storybook holiday markets. It's no wonder the region's sparkling wines carry that same festive spirit. The perfect way to welcome guests and set the tone for the evening, Cremant d'Alsace is a wonderful match for simple bites like olives, potato chips, pate, cheeses, tinned fish, and creamy dips.

Ideal for potlucks and laid-back hosting.

Potlucks and their eclectic spreads blending family recipes, global flavors, and store-bought favorites find a friend in Cremant d'Alsace. This lively sparkler complements just about any dish on the holiday table, from salads, roasted veggies, and mac and cheese to bakery desserts.

An elegant bottle you can pop open on a whim, no special occasion required.

With most bottles under $30, Cremant d'Alsace feels luxurious but not precious and easy to pop open on a Tuesday night while wrapping gifts, baking cookies, or welcoming unexpected guests. It also falls into the gifting "sweet spot" and will spark joy among hosts, colleagues, neighbors, and friends.

Matthew Kaner of Will Travel for Wine, shares, "I dare you to find a region producing sparkling wine of this quality at a better price than Cremant d'Alsace. It's the ultimate insider's choice: textured, intriguing, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, popping a cork on a weeknight, or gift giving, Cremant d'Alsace delivers celebration without ceremony. Better get two!"

Find Cremant d'Alsace at your favorite local retailer or online shop, here . For more Alsace news, find us online and #drinkalsace!

IG @WinesOfAlsace | FB /AlsaceWinesOfficial

YT /WinesofAlsace | X @AlsaceWines | www.VinsAlsace.com

PRESS CONTACTS:

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SOURCE Wines of Alsace
Wrexham and Flintshire close to approving new Investment Zone grants scheme

Wrexham and Flintshire are on the brink of approving a new grant programme for small manufacturers as part of the new Investment Zone.

The Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone (IZ) is a project across both local authorities that designates specific areas  Deeside Gateway, Deeside Industrial Park, Wrexham Industrial Estate and Warren Hall near Broughton  as low tax zones with exclusive access to grant funding and support.

The aim is for the zone to attract 1 billion of investment and create around 6,000 jobs.

The first of the funding opportunities expected to be launched is the Small to Medium Manufacturing Grant.

The fund will cost an initial 6m  which will be split 50-50 between Wrexham and Flintshires share of 160m of UK Government funding to support the IZ.

Wrexham County Borough Councils Executive Board approved the scheme last week and now Flintshire County Councils Environment and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee has recommended that Cabinet approve the grant programme next Tuesday.

It will offer smaller manufacturing businesses grants of up to 100,000 to purchase equipment, secure accreditations and training they need to be accepted into larger firms supply chains and to help them adapt their premises or processes to produce less carbon.

Niall Waller, Flintshires enterprise and regeneration manager told a recent meeting of Flintshire counciilors: We are close to approval on the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone and funding from UK Government is likely to arrive with the North Wales Ambition Corporate Joint Committee in the next few weeks.

This proposal is the first of the investments  a proposed grant for small to medium sized manufacturing enterprises. That makes up most of our manufacturing businesses.

Were proposing the grant runs initially for three years and then its considered whether its proving to be effective.

Around 800 small businesses across Flintshire and Wrexham would be eligible for funding under the scheme.

Cllr Dan Rose asked whether it was possible to place any ethical requirements on the criteria for funding  concerned that defence manufacturers or those who make products carrying a health risk, such as vapes, could be funded.

We are a defence industry cluster and we have businesses that are part of the supply chain for defence, it would be difficult to rule them out, said Mr Waller.

Chief Officer for Place and Growth David Fitzsimon also said making ethical judgements would be challenging at a local level.

I think the difficulty is how you define and assess that, he said Theres also a timescale issue in terms of us executing within a reasonable timescale.

Cllr Rose also raised concerns about investing in advanced manufacturing  which often includes automation  and the impact of the IZs goal of creating 6,000 jobs.

Automation is a tricky point, said Mr Waller. Improving efficiency can mean loss of jobs so it is something we are mindful of. There is a risk there we have to balance.

Cllr David Coggins Cogan wondered if the funding limit was enough for the types of businesses eligible, but also asked whether there was a clawback clause in case items invested in by the fund were moved out of the county.

Will there be provisions that equipment bought through the grant would be retained in Flintshire, it couldnt be shipped to, say, Portsmouth?

Also I think because one of the priorities is capital funding, Im not entirely certain that 100,000 is suitable for advanced manufacturing needs, Id be looking at maybe 150,000 or 200,000. Id be happy to support a higher amount.

Mr Waller confirmed there were clauses in the grant agreements to ensure clawback over five years .

Cllrs Chris Bithell and Mike Peers both raised the issue of local recruitment and apprenticeships  but were told that this was dealt with in a future strand of funding.

If Flintshire Cabinet approves the scheme next week, the first grants could be issued in January 2026.

By Alec Doyle  BBC Local Democracy Reporter
Future of policing in Wales in limbo as PCC role phased out

Who takes on the responsibilities of Police and Crime Commissioners in Wales has still not yet been decided according to North Wales PCC Andy Dunbobbin.

Following the shock announcement last month that all PCCs across England and Wales would be scrapped by 2028, the UK Government said that the elected regional mayors or council leaders would absorb the job into their roles.

But in Wales  where all police forces cross multiple counties and there are no elected mayors  there is currently no plan for how to replace PCCs.

We still have a job to do and have no intention of scooting off into the sunset anytime soon, said Andy. Ive been elected to do a job. I thoroughly enjoy the work we do here and I remain focused on the role.

For now I am still in a position where Im able to influence change and how that would look for the future of the PCC model. The main thing for me is preserving public accountability.

Wales is quite unique because although policing isnt devolved, we work with Welsh Government, the WLGA and other key stakeholders who are. Policing has been going on in a devolved environment since the role of the PCC was created.

What the future looks like depends on how the Government recognises that. In England it is using the mayoral model to make the deputy mayors the equivalent of the Police and Crime Commissioners.

Wales has no comparable mayoral model however, leaving question marks over who takes on the role when the PCCs are abolished  and how they are held accountable.

Were still working through that, said Andy. Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables are in discussions with Welsh Government and the WLGA  which PCCs are affiliated in Wales  to see what a new model for Wales would look like.

If the PCC isnt performing well we have the Police and Crime Panel to scrutinise and weve got the electorate at the ballot box. How do we retain that accountability in a new model? Thats one of the big challenges.

The role of the PCC is to be a bridge between the Chief Constable and the Police and the community, particularly with so many local authorities with competing priorities to consider.

One of the things Im most proud of is the amount of engagement Ive taken on as PCC. From the number of shows we attend to community engagement and working with organisations across North Wales. That will be a challenge for the new model to replicate.

I think that myself and the other Welsh PCCs  Dafydd Llwellyn in Dyfed-Powys, Emma Wools in South Wales and Jane Mudd in Gwent  are really well versed and skilled in navigating through this period.

Despite the seeming lack of a plan for policing in Wales, Andy said he did believe that the abolition of PCCs had been in the pipeline for some time.

The day of the announcement we had a briefing from the Policing Minister on the Thursday morning at 9.30am with other PCC colleagues across England and Wales, he said.

Once that news came through my job was to ensure that was communicated to the rest of the team in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) swiftly by myself and Stephen Hughes, Chief Executive of the OPCC.

Then we got in touch with Unison  the union many members of the OPCC are in  to make sure they had that welfare support and any other support that was needed. Making sure the workforce was taken care of was my priority.

It was a blow but when we look back to what was said at the National Police Chiefs Council and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners summit last year when Yvette Cooper was Home Secretary, her keynote address mentioned landscape reform and a National Centre of Policing  a piece of work Ive been involved in.

It is sad and the team have been bruised but it doesnt take away from how they have carried out their duties. They have remained professional throughout and its a testament to how we work together as a unit.

Andy said he felt the low public turnout at the last PCC election had influenced the decision.

I think thats where the issue lies, he said. The turnout at the last PCC election was around 17%. In 2021 when I was first elected it was around the same time as the Senedd elections and turnout was around 46%.

I think that would be fair to say theres some questions about the scheduling of the last election.

Theres quite a lot of work we have been doing to raise that awareness of the role of PCC with the public however.

Winston Roddick, my predecessor, set up one of the first dedicated rural crime teams in England and Wales. The victims panel that I introduced that allows victims of crime an opportunity to share their experience and shape change.

The recent conference on Modern Slavery in partnership with Welsh Government we hosted in Conwy. These achievements are worth celebrating.

But he said that one of his key priorities in shaping the transition from PCC to whatever model Wales decides was protecting victim support, crime prevention and community engagement initiatives.

Weve been able to do a lot of things to reduce demand on policing, he said. When you look at schemes like Innovate to Grow, the hundreds of community groups we have supported the hundreds upon hundreds of young people who have benefited from schemes we support to divert them towards becoming responsible young adults.

One of the best examples I can give, following on from his visit from Prince William, is Scott Jenkinson at Youth Shedz. Thats now being implemented across North Wales. To see him with Prince William and getting the recognition for their project, thats part of the legacy we leave behind.

These community projects we support are part of our crime prevention and diversionary work. The impact is not immediate, but over the next few years you will begin to see the effect that supporting these youth and community projects has on reducing crime and building communities.

We are already seeing some effects. 18 months ago crime in North Wales was down 13%. This year to date its down a further 3% so its on a downward trajectory. The work I and the team have been doing to scrutinise North Wales Police and engage with the community has contributed to that.

Asked about the possibility that a model that transferred control of PCC responsibilities  and budgets  to cash strapped local authorities could result in criminal justice or victim support cuts to keep council tax down, Andy said he would be advocating for a clear ringfencing of police finance.

The budget for North Wales Police is about 200m. Of that 47% comes from UK Government and 53% comes from local taxation paid by everyone through their Council Tax.

You could say there is a risk, but what I will be advocating for whatever the policing allocation is that it should be ringfenced for policing.

Regarding commissioned services it depends on the funding that comes from the Ministry of Justice or Welsh Government. Were still waiting for more clarity on that from the Government.

We dont know what that pot of money will look like, at this moment in time it is quite uncertain but that is something I want to be working through to make sure victims are looked after.

Andy first came to prominence as a town councillor in Flintshire, before rising to the role of PCC in 2021.

I am really proud of the team and the achievements we have made here, he said. My strapline was always rooted in the community. Its not just a slogan its the way I am. I want to make a positive difference to peoples lives.

Im still passionate about the job I do. There will be a lot of work to do on the governance going forward. Ive still got a few irons in the fire which I hope to implement in the time I have left.

I still have two-and-a-half years left. Ive not thought about what Ill do next because Ive never seen this as about me.

The first time I stood for election was for Connahs Quay Town Council in 2012. I lost my dad and we became carers. My wife Louise was there with me through it all and was a pillar of strength despite the fact she was probably struggling too.

We needed support at that time and we got it from our local councillors. At that time I started to reflect and realised I didnt want to be one of those people moaning about their situation, I wanted to do something about it.

Thats what drove me first to the town council, then to Flintshire County Council the year after where I was Armed Forces Champion and then, in 2021, to the PCC.

Ive been really blessed in the success Ive had but I know thats thanks to my wife, my family and the community who have put me in this position. To all of them I am incredibly grateful.

By Alec Doyle  BBC Local Democracy Reporter
Senedd backs bid to create a smoke-free generation and curb youth vaping

The Senedd has voted to support a UK-wide Bill that aims to create a smoke-free generation and tackle the growing problem of youth vaping.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. It means that those currently aged 16 or younger will never legally be able to buy cigarettes.

The Bill, which applies across all four UK nations, is currently being considered by the House of Lords after receiving support from the House of Commons.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy welcomed the Senedds decision to support the legislative consent motion, describing it as a historic day for public health in Wales.

She said the law will help protect children and young people from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.

Ahead of the vote earlier this week, Ms Murphy met with school pupils who shared a poem they had written about smoke-free futures and gathered pledges from classmates and teachers to support their vision.

She said: This is a historic day for public health in Wales. Despite the real progress we have made to reduce smoking levels, tobacco continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable disease and premature death in Wales.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides us with a unique opportunity to tackle smoking and the growing issue of youth vaping. It is an opportunity to comprehensively and significantly improve public health in Wales and the wider UK.

The Welsh Government has led the way on anti-smoking measures, introducing laws to restrict smoking in outdoor public spaces including hospital grounds, school grounds and public playgrounds to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, said: Tobacco addiction kills thousands in Wales every year and continues to reinforce existing health inequalities.

This Bill offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to break that cycle and protect future generations from a product that has caused immeasurable harm.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill also introduces new rules to prevent vaping products being marketed to young people, including tighter restrictions on advertising and packaging.

It will give enforcement officers greater powers through a new licensing system for tobacco and vape retailers, designed to help Trading Standards teams take action against illegal sales.

Trading Standards Wales will receive more than 650,000 in Welsh Government funding over the next three years to support enforcement, including the recruitment and training of five apprentices to assist with investigations into illegal tobacco and vape products.
Police appeal for information after numerous incidents of criminal damage to motor vehicles in Acton

Local police say they are aware currently investigating numerous incidents of criminal damage to motor vehicles which occurred on The Hawthorns in Acton on Tuesday evening.

Wrexham Town police said, If you have any information regarding the above incidents please contact PCSO Cooper via email  CHARLIE.COOPER@northwales.police.uk

CCTV and House to House enquiries are ongoing.

Please remain vigilant for any suspicious persons, ensure you have CCTV if possible and if you do make sure it is in good working order.

Please report anything suspicious to us via 101 or online using our live chat facility which can be accessed via this link https://orlo.uk/djKjR
Welsh Government under fire for nowhere near acceptable pace of cladding repairs

Developers have fully fixed only four out of 163 at-risk buildings in Wales more than eight years on from the Grenfell disaster, which claimed the lives of 72 people.

The warning came as the Senedd debated a building safety bill which excludes powers to enforce legally binding deadlines on developers to finish the work.

Labours John Griffiths chairs the Senedds housing committee which warned progress on remediation has been far too slow and this should not be allowed to continue.

Urging ministers to accelerate progress as the bill cleared the first hurdle in the Senedd, Mr Griffiths called for changes to include legally enforceable deadlines and penalties.

He told Senedd members: It cannot be right that residents are left to continue the difficult battle to resolve safety issues through no fault of their own.

Where has goodwill gotten us?

Jane Dodds, the Liberal Democrats leader in Wales, warned innocent leaseholders remain trapped in homes they cannot sell and faced with costs they cannot bear.

She said: Weve got 163 buildings that developers are responsible for remediating. And then we hear that only four of those buildings have been completed. Four out of 163.

The Welsh Government has stated remediation wont cost leaseholders but it already is. Its costing them their mental health. Its costing them their emotional well-being.

She added: The commitment by developers to at least start works by the end of 2026 is not legally binding. Its dependent on developer goodwill. And where has that goodwill gotten us? Well, four completed buildings out of 163.

Ms Dodds stressed it is absolutely vital that leaseholders and tenants are not made to carry the costs of the new building safety system for Wales proposed under the bill.

Give this legislation teeth

She pleaded with ministers: Give this legislation the teeth it needs to protect people right now and hold developers accountable. Because if we dont, we could be back here in another eight years or, perish the thought, thinking that there could be another Grenfell.

Plaid Cymrus Mabon ap Gwynfor echoed her concerns, saying: This pace is nowhere near acceptable. Residents have already waited too long.

Rhys ab Owen, an independent, pointed to the plight of constituents living only a stones throw away from the Senedd who have lived in fear for nearly nine years.

He criticised an overreliance on future regulations and warned a lack of clear costings meant politicians were effectively being asked to vote for a blank cheque.

Mr ab Owen called for a cap on costs for leaseholders similar to that in the 2022 Act across the border, arguing: English victims should not be enjoying better protection.

Complexity

Joel James, the Conservatives shadow housing secretary, warned the new building safety regime risks failing before it starts due to a lack of trained inspectors.

He told the Senedd: The bill can look good on paper but it wont amount to much if we dont have trained, capable people to carry out the inspections and the enforcement.

Mr James also expressed concerns that piling complexity onto thousands of lower-risk, category three buildings  those under 11 metres  could stifle housing supply.

Meanwhile, Mike Hedges, who chairs the Senedds legislation committee, criticised the sheer extent of powers being handed to ministers rather than set out in the bill.

He warned these Henry VIII powers allow the Welsh Government to rewrite laws without full scrutiny, placing the balance of power inappropriately in favour of the executive.

Devastating

Jayne Bryant, Wales housing secretary, acknowledged leaseholders frustrations about the pace of remediation but she insisted the bill was not the right place to fix historic defects.

She said: I must be clear: amending this bill would not deliver the programme more quickly. However, the minister pledged to continue to identify ways of unblocking barriers and speeding up the pace of remediation.

Ms Bryant rejected calls to exempt category three buildings from the rules, arguing evidence shows they have higher rates of fire casualties than purpose-built blocks. Watering down or dropping the requirement for these buildings would be perverse, she said.

She told the Senedd: The Grenfell Tower tragedy is a poignant and devastating reminder of the necessity of getting building safety right. Sadly, recent events in Hong Kong have served to underline the potential terrible results of external fire spread.

Following Tuesdays (December 9) stage-one debate, Senedd members supported the general principles of the bill which now moves onto the amending stages.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
Signs Contract with Burns & McDonnell to Lead Design Effort

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centrus Energy (NYSE: LEU) announced today that it has initiated design work on a 150,000 square foot Training, Operations & Maintenance Facility in Piketon, Ohio  a critical piece of site infrastructure necessary to support the company's plans for a major expansion of its uranium enrichment capacity in Piketon. The project involves a significant renovation and rehabilitation of an existing, largely vacant building on the site of the American Centrifuge Plant, with construction activities set to begin early next year.

"This is an important step forward which reflects our commitment to restoring America's ability to enrich uranium at a large scale  as quickly as possible," said Centrus President and CEO Amir Vexler. "It will enable us to accommodate our growing workforce and support construction and operation of commercial scale uranium enrichment capacity in Piketon."

As a first step, Centrus has selected Burns & McDonnell to provide design and engineering services for the modernization effort. The facility is expected to include a mix of office space, training facilities, and maintenance bays to support plant operations. It could ultimately accommodate as many as 200 new employees.

Under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, Centrus is currently producing High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU)  a next generation fuel needed to power advanced reactors. In September, Centrus announced plans for a major expansion of its uranium enrichment capacity in Ohio. This expansion is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs and 300 new operations jobs at the Piketon site while boosting Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and HALEU production. The size and scope of the expansion depend on federal funding decisions from the U.S. Department of Energy for LEU and HALEU, and a large-scale expansion would represent a multi-billion-dollar private and public investment into Ohio.

About Centrus

Centrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal.

With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America's uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "will", "should", "could", "would" or "may" and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions with respect to future events and operational, economic and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control.

For Centrus Energy Corp., particular factors that involve uncertainty and could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements and which are, and may be, exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment include but are not limited to the following: geopolitical conflicts, including the war in Ukraine; market demand and competition; changes in economic or industry conditions; supply chain disruptions; the imposition of tariffs and/or sanctions that impact our ability to obtain, deliver, transport, or sell LEU or the SWU and natural uranium hexafluoride components of LEU delivered to us under the TENEX Supply Contract or other supply contracts or make related payments or deliveries of natural uranium hexafluoride to TENEX; regulatory approvals and compliance requirements; technological changes; DOE procurement decisions; U.S. government appropriations; government decisions regarding, our lease with the DOE in Piketon, Ohio, including with respect to the term and the scope of permitted activities; our ability to attract qualified employees necessary for the potential expansion of our operations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee or Piketon, Ohio; and our ability to execute our strategic initiatives.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this news release and in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part II, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Investors: Neal Nagarajan [email protected]

Media: Dan Leistikow [email protected]

SOURCE Centrus Energy Corp.
LOCKSLEY COMMENCES EOI FOR SCOPING STUDY ENGINEERING DESIGN AT THE DESERT ANTIMONY MINE

Perth, Dec 11, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Locksley Resources Limited ( ASX:LKY ) ( X5L:FRA ) ( LKYRF:OTCMKTS ) advised that it has formally commenced the engineering partner selection process for the upcoming engineering scoping pilot plant design , following direct engagement with Tier 1 U.S. engineering service providers.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Expression of Interest (EOI) issued to Tier 1 U.S. engineering firms to lead the upcoming Scoping Engineering Design for the Desert Antimony Mine pilot plant



- Study to integrate ongoing metallurgical optimisation, enabling concurrent advancement of engineering design and processing flowsheets



- Partner selection to prioritise U.S. based capability, permitting familiarity and alignment with domestic critical mineral policy



- Critical step in Locksley's U.S. mine to market strategy, progressing toward commercial antimony production and downstream material readiness



- Supports U.S. government initiatives to rebuild domestic antimony processing capability and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains



- Locksley is well funded for 2026 work programs with over $20 million in cash



In October 2025, the Company's Chief Operating Officer met with senior executives from several leading U.S. based engineering firms to align on study objectives, execution strategy and the availability of local capability to support an accelerated project development pathway. These engagements have now progressed to the formal issuance of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to a shortlist of selected Tier 1 groups.



Strong response from Tier 1 Engineering Firms



The response to the EOI has been highly encouraging, with proponents recognising Locksley's well structured development strategy and the Project's alignment with U.S. federal priorities to rebuild domestic critical mineral supply chains.



Respondents also acknowledged the Company's disciplined approach to early technical de-risking and pragmatic study execution, consistent with best practice project development frameworks.



A core objective of the EOI process is to assess each firm's demonstrated experience operating in San Bernardino County, including regulatory engagement, permitting pathways and stakeholder management. This regional experience is considered an essential requirement for ensuring timely delivery of the subsequent project phases.



Integrated Metallurgical and Engineering Workstreams



In parallel with the EOI, ongoing metallurgical optimisation work continues to refine processing flowsheets, improve recoveries and validate key mass balance assumptions.



These outcomes will directly inform the engineering basis, enabling the Company to advance both study and metallurgical workstreams concurrently. This integrated approach is intended to maintain development momentum and support efficient delivery of a technically robust definition process.



Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director & CEO, commented:



"With the completion of our recent capital raise we are fast tracking our 2026 initiatives. We are now engaging with leading U.S. engineering firms as an Expression of Interest. The strong response to our Expression of Interest highlights confidence in our development strategy and confirms that we have access to the technical capability and local U.S. experience required to advance the Project efficiently.



Our ongoing metallurgical optimisation work will feed directly into the scoping study, allowing engineering design, economic evaluation and project planning to progress without delay. This integrated execution strategy ensures the Desert Antimony Project continues to advance at speed toward the next stage of development.



Next Steps:



- Evaluation of EOI submissions, including review of technical expertise and local operating experience



- Issuance of a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for the PFS and site investigation scopes by mid-Q1 2026



- Award of professional services contracts in separable work packages, with processing related scopes targeted for award by the end of Q1 2026 and mine engineering packages timed to align with upcoming exploration outcomes at the Desert Antimony Mine Project



To view the video: An overview of the Desert Antimony mine to market plan and key deliverables for downstream processing capability, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/6STFWM5K





About Locksley Resources Limited





Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY) (FRA:X5L) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) is an ASX listed explorer focused on critical minerals in the United States of America. The Company is actively advancing exploration across two key assets: the Mojave Project in California, targeting rare earth elements (REEs) and antimony. Locksley Resources aims to generate shareholder value through strategic exploration, discovery and development in this highly prospective mineral region.

Mojave Project

Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the Mojave Project comprises over 250 claims across two contiguous prospect areas, namely, the North Block/Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. The North Block directly abuts claims held by MP Materials, while El Campo lies along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine and is enveloped by MP Materials' claims, highlighting the strong geological continuity and exploration potential of the project area.

In addition to rare earths, the Mojave Project hosts the historic "Desert Antimony Mine", which last operated in 1937. Despite the United States currently having no domestic antimony production, demand for the metal remains high due to its essential role in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys. With significant surface sample results, the Desert Mine prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S.

Locksley's North American position is further strengthened by rising geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE & antimony production. With its maiden drilling program planned, the Mojave Project is uniquely positioned to align with U.S. strategic objectives around critical mineral independence and economic security.

Tottenham Project

Locksley's Australian portfolio comprises the advanced Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales, focused on VMS-style mineralisation in a well established mining region.

Locksley is committed to delivering value through discovery, development, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on securing access to U.S. aligned funding and downstream collaborations.

Related Companies
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CompleteSMS by Red Oxygen, a leading short message service (SMS) solutions provider, is proud to announce a new add-on for Gmail. The new add-on allows customers to easily and efficiently send, receive and reply to text messages from their Gmail inbox.

With the add-on, customer-facing teams such as sales, support, scheduling and operations can send appointment reminders, service updates and quick replies to customers directly from Gmail, reducing response times and keeping conversations in one place.

"Our Gmail customers are looking for more convenience right in their inbox, and this add-on will provide that," said Tom Sheahan, CEO and co-founder of CompleteSMS. "The new CompleteSMS add-on for Gmail offers a seamless experience that works on your existing framework and allows for more immediate results with SMS. Users will have record of sent messages within their sent folder and have their replies show up in their Gmail inbox, too. Installation is simple, with no developer needed, and is compatible with the Gmail phone app, as well. The end result is simpler business SMS at your fingertips."

The add-on will enable users to access existing Gmail contacts and groups, add multiple signature templates that can also be used as message templates, schedule messages and more. The add-on is now available via the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Current CompleteSMS account holders can immediately start sending messages through the add-on once installed. New customers can start a free trial, after installation, through the add-on.

News of the Gmail add-on comes just months after CompleteSMS was launched by Red Oxygen. CompleteSMS is the company's next generation texting platform for businesses sending messages at any scale. The CompleteSMS web portal enables users to send two-way business texting, both individually or in bulk by the thousands, including messages sent through the Gmail add-on, while also being the hub for administrators to manage the account, to easily view reports, manage users, store contacts and utilize distribution lists.

CompleteSMS supports carrier-required business registrations and messaging standards, helping ensure reliable delivery across regions.

To learn more about CompleteSMS, visit https://completesms.com/.

About CompleteSMS

Founded in 2001 as Red Oxygen, CompleteSMS is a leading short message service (SMS) solutions provider. The company enables businesses to send appointment and payment reminders, security codes, emergency alerts and staffing updates easily with its online application, through email or from a spreadsheet. Headquartered in San Francisco and with offices in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, CompleteSMS works with some of the world's top brands, including: Philips, Orkin, Skechers, Southern Methodist University, Siemens, Yamaha and more. The company has been trusted to send hundreds of millions of messages to people in over 50 countries. To learn more about Red Oxygen and CompleteSMS, visit https://completesms.com/ or follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Red Oxygen
From Sacred to Stolen: Maharashtra's Criminal Neglect of Temple Lands 2

Maharashtra prides itself on being the land of saints, temples, and timeless spiritual heritageyet ironically it has become one of the easiest hunting grounds for land sharks preying on temple properties. What began centuries ago as acts of devotionfarmers, kings, saints, and common devotees donating fertile lands to ensure temple upkeephas now turned into a modern tragedy where thousands of acres meant for nitya-puja, festival expenses, and community service have been swallowed by a nexus of land mafias, corrupt revenue machinery, and a shockingly apathetic state system. If this isnt an assault on heritage, then what is? The betrayal is not merely administrative; it is civilizational.

The rot runs deep, and the method is deceptively simple. Temple lands, especially Devasthan Inam lands classified as non-transferable, were protected by law for decades. But when greed meets government files, records turn into clay. Local revenue officers, village clerks, and well-connected middlemen systematically tampered with Inam registers and village record books. In entry after entry, the name of the temple quietly disappeared and was replaced with the names of benami holders, or so-called tenants, who magically emerged as legal owners. Thousands of acres slipped out of temple hands without a single puja stopping or a single devotee knowing. The theft was bloodless, silent, and brilliantly engineered.

The Western Maharashtra Devasthan Management Committee alone reports encroachment on more than 671 land parcels under its jurisdiction. And this is just one committee in one region; the statewide picture is far more horrifying. Under the disguise of tenancy rights and exploitation of loopholes in the Maharashtra Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, mafias converted temple property into private estates. Land grabbing became not just profitableit became institutionalized. And Maharashtra looked away.

What blows the lid off the nexus are cases from Vidarbha. The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh fought legal battles to restore temple lands whose valuations run into tens of crores. Yet officials had sold such plots for a few thousand rupees. In Amravati, a fifty-crore plot belonging to Shri Someshwar Devasthan was transferred for just 960 rupeesless than the price of a modest dinner bill. In Akola, Balaji temple land worth 30 crore was almost gifted away under the table. Only after the Mahasangh intervened, litigated, and fought tooth and nail did some justice emerge. But justice delivered after decades is nothing but posthumous consolation. The painful truth is that templescenters of faith for millionshad to beg the courts and activists to reclaim their own property while the states revenue protectors became the plunderers.

If this sounds familiar, it should. Medieval invaders stormed temples with swords; todays mafia storms their land records with pens. Different weapons, same objective. Gajni, Tughlaq, Babar, Aurangzeb attacked temples openly; their modern descendants operate through registries, mutation forms, and sub-registrar offices. Calling them land sharks is almost polite. They are nothing less than the updated machinery of cultural erasure.

The judiciary, to its credit, has not been asleep. The Supreme Court in A.A. Gopalkrishnan vs Cochin Devaswom Board made it crystal clear: protecting temple property is the states bounden duty. The Bombay High Court re-affirmed in April 2025 that deleting Devasthan Inam from land records does not erase its religious character or ownership. Yet, what good are judicial pronouncements when the state lacks the spine to criminalize the theft? Maharashtra is embarrassingly behind states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam that passed stringent anti-land-grabbing laws years ago. In those states, grabbing land is a jail-worthy, non-bailable offense. Gujarat prescribes 1014 years imprisonment and penalties equal to market value. Karnataka has jail terms, fines, and special courts. Maharashtra? Here, stealing temple land is treated like a polite civil disagreement, to be resolved leisurely in civil courts over decades. This legal softness is the oxygen that fuels land mafias.

When the law is toothless, criminals grow fangs. Maharashtras refusalor inabilityto declare land grabbing a criminal offence has given open licence to encroachers. Devotees who donated land 200 years ago would turn in their graves knowing that their offerings are being converted into private villas, real estate ventures, gated colonies, and speculative assets. You can throw a stone anywhere on the outskirts of any major cityPune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Nagpurand find temple land either grabbed, litigated, or under dispute. Builders often target dilapidated or poorly managed temples, adopting the free real estate model: allow the temple to crumble, let the priesthood weaken, then swoop in with fabricated records and buy-off officials. Within a few years, what was once a sanctified space becomes the foundation pit for a high-rise.

India is failing its temples not because the laws are weak everywhere, but because Maharashtrathe state that prides itself on progressive governancerefuses to evolve. When thieves walk faster than lawmakers, heritage falls first. Temples are not protected by sentiment; they are protected by statutes, enforcement, and political will. And Maharashtra has sadly shown none.

The government has taken a few steps, thanks to relentless public pressure. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule imposed a temporary freeze on all transactions involving Devasthan lands until a new policy is framed and formed a committee headed by the Revenue Principal Secretary. Admirable, yes. Sufficient, absolutely not. Committees do not scare land mafias; criminal laws do. Circulars do not reclaim stolen lands; special investigation teams do. Strong speeches do not protect cultural heritage; strong statutes do. Maharashtra cannot keep pretending that goodwill and guidelines will fix what only handcuffs and courtroom convictions can.

The truth is uncomfortable but unavoidable: the state needs to declare war on the land-grab ecosystem, and it needs to do so now. No more waiting for the next Assembly session. No more consultations that drag on for years. No more apologetic half-measures. Maharashtra must immediately issue an Anti-Land Grabbing Ordinance modelled on Gujarat and Karnataka. The offence must be cognizable and non-bailable and carry a minimum 1014 year prison sentence not just for the mafias but also for the officials who enabled, hid, or facilitated the fraud. Accountability must run downward and upwardclerks, tahsildars, deputy collectors, and even senior officers must answer for every fraudulent mutation, every vanished entry, and every forged note. Until fear enters the system, justice will not.

Alongside the law, a state-level Special Investigation Team must review all temple land transfers over the last 2025 years. Let the truth spill out. Let every illegal transfer be reversed. Let every fraudulent document be cancelled. Let every officer who signed off be prosecuted. The SIT should not be a ceremonial tigerit must have claws, arrest powers, and a mandate to report directly to the Chief Minister. Anything less is eyewash.

There is also an urgent need for Special Fast-Track Courts dedicated exclusively to temple land cases. Justice delayed is justice extinguished. Temples cannot afford to wait for decades while land sharks profit year after year. A six-month resolution window, as practiced in Gujarat, should be the benchmark.

Equally important is stakeholder inclusion. The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, representing thousands of temples across the state, must be invited to participate in drafting the law and policy. Those who have fought in the trenches understand the battlefield better than those who only study files in Mantralaya. If temple lands are to be reclaimed, temple voices must be heard.

The irony screaming beneath all this is heartbreaking: temples that once fed entire villages now struggle to pay for lamps and daily rituals, while the lands meant for their upkeep have been converted into profit farms for mafias. Devotees donate coins while criminals enjoy acres. Priests struggle to maintain ancient traditions while builders negotiate the next skyscraper on sacred soil. This moral inversion is unbecoming of Maharashtra, the land of Shivaji Maharaj, who fiercely defended temple honour not just with faith, but with a sword of justice.

The state today needs that same spiritfirm, unapologetic, protective. Maharashtra stands at a crossroads: either it restores the dignity of its temples or it allows them to be slowly cannibalized by greed. The millions of devotees, thousands of temple trustees, and countless communities who draw cultural sustenance from these sacred spaces are watching. They are waiting. And their patience is not infinite.

If Maharashtra truly considers temples the heart of its identity, then protecting their lands is non-negotiable. The government must act not as a commentator but as a guardian. Enact the law. Punish the guilty. Reclaim what was stolen. Restore what was betrayed. Anything less will be remembered as cowardice.

Temples have survived invasions, plunder, and centuries of upheaval. It would be a shamea historic shameif they fall today not to marauders but to paperwork and greed. The time for hesitation is over. The time for decisive action is now.
Maharashtra Ends Decades-Old Fragmentation Barrier, Granting Land Rights to 3 Crore Citizens 2

In a landmark move ending decades of hardship for urban homeowners, Maharashtra has passed the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, freeing nearly three crore citizens from restrictive fragmentation laws that prevented them from securing legal land titles or selling small plots.

Approved on December 9, the amendment brings long-awaited relief to around 60 lakh families who have lived in legal uncertainty despite owning homes for generations. Under the old rules, countless citizens occupied tiny urban plots yet remained excluded from land records, and transactions on parcels as small as 510 gunthas were nearly impossible due to repeated non-agricultural (NA) permissions and procedural hurdles.

The new law eliminates the requirement for separate NA approvals in areas covered by sanctioned Development Plans or Regional Plans. Instead, homeowners can complete the process with a one-time premium, enabling swift land title issuance and individual 7/12 entries without bureaucratic delays. Introducing the bill, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said it corrects an unjust system that kept legitimate homeowners in limbo for decades.

The amendment triggered strong debate in the Assembly. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav declined support, warning the law might benefit builders more than citizens. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar argued that without proper Development Plans, land regularisation alone would not address basic infrastructure gaps.

However, several MLAsincluding Nana Patole, Suresh Dhas, Pravin Datke, Amit Deshmukh, Rahul Kul, Krishna Khopde, Hiramana Khoskar, Prashant Solanke, Abhijit Patil, Sanjay Gaikwad and Ravi Ranastrongly backed the bill and praised Bawankule for delivering long-awaited justice.

Representatives Chandradeep Narke, Vikram Pachpute and Ramesh Bornare urged that similar relief be extended to rural regions, where low holding limits still obstruct land transactions.

Bawankule clarified that the amendment is intended to empower citizens, not builders. He emphasised that reservations will remain unaffected and that all eligible cases before October 15, 2024, will receive full benefit, although fragmentation after that date will not be permitted. He also instructed district collectors to work closely with local representatives during implementation.

The reform marks a decisive shift away from outdated land policiesfinally granting millions of ordinary Maharashtrians the legal certainty, dignity and ownership they have been denied for generations.
Challen Joins Science-Based Nutritional Supplement Company to Support Strategic Growth

TUSTIN, Calif., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Doctor's Best Inc. , a leading nutritional supplement company, has announced the appointment of Nate Challen as president. With nearly two decades of leadership experience in the health and beauty sector, Challen is well-positioned to drive the company's growth initiatives in the nutraceuticals space.

Doctors Best appoints Nate Challen as president. Challen joins the science-based nutritional supplement company to support its strategic growth.

Challen is an accomplished business builder with a proven track record of scaling consumer health and beauty brands across North America and global markets, delivering double-digit growth through digital innovation, operational efficiency, and portfolio optimization. He brings deep expertise in developing and executing strategic growth initiatives, expanding market share, and leading diverse, high-performing teams.

Challen spent more than a decade at Sanofi Consumer Health, where he held leadership roles across North America and Europe, including serving as General Manager in Canada and Head of Commercial Transformation globally. Prior to Sanofi, Challen oversaw brand development at Johnson & Johnson, pioneering the digital marketing and branding for their Body Care lines. Challen holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University.

"Nate brings exactly what we need at this stage - deep digital expertise combined with a proven ability to scale consumer health brands while maintaining product integrity," said Gale Bensussen, CEO of Doctor's Best. "His track record in transforming how established brands connect with modern consumers aligns perfectly with our growth strategy."

As President, he will manage the company's strategic direction, utilizing his visionary leadership to drive the full scope of the business, including Sales, Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, Operations, Finance, Analytics, E-commerce, Product Development, Customer Experience, Quality, and Competitive Strategy.

"Doctor's Best has built something rare in this industry - a 30-year reputation for science-backed formulations that consumers genuinely trust," said Challen. "My focus will be on amplifying that foundation through smarter digital engagement and strategic partnerships to reach more consumers who value evidence over hype in their journey for better health."

Challen officially joins the Doctor's Best team this month and will report directly to Bensussen.

For more information on Doctor's Best, please visit www.doctorsbest.com and follow @DoctorsBestVitamins on Instagram , TikTok and Facebook .

About Doctor's Best

Doctor's Best is a leading, science-based nutritional supplement company driven by a mission to empower families to lead a healthy lifestyle and thrive outside of the doctor's office. Founded by a physician more than 30 years ago, Doctor's Best offers more than 200 products. It has built a stellar reputation in the nutritional supplement industry for using branded ingredients and for demonstrating proven potency, safety, and clinically studied efficacy. All Doctor's Best products are manufactured and rigorously tested exclusively at Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certified facilities in the United States. Based in Tustin, California, Doctor's Best products are found on retail sites such as Amazon and iHerb, as well as major retailers and specialty chains, including Walmart.com and Sprouts. For more information, please visit www.doctorsbest.com .

Media Contact: Marissa Sanchez Buntz, [email protected]

SOURCE Doctor's Best
WEST FARGO, N.D., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Doosan Bobcat, a Doosan Group company and a leading global equipment manufacturer, will unveil a series of groundbreaking technologies at CES 2026 that bring artificial intelligence out of the cloud and onto the jobsite, delivering smarter, more intuitive equipment designed to simplify the operator experience.

As the construction industry faces major shifts, Bobcat is solving against three critical challenges to support the future of work:

Transitions in the construction industry workforce

Inconvenient equipment downtime

Increasing jobsite complexity

At CES, Bobcat will preview innovations built specifically to address these priorities with accessible, human-first design.

Making Machines Easier to Operate

The industry is at a critical inflection point: 41% of the U.S. construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031*, taking decades of expertise with them. Bobcat will introduce AI-driven capabilities intended to simplify equipment operation for the next generation of workers. These advancements will deliver real-time guidance and simplify complex tasks for novice operators, while helping experienced operators boost productivity and enhance precision.

Diagnosing and Fixing Machines Faster

Equipment downtime slows progress and reduces productivityespecially for owners relying on a single machine to complete the job. Bobcat will showcase an AI-powered innovation that accelerates diagnostics and troubleshooting by giving technicians fast access to machine insights, historical repair knowledge and guided support, helping keep equipment up and running and jobs moving forward.

Enhancing Jobsite Awareness

Modern jobsites are becoming increasingly complex. Bobcat will preview radar technology designed to aid operator awareness, detect hazards and help the operator address collision risks through real-time monitoring and interventions.

In addition to these AI-driven advancements, Bobcat will also debut:

A next-generation operator display experience that integrates essential jobsite information directly into the operator's field of view

A forward-looking concept machine

A rugged, stackable electric power system for compact equipment

Together, these technologies represent Bobcat's vision for bringing AI and next-generation intelligence to where it matters most: on the ground, in the machine and in the hands of the people doing the work.

Full details and demonstrations will be revealed during Bobcat's CES Media Days press conference on Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. in Mandalay Bay I, with immersive experiences available in the Doosan booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall 5840.

*According to a report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Media Resources: Downloadable logo assets available at this Dropbox link.

About Bobcat

Bobcat Company empowers people to accomplish more, a mission it has honored since creating the compact equipment industry in 1958. As a leading global manufacturer, Bobcat has a proud legacy of innovation, delivering smart solutions to customers' toughest challenges. Backed by the support of a global dealership network, Bobcat offers an extensive line of worksite solutions, including loaders, excavators, tractors, utility vehicles, telehandlers, mowers, turf renovation equipment, light compaction, portable power, industrial air, forklifts, attachments, implements, parts and services.

With its North American headquarters in West Fargo, North Dakota, Bobcat leads the industry with its innovative offerings designed to transform how the world works, builds cities and supports communities for a more sustainable future. The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat Inc., a company within Doosan Group.

About Doosan Group

Doosan Group, founded in 1896, is one of South Korea's oldest and most established corporations. Today, it is a global leader driving innovation across three core business pillars: Clean Energy, Smart Machines, and Advanced Materials. Leveraging its technological strengths in next-generation energy solutionsincluding SMRs and gas turbinesas well as global industrial technologies such as Bobcat compact equipment and AI-powered robotic solutions, Doosan continues to expand its impact worldwide. Throughout its long history, the company has continuously transformed and advanced its business portfolio to focus on industrial technology and sustainable solutions for the future.

More information about the Doosan Group is available at https://www.doosan.com/en.

Media Contacts:

Nadine Erckenbrack, Bobcat Public Relations Manager | Phone: 701-205-9207

Randi Bakalar, Bobcat Sr. Communications Specialist | Phone: 701-680-5482

Shalini Avasarala, Weber Shandwick Media Relations Manager | Phone: 510-289-3244

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Doosan Bobcat










English News Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 7 Decembre 2025



Like a dream, theater continues to resonate in the hearts of audiences. This shared emotional journey reflects the broader vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, fostering cultural exchanges, mutual learning and deeper understanding among civilizations.

By Yang Yanfei, People's Daily As evening descended and city lights illuminated the streets, an immersive theatrical performance unfolded in Wenchangli, Fuzhou, east China's Jiangxi province. On stage, a symbolic "dialogue across time and space" between Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare marked a highlight of the 7th Tang Xianzu International Theater Exchange Month.



Co-hosted by the Jiangxi provincial government, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the China Theater Association, this year's event brought together playwrights, actors and scholars from 12 countries and regions. With live performances, a youth theater creation camp, themed forums, and relevant activities, the event celebrates theater as a medium of cultural exchanges and global engagement.



In 2015, during his visit to the UK, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that Tang Xianzu, a Chinese playwright, was contemporary of William Shakespeare, as both passed away in 1616. He noted that China and Britain could jointly commemorate the legacy of the two literary masters to promote people-to-people exchanges and deepen mutual understanding.



Over the past decade, theater has become a bridge for cultural exchanges, transforming commemorative activities into platforms for inter-civilizational dialogue. It has become a powerful medium for fostering global engagement through culture. Exceptional theatrical works transcend time and space, resonating across generations and borders.



"Fuzhou is the birthplace of Tang Xianzu and where he wrote plays," said Wu Fengchu, director of the Center for International Studies of Tang Xianzu in Fuzhou. Tang's classic "The Four Dreams of Linchuan" expresses profound human emotions and enduring humanistic values. Today, its emotional resonance continues to reach global audiences.



Along the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, the UK stands the Peony Pavilion -- a traditional Chinese structure gifted by Fuzhou to Shakespeare's hometown. With its signature upturned eaves and red railings overlooking the water, the pavilion has become a prominent cultural landmark that brings Chinese aesthetics into a Western setting. Similar pavilions have since been built in Perm, Russia, and Lusaka, Zambia, symbolizing a shared cultural vision and offering international audiences a window into Chinese artistic expression.



"In April last year, during the Shakespeare birthday celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon, I portrayed Du Liniang and performed an English-language excerpt from Tang's "The Peony Pavilion" with my classmates in the Peony Pavilion," said Emily C. A. Snyder from the Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham, who brought her team to this year's exchange month. "I had always dreamed of visiting China. Like Du Liniang, my dream has come true."



"Hou Xiaoyu's monologue on wealth in Tang's "The Legend of the Purple Hairpin" echoes the critique of materialism in Shakespeare's Timon of Athens. Similarly, the satire on power and fame in Tang's 'A Dream Under the Southern Bough' and 'Handan Dream' also resonates themes familiar to Western viewers," said Huang Bikang, professor at Peking University's School of Foreign Languages and Chair of the Shakespeare Society of the Institute of Foreign Literature under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.



Ten years ago, Fuzhou's commemorative event extended an invitation to the world. Today, it welcomes theater artists and young enthusiasts from across the globe, transforming into a vibrant hub of international cultural exchanges.

This year, the original production "Dreaming Under the Bough" received enthusiastic acclaim. Inspired by Tang's "A Dream Under the Southern Bough" and Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the play was collaboratively created and performed by students from the University of Leeds in the UK, the University of International Business and Economics in China, and other institutions. By merging Eastern and Western literary classics with youthful interpretations, the production has breathed new vitality into traditional imagery.



"We want to show through theater that dreams know no borders," said a student actor from the UK. Through rehearsals and performances, students forged lasting friendships and deepened mutual understanding. Li Jun, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics and one of the directors of the play, remarked, "This collaboration represents a meaningful dialogue. Students from both institutions are pursuing their dreams together."



Faculty and students from the University of Birmingham also presented an English poetic adaptation of "The Peony Pavilion," giving the production its debut performance in China. "The translation employs Shakespeare's signature iambic pentameter," said Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham.



"A classic work poses enduring questions that each generation seeks to answer in their own way. Shakespeare delved into the complexities of human nature, while Tang Xianzu explored the pursuit of the soul. Both confronted the question: 'What is the meaning of life?' This shared inquiry forms the foundation for continued dialogue between Eastern and Western theater," Dobson explained.



Like a dream, theater continues to resonate in the hearts of audiences. This shared emotional journey reflects the broader vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, fostering cultural exchanges, mutual learning and deeper understanding among civilizations.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Reading China's modernization through 50,000 kilometers of high-speed rail Jin Yipeng: guardian of endangered species A Yangtze riverside chemical maker's decade-long turn toward high-quality, green growth Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
In the whimsical yet cautionary world of Roald Dahls Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Veruca Salt storms through Willy Wonkas factory like a spoiled brat on steroids, demanding golden geese, trained squirrels, and every shiny trinket that catches her eye. I want it now! she screeches, her petulance sealing her fate down the garbage chute. Fast-forward to 2025 Washington, and one cant help but see echoes of Veruca in Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG)once the bleach-blonde firebrand of MAGA, now morphing into the Blonde AOC, trading principled conservatism for performative tantrums because President Trump didnt hand her a Senate endorsement on a silver platter.

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Greenes descent began in earnest this fall, when her ambitions for higher office collided with cold political reality. Polling at a dismal 12% for a Georgia Senate or gubernatorial run, she beseeched Trump for his golden touch. But Trump, ever the pragmatist, saw the writing on the wall and urged her to stand down, withholding the endorsement that might have salvaged her quixotic quest. What followed wasn't quiet reflection or a pivot back to her House dutiesno, it was a full-throated Veruca meltdown. Greene announced her resignation from Congress effective January 5, 2026, framing it as escape from a battered wife dynamic with the man she once called her unyielding champion. In interviews with the enemyyes, 60 Minutes and CNNshes since spilled tea on Republican ass-kissing behind Trump's back, accused him of fueling death threats against her, and declared her worship of God over any mortal leader. Its a spectacle as theatrical as AOCs Instagram Lives, but with more Confederate flags and fewer Green New Deals. Conservatism demands loyalty to principles, not personal grudgesyet here we are, watching a supposed America First warrior prioritize her ego over the movement that elevated her.

This isnt Greenes first flirtation with self-sabotage, but its her most destructive. Recall the scorned Speaker Kevin McCarthy, ousted in 2023 after a messy House coup. Rather than lick wounds and rebuild within GOP ranks, McCarthy scooped up his political toys and toddled straight to the Democrat Media Complex. CNN? Check. 60 Minutes? Double check. There, he dished dirt on fellow Republicans, painting Trump allies as extremists and himself as the reasonable grown-up. It was a masterclass in bitterness, handing Dems soundbites to bludgeon the party during election cycles. McCarthys media tour didnt just tarnish his legacy; it amplified the very chaos that conservatives abhordivision sown by a man too proud to put party over pout.

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Greene, take note: Youre treading the same garbage chute. By resigning mid-term and airing laundry on Lesley Stahls couch, youre not just quitting on your Georgia constituentsyoure gift-wrapping ammo for Pelosis successors. Her district, a deep-red stronghold, now faces a chaotic primary scramble, potentially bleeding resources from key 2026 races. And for what? A shot at relevance in the post-Trump echo chamber? If shes smartand that's increasingly in doubtGreene should dial up Meghan McCain for a cautionary chat. The Views blonde conservative firecracker spent years there, channeling disdain for Trump into snarky monologues that thrilled the DNC while alienating her base. Meghan played the principled critic, railing against MAGA as her father, the late Senator John McCain, embodied the NeverTrump resistance. It was a slow bleed, a death by a thousand cuts strategy that kept her relevant until Johns passing in 2018. Then? ABC unceremoniously dumped her, her political capital spent like chump change in the lefts endless war on conservatism. (From X posts highlighting McCains ouster.)

Meghans arc is a conservative morality tale: Stray too far from the fold chasing applause from the blue-check brigade, and youll end up discarded, your independence exposed as just another tool in the establishments kit. Greene, with her Epstein file fixationpushing releases Trump rightly flagged as a Dem hoaxrisks the same irrelevance. Shes not Veruca demanding a goose; shes Willy Wonkas forgotten prototype, sputtering sparks but no substance.

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This pattern of petulance isnt new in GOP annalsits the ghost of Paul Ryan haunting Capitol Hill. In Trumps first term, the Wisconsin Young Gun pledged fiscal conservatism but worked overtime to undermine the agenda. From sabotaging repeal of Obamacare to slow-walking tax cuts, Ryans establishment instincts shone through, culminating in his 2018 abdication that greased the skids for Nancy Pelosis gavel. It was deep state preservation 101: Hand the House back to radical Democrats, preserve the swamps status quo, and pat yourself on the back for bipartisanship. Ryans legacy? A blueprint for RINO retreat, where personal ambition trumps national renewal.

Greenes tantrum follows Ryans script to the letter. By quitting and bad mouthing Trumpthe man who dragged her from obscurity to Congressshes not just scorning an endorsement; shes scorning the America First revolution. Her favorability? A dismal 20% overall, splitting even with Republicans at 34% unfavorable. Thats not leadership; thats liability. In a House razor-thin under GOP control, her exit invites chaos, potentially flipping seats to AOCs squad and dooming probes into Biden-era corruption or border security.

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Conservatives know true patriotism demands humility: Put country over self, party over pride. Trump isnt infallible, but hes the battering ram against the elite cabal thats bled America dry. Greenes Veruca actdemanding now! and sulking when deniedexposes her as MTG First, not America First. Shes welcome to her 60 Minutes catharsis, but the rest of us will fight on, golden ticket in hand, building the future she chose to flush. Handing power back to the radicals? Thats not conservativeits capitulation. And in the factory of freedom, tantrums get you trash.

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Image generated by ChatGPT.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker confirmed the status of Illinois as a state in open rebellion against the United States of America, by signing a bill passed by the state legislature during the recent veto session (HB 1312), forbidding federal authorities from enforcing federal law  including but not limited to immigration law  at a host of locations in Illinois, including hospitals, courthouses, universities and daycares, even to the extent of forbidding such entities from sharing information such as immigration status with federal law enforcement. Advertisement

Gov. Pritzker would, of course, disagree with the above characterization; he and his corrupt party have long contended that its the federal government thats in violation of the law, by daring such basic tasks as law enforcement and protecting the borders, but they arent fooling anyone anymore.

Illinois has reached the logical conclusion of a state that has long called itself a sanctuary state, illegally welcoming unvetted and unapproved aliens to its main sanctuary county, Cook, and its main sanctuary city, Chicago. Having drawn a broad array of gang members and other criminals, welfare graspers and political activists to the city (far outweighing any net potential positive contribution of the few among them who are undoubtedly decent folks), Illinois is now the host of so many vermin that the federal government had to come in and help. Advertisement

Illinois has spent years refusing to arrest criminals committing flash mob style retail crimes; refusing to hold criminals after capture by making bail release completely free, and spending billions of hard-working citizens tax dollars on health care, housing, food, education, and more for illegal aliens.

The federal government shouldnt have to come to Chicago, in the very heart of the heartland, to enforce the border. Gov. Pritzker and his cronies necessitated this, by drawing these unworthy people to Chicago in the first place. Advertisement

In such enforcement actions as Operation Midway Blitz, the Department of Homeland Security has caught hundreds of criminals, from gang recruiters to lone wolves, from robbers and child abusers to murderers  criminals whom the powers-that-be in Illinois would prefer remain on the streets, free to terrorize their constituents at will.

Why? Advertisement

There are many theories; the Democrat politicians of a century ago would have put the safety of their constituents ahead of the freedom of criminals, but no longer. Perhaps some of todays Democrat politicians value the political contributions of the criminal element. Perhaps they value the votes of that bloc on Election Day. Perhaps they like a situation that keeps their constituents poor and dependent on government. Perhaps the interests of the United States of America are simply not on their list of priorities.

Reviewing the list of places from which Pritzkers illegal power grab would banish federal law enforcement, one cannot help but notice a common thread: Advertisement

Health care, daycare, colleges, and universities are largely funded, directly or indirectly, by federal tax dollars. These arent Illinois-only locations that some 19th century states-rights advocate could claim as being independent of that far-off federal government; these are locations that the vast majority of users attend or consume with federal checks, federal tax credits (or refundable tax credits), or the array of grants that a century of leftist advocacy has created. Even the ones that look and feel the most private are funded largely by the kind of state money that the state received directly from federal largesse. In short, if the feds have a right to be anywhere, they certainly have a right to be here. Advertisement

To ban federal law enforcement from courthouses, hospitals, and colleges  with the specific intent of ensuring that everyone within those buildings remain at risk from known criminals  is the ultimate in malice. Whoever Pritzker and his legislative goons may be serving, its not the law-abiding citizens of Illinois.

At his signing ceremony, Gov. Pritzker rattled off an amazing statement, so tone-deaf in its implications:

Our people have been forced to live in fear. Everyday activities, like dropping off the kids at school, going to the park with your family, going to the doctor, showing up at your job, has meant risking your safety and your livelihood. Fear and intimidation have been visited upon us by fellow Americans. Its unconstitutional.

Speaking to his audience of Marxists and insurrectionists, he certainly felt logically consistent in this statement.

But we outsiders, watching his speech from a distance, think of a very different situation:

We think of the reality of a massive, intentional crime zone, the urban ghetto of Chicagoland, into which Democrat politicians have nourished an infestation of muggers and drug dealers, rapists and wife-beaters, child-abusers and murderers, to terrorize the community for generations.

Try reading this governors speech from the perspective of the law-abiding citizen instead, and think of how many times his millions of constituents have been victims of the very criminals that Pritzker not only releases on Illinoiss behalf, but today tries to protect further, by tying the hands of the federal government so that the feds cannot help, either.

It is the workers and children at these daycare centers, the doctors, nurses and patients at those hospitals, the professors and students at our colleges, the clerks, lawyers, witnesses and victims at the courthouses, who spend their days in fear for their lives.

The people whom Gov. Pritzker pompously pretends to be protecting are in fact the very people he has been endangering, not only today but every single day since he took office.

This HB 1312 is just one more type of lawfare, an illegal effort to hamstring the federal government in the same way that the Democrats many frivolous prosecutions of President Trump have attempted to retard his work over the past decade. It will be declared unconstitutional, because it so plainly is just that, and nothing but.

But as shameful an act as it is, as destructive and malevolent as a law can be, it serves us in one useful way: HB 1312 shows us, more clearly than any other, just who todays Democrat politicians are, who they serve, and what they think of the interests of their law-abiding constituents.

If you work hard, obey the law, pay your taxes, and raise your family, Gov. Pritzker and his cronies want your lives jeopardized by the criminal element, because thats the demographic they value, not yours. Image: Anxelli84, via Wikimedia Commons (extracted) // CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed
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From Wikimedia Commons: The Village Church (Benjamin Williams Leader, 1894)

A philosopher and cultural warrior, Roger Scruton (19442020) dedicated his life to defending the principles of liberty, beauty, and tradition against the high tide of revolutionary ideology. In a modern world seduced by utilitarian and utopian doctrines, he stood firm, rooted in the conservative tradition of Edmund Burke and emphasizing the importance of continuity, moral order, and the transcendent value of culture.

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Scrutons lifelong commitment to liberty went beyond armchair heroismit was a lived reality. Throughout his career, his ideological enemies (e.g., Marxist academics and journalists) exposed him to malicious harassment. Despite hostility from various quarters, he never wavered, though. An exemplary courage was evident in his support for political dissidents whom he personally visited behind the Iron Curtain. Abiding by the very values that he preached, he lent his voice to those struggling for freedom at the cost of career, privileges, and personal safety.

Highlighting the implications for our self-perception as humans and loyalty to a particular community (belonging), Scruton insisted that beauty mattersless as a luxury than as a necessity for human flourishing. He took issue with cultural nihilism, e.g., soulless modernist architecture, believing that the spaces that we inhabit and the art that we cherish shape our souls and societies. For him, beauty, apart from aesthetics, was about meaning, memory, and identity.

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A cornerstone of Scrutons philosophy was his reverence for vernacular architecturethe traditional, locally rooted building styles that arise naturally from a communitys history and environment. He saw these forms, not as antiquated relics but as living expressions of a peoples collective memory and cultural continuity. To him, the vernacular home was a sanctuary, embodying a tangible connection to the past, the land, and the shared narratives that define a community.

Scruton believed that the neglect of architectural traditions led to widespread alienation. Modernist architecture, with its universalizing, abstract forms, severed people from their sense of place and belonging. This rupture, he warned, produced a state of cultural homelessness where people lived in spaces that felt impersonal and disconnected from who they really were. His love of home (oikophilia) referred to something other than random shelter; it concerned the emotional and spiritual refuge emerging from an inhabited space that resonates with history, culture, and natural beauty.

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For Scruton, love of home was intertwined with love of country and community. It was the foundation of rootedness and stability, a counterbalance to the restless-faithless cosmopolitanism and uprootedness of modern life. This love carried moral weightit fostered responsibility, stewardship, and a commitment to preserving the environments, traditions, and relationships that nurture human life.

Scrutons personal courage was matched by a gentle humor and warmth, making him a beloved figure among students and colleagues. His philosophy combined rigorous intellectual discipline with a deep empathy for the human condition. He understood that liberty is fragile and must be protected, depending partly on laws and institutions, partly on a shared cultural heritage nurturing the spirit.

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Scrutons ideas influenced public debates about architecture profoundly. An outspoken critic of the totalitarian mindset permeating modernist architecture (and social engineering in general), he argued that cold, functionalist designs ignored human needs for comfort, tradition, and aesthetic harmony. He challenged architects and planners to rethink the relationship between design, community, and cultureurging a return to styles and methods that respect historical continuity and local character.

This stance put Scruton at the center of heated discussions about urban planning and housing policy. He advocated for new developments rooted in place, using traditional materials and designs that fostered a sense of belonging rather than alienation. His work inspired movements aiming to revive classical and vernacular architecture as antidotes to the dystopian monotony and detachment of modernism.

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Politically, Scrutons architectural philosophy intertwined with his conservative outlook on society. He saw the denigration of traditional architecture as part of a broader cultural erosion that threatened social cohesion and political stability. For him, architecture was a visible symbola mirrorof the values that a society holds dear: order, beauty, and continuity. When those were sacrificed, so too was the foundation for a flourishing, free society.

Scrutons thoughts contributed to debates about nationalism, localism, and identity, especially in an era marked by globalization and rapid social change. Neither parochial nor exclusionary, he insisted that love of home and place was a necessary, though not sufficient, condition for genuine community and political liberty. He warned against ideological schemes claiming to liberate people from their cultural and historical roots in the name of progress or utopia.

Besides confronting progressives, Scruton helped reframe cultural discussions within conservatism itself. He bridged the gap between intellectual conservatism and everyday life by showing how abstract ideas about tradition and beauty manifest in the built environment and emotional attachments of ordinary people. His voice was crucial in reminding political conservatives that culture and aesthetics are not trivial but foundational to a healthy society.

Building on the conservative tradition of Edmund Burke, Scruton reminded us that true progress is unattainable through a totalitarian break with the past. Instead, it must be fostered by a careful preservation and cultivation of the wisdom embedded in tradition. Scrutons lifes work was a testament to the enduring power of beauty, the necessity of liberty, and our heavy responsibility to defend both against nihilist forces eager to denigrateand destroythem.

Scrutons strong views placed him in the eye of controversy, especially when his conservative principles confronted prevailing trends in architecture, politics, and culture.

One notable controversy involved Scrutons appointment in 2018 as the unpaid chairman of the UK governments Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, a body established to promote design standards in housing and urban development. Scrutons task was to champion beauty and tradition in a political landscape dominated by cost-cutting, high-density modernist housing schemes. However, shortly after his appointment, manipulated excerpts from an interview with joint deputy editor George Eaton, New Statesman, painted him as politically incorrect, implying racist attitudes towards Jews, Muslims, and Chinese.

Scrutons consequent dismissal sparked a fierce debate about free speech, cultural values, and the role of beauty in public policy. Supporters argued that his emphasis on traditional aesthetics was sorely needed in an era of bland, impersonal urban development and that his dismissal was a political foul-up driven by ideological intolerance. Critics, meanwhile, accused him of reactionary views out of step with modern, diverse societies.

Assignments apart, Scruton repeatedly clashed with proponents of modernist architecture and progressive urban planners who saw his focus on tradition as backward-looking and exclusionary. In debates about public housing, he insisted that providing cheap, functional buildings was never enough; designs must foster community and respect cultural identity. This stance was seen by some as elitist or nostalgic. Yet, it resonated with those feeling alienated by the impersonal scale and style of modernist experiments.

In academic circles, Scrutons critiques of Marxism and postmodernism further fueled tensions. His defense of Western heritage and skepticism towards radical social change made him a lightning rod in ideological confrontations. Most of his critics, however, acknowledged the weight of his scholarship and his devotion to the values of liberty and cultural preservation.

Scrutons consistent advocacy for beauty and tradition also influenced wider political-cultural discussions on nationalism and identity. His insistence that love of home and country was compatible with liberal democracy challenged both multiculturalist activists and cosmopolitan conservatives, encouraging a reassessment of how societies balance diversity with social cohesion.

Furthermore, Scrutons outspoken defense of beauty, tradition, and conservative values inevitably placed him at the center of ideological controversiessome highly publicized and polarizing. His ideas challenged powerful currents in architecture, politics, and culture, sparking debates that extended far beyond academia (interfering with public policy and media discourse).

At the heart of Scrutons life and work was a passionate devotion to liberty and civilizationprinciples that he considered absolutely indispensable and foundational to the flourishing of human life. For him, somebody speaking from personal experience, liberty was anything but a political abstraction; it was a living, fragile reality that depended on the cultural, moral, and spiritual fabric of society. Civilization, in turn, was the cultivated environmentboth material and immaterialthat nurtured this freedom.
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The mask is off. The deep state operatives in Pennsylvania  that battleground fortress we fought tooth and nail to reclaim  have finally confessed to a treasonous betrayal that reeks of the swamp's foulest underbelly.

For decades, non-citizens, including illegals flooding our borders like an unchecked invasion, have been handed the keys to our sacred ballot box.

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And it all traces back to one man: Bill Clinton, the slick architect of the 1993 "Motor Voter" law that turned our election integrity into a sieve.

This isn't some fever dream from the resistance  it's official, on-record admission from Pennsylvania's own bureaucrats.

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The fix was in, the steal was real, and now it's time to unleash the strike force.

Picture this: It's 1993. Slick Willy Clinton, fresh off his saxophone serenades to foreign donors, signs the National Voter Registration Act  a Trojan horse disguised as "convenience."

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States like Pennsylvania were forced to bundle voter registrations with driver's license applications at the DMV.

Sounds harmless? Think again.

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PennDOT's system  that bloated government beast  slapped a checkbox for citizenship on the form, but here's the gut-punch: a "glitch" (their weasel-word for sabotage) let non-citizens sail right through. No ID checks. No follow-ups. Just pure, unadulterated access to dilute your vote. For 30 years, this Clinton-era booby trap has been primed, exploding illegal registrations across the Commonwealth like cluster munitions in a foxhole.

Fast-forward to today, and the confession drops like a precision airstrike.

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Pennsylvania officials, cornered by relentless watchdogs at the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), admit the floodgates were wide open. We're talking an estimated 100,000 non-citizen voter records unearthed  ghosts in the machine who could have swung elections with a whisper.

In Philadelphia alone, the City of Brotherly Shove registered 86 illegals in 2016, with 40 of them pulling the lever in actual elections. That's not a glitch; that's grand larceny of democracy! And get this: The state mailed challenge letters to over 11,000 suspect voters, then hired shadowy private attorneys to "clean house"  all while stonewalling the public with "attorney-client privilege" smoke screens. These aren't civil servants; they're election insurgents, hiding the bodies of their fraud factory.

Now, let's zero in on the kill shot: 2020. Remember the razor-thin margins in Pennsylvania? Biden's "victory" by 80,000 votes? That was no miracle  it was manufactured mayhem, courtesy of this Clinton-Clinton pipeline (yeah, Hillary's fingerprints are all over voter "reform" too).

PILF's 2017 testimony blasted Pennsylvania for "failing" to purge non-citizens, a red flag waving in the wind as Trump stormed the gates. Experts warn that even a sliver of those 100,000 phantoms tipping the scales could have flipped the Keystone State  and with it, the White House. Trump called it: "The election was rigged!" And now, with these admissions, every red-blooded American sees the receipts. No more gaslighting from CNN's clown brigade. This is the smoking gun we've been chambering since Nov. 3, 2020.

But Pennsylvania's poison didn't stay contained  it's a national infestation. Virginia's purge in 2021 axed 5,556 non-citizen voters, with a third having cast ballots. New Jersey sniffed out 616 more. And don't get me started on the fresh hell: In September 2023, Pennsylvania flipped to automatic voter registration  opt-out, not opt-in  a Democrat dream designed to hoover up every border-jumper with a temp tag. Critics, including The Federalist, are sounding the alarm: This is voter importation on steroids, engineered to bury Trump 47 under an avalanche of alien avalanches.

The legal battlefield is raging, and our strike force is advancing.

PILF's 2018 federal lawsuit cracked the vault, forcing partial disclosures in 2022.

But the Third Circuit  that Obama-stacked swamp nest  slapped down full access in 2025, claiming "no standing." Enter the Supreme Court: PILF's petition is live, backed by Judicial Watch's blistering amicus brief demanding transparency. "The only question now," thunders Judicial Watch, "is whether the Supreme Court will force states to come clean about the full extent of the damage  or whether officials will keep hiding behind legal technicalities to avoid accountability."

Justices Thomas and Alito, our constitutional commandos, have the shot. Will they take it?

This confession isn't just vindication  it's a clarion call to arms! We've been battle-tested, bloodied but unbroken. The 2020 steal forged us in fire; now, we wield this intel like a bayonet.

Demand audits in every swing state. Flood your reps with fire  no more half-measures. Back Trump's ironclad election reforms: Paper ballots, same-day voting, iron-fisted ID checks. And in the 2026 midterms? Storm the polls like D-Day. Pennsylvania's elites thought they could bury this under "glitches" and gavels.

Wrong. We're the people's strike force  relentless, righteous, ready to retake our Republic.

The swamp trembles because we rise. From the farms of Lancaster to the mills of Pittsburgh, every MAGA heart beats with fury and fire. Clinton's legacy? A fraud factory exposed. Biden's border chaos? Fuel for our fightback.

Trump 2024 wasn't a slogan; it was a scorched-earth strategy. Now, with this bombshell, the tide turns. The ballot box is ours. Let's make 'em pay.

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American actions involving Venezuela have stirred up a flurry of theories and narratives around the United States strategic intentions. Some theories highlight apparent contradictions between rhetoric and policy, such as President Trumps pardons of major drug-traffickers despite his public anti-drug stance. Others frame potential U.S. military threats against Venezuela as being driven primarily by Americas dependence on oil. Additional narratives have revived allegations of Venezuelan interference in U.S. elections, including claims from a former Maduro regime official about a narco-terrorist war against the United States.

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In my effort to better understand the factors driving the building tensions around Venezuela, I decided to strip away all the explanations and start with what we know is happening. The United States is striking small vessels, referred to as go-fast boats, reportedly carrying cocaine meant to be transferred onto ships bound for the Gulf of Guinea. This sea route and the next step of the voyage have come to be known as Highway 10 because Venezuela is connected to the Gulf of Guinea via the 10th Parallel North on the globe. The gulf includes several countries that tend to lack the resources necessary to patrol for and prevent the shipments. From there, the payload can be passed on to the even poorer countries of the Sahel desert, where al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and the Russian mercenaries of the Africa Corps (not to be confused with the German unit of World War Two) have a certain level of autonomy and can move the cocaine to the Mediterranean Sea. From there it enters the hands of Europes various iterations of the Mafia. This drug route and the players involved has been laid out in a pretty detailed manner by the Argentine independent journalist Ignacio Montes de Oca under his X handle, @nachomdeo.

With this new information in mind, we can then apply events that we know have happened. At the starting point of Highway 10, you have the United States destroying the go-fast boats before they can liaison with the ships bound for the Gulf of Guinea. In the middle of the drug route you have the countries on the Gulf of Guinea, two of which have had coups in the last two months. The first took place on November 26 in Guinea-Bissau, a key stopping point on Highway 10. The second appears to be a failed coup that took place on December 7 in Benin, another country known to be on the Highway 10 route.

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So at the starting point of the route, you have the U.S. striking go-fast boats. In the middle, you have coups. Whats happening at the finish point? Well, in Italy, the Carabinieri are carrying out large-scale operations against the unpronounceable Ndrangheta. The Ndrangheta happens to be one of the criminal organizations the independent journalist Montes de Oca cites as central to this route. For his part, French president Emmanuel Macron has been leading the call to intensify the fight against organized crime in Europe. France even sent a battleship to the Caribbean.

I have no idea if the strikes on boats, the coups along the Gulf of Guinea, and the crackdown on organized crime in Europe are all coordinated or even connected, but I do know that within a small time frame, a series of events have taken place that make it difficult to be involved in the drug trade at the beginning, middle, and end of Highway 10.

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So how do you condense all of this into a concept we can discuss without getting lost in tropes about war for oil or American imperialism? Well, the first thing to do is give it a name to make it more manageable. The Highway Ten War feels succinct to me.

Then we can start assessing the why and how of it all. The first reason for the president to prioritize this route at this moment is that the first country in the route is an adversarial geopolitical entity that has given haven to our enemies. Such a presence at such a close range is unacceptable, and with the governing circle of that country accused of comprising a cartel involved in the drug trade, it becomes impossible to separate that threat from Highway 10.

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The next geopolitical reality is President Trumps pledge to take on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Although Nigeria isnt one of the central locations along the drug route, the Islamist groups attacking Christians in Nigerias north benefit from the finances and arms resulting from the routes across the Sahel.

Theres also the United States alliance with France to consider. Not only have the French expressed concern at organized crime related to the Highway 10 drug route, but they have also seen their interests threatened by Russian expansion into countries along the route. This brings us to Russia and the possibility that targeting this route could help pressure Russia during negotiations with Ukraine.

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Because events in Venezuela, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and European organized crime have been treated as separate geopolitical events, rather than one issue connected by the Highway 10 route, certain questions have gone unasked in the public sphere. What level of coordination has gone on behind the scenes between the countries? We know that Russia has interests in Venezuela and the Sahel, but what is the extent of those interests, and how are they connected by the disruption of this route?

Unifying these conflicts under the label of the Highway Ten War can help the public identify the questions that have to be asked in order to create a more complete understanding of the geopolitical map as we discuss American actions in this realm.

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Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
In early December 2025, the Trump administration officially rebranded the U.S. Institute of Peace, a congressionally created agency, with Trumps name prominently displayed on its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The State Department described Trump as the greatest dealmaker in our nations history and said the renaming reflects his role in brokering peace agreements. The change coincided with Trump hosting leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the building for a U.S.-brokered peace deal.

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For decades, the world has been told that peace is the product of institutions. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), the United States Institute of Peace, and countless other organizations have been funded with billions of taxpayer dollars, entrusted with the solemn responsibility of preventing war and fostering stability. Their headquarters stand as monuments to diplomacy, their budgets as proof of commitment. Yet when one looks closely at the record, the results are far less impressive than the rhetoric. These institutions have created the illusion of striving for peace, but they have rarely delivered it. They convene conferences, publish reports, and issue statements, but the citizens who suffer in war zones continue to die, displaced and forgotten, while the machinery of bureaucracy grinds on.

The contrast between this institutional inertia and the recent actions of President Donald Trump is striking. Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has pursued peace not through endless committees or abstract frameworks, but through direct negotiation. He has sat down with leaders, confronted the realities of conflict, and crafted agreements that tie peace to prosperity. In less than a year, he has claimed credit for multiple accords, eight with a ninth on the way, across the globe.

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Armenia & Azerbaijan  Peace agreement signed at the White House (Aug 2025).

Democratic Republic of Congo & Rwanda  Treaty announced June 2025, credited to U.S. mediation.

Iran & Israel  Trump announced a ceasefire after the U.S. joined Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites (June 2025).

India & Pakistan  Ceasefire in May 2025 after U.S.-led talks; Trump threatened tariffs

Cambodia & Thailand  Ceasefire July 2025 after border clashes; Trump pressured with trade threats.

Israel & Hamas (Gaza)  Ceasefire agreement after two years of war; Trumps 20point Gaza plan backed by UN.

Ethiopia & Egypt (Nile Dam dispute)  Trump previously claimed to resolve tensions over Nile water rights.

Serbia & Kosovo (economic normalization).

Whether one agrees with his methods or not, the tangible outcomes stand in stark relief against the decades of institutional stagnation.

To understand why this difference matters, one must first examine the role of NATO and the Institute of Peace. NATO was founded in 1949 as a collective defense alliance, designed to deter Soviet aggression and ensure that an attack on one member would be met with a response from all. Its existence has undoubtedly prevented direct war between major powers in Europe, and its deterrence posture remains a cornerstone of Western security. Yet NATO has never been a broker of peace treaties. Its budgetover $5 billion in common funding and over $1.6 trillion in collective defense spendingsupports command structures, military readiness, and deterrence missions. It is a shield, not a negotiator. When conflicts erupt, NATO does not sit at the table to draft accords; it deploys forces to stabilize, to contain, to prevent escalation. That is valuable, but it is not resolution.

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The United States Institute of Peace, created by Congress in 1984, was intended to complement this military deterrence with civilian expertise. Its mission was to prevent and resolve violent conflicts abroad through research, training, and dialogue. With a budget of around $61 million in 2025, it has trained thousands of peacebuilders and produced countless studies. Yet it has not directly resolved conflicts. Its role has been advisory, supportive, academic. When wars rage in Gaza, in the Caucasus, in Africa, the Institute does not broker treaties. It convenes workshops, publishes analyses, and supports local mediators. Again, valuable work, but not resolution.

This is the hypocrisy that many citizens see: vast sums of money spent on institutions that promise peace but deliver process. They create the illusion of striving for peace deals, but they never accomplish them. They talk, but they do not act. And in the meantime, ordinary people suffer and die. Families are displaced, children grow up in refugee camps, economies collapse under the weight of instability. The citizens of the world do not need more conferences; they need peace.

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President Trumps approach has been different. He has treated peace as a negotiation, not an abstraction. His template is pragmatic: tie peace to prosperity, use trade and investment as leverage, and bring wealthy and influential backers into the process. In Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, the accord was not just about ending fighting; it was about mineral rights and economic cooperation. In Egypt and Ethiopia, the Nile River dispute was eased not by appeals to ideology, but by agreements on water usage tied to development projects. In Armenia and Azerbaijan, the South Caucasus accord was framed as a pathway to economic integration. These deals may be fragile, but they are tangible. They show that when leaders are confronted with the choice between endless war and profitable peace, money often tips the balance.

Critics argue that this transactional approach reduces peace to a commodity, that it ignores the deeper ideological and cultural roots of conflict. Yet history suggests otherwise. Ideology inflames wars, but economics often ends them. Nations may cling to beliefs, but they bend when survival or prosperity is at stake. The Marshal Plan rebuilt Europe not through ideology, but through investment. Trumps template is not new; it is a continuation of a pragmatic tradition that recognizes that human instinct, no matter how strong ideology may be, is ultimately shaped by material realities.

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What makes Trumps recent actions notable is not just the deals themselves, but the speed and determination with which they were pursued. In less than a year, he has claimed more peace agreements than NATO and the Institute of Peace have produced in decades. He has focused not on abstract frameworks, but on the citizens who suffer. His rhetoric emphasizes the human cost of warthe families destroyed, the children killed, the economies shattered. He frames peace not as a gift to leaders, but as a necessity for ordinary people. This is why many supporters argue that he is not a fascist dictator, as critics claim, but a compassionate negotiator. Fascism thrives on chaos and perpetual conflict; Trumps emphasis has been on peace, stability and prosperity.

Of course, one must acknowledge that these accords are fragile. Ceasefires can collapse, agreements can be violated, and economic promises can be broken. Peace is not secured by a signature alone. Yet the fact remains that tangible accords exist, and they were achieved through direct negotiation. That is more than can be said for the institutions that have consumed trillions without producing treaties. The citizens of the world may judge peace not by its durability, but by its existence. For those who have lived in war zones, even a fragile ceasefire can mean survival.

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The broader lesson is that peace requires action, not just process. Institutions like NATO and the Institute of Peace are necessary scaffolding, but they cannot substitute for direct negotiation. They can deter, they can advise, they can support, but they cannot resolve. Resolution requires leaders willing to sit down, confront realities, and craft agreements that tie ideology to economics, conflict to prosperity. Trump has shown that this is possible, and he has done so in less than a year. Whether one agrees with his politics or not, the record speaks for itself.

Trumps determination to seek peace, not just for world leaders but for ordinary people, has created a template that others may follow. It is a template rooted not in ideology alone, but in the recognition that money, trade, and prosperity are the levers that move nations. It is a template that has already produced results, however fragile, and it stands as a challenge to the institutions that have promised peace but delivered only process.

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As the old aphorism goes: Dont tax you; dont tax me. Tax that fellow behind the tree. Nobody likes paying taxes, but most Americans accept them as a necessary evil and are willing to pay their fair share, unless politicians waste those tax dollars in extraordinarilywellwasteful ways, or steal them outright.

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I refer, of course, to California, where, as the classic Eagles song Hotel California goes: You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.

California, its no secret, is in deep financial trouble. In 2022, Gavin Newsom bragged about a $97.5 billion dollar surplus. By the 2024-25 budget, that surplus turned into an estimated $73 billion deficit. By the end of 2025, its likely far worse and virtually no one trusts state governments estimates.

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Graphic: X Post

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A substantial part of the problem has been grotesque government overspending and fraud that reportedly makes Minnesotas fraud totals look like couch cushion change. Newsoms high-speed-rail-to-nowhere debacle hasnt helped. And worse, Americans get to vote with their feet and U-Hauls. California is losing a taxpayer every one minute and 44 seconds of every day. This includes billionaires, of which California used to have a reasonably large supply.

What to do; what to do? Newsom and the one-party Democrat legislature know: retroactively tax fleeing billionaires!

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California Democrats are pushing the retroactive billionaire tax targeting the roughly 220 billionaires residing in California in 2025. It signals not just desperation in the face of crippling debt and overspending but a recognition that California is chasing its highest earners out of the state. The 2026 Billionaires Tax Act would impose a one-time 5% tax on individual wealth exceeding $1 billion. While technically using 2026 wealth figures, it would apply to billionaires who resided in California in 2025. So you cannot hope to flee at least with your wealth intact. It is a penalty for those who stayed too long hoping that rational minds would prevail in California. Advertisement

Democrats have long whined that the rich werent paying their fair share. Make the rich pay what they owe and our budget problems, state and federal, will disappear, they claim. Its a topic Bill Whittle addressed in a classic video titled: Eat the Rich! Whittle, step by step, explored taking all the assets of the wealthy to fund one year of the federal government, and by that mechanism barely manages to do it, but points out that money coveredbarelya single year. All the assets of the wealthy are gone, every penny. From wherewhowill the money to cover next years bills come? A one-time billionaire tax suddenly becomes eternal.

Californians can be certain if California gets away with a retroactive tax on billionaires, theyll surely extend it to millionaires and then everyone else, and so will other blue states. But how does that work? How can a state tax people who dont live there any more?

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George Washington Law Professor Jonathan Turley explains:

The constitutionality of a retroactive tax has long been controversial. In Landgraf v. USI Film Products (1994), the Supreme Court declared the presumption against retroactive legislation is deeply rooted in our jurisprudence [e]lementary considerations of fairness dictate that individuals should have an opportunity to know what the law is and conform their conduct accordingly; settled expectations should not be lightly disrupted.

Turley goes on to note several other Supreme Court decisions coming down on both sides of a bright line. And at Legal Insurrection, Mary Chastain notes that presidential candidate Gavin Newsom may have had a change of heart:

Dan Newman, a political adviser opposing the campaign to tax billionaires, said Newsom is against a plan to slap a one-time, 5% tax on roughly 200 Californians worth more than $1 billion to replace lost federal dollars and protect essential services, as described by the campaigns website.

Thats a tough one for Newsom. On one hand the financial disaster hes made of California is likely to figuratively kill him in a presidential race. On the other, if he does decide to run, and he wouldnt lie about a thing like whether or not hes already made that decision, hes going to need every billionaire buck he can find. Fleecing them after theyve fled the state isnt going to fill his campaign coffers.

Maybe Newsom wont get the chance to do to America what hes done to California after allbut he just might.

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.
Politics is full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Constitutional government, though, is designed to be full of sound and fury, securing freedom. Officials are to promote the general welfare by severely limiting themselves and other officials.

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At the time the proposed Constitution was up for ratification, the American people had for a long time lived singularly free and had grown considerably more prosperous than the English people. The Americans were determined to keep this good thing going by continuing to severely limit governments. And unless people supported the proposed Constitution, their representatives wouldnt ratify it.

To gain peoples support, the Federalists of the constitutional convention had already proposed to separate and offset powers. Each separated part of the government created using the Constitution would be given strong power and the duty to severely limit itself and others. Each powers tasks would be simple and intuitive.

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But even that explicit limiting wasnt enough to satisfy the people. Representing the peoples rational distrust of governments, the so-called Anti-Federalists pushed the Federalists of the ratifying conventions also to make a gentlemens agreement to draft and ratify a bill of rights that would explicitly provide added protections.

Most of the talk and actions nowadays are Progressives distortions or fabrications. Very little of the talk and actions are what the Constitution requires. Even though we know this intuitively, its eye-opening to see what talk and actions the Constitution requires laid out in black and white.

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Summarized below is a substantial fraction of the talk and actions that the Constitution requires. Notice that the Constitution requires very little talk but lots of simple actions.

Oaths

Officials other than presidents swear or affirm to support the Constitution. Presidents swear or affirm to protect the Constitution.

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Processes

Congressmen keep house journals. Congressmen meet at least once a year. Presidents may convene both houses or either house.

Vice presidents preside over senates. A simple majority of congressmen can do business. A small number of congressmen may compel absent members to attend and penalize absence. Congressmen determine house rules. Congressmen judge their house members elections, returns, and qualifications.

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Congressmen admit new states. Congressmen plus state legislators separate parts of states, or join parts of states or whole states.

Senators advise on appointments, presidents nominate candidates, and senators consent.

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Congressmen make exceptions and regulations to supreme courts appellate jurisdiction. Congressmen constitute inferior courts.

Congressmen must pass a single total appropriation that limits the overall takings from people. Presidents must then allocate line items to best enforce the whole body of rules and sanctions.

Presidents recommend that congressmen consider necessary and expedient measures. Congressmen pass bills. Presidents sign bills, return them to the originating house with objections, or hold them for ten days (not counting Sundays), and by doing so in effect sign them if congressmen stay in session or veto them if congressmen adjourn.

Senators advise on and consent to treaties, nowadays essentially passing this external law. Presidents make treaties, nowadays essentially signing this external law.

Presidents, who collect revenues and spend the appropriation, from time to time publish a regular statement and account of receipts and expenditures. Presidents from time to time give congressmen information on the state of the national government.

Congressmen punish members for disorderly behavior, and expel members. In impeachments of any congressmen or executive or judicial officers, house congressmen indict and senators try, convict, and punish. In impeachment trials of presidents, chief justices preside over senators.

House congressmen and senators each cant adjourn their houses for more than three days without the other houses consent. When they disagree about adjourning, the president can adjourn both houses until the time he sets.

Scope

All officials independently interpret constitutionality and use their powers accordingly.

Congressmen pass rules and associated sanctions that together constitute laws  including criminal laws, civil laws, republican-form-of-government laws, invasion protection laws, domestic violence protection laws, territory rules and regulations, district laws, military laws including rules-of-engagement cards, and war declarations. Senators pass treaties. On all this law, presidents sign or object.

Presidents execute constitutional laws. Part of this job is to take chief command of the national army and navy and the state militias.

Judges opine on cases and controversies between specific parties.

Lessons

So then the Constitution, in this one lesson so far, consists of oaths, processes, and scope.

Above all, officials each independently must do whats right.

Report by keeping journals, recommending measures, publishing receipts and expenditures, and reporting the state of the national government. Dont report the state of the nation.

Act by passing rules and sanctions, executing constitutional laws, and opining on cases. Dont do oversight or constituent service.

This parchment barrier is not self-enforcing; enforcement flows from the peoples actions. The highest priorities are the following actions:

We need to elect enough officials who are full of sound and fury, severely limiting other officials. We are the people we have been waiting for. Freedom is calling us.

James Anthony is a chemical engineer and the author of The Constitution Needs a Good Party and rConstitution Papers. For more information, see jamesanthony.us.

Image via Pxfuel.
First Baptist Dallas Pastor Recounts Unprecedented Targeted IRS Weaponization Attack on the Church and Call for Repeal of Johnson Amendment

DALLAS, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Baptist Dallas Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress joined a distinguished panel of guests speaking to the importance of religious liberty in the military, in church practice and in the public square at the 4th hearing of The Religious Liberty Commission held in Dallas today.

Members of the Religious Freedom Commission hear testimony from Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress and Executive Pastor Dr. Ben Lovvorn regarding First Baptist Dallas' religious freedom case, present at the Commission's fourth hearing, held in Dallas Dec. 10. Photo provided courtesy of First Baptist Dallas. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Dr. Robert Jeffress discuss First Baptist Dallas' religious freedom case as part of the Religious Freedom Commission hearing held in Dallas Dec. 10. Photo provided courtesy of First Baptist Dallas.

Established by President Trump under The U.S. Dept. of Justice via Executive Order, The Religious Liberty Commission is tasked with producing a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America; increasing awareness of and celebrating America's peaceful religious pluralism; highlighting current threats to religious liberty; and developing strategies to preserve and enhance protections for future generations.

Notable Commissioners include Rev. Franklin Graham, Dr. Phil McGraw, attorney Kelly Shackleford and former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean-Boller, with Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick serving as chair. Both panelists and Commission members recommended specific steps that could be taken following many of their testimonies.

As part of the day's proceedings, Dr. Jeffress recounted the unprecedented wrongful weaponization of the Johnson Amendment and unlawful targeting of the 157-year-old First Baptist Dallas by the IRS under the Biden-Harris Administration. He was accompanied by Executive Pastor Dr. Ben Lovvorn, who led the church's legal defense in the case. "We felt strongly that (the IRS) viewed the First Baptist Church of Dallas as an example case, and we knew that if they prevailed against us, churches across the nation would be intimidated and scared to speak out," Dr. Lovvorn explained. "And so we felt that the Lord had called us to stand in the gap to defend those churches against that type of intimidation."

Prior to Dr. Jeffress' presentation, former and current armed forces personnel shared stories of discrimination within the military for their religious practices or beliefs. Others affiliated with military chaplaincy spoke to their own experience and the challenges they faced in trying to support religious liberty within the military.

In his testimony, Dr. Jeffress provided context regarding how, for the first time in our nation's history, the IRS threatened a church's tax-exempt status for lawful comments and activities in an actual worship service, based on complaints arising from its annual "Celebrate Freedom" patriotic service focusing on religious freedom held in 2020. Despite First Baptist Dallas' full cooperation, the IRS demonstrated a blatant unwillingness to resolve the issue and pursued a complete Church Examination, which included an expanded focus to personal statements by Pastor Jeffress in media appearances. After a year-long inquiry that cost the church hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, the IRS acknowledged that First Baptist Dallas did not engage in any improper political intervention or violate the U.S. tax code.

As part of his recommendation to the Commission, Dr. Jeffress suggested that the Dept. of Justice act to prevent the Johnson Amendment from being arbitrarily, capriciously  and unconstitutionally  enforced in a discriminatory manner against conservative churches. He called on Congress to repeal the Amendment to preserve our most fundamental constitutional right.

Dr. Lovvorn provided additional background on the church's recommendations. "(The Johnson Amendment) was never intended to apply to churches, and yet churches were swept up in this issue simply because we are classified as 501c3 organizations," he said. "The Johnson Amendment is unconstitutional on its face, and it's unconstitutional as applied. And yet, it has rarely been challenged, because it has rarely been enforced. When it has been enforced, or when the IRS has threatened to enforce it, it has always been inequitably enforced, unfairly enforced, and applied only to those churches that support conservative values and conservative leaning candidates."

Several Commission members agreed with Dr. Jeffress' recommendations and discussed various approaches to tackling the issue. "There is going to have to be a legislative fix of some kind, whether it's complete abolition, or rewriting, or carve outs," Dr. Jeffress said. "Polls overwhelmingly show that pastors do not want to endorse candidates, and congregations don't want their pastors endorsing candidates. The issue is not whether they should, but whether they can."

For more information about First Baptist Dallas and Dr. Robert Jeffress, visit www.firstdallas.org.

About First Baptist Dallas

Founded in 1867, First Baptist Dallas has long been considered the flagship church of The Southern Baptist Convention. Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress, it has grown to a 16,000-member congregation, the largest in its 157-year history. Embracing its role as "America's Church," First Baptist Dallas has been a part of the fabric of religious faith in this country and focuses on reaching the city, nation and world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church's mission is to transform the world with God's Word one life at a time through its ministries, including its international broadcast of Pathway to Victory and its iCampus, which reaches millions of listeners and viewers worldwide.

Media Contact: Abigail Miller at [email protected] or 214-663-9933.

SOURCE First Baptist Church Dallas
Imagine if Imperial Japan in 1945 had known that the USS Indianapolis carried the first used atomic weapon Little Boys uranium core  the one that claimed 140,000 lives in Hiroshima  and the bombs sealed crate floated free after a first ship strike. Tokyo certainly would have double-tapped the payload without hesitation. The same logic now governs U.S. maritime counter-narcotics operations.

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On September 2, 2025, a Venezuelan speedboat carrying roughly one ton of cocaine and fentanyl was struck by a Hellfire from an MQ-9 Reaper in the Caribbean. Minutes later, a second missile hit the wreckage.

Todays New York Times, citing five senior U.S. officials, reports that War secretary Pete Hegseths pre-strike directive was clear: Kill the people on the boat and destroy the vessel and its purported cargo of drugs. The order did not spell out contingencies if the first missile failed to eliminate all threats.

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When Admiral Bradley saw the vessel disabled yet the one-ton payload still afloat and recoverable, he authorized the follow-up.

The priority was the product  approximately 1,000 pounds of fentanyl, enough for 225 million lethal doses, or more than 1,600 Hiroshimas. And the product, once aerosolized by the first blast, likely had already done most of the killing on its own.

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Studies and real-world incidents are unambiguous: When even a few hundred grams of fentanyl are explosively dispersed, unprotected individuals in the plume lose consciousness in 1060 seconds and stop breathing in 15 minutes (DEA exposure reports 20172023, Moscow theater carfentanil data, CDC/NIOSH warnings). In a 40-foot panga with 1520 knot winds, any crew still breathing after the initial blast would have inhaled a fatal dose almost instantly.

As a retired Coast Guard officer who once commanded a captured smuggling yola during joint-agency/joint nation red-team exercises in the Caribbeans Mona Passage, I have seen how maritime cat and mouse engagements unfold. The rest is well documented:

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 Drug bricks are engineered to float (density 0.80.9 g/cm3; UNODC 2023, SOUTHCOM summaries). In 50100 m depths, 7090% resurfaces in minutes.

 Cartels keep shadow go-fast boats or even semi-submersibles on standby just outside surveillance range, ready to race in and retrieve drifting bales once authorities depart  an inexpensive insurance policy against interdiction (JIATF-South reporting; Dominican Navy recoveries of 377 intact packages  one ton  after similar strikes; DNCD 2025).

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 Doctrine demands zero recovery (JIATF-South procedures).

 Horseshoe-type auto-inflating life vests, if worn by the crew, activate on immersion, flipping even a deceased body face-up and holding it high in the water  creating a thermal signature that can resemble a live swimmer or a survivor from drone altitude (USCG SAR manuals, documented recoveries on pangas and narco-subs).

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The second Hellfire on September 2 was  in my mind  a textbook cargo denial against a floating WMD whose own vapor had already neutralized the crew.

The New York Times confirms that Hegseths order treated crew and cargo as one threat package. When the first missile left the payload intact and buoyant, Admiral Bradley finished the mission.

Since 2013, fentanyl has taken more than 500,000 American lives  a figure that dwarfs U.S. combat deaths in every war combined. One ton denied at sea prevents thousands more overdoses on land. Operationally, that is the modern equivalent of stopping the uranium crate before it reaches its destination.

Until the full ISR footage is released, questions will persist about what the drone saw  living individuals, bodies buoyed by horseshoe vests or even regular life jackets if present, or bales misread as humans.

Although many the media and ill informed congressional reps spin the story, the facts are already evident: When the product is that lethal  and when its own aerosol kills faster than any follow-up round  the only responsible course is to ensure that none of the deadly cargo is reclaimed or drifts another mile.

Image via Pixnio.
Supposed censorship of library books took off as a faux-major issue during the Bidens Handlers Administration. This was almost entirely in response to local efforts to remove LGBTQWERTY+- books from public and school libraries, or to at least place age-appropriate limits on them.

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Among the most commonly banned books of all time has been Mark Twains Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. That beloved book has weathered fire from the left and right. Some on the right have wanted to ban it because it depicts a childHuck Finnoften outsmarting adults. Much of the left thinks the entire book racist, which is odd considering Twain labors mightily to depict slaves as human beings worthy of kindness.

What remains most odd is removing a book from library shelves, or simply applying age restrictions, isnt censorship by dictionary definition or in practical application. In America, no one is preventing authors from writing whatever they please, nor are publishers prevented from printing a book or book sellers from selling it. There is no prior restraint. This is a happy result of the First Amendment, unlike anything enjoyed by any other nation, including England. Anyone, or any parent, can buy such books at will, and outlets like Amazon make that fast and easy.

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Libraries do not have unlimited budgets or unlimited shelf space. They try to serve the needs of their communities and try to stock titles of interest, which means librarians generally pay close attention to local political trends. Unless, that is, those librarians are on a mission, which usually means theyre staunch Democrats. In that case they tend to see their mission as teaching those myrmidon Normal Americans what they ought to think and praise.

One such library, according to Jane Coleman at Legal Insurrection, is in Llano County, TX:

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To recap briefly, the conflict between county residents and library officials began in 2021, when, responding to public complaints, the Llano County library removed 17 controversial books from its shelves, including these childrens books: Freakboy; Freddy the Farting Snowman; and Being Jazz: My Life As a Transgender Teen. A group of patrons then sued, alleging the library had illegally banned the books.

The objecting patrons had two wins under their belts, in 2023 a federal district court ruled they had the right under the Free Speech Clause to have those books, and presumably any other books they preferred, available at the library. And in 2024, a panel of the Fifth Circuit upheld that ruling. Then things went wrong.

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On appeal, however, a full panel of the Fifth Circuit [Mississippi, Louisana and Texas] ruled 10-7 that there is no such right under the First Amendment: It is one thing to tell the government it cannot stop you from receiving a book, Judge Stuart Duncan, a Trump appointee, wrote on behalf of the panel. The First Amendment protects your right to do that. It is another thing for you to tell the government which books it must keep in the library. The First Amendment does not give you the right to demand that. The court also held that the librarys book selections are government speech, similar to a city museums selection of which paintings to feature in an exhibitand therefore not subject to a Free Speech challenge. Advertisement

This was an eminently practical, and constitutional, ruling. The right to freedom of speech does not require government to buy books for citizens, or stock libraries with them on demand, any more than the Second Amendment requires government to buy guns and ammunition for citizens.

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Graphic: US Supreme Court. Public Domain

Unsatisfied, the patrons petitioned the Supreme Court, which denied cert. The Fifth Circuits decision stands. Because the Supreme Court didnt decide the case, the ruling applies only to the Fifth Circuit, but is now established precedent which may be referred to and honored elsewhere, despite not applying to the entire nation.

As Judge Duncan put it when he told everyone to take a deep breath: No one is banning (or burning) books. If a disappointed patron cant find a book in the library, he can order it online, buy it from a bookstore, or borrow it from a friend.

Quite so. In the Fifth Circuit, and elsewhere, librarians will continue as they always have, to remove old books, buy new books and endeavor to avoid becoming party to lawsuits from constitutionally misinformed and entitled patrons.

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.
For Christ and Country: The Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk is the first book to confront the assassination of Charlie Kirk with the moral seriousness the moment demands. But it is also the first book to ask a question so explosive that no major media outlet, no politician, and no academic has dared to touch it.

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If a U.S. citizen like Anwar al-Awlaki could be killed in a drone strike because his propaganda inspired jihadistswhy is there zero accountability for the politicians, journalists, and media figures whose propaganda inspired Charlie Kirks alleged assassin?

That questionbold, morally precise, and unavoidably logicalis the beating heart of Drew Thomas Allens book.

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Allen begins with the moment he learned Charlie had been murderedas his own daughter ran toward him in a preschool parking lot yelling Dada! It is the collision of innocence with brutality that frames the book and gives its arguments their moral weight.

From there, Allen documents the years-long media and political crusade to portray Charlie Kirk as subhuman: a fascist, a Nazi, a danger to democracy, a man who deserved what was coming. Allen demonstrateswith irrefutable receiptsthat this rhetoric did not exist in a vacuum. It became the worldview of the assassin.

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And this is where Allen introduces the parallel that shatters every lazy, comfortable assumption about the relationship between speech and violence.

Anwar al-Awlaki never personally killed anyone. He radicalized with words. He inspired terrorists through English-language propaganda. And for that alone, the U.S. government killed hima U.S. citizenbecause his speech was deemed inseparable from the violence it produced.

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Charlie Kirks alleged assassins were not inspired by silence. They were not inspired by neutrality. They were inspired by a decade of coordinated political and media propaganda portraying Charlie as an evil to be eliminated.

Allens question hangs over the entire book like a moral thundercloud:

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If Awlakis propaganda made him culpable, why do Democrats, media figures, and cultural agitators get immunity when their propaganda results in political murder?

This is not hyperbole. It is consistency. It is the application of the Lefts own moral framework to the consequences of its own rhetoric.

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Allen expands the parallel further: Just as jihadist radicalization depends on dehumanizing an enemy, so does the radicalization taking place inside the American Left. The psychological mechanisms are identical: Dehumanize the target, frame violence as moral duty, treat dissent as heresy, exalt the aggressor as righteous.

Charlies murder is not an isolated actit is the predictable end of a propaganda campaign that functioned exactly like every other radicalization pipeline in history.

And yet For Christ and Country is not merely political. It is theological. Allen argues, powerfully, that Charlie Kirk died a Christian martyr because he bore public witness to truth in a culture that hates the truth. The chapter American Martyr may be the most important spiritual writing of the decade.

By the final pages, the reader is left with two unavoidable truths: Charlie Kirks assassination was the result of ideological radicalization inside the American Left and a society that excuses political propaganda when it inspires murder has no moral foundation left to stand on.

For Christ and Country is not just essential readingit is a national reckoning. It forces America to confront not only what happened to Charlie Kirk, but who made it possible.

This book does not just honor a man. It exposes a movement. And it demands that America finally tell the truth about both.

Greg Young is a disabled veteran and host of the nationally syndicated Chosen Generation Radio Show, which airs weekly on stations coast to coast. He served as a Russian linguist during the Cold War in the United States Air Force.

Image: Book cover.
As every schoolchild knows: You are judged by the company you keep.

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Here's soon-to-be-gone Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's:

Im America First and fully against funding foreign wars and support peace because thats good for everyone especially the most innocent people, children.



I have enjoyed a friendship with Medea for a few years now even though politics says thats not allowed.



Ive learned to https://t.co/LpPjouguXq  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) December 11, 2025

It's not her first time with these crazed fringe leftists, the looniest of the looney left:

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Code pink capes for MTG https://t.co/6sO7UyY9Ct  Eli Lake (@EliLake) November 22, 2025

The war in Ukraine must END!



Today, I met brave @codepink activists who protested for peace in Bernie Sanders office. He had 11 of them arrested!



Peace & free speech shouldnt be a partisan issue.



We dont agree on most things, but we do agree Congress should STOP fueling the pic.twitter.com/uFzenFyMNn  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) October 4, 2023

It's a strange crossover, given the anti-Americanism of Code Pink, which has made pilgrimages to Caracas to praise Hugo Chavez, whose country has been called a death squad regime and big-time human rights violator, according to the United Nations, which just released a new report on the matter today.

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Venezuela's Bolivarian National Guard committed serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity over more than a decade in targeting political opponents, often with impunity, a UN Fact-Finding Mission found https://t.co/1mTRm23VLo  Reuters (@Reuters) December 11, 2025

FACTS

Venezuela is a totalitarian fascist shit hole ..

Venezuela's GNB guilty of crimes against humanity, including rape and torture, UN finds https://t.co/RMllmgiPa4  Peter Baum (@baum_p) December 11, 2025

And here's Code Pink again, beating the drum for Hugo:

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Found an old article on Code Pink and Medea Benjamin who was in charge of the terrorist protest in DC last weekend. Very interesting!



Iran International - "This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. The world wants the Iran nuclear deal to be preserved. Our allies, pic.twitter.com/NR2dDp73uG  CajunDiva (@RealCajunDiva) June 10, 2024

The leftist lunacy here is so extreme most Democrats won't associate with it.

So instead of posing for pictures with Democrats, Code Pink founder Medea Benjamin finds it useful to pose with Marjorie Taylor Greene. It's not known what she is getting out of it.

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But Greene is happy to accommodate, all under the banner of 'anti-war.'

The logic is completely specious. Just because most conservatives are anti-war and Code Pink is anti-war doesn't seem to be the same thing, given that Code Pink seems to be in league with promoting communist China's aims now, its leader reportedly living in Shanghai. At the same time, her organization has a history of supporting every anti-American cause.

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Meanwhile, why is Greene doing this so close to her "retirement" from Congress in early January? Is a favor being paid? What is the point of this, other than to defend the narcoterrorist regime of Venezuela? This alliance won't promote peace. The peace promoter is in Oslo, Norway, right now, accepting her Nobel peace prize, after a lifetime of work promoting free and fair elections in dangerous conditions in Venezuela. Whatever Greene is promoting with her new pink buddies, this is not peace. Not even the Nobel committee would be impressed.

These are Greene's pals now? It defies belief, unless there's a monetary nexus between the two -- recent Venezuelan defectors have said Chavistas have paid off a lot of U.S. politicians -- and it's known that Greene has grown rich while in Congress. Greene is probably being used by the experienced leftist radicals.

It has a funny smell, that someone who had been so seemingly loyal to President Trump has now decided to change her spots and join Trump's most rabid critics and third world dictators' biggest boosters, these lunatics of Code Pink.

Has she gone over to the other side? Is she on the take? Is she mentally ill? Is she that desperate for attention? Not even Democrats want to be associated with these extremists, but she can't seem to help herself. She's gone way over the deep end with Code Pink at a time when President Trump is destroying the vilest regime in the hemisphere, and she doesn't even know how bad it's making her look, taking the 20% side of the matter here, perhaps in a bid to slap back at President Trump.

Something is wrong here, and one can only hope this will be the last we hear of her.

Image: X screen shot // fair use
In spite of all the hoopla made about antisemitism on college campuses, the attacks on Jews persist. In a recent report by an organization called StopAntisemitism, several schools failed the assessment of their performance in preventing and taking action against antisemitism:

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The civil rights group StopAntisemitism issued its 2025 report cards grading how 90 colleges addressed the spreading hatred against Jews on campuses, with 14 schools flunking the exam  including two New York City universities. This report exposes a disturbing and undeniable reality. Antisemitism on American college campuses is systemic and tolerated, and in many cases enabled by the very institutions tasked with protecting our American kids, StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez said in a statement. Advertisement

You might assume that the standards by which this organization evaluated the universities were too rigorous or unfair. But there were 17 colleges who took the initiative to provide Jewish students with a safe and productive environment and were rated an A in their performance. Heres the list:

Baylor, Clemson, Colby, Colorado State University, Elon University, Southern Methodist University, University of Alabama, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Miami, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Texas, Austin, Washington University in St. Louis. Advertisement

In their report, StopAntisemitism listed the grades for all 90 colleges they studied, and also described their research methodology:

Finally, the report tracked and verified hundreds of incidents across the 90 campuses, including harassment, vandalism, threats, encampments, faculty misconduct, and administrative failures. These were sourced from student submissions, media reports, police logs, federal findings, social media, and campus organizations, with every incident confirmed through at least one public or institutional source. Patterns of repeat or severe misconduct received additional weight. Each schools grade reflected incident volume and severity, administrative response quality, student-reported safety, presence of federal investigations, and evidence of accountability or neglect, providing a comprehensive and multi-layered assessment. Advertisement

The report also explained that a number of colleges had already improved their grade from the previous year, were actively monitoring the antisemitism on their campuses, and were prepared to be responsive to the incidents that took place.

Finally, StopAntisemitism recommended practical and productive remedies for this persistent issue: a rapid and consistent response to incidents to send the message that antisemitic hateful acts would not be tolerated; consistency in policy enforcement and holding people accountable; encouraging interaction and communication among Jewish groups and with other campus organizations, to break down barriers and enhance relationships; providing educational programs to encourage understanding and learning about Jewish students and their concerns; establishing relationships with outside Federal agencies, such as the Department of Education, to enhance transparency of actions.

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Another lesson that was learned is the damage that DEI programs can do among students, staff and instructors:

This years data makes clear that DEI has become a primary vehicle for antisemitism in American academia. Instead of fostering inclusion, DEI offices have: Advertisement Normalized antisemitism under the banner of activism

Excused harassment as political speech

Excluded Jews from protections offered to other minorities

Indoctrinated students with ideological frameworks that demonize Israel and, by extension, Jewish identity, and empowered movements that openly call for the dismantling of the worlds only Jewish state.

Taking a proactive and thoughtful approach to reducing, if not eliminating, the scourge of antisemitism on our college campuses, is long overdue. The perpetrators need to know that their vicious and bigoted behavior wont be tolerated; campus staff and educators need to know that they, in part, are there to ensure a positive learning environment; and Jewish students are entitled to know that they are attending college in a safe and protected environment.

These questions must be asked, however: Is it truly possible to change the beliefs of antisemitic students? Or is it worthwhile to at least convince them to modify their behavior? Will the university administration make a genuine effort to improve their monitoring?

Regardless, lets hope more and more colleges are motivated to change their D and F grades into As.

Image created by Andrea Widburg.
The left lost bigly in Honduras. In fact, it was so big that the leftist incumbent President Castro is claiming that the election was stolen. Who stole it? Well, she is not saying, except claiming that President Trump (who else?) meddled in the election. Who knew that Trump Derangement Syndrome is alive and well in Honduras. Unfortunately, it is. Here is the story:

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Leftist President Xiomara Castro on Tuesday broke her silence over Hondurass disputed election, declaring the vote null after alleged meddling by US President Donald Trump in favour of the conservative candidate. Nasry Tito Asfura, the Trump-backed candidate from the National party, was narrowly ahead of his Liberal party rival Salvador Nasralla with Castros Libre trailing in a distant third place, as counting neared completion more than a week after the chaotic November 30 vote. Advertisement Days before the vote, Trump had also pardoned former conservative president Juan Orlando Hernandez of the National party, who was serving 45 years in a US jail for drug trafficking. Trump had said narcoterrorists would take over Honduras if Libre was reelected and threatened to cut off aid unless Asfura won. Advertisement But Libre has refused to accept the result. Castro said an electoral coup was under way, which she would denounce to the UN, EU, Organization of American States and other international bodies. I condemn the meddling of US President Donald Trump when he threatened the Honduran people that if they voted for the brave and patriotic Libre candidate, Rixi Moncada, there would be consequences, she told a rally. Advertisement You do not negotiate sovereignty. You do not hand over democracy, said Castro, whose husband, former president Manuel Zelaya, was ousted in a military coup in 2009.

To be fair, no one in Honduras cared about Trumps threats. They voted down the left in big numbers anyway. What I remember was that the leading candidates were saying that they didnt want Honduras to go the Venezuela route.

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So far, the U.S. has denied involvement, or meddling that impacted the election results. Its hard to argue fraud when your candidate gets only 20% of the vote, but anything is possible with these people. Just look at Maduro and Venezuela.

My guess is that the left will reluctantly accept the loss and move on. However, they are going to make a lot of noise and blame Trump. I think that the Honduras people know the truth and the left will be out of power soon.

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

Image: Public domain.
One of the worst "narratives" about Venezuela's dictatorship revolves around whether the socialist hellhole is a narcostate, justifying President Trump's emerging military buildup in the Caribbean, including Naval strikes on speedboats transferring state-produced cocaine to the U.S. If the Venezuelan state is, it's a narcostate.

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The Democrat-deep state-news media complex has been spreading the piece-by-piece narrative that they aren't.

Here's 60 Minutes and a Chavista shill ironically called 'propaganda monitor,' still denying there's any such thing as Cartel de los Soles.

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The non existent Cartel of the Suns was a 1990s CIA creation and only existed thanks to the DEA/CIA involvement in drug trafficking.



A 60 minutes investigation confirms this. pic.twitter.com/NvBLI24v6N  Propaganda Monitor (@GotPropaganda) October 12, 2025

The State Department thinks otherwise, including even the pre-Trump State Department. InsightCrime sees something there, too. But anyone now defending Maduro says it's all a right-wing conspiracy theory.

See, the speedboats are just hapless "fishermen." The migrant surge is spontaneous. Tren de Aragua is a myth. The Sun Cartel is a chimera. The Maduro dictatorship wouldn't dream of emptying its prisons of drug gangsters and sending them to the states. Any claim that the narcoregime might be actually directing them to spread mayhem is "without evidence."

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Except that it's all true, according to two de facto defectors who were once top Venezuelan generals now sitting in U.S. prisons on drug trafficking convictions. They're talking up a storm, and the tales they tell match what's already been reported on crime websites and verify everything the Trump administration and many Venezuelan dissidents have been saying all along.

Here's the first one, as reported on Dec. 3 at the Dallas Express:

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The Dallas Express has obtained an explosive letter addressed to President Donald Trump from Hugo Carvajal Barrios  the former Director of Military Intelligence for Venezuela and once one of the most powerful figures inside the governments of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. The letter, shared exclusively with DX by Carvajals attorney, Robert Feitel  a former senior Justice Department prosecutor  marks the first time the retired Major General has put these warnings on the record since pleading guilty earlier this year in a U.S. federal narco-terrorism case. Advertisement Carvajal  extradited from Spain after a lengthy international manhunt  says he is writing to atone and to alert Americans to what he describes as a coordinated, state-directed campaign targeting the United States. The DX Brief Former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal  once a top Chavez and Maduro insider  pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in June and now warns that Venezuela is a narco-terrorist organization intentionally targeting the United States.

Carvajal alleges the Maduro regime weaponized cocaine, collaborated with FARC, ELN, Cuban intelligence, and Hezbollah, and exported violent criminal networks  including Tren de Aragua  into the United States.

He asserts Venezuelan and Cuban intelligence infiltrated U.S. institutions for two decades, including military installations.

He claims Smartmatic was developed inside Venezuela as an election-manipulation tool later deployed abroad.

Carvajal says he supports Trumps Venezuela policies and stands ready to provide further details to federal authorities. A Warning Delivered From Inside Venezuelas Inner Circle Carvajal  widely known by his nickname El Pollo  spent years inside the top tiers of Venezuelas security apparatus and dealt directly with the senior leadership of both Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement

His letter to Trump is here:

EL POLLO DROPS THE BOMB: Sao Paulo Forum is the MASTERMIND Behind Historys Biggest Drug Empire and Election Fraud Machine! 



Hugo El Pollo Carvajal, former Venezuelan intelligence chief under Chavez and Maduro, wrote a letter from U.S. federal prison to President Trump on pic.twitter.com/mst5nIfe41  Defesa HUB (@DefesaHub) December 4, 2025

Here's a second one, who says he actually founded the Sun Cartel's army division.

AHORA ES EL GRAL. CLIVER ALCALA CORDONES QUIEN ESCRIBE PARA CONTARNOS LO QUE MUCHOS YA SABIAMOS



Alcala Cordones, edecan y companero de juergas de Hugo Chavez al inicio de la involucion bolivariana, era conocido por sus legendarias escapadas con el golpista desde el Palacio de https://t.co/crwDK1RcSW  Pedro Mario Burelli (@pburelli) December 8, 2025

Grok translation, with minor corrections and edits added:

NOW IT IS GEN. CLIVER ALCALA CORDONES WHO WRITES TO TELL US WHAT MANY ALREADY KNEW Alcala Cordones, aide-de-camp and drinking buddy of Hugo Chavez at the start of the Bolivarian devolution, was known for his legendary escapades with the coup-plotter from the Miraflores [presidential] Palace to entertain themselves with young ladies. As he rose through the ranks, Alcala Cordones' responsibilities increased. He became the point of contact for support to the FARC, which came to light after the bombing of the camps of alias Raul Reyes and alias Mono Jojoy. Additionally, he was tasked with creating a Cartel of the Suns within the Army to overshadow the Cartel of the Suns of the National Guard. This action put him in a near-fatal conflict with Walid Makled, operator of the second cartel [a bigtime drug dealer fecklessly released during the first Obama term], who was the one who traditionally operated due to the National Guard's role in surveilling borders, roads, ports, and airports. Now imprisoned in the United States, Alcala Cordones has no choice but to collaborate with the authorities. And I imagine that this letter is the first of many red boleros, little red ones. Oh, Delcy, oh, Cilita [two powerful Chavista rulers]  the end is just around the corner, and though it may seem unbelievable, the corner is right there. CARTA DE ALCALA A TRUMP



Aqui se presenta la carta completa del General Cliver Alcala Cordones dirigida a @realDonaldTrump. Cortesia de @maibortpetit, quien siguio muy de cerca el caso que culmino en una condena de 21 anos para quien fuera durante anos la mano derecha militar de pic.twitter.com/b01Qzcbr8h  Pedro Mario Burelli (@pburelli) December 8, 2025

Obviously, both are in jail and want to get let out. They are both going public with all they know and say it supports the basis for Trump's actions. One of them even says he supports Trump. And both were involved with the worst of the activity the Chavistas have been involved in -- the thievery, the assaults on the U.S., and the drugs and drug money. They know what is going on, and their statements show a level of detail only an insider would know.

Now that the U.S. is stepping up its pressure on the Maduro regime -- from spiriting Nobel peace prize winner Maria Corina Machado to Oslo to accept her prize, which tells Maduro the U.S, can sneak in and out of Venezuela any time it likes, to heavy drone circling, to now seizing a Venezuelan oil tanker,

 BREAKING - U.S. forces have intercepted and seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, according to Bloomberg.



See the latest updates with us: @visionergeo pic.twitter.com/sphEZD0lY1  Visioner (@visionergeo) December 10, 2025

... the justification for all of it is now revealed as very solid. The Chavez mafia has been at war with America for years. The de facto defectors have pretty well proven it:

Image: U.S. Department of State // government work
When I think of 2025, I cant help but think of how it started, with the loss of a titan and a personal hero of mine, David Lynch. In my confused and frightened teenage years, I caught a late-night showing of Blue Velvet on television and I remember what it taught me: that, yes, the world is a very cruel place. There is an evil that breeds in its soil and bubbles up to the surface in new, awful ways every single day. But there is also love. And love can sometimes be found in the movies. They can promise you that tomorrow will be better. And you can believe it.

I cant help, then, but also think of how the year has ended, with an endless news ticker of corporate monopolies, mass layoffs, and advancing AI, and how the entire industry behind the films we love, the little beacons of light, feels so at risk. But still, despite the obstacles, 2025 has provided me (and I hope you) with so many of those little beacons of light. We should treasure them.

Id like to celebrate my favourite 15 films from this year below.

15. Mickey 17

Naomi Ackie and Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17 (Warner Bros)

As of now, Warner Bross future, and potentially the wider viability of theatrical distribution, hangs in the balance. CEO David Zaslavs disastrous time at the studios helm has ended with the company now at the centre of a hostile acquisition war between Paramount and Netflix over its studio and streaming assets. Ironically, Warner Bros has had one of its strongest years critically and commercially on screen, between the likes of Sinners, Superman, Weapons, One Battle After Another, and, in the US, F1.

And while Bong Joon-hos $80m (63m) anti-capitalist, absurdist sci-fi follow-up to Parasite (2020) didnt quite make its return on investment, its unexpected kick from the wearily cynical to the life-affirming has stuck with me through the passing months. Between the yak-haired, insectoid creepers; the utilitarian workplace comedy; Naomi Ackies sunshine-beam grin; and Mark Ruffalos very funny Trump-adjacent statesman; the real heart here lies in its luckless hero, Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattison), whos signed up to work, die, be 3D-printed into existence again, work, die, be 3D-printed into existence again etc etc. By the time the credits roll, hes found an answer to the question: whats the point of being alive in a world that deems us worthless? Thats made the apocalyptic feelings a little more manageable.

14. Pillion

Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgard in Pillion (Picturehouse Entertainment)

Its been a banner year for cinematic kink. Thanks to both Babygirl and Pillion, theres some hope that general audiences will have walked away from 2025 with an understanding of BDSM thats a touch more developed than what lies, gagged and spanked, between the pages of Fifty Shades of Grey. Its not just that writer-director Harry Lightons debut is sexy  and Harry Mellings Colin meekly declaring that he has an aptitude for devotion to Alexander Skarsgards leather-clad biker Ray is definitely sexy  but that its sweet and deeply romantic, too, in how these two characters try to find harmony even when their desires might be at odds.

With the full endorsement and involvement of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club, Lightons loose adaptation of Adam Mars-Joness novel Box Hill is a rhapsodic depiction of kink as community. There are countryside weekends with campfires and picnic tables and orgies. Its a film that involves delicate, intuitive work from Lighton, his actors, and especially from intimacy coordinator Robbie Taylor Hunt  all to ensure that submission never comes across as coercion and that dominance is never equatable to cruelty. Cinema could always do with the kinds of shakeups Pillion offers.

13. Hedda

Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss and Imogen Poots in Hedda (Prime Video)

Itd be easy to say writer-director Nia DaCosta delivered us a total reinvention of Henrik Ibsens play Hedda Gabler and leave it at that. Its a shot of adrenaline. Who could resist? But, really, that undersells the achievement here. There are marked differences in its structure, in the way it teases the playwrights (reliably) tragic conclusion, in its relocation to a 1950s cocktail party at an English country home, in its changes to the race and gender of some of its characters. But, like another take on a classic that Ive placed at the very top of my list, DaCostas vision is in total, enthusiastic alignment with Ibsen. Their souls touch.

DaCosta commits, full-throated, to Ibsens voracious, dissatisfied, cyclonic creation, to the stifled but exquisitely beautiful young woman whos tethered herself to a dull mind through marriage. Hedda (Tessa Thompson) is bitter enough to risk both the fortunes of an old flame, Eileen Lovborg (Nina Hoss), and an old schoolmate, Thea Clifton (Imogen Poots), for just a taste of their freedom.

It matters that Lovborg, here, is a woman. It matters that this Hedda is Black. But these choices only accentuate the powder-keg instability of Ibsens work, which DaCosta and Thompson capture with sensual command.

12. Black Bag

Cate Blanchett in Black Bag (Focus Features)

What Pillion did for whats queer and kink, Steven Soderberghs spy thriller Black Bag did for whats heteronormative and monogamous. And, arguably, it had the harder job. The second of the directors two-punch of old school, cinematic craftsmanship  after his (also excellent) lo-fi POV ghost story Presence  Black Bag is a film about the most sexily efficient marriage spliced together in such a sexily efficient way that every second of its 94-minute runtime is a thrill.

Bedecked in soft leather trenches and cashmere turtlenecks, provided by costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, and followed around London by the elegant chime of David Holmess score, Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender flex their martini-chilled appeal as married spies Kathryn and George Woodhouse. They move in the confident, languorous way that harkens back to an older kind of movie star, the kind who could control a scene with nothing but a flick of the hair or a subtle adjustment of the cuff. George hears theres a mole in the agency and one of the suspects is Kathryn. Whats to be done? And when everyones compromised by the malevolent vehicle that is international espionage, can there ever exist such a thing as a good lie?

11. From Ground Zero: Stories from Gaza

Offerings, one of the short films in From Ground Zero: Stories From Gaza (Cosmic Cat)

In a year of beautiful, defiant work by Palestinian filmmakers, as well as non-Palestinians, about the genocide  among them Annemarie Jacirs Palestine 36, Sepideh Farsis Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, and Mahdi Fleifels To a Land Unknown  the one I particularly wanted to draw attention to is From Ground Zero: Stories from Gaza, produced by Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi. Its an anthology of 22 shorts, all made in Gaza at the end of 2023. Its truly remarkable.

A multi-disciplinary work, combining fiction and documentary alongside stop-motion animation, it encompasses every experience, every outlook, every expression of heartbreak and every preservation of joy. Not only does it feel vital for us to witness this, but the films as honest an examination of the value of art as you can find, expressed by artists having to make the most impossible decisions. What can the impulse to create survive? What sustains it?

In Nidal Damos Everything Is Fine, a comedian still tells jokes in the rubble. Etimad Washah appears on camera, several minutes into Taxi Wanissa, to tell us that her brother was killed by an Israeli bomb. She doesnt have the strength to complete her film. A project like this, really, should exist beyond the relative superficiality of lists and awards, but Ive placed it here in the hope that readers will seek it out.

10. Bugonia

Aidan Delbis and Jesse Plemons in Bugonia (Focus Features)

As I wrote in my review of Bugonia, the world as of now feels like the punchline to a joke someone would make on their deathbed. I think it explains my particular attraction to Mickey 17 and to this, Yorgos Lanthimoss darkest fable, still packed with its own moments of strange levity. Both are speculative fiction only in the outline. The maybe or maybe not of extraterrestrial life doesnt make much difference when the outsized loneliness of their downtrodden heroes feels as real and relevant as it can get.

Yet Bugonia, which sees Lanthimos join forces with Succession writer Will Tracy for an adaptation of Jang Joon Hwans Save the Green Planet! (2003), has a few added complications up its sleeve. That Teddy (Jesse Plemons) would kidnap the head of a pharmaceutical company (Emma Stone) makes an uncomfortable amount of sense once we understand that her need for profit destroyed his life, even if hes insisting shes really an alien emissary.

Only Lanthimos has us constantly questioning where our empathy should lie: is this a righteous crusade? Or an excuse to inflict violence on a woman? At the centre of it all sits Teddys cousin, Don (Aidan Delbis), a young autistic man who offers us our best hope for some moral clarity. See, Lanthimos isnt a nihilist, really. It can just be hard, sometimes, to be honest about humanity without coming across as one.

9. Nosferatu

Willem Dafoe and Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu (Focus Features)

Its no surprise that the Gothic has made such a sharp and sudden comeback with the likes of Robert Eggerss Nosferatu, Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein, and, on the horizon, Emerald Fennells Wuthering Heights and Radu Judes Dracula. Their 19th century predecessors were issued from a place of deep uncertainty about the future, an impassioned reaction against industrialisations destructive hold on all that is natural, spontaneous, emotional, and intangible. All the elements, ultimately, that make us human.

Theres a profound comfort to be found, then, in returning to these stories in a year where AI poses a more enhanced version of the same threat. And in Nosferatu, the vampire, via FW Murnaus 1922 silent classic, is stripped back to his original, Gothic form, as the Jungian shadow self. He is a reflection of every repressed feminine desire, of the impulses women  both then and, regrettably, still now  have been told are shameful and perverse.

These ideas are rendered authentically through the eyes of a young woman of the 1830s, Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp)  targeted by the wraith-like Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard). Gorgeously trimmed with Eggerss precise eye for historical detail, Nosferatu is hardly a dusty museum piece. Theres ecstatic life pumping through every frame.

8. One Battle After Another

Teyana Taylor in One Battle After Another (Warner Bros)

Teyana Taylors Perfidia Beverly Hills is undeniable. Taylor doesnt just give us one of the years best performances, but also a towering cinematic image  shed be IMAX even if you watched One Battle After Another on your phone (do not do this). In Paul Thomas Andersons second take on Thomas Pynchon, an adaptation of his 1990 novel Vineland, we open with Perfidia marching into an immigration detention centre, knocking Colonel Steven J Lockjaw (Sean Penn) to his humiliated knees, and telling the world, this is an announcement of a motherf***ing revolution. Instant celluloid immortality.

But One Battle After Anothers place here on this list has as much to do with its magnitude  the way Anderson can move a film with the smooth glide of a cigarette drag  than with the smaller, quieter ways it deals with the question of what to do when the revolutionary dreams of youth havent been fulfilled and life goes on.

Taylors performance is all about righteous fury, but its also about a mother who knows shes let down her daughter (played by Chase Infiniti, in her screen debut). Leonardo DiCaprio, as the father, is an accomplished clown, but hes poignant, too, when placed in the same position of regret. And so, the film leaves us with a little parcel of hope. To the next generation, maybe you will be the one to put this world to right.

7. The Shrouds

Vincent Cassel and Sandrine Holt in The Shrouds (Sophie Giraud)

Ive never seen grief depicted quite in the way it is in The Shrouds. Evidently, its director, Canadian maestro David Cronenberg, agrees. His motivation to tell a story of a man dressed in his same black with his same white-grey hair (Vincent Cassels Karsh), who builds a tomb for his wife with a three-dimensional CT scan of her body so he can watch her slowly disintegrate, comes from his own dissatisfaction. His wife of 38 years, Carolyn Zeifman, died in 2017. None of the books on loss he read seemed to express what he felt.

And so The Shrouds, the Cronenbergian grief book, expresses the unexpressed in a stunning new form. Its morbid, yes, and not made for every constitution, but I found myself completely drawn in by the directors idea of grief as something entirely visceral, as a tangible pull towards the dead. Karsh expresses the urge to climb into his late wifes (Diane Kruger) coffin. He loves every part of her. And that includes the body, even when its at its sickest. This film is complex, and radical. And its a great testament to the core philosophy  that the body is the seat of the soul  of one of our most visionary filmmakers.

6. Die My Love

Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Lawrence in Die My Love (Kimberly French)

Lynne Ramsay looks at people with honesty even when theyre in their most wild, untethered forms. Madness, for her, has no romance, no tragedy, no delicious drama to it to revel in. In Die My Love, her adaptation of Ariana Harwiczs 2012 novel, all we have is the sickness, in all its itchy and insidious little manifestations.

Grace has recently relocated from New York to live in a remote farmhouse with her husband Jackson (Robert Pattinson), in order to raise their newborn son. The change of scenery and circumstance does nothing to stem the black mood gurgling up from her stomach. It only makes it worse. The directors found the ideal figurehead for her ideas in Lawrence, who has a skill in playing both a characters true vulnerabilities and the performance they place in front of it. Grace never asks for help. She cant express how she feels.

Instead, she acts out by snapping at a too-perky cashier (why are you talking?) or letting her breast milk drip down into a puddle of ink, mixing in her frustrations as both mother and writer (she was meant to be writing the great American novel). Trapped within a cramped, 4:3 aspect ratio, theres nowhere to escape the soullessness in Lawrences eyes and droning buzz of idle flies. Its an unshakeable film.

5. It Was Just an Accident

Vahid Mobasseri in It Was Just an Accident (Mubi)

It Was Just an Accident cant be severed from its circumstances. Its director, Jafar Panahi, shot the film in secret, after the 20-year ban the Iranian regime had placed on him  which restricted him from leaving the country or making films  was unexpectedly lifted. Yet in the week of the films UK release, Panahi was sentenced anew in absentia to a year in prison and a travel ban for propaganda activities.

And neither, then, can it be severed from the way his work is flooded with the experiences, direct or indirect, of being one of the regimes most public targets. It Was Just an Accident practically rattles with the rage and confusion of it all. Mechanic Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri), while working in his garage, hears the squeak of a prosthetic leg that he recognises instantly as belonging to the man who tortured him in prison.

He follows the man (Ebrahim Azizi) and kidnaps him. But, suddenly doubting his identity, chooses instead to ferry him around town in search of positive identification. The film is bleakly funny in a way that dares us to laugh in the face of unimaginable trauma, but which also does much to close the distance between one Iranian artists experiences of censorship and the looming threat of it increasingly facing artists in the UK. Urgent doesnt even begin to describe it.

4. The Brutalist

Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce in The Brutalist (AP)

While The Brutalist didnt win Best Picture at the Oscars (the honour went, instead, to Sean Bakers adrenaline-pumped Anora), it still feels reassuring to know that, for a brief time, Brady Corbets 215-minute, widescreen VistaVision, American epic was at least treated as a frontrunner in the conversation. Its not so much a film to devour, but to be devoured by, with a wrecking ball weight to it that challenges, in each frame and every breath, the myths that America built itself upon  and which it writes and rewrites now with an increasing sense of coercion.

Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody), a once-renowned architect and a Jewish survivor of the Buchenwald concentration camp, arrives in America anonymous once more. Hired by industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), Laszlo is reduced to nothing more than a mans pet intellectual, his humanity sucked out of him day by day, humiliation by humiliation.

He builds his so-called masterwork, but at what cost? Its the question that Corbet, with his co-writer and partner Mona Fastvold, confront without necessarily providing an easy answer to (is there one?) What lingers is the soul-sick feeling of it all. Its the truest American film of the year.

3. Sorry, Baby

Eva Victor in Sorry, Baby (Philip Keith)

Cinema, at its best, can be a confession. It can be a therapy session. It can be a friends hand wrapped around yours. Sorry, Baby is all three, a film willing to be vulnerable about the hard emotions  shame, guilt, silence  that erupt in the wake of trauma. Agnes refers to her sexual assault by a literature professor (Louis Cancelmi) only as the bad thing. Other words feel insufficient. And Victor, the films writer-director, reflects their characters disassociation by only showing us what happened from outside the house where it happened, and only in the change we see in Agnes when she walks away from it. Her expressions are glazed over. Her body seems unnaturally stiff. We know.

Sorry, Baby is a film with an extraordinary sense of totality to it. Agness world can be sweet and tender, because she has a best friend in Lydie (Naomi Ackie), who would commit homicide if it could make things even a little more bearable for her, and a cat who magically appears, an earthbound, whiskered little angel of a creature. Still, trauma isnt something you can shake off and throw in the trash. And Sorry, Baby understands that better than most.

2. Nickel Boys

Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson in Nickel Boys (Curzon)

Nickel Boys and Sorry, Baby share in their desire not to linger on the point where trauma formed, but to seek more empathetically to understand its effects, to see how pain becomes intertwined with DNA. And in RaMell Rosss adaptation of Colson Whiteheads Pulitzer Prize-winning 2019 novel, he extends that thought into the realm of memory and history through the daring use of point-of-view camera and precisely mapped sound design. Nickel Boys is cinema as a feat of full-body immersion. Its like nothing Ive seen before.

In 2012, an unmarked mass grave was discovered on the grounds of the Florida School of Boys, with evidence of a documented 100 deaths at the school. Nickel Boys honours these lives lost in the twinned figures of Elwood (Ethan Herisse, with Ethan Cole Sharp as his younger iteration) and Turner (Brandon Wilson), whose eyes we see through and whose differing world views we come to understand.

Elwood grew up in the embrace of optimism  a world of Martin Luther King Jr and the space race  while Turner was left, shunned and alone, in the shadows. When they experience violence, Rosss camera drifts out of its POV to briefly hover behind the characters head, so that we can feel the boys sense of connection to reality start to fracture. Yes, its important for us to remember that history is preserved by memory. But what happens to those burdened with the task of carrying it?

1. Frankenstein

Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein (Netflix)

I end this list with a No 1 thats already embroidered onto my heart. I feel were in dire need of the Romantic, Gothic spirit that Mary Shelley championed in her 1818 novel Frankenstein, that rejects what would conform us, automate us, and divide us. Instead, let us embrace radical compassion and imagination. Let us open the door to doubt, vulnerability, and humility. Let us surrender ourselves to ideas larger than we can control.

Guillermo del Toro, our father of monsters, is one of the closest figures we have today to Shelley, Bryon, and the whole Romantic set of the early 19th century. Frankenstein is his passion project, his lifes ambition. Hes described Shelleys novel as essentially his Bible. And with his adaptation, he doesnt speak for Shelley, but more directly communes with her. Its not just a translation. Its a dialogue.

It is, of course, a rich, Gothic vision of malachite silk and crucifixion blood, with costumes by Kate Hawley and production design by Tamara Deverell. But del Toros film, already championed for its aesthetic beauty, also engages in a profound understanding of what Shelleys work might mean for us today. Its a Frankenstein for now, which recognises that the authors warning  how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow  feels far too late for our world. She feared what Victor Frankenstein might unleash into the world. Now, theres a Victor Frankenstein at the head of every Fortune 500 company.

Instead, and through Jacob Elordis richly felt performance as the Creature, del Toro recognises how we have all become creatures ourselves, pushed into a world that wasnt built for us to exist in (there are echoes of Mickey 17 there, you might notice). He also offers us what we lost in Lynch: a chance to forgive the darkness.